Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[brookelizabeth]

3 days late and you are on page 14. Sigh.

Great intro, I can't wait to see how it plays out. Your epcot eats makes me want to try the Cantina in a big way, it looks like a vast improvement over the previous iteration, looking at those tacos made me hungry!!!!!!!!! Of course it could also be due to the fact I've not eaten yet today.

The tacos were delicious! We will be eating there again for sure. Another good eats in Epcot. Now if they could only get a couple true winners in DHS!

Mmmm the Cantina looks yummy!! I do love some good Mexican food I think we are eating at La Hacienda in May.

And I lovvvvvvvvvvvve black and whites!!! I am partial to the chocolate...but I will eat the white if forced

Oh and I added to my apple collection this week and received the new white iPad LOVE IT!

Tracy

I really want to try La Hacidena now that we have done the CS. I've heard so many great things about it.

Black & whites are delicious, aren't they? I had a mini one from Starbucks today.

Is the white one the new iPad2? Joe played with an iPad2 the other day and he wanted it instantly...of course!

Lots of people giving La Cantina the now - and you can add us onto the list of people who are planning on trying it out thanks to your TR

We're staying at YC in August and really glad to hear how convenient you found it with the stroller. The girls will just have turned 2 and 4 and we've got a 10 day trip planned so looking forward to lots of opportunities to stroll around the world showcase, etc. How was the walk to the studios? We've visited the Boardwalk area from Epcot but the walk to the studios will be something new for us.

The walk to the Studios isn't bad at all. About 15 from the BW, so about 20 from the YC. The boat ride is wonderful too-and they don't require you to fold up your strollers on those boats! So anyway you go, it's easy with a stroller. I LOVED this area, and BLT area, with a little one. The buses have never really bothered me, until I had the luxury of not having to deal with them!

New to your TR and can't wait to read more - just penciled La Cantina in for a QS meal on one of our Epcot days, thanks to your delicious looking dinner!

I hope you enjoy La Cantina as much as we did! It was soooo yummy!

Subscribing!

Thank you for reading!!

Yum! Yum! I love me so me Mexican grub. We will have to try this in the future. The location sound fabulous too. I know people use to complain about the birds being to close at the old place, how was it here?

I don't recall having any bird issues there at all -- great question! I cannot recall, but was there a covering over the tables at the old setup? All the tables have a sort of covering (if I remember correctly), and I wonder if that helps...

We ate over in the UK later in the trip and I swear one of those birds were going to swipe my food right off my plate!

Awesome updates Brook! Henry is as cute as ever and I love the pic of him in the car with all his winter gear on!

So did that creepy spaghettio clown face slide miss you at all?? What's his name, Greg or George, something with a "G".

Looks like Henry knows the routine pretty well...first thing you do when you enter a Disney hotel room, jump on the bed, yay!

Gorgeous night time boardwalk pics!

Yikes, La Cantina looked like wall to wall people! I agree, the decor is gorgeous and I'm glad you snagged a table. Those churros! Oh the sweet cinnamony goodness! They looked delish.

Looking forward to the next installment!

George! I still saw him...I have a pic later. Muahahaha!

It was totally wall to wall people! It was craZy in there. But worth the hassle. I could seriously go for one of those tacos right now!

I came looking for the latest Brook TR and I found it!!!

Hi Brook - better late than never! I followed you on FB but it's so fun to read the actual TR because I just love yours....

Like many others - I love the picture of Henry on the bus looking out the window - priceless! I'm craving Mexican now! Hmm, might be headed there for dinner tonight! lol

Can't wait for more...

Heather

Glad you found me!!! No worries, you haven't missed much of anything. I meant to get an update in here already, but time has escaped me lately.

Thank you so much for the kind words on the TR! I love writing them and sharing the magic.

I think am going to be craving Mexican for days after replying to these comments!

 

[hannahsmom7]

Glad you found me here!!! Thank you for reading!

Congratulations on the little one! That is probably about the only GOOD reason to cancel a Disney trip.

I love the name Jack. Henry has a buddy named Jack, and Joe and I discussed that name as an option before he was born. I am really surprised that Henry's red hair has stuck around since day one! I hope it stays - and that he likes it when he grows up. It gets him a TON of attention! (which hopefully doesn't go to his head. )

I agree, definitely the only good reason to cancel a Disney trip! I knew having a baby in combination with a 3 yr old and another child would be too much. And now she is about as un-easy going as they come and will NOT sit in a stroller, let alone wait in a line. She'll be a bit over 3 when we go.

I love Jack's name too, but was so hesitant to use it b/c it's so popular around here. I'm glad we did though . Jack used to get so much attention for his red hair AND curls, both of which have mostly disappeared. I had to post a pic of him for you though b/c some of your Henry pics remind me of him so much:

Just finally made it through your last TR too and can't wait to hear more about this one .

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

eeeek! I can't believe I have only just found your report!!!
But very excited to have 3 updates to read already!
Can't wait for more now!
xxx

 

[brookelizabeth]

You meal looks guuuuuud!

I think I would have went with what you ordered!

I will leave it at that considering you have 4 pages of responses to do!

Thanks Tim!

Hi Brook! I am finally on board here! We just got back from spring break in the OBX. Your first night in the magic is looking good, especially the Mexican food!
You have some darling pictures already of Henry, he is a cutie! He has that Disney sparkle in his eyes!

Glad you found me! I would ask how your trip to the OBX was, but I'm guessing it was pretty wonderful. I've only seen pictures...and oh my... I think I need to go there sometime!! So beautiful.

Joining in! Need to go back and catch up, now.

Thanks for joining me here too!

Wow...14 pages. This is humming right along!

Thank goodness for the links. Oh, how I LOVE links!

That photo of Henry on the plane with the Bose headphones and the ipad is priceless. You do, however, know what you are doing, don't you??? I can't even imagine what is going to be on his Christmas wish list by the time he is 8!

Yay...another fan of Mexico counterservice. I think we are quite scarce in numbers, but even the haters come out of the woodwork to get those 8:30pm tables, don't they?

On a solo trip a few years ago I finished my conference and was doing some solo evening touring at Epcot. I figured as just one person it wouldn't be overly difficult to find somewhere to sit and eat my taco at 8:30pm. Afterall, it didn't need to be a table. A bench, a ledge, heck, even a curb would have sufficed. Obviously I had thought wrong. There was absolutely nothing left. I had to eat my meal trying to juggle my tray, drink and taco plate all while standing up. What a score if you can snag one of those waterfront tables....I am sure they must go at 8pm.

I am intringued by your title and so looking forward to hearing how all the compromises play into the trip. And super excited that this time I can follow one of your reports in actual time!

Glad you like the links! I know I use those on various reports too - they can be very handy!

Oh, I know, I know. He already has called the iPad HIS. Joe and I quickly correct him....but I don't think it really helps much. The kid is bound to want all the latest techy gadgets since Joe and I do - and we often find extra pennies to buy the ones we really want! LOL And all those things keep getting more and more expensive.

There are haters of the new Mexico counterservice??? Really? What is there not to like? YUM! I really haven't read reviews of it, but I'm very surprised to hear there are haters! (and yes, everyone and their Momma comes out at 8:30 for those tables! LOL) I didn't realize the old CS there was equally as popular for tables in the evening. Makes sense though! And now with the new design, part of the dining area is over the water, so I bet it's even MORE popular.

How awful that you had to juggle your tray and all that to eat. UGH! I would have ended up with sauce all over me!

Our trip was full of compromise...for both Joe and I...and it worked out to us both having a fully satisfied and enjoyable trip. I'd say slightly more to him than me - so we need to adjust a tad more...but overall, it was pretty darn perfect in that respect. I think we are just going to have to do two week vacations from here on out.

 

[Stasieki]

Hey there!!! Glad you found me!! It was great meeting you!! Are you doing a TR?

Don't think I'm doing one this time, but I am slowly liking the idea of doing one. I think in the past, I've been scared I would abandon and I don't like not finishing things I start. A little bit of OCD

 

[brookelizabeth]

I absolutely LOVED how excited Henry got when you told him it was the day!! Loved the dancing! He was adorable! He was going to leave without you.

Great bus mojo, even though you didn't get a real ME bus. I LOVE the pictures of the Boardwalk, makes me so happy we decided to stay there in December.

The new Mexico restaurant looked great, wow it was packed. The food looked good, can't get Bill to go there though. I can't wait to read more about your trip.

He was ready to leave without us! I can't even count how many times he asked to go before the car showed up. It was unending!

I hope you guys will love the Boardwalk - I could easily stay there again, and again, and again and not get tired of it. I miss the music and the vibe of it all.

Bill isn't big on Mexican? You might have to pick that up for yourself and get him whatever he wants.

How could I have forgotten----Mexico for dinner! I commented on FB when you posted and we cant wait to eat there again! Quick question on the tacos....looks like its not ground beef, are they made with shredded roast beef? I am thinking i may have to try these in 66 days!!!!

I'm not certain it's roast beef - or what kind of beef, but it's definitely shredded. I honestly didn't pay too close of attention to what kind of beef it is, I was too busy shoving it in my mouth. They are awesome though! I smothered mine with the pico and a bit of salsa.

Okay, that video of Henry realizing he was going to see Mickey that day just made my morning! Such cuteness! I love how he gradually gets more and more excited until he has the suitcase at the front door! LOL!

I remember seeing the picture of Henry grinning on ME on Facebook -- loved it then, and love it now! That smile says it all!

La Cantina was crowded! The food looks delicious especially your beef tacos!

I think he was in shock the first couple minutes. He had been asking when "the day" was for about a week straight - so when it actually came it took a minute for it to sink in! LOL

La Cantina was a mad house. It's craZy in there. Maybe it will calm down some after it's not so brand new...but with that spot for Illuminations, I'm thinking anything close to 9 pm will be nutty.

I am following along! I read your last trip report and pre trip report. Henry is adorable.

Thank you! And

How did I miss this? Going back to read and catch up.

Glad you found me!!!!

Hi Brook, I finally made it... looking forward to your two weeks adventure!

Hey there! I have to catch up over on your report too. I'm still sooooo far behind. I got a certain postcard yesterday in the mail - Henry shrieked when he saw it. THANK YOU!! I can't wait to read about it!

YUM! This is going on my list for next trip... I love the churro/sword picture so cute!

It's really very good. I know we can get most of what is available in the World Showcase out our front door (and it often is better AND cheaper!) living where we live, but I have to rate these tacos right there up with some of our good local joints.

I am SO craving this right now. Ugh!

Looks like some yumminess was had in Epcot. We ate there in Dec and thought it was good!! Love me some cheese sause!!

I really liked the cheese sauce with the chips too. I don't let myself have that too often - or chips - being on WW, but MAN, I love it so!

I agree, definitely the only good reason to cancel a Disney trip! I knew having a baby in combination with a 3 yr old and another child would be too much. And now she is about as un-easy going as they come and will NOT sit in a stroller, let alone wait in a line. She'll be a bit over 3 when we go.

I love Jack's name too, but was so hesitant to use it b/c it's so popular around here. I'm glad we did though . Jack used to get so much attention for his red hair AND curls, both of which have mostly disappeared. I had to post a pic of him for you though b/c some of your Henry pics remind me of him so much:

Just finally made it through your last TR too and can't wait to hear more about this one .

WHAT A CUTIE! Red hair AND curls. Henry's hair used to curl a tad bit, but lately it's been very straight...which is surprising because Joe and I both have curly/wavy hair. Then again, he obviously didn't get his hair directly from us.

I can very much see the resemblance between the two boys!!

eeeek! I can't believe I have only just found your report!!!
But very excited to have 3 updates to read already!
Can't wait for more now!
xxx

Glad you found me!!!! More coming SOON! (finally!)

Don't think I'm doing one this time, but I am slowly liking the idea of doing one. I think in the past, I've been scared I would abandon and I don't like not finishing things I start. A little bit of OCD

Ahhh, I understand! I didn't finish my very first one and it still bugs me. I always mean to finish it on a PTR, but that never seems to work out either. Someday.

They are really fun to write! And it's wonderful to look back and read the little stories. I'm completely hooked on doing them. Even if it takes 6 months to write about 5 days. LOL!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hey there! I have to catch up over on your report too. I'm still sooooo far behind. I got a certain postcard yesterday in the mail - Henry shrieked when he saw it. THANK YOU!! I can't wait to read about it!

Good to know that they (there are a few more on their way...) made it across the Atlantic! I guessed that you should be one of the first to get theirs!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off after finishing our yummy meal at the new La Cantina.

On our walk over to Mexico, Henry had spied one of the light up glow carts selling it's goods before Illuminations, and he saw a young child with a glowing sword.

Put two and two together - and yep - he wanted one!

After we finished up at La Cantina he was still itchin' for a sword, so I asked him if he wanted fireworks or sword and a ride?

I obviously wanted to get my ride on.

He picked sword!!

But, first things first - a quick stop at the Baby Care Center..which I am ECSTATIC to report that we will not need diapers on our next trip because Henry is almost completely potty trained!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay - I have to share this, because many of you know my woes with potty training. Last Monday Henry started to show some signs of willingness to potty train...he would actually sit on the potty and even went in it once...which was a complete change from last time we tried. I was taking this bull by the horns and running with it - fully thinking it would result in a day of exhaustion and frustration like the many, many times before. But, all well, I'm half crazy, let's go for it! A week ago today we had "boot camp potty training" an entire day dedicated to it. Lots of juice, WAY more than I ever give him, and glass after glass of milk - along with a bazillion little treats for successful attempts were readied. The boy wasn't allowed to wear pants until he at least tried - and he DESPISES not having pants on. Some tears were shed, but he got it. Again and again and again. He ROCKED that potty!

Since then things have only gotten better. He has had a few accidents (maybe 4?) and is even staying dry through the night. He is already telling me when he has to go, I don't hardly have to ask him anymore and it's only been a week! He is rockin' the little potty chair AND the big potties - even in public. And he's loving it all. He WANTS to do it. It's AMAZING! I am still in awe and a bit of disbelief and wonder when he does it all.

Okay - side note over - I just had to share it, we've been through countless attempts at potty training, it's seriously incredible that it's about done. I can't believe I can even say that.

Back to Disney World! We were in the Baby Care Center...

He thought this water station was very cool.

Info pic for anyone that might need it! The Baby Care centers are very nice. The only one we haven't been in is DHS. They have a TV with cartoons, toys out, high chairs, nursing areas, changing areas, baby needs for sale and are staffed by great CMs.

Back outside we went straight to a glow cart where the little man got his goods!

And just an FYI - these carts only take cash.

Now it's ride time...Soarin' or Test Track?

"Test Track!" came the reply from the stroller - so off we went to our first ride of the trip! It didn't surprise me one iota that he chose Test Track as his first ride, it was a favorite from September.

"My" fountain was dancing, which put a HUGE grin on my face.

I cannot get enough of this fountain!

Ahhhh, I can hear the music now. The little purple whirly dob things are gone now. During our trip only the one set of them were down, but I've read they are all gone now and rumor has it the tarp will soon disappear too. I personally like the triangle tarp thing, but I've never known Epcot without...so we'll see!

Henry ran over to the measuring stick, even though we told him he didn't have to.

Yay! Plenty tall enough! The CM here did measure him, but I think this was the ONLY time of the entire trip happened. Otherwise they would usher him right in.

That chick threw the collision test in there as a "surprise"! Tsk, tsk!

No lines! Woot!

Ready to ride!!!

Henry was so excited for the ride, he kept talking about all the different tests and rooms that you go through and was completely over dramatic when we went over the bumps and through the hot and cold rooms. It was hilarious - he was acting out what we do at home when we YouTube it.

Then we got to the lap outside. He LOVED this in September, but it completely freaked him out this time. Joe and I always put our arms criss cross over him, and he grabbed onto us so tight! He didn't say anything about it this time, so we didn't realize how scared he was until later in the trip...

Into the after show we went.

Uggggggggggggggggggh! Cars + little boys = 17 hours in the after show.

Joe laid down the lay with Henry though, he knew I didn't like just walking around cars for 45 minutes and was about to high tail it over to Mouse Gear. I was grateful. Henry was allowed to sit in 3 cars and then we'd be going. I can handle that!

After we left the Test Track building Illuminations was over and WHOA! serious crowds. We walked against the flow, with a stroller, attempting to make our way to the International Gateway...but it wasn't working. We eventually just stopped and waited it out.

I didn't mind. I'll stay in Epcot.

Within a few minutes we were on our way again and quickly we found ourselves here

Standing there, overlooking this beautiful resort area, I remember being giddy. Our trip was just starting, it was really happening! I was in Disney World!!!!! (and how I miss it now!)

Back in our room we opened our door to find our luggage! LOVE THAT.

Before we called it a night, I did some unpacking while Joe gave Henry a bath and got him ready for bed. A bath is a big highlight for Henry each trip since we don't have a bathtub at home. We bring bath toys and he spends at least 45 minutes in there splashing around.

I went down to the Boardwalk Bakery at some point and wanted to get the new mugs since they were included with our QSDP for that night, but they still had the old ones out....hopefully they would show up the next day, I really wanted a new one!

Back in the room I was having a dilemma. I had been trying, without success, to formulate a plan for us to be able to run over to the Hess Station to pick up milk and other needs before we were off to MK in the morning. We had planned on running to Hess on our arrival day, but the delayed flight changed those plans. So, here I was laying awake in bed trying to figure something out - talking out loud about it and completely irritating Joe who didn't understand why we needed a plan for it at all.

Ahhh, marriage. Two completely different people trying to make life work.

I wanted a plan because we had a 10:30 appointment for Henry's hair cut and I wanted to get to MK before that even so we could hit a Fantasyland ride or two. I didn't want to have to think about getting milk in the morning, or sit around twiddling our thumbs in the AM, only to have to rush to the park for the appointment.

Joe just wanted to fly by the seat of his pants, figuring it would work out.



After we spoke, Joe compromised a bit and we figured out a plan. He understood my point of view, and I understood his. And we found a plan that satisfied us both. Right away in the morning Joe would get ready and go get milk at the Screen Door shop down on the Boardwalk. Everything else that we wanted to purchase could wait until we made it to Hess...whenever that would be!

Up Next: Clang, clang, clang went the trolley!

 

[stayhomemom77]

I'm in!! I ADORED the "not so creepy clown" TR and it is for that reason alone that I am now willing to book our next vacation at the Boardwalk!

So, I thank you, my family thanks you and I can't wait to hear more about your marriage TR!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Good to know that they (there are a few more on their way...) made it across the Atlantic! I guessed that you should be one of the first to get theirs!

I like being this close!! In my head it makes my hopes of traveling in Europe someday more of a possibility.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm in!! I ADORED the "not so creepy clown" TR and it is for that reason alone that I am now willing to book our next vacation at the Boardwalk!

So, I thank you, my family thanks you and I can't wait to hear more about your marriage TR!!

Thank you for reading! And thank you for the compliment! I enjoy sharing these reports so much, I wish I could dedicate even more time to it all.

I hope you enjoy the Boardwalk as much as we do. I could stay there again and again and not get sick of it.

 

[dawnbu40]

for the potty training progress!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful first evening! I love the pictures of the Boardwalk area at night! Those resorts are all so gorgeous!

 

[AprilRenee]

just finished reading your Not so Creepy Clown TR and I'm excited to hear about this next trip!
Might go read some of your older TRs later on...I really enjoy your writing style!

 

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

First and foremost, let me congratulate you on the potty training. It is not something I have personally had to deal with(other than myself and I don't really remember that! ) but I can only imagine the woes that come with diaper changing and accidents, so I'm sure this is a big milestone for everyone on your end.

Now back to Disney!

Sounds like a perfect way to start your trip, a relaxing night in Epcot! But ooohhh boy, poor Henry wasn't as into Test Track this time? I'll have a 5 and a 7 year old with me on my May trip, I would like them to try Test Track but I hope I don't freak them out!

That really is such a gorgeous area. I think I'll just move there and live there foreverrr...

 

[chloe770]

Yeah for potty training bootcamp! That's how we did it too.
Good call on the sword and ride combo .
Funny that Henry was scared on Test track after loving it so much last trip. It seems the older they get the more they start to think about things. Jack's favorite ride when he was 3 was TT. Now , I couldn't pay him to ride it.

 

[SoonerGirl]

WTG Henry with the potty training! Isn't it an awesome feeling to be able to leave the diaper bag at home?!

I wonder if the outside loop on TT bothered him this time because it was dark outside? Of course, I remember my boys at that age suddenly becoming scared of something that never bothered them before, it's baffling trying to figure out how their little brains work!

The Boardwalk looks so beautiful at night

 

[mickeystoontown]

So happy to hear that Henry is almost fully potty trained now. Way to go big boy! Your potty training boot camp is much like the one they had at the daycare my children attended and I continued when they came home for the day. I was so happy that the daycare helped with the potty training as I had heard that some daycares didn't give a darn.

Henry looked so excited to ride Test Track and I hated to hear that he was afraid during the outside part of the ride.

I loved your nighttime pictures of the Boardwalk. It's beautiful.

 

[thegreggersmom]

and on the potty training! We just got there ourselves a few months ago and I still marvel at how much easier life has become.

Can't wait to see the haircut!

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Go Henry on the potty training!!!!!

I agree, the baby stations are really nice. I was surprised when I went in the one at Epcot. Creighton didn't want to leave so I had to carry him out screaming.

Love love love Test Track. It is so fun. Creighton and I love to youtube Disney ride videos.

Sounds like it was a great evening!

 

[glennbo123]

That looked like a great night to me, Brook!