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

[tiggrbaby]

Marvelous pics! Can't wait until I am retired and can go see it myself...

 

[wdwgirl03]

I still can't believe you were there for 2 whole weeks. I am so envious.

Love all the F&GF pictures! It makes visiting Epcot even more fun in the spring and I can't wait to see what's in store for next year's festival.

LOL at Henry wanting to play in the sand on Living with the Land. And it's pretty funny that right after that there were some CMs working!

Have you ever looked on youtube for the old Journey Into Imagination ride? If not you should look it up. I know there's a couple out there. It's too bad you didn't get to see the original-we all used to love it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

What a fun update! I have said it before and I'll say it again....I miss seeing the Flower & Garden Festival! It used to extend to the end of May and we'd get to see parts of it and I loved it. I guess I'll just have to see it through everybody's pictures.

Those flowers that Henry planted are zinnias. I grow them in our garden each and every year and, last year, had one that was up to my chest. I'm 5" 5" so that was one pretty tall flower.

I agree that Disney should have a couple of the small play areas in Epcot at all times. Little kids need to work off energy and those were always a fun spot for Hunter to play in.

I am loving all of the Flower & Garden Festival merchandise. The purses and t-shirts are adorable!

I wish they would make it longer too! It's such a beautiful time to be at Epcot. I'm so glad I finally got to see it!

Ahhh! Thank you for the info on the flowers! All I remember was "Giant" from the package, it must have been "Giant Zinnias" they are so pretty.

The splash pads and Innoventions at Epcot are good for the littles, but they really do need a playground of some sort. Just a basic slide set of some sort! There was another one set up during F&GF over in Pixie Hollow - I think Disney realizes the need.

Your pics have me so excited that I'll get to be at Disney for the Flower and Garden Festival! I'm sad that I never got to do "Don't Waste It"; I think it would have been a lot of fun.

You will enjoy it! It smells SOOOOOOOO good! A couple times we just stood around and smelled the air.

Do you know what they put in the "Don't Waste It" spot? I cannot recall.

Your pictures make me want to go during Flower and Garden Festival time!

It's beautiful! I really hope to go again during this time!

So pretty! I can't wait to see F&G again in May! Your post title says beginning to a long day. Whew! I can see why... I'm exhausted already!

So jealous of such a long trip. 9 days behind you and 6 more in front of you.

Oh, and we've just gotten started. Just you wait...I'm shocked at what we did this day!

I remember Joe and I sitting on the bus and counting our days. We were amazed to have a whole "second trip" still sitting in front of us. Being there for 2 weeks was AWESOME.

KSC, looks so fun..I went once...when I was like 4...so it's been a few years. I don't know if Claire would enjoy it though. I have considered doing it before or after our cruise next year, but I bet we won't.

I loved all the topiaries around Epcot. It's funny now how I see them in different places now in others TR's and think...Hey that was at Epcot before.

Henry is just so darn cute. And I laughed about Joes 1300 pictures of basically nothing....sometimes I look at my pictures and think..what the heck was I trying to take here? ..... But then at Flower and Garden you said you took a zillion too. You guys just have different interests.

I think Claire would like it! There is enough hands-on interactive stuff to keep kids interested. She can climb into many of the rockets and the movies are IMAX 3D, so they are very cool.

I do the same thing! We also notice when window displays have been changed out to another resort! I think it's a sign we might be a bit obsessed...

It's true - I took a bazillion pictures of those flower beds. If I posted them all they would fill 2 posts worth!

it is so cute how there are butterflies on Bambi

Isn't it? I got so excited when I saw that!

They sell so many cute and tempting items. As usual hehe

They do! We did walk away with something...later in the trip.

Loved all the F&G pictures! I want to go to that so bad! How do you like going at that time of year? We've always been in November and I just don't know how I'd like any other time of year. I hate hot, humid weather and I worry about going in spring b/c the weather is so unpredictable. Did you have much rain?

I loved all the merchandise too! That Mickey garden stone is too cute. I love stuff like that. I've seen a Tinker Bell birdbath on other reports that has been sold at the F&GF that is super cute too. I like that Disney yard stuff b/c I feel like you can pull off whimsical stuff in the yard easier than inside the house.

I can't wait to see the rest of your pictures from World Showcase. That is such a magical place to me!

We didn't have too much rain on this trip. The week in Feb was beautiful, not too hot, not cool. The week in March (1st week) was COOL. We couldn't swim even for the rest of the trip. Sweatshirts and jackets were needed. I prefer it to be a bit warmer, late October/early November is perfect for us too.

Lotssssss of World Showcase pictures coming up!

Flower and Garden is such a beautiful time at Disney!!! Loved your pictures!! Henry is just so adorable!!!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

It is! I just loved being there for it and I hope we can return again sometime during the Festival!!

No wonder that sunrise stopped you in your tracks.

F&G will happen soon for me. Don't think it will be next year but maybe the year after.

How funny how 9 days in and you start to get twitchy. Even on a much shorter trip I found I HAD to pick up the pace to get everything I wanted to do in.

It's so beautiful Pat, you'll love it! I hope to return too, maybe in 2013.

I think prior to this day I just felt like we had tons of time...then I realized, at our snails pace we would get less done this time than we did on our 5-day trips!

I love those pink flower handbags!!! They're too cute!

I'd love to go to the Flower and Garden Festival, but I'm pretty sure DBF's sinuses would explode - he's allergic to plants on a normal day, let alone surrounded by billions of flowers . But it does look so pretty!

Oh no! He would have a miserable time!!! Maybe he could just skip Epcot that trip.

Wonderful, wonderful pix, Brook! I love them all! Never did get to ride the Tronorail.... ah well.. a distant Disney memory.

Trying to get back into the DISSwing of things; it's good to "be back".

Well, inside the Tronorail it was just boring - so you didn't miss a thing. It was cooler to look at!

I hear ya about trying to get back into the DISSwing (love that term!), I'm still very far behind in most of my subscriptions.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Luvin all your pics from Flower and Garden. The toparies are so cute.


Shameless plug... I started my new trip report come join. it's linked in the sig!

I will be heading over! Thank you for the bat signal!!!

Marvelous pics! Can't wait until I am retired and can go see it myself...

I still can't believe you were there for 2 whole weeks. I am so envious.

Love all the F&GF pictures! It makes visiting Epcot even more fun in the spring and I can't wait to see what's in store for next year's festival.

LOL at Henry wanting to play in the sand on Living with the Land. And it's pretty funny that right after that there were some CMs working!

Have you ever looked on youtube for the old Journey Into Imagination ride? If not you should look it up. I know there's a couple out there. It's too bad you didn't get to see the original-we all used to love it!

Two weeks was awesome. I hope we can do that again in the future!! Maybe even 3 weeks. 2 Weeks at Disney, 1 on a ship. A girl can dream, right?!

Isn't it ironic that as soon as I tell him no, he can't play in the sand we see people there?! I don't think we have EVER seen people working in the sand prior to that too.

Yes, I have looked at old Imagination videos, but have never found a really good one that was well-lit enough to show what was going on. All of it was very dark and kind of hard to hear. I've seen pictures (I have some in a book of mine) and it does look like it was great. I love the rainbow hallway (cannot remember the name! ) that was part of Imageworks upstairs too. I wish they would re-do and open that again!

 

[Caretames1]

I really need to go and see the Flowers at Epcot someday. I've been seeing so many beauitful pics here and in other's TR's. Kadence would love Bambi's butterfly house! It's the only bug she tolerate!
Henry and the garbage truck When my nephew was little he wanted to be a garbage man so he could drive the trucks. He has since changed his mind

 

[that's nice]

All caught up again....

So happy to hear that your g-ma and dad are both doing well.. (I've been following on FB too)

So you guys are now going to Disneyland???? AWESOME!!! Melody saw a show on the food network that was about Christmas food in Disneyland.... now she wants to go there too! LOL

I LOVE the view from BLT but the state of the room is sad.

The crowds were busy while we were there... I think the secret of how great the first 2 weeks in March are got out- now everyone wants to be there!

Great pics from the Space Center! That looks like it would be really fun to see except I think my DW wouldn't think so.

Great Epcot pics too!!!

 

[Poolrat]

Yes, I have looked at old Imagination videos, but have never found a really good one that was well-lit enough to show what was going on. All of it was very dark and kind of hard to hear. I've seen pictures (I have some in a book of mine) and it does look like it was great. I love the rainbow hallway (cannot remember the name! ) that was part of Imageworks upstairs too. I wish they would re-do and open that again!

I may have a picture of the rainbow hallway from way back when. I will have to search old photo albums this weekend but it will have to be after I get all the other "to do" things on my list "to done"

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Great update! I love how you had a "but first..." before everything you planned on doing! I had the Mickey garden statue (in one of your pics) on my front porch and it broke. That was a sad day. Can't wait to hear about your World Showcase adventures!

 

[gellybean]

Slowly catching up! Feels great to be back DISing!!

So glad to hear good news on your g-ma and Dad!!

 

[JessicaFaye508]

Wow I got super behind on this! I don't know how that happened! But I am catching up now!

YAYY FOR YOU MOVING TO BLT!!! I'm leaving to go on my trip in 6 days... so that means BLT IN 9 DAYS!!! Freaking. Out.

Okay, the food from Contempo Cafe just looks REALLY good. Like... yum. I can't wait.

It was interesting to hear your viewpoint on the room. Even though you pointed out a lot of flaws, I'm glad you overall enjoyed it! That's such a good thing to hear... especially considering I'm going to be spending Christmas there.

Wow I can't believe how crowded MK sounded! And I also can't believe that Everest has been open for 5 years already! Time seriously flies.

I understand your feeling of wanting to get more done but slacking a bit because it is a longer trip. I need to keep that in mind for my next upcoming trip. I need to make a solid plan so I can get everything done! I have all of my restaurants booked but other than that I keep putting off making decisions.

Aww losing a first tooth at Disney. How incredibly precious!!

Wow I can't believe those seeds grew to be such beautiful flowers!!! I got a pack of those seeds but I don't think I ever planted them. What a shame!

Your pictures are beautiful by the way! Wonderful photography!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I know that feeling of panic at not getting much done on a vacation all too well, Brook!

Your park commando touring of Epcot gained you some beautiful pictures! Looking forward to the rest of World Showcase!

 

[Queila]

You are going to love Disneyland. I was there a week ago and already want to get back!

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Brook. Your pictures make me want to get to Flower & Garden even more than I've wanted to.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I really need to go and see the Flowers at Epcot someday. I've been seeing so many beauitful pics here and in other's TR's. Kadence would love Bambi's butterfly house! It's the only bug she tolerate!
Henry and the garbage truck When my nephew was little he wanted to be a garbage man so he could drive the trucks. He has since changed his mind

The F&GF is amazing! I really want to go back at that time to see it all again. The butterfly house was very cool. I know later in the season there were more butterflies - so I would advise to go a couple weeks later than I did if butterflies are important! I'd say there were only about 10 or so flying around (that I noticed anyway).

Henry told me the other day he wanted to be a garbage man! I told him it was a stinky job...which he found hilarious!

All caught up again....

So happy to hear that your g-ma and dad are both doing well.. (I've been following on FB too)

So you guys are now going to Disneyland???? AWESOME!!! Melody saw a show on the food network that was about Christmas food in Disneyland.... now she wants to go there too! LOL

I LOVE the view from BLT but the state of the room is sad.

The crowds were busy while we were there... I think the secret of how great the first 2 weeks in March are got out- now everyone wants to be there!

Great pics from the Space Center! That looks like it would be really fun to see except I think my DW wouldn't think so.

Great Epcot pics too!!!

Yes! Just over 3 weeks and we'll be on our way to California! I still can't really believe it. With the craziness of all going on with family and Christmas I haven't really been able to focus on it at all. I think it will hit me AFTER our trip to MN!

I think Mel could enjoy KSC...there is a LOT there to appeal to all types. If she isn't into space at all, she'd get bored in the rocket garden and maybe looking at some of the exhibits, but the history of it all is very neat for a history fan, and the interactive things are fun too. But, it might be more of a "I'll go for my husband" type thing!

I may have a picture of the rainbow hallway from way back when. I will have to search old photo albums this weekend but it will have to be after I get all the other "to do" things on my list "to done"

Ooooh! That would be cool to see!! All the other "to do" things on my list rarely make it "to done" lately...

Great update! I love how you had a "but first..." before everything you planned on doing! I had the Mickey garden statue (in one of your pics) on my front porch and it broke. That was a sad day. Can't wait to hear about your World Showcase adventures!

We got so distracted as we wandered around! We had goals in mind, but you just have to stop for a few minutes!

That is VERY sad about Mickey breaking! I have seen them for sale in the Soarin' "shop" if you want to buy another!

Slowly catching up! Feels great to be back DISing!!

So glad to hear good news on your g-ma and Dad!!

Welcome back!!!!

Wow I got super behind on this! I don't know how that happened! But I am catching up now!

YAYY FOR YOU MOVING TO BLT!!! I'm leaving to go on my trip in 6 days... so that means BLT IN 9 DAYS!!! Freaking. Out.

Okay, the food from Contempo Cafe just looks REALLY good. Like... yum. I can't wait.

It was interesting to hear your viewpoint on the room. Even though you pointed out a lot of flaws, I'm glad you overall enjoyed it! That's such a good thing to hear... especially considering I'm going to be spending Christmas there.

Wow I can't believe how crowded MK sounded! And I also can't believe that Everest has been open for 5 years already! Time seriously flies.

I understand your feeling of wanting to get more done but slacking a bit because it is a longer trip. I need to keep that in mind for my next upcoming trip. I need to make a solid plan so I can get everything done! I have all of my restaurants booked but other than that I keep putting off making decisions.

Aww losing a first tooth at Disney. How incredibly precious!!

Wow I can't believe those seeds grew to be such beautiful flowers!!! I got a pack of those seeds but I don't think I ever planted them. What a shame!

Your pictures are beautiful by the way! Wonderful photography!

What happened is that I've been updating like CRAZY! And doing LOOOOOOOONG updates in attempts to get this done! I still have May and August to write about...and soon Disneyland. I need to get crackin'!

The food in the Contempo was very good! I've heard the cupcakes are awesome. I didn't try one, and I don't recall Joe getting one either, but I've heard many reviews - so don't hesitate if you want to try one!

I think you'll enjoy BLT! It really is a beautiful resort. It's different feeling than most of the other resorts, but not in a bad way really. Just different. I LOVED walking into the tower and walking to MK! We would stay there again, without question, despite the room flaws. I do; however, look forward to it's first refurb!

I know that feeling of panic at not getting much done on a vacation all too well, Brook!

Your park commando touring of Epcot gained you some beautiful pictures! Looking forward to the rest of World Showcase!

This was seriously one loooooong day. It was a favorite of mine though!

You are going to love Disneyland. I was there a week ago and already want to get back!

I saw your post over on the DL boards about getting to go for one day! Love it! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, I cannot wait! Were you able to get to both parks? I'm really looking forward to hopping so easily between the two (and love that the FP systems aren't hooked!)

Great update, Brook. Your pictures make me want to get to Flower & Garden even more than I've wanted to.

It's such a beautiful time to go! I would love to go back at that time of year. I think we will...but not in 2012.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Let's start our journey around the World Showcase! I was determined to see every (or almost every) topiary. And Joe was game for it, even though it's not his idea of a good time.

We started our journey around the World in Canada, where they had a display for an automatic irrigation system set up along with some plants/veggies in the display.

Being that we live in a city, it was interesting to me to see what they had in the small boxes and hanging pots. I've wanted to start a sort of garden, but haven't. My landlady DOES keep a garden out front...so we reap from that...without the work!

Into the UK where I wanted to see every single potted herb! I just think these are SO cute and creative. I was thrilled to finally take the time and walk around and see them in person.

Henry had a good time in the UK walking along the planters!

I love this one.

14,328,693 pictures of the UK later, we finally moved on.

To say I liked it is an understatement! I think it was my favorite section of the F&GF.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Why the animal characters get eyes and the humans don't is a bit odd.

Henry enjoyed seeing Captain Hook and was making all sorts of piratey noises!

"Tick-tock! Tick-tock!"

Knowing we would be in the World Showcase the entire day, we stopped and grabbed a Kim Possible Mission. This was also on my "To Do" list, as it was something we hadn't tried yet! We were able to skip getting FastPass for it and just were given a phone. Dov, the Cast Member was awesome. He got down on Henry's level and was very serious with him about saving the world.

On the France side of the bridge

Those pink flowering trees were all over property and BEAUTIFUL!

Our Kim Possible Mission was in France. And we ran into these guys and I watched as Henry and Joe got the mission started.

The Mission was really neat. Henry enjoyed it a TON. Joe and I liked it. I think we will like it more as Henry gets older and can do it more on his own. We were both crouched down next to the stroller a lot during this time, trying to listen to the instructions and see the screen (especially hard for Joe) all the while still making Henry believe HE was the one in charge of it all so we could avoid a meltdown!

A fine balance, let me tell you!

Perfume bottle topairies

The mission took us ALL over France! It was neat to see little details I had never noticed. Disney did an excellent job incorporating the props for the Kim Possible Mission into the World Showcase. You'd never even realize what lights up, spins around, changes, etc!

After saving France we decided to get some lunch. Henry requested "in the restaurant where Sorain' is!"

CLEAR ACROSS THE PARK!

But...we didn't really have an agenda per say, other than to see the toparies, and we did have Soarin' FastPasses so we went for it!

 

[blessedby3]

Brook...I just LOVE all those topiaries! They are so amazing and I must see them one day! The Beauty and The Beast ones
We have never done the Kim Possible...what exactly do you do with it? Is it time consuming? I always feel like I dont want to "give up" ride/show time to do other things. Maybe I should consider this for a future trip.

 

[My sister's princess]

Phew.... all the way through, finally!!!


I am LOVING your TR! Your son is one of the most adorable children I have ever seen! Thank you for sharing your trip!! I can't wait for more!

 

[glennbo123]

After saving France we decided to get some lunch. Henry requested "in the restaurant where Sorain' is!"

Henry sure knows his Epcot! I'm impressed!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

How cute that Henry got so into the Kim Possible mission! We have never done one but definitely will have to try one next trip. It sounds so neat!