Is That Real Chocolate? (May 2016 Trip Report)- UPDATE-2017 INVITE!

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued

It seemed like an awfully long bus ride to get to the event venue located in the World Showcase. I mean, we could have walked it in less than ten minutes! Anyway, we arrived and were brought around a back entrance and into the venue.

Once inside, I realized I had been in this venue before. Larry and I attended a business function through his company a few years ago and one the events was at this same venue.

There were speakers at the event, along with a band and lead singer that played and sang Disney songs while we enjoyed breakfast.

Mickey waffles! Breakfast was set up buffet-style and the food was amazing and plentiful!

Harrison enjoying his Mickey waffles.

This being the last event of the DSMMC, there were several thank you speeches from those involved in putting on this wonderful conference/celebration, and there were a few special surprises that caused most of us to shed a tear or two! There were several huge screens on the wall, and the first surprise (for all the moms, anyway!) was the video of all the kids saying sweet (and funny!) things about their moms and wishing them a Happy Mother's Day. If you remember, the kids were videotaped at the family breakfast at the Dance Hall on the Boardwalk. It was so cute to watch! The kids loved it, but the moms REALLY loved it! The second surprise also came from that same family breakfast. Remember Vanessa being filmed as part of the Dream Big, Princess campaign? Well, the film crew put together a video of all the girls that were filmed talking about their favorite princesses. Interspersed throughout the film were scenes from select Disney movies featuring Disney princesses. It was adorable! Vanessa loved seeing herself on the big screen!

At one point, all the social media moms were asked to stand and be recognized.

The moms were given a big box of chocolates. And, no, this was not the inspiration for my trip report title! It was the following day, and for a totally different reason, that inspired my title!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued

Remember the tiles that the kids colored at the family breakfast? Well, all those tiles (and there were a lot of them!) were put together to form a huge mural that was on display at the Mother's Day Breakfast. The social media moms also colored tiles at one of their breakfast events. I wish I had gotten a picture of the completed mural, but somehow I didn't. The mural was huge, and the area around it was crowded with everyone trying to find their tiles. I meant to go back and take a photo before we left, but I forgot.

Edited to add- I DID find a picture of the final project! See last pic!

This is Carter's tile.

It was toward the beginning of the mural.

Vanessa's tile is above the blue Mickey head.

When decorating their tiles, the moms were instructed to only use purple crayons inside the blue lines on the tiles, and other colors to decorate outside the blue lines.

So, when the moms' tiles were put together, all the purple colors inside the blue lines spelled out DREAM BIG, PRINCESS, and surrounding that message were all the kids' tiles.

Here is a picture of the final project! It was quite beautiful when all assembled!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued

What was needed to complete the Dream Big, Princess campaign at the Mother's Day Breakfast? Why Disney princesses, of course!

There were princesses waiting to greet the little "princesses"!

There were also several props for the kids to use.

Dream big, my little grand princess!

The Mother's Day Breakfast was a wonderful, heartwarming way to bring the 2016 DSMMC to a close. So...it was the end of the conference/celebration, but NOT the end of our Disney trip! We still had a few days of fun ahead of us! I'm sure many of the other families extended their trip by another few days, too.

Next up: My husband, Larry, arrives and joins us in Epcot, and Megan's husband, Daniel, arrives in time to join us for lunch. And Carter finally gets to experience all the major attractions that he's been waiting for! He's been patient with all the princess stuff!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued

The previous evening, Larry had flown out of Phoenix and arrived in Orlando around 11pm. After picking up a rental car, he drove to our hotel (Residence Inn) near the Orlando Convention Center and spent the night. We had reservations there for three nights. Originally, Megan, Daniel (who was on his way this day from Phoenix to Orlando) and the kids were going to move from the Beach Club Resort to the All Star Music Resort. Since the DSMMC was over, so was the discounted room rate at the Beach Club Resort! However, early on this morning, when Megan went down to the lobby to check-out and see about having their luggage transferred over to the All Star Music, she found out that anyone from the conference wanting to extend their stay at the Beach Club could do so at the same DSMMC discounted rate. Awesome! So, she extended their stay and cancelled their reservations for the All Star resort. It worked out great. They didn't have to pack up, they stayed in the same room, and Daniel got to experience a few nights at the Beach Club. Later that evening, I moved over to the Residence Inn with Larry.

When the Mother's Day Breakfast event ended we walked out of the venue and into the World Showcase near the UK Pavilion. It was around 11am and Larry had just sent me a text telling me he was on his way to Epcot. Daniel had just landed in Orlando and was on his way to catch the Magical Express. So, we had a little time to walk around the World Showcase before the guys arrived.

We walked around the UK then headed over the bridge to France.

Here's Harrison looking at some toys in the window of a shop in the UK. It was funny, because he said, "I see i-pad!", but I'm sure there were no modern day electronics in with the classic toys! Something must have looked like an i-pad to him, though!

On our way to France.

Checking out the fountains. Don't fall in, Harry!

Vanessa by the Beauty and the Beast topiary.

Carter's second grade class was learning about other countries, and each student had to choose a country to do a presentation on for the rest of the class. Carter chose France, and told his teacher he was going to WDW, and would visit France in Epcot and bring back some info to include in his report. So, on this day Megan videotaped Carter at different spots in the France pavilion to use as part of his project. He also picked out a beret and statue of the Eiffel Tower to go along with his presentation. The following day, Megan and Daniel took Carter back to the France pavilion where they videotaped Carter interviewing a couple of cast members from France. The video is really cute! The cast members were delighted to be a part of his project and had fun answering Carter's questions. I need to check with Megan and see how to link the video here.

Here is Carter in his beret and holding his Eiffel Tower statue. So cute!

Larry had called and said he was in the World Showcase, so we told him we'd start walking his way and meet up with him.

This cart covered with flowers was being driven all over the Showcase by a couple of crazy cast members! They had spray bottles and were having the best time spraying people with water! Nobody minded a little squirt of water on a hot day!

Snow White topiary!

By now, Daniel had texted Megan that he had arrived at the Beach Club, so Megan left to walk over to meet him. I can't remember the specifics, but he couldn't enter the park because he didn't have the right credit card to pick up his park hopper pass, or something like that. Anyway, Harry had fallen asleep in his stroller so she took him with her.

Carter and Vanessa enjoying some cold drinks while we wait for Larry.

Larry caught up with us around Germany, I believe. Carter and Vanessa were VERY excited to see grampa! We had some time until everyone met up for lunch, so Carter and Vanessa did the Phineas and Ferb Interactive game in France. Not sure why, but I didn't take any pics! I do remember the game in France was a lot more difficult than the version they played in the UK. Even with help from gramma and grampa, and several cast members, it seemed really confusing! Some of the cast members didn't even know where certain clues where located. It was hot and the kids were getting hungry and quickly losing interest in the game, but somehow they did finish it! Phew! Time for lunch!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued

So our group has now grown from a party of five to a party of seven. And, it was now close to 1:00 and lunchtime!

We had all decided (way back during the planning stage for this trip!) that we would get lunch from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK Pavilion. I LOVE the fish and chips from there! Megan, Daniel and Harry walked over from the Beach Club and met up with Larry, Carter, Vanessa and me in the UK.

We took our food over to the garden area and found a shady spot to relax and enjoy our fish and chips. Well, Harry enjoyed his after his nap!

Looks like Larry is wearing a crown on his head! He isn't! I also like how a squirrel made it into the pic!

Me and my sweet granddaughter.

After lunch snooze. Not really! Just being silly!

The plan was to eat and then stay and listen to the British band that plays in this area. I looked at the time on my Fitbit and told everyone that it wouldn't be long until they came out. We waited and waited a bit more. I was thinking it was strange that not many people had gathered for the performance. Finally, it dawned on me- my Fitbit was still set to Arizona time. OOPS! The band wasn't scheduled for another few hours!

Carter and Vanessa were anxious to experience some of the attractions in Future World, mainly ones that they were waiting to go on with their dad, so Megan and Daniel took Carter and Vanessa over to Future World. Larry and I headed back to the Beach Club with Harry. This was Harry's afternoon to spend some time at Stormalong Bay!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued


Back at the Beach Club!

Larry had some business calls to make, so he stayed back in the room while I took Harry over to Stormalong Bay.

Harrison's ready for some fun in the sand and water!

We stayed at Stormalong Bay for about an hour and a half and Harry loved every minute of it. The zero entry pool/beach is perfect for little ones!

Heading back to the Beach Club.

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued

While Larry and I were spending time with Harrison back at the Beach Club, Megan, Daniel and the older kids were exploring Future World in Epcot.

They spent time at Innoventions where Daniel and Carter designed their own roller coaster ride at the Sum of All Thrills.

Megan and Vanessa had fun exploring exhibits that stayed on the ground!

They also spent time at Mission Space.

Daniel, Carter and Vanessa rode Test Track, then they all went on Spaceship Earth and Journey Into Imagination.

It was around 5:00 when they walked back to join us at the BC.

Harry enjoyed sharing his Mickey Bar with Grampa while we waited for the rest of the crew to arrive.

 

[luvflorida]

Day Five- continued


Larry and I had set aside this evening for ourselves. The following evening, we would stay with the grandkids while Megan and Daniel spent some time together in the parks. So, Megan, Daniel and the kids headed up to their room, and Larry and I headed over to the Boardwalk for dinner. We decided on the ESPN Club. We were seated right away, and enjoyed a relaxing, quiet dinner. The food was very good!

After dinner, we took the boat over to Epcot and walked around Future World for a bit.

It was getting late and we were tired, so we grabbed a couple of frozen lemonades and headed out to the parking lot and over to where Larry had parked the rental car earlier that morning.

I took a few pics on our way out of the park. I loved all the Disney topiaries!

Larry and I drove over to the Beach Club, picked up my luggage, and then drove to the Residence Inn.

While we were off on our own, Megan, Daniel and the kids had picked up sandwiches from the deli in the shop at the BC and ate a leisurely dinner in their hotel room. Then they took the bus over to the Magic Kingdom for an evening of fun.

Carter was excited to finally get to ride some of the wilder rides with his dad! Here they are on Space Mountain.

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

Megan had been sitting out a lot of rides due to being five months pregnant, but she really wanted to ride the Mine Train...so she did!

I don't remember what else they rode, but Megan said all three kids had a blast! It was late when they headed back to the Beach Club, and she said all three kids fell asleep on the bus!

Megan took this picture of Carter in front of the Barber Shop on Main Street on their way out of the park. Carter had his first haircut here when he was seventeen months old.

February of 2010- Carter's first haircut!

Next up: We all meet up for a full day of fun at Hollywood Studios!

 

[luvflorida]

Just a quick update- I found a photo of the final "colored tiles" mural! I added it to the last post from the Mother's Day Breakfast and here it is on this post!

It was beautiful when all assembled! Hard to tell here, but it was huge!

You can get a better idea of the size here. Vanessa's arm is right near Carter's blue and white checkered tile, which is almost halfway up on the mural. That's Vanessa's tile right above the blue Mickey ears tile.

I'll end this quick update with the first two pictures from day six.

Here they are- my beautiful daughter, son-in-law and grandkids all decked out in their Star Wars outfits! They walked over to the boat launch at the Beach Club and were waiting to take the boat over to Hollywood Studios. A kind guest took several group shots for them.

And at the same time, Larry and I were approaching this!

We had breakfast at our hotel and were heading over to meet up with everyone else at Hollywood Studios.

NOTE: This is the day that inspired the title of my trip report! Someone saw something at Hollywood Studios that caused them to ask "Is that REAL chocolate!?!"

 

[luvflorida]

Day Six- continued

Anyone still with me!?!? I'll assume so!

I left off with all of us meeting up at Hollywood Studios! Megan, Daniel and the kids got there before us and went straight to sign up Carter and Vanessa for the Jedi Training Academy. Carter has done it twice before at Disneyland, and Vanessa has never done it. So, this would be their first time participating in Jedi Training at WDW. They were both excited about it! Larry and I arrived at Hollywood Studios not far behind them. Megan texted me that they had a 3:10 time slot for Jedi Training, which was pretty much what they wanted, since we were all going to dinner after that.

The plan was for Larry and me to meet up with everyone after lunch. So, Larry and I enjoyed a leisurely morning just walking around Hollywood Studios.

We explored all the exhibits/displays in Walt Disney One Man's Dream.

We saw Beauty and the Beast.

And the Indiana Jones Stunt Show.

Mid-morning, we got popcorn and drinks and sat in the shade for awhile. It ended up being a nice break! There was another couple sitting nearby and we all got to talking. They were from a small town in New Hampshire (close to our home town in Maine) so we had a lot to talk about!

Afterwards, we did the Great Movie Ride, then headed over to Backlot Express for lunch.

 

[luvflorida]

Day Six- continued

While Larry and I were off exploring HS on our own, Megan, Daniel and the kids were enjoying a busy morning in HS!

I love their Star Wars shirts!

Megan even added a little Star Wars emblem for the baby!

Here they are with Kylo Ren. Carter loved meeting him, but Harry was a little apprehensive!

Carter is glowing green!

Besides immersing themselves in Star Wars (Daniel and Carter went on Star Tours several times) they all went on Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Great Movie Ride, and saw the Indiana Jones Stunt Show.

Daniel and Carter on the Rock n Roller Coaster. It doesn't look like it here, but Carter did like the ride!

They had lunch at the Backlot Express, about an hour before we did.

Next up: Jedi Training!

 

[ariane37]

Love Carter's face in the RnRC picture! One of my favorite rides I really wish DS10 would try it but no go so far, I can only hope for November lol. At least DH and DS14 ride with me!

 

[luvflorida]

Love Carter's face in the RnRC picture! One of my favorite rides I really wish DS10 would try it but no go so far, I can only hope for November lol. At least DH and DS14 ride with me!

Carter loves that ride! I can't believe he goes on it- he's only seven years old! Crazy kid! Later in the day, he went on Tower of Terror with his dad, and his face looked the same as in the rock 'n roller coaster pic! I'll post it, along with the video, when I get to that part of the day.

Maybe by November, your son will decide to try the RnR coaster!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Six- continued

Around 2:30, Larry and I met up with the rest of the family to watch Carter and Vanessa do the Jedi Training Academy. It took awhile for the cast members to get all the kids in their robes and lined up by height, shortest to tallest. Vanessa was one of the shortest participants, so she was put right in the front of the line, and would have been one of the two kids that help carry the big training academy sign. However, right as they were getting ready to march over to the training area, a late arrival showed up. He was shorter than Vanessa, so he was put in front of her and got to help carry the sign. I thought Vanessa would be upset, but it didn't bother her at all. She just enjoyed being a part of the parade!

I present to you- Jedi Training Academy with Carter and Vanessa!

Not too sure if she wants to battle these evil guys!

continued in next post

 

[luvflorida]

"Bring 'em on!"

"Okay, I've got this one!

Using her force to get rid of the bad guys!

Carter and Vanessa really enjoyed their training session, and we loved watching them!

Next up..."Is that real chocolate?"

 

[pucknasty]

great photos of jedi training academy! the kids look like they had so much fun!

 

[luvflorida]

great photos of jedi training academy! the kids look like they had so much fun!

Thank you! The photos are a mixture of photopass photos and ones that I took. Yes, the grandkids enjoyed it a lot!

 

[luvflorida]

Day Six- continued

We had early dinner reservations at Mama Melrose's Italian Restaurant, so after Jedi Training, we headed in that direction. On the way, we stopped for a few minutes at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza.

Vanessa was very interested in all the bronze busts in the plaza. After scrutinizing each one, she looked at Megan and asked:

"Is that real chocolate?" And, THAT was the inspiration for my trip report title! She wasn't quite sure, but she thought all the bronze busts were made of chocolate! I love that kid!

I am a huge fan of Desi Arnaz, but it does look like he's starting to melt here! I can see where Vanessa was coming from!

 

[luvflorida]

On to dinner!

We had reservations at Mama Melrose's Italian Restaurant. After a short wait, we were lead to our table near the front of the restaurant.

We ordered drinks, and the grandkids each got the clip-on lights with their drinks. Vanessa got an Ariel light, and Carter and Harry got Star Wars. They loved the lights and entertained each other with them while waiting for their food.

We all enjoyed getting out of the hot sun, and sitting and relaxing over a good meal! The food was very good!

I loved the cupcakes that were made to look like spaghetti with a meatball on top and sauce on the side!

After a delicious meal, we were ready to explore more of Hollywood Studios. My three Arizona-born grandkids had to check out this snowman near the restaurant.

"What is this white stuff!?!?"

We really need to get these guys to Maine in the winter to experience REAL snow!

 

[FoxC63]

Totally enjoyable! Really love the way you breath in family life!