The Way too Late but Way to Awesome Not To Report-NEW* 10/10* An Almost Empty Epcot -

[cherokeemamma]

Sun. Oct 21

We woke up early and quickly showered, dressed and headed out to Epcot.

We were meeting ET and her family this morning. Once we arrived at Epcot and met up with ET we decided to do TT. The line was already so long! We really didn’t want to wait so long. We wandered a few minutes noticing the amount of people. We thought about doing the Character Connection but the line was out the door. What the heck could be going on?! Where did they all come from?

There was a CM standing nearby and asked if he could do anything for us. I said, “Yes, please ask all of these people to leave so we will have the park to ourselves.” He said, “Sure, I’ll do that for you!” Of course, we all chuckled but internally I really wanted him to do it. We decided it was just too crowded so we left and headed over to the MK via the monorail.
On the way out my DS purchased a Mickey Head medallion that matched his pin lanyard.

We entered the MK and I saw this...

and ....

and

I love the all of the older posters at the entrance. They have such a nostalgic feel to them.

We headed toward Tomorrow Land… It definitely seemed less crowded here than at Epcot. I think we made a good choice. I noticed a lady walking rather quickly but she seemed awfully familiar. She looked just like one of my best friends from home. I called out her name and sure enough it was Tina and her family. I couldn’t believe I would run into her at the MK. How cool was that? They were in Orlando for a conference and were in the MK for a little bit of time they had between sessions. I was so happy to have seen her…I only wished we had much more time to spend together. Maybe someday...

Then we ran into these interesting characters…

My DH and I on TTA...(one of the few pics of us together)

We did a few more rides and decided we were getting hungry…ET and her family were not hungry so we decided we would meet back up after lunch.

We went to Pinocchio Haus in Fantasy Land. It was as packed as I had ever seen it. I thought it was super-super crowded. We found a very small table upstairs…it was actually a 2 person table that we made into a 4 person table. We shared 2 CS meals. These are the only pictures of food I have from this CS. I guess we were really hungry and picture taking was an after thought...sorry!

We could tell others were waiting for tables so we ate quickly and left. As we were entering Liberty Square we realized we didn’t have our back pack!!!! Oh NO!!!! We had left it on the back of our chair at Pinocchio Haus. My DS ran with us trailing behind him to the restaurant. Thank Goodness!! It was there! Oh what a relief!

Now that our coronary was over we headed toward Splash Mtn to meet ET and her family. The line was rather long so we got FPs for later in the afternoon.. We then rode POTC (where I saw my favorite pirate..Capt’n Jack!), silly pics in the POTC gift shop....

We went to the Tiki Room (a first for my family), then we got Dole Whips to enjoy while we watched the parade. The parade and the dole whips were great! It was good to relax.

(I like this picture because I can see my DS and DD's reflection in the float)

off to ride Splash Mtn...

continued....

 

[cherokeemamma]

We had a blast on Splash Mtn. ….

ET's youngest DD calls this ride… Zippity Doo Dah.
Here is our redneck version of the ride photo…

AS we were leaving SpM I saw a CM with a pin I knew my DS would like. I told him he should trade. My DS went into the backpack to get his lanyard …He is looking and looking for it but it isn’t there! Oh no!!! Where could it be…not only is his lanyard and all of his pins gone (with his brand new medallion) but his brand new Goofy hat is missing too.

It starts to get ugly…everyone is pointing fingers at the other and all too soon we realize his hat and lanyard was left at the Pinocchio Haus restaurant too. My DH said it was next to the backpack but my DS said he didn’t see it when he went back for the forgotten backpack. I am not sure what happened…perhaps he just didn’t see it, or perhaps it was hanging on the back of another chair, or perhaps someone had already found it and taken it. I just don’t know but we were all upset and having a very undisney moment.

I know ET and her family thought we were all nuts (and highly dysfunctional) but we quickly said goodbye and ran back to Pinocchio Haus.

As I was dreading...It was not there…We checked with a CM in the rest just to sure it wasn't turned in. She said we needed to go to lost and found in Fantasy Land. (I don't remember what store it is located in) We were praying that someone found it and turned it in. We went there…no they don’t have it either. Our hopes were quickly dwindling.

We head down to City Hall on Main Street and wait in line. Please, please have it…. In my mind I am thinking about what to do. My DS is in tears and I feel so badly for him. I know that financially we can not replace all of his stuff…There is the lanyard, probably 14+ pins, the medallion and the hat…We are talking well over $300. He is looking so sad. My heart is breaking for him.

 

[aldisneygrl]

Now you can't just leave us hanging like that now can you?

Well, of course you can, because it will make us all come back.

CM I remember reading your TR along with Glenda's, ET's, and UM's when you all went to the TEA together.

Your kids are still as precious as ever, and the BEST smiles!

I'm with ya' on the driving teenager. Mine turned 16 in March and it has been by FAR the hardest thing I have had to do as a mother so far. Trusting him to go out with my car by himself! I'm getting better with it, and I don't know if that feeling will ever go away.

Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Darlene,
My kids are now 16 and 13! And YES my son is driving! I almost fainted when I saw how much our car insurance went up!
My 13 DD is in full blown teenager mode (if you look at me wrong I'm in emotional turmoil for the rest of the day!)
She is worse than my son ever was.
But oh the joys of motherhood.

Thanks for writing your TR! Have a great day!

Driving...I have the same reaction. I have heard from friends about their car insurance..... I told my DH we are going to have to get a second job to pay for all of these expenses. Crazy. I am not sure how things are where you live but her in my town, there have not been any part time jobs for kids this summer. My DS wasn't looking yet but several of his friends that drive have been and there is just nothing. I pray that by next summer the economy is much better for all our sakes.
I am sure my DD will make me as a teen because she always has been sassy and very opinionated. She is already doing this.... Like you said, she is much worse than my DS. Funny story...she had an old cell phone that we didn't use any more charging. I asked her what she was doing with it. She said, I know I can't have a cell phone yet but I have been practicing texting. That way when I get one, I will already be good at it! I am in trouble....

Thanks for reading the TR. I have the next installment ready but I have to get to work. I will post later this afternoon.

TTFN, Darlene

 

[cherokeemamma]

Now you can't just leave us hanging like that now can you?

Well, of course you can, because it will make us all come back.

CM I remember reading your TR along with Glenda's, ET's, and UM's when you all went to the TEA together.

Your kids are still as precious as ever, and the BEST smiles!

I'm with ya' on the driving teenager. Mine turned 16 in March and it has been by FAR the hardest thing I have had to do as a mother so far. Trusting him to go out with my car by himself! I'm getting better with it, and I don't know if that feeling will ever go away.

Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

Hi! Yes, I remember you also. I am so glad you are here. Sorry, that this TR is old - almost 2 years..but I felt like I had to finish it. Eventually...

My kids have grown so much since that time. My DS is almost 6 ft tall now. Hard to believe. I know I will be completely nuts when he starts driving. I will be spending a lot of time in prayer. I agree with you...it will be very hard.

I promise to post this afternoon. I have the next installment ready, I just have to insert the pictures. Have a great day and thanks for reading.

TTFN, Darlene

 

[lovealldisney]

I am not sure how things are where you live but her in my town, there have not been any part time jobs for kids this summer. My DS wasn't looking yet but several of his friends that drive have been and there is just nothing. I pray that by next summer the economy is much better for all our sakes.

It's the same here for jobs for kids. We are hopeful the Target near us closed and they completely tore it down and built a new one. Now they are hiring for the entire store. My DS went and applied and had an interview withing two days. We are hoping to find out soon if he got the job. Keep your fingers crossed and say an extra prayer!

Funny story...she had an old cell phone that we didn't use any more charging. I asked her what she was doing with it. She said, I know I can't have a cell phone yet but I have been practicing texting. That way when I get one, I will already be good at it! I am in trouble...

We didn't even consider a cell phone's for our kids. But since my son is driving we got him one at the end of the school year. I must have been the only mother that wouldn't allow my kids to have cell phones. ( I'm such a mean mom) But you know what they really didn't care. We put our son on the plan we have and share our minutes. But for him there is NO texting we had it blocked from his phone. He can receive them just not send them. My DD doesn't have a phone either. I just don't see the need for one at 13?? Maybe when she's in high school or like my son when she starts driving.

Anywhoo.... have a great afternoon!

 

[cherokeemamma]

The saga continues....

We finally get up to the counter and talked with the CM there. Her name was Erina and she was from Japan. Justin tells her what he has lost explaining how each item looked. She tells him to wait just a minute she has to go look and she will be back. I feel like my heart is pounding out of my chest as I am hoping and praying that his stuff has been found and turned it. She comes back out and with a sad face tells us that, “No, it isn’t here either.”
Oh no…my heart sinks…I feel so badly.

We ask what we need to do next. We explain exactly what had happened and where we were when we last saw his things. We fill out a lost and found report.

She then leans behind the counter and talks to another CM, a gentleman. Erina starts talking with Justin again and asks (in the cutest Japanese accent), “So, Justin Hill, do you like to go shopping?” I know his truthful answer will be no but to my surprise he says, “Yes”. Well she comes out from behind the counter and takes him by the hand and says, “Well, Let’s go shopping!” Oh my goodness…pixie dust is falling from the sky. Pixie dust is falling on my DS. She leads him into the Emporium on Main Street. She asks him to show her the hat he had lost, and then the lanyard, and the medallion and then she tells him to pick out 5 pins. I literally am crying as I watch this all unfold. I cannot believe it. I realize my DH and I are standing there with our mouths open and tears coming down our faces. I guess people wondered what the heck was wrong with us. It was truly a magical moment.

We went back to City Hall and she filled out some paperwork. I was still in awe and feeling so grateful. We thanked them over and over. I asked if we could take a picture with them. The gentleman that she was talking to behind the counter (I am guessing he is the one that gave her the OK to shop) was named Pablo, so I asked if he could be in the picture also. As you can see my DS looks like he has been crying in this picture. It was such a magical moment…it was a blessing. Moments like this is why we all love Disney.

We are walking on cloud nine as we leave the MK. Funny how you can go from being so sad and worried to feeling so happy and joyful in a very short amount of time. We told Justin how important it is to always check and double check for his belongings everywhere we go. We all agreed that we would be much more diligent with keeping up with our stuff and helping each other keep up with theirs.

We get back on the monorail for Epcot. We have ADR’s for dinner at LeCellier.

 

[cherokeemamma]

Now for dinner at LeCellier and more pixie dust...

We arrive at Epcot and walked like we are in a speed walking contest to get to LeCellier on time. I know some people don't really care for this restaurant and some folks love it...we are part of the "Love It" group. It doesn't take long and we are taken to the our table.

The Canadian Pavilion...(sorry for the poor quality pic)

(At this time the DDP included appetizer)
After being seated and looking at the menu my DS announces he wants to try the duck appetizer. I am shocked and amazed…this kid has always been such a picky eater and I never, ever dreamed he would want duck.
Our waitress comes over and takes our order…by the way; her name was Tracy and she fantastic! We absolutely loved her!

She brings the appetizers out and DS tries the duck….He LOVES it! He is going crazy over how good it is and how it is just fantastic. We are sitting there going…wow! We can’t believe it. We keep looking at each other wondering what has happened to our DS. Tracy comes back to check and see how everything taste. DS is going on and on about how much he loves the duck. We tell her that we can’t believe it because he is usually so super picky.

Next thing we know she has gone and gotten the chef and brought him out to meet Justin. He then tells Justin how this was his own personal recipe and he was thrilled Justin liked it. It was a hoot! I was so caught up in the moment I forgot to get a picture…

here are some pics of our appetizers:
The infamous duck...

Cheddar cheese soup...

Salad.....

DD Raw Veggies...

Our delicious dinner entrees…
DH had the Fillet Mignon with Mushroom Risotto

DS and I had had the Maple BBQ Fillet with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes...
(Oh how I wish I had this right now..I am so hungry)

DD Child's Steak with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes...

Tracy came back by our table and talks with us some more. We asked about her experience working with Disney and where she was from, etc… We proceed to tell her about what had happened with Justin losing his stuff and what the CMs at City Hall did for him. She said she loved hearing stories like that because it lets her know that the magic is still alive.

She then brought us out our yummy desserts…

Tracy came back out in a few minutes. She sat in the seat next to us and said that she had shared what had happened to Justin with some of the staff. She told him that they all wanted to contribute his magical moment by giving him some of their pins for his lanyard. She then reached in her apron and gave him a huge handful of pins. She told him that many of them were special cast member pins. Once again, we were in awe. I couldn’t believe her kindness; the kindness and generosity of the entire staff of LeCellier. We thanked her over and over and once again floated out on cloud nine covered in magical pixie dust. Wow!! What a day.
Justin was so very happy and yes, he shared some of his pins with Allison.

(I don't think we even cared that it was a rainy night...)

We got back to our room and collapsed with a full bellies and happy, wonderful thoughts of all the CMs that turned a sad, terrible moment in a magical one….one that we will never forget. It is experiences and people like this that make Disney a truly magical place; a place we love to visit again and again...

 

[MeMom]

Well, that was certainly a fun way for me to end my day!
I was thinking earlier, 'Yeah, surely that lanyard will turn up in the end, or CM wouldn't have left us hanging.'
Little did I know what the ending would be. Very cool!

 

[Glendamax]

What a wonderful story Darlene! I guess we should call your son Job, cause he certainly got double for what he lost!

 

[praisehisname]

Hi Darlene, I'm so glad you came back and are finishing your report! You had me in tears with Justin's lanyard story! What a wonderful thing for those CM to do!

Denise

 

[cherokeemamma]

Well, that was certainly a fun way for me to end my day!
I was thinking earlier, 'Yeah, surely that lanyard will turn up in the end, or CM wouldn't have left us hanging.'
Little did I know what the ending would be. Very cool!

Hi MeMom! Glad you enjoyed it! It was certainly a wonderful day. We still talk about it. Gotta love that Disney magic!

What a wonderful story Darlene! I guess we should call your son Job, cause he certainly got double for what he lost!

Hi Glenda, In the end he did get more than he lost and he hopefully he learned a lesson about keeping up with his things. Somehow...I think he needs a refresher course in keeping up with his stuff. We just had a little incident with his wallet. He lost it and thankfully a honest kid found it and returned it. (with all of the contents) I guess he is what you call a s-l-o-w learner.

 

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Darlene, I'm so glad you came back and are finishing your report! You had me in tears with Justin's lanyard story! What a wonderful thing for those CM to do!

Denise

Hi Denise! So glad you found me. Yes, it was a great Disney story. But believe it or not there is another little part of this story coming up in a day or two. It was this and a couple of other things that happened on this trip that I felt I just had to share. The CMs are the ones that make the WDW trips so magical in so many ways.

Thanks for posting and for reading. as I have very few readers.

TTFN
Darlene

 

[cherokeemamma]

Today is a MGM day. We love RnR, ToT, so we always look forward to those rides. DD has never rode ToT but she promises today will be the day. Our dinning plans are to eat at 50’s PTC, with our friends from our hometown, and then see DH’s fav Fantasmic. It is a beautiful morning but unbelievably hot and humid for Oct. …you can see this by all of the condensation on the bus window as we head out from ASMu. Regardless, we are looking forward to a great day.

As you can see DS is wearing his “new” hat, lanyard, and pins.
Up first is RnR. We love this ride, we also love Aerosmith. The take off is the best!
Love the Disney details…. While in line.

Any one remember these?

DS getting ready to rock and roll with Aerosmith…

Here is our redneck version of the ride photo:
DH looks terrified…

We always have to try on hats so here we go…
A perfect hat for DD even though she is sayin, Me? Drama Queen?

DD really getting into it…

DS wearing 2 hats…he may have been afraid to remove the goofy hat.

Now…it was on to the Tower of Terror. One of my personal favs. DD said she was going to ride, but once again she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. Our friend’s (that we are meeting later) daughter has never rode it either so they said they would do it together. We shall see. Anyway she waited for us as we dropped and screamed. What a great way to start the day.
Another redneck pic:

We headed over to the Academy of Animation. It was here that we saw this little guy.

Then DS and DD started dreaming of one of these…

Interesting to see how Woody and Buzz might have looked…

Posing with Walt and Mickey…

Time for lunch at the ABC Commissary…

Part of the kid’s meal but I am quite sure what it is…

 

[cherokeemamma]

continued...

After lunch we wandered a bit

And saw The Muppets 3D Theater

We then met the most interesting ladies…They were hilarious!

DD tried to float away with these but we caught her just in time.

Then it was off to see the Little Mermaid…a great show!

Soon it was time to meet up with our friends so we headed over to the ToT. DD was so nervous but we kept telling her she was going to love it. She loves the ride at our county fair that takes you up and drops you…it is just much smaller. Our friends DD, Jordan was also terrified. As you can see by this pic they were just about scared to death. Or putting on a good act.

We took up the entire top row and my DH was in the center…

My poor DD screamed the entire time but in the end…she loved it. I don’t think my friend Cathy liked it much and not sure about their DS Bryton.
My DD said she had to rename it because the name was too scary…so from this day forward the Tower of Terror shall be called the Tower of Drop!
I like it…cute, rather catchy.
Still, to this day, whenever she sees any pics or hears any conversations about ToT, she will call it Tower of Drop.

The kids wanted to ride RnR.
Here is their redneck pic…

up next Dinner at the 50's, F! and some shopping!

 

[heaven2dc]

I can't believe I didn't join this TR sooner! I love your family - what fun you all are! My heart went out to your DS - even tho he couldn't replace the pins that he earned himself & ones you bought him, it was fantastic of that lovely CM & manager to bless him with new ones! I was looking at the photos from the first part of the trip to see if there were any I could donate to his lanyard. Please let me know what he is missing and my family would love to contribute (if he wanted to, that is). It isn't quite the same as having the same pins you earned after riding an attraction but we would all love to pitch in

You are all having such a great time meeting up with friends - how fun!

 

[Megablocks]

Coming over from MeMom's report I think I started reading this a while back, probably before I joined the DIS, and I'm so glad that you decided to start it up again. You have such a cute family!

Looking forward to more

 

[cherokeemamma]

I can't believe I didn't join this TR sooner! I love your family - what fun you all are! My heart went out to your DS - even tho he couldn't replace the pins that he earned himself & ones you bought him, it was fantastic of that lovely CM & manager to bless him with new ones! I was looking at the photos from the first part of the trip to see if there were any I could donate to his lanyard. Please let me know what he is missing and my family would love to contribute (if he wanted to, that is). It isn't quite the same as having the same pins you earned after riding an attraction but we would all love to pitch in

You are all having such a great time meeting up with friends - how fun!

Heaven2dc Welcome! So happy you are here.
You are too sweet. Thank you for your kindness but I think he is fine with the pins he has. You are so sweet for being concerned about him. To be honest I don't know what pins he had to begin with or what pins he is missing.
I told him what you had said and his response was, "wow, those people on the Disboards sure are nice."
Thanks for reading and glad you are along for the ride...

TTFN,
Darlene

 

[cherokeemamma]

Coming over from MeMom's report I think I started reading this a while back, probably before I joined the DIS, and I'm so glad that you decided to start it up again. You have such a cute family!

Looking forward to more

Welcome Megablocks! Glad you found me.
I am glad I am finishing it also. I wish I had stuck with the origiinal but.... I know some of the details will be missing but I'll use my pics as my memory when my brain fails.
Thanks for the compliment on the family.

TTFN,
Darlene

 

[lovealldisney]

Hey CM,
Just wanted to report that DS didn't get the job at Target. He was really upset. He applied now at the local grocier by us they are building a new store. Hopefully he will find something.

Still loving your report!