"OUR BIG, FAT DISNEY VACATION!" Ch.26 NEW! 2/11 pg. 121 "And they lived happily ever&

[DisneyObsession]

Alright, UM, we'll give you a little break. Here, for your reader's pleasure, is a Utah joke to keep them at bay a bit longer:

Stumpy and his wife Martha went to the Utah state fair every year. Every year Stumpy would say, "Martha, I'd like to ride in that there airplane." And every year Martha would say, "I know Stumpy, but that airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

One year Stumpy and Martha went to the fair and Stumpy said, "Martha, I'm 71 years old. If I don't ride that airplane this year I may never get another chance." Martha replied, "Stumpy, that there airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

The pilot overheard them and said, "Folks, I'll make you a deal, I'll take you both up for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won't charge you, but if you say one word, it's ten dollars."

Stumpy and Martha agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word was heard. He did all his tricks over again, but still not a word. They landed and the pilot turned to Stumpy, "By golly, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn't."

Stumpy replied, "Well, I was gonna say something when Martha fell out, but ten dollars is ten dollars."​

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Alright, UM, we'll give you a little break. Here, for your reader's pleasure, is a Utah joke to keep them at bay a bit longer:

Stumpy and his wife Martha went to the Utah state fair every year. Every year Stumpy would say, "Martha, I'd like to ride in that there airplane." And every year Martha would say, "I know Stumpy, but that airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

One year Stumpy and Martha went to the fair and Stumpy said, "Martha, I'm 71 years old. If I don't ride that airplane this year I may never get another chance." Martha replied, "Stumpy, that there airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

The pilot overheard them and said, "Folks, I'll make you a deal, I'll take you both up for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won't charge you, but if you say one word, it's ten dollars."

Stumpy and Martha agreed and up they went. The pilot did all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word was heard. He did all his tricks over again, but still not a word. They landed and the pilot turned to Stumpy, "By golly, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn't."

Stumpy replied, "Well, I was gonna say something when Martha fell out, but ten dollars is ten dollars."​

 

[UtahMama]

September 11

I LOVE Epcot! I really love the World Showcase!
During the course of our vacation we went to Epcot at least 3 times. We didn’t wander around the countries enough. By that I mean, we’d get to Norway and have to leave for something on the “schedule”. Or, another day, we’d make it to the UK and have to do something else. VERY frustrating. I just want to commit to the World Showcase! Devote hours to Kidcoting. Oodles of meandering at the other country’s goodies. ((sigh)).

We arrived very late in the morning to Epcot. So much to do and see in such a short amount of time this day. Our focus was on World Showcase but first we wanted to ride Soarin’. I again opted for the footless view, met without the drama of the previous ride. I’ll gladly call myself a Soarin’ Snob. I most certainly will NOT just sit wherever, thank you! I am entitled to no dangling feet in my adventure

I like the launch area where Buzz Lightyear tells the aviators his shveal.

Ahhhh! I love flying through my homeland and smelling those oranges. Lovely!

We exited and went to the Land for some snackage. Just to tide us over till Akershaus a little later (at 1:00 our stomachs were still on Mountain time)

We headed towards “Meh-hee-co" to do some browsing and shopping. I had never been on the El Rio del Tiempo and was anxious to “Sail the Rver of Time”.

First there is SOOO much to take in in Mexico! I have been to the real Mexico, Los Angeles, and Tjauana! In the real Mexico I was able to score Chilets for .25 , Vanilla for a few dollars, wool blankets 2 for $20.00 etc. The Disnified versions of all the classic Mexican purchases are quite a bit heftier in price. So I resisted. Love the colorful folkart and handcrafted piggy-banks, and maracas! This whole pavilion is an explosion of color and scents! The CM’s were warm and friendly. One gal suggested I sample a margarita. Instead of a big “I don’t drink” explanation, I said, “Thank you, I think I will”. I felt guilty about that for the rest of the day! El Rio del Tiempo is often compared to It’s a Small World for good reason. The dolls/robots are very similar in shape and color but really not the same. The ride is a history lesson of Mexico. Best of all, it’s air-conditioned.

After the ride, we let the kids stop at the Kidcot station to color their masks. I have a slight gripe about the new use of permanent markers! Hello??? The markers do NOT wash off little hands, faces or clothing! I will bring ‘washable” markers next time! But the CM was pleasant and enjoyed her job. My kids spent waaaay too much time with her. I asked her if my DH and I could go around World Showcase while our kids colored their masks? She thought I was serious and her body language was “uncomfortable”…I laughed and said I wouldn’t do that to her!

Next and final country of the day was NorVay! We took the big troll picture. We took the Viking ship picture. I love the word Fjording, so I took the word’s picture too. It MUST be peer pressure, but, I kinda liked that Maelstrom ride. Up until this particular ride, I was a take it or leave it kinda gal. This time was a little funner. It would be really fun if there was a backwards drop. But the illusion of the drop is exciting.

We were waiting for our ADR’s for princess dining at Akershus. We still had puh-lenty of time to shop, I like the Norway signature fragrance in that first shop. The name escapes me, though (which will drive me crazy). I did a once-over of the shops and found it to be time to transform my hot, sweaty, now napping, toddler into a gen-u-ine lil’princess! We brought all her gear. Gown, tiara with hair securing pins, satin gloves, tights, plastic “glass” slippers, wand (since WHEN does Cinderella carry a wand? I’d like to have a chat with the Disney merchandisers!). I mentioned before she was now just barely asleep. And I was about to attempt to undress her and dress her in layers of fluffy-blue poofiness! I took her in the restaurant’s ladies room and stripped her sweaty body down and changed her diaper. I wrangled on the tights as she figured she was DONE. A very mini tantrum was mounting into a full-blows Tizzy when I pulled out of the bag THE GOWN! Her crying instantly stopped (like pushing a MUTE button) and a full on melt-mama’s-heart smile shone on her red, teary face! Mama’s Mental Note: Carry full on Cinderella costume wherever we go to cease future tantrums! I pulled the gown up over her head and put on her gloves (NOT an easy task!) It was time to transform her hair. I had everything I needed to change her 2-pony tailed do into a bun-atop her pretty blonde head and an official tiara, but she would NOT have it. The dress was on, SHE WAS CINDERELLA , and she actually walked with all the grace and skill as the real Mc Koy! Her hair was good enough for her (I wisely chose to "pick my battles") even though it was not "regulation" Cinderella.
Before we were seated, we got to meet and pose with a very ON Ariel! She totally was IN character. We loved her! We even bought the $30 picture package of her and Norah!

My boys were NOT thrilled to be here. But cheered up somewhat when their food came. I know Dallen had the Pizza and Riley, of course, had the Mac n’ cheese. I had the Norweigan meatloaf. I kinda liked it. It was really different but flavorful. The only thing I didn’t care for was the goat cheese from the buffet. It’s the brownish one. It was salty and yucky. Jordan thought the princesses were “hot” (he WOULD!). Aurora came and flirted with Dallen , who had pizza sauce all over his mouth! He tried to just ignore her but she still ruffled his hair. I am certain he will like princesses ruffling his hair some day! Look at his face! Is he purring or disgusted at the royal-girl cooties? You descide!

Aurora kissed Riley on his cheek in that permanent princess lipstick . This was princess kiss #2 (out of 3) for this trip. He turned bright red, again. Jordan, my 17 year old, did not get the royal treatment . The princesses “flirted” with my teen-aged prince but he did not get his hair ruffled or get perma-lipstick on his blushing cheeks.

Princess Mary Poppins and Princess Alice in Wonderland were very fun! Belle in her book-reading baget-buying blue village dress was very sweet. Cinderella was just beautiful (and a size –5!) and a graceful hostess after being corinated 4 times that very day. The BEST was Ariel. I kept thinking, she really BELIEVES she’s Ariel! What if she was a nut job? She combed her hair with one of our many dingle-hoppers, even! Her photo area was right near the front entrance. Our table was the nearest to her area. She spent a lot of time with us off and on. What a treat! She played with Norah and Norahs’s plastic glass slippers.

Our experience can not be compaired to the Cinderella’s Royal Table because we have not gone to that yet. We were spoiled at Akershaus. I doubt if we would have been doated on by a better Ariel. Each princess and “princess” was delightful. Our food (minus the funky cheese) was fine. The atmosphere seemed authentic.

We spent a little more time in Epcot after lunch. Enough time to horse around and de-princess our baby.

I had to hi-tail it to the monorail to attend the Grand Tea at the Grand Floridian. This is one of the high-lights of this whole vacation with some DIS friends who-could-have-been-crazy-psychos because I had only “talked” to them on the DIS boards and briefly by phone.

Next Time: The Grand Tea at the Grand Floridian and Maxing Out Buzz Lightyear! WHERE IS MEL HAPPY HAUNT! I have picture proof just for HER!


Sorry so short, Norah has the stomach flu as of 45 minutes ago when she BARFED at Walmart...all over the place! Ughhh! This is as far as I got.

Love you guys

 

[TwinkieMama]

I am first!!!! whoohoo!

(and I didn't even get the secret wundertwin signal!!!!)

at the menta mama note to carry full princess regalia at all time to prevent tantrums

at the thought of you whopping it up with a taste of Margarita in Me-he-co! I love that place too!

Thanks for the review of the Princess Storybook Experience With Some Ethnic Food in NorVAY...


and I am so sorry that Princess Norah has the pukies! DSyummybaby does too and it is NO FUN!


for you and Norah!

 

[UtahMama]

Great! You posted while I was still fine-tuning, Twinks! I screwed up on a picture of Dallen with Aurora. It was and is riddled with spelling and grammar errors! I cant really fix because of Norah. Poor widdle princes! I have to go cover her crib/daybed with old towels in case it happens in the middle of the night. That's NOT my favorite sound to wake up to at 2 AM. OR! The kid RIGHT next to my bed who says, "Mommy, I dont feel g...(yak!)" ( N.O.Y!)

 

[lexmelinda]

Great installment, UM....love the little princess in all her blue fluffiness....how sweet she looks. Sounds like a fun day. Sorry about the pukies, too, cause you know I feel your pain....

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Uma, another fabulous report, you are a great writer.
And the little princess is just adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck with her cooties.

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

September 11

I LOVE Epcot! I really love the World Showcase!
During the course of our vacation we went to Epcot at least 3 times. We didn’t wander around the countries enough. By that I mean, we’d get to Norway and have to leave for something on the “schedule”. Or, another day, we’d make it to the UK and have to do something else. VERY frustrating. I just want to commit to the World Showcase! Devote hours to Kidcoting. Oodles of meandering at the other country’s goodies. ((sigh)).

Me, too! I love, love, love WS!

We headed towards “Meh-hee-co" to do some browsing and shopping. I had never been on the El Rio del Tiempo and was anxious to “Sail the Rver of Time”.

First there is SOOO much to take in in Mexico! I have been to the real Mexico, Los Angeles, and Tjauana! In the real Mexico I was able to score Chilets for .25 , Vanilla for a few dollars, wool blankets 2 for $20.00 etc. The Disnified versions of all the classic Mexican purchases are quite a bit heftier in price. So I resisted. Love the colorful folkart and handcrafted piggy-banks, and maracas! This whole pavilion is an explosion of color and scents!

I know.... the piggy banks are totally cute!

After the ride, we let the kids stop at the Kidcot station to color their masks. I have a slight gripe about the new use of permanent markers! Hello??? The markers do NOT wash off little hands, faces or clothing! I will bring ‘washable” markers next time!

What's up with that??? DD stained many a color on her shirts during Kidcot days. Great idea on the washable markers... I'm putting that on my list for next year!

The BEST was Ariel. I kept thinking, she really BELIEVES she’s Ariel! What if she was a nut job? She combed her hair with one of our many dingle-hoppers, even! Her photo area was right near the front entrance. Our table was the nearest to her area. She spent a lot of time with us off and on. What a treat! She played with Norah and Norahs’s plastic glass slippers.

[

Last year we did the Princess lunch in DCA and our "Ariel" was the same way. Very much in character... sometimes so in character she crossed the line into adult film star with her "Ohhh-ing and Ahhhh-ing". Of course DH and DDad thought she was great!

Great installment! So sorry Norah's ill and barfy. That's the worse, especially at that age when they have no idea what is going on. Hope she gets better soon. I hear that bug is going around.

 

[spongemommie05]

UM great trippie report! i am praying that my kids don't get sick too was loving and hugging on Norah this last week, you take care of that lil girl and i will put her in my prayers talk to ya later .
love the pictures makes me excited for our trip to be in oct.

 

[dwheatl]

I like the launch area where Buzz Lightyear tells the aviators his shveal.

Thanks for posting this picture. Kronk would be my freebie, if DH and I had freebies, which we don't, because I like this stage in life where it's always the same guy, and he thinks I'm cute, even with no makeup and stubbly legs.

I wrangled on the tights as she figured she was DONE. A very mini tantrum was mounting into a full-blows Tizzy when I pulled out of the bag THE GOWN! Her crying instantly stopped (like pushing a MUTE button) and a full on melt-mama’s-heart smile shone on her red, teary face! Mama’s Mental Note: Carry full on Cinderella costume wherever we go to cease future tantrums! Her hair was good enough for her (I wisely chose to "pick my battles") even though it was not "regulation" Cinderella.

Now that's a different type of Disney magic! I love when you can find the "mute" switch. And remember what John Candy said in Splash-"When something works, I stick with it." As for Norah's hair, even the real Cinderella probably does pigtails sometime. Like maybe when she's sweeping out the fireplace for old times' sake.

The BEST was Ariel. I kept thinking, she really BELIEVES she’s Ariel! What if she was a nut job? She combed her hair with one of our many dingle-hoppers, even!

Too funny. I'm glad I'm not the only one with such paranoid thoughts.

Sorry so short, Norah has the stomach flu as of 45 minutes ago when she BARFED at Walmart...all over the place! Ughhh! This is as far as I got.

Love you guys

Sorry about Baby Barfsalot (another of my Stinkerbell's childhood nicknames). It was a great day when my DS could keep the giant fruit salad bowl by her bed when she was sick. By the way, never eat fruit salad at my house.

 

[Glendamax]

Heya! Glad to see that someone else likes Malestrom too! I love it, but of course, I have no idea why!

Can't wait to see your report on the Tea!

 

[averill94]

Another great chapter!

I am with you on world showcase- I will need at least a day there next time.
There is so much to see- it will keep us coming back for a long time

 

[sewer]

Ahhh, with that installment I can sit down for my Thanksgiving dinner, and feel content (but just 'til the next installment)

 

[GOOFYsince71]

Loved the Maelstrom Picture with the
Fast Pass sign right next to the "5 minute wait" sign!!
Hmmmmmmmm.........
Should this really be a fast pass?!?!?!


.....................................................jan

 

[Blaynexox]

Utahmama - i am SO addicted to your TR! By boyfriend isnt going to take me on a trip if i dont get off the DIS and spend some time with him!! Cant wait for next installment!!

 

[blue_river]

I mentioned before she was now just barely asleep. And I was about to attempt to undress her and dress her in layers of fluffy-blue poofiness! I took her in the restaurant’s ladies room and stripped her sweaty body down and changed her diaper. I wrangled on the tights as she figured she was DONE. A very mini tantrum was mounting into a full-blows Tizzy when I pulled out of the bag THE GOWN! Her crying instantly stopped (like pushing a MUTE button) and a full on melt-mama’s-heart smile shone on her red, teary face! Mama’s Mental Note: Carry full on Cinderella costume wherever we go to cease future tantrums!

This part just MELTED my heart.

 

[PrincessV]

Seriously, they're using PERMANENT markers at the Kidcots? Are they out of their ever-lovin minds?! Thanks so much for the heads'-up - I've just written a sticky note to remember to pack the Crayolas tonight! (Only 8 more days, whoo hoo!!!)

This was a great installment, UMama I love the different reactions from Norah and the boys with the Princesses. Too funny!

For future trips, my mom love, love, loves the taste of margaritas but can't take the tequila. She got a non-alcoholic one at the San Angel restaurant (which is just the sour mix and ice), and it was YUMMY! Honestly as good as my full-on one and much better than any margarita mix I've had elsewhere. FYI!

Here's hoping you and Norah had an uneventful night, poor babies

 

[devalsam]

The BEST was Ariel. I kept thinking, she really BELIEVES she’s Ariel! What if she was a nut job? She combed her hair with one of our many dingle-hoppers, even! Her photo area was right near the front entrance. Our table was the nearest to her area. She spent a lot of time with us off and on. What a treat! She played with Norah and Norahs’s plastic glass slippers.

[/IMG]

That looks like the same Ariel that we saw in Ariel's Grotto on our trip in October. If it is her, I agree...she was AWESOME!! The highlight of my DDs trip. Ariel is her favorite and really made her feel special. My DD had one of those Mickey snowglobe pens and Ariel was "worried" about him and said that he can't stay under water for that long. She really played it up and wound up getting a serious case of the giggles which just made my DD's smile even bigger!! I thought she was great and was really "Ariel"!

 

[DisneyObsession]

Your lunch with the Princesses sounds delightful! How much fun to have so many princesses interact with DD.

Question...Since when is Mary Poppins a "Princess"? I thought she was a Nanny?!?

Anyway, can't wait to read more. Please make it a little sooner than the last one. I really have no patience and hate to wait so long for something so good! (Yes, I'm addicted and need my fix!)

 

[celerystalker]

Ute! Ariel is my favorite. I've only met her in real life once, and I think she was having an off day.
I mean, she was ariel and all, but something was just missing.
Will you get your Dear Goofy Husband to scan the photos you got of her? I wanna see what she looks like as a human.
Or can you use the scanner?
I figured you can do it now cuz you're a fast learner.
I hope norah is better.