I Want to Quit This Whole Disney World! -- (Update 2/20)

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 2— Snow White Must Have a Little Brother

We were shown our table, our waiter took our drink orders and we were off to the cold bar. Here is my cold plate.

During our meal, the princesses started coming around. Aurora was first.

Apparently, SIL really liked her signature, or she was in the middle of telling Ginny about it.

I think our hot plate came around at this point. The overall consensus was “okay”. The cheesy potatoes were better last year, but the eggs were fine, as was the meat. I like the interesting cold bar selections here. The apple turnovers are really good!

Cinderella was next. She tried to engage Hayden in conversation, but I he wasn’t having it.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the trip. Cinderella signing the book, Hayden holding his fork, looking like he is going to attack her or something.

Ginny liked Cinderella, especially her gloves!

When Snow White came by, she got down to Hayden’s level and started talking with him. She wore him down or something, because he started interacting with her!

SIL made the comment that she though Snow White must have a little brother, because she knew just what to do with him!

He did so well, so DH decided to make a bet with him. DH said that if Hayden got five more pictures with characters, we would buy him a toy. They shook on it.

Time for Ariel! She talked to Hayden and asked him if he was a sailor. He was a bit apprehensive at first, but he warmed up to her and they were able to get a family picture!

Food Round Up:
I want to see how much we would have spent on all this food and see if it saves as much as Disney claims it would save.

4 Adults, Akershus: $157.60
1 Child, Akershus: $23.42
Total Food Costs, Day 4: $181.02
Total Food Costs, Trip: $1387.66

Cost of upgrade to DxDP: $1161.00
Cost of DxDP w/o Free Dining: $2780

 

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 3—Failed Kim Possible

After Akershus, we made our way to future world. BIL, SIL and DH went off to ride Mission Space (green) while I sat with Hayden and Ginny. We decided to play in the fountain and watch the fountain show near Innoventions.

At some point Hayden wanted to meet the characters at Epcot’s Character Spot. I unloaded Ginny, we walked into the queue, waited in line, and then Hayden freaked out.

We decided to find another fountain, this one at Future World East.

This was a classic “waiting” Hayden stance during the trip, I don’t know why. Whenever we were waiting for something, this would happen. He didn’t need to use the restroom or anything, so it must be one of those phases or something.

At this point, BIL took Hayden and Ginny and went to Innoventions, while SIL, DH and I rode Test Track. I don’t really remember anything about our experience on that ride, but I do have a PhotoPass picture.

I think that Disney should have an option for someone to add all ride photos to Photopass. If they wanted more $, I am sure people would pay. Why not have the price for a regular CD, and then an upgrade/extra fee for those who want the ride photos? I would pay the extra fee to get them on the CD, but I never buy the photos in the parks.

The one thing I do know that Hayden, Ginny, and BIL did was some sort of experience where they ended up with a shield sticker. They seemed to think Innoventions was pretty cool, which makes me want to experience it this time around.

We had ridden all of the major rides in Future World, so we headed to World Showcase. BIL wanted to experience a Kim Possible Adventure, so we picked up FastPasses. They needed us to report to Norway. So exciting!

On the way there, we stopped by Mexico. BIL, SIL and DH went on the Donald/Mexico ride. Ginny was asleep, so she stayed with me. Hayden had a lot of fun making his mask.

SIL deemed the ride appropriate for Hayden, so we went on the ride a second time. He loved it! He was even happy enough at this point to pose for a picture in the pavilion.

We made our way to Norway as it was almost time to start our mission. Along the way, we made a brief stop to change Ginny. SIL is kind of a ninja when it comes to her kids. She can take care of anything at any time.

We stopped by Norway because the shop with the Troll was open for business. After waiting in line (like you always have to do). BIL posed for a picture.

Hayden was a bit scared of the troll, and despite telling him that this would count for a character picture, he wasn’t having it. I even tried to show him that the troll was nice, but he didn’t believe me.

The Kim Possible mission was for China. We were bummed because we had already checked out China, so we just gave our Kimmunicator back. Additionally, we needed to head over to lunch. I think BIL was pretty bummed, but it just gives them something to look forward to when they go again!

 

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 4—World Showcase Fly By

Although we needed to go to lunch, we decided to meander around World Showcase and explore just a bit. We weren’t in a rush, but we wanted to make sure that Hayden had signatures from all of the countries in his autograph book and a picture to go with it. Nothing significant happened on our walk, so this update is just a lot of pictures.

Here is DH and Hayden opening the cooler, waiting for it to spray them. I really think that these should spray water, not just mist you slightly.

More of our walk:

Hayden thought that the train in Germany was way cool, as evidenced by his face here.

Onto Italy and America!

We finally arrived in Japan for lunch at Teppan Edo.

 

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 5—Teppan Edo

We were all ready for lunch at this point, or, the air conditioning at least. While waiting for our chef, the waitress offered us chopsticks and made Hayden some makeshift “easy to use” ones. He was pleased and it kept him entertained.

Appetizers are up! DH and BIL both ordered the Wafu Ribs - sake,soy and ginger braised pork ribs $8.95. Both really liked them. BIL stated that the ribs were “flavor-licious” and DH said, “Delicious and very tender. It was like the meat wanted to live in my mouth”.

SIL chose the Tuna Sensation - sashimi grade raw tuna and avocado cubes served with a sesame-saki-soy dressing $7.95. She thought the presentation was pretty, but she was a bit terrified of it and ordered because she was feeling brave. She said it wasn’t good or bad. I tried it and it tasted like nothing.

I had the Gyo no Negi-maki - beef wrapped green onions served with Hickory Smoked Sea Salt $7.95. There were really good! I was surprised how long they took to cook. They were on the grill much longer than the ribs. I want to order this again!

All of our food ordered came with seasonal vegetables with udon noodles and steamed rice. All we had to choose was the meat!

We all enjoyed the “show” at the table. The cook was funny and it was nice to not “wait” for our food. As soon as it was ready, it was served. They were great about accommodating BIL’s shellfish allergy. Here are some of the highlights from the grill.

DH ordered the Filet Mignon $29.95. He said, “This was good and kind of had a kick to it. The meat was seared on the outside, but like butter on the inside.” For some reason I don’t have a picture of it.

SIL had the Kajiki Maguro - swordfish steak $25.95. She said this was okay, but that the mayo based sauce was really yummy. Overall, it wasn’t as good as the Coral Reef Mahi Mahi.

BIL ordered the Ton - pork loin steak $20.95. He loved this and said that it was better than the mushroom lasagna at Coral Reef, his favorite meal up to that point. The noodles were “nothing grand”.

I had the Asakusa - sirloin steak and large shrimp $29.95. The steak was just okay, but I thought the shrimp was great! I wish that I ordered all shrimp as opposed to half of each.

We were stuffed, but we ended up getting dessert, just for the sake of reviewing it DH and BIL had the Ice cream— $4.50. DH said it was good, if a bit basic. However, it hit the spot. BIL said it tasted “real”, like it came from a churn as opposed to a carton.

SIL and I ordered the Ginger cake—$5.95. we both enjoyed this, but it wasn’t all that spectacular. It was a good ending to the meal.

Food Round Up:
I want to see how much we would have spent on all this food and see if it saves as much as Disney claims it would save.

4 Adults, Teppan Edo: $205.30
1 Child, Teppan Edo: $13.50
Total Food Costs, Day 4: $399.82
Total Food Costs, Trip: $1606.46

Cost of upgrade to DxDP: $1161.00
Cost of DxDP w/o Free Dining: $2780

 

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 6—Pick A Pearl

With full bellies, we headed downstairs for Pick a Pearl. This was a lot of fun. SIL decided to pick two pearls, one for a ring and one for a necklace. I believe that the necklace is for Ginny when she gets older. Here are pictures from her experience.

I was next. I only did one pearl. Hayden chose my oyster, but he didn’t want to get too close to the “opening ceremony”. We think he was frightened of the accent or the banging drums.

I got a yellow pearl! At first, I was disappointed, but now I love it. I put it in a flower setting. Here is a picture of the setting I bought. It was really expensive, but I couldn’t resist.

This was taken with my camera phone, but it’s something, at least!

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[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 7— Morocco

We still had energy at this point, so we decided to finish up World Showcase then go back to the hotel. We planned to eat at Marrakesh that night, but figured that we would spend time in WS while it was sunny and just grab dinner at the food court.

DH and I were excited because we hadn’t been to these countries (last year we didn’t have the time. Everything was new!

First up was Morocco.

I saw this awkward Kodak Picture Spot Picture, so I did my best to recreate.

Don’t ask what is going on here:

I really liked Morrocco because of all the winding pathways. It is easy to get lost, actually! I seem to be looking for DH in this picture.

And then we just starting taking random photos.

Before we left, it was dance time again!

 

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 8—France, England and Canada

After Morocco we started walking toward France. Well, DH and SIL took the kids there. BIL and I ran back to Japan to grab the set Pick a Pearls. I guess on the way over the saw the Beast! I would really like to meet his sometime. I always thought he was cuter as the beast.

Once again, not quite sure what Hayden is doing here. We were all in a pretty weird mood, I guess.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures. He looks like he is rapping or flashing gang signs.

They took Hayden to the KidCot station so he could get his mask complete.

Once BIL and I caught up with them, we headed into the pastry shop. DH and I didn’t get anything, but I believe SIL and BIL both got a smoothie and Hayden had a cookie.

When we got to England, we found the British band playing! They were really good. This ended up being Hayden’s picture for England, since SIL liked them so much!

More pictures of England

SIL and I got some photos in the phone booth. Although they are overexposed, I like them a lot.

We look like we are in love here.

Apparently we had trouble getting out of the booth. Talk about clumsy!

At this point, we were DYING of heat but we decided to stop in Canada.

DH waiting in line to buy me a Coke while Hayden, BIL and I went to KidCot to get the stamp. SIL got these shots while they waited for us.

We high-tailed it out of the park before we melted completed. I don’t remember about the ride back to the hotel, when we got there, etc. However, I am pretty sure we were in the park until 4:30 that day.

 

[oboedm]

Day 4: Part 9— Dinner and Games

After resting for a few hours, we sent the boys down to get dinner. I think this was the day that BIL, SIL and family used the pool while DH and I napped and I did some grading.

Here is how dinner went for us:

I ordered the Muffaletta Sandwich $8.89. I thought this was okay. It was huge! I could have split this with someone and been full. There was something about it that I wasn’t thrilled with, but I can’t remember what that was.

DH had the Chicken Quesadilla $8.39. He said, “This was kind of dry, but huge. It was like they thought they could make up for the dry chicken by adding massive amounts of cheese.”

BIL thought that his Bacon Double Cheeseburger $8.59, was pretty good. He said it wasn’t surprising and expected, but gave it 4 stars.

SIL had the Cheese Steak Sandwich $8.49. It was greasy and flavorless. He said that she gave it 1 star because she was hungry and it filled her. There is no picture of this because it wasn’t worthy of one.

Hayden had the Chicken Nuggets $4.99. No comment from here, but he ate that night.

BIL and SIL got cupcakes for dessert. BIL said that it tasted like it was made in a rusty pan, and that it tasted like nothing. SIL said that it was disappointing, like it was supermarket frosting.

DH and I were smart and ordered the beignets! These were really good. Maybe we can take a detour over to POFQ and get some next week!

After dinner, the boys decided to go down to the arcade and use the points that came in our Travel Package. They joked that the 50 points would be one game, and they were right!

Here is DH claiming his game:

The card:

Apparently this was hilarious to the two of them:

I guess BIL couldn’t believe that “Sketch Express” is a game:

DH is dissatisfied with his one game:

They were back from the arcade within 20 minutes. Oh well! At least we had a fun day in Epcot, and MK was the next day!

Food Round Up:
I want to see how much we would have spent on all this food and see if it saves as much as Disney claims it would save.

4 Adults, POFQ: $44.36
1 Child, POFQ: $4.99
Total Food Costs, Day 4: $449.17
Total Food Costs, Trip: $1655.81

Cost of upgrade to DxDP: $1161.00
Cost of DxDP w/o Free Dining: $2780

 

[annmarieda]

You are definitely hammering out these updates aren't you!

I love the deal made with Hayden. I can't wait to find out if he won or not. My guess would be he didn't, but...he does seem to be warming up a bit at this point.

I have never done the pick a pearl. It looks like a must do. Dh got the girls and I some of those carriages off of ebay, so on our next trip we definitely are doing it!

I love how in WDW you can pass by things a dozen times and miss something. I had no idea that the soda cooler in the African outpost area in WS was interactive. I think I am going to have to share that with my soon to be son in law cause I know that my dd doesn't know about it either. It will give him something to "show her" since she is the vet on their disneymoon trip and he has never been.

On our last trip, we skipped Akershus. I kinda missed it cause I love the picture with the princess that comes with it. For us, in all the times we have gone though it has always been Belle.

 

[onescgirl]

I love your Morocco pictures, y'all are hilarious!

I wish I had my pic made with Beast. I had a bigger crush on him than the prince too!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just caught up again after being M.I.A. for a few updates. I love all of the silly pictures as they capture the real "you" or "you's" or "ya'll"....well you know what I mean.

I wish I had a beignet or two right now. Instead I had a plain ole sandwich and chips for lunch.

 

[oboedm]

We are back from our February/March adventure, so I want to get started again on this one and then hopefully start a new one!

You are definitely hammering out these updates aren't you!

I love the deal made with Hayden. I can't wait to find out if he won or not. My guess would be he didn't, but...he does seem to be warming up a bit at this point.

I have never done the pick a pearl. It looks like a must do. Dh got the girls and I some of those carriages off of ebay, so on our next trip we definitely are doing it!

I love how in WDW you can pass by things a dozen times and miss something. I had no idea that the soda cooler in the African outpost area in WS was interactive. I think I am going to have to share that with my soon to be son in law cause I know that my dd doesn't know about it either. It will give him something to "show her" since she is the vet on their disneymoon trip and he has never been.

On our last trip, we skipped Akershus. I kinda missed it cause I love the picture with the princess that comes with it. For us, in all the times we have gone though it has always been Belle.

We didn't go to Akershus this time around and I missed it as well! I love seeing Epcot empty! You will have to stay tuned, I still want to finish this one!

I love your Morocco pictures, y'all are hilarious!

I wish I had my pic made with Beast. I had a bigger crush on him than the prince too!

We ended up getting pictures with the Beast this time around. His hands are so deformed looking. It's creepy....

Just caught up again after being M.I.A. for a few updates. I love all of the silly pictures as they capture the real "you" or "you's" or "ya'll"....well you know what I mean.

I wish I had a beignet or two right now. Instead I had a plain ole sandwich and chips for lunch.

I have a frozen meal for lunch. So disappointing! =)

 

[mickeystoontown]

Welcome back! Looking forward to hearing about your most recent adventures.

 

[Joyciemc]

Yay- lots of fun updates to read!

Your pictures are hilarious! The poses Hayden strikes from time to time make me laugh big time!

 

[Diegosmom]

CAn't wait to read the rest and to see how the totals for dining go. But it does seem like a tad too much food for you guys.

 

[lbuzz52]

I'm enjoying yur report so far!
When we were about 10 minutes late to CRT i thought they were going to tell us too bad... they seriously were not nice about it. we had to arrive on a later flight our last trip too. we had almost booked MNSSHP for that day. i'm so glad we didnt so we just had to miss an ADR instead. the food roundup is a good idea. can't wait to see how it comes out. traveling wiht family can be an experience in itself. glad you guys are starting to find your groove!