Divas, Zebra Domes, and Pixie Dust! A Week in an African Paradise! New TR Link Pg.145

[disneyfan61]

Another great update. Sorry Connor was not enjoying himself so much. I guess that Kim Possible thing can be addicting!! We did not do it in May as my 2 DS's are 20 & 16 but I can see how Connor must enjoy it at his age. Rose & Crown looks great! We have eaten at the counter service before & it was very good!!

 

[eandesmom]

Thank you for weighing in about Key West. It is going to be a family trip, so I will have to make sure that we aren't out and about at night (which isn't really a problem since my family tends to crash so early). What time of year did your sister go? Reading about Key West, it seems there are times of year that are crazier than others. If it is too bad, I won't be averse to finishing out the vacation at Disney!

They were there in the fall I think, either October or November, not times I'd have thought would be nutty. I was there in June the first trip and then May for the second. It was definitely slower in May but not deserted by any stretch of the imagination. We actually tried to stay one more night and had a very hard time finding a room. I think part of the challenge is that all down Duval are drinks to go kind of places (world showcase slush style in giant hurricane glasses lol!) so...it's easy for folks to get carried away. But away from Duval it's lovely and Duval itself can be a lot of fun I'd just be careful and wary. Some neat art galleries!

Margaritaville does make a mean burger and has some great music

Make sure to hit Little White House in addition to Hemmingway's. Those cats are something else I did think they had a good solution although it's a bit of a drive back to Orlando that's for sure! Do you know where you are staying yet?

We did see this while we were there...had a lot of fun watching it pull in, disembark and them pull out again later that day. Made us want to try and do it one day!

Unfortunately the Disney Magic staterooms are not made for a family of 6 (or any ship for that matter). Maybe when we get down to 4 in the house...

 

[JenAusty]

Comments from:

June 6, Day One, Part Three: Ears Trump Sabers!
June 6, Day One, Part Four: A Magical Magic Kingdom Evening!

Hey! I looovvvee the Mickey Ears they made! They are so cute. I'm thinking of making some next time hehe. I'm not much of a hat person but we will see.

Austin loved the Zebra Domes.. I thought they were ok but I liked others more. I wish I could think of the ones I got and loved. Can't wait to read more.. still trying to catch up! =D

 

[winkers]

Chelsea's turning into quite the professional model!

Who knew that Kim Possible would be such a pain in the butt?

We loved the Rose and Crown. We were able to score a pation seat next to the rail for illuminations.

 

[CSwan1]

Great trip report! I have really enjoyed reading it! Can't wait for more!

I saw that your husband is from Burlington, VT! I was in Burlington last week! I live about 2 hours away. We spent 2 days there- we visited the Ben & Jerry's factory (great fun!!) and enjoyed Church street shopping and Lake Champlain!

 

[eandesmom]

Chelsea said, “Take a picture of me holding up the Alice dress!” Clearly, someone has been reading trip reports over my shoulder.

And then she wanted to pretend to knock on one of the doors.

Lovely pictures (and girl!)

Any parent that has been forced to oversee the KP experience at Epcot knows what I am talking about. It haunts your dreams! Anyway, there were so many kids completing the UK mission that night, that we could hear that jingle all over the place. (A funny aside, last night when I was looking for it on the computer, Connor was watching television in the family room. He came over at one point and said, “Mom, I keep hearing the Kim Possible thing. It’s weird.” I resisted the urge to say, “Oh, is it haunting you, too?” and just explained what I was doing.)

Connor, still suffering under the cruel disappointment of having only solved one such mission, was becoming progressively more and more unglued. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, “It’s everyone doing the KP missions. I can hear the KP ringtone, and it’s not fair that everyone else is having so much fun!”

He had his hands over his ears and tears streaming, and I had about had it. It was Charles’s turn to handle the situation. He took him down to the International Gateway to sit on the benches and have a little chat with Connor about his behavior. Chelsea and I browsed the shop down there, and when we returned to the bench, Connor was in a bit better of a mood. I reminded him that we would be back to Epcot on Friday, if not before, and we could do more than one mission. (That statement was to be the cause of yet another chapter in the ever-frustrating Kim Possible Saga).

Oh my, I'm getting progressively worried, and grateful we were spared the song or I'd have never heard the end of it from the E's.

Finally, it was time to check in for dinner.

We got a beeper and had a seat on the bench out front. This was our view, so I had to take a picture.

We didn’t have to wait long, and soon we were seated at a table overlooking the lagoon. It was a gorgeous view.

Across the lagoon:

To the right:

oh how pretty! I wish I could get excited about the menu, I love the location!

I ordered a Welsh Dragon -- at that point in the day, I knew I needed something for my nerves. I even whispered to Charles, “Mommy needs a very strong drink!” It was delicious and so was the bread!

THAT looks fabulous! And well deserved

 

[IluvXU]

Disney naps are heavenly! Glad that Rose and Crown did not disappoint.... I want to get there some trip.

I totally know what you mean about mom's stuff... I dream of bag downsizing!

 

[xoktenox]

Hmmm that Welsh Dragon looks delish! I'm sure on a day like you were having, it really hit the spot! R&C sounds like a yummy dinner too!

Glad that Charles was able to calm Connor down a bit. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your night especially the Illuminations Dis meet

 

[LuvnDizney]

Enjoying your updates!! I think we all have our little meltdowns, even in the happiest place on earth. Love the pics of Chelsea, looks like she was having a great time. What was in the Welsh Dragon? Looks sooo good!



Melissa

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Ah...the England Pavilion...

We reached Epcot very quickly and headed for our first destination: the Rose and Crown.

I ate there way back in the day when I started doing Disney-I really liked it but for some reason we haven't done it in a very long time-thanks for reminding...I wonder if I can change something around...

Our dinner reservation was for 5:50 that night, so we had some time to kill before eating dinner. We wandered around the United Kingdom just soaking in the atmosphere.

Chelsea said, “Take a picture of me holding up the Alice dress!” Clearly, someone has been reading trip reports over my shoulder.

And then she wanted to pretend to knock on one of the doors.

Great photos I love that pavilion it inspired my "Londonmoon" and there are always great characters hanging around-Alice, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, etc. Love that Chelsea let you take her photo with the Alice Dress...


Any parent that has been forced to oversee the KP experience at Epcot knows what I am talking about. It haunts your dreams! Anyway, there were so many kids completing the UK mission that night, that we could hear that jingle all over the place.

Connor, still suffering under the cruel disappointment of having only solved one such mission, was becoming progressively more and more unglued. When I asked him what was wrong, he said, “It’s everyone doing the KP missions. I can hear the KP ringtone, and it’s not fair that everyone else is having so much fun!”

Ah, the bitter injustices of the world/World.

He had his hands over his ears and tears streaming, and I had about had it. It was Charles’s turn to handle the situation. He took him down to the International Gateway to sit on the benches and have a little chat with Connor about his behavior. Chelsea and I browsed the shop down there, and when we returned to the bench, Connor was in a bit better of a mood. I reminded him that we would be back to Epcot on Friday, if not before, and we could do more than one mission. (That statement was to be the cause of yet another chapter in the ever-frustrating Kim Possible Saga).

you know I'm really glad to know all of this because when I fine tune up my Epcot plans I'm going to see if we have time for more than one mission because I will have to specifically tell David this alond with getting the phone from him before it gives him the option...Poor Connor really seems to have taken to the missions...I know if it were me I would have handled it the exact way you did...but he's such a cutie...it had to be hard to say no to that face...


Finally, it was time to check in for dinner.


We didn’t have to wait long, and soon we were seated at a table overlooking the lagoon. It was a gorgeous view.


I ordered a Welsh Dragon -- at that point in the day, I knew I needed something for my nerves. I even whispered to Charles, “Mommy needs a very strong drink!” It was delicious and so was the bread!

That looks like a lot of fun-do you know what exactly was in that?

Chelsea, the only one unfazed by all the happenings of the day:

and I had the Bailey’s Irish Coffee Trifle! It was heavenly and went on my list of favorite WDW desserts!

That sounds sublime...

 

[MeMom]

And then she wanted to pretend to knock on one of the doors.

This is truly a DISer in the making!

Note the hand on the hip. That will be what Brooklynn's pictures look like in a few years.

 

[Happydog]

Great update!! Glad dinner turned out well, and the nap did everyone well!

Made me laugh, your comment that Chelsea was pretty much oblivious to the whole drama of the day... that photo of her at the table says it all... head in the clouds, happy to be in Disney, having fun, smiling ... huh? What? Why is Connor wigging out???!!! Huh. Oh well, hey mom, take a picture of me over here...

Now, that green drink. We gotta talk. WHAT is in that??!! I don't know if I could get my family to the R & C... but that beverage looks very nice....

Looking forward to the rest ...

 

[Native NYer]

Poor Connor! Those KP ringtones probably seemed amplified because he was so upset he didn't get to finish.

The photos are beautiful! Love Chelsea's posing and the way she's just not bothered by her brother's KP saga.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Great pics. Great views you had overlooking the lagoon, I could seriously sit there all day and stare around WS, other than the castle, WS is my fav place to wander, sit and watch people, then wander some more

Poor Connor.....I know I wouldn't be saying that if it was my child, but I do feel for him. I think sometimes the World gets too much for them My DD just informed me that she wants to do a KP mission while we're thereshe's 16!!! Anyhoo, I told her she could go with her cousins and Uncle, Purplepeg and I will, and I feel I can say this with much certainty, will be consuming some Grey Goose Slushies at that moment in time

 

[MaryAz]

Fun update. I must admit I am hoping my kiddos are still oblivious to the KP missions when we go back in May. Though my older DD did see something Hannah Montana today and said she loved her. I told her "you don;t even know who she is, she says sure I do she sings stuff" LOL I think I may spot Midori in that yummy drink.

 

[BrooklynnsMommy]

And then she wanted to pretend to knock on one of the doors.

Did Chelsea learn the hand on hip move from Brooklynn or did Brooklynn learn it from her? I just need to know if I can have someone to blame for the twelve year old sassiness that my almost three year old displays sometimes!

edited to add: I didn't even see MeMom's post before I posted this.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Mmm..food from Disney ..

Yes, Disney food is always so yummy!

Looks like you all had some fun in the UK, well, except for Connor. I totally understand how he felt AND I totally understand how you felt....
I have to admit I've never had the chance to hold the Kimmunicator, while I did hear what seemed to me to be little chimes coming from them, I never got close enough to really hear what it was. Thanks for enlightening me!
It looks like you had a lovely view from the patio at R&C, enjoyed your dinner, and you have your whole family together. What could be better than that?

Yes, as soon as Connor was able to pull himself together -- we had a lovely evening!

Did Chelsea and Charles have the steak that had the potato gratin and cheddar popover? Mmmmm.

Yes, that's exactly what they ordered!

Chelsea is too cute in these pictures. Sorry the Connor meltdown was continuing, that had to be really frustrating. I am so glad you got your Welsh Dragon too! It is so very pretty.

I had the same view waiting to be seated for Rose & Crown too!

Once Connor got over himself, it was a great night! I debated between the Magical Star Cocktail that you had recommended and the Welsh Dragon and our waitress said to go with the Welsh Dragon.

We must have been sitting on the same bench.

I love that first picture with Connor. It's adorable.

Thanks -- it was before he got into a snit.

Wow, the view from your bench is majestic!

I love the architecture in the United Kingdom.

Chelsea's got the hand on the hip pose down pat. Too cute!

She is such a tween girl, isn't she? LOL!

Poor Connor. It probably felt like all of those KP mission doers were flaunting their fun in his face. I've been there, with fraying nerves, when one of my kids acts like a dog with a bone they won't let go. A Welsh Dragon sounds like good medicine. AND anything with Baileys in the title has got to be good.

It wasn't like we hadn't let him do one earlier in the day, but that wasn't enough, I guess. The Welsh Dragon was just what I needed!

I'm amazed Chelsea was so unfazed (I thought picking up on any drama was in the teen/tween girls' handbook)

My kids tend to do the bad kid/good kid routine -- when one is misbehaving, the other is like, "Look, Mom, at how sweet I am." LOL!

Small bags just don't cut it, especially when you've got kids! Let's face it... moms carry lots of stuff!

Yes, we do!

I feel for Connor... WDW can be tiring and overstimulating for any kid. Perhaps if he had taken the little nap like you did, he would've been much more in control of himself!

He must really have enjoyed those missions. Well, he's really the perfect age...


Kathy

He loved those missions, but I think he was also overtired.

Curious.. why did you get drinks from the gas station ahead of time when you went to McDonald's for breakfast? Don't you like their fountain drinks? We love McDonald's drinks so we totally would have got them from there!

... hi btw

We like to get bottled drinks for road trips since we have found that fast food drinks get watered down too quickly. I do like fountain drinks when we are just eating in a regular setting.

R&C looks yum, yum, yummy!! Especially that Welsh Dragon. Mommy totally deserved a very strong drink! And what a view from your table. I can't wait to eat there in Sept!!

Yes, I definitely was in need of a strong drink! You will love it Rose and Crown!

I feel for Connor... that has to be hard to have everyone around you seemingly doing what you want to do and you can't. It's like if everyone around me were drinking champagne and I couldn't have any. Anyway, glad he snapped out of it (with some help from Charles) although the Kim Possible foreshadowing has me concerned.

Love the pic of Chelsea with the Alice dress. Very cute!

Let's just say Connor gets a lot of KP the next time we are in Epcot. Speaking of champagne, did you read the Allears article about Food and Wine today???

Thanks -- I wish she was still young enough to dress up in that Alice dress!

I know the exact sound you are talking about and it haunts your dreams! lol

I swear I was still hearing it hours after departing from Epcot! LOL!

You guys had a great view at Rose and Crown!

Also, I the way Connor was holding onto the KP thing is a boy thing. When my brother was that age he always wanted to do the one thing that was going to be the most time-consuming, involved the most plan-changing, and was the most disruptive to the rest of the family. My mom always struggled with it, because she was tired of always telling him 'no.' She just wished he would pick "easier" things to want!

Can't wait to read more!

Thank you! Yes, Connor has a VERY stubborn streak! If I am completely honest, we all tend to have that streak.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Nice update - looks like the nap did you good, and the drink probably didn't hurt, either!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Great update Love all the pictures of the UK , your kiddies are so cute in them Sorry to hear that there was alot of melt downs over KP So glad that my kids are still a little to young to know about this after seeing your troubles . LOL Rose Crown and Royal Pub meal sounds like it was very good , we actually had ressies there this year and skipped it but after reading what you had to say about it now I'm kinda disappointed we did, Oh well there's always next time .

Thank you! Aside from the KP, we had a great evening! Rose and Crown was very nice, and we enjoyed our meal -- you should definitely put it on your next-time list!

I love the look of that Rose & Crown Patio! I always wonder why so few restaurants have outdoor seating, but I guess it is because of the high temperatures in the summer. I am always there in January and would really love to sit outside! Perhaps I need to put the Rose & Crown back on the list because of that...

I do imagine that the heat factor in the summer limits the outdoor seating -- luckily there was a breeze that made our meal bearable.

Another great update. Sorry Connor was not enjoying himself so much. I guess that Kim Possible thing can be addicting!! We did not do it in May as my 2 DS's are 20 & 16 but I can see how Connor must enjoy it at his age. Rose & Crown looks great! We have eaten at the counter service before & it was very good!!

Thank you! In some ways, I look forward to my children being older, but in others I wish they would stay young for awhile longer. Rose and Crown did not disappoint -- I loved my fish and chips and trifle!

They were there in the fall I think, either October or November, not times I'd have thought would be nutty. I was there in June the first trip and then May for the second. It was definitely slower in May but not deserted by any stretch of the imagination. We actually tried to stay one more night and had a very hard time finding a room. I think part of the challenge is that all down Duval are drinks to go kind of places (world showcase slush style in giant hurricane glasses lol!) so...it's easy for folks to get carried away. But away from Duval it's lovely and Duval itself can be a lot of fun I'd just be careful and wary. Some neat art galleries!

No, I wouldn't think the fall would be nutty. I am looking forward to exploring all the neat little places in Old Town, but thank you for the heads-up about Duval!

Margaritaville does make a mean burger and has some great music

I went and looked at their menu today after reading your response.

Make sure to hit Little White House in addition to Hemmingway's. Those cats are something else I did think they had a good solution although it's a bit of a drive back to Orlando that's for sure! Do you know where you are staying yet?

I will definitely put the Little White House on the list. I am kicking around a couple of ideas on where to stay -- I like the look of Casa Marina and Southernmost on the Beach, but I have also thought it would be neat to do a vacation rental. Where did you stay when you went?

We did see this while we were there...had a lot of fun watching it pull in, disembark and them pull out again later that day. Made us want to try and do it one day!

Unfortunately the Disney Magic staterooms are not made for a family of 6 (or any ship for that matter). Maybe when we get down to 4 in the house...

So cool! I actually looked at the Disney Key West cruise, but it was out of our price range.

Comments from:

June 6, Day One, Part Three: Ears Trump Sabers!
June 6, Day One, Part Four: A Magical Magic Kingdom Evening!

Hey! I looovvvee the Mickey Ears they made! They are so cute. I'm thinking of making some next time hehe. I'm not much of a hat person but we will see.

I think all of us Disers should have a pair of Mickey ears! (I don't have a set yet either.)

Austin loved the Zebra Domes.. I thought they were ok but I liked others more. I wish I could think of the ones I got and loved. Can't wait to read more.. still trying to catch up! =D

I may be able to remind you when I get to the update about our Boma dinner -- I took pictures of our dessert plates.

Chelsea's turning into quite the professional model!

Who knew that Kim Possible would be such a pain in the butt?

We loved the Rose and Crown. We were able to score a pation seat next to the rail for illuminations.

I always say she is a ham when a camera comes out!

KP was a big ol' pain!

How perfect to be able to watch Illuminations from Rose and Crown -- that must have been the perfect spot!

Great trip report! I have really enjoyed reading it! Can't wait for more!

I saw that your husband is from Burlington, VT! I was in Burlington last week! I live about 2 hours away. We spent 2 days there- we visited the Ben & Jerry's factory (great fun!!) and enjoyed Church street shopping and Lake Champlain!

Thank you! Yes, Charles's family is from Barre, Vermont, and he grew up there for part of his childhood and high school and lived in Burlington for awhile. Most of his mother's family still lives up there.

Lovely pictures (and girl!)

Oh my, I'm getting progressively worried, and grateful we were spared the song or I'd have never heard the end of it from the E's.

oh how pretty! I wish I could get excited about the menu, I love the location!

THAT looks fabulous! And well deserved

Thank you! Don't worry -- I am sure KP will still be there when you return. I didn't think I was too keen on the menu until Punkin413 went there on one of her trips, and the photos she took just made my mouth water. I am so glad we tried it out!

Disney naps are heavenly! Glad that Rose and Crown did not disappoint.... I want to get there some trip.

I totally know what you mean about mom's stuff... I dream of bag downsizing!

I didn't really want to wake up when I heard Charles talking. LOL!

I am excited about the October trip and maybe actually getting to use my hipster the whole time!

Hmmm that Welsh Dragon looks delish! I'm sure on a day like you were having, it really hit the spot! R&C sounds like a yummy dinner too!

It was strong, but I needed strong at that point!

Glad that Charles was able to calm Connor down a bit. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your night especially the Illuminations Dis meet

We had a lot of fun!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Enjoying your updates!! I think we all have our little meltdowns, even in the happiest place on earth. Love the pics of Chelsea, looks like she was having a great time. What was in the Welsh Dragon? Looks sooo good!

Melissa

Thank you! The Welsh Dragon had peach schnapps, melon liqeur, green crème de menthe, orange juice, and pineapple juice. It was very tasty!

Ah...the England Pavilion...

I love the UK pavilion as well -- it always reminds me of the two times my parents took me to London growing up! How wonderful it must have been to honeymoon there! I would love to take the kids one day! Yes, I would definitely plan a couple of KP missions -- they are really very cute -- my favorite one occurs on Friday of our trip.

This is truly a DISer in the making!

Note the hand on the hip. That will be what Brooklynn's pictures look like in a few years.

The stance of Disney girls everywhere!

Great update!! Glad dinner turned out well, and the nap did everyone well!

Yes, it did!

Made me laugh, your comment that Chelsea was pretty much oblivious to the whole drama of the day... that photo of her at the table says it all... head in the clouds, happy to be in Disney, having fun, smiling ... huh? What? Why is Connor wigging out???!!! Huh. Oh well, hey mom, take a picture of me over here...

That was my Chelsea!

Now, that green drink. We gotta talk. WHAT is in that??!! I don't know if I could get my family to the R & C... but that beverage looks very nice....

Looking forward to the rest ...

The Welsh Dragon had peach schnapps, melon liqeur, green crème de menthe, orange juice, and pineapple juice. It was soooo good and just what I needed! You can order it from the bar inside to go if you want (I read about that on somebody's TR or on the drinks thread).

Poor Connor! Those KP ringtones probably seemed amplified because he was so upset he didn't get to finish.

The photos are beautiful! Love Chelsea's posing and the way she's just not bothered by her brother's KP saga.

Well, Connor did get to finish his Norway mission -- he just wanted to keep doing all of the other different ones.

Thank you -- she was playing the "Look at what a charming child I am in comparison to my pain of a little brother" card. LOL!

Great pics. Great views you had overlooking the lagoon, I could seriously sit there all day and stare around WS, other than the castle, WS is my fav place to wander, sit and watch people, then wander some more

Mine, too!

Poor Connor.....I know I wouldn't be saying that if it was my child, but I do feel for him. I think sometimes the World gets too much for them My DD just informed me that she wants to do a KP mission while we're thereshe's 16!!! Anyhoo, I told her she could go with her cousins and Uncle, Purplepeg and I will, and I feel I can say this with much certainty, will be consuming some Grey Goose Slushies at that moment in time

I like that plan so much better!

Fun update. I must admit I am hoping my kiddos are still oblivious to the KP missions when we go back in May. Though my older DD did see something Hannah Montana today and said she loved her. I told her "you don;t even know who she is, she says sure I do she sings stuff" LOL I think I may spot Midori in that yummy drink.

Thank you! Chelsea went through a Hannah Montana phase for a little bit -- she's past that one now -- whew!

No midori, but lots of other yummy things like peach schnapps, melon liqeur, green crème de menthe, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

Did Chelsea learn the hand on hip move from Brooklynn or did Brooklynn learn it from her? I just need to know if I can have someone to blame for the twelve year old sassiness that my almost three year old displays sometimes!

edited to add: I didn't even see MeMom's post before I posted this.

Too funny that you and your mom are on the same wavelength.

My guess is that Brooklyn and Chelsea come by it naturally -- Chelsea has a lot of natural sassiness -- what about Brooklyn?

Nice update - looks like the nap did you good, and the drink probably didn't hurt, either!

Thank you! Yes, once I had a nap and a drink, I was all set for the rest of the night.