The Tale of the Grow Walk .Hunh?

[FancyNancy]

Your pizza looked so good! Geez the guy in front of the pizza oven could have given you a little smile! LOL

Nice Memory Maker pics. I love that spot.

I'm glad you did a review on the American Adventure. My DD10 loves history and that is on our list for our upcoming trip. I usually just walk right by it.

I'm glad Agent C had fun on her mission. I think those are so cool. Gives the kids a little something to do while in the international gateway.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think the Lady and the Tramp topiary is my new favorite!

What a snotty guy at Via Napoli check-in. I can't think of a single way he could have misunderstood what you asked. You should have taken his photo when you went back by. Just to make him worry.

Your photopass photo with both of you in your shades looks awesome! Tell Claire to get over it and get in the dang photos. Remember, Mom knows best!

We really need to check out the American pavilion sometime too. We always end up having to hurry through the world showcase to make it to dinner or to make a FP time.

Too funny that they wanted you to have a physical ticket to do the Agent P thing. Oy. They really need to get this all figured out.

 

[Beth D]

MMM that pizza looked delicious! Making me hungry for dessert!

Glad today is off to a better start! I am the early riser in our group too. I usually just grab my nook, and read until everyone else is up (except on a cruise) then i hit the deck.

I'm sad you had issues with your magic bands. I've heard rumors from other amusement park websites that that project costs into the Billions (yes, that's a B, not a M), and they still have all those bugs in it. Can you believe that! I'd like that budget...

 

[BellaBaby]

Hmmmm….a Figment stuffy might make a perfect souvenir for DS or DD. I've heard the rumors about it possibly closing as well. We actually enjoy that ride.

Your lunch looks delish! LOL the pic w/ claire by the huge pizza is so cute!!

We have never stopped at the American Pavilion either, always too busy with other things. But someday in the future…

Great update!!

 

[coneygoil]

Hi Jen! Enjoying your TR as usual! Sorry the fp+ didn't work out that great. I'll be able to start planning the fp for our trip soon and I'm not sure whether to even bother. My dd's ticket didn't even come with a barcode to do fp+, so I don't even know if I can make fps for her too.

I'm sure when Claire gets older she'll appreciate things like the Fife and Drum better! I used to think WS was so boring as a kid/young teen and had that bored attitude on my face every time we were there. My tune changed when not long after that and WS is my favorite part of Disney!

The food looks so good at Via Napoli! My best friend has eaten there a lot since her mom is Italian, but I never have. One day! The risotto fritters will definitely be on my list to try.

 

[jenseib]

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!

It really is tasty!
I am the same way. I seem to give the evil eye a lot more these days too.

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.

It seems like some of these CM's just can't get it together...or don't have the Disney spirit.


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 is so good. We have nothing like it here. We really don't have many good pizza places at all around here and the ones that are decent are not close enough to my house to just run out and get one.

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.

I agree...they have a lot of layers on. I bet it is heavy.

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

Thanks. It was pretty dark and hard to get anything decent.

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.

I have noticed it seems harder and harder to find them and yes, they seem put out that I ask for a picture too.
I have read Agent P is being redone to use smart phones. I assume that means our own smart phones, but I haven't read anything new on it yet.

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!

I drool each time i see the picture too.

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.

LOL! We kind of spent a little more time in Epcot than planned this year and did some things that Claire hasn't done before. We still have many things we haven't done there yet though.

The Pizza looks delicious! I'm cracking up at the picture of Claire's face next to the big pizza.

That picture totally cracked me up.

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.

Thats great that he enjoyed it. I think Claire thinks after the Williamsburg trip last year she has had enough education.

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!

Claire just loves figment and his ride. She gets mad if we skip it.

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.

I wish I had a better experience with it. I wanted to like it and everytime I thought things were going good, something messed up. They just shouldn't have something out that doesn't work at least 98% of the time.

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?

It really is good. I love thinner pizza, so for me it's heaven.

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

I was too. I have seen pictures, but I think this is the first time I ever ran into them.

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.

They are good. I would like to go back and see them at Christmas time!

 

[jenseib]

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

It was sooooo good!!!

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

Do try it if you get a chance!
Thanks

Your pizza looked so good! Geez the guy in front of the pizza oven could have given you a little smile! LOL

I know...I actually laughed right at him after I took the picture. I guess that was his version of a pose.

Nice Memory Maker pics. I love that spot.

Thanks

I'm glad you did a review on the American Adventure. My DD10 loves history and that is on our list for our upcoming trip. I usually just walk right by it.

I really do like American history too. Claire is still iffy on it.

I'm glad Agent C had fun on her mission. I think those are so cool. Gives the kids a little something to do while in the international gateway.

She really loves this game. I will say I enjoyed it this year better than our last time doing it.

I think the Lady and the Tramp topiary is my new favorite!

It is a cool topiary.

What a snotty guy at Via Napoli check-in. I can't think of a single way he could have misunderstood what you asked. You should have taken his photo when you went back by. Just to make him worry.

Yeah, I went through the conversation in my head over and over and I just can't think of how he misunderstood me at all. I guess he didn't want to work.

Your photopass photo with both of you in your shades looks awesome! Tell Claire to get over it and get in the dang photos. Remember, Mom knows best!

We do look cool when we both wear our shades!

We really need to check out the American pavilion sometime too. We always end up having to hurry through the world showcase to make it to dinner or to make a FP time.

I am glad we were able to do it this year. I know it's not an every year type thing, but it is nice to now know a little more about the area.

Too funny that they wanted you to have a physical ticket to do the Agent P thing. Oy. They really need to get this all figured out.

Yeah....That totally blew my mind and I asked the girl about others who don't have a ticket and she didn't have an answer.

MMM that pizza looked delicious! Making me hungry for dessert!

Glad today is off to a better start! I am the early riser in our group too. I usually just grab my nook, and read until everyone else is up (except on a cruise) then i hit the deck.

I love getting up early on vacation and just taking me time.
In the old days I would go outside take a few pictures and catch up on my journel....now I just walk and take pictures.

I'm sad you had issues with your magic bands. I've heard rumors from other amusement park websites that that project costs into the Billions (yes, that's a B, not a M), and they still have all those bugs in it. Can you believe that! I'd like that budget...

Yep, you are right....it's like 5 billion or something like that. And yest they can't get their website to work right yet.

Hmmmm….a Figment stuffy might make a perfect souvenir for DS or DD. I've heard the rumors about it possibly closing as well. We actually enjoy that ride.

I think it's staying for now at least.

Your lunch looks delish! LOL the pic w/ claire by the huge pizza is so cute!!

I love that picture....we laugh everytime we see it.

We have never stopped at the American Pavilion either, always too busy with other things. But someday in the future…

Great update!!

We did more new slower paced things this year...mainly because of the crowds.....but we still had a good time.

Hi Jen! Enjoying your TR as usual! Sorry the fp+ didn't work out that great. I'll be able to start planning the fp for our trip soon and I'm not sure whether to even bother. My dd's ticket didn't even come with a barcode to do fp+, so I don't even know if I can make fps for her too.

Call tech and see if they can get them linked. If you don't care about which rides you want....then don't bother, but if you have some favorites then it is important to at least try.

I'm sure when Claire gets older she'll appreciate things like the Fife and Drum better! I used to think WS was so boring as a kid/young teen and had that bored attitude on my face every time we were there. My tune changed when not long after that and WS is my favorite part of Disney!

I am sure Claire will change over the years too. In fact I can see changes in her already and things she likes....she really took me by surprise this year with something she rode.

The food looks so good at Via Napoli! My best friend has eaten there a lot since her mom is Italian, but I never have. One day! The risotto fritters will definitely be on my list to try.

I crave those fritters all the time. I need to find a place near me that serves them...or a version of them

 

[jenseib]

Time to start the mission!



Claire is a control freak with this game and last time we did it we argued a bit because she needed help, yet didn’t want me to touch anything. I told her this time she was on her own and if she needed help she would have to hand me the communicator so I could actually see what was going. Luckily she is older and a bit more mature now, so that was OK, and she also could work and understand the whole thing a lot better this time.





I took pictures as we walked around for her mission.



I have to admit that neither of us are familiar with Japans layout and never really went to the back to check that area out. The mission was telling us to go to places that neither of us had a clue where they were and the pictures were outdated, so we had trouble at times matching where they were.







We finally figured out where we were supposed to be. I had no clue this area was even back here.



Claire did her thing and next thing you know, Perry is coming out on a little boat.



He stops and sets a bomb and then takes off.



And then a big water explosion happens, which scares some of the people around us. LOL!

We moved on to the next spot. I found a plug and took a picture while Claire was doing her thing. With everyone needing to keep their smart phones charged these days to use the app, it’s a good idea to have a mobile charger…or if you don’t, bring along your charger and plug in when you can.





We next went into the store and this bizarre thing popped out.



It was funny as no one around us even noticed it.

We were finally done. This went much smoother this time around for us. No arguing for the most part and Claire could handle most of the mission herself. We then had to drop off the communicator in a secret location and we headed off.





We stopped to look at the topiaries, but it was hard to get pictures as so many people were lined up to get them in front of them as well.

 

[BellaBaby]

OMG! That is so cool that Perry comes out on the boat and sets the bomb etc.! My younger two would love that! DD13 not so much. But my other two watch P & F all the time! I have to admit even DH and I would enjoy playing that game. I never really looked into it before so didn't know that kind of stuff would happen. We may have to try that next visit with the kids. How long would you say it takes?

I love Claire's t shirt! So cute!! Also, my DD13 has those same sunglasses with the bow only in blue. She got them from Claire's ironically!!

 

[DWGal210]

Very cool! I will have to try that mission, just for the heck of it, never done that.

I just love those topiaries; SO cute!

 

[FancyNancy]

That's one of the great things about those Agent P missions. They kind of force you to slow down a bit and smell the roses. You get to see some of the things in the World Showcase that you normally wouldn't check out.

Agent P coming out in that little boat is so cute! He's all business.

 

[dolphingirl47]

The strange thing in the shop at the Japan mission is a leftover from the old Kim Possible missions. It made sense in that context, but does not do so now.

Corinna

 

[jenseib]

OMG! That is so cool that Perry comes out on the boat and sets the bomb etc.! My younger two would love that! DD13 not so much. But my other two watch P & F all the time! I have to admit even DH and I would enjoy playing that game. I never really looked into it before so didn't know that kind of stuff would happen. We may have to try that next visit with the kids. How long would you say it takes?

I love Claire's t shirt! So cute!! Also, my DD13 has those same sunglasses with the bow only in blue. She got them from Claire's ironically!!

Claire got hers at Busch Gardens last year. And I am sure we paid way to much for them. I noticed the bow fell off recently. I'll have to see if I can glue it back on.
I never timed the missions and each country is different. Some are longer than others, and some are better than others. I hated Mexico when we did that one.

Very cool! I will have to try that mission, just for the heck of it, never done that.

I just love those topiaries; SO cute!

That's one of the great things about those Agent P missions. They kind of force you to slow down a bit and smell the roses. You get to see some of the things in the World Showcase that you normally wouldn't check out.

Agent P coming out in that little boat is so cute! He's all business.

Yes, It does let you see things you don't normally take time to look at.

The strange thing in the shop at the Japan mission is a leftover from the old Kim Possible missions. It made sense in that context, but does not do so now.

Corinna

I never did the Kim Possible ones but I heard most of it is refurbished stuff from that one. I remember last time we did one I knew something was from the Kim too...but can't remember what it was now.

 

[jenseib]

We were now working our way back towards the front because Claire wanted to ride spaceship earth.









We decided to stop in Mexico and take a ride.



Believe it or not, but this queue was also long and they had extra ropes set up along the restaurant for us to go through.



We were behind a Mexican family and they were kind of rude….joking and pushing each other in fun and then as we came to the spot where we would enter the regular queue area they spotted family outside the ropes and told them to join them. The CM asked what they were doing…and then he goes “Oh your family is joining you…..that’s ok”. UM …no it’s not! And they proceeded to let 12-15 more people in line in front of us. I was not too happy about that or with the CM.
So we weave around the queue and they are super loud and rowdy now with the whole family there.
We get to the boats and we sadly end up with some of them. Claire and I had our own row and they tried to jam too many in another row…and so they try to get in our row and I tell them no. Sorry, but I am not having the rowdy family sitting right next to my child. It was bad enough they were in front of us. A couple ended up going in the row behind us.

We take off and I realized I should’ve asked to wait for the next boat. This was not going to be a pleasant experience at all.
They were loud, they sang, they clapped…and what made it worse was they were talking in Spanish, so I couldn’t even eavesdrop on the conversations.
And then one person starts taking flash pictures. There is nothing more I hate than flash pictures on the ride….and I spoke up. I knew they understood English and I said “No flash pictures!”. The lady looked at me and pretended to not understand, but I knew she did as did her kid and when she took another I glared at her and the kid tapped her and said “NO flash pictures” and she goes “OH”. Yeah she knew it and was pretending not too. UGH.











I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It really was a rotten ride. And Claire kept looking at me like these people were crazy.

We headed up towards Spaceship Earth then.





I was checking emails as we walked and I saw a few in my business account, but nothing looked urgent and I had an auto responder going out anyways. Then my co-worker Deb messages me and says “so and so (we’ll call her Cheryl since I am sure she doesn’t want her name used here) emailed you and got your responder. She sees you are in Florida and asked me to see if you wanted Sea World Tickets”. Well garsh darn yes…but I already got free Sea World tickets, so thanks but I will pass. Deb messages back … “She can get you 2 for Busch Gardens then”…Again thanks, but I just can’t fit Busch in this week. We had every day planned and as much as I would love to go there and visit, I just didn’t have the time to this year.
And then Deb messages back….”Can you tour Discovery Cove? She can get a tour set up there, but you can’t go for the day since it’s so inclusive and only allow so many people per day”. Um yeah, I think so. I could take time away from my Sea World day and head over there.

So I email Cheryl and let her know that I would love to do that on Tuesday if it would work and she gave me the email of the people who could set that up and after going back and forth a few times over the next 24 hours I was set up to visit Discovery Cove on Tuesday. I was kind of excited to see it as I have heard such good things about it.



There was still a line for Spaceship Earth, but it moved fairly fast and I knew we couldn’t leave before riding it or Claire would never forgive me. And at this point, Epcot was not in the plans for the rest of the week officially. We had hoppers and might come back, but as the official planning went, this was our main day here.

We get in our car and I decided to play it “cool” and put my sunglasses on in the picture they take….and then on we went….






I only took a few pictures and only edited these 2…because I always take a ton and I really didn’t need to do a whole other set of the same thing.

Then we came to the picking of our future, which Claire was pretty much in charge of…..and we see our pictures.



Well that is interesting….I have holes in my eyes!



We were laughing so hard about this and Claire thought it was the coolest thing ever…..Even at 45 I am still cool!
I posted the picture on facebook and my friend Cass…who you may remember went to DL with me….replied….”In the Future You have no eyes!”

We had a dinner reservation to head to now, so we started making our way towards that destination.





See the crowds!



Yeah it was annoying as all heck. We tend to be faster walkers and for some reason most others are NOT fast at all. They tend to shuffle in front of us. And then when you go to pass them, they move or all of a sudden expand to twice their original size.
Claire made comments more than once about this and how it’s like people see us want to pass and all of a sudden grow!

AHHHHH! This is better.





It’s much easier walking here.

 

[ddstratton]

Wow! Crazy crowds and crazy rude people! Not a fun combination. Nice pictures, though, as usual.

 

[BellaBaby]

Don't you just hate it when you're going to "jump" on something quickly to ride it and it turns into a nightmare! That sounds like something that would happen to us with those people in front of you and I would've been fuming the whole time! It just ruins the whole experience. I can't believe the CM let that many people in front of you in line!! That happened to us a lot in DL. And there wouldn't even be an apology or to ask " do we mind if all these people join in front of you". Good for you for standing your ground and not letting them push in with you. So rude!

How exciting to tour Discover Cove! We have never been there, but would like to visit.

Yes, the people who go slowly in front of you. Not a fan! I also hate when it's a whole group and they form a line across so you cannot pass! I get that it's their vacation too and they can go slowly if they want, but don't have your whole party just blocking everyone from passing!! Not cool! Off my soapbox now!

Great update!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

That was a cool Perry mission! I had seen people do the one in the Mexico pavilion a number of times but never that one - very cool!

Though I can't help but feel the "communicators" you get are so old looking ... kind surprised they don't just have an app for people to use their own smart phones to do it

 

[dolphingirl47]

What a shame that you had to share the boat with a rowdy family. The crowds look insane. I don't think I would have it in me to just tour Discovery Cove and leave. I just love the place too much.

Corinna

 

[coneygoil]

The Japan pavilion is so beautiful. I enjoy walk around in it and the shop is insanely huge! The mission looked like fun. Maybe when my DD is a little older, we'll try it. I want to do the Wilderness Scout thing at AK with her this coming trip.

 

[jenseib]

Wow! Crazy crowds and crazy rude people! Not a fun combination. Nice pictures, though, as usual.

It was so crowded and so many rude people....but for the most part I just made the best of it.

Don't you just hate it when you're going to "jump" on something quickly to ride it and it turns into a nightmare! That sounds like something that would happen to us with those people in front of you and I would've been fuming the whole time! It just ruins the whole experience. I can't believe the CM let that many people in front of you in line!! That happened to us a lot in DL. And there wouldn't even be an apology or to ask " do we mind if all these people join in front of you". Good for you for standing your ground and not letting them push in with you. So rude!

YES!!! I was so shocked the CM didn't say anything. I found the CM's at DL not as friendly or helpful, but usually WDW is pretty good.

How exciting to tour Discover Cove! We have never been there, but would like to visit.

It was a fast tour, but it was fun...and of course when I get to that day I will show my pictures....

Yes, the people who go slowly in front of you. Not a fan! I also hate when it's a whole group and they form a line across so you cannot pass! I get that it's their vacation too and they can go slowly if they want, but don't have your whole party just blocking everyone from passing!! Not cool! Off my soapbox now!

Great update!

YES!!! This happened the whole trip and drove us insanely mad. Or they would just stop in front of you to look at the map...and not go off to the side so you walk right into them.

That was a cool Perry mission! I had seen people do the one in the Mexico pavilion a number of times but never that one - very cool!

Though I can't help but feel the "communicators" you get are so old looking ... kind surprised they don't just have an app for people to use their own smart phones to do it

I was not a fan of the Mexico one when we did it a few years ago. It was too slow for me and Claire wouldn't let me help her, but had issues doing it. It left me frustrated.
I think they are doing an app. I read an article about a month or so ago that said they were going to smart phones now....which leaves me to believe it will be an app.

What a shame that you had to share the boat with a rowdy family. The crowds look insane. I don't think I would have it in me to just tour Discovery Cove and leave. I just love the place too much.

Corinna

DC was beautiful!!!!

The Japan pavilion is so beautiful. I enjoy walk around in it and the shop is insanely huge! The mission looked like fun. Maybe when my DD is a little older, we'll try it. I want to do the Wilderness Scout thing at AK with her this coming trip.

That shop is very big. Claire loves the pearl spot in there. Now that she knows it's there she wants to go and "take a look" every time we go to Disney.