Spinal Dalmatians, Eliminations, and The Merry Go Round of Life...June 2011 New 2/19

[jeremysdisneymom]

The character interaction at Garden Grill is the best we have ever had. We have eaten there during busy and slow times and they always come around twice!

Great pictures!

 

[teachermommy78]

I always read such great things about the character interaction at Garden Grill. I always hesitate to book a meal there though because of the food offerings, not my kinda food.

The character interaction is GREAT. The food isn't TERRIBLE, it's just not something I get excited over. Lessa, I think we have similar tastes in food. I'm always drooling over your selections. The beef was REALLY good, and the potatoes were yummy, but the rest was so/so. I did decide to be much more adventurous this trip, and for the most part, I didn't gag and throw up like a four year old when trying new things. I thought that I'd HATE O'hana, but tried everything and liked a lot of it. I'm not one for sweet and savory mixed. So baked sweet potato fries gross me out, strawberries in my salad...no thanks, etc.

The character interaction at Garden Grill is the best we have ever had. We have eaten there during busy and slow times and they always come around twice!

Great pictures!

Good to know!!! It is a fun, quiet place!

 

[teachermommy78]

Where we left off, we were finished with dinner and ready to spend the rest of the evening at EPCOT! We headed over to see Figment first. I'd never seen the old OR new version, but knew he had a large fan base!

Here are Finn and Ethan hanging on a garbage can outside. Wonderful.

We rode the ride, and Finn fell in LOOOOOOVE. Oh my. This sweet child fell in love with that little dragon so fast. The world was opened up to him and he had seen the light.

He about had a heart attack running through the store looking at all the figment stuff. He wanted a stuffed figment SO BAD. But we told him he had to wait until later in the trip in case he saw something he liked better. Can I just say....HOW DUMB! We should have bought him that silly stuffed animal! For the rest of the trip, all we heard about was figment. At EVERY gift shop. We PROMISED him that we'd get him one the next time we headed to EPCOT later in the week.

Here is Ethan swearing his tooth is wiggly. Sophie is dutifully checking and informing him that it is NOT wiggly at all. Poor Ethan. At 6, still not a sign of a wiggly tooth!

We ended up meeting up with some of the cousins for a quick ride on Test Track before they headed back to Beach Club.

Then we decided to head off and grab a Kim Possible Kimmunicator! We had a while to wait until the fast pass for it was ready, so we explored China.

Finally it was ready. We decided to try the United Kingdom. Sophie, Ethan, and I went ahead and started. My inlaws, Finn, and Scott decided to move slowly and see a show in one of the countries. I was just as excited for the mission as Sophie and Ethan, so I didn't care.

Can I just say....HOW FUN IS THIS!!!! The entire time I kept calling Scott to tell him what we were doing. This was a SUPER fun mission. If you ever only have time for one, I HIGHLY recommend the United Kingdom (we also did China, and Mexico later in the trip and they were nothing in comparison!).

I really don't want to spoil surprises, so I won't go into detail, but there were a LOT of really cool surprises.

We waited for the rest of the family before completing the last part of the mission. It was SO fun!

Finn was limply sitting in his stroller at this point. Looking very miserable. I checked for fever, and there was none. Illuminations was starting in about 10 minutes, and against my better judgement, we decided to stay. We found a spot in Canada, on the steps near the store. I sat on a bench and snuggled Finn. He was starting to cough a bit, and just looked miserable. We suffered through Illuminations. Hate me if you will, but I'm not a fan of that show. It could actually be because of the circumstances each time I watched. The first time, Scott and I got separated from everyone else and were worried about my mom and Sophie (who was 4 at the time). This time I had an obviously sick kid.

We got out of there ASAP after the show was over.

We came back to this cute scene!

UP NEXT...We discover and explore...Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital ER!!!

 

[teachermommy78]

We put the kids to bed right away when we got back. Finn just took a complete turn for the worst. We just assumed that he was over-stimulated and tired, and that's why he was acting so differently. Now, all of a sudden, he has this seal-like cough. He started breathing very rapidly and had a low grade fever. We, as parents with 3 small children, have had many experiences with coughs. I was fairly certain this was croup. However, in the past, we have been able to treat the kids with a steamy bathroom mixed with a cool freezer or winter's night. Can't do that in FL. Also, I'm not SURE it's croup, and his breathing was pretty labored. We called our pediatrician, and she recommended getting him to be seen. One of the Disers, not too long ago, posted her horror story with the two local hospitals, so we decided to go where she found success...Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital. Turns out, this is where our pediatrician did her residency! It was a small hike, about 30 minutes. Luckily, we had a car. I don't know what we would have done had we needed to take a cab or whatever. Anyway, we got in there and was being seen IMMEDIATELY. No wait. It was wonderful. They did diagnose him with croup and said that we were smart to come in. Untreated, he could have been really sick. She agreed that "natural" remedies wouldn't work here in FL, so she gave him an oral steroid and advised us to keep him resting for 12-15 hours. She assured us that he wasn't contagious, but that rest and fluids were super important. We thanked her, headed to Walgreens to get the prescription and some new toys for Finn, and headed back to POP.

The next day, the family would be off to Hollywood Studios without Finn and I!

 

[Scarlett824]

Oh, poor Finn! I hope he felt much better after some rest.

Good to know about the Children's hospital being so much better. I will definitely remember that. I was "thisclose" to bringing Jake to the ER during our last trip. He was doubled over with stomach pain for a couple of hours. I was starting to get really worried. I gave him some children's Pepto and him and I stayed in at the hotel one evening. He slept for a few hours then woke up and felt fine. We ended up meeting the family at Epcot for EMH that night like nothing had happened. I guess it was really bad gas pains that he must have passed while he was sleeping. Thank goodness!

 

[shocky5]

Oh my goodness! So sorry Finn got sick! Your mother's intuition had been telling you something was off with him. Glad you found good care and hope to hear that the rest of the trip went well!

 

[teachermommy78]

Oh, poor Finn! I hope he felt much better after some rest.

Good to know about the Children's hospital being so much better. I will definitely remember that. I was "thisclose" to bringing Jake to the ER during our last trip. He was doubled over with stomach pain for a couple of hours. I was starting to get really worried. I gave him some children's Pepto and him and I stayed in at the hotel one evening. He slept for a few hours then woke up and felt fine. We ended up meeting the family at Epcot for EMH that night like nothing had happened. I guess it was really bad gas pains that he must have passed while he was sleeping. Thank goodness!

I was so glad to know this too. One of the members here had a absolute horror story about two of the closer hospitals. I would gladly travel farther to get in and out with great care!

Oh my goodness! So sorry Finn got sick! Your mother's intuition had been telling you something was off with him. Glad you found good care and hope to hear that the rest of the trip went well!

He was just so off! I'm glad we got him in right away!

 

[teachermommy78]

We all woke up bright and early. The family was headed to Hollywood Studios this day! Finn and I stayed snuggled in bed waiting for the family to leave so we could spend our day together. As soon as everyone left, Finn and I decided to open all of the new toys he got. He played with a magnetic fishing game, did a couple puzzles, and colored. Then he got sleepy and took a nap. He woke up at about 11:30 saying he was hungry. We decided to take a walk to the food court. I recollect that he really, really wanted doritos, pizza, and ice cream. I decided to just get him whatever he wanted. He ate about 2 doritos and a bite of pizza. None of the ice cream. I had to finish the ice cream, since, you know, it would melt. Then we went to the gift shop and I let him pick out a special present. He chose a buzz lightyear spinny light up thing. He was eyeing a mickey mouse phone for $4, so I got that too. He was SO GRATEFUL. That was the most precious part. In our family, we don't do toy shopping often. They never get to go into a store and just get a toy. He is so used to me saying to put it on the christmas or bday lists. To have me say yes, TWICE, was so exciting for him. He kept saying, "I can have both? Now?"

We took the long route back to the room and just took it slow. We hung out some and just rested. We were then coming up on the time the Dr. said that we could go out and about. I asked Finn if he felt up for going to the park. He jumped up SO FAST and got HIMSELF ready to go! I decided to go for it. We ventured to the bus stop and we headed to DHS. We only had to wait a couple minutes for the bus.

On the bus...look at his sick eyes! I want to remind everyone that he was not contagious!!!

When we got to DHS, the family was finishing up with something. I can't remember what it was! We got stuck by the parade, so we happy watched that!

We got through the parade and met up with the family near Star Wars. I think that's where they all were. Ethan had gotten his highly sought after light saber, and Finn was desperate to spend his money on one, too! Well, Scott had decided that it would be a GREAT idea to get Ethan a DOUBLE light saber. Of course, Finn had to have one too. It would be twice his size! Oh well. You live but once.

What is it, Scott? Are there enemies rounding the corner?

Of course, I don't have any pictures of him with the entire thing made. It was REALLY, REALLY crowded in there. I remember sweating profusely and wanting to get out ASAP!

The family (just one branch of the cousins) was waiting for us. We were headed to see "Lights, Motor, Action!"

The kids really liked it. I thought it was ok. Finn was going into a downward spiral fast. Bad parenting moment #845. Should have kept him at the hotel. I told Scott that I would be taking him back to the hotel. We all said our goodbyes, and Finn and I left. He barely stayed awake on the ride back. Luckily, we were scrunched next to a nice grandma who let Finn rest partially on her. I think we went back to the food court for something for me, but Finn wasn't hungry. I got some yogurt into him I think.

Here's a picture of the family after we left. Scott neglected to take pictures that day. They went to Sci Fi for lunch. Scott said it wasn't very good, but they like the atmosphere.

Coming next...First our kid hits the ER, then our car does...AAA center!

 

[kittylady1972]

Well glad you were able to get out a little bit with poor Finn! Hope he does better but now I'm concerned about your car!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Aww, poor Finn. Sure hope he gets to feeling better by the end of the trip. Glad you were able to find a great ER. That is good information to know.

 

[PirateKate]

Poor Finn, he looks like he felt really bad. It's nice that he got both of the toys he wanted.

 

[teachermommy78]

Well glad you were able to get out a little bit with poor Finn! Hope he does better but now I'm concerned about your car!

Our car. It chirps. It is a mess. It has over 200,000 miles. Sigh. It needs love.

Aww, poor Finn. Sure hope he gets to feeling better by the end of the trip. Glad you were able to find a great ER. That is good information to know.

Thanks so much! Yes, I'm so glad I had some info on where to go!

Poor Finn, he looks like he felt really bad. It's nice that he got both of the toys he wanted.

He was happy about the toys!!!

 

[teachermommy78]

It has been so long since I posted. I'm so sorry! Things have been going so slow with this report that I completely neglected another part of a title reference!!! While at EPCOT, on the night that Finn started really feeling sick, Sophie kept asking what eliminations were. I calmly explained a few different ways, but she still looked so confused. Then I realized she was asking about ILLUMINATIONS! Made much more sense!

Let's see...I don't even remember where I left off!

Finn and I had a restful night while the rest of the family hung out at DHS. The next morning we would be having a relaxing morning while Scott took the car to the AAA center near MK. We had to be at Le Cellier at 11:30. Turns out that the car needed new bearings or something like that. They also did some other repairs. The total was $700. Gag. Sophie, Finn, and I decided to take the bus to EPCOT and meet Scott, Ethan and his parents there. We would be having lunch with the cousins this day!

When we arrived, we asked the photopass guy if he would do a special picture. Sophie was thrilled to get wings!

We then headed off to wander over to Canada. I believe it was around 10:15. We happened upon the Tinkerbell line. A group was just finishing up, and Tink would be coming out in about 30 minutes or so. Sophie decided that she would like to wait to do the pictures. We were about 4th in line, so I decided to go ahead and wait. The people behind us were VERY entertaining to watch. Their choice of conversation was interesting! I'm going to stop there with that! It made the time go fast! Finally, it was Sophie's turn. Finn wasn't terribly interested.

We then headed to Canada. We arrived a couple minutes early, just as the cousins were arriving. The rest of our group still weren't there. This guy kept us company while we waited.

Everyone arrived RIGHT on time. Stressful. We went up and entered right as it started drizzling.

My drink

Chef coming out to talk to the old fogies!

HAD to get the soup, even if it was extra! It was good! I've had similar elsewhere, but it was enjoyable!

I got the filet with the cream cheese potatoes

And creme brulee...HEAVENLY!!!

After lunch

Coming up...terrible rain and dumb choices to wait it out.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Reading about your lunch is making me very hungry!

 

[shocky5]

Awww I love Sophie's picture with wings! I need photopass tips! I want to get lots of pictures made and I want special ones, too.

Did they recommend or did you just know to ask? I think you said you asked for this one specifically?

Bummer about the car issues and the cost!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Ugh! Too bad about the care while on vacation.

Oooo, I had that exact same meal when we went to Le Cellier several years ago. I love their maple creme brulee.

Too cute about Sophie and eliminations!

 

[lbuzz52]

your car sounds like mine... its no fun getting looks from strangers when your car decides to be noisy at the most embarrassing moments

i agree with Leesa- that meal makes me hungry every time i see a picture of it.

Glad Finn seems to be on the mend!

 

[PirateKate]

The Le Cellier pictures are making me hungry, too! I think we met that same duck last time we were there.

Eliminations and Illuminations do sound fairly similar. I bet I'd be wondering what sort of a night time spectacular would be called Eliminations, too.

 

[teachermommy78]

Reading about your lunch is making me very hungry!

No kidding! I wish I were there right now!

Awww I love Sophie's picture with wings! I need photopass tips! I want to get lots of pictures made and I want special ones, too.

Did they recommend or did you just know to ask? I think you said you asked for this one specifically?

Bummer about the car issues and the cost!

At each photographer, I would ask if they had any special shots they could do. Many of them had the same options, but some were unique!

Ugh! Too bad about the care while on vacation.

Oooo, I had that exact same meal when we went to Le Cellier several years ago. I love their maple creme brulee.

Too cute about Sophie and eliminations!

your car sounds like mine... its no fun getting looks from strangers when your car decides to be noisy at the most embarrassing moments

i agree with Leesa- that meal makes me hungry every time i see a picture of it.

Glad Finn seems to be on the mend!

It's just a car with special needs, that's all!

The Le Cellier pictures are making me hungry, too! I think we met that same duck last time we were there.

Eliminations and Illuminations do sound fairly similar. I bet I'd be wondering what sort of a night time spectacular would be called Eliminations, too.

She was full of one liners that trip! I think I found it so much more humorous since she has such an advanced vocabulary! At least she's a good sport!

 

[teachermommy78]

OK, so it's been a terribly long time since I updated, and I probably annoyed you all and you refuse to join in again...but I will not give up!

Where we left off, we were finished with my highly anticipated Le Cellier lunch. It did not disappoint. Yum. We will be back! We didn't really have a game plan in mind, since we had really done all the must dos earlier in the trip. We decided to wander the park as a family and explore freely. We happened upon a character spot with no wait!

Afterward, we decided to go pick up the Kimmunicator someone had requested earlier. We thought it would be fun to do a mission as a large group. We chose France. We took this picture somewhere along the way!

Grandma and Grandpa waiting patiently as we began the mission!

Uh-oh...it's starting to rain! Put on ponchos, everyone! This rain can't stop us!

OK...umm...it's raining a bit harder here. Let's all (13 of us mind you) squeeze under this little roof.

Well, it's not really raining THAT hard. Let's just continue on our way. We need to find The Eiffel Tower and activate something. Holy DOWNPOUR! RUN!!! I know! Let's all (13 of us, remember?) try to squeeze under this tiny awning! We can at least see The Eiffel Tower from here!

Oh crud. The Kimmunicator isn't working at all. Maybe we shouldn't have gotten it wet? Look at that family over there! They are nice and dry sitting at that table! Yes, Grandpa, why don't you go over there and leave us some more room!

Oh, well, you WERE nice and dry!

Thunder and Lightning fierce, and no sign of this storm ending, we decide that we aren't going to wait under this awning all day. We decided to make a run for it to the shop that was about, oh, 15 feet away. It is SURELY going to be packed with this rain. Scott and a couple of the kids go to check it out.

What's that Scott? It's completely EMPTY? And we could have been completely dry instead of soaked to the bone with water dripping from the awning down our backs? Nice.

Champagne and chocolate was our entertainment for quite awhile. Next up...the rain lets up a bit, and Sophie makes a purchase!