Olivia's 3rd Birthday Extravaganza! DDxP,BBB and PP!Oh my! Our 12/10 TR! **Finished**

[Tinker_Tam]

Great Update!!! I love the picture of the car! That was such a cold morning... but than again I think that was the theme of our trips! I am going to take your lead. I am gonna try to get an update up today!

 

[eecteacher82]

Great Update!!! I love the picture of the car! That was such a cold morning... but than again I think that was the theme of our trips! I am going to take your lead. I am gonna try to get an update up today!

I'm really trying to wrap this TR up quickly! I still have our trip we took last month to do and Olivia and I are doing a girls only trip this weekend so I will have that to do as well! I don't want to get too far behind and then never be able to catch up! I'll be looking forward to your update!

 

[jc040404]

Officially un-lurking..de-lurking? Either way, I've really been enjoying your TR! Olivia is adorable. You reeeeeally having me wishing it was Christmas right now. Love your pics of that carousel and the lights!

Have fun on your girls only trip. I'm soooo jealous! We're planning to skip Disney completely this month. Well, DH is planning.. And what does he know?

Can't wait to read more!

 

[eecteacher82]

Officially un-lurking..de-lurking? Either way, I've really been enjoying your TR! Olivia is adorable. You reeeeeally having me wishing it was Christmas right now. Love your pics of that carousel and the lights!

Have fun on your girls only trip. I'm soooo jealous! We're planning to skip Disney completely this month. Well, DH is planning.. And what does he know?

Can't wait to read more!

Yeah! Glad to see you de/un-lurked! Thank you! We think she is pretty cute as well! I'm really wishing it was Christmas now as well! This hot weather is horrible! I can't stand it!

I love girls days at Disney! This will be our first overnight trip! We usually just go up for the day, but I figured an overnight would be fun. I'm really hoping she is at the 40 inch mark now...I think she just might be right there!

Skipping a whole month? Is he nuts!? I bet you and the boys can talk him into at least a day!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

OOOOh I'm so excited for the Beach Club and Cape May now for that update. Although I'm thinking we'll encounter a little less frost

 

[eecteacher82]

OOOOh I'm so excited for the Beach Club and Cape May now for that update. Although I'm thinking we'll encounter a little less frost

I'm hoping you have less frost!!!! Livy and I just got home from a girls weekend and it was HOT! Temps in the low 90s! We really liked Cape May Cafe. It was really relaxed, the characters were great and the food was pretty good as well!

 

[eecteacher82]

Well, Olivia and I are back from our quick girls weekend trip! We had a great time just the two of us! It was really nice just to do whatever with no agenda! Sadly she literally JUST missed the magical 40 inch mark! We tried at Test Track and the CM literally stuck a piece of paper between Livy and the top of the measuring stick!!! Oh well, something to look forward to next time!!!! I'm working really hard on finishing up our Dec TR so I can start on our 2011 Disney Year TR!!! Title suggestions anyone????

 

[eecteacher82]

When I last left off it was 8:45 and we were getting ready to head to Epcot. We decided to take the boats over and as we walked that way, we saw one was already at the dock! We decided to make a run for it and cross our fingers that we could make it. Let me say, between being cold, stuffed, and pushing the stroller that run to the boat was brutal! We did end up making it though! Yeah! By now it was 8:55, and we were on our way to the International Gateway. It was a nice boat ride over, and we had recovered from our run by the time we arrived.

Our first stop was in the store that is right next to the International Gateway so I could buy Olivia something that we would use later....

As we made our way from the World Showcase into Future World, we stopped along the way for some pictures

Our first stop in Future World was The Seas with Nemo and Friends.

Livy loves this ride every time we ride it, and this time was no exception. Afterward, we had to stop for the obligatory picture of the poor child stuck in Bruce's mouth

After Nemo, we headed to Olivia's favorite ride at Epcot......Living with the Land! I'm not sure why she loves this so much, but sure enough, every time we ride, she asks to ride again.

From Living with the land we moved on to Figment and had a silly and fun ride. Livy loves all the colors and the "stinky room".

After Figment, it was time to move to something new for us....Captain E.O. Toby was excited to see this show, so we decided to wait even though it was about 20 minutes. While we waited, Olivia and Daddy were being silly

Once we finally got to see the show, it was pretty cute, and everyone enjoyed it.

By this time it was 11:15, which meant World Showcase was open! I was super excited to really spend some time in WS on this trip. I was planning on getting Olivia the passport (that is what we bought when we arrived at Epcot earlier) and having her color a mask (Side note: I was quite sad to find out that they got rid of the mask and replaced it with the Duffy Bear on a stick). As we were making our way to the UK, we stopped in Canada for some photo ops

We made it to the UK and Livy got her passport stamped, and started on her Duffy Bear. She really enjoyed each stop, and was excited to color her bear. We didn't plan on spending too much time in the UK since we were going to be back later to meet up with Tigger and Pooh.

Up next was France. Before we could even make it to the Kidcot Stop, Olivia saw some friends she wanted pictures with

After meeting with friends, we headed to the Kidcot stop in France. On the way we saw this scary doll!

After some coloring and passport stamping, it was time for more silly pictures

When we headed out of France we saw another Friend!

From France, we moved on to Morocco. We had lots of fun here!

After coloring and stamping we headed towards the lagoon to meet more friends!

Up next: Japan!

 

[therussells08]

Great update! I love your matching shirts! That is so cute!

That doll is super creepy!

The pictures of Olivia are all great! The princesses she met are gorgeous, especially Jasmine! Aladdin is a little strange looking, though!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I love the update too!!! It's so hard to see coats at WDW when it's been in the 90s haha. I can't wait to hear about your other two trips!!!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

I'm hoping you have less frost!!!! Livy and I just got home from a girls weekend and it was HOT! Temps in the low 90s! We really liked Cape May Cafe. It was really relaxed, the characters were great and the food was pretty good as well!

OOOh I'm glad since we are doing breakfast and dinner there

Next time I think: Kristine, Erin posted on FB that she put an update up today, you should read it before bed....I will totally rethink that. I"M GOING TO HAVE NIGHTMARES FOR WEEKS ABOUT THAT MARIONETTE. YIKES

 

[jc040404]

Wow. That doll is crazy scary!

I really wish they'd kept those masks instead of the "Duffy on a stick" game! I'm not a Duffy fan at all. He seems creepy to me, too. I miss all the cute little things they'd put on the masks, too. Doesn't really work to hang stuff off a bear!

Olivia doesn't mind the Bruce pic? My kids, boys even!, are so scared of that thing!

Love your pics! Glad you had fun on your girls only trip with some pretty awesome hot weather. Crowds okay? Spring break crowds are why he requested Disney break.

 

[eecteacher82]

OOOh I'm glad since we are doing breakfast and dinner there

Next time I think: Kristine, Erin posted on FB that she put an update up today, you should read it before bed....I will totally rethink that. I"M GOING TO HAVE NIGHTMARES FOR WEEKS ABOUT THAT MARIONETTE. YIKES

I'm jealous you guys are doing dinner at Cape May! That is one that I really want to try! I am quite the seafood lover!

Sorry! Hope you didn't have nightmares! I have to say, that was seriously the creepiest thing ever!!!! Olivia wouldn't go near it. It was pretty funny!

Wow. That doll is crazy scary!

I really wish they'd kept those masks instead of the "Duffy on a stick" game! I'm not a Duffy fan at all. He seems creepy to me, too. I miss all the cute little things they'd put on the masks, too. Doesn't really work to hang stuff off a bear!

Olivia doesn't mind the Bruce pic? My kids, boys even!, are so scared of that thing!

Love your pics! Glad you had fun on your girls only trip with some pretty awesome hot weather. Crowds okay? Spring break crowds are why he requested Disney break.

The doll was so ridiculous!!! If I never see it again it will be too soon!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who isn't a fan of Duffy on a stick! Olivia liked it, so I guess that is all that matters!

Olivia loves the Bruce pic!!!! She was super upset when I didn't take it this past weekend! The first time we took it when she was about 15 months old she was scared, but that was it!

Crowds this weekend really weren't that bad at all! It was a super quick trip. I had to work at church Sunday morning, so we left around 12:30 and got up there, checked in and to the parks around 3:00. It was definitely busy, but not crazy at all. Sunday at about 6:00, Dumbo only had a 15 minute wait!!!! We left around 4:00 on Monday, and it wasn't really bad then either. At 1:00 TSM had a 35 minute wait. I say skip Easter week, but other than that you should be good!

 

[eecteacher82]

Hi guys! Sorry for my slacking lately! I'm planning on busting out a few updates today!

When I last left off, we were heading to Japan for Pick a Pearl!!!!

When we arrived in Japan, we headed right for the gift shop and I paid for our 2 pearls ($34.00), and then we went to the pick a pearl area to wait for our turn!

After just a couple of minutes, it was our turn! I picked my oyster quickly, and then let Olivia choose hers. She took this task very seriously and seemed to study every single oyster before making her selection. Finally, she found the perfect one and the lady picked it out of the water for her.

The suspense was killing Olivia! She wanted her pearl NOW!!! Unfortunately she had to wait...they had the standard show to do of course! We learned to countdown from 3 in Japanese, and Olivia actually did really good at this part! Then, finally the opening started!

Next up, it was my turn!

The outcome:

My pearl was 7.25cm and Olivia got the bigger one, 7.5 cm. I put them right in our cages and they both fit nicely. Olivia was super proud of her jewel and showed it to anyone who would look all day long! Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of our pearls together in their cages!! Shocking, I know!

After our pearls, we did the Kidcot station in Japan, and then started heading back towards Canada for our lunch ADRs!

Review: We loved Pick a Pearl! It was such a nice mother daughter experience. I think we might make it an annual thing for Olivia's birthday, and maybe start a necklace and each year add the new pearl! I loved how inexpensive it was as well!

Up Next: Lunch at LeCellier... Would it live up to the hype?

 

[eecteacher82]

On the way back to Canada, we stopped in the UK so Olivia could meet some friends that were scheduled to arrive at 1:00. Olivia was super excited to sit in this chair and he me take her picture....not sure why though.

Soon enough, it was time to meet some friends!

After meeting Pooh and Tigger, it was off to Canada...but not before one more picture

By the time we arrived in Canada it was 1:20 and our lunch ADR at Le Cellier was for 1:30. I checked us in as soon as we arrived and we made our way to the Kidcot stop so Olivia could get some coloring time in before lunch.

We were called to be seated around 1:35 or so and were taken to our table which was smack dab in the middle of the restaurant.

Within a few minutes our drink orders were taken (Coke, Diet Coke and lemonade). At the same time our server asked if we wanted a bread basket...of course! I requested all pretzel bread since I had heard such rave reviews.

Olivia was NOT on her best behavior for this meal! I'm pretty sure all of the activity and lack of sleep was catching up with her at this point. What did I do? I pulled out my iPod touch and handed it over to her and she was happy to relax and watch movies and play games! Crisis averted!

When our server brought our drinks and bread she took appetizer orders: Cheddar Cheese soup for me, and mussels for Toby.

I had been dying to try the soup after all the rave reviews I had read on here! I have to say......I hated it!!!! Maybe it was a bad batch, but all I tasted was beer (which I am not a huge fan of), and flour...no cheese taste at all!! I tried and tried to eat it, but I just couldn't make myself like it. I was so sad! Toby on the other hand loved his mussels and the pretzels bread was fantastic!

A bit later our entrees came: Toby ordered the filet (not sure what kind...anyone know by looking at the picture?), and I got the chicken caesar salad (I don't eat red meat) for Livy and I to share since she is OBSESSED with salad.

Toby LOVED his steak and practically inhaled his whole meal! Olivia and I loved the salad and almost cleared the plate.

Up next was dessert.....Chocolate Moose of course!!!

Toby and I each had a bite, but Olivia ate the rest!

After we finished, we paid the bill, $85.21 and left a $17.00 tip and we were off to explore the World Showcase some more!

Review: The atmosphere was really neat and the food was pretty good, but I don't know that I would go back to Le Cellier. Nothing was particularly bad, but it just didn't jump out at me as an amazing place to eat. Sorry to all you Le Cellier lovers out there!

Up Next: World Showcase fun!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Nice update! I read on FB that you had updated so I had to stop over!!

Congrats on the pearls! I loved the mother-daughter experience as well and making it a yearly tradition would be great!!! Maybe one year she will get a pretty blue one or twins like me!!

It's funny you did the pearls the same day as your Le Cellier, just like we did!

We enjoyed our meal at Le Cellier but we are HUGE steak fans! Our soup tasted really great so it's sad that yours was no so great The chocolate moose was nice too as well has the happy birthday in chocolate!

We would go there again but I wouldn't kill to get an ADR. The steaks we've had at Captains Grill are good as well and for you they would offer more selection as far as chicken and fish!

 

[eecteacher82]

After lunch at Le Cellier, it was time to continue with our exploration of the World Showcase. Toby had one, and only one mission for WS...to see the show in America! He is a HUGE history buff, and LOVES the Hall of Presidents, so when I told him there was a similar show in America, he was dead set on going.

We had perfect timing, just as we arrived, they were seating for the next show! Olivia was being super clingy and was pretty much attached to my side as we were walking in. Toby offered to carry her, but she wanted no part in Daddy. We got pretty good seats and sat back and relaxed to watch the show (well, as relaxed as I could have been with a grumpy 3 year old on my lap). After about 2 minutes Olivia was out like a light. I was pretty sure she wouldn't last more than a few minutes! Toby really, really liked the show and I think that was the highlight of his day (well, up until that point).

After we finished up the show it was time for a potty break and then we were going to slowly start making our way to the exit, with a few stops planned on the way.

Our first goal was to get a picture with Belle and the Beast, but as we walked up, they closed the line to any more families. Bummer! This was the 3rd time that day we had managed to miss him!

On to our second stop....Club Cool!!! I was dying to have Olivia try all the soda, especially Beverly! I know, I'm a mean mommy! I have great pictures of Toby trying it for the first time when we were on Olivia's 2nd Birthday trip, and I wanted some great ones of Livy as well. I started out by giving her the good ones (watermelon, etc) and then came Beverly...

I got exactly what I was looking for!!! I still laugh every time I see those pictures!

After Club Cool, we made our way to the Character Spot for more character pics and love! WARNING! PICTURE OVERLOAD TO FOLLOW!!!

After our character love, we headed over to Mouse Gears to look around for a bit. After a bit, Toby came to me with a little stuffed Goofy and Mickey. He said Olivia NEEDED them since she didn't have them yet. *Starting on her first trip, Olivia has always gotten one of the smalle (9in maybe?) stuffed animals. She had Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Pooh.* I was ok with Goofy, but didn't think she needed Mickey since she already had 2 that were mine-one was from my very first trip, and the other I got when I was about 10 or so.* Of course I caved and we bought them both ($22.90 after our passholder discount). After that we headed out before we ended up spending any more money!

We were heading to the exit and decided to take a quick trip on Space Ship Earth since there was no line! Despite what people say, we love this ride! It is so relaxing and Olivia loves to look at everything in each scene.

After SSE, it was time for another potty break and to head out of Epcot for the day.


We couldn't leave without another PP pic

We hopped on the monorail and rode to to the TTC...and back to Epcot....and back to the TTC! Olivia loves the monorail so much and we had time to kill since it was only 6:00 and our ADRs weren't until 8:05, so we figured why not! When we got off, we transferred to the Resort loop and rode the complete circuit 2x!

At 7:00 we called it quits on the monorail and hopped off at the Poly for our ADRs. Since we still had an hour, we did some exploring and I took even MORE pics!

By then it was time to head upstairs and check in at Ohana!

Up next: Our first meal at Ohana!

 

[exwdwcm]

great updates! i was also disappointed with the duffy thing- i liked the masks so much better! i mean what does Duffy have to do with the world showcase? a mask relates so much better!

Sorry the cheese soup wasn't your thing- it actually doesn't taste very cheesy to me either, but i still enjoy it- it is almost somewhat bitter a little!

so did Olivia like doing the passport? I think i will do that for William in october.

 

[eecteacher82]

great updates! i was also disappointed with the duffy thing- i liked the masks so much better! i mean what does Duffy have to do with the world showcase? a mask relates so much better!

Sorry the cheese soup wasn't your thing- it actually doesn't taste very cheesy to me either, but i still enjoy it- it is almost somewhat bitter a little!

so did Olivia like doing the passport? I think i will do that for William in october.

Olivia loved the passport! She was super excited to get it stamped in each country! She even started asking them to write Happy Birthday after she heard me ask a couple of times! I really like that we have the Happy Birthday in all of those languages! She also really liked helping me put the stickers on each page. Well worth the $10 in my opinion!

 

[mermaid764]

What an awesome day at Epcot!

I love the matching shirts, they look so cute in all the pictures with the characters.

Ohana is one of our faves and I can't wait to hear about your meal there