Making the most out of a Birthday button! 8/28-9/4

[ScrappyRN]

Lisa


Thanks for joining, Tami

 

[Native NYer]

Joining in!

Enjoying your tr

 

[ScrappyRN]

Hi Jennifer, Thanks for reading.

 

[ScrappyRN]

Another beautiful day in Florida! DH had to be at the WL marina at 645A for his 4 hour bass fishing excursion. So he was up early and went to fill our mugs with coffee. When he left the room I went out on the balcony to enjoy the peaceful morning while I let DS sleep longer. Here's a view from our balcony in the AM

We left the room about 830 and waited for the bus about 15 minutes. DS did this while we waited

We arrived to Epcot a little after 9 and it was empty! We went and got FP for Soarin, but could have rode with a 15 minute wait. But I promised DS we'd do SE first, it's a favorite of his. After SE we went on TT, it was down for about 10 minutes, so our 15 minute wait ended up being about 30 minutes.

DS's dream car, Bumblebee!

I love the vinyls and thought this was a cute window at Mousegears

Next we hit MS, lighter side and explored Innoventions and did the Where's the Fire, our team won!

Next is a must do for DS and an I could care less if we never did this againfor me

Then on to get another FP for Soarin' so DH could ride with us later after his fishing trip. Next up Nemo and Turtle Talk. While waiting for TT we talked with a CM Brian, he noticed DS's birthday button. In TT Crush didn't pick on DS to ask a question, but at the end Crush asked Brian to pick someone and he chose my DS, yes it was another birthday button moment! DS asked Crush if he went to college, and Crush said he went to the school of Life and explained how hard it is in the ocean to make it.

We did see this on our way through Future World

It was then time to head to WS and seek out some characters and a snack.

UP NEXT- Will Remy come out? Did DH catch fish?

 

[ScrappyRN]

So DS and I head to WS. Usually we start in Canada, but this time we decide to start with Mexico. DS wants to do a mask and get his passport stamped. I was hoping only to have to carry the passport.

I love the wood carvings in Mexico, but they are a little pricey. We rode the Gran Fiesta Tour, had a boat all to ourselves. I wanted to get a Donald pinata, but they seemed to be all out.
Next we hit Norway and the Maelstrom.

I was starating to get hungry, but the school bread wasn't what I wanted. So around we went to each country in seach of Kidcot and a snack.

So we finally get to America and DS wants popcorn. So I order popcorn, soda and a pretzel. The popcorn machine is broke, what? I really didn't want a pretzel, but since I was starving and now DS doesn't get his popcorn. He is mad. So after a few words with him,, we head in and get him this with a snack credit

Nice to sit inside and cool off. He finished his fries with a little help from me, I ate about half of the pretzel. We then head onward and saw this lady for the first time

She really is incredible with her"candy". DS was hoping to get picked, but no such luck. We did go in the shop and he used some more gift card money for a power ranger set and I thought this was a cute display

We got to kidcot and DS got another Birthday button moment, he was given an oragami star, that he loved(it's a weapon, what 9 y.o. boy wouldn't love it)

We browsed through this

and then headed to see these guys in Morocco

Now it's probably around 3pm and stil no word from DH? Where is he?
UP NEXT-DS gets shy and will DH ever make it to EPCOT?

 

[ScrappyRN]

So when I left off we were in Morocco. We bypassed France since we had dinner ressies there for 510PM, and went to the UK where we saw these lovely ladies

Then we went in the toy shop to find the kidcot and we saw these two

I rained for the few minutes we were in the shop, so we never got wet because it stopped by the time we were done.
Well finally at about 4PM DH calls, he's at Epcot heading to WS by way of Canada. Perfect we haven't hit Canada yet. So we spot DH walking toward us. He had a GREAT time fishing, but not alot of fish. He said he knew this going in because August is not a great month to fish for bass. He caught about 8 fish in his 4 hour trip.
So we took a few shots in Canada after hitting kidcot.

Then on to France to see DS's crush, Belle and have dinner with Remy. We waited about 10 minutes in line before Belle arrived. DS gets all shy now. She asked if it was really his birthday and he was honest and said No. So she razzed him alittle about that. DS wanted to see Beast too so Belle was signing books and talking to the people in line until Beast arrived about 20 minutes later. We talked with another nice family from NJ while we waited for Beast. Beast came out and Belle brushed his fur to make sure he was presentable for photos. DS was up first, and Belle kept tickling DS since he was being shy.

Belle was fiesty, exactly how she should be!
On next to kidcot and the dinner at Les Chefs de France.

We had never eaten here and it did not disappoint. I started with Lobster bisque and DH finished it. I had Mac and Cheese(very rich), DH had seafood in a broth, and DS had chicken fingers with noodles and butter. Dessert was ice cream for DS with a birthday song in French from the wait staff, profiterols with chocolate for me and I think DH had cheesecake.
The best part of the meal was Remy. So Cute. DH drew him a picture on his placemat and gave it to him. The picture was Remy in his Remy-mobile, Remy-copter and Remy-boat. Since I had barely touched my food because I was taking photos, Remy and the waitress sang a special song to me about eating my food.

After dinner even though I was stuffed, I got my Grey Goose slush before we headed to FW for rides with DH on TT, MS, used FP for Soarin, and SE.

Then we headed out. No Illuminations again this year for us. Someday we'll stay at Epcot for Illuminations.

UP NEXT- A day of Rest?

 

[ScrappyRN]

We started our day relaxed because it was our day with no visits to a park. We had a 945 A ressie at CMC, our only character meal this trip. We took boat from the lodge to MK and then a bus to BC. The boat ride was nice, but we waited for over 40 minutes for a bus. We only got a bus because a transportation worker saw us waiting and waiting, and finally flagged another bus over and told the driver to take us directly to BC. We arrived at MK around 850A and finally got on the bus around 930A.

This was our first breakfast experience at CMC. It was not crowed, the food was OK, and the characters stopped multiple times to our table. Goofy even drew a self portrait on DS's birthday card from the restaurant! DS got an iced muffin and birthday song that day as well. That birthday button gets you alot of fun stuff!.

While waiting for the bus to MK, DS did this

Then we headed back to the lodge by way of bus to MK and a boat rideto WL.

We got changed into our suits and spent the day at the pool. DS made friends with a brother and sister from NJ and played with them all afternoon, so DH and I spent some time relaxing by the pool.

UP NEXT- A night Downtown.

 

[Purpleblanket]

Great Review!!!

I love your photos. What kind of camera do you have?
We are headed to Disney on Dec. 26th.. I'm sure it will be much busier than when you were there.

One question: What is the actual day of your son's birthday? My DH is on Jan. 1st so can he get a birthday badge to wear for the weeK?

Thanks!
Looking forward to more photos!

Debbie

 

[ScrappyRN]

Great Review!!!

I love your photos. What kind of camera do you have?
We are headed to Disney on Dec. 26th.. I'm sure it will be much busier than when you were there.

One question: What is the actual day of your son's birthday? My DH is on Jan. 1st so can he get a birthday badge to wear for the weeK?

Thanks!
Looking forward to more photos!

Debbie

Debbie, thanks for reading. I have a Canon powershot digital elph SD1200, got it a Target a few years ago. I mostly keep it on the kid/pet setting, but do change the setting to indoor, night and ISO as needed. When I booked the trip they asked if we were celebrating anything and I said it was a birthday trip for our son. His birthday was a week before we arrived, but it was his birthday gift from us. They didn't ask the actual date. So at check in they had the birthday button ready and when I made dinner ressies it was marked that we were celebrating a birthday. So at check in, just ask for a birthday button and if staying off site, I think you can go to guest relations for one. Have a great trip and Holiday season.

 

[ScrappyRN]

So after a great afternoon at the pool we got showered and headed to DTD. First we explored the lodge a little before heading to the bus stop

I just Love the Lodge!

We decided to try Wolfgang Puck Express for our dinner. It was Yummy!

BBQ chicken pizza for me, Spag and meatballs for DH and Spag. and butter for DS. I had creme brulee, DH had cheesecake(big surprise) and DS had a choc. chip cookie for dessert. We had a table outside and it was very crowded, but after we ate we knew why it was a favorite.
We then went straight to Lego, DS waits for this every trip. And every trip he makes the 3 lego men. He also got some Star Wars magnets and keychain. Then right before we checked out, I saw a box with packages of individual characters(there are 16 different characters), so DS chose 2 of those. You can't see what's inside, it's a mystery.
Then on to WoD, where I got a few things and DS talked DH into getting him a Mickey dressed as Woody stuffed animal and the Bullseye so Mickey could ride.
Before we headed out DS spotted the kiosk with the light up toys and we had promised him a new sword, since the one he got last year stopped working ,even with new batteries.

I wanted to see all the candy and treats in Goofy's Candy Co.(first time visit in there) DS got som lego candy and I wanted one of these, but knew I'd never finish it, so I just took a photo because they are so cute!

When we got back to the room, DS opened his lego mystery packs and he got the Karate guy and policeman. He really wanted the vampire, so we told him if we got a chance to back to DTD we would let him get a few more.

UP Next- DHS, would we brave the ToT for the first time?

 

[Purpleblanket]

Debbie, thanks for reading. I have a Canon powershot digital elph SD1200, got it a Target a few years ago. I mostly keep it on the kid/pet setting, but do change the setting to indoor, night and ISO as needed. When I booked the trip they asked if we were celebrating anything and I said it was a birthday trip for our son. His birthday was a week before we arrived, but it was his birthday gift from us. They didn't ask the actual date. So at check in they had the birthday button ready and when I made dinner ressies it was marked that we were celebrating a birthday. So at check in, just ask for a birthday button and if staying off site, I think you can go to guest relations for one. Have a great trip and Holiday season.

Thanks for answering. It seems that a lot of people have success with the canon camers. I think that's what i'll be looking for before we go on our trip. I have a kodak and it really doesn't take great photos.

Thanks for the tip about the birthday badge. His birthday is Jan. 1st and that is the day we are leaving but they already have it noted on our reservations that this is a birthday and anniversary trip. I've got a ressie for Rose and Crown Pub on New years eve at 10 pm and illuminations start at 11;45 pm so we're hoping to get a spot on the patio to watch and I've already ordered a birthday cake to serve at that time!
I'm getting very excited. More than anyone else in the family that's coming with us. two of our 4 adult children are coming with us and staying in disney til Jan. 2. On jan. 1st hubby and I leave for a 7 day cruise to relax after the hectic week in disney.
How long were you in Disney for?

Well, I look foward to more of your review and photos!
have a great day!
And Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!!! lol

Debbie

 

[ScrappyRN]

Thanks for answering. It seems that a lot of people have success with the canon camers. I think that's what i'll be looking for before we go on our trip. I have a kodak and it really doesn't take great photos.

Thanks for the tip about the birthday badge. His birthday is Jan. 1st and that is the day we are leaving but they already have it noted on our reservations that this is a birthday and anniversary trip. I've got a ressie for Rose and Crown Pub on New years eve at 10 pm and illuminations start at 11;45 pm so we're hoping to get a spot on the patio to watch and I've already ordered a birthday cake to serve at that time!
I'm getting very excited. More than anyone else in the family that's coming with us. two of our 4 adult children are coming with us and staying in disney til Jan. 2. On jan. 1st hubby and I leave for a 7 day cruise to relax after the hectic week in disney.
How long were you in Disney for?

Well, I look foward to more of your review and photos!
have a great day!
And Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!!! lol

Debbie

Debbie we were ther a week and DS and I go back for a week in Nov. without DH. Thanks for reading, have a great trip in Dec. and I wish I was cruising after Disney!

 

[ScrappyRN]

So DS is supposed to be starting school today but we went here instead

It was a beautiful morning, but again we missed rope drop. We did a few photopass shots before heading here to get FP

Line was already over 30 minutes for TSM so we went her after getting FP

Fun attraction that we hadn't done in a few years. Really pushing the upcoming Tron movie in advertising.
Next we went to ride ST. This would be our last ride before the new upgrade. DS decided he didn't want to be a Jedi today(he has been one multiple times on previous trips) so I tried to get the boys to do Muppets, but they declined, didn't want to do Indy, or AI. What is wrong with them? So we headed over to the animation building to see these guys

I wanted to do the drawing class, but didn't want to wait the 20 min. for the next class. So we headed here for lunch

We all had pizza, DS loves it here, but I wish we could try something else for counter service at HS for a change. Then we killed a few minutes before our FP time on TSM

The FP return time was wrong on the screen, we had a return time around 1230. So we entered TSM and DS has a loose tooth that he is dying to pull. We wanted him to wait until we got back to the room, but he wasn't having it, so he pulled his tooth.

DS rode with DH and I rode alone. Love this ride, fun for the whole family. Next we went to see Woody

Then a ride on TGMR, love the montage of films at the end, but we always get the gangster side and it gets old after awhile!
Now we asked DS about ToT, and he says maybe later. So DH heads to room while DS and I go to take the drawing class before heading to the room for a rest and swim before dinner.
LOVED LOVED LOVED the class and DS felt the same. First we drew Jiminy Cricket and DS loved it so much we went back for the next class and drew Carl from Up. DS did really well for his age, they go quick and he followed right along. In the first class we sat in separate rows, so he had no help from me. He thought his drawing was aweful of Jiminy, but it was really good for a 9 y.o. While in line for the 2nd class we talked with a fmily and they all made a fuss about how good he did, so that boosted his spirits(don't know why he didn't believe me). So thanks to the nice family!

So once again before leaving HS I asked about ToT and he declined again! I really don't want to ride it, but when he's ready I'll suck it up and go.

UP NEXT- Dinner 50's style and will we see Fantasmic?

 

[Purpleblanket]

So DS is supposed to be starting school today but we went here instead

Wow.... this was much more fun than going to school!!!

Debbie

 

[ScrappyRN]

So I don't remember if we actually swam once we got back to the lodge, but we had 6pm ressie at 50's PTC. We hadn't eaten here since DS was 3, and it didn't disappoint. We started with drinks in the lounge. I had my favorite, Magical Star. DH, beer and DS wanted nothing right now.

Once seated, we looked over the menu and our cousin Quinn had DS set the table.

I got meatloaf, DH the fried chicken(it was outstanding), and DS mac and cheese. Well DS thought the mac and cheese was too cheesey and wouldn't eat. So DH and I are getting mad at him because he needs to eat something, so Quinn asked him what was wrong and then she returned with a bowl of plain noodles with butter. That made his day because he eats that 5 out of 7 nights a week! THANK YOU QUINN!
We found out that the family behind us was from NJ about 20 minutes from us. I really seem to be finding alot of Jerseyians this trip. And once dessert came we had the best Birthday song rendition by Quinn and another server, I think her name was Mandy. They were loud, off key and giving it their all!!( hilarious)

I had the caramel sundae and DH had the sugar free cheesecake(which was really good)
Quinn offered us cocktails to go, I declined but I think DH took her up on a to go beer. After dinner I wanted to see Fantasmic, DH did not. DS decided next trip he may try ToT, so DH went to the room and DS and I went to try to see Fantasmic. It was about 730p, show was at 8. So of course there were no seats left. So I gave DS the option of sitting for an hour to wait for the second Fantasmic or doing something else. He decided that he could watch Fantasmic on you tube later and he wanted to go draw. The last few times we haven't stayed in HS after dark and we hadn't seen Fantasmic in 5 years, but this was ok with me.

So we ended up doing 3 drawing classes back to back, DS would've done a fourth but I told him they were closing! Plus there was only that 1 class left before park closing. We drew Eeyore, Buzz and Pluto. Here's DS with his Pluto

Good for a just turned 9 y.o., don't ya think? So we headed out after that with a quick pick first

When we got back to the room, I grabbed my mug and told the boys I was getting coffee. I did do that, but stopped at the desk to see if they had something special for DS's tooth. They gave me a nice tooth box and I asked if they had some mickey confetti or something I could leave because he thinks Tink gets the teeth at WDW. So they went in the back and brought out a bag of pins for me to choose one to leave, and of course some stickers. Gotta love the custermer service of WDW.
So DS puts his tooth in the box before bed

and hopes that Tink will find his tooth!


UP NEXT_ Did Tink make a visit? Will we like Blizzard Beach?

 

[mickeystoontown]

Just wanted you to know that I am still reading along. We had a death in the family and I was behind a little but am now caught up again.

How sweet of the Disney castmember to give you a tooth box and pin for your son! Disney customer service at its' best.

 

[ScrappyRN]

Just wanted you to know that I am still reading along. We had a death in the family and I was behind a little but am now caught up again.

How sweet of the Disney castmember to give you a tooth box and pin for your son! Disney customer service at its' best.

Sorry to hear of your lose. Thanks for reading again. Tami

 

[Purpleblanket]

Prime Time Cafe looks like so much fun!

We have an ADR here for one night of our visit.
Can't wait!!

Debbie

 

[mickeystoontown]

Sorry to hear of your lose. Thanks for reading again. Tami

Thanks so much. I'm trying to get caught up with all of my subscriptions. Reading about Disney sure does help.

 

[ScrappyRN]

So we got to sleep in a little on Fri. because Blizzard Beach opens at 10 A. DS was happy that Tink found his tooth and left him this

We got to BB right around 10 and found a nice shaded spot by the Training Patrol Area that was just right for DS. DS was so excited to be at a water park. Originally the plan was to go to TL, I thought DS would like the wave pool and swimming with the sharks there, but DS insisted on BB and I'm glad he did. We had a blast. DS loved the zip line and Patrol area. He could do the things by his self and DH and I could see him, so we got to relax a little. I did do the tube ride with DS in that area.

So after a bit, the 3 of us took the ski lift up and did the family raft ride(we had to wait for another small family to join us because they want 4 people per raft.) We got a photopass shot at the end that I'll post later. Next up were2 rides on Runoff Rapids. First time me alone and DS and DH together and the second we switched and I rode with DS. So much fun, I felt like a kid again. Then we took a trip around the lazy river and headed back to our chairs. DS played in the Patrol area and hooked up with another little boy for a playmate and around 1PM we got lunch at Lottawatta Lodge. I had the turkey sandwich special, DH a burger and DS a hot dog. The kids meals come in a bucket with a shovel, so cute. We had to force DS to get out of the water to eat, he was having so much fun.
After lunch we did a few rides on snow stormers and tobogan racers, each you use a mat to slide. It's just work having to go back up to the top each time, yes I'm getting old! Then we let DS play some more and about 3PM we decided to head back to the lodge for a nap and shower before our 715P ressie at the Wave.

We had never eaten at the Wave, but it had gotten mostly good reviews, so I was excited to try. We took the boat from WL to the CR. Stopped for a few photos before heading in

The food was excellent. I had the pasta and seafood, DS you guessed it had noodles and butter and DH had beef tenderloin. Of course I had a magical star to go along with dinner. Dessert was good, but can't remember which I had. DS had a sundae that he decorated very nicely after a Birthday song.

After dinner we took the bus to DTD so DS could score a few more Lego mini characters. The Lego worker gave us a hint as to how to find the Vampire he so wanted, and it worked!!!!!
When we got back to the room I had to start packing because the next day was our last.

UP NEXT- Will the magic conitue on until the end?