"This is NOT the once in a lifetime trip I was hoping for!" - (Baby Simba - 12/18)

[ronnmel]

Day 5 part 7 - The One Where We Visit France And Morocco


Even though I was the one who stayed up late the night before, Ron was tired and preferred to sleep so I got to go out again. Epcot was having EMH that evening! Otaku and I lightened up our load and walked over there. The first thing we did is get PP pics on the bridge towards France.

I really do not look old enough to be Otakus mom here. In fact, I barely look older than her! I guess an oversized jacket and pulled back hair will make you look like a kid.

We wanted to watch Illuminations so the first thing we did is find a spot on the little island between France and the International Gateway. Its often closed for special events, but not that night. At first we stood in the stairs, but then moved to sit on the side of planters.

We should have stayed put, as we ended up with a very hidden view of the show. Plus, our butt was wet. Oh well.

At least we could see the high fireworks okay.

Otaku was craving a French pastry so we went to the Patisserie where. She was upset when we found out that the new Patisserie opened days after we came back.

She got a cream puff. I didnt get anything, as I had something else in mind.

We sat at a little table in the streets of France while she ate.

Soon after we got up and had started walking she said that she was thirsty. We stopped at Tangerine Cafe in Morocco to ask for a cup of water.

The CM that went to get her the water almost slipped and fell on the floor on his way back. We tried not to laugh...

We then walked around Morocco as Otaku had never seen it and I think its gorgeous.

Plus, I had only seen it in the day time.

The clothes and decorative objects are so colourful and sparkly. Love it!

Just before we left the pavilion, I led Otaku inside this little museum that is behind a closed door. Nobody was inside (no one ever is), and from outside it almost looked like somewhere you are not allowed to go.

Otaku called it the door in the wall. It became her new obsession to find the door in the wall (hidden room) in each pavilion.

After Morocco comes Japan and you all know what that means for Otaku...

​

 

[AvasMommy526]

Ok here I goooo haha!!
I love love the Nemo show, I just think its so cool and Claudia looks like she's totally enjoying it as well, little cutie pie I am determined to see the Lion King show this trip, as we've talked about it, it's my favorite Disney movie and Ive never seen the show I think everyone will enjoy it so it's on the must do list!

I am terrified of the teen years, especially if Ava takes after me (or her father lol, we both gave our parents tough times!)....I think with girls, we go crazy from like 14-17 or so and then come back around Thank goodness we still have some time! But it's nice that Otaku perked up and enjoyed the rest of the day, it really seems like you know just how to work things out with her

Oh and even though I'm scared of birds (lol) that picture is really cool!!

Love the EMH at Epcot!!! I just love exploring the different countries! And I had no idea about that little hidden gem in Morroco!! When I was a kid I thought Epcot was boring but that was before Soarin' and TT of course.... But as I got older I really love it, Future World and WS!! I can't wait to really spend some time in each country!!

I hope you had a very Happy Easter!! It seems like you all had a nice weekend!

Oh and I also think that if you want to, we would all enjoy a peek at your tip sheet

 

[jenseib]

I have heard of that hidden room. Now I need to go and find it.

 

[Marsheliz]

Boys will drain you physically, and girls will drain you emotionally. I wanted a girl so bad though, and I'm willing to live with the consequences. Are you trying for a girl?



Nemo has giant puppets, lots of vibrant colors, and lots of songs. I'm sure it could hold your kids' attention. You should give it a try.




FOTLK is a must do (which I didn't do this time, oops), but Nemo isn't. Still, I like it and am glad I saw it.

Next time I go back to Pizzafari I'll have to sit in a different room, that's for sure. Maybe I'll check out that one in the back.

I'm totally okay with other people not liking Dinosaur. Shorter lines for us! I always forget to pose though as well. Maybe I should just hold the pose the entire ride. (I actually did that in another ride, you'll see later)




I've seen Nemo two trips in a row now, so I'd be okay with skipping it next time. Ron will probably want to see it again though, so we'll see.

I had no idea until I saw the picture how happy she was during the show!

I tried Flame Tree BBQ twice and was disappointed both times. Ron LOVES it, b t it's not my cup of tea. I like Yak & Yeti though. It's hard to choose sometimes!

She does look very happy.

Not trying right now but we are waiting to see what happens in maybe the next year-year and a half.. Trying to get our youngest closer to 3!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I thought I had commented on your last post, but I guess not! So I'll comment on both:

Primeval Whirl is another ride I have never done. I just feel weird doing it be myself, since I'd be put on with strangers. But I don't feel weird sitting with strangers on Kali, so I guess I'm just weird!

Your PP pictures before you left are nice!

Too bad you didn't have the best view for Illuminations. But I do agree that Morocco is gorgeous. I never knew about that "hidden door" either.

 

[Pluto0809]

I love Primeval Whirl! I haven't ridden it though since 2010. I don't think I'll get to ride in in Oct either because there is no way I'll get DH on it. He hates rides that spin. We have a similar ride at our local amusement park except it's faster and indoors. It's really dark so you have no idea where you are going. DH rode that one and it took him an hour to get over the dizzyness.

AK is so pretty at night! I have never been there at a time when it's open after dark.

What a bummer your Illuminations view was somewhat blocked.

Morroco is such a beautiful pavilion, you got some great pictures. That little museum is one I know about but have never taken the time to venture into.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

I love Epcot at night. Morocco is also one of my favorite pavilions. I don't think I've been inside the secret room there.

Oh, we had an ultrasound two weeks ago, and sure enough we could see a ton of hair. Looks like we'll be able to get his first haircut on our trip.

 

[kmedina]

So late, but I am here. Will catch up soon.

 

[ronnmel]

Ok here I goooo haha!!
I love love the Nemo show, I just think its so cool and Claudia looks like she's totally enjoying it as well, little cutie pie I am determined to see the Lion King show this trip, as we've talked about it, it's my favorite Disney movie and Ive never seen the show I think everyone will enjoy it so it's on the must do list!

I had no idea how much Claudia enjoyed Nemo until I saw the pic. I love it! Lion King is the best Disney movie hands down. You will be blown away by the show, I'm sure.


I am terrified of the teen years, especially if Ava takes after me (or her father lol, we both gave our parents tough times!)....I think with girls, we go crazy from like 14-17 or so and then come back around Thank goodness we still have some time! But it's nice that Otaku perked up and enjoyed the rest of the day, it really seems like you know just how to work things out with her

I'm afraid Claudia will take after me as well. I went crazy from about 12-16. I feel bad for all I put my mom through. I'm sure karma is just waiting to hit me with that one... Otaku seems to take after her dad for lots of things, so hopefully teenage years won't be too bad. And I know from dealing with her dad that it's just best to leave him (and her) space when they are like that.


Oh and even though I'm scared of birds (lol) that picture is really cool!!

It was even cooler to see in person!


Love the EMH at Epcot!!! I just love exploring the different countries! And I had no idea about that little hidden gem in Morroco!! When I was a kid I thought Epcot was boring but that was before Soarin' and TT of course.... But as I got older I really love it, Future World and WS!! I can't wait to really spend some time in each country!!

I love exploring the countries too. I was so lucky this trip that Otaku was on the same page as me it terms of exploring and shopping. She is usually so not the shopping type. I don't know what got into her, but I sure liked it! I think Epcot now has a lot more to do for kids then it used to. Still, you have to know to look for those kids stuff. As an adult, though, it's an awesome park!


I hope you had a very Happy Easter!! It seems like you all had a nice weekend!

Thanks. I hope you had a nice Easter as well.


Oh and I also think that if you want to, we would all enjoy a peek at your tip sheet

Well my tip sheets were really specific to her needs (pregnant, 3 young kids, never been to Disney): which parks to visit which day based on Easter crowds and hours (and the fact she was staying offsite), and a list of which attractions (with a very general description of each) they could hit and in which order. She was under the impression that because she's pregnant, that she wouldn't be able to do anything. Same for her 1 y.o. baby, so I told her all that she could do. If you really want it I can post it, I just doubt any of the information would be new for all us Disney pros here.

More answers in teal above.

I have heard of that hidden room. Now I need to go and find it.

You sure do! It's especially nice to explore something new when you've been as often as you.

Not trying right now but we are waiting to see what happens in maybe the next year-year and a half.. Trying to get our youngest closer to 3!

Cool. Good luck when the time comes.

I thought I had commented on your last post, but I guess not! So I'll comment on both:

Primeval Whirl is another ride I have never done. I just feel weird doing it be myself, since I'd be put on with strangers. But I don't feel weird sitting with strangers on Kali, so I guess I'm just weird!

Your PP pictures before you left are nice!

Too bad you didn't have the best view for Illuminations. But I do agree that Morocco is gorgeous. I never knew about that "hidden door" either.

I guess of all the rides, Primeval Whirl would be the weirdest to do with strangers. Though as you say, I've ridden Kali alone and didn't find it bad. It's probably something that once you do it (ride alone), it doesn't seem as bad after. You just have to push yourself that first time. Or bring someone.

Don't worry, we made up for our bad view of Illuminations later on in the trip.

Isn't it great when we can learn something new from reading a TR? The room is quite small, and just a little museum, but it's great to step away from the crowd and heat and feel like you know something *special*.

 

[ronnmel]

I love Primeval Whirl! I haven't ridden it though since 2010. I don't think I'll get to ride in in Oct either because there is no way I'll get DH on it. He hates rides that spin. We have a similar ride at our local amusement park except it's faster and indoors. It's really dark so you have no idea where you are going. DH rode that one and it took him an hour to get over the dizzyness.

AK is so pretty at night! I have never been there at a time when it's open after dark.

What a bummer your Illuminations view was somewhat blocked.

Morroco is such a beautiful pavilion, you got some great pictures. That little museum is one I know about but have never taken the time to venture into.

I love Epcot at night. Morocco is also one of my favorite pavilions. I don't think I've been inside the secret room there.

Oh, we had an ultrasound two weeks ago, and sure enough we could see a ton of hair. Looks like we'll be able to get his first haircut on our trip.

Well then, you have something new to do next time you visit Morocco.

Less than a month to go. How exciting!!! I have major baby fever right now. I want to be pregnant again!!!! I don't know (or have forgotten, sorry), is this your first? Yay for the lots of hair! I just hope it doesn't all go away through friction of the head on the mattress like it did for Claudia.

So late, but I am here. Will catch up soon.

I'm happy to see you, I've missed reading your comments and reading about your great family on your TR.

 

[ronnmel]

Day 5 part 8 - The One With JAPAN!!!


The moment Otaku had been waiting for had finally arrived. We were in Japan.

She was beyond excited. I was mean and made her wait so I could take her picture. I had to tell her to stop jumping up and down so the picture wouldnt be so blurry.

I stopped torturing her and let her go in Mitsukoshi (its the name of the store). She was in heaven.

She knew so much about every anime represented. I tried hard to be interested in all she had to say, but mostly I was lost. She somehow managed to only buy one t-shirt of this anime called Black Butler. Sorry I dont have a picture, though I know she wore it later in the trip (pretty sure it was the next day, so look for it then). I saw this puzzle I really liked, but I havent had much time (or space) to do puzzles lately so I didnt buy it.

We moved on to the other half of the store. Its a more traditional Japanese section. She wanted to try a kimono, but she was too shy. In fact, she wanted to ask if it was a kimono or a (insert Japanese name here), but again was too shy. She also wanted to practice her Japanese with the CM who was the cashier when she bought her shirt, but, you guessed it, she was too shy. I had to limit her shopping to only 45 minutes, otherwise she would have been there all night.

I managed to tear Otaku away from her beloved Japan and we moved on to America. I had not taken a pastry in France because I wanted to try something new, a Funnel Cake. They only took cash. I had none since I was charging everything to the room, so I turned to Otaku to borrow her money, but then the CM told me I could take the funnel cake and go. She gave it to me for free! Yay for pixie dust!

I ate my treat while walking to Germany and shared some of it with Otaku. It was yummy!

We went inside the Christmas store and thats when I realized I had icing sugar ALL OVER my face and jacket. I was so embarrassed! I went to Germanys counter-service to get a napkin, but it was closed and they had put away everything. I tried to clean myself as best as I could with just my hands.

We continued walking around World Showcase, but soon were stopped at the Outpost because the draw bridge was up as they were bringing in the Illuminations barges.

It was okay though, because we passed the time by listening to these two guys (guests) playing the drums. They were really good!

Eventually (about 10-15 minutes based on my pictures) the bridge got back down and we made our way to China. Pretty much everything was closed so it was a quick visit.

On to Norway. Maelstrom had a 10 minutes posted wait, but we walked right on.

There was absolutely no one behind us.

We navigated through the whirlpools (thats what Maelstrom means. Who said TRs couldnt be educational?)

And made it back safely to the Nordic Village. Empty boat behind us. That would have been fun being alone on a boat!

I decided to feed Otakus new obsession and show her Norways door in the wall, a.k.a. the museum in the Stave Church.

This is not the last you will hear of her fascination. Not tonight though. We skipped Mexico as it was getting close to the end of EMH.

I wanted to check out Test Track. The Lines application said it had a 60 minutes wait, but World Showcase had been so empty that I couldnt help but wondered if it was a true 60 minutes, or if it was inflated (like RNR had been once during our Disneymoon minutes before closing). While walking to Future World to get there we stopped for a PP pic.

See, empty.

Turns out, EVERYONE was at Test Track. The line was out the door!!!

We skipped it and walked back through an empty Epcot.

We walked back to Beach Club, using the secret door of course.

Tomorrow was our planned sleep in morning. Would the pull of morning EMH at Hollywood Studios be too strong for us to resist?


DISNEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS DAY 5
Saw the lion and the cheetah up and walking on the Safari
Rode Dinosaur alone with Ron
Explored World Showcase at night during EMH
Tried a Funnel Cake and it was FREE!!


Click here for Day 6
​

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Good for Otaku that she only bought one thing in Japan.

I really like Funnel Cakes, but they are definitely messy. Good for you that you got it for free

 

[PopArtGal]

Thanks. It's not easy everyday but I chose to work with seniors so I can deal hehe I've got tricks up my sleeves now.

As for prime.... whirl.. the ride I can't spell lol It will never happen for me. It would surely give me a migraine. Hell, space mountain gives me a migraine. But I does look like a lot of fun. I bet she couldn't keep a straight face.

 

[PopArtGal]

omg I love the Japan store.... and puzzles. I've been looking for a new one.. So thanks for sharing. Could be on my list.

Funnel cakes are now a must-do for my mom and I. Every trip we eat one. At first we ate them at Epcot, but now we go to Sleepy Hollow in MK since there's a nice sitting area behind it.


And somehow I can't see you guys using the next morning to sleep`

 

[MrsDrewsky]

This is my first. Now that I'm towards the end it's hard to imagine wanting to be pregnant again, lol. It's good to know that baby fever will possibly come back around.

Otaku looks elated to be at Mitsukoshi. The CMs there are always so nice, they probably would have loved if she practiced her Japanese.

That funnel cake looks divine. I would love to have some Disney food right about now.

 

[SAT887]

Love the Japan store! I got the cutest purse there 3 years ago- it's still my favorite and I haven't stopped using it! Funnel cake is a pain like that-- that powdered sugar is trouble!

 

[KatMark]

I'm quickly trying to catch up before we hit the sack for a long day tomorrow--a customer and then Disney.

I'm not a fan of funnel cake, but Mark loves it. And for pixie dust and getting it free.

Love the photopass picture.

I love World Showcase.

Sorry Test Track was so long.

Can't wait to use that walk to the BCV in June.

 

[Moodyzblu]

OMG we LOVE the Japan store !! The Hello Kitty section is awesome (I have a Hello Kitty fan in the family who is SO looking forward to another visit).
Funnel cake is a must do for me (easy on the powdered sugar)

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

Now I may get an obsession with secret doors! How cool! I never knew that one in Morocco existed. Where exactly is it located? I mean, I know in a wall, but how do I get to that wall!?

Yay for funnel cake pixie dust! Did you get a picture of yourself covered in the powdered sugar? HMMM??

I just love everything lit up at night. It makes things that are beautiful during the day just absolutely spectacular at night.

 

[monica23535]

Hi Mel,

I was so excited that Otaku got to explore Japan at last lol

I would have been just as shy as she was at her age.

Free funnel cakes are awesome! You really lucked out there

That secret door to the Beach Club is fabulous isn't it? We've used it many times, in fact I even timed the walk once from International Gateway to the secret entrance and it was 2 minutes and 51 seconds at the pace were walking lol