My DSD came for a visit & didn't stay for our trip to WDW??? Update 1/13Kadani Villag

[jmskinner]

First picture as usual:


I love parks at night, but for some reason I really liked MK just as it is starting to get dark, really brings out the colors of all of the buildings:





Jonas tried not to be in the pic.

I have a quest while at WDW, get a great pic of balloons, one day this will happen, but here is one attempt:


Ok, the castle looks better when it is completely dark, or at least when it is pink:

In my opinion anyways.

Since earlier in the day we had headed to the left, this time we made a right turn:






We skipped this one:


And I can't remember if we went on this one (see what happens at 40!):




Oh wait, here is a pic of us in CoP, so guess we did ride it:


Emily being a hound for the camera:


Jacob, his normal self not so happy to be photographed:


Believe it or not, but they were actually playing with each other here:


Amazing how dark it got while we were on CoP:


I think it is so sad how empty it is around Space Mountain:


Next up was Buzz. I think we had picked up FP's before getting on CoP. Something I have learned is you can normally get a FP for Buzz that will be good in about 30 minutes, just enough time for ice cream or to ride another ride.

Since Jacob has figured out this MH, he points to it every time we ride Buzz:


The problem with only having three in your family, one always has to ride by themselves:


And the redneck ride photos(I apologize for them being so blurry):






Ok, at this point, Jonas and I have a meltdown. We can not go to MK together without arguing about what to do next and how to get there. Jonas said he wanted to ride Haunted Mansion. I took it as he wanted to ride it next, which I said why don't we wait until we get to it. He never realizes exactly where HM is. If you have read my other TR, you know we end up having this argument every time. Always over HM. I apologize to Vickie and her family. We ended up heading past the Speedway to see what else we could ride on the way to HM.

Next up, did Robert just do that?

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Melissa!

Finally all caught up! Didn't realise how far behind I'd got - kids were off school for the October holidays and I'd no time to DIS!

WL looks lovely - it's my favourite resort and hopefully 1 day I'll get to stay there! WCC sounds a lot quieter than previously, I think it just depends on your server, but I hope they've not cut back on the fun shennangicans, I want to go there for my birthday next year.

Di x

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Yeah, Dr -- Melissa had really talked up WCC, and I just knew it would be a hoot...but it was almost normal. What REALLY disappointed me was the lack of fanfare or disruption over the ROADKILL!!

We must have watched for 15 minutes...every server or waitstaff who walked by...waited for them to see the sign...they just walked on by. Never saw it.

Finally, some young punk came by with a sweeper and a stand-up dustpan and nonchalantly picked it up and walked on. No smile...no looking around for the culprit (me, me, ME!) and not even a flicker of recognition that this was something out of the ordinary. It was not a magical moment.

We created our own entertainment! That, and the excitement over the food avalanche. Glad to know that look wasn't for me, Melissa.

Ciao!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Now, the reason we chose MK from the very beginning of this day is because it had EMH in the evening. I was gung-ho to stay up late!

So here we are, going back into the park...(I liked the picture of Jonas trying to stay out of the pic!). What I like about our family is that we are loving -- my DH and DD are holding hands.

I believe I took this picture because of the light at the top -- I still am not sure what it is supposed to be...maybe a strobe light for "passing flying saucers?"

Melissa's pictures were much better than mine, which is why I have so few from this evening. We had already been to see the Monster's comedy show, so that's why we didn't go again. When we went on Buzz Lightyear's ride, we were happy to go again because it was more of a ride. The one thing I haven't mentioned is this: every ride is new to Emily, so she wants to feel secure when she goes -- this usually means she wants to ride with me. That would normally be okay -- but with my own daughter Jordan(Emily is my step-grandchild) as an only child, she also likes to ride with me. So we had this continuing saga of who was riding with whom. This probably isn't of much interest to many people, but as I look back on the pictures of the rides of us, I remember those specific arguements of who wanted to ride with me, and who "won."

In Melissa's post about the Buzz ride, you'll notice Emily is riding with me. Here, in the COP, is Jordan and I.

Managed to get a decent, non-flashy photo:

While we were discussing our plan of action after this, Jacob began making some noises -- I think around the time he and Jonas were playing. We were okay with this (just tuned it out), but then Emily began feeling "left out." She began hollering alongside Jacob, and this, I think, coupled with our discussion of "the plan", finally wore on Robert's last nerve, and he made her quit. I felt sorry for her that she was getting jumped on twice in one night, but I was glad he said something....

As far as the "next ride" Melissa spoke of, it turned out to be the Teacup ride -- as Melissa and I both are nausea-prone, Jonas took the kiddos for a spin. He did a pretty good job. I was surprised that Jonas didn't know where the Haunted Mansion was, but it was no big deal -- we'd get there and do it.

Now, I know what's coming up next, but have no pictures for it.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Great updates! We haven't tried WCC but I think we will on our next trip. I love the parks at night, too -- they have a totally different atmosphere and mood. Very fun!

 

[jmskinner]

Great updates! We haven't tried WCC but I think we will on our next trip. I love the parks at night, too -- they have a totally different atmosphere and mood. Very fun!

I like the food at WCC and not just the atmosphere. I do recommend you go in the evening, it is normally crazier and the "meat" platter has something on it that it doesn't at lunch, I think it may be the brisket, but not sure. Man the memory is going.

Vickie, are you saying we aren't very loving?



Yup, Jonas gave those kids a good spin. He loves spinning rides! If you are ever on a tilt-a-whirl and hear someone yelling in excitement, it is my husband.

I will get to what happened, hope to post tonight.

I need to make some tickers. I tried earlier in the week and they weren't cooperating with me. Couldn't be me, I have done lots of tickers.

Vickie has given us one night at AK Kadani Village next June. Jacob is still in school at the time so we can't stay long.

I have another trip planned for Thanksgiving with my mother. We have to hurry up and pick dates because hotels, or at least the passholder discounted rooms, or filling up.

There is a gaming convention being held next July at WWoS and Jonas wants to attend. He actually even recommended we go up a few days early so he can go to the parks with us.

And then, I am planning on giving Jonas the Richard Petty Driving Experience for his 40th birthday, and asking for his family's help with the cost, and also checking to see if they might want to go watch and spend a weekend at WDW.

Hmmm, wonder if I will ever get tired of WDW?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Oh, man! I only realized after I re-read my own post on the "loving family" part that it might be taken wrong!

You are an AWESOME mom, Melissa -- you keep those boys together with love and patience. When I talk about my family, I am mainly comparing them to when I was a kid, and our family never touched, and rarely ever showed love.

I am so psyched about our stay in Kadani -- I got your ressie in the mail this week, and it's on such cute paper -- I may just scan it in and send it to you.

...about your getting tired of WDW -- there are just so many changes to the parks all the time, AND it's so huge, it would be hard to get tired of it. For us, we got tired of Six Flags Fiesta Texas after 3 years of season passes, and now they have a great new coaster! But we didn't get a pass last year, and I'm not sure we will this next year.

 

[jmskinner]

Hi Melissa!

Finally all caught up! Didn't realise how far behind I'd got - kids were off school for the October holidays and I'd no time to DIS!

WL looks lovely - it's my favourite resort and hopefully 1 day I'll get to stay there! WCC sounds a lot quieter than previously, I think it just depends on your server, but I hope they've not cut back on the fun shennangicans, I want to go there for my birthday next year.

Di x

Oops, I missed your post. I hope they haven't cut back on the shennangicans at WCC also. I love the food, but the atmosphere adds to it.

Oh, man! I only realized after I re-read my own post on the "loving family" part that it might be taken wrong!

You are an AWESOME mom, Melissa -- you keep those boys together with love and patience. When I talk about my family, I am mainly comparing them to when I was a kid, and our family never touched, and rarely ever showed love.

I am so psyched about our stay in Kadani -- I got your ressie in the mail this week, and it's on such cute paper -- I may just scan it in and send it to you.

...about your getting tired of WDW -- there are just so many changes to the parks all the time, AND it's so huge, it would be hard to get tired of it. For us, we got tired of Six Flags Fiesta Texas after 3 years of season passes, and now they have a great new coaster! But we didn't get a pass last year, and I'm not sure we will this next year.

Don't worry about the "loving" part, I thought it was funny. I knew what you were saying.

Looking forward to seeing you again. I keep thinking I might get tired of WDW, but I get so excited every time I am heading over there. Glad I don't have a brush guard on the truck anymore, I might push the slow drivers off the road. Just wish we would plan a trip during the Winter.

Since I am up so early, going to post that update.

 

[jmskinner]

I'm sure Robert will appreciate that Vickie and I are going to talk about this, but I can't resist. As Vickie said, we were at the tea cups so Jonas could do his spinning and attempt to make kids sick.

Robert decided to try to sit on the railing. Have you ever seen this railing, it is metal and not very wide. So you can guess what happened:


Yup, flat on his back. I was glad he decided to attempt this at a flower bed and not where it was concrete. We had a good laugh and then sat back to watch Jonas and the kids.

I can't believe the kids put their heads back like this:


I would have been...ok, I won't say, I'm sure everyone knows what I would be doing.

And here is Jonas saying that is it:


We headed through Fantasyland and rode Winnie the Pooh, one of those rides I can never get Jacob on, so I was very excited. So was another kid that was in line behind Jacob. He was so excited he just followed Jacob on to the ride, while his brother was trying to get him off. We were yelling at the ride operator to let him out because he wasn't ours. Boy, nothing like kidnapping a child on Pooh.

Finally he got off and we enjoyed the ride:


I'm finding this ride very hard to take pics of, but got this one at the end:


Vickie and her group were catching up to us:


Next up was Jonas' favorite:


And then another favorite of his:


And yet, another favorite of Jonas':








As we exited HoP, Spectromagic was passing. We always catch this parade, whether we want to or not. I believe at this point Vickie and Robert decided to head back to the hotel. We said our goodbyes and then my boys wanted to do HM one more time:

I love getting pics of reflections in water:


One day I need to remember to switch lenses so I can get a closeup of this:



We headed back to POR after this.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I just could not believe Robert fell over like that -- it was in SLOW motion, too -- couldn't we have stopped it?? Well, it was no easy task getting him back up over that railing!

After the teacups, it was just "try to do what we hadn't done before, and hit the good ones again!"

We hadn't done that Country Bear Jamboree before, and I have to say it seemed kind of sad to me...not many people were in attendence, the CMs seemed unenthused, and the animatronics, while decent, were still not as entertaining as I had hoped. It kind of reminded me of going to Chucky Cheese's -- sorry. There was one funny bear that stood out to me...the "blood on the saddle" bear/song. Jordan and I both cracked up at that one, saying "WHAT??"

The Hall of Presidents was pretty impressive...I'm glad we did it. Although...seems like I might have snoozed...or was that at Epcot at the other thing? I read some guy's TR on the DVC message board where one dude kept yelling out at particular presidents...very annoying, and I'm glad nothing like that happened to us!

When we saw the parade, I realized I had to get a good pic of Cinderella...so I ran alongside, trying...

I think she's digging around in her purse in this one.

Then, suddenly, everything went white, and I think I startled...

Well, these were the pics I gave the guy in my office who wanted one like this -- unfortunately, I am a poor photographer, but he was a kind soul and acted grateful.

And I really don't know what this is, but I think I see a chicken.

Before we left for the night, we wandered in a store, and I bought my favorite candy: chocolate covered coconut Mickey heads. Love those things. Robert tried on a hat -- he's a chef at heart.

I'll be honest: again, I didn't want to leave so soon. I could have stayed, and I think the girls would have, but Robert was tired. I think I'm going to make him take up jogging before we go on our next trip -- work on his stamina! He told me we could have stayed, but no one really wants to go home alone.

And now, I'm tired just thinking about that night...it was a good one!!

 

[jmskinner]

Vickie, my thoughts when Robert fell over the rail, "What is he doing?" "Did he mean to do that, trying to take a nap or something?" I was just in total shock, but somehow I thought to snap that pic, just wish I had gotten the action shot. Sorry Robert.

Love the pic of Robert in hat. When I think of you guys I always think of the two of you in the kitchen cooking together.

As you can see, we didn't stay much longer than you did. One more ride and that was it.

 

[jmskinner]

Our next day was at Epcot. Jordan had seen a purse she liked so we stopped at Mousegears to see if they had it, but sadly they didn't. They had some made out of the same material, which was this:



But not the shape she wanted. I can't remember what all happened but Vickie finally went over to the customer service counter and they found one at the Contemporary, so Robert and Jordan headed over to get it.

Mickey Head:


And another:


And next up:






We decided to ride there in Mexico, can't remember if Vickie had ridden before or not.




I like the fireworks:




It was time for us to get the Kim Possible Communicator:


You see Emily and Jacob both hoping to be the one the agent gives the communicator to:


And our mission was in Mexico:






I must say that the mission in Mexico is my least favorite mission, but it still had some neat stuff.

After that I persuaded Vickie into trying my favorite drink:


I think Vickie enjoyed it:


I figured we needed a beverage for our next mission in Norway.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Melissa, Robert says the reason you think of us in the kitchen together is all those times you used to come over for supper at our house when you were single!

I was surprised to see that picture of me drinking that drink -- I don't think there's one picture of me in our photos for this day, so I forgot I wore that!

(that was a good drink...yum!)

Hey, I'm over 100 posts!!

 

[jmskinner]

Melissa, Robert says the reason you think of us in the kitchen together is all those times you used to come over for supper at our house when you were single!

I was surprised to see that picture of me drinking that drink -- I don't think there's one picture of me in our photos for this day, so I forgot I wore that!

(that was a good drink...yum!)

Hey, I'm over 100 posts!!

Sorry that pic of you came out so bright. I had forgotten to switch to the outdoor setting. Glad you liked the drink, it is one of my favorites.

for the 100 posts, I remember being so excited about reaching 100 and look where I am now.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

As the week has moved on, I’ve been pulling out my list of “picture wishes” from my office mates. One of them was for a picture of Chicken Little; I think she felt like it would be too difficult to get, but I wasn’t above getting ANY picture I could get of what was requested, no matter where it is or how I obtain it. Therefore, when a chance came and I saw this little statue, I went for it:

Another story along about this time is the final decision my daughter made for how she would spend her Disney gift card $$. She had seen a purse at MK on Main Street, and at the end of the night (my previous post), we went back to get it. But – it was no longer there. There were plenty of other purses/backpacks made of the same material, but she wanted this particular hobo purse. So, we said, we’ll get it tomorrow at Epcot. They have a huge store there, and they’ll have another in stock.

So we get to Epcot that next day – and no purse. By this time, I’m really wondering whether this purse exists. I mean, there are several others…so we begin asking about the purse. Jordan describes it, and one of the CMs seems to recognize the description – we are directed to the far left counter, where a lady begins calling all around the World to find this particular purse. This is Jordan, waiting….

They did find one, at the Contemporary’s shop! Robert & Jordan decide to hop on the Monorail and go get it, while the rest of us continue on. Here is part of the gang at the Kim Possible spot…I liked Melissa’s pic of both kids with their hands out!

The Mexican pyramid (Jacob primarily in these pics):

And then, we get hungry, or someone does. I believe Melissa decides to get chips at the Mexican restaurant – for breakfast? I can’t remember why. But it had rained the night before, so it was difficult to find a dry spot to sit at the tables.

The people eating inside the pyramid were smart.

I hadn’t been on the ride inside, so I was excited to go on something different.

Ahhh! Did we warp back to It's a Small World??

Then, I believe the kids started the Kim Possible adventure. I’m not really sure why I took this pic, but it’s engaging.

Emily is intently watching…

This parrot had a lot to say...but parrots sometimes do.

When they finish, we go out again. It’s so dark in the pyramid, it’s kind of a shocker to come out in daylight. Oh, and the little gifts they are selling in that place are horrendously expensive…

The water here looks unreal, almost digital.

Next, onto Viking territory! If you look closely, you can see the remains of a Viking shipwreck.

This picture cracks me up; Emily has taken control, and poor Jacob is beside himself…cracking his fingers.

Hmmm…that’s all I have for the moment!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Alright ladies I'm all caught up. Wow how disappointing about WCC, I remember you telling other stories about that place. I'm sure part of it does depend on the server, and the area of the restaurant. Hopefully I can keep up on new updates, but I've become only a weekend DISer with my job hours during the week I've had a hard time keeping up.

So many great pictures... can't wait to see what happens next and see if Jordan finds her purse.

 

[jmskinner]

Alright ladies I'm all caught up. Wow how disappointing about WCC, I remember you telling other stories about that place. I'm sure part of it does depend on the server, and the area of the restaurant. Hopefully I can keep up on new updates, but I've become only a weekend DISer with my job hours during the week I've had a hard time keeping up.

So many great pictures... can't wait to see what happens next and see if Jordan finds her purse.

When I went with my Dad and Stepmom in August, our server was fantastic, but no ketchup? It does depend on the server. Glad the job is working out, but sorry for the all hours, and cutting into your Dis time. I understand though.

Vickie, I was trying to remember if this is when I stopped for Nachos? It was me wanting something to eat. I hadn't eaten anything, also I now remember that Jonas had left to check to see if Lost and Found had Jacob's DS. Funny how until this moment, I didn't miss him. It was while we were eating that he appreared and without the DS. Ok, I'll do an update now.

 

[jmskinner]

Since we were in Norway, we had to do Maelstrom. Again, I love log flume rides and I know this is a short one, but it is still fun. And you get to go backwards.

Robert and Jordan met us before the ride and look what Jordan had with her:


You can tell she was very happy.

Ater our ride, and no, we did not stay for the movie, we headed to China. Everyone decided they were hungry, sure wish I hadn't eaten those nasty nachos now. While everyone else got in line for food, I went looking for a table and finally found two outside right beside each other. That was luck. I held one and had Jacob held the other. Sorry, I didn't get any food porn, but took these instead:







After everyone ate, we went in to see the soldiers:







And with the flash:


The ceiling:


For some reason we stopped outside, did Robert stop to talk to someone? I took the time to snap pics:












Do you see the bird in the above pic? While standing there, he decided that wasn't the spot for him and moved over here:


I thought it was cool that the lilypod (is that what they are called?) could hold him up. He quickly flew back to land though, so maybe he was sinking.

Then I found pretty flowers:

 

[JPFamilyMom]

What a cute bag that was she was looking for. Glad she found it.

Great pics are usual Melissa, seeing your pictures makes it even clearer how little we saw at Epcot. Hope I get to explore more this time.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I didn’t have a picture like Melissa did of Jordan’s purse; if I remember correctly, we had some time to spare, waiting in the Maelstrom ride’s line, and that’s when she had the idea to take the picture. Here’s the deal: I wasn’t used to thinking in terms of “this will be great for the storyline!”

Another thing I remember is another instance of Emily’s trouble through imitation. There was a part of the line where the “bar” that herds us met up with a wall – Jacob, being of small body and bored mind, decided to squeeze himself in-between those two things. Emily, being of “can’t be left out of the fun”, decided to do the same…Emily squeezed in, and couldn’t squeeze out. She had been warned just a little earlier to behave, but had decided this opportunity was too much to pass up. After our few moments of panic (and her immediate scare), someone brilliantly coaxed her down the bar to where the wall ended. Problem solved, another talking-to commenced. Not to worry, though – she didn’t let that dampen her spirit for long.

Here we are at the end of the ride, between those buildings, waiting for them to let us in to the film, the second part of the ride. When they let us in, however, suddenly we all decided not to stay and watch it. So we left…so did many others.

After wandering through that store (I like to look in there at the unusual winter items that I can’t afford!), we went on.

It was hot. When we went to the Chinese counter-service, the tables Melissa secured for us were half in the shade, half sun. We all scrambled for the shade. The food was okay…not fantastic.

I never knew these replica statues were in Epcot China – I had seen them on TV, so I was really excited to see these in person. They say that each statue is based upon a real person, so that’s why they are all different; I believe there might have been something said about the people and horses were buried with them. Ug.

This is a picture of the original site; sorry about the lighting.

In Germany, I found some cool toys…very detailed. I’m a horse fan, and pretty picky, too!

I love the details of this “town.”

It seems like we were waiting on Jonas here? I’m not really sure what happened, but here we are, hanging out.