Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[MegansMom]

As promised, several of my next updates are going to be focusing on the Parks---each one individually---discussing and sharing our Must Do's, LOVES, and DON'Ts for rides, attractions, and eateries at each park. Embedded in my sharing will be pictures from previous trips of our adventures in these parks.....ENJOY!!!

FIRST UP, as requested by Cherbear----EPCOT!!!!!

Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow!!!!

It is quite ironic that I am starting with this park, because for the past few trips, this has been one of our least favorites to tour----not that I don't love it for its' own uniqueness---but in respect to things that Megan can do and enjoy, this park has not sparked her interests as much as the other parks so far. I am hoping that due to the fact that she has gotten MUCH taller since the last trip and MUCH more daring in respect to rides, I think we may have a new appreciation for EPCOT after this year's trip....I am hoping!!!

To start off our discussions, I thought I would share with you all Megan's reflections on EPCOT that I obtained from an "interview" I did with her the other day.

Her favorite ride at EPCOT????

This really shocked me, but it is..........

I think it has much to do with the computer screens and the interactive part of it more than anything else, but that is what she chose. Now, at one point in her life, she did decide she would NOT ride it ever again because she is HIGHLY sensitive to smells, and HATED the part where Rome (I think?) was "burning," but we have rectified that situation by telling her that we will put some yummy lotion on her hands right before we board and when we get to that spot, she can bury her nose in her hands and sniff away so that she doesn't smell that yucky fire!!!

I have to say, as favorites go, this is probably Tom's favorite and ties with Soarin' for me----there is just something so completely "EPCOT" about this ride, that it is always our #1 MUST DO!

Having said that, there are quite a few other MUST DOs too:

We can NEVER pass up our pals at the Seas....NEMO and CRUSH!!!!

Mine...Mine...Mine....MINE!!!

Fish are friends...NOT FOOD!!!

I am sure while around the Seas, we will also have to take in some of our favorites at the Land and Journey to Imagination Pavilions too---Soarin', the Living with the Land Boat ride, and Figment ride.

We will NOT be seeing the Honey I Shrunk the Audience 3D experience this year though........

Here was Megan before that last year:

and afterwards, she was more like this: so NO to that!!!

BUT, yes to FIGMENT....FOR ONE BIG REASON: (double click on it to watch the video!)



She likes the ride, but she LOVES those jumping pads!!!

We may then have to stop for lunch at our FAVORITE EPCOT Counter Service---Sunshine Seasons.....their food is so good, and you have SO much to choose from!!! The dessert selection alone is reason to go......you could wind up with something as yummy as this:

Trust me, that brownie was GOOD----it had marshmallows, chocolate chips, chocolate drizzled over it, and a BUNCH of other toppings that made it TO DIE FOR!!!! SO GOOD!


We will also venture over to the Ellen ride....love it for the 45 minutes of air-conditioning it provides us!

For the first time, I will be getting Megan and Tom to accompany me on Mission Space: Green Team!!! I think they will both really enjoy it!!! AND, I really don't think it will get either of them sick!!! YEAH!

We are also taking Megs on Test Track for the first time this year....she now feels the NEED for SPEED!!!!

Once we travel over to World Showcase, we will have to hit two of our MUST DOs because we LOVE them SO MUCH.....Donald's Gran Fiesta, and the Maelstrom!!! On our September 2006 trip, we rode both of these so many times in a row (it was so uncrowded) that I lost count...and yes, even my little two-almost three year old, LOVED the Maelstrom!

Hopefully, we will stop for one of these along our way too!

We hope to get to explore the countries a little more this year....something we have never been able to really do yet. I am hoping in our explorations that we find LOTS of characters (ahem, Mary Poppins and Alice to be exact), and we would like to try out a Kim Possible mission too! One thing we MUST DO that we have NEVER done before is the American Adventure show. I seriously feel like a bad American because we haven't done this yet....I am sure I will need a tissue, because I get all sappy and sentimental when it comes to historical things.

So here is a little recap:

Absolute MUST DOs because they are our FAVORITES:
--Spaceship Earth
--The Seas
--Soarin' (for me...we will see how Megs and Tom feel)
--Gran Fiesta Tour w/Donald
--The Maelstrom

Other Rides/Attractions we will take in:
--Living with the Land Boat Ride
--The Circle of Life Movie (just because we can't seem to get out of that place without Megan asking to go see Timon)
--Journey Into the Imagination ride---to get to the jumping pads!!!
--Universe of Energy w/Ellen---love that A/C!
--Test Track (a first for Megs!)
--Mission Space: Green Team (first for Tom and Megs!)

New to us this year:
--The American Adventure
--Kim Possible Missions
--Test Track (for Megs)
--Mission Space: Green (for Tom and Megs)

DON'Ts/WON'Ts:
--Honey I Shrunk the Audience
--Reflections of China
--Impressions de France
--O Canada!

If we have time, we might try:
--Epcot Character Spot
--Innoventions East and West
--Kidcot Spots if Megan is interested
--a different CS......but that just seems so hard! Yes, we really like SS that much!!!

The one thing we won't be doing this year that greatly upsets Megan is returning to the Akershus Dining Hall to eat with the Princesses. Not only could I not get a ressie for the day we are going, we are also seeing them at the Castle on this trip, and Tom thought that was plenty. (I really don't think he like the food there, so I think he was quite relieved!) BUT, I thought I would share some fond memories of EPCOT visits past when we did stop there to dine with our Princess and her Princesses....it was a fun night!

Megan learning to pose like Snow White from Jasmine

Hopefully, we will get to finish off the night with Illuminations.....but if Megan is too tired, or dinner goes too long, we will just have to save that for next time!

So there is our EPCOT list!!!!! I hope you enjoyed looking back at our visits there....I can't wait to add even more memories to that this year!!!!

UP NEXT: Two updates in one day.......I have a surprise!!!

PLUS, put in your requests/votes for the next park to be discussed! Don't wait too long!!!!

 

[moparop]

That list looks very similar to what we have enjoyed in the past. My kids love the sound pads at the Imagaination Labs too. We have many pictures of them running from pad to pad. We took Doug on Test Track and Soarin at 3 and a half and I was amazed at how much he enjoyed it. You just never know what's going to get them excited! I know how you feel about Soarin -- to me it is Epcot as well.

I hope you are able to find the characters out as you tour Epcot. It seems like everyone else I know has seen them except me (Boy! Do I sound like a teenager or what?!) What a bummer about Akerhus - hopefully seeing the princesses in castle will make up for it in the end.

We've never done any of the night shows with the kids. Until this year, Doug has found fireworks far too much (he has some sensory issues as well). Have you done headphones for Megan - do the sounds bother her?

I was at the OB yesterday (on my birthday too) and things are looking good. My BP is back to normal there (130/80) and even though it's been running a little higher at home - I am still out of the danger zone. My OB agreed that I will probably develop pre-eclampsia at some point but right now I am having zero signs. She wants me to take it as easy as I need to, continue to stay on my at home BP checks, watch for symptoms and come in a minimum of weekly until this kiddo arrives. I hit 32 weeks today, so I am breathing a bit easier about things. I know if things turned south quickly, we'd have a long road ahead -- but 32 weeks in utero is a good start.

 

[MegansMom]

Gang, I just wanted to tell you that I am in love.............!!!! No, I'm not talking about my hubby.....well, okay, I'm in love, and smitten, and on cloud nine with him too (we are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary next week for pete's sake!) BUT, this love is another kind of love........................BAG LOVE!!!!!! It exists....I know so many of us on here know it, have felt it, and can testify to the power of it. I once fell in love with a Vera called Hipster....she was stylish, compact, classy, and held everything I needed at the time. I thought we were meant to be forever!!!! BUT, then my Baby grew up, and decided she no longer needed her stroller, and I quickly realized, even though I still very much carried a torch for my Hipster, that she would not be up to the challenge for all that I needed to carry in September. It was hard coming to terms with that reality....even harder was trying to figure out what bag would fit the bill, live up to the standard, come somewhere near close to the devotion I felt for that beloved bag. Then, I found a sale, prioritized my list, and made a purchase that I hoped would not only be economical, but would also be comparable to my beloved Hipster. If I am being honest, I had my doubts, didn't think it was possible.........

And then there was a knock at my door today, a box waited for me as I opened it up. A BOX FOR ME!!!! The butterflies started spinning in my stomach as I carefully opened the large brown box. And as I opened that ordinary brown box, I saw that inside, a beautiful, delicate, white box was smiling up at me with cheerful green letters scrawled across the top--"Vera Bradley." I giggled...I won't lie...I'm not ashamed...I giggled like a little school girl! I almost didn't want to open the package because it was too pretty.....but of course I did. And inside that pretty white box, was beautiful, crisp white tissue paper sealed with a white Vera Bradley seal. And underneath all that pretty paper, was it.......my new love!!!! It was breathtakingly beautiful....I'm serious...that picture did it no justice whatsoever!!!! I lifted it out ever so carefully...I really didn't want to mess the paper, and examined each inch, every nook and cranny, and my love grew and grew!!!! The outside zippered pocket was a perfect size for my camera, the inside pockets were much larger than I imagined, and the interior fabric was just as pretty and elegant as the exterior. I untied the straps, adjusted them accordingly, and slipped her on......and she fit like a glove, like she was made for me, and I knew in an instance that I was deeply, madly, wholeheartedly in love.....with a BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now I know what you are thinking, where are the pictures?!?!?!??!?! I immediately ran to get my camera to take a million pictures for you all to capture her beauty, and quickly realized that would NOT be happening today......the battery was dead!!!!! SO, after a good night's charging, my camera will be ready to go tomorrow, and I will be happy to snap away at the addition to my family, and share her all with you!!!!!!! (And the cute little matching ID pouch that I purchased with her too!!!)

BUT, I had to share my LOVE with you!!!! Here's some pixie dust for all those out there that are still searching for their BAG-mate in life!!!!

 

[MegansMom]

Yay! I was going to vote either Epcot or Animal Kingdom!

And yes--please keep me posted on which restaurant you choose. It would be fun to run into each other! I can't believe 'Ohana was SOO packed that night. It seems like everyone wanted to eat there our week!!!

I'd love to see a picture--it sounds REALLY cute

I am going to go ahead and put in your vote for the next round to be Animal Kingdom!!!

I will definitely keep you posted on which restaurant we choose!

Just popping into say that I am enjoying your PTR! You daughter sounds very precious!

I bought the VB bucket tote in Peacock and I love it! I got that pattern because it was on sale. I usually go with darker colors but I am just in love with it!

Back to your regularly scheduled post!!

I am so glad you are reading along....WELCOME!!! I love that pattern too!!! I am so glad that I ordered it...it was such a steal, and it will work out perfectly for me, AND I LOVE THE COLORS!!!!! SO pretty!

That list looks very similar to what we have enjoyed in the past. My kids love the sound pads at the Imagaination Labs too. We have many pictures of them running from pad to pad. We took Doug on Test Track and Soarin at 3 and a half and I was amazed at how much he enjoyed it. You just never know what's going to get them excited! I know how you feel about Soarin -- to me it is Epcot as well.

I hope you are able to find the characters out as you tour Epcot. It seems like everyone else I know has seen them except me (Boy! Do I sound like a teenager or what?!) What a bummer about Akerhus - hopefully seeing the princesses in castle will make up for it in the end.

We've never done any of the night shows with the kids. Until this year, Doug has found fireworks far too much (he has some sensory issues as well). Have you done headphones for Megan - do the sounds bother her?

I was at the OB yesterday (on my birthday too) and things are looking good. My BP is back to normal there (130/80) and even though it's been running a little higher at home - I am still out of the danger zone. My OB agreed that I will probably develop pre-eclampsia at some point but right now I am having zero signs. She wants me to take it as easy as I need to, continue to stay on my at home BP checks, watch for symptoms and come in a minimum of weekly until this kiddo arrives. I hit 32 weeks today, so I am breathing a bit easier about things. I know if things turned south quickly, we'd have a long road ahead -- but 32 weeks in utero is a good start.

I think we will experience EPCOT so differently this year....I am hoping for a great day!!! I too have never run into the characters like others have, so I am hoping to change that luck this year!!! Megan, for whatever reason, allows herself to tolerate fireworks. She covers her ears to protect from the noise, but I think she likes seeing them so much that she wades through it. Illuminations is not our favorite night show, so if we miss it, I don't think we will be too upset.

I am glad to hear your BP is normalizing for now....take it easy....stay out of the heat...drink LOTS of WATER....try to stay off carbonated beverages.....and try to eliminate salty foods as much as possible from your diet. These are just some things I read that can help you make it through the next few weeks!!!! I'm glad you hit 32....let's celebrate as you make it through each passing week!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I am so excited that Megan is going to ride Test Track this year! I can't wait to hear what she thinks about it!

We had a quick snack at Sunshine Seasons on our trip, but haven't eaten a meal there -- I think it will have to be a must-do the next time we go!

Can't wait to see that new bag that is your new love!!!

 

[TarzansKat]

I'll say a little prayer for you!!!!

I'm sorry...I should have gotten back to you quicker about where it came from.....my bad!!!! I hope you find what you are looking for!

Oh, gosh, no worries hon!

Boy, that was one heck of an update you wrote! A few comments. I love the idea of putting the lotion on her hands so she doesn't have to smell Rome burning. Oddly enough, that's probably my favorite smell on the whole ride, possibly one of my favorite Disney smells in general, but I can see why it would bother her.

I love the pictures of her with the princesses! So pretty!

And I know how you feel about the Imagination Labs after Figment. My son LOVES the jumping pads too! I swear, he must have played in there for a good 15-20 minutes in December. This year, I'm going to let him stay there until he gets bored. Burn off that energy, son!

Oh, I forgot!

Don't laugh okay?

I am so jealous of you and your Vera.

There I said it.

 

[Trentmom]

Your epcot list is great


My son's favorite ride is Gran Fiesta. We too rode it over and over and over again


Megan is so adorable

I love the pics of her in the snow white outfit..too cute



Glad you have found your bag mate

 

[Trentmom]

I vote for Hollywood Studios next if not too late

 

[MegansMom]

I vote for Hollywood Studios next if not too late

Okay.....so far it is one vote for DHS, and one vote for AK....I'll keep you posted!

Your epcot list is great


My son's favorite ride is Gran Fiesta. We too rode it over and over and over again


Megan is so adorable

I love the pics of her in the snow white outfit..too cute



Glad you have found your bag mate

I am sure there will be many tours with Donald again!!! Thanks for the comments about Megs...I agree, but then again, I am partial!!! The bag mate is GREAT!

Oh, gosh, no worries hon!

Boy, that was one heck of an update you wrote! A few comments. I love the idea of putting the lotion on her hands so she doesn't have to smell Rome burning. Oddly enough, that's probably my favorite smell on the whole ride, possibly one of my favorite Disney smells in general, but I can see why it would bother her.

I love the pictures of her with the princesses! So pretty!

And I know how you feel about the Imagination Labs after Figment. My son LOVES the jumping pads too! I swear, he must have played in there for a good 15-20 minutes in December. This year, I'm going to let him stay there until he gets bored. Burn off that energy, son!

Oh, I forgot!

Don't laugh okay?

I am so jealous of you and your Vera.

There I said it.

We are definitely prepared for Rome......she reminds me about what we are to do everytime we talk about Epcot!!!! I know she won't forget! I too am going to let her run and jump her little heart out in there this year!!!

You made me laugh out loud about being jealous of the Vera....you crack me up!!! BUT, you would have SO totally loved the box and the way it was all packaged....I just KNOW it!!!!

Oh, I am so excited that Megan is going to ride Test Track this year! I can't wait to hear what she thinks about it!

We had a quick snack at Sunshine Seasons on our trip, but haven't eaten a meal there -- I think it will have to be a must-do the next time we go!

Can't wait to see that new bag that is your new love!!!

I am excited about Megs riding TT too......I am going to try to video at least the portion of her outside....I think that would be hilarious video for sure!!!! Wish me luck on that!!!

You would love a meal from SS....for the desserts along Jackie.....I know how you love a sweet treat!!!! There is SO much to choose from there! Maybe you can hit it in October....or will you be too full from the F&W?!?!?!?

I am charging the camera tonight so that I can hopefully take some pictures for you all tomorrow!!!! STAY TUNED!!!



OKAY Gang......I need some votes because we have a tie right now for which park to discuss next........DHS--1 AK---1.......any other voters?!?!?!?!?!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I'll throw my vote in for AK!

 

[micandminforever]

By vote is AK, and I look forward to pictures of the new bag.

 

[moparop]

I want Magic Kingdom -- how's that for diversifying the vote.

 

[MegansMom]

I'll throw my vote in for AK!

By vote is AK, and I look forward to pictures of the new bag.

I want Magic Kingdom -- how's that for diversifying the vote.

Okay....so I have 3 votes for AK, and 1 each for DHS and MK............If no one else votes, it looks like it is going to be an AK day today!!!!!!!!!! BUT the voting lines are going to be left open for a little bit!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hollywood Studios! That is my vote!!

I am so happy that you love your bag!

I think your Epcot do's and don'ts sound great! I am a little sad you aren't going to Akershush too, I love the pics from last year. hehehe.

 

[MegansMom]

Hollywood Studios! That is my vote!!

I am so happy that you love your bag!

I think your Epcot do's and don'ts sound great! I am a little sad you aren't going to Akershush too, I love the pics from last year. hehehe.

I hope my pictures later do the bag some justice......

Hopefully our pics from the castle will be just as good too!!!

VOTE COUNT: AK 3, DHS 2, MK 1

 

[IluvXU]

I vote for MK.... I always will pick that I guess.

Here is to hoping you have some great character luck at EPCOT. I know we are always super lucky. I think we are because we hit WS early, just as the characters are getting started and the throngs of people have not made it out there yet.

 

[jenjolt]

First of all..YAY for Meg's favorite ride being Spaceship Earth its mine too...I adore that ride LOL!!!!!!!

Can't wait to see if she will enjoy Test Track or not...I really like that ride too!!!!

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!

She looks so adorable in that snow white dress...awwww...just want to bundle up all that cuteness in a bottle LOL!!!!!!

SO glad you fell in love with your bag nothing is better than bag love except for maybe shoe love but I'm not there yet, although I'm going in a couple of weeks to try those New Balance shoes you mentioned YAY!!!!!!

 

[stacikristine]

Megan looks ADORABLE in her Snow White dress!!! What a cutie! I'm sure she'll love meeting the princesses at CRT this year! It sounds like you have a really fun Epcot plan! Michael and I need to sit down and make a list of our must-dos too...

And CONGRATS on your new love!!! That is SOO exciting. I can't wait to see pictures. I'm still waiting for a big sale before I buy my new hipster (I have a mini now). I hope it's love at first sight as well

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm going to vote for AK!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Hurrah for bag love! I think we all know exactly what you mean!

Very smart idea with the lotion to combat the Rome burning smell!

Love your Epcot list. Aren't you just so excited to get there?? Thanks for sharing the pictures - I especially giggled at Megs with the chocolate all over her. I remember that one from your TR. Too cute!!