Jedis, Pirates and Extended Family! A May/June 2012 TR Update: Lunch @ H&V

[Kat in GA]

Joining in!

We were at Disney the same time - May 23 - June 5 - and we were at POR.

We might have passed each other on June 1st at HS! We are not big star wars fans - but I really wanted to see the Parade and the Hyper Space Hoopla - but then that rain - ack! Thought it was great each day after that. We'll have to be sure to go for SWW again

We also had the Photopass + - but because of the rain I think we ended up with more ride pictures than anything!

 

[megan511]

Joining in!

We were at Disney the same time - May 23 - June 5 - and we were at POR.

We might have passed each other on June 1st at HS! We are not big star wars fans - but I really wanted to see the Parade and the Hyper Space Hoopla - but then that rain - ack! Thought it was great each day after that. We'll have to be sure to go for SWW again

We also had the Photopass + - but because of the rain I think we ended up with more ride pictures than anything!

Welcome! Thanks so much for reading along.

Oh wow, maybe we did pass each other! Yes the rain was bad. I felt so bad for the people that June 1 was their only day at SWW. I'm glad you were able to go after that and experience everything. I loved SWW I definitely want to go again!

I did not get near as many photopass pictures this year because of the rain. But we got a lot of restaurant and ride pictures to make it worth it!

 

[megan511]

After dinner we had to drop my sister and niece off at Magic Kingdom and then we headed back to our room. My plan was for the kids to hopefully take a quick nap or at least relax as we were going to have a late night. Of course, since I wanted the kids to take a nap, they didn't!

We relaxed in the room for a while and tried to figure out my camera. We could not figure out how to take pictures in low light. I was getting so frustrated. After a bit Chad thought he had it figured out but the true test would be tonight when we were trying to get night shots.

Tessa loved her ears!

Giving Mickey some love.

When we got back to the room Anthony wanted his makeup off. I was hoping he would keep it until tonight but he was done with it.We were also trying to keep up with the weather. Our activities tonight were outside and Chad kept talking about it being cancelled and what should we do. He was kind of getting on my nerves because he was acting like he wanted it to be cancelled. I told him we would just go as planned and if it was cancelled we would find out there.

Around 7:15 we headed out of our room on our way to our next destination. It started raining while we were headed over.

We had never been to the Contemporary before. I love checking out new resorts!

We asked at the front where to go and they pointed us in the right direction. Soon we were checking in here!

From Allears.net
Pirate and Pals Fireworks Voyage - Beginning July 13, 2009, this Magical Cruise is open to all guests (not just Grand Gathering Guests). The voyage will depart from the Contemporary resort (exact location provided when you make the reservation). The total price for Guests 10 and older will be $53.99 and for Guests 3 – 9, the total price will be $30.99. Reservations for the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage, can be made by contacting 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). You do not have to be a Walt Disney World resort guest to book this cruise.

I was super excited about this. We had only watched Wishes once and it was from the bridge to Liberty Square. Not a very good view. We love the music though and I have the CD. We listen to it a lot!

We checked in at this desk.

We were given our ticket with which boat we would be on and what row we would be in. We were on the Hook boat in row 8. We were each given a bandana which we needed to get on the boat. After we checked in we were told to wait in the open area until 830 when they would be letting us into a room where snacks would be provided. We would wait here until it was time to board and we would be on the boat for about an hour.

Once they open the doors you are led into the room and allowed to help yourself to snacks and drinks. The drinks provided are lemonade, tea, coffee and apple juice. The snacks include apples, bags of pretzels, bags of white cheddar popcorn, chocolate coins, frozen treats (popsicles, ice cream sandwich) and a sheet cake.

Right after we got our snacks Captain Hook appeared to do meet and greets. I thought Capt. Hook and Mr. Smee did meet and greets during this time. I don't know if Mr. Smee was sick this day or if he doesn't meet anymore. Also I thought I had read that Capt Hook did not sign autographs during this, just pictures. Well he was signing this night but we didn't bring our autograph books.

After we met Capt Hook we ate our snacks and waited until it was time to go on the boat. The people kept stressing there was no bathroom on the boat and that they would do a ten minute warning before we boarded. All during this time Chad had been very quiet. I kept asking him if he was ok and he kept saying yes. Finally while we were waiting I asked him again if he was ok and he said, "I'm just really nervous about being on this boat." Chad started to explain that he was really worried about being on the boat for an hour with no bathroom and that there would be nothing we could do. He also said he was worried about Tessa not liking it. What if she had a breakdown and there was no way we could keep her quiet? All these people would have paid all this money and their experience would be ruined. I told Chad everything would be fine. Just go to the bathroom at the 10 minute warning and I had plenty of snacks for Tessa to keep her occupied on the boat. Plus I thought she would like the boat because she loves rides.

No one had mentioned anything about the weather at this point so we figured we were good to go. The CMs brought out limbo for all the kids to play while we were waiting. Captain Hook played limbo too!

Then they called last call for the bathrooms so we all went. I hadn't been worried at all but Chad had planted the seed of worry in my head. What if Tessa didn't like it? What if we couldn't get her settled down? We would have no where to go! I started to get really nervous and Chad was already nervous. The pirate captains for each boat came out to take us to the pier. I was downright scared at this point about how this was going to go. This pirate cruise was terrifying!

We got seated on the boat and we were on the right side. These are my only (terrible) pictures from the cruise. We obviously hadn't figured out the camera!

The boat took us around the Seven Seas Lagoon. While we were on the boat the Electric Water Pageant was going on so we watched that. I had never seen it before. Here is video of the Water Pageant. It starts around 30 seconds and ends around 4 I think. There is some stuff after that of the cruise but my camera work is not good. I will not be applying for any camera crews!



After the Water Pageant we went around and saw the resorts lit up which was very pretty. Tessa and Anthony were so good on the cruise! Little angels. I was so relieved. They both seemed to be having a really good time. Then it was time for the main attraction...Wishes! Our pirate captain Patch said that Tinkerbell may not fly tonight because of the wind but if she did we had to cheer really loud for her. I look over and Tessa is bouncing and excited and Anthony is...ASLEEP! Chad and I tried to wake him up. Once the Wishes music got piped in Anthony woke up and he was able to watch the fireworks. The camera gets focused 15 seconds in. The video cuts off at 10 minutes. I'm pretty sure I recorded the whole thing, maybe it's a photobucket thing?



I loved being able to watch Wishes here. Looking out over the water with my sweet children watching the fireworks go off was perfect. Chad really enjoyed it too. He thought the captain was funny and I was so relieved that he ended up having a good time. We probably won't do this again for a while based on the cost but I'm so glad we got to do it this time. The weather cooperated and it was a perfect way to end Anthony's birthday.

After the fireworks the boat heads back to the Contemporary and there is a trivia game with questions from Pirates of the Caribbean, Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. Prizes are awarded for correct answers but every child gets a prize when they exit the boat. This was a lot of fun and Anthony answered a question about POTC and got a pirate hat. When we pulled up to the Contemporary Peter Pan was waiting for us on the dock with Tinkerbell in a latern! Anthony was star struck! Once we got on the deck we headed to meet Peter Pan where he asked Anthony if he was a member of Jake's crew. Anthony said Yes and Peter said he would say hi to Jake for him.

After meeting Peter we headed to the car and Anthony said, "this was the best birthday ever!" We got back to CBR and we were all exhausted. We asked Anthony what the best part of his birthday was and he said, "Meeting Peter Pan. Because that was the REAL Peter Pan." So sweet and I was so glad everything had worked out to make Anthony's day so magical.

next update

 

[amandaw]

I'm so glad the weather held off for y'alls pirate cruise! And no need for the worries - sounds like everyone had a great time.

That's fun that y'all got to meet Cpt. Hook & Peter Pan.

That is truly a magical birthday that Anthony will never forget!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love this. The next time I'm going to WDW is for my high school graduation

 

[megan511]

I'm so glad the weather held off for y'alls pirate cruise! And no need for the worries - sounds like everyone had a great time.

That's fun that y'all got to meet Cpt. Hook & Peter Pan.

That is truly a magical birthday that Anthony will never forget!

Yes we all had a really great time!

Anthony loved his birthday

I love this. The next time I'm going to WDW is for my high school graduation

Thanks so much! I think a Disney trip is the perfect way to celebrate a high school graduation! I hope it will be a great trip!

 

[megan511]

Tuesday May 29th

I woke up at my usual time of 630 this morning and got ready. We didn't have to be any where super early so I went outside to walk around CBR. I decided to walk to OPR and fill my mug while my family slept. Well after I got to the building next to us I was confused about where to go! So I just took some pictures and drove to OPR.

Quiet Pool right outside our building

When I got back to the room I relaxed for a bit and woke Chad up around 8. The kids woke up shortly after that and I got them ready.

This picture is to show the beds at CBR. The mattresses are very, very thin as you can see in the back.

Tessa dancing to small potaaaaaaatooooes.

So what were the plans for today? Chad was going golfing again with my dad, brother and brother in law. I wanted to have a day with Anthony since it was his birthday trip. Today was our mommy/son date day. Tessa was going to spend the day with my mom at the condo relaxing, watching her favorite movies and playing with her cousins. I missed my girl so much! I know she had fun with grandma though and the day off was probably really good for Tess.

Around quarter of nine Chad and Tessa left for my parents. Anthony and I hung out at the hotel for about 30 minutes before we headed to the bus stop. This was to be our first taste of Disney buses! I was excited! We went out to the bus stop around 915 and literally waited about a minute before an Epcot bus pulled up. The bus wasn't crowded but we did have to stand. Anthony wasn't too sure about standing but he did fine. Our first Disney bus ride was great! Once we get rid of the stroller I would definitely use Disney transportation the majority of the time.

I had decided that I was going to let Anthony lead the way today. I had mentally prepared myself to just follow him and to do what he wanted, when he wanted as much as it may pain me. Our first stop was to get a few pictures. (Not Anthony's idea but after this he was the boss!)

The sky was not looking promising...

What would our first ride be?

As much as it pained me to not get Soarin fast passes first, King Anthony was in charge so this is where we went!

After Spaceship Earth we headed toward the Land. But no Soarin FPs yet because Anthony spotted Journey to Imagination. So on we went to visit Figment.

Anthony was finally ready to head to Soarin. We got our FPs which were good from 1:40 to 2:40. Anthony really wanted to ride Soarin now but the stand by time was 60 minutes. He was not happy and kept saying he wanted to ride Soarin. How do you distract a 5 year old? Take them shopping of course! When we left the Land it had started raining so we rushed over to Mouse Gears. Anthony picked out some treasures with his birthday money. He got a mystery Star Wars Vinylmation and mystery POTC Vinylmation. He also picked out the Stitch is Trouble game. After he spent some money he wanted to ride Figment again! Ugh, ok. So we rode Figment for the third time.

ETA I realized I didn't mention that we rode Figment 2xs in a row after shopping! So we really were at 3 times.

After our third Journey to Imagination we headed toward World Showcase. It was still raining at this point and we had no rain gear. Anthony's rain coat was in the backpack which was in the van and so were the ponchos. We ducked into a store near the entrance to World Showcase. Anthony told me, "Mom, I don't want to be in any more stores. I'm not going to have any money left!"

Now, I usually give my money over to the Disney Corporation freely and willingly. But for some reason I was taking a stand against the ponchos. I refused to fork over $9 for a garbage bag. In retrospect, I really should have just bought them but for some reason I was not giving in to the ponchos. So Anthony and I were hanging out in the stores waiting for the rain to taper off. Finally we decided just to brave it as the rain didn't seem to be slowing. We headed into Mexico and made our way to Norway.

 

[megan511]

Anthony and I headed to Norway to ride Maelstrom. Chad and Anthony rode this last year and Chad loves it. Tessa and I did not ride it so she must have been asleep. Anyways, Chad thinks it's like a Dharma film and is crazy about it so I was interested in what it was. Anthony and I rode it and it was interesting. The part where it feels like you will go backwards is scary!

After Norway the rain stopped! We continued our walk around World Showcase and it was empty! So different from Saturday evening. I wanted to get Anthony's picture in every country but he was not having it. I convinced him to get his picture in China because of the lily pads. He is nuts about Plants vs Zombies so he thought this was awesome. I then got to hear about Plants vs Zombies for the next 20 minutes. Sometimes it seems like kids don't even need to breathe they are talking so much!

After China we reached the outpost where Anthony wanted to try out the drums.

Then we reached Germany. My ancestry is almost entirely German for both parents so we always have to spend some time here.

I love the seven dwarves! Snow White is my favorite. I made Anthony stand there so he could be the 8th dwarf...Bratty

Next was Italy.

Then we reached Japan. Anthony agreed to a pic with Lightning McQueen and Mater.

We then reached our lunch destination and we were starving!

next update

 

[shan23877]

What a great idea to have a mommy/birthday boy day in Epcot! Anthony must have been so excited to have you all to himself!

The CBR pictures really make me wish that I'd woken up there this morning. I love that resort.

3 rides on Figment? You were one patient mom! I couldn't have handled it!

Looks like you got pictures in most countries! My *half* brother is very proud of his German heritage, so we spend lots of time there looking for souvenirs for him.

I can't wait to hear about lunch! I really want to try Les Chefs one of these days.

 

[teacherjmc]

Just joining in your TR--loving it! Your kids are adorable. Thanks for sharing your memories with us!

 

[amandaw]

I love that y'all had a mommy/son day! That really is so special!

I hope the rain went away for good. Those skies definitely don't look too good!

Can't wait to hear about Chefs!

 

[megan511]

What a great idea to have a mommy/birthday boy day in Epcot! Anthony must have been so excited to have you all to himself!

The CBR pictures really make me wish that I'd woken up there this morning. I love that resort.

3 rides on Figment? You were one patient mom! I couldn't have handled it!

Looks like you got pictures in most countries! My *half* brother is very proud of his German heritage, so we spend lots of time there looking for souvenirs for him.

I can't wait to hear about lunch! I really want to try Les Chefs one of these days.

I think Anthony had a lot of fun on our mommy/son day. It was nice to get some one on one time with him. Plus we didn't have the stroller! I felt free He did really well too, I was surprised.

I could so go for laying in that hammock right now! I'm so sad I didn't explore CBR more...I will just have to go back!

Yes, 3 rides on Figment. And two were right in a row! My patience wears out though which causes a moment

My brother is very into our German heritage too. I was going to get him something but I forgot!

I was excited for Les Chefs. It was a fun place for our "date."

Just joining in your TR--loving it! Your kids are adorable. Thanks for sharing your memories with us!

Welcome! Thanks so much for joining and reading along!

I love that y'all had a mommy/son day! That really is so special!

I hope the rain went away for good. Those skies definitely don't look too good!

Can't wait to hear about Chefs!

It was really great to spend some time with just Anthony. We really had a blast! It was special, I loved every minute!

The rain was off and on all day. We didn't see much sunshine but it didn't stop us. I should have bought those ponchos though!

I should have Chefs posted before too long! We had a good time on our lunch "date."

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

I love it so far!! I went Les Chefs last time and it was really goo.

 

[shan23877]

Maddie won't even consider not using a stroller at WDW. I think that's awesome that Anthony did it! And, world showcase would be the hardest!

 

[megan511]

I love it so far!! I went Les Chefs last time and it was really goo.

Thanks so much! I should have Les Chefs up soon.

Maddie won't even consider not using a stroller at WDW. I think that's awesome that Anthony did it! And, world showcase would be the hardest!

I was really surprised how well Anthony did. I fully expected to be taking lots of breaks and him being tired but he did so well. The only time he complained was stopping for pictures!

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

I am really enjoying your TR! We are doing a lot of the same things as you did so I am finding it VERY helpful! We're doing Pirates League, Harmony (for DD's first haircut) and staying in a pirate room. Your pictures have gotten me so excited! My son is 5 too and is a HUGE Star Wars fan. He is really looking forward to Jedi Training Academy but last year he wouldn't fight Vader either so we'll see how this year turns out.

Thanks for sharing your memories! I'm looking forward to seeing more!

 

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Hi there! I am really enjoying your trip report! Your kiddos are adorable And we also live in Northern VA, so hi neighbor!

My boys (3.5 years old) having been "reading" along with me, and by that I mean they've been looking at all the pictures But now they both wanna do Pirates League and the pirate cruise!

It sounds like Anthony had a really amazing birthday! What a lucky boy And I'm glad Tessa got to have her first haircut at Disney! It's so wonderful that you were able to donate her hair to Locks of Love.

I've also really liked your dining reviews - you've convinced me to try O'hana for breakfast! It sounds much more relaxing than running back and forth to the buffet!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[megan511]

I am really enjoying your TR! We are doing a lot of the same things as you did so I am finding it VERY helpful! We're doing Pirates League, Harmony (for DD's first haircut) and staying in a pirate room. Your pictures have gotten me so excited! My son is 5 too and is a HUGE Star Wars fan. He is really looking forward to Jedi Training Academy but last year he wouldn't fight Vader either so we'll see how this year turns out.

Thanks for sharing your memories! I'm looking forward to seeing more!

Oh wow, that is a lot of similarities! So happy to have you here reading along. If you have any questions, please ask away!

I can't say enough good things about Pirate League and Harmony! Hopefully your DD will like her haircut more than Tessa did!

We loved the pirate room and CBR. CBR is a very pretty resort with a great laid back feel. Anthony says he wants to have a pirate room every time we go. I don't know what he'll do when we go back and aren't in one!

Aw, I hope your DS does Jedi Training this year! Anthony was ready to do it if it wasn't for a nature call. I think the extra year from 4 to 5 helped him not be as scared.

I hope you and your family have a magical trip! Are you going to do a TR?

Hi there! I am really enjoying your trip report! Your kiddos are adorable And we also live in Northern VA, so hi neighbor!

My boys (3.5 years old) having been "reading" along with me, and by that I mean they've been looking at all the pictures But now they both wanna do Pirates League and the pirate cruise!

It sounds like Anthony had a really amazing birthday! What a lucky boy And I'm glad Tessa got to have her first haircut at Disney! It's so wonderful that you were able to donate her hair to Locks of Love.

I've also really liked your dining reviews - you've convinced me to try O'hana for breakfast! It sounds much more relaxing than running back and forth to the buffet!

Can't wait to read more!

Thank you so much! It's nice to have a neighbor here!

Aww that's so cute that your boys are reading along! Pirates League is really fun and not too expensive for all they get. Plus everything at Disney is high so it's a good deal. The Pirate Cruise is definitely pricey but fun! My husband thought it was worth it to not deal with crowds after Wishes. We probably won't do it for a while but I would do it again one day.

Anthony had an awesome birthday. It was a special day for sure. I was happy to get Tessa's first haircut at Disney, I just wish she would have liked it a bit more! Tessa's hair was so long, I was glad we were able to donate it.

I'm glad you like the dining reviews. Ohana is more laid back than the other character buffets. The food is pretty good too!

Thanks for reading along! More to come soon.

 

[megan511]

I hope everyone had a Happy Fourth!

The place we usually go to for fireworks didn't have them this year so we just stayed home. We looked up the Disney 4th of July fireworks on Youtube and watched those instead!

We also took Anthony to see Spider-Man. He liked the second half of the movie when Peter is Spider-Man but I think he was a little bored for the first half. He kept asking us how long the movie was. I agreed with him I thought it dragged a bit and I thought it was basically the exact same movie as the one that came out before. Chad thought it was better than the other one but he has to disagree with me on movies.

Anyways, we will be gone this weekend visiting family. I don't know if I will be on the Dis or not but here are two updates!

 

[megan511]

Les Chefs de France

We called got into Les Chefs de France for our lunch and were seated at a table for two right next to the window. I loved the inside of this restaurant. So pretty!

Our View

We placed our order and got our drinks. Anthony really wanted me to take a picture of our cups so here it is.

While we were waiting on our food Marie walked by!

I decided to go for the Prix Fixe 3 course menu $23.99 or 1 TS credit. Menu descriptions from Allears.net

Soupe a l' oignon gratinee - Onion soup topped with Gruyere cheese.

This was delicious! It was very cheesy and had these huge croutons and the broth was so so good. Definitely

We were also served a baguette with butter but I guess I didn't take a picture. Anthony ate an entire loaf and told me he wasn't sharing!

I only ate about half my soup as I was getting full. If we ever skip the dining plan I would come here and just order a bowl of soup and eat bread.

Then our main courses arrived.

For me:

Croque monsieur et sa salade verte - classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a green salad

For Anthony:

Croquette de Boeuf en Brioche - Ground beef steakon a brioche bun, served with French fries $8.00

My sandwich was very good. Again I could only eat about half of this because I was so full! Definitely yummy though! Anthony enjoyed his burger and fries as well. We both really enjoyed our lunch.

While we were eating the chef decided to make a visit to our table.

Remy is so adorable! He eyed Anthony's french fries and his handler said, "those are not your french fries!" Anthony thought that was so funny. Then the handler asked us if we had any pets. When we said no he said Remy could come home with us then since he doesn't like dogs or cats!

After Remy left I ordered dessert.

Profiteroles au chocolat - Puff choux with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce $7.25

When I ordered this I wasn't thrilled but I got it because it's famous on the disboards. The puff pastry part was a little stale but that chocolate sauce! Oh my word, it was awesome. I thought it would just be like Hershey's chocolate syrup or something but it's soooo much better than that. I think I would have licked the plate if I hadn't been in public.

The only negative I have to say about the restaurant was it was a long meal. We were there for about an hour and forty-five minutes! But we really enjoyed our food and it was a lovely meal.

Up next "I'm not riding Mission Space until I'm 10."