Cheese Ball Yak Attack: 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1200 miles - The Sequel

[nessz79]

Joining in! I love your family- everyone seems so wonderful!

 

[erika412]

It relates in the fact that I'm the guy that handles what parts of the Internet are blocked at my work. Turns out that the DIS is still available!

So then where's the update?

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Wow Barry great photos again ! love the fireworks shots.I have come to the conclusion that I am not taking a camera with me in Dec cause there is noway my shots come out as nice as allot of you guys from the DDC

Carl, we have a secret with our pictures. The secret is to take roughly 5,000 of them. That way, there's sure to be 5 or 6 that are good enough to show to other people.

 

[that's nice]

Wow Barry great photos again ! love the fireworks shots.I have come to the conclusion that I am not taking a camera with me in Dec cause there is noway my shots come out as nice as allot of you guys from the DDC

All you have to do is save the ones you like on your computer and pass them off as you own! Just don't pass someone else's family off as yours... people might notice that!!!

Carl, we have a secret with our pictures. The secret is to take roughly 5,000 of them. That way, there's sure to be 5 or 6 that are good enough to show to other people.

LOLOL

So true!!!!!!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Wow Barry great photos again ! love the fireworks shots.I have come to the conclusion that I am not taking a camera with me in Dec cause there is noway my shots come out as nice as allot of you guys from the DDC

Carl, we have a secret with our pictures. The secret is to take roughly 5,000 of them. That way, there's sure to be 5 or 6 that are good enough to show to other people.

Thanks, Carl. But as Mark says, it's mostly dumb luck that we get any good ones at all.

Joining in! I love your family- everyone seems so wonderful!

Welcome and thanks. I sure can spin it so we look like nice people, can't I?

So then where's the update?

I realize you've never met her, but you need to stop hanging out with my wife. You're starting to sound like her.

I'll have an update tomorrow. Promise.

 

[stopher1]

HAHA! Busted

Umm Don... I think that comment applies your way too!

 

[stopher1]

Carl, we have a secret with our pictures. The secret is to take roughly 5,000 of them. That way, there's sure to be 5 or 6 that are good enough to show to other people.

We have that same "secret" in our house.

 

[E3yore]

But I'm at work. I don't have time to do updates.

Liar. How many times do we have to go through this...you do not work. I know this already. You spend all day playing on the internet and making rubber band balls.

Welcome and thanks. I sure can spin it so we look like nice people, can't I?

He's right about this. The kids and I are wonderful but I am not sure about him.

I realize you've never met her, but you need to stop hanging out with my wife. You're starting to sound like her.

I'll have an update tomorrow. Promise.

Barry, you leave her alone. She can say what she wants to say...as long as it gets my point across.

We will see about this promise.

 

[E3yore]

This post has been removed. Bambi replied to a bunch of stuff, but was logged in as me. Her comments are below.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Liar. How many times do we have to go through this...you do not work. I know this already. You spend all day playing on the internet and making rubber band balls.

If I can put it on my resume, it's considered work.
playing on the internet = bandwidth stress testing
making rubber band balls = devising new, more efficient systems of office supply storage and distribution

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Staying at Magic Kingdom last night for Wishes and then fighting the crowds out, waiting for the monorail, etc made for a pretty late night getting back to Grandma & Grandpa's house. Which made for an even later morning for most of them - sorry, most of us - to get up and get ready for Epcot. While we didn't have a lot planned for the day, I still like to get to the parks early. You can get so much done in the first few hours and then relax the rest of the day when the crowds come in. But it was not to be today, so I just went with the flow.
Grandpa had forgot to return his 3D glasses from when they went to see UP, so Madison took advantage of a little dress up time:

We got to Epcot around 10:30. I immediately went off to get Fast Passes for Soarin' while the family got a locker to store extra cloths, etc in. I think the FPs were for around 2-3pm.

I met up with them again just past Spaceship Earth, the line for which was already snaking around outside and along the side of the building. This and the FP return time were not good omens for the day.

This was our first time at the International Flower and Garden Festival. I had heard some very good things about it and was excited when I learned that they had moved up the opening to the weekend we were there. Disney does a good job with this event - the park is very beautiful with all the flowers and displays. (Evan was again not in the mood for pictures)

Somehow, he went from sour to squirrely in about 4 seconds.

All of the above topiaries were right around Spaceship Earth, before you got to the pin trading booth. We decided to head over to Test Track to see what the stand by wait was. I don't recall it now, but I know it has to be close to an hour. We decided to wait until we could get Fast Passes and ride it later.

We headed over to two of the Flower and Garden Displays that we wanted to see: Tiana's wedding bayou and the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden. Both of which were conveniently located behind Mouse Gear. We first came to Tiana's Wedding Bayou.

I'd show you more pictures, but that's really all there was. It was just a small area tucked into a corner with some flowers, some bottles hanging from the trees, and plywood cutouts of the characters. Quite disappointing, actually.

Across the path was Pixie Hollow, which they did a much better job with. There were actual topiaries of the Fairies. They even themed the areas around the toparies to "talent" of the fairies. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you'll just have to see the movies)
Rosetta, the garden fairy.

Tink

Silvermist, the water fairy

Terrance

Fawn, the animal fairy (she's just outside of the butterfly house. It was a bit early in the year, and most of the butterflies were still in chrysalis form)

Iradessa, the light fairy (notice the flowers are planted in a rainbow)

They also had some playground equipment set up which was actually pretty difficult to pull Evan off of. Luckily, they had a little maze set up that I was able to entice him to try. Coincidentally, the maze finished right at the exit. Hmmm...what are the odds of that?

They even had a few props from the Tinker Bell movies. This is a 21-Butterfly salute created by Fawn.

This is the balloon that Tinker Bell made. I have a feeling that this is just a replica, and not the actual balloon used in the movie, though. I'm sure that one is in a museum somewhere.

From there, we headed over to the Seas with Nemo.
Remember: kids are friends, not food. Even if they delicious and already in your mouth.

And yes, after I took the picture I scolded him for climbing on the railing.

We headed into Turtle Talk, but just missed the show. The next was in about 15 minutes, so we decided to take a little break and just sit by the doors and look at the rays. I was chatting with the family behind us and explained how the dining plan works. Perhaps I listen to too many Disney Podcasts and do a little too much research when I can explain a system that I've never used to total strangers. Nah....

We were called in to the auditorium and took our seats. Crush came swimming out. He immediately went right up to Madison and started talking to her!
You can't see her here, but the CM is holding the microphone for her.

Crush asked her name ("Madison")
and where she was from ("Wisconsin")
He admitted that he had no idea where that was and asked if there was surfing there ("No")

The last few times we've seen Crush she tried soooo hard to get to ask him a question and was never picked. For him to swim right up to her was quite a treat!

From there, we went and saw the "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" show. We'd never done it before and needed to kill time until our 2:25 ADR. I really could have done without the 10 minute Kodak commercial during the pre-show. The show has it's moments, but overall it's pretty dated.

Madison and I then rode Journey into Imagination with Figment because the rest of the family chickened out. There was a mother and her two teenage sons ahead of us in line. (And by line, I mean "walking ahead of us to the person that assigns you a ride car") She was worried about the ride going too fast or spinning too much. I had her convinced that the last time I rode it I threw up twice. She must not have noticed the fact that a) I was coming back to ride it again and b) I had a 5 year old little girl with me.

So after Mr. Figment's Wild Ride, we casually walked back towards the Canada Pavilion and our first experience at Le Cellier. There were a few more topiaries on the way.
Notice how I got the advertisement in the shot. Just like Disney has subliminally instructed me to.

Something tells me this isn't a "hidden" Mickey

See whats behind Bambi?
Yeah, it's another Bambi.
No, behind the other Bambi.
Oh, sorry. Hey, isn't that Canada?
Yup, that's Canada. And that's where lunch is. And that's where I'll pick up in my next update.

 

[stopher1]

We got to Epcot around 10:30. I immediately went off to get Fast Passes for Soarin' while the family got a locker to store extra cloths, etc in. I think the FPs were for around 2-3pm.

We've gotten there around the same time before and got 4-5, not too bad really, considering. And one time, we got nothing... so there you go. I think you did fine.

I met up with them again just past Spaceship Earth, the line for which was already snaking around outside and along the side of the building. This and the FP return time were not good omens for the day.

Yeah, but come on, anytime you build a ride RIGHT AT THE ENTRANCE and people see any kind of a line, especially if they haven't been on it before, they're gonna get in that line to see what the "excitement" is all about. And eventually it's going to wrap around the side of the building. Just be thankful you weren't there for New Year's Eve when the SE line can get up to 2 hrs long. I mean really, SE? It's a nice cool-down, relax your feet kind of attraction, but it's not anything to write home about. (Sorry Nate - your company may currently sponsor it, but it still isn't anything terrific). I do enjoy it, but there's no way in heck I would wait 2 hrs for that one. I'm just sayin'.

This was our first time at the International Flower and Garden Festival. I had heard some very good things about it and was excited when I learned that they had moved up the opening to the weekend we were there. Disney does a good job with this event - the park is very beautiful with all the flowers and displays.

I agree whole-heartedly. Last year was my first experience with the F&GF, and I really enjoyed what I saw.

Coincidentally, the maze finished right at the exit. Hmmm...what are the odds of that?

At least it wasn't into a shop

I was chatting with the family behind us and explained how the dining plan works. Perhaps I listen to too many Disney Podcasts and do a little too much research when I can explain a system that I've never used to total strangers. Nah....

We were called in to the auditorium and took our seats. Crush came swimming out. He immediately went right up to Madison and started talking to her!

Yay for Madison! I remember being excited for you when you posted that on FB.

Madison and I then rode Journey into Imagination with Figment because the rest of the family chickened out. There was a mother and her two teenage sons ahead of us in line. (And by line, I mean "walking ahead of us to the person that assigns you a ride car") She was worried about the ride going too fast or spinning too much. I had her convinced that the last time I rode it I threw up twice. She must not have noticed the fact that a) I was coming back to ride it again and b) I had a 5 year old little girl with me.

I love it.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

The Flower and Garden festival was very pretty! I was impressed when we were there also!

Nice update! So, we've never tried Honey I shrunk the Audience before and were considering doing it this year. Do you think it's worth doing it once or is it a skip! I know I want to ride the "crazy" Journey into imagination with Figment. That looks really cute! We actually didn't get over to the Imagination Pavillion at all last trip. I can't wait!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I'd show you more pictures, but that's really all there was. It was just a small area tucked into a corner with some flowers, some bottles hanging from the trees, and plywood cutouts of the characters. Quite disappointing, actually.

Yeah, this doesn't look like their best effort. Madison doesn't look too disappointed, though.

There were actual topiaries of the Fairies. They even themed the areas around the toparies to "talent" of the fairies. (If you have no idea what I'm talking about, you'll just have to see the movies)

Do I have to? I prefer to let the kids watch these and "summarize" them for me. Sort of like the Cliffs Notes version. It works on the morning Disney Channel shows too. Actually, I can probably tell you what happens in them before they air.

I was chatting with the family behind us and explained how the dining plan works. Perhaps I listen to too many Disney Podcasts and do a little too much research when I can explain a system that I've never used to total strangers. Nah....

Nothing wrong with wasting brain cells on Disney knowledge. You could do worse. Much, much worse.

We were called in to the auditorium and took our seats. Crush came swimming out. He immediately went right up to Madison and started talking to her!

Crush asked her name ("Madison")
and where she was from ("Wisconsin")
He admitted that he had no idea where that was and asked if there was surfing there ("No")

The last few times we've seen Crush she tried soooo hard to get to ask him a question and was never picked. For him to swim right up to her was quite a treat!

Very cool! Too bad you guys don't actually live in Madison, Wisconsin. That could have made for an interesting answer.

Madison and I then rode Journey into Imagination with Figment because the rest of the family chickened out. There was a mother and her two teenage sons ahead of us in line. (And by line, I mean "walking ahead of us to the person that assigns you a ride car") She was worried about the ride going too fast or spinning too much. I had her convinced that the last time I rode it I threw up twice. She must not have noticed the fact that a) I was coming back to ride it again and b) I had a 5 year old little girl with me.

That's great. You have a sadistic sense of humor. This is probably why we get along so well.

See whats behind Bambi?
Yeah, it's another Bambi.
No, behind the other Bambi.
Oh, sorry. Hey, isn't that Canada?
Yup, that's Canada. And that's where lunch is. And that's where I'll pick up in my next update.

Mmmm...Le Cellier...

Nice pictures Barry!

 

[FreezinRafiki]

At least it wasn't into a shop

Give it until next year. Disney will figure it out.

So, we've never tried Honey I shrunk the Audience before and were considering doing it this year. Do you think it's worth doing it once or is it a skip! I know I want to ride the "crazy" Journey into imagination with Figment. That looks really cute! We actually didn't get over to the Imagination Pavillion at all last trip. I can't wait!

It depends on how much other stuff you want to get to in the day. If you have time, I'd say go ahead and do it. Be forewarned, though if anyone in your party has an aversion to snakes or mice. They're not on screen for very long, but they are big and in 3D.

Do I have to? I prefer to let the kids watch these and "summarize" them for me. Sort of like the Cliffs Notes version. It works on the morning Disney Channel shows too. Actually, I can probably tell you what happens in them before they air.

Let me take a stab at it:
Mr. Lophart is a dufus, something breaks, Handy Manny and the tools work together to fix it.
Ohhh... that was easy.

Nothing wrong with wasting brain cells on Disney knowledge. You could do worse. Much, much worse.

Like asphalt densities and traffic pattern analysis?

Very cool! Too bad you guys don't actually live in Madison, Wisconsin. That could have made for an interesting answer.

Poor child gets all confused whenever we mention driving through Madison.

That's great. You have a sadistic sense of humor. This is probably why we get along so well.

 

[trennr]

I'm sorry...BUTT...it looks like Thumper fixin' to get him a big ol' bite of Something.



Eatting greens is a special treat...

 

[dd50]

Love all the topiary's. Never been for Flower and Garden festival. My grandchildren got picked to speak to Crush and loved it also.

 

[dvczerfs]

great pics barry!!!

 

[that's nice]

I think that week was the beginning of the craziness!!! Glad you were able to get Soarin FPs!

Nice pics of the topiaries! We didn't see the princess & the frog ones... Cardboard? WTH?

The Pixie Hallow ones look really cool! Missed those too.

How cool Maddie got picked to talk to Crush!!

Never saw Honey I shrunk the Audience.... doesn't sound like we've missed much.

Madison and I then rode Journey into Imagination with Figment because the rest of the family chickened out. There was a mother and her two teenage sons ahead of us in line. (And by line, I mean "walking ahead of us to the person that assigns you a ride car") She was worried about the ride going too fast or spinning too much. I had her convinced that the last time I rode it I threw up twice. She must not have noticed the fact that a) I was coming back to ride it again and b) I had a 5 year old little girl with me.

OH YOU'RE ROTTEN!!!


I can't wait to read your thoughts on Le Cellier!

 

[stopher1]

Like asphalt densities and traffic pattern analysis?