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

[Villainess]

I'm going to PM you for the info. My DD knows quite a few sight words, but we are trying to get into more reading - she loves books and sometimes is frustrated that I cannot always drop my work to read 10 books at a time.

 

[ctink23]

Great update! I have never eaten at Pecos Bill, but the menus looks great. Thanks for sharing!

This is so adorable!:

"Okay momma, don't be scared. First we have a small hill, then a medium one, them another medium one, then a small one. Then there is the big one but you need to hold me and you will know it's time because you will see the birds. And daddy said that is briar bear and that is briar fox. There is frog frog. I call him that because I don't know his name. And there is duck duck......... And bird bird...."

Glad to hear that Maya got into the school you wanted!

 

[lbuzz52]

Great update! I have never eaten at Pecos Bill, but the menus looks great. Thanks for sharing!

This is so adorable!:



Glad to hear that Maya got into the school you wanted!

I think the best time to eat at Pecos Bills is before a parade- just grab your food and take it to your waiting spot!

Maya sure loves to talk. she's such a silly girl!

thanks, she's really excited which in my opinion is a great attitude for school

I'm going to PM you for the info. My DD knows quite a few sight words, but we are trying to get into more reading - she loves books and sometimes is frustrated that I cannot always drop my work to read 10 books at a time.

not a problem!

 

[lbuzz52]

Thursday, May 12th


Today is Epcot! We weren't pushing to be at the front of the line for rope drop but needed to be there near opening. We wanted to make the opening of the fairies!

We also hoped to see a few princesses we had never met while touring the World Showcase. Our count so far:3 Aurora, Cinderella, and Belle


Maya wasn't excited to be woken up-but she jumped out of bed quickly when she heard there was another letter. This time, it was for her. It was an invite to dinner at Akershus.

She turned to me with a smile on her face.

"Momma, isn't that Mickey one smart cookie. He knows just what we like!"

I took that as a sign of appreciation! But more importantly, this meant that it was not too late. My little girl has been growing up too quickly. Everyday now, it seems, she discovers that some part of this world is not as rosey at she originally thought. A month or so before we left, we went to a local baseball game. When we got home, she told me "I know Rocky isn't really a bird. He's just in a costume". It really hurt my heart knowing that she could very well say this about our Disney friends. I was beyond estatic when she gave credit to Mickey. It meant she may be growing older, but she's still a little girl at heart. She was enjoying this trip in a special way that only innocence can allow. She still believes in the magic, and that makes it all the more magical to me.



It took us about an hour and 15 minutes to get ready again. We picked up our park bag and found another letter hidden. It was again for Maya. She was being recruited for a Kim Possible mission!

We made it to the bus stop about 835. This time it took closer to 10 minutes to catch a bus. This was also the ride that took the longest to get through the property. It was approaching 9:00 by the time we left CBR. I remembered to take my morning photo in case we get separated.

We were off the bus at Epcot by 10 after 9, but were once again the furthest bus stop. For the second day in a row, the bag check at the far left was much shorter than the rest.

We quickly headed past Mouse Gears to line up for Pixie Hollow.

We made it just in time. The line for the opening session, 9:30, was cut off right after us. Maya's first choice in Pixies was Fawn- but she wasnt there so we decided to go with Tink because her appearance was first.

They took the 9:30 off Tink/Terrance right after we lined up.​

I decided to run in Mousegears to look for a hat. I left my sunglasses on the bed. Yesterday, my nose had gotten pink. I needed something for coverage. I looked through the womens hats. Well, I have a huge head. I tried on a few but they didn't fit well. The best of them just sat on the top of my head. I looked at the mens but didn't find one I liked that would work for me. I decided I would just deal with it.

I returned to our stroller empty handed. Then Chris suggested that I try James' hat. (I had ordered him a hat from Disney store. They first shipped the wrong color. When I called to get it corrected all they had left was adult size. It fits my 2 year old when I adjust it.) It fit well enough on my big noggin. Burnt nose avoided!

Chris then ran to Test Track to grab fast passes. A couple of minutes later we see a handler setting up right next to us. Who does she have with her? The Queen of Hearts! Awesome! We never see villians! Maya glanced at me and I said go! I could see her from where I was standing in line. Just then I saw Chris walking back so i left him with James and made it over just in time to grab a picture!

By that time Tink's line was moving. I noticed people finishing Tink's line with one parent and them joining the other parent in Vidia's line. I wish I had thought of that!

Maya really wanted to meet Vidia but her first appearance was cut off by the time we were done. I really felt bad once the fairy handler said she didn't know where the other pixies would be once Flower and Garden was over. I hope they are somewhere next time we come! But it was still great to see Tink and Terrance again!

sweet siblings

I have more on Photopass, i hope to get that ordered this week. i might have a little obsession with boarders and cropping going on


We stopped to take pictures of the topiaries from Winnie the Pooh. James didn't really cooperate though. He is at that age where he won't smile on command.

He thought refusing to look at the camera was hilarious!

Chris wanted in- Winnie the Pooh was his favorite growing up as well. James wasn't having it.

Luckily Maya humored him.

And no, I do not have any idea why my husband decided to wear a long sleeve collared shirt with a high of 96 degrees

A Kim Possible recruitment center was right there, so Maya and I grabbed a fastpass for a later mission.

It said to report to Italy for our assignment. She was so very excited to have an opportunity to save the world!


Next: a Cool off & the Seas

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Love the invitations, very cute!

Can't believe you saw the Queen of Hearts! I haven't seen her since our trip back in 97!

 

[BellaBaby]

Great update!! How fun to meet the queen of hearts!

We have yet to meet the fairies. The last time we were there they were still in Toontown and the line was always too looong!! My DDs would love to meet them tho. I bet they'll have them somewhere as they are quite popular now.

We used to go in May during the F&G Festival when my oldest was in the lower grades. It was the best time to go and we loved the beautiful topiaries at that time!!

 

[mtgirl29]

I think I am finally caught up! The taco salad at Peco Bill's sounds delish! We weren't too impressed with the burgers this year, either.
I that Maya was so excited about her invitation and that she thought Mickey was a smart cookie! So adorable. It is very depressing to see how fast they grow up and start thinking more along the lines of an adult.
I had to laugh when you wrote about James thinking it was funny to not look at the camera while you were taking their pics. So it starts....sounds just like my son.
Looking forward to your next installment!!!

 

[Villainess]

It is very depressing to see how fast they grow up and start thinking more along the lines of an adult.

I completely agree; DD knows that at Sesame Place or Great Adventure there are people in the costumes, but she still believes that Mickey is Mickey and I hope it stays that way for a long while!

 

[lbuzz52]

Love the invitations, very cute!

Can't believe you saw the Queen of Hearts! I haven't seen her since our trip back in 97!

Thanks! i knew we were lucky, but i had no idea how lucky! i'm so glad we were in the right place at the right time

Great update!! How fun to meet the queen of hearts!

We have yet to meet the fairies. The last time we were there they were still in Toontown and the line was always too looong!! My DDs would love to meet them tho. I bet they'll have them somewhere as they are quite popular now.

We used to go in May during the F&G Festival when my oldest was in the lower grades. It was the best time to go and we loved the beautiful topiaries at that time!!

The topiaries were really pretty. its amazing how much time and detail goes into them.

We met Tink and Rosetta once in Toontown. we were there for TT ropedrop and it still took 45 minutes. this time, it took maybe 30 minutes, but we were not at the front of the line. if we had been at the front and put one parent in each line we may have been able to knock both sets out in maybe 35 minutes? i agree, they are popular and need to be somewhere!

I think I am finally caught up! The taco salad at Peco Bill's sounds delish! We weren't too impressed with the burgers this year, either.
I that Maya was so excited about her invitation and that she thought Mickey was a smart cookie! So adorable. It is very depressing to see how fast they grow up and start thinking more along the lines of an adult.
I had to laugh when you wrote about James thinking it was funny to not look at the camera while you were taking their pics. So it starts....sounds just like my son.
Looking forward to your next installment!!!

glad to hear it isn't just us at pecos bill's. i never hear anything bad about them, but after our first visit i was confused as to why.

she was so sweet with her love and appreciation for mickey. i hate how quickly time goes- it seems to be so much faster now that i am a parent. my parents always told me it would, but i had no clue how right they were.

james can be such a ham! he definitely keeps me on my toes!

I completely agree; DD knows that at Sesame Place or Great Adventure there are people in the costumes, but she still believes that Mickey is Mickey and I hope it stays that way for a long while!

isn't it wierd how they can accept the true with some instances, but still believe with others? i'm with you- i hope both our dd's keep believing for years and years to come!

 

[Moira222]

Thursday, May 12th


Today is Epcot!

"Momma, isn't that Mickey one smart cookie. He knows just what we like!"

Ijust LOVE That...gave me tears in my eyes I know you heart swelled!

We picked up our park bag and found another letter hidden. It was again for Maya. She was being recruited for a Kim Possible mission!

You're so good with those invites!

I returned to our stroller empty handed. Then Chris suggested that I try James' hat. (I had ordered him a hat from Disney store. They first shipped the wrong color. When I called to get it corrected all they had left was adult size. It fits my 2 year old when I adjust it.) It fit well enough on my big noggin. Burnt nose avoided!

YAY when you can find a hat that works!

Chris then ran to Test Track to grab fast passes. A couple of minutes later we see a handler setting up right next to us. Who does she have with her? The Queen of Hearts! Awesome! We never see villians! Maya glanced at me and I said go! I could see her from where I was standing in line. Just then I saw Chris walking back so i left him with James and made it over just in time to grab a picture!

​

​

​

awesome! I have never seen her for signatures, only in a parade.

And no, I do not have any idea why my husband decided to wear a long sleeve collared shirt with a high of 96 degrees

A Kim Possible recruitment center was right there, so Maya and I grabbed a fastpass for a later mission.

Long sleeves AND an undershirt!!!! I am just thinking about all those layers!

Can't wait to hear about your KP Mission. We had a time, but never were able to return to complete the mission. I was very ​

 

[DisneyMomma09]

How neat to meet the Queen of Hearts!

I'm glad Maya still believes in the Disney Magic!

I'm right there with you having a toddler who does not want to smile for pictures! Yesterday we went to Niagra Falls and every time we tried to take a picture with him in it, he would turn the opposite direction!

Sounds like the start of another fun day!

 

[lbuzz52]

Ijust LOVE That...gave me tears in my eyes I know you heart swelled!

You're so good with those invites!

YAY when you can find a hat that works!


awesome! I have never seen her for signatures, only in a parade.

Long sleeves AND an undershirt!!!! I am just thinking about all those layers!

Can't wait to hear about your KP Mission. We had a time, but never were able to return to complete the mission. I was very

I was so excited for her. There is just something so sweet about Disney innocence.

i can't take credit for the invites; all i did was find them on the creative board and ask Shadowryter to put my kids names in. The people on that board are great!!

i have such a big head! when i find sunglasses that fit i have to buy a half a dozen pair

i'm not going to pretend to understand my dh's brain! i surely woudl have melted in long sleeves.

KP was fun! we will get there after lunch!

How neat to meet the Queen of Hearts!

I'm glad Maya still believes in the Disney Magic!

I'm right there with you having a toddler who does not want to smile for pictures! Yesterday we went to Niagra Falls and every time we tried to take a picture with him in it, he would turn the opposite direction!

Sounds like the start of another fun day!

I was glad too! It makes it so much fun!

I can't catch James for a picture most of the time. Even when he does give in and pose, its as if he thinks the shutter speed on my camera moves quicker than my fingers can. He's gone long before i'm focused.

It was another great day!

 

[keri125]

Thanks for almost getting me in trouble at work today! I had to cover the front desk for my co-worker, and since it was slow, I decided to read a quick trip report on the boards. Yours looked interesting, so I started reading. I was hooked! When my co-worker returned, I was disappointed and tried to finish the reports at my desk, but almost got caught by my boss, so decided to save it for tonight!
I just finished and am jonesing for more! You are a wonderful writer, just really illustrate everything so well. I feel like I was there on the trip with you! And your children are just adorable! I LOVE James' face and could just eat him up!! There were several of the pictures you posted that brought tears to my eyes because of the look of wonder on his face - and that mischievous grin! I love it! And Maya is just beautiful.
Anyways, subscribed so can't wait to read more! Thanks for posting!

 

[ctink23]

"Momma, isn't that Mickey one smart cookie. He knows just what we like!"

So cute! I am glad that she got to enjoy the magic! The little touches really can make the trip even more magical!

Tink and the Queen of Hearts! Great characters to meet!

Looking forward to reading about the Kim Possible mission.

 

[heaven2dc]

Queen of Hearts seems so hard to find in a character meet-and-greet - great job scoring that one! It's funny that in 1997 during our first trip to WDW, the only character that we saw that you could actually walk up to and get an autograph without being at a character meal was the Queen of Hearts. We saw Minnie & Mickey a couple of times at HS waving from a car and I felt like you had to be a papparazzi to snag a photo! (much less an autograph). But then I didn't discover the Disboards until much later so not sure if there were any websites that give as much info back then as community boards do now (and the Disboards rock!)

 

[lbuzz52]

Queen of Hearts seems so hard to find in a character meet-and-greet - great job scoring that one! It's funny that in 1997 during our first trip to WDW, the only character that we saw that you could actually walk up to and get an autograph without being at a character meal was the Queen of Hearts. We saw Minnie & Mickey a couple of times at HS waving from a car and I felt like you had to be a papparazzi to snag a photo! (much less an autograph). But then I didn't discover the Disboards until much later so not sure if there were any websites that give as much info back then as community boards do now (and the Disboards rock!)

I had no idea that the characters used to be so rare. I don't remember seeing as many when i went as a kid in the 80's, but back then you spent all your time standing in line, so who knows what i missed.

and you are more than right about the disboards rockin

So cute! I am glad that she got to enjoy the magic! The little touches really can make the trip even more magical!

Tink and the Queen of Hearts! Great characters to meet!

Looking forward to reading about the Kim Possible mission.

We had really great timing with the characters thqat morning!

Chris and I were beyond estatic once we realized she truly still believes!

Thanks for almost getting me in trouble at work today! I had to cover the front desk for my co-worker, and since it was slow, I decided to read a quick trip report on the boards. Yours looked interesting, so I started reading. I was hooked! When my co-worker returned, I was disappointed and tried to finish the reports at my desk, but almost got caught by my boss, so decided to save it for tonight!
I just finished and am jonesing for more! You are a wonderful writer, just really illustrate everything so well. I feel like I was there on the trip with you! And your children are just adorable! I LOVE James' face and could just eat him up!! There were several of the pictures you posted that brought tears to my eyes because of the look of wonder on his face - and that mischievous grin! I love it! And Maya is just beautiful.
Anyways, subscribed so can't wait to read more! Thanks for posting!

You had me giggling about hiding from your boss. i can say with absolute certainty that you are not the only one guilty of that

thank you for all the compliments on my children. i think you have them pegged. james doesn't really even try to hide the fact he is going to misbehave before he does it

i'm just so greatful that i've had the opportunity to take them when they are young enough to really feel the magic. i hope they always remember how special this trip was for them.

but just in case they don't, i'm writing this. i love to scrapbook but dont' get around to it much lately. i plan on printing this and putting it in a scrapbook.

thanks for reading along!!

 

[lbuzz52]

Thursday, May 12th cont.


Today was another hot day, so we stopped at Club Cool before heading to our first ride. I should have had my camera ready when we walked in. I told everyone to try the Beverly. The look of Maya's face was priceless! It should be in the dictionary under blaagghh! Chris called me a mean woman lol.

We had to sample the rest to get the taste out of our mouth. I really liked this one! I didn't write down what it tasted like, but it wasn't vegetable like. I do remember it as refreshing.

The middle one​

Chris grabbed a fp for soarin and then we were on our way to the Seas! Like everyone else, we had to had to stop for a couple pictures with our fishy friends.

Nemo was a walk on. The length of the queue was appreciated because it was nice and cool in there. After our ride, we looked through the dump shop. I was hoping to find something "mine mine", because James is definitely in that stage right now. But all we could find were coffee cups and adult tee shirts.

James is also in a runner stage. He very rarely gets put down in public. He is heavy, so I usually strap him in a stroller or cart. We had borrowed a stuffed puppy leash in anticipation of this, and I figured the aquariums was a place it might be needed.

I was very correct. That boy is quick! I looked the other way once and he was off. So I leashed him. Well, he found this to be hilarious. He jumped to all fours and started crawling and barking. Finally, the novelty wore off and we explored the rest of the tanks.

We came to Bruce. The kids waited for their turn at a picture. When they were almost to the front of the line, I went around to take the picture. By the time I got there I heard screaming. I went back around to the line and Maya was trying to drag James by the leash.

"he won't go up for the picture momma".

Chris decided that would be the end of the leash. He didn't like the idea anyway. I thought that it should have just been the end of leaving Maya near the leash. But rather than argue, I just let him make the ruling. And then I let him deal with the chasing that followed through-out the week.

Even with all the drama, we did get one blurry picture.

It was almost time for Turtle Talk so we got in line. I love that they have the tanks up front to entertain you. The doors opened and Maya placed herself on the floor in the center of the front. Of course a second later the CM did rearranging to pack the kids in up there. Meanwhile Chris was taking James up to sit next to Maya, and there was no longer any room next to her. James sat in her lap.

At the same time, a second CM was yelling at me-

"go all the way down the row. Don't stop."

I tried to tell her I was waiting for my husband but she wasn't listening. So I just pretended I didn't understand her. I was out of the way anyway.

The show started and it didn't take long for James to be scared by a noise. He came running back to us. Then he decided he was brave and went back to Maya. He did this a second time. And then the third time he came back Chris decided he needed to stay with us. James didn't like this, so Chris got up and took him out.

If you couldn't tell, some of my group was starting to get cranky so we grabbed some free water at a stand and munched in some chex mix. Meltdown averted!

We still had a little while before lunch, so I gave dh the option of taking the kids to innovations or getting soarin fp. He chose innovations. I have no idea what they did in there. I know Chris came out griping about James trying to run off just like he did in the seas.

We had some time but I was afraid it wouldn't be enough for test track x 2. We decided to slowly make our way towards our lunch reservation.

It wasn't long before I heard Maya say we must have pixie dust!

I asked her what she was talking about. She then pointed at a very short line for a very shaded Ariel! She was quite in character, referring to the kids as little angelfish. She was quite amused by the kooky pins.

She was acting a bit shy for some reason. ​

She engaged James with talk of his clothing.

"do you like turtles? I have a turtle friend named Bob. He's a sailor".

We continued on towards Canada. Chris immidiately asked to see Maya's autograph book. He flipped through it and said, "i knew it!" He then showed me this.

Whoops, looks like Ariel was confused as to her identity this day. This signature belongs to a different princess

We saw a really cool playground right at the World Showcase entrance. I'm not sure if it was just put up for Flower and Garden? It was not there our last trip.

We still had a few minutes to spare so we stopped at Canada's funcot.

I snapped a couple random pictures as we entered the area.

The kids got their Duffy on a stick and sat down to create a masterpiece. (ps- I know sharpie is the sponsor but I'm not crazy about giving my kids giant nonwashable markers. I had to bite my tongue. )

After a few minutes we decided to go ahead and check in. This heat couldn't stop me from trying the cheese soup!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow, Ariel out and about at Epcot, never seen that before!

 

[mikenburt]

Thanks for the detail in the report!

 

[lbuzz52]

Wow, Ariel out and about at Epcot, never seen that before!

I'm teling you, for the most part, we had really great luck (or timing) with characters. my kids were over the moon to see Ariel.

Thanks for the detail in the report!

thanks for reading