The Tale of the Grow Walk .Hunh?

[KatMark]

I'm with you, Turtle Talk is not a every trip thing, but we do enjoy going in and hearing the kids questions.

Great pictures of all of the toparies, Jen. I just love that time of year at Disney.

 

[JKSWonder]

Needless to say, Claire was very happy we went to the meet and she thought they were both a lot of fun. See mother know best!

Don't you wish kids would just GET that already and just do what you are telling them?

epcot128 by jenseib, on Flickr

That Man in the Moon guy freaks me out! Always has.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I really enjoyed your photos from around the World Showcase. The topiaries really are amazing.

Corinna

 

[FancyNancy]

This past trip in January was the first trip that my DD would not sit on the floor During Turtle Talk with the kids either. 10 going on 15 I guess! Like you we decided its no longer a must do every trip.

 

[mickeystoontown]

It's been quite a few years since we've been to see Turtle Talk with Crush. It's a cool show but, we are like you, it's not something that we simply must see any more.

I love all of the topiaries too! As you know, our trips are after the Flower & Garden festival has ended but there are usually a few of the topiaries still up when we go. I so wish that we'd get to see the whole festival again.

 

[Woth2982]

All caught up.

Go Claire on her winning car. I am not all that impressed with the new Test Track, although the build a car thing does help pass the time.

Kids are funny in how they "need" something then never use it. I always try and save the leftovers for later....then never use them either lol.

The topiaries are really neat! I love the flower & garden festival. So clever what they can do! The Bears sand sculpture was pretty awesome too. I agree, no clue how they keep them up given all the rain in Florida.

I don't think I Have ever done Turtle Talk...Shocking I know! Kinda bummed Claire wouldn't get in Bruce's mouth. I remember a few of those photos over the years. Some day she will regret it.......if not you can use that as bait for the next trip lol.

 

[jenseib]

Nice pictures on your walk around the World Showcase. I love looking at other people's pictures at Disney - I get to see all kinds of things I haven't before. We've not been there when they've had the sand sculptures, for example. Love 'em!

I love seeing things I haven't done or seen before too. We tried to do a few newer things to us this year too. Some I kind of planned, but many we just did because it was so busy and they had less of a wait, or just something we stumbled into.

Great update and pictures as always. How fun meeting both Tiana and Naveen. Claire looks like she enjoyed it in the end. Your day at Epcot looks a lot like ours, with Nemo, Turtle Talk, and your walk around World Showcase. I have many pictures similar to yours of the topiarys and buildings.

Thanks! I do love seeing the topiaries. I think Christmas is my favorite time, but this time is 2nd with the decor.

I hear you on the bags of stuffies! Everytime we go anywhere that sells them my younger two beg for them. My DH always says they can just come home and go down to the basement and pick one from the bag for free!! And then we proceed to buy them one….

We have WAY too many. When my older daughter Paige saw that picture on facebook she asked why on earth I let her get it.

I love the F & G also. We used to be able to go at that time but then my oldest entered the upper grades and that went out the window.

I don't mind Claire missing school at this point, but all of a sudden Skip is against it. Not sure why as he doesn't help her with her make up work.

Anyway, I just booked a last minute trip to WDW for 8/27-8/31, adults only. It's for our 15th wedding anniv. and my DSIL's 25th anniv. They've been booked for awhile for 9 days and wanted us to go, but we said no cuz we just were in DL at the beginning of June. Well, I ended up finding cheap airfare and one thing led to another…. We are trying out Coronado Springs Resort and I booked our FP+, which went OK, but I did have a few glitches with 2 of the days it wouldn't let me book at Epcot, but would at MK. I did get it all worked out tho. I am a planner, but ITA, I don't care for booking FP so far in advance. Also, I really hope we don't have any glitches while on the trip!!

How fun...It looks like I will just miss you! I come in on the 22nd, but leaving on the 25th. At least it will give me a little fix.

Speaking of sitting on the floor at Crush, we were saying we are going to miss the kids while there (never been there w/o them before). Anyway, my DH said he would sit on the floor and Crush can call on the "young" man with the baseball cap.

I know, it doesn't take much to amuse us!

You sound like us. Skip can be quite dorky and entertaining. One night on the cruise, Claire decided to skip dinner to go to the kids club and we didn't know what to do with ourselves.

I'm with you, Turtle Talk is not a every trip thing, but we do enjoy going in and hearing the kids questions.

Great pictures of all of the toparies, Jen. I just love that time of year at Disney.

I love to hear the kids questions. It is always so hilarious.
This time of year is so pretty.

 

[jenseib]

Don't you wish kids would just GET that already and just do what you are telling them?



That Man in the Moon guy freaks me out! Always has.

She should know I know best.

Thats funny,....but he is kind of creepy.

I really enjoyed your photos from around the World Showcase. The topiaries really are amazing.

Corinna

Thanks!

This past trip in January was the first trip that my DD would not sit on the floor During Turtle Talk with the kids either. 10 going on 15 I guess! Like you we decided its no longer a must do every trip.

I figure if there is no chance of her being selected anymore I don't need to go and see it all the time now.

It's been quite a few years since we've been to see Turtle Talk with Crush. It's a cool show but, we are like you, it's not something that we simply must see any more.

I love all of the topiaries too! As you know, our trips are after the Flower & Garden festival has ended but there are usually a few of the topiaries still up when we go. I so wish that we'd get to see the whole festival again.

We have gone several times right before it started too and got to see a few of the early ones put up. I never take enough time to enjoy everything thing though.

All caught up.

Go Claire on her winning car. I am not all that impressed with the new Test Track, although the build a car thing does help pass the time.

Kids are funny in how they "need" something then never use it. I always try and save the leftovers for later....then never use them either lol.

The topiaries are really neat! I love the flower & garden festival. So clever what they can do! The Bears sand sculpture was pretty awesome too. I agree, no clue how they keep them up given all the rain in Florida.

I don't think I Have ever done Turtle Talk...Shocking I know! Kinda bummed Claire wouldn't get in Bruce's mouth. I remember a few of those photos over the years. Some day she will regret it.......if not you can use that as bait for the next trip lol.

I'm a saver too and we usually end up with a lot of crushed cookies or brownies at the end of the trip.
I will have to use that tactic. I am not sure if we'll get down there next year...or even the next year. It just depends on what kind of opportunity comes up. I am thinking DL next year....but then there is a chance we will cruise too...so who knows.

 

[jenseib]

On we went towards our lunch destination!

epcot183 by jenseib, on Flickr

epcot184 by jenseib, on Flickr

epcot185 by jenseib, on Flickr

epcot186 by jenseib, on Flickr

On our way to lunch at Via Napoli

epcot187 by jenseib, on Flickr

epcot188 by jenseib, on Flickr



As I walked up I saw that Mom and Dad were just ahead of us. I told them I would go inside and see about checking in as there was a huge line outside for a podium…..which I assumed was for walk ups.
Inside I asked a guy and he said no, I had to wait outside…I said even if I have a reservation and he said yes! UGH
So I walk to the end of the line and it’s about 180 degrees out and the sun is glaring and I am just sweating away. A lady comes down the line to take names and I asked her if I was supposed to be waiting in this line since I had a reservation and she said no, I was to go and check in inside. I informed her I tried to once and they made me come outside, but she told me to go back in.
I grabbed the family, who was sitting off to the side and told them we were going back in.



Amazingly the person I talked to this time took my info and told me to be seated. I let her know that the guy next to her had told me to wait outside. The guy just totally ignored me….jerk!



We didn’t have to wait too long and we were called to be seated.



We were seated on the far wall and Mom and I raced for the booth part and made Claire and Dad sit in the chairs across from us, which neither was too happy about. LOL



I used the excuse that I had a bag I had to sit next to me and my camera too.

We browsed the menu and I took a few shots.



We were trying to decide what size of a pizza to get. I was pretty sure the small one was pretty big, so the next size probably would work for us, but it listed it as only feeding like 2 people….or something like that, and Dad was worried we wouldn’t have enough. We asked our waiter and he assured us the size I picked out was pretty big.

I ordered the Arancini - fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella and meat ragu for an appetizer as I loved it so much last time.
I almost forgot to take a picture.



Mom had some and Claire tried it, but it wasn’t her thing.

Then our pizza came….and Dad had no reason to worry about the size.





And it was delicious!



I wish there was a place in my area that made pizza like this. I just LOVE their pizza.

Even though I was pretty full, I still had to order dessert…because I love these!!!!
Zeppole di Caterina - Ricotta cheese fritters, served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.





And in the process of trying to take pictures, I knocked over the chocolate sauce. Oops. I was like a big kid making a mess.

Dad also got dessert….It looks like a mousse in this picture, but I can’t find a description like that…perhaps it was just chocolate gelato.



I took a few pictures before it was time to leave too.











When the bill came, Mom told me to pay as she was short on cash now with the whole rental car disaster and didn’t want to short herself till the hold on her card was let go. She said she would pay me later…..and yeah…that never happened. LOL.

I think the bill came to around $100 for the 4 of us. I think both my parents had some alcohol with their meals as well, plus an appetizer and 2 desserts. This is one of my new favorite places, with this being my 2nd time there now. It’s one of those places I want to eat at now every time I come to Epcot.

 

[jenseib]

We headed back out in to the hot sun.



My parents aren’t super big on the parks and I think they were going to finish up with a few activities and head off to check in at the Marriott in a little bit.



Claire and I found a photopass photographer and got some shots. I am not sure I am going to order memory maker in the future though, as Claire complained about every time I made her stop.









Also the photopass photographers were not creative with poses like some have been in the past and I often asked about magic shots and many seemed put out to do them if they could do them at all in the first place.



On we went.







When we got to America we went in to check out if the show was about to start. They told us the time and the guy acted disgusted when so many people asked about it and kept handing out times guides and told everyone to look in there. Oops in my hurry this morning I never even picked one up.
It was going to be about 30 minutes before it started, but something else was starting…..a first for us, so we watched. I loved it, Claire was not so impressed.











I was sweating, so I can just imagine how hot these guys were.

 

[jenseib]

As you can tell I really liked taking pictures of this.








And then they marched away as they finished up.







We then were all invited to go inside as the American Adventure would be starting shortly and the Voices of Liberty were going to sing as well.



We have never seen either of those either.

In fact, I pretty sure this is the first time I have really stopped in America other than to use the bathrooms or look at topiaries…though I think a few years back we did stop to watch part of a show out in the ampatheatre.



We walked around inside a bit taking in the cool air, but Claire complained that it was boring. But honestly it was so packed at the park, that it was the perfect time to try new things



Soon the Voices of Liberty started to sing and they invited everyone to scooch in closer so we could all hear better.















They were very good, but not something we would make time for every trip…but I am glad I finally got to see and hear them.

We lined up to be let into the American Adventure next.









We have never seen this show, but I thought it might be something Claire might like with the animatronics.

 

[jenseib]

It wasn’t long and I was fighting sleep. The day before was catching up to me as was the heat…and this just didn’t have any action to keep me awake. My only saving grace was trying to get pictures.





















Of course this part is pretty cool.









It was over. I was glad to finally have seen it, but I have no need to go back again…unless I need to cool off and have a nap. Claire thought parts were neat, but overall not impressed.



Of course, I had promised Claire she could do something she wanted to do after we had our education…and she was more than ready to get started.



We had to wait our turn…and I think we also had to wait for phones to be brought in.





When it was our turn the girl asked for our ticket and I gave my wrist….after all, isn’t that what Magic Bands is all about? I mean they want EVERYTHING attached to it…..but not here…..you HAD to have an actual ticket to get a communicator. Luckily Claire had one…as I did not. I thought that was so odd as the majority of onsite guest would not have a ticket.
I have heard now this is somehow going to be something that will pull up on your smart phone. I am not sure if that has started yet or not.
We were able to select a country and we chose Japan. I didn’t want to do ones we had done a few years ago for sure and I had heard Japan was one of the better ones to do.
Claire…or as we now call her…Agent C….got her instructions and off we went.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I am SO excited to try Via Napoli in December!! Your pizza made me drool a little.

Too bad about the dumb and rude CM. I think I'm getting old and crotchety. I want to confront people that pull that crap. But I am trying hard to act nicely. Even if I may not be thinking so nicely!

 

[mickeystoontown]

We waited in the outside line at Via Napoli too because we were directed there by a castmember. Then, like when you were there, a castmember walked down the line asking if anybody had a reservation. They really need to put up some signage on how to check-in if you have a reservation and if you don't.

I agree with you 100% on how good Via Napoli is! John and I were telling his bro and sis-in-law about it Sunday night. The best pizza that I have ever eaten. Oh and those delicious balls of yumminess!

It's been a couple (probably more) years since we've seen the American Adventure and Voices of Liberty. I always feel sorry for the ladies having to wear those big bulky dresses. They do not look comfortable.

You took some really good pictures during the show! Mine never turn out but, then again, I don't have a fancy smancy camera either. Not that I'd know how to use if even if I had one

 

[JKSWonder]

I'm not getting memory maker for this trip. My kids also don't want to stop and I don't feel like spending my vacation making them do so. Also, last time, we had a hard time even finding a photographer and some seemed kind of put out when I asked them to take our picture. Like I was disturbing them. Only one or two spent anytime trying to pose the kids in a cute way or to do any magic shots.

Now, I'm worried about Agent P. We won't have tickets at all....just the magic bands.

 

[ddstratton]

Via Napoli looked delicious! Each time I read a review of this place, and see pictures of the pizzas -- I just drool. They really do look wonderful.

Nice pictures from American Adventure, too!

 

[littlenellbell]

Looks like you are having a great day at Epcot! We didn't have plans to visit during our short trip to WDW before our cruise, but looking at your pictures makes me want to figure out a way to squeeze it in.
The Pizza looks delicious! I'm cracking up at the picture of Claire's face next to the big pizza.
How nice you were able to see some things in the America pavilion that you haven't seen before. American Adventure can drag on a bit, especially when you are tired. I was surprised that Carson loved it so much on our last trip. He was on the edge of his seat, while Alexa was out cold about 5 minutes into it. I enjoyed it but it's not a must do for every trip.
Oh and the Figment Stuffy, that was also a priority for Alexa to buy on our last trip as well. Not sure what it is, but the kids love him!
Too bad you were having issues with FP+. We actually had a great experience and loved it. The problem seems that there is a 50/50 chance you are going to have issues. We were lucky and didn't have any, but you shouldn't have to go into your vacation with your fingers crossed hoping it works.

 

[KatMark]

One of these days we will get to Via Napoli. I had it booked for September but I ended up cancelling it. Your pizza looks amazing. But what was with the guy at the check-in desk inside?

Love the Fife & Drums! So glad you got to catch it.

I'm glad you finally got a chance to see Voices of Liberty and The American Adventure. Mark insists on stopping for VOL every trip which is fine by me. We usually do The American Adventure every other trip...we do enjoy it, but it's not something we have to do every trip.

 

[dolphingirl47]

That pizza looked huge. All the food looks delicious, but what a shame about the mess with the check in. Great that you got to experience some things for the first time.

Corinna

 

[KelleyK75]

The Via Napoli food looks awesome!! I haven't tried it yet but it's on my list. Great pictures in America.