Daddy for a week, Emily's Special Trip to "Ally's Room"

[Cafeen]

Weird, I'm getting errors trying to post a new thread, but I can reply to one just fine. Argh.

At any rate, since I made this post to test and can't take it back... I'll say hi.

What a precious picture on the carousel--love it. Looking forward to Epcot and LeCellier (our favorite).

Those pictures are great. I didn't get any of my own as never saw them on the ride as it went by . LeCellier will be coming soon.

I love the Jungle Cruise photos!

Thanks . I had a lot of fun taking them. This was much different (in a good way) than I remember it too. I pretty much only remembered the headhunters, the rhino and the tree, and the elephants.

As always I love your photos. Yes, I did the Awwwwww moment. I happened to like your group pict at CRT. It is good for Emily to have one of you all together for her memories. I don't want your time to end.

Ginny

Thanks . I think I just don't like it due to the way that I look. That bright red face and the sweat marks on my shirt (I stand arms crossed most of the time). It would have been better if I had been able to dry myself off and wear a darker shirt, but we got it anyway. She'll have that memory just fine, and many many others to choose from.

Great updates, Allan!

Too bad about TSM. It was such a cool ride, but long lines with a two year old are not cool! I can't wait to see how you like it in Feb.

Awww, I felt so bad for you getting on the wrong bus and thinking that Emily was going to miss out on her breakfast with the princesses. You just proved again how selfless and sweet you are!

So glad you made it. Sorry you had such terrible service, though. All the princesses were very pretty this time around, too!

Seems like I've seen your Cinderella a time or two as different princesses throughout several TR's!

The Wendy and Peter Pan pictures are so cute. Yeah, PP looks a little uncomfortable. Bent down like that, he's probably worried about showing off his stuff. He has that "concerned" look on his face.

Thanks . I was disappointed about TSM as well, but it's just more excuse to make another trip right? .

CRT was nice to do, but a disappointment overall. I think the fact that both Beth and I were pretty upset and frustrated (she doesn't like the pic at all and was claiming that she ruined it) didn't help. But, now we know what the hype is about and now I don't have to worry about doing it next time .

Alan...

I got totally behind last week, but just got all caught up on your ADR fiasco! Wowsa! You are one determined soul (Just like the rest of us would be). I'm glad you got everything you wanted except Yak & Yeti. You got some great ADR's. Sounds like its going to be a great trip!

Welcome back . The ADR day was... interesting. I will admit, it was kinda fun though. The boards had a great feeling going on and all that stuff.

I don't know if I posted here, or if you got that far yet, but I did get Yak & Yeti the next day (ADR is for 10-Feb @ 12:00pm). I'm thinking it was one of those "Not in the system yet" or "Haven't signed the Dining Plan contract yet" things.

I do have some arguments going back and forth in my head over both Biergarten and Teppan Edo... So much that I've also booked Rose & Crown (for their burger) and Tokyo Dining (for the steak) on the same days. I think the communal seating has me worried that I won't enjoy my meal (due to myself, not others) as much as I'd like.

 

[Cafeen]

So, now that we've left the Magic Kingdom for the last time on this trip (total count, 2 1/2 days), we're heading over to Epcot to finish up the trip .

When I made the ADRs, I was a bit of a newbie, but I still managed to snag a 2:10 lunch on the last day we were there. Not a perfect time, but with the later than expected breakfast, it looked just fine.

We arrived to Epcot sometime after noon (or 1, I really have no idea other than it was a bit before our ressie) and made our way to Canada. We didn't walk quickly, but rather just strolled back there, taking it all in for the last time.

I think we actually went Mexico side first though... and walked that way. I don't have any pictures to tell me which way was right, but I'm relatively sure of it.

So, let's go over there first, shall we? We walked by Mexico and then over to China. One of the souvenir shops had set up.. um.. shop along the water and Emily spotting a bright green parasol. Of course it was a must have. (I know, a 2 year old with an umbrella, this could prove to be a bad decision...) I picked up a "fresher" one (the display one was a little beat up), opened it up to make sure it worked, and then bought it. The girl at the counter was nice enough to personalize it by writing Emily's name in Chinese on it as well (in, what I'm sure is a very traditional Chinese method of big black permanent marker! )

Well, Emily was thrilled! And I was failing at taking pictures. So, we continued around the World Showcase, stopping at the African Outpost for a handy cup of ice. We didn't really peruse any of the countries, but just strolled along the promenade and took it all in. Emily was happy with her parasol, although it was not exactly easy keeping it over the stroller... Apologies to anyone out there we may have poked. At least it was stroller height and not face height.

The park itself was promising to be busy, as it was the first Saturday of Food and Wine. I knew that we'd only be getting a couple hours of post-lunch in anyway, so that shouldn't be a problem. (Though, I did want to catch Big Bad Voodoo Daddy that night, but oh well, some other time).

We finally arrived in the exotic land of Canada about 20 minutes before our ADR time. This gave us some opportunity to take pictures.

There are more from Beth's camera (guess I was just not into it ><) and I'll post those after.

We got checked in at Le Cellier and then waited. And waited. The CMs were playing trivia games for stickers to keep people occupied, but it was still a bit of a wait (20-25minutes or so). Eventually, our name (well, my name) was called and down into the cellar we went.

Now, I will stop here to say a couple things. First, both Beth and I love steak. I have spoiled her on several occasions with good solid steaks, typically increasing in quality (Longhorn was the last one we went to, and that spoiled her to that level of food). Let's just say that I now feel bad for anyone who tries to take her out to dinner . Second, there is no second.

We got situated, and Heather (our server) came out to get our drink orders. Heather was a doll. Such a great server (hence, I actually remembered her name! I typically forget the bad ones and remember the good. It's better that way) and really knowledgeable about the food. She brought our bread out and described what each signified. Beth and Emily both LOVED the pretzel bread of course . I enjoyed it considerably, but I found the sourdough to be much more to my liking. Of course, I do love a good sourdough (I made my parents bring some back from San Fransisco years ago). Even when I was a kid, I loved sourdough bread... /shrug.

At any rate, we were chomping away on the bread when our soup came. Now, on the DP, these weren't included, but I knew that we had to try them. I was very glad we did. I'm not a soup guy. The only (other) soup I really enjoy was a certain kind of Potato and Bacon soup that I only found a few times and never since. This was great though.

We ordered our entrees, Beth picking up the recommended Filet while I had a nice NY Strip and Emily got herself a hot dog. Of course, the food was delicious. My steak was cooked and seasoned just right, and the potatoes were great. Beth's was the best steak she ever had (in her words). Of course, this means that I spoiled her again, and no other piece of meat will come close... crap. Emily even loved her hot dog and ate almost all of it.

Dessert time came around, and (of course) I knew exactly what to get. Chocolate Moose. Beth thought it sounded good (and didn't know what to expect) so she also ordered it.

She burst out laughing when it came. Heather explained that they'd often get "corrected" in their spelling of Mousse on the menu ("It's 'Mousse' not 'Moose'!") and that's why it has quotes like it does. I don't know why I found this tidbit interesting, but I did! So there!

Anyway, down the hatch went the mooses (meese?) and up came the bill. Now, I know I haven't really included prices much, but let's say that this was one dinner I KNOW we saved by using the DP. The total came to 97$ before tip, add in a tip of 20$ and that brings it to 117$. Now, take off what the DDP paid for, and we paid 36$. Not too shabby. We headed out, and I got the picture I should have gotten heading in...

You can just pretend this was at the start rather than the end.

We headed off to see the fishies one last time, but Emily started acting up. She learned to bite from her father... and had been doing it quite a bit to Beth this week (not in a mean way, almost as a sign of affection... but it was still wrong and Beth had been trying all week to work on breaking her out of this). Well, Miss Emily decided to be defiant and not listen to mama. So, Miss Emily didn't get to see the fishies after the ride.

After that episode, we headed over to the innoventions buildings, but first, a quick pit stop by two of Emily's favorite characters.

Of course, we did have to wait a few minutes as they took a break, just as we got to the front of the line too ><.

After Chip and Dale, we took a romp through Innoventions... umm... right side (west, east? dunno). Where Emily had a blast on the firetruck and in the fire safety house.

After this bit of fun, we strolled through the other building, and then made our way to the exit. We were done with the parks and would be leaving Disney the next day .

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Yummo on the food. Please note, I am not days behind this time. That Emily is so cute. I think you made up those bad things just so we wouldn't think she is perfect. She is just a 2 1/2 year old child who does what they do. Biting fits right in and yes I hate it and I'm sure Beth does too. It is a hard habit to break.

I'm shocked on the lack of pictures but all is forgiven with the one of Emily and Chip and Dale. Priceless.

Ginny

 

[Cafeen]

Some of these I took, while others, Beth did...

Before Lunch, outside of Le Cellier

For Dessert, I forgot what they offered. However, Emily being Emily ended up getting a whole bowl of cherries (her favorite).

Look at her face...

More Innoventions pics...

I'll have to go back through the other installments and post pictures from Beth's camera for them as well. I actually should have started this method when I started... but oh well. It keeps this going for a bit longer.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Boy, that Emily gets cuter and cuter every time I see her pics! She is such a doll-baby.

Why was I thinking that Le Cellier was a princess lunch????

Obviously, I have never eaten there.

Cute Chip and Dale pics. You can tell she soooo enjoys the character interaction.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I agree with Mel and Ginny.....Emily is just the cutest thing. I especially like the very last picture you posted.

 

[Disney Spaz]

I have to agree with Beth after eating the filet at LeCellier there is no other steak. YUM!

 

[Cafeen]

Boy, that Emily gets cuter and cuter every time I see her pics! She is such a doll-baby.

Why was I thinking that Le Cellier was a princess lunch????

Obviously, I have never eaten there.

Cute Chip and Dale pics. You can tell she soooo enjoys the character interaction.

Thanks as always .

No idea why you thought Le Cellier was princess... It's not . It was very good though.

I also love the Chip and Dale pics, they were two of my favorites growing up as well. It's funny how there are a lot of things that she takes after me with... strange in a good way. (Favorite color is one of them, and there are a few others)

I agree with Mel and Ginny.....Emily is just the cutest thing. I especially like the very last picture you posted.

Thanks again . She really is. I like that one too, though I did put the "Look at her face" picture on my desktop yesterday (I've been swapping through desktop images like a madman lately!)

I have to agree with Beth after eating the filet at LeCellier there is no other steak. YUM!

It was tasty for sure. I may try a Kathy trick in Feb and see about subbing potatoes for the risotto (not a mushroom fan either).

 

[KatMark]

Emily is such a doll...love the pics with Chip & Dale. I'm so glad you enjoyed LeCellier--it is one of our MUST DO's every trip. Next time you go, try the Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey cake.

 

[Cafeen]

Before we go on to finish, we shall take a peak back at the days...

These are all images from Beth's camera that I didn't have resized to post here at the time. (I don't have all of them redone yet either, but will do them in batches).

Coronado Springs - Arrival day

Your gracious host, and the star of our show

Waiting at Chef Mickey's

More Chef Mickey's pics

For all those who did ADRs on Oct 27... "I'm walking right down the middle of Main St..."

More Princess Pics (Emily needs to learn how to sit like a lady in this first one ><)

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Loving the pics from Beth's perspective! Did you have to go and post that "walking right down the middle of main street". Now it's going through my head!

 

[aprilisis]

I'm sad that your report is almost over. Are you going to do a PTR for February? (hint, hint, nudge, nudge)

 

[Cafeen]

Loving the pics from Beth's perspective! Did you have to go and post that "walking right down the middle of main street". Now it's going through my head!

I'm evil like that

I'm sad that your report is almost over. Are you going to do a PTR for February? (hint, hint, nudge, nudge)

I have most of the PTR stuff in here already, don't think I could really keep a thread going for that long when most of the planning is all done and there's just nothing to do but wait (and give them my semi-hard-earned money)

We'll see what the popular voice says, and then I'll decide based on how I'm feeling at the time .

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Have a great weekend Allan.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Since I still have "walking down the middle of main street USA" going through my head, I wanted to be evil to and give you one:

"ZIPPIDEE DO DAH, ZIPPIDEE AY, MY OH MY WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY! PLENTY OF SUNSHINE, COMIN' YOUR WAY! ZIPPIDEE DO DAH, ZIPPIDEE AY. MISTER BLUEBIRD ON MY SHOULDER...!"

 

[MEK]

Allan-

I have been reading in bits and pieces, but I can't see your pictures today at work. It is so frustrating, because there is a wonderful picture of Emily with one of the princesses that I so wanted to post. Its just precious.

You mistaken trip to the AK must have been soooooooo frustrating. I would have been super stressed thinking, "They are going to charge my credit card if I don't get there in the next 5 minutes". Ugghhhhhh!

I've really enjoyed your TR and all your wonderful pictures. I hate for it to end, but I know you will be back in Feb with another TR.

 

[Cafeen]

Have a great weekend Allan.

Thanks Ginny, you too!

Since I still have "walking down the middle of main street USA" going through my head, I wanted to be evil to and give you one:

"ZIPPIDEE DO DAH, ZIPPIDEE AY, MY OH MY WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY! PLENTY OF SUNSHINE, COMIN' YOUR WAY! ZIPPIDEE DO DAH, ZIPPIDEE AY. MISTER BLUEBIRD ON MY SHOULDER...!"

Doh! I asked for it didn't I?

At least I can usually replace the stuck in my head songs pretty easily. Right now it's a mix of Disney ride songs, Tropico 3 game songs, and other random stuff. I really need to recharge my MP3 player to listen to actual music here at work ><.

Allan-

I have been reading in bits and pieces, but I can't see your pictures today at work. It is so frustrating, because there is a wonderful picture of Emily with one of the princesses that I so wanted to post. Its just precious.

You mistaken trip to the AK must have been soooooooo frustrating. I would have been super stressed thinking, "They are going to charge my credit card if I don't get there in the next 5 minutes". Ugghhhhhh!

I've really enjoyed your TR and all your wonderful pictures. I hate for it to end, but I know you will be back in Feb with another TR.

Hm, not sure why they wouldn't show up today. My hosting account is fine and there are no bandwidth limits. Your work may have blocked the first site (Like Mel's did) because it's a "game" site, or maybe both of them? . They're there though. Could just be some random internet routing issue too. Don't really know.

TBH, I wasn't even concerned about the charges... even though I was just scraping by on this trip (we both got hit pretty hard with bills in the month or so leading up to it), the thought didn't cross my mind. I think I just wanted to do the breakfast myself as much as I wanted them to experience it ><. I was so relieved when we got there and checked in that they'd be able to sit us.

I'll have some more TR stuff going through. I'll be doing the replay with Beth's pictures (though, much less text, since you guys already know what we did ) which will extend it some. Then Feb will be here and I'll have all the time in the world to fill up my 4GB memory card a few times (I'll bring my work laptop down so I can offload them when it gets full ).

 

[Cafeen]

Beth and Emily goofing off with their new ears

Crystal Palace Dinner Pics

An Attempt to catch Spectro (was going on after we got out of dinner)

Miss Emily in the Morning (day 2)

AK Pics (Part 1)

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I love the additional pics. Keep 'em coming!

 

[MEK]

I have decided that this is my all time favorite picture of Emily! I really will miss her smiling face, so I am glad you are posting some extra pics!