The Pursuit of Disney Magic (June 7-14, 2008) ~ UPDATED 9/30 pg. 191

[MegansMom]

C'mon down and let's go to Food and Wine together!

My room is nowhere near ready since I had to pack everything away so that they could paint during the summer. I am not even going to think about it until after the faculty meeting on Friday (students don't arrive until next Thursday so I should have time). I am just going to enjoy these last few days.

Glad I could provide ideas! I need to go back because I already have seen several on other TRs that I want to try!

The shock isn't good.

Can I, can I please, can I??!??!?!?!?!?!?!? That would be TOO much fun Jackie!!! What a nice dream to have!

Bummer about your room---I wish I could hop down and help you out with that too!! Good luck--can you enlist the Chelsea and Connor to help out? The summer I was preggos with Megs, they had to pack up and move everything out of my room for some work they were doing to the building, so in August, I had to move everything back in. Thankfully the janitorial staff and the boys' basketball coach took pity on my preggo state, and I had a working crew of the boys' basketball team and all the wonderful janitors at our school to move things back in. I drew a diagram to show them where I wanted things, and got to sit at my desk and tell the boys where to put everything. It was pretty FABULOUS!!! Too bad I only got to use that room for two weeks before I was put on bedrest!!!!! Oh well!

Enjoy one of your last days---Jen (BTW, I updated today in case you were wondering!!!)

 

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks Jackie,

I thought I missed it in your TR, sounds like you all had a great time. I would like to try a WP when Emma is alittle older.
Keep us posted if you go in October, what is your ADR for??

We did, and I highly recommend Typhoon Lagoon -- we had so much fun there! I would definitely wait until Emma is a little older and a little taller.

Our one little ADR is for Rose and Crown -- I wanted to grab it "just in case."

Yum! Those drinks sounds delicious!

Chelsea's blue lips are funny!

They were quite tasty!

Is the October trip a definite yet?

I wish I could say yes, but it isn't. Not to mention that I have a tooth twinge, so there may not be an October trip if I have to get expensive dental work done . I hate when the real world intrudes on my Disney planning.

Can I, can I please, can I??!??!?!?!?!?!?!? That would be TOO much fun Jackie!!! What a nice dream to have!

Bummer about your room---I wish I could hop down and help you out with that too!! Good luck--can you enlist the Chelsea and Connor to help out? The summer I was preggos with Megs, they had to pack up and move everything out of my room for some work they were doing to the building, so in August, I had to move everything back in. Thankfully the janitorial staff and the boys' basketball coach took pity on my preggo state, and I had a working crew of the boys' basketball team and all the wonderful janitors at our school to move things back in. I drew a diagram to show them where I wanted things, and got to sit at my desk and tell the boys where to put everything. It was pretty FABULOUS!!! Too bad I only got to use that room for two weeks before I was put on bedrest!!!!! Oh well!

Enjoy one of your last days---Jen (BTW, I updated today in case you were wondering!!!)

Wouldn't that be fun? Tom does have all of that vacation time to use up (I think I read that on Lesley's TR).

How nice that you had such willing helpers!

I went and read your update as soon as I read this -- you had such a great morning at DHS (except for the pizza fiasco)!

 

[LISAMWDW]

Chelsa's blue teeth & lips are so funny!

Great update!

 

[Sarilas]

Jackie, I'm actually glad to read your review of Restaurant Marakesh! It's the ONE place DH wanted to go in January, and I talked him into trying the CS place instead... you just saved me listening to four kids worth of moaning and whining!

 

[stagemomx3]

I know this is hard to believe, but I've never had more than a few drinks while touring the World Showcase.

A few in each country?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Chelsa's blue teeth & lips are so funny!

Great update!

Thank you!

Jackie, I'm actually glad to read your review of Restaurant Marakesh! It's the ONE place DH wanted to go in January, and I talked him into trying the CS place instead... you just saved me listening to four kids worth of moaning and whining!

I am so glad that I could help out -- I think DH will enjoy the CS better, and the kids will definitely have more choices.

A few in each country?

That's what I was thinking.

Actually, we know that Jordan likes to save his drinking for late at night so he can make interesting new friends.

 

[stagemomx3]

That's what I was thinking.

Actually, we know that Jordan likes to save his drinking for late at night so he can make interesting new friends.

True.

 

[MeMom]

Sorry for missing my regular update day -- I think I am beginning to drag my feet, because I know that I am almost finished with this TR. With no definite trip yet (although I did make a teensy tiny little ADR for October should we decide to head back), I don't want this trip to end.


We stopped in Japan to listen to the drummers. When Chelsea was nine months old and took her first trip to WDW, she loved the Japanese drummers. I can vividly recall her dancing away in her stroller.

We checked the time for the American Adventure's next show (3:45) and went to Italy. I love all the Venetian glass! Next time I think I will buy some!

Don't you love Chelsea's blue lips?

Germany -- stopping to buy a pickle ornament for our tree after a CM told us about them. It is a tradition to hide the ornament somewhere on the Christmas tree, and then on Christmas Eve everyone hunts for it. The person who finds it gets a special gift. At the words "special gift" my children were all about getting a pickle for the tree.

At 3:45 we saw the American Adventure show. We had never seen it and really liked it. I thought it was a very truthful and touching portrait of America and the montage sequence made me cry --

Very cute pictures of the blue-lipped girl! That definitely reminds me of all of my school kids. No matter what we have - popsicles or suckers or drinks or whatever - they scramble to get the blue ones. They love showing off those blue tongues afterward!

I know that's a sweet memory of her dancing to the drummers as a baby.

Don't tell your kids just yet, as they may not want to hear this (I didn't), but after doing research on the German pickle ornament for school, I found that very few Germans did the pickle thing or are even familiar with it, and that it was really just something that was done in some remote portion of the land, partly not even Germany. I had heard this story for many years, so I was disappointed to read that it was not a big well-known thing like I'd believed. I still talk about it when we do our Winter Holidays Around the World stuff in December, but I do now add that it was a custom in a small region in and near Germany. It seems that Americans have made this supposed German tradition much bigger than it ever was over there. It might be something you can let the kids research, if you want. Widespread or not, I still think it's a fun idea, and I do include it in my lessons.

Oh, and yes, I do have a German pickle ornament from Germany Epcot, naturally!!!

Okay, end of the 'that's the teacher in me' portion of the post. School has not officially started back yet. Thank heavens!

I wanted to see American Adventure on the Fourth of July, thinking it would be especially moving on that day, but never got to it. I regret that. I'll just have to be sure to make another Fourth visit again in the future, I guess.

I hope it works out for you to go in October. A little thing (money) is keeping me from booking an October trip right now, but I would love, love, LOVE to go!

 

[Native NYer]

Is today update day?

 

[stagemomx3]

Don't tell your kids just yet, as they may not want to hear this (I didn't), but after doing research on the German pickle ornament for school, I found that very few Germans did the pickle thing or are even familiar with it, and that it was really just something that was done in some remote portion of the land, partly not even Germany.

Being of German decent and never having heard of the pickle ornament thing, this makes me feel better.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Very cute pictures of the blue-lipped girl! That definitely reminds me of all of my school kids. No matter what we have - popsicles or suckers or drinks or whatever - they scramble to get the blue ones. They love showing off those blue tongues afterward!

I think her brother was a little jealous that she got blue lips and his were only boring red.

I know that's a sweet memory of her dancing to the drummers as a baby.

It is -- one of my favorite Disney memories of my girl.

Don't tell your kids just yet, as they may not want to hear this (I didn't), but after doing research on the German pickle ornament for school, I found that very few Germans did the pickle thing or are even familiar with it, and that it was really just something that was done in some remote portion of the land, partly not even Germany. I had heard this story for many years, so I was disappointed to read that it was not a big well-known thing like I'd believed. I still talk about it when we do our Winter Holidays Around the World stuff in December, but I do now add that it was a custom in a small region in and near Germany. It seems that Americans have made this supposed German tradition much bigger than it ever was over there. It might be something you can let the kids research, if you want. Widespread or not, I still think it's a fun idea, and I do include it in my lessons.

Oh, and yes, I do have a German pickle ornament from Germany Epcot, naturally!!!

Okay, end of the 'that's the teacher in me' portion of the post. School has not officially started back yet. Thank heavens!

That is interesting -- thanks for sharing -- I think I will have my two research that and find it out on their own. I don't think they will be too upset as long as the "special gift" still happens.

I wanted to see American Adventure on the Fourth of July, thinking it would be especially moving on that day, but never got to it. I regret that. I'll just have to be sure to make another Fourth visit again in the future, I guess.

Sounds like a good reason to head back -- but then any reason is a good reason to head back, right?

I hope it works out for you to go in October. A little thing (money) is keeping me from booking an October trip right now, but I would love, love, LOVE to go!

I hope we get to head back, also, since the next time would be next June. That seems like a really long time to wait.

You will have so much fun going at Thanksgiving!!!

Is today update day?

Should be if I can get my act together -- it may be this evening after the kids go to bed, and I can think straight.

Being of German decent and never having heard of the pickle ornament thing, this makes me feel better.

I had never heard of it either, but I am not of German descent so I figured that was why.

 

[timandlesley]

Great update, loved how you got to see lots of the things in world showcase that we haven't had the chance to experience yet. Now that we own DVC we will be able to visit so many times we'll get to check all of that out .
Loved the blue lips, and I personally loved the "artistic" picture in Italy, it is so pretty there! Sorry your trip is coming to an end, I hate that too!!!
Lesley

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Can't wait for the next update.

 

[micandminforever]

Your trip report has made good summer reading as I have dreamed about Disney World, as I touring the World with your family.

I have decided I need a henna tattoo, the next time I visit EPCOT.

Sending good thoughts your way Friday as you start your next adventure in the World of Middle School.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I haven't forgotten about updating, I promise, but as I gear up for going back on Friday, things have gotten a little crazy around here with errands, haircuts, and back-to-school shopping. I am hoping to update tonight!

Great update, loved how you got to see lots of the things in world showcase that we haven't had the chance to experience yet. Now that we own DVC we will be able to visit so many times we'll get to check all of that out .
Loved the blue lips, and I personally loved the "artistic" picture in Italy, it is so pretty there! Sorry your trip is coming to an end, I hate that too!!!
Lesley

Thanks! That was the longest we have ever spent in World Showcase and really enjoyed taking our time and exploring. You are going to have so much fun as DVC owners! I can't wait to see all your pictures and hear all about Kidani!!!

I'll miss writing about this trip, but I guess that means I can really start planning next summer's trip, right?

Can't wait for the next update.

Hopefully tonight if I don't fall asleep -- shopping with a middle schooler is almost as exhausting as teaching them!

Your trip report has made good summer reading as I have dreamed about Disney World, as I touring the World with your family.

I have decided I need a henna tattoo, the next time I visit EPCOT.

Sending good thoughts your way Friday as you start your next adventure in the World of Middle School.

Ahhh, thank you so much! I have had such a great time sharing our trip with you!

The henna tattoo was one of my favorite things that we did at WDW! I think it may have to become a yearly tradition!

Thank you for the good thoughts for Friday! I am looking forward to seeing all my students next Thursday for the first day of school but can't say that I am really looking to sitting in the faculty meeting Friday morning (as you know, they don't tend to be the most exciting things)!

 

[Native NYer]

I haven't forgotten about updating, I promise, but as I gear up for going back on Friday, things have gotten a little crazy around here with errands, haircuts, and back-to-school shopping. I am hoping to update tonight!

Back to school on Friday?!?!?!?

 

[dddisrunner]

I am coming out of lurkdom to tell you how much I have enjoyed your report!! You have a beautiful family I think your son is about the cutest little thing in the world! I LOVE the picture of him with the beret on! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Back to school on Friday?!?!?!?

Yep! Can you believe it! Breakfast and faculty meeting at 8:00 sharp!

I am coming out of lurkdom to tell you how much I have enjoyed your report!! You have a beautiful family I think your son is about the cutest little thing in the world! I LOVE the picture of him with the beret on! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you have enjoyed it, and thanks for all the compliments about our family! Connor is our little showman and entertainer -- he gets it from his sister, I think!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I haven't forgotten about updating, I promise, but as I gear up for going back on Friday, things have gotten a little crazy around here with errands, haircuts, and back-to-school shopping. I am hoping to update tonight!

No worries. Take your time. I don't want it to end, anyway!

I'll miss writing about this trip, but I guess that means I can really start planning next summer's trip, right?

Don't you mean your October trip??

 

[Charleston Princess]

and Make a Shocking Discovery!

It was finally time for our Teppan Edo reservation! Out of all of our ADRs this was one of the ones most looked forward to by Charles and the kids. I wasn't too excited since we have a Japanese restaurant here in town where they cook at the tables, and I figured Teppan Edo would be about the same!

All I can do now is laugh, because this is Disney after all, and Disney does things that much better than anyone else!

The ONLY downside to Teppan Edo is the walk up the steep stairs to reach it. After six hours of playing and walking around World Showcase we felt each and every step as we climbed. It was probably pretty funny to hear us all groaning (even the kids were feeling it).

We checked in, peeked in Tokyo Dining (beautiful decor), and were seated very quickly. Teppan Edo is gorgeously decorated in reds and blacks, and our hostess was wearing the traditional kimono. We shared a table with another family of four who had two younger children.

I looked longingly at the drinks menu, but decided not to try the Tokyo Sunset (I figured it would be sunset for me if I did and wanted to spare Charles hauling my limp body to the bus stop). Our waitress handed out chopsticks -- and then we giggled when Charles acted like he knew how to use them only to be corrected by the waitress. She then gave us a short lesson in how to use them properly. Not being the least bit coordinated, I opted for a fork.

Here we all are practicing:

We placed our orders next. Charles ordered the steak and chicken; I ordered the shrimp; Chelsea ordered the steak and shrimp; and Connor ordered the chicken (at least it was the Teppan version this time).

Our chef was hysterical. Chelsea sat on the end, and he had the best time with her. During the cooking of the meal he managed to serve her a plate of shrimp tails, sprinkled cooking salt on her plate (which he then switched her plate with Charles's), and had us all laughing the entire time.

Then, suddenly a huge tray of mushrooms materialized. I looked at Charles, Charles looked at me, and before I could even begin to think, Charles leaned over to our chef and explained that he didn't want any mushrooms with his meat. The chef moved Charles's steak and chicken over to cook all by their lonesome by the side. Whew! Crisis averted!

Dinner was delicious, and we finished up with the chocolate ginger cake. Mmmmm!

Teppan Edo earned the coveted "Best Meal of the Trip" award, and a spot on our "Will Eat There Again Next Trip List" -- a list with only Boma and Tusker House currently on it. I won't even begin to try to come up with enough adjectives to describe how good everything tasted there. It was excellent!

Afterwards, we decided to try and last until Illuminations. We stopped and listened to Mo'Rockin' in Morocco, the British Invasion in Great Britain, and Off Kilter in Canada. They were all excellent -- especially Off Kilter. Everything you have read about them is true -- they really do put on a great show.

Here's Chelsea dancing to Mo'Rockin, and Connor with his sword:

We realized after Off Kilter that there was just no way we could last until Illuminations. Sigh. I was denied Illuminations again. I have never seen it. Next time! I hope!

However, it was probably a good thing that we didn't stay until Illuminations because we had quite a horrific discovery upon returning to our hotel room...

Our safety latch was flipped out and essentially our hotel room was open to anyone that wanted to come in!!! I was beside myself. Absolutely beside myself. We quickly checked everything -- we tend to put everything away in the mornings before we leave, so nothing was laying around -- and nothing seemed to be missing. I then headed down to the front desk to complain. I was still shaking when I talked to the manager. We have stayed on-site numerous times and nothing like this had ever happened. I am sure it was just a mistake on the part of mousekeeping, but STILL!!! Our hotel room -- completely open to anyone that wanted to come in!!! The manager was very apologetic and sent someone to read the lock to see who the last person in the room had been. I hope the mousekeeper didn't lose her job, but I sure hope she was reprimanded!

It was hard to regroup after that drama (the worst in our WDW history), but the kids wanted to go swimming at Riverside, and it was our last night there. We took the boat and headed to Ol' Man Island. We had fun, although I was sad that we would be leaving the next day. I just hate leaving Walt Disney World.

UP NEXT: In Which Our Intrepid Adventurers Head Back to the Real World!