Lots of Characters, Lots of Firsts but Lots of Drama: Why We Say NEVER AGAIN!! 3/21

[jenny105]

Hi! I miss reading your updates.

I'm super excited cause I'm going to Disneyland next month! First trip to CA!

I hope all is well with you!

 

[EeyoreFan5]

Charlefours- I almost made a mistake again. My brother & his family (wife & 2 children) had never been to Disney World...I was so jazzed up about my vacation that they were wanting to go. I had done all the planning, ressies, MNSSHP tickets were purchased. Thankfully they cancelled! Yipee! The more I spoke with my neice & nephew, it was not gonna be a fun trip for us. My nephew is terrified of 3D things so that takes off a few things. Neither on like roller coasters and that takes even more things. They also don't like characters.

I was so glad they cancelled...it was the BEST trip with my family! Keep remembering the pain from that one trip. If you do it again...draw many boundries.

We are going again in 2 1/2 months and my girls don't even know. They think they are gonna see the largest ball of twine. boy won't they be surprised to pull up to the gates of DISNEY!

 

[MaryAz]

I heard a rumor that there may be updates coming......

 

[Charlefours]

Hi! I miss reading your updates.

I'm super excited cause I'm going to Disneyland next month! First trip to CA!

I hope all is well with you!

Hi Jenny! I hope you are doing well. I am working on the next update right now. It may not go up tonight, but hopefully by the end of the weekend though I have an insanely busy one ahead of me.

Charlefours- I almost made a mistake again. My brother & his family (wife & 2 children) had never been to Disney World...I was so jazzed up about my vacation that they were wanting to go. I had done all the planning, ressies, MNSSHP tickets were purchased. Thankfully they cancelled! Yipee! The more I spoke with my neice & nephew, it was not gonna be a fun trip for us. My nephew is terrified of 3D things so that takes off a few things. Neither on like roller coasters and that takes even more things. They also don't like characters.

I was so glad they cancelled...it was the BEST trip with my family! Keep remembering the pain from that one trip. If you do it again...draw many boundries.

We are going again in 2 1/2 months and my girls don't even know. They think they are gonna see the largest ball of twine. boy won't they be surprised to pull up to the gates of DISNEY!

I'm glad it worked out for you. It would have a rough go at it with differing opinions and such. Trust me--I know.

Our next trip is planned for September and DD doesn't know either! I am trying my hardest to keep it a surprise. How is it going for you?

I heard a rumor that there may be updates coming......

Working on it Mary!

 

[Charlefours]

Hi all! I am working on the next updates --I know, I know about time! I hope to have one up by the end of the weekend but we have a really busy weekend ahead of us.

I have one note--I changed the privacy on my Photobucket albums. If for some reason, the photos drop off on the TR, please let me know. I checked before I wrote this and they are still there for me but I don't know if it is because it is my photos and my computer.

 

[Charlefours]

After the drama last night, I was ready for a great day. I got up about 6:20 but I knew we had a special breakfast planned so I wanted to get ready and work on school stuff for a bit. I woke DH up at 7:15 to get ready and we woke Lilian up at 7:35. Tinker Bell, once again, visited our room leaving gifts in the form of Minnie and Pluto figurine.

We were off to Epcot again—today’s plans included a breakfast ADR and time in WS today exploring the countries. Before leaving for the day, we left Mousekeeping another vignette to see if she would play the game again:

We collected the rest of those joining with us: Dad, DMIL, DFIL and DBIL. The rest of the crew decided to pass on breakfast and planned on meeting us in the park later on. We were at the bus stop at 8:00. I was not sure how soon the bus would come so I wanted to give us plenty of time to get there and walk back to our ADR. Guess where it is at yet?

The bus arrived within five minutes—talk about great timing!! : We arrived at Epcot at 8:25. Our ADR time was for 9:15 so I was not sure if they would let us in yet. I walked up to the early admittance line and after waiting for one family, I gave them my name. They checked their lists—NO ADR under my name!!! I could not believe it. I showed them the ADR number I luckily had with me. Tip: keep your ADR numbers with you so you can show them you had one if your reservation drops off. Thankfully, they allowed us in but I had a funny feeling that things would not go so well when we arrived at our destination.

Epcot is one of my favorite parks. I always love taking photos here. Here are a few I snapped on our way to our breakfast ADR:

See the fence around the fountain? I think it was gone by the end of the week (if not that day).

Did you figure out where we are heading this morning?

We had a date to meet Belle and any other princesses that might be visiting. Since my name was not on the early admittance list, I went ahead and popped straight over to the stand. Even though it was 8:45, he asked me to come back at 9:05. I did not even get a chance to mention I think there would be an issue with our reservation.

We had twenty minutes to use up so we popped over to The Puffins Roost—one of the souvenir carts parked right on the other side of the courtyard from Akershus. What were we looking for? An Epcot Passport for Lilian. : DH and I did one of these on our first trip (yes, as adults ) We had a good time and we thought Lilian might enjoy it too even though she is still a bit young.

Epcot Passport: $9.95
Total with tax: $10.60​

DH, Lily and I sat down to assemble the passport. We loved looking at the stickers that came with the book and talking about the countries with her. While Daddy and Lily were still working on it, I stepped away to take just a few photos :

Anyone try the Norway bakery before?

For having 20 minutes to wait around, our time passed rather quickly. I went into the line at 9:05 and told him my name. The moment I dreaded was here—He could not find my ressie!! I calmly explained I had this ADR six months ago, that I had not changed it (that was his first question). He could not find any record of it so he called the manager. I did not realize this, but managers float around areas in WS, or at least this manager came from another country to assist. After a few minutes of searching, he told me my ADR had be CANCELED on 9/11 at 6:23!!! I explained to him that was not possible—we were in MK at that time point eating dinner at Cosmic Rays. They said no problem; they would fit us in—thank goodness! Our ADR was for 9:15, I want to say we got into Akershus about 9:30, much to my relief. By this point we were all starving (or at least it felt like it).

 

[jmendez24]

Wow, glad they got you guys in. I can only imagine the feeling you felt.

 

[Charlefours]

First thing we go into meet Belle and have our pictures taken with her. First up was my family’s shot:

Next, we had the whole group pop into the picture:

You cannot tell from the pictures, but Lilian was really excited when we told her we were going to be eating and visiting with the Princesses. Of course, she had one particular princess in mind…I hoped it would come true!!
After having our pictures with our hostess, we were escorted to our seat. I have to say the seat was not the best, but they probably squeezed us into any empty table big enough…which was barely big enough. We came during break time for the princesses (we were seated right next to the door they come out of when coming “on stage”). Our server explained to us how the meal works, took our drink orders then we were off to the buffet. I took Lilian up to pick out her food and waited for DH to return so I could get my food. Meanwhile, they brought out our family style foods:

After he got back, I went back up to get my food. By this point it was getting much busier—you could tell they were in the process of changing over seatings. I quickly got through the lines and brought back my food:

Overall, I have to say the food was pretty yummy—especially the potatoes. I appreciated having the yogurt and granola since it was light on the tummy in the heat. The other foods we had included eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries and fruit. While we were eating, the princess came around. First up was

Sleeping Beauty:

Lilian was in awe after Sleeping Beauty left. She really did not eat much because she just could not wait to see more princesses (especially one particular one). She spent the rest of breakfast facing the direction they all would be coming from:

Next up was Cinderella:

After Cinderella left, they brought out a birthday cupcake for Lilian. What a treat!! Did we let her eat it—of course!!

She was not too into it though. I think part of it was because she was waiting for a special someone to come say hello. Who might you ask? Well, I can tell you it was the very last person to say hello. Third to come by was
Snow White:

Now Lilian was getting antsy at this point—not to leave. You see, her most favorite princess of all had not stopped by to say hello yet. Who do think it is?
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If you guessed Ariel—you are correct!! I have to say this was a truly magical moment that had me tearing up!! Lilian was in awe of her. : Ariel saw her birthday button and said Happy Birthday Angelfish. Lilian could not believe Ariel wished her happy birthday.

Overall, we had a wonderful time at Akershus. We would be willing to eat here again on another trip. So what was the damage here:

Our portion came to:

2 Adult Breakfasts: $61.98
1 child Breakfast: $18.99
Tip: $22.00
___________________
Total: $102.97​

Disclaimer about the tip: it was based on three adult breakfasts and one child breakfast so it is higher than it would have been with two adults and one child.

Before we left they brought to us our photos we had taken. I haven't scanned them in yet nor taken pictures of the holder, so I am going to save them until the end of the TR because they are like a souvenir for me.

After an awe-inspiring breakfast, where would we be heading to next? And what was the single worst moment of the entire trip? It is coming up soon!

 

[MaryAz]

What a great update! Have I asked what kind of camera you have? You take some great pics!! I am glad everything for bkfst worked out-what a pain!! Ms L looked so excited to see all those ladies. Ariel is the girl's favorite as well. They were super excited she was at CRT last May-they had just came from BBB and had her dress on!! Oh no, the worst moment

 

[KatMark]

Well this update was certainly worth the wait!!!

I ALWAYS carry my confirmation numbers as we have had this issue once or twice in the past. I'm glad it all ended up working out for you.

You got some great shots of Epcot--very impressive.

But the best pictures are of Lilian with the Princesses...they are absolutely precious.

I don't know though...is it me? Every Snow White I have seen lately doesn't look so hot????

 

[Charlefours]

Wow, glad they got you guys in. I can only imagine the feeling you felt.

I was prepared to stand there until they let us in I still have NO IDEA how that happened other than someone switching numbers around.

What a great update! Have I asked what kind of camera you have? You take some great pics!! I am glad everything for bkfst worked out-what a pain!! Ms L looked so excited to see all those ladies. Ariel is the girl's favorite as well. They were super excited she was at CRT last May-they had just came from BBB and had her dress on!! Oh no, the worst moment

Thanks Mary. I have a DSLR, Canon Rebel. I love it!! I have almost had it for a year and I am still learning how to take fullest advantage of all its features but I'm enjoying playing around with it.

Which Ariel dress? I missed one Ariel dress on Disney Store's website last spring/summer. It was there but then it wasn't so I never got it ordered. Oh well, I think I will take that dress as inspiration and make Lilian one for the fall.

 

[Charlefours]

Well this update was certainly worth the wait!!!

I ALWAYS carry my confirmation numbers as we have had this issue once or twice in the past. I'm glad it all ended up working out for you.

You got some great shots of Epcot--very impressive.

But the best pictures are of Lilian with the Princesses...they are absolutely precious.

I don't know though...is it me? Every Snow White I have seen lately doesn't look so hot????

Hey Kathy!! Thank you--I love taking photos, especially of Lilian. I was pleasantly surprised with Ariel and Sleeping Beauty, Snow White was meh but I think Cinderella was my least favorite.

 

[longing2Batdisney]

What a wonderful breakfast character meet! so magical for Lillian, to me that is what it is all about!!!

I love the pictures of the empty park! can't wait for your next update; but that it includes a bad moment...

 

[EeyoreFan5]

In on pins & needles! So happy you are back to writing again. You are so getting me in the mood for our trip. And no, I haven't spilled the beans yet. I can't wait far their reactions!

 

[my2disneyboys]

Can't wait to hear what happens next- you better not keep us waiting for this update!!

I LOVE Lilian's expression looking at Cinderella!!!!!!

 

[jngwright]

Great pictures! I'm glad they seated you regardless of the reservation mix up!

Well, now we are all waiting to hear about the drama! What a tease you are

 

[klacey1]

I wonder how that happened-- with your canceled ADR?? How terrible! Glad everything was sorted and you guys had a great breakfast, though!

 

[jforever52]

Yeah for updates!!!! Thanks, but did you have to leave it on such a cliff hanger...the absolute worst moment of the trip coming up?

 

[jenny105]

I'm glad they were able to squeeze you guys in! I wonder how that happened?

I love Belle's dress. I want one.

Sleeping Beauty's hair bothers me. I do not like that wig. I don't know why.

Is it me or do the Snow Whites look like they walked right out of the movie??

I need to get to a park early so I can take pictures without thousands of people in my way!

 

[irish dancer]

Phew, so glad they were able to squeeze you in. I've never had that happen before but I've read about it and I always carry our ADR numbers with us, just in case!

Love all the Princess pics, my girls are "too old" for princesses now (or so they say).

Yikes - don't like that foreshadowing......