March 2012: The Year I Almost Survived Spring Break

[Moodyzblu]

Great pics ! I was lucky enough to see most of the fairy stuff last year .. But with my 3 boys this year, I had to boycott. Geesh I need a girl !!

 

[Rapunzel]

Hi! I just started reading your TR! I'm a huge nerd too and also play WoW!

Your daughter is so pretty and your sons eyelashes...gorgeous!!! Back to read some more!

 

[Lidian]

My pics are not date stamped and since my laptop crashed the detail info does not show up on my iPad but according to our receipt for breakfast we started heading over to Epcot from YC about 8:45. I have to look at my pics for that day too and see if maybe I caught you.
.

According to time stamps, we were in the Butterfly House from 10:31 - 10:37. Wow, I thought we were in there longer. It was around 9:30 before we even arrived. Sigh. My pic of Kouga and Akki was stamped at 9:28. Perhaps we ran into each other at some other point in the day and didn't realize it?

Well, I posted on FB when I think we are going so hope our dates cross. And can't wait to hear what resort you picked (we already know ours).

Love Figment...but you are right, the interactive area needs some work (it was so much better when it first opened).

Love all the flower pictures and the butterly area...very pretty.

I've not been back to FB to comment, but most likely, we'll be there the same time, or at least overlap. I'm still working out a few details, but if I get my way, we'll arrive 5/11 and leave 5/18.

Are you going "home" or to a new home for May? My money is on CSR, but anxious to hear what you're actually doing! (And if I'm wrong, please don't take my money. )

What was there when it first opened? Anything has to be better than what they currently have. The kids liked sending emails and playing with the invisible string instruments ... but even they felt it was ... bland.

Great pics ! I was lucky enough to see most of the fairy stuff last year .. But with my 3 boys this year, I had to boycott. Geesh I need a girl !!

I'm sorry that you were outnumbered! I'm glad you got to see it last year though! And got to see stuff this year via my pictures.

Hi! I just started reading your TR! I'm a huge nerd too and also play WoW!

Your daughter is so pretty and your sons eyelashes...gorgeous!!! Back to read some more!

Eeeep! So glad to have another nerd! Are you enjoying D3 right now? I had no intentions on getting it, but with the WoW AP, I couldn't refuse a free copy. What server and faction? My heart is Horde, but my allegiance is Alliance. We're on Scryers. Come say "hi" sometime!

Thanks for the compliments! I won't argue one bit with you!

 

[pharmjenn]

I love Figment, have since he first appeared at Epcot when I was a child. We visit each time (last 2006) but I honestly have no recollection of the ride or the interactive area.
I am impressed with your fairy knowledge. Having a boy, we haven't done any fairy watching or reading. Note to self: must brush up on fairies and princesses before summer trip.

 

[Lidian]

I love Figment, have since he first appeared at Epcot when I was a child. We visit each time (last 2006) but I honestly have no recollection of the ride or the interactive area.
I am impressed with your fairy knowledge. Having a boy, we haven't done any fairy watching or reading. Note to self: must brush up on fairies and princesses before summer trip.

DD loves the fairies! DS doesn't mind them either. So I'm pretty much swamped with fairies and princesses ... and just all things Disney.

If you want a fairy/princess buddy, come hang out with my DD. She'll give you the skinny on all things girly at WDW.

We enjoy the ride, the tune is catchy; the play area is LAME. I can count all the exhibits on one hand ... "computers" to send your family a Figment, the invisible harp thing, and the music instruments (you stand on the instrument and hear the sound). If there are any other exhibits, we totally couldn't find them.

 

[KatMark]

AKL Savannah View in Kidani for our 30th anniversary (we're hoping Mark and Alisha can come so we'll get a one-bedroom). Not sure when we'll be back to CSR--maybe 2014?

I don't remember exactly what they had in the interactive area, but they had more "audience participation" stuff and more things to play with.

 

[Lidian]

AKL Savannah View in Kidani for our 30th anniversary (we're hoping Mark and Alisha can come so we'll get a one-bedroom). Not sure when we'll be back to CSR--maybe 2014?

I don't remember exactly what they had in the interactive area, but they had more "audience participation" stuff and more things to play with.

I am so jealous! And please don't take my money, it's for our WDW trip.

We're still considering several resort options at the moment ... but I have it narrowed down real small. There are a couple of things I'm waiting on. As soon as I get those resolved, once 2013 packages are announced, I'm booking!

Hmm... wonder why they didn't keep that stuff? Sounds better than the lame stuff they currently have. Sigh.

 

[sjs314]

I looked thru the remainder of my Epcot pics for that day but did not see you. We had lunch at Le Cellier that day at 1:30, then went back to the resort.

I see you are planning on going in May next year. We have been the end of May into June and it was Hot and crowded. I think our trips from now on will be only late October thru early March, We just can not do the Heat like when we were younger.

After our Christmas trip this year I am hopeing to go for F&W in 2013.

 

[DMGeurts]

You know - you're a great friend and all - but I really wish you would tell me when you do an update to your TR... I nice friendly text will do. Especially, when you are writing about a day WHEN I AM WITH YOU!!!! ACK!!!!

OK - rant over...

I'm lovin' your pictures so far... The kids looked to cute in the fairy garden play area and in the Figment interactive area. The funny thing - is that we were totally following you... I keep looking at your pictures and we were RIGHT THERE behind you the entire day!!!

I can't wait until your next update... I wonder if you actually meet me???

D~

 

[KatMark]

I am so jealous! And please don't take my money, it's for our WDW trip.

I promise NOT to take your money.

 

[Rapunzel]

Eeeep! So glad to have another nerd! Are you enjoying D3 right now? I had no intentions on getting it, but with the WoW AP, I couldn't refuse a free copy. What server and faction? My heart is Horde, but my allegiance is Alliance. We're on Scryers. Come say "hi" sometime!

Thanks for the compliments! I won't argue one bit with you!

I didn't go for D3! Yes yes I know..my entire guild seems to be offline and my whole realID friends list is ALL on D3 but I couldn't possibly get sucked into another game!

I have a few 85's on Skullcrusher, then my guild moved to Mannoroth, so I have 2 85's there and I'm leveling a few others....all Alliance and almost all healers.

 

[Lidian]

I looked thru the remainder of my Epcot pics for that day but did not see you. We had lunch at Le Cellier that day at 1:30, then went back to the resort.

I see you are planning on going in May next year. We have been the end of May into June and it was Hot and crowded. I think our trips from now on will be only late October thru early March, We just can not do the Heat like when we were younger.

After our Christmas trip this year I am hopeing to go for F&W in 2013.

Keep an eye out for yourself in background pictures, in case I snagged one of you.

May is really the only time we can go next year. My Fall Break is so short (two days), so it's not worth it. I can't do Spring Break (too stressful). And I won't do summer (too hot and crowded). So May it is! We're looking at NO LATER than the first week of June ... but probably arrive on the 11th if I get my way!

I'd love to do F&W! Perhaps in 2014!

You know - you're a great friend and all - but I really wish you would tell me when you do an update to your TR... I nice friendly text will do. Especially, when you are writing about a day WHEN I AM WITH YOU!!!! ACK!!!!

OK - rant over...

I'm lovin' your pictures so far... The kids looked to cute in the fairy garden play area and in the Figment interactive area. The funny thing - is that we were totally following you... I keep looking at your pictures and we were RIGHT THERE behind you the entire day!!!

I can't wait until your next update... I wonder if you actually meet me???

D~

I'm sorry that I didn't text you. Do you really want texts at 3AM? Don't worry, next time I update my TR, regardless of time, I'll be sure to send you a text. Followed by a reminder every 5 minutes until you post on my TR.


You must have kept your distance. Was it DH's smelly feet?

And I can't wait to find out if we actually meet, too!! The suspense is killing me!

I promise NOT to take your money.

Huzzah!

I didn't go for D3! Yes yes I know..my entire guild seems to be offline and my whole realID friends list is ALL on D3 but I couldn't possibly get sucked into another game!

I have a few 85's on Skullcrusher, then my guild moved to Mannoroth, so I have 2 85's there and I'm leveling a few others....all Alliance and almost all healers.

Hey, I don't blame you at all for not wanting to shell out for the game. I wouldn't have purchased it ... but that said, it really is AWESOME! I'm totally loving it, but I've been playing with DH and guildies. And yes, my guild has been pretty vacant lately, as well. I didn't think I could get sucked into another game ... but I tried it. And since I got it with the WoW AP, I don't feel like I'm wasting time/money!

A fellow Healer!!! My main is a Holy Pally, followed by a Holy Priest, followed by a Restoration Shaman, followed by a Discipline Priest (yes, I have two priests). I also have a Frost Mage and Combat Rogue ... but they're more for professions than for actually playing. While my healers have a DPS spec, it was more for leveling and dailies ... they have no gear. Even my Holy Pally. I leveled her as a Shockadin before that got nerfed. I actually run my guild, Kouga is one of my officers. PM me if you decide to pay us a visit! I'll actually stop playing D3 long enough to say "hi". The only nights we're actually active are raid nights.

 

[Lidian]

We last left off with being hungry for lunch and anxious to meet up with D and Corrine. Let's see what happens next.


I had to stop and take a picture of the Donald and Daisy topiaries.

We passed Mexico and came up on Norway (one of my favorite pavilions).

I sent D a text saying I was just passing Norway. She replied back to "STOP", so I did. Right in the middle of the road. And it was just like in the cartoons. PILE UP! Kouga slammed into me, since he was not prepared for me to stop (and wasn't looking, as he was busy talking to DH). We all had a good laugh, but I obeyed. I stood there for several minutes and then turned around to see if I could even see D and her girls and Corrine. No one recognizable in sight. I text her back to let her know we were going to keep moving and we'd meet her in Japan. The boys decided they wanted Katsura Grill.

We walked, what I felt, was slow (but obviously my slow-walking is still speed-walking lol).

We passed China.

And then Germany.

We had to take a peek at the trains (it's one of DS's favorite things in all of EPCOT).

Then I saw the Snow White and Seven Dwarfs topiaries.

Over in Italy, I saw Lady & the Tramp! This was one of my favorite topiaries!

We passed by good ole USA and saw Buzz and Woody.

Lightning McQueen and Mater were hanging out in Japan!

According to time stamps, it took us roughly 13 minutes to get to Japan from Mexico. My legs were exhausted! We hung around the entrance of the pavilion while waiting for the girls to catch up.

The kids loved the Koi pond!

The girls were literally just a few minutes behind us. I think we waited less than five minutes before they all arrived and introductions were semi-made!

We made our way into Katsura Grill for lunch, taking over the big table in the middle of the quick-service restaurant! B'wahahahahaha! We had to wait a bit, I don't think they were really ready for guests, plus there was a few people in line ahead of us. No worries, as we couldn't decide what we wanted to eat!

After we ordered, got our food, and sat down, it was roughly 11:30. Not bad at all!

We compared FP tickets for Soarin, and found that if I went at the very end of my window and the girls went at the very beginning of theirs, we could all ride together! So a plan for Soarin was set! (I think my end time was her start time, it really was pushing it.)

Oh, foods! Yes, back on track. DH ordered the Tonosama Combo (beef, chicken, salmon).

For dessert, he ordered the Green Tea ice cream.

I ordered the California Roll and Tsukemen Combo (mixed greens, ramen noodles and shredded crab stick). Let me say, I did not care for the "salad". I didn't like anything about it. The noodles, the dressing, the crab. Nothing. I did nibble on it though and tried to taste it different ways (mixed, alone, lots of "dressing", little "dressing").

Tsukemen Salad:

California Rolls:

The rolls were okay. Nothing amazing, similar to what I'd get at my local grocery store. But they were edible and I enjoyed them (and would order the Cali rolls again).

For dessert, I had the Azuki ice cream (it was similar to a strawberry ice cream). IT WAS DELICIOUSLY AMAZING! Or was it amazingly delicious? Regardless, I wanted MORE! YUM!

Kouga had something. Not sure what it was though. If I was to give an educated guess, I'd think it was the Japanese Curry Rice with Miso Soup.

And yes, he took this picture FOR me. He never asked why I was taking pictures of food all week (nor last year), and he was happy to let me take pictures of his food!

Akki enjoyed the ... well ... he enjoyed something with noodles. Udon, perhaps?

Not sure why he just has one chopstick in his bowl ... but okay! lol

Actually, I just zoomed in and saw his receipt. He had hot sake and Tempura Shrimp Udon! Sadly, no sign of a receipt on Kouga's tray. lol

DS enjoyed the Teriyaki Chicken kid's meal.

DD loved the Tokyo Sushi Combo (4 pcs. California Roll and 3 pcs. Nigiri).

My two kiddos didn't want to have anything to do with me (or DH). They were crazy over D's girls, and thus insisted on sitting in-between them! I snapped some pics of DS trying to use his chopsticks (he's sitting next to D's girl V, and you can see her amazing manicure in these!). Enjoy!

Chopsticks are to be used with two hands!

And my goofy little man enjoying his cookie!

Overall, we love Katsura Grill and would totally go back! (I just won't get the salad again, just wasn't my style.) The kids enjoyed it! However, I think they enjoyed D's girls more than the food!

Corrine had purchased a new iPhone 4 case for me at her local store, so she had that for me in Japan. While dining, I tried to snap on my new case ... the AMAZING Evil Queen! However, the case was defective and didn't want to stay on very well. It just needed to be bent back into place -- but still totally worth it. I enjoyed eating lunch with the girls (D, her girls, and Corrine)! It was the highlight of my day ... getting to enjoy good food with good people! D's girls were just amazing! They are great with kids and jumped right in to help them with whatever they needed. How I love them so! (And miss them like crazy!) I've been trying to get D to let me adopt them ... but she's a bit attached to them. Sigh. Maybe tomorrow. lol

So now that our tummies were full, what were we to do next? Stay tuned for "The Pocky-Beast strikes!"

 

[KatMark]

YES!!!! Another DIS meet -- they are so fun. Looks like the kids were really enjoying themselves.

I love all your photos of the topiaries (I can't wait to see them for the first time ever myself next year).

 

[solana131]

And I can't wait to find out if we actually meet, too!! The suspense is killing me!

You guys are too funny!

Huzzah!

See...told you it was you


I'm with you....we all love Figment and Living with the Land. I hate that Figment gets ragged on, what's not to love?? Little purple dragon, fun song, black light?? I agree the old version was better, but its still pretty darn good.

And I'm so jealous of your F&G pics Love all the fairies! I am making Dani go meet them in July. I hope they still have the big fairy meet and greet now that the new Brave movie is coming out. Hmmm....might have to look into that.

 

[Lidian]

YES!!!! Another DIS meet -- they are so fun. Looks like the kids were really enjoying themselves.

I love all your photos of the topiaries (I can't wait to see them for the first time ever myself next year).

I totally love DISmeets! Fingers are crossed I'll have some in May!

Kathy, they are amazing! This is the second time we've been blessed to see them! I love how skillful the CMs are at creating so many, so beautiful topiaries!! (For the record, I have more topiary pictures! B'wahahahaha!)

You guys are too funny!

See...told you it was you

I'm with you....we all love Figment and Living with the Land. I hate that Figment gets ragged on, what's not to love?? Little purple dragon, fun song, black light?? I agree the old version was better, but its still pretty darn good.

And I'm so jealous of your F&G pics Love all the fairies! I am making Dani go meet them in July. I hope they still have the big fairy meet and greet now that the new Brave movie is coming out. Hmmm....might have to look into that.

I can't help it if you find me funny. It's not my fault!

I wish I had seen the old version ... so I could compare ... but all I have is what's currently rocking the parks.

From what I understand, Brave moves into where Rapunzel was greeting and she is getting moved to another location. The fairies are in ... Adventureland, I believe. I know we walked past the building and the wait was pretty nasty. I think it was near where Ariel was meeting, IIRC. I can't see them getting rid of the Fairies! There's NO WAY they'd be that crazy. Can't wait to see your pics!!! Just be prepared for a lengthy wait (we waited 2 hours in 2009 when they were in the tent behind Mickey's house ~ but it was the only thing DD requested to do all week, and it was worth it!).

 

[solana131]

Just be prepared for a lengthy wait (we waited 2 hours in 2009 when they were in the tent behind Mickey's house ~ but it was the only thing DD requested to do all week, and it was worth it!).

I'm hoping with Brave being so new that most of the lines will go there and leave some breathing room for the other Meet & Greets.

Oh, and I forgot to comment about the meal.....Green Tea ice cream?? Yum....that sounds really good. Did he like it? Yours looked good too. I'll make Dani get that and I'll get the Green Tea and we can share

 

[Lidian]

I'm hoping with Brave being so new that most of the lines will go there and leave some breathing room for the other Meet & Greets.

Oh, and I forgot to comment about the meal.....Green Tea ice cream?? Yum....that sounds really good. Did he like it? Yours looked good too. I'll make Dani get that and I'll get the Green Tea and we can share

Well, I think all characters are going to have stupid long lines during your stay. Just be prepared, or make a plan to hit them early when they open, during the parade, etc.

DH loved the Green Tea ice cream. I did try it, and it was really good! However, I loved my Azuki ice cream more! If they had been out of Azuki ice cream, I wouldn't hesitate to order the Green Tea!

 

[DMGeurts]

I swear, if you just would have turned your camera a teeny-tiny smidge that direction, you would have included Corri and I (and the girls) in every picture - we were truly right there behind you. It's just that some of us have short legs...

Honestly, my girls love your kiddos so much - and they are so upset with me that they most likely won't see them on our next trip. Thank you for all the compliments on them... don't be surprised if I text you one day this summer to let you know they are on their way.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day. I am sure you tell it a lot more interesting than I did. LOL

D~

 

[Lidian]

I swear, if you just would have turned your camera a teeny-tiny smidge that direction, you would have included Corri and I (and the girls) in every picture - we were truly right there behind you. It's just that some of us have short legs...

Honestly, my girls love your kiddos so much - and they are so upset with me that they most likely won't see them on our next trip. Thank you for all the compliments on them... don't be surprised if I text you one day this summer to let you know they are on their way.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day. I am sure you tell it a lot more interesting than I did. LOL

D~

You can't use the short-leg route ... you've seen me! I think we're the same height. (You may have an inch on me. )

My door is open and ready for them to come knocking!

I truly wish we could make it work for a trip together next year. I just don't think I can handle the Spring Break crowds ... especially with my course load over the next few semesters. I really wish there was a way you could work a May trip into your schedule ... but perhaps we can get together in 2014 for a Fall trip? I guess it will depend on if I can take off work, since hopefully I'll have a nice Accounting job!

I'm not so sure I can tell the rest of the day as well as you did. And it's not like it's a surprise to our join readers. They all know we drank around the world and the kids had to carry us back to our rooms.