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

[Dugette]

While in Germany, we wanted to grab a shot in front of the lagoon, as we did back in Dec. 2010 to honor Dug’s Nana who had just passed away prior to that 2010 trip. This was the approximate spot:



This was the picture in that spot of Dug’s Nana and Papa that we were trying to replicate:

Here was our 2010 shot, for comparison:

And a family shot on this trip (2013):



I think we pulled our trick of offering to take another family’s picture so that they would take one for us.

And, then, on to Karamell Kuche. I seem pleased about this:



I believe that I went in to obtain some tasty treats for us while Dug and Izzy hung out:



Looks like Dug obtained some of his favorite Gluhwein while they waited:



I’m thinking we may have saved our treats for later? I don’t see any pictures of them, so not sure. Maybe we hung out and ate them there, who knows. I am sure that I had a dark chocolate sea salt caramel, though – they are the best! Dug may well have had the caramel marshmallow swirl, as he really likes those.

From there, we moved on to the Duffy meet. Yes, two Duffy-skeptics were converted this day to Duffy-lovers. Thanks to the kiddo. Waiting in line:



Almost there:



And then it was Izzy’s turn for a bear hug. She literally RAN up to Duffy for a hug!! So awesome and adorable:











And the PhotoPass pictures:











Bye-bye, Duffy:





What an unexpectedly great meet! Izzy just loved him immediately. (Spoiler alert – she still does!)

After our bear hugging was complete, we made our way towards Future World for some more fun. The beautiful fountain greeted us:



Up next: A Mouse, a Dog, and a bunch of Fish!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

looks like a pleasant walk and definitely a good way to get Izzy to nap again

We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn once and while we enjoyed the location it wasn't our favorite - though might have been that we didn't have the best room as I know others love it. The pool area is very well themed though (love the pool bar being inside the carousel looking structure) and the pool is fun - but the clown slide is pretty darn creepy!

That's very cool that you try to recreate the picture of Dug's grandparents - I think you did a good job!

I have been kinda anti-Duffy as it just seems like a character made up by Disney to sell outfits ... but the kids seem to love him and get cute pictures so I have been softening my stance a bit

 

[Denovagirl]

FINALLY! We get to see the "bear hugs" from your title!!!

LOVE it! Izzy does look so excited to see him! I am pretty sure that would turn any skeptic into a Duffy lover!

Too cute!!

How sweet to take that photo honoring Dugs Nana, I love it, what a sweet tradition!

 

[schmass]

Wow- I missed a lot of updates while I was away! I’m all caught up now.

The lack of the TSMM Stampede is definitely one of the plusses of FP+!

The picture of the mid-snack nap is hilarious! Love it!

You guys made good use of the FP+/Rider Swap passes at DHS!

I love the pictures of Izzy on the slide! Looks familiar – Rory is obsessed with going down slides over and over!

Love the Boardwalk pictures. I love that place, in spite of that creepy clown pool. In fact we were in that pool when Michael told me he thought we should become DVC members!

The lagoon picture tradition is sweet.

I agree that the dark chocolate sea salt caramel is the best! We have definitely shared one of those and a glass of champagne while watching Illuminations.

Cute pictures with Duffy!

 

[AprilRenee]

Awww!! I love the Duffy pics!! How cute!! And his little Santa outfit makes it even cuter!

I like your pic recreations too! Clever!

 

[Leshaface]

How funny that that is what came up on Siri! Very sweet actually.

Aw, love the replication pictures. Now it's a tradition!

The Duffy pictures are too much! Absolutely love them and love how every step up to Duffy is documented and she looks so happy!

 

[amazingact21]

I've heard horror stories about the walk from DHS to Epcot being horribly long, but it sounds like it was quite pleasant for you. I'm glad to know if it was relaxing and easy to navigate. Makes me less wary to take it in the future.

That slide IS super creepy!


I do the same thing with strollers. You see some interesting ones around, that's for sure...



How nice that you got to listen to a bit of the Candlelight Processional. With Izzy sleeping, that had to have been a couple nice quiet moments. Something that can be rare and precious when traveling with kids.




I had no idea there were snacks in the Italy pavilion! Oh my, they all look so delicious. I want an order of the caprice right now. No matter that it's seven o'clock in the morning.


Awww, adorable Duffy pictures. Look at how happy Izzy was. Her whole face lit up when she saw Duffy! .

 

[Dugette]

looks like a pleasant walk and definitely a good way to get Izzy to nap again

Yes, it was pretty nice and a sort-of boring stroller ride is always a good way to get Izzy down for a nap!

We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn once and while we enjoyed the location it wasn't our favorite - though might have been that we didn't have the best room as I know others love it. The pool area is very well themed though (love the pool bar being inside the carousel looking structure) and the pool is fun - but the clown slide is pretty darn creepy!

I was surprised at how well-themed and nice the pool area was. It's only known for that big, creepy clown.

That's very cool that you try to recreate the picture of Dug's grandparents - I think you did a good job!

Thanks! I can't seem to grasp the perspective thing going on, though - the background looks so much closer in the old photo.

I have been kinda anti-Duffy as it just seems like a character made up by Disney to sell outfits ... but the kids seem to love him and get cute pictures so I have been softening my stance a bit

Totally agree on Duffy. We used to make fun of him - I remember referring to him in a prior TR as "Duffy, the Ever-Present Disney Bear", as he was EVERYWHERE. But, man, the way Izzy lights up when she sees him...

FINALLY! We get to see the "bear hugs" from your title!!!

Yeah, took long enough, huh?

LOVE it! Izzy does look so excited to see him! I am pretty sure that would turn any skeptic into a Duffy lover!

Too cute!!

It was adorable how she just couldn't wait to hug him! I think the fact that Dug's parents got her a giant teddy bear (not Duffy) helped - she's used to oversized bears and loves them.

How sweet to take that photo honoring Dugs Nana, I love it, what a sweet tradition!

Thanks! It was interesting how it happened. That Dec. 2010 trip got pushed back slightly because of Dug's Nana's passing and the funeral was the first part of our departure day. At the funeral, we saw that picture of them at Epcot - we pointed it out to Dug's Papa and he said what a great time they had there. We decided right then that we had to take a picture of that picture and try to find the spot on our trip. And we did! It's nice to have that little connection.

Wow- I missed a lot of updates while I was away! I’m all caught up now.

I know, I'm trying to crank out the rest of this TR so I can move on to the others. Still got a number of updates to go, though.

The lack of the TSMM Stampede is definitely one of the plusses of FP+!

Yep, that is a huge one. Probably one of the most beneficial aspects of FP+.

The picture of the mid-snack nap is hilarious! Love it!

I love that! First and only time I've ever seen something like that happen!

You guys made good use of the FP+/Rider Swap passes at DHS!

Yeah, it worked out well. We got a lot of fun in during a short time.

I love the pictures of Izzy on the slide! Looks familiar – Rory is obsessed with going down slides over and over!

It's funny how obsessed they become with slides! So much fun they can't tear themselves away.

Love the Boardwalk pictures. I love that place, in spite of that creepy clown pool. In fact we were in that pool when Michael told me he thought we should become DVC members!

Maybe he really likes clowns? I do think the location would be awesome for Food & Wine and Star Wars Weekends.

The lagoon picture tradition is sweet.

Thanks! Traditions are nice.

I agree that the dark chocolate sea salt caramel is the best! We have definitely shared one of those and a glass of champagne while watching Illuminations.

Mmmm, so yummy! I want one now! Sounds perfect with the champagne and Illuminations!

Cute pictures with Duffy!

Thanks! Such a fun meet!

Awww!! I love the Duffy pics!! How cute!! And his little Santa outfit makes it even cuter!

I know, isn't that Santa outfit adorable? I'd forgotten about that, since he was in his normal outfit last time. She really loves that bear.

I like your pic recreations too! Clever!

Thanks! It's a nice little thing to do while we're passing by there.

How funny that that is what came up on Siri! Very sweet actually.

I know, so sweet. I can't believe she managed to do that!

Aw, love the replication pictures. Now it's a tradition!

Yeah, I think we'll always try to do that picture when we're in the area and able to.

The Duffy pictures are too much! Absolutely love them and love how every step up to Duffy is documented and she looks so happy!

I know, you can see each step of the way in those pics! She really was so happy and did not hesitate a bit - just cruised right up for a big, bear hug.

I've heard horror stories about the walk from DHS to Epcot being horribly long, but it sounds like it was quite pleasant for you. I'm glad to know if it was relaxing and easy to navigate. Makes me less wary to take it in the future.

Yes, it's not a bad walk, especially on a mild-temperature day. However, be sure to check a map and/or cut through the Boardwalk. In August, I somehow missed the turn and ended up going the long way around the lagoon (by YC/BC) and that was not as pleasant, especially in the August heat.

That slide IS super creepy!

I know!

I do the same thing with strollers. You see some interesting ones around, that's for sure...

I can't help but check out all the interesting ones at WDW (or the zoo or the mall, etc.) It's amazing how many different styles there are.

How nice that you got to listen to a bit of the Candlelight Processional. With Izzy sleeping, that had to have been a couple nice quiet moments. Something that can be rare and precious when traveling with kids.

It was! Didn't last terribly long, but so nice to relax and enjoy things for a bit.

I had no idea there were snacks in the Italy pavilion! Oh my, they all look so delicious. I want an order of the caprice right now. No matter that it's seven o'clock in the morning.

Mmmm, caprese for breakfast, why not? They do all look so good - keep it in mind if you need a tasty treat!

Awww, adorable Duffy pictures. Look at how happy Izzy was. Her whole face lit up when she saw Duffy! .

She was so, so happy! It was an adorable surprise. So sweet.

 

[Dugette]

Our next stop was the Disney Visa Meet & Greet in Innoventions. As we were brought inside and Izzy got her first glimpse of Minnie and Pluto, she started loudly yelling, “Hi! Hiiiii!!” Too cute! We got a good laugh out of her excitement:



Time to head in:







Hi, Minnie:





Hi, Pluto:





Hi, Minnie!!!





That was fun!



Up next was the big empty zig-zagging queue and the Nemo ride:















Afterwards, we finally did something that I’ve seen in almost all Trip Reports, but never actually had done:





Then we explored the aquarium for a bit:





After that, we headed outside:





We had our glow bracelets all over the stroller, since it was getting dark:



Up next: Boat rides and margaritas.

 

[AprilRenee]

Glow bracelets...good thinking! I'm filing that away for Jan!

 

[Denovagirl]

Wow! How crazy to see an epcot photo at the funeral! Like a little blessing before your trip!

Love this update and I agree that's a great idea for the glow bracelets on the stroller!

 

[Dugette]

Glow bracelets...good thinking! I'm filing that away for Jan!

We actually got ours from the Target dollar section. And that just reminded me that I have a story about them...I will have to include that in the next update.

Wow! How crazy to see an epcot photo at the funeral! Like a little blessing before your trip!

It was really crazy, especially since we had no idea they had ever been to WDW. And we were going there that very night. It just kinda jumped right out of the collages when I saw it.

Love this update and I agree that's a great idea for the glow bracelets on the stroller!

Thanks! The glow bracelets were really nice after dark, since they helped us to find the stroller when parked and also helped people to see the stroller and not run into it as we moved through the park.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Looks like a fun meet & greet with Minnie and Pluto! Even though we have the Disney Chase Visa we have never done the special meet - I think b/c it seems like it is characters we've met elsewhere (Character spot, etc.) but knowing you get to meet them together vs. individually makes me think we should check it out in the future

Ah, the super long Nemo queue - which is a total blessing on hot days. They let us take Emma in her carrier on that ride, which was great, but it meant I had to carry the carrier all the way through that queue. Got my exercise for the day though

Glow bracelets on the stroller is definitely a good call

 

[Dugette]

Looks like a fun meet & greet with Minnie and Pluto! Even though we have the Disney Chase Visa we have never done the special meet - I think b/c it seems like it is characters we've met elsewhere (Character spot, etc.) but knowing you get to meet them together vs. individually makes me think we should check it out in the future

Yeah, I guess I never thought of it that way, but it is a rare chance to get them together. If you can catch the place with a short line (like I did in August), it's worth a few minutes. The annoying thing is that you don't know which characters you'll get until you go in. I was hoping for this Minnie/Pluto combo again in August, but got Mickey/Goofy instead. Still fun, though.

Ah, the super long Nemo queue - which is a total blessing on hot days. They let us take Emma in her carrier on that ride, which was great, but it meant I had to carry the carrier all the way through that queue. Got my exercise for the day though

Yeah, that is a lot of exercise to carry that all the way through! Never thought about using the carrier at WDW, as I never considered bringing a baby that young (though, technically, Izzy still fit in her carrier on this Dec. 2013 trip). I guess it would be really nice if they're asleep.

Glow bracelets on the stroller is definitely a good call

It was a good use of a buck (for the most part - story coming in next update).

 

[amazingact21]

Aw, you weren't kidding, Izzy loves Minnie Mouse! And it's pretty cool you got to meet Pluto, I'd have preferred him to Goofy.


That picture spot with Bruce is pretty iconic here on the boards. Glad you could get one for yourself.

 

[Dugette]

Aw, you weren't kidding, Izzy loves Minnie Mouse! And it's pretty cool you got to meet Pluto, I'd have preferred him to Goofy.


That picture spot with Bruce is pretty iconic here on the boards. Glad you could get one for yourself.

She loves Minnie SO much. Spoiler for August, but she literally ditched Goofy mid-meet at the Character Spot and ran over to Minnie, yelling "Minnie!!!!!!!!", and straight into her arms (luckily, she was done with the previous guest).

I also prefer Pluto to Goofy - seems like there's not as many places to catch him.

I had never even noticed the Bruce photo op on previous trips, but found it this time. Have to make sure your kid gets eaten by a shark and all.

 

[Dugette]

Time to take a brief off-topic interlude. Izzy turned 2 over the weekend! Cannot believe how fast the time has gone and how much she is growing up!

Just thought I would share some highlights, some of which have some relation to Disney.

We started Izzy’s birthday morning on Saturday by opening some gifts.

I mentioned over in my PTR that our daycare provider is a big Disney fan. Here’s your proof – she made this for Izzy’s birthday:



How sweet! (She also got her some non-Disney clothes too. Very sweet).

Dug was at the Mall of America the night before her birthday, with an out-of-town visiting friend, so he stopped into the Disney Store and couldn’t resist getting Izzy a nice, big plush Olaf (and, yes, Dug also selected the Ariel gift bag). Here is Izzy introducing Olaf and Bailey:



Bailey was pleased with the gift-opening festivities:



Izzy taught Olaf how to fly her Minnie airplane:



I also gave Izzy a Little People car, which she LOVES. She cannot get enough of the music the “mom” plays. She got some other items already from the consignment sale I went to the week prior, including a trike.

The rest of her actual birthday was a bit unconventional, but fun. Dug’s college friend was visiting and another couple that they were friends with in college live in MN now too – and they have a 2.5 year old daughter. So, we spent the day with all of them.

It started off with Dim Sum for lunch, which we had never done before. We went with two other couples (and their toddlers) that are friends of the friends (and big dim sum fans). It was really fun and tasty. Izzy even got to eat yogurt melts from chopsticks:



We had a very large round table with this lazy susan in the middle:



Izzy was a big fan of the “Chinese hashbrowns” and basically stole my whole serving. She sampled a few other things too, but mostly stuck to safe things, like her pouches and snacks.

As we left, the “big” kids were posing for pictures on this rock and Izzy wanted to get in on the act:



I think she actually said something like, “I want to ‘cheese’!”

Afterwards, we joined a couple of the other families (the friends of friends) at a nearby play area in a mall, so the kids could burn off some energy before naptime. Turned out to be a great play area – nobody but us there and really cute and themed and all padded:



Izzy had a blast and did not want to leave. But, we did. She napped over at our friends’ house (in the Peapod), then we played for a bit with all the toys they had. Soon, it was time to eat and we went out for pizza. By strange and wonderful coincidence, we didn’t pay a dime for either lunch or dinner. The friends of friends picked up everyone’s tab for dim sum (nice!) and we ran into someone our friends knew at the pizza place – and it’s a person who works for the company and gets free, unlimited food there – so he used his freebie card for everyone! Great day!

When we got home, Izzy unwound with Olaf and watched some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse before bed:



We had a quiet morning Sunday, which included more of Izzy’s new favorite show:



She got a princess crown in the mail from her Great-Grandpa(Papa):



And, after naptime, we were off to the apple orchard to meet up with some family and the friends from the previous day. When we arrived, I unveiled the Olaf cupcakes to Izzy:



She was pleased. Waiting for service:



Yep, I would like that one:



Mmmmm:



Hi, Olaf:



Yummy and fun to play with:



We also had some snowflake cupcakes:



After chowing down, Izzy ran off to the nearby playground to obsessively go down the slide over and over (very FAST slide – I had to catch her):





We eventually coaxed her back to open gifts. She pulled some clothes out of one gift bag, then gasped with excitement when she saw this Disney Princess ball:



On a side note, she was holding the ball on the drive home and must have recognized Ariel, as we heard her singing “Under the Sea.”

She liked this sweet puppy:



You can sort-of see a couple of Hawaii outfits she got here:



Continued in next post…

 

[Dugette]

Continued from previous post…

What could be in this big bag?



It was this:



She got some other great things as well, including a scrapbook of her whole second year, made by her Nana. Very sweet.

Then it was time to feed the goats at the petting zoo. She LOVED this:





She’s a bit obsessed with goats lately (since Rafiki’s Planet Watch in August, actually).

Next, it was time to check out the tractor trikes area:



She and her little friend (our friends’ daughter) had a blast riding around here:







Then it was time to go sample some apples, seeing as we were at an apple orchard and all:



With a sample:



We also treated Izzy to an apple cider donut, which she enjoyed:



We had some apple cobbler with ice cream while she had her donut. Until she realized we had ice cream and helped to devour it (she got ice cream the night before at the pizza place too).

Relaxing on the patio that night, after a fun-filled birthday weekend:



Note the Anna & Olaf shirt and the Elsa socks.

I still can’t believe that two years has gone by in the blink of an eye. And she is such a little person now – just talking and conversing all the time – wow. She’s pretty awesome and we are very lucky to have her hanging out with us.

 

[AprilRenee]

Happy Happy Birthday Izzy!!!
Looks like you guys had a great weekend!!

Doesn't time go so fast? And it's incredible, I'm looking at her pictures (just 6 months younger than Caden) and he seems so old comparatively. It doesn't slow down! They just keep growing and becoming more and more like kids and less and less like babies!

And how cute that she was singing under the sea because of her ball! Love that!

 

[jeni16]

Love the new frozen shirt I can't believe DS is already 2 either. I don't know where the time went. He is such a little person now.