Sand and Sun ~ Trip Number Ten Was Lots of Fun! Clearwater Beach & YC, August 2013

[JoBird]

OMG Rinky's right-- you are at it early this morning!!

Oh wait--- you're working today, I think I remember you telling me? I don't know, I'd forget my name if I didn't hear it said to me over and over again.


ANYway...
LOVE SSE. It was fun to wake up and see these pics this morning. I think I took almost the same pictures you took of the inside of that ride.
Did you take them with a camera, or did you use the Mini? I was floored to see the pics that I took with the iPad came out great. It wasn't fun lugging it around, but it fit right into the side pocket of my cross body so it wasn't awful. I never used the camera at all. Not once.

Your meal at Chef's looks amazing. Really really good. I am going to have to try it again, bc the one time we ate there it was seriously gag worthy other than the soup. Of course that was way back before they redid the menu and added Remy a few years ago. Looks like it changed a ton since then.
What kind of sauce was on that chicken you ordered? It looks really good.

<---- at the "selfie". Oh my. Yes, here in this house too. That look that is a cross between "I'm too cool for school" and "I love it here, wish I could live here, oh wait there's a cute girl, Yeah, I hate this place".

14 year olds.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

So glad you got to ride SSE before it closed. That is one ride in all of Disney that my kids would be so upset to miss. I think just one of those rides that you can't miss. ( for my family anyway)
I laughed when you said you always go left towards Mexico, bc we ALWAYS go right. lol I think it's bc whenever we go to WS we are usually going to the bakery in France first or have an ADR at Chefs or R & C. Those are our 2 fave restaurants in WS.
I told you, you would like Chefs. I'm so happy you liked it. Your meal looked delicious! My DS16 got that the last time we were there. The kid LOVES chicken!! LOL And those kids meals are huge!!! I wonder if they gave you a little extra bc they knew they were a little older? Anyway that was great!!! I love the CM that brings Remy around. He is hysterical. Was it Armand??
Loved the update!

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My kids really like SSE. DH and I like it a lot too, but wouldn't be too torn up if we had to miss it once. I knew the kids would be mad if they missed it, so we hurried it up and got over there!!

We always go left at WS. Not sure why. I guess because we do FW all morning and then around 10:30-11 we are ready to hit WS and the kids want to do the GFT & Maelstrom!

I'm not sure of the CM's name that brought out Remy... I was too busy looking at DH's face. I hadn't told him about Remy so he was quite surprised when the CM snuck up behind him and asked if he had met the chef yet!

Our waiter was super nice. A little hard to understand, but really nice. He could have given the kids a larger portion, I'm not sure. He didn't give us an up-charge though. A few places did.

Wow! You are up and at it bright and early this morning!

I love SSE! I don't know why, but it's just cool to me! I'm glad you got to ride it before the refurb.

So glad to hear that you liked Chef's! We may have to give it another try. We liked the food, but didn't love it. I think we need to try something different. Your chicken and potatoes looked really good! I think we got pasta??? It was just ok though. I am so glad to see that Remy is still there! That was my favorite part! That is the one and ONLY time that I want to see a rat in a restaurant!

Your DS14... Isn't that such typical teenager behavior! I still can't believe how much he has changed since your last trip! I noticed in your last post that he had a funny look in the picture in front of the Nemo sign. I wondered if that was a 'I'm too cool for Disney now' look??? I sure hope not!

I'm glad we remembered to do SSE that day!!

The chicken and potatoes at Chef's were very good. You should give it another try! I almost cancelled that ADR, I'm so glad we went.

Well, Jodi about summed it up best. And that's because she has a 14 year old son just like him!!

OMG Rinky's right-- you are at it early this morning!!

Oh wait--- you're working today, I think I remember you telling me? I don't know, I'd forget my name if I didn't hear it said to me over and over again.


Yep, had to work. But it was just a part time day, so 8:30-2:30, rather than the usual 7:30-3. So much better. I can actually get a few things done after the kids get on the bus!

ANYway...
LOVE SSE. It was fun to wake up and see these pics this morning. I think I took almost the same pictures you took of the inside of that ride.
Did you take them with a camera, or did you use the Mini? I was floored to see the pics that I took with the iPad came out great. It wasn't fun lugging it around, but it fit right into the side pocket of my cross body so it wasn't awful. I never used the camera at all. Not once.

Your meal at Chef's looks amazing. Really really good. I am going to have to try it again, bc the one time we ate there it was seriously gag worthy other than the soup. Of course that was way back before they redid the menu and added Remy a few years ago. Looks like it changed a ton since then.
What kind of sauce was on that chicken you ordered? It looks really good.

<---- at the "selfie". Oh my. Yes, here in this house too. That look that is a cross between "I'm too cool for school" and "I love it here, wish I could live here, oh wait there's a cute girl, Yeah, I hate this place".

14 year olds.

Glad you enjoyed the update this morning! Of course, I think you enjoy every Epcoot update!!

All my park pics were on my camera. I didn't lug the mini to the parks. I wanted to, but my park bag is too small and I didn't want it in DH's backpack getting banged around. DS had his Ipod touch with him all the time thought of course, and took pics with it. Then he would send them to my ipad and I would upload them to photobucket during our afternoon break in the room, and that's how I was able to share them and do live updates.

I'm not sure what kind of sauce was on the chicken. I looked up the menu on AllEars and it doesn't say. I'm not even sure how to describe it. It wasn't really a barbeque sauce, it was lighter... Not sure I've ever had anything like it before to even compare it to. I think you guys should eat there next time!! When is that going to be, btw???

OMG, you described DS14 so well!! Exactly.

 

[JoBird]

Omg you have me howling. You said I enjoy every EpCOOT update! Holy crap. Now that right there is funny. I started laughing and of course it sent me into a coughing spasm and I almost threw up. So there ya go. You make me wanna hurl.












And what the heck, asking about my next trip. I told you how much I spent last time.

I think M put me in time out bc I made the mistake of breaking it down for him and actually told him how much it was--- and ever since then he hasn't mentioned going back!!
Soon as he shows any sign of cracking you know I'll have my phone in hand dialing you before he can change his mind!

Ah, 14 year olds. And yes those two are just alike. *sigh*

When they turn 26 I hear we get our sons back. Looking forward to it.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Omg you have me howling. You said I enjoy every EpCOOT update! Holy crap. Now that right there is funny. I started laughing and of course it sent me into a coughing spasm and I almost threw up. So there ya go. You make me wanna hurl.












And what the heck, asking about my next trip. I told you how much I spent last time.

I think M put me in time out bc I made the mistake of breaking it down for him and actually told him how much it was--- and ever since then he hasn't mentioned going back!!
Soon as he shows any sign of cracking you know I'll have my phone in hand dialing you before he can change his mind!

Ah, 14 year olds. And yes those two are just alike. *sigh*

When they turn 26 I hear we get our sons back. Looking forward to it.

My stupid spell check hasn't been working lately!! Can you tell??? I'm sure most of my posts are illiterate these days, trying to type too fast!!


Okay, so you did WHAT??? Told M how much the trip cost?!!! OMG. Have I taught you nothing?!!!!

I guess he didn't take it too well, especially if he quit mentioning the next trip. He'll crack. I know he will! It won't be long.


So, we have to wait until 26 to get our boys back?? That's too long!

 

[JoBird]

Okay now in my defense I was trying to defend my own self since I broke that window and you know that whole drama and how much that was going to cost, and then we started talking about all the upcoming football *ahem* excursions taking place in the next few weeks and the plane tickets he's buying and rental cars he's renting for them, and I had to somehow make the bleeding stop and made the sincere mistake of saying well you know the dang trip we just took cost 'X', and it wasn't all my fault either, because you're the one who scheduled the spa, the boat, the cabana, the extra dinners we HAD to have, paying for my cousins suppah, the wine....
and he got bug eyed and said the trip cost WHAT?

And I said............... oops.

All I was doing was trying to shift blame bc there I was trying to just enjoy the trip as I planned it and he threw all that other stuff in that we did and yes I enjoyed the heck out of the fruits of his labor but in the end it backfired on me so now no trip is scheduled.

Gosh. That's a sad story if I do say so myself.

I think after the first of the year he will crack. Remember that he is always up for a last minute May excursion.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay now in my defense I was trying to defend my own self since I broke that window and you know that whole drama and how much that was going to cost, and then we started talking about all the upcoming football *ahem* excursions taking place in the next few weeks and the plane tickets he's buying and rental cars he's renting for them, and I had to somehow make the bleeding stop and made the sincere mistake of saying well you know the dang trip we just took cost 'X', and it wasn't all my fault either, because you're the one who scheduled the spa, the boat, the cabana, the extra dinners we HAD to have, paying for my cousins suppah, the wine....
and he got bug eyed and said the trip cost WHAT?

And I said............... oops.

All I was doing was trying to shift blame bc there I was trying to just enjoy the trip as I planned it and he threw all that other stuff in that we did and yes I enjoyed the heck out of the fruits of his labor but in the end it backfired on me so now no trip is scheduled.

Gosh. That's a sad story if I do say so myself.

I think after the first of the year he will crack. Remember that he is always up for a last minute May excursion.

Oh my!!!

That was a lot of extras.... And yes, keep reminding him that those were his ideas (even if you did enjoy the heck out of it!! )!

BTW - you really have me wanting to get a cabana at the Poly next summer! (If the pool is even open, that is )

So yeah, thanks for that!!




Hmm..... I think a May trip would be fabulous for you guys!!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Sounds like your evening was off to a wonderful start!

We've never had dinner (or lunch!) at Chefs de France and I'm thinking we might have to make an ADR there at some point. That chicken and potatoes looks delicious! YUM! Remy is a cute added touch, too

Love the selfie of your 14 year old! Is it bad that my 6 year old boy does the same thing when he gets the camera?!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I wish I was eating at Chefs de France soon...it's been far too long.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

And pretty soon the chef came out to greet us!

I wonder what they would think if a guest asked for the number for the board of health when they bring Remi to the table.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Sounds like your evening was off to a wonderful start!

We've never had dinner (or lunch!) at Chefs de France and I'm thinking we might have to make an ADR there at some point. That chicken and potatoes looks delicious! YUM! Remy is a cute added touch, too

Love the selfie of your 14 year old! Is it bad that my 6 year old boy does the same thing when he gets the camera?!

The trip was off to a great start!!

The chicken and potatoes were very good, and filling too.

That is funny that your 6 year old does the "selfie" already!! My DS14 has been doing it for awhile now too, but he did it A LOT this trip.

I wish I was eating at Chefs de France soon...it's been far too long.

I wonder what they would think if a guest asked for the number for the board of health when they bring Remi to the table.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Happy October everyone!!

Just think -- we are all another month closer to our next Disney trip!!!


Crazy week here. I can't believe my baby turns 12 this week. And DS14 is going to the Homecoming dance Saturday night. With a date!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Happy October everyone!!

Just think -- we are all another month closer to our next Disney trip!!!

Crazy week here. I can't believe my baby turns 12 this week. And DS14 is going to the Homecoming dance Saturday night. With a date!

OMG w a date?!!!!! That is awesome! Hope he has fun.

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[lauren_elizabeth]

Happy October to you, too!

Yes, another month closer to Disney and I can now say that we are LESS than a year until our next trip! WOO HOO! (If I don't end up switching us to the week after Thanksgiving!) What would you do? September for my son's 7th birthday next year and MNSSHP or the week after Thanksgiving with Christmas decorations and MVMCP?

A to your son! It's always sad when our babies turn a year older... especially our youngest ones!

Aww homecoming! And with a date! He's going to have so much fun!

 

[JoBird]

Happy October everyone!!

Just think -- we are all another month closer to our next Disney trip!!!

Well, not all of us.....

Happy October to you, too!

Yes, another month closer to Disney and I can now say that we are LESS than a year until our next trip! WOO HOO! (If I don't end up switching us to the week after Thanksgiving!) What would you do? September for my son's 7th birthday next year and MNSSHP or the week after Thanksgiving with Christmas decorations and MVMCP?

Okay I'm not Shelly but can I put my .02 in on your trip choice??

I think the week after Thanksgiving typically will be a little more crowded due to the taping of the Christmas parade - they don't release the actual date until closer to the taping of it but it's usually around then. Not only that, you may end up seeing some pop warner crowds. Not sure though.

As far as MVMCP- people will tell you that they liked MNSSHP better. I agree. I didn't care for MVMCP, it was just sort of eh to me. The castle is beautiful all decked out in icicle lights, and the snow on Main Street is cool, but not WONDERFUL. You get cookies and watered down hot chocolate. Just.... eh.

But MNSSHP---- oh boy. The parade alone is worth the price of admission. Seeing the headless horseman come trotting down the parade route on top of that black horse with the sparks from his hooves flying behind him---- it is AMAZING. And then the grave digger with the real blood hound-- it is just simply the best thing ever.
The characters come up to a lot of people, more so than usual. Captain Barbosa walked up and kissed my hand. Cruella de Vil made my DD (dressed as Alice in Wonderland) curtsey to the Queen of Hearts and say 'Yes your Majesty'.
It's just really a special party. AND--- you get to trick or treat in the MK!!!! The villians are out and the characters are usually in a really jovial mood. My youngest DD, dressed as Tinkerbell, played hide and go seek with Captain Hook at his meet and greet. Just special.

Weather wise, Not gonna lie, Sept in FL can be horrific. BUT --- there are plenty of opportunities to go into shops and rides and restaurants. You take breaks during the day and hang out in the pool or take a nap in the cool and head back to the parks for the night. easy peasy! Our trip this past Sept, I only really noticed the heat one day and it was when we did Epcot. We arrived right before lunch and stayed thru the hottest part of the day. Brutal. One drawback is the risk of a hurricane coming thru and it does rain every afternoon. We lucked out and had no days that were complete losses. The rain cools everything off and sends the people scurrying for the exits. We wore ponchos and kept going.
In Nov/Dec you have the chance for rain, but also cool weather. You may not be able to stand the heat so this could be huge for you. It wasn't a plus for me, I hate any temperature below 75 degrees. I wore jeans just about everyday, except for one night at the MK when it was so stinkin hot I had to go buy a tshirt and change bc I was miserable. You do have to pack for everything during this time. I had packed the gamut from hats and scarves and jeans and sweats to shorts and short sleeves. The kids only swam once during our time in early Dec. In Sept they were in the pool daily.

Park crowds- the earlier you can go in Sept the better, esp if you can go before F&W. Waits this past Sept (1st-9th) were non existent. I have pictures of me and the kids in AK at 1 pm with no one in them. Same with Epcot. I was texting pics to Shelly so she can attest to it. I was astounded. Waits for Soarin were 20 minutes until the afternoon when it climbed to about 40 minutes. The CM's were standing around looking at the wait board and commenting about it one morning around 11 because the wait for Soarin and TT were both said 10 minutes. Crazy. In the 9 days we were there we only pulled one FP, and the return time was for 20 minutes later so we just skipped it bc we were on the way to eat lunch at San Angel Inn.
December, the crowd will be more moderate. It has become a well known 'secret' that the week after Thanksgiving is a lesser time crowd wise to travel to WDW, and therefore more people have started going.

Okay and also---- last but not least-- it sounds trivial but it was big to me... I got so tired of hearing Christmas carols in WDW!! Even in Epcot where they should have different music for the different worlds and stuff-- it was Christmas music. I was thoroughly tired of it when we left.

Hope that helped. It's always so hard to make a decision!! I'm hoping to make it back in Sept next year for the MNSSHP again.

 

[leshunlenese]

Happy October to you too!!
Why do these boys have to grow up so fast!!
I feel the same way and my DS only turned four!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OMG w a date?!!!!! That is awesome! Hope he has fun.

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Yeah, he's had a girlfriend since about June! They haven't really dated thought, just gone to stuff with other friends as a group. So I guess this is their first real date.

Happy October to you, too!

Yes, another month closer to Disney and I can now say that we are LESS than a year until our next trip! WOO HOO! (If I don't end up switching us to the week after Thanksgiving!) What would you do? September for my son's 7th birthday next year and MNSSHP or the week after Thanksgiving with Christmas decorations and MVMCP?

A to your son! It's always sad when our babies turn a year older... especially our youngest ones!

Aww homecoming! And with a date! He's going to have so much fun!

Thanks!

Well, that's a tough one. I mostly agree with Jodi on this. I will say that I think we enjoyed early December a little more than her though!

September will likely be HOT, like she said. So take that into consideration. Some people can take it, and it's not for others. I haven't been to MNSSHP yet, so I can't say much about it other than I hear it is absolutely fantastic! I'm with Jodi on MVMCP. It was okay. I really enjoyed the parade and snow on Main Street, but the rest was just okay.

I also agree on the Christmas music. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas music, but it was EVERYWHERE!!! It just doesn't seem with walking off of RNRC and hearing Jingle Bells instead of Aerosmith!

I did however really enjoy the Christmas decorations everywhere and just the feel of everything. Everything is decorated so nicely and just beautiful.

Well, not all of us.....

Oh, you'll get back. It won't be long.... I'm thinking perhaps I'll email the new specials next week to M... What do you think???

Happy October to you too!!
Why do these boys have to grow up so fast!!
I feel the same way and my DS only turned four!!!

Thank you!

I know, it's crazy how fast time flies and they grow up.

Enjoy your little guy, before you know it he will be a big stinky, hairy teenager going on a date!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

After dinner we headed out to explore WS. Going the opposite way was so weird to me!! Guess we had never done that before.

I think this was the first time we had ever gone into the caramel shop and not bought anything!! We were too stuffed from dinner and decided we'd get something here later in the week!

Continued in next post....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Continued...


Maelstrom had a 20 minutes wait, it said. The line was clear out of the building, so we skipped it. We headed over to Mexico and rode the Gran Fiesta Tour with no wait!

We had FP+'s for Mission Space from 6:25-7:25. DS14 and I don't care for enclosed spaces, so we sat this one out!

They didn't take too long and then we were all off to use our Test Track FP+!! (7:30-8:30) I used to love this ride. Since the change I think it's just okay. I realize the ride is the exact same thing, I just don't care for the new theme and all that.

But the ride was great!!


Up Next: Snacks and IllumiNations from the Balcony

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I know what you mean about to stuffed for the caramel shop. Right after dinner I usually can't have dessert. It's such a bummer bc I usually miss out on stuff, ( like the caramel shop) and when I'm ready for it we're gone. I need to walk by there when I'm hungry!! Lol

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[JoBird]

You've never gone into the caramel shop and not bought anything--- and I STILL have never bought a dang thing in there! The line is always so long and I'm always terrified of getting cross contamination so I walk thru and drool on the glass and keep walking.

It looked like the crowds weren't awful. That's weird that the line for Maelstrom was long.

I agree with you on TT. I loved it the first time we rode it after the refurb, in December. Now it's just a once a trip ride. It's not the same. Sad.

I LOVED the truck y'all designed. Let me guess-- it was DS14?? Belle's had butterflies and fire on it. You know that is right up her alley, I didn't get to offer any suggestions at all on it.

Love Gran Fiesta!!

Oh and the pic of SSE with the palm trees??? LOVE.