Island Hopping: A Highly Inappropriate TR. (Boom.)-- Link to NEW TR! 10/8

[HappyGal]

You really scored with the characters!!! And, Brandon's pics are terrific as always (are all these compliments are going to his head?) lol

 

[beachphotog]

First off Jenn, I didn't even notice the crown at first. Maybe because it just looks natural on you. Like, I wear a crown everyday, so... Why don't other people?

I think you went to Innoventions? Journey into Imagination? Ellen's Energy Adventure??

 

[wiigirl]

Awesome pics!

 

[GrimGrinningStitch]

Epcot!!! I love the Epcot monorail loop, and getting the "preview" of the park. Those are some amazing pictures!

I love just finding a place to sit down and take the park in. That being said, when I was 5-10, I hated it, and just wanted to keep moving, so I can see where they're coming from.

What great character interactions! I really think Epcot is the best park for characters. They never seem to be as swamped with people as they are at MK or HS, and they tend to be far more interactive.

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[Stasieki]

I always look forward to your updates. We would love to meet Wendy!!!!

My guess in Figment, too.

 

[shan23877]

Yay Wendy!! How awesome! We're definitely going to keep our eyes peeled for some 'training' characters!

The Jasmine costume wasn't too bad. It did show a bit of belly, but there's a TON of detail on it that (in my opinion) isn't really there in the other costumes. A word of warning though-the Jasmine shoes were really more like slippers, and Maddie had worn holes in the bottoms after one day at MK.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

Fabulous pictures, as always! What a great bunch of character interactions though! I love how your DH captures the emotions of the girls and the faces of the characters. These are the things you never want to forget.

 

[danimaroo]

HOORAY FOR EPCOT! I'm kind of in slight disbelief that that was your first time on the Epcot Monorail loop! But that's also quite awesome; I love the views from up there!

That ramp is super long.. and seems 10 times longer after a long day in the parks and you're heading out, hahaha.

Listen lady, I am lovin' the tiara. It looks fabulous on you, so I'm glad you are wearing it. I remember seeing it in your video I believe, and I thought it was awesome that you were rockin' it, even if it is Brynn's.

BRANDON'S PHOTOS ARE AMAZING. Seriously, unreal. Gahhh, some of those are just perfect... and they're also making me want to be in Disney World right nooww.

Aww I love that the girls got to meet Wendy! That's way too adorable for words. And Brynn's reasoning makes TOTAL sense. That is one smart cookie you got there.

Those teenage girls need to step off, haha. That happened to be once or twice I feel like during my meets. People are crazy/inconsiderate sometimes.

Catching Characters in Training is so awesome! You guys got to meet some fabulous ones that you never see out. Looks like a perfect way to start a morning/day at Epcot!

 

[LifeIsDis]

I’m staying at BLT this summer and I am SO excited to just get on the monorail to go to MK or Epcot. I don’t know what can be more perfect than that. NOTHING REALLY.

That is so cool the girls got to meet some characters in Future World. Such random characters (but I know they do that sometimes in Epcot) but awesome! And I was watching your video for the third time yesterday and I just love when the girls are with Wendy. So cute!

 

[merbobear]

Ah the long ramp from the monorail. It seems even longer when you are walking uphill at the end of a long day! I love Jasmine's costume and her hair and basically everything about her, she seems to be the most true-to-original-form princess that WDW has going these days. You really lucked out with meeting Wendy, I have never seen her out and about in the parks before!

 

[hlrababy]

Wowzer!!! That is some good character interaction. I can't wait to see who you saw next!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Aw man, I always get so excited when you post a new update! Hahah!

Ahaha, awesome that you forgot about the tiara, that’s great! I definitely bought one for a Disneybound last trip, I’ll wear it occasionally with a bun in, but aside from that they don’t really work with big kid heads ha!

Beautiful pictures of Epcot! Wow!

CHARACTERS IN TRAINING IS MY FAVORITE


AHHHH I definitely know that friend of Wendy’s! She’s PERF! So glad you guys had a great meet with her!! And tip: she’s out greeting with Peter starting mid May! From what I’ve heard they’ll take over the Adventureland veranda where Ariel and Eric used to be! I CANNOT wait to meet her!

Awwww….I definitely get the Mom vibe with kids wearing jasmine costumes, but at least the costume covers most of their torso if it’s fitted properly, a lot more covering than a bra top style. Also, the “redesign” of Jasmines costume at the Disney store! GORGEOUS!

Rosetta is adorable!!

Oh, I'm SO HAPPY she'll be meeting with PP!! Julia will be ecstatic!

Ann such lovely photos!super jealous you gt to eat Wendy I thin that is. Lifelong dream of mine! That and for us to meet fairie other than virus and Tink. 5 times trough the fairies in 2 years and still only have we seen Tink and vidia.

We were so happy to run into Rosetta. We've been trying to see her for so long!

I have seen Jasmine and some of the fairies at Epcot from time to time. But that is so cool you got to meet Wendy and Rosetta looks adorable!

My guess is you all are heading to Club Cool?

Hmmmm...you might be on the right track...

Your pictures of Epcot are gorgeous!

THANKS! I love looking at them because it's my favorite park!

Ok, so I have decided to kidnap your husband for my next trip to Disney (jk). I want my pics to look like yours!!!!! He is an AMAZING photographer!

How amazing to have so many firsts in the span of a couple of hours!

I don't think he'd put up a fight as long as he got to go to WDW!

Aw, so exciting the girls got to meet some new characters!

You're right, the ramp from the monorail is long!

Looooooong!! Especially when you're excited!

Wow! Talk about character pixie dust!! Not only did you meet characters you had never met, but they both gave you such long and quality interactions.

I would have been right there with you with my teacher glare. What were they thinking? Oh, wait, teenagers, they were obviously thinking only about themselves and being oblivious to the world around...

Drinking Beverly? It's fun, they said!

Ugh! Teens! I keep pretending that my kids won't act like that when they're teens, but they probably will!
You might be on the right track!

AAAwww your girls look so happy with the characters, when you get a character who will really get involved with them it makes such a difference. I have never seen Wendy in a meet and greet so glad you guys found her what a lucky morning ! that late start worked out. I love Epcot, its my favourite , great pictures again, if I win the lottery could afford for Brandon can be our official trip photographer for our family trip ? Cant wait to hear more !

That would be a dream job for him!!
Yes, my kids love the characters, and we were going to meet more on this day!

Character hunting is my absolute favorite part of Disney so loving your latest update. We have never been lucky enough to find characters in training at EPCOT. We are going to have to look extra hard on our upcoming trip(5 more days).

I feel the same way as you about the Jasmine costume. I got my niece one for our trip last September. She was 4 and looked adorable but I agree that the girls reach an age quickly where it would not be appropriate.

Rosetta looks awesome! I am sure hearing her talk completes the whole picture.

The smiles on your girls face as they spend time with the characters is really what Disney is all about to me. I am sure those are memories they will have for a lifetime. What a wonderful way to spend the morning

We ended up running into characters in training twice on this day...coming up! My kids love meeting them, and I love watching them meet them! MAGICAL!

First of all can I just say.....you rock that tiara girl!

Secondly, your pictures are amazing!! I am saving right now to buy a really good camera but not quite sure that I will be able to before our next trip! Your pics make me wants to be more disciplined about saving!

Good for you with those teenage girls .... geesh, sometimes they have no sense of others! Shanleigh's favourite princess has always been Jasmine and if she could get away with the costume now, she would wear it

Thanks, Queen! Once I noticed it, I decided I liked it!
Shanleigh of all people could rock the Jasmine costume if Disney would let her!

Just caught up on your posts, joining in now! The Poly looks beautiful, I'd love to stay there some day!

WELCOME!!! And your name is so close to Brynn's name...love it!

Um your pictures of Epcot are ridiculously fantastic. Like honestly, Disney needs to just hire your husband to take their pictures.

Yay for characters in training! Brynn totally had a point about why the Lost Boys wouldn't be hiding in the planters. DUH. Smart girl.

I'd probably have a heart attack if my daughter (non-existant as she may be) wanted to wear the Jasmine costume. That said, I think you're right that it is cute until a certain age. Julia's still at the cute age. I think once they get to about 10ish, then I'd say no.

I can't think of a good guess where you guys are headed but I can't wait to find out!

She always points out the obvious. I love her point of view!
I'm thinking that this is just about the edge of where I feel comfortable with her wearing the costume. I got it for her (she doesn't know yet), but I'm thinking this will be the only year. She's still at the cute age...I am probably just uptight, but that's me!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

You really scored with the characters!!! And, Brandon's pics are terrific as always (are all these compliments are going to his head?) lol

Probably!!! Thank you, though, from him as well!

First off Jenn, I didn't even notice the crown at first. Maybe because it just looks natural on you. Like, I wear a crown everyday, so... Why don't other people?

I think you went to Innoventions? Journey into Imagination? Ellen's Energy Adventure??

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!! I should always wear a crown, I think! I ended up loving it!
Hmmm....you're about to find out!

Awesome pics!

THANKS!

Epcot!!! I love the Epcot monorail loop, and getting the "preview" of the park. Those are some amazing pictures!

I love just finding a place to sit down and take the park in. That being said, when I was 5-10, I hated it, and just wanted to keep moving, so I can see where they're coming from.

What great character interactions! I really think Epcot is the best park for characters. They never seem to be as swamped with people as they are at MK or HS, and they tend to be far more interactive.

Can't wait for the next update!

I could totally sit for a long time and just absorb Epcot, but my kids have to GO GO GO!
I agree; I love meeting characters at Epcot. So much more chill.

I always look forward to your updates. We would love to meet Wendy!!!!

My guess in Figment, too.

She was perfect! I'm so happy to finally have found her.

Yay Wendy!! How awesome! We're definitely going to keep our eyes peeled for some 'training' characters!

The Jasmine costume wasn't too bad. It did show a bit of belly, but there's a TON of detail on it that (in my opinion) isn't really there in the other costumes. A word of warning though-the Jasmine shoes were really more like slippers, and Maddie had worn holes in the bottoms after one day at MK.

I got it for her, but she doesn't know yet. It looks like it will be pretty long on her, like as long as her tankini. I haven't gotten any shoes, but I think I may just let her get some flipflops or wear crocs after hearing that!

Fabulous pictures, as always! What a great bunch of character interactions though! I love how your DH captures the emotions of the girls and the faces of the characters. These are the things you never want to forget.

Their faces are what it's all about! I love seeing the wonder and magic.

HOORAY FOR EPCOT! I'm kind of in slight disbelief that that was your first time on the Epcot Monorail loop! But that's also quite awesome; I love the views from up there!

That ramp is super long.. and seems 10 times longer after a long day in the parks and you're heading out, hahaha.

Listen lady, I am lovin' the tiara. It looks fabulous on you, so I'm glad you are wearing it. I remember seeing it in your video I believe, and I thought it was awesome that you were rockin' it, even if it is Brynn's.

BRANDON'S PHOTOS ARE AMAZING. Seriously, unreal. Gahhh, some of those are just perfect... and they're also making me want to be in Disney World right nooww.

Aww I love that the girls got to meet Wendy! That's way too adorable for words. And Brynn's reasoning makes TOTAL sense. That is one smart cookie you got there.

Those teenage girls need to step off, haha. That happened to be once or twice I feel like during my meets. People are crazy/inconsiderate sometimes.

Catching Characters in Training is so awesome! You guys got to meet some fabulous ones that you never see out. Looks like a perfect way to start a morning/day at Epcot!

We had such a great character day at Epcot. Seriously, everything is perfect in Epcot...the views, the characters, the food...it's just my absolute favorite.
Brynn is the most reasonable person I know! But she still is full of wonder and magic as well. It's a great balance, I think!
Yeah, I don't really do well with teens. At all.
We were about to meet even more characters, but none as cool as you met!

I’m staying at BLT this summer and I am SO excited to just get on the monorail to go to MK or Epcot. I don’t know what can be more perfect than that. NOTHING REALLY.

That is so cool the girls got to meet some characters in Future World. Such random characters (but I know they do that sometimes in Epcot) but awesome! And I was watching your video for the third time yesterday and I just love when the girls are with Wendy. So cute!

Awwww, thanks for watching it and for enjoying it enough to watch it again! I think you can tell how much fun they had with her!

Ah the long ramp from the monorail. It seems even longer when you are walking uphill at the end of a long day! I love Jasmine's costume and her hair and basically everything about her, she seems to be the most true-to-original-form princess that WDW has going these days. You really lucked out with meeting Wendy, I have never seen her out and about in the parks before!

We were stoked to see her. We've looked before with no luck, so we were just thrilled! And it was completely unexpected, which made it more magical!

Wowzer!!! That is some good character interaction. I can't wait to see who you saw next!

We were all about the characters on this day!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Now that we'd met some unique characters and Sawyer was snoozing away in his stroller, we decided to cool off...IN CLUB COOL!

We had never been in here but thought free drinks and air conditioning sounded wonderful!





Julia liked the watermelon soda (from China, maybe?), and I agreed that it was my favorite.



Brynn didn't actually like any of them since she doesn't like carbonated drinks, but that didn't stop her from "cheers"-ing Julia and trying a sip. It also didn't stop her from spilling little driblets of red onto her white shirt. Why did I dress them in white again??

We tried some of the good ones before daring to try the Beverly. I had the camera poised on Brandon's face and made him go first (Wife of the Year). Except...he said it just tasted like carbonated water with maybe a tad of sour. That's not right!! So I tried it and thought the same thing. I was pretty sure this machine was messed up, because, let's face it, many of them were either out of order or sputtering, so we moved along to find another working Beverly dispenser.

Brandon had his camera conveniently pointing my direction to capture perhaps the best photo of me ever.



You're welcome for that sight. Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful.

Do I have a picture of him for revenge's sake? No. No I do not. BUT, he IS the only one featured with a lovely Beverly Face in the video! SO THERE!
We were slightly afraid our feet might permenantly stick to the floor if we didn't get out of there soon, so we headed out with Sawyer still snoozing.
Our plan was to just meander around World Showcase in the opposite direction than earlier in the week, but on the way we had to stop and make an important purchase...



THESE GORGEOUS SUNGLASSES! Oh, but that's not all! They pop open to become clear glasses, kind of ruining the whole point of sunglasses, but Brynn still did it anyway. So much for the sun "BLINDING" her! Brandon also got an insanely expensive pair of sunglasses because he'd left his at Poly (we're talking $40 for cheap gas station sunglasses), and he's broken them since. Julia also got the same sunglasses as Brynn, even though she wears *real* glasses and can't see without them. I dunno. I never claimed any of us were logical.



So, CANADA! (Hi, Katt and Mel and Queen and all you other friends to the north!) We got this shot before a tantrum erupted because the girls were sooooooo thirsty and neeeeeeeeded popcorn. It was beautiful while it lasted.



I desperately wanted to look through the UK Pavilion and did so for about three minutes before the kids were now hungry, thirst, AND needed to potty. But I've spent many, many months studying (heh, "studying," I promise, Mom!) in London and didn't want to miss this.



Phone boxes! I had to explain what these were to my kids. For real.







We were soon at the British Bathroom.

One thing you have to understand about Brynn is that she LOVES water. LOVES. So she was really drawn to the fountain there.



And when I came out of the restroom, she was casually sitting there...WITH HER FEET IN THE FOUNTAIN!!! I shrieked and freaked out a bit, but then made sure to video it. Well, it WAS a hot day...

I noticed in the mirror that I was already sunburned after only being here a few minutes, so I decided I needed a drink. NOW. And only one drink would do.

But as we walked towards my drink of choice, we saw a line for Mary Poppins, so the girls hopped in line with Brandon while I pushed the sleeping Sawyer over towards France for my Grand Marnier Slushie! I kept on walking around the countries trying to find some popcorn for Brynn, but I had to get back to the Mary Poppins line and had to sadly tell them that I hadn't yet found popcorn.

I found some pouting people. Apparently Julia had gotten sassy about something or other and was upset that she got in trouble for it, and Brandon wasn't happy to have to get onto someone in WDW.

I got onto Julia and soothed Brandon and gulped my drink a little faster. At least they successfully met Mary before the big Julia explosion.



Cheers to family harmony!



We made it back over to France in silence and we ran into Serveur Amusant. We'd seen them in planning videos and in pictures, but never in person!
They had me sit in one of the chairs, but didn't end up using the chair during the show like all the other ones...but I think that's because a kid came to sit in my lap!







Seeing such a funny show put everyone in a much better mood, and we moved on to Japan. While we waited for Miyuki, I ran over to the American Adventure and got that beloved popcorn, along with a Mickey pretzel with cheese. You can count on America.

We ate as we watched, and Brynn even shared with me.





Julia was very excited to be watching Miyuki. She kept inching closer and closer. When the crowd was asked for animal suggestions, she yelled out, "PANDA!!!" And so she made a panda!









It was interesting to learn that there are only fifteen Japanese candy artists, and of those, she is the only female. Also, when someone asked to take home one of the pieces, she told them they donate them to a children's cancer hospital now. I'd never heard that; I just assumed they threw them away! We were so happy to be doing so much we'd never done before, so we decided to continue!

After that, we decided to head into the American Adventure to watch the show. The lady working the door was freaking out because I had to take the girls to the restroom and she was just absolutely certain we'd miss the show...that was fifteen minutes away. She really needed to calm down.
We were happy to run into Voices of Liberty as we entered (and I should point out that we had time to watch them before the show, so obviously not pushed for time).



What did we think of our first time seeing The American Adventure? It was alright. I mean, the kids didn't get too antsy and Brandon and I actually got to see the whole thing, so that's a success in our book!

Walking outside back into the heat and daylight, we noticed some very special friends in the alley beside the pavilion...and the great character-meeting day continued!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Today marks the ten year anniversary of the release of one of our very favorite movies, Finding Nemo.
Yesterday was a particularly rough day, so I'm grateful to this movie for reminding us....


Celebrate the anniversary by going for a swim, or by forgetting everything anyone says to you today.

 

[GrimGrinningStitch]

I love everything about this update. First, Club Cool. It's always a fun visit, even if I always leave feeling bloated and sick (I don't drink much soda nowadays), but it's always worth it. Also, I think you need to frame that photo of you, and put it up in a giant frame. It's a keeper.

World Showcase! I need to try some of the slushies in France. I was thinking of trying a Grey Goose slushie last visit, but for some reason it didn't happen. This year it will!

For some reason, we always, always end up seeing Serveur Amusant when we're heading back to our room. I think we passed them at least 5 or 6 times last trip. Must be the timing.

I love watching the Candy art, but haven't done it in years! Another thing to add to the list of things to do!

Ok, I'm not going to lie, but American Adventure is actually at the top of my list of "things I've never done but need to do." Especially because I hear it has John Muir in it. I'm a big John Muir fan.

I can't wait to see who the special friends are! Also... we're less than a week from DOUBLE DIGITS!!!

 

[katt789]

Number one:
I stand corrected, Wendy and Peter won’t be out on the veranda, they’re out in Fl, I’m not sure where exactly but I’m sure Kenny the pirate knows!

Watermelon is definitely mt favorite too!! Oh my gosh best Beverly picture ever!! Baha. I WISH I had gotten Paige’s reaction on video last trip, it’s just so priceless to the unsuspecting!

Ahahaa, hi!!!! Canada! I do wish there was more in the pavilion, but hey, at least we’ve got Le Cellier!

Oh my gosh it weirds me out that there are people now a days who won’t know about phone booths or pay phones, or VHS’s….odd….the way technology has taken over!

The GM slushes are just the best, it’s impossible to get through a day at epcot without one! Great experience in Japan and France! I definitely need to take more time doing different things in ws! I’ve stopped for Voices of Liberty, but never the movie, I just can’t say I’ve had any interest in it hahaha!

 

[tiggerfan77]

YAY!! I got Cool Club right! The watermelon one is my favorite too.

 

[ronnmel]

I was right! I love your Beverly face!!! Priceless!

Hi back from Canada.

Switch Grand Marnier for Grey Goose and I'll be one happy camper.

 

[disneylvr4vr]

Best beverly picture ever!

My favorite is the Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique. I tricked my sister into drinking beverly and her face was priceless! Then I tasted beverly and I had to drink a gallon of the other sodas to get the horrid taste out of my mouth!