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

[Cafeen]

I last left off with Emily wrapped in Handy Manny's arms. He was real sweet to her and you can tell that she was super happy to see him.

Of course, btw, to continue the trend, he DID take a quick break just before we got to him! This happened with almost every non-dining character we saw!

So, we got our pictures done and then headed up toward Pixar Place. One of the items Beth was looking for was something from Cars for her friend's son Mikey. I figured that this would be the best area to do that (I have to relearn how to figure this stuff...)

So, we walk up the path and go by TSM. I look at the FP machines and they're all covered. All gone for the day (it was about 2-2:30 by now) . I looked at the sign for standby, 60 minutes! That was not going to work with Miss Emily nor Beth, so we passed it by for now. (They took no notice of it by the way).

We just kinda meandered up the street and I made mention of the play area. I remember this from when I was a kid (though, I think they've expanded it quite a bit... I could be wrong though!) I did miss the Roger Rabbit themed area at the Backlot Express (or whatever it's called), but we found the playground and I went to get the drinks.

Meanwhile, Emily was having fun and I was dealing with my lg Sprite, a cup of ice, and an apple juice. I had amazed myself at my ability to make a cuppie for Emily (of course, it consists of pouring ice into cuppie, pouring juice into cuppie, putting lid on, shaking...)

So, back to the playground (after getting told that I couldn't bring my drink in... at least they let me bring Emily's!) and they are finishing up. (Beth has some pics, but I have to go through them and edit, so I'll post some other time). We headed off for the streets of New York (and San Francisco) after browsing through the little bit of Cars stuff at the store here. None of it really caught her eye.. so we moved on.

It was time to try something new, and we found the Muppetvision 3-D theater with a show starting soon. We hopped in line and waited, we got our glasses, saw the preshow and then were in!

The show was cute, but Emily wasn't too interested in it. She simply wouldn't keep her glasses on to watch it, so that pretty much canceled out any other 3-D movies for the week (good thing it was Friday!)

It seems that I've run out of pictures (acceptable ones at least), so the rest of the day will be text. At least there isn't much left!

After Muppetvision, we walked back to the stroller... at least I THOUGHT we did. Of course, Beth asks me "Which way?" and I say "Umm... this way I think!" Yeah, my sense of direction is pretty bad. We walked ALL the way around the streets area in a huge loop to get back to the stroller. I felt bad as Emily was just not into walking it either, and wanted mommy to carry her . (It turns out, we were about 2 minutes away if we had gone the other way...)

So, back at the stroller and quick potty/pull-up change break taken care of. We started walking around some more. We took our time and headed down Sunset Blvd again (Beth was looking for the folio thing for Emily's pennies, and she had to have the Tinkerbell one which was nowhere to be found!). We looked through a few stores and Emily had conked out.

We eventually found the thing in the RnRC store, along with some more candies. After all this, we headed back for the entrance. (I think there was some more aimless walking around involved too, I do remember that we checked out the "villans" shop... but not sure when that was.)

We hopped the bus (yay for CSR's bus stops being right up front!) and headed back for the resort.

Of course, we hadn't had dinner yet, and I didn't have any plans for it. We decided to head down to El Centro and see what we could get. I figured, I can try a walk-up at Maya Grill, if that fails, Pepper Market it would be.

Now, remember, this is the heat of Free Dining, during a convention, with F&W about to start (technically, it was the first day of F&W).

I approached the podium to inquire, and was told "Sure! It'll be about 15 minutes" Great! 10 minutes later they called us in and we were eating at Maya Grill again. This time, I had the Steak Tips and something or other, while Beth had the Chipolte BBQ Chicken thingamabobber (sauce on side, she doesn't do spicy too well). Emily had Chicken Parmesan. Once again, everything was excellent. I used a bunch of the Chipolte sausce on my steak tips and it was great. Emily ate well and Beth really enjoyed her meal. Dessert time came and I (once again) got the Churros with Vanilla Bean ice cream, Beth took a piece of chocolate cake, while Emily got applesauce (gee, who drew the short straw on that dessert list? )

Another wonderful dinner down, and we headed back to the room. We hung around and then did some laundry (wee exciting) and got ready for the last day of the parks, and what a day it should be. We had breakfast at CRT planned as well as a late lunch at Le Cellier! We watched the Tinkerbelle movie that happened to be on TV and went to bed.


Apologies for the walls of text in this update... had pretty much put the camera away after Muppets.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

You are too fast for me Allan. Those 2 updates were sooooooooooooo good. Emily and Handy Manny, well, just too darn cute. We went to the Muppets too. It was ok. Nothing compared to PhilarMagic of course. My fav things at MGM are of course RNRC and TOT.

We never made it to Maya Grille. Don't know why but we did do Pepper Market and liked it.

Ginny

 

[Cafeen]

You are too fast for me Allan. Those 2 updates were sooooooooooooo good. Emily and Handy Manny, well, just too darn cute. We went to the Muppets too. It was ok. Nothing compared to PhilarMagic of course. My fav things at MGM are of course RNRC and TOT.

We never made it to Maya Grille. Don't know why but we did do Pepper Market and liked it.

Ginny

Don't worry, the next one will be at a slower pace, there's much more to fit into it. I think I still just wanted to blast through my MGM day here, even over a month after the fact

As always, thanks for the comments . I do pass most of them (I leave the ones about me out ) along to Beth as well, and she is very appreciative!

Maya Grill was real good. I was a bit skeptical as I had read at least one scathing and a few not-so-good reviews on the place. I'm very glad we gave it a shot though. It's pretty amazing the difference in subjective tastes, inconsistencies between food and service, as well as a general over-expectation about the dining places here.

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Don't worry, the next one will be at a slower pace, there's much more to fit into it. I think I still just wanted to blast through my MGM day here, even over a month after the fact

As always, thanks for the comments . I do pass most of them (I leave the ones about me out ) along to Beth as well, and she is very appreciative!

Maya Grill was real good. I was a bit skeptical as I had read at least one scathing and a few not-so-good reviews on the place. I'm very glad we gave it a shot though. It's pretty amazing the difference in subjective tastes, inconsistencies between food and service, as well as a general over-expectation about the dining places here.

That is so true. We ate at H&V for our Fantasmic night and found the food to be good on that particular evening. Better than the Chef Mickey's dinner. I hate it that you didn't get to see Fantasmic. That is an awesome show.

Those pics you have of Beth and Emily are so good. You can just see the love in their faces. I think most of us here have had "A Jerk" in our lives one way or another. I know you are always so thankful when they can finally be put to rest. It's extra hard with a little one in the mix. Hope Beth is doing better.

Ginny

 

[Cafeen]

Hey all,

Sorry I've been quiet lately, work is picking up (Winter releases coming out soon) and I was sick all day today . (Slept off and on for about 25 hrs.. what a waste of a day).

Working on the next update now (granted, you guys are more normal than I am, so you're probably asleep anyway!)

 

[Cafeen]

So, we last left off on Friday night after getting a 10 minute wait walk-up at Maya Grill and our MGM day. If you noticed, the answer was... no, we never did get to do TSM . It's on my list for Feb though! I even have AM EMH day planned to make sure I can hop on it.

Moving forward, today was planned to be a very special day (more special than the other days, which were already special to begin with!). We had an 8:15 ADR for Cinderella's Royal Table and a 2:10 lunch at Le Cellier!

We got up on time, and headed off to the bus stop with little incident. We began to wait for our bus and we watched a couple Epcots, an Animal Kingdom, and a Hollywood Studios or two go by. Then finally, I see a Magic Kingdom bus pull up! We hop on it, along with a family that mentioned they were eating breakfast with Donald.... Hm.. something might be wrong here.

Yup, it was. As we pulled out of Bus Stop #1 at CSR, the automatic spiel guy starts doing his Animal Kingdom thing. Now, at this point, and even today, I SWEAR that the bus said Magic Kingdom, but alas, we were heading to Animal Kingdom (and everyone else on the bus was going to the right place... so I must have been wrong).

At this point, the big manly guy that I am was almost in tears as I had single-handedly pretty much "ruined" Emily's special breakfast. Beth was doing her best to comfort me, but I was really upset at myself for doing this (heck, I still am). At least I knew how to fix it... and we headed over and waited in the TTC line. It took about 20 minutes, but the bus came. Ride bus, ride monorail and now it's about 8:55 and we're stuck in the rope drop crowd . We try to squeeze our way through (which I'm sure was looked down upon by others!), but didn't make it before the countdown. We charged up Main St. with the mob, and then got stuck in the Fantasyland rope drop line... which was too far away from the CRT door to let us through.

So, eventually, at around 9:05am we get to CRT and check in, 50 minutes late. They did call us pretty quick, but I still felt horrible. It was hot out, I was sweating like a faucet, and I was very upset that I had almost ruined this breakfast on Emily. So, moving along, we lined up to get our picture taken. Emily would not go near Cinderella, so the photopass guy made us all get in the photo (something neither Beth nor I were prepared for). We got our photo taken and then waited to go upstairs.

This came out 10x better than the photopass one

See what I mean about it was hot and neither of us were prepared...

We finally get upstairs and get seated. At least we were right next to a window, except that would work against us for pictures . We got our orders in, and off our server went. Now, she was the worst server we'd have all week. She was very rushed and gave us little time to make decisions. She also spilled orange juice every single time she filled our glasses. Several times almost right on my camera (even though I kept moving it around).

The princesses soon started coming though, so all was good.

Remember how yesterday we bought a Jasmine pen? Well...

she took notice of it and was very sweet about it! She asked Emily if she was her favorite princess. Of course, Emily said "Yes". >< I think she was a bit dazed.

We finished up breakfast, and Beth took Emily for a change. I took some pictures while I waited.

Now, we were done with breakfast and it was pushing 10am. I do have to say that I was highly disappointed with the CRT breakfast. The food itself was ok, but the service was horrible. I truly felt that we were being punished for being so late. The princesses were good, but we still felt like we were rushed in and out to free up the table. It was an experience, but one I would not do again.

At least I paid OOP rather than using up 2 TS credits each, financially it made much more sense (total was about 80$ for the 2 of us, since Emily was free).

After breakfast, we decided to head to Adventureland (after picking up Peter Pan Fastpasses of course).

On our way there, we ran into these two:

This started moving the day back into the good side of things .

 

[teacher2525]

Enjoying your report (just found it). You are such a kind and giving person. Your big news announcement left me with thoughts of romance not thoughts of another trip Beth and Emily are so lucky to have you in their lives Looking forward to the rest of the report. It is always nice to hear about a trip rfom a man's perspective

 

[Disney Spaz]

I love the update. I hate when they make us adults get in the pitures too. Thanks for the review of CRT. I ate there years ago for dinner before it was a buffet and it was okay but now that I have a DD, 3, I debate going back but just have not heard enough positives to justify the cost.

 

[Cafeen]

Enjoying your report (just found it). You are such a kind and giving person. Your big news announcement left me with thoughts of romance not thoughts of another trip Beth and Emily are so lucky to have you in their lives Looking forward to the rest of the report. It is always nice to hear about a trip rfom a man's perspective

Thanks and welcome

The romance will have to wait, but I am patient (to some extent). I really feel that it will eventually happen, and all I have to do it bide my time and be the person that I am. I truly feel as if we're already together in some sense, and have for a long time now, it's just a matter of waiting out the in-between period.

They are lucky to have me aren't they? I'm wonderful, what else can I say?

The rest of the report is forthcoming. We're on our last part day now , so it won't be too long until it's over. Too bad I'm not quite as good at dragging out as some others around these parts, it would have kept me busy until my Feb trip!

I love the update. I hate when they make us adults get in the pitures too. Thanks for the review of CRT. I ate there years ago for dinner before it was a buffet and it was okay but now that I have a DD, 3, I debate going back but just have not heard enough positives to justify the cost.

Thanks

CRT was an experience. I think the being as late as we were impacted it a bit, but really, I didn't feel the cost justified the meal too well. It was something I'm glad that we did once, but I don't think I'd do it again. Emily may also have been a bit young to really grasp the concept, so maybe, I'll wait until she's a bit older to try a 2nd time.

As far as the picture, I don't think I would have minded as much, if not for the overheated sweaty look I had going on. I stand with my arms crossed a lot, and it shows on the light shirt I had on that day . If only the photog had taken just an extra couple of minutes (no one was behind us... or if there was, they had just gotten there), I'm sure it would have come out much better. Oh well, nothing I can do now except not buy the photopass stuff (which, I didn't).

--------

As far me today, I'm having 2nd thoughts about my Feb trip's dining plans. Not everything, but Biergarten and Teppan Edo in particular. Not being a very outgoing person, the communal sitting at both of these locations really has me doubting whether or not I'd have a good time. Add to the fact that much of the menu at Biergarten doesn't really appeal to me, and I think I'll change that one. I did snag a noon lunch @ Rose and Crown that day, not sure what I'll do for dinner yet. Thinking Kouzzina, if they take the DP. Otherwise, maybe Tutto Italia or Coral Reef (though, not a seafood fan at all, so I'd have the steak... of course )

Planning these meals is a lot tougher than I thought it would be, especially for someone as picky as I am!

Today is a work day though, so I may get an update out at the end, but until then, have a good one.

 

[aprilisis]

Sorry you had a rough start to the day. I really enjoyed your photos!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh Allan, I can't believe you got on the wrong bus. I wouldn't have blamed you if you had burst into tears. I could almost feel your anxiety to get to the castle. Poor thing.

We've never eaten in the castle and probably never will since there's nothing on any of the three menus that we really care enough for to use 2 table service credits. With Hunter being 12, he's really not into the whole Princess theme. Now, when he starts really looking at the girls, he may ask to eat in the castle.

I hope that the rest of your day goes well.

 

[KatMark]

Allan, great update (and sorry about the bus snafu at the CSR with the MK bus...this is why we ALWAYS drive!). I love the pics of Emily with all of the princesses...but especially Jasmine.

 

[Cafeen]

Sorry you had a rough start to the day. I really enjoyed your photos!

Thanks

Oh Allan, I can't believe you got on the wrong bus. I wouldn't have blamed you if you had burst into tears. I could almost feel your anxiety to get to the castle. Poor thing.

We've never eaten in the castle and probably never will since there's nothing on any of the three menus that we really care enough for to use 2 table service credits. With Hunter being 12, he's really not into the whole Princess theme. Now, when he starts really looking at the girls, he may ask to eat in the castle.

I hope that the rest of your day goes well.

The princesses were very easy on the eyes, I'll definitely say that!

Allan, great update (and sorry about the bus snafu at the CSR with the MK bus...this is why we ALWAYS drive!). I love the pics of Emily with all of the princesses...but especially Jasmine.

Thanks . I really like that one, and the laughing one with Aurora too!

As far as the bus snafu, it happens. I think I have some weird disorder similar to dyslexia, but where I replace whole words or something. Not to make light of those with learning disabilities, but it happens quite often. (Or maybe I was just hoping so much for it, that my brain saw "Kingdom" and filled in the rest?)

At any rate, I took it the hardest out of the three of us (of course, Emily didn't really know what was going on anyway). I was just so annoyed with myself that I would do that! It worked out in the end (somewhat...), so that's really what matters. At least this would be the last morning where my misadventures in navigation would impact the trip. Of course, it was also the last morning that we'd be in the parks in general .

 

[Cafeen]

Well, the day we looking better after we met up with Wendy and Peter. Peter looked a little "off" and not entirely comfortable (then again, he is a man, in tights... and he's NOT roaming around the forest looking for fights!), but Wendy was great and such a sweetheart.

After visiting with them (which, wonders will never cease, we did NOT have to wait for them to take a break!) we headed off to Pirates.

Pirates was always my mom's favorite ride, and I had talked to her sometime during the week and she told me that we must ride it! (Of course, it was already planned, but still..) On our way in, Emily was making pirate sounds all the way down the queue (we took left, after seeing about 4-5 families go right). ARRRRR! "Emily, what does a cow say?" "Mooo" "What does a pirate say?" "ARRR!" It was super cute. (To us at least, not sure if those around us appreciated it, but doesn't matter the slightest to me!)

So, we took a ride on the new pirates and Emily did great throughout the whole thing. I used to be scared of the drop myself, and I would go on it, but wasn't too keen on that little drop (I think until the day I looked back and saw how tiny it really was). Emily did great though. I let Beth know when it was coming and Emily just squeezed a little tighter during it. Overall a good run!

After Pirates, we headed off for yet another of my favorite rides when I was little. The Jungle Cruise. We checked the wait time and it said 15 minutes, not too shabby so we hopped in.

Now, I will say that this is the most deceiving queue lines we went through in the entire park. Just as soon as it looks like you're there, you go around another bend to another area that's full of going back and forth. 15 minutes was an understatement here.

At least, I got to capture this moment. (Collective "Awwww" goes here)

And some more queue line pics...

And now for some ride pics...

(Ok, this is a bit like Lisa's Small World collection...)

After cruising through the jungle, we headed back to Fantasyland for a few stops on the way out. We hit up Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventure, and Beth and Emily rode the Carousel.

While waiting for them on the Carousel, I figured that Mr. Bear was a bit bored and needed some shade...

We said our goodbyes to the Magic Kingdom for the last time, and headed over to the Monorail for Epcot. We had a 2:10 date with a popular restaurant.

 

[Cafeen]

And, just because I can (and I'm stalling for another 12 minutes...)

Here's some pictures from Beth's camera!

You can see why the seat we got wasn't too ideal for that time of day. It was nice to have a window seat, but it didn't make for very good pictures, and poor Emily had the sun in her eyes a lot too .

 

[KatMark]

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

 

[aprilisis]

I love the Jungle Cruise photos!

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

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

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

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.

 

[MEK]

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!