Magic Bands are Flushable and Other Lessons Learned. A winter 2014 Trip Report

[LegoMom3]

Magic Bands are Flushable (Feb 4)​

DGD5 was thrilled with her birthday breakfast cupcake and the CM also brought her a birthday card signed by all the characters from the Best Friends Breakfast.

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Her expression here is priceless!!! Look how tickled she is! That's [wicked!] awesome.....

....... The mussels were ok, but I am spoiled with the most excellent local seafood restaurants that have fresh mussels steamed in garlic and white wine – so good. Just a little pitch – if you love seafood you will want to take a vacation to the coastal communities of New England – the BEST seafood anywhere. Ok – I will stop advertising and no I am not a travel agent, restaurant owner or inn owner.

^ That. ^ I don't eat clams in any way, shape or form, but LOVE all other kinds of seafood, especially a nice cod or haddock filet, and scallops are my all-time fave. There is NOTHING like New England seafood, from our good cold waters!

By this time DH and I had returned to our room and DD texted that they would be heading to the front desk at POFQ to try and get a replacement band. DD started to explain what happened to the front desk CMs and DGD5 interjected and solemnly explained what had happened. DD told me later how sad DGD5’s little face was as she looked up at the folks at the desk and that she was trying hard not to cry again. The CM’s were sympathetic and understanding and after a bit of talking back and one of them went out back and came out to present DGD5 with a new PINK BAND!! – which is not usually done. Plus after learning that she had purchased a few items for her pre-school classmates along with her band cover they gave her souvenir POFQ coins and stickers to bring back to her school! DD was so grateful and DGD5 was beyond thrilled.

UBER-cool!!!! Disney magic comes through for a little girl. Love it.

Speaking of the FQ - we truly LOVE this resort. The small size is perfect and everyone there is wonderful. We love being so close to the food court and buses plus the boats to DTD are such a convenience. In fact, I was already sad that we would not be returning here for our Fall trip.

Isn't it wonderful?! I stayed there on my first solo trip in '10 and fell in love (our family had previously stayed at Riverside, due to needing space for 5 people, but I'd always wanted to try out FQ). And, I'll be back in just a few short weeks to stay there again for the first part of my Girls' Escape Weekend!! Can't wait!

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[middlesista]

......LOVE how your DGD5 is racking up the boyfriends!!!! SO cute.

Interesting about the tour. It's one of those things I've considered in the past, but then wondered if I really did want to know so much.
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The Tour - it does de-mystify some of the magic, but I tell you LegoMom3 I was still yearning to learn more about the deep, dark Disney secrets

What does dad say about all the boyfriends? So sweet that she is really getting into the character encounters.

Sounds like your tour started off a little too personal...I was afraid the tour guide was going to talk about herself the entire time. I would love to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour...sound like you had a good time. Interesting about the water in Jungle Cruise.

Now had my team won the superbowl...I would have been so jealous of the parade...

So did I Tammi, - she was a very good "sharer"

I am actually glad that we did do the tour since I had read some great reviews and knew that someday I would regret never experiencing this. It did sound like they had made it a bit less "up close and personal" as far as the backstage and Utilidor touring was concerned.

When your Team wins (don't you have two teams to chose from way down there in Texas?) I do hope that you have a Disney trip planned to coincide.

The Seattle Seahawks fans were out in force. They were wearing their colors and had banners and signs - Seahawk pride was everywhere!!

Yay for the towel animal!!! We always really enjoyed those while on our disney cruise What a nice little surprise to walk in to after a long day at the park, even if you couldn't quite make out what it was supposed to be

Your pictures at BOG are fabulous. It makes me want to reconsider our ADR for CRT. But since we'll only be at MK one day, I think we'll do CRT this time around and hope for BOG for our next trip.

Thank you for the information on character- palooza. When reading about it I noticed people listing Max as one of the characters. My DS 4 is named Max. As a newly diagnosed Disney fanatic, I am ashamed to say I had to google who the Max Disney character was. Lo and behold it's Goofy's son!!! It fits our family perfectly! Lol I'm definitely hoping to catch that during our time at DHS.

I had no clue who Max was either DD and the girls met him in Epcot where they usually have the characters who are "in training" so you are not alone lafemmega. So cute that your Max might be able to meet Goofy's Max.

A friend of mine just came back from a cruise and had some photos of the towel animals they found in their cabin - two swans come to mind and they were amazing. I do wonder if the Mousekeeping staff make them while in the room or if they are assembled someplace else and brought to the room. In that case - how do they decide who gets them? I spend way too much time thinking about those towel animals I am afraid

It is hard to decide which spot to choose for meals. The girls I think liked CRT better than BOG because of all the Princesses and all the wand waving.

Yay!!!! So happy you finally got a towel animal. My kids look forward to seeing them too.

I'm really enjoying your TR. It is making our countdown to WDW somewhat bearable. Lol

I think our magic bands will be arriving today.

I look forward to reading more of your excellent adventures!

YEAH for your Magic Bands arriving - isn't that exciting = makes everything seem so much closer.

Thanks you for your support of this trip report - know that I do appreciate that you take the time to read and to drop me a comment.

Really enjoying your trip report. I didn't know about Character Palooza before. This would be so much fun!

Hi DaisyDuck and thanks for reading along

There is a web site that has lots of info about Character Palooza - I will send the link to you by PM. You never know who will be there! This was the first time we have gone and it was well worth hunting down the street

Her expression here is priceless!!! Look how tickled she is! That's [wicked!] awesome.....

^ That. ^ I don't eat clams in any way, shape or form, but LOVE all other kinds of seafood, especially a nice cod or haddock filet, and scallops are my all-time fave. There is NOTHING like New England seafood, from our good cold waters!

UBER-cool!!!! Disney magic comes through for a little girl. Love it.

Isn't it wonderful?! I stayed there on my first solo trip in '10 and fell in love (our family had previously stayed at Riverside, due to needing space for 5 people, but I'd always wanted to try out FQ). And, I'll be back in just a few short weeks to stay there again for the first part of my Girls' Escape Weekend!! Can't wait!

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You know - you are so right about New England seafood. We went to the West Coast on vacation and I ordered seafood and the fish was actually rather mushy - I was so surprised. It was bad. Didn't order any other seafood while we were there.

Haddock, cod and scallops - works for me, but then again, there really is no seafood that I don't like - well at least from around here. I remember the days when folks were able to head down to the wharves and fisherman would toss them a fresh haddock. Now a days with all the regulations there is no tossing of haddock or anything else for that matter.

Ok you don't like clams how about sea urchins or periwinkles

I am so excited for you (yeah and a bit jealous) that you will be at FQ in no time

A girls weekend sounds amazing..... Enjoy

 

[LegoMom3]

You know - you are so right about New England seafood. We went to the West Coast on vacation and I ordered seafood and the fish was actually rather mushy - I was so surprised. It was bad. Didn't order any other seafood while we were there.

Haddock, cod and scallops - works for me, but then again, there really is no seafood that I don't like - well at least from around here. I remember the days when folks were able to head down to the wharves and fisherman would toss them a fresh haddock. Now a days with all the regulations there is no tossing of haddock or anything else for that matter.

Ok you don't like clams how about sea urchins or periwinkles

I am so excited for you (yeah and a bit jealous) that you will be at FQ in no time

A girls weekend sounds amazing..... Enjoy

Never tried either. But, I've got to tell ya, it's a consistency issue with me. Even though scallops are clam-like in their shells and all that, they have a flaky texture like white fish. Clams are just........

NO.





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[middlesista]

Never tried either. But, I've got to tell ya, it's a consistency issue with me. Even though scallops are clam-like in their shells and all that, they have a flaky texture like white fish. Clams are just........ NO. .

LOL

Well periwinkles have a smooth consistency plus you can pluck them right off the rocks at low tide! Boil them up and your all set. Oh, you did need a large pin to pull them out of the shell - time consuming. They are not as slimy as regular snails. Hope I am not grossing you out or anything. ; )

Sea urchins - well that is a different story all together. : )

 

[momabaarjo]

Sometimes we all have our unmagic moments at WDW. I have had my share of them...sorry about the little girl, though! I bet that dad looks back at the moment and shutters. I know I do when I think about those moments where I lost the magic.

Sorry about the characters HOGS at Ohana. I always hate making characters stay for too many pictures...I guess I am the exact opposite...I am always aware of how much time we are taking.

YAY for a birthday breakfast cupcake!

I too found the seafood at Cape May, as okay...but those desserts are YUMMY! I love the walk from Epcot to BC/YC! So jealous you are staying there...some day!

 

[middlesista]

Call the Haz Mat Team – It Happened Again (Feb 5)​

We had a pretty relaxing day planned and once again, the weather was on our side, a bit overcast but lovely nonetheless. We had not really been able to spend a lot of time at the pool and we were hoping to spend the bulk of today there and then we had our 6:15pm ADR for the Hoop-De-Doo review. We have gone to the HDDR each and every trip since our children were young and it has become a family tradition that is now passed down to include our grandchildren. DGD5 had experienced the HDDR on our previous vacation and recalled playing the washboard and marching in the parade– she had such a good time!

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After a quick breakfast we headed to the pargo pick up spot and before too long were on our way to Riverside.

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The pool was not very crowded and we were able to scout down an area that would get a lot of sun. The pool at Riverside has a lot of shady spots which I imagine is wonderful in the heat of the summer. We however, wanted as much heat and sun as we could get since we would be headed home soon and we were hearing about all the cold and snow that was going to be greeting us on our return.

The girls love the pool and we spent a few hours swimming and just enjoying the restful environment. DGD5 did miss the “Dragon Pool” at the FQ but made the best of the slide here. The sun was going in and out but after a while it decided to stay hidden behind the clouds and it was getting a bit cool for the girls. They would have preferred to stay in the pool all day but DGD1.9 was shivering and DGD5 was chilled to the bone so we changed our plans and decided to have lunch at the Riverside Mill Food Court and then spend some time at DTD.

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I had never been into this food court before and it was much more spacious than the one at the FQ, but of course this resort is much larger. Loved the theming and all the different food stations. I had read on DIS about the pasta bar and knew exactly what I wanted. Really fresh ingredients, plenty of shrimp and a huge serving. DD had gotten their Muffaletta Flatbread one other time we were at the pool and ordered this again - it was new on their menu and really good. The other standout here I though was the dessert station – many choices. After lunch we headed back to the FQ to shower and change for DTD. The girls hung out in our room, DGD5 was trying to catch up on all the Disney Jr shows she had missed on TV and DGD1.9 was modeling the beads that the folks in the gift shop had given to her.

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The girls were both pretty tired and actually fell asleep on the boat ride over to DTD – it was a nice relaxing ride initially -

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until just as we were nearing the dock at DTD and DGD5 lost her lunch, yup, it happened again. Thankfully, she missed the folks around her including her mom and sleeping sister. We did the best we could to clean her up, clean the floor up and apologize to everyone around us. Seems that emesis and Disney are not that uncommon since the folks around us were very understanding. Anyway………everyone got off the boat and they had to call the hazmat people and they shut down the dock. Lesson to be learned – it is not a bad idea to have water proof bags handy that can be whipped out in a second just in case. DD usually brings a change of clothes for DGD1.9 but not usually for her older daughter therefore a new outfit was in order.

DD, always the practical one, was hoping to purchase something that could be worn back home and had a difficult time finding anything warm. The salesclerk did help her find a pair of pants and a few shirts.

We went our separate ways and decided to meet up later with DD and family. Bought a few souvenirs and stopped at Ghirardelli. Although I had so wanted to try the The Strike It Rich Butterscotch Hot Fudge Sundae I thought better of it and we got root beer floats and people watched for a while. We caught up with DD and family near the bus stop. DGD5 was worried about taking the boat so we were going to take the bus back to POFQ before heading over to Fort Wilderness. While DGD1.9 was sleeping, DH decided to head to the Earl of Sandwich to pick up something to have later. We doubted we would be returning to DTD and he did not want to miss out on one of their sandwiches – another tradition that I had thrown to the wind but he was not willing to let go of.

DGD5 asked if she could play in the water spouts and she had a blast, wet and happy.

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We waited for DH to return and headed to the buses. We had about two hours to make it to the HDDR. It took a while for the bus to show up and then we made multiple stops around DTD which included a swap of bus drivers. Time was ticking away. We then headed to Typhoon Lagoon – no passengers to pick up, time is ticking. I then had a bad feeling that we would be bypassing FQ and heading to Riverside as I had a vague memory of this occurring in the past. Sure enough, we drove right past FQ and we now had a little more than one hour to get to Fort Wilderness. There was no time to return to FQ and change so we decided to get off the bus at Riverside and take the bus from there to the MK and head to FW. Luckily, DD had a dry shirt for DGD5 since the shirt she had worn in the water spouts was still a little damp, thankfully her pants were dry. While we sat at the Riverside bus station DH ate his Earl of Sandwich, sandwich since we would not be returning to the FQ to put it in the frig – never saw someone eat a sandwich so quickly and I did not have my Pepto-Bismol with me!

We made it to MK with less than forty five minutes to spare. We were not worried about the seating since we knew that the seats are all pre-assigned but we worried about not getting there in time to make our ADR’s. We decided to take the boat over thinking that would be a more direct route to Pioneer Hall. It seemed like it took forever for a boat to finally pull up and we were thrilled that we made this boat since there was quite a line of folks heading to FW ahead of us. DGD5 was a bit worried about having a repeat episode of loss of stomach contents on the boat but she had not really eaten anything and her stomach was empty so she soldiered on.
We made it just in time as folks were already entering the hall – whew, we thankfully sat down. Our seats were excellent, right in front of the stage to the left.

We were not sure if DGD1.9 would enjoy the show – I mean a meal without her familiar Disney Friends?!? Bottom line – she loved the show, loved the mac and cheese and all the dancing and stomping that went along with the HDDR.
At one point in the show, there was a bit of napkin twirling and DGD1.9 took quite a fancy to those festive red and white gingham napkins and busied herself adapting them into suitable fashion accessories.

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DGD5 however, was content to sit and watch the show.

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The food was great as usual and DGD5 was surprised with a Happy Birthday strawberry shortcake of her own! We left very full and happy and were thrilled when we were able to board a bus that was direct to the Port Orleans resorts.

We were grateful to get back to our resort – it had been a long day. On the way back to the room the girls finally spotted a bunny. They had been watching for bunnies on the POFQ grounds like I had been watching for towel animals in my room. On our previous trip it seemed there were little bunnies everywhere but this trip we had seen none and the girls had gotten into the habit of calling out for the bunnies whenever we made our way to the bus stop and finally – they were rewarded with a bunny sighting. They were thrilled. I however, was not as lucky and there was no companion left for my one lone towel animal that was peering out of our window.

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[LegoMom3]

Ugh.....sorry about your "repeat incident", but I guess, at least it was not in the pool!

We also love HDDR; my boys thought it was great.

And.....Disney transportation. ::sigh:: It's a love/hate thing, really, isn't it? We have had more than one occasion where we thought we had plenty of time to get somewhere, only to literally rush in at the last moment!!

Love the pics of DGD1.9 with the napkin on her head. SO cute!!

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[middlesista]

Sometimes we all have our unmagic moments at WDW. I have had my share of them...sorry about the little girl, though! I bet that dad looks back at the moment and shutters. I know I do when I think about those moments where I lost the magic.

Sorry about the characters HOGS at Ohana. I always hate making characters stay for too many pictures...I guess I am the exact opposite...I am always aware of how much time we are taking.

YAY for a birthday breakfast cupcake!

I too found the seafood at Cape May, as okay...but those desserts are YUMMY! I love the walk from Epcot to BC/YC! So jealous you are staying there...some day!

Disney can be stressful at times I think - especially if you want to see so much and you only have so much time. I did feel bad for that little girl and hope that the Dad was able to get to wherever he was in such a hurry to get to and then hopefully, decompress.

Cape May desserts - exactly - they are the best and I can not wait to return!

Ugh.....sorry about your "repeat incident", but I guess, at least it was not in the pool!

We also love HDDR; my boys thought it was great.

And.....Disney transportation. ::sigh:: It's a love/hate thing, really, isn't it? We have had more than one occasion where we thought we had plenty of time to get somewhere, only to literally rush in at the last moment!!

Love the pics of DGD1.9 with the napkin on her head. SO cute!!

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I was hoping it wasn't true about "3 times a charm" since there was nothing charming about that "repeat incident" and I dreaded the thought of a 3rd episode

Your boys have good taste since the HDDR is a must do IMHO - so much fun. Love the crowd interaction. Don't know how the Pioneer Players keep up their enthusiasm and energy - I get tired just watching them.

We were so glad that we did end up making it to the HDDR on time - getting to places late is so not me. Another one of my idiosyncrasies - seems the older I get the more of these I collect.

DGD1.9 - she just cracks me up. Her sister is my first grandchild and I will always have a special place in my heart for her - she is very responsible, kind to others and such a good big sister. The little one is a handful - she talks up a storm, is fearless (which can be a bit scary at times) and adores her big sister. Watching them together does my heart good. I really love this grandparent thing - a lot more fun than the parent thing

 

[middlesista]

That is My Autograph Book Duffy! (Feb 6)​

Today would be our last day at Epcot and we had a dinner reservation at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. We had dinner here once before and I recalled the appetizers from the Norwegian buffet more so than the actual meal plus there were lots of princesses mulling around so we knew we had to spend some time here.

We got to Epcot after it had opened and there was not a huge crowd waiting to enter although it was still early. There is something to be said about getting to the parks at rope drop but there is also something to be said about slowing the pace down a bit. More oft than not DD and family would be steaming ahead of us but we would usually catch up when we had to or she would stop or slow down a bit. I knew it was frustrating for them at times so would always tell DD to go on ahead and we would catch up. We did decide to go in separate directions for a while today and meet up for dinner. But before we did that, DH and I would be watching DGD1.9 while DD, DSIL and DGD5 went back on Test Track. DGD5 was thrilled this trip since she was tall enough to go on some of the “non-baby” rides.

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DH and I love spending time with DGS1.9. This child just cracks me up! She had fun meeting the characters and I had fun since there was no autograph books to deal with.

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When DD returned we went our separate ways and DH and I headed to Test Track. DH had already partaken in Test Track but I had not. We stood in the stand by line but it was actually not very long. When we went into the room where you designed your car I could not help but watch the gentlemen in front of us that was painstakingly creating his vehicle. DH and I just whipped up anything but this gentleman used every second possible to tweak and re-tweak his vehicle. It was impressive and he seemed very satisfied with what he had created. I guess I was surprised that some folks seemed to be so serious about designing their car – we all have our idiosyncrasies it seems (umm, towel animals).

Loved the speed of the ride but not so fond of the brain jumbling sensation with the dips and twists. I have never had a problem with roller coasters or vertigo inspiring rides until just recently. I knew I should probably by pass Test Track but it was something I wanted to experience and after all the vertigo does go away after awhile.

DD and I stayed in touch by text. They met a few characters and as you can see DGS 5 was very excited to meet one of the Three Amigos at Mexico.

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They also visited Pooh and Tigger – again. Reason being they had stopped at Kidcot Fun Stop and wanted to show Pooh and Tigger the Perry they were coloring or so the story goes…

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They also stopped to see Belle in “regular clothes.”

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We also learned that DGD1.9 had a mini meltdown when Duffy went to sign her autograph book. It seems she thought he would not be giving this treasured book back and she had a major problem with that. DGD5 was fine and happily took a photo.

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DD and family went on to have lunch at Liberty Inn and we had lunch at Sunshine Seasons after The Land. I had wanted to try the Spicy Togarashi Seared Tuna Noodle Salad and they were correct when they said it was spicy but it was very good and I was happy to try something different. The crème brulee for dessert was out of this world good. Since coming home I have tried and tried to replicate this recipe but I have not come close. For sure this dessert is on my list for our next visit.

It was nice to wander with no itinerary in place for the major part of the day. We noticed they were starting to assemble the bases for the topiary displays for the upcoming Flower and Garden Festival. We had not gone to the American Adventure yet so headed that way. The tale/song of the two brothers during the Civil War always gets to me.

It was starting to drizzle and we tried to get into Les Halles. I had read so much about this spot from various trip reports and wanted to try their desserts. Well, it was forget about it time since the place was packed solid with a line just trying to get in the door. It was the busiest spot we had seen all day at EPCOT and it was well after lunch time. Another next trip to do stop.

DH then decided he wanted to head to Germany – his heritage was calling him. What he wanted in Germany was a sausage but that was not happening. It was all about Bratwursts and Currywursts and they were not what he had in mind. I believe he envisioned a nice, juicy Italian type sausage with a bit of sauerkraut added for the cultural edge. What he ended up with was a hot dog heaping in sauerkraut since he could not deal with the wursts. He enjoyed the hot dog but the sauerkraut was overwhelming and he discarded most of that in a proper Disney receptacle. Lesson to be learned, if your ordering at Sommerfest, unless you love, LOVE the stuff you might want to tell them to go easy on the sauerkraut.

We next headed to Karamell Küche. How had I had never found this place before is beyond me! Thanks to all those people who mentioned this spot in their trip reports. If you love chocolate and caramel this is the spot for you! I was in snack credit heaven. Thank goodness we had purchased a Disney tote bag earlier in our trip since I needed something to tote my snacks away. Had to have some of the chocolate covered caramels, regular caramels and caramel popcorn. I was eying up the caramel apples but did not want to drag them around with me for the rest of the day. I figured we still had another day at the MK tomorrow and I would finally purchase my caramel apple that I had been looking forward to for over two years!

I did forget to stop in the Norway bakery for School Bread – another treat I had been reading about for two years and so wanted to try. My “to do” list for our fall trip is growing!

Soon it was time to meet up with DD and family. DD had packed away the girls princess dresses in the vacuum sealed bags which were carefully placed in DSIL’s trusty backpack. It was rainy and cool this day and DD did not want the girls traipsing around all day in dresses. We changed the girls into their dresses before entering the Akershus Hall and in time for the girls to have their photos taken with Belle.

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I have no recall what everyone had for an entrée although I recall Norwegian Meatballs and Beef Tenderloin Tips as well as the children’s pizza being on the table. The entrees were ok but no one raved about them. I was all about that Norwegian buffet with the smoked fish and other delicacies from the sea. My favorite of this meal and DSIL also enjoyed the buffet. The girls enjoyed meeting the princesses (Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty) and marching in the Princess parade. It would be nice to return here in the future but not at the top of our list.

We thought about saying for IlllumiNations but it was cold and rainy and a warm room was much more inviting than standing in the rain. I know, we should toss our cares to the wind and enjoy. Nope, not this time – we were all set and everyone was happy and we thought it best to keep it that way!



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[momabaarjo]

So sorry about the boat ride to DTD...poor baby! But it looks like everyone had fun at HDDR. I love the napkin as an accessory, so precious and what a treat her own strawberry shortcake!

I have to tell you that I enjoy every single character picture you put up, your granddaughters eyes show the magic in every shot!

I love the caramel store...that caramel popcorn is to die for when it is warm. However, there are so much better things then school bread!

 

[middlesista]

So sorry about the boat ride to DTD...poor baby! But it looks like everyone had fun at HDDR. I love the napkin as an accessory, so precious and what a treat her own strawberry shortcake!

I have to tell you that I enjoy every single character picture you put up, your granddaughters eyes show the magic in every shot!

I love the caramel store...that caramel popcorn is to die for when it is warm. However, there are so much better things then school bread!

Thank you for the kind words r/t all those character photos with the girls - it is pretty obvious where my focus was

Yes, that caramel corn is so good. We brought some of the candy home and I actually forgot that I had one of the chocolate covered caramels with sea salt left - it was still so good well after the fact.

Hmmm...interesting what you said about the school bread. I have read a few reviews where folks were not impressed and other reviews where folks were over the top on how good this was.

Thanks for taking the time to comment Tammi

 

[LegoMom3]

Hmm...I think I need to check out this Karamel Kuche place! Yes, I'm all about chocolate and caramel, thank you.....

Great update. The girls are SO cute with Belle in their matching dresses! I had all boys so never got to do the cute little girl dressy bit.

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[middlesista]

Hmm...I think I need to check out this Karamel Kuche place! Yes, I'm all about chocolate and caramel, thank you.....

Great update. The girls are SO cute with Belle in their matching dresses! I had all boys so never got to do the cute little girl dressy bit.

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Karmell Kuch is worth checking out - I do hope you are able to fit it in your schedule. They had some incredible looking chocolate and caramel covered fruit which I wish we had gotten, not to mention cookies and brownies, cupcakes. There was so much to pick from, I am sure I missed a lot of what they had. I see your trip is fast approaching - so exciting.

Nope, boys and the dressy thing do not go well together We did see a lot of boys and men dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow and even one little boy dressed as one of those princes. When our children were little no one dressed up as anyone other than themselves. I think my daughter would have loved wearing one of those dresses when she was young but I am pretty confident that my son would not want anything to do with dressing up

 

[middlesista]

A Beastly Final Day (Feb 7)​

Today was our last day at Disney Our vacation had passed quickly but we still had one full day to enjoy our favorite place – the Magic Kingdom!

We did not rush out this morning and it was a joy to just take our time. The girls had seen and done so much already that today we were going to revisit our favorite attractions, see a few characters and have dinner at 1900 Park Faire for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.

After entering the park I recalled a photo I had taken of DGD5 when she was three years old at the Roy Disney Statue and wanted to take a comparison shot. Roy and Minnie hadn’t aged one bit!

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It was a cool and rainy day that soon turned to a cold and rainy day. Of course we had to have one final time at Small World, Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh. Then over to Tomorrowland for Monsters Inc and then over to the Pirates of the Caribbean which is DH’s most favorite. We also stopped to say hello to Frontierland Chip and Dale

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and of course the girls had to see Woody and Jesse one more time.

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We then decided to stop for lunch and were hoping to get indoors and out of the rain for a bit – it was after 2pm by now. We all had not been to Pinocchio Village Haus and we always liked this quick serve spot so we headed that way – the line was out the door, so we decided to try someplace else. I had wanted to return to Columbia Harbour House since the Keys to the Kingdom Tour when I was not able to order the lobster roll, so we headed that way – again the line was out the door. By this time we would be satisfied with a seat under an umbrella so we began looking for one - The Friar's Nook was full and The Chesire Cafe had no available seats. Finally, DD was able to find a table under an umbrella at our old standby quick serve restaurant Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café!

I have read that the rain tends to decrease the numbers in the parks, but not today. I don’t know if it was because it was a Friday but this was probably the second busiest day we had encountered.

Since it was cold, I wished I had brought a blanket to cover DGD1.9 who had fallen asleep. I ended up buying a beach towel (which I did not need to be honest) to cover DGD1.9. Lesson learned - if you are going during the cooler months you may want to bring a small blanket unless of course you need to buy a beach towel.

While DGD1.9 slept, DGD5 went to say hello to the White Rabbit who we had not seen this trip – of course that meant an autograph was required as well as a kiss.

​

When DGD1.9 woke we headed over to see Belle one last time. We did have FP’s for Enchanted Tales with Belle but ended up waiting in line for a while. The CM at the entry door was great with the girls. She seemed genuinely interested in them and we all thought she looked just like Alice in Wonderland. DGD5 was still sporting her Happy Birthday button and the CM asked her it was her birthday on this particular day. DGD5 had never been asked this – most people would just say “Happy Birthday.” So DGD5 shook her head no and was looking a bit worried thinking perhaps she should have only been wearing the birthday button on her actual birthday, which had come and gone. DD quickly explained that this trip to Disney was in fact a birthday vacation. The CM told DGD5 how lucky she was to have a birthday trip to Disney and of course this made every day a birthday celebration!

They went on to talk about DGD5 favorite Disney experiences, this CM took so much time talking to DGD5 that before we knew it, the doors opened and we filed in.

We were not sure if the CM at the door had anything to do with it or if it was because DGD5's roar was really spectacular but she was chosen to act out the part of the Beast!!!

DGD1.9 did not want to be left out and was handed a plate. Which, after turning this way and that way – decided she was not interested and handed it to her mother. If she can’t have a starring role, this child is not going to perform

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After the performance was over DH and I headed back to main street to do a bit of shopping and we planned to leave our packages to be picked up later. In the past we have been able to have our purchase sent to the resort but since we would be leaving for home in the morning this was not possible. Not a problem since it would be easy to pick everything up before we left the park for the night.

The monorail was still not in service so we took the bus to the Grand Floridian. Once inside and finally out of the cold and rain DSIL rummaged through his backpack for the girls Cinderella dresses – it goes without saying that they had to have the appropriate dress for Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner. DD and I brought the girls into the restroom to change them into their dresses for the meal. It was too cold for them to wear the dresses back in the park so we knew we would be having another dressing change once the meal was over.

It was not long before we were seated. We had a waiter with a waitress in training and they were both very attentive considering it was obvious that they were pretty busy. The food was fine – usual Disney buffet faire and with that said – it seems to me that almost every buffet has something that folks seem to mention as being unique and a must try. For this meal, I had been reading about the strawberry soup and was looking forward to this. I am not sure what I expected but if you love strawberries you will not be disappointed. Sort of like a strawberry shortcake without the cake or whipped cream!

The girls loved meeting the stepsisters and their lovely mother.

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Once done, DH and I decided that we were going to head back to the Magic Kingdom to pick up our packages and then return to the resort for the night. We had packing and undecorating of the windows to do. DD and family went back to the Magic Kingdom for awhile before joining us back at the FQ. Before leaving the park they stopped to see Mickey one last time. DGD1.9 was sleeping by then and DGD5 had a farewell dance with Mickey and her final photo op of the vacation.

Heading Home (Feb 8)​

Departure day came much too quickly! We had breakfast in the food court after checking our bags for the Magical Express transfer to the airport. Once I realize it is time to leave, I hate to linger, it only makes it harder I think. I was hoping for a real Magical Express,but once again we were picked up by a Mears Bus – oh well, there is always next trip.

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Our flight home was uneventful – which is what we prefer

I am sure many of us leave Disney and do not accomplish every single thing that we had hoped to. For me – I still need to have that caramel apple, school bread is on my to do list; must have a meal at Flame Tree Barbeque and try the lobster roll at Columbia House.

The good news is that in 6 months we will be back and the even better news is that DD and the girls are coming with us!!!! Yes – DD decided that she would find a substitute cheerleading coach to work with her team of cheerleaders during the time of our vacation so that her and the girls could enjoy Disney in the fall and in time to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

We also decided that we would switch from one room at the Beach Club to two rooms at…………my favorite……..POFQ!!! Yes!!! DGD5 will get to use the Dragon Slide and I will not feel like I am staying at our rich relatives.

All in all – it was a great vacation, a few mishaps along the way as well as lots of forever memories. DH and I both realize that in no time at all our granddaughters will be grown and so we treasure the time we spend with them.

Thank you for reading along and, in parting, a few words from Winnie the Pooh that I think sums up the excitement of planning for Disney.

“"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best -- " and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called”

 

[LuvEeyore]

So sorry to see this report finished and you will have another to write so I can read it before I get to go to the House of the Mouse!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful granddaughters with us. Have fun planning the next trip!!

 

[middlesista]

So sorry to see this report finished and you will have another to write so I can read it before I get to go to the House of the Mouse!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful granddaughters with us. Have fun planning the next trip!!

Our granddaughters are so excited to be going back to see Mickey and friends. The little one keeps talking about Disney World, the fireworks and Tinkerbelle while her sister is busy planning what she will be wearing to the Halloween Party.

Thanks for following along LuvEeyore

 

[ttcl516]

Loved reading your report....sorry to see it end!! But you'll be back before you know it!!

 

[middlesista]

Loved reading your report....sorry to see it end!! But you'll be back before you know it!!

Thanks! It was fun writing the trip report and even more fun living it!!

 

[LegoMom3]

...........

“"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best -- " and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called”

THAT is the quote that sums up the anticipation of a Disney trip!!!!!!!! I must use that somewhere.....!

I have so enjoyed reading along and I hope there will be another in the fall!

.

 

[lafemmega]

I so enjoyed your trip report! I'm not sure how I missed day 6, but I'm all caught up now. I absolutely loved the pictures of your granddaughters with Belle at Akershus Hall. I'm sorry to see the trip report end but I look forward to following along for your fall report! Thank you for sharing.