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

[lbuzz52]

I love your TR your kids are so adorable! Your TR is making me anxious to see the World again. We aren't leaving until August though.

Hi! Thanks for joining in! Only 4 months for you! Hopefully it will fly by. Where are you staying? Any special pieces for this trip?

 

[lynlink]

Yay LB! I'm loving your TR. So glad you came back to finish it. This is SO getting me ready for our upcoming trip!!
Maya looked beautiful as a princess! I've been trying to talk Ayden into doing the pirate one but he doesn't want to.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[lbuzz52]

Yay LB! I'm loving your TR. So glad you came back to finish it. This is SO getting me ready for our upcoming trip!!
Maya looked beautiful as a princess! I've been trying to talk Ayden into doing the pirate one but he doesn't want to.

Can't wait to read more!

hey girl! i can't believe your trip is so soon!!! i think you should sign him up. if he gets scared and backs out when you get there they wont charge you. but if he watched it on your first mk day he may love it and want to do it later in the trip.

thanks for the compliments!!

 

[jenseib]

I love that sellers dresses. I have looked at her stuff before too.

Great updates. I would like to do a little more strolling of the Boardwalk some day. We did a quick walk through this past trip to get over to Beaches and Cream, but my DH wasn't in the mood to linger.

 

[lbuzz52]

I love that sellers dresses. I have looked at her stuff before too.

Great updates. I would like to do a little more strolling of the Boardwalk some day. We did a quick walk through this past trip to get over to Beaches and Cream, but my DH wasn't in the mood to linger.

i think its so pretty there. you almost forget you are in the middle of a big bustling city. we had a lot of fun there halloween night one year too. they had a little band, one character, trick or treat stations, craft, etc set up.

 

[lbuzz52]

Eventually we came back to the grassy area in front of the boardwalk, where the dance party is at Halloween. We let the kids go after Chris gave them two rules- stay in the grass and leave the squirrels alone!

Maya was still getting comments on her look. Her favorite was when another little girl yelled "hey princess!"

At one point, she climbed up on a bench. I asked her to get down, certain she would step on her dress and fall.

"Don't jump", I said.

She jumped down anyway. A couple walking past couldn't help but comment.

"I hope she doesn't think she can fly."

"you can't tell a princess what to do"


A few other children had come to play in the grass. It was the perfect amount for a game of Fairies. Maya asked James to play, but he was more interested in running in circles.

I could hear Maya bossing the other girls around and I asked her to be nice.

"but momma, I'm Vidia. She's always mean".



About 6:50, Chris and James went to change clothing and I walked to the other side of the grass to see if they could get us in early for our ADR. I thought that if no one had taken the 6:45 opening they may be able to squeeze us in. We were in luck!

We gathered our belongings and entered Flying Fish. I don't hear this place discussed too frequently on here, but we had scanned the menu on our last trip and knew it was a place we had to try. It has an open kitchen and lots of interesting decor.

It also has a nice bathroom- I was lucky enough to have to escort Maya to it 4 times.

This was our one and only Signature for the trip, and we were not in a hurry, so we decided to order appetizers.

First was the tuna. Absolutely delishious! I don't think that the crispy part was battered- it was just lightly cooked to have a crunch! I was very greatful that the presentation wasn't that of a basic sushi roll. It meant James didn't know it was sushi, and we didn't have to share! My picture is a little blurry, and does not do it justice.


Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and crispy tempura tuna vegetable Sushi roll - Hijiki and wakame seaweed, yuzu, tobiko, and wasabi foam, with a sweet and spicy sauce - $16.00

Next, we ordered a soup and a salad for the four of us to share. Chris chose Bacon lettuce tomato shrimp. This was something I would have overlooked. It was beyond tasty! It had rock shrimp in it as well.


BLT soup. Crispy smoked bacon, Epcot land pavilion bibb lettuce, chive creme fraiche, tiny tomatoes and chive infused oil - $12.

I chose the Caeser with a parmesan crisp. Just a normal ceaser but it was so good. Perfect amount of dressing and I loved the crisp.

The waited had also surprised the kids with some fruit skewers with yogurt dip.

I chose the chef favorite dish- the potato wrapped snapper. I wasn't sure about the leek fondue, but decided to try it as it was suggested. Amazing! The creaminess complemented the rest of the dish perfectly.


Signature Flying Fish Cafe Potato-wrapped Red Snapper - Leek Fondue with a veal glace, red wine and Cassis butter reduction - $36.00

Chris had the strip. It was cooked perfectly and was very tender and juicy.


Signature Flying Fish Char-crusted New York Strip Steak - Roasted fingerling potatoes, root vegetables, field beans and pearl onions with classic sauce foyot - $42.00

We were going to order James his own dish- my kids can never agree on one thing to share. But our server suggested switching one of the sides of a kids meal to Mickey pasta. We chose the fish stick skewers with Mickey macaroni and cheese. It was more than enough for both of them.

Maya's was the opposite- a giant bowl of mac and cheese and a few pieces of fish.

The server also gave the kids glow cubes for their sprite. They changed to multiple colors, so he set Maya's on pink and James' on blue.

Before we left for our trip, I had reviewed the dessert menu online. I was sort of disapointed in the choices and had considered asking if I could pick from the kids choices. But tonight, there was something different on the menu and I decided to try it.



Fall Crop Golden Apple, pecan and Blondie Tart - Toffee ice cream, apple cider syrup and an apple Tuile - $8.00

I'm so glad I did. It ranks #1 in my desserts for the week-and it didn't even involve chocolate!

Chris chose a summer special. It had a great presentation! It was called a boardwalk trio and paid homage to items you might find on a boardwalk- burger, soda, and popcorn.

The kids had an option of fruit skewers but chose the puzzle. It was 6 puzzle pieces made of white chocolate. You put them together and then decorated them with edible paint. It also came with a cupcake. James was given his, sans cupcake, for free.

Everything here was so great! So tasty! and my entire family was in a good mood! It was so enjoyable to be able to eat good food, at our own pace, and just appreciate the time together.

Chris settled the bill while I literally washed James clothes in the sink. I'm still not sure how he got the paint on his back

As we walked out the door, we heard fireworks. We walked a little to the left and saw them from both Illuminations and fantasmic!

A few minutes later (9:22) a friendship boat arrived. We jumped on and headed towards DHS. We could have taken a cab, but decided to risk it. We hoped we would beat the fantasmic crowd to the bus line. We were getting a bit nervous as the captain announced the time at the various stops. 18 minutes, 14 minutes. We arrived at DHS at 9:42 and hustled to our bus stop- right as one pulled away. We barely made it before the fantasmic crowd. A in a few SECONDS. The line behind us grew at an amazing speed.

The next bus for CBR came quickly. We packed in probably one less person than fire code and were on our way. I was very greatful the ride was only a few minutes.

Maya asked to take her hair down before bed. She can't stand sleeping with anything in her hair. Surprisingly, there were only 7 bobby pins and 6 rubber bands. She was ready to go to sleep, so i brushed the gel out as best i could and let her slide on her bath.

The kids had that lovely I'm so tired I'm silly thing going on! But soon we were all asleep- we were going to try to actually make rope drop in the morning!


.

 

[Lidian]

That's hilarious that James got icing on his back!

And I understand how some places, you get to spend more time in the restroom than at the table. I swear kids love to just visit the bathroom, even if they don't need it.

I can't believe all the bobby pins and rubber bands! I don't really know what I expected, but that sounds like a lot. And I"m shocked you were even able to attempt a comb through the gel. Then again, I'm tender-headed... I'd have had to wash my hair.

 

[lbuzz52]

That's hilarious that James got icing on his back!

And I understand how some places, you get to spend more time in the restroom than at the table. I swear kids love to just visit the bathroom, even if they don't need it.

I can't believe all the bobby pins and rubber bands! I don't really know what I expected, but that sounds like a lot. And I"m shocked you were even able to attempt a comb through the gel. Then again, I'm tender-headed... I'd have had to wash my hair.

thanks for commenting... i feel like i'm talking to myself... i gues that is what i get for taking a 6 month break between posting

i've yet to figure out how James get the messes he does where he does! and i'm greatful that Flying Fish had a nice restroom. I'm happy to say Maya has gotten better about that. It's not that uncommon for me to take them somewhere to eat without Chris (like good ole McCalisters) and i always have to find the table next to the restroom. then i stand in the doorway between the bathroom hallway and the table so i can see James and see anyone who goes into the restroom. People stare at me like i am crazy, especially by the 3rd or 4th time in the same meal. I'm so happy she can usually make it through a meal now without needing to go until the end.

I didn't think that was too many pieces in her hair. i use way more than that when i do anything remotely fancy- and mine never makes it through the whole day. you are right about the gel though. gross! so much!

 

[Lidian]

thanks for commenting... i feel like i'm talking to myself... i gues that is what i get for taking a 6 month break between posting

i've yet to figure out how James get the messes he does where he does! and i'm greatful that Flying Fish had a nice restroom. I'm happy to say Maya has gotten better about that. It's not that uncommon for me to take them somewhere to eat without Chris (like good ole McCalisters) and i always have to find the table next to the restroom. then i stand in the doorway between the bathroom hallway and the table so i can see James and see anyone who goes into the restroom. People stare at me like i am crazy, especially by the 3rd or 4th time in the same meal. I'm so happy she can usually make it through a meal now without needing to go until the end.

I didn't think that was too many pieces in her hair. i use way more than that when i do anything remotely fancy- and mine never makes it through the whole day. you are right about the gel though. gross! so much!

I can completely relate about the "how did you get THAT THERE" scenarios ... and having to camp restrooms.

I'm usually a one rubberband type of gal ... and if that doesn't stay, more hairspray.

 

[PirateKate]

Those puzzle desserts are so cool! I'm not at all surprised James managed to get paint on his back. Little boys can get messy in so many odd ways. Just today, Landon somehow got a lollipop stuck in his hair. I needed the scissors to get it out.

 

[luvmy2babies]

That restaurant looks wonderful and the attention the servers paid to your children was great. Enjoying your report. I commend you on being able to have a TR and a PTR going at the same time. I couldn't do it.

Oh, and I am continuously surprised at where my son manages to get stains. Thank goodness for Shout Gell.

 

[jenseib]

That looks like a wonderful meal. I laughed when you said you washed James' clothes in the sink...we sometimes wonder how much crud/dirt can jump on Claire. We had lunch at Red Lobster today and she left with a big pink spot on her skirt. She said it was cherry juice from the cherry on her sundae...how could that cherry have that much juice on it?

 

[Victoriasmom98]

thanks for commenting... i feel like i'm talking to myself... i gues that is what i get for taking a 6 month break between posting

i've yet to figure out how James get the messes he does where he does! and i'm greatful that Flying Fish had a nice restroom. I'm happy to say Maya has gotten better about that. It's not that uncommon for me to take them somewhere to eat without Chris (like good ole McCalisters) and i always have to find the table next to the restroom. then i stand in the doorway between the bathroom hallway and the table so i can see James and see anyone who goes into the restroom. People stare at me like i am crazy, especially by the 3rd or 4th time in the same meal. I'm so happy she can usually make it through a meal now without needing to go until the end.

I didn't think that was too many pieces in her hair. i use way more than that when i do anything remotely fancy- and mine never makes it through the whole day. you are right about the gel though. gross! so much!

Oh silly, you are definitely not talking to yourself and I'm still here reading about your adventures. (And loving them!) I thought the Princess Parade was sooo cute. I didn't know they do that! OH yes, I know mothers like the one you spoke of.... ugh! Have some common courteousy people!

I know all about being near a bathroom. I had to do that for years with Victoria due to her frequent UTIs. It's nice when they can go all dinner without visiting the bathroom!

 

[kaileighbug]

What a great trip so far. Wow they grow up way too fast don't they?

 

[lbuzz52]

Those puzzle desserts are so cool! I'm not at all surprised James managed to get paint on his back. Little boys can get messy in so many odd ways. Just today, Landon somehow got a lollipop stuck in his hair. I needed the scissors to get it out.

i think that the puzzle is one of the most creative desserts i've ever seen! And i love the fact that you can bring the child something that makes them happy and consumes time when they are likely getting restless at the end of a long meal!

i hear you about the hair. That's one of the reasons i got Maya's cut- at age 6!

I'm glad James is cute, because he always seems to be stinky and messy

I can completely relate about the "how did you get THAT THERE" scenarios ... and having to camp restrooms.

I'm usually a one rubberband type of gal ... and if that doesn't stay, more hairspray.

For myself, i've graduated to a double bobby pin that i fashion like you would a barrette.

That restaurant looks wonderful and the attention the servers paid to your children was great. Enjoying your report. I commend you on being able to have a TR and a PTR going at the same time. I couldn't do it.

Oh, and I am continuously surprised at where my son manages to get stains. Thank goodness for Shout Gell.

I have an arsenol of stain treating products- Shout Advanced and Blue Dawn are defnitely my most used though!

I really enjoyed that meal. When we go out an eat, i often feel like we get stuck out of the way so we don't disturb the big spenders and business people. Like it is automatically assumed my kids will be crazy. i understand it. when i waited tables, i'd assume the same of your family until you proved me wrong. a lot of times, the parents were just as guilty of the crazy behavior as well. i had one family bring in pots and pans for their kids to play with while they were waiting on their food. seriously? what makes anyone think that is right?
anyway, sidetracked a bit- but he was great. He completely engaged the kids the whole time, didn't talk to them as if they were babies, and really knew his stuff about the menu.

its interesting trying to keep them both at once. before i resumed this TR I made sure to have written and just ready to post basically. that has helped a bunch!

 

[lbuzz52]

What a great trip so far. Wow they grow up way too fast don't they?

way too fast!!

Oh silly, you are definitely not talking to yourself and I'm still here reading about your adventures. (And loving them!) I thought the Princess Parade was sooo cute. I didn't know they do that! OH yes, I know mothers like the one you spoke of.... ugh! Have some common courteousy people!

I know all about being near a bathroom. I had to do that for years with Victoria due to her frequent UTIs. It's nice when they can go all dinner without visiting the bathroom!

I'm glad you are still here!

the parade was really cute! i love the little extra touches Disney adds. The girls felt so special!

its so funny how we rejoice when they start using the potty constantly, and then rejoice when they stop using it constantly!

That looks like a wonderful meal. I laughed when you said you washed James' clothes in the sink...we sometimes wonder how much crud/dirt can jump on Claire. We had lunch at Red Lobster today and she left with a big pink spot on her skirt. She said it was cherry juice from the cherry on her sundae...how could that cherry have that much juice on it?

It was really good! I'd definitely recommend trying it sometime!

It was as if James had painted himself instead of the puzzle! i was glad i had the outfit he had on earlier so i could rinse it out before it set. At home, i still make both of them change before they eat. Makes me wonder about the old days when you had to "dress" for dinner. I'm not sure my kids would have been able to keep anything nice.

 

[lbuzz52]

Mon may 16


This morning, we woke to a letter for James. It was an invite to see the Disney Junior show.

We got our tails moving. We had a decent sized list of hope-to-do's and knew that to get it done, we would have to keep James entertained. TSMM is really the only thing James would/could ride there, so we hoped to ride it a few times. So it was imperative that we stick to the schedule this morning.

Luckily we all got around quickly, and after almost 20 halfhearted attempts, we did it. We made it to our first rope drop

At the bus stop by 8:10 & at the turnstiles by 8:25!

No decision had been made as to whether we were going to ride and then fastpass, or fastpass and then ride. It would depend on what it looked like once we got closer. I took James, and Chris took Maya. Finally, we "starred" in our own movie, and then speed walked with the rest of the crowd to TSMM. The fastpass lanes were short, so Chris told Maya to park her own stroller, and I grabbed both kids and headed to the standby line that was wrapping around the building. Chris caught up with us just before we joined the line. By that point, the standby was posted at 30 minutes. In reality it wasn't though- only maybe 10-12? It was constantly moving, it just takes forever to walk through the queue.

sweet

Girls against boys this time. Maya scored 20,700. I got 126,500.

I thought my score was tolerable, especially for an 18 month hiatus. James didn't score a point, and the boys still beat us- chris had a 186,000.

By the time we finished, the standby line was a true 40 minutes.

Buzz and Woody's meet and greet had just opened, and was already up to a 20 minute wait. I didn't figure it would get any shorter. Buzz is one of James' favorites; I was excited to see his reaction. The kids had a good time playing with all the props.

James stressed Chris out by playing a game of how many people can move ahead before you refuse to let me down again. Chris quickly grew bored of this. James was just so excited though! It was really hard to get him to wait his turn once he realized who was there.

first viewing

"bonus" provided by Photopass pics

​

​

 

[lbuzz52]

I saw this on Stitch Kingdom.

Any idea what this means?


WDI has filed notice of commencement for MK Fantasyland 'Be Our Guest' menu shrouds

 

[lbuzz52]

James went in first to have a one on two picture op first.

Once again, both the photopass photographer and I missed James kissing Buzz.




We decide to hold our TSMM fastpasses for later. There are only so many things that James can ride here so we wanted to spread it out. So after a quick potty break, we headed to the hat to see the Disney Channel Rocks show.

We made it right as the show was starting, so we were about 2 people back from the front. I think Maya was a bit confused; apparently she thought that the real Rocky and CiCi from Shake It Up would be there She knew most of the music though, so she still enjoyed herself.


Originally, Phineaus and Ferb were scheduled to start their meet and greet today. There was rumor it would be delayed though. So we took a very convoluted way to see if they were out. First, we stopped by TSMM to pick up another Fast Pass. It was about 1020, and they were now mid afternoon.

And after a quick mermaid picture, we continued towards the Streets of America.

On our way, we saw Mater on a random corner. He seemed to intimidate James a bit.

I asked his handler about Phineaus and Ferb and was told that they would hopefully open in two weeks. Bummer!

We were starting to get hot, so we decided to head indoors to the Muppets. We skipped this show on our last visit. It was pretty cute, although my kids really had no idea who they were.

 

[jenseib]

I saw this on Stitch Kingdom.

Any idea what this means?


WDI has filed notice of commencement for MK Fantasyland 'Be Our Guest' menu shrouds

Hmmm. I wonder what it means. Where did you fine that at? I posted it on our facebook group.

I love James' green crocks..to cute!

I am hoping to do TWM this next time. we've only done it once, in 2009. If i can get Claire out of bed early enough one day, I will make that a goal!