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

[MEK]

Loved your latest update, but I clicked on your HERE and I didn't see the picture. So here it is.......

I'm glad that one sleepy, little boy finally went night-night on spaceship earth. I'm sure he tried to resist, but finally gave in.

for practically a test track walk - on. that is so great!

 

[A.Mickey]

Glad to hear that Henry finally fell asleep. Spaceship Earth is a very relaxing ride to fall asleep to.

Looking forward to see where you ate at Swan and Dolphin! I am kinda guessing it was the Fountain?

 

[Stefy]

Bless making truck noises with the fire engine, looks like he is having a great time

That frozen coke looked good!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Henry running around on the ledge is just the tip of the iceberg of what you have to look forward to as the mother of a son. Boys get great thrills in making their mothers have mini heart attacks quite frequently.

I had to comment on this! I couldn't agree more! Johnny just turned 7 and is pro at doing things to freak me out! I swear sometimes he does it to see what my reaction is!!!!

The worst was when he was about 2 1/2 or 3 he went through this phase where he wasn't scared of anything, at all!!! It was exhausting!!!

Great update Brook!! I love the picture of Henry making the truck noises!!!! Too cute!!! I'm glad he finally fell asleep! There's just so much going on sometimes it's hard for them to settle down!!

Can't wait to hear about your trip to the Dolphin!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Henry is just adorable. He looks so excited dancing on the ledge in the aquarium as well as pushing buttons on the fire truck. Positively love the picture of him sacked out in the bed with McQueen next to him.

Looks like a really fun day. Can't wait to hear what you think about The Dolphin!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great update! I like the ending of SSE too...it's fun picking your ending. I think it's also pretty cool how after you get off and go into the exhibits after (I forget what it's called...) they show pictures of everyone and where they're from!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

I missed two updates? How does this happen? I was agree with you that Sunshine Season’s best feature is the desserts. We tried the Asian station and Rotisserie chicken. The chicken was better than the Asian, but neither was as good as the dessert. Loved the photos of Henry in the Seas With Nemo & Friends pavilion. Good call on the Frozen Coke! Also interesting to see the caveman pic on Mek’s TR. Never knew that was there. Looking forward to more!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Hi Brook! I've finally caught up! I'm sorry I've been MIA and like your very sweet Thanksgiving post, I think about my DIS friends when I'm not here and start to feel bad if I don't check in on them!

Love, love, love the haircut pictures! It's amazing what a haircut can do to a little boy! Every time my DS gets a hair cut I swear he's aged at least a year! Too cute!

Let's hear it for overprotective Moms! You're not alone and I think it's great others are posting they are too! My DS is so funny when something happens...he'll say, "Mommy, don't freak out on me but I have a boo-boo..." He's 6 and he's so tough and very rarely cries (always has been that way) and he's more worried about me! I always keep myself calm around him (as much as possible) but deep down, my heart is always skipping worrying about him!

Yeah on your final countdown days now!!! I can't wait to hear about your Holiday trip report!

Heather

 

[MaryAz]

Great update Brook, glad he finally slept!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I thought for sure Henry was going to conk out on that little bed.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm with ya on the frozen Coke - yum!!

I love the picture of Henry on his little tip toes trying to look at that car in the Cool Spot - little cutie!

We've never been into Innoventions - hoping to remedy that in a couple of weeks

Believe it or not, Joe doesn't like frozen Cokes! He's missing OUT! But that always means more for me.

Henry was just enthralled with that big 'ol car. He could have spent quite a bit of time in there!

Innoventions is pretty neat, I hope you guys make it there on this trip, you'll have a lot of fun!

your post was quite appropriate today....as i had a little boy who would not take an afternoon nap...and he managed to stay up until almost 8pm when normally he cannot stay up past 7pm! Good to know that SSE is a good napping place...course my child is not one who will nap while other people are holding him...he has to be by himself and in a bed...must get that from his mommy and daddy...lOL!

Oh, aren't those days "fun"???? We had one of those the other day too, he did nap, but for about 45 minutes only...and meltdownssssssss later...!

Henry normally doesn't fall asleep in my arms either, he has to be in his bed or the stroller. But more than once on this trip he did! He was POOPED!

Aw, so sweet!
Hmmm...

Isn't that cute? I love the little boy truck noises!

The unexpected ADR was a lot of fun...I hope to post that tonight or tomorrow!

I have a aunt who had 3 boys. They lived in a town with 3 hospitals. She rotated which emergency room they visited out of fear someone would report them to Child Welfare Services

That is hilarious!!!

Frozen Cokes are so tasty at Disney!!! Mmmm!!!

Little boys and their firetrucks!!! Always a fun place to hang out.

Henry does look like he could sleep the day away in that bed.

Our Burger King sells the frozen Cokes, you think I ever get one there? NOPE! It does taste better at Disney!

For a few minutes, he truly made himself at home in that little bed!

I'm really interested to hear what you have to say about the Dolphin. I am going with my dh in Feb. to his convention. We are staying 2 nites at his convention over in Orlando, but I get 2 nites to pick, to stay somewhere. I want to be in the Boardwalk area, but rooms are really expensive for the weekend, OP and if I rented points from someone, so I am thinking of maybe staying at the Swan or Dolphin. So get that next cliff hanger up.

Did I ask you about Thief River Falls in MN? My spelling could be wrong, I don't know if it is Thieves, Thief or Three

The Dolphin was beautiful from what we saw of it! The people we had dinner with were staying at the Swan, they said the room was very nice and they enjoyed their stay. From the few reviews I have read of the Swolphin, they are all positive. And I have to say, where we ate...delicious..........droooooooooooooooooooool.

It's Theif River Falls, and yep-you told me your husband is up there working...correct? It's really starting to get COLD now, we have snow now too....eek...!

I love the picture of Henry having fun with the firetruck! You can really tell by the impression on his face how much fun he is having.

I think it is wonderful that you can enjoy watching your son playing with something which isn't so special that you had to come to WDW for and that you don't feel like you have to drag him on one ride to the other because that's what you paid your money for! I am afraid if I was a mom, I wouldn't be the ideal candidate to take a toddler, I would lack a lot of your patience!

Oh, thanks!! I never thought I would tour like we do...there is a big part of me that just wants to run, run, run through the parks (Ultimate Touring Plan!!!), but, when it's your child and you see them light up with excitement and wonder-you can't help but savor it. It's enjoyable and magical to watch them. It really is one of my favorite things about our trips!! And, I figure there will be a day when we no longer stop at the firetruck, but go straight for Test Track...so I gotta soak it up while I can!

Now the 2.5 hours for a hair cut. That is just insane.

Awww...Henry looked so adorable playing on the fire truck!!! What fun!!!!

Frozen cokes are so yummy!! I love them!!!!

Spaceship Earth is another one of my faves I just love it!! Glad it was able to help Henry get to sleep!!!

I love SE too! Joe suggested this be the first ride for his family at Epcot for our upcoming trip. It doesn't work with the touring plan I have devised for it to be first, but we AREN'T missing it! I hope they enjoy it like we do!

I always try to get at least 1 frozen coke when in WDW. I don't have these around here.

Our Burger King has them, but I never get them while I'm at home! Things just taste better at Disney. And they have no calories at Disney, so why not, right?

 

[brookelizabeth]

Loved your latest update, but I clicked on your HERE and I didn't see the picture. So here it is.......

I'm glad that one sleepy, little boy finally went night-night on spaceship earth. I'm sure he tried to resist, but finally gave in.

for practically a test track walk - on. that is so great!

My link must have been messed up! Oops. Thanks for posting the pic...and being the rule breaker to get it for us all to enjoy!

The lines were awesome again at Epcot. We really had great touring all our days!

Glad to hear that Henry finally fell asleep. Spaceship Earth is a very relaxing ride to fall asleep to.

Looking forward to see where you ate at Swan and Dolphin! I am kinda guessing it was the Fountain?

I agree, dark, calm soothing voice...ahhhh. Perfect for a nice nap!

Nope, not the Fountain....our water had a TUX on if that's a clue...

Bless making truck noises with the fire engine, looks like he is having a great time

That frozen coke looked good!

He really was! That boy loves him some trucks. Anything that "goes". And a firetruck makes noise and has flashing lights, so it's even cooler in his world!

I had to comment on this! I couldn't agree more! Johnny just turned 7 and is pro at doing things to freak me out! I swear sometimes he does it to see what my reaction is!!!!

The worst was when he was about 2 1/2 or 3 he went through this phase where he wasn't scared of anything, at all!!! It was exhausting!!!

Great update Brook!! I love the picture of Henry making the truck noises!!!! Too cute!!! I'm glad he finally fell asleep! There's just so much going on sometimes it's hard for them to settle down!!

Can't wait to hear about your trip to the Dolphin!

So far Henry has remained fairly timid in dangerous situations. He's just starting to brave the stairs while standing up in these recent weeks. I'm sure it's coming at some point though....!

Henry is just adorable. He looks so excited dancing on the ledge in the aquarium as well as pushing buttons on the fire truck. Positively love the picture of him sacked out in the bed with McQueen next to him.

Looks like a really fun day. Can't wait to hear what you think about The Dolphin!

Thank you! I love that pic of him on the bed, just making himself right at home!

Great update! I like the ending of SSE too...it's fun picking your ending. I think it's also pretty cool how after you get off and go into the exhibits after (I forget what it's called...) they show pictures of everyone and where they're from!

I really like the exhibits at the end too...I can't remember what they are called either. Each time we haven't been able to catch our faces to come up, once we even stood there for a while! And so far we haven't gotten a chance to play any of the games there, but they all look really cool! We usually just end up watching everything!

I missed two updates? How does this happen? I was agree with you that Sunshine Season’s best feature is the desserts. We tried the Asian station and Rotisserie chicken. The chicken was better than the Asian, but neither was as good as the dessert. Loved the photos of Henry in the Seas With Nemo & Friends pavilion. Good call on the Frozen Coke! Also interesting to see the caveman pic on Mek’s TR. Never knew that was there. Looking forward to more!

Real life. That's how it happens. Sigh.

Isn't that caveman thing cool? Makes you wonder what else is "hidden" in other parts of WDW! I'm sure there are oodles more to learn!

Hi Brook! I've finally caught up! I'm sorry I've been MIA and like your very sweet Thanksgiving post, I think about my DIS friends when I'm not here and start to feel bad if I don't check in on them!

Love, love, love the haircut pictures! It's amazing what a haircut can do to a little boy! Every time my DS gets a hair cut I swear he's aged at least a year! Too cute!

Let's hear it for overprotective Moms! You're not alone and I think it's great others are posting they are too! My DS is so funny when something happens...he'll say, "Mommy, don't freak out on me but I have a boo-boo..." He's 6 and he's so tough and very rarely cries (always has been that way) and he's more worried about me! I always keep myself calm around him (as much as possible) but deep down, my heart is always skipping worrying about him!

Yeah on your final countdown days now!!! I can't wait to hear about your Holiday trip report!

Heather

That is SO cute about your DS worrying about you!!! Awwww! I'm so glad I'm not alone with the overprotective Mom thing - I was a mess the first time I saw blood on Henry. Ugh, it was awful...and my fault! He is becoming tougher and tougher by the day though, what used to bother him barely even makes him pause anymore!

Thank you for all the comments on the updates too! I've been MIA again the past few days, I'm sure I'm light years behind on most reports...its hard to keep up, but it's fun to post when you can!

Great update Brook, glad he finally slept!

It was a relief! He is usually very well behaved, even without a nap (until bed time...), and there is enough at Disney to keep him remembering that he's tired. BUT, just in case...it was good!

I thought for sure Henry was going to conk out on that little bed.

Me too! He completely made himself at home, all stretched out, closed his eyes...I almost joined him.


I am going to try to catch up on some reports tonight, and will post the next update (or two...) tomorrow afternoon! We are getting closer to the end...I will get this done on or before December 24th!!

 

[CJsMom]

Got behind again - but I'm all caught up! Great updates and I love the picture of Henry in the little bed!

 

[PopArtGal]

Does anything have calories at WDW??

If so, eureka! That's why I gain weight everytime I'm there!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Got behind again - but I'm all caught up! Great updates and I love the picture of Henry in the little bed!

Thank you! Isn't that picture funny?!

Does anything have calories at WDW??

If so, eureka! That's why I gain weight everytime I'm there!

Nope, no calories. The weight gain must be a fluke. It happens to me too.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off as Henry had fallen asleep on me during Spaceship Earth and we were off to an unplanned ADR at the Dolphin with 2 unexpected guests.

Now, before I begin this update, I need to do a slight flash back in time.

Just days before our trip Joe noticed his cousin, DJ, had posted on his Facebook page that he and his fiance were going to Disney World the same weekend we would be there.

Say what?!

We thought they had made a mistake and meant DisneyLAND because they live in California. Out of curiosity, Joe replied.

No mistake, they were going to be in Disney World! They were flying in on Friday, and would fly out late on Sunday. Whirlwind vacation!

This is the one cousin of his I have never met, because he lives in California. It is the same cousin, and fiance, who's wedding we are attending in New Orleans in just 24 days! I was thrilled that we would have the opportunity to meet up!

Much texting was done between the boys throughout our time and it worked wonderfully for us to meet up with them for dinner that night. Despite our very short Epcot time, we were excited about seeing them and enjoying dinner with them. They were staying at the Swan, and they had also experienced Shula's Steakhouse before in another location, so they threw this out as an option for dinner.

I immediately panicked.

Shula's. Shula's. What do I know about Shula's???

NOTHING.

Oh, wait, wait....yes....It's fancy, on the more expensive side, a steak house and part of their menu is on a football. And from the very few reviews I have read, the food is good.

I'm game!

But wait, is there a dress code? I'm in capri jeans, a Mickey Mouse t-shirt and Keens.

We called and verified, no dress code. Whew.

Off to Shula's we go!

We walked very slowly over to the Dolphin and enjoyed taking in the beauty of the surrounding resorts.

Check out those clouds! Thankfully it only started to rain AFTER we were already inside.

And here almost ends the pictures for the update.

I failed you. I'm sorry.

Back to the story...
We found a nice spot to wait, near the entrance to Shula's, and took turns freshening up a bit in the restroom. After all, we have been park touring and did not go back to our room - we were a tad on the sticky side.

Henry just snoozed in his stroller during all this.

Soon DJ and his lovely bride to be arrived. Hugs and handshakes were done and I noted how fresh and lovely they both looked.

I felt icky in comparison. They both had nice slacks on, fresh tops, hair done. The gal, I'll just call her B for privacy sake, was wearing some crazy (albeit park touring inappropriate) fancy shoes.

Sigh. All well. How often do we get to see these people? And they did say there was NO dress code....

We walk into the restaurant.

Holy fancy! Dark woods, candle light, white tablecloths, white cloth napkins...everyone that worked there was in a TUX! Now I felt like a true dork in my Mickey Mouse t-shirt!

However, Shula's didn't bat an eye. They led us right in. We got a nice table that allowed us to park our snoring stroller right next to the table so I could tend to him if necessary.

As we sat, conversation flowed comfortably. I found DJ and B to be absolutely wonderful people.....relatives! They were avid travelers, and I found they were actually staying at the Swan for free on their Starwood points - they had to use 'em up, so why not come to Disney World? Love it.

He is also a big planner. So he and I got our geek on talking touring plans. For a Disney World newb, he knew a lot. He is also a budget man. He knew Shula's offered a three course meal for $30 before a certain time, (I believe 5 or 6 pm). We were just minutes before the time, but they honored it and we all ate like kings for cheap.

Now, I have to admit. I got a bit camera shy.

Me, camera shy! Can you believe it??

Here were these people I have never met, we were in this very nice restaurant. I just couldn't bring myself to whip out the camera for food pictures.

However, the food was amaaaaaaaaaaaaazing. I had French Onion soup for a starter. Filet Mignon with grilled asparagus for my meal, and Joe and I shared a dessert...I believe it was the Creme Brulee. The steaks were so tender you could cut them with a butter knife and I still dream of that asparagus. So very good!!!

And on top of it, DJ INSISTED on paying for us. We objected, he ignored us. B piped up, "He wants more Starwood points". Ah ha! The truth comes out!

We were incredibly thankful and picked up the tip. The service was impeccable. I cannot say one bad thing about this meal. Excellent company, beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, perfect service.

Henry missed the entire thing. Poor little guy! But, I will admit, it was nice to have an entire adult meal.

We slowly rolled ourselves out of the restaurant and walked DJ and B to Epcot. They had plans for a few rides and Illuminations. We had time before our dessert party and wanted to be sure to walk off as much of lovely Shula's as we could before our Wishes dessert party blow-out.

We parted ways in France and by the time we got to the next country I kicked myself in the rear. We TOTALLY DID NOT GET A PICTURE WITH THEM.

Seriously! Where were our heads?! However, conversation was so nice and good, it just never came up. And we'll be seeing them soon, very soon! Here is a picture of their "save the date" card so you get an idea...my December TR will have at least one picture of them I'm guessing :

Soon after we parted ways, Henry finally woke up. And he was hungryyyyyyyy. So we quickly stopped in at the American pavilion, they have to have hot dogs, right?

Wrong.

And quick?

Nope!

There were 2 lines open, the lines were at least 15 people deep each. It was a mess in there, garbage on the tables and floor. They were obviously short staffed.

I scanned the menu. They had an adult chili dog meal. Surely they could make that plain, and how much would just a plain hot dog cost?

I finally ordered. Yes, they could make it plain, and it would be $5.

FIVE BUCKS! A whole kids meal cost less than that!

Absurd. But whatever, Henry by this time was completely melting and sobbing. I was stressed. It was hot in there and people were everywhere.

I waited.

And waited.

Took a picture for LL.

And waited.

For a plain hot dog.

Finally I asked if they could just cancel my meal. We could get something for Henry much quicker somewhere else. The CM was shocked that I hadn't gotten my food, and assured me he could get me a plain hot dog right now.

10 minutes later....

No hot dog.

I am NOT exaggerating here. I was so stressed about my baby SOBBING and the whole situation, I again asked the CM. He finally walked back to the kitchen himself (even though he was the order taker) and took one off the shelf. It had been waiting there for quite sometime for me.

I thanked him, cut up the nasty greasy thing

This picture is kind of disgusting, isn't it? It was SO greasy!

Henry started to calm down and gobble. We made our way OUT of the park. It literally took 35 minutes to get that hot dog and we needed to book it over to MK to check in for the Dessert Party!

Oh, and after about 7 bites, Henry was done with the hot dog. Sigh.

Up next: How many donut holes can one man eat?

 

[KatMark]

Your review of Shula's looks amazing. We have one in Chicago and we have never been...may have to give it a try. That hot dog looks absolutely disgusting. Actually, I don't like any Disney hot dogs...sorry Casey lovers...not even the ones there--I get heartburn every time I eat one of them.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Your review of Shula's looks amazing. We have one in Chicago and we have never been...may have to give it a try. That hot dog looks absolutely disgusting. Actually, I don't like any Disney hot dogs...sorry Casey lovers...not even the ones there--I get heartburn every time I eat one of them.

It was SO GOOD! I would eat there again in a second! It's expensive, but worth it!

I've only ever had a normal hot dog once from Casey's, it was OK...but nothing exciting. But their corn dog nuggets...that's a different story... I don't recall if my hot dog from Casey's was that greasy, but I literally remember cutting up this one from America and being disgusted by how much grease was on my hands after wards. No wonder Henry barely ate it!

 

[jenseib]

I too am amazed at how they don't have hotdogs as one of the main kids meal options for CS just about anywhere. My dd could live on hotdogs

 

[brookelizabeth]

I too am amazed at how they don't have hotdogs as one of the main kids meal options for CS just about anywhere. My dd could live on hotdogs

I was really surprised, it's standard kids food! I understand wanting your kids to eat healthy and all....but what if they don't eat chicken wraps? Now Henry would go for the chicken, but back then - no way, hot dog all the way. And if they are trying to be more healthy for the kids, offer turkey dogs, most kids wouldn't know the difference!