The Ingredients for Pixie Dust, a June 2010 TR - 10/2 DIsney Halloween PTR started!

[Charleston Princess]

I just adore reading your updates! I don't blame you for not wanting to stand in the Jedi Academy line. Yikes! Connor has never really been interested in doing it which surprises me -- I would think that battling Darth Vader would be right up his alley! DS5 in the Boba Fett helmet cracks me up!

I just read a post on the Disney Food Blog about those carrot cake cookies at the Writer's Spot -- I may have to try one of those.

I have a question for you -- you mentioned driving over to DHS in the morning. We have thought about doing that as well since the CBR transportation seems to be hit or miss and being right there, it's pretty central to all the parks. Did you also drive over to the parks in the evening? I was wondering what parking was like later in the day since we are planning on the mid-afternoon break as well.

 

[Happydog]

I just adore reading your updates! I don't blame you for not wanting to stand in the Jedi Academy line. Yikes! Connor has never really been interested in doing it which surprises me -- I would think that battling Darth Vader would be right up his alley! DS5 in the Boba Fett helmet cracks me up!

I just read a post on the Disney Food Blog about those carrot cake cookies at the Writer's Spot -- I may have to try one of those.

I have a question for you -- you mentioned driving over to DHS in the morning. We have thought about doing that as well since the CBR transportation seems to be hit or miss and being right there, it's pretty central to all the parks. Did you also drive over to the parks in the evening? I was wondering what parking was like later in the day since we are planning on the mid-afternoon break as well.

OHHHH let me tell you. MY DH is very big on driving. He won't do the busses if he can avoid it. He is not a Disney transportation snob, but we get free parking with the resort, and we have the car, and we brought it, so he would rather use it. With DHS, I would TOTALLY TOTALLY drive. You have got to get there early for TSM. AND send him or you to run with the tickets (we walk quickly and with purpose) and get FPs, and send them into the regular queue. Once you get the FPs and by the time they get there, you will time it more or less fine. It will be a 20 minute wait to get on to TSM, and then you will have one ride plus FPs for later in the morning/noon. Then go get another FP set for whatever else you all like -- RNRC or whatever. He drives as far up as he can (when we come back in the afternoon/evening) and fills in a spot that someone else has already left behind... he avoids the yellow and white "Disney" traffic directors... I can explain this if you are interested. Because otherwise they will have you park way in the back, vs. where there are clearly empty spots, especially at the AK... if you go to Epcot, don't take the first turn into the lot, go to the SECOND turn, and you can get up closer much closer, easier. My point is that there are tricks...

DS5 has not shown a great desire for this either, but it is coming. The only way to do it, IMO, is to make a bee-line there the first thing. While everone else is getting FPs for TSM. (if he wants to do the Jedi thing). That is what we will do next time, if we do. The first show is 9:50 I think, or 10am, so even if you get there "first" you are still waiting 45 minutes.

We ended up with one of those helmets, BTW.... Like we needed that.



Carrot cake cookie = I LOVE them. But they are very rich, I could eat 1/2 at best.

 

[Happydog]

Finally getting over here. You started the report while we were in Disney World, so that's my excuse for the first few pages. Getting back into real life, that's my excuse for the next few.

I was supposed to be going to a teacher workshop today, but by chance I logged onto my employee e-mail this morning to see that as of 4:08 yesterday, it has been cancelled. Good thing I looked, because there was a carload of us going, and we would have been pretty aggravated to go all the way downtown and find out it was cancelled. I rarely check my employee e-mail in the summer, so that was just pure luck.

Anyway, I get to have some extra DIS time today. I am going to catch up on all the action I missed while we were gone. I look forward to going along on this trip with you.

Awwww MeMom, I am so glad you are here WOW I would have been fit to be tied too! If I had shown up for a cancelled training grrrrrr would have been me!

Well, glad you had extra time! I loved catching up on all the fun when I got back, too.... I only started it a few days before you got back, I tried to stall a little I am just happy to have you here! I took some photos this trip that reminded me of you and your pics, and I was telling myself, "ooh! Look I am taking MeMom pictures!!!

 

[Happydog]

I agree there isn't that much at DHS for little ones, but as an adult I love that park!! GMR is one of my faves of all time!!

I so know what you're talking about with the heat...it can be so brutal in Florida!!! The idea of going back to the pool and chilling was a great ONE!!!

OOOH can't wait to hear about dinner at WCC!

I like it too! I agree though, I think there is more for adults, maybe. Or older kids. Nolyn really liked GMR, Jen, wait until you see! He wanted us to take Daddy and Griffin on it again after we went (he and I) as they were on RNRC...

It WAS hot. Yeah, going to the pool and just coming back that evening was a good move. Initally I hadn't planned on a park at all that night, so it worked out really well.

Hey!!! I have training in St. Pete's FL in December! It is official! So I will be MAYBE going to Orlando for a night... if DH is ammenable... it IS close to my Bday... I like St. Pete's!!! So pretty, the sand and water.

 

[MeMom]

I just read a post on the Disney Food Blog about those carrot cake cookies at the Writer's Spot -- I may have to try one of those.

Just be aware, they have a thick layer of frosting in the middle. I like them, but I don't love them like most people do. I have had better carrot cake, and I'm just not a frosting person. They have some killer white chocolate macadamia nut cookies that I am quite fond of, however.

Awwww MeMom, I am so glad you are here WOW I would have been fit to be tied too! If I had shown up for a cancelled training grrrrrr would have been me!

Well, glad you had extra time! I loved catching up on all the fun when I got back, too.... I only started it a few days before you got back, I tried to stall a little I am just happy to have you here! I took some photos this trip that reminded me of you and your pics, and I was telling myself, "ooh! Look I am taking MeMom pictures!!!

People have been calling all day about what we're going to do. There are no classes open on Friday. Had we known this would happen, we could have gotten some Monday or Tuesday spots and had this over with. We are hoping they don't cancel tomorrow. Fingers crossed. I'm not giving up my WDW fall break trip for this, though, so something better be happening somewhere to help us make this up.

I was glad to have the extra time. I solidified my camp menu for next week and did some more housework. Then I made I pan of taco meat for Drew to do different things with this week. I'm pretty much done for the night now. Too bad I don't have a trip to be packing for.

Wonder what you were photographing when you thought of me? A doorknob? A tile in a bathroom? A bar of soap?

 

[MeMom]

Hey!!! I have training in St. Pete's FL in December! It is official! So I will be MAYBE going to Orlando for a night... if DH is ammenable... it IS close to my Bday... I like St. Pete's!!! So pretty, the sand and water.

I used to live in St. Pete. Beautiful place.
You must go get some Disney time in. If not a park, then eat at a resort and go to DTD.

 

[Happydog]

Just be aware, they have a thick layer of frosting in the middle. I like them, but I don't love them like most people do. I have had better carrot cake, and I'm just not a frosting person. They have some killer white chocolate macadamia nut cookies that I am quite fond of, however.

Oh yes, that is what makes them so rich, I agree! That is why I can't eat the whole thing, but the cookies, and that one (white chocolate macadamia nut) oh yeah, I can manage that alright...

People have been calling all day about what we're going to do. There are no classes open on Friday. Had we known this would happen, we could have gotten some Monday or Tuesday spots and had this over with. We are hoping they don't cancel tomorrow. Fingers crossed. I'm not giving up my WDW fall break trip for this, though, so something better be happening somewhere to help us make this up.

Nor should you have to give up your break if you scheduled the classes this summer in good faith! Hope it works out...

I was glad to have the extra time. I solidified my camp menu for next week and did some more housework. Then I made I pan of taco meat for Drew to do different things with this week. I'm pretty much done for the night now. Too bad I don't have a trip to be packing for.

I do that too!!! I make something for the week so the guys can "figure out" what to do with it for lunches...


Camp? Oh now I seem to think I remember you saying something about camp, but don't remember the details... what are you doing?
I know, I wouldn't mind packing either.

Wonder what you were photographing when you thought of me? A doorknob? A tile in a bathroom? A bar of soap?

You are silly! I was taking photos of shopping of course!!!! And window displays.

 

[Happydog]

I used to live in St. Pete. Beautiful place.
You must go get some Disney time in. If not a park, then eat at a resort and go to DTD.

I know I know!!! I really will try to talk my DH into it... I was even going to go for broke and see if I could con him into the Christmas Party... WE'LL see...

 

[Charleston Princess]

OHHHH let me tell you. MY DH is very big on driving. He won't do the busses if he can avoid it. He is not a Disney transportation snob, but we get free parking with the resort, and we have the car, and we brought it, so he would rather use it. With DHS, I would TOTALLY TOTALLY drive. You have got to get there early for TSM. AND send him or you to run with the tickets (we walk quickly and with purpose) and get FPs, and send them into the regular queue. Once you get the FPs and by the time they get there, you will time it more or less fine. It will be a 20 minute wait to get on to TSM, and then you will have one ride plus FPs for later in the morning/noon. Then go get another FP set for whatever else you all like -- RNRC or whatever. He drives as far up as he can (when we come back in the afternoon/evening) and fills in a spot that someone else has already left behind... he avoids the yellow and white "Disney" traffic directors... I can explain this if you are interested. Because otherwise they will have you park way in the back, vs. where there are clearly empty spots, especially at the AK... if you go to Epcot, don't take the first turn into the lot, go to the SECOND turn, and you can get up closer much closer, easier. My point is that there are tricks...

Good to know!!! Thanks!!!

DS5 has not shown a great desire for this either, but it is coming. The only way to do it, IMO, is to make a bee-line there the first thing. While everone else is getting FPs for TSM. (if he wants to do the Jedi thing). That is what we will do next time, if we do. The first show is 9:50 I think, or 10am, so even if you get there "first" you are still waiting 45 minutes.

Hmmm...I don't think I will mention it to Connor -- if he mentions it then we will cross that bridge.

We ended up with one of those helmets, BTW.... Like we needed that.

We have a Darth Vader one that is similar. It can make a person do a double-take when you round the corner and see Darth coming in the opposite direction.

Carrot cake cookie = I LOVE them. But they are very rich, I could eat 1/2 at best.

Yum, yum, yum! Sounds like breakfast for two days for me.

Just be aware, they have a thick layer of frosting in the middle. I like them, but I don't love them like most people do. I have had better carrot cake, and I'm just not a frosting person. They have some killer white chocolate macadamia nut cookies that I am quite fond of, however.

Those sound quite delicious, too!

 

[MeMom]

I do that too!!! I make something for the week so the guys can "figure out" what to do with it for lunches...

Yesterday, he made nachos. Today, he can have tacos.
Tomorrow, when he is tired of Mexican, we can throw on some sauce and make spaghetti. (I don't put much seasoning on the meat, so when it turns into spaghetti sauce, it doesn't taste like tacos any more.)

Camp? Oh now I seem to think I remember you saying something about camp, but don't remember the details... what are you doing?
I know, I wouldn't mind packing either.

Church camp. I run the kitchen.

You are silly! I was taking photos of shopping of course!!!! And window displays.

Well, I do take pictures of doorknobs and bathroom tiles and soap, so I didn't know.

I know I know!!! I really will try to talk my DH into it... I was even going to go for broke and see if I could con him into the Christmas Party... WE'LL see...

Yeah, start at the top, and then maybe he'll bargain for less, but you will at least get something.

Those sound quite delicious, too!

The regular chocolate chip cookies are good, too.
I am just partial to the white chocolate macadamia nut goodies.
You really can't go wrong in that place.

 

[Happydog]

So I last left you as we were arriving at the Wilderness Lodge for our BBQ dinner at the Whispering Canyon Café ! We were excited to eat here again. We made our way into the WL, WOW I am always impressed with this resort!!!

We headed over to check in for dinner.

We walked over to the fountain -- this is the gesture I received from my youngest, in an effort to be subtle in his request for a fountain coin...

I just took this quick shot b/c our buzzer went off right away.

We had a very nice server, and the restaurant was hopping! We ordered the skillet and the same for the kids. We all ordered milk shakes. I happen to love their bottomless shakes! Though I have never made it to a refill before! So much good food! Better than Hoop de Do, I think. The skillet comes with all you care to eat samplings of their BBQ, corn, beans, and mashed potatoes, with salad and bread to start. The boys devoured the chicken and ribs. We had a fun time watching the antics in the dining room, including the horse race for the kids… DS8 participated but DS5 wasn’t sure what to make of it and sat this one out.

With dinner in our tummies, we went back to BLT and headed back to Disney Hollywood Studios.

It had cooled off and the park was slowly getting that great late evening light!

This one is a little blurry, but I was laughing about these silly wands, and how excited they were to bring them into the park

And then, basically after this photo, as we started walking into DHS, I lost my camera battery. BOOOOOO. And of course I was hoping to take photos. So instead, I took a few with my phone – something I am not used to, having only had a phone that could do this since February! I have posted them, but I didn’t take too many...

First we went to RNRC, DS5 and I just walked along Sunset Blvd..

I took a photo of TOT, because it looked cool -- thought the photo doesn't do it justice!

And then we went to use our set of FP for TSM. I just LOVE that whole Pixar alley area in the evening, it is so well lit!

Anyhow, we used our FPs, grabbed our dipped Marshmallows (well the boys did – I had my toffee piece!!) and we listened to the music a bit (on the sound stage – they have evening concerts) and then headed back to BLT.

The evening ended with baths for the boys, before I then threw them into bed. DH and I sat outside for a bit and chatted.

DAY THREE RECAP!

DAY THREE - Disney Hollywood Studios Morning and DHS Evening

1. We took our time heading to DHS, enjoyed a few rides, grabbed a few FPs, and had lunch!

2. Lunch was OOP with our TIW card at Sci-Fi Dine in... we actually used two TS meals from the DDP fo the kids since they had an "extra".

3. Dinner was the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge for a DDP TS dinner for all of us.

4. We headed back to DHS for an evening of fun but it was a relatively early night for us. We grabbed treats, had fun on TSM, and enjoyed the evening atmosphere is old HOLLYWOOD!

HIGHLIGHT: Trying Sci-Fi Dine-in! Spending some fun time that evening at DHS -- so pretty at night!

CHALLENGE: Not doing as much at the park as we would have liked, the heat really got to us this day.


The next day we were on our way to EPCOT!

 

[IluvXU]

I think DHS looks so pretty at night. I need some night time there next year. I love the swords... I am sure I have a little Jedi who will want one of those. Boys certainly like different things than girls...legos are already something he is fascinated with!

 

[Charleston Princess]

DS5 requesting a fountain coin: . He struck quite the pose!

WCC sounds delicious. Can you believe we have never made it over to the WL for anything??? Sure would like one of those bottomless milkshakes right now! Or a dipped marshmallow! Or a toffee piece! (Can you tell it is time for a snack here at the house? )

Sounds like a lovely night at DHS!

 

[jenjolt]

Another fantabulous update! WCC sounds like a crazy fun place to eat dinner! Food and fun all wrapped into one!!!!

DHS at night is so pretty!! Well all the parks are, but DHS is just so cool at night!!! TOT at night is one of my faves! Don't know if I have ever been back to see the Pixar area at night so I will have to do that!!!!

YAY for great evening had by all!

 

[Happydog]

Yesterday, he made nachos. Today, he can have tacos.
Tomorrow, when he is tired of Mexican, we can throw on some sauce and make spaghetti. (I don't put much seasoning on the meat, so when it turns into spaghetti sauce, it doesn't taste like tacos any more.)

Oh I do the same thing with taco meat!!! Spaghetti sauce -- perfect! We also make quesadillas with meat in them for the kids. It gets used up!

Church camp. I run the kitchen.


Well, I do take pictures of doorknobs and bathroom tiles and soap, so I didn't know.

Wow! Church camp cook! Impressive! That is probably a big group to cook for!

I know you take photos of all sorts of things I was just so proud of myself!!!

Yeah, start at the top, and then maybe he'll bargain for less, but you will at least get something.

The regular chocolate chip cookies are good, too.
I am just partial to the white chocolate macadamia nut goodies.
You really can't go wrong in that place.

No, you CANNOT go wrong with the cookies at the Writer's Stop. HOWEVER my favorite all time cookies are the "selma's" at Goofy's.... The peanut butter cookies are the BEST!!!!

 

[Happydog]

I think DHS looks so pretty at night. I need some night time there next year. I love the swords... I am sure I have a little Jedi who will want one of those. Boys certainly like different things than girls...legos are already something he is fascinated with!

Oh that is coming I am sure! They really are festive -- different from light sabers. That is why they liked them I guess.

DHS is really pretty at night. Very L.A.... which obviously is on purpose!!! I think the whole "Marvel" comic idea is going to do well at DHS -- already the Streets of America have that "comic book character" feel IMO.

The lighting and the theming really make it feel so Hollywood!

DS5 requesting a fountain coin: . He struck quite the pose!

WCC sounds delicious. Can you believe we have never made it over to the WL for anything??? Sure would like one of those bottomless milkshakes right now! Or a dipped marshmallow! Or a toffee piece! (Can you tell it is time for a snack here at the house? )

Sounds like a lovely night at DHS!

I know -- what a turkey he is.

WCC is really good! If anyone in your family liked BBQ it would be a good place to go some time. The milkshakes are awesome. And yeah, clearly you are ready to get to Disney for serious snacking!!!!!

DHS is so cool at night!!

Another fantabulous update! WCC sounds like a crazy fun place to eat dinner! Food and fun all wrapped into one!!!!

DHS at night is so pretty!! Well all the parks are, but DHS is just so cool at night!!! TOT at night is one of my faves! Don't know if I have ever been back to see the Pixar area at night so I will have to do that!!!!

YAY for great evening had by all!

I really enjoy dinner at WCC -- it hasn't disappointed yet.

DHS IS really pretty, I agree -- the theming is very neat. I love it at night, too, but NOT TOT! I have only been on that once a LONG time ago, and I don't see myself going on it again any time soon.... not sure about that one!!!

Pixar area is very charming at night -- the lighting is really nice in there.

It was a great evening, that park reminds me of summer, for some reason... maybe the whole LA theme....

 

[MagicShell]

I have been following your report. Your boys are cute. We ate at WCC last October for the first time and really enjoyed it. I love all the pictures of the BLT, the views from the top are amazing.

 

[Happydog]

SO, like an Um-dumb I forgot to add this to my last post, so I edited it, and posted it here... I will get the hang of this I am sure!


DAY THREE RECAP!

DAY THREE - Disney Hollywood Studios Morning and DHS Evening

1. We took our time heading to DHS, enjoyed a few rides, grabbed a few FPs, and had lunch!

2. Lunch was OOP with our TIW card at Sci-Fi Dine in... we actually used two TS meals from the DDP fo the kids since they had an "extra".

3. Dinner was the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge for a DDP TS dinner for all of us.

4. We headed back to DHS for an evening of fun but it was a relatively early night for us. We grabbed treats, had fun on TSM, and enjoyed the evening atmosphere is old HOLLYWOOD!

HIGHLIGHT: Trying Sci-Fi Dine-in! Spending some fun time that evening at DHS -- so pretty at night!

CHALLENGE: Not doing as much at the park as we would have liked, the heat and crowds really got to us this day.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Great update. I really like the idea of spending time at DHS when it's dark out. It really is quite pretty with all the lights. I think I might have to remember that in September.

I want to go to WCC so badly! I'm just worried it's one of those places we wouldn't get the biggest bang for our buck.

 

[Happydog]

Day four was our first park day in Epcot! I love the entrance music, I love walking past the fountain and the big COTTON BALL, as my DS5 named it, and there is something about the entrance to this park that is so unique! We really like it here, and we were excited to get there in the morning so we could get our rides in!

This morning started the same as the morning before, and we were on our way to Epcot, about 8:45am. Once in the gates, we split and DS5 and I headed to get Soarin’ FPs and DH and DS8 went to Mission Space. We met at Mission Space and headed to Test Track. The wait was posted 30 minutes. But that wait was really long. I am not sure why it took so long, and usually we don’t wait in line, but this time we went ahead and did it and that was a BAD move. It took easily 40 minutes. They didn't have a very good flow for the FP and regular line. Anyhow, we took a few photos to keep us occupied…

Look! A not so hidden Mickey! Well, he was kinda hidden... LOL!

Once we made it through, the kids checked out the cars, as always!, and then we made our way to the car wash!

Here is one big bug I have to scrape off the grill of my car...

DH ran to get another set of FPs for Soarin’, and the boys and I headed towards the World Showcase, we then met in Mexico where we bought quick service meals for all of us. Though the San Angel’s Inn Cantina is closed for refurbishment, they do have a “QS” stand – and the food is better than what they had at the Cantina. They don’t have kids meals, so the boys each had a nice full sized cheese quesadilla with black beans and rice. Fortunately for us, this is one of their favorite meals! So we all had a nice lunch. They do not have tables right now, you have to eat at the “standing” tables around the park, but up on the area outside the Mexico pavilion there are tables in the shade and you can sit on the low wall around the pavilion building. So that worked out well!

With lunch, an important necessity taken care of, and of course Churros in hand, we meandered past the Mariachi band, and headed to Maelstrom…

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Mom, we don't want to watch the movie!!!

We escaped, and took our photo in front of the waterfall...

A funny moment was when DS8 looked up by the waterfall and saw the boat. He was shocked, he said what are those boats doing there??

And I had to remind him that the boats were the boats that he has been on and seen in this exact spot all these visits... here was his sheepish realization…

He called this his big “DUH” moment on our trip!!!

We then made it to Soarin', and decided to call it a mornin'. ( I didn't intend for that to rhyme. Just seeing if you are paying attention ) So we returned out of the park, and make our way back to the pool at the resort. We had dinner in Italy that evening, so we had plans to do a KP mission, as well as use our second FPs for Soarin’, and enjoy a few more attractions that evening… Here are a few shots of my favorite fountains in Epcot.

Bella Italia COMING UP!!! Dinner at Tutto’s and pixie dusted walkways…