Juan says "BAAAA!" - 12/24 - Our last few Disney hours. COMPLETE

[Flossbolna]

I am glad you liked the food! Katharina and I will be eating at SciFi soon (just a bit over a month now! ) and there are so many not so good reviews. Since we won't have a toddler with us, I think we will avoid the issues you had!

 

[TravelBug86]

I love how he was so excited/ nervous about meeting his car friends LOL! The burgers and shakes at Sci Fi are just heaven, aren't they?
To answer your question, we will be there from 12/23- 12/27 staying at the BCV. I am a little nervous about our flight out Wed- my inlaws were supposed to fly out today and their flight got cancelled I guess there's still problems from that big Northeast Storm!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm with Henry. I like all the Toy Story stuff, and I am going to be 'simply giddy' when the new movie comes out in June.

Great pictures. I am finally able to put school behind me and think about he trip, so I am ready to go!

I am really excited about the new movie too! Hmmm....I am wondering if that could be Henry's first movie in a theater...!

on being DONE with school and focusing on the trip!! Do you guys have a touring plan in place, or are you just going to go with the flow?

How cute is it that Henry is looking forward to jumping on the beds???

Tell Joe your DIS board fans would like a little more enthusiasm from him.

Sci Fi does have great burgers and shakes!!! That was so nice of the waiter to bring out the caramel corn in the nifty cup for Henry.

He asks every single day to jump on our bed! When I told him no again today, he said "Mahee's house?" Such a goof!

I will tell that to Joe!!! I wonder if he'll just roll his eyes or come up with something wacky...

We have gotten quite a bit of use out of that cup too, Henry really likes it and it has a nice big straw which is handy for Henry.

Great updates. Henry looked very excited to meet his buddies. My girls were not that excited with Sci-Fi either. But the apple crisp there is yummy!! We got Cayley that pig for Christmas-to add to her pig "collection"

I think I've seen pics of that apple crisp, and yes, it did look delicious! I think 50's has a good apple crisp too that I just might have to stuff down in 6 days!

I bet Cayley is going to love that pig! He's so soft and cute.

Brook, I laughed outloud at Joe's pic with the umbrella!!! He so wasn't feeling it......but loved it anyways that he just walked away!!!!

Sorry that Sci Fi wasn't as good as you were hoping for! But sounds like you made the best of things!! And the new cup is cool!!

Can't wait to hear more!

Joe will act all silly and goofy when the camera is down and no one's around, the second I bring out the camera-he's not playing. I need to be more sneaky...

oh how I know what you mean about a "squirmy" lunch, toddlers are not patient people. It's even worse in a small booth with slow service, minutes feel like hours. Tonight we went to PF Changs and in the middle of all of us eating our entrees DD exclaimed "MOMMY, ME DONE!" and hopped out of her booster seat lol So we all stuffed whatever we could in our faces as I gave her little toys and a secret xmas cookie I smuggled in my purse from home to keep her occupied while we dealt with our bill and wrapped up our food. Time is the enemy when dining out with toddlers. I was pretty proud of her though, she behaved well for the whole time and it's not really a kid restaurant IMO She even ate lo mein and chicken lettuce wraps!

I loved the pic of Joe at the singing in the rain umbrella! I try to get my DH to pose for pics like that too and he won't! I think it's so sweet that Joe did it even if it wasn't very enthusiastic lol

btw thanks for the compliment about DD, her xmas pics came out great, she's finally cooperative when it comes to getting pics done. Henry and my DD are very close in age, she's a sept 2007 baby too!

PF Changs lettuce wraps.....drool. Oh how I love thee! We love to eat there, Henry eats VERY well there, he seems to love Asian food and Mexican. Which we don't mind a bit because we love it too! But, you are very, very right about the toddler/time thing - we have had that happen more than once in the middle of a meal. And trying to convince them to sit still is a whole ordeal. I try to bring along snacks/treats and toys too in hopes to distract him!

Isn't this age fun? I am really loving it! He has his share of meltdowns, and some things are a big challenge, but overall, it's amazing to watch them learn every single day!! I am amazed at the sentences he is forming!

Awww! That is awesome that Henry got a license and caramel corn in the glow in the dark cup! Was that just something they did for you?

We have ate here twice with Aaron and neither time did he get a license or corn, oh well.

Sorry to hear you guys were all crammed in a row, I know those aren't the biggest of accommodations even for small people! The first time we ate there Aaron was in a high chair right outside the car so that was nice, but felt weird.

Isn't TSM sooo fun!

I am not sure about the license and the cup...I have read that others have gotten the cup too (on other TRs), but not sure if it's every table, or just random?

Did you sit in the front row of a car with Aaron? I think a lot of times they just give the license to the child in the front row of the car, since it's like he's driving.

We debated on doing the high chair outside of the car too, but like you said, it would have felt weird, and kinda awkward overall. Next time, we'll just split into more than one row. I'll eat solo, I don't mind!

TSM is just awesome! That queue is so cool. I hope my in-laws enjoy it as much as I do!

you are a great photographer. Those TSM pics are pro quality fo sho.

sorry about Sci-Fi. At least you remembered the food! Also, The server probably felt bad and got you that special treat

Wow, thanks Jordan! Our camera does pretty nice work, I am really glad we splurged on it. And we both like to try and find some unique things/angles to snap pictures of.

I was wondering about that, with the slow service, if that is why we got the caramel corn. It makes sense, he saw how squirmy Henry was I'm sure!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow I am off the net for two days and there are loads of updates!!!

Love the pics of PHD and Cars, Henry looks like he is having so much fun.

I'm desperately trying to get the report done before my next trip coming up so quickly...so lots of updates! I'll try to get one done today too.

Henry really was having a great time with DHS - it seems like each time we go back to that park, I like it more since Henry is really into things there, it's fun to live it through him.

I love the intensity on Henry's face!

He was very serious about that license!

I am glad you liked the food! Katharina and I will be eating at SciFi soon (just a bit over a month now! ) and there are so many not so good reviews. Since we won't have a toddler with us, I think we will avoid the issues you had!

Ya, I think you guys will be JUST fine! Joe and I ate there on our honeymoon and we weren't overly impressed, but I think we both had steak there. Then I kept reading rave reviews about the onion rings, cheeseburgers and shakes. So those reviews, plus cars that we though Henry would just love, we thought we'd give it a try again...this time we really enjoyed the food but couldn't enjoy the atmosphere as much! Are you two going to get the burgers?

I love how he was so excited/ nervous about meeting his car friends LOL! The burgers and shakes at Sci Fi are just heaven, aren't they?
To answer your question, we will be there from 12/23- 12/27 staying at the BCV. I am a little nervous about our flight out Wed- my inlaws were supposed to fly out today and their flight got cancelled I guess there's still problems from that big Northeast Storm!!!

Oh bummer - I bet our paths won't ever meet up since we get in on the 26th....but, I hope you have a VERY magical trip! Christmas at Disney World.... And, ah, the BCV....it looks so, so pretty! We'll be by to check out the Christmas decorations at some point I'm sure.

That is just awful about the flight being canceled!! Did the airline tell them when they think they will be flying again?

 

[brookelizabeth]

If you are interested in the video we took from this past trip, here they are!

I am NOT a very good videographer, plus, half the time I'm not fully paying attention to what is on screen-I'm either watching Henry or what I'm actually taping... so, I apologize in advance for shaky camera, weird angles, etc!

I thought we had video of Henry meeting Mater & McQueen, but we don't! We just have us walking away. I must have either not pushed the record button hard enough, or I just turned it off for the actual meeting. But, here is Henry saying good-bye to his buddies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu_9CtXfOEw

The tail end of Illuminations:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfqJcvvXiFs

A bit of the Tomorrowland Cars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gV7FxhFwf4

Henry at the Kidani Kiddy Pool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uDPlAmLUJg

Henry meeting Pluto during Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, I forgot we had this on video! Plus Mickey's float:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boBIC9XNlw0

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade - Donald's float:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoRrkRRv2E8

Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade - Goofy's float:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaWs3m3O-Sg

Joe and Henry on Triceratops Spin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLOqVbaIfKY

Festival of the Lion King:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzVS7nai-YE

More Festival of the Lion King:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yENTb1pMB5Q

I do plan on doing an update today at some point!

 

[Stefy]

I'm desperately trying to get the report done before my next trip coming up so quickly...so lots of updates! I'll try to get one done today too.

Henry really was having a great time with DHS - it seems like each time we go back to that park, I like it more since Henry is really into things there, it's fun to live it through him.

I was thinking, when reading your updates, that it is special enough experiencing WDW with your loved one, but it must be even more special when you are experiencing it with your child as to see their face light up and see how excited they get is just priceless

 

[Flossbolna]

Ya, I think you guys will be JUST fine! Joe and I ate there on our honeymoon and we weren't overly impressed, but I think we both had steak there. Then I kept reading rave reviews about the onion rings, cheeseburgers and shakes. So those reviews, plus cars that we though Henry would just love, we thought we'd give it a try again...this time we really enjoyed the food but couldn't enjoy the atmosphere as much! Are you two going to get the burgers?

Yes, we are thinking of getting a burger or a sandwich. Unfortunately Katharina can't eat onions, she would have loved the onion rings. I used to hate onions when I was little, but now I like them, but Katharina always loved then and now she has an intolerance against them. So obviously I won't be ordering onion rings either! But fortunately we have found out that SciFi can make dairy free milk shakes, so she won't have to miss out on that.

 

[MEK]

Brooke -

Great Update! Henry looks much happier in TSM then he does at lunch. Ugghh - It's no fun to be squished while you are eating, but those burgers and shakes do look so good.

I love your pictures of TSM - nice job! You got some unique shots. so far I could only watch one Youtube video because I really need to get ready for work. It was Henry with the Cars characters. How cute. He really is adorable!

 

[MeMom]

I love the videos! Henry is so much fun! I want to do a lot more filming of the girls this trip. There's just too much to keep up with - pictures, filming, and actually just watching them in action.

We're looking forward to meeting you guys soon. I'm going to PM you our cell numbers in case there is any change in plans or you need to get in touch with us for anything.

 

[TravelBug86]

Well, my inlaws are (hopefully) getting on a flight out of Rochester tonight, which is over an hour away from us. They were lucky they were able to get on that flight, there were only 2 seats left! And the flight out is later for them so basically they are missing out on the first 2 days of their trip which is too bad for them!!!
As long as our plane is at the airport tomorrow morning, we should be OK- but I will be nervous til I'm actually on the plane b/c that's just how I am I haven't watched the videos yet but will later.. OH and if I happen to see a couple with an adorable little boy with a cars shirt on, maybe I'll get up the nerve to say hello! We'll be at the AK on 12/27 (our last 1/2 day) so we'll see!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was thinking, when reading your updates, that it is special enough experiencing WDW with your loved one, but it must be even more special when you are experiencing it with your child as to see their face light up and see how excited they get is just priceless

That is very, very true! Our Disneymoon was wonderful, and we do look forward to another adults-only trip at some point, but, seeing things through the eyes of your child is truly magical. It's a lot of fun to see what they get excited about - like ducks and water features.

Yes, we are thinking of getting a burger or a sandwich. Unfortunately Katharina can't eat onions, she would have loved the onion rings. I used to hate onions when I was little, but now I like them, but Katharina always loved then and now she has an intolerance against them. So obviously I won't be ordering onion rings either! But fortunately we have found out that SciFi can make dairy free milk shakes, so she won't have to miss out on that.

Poor Katharina, I think it would be so hard not to be able to eat what you like...but I suppose you do get used to it - and the after affects of eating something you don't handle well probably far outweighs the enjoyment of eating it!

That is awesome that they make dairy free milk shakes! It always amazes me how accommodating Disney is.

Brooke -

Great Update! Henry looks much happier in TSM then he does at lunch. Ugghh - It's no fun to be squished while you are eating, but those burgers and shakes do look so good.

I love your pictures of TSM - nice job! You got some unique shots. so far I could only watch one Youtube video because I really need to get ready for work. It was Henry with the Cars characters. How cute. He really is adorable!

The lunch was pretty interesting. Being squished + a squirmy toddler... But we made the best out of it, and the food helped make up for it all. We truly thought Henry would love it there with all the cars and the movie clips, but he was just not overly interested!

That Cars clip cracks me up, that was after our second time through - and he asked for "more". That's just like him!

I love the videos! Henry is so much fun! I want to do a lot more filming of the girls this trip. There's just too much to keep up with - pictures, filming, and actually just watching them in action.

We're looking forward to meeting you guys soon. I'm going to PM you our cell numbers in case there is any change in plans or you need to get in touch with us for anything.

I always have a goal to do more filming, and this is probably the most we have ever gotten on a single trip. The still camera doesn't leave my neck very often, but the video camera remains forgotten and alone in the bag! Exactly for the reasons you stated, it's so much to keep up with. Of course shortly after we purchased our current camera they came out with a new one that does nice video... It would be very handy to have 2-in-1!

I got your PM! I will reply back with Joe's cell number which we are using for the trip. We are very excited to meet you!!! We purchased Bella a little Marie plush, do you think she will like that? We got Brooklynn a Princess Tiana t-shirt, I wasn't sure what size, so I aimed big, I think it's a 4/5, or XS from the Disney store. Also, do you know if she likes/knows who Sponge Bob Square Pants is? I know it's not Disney, but at the Mall of America the indoor theme park is called Nickelodeon Universe, so there are tons of Sponge Bob things - we had Henry's birthday party there and received about 7 too many little gift bags from them! Inside is some hard candy, a frisbee and a little plush key chain thing - all Sponge Bob. Let me know what you think on these things.

Well, my inlaws are (hopefully) getting on a flight out of Rochester tonight, which is over an hour away from us. They were lucky they were able to get on that flight, there were only 2 seats left! And the flight out is later for them so basically they are missing out on the first 2 days of their trip which is too bad for them!!!
As long as our plane is at the airport tomorrow morning, we should be OK- but I will be nervous til I'm actually on the plane b/c that's just how I am I haven't watched the videos yet but will later.. OH and if I happen to see a couple with an adorable little boy with a cars shirt on, maybe I'll get up the nerve to say hello! We'll be at the AK on 12/27 (our last 1/2 day) so we'll see!

Hopefully getting a flight, eh? Eek...I will hope along with you! What an awful mess. Are they having to pay for their hotel even though they missed a night? I sure hope not...!

I understand about being nervous until you are on your flight-I would be the exact same way!

And I think I'm going to be....I just looked at the upcoming weather for MN.

 

[TravelBug86]

They are DVC owners so they lost their points for the one night... my MIL did call the member line and tried to explain the situation and get the points back, but it was a no go
Oh no!!! I heard there was another storm supposed to hit on the 24th! I'll be thinking of you and hoping that the weather is OK and you make it to Disney on time!!!

 

[KatMark]

Love the updates, Brook, and the videos are great. Sorry Henry didn't seem to keen on "Sci Fi" and sittinig between you guys (we too loved our meal there).

 

[MeMom]

I got your PM! I will reply back with Joe's cell number which we are using for the trip. We are very excited to meet you!!! We purchased Bella a little Marie plush, do you think she will like that? We got Brooklynn a Princess Tiana t-shirt, I wasn't sure what size, so I aimed big, I think it's a 4/5, or XS from the Disney store. Also, do you know if she likes/knows who Sponge Bob Square Pants is? I know it's not Disney, but at the Mall of America the indoor theme park is called Nickelodeon Universe, so there are tons of Sponge Bob things - we had Henry's birthday party there and received about 7 too many little gift bags from them! Inside is some hard candy, a frisbee and a little plush key chain thing - all Sponge Bob. Let me know what you think on these things.

The shirt should be fine. She knows of Spongebob from her friends, but she doesn't have any kind of Spongebob anything. Marie Kitty will go straight into Bella's mouth, I imagine. That's where everything goes!

We have a little bag for Henry, too. I hope they'll be awake long enough to get to play together a little. They may zonk out before fireworks, though.

I decided to get a cheap plastic tablecloth (the kind with the backing) for the beach. The thought of carrying a blanket to Kona was less than appealing, so I bought a $5.00 tablecloth which is compact in its package and then can just be thrown away at the end of the night. I'm happier with that plan than the blanket plan. Hopefully, Jill will have time to make a large LGMH before we leave, too, although I don't really know how we'll get it to stand up unless we can find some kind of stick.

We feel like we already know Henry. He'll probably wonder who in the heck these strangers are who start talking to him like they know him.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off with leaving DHS, apparently for a nap that neither Joe or I remember...we must have zonked out in seconds when we got back to the room!

What I do know is that we ended up back at DHS

and had our hopes set on catching LMA. We were cutting it very close. We hustled it as fast as possible through the park.

The Muppets' Clock said

But my picture has the time stamp of 3:21.

We made it to the show with just a minute or two to spare. On the way we discussed sitting in the very front section that is reserved for wheelchairs - because of Joe's eye condition, we can sit there if we choose to, so he can see things.

But, instead we chose to just sit wherever the crowd led us, Joe has seen the show, and he could use his binoculars. We also felt more comfortable sitting further away with Henry, thinking he may get a tad scared of the explosions.

We ended up pretty high in the bleachers.

I like how you can see the hat and ToT from way up there!

I began to slowly melt.

Seriously. It was so amazingly HOT. I remember sitting there with the fan blowing on me, dripping.

While this show isn't my favorite, I don't mind it, and I know Joe really enjoys it.

And Henry, well...

He LOVED it! During the parts between scenes he would look at me and say "More?"

He was so into it! You can also tell how hot we were in this picture!

I don't think they did the jet ski part last time we saw the show

It's 482 degrees out and a raging ball of fire is feet away.

Only at Disney World.
Only for my boys!

Henry loved, loved, loved this! It has become a "must do" on our list. I am certain after a few more showings of it, I will graciously allow the boys to attend the show and I'll go hang out at the Animator's Studio...

After the show we ventured to the other side of the park to take our turns on RnRC - I believe we had grabbed FPs before we left for our supposed nap.

Check out those clouds, no rain though!

We got to the food-court area and Joe stopped to get something to drink, which prompted Henry to ask for some milk.

So we just hung out at one of the tables and soaked in the atmosphere and enjoyed doing nothing!

I browsed the Times Guide and noted Beauty and the Beast was about to start. I suggested it, thinking Joe would not be too keen on it, but to my surprise, he was all game!

Up next: A perfect way to pass the time

 

[lazydoxy66]

Hi Brook!!!!

I cheated and used your links to get caught up.

The dessert party looked fabulous. I'm with Joe on the donut holes, just can't get enough. That little brule cup would have found it's way into my bag.
You did get some good pictures of the fireworks.

Plus, you got some not-so-common shots of DHS. I love it! I really tried to do that on my trip too. Sorry about the Sci-Fi squish. At least you liked the food.

I see you are only 3 days away from your Christmas trip! I hope you have as good a time as I had. I can't wait to see that TR!

 

[brookelizabeth]

They are DVC owners so they lost their points for the one night... my MIL did call the member line and tried to explain the situation and get the points back, but it was a no go
Oh no!!! I heard there was another storm supposed to hit on the 24th! I'll be thinking of you and hoping that the weather is OK and you make it to Disney on time!!!

Eeek, I don't like that DVC wouldn't give them their points back. Makes me nervous about the 26th...yep, we are supposed to get NAILED with a big storm, 12-20 inches they say.... Perhaps by the time we fly out, 1:30ish, most things will be cleared up...one can hope, right?

Love the updates, Brook, and the videos are great. Sorry Henry didn't seem to keen on "Sci Fi" and sittinig between you guys (we too loved our meal there).

Thanks!!! Ya, Henry wasn't all that into Sci-Fi. We thought he would love it! I bet when he gets a bit older and can sit still easier he will enjoy it more.

The shirt should be fine. She knows of Spongebob from her friends, but she doesn't have any kind of Spongebob anything. Marie Kitty will go straight into Bella's mouth, I imagine. That's where everything goes!

We have a little bag for Henry, too. I hope they'll be awake long enough to get to play together a little. They may zonk out before fireworks, though.

I decided to get a cheap plastic tablecloth (the kind with the backing) for the beach. The thought of carrying a blanket to Kona was less than appealing, so I bought a $5.00 tablecloth which is compact in its package and then can just be thrown away at the end of the night. I'm happier with that plan than the blanket plan. Hopefully, Jill will have time to make a large LGMH before we leave, too, although I don't really know how we'll get it to stand up unless we can find some kind of stick.

We feel like we already know Henry. He'll probably wonder who in the heck these strangers are who start talking to him like they know him.

Thanks for the input on the gifts! I figured the Marie would become a chewy toy. That is just how Henry was too when he was her age. It's soft, so it will work well. And sounds good on the Sponge Bob stuff, I'll still give it to her, and if she doesn't like it, she can re-gift it to a friend!

I hope they do stay awake long enough to play together! Henry has stayed up until about 11 pm before at Disney, but he was just exhausted. I think with a new friend he will be more easily distracted and not realize how tired he is though.

That is a GREAT idea about the tablecloth! So much easier to transport!! I'll think about the stick...maybe there is something I can borrow from our room...a lamp stand? Think AKV would mind if I borrowed it?! Perhaps it could be a LGMH sign board, the type that people put over their heads and wear to advertise a business? That would also make for some good TR fodder...

It will be so much fun to meet your crew face-to-face! I feel like I know the girls too, I remember reading about Brooklynn when she was Bella's age, Henry was just brand-new and I was amazed at seeing her do the things she was doing, wondering when Henry would get there. Now that he's well past all those baby stages, I wonder where time went! Kinda ironic!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Hi Brook!!!!

I cheated and used your links to get caught up.

The dessert party looked fabulous. I'm with Joe on the donut holes, just can't get enough. That little brule cup would have found it's way into my bag.
You did get some good pictures of the fireworks.

Plus, you got some not-so-common shots of DHS. I love it! I really tried to do that on my trip too. Sorry about the Sci-Fi squish. At least you liked the food.

I see you are only 3 days away from your Christmas trip! I hope you have as good a time as I had. I can't wait to see that TR!

That's what the links are for! I know it's near impossible to stay caught up on all TRs at all times - I'm glad the links provide a quick easy way to read.

The little creme brulee cup was very cute. I am sure they get swiped quite often....!

3 days, I can't believe it! We have a ton left to do, but not as much as we normally do right before a trip, so I feel so much more relaxed about it all.

 

[TravelBug86]

Yeah.... the stunt show is not something you want to watch when its that hot outside!!! The first time I saw it was labor day weekend as well, and I remember feeling like, trapped b/c you can't move around and I was dying!!!! Glad Henry loved it though

 

[tiggrbaby]

How adorable Henry was during the show!