Giving Santa his Mickey ears! Our toddler's 1st trip!-UPDATE:We're back! Pic inside

[tofubeast]

Horray that your DH was able to get a job so quickly!!!!!!

Also you finds at the outlets were awesome!!!!!!

Thanks re: DH's job. And also, it's good that darn outlet isn't any closer to me!

So glad your DH got a new job!! That's a huge relief!

And how exciting to already have your next trip in the making! Of course I secretly plan our next trips, DH usually doesn't find out about it until it's closer.

And I LOVE that picture of the castle!! I can't wait to see it live! And for the under 100 days club!!

Ohh what is you secret in being able to keep the trip a surprise for your DH?? Inquiring minds want to know!

Thank goodness your hubby was able to find a job right away....what a relief (and don't feel bad for thinking about how that would affect your trip......we ALL would have been thinking the same thing)

It was a huge relief. Just hope they are cool with him taking time off so soon. PHEW!

We love Keens in this house I will be bringing my Keen Flip flops and a maryjane/sandal type pair... I buy Newports for my girls, and my husband wears trail shoes outside of work. We do a lot of hiking and you seriously can't go wrong with Keen. I do also have a soft spot for Patagonia and the North Face- I try to buy them at EMS on clearance....

I got some Newports for my DD during that sale as well. She loved them. I should try the Keen's flipflops...next sale!

Thanks for the shoe review! I have never thought about bringing a lot of extra socks and switching them out. The 1/2 pint really threw me for a loop as well. The mary janes look super cute and stylish as well! Hooray!

The Mary Janes are quickly becoming my go to shoe. They really are comfie. Looks cute with jeans and capris.

Too funny!

wink wink nudge nudge (We found out on Val Day)

I am 100% behind you. New Balance is the way to go. I have a New Balance outlet near my house and it is the only place I get my sneakers and shoes from. They are quality shoes that are very comfy and break in real easy. It also helps having it nearby because of their variety of sizes and widths. It's tough finding size 13/4E.

I love New Balance. Good company to support as well. As a former New Englander, I have to throw them some bones!

 

[Alysa]

Congrats on the new job!! Hope he loves it there!

 

[Leger13]

News Update


I've been a little quiet on here in the last week and just wanted to say why. DH got laid off last week. It was a huge shock. We were worried about all the "what if"s" in terms of how long unemployment could be and also (maybe trivial to some) the "what happens to our trip?" sad thoughts.

Well, I am happy to say he had a job interview today and just got offered the job tonight! PHEW. It's not his DREAM, forever job, (do people still get those anyway? ) but it is something and we are RELIEVED. Hopefully, they will be cool with him taking the week off in December. I know it will be unpaid.
]
Just happy we dodged a big bullet. I knew seeing those 3 rainbows today and Mickey antenna ears must have meant something. This is my first time experiencing something like this. A real wake up call to save more money for emergencies. Lesson learned.

Glad that tonight DH and I will actually get a restful night of sleep. First one since last Wednesday.

oh my goodness so many emotions all in one post!! First I was sad then I was so happy for you guys! Wow! What a blessing that he got another job SO quickly!

I love the shoe post too. I've never tried Keens. I just got a new pair of Nike for our trip. I'll also be bringing my Brooks. I've worn my Reefs in park a few times and they did ok. I'm just not a flip flop person.

 

[tofubeast]

Yay!! DH's new job was fine with us going away!!

So the trip is 100% officially back on as planned!!!



Hugh sigh of relief on every front possible. PHEW!

Congrats on the new job!! Hope he loves it there!

His first day went fine. I am still in shock he got a job so quick. We have LOTS to be thankful for!

oh my goodness so many emotions all in one post!! First I was sad then I was so happy for you guys! Wow! What a blessing that he got another job SO quickly!

I love the shoe post too. I've never tried Keens. I just got a new pair of Nike for our trip. I'll also be bringing my Brooks. I've worn my Reefs in park a few times and they did ok. I'm just not a flip flop person.

Thanks!! I have never heard of Brooks. What do they look like?

 

[SAT887]

That's so great about your husbands job!!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I am so happy to hear your DH found a new job so quickly! And that his new employers are OK with him taking off for your trip. What a big weight that must've been off your shoulders.

You know, I have been hearing so much about Keens lately but have never tried them. The ones you got are cute! (OK, the second go 'round. ) I can usually get away with wearing Reef or Teva flip-flops for a couple of days, then my sneakers -- but that's great advice to switch every other day or even for different parts of the day. I'm so gonna try that next time!

 

[tofubeast]

Disney Snacks or Bust

I have decided to make a Disney snack/drink list. If these items are not consumed, I shall deem my vacation as officially RUINED! (jk)

I have enjoyed many items while at the 'World such as Dole Whips, Churros, Mickey bars, Zebra Domes, Ice Cream Sandwiches etc, but these are the ones I have missed out on. Here we go:

1. School Bread in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion

Read about it everywhere, but have never tried. This will END come December. Report to follow when this becomes a TR!

2. Grand Mariner Slushie in EPCOT’s France Pavilion

DH said this is a must for him. I will try a sip (or two or three), and procure my own if deemed worthy!

3. Citrus Swirl at MK's Sunshine Terrace

I'm a huge fan of the Dole Whip, but I can't wait to try this old classic that made a come back to MK. I shall toast to the Orange Bird!

4. Carrot Cake Cookie from The Writer’s Stop at DHS

Only heard about it recently. There hasn't been many 'must eat's' for me at DHS. I guess I must have completely missed out on this!! (One day, I will try the Grapefruit cake from the Brown Derby. And yes, I know there is always a cupcake from Starring Rolls.)

5. Chocolate-Covered Sea Salt Caramel at Karamell Kuche in EPCOT's Germany Pavilion (and caramel popcorn)

KK opened up since the last time I was at EPCOT, so I have never been. I loved salted caramel. I can't wait to try it. Confession--- I will buy a bag of caramel popcorn too!

6. Margaritas from La Cava del Tequila at EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion

DH is positive he wants --
Jalapeño: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, muddled jalapeños, fresh lime juice, cucumber and agave nectar, served on the rocks with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim

I am torn between -
Avocado: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, melon liqueur, fresh avocado, agave nectar and fresh lime juice, served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim

OR

Cucumber: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, orange liqueur, caramelized pineapple juice, fresh basil, cucumber and agave nectar, served on the rocks



All I can say is--- thank goodness I got DH an early b'day present, an elliptical machine. We can pre- and post- work out!

If there are any suggestions for other snacks, please let me know your recommendations. Are there any Holiday specific items that I can only get at the World during that time of the year? Do share!

 

[ses1230]

Thanks, the carrot cake cookie and salted chocolate covered caramel are now on my list! Yum!

Some that I have had before and will get again are:
Kaki gori - Japan
Glazed almonds
Funnel cake, and
Ham and cheese croissant - France

Some that I want to try are:
Nutella fruit waffle
Egg rolls
Cream cheese pretzel, and
Rice cream.

The only thing I know about the special treats are at the Grand Floridian (and probably other places too) they had a little gingerbread cookie stand next to the gingerbread house. It was good.

 

[ciao_gina]

OK that salty caramel chocolate treat looks great!

 

[mom2travel]

Yum! Need to add some of those snacks to our list

 

[SAT887]

Ok now I need to add that salted caramel!!! I also suggest a ghiradelli sundae.... So tasty. I want to try a cupcake from starring rolls....

 

[ksromack]

1. School Bread in EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion

Read about it everywhere, but have never tried. This will END come December. Report to follow when this becomes a TR!

It's the coconut that loses me on this one. I can't handle the texture of it....but dh loves it so I think he'll have to try this too!

2. Grand Mariner Slushie in EPCOT’s France Pavilion

DH said this is a must for him. I will try a sip (or two or three), and procure my own if deemed worthy!

3. Citrus Swirl at MK's Sunshine Terrace

I'm a huge fan of the Dole Whip, but I can't wait to try this old classic that made a come back to MK. I shall toast to the Orange Bird!

4. Carrot Cake Cookie from The Writer’s Stop at DHS

Only heard about it recently. There hasn't been many 'must eat's' for me at DHS. I guess I must have completely missed out on this!! (One day, I will try the Grapefruit cake from the Brown Derby. And yes, I know there is always a cupcake from Starring Rolls.)

5. Chocolate-Covered Sea Salt Caramel at Karamell Kuche in EPCOT's Germany Pavilion (and caramel popcorn)

KK opened up since the last time I was at EPCOT, so I have never been. I loved salted caramel. I can't wait to try it. Confession--- I will buy a bag of caramel popcorn too!

6. Margaritas from La Cava del Tequila at EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion

DH is positive he wants --
Jalapeño: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, muddled jalapeños, fresh lime juice, cucumber and agave nectar, served on the rocks with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim

I am torn between -
Avocado: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, melon liqueur, fresh avocado, agave nectar and fresh lime juice, served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim

OR

Cucumber: El Mayor premium silver Tequila, orange liqueur, caramelized pineapple juice, fresh basil, cucumber and agave nectar, served on the rocks



All I can say is--- thank goodness I got DH an early b'day present, an elliptical machine. We can pre- and post- work out!

If there are any suggestions for other snacks, please let me know your recommendations. Are there any Holiday specific items that I can only get at the World during that time of the year? Do share!

I'm up for all the aforementioned items above! I vote for the avocado margarita and I can see my dh going for the jalapeno one!

I have many cupcakes on my list. I mean, who can resist a mini cake? I aim to get at least 5 of them! Aw, heck....I'll make them my breakfast I also want to get some of the Holiday popcorn in the cute containers. I've seen pics of those somewhere.

 

[ksromack]

Ok now I need to add that salted caramel!!! I also suggest a ghiradelli sundae.... So tasty. I want to try a cupcake from starring rolls....

Has it been confirmed or denied that the Ghiradelli sundaes are included in the DDP as a snack credit? That would be really swell if it was

 

[SAT887]

Has it been confirmed or denied that the Ghiradelli sundaes are included in the DDP as a snack credit? That would be really swell if it was

I don't think it is- we've never used DDP before but I almost positive it isn't. : /

 

[tofubeast]

Game Time: Which is Which?

Passing the time as it is still 68 days till we head to Disney. (wah wah)

I was going through my old photos and thought I would play a game with you guys.

That's my DH in the photographs.

Challenge: Which Chinese theater do you think is in Hollywood and which one is at DHS?

Let's see who can guess correctly!

 

[khertz]

Game Time: Which is Which?

Passing the time as it is still 68 days till we head to Disney. (wah wah)

I was going through my old photos and thought I would play a game with you guys.

That's my DH in the photographs.

Challenge: Which Chinese theater do you think is in Hollywood and which one is at DHS?

Let's see who can guess correctly!

I almost feel like it's not fair for me to guess since I was just at the real thing a month ago! So I guess I will let others guess since I know the answer. Fun game!

 

[SAT887]

Game Time: Which is Which?

Passing the time as it is still 68 days till we head to Disney. (wah wah)

I was going through my old photos and thought I would play a game with you guys.

That's my DH in the photographs.

Challenge: Which Chinese theater do you think is in Hollywood and which one is at DHS?

Let's see who can guess correctly!

I'm thinking the first photo is WDW (little wisp of palm tree in the corner! I don't recall in pics of chinese theater that there was palms/trees nearby)

 

[ksromack]

Game Time: Which is Which?

Passing the time as it is still 68 days till we head to Disney. (wah wah)

I was going through my old photos and thought I would play a game with you guys.

That's my DH in the photographs.

Challenge: Which Chinese theater do you think is in Hollywood and which one is at DHS?

Let's see who can guess correctly!

I had to look at my picture from California and the one on the right is the Hollywood California Chinese Theater.

 

[Valgoof]

Game Time: Which is Which?

Passing the time as it is still 68 days till we head to Disney. (wah wah)

I was going through my old photos and thought I would play a game with you guys.

That's my DH in the photographs.

Challenge: Which Chinese theater do you think is in Hollywood and which one is at DHS?

Let's see who can guess correctly!

I say the one on the left is in DHS. It's more colorful. Seems like Disney would more likely add color, not take it away.

 

[tofubeast]

The only thing I know about the special treats are at the Grand Floridian (and probably other places too) they had a little gingerbread cookie stand next to the gingerbread house. It was good.

Yes, I saw some pictures of the gingerbread men etc. A bit pricey. I look forward to doing the monorail loop and checking out the GF!

OK that salty caramel chocolate treat looks great!

Doesn't it? I LOVE salted caramel. (The salted caramel hot cocoa at Starbucks is yum)

Yum! Need to add some of those snacks to our list

Glad to be an enabler!

Ok now I need to add that salted caramel!!! I also suggest a ghiradelli sundae.... So tasty. I want to try a cupcake from starring rolls....

I have had their sundae's before at the Ghiradelli's in San Fran, DTD, and South Beach. YUM!!! I didn't add a cupcake to my list above, but I know I will have one. There are cupcakes now in the Big Top tent in Storybook Land.

I'm up for all the aforementioned items above! I vote for the avocado margarita and I can see my dh going for the jalapeno one!

I have many cupcakes on my list. I mean, who can resist a mini cake? I aim to get at least 5 of them! Aw, heck....I'll make them my breakfast I also want to get some of the Holiday popcorn in the cute containers. I've seen pics of those somewhere.

I haven't seen the cute containers! Share a pic! I am leaning towards the avocado. In fact, a friend of mine raved about the cucumber. She is going back to Disney next week, so she promised to order the avocado so she can give me a heavily researched opinion. Then again, she suggested I just order both. (I could have one on each EPCOT visit!)

Has it been confirmed or denied that the Ghiradelli sundaes are included in the DDP as a snack credit? That would be really swell if it was

Ghiradelli is not on the DDP. At least, that is what I read online.



You guys are ALL winners!!!

I'm thinking the first photo is WDW (little wisp of palm tree in the corner! I don't recall in pics of chinese theater that there was palms/trees nearby)

There are palm trees in Socal...but you are correct!

I had to look at my picture from California and the one on the right is the Hollywood California Chinese Theater.

Smartie!

I say the one on the left is in DHS. It's more colorful. Seems like Disney would more likely add color, not take it away.

True true!!



It was fun to compare, because while close, it is not an exact replica!