If only Tinker Bell was related to the tooth fairy... (FINISHED 4/26)

[afwdwfan]

Wow... I'm surprised the mods haven't closed this one out yet!

Me too!

Little girls are hard to please! lol!

Thanks for the warning.

DD REALLY enjoyed it and didn't want to leave. Neither did the other kids.

I guess if you don't get a toy from the tooth fairy, new Disney friends is the next best thing.

We decided then that our next stay at WDW would be at one of the Boardwalk resorts if possible.

Will there be a TR?

Hmmm... no update = chatter... update = silence. Interesting....

I'm sorry, it took a while to pick my jaw up off the floor. You left me speechless.

DW MADE me take pictures of the ceiling because she thought it was sooooo cool:

Peek-a-boo, Belle... I see you!

So it starts with a thread dedicated to princess pictures and now we have a DISDad stalking them like the paparazzi.

Rule #1 at Disney: The boats rock.

Then maybe you should sit down before you make everybody sick.

 

[that's nice]

Why Hello there Don!

Quick question... Is this what really happened, or are you just making it up?

You had me laughing about your DD being upset with the Tooth Fairy.. Juliana would do the same exact thing.

In Epcot just to leave Epcot.

I've only been to the Boardwalk once.. We really need to get over there and explore more.

Great pictures of the WS!!! It looks like it was a beautiful day!

Oh, nice earring.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Then maybe you should sit down before you make everybody sick.

Did you give Barry your account password?

 

[Emma's Dad]

So you went all the way to EPCOT just to turn around and leave?

In Epcot just to leave Epcot.

Well... you see... since we were coming from CSR there is no direct bus route to the Boardwalk. Besides... it was just another excuse to see all the cool topiaries on the way!

Low crowds and good food =

Good mood food! Oh wait... that slogan is already used...

Rule #1 at Disney: The boats rock.

Good one!

That is pretty cool. I don't remember seeing that before.

Nice WS pictures! Did you try any spy missions?

We did not I tried to talk DD into trying it, but she wanted nothing to do with it. I will say, however, that if it had been P&F already she would have jumped on it in a heartbeat!

Thanks for the warning.

Someone has to send the memo, right?

I guess if you don't get a toy from the tooth fairy, new Disney friends is the next best thing.

Will there be a TR?

Hmmmm.... MAYBE. If I can ever get this one done!

I'm sorry, it took a while to pick my jaw up off the floor. You left me speechless.

Mission accomplished

So it starts with a thread dedicated to princess pictures and now we have a DISDad stalking them like the paparazzi.

She had the beast with her to settle the unruly paparazzi!

 

[Emma's Dad]

Why Hello there Don!

Quick question... Is this what really happened, or are you just making it up?

Maybe

You had me laughing about your DD being upset with the Tooth Fairy.. Juliana would do the same exact thing.

I still look back and shake my head at the whole thing! But now I know better!

I've only been to the Boardwalk once.. We really need to get over there and explore more.

Day visits aren't as fun as night visits.

Great pictures of the WS!!! It looks like it was a beautiful day!

Thanks! A gorgeous day it was indeed! The whole week was like that!

Oh, nice earring.

I knew SOMEONE would make a comment like this.

Did you give Barry your account password?

 

[Emma's Dad]

May 1, 2010


This update will be photo-heavy, too. Just a lazy walk around the world!



















Drummers getting ready...


Yep... you guessed it... now they are drumming!




At this point we were pretty hot and needed a break from the sun. Time to check out the American Adventure! This is something I haven't seen since my last visit in the 90's. We all enjoyed the show in the nice, cold A/C





I'm pretty sure DW had the camera at this point, because I certainly do not remember taking these pictures! lol













More pictures coming up in next update... Day 5, Part 4: "The World is a big place..."

 

[Emma's Dad]

May 1, 2010

Still taking our time getting around the World Showcase. Been a great day so far!



It's amazing how much detail has been put into the buildings at Epcot.









There be pirates!












Business is a little slow here...


OK... I KNOW I did not take this picture! DW had passed these guys a moment earlier and said she really wanted a picture. These men are not cast members and it's not every day you see kilts walking around Epcot... well... at least while WE are there!





DW still has the camera at this point....






I'll pause here a moment to discuss the next set of photos. The girls were once again scouring the shops to see what different kind of goodies the various countries had to offer. At this particular shop in China they were selling umbrellas. Of course, I'm a guy and I'm like, "Why do you need an umbrella? There's no chance of rain today!". Apparently I am not aware that an umbrella can be used for shade, too. What sealed the deal, though, was the interesting selling point in that one of the ladies there would write your name in Chinese on the umbrella. This happens to be a great purchase for the gift card! Here is the shop where the umbrellas were found (they can be seen on the right side of the pic):



A little out of focus, but this is the wonderful lady who wrote the Chinese lettering on the umbrella (I'm assuming it's Emma's name since I do not know Chinese!):


And here is DD showing off her new gift:


One of my favorite pics from this trip:


And yes, she still has the umbrella in her room and gets it out once if a while to admire it. Great gift indeed!

As you can see from this pic, the WS is getting a little more populated (wonder if it had anything to do with the fact we were in China?)


Nearing the end of the World! We did not spend much time in Norway or Mexico this time. DD was much more concerned with getting some swim time in. Here is a parting shot of Mexico as we start heading to the exit:



Will finish up our Epcot day with the next installment!

 

[afwdwfan]

Did you give Barry your account password?

I knew I shouldn't have replied to that e-mail from the African prince asking for all my passwords and bank account numbers.

This update will be photo-heavy, too. Just a lazy walk around the world!

I thought it was photo-heavy because you forgot what really happened. But an update is an update and we'll gladly take it!

Still taking our time getting around the World Showcase. Been a great day so far!

They were all great pictures around the World Showcase. If you hadn't been there in a few years, I can understand how you'd just want to walk around taking pictures for an afternoon. So much detail to see there. It really is incredible how much it makes you feel like you really are walking from country to country.

One of my favorite pics from this trip:

It's a good one, indeed.

As you can see from this pic, the WS is getting a little more populated (wonder if it had anything to do with the fact we were in China?)

You've been sitting on that one for almost 2 years, haven't you?

 

[Emma's Dad]

I knew I shouldn't have replied to that e-mail from the African prince asking for all my passwords and bank account numbers.

All your passwords are belong to me...

I thought it was photo-heavy because you forgot what really happened. But an update is an update and we'll gladly take it!

They were all great pictures around the World Showcase. If you hadn't been there in a few years, I can understand how you'd just want to walk around taking pictures for an afternoon. So much detail to see there. It really is incredible how much it makes you feel like you really are walking from country to country.

Indeed! Still... there NEVER seems to be enough time to take in Epcot. I would spend a week going only to Epcot if the family would let me.

You've been sitting on that one for almost 2 years, haven't you?

Can't get anything by you, can I?

 

[Emma's Dad]

May 1, 2010

It's mid afternoon and the Florida sun has a retreating back through the park in order to catch a bus to the resort. DD has been patient so far, but she's ready to be immersed in a big pool of water.

I found this to be an interesting way to use one of the landscaping beds in the park:








Friendship boat:




Back at CSR:




The day ended with pool/rest time followed by dinner at the Pepper Market. We were too lazy to head out anywhere to grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the evening shots here:





Hammock/beach time:











We found this guy hanging out on a neighbor's door as we were walking back to our room. He seemed to be enjoying the cool blue theme! Though he did not blend in very well. lol!




That wraps up day 5 for this trip. It was definitely a good day at WDW!

Next up... Day 6, Part 1: "A secret corridor?!?"

 

[Emma's Dad]

I must be freaking everyone out with all these updates. Maybe I should take some time off and let these ones sink in a little while.......

 

[trennr]

Wow...sprinkle a few crickets and get 4 updates!!!

I believe the were 5 Crickets in my post Don. One of them is feeling left out.

 

[Emma's Dad]

Wow...sprinkle a few crickets and get 4 updates!!!

I believe the were 5 Crickets in my post Don. One of them is feeling left out.

Oh... thought he was just along for the ride! Will try to get another one done this weekend... BUSY weekend ahead though.

 

[KDilly]

Actually, I think they are distantly related through a fairy wedding down the line somewhere haha

-KD

 

[Wherem I Now]

Great updates Don! Too much to comment on individually but let me just say that looking at all of your pictures of EPCOT has me even more Jazzed up for our upcoming trip during Flower & Garden.

I remember seeing all of it last year, but this has really got me going!

 

[Emma's Dad]

Actually, I think they are distantly related through a fairy wedding down the line somewhere haha

-KD

Ya know... I had heard that rumor... good to know I'm not the only one that thinks so!

Great updates Don! Too much to comment on individually but let me just say that looking at all of your pictures of EPCOT has me even more Jazzed up for our upcoming trip during Flower & Garden.

I remember seeing all of it last year, but this has really got me going!

I don't even remember what Epcot is like WITHOUT the F&G festival going on! There's so much to see and do there at that time! Have a blast for me this year!

 

[Emma's Dad]

May 2, 2010

Another bright, blue, sunny day in Florida greets us while we are getting ready for day 6 at the parks. I know I've brought this up on numerous occasions, but I very much appreciate how each of our vacations to Florida have been rain-free and full of sunshine! Quite honestly, I would not know what to do if we had a rainy day to contend with. I'm sure DD would be content with being left in the resort arcade with pockets full of tokens! lol! I'm sure we'd be able to find stuff to do... but sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

Today we head back to Hollywood Studios. We planned it to be a lazy day and just do whatever we feel like doing as we stroll around the park... the only must-do item is TSM. We even took our time getting to the park... arriving just before 11am! So as the girls made their way to Starring Rolls Cafe, I headed to TSM to get FP's. This was the return time for TSM FP:



And the crowd level:



Caught the army men picking up new recruits:


Scenery on the way back:


We chose to ride on ToT after we finish our snacks at SRC. DD has been really looking forward to riding on ToT again. It's amazing how kids can turn their most feared ride into their favorite ride.



Tick tick... the elevator is calling for you...


What? Did someone call my name? Daaaaaaddd... stooopppppp!


Poor lighting, but managed to sneak one in before the ride started:


OK... now here's where it gets interesting. DD was very proud of herself for being able to ride it with no hands. And now with the ride over, she wanted the proof to show her friends that she accomplished this feat. We stop at the ride photo area to see how the photo turned out. After many minutes of waiting for the CM to find our photo we start to wonder what's going on. He finally informs us that he cannot find our photo! He invites us behind the counter to look through the various photos that had been taken and guess what?!? No photo DD was kind-of bummed out about this. And being a good CM, he picks up on this and he asks "Would you like to go on the ride again and make a new photo?" Well... this got DD's attention. The CM then yells for one of the other CMs to take us back up to the ride... VIP status. Woohoo! So we start walking through the secret corridor... to a secret elevator... and come out in front of one of the ride elevators. (thought I was going to say "secret" ride elevator, didn't ya! haha!) I managed to snap a few pictures on the way through the "secret" areas:



Secret elevator:


View from inside the elevator looking out:


It was really cool getting the VIP treatment for ToT. Still can't believe they "lost" our photo! But we got to do something we never would have experienced if the photo had been there!

From ToT we run over to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and take the obligatory ride in the best limousine in the world! And since there was hardly anyone in line, we decided to ride it twice in a row! 5-4-3-2-1! Woooohoooooo! Love that coaster!

As we were walking down Sunset Blvd we noticed one of the park cars going down the street. It then stops in front of Legends of Hollywood and a group of entertainers get out. The slapstick comedy that ensues had use entertained for nearly half an hour. These folks knew how to mingle with the crowd! DD loved them!







"Friends forever"




I believe they were trying to sing "You are my Sunshine" here:




From there we needed another break from the heat. Hey! There's a heat-breaking ride there... The Great Movie Ride!





DD Still likes this ride... even though she'd never seen most of the movies they highlight I'm working on it.

The afternoon found us wandering around... stopping at, say, Star Tours... and Indiana Jones... then it was getting close to dinner time. We have another resort dinner planned for this evening and it's been one that I was looking forward to. Where can I find Roast beef around here??

Parting shots of the bus station at DHS:

View of the Swan from DHS:



Pretty light crowd:


Next up... Day 6, Part 2: "Another new dining experience"

 

[Emma's Dad]

May 2, 2010

This will be the most boring update for those of you who have stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside resort before. From DHS we took a resort bus over to POR to take a run at the Riverside Mill food court. This place drew our attention due to its slightly different menu and is another resort we have not visited in the past (and really wanted to!). Figuring out which bus stop to get off from was a bit of a challenge. We asked the bus driver where the food court was and he had no idea. It seems most of the transportation folks we've talked to in the past rarely have any idea of what is actually inside the resorts. They just know how to get there! Well.... we decided to get off at the lobby and go from there. We guessed right!

Here are the photos from our visit to POR:

Port Orleans Riverside:




Lobby




This photo did not turn out so well, but I found the architecture of the Riverside Mill to be really fascinating. I love seeing all the exposed beams.


Outside the restaurant


The water wheel up close


Landscaping






There's a water play area on the other side of the bridge












A better shot of the back side of the lobby


This bird was eating right out of his hand


We need to stop visiting all these different resorts! The side effect to these adventure trips is the fact that we now want to stay HERE too! The charm afforded by the POR resort really cast a spell on all three of us. It was decided then that if we are going to stay at a moderate resort, this one would be next. We very much enjoyed the atmosphere and the food at the Riverside Mill food court. Not sure how I'd feel about the place if it was really busy. But I'm willing to try it out some day!

With dinner out of the way, we head back to DHS. We still have a few FPs to use

Next up... Day 6, Part 3: "So long, Hollywood Studios!"

 

[afwdwfan]

I know I've brought this up on numerous occasions, but I very much appreciate how each of our vacations to Florida have been rain-free and full of sunshine!

Seriously??? You manage to miss all the Florida storms??? How in the Beverly do you pull that off???

Quite honestly, I would not know what to do if we had a rainy day to contend with.

Really, it isn't all that bad. Just ask pretty much anyone else who has ever gone to Disney World.

It was really cool getting the VIP treatment for ToT. Still can't believe they "lost" our photo! But we got to do something we never would have experienced if the photo had been there!

So, did she get her picture, or did you just use that excuse to get a free re-ride?

We need to stop visiting all these different resorts! The side effect to these adventure trips is the fact that we now want to stay HERE too!

I want to stay at all of them anyway... even the ones I've never visited.

With dinner out of the way, we head back to DHS. We still have a few FPs to use

Don't want to let them go to waste.

 

[Emma's Dad]

Seriously??? You manage to miss all the Florida storms??? How in the Beverly do you pull that off???

I seriously have no idea! Not to spoil too much, but I've taken two more trips since this one and still... NO RAIN! Shhhhhh!

Really, it isn't all that bad. Just ask pretty much anyone else who has ever gone to Disney World.

I'll take your word for it

So, did she get her picture, or did you just use that excuse to get a free re-ride?

Actually, we DID get the picture. I still need to scan it and add it here.

I want to stay at all of them anyway... even the ones I've never visited.

Yep.... good goal to have!

Don't want to let them go to waste.

Nope!

And thanks for being my main TR supporter here!