Our Rockin' Trip to the World~February TR! UPDATE 5/15 ~ LINK TO PTR!!!!!!

[tinacaplan]

Great update!! Max looked SO happy with the characters! How awesome

Thanks....he was...

I followed you over from Karin's TR!! I haven't read a word yet but I can't wait to catch up!

Hmm.. GG food doesn't look as appealing as I would have thought. I am afraid I may have to cross this one off my wish list. Thank you so much for sharing the pics. I helps me out in my planning.

I think though, that even though the food may have been bland.. it sure looks like your experience wasn't! I love that shot of Max. You are right, that is the look all parents hope to see.

Hi! Yeah, the food was not very good... But again, I have to stress that it wasn't gross, either. Just really bland, boring, and forgettable. Oh well...

But, yes, the character interaction with great, so if Zoe really loves Chip and Dale and you've never done it before, I'd completely recommend it.


H

 

[eandesmom]

A July trip!!!!!!! How exciting!

I've booked tons of things through expedia and while the prices can be good, changes have been nightmarish and as a result I don't book through them, at ALL, any more. for me it was less about the up front cost and more about the ability to change things if I needed, rebook with a better discount if it comes out, change (upgrade or downgrade, I've done both) resorts, tweak dates if the cheap flights mean adjustments, etc. I love the flexibility I have booking direct with Disney on that front and have used it many many times.

I have booked packages through Alaska though and those have been good. though I did have to make a change and pay a change fee, it was reasonable and clearly stated and easy to do. But I realize that's not an airline package option for you!

GG looks.....about like I expected. Adorable character interactions, boring food. Still though, for Max's age and the location, it seems like it was worth it.


Love the Chip pic!

 

[dizneeat]

I've booked tons of things through expedia and while the prices can be good, changes have been nightmarish and as a result I don't book through them, at ALL, any more. for me it was less about the up front cost and more about the ability to change things if I needed, rebook with a better discount if it comes out, change (upgrade or downgrade, I've done both) resorts, tweak dates if the cheap flights mean adjustments, etc. I love the flexibility I have booking direct with Disney on that front and have used it many many times.

Tina, I agree that even though a third party might sound (and be) cheaper, it might be better to book with Disney in the long run.

If you go in July and consider going back again in February, this would be the time to think about an Annual Pass. Once you go for more than 10 days it REALLY pays off! No worrying about tickets when you go the second time and there are almost always AP discounts available, shopping discounts, TiW - you can get a DDP without having to buy tickets aso ........

As soon as you book with a third party changing something becomes a nightmare! Speaking from experience!

Whatever you are going to decide - I REALLY hope you get to go in the summer, even though I would have preferred you to go in August, so we could meet again - remember we'll be there starting August 13! (When do you start back to school?)

 

[tinacaplan]

A July trip!!!!!!! How exciting!

I've booked tons of things through expedia and while the prices can be good, changes have been nightmarish and as a result I don't book through them, at ALL, any more. for me it was less about the up front cost and more about the ability to change things if I needed, rebook with a better discount if it comes out, change (upgrade or downgrade, I've done both) resorts, tweak dates if the cheap flights mean adjustments, etc. I love the flexibility I have booking direct with Disney on that front and have used it many many times.

I have booked packages through Alaska though and those have been good. though I did have to make a change and pay a change fee, it was reasonable and clearly stated and easy to do. But I realize that's not an airline package option for you!

GG looks.....about like I expected. Adorable character interactions, boring food. Still though, for Max's age and the location, it seems like it was worth it.


Love the Chip pic!

Tina, I agree that even though a third party might sound (and be) cheaper, it might be better to book with Disney in the long run.

If you go in July and consider going back again in February, this would be the time to think about an Annual Pass. Once you go for more than 10 days it REALLY pays off! No worrying about tickets when you go the second time and there are almost always AP discounts available, shopping discounts, TiW - you can get a DDP without having to buy tickets aso ........

As soon as you book with a third party changing something becomes a nightmare! Speaking from experience!

Whatever you are going to decide - I REALLY hope you get to go in the summer, even though I would have preferred you to go in August, so we could meet again - remember we'll be there starting August 13! (When do you start back to school?)

Thanks for the advice guys. I actually think now that a July trip is looking less likely, as we may very well be moving by then, which would be great for us, too. We'll see. If we did go, it would be a very last minute trip, so I'm not sure changes would be an issue, but thanks for the heads up!

Of course, Karin, if we don't go in July, that makes February much more likely!

 

[tinacaplan]

After our less than stellar dinner, we made our way back over to the Seas with Nemo and Friends. Now, I know that this ride doesn’t “do” much. But, Finding Nemo is masterpiece. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I can’t believe that every time I ride it, we walk on.

Max was really impressed by the seagulls, as I knew he would be. I am not sure how much he enjoyed the ride. It pains me to admit it, because I feel like I’m giving into all those naysayers who are fond of uttering nonsense about a three year old being too young for Disney, but I think Max found a lot of the rides overwhelming. I could see that if we went back and he recognized things again, he’d probably relax and enjoy it more. Preschool aged children are known for liking that which is familiar. As it was, his favorite parts of the trip were the room at CSR and his kiddie pool there. . Go figure, right? Not that I regret going, mind you. I fully intend to return as soon as I possibly can. While I was hoping it would be July, that’s is probably not realistic, but that might mean that I’m moving then, too! So, either way, in the words of Charlie Sheen...WINNING!

Sorry to get so blown off course... I love the Nemo ride, though. I kind of wish it did a bit more...more of what I’m not sure, but its not the most amazing ride I’ve been on. After that, Max hit the fish tanks while we waited for Turtletalk with Crush.

When we first entered the theater, Max sat on the floor in front, but after a few minutes, thought better of that and came and sat with us on the benches in the front. He was a big dissapointed that he didn’t get to talk to Crush personally. Maybe next time... It still amazes me how Disney does this attraction. It is so cool! Granted, I love this movie, but still...

Once we left Nemo and Crush behind in the big blue, we were on a mission, one covert and one not so covert.

Our first mission took us straight to Mousegears, as Max had decided that he had to have Mickey ears and who can deny a child Mickey ears on his first trip? I can’t anyway. So, we waited and had the hat embroidered and I think Mark ended up wearing it more often than Max did...of course. Oh, well, it’s still super cute, either way. This would be a good point at which to insert a picture of Max wearing said ears, but my picture taking seems to have fallen off dramatically that night.

Now, being that EPCOT is my favorite park, Illuminations is my favorite fireworks show. I really love Wishes, too, don’t get me wrong...but Illuminations, in its sort of corny way, really appeals to that part of me that wants to go out and change the world and bring about a new era of world peace... Enough about me..

It was during the course of this night that it began, ever so subtly, to occur to Mark and I that perhaps we were giving Max far too many choices about what he would do at any given time and that probably did not help with his feeling overwhelmed. But, as I said, I was on a mission....

And it was not to see Illuminations, which I had a feeling was not going to happen that night.

It was....of course...to get myself to the caramel goodness of the new candy store/bakery in Germany that Nicki had been RAVING about. I love caramel. And it is often comes with chocolate, so what could be better? And after hearing Nicki’s description of the warm, freshly made caramel corn...well, you didn’t need to tell me where to go twice.

Our freshly made caramel corn and a chocolate and caramel covered strawberry:

Delicious! Everything I had hoped for and more... I would like to say that I had the self-restraint to stay out of there for the remainder of the trip...but this is Disney...where all of my caramel dreams can come true!

I had been, perhaps naively, hoping that after that, popcorn in hand, we would be able to coax the boy to stay for Illuminations. He didn’t have a meltdown or anything, he just made it very clear that he wanted to go back to “the room.” And here, again, I probably should not have given him an option. I should have coughed up a few bucks from him to buy a silly, little toy (or better yet brought some things into the park with me) and let him occupy himself from the comfort of his stroller, caramel corn in hand.

But, alas, Illuminations was not to be that night, so we made our way through my beloved EPCOT to the buses. We didn’t wait very long and before I knew it, we were back at CSR!

We all needed to get some beauty rest, as we had a big day ahead of us...our massive, much-anticipated Dismeet!!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Sorry...I am so not trying to take my TR over with posts about my personal problems, but... I thought it only fair to mention that, as much as I had wanted to will it to be so, we will probably not be travelling to Disney this July. At first, I cried... but the trade off is that we should finally be moving! I do not want to get into the details here, because rehashing them just isn't worth it, but suffice it to say, we have wanted to get out of this house for a long time and that moment may have finally come. Or, at least I hope that it has!

Which puts any Disney trip plans on the back burner until February 2012 or maybe we'll even stretch it out until Max's fifth birthday, in July of 2012. That would definitely give us plenty of time to save and he'll be that much more into it.

So, that's why I've been kind of scarce around here recently. I have been obsessing over the move...

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Tina. I love Nemo too--both the movie and the ride.

I think Disney at that age is different for every child. I remember when we took Andy at 18 months that he loved absolutely everything and never put up a fuss; Markie on the other hand...well let's just say they are two very different children.

I have heard so much about that caramel shop that I have a feeling we'll be in there more than once or twice.

Can't wait to see your story on the big DIS meet.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Oooooh, The Scorpions! What the heck was the name of the song though?? Was it "Here I am" or "Rock you like a hurricane"?

I love the Nemo ride too. DH wasn't too thrilled the first time we rode, he too thought it would do more.

Isn't that Crush show amazing? We love it!

Oh, I completely understand your feelings about Max and his age. When we took our girls to Disney for the first time, my youngest was four. She didn't ever meltdown but made it clear when she was done for the day! The good news is that there's always next trip!

I am SO going to that caramel shop when we return to Disney! Caramel is seriously one of my favorite things to eat! And if it's fresh? Hold me back, I'm going in! I'm so glad to hear your items were delish! Makes hungry just thinking about it!

Would you believe I've never seen Illuminations? I really need to!

 

[that's nice]

I am all caught up!!!!

I love Max's reaction to the characters!!!!

I think 3 is a good age for Disney. We took Juliana at 2 and she loved it. Maybe it was just Epcot didn't 'do' it for him? I guess we will find out.

I was going to write about SouthWest Airlines and booking through some of the other sites but since you don't need that info now, I will hold onto it until you need it!

Moving huh???? Where ya headed?

 

[tinacaplan]

Great update, Tina. I love Nemo too--both the movie and the ride.

I think Disney at that age is different for every child. I remember when we took Andy at 18 months that he loved absolutely everything and never put up a fuss; Markie on the other hand...well let's just say they are two very different children.

I have heard so much about that caramel shop that I have a feeling we'll be in there more than once or twice.

Can't wait to see your story on the big DIS meet.

Thanks, Kathy. And did I mention that Max developed a fear of fire right before out trip? Weird. So, the whole idea of fireworks just did not excite him in the slightest. And I know there are some kids who can chill out in their strollers and even fall asleep...Max is not one of those kids.

And, yes, I think you will be patronizing the caramel shop more than once on your trip. It really is SO good. I think the caramel corn and my tuna sandwich at the Plaza stand out for me as some of the best food I had on this trip!

Oooooh, The Scorpions! What the heck was the name of the song though?? Was it "Here I am" or "Rock you like a hurricane"?

I love the Nemo ride too. DH wasn't too thrilled the first time we rode, he too thought it would do more.

Isn't that Crush show amazing? We love it!

Oh, I completely understand your feelings about Max and his age. When we took our girls to Disney for the first time, my youngest was four. She didn't ever meltdown but made it clear when she was done for the day! The good news is that there's always next trip!

I am SO going to that caramel shop when we return to Disney! Caramel is seriously one of my favorite things to eat! And if it's fresh? Hold me back, I'm going in! I'm so glad to hear your items were delish! Makes hungry just thinking about it!

Would you believe I've never seen Illuminations? I really need to!

OOOO...good catch! It is indeed the Scorpions...and the title was "Rock You Like a Hurricane."

Crush totally rocks!

I don't regret taking this trip, and I don't regret taking Max at three and a half. Aside from his reluctance to stay up for any of the fireworks shows, we had the trip I more or less expected us to have. I was a bit surprised he wasn't more taken in by the attractions in the parks, but I know he was completely overwhelmed a lot of the time.

And...yes the next trip and the trip after that and... I would absolutely tell someone who's only planning on doing Disney once or twice with their kids to wait until they're older, but, when you're a bit obsessed as we all are, I don't regret it for a second.

No, I can't believe that you've not seen Illuminations! But, then again, I've never seen Fantasmic!

 

[Moira222]

Hi Tina! I've "seen" you lots around the boards & just found your TR. All caught up (I fess up, i skipped the fun chatting & read your updates SSHHHH its like reading cribnotes instead of the whole book)

Love your family * your pics. I laughed out loud when I saw Mark's photo in the "not Charlie Sheen" shirt....because I just bought a similar shirt for Joe & when I told him about it on the phone I told him it was a Charlie Sheen shirt....

looking forward to more!

 

[glennbo123]

Nice update Tina. I wouldn't have gotten this chapter's song -- I'm familiar with the chorus, but I would never have been able to pick out those lyrics. So, kudos to Molly.

It's hard to know how often to give kids choices. Plus, it changes as they grow, so....you never know! How's that for an uplifting thought?

 

[All7OfUs]

Hey Tina, I haven't abandoned you- just still trying to climb out of the DISBoards hiatus hole I got dug into. I'll catch up in the AM and comment then. Promise.

 

[pinkxray]

Congrats on the possible move I wouldn't mind putting off Disney for a few years if it meant we could move our of out tiny house. Are you still going to be in the same town (just wondering b/c the further South you move, the closer you'll be to me)


If you ever meet DH there will be no allowance of the words 3 year old and overwhelming in the same sentence. I have told DH next kid we have we have to go before the kid turns 3 b/c they are free(looked for any excuse possible)

The rest of your night looks nice. Bummer you missed Illuminations but it looks like you got a good amount done in your night.

Love the picture of the caramel corn and strawberry. Although it is a bit odd that you have a picture of that and no picture of Max with his new Mickey ears I think you'll need to work on your picture taking next trip

 

[MickeyNicki]

While I am bummed that you cannot go in July I am so happy for you that you get to move! I know you have been wanting that for awhile and while moving stinks this will be a good thing

Told ya so! That caramel place is good and evil rolled into one! I could live off of that caramel corn.

And dont laugh, I have this cool metal popcorn tin and I fill it up on our last day so it stays nice and fresh when I get home...problem is we eat it all on the car ride home so it never makes it to my house

Finding Nemo is my favorite Disney movie and I like the ride but the last time we took the nieces we got stuck on it for 15 minutes in the Crush section and I thought I was gonna lose my mind LOL WHOA DUDE!

 

[that's nice]

Told ya so! That caramel place is good and evil rolled into one! I could live off of that caramel corn.

And dont laugh, I have this cool metal popcorn tin and I fill it up on our last day so it stays nice and fresh when I get home...problem is we eat it all on the car ride home so it never makes it to my house

We tried to get some on Saturday but they were all out and making more.... they said it was going to take 20 minutes to make it and we couldn't wait that long.

Finding Nemo is my favorite Disney movie and I like the ride but the last time we took the nieces we got stuck on it for 15 minutes in the Crush section and I thought I was gonna lose my mind LOL WHOA DUDE!

LOL That is the worst part to get stuck on!

 

[dizneeat]

Really, really, really love the update! You got a lot done on your first day. Can't wait for the DISmeet! Not that would not have been there ! So fun to read everyone's impression of it!

Bummer if you don't get to go in July! But if you can move than that is the perfect excuse.
Can you believe we have been back from WDW for 2 1/2 weeks now? I really miss ya all! Pooltime with Max and chatting in the pool with you are just the best memories. Oh, and CARS will never be the same again "Look, Mater is trying to escape!" "Poor" little Max, he had a hard time catching his cars again!

 

[All7OfUs]

Oh I so love EPCOT too!! But I totally get you when you say pre-schoolers like what is familiar. I venture to guess that after a couple more times, disney will become familiar and he will enjoy it much more!

Your strawberry looked fabulous!! I'm so glad you really enjoyed it- nothing like not liking something after you spent a lot of money!

I'm one of those who can take or leave Illuminations. But I think you made the right call even though you were looking forward to it. Max seemed ready to get back to his happy place after a long day.

congrats on your BIG move!! I know it means sacrificing a few other things you want to do; it'll sure be worth it in the end.

 

[PirateKate]

I love the Finding Nemo ride at Epcot! I think I wish it were longer, maybe. And maybe featuring a few more real fish. But it is pretty cool as is.

Caramel corn and the Caramel strawberry look good. I think adding that Caramel store right there was sheer brilliance.

I think most moms are able to tell when their kid has had enough at Disney. Although I do find a cookie does wonders for the general enjoyment of fireworks. I hope you were able to catch Illuminations later on.

 

[tinacaplan]

I am all caught up!!!!

I love Max's reaction to the characters!!!!

I think 3 is a good age for Disney. We took Juliana at 2 and she loved it. Maybe it was just Epcot didn't 'do' it for him? I guess we will find out.

I was going to write about SouthWest Airlines and booking through some of the other sites but since you don't need that info now, I will hold onto it until you need it!

Moving huh???? Where ya headed?

Girls at this age are so different from boys. I know that girls can be high spirited and have meltdowns just like any boy, but girls seem to be a bit more reasonable at an earlier age.

Not give the whole thing away, but Max really loved being at CSR.

We're looking at a place in Cheshire this weekend. Sounds promising. We'll see...

Hi Tina! I've "seen" you lots around the boards & just found your TR. All caught up (I fess up, i skipped the fun chatting & read your updates SSHHHH its like reading cribnotes instead of the whole book)

Love your family * your pics. I laughed out loud when I saw Mark's photo in the "not Charlie Sheen" shirt....because I just bought a similar shirt for Joe & when I told him about it on the phone I told him it was a Charlie Sheen shirt....

looking forward to more!

and thank you! Oh, yes, Charlie Sheen...didn't realize it until I looked at all the pictures.

Nice update Tina. I wouldn't have gotten this chapter's song -- I'm familiar with the chorus, but I would never have been able to pick out those lyrics. So, kudos to Molly.

It's hard to know how often to give kids choices. Plus, it changes as they grow, so....you never know! How's that for an uplifting thought?

See, I couldn't go with the chorus...too obvious. Now my reasons for associating a Scorpions song from '80's with a day at Disney... not sure about that!

Hey Tina, I haven't abandoned you- just still trying to climb out of the DISBoards hiatus hole I got dug into. I'll catch up in the AM and comment then. Promise.

Aww..thanks. I didn't think you had. We all have real lives that often get in the way of our Dis time. I also know that when I read the boards when I'm tried, I don't comment nearly as often.

Congrats on the possible move I wouldn't mind putting off Disney for a few years if it meant we could move our of out tiny house. Are you still going to be in the same town (just wondering b/c the further South you move, the closer you'll be to me)


If you ever meet DH there will be no allowance of the words 3 year old and overwhelming in the same sentence. I have told DH next kid we have we have to go before the kid turns 3 b/c they are free(looked for any excuse possible)

The rest of your night looks nice. Bummer you missed Illuminations but it looks like you got a good amount done in your night.

Love the picture of the caramel corn and strawberry. Although it is a bit odd that you have a picture of that and no picture of Max with his new Mickey ears I think you'll need to work on your picture taking next trip

I mean, our trip was so amazing, whether it all went according to plan or not. It was truly magical. Just not in exactly the same ways I had thought.

Believe me, we've been living in a miniscule house for the past five years and I'm ready to pull all of my hair out. Our house is just hair under 800 square feet. I know that relative to places like NYC, I shouldn't complain, but compared to where we could be living here... there's just no comparison.
I try to stay on top of the organization, but its tough if you're not on it constnantly and you have virtually no closet space!

And we're looking over a fairly wide area; Cheshire, Branford, New Haven, North Haven. We're seeing a house on Sunday in Cheshire that looks promising, so... keeping my fingers crossed.