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

[KatMark]

Love the pics of the family with Buzz; and Max looks adorable going up and down the slide. But my favorite picture is you and Mark with the umbrella.

Sorry your meal at Sci Fi was not good. I ALWAYS recommend the onion rings to anyone going to Sci Fi -- to me they are one of the best features of the restaurant; and Mark loved his reuben...almost better than the one at The Plaza....perhaps an "off day".

I can't wait to hear if mom's birthday surprise works out.

I can't help you on the resort. We've not stayed at either and, as you know, we are going to AKL in September and hope to do Beach Club next year. Since you guys love Epcot so much, I'd probably lean towards BC.

 

[All7OfUs]

Fleetwood Mac!

Love the happy pictures!

Dang! THis is the ONE I actually knew! Coincidentally, I was just googling Fleetwood and all the members yesterday, as my kids wanted to know who Stevie Nicks was. I was so sad to read about how Peter Green did one too many acid trips and is now basically a reclusive invalid! Everyone in the band said how incredibly sad they were at such a massive waste of what they call the best guitar talent that ever was.

OK, Tina, I"ve read, and now need to comment.


You're right, it is SO hard to deal with unpredictable kids and inflexible parents. I can imagine how utterly frustrated you were!

Sorry your lunch was icky- ours there in 2008 wasn't stellar either, but the atmosphere and theming was totally worth a mediocre lunch.

I've heard about a lot of kids really enjoying that playground- glad Max got to spend a bit of time in there letting out some wiggles as well.

Meltdown mode is hard to deal with. Sounds like you handled it just right- off in an out of the way place until he calmed down.

I missed Mater and Lightening. I just couldn't find them back in that maze!

 

[norybell]

Catching up...

The same thing happened with my niece and TSM. We totally thought she'd love it -- she loved all the movies -- but in the end she just didn't care about it all that much.

Sounds like you're leaning toward the BC...we just stayed there last month. It was wonderful being only steps away from Epcot!

 

[eandesmom]

ok, that dinner looked disgusting!

And, although a different update, I admit while I love the theming at Sci Fi, we thought the food was just ok and overpriced.

OK, my Disfriends... I have an important question that I need some help figuring out an answer to. As you can tell from my ticker, we're going back in July and are currently booked CL at AKL. Let me very honest and up front and say that I am, more than anything, super excited to try a deluxe and the options below are all priced similarly.

My top three reasons for booking AKL:
1. The animals...duh.
2. I really love the lobby and all the theming, inside and out.
3. The CMs I've encountered there while dining have always been wonderful.

My top three nagging problems with booking AKL:

1. The location...what if this is the trip that Max decides he loves the parks? Would we better off in a slightly more convenient location that does rely solely on bus service? I should also add that we enjoy hitting rope drop and heading back the resort for an extended period of time in the afternoon before venturing out again. We're NOT doing a dining plan this time, either, as we want the utmost flexibility in our plans.

2. The bed linens... I have been spoiled and it has been sometime since I have stayed anywhere that did not have white, cotton duvet covers on the beds, as opposed to the every so slightly icky looking comforters they have at AKL. I know its a minor issue, but its important to me.

3. Max has recently begun to develop an assortment of fears, one of them being live animals. He was not a fan when we were there in February. He especially hated the birds. Now since then, he's gotten in the Lion King and birds and as I've explained that ALK would be like staying at Simba's House (work with me on this one, he's about to turn four!). I am worried that staying here will be completely wasted on him, if not downright scary for him. Then again, he might be fine.

My top three reasons why the Beach Club would be awesome:

1. Location! That walk to the International Gateway is about three point two seconds, as we discovered in February and EPCOT is mine and Mark's favorite park, hands down.
2. Storm Along Bay. Need I say more?
3. Superior bed linens, even if the theme is not my favorite, as it seeks to emulate an area of the country I've lived in all my life. That said, I liked it way more than I thought I would when we visited to go to Cape May for breakfast this past February.

I have other reasons why BC would be better, including better food options.

Of course, at AKL, I keep coming back to the fact that the resort has the ability to make me feel as though I'm somewhere else completely. Maybe not Africa, exactly, but something close. It is also, arguably, the most unique resort on property and at Disney, that's saying a lot.

What to do? What to do? I would sincerely appreciate any all advice/thoughts on this, PLEASE!

Sorry I went on so long, but I want to make sure (or as sure as I can) that I have this right!

Does the BC actually have the white linen duvets? I thought with the refurb it was still a bedspread but I haven't looked. The villas are definitely bedspreads and YC is definitely the white dreamy duvets but I'm not sure about BC.

All that said, for me, at Max's age unless he's obsessed with Animals I would go for BC. Hands down. Ease to get back to the resort for meltdowns, pool options, food options, etc etc etc!

 

[tinacaplan]

Fleetwood Mac!

Love the happy pictures!

You are correct, sir! Again!

Looks you had lots of fun in DHS!

Sorry about your meal at Sci-Fi. I haven't been there in years! I probably won't get back there for another few trips. I would probably do a lunch OOP for it as we usually do the DDP and I don't think it's worth the TS credit.

Can't wait for more!

Thank you!

Love the pics of the family with Buzz; and Max looks adorable going up and down the slide. But my favorite picture is you and Mark with the umbrella.

Sorry your meal at Sci Fi was not good. I ALWAYS recommend the onion rings to anyone going to Sci Fi -- to me they are one of the best features of the restaurant; and Mark loved his reuben...almost better than the one at The Plaza....perhaps an "off day".

I can't wait to hear if mom's birthday surprise works out.

I can't help you on the resort. We've not stayed at either and, as you know, we are going to AKL in September and hope to do Beach Club next year. Since you guys love Epcot so much, I'd probably lean towards BC.

Its crazy...we really enjoyed our Sci-Fi meal last year, so I don't know what the problem was this year. I do think that places have "off days," though.

And we'll see what decision I made... I'm just excited to be going back!

Dang! THis is the ONE I actually knew! Coincidentally, I was just googling Fleetwood and all the members yesterday, as my kids wanted to know who Stevie Nicks was. I was so sad to read about how Peter Green did one too many acid trips and is now basically a reclusive invalid! Everyone in the band said how incredibly sad they were at such a massive waste of what they call the best guitar talent that ever was.

OK, Tina, I"ve read, and now need to comment.


You're right, it is SO hard to deal with unpredictable kids and inflexible parents. I can imagine how utterly frustrated you were!

Sorry your lunch was icky- ours there in 2008 wasn't stellar either, but the atmosphere and theming was totally worth a mediocre lunch.

I've heard about a lot of kids really enjoying that playground- glad Max got to spend a bit of time in there letting out some wiggles as well.

Meltdown mode is hard to deal with. Sounds like you handled it just right- off in an out of the way place until he calmed down.

I missed Mater and Lightening. I just couldn't find them back in that maze!

I love Fleetwood Mac...Stevie Nicks is one of my all time favorite singers.

Mark and I loved the atmosphere at Sci-Fi last year and were so excited to be going back with Max , but it just wasn't worth it this time. We'll be back at some point in the future, I'm sure.

Thanks for the support on the meltdown. Sometimes its hard to know what the right thing to do is. But I think that as one I managed pretty well.

We were on a mission to find Mater and Lightening. We missed them the year before, but we weren't looking for them, either.

Catching up...

The same thing happened with my niece and TSM. We totally thought she'd love it -- she loved all the movies -- but in the end she just didn't care about it all that much.

Sounds like you're leaning toward the BC...we just stayed there last month. It was wonderful being only steps away from Epcot!

Glad to hear that Max wasn't the only one. I think being steps away from EPCOT sounds great! We'll see...I'm trying to wrap this TR up (I just found out I have very few pictures of the last few days of our trip!) and start my PTR and then I'll reveal everything.

ok, that dinner looked disgusting!

And, although a different update, I admit while I love the theming at Sci Fi, we thought the food was just ok and overpriced.



Does the BC actually have the white linen duvets? I thought with the refurb it was still a bedspread but I haven't looked. The villas are definitely bedspreads and YC is definitely the white dreamy duvets but I'm not sure about BC.

All that said, for me, at Max's age unless he's obsessed with Animals I would go for BC. Hands down. Ease to get back to the resort for meltdowns, pool options, food options, etc etc etc!

Hi, Cynthia! I take it you're back...again! Yes, BC has the duvets, but not at the villas for some reason. Weird, right? My husband thinks I'm nuts that I care that much about bed linens, but I do... And I think you make some very good points about BC and being that close to the parks and all those fantastic dining options.

 

[annmarieda]

Sorry to miss so much... especially when you needed feedback. Feedback on that nagging dilemma, the "have I picked the right resort" dilemma. We sure can make ourselves crazy second guessing, can't we?!?

I think everyone has made some valid points. If Max is afraid of animals, I wonder if BC wouldn't be a better choice. You also can not beat the location of BC. It is soooo close to Epcot. I realize that you would not be staying somewhere that "takes you away" (and believe me, I understand what that feels like cause WL is very much like my home) Honestly though, I don't think you need to be sold on this idea. It seems as though you might be leaning toward it. Don't get me wrong, I think AK would be awesome too. I can just see where this trip might not be the right time for it.

Looks like a good time was had at DHS. That playground is so fun. I imagine Max will not be the last child to have a meltdown when leaving. I know my dd wanted to spend as much time there as she could and I think really preferred it to some of the rides.

Cute pics!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Sorry to miss so much... especially when you needed feedback. Feedback on that nagging dilemma, the "have I picked the right resort" dilemma. We sure can make ourselves crazy second guessing, can't we?!?

I think everyone has made some valid points. If Max is afraid of animals, I wonder if BC wouldn't be a better choice. You also can not beat the location of BC. It is soooo close to Epcot. I realize that you would not be staying somewhere that "takes you away" (and believe me, I understand what that feels like cause WL is very much like my home) Honestly though, I don't think you need to be sold on this idea. It seems as though you might be leaning toward it. Don't get me wrong, I think AK would be awesome too. I can just see where this trip might not be the right time for it.

Looks like a good time was had at DHS. That playground is so fun. I imagine Max will not be the last child to have a meltdown when leaving. I know my dd wanted to spend as much time there as she could and I think really preferred it to some of the rides.

Cute pics!!!

No worries. I get a little overwhelmbed by the sheer number of threads I'm subscribed to somemtimes and then there are times when I read, but I'm too tired to really post much.

I have definitely made my mind up...but I don't want to say what I decided quite yet. Want to save that for my PTR!

I think Max absolutely preferred the playgrounds to some of the rides. That's ok, though...luckily, we're going back again!

Have a great weekend, Ann, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

 

[annmarieda]

No worries. I get a little overwhelmbed by the sheer number of threads I'm subscribed to somemtimes and then there are times when I read, but I'm too tired to really post much.

I have definitely made my mind up...but I don't want to say what I decided quite yet. Want to save that for my PTR!

I think Max absolutely preferred the playgrounds to some of the rides. That's ok, though...luckily, we're going back again!

Have a great weekend, Ann, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Oh, I can't wait for your PTR!!

And... Mother's day??!!! OMG... that is tomorrow, right?

Happy Mother's day to you too!!!

 

[KatMark]

Happy Mother's Day, Tina.

 

[eandesmom]

Hi, Cynthia! I take it you're back...again! Yes, BC has the duvets, but not at the villas for some reason. Weird, right? My husband thinks I'm nuts that I care that much about bed linens, but I do... And I think you make some very good points about BC and being that close to the parks and all those fantastic dining options.

Yep, I am back again! the thing for me with BC/YC is the dining options are so much more than what's just at the BC. You've got the boardwalk, Swolphin and all of the World showcase, just footsteps away. Really, you could do a whole trip where you walk to dinner every time. In fact, the bulk of our meals this trip were all walked to. Even DHS is a walk or a boat ride.

I can relate, I care about the bed linens too. In fact, after we got back from the YC I redid our bedroom in dreamy all white linens. We sleep better now. LOL!

That said, the villa linens were just fine (and that studio pullout surprisingly comfy) whereas for me, the WL ones were not at all! Go figure.

 

[Moira222]

I'm just catching up so hope you don't mind my late comments!

After our magical day (OK, so it really was more of a magical morning, when you get right down to it!) at AK, we headed back to CSR to relax and spend some time at the pool. It was feeling downright hot...and that felt WONDERFUL!

We had originally had an ADR at Biergarten that evening but, as would become a recurring theme on this trip, we cancelled it. No one felt much like trekking over to EPCOT. Wonder why... after three early morning character meals in a row! Besides, it was so beautiful right where we were.

We walked over to El Centro and I took several pictures of CSR on our way:

Looking back at the Cabanas:

I really loved the beachy feel of the Cabanas section and our location was stellar; close to the pool, the bus, and not too terribly far from El Centro.

Mark and Max on the small bridge that separates the larger lake from the small lagoon in front of the Cabanas:

Looking across the lake, toward the Cabanas

Ah....palm trees...

A beautiful tree in full bloom, right outside of El Centro:

We made our way into El Centro and Max stopped to throw a penny into the fountain in the lobby. If you look quickly, it appears that he’s flying!

We could have a good meal...if we had not kept walking past Pepper Market into Maya Grill. Oh well. This is where the dining plan can seriously get you in trouble, particuarly the deluxe plan. Because we were on it, I figured going to table service was the way to go. Ugh...

And here is the documentary evidence of our truly crap-tastic meal:

Max’s cheese stick appetizer:

I had mussels, along with shrimp, and possibly some clams in a very blandy, watery tomato broth.

Mark got the queso which was disgustingly gloppy, greasy, and gross.

My mom played it safe, and probably made the best choice, and got a Caesar salad, that was served with a nice Parmesan crisp.

My mom’s steak:

Mark’s fried fish tacos, which were yucky:

I had some kind of beef tacos which were also not very good. I just remember everything being sort of bland and greasy.

Max had the macaroni and cheese:

We got dessert, which were these small shot glasses. They were OK. All told, it didn’t bother me all that much, as we were on the dining plan, but I felt badly that my mom spent so much money to have such a sub-par meal. I have had plenty of mediocre meals in my life, but this went way past that and all the way to gross. I would not recommend Maya Grill to anyone, even if you’re staying at CSR. Go to Pepper Market, the food is a lot better and a lot less expensive!

After a stop in the gift shop, we made our way back to the room and I think everyone was asleep pretty quickly that night.. After all...we had a big day the next day...Buzz...Woody....Lightening and Mater...we must be headed to Hollywood Studios!

We just loved the CSR. We were going to go there but with a 40% off code, we could not pass up the chance to do WLR again! Katie was 3 1/2 when we went and she just loved the play ground and the pools there. and that hot tub!@@@ and the awesome slide!

We only ate breakfast at the Maya grill and it was a buffet ...you pictures made my tummy turn just looking at them. ick. what a same because yeah, there are so many yummy choices at the pepper market!

OK, my Disfriends... I have an important question that I need some help figuring out an answer to. As you can tell from my ticker, we're going back in July and are currently booked CL at AKL. Let me very honest and up front and say that I am, more than anything, super excited to try a deluxe and the options below are all priced similarly.

My top three reasons for booking AKL:
1. The animals...duh.
2. I really love the lobby and all the theming, inside and out.
3. The CMs I've encountered there while dining have always been wonderful.

My top three nagging problems with booking AKL:

1. The location...what if this is the trip that Max decides he loves the parks? Would we better off in a slightly more convenient location that does rely solely on bus service? I should also add that we enjoy hitting rope drop and heading back the resort for an extended period of time in the afternoon before venturing out again. We're NOT doing a dining plan this time, either, as we want the utmost flexibility in our plans.

2. The bed linens... I have been spoiled and it has been sometime since I have stayed anywhere that did not have white, cotton duvet covers on the beds, as opposed to the every so slightly icky looking comforters they have at AKL. I know its a minor issue, but its important to me.

3. Max has recently begun to develop an assortment of fears, one of them being live animals. He was not a fan when we were there in February. He especially hated the birds. Now since then, he's gotten in the Lion King and birds and as I've explained that ALK would be like staying at Simba's House (work with me on this one, he's about to turn four!). I am worried that staying here will be completely wasted on him, if not downright scary for him. Then again, he might be fine.

My top three reasons why the Beach Club would be awesome:

1. Location! That walk to the International Gateway is about three point two seconds, as we discovered in February and EPCOT is mine and Mark's favorite park, hands down.
2. Storm Along Bay. Need I say more?
3. Superior bed linens, even if the theme is not my favorite, as it seeks to emulate an area of the country I've lived in all my life. That said, I liked it way more than I thought I would when we visited to go to Cape May for breakfast this past February.

I have other reasons why BC would be better, including better food options.

Of course, at AKL, I keep coming back to the fact that the resort has the ability to make me feel as though I'm somewhere else completely. Maybe not Africa, exactly, but something close. It is also, arguably, the most unique resort on property and at Disney, that's saying a lot.

What to do? What to do? I would sincerely appreciate any all advice/thoughts on this, PLEASE!

Sorry I went on so long, but I want to make sure (or as sure as I can) that I have this right!

I've never stayed at either resort BUT based on what you've psoted about Max and what I've seen here, I would totally pick BC. You are walking distance to your favorite park; there is SO MUCH resort fun for Max; definitely the transportation is much easier for BC. and if the animals scare him now, how will he react to the masks and some of the decor?

DHS...Here We Come!

For awhile, Max was super into Toy Story. Loved Woody and Buzz and we have seen all three movies more times than we care to count. Toy Story 3 was Max’s first movie in a movie theater, after all. To say that we were excited about TSM *(and DHS, in general) would be like saying that the mad dash there at rope isn’t capital-C crazy.

Max’s first time in Pixar Place:

Actually, I don’t recall anything about it being particularly difficult. We managed to make our way back there pretty quickly, even while staying together. We made our way to the FP machiene and Mark grabbed them for us, while my mom, Max, and I got in line to meet Buzz and Woody! Amazing. THe queue here is really so cool. A ton of fantastic photo ops awaited us, but of course, my camera-shy son, really wanted no party of them. Its frustrating, because as an infant and toddler he was all about taking pictures. I am so looking forward to Max developing some hard and fast routines and habits, so I could at least make a decent prediction about how he will react in a given situation. I’m nervous that such a time is a pipe dream, or at least years longer than I want to wait.

Standing in Pixar Place...look, we started out happy!



....We then went back and hopped into the FP line at TSM. I was so excited to experience the queue to this ride with Max. He was...well, unimpressed. Or at the very least he appeared very nonplussed. I had a blast playing the actual game; Max not so sure. I do know that afterward, he showed no interest in doing it again.

We then wandered away from Pixar Place. We were off in search of one thing and one thing only: Radiator Springs!. Luigi’s Casa della Tires, to be exact. Since first laying eyes on the movie last summer, Cars has become Max’s favorite movie EVER. He has a the entire cast, a Cars race track, and a Lightening McQueen bed! I figured he’d be beside himself excited seeing his old pals Mater and Lightening. But...sadly...he enjoyed it, but he wasn’t thrilled. Truth be told, he was far more excited about his recent Chuggington acquisition that we got for five bucks at our local Barnes and Noble. Oh, well.

......

He could have spent all day in there, if we let him. I’m not sure why, but after twenty minutes or so, we decided to head to our next attraction and Max had a total and complete beserk meltdown. It was so loud, in fact, that I had to take him over to a remote corner (where I met a super nice mom who was also dealing with kids in meltdown mode) to calm down. It is possible that either a small toy of some kind or a snack would have staved off that particular tantrum, but alas... I’m not the best at anticipating these situations beforehand. Thankfully, I’m getting a second chance.

After Max recovered, my mom said she wanted to head back and it was decided that she and I would head back to CSR, while Mark and stayed at DHS with a much calmer Max. As we made our way out of an increasingly busy park, I began to wonder whether or not dinner at the California Grill was the best idea, especially given Max’s mood and my mom’s inflexibility. Oh, and did I mention it was her birthday? Yes, I had big plans to celebrate at California Grill. Would they work out? Or would we go another way?

Aah traveling with kids.. what funso good that you can just roll with it. I remember how much my DD made us crazy during our '09 trip. she was so very obstinate and un cooperative. we definitely had to change a lot of plans and miss things in order to survive the trip without being the parents from he !!

 

[that's nice]

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

 

[Moira222]

Happy Mother's Day!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

LOVE the singing in the rain pictures, so fun.

Next trip I'm definately taking my kids in that play area for honey I shrunk the kids, my boys really enjoyed the movie, I hesitated taking them in because I was scared I'd lose them, but I think they would really enjoy it, as Max looked like he had a blast.

as for your dilemma, go with whats in your heart, I think you've already made a decision and I say go with it

 

[tinacaplan]

Oh, I can't wait for your PTR!!

And... Mother's day??!!! OMG... that is tomorrow, right?

Happy Mother's day to you too!!!

I can't wait to START my PTR...I'm kind of over my current TR. Is that bad? I didn't take great notes and it seems as though I either lost an SD card or just stopped taking pictures after Thursday of our trip.

Happy Mother's Day, Tina.

Thanks, Kathy! I hope you had a magical day!

Yep, I am back again! the thing for me with BC/YC is the dining options are so much more than what's just at the BC. You've got the boardwalk, Swolphin and all of the World showcase, just footsteps away. Really, you could do a whole trip where you walk to dinner every time. In fact, the bulk of our meals this trip were all walked to. Even DHS is a walk or a boat ride.

So true...a ton of options. The thought is very exciting.

I can relate, I care about the bed linens too. In fact, after we got back from the YC I redid our bedroom in dreamy all white linens. We sleep better now. LOL!

That said, the villa linens were just fine (and that studio pullout surprisingly comfy) whereas for me, the WL ones were not at all! Go figure.

Nice choice with the new bedding! I know I'm probably kidding myself, but I think the all white linens must be a bit cleaner, as they can be bleached.

I'm just catching up so hope you don't mind my late comments!


We just loved the CSR. We were going to go there but with a 40% off code, we could not pass up the chance to do WLR again! Katie was 3 1/2 when we went and she just loved the play ground and the pools there. and that hot tub!@@@ and the awesome slide!

We would be absolutely staying at CSR again this summer if Disney hadn't worked its magic with their deals. Not only was there no discount available for CSR, but there aren't any rooms there now, either!

We only ate breakfast at the Maya grill and it was a buffet ...you pictures made my tummy turn just looking at them. ick. what a same because yeah, there are so many yummy choices at the pepper market!

Pepper Market is good...we had the breakfast buffet at Maya when we went in February '10 and it was pretty good. Dinner in '11...not so much.

I've never stayed at either resort BUT based on what you've psoted about Max and what I've seen here, I would totally pick BC. You are walking distance to your favorite park; there is SO MUCH resort fun for Max; definitely the transportation is much easier for BC. and if the animals scare him now, how will he react to the masks and some of the decor?

I don't think he'd mind the decor at AKL, per se. My biggest hang-up about ALK, really, is the distance. I know it isn't as bad as a lot of people make it out to be, but its not exactly close, either. And it does sting a bit to think about paying deluxe prices but not get deluxe transportation (or proximity) out of the deal. That said, AKL is so out of this world amazing...which is why this decision has been such a tough one!

Aah traveling with kids.. what funso good that you can just roll with it. I remember how much my DD made us crazy during our '09 trip. she was so very obstinate and un cooperative. we definitely had to change a lot of plans and miss things in order to survive the trip without being the parents from he !!

I talk to Max about Disneyworld quite a bit (no surprise there) and I'm hoping that because he will be more familiar with the place this time, it will all seem a lot less overwhelming to him. I'm also not giving him as many options, either. Big mistake there! In some ways this trip will be a lot less planned out than the last one, but in some ways, it will be more so.

Happy Mothers Day!!!!

Thanks, Tim!

Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you!

LOVE the singing in the rain pictures, so fun.

Next trip I'm definately taking my kids in that play area for honey I shrunk the kids, my boys really enjoyed the movie, I hesitated taking them in because I was scared I'd lose them, but I think they would really enjoy it, as Max looked like he had a blast.

as for your dilemma, go with whats in your heart, I think you've already made a decision and I say go with it

The HISTK play area was a blast and not too many people were there when we were, either, so that was a plus. I think Max prefers things that he has control of, honestly.

Well...I may or may not have already made a decision...but I'm going to hold off on saying anything until I start my PTR.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday, Tina! I wanted to get around to everyone's threads individually, but my family whisked me away to the beach for a grand day! DId you do anything fun??

 

[tinacaplan]

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday, Tina! I wanted to get around to everyone's threads individually, but my family whisked me away to the beach for a grand day! DId you do anything fun??

Oh, thanks Liesa..you are so very thoughtful! Hope we get to meet in person someday. Glad to heard you such a wonderful day. We had a nice day here on the other coast, too! Pretty relaxed, which is nice, given my schedule!

 

[tinacaplan]

I don’t know how this happened. No matter what SD card I try, no matter where I look...it seems that I have run out of pictures. I suppose it is possible that I simply stopped taking them, but that seems strange, as I seem to recall at least taking pictures of all of our remaining meals. You will simply have to close your eyes, imagine Mark in a few more Charlie Sheen shirts and a few more slightly blurry pics of Max’s back...and, well....you get the idea.

That said, let me pick up where we left off... My mother and I returned from our morning at DHS to spend some more quality time at the gorgeous, can’t say it often enough, pool at CSR. Seriously, should you (or anyone you know) ever doubt your decision to stay at CSR, the pool alone should make that decision a lot easier.

At some point, later in the afternoon, we decided that trying to go to California Grill was simply ridiculous, so I went down to El Centro to find out about cancelling the ADR, completing forgetting Cali Grill’s cancellation policy, which involves a charge of some sort. Luckily, the concierge CM at CSR was very kind, explained Cali Grill’s policy, and waived the fee! Score!

Then we decided we’d hit EPCOT one more time and see if we could get into Biergarten, our ADR from the previous night. Oh...yes...too funny.

We boarded our EPCOT-bound bus around five, as Max wanted no part of a nap....until we got to EPCOT, of course. We decided to take advantage of this and my mom and I got in line for Spaceship Earth, while Mark took Max for a walk, hoping he’d get twenty minutes of sleep in.

While we were standing in line, my mom and I had a nice moment, reminiscing about
our previous trips to Disneyworld and how awe-struck we had been by EPCOT back in the 80’s. It all seemed so super cool and futuristic then. I even remember making dining (on the same day!) reservations on the t.v. screens! How cool was that?

We a had a lovely ride (I think I went on this thing about seven times over the course of the trip...I love this ride and its always got a pretty short line) and when we were off, Mark called to say that Max was awake. We all met in front of the Seas and took my mom for a ride in clam mobile. At the end, Max didn’t want to do Turtletalk again, so we skipped it.

Around this time, we decided to figure dinner out and headed over to World Showcase. My mom’s feet were bothering her and we decided to wait for the bus across the lagoon. I argued that it would be quicker to just walk, but my mom was in pain, so we waited...and waited some more...and FINALLY a boat arrived, which we rode right across the lagoon to Germany, our destination for dinner.

We got very lucky at the Biergarten and were seated rather quickly. I cannot say that I am in love with the food here; it was OK. I have a basic problem with buffets in that I seem to always end up eating a whole bunch of mixed up foods that don’t necessarily go together. That said, I love their herring...I know that makes me weird, but what can I say?
The other bonus of buffets is that they are pretty great when you have a small child with you. The food is immediate and he can pick whatever he wants and Disney is good about providing decent choices for the kiddos, including plenty of fruit.

I honestly cannot remember what we had (other than the aforementioned herring), but I do remember that we had a wonderful time. At one point, we all got up and danced and it was just great. You cannot beat the Biergarten for atmosphere, I’ll tell ya!

After dinner, I was desperate to make it for Illuminations, but Max did not share my feelings and neither Mark nor my mom were willing to push it with him. Really, I probably should have sent Mark and Max back to the hotel and stayed with my mom, but she was tired, too. I had to console myself with yet another trip to the German candy store, or as I like to call it: the best thing to happen to EPCOT in a long time! Truly, the place is incredible. We got some caramel corn and I got a rice krispie treat that had been dipped in chocolate and caramel. Heavenly.

And so my mom's birthday celebration did not turn out exactly the way I had envisioned, but we had a good time and I feel pretty confident that I made the right call in cancelling Cali Grill. We'll get back there someday, I'm sure.

Treats in hand, we made our way back to the buses and onward to our home away from home.

 

[glennbo123]

Jackson Browne!

Hey, glad you finally got to Biergarten, even though you didn't have an ADR for this particular day. (I haven't tried Cali Grill yet, and need to do that sometime.) The herring's good, huh? I'm not sure if I had that, but I like most of the other stuff. I agree, the atmosphere in Biergarten is amazing.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

What a fun evening, and I'm sure the ADR switch was a good decision, I agree with buffet type meals being easier with small kids and instant food for them

I know it wasn't the evening you had planned and no Illuminations, but it sounds like it turned out to be a really great evening