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

[chloe770]

I definitely would like to see the NYC Christmas pics. I love NYC during Christmas time but I no long live close enough to get up there as much as I would like. We are not going this year because the baby is only 1yr and as much as I love NYC, it really isnt that ( dare I say it) "baby friendly".

Great update. I have to admit, I was really missing your updates.

 

[disneyfan61]

Love your update Brook!! That Turtle Talk story is hilarious!!!

Henry rode TT!! What a big boy. I bet he did love looking at all those cars on the way out.

Did I see on FB that you did some "redecorating" in your house??

 

[vamassey1]

I have to say this update was worth the wait!

Test Track was my youngest first thrill ride. After she rode it she thought she could ride anything, including Tower of Terror. TT was the perfect ride for Henry. I don't care to spend much time in the dump shop but DH sure likes it. I think I prefer Mouse Gears too.

Turtle Talk had me rolling. I'm glad I wasn't that kid's mother.

I don't know why people say Epcot isn't for kids. Look at tall the things Henry did and loved and you haven't even been in Innoventions yet.

I would love to see NYC Christmas pictures. My middle child is going next month with her boyfriend. She is so excited. I've never been but I know she will love it. They have everything planned out they want to do.

Can't wait to read about the meltdown. I may or may not have been guilty of having one or . . . two.

 

[Poolrat]

Does anyone care to see some of the NYC Christmas sights? We went to go see the Macy's windows the other day, and this Friday are going to Rockefeller and walk down 5th Ave. I can post pics if people are interested!

I do, I do. OOOOOH OOOOHHH In my best horseshack voice.

It would bring back some fond childhood memories. We always made a trip in to the city to see windows and the tree.

I miss having a pretzel in Rockerfeller Center.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Count me in on wanting to see NYC Christmas pictures!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Another fabulous Brook and family update!!! YAY for having a good morning with only minor meltdowns!! Henry looks so cute with his Nemo!!!!! I just love Disney plushs!!!!

And yes I would love to see pictures of NYC at Christmas time...so post away!!!!!!

It was a great morning! I LOVED being able to sleep in and simply walk to Epcot and still get there just after RD. It completely spoiled me and it's going to be hard to go back to a bus-only resort!

That is the most hilarious Turtle Talk story!! And I am so happy Henry was able to go on Test Track- that is the one ride my WHOLE family loves, so I'm always happy to hear when there is a new convert.

Glad you're back!

We are big Test Track fans too! I think Henry might like it the most. That boy is alllllll about the cars.

I want to see the NYC Christmas pics! That is husband's dream vacation. NYC at Christmas. Had airline tickets to go once and ended up having to cancel and eat the tickets because we bought a house and weren't able to go then

Good to see you back!

I wonder if my boys will be able to/want to ride TT when we go. I know the 5 year old will but I bet he will be too scared to! I am so looking forward to them being able to ride more grown up rides..

Ooooh, that is a big bummer about having to cancel the NYC tickets! It really is very beautiful during this season - but man, it's COLD! Walking around out there with the wind coming off the water...brrrr! Thankfully there is a Starbucks on every corner.

I hope your boys will want to ride Test Track! It's such a cool ride! I was nervous about Henry freaking out about the fast lap, but he just loved it! I bet your boys will enjoy it too if they can get over the anticipation before the ride.

3.95...that is a bargain!! I will have to look for that when we go in May. Did you see them in various places, or just in the Nemo dump shop? Let me know if you find a use for the hook thingy

I think MeMom got it outside the Nemo show in AK...so I'm thinkin' it's at least in a few different places.

Awww Henry got to ride Test Track for the first time AND he loved it! He's not a little baby any more.

I can tell that he made a great choice when he purchased Nemo. You can see how much he loves it in his smile.

I know! He's so stinkin' big! I don't know how that happened! We love it, yet don't like it all at the same time. I'm certain you can relate, as can all Moms!

Hi Brook!

OMG, that kid in Turtle Talk was hilarious!!! I bet his parents wanted to crawl out of there!

Epcot is just gorgeous!! I wish I could click my heels & be there now!!

Yes, I would love to see some NYC Christmas pictures!!

Epcot is just so wonderful--I'm beyond excited to see it all dressed up during the F&GF! I've been wanting to go to it since I found out about it 5 years ago! Sooooo pretty!

Cars + Henry= Happy Little One! I'm so glad he was tall enough and he liked the ride!

I love all of the Seas photos, I never spend enough time in there. It's funny you mention the "bra" story. We had a similar incident happen at Turtle Talk last November! Did I read somewhere on the boards that they actually took the bathing suit top out of the show? Maybe it was happening a few times too many.

I would love to see NYC holiday lights!!! Bring on the photos!

I know for a while they had a Buzz Lightyear instead of the swimsuit top, and this time Crush also brought out a foam finger (as you can see in the picture I posted), so maybe it's random - or they are phasing out the swimsuit top. I hope so....they could do some very generic items that could be just as funny! Maybe a toilet seat lid - kids always think that's funny!

I would love to see some. We plan on going to NYC next yr for Christmas. It has been my dream for ever. We move in 2012 form NoVa so we are going. Can't bet a 4 hr drive.

That's wonderful! It truly is a beautiful City - especially at Christmas. Tonight we are going to Rockefeller, so I'll be sure to share those pics next week. And we are going to see the World Financial Center lights, along with a big display in Brooklyn too later this month. And, the Holiday Train up at the Botanical Gardens! Whew! Hopefully it will all bring a taste of what is to come for you!

Do you know how relieved I am that I only missed your updates from yesterday?

I know I haven't kept up with the banter but I will try my best to.


How sweet that you can walk right into Epcot from the back. Very neat!

So glad Henry liked TT... Juliana had her first ride on it last week and she loved it!!!! I wish I took video of her when we got to the fast part.

Love your Crush story... LOL I wish I was there for that!

SUUUUUUURRRRRREEEEEEEE, Joe didn't remember. He just wanted to see his 'ol pal Figment 2 times!

I can just imagine Juliana's reaction to that fast lap! Was her hair flying everywhere??? I look forward to the TR part!

That is exactly what I told Joe! He admitted he enjoyed it...

 

[brookelizabeth]

I definitely would like to see the NYC Christmas pics. I love NYC during Christmas time but I no long live close enough to get up there as much as I would like. We are not going this year because the baby is only 1yr and as much as I love NYC, it really isnt that ( dare I say it) "baby friendly".

Great update. I have to admit, I was really missing your updates.

Oh, come on! You don't want to drag the stroller up and down the subway steps? Or let them crawl around on the littered streets?!?! Or deal with the crazy crowds that rival Disney on New Year's Eve?



Just kidding! I SO understand. While there are manyyyyyyyy very kid friendly sides to NYC, there are lots of very UN-kid friendly sides too. Many, many, many. The other day we went clear out of our way on the train just so we would have elevators at the subway stops - we didn't feel like carrying the 35 pound child, plus stroller full of bags up the stairs.

Love your update Brook!! That Turtle Talk story is hilarious!!!

Henry rode TT!! What a big boy. I bet he did love looking at all those cars on the way out.

Did I see on FB that you did some "redecorating" in your house??

Yes! We did! We literally swapped our bedroom and living room around! I need to take pics. I really like it this way. Since it's considered a "rail road apartment" - meaning the bedroom is directly connected to another room, and you have to walk through it to get to another room - we swapped it and created a "hallway" with our giant Ikea closets in an attempt to have some privacy. It's worked wonderfully! Henry thought it was so funny that we did it and now daily gives me "ideas" for moving more things. Yesterday he suggested I move his bed into the living room and I could sleep on the couch with him.

I have to say this update was worth the wait!

Test Track was my youngest first thrill ride. After she rode it she thought she could ride anything, including Tower of Terror. TT was the perfect ride for Henry. I don't care to spend much time in the dump shop but DH sure likes it. I think I prefer Mouse Gears too.

Turtle Talk had me rolling. I'm glad I wasn't that kid's mother.

I don't know why people say Epcot isn't for kids. Look at tall the things Henry did and loved and you haven't even been in Innoventions yet.

I would love to see NYC Christmas pictures. My middle child is going next month with her boyfriend. She is so excited. I've never been but I know she will love it. They have everything planned out they want to do.

Can't wait to read about the meltdown. I may or may not have been guilty of having one or . . . two.

We have always had a great time at Epcot. Henry really enjoys all the gift shops in the World Showcase too. Now, when he's a bit older it might get boring, but I'll deal with that then! I'm looking forward to the playground they have during the F&GF, I wish they had that all the time!

The meltdown...it might not be in the next update, but it's coming!

I do, I do. OOOOOH OOOOHHH In my best horseshack voice.

It would bring back some fond childhood memories. We always made a trip in to the city to see windows and the tree.

I miss having a pretzel in Rockerfeller Center.

Oooh, a pretzel in Rockefeller sounds mighty fine. We are doing that tonight. I might have to get a pretzel in your honor!

Count me in on wanting to see NYC Christmas pictures!

Sounds like everyone is interested - I will get what I have so far off the camera and take ooodles tonight too!! I'll post a few live on Facebook from tonight too.

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

Oh my! I have NEVER seen any of the other plush guys! Where did you find all the other ones?!?! Henry would love a Gil I think, he talks about him a lot!

I found Gil and Bubbles at an online store called Cuddly Collectibles. Peach - I ordered off Ebay....I can't even remember where I ordered Bloat...I think Amazon?

Anyway, being Autistic, Gabriel is VERY particular and will want the ENTIRE Fish Tank Gang. I don't think they ever made the shrimp or Gurgles??? I did find Deb at a store in Australia but I don't want to even check how much shipping that would be.....

Nemo was Gabriel's very first movie he watched ever. I will never forget plopping my little boy down to watch that horrific opening scene

 

[luvfigment]

That is great that Henry gave Test Track a thumbs up! All of your trips are going to be so much fun now that you can start doing more rides.

The Turtle Talk story made me laugh so loudly! Hee hee hee. Still makes me giggle thinking about it. I bet you were right and that the Mom's face was a few shades red.

Love the picture of Henry out in front of Living Seas with the Nemo plush and Nemo figurine thingy.

Hmmm I wonder who had the meltdown. And of course we would love to see some pictures from around NYC...(or more than the ones you post on FB)

 

[Vexorg]

That's how I feel about the country! I know NYC is not a place manyyyyyy people would EVER choose to live though. Most of my family doesn't get it!

I've actually found that I quite enjoy urban living, up to a certain point. I currently live on the eighth floor of a mid-rise (15 story) apartment building at the edge of downtown Bellevue, and absolutely love the unobstructed East-facing view I get from it. I also like the part about being two blocks from where I work (although this came about almost completely by coincidence) and the fact that this place is urban enough for a lot of big-citry amenities, but still suburban enough that it's not a concrete jungle, and it's still quite feasible to own a car. On the other hand, I'm not so sure I could live in downtown Seattle, mainly for the reason that the place is just so crowded, but also because the place is not only car-unfriendly (and given the current mayor, bordering on car-hostile) and a lot less walkable than it should be if you're living there without a car (for example, basic necessities like grocery stores are severely lacking.) I just don't ever see myself being able to adapt to life in a place like New York. It would certainly be a nice place to visit though.

Oh, and as far as the trip report, it sounds like we're about to get another tale of the Meltdowniest Place on Earth(TM)...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Great update Brook! Sounds like you really took in all of the fun at each attraction!!

Isn't it fantastic entering Epcot through the IG at opening?!?!? I love how quiet it is...

Love the b**bies comment!!

So glad Henry loved Test Track!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Great update Brook! I had no doubt Henry would love Test Track since he is such fan of cars. I can just imagine how much he loved the dump shop. Must be his paradise!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I found Gil and Bubbles at an online store called Cuddly Collectibles. Peach - I ordered off Ebay....I can't even remember where I ordered Bloat...I think Amazon?

Anyway, being Autistic, Gabriel is VERY particular and will want the ENTIRE Fish Tank Gang. I don't think they ever made the shrimp or Gurgles??? I did find Deb at a store in Australia but I don't want to even check how much shipping that would be.....

Nemo was Gabriel's very first movie he watched ever. I will never forget plopping my little boy down to watch that horrific opening scene

Thankfully Henry has never commented on that opening scene! He just kinda breezes past it and never mentions it...hopefully he isn't harboring some fear of me dying though!

I hope Gabriel is excited about his gift, even though a couple of the tank gang won't be appearing! I cannot imagine how expensive shipping from Australia would be!

That is great that Henry gave Test Track a thumbs up! All of your trips are going to be so much fun now that you can start doing more rides.

The Turtle Talk story made me laugh so loudly! Hee hee hee. Still makes me giggle thinking about it. I bet you were right and that the Mom's face was a few shades red.

Love the picture of Henry out in front of Living Seas with the Nemo plush and Nemo figurine thingy.

Hmmm I wonder who had the meltdown. And of course we would love to see some pictures from around NYC...(or more than the ones you post on FB)

We are very excited that Henry has enjoyed the "big boy" rides so far. I was hoping to get him on Barnstormer again in Feb/March, but it looks like we'll miss out since Toon Town is closing about 2 weeks before we get there. This past trip I asked him several times if he wanted to ride and I got a firm NO each time!

I've actually found that I quite enjoy urban living, up to a certain point. I currently live on the eighth floor of a mid-rise (15 story) apartment building at the edge of downtown Bellevue, and absolutely love the unobstructed East-facing view I get from it. I also like the part about being two blocks from where I work (although this came about almost completely by coincidence) and the fact that this place is urban enough for a lot of big-citry amenities, but still suburban enough that it's not a concrete jungle, and it's still quite feasible to own a car. On the other hand, I'm not so sure I could live in downtown Seattle, mainly for the reason that the place is just so crowded, but also because the place is not only car-unfriendly (and given the current mayor, bordering on car-hostile) and a lot less walkable than it should be if you're living there without a car (for example, basic necessities like grocery stores are severely lacking.) I just don't ever see myself being able to adapt to life in a place like New York. It would certainly be a nice place to visit though.

Oh, and as far as the trip report, it sounds like we're about to get another tale of the Meltdowniest Place on Earth(TM)...

LOL! I like your trademarked slogan! I think that firmly belongs to Epcot. Something about Epcot makes mothers everywhere meltdown eventually!

We live in Queens, just over the river from Manhattan - so like you, it's very urban, but not as intense as Manhattan. MANY people here own cars, though, there is no need. We don't. Thankfully most all of NYC (except select areas) is very walkable and pedestrian friendly. Even our stoplights in our neighborhood are timed for the walkers instead of the cars! I love that. Joe and I talk about moving into Manhattan (when we can afford it), but we can get a MUCH nicer place here in Queens for less money--and the commute is so easy and it's such a nice, safe neighborhood-we'd be kinda crazy to move! So, we'll see. I like the idea of being in Manhattan due to better schools and some better amenities, but as Henry gets older it will get easier to go into the City too.

Great update Brook! Sounds like you really took in all of the fun at each attraction!!

Isn't it fantastic entering Epcot through the IG at opening?!?!? I love how quiet it is...

Love the b**bies comment!!

So glad Henry loved Test Track!

Yes! We just LOVED the IG entrance. I think there was only one CM working the gate, but that's all that was needed because there was never a line!

Great update Brook! I had no doubt Henry would love Test Track since he is such fan of cars. I can just imagine how much he loved the dump shop. Must be his paradise!

It was! He could have stayed in there for ages! We'll let him play more next time and take turns going to Mouse Gear/riding Test Track again!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am going to try to get an update or TWO done tonight!

I have all our Photopass pictures finally uploaded, so I gotta get ya'll up to speed on that, and I have Macy's window display pictures and Rockefeller Center/5th Ave area pictures from last night to show! They are uploading now.

Plus, I want to do an actual trip update too....we'll see how much I can get done. Stay tuned!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Last Sunday after church we went down to Macy's on 34th Street and 6th Avenue to see their famous window displays. Macy's itself is decorated beautifully inside, and the window displays are a lot of fun. You line up at the first one and watch the story unfold from window to window - the characters inside move and there is a soundtrack for the voices. It was very cute!

This year's display is called "Yes, Virginia" and is about a little girl who writes to the New York Sun newspaper to find out if Santa Claus is real or not.

This was my favorite scene. She is in the library trying to find a book to tell her about Santa. The librarian you see in the back comes swooping in on her ladder through the back and then through the front. It was adorable.

She is asking her Father about Santa.

Writing to the New York Sun.

This was very sweet. She finds out the bell ringer has no jacket, and cannot afford one, so she uses her money to purchase him one---after all, Christmas is about giving to others!

Macy's was VERY crowded inside, so I didn't take any pictures, but I did snap these two outside.

 

[PopArtGal]

Awe, I like the windows. Thanks for the pics!

 

[disneyfan61]

Love the pics of Macy's

 

[PopArtGal]

So sweet that Henry was proud with his Nemo.

I bought my "Dory" in that store.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Last night we strolled down 5th Avenue, walked around Rockefeller and the surrounding areas taking in the beautiful, amazing Christmas decorations. The experience put Joe and I both in a very festive and "Christmasy" mood!!

5th Ave. The building on the right is the Plaza Hotel. Such an amazing and iconic building!

The Apple store

Where is the store??? It's underground! It's such a crazy store - just a giant glass cube on the sidewalk with the glowing Apple logo. You either take a spiral staircase or a glass tube elevator down.

Check out that HUUUUUUGE wreath!

FAO Schwartz window display

The 5th Ave floating snowflake

In front of the Plaza - this is a fountain in the summer.

I sooooooo want to stay here someday. Or just have tea here! The Plaza is such a beautiful building!

All the bottom floor windows of the Plaza were like this. Gorgeous!

I'm not sure what building this was, but it was across the street from the Plaza.

The giant candy cane topiaries were very cool!

Bergdorf Goodman window displays....they were AMAZING! Very intricate and creative. These pictures don't even come close to showing how cool they were.

This was a tiny little window display with incredible detail.

Looking down 5th Ave again

Trump Tower

 

[brookelizabeth]

There were giant garlands surrounding several doors

A small choir singing outside one of the churches on 5th Ave (not St. Pat's...I can't remember the name of this one!)

Even the scaffolding on 5th Avenue gets decorated!

Tommy Hilfiger on the left, Fendi on the right

Cartier

St. Patricks Cathedral. It's had scaffolding up for about a year now!

Saks 5th Avenue. These snowflakes are projected onto the building and every once in a while it would play Carol of the Bells and the projections would do a bit of a show.

And right across the street from Saks is Rockefeller....continued in next post!