Queen, Jasmine and a Disney Virgin...will he love it like we do?

[Queenofallthings]

I can't believe this post brings us to our second last day of this trip! I knew going into this trip that it would be very different from our summer trips...only 8 days not two or three weeks, no rest periods during the day, no time for that...but I still woke up on this day sad. Sad that it was almost over and I felt I hadn't given Aladdin the Disney experience I had hoped for him.

I shared my feelings with them at breakfast and he tried so hard to put my mind at ease. He said it was the best time of his life that he couldn't have asked for more. I was so bummed about the weather and I honestly thought at the beginning of the trip that I had come to terms with it....clearly I hadn't. A pool day or even a dunk was not to be had on this trip

Oh well...we still had two days and we were going to make the best of it. EPCOT was on the agenda this fine day and that did make me happy. EPCOT has become my favorite park....or at least WS is my favorite part. I love the fact that you can just wander, grab a drink and a bench and watch the world go by, get up, pop into a shop or true....I love it.

Arriving at Epcot. We decided we would head straight for Soarin and that's what we did.

Just snapping along the way. We never made it to the Living Seas or the Coral Reef for a meal. I know a lot of people have had bad experiences at this restaurant, including us once, but it's still a favorite of ours.

The coveted ride. We were in the second row at the extreme right. Unless I am smack dab in the middle of this ride I tend to get a little motion aware...does that make sense. Doesn't make me sick but it also doesn't make me feel great. Anyhoodle we did just fine. This was our longest wait time of the entire trip...took us over an hour to make it through the line. We then headed over to TT and MS, then it was time for lunch.

I had made ADR's for 1pm today at Tutto Italia...Jasmine's favorite restaurant on property. We were very surprised when we walked in and found the restaurant half empty. We had one of the best servers we have ever had. She was an absolute doll, couldn't do enough for us.

Aladdin feeling the love in Italy

Aladdin and Jasmine waiting for their lunch. They both ordered the lasagne and Jasmine proclaimed it was as good as always.

Me and my girl. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs....I have to say, it's my favorite meal here. The meatballs are to die for and there is exactly the right amount of sauce....I can taste it now.

I have to share a funny story with you.....at the table across from us was an Italian-American family....grandfather, son, daughter in law, 2 small children. Well I don't know who these people were or who they thought they were, but they had the poor wait staff running after them the entire time we were there. Anyone who has ever eaten at this restaurant knows you have 2 people who wait on you....well they have 4 to 6 people running after them. The son who was probably a little younger that me was extremely rude...you know the type....I'm better that you, know your place. They brought out 3 different bottles of wine before he was satisfied. Finally, the man that is always at the front came over and spoke to them and things seemed to simmer down....but man, they were something else.

Aladdin decided to grab the camera and take some shots of the restaurant....he told Jasmine one day they would go to Italy and compare the shots of this restaurant to the real thing....to cute. I kinda have that "deer in the headlight look in my eyes"

It really is beautiful. I will tell you though, I much prefer this restaurant when we have free dining...lunch was over $100 for the 3 of us.....

Apparently, he thought this painting was interesting.....

We always get a picture in front of the fountain. I do miss the days when they would have a PP here, but the last time we saw one there was in 2007

Italy is one of our favorite countries in WS. It is Jasmine's dream to go to Italy...maybe after she graduates from college....my family and I were there when my sister and I were younger for 3 weeks. My father was stationed in Germany and he felt if we were there we were going to see Europe! Hopefully, Jasmine will get her wish!

America...there is something about this building that I love too! I think it's the red brick with the white, I just think it looks so sharp

Across the lagoon

Japan...how I love the restaurant in here. We've only been once, but boy was it good. Jasmine didn't love it, but she tends to be on the picky side, but I would sure love to go back some day.

Marie from the Aristocats....when Jasmine was little she was her favorite character. When Peg and Geodoc went to the world in 1996, they scoured the place for a Marie stuffy and there was none to be had. Jasmine and I laughed about this because here in front of us was a full grown one!!!

Now, I know some of you have going to be shocked by this, but we were in France...and we all know what's in France.....yup GREY GOOSE SLUSHIE TIME...I'm ok now. The kids were dying to do a KP mission so who was I to take away their fun and enjoyment. So, off they went, off I went to get my martini glass full of heavenly goodness and proceeded to sit on "my" bench. I didn't think my day could get any better and then these guys came out and I had front row viewing for a while. I wished the kids were here to watch this, I knew they would love it

Turns out their mission was to be in France so they ended up coming to tell me and watched the show with me.

They were truly amazing.

In all of our trips we have never seen them...if you are ever walking by and they are there, take the 15 minutes to enjoy, you won't regret it.

Aladdin took this last shot...in his words he said "makes it even sicker to know he's balancing on wine bottles"....he had a very good point.

 

[reyasmommy]

Another great update!

I would love to travel to Italy someday too, I don't see it happening anytime soon, but it's definately on my bucket list.

How cool that you got your yummy drink and a perfect seat for the show.

I notice a LOT of people bundled up in winter jackets... Wasn't Jasmine cold in her shorts? I wore flip flops the entire time on our vaction and my little toesies froze once in awhile. It was funny because when I came home I had to leave the house one morning to do errands and I walked out still wearing flipflips.... It took me two seconds to realize that there was snow on the ground and those flip flops weren't going to cut it. I had to turn right around and put my socks and shoes on. Made me sad and it was like a slap in the face that I was NO longer in Florida.

Looking forward to more!

 

[Queenofallthings]

As the show was coming to an end we were decided what we were going to do next....stay for a bit longer or head back to the hotel. Mother Nature answered the question for us...the skies opened and it started to pour. Decision made...hotel it was!!

We got back to the hotel and decided it was the perfect time to grab an afternoon nap before heading out to DTD for the evening. There is nothing I love more than an afternoon nap in the rain, but let me tell you, I would much rather have no nap, sunny skies, warms temps and be at one of the parks. But it wasn't meant to be. After our naps the kids were all set to head to DTD...me, not so much. I was not feeling 100% after my nap....so the kids went off on their own. Aladdin had spotted a pair of Oakley sunglasses on our last trip to DTD and he really wanted to go buy them. It was still pouring, but they grabbed the umbrella's and off they went. I called Peg to chat while they were out....this trip was definitely different without them. I no sooner got on the phone with Peg, that my phone told me I had a text. It was the kids telling me it was a good thing I didn't come.....the Brazilian tour group was on their bus and they were LOUD....I really had had enough of this. If that makes me sound grouchy, I apologize. I used to think that when I read other TR complaining about them....well until you experience it, you have no idea. They are just plain rude, no other way to describe them. If I ever thought my daughter would behave like that on a school trip there is no way she would go!!! Ok, enough of that....Aladdin got his sunglasses and they were back....it was still pouring. Thankfully, it stopped raining long enough for him to grab this shot of Jasmine, I have taken a picture of her every trip that we have made, and I didn't think I was going to get one this trip.

Saturday....our last full day and night in the World. Our plan was to head to DHS so the kids could do all their rides. The bus came right away and we were off. Unfortunately, when we arrived at DHS so did all the tour groups. We made a quick decision to switch days....we would take the boat to Epcot for the morning, then head to MK then Sunday we would hit DHS before leaving for home.

I love the boat ride from DHS to Epcot...I love stopping at the resorts and dreaming of staying there one day...especially the Yacht and Beach Club....I think visually, it's my favorite resort! Arriving at WS

Had to stop and get a picture in Canada!! Notice Aladdin's zip up? He picked it up and put it down the entire time we were in Mousegears the day before. I finally said, if you don't get it you'll regret it. He loves it!! Notice his sunglasses.....

Waiting for O Canada to begin

The gardens outside Le Cellier, they really are spectacular

We then headed over to Universe of Energy or as I fondly refer to it "my afternoon nap ride"

We also stopped and did TT, MS and SE before heading to the bus to go back to the hotel. We had dinner reservations at WCC at WL and we thought we would go to MK first so we headed back to change and get ready for our evening out.

Jasmine asked for the camera....no one on our bus....so she decided to just snap away the entire trip back to the hotel.....enjoy, some pics are better than others!!!

NEXT UP.....MK and dinner at WCC....our last evening in the World.

 

[dawnbu40]

Nice update!
I hope you guys get awesome weather in Sept to make up for the lousy weather you had this trip. (it was chilly on our trip but at least we didn't have rain)


I love your picture of the garden in Canada! That area is always so beautiful!

Also-love your 2010 hoodie. I looked at that and almost got that myself!

 

[mermaid764]

Awesome update once again. The gardens in the Canadian pavilion look really spectacular and hopefully your September trip works out for guys. Were also awaiting free dining for September and are really hoping their going to make the announcement soon. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip

 

[burly]

Great update as usual.
Congrats on the job!
Maybe we should all get together and wear coordinating clothing, get a flag and tour and push and yell our way around BRAZIL!

 

[dddisrunner]

Hi Queen...remember me? Sorry it's been so long since I've posted BUT I spent alot of time this afternoon reading and I am all caught up!

I LOVE the picture of Aladdin by Aladdin's Magic Carpets, that made me laugh! I agree with you about Princess Tiana's dress, it is GORGEOUS! LOVED your LTT lunch...the pics were great and it was so fun to see the characters back there! Sorry Jasmine didn't get to have her pasta dish though! GREAT Grand Floridian pictures and 1900 Park Fare pics especially the one of the kids with the evil stepmother!! OK, those strawberries were AWESOME and it was so sweet of you to do that for them!

Oh your DHS day, I LOVED the description of Rosie and her streetmoshere performance. We LOVE her, she is GREAT! Sorry about the rude guest at Sci Fi but I am glad everyone enjoyed their meals, I love the atmosphere in there!! Glad Aladdin loved LMA...we haven't seen it in a few years, we need to go back! I LOVED the end of your day. Fantasmic, then ice cream and hot chocolate sounds just about P-E-R-F-E-C-T!!

Congrats to Jasmine's cheering squad on their 3rd place finish and sorry to hear you weren't feeling well, I hope you are better now! Congratulations on the September trip, I sure hope you get free dining!

I thought is was so sweet that Aladdin said he was having the time of his life, it really looked that way in all of your pictures! I love the picture of you and Jasmne together at Tutto Italia, she looks so much like you!! THANK YOU for posting about the French chair acrobats, I have always wanted to see them and have never had the chance, this summer I will for sure!!

GREAT job on this report Queen! I enjoyed catching up!

Diane

 

[MaryAz]

So sorry you were sick. Glad you are feeling better. WOnderful updates. Just loved them!! Thanks also for the pics at Tut Italia-we are eating there for the first time in May. So sad your trip is coming to an end. But I see you are a new one planned! Sep-hmmm maybe if I just take the little one we could get away-very tempting now that we have DVC and will have AP's.....Congrats to Jasmine on the cheer comp!

 

[Queenofallthings]

Nice update!
I hope you guys get awesome weather in Sept to make up for the lousy weather you had this trip. (it was chilly on our trip but at least we didn't have rain)


I love your picture of the garden in Canada! That area is always so beautiful!

Also-love your 2010 hoodie. I looked at that and almost got that myself!

Thanks Dawnwatch, with our luck a hurricane will come in It's not like that hasn't happened to us in the past

I have had more compliments on that hoodie than anything I've ever bought in the World! I loved it the moment I saw it and bought it right on the spot....that's something I never do

Awesome update once again. The gardens in the Canadian pavilion look really spectacular and hopefully your September trip works out for guys. Were also awaiting free dining for September and are really hoping their going to make the announcement soon. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip

Thank you What dates in September are you planning on going? Will we be there at the same time?

Great update as usual.
Congrats on the job!
Maybe we should all get together and wear coordinating clothing, get a flag and tour and push and yell our way around BRAZIL!

Thank you Jasmine says "thanks so much" she went in for 3 hours today and her next shift is Saturday 11 - 6 so she's pretty excited!!

I really shouldn't drink while I'm reading my comments....that one had water shooting everywherejust the thought of us all doing that cracked me up

Hi Queen...remember me? Sorry it's been so long since I've posted BUT I spent alot of time this afternoon reading and I am all caught up!

I LOVE the picture of Aladdin by Aladdin's Magic Carpets, that made me laugh! I agree with you about Princess Tiana's dress, it is GORGEOUS! LOVED your LTT lunch...the pics were great and it was so fun to see the characters back there! Sorry Jasmine didn't get to have her pasta dish though! GREAT Grand Floridian pictures and 1900 Park Fare pics especially the one of the kids with the evil stepmother!! OK, those strawberries were AWESOME and it was so sweet of you to do that for them!

Oh your DHS day, I LOVED the description of Rosie and her streetmoshere performance. We LOVE her, she is GREAT! Sorry about the rude guest at Sci Fi but I am glad everyone enjoyed their meals, I love the atmosphere in there!! Glad Aladdin loved LMA...we haven't seen it in a few years, we need to go back! I LOVED the end of your day. Fantasmic, then ice cream and hot chocolate sounds just about P-E-R-F-E-C-T!!

Congrats to Jasmine's cheering squad on their 3rd place finish and sorry to hear you weren't feeling well, I hope you are better now! Congratulations on the September trip, I sure hope you get free dining!

I thought is was so sweet that Aladdin said he was having the time of his life, it really looked that way in all of your pictures! I love the picture of you and Jasmne together at Tutto Italia, she looks so much like you!! THANK YOU for posting about the French chair acrobats, I have always wanted to see them and have never had the chance, this summer I will for sure!!

GREAT job on this report Queen! I enjoyed catching up!

Diane

Diane....I could never forget you my friend Life has a funny way of getting in our way of Dis-ing doesn't it?

It feels odd to be planning another trip, but it sure makes a difference if I don't have to pay for everything I haven't told Jasmine yet, but I booked our dining for the first week this morning while she was still snoozing Next weekend I'll book the rest....my fear was as soon as free dining is announced, everything gets snapped up!!

Thanks again Diane for all your wonderful comments, hopefully one of these years we can all make it down there at the same time....you know...some of us were thinking in a year or two of a girls only trip....just a little something for you to think about

So sorry you were sick. Glad you are feeling better. WOnderful updates. Just loved them!! Thanks also for the pics at Tut Italia-we are eating there for the first time in May. So sad your trip is coming to an end. But I see you are a new one planned! Sep-hmmm maybe if I just take the little one we could get away-very tempting now that we have DVC and will have AP's.....Congrats to Jasmine on the cheer comp!

Mary, do you know how happy that would make us if you could come down....Leanne is trying too...actually just the thought of it makes me weepy with excitement With DVC and AP's you really should make the best of it....

Jasmine says "thank you very much" and that she'll let you all know personally.....oh my gosh is she actually gonna post on here....how they do at their provincial championships in April...the 10th to be exact.

 

[PISCESANGEL]

Say it isn't so!! You are almost to the end of your TR??!! I have so enjoyed reading about this trip as I see a lot of similarities with us. We both just love our DDs and love to see them happy. I'm more looking forward to seeing how happy it makes the kids this time around than anything! The fact that her DBF hasn't been is so exciting for me as I can tell that he will be (almost!) as excited as Aladdin!

I love your pics btw of Epcot WS. That is definitely my fave area of all of the parks... I could spend days discovering and eating of course!

Thanks again for sharing, I'm really so sorry it's almost over... this just means you'll need to write another soon!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I've been away for March Break and got a bit behind but I'm all caught up now.

I loved the watching the balancing serveur's in France too. I was back in the crowd and being short I never noticed he was balancing on the bottles. Yikes!

Wish your next trip coincided with mine. Oh well, next time.

Finally some lovely blue skies. I had been used to summer at Disney too when I went in October. It was Cold with a capital "C". It's a much different type of trip.

 

[Disney Brat]

Hi Queen!! First off a big congratulations to Jas for getting a job!!! My fingers are crossed for Free Dining for you guys!! (And us too....lol we are thinking of a late Sept or Oct trip) Loved the updates!! Really nice pics. The zip up that Aladdin got, Kyle bought in Aug! I love it! I understand what you are saying about the tour groups!! Enough said about that! LOL Those guys in France, I have never seen them, but boy that was impressive! Definatly have to look out for that next time. I am sad that this is starting its wind down! I have really enjoyed your TR so far!! At least I still have a bit more comming!! LOL

 

[ellajeansmom]

Wow, that's a lot of news!

So glad you are feeling better, being sick is the pits.

Congrats to Jasmine on both the cheer competition and the job I wouldn't stress too much about her deciding what to do at school - I recently got together with friends from high school and of the 7 of us, I was the only one who was doing what we went to school for Of course that's easy for me to say now, I'm sure 10 years from now I will be stressed about my girls' education

That's awesome that you are planning a trip for Sept - and no you're not crazy for making the ADRs...I have a friend who usually goes in August and she has her ADRs booked but they're waiting for the free dining offer to actually book the vacation as well

Good for you for being flexible and avoiding annoying tour groups! Loved all the pics as usual, especially the chair balancing in France - I can't believe that was all balanced on the bottles, yikes!

Looking forward to the rest

 

[DisneyMomLiz]

Hi Queen, great update as usual. Sorry I've been away for a bit...work has been and I'm trying to prep for a conference next week, so it's even more this week. But I had to take a few minutes and stop in on your TR. I promise, I'll get back to mine when I get back from Washington

you have another trip in the works!! Double it's in Sept. my fav time to visit the world! Even if we can't make it for the whole time you are there (DS will be starting PK), we can at least try for a weekend visit!!

to Jas for getting a job!! and on her University decisions!

I'll be back soon

 

[Queenofallthings]

I've been away for March Break and got a bit behind but I'm all caught up now.

I loved the watching the balancing serveur's in France too. I was back in the crowd and being short I never noticed he was balancing on the bottles. Yikes!

Wish your next trip coincided with mine. Oh well, next time.

Finally some lovely blue skies. I had been used to summer at Disney too when I went in October. It was Cold with a capital "C". It's a much different type of trip.

Our spring break starts tomorrow! The kids can't wait!

I wish they coincided toobut I am determined in the next couple of years we are planning our girls only trip so at least we have that to look forward to

It's so wrong to even say the world "cold" in Florida isn't it

Hi Queen!! First off a big congratulations to Jas for getting a job!!! My fingers are crossed for Free Dining for you guys!! (And us too....lol we are thinking of a late Sept or Oct trip) Loved the updates!! Really nice pics. The zip up that Aladdin got, Kyle bought in Aug! I love it! I understand what you are saying about the tour groups!! Enough said about that! LOL Those guys in France, I have never seen them, but boy that was impressive! Definatly have to look out for that next time. I am sad that this is starting its wind down! I have really enjoyed your TR so far!! At least I still have a bit more comming!! LOL

Hey Tiff

Jasmine says thanks, and also, she thinks Abby is beyond cute in the pictures!! How great will it be if we're all there again at the same time??? Will you do the MNSSHP? I haven't mentioned it yet to Jasmine, but I want to do it, I love that party!!!

Clearly Aladdin and Kyle have exceptional taste in clothing

On the subject of TR's....are you starting one my friend

Wow, that's a lot of news!

So glad you are feeling better, being sick is the pits.

Congrats to Jasmine on both the cheer competition and the job I wouldn't stress too much about her deciding what to do at school - I recently got together with friends from high school and of the 7 of us, I was the only one who was doing what we went to school for Of course that's easy for me to say now, I'm sure 10 years from now I will be stressed about my girls' education

That's awesome that you are planning a trip for Sept - and no you're not crazy for making the ADRs...I have a friend who usually goes in August and she has her ADRs booked but they're waiting for the free dining offer to actually book the vacation as well

Good for you for being flexible and avoiding annoying tour groups! Loved all the pics as usual, especially the chair balancing in France - I can't believe that was all balanced on the bottles, yikes!

Looking forward to the rest

You are absolutely right about the university thing....I just stress too much I am going to see how many more ADR"s we can make this weekend. Actually Jasmine works all day Saturday (gosh I love how that sounds) and Sunday Aladdin and her are going suit shopping for grad so I have plans to plan our trip

Hi Queen, great update as usual. Sorry I've been away for a bit...work has been and I'm trying to prep for a conference next week, so it's even more this week. But I had to take a few minutes and stop in on your TR. I promise, I'll get back to mine when I get back from Washington

you have another trip in the works!! Double it's in Sept. my fav time to visit the world! Even if we can't make it for the whole time you are there (DS will be starting PK), we can at least try for a weekend visit!!

to Jas for getting a job!! and on her University decisions!

I'll be back soon

I've missed you I hear you about work....I worked late last night and tonight, but sure feels good to be all caught up.

That would be so wonderful if you could make it for a weekend while we were there!! It changes everything when the kiddies start school doesn't it?

That you for the good wishes

 

[leamom2princesses]

Hi Queen! I can't do the week of the 12th but the week of the 19th might be perfect. Josie's b-day is the 26th. I didn't make it to the DVC tour...we bought today. I hope we can hook up in September!!

Congrats to Jas on her new job!!!

Great updates and pics! I was just telling Joe that we need to spend more time in the countries at WS this year. I need to try one of those Grey Goose Slushies!

 

[MaryAz]

Hmm, Sep is a nice month. Hold on, Mary goes to SW website to price flights, not to bad, hmmm AP's, DVC, hmmmmm

 

[declansdad]

Just read about you forcing the kids to see Beauty and the Beast. I hope they enjoyed because it is one of the best shows at WDW, behind FOTLK of course.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hi Queen! I can't do the week of the 12th but the week of the 19th might be perfect. Josie's b-day is the 26th. I didn't make it to the DVC tour...we bought today. I hope we can hook up in September!!

Congrats to Jas on her new job!!!

Great updates and pics! I was just telling Joe that we need to spend more time in the countries at WS this year. I need to try one of those Grey Goose Slushies!

OOOOOOOHHHHHH, I really hope it all works out!!!! for already buying DVC....it will be the best purchase you've ever made....I know that's how my sis feels. CONGRATULATIONS

Jasmine is just getting ready to walk out the door for her first shift 11 - 5....unfortunately, she woke up with a cold, so hope she gets feeling better soon. She never gets sick....isn't that typical?

You really do need to try one, and then just to be sure you really like them, you have to try another and another and another.......

Hmm, Sep is a nice month. Hold on, Mary goes to SW website to price flights, not to bad, hmmm AP's, DVC, hmmmmm

MARY THAT WOULD BE SO AWESOME.....KEEP US POSTED!!!!! Pssst....you really should get all you can out of your annual passes and DVC.....

Just read about you forcing the kids to see Beauty and the Beast. I hope they enjoyed because it is one of the best shows at WDW, behind FOTLK of course.

I agree with you 100%....the kids said it was ok, Jasmine of course had seen it before but Aladdin thought it was ok. Then we went to see FOTLK....he said hands down he thought that was the best show ever!!!!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Since we're having two DIS meets in France during our May trip, I will be sure to try at least one of those Grey Goose Slushies. If it tastes good I'll be sure to try another just to be sure.

Since we're buying AP's in May, I've already told Joe that I'd love to hop in the car and go to WDW for the girls' b-days. It would be fantastic if Mary and her girls could join us.

Hope Jas' first day went okay! Sorry she was under the weather. That happens to me too, when I get ready to go to an interview I always get a cold or something.