Our First Trip as Parents! December 2012 TR - 8/6 OMG a TR link!

[Linda67]

Looks like you're all having a great time in Epcot

I love the Christmas decorations and can't wait to see them in person

 

[monica23535]

Lol at your DH having a crush on the pretty German lady, my DH was the same about a few of the lovely ladies in Mexico....but I didn't mind either, Via Napoli was my place of choice for some eye candy!

In regards to my previous post about visiting the real Mexico, we are flying into Cancun and staying all inclusive in a resort in Playacar. The place looks amazing and almost makes me feel a little better about not going to WDW this year.

 

[dizneeat]

Great update!
Seems like you had a nice afternoon. Walking around WS can be awesome. I had to when I saw the "German" lady! Nobody here dresses like that. Not even for a folk festival. So funny!

And again - the little worrier is just soooooo cute, and his pic listening to the storyteller is just so sweet.

 

[disneybarbie]

Lovely photos of Epcot, I love World Showcase during the holidays!

I've still never tried School Bread in Norway - really must try it!

My sister and I met Mulan when we went to WDW in 2009, she was just wandering around the China pavilion on her own while we were doing the Kim Possible adventure! She was one of the best characters I'd met, really in character.. asked us where our warriors were


Emma x

 

[franandaj]

Now, as far as Figment goes... I don't agree with your DH. I guess the current ride is a little bit... well, it sucks. But I remember the original Figment ride from when I was growing up and love that little guy, so it is one that I always have to ride.

Was that the ride in the MK sponsored by Eastern or something? That one was so much cooler, although I can't say that it was my childhood that I remember it from.

Sorry for the lack of updates everyone. I had given myself a new years resolution that's kind of taking over my life, even though it really shouldn't. I'm trying to up my cooking from 4 nights a week to 5 but aiming for 6 and so far so good. I post pictures every night of the food I make to help motivate me for the next night to keep going, and so far it's working

But right now i'm hooked up to a machine and will be for the next 20 minutes so here's an update!

I was wondering what was up with all the food porn! It looks very good. Keep up the great work!

Here’s a Margarita stand, just in case you were looking for one

DH asked if he had an accent because the folks he was talking to said they could tell that he was from California Has any other Californians ever been told that they had an accent before? Weird.

We always hit that particular stand for our Margaritas! It's a tradition. Although I don't actually know of any other Margarita stand there...

You gotta think about it this way. Those folks from down South don't think that they have an accent because that's how the they all talk. Same thing for the folks up in Boston or Joisey. When you live in Boston, you "ask yuh mum to pahk the cah in Hahvahd yahd." After I moved to California when I would come back to visit they would tease when I said I had to ask my "Mom", they all told me it was "mum". The kids in California teased me because I said I kept my clothes in the the "draw" and they said that it was really "drawer".

What a sweet picture of our your DS listening to the story. That's why WDW is so great, you can enjoy the story while your mom enjoys the glass maker. There is something for everyone! Fun day in Epcot!

 

[tinkgurl]

WS looks so neat for the holidays!

Loved the Germany picture. We love drinking Oktoberfest!

 

[Leshaface]

Love how your DS is looking at the Dumbo plush! How cute You are all having so much fun - it would be difficult choosing a Margarita! Your mom's looks the most delicious tho

That's exactly why I took that picture! He looked so amazed at Dumbo. He's so cute!

I think I kind of agree with your mom about Soarin, and I don't even get my fill of it at 2 different parks. I mean it is a fun ride, but it isn't really something I feel the need to ride 2 or 3 times. Now, as far as Figment goes... I don't agree with your DH. I guess the current ride is a little bit... well, it sucks. But I remember the original Figment ride from when I was growing up and love that little guy, so it is one that I always have to ride.

It is a shame that your DS had an accident. I hope there wasn't any collateral damage to your DH. The new onesie looks good on him though.

I had kind of the same opinion of the new TT. I really like the design part, and I love playing with the settings to design a better car, but the actual ride part is just kind of meh... I don't know if my expectations were just too high or what, but I really wasn't overly impressed by the Tron like stuff.

The Cava del Tequila was an excellent idea. It is always time for a margarita, and the ones there are fantastic.

Oh wow, I thought that ride was the 'original'. I'm going to have to go on youtube to see the first figment ride. I actually enjoy it!

I agree, it's always time for a margarita from La Cava!

Hi! I just found your TR and I will be reading along also.

I was hoping to find some pictures and info about Kidani, we leave on Sunday!!

Looks like you guys enjoyed it! Your room view was great! And that was only a standard? I hope we get some pixie dust and get a view like that one. We saved the points and booked a standard view also. We'll see!

Oops you left today. You probably won't see this until you get back but hope you have an amazing time!

I've heard the new Test Track is very Tron-like; it kind of sucks that the ride stopped in the middle. Had to kill some of the anticipation that's supposed to build up.

I love that onsie! I bought one for DS when I was there in December and can't wait for him to wear it. It stinks that you had no choice in having to buy a new outfit, though. The joys of vacationing of with a baby.

Exactly. Perhaps I would have liked it more if we wouldn't have gotten stuck. Oh well, i'll still continue to ride it for the fast part outside

Because of his mishap, I will now and forever remember to bring extra clothes for him. And perhaps for me too just in case!

I'm missing updates left and right! All caught up.

Too funny about the pack n' play. Hopefully DH wasn't too shamed.

Very nice and short wait for the Epcot bus. I didn't really like TT before so I need to give it a chance again.

Bummer about the poopy problem. I'm glad it didn't soak through onto DH, that would have been even worse!

Your poor mom with the Beverly she's a good sport! Do they actually sell it in a country people like it? It is so dreadful.

I'm surprised you don't like TT. Any particular reason?

Yes! So glad he didn't poop through onto DH because he would have needed new clothes too and he's not a fan of wearing Disney clothes.

From what I read about the Beverly, I hear that Italians drink it as an apertivo, so not something they would drink how we would drink Coke or Pepsi. I guess I can see that cleansing the palate...in a nasty way

Looks like you're all having a great time in Epcot

I love the Christmas decorations and can't wait to see them in person

I love the decorations! It really brightens up the countries

Lol at your DH having a crush on the pretty German lady, my DH was the same about a few of the lovely ladies in Mexico....but I didn't mind either, Via Napoli was my place of choice for some eye candy!

In regards to my previous post about visiting the real Mexico, we are flying into Cancun and staying all inclusive in a resort in Playacar. The place looks amazing and almost makes me feel a little better about not going to WDW this year.

at your DH in Mexico. DH won't even bother looking for eye candy there, because he can get that anywhere over here where we are at. My last place to view some 'good stuff' was in France at Les Chefs. My, there are some good looking men.. And women too! Super jealous.

How fun about Mexico! Uh-oh, guess your DH will have another 'Mexico' to view some more candy in??

Great update!
Seems like you had a nice afternoon. Walking around WS can be awesome. I had to when I saw the "German" lady! Nobody here dresses like that. Not even for a folk festival. So funny!

And again - the little worrier is just soooooo cute, and his pic listening to the storyteller is just so sweet.

Really?! Is it even remotely close? Do you think the CM laughs when she has to put that costume on, knowing full well it's not at all like that?

Lovely photos of Epcot, I love World Showcase during the holidays!

I've still never tried School Bread in Norway - really must try it!

My sister and I met Mulan when we went to WDW in 2009, she was just wandering around the China pavilion on her own while we were doing the Kim Possible adventure! She was one of the best characters I'd met, really in character.. asked us where our warriors were


Emma x

Emma i'm super surprised that you haven't tried the school bread, seeing as you're pretty much a lover of all foods!

How funny! With no crowds around her at all?!

I was wondering what was up with all the food porn! It looks very good. Keep up the great work!

We always hit that particular stand for our Margaritas! It's a tradition. Although I don't actually know of any other Margarita stand there...

You gotta think about it this way. Those folks from down South don't think that they have an accent because that's how the they all talk. Same thing for the folks up in Boston or Joisey. When you live in Boston, you "ask yuh mum to pahk the cah in Hahvahd yahd." After I moved to California when I would come back to visit they would tease when I said I had to ask my "Mom", they all told me it was "mum". The kids in California teased me because I said I kept my clothes in the the "draw" and they said that it was really "drawer".

What a sweet picture of our your DS listening to the story. That's why WDW is so great, you can enjoy the story while your mom enjoys the glass maker. There is something for everyone! Fun day in Epcot!

I've never really thought about how we talked before. We did get, one time, that we talked extremely fast and that they admitted later, they had a hard time keeping up with us and said that any Californians they ran in to did the same thing. So crazy!

WS looks so neat for the holidays!

Loved the Germany picture. We love drinking Oktoberfest!

It really is the coolest thing to view the decorations in every country. So pretty!

 

[Pinkocto]

Great update. The countries are so beautiful all lit up at night. I love your picture of the ceiling in China, so pretty.

Ahhh, school bread I haven't seen the jelly rolls, might have to give them a try. You were in Germany and didn't go in Karamel Kuche? I hope you got back there.

Too funny about the soccer shirts.

I don't like how TT would stop so suddenly for the 'tests', just thought it was too jerky.

 

[Leshaface]

Great update. The countries are so beautiful all lit up at night. I love your picture of the ceiling in China, so pretty.

Ahhh, school bread I haven't seen the jelly rolls, might have to give them a try. You were in Germany and didn't go in Karamel Kuche? I hope you got back there.

Too funny about the soccer shirts.

I don't like how TT would stop so suddenly for the 'tests', just thought it was too jerky.

I love WS at night way more than during the day. It just looks so much more festive. Even more so during Christmas at night

We did go back to Germany later in the trip. I was looking for a snack and looked in there, but surprisingly, I was in the mood for something salty (weird and creepy for me right?!)

Okay, I wasn't sure if you liked how fast it went or something. Now that I think about it, you're right. It is pretty jerky and you have to prepare your head/neck for the take-offs.

 

[Leshaface]

On to Italy we went!

I wish I had my nicer camera on me to get a better shot of the Christmas tree and SE

We had a little photo-shoot on the bridge

Mom caught off guard

And laughing about it

DH and mom

We were getting hungry at this point and we hadn't discussed what we were going to eat yet. Originally, our plan was to go to Magic Kingdom earlier that day and have dinner there so I figured it would take us a while to agree on what type of food to eat in the WS. I suggested we eat at the Tangierine Café in Morocco, which we weren’t too far from so we went to go check out the menu.

A storyteller in Japan that we couldn’t stop to listen to

We made it to Morocco and checked out the menu and everyone was fine with it! We had mom find us a table with DS while we ordered food. Okay, has anyone eaten at the Tangierine Café? There were two CM’s there at the register. A guy was sitting playing a drum and a girl was ringing us up. But the girl wasn’t completely ‘there’ while taking our order. She was kind of immersed in the sound of the drum. Is this how they are supposed to act or was this just bad service?! So weird, I wish I would have taken video to show you guys what I meant.

But the food was good! This is the only shot I got (I promise my food shots get better later!)

This is the Lamb Platter - Served with side of hummus, Tabouleh and a Tangierine Couscous salad with fresh Morrocan bread.

Mom got a Chicken platter and DH got the Mediterranean sliders combo which they both loved. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of hummus but I really enjoyed this hummus! I ate every single bit off my plate. Everything was delicious!

After dinner we went to France where I got my grey goose slush! . DH wanted to take DM over to the pub in the UK to grab at beer but DS started fussing so I need to pull over and feed him. I found a bench in France and told them I would catch up with them at the pub in a few minutes. HUGE. MISTAKE. So there I am, trying to finish my drink and feed him at the same time, when all of a sudden a massive gust of wind came and started knocking the blankets off of DS and the stroller. My drink almost fell but I saved it (priorities, you know? ) and then it started raining hard. And I had all the bags on the bench next to me and was still holding DS. So I hurried up and put DS in the stroller, covered him up really good, downed my drink, put all the bags onto the stroller, finally bundled myself up and made my quickly over to the pub. It was freezing and windy! I found cover right outside the pub and I swear, 10 seconds later the rain was gone and so was the cold. What the heck! DM and DH came out a minute later and I told them what happened and they were like, “What rain?!”

 

[monica23535]

Rotfl that would have happened to me too!


We've never eaten at Tangierine Cafe, but might have to change that next trip as that food looked awesome

 

[Linda67]

We love Tangierine Cafe - The veggie platter that they serve is just wonderful

Oh and by the way, I have often ran into a UK pub to get out of the rain!!

 

[My sister's princess]

Two great updates, and weird on the mysterious rain.... That would so happen to me

 

[afwdwfan]

Was that the ride in the MK sponsored by Eastern or something? That one was so much cooler, although I can't say that it was my childhood that I remember it from.

Oh wow, I thought that ride was the 'original'. I'm going to have to go on youtube to see the first figment ride. I actually enjoy it!

The current version is the third. As far as I know they were all right there in the same spot. I completely missed out on seeing the second version, but from my understanding there was no Figment and it was the absolute worst.

I don't really remember the original Imagination ride in a lot of detail... I mean we're talking about 20 years ago now. I just know it was always one of my favorite rides in EPCOT (probably similar to my DS's love for It's a Small Mexico). My mom has a picture from my first ever trip when I was 3 with Dreamfinder and Figment and I always had to get some kind of Figment souvenir when we went.

 

[afwdwfan]

Here’s a Margarita stand, just in case you were looking for one

Has any other Californians ever been told that they had an accent before? Weird.

Well, I know some people from California and never thought they had an accent.

DH had a mad crush on her It’s alright, i’ll probably end up crushing on someone from Italy later on

I never did catch an entire Christmas story at any country, but I did manage to stop for portions of the one in Norway a few times...

After the story we thought a beer sounded delicious, so we didn’t have to walk too far to partake in one.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

He wanted to make one of his co-workers jealous because he collects soccer jerseys Sometimes, I just don't get men and I think i'm okay with that.

That's alright. We feel the same way about all you women too.

Is this how they are supposed to act or was this just bad service?! So weird, I wish I would have taken video to show you guys what I meant.

But the food was good! This is the only shot I got (I promise my food shots get better later!)

Sounds interesting...

As long as the food was good though, that's the important part.



Wow, sorry about the sudden downpour. It seems like that kind of thing always happens at the worst possible time.

 

[tinkgurl]

I swear it always rains when we are at Epcot. We've decided that Epcot hates us.

I really want to try some hummus from Morocco. Is it any good?

 

[Leshaface]

Rotfl that would have happened to me too!


We've never eaten at Tangierine Cafe, but might have to change that next trip as that food looked awesome

We hadn't either, but i've always heard good things about this restaurant and not so good things about their TS restaurant. So i'm glad that we gave it a try. It's something I think I would go back to again!

We love Tangierine Cafe - The veggie platter that they serve is just wonderful

Oh and by the way, I have often ran into a UK pub to get out of the rain!!

Ooh, I didn't even look at the veggie platter. Perhaps DH and I could share one of those and one of their meat combos next time, because for us, a meal isn't a 'meal' unless there is some type of meat in it

Two great updates, and weird on the mysterious rain.... That would so happen to me

Gah, I swear bad/weird things always happen to me and never anyone else, so I always look like a freak!

The current version is the third. As far as I know they were all right there in the same spot. I completely missed out on seeing the second version, but from my understanding there was no Figment and it was the absolute worst.

I don't really remember the original Imagination ride in a lot of detail... I mean we're talking about 20 years ago now. I just know it was always one of my favorite rides in EPCOT (probably similar to my DS's love for It's a Small Mexico). My mom has a picture from my first ever trip when I was 3 with Dreamfinder and Figment and I always had to get some kind of Figment souvenir when we went.

That's the first time i've heard that ride referred to as "It's a Small Mexico" and I love it!

I checked out the first figment ride and I could see how you would love that as a kid! And wow, it is completely different now but Figment has not changed at all over the past 20 years, which is pretty cool!

I never did catch an entire Christmas story at any country, but I did manage to stop for portions of the one in Norway a few times...

That's alright. We feel the same way about all you women too.

Hmm, I wonder why

I figured I would have a certain 'someone' get me for that line

I swear it always rains when we are at Epcot. We've decided that Epcot hates us.

I really want to try some hummus from Morocco. Is it any good?

Then Epcot hates us equally!

It really was delicious! DH was on a hummus fix a few years ago, so when I would buy some I would give it a try and it never really tasted right to me. So I would buy different brands and it still didn't win me over. But this one was really good. Definitely give it a shot!

 

[Leshaface]

I left us off with me looking like a crazy person with the invisible rain, then I got to thinking...maybe they were the crazies ones. I mean, they were drinking in a bar right??..but then again, I did have to down my drink pretty quickly...let's just move on


DM got a Boddingtons and DH got a Stella and we started going through the shops in the UK. DM officially started doing her Christmas shopping here, where I got this in my stocking (which I’m drinking right now)

She also bought two of these - one for DH and one for DB because they both enjoy beer. We’re also working towards making a mini bar in an empty sitting room in our house, so this will go nicely.

While looking at some of the food products, we ran into a couple, who was actually from England and we started talking about how they don’t really eat some of the things that they sell here. I then asked them about a specific type of food that my dad got me obsessing over, way back when he was alive and I could not remember what the name was. They finally figured out and it was Jaffa Cakes! I’m so glad they remembered the name for me. Linda and Emma, are these pretty popular or not really?

While we were in the front shop, their beers were empty so DH and I went back to the pub for some more. DM said she just wanted to share a beer with me, which usually means, “Get me my own” so we came back with three beers. One Harp for me and 2 Boddingtons for DH and DM.

Mom drank some of her beer and did some more shopping, where she bought me this

Oh my gosh, this smells heavenly! A little pricey for hand cream, but oh so worth it. She even got some for herself. She also bought a few other random things that I can’t remember now.

Anyways, DH was waiting outside and I decided to join him while mom was paying for her things

The store where mom spent an easy $200

She eventually came out and we decided that it was a good time to head home. A few more pictures on the way out of the park and we saw a PP photographer so we grabbed some shots with him

It started sprinkling a little bit; you can kind of see it in the pictures

And had to take a picture of SE. Didn’t notice until now that I got the monorail in it. Sweet!

And some PP shots

Love the snowflakes on the ground

And being quiet because the baby is sleeping. Sigh, DH…I don’t know what to do with him sometimes. I just showed him the picture and he said he did that because he thought Stitch would be popping out. Like how it was supposed to be over at AK.

I was SOOOOOO excited for tomorrow because tomorrow would be Magic Kingdom AND Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – also known as, “Our Date Night!!!!!”

 

[Linda67]

Woohoo for your fun visit to the UK

If you spent some time in a pub and it was raining when you left, you certainly got a truly British experience !!

Right, Jaffa cakes ......... Well me an DH love them !!

They are very popular in England and you'll find them in pretty much every grocery store. At Christmas they were selling them in huge boxes down at my local supermarket

 

[monica23535]

Jaffa Cakes are still very popular over here, DH and DS love them. I'd be happy to send you a box or two!

I love your Photopass pics in front of Spaceship Earth.

Can't wait to hear about your MVMCP date night