In the Spirit of the Season

[tinacaplan]

Thanks for the Zoe update. I haven't been around much, as the Dis has been moving soooo slowly that I either get annoyed and do something else on-line OR I only have a few minutes to check and the pages don't load in time.

I hope today is better and Zoe is feeling better.

Serious Resort Touring in Wacky Weather



We made our way to the Boardwalk Hotel first. I had never been in this area even though I stayed at Yacht Club once. I have to say, I am in love with that area. The shops are so quaint!

The BW is so beautiful. I really liked the view from the BC. I wish we had gone in and checked out the lobby while we were there, but that never happened. If they had a nicer pool, I'd love to stay there, but that clown.... I don't know, I'd have a hard time knowing that SAB is just across the pond, so to speak.

You got great pictures, though.

After we left the Boardwalk, we headed in the direction of the Beach Club. On our way past Kouzzina, a cm came out onto the walk way to approach us. Apparently, Kat Cora herself was inside signing autographs and no one was in there getting them.

This is kinda funny. Its my opinion that Kat Cora is not nearly as "famous" as Disney or the Food Network would like to think she is. Granted, my breakfast at Kouzzina was a highlight of our last trip, but I wasn't thinking...oooh, Kat Cora, how cool! It also seems like the event itself was sort of random.

Great pictures at the BC. How I love this resort. Everytime I see pictures of it, I question my choice to stay at the Poly...and then I remember, no way...its the Poly! We wil be back, though.

Next Chapter: Food, Food and more Characters[/QUOTE]

Food, Food and more Characters

I knew I wanted to head straight for Germany. However, on our way there we ran into one of Zoe’s favorite characters, Marie. So we stopped to get her autograph and some pictures.

Cute pictures of Zoe with Marie. Another movie I've never seen...

THEN we went on to Germany. I had heard wonderful thing about the new Caramel store and really wanted to try it. Since we had 2 more days in Epcot planned, I assumed I would be back to get some caramel corn so for now I just got a caramel roll. The store has the most amazing smell to it. I could have lived in that smell.

I really hope that caramel store didn't disappoint. Its really one of our favorite places. We have to get to the bakery in Norway at some point, though.

I don't get Duffy AT ALL. Max wanted to a Duffy really badly when we were there in July and my sucker of a husband bought him one. I figured he'd end up more or less forgotten about, like so many of Max's stuffed animals, but not so much. Now he can't wait to go back and buy Duffy some clothes. I guess you're right...the Disney marketing people know what they're doing.

Dinner at Coral Reef looks really good. And I think your tally is quite impressive.

 

[momabaarjo]

I don't know what it is about Duffy either...Goo fell in love with him too. But we always seemed to miss the time to get his picture.

Ab loved seeing Marie too! Something about girls and cats!

I am trying to figure out how we missed Sum of all Thrills...I had it on the plan but we just skipped it...now I am REALLY sad we did...Boo would have loved it!

The Coral Reef dinner looks so yummy...

Poor Alex and the lady...I think I would have given her the look...I got very unDisney near the end of the trip and people that were not acting magicial got my TEACHER STARE!

 

[oboedm]

Great updates! I am glad you all got a second winds after sitting down for a bit at the BC. Your pictures of Zoe eith Marie are super cute!

Whenever I think of Duffy, I remember this blog post from Jack on All Ears about Duffy in Japan and how crazy they are over there for Duffy. They get a chair at restaurants for the Duffy, they put a blanket down for Duffy to sit on for things like parades so he doesn't get dirty, etc. It was fascinating!

 

[petals]

joining in luvin your trip so far. Your DD makes a very cute princess

 

[lilpixiebabe101]

Yay caught up on all 8 pages I had missed...

I'm so sorry Zoe has had some more rough days. Poor little princess!

Love the updates!

Ekk about the Monorail kid drama...

I want to try Ohana sooo bad..



@Amy... I dont know how you got through age 3 without spanking her for the first time! Alexa has turned into a little terror.

 

[annmarieda]

Isn't Marie cute? I can really understand why Zoe likes her! And now imagine this - Remy at the French Restaurant and Marie peering in the window! Happend last summer, the whole restaurant was in stitches!

It honestly took me a bit to warm up to Marie. I wasn't so sure I liked the blue around her eyes... but after several trips and seeing her... I her! Too funny about the restaurant antics!!!

I am with you about the line at the Character Meet and Greet moving VERY slowly! Don't know why, but it always does.

I can kinda understand. They don't really rush you through and the kids... well, lots of little ones who might not be so use to being in lines

You are the BEST mum going on Sum of all Thrills with Alex!!!!!! Wanna know a secret? We have NEVER been.
We went on a similar simulator at Disney Quest, and even though we designed the most intense coaster, it didn't do much for me .... so we never attempted to do Sum. Maybe we should try it in the summer.

It is worth a try. Like I said.. animation was lacking. And...maybe how it made me feel was because of my own anxiety? Alex wasn't overly impressed... but I think he would do it again. I know Kira is on her trip now and did it 3 times and really enjoyed it!

And the way you describe your treats ..... does that mean you missed out on more caramel and the rice cream?

I'm not really into the whole Duffy thing either, but I do agree that Disney Marketing does know how to make him appealing to the kids!!

Wow, you are seriously the best for going on Sum of All Thrills!!! THAT, I could never ever EVER do in a billion years!

I think I would do it again. Where... I really wouldn't do TOT again.. well, maybe...no.. on second thought just thinking of TOT makes me think ...no.

I haven't been around much the past few days but i'm all caught up again now!

love all the pictures and the resort decorations, we never made it to BW or Yacht and any of those so it was really nice to see their decorations.

We looked at doing the ride simulator but there was NO way I was going on one of those and even my son was not really thrilled about it. He kind of wanted to design one but not ride it.... more on that in my TR once I can get back at it and update

One of my biggest goals on this trip was to see all the holiday decorations. I think we got to most of them...

And the ride... yeah... I was pretty scared... but I did survive.

Thanks for the Zoe update. I haven't been around much, as the Dis has been moving soooo slowly that I either get annoyed and do something else on-line OR I only have a few minutes to check and the pages don't load in time.

OMG! hasn't dis been crazy??!! Sooo slow!!!

:

I hope today is better and Zoe is feeling better.

She is. She doesn't want to take her medicine though... I can understand. However, it is very important so that she doesn't become gravely ill. So keeping my fingers crossed that the meds work and that nothing happens.

:
The BW is so beautiful. I really liked the view from the BC. I wish we had gone in and checked out the lobby while we were there, but that never happened. If they had a nicer pool, I'd love to stay there, but that clown.... I don't know, I'd have a hard time knowing that SAB is just across the pond, so to speak.

You got great pictures, though.

I know a lot of people are not thrilled by that pool. The clown was enough for Steve that BW was cut very early on from our plans. It is a beautiful resort though.

 

[annmarieda]

:

This is kinda funny. Its my opinion that Kat Cora is not nearly as "famous" as Disney or the Food Network would like to think she is. Granted, my breakfast at Kouzzina was a highlight of our last trip, but I wasn't thinking...oooh, Kat Cora, how cool! It also seems like the event itself was sort of random.

It did seem random to us too. Had we had a book of hers or planned to purchase one or even planned to eat there it would have been more interesting to us.

:Great pictures at the BC. How I love this resort. Everytime I see pictures of it, I question my choice to stay at the Poly...and then I remember, no way...its the Poly! We wil be back, though.

You are going to the Poly!!! no looking back

:


Cute pictures of Zoe with Marie. Another movie I've never seen...

I have not seen it either.

:

I really hope that caramel store didn't disappoint. Its really one of our favorite places. We have to get to the bakery in Norway at some point, though.

It did not so much disappoint as.. leave me wanting more. Now, the bakery in Norway... yes... you have to try it!!!

: don't get Duffy AT ALL. Max wanted to a Duffy really badly when we were there in July and my sucker of a husband bought him one. I figured he'd end up more or less forgotten about, like so many of Max's stuffed animals, but not so much. Now he can't wait to go back and buy Duffy some clothes. I guess you're right...the Disney marketing people know what they're doing.

How odd, right? I mean... Zoe really was enthralled... and Max too? Disney marketing are geniuses!

:
Dinner at Coral Reef looks really good. And I think your tally is quite impressive.

Thanks! CR was pretty good.. the risotto was perfect... and the tally...well, I think it could be better.. but considering we spend an afternoon touring the BW/BC/YC area... not too shabby.

I don't know what it is about Duffy either...Goo fell in love with him too. But we always seemed to miss the time to get his picture.

And now Goo too?!

Ab loved seeing Marie too! Something about girls and cats!

definitely!!!

I

I am trying to figure out how we missed Sum of all Thrills...I had it on the plan but we just skipped it...now I am REALLY sad we did...Boo would have loved it!

I am glad we were able to... but had there been a long line we might not have even seen where it was. Maybe that was what happened with you?

The Coral Reef dinner looks so yummy...

It was, however...I am not sure I will be putting CR on my ADR wish list for the next trip...

I
Poor Alex and the lady...I think I would have given her the look...I got very unDisney near the end of the trip and people that were not acting magicial got my TEACHER STARE!

Oh... she got the look... but I had to let it go.. cause my look tends to be very obvious and I wanted Alex to relax so I needed to also.

Great updates! I am glad you all got a second winds after sitting down for a bit at the BC. Your pictures of Zoe eith Marie are super cute!

Whenever I think of Duffy, I remember this blog post from Jack on All Ears about Duffy in Japan and how crazy they are over there for Duffy. They get a chair at restaurants for the Duffy, they put a blanket down for Duffy to sit on for things like parades so he doesn't get dirty, etc. It was fascinating!

That is interesting about Duffy!!! Odd.. but interesting.

joining in luvin your trip so far. Your DD makes a very cute princess

Thank you so much.

Yay caught up on all 8 pages I had missed...

I'm so sorry Zoe has had some more rough days. Poor little princess!

Love the updates!

Ekk about the Monorail kid drama...

I want to try Ohana sooo bad..



@Amy... I dont know how you got through age 3 without spanking her for the first time! Alexa has turned into a little terror.

See, it wasn't so bad to get caught up with 8 pages.

And.. Ohana would be fun to do as a girls night out... I never did try the lapu lapu...so that could be fun.

 

[momabaarjo]

All of us drinking a Lapu Lapu...yep that would be a lot of fun...

 

[Leger13]

I love that picture at the Boardwalk too. It was kinda a hard one to get. I saw the stairs decorated and since we were going to walk up them I knew I wanted them to pose. Well, as you see from other pics.. Alex doesn't quite understand how to pose with Zoe. I wanted him a step or two down since he is so tall... she coudn't reach the ledge well... This picture took forever to get lined up!

boys!! You definitely should frame that one.

Off to read your update!

 

[Leger13]

OMG I want to strangle that lady that got all upset at Alex for moving the chair. Some people just have a really sour attitude when they go to WDW. It totally stinks. Poor Alex And omg the Sum of All Thrills sounds like so much fun!! Poor you though Love the pictures of you and Zoe with all the characters. I really like your Tinkerbell sweatshirt too! And the food looks delicious!!! I love love love CR!!! That chocolate Mouse dessert looks delicious too! I want one right NOW!! Great update!! Oh and the fact that you keep saying "I thought we were going to have more days at EPCOT so I skipped such and such" is making me scared

 

[annmarieda]

All of us drinking a Lapu Lapu...yep that would be a lot of fun...

boys!! You definitely should frame that one.

I know...

OMG I want to strangle that lady that got all upset at Alex for moving the chair. Some people just have a really sour attitude when they go to WDW. It totally stinks. Poor Alex And omg the Sum of All Thrills sounds like so much fun!! Poor you though Love the pictures of you and Zoe with all the characters. I really like your Tinkerbell sweatshirt too! And the food looks delicious!!! I love love love CR!!! That chocolate Mouse dessert looks delicious too! I want one right NOW!! Great update!! Oh and the fact that you keep saying "I thought we were going to have more days at EPCOT so I skipped such and such" is making me scared

The lady was just grumpy. The noise is horrific... try it when you are down there... slide one of those chairs.. just for a minute. Still, she shouldn't have been so offended.

Sum of All Thrills was fun...even if I did worry I would die.

And thank you, that is one of my favorite sweatshirts... I wear it too much...especially when I go to Disney, so I worry it is not going to hold up.

CR was yummy. I really really liked my fish. It was the first time I have ordered fish there. Can you imagine?

And... I am not any where near the queen of cliff hangers, but... you will just have to wait to read and see if I missed out on the caramel corn or not.

 

[tinacaplan]

It did seem random to us too. Had we had a book of hers or planned to purchase one or even planned to eat there it would have been more interesting to us.

You are going to the Poly!!! no looking back

I know, right?

How odd, right? I mean... Zoe really was enthralled... and Max too? Disney marketing are geniuses!

I truly don't get it. Duffy has come the closest to replacing Max's beloved bear, if you can believe it. Why, Disney, why???

 

[oboedm]

Here is a link to the blog post about Duffy. It is fascinating to say the least! I think was written back in 2010, before they re-introduced Duffy to American audiences.


Click here.

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

for Zoe. Hope all goes well next week.

Great pictures of the kids! I love the one of you and Zoe too!

I went in the caramel shop to buy treats for me and dh, and ended up leaving. Later in the trip, we stopped in and all four of us picked out treats. Then, the register wouldn't work. We sadly left the snacks--I can't remember where we were headed, but we didn't have the time to wait. There were people in front of us, and they were calling for help. We might have been there forever...and since we were using snack credits, we couldn't even just leave cash...

We've stayed at BW and the clown didn't bother us at all. The slide is fantastic and my girls loved it. I am leaning towards that location this summer.

 

[oceanwave]

Hi Ann, Finally caught up, got a little distracted by life!

First of all what an awesome mom you are for going on Sum of all thrills and for letting Alex design it I don't think I will ever willingly tell my husband about this ride!

Can't believe that woman went off on Alex because he moved a chair It does make you wonder what events occurred in her day to make her so cranky

I agree, I love Figment. I so wish they would do meet and greets with him! He is one of my favourites and I feel in love with him the first time I went to Epcot. My husband doesn't really understand the love I have for him, but he did buy me a little figment the last time we went.

Loved the pics of the resorts. Its amazing what they create!

Sorry to hear about Zoe, hopefully at her next appointment they can sort it out.

 

[Leger13]

The lady was just grumpy. The noise is horrific... try it when you are down there... slide one of those chairs.. just for a minute. Still, she shouldn't have been so offended.

Sum of All Thrills was fun...even if I did worry I would die.

And thank you, that is one of my favorite sweatshirts... I wear it too much...especially when I go to Disney, so I worry it is not going to hold up.

CR was yummy. I really really liked my fish. It was the first time I have ordered fish there. Can you imagine?

And... I am not any where near the queen of cliff hangers, but... you will just have to wait to read and see if I missed out on the caramel corn or not.

ok I'll see if I can find someone to drive crazy with the racket.



Oh I kwym. That's how I am with my Tinkerbell sweatshirt too. I actually just realized I forgot to pack my Mickey sweatshirt. Maybe I'll grab it in the morning before we leave.

And yes I can Imagine. I hate fish so we get steak there

haha oh I'll be reading. But don't post a lot while I'm gone, k?

 

[shocky5]

Hooray! I'm finally caught up with your TR!

Zoe - I hope since the last hospital visit, she's still doing well with the tube and I'm praying when she goes back next week that all will be WELL!

I love love love the pictures of you and Heather and kids and the pics of Zoe and Damien are priceless- love the second one the best! So cute how it seems the two really took to each other.

Wasn't the Gingerbread carousel in the BC awesome? We didn't get to see the Yacht Club or BW decor but your pictures are great!

We also missed the Sum of All Thrills. You are Mom of the Year to ride it after your 16 yo son designed it! It was definitely on the list of to do's and I'm not sure how we missed it... Next time, right??

 

[KatMark]

Ann, i hooked up on all your links to try to play catch up.

I love the picture of you, Zoe and Steve in front of the Christmas tree.

The photos on you resort tour are great.

I haven't figured out the fixation with Duffy myself.

I had the chance to meet Kira and Josh for a very brief time at the Magic Kingdom on Sunday night. They were both so sweet and charming; Josh really has gotten the "Disney bug."

I'm sorry I didn't get to read all of the chatter (so many TR's to catch up on); how is Zoe doing?

 

[annmarieda]

Here is a link to the blog post about Duffy. It is fascinating to say the least! I think was written back in 2010, before they re-introduced Duffy to American audiences.


Click here.

Thanks for sharing... that is very interesting.

for Zoe. Hope all goes well next week.

Great pictures of the kids! I love the one of you and Zoe too!

Thanks

:

I went in the caramel shop to buy treats for me and dh, and ended up leaving. Later in the trip, we stopped in and all four of us picked out treats. Then, the register wouldn't work. We sadly left the snacks--I can't remember where we were headed, but we didn't have the time to wait. There were people in front of us, and they were calling for help. We might have been there forever...and since we were using snack credits, we couldn't even just leave cash...

There was quite the line when we went in there. I can't imagine if the register had shut down.

:

We've stayed at BW and the clown didn't bother us at all. The slide is fantastic and my girls loved it. I am leaning towards that location this summer.

The clown wouldn't have bothered me.. but Steve he hates clowns. I think the BW looks beautiful though...

Hi Ann, Finally caught up, got a little distracted by life!

First of all what an awesome mom you are for going on Sum of all thrills and for letting Alex design it I don't think I will ever willingly tell my husband about this ride!

Can't believe that woman went off on Alex because he moved a chair It does make you wonder what events occurred in her day to make her so cranky

I agree, I love Figment. I so wish they would do meet and greets with him! He is one of my favourites and I feel in love with him the first time I went to Epcot. My husband doesn't really understand the love I have for him, but he did buy me a little figment the last time we went.

Loved the pics of the resorts. Its amazing what they create!

Sorry to hear about Zoe, hopefully at her next appointment they can sort it out.

I understand getting distracted by life... I mean.. dis can't be our lives...so of course things come up.

Sum of all Thrills is interesting. We picked up Kira and Josh from the airport last night and they tried to explain how they did some sort of hammer head thing... They really liked it..

ok I'll see if I can find someone to drive crazy with the racket.



Oh I kwym. That's how I am with my Tinkerbell sweatshirt too. I actually just realized I forgot to pack my Mickey sweatshirt. Maybe I'll grab it in the morning before we leave.

And yes I can Imagine. I hate fish so we get steak there

haha oh I'll be reading. But don't post a lot while I'm gone, k?

I will try not to post... much. How bout that. The fish at CR was actually pretty good... was nice to stray from the standard steak I normally get.

Hooray! I'm finally caught up with your TR!

Zoe - I hope since the last hospital visit, she's still doing well with the tube and I'm praying when she goes back next week that all will be WELL!

She is doing ok. She starts to hurt a bit here and there and this morning she was feeling really ooky and I worried she was developing an abscess. She seems fine tonight though.

I love love love the pictures of you and Heather and kids and the pics of Zoe and Damien are priceless- love the second one the best! So cute how it seems the two really took to each other

It was really nice how well they got along. I loved the pictures of them.

Wasn't the Gingerbread carousel in the BC awesome? We didn't get to see the Yacht Club or BW decor but your pictures are great!

I was amazed at each gingerbread item.... the work that went into them..

We also missed the Sum of All Thrills. You are Mom of the Year to ride it after your 16 yo son designed it! It was definitely on the list of to do's and I'm not sure how we missed it... Next time, right??

It is kinda tucked back in Innoventions... I have never seen it before this trip, but I know it has been there.

Ann, i hooked up on all your links to try to play catch up.

I love the picture of you, Zoe and Steve in front of the Christmas tree.

The photos on you resort tour are great.

I haven't figured out the fixation with Duffy myself.

I had the chance to meet Kira and Josh for a very brief time at the Magic Kingdom on Sunday night. They were both so sweet and charming; Josh really has gotten the "Disney bug."

I'm sorry I didn't get to read all of the chatter (so many TR's to catch up on); how is Zoe doing?

I am so glad you got to meet up with Kira and Josh. Josh has definitely been bit by the disney bug. I am happy for Kira...but a little sad too. I kinda always thought she and I would be traveling to disney together since the guys would have their own stuff to do. Now that he loves it as much as she does... well, it will make it hard for her to go without him. And... I can't imagine they will want me to tag along any time soon... at least not until they have kids...

As far as Zoe, she is doing fine... as I mentioned to Amy... hurting here and there since the tube has been in for a week and it always is about the point where her body starts to rebel against it. Other than that though..really she is just happy Zoe...

 

[momabaarjo]

What...no updates and I am not pages behind?! Whew...then that must mean that you are really busy!