The Tale of the Grow Walk .Hunh?

[jenseib]

I think the Canadian Pavillion is one of the prettiest of them all. The flowers are gorgeous and love the water trickling down the rocks.

Great pics of the topiaries. I remember seeing P&H last year. And I can't wait to see all of them again in May.

And I'm with Claire...I am a popcorn addict...especially Disney popcorn.

It was so pretty. Not sure why I never ventured back there before.
I wish I was going in May...and all the other months of the year too. I don't know when my next trip there will be, but I know it's not soon enough.
When we go to the movies we get the large popcorn that can be refilled and we almost always refill it as Claire eats a TON of it.....Ok I eat quite a bit myself too.

Wow, I can only imagine what the crowds were like at the MK if they had closed the park due to capacity. You probably wouldn't want to be in the park anyway.

That's true. I can only imagine how bad it was.

It's too bad that Claire changed her mind about Beaches & Cream. I would have loved to see more pictures inside the restaurant. We had an ADR booked there last trip but ended up cancelling it. It's on next trip's calendar though.

I do love the icecream and I kind of hoped to get something different this time...onion rings, burger...something. But nope and we should've tried as later we were hungry and everything was packed.

The "grow walkers" are something that we've encountered many many times. I can't stand them as I am a fast walker and grow walkers slow me the heck down.

So, how far back did you go in the Canada pavilion? I've only gone as far as the stores.

I hate grow walkers. I like to walk fairly fast too. I know others are faster than me, but I hate to shuffle along, especially when I am going somewhere.
I think almost all the way back. We walked around the water feature and took pictures, but not all the way to the movie area.

I don't know what gives but this whole year seems to be busy as hell!!!

It has. It really is crazy. Even the slow times are extremely busy.

Ahhhh, we finally find out the meaning of the title!!! I was soooo wrong. I guessed that it had something to do with your shoes...the GoWalks

I did get a blister from my grow walks....I mean go walks. But if I had put mole skin on right away I could've saved myself. I know it's the way I walk and I get them all the time. At least the rest of the foot was comfy.

Okay, what the HELL is that guy wearing on his head???

LOL! I had not noticed that before. I "think" he is Frozone? It kind of looks like that from the back at least.
I am going to try and push forward on this so I can get to the cruise part. I know you are waiting and it's now been 7 - 8 months since I have been on it.

 

[jenseib]

As we walked towards the front we saw this very cute topiary display that we had missed on our first day here. And today they had a photopass photographer there to take pictures. I told Claire we were stopping and she said she did not want her picture taken….and I told her if she didn’t then we weren’t riding spaceship earth!
We got in line…..











When it was our turn I told the photographer that I had a resistor with me. He was super nice and tried to make Claire smile….she really was fighting it though.









I tried to call out to her encouraging words but it wasn’t working.



After that Claire mentioned that we had not been to Club Cool yet. I have known about this place for years but we never ventured in till our last trip and Claire loved trying all the different drinks. Since we were thirsty and the day had gone from cool to kind of hot, this was a good time to stop in.







Somebody next to use was telling her child to try different ones and I helped with the encouragement….and said “try the Beverly!” I winked at the mom and she laughed and of course the kid found it disgusting. Then the mom tried it just to see and started gagging. It’s not my favorite, but I don’t think it is so bad as you need to gag. LOL! I can tolerate it at least.



Claire found a few she liked and she took several samples of them.



Since we were doing slower things and not in any rush, I decided to take Claire on something she has never been on and something that has been years since I have done…..
We headed in that direction next.



But we made a quick stop so Claire could run through the mist.





Let’s move on.



And then we approached Epcot’s most exciting ride EVER!!!



Ok, I might have just lied a little bit there.

Claire has never been on Ellen and it has been many many years for me and it is a good spot to cool off (take a nap) and rest on a crowded day.





We did have to wait a little bit before we were let inside.

Claire is so excited….OK, she was hamming it up a bit.



Finally we were let in and we found a spot.



It wasn’t busy at all. It started and soon most of the story came back to me.
We went to the tram and I swear I remembered more parts in the dinosaur section. That part was much shorter than I remembered. All in all it was pretty boring and neither of us was impressed with it at all. But it was something Claire had never done and we were not fighting crowds and we had a good rest off our feet. I have to admit I was fighting sleep the whole time and was half tempted to lay across our bench seat as best I could and snooze.

 

[jenseib]

It was now time for Spaceship Earth.



Claire had it all planned out. Remember on our first ride a few days ago I wore my sunglasses and it gave me the look of no eyes in the picture? Claire was convinced she needed to have no eyes as well so we both put our sunglasses on for the picture this time.

We sat back and relaxed and I basically didn’t take many pictures this time around since I have so many of Spaceship Earth already.



A side note…I saw on facebook that someone had dressed up as this girl for Halloween. LOL!!!!

Time for our Future!



Once again I had no eyes….but it didn’t work for Claire and she was so disappointed.



The 2 of us up on the big screen.



Once we were done we decided it was time to find something to eat and maybe then leave and head back to the hotel.



We found another photopass photographer and decided to stop.



The sun was starting to go down and the temps were dropping so our jackets were back on.











I always love how the park looks during flower and garden.



I think we went this way to make a potty stop. I also think once we got around Norway we stopped and called Skip. He was flying down the next day and I had to make sure he knew what he was doing. And of course he asks? How do I get to the airport? Um ask your mom or one of your brothers? He was flying from Toledo airport, which is literally 10 minutes from our home. It wasn’t like someone was going out of their way to take him. And I had told him before to make arrangements, but he said I never told him that.

Soon it was getting dark.





It was now crazy busy in the park and we stopped at a couple of restaurants that typically are not as busy and asked if they had any openings and none did. I was shocked and kind of kicking myself for not making an ADR this day…but then again I never expected to be in Epcot today either. We decided to keep moving and just get something to eat at the Beach Club.





Well Claire had an idea….let’s do pick a pearl….Ok, but this is out of your money….which was fine with her.



It was busy in there but we paid and got our number and watched and waited.

Someone else’s pearl.



We got to talking to a Mom and her daughter and the daughter had done it something like 8 plus times this trip. She just loved doing it and was spending all of her spending money right here. I thought that was funny.

 

[jenseib]

Finally we were called and Claire picked her oyster.







They always do this with so much fanfare and I usually can’t understand a word they say. LOL.





We were hoping for a blue one, but no such luck. A girl a few people ahead of us got a gorgeous blue one and Claire was praying hers would be too. But in the end she was still happy.





I no longer remember the size, but I think it was 7 something.







Claire’s pearl is still in the bag. We have yet to get a necklace cage to put it in. Maybe I should buy one for Xmas for her?

After all that fun we headed out and spotted another photopass photographer.







We were now getting hungry so we headed out of Epcot over the BC to the Marketplace there to find some dinner.



While we browsed the selections I took a picture of the new mugs.



We ordered the flatbread pizza to share. Yes, it was our 2nd pizza of the day.



And I believe we shared the clam chowder as well.



After we finished our food we headed back to the car and made our way back to the Marriott once again.
We got ourselves ready for bed once again. I don’t remember, but there might have been a quick swim for Claire before calling it a night.
We only had 1 more day at Disney World and that was kind of sad, but our vacation wasn’t over yet….we still had much more fun in store.

 

[MEK]

Claire is so excited….OK, she was hamming it up a bit.

This is such a great picture! Too bad she couldn't must up that enthusiasm for the PP photographer.

Too funny that you got that mom and her kid to try the Beverly. And the mom gagged? Really? Did you feel even a little bit bad? I know I wouldn't.

I love the SE pictures with you both wearing sunglasses. They turned out great.

I have to agree that F&G is really cool. I love the flower beds they put in. Just amazing.

Beautiful nighttime pics.

I bet you were glad you parked at the BC.

Great afternoon in Epcot!

 

[jenseib]

This is such a great picture! Too bad she couldn't must up that enthusiasm for the PP photographer.

I know. I wish she would get fun like that more often so we could document it.

Too funny that you got that mom and her kid to try the Beverly. And the mom gagged? Really? Did you feel even a little bit bad? I know I wouldn't.

Not....one....bit....!

I love the SE pictures with you both wearing sunglasses. They turned out great.

We are pretty cool!

I have to agree that F&G is really cool. I love the flower beds they put in. Just amazing.

I do too. They do such a nice and colorful job.

Beautiful nighttime pics.

I bet you were glad you parked at the BC.

Great afternoon in Epcot!

I am glad we parked over there. It was such a crazy trip with crowds. I have vowed to never do that again....but I am sure the memory will fade eventually and I will be dumb enough to go again during that time.

 

[dizneeat]

Great updates, Jen!
I have been reading along, but did not have time to comment. Sorry.

I just love all your F&G pics - cannot wait to see it all for myself in March (at Easter!!)
There are some REALLY cute pics of you and Claire!

 

[jenseib]

Great updates, Jen!
I have been reading along, but did not have time to comment. Sorry.

I just love all your F&G pics - cannot wait to see it all for myself in March (at Easter!!)
There are some REALLY cute pics of you and Claire!

I totally understand. I am constantly behind here on my my subscriptions too and some days I just read and don't respond.
Claire's spring break is over Easter, but I don't think we're going down then this year. If we do I will be pulling for a cruise though!

 

[jenseib]

March 27, 2014, Day 7, Thursday

Today was our last park day. Skip was flying in later today into Sanford so we were going to have to pick up him as well. That meant less time in the parks than we would like, but it is what it is….and Claire was super excited to have her Daddy coming.

Today we were going to Animal Kingdom. I figured this would be a good day to go since we usually do not spend a whole day there anyways.

I got up and got ready and took some pictures again this morning. I finally walked out on the balcony off our room.

















Claire was going to have to move over to the pull out sofa bed tonight….she felt that her Dad should sleep there since he hadn’t been with us all week, but I told her he probably wouldn’t agree.



This was our closet….I had some shirts in there drip drying.



Microwave in the kitchenette.



I think this was the fridge….and I must’ve ironed something.











I believe this is the dishwasher in the main kitchen area.



We used this quite a bit.



Once ready we headed out. I think Mom and dad were going to my Aunts house today. She has a place in Florida about an hour or 2 away and my dad likes to visit them when they go to Florida. My aunt and uncle only spend winters in Florida and they actually live only ½ mile from my parents’ house.

We saw this gator outside and we took a picture for Skip. We have 2 of these are our farm and it always feels like home when we see one somewhere else.



Next stop… Animal Kingdom.



Doesn’t look like the crowds have lessened….does it?

 

[jenseib]

As we entered AK, we found a photopass photographer outside and stopped for a few.



She was new and didn’t know anything about magic shots.



We found another one that did and she took a magic shot for us.



We asked about the box with Stitch coming out of it. She knew what we were talking about but unfortunately she didn’t have the box to do it.

So we headed inside. EXCEPT…..my band once again did not scan. It said I had no park days left. UGH! A manager was called over and I told her today was our last day, she asked how many times we have been to MK…I had to think about it…and then told her..and she said ok. The reason she asked is because the band had a record of everywhere we went and she was making sure it was mine and not someone else’s. She reset the band again…I believe this was reset number 3 now. And we were let in.



And found another photopass photographer.





Not sure why Claire always looks in a different direction, but she is famous for doing that.





She was a little perkier with the magic shot.



Except here where she has creepy eyes.



With those shots done we went on our way.







We had a fastpass for the safari…and that off in the distance….is the fastpass line….YES the FP line was CRAZY LONG!



HOLY ****AKI MUSHROOMS!
I think I posted on facebook something on the lines of…..I hate fastpass plus …..at that moment.

We still had some time before our window opened so we decided to hit the Pangani trail for a bit to waste some time.



We didn’t go too far in and I started worrying about how long the line would take us just to get to the scanning post. We had things timed for the day somewhat and if we ran too late it wouldn’t all work out…well it probably would, but I panicked. So we headed back and got in line.



And believe it or not, it went very fast and we actually got to the post about 5 minutes before the open window…we scanned and got the green light and were good to go. Once we got inside it was clear sailing and next to no wait at all. The reason for the backed up line outside…..people don’t know how to scan and people were arriving way too early. That was stopping people up at the scanning post. Those who were too early weren’t going to move till their time opened up….even if it was 10 – 15 minutes later. LOL. And then many people just had issues with it scanning, laying it wrong on the scanner or the wrong side, etc. I am not saying I am perfect either…I was there 5 minutes early…but once you start scanning….like to get in the park….you kind of get the jest of it….that is if your band actually shows you have tickets.

Soon we were ready to board our truck.



We settled in with our driver.



And I tried for an artsy shot.



Or 2.

 

[MEK]

That's cool. I like that!

Your accommodations were really lovely. The scenery is great and the room looks well appointed.

Ugh to all the MB woes you were having. That is just crazy!

That line for the safari is always so stupid. It looks so intimidating, but it does move which is a darn good thing.

Looking forward to your safari shots.

 

[dizneeat]

I totally understand. I am constantly behind here on my my subscriptions too and some days I just read and don't respond.
Claire's spring break is over Easter, but I don't think we're going down then this year. If we do I will be pulling for a cruise though!

IF you are considering cruising ........ may I suggest the March 29 Western Caribbean on the Wonder? You might find yourself invited to a birthday party?

Okay,now going back to read your update.

 

[dizneeat]

Your room looks pretty nice and I love Claire's logic on where Daddy has to sleep if he does not come along right away.

You really had a lot of issues with your Magic Band. We never had any trouble with ours, apart from the fact that I got mixed up which colour we had selected for which part of our trip.

To be honest, looking at that line I would have panicked a bit too, especially since you only had limited time, but it was nice to read that it was smooth sailing once you had made it past the scanning post!

 

[Beth D]

Great updates. Everytime i read your posts I learn something new. I really do want to get back to the other Dis parks, but to be honest going to parks is pretty low on my list. I usually just want to veg by the pool!

 

[canyoncam]

Can't believe how it seems if a person has one problem with the Magic Bands it turns out they have several problems. Sorry it was that way with you.

Looking forward to the rest of your Animal Kingdom day and of course the cruise part of your trip.

 

[jenseib]

That's cool. I like that!

Your accommodations were really lovely. The scenery is great and the room looks well appointed.

Ugh to all the MB woes you were having. That is just crazy!

That line for the safari is always so stupid. It looks so intimidating, but it does move which is a darn good thing.

Looking forward to your safari shots.

thanks!
The MB's did not like me!
The line was crazy. Hopefully over time things will run smoother once people get used to the bands.

IF you are considering cruising ........ may I suggest the March 29 Western Caribbean on the Wonder? You might find yourself invited to a birthday party?

Okay,now going back to read your update.

I will keep that in mind!!!!

Your room looks pretty nice and I love Claire's logic on where Daddy has to sleep if he does not come along right away.

You really had a lot of issues with your Magic Band. We never had any trouble with ours, apart from the fact that I got mixed up which colour we had selected for which part of our trip.

To be honest, looking at that line I would have panicked a bit too, especially since you only had limited time, but it was nice to read that it was smooth sailing once you had made it past the scanning post!

I probably would've went with the same logic as Claire!
I had lots of issues with the MB. I was not a fan!
In reality I probably had plenty of time, but I got worried and in panic mode.

Great updates. Everytime i read your posts I learn something new. I really do want to get back to the other Dis parks, but to be honest going to parks is pretty low on my list. I usually just want to veg by the pool!

I am the total opposite. I never seem to have enough time for pool time for Claire. I am not a fan of just sitting there. LOL. My mind races on what I could be doing at the parks.

Can't believe how it seems if a person has one problem with the Magic Bands it turns out they have several problems. Sorry it was that way with you.

Looking forward to the rest of your Animal Kingdom day and of course the cruise part of your trip.

That is so true. Same with MDE, if you have one problem you tend to have lots of issues with it.

 

[jenseib]

I had wanted to update today, but it was a Gracie day and she was not keen on the thought of letting me doing anything today. I will try to get something up tomorrow. I hate that I can't post as often as I can, but it is what it is.

 

[jenseib]

Time for a Safari!





It was very busy out there today and many times we had to stop as there were traffic jams.























I think this is a truck from the safari trek?




I have always wanted to take a picture like this and it just worked out that I saw Claire in the mirror….and she saw me aiming at it and posed.

 

[jenseib]

We had a little nosey visitor come our way.







And here’s the shot everyone wants….and elephant going poo!









This guy was flapping his ears…..so cute.















The cheetahs were way in back and I tried to zoom in on them.



What??? No lions?



Aha! There’s one.

 

[jenseib]

Continuing our Safari.













Trying for another one of those mirrored shots….didn’t quite work out this time.



And then we were done. It was a nice ride. We made our way out and hit the restrooms and then found some entertainment as well.





And we were hungry, so we made our way to get lunch.





We both like Pizzafari and I know it is a place that Claire will eat at without grumbles so that was our choice today.



If you are keeping track…that’s Claire’s 3rd pizza meal in a row. Claire’s came with a salad and mine chips if I remember right and we traded.



I was wise and got myself a sandwich though. I swear these are smaller than they used to be.







With lunch done, we headed back out into the crowds.





And we saw a dance party going on….I have never seen this before at AK, so we stopped briefly and took some pictures.