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

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

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!

Well that is super, super nice of you Wigd! I hope it all works out for you. I must say that one of things I hated most about teaching was seeing the kids who just didn't have the home life that they deserved. I just wish parents would realize that their actions are shaping every aspect of their kids lives and literally determining who they will be as adults. I'm glad she has teachers like you though to help fill in the blanks in her life. I'm sure a trip like that would be a dream come true for her!

 

[pooh'smate]

Just spending some time getting all caught up on your thread. We were caught in a horrible down pour in Epcot too. My dh refused to buy ponchos (I had bought some but forgot them at home) while we got drenched. Then next day I said I didn't care if he wanted to or not I was buying ponchos and I did. It rained later on that day and my dh said he wished he had listened to me. I really wanted to say I told you so but I refrained. We did end up using them several times on our trip and they were worth the money we paid for them. I really love all your pictures so pretty. We saw the Canada movie because my dh is from Montreal. I really want to see the France one because I have heard it is so pretty. I have crazy in-laws too but I am blessed that I only have to see them every few years. That is one of the advantages of living so far away. I don't have to deal with them very much. I too wonder how my dh turned out so normal.

 

[sharonW]

I almost forgot how pretty Epcot really is!! Love your dd's fan, they are fasinating little items as are so many of the treasures you find at WDW.
Enjoying your TR so much, I get like a kid at christmas when i see another update Keep it coming!!!!

 

[dmwang9]

I'm so glad you waited out the rain! I've found that once the rain blows over, the parks are especially empty, so I don't mind hunkering down somewhere (hopefully) warm and dry until it dries up.

I also love your photo of the ducks. I realized a couple of trips ago that I was letting myself get so distracted by the Big Things at WDW (the castle, Spaceship Earth, and so on) that I often missed cool "littler" things like ducks and flowers.

-- Dave

 

[marDgreen88]

Wow you take such beautiful pictures! I love that you devoted an update entirely to the China pavilion! Like honestly I'm inspired to spend a lot more time in the World Showcase on my next trip just because of your update.

I love the fan your DD picked out! I used to have one of those too and I thought it was the coolest and prettiest thing. (I don't know what happened to it now, I feel like it ripped or something. )

Looking forward to more!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Just spending some time getting all caught up on your thread. We were caught in a horrible down pour in Epcot too. My dh refused to buy ponchos (I had bought some but forgot them at home) while we got drenched. Then next day I said I didn't care if he wanted to or not I was buying ponchos and I did. It rained later on that day and my dh said he wished he had listened to me. I really wanted to say I told you so but I refrained. We did end up using them several times on our trip and they were worth the money we paid for them. I really love all your pictures so pretty. We saw the Canada movie because my dh is from Montreal. I really want to see the France one because I have heard it is so pretty. I have crazy in-laws too but I am blessed that I only have to see them every few years. That is one of the advantages of living so far away. I don't have to deal with them very much. I too wonder how my dh turned out so normal.

Don't you hate it when you have to buy things that you already have? So annoying! I don't blame you though. The ponchos aren't perfect, but at least they keep most of your clothes dry. I couldn't walk around in the rain without one.

I think a lot of people have crazy in-laws. I'll just say that you are very lucky to be so far away. Mine are about 2 miles from us. I have to see them about 6 times a year and that's about 5 times too many.

I almost forgot how pretty Epcot really is!! Love your dd's fan, they are fasinating little items as are so many of the treasures you find at WDW.
Enjoying your TR so much, I get like a kid at christmas when i see another update Keep it coming!!!!

Thanks Sharon!

I think WS is one of the prettiest places on the planet! It might be fake, but I still love it! And the shops there do have some very neat things.

I'm so glad you waited out the rain! I've found that once the rain blows over, the parks are especially empty, so I don't mind hunkering down somewhere (hopefully) warm and dry until it dries up.

I also love your photo of the ducks. I realized a couple of trips ago that I was letting myself get so distracted by the Big Things at WDW (the castle, Spaceship Earth, and so on) that I often missed cool "littler" things like ducks and flowers.

-- Dave

Well that was our first experience with rain, so I really wasn't sure what to do. I am glad we took a chance though b/c you are right, it pays off big time with the lack of crowds.

I could not agree more with your comment on WS!!! I have said that same thing myself. WS can give anyone major sensory overload and you sort of have to slow down and force yourself to notice the details. It is very easy to get overwhelmed by all the big architecture and miss out on so many neat little things all around you. I did much better with that on this trip, but I still wish I had more time to really dig into every nook and cranny!

Wow you take such beautiful pictures! I love that you devoted an update entirely to the China pavilion! Like honestly I'm inspired to spend a lot more time in the World Showcase on my next trip just because of your update.

I love the fan your DD picked out! I used to have one of those too and I thought it was the coolest and prettiest thing. (I don't know what happened to it now, I feel like it ripped or something. )

Looking forward to more!

Thank you so much for the nice comments!

You may not feel that way about the updates by the time I have covered all the countries! This may be the never ending TR! I did take less and less pictures though as the day went on. I start to get tired, I get distracted, whatever... and the pictures start to decrease. By the time we make it halfway around the lagoon, there will be more than one country in an update.

I had one of those fans when I was little too. I think that is such a typical little girl souviner. I think we just love the way you can flip it out fast with one hand! And don't feel bad. I have no idea where mine is either.

 

[jenseib]

I got behind again. I'm suppose to be catching up on Dis now, but I just can't quite get there yet!
I love your DD's Jasmine outfit...very cute. I am think Arkershus for breakfast next trip too. We did dinner a few years ago and enjoyed it.
Great tour of China. I don't think I have ever even walked very far back in there or looked in the buildings.
I wish I could go right now. It's cold and yucky here right now.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I got behind again. I'm suppose to be catching up on Dis now, but I just can't quite get there yet!
I love your DD's Jasmine outfit...very cute. I am think Arkershus for breakfast next trip too. We did dinner a few years ago and enjoyed it.
Great tour of China. I don't think I have ever even walked very far back in there or looked in the buildings.
I wish I could go right now. It's cold and yucky here right now.

I've heard the dinner is very good. I think we will try that the next time we go there. The breakfast is very good too. I don't think it's as good as it was in 2008 though. They have changed the potatoes some (but still good) and a few other things were either gone or different, but overall, still very good.

I think everyone gets overwhelmed in WS. There is so much to look at that you seem to get in a daze and just keep walking instead of noticing the little stuff. I had to really force myself not to do that. I still didn't do a great job though! I don't care how many pictures I take, when I get home, I always think I didn't see enough or take enough pictures. But then when I need to pay to develop them, I think I take too many!

 

[Belle83]

I found your trip report in the CBR photo thread and am loving it! I'm still on your 2nd ship day. Great pictures! Makes me want to book a cruise.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I found your trip report in the CBR photo thread and am loving it! I'm still on your 2nd ship day. Great pictures! Makes me want to book a cruise.

Welcome! I'm so glad that you could join in! DCL sure is tempting. Once you get bit by the cruising bug, you won't be able to resist!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Norway was nice and China was charming, but gorgeous Germany was beckoning to us!

What kid can resist taking a peek down Snow White’s wishing well?

Top on our list of things to do in World Showcase was a stop in the new caramel shop. This wasn’t there on our last trip, and I knew we would love it. Who wouldn’t love various forms of sugar laden treats smothered in caramel, right?

I love it when you get to see the goodies being made right before your eyes!

I think we need a close up of that stringy, gooey caramel action.

Alright, wipe the drool off your screen. You know water and electronics don’t mix!

I only have one complaint with this place, and it’s a big one… how the heck do you make a choice with a selection like this…

We stood there and looked, and drooled, and looked some more, before we finally narrowed it down and made our selections. Yes, we were that annoying family who holds up the line because they can’t make up their minds! Eventually though, we walked out with a bag of caramel corn, a caramel and chocolate dipped strawberry, a German chocolate caramel square, and a pecan praline caramel square. The popcorn was saved for later, but the other items were very short lived.

We went out to the patio area in Germany to find a seat to enjoy our caramelly goodness, and we saw this nice CM on the way.

A nutty snack for a nutty guy!

DD got the plain chocolate covered caramel square.

The strawberry was mine, all mine, and it was soooooooo good! YUM!!!

And this was where we sat, enjoying a gorgeous view, and some sinfully delicious treats! Does it get any better than that? I don’t think so!

We people watched a little too…

Then we checked out the rest of the pavilion.

Sick of that fan yet? You just wait! We still have 8 countries to go!

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

We have always rushed by the miniature train display in Germany, so we thought we would slow down and really check the whole thing out this time. I loved looking at all the tiny details that had been put into it. Disney is the master of details!

We really enjoyed watching the trains go through the tunnels and over the bridges. I felt like a little kid again.

We contemplated getting a snack at the Germany kiosk, but decided that we just weren’t in the mood for brats or goulash just yet. That seemed too heavy after the large breakfast we consumed. Note to self: Do not book a breakfast ADR before attending the F&W Festival!

Instead, we moved on to Italy!

I think the architecture there is just gorgeous! I hope to see the real thing someday.

These colorful ladies were just finishing up their show when we arrived.

We watched the last few minutes of their act. I love the street entertainment in World Showcase!

Then we checked out the gift shop, which turned out to be very bad for my wallet!

DD and I both LOVED this store! They had the most unique things and gorgeous handmade jewelry! We spent quite a bit of time there.

I thought these votive holders were really cute!

They had so much pretty jewelry! DD fell in love with these handmade glass necklaces. Each one was unique and so colorful.

Continued in next post

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

And this is what we chose…

Neither of us could decide which one we liked best, so we got both and we share them. These pictures really do not do them justice. They are much prettier in person.

I really had to dig down deep and find some self-control in that store because there were so many pretty things! I am very much looking forward to going back there.

We better get out of here before I break the bank!

I could see myself living in this building… right up there in the upstairs loft with the little balcony. Yep, that would do quite nicely!

DD loves this stage! And what the pictures can’t show is the atmosphere of World Showcase. There was lively Italian music playing, people milling about talking and laughing, and the sound of cheers and clapping coming from the onlookers of the next act out in the pavilion. So who could resist taking the time to stop and dance on ‘the big stage’ with that kind of ambiance?

After she got her Italian groove on, we noticed the Kidcot area was empty so we got DD’s stamp.

And another super nice CM posed for a picture with us. It was so much fun getting to talk to each of them. We usually asked how they liked living in the US. They all agreed that they loved it here. Then we would ask them what life was like in their homeland. We had some very interesting conversations with almost all of them. And hearing the different accents was neat too. This is one of the many reasons that no one can tell me a trip to Disney isn’t educational and worth missing a few days of school.

I originally had a lunch ADR booked here, but decided that we would snack our way around the world for lunch instead. I am so glad I cancelled it because there is no way we could have eaten there for lunch and enjoyed the F&WF. Maybe we will make it to Via Napoli on the next trip!

We followed the sound of the crowd and discovered Sergio doing his variety show. It was a combination of comedy, tricks, and juggling. We thought he was very entertaining!

DD got called on to participate! The kids had to ring his net from a pretty long distance.

And she nailed it every time!

But that’s all part of the show. Sergio would move up or back very discreetly to make sure the kids would ring the net. Then he picked some big, burly guy out of the crowd to compete against the kids, and he missed it every time! Of course it was because Sergio was secretly making sure he failed miserably, but it was still hilarious. The whole thing was even funnier because Sergio doesn’t talk. He communicates everything through facial expressions and gestures. Ok, I’m horrible at describing things… just go see him for yourself. I think you’ll be glad you did!

When the show wrapped up, we walked onto the pretty stone bridge and enjoyed the view of the lagoon for a while.

Goodbye Italy! Can’t wait to see you again!

And you will have to forgive me. I promised caramel candies, a juggling jokester, and luscious lobster in this update. However, I ended up with more pictures of Germany and Italy than I expected… shocking I know! Anyway, you’re going to have to wait until next time for your lobster!

Up next: Luscious lobster, scrumptious shrimp, and no ordinary oyster!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What a great day in World Showcase! And how cool that you met so many nice CM's!

I have to get myself a caramel & chocolate covered strawberry from Germany each time! So good. But you are right, it's so hard to choose in there!! We usually do just what you did, something for now and something for later! And don't worry, in my opinion you didn't miss much by not going to Via Napoli.

Great pictures as always, looking forward to more!

 

[MEK]

Wonderful pictures and no crowds. You certainly got a lot of great detail in your pictures.

Your crosses are beautiful.

Love your DD's shirt! She is always dressed so nicely!

I am drooling over all those treats. Right before I read your update I told my DH that I needed some chocolate. So thanks!

Fun mega update!

 

[sharonW]

my godness, rinky, how many photo albums do you have to accomodate all these pictures???? I know, i know, you can never get enough pics of the world, I have over 20 photo albums from our trips over the years. My kids would say "why more pics, you have so many"!!! Now they enjoy it from time to time when we get those "memory" books out and remember good times! Those carmel thingies looked so delish, my mouth was watering!!! YUM!! Still lovin your updates!!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

What a great day in World Showcase! And how cool that you met so many nice CM's!

I have to get myself a caramel & chocolate covered strawberry from Germany each time! So good. But you are right, it's so hard to choose in there!! We usually do just what you did, something for now and something for later! And don't worry, in my opinion you didn't miss much by not going to Via Napoli.

Great pictures as always, looking forward to more!

Thanks Shelly! It was the best Disney day ever! The weather was perfect (other than the rain), we took it slow and easy (which we normally don't do), and the crowds were sooooo low! And you know how I love WS, so for me, it was just awesome! And the best part is yet to come. Nothing that is mind blowing or anything, but we were pretty tickled!

That strawberry... what else can I say!

So I remember you not liking VN but I don't remember the specifics. What exactly was it that you didn't like? Did you get pizza? That's what we had planned to order b/c I'v heard so much about it.

Wonderful pictures and no crowds. You certainly got a lot of great detail in your pictures.

Your crosses are beautiful.

Love your DD's shirt! She is always dressed so nicely!

I am drooling over all those treats. Right before I read your update I told my DH that I needed some chocolate. So thanks!

Fun mega update!

Thank you! As for DD's clothes, I hit a major Disney clearance sale over the summer last year and racked up on a bunch of stuff for the trip. Every outfit she wore on that trip except the two that my mom made came form that sale and I paid about $3 per item! I hope I hit the jackpot like that again this year!

Sorry about the chocolate temptation! I feel your pain! If it's cold where you are like it is here, then go fix yourself a nice cup of hot chocolate and maybe that will suffice for now!

my godness, rinky, how many photo albums do you have to accomodate all these pictures???? I know, i know, you can never get enough pics of the world, I have over 20 photo albums from our trips over the years. My kids would say "why more pics, you have so many"!!! Now they enjoy it from time to time when we get those "memory" books out and remember good times! Those carmel thingies looked so delish, my mouth was watering!!! YUM!! Still lovin your updates!!

Well, you have just opened a big can of worms. I have been racking my brain lately trying to figure out what to do with all these pictures. I take lots and lots of pictures all throughout the year, and then I take thousands more at Disney. That adds up to a whole lot of pictures, and a whole lot of money. Well, about 3 years ago, I just got way behind on getting them developed, and guess what.... I haven't had any pictures developed since then! I have them all still stored on memory cards, photobucket, Kodak, etc. Now I am so far behind that I have no idea what to do. It would cost me a fortune to get them all developed at this point. I am pretty certain that I have more than 10,000 that need to be developed. I am not kidding. At this point I am really desperate to figure out some other means of saving them. And I need to get them off the cards so I can reuse the cards and not have to buy new ones. I really just don't know what to do. The cost of the photo albums alone to hold them all would be outrageous! But I am like you. I love my pictures because they hold all my vacation memories and I want to save them for my DD to look at when she is older. What to do? What to do?

 

[MEK]

Sorry about the chocolate temptation! I feel your pain! If it's cold where you are like it is here, then go fix yourself a nice cup of hot chocolate and maybe that will suffice for now!

I tried that. It didn't work!

 

[sharonW]

OMG Rinky!!!! I don't think I have an answer to your "little" picture problem!!!
I think maybe consider doing a few albums of disney, its always so nice to get them out and look at them and remember the magic. I have a lot of pics stored on the memory cards too and you are right, it can be a huge expense!!
I think you need some pixie dust from Tink!!!

 

[jenseib]

I have a ton of pictures too. I only print my favorites now, but even that is a lot. I do buy photo albums. I get the cheap ones from Walmart of JoAnn fabrics for like $5.