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

[petals]

i think we took a good hour or so in that shop alone. i wish my dh liked epcot better so we could truly explore it. i think i may use your idea- explore one or two pavillions the right way each trip.

they recently added a channel to our basic cable here and it has the smurfs playing sometimes. Now Maya is super excited about the movie!

I don't we gave Epcot a full day last year just kinda went there to kill time while waiting for bus after other parks so we only got a little bit of exploring done.. except for my sprint around the world (see here clickie )

Smurfs, Yogi Bear, Care bears, My little pony were all my childhood favourites so super excited to see them all coming back

 

[lbuzz52]

Wonderful updates! I have missed so much, but am finally caught up!.
I so wanted to try Club Cool this year. Dh had other ideas.....
I LOVED the blue pearl. The Japan pick a pearl is so much fun. DD did it in '09 and got a pink pearl. She loved it!
James is so funny, barking like a dog while on his 'leash'. I am with you about letting hubby chase after him if he didn't like the idea in the first place. I really enjoyed the pic of James handing his autograph book to Mary Poppins. So adorable!
Le Cellar looked so delish. The pretzel bread with using the cheese soup as a dip sounds wonderful. I know I am missing commenting on something. Well, anyway, loved your updates like always!!!

your posts are always so upbeat- I don't know why, but they just come across like you are smiling when you type LOL!

You are the second one who told me about pink pearls. I think we may have to try it again sometime in search of one.

The leash was one of those things that just wasn't going to have a good solution for DH. I could let it go, and have dh be a bit grumpy because James was acting his age or I could be stubborn until I got my way and have dh irritated at me. I figured James would act his age either way so it wasn't worth much discussion LOL

you need to try the pretzil dip!

You should definitely head by Club Cool next trip. It's such a fun place to cool off for a minute.

Oh yeah, I just remembered. The pics of James at the Pooh movie were so cute!!! Glad he was able to sit through most of it.

it was super cute! I'm so glad we got to have family time to go see it!

I don't we gave Epcot a full day last year just kinda went there to kill time while waiting for bus after other parks so we only got a little bit of exploring done.. except for my sprint around the world (see here clickie )

Smurfs, Yogi Bear, Care bears, My little pony were all my childhood favourites so super excited to see them all coming back

that was some crazy touring! Sounds like it was fun though!
I love introducing my favorite childhood characters to my kids.

 

[lbuzz52]

Thursday, May 12th Cont.


When we last left off, we were just arriving to check -in at our 7pm Akershus ADR in Norway.

We were checked in quickly and ushered to our picture with Belle. I asked Maya if she wanted to take her picture with Belle by herself, or with James. We figured she should choose as it was her special meal. She chose to take the picture together and it turned out well!

The picture package comes with the meal here, and all for one credit! I forgot to add it to my photopass though

We ordered our drinks and then stayed at the table. The first of the princesses were near! Maya was just a bit happy about that!

First up was Cinderella. She had Maya giggling when she told her "that sure is a funny feather duster!" she was talking about her kooky pen.

Next we saw Aurora.

I'm not sure why, but James was so excited to see the princesses. Maybe he recognized them from all the shoes he wears around the house? Lol.

We then had a little break between characters so we went to the cold bar. I tried a bit of most of the offerings. If you start with the turkey and go clockwise (ish), there was turkey, chicken salad, salmon, peel shrimp, potato salad, green salad, seafood salad, and some cheese. I liked the chicken salad a lot, and went back for seconds of that and the green salad. The shrimp salad was good, but it had one seasoning that didn't set well with my palette. The potato salad was a bit dry for my taste.

Soon the fairy godmother came around.

And not long after, we saw Ariel. Maya told her how happy she was to see her a second time that day. Ariel said, "why let me measure you. I think you've grown. That's why I didn't recognize you". Once again, I was grateful for the little things that help keep the magic.

Our food came out. I had ordered Kottjake.
Traditional Kjottkake - Ground Beef and Pork Dumplings served with Mashed Potatoes, seasonal Vegetables, and Lingonberry Sauce
It sounded safe out of the options. It was okay but nothing to write home about. I could have done without the jelly, and in fact picked around it.

Chris ordered the pork chop. He said it was dry.
Grilled Pork Chop - with Potato Gratin, Apple-Raisin Chutney, and Demi-glace

Maya ordered grilled chicken and potato. They gave James cheese Mickey ravioli. He was getting tired and picked at his.

Dessert is served family style. I guess i neglected to take a picture. The kids loved the berries off the puff pastry and the chocolate mousse.
Sweet and Savory Chocolate Mousse
Traditional Rice Cream - topped with Strawberry Sauce
Flaky Puff Pastry - filled with Mascarpone Mousse topped with fresh Berries


Overall, the food we ordered was not my favorite. But I did enjoy the cold bar much more than I expected, and the atmosphere was nice. I was nervous that the food would be something we would not enjoy, but there ware quite a few options that were familar. I will go again for the princesses, but may try breakfast in the future. This is one of those meals where you definitely want to have dining plan credits. This meal would cost twice as much as Crystal Palace, for example.

Price (includes tax and photo package)
Adults $46.85; Children 3-9 $25.55

(PS- I've been told by Maya that our next stay will be in the new Princess themed rooms at Port Orleans. I can't wait!)



It was 8:20 by the time we were done. We decided to hit MouseGears and then call it a day. I saw a pair of Salt and pepper shakers with Pooh and Tigger hugging. ($12.95) I knew immediately I had to get them for my mom, as this is what she collects.

I saw a golf bag drink holder ($10) and got that for my dad who is hard to shop for. Or, at least I thought this was something you put on you golf bag to hold drinks. According to my dad though, it is a pen holder for your desk. Whoops. Shows you how much I know about golf.

I also bought a Mickey Head ice cube tray. I had seen this at disneystore.com and knew I wanted to get it during our trip. When I was a child, we had one. My mom would put juice in it and we would get Mickey juice cubes in our water on random days. I knew my kids would enjoy that too. ($5.95)

Chris picked out a Disney desserts cookbook. He's decided that is what he needs to work on next at work.

He also purchased a hat because he left his at home. I'm proud to say he wore it to the playground today! Slowly but surely I'm working on converting him lol

Maya searched for Rapunzel figures but they were sold out. Instead she chose Peter Pan figures ($12.95) and two charms ($3.95) for the charm bracelet she got in her stocking (from the purchase of Disney movies, thanks DMR). She chose an Ariel one and a Tink one with her birthstone.

James found an entire row of cars and was in heaven. He just couldn't make up his mind. Disney bus. No. Buzz. No. Tigger. No. Toy story. No.
He just couldn't pick.

Finally he saw a small red car with Minnie and Mickey in it. That was it. He picked up two and couldn't put them down. ($4.95) I will have to try to remember take a picture of it.

As we were checking out we heard the fireworks from Illuminations. So once again, we were barely ahead of the bulk of the crowd. We waited for the second bus so we wouldn't be standing. We fought to keep James awake on the bus in hopes that he would fall asleep quickly in the room.

Maya and James had other ideas though. As soon as we got back to the room, they pulled out their toys and played with them. They were really good about sharing! I was very happy with that, as at home figures are the one thing Maya hates to share!

After a bit Maya and I walked to OPR to fill the drinks and be quiet for James to fall asleep. We peeked around the store while we were in there. I contemplated getting this pirate toy for my nephew but wasn't sold on it. I tried to get Maya to look at the jewelry but she had no interest. I was surprised. She had just gotten her ears pierced a couple months before our trip, and had been planning on picking out a pair at Disney for her first earring change. We left without purchasing anything.


On the way back I asked Maya her favorite part of the day. She said it was meeting Ariel two times and going to OPR with just mommy!


James wasn't asleep by the time that we were back but he was headed that way. The rest of us quickly got ready for bed as well.

I enjoyed Epcot a lot more than the last time! We didn't make it to Epcot until our last full day on the last trip. Everyone was tired and although we had different wants for the day we didn't split up. Today we took our time and didn't worry about what we did or didn't get to. It was quite enjoyable!

 

[basketkat]

Your meal at Akershus looks so fun! We had lunch there last year! I love the princess interactions! I'm super jealous you met Fairy Godmother!

I l love all of your purchases!

 

[lbuzz52]

Your meal at Akershus looks so fun! We had lunch there last year! I love the princess interactions! I'm super jealous you met Fairy Godmother!

I l love all of your purchases!

We did have a really nice time at Akershus! it didn't feel as rushed as CRT did. How was your lunch there? what characters did you have?

I love to shop, and MouseGears is one of my favorite. I couldn't leave without stopping through there!

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

The princesses, the pictures and fact that it is only 1TS credit is totally worth it, however we did not care for our dinner..it was okay, nothing bad, but not great...just was.. don't you just love when your DD says that "mommy time" is the highlight of her day..

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Glad you had a good meal at Akershus, the menu there scares me!

 

[lbuzz52]

The princesses, the pictures and fact that it is only 1TS credit is totally worth it, however we did not care for our dinner..it was okay, nothing bad, but not great...just was.. don't you just love when your DD says that "mommy time" is the highlight of her day..

i could truthfully repeat your entire statement about Akershus. we will probably try late breakfast next time?

Glad you had a good meal at Akershus, the menu there scares me!

it scared me a bit too, i went with the menu item that seemed the most normal to me. i figured if it was horrible i could fill up on a salad from the cold bar.

 

[petals]

that was some crazy touring! Sounds like it was fun though!

It was but it was great fun and totally worth it. I can't wait to explore it all in better detail this time

 

[DisneyMomma09]

We ate at Akershus on our last trip, after we completed the Princes 1/2 Marathon. We had great character interaction. I love Maya's proclamation about staying in the new Princess rooms!

Nice purchases! I have been looking through disneystore.com, checking out what I might want to get this trip...I LOVE the Pooh and Tigger salt and pepper shakers! I might have to check those out...

 

[lbuzz52]

It was but it was great fun and totally worth it. I can't wait to explore it all in better detail this time

it was a great idea! i need to find something along that line for the next trip. it will help entertain the kids too!

We ate at Akershus on our last trip, after we completed the Princes 1/2 Marathon. We had great character interaction. I love Maya's proclamation about staying in the new Princess rooms!

Nice purchases! I have been looking through disneystore.com, checking out what I might want to get this trip...I LOVE the Pooh and Tigger salt and pepper shakers! I might have to check those out...

the princess rooms sound so nice! I am really hoping that they dont get fowled up like the pirate ones did with the uncomfortable beds and far location.

my mom collects salt and pepper shakers, and pooh is James' favorite, so i knew those had to come home with me.

i dont' know why, but this parks tee on disneystore.com really makes me smile.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

OMG I so have to get that shirt..that's hysterical and have actually heard referrences made like that by some of my family..

 

[petals]

it was a great idea! i need to find something along that line for the next trip. it will help entertain the kids too!

You can make the penny collecting easy by getting a list of locations first.. i didn't know they had those until i got the last penny i wanted that night though

 

[lbuzz52]

OMG I so have to get that shirt..that's hysterical and have actually heard referrences made like that by some of my family..

I LOVE THIS SHIRT!

You can make the penny collecting easy by getting a list of locations first.. i didn't know they had those until i got the last penny i wanted that night though

I'll have to remember that- but knowing my kids they will want to do candy around the world or something like that!

 

[lovethattink]

Love the Pooh shirt, James looked so cute to go see the Pooh movie! Great picture at the Smurf poster.

We haven't eaten at Norway since it went to a character meal. Food-wise, it doesn't look like we've missed too much. I love hearing about extra magic sprinkled. What a great response from Ariel!!

That's a great Goofy shirt!

 

[lbuzz52]

Love the Pooh shirt, James looked so cute to go see the Pooh movie! Great picture at the Smurf poster.

We haven't eaten at Norway since it went to a character meal. Food-wise, it doesn't look like we've missed too much. I love hearing about extra magic sprinkled. What a great response from Ariel!!

That's a great Goofy shirt!

nothing too special with the food. but it is a great value for the princess lover if you are on the dining plan!

 

[ctink23]

I love Akershus! It seems like Maya had a great time. And it is cool that the Fairy Godmother was there... I have never seen here there.

Great purchases! I love the Mickey ice cube tray. I need this!

It is so adorable that Maya said one of her favorite parts of the day was spending time with just you! Adorable!

I think I am going to see Winnie the Pooh this weekend. Glad to hear a good review. I have a free ticket from Disney Movie Rewards and want to make sure I use it before it expires!

 

[lbuzz52]

I love Akershus! It seems like Maya had a great time. And it is cool that the Fairy Godmother was there... I have never seen here there.

Great purchases! I love the Mickey ice cube tray. I need this!

It is so adorable that Maya said one of her favorite parts of the day was spending time with just you! Adorable!

I think I am going to see Winnie the Pooh this weekend. Glad to hear a good review. I have a free ticket from Disney Movie Rewards and want to make sure I use it before it expires!

She did have a great time! I'm so glad she is still a princess lover!

the ice cube tray is awesome! they had two types- the regular plastic one, and the silicone one. i went with the plastic one. my kids are loving their Mickey Popsicles!

I am sooo enjoying this time when Maya still thinks i am fun and cool. i know that the alternative will come way too quickly.

yes, go see Pooh! i used some free movie cash i had earned from buying cereal we eat anyway. still cost almsot $40 by the time we paid for the kids to get in and got a snack for us to share. but it was a cute movie and a great family night!

 

[petals]

I'll have to remember that- but knowing my kids they will want to do candy around the world or something like that!

I love that idea! I saw on another trip report a group of ladies did food around the world by colour and theme like orange and sour in Japan and they got sour sweets.. Could do something like that!

 

[lbuzz52]

I love that idea! I saw on another trip report a group of ladies did food around the world by colour and theme like orange and sour in Japan and they got sour sweets.. Could do something like that!

It isn't my original idea. I saw it on a blog or something. It was listed as an alternative to drinking around the world. It would be fun though.