Disney done differently, (BOG dining updates pages 202 and 203)

[lovethattink]

for Grumpy!!! I was always told not to smile in a DL photo because if you got pulled over, you wouldn't be smiling then.

Totally in love with the Lego store. We've passed by it at DTD, but never went in (just looked at the sculptures outside), but now I really want to go visit it! I have to find a time to make it over there now.



Totally loving the pics! Sorry to hear that Grumpy was stressed and worried - but glad to hear he did so well! I'm sure that trek to the desk felt like forever for him without knowing how well he did.

Thanks! That's too funny about the not smiling. I'll have to share that with him.

The play area at the Lego store is now on the opposite side of the building. The play ground equipment is gone. Legoland the amuzement park opens in October where Cypress Gardens use to be! We will be getting APs for that for sure!

 

[lovethattink]

Congrats to Grumpy. Getting a dl is a big step to adulthood! Love the lego store pics, Luke has been oohing and aahing over them. Took me an hour to get to post, lol cause he was still looking.

He had his learner's permit for 2 years. We told him he couldn't get his license until he was all caught up in his school work and demonstrated enough responsibility. Last week he finished all his history assignments for the year. He has a few history projects to do though. There is another subject he is almost done with too!

Luke will love it. When you go to the ramp area, you probably won't find wheels. Just ask the CM who is out there for wheels. They keep extra in their pockets. However if there are a ton of kids, their pocket of wheels might be empty. Return the wheels back to the cm when you are finished.

Glad Luke liked the pics.

 

[lovethattink]

to Grumpy for passing the test.

I love the pictures of Anakin on the Easter egg hunt and with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.

The new lego designs are terrific. Thanks for posting the pics.

I'm sorry that CSR is still booked, but I bet you guys will enjoy POFQ.

Thanks! He has taken the car out each day so far. Besides Golden Corral, he took it fishing for bait on Friday, and then fishing all morning/afternoon yesterday.

He won't buy bait. He goes to a lake and catches his own minnows. He does have to buy worms though. He also makes his own luers and caught a fish yesterday on his homemade luer!

At first he didn't want to see the bunnies because he said there were in costume and he wants to see the real Easter Bunny. I should have taken him over to Universal when they were doing their HOP promotion, lol.

 

[Lidian]

Thanks! That's too funny about the not smiling. I'll have to share that with him.

The play area at the Lego store is now on the opposite side of the building. The play ground equipment is gone. Legoland the amuzement park opens in October where Cypress Gardens use to be! We will be getting APs for that for sure!

I never knew there was a play area. Guess you really do learn new things every day! Still trying to find time to hit DTD on our upcoming visit. Not looking good, but I refuse to give up hope!!

 

[lovethattink]

I never knew there was a play area. Guess you really do learn new things every day! Still trying to find time to hit DTD on our upcoming visit. Not looking good, but I refuse to give up hope!!

I hope you get a chance to hit DTD. There are 2 new stores too! I haven't been to either yet.

 

[Lidian]

I hope you get a chance to hit DTD. There are 2 new stores too! I haven't been to either yet.

Ahhhh! I guess I'll have to work harder at getting DTD time in then! I guess that's my goal for today after I get the housework done.

 

[lovethattink]

Ahhhh! I guess I'll have to work harder at getting DTD time in then! I guess that's my goal for today after I get the housework done.

Wait, you are letting housework get in your way of Disney planning?!

I'm super excited that my ticker no longer says "months" and is now in the "weeks"!

You wrote this on your PTR this morning and it hit me hard! My oldest has to finish his entire homeschool curriculum in order to visit his grandparents for the month. That give him just weeks to finish all his projects and assignments! Yikes I am freaking for him! The pressure is on!

I know he finished all his history assignments, quizzes and tests for the year and was almost done with another subject's. However, he has saved many projects for the end, and I think he may be overwhelmed with them. I know I am for him!!

Anakin finished all his Kindergarten work. We are going to begin first grade work next week, and do a half day through summer so he doesn't forget everything like he did last summer. At least that's what the neurologist suggested.

 

[davebon23]

Tink,
Love the pictures from the Lego store. Those characters they build are so AWESOME. I don't know how they do it. I love looking at them. Can't wait to see them in person in August.

Congrats to Grumpy! I feel your pain, my DS has his permit now, but won't get his license until next spring. So at least I have a little time before he is truly behind the wheel by himself. Sometimes it really terrifies me

But I know he will do well, as I am sure Grumpy is. So hard to let them grow up and be real people, huh? Hard to think of them as adults when you remember their first steps and first falls.

I bet Anakin really loved that Lego store. He looked like he had a lot of fun

 

[Lidian]

Wait, you are letting housework get in your way of Disney planning?!

I know, I'm horrible. But I did do some trip shopping today!!!!

You wrote this on your PTR this morning and it hit me hard! My oldest has to finish his entire homeschool curriculum in order to visit his grandparents for the month. That give him just weeks to finish all his projects and assignments! Yikes I am freaking for him! The pressure is on!

I know he finished all his history assignments, quizzes and tests for the year and was almost done with another subject's. However, he has saved many projects for the end, and I think he may be overwhelmed with them. I know I am for him!!

Anakin finished all his Kindergarten work. We are going to begin first grade work next week, and do a half day through summer so he doesn't forget everything like he did last summer. At least that's what the neurologist suggested.

I hope he can get his work finished!! Hopefully he'll fly through the projects and it will all be a breeze! I'm sending "smart thoughts" again! Keep us posted on how well he's progressing!!!!

I highly recommend ongoing summer studies. Our school sends home "summer packets" of work and activities for the kids to do so their brains don't go to mush while school is out. It makes it easier on the kids when they officially start back - so its less review and frustration.

 

[lovethattink]

Tink,
Love the pictures from the Lego store. Those characters they build are so AWESOME. I don't know how they do it. I love looking at them. Can't wait to see them in person in August.

Congrats to Grumpy! I feel you pain, my DS has his permit now, but won't get his license until next spring. So at least I have a little time before he is truly behind the wheel by himself. Sometimes it really terrifies me

But I know he will do well, as I am sure Grumpy is. So hard to let them grow up and be real people, huh? Hard to think of them as adults when you remember their first steps and first falls.

I bet Anakin really loved that Lego store. He looked like he had a lot of fun

Glad you enjoyed the Lego pics! I know you will love the store when you go in August. As I told Lidian, there are also 2 new stores at DTD. I haven't checked them out yet.

Grumpy is a good driver. He has driven us all over Florida in the 2 years he had his permit. I figure if he can handle I-4 and I-95, he can handle the around town driving he is doing.

He is still 17. So we are still responsible for him. He is a junior in highschool. We are giving him more freedom, but he still has to go by our rules until he is on his own and moves out. Our rules aren't strict and they are reasonable, especially compared to some of his friends who are driving.

Best wishes to your son and his driving!

 

[lovethattink]

I know, I'm horrible. But I did do some trip shopping today!!!!



I hope he can get his work finished!! Hopefully he'll fly through the projects and it will all be a breeze! I'm sending "smart thoughts" again! Keep us posted on how well he's progressing!!!!

I highly recommend ongoing summer studies. Our school sends home "summer packets" of work and activities for the kids to do so their brains don't go to mush while school is out. It makes it easier on the kids when they officially start back - so its less review and frustration.

Hurray for shopping!! What did you buy? Are you going to post pics on your PTR?

He says he will get it done. He does not want to take it with him to do! He wants to enjoy his month away from home without school work hanging over his head.

Anakin's memory is really dependent upon his seizures. At therapy on Thursday he forgot how to spell his name! But he could remember his phonograms and spelled it out phonetically. We even made up a song to help him remember the spelling of his name and he forgot that too. I know his memory losses bother him as much as it bothers us. Poor kid.

 

[Lidian]

Hurray for shopping!! What did you buy? Are you going to post pics on your PTR?

He says he will get it done. He does not want to take it with him to do! He wants to enjoy his month away from home without school work hanging over his head.

Anakin's memory is really dependent upon his seizures. At therapy on Thursday he forgot how to spell his name! But he could remember his phonograms and spelled it out phonetically. We even made up a song to help him remember the spelling of his name and he forgot that too. I know his memory losses bother him as much as it bothers us. Poor kid.

I bought DS a duffel bag, 2 pairs of socks, and some random toiletry items today. I didn't have my list, so I didn't go overboard. I knew DS needed a new suitcase, but couldn't resist the duffel bag I found (on sale!). I'm working on uploading pics right now. The socks came out of the Dollar Spot at Target... didn't see any girly Disney ones.

I don't blame him for wanting it done and enjoying a month of relaxation!

Poor Anakin! I hope that the seizures are able to be under control and he can push past this and move forward! He is such an adorable child.

 

[lovethattink]

I bought DS a duffel bag, 2 pairs of socks, and some random toiletry items today. I didn't have my list, so I didn't go overboard. I knew DS needed a new suitcase, but couldn't resist the duffel bag I found (on sale!). I'm working on uploading pics right now. The socks came out of the Dollar Spot at Target... didn't see any girly Disney ones.

I don't blame him for wanting it done and enjoying a month of relaxation!

Poor Anakin! I hope that the seizures are able to be under control and he can push past this and move forward! He is such an adorable child.

Loved your pics of the bag and socks. Those Walmart shirts were cool too. I checked out our Walmart the other day and they didn't have many shirts I liked. I certainly didn't see the shirts you got! I did get Grumpy a great Star Wars shirt at Walmart. It was the many expressions of Darth Vader. It's hilarious.

We will one day be faced with whether or not to have surgery to have Anakin's area of dysplasia removed. At this point it's not worth the risk. It would cure his epilepsy, but it could make the sensory and behavioral issues worse. At the moment, those are more of a problem than the epilepsy.

 

[Lidian]

Loved your pics of the bag and socks. Those Walmart shirts were cool too. I checked out our Walmart the other day and they didn't have many shirts I liked. I certainly didn't see the shirts you got! I did get Grumpy a great Star Wars shirt at Walmart. It was the many expressions of Darth Vader. It's hilarious.

We will one day be faced with whether or not to have surgery to have Anakin's area of dysplasia removed. At this point it's not worth the risk. It would cure his epilepsy, but it could make the sensory and behavioral issues worse. At the moment, those are more of a problem than the epilepsy.

I didn't notice any SW shirts at WM, but Target had a ton! I almost picked up some for DH and DS, but we weren't going to SWW and they were all dark colored - which I was afraid would be too hot for May in FL. The DV shirt does sound hilarious! I'll have to scout for a pic of it. It might be a must for DH.

I couldn't imagine having to make some of the decisions you're faced with on a daily basis. You are an amazingly strong person. I wish you all the best in your choices.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Oh my gosh! That Seven Dwarves Lego sculpture is AMAZING!

 

[lovethattink]

Oh my gosh! That Seven Dwarves Lego sculpture is AMAZING!

I was in awe, but very quickly had to take pics so that dh could look at it all too! Anakin didn't care about the big ones as much as racing the car.

I think there might be only 6 dwarfs since Dopey is with Snow White. I wanted to go back and count, but didn't. I guess now that you reminded me of it, I need to count the dwarfs in the pic.

 

[lovethattink]

Yesterday, we went to the Coral Reef for lunch. Eliana our favorite server was not working, but we had a server named Leah who was wonderful! The menu changed since the last time we ate there. The new appetizer was AMAZING!!! Sooooo good I am craving for it again!

Anakin did something new yesterday at Epcot.

Goofy purchased me the most awesome Mother's Day present yesterday too! I absolutely love it!! Can't wait to unbox it and display it!!

Pictures and food review to come later today once I get the pics downloaded to share!

 

[lovethattink]

When we arrived at the Coral Reef the place was packed with people. Our resie was for 11:45am. The man in front of me at the check-in desk had a pager and asked when he would be seated, since people before him were getting seated. He was told around 20 minutes since he didn't have a reservation and those with reservations get priority. We checked in and got our pager and Anakin was worried about waiting 20 minutes to eat. Our pager went off after 5 minutes. Putting us ahead of most of the people sitting there.
This was our first time to be seated in the 2nd level. Mostly we've been fortunate enough to get at the tank. Once we sat on the 3rd level.

As soon as we sat down, Anakin began his search for fish. Marking them off as he found them.

I'm not sure if it was actually louder on the 2nd level or not, but there was alot of noise and we found that we had to shout to hear each other. The noise bothered Anakin and several times he put his hands over his ears. We NEVER experienced noise like that in there! At least he was having fun even if he didn't like the noise level.

Anakin ordered Cream of Potato Garlic soup, Grilled Chicken Breast, and french fries, and a sundae for dessert. He did not like his soup as a soup, but he did like his bread dipped in it. It tasted like garlic bread. I ended up finishing his soup, and I loved it!!

The appetizer for 2 has changed since the last time we ate there. So I decided to give it a try. I am sooooo glad I did!!! The shrimp were incredible!! I think it's the best shrimp I ever had. (I always say the DCL shrimp is the best but this was better!) The appetizer now comes with 6 fried shrimp over jimica slaw, served with a spicy roumalade sauce, and 2 crabcakes served with tropical fruit salsa and tequila aioli. The crab cakes were very good. I love mango, so the tropical fruit salsa was right down my alley!!

My husband had the mahi mahi. He said it was the best! He gets this every time, but he said this time it was even better!!

For dessert, I had the Key Lime Mousse with Roasted Pineapple and Mango Glaze. Typically this dessert also comes with chocolate pearls, but I am unable to eat chocolate. Anakin had the kid's sundae.

Yesterday, we went to the Coral Reef for lunch. Eliana our favorite server was not working, but we had a server named Leah who was wonderful! The menu changed since the last time we ate there. The new appetizer was AMAZING!!! Sooooo good I am craving for it again!

Anakin did something new yesterday at Epcot.

Goofy purchased me the most awesome Mother's Day present yesterday too! I absolutely love it!! Can't wait to unbox it and display it!!

Pictures and food review to come later today once I get the pics downloaded to share!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Sounds like you guys had a great meal. That smile of Anakin's is infectious - I just have to smile everytime you post a pic!

 

[lovethattink]

My countdown is down to the teens now!!!

Planning and packing is beginning to take form for our mini-vacation at Pop and SSW. I really wish Disney would release the SSW times guide well before SSW starts!

Usually I am fly by the seat of my pants and don't do much if any planning. But with Anakin I need to think ahead, especially because of the heat.

Anakin's cooling vest arrived yesterday. Nancy at SilverEagle has been wonderful through the whole order process and getting the vest to us. She said that under 85% humidity we should be able to get 2 hours out of the vest, but much less time if the humidity is over 85%.

We are going to take SSW in small doses, just a few hours each day, totally based upon his tolerance to the heat. The first SSW is before our Pop Stay. I booked 1 ADR for each day. I tried to get Sci-Fi for each one, but it wasn't available early on many of the days. I was looking for lunch resies, because I know we won't stay all day. So I booked 50's Prime Time when I couldn't get Sci-Fi.

Grumpy will only be able to attend the first weekend, before he goes away for the summer. He is huge Star Wars fan himself. He has gone to SSWs for as long as I can remember the studios having them. Here are a few from 2004, I think?

Unfortunately, my desk top just recently crashed, taking all the rest of my SSW pics through the years. Although I do have some saved on FB from last year.