It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Disney with a 1 month old *new 2/13/15*

[SimplyGoofy]

I love Soarin'. I play the music from my Four Parks, One World CD in my car all the time! Although I'd love to see a new movie, I'll be sad if it has a new soundtrack (which it probably will).

Oh my goodness, now there's TWO things I need to get from that darn French ice cream place (and I don't even love ice cream!). It was under construction during our last trip so I'm looking forward to trying it out!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I love Soarin'. I play the music from my Four Parks, One World CD in my car all the time! Although I'd love to see a new movie, I'll be sad if it has a new soundtrack (which it probably will).

Oh my goodness, now there's TWO things I need to get from that darn French ice cream place (and I don't even love ice cream!). It was under construction during our last trip so I'm looking forward to trying it out!

hhmm, hadn't thought about the soundtrack to Soarin' ... I would assume it would at least be an update - but hopefully they keep it somewhat - or at least reference it a bit

haha - sorry for forcing you to buy ice cream

 

[Dugette]

hhmm, hadn't thought about the soundtrack to Soarin' ... I would assume it would at least be an update - but hopefully they keep it somewhat - or at least reference it a bit

Oh, darn, I hadn't thought about that either! I was looking forward to whenever Izzy is tall enough to ride it (not for quite some time, I'm sure) because she used to LOVE the soundtrack. That's how we'd get her to calm down and/or fall asleep as a baby (and even played it to her before she was born). I was thinking it would be fun to see how she would react to it on the ride - but that may not be possible by the time she can ride. Oh, well, hoping the new update is great!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Part 28 - San, Ni, Ichi!​

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I hope everyone had a nice weekend and a wonderful Halloween. We had a good time trick-or-treating on our street along with other families. Olivia was very unique and was, I am sure, the only little girl to dress up as Elsa. Peter went as a fireman - and we made our wagon look like a firetruck and we used that to transport the little kids. Emma went as a ladybug and Judi decorated her carrier with black dots to fit in with the costume:

********************

After meeting with village Belle we were off to a completely different land to do some souvenir shopping. This was definitely a case of "great minds thinking alike" ... or at least "a great mind and my mind" as Judi and I both thought that doing the pick-a-pearl would be something Olivia would like and would make for a nice souvenir. The fact that Judi also wanted new pearl earnings I am sure had nothing to do with it

So we were off to the Mitsukoshi Department Store. After navigating the store and figuring out the process (i.e., you pay for your pearls at the cash register first and then wait for them to call your number) we paid for our three pearls and then waited for them to call our number. There were only a few people in front of us so we thought it would go fast - but one of them was getting about 4 pearls so it took a little longer than we expected. But it allowed us some time to scope out the oysters we wanted to pick - with my useful tip gleamed from reading other trip reports, to pick the ugliest, hairiest ones.

Once it was our team the energetic CM explained what would happen to Olivia and taught her how to count down in Japanese by acting out how to pronounce things. Pretty soon we were all shouting out "San! Ni! Ichi!":

And Olivia was rewarded with what was, at least at that point the largest pearl they had found that day so far at 8 1/4 mm. The CM seamed legitamately impressed with it - it also had a golden hue to it and apparently ones that large, with the golden hue are pretty rare.

They then opened Judi's and while not as big as Olivia's they were still pretty good at around 7 1/4mm and one had a pinkish hue which is also apparently pretty rare.

As we selected three pearls they, of course, had to arrange them in a Mickey head when they showed them to us:

We then went over to look at the settings. For Olivia this actually was relatively easy as there were only so many settings that could handle a pearl that big For Judi it was pretty easy too as she doesn't like earings with the posts so she her selection was a bit limited too.

Now here is where we ran into some issues from a timing perspective. We basically had to wait for them to set the pearls then and there as if we waited they wouldn't be done before our dinner ADR and the would be closed if we waited until after dinner. So we decided to have Judi wait for the jewelry to be completed while I took the kids over to our next meet & greet as it was the last chance we had for it and is a must do for it.

So over to Germany we headed to get in line (in the sun again of course) to meet the Original Princess, Walt's Little Princess, Snow White. We don't have a ton of traditions at Disney World but seeing Snow White in Germany and Olivia getting a kiss from her is one of them. So while we waited in the snow, I gave Olivia and Emma their costume changes and tried to keep an eye on Peter and he kept wanting to go closer to the railing by the lagoon.

And we waited for Judi, and waited, and waited. And I started to freak out that she wouldn't get there in time. She actually got there after Snow White started meeting but before it was her turn. Apparently they got the settings done ok, but then there were register problems and Judi had to switch registers like three times and get a manager, etc. - just took wait longer than we thought.

Here is the end result of the settings:

Fortunately it was all worth it as it was another great Meet & Greet ... and I will make up for all the above text with a bunch of pictures from the meet including one animated gif.

First, Snow White wanted to do some twirling with Olivia when she saw they were dressed the same:

and animated:

She also seemed to take quite a shine to Peter and gave him a few hugs and liked the look of his shirt:

It also led to probably my favorite picture from the trip:

And some love for Emma as well:

Olivia did get her kiss (you can also see in this picture evidence of the heat):

After that Judi and I definitely needed a drink, so we hit up the beer cart that happened to be right there. Judi got the Schofferhofer Grapefruit (seen in the picture here), which is one of her favorites. It's not necessarily my style but of the fruit beers I have tried it is one of the best and very refreshing on a hot day:

While I went for the Altenmünster Oktoberfest - this is another solid beer, if not spectacular. It also helped quench my thirst. The kids had plenty of water by the way.

Drinks in hand we were on our way ... to head for more drinks. But first, a meet with Caballero Donald:

And then a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour to see him in action. I know some people pan this attraction a bit but I really like it. It's cute, has that awkward scene where there is the Donald pinata, and actually mixes the Disney characters with telling the history and story of Mexico pretty well I think.

Then it was time for the real reason we come to the Mexico Pavilion - a trip to The Ditch (a.k.a., La Cava del Tequila) to pick up these "little beauties" - a jalepeno margarita and a horchata one for Judi:

I love a lot of the margaritas here and if we make multiple trips usually will also get the avacado and or cucumber ones, but if I can only have one it is the jalepeno one - just feel it is very unique and has just enough heat to be interesting without being overwhelming. We discovered the horchata one when I did the tequila lunch pairing at the Food & Wine Festival last year and it instantly became a favorite. It's kinda like a mixture of eggnog and a margarita - but in the best possible way. Hard to describe but I definitely recommend trying at least once.

After this, it was basically time for dinner - which would be another new place for us.

TTFN

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Oh, darn, I hadn't thought about that either! I was looking forward to whenever Izzy is tall enough to ride it (not for quite some time, I'm sure) because she used to LOVE the soundtrack. That's how we'd get her to calm down and/or fall asleep as a baby (and even played it to her before she was born). I was thinking it would be fun to see how she would react to it on the ride - but that may not be possible by the time she can ride. Oh, well, hoping the new update is great!

Well, it might not be until 2016 that the new ride is totally up and running - so, um Grow Izzy! Grow!

I feel like the music is fairly iconic so I could see them at least leaving it (or perhaps an updated version of it) for the waiting area or something like that if they change the music for the actual ride - Disney seems to like to reference the old in the new

 

[amazingact21]

Beautiful pearls! And what a great souvenir idea. The pearl in the butterfly necklace looks like an absolutely perfect piece of jewelry for a little princess.


But man, getting those three pearls came at a cost. Your poor wife, having to wait forever to pay. Then again, she might have appreciated the peace and quiet for a short while. Before the stress of not making the traditional meet and greet set in...


Adorable pictures with Snow White! I can definitely see how that one of Peter is a favorite. It's precious. As is Olivia and Snow twirling around.


I think the Grand Fiesta Tour gets a bad rap. It's a cute ride and fits really well within the Mexico pavilion. At least, that's my opinion.

 

[Joyciemc]

Great update! The pics from the Snow White meet are wonderful!

I also enjoy the Gran Fiesta Tour... "What means Aye Caramba?" is an often quoted line in our house.

I have reservations about the Horchato margarita, but I just may have to try one for research purposes...

 

[Dugette]

Way to go on picking those pearls! All very pretty. Do they make you stick around or could you pay and have them sent to the front of the park/your resort? I've never looked into pick-a-pearl, but could be fun someday when Izzy is a little older.

Glad you had a great meet with Snow White. Great picture with Peter and love the twirling!

I'm really wanting a margarita now!!

 

[teekathepony]

Great picks at pick-a-pearl! And I love the settings they chose too, Olivia's butterfly necklace is adorable.
Speaking of adorable... that meet with Snow White is so cute. Love the twirling but that pic with Snow and Peter is just precious.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Beautiful pearls! And what a great souvenir idea. The pearl in the butterfly necklace looks like an absolutely perfect piece of jewelry for a little princess.

But man, getting those three pearls came at a cost. Your poor wife, having to wait forever to pay. Then again, she might have appreciated the peace and quiet for a short while. Before the stress of not making the traditional meet and greet set in...

Adorable pictures with Snow White! I can definitely see how that one of Peter is a favorite. It's precious. As is Olivia and Snow twirling around.

I think the Grand Fiesta Tour gets a bad rap. It's a cute ride and fits really well within the Mexico pavilion. At least, that's my opinion.

Thank you! I thought they made for nice souvenirs and compared to a lot of things they aren't super expensive - was definitely a fun experience. Well, I think Judi was too worried about the time evaporating to really appreciate the quiet - just because she didn't know what was going to happen, how long it would take, if she would make it, etc.

We always have had great M&G with Snow White in Germany and this trip did not disappoint ... just wish they could put up some sun blockers or something

I agree about Gran Fiesta ride - I think it is a good mix of adding Disney characters into a country pavilion without it feeling forced .... let's see now what happens with the Frozen ride

Great update! The pics from the Snow White meet are wonderful!

I also enjoy the Gran Fiesta Tour... "What means Aye Caramba?" is an often quoted line in our house.

I have reservations about the Horchato margarita, but I just may have to try one for research purposes...

Thank you! We are quite happy with the pics from the Snow White M&G - always a favorite of ours.

Haha, I can see that being fun to say that line - love when people take away little "inside jokes" from their Disney Trips

I think the horcata margarita is at least worth a try. It uses rice milk so is a little creamy, but not too heavy. Definitely has some cinnamon notes too it so you have to like that sort of think. Kinda feels like a "fall / winter" margarita - though it is still pretty refreshing.

Way to go on picking those pearls! All very pretty. Do they make you stick around or could you pay and have them sent to the front of the park/your resort? I've never looked into pick-a-pearl, but could be fun someday when Izzy is a little older.

Glad you had a great meet with Snow White. Great picture with Peter and love the twirling!

I'm really wanting a margarita now!!

Regarding picking up the pearls - I don't think they can deliver them. You can leave and come back and they give you a time to come back and they would be ready but we didn't have time and that was our only EPCOT day so couldn't go back the next day. I am not 100% sure but I don't think there were the same delivery options as other stores

After all that stress I definitely would have been bummed if the M&G with Snow White turned out poorly Fortunately we have always had good experiences with that M&G spot

Those margaritas really do help sell themselves. Whenever we have them and are walking around World Showcase we always get at least a few people stoping us asking where we got them as they look different than the ones you get form the stands outside of the pavilion.

Great picks at pick-a-pearl! And I love the settings they chose too, Olivia's butterfly necklace is adorable.
Speaking of adorable... that meet with Snow White is so cute. Love the twirling but that pic with Snow and Peter is just precious.

Thank you - I think the settings worked out quite well in the end and definitely made for a good souvenir

Thank you - I think those pictures came out quite good - that M&G spot always leads to goo memories

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Do you remember about how much the pick a pearl experience and settings were? I'm thinking of doing this sometime soon and want to have an idea what to expect before I deal with the Disney sticker shock

Love the pictures from the Snow White meet and greet. What a great tradition!

 

[missangelalexis]

Glad you all had a nice Halloween!!

Love the gif, so funny! Great pearls, I love the settings that were chosen!

Great pics with Snow!

 

[Marsheliz]

That is one cute ladybug!

I LOVE the pic of Snow White with Peter- definitely frame worthy and the one with Olivia with the lipstick on her face. <3

Those margaritas sound to die for.. Especially the spicy one. I tried the habenero margarita last year at F & W and just didnt really care for it
( surprisingly, I found it too sweet) maybe I will try this one sometime.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Aww Emma is a super adorable Lady Bug Phil. And Lady Bugs are usually adorable enough. And yes, I bet Olivia had the Elsa costume all to herself.

I've never actually taken the time to hear how pick a pearl actually works, so this is valuable knowledge. Especially the next time I'm in the mood for a pearl.

AHHH I love watching the CM work this "show". Well done on the gif.

The twirling is SO FREAKIN' CUTE!!!

And YES, the Peter/Snow picture should be one of your fav pictures of all time!! My GOD that's sweet. Well done Photopass Photographer (I assume given the border). I hope he or she got a card.

"After that Judi and I definitely needed a drink"... Sorry, that's funny.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

Cute little ladybug! That was Charlotte's first Halloween costume too! This year she was Anna, which I expected to be insanely popular, but we didn't see many Annas. Its become a tradition that Charlotte and our dog Daphne have matching costumes Charlotte wanted to be Anna, because Daphne is white and has a long tail, she thought she would make the perfect Elsa. So I had he pair, its just that one of them was a dog!

Love the pick a pearl! We did that last time and Charlotte picked them out for her grandmas. It was really fun and you are right considering the cost of a tee shirt at Disney not bad price wise either!

Love the snow white meeting! Those pics of her twirling are so precious! And that picture of Peter is priceless! That is my favorite spot to see her too. Actually, I enjoy all the World Showcase princess meets the most. They just feel so authentic and more real.

 

[schmass]

Love the ladybug costume - so cute!

Seeing those pearls makes me want to do that some time! I never really paid much attention to it in the past, but those pearls are really nice. I will follow your advice and go for the ugly oysters.

Cute meet and greet pictures!

That jalapeno margarita sounds intriguing. We have never actually tried ANY of the margaritas there. Making notes for next time!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Do you remember about how much the pick a pearl experience and settings were? I'm thinking of doing this sometime soon and want to have an idea what to expect before I deal with the Disney sticker shock

Love the pictures from the Snow White meet and greet. What a great tradition!

So the picking the pearl itself I believe was $14.97 - the settings vary but I think Olivia's was around $15 and then another $10 or so for the chain. I think all in her necklace cost around $45. Judi's were a bit more as they were actual white gold or something vs. the silver so I think they were like $129 or something. Most of them though are silver and around what we paid for Olivia's

Thank you! I don't think we set out for it to be a tradition but it has become one and we seem to enjoy it every time - so we keep it up!

Glad you all had a nice Halloween!!

Love the gif, so funny! Great pearls, I love the settings that were chosen!

Great pics with Snow!

Thank you - I think we did alright picking the settings. They have some nice ones that are more like "cages" that I think are better and a bit safer vs. attaching the pearl like Olivia's is - but her pearl was too big for any of them.

That is one cute ladybug!

I LOVE the pic of Snow White with Peter- definitely frame worthy and the one with Olivia with the lipstick on her face. <3

Those margaritas sound to die for.. Especially the spicy one. I tried the habenero margarita last year at F & W and just didnt really care for it
( surprisingly, I found it too sweet) maybe I will try this one sometime.

Thank you! It's fun to see the pictures over the years of Olivia with the lipstick kiss on her face starting from when she was 8mo old

As far as the spicy margarita from The Ditch, I just get the regular one which I think has a nice level of spice - enough to notice but it doesn't over power it. You can ask for extra spicy though and I believe they will do a habanero one there as well (it's not on the menu but you can request it) but from what I have heard it is super, super spicy

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Aww Emma is a super adorable Lady Bug Phil. And Lady Bugs are usually adorable enough. And yes, I bet Olivia had the Elsa costume all to herself.

I've never actually taken the time to hear how pick a pearl actually works, so this is valuable knowledge. Especially the next time I'm in the mood for a pearl.

AHHH I love watching the CM work this "show". Well done on the gif.

I think there was only one other Elsa out and about on our street while we were trick-or-treating .. and I only mistakenly called out to her once, so not too bad

and we all know a craving for a pearl can hit one at the most random times - so it pays to be in the know

The twirling is SO FREAKIN' CUTE!!!

And YES, the Peter/Snow picture should be one of your fav pictures of all time!! My GOD that's sweet. Well done Photopass Photographer (I assume given the border). I hope he or she got a card.

"After that Judi and I definitely needed a drink"... Sorry, that's funny.

thank you! the picture with Peter and Snow is a PP one ... there were a number of cute ones of those two interacting with each other. Didn't get a great one of Snow posing with both of them together though. Oh well.

We definitely needed a drink in all the ways that phrase can mean

Cute little ladybug! That was Charlotte's first Halloween costume too! This year she was Anna, which I expected to be insanely popular, but we didn't see many Annas. Its become a tradition that Charlotte and our dog Daphne have matching costumes Charlotte wanted to be Anna, because Daphne is white and has a long tail, she thought she would make the perfect Elsa. So I had he pair, its just that one of them was a dog!

That's really cute sounding! Very cool that you dress her and the dog up in outfits together. I don't think our dogs would put up with that

Love the pick a pearl! We did that last time and Charlotte picked them out for her grandmas. It was really fun and you are right considering the cost of a tee shirt at Disney not bad price wise either!

Love the snow white meeting! Those pics of her twirling are so precious! And that picture of Peter is priceless! That is my favorite spot to see her too. Actually, I enjoy all the World Showcase princess meets the most. They just feel so authentic and more real.

I mean, nothing really is "cheap" in Disney but it seemed like something nice to do and considering what it is and that you get a bit of a "show" along with your souvenir we thought the price was definitely reasonable

Fully agree about the princesses meet & greets in World Showcase ... just wish they had more shade for those waiting in line!

Love the ladybug costume - so cute!

Seeing those pearls makes me want to do that some time! I never really paid much attention to it in the past, but those pearls are really nice. I will follow your advice and go for the ugly oysters.

Cute meet and greet pictures!

That jalapeno margarita sounds intriguing. We have never actually tried ANY of the margaritas there. Making notes for next time!

we were quite happy with the whole "pick a pearl" process and the quality of the pearls. Would suggest doing it earlier in the day so you have more flexibility in picking up your finished jewerly than we had though

If you like margaritas at all you MUST try the ones at La Cava - they are all really good and we find them much, much better than the ones you get at the booth outside. They have regular margaritas and fruit ones as well - so plenty of variety. I know a lot of people like the blood orange one they have.

 

[khertz]

The pearls look great! I love the settings too, as I think I have only ever seen the Cinderella coach setting that a lot of people seem to get.

The Snow White meet is so sweet! I love the photo of Snow and Peter, and the one of Olivia showing off her lip prints.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Of course Olivia was the only little girl to dress up as Elsa.

What a beautiful pearl Olivia got! That is a big one.

Love the pictures from the meet and greet with Snow White! How cute was Olivia twirling! Man, I wish they had princess dresses when I first started going to Disney when I was four!

I want to try the horchata margarita this time!