"Mommy! Dey heads is fweaky!" 8 (otherwise) wonderful days in March 2011

[Colleen27]

Looking back, we were at DHS most of the day (RD at 9a-about 5p) but I feel like we missed stuff we wanted to see and I’m not sure how I could have planned it better – DHS always throws me for a loop when laying out the day for some reason. Buddy and Benjamin would have liked to have seen the Indiana Jones show, Eliza would have liked to see Beauty and the Best and I always like Animation Courtyard and One Man’s Dream. I know some of it was that the kids were getting bored and wanted to do to DD and we spent almost 45 minutes waiting at Sci-Fi, but I just don’t feel like we did ALL that much for being there all day. Gotta give some thought next trip as to how better to do the day at DHS….

If you figure it out let me know, because I always end up feeling the same way. It is just such a tough park to plan and I still haven't gotten the hang of it.

 

[jenseib]

All coaught up. Sounds like some busy days. My dad went to Kennedy Space center while we were down there. It was storming that day and while on the bus tour they had to stop and take shelter in a building.

Your beach pictures are beautiful!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

I'm a sucker for a catchy title...I'm in!!!!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Love your son's Buzz and Woody shirt while posing with Buzz! I also like how both he and Eliza have their feet in the same position with Mr. Potato Head!

How did they like TSM and the Mr. Potato Head there?

I'm so glad you took pics at the Disney Jr. Show. We haven't seen it yet. I know my little guy is really looking forward to seeing it.

They love TSM - we all do! Can't wait for the wait to die down sometrip and we can do it more than once..ya know, in 5 or 10 years.

Awesome updates! I so love all your pictures. Too bad about that Sci-Fi wait. 45 minutes is nuts!

Do let me know if you figure out DHS! I have the exact same issue much of the time. It doesn't seem like there's all that much at this park, but it's so tough to fit everything in. Even if you didn't quite get it all, it does look like everyone had a great time!

DTD pics are great! Can't wait to read about breakfast!!

Yeah, the wait was really annoying! We got there around 12:15 for a 12:30 reservation. I expected to wait a few minutes but certainly not nearly 45. Heck, if I'd have known that, I'd have sent DH and DS to see Indiana Jones!

I always feel the same way about DHS too. When you figure it out...let me know!

BTW, each time I read your title I still laugh!

lol, I do too when I think about her saying it in her high pitched little voice!

Adorable pictures! Your family is beautiful! Enjoying reading all about your trip!

Thank you!

loving your trip report!! can't wait for more!

Thanks!

If you figure it out let me know, because I always end up feeling the same way. It is just such a tough park to plan and I still haven't gotten the hang of it.

I just can't even figure out what exactly it is about that park! Hmm..we'll all have to put our heads together...

All coaught up. Sounds like some busy days. My dad went to Kennedy Space center while we were down there. It was storming that day and while on the bus tour they had to stop and take shelter in a building.

Your beach pictures are beautiful!

I have to start yours and catch up on everyone else's tonight! I find I can really neglect anything else I may have to do in the day if I start reading TR's. It's really dangerous!

Thanks about the beach pics. I'm about to start repainting and doing a quick, inexpensive re-do of our bathroom and I love those pics so much I'm doing a beach theme and using a bunch of them.


So what in the world is it about DHS that causes so many of us trouble planning?? I really can't even put my finger on it. And when I look at it, it's not like we missed tons of "must dos". DH is the only one who rides RnRC and he didn't want to this trip - otherwise he easily could have done that while I was doing ToT. I just don't know. I know this trip it didn't help spending so much time waiting for lunch and then actually eating lunch but I know I've felt like this in other trips too. Hmmm...

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Time for breakfast with the princesses! We ate at Akershus on our last trip and I knew we’d definitely be doing it again this trip. We had an 8am reservation and had to wait to get in Epcot for about 15-20 minutes. Finally it was time and Eliza was so excited! It was a gorgeous sunny morning, projected to be the warmest of our trip and the light was so pretty that morning on the walk over to WS.

This is the 2nd time that Eliza’s chosen to wear her Snow White dress for breakfast with the princesses and it surprised me again – I don’t think she’s ever seen the movie all the way through, though we’ve read the book countless times. She love pink and I can’t believe she didn’t choose Sleeping Beauty – or Cinderella, as she seems to be another favorite. She must just really like Snow White’s fashion sense.

We were one of the first reservations so we walked right in and saw Belle. I couldn’t talk DS into posing with her but he quickly warmed up to the pretty ladies.

We lucked out again and like at Chef Mickey’s we were one of the first 3 tables when each princess came out. Eliza sat there the whole time eagerly watching that door for who would be next.

And it’s princess time!

Benjamin surprised me – last time I begged for just one picture of him at this breakfast and I ended up having to be in the pic with him. This time he decided those princesses weren’t so bad after all.

Love her face – just priceless (or at least made the breakfast prices worth it, lol)

Buddy asked her if the princesses heads were scary and she looked at him like he was crazy. She said, "No! Pwincesses have WEAL heads. That is not scary at all!"

When we got done with breakfast, we really didn’t want to do anything in FW and WS wouldn't open yet for almost 2 hours so we decided to go play some miniature golf, let the kids swim and nap and head back to Epcot in the late afternoon.

On the way out I wanted to shoot some pics.

Buddy entertained the kids by driving them THISCLOSE to the fountains and then wildly turning them at the last minute. They were all giggles and I just adore their faces in these.

Buddy and I grabbed fastpasses to use for Test Track later and we were headed off to play 18 (mini) holes.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Last summer the kids got really into playing mini golf, so I planned an afternoon to try a course in Disney. We picked Winter Summerland and it was SO fun – we’ll definitely be going again! When we arrived, they had just opened and said the “summer” side wasn’t going to be open for another 20-30 minutes, so “winter” it was. I know I heard Buddy groan after the winter we had in Ohio, but all that snow is so much more fun when it’s fake.

It was a really cute course – lots of holes had moving pieces or things that popped up when your ball went a certain place.

The kids each lucked out and got a hole in one, which thrilled them no end. It was also at Winter Summerland that we had our first lizard sighting! Benjamin had been waiting to see one and we hadn’t up to this point, so that was exciting.

One neat tidbit about today – when we were at the space center, we had heard multiple times that the shuttle was returning to Earth today and that you would be able to hear the sonic boom when it reentered the atmosphere, at around 11:45am. As we were leaving the golf course, we did. If we hadn’t of been waiting to hear it, we would have just been wondering what the noise was – and we weren’t sure what to expect, it was just one single loud BOOM, but very cool since we knew what it was.

We returned to the hotel and let the kids swim for about a half hour – they had done so for a short time one other time earlier in the week and were dying to again. I got in with them for a little bit but man…I must be a wimp because even though it was warm out, I could never warm up in the pool. But they enjoyed themselves (and wore themselves out nicely for a nap ) so after swimming, we ate lunch at the food court and returned to our rooms to nap.

 

[norybell]

I was a bit behind, but I have a good excuse, as I was just at Disney!

I feel exactly the way you do about the beach. I would give so much to live by some water -- even a lake would do! As long as I could hang a hammock by it.

I just saw the Disney Jr show for the first time with my 3-year-old niece, and she loved the gold dubloons, too! I think they were her favorite part of the whole show.

DHS really is the hardest to plan, isn't it? It's the only park I still feel a bit stressed about the planning for. The TSM craziness really throws a wrench into things.

I agree with your daughter, that the Snow White dress is the best!

One of these trips, I'm going to go mini golfing. Seems like it's such a fun break from the parks!

Great updates, looking forward to more!

 

[reelmom]

The first picture of Eliza and Snow White brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful picture. I also love the last picture of Eliza at the breakfast. You can see the joy all over her face.

I think we may have to try the mini golf this time. The kids and I are going down a day early. Since we won't be able to go to a park, this sounds like something fun to keep 4 kids entertained.

 

[mom2rtk]

Did someone say princess???????

Your daughter looks adorable in her Snow White costume! And I love that brother is now willing to pose with the pretty ladies!

 

[jc040404]

Snow White's dress seems perfect for her. She's so cute in it! I LOVE that last pic. Definitely priceless! It was so sweet that Benjamin posed, too.

Lovin the mini golf pics! We keep meaning to make it there and your pics just gave me another push in that direction. It looks too cute!

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

Looks fabulous! I am definitly watching your posts as I am taking a 6 year old and a 3 year old next month - both boys though. So did you just love the double stroller? I am wondering if we should get one. I had already planned on taking a single stroller but might need to rent a double for the trip!

I love sci fi and everyone gives it bad reviews - but it is one of our FAVS!

 

[jelloarms]

I had to chuckle in real life at your daughter's comment. Too funny! I'm at the part now where your kids are on the caurosel. Your son and I chose the same horse to ride!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

I was a bit behind, but I have a good excuse, as I was just at Disney!

I feel exactly the way you do about the beach. I would give so much to live by some water -- even a lake would do! As long as I could hang a hammock by it.

I just saw the Disney Jr show for the first time with my 3-year-old niece, and she loved the gold dubloons, too! I think they were her favorite part of the whole show.

DHS really is the hardest to plan, isn't it? It's the only park I still feel a bit stressed about the planning for. The TSM craziness really throws a wrench into things.

I agree with your daughter, that the Snow White dress is the best!

One of these trips, I'm going to go mini golfing. Seems like it's such a fun break from the parks!

Great updates, looking forward to more!

Ah, how was your trip??
Yes, a lake would do just fine. I tell my DH everytime we're on the water how nice it would be to live on the water. Mr. Pessimist always says, "Yeah, til there's a hurricane."
Mini golf was definitely a nice little break and a slow down for the morning!

The first picture of Eliza and Snow White brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful picture. I also love the last picture of Eliza at the breakfast. You can see the joy all over her face.

I think we may have to try the mini golf this time. The kids and I are going down a day early. Since we won't be able to go to a park, this sounds like something fun to keep 4 kids entertained.

Thanks. I just adore that last one too. Sounds like golfing would be great for you guys for that day!

Did someone say princess???????

Your daughter looks adorable in her Snow White costume! And I love that brother is now willing to pose with the pretty ladies!

We're definitely not haters over here!! I loved that he posed with them. I tried not to tease him, but dang, it was so darn cute!

Snow White's dress seems perfect for her. She's so cute in it! I LOVE that last pic. Definitely priceless! It was so sweet that Benjamin posed, too.

Lovin the mini golf pics! We keep meaning to make it there and your pics just gave me another push in that direction. It looks too cute!

Yep, she does seem to rock the Snow White dress so I guess she knows what she's thinking when she picks it.
The golf course really is cute - I took SO SO many pics because every hole just had something cute and unique.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

Looks fabulous! I am definitly watching your posts as I am taking a 6 year old and a 3 year old next month - both boys though. So did you just love the double stroller? I am wondering if we should get one. I had already planned on taking a single stroller but might need to rent a double for the trip!

I love sci fi and everyone gives it bad reviews - but it is one of our FAVS!

I really was SO glad to have the double stroller. I didn't plan on getting a double, planned on a single all along but after checking the prices, it was only (I think, don't quote me!) about $20 more to upgrade to a double for the 9 days. I was so glad we did! I shudder to think of the constant fighting if only one of them would have been able to ride at a time. We didn't use it everyday - didn't take it the Space Center, DHS and I don't think we took it into the MK if we knew we were going back to the hotel for a mid-day break. But at parks like AK and Epcot, with a lot of walking, it was nice for them to hop in and get to where we wanted to go - my DD is the type of kid to take 10 minutes walking out of the house b/c she stops to notice everything. I didn't want to spend the whole trip saying, "Come on, Eliza, come on." If nothing else, DH and I agreed that it was worth the price to have at the end of the day when there are mad crowds to leave the parks - so much easier to have the kids in there and not have to worry about holding hands or carrying them. Plus by that time, they were BEAT and it really cut down on the complaining and tired whining - I'm all about whatever makes things easier! Oh, and DH also used it to pile on and carry our luggage to the rooms - it was a bit of a walk from the parking lot, so he was glad to have it too. Wow, sorry for the novel about the stroller!!

I had to chuckle in real life at your daughter's comment. Too funny! I'm at the part now where your kids are on the caurosel. Your son and I chose the same horse to ride!

It seems like Eliza comes up with a new funny quote everyday - she is just a hilarious kid. Just something so magical about that carousel, isn't there?

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

So glad pwincesses don't have the fweaky heads! She looks adorable in her Snow White costume. The mini golf looks fun; we may have to try that next time...

 

[jenseib]

Love the Princess pictures. We did CRT and I was so disappointed wit hthe food this time, but the face on Claire made it the saving grace.
That putt putt course looks fun.

 

[lovethattink]

I thought I posted a comment yesterday, but maybe I just hit preview comment instead?

Love the pics of the princess breakfast and the tronorail. What kind of food do they have at Norway for breakfast? I absolutely love that last picture you posted of Eliza there, her expression says it all! Your son is quite the trooper! Glad he gave in to pics with the princesses!

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

So glad pwincesses don't have the fweaky heads! She looks adorable in her Snow White costume. The mini golf looks fun; we may have to try that next time...

Thank goodness pwincesses have those WEAL heads!

Love the Princess pictures. We did CRT and I was so disappointed wit hthe food this time, but the face on Claire made it the saving grace.
That putt putt course looks fun.

I loved eating in the castle when you could just eat there without it being a character meal - I can still remember having the best meal there on our honeymoon and sitting by the windows and it was just so awesome. I debated between CRT and Akershus but in the end, I knew she'd like meeting the most princesses that we could.

I thought I posted a comment yesterday, but maybe I just hit preview comment instead?

Love the pics of the princess breakfast and the tronorail. What kind of food do they have at Norway for breakfast? I absolutely love that last picture you posted of Eliza there, her expression says it all! Your son is quite the trooper! Glad he gave in to pics with the princesses!

It's a pretty tasty breakfast in Norway - though we're boring and didn't sample the traditional Norwegian fare (fish as I recall...not a fan!) They have a cold buffett with fruits, cheeses, pastries and the Norwegian fare and then they bring hot plates to your table of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and this good hash brown casserole type deal. YUM!

 

[lovethattink]

It's a pretty tasty breakfast in Norway - though we're boring and didn't sample the traditional Norwegian fare (fish as I recall...not a fan!) They have a cold buffett with fruits, cheeses, pastries and the Norwegian fare and then they bring hot plates to your table of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and this good hash brown casserole type deal. YUM!

My picky eaters probably wouldn't do well there, but it sounds great to me! The only breakfast that has worked for us is the buffet at the Captain's Grille at the Yaht Club. That one isn't a character meal. Their buffet has eggs benedict, sausage gravy and biscuits, different casseroles - some with egg, some with potato, cold and hot cereals, fruit, stuffed tomatoes, waffles, toast, bacon, bagles, pastries, scrambled eggs, yogurt parfait.

Anakin ended up eating dry cereal, bacon, and strawberries. Grumpy ate only bacon and biscuits and gravy. Goofy and I sampled a little bit of everything.

 

[MyPeanut&Bug]

I swear I'm not just taking my sweet time to draw out my re-living of the trip...I'm really just this slow! It's been a busy week but I'm finally finishing up Day 5!

After golfing and napping, we returned to Epcot around 4:30 in the afternoon and headed over to World Showcase.

On our last trip, it was SO SO hot on the day we planned to do WS that we ended up scrapping the day and heading back to the hotel to swim. This time around we finally got spend some more time in WS - though I have to admit, Epcot just really doesn't "do it" for me. I like the countries and all, but I could just as happily take 'em or leave 'em and so could Buddy. Benjamin was excited about the countries but bored pretty quickly and Eliza wasn't all that excited to begin with. So we didn't spend all THAT much time there and certainly didn't explore as fully as we could have. Oh well, we were happy.

The kids did enjoy the boat through Mexico.
Obligatory sombrero picture:

Headed to Norway and the Maelstrom line was about a 40 minute wait so we grabbed Fastpasses and moved on.

When we arrived in China, Mulan was right at the entrance with only 2 other people in line, so we jumped right in. We've never met Mulan before so that was exciting!

Benjamin didn't care about Mulan, but was thrilled to find more lizards in China.

As we moved on to Germany, Italy, America, Japan and Morocco, the weather started clouding over. Scattered rain was predicted for the evening but we were hoping to get finished before it arrived...

(Gotta admit, this one is color enhanced and brightened. It really wasn't this pretty - just cloudy!)

We spent a looooong time checking out the koi in Japan. The kids were really into that. It made me laugh - sort of like when we're at the zoo and they run past the elephants to see some ducks.

By the time we made it to France, thunder was rumbling and it was getting pretty dark and cloudy. We still had our Fastpasses from Norway and the kids were buggin' big time to do the ride so we decided to cut the countries short rather than getting stuck in the rain and having to head all the way back. Sorry France, UK and Canada...we'll catch ya next time.

We walked right on Maelstrom and the kids loved it - they really wanted to do it again but the stand by line was still nearly 30 minutes long and we just wanted to avoid getting soaked so we started heading back to Future World. The plan was to grab dinner there and for Buddy and I to use the Fastpasses we had grabbed for Test Track that morning. It started raining on our walk back over to FW so we weren't sure if TT would be open. My mom and the kids ducked into the Electric Umbrella to grab a table before the rain drove everyone indoors and we went to see if we could do TT. It was still running so we got in the FP line - however a minute or so later, the announcement came on that the ride was being shut down due to the weather. Thankfully we hadn't gotten up to the part where we turn our FP's in! It was raining pretty heavily by that time and we ran to the Electric Umbrella. SO glad the rest of the gang already had a table because the place was PACKED. Ate dinner and decided we'd see if the rain let up enough to ride TT. It rained pretty hard the whole time we ate and we thought we'd just have to pack it up and call it a night. But shortly after we finished eating, the rain had let up significantly and we decided to give TT one last try. It was running and we got right on. Yea! After a great ride there, it was time to leave - Animal Kingdom was up the next day and the forecast wasn't looking promising...