My AP-ALOOZA Continues (WE RENEWED!!) ~ NEW TR link posted!

[JulieODC]

I love Aria's Nutcracker dress!!! I think DD would love to see the Nutcracker...I'm on the lookout for a small local production, but not sure if we'll squeeze it in this year or not. Hope you are enjoying the holiday season!!

Looks like a nice morning, between CM and MK! Seeing your report and pictures is getting me very excited for our January trip!

 

[disneygirl2785]

Looks like a nice morning, between CM and MK! Seeing your report and pictures is getting me very excited for our January trip!

Lauren, I won't hijack too long, I promise!

Julie, what are your dates? We're going January 7-15! We're doing a split stay, first at AKL-Kidani in a 2BR with my mom and dad, with my DH's family in a 1BR there, too! Then his family leaves and we move to WLV for 2 studios. I would love to say Hi if we are there at the same time and have the same park day, or something!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Cool to see pictures of myself - and pictures of me taking pictures/video with my overly impressive camera Also like the shots of the very top of Olivia's head just making it above the seat back

Glad to see the pictures of the meet with Marie since you mentioned it went so well. like the one of her giving Marie a kiss on the nose

 

[schmass]

All caught up again! Aria's nutcracker dress is so cute. Her hair is so long now! I'm impressed that she made it through the show.

It looks like you had a great morning at the MK. I can't believe that you were able to have breakfast at Chef Mickey's and still make it over to MK for park opening!

So cute that Aria is already asking about riding BTMRR!

 

[Dugette]

I can't wait to hear how Izzy does on Barnstormer. Are you thinking she'll ride it in May? How tall is she now?

I think so. She was totally fascinated by the Mine Train in August and loves watching the video of me on it - she always says yes when I ask her if she wants to ride a "fast train" like that. I don't think she'll make Mine Train, but I think Barnstormer is likely. My unofficial measurement of her the other day (which was her standing next to me, me making note of where she measured on my hip, then measuring myself to that point ) showed 34 inches. And that was without any shoes. I have a feeling she's going to be a little coaster fan. But we'll see.

 

[Dugette]

Glad you got the train ride in. I still want to do that with Izzy (we actually rode a real train last night - with Santa! )

That's awesome that Aria is excited to ride on Big Thunder! Grow those two inches, kiddo!

Hey, it's the "backside of Phil's head"! Glad you got in a spin on the Mine Train while Aria enjoyed some Duplo action. I love that ride too - but also have noticed that they don't load up all the seats very efficiently. (Shoot, now I remember that I have a Mine Train loading story that I was going to put in a TR, but can't remember which trip it happened on... Hmmm, I'm not sure I remember it well enough to tell anymore, anyway. )

At any rate, LOVE the Marie pictures! Definitely worth the wait! I can see why Aria liked her - she looks so sweet and cuddly that I want to snuggle up with her! I had hoped to meet her in August, but there just wasn't time. Hopefully in May - I think Izzy has one or two Marie shirts, actually. And she's seen the movie now too and loves "meow meows". By the way, the picture commented on above, I think it kind-of looks like Aria is whispering secrets to you - cute!

 

[disneygirl2785]

By the way, the picture commented on above, I think it kind-of looks like Aria is whispering secrets to you - cute!

I can see that...Or she's about to take a big juicy bite out of you! But we can go with the secrets!

 

[Imagineer5]

Sorry I've been MIA here!

First thing first...I LOVE this photo of you...you look beautiful! Aria on the other hand...LOL! It would be precious if she was giving you a sweet kiss! Which I'm sure was the intent, however the FP photographer's timing was just a little...off!



So...after rereading your 2015 schedule, I guess the only time I could even think of meeting you in the world would be May. I have been checking prices and such for that time anyway. My parents have APs and a RV so I'm thinking Camryn and I could sneak away to meet up with them...and you! We shall see how Camryn's first trip goes in January and we'll also probably be on prego belly watch at that point...

My current planning stage for January is Camryn's outfits, which I 100% have you to thank for!!! I also have you to thank for having so many options!

Hahahha she was going in for a kiss thank you!!

May would be awesome!! Let me know. Dugette will also be there the weekend of 5/16! LOL Can't wait to see all your Disney outfits you have pulled together!

I love Aria's Nutcracker dress!!! I think DD would love to see the Nutcracker...I'm on the lookout for a small local production, but not sure if we'll squeeze it in this year or not. Hope you are enjoying the holiday season!!

Looks like a nice morning, between CM and MK! Seeing your report and pictures is getting me very excited for our January trip!

Yeah we went to one in Worcester! It was perfect - many children so a very good way to introduce her to Ballet. She kept thinking we were going to her ballet class to watch HER perform...

Lauren, I won't hijack too long, I promise!

Julie, what are your dates? We're going January 7-15! We're doing a split stay, first at AKL-Kidani in a 2BR with my mom and dad, with my DH's family in a 1BR there, too! Then his family leaves and we move to WLV for 2 studios. I would love to say Hi if we are there at the same time and have the same park day, or something!

LOL no worries! It'd be awesome if you got to meet up!

Cool to see pictures of myself - and pictures of me taking pictures/video with my overly impressive camera Also like the shots of the very top of Olivia's head just making it above the seat back

Glad to see the pictures of the meet with Marie since you mentioned it went so well. like the one of her giving Marie a kiss on the nose

Hahha it was a fun ride! Yes the Marie meet was so much fun!

All caught up again! Aria's nutcracker dress is so cute. Her hair is so long now! I'm impressed that she made it through the show.

It looks like you had a great morning at the MK. I can't believe that you were able to have breakfast at Chef Mickey's and still make it over to MK for park opening!

So cute that Aria is already asking about riding BTMRR!

Yes her hair just keeps on growing, I swear it grew an inch in the last month! We are very efficient diners

Aria is SO excited about anything super fast. Actually we were watching the Polar Express last night, and the part where the train starts going down super fast and then slipping all over the ice? Aria said she wanted to ride that.

I think so. She was totally fascinated by the Mine Train in August and loves watching the video of me on it - she always says yes when I ask her if she wants to ride a "fast train" like that. I don't think she'll make Mine Train, but I think Barnstormer is likely. My unofficial measurement of her the other day (which was her standing next to me, me making note of where she measured on my hip, then measuring myself to that point ) showed 34 inches. And that was without any shoes. I have a feeling she's going to be a little coaster fan. But we'll see.

Aw I bet! If she is already excited for it then I'm sure she'll love it! The Barnstormer is a great first roller coaster (well, except for poor Peter's case).

Glad you got the train ride in. I still want to do that with Izzy (we actually rode a real train last night - with Santa! )

That's awesome that Aria is excited to ride on Big Thunder! Grow those two inches, kiddo!

Hey, it's the "backside of Phil's head"! Glad you got in a spin on the Mine Train while Aria enjoyed some Duplo action. I love that ride too - but also have noticed that they don't load up all the seats very efficiently. (Shoot, now I remember that I have a Mine Train loading story that I was going to put in a TR, but can't remember which trip it happened on... Hmmm, I'm not sure I remember it well enough to tell anymore, anyway. )

At any rate, LOVE the Marie pictures! Definitely worth the wait! I can see why Aria liked her - she looks so sweet and cuddly that I want to snuggle up with her! I had hoped to meet her in August, but there just wasn't time. Hopefully in May - I think Izzy has one or two Marie shirts, actually. And she's seen the movie now too and loves "meow meows". By the way, the picture commented on above, I think it kind-of looks like Aria is whispering secrets to you - cute!

I was too late getting Polar Express tickets this year. Plus we only had 1 free weekend in December with the holiday party in the 1st weekend and Vermont next weekend...ugh! I can't believe how fast the month is going by.

I kind of feel like you had a story on your first Mine Train ride when we met up in August? But no idea what it was either.

We should watch the Aristocats again, we watched it maybe a year ago, so I guess that was pretty good that despite her not knowing who Marie was she still totally loved her.

I love that picture toO! I know she was going in for one of her toddler kisses (she does kiss a bit better now lol) but I'll go for the secrets too!

I can see that...Or she's about to take a big juicy bite out of you! But we can go with the secrets!

Hahaha thankfully I don't have a biter

 

[Imagineer5]

Our next plan was to meet back up with Phil & fam for our Anna & Elsa fastpass, but I had a little time so we stopped for a few more Photopass pics.

Aria LOVES the holding Tink magic shots! She totally gets it!

Then we headed for a quick ride on IaSW

We got to the A&E FP line and were waiting around a bit for our friends, and of course they have a princess shop right there…so I ended up buying Aria a Cinderella & Belle doll which she still plays with (one of those that you flip over and the other princess is there). Playing with that kept her occupied for a bit and then we headed inside!

We didn’t have a long wait and I think Aria got to go up first, then Olivia & Peter and then we got group photos, but those didn’t make it on my photopass.

Aria was excited for their autographs and gave some really nice hugs!

On the way out Aria & Peter spotted a climbing opportunity and we snapped pics before telling Aria to climb down lol…

 

[JulieODC]

Lauren, I won't hijack too long, I promise!

Julie, what are your dates? We're going January 7-15! We're doing a split stay, first at AKL-Kidani in a 2BR with my mom and dad, with my DH's family in a 1BR there, too! Then his family leaves and we move to WLV for 2 studios. I would love to say Hi if we are there at the same time and have the same park day, or something!

Jan 7-12! We're doing WL (I'm back to updating my cruise TR, and was going to do a brief pre-TR today or tomorrow -- come on over )

 

[JulieODC]

Yay for Anna and Elsa! We scored a FP+ (actually, 2 of them) for our January trip, and I'm so curious to see how DD reacts!!

 

[Joyciemc]

That Anna is super pretty.

Since we don't have kids, waiting to meet Anna and Elsa just isn't in the cards with the wait times what they are right now, but I love reading/seeing other people's meets with them!

 

[schmass]

Those two pictures with Aria and Peter climbing on the railing are priceless - the look on both of their faces as they are being told not to do that, are too funny.

 

[Imagineer5]

Yay for Anna and Elsa! We scored a FP+ (actually, 2 of them) for our January trip, and I'm so curious to see how DD reacts!!

Yay so glad you got a FP! How tall is your DD now? has she ridden the Barnstormer? I don't remember though I am thinking she did on her last trip. Will she be tall enough for 7dmt?? Aria could ride 7dmt now, but I doubt she'll hit the 40" mark by May unless she has a major growth spurt.

That Anna is super pretty.

Since we don't have kids, waiting to meet Anna and Elsa just isn't in the cards with the wait times what they are right now, but I love reading/seeing other people's meets with them!

I love Anna - every time we meet her she is always so much fun. Elsa on the other hand, always looks off to me. Not sure why. You should meet them! Grab a FP for it!

Those two pictures with Aria and Peter climbing on the railing are priceless - the look on both of their faces as they are being told not to do that, are too funny.

Hahaha they had a lot of fun together, wish we had had some more play time with their family as I know Aria really loved having other kids around.

 

[Imagineer5]

Then we had lunch FP’s for Be Our Guest! This was our first lunch visit, and I was excited to sit in the Rose Gallery which used to be closed for dinner (though I think it is open now). I had pre-ordered our food because I read we could make any changes to our orders before paying, and that it was a lot faster than just the FP, and I think it ended up being about 10 minutes faster than Phil’s family who had the FP and had to order – so definitely worthwhile IMO (BTW, did it again in October and it was no problem totally changing around meal choices). Aria & I headed into the rose gallery to grab a nice big table. Love their tables with the long plush benches in here!

I took a few tapestry photos (and texted Phil on where we were sitting)

And soon, with the guidance of my magic band, our food was delivered!

I had splurged for the souvenier cup, and ordered the potato and leek soup along with the turkey Panini. I didn’t snap a photo of Aria’s meal but I think she had the kid’s turkey? I know she had a lot of my soup though and of course a special chocolate milk. And the strawberry cream cheese cupcake for dessert - YUM!

We had a really nice meal and I think Aria was jealous of Peter & Olivia’s grilled cheese dippers with tomato soup (hey I was too, they looked fun!) and it was nice having Phil’s family there to chat with and enjoy lunch with.

After lunch we had one more group activity – a FP for Peter Pan! But first, here is my sad reason why I never gave my balloon to another family.

I felt bad asking a CM for another one, just to give it away, so on our way out of the park I handed it to a balloon CM and asked him to pop it for me. So sad!

But back to our plan – we all headed over to Peter Pan and had a nice ride. I think they all squished into one flying ship, and Aria & I were in one.

After the fun ride, we said our goodbyes. We were sad to see our friends go - Aria had a lot of fun having some other kids to experience Disney with. After we said goodbye Aria asked a number of times where Olivia and Peter were. So sweet!

It was around 1 at this point, so we grabbed one final ride before nap time – the carousel! Aria was in a great mood and I even got my own horse, which of course allowed me to snap a bunch of photos!

Then I laid her down in the stroller, dealt with the balloon, and headed for the monorail over to EPCOT. Luckily she fell asleep before getting on the monorail or she probably would have been too excited to sleep.

Despite not being terribly hungry (and having dinner at Akershus planned in a few hours lol!) I wanted to go to Spice Road Table at least to check it out and try something. On the way I stopped at the Art of Disney shop and took a picture of another one of the paintings I was thinking about.

Then I took the boat across to rest for a few – though it probably would have been less walking had I just turned right and gone past Canada, UK, France into Morocco. Oh well!

Spice Road Table was nearly empty, and I chose to eat outside (in the shade). I got a white wine flight

Which was delicious and refreshing! And also the harissa chicken egg roll thing with a spicy ketchup which was delicious. Just a perfect, small amount to enjoy.

It was a nice reprieve and soon I paid the bill and headed on my way – this time I did take the shortcut through France, the Uk and Canada. On our way through France I stopped and asked about the personalized umbrellas and was told it was about a 1 hour wait time so I needed to factor that in for the evening – I had plans to do that and the pick a pearl tonight!

Anyway, going past the UK I noticed a very odd sight and SO wished Aria was awake! I have never seen this before or even heard it mentioned on Kenny the Pirate – but it was like a Characterpalooza at EPCOT! A bunch of characters came out and there was literally no one around! Since there were no photopass I didn’t go and meet them by myself though maybe I should have. Oh well.

We kept walking and ended up going through a random evergreen area (must have been hiding work on the Puerto Rico F&W booth is my guess).

Then I think I parked inside Innoventions for a bit and sat and relaxed! No photos of that excitement, sorry!

 

[JulieODC]

I think DD is probably really close for 7DMT -- but I didn't book FP because I can't ride, and DH says he wants to wait and ride it when I can! So, we'll save that for our next trip

Perfect timing for your BOG review! I just booked a FP and went for the pre-order too -- glad to hear it's a time saver! We haven't eaten there yet, and we have breakfast at Kona that morning...so I just ordered a few things to share, but got DD the grilled cheese and soup, so glad to hear rave reviews!!

Spice Road Table sounds so fun -- perfect pit stop with a sleeping toddler. I really wanted to try it, but they just changed it to an ADR spot and I didn't want to commit, so maybe it will be a spur of the moment stop?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

aw, that is sweet to hear that Aria asked about Peter and Olivia - really glad they got along and very happy that meeting up worked out as well as it did

Aria looks so happy on the Carousel!

Glad you got to check out Spice Road Table - that was one thing I really wanted to try but we didn't get to. Oh well, next trip - just another reason to go back!

 

[Dugette]

I was too late getting Polar Express tickets this year. Plus we only had 1 free weekend in December with the holiday party in the 1st weekend and Vermont next weekend...ugh! I can't believe how fast the month is going by.

Yeah, you've had a few things going on! We had a fun time that night - it was very spontaneous. I'd been hearing good things about the "Holiday Train" coming through town. All lit up and they have a concert out of one of the cars. We'd missed the other local stops, but there was one that night (last Friday) at the Union Depot in St. Paul. It's a neat place, so we met up after work to check it out. Turns out that they also were having (completely separately) "North Pole Express" train rides with Santa, so we ended up getting a reservation for that later on. In between, they had a giant screen set up showing Polar Express. Fun (but very late) night! And lots of trains.

I kind of feel like you had a story on your first Mine Train ride when we met up in August? But no idea what it was either.

I still can't decide if it was June or August. I know it was about loading and that there were three girls in one queue (where there should only be 2) and one of them hopped to another one and caused all kinds of confusion and nobody ended up getting on. Or something. Oh, the woes of writing too many TRs/taking too many trips! I will have to improvise a bit on that one, I think. I'm thinking maybe in June, since I've already written about August.

On to comment on the updates...

 

[Dugette]

Funny, I’d never seen those two-sided dolls until recently when they’ve popped up in a couple TRs. Interesting…

Aw, Aria had a sweet meet with Anna & Elsa! Super cute hugs!

Nothing like a good climb. I mean, why would they put up a climbing structure with Minnie behind it if not to motivate them to scale it?

Cute cup at Be Our Guest! Food sounds good…mmm, I could go for grilled cheese and tomato soup right now. Glad you had a nice time with Phil and family and that Aria got to play with some other kids.

Aw, poor Mickey ear balloon!

She sure looks like she’s having a blast on the carousel!

I love what a good stroller napper Aria is!

Mmmm, Spice Road Table. Not sure if we will get there in May, as our Epcot time will likely be limited (Star Wars Weekends and all) and there will be food/drink booths for Flower & Garden our first weekend, which we’ll probably want to try for a “meal” or two. Keeping it in mind, though, especially during a nap like that.

Oh, wow, that’s an awesome collection of characters at Epcot!

 

[khertz]

I love that Aria had some other (adorable!) kids to play around MK with. I am really looking forward to a trip with family coming up in the next year or so where we will be traveling with my cousins, two of whom are around Paxton's age, for that very reason. The pictures of her on the carousel are absolutely adorable!

I so hope we stumble upon that character fun at Epcot one day, though we haven't yet. I have read about it in a lot of TR's, and I think it only happens at certain times of the year when a lot of College Program kids are starting and are doing their character training. Maybe we are just never there at the right time?