Our Short but Sweet, Sizzling HOT Summer Trip to the World! Updated 12/3...Finally!!!

[Angies1274]

So, when I left off, we had just rode SSE for the first time, the boys rode TT. We almost melted in line waiting to get in The Seas w/ Nemo and Friends, enjoyed the clam shell, explored a little, almost fell down the escalator,spent some time with Figment and finally rode Soarin'!!!Our next adventure for the day was a special lunch with the Fab 5!!! That's right, we were on our way to Chef Mickey's!!!!!
You are probably thinking....hey-wait...isn't Chef Mickey's only open for breakfast and dinner? Well, normally it is, but this was during Free Dining and because of it's extreme popularity they decided to open it up for lunch. As I found out this trip it is a very popular restaurant because I called 90 days out at exactly 7:00am to get a dinner ADR there. They were actually booked for dinner all week and trust me I tried numerous times to get a ressie there at 80 days out, 70,60,50....okay I think you get the picture... So, anyway I was extremely happy when I found out about lunch, and booked for 1:00pm I figured it would give us awhile to explore Epcot and we knew we would be coming back later on so it worked out perfectly.
We decided to leave Epcot around noon just to make sure we were there in time. A short monorail ride later we were at the TTC to board the Resort Monorail to the Contemporary Resort and in no time we were there, luckily we were still pretty early so I had the boys change their shirts into more appropriate attire--Goofy and Pluto shirts...of course!! They spotted the arcade, and talked their father and uncle into going inside. I decided to check out the gift shops and my parent's decided to rest on one of the benches near by. Soon, it was getting close to our ADR time so I gathered everyone up and off we went to check-in. They immediately gave us a pager and sent us to wait in the picture line. At this point everyone was starving. Remember, we had a very early breakfast. About 5 minutes later our pager went off, but we were still in the very long picture line. Although, I'm sure it would have been a great picture our tummies won out and we ducked out of line to be led to our table.

We ordered our drinks and then made our way up to the buffet.Sorry, I didn't get pictures of the actual buffet but it consisted of rolls,salads,chicken, beans, pork ribs. I can't really remember what else. Everything was fresh and tasty but selection was small. They didn't have the Parmesan potatoes or any carved meat. It had a whole barbecue theme instead. Finally, as we sat down the characters began to arrive. First up was Minnie--

Next was Donald--

YAY!! It's time for a little napkin waving!!!

As you can tell, everyone got in on the fun!!!

After all the excitement our server brought a cupcake over for my parent's anniversary. They thought it was the best thing!!!

Next up was.....Mickey!! Yay!! I've said it before, there's just something about that mouse that I love!!!

It was finally time for the boys favorite--Goofy!!!

Pluto stopped by shortly after Goofy!! The boys got a kick out of how he signed their autograph book--As you can tell the autograph books were a great hit!! They definitely helped the boys become more comfortable around the characters and they actually gave me a great opportunity for more pictures (which you know I love!!!)

Bye Pluto!!!

We were there long enough for the napkin waving to begin again--

A view from our table, which was in great location--just off to the left from the buffet.

As we were leaving, I decided to take a quick picture of the monorail--

Another one on the way out--

With bellies full, we headed out of Chef Mickey's toward MK to catch a bus back to Pop for a quick rest, and some much needed pool time!!! It was a great morning but we couldn't wait to head back to Epcot later on that night. But how would it go?? Oh...no!!!

Up Next--Rain, Rain Go Away!!!

 

[onelilspark]

I love it, "Sorry I didn't get pictures of the buffet."

Where else besides the Dis is this a normal statement?

 

[dismagiclover]

Great meal at Chef Mickey's I'm glad they had lunch too or we would have missed out! And rain is coming? Oh no I hope it doesn't spoil your evening!

 

[Angies1274]

I love it, "Sorry I didn't get pictures of the buffet."

Where else besides the Dis is this a normal statement?

You are so right!!! That's too funny!!! It does seem like such a normal thing to say around here. Probably because we're always reading "What??? No food pics?".

Great meal at Chef Mickey's I'm glad they had lunch too or we would have missed out! And rain is coming? Oh no I hope it doesn't spoil your evening!

It was a great meal!! We try make it to Chef Mickey's every trip. It's become sort of a tradition for us. Let's just say, when you only have 4 days to tour the parks--rain is something you don't want to see.

 

[cjackearl]

What a smart move by Disney to open up lunch at Chef Mickeys. Cute pictures. Your parents look darling in their anniversary shirts. Did you make them? Oh no, not rain. I hope it didn't ruin your plans!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Looks like you had a lot of fun at Chef Mickey's! I had no idea they're usually only open for breakfast and dinner.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Yay Chef Mickey's! I heart Chef Mickey's. What a great table you had right by the windows. Twirling napkins! Happy Anniversary Angie's mom and dad! I'm so glad the autograph books let the boys be more comfortable. Don't you just love how Pluto signs?

 

[Angies1274]

What a smart move by Disney to open up lunch at Chef Mickeys. Cute pictures. Your parents look darling in their anniversary shirts. Did you make them? Oh no, not rain. I hope it didn't ruin your plans!

I was so happy Chef Mickey's opened for lunch!!! We it there!!! I did make the shirts for my parent's, with a little help from some great DISigners!!!

Looks like you had a lot of fun at Chef Mickey's! I had no idea they're usually only open for breakfast and dinner.

Chef Mickey's has become a tradition for us. Our boys love it!!! We've been lucky enough to try breakfast, dinner and now lunch there.

Yay Chef Mickey's! I heart Chef Mickey's. What a great table you had right by the windows. Twirling napkins! Happy Anniversary Angie's mom and dad! I'm so glad the autograph books let the boys be more comfortable. Don't you just love how Pluto signs?

I know....gotta love Chef Mickey's. It's so much fun!!!

It was a really great table right by the window. It was far enough back so you didn't feel so crowded in with everyone around you.

Ahh...Mom and Dad say thanks!!!

The boys got such a kick out of Pluto!! At first they didn't know what he was doing, thinking that maybe he was just being silly. We all thought it was so cute!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Morning Angie,

Sorry I was away for a couple of days but, as you know, I was with my Mama.

I'm glad that you had a good time at Chef Mickey's. Our dinner there was just okay and I thought the selection was minimal at best. You got some awesome pictures of your family while there!

Looking forward to more!

Lisa

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Great update Angie!

I've never gone to Chef Mickey's but I felt like I was right there with you guys!

Ewww, I hope the rain doesn't ruin everything...I guess I'll just sit tight and see what happens.

 

[Gabes_mommy]

Great updates! It looks like you guys had a great time at CMs. I am so sorry to hear about the escalator incident.

I agree with you about M:S. I get motion sickness very easily so I don't plan on ever trying the intense side because I know it would ruin the rest of my day. I did try the tame version once though and it was fine.

 

[ellajeansmom]

So glad everyone enjoyed the morning at Epcot - its hard to tell who was having more fun, your parents with all the new experiences or you watching them

The anniversary cupcake was a great touch

 

[Angies1274]

Morning Angie,

Sorry I was away for a couple of days but, as you know, I was with my Mama.

I'm glad that you had a good time at Chef Mickey's. Our dinner there was just okay and I thought the selection was minimal at best. You got some awesome pictures of your family while there!

Looking forward to more!

Lisa

Hi Lisa!!
Ahh...Don't worry about it. I know you've had a rough week!! I was so happy to hear that you got some good news about your Mom and that she's decided to go through with the surgery. It's better to get it taken care of then having to worry about it.
We always seem to have a good time at Chef Mickey's!! I wouldn't say the food is the best or the selection very big...but..we just love the character interaction!! I guess you could say that's what keeps us going back.

Great update Angie!

I've never gone to Chef Mickey's but I felt like I was right there with you guys!

Ewww, I hope the rain doesn't ruin everything...I guess I'll just sit tight and see what happens.

It was a great lunch!! But, I think I spent more time taking pictures than actually eating my meal. Oh well..we had fun!!
Hmm....the rain? You'll see.....

Great updates! It looks like you guys had a great time at CMs. I am so sorry to hear about the escalator incident.

I agree with you about M:S. I get motion sickness very easily so I don't plan on ever trying the intense side because I know it would ruin the rest of my day. I did try the tame version once though and it was fine.

Thanks!!!
Oh..the escalator incident was very scary. We haven't been on another escalator since we've been back and I'm definitely not in any hurry.

Hmm...I haven't heard too much about the tame side of MS. I may have to work up the courage to try it next time we go.

So glad everyone enjoyed the morning at Epcot - its hard to tell who was having more fun, your parents with all the new experiences or you watching them

The anniversary cupcake was a great touch

Hi!! I know...that's so funny but so true!!! We were all having such a great time!!

I was so pleased that they brought out an anniversary cupcake. It made it so special for them.

 

[D!SNEYgram]

Loving your TR. Glad you got to share the Disney magic with your parents and brother - great memories!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Angie!

Yay for lunch at Chef Mickey's. That's one place we have not eaten at yet..I definitely want to try it next trip. It looks like a lot of fun!

Pluto is one of our favorite characters to meet. He's always so playful!

Uh-oh...rain doesn't sound good. I hope it clears up for you and you can still enjoy Epcot. Looking forward to more!

 

[Angies1274]

Loving your TR. Glad you got to share the Disney magic with your parents and brother - great memories!

I'm so glad you joined in. We were thrilled when they decided to join us. I definitely think they felt the Disney magic because they already want to go back!

Hi Angie!

Yay for lunch at Chef Mickey's. That's one place we have not eaten at yet..I definitely want to try it next trip. It looks like a lot of fun!

Pluto is one of our favorite characters to meet. He's always so playful!

Uh-oh...rain doesn't sound good. I hope it clears up for you and you can still enjoy Epcot. Looking forward to more!

Hi Missy!!

Chef Mickey's again... We just can't seem to stay away from that place. We just always seem to have such a great time there!!

Ahh...Pluto was so much fun!!! This was the first time the boys brought autograph books there and they thought it was so hilarious how he signed them. It was a great lunch and a nice break from the busy parks.

 

[MouseKTeer]

We've only been to Chef Mickey's for breakfast, but enjoyed it like you guys. BTW, great photos inside the CR! I especially like the one of the monorail over the buffet bar.

And isn't Pluto a riot how he signs the autograph books

 

[Angies1274]

When I left off last, we had just had lunch with the Fab 5. We had enjoyed the atmosphere, laughed at Pluto's silliness and had a relaxing lunch. (well, as relaxing as it can get with character dining.)
We were headed back to Pop for a rest and some much needed pool time. One thing I can definitely say about August is it makes you wish you had added that water park and more option because it's just so darn hot. I'm not trying to scare anyone who's planning a trip in August because let's face it, free dining is awesome and combined with shorter wait times it's great. But, honestly the heat I could live without. When we finally made it back to the hotel, my parent's headed to their room for a nap. DH decided he could do without the swim as well and opted out. This is what we found when we got back--

We didn't get any towel animals but we were left with a few nice touches that makes staying at a Disney resort so special--

So, that left my brother, the boys and myself. We quickly changed into our suits and headed down to the Hippy Dippy Pool (60's Section). It was busy, but not too bad . As I stepped in I was hoping to at least get a little cooled off. However, it was definitely not refreshing. Hmm...just picture a warm bath. It wasn't until we discovered the flower sprayers that we were finally cooled off. But, boy were they powerful. We found that backing into them worked best.
After about an hour or so, we decided to head back up to the room. We were very surprised to find the others up and ready to head back to the parks. It was about 5:00pm, so I hurried in to get changed and dried off. Before long, we were out the door and on our way to Epcot to check out the WS. My mom was really looking forward to it and had talked about it alot leading up to the trip. Once we arrived the first thing that we wanted to do was ride SSE again. Remember how much my mom loved it? Well...she wanted to show my dad. Unfortunately, the boys weren't cooperating and preferred to head over to Innoventions. DH volunteered to take them, while the rest of us headed inside. This time I sat with my brother and my parent's sat together. They all liked the ride. However, at the end when you are answering all your questions to determine your future my father was freaking out just a little bit. He doesn't like heights, and when he realized that we were going down backwards. He kept saying "Wow! We're high!! We're really high!! and then the questions...."What if there's a problem and we just fall backwards." Ahh, Dad we said "Just enjoy the ride". We made it out in one piece and went off to find the boys and DH. We found them over by Runtime, the place where you can put yourself in a video game. I didn't think to take any pictures while we were actually doing it but I did take some when we got home so I could share them with you--not the best quality though.

We decided to finish up in Innoventions because it was getting close to 7:00pm, and we needed to find a place to eat. Our original plan was to head over to Sunshine Seasons but since we hadn't even made it over to the WS and we only had 2 hours before Illuminations started, we figured we better get going. A few pictures on the way--

As you can tell, it was getting pretty dark and we had felt sprinkles of rain on the way. As we were nearing one of the boat docks, I suggested that we take it over. I was worried because I didn't want my mom to do alot of walking. But as we approached, the next boat wasn't going to leave for another 15-20 minutes and it was their last boat of the night. I wanted to wait. My father didn't. So off we went toward Mexico--

We were still contemplating where we wanted to eat. Half of us wanted to eat in Mexico and the other half China. At this point it was getting later and later and no decisions were being made. We should have probably separated but nobody really wanted too. We decided to wait and eat in China but since we were here we might as well go in and quickly explore Mexico. We hopped aboard our boat to ride the Gran Fiesta Tour. Everyone enjoyed it and it was so funny because my brother's girlfriend called while we were on the ride. We all laughed when we heard him say...Oh yeah, You're at the Dollar Store? Well...I'm in a boat going through Mexico and watching the fireworks. I guess we are easily amused bunch because we were still laughing about it the next day. After the our nice, relaxing ride through Mexico we decided to let the boys sit and color their masks. Unfortunately, once we stepped outside it started to pour. We grabbed our ponchos and put them on. I had purchased extras in case anyone's ripped but I only brought enough for the four of us, leaving the extras back at the hotel,thinking that they would remember their own. But......my brother forgot his and thinking or I guess hoping it would let up, decided to just wait it out. We finally arrived in China!!

This was where we were supposed to eat but......this is were we ended up instead.

Yup, nobody could agree, there was nothing that looked good...etc.,etc. So, we settled on good old American burgers and fries.

Oh...I almost forgot on our way over to Liberty Inn, I took a quick picture of Italy--

Our plan was to explore some of the other countries once we had finished eating but once we left America, it only rained harder and harder. I tried to take pictures but my camera was getting wet--Here's the only one I managed as we were sloshing our way through the water--

It was around 8:30pm at this time, it might have been even a little later. We were going to watch Illuminations but my brother was soaked and too stubborn to go in and buy a poncho--declaring what would be the point since he was already soak and wet....hmm..point taken. Everyone was really tired anyways, especially my mom. So we decided to head out for the night, weaving around people trying to find a good spot and others who like us were rushing out of the park hoping to miss the crowds. Before we left I snapped a couple quick shots--

The line for the buses were quite long so apparently alot of other people had the same idea as we did. We were so disappointed that we had missed so much but it's so hard when you only go for 4 days and if the weather doesn't cooperate then you do what you can do. It was a great day overall and we'll go back. As I keep saying it gives us something to look forward to on our next trip!!

Next up--Welcome to the Magic Kingdom!!!

 

[Angies1274]

We've only been to Chef Mickey's for breakfast, but enjoyed it like you guys. BTW, great photos inside the CR! I especially like the one of the monorail over the buffet bar.

And isn't Pluto a riot how he signs the autograph books

Thanks!! We did Chef Mickey's for breakfast on our trip before this one. I actually liked the food better at breakfast than lunch or dinner. But we mostly go for the character interaction. The boys love it there!!

Pluto is such a riot!! So funny!!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh WOW!

It sounds so...

HOT

and

SOGGY

and a wee bit frustrating. This is the 2nd TR I've read where the Pop pool was less than refreshing. I am nervous about an August trip. It is not at all the time of year I'd like to go. But it is the only time of year that will work for us for myriad of reasons.

I am really hoping that between the Lagoon Pool and SAB that it will cover us and we can skip the water and more, I really don't want to spend my day at a water park.