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

[shan23877]

I hope you're feeling better!

Sounds like a great start to Date Night! I love the WS plans, sounds lots more fun than just dinner!

Those pretzels are HUGE! I think Maddie and I need to get one, we love soft pretzels. The pickle ornament-doesn't seem that any one with German heritage has heard of/ practices that tradition, but my husband's Russian/Polish family does. We've had the pickle for years.

Can't wait to hear more about Date Night!

 

[megan511]

I hope you're feeling better!

Sounds like a great start to Date Night! I love the WS plans, sounds lots more fun than just dinner!

Those pretzels are HUGE! I think Maddie and I need to get one, we love soft pretzels. The pickle ornament-doesn't seem that any one with German heritage has heard of/ practices that tradition, but my husband's Russian/Polish family does. We've had the pickle for years.

Can't wait to hear more about Date Night!

Thanks we are feeling better!

We thought this would be more fun than just dinner too. Although I'm sure that would have been nice as well. I'm going to keep my eye on Amanda's review of the Neverland Club!

I love soft pretzels too, these were good but massive! That's so funny about the pickle! Maybe they just decided to put this tradition in Germany because it was the one with the Christmas store.

Thanks, I should have it up soon! Although I've been saying that for a week now

 

[RGirl]

Thank you! We are feeling better thankfully. I have got to get over to your TR!

So glad you're feeling better! And thanks for joining in on my report as well!

 

[megan511]

So glad you're feeling better! And thanks for joining in on my report as well!

Thank you and of course! I can't wait to read all about your cruise!

 

[megan511]

After Germany we moved onto Italy.

Chad really wanted to find some food so we asked about a CS pizza place. Didn't Via Napoli used to have a window where you could get pizza by the slice? If they did, they don't anymore as the CMs informed us that Italy did not have a CS pizza option. Chad decided to get gelato (I can't remember what and I guess I didn't take a picture) and I got a Bellini.

I was not crazy about this and only took one or two sips.

After Italy we moved on to America.

I was feeling extremely full at this point and really wanted to take a break. So I decided that since I had been drinking Diet Coke today that could count as my America product. Chad thought that was cheating but Diet Coke is American so I didn't see a problem with it.

Chad got his favorite thing in the world a Sam Adams.

After America we headed to Japan.

Chad got a kid's CS meal from Katsura Grill.
Teriyaki Chicken with rice and vegetables, soft drink, served with cookie $6.99

He liked it again. I got a pineapple sake drink from a cart nearby Katsura Grille.

I have no idea what was in this other than sake and pineapple flavoring. I do know that there were a lot of flavor choices available. I thought this was really good but I love pineapple. I would probably rate this drink second after the margarita.

After Japan it was time for Morocco.

Since I had eaten at Tangerine Cafe on Saturday I didn't have to get anything here. Chad got baklava which I have never seen him eat before but he took a few bites and said he liked it. I don't have a picture of it though.

The Moroccan pavilion is so pretty.

Once we were ready to move on we reached France. Since I had eaten at Les Chefs I didn't have to get anything here either and I was grateful! Chad was going to get a drink but then decided that the French beer did not appeal to him. So we wondered around the pavilion and looked at the Beauty and the Beast topiaries.

We went into the gift shop and Chad decided to get a stuffed Remy as his French item.

After the Dalek checked out France we continued on.

We had made it to the UK. The Dalek was very excited now.

It was now time to get our picture. The one in front of the red phone booth. We stood on the curb while I tried to line up the shot. As you have seen I was trying to take perspective shots so the Dalek would not look so small. I was trying to line the Dalek up where it would look like he was the right size next to the phone booth. I was holding the Dalek in the air trying to get my picture. Chad was in front of me and didn't see what I was doing and he backed up right into my arm! Since I was holding the Dalek up and didn't have a real good grip on it I dropped him! The Dalek was a ceramic ornament so he shattered everywhere!

We immediately started to pick up the pieces and Disney CMs rushed over and swept up the mess. I was upset but Chad said if it was going to happen this was the perfect spot. The Dalek was defeated in the UK in front of the phone booth just like in the show. We couldn't really have scripted that! It would have been hilarious to have gotten a picture of the shattered Dalek in front of the phone booth but we were so worried about cleaning it up that we didn't.

After the Dalek had been laid to rest in the trashcan we headed into the Rose and Crown Pub. We ordered our drinks and a girl in the pub offered to take our picture.

I ordered a Welsh Dragon - Peach Schnapps, Melon liqueur, Créme de Menthe, Orange Juice, and Pineapple Juice served in a souvenir cup $9.75. This was pretty good. I had read you couldn't taste the mint but I definitely could. Chad got a beer of some kind, I don't know what. Probably the Boddingtons English Pub Ale.

It was almost time for IllumiNations by now. We got our drinks then headed out to try and find any spot we could for it. I had never seen IllumiNations before.

We found an okay spot right past the Rose and Crown. There was a big tree in front of us but we could see most of the fireworks. I enjoyed IllumiNations a lot!

There were evening EMHs this night so Chad and I headed over to ride Maelstrom. We waited about 10 minutes. After Maelstrom we decided to go check on the wait for Soarin. Chad has never rode it before but the wait was 80 minutes. He would not be riding it this trip. Chad was ready to go but I suggested we go ride Figment one more time in honor of Anthony. After Journey into Imagination I suggested we watch Captain EO. Neither of us had ever seen it and I thought it would be fun. I thought it was hilarious but I think cheesy 80s stuff starring music icons is awesome (Labyrinth anyone?). Chad thought it was awful. I want Anthony to see it sometime just to see what his reaction is. Utter confusion probably.

I figured we couldn't possibly top that experience so we decided to head out. We got our only PhotoPass pic of the evening and headed back to CBR.

That concludes our fourth day at Disney!

next update

 

[RGirl]

What a fun evening!!!

I will not mention to DD that y'all were not blown away by the wonder that is Captain EO - she would never forgive you!

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like y'all had a really fun night!

At first when I was reading about the Dalek shattering, I was so upset for y'all. Then, when you wrote about it being defeated just like in the show I was ! That's really kind of great!

 

[megan511]

What a fun evening!!!

I will not mention to DD that y'all were not blown away by the wonder that is Captain EO - she would never forgive you!

We did have a fun time!

That's too funny!

Sounds like y'all had a really fun night!

At first when I was reading about the Dalek shattering, I was so upset for y'all. Then, when you wrote about it being defeated just like in the show I was ! That's really kind of great!

It was fun!

I was sad to lose the Dalek but it is pretty funny how it happened. We couldn't have planned that!

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

What a great conclusion to date night! That's so awesome that you got to see Illuminations together. You are such an adorable couple!

I love Chad's Remy! I must look for one when we're there! I want to put him on top of the kitchen cupboards so he can supervise our cooking.

On another note, I started reading your TR from the beginning to Joshua last night. He LOVED hearing about Anthony's adventures. He thought it was so cool that he got to be in a Star Wars parade and said "He's totally a real Jedi, isn't he." Josh was so excited to see Anthony's pirate makeover too. He laughed so hard at Anthony's pirate name! He said "I hope I get Enrique Foulstench too!"

 

[megan511]

What a great conclusion to date night! That's so awesome that you got to see Illuminations together. You are such an adorable couple!

Aww thank you. We had fun.

I love Chad's Remy! I must look for one when we're there! I want to put him on top of the kitchen cupboards so he can supervise our cooking.

That's a good idea! I should put him in the kitchen too although he would probably be terrified of my cooking skills!

On another note, I started reading your TR from the beginning to Joshua last night. He LOVED hearing about Anthony's adventures. He thought it was so cool that he got to be in a Star Wars parade and said "He's totally a real Jedi, isn't he." Josh was so excited to see Anthony's pirate makeover too. He laughed so hard at Anthony's pirate name! He said "I hope I get Enrique Foulstench too!"

That is so sweet! That seriously made my day. I hope Josh has a great time at Disney and I can't wait to read about his adventures! Anthony loves that he thinks he's a real Jedi. I will have to show Anthony all Josh's pictures if you do a TR. I hope you do! Your trip is sooo close! You have to be so excited!

 

[megan511]

The next morning Chad and I were up bright and early and headed over to the condo to pick up the kids and my parents. We had an 820am reservation at Tusker House. I was really excited to try this breakfast as I had seen almost universally good reviews for it. My sister and her family were going to meet up with us when the park opened. I told my sister that Tusker House was right by the safari so we agreed to meet there and hit the safari first. (We had also talked about this the night before when we dropped the kids off.) Then we headed to Animal Kingdom!

This was the only park my dad would be attending with us. He does not really do Disney so this was a huge deal especially to me because I know how he feels about it. Tessa loves AK and my dad wanted to go experience her favorite rides with her. We got to AK and through the gates about 810am. We stopped to get a few PhotoPass pics in an empty park!

This picture cracks me up!

After our pictures we headed to Africa.

We checked in and then went to get our picture with Donald. The photo package was included with PhotoPass plus. We received the package and all the pics were put on our card.

The inside of Tusker House is so neat and the theming is great. Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the buffet area but here is the room we were seated in.

These are my plates.

Banana bread, corn bread, scrambled eggs, chocolate croissant, and strawberry or cherry turnover.

Cheese blintz with apple topping, carved ham with spicy mustard and a banana.

Everything was delicious! The characters came around while we were eating. Daisy was first.

Tessa giving Daisy the "you better stay over there" look.

Goofy was next.

Then Mickey

Anthony received another birthday cupcake and a card signed by all the characters.

We were all really impressed with Tusker House. Even Chad who could care less about breakfast said we should make it an Animal Kingdom tradition. We will definitely be back one day!

Morning at AK

 

[RGirl]

Tusker House looks great! It always gets such good reviews - we definitely need to try it one day.

That is so sweet about your dad - makes me a little teary.

 

[amandaw]

Looks like a great morning at Tusker House! We haven't done breakfast here but have heard many good things about it. I love the characters in their safari outfits. How cute!!

That's really sweet that your dad joined y'all for the AK day.

 

[JoshAndEvsMom]

Tusker House looks yummy! Gotta love the characters in their safari outfits We love the Animal Kingdom so I'm excited to hear about your day!

Josh is LOVING your TR. He now refers to Anthony as his "New Friend" and can't wait for a new installment. I love how everyone is a friend to a 5 year old!

 

[shan23877]

Great Date Night wrap up! I'm so sorry about the Dalek, but if it had to meet it's end what better place?

So glad that you saw Illuminations! Wishes is still my fave though.

Haven't convinced DD and DH to enjoy EO with me. As a huge MJ/cheesy '80s movie buff myself, I'm sure I would love it.

Love Tusker House!

That picture is hilarious! So cute. Your poor dad gets stuck with the balloons, and Tessa's face? Priceless. That's a framer.

 

[megan511]

Tusker House looks great! It always gets such good reviews - we definitely need to try it one day.

That is so sweet about your dad - makes me a little teary.

You have to get to Tusker House one day! It's sooo good and there is the bonus of early AK entry.

Aww, yes when my dad said he wanted to go to AK I was shocked but I appreciated it. Disney is definitely not his thing and it meant a lot to me that he came one day. He seemed to have a good time too!

Looks like a great morning at Tusker House! We haven't done breakfast here but have heard many good things about it. I love the characters in their safari outfits. How cute!!

That's really sweet that your dad joined y'all for the AK day.

You have to try Tusker House sometime! I love the safari outfits. Our kids first trip to Disney the only time we saw Mickey was at AK so the characters in the safari outfits will always be special to me.

I couldn't believe my dad came along. He must have caught a little pixie dust.

Tusker House looks yummy! Gotta love the characters in their safari outfits We love the Animal Kingdom so I'm excited to hear about your day!

Josh is LOVING your TR. He now refers to Anthony as his "New Friend" and can't wait for a new installment. I love how everyone is a friend to a 5 year old!

Tusker House is great! I'm afraid I won't have any more updates before your trip. I hope you have a fantastic time, I can't wait to hear about it!

That is so adorable about Josh! I love that he likes the TR and calls Anthony his friend! That is true about 5 year olds and I love it too. So cute!

Great Date Night wrap up! I'm so sorry about the Dalek, but if it had to meet it's end what better place?

So glad that you saw Illuminations! Wishes is still my fave though.

Haven't convinced DD and DH to enjoy EO with me. As a huge MJ/cheesy '80s movie buff myself, I'm sure I would love it.

Love Tusker House!

That picture is hilarious! So cute. Your poor dad gets stuck with the balloons, and Tessa's face? Priceless. That's a framer.

Yes, if the Dalek had to bite it it couldn't have happened any better than that!

Wishes is my favorite too. Illuminations is very nice but Wishes gives me chills! (I'm a Disney dork, I know.)

Yes it sounds like EO is right up your alley. Maybe send DH and DD on Figment while you watch?

Tusker House is the best character breakfast we have been to.

That picture cracks me up every time I see it! When the photographer told my dad to hold his arm up I thought my dad would tell him no! Of all the people between that, Tessa's face and my moms face it is a classic for sure! When we were looking at the photopass cd I had been pretty disappointed with our pics and then we got to that one and thought the cd was worth it just for that!

 

[megan511]

After breakfast we headed out of Tusker House and my mom called my sister to see where they were. Now this is about the only time that I got mad traveling with extended family. Remember how I said we had talked last night and this morning about meeting at the Safari? Well when my mom called my sister and asked where she was she said they were riding Everest. I didn't say anything and took Tessa to the bathroom. About 10 minutes later my mom called my sister again and asked where they were. "Oh, the boys are riding Everest again." So my mom asks if we just want to walk over to Everest. I didn't want to do that. We were right by the safari and one of the main points of eating at Tusker House was to get in early and be at the safari before the crowds. Not to mention that the Safari is Tessa's favorite ride and she can't even ride Everest. I knew there was no way my mom was going to ride anything without my sister (even though she had no problems riding things without me) My sister said for us just to get in line and they would meet up with us. If it's one or two people or just kids I would do it but to have an entire family meeting us in line was something I was not comfortable with. So we just waited on them. I really did kind of take this personally because it was Anthony's birthday trip that we had made plans for before anyone else decided to go and it just kind of bugged me that it wasn't going like I thought it would. I'm sure it was just a miscommunication. In fact I'm sure my sister said for us just to go ahead. And I get that my mom wanted to ride with everyone. But I digress. In the long run not a big deal but I knew my fellow planners would understand!

When we finally met up with my sister's family we got in line for the Safari.

We got into our vehicle and were ready to go.

Anthony's favorite animal.

Baby elephant.

Flamingoes

I finally got a pic of the cheetah!

These were RIGHT next to our vehicle. I was worried one of them was going to get a foot run over.

The two cutest wild animals we saw...

Everyone loved the safari! My mom even said she wouldn't mind doing it again. I was glad because I had been afraid it would be too rough for her.

After the safari we were ready to head to Everest. Anthony had been saying he was going to ride it this trip but I wasn't sure if once we got over there he actually would. I suggested that we ride the train because we were in Africa right by the train station. Tessa loves this train. It may actually be her favorite over the Safari. My sister and her family said they would meet us by Everest. Now for some reason I thought the train had a stop in Asia. As I'm sure everyone else in the world knows but me it does not. Well we found that out while we were riding the train. Oh well. My mom enjoyed resting her feet and Tessa loved it as always.

Every time we have ever rode the train we see a rhino.

After we rode the train back around to Africa we headed towards Asia and Expedition Everest. The big question was, would Anthony ride?!?

Facing the Yeti

 

[shan23877]

I totally understand your frustration. It would have been one thing if they tried to sneak in one EE ride, but the second would have thrown me over the edge.

Great Safari pics! I love the baby elephant.

Tessa looks so happy on the safari and the train.

I hope that Anthony was brave enough to ride!

 

[megan511]

Thanks! It really wasn't a big deal but the 2nd ride they did know we were waiting on them.

I love the baby elephant too. So cute.

Those are Tessa's favorites!

 

[amandaw]

UGH! I would have been so aggravated with them continuing ride EE! I think that's just inconsiderate, especially since it was Anthony's bday trip.

I'm glad they ended up joining y'all at the safari. Love all of your pics! Reid & I love the baby elephant. He calls him Dumbo.

I can't wait to hear if Anthony rode EE!