The Twelve Days of Swinter: From Castaway 'Key' to a Partridge in a Palm Tree!

[MeMom]

Well I am sure this is old news here since info travels so fast on the DIS, but I just got a free dining email offer from my Disney Visa for 8/25-9/27. It's quick service for the values (excluding AoA), regular plan for mods, and it says it's going to open to the general public on March 5th. I sure hope this means they will do free dining for the fall again this year!

I need them to extend this for a little bit longer. We arrive on October 5th.

We were so thrilled when we got off the ride to see that those dark gray clouds that had been looming were gone and the sun was shining!!! And I am very happy to report that we never had another drop of rain despite the ‘washout’ forecast for that day!

Lovin' all the Epcot pictures! We're doing Akershus in October. It will be the first time for Bella and me, and it'll be a repeat for Jill, John, and Brooklynn.

I am so glad that the weather worked out nicely for you.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

So sorry for the rainy start. We had a wet Epcot day as well-the only time I've ever been subjected to a soaking while at WDW. We were at BC that year. Entered via International Gateway and went for FPs at Soarin (forgot the ponchos-was wonderfully sunny when we left the hotel). In typical FL fashion, a soaking started around 3:30. Thought we'd wait it out and stepped into America for chicken strips for dinner. It rained, and rained and rained....... We gave up and made the decision to run for it back to the Beach Club. Never got to use our FPs for Soarin. Wouldn't you know, by the time we made it back to the hotel, the rains had subsided. We went up and changed and then wandered back to Epcot later for Illuminations. Not a great show when there is soooo much humidity in the air. Loved day 2 so far of your land adventure.

Isn't that how it goes! I had a feeling the same thing might happen to us. That's why I wanted to try to stick it out. We got lucky and it worked out, but if we had to make a run for it in the rain later on, I think DH would have strangled me!

I need them to extend this for a little bit longer. We arrive on October 5th.

Lovin' all the Epcot pictures! We're doing Akershus in October. It will be the first time for Bella and me, and it'll be a repeat for Jill, John, and Brooklynn.

I am so glad that the weather worked out nicely for you.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too Memom. I am really, really hoping it comes through.

I think you will enjoy Akershus. Their breakfast is pretty good. The breakfast potatoes are the best part, although, I do think they have changed them since we were there last. I prefer the old ones, but they were still good. The blackberries on the buffet were my favorite part this time! YUM! Should be interesting if you are doing the lunch or dinner. I don't know anything about those meals but would like to try them.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Anyone interested in a free trip to China? Well what are you waiting for? I just happen to have your tickets in hand!

With the monsoon rains behind us and a good Norwegian breakfast in our bellies, we were ready to continue on our journey. We were having dinner that evening in Mexico so we chose to go left and work our way around the lagoon, ending our day at the Mexican pavilion.

That meant the beautiful China was up next!

DD always has to play with these.

One of the things I love most about my DH is that he is always up for being silly and doesn’t care what anyone thinks! The man knows how to enjoy life!

My world-traveling ‘All American Girl’…

The ‘Gate of the Golden Sun’…

Alright, enough with the chicken puppet! We gotta move on!

The ‘Temple of Heaven”…

We had a good time at this Photopass spot. She had us do all kinds of crazy stuff. (Some of which you will not see! I figure I have scared you bad enough with my wild, wet hair!)

Her best effort at kung fu…

Notice anything missing in these pictures?

I never figured out if Epcot was so empty that day because it was Halloween and people had other plans, or if it was the rain. Either way, it was blissful! The park stayed like this all day long!

The pond in China is so pretty!

Our CM photo for China…

She was such a sweet lady. She taught us how to pronounce her name, although I am certain we butchered it. There was lots of snickering going on from all of us as we practiced saying it.

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

The ceiling of the temple…

Confucius says…

Rinky agrees!

We watched the Circle-Vision film, Reflections of China, which was very interesting and had some gorgeous scenery!

We usually try to watch one film per trip. I think the only one we haven’t seen now is Impressions de France.

So who’s up for some shopping?

We had the best time browsing around the stores in World Showcase. We never buy much but they do have very interesting things to look at.

Pretty paper lanterns…

Chinese art…

DD was fascinated with the foreign coins.

We always end up with silly hat pictures.

Lots of panda friends waiting for a new home…

Tea anyone?

Our CM friend was now at the Kidcot station and she wrote a special message in Chinese on the back of DD’s Duffy.

This is a huge gift shop! It just keeps going and going…

I thought this was a very pretty display.

There is something about the paper lanterns that catch my eye.

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I also discovered on this trip that I have an infatuation with light fixtures and pretty windows.

And then it happened… DD saw the Chinese fans!

She was instantly enthralled and had to have one! I bet we stood there opening every fan they had for twenty minutes before she finally picked one out. And let me go ahead and forewarn you that the fan is the star of this show from here on out. It made an appearance in almost every picture of DD for the rest of the day! You could call it a supermodel fan because I felt like it had its own photo shoot going!

A very happy girl who was very proud of her little purchase…

Loved those blue skies!

I took way too many pictures of the temple, but it was pretty from several different angles.

I had never noticed it before, but there is a huge rock in China with a hole in it that looks straight across to Japan. I just thought it looked neat.

A look across the lagoon from China…

Feathered friends enjoying a day at Epcot…

I had never noticed this view before, but I thought it was pretty cool! We were very much looking forward to dining there that evening!

We continued leisurely strolling along and enjoying all the wonderful views. We hadn’t found anything at any of the Food & Wine booths that we wanted to try yet, but we would soon enough!

Up next: Caramel candies, juggling jokesters, and luscious lobster!!

 

[mom2rtk]

What a gorgeous tour of China! I love the shot looking out the window.

And how cool that the park was so empty! That's your prize for toughing out the rain. An empty park is getting harder and harder to find...... so you definitely win the prize for that!

LOVE the shot of your DD with the parasol that is in your signature. Heck, I love all those shots out front. Kung Fu DD is awesome!

It sounds like Halloween is a great day in the parks, but I doubt I'll ever talk my husband into that. He loves being home decorating the house and handing out candy.

 

[kittylady1972]

Love LOVE LOVE all your photos! Great job! And such unique perspectives...I'll have to remember that for our trip next week!

The fan is so cute and love the poses with it. She looks like she is VERY happy!

I am really going to try to make a note for our trip to spend more time in the different areas of World Showcase. We never do much but walk around it most of the time and after your photos I see we are missing quite a bit!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I remember your rainy night. I must say I really had no idea just how miserable it is to try to walk around Disney in the rain. I thought you really could just throw on a poncho and go, but it doesn't keep your legs and feet dry at all. And the wind kept blowing my hood off so my hair got soaked too! I was a sight! And you are right, wet flip flops are just nasty and squishy!

You are right -- the ponchos don't keep your legs and feet dry and the stupid hoods blow right off in a slight breeze.

I feel bad that you never get to do the girly stuff at Disney. Maybe one day when your boys are married, they will have girls and you can have a girlapalooza trip! I've heard it's even more fun with grandkids anyway.

That is the dream. And a dream it probably is, my DH's family doesn't make girls. That is why we quit at 2 or else we would have had boy after boy after boy.



Okay, now onto your latest update -- Awesome as always! You really make me want to spend more time in China next time. I've never taken the time to enjoy the pond and a lot of the scenery that you captured. Great pics! Love your DD's fan!

You should see Impression de France next time. It's the only film we've seen in WS and we enjoyed it a lot. So if you've seen the rest, which one is your favorite?

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Very pretty photos. And I love the fan your DD picked out.
I am guessing the lucious lobster you found were the lobster rolls in America! I have gone back for Food and Wine just because of those Lobster Rolls. Used all my free dining snack credits on those babies!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

What a gorgeous tour of China! I love the shot looking out the window.

And how cool that the park was so empty! That's your prize for toughing out the rain. An empty park is getting harder and harder to find...... so you definitely win the prize for that!

LOVE the shot of your DD with the parasol that is in your signature. Heck, I love all those shots out front. Kung Fu DD is awesome!

It sounds like Halloween is a great day in the parks, but I doubt I'll ever talk my husband into that. He loves being home decorating the house and handing out candy.

Thanks! Yes, I guess that was my prize for for suffering through the rain. I think it was worth it in the end. I was shocked at how low the crowds were all day and what rides we were able to walk onto!

I liked those PP pics too, except for the fact that my hair was a wet disaster!

I would love to know if the parks are normally that slow on Halloween. I would imagine that most of the locals would be doing other things that day and lots of WDW guests would be at MK for the party. But IDK, it could've just been the rain.

Love LOVE LOVE all your photos! Great job! And such unique perspectives...I'll have to remember that for our trip next week!

The fan is so cute and love the poses with it. She looks like she is VERY happy!

I am really going to try to make a note for our trip to spend more time in the different areas of World Showcase. We never do much but walk around it most of the time and after your photos I see we are missing quite a bit!

Thank you! I tried to really slow down and look for different things/perspectives this time. Sometimes I get sensory overload in WS with so much to look at. This time I was determined to take it slow and look for the wonderful details that Disney puts into everything. I still feel like I missed so much. I could spend days in WS and it wouldn't be enough. I love it!

You are right -- the ponchos don't keep your legs and feet dry and the stupid hoods blow right off in a slight breeze.

That is the dream. And a dream it probably is, my DH's family doesn't make girls. That is why we quit at 2 or else we would have had boy after boy after boy.

Okay, now onto your latest update -- Awesome as always! You really make me want to spend more time in China next time. I've never taken the time to enjoy the pond and a lot of the scenery that you captured. Great pics! Love your DD's fan!

You should see Impression de France next time. It's the only film we've seen in WS and we enjoyed it a lot. So if you've seen the rest, which one is your favorite?

Well surely one of your boys will give you a girl. If the average is 2 kids per family, then that's 4 grandkids for you and I'd say that puts the odds in your favor!

You know, I always blew right by China too. On our firt trip, I didn't even stop there! I was determined to check it out better this time.

I am planning on watching IdF next time. I think it would have some beautiful pictures in it!

I'd have a hard time choosing a favorite film. I think the Canada one would probably win out by a bit though because it is just such a beautiful country. I think the films are very similar, so I'd just choose the country you are most interested in. There's also the "American Adventure" which is not a film but an animatronic thing like Hall of Presidents. I haven't seen it yet, but DH loved it. It's 30 minutes long though.

 

[disneybarbie]

Another update with beautiful photos! I love World Showcase so much, wish I was there right now

My parents went to China last year, and several places they visited they'd say "oh.. this is from the movie in Epcot!"

Thank you for the info on the Kidcot stops I hope DN does want to do them in August.. I think I might do too hehe

Emma x

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Very pretty photos. And I love the fan your DD picked out.
I am guessing the lucious lobster you found were the lobster rolls in America! I have gone back for Food and Wine just because of those Lobster Rolls. Used all my free dining snack credits on those babies!

Lobster rolls, how I love thee... They are pretty amazing aren't they! I had read you could use snack credits for them, but I could hardly believe it was true since they were $7.95 each! (I think) But it worked! I don't blame you for using all your credits on those! YUM!

Another update with beautiful photos! I love World Showcase so much, wish I was there right now

My parents went to China last year, and several places they visited they'd say "oh.. this is from the movie in Epcot!"

Thank you for the info on the Kidcot stops I hope DN does want to do them in August.. I think I might do too hehe

Emma x

Thank you! I adore WS too! I could seriously live there. Just give me a room upstairs in one of the shops and I'm good!

I saw a calendar in a store the other day that had the arch and temple that looked exactly like China in Epcot. I thought it WAS Epcot until I read the title and it said Beijing! They do an amazing job of making WS look so very real. It's like you get to travel the world without all the hassle and cost!

Have fun with the Kidcot stops! I'm sure they won't bat an eye if you want to do one too!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Oh Rinky, two great updates for me to read today! How lucky am I?

I'm sorry your Epcot morning started out wet and sloppy but it sure improved, didn't it? I feel like you though. I won't let a little (or a lot) of rain stop me. I don't get to Disney often enough so I will suffer through it.

I have always, always wanted to try Akershus. Hopefully someday because the food sure looks good. I'm sorry your daughter didn't get to see Jasmine though. She looked really pretty in her costume!

I love her fan too! She looks so proud of herself with it.

 

[kafitty]

hi! i've been reading your TR over the last few days at work (i mean, who actually WORKS? ) and just wanted to let you know how much i've enjoyed it. you have a great writing style, and your daughter is just beautiful!

i look forward to reading about the rest of your trip...although in my book, the good part, the CRUISE, is over. i'm glad you gave cruising a chance, it's my absolute favorite type of vacation! i usually go on Princess, but i very much look forward to the day that DCL is monetarily attainable, hahah.

i do want to note, that you had mentioned on your dolphin encounter day that you didn't want to go back to the ship because you thought the pools would be crowded - and while i think you made a great decision by staying at the beach, i bet you would have found the opposite to be true if you did go back on the ship. Generally speaking, port days are a great day to take advantage of the amenities onboard, 'cause everyone else in in port! we came back early and stayed on the ship when we were in Antigua on our last cruise, and we actually were able to get deck chairs right next to adults-only pool, and it wasn't crowded at all. ahhhh, bliss...

also, a good way to get your snorkel masks to "seal" without leakage is to first hold it against your face, and then "suck in" through your nose. If there are any leaks, you'll know it, because the mask won't stick! Make sure that all obstructions, i.e. hair, are out of the way of the seal - that helps too. And, although this sounds gross...spitting in your mask, rubbing it around a bit, and then rinsing quickly also helps with fogging. just some helpful tips from a beach-town girl!

 

[sjs314]

I have always enjoyed touring china and seem to buy souvieners there each trip. I will be thinking about how empty Epcot was when you were there when I am weaving my way in and out the crowds next week.

I think I have a fan somewhere around here that I bought one year, they are beautiful. I think the Coolie hat is the one your DH should have bought. When I was a little girl they use to sell them at the 4th of July parade in our town and I remember one year Mom bought me one.

Can't wait to read about Mexico ,it is another favorite of mine but we yet to eat there.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I think it must rain harder in Epcot than any other park.
We've been drenched there too!

Akershus is on our list for the June trip, we took Harper last March and she had the best time! We can't wait to go again!
We have been there for dinner with Baylor and he tolerated the princesses, but loved the food!!!
With Harper we did breakfast and have an adr for breakfast again...

China is a favorite shopping spot for me, can you believe that I enjoy shopping?
It's fun to bring home such interesting "finds" from faraway lands!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh Rinky, two great updates for me to read today! How lucky am I?

I'm sorry your Epcot morning started out wet and sloppy but it sure improved, didn't it? I feel like you though. I won't let a little (or a lot) of rain stop me. I don't get to Disney often enough so I will suffer through it.

I have always, always wanted to try Akershus. Hopefully someday because the food sure looks good. I'm sorry your daughter didn't get to see Jasmine though. She looked really pretty in her costume!

I love her fan too! She looks so proud of herself with it.

Well I must admit that I was not the trooper I thought I would be in that rain. I really thought it wouldn't even phase me, and the light rain/drizzle didn't, but that downpour was pretty bad. I really don't think I could have stayed it with it if that heavy rain hadn't gone away. I learned that I am a big wimp!

Yeah, we hated that Jasmine wasn't there. She was the last time we went, but I knew going in that there was no guarantee of what princesses you would get.

hi! i've been reading your TR over the last few days at work (i mean, who actually WORKS? ) and just wanted to let you know how much i've enjoyed it. you have a great writing style, and your daughter is just beautiful!

i look forward to reading about the rest of your trip...although in my book, the good part, the CRUISE, is over. i'm glad you gave cruising a chance, it's my absolute favorite type of vacation! i usually go on Princess, but i very much look forward to the day that DCL is monetarily attainable, hahah.

i do want to note, that you had mentioned on your dolphin encounter day that you didn't want to go back to the ship because you thought the pools would be crowded - and while i think you made a great decision by staying at the beach, i bet you would have found the opposite to be true if you did go back on the ship. Generally speaking, port days are a great day to take advantage of the amenities onboard, 'cause everyone else in in port! we came back early and stayed on the ship when we were in Antigua on our last cruise, and we actually were able to get deck chairs right next to adults-only pool, and it wasn't crowded at all. ahhhh, bliss...

also, a good way to get your snorkel masks to "seal" without leakage is to first hold it against your face, and then "suck in" through your nose. If there are any leaks, you'll know it, because the mask won't stick! Make sure that all obstructions, i.e. hair, are out of the way of the seal - that helps too. And, although this sounds gross...spitting in your mask, rubbing it around a bit, and then rinsing quickly also helps with fogging. just some helpful tips from a beach-town girl!

WELCOME! And thank you for the nice comments!
I'm so glad to have you joining in!

DCL is pretty expensive isn't it? I think it's worth it though. Maybe you could start out with a really short cruise like we did and the cost wouldn't be so bad. I hope you get to go someday.

I have heard people say that the ships are not crowded on port days. I am certain that would be true on the CC day. I mean, who doesn't want to get off the ship there? I just wasn't so sure about the Nassau stop. A lot of people don't like the Bahamas very much and choose not to get off. (The cities are pretty dumpy.) I would be interested to know what it was like on board that day though.

I had actually been told about the 'spitting' trick for the mask. But I didn't know about the sucking in through the nose thing. I am certain that ours would not have 'stuck' to our faces. I'll have to remember that next time so we don't get stuck with bum equipment. I think we might just be better off to bring our own though. They just didn't seem to be the right size or something. IDK! We were probably doing everything wrong!

I have always enjoyed touring china and seem to buy souvieners there each trip. I will be thinking about how empty Epcot was when you were there when I am weaving my way in and out the crowds next week.

I think I have a fan somewhere around here that I bought one year, they are beautiful. I think the Coolie hat is the one your DH should have bought. When I was a little girl they use to sell them at the 4th of July parade in our town and I remember one year Mom bought me one.

Can't wait to read about Mexico ,it is another favorite of mine but we yet to eat there.

Maybe the crowds won't be too bad for you. Try to think positively! But don't feel bad if it is crowded. Just remember, it can't be as bad as summer. And if it makes you feel better, all of our days weren't as nice as that Epcot day. I think between Halloween and the rain, we just had the perfect set up! It looks like from your ticker, you are leaving very soon! I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip! And I hope this will be some good time for you and your husband to get away from everything and rest your minds a bit.

I think it must rain harder in Epcot than any other park.
We've been drenched there too!

Akershus is on our list for the June trip, we took Harper last March and she had the best time! We can't wait to go again!
We have been there for dinner with Baylor and he tolerated the princesses, but loved the food!!!
With Harper we did breakfast and have an adr for breakfast again...

China is a favorite shopping spot for me, can you believe that I enjoy shopping?
It's fun to bring home such interesting "finds" from faraway lands!

No Wigd, I cannot imagine that you would enjoy shopping in China. It really is a cool shop though isn't it? I was just overwhlemed by all the neat things to look at in there. And my DD... I think she could give you a run for your money with the shopping!

I have been fully convinced by that day that rain at Disney totally stinks! I feel so bad for people who go and have a washout trip. That must be miserable!

I've heard the dinner at Akershus is good. I really would like to try it sometime. You can't go wrong with the breakfast though. I love those potatoes. They seem to have changed them some which I am not happy about, but they are still good! Harper is going to love going there again. It is such a great way to get to all the Princesses at once without having to run all over the park to find them with a little one.

 

[MeMom]

Great set of pictures! I very much enjoyed the trip to China this morning. I wish so much that I could take my class to Epcot to experience all of the countries. I would love for them to see the architecture, artwork, and landscaping. I'd love for them to hear the music and to see all of the awesome exhibits, like the terra cotta soldiers or the tin toys in Japan. Every time I am in World Showcase, I think how incredible it would be for my students to be able to experience that. That dream will never happen, but it would be something I would do if I suddenly became a millionaire.

You will enjoy Impressions de France when you get to it. The music is beautiful.

So glad DD got just the right fan. That's a fun girly souvenir to have.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Great set of pictures! I very much enjoyed the trip to China this morning. I wish so much that I could take my class to Epcot to experience all of the countries. I would love for them to see the architecture, artwork, and landscaping. I'd love for them to hear the music and to see all of the awesome exhibits, like the terra cotta soldiers or the tin toys in Japan. Every time I am in World Showcase, I think how incredible it would be for my students to be able to experience that. That dream will never happen, but it would be something I would do if I suddenly became a millionaire.

You will enjoy Impressions de France when you get to it. The music is beautiful.

So glad DD got just the right fan. That's a fun girly souvenir to have.

Will you take me too... when you become a millionaire? I would be a great helper with your 20 some pupils.

You will be soooooo sick of that fan by the time this day is over! I bet you will be able to draw a picture of it from memory!

And just to let you know, it appears we have made it through the storms. They woke me up at about 4:00 am, hence the replies I posted at that God forsaken hour of the morning! Thankfully, it had really weakened and I don't think their was any damage in the Eastern half of the state. There was some in the west though... not sure exactly where Poolrat is, but I hope it didn't affect her. I'm so glad to hear that you and your family are fine. Jill's area seems to be under the gun lately, doesn't it?

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Just adding to the conversation about taking the class. Wouldn't it be fun!
I have several students that have been to Disney, and am meeting one there for a Star Tours ride in a couple of weeks.

OK, now here's the story of the student that has moved into my heart...
I don't mean to vilify her mother in anyway. I don't live in their home. What I do know is that she is an intelligent young woman and every time that I have talked with her she has been nothing but nice to me.

BUT.
In my student's Kdg year the kids were removed from the home. For the majority of the school year...
I had the brother in my homeroom.
We know it must have been a bad situation.
When it was time for this little girl to come to second grade two years later, honestly none of us wanted her. The first grade teacher had her in the hall everyday.
She was a wild thing.
She wouldn't work or follow directions.
They had her after school everyday too.
Then it happened.
One day she was walking to the resource room whistling "Heigh Ho" I finished the tune for her and the rest was history for us.
I now mentor her.
I have asked her mom if she can fly to Disney with Megan and Harper and drive back with us this summer.
We bought a van so there will be plenty of room for all of us.
Unfortunately, I don't think mom will let her go.
Since there are other kids in the home, she doesn't think it's fair.
I really don't think the other kids will care so much given their ages.
Oh well, a final decision hasn't been made.
BUT,
Akershus and Chef Mickey's are waiting just in case!
plus Ohana and some other great meals plus the Beach Club!!!!
Keep you fingers crossed for us!
I would so love to share Disney with this special little girl!