Basking in the Glow of the (not so) Creepy Clown -2/11-Pictures, Final Thoughts, PTR!

[disney<333]

Both were really, really good, but Joe out ordered me here!! Yummy!
Joe's Dinner looks great! What did he order again? I might just have to try this.
We all three finished dinner with this

Isn't it amazing?

But, how would we ever know unless we tried?

So we did!

And the verdict is...

HE'S TALL ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!! Just squeaked by!
Yay, Henry!
He didn't have much of a reaction, but I was VERY excited! And you know what made me even MORE excited?

Yes. That says FIVE MINUTES.
WHAT!!
]

And there were 3 people in front of us.
You have no idea how much I'm hitting myself for not taking a September trip! Ughh! I'm so mad! First 5 minutes for Soarin' and now no line for character connection. For now on, please keep the wait times to yourself.
He was most excited to see...

Dut-Dut!
Smart boy! Donald is one of my favorites, too.

We came out to an empty Future World.

This is one of my most favorite spots in all of Disney World. There is just something about it that makes me very happy...the music, the fountain, the design...everything! Same for Joe.

We took a few minutes to watch the fountain

Great pictures!

My comments are in red!

 

[MeMom]

I have been thinking about this off and on all day. Scrubbed the tub - thought about the pork chop. Cleaned out a tub of school papers - thought about the pork chop. I have had both of those meals before, and both were very good, but for whatever reason, today I have pork chop on the brain.

Oh Memom! I didn't mean to make you jealous! You are way toooo sweet!
This time of year just happens to work BEST for our family right now. This is our fourth year in a row and we are so spoiled going during this time! We also went for the first time last year for ten days prior to Christmas, and we were there just for the Christmas spirit...you know to see the decorations, shows, etc...we had no plans on standing on those L-O-N-G lines to ride the attractions. I say we are spoiled a bit by going 'off times'!

Hoping one day soon you can too go and see for yourself during this time. I'm not sure when retirement is for you, but hope it works out.

Sorry...Brook for taking over your trippie for a second, didn't want memom to think i missed her reply.

It will be a long time before I can retire, I am sad to say. I started teaching after my kids were a little older. I think I have 15-16 years in my system now. We're just used to the crowded times, I guess. We have to go summers and holidays for now. We do fine, though, as we do rope drops and get a lot done early. We've been a few kind of 'off' times, depending on how our fall and spring breaks have fallen.

The last several years, we have had a holiday trip - either Thanksgiving, near Thanksgiving, or sometime in December, so we have enjoyed the Disney holiday fun. This year, we don't get a Nov. or Dec. trip, so we'll have to have a Disney Christmas at home as best we can. When we go in October, I won't be looking for orange and black, bu for red and green. I'll have my eyes out for any hints of Christmas things that I can afford to bring home to accomodate that.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Success!

Hurray for big boy Henry!! That picture says it all!

Dut-Dut!

Who is now, sadly, "Donald". No longer "Dut-Dut" in this household. But he still seems to be #1 from the Fab 5 in Henry's book!

[/COLOR]

Awww, no more "Dut-Dut". I'm glad that he still loves him, though. Does he still have that little stuffed Donald that you and Joe got him a few trips ago?

Henry looked so tiny in that big bed. It kinda makes you want them to stay that way, huh?

 

[glennbo123]

for such a great night!

Joe's pork chop and taters looks really appetizing to me.

How fantastic is that that Henry was tall enough for Soarin' and that he loved it?!

 

[eeyore7360nc]

What a wonderful first day! How great that Henry was tall enough to ride Soarin, and that he loved it. Here's hoping for 5 minute waits next week.

 

[loritemp]

Perfect first day, how wonderful!! And I love the no-plan-first-day approach. Next time we travel it will be with 2 little ones and I am declaring the first day go with the flow day!!

That walk to and from DHS and Epcot is the BEST!!!

If you ever want to visit Lucy the Elephant, you just let me know, it's a SOuth Jersey Beach and I will gladly vounteer as tour guide

 

[brookelizabeth]

What a GREAT start to your trip!! I love that same spot at Epcot too!

It really was a wonderful way to start the trip, so unlike most of our first days!

That is great that Henry loved Soarin. It is my favorite ride. Great pictures from the Character Spot I love the one of Henry looking up at Goofy.

Isn't that just so sweet? He commented to me later on how tall he was.

Wow, wow, WOW!! What a perfect evening! I hardly know where to start. You entered Epcot through my very favorite entrance (almost always empty!) at my most favorite time of day. Beautiful!!

Via Napoli looks amazing and I can't wait to see how the pavilion has changed.

Hurrah for riding Soarin. I cannot believe it was 5 min standby. Holy mojo!!

Great character and Illuminations pictures. I'm a little sad that "we" have outgrown Dut-dut.

Great pictures all around. Remind me, what kind of camera do you use?

H in that big bed is adorable.

Can't wait for more!!

I LOVE that entrance! We've been through it before when visited the BW area, but ooooh to know it's "home" was a beautiful thing.

The 5 minute stand-by was amazing! I even asked if it was legit. I couldn't believe we walked all the way down with NO line - right into the pre-show.

I miss "Dut-Dut" a bit too. It was so sweet!

We use a Canon Rebel XSi. LOVE IT. So easy - can do a point & shoot type mode, or all manual - and everything in between.

Stumbled on your TR tonight and I usually don't start ones that already have 17 pages, but I'm so glad I read yours (and I'm all caught up)! The report is so entertaining and the pictures are just amazing!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip

P.S. Your Henry is too cute!

So glad you decided to read it! It's a lotta pictures and not a whole lotta talk - which is the way I like it! Thank you for the compliments on both the TR and my little man!

Woot!! That day sounds amazing!! Family all together at Epcot, dinner at Sunshine Seasons, riding Soarin as a family with a 5 minute stand-by wait, character meet-ups, and some Illuminations?? What more could you ask for!! I have shown Liam the Soarin movies over and over. He is pretty sure he won't like it and does not want to ride. Just bums me out because I know he'd love it! And I think the character spot at Epcot is the best meet n greet! So many characters and so much fun!

And think, if Joe had been in the mood for pizza, you may not have gotten to Soarin that night!

Ooooh bummer about Liam not wanting to ride! I'm SURE he would love it too, it's so tame. Hopefully he will want to eventually!

I really liked the Character Spot! It was such a nice way to meet all 5 quickly. We'll definitely be doing it again.

That is a VERY good point about the pizza!

This picture is so cute. Just love Henry looking up at Goofy.

My DS loves doing that too. It's the small things.

It sounds like you guys had a wonderful first day. I still can't believe a 5 minute wait for Soarin' and 3 people in front of you at the Character Spot. I have never seen it with less than like 25 people and we go during slow months. You guys just had awesome karma this whole trip, I think.

Elevator buttons, working the door - all a huge thrill!

We had awesome crowd mojo!! It was awesome walking around Epcot feeling like we were the only ones there.

This has to be the best first night EVER!!!
Great AP pictures!! I have Mickey but wouldn't mind having Pluto
Dinner looked scrumptious and then off to Soarin!!!!! Wow! Tall enough and then five minute wait?!!! Then super character mojo....loved him squeezing Minnie's nose
All that and then little boy big bed....LOVE that picture!!! All curled up for a night filled with Disney dreams

Tracy

I was so excited about having APs again, I had to take a picture! Now, if I can just ensure to get the Mickey Monitor...I never got it last time I was an AP holder!

He just LOVED having a big boy bed with all those pillows. He crawled into bed nooooo problem every single night and loved that it was big enough for us to lay with him for a few minutes. Too bad his bedroom at home is way too tiny for a bed like that!

Enjoying your TR! It's getting me excited for our up coming trip in November. I love seeing the pics of Henry and getting the feeling. Can't wait for my little one to be born, take her to WDW, and have all the wonderful memories Post more soon!

It is WONDERFUL taking your little one to Disney - experiencing all the magic and wonder through their eyes. I know our trips will change as the years go on, some things will be better and easier, but I know I will miss the excitement and pure GLEE he has now!

subscribing! we leave on thursday and im getting so excited reading your report. love all the pictures. see your from ny. I live in NJ and work downtown manhatten!!! Love your report

Your trip is so close!!!! I hope it's full of Disney magic! Are you going to do a TR?

Yep! We live in Astoria (Queens). Joe works right downtown, on Water Street, too. Where in Jersey are you?

Crowds were pretty much like that all week for us! 5 minute waits on nearly everything with only a few exceptions. LOVED IT!! Let me say it again! I LOVED IT!!

Great start to your trip! Some chill-axin', some Soarin', some good eats....

ME TOO! I loved getting a FP and then not using it. There was no need!! So glad it was like that for you guys too - and for the whole trip!

It really was a good start to the trip. I wanted to go to DHS, but Joe was just not feeling it - and we made a wise choice for us that night. We thought we'd just eat and go back to the resort right after, we didn't expect to hit anything in Future World, but it sure worked out nicely!

Great first night! And Henry makes such a cute little aviator!

Thank you!!! He had his legs all curled up in the seat during the whole ride, it was very cute!

 

[brookelizabeth]

The private entrance just makes everything so much nicer! Although your evening was pretty perfect anyway....
I don't think I have ever seen Soarin' with a 5 minute standby! Henry looked like he was just skimming that sign but so glad he made the height and had such a great ride! You all were experiencing some real magic with that ride and the character spot!

Love that private entrance! I will miss it in March. But...where we are going to be isn't so bad either.

It was ALL about the shoes as you'll find out later in the report. Those shoes made Henry 40", his other ones made him 39.75"!

Oh. My. LORD. That pic of Henry on Soarin' has to be the cutest thing I've seen in a while. LOVE it!!!

Sounds like a fantastic first day to me.

I can't wait to check out the Italy pavilion for myself. And I'm SO glad to see the fountain is still back there.

Thank you! I love that picture too - all big eyed and wowed out. I knew when I saw him just mesmerized that he was hooked!

I don't think they removed anything from the pavilion - just added....I think! It feels more complete and a lot more interesting to me now.

What a wonderful travel day for you guys! Going where the moment takes you. Following your stomachs to good food. Soarin'. Illuminations. Walking along the Boardwalk. Playtime in the tub. Good stuff.

There is something very cool about the area by the fountain. The music combined with the sound of the water just gives the area a special feeling.

We try to hit Character Spot first thing for lots of good pictures with very little wait. We have a Soarin' Fastpass runner (usually Jill) and the rest of us get in line at Character Spot. She joins us right before it's our turn, and if she's not there yet, we just let a family or two go in front of us until she is. Works out very nicely.

That is a great strategy with Soarin'/Character Spot! I think I'm gonna take that tip for next trip.

Hey Brook! Any day next week will be fine ! Just let me know what's good for you. My lil' guy is 8 so I need to work something out around his school schedule. We were there from Aug 27 - Sept 7, this trip, and yes after labor day, we were getting 5 minute waits on all rides, too Soaring, Test Track was a walk-on, also, had this in MK, we were thrilled! We covered soooo many rides in such little time! We felt like we had the entire park to ourselves.... ahhh what a nice feeling! We also found that many TS Restaurants were EMPTY, we went to Kona one nite w/o a ressie and the whole place was empty! Did you notice that, too?

BTW, I keep on looking in your pics as we may be extras.....lol, but nothing yet! I am now officially 'hooked' on your trippie!

We did notice that the entire time too! We only did one walk-up for a TS and that only had a 5 minute wait. It was wonderful! I love early September, we'll probably always go back around that time since school here starts later.

That would be hilarious if you were in our pictures!!

Sounds good about this week...I'll send you a PM later today/tonight and we can figure something out. We can do a daytime thing too if you'd rather - I'm stay-at-home, so I'm good with just about anything.

This makes teachers very jealous!
We are right in the beginning of school then, and sneaking away for a crowd-free vacation just isn't cool with the school. I am looking forward to doing this when I retire....too many years from now.

That stinks about school - it seems like schools here start later, have longer breaks too - but the kids do go longer, almost all the way through June. I think this works the best for families with family overseas, which is a LOT of kids!

Didn't you just love walking to Epcot?!

Great pictures around WS!

They did have a counter service open in Mexico though it was located in one of the Food and Wine stands just outside of Mexico they had the same things as the usual counter service the only problem was the seating but people were allowed to eat inside La Cava del Tequila.

Sunshine Seasons looks good! We had to trek through Epcot one night for a slice of strawberry shortcake

I am glad Henry liked Soarin! Also for a 5 minute wait!

Sounds like a great first day!

That walk to Epcot is addictive! I'm going to miss it!!

For some reason we either didn't see that little kiosk in Mexico, or what they had on the menu wasn't appealing that night...but later in the trip we hit it up! Did you eat there too? It was YUMMY!

I think trekking through Epcot for that strawberry shortcake sounds like a GREAT night!

What a great night!!

LOVE the pic of Henry on Soarin- so glad he was tall enough and enjoyed it! I would have been super nervous too that he was going to freak out!

I can't believe the wait times for things. Here's hoping that mojo continues on into the end of the month!

Henry is just adorable with all the characters, and in his big boy bed. So fun!

I was so stinkin' nervous! The 5 minute wait put me at ease some though. I figured if he DID freak and ruin people's rides they could just get back in line quickly!

I hope the awesome crowd mojo we had continues! It was incredible!

You gotta love the pedicure paper slippers you get lol I wear them all around the house....not! lol

 

[brookelizabeth]

At least you had a nice walk around WS, even if your destination was closed. Wasn't there a teeny tiny little CS place open nearby? I remember seeing one that served a limited Mexican menu sort of between Mexico and the Promenade. But hey, Sunshine Seasons is always a winner! We ate there twice in one day. How exciting that Henry was able to go on Soarin'! And the wait was only 5 minutes-that really is crazy! So glad he liked it. It seemed like you all had fun with the characters. I absolutely LOVE IllumiNations. I pretty much have the soundtrack memorized.

That sign for the Epcot resorts is getting me pretty excited for next year! I am a little sad that we won't constantly get to hear the bus spiel though-it grew on me!

We haven't stayed there before-slowly moving our way up through the Disney resort chain! No, none of the villas overlook the incredible pool. They have views of the woods or Epcot, the quiet pool, or the courtyard between BC and BCV. I actually found this really cool sight that has pictures of the views from certain rooms.

http://www.parkinfo2go.com/dvc-bcv/views.php

Yep, there was that tiny little kiosk type place open - but I think we just weren't feelin' anything they had to offer that night. We did end up trying it later in the trip and it was yummy!!!

I honestly didn't miss the bus on bit! I do like that they play park music, and the little spiel - it gets me excited for each park...but that walk.... It's SO nice not fighting the crowds and just strolling back to your resort!

We are doing the same thing with the various resorts - so far we have only stayed at AKL twice, and one was Jambo and one was Kidani, so it was like 2 different places in a way. I am surprised none of the villas overlook the pool and that they all have various views since they all cost the same points wise. I will check out that site, I love to see various views from the different rooms!

I love how into Birthdays Disney seems. They are so nice and make you feel so great!

I like it too! By the time we got home I think Henry was a bit bummed no one was showering him with stickers, "Happy Birthday!'s" and free cupcakes.

Yipeee for a walk to Epcot! Can I tell you how much I'm looking forward to that?!

I can't believe Joe wasn't in the mood for pizza! The menu for Via Napoli looks so yummy! What a bummer that you didn't get Mexican! But your Sunshine Seasons dinner looks great!

Henry looks like he had a great ride on Soarin! I can't believe there was only a 5 minute wait?! What's the deal with that!?

I love that you guys had such a successful travel day! Especially because Joe got out before bad weather hit!

The walk to Epcot and boat ride/walk to DHS ROCKS! It's even better knowing you don't have a fold up a stroller!

The Soarin' wait was UNREAL! The CMs were even in awe. That just doesn't happen!! But we didn't mind one bit.

I was so glad Joe made it! And it turns out his flight would have been fine, but this way we didn't have to worry. And you know if he hadn't switched it and came early he would have gotten stranded!

Oh Memom! I didn't mean to make you jealous! You are way toooo sweet!
This time of year just happens to work BEST for our family right now. This is our fourth year in a row and we are so spoiled going during this time! We also went for the first time last year for ten days prior to Christmas, and we were there just for the Christmas spirit...you know to see the decorations, shows, etc...we had no plans on standing on those L-O-N-G lines to ride the attractions. I say we are spoiled a bit by going 'off times'!

Hoping one day soon you can too go and see for yourself during this time. I'm not sure when retirement is for you, but hope it works out.

Sorry...Brook for taking over your trippie for a second, didn't want memom to think i missed her reply.

I'm with ya! It's SUCH a great time of the year to go. We'll probably/hopefully be doing late August - September 2 this coming year to squeeze one more in on the AP.

No worries on the hijack - I don't mind one bit - I like the discussion!

I'm so thrilled that Henry loved Soarin! What a magical moment for the three of you.

I'm a little sad he's not Dut-Dut anymore.

It really was...it's so fun to ride as a family! Joe is looking forward to Henry riding the coasters so he can listen to me scream again.

It is a little sad....he's almost to all normal words now. Sigh.

Oh, I think it is a very big deal who you end up with on your annual pass.

Gorgeous pictures of the outside of Via Napoli! I will have to remember to show them to Charles.

Yep, I spotted the problem as soon as you said Mexican! I am glad you thought of Sunshine Seasons, though, and that strawberry shortcake is ALWAYS the perfect way to end a meal!

Hurray for Henry getting to ride Soarin! That's awesome! I have to agree with him -- the aircraft carrier is my favorite part -- well, my favorite part along with the orange groves!

First night and Henry has already seen Mickey and Donald! I am sad he isn't Dut-Dut anymore.

Cool trivia about the fountain being designed by the same guy who did the Bellagio fountains. You know, I don't think I have ever really thought about fountains being "designed."

Love the pictures of Henry opening the door to the room and crashed out on his bed!

As always, your photos made me feel like I was right there in the middle of Epcot!

I still can't believe I forgot about the CS in Mexico! But, at least it's a nice walk!

I hadn't ever really thought that one could have a degree and a complete career - on the way to being "known" and famous for making fountains! Though, this dude is darn good at it. Last night we happened to be on the West side of Manhattan and in the right area, so we went to Lincoln Center to check out the fountain he designed there - it's beautiful! I'll upload some pictures and video in just a bit.

Awe! So cute that he was that excited to see his daddy!

It was very cute! He's such a Daddy's boy!

WOOT WOOT...what a magical evening indeed!!!! So excited that Henry loved Soarin!! YAY YAY YAY!! What a great ride to share as a family!!!!

It was awesome!! I love riding all together! It will be fun to share it all with him as he conquers each big ride.

What a great evening!! I love the look of Italy with the new restaurant, it looks much more complete now than before.

I am really excited that Henry got over the size limit for Soarin - I wonder what other rides he went on.

I completely agree about Italy. It seemed so small before, I would just kinda wander in and then out again, but this time we really went all the way into the pavilion and even checked out some of the shops.

We'll see what other big rides he conquers....

What a wonderful first day experience! So glad that Henry was able to ride Soarin'. Thanks for sharing Henry's first experience on it. I had tears in my eyes looking at your pictures. I love seeing Disney through the little one's eyes. I also love the picture of Henry and Goofy. You can see the happiness on his face.

Isn't it just magical to see the little one's eyes light up in wonder? I LOVE it! It's so precious. I know he'll loose it within the next few years, so I gotta indulge all I can now.

Great update! Madeline was looking at your pictures with me and she is now excited to go on Soarin when we go in June. She said " I don't have a hot air balloon" so I said she could pretend and she said 'ooh I love pretending ".

You guys really lucked out with the wait times.

That is so cute about Madeline!!! She will love Soarin' I'm sure! It's so fun, and now Henry's favorite ride! He talks about it a lot!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Too bad you didn't go to Via Napoli. I want reviews. I want to go there hehe

Just you wait. (until the last day...)

What a great ending to your day! That is awesome that Henry made the mark for Soarin' and that he enjoyed it so much. I don't think Ava is going to make the mark again this year. She will be four at the end of the month and she is still only 39 inches with shoes on!

Oh man! Grow Ava grow! She needs tall shoes and stretchhhhhh her out! Maybe, just maybe she'll squeak by! They are very strict about it as you'll find out later in our trip.

What an awesome evening. Are you sure you didn't book Epcot all to yourselves? It looked so empy and how cool is that!
I have to ask, while I'm thinking of it...how did you stroller attachment thing work out for you? Do you recommend it? Did it fold up in the stroller or did you have to take it off each time? And if you liked it, could you remind me which one you got?

It was awesome being in such an empty Epcot! Loved it! No waits, no crowds...quite the difference from NYE.

You are talking about the stroller bag thing, right? If so, yes! It was awesome! We didn't even take a park bag! I just had everything we needed right in the stroller. Bag check was a breeeeeeeeeeeeze. Nope, we didn't have to take it off (it's still on there now!) - it just lays on the back of the stroller basically - our stroller folds up like an umbrella one. You have a Maclaren now, right? It probably folds the same. Also, the cup holders did NOT make your drink tip too far and leak out like the Maclaren one does. We got THIS ONE

Sounds like an awesome evening! Yay for Henry being tall enough to ride Soarin and loving it. Clearly he has good taste in Disney attractions.

You got some great pictures too. Cool you saw some of the entertainment at the Boardwalk. We caught one of the performers there and it's just those little things that add to the fun. I love the Boardwalk and can't wait to stay there.

I agree! Soarin' became his favorite ride!! He talks about it a lot and I bet will get very excited when we go back!

The BW entertainers are very fun - I wish we had taken time to really watch them, but it just never happened. I guess that's a great reason to stay again though, right?

A FIVE-MINUTE WAIT FOR SOARIN'?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow. That's really all there is to say about that! I'm thinking that next year, I might have to go in September and October!

So glad Henry made the cut for Soarin', and that he loved the ride. You guys really did have a perfect first day (well, except for its lack of pizza, but I guess we can overlook that)!

Yep! Can you believe it?! September is AWESOME. We were there last year during that time and it was similar. We would get FPs for things, but not even need them because almost everything was a walk-on. October is nicer weather-wise in my opinion...it's just a bit cooler. September is still stinkin' - fog up your camera - hot. But just eat a lot of ice cream, it helps.

What a great start to the trip. I love the picture of Henry giving the thumbs up after Soarin...he's braver than I was when I was little!

Walking back after Epcot is truly one of the best things about BWV. We thought we'd feel that with the CR walkway after the MK, but it just seemed soooooo long and took forever.

Me too! I didn't even ride a roller coaster until I was a teenager! I think he might become a thrill ride junkie...which I LOVE because now I am.

We did the CR walk once on this trip, and I do think it's longer than the Epcot/BW - plus it's just not nearly as pretty looking at parked cars and buses! But the monorail....!!!!!!!

Aww Brook, what a fabulous trip so far! Epcot looks amazing, particularly when it's empty!

Ah, Soarin. My family's favorite ride! When we took my youngest DD, she was barely 4 and was so excited that she (warning TMI coming!) peed! I was scrambling to find a change of clothes for her in our backpack! But pee aside, she loved it and squealed (literally) the entire time! Such a precious memory, minus the urinating of course!

I love the pic of Joe holding Henry while he slept. It just looks like a perfect trip for you guys! I sure hope it continued. And I'm loving all the boardwalk pics too, now my interest it totally piqued! Your Illuminations pic is really cool! You've got a great artistic eye! Would you believe we've never seen it yet? It's on my list for our upcoming trip.

And lastly, I love the pic of Henry all curled up in his big boy bed, totally wiped out! That's what my 3DD's look like at the end of a Disney day, pooped! I have the funniest picture of them from our last trip where they're sleeping with their mouths hanging wide open! DH and I were howling with laughter while I took pics!

That is hilarious about your DD! And really, very cute. A great story for her future Disney wedding.

Illuminations is a great show. I wasn't crazy about it at first, but it's grown on me and now I really enjoy it. I wish you could see the globe better from all places within the WS, but when you can actually see it and the pictures on it, it's a pretty moving show....but if you can't see it, just wait it out through that part and enjoy the fireworks!

That is so funny about them with their mouths hanging wide open! It's true though - Disney wipes out the little ones....and the big ones! I usually sleep like a ROCK! Henry had no problems going to bed when we told him to, even though Joe and I were still awake. He was more than ready each night!

First park and I love it.

Sorry the mexican food didn't pan out, but Sunshine Seasons is my favorite CS. I've never tried the pork but I need to now. Of course the Shortcake is another favorite.

Henry's first thrill ride! I'm so glad he was tall enough and he loved it. My youngest was 4 when she was finally tall enough. Her first was Test Track. I have the picture by the sign too. She loved it and after that she thought she could do anything. Up next was Tower or Terror.

Wonderful character interaction.

Y'all had just an all around wonderful first night.

You asked about the Espn game area, I didn't pay attention the costs. It's not my thing, DH is the one who loves video games. Anita may be able to answer the question. I seem to remember Baylor really liking the games there.

We had Sunshine Seasons one other time and just had sandwiches - and they were good - but not wonderful. I'm glad we tried it again and went with a couple hot plates. Yum!

Wooo! Test Track to ToT! I wonder when Henry will be interested in that one. I really don't think he's ever even seen it.... We usually adventure to that end of the park when he falls asleep, or one of us goes while one stays with H doing something else.

It truly was a wonderful night - it set a good mood for the entire trip!

Finally I remembered to subscribe to your report!
What a great first few hours! And such a magical night!!!
xxx

Glad to have you here!!!

Billy was "reading" over my shoulder and was so excited when Henry made it for Soarin'!

Perfect Disney evening... I loved reading about it!


Kathy

Aw! Thanks Billy! He LOVED Soarin', it's his favorite now!

It sounds amazingly perfect! I still can't get over that wait for Soarin'

That walk is seductive, it makes you never want to stay anywhere else.

That is very, very true. We were talking March trip and I mentioned, more than once, that we could do the BW again.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have been thinking about this off and on all day. Scrubbed the tub - thought about the pork chop. Cleaned out a tub of school papers - thought about the pork chop. I have had both of those meals before, and both were very good, but for whatever reason, today I have pork chop on the brain.

It will be a long time before I can retire, I am sad to say. I started teaching after my kids were a little older. I think I have 15-16 years in my system now. We're just used to the crowded times, I guess. We have to go summers and holidays for now. We do fine, though, as we do rope drops and get a lot done early. We've been a few kind of 'off' times, depending on how our fall and spring breaks have fallen.

The last several years, we have had a holiday trip - either Thanksgiving, near Thanksgiving, or sometime in December, so we have enjoyed the Disney holiday fun. This year, we don't get a Nov. or Dec. trip, so we'll have to have a Disney Christmas at home as best we can. When we go in October, I won't be looking for orange and black, bu for red and green. I'll have my eyes out for any hints of Christmas things that I can afford to bring home to accomodate that.

You are too funny! I totally understand though - Disney food gets on my brain too - especially when we are getting close to a trip like you are! Are you hoping to partake of that pork chop next month?

That is a great idea about bringing Disney home for Christmas - I bet you are already planning one awesome party! We won't be back until March either, though I'd LOVE to squeak in a trip in January.

And speaking of March - as you can see by my new ticker - we booked it! We will be there March 17-27. We wanted 10-20, but DVC is busyyyyy that week, so we had to pick a different time. I'm hoping at least you and Brooklynn will still be there on the 17th....do you know?

Awww, no more "Dut-Dut". I'm glad that he still loves him, though. Does he still have that little stuffed Donald that you and Joe got him a few trips ago?

Henry looked so tiny in that big bed. It kinda makes you want them to stay that way, huh?

He got SO excited when he saw Donald Duck, he shouted out his name! It was very cute. I thought perhaps Donald had lost that status, but nope! And yep, he still has the stuffed Donald. We have gotten him a little plush each trip, this time we let him pick which one he wanted.

Yes, it does! I LOVE having him grow up, it's amazing really...and I treasure the conversations we can have and find myself saying "I love this age!" each time he learns something new and gets bigger...but I can't even wrap my head around him being so big he fills that bed!

for such a great night!

Joe's pork chop and taters looks really appetizing to me.

How fantastic is that that Henry was tall enough for Soarin' and that he loved it?!

That pork chop was YUMM-O! I'll be getting it next time! The taters rocked!

What a wonderful first day! How great that Henry was tall enough to ride Soarin, and that he loved it. Here's hoping for 5 minute waits next week.

I hope for those 5 minute waits too! It was incredible!!

Perfect first day, how wonderful!! And I love the no-plan-first-day approach. Next time we travel it will be with 2 little ones and I am declaring the first day go with the flow day!!

That walk to and from DHS and Epcot is the BEST!!!

If you ever want to visit Lucy the Elephant, you just let me know, it's a SOuth Jersey Beach and I will gladly vounteer as tour guide

It makes for a wonderful day to have no plans. No rushing or worrying about anything. If you are tired, nap. If you aren't, go have fun! It worked out so well for us, I'm keeping with this plan for all future trips too.

I will let you know when we are able to head over that way! It probably won't be until next Spring/Summer, but it's on the list for a weekend trip!

 

[Native NYer]

Joining in!
Now, going back to catch up

 

[brookelizabeth]

Joe's Dinner looks great! What did he order again? I might just have to try this.

He got the "Rotisserie Pork Chop - with two sides $9.99" it by default came with this sauce and fruit - it was different, but GOOD, and those mashed potatoes, that were deeeeeeeeeeelish. The pork was perfectly done.

Isn't it amazing?

Yay, Henry!

I was SO excited!!!!!!

WHAT!!

Can you believe it?!?! We literally walked through that queue and straight into the pre-show area.

You have no idea how much I'm hitting myself for not taking a September trip! Ughh! I'm so mad! First 5 minutes for Soarin' and now no line for character connection. For now on, please keep the wait times to yourself.

Early September ROCKS!!! We love that time of year! It was similar last year too.

And I took pictures of the wait times a lot this trip....

Smart boy! Donald is one of my favorites, too.

Donald is so fun and cute!

Great pictures!

Thank you!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Joining in!
Now, going back to catch up

Glad to see you here! Links in the first post!

 

[brookelizabeth]

As I mentioned in my last update, the beautiful Fountain of the Nations at Epcot, is designed by the same gentleman who designed the one at the Bellagio and the new fountain at Lincoln Center right here in New York City.

Well, I happened to be on the West Side of Manhattan last night with some friends, so I mentioned that I wanted to see this fountain! They all know I'm a Disney geek, so they indulged me and we went.

While it's quite a bit smaller, and it doesn't dance to music and lights, it's still very beautiful and mesmerizing. The sprays do different formations going very low - almost turning off completely - to shooting up 10 feet in the air. We were all very impressed!

The Philharmonic plays in the building on the left, and the New York City ballet is in the building on the right. The opera is in a building behind where I am standing taking this picture. It's a beautiful plaza!

 

[mickeystoontown]

How nice of our firends to induldge you so you could see the beautiful fountain. I know it's not Disney but it does have a Disney tie in.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Wait a minute you booked March? Where? I think I'm going to get to meet Henry!!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Brook your fountain pictures are gorgeous. I'm starting to calm down now....

 

[999ghostslover]

As I mentioned in my last update, the beautiful Fountain of the Nations at Epcot, is designed by the same gentleman who designed the one at the Bellagio and the new fountain at Lincoln Center right here in New York City.


The Philharmonic plays in the building on the left, and the New York City ballet is in the building on the right. The opera is in a building behind where I am standing taking this picture. It's a beautiful plaza!

My great uncle used to be the chairman of the board for Lincoln Center. He and my aunt have one of those amazing Manhattan apartments that they have lived in since my dad was a little kid. It is filled with pictures of them with every prima ballerina, Barishnikov, every sitting president from the 60s to Clinton, summers with the Kennedys etc. They are pretty amazing. My dad worked in Rockefeller Plaza and I used to love going to work with him for a half day and then going to see them and then go behind the scenes at Lincoln Center. And we could just walk into the Met or MOMA without anyone batting an eye. It was pretty VIP. Wish I had appreciated it more...now that I live in AL life is a little different.

 

[jenseib]

Thanks for the link Brook!

Is Via Naploli (I'm sure I butchered the name) walk in only? I read that so many people have walked in, so I wondered.

That fountain is really pretty.