Dreams will come true! Hearts will soar! May 2016 TR *NEW 7/6 x2!*

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[hokieinpa]

These flowers are fun!


After we rolled our pizza-stuffed selves out of Via Napoli, it was time for the World Showcase walking (and passport stamping) to continue! Our next stop was The American Adventure. We stopped to listen to a bit of Georgia Satellites (“Keep Your Hands to Yourself”) as they were playing in the Garden Rocks concert that evening.

And do you know which little stand happens to be right across from the theater? The one that sells this delicious frozen treat!

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I finally got an American Dream! I’ve been wanting one of these ever since reading about them on a TR before our first trip. It was every bit as refreshing and yummy as it looks!

We shared our drink and slowly walked through the rest of the World Showcase. It was so nice to leisurely walk through each pavilion instead of the speed race we usually do to make it around before Illuminations/the kids are exhausted.

Our next stop was France. This is one of my favorite pavilions. I love the atmosphere and fountains – it seemed very peaceful even with fairly heavy crowds.

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We stopped by the fountains for a bit. I’m thinking Colin needed a restroom break since I only have Nate (and Jake’s back) in this picture.

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I noticed a PhotoPass photographer taking pictures in front of the fountain. No one else wanted a picture…but I did! So I hopped in line and got a few solo pictures!

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Including this cute magic shot with Chip!

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I think my dad and Jim took the boys down into the pavilion to find the KidCot station here since I don’t have pictures of the table. I stayed behind and admired the topiaries from Beauty and the Beast.

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And Cinderella!

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Passports apparently stamped, we moved on to the UK pavilion. The boys loved the Peter Pan display here!

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Nate really liked the Tick Tock Croc and asked to take a chomping picture.

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He declared “These flowers are fun!” after I told him that everything we were seeing was made our of plants and flowers. The topiaries throughout Epcot were seriously amazing!

Jake decided that he was HUNGRY again at this point and wasn’t satisfied with any of the snacks that I had packed. We decided I would head off to find him something more substantial while they explore the maze in the back of the UK pavilion.

I set off in search of food for the hungry boy and took some pictures of the UK pavilion as I went.

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And I just loved these Winnie the Pooh topiaries!

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How cute are they??


Next up

Disney Ducks

 

[hokieinpa]

Disney Ducks


I was headed through the Canada pavilion because I was pretty sure that the Refreshment Port had chicken nuggets to satisfy Jake’s hunger. These Bambi topiaries were very fun!

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I made it to the Refreshment Port and got Jake’s chicken nuggets and fries. I texted everyone that I would wait for them by the big totem poles and sat down to enjoy a few minutes of alone time! Looking out over the lagoon, the World Showcase was so beautiful!

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Everyone else met up with me a few minutes later and the boys ended up all sharing the nuggets and fries. This rather aggressive Disney Duck kept sneaking up behind us, hoping for a French fry I’m sure!

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We took some pictures with the totem poles next. Jake was still too busy eating to get up from the stroller, but Nate and Colin were happy to pose!

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The Kidcot Station in Canada was way in the back, near Le Cellier and the gardens. It was under that rocky area that you can see in the back of this picture.

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I think this area of the Canada pavilion wins my award for the most beautiful spot in the World Showcase!

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Do you see that couple holding hands walking in front of Le Cellier? Apparently, they had no idea you needed dining reservations. They walked up and the CM told them the wait would be at least 2 hours. They were fussing at each other on the way out about who dropped the ball on that one. I’m thinking they had no dining reservations for their entire trip.

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We headed back to get the passports stamped. The CM there was really fun! He showed the boys where he was from in Canada (Alberta) on a map and was really patient answering their questions.

On the way out, we saw some more Disney Ducks and a bunny! There was a girl there just before we walked up feeding a carrot to the bunny through the fence. You can see it lying on the ground in front of the bunny I think.

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At this point, we were all ready to head to Animal Kingdom Lodge. We made our way back over to Future World, passing by more Flower and Garden fun on the way.

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The Musical Medlodies playground you can see in the background looked like so much fun! I promised the boys we would play there on our next Epcot day.

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More Flower and Garden scenery shots, because I just couldn’t get enough!

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And then the monorail passed by and I got my favorite Epcot picture!

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I love everything about this picture!

I had one more thing I wanted to accomplish before we left the park. With my Annual Pass, I got a free character print! The print for the time I was there was Mickey, which I was very happy about!

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The line moved quickly and I met up with everyone by the fountains. We said goodbye to our favorite Disney Duck!

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And told him we would be back to see him later that week…or would we? I had planned this trip with 2 Epcot days, but it might not go quite according to design.

We made it back to AKL and I was blown away by the lobby! I took one picture that night but there will be plenty more AKL love coming up!

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We got up to our room and it was so nice! I had booked a 2-bedroom Standard View by renting DVC points. We were in Jambo House and our rooms were actually a 1-bedroom suite and a Studio with an adjoining door. I peeked in all the rooms and then headed out onto the balcony…

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We had a Savannah View! I was so happy with this upgrade since we had all so badly wanted a Savannah View room but the cost was much higher than a Standard View room. We spent lots of time out on that balcony during the trip!

I called down and had our luggage brought up. The groceries we had ordered were already there so I put those away as well. My mom gave the boys a bath and we settled them all down.

Exhausted, the rest of us got ready for bed. The next day included some very serious training for our young Jedi!


Next up

“This is the scariest ride in the whole world!”[/URL]

 

[Glam]

Wow, awesome upgrade. Glad you all enjoyed it!

I am fascinated by every pic I see of AKL. We have a child in a stroller so I'm curious how the transport will work out

 

[ArielSRL]

I got a little confused and didn't remember that this was still your first park day! Wow...you guys got quite a bit accomplished! Sounds like you had some me time in WS. Very nice!

I haven't heard of the American Dream but it looks wonderful! Loving all the topiaries!

And yay on the upgrade! So nice!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I finally got an American Dream! I’ve been wanting one of these ever since reading about them on a TR before our first trip. It was every bit as refreshing and yummy as it looks!

Yummy! Love those!

Including this cute magic shot with Chip!

Adorable!

We had a Savannah View! I was so happy with this upgrade since we had all so badly wanted a Savannah View room but the cost was much higher than a Standard View room. We spent lots of time out on that balcony during the trip!

Congrats on the upgrade! Didn't you just love waking up to the animals?

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[missangelalexis]

I've always wanted to try the American Dream too! Glad it was delicious

Love your solo PP pics!

I really need to explore the Canada Pavillion more because your pics look so beautiful! In fact, all you pics were so nice. Epcot during F&G is so wonderful!

Wow- the room from your room is incredible!

 

[BLAZEY]

Great report! Your boys are so cute. My DD7 LOVES test track too, She would ride all day if allowed.

The flowers in the Canada Pavillion are from the World Famous Buchart Gardens in Victoria BC. We are from Victoria, and visit Buchart gardens annually (it's about 5 mins fom my house). We were there in November and my DD said " Mum, this garden looks just like Bucharts! " I said " It should the sign says the flowers are from Buchart Gardens."

 

[missjackiemcg]

What a beautiful day full of pictures at Epcot!!! I absolutely love your favorite monorail picture Right place, right time!!!

Tell me more about this American Dream!!!!!

 

[Leshaface]

While I was snapping this picture, the monorail passed right by. And I don't know about you, but every time the monorail passes over us, I shout "Monorail!" like I've never set foot in a Disney park before.

Same! I'm still always so impressed by the monorail here at WDW and DLR. It's just so cool.

The boys had a great time climbing, driving, and just generally burning off some extra energy! Colin kept climbing to the top of this slide and saying under his breath "I am Speed."

That is SO adorable, I know what line you're talking about

Spoiler Alert - He was quite unsuccessful in his attempts.

I can see that. That room is always busy and pretty loud!

Such a doll.

Great family pic.

Agh, how cute! Never seen this one before. Loving the sandwich.

We walked through the Mitsukoshi Department Store but the boys just could NOT decide what they wanted. I tried to narrow it down but I think they were just way overwhelmed!

That's how I am in this store too, don't worry boys!

Oh Via Napoli, I love you.

Georgia Satellites (“Keep Your Hands to Yourself”)

Thanks, I was trying to think what song they sing.

Cute!

Do you see that couple holding hands walking in front of Le Cellier? Apparently, they had no idea you needed dining reservations. They walked up and the CM told them the wait would be at least 2 hours. They were fussing at each other on the way out about who dropped the ball on that one. I’m thinking they had no dining reservations for their entire trip.

Aye people. I mean, in order to book their reservation they either book it online or through a TA. A TA will tell you about needing to make reservations (or will make them for you!) and when you make your trip reservation through the WDW website, it tells you (AND sends you reminders!) to book dining and FP's! There is NO excuses! Well, unless you have a very last minute trip.

This is a BEAUTIFUL shot. Good job!

Very cool.

We had a Savannah View! I was so happy with this upgrade since we had all so badly wanted a Savannah View room but the cost was much higher than a Standard View room. We spent lots of time out on that balcony during the trip!

Score on the view without the added price!

 

[hokieinpa]

Wow, awesome upgrade. Glad you all enjoyed it!

Thank you! We had a great day at Epcot and I was happy we got to take our time walking around the World Showcase!

I am fascinated by every pic I see of AKL. We have a child in a stroller so I'm curious how the transport will work out

More pictures of AKL coming! We had 2 strollers for most the trip (single and double) and had no issues for the most part. But we also had 4 adults so we had plenty of hands to wrangle both strollers and 3 kids! We got seats on the bus almost every morning and only had crowded buses when we left the parks right after the nighttime entertainment.

I got a little confused and didn't remember that this was still your first park day! Wow...you guys got quite a bit accomplished! Sounds like you had some me time in WS. Very nice!

We did have a very productive day at Epcot! It was a day that we didn't take a break at the resort so that helped!

I haven't heard of the American Dream but it looks wonderful! Loving all the topiaries!

It's creamy and fruity and just perfect on a hot day! And those topiaries are amazing!

And yay on the upgrade! So nice!

We had great luck with upgrades on this trip! Our bunk bed/fireworks view and WL and then Savannah View at AKL!

Yummy! Love those!

Event though we were so full from our dinner, that thing disappeared pretty quickly!

Adorable!

I think it was good practice for my solo trip this fall - and now I won't be nervous about asking for magic shots too!

Congrats on the upgrade! Didn't you just love waking up to the animals?

It was so amazing to have coffee on the balcony and watch the giraffes eating breakfast! I would totally upgrade on my own next time!

Wow - I was such a airhead when I was there, I missed at lot of the topiaries, even likely looking straight at them. I swear, flowers camouflage themselves when I look at them. I took a very good picture of Pumba, and it wasn't until I got home that someone else looked at the picture and noticed Timon!

Oh no! Disney definitely does a great job of making them seem like they really "belong" in each area!

Yay Alberta!

He seemed like a very nice young man and a good representative of Alberta!

Seriously, that picture could be in a Disney brochure!

It was good timing and the perfect time of day!

I've always wanted to try the American Dream too! Glad it was delicious

It's been on my list and I'm glad I was finally in the right place and the right time!

Love your solo PP pics!

It was good practice for my next trip! And so much less stressful without trying to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time!

I really need to explore the Canada Pavillion more because your pics look so beautiful! In fact, all you pics were so nice. Epcot during F&G is so wonderful!

I loved that little graden area in the back! And it wasn't crowded so it would be a great place to relax!

Wow- the room from your room is incredible!

It was great to wake up to see the animals each morning! I think it would be worth the upgrade if we stay there again!

Great report! Your boys are so cute. My DD7 LOVES test track too, She would ride all day if allowed.

Thanks for following along! We have some speed demons on our hands!

The flowers in the Canada Pavillion are from the World Famous Buchart Gardens in Victoria BC. We are from Victoria, and visit Buchart gardens annually (it's about 5 mins fom my house). We were there in November and my DD said " Mum, this garden looks just like Bucharts! " I said " It should the sign says the flowers are from Buchart Gardens."

That's amazing that you live close to such amazing gardens! I do remember reading that now that you mention it!

What a beautiful day full of pictures at Epcot!!! I absolutely love your favorite monorail picture Right place, right time!!!

I'm pretty sure Epcot is my favorite park because it's just so beautiful, especially during Flower & Garden season! And I love that picture too!

Tell me more about this American Dream!!!!!

It's perfection - fruit slushee type stuff with vanilla soft serve! The best (non-alcoholic) drink to enjoy walking around the World Showcase!

Same! I'm still always so impressed by the monorail here at WDW and DLR. It's just so cool.

I'm glad I'm not the only one! I still remember riding the monorail on my first visit back when I was 9 and being amazed. And I still love it!

That is SO adorable, I know what line you're talking about

We have watched that movie way too many times obviously!

I can see that. That room is always busy and pretty loud!

He was fighting a losing battle. Jake is not one to take a nap at a convenient time either. I think Jim was using it more for a time to sit down on a bench in the AC and play on his phone!

Such a doll.

He does love his snacks!

Great family pic.

Thanks!

Agh, how cute! Never seen this one before. Loving the sandwich.

All of the topiaries were so amazing. This one might have been my favorite because Chip and Dale are just too cute!

That's how I am in this store too, don't worry boys!

It was the first time we've walked through the entire store. I was determined to get them something from there but it just was not happening and it was way too crowded (with too many breakable things around) to stay in there any longer!

Oh Via Napoli, I love you.

I still have dreams about that Quattro Formaggi pizza!

Thanks, I was trying to think what song they sing.

I'm pretty sure it is the only recognizable song they did! And I had to look up who the band actually was during my visit. But I sure was singing along when they were playing that song!

Cute!

The solo pictures were much less stressful than the family ones!

Aye people. I mean, in order to book their reservation they either book it online or through a TA. A TA will tell you about needing to make reservations (or will make them for you!) and when you make your trip reservation through the WDW website, it tells you (AND sends you reminders!) to book dining and FP's! There is NO excuses! Well, unless you have a very last minute trip.

Right?? But I've had people ask me for advice on planning and so many ask "Do I really need to make dining reservations that far in advance?" YES, please do!

This is a BEAUTIFUL shot. Good job!

I love that picture! It was perfect timing with the monorail and the sun starting to set!

Very cool.

It's a really cute print and now I just need to hang it up in our TV room!

Score on the view without the added price!

We were upgrade blessed this trip! Fireworks view and bunk beds at WL and then the view at AKL! Luck was on our side!

 

[Dugette]

I've seen rave reviews of this, but looking at it doesn't do much for me - is it really that great? What does it taste like? I guess I am skeptical of anything not chocolate. (though Dole Whips have won me over...)

Everyone else met up with me a few minutes later and the boys ended up all sharing the nuggets and fries. This rather aggressive Disney Duck kept sneaking up behind us, hoping for a French fry I’m sure!

I'm sure it was after the fries. I remember encountering a Disney Duck that was chowing down on fries once.

More Flower and Garden scenery shots, because I just couldn’t get enough!

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Who can get enough of that? So pretty!

And then the monorail passed by and I got my favorite Epcot picture!

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I love everything about this picture!

Love it - perfect Epcot picture!

We had a Savannah View! I was so happy with this upgrade since we had all so badly wanted a Savannah View room but the cost was much higher than a Standard View room. We spent lots of time out on that balcony during the trip!

That is awesome!!! So glad it worked out like that. Seeing the animals is really what makes AKL so special to me.

 

[Saphire5742]

Nate really liked the Tick Tock Croc and asked to take a chomping picture.

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So cute and fierce!

And then the monorail passed by and I got my favorite Epcot picture!

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I love everything about this picture!

Gorgeous photo! Love it!


Glad you got to take in WS in a leisurely manner. I LOVE World Showcase. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time.

The frozen treat from the American Pavilion does look refreshing. Wish I would have known about it.

I still dream about that Via Napoli pizza (I had the one with truffle oil and artichokes).

You have wonderful Epcot photos. Epcot was especially beautiful during F&G.

 

[hokieinpa]

I've seen rave reviews of this, but looking at it doesn't do much for me - is it really that great? What does it taste like? I guess I am skeptical of anything not chocolate. (though Dole Whips have won me over...)

It's fruity and creamy at the same time. I think the vanilla soft serve is the strongest flavor but with the fruity slush stuff making it a bit sweeter, maybe?

I'm sure it was after the fries. I remember encountering a Disney Duck that was chowing down on fries once.

The Disney Ducks (and Squirrels) certainly aren't shy! I've seen the squirrels nibbling on popcorn left open in strollers. Cover your snacks, people!

Who can get enough of that? So pretty!

Exactly! I wasn't sure how I would feel about F&G other than "oh those flowers are pretty" but it made Epcot feel even more special!

Love it - perfect Epcot picture!

I really love everything about that picture with the timing and lighting!

That is awesome!!! So glad it worked out like that. Seeing the animals is really what makes AKL so special to me.

It definitely made the trip more memorable. We spent so much time on the balcony watching the giraffes snack away!

So cute and fierce!

He loved that crocodile topiary!

Gorgeous photo! Love it!

That's one of my favorite Disney pictures that I've taken so far! Love the flowers and monorail together!

Glad you got to take in WS in a leisurely manner. I LOVE World Showcase. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time.

We had a great time exploring! I know there is still so much to see so I'm excited for my solo adventure this fall!

The frozen treat from the American Pavilion does look refreshing. Wish I would have known about it.

It was the perfect thing to drink on a hot afternoon! Very tasty!

I still dream about that Via Napoli pizza (I had the one with truffle oil and artichokes).

Oh that sounds even better!! Yum!

You have wonderful Epcot photos. Epcot was especially beautiful during F&G.

Thank you! It was absolutely amazing. I love Epcot but it was so much more special all dressed up for Flower & Garden!

 

[ariane37]

I have NEVER noticed this drink before nor heard of it, and was going to ask what the heck was in it! It sounds really good, although a little alcohol wouldn't hurt

It's fruity and creamy at the same time. I think the vanilla soft serve is the strongest flavor but with the fruity slush stuff making it a bit sweeter, maybe?

I love those passports so much. My boys did them a couple years ago and I really want to do them again this year. I'm pretty sure my youngest will but not sure I can talk the 14 yo into it But I love what the CM's write! The CM from Germany wrote, "Welcome to Germany, home of the Gummi Bear" and I believe it was the Canada CM who wrote, "Welcome to Canada, home of popcorn!" I had no idea popcorn started in Canada!

 

[ArielSRL]

I have NEVER noticed this drink before nor heard of it, and was going to ask what the heck was in it! It sounds really good, although a little alcohol wouldn't hurt

Agreed!!

 

[kastoney]

We found the Kidcot table in the corner of a shop (I should have noted their locations more carefully!) and got the boys passports stamped and signed. Each country had a stamp and then the Cast Member wrote a message in the native language of their country.

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How did I not know about this passport????? Is this something they do all year or just during the festivals? Casey would totally love doing this.

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This was the one F&G treat that I just HAD to try! I got two and we all took a few bites. It was a hit with everyone except Nate. With our treat finished, we were back to exploring!

Ah this looks so good. Sadly I don't know for sure as I only got one order and some little girl was having no part in sharing.

I was looking for the sushi candy that I think @kastoney got for her daughter but didn't find it. But we did make our way through the store to the Kidcot Station!

Decisions in here are definitely hard to make, even for an adult. And don't fret we had trouble finding the sushi candy on our last trip too. They didn't have any on one visit, but then we found some later in the week.

We all decided that Via Napoli was indeed amazing but maybe a little too hectic for a relaxed meal? It was very loud and busy, which is to be expected at a prime dinner time spot. So next time, I would do an early lunch here instead!

So glad to hear you all enjoyed it. And you got it right relaxing and Via Napoli aren't exactly in the same sentence but it is oh so good.

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I finally got an American Dream! I’ve been wanting one of these ever since reading about them on a TR before our first trip. It was every bit as refreshing and yummy as it looks!

I've never heard of this (probably because I'm guessing it doesn't have alcohol in it ) but it looks delicious. What is it?

I made it to the Refreshment Port and got Jake’s chicken nuggets and fries. I texted everyone that I would wait for them by the big totem poles and sat down to enjoy a few minutes of alone time! Looking out over the lagoon, the World Showcase was so beautiful!

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How beautiful and peaceful

The Kidcot Station in Canada was way in the back, near Le Cellier and the gardens. It was under that rocky area that you can see in the back of this picture.

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Thanks for the tip as we have never been able to find this kidcot station.

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We had a Savannah View! I was so happy with this upgrade since we had all so badly wanted a Savannah View room but the cost was much higher than a Standard View room. We spent lots of time out on that balcony during the trip!

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hokieinpa]

I have NEVER noticed this drink before nor heard of it, and was going to ask what the heck was in it! It sounds really good, although a little alcohol wouldn't hurt

It was delicious but would definitely be more fun with some alcohol!

I love those passports so much. My boys did them a couple years ago and I really want to do them again this year. I'm pretty sure my youngest will but not sure I can talk the 14 yo into it But I love what the CM's write! The CM from Germany wrote, "Welcome to Germany, home of the Gummi Bear" and I believe it was the Canada CM who wrote, "Welcome to Canada, home of popcorn!" I had no idea popcorn started in Canada!

It was a really fun way to spend the afternoon and get the boys more involved in exploring the World Showcase. The CMs made it really special too!

Agreed!!

That seems to be everyone's thought!!

How did I not know about this passport????? Is this something they do all year or just during the festivals? Casey would totally love doing this.

It's a year round thing! I got the passport kits at that shop right before the World Showcase starts but I think you can get them at MouseGear as well. The kit was $12-$13 and gave them a mission, which was totally worth the price.

Ah this looks so good. Sadly I don't know for sure as I only got one order and some little girl was having no part in sharing.

It was so good! I think ordering 2 next time would be justified!

Decisions in here are definitely hard to make, even for an adult. And don't fret we had trouble finding the sushi candy on our last trip too. They didn't have any on one visit, but then we found some later in the week.

The sheer amount of stuff here was just too much for them to take in. I was trying to get them to get a pair of chopsticks but that wasn't working. I'll keep my eyes open for the sushi candy next time!

So glad to hear you all enjoyed it. And you got it right relaxing and Via Napoli aren't exactly in the same sentence but it is oh so good.

Yes, good food but hectic atmosphere. It's on our repeat list for sure!

I've never heard of this (probably because I'm guessing it doesn't have alcohol in it ) but it looks delicious. What is it?

No alcohol sadly. I think consensus is that it would benefit greatly from that addition. It's vanilla soft serve with the fruit slush. Creamsicle-ish.

How beautiful and peaceful

It was a nice few minutes of peace. I love the World Showcase at that time of day.

Thanks for the tip as we have never been able to find this kidcot station.

It's definitely hidden. The very furthest point from the front of the pavilion!

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right? Upgrade luck was on our side this trip!

 

[Bethislucy]

I came over from your "How Much Christmas..." Trip report. Looks like this is a great trip as well. I can't wait to read more.