Blue Skies, Sunshine, and Unseasonably HOT Pixie Dust! Update 3/6 Final Thoughts!

[dismagiclover]

I'd do your race at the start of your trip as well. Spending time walking around the parks is not a great way to prepare for the race. Plus then you'll have plenty of days afterward to proudly wear your medal around the park!

 

[kcandbella]

AK is so hot isn't it? I can totally see why the pool was calling to everyone! I think I'd enjoy a little alone time to walk around and see just what I want like you had though. Don is going to Orlando at the end of the month and I really want to go with him and go hang out at the parks during the day while he works, but it's just not a good time for me to get away - too many obligations with the boys

On the race, I think I'd try to arrive the day before and then have the bulk of your trip afterwards. I wouldn't want to worry about staying ready for the race and not eating Mickey bars by arriving too early.

That's kind of what I'm thinking...maybe arriving on Thursday or Friday. That would probably be better. Plus then I'd get home and it would be Columbus Day weekend, which is 3 days so I'd get an extra day of recovery! Sorry you don't get to go to Orlando. Hopefully you will make it back soon. And at least you have your cruise to look forward to!

I'd do your race at the start of your trip as well. Spending time walking around the parks is not a great way to prepare for the race. Plus then you'll have plenty of days afterward to proudly wear your medal around the park!

Thanks for your advice Jenny! I know you are the expert! That is what I'm leaning toward...great idea about wearing the medal around. I am going to be proud of that thing!!! Assuming I earn it!

 

[kcandbella]

After AK closed, I boarded a bus to Epcot. We had the dinner reservation that I was most excited about for this week…Le Cellier! I knew we would be at AK this day until close, so I made the reservation for 7:00 to give us plenty of time to get to Epcot. Well, if you remember from my last update, everyone else had listened to the call of the pool and was back at the resort. When I got to Epcot, it was only about 5:30, so I had over an hour to wander through World Showcase all by myself! I was very excited.

When I arrived at the World Showcase, Off Kilter was playing in Canada. I stopped and listened to them for a while, then strolled around in England and France for a bit. I was kind of just wandering and shopping, so I didn’t even really take pics. I looked at the schedule and realized the acrobats were getting ready to start, so I hightailed it to China to catch their show. It was amazing! It had sprinkled a little when I was leaving AK, so they were indoors. I did take just a couple of pics of them.

They were so talented! Very entertaining. I couldn’t believe it when they were finished and I looked at my watch. It was already 6:45! I headed back to Canada and checked in. While we were waiting for our table, Jaeden and Bella made masks and we took a couple of pictures.

The Canadian pavilion is SOOOOO pretty. I just loved it!

Before long, we were seated. I was so excited to try the filet. I ordered it with mashed potatoes instead of the mushroom risotto, and I have to say I was not disappointed. It was delicious! My mom, sister, Noah, and Jaeden all had it, too…and were amazed at how GOOD it was! Noah kept saying, “This is the best steak EVER!” Which is a big compliment from him, because his dad is an amazing cook and makes a really good steak, too. My dad had prime rib and thought it was excellent, and Bella had…a hot dog.

For dessert, I had to order the Moose:

Jaeden got the smores

I don’t remember what everyone else had, but it must not have been too exciting. We were so stuffed after dinner that we didn’t feel like sticking around for Illuminations, which I had originally planned on. I also really wanted to try a Grey Goose Slush, but I was too full! On our way out, my dad ran to the restroom and while waiting, we stopped for a quick PP pic. I don’t like these that much because I look so heavy in them, but I will post one anyway (just imagine me 20 pounds lighter, which is what I am now!).

We headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep!

Up next: The quest for Tiana

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed your meal at Le Cellier! That filet is so yummy. It really is beautiful in the Canada pavillion, isn't it?

 

[dismagiclover]

I've never seen those acrobats, but they look great! I love the Canada Pavillion too. It's so pretty! And of course Le Cellier is awesome. I get hungry just thinking about it! Congrats on the 20 lb weight loss! That is an accomplishment

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Oh! I am so jealous you were able to wander the WS ALONE! even if it was only for a little bit. Sounds like you guys had a wonderful dinner...and I know I said it before but I LOVE Bella's outfit. If chloe were mine I would have to learn to sew, to make all those outfits; or find a job that pays better

20#'s how awesome!!! told Danny last night OK enough talking about it!! it is time to get on the fitness wagon and lose some of this weight. I gained back what I lost last year (go figure--when I'm not doing anything to even try).

Don't know if you had caught the post on FB but WE ARE BOOKED FOR Sep 28-Oct 3 at the CBR. I called and told the CM that my mom and several of my freinds had all recieved a pin and it really made me very disappointed that I was left out. Was there anything she could do to help me out? She told me to hold on, came back said I had an older pin attached to my name and that she could use it for the dates I was booking . POR/FQ was not available with the pin (that is the mod for the marathon).

Have a great week!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I always order the filet with the mashed potatoes too, so yummy!

I agree about Canada, it's really pretty, very picturesque

 

[carissanboys]

Glad you enjoyed your dinner at Le Cellier. That filet is pretty good, isn't it? I got to hear Off Kilter for the first time during my half-marathon and I was so excited!

Congrats on losing 20 lbs!

 

[kcandbella]

I'm so glad that you enjoyed your meal at Le Cellier! That filet is so yummy. It really is beautiful in the Canada pavillion, isn't it?

Yes it is gorgeous! And Le Cellier is a must do for this next trip--though we'll probably do lunch since it's changing to two credits at dinner starting March 1.

I've never seen those acrobats, but they look great! I love the Canada Pavillion too. It's so pretty! And of course Le Cellier is awesome. I get hungry just thinking about it! Congrats on the 20 lb weight loss! That is an accomplishment

Thanks Jenny! You should try to catch the acrobats your next trip...they are very entertaining. The kids would like them too I bet.

Oh! I am so jealous you were able to wander the WS ALONE! even if it was only for a little bit. Sounds like you guys had a wonderful dinner...and I know I said it before but I LOVE Bella's outfit. If chloe were mine I would have to learn to sew, to make all those outfits; or find a job that pays better

20#'s how awesome!!! told Danny last night OK enough talking about it!! it is time to get on the fitness wagon and lose some of this weight. I gained back what I lost last year (go figure--when I'm not doing anything to even try).

Don't know if you had caught the post on FB but WE ARE BOOKED FOR Sep 28-Oct 3 at the CBR. I called and told the CM that my mom and several of my freinds had all recieved a pin and it really made me very disappointed that I was left out. Was there anything she could do to help me out? She told me to hold on, came back said I had an older pin attached to my name and that she could use it for the dates I was booking . POR/FQ was not available with the pin (that is the mod for the marathon).

Have a great week!

Yes Connie I saw that! And I am so happy for you. It's better since our dates and resorts don't exactly match up. Wandering WS alone was a lot of fun--and on a trip with seven people it is always great to have some time to yourself!

I always order the filet with the mashed potatoes too, so yummy!

I agree about Canada, it's really pretty, very picturesque

Yes it is! I really want to explore more of the pavilion next time...and I WILL get that slushie!

Glad you enjoyed your dinner at Le Cellier. That filet is pretty good, isn't it? I got to hear Off Kilter for the first time during my half-marathon and I was so excited!

Congrats on losing 20 lbs!

Hi Carissa! Off Kilter was so good-I wish I would have caught more of their show. And just thinking of that filet makes my mouth water!

 

[kcandbella]

Just a bit of news....MY OCTOBER TRIP IS BOOKED! I actually ended up going with the kids stay and play free, it turned out to be slightly cheaper than a pin. We are at ASMu, Bella really wants to swim in the guitar shaped pool. I decided our dates would be Thurs, Sept 29th-Weds, Oct 5th! That gives us two days before race day and four after. And joining us (most likely) will be my friend Stacy and her daughter Kayla who is the same age as Bella! They will both be six on the trip. Bella really wants to try Space Mountain this trip, and she is 42 inches right now, so fingers crossed that she grows two inches before October. I might sign Bella up for the kids race that morning...we'll see. But I am registering on Feb 14th for the half and we are planning on MNSSHP at some point for sure. Now to start planning ADRs!

 

[longing2Batdisney]

Just a bit of news....MY OCTOBER TRIP IS BOOKED! I actually ended up going with the kids stay and play free, it turned out to be slightly cheaper than a pin. We are at ASMu, Bella really wants to swim in the guitar shaped pool. I decided our dates would be Thurs, Sept 29th-Weds, Oct 5th! That gives us two days before race day and four after. And joining us (most likely) will be my friend Stacy and her daughter Kayla who is the same age as Bella! They will both be six on the trip. Bella really wants to try Space Mountain this trip, and she is 42 inches right now, so fingers crossed that she grows two inches before October. I might sign Bella up for the kids race that morning...we'll see. But I am registering on Feb 14th for the half and we are planning on MNSSHP at some point for sure. Now to start planning ADRs!

and I am so happy you decided to bring Bella along...HOW FUN!
I can't wait for Sep/Oct to get here!!!!

 

[kcandbella]

and I am so happy you decided to bring Bella along...HOW FUN!
I can't wait for Sep/Oct to get here!!!!

Me too! We are so excited to meet you and Ashton and everyone else that will be there during that time. When Stacy said she wanted to go, I knew that she could watch Bella during the race. It is all working out perfectly!

 

[MaryAz]

Hurray for booking your dates!! Glad that your friend is also coming along-another little girl to add to the mix-lucky Ashton I am thinking of signing up Cayley for the race-not sure about Avery-she is less of a race tyoe

 

[dismagiclover]

That is exciting news! October is such a great time to go. You will love the race and MNSSHP! The kid's races are fun! I'll be posting my update about my kids' race soon. Though they did the Mickey Mile which is different than the other kids' races. We saw some of the shorter races and everyone looked to be having a grand time!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yippee!! Congratulations on getting your trip booked! That is so awesome that you have a friend that wants to go along so that Bella can come too.

Definitely try to catch a MNSSHP if you can, Jared & I had a blast at the one we went to

 

[PrincessInOz]

Congrats Kayce. Sounds like a perfect plan...you'll be there for MNSSHP and I think F&W will be on the same time. I had a blast at MNSSHP and ate way too much at F&W. But the food was soooo tempting...

 

[kcandbella]

Hurray for booking your dates!! Glad that your friend is also coming along-another little girl to add to the mix-lucky Ashton I am thinking of signing up Cayley for the race-not sure about Avery-she is less of a race tyoe

Yes, Ashton will have a lot of little girls to hang out with! I was hoping the kids races were Saturday during the day, like after the 5K, but they are Friday night. Or they were last year anyway. So I don't think I'll end up having her do it.

That is exciting news! October is such a great time to go. You will love the race and MNSSHP! The kid's races are fun! I'll be posting my update about my kids' race soon. Though they did the Mickey Mile which is different than the other kids' races. We saw some of the shorter races and everyone looked to be having a grand time!

Your report of MNSSHP has me very excited to try it out! The kids races did look fun but I think we are going to skip it this time--I want to have as much time in the parks as possible.

Yippee!! Congratulations on getting your trip booked! That is so awesome that you have a friend that wants to go along so that Bella can come too.

Definitely try to catch a MNSSHP if you can, Jared & I had a blast at the one we went to

Yes, we are for sure! I can't wait!

Congrats Kayce. Sounds like a perfect plan...you'll be there for MNSSHP and I think F&W will be on the same time. I had a blast at MNSSHP and ate way too much at F&W. But the food was soooo tempting...

I have heard so many good things about both...can't wait to try them out!

 

[kcandbella]

I woke up this morning with one goal: to see the MK opening show. We had breakfast reservations at CRT at 10, so I thought it would be perfect to get there around 8:30, watch the show at 9, and have an hour in Fantasyland. My parents and sister had told me the night before they would meet up with us at 10 for breakfast, so it was the boys, Bella, and I. This was the one time we actually made it to rope drop! I was so proud of us.

We watched the opening show, which I really liked and so did Bella. The boys, being 8 and 10 year old boys, were not all that impressed, but I think they enjoyed it at least a little.

We were front and slightly left center for the show, so once the rope dropped there were a bunch of people in front of us. It took awhile to get through the train station! Our plan was to Dumbo dash, but as soon as we got in, Jaeden had to use the bathroom. So we had to stop and wait for him.

This is what it looked like “dashing” down Main Street.

Needless to say, it was more like a crawl. And I am not happy to say that we did not win that Dumbo dash. We didn’t even place. It was more like coming in dead last. As we lined up for Dumbo, there was already a 20 minute wait! But Bella thought she was going to ride Dumbo first, and there was no way she would be happy not doing so. So the boys and I decided that to avoid any temper tantrums, we would wait in the long line that we had so hoped to avoid.

There was a moment in line that I am also not proud of. Jaeden and Bella had been fighting all week over the up in the air round and round rides of who got to control the up and down movement. I was trying to tell Jaeden that he could be in control of his own right behind us, but he thought there were two rows and I was saying he had to ride in the back of ours. He screamed at me a little and so I took his face and made him listen to me. Then he started crying and I felt really bad. The lady in front of me looked at me like I beat him. Not a Disney-ish moment at all. But we survived.

As we approached the front of the line, my parents came and found us (no they didn’t cut, they weren’t riding. They were just telling us they were there). I handed them our tickets and told them to go get FP for Peter Pan, so they did. Finally, we were on the ride.

It looks empty but don’t be fooled.

The construction at the time (this was early May)

Bella freaking out that she didn’t have sunglasses.

After Dumbo, we hopped on the carousel and tried to get the sword out.

We rode Snow White, too. By then it was time for breakfast. I was disappointed at how little we got done! But we were on our way here

 

[kcandbella]

We met Cinderella and were seated quickly.

I was not all that impressed with the interaction here. It was fast. They were fine, but seemed to rush. I had heard that, so was prepared for it, but still wished they would have taken a little more time with us.

First up was Belle.

Then came Ariel

Sleeping Beauty, who did hit it off with Bella because she was on Bella’s dress and told Bella that she got to go with her anywhere she went that day

And Snow White.

The food was good, and I’m glad we got to meet the princesses, and I mean, how can you say no to eating inside the castle??? But it was just all a little rushed. The wishing ceremony was cute.

So I’m glad we did it. I don’t think we’ll go back, I think we’ll do Akershus instead, since I’ve heard character interactions there are wonderful. But it was an experience I’m glad we had.

After we ate, we headed here:

And the first half of this show is awesome. Why just the first half, you ask? Well, halfway through Bella knocked her glasses off of her face and we couldn’t find them anywhere. So I had to give her mine. I can’t comment on the second half of the show because I didn’t have glasses. UGH! Next time I will grab an extra pair just in case.

We used our PP FP, and headed on Winnie the Pooh. They put all seven of us in one honey pot. I was so squished and it looked like a clown car I’m sure. Why not separate us into two???

At this point, my dad, Kellie, and Noah decided to go back to the hotel to relax and swim. I was determined to get Bella to meet Tiana, and my mom and Jaeden decided to come with us. We got to the Garden Glenn at about 11:30. They had just left, the line for 12:00 was already full, and the next meeting wasn’t until 1:00! So we decided to go back and swim, too. On our way out, we caught some of the parade and Bella and I stopped for some PP pics.

We headed back to the hotel for some R and R…would we get to meet Tiana?!?!?

 

[carissanboys]

We all have those "not our best" moments - even at WDW.

I'm impressed the boys posed for a picture with Cinderella! I don't think I could get my boys to do that.

Always disappointing when the intereaction isn't great at a character meal. That's what you pay the big bucks for, right? That was our experience at Chef Mickey's.