No Work and All Play – Disney on the Company’s Dime! (8/1 There and Back Again)

[MEK]

I love the Voices of Liberty and the American Adventure. No matter how many times I see it, I get choked up. I love the final song!

Great pictures of the flags. Great perspective!

Congratulations on your January 2011! Let the PTR begin!

 

[thecapells]

I'm not a big fan of Italy either; it's just begging an attraction of SOME kind- ANY kind will do. Another restaurant isn't exactly what I was hoping for. Ah well... whatcha gonna do? You're right, a gondola ride would be really a nice touch, even if you had to make a ressie and pay some.

But like you showed, it is a Pav. that lends itself nicely to photography. I plan to do some of that myself.

Yeah, when you slow down and relax, there is a lot of photogenic places in Italy.
Basically, there's stuff to "see" but not much to "do."

I love the Voices of Liberty and the American Adventure. No matter how many times I see it, I get choked up. I love the final song!

Great pictures of the flags. Great perspective!

Congratulations on your January 2011! Let the PTR begin!

No time for a PTR - I need to catch up on my TR's!!

 

[thecapells]

As I boarded my miniature train to Germany, I enjoyed all the scenery that went into the picturesque landscapes.

And, of course, the town square and the heart of one of the assignments in the Kim Possible Germany mission!

At last, I arrived at the happy little courtyard.
Reminding you of Oktoberfest in all its glory, Germany is always a fun pavilion.

Unfortunately I wasn’t spending much time here this time around.
The family and I always head to Biergarten for the great food and Oktoberfest Musikanten.
And there’s the toy stores and fun little shops.
But this time, I just took a quick walk around before continuing on my way to the Far East.
Along the way, I snuck another shot of the Pirate Adventure Zone.

This little play place was set up for the Food and Wine Festival and I know my kids really enjoyed it back in May.
But alas, a princess awaited so I could not delay!
I arrived in China and wandered through the back of the pavilion to see all there was to see.

The Kim Possible mission takes you through a lot of the nooks and crannies of China so I’d highly recommend that one.
But, on my own, I was just enjoying the architecture and all the little details.

Then I headed to the front of the pavilion.
The Warrior Princess was waiting for her prince!

After that, it was time to head out once again.
The Land of the Midnight Sun was calling…

 

[dawnbu40]

I love the train pics! In March we noticed that they change the "town" for the seasons which is really fun

You're so right about Kim Possible and China! We had never spent much time there until the missions came along and showed us what we'd been missing

 

[praisehisname]

I'm loving all the updates and pictures! They are really driving it home about how much of World Showcase I've missed out on... Another reason to go back and explore more!

Great news about your January trip!!!

 

[WrightFamily06]

Nice pictures of Germany & China Can't wait to explore these some more myself in September !

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Mike, I'm taking off on vacation tomorrow, and didn't want you to think I'd fallen in my open sewer hole in my yard. I'll be back the 22nd, and will catch up then.

by the way.... another person coming from Pennsylvania (Jenb1023) wondered if anyone else was bringing kids to the Meet... and I told her that you might be. She felt a lot better. I know you guys aren't for sure, but just know that other kids will likely be there, at least for the lunch.

 

[MEK]

I absolutely love the picture of the Parasols in China (is that how you spell it?). Your world showcase pics are giving me so many great ideas for my next trip. I only saw a 1/4 of the world showcase on my May trip!

 

[thecapells]

I love the train pics! In March we noticed that they change the "town" for the seasons which is really fun

You're so right about Kim Possible and China! We had never spent much time there until the missions came along and showed us what we'd been missing

I never noticed that about the trains - probably because we go in the same seasons every year.
We'll have to keep an eye on that!

I'm loving all the updates and pictures! They are really driving it home about how much of World Showcase I've missed out on... Another reason to go back and explore more!

Great news about your January trip!!!

Thanks!
I always try to leave a full day for the World Showcase since there's so much to see.
And when I go with the family even a full day is not enough...

 

[thecapells]

Nice pictures of Germany & China Can't wait to explore these some more myself in September !

Thanks and have fun!
There's definitely alot to explore in the World Showcase!

Hi Mike, I'm taking off on vacation tomorrow, and didn't want you to think I'd fallen in my open sewer hole in my yard. I'll be back the 22nd, and will catch up then.

by the way.... another person coming from Pennsylvania (Jenb1023) wondered if anyone else was bringing kids to the Meet... and I told her that you might be. She felt a lot better. I know you guys aren't for sure, but just know that other kids will likely be there, at least for the lunch.

Thanks for the update.
We'll catch you when you get back!

I absolutely love the picture of the Parasols in China (is that how you spell it?). Your world showcase pics are giving me so many great ideas for my next trip. I only saw a 1/4 of the world showcase on my May trip!

So much to see, so little time...

 

[Princess Sarah]

So, I've been reading this trip report from the beginning this evening. I got to page 15 and the pic of the kids in the snow and realized that you're my parents' (Maureen and Ed) next door neighbor. I was so caught up reading I didn't recognize you!

 

[thecapells]

So, I've been reading this trip report from the beginning this evening. I got to page 15 and the pic of the kids in the snow and realized that you're my parents' (Maureen and Ed) next door neighbor. I was so caught up reading I didn't recognize you!

That's hilarious!!
Now you can tell your parents how insane their neighbors really are!!
Luckily they won't be too surprised being Disney geeks themselves.
Go check out my other TR's (links below) and you can see the whole family!

 

[thecapells]

Nynorsk, fellow Vikings!
I had finally trekked far north enough to see the Land of the Midnight Sun!
Alas, my voyage was not yet complete for I heard the call of the High Seas.
By Odin’s Beard, twas a Norwegian Adventure that beckons!

Awaiting my vessel, I had visions of Norway past and present.
From the Vikings of yore to the seafarers of modern times, Norway is one with the Spirit of the Sea.

Ah, There she sits!
And what a fine vessel she is.
Sculpted out of what appears to wood, she could stand with any in the Viking Fleet.
I boarded and took command at once.
I seek the Spirit of Norway and was prepared for peril and adventure!

Battling trolls and polar bears, I steered clear of dangerous waterfalls

Not to mention the… floating oil rigs?!?!?
But in the end, I discovered the beauty and charms of this Scandanavian land
I docked at a small Norwegian village and took some time to explore.

Several stores lined the coast and if you just take the time to sit and listen, you can literally hear the hustle and bustle of the villagers.
From merchants to traders to fisherman, the Norwegians were going about their day all around us.
Next to other incoming Viking ships, smaller crafts for fishing were being prepared for a day’s work.

Finally the large doors opened and I made my way across the aisle.
While some stopped and sat in preparation for the documentary, I had more adventures awaiting!
Upon exit, a friendly troll was there to provide directions to my next destination!

Back in the Norwegian countryside, I decided to take in the sights.
The Puffin’s Roost is a nice place to shop for all your Viking needs from swords and shields to helmets and flags.
No true Scandanavian should pass it by!

Next stop was to wander by the Castle Akershus.
This famous fortress protected Oslo and has survived many a siege throughout the years.
Its might and reputation are so strong that is now houses several fair maidens of the land.
To dine with those princesses would be an experience unto itself and well worth the cost.
So much moreso than “other," more costly castles of the realm.

From royalty to honor, we next find the Stave Church and the exhibit of our ancestors.
A mighty Viking stands guard over this shrine of legends such as Eric the Red.

Many a passerby overlooks this hidden gem and tis well worth a quick visit.
If nothing other than the climate control within – such wizardry protects this shrine!
But there are several of my brethren discussed in detail along with one of our finest vessels for display.
Outside the doors of the church once stood a reproduction of said vessel.
It had since been broken down for wood and supplies necessary to help the lass Kim Possible hold off some modern day villains.
All that remains is the dragon head mast of the majestic craft.

Lastly, as we depart the country of the North, we find a troll camoflauged by his surroundings.
He seems to be part of some Festival taking place in these parts but I have no time for such things.

The call of adventure leads me South and back to the new land.
I shall trade in my helmet for a sombrero and continue my trek across the seas.
To Victory or Death!
Who’s with me?

 

[dawnbu40]

I love your enthusiastic re-telling of your adventures through Norway!

Great pictures too! I never seem to remember to take any of Maelstrom!

 

[thecapells]

I love your enthusiastic re-telling of your adventures through Norway!

Great pictures too! I never seem to remember to take any of Maelstrom!

It's tough to get pics inside of that place.
I tried but they never come out.
So I make due with the queue and the ending.

 

[dtr_angel]

love Norway, but probably because I'm Norwegian!

I can't wait for our family trip (that is over 3 years away haha) so my dad (family is from Norway) can eat at Akershus... my husband and I ate there last March and we loved it. I'm sure my dad & brothers will not care for the princess theme, but if it wasn't for eating dinner there I would've never discovered school bread, yum!

 

[thecapells]

love Norway, but probably because I'm Norwegian!

I can't wait for our family trip (that is over 3 years away haha) so my dad (family is from Norway) can eat at Akershus... my husband and I ate there last March and we loved it. I'm sure my dad & brothers will not care for the princess theme, but if it wasn't for eating dinner there I would've never discovered school bread, yum!

We're actually very fond of the Akershus breakfast.
Besides the standard fare, you get treated to pastries, cream cheese and lox, and all the princesses.
And the princesses spend a good deal of time with you and are very much in character.
All in all, a great experience!

 

[dtr_angel]

We're actually very fond of the Akershus breakfast.
Besides the standard fare, you get treated to pastries, cream cheese and lox, and all the princesses.
And the princesses spend a good deal of time with you and are very much in character.
All in all, a great experience!

that sounds good too! I'll have to decide now between breakfast and dinner there now, thanks for giving me something to think about!

 

[thecapells]

that sounds good too! I'll have to decide now between breakfast and dinner there now, thanks for giving me something to think about!

Consider also that the princess meals at Akershus are cheaper and, in my opinion, better than those at the castle.
Yes, you lose the experience of "The Castle" but the character interaction is better and it's only 1 TS Credit.
And now they throw in a "free" portrait package with Belle.

 

[praisehisname]

I loved the Norway update and pics; you are quite the writer!