That Mickey sure is one smart cookie!! May 2011 CBR TR (update 08/13)

[buckeev]

"..."...

The cinnamon roll smell stopped Maya in her tracks.........
....

.

I'm tellin' ya....that Maya would fit right in here at our home!

 

[pinkxray]

We arrived in WDW on May 14th. That rain was awful. I am surprised that there were still so many lines, it always seem like people leave the parks when it rains.

Yum, the all the treats sound good. I always used to get fundge at WDW but have been trying new stuff. I have to grab some this time.

 

[lovethattink]

Love the photopass pics!! Thanks so much for all the help you've given me on my pics! I am still waiting for them to come in the mail!

I love how Maya is holding out her tulle (is that what it's called?) in the pics. And James cracks me up that all the pics were him holding his belly button, too cute!!

Bummer about the rain, but it sounds like you really made the best of it!

 

[lbuzz52]

Your family photopass shots are adorable!

Ugh...that rain and wind doesn't sound very fun, but it sounds like you had a great attitude about it! Mmmm that fudge looks amazing! PirateKate really does seem to know the most yummy things to have at WDW!!!

We were very lucky with the rain; i can't complain a bit. It rained at the most opportune times- either while we were eating or in this case, on the day we didn't really have a schedule. The windy/ stormy part was pretty quick.

Kate always makes me hungry

And thanks for the compliments!

I am enjoying your report. I need to subscribe to it as I have trouble getting back to it. When we go next, my son will be about your son's age. My daughter will be 9. They are close like your children. It is heartwarming.

I can also relate to the drama. I have one of those drama queens myself and I was really laid back as a child so it's unfamiliar to me. Something doesn't go her way and no matter what else has happened that day, when that happens…"This is the worst day ever!" I usually just shake my head and say to myself, "I wish it was honey." We were at Great Wolf Lodge this summer and she was doing the MagiQuest game. You get a wand and run around the hotel doing various Quests. Pretty neat really, but you can really get caught up in it. I had to follow her around the place with my son strapped to me in an Ergo carrier. You had to go around the hotel collecting points and searching for clues, there was stair climbing involved. I decided after a few quests it was time for a break. She crossed her arms and stomped away from me. We had a little talk after that to….adjust her attitude. She was tired in this case, but didn't want to admit it. And her outbursts are usually worse with fatigue.

Thankfully this is all I can write home about with her that isn't positive. She's been through a lot, but she's a great big sister and a loving child who tries her best. And truth is were it not socially unacceptable for someone my age, I might have the occassional meltdown myself.

Your children are adorable. The pictures of your son in the pool remind me of some I took of my son at Great Wolf Lodge this past summer.

I'm curious as to if your son napped during your trip. I've been reading and I haven't noticed it. Been thinking to myself, "Wow, he hasn't gone to sleep yet?" I just figured you haven't mentioned it. My son can go a mile a minute, but he does pass out for 2 hours every afternoon if he can. If it's cut short though it usually doesn't have a negative effect on things though.

Looking forward to reading more.

WELCOME!!!

Thanks for joining in!

There is just something really special about a brother sister bond, and i pray daily that they continue to be close for life.

That game sounds really fun! Maya is just as dramatic in a positive way, as well. so i try to remember i wouldn't get that without the negative side as well. Doesn't always work, but i try to look at it that way. My sis is a bit more dramatic than i am though, so i guess i was somewhat used to it.


Is your ds like mine- thinks he's as big as his older sis?

No, my son did not take a true nap this trip...
When James was younger, he took a good nap in the afternoon most days. this worked well for our late night/ early morning schedule. and it was right on par with nap time at mother's day out. But then our schedules changed and James would be in the car most days traveling at the time he was used to napping. We tried to get him to nap later, but he wanted no part of it. His way of adapting was to cat nap in the car and to take a long nap once or twice a week. We still need him to sleep in in the mornings, as my husband gets home from about midnight. So i've just moved his bedtime up an hour and he still sleeps in for Chris. We were very lucky to have such a go with the flow napper at WDW- he was not that way as an infant, believe me!

At this point in the TR, he was doing okay just napping when the need arose. By the end though, it was apparent that i should have scheduled him a nap or two.

Hi! Followed you over from my TR, and so glad I did! It took a few days but I'm all caught up!
First- I love your lists! Lists make me happy!
2. I can totally relate to you and DH's schedules. My DH works days while I work nights in a restaurant. It's tough sometimes, but I'm glad that I've had the chance to be home with DD so much.
3. Your kids are adorable!
4. I also enjoyed the cold bar at Akershus! Mostly, I had green salad and salami

I look forward to the next update!

WELCOME!

my computer is acting strange, so forgive the lack of smiley

Lists make me feel like i have it all together- even when i do not!
Yes, the opposite schedule thing really stinks at times. But then again, it has blessed us with opportunity to say neither of my children have had a babysitter that is not family.

They did a good thing, supplementing the meal with the cold bar. Such a great value for one credit!

Thanks for the kind words, and for reading along!

 

[lbuzz52]

Love the photopass pics!! Thanks so much for all the help you've given me on my pics! I am still waiting for them to come in the mail!

I love how Maya is holding out her tulle (is that what it's called?) in the pics. And James cracks me up that all the pics were him holding his belly button, too cute!!

Bummer about the rain, but it sounds like you really made the best of it!

I can't wait to see your photopass pics! I bet you are like us- you rarely get the whole clan in one photo! And glad i could help!

Maya told me she had to pose like that because she had a castle on her tank and apparently that is a castle pose? I love that both of my kids aren't afraid to show their personality at this stage in their childhood.

we had great timing with the rain. I'm so glad it was on our rest day and not on a day we were at a park we were only visiting once this trip.

We arrived in WDW on May 14th. That rain was awful. I am surprised that there were still so many lines, it always seem like people leave the parks when it rains.

Yum, the all the treats sound good. I always used to get fundge at WDW but have been trying new stuff. I have to grab some this time.

It looked like quite a few people left also. If i remember correctly, it was crowd level of 6. It was one of the few days that MSEP was occuring during our trip. It was actually showing twice. The park closed at 11pm that night and had late EMH until 2am. So we were really just going becuase we had no other chance to see MSEP. I would have waited it out too, considering there was still almost 10 hours until the park closed. It didn't feel crowded at all, it was just that everyone that did wait it out was in line for the few rides that were not closed at that point.

that was my first WDW fudge, and it wont be my last. i love that it is so sweet you only need a couple bites to satisfy your craving- makes it last a long time!

I'm tellin' ya....that Maya would fit right in here at our home!

That child could eat cinnamon as a food group I actaully was playing around on pinterest recently and found a recipe for a cinnamon roll cake. i think i may make it for breakfast for the kids this weekend. She read her first books this week (Biscuit the dog series) and James mastered 1-10, so i want to do something a bit out of the ordinary but not too over the top.

 

[PirateKate]

Rainy and crowded- that's no fun at MK. But, doesn't Confectionery fudge make everything better? Was the cookie good? I've never had one of those, but it looks good.

I love Maya's outfit, with the princess shirt and tulle skirt! Girl clothes are so much fun than boy clothes. Although I must like James' pirate shirt, too, since Carter and Landon have the same one.

 

[lbuzz52]

Rainy and crowded- that's no fun at MK. But, doesn't Confectionery fudge make everything better? Was the cookie good? I've never had one of those, but it looks good.

I love Maya's outfit, with the princess shirt and tulle skirt! Girl clothes are so much fun than boy clothes. Although I must like James' pirate shirt, too, since Carter and Landon have the same one.

So glad it was just one day and only part of one at that! But yes, fudge can make everything better! I'm goign to answer yes for the cookie for now, but will go into more detail with the MSEP update coming up.

I love that pirate shirt! I'm so sad that he is about to outgrow it. I think i need to find it in a 5T.

Girl clothes are fun, but can get you in trouble. For example, I'll say i need to find a couple pair of pants for James, and then find 2 dresses for maya that i like before i find one for james. its harder to stay in control with her clothing when his is harder to find. Nut yes, its fun while i am in control of the clothing!

 

[AKL LOVER]

I have been so behind recently but have finally caught up. You guys have gotten some really great photopass pictures--I'm jealous!

 

[DisneyMomma09]

I love Maya's poses in her castle outfit! Too cute!

We had to deal with rain quite a bit this last trip, too. I think we dealt pretty well with it!

Mmmm...the confectionary! Yummy! Your treats look good!

 

[stephielela]

Whew! I am just now joining, I have FINALLY caught up!!! Your kids are adorable and your trip sounds fabulous!!!! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[lbuzz52]

Whew! I am just now joining, I have FINALLY caught up!!! Your kids are adorable and your trip sounds fabulous!!!! Can't wait to hear more!

Glad to have you along! I was thinking of you this weekend when i bought a dozen pair of Disney socks from the dollar spot. I just ws so excited to actually find some in my size. So I came home with Mickey/ TS/ Rapunzel/ Daisy/ etc socks for everyone in my house!

it ws a great trip and i had a great traveling group!

I love Maya's poses in her castle outfit! Too cute!

We had to deal with rain quite a bit this last trip, too. I think we dealt pretty well with it!

Mmmm...the confectionary! Yummy! Your treats look good!

We lucked out on on the rain- this was the only day we were actually affected by it.

There are too many delicious things at the Confectionary!

I have been so behind recently but have finally caught up. You guys have gotten some really great photopass pictures--I'm jealous!

Welcome back! Its hard to stay caught up with the DIS! Thanks for the compliments on the photos!

 

[lbuzz52]

Saturday, May 14th cont.



Maya was so pumped for this meal.

"Mickey must be so excited we are back. He keeps leaving us all these magical surprises. He must have really missed us. "

This was not the first, nor the last time I heard something to that effect over the week. And it didn't get any less sweeter with each repeat!

I wished that in our unbusy afternoon, we had thought to come over early. None of us had ever entered the Grand Floridian before, and it was in fact Grand at first sight. Chris asked why we didn't stay there. I told him we could, but we could only stay about 72 hours!


We waited for the first elevator we came to- only to be told it only goes in one direction. We'd have to walk to the other side to get to the elevator we needed. As we passed the tea area, I pointed it out to Maya. I'd asked her about it before, but she wasn't interested. It's on her list of things to try now.


Eventually we got to the restaurant.

We waited to check in, passing the time by making pennies and trying to avoid the crazy ECV drivers circling us. I requested a highchair and got our pager.

Stroller parking was next to these beautiful flowers, and Maya was ready to pose. I had to take advantage of a willing participant. I'm glad I did, because I got some of my favorite photos of the trip.

After only a few minutes, our name was called. This time, Maya chose to take her pre-meal photo on her own. You could hear the pain in her voice when she was told we would not be buying it. I assured her we had taken one on our camera also.

We were led to our seats right next to this guy.

I felt like an idiot when I immediately requested that they remove the highchair they had just sat for us. I really have no idea why I requested it. The highchairs are tiny- which James is not. There is no way he would fit. Besides, who wants to lift a million pounds out of a chair every time a character comes by?

Our server took our drink order and explained the rotation. We ordered the glow drinks for the kids and waited for them.

these change colors AND can be turned on/ off!

this is Buzz​

Step-mom was only a couple tables away.

Chris and James hurried through the buffet and returned just in time for Anastacia.

such expression!

And right behind her was Drucilla. They had to yell at each other a bit first before she came over. And then they tattled on each other a bit to "mother"

She was amused with James.

"put down your pizza. You know you want a picture with me. "

cont next post .

 

[lbuzz52]

cont



Maya and I finally ran to the buffet and loaded our plates with i think literally bite of everything. Ever wanted to know what they serve? its here on these plates

green beans, turkey, beef stirfry, coco van, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, jumbalaya

chicken noodle soup, pizza, caeser salad

strawberry soup​

I didn't touch the coco van. I have this fear that I will get sick off undercooked chicken and it was just too pink. The mashed potatoes were great though. We tried the strawberry soup, and while it was good, it just wasn't very dinner-ish to us. Other than the potatoes, most of the plate was just a taste test event.


We were ready to check out the desserts- but first we were given a serenade. Drucilla and Anastacia sang Sweet Nightengale, in true American Idol reject show fashion.


Soon prince charming was announced, followed by our hostess, Cinderella. After a very regal dance, they made their way to our table.

Our server dropped by with some bowls, which we assumed was our cue for dessert. The bar had chocolate chip cookies, bread pudding, chocolate chips, and gummy bears. We found this to be an odd combination, but what did we know. It's not as if dining among royalty was a common occurrence for us. Moments later, our server asked us if we were ready for our ice cream. It's all making sense now....

James with bread pudding

bowl of gummy bears​

We declined, as we had already had our fill of gummy goodness, and settled the bill. We had a lot of fun with this meal; however, none of us cared much for the food. It's not that it was horrible, it just was sort of bland and lacked cohesion. I think the only thing i finished was the mashed potatoes. However, i'd give it another shot.

After a quick potty break, we were on our way to the monorail. I think every ECV on property had the same idea; there was no room for strollers. Moments later we had made it on the second rail and to bag check.

I had a very ambitious plan in my head- pirates, splash, thunder, haunted mansion, dumbo, wishes, and MSEP. It was almost 8pm, so we had up to 5 hours to get it done




.

 

[stephielela]

hmmm that does sound a bit of an odd combination of foods... but I have always heard good things about the character interaction.

I would love to stay at the Grand too... but 72 hours is about right!

 

[shan23877]

I totally agree about 1900. We'll do it again because the characters were so great, but the food was pretty random and just ok.

The Grand Floridian sure is pretty, but I agree. 72 hours seems like all that would fit in our budget. (not sure we could afford park tix too )

 

[jenseib]

They don't have the serve yourself icecream machine anymore? I'm pretty sure the bowls used to be up there and then you made it yourself?
I like the food there. Nothing fantastic...well I like the tomato mozerella salad, but good basic foond and it's a lot of fun.

 

[DisneyMomma09]

We loved the Character interactions at 1900 Park Fare as well, but I agree about the food. I did really enjoy the Strawberry Soup, though. But the first time I had the soup was at the breakfast, so it fits in better there.

Your pictures turned out great!

P.S.-I started my TR finally! Check out the link in my signature!

 

[luvmy2babies]

Great pictures. We had 1900 Park Fare scheduled on our first trip for Thanksgiving dinner, but stomach issues resulted in me cancelling it. Ds gave dd and me a virus and by the time she recovered, she didn't feel like a big meal. I asked her about doing it next time and she declined...doesn't want to meet the stepmom. Oh, and I saw the GF from the monorail and 72 hours is stretching it.

 

[lbuzz52]

hmmm that does sound a bit of an odd combination of foods... but I have always heard good things about the character interaction.

I would love to stay at the Grand too... but 72 hours is about right!

it was a bit of an eclectic menu, but a ton of fun! I'd love to go again but try breakfast- i want to experience the antics of the mad hatter!

I totally agree about 1900. We'll do it again because the characters were so great, but the food was pretty random and just ok.

The Grand Floridian sure is pretty, but I agree. 72 hours seems like all that would fit in our budget. (not sure we could afford park tix too )

I love the location and Cinderella's family was great! You maybe right about the park tickets, especially since we will have to pay for James next trip too!

They don't have the serve yourself icecream machine anymore? I'm pretty sure the bowls used to be up there and then you made it yourself?
I like the food there. Nothing fantastic...well I like the tomato mozerella salad, but good basic foond and it's a lot of fun.

Maya didn't point it out, and she usually zones right in on things like ice cream. i didn't notice one either. however, that would make much much more sense! i do remember specifically being brought bowls though.
you are right, it was a lot of fun! The food wasn't exactly what i would pick if i was ordering, but i would go back

 

[lbuzz52]

Great pictures. We had 1900 Park Fare scheduled on our first trip for Thanksgiving dinner, but stomach issues resulted in me cancelling it. Ds gave dd and me a virus and by the time she recovered, she didn't feel like a big meal. I asked her about doing it next time and she declined...doesn't want to meet the stepmom. Oh, and I saw the GF from the monorail and 72 hours is stretching it.

Ha! 72 hours might take eating only peanut butter crackers and ramen noodles for a couple weeks

that'a so funny that your dd passed on the stepmom. she does have quite the glare!

We loved the Character interactions at 1900 Park Fare as well, but I agree about the food. I did really enjoy the Strawberry Soup, though. But the first time I had the soup was at the breakfast, so it fits in better there.

Your pictures turned out great!

P.S.-I started my TR finally! Check out the link in my signature!

i think you are right, the soup would be a good fit for breakfast. definitely made me think of yogurt and smoothies! i could eat anywhere for breakfast though. I love breakfast food.

ps- i'll be by soon!