Magic, Memories and..... MCSPARKELSONS! A Christmas Grand Gathering! Update 5/1

[dvc4life]

Great news Kara!

 

[karajeboo]

Great news!! I think more dancing bananas are in order

Kara - Glad your feeling well enough to do replies. Hope you feel a little better every day!

Great News! I know how you feel, got my good news last May!

Hope that you will have lots of energy!

Great news Kara!

Thanx y'all! Kristy, I was researching summertime Magic cruises from NY though.... we almost ended up on another cruise together! If the biopsy would have come back positive, not sure we could have gotten the treatment done before Spring Break so w would have had to reschedule..... So at least I had that silver lining of cruising with some buddies!!!

 

[KristiMc]

Thanx y'all! Kristy, I was researching summertime Magic cruises from NY though.... we almost ended up on another cruise together! If the biopsy would have come back positive, not sure we could have gotten the treatment done before Spring Break so w would have had to reschedule..... So at least I had that silver lining of cruising with some buddies!!!

It would have been great to have you on our cruise - though I am glad you did not have the need to reschedule!

You could do BOTH - your March cruise and the June cruise - It could be a celebratory cruise .

 

[karajeboo]

It would have been great to have you on our cruise - though I am glad you did not have the need to reschedule!

You could do BOTH - your March cruise and the June cruise - It could be a celebratory cruise .

Yeah.... cause DCL is soooooo affordable!

 

[Beth D]

Awesome news about cancer free! You must feel a million pounds lighter! Definitely feel like dancing!

A co-worker of mine is having a "female" procedure done in a few weeks, and her doc brought up the c word. She is so stressing out! I keep telling her that it's only an outside possibility, as most everything is already gone there, but you still can't help but keep it in the back of your mind somewhere. And she's having her surgery the day we leave for our cruise, so I won't know the results for a whole week!

 

[karajeboo]

Finally! I'm back and raring to go and get this TR back in motion!!!!

And what better way to start back up than with....... Grandpa's poem.

It seemed to be Jeff's "thing" every morning.... He'd head to the restroom, glance at the front door, bend over, pick up the envelope, toss it on the bed, and say.....

"Your family."

Shall we begin, Shakespeare?

"Here we are at day number two.
I'm sure we're all looking for something new.

Yesterday we all had a great time.
We're glad we got home when the clock struck nine.

I know you all missed my moment of bliss,
When Cinderella gave me a sweet little kiss.

Grandma thought it was very tricky,
When she got that big hug from a mouse named Mickey.

So once again, we're on our way,
Ready to have another fun filled day.

So today let's hope the skies will be sunny.
See you at dinner, bring lots of money."

Now here's the funny part. These poems were all written back in Ohio, unless I missed the typewriter (yes, typewriter, not computer) hidden in their luggage? Yet Grandpa really DID get a kiss from Cindy the day before!!!!! And Grandma really DID get a hug from Mickey!!!!

And we really WERE back right around the time the clock struck nine!

That Grandpa, he's like Shakespeaer and Nostradamus all rolled into one. Oh and for those of you under the age of 30, a "typewriter" is defined as.....

type·writ·er/ˈtīpˌrītər/
Noun:
An electric, electronic, or manual machine with keys for producing printlike characters one at a time on paper inserted around a roller.

Who knew you'd be having a history lesson today?

But then again, who knew anyone still used a typewriter????? I think we will learn about that later in Spaceship Earth, what with the Phoenecians and papyrus...... Just sayin.....

Grandpa showed up about 7 to grab our mugs and head down to get coffee. I really think he enjoyed just roaming the resort and the boardwalk about as well as anything!

We met everyone in the lobby around 8:45 and walked over to the International Gateway, where half the crew decided to head into the gift shop right there before you go through the IG.

This would become a common theme every morning. Who shops at park opening? I mean, the parks are the least crowded at this time, there's no lines for anything, so it's time to get our ride on!!!!

But no. We had to shop. And then spend 10 minutes filling out the forms to ship the purchase back to the resort. While the lines build.

I was losing my sparkle. And fast.

Finally, Jeff, Grandpa, Ally and I decided to head into the park. I think everyone was right behind us. But with a large group it's hard to get it all done, and I wanted Gma and Gpa to see as much as possible this trip.

The skies were a little gloomy today, but it was nice and warm out and a little sun would be great later on!

All the kids wanted to push Grandma. But I got really nervous when we were in crowds, I just didn't want to see that little old lady (not Grandma!) take a chair in the achilles!!!! Emma actually did a good job of pushing. Ally and Spencer? Eh, not so much. So we let Ally and Spencer push her when the crowds were really thin.

And I was still smart enough to stay out of their way!!!!

Of course, there were a few hills that required a little assistance from EVERYONE in our group to get Grandma up the hill....

Now that we were finally in Epcot, into Future World, it was time to grab FPs for Soarin, and then head over to Test Track to ride standby.

AFter her boat episodes yesterday, Gma did not want to ride Test Track, although I know she would have enjoyed it.

I know we all did!!! We are sooooo mature!!!!!

I think the excitement was too much for Jeff, Todd, and Spencer....

We came back later in the day and Jeff and Spencer made up for it......

After hitting Future World, we needed to head to the International Showcase and our early lunch ADR at Tutto Italia.

I had tried to make ADRs at Via Napoli, because it was more casual, and also because none of us had eaten here before, and Jeff and I had eaten at Tutto before (but we love it!). But there were no ADRs available.

We decided to take the boat over from FW, although the boys were going to walk.....

Deep in conversation.....

Kami: So what is this thing you call "typewriter?"
Gma: It's what we used to give a more refined look to documents on paper.
Kami: You mean computer?
Gma: What is this thing you call "computer?"
Kami: Who's on first?

Now we learned something on the ride over. There are TWO boats that launch from the FW. One goes to Morocco. And the other goes to, um, the other dock...... I can't remember where!!! But it's on the OTHER side of the American pavillion from Morocco.

We almost stayed on when we docked in Morocco, thinking we'd get off at the next stop, thinking it was closer to Italy. When in fact we'd have gone back to FW.

Some shots along the way.....

When we rolled up to Italy, Jeff, Todd, and Spencer were waiting for us. Grandpa was wandering. I swear, that man needed a leash this trip! Maybe one of those cute ones attached to the monkey backpack?

There was nobody about, since it was just 11am and WS had really just opened. So we asked Gma and Gpa to check out both Tutto Italia and Via Napoli. Jeff had already checked at Via Napoli and they said they could easily get us in at that time.

Everyone decided on Via Napoli and Jeff went over and cancelled our ADR at Tutto Italia.

We've always been very lucky at walking in to restaurants at 11am and getting seated. Never had a problem with that. So keep that in mind if you ever find yourself without an ADR.....

Via Napoli - VIDEO - click to play

As you can see, we pretty much had all of Italy to ourselves!!!!

And we LOVED having those pretty servers all to ourselves, too!

Up next, Lunch at Via Napoli!

 

[KristiMc]

I am loving Grandpa's poems - he is great!

Looking forward to your review of Via Napoli. We have an ADR for there for the day that we get to spend at WDW during our cruise.

 

[podsnel]

THAT is what's been missing from our trips!!! Daily poems by Grandpa Nostraspeare!! Can he write a few for May?? PUH-LEEEEEEEZ?????????

 

[podsnel]

Oh- and ya'll got some SERIOUS issues!!

 

[karajeboo]

I am loving Grandpa's poems - he is great!

Looking forward to your review of Via Napoli. We have an ADR for there for the day that we get to spend at WDW during our cruise.

Now you will just have to wait and see..... and oh, there were some sights to see.....

THAT is what's been missing from our trips!!! Daily poems by Grandpa Nostraspeare!! Can he write a few for May?? PUH-LEEEEEEEZ?????????

Well, for you my dahling, I will ask him.

Oh- and ya'll got some SERIOUS issues!!

The scary part is that Grandpa Nostrspeare was right in the middle of it with us!!!!

 

[MEK]

THAT is what's been missing from our trips!!! Daily poems by Grandpa Nostraspeare!! Can he write a few for May?? PUH-LEEEEEEEZ?????????

Good one Ellen!

I think its so cute that Grandpa writes a poem every day. I may try that in June when I am herding cats (uhm - I meant my Bro, SIL, and their four boys).

Welcome Back to the DIS! glad you are feeling better!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

I keep forgetting about there being two boats. I'm with you, shop later in the day, get going on the rides!

Your dad is cool with those poems. Funny how that poem matched the day!

 

[karajeboo]

Once they called for us, we were seated right smack dab in the middle of Via Napoli. I mean right in front of the brick ovens and a loooooooooooooong table that probably seated about 50.

Hey, we like to make friends, bring em on! But as it turned out, it was just our part 9 at this big ole table. All alone.

Well, except for the incredible service staff we had! I mean, we had servers from OTHER tables who were attending to us, as well as our wonderful server, bread girl, bar servers, you name it! Without a doubt, the BEST service I've ever received at a WDW restaurant. And I've had some great service over the years.

A few pics inside Via Napoli

Those ovens were a little intimidating, especially if your name happens to be Hansel..... or Gretel..... Luckily nobody in our party goes by those names..... Not after that gingerbread cottage in the woods incident several years ago .....

This is the "patio" area.....

WEll, since we ARE on vacation, first things first.....

Our bread server. She kept us stocked while we were waiting on our meals. She was super sweet! And of course Dad loved her.

Our actual server, Natalia. And of course Dad loved her.

The tilework down the middle of the table. I was very pleasantly surprised with all aspects of Via Napoli. From the ambiance, to the service, to the food!

In addition to our wonderful server, we also had help from these two. This gentleman, while absolutely adorable to look at, was just about the sweetest thing you could imagine. When Gma got up to find the little grandma's room, he literally rushed over to take her by the arm and help her there. Not sure how FAR he took her, but she did come back with a big smile on her face.....

And the lovely young lady was just in the pic because Dad loves lovely young ladies in pics with him. Just sayin.....

I think Kami was jealous of the attention that Marco (was it Marco???? I think so!) was giving to Gma, so she wanted some face time with him too!

But I had my own handsome boy to pose with me.....

And the food! Well, it was Disney priced, but I guess it could be worse. We could be eating fast food again, or we could have to leave the park to get "real" food. So it is what it is. You pay for the convenience of so many choices and only an hour out of your day without leaving the park.

Gma and Gpa both ordered the
Candele - candle stick pasta, sausage ragu, polpettine, mozzarella, ricotta $20.00

The kids got pizza which they all declared was terrible. Sad when they prefer Domino's to authentic Italian pizza....

Pizza Margherita 9.50
-Tomato and mozzarella kid-sized pizza

Jeff and I split a large pizza, divided down the middle - we did half
Prosciutto e Melone - fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, cantelope, and half
Ortolano - tomato, mozzarella, vegetable

Build Your Own
Individual $16, Large $28 (serves 2 - 3), Mezzo Metro $39 (serves 3 - 5)

We did a large and it was definitely enough for 3.......

Here's the thing about Jeff and I - we ask for servers' suggestions, and we take those suggestions 90% of the time. If we ask what they prefer between 2 dishes, and they name a 3rd, we'll usually order the one the recommend.

So we took Natalia's advice and she did not do us wrong!

WE loved this so much that Jeff came home and searched and searched until he found just the right white sauce recipe, and now he makes the sauce, I make the crust, and we make our own prosciutto y melon pizza all the time! It is our new favorite!!!! But we replace the arugula with spinach.......

Before we rolled ourselves out of there, I found Marco and slipped him a little sumpin sumpin because he definitely went above and beyond to help our group! And no, I did not give him THAT sumpin sumpin!!!!! After all, it was Gma that disappeared down that back hall with him......

We left quite satisfied and headed out to do what all well filled patrons do after lunch in World Showcase.... We needed to save the world! Kim Possible style!

I love all the pavillions, but Italy is just sooooo beautiful! And bellinis are pretty too.....

Up next, three kids save the world, or do they?

 

[karajeboo]

Good one Ellen!

I think its so cute that Grandpa writes a poem every day. I may try that in June when I am herding cats (uhm - I meant my Bro, SIL, and their four boys).

Welcome Back to the DIS! glad you are feeling better!

I remember when we got the first poem that first night, Jeff said, "Knowing your dad there will be a poem every day."

I keep forgetting about there being two boats. I'm with you, shop later in the day, get going on the rides!

Your dad is cool with those poems. Funny how that poem matched the day!

Oh Mother of Wicket, who knew my dad was so witty? I'm still scratching my head though, wondering if the typewriter was in the carryon or the checked bags......

 

[Beth D]

Welcome back! Glad you're doing better!

I now see where you get that McSparkleson charm from, it's definitely your dad! He's too cute! He reminds me of my grandfather. He had a "girlfriend" at the checkout of every grocery store in town!

I must agree with the kids. Their pizza doesn't look too appetizing. Not enough cheese or sauce! Yours looked much better!

 

[saintstickets]

Our bread server. She kept us stocked while we were waiting on our meals. She was super sweet! And of course Dad loved her.

Our actual server, Natalia. And of course Dad loved her.

In addition to our wonderful server, we also had help from these two.

And the lovely young lady was just in the pic because Dad loves lovely young ladies in pics with him. Just sayin.....

I think I would enjoy a trip with your dad. We seem to have similar "interests"!

 

[jmskinner]

I am absolutely loving the poems.

As I was reading these last two updates I realized I haven't seen pics of Via Napoli. Now I'm wanting to check it out on our next trip.

Marco was a cutie. I bet Grandma did enjoy him. We always enjoyed Tutto Italia, well when I say we, I mean my and my stepdaughter. The waiters were always an extra treat.

 

[dvc4life]

Great update Kara. Your dad is so whitty with his poems and all. I would have been so looking forward to that each day.

And I loved your take on Via Napoli. Sorry to say, but when we ate there we were seated at the very same spot you were. I loved watching how fast those pizzas were made. It was very cool.

Again, glad you are back posting and reading your posts truly make me smile. Thanks.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Finally! I'm back and raring to go and get this TR back in motion!!!!

Nice to see you back!

But no. We had to shop. And then spend 10 minutes filling out the forms to ship the purchase back to the resort. While the lines build.

I was losing my sparkle. And fast.

So hard to be the official cat herder. Some people just have no sense of urgency when on vacation!

I know we all did!!! We are sooooo mature!!!!!

You know your faces will get stuck that way if you do that too much!

When we rolled up to Italy, Jeff, Todd, and Spencer were waiting for us. Grandpa was wandering. I swear, that man needed a leash this trip! Maybe one of those cute ones attached to the monkey backpack?

That's funny! I have one of those you can borrow next time!



Via Napoli - VIDEO - click to play

As you can see, we pretty much had all of Italy to ourselves!!!!

And we LOVED having those pretty servers all to ourselves, too!

Up next, Lunch at Via Napoli!

Love the poem - your dad is so much fun - now we see where you get it!

That pic of all of you pushing uphill is hilarious! It would be a good one for the dwarfs to do!

Kami, maybe you can borrow the typewriter to make your very own set of itinerary cards for your next trip!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

part 2

Well, the McSparkleson's are a little flirtysome! Your dad is so stinking cute with all the servers! They sure have a lot of cute young ones there - maybe it makes the " bad" pizza easier to swallow! It's great that you got such great service - hard to find with such a large group sometimes!

What kind of melon was on the priscuitto side? Very interesting.