SPIDERS...Why did it have to be....SPIDERS

[Queenofallthings]

We were headed to Epcot today and I was more than excited....why you ask? Because this would be the day that we would be travelling around WS....there is nothing I love more at WDW than wandering WS.

We ate breakfast at the hotel (I have to get better at taking food pics for breakfast and lunch, apparently I only take them at dinner) and wandered out to the buses. We waited maybe 5 minutes on this morning and we were on our way! Couldn't resist a picture of the signs!

We decided we would head straight to Test Track. It was one of the few times on our trips that this ride didn't break down while we were in line or worse yet, while we were on it!!

We decided we would then head to Universe of Energy! When we were on this ride in the summer it broke down and we had to walk off, which I must say was kinda cool! This time we were able to remain on the ride the entire time. I love Ellen DeGeneres, she cracks me up no matter how many times I've been on that ride!

By the time we got off UoE, we decided we would take a leisurely stroll over to WS...it was almost 11am!

I was secretly hoping by the time I snapped this photo that a monorail would be in the picture, but no such luck

Jasmine grabbed the camera from me and told me to get in the picture! She reminded me that it is my favorite place to be so she wanted to get some pictures of me instead of the other way around

They had started to set up for Food and Wine and I said to Jasmine that maybe we would luck in and they would be opened before we left for home!

We didn't luck in for an ADR at Le Cellier on this trip, but Jasmine decided she was going to walk down and see if they had any openings (I knew she was wasting her time) and sure enough the answer was no. She was disappointed because her favorite thing to eat on all property is the cheddar cheese soup. I told her when we go in the summer that I would for sure get an ADR for here!!

The beautiful gardens of Canada...I may be a bit biased considering we're Canadian, but I find these gardens absolutely gorgeous!!

I cannot for the life of me remember where Jasmine stopped to get this strawberry slushie drink, but she was "dying" of thirst! She asked if I wanted one, but I was saving myself for a more adult drink.....

Another shot of Canada before we proceeded to the United Kingdom

There were some street performances going on and we stayed for a few minutes, but Jasmine decided she might want to do a little shopping in the UK.
She bought a really cute pink t-shirt that said I heart UK....you'll see it in future pictures!

A shot of the store before we went in....

I love wandering around the back, you truly feel like you're in the UK!

Passing over the International Gateway headed to France. I was feeling pretty excited right about now....you all know what was waiting for me in France right?

Before I could head to my favorite spot for an adult beverage, Jasmine insisted I get a pic with my two favorite characters!!

We have a picture of this fountain in every trip, but it's usually in the evening, so we decided we would get a picture in the daylight!

After I took that picture of Jasmine a photopass photographer showed up and got one of the both of us...it was perfect timing! Those little magical moments really make the trips special don't they?

Finally I could see my destination.....at this point I was really wishing I could run and jump and click my heels together, but I can't do this and I didn't want to hurt myself trying, but please know that is how happy I was to see the Grey Goose Slushie stand!

Is that not a beautiful sight? They had just opened and the lady that was working was afraid the slushie wasn't slushie enough so she gave me a little to try...tasted just fine to me!! She felt bad so she gave it to me in a big cup...I told her she was my new best friend!

Jasmine was such a doll and said mom, we've got all afternoon so let's just sit on a bench and you can enjoy your GGS....who am I to argue....I thoroughly enjoyed that drink! While sitting on our bench I recognized a fellow Diser and her family were walking by. I introduced ourselves but we didn't get any pictures. It was neat to recognize people you've chatted with on the boards....

After I finished my delicious cocktail, we wandered a little more around WS......

 

[Queenofallthings]

We made our way to the American Pavillion which I think is one of the most beautiful in WS

We then headed to Jasmine's favorite place...Italy! She is hoping to get to the real Italy one of these years, but for now this will do just fine

Another shot of my girl in her favorite place!

Via Napoli...we had an upcoming ADR here for later in our trip and we were very excited about it! We decided to cancel our Tutto Italia ADR for Via Napoli....

As we were wandering around we saw this street performer and once again Jasmine said "let's just sit and watch him and enjoy being here....how wonderful is that....I was really loving my girl on this day....they don't often think of others at her age so I was quite happy that this day was truly my day!

As we sat taking it all in I just decided to snap some photos from where we were sitting.

Once we had our fill of Italy we wandered to Germany. This brings back so many childhood memories for my sister and I because we were stationed in Germany for 5 years when we were younger.

As you can see, the crowds were very managable. It is so nice when you are in no hurry to go anywhere....

Snow White was all by herself with no one waiting to see her, so Jasmine decided she would go and have a chat with her!

We left Germany and headed toward the Outpost

I love pictures taken across the lagoon, I think it really shows the beauty of WS

China...again, the beauty here is something to behold

We were reminiscing about saving the world here when we did a Kim Possible mission in the summer....

We had decided before we left the hotel in the morning that we would have lunch in Norway....I had read a wonderful review on another TR and I must say I am so happy we had lunch here. We will definitely return...the sandwiches were to die for!

Jasmine decided as we were wandering by Mexico that she wanted a picture with this little guy......

We then headed to the bus stop to head back to the resort...my sister and her hubby were arriving and meeting us after our ADR at Les Chefs du France and I couldn't wait for them to get there. Here is a shot of Jasmine and I in the restaurant. Not a great shot of Jasmine's shirt...but this is the one she bought in the morning in the UK

Jasmine's dinner...she proclaimed it the best meal of the trip....

My steak....my word it was delicious.....

Jasmine's chocolate cake, I had creme brulee and I'm not quite sure why there is no picutre of it. As we were having dinner I guess my sister saw us through the window so popped in to tell us they had a table outside and they would meet us out there for a ......

GREY GOOSE SLUSHIE.....yup 2 in one day, life doesn't get any better than this. We all sat and enjoyed our cocktails and watched Illuminations. It seemed odd in a way that they were there with us without their girls, but it was their 15th wedding anniversary and they deserved a little trip all to themselves!!! It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!!!

 

[PrincessCaitlin]

World Showcase has become on of my favorite things at Disney! You always discover something new each time you go through it! From shops to sights to entertainment it is just too much fun!

I really need to check out the Universe of Energy in August I haven't been on that ride in forever!

Aw you look so pretty with Belle and Beast! Such a great picture!

Yay for GGS!!!

Looks like a great relaxing day at WS!

All of your food pictures looks delicious!

I hope you and Jasmine and the rest of your family had a great Christmas!

 

[dawnbu40]

Great update! I love how it looks like you practically had WS to yourselves! Low crowds at Disney is the best! You girls look very pink in your dinner pictures. I hope you didn't burn!

 

[Queenofallthings]

World Showcase has become on of my favorite things at Disney! You always discover something new each time you go through it! From shops to sights to entertainment it is just too much fun!

I really need to check out the Universe of Energy in August I haven't been on that ride in forever!

Aw you look so pretty with Belle and Beast! Such a great picture!

Yay for GGS!!!

Looks like a great relaxing day at WS!

All of your food pictures looks delicious!

I hope you and Jasmine and the rest of your family had a great Christmas!

Thanks for your kind words!

We usually go on UoE when I need a nap Sad to say, but those summer months knock your feet out from under you!

We did have a great Christmas and I hope you all did as well!!!

Great update! I love how it looks like you practically had WS to yourselves! Low crowds at Disney is the best! You girls look very pink in your dinner pictures. I hope you didn't burn!

I couldn't agree more, it made it so relaxing not dodging people and worrying about blocking someone's view! We usually get a pink glow but by the next morning we're both brown, I think it's just the way our skin is We both love the sun a little too much

 

[Geodoc]

Finally, the trip report gets good now that Purplepeg and Geodoc have arrived!!!!

 

[disneydreamingdebby]

Oh how I am now longing to be in Epcot with that lovely sun! (It is sunny here today...with a reflection off the snow and the sound effects of the angry wind...)

I hope when we arrive in Orlando in a month that we have wonderful weather!

Your pictures are so lovely. I love the ones that Jasmine took of you! You should put one of yourself on your desk at work to remind yourself of the happiness you felt! Jasmine looks beautiful as usual in all of her pics. How great that the two of you immersed yourselves and just soaked it all in!

 

[dismagiclover]

Oh what a wonderful day! I too love just wandering around the World Showcase. I can't wait for this upcoming trip because we are staying at BWV and have an ADR in Epcot almost every night. That means we'll have lots of time just strolling! I love the picture of you and Jasmine in France. That is definitely a keeper

 

[I Believe In Magic]

This is my favorite report so far. You two seemed so happy and carefree, I am trying to think of my last trip, and it always seems so rushed. Hurry hurry hurry, just to wait in a line somewhere. Next time we go we will have to try to relax a bit and watch the street performers, have a nice cool drink, watch the sights. Your pictures are so beautiful too, and I've said it before, you both are so photogenic. Also love the shirt you had on at night, I always try to get something different for Epcot and that looks like something I would definitely choose!!
Can't wait to see more beautiful, WARM, pictures. It's so cold now!! lol

 

[mermaid764]

World Showcase is one of my favorite places in all of WDW it's so beautiful, and I love the pics you guys got of it...especially of the Canadian gardens.

Hope you and Jasmine had a wonderful christmas and I can't wait to hear more about your vacation

 

[ellajeansmom]

Wonderful updates I'm loving all the pictures of the two of you, such beautiful mother/daughter memories And that was so sweet of Jasmine to take pics of you as well.

Goodness, 2 GG slushies in one day, you were on vacation

Glad you all had a great Christmas

 

[ortholablady]

Wandering WS is one of my favorite things to do too! Usually with a margarita from Mexico! Did you get to see Off Kilter? They're always a must for me too.

 

[zianha]

I'm subbing! Just got all caught up on your TR! I'm enjoying it! My sister is all excited to try the GGS when we go on our trip in May 2011! She said it sounds like sweet deliciousness!

 

[luv2cruz24]

Hi,

I've really been enjoying your TR, and especially loving your pictures. What kind of camera are you using? I think you mentioned it before, but I can't find the post. I'm kind of challenged when it comes to taking pictures, but I think I remember that you were using a point and shoot so that might work for me.

We're heading to WDW next Tues. for 4 days, then getting on the Disney Magic for a week, and I would love to have a new camera to hopefully get some pic.'s as beautiful as yours.

Look forward to reading more of your TR!

Thanks!

Lori

 

[KatMark]

Okay...all caught up. I love the photopass pictures at the MK -- they turned out great.

The pictures of Jasmine with Avery and Cayley are absolutely precious (Cayley cracks me up).

Mark and I love walking around World Showcase...it's just so relaxing to take it in and enjoy the different buildings, people, etc. Two slushies--I am so jealous.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Finally, the trip report gets good now that Purplepeg and Geodoc have arrived!!!!

Oh how I am now longing to be in Epcot with that lovely sun! (It is sunny here today...with a reflection off the snow and the sound effects of the angry wind...)

I hope when we arrive in Orlando in a month that we have wonderful weather!

Your pictures are so lovely. I love the ones that Jasmine took of you! You should put one of yourself on your desk at work to remind yourself of the happiness you felt! Jasmine looks beautiful as usual in all of her pics. How great that the two of you immersed yourselves and just soaked it all in!

I hope you have great weather too! Thanks Debby! In the hallway right outside my bedroom I have 3 frames that are nothing but pictures of us on our Disney vacations...so every morning when I get up to go to work, I remind myself it's so we can go to our happy place over and over again!! It was truly one of the best days of our trip!!

Oh what a wonderful day! I too love just wandering around the World Showcase. I can't wait for this upcoming trip because we are staying at BWV and have an ADR in Epcot almost every night. That means we'll have lots of time just strolling! I love the picture of you and Jasmine in France. That is definitely a keeper

We usually make the majority of our ADR's at Epcot too for that exact reason...we stroll before and after dinner, grab a cocktail and end our evening watching Illuminations, it doesn't get any better than that! That picture of us in France I used as my profile pic on facebook....I love it too....it really shows how happy we were!

This is my favorite report so far. You two seemed so happy and carefree, I am trying to think of my last trip, and it always seems so rushed. Hurry hurry hurry, just to wait in a line somewhere. Next time we go we will have to try to relax a bit and watch the street performers, have a nice cool drink, watch the sights. Your pictures are so beautiful too, and I've said it before, you both are so photogenic. Also love the shirt you had on at night, I always try to get something different for Epcot and that looks like something I would definitely choose!!
Can't wait to see more beautiful, WARM, pictures. It's so cold now!! lol

Awww, I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I used to be the commando type...it's only been the last couple of trips that we really slowed it down! It also makes it easy to slow down when my nieces are with us because they can't go all day without a break...so it's a great excuse for the adults to grab a seat by the pool and enjoy!

I have to tell you that top I wore to dinner that night is about 5 years old...when I look back at pictures over the past 5 years, it's in all of them

I hear ya on the cold thing, I checked the weather channel today and we're supposed to get 40cm of snow starting tomorrow evening and temperature are to drop to -35....you gotta love the prairies in the winter!!

World Showcase is one of my favorite places in all of WDW it's so beautiful, and I love the pics you guys got of it...especially of the Canadian gardens.

Hope you and Jasmine had a wonderful christmas and I can't wait to hear more about your vacation

Couldn't agree more!! We had the best Christmas and I hope you guys did as well....is that storm hitting you guys as well? Oh wait, I think it's coming from the Dakotas so maybe not...think of us this weeekend, looks like we'll be storm stayed

 

[Queenofallthings]

Wonderful updates I'm loving all the pictures of the two of you, such beautiful mother/daughter memories And that was so sweet of Jasmine to take pics of you as well.

Goodness, 2 GG slushies in one day, you were on vacation

Glad you all had a great Christmas

Thanks! Those pictures from that day are my most favorite of all!! You're right, I was on vacation, and they tasted so yummy!!

Hope you guys had a great Christmas as well...hopefully your weather hasn't been too bad

Wandering WS is one of my favorite things to do too! Usually with a margarita from Mexico! Did you get to see Off Kilter? They're always a must for me too.

We didn't see them that evening, but later in the trip we sure did....we love them!!! Mmmmm a margarita from Mexico...another excellent choice

I'm subbing! Just got all caught up on your TR! I'm enjoying it! My sister is all excited to try the GGS when we go on our trip in May 2011! She said it sounds like sweet deliciousness!

Welcome aboard!!Sweet deliciousness is the absolute best way to describe a GGS....you must be counting down to your trip! May is such a beautiful time to go!

Hi,

I've really been enjoying your TR, and especially loving your pictures. What kind of camera are you using? I think you mentioned it before, but I can't find the post. I'm kind of challenged when it comes to taking pictures, but I think I remember that you were using a point and shoot so that might work for me.

We're heading to WDW next Tues. for 4 days, then getting on the Disney Magic for a week, and I would love to have a new camera to hopefully get some pic.'s as beautiful as yours.

Look forward to reading more of your TR!

Thanks!

Lori

Hi Lori, thanks for joining us!! I have a Sony Cypershot and I love it. It's a point and shoot, because like you, I can't use those big expensive cameras that I have to manually focused, I too, am challenged

How exciting that you get to do WDW and the cruise...one year I'll make it on one of those ships!! Will you be doing a TR?

Okay...all caught up. I love the photopass pictures at the MK -- they turned out great.

The pictures of Jasmine with Avery and Cayley are absolutely precious (Cayley cracks me up).

Mark and I love walking around World Showcase...it's just so relaxing to take it in and enjoy the different buildings, people, etc. Two slushies--I am so jealous.

Thanks Kathy! Cayley cracks me up too, Jasmine thoroughly enjoyed her time with the girls!

Maybe on a future trip Kathy we can meet and wander WS together with a slushie

 

[KatMark]

Maybe on a future trip Kathy we can meet and wander WS together with a slushie[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Queen, I would REALLY like that.

 

[Queenofallthings]

After having the best day at Epcot this morning we were up and off the the Magic Kingdom. It was such a beautiful morning that we decided we would just be....we would just wander and do whatever struck our fancy at that moment....be it stop for a PP, ride a ride, grab a bench and peoplewatch...we had no plans on this day...we were going to simply enjoy the most magical place on earth!!

I love these decorations...one of these years I'm going to plan a trip so we can do MNSSHP and MVMCP...doesn't that sound great!

It was one of those mornings that I thought was going to be busy because the bus was full when we left the resort, but it wasn't.

Once again, some shots of Main Street USA....did anyone else imagine living here as a child? We always watch Wonderful World of Disney on Sunday evenings as a family, but our parents couldn't afford to take us when we were little, so we did what so many other people do, we just dreamt about it!

Jasmine and I both bought rings in this store...I could have spent a fortune on figurines in this store, but I showed some restraint!!

Couldn't resist this picture, I love this little statue! As you can see, Jasmine forgot her sunglasses and it was one of those days where she really needed them. I offered her mine and then realized I left mine on the table in the room

We got to the end of Main Street and decided to head to Tomorrowland! Stitch just happened to be there and with no line so we couldn't let him just stand there so we went to see him!

At this point, Jasmine looked at me and said "let's go on the Peoplemover", how could I resist...if you want to just "be" there is no better place. Jasmine took this pic of me on the ride.

I had to laugh when she took this picture....I said what are you doing? She said, "mom, people on the Dis always take a picture of their feet on this ride...I burst out laughing, because I knew she was right! Apparently she felt she needed to use the zoom though

She kept the camera because she wanted to take some pictures as we were on the ride! Her exact words were "sit back and enjoy mama, I got it all under control" brought a tear to my eye!!

As we were getting off the ride she noticed these 2 guys and said she definitely wanted a picture with them in their space uniforms so off we went. They were too cute!

We then headed to the Laugh Floor...this is one of our favorites! There is nothing like a good belly laugh, and we usually always get one here.

I will upload the rest of the pictures from this day and hopefully finish this post before I go to bed!

 

[jc040404]

Chip & Dale in those outfits really just confuse me at times. I think they need something cuter for here! Is it something from a cartoon I missed?

Great updates! I love all your pics and the sweet moment between the two of you have me tearing up now and then. You're having such a nice trip. It was great meeting the two of you at Epcot, though I'm sure it was crazy obvious how uncomfortable the first time actually meeting a DIS'er in the parks made me. You looked great, btw! Glad you made it over to Norway for lunch. I'd forgotten you were talking about that until reading your TR. We haven't checked it out there yet. I'll add it to our list now, too.

Can't wait to read the rest!