There is NO random dancing at Disney! A June TR *NEW 9/19 *FINAL THOUGHTS*

[cjackearl]

Sounds like another great day. We ate at both WPE and Earl. My kids didn't like Earl that much but I did. I was going to get the cobb salad but got the original sandwich instead.

The sandwiches looked great too, but it was so hot, and at this point in the vacation, so vegetable deprived, that a salad just sounded so good!

Go Amelia for braving RNRR. That takes some guts I love your family shots by the hat. They turned out real nice. Our last day was June 19 so we missed the heat advisory, but I didn't think it could get much hotter, but I guess it did! And even the best of us have plenty of planning mess ups. At least they got their ears Can't wait for more

It was amazingly hot, and the next 2 days didn't offer any relief. I was proud of Amelia! I've never attempted RnRc myself, so she's got one up on me. Maddy was not going to let me forget about her ears! At least we'd gotten the bulk of our shopping out of the way and everything else was confined to a small section of DTD. It was a ZOO!!

I love the ears!!!! They turned out great. I have to admit, this is why we skip a car at WDW for the most part, parking at DTD even not on a Sat is crazy!
It sounds like it turned out fine though and I love the fountain pictures!!!

I'm really not sure why we decided to drive to DTD this time. We liked having a car at our disposal, but I wouldn't drive there again. Ian and Amelia too really, thought playing in the fountain was just too, too fun. For Ian, it was much preferable to shopping!

I remember that day. It was hot. We were at DTD that day for a little while but earlier than you.
Love the update. Do you know I have been to WDW 6 times and do not own Mickey Ears??? I can't believe it.

I had mixed feelings about the ears, because I knew they'd never wear them again once we got home so they're not "practical", but they used their own money so I kept my mouth shut. I'm glad I did, because they had so much fun making them and they make cute reminders of our great trip.

We really liked Earl of Sandwich when we went there. Can't wait to hear about Epcot and where you ate.

We liked it too. I was impressed by how efficient they were. The line moved super fast!

Another great update!!
That's too bad that Amelia didn't enjoy RnRc. But at least she was brave enough to try it!! Good for her!! (I haven't even tried it yet)

I haven't either, Angie!

Love all the photopass pictures!! They turned out great!!--and very cute Mickey ears! Both your girls did an awesome job!

Thank you! They had lots of fun playing designer.

What a nice way to get cooled off at DTD!! Ian looked like he had so much fun playing in the fountains.

He most definitely did!

I definitely agree on the cookie at Goofy's. The boys made one last year and it was way to sweet for us. We ended up bringing it home with us, just to throw it away a couple days after we got back. The pretzels that they got this year were much, much better.
It sounds like despite the heat, you still had a great day!!!

The pretzels were the way to go, for sure!

 

[cjackearl]

I cannot even begin to imagine how hot it must have been that day!

You know, we didn't notice the heat right away. DHS is the best park to be at in the brutal heat, because its small and there are so many air conditioned rides and longish shows, but we did feel it as the day progressed!

It may not have been just the hormones -- heat tends to suck all logical reasoning right out of my head!

The combination probably wasn't a good thing for me.

Amelia made ears that were so similar to Chelsea's -- we have girls with great taste!

I thought that also, when I saw a picture of Chelsea's.

Great photopass pics

Thank you!

Sorry Amelia didn't enjoy RnR but at least she gave it a try, this is one of mine and DF's fav rides at DHS.

George and Madeline LOVE RnRc and I think Amelia wanted to be included in their excitement, but it just wasn't her cup of tea.

Glad you opted out of single rider this time on TSM



I love those pics of Ian and Amelia playing in the fountains, esp the one where he looks like he is going "yes" with his fists balled up
Can't wait to read more

He was actually pretending to fight the fountain jets when they'd pop up.

You're last post reminds me NOT to go to DTD on a weekend night. I did this on the last trip. We got off the bus walked through the Marketplace and left via the bus at PI because it was a ZOO and this was during the "offseason"....ahhh...the Beach Club in the evening.....little bit o heaven.

Jordan!!! The crazy thing is that I'd planned around going to DTD on a Saturday, and then here we were. Duh!!! Yes, BC evenings can't be beat.

Wow!!! 10 pages later and I made it!

Happydog!!!! Welcome Back!

So to recap, your lunch at Le Cellier looks like it hit the spot TOOO well that afternoon! But I know what you mean when you all of a sudden realize how late it is!!! We missed riding Soarin with a set of FPs the last trip in Nov, for the same reason, wanted to see Illuminations, no time to do both! And I am glad the resort cafe was open for you! I am sure you are not the first family to crash their door that late!!!

Epcot will be so much easier, time wise, when we go next, whenever that may be, because we won't have to do child swap there. Oh, I was so, so, SO happy to see those Marketplace doors open! Late night gelato helped to make us all feel better.

The TSM story was SOOOOOOOOOOO funny. Got a good laugh out of that one!

I was able to laugh later, also. My family of course was laughing at me right away!

Your photo pass pics are too cute! I am waiting for mine, too!

Thank you. I'm really glad we had some done, at least to get all of us in a few pictures. Will you get yours soon?

Seems like you had a great time at DHS, and made the most of your day, DTD ears very sweet! Hope to see your xmas ornament!
Okay that was a blur, but I am back now, so I can stay on top of all this!!

This was definitely one of our very best days. I forgot about having DH dig out the ornament last night. I'll make myself a note today.

 

[jenjolt]

Ewww...what a hot day!!! I remember how hot it was in my neck of Florida during the time!!!! Love the pictures of Ian and Amelia playing in the fountain...how much fun would it be to dance in the shooting water!!! Love the girls' ears...they are very very creative! I'm so going to be making me a pair of ears in the Fall!!!!!!

Great update!

 

[cjackearl]

Ewww...what a hot day!!! I remember how hot it was in my neck of Florida during the time!!!! Love the pictures of Ian and Amelia playing in the fountain...how much fun would it be to dance in the shooting water!!! Love the girls' ears...they are very very creative! I'm so going to be making me a pair of ears in the Fall!!!!!!
Great update!

I remember hearing that it was unseasonably hot, even for Florida, during that time. It was icky. The make your own ears were super fun for the girls. I can't wait to see what you come up with, Jen!!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

The best reservations of the trip??? I can't wait

Great job on the ears!!! They came out really cute. I never knew Saturdays were that bad at DTD! Good to know!!!

 

[DreaGirl]

What a fun day! We love EofS and the fountains, lots of great fun.

 

[cjackearl]

The best reservations of the trip??? I can't wait

Without a doubt!

Great job on the ears!!! They came out really cute. I never knew Saturdays were that bad at DTD! Good to know!!!

I think the locals come out to play on the weekends so its busier. I'd avoid Saturdays at all costs in the future.

What a fun day! We love EofS and the fountains, lots of great fun.

The fountains were such a fun, unstructured activity and E of S was great! We really did have a great day.

 

[MeMom]

The ears are cute. I'm also a fan of the fireworks ones.

Fountains are fun for the little ones and occasionally for the big ones. I'd like to be sitting on a bench watching Brooklynn romping around in a DTD water jet right now.

Sometimes a salad hits the spot in Disney World.

Continuing to enjoy all the pictures.

 

[Porturican]

How were the crowd levels when you were there in June?

I'm thinking of taking the kids next year at either the end of May or early June since they get out of school on the 27th. (my step daughter cant make the trip this year due to her BIG Sweet 16 party in December, Yikes and then Xmas!) This way we can spend more time in FL and do water parks Universal, etc...

Your day in HS looks fun it also looked empty??? Did they have free dining then too? (im sorry if you mentioned this already but we are sooo far along in the report that I forgot )

Thanks!
Adrienne

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Christine!

VBS is over...it was great but it totally wore me out! That's why I've been MIA lately.

Great update! Good for Amelia for trying RnRC! (Oh...and happy birthday to Amelia as well!)

I love the new ears! I so want a pair, but wherever would I wear them?? LOL!

Ian looks like he had a blast...those fountains are the best!

I can't even imagine DTD on a Saturday....it's crowded on a weeknight! Glad you toughed it out and got the stuff you wanted.

Can't wait to hear about this "favorite reservation"!

 

[cjackearl]

The ears are cute. I'm also a fan of the fireworks ones.

I think the fireworks ears were my favorite, too.

Fountains are fun for the little ones and occasionally for the big ones. I'd like to be sitting on a bench watching Brooklynn romping around in a DTD water jet right now.

I loved how much joy Ian, and even Amelia, were getting from a spray of water. No ticket, ride, or ADR required.

Sometimes a salad hits the spot in Disney World.

By this point in our trip I was feeling a little veggie deprived.

Continuing to enjoy all the pictures.

Thank you.

How were the crowd levels when you were there in June?
I'm thinking of taking the kids next year at either the end of May or early June since they get out of school on the 27th. (my step daughter cant make the trip this year due to her BIG Sweet 16 party in December, Yikes and then Xmas!) This way we can spend more time in FL and do water parks Universal, etc...

Well, mid to later June is considered peak season, so we saw some major crowds, but we just planned on making lots of rope drops and utilizing fast passes liberally. I used TGM and found his crowd level recomendations were right on. I know others use different sources. I think late May early June will be less crowded, but I'd still do some crowd avoidance planning. We didn't do any water parks this trip, but Disney's are awesome! How fun for you all!

Your day in HS looks fun it also looked empty??? Did they have free dining then too? (im sorry if you mentioned this already but we are sooo far along in the report that I forgot )

The crowds in DHS were very light. The limited Fantasmic viewings are, as far as I can tell, having a huge impact on the crowd levels here. I took TGM's advice on which day to go and it was spot on! Nope, no free dining during our dates, but we took advantage of the 4/3 offer.

Thanks!
Adrienne

Hi Christine!

Hey Missy!!

VBS is over...it was great but it totally wore me out! That's why I've been MIA lately.

I totally understand. Glad you're back, you've been missed.

Great update! Good for Amelia for trying RnRC! (Oh...and happy birthday to Amelia as well!)

She was much braver than her chicken mother!

I love the new ears! I so want a pair, but wherever would I wear them?? LOL!

Oh come now, Missy, PTA meetings, grocery shopping, the list is endless...

Ian looks like he had a blast...those fountains are the best!

He really did. He was on

I can't even imagine DTD on a Saturday....it's crowded on a weeknight! Glad you toughed it out and got the stuff you wanted.

It was NOT the place to be. Luckily the stores we needed were all clustered in one lobe of the Marketplace.

Can't wait to hear about this "favorite reservation"!

Soon!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I could have SWORN I replied to this. I think I am losing it. Did the DIS eat my post?

The ears the girls made are so cute!

Note to self, avoid DTD on weekends.

 

[IluvXU]

Fountain fun... it is great to cool off and that was a very hot day... I know what you mean about forgetting once you are there, I can imagine DTD was crazy!

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Christine!

I've been away for a few days and am so happy to be back and catching up with all my favorite reports!

I can literally feel that Florida heat! It's a wonder you all didn't melt! Thank goodness for A/C and Fountain Fun!!

Looking forward to your upcoming "favorite" reservation!!


Kathy

 

[cjackearl]

I could have SWORN I replied to this. I think I am losing it. Did the DIS eat my post?

I do think the DIS gets hungry. I'm pretty sure it's chomped a post or two of mine!

The ears the girls made are so cute!

I think so too.

Note to self, avoid DTD on weekends.

And then don't have hormonal brain and forget...

Fountain fun... it is great to cool off and that was a very hot day... I know what you mean about forgetting once you are there, I can imagine DTD was crazy!

I was inspired to let the kids enjoy the fountain by pictures of your girls from last summer's TR.

Hi Christine!
I've been away for a few days and am so happy to be back and catching up with all my favorite reports!

Hi Kathy! I'm glad you had a nice break with family and now you're back with US!

I can literally feel that Florida heat! It's a wonder you all didn't melt! Thank goodness for A/C and Fountain Fun!!

Honestly, I was fully prepared for heat. I mean come on, it's Florida. In the summer. It's going to be HOT! On this day and the next two though, the heat was really kicked up a couple of notches. I was sorely tempted to join the kids in the fountain!

Looking forward to your upcoming "favorite" reservation!!


Kathy

I'm excited to share.

 

[cjackearl]

There were no rope drop plans today because we were going to do exactly what hubby wanted for Father’s Day. We were going back to Epcot per George’s request but didn’t have any headliners on the agenda so we “slept in” a bit. I roused everyone by 8:15 and we managed to make it into Epcot by 9:30 via the International Gateway. This was also a little bit of a “slush” day to do anything we hadn’t before or to repeat favorites. Our first order of business? Kim Possible tickets! After getting 2 sets so that we could split into 2 teams again, we went to take a trip back in time with Ellen Degeneres at Ellen’s Universe of Energy. Believe it or not, my girls had been requesting this ride all week! I’d forgotten how long the trip back in time was! Anyway, the kids were glad we’d ridden so all’s good. It really is a very relaxing ride and the dinosaurs are cool.

What to do next? Why torture my family, of course! Let me pause to add that today was just as sweltering as the day before, so nobody really felt like standing in the sun long. Well, Sorry Charlie, photopass pictures MUST be taken in front of the giant golf ball for posterity’s sake!

We found a photographer to appease mom and then headed to Club Cool to satisfy our thirst and to play a trick on some poor, unsuspecting family member. Heh, heh. Maddy was pushing Ian’s stroller and George was videotaping, so Amelia entered Club Cool with me first. I casually mentioned that I’d read that Beverly, from Italy, was really unforgettable and I thought she should give it a try. She readily agreed and while she filled her cup I got the camera ready. Here’s her reaction:

I was laughing so hard! Nice mom, huh? Anyway, everyone was intrigued now and we all tried Beverly. Maddy and I both thought it was very unpleasant, but George kind of liked it. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. My favorite was the Chinese soda, I think it was watermelon. Ian liked filling up the tiny cups by himself until I put a stop to his fun.

Next, it was time for the World Showcase and another appointment to save the world with Kim Possible!

First, a cool down with some misters.

We picked up our Kimmunicators from a cart right before we entered the WS near Mexico. Our mission was in China, but we didn’t feel like back tracking later, so we checked out the two pavilions before China first. First was Mexico and the inside of that awesome pyramid. We rode the Donald boat ride, which we all thought was cute except for the disturbing Donald piñata. I’ve read really mixed reviews about the San Angel Inn, but wow, what a beautiful setting for dinner! We exited Mexico and walked next door to Norway for yet another boat ride, this time Maelstrom! We safely fleed the trolls, and then the million kids with weapons near the giant troll, and then were ready to visit, or should I say SAVE, China! This time our teams were girls vs. boys. Our Chinese mission was super cute! Here are the girls, lost in concentration lest one of Kim’s nemeses get by them.

Once our missions were completed, who should we see but this lovely lady?

I just love Mulan. She’s such a strong, beautiful character. This particular Mulan was also very sweet and the kids had great interactions with her. Thanks Mulan!

Continued in Next Post.

 

[cjackearl]

We realized now that it was approaching 12:30. We’d better get lunch now or we wouldn’t be at all hungry for our early dinner ADR tonight. Now, the plan on the last Epcot evening, you know the one where all of the restaurants closed before we’d had dinner, was to each have a CS meal in whichever country we chose. George and I knew we wanted Morocco, Madeline was looking forward to sushi in Japan, and Amelia wanted fish and chips in the UK. Ian would either pick some Americanized kids selection at one of those three countries or eat from our plates. So, Amelia and I headed back next door to Norway to get some snacks to go while George took Madeline and Ian to Japan for Maddy’s sushi lunch. We really wanted to try the highly rated school bread and sweet pretzel, so we got one of each and took our treasures with us to go meet our gang. Madeline was just finishing up her lunch, which she later said she was disappointed with. She hadn’t realized when she ordered that it would all be prepackaged. Morocco was next, but before we could get there the allure of our Norweigan treats won out and we all nibbled on the school bread and sweet pretzel. Ok, I know school bread is pastry royalty here on the disboards, but I have to say, although it was very good, I wouldn’t go out of my way for it. Actually, both pastries were a wee bit dry. Maybe it was an off day? Anyway, George and I got our Shwarma in Morocco, which was quite good, but honestly, it was so hot out that I just never felt hungry. A lot of this meal was wasted, but I’d definitely come back. We all were really starting to feel the effects of the heat and walking aroud the WS now, so we decided we’d get Amelia her fish and chips and then go back to our room for a quick rest and cool down before our dinner ADR. We walked back over the International Gateway to our waiting room and found our first and only towel creation.

I think it’s a duck.

We all felt like a swim, but since there just wasn’t time, we all watched the continuous loop ‘o Stacey and took naps before getting cleaned up and ready to head out the door by 4:00. We were going to the 5:00 showing of the Hoop de doo Review!! We’d decided to drive, which got us to a parking lot and an internal bus that took us to Pioneer Hall. We checked in and then wandered around outside taking pictures.

I think George was pretending to be an auctioneer and Madeline was saying, “Daaaaad!”

It’s hard to get a foot massage when your feet don’t quite reach!

Checking out some jewelry.

We were all called into the hall at the same time and directed to our table. Drinks were brought out and the show started almost immediately. It was so, so funny! Every one of us was laughed out loud over and over. Servers brought food out during short breaks in the show and first up was the cornbread and salad. Yumm-o! It was quite delicious. George and I ordered beer, included in the ticket price, to go with dinner. We each had a mug and then the waitress brought out a pitcher. I thought the girls were going to die! They both looked at that pitcher and then at George and I, and one of them said, "Are you going to drink all of that?!" We explained that we'd be able to each fill up one more mug if we chose but we would be just fine. After the cornbread came the main courses, which were ribs, fried chicken, beans and mashed potatoes served in metal buckets. It was standard picnic food, but good. The mashed potatoes were downright addicting! After some more skits, music and knee slappers, dessert was served which was the most amazing strawberry shortcake ever. Even though we were all ridiculously full we managed to choke down some. I may have made room for 2 helpings, actually. Here's our crew, full and happy after dinner and a show.

The verdict? We would book the Hoop de doo Review again in a heartbeat! The entertainment was great and the food was tasty. We all agreed it was probably our favorite ADR of the trip. We all had different opinions on our favorite meal, food wise and Ian especially really enjoyed the character meals, but HDDR appealed to all of us. It cost us 2 TS credits on the DP for category 2 seats which is a great value, considering beer, wine or sangria are included as is gratuity.

Next Post: The evening is young, where shall we go?

 

[dismagiclover]

I'm with you that sometimes it seems we went on the same vacation My kids also loved the Universe of Energy. It's one of DD's favorite rides And the insistence of the family photopass shots. Definitely reminds me of someone I know well (like myself) And then all the KP missions. They really are a fun way to explore. Though we didn't do China. And the fabulous BC location where you just pop in and out of Epcot I really appreciate the HDDR review. I'm thinking about trying that out next summer and your experience only encourages me Great updates!

 

[IluvXU]

That is on my list to visit with the kids. I figure Luke needs to be at least 5 before it would really be fun, making Hannah ten. I remember the Sangria there from our honeymoon, we did it one night- front row table super fun!

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Great Update!!!

Question, In your opinion, would 2 teenage girls like HDDR? They would be 17 and 14 when we go next June. I have always wondered.

Love the pics.