Snow to 80 in 8 days–A spoonful of Holiday Cheer (2/5 update Ch 36 - Final Thoughts)

[KatMark]

Well, you can answer if you like, but that is actually the 14th and final round of questions for my TR contest that has been going on for a while now. (some will say a LONGGGGG while!) I just happened to post them in the middle of your posts......

You mean from the trip in December which makes this TR about nine months running now????? WHo would ever say that it has been going on for a while now?

 

[jordanyosh]

Well, you can answer if you like, but that is actually the 14th and final round of questions for my TR contest that has been going on for a while now. (some will say a LONGGGGG while!) I just happened to post them in the middle of your posts......

can you believe I've been pretty much off the DIS for about 17 months. I am waaaay out of it.....

 

[marvali]

You mean from the trip in December which makes this TR about nine months running now????? WHo would ever say that it has been going on for a while now?

Well, certainly not my Dear, Wonderful Friend Kathy.....that's for sure!!!

can you believe I've been pretty much off the DIS for about 17 months. I am waaaay out of it.....

I'm just glad we have been able to follow along with you in other ways to see how far you've come my Friend! You are still in my thoughts and prayers!!!

 

[jordanyosh]

thanks brother.....i mean that.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

This should be fun - with the kind of week I've had, I didn't even remember that I had already answered the #13 questions!~

 

[marvali]

After finishing our ride on Test Track we headed outside. As I entered the TT dump shop I got a text message from Alison that she had arrived at the park, and wanted to know where we were so she could meet us. As we walked outside we found the newest weather change that had happened for the first time…..it was raining lightly but fortunately not too badly. I texted Alison and told her we were headed back towards the entrance from Test Track and would meet her near the fountain.

When we met Alison we decided we were ready to get something to eat before heading off into the rest of the park. With the five of us and so many different tastes, the perfect place for us to go eat and use up some of our CS credits is Sunshine Seasons. Unfortunately I didn’t take any pictures, but Alison and I shared some Rotisserie Chicken and Mongolian Beef according to our receipts. The boys got their own food so I don’t have all of their receipts, but Andrew got some Sushi Spicy Roll that the boys all shared. We were all pleased with our choices and it was plenty of food to hold us until our Dinner ADR later. After we finished eating we decided before leaving the area to use up one of our FP sets for Soarin’ so Alison could ride.

After Soarin’ over various California locations it was time to move on and explore more of the park. One show I really wanted to see was a return engagement that I never had the chance to see during its original showing at Epcot……..

It was prominent in my mind after reading about it in Kathy’s TR about Mark going to see it while she sat outside and waited for him, doing emails and taking some fountain pictures. We headed towards the show…..

It wasn’t the best show we ever saw, but I was glad we all got to see it for the first time! I’m guessing it was probably better when it was first released and more “modern.” It was easier for Alison and I to relate to than the boys since we lived through MJ’s “Thriller” days and early MTV videos. After the show we decided to head towards WS and spend some time there. On the way the Christmas decorations were still up, so I decided to get a few more pictures.

We decided to tour the WS in a Counter Clockwise direction for a couple of reasons. Even though the boys had done a number of Kim Possible Missions already, including the day we listened to the Storytellers and met for dinner at Tutto Italia, they hadn’t ever done the one in the United Kingdom. But the main reason is because we had a dinner ADR at Le Cellier. The whole trip I had a list with our ADR times and reservation numbers, but I forgot to pick it up this particular day. The ADR at Le Cellier was a prized reservation for us. I was pretty sure I knew the time but I wanted to make sure this one didn’t get messed up. The first thing we did as we entered the WS was stop at Le Cellier and ask the hostess to confirm our reservation and the time so there were no problems later. After confirming the time and when we needed to meet later if we got separated, the boys headed off to get their phone for the UK KP Mission. Alison and I waited on them and then we headed into Canada. We stopped for a picture of the boys playing around.

As we walked along we got to see a performance we hadn’t ever timed right before. Off Kilter was performing.

A tribute for Jenbear

After the show we moved along. The crowds appear heavy in this picture, but they really weren't bad at all this day.

We arrived at the UK and the boys headed off to start their Kim Possible mission. I had to get a tribute to my friend Rosie. Any place named after Rosie would surely have a bunch of poles outside, right???

The boys were working hard on their mission…..

As we headed further into the UK, we lucked upon another performance we had heard before as we passed by, but never stopped to enjoy. I really wanted to see this one. They were pretty good!

As the boys passed us I followed them to watch how the Kim Possible missions worked. My reward was finding these two. (Better, Kathy?)

The boys finished their mission successfully. As we were leaving the UK I had to get a picture of this place. This is one of my favorite locations to grab a quick snack as we really like the fish and chips here.

We moved along towards France. (Some more decorations were still up)

The boys decided to do another KP mission while we were in France.

There were a couple of characters out…….
Marie

The Beast

Coming up next – Final Day at Epcot Continues (Part 2)

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Awww, how sweet, Marie and the CM were holding hands.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Update Marv !!I see I got a couple right !!! Fancy me not saying Kim Possible in England !!! Ya know theyt also have a drink named after me !!"English Rose "I have not tried the Fishn"chips at Yorkshire yet!! I hope they serve them in newspaper !!!!I remember them being served in real newspaper not the waxed stuff like they have now !!The Health Dept stuck their noses in and said it wasn't sanitary!!No but the dang food tasted better it it !!

 

[petals]

Marking and will go back to read tomorrow I'm a little late to the party though :/

 

[glennbo123]

Yay, I got a couple right. I didn't guess that you had to check on your reservation because a good DISer would've had their ADR details with them. I'll forgive you this time.

I wish that Beatles tribute band was still there. I'm sure the new band is okay, but I'd rather stick with just the Beatles.

 

[jenb1023]

Phew! Thought I missed a round of questions!

Great update! Love seeing a few more Christmas decorations. I saw Captain EO in 1986 and then again in January 2011 - let's just say it has not aged well IMO. Looks like the boys had a blast with the Kim Possible missions! I think we did four on our last trip. Looking forward to the last update!

 

[jenbear123]

Why do I always guess everyone but myself? Wow the boys were productive on their KP missions. How could you forget your ADR confirmation #s?!?! Tsk tsk. Can't wait to hear about your meal at Le Cellier

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Looks like fun! My kids were most excited about the UK spy mission. I think they liked the fact that they got to find a golf ball. Sometimes it's the little things, I guess.

Sometimes I think I'm the only guy on the boards who doesn't like Captain EO. It sounds like you were a little underwhelmed as well.

 

[jordanyosh]

I am slowly catching up, but read the last update....Sunshine Seasons is a family favorite for exactly the reason you stated...something for every taste....it's already on the itinerary for 2013.

 

[marvali]

Awww, how sweet, Marie and the CM were holding hands.

Sorry I haven't been on your thread lately; been really busy! Will be over there soon and see who you've been "holding hands" with.....

Great Update Marv !!I see I got a couple right !!! Fancy me not saying Kim Possible in England !!! Ya know theyt also have a drink named after me !!"English Rose "I have not tried the Fishn"chips at Yorkshire yet!! I hope they serve them in newspaper !!!!I remember them being served in real newspaper not the waxed stuff like they have now !!The Health Dept stuck their noses in and said it wasn't sanitary!!No but the dang food tasted better it it !!

The first time I had fish and chips, many years ago, they were served on newspaper. Alas, it is the waxed stuff in Disney.

Yes, can't believe you didn't get the KP mission correct. I think you have guessed England every other time I've had a similar question.....

Marking and will go back to read tomorrow I'm a little late to the party though :/

petals!!! It is never too late. As slow as I am at times to post updates you may still have plenty of time to get caught up!

Yay, I got a couple right. I didn't guess that you had to check on your reservation because a good DISer would've had their ADR details with them. I'll forgive you this time.

Yeah, I know! But that's why I checked on it first thing.....just in case I had to make a quick run back to the room and get it!!!

I wish that Beatles tribute band was still there. I'm sure the new band is okay, but I'd rather stick with just the Beatles.

You are probably right. They were pretty good. I guess I will find out when I ever get to go back........

Phew! Thought I missed a round of questions!

Great update! Love seeing a few more Christmas decorations. I saw Captain EO in 1986 and then again in January 2011 - let's just say it has not aged well IMO. Looks like the boys had a blast with the Kim Possible missions! I think we did four on our last trip. Looking forward to the last update!

Captain EO could definitely use some "refurb." I guess I need to check and see how many different KP missions there are so I know if the boys have done them all yet or not. I know they have done five of them.

Why do I always guess everyone but myself? Wow the boys were productive on their KP missions. How could you forget your ADR confirmation #s?!?! Tsk tsk. Can't wait to hear about your meal at Le Cellier

You know how near and dear you are to me........

Okay, okay on the ADR confirmation!!! It all worked out.....I think.....

Looks like fun! My kids were most excited about the UK spy mission. I think they liked the fact that they got to find a golf ball. Sometimes it's the little things, I guess.

Sometimes I think I'm the only guy on the boards who doesn't like Captain EO. It sounds like you were a little underwhelmed as well.

It was definitely showing its age, and the storyline was a little hokey, but a little easier for DW and I to relate living through the early MTV days. Still, MK was quite an entertainer in his day! I'm glad I finally got to see the show at least.

I am slowly catching up, but read the last update....Sunshine Seasons is a family favorite for exactly the reason you stated...something for every taste....it's already on the itinerary for 2013.

Glad you are joining in Jordan! You were definitely on my mind during the trip!

Sunshine Seasons does make a good place for a large Peep Fest crowd to enjoy some food, fun and fellowship!!!

 

[marvali]

Okay, part 2 of my latest update is about 90% complete, so I plan to get it posted this evening.


REMINDER - I posted Round 14 questions for my Contest a few days ago. If anybody missed them there is a link on page 1 (Post 2) so you can find them easily. Only about three or four of you have PM'ed me your answers so far. I hope to post that update by Sunday so I can finish scoring the contest and declare a winner since I know a few "contestants" are leaving for Disney soon and I don't want any of them to have to wait for the final tally!!! If you want to participate get me your answers by Saturday night or at the latest by lunchtime on Sunday!

Remember to PM me your answers this time.

 

[that's nice]

Dang Marv... I read your Epcot update yesterday while I was holding the baby and I couldn't respond. Then I get here today and you have another post up!

Going back to read this one...

 

[that's nice]

We saw Captain EO in December and while I am a big MJ fan, I didn't love the movie.... although it must of been revolutionary when it first came out.

I hope you stopped for a beverage at Rose & Crown in honor of Rosie.... I have to have a car bomb when I pass R&C.

I hope everyone is well.. hope to follow your last few updates.

 

[englishrose47]

Okay I PM'd ya !!Just declare me the winner right now !!

 

[marvali]

WARNING -- SPOILER ALERT!!!! (Some parts of this update contain pictures of normally hidden items related to Kim Possible Missions. If you haven't been a part of these, and you want to enjoy it for the first time with your kids on an upcoming trip, I will warn you with ************************** prior to those pictures!!!

We finished our time in France and discussed heading on around WS. Matthew and Andrew wanted me to see some of the other Kim Possible missions. Since they had done the others before, they knew if we were in the areas when other people were doing them I could see some of the neat things that were hidden around WS as part of the different KP Missions. Jonathan wasn’t interested in just walking around and wanted to do more rides so we told him what time to meet us for our Le Cellier ADR and we headed off in different directions.

As we walked along we decided to explore Morocco a little and the boys wanted to find the character spot towards the back and clear their minds a little………..

We finished our little tour of Morocco and headed towards Japan.

As we were heading through Japan I spotted the Tron monorail. I was a little slow with the camera, but I think this is still an interesting picture.

A quick stop in America to get a daytime picture of the Christmas tree. Can anyone tell me the little secret "hidden" in this picture???

We arrived in Germany and the boys really wanted me to see some of the KP secrets there. While we were waiting Matthew needed a snack, plus there is one item he really wanted to try that he knew was in Germany. He has been indoctrinated by my DFIL since he was very young and loves eating hot/spicy items, so he had to try the jalapeno pretzel, which he really enjoyed. I tried some of it and agreed it was pretty good!

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We watched some families with smaller children working their way through their KP mission and trying to decipher the clues. The boys had me prepared for when they finally solved it so I could get the picture........

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After we watched a while there was one more tribute I had to make for my German DISfriends Magdalene and Katharina; something I really wanted to try anyway. Magdalene has shared a lot of information with us about the authenticity of some aspects of the German pavilion (and some NOT truly authentic - can anyone say pickle tree), so I wanted to make sure I paid tribute with something truly German. I found my way into Der Teddybar and located the candy section. But when I got there, I was a little confused what she had mentioned was truly German, and what actually wasn't. I remembered the one named after MOZART was one she said was actually from Austria, so I ignored that one. I found some I thought looked good and checked them on the wrapper to see if they said Made in Germany and these are what I ended up buying.

I hope I did good Magdalene since this was a tribute for you and Katharina, but if I didn't they were delicious anyway!!! The next time any of you find yourself in the German pavilion in Epcot WS, I would highly recommend Edel-Bitter Chocolade, Hergestellt in Deutschland!

After making my purchase it was already 4:30 and we only had an hour and a half until our ADR at Le Cellier, so we moved along to China. Matthew and Andrew wanted to do this KP mission again since they really liked it and since they had done it once before they knew they could do it quickly with our time schedule beginning to get tight. A short wait of course meant time for a picture.

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They quickly got their communicator and DW and I followed them around China. Here is one of the really neat clues.

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I love the way they incorporated the KP missions into so many places in the WS and you don't even realize they are there until they are activated.

Okay, time for another picture. In my strange mind I happened to see this lantern with the red triangles on the wall in the background and saw my very own fabricated Hidden Mickey. What do you think?

The Chinese Tomb Warriors

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The Hidden Monkey King? And I thought they couldn't swim.......

Just an average, ordinary Chinese decoration along the trail???

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The boys finished their mission quickly like they thought they would and we headed off for Norway, leaving this behind.

We still had about an hour and the wait was short so we decided to ride Maelstrom. Time for a couple of really quick pictures of the mural in the standby line.........

Somebody is pointing out a Hidden Mickey in the mural for me.

I had never noticed the opening looking out into Norway when you turn around on this ride until this trip when we were waiting for the Norway Storytellers the first day here. Here is my best job of getting a picture from inside.

We finished the ride and passed through the room with the movie (since we had seen it before) and into the dump shop. I was staying on top of the time since I knew we had to travel all the way around to the other side of WS for dinner, but the boys had to get a hat pick, and re-enact one of their favorite pictures.

You could hide a good sized boy up there I think.........

Of course Marv had to get in on the Hat tribute pictures!!!

Okay, time to speed up the crowd and do some power walking "across the pond" as Rosie would say. We had to make it from Norway to Canada for our ADR at Le Cellier! Would we make it on time?????

Coming Up Next – Chapter 34 Le Cellier and our Epcot Evening