Bear Hugs & Piggy Kisses - Baby's 1st Trip ~ Updated 12/6: Aulani TR Started!!!

[DisneyParkLover]

Izzy is so cute in that Minnie dress! I'm impresses that she did so well with the characters. I love all her expressions, especially that last one! A look can say so much! Hahahaha!

 

[JolllyHoliday]

I don't post too much, but just wanted to say that I am enjoying reading about your trip with your sweet little girl.

 

[Denovagirl]

I must admit, I spent some time on those musical squares myself! That whole area was too fun!

This is the thing I don't get- so many people say there's nothing to do at Epcot for kids, or its a half day park, blah, blah, blah... for us there was TOO MUCH to do!!! We missed SOOOO many things!!! Clearly some people don't think letting your child explore counts as entertainment, but its my kids best form of it... anyway, rant over, lol...but its just too funny that Olivia and Maddie could have spent like an hour in that spot alone!!!

Anyway, glad that Izzy has an appreciation for exploration!!!! And she was too cute with the Minnie's!!! That is one of Maddie's favorite things to do in stores as well!! She too was a believer in mouse ears being worn around the neck until recently!

It's so cute too see Izzy enjoying things so much!!! It's getting me really excited to take the girls back and see what interests Maddie the most this time around, a year later. It's funny, but I know she is totally aware of whats going on. She sits with us and watches the vacation videos and gives her little input on our discussions of what to do when we go back and I just have this sense that she so gets it!! LoL... I know she is going to have even more of a ball this time around! I fear she may be a little too independent and it will be interesting trying to reign her in!

 

[sophies*mom]

I didn't know club cool had new flavors. I am excited to try them. Smart to skip the Beverly... I can still taste that when I think about it... Bleh! I love the target mickey too cute!

I keep reading about this Beverly flavor. Since our first WDW trip isn't for a while, can somebody clue me in? Everyone makes fun of it lol. What does it taste like?

We enjoyed some more fruity drinks. Izzy grabbed away small glasses from me again. I gave her one with a very small amount of a red drink in it. Naturally, that ended up all over the white collar of her Minnie dress. Fortunately, the character meet had already happened and we were changing her soon anyway. She had fun, at least.

See, you planned ahead! All those impulsive purchases of all her adorable clothes paid off! (I can't talk for being impulsive, each time I go to the store, my kids get a new Disney item! )

 

[Denovagirl]

I keep reading about this Beverly flavor. Since our first WDW trip isn't for a while, can somebody clue me in? Everyone makes fun of it lol. What does it taste like?

It's a trap! Lol! It tastes AWFUL! People like to trick their friends into trying it

 

[Jackiemarie21]

More adorable pics! I love the ones of her running around the squares! Just precious!

I also thought the Minnies pics were cute! It's as if she was saying we have to get these out here and start playing! She definitely was working hard on that situation!

And of course mom, Minnie ears go best around the neck! What are you thinking! Lol!

 

[amazingact21]

Someone was really thinking when they added those musical squares to the exit area. It's so nice to have a place to give the little ones room to run around and burn off energy. It's probably the best part of Figment.


It never fails...the one white spot on an outfit is the place where the mess will be made.



Hahaha, Izzy just wanted to ensure everyone got a Minnie plush that day. I can imagine her frustration when the poor Mickeys had to be left alone. At least she had Bullseye Mickey to hold on to.

 

[RachelNinja]

I've always bypassed the play areas after Figment other than the place where you wave your arms to play music. With a kid, I think my eyes would be open in such a different way!

 

[dtr_angel]

lunch at Sunshine Seasons sounds good! We haven't eaten here in so long, it's definitely on our possibility list for May (seriously there is too much good food in Epcot!)

I love the pictures and video of Izzy playing outside of Figment. I need to remember to take Gavin in there in May, I think he would love it. Hopefully we can skip the ride Gavin had pretty much the same reaction as Izzy. I know he was at least intrigued in the upside down room as well.

Ooh club cool. We missed that last trip. Another thing to add to the ever growing list for "next time"

sounds like a very productive day so far!

 

[Dugette]

Izzy is so cute in that Minnie dress! I'm impresses that she did so well with the characters. I love all her expressions, especially that last one! A look can say so much! Hahahaha!

Thanks! I'm so glad she enjoyed the characters. Makes it so much fun! I get a kick out of that last expression every time I see that picture! She was so mad at us for putting an end to her liberation of the Minnies.

I don't post too much, but just wanted to say that I am enjoying reading about your trip with your sweet little girl.

Thanks so much for popping in! I love to know who's out there!

I must admit, I spent some time on those musical squares myself! That whole area was too fun!

It really is fun! If we didn't have other things on the agenda, we could have spent a long time in there!

This is the thing I don't get- so many people say there's nothing to do at Epcot for kids, or its a half day park, blah, blah, blah... for us there was TOO MUCH to do!!! We missed SOOOO many things!!! Clearly some people don't think letting your child explore counts as entertainment, but its my kids best form of it... anyway, rant over, lol...but its just too funny that Olivia and Maddie could have spent like an hour in that spot alone!!!

Yeah, I don't know how anyone can do Epcot in a half day. Makes me think they are missing some major things. I'm sure it depends on the kids' ages and temperaments, but Epcot has so much to offer for everyone, if you know where to look.

Anyway, glad that Izzy has an appreciation for exploration!!!! And she was too cute with the Minnie's!!! That is one of Maddie's favorite things to do in stores as well!! She too was a believer in mouse ears being worn around the neck until recently!

Nothing better than wandering around! That whole Minnie incident was hilarious. On the one hand, we didn't want her to trash the store, but on the other hand, we couldn't help but laugh at the cuteness of the whole thing. This must be a secret toddler thing...Minnie ear necklaces...

It's so cute too see Izzy enjoying things so much!!! It's getting me really excited to take the girls back and see what interests Maddie the most this time around, a year later. It's funny, but I know she is totally aware of whats going on. She sits with us and watches the vacation videos and gives her little input on our discussions of what to do when we go back and I just have this sense that she so gets it!! LoL... I know she is going to have even more of a ball this time around! I fear she may be a little too independent and it will be interesting trying to reign her in!

That's really awesome that she can get involved in the planning now! I read TRs with kids a bit older and it really is cool to see how different (yet magical) Disney is at each age. So many memories just waiting to be made.

I keep reading about this Beverly flavor. Since our first WDW trip isn't for a while, can somebody clue me in? Everyone makes fun of it lol. What does it taste like?

I'm not great at describing flavors, but I'd say it tastes kind-of bitter? Definitely not the sweet and fruity you expect, based on the other selections. Just generally unpleasant. Oddly, I think it's the only flavor they kept from the previous selections. A lot of those in the know (on the DIS) like to trick their unsuspecting family/friends into trying it, with promises of deliciousness, only to take pictures of their stunned and disgusted faces upon sipping it. Although, there are apparently some special people out there that genuinely like the Beverly. That's actually my favorite Beverly story that I've witnessed - a mom that loved it and her unsuspecting little boy that trusted his mom's opinion. The full story is in this post on one of my old TRs, for anyone who is interested: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=38001962&postcount=20

See, you planned ahead! All those impulsive purchases of all her adorable clothes paid off! (I can't talk for being impulsive, each time I go to the store, my kids get a new Disney item! )

Exactly! Believe it or not, she actually came home from the trip with several unworn outfits. Yep, prepared, that's me.

It's a trap! Lol! It tastes AWFUL! People like to trick their friends into trying it

What she said!

More adorable pics! I love the ones of her running around the squares! Just precious!

Thanks! She was having SUCH a good time just toddling around there. I love when she started raising her hands in the air. It was like a little happy dance or something.

I also thought the Minnies pics were cute! It's as if she was saying we have to get these out here and start playing! She definitely was working hard on that situation!

Must liberate all the Minnies! I think you're right - she probably felt bad that they weren't being played with and loved, as Minnies should be. Maybe I should have explained to her that these Minnies lived in this store and were very happy with their view from the shelf...

And of course mom, Minnie ears go best around the neck! What are you thinking! Lol!

I guess I missed the memo!

Someone was really thinking when they added those musical squares to the exit area. It's so nice to have a place to give the little ones room to run around and burn off energy. It's probably the best part of Figment.

I agree, that is a great area for the little ones. Simple, but they love it!

It never fails...the one white spot on an outfit is the place where the mess will be made.

Ain't that the truth? Especially with a toddler.

Hahaha, Izzy just wanted to ensure everyone got a Minnie plush that day. I can imagine her frustration when the poor Mickeys had to be left alone. At least she had Bullseye Mickey to hold on to.

I'm sure she was hoping to help all of the poor, deprived, Minnie-less children at Epcot. How funny to be so young that stores don't make sense and are just giant toy boxes! Thank goodness nobody laid a finger on Bullseye Mickey!

I've always bypassed the play areas after Figment other than the place where you wave your arms to play music. With a kid, I think my eyes would be open in such a different way!

You know, we always did exactly the same as you - waved our arms to play music and moved on. I totally have to thank TRs with kids for clueing me in to the musical square area. And it was quite the hit! You definitely start noticing the "safe for toddler roaming" areas on a trip with a kid!

lunch at Sunshine Seasons sounds good! We haven't eaten here in so long, it's definitely on our possibility list for May (seriously there is too much good food in Epcot!)

That is so true - WAY too much good food in Epcot. But Sunshine Seasons is always a great option if you want something fast and good with ample indoor seating.

I love the pictures and video of Izzy playing outside of Figment. I need to remember to take Gavin in there in May, I think he would love it. Hopefully we can skip the ride Gavin had pretty much the same reaction as Izzy. I know he was at least intrigued in the upside down room as well.

Yeah, I'm sure you could walk into the exit or something. I bet Gavin would love it. It seemed like all ages got a kick out of it. And I'm thinking he might be old enough to understand the music/light concept? Plus, it's just fun to run around!

Ooh club cool. We missed that last trip. Another thing to add to the ever growing list for "next time"

Glad to help expand your list! At least it's an easy thing to squeeze in!

sounds like a very productive day so far!

I think we improved on our first day stats, at least!

 

[sophies*mom]

It's a trap! Lol! It tastes AWFUL! People like to trick their friends into trying it

I will consider myself warned then!!

 

[Leshaface]

I LOVE the Bullseye Mickey! So adorable. And even more adorable that she spotted all those Minnies and began pulling them out!

"Everyone gets a Minnie! You get a Minnie, you get a Minnie and YOU get a Minnie!" I can totally hear Oprah saying that.

Uh gosh a lost ID? That's never good...

 

[Dugette]

I LOVE the Bullseye Mickey! So adorable. And even more adorable that she spotted all those Minnies and began pulling them out!

Thanks! It was pretty darn cute!

"Everyone gets a Minnie! You get a Minnie, you get a Minnie and YOU get a Minnie!" I can totally hear Oprah saying that.

Me too! She's so funny in that she insists that other people get Minnies/Mickeys too.

Uh gosh a lost ID? That's never good...

Well, it's always good for a moment of panic.

 

[Dugette]

So, after escaping from Club Cool and its plentiful supply of Minnies, we made our way towards World Showcase, via the side path by the Odyssey. We took this route so we could stop at the Baby Care Center to get Izzy changed out of her foreign-drink-stained Minnie costume and into a Minnie in Paris outfit.

Here she is showing it off in the lobby of the Baby Care Center:





We really liked stopping into the Baby Care Centers for clothing and/or diaper changes. They’re a lot nicer and calmer and quieter than a restroom. There are big, padded changing tables and room for the toddlers to run around a bit and the adults to sit and relax a little.

Due to our rather late “breakfast”, we weren’t really hungry for lunch yet, as we had planned (if you look at our PTR, by the way, you’ll notice we are WAY off plan for this day ). We were thirsty, though, and Dug wanted to sit and rest a bit. So, we made an unplanned pit stop at the Cantina quick service in Mexico, since we were right by it. We were craving a margarita. We decided we should have something to munch on with it too, so we opted for chips and guac. I got in line to order while Dug and Izzy went to find a seat. Well, actually, before they took off, Dug gave me my driver’s license that he’d been storing in his wallet, just in case I needed it to order the margarita. I threw it in my jeans pocket, next to my phone.

I stood in line and ordered the frozen margarita (I think it was mango), a glass of water, and the chips and guac. I can’t remember if they needed to see the ID or not. Once I got everything, I looked all around and couldn’t see Dug and Izzy anywhere. I finally set my tray down on a trash can (I think), pulled my phone out of my pocket, and texted Dug for his whereabouts.

He replied, “We are inside.” I responded “Inside of what?” Turns out that there is seating available inside the Hacienda restaurant. I had no idea. But, Dug had noticed an “additional seating” sign and followed it. So, I headed in and found them. It was nice and quiet in there. And air-conditioned. Very comfortable place to have a snack.

Do Dug and Izzy look tired?:



Yep!:



Izzy was very mellow and just cuddled with Dug and munched on some chips. We sipped our margarita (and water) and enjoyed the chips and guac. It was a good break in our day. Very peaceful sitting by the window and looking out on the water.

Making progress:



Sometime around this point, I suddenly realized that I didn’t have my ID anymore. I looked all around and it wasn’t there. Then I realized that it probably fell out of my pocket when I pulled out my phone to text Dug back outside at the trash can. Oh, no! I scampered out, hoping it was still there.

Well, as soon as I got outside, a very friendly CM at the counter stopped me, as if he’d been waiting for me. I asked if they found an ID and he held it right out to me. Yay for an awesome CM! I was so relieved that they had it. I don’t want to think about trying to get on the plane to go home without it. Whew! I thanked him profusely for keeping it safe and then headed back in to Dug and Izzy.

Soon enough, we were ready to head out. Sleepy Izzy happily settled into her stroller and we were off:



We made our way over towards Canada. On the way, we passed Duffy’s meet and greet:



As much as we made fun of Duffy on our last trip, we had a new interest in him now, as we were toting around a toddler who loves teddy bears like it’s her job. We made a mental note to consider meeting him later in the trip.

We also passed the Epcot Christmas tree:



Before we had even made it to Canada, Izzy had knocked out for her nap:



Yay for a good stroller napper! We really didn’t know what to expect from her going into this trip. There’s never really need to nap in a stroller at home. But she did great!

We used the time to wander around the parts of the Canadian pavilion that we hadn’t really seen before. It was very empty and quiet in this part:















We also stopped into the gift shop and found a Canadian Pluto:



Luckily, Izzy was asleep, so she couldn’t demand that we take him and all of his friends home with us.

As we made our way out of Canada, they had a band playing Christmas songs. I just looked it up now and it was called “the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.” The info I found says it featured some members of the awesome group “Off Kilter.” However, it wasn’t the same and they were quite loud, so we rushed Izzy past them and moved on to the United Kingdom:



We didn’t really spend any time there, however. Up next was the bridge into France. We ran across a Photopass photographer and decided to get a picture of us while Izzy slept:



And we also took a picture of the surroundings, I guess:



Up next: France!

 

[Denovagirl]

Yay for good stroller nappers!!

Oddly enough I never once saw a baby care center! I seriously never noticed them and was never by one when I needed it... boo on that. I did know they were there, but just never went!

 

[Leshaface]

I bet you were freaking out when you finally realized your ID was not on you. I get absolutely mortified when that happens too. I do the same thing with credit cards, i'll stick it in my back pocket and then later try to search it in my wallet and I freak out cus it's not where it should be.

Stroller naps are the best for everyone! Gives Izzy a time to rest, and I nice, quiet time for you and DH to walk around I'm wondering though, how it will be after the age of 2?? Hopefully DS will still be able to take naps in the stroller when we go in January.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Whew, so glad you found your ID! I thought I lost mine at the airport and of course I panicked. I asked the TSA guy how I would get home and he said, I could but I would have to go through additional screenings. I was afraid to ask what that might entail!

Napping through world showcase sounds perfect! Looks like that worked out this time. Love the PP pic!

 

[AprilRenee]

I love the Minnie in Paris outfit. I think it might be my favorite out of all the ones you packed. Too cute.
Glad she crashed in the stroller no problem. And what a perfect place to do it so you guys could look all around and not worry about splitting up to go on rides.

 

[Imagineer5]

**sheepishly saying hi!!**

Just got all caught up from my month long haitus!

I loved your horse drawn carriage ride, though we thought the decorations were fantastic ( though had never done it before to compare!) the "wishes" routine was really neat though!! Really brought back memories!

This day sounds way better than the previous! Phew! That awful CM at Guest services would have put me in such a bad mood. But EPCOT is awesome, so nice Izzy slept in the stroller well, and looking forward to more!

 

[Dugette]

Yay for good stroller nappers!!

Yes, this stroller nap went pretty much as we'd planned/hoped for!

Oddly enough I never once saw a baby care center! I seriously never noticed them and was never by one when I needed it... boo on that. I did know they were there, but just never went!

Ha, well, that can be one of the new and exciting things to put on your list for your next trip! They are a nice respite from the craziness of the parks.

I bet you were freaking out when you finally realized your ID was not on you. I get absolutely mortified when that happens too. I do the same thing with credit cards, i'll stick it in my back pocket and then later try to search it in my wallet and I freak out cus it's not where it should be.

Yes, that is such an awful feeling! And even worse when I realized that I didn't misplace it, but actually did drop it in a very busy place. Thank goodness there was an awesome Cast Member that kept it from being a disaster!

Stroller naps are the best for everyone! Gives Izzy a time to rest, and I nice, quiet time for you and DH to walk around I'm wondering though, how it will be after the age of 2?? Hopefully DS will still be able to take naps in the stroller when we go in January.

I agree. It's nice to have that time where you don't have to constantly be attending to a tiny person and can just be a couple. I would imagine it will be the same on your next trip, but not sure. Hope so, at least. Maybe one of the moms with a 2+ year old has input on that?

Whew, so glad you found your ID! I thought I lost mine at the airport and of course I panicked. I asked the TSA guy how I would get home and he said, I could but I would have to go through additional screenings. I was afraid to ask what that might entail!

Additional screenings? Yeah, I'd rather not. At least you could get home, I guess. Glad you found yours. Such an awful feeling when it's not there.

Napping through world showcase sounds perfect! Looks like that worked out this time. Love the PP pic!

It was quite nice, except for part of our time in France. But it ended up being napping through the boardwalk resorts also, so not bad!

I love the Minnie in Paris outfit. I think it might be my favorite out of all the ones you packed. Too cute.

Aw, thanks! And that's the one that she had 3 different shirts to match that skirt. Only needed one of them! Ah, at least they were on clearance. And she may still fit in some when/if it gets warm here.

Glad she crashed in the stroller no problem. And what a perfect place to do it so you guys could look all around and not worry about splitting up to go on rides.

Yeah, it really did work out well. We had planned to have her nap coincide with World Showcase and the Boardwalk, but we really didn't know how it was going to go. Thankfully, it was mostly great.

**sheepishly saying hi!!**

Just got all caught up from my month long haitus!

back! I've missed you! Glad you're back.

I loved your horse drawn carriage ride, though we thought the decorations were fantastic ( though had never done it before to compare!) the "wishes" routine was really neat though!! Really brought back memories!

It was still really cool, but I know we passed a lot more heavily decorated sites back in 2010. Maybe they had more up by the time you went (even though it wasn't that much later)? Either way, still very cool. Especially the Wishes display. Can't believe all the effort people put into their campsite displays!

This day sounds way better than the previous! Phew! That awful CM at Guest services would have put me in such a bad mood. But EPCOT is awesome, so nice Izzy slept in the stroller well, and looking forward to more!

The day is going very well. Of course, the previous day was great too - just some annoying things putting a damper on the mood temporarily. I just could not believe that CM at Guest Services. I think that is one of the benefits of doing TRs, though - you can at least know you have an interesting story for the DIS. And it's therapeutic to write about and have people comment on.

More to come!