Driving down to Mickey's for Christmas!

[Monknmom]

How fun this must of been for Damien to share his Disney Movie Night with friends! I love the Tiki idea...going to have to go and search for these at the dollar store! The food sounds yummy, planning to check out some of Ohanas recipes for myself now!

Yeah the dollar store here has a a lot of that stuff right now! Also party city has some stuff too and depending on what your looking for it was cheaper there! Like our lei's were 49 cents each at party city and $1 at $1 store- the cheaper ones are 3/$1 at the $1 store though!

What an awesome movie night!!! I love the skirts

Thank you! I liked them too, although they weren't that great to run in during freeze tag!

Love the Lilo and Stitch night, we have one coming up too! What a great idea to invite friends, I may have the kids bring a friend or 2 and make it a luau!

It was fun with the friends for the luau and the kids all had a good time, I had a mom meet me in the Bronx Zoo yesterday that saw the pictures on face book and asked when they are getting invited!

Help....I need the recipe for the salad you made for Aladdin night...I am not finding any cous cous recipes that I am falling in love with!

This is the recipe I used- from my Eating well in season cookbook, they have others too that change the veggies, but I thought that this one was pretty good and quick too and the only difference between mine and the recipe was that I sliced the steak into slices before browning- they call for slicing after cooking!
Beef Tataki (serves 4)
Need- 1 cup diced radishes, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow or red onion, 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (plus a little for garnish), 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger, 1 pound boneless sirloin steak (3/4-1 inch thick), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons canola oil.
1- Place the radishes, carrot, and onion in a medium bowl. Cover with cold water and let soak for 5 minutes. Drain.
2- Combine soy sauce, lemon juice, scallions, and ginger in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to the vegetables and toss. Set aside the remaining sauce.
3- Season the steak with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high (or now you can BBQ if you wanted to do it that way). Cook the steak 3-4 minutes per side (this will make it rare so cook it longer if your family prefers it- that's why I sliced it first!). Let the meat rest on the cutting board for 5-10 minutes, then thinly slice and place over the vegetables. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the meat and finally serve.

I hope that your family likes it! You can always use different vegetables if you want to get creative!

 

[Monknmom]

We went to the Bronx Zoo yesterday with some friends and family for a "practice run" at Disney. I was told by a friend that the Bronx Zoo is a good place for me to see if Damien really could walk Disney because it's a "smaller version of animal kingdom". So we did without a stroller or anything and guess what? Around 3 pm (we got in the park at 10:15 am my ticket says) he was wanting piggy back rides because of how tired he was..... we are definitely going with a stroller because Disney is bigger and we will be in the parks longer! But we had lots of fun and here are some pictures to show!
This is everyone that went minus 3 of them!

How cute is this face?

I love frogs!

Me with my son and my friend's daughter!

And I have ADR's to make in the morning! A little about that but hopefully it all goes well!

 

[annmarieda]

I am so glad you did that little experiment. With your son and my dd being about the same age it is helpful for me as well. See... even last September, I wanted to bring a stroller and dh thought dd would not need it. (even though he wasn't the one going) Magically, my good stroller was left behind. It was not but moments after entering the park that I ended up buying a stroller (little red ones they sell are cheaper than renting one) Now I have two strollers that I don't want to part with. (one that has only been used for the one trip and the other that is more designed for older kids) I was thinking that even though she will be almost 7... I should still bring my McClaren stroller. After all... a long day in the park... I am all but sure she will still fall asleep. She is way to big to be carried around now. Dh is in disagreement. I think your post helped me. Maybe one of us should do another experiment in a few months. If I do, I will make sure to let yo know how it goes.

 

[Monknmom]

WHOOOOOO WHO! I just got done doing the ADR's and I got most of what I wanted- I think because DH was trying to be nice and turned off my alarm clock since we got in at midnight he was going to let me sleep in until DS's alarm clock went off- nice thing to do, but not a nice day to do it!!!)! The only thing that we did not get was the Coral Reef and our 2nd choice Garden Grille was not available either so I have been hearing good things about Teppan Edo so that's where I booked! I'm pretty happy with everything here it is......

12/3- whispering Canyon @5pm
12/4- 50's Prime @ 1:45pm
12/5- Boma @ 6:05pm
12/6- Teppan Edo @ 7pm
12/7- eating around the WS
12/8- Liberty Tree @ 5:30 pm
12/9- Ohana @ 8:05am!

These look okay right? Okay well I just had to get my excitement out now it's time to get the Monkey on the bus!

 

[momabaarjo]

WHOOOOOO WHO! I just got done doing the ADR's and I got most of what I wanted- I think because DH was trying to be nice and turned off my alarm clock since we got in at midnight he was going to let me sleep in until DS's alarm clock went off- nice thing to do, but not a nice day to do it!!!)! The only thing that we did not get was the Coral Reef and our 2nd choice Garden Grille was not available either so I have been hearing good things about Teppan Edo so that's where I booked! I'm pretty happy with everything here it is......

12/3- whispering Canyon @5pm
12/4- 50's Prime @ 1:45pm
12/5- Boma @ 6:05pm
12/6- Teppan Edo @ 7pm
12/7- eating around the WS
12/8- Liberty Tree @ 5:30 pm
12/9- Ohana @ 8:05am!

These look okay right? Okay well I just had to get my excitement out now it's time to get the Monkey on the bus!

I think they look great...the only I have actually eaten at is 50's Primetime...and I loved it!

I am hoping to get ADRs at Boma and Ohana...still thinking about Teppan Edo (can't decide between it or Le Cellier for Candlelight Processional).

 

[momabaarjo]

I am so glad you did that little experiment. With your son and my dd being about the same age it is helpful for me as well. See... even last September, I wanted to bring a stroller and dh thought dd would not need it. (even though he wasn't the one going) Magically, my good stroller was left behind. It was not but moments after entering the park that I ended up buying a stroller (little red ones they sell are cheaper than renting one) Now I have two strollers that I don't want to part with. (one that has only been used for the one trip and the other that is more designed for older kids) I was thinking that even though she will be almost 7... I should still bring my McClaren stroller. After all... a long day in the park... I am all but sure she will still fall asleep. She is way to big to be carried around now. Dh is in disagreement. I think your post helped me. Maybe one of us should do another experiment in a few months. If I do, I will make sure to let yo know how it goes.

Thanks Ann and Heather...you have me thinking now that I need a stroller fo Goo (he will be about 6 1/2). I so am not in the mood of hauling a stroller around, but maybe I need to!

 

[momabaarjo]

This is the recipe I used- from my Eating well in season cookbook, they have others too that change the veggies, but I thought that this one was pretty good and quick too and the only difference between mine and the recipe was that I sliced the steak into slices before browning- they call for slicing after cooking!
Beef Tataki (serves 4)
Need- 1 cup diced radishes, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1/2 cup thinly sliced yellow or red onion, 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions (plus a little for garnish), 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger, 1 pound boneless sirloin steak (3/4-1 inch thick), 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons canola oil.
1- Place the radishes, carrot, and onion in a medium bowl. Cover with cold water and let soak for 5 minutes. Drain.
2- Combine soy sauce, lemon juice, scallions, and ginger in a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the mixture to the vegetables and toss. Set aside the remaining sauce.
3- Season the steak with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high (or now you can BBQ if you wanted to do it that way). Cook the steak 3-4 minutes per side (this will make it rare so cook it longer if your family prefers it- that's why I sliced it first!). Let the meat rest on the cutting board for 5-10 minutes, then thinly slice and place over the vegetables. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the meat and finally serve.

I hope that your family likes it! You can always use different vegetables if you want to get creative!

What I really need it the salad that you made with quinoa instead of cous cous! Please!

 

[annmarieda]

WHOOOOOO WHO! I just got done doing the ADR's and I got most of what I wanted- I think because DH was trying to be nice and turned off my alarm clock since we got in at midnight he was going to let me sleep in until DS's alarm clock went off- nice thing to do, but not a nice day to do it!!!)! The only thing that we did not get was the Coral Reef and our 2nd choice Garden Grille was not available either so I have been hearing good things about Teppan Edo so that's where I booked! I'm pretty happy with everything here it is......

12/3- whispering Canyon @5pm
12/4- 50's Prime @ 1:45pm
12/5- Boma @ 6:05pm
12/6- Teppan Edo @ 7pm
12/7- eating around the WS
12/8- Liberty Tree @ 5:30 pm
12/9- Ohana @ 8:05am!

These look okay right? Okay well I just had to get my excitement out now it's time to get the Monkey on the bus!

Isnt it fun to book those!?! I have been to Tepan Edo. (love it), Liberty tree (when it was still character) and Ohana (for dinner not breakfast) I think you can't go wrong with your choices!

Thanks Ann and Heather...you have me thinking now that I need a stroller fo Goo (he will be about 6 1/2). I so am not in the mood of hauling a stroller around, but maybe I need to!

I think it depends. The way we have always done the park is open to close. By the end of the day dd has always been sound asleep. If I had to carry her at that point it would be too much. If you were not there all day maybe you could get away without one. I know that this is a tricky age. The last trip dd was 5 1/2 and really... she did walk quite a bit. I don't have a problem pushing and "empty" stroller since I always have a ton of bags that the stroller can carry. For me, bringing the stroller so that dd can ride in it even part of the time is an excuse to not carry all our bags ALL of the time. (remember with dd I have to bring more than maybe someone else with a 5 - 7 year old might)

 

[Monknmom]

I think they look great...the only I have actually eaten at is 50's Primetime...and I loved it!

I am hoping to get ADRs at Boma and Ohana...still thinking about Teppan Edo (can't decide between it or Le Cellier for Candlelight Processional).

I wanted Le Cellier, but DH really likes asian food (he is from Asia) and I want to get him interested in walking the park for something ! I haven't heard anything about Jiko much, that's why I chose Boma- it gets a ton of good reviews!

Thanks Ann and Heather...you have me thinking now that I need a stroller fo Goo (he will be about 6 1/2). I so am not in the mood of hauling a stroller around, but maybe I need to!

I had to carry DS on my back on Saturday it wasn't fun it was hot and we couldn't get on the tram because no one else in that party wanted to! And I figure if anything it will hold the bags and I don't have to worry about holding them!

What I really need it the salad that you made with quinoa instead of cous cous! Please!

Okay I am sorry I didn't realize, I actually try to get to the free cooking classes that Williams sonoma put on on Sundays and Mondays so I learned it there- this is the recipe from the website that I used! I hope that you like it! You don't have to use thier products- you can find similar ones in other stores! http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/black-bean-corn-quinoa-salad.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH

Isnt it fun to book those!?! I have been to Tepan Edo. (love it), Liberty tree (when it was still character) and Ohana (for dinner not breakfast) I think you can't go wrong with your choices!
I felt like a doing it and figuring it out, but yes it is fun and now I can kind of go along and map out a way I want to go through each park! I'm excited for that part! I love planning things! thank you- Liberty Tree is for DH he loves the american colonial times and the food is more so for me since I haven't had a real thanksgiving dinner since about 2003!


I think it depends. The way we have always done the park is open to close. By the end of the day dd has always been sound asleep. If I had to carry her at that point it would be too much. If you were not there all day maybe you could get away without one. I know that this is a tricky age. The last trip dd was 5 1/2 and really... she did walk quite a bit. I don't have a problem pushing and "empty" stroller since I always have a ton of bags that the stroller can carry. For me, bringing the stroller so that dd can ride in it even part of the time is an excuse to not carry all our bags ALL of the time. (remember with dd I have to bring more than maybe someone else with a 5 - 7 year old might)

I think that it also depends on your child's habits! I know that my DS is SUPER hyper, but he takes naps/breaks during the day and we live in a place that it's impossible to walk to most places because it's a rural area so he runs and plays, but doesn't just walk too many times! And if they fall asleep like Ann said at the end of the day it can be an easier walk back to the hotel room from the bus- at least that's what people are telling me!

 

[21hearts]

Congrats on making your ADRs!

 

[Becc1]

So glad you were able to get the ADRs you wanted My kids LOVED Teppan Edo, 3 out of 4 of them said it was their favorite restaurant we ate at all week!

 

[Monknmom]

Congrats on making your ADRs!

Thank you! I'm looking forward to all of the new types of food- if anything the food will excite my DH into walking the parks!

So glad you were able to get the ADRs you wanted My kids LOVED Teppan Edo, 3 out of 4 of them said it was their favorite restaurant we ate at all week!

Oh good because your youner ones are around my son's age! I know that DH will love this restaurant!

 

[momabaarjo]

Thanks for the recipe link...hoping to finally get Aladdin Dinner & a Movie done this weekend!

BTW...I love your pictures from the zoo! We have a little local zoo, not much to write about. We usually hit the Denver Zoo at least 1 time a year with my mom (zoo member)...but growing up going to this zoo it just is not impressive anymore to me. Can't wait to have an adventure in Animal Kingdom on December 31st!

 

[disneyaddicted]

Congratulations on getting your ADR's, sorry you weren't able to get a couple you wanted but that just gives you a great excuse to g oback right?

Very smart to do a test run with your DS. I bet you will be so happy that you did.

Another great movie night too. I think as the time draws closer for me I will start having Disney movie nights for myself. I might not go all out like you do, but I will at least watch a Disney movie to add to my already over flowing excitement. Less than 6 months, can you believe it? It's gonna fly by.

 

[momabaarjo]

Missing you!

 

[Becc1]

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you! Come back soon and update us!

 

[Monknmom]

I am SO SORRY that I have been MIA for so long! Everything got thrown at me all at once and I'm trying to catch up on my PTR and everyone else's. We haven't done any movie nights because I've been to 3 funerals, a trip to NC to see my mom (it was just a weekend), my grandfather was in the hospital for a stroke and the good things that happened were DH surprised me with a 5 day camping trip upstate (awesome no electronics so we all spent some much needed time together- I'm honestly thinking of camping when we go to disney for the pure fact that we will talk, and not turn on the TV! But it will be cold...), my son graduated kindergarten, my DS also had his soccer awards day and we had a big party for the soccer team! So I am really sorry I am going to answer everyone on here and then catch up to everyone else's reports! Thank you for sticking around! When I catch up I am going to post some pictures up of everything! Ha ha I have a picture of my son throwing my DH into the dunk tank at the awards day funy thing is my DH can't swim, but it was only 4 ft of water!

 

[Monknmom]

Thanks for the recipe link...hoping to finally get Aladdin Dinner & a Movie done this weekend!

BTW...I love your pictures from the zoo! We have a little local zoo, not much to write about. We usually hit the Denver Zoo at least 1 time a year with my mom (zoo member)...but growing up going to this zoo it just is not impressive anymore to me. Can't wait to have an adventure in Animal Kingdom on December 31st!

Your welcome! I hope that by the time I get to your report I see a couple of more ideas my son's been a little restless waiting for them!
We have a lot of smaller zoos here too, but I like them! My son gets bored though so I see what you mean! I can't wait for animal kingdom either my DS was a little upset that we did see some of the animals (both times that we have gone), but I kept telling him just wait until we spend the day in animal kingdom and you can see whatever you want!

Congratulations on getting your ADR's, sorry you weren't able to get a couple you wanted but that just gives you a great excuse to g oback right?

Very smart to do a test run with your DS. I bet you will be so happy that you did.

Another great movie night too. I think as the time draws closer for me I will start having Disney movie nights for myself. I might not go all out like you do, but I will at least watch a Disney movie to add to my already over flowing excitement. Less than 6 months, can you believe it? It's gonna fly by.

Thank you! I have already printed them out and am trying to figure out how to make the trip journals so that I can glue that in there!
I am pretty happy that I did the test run! I am going to go with the stroller company and they will have it there the day I arrive and pick it up the morning that I am leaving!
Yeah my month of June flew by pretty fast! And it's just about the middle of the month of July! I am so excited for Disney, but I'm hoping that I get to enjoy a little bit of this heat! And I have already talked to DH about going back maybe next year with family!?!?!

Missing you!

Thank you for missing me!

Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you! Come back soon and update us!

Sorry, I will come back ad add some pictures as soon as I read a little more of everyone else's reports!

 

[veggiemama]

Glad to see you're back!

I have not been very good at keeping up either. Summer months sure are busy!

 

[Monknmom]

Glad to see you're back!

I have not been very good at keeping up either. Summer months sure are busy!

Thank you! Yeah they are so busy during these months! I am going to catch up a little right now with my own stories!