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

[MEK]

Monorailing.....love that word. From Websters: Main Entry: mono·rail
Pronunciation: \ˈmä-nə-ˌrāl\
Function: noun
Date: 1897
: a single rail serving as a track for a wheeled vehicle; also : a vehicle traveling on such a track

Monorailing (Noun)
: a term developed by crazed Disney World fanatics to indicate travel on a wheeled vehicle on a track. : A source of enterainment for said Disney Fanatics traveling betweem the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Sorry. couldn't resist!

I love your update. You certainly had a very full day. Epcot looks beautiful in the twilight and Henry was obviously having a blast. What intriqued me most, however, was that HUGE plate of food from the Tangerine Cafe. Me thinks I must try that place. How did I miss THAT for so long. Forget the brat.....I want what Brooke's having!

 

[Charleston Princess]

MEK, I love that you did a faux dictionary entry!!!

 

[MeMom]

We adore Hungry, Hungry Hippos at our house so I got the joke right away. Soooo funny!!! Can you believe we have never done Jungle Cruise? I have no idea why but it is on the definite to-do list.

My kids had it when they were little. We played it hundreds of time, I'm sure. Our skipper in October did that joke, as well, and we found it quite humorous. Add Jungle Cruise along with 'watch a parade in its entirety' to your list, woman!

I was so very happy to see the fountain working. It hasn't been on our last 2 trips!

We didn't have much for goals this night. We'd just see where our feet led us.

I let Joe and Henry eat the baklava since I'm not a big fan. They highly enjoyed it.

MoRockin' was playing, I was in Epcot, and eating some divine food. Life was good.
And, I enjoyed a certain little one falling asleep on my shoulder.

Up next: From baby to little boy.

The fountain adds so much to the atmosphere of the area. It needs to be working all the time! I love the sound of the water. Your picture is beautiful!

Just wandering is nice sometimes. I'm glad Henry's feet led him to water. Kids and water jets equals simple fun.

Baklava is good, but so, so sweet. I can only eat about two bites.

Good food, Epcot, fireworks, people you love...yep, life is good.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Another great update! Isn't it amazing how those little ones can fall asleep with so much excitement going on?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I love Illuminations. Wish we could all meet there tonight! Sounds like it was a lovely evening.

 

[CJsMom]

Beautiful nighttime shots of Epcot! I love Illuminations!

 

[jordanyosh]

I love walking into Epcot...do you like the big rock formations with the pictures on it? Not a fan.

Tangierine Cafe....

 

[luvfigment]

I am finally getting all caught up! You had me laughing with the story from Monsters Inc. I also love looking at all of your pictures..you are a great photographer. I need to learn how to take pictures like you do. I especially love the one of the fountain at EPCOT at night. Can't wait to read more!

Kerri Lee

 

[Lovemy3babes]

My kids had it when they were little. We played it hundreds of time, I'm sure. Our skipper in October did that joke, as well, and we found it quite humorous. Add Jungle Cruise along with 'watch a parade in its entirety' to your list, woman!

Alrighty!! I will!

 

[brookelizabeth]

So, last week you were spoiled and this week you are starved. Joe has had the week off and I've not been feeling very well until today. Despite an icky cold we've gotten quite a few "house" things done. He's painting the dining room right now, and I'm FINALLY using the bananas I froze to make banana bread. Yum.

I hope to squeeze in an update here too while Henry naps!

Was the citrus swirl good?

I don't really like pinepapple.

It was good! It was orange and vanilla.

What a neat way to end the day Brook. Good choice!

It really was, very relaxed and enjoyable!

One of these days I'm so going to eat at the Tangarine Cafe it just looks so yummy and you are right I have heard some great reviews about it...oooh it makes me hungry right now LOL!!!

Another great update Brook!!

You've gotta try it, soooooo yummy. Every bite, every item, delish! And it's so big you could easily share it with someone too. (though, I would have a hard time giving up any of it. )

Loved the Jungle Cruise update!

Doh!


Woohoo! Awesome plan!

Great evening at Epcot as well. But I gotta say, I think I would have gone with Joe’s dinner selection. I LOVE me some brats.

I love a brat too-to be specific, Johnsonville Beer Brats. Just thinking of them on the grill makes me drool a little.

Wow, another update?! You are on a roll now! I love that area in Epcot too. My sisters and I always liked those lights in the sidewalk by Innoventions. So cool!

I was on a roll! I think I updated every day last week! That was my goal, I need to get this TR rolling.

Those lights are awesome, I love those little details!

Yum...I love the Tangierine Cafe...love that combo plate......I had to just go get a snack looking at it...

You got picked in the Laugh Floor...fun...Henry sounds like he was a hoot...

I love the jokes on the Jungle Cruise too...Hungry, Hungry Hippos...

I'm sorry about the corn dogs......you'll have to make up for that in December...

I am making banana bread, and I'm sure as soon as it's cool, I'll be eating some due to all this food talk!

I am DEFINITELY making up for the corn dogs in December. The only thing that will come between me and my golden nuggets would be a long line/fussy child combo.

Yeay! You loved Tangierine!!! I could eat there every day, I think!

Your nighttime pictures of Epcot are just gorgeous! I would love to be there right this minute!!!

I think I could eat there everyday too. So, so good. When we were in Israel in 2006 I pigged out every single meal!! And when I lived in NYC there was a place called The Hummus Place a few blocks from my office. I remember eating warm pitas with hummus in the park. Ahhhh, so nice!

Thanks for the pictures compliment. Night shots can be so tricky.

I would love to be in Epcot right now. It's 70 degrees there. It's snowing here.

I am starving right now and that food looks so yummy!

I love your nighttime Epcot photos, you captured the spirit of that area with the geeky stuff as you put it.

And it was so yummy! And thank you on the pictures comment - it's such a fun area, I can hear the music every time I think about it!

I just read thru your trip report and I have to say its very good. Youve got a great family and I can see you all had a blast.. I cannot wait to get back to the world... Have a fun trip in DEC, its really close..

Thank you!!! We really did have a great trip-this time with very, very little drama, unlike the last 2 trips!! It was a true vacation, very relaxing and enjoyable.

Our next trip is SO CLOSE! Tomorrow we start our 30 day countdown. So much to do!

"I had seen its goods..."

...you make it sound so dirty!

But it is quite tasty!!

Isn't it delish? If we eat lunch in Epcot in December, I will surely hit it up again!

Awww, poor little guy! But glad you had a great meal!

Ya, I felt bad for him, he usually loves fireworks and says "Boom!" when they explode and claps his hands. But he was DONE for the day!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Just so you know the DVC does get more expensive, but it only is a point a night more expensive it looks like, just in case you wanted to play more afterward.

Oh don't worry about checking for me, but thanks for the offer!

Yeah I am slacking, because I have approx 300 days to finish it, and I am almost done. I think I may write our TR from 2008 (Aaron's 1st trip to Disney World) I wanted to write it when we came back but I never got the courage.
I am so envious of you! After your December/January trip when will your next one be?

The C25K program is...C25K, is a fantastic program that's been designed to get just about anyone from the couch to running 5 kilometers or 30 minutes in just 9 weeks. And I started doing it last night!


Love the new chapter! I Epcot!

At least someone in the family knows how to use a TS credit! I think that chicken and lamb combo is one of the most bangs for your buck and you made me drool...I want it again!

Ooooh, I will have to look into that point difference then! Right now I have NO IDEA how we are going to afford the cruise or a land stay. We are going to try to figure out how much we need to save per month and try with all our might to make it happen, but our land stay might just be a couple days. We would love to make it a nice long week though.

You should write the 2008 TR! It would be fun to read about, plus you will have all that written out for memories sake. Are you going to do a PTR too?

After December/January our next trip will most likely be the cruise/land stay. I would LOVE to go in the Spring, but with me staying home, it just probably won't happen. We will probably go to Chicago/St. Louis in July though. Chicago to see family - and St. Louis for a family wedding-so that will be really fun!

I have heard of that C25K now that you explain it! My old co-worker is a runner, and she did that program to start out (or something similar). She now EASILY does 5K! I should really look into something like that...I want to, but never do.

Whew! Finally caught up! That day at MK looks amazing! I cannot believe how light the crowds were and how much you got accomplished. It totally proves the "Show up at 4:00 for your 7:00 party" theory! I love the photos of Henry at Buzz. It's just amazing to see that much difference in such a short time! That Hungry Hungry Hippos joke cracked me up! I've never heard that one before.

Eating at Tangerine Cafe is on my list for our next trip AND I might just luck out, I am the only one who loves Middle Eastern food.

It was a great day at MK! I would definitely plan an MK day on a party day again.

Isn't it nuts how quickly they change in such a short time?! It will be fun to take one in December too.

I hope you get to eat there! Joe likes Middle Eastern, but would rather have the brat. Thankfully he put up with me eating there!

Great updates. Henry is just toooo cute. You guys have so much fun!

Thank you! It is fun to kinda let him lead and experience the World through his eyes. We know it won't be like that forever and soon he'll be wanting to ride all the big rides, so it's neat to experience it slow now.

A night at EPCOT, and yes I think monorailing is a word...or at least a DIS word.

You food looks yummy!

Monorailing has to be a DIS term. I actually just listened to an older Podcast where I think Theresa says it and everyone laughs at her.

Your food looks soooo yummy! One of these days I have to try Tangerine! DH is not an adventurous eater by any means and I don't think he'd go for it! But With sooo many other choice in WS he could find something I'm sure!

I'm sorry Henry wasn't into Illuminations! Poor kiddo and poor Mommy and Daddy!

Exactly! He could just pop over to another country and you can meet up with your food. I love that about the WS, it satisfies everyone!

It's alright about Henry - he usually loves fireworks, but he was just done for the day, too tired to take the big noises. And I certainly didn't mind him sleeping all curled up on me! (if I were standing, it would have been a different story though! )

I'm not sure you'll find it in Websters but on the Dis, it's definitely a word!

I agree! It's gotta be!

Sounds like a lovely way to spend the evening! Poor little Henry wore himself out in the fountains!

He did! He was just pooped!

Monorailing.....love that word. From Websters: Main Entry: mono·rail
Pronunciation: \ˈmä-nə-ˌrāl\
Function: noun
Date: 1897
: a single rail serving as a track for a wheeled vehicle; also : a vehicle traveling on such a track

Monorailing (Noun)
: a term developed by crazed Disney World fanatics to indicate travel on a wheeled vehicle on a track. : A source of enterainment for said Disney Fanatics traveling betweem the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Sorry. couldn't resist!

I love your update. You certainly had a very full day. Epcot looks beautiful in the twilight and Henry was obviously having a blast. What intriqued me most, however, was that HUGE plate of food from the Tangerine Cafe. Me thinks I must try that place. How did I miss THAT for so long. Forget the brat.....I want what Brooke's having!

That is HILARIOUS! It IS a real word!!!

You gotta try it! It's sooooo very good. It's a ton of food, but every single bite is yummy.

MEK, I love that you did a faux dictionary entry!!!

Isn't she so creative?!

 

[brookelizabeth]

My kids had it when they were little. We played it hundreds of time, I'm sure. Our skipper in October did that joke, as well, and we found it quite humorous. Add Jungle Cruise along with 'watch a parade in its entirety' to your list, woman!


The fountain adds so much to the atmosphere of the area. It needs to be working all the time! I love the sound of the water. Your picture is beautiful!

Just wandering is nice sometimes. I'm glad Henry's feet led him to water. Kids and water jets equals simple fun.

Baklava is good, but so, so sweet. I can only eat about two bites.

Good food, Epcot, fireworks, people you love...yep, life is good.

I agree! It does need to be working all the time, it's too pretty not to be working.

I can probably only eat about two bites of the baklava too due to it being so sweet. I knew Joe was eyeing it, so I just let him take all.

Another great update! Isn't it amazing how those little ones can fall asleep with so much excitement going on?

I know it! We first really witnessed that when we were in NYC when Henry was 8 months old. He wasn't napping in his stroller, but we got down to a subway station, a guy was drumming down there, and trains going past and guess who finally falls asleep...!

I love Illuminations. Wish we could all meet there tonight! Sounds like it was a lovely evening.

Oh, to meet all there, perhaps at a Wishes Dessert Party, would just be divine!

Beautiful nighttime shots of Epcot! I love Illuminations!

Thank you! I love it too - I think my favorite part is at the beginning when he blows out the fire lamps. So cool!

I love walking into Epcot...do you like the big rock formations with the pictures on it? Not a fan.

Tangierine Cafe....

I'm kinda iffy on the big rock formation things. In one way, I think they are kinda neat in a geeky way, but I think something MUCH more creative could have been done. If I remember what I have learned about Epcot, these used to be located somewhere else, right?

It certainly would make traffic flow better if they weren't there....

I am finally getting all caught up! You had me laughing with the story from Monsters Inc. I also love looking at all of your pictures..you are a great photographer. I need to learn how to take pictures like you do. I especially love the one of the fountain at EPCOT at night. Can't wait to read more!

Kerri Lee

Much of the credit for our good pictures comes from our nice camera. Really-it's a SUPERB camera, so it's easier to get nice shots! Plus, we take WAY MORE than I post on here (hard to believe I'm sure! ) We will take several of one thing to get just the right angle. Both of us are shutterbugs! And, I have taken 2 classes, so I'm sure that helps some!

I love that fountain-I think this is one of my more favorite pictures I have captured of it. It's hard to really get it all in a good shot!

Alrighty!! I will!

I think I am going to get it for my nephew for Christmas, he'll have a ball!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off with Henry falling asleep on my shoulder during Illuminations.

After the show Joe and I made our way to the buses - I recall my legs and feet being tired and just the thought of walking all the way to the buses exhausted me, but we made it. That night we had thought it would pour down rain, there was a ton of lightning, but no drops fell from the sky!

The next morning we let Henry be our alarm clock, and we made our way back to MK and arrived about 9:15 am. Our plan that morning was to eat breakfast at the Main Street Bakery and then get Henry's hair cut.

When going through the gates Henry was given another Mickey sticker...

He looks SO happy doesn't he? Really, he was excited about the sticker!

We made our way down through Main Street

This morning I steered us to the right side of the gates because we ALWAYS seem to go left when going in. Just for a new perspective.

We were pleased to find a short line at the Bakery

Our selections that morning were:

Joe: Ham & cheese croissant, cheese danish
Brook: Everything bagel, chocolate pastry (I cannot remember the name of those things at this moment for some reason....!)
Henry: Mooch off Mommy and Da Da and milk

And we shared the glorious Caribou Coffee.

As you might recall from previous trips, Henry has gotten TWO giant cookies from the Main Street Bakery. Most of which Joe ate. He was hoping for a 3rd, but it was not to be...instead, Henry got another Mickey sticker!

We love this little bakery!! Earlier today we were making our grocery list for the December trip and got to breakfast foods. Joe said "We can just eat at the Bakery everyday." (so now I know Joe doesn't just love it due to the free cookies....)

After our yummy breakfast we made our way to the Barber Shop. When we had Henry's first hair cut done here in November 2008, we only had to wait about 30 minutes in line. The door was closed, so I figured the line was short this trip too. In we went!

We all started out waiting

But after about 30 minutes, Joe and Henry headed out. I would hold our place and text them/call them when it was near our turn.

Well, an hour passed. I became quick friends with the people in line. Turns out there was an entire family getting their haircuts. Mom, Dad, Kids, Aunt, even Grandma! So, that took a while.

Joe and Henry wandered Main Street, watched cartoons down at Casey's and brought me back a surprise....a Minnie "Mornings Aren't Pretty" mug to match my Mickey one! (picture will be at the end of the day) It was such a sweet surprise!

Through the front door one time when they came back to see where we were in line.

Watching Main Street activity from the Barber Shop.

Inside the shop

Eventually, after about 2.5 hours of standing in that little shop, it was our turn.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

More stickers

It tickled his neck!

I freaked when he stuck his hands up there to see what was going on! Thankfully nothing happened - I'm sure the CMs get that kind of thing all the time!

He was about done by this point, wanting to get the cape off

Distraction!

More tickles

All done!

After we settled our bill we headed out of MK and monorailed () it over to EPCOT where we planned to spend our day.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Waiting to switch trains...I couldn't believe how grown up he looked with his new 'do! He went from baby to little boy once again with the hair cut. Sigh.

Now, just a couple months later, I see this and he still looks like a baby to me! He's even more little boy now!

Playing with Da Da on the train - another belly shot for you baby belly lovers.

And now the backside of the MK gate!!

I just realized after looking at this picture again, he has no shoes on. He had just learned how to take his shoes off a bit before the trip and keeping them required an act of God sometimes!!

I had never noticed this before

It was almost Noon, crowds were looking GOOD.

Up next: How many countries will we visit in the World Showcase?

 

[SoonerGirl]

The pictures of Henry getting his haircut are so cute! I can't believe you had to wait 2 1/2 hrs though

Crowds are looking good for a day at Epcot

 

[Lovemy3babes]

2.5 hours! Oh my word! Was that his very first haircut? How precious!! And he does go from baby to big boy. He's adorable!!

 

[KatMark]

Love the hair cut pics. Henry goes from looking like an adorable baby to a handsome young boy.

 

[jordanyosh]

All done!

This is a GREAT picture.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Mmmmm, chocolate croissants for breakfast -- one of my favorite indulgences!

I cannot believe how long you waited at the Barber Shop! I never would have lasted!

Henry does look so grown up with his haircut!