Trip of Extremes and Dreams! Tons of Pics! 11/30 -12/10 Update Highlight to the End

[addictedtothemouse]

I'm still here and reading. I just am so far behind because of the holidays and my DM being in the hospital for a week that I'm just now getting caught up with...well everything. (Except maybe this )

 

[DisneyJo]

How did I miss this update????

I love the photo that you didn't take, too funny

Your Crystal Palace meal looks great, you both look so cute with Pooh.

How cool you saw either Zack or Cody, my kids would have loved to see him!

The parade sounds a nightmare!

 

[SkyGirl]

DAY THREE
DECEMBER 2

DD and I got up early and were STUNNED at how cold it was -- it was freezing this morning, under 35 degrees!! There was steam coming off the river and frost on the ground. I have honestly not been that cold since my days in Pittsburgh!

The frost looked like melting snow.

DD and I had breakfast at Sassy's (Sassagoula!) We were both really looking forward to this day, we absolutely LOVE EPCOT.

She had the blueberry muffin, which she says is still the very best she has ever had.

I had the Beniegts, which I didn't like last year because they were too sweet. This year, since my taste buds are getting more "normal", I thought they were really yummy!

As I looked around Sassy's, it seemed like this guy was blowing all the cold on us!!

It never went above 45 degrees this day and I was glad I brought gloves with me even though it had been mostly a joke at the time!!

We got to EPCOT and got Mater. The Christmas decorations looked so beautiful.

DD went and got fast passes to Soarin, while I waited at Spaceship Earth for her. We were so excited to see all the changes. It had been down last time we were here, so it felt like a long time since we had been on it.

We both loved the changes and the ending was just amazing. We had a great time.

Next was Test Track. We only waited ten minutes and just loved it. However, the wind was so cold that I kept my hands over my face!! DD and I both ended up with wind burn!!

We took a walk around Future World, just loving all the decorations and the whole place. It is so beautiful.

Next was Innoventions, East and West. They have a new 3D show called "Weather The Storm" which we planned to come back to. This is silly because we live through these storms six months out of the year and are prepared, but we wanted to see it anyway. It seems that people who have seen it really love it.

Innoventions got rid of the kiosks to email pictures. I was really disappointed, I love emailing those goofy poses back home!

We used our Soarin fast pass. The line was fun; there was a woman who had never been on it, didn't know much about it, and was very nervous. The very naughty little girl inside me longed to tell her it was calm other than when it went upside down!! But I was good!! She was really nice and we had a lot of fun talking with her.

We went into Mousegears next and DD fell madly in love with the EPCOT throw. (I told you she has a weird thing for hoodies and blankets!!). She also found a Maelstrom pin that she loved. We thought the Disney merchandise was especially great this year. Last year seemed like everything was a repeat over and over again. This year they had a wider variety of things, some to each park and some to WDW itself.

Up next was Figment! We just love this ride and have since DD was a little girl. There was no line and we just hopped right on. Afterward, DD bought a fantastic Figment Beach Towel. As we were checking out, we asked the CM if Figment came out anymore and he said no, that he didn't. Bummer. We also asked why they removed Dreamfinder. He had no idea and said that people asked about it all the time.

Back through Future World, the line to the Character Connection was over sixty minutes and the line wrapped around outside. EPCOT was filling up!!

To be continued next post ........

 

[SkyGirl]

It was time for World Showcase, which I think is my favorite place in all of WDW.

We were starving and decided to save our sightseeing for after lunch. We headed straight for Morocco. We were excited to eat at Tangeriene Cafe for the first time.

We both had the super delicious Lamb and Chicken platter. It was served with hummus, Tabouleh, and a Tangierine CousCous Salad with a Fresh Moroccan bread, as well as Baklava.

I can't even begin to say how incredible this meal was. It was beyond delicious!! Especially the lamb. DD stole my Baklava (to protect me from my walnut allergy although I did manage to get one bite!) We wanted to have it again, we loved it that much. We got a great table outside.

After our yummy lunch, we went to Japan and walked all around.

The Mall there is so much fun with the gross candy, the tea pots and plates and ... the squid!! EWWWWW

Now, what happened next was something I swore I was not going to write about on the TR. When I told DD this, she was very quiet, which should have been a clue! She said if I didn't tell, she would and she would make it worse!! MEAN!

As we were looking at the Koi fish, I suddenly realized that I didn't have my backpack and freaked out! It had everything in it; ID, money, credit cards, medicine .... everything! DD ran back to Morocco and it was still there, hanging on the back of the chair I sat in during lunch!! THANK GOODNESS!! I couldn't believe I did that!!

We decided not to do the countries in order, to just go to whichever one was calling us at the moment! We went from Japan to the UK. I think this is my very favorite country at EPCOT. It is so beautiful and DD and I do love everything there -- the culture, the Beatles and the Stones, the books, the architecture is just beautiful. Sometimes we think we were meant to live there one day.

We had a reservation at Rose & Crown later in the week and couldn't wait.

Next was the American Adventure. We watched Voices of Liberty. Did you guys know they have a CD that is available there? I was really surprised although I don't know why. I didn't buy it, planned to on the last day, but you know how that often goes.

I love when they do Christmas Carols. It was just so beautiful.

We went through the National Treasures and then did the American Adventure show, which is really interesting and cool and you don't even fall asleep!!

My American History geek girl really loved it!!

Outside we saw the Fife and Drum players.

Next up for us was Germany. It is so gorgeous there and even more so with the Christmas decorations.

We were both finally hungry after our lunch and decided on snacks. I wanted the Apple Strudel. It is magnificent. I haven't tasted strudel this good since I lived in Pittsburgh. They do not know how to make this in Florida. DD and I took it to Norway so she could get her snack and we could eat together. DD got School Bread -- her favorite!!

After chowing down, DD got us fast passes to Maelstrom, one of her favorite rides and something I still can't figure out.

Norway is DD's favorite!

The Santa's Around The World were performing and we got to see The Gnome and The Blonde.(Not really called that!!) It was hysterically funny. That girl had the best voice ever. It was great!

 

[SkyGirl]

Next up France. I love it there, too. I don't think there is a country I don't like ... well, one. Italy is very boring.

As we walked around, I was remembering right after 9/11 when many people boycotted France, even in EPCOT.

In one of the stores I fell in love with Marie from Aristocats and DD bought her for me and sent her back to the resort!! She now has a spot on my bed!! She's so sweet. (Although I changed her name to Kitteh ... LOLCATZ)

Then we went to China. Mulan was out but we knew we'd meet her later in the week. We walked through the stores.

We saw the Tomb Warriors, which is creepy and cool.

After visiting a few countries, we went to the UK again. DD was in the bathroom and I spotted Mary Poppins!! DD had wanted to see her for over a year. I called her on her cell phone and parked Mater, rushing to get into line. DD saw me and was very excited. A little boy in front of us yelled "Poppins!", it was so cute that even Mary giggled. We each posed with her and she asked about DD's pins.

The White Rabbit was there, too. This was DD's most favorite character meeting.

It was time for dinner at Le Cellier. We were both looking so forward to this meal. It had been incredible last year!

We didn't wait long at all and our server was very friendly. She brought us the bread sticks and we ordered soup, which is now off the Dining Plan! It was good as usual, but spicier than last year.

The pretzel bread was the best but even it was a bit salty, at least more than last year.

Then we ordered. DD had the Coffee-rubbed Kansas City Strip Steak - with hazelnut butter and cream cheese mashed potatoes. I had really wanted this, too, but an allergy to hazelnut kept me from ordering it.

I ordered the New York Strip Steak - with bercy butter, balsamic red onions, watercress, and roasted Yukon potatoes.

Oh, this much anticipated meal was such a disappointment. The steaks were tough, not at all juicy. DD could barely cut into hers and mine was just tasteless. We had waited all year for this meal only to be so let down.

It was at this time our server disappeared completely. We waited and waited and waited. She finally showed up and DD ordered the S'mores. And they took forever to come. It ended a bad meal on a bad note.

I don't know if this is due to the new chef or what is going on, but three of our friends have told us that they had the same problems at Le Cellier. A friend of DD's couldn't cut her Kansas City steak either. We've decided to skip it on our next trip and try and find another fabulous steak at a different restaurant.

After dinner we watched Illuminations from Canada. It is so amazing and beautiful and really gives me chills. On the way out, we just loved seeing everything all lit up.

Neil Patrick Harris was the reader at the Candlelight Processional.

It was back to the resort then, a wonderful day behind us.

 

[DisneyJo]

As we were looking at the Koi fish, I suddenly realized that I didn't have my backpack and freaked out! It had everything in it; ID, money, credit cards, medicine .... everything! DD ran back to Morocco and it was still there, hanging on the back of the chair I sat in during lunch!! THANK GOODNESS!! I couldn't believe I did that!!

Phew that was lucky!!!

It is so beautiful and DD and I do love everything there -- the culture, the Beatles and the Stones, the books, the architecture is just beautiful. Sometimes we think we were meant to live there one day.

Maybe we could house swap for a few weeks

The White Rabbit was there, too. This was DD's most favorite character meeting.

I've never seen him, cool!

Oh, this much anticipated meal was such a disappointment. The steaks were tough, not at all juicy. DD could barely cut into hers and mine was just tasteless. We had waited all year for this meal only to be so let down.

Same here, it was our best meal in 2007 so we went twice in August 2008 and wasn't impressed either time

 

[alan_renfroe]

Awesome, Awesome, AWESOME update ladies! Those pictures from the World Showcase are absolutely stunning. Great food porn too! Those Le Cellier pictures have got my mouth watering. I could jump in that cheese soup and swim in it!!! That NY strip is to die for as well. What a great day!

 

[disneydusted]

Yay! A new update! You guys looked like you had such a good time in World Showcase! I really enjoy going around to all of the different countries. It is quite amazing to see coats and gloves!! And frost and steam!!
I am so glad you didn't loose your backpack! That would have been very hard.
I had the same reaction to Mary Poppins! We saw her our first day and I spazed out! DH said go get in line for a picture so I did, my DD joined me but DS declined... There's just something about that Poppins woman!

 

[loralie]

Great TR! I loved the pics of the GF and the old pic of the 2 of you. Such nice memories. We are staying at the GF for the first time in May and I am so excited, I can't wait. I loved the pic on the patio outside Gasparilla Grill. Great view and I can't wait to see it in person.

I am sorry your meal at LeCellier was not that good. We loved it back in 2005 and were thinking of trying it again in May. Now I am not so sure.

Keep up the good work, can't wait to read the rest.

Loralie

 

[sanapunk]

Yay, we've made it to Epcot! lol!

Great update, and I kind of wish I filled out a complaint card at Le Cellier, but I was too sick to even think about it!

OHHH SCHOOL BREADDDDD.

 

[jaycns]

LOVING IT! If you are printing up that super cute picture of you two and Pooh for BARB (hi there Barb!) please print out two! I know you know where to find me.

AHHHHH....a lost bag. I do things like that all of the time. I am so glad it was still hanging on the chair.

I love the pictures you took in China. They all looked amazing.

What a cute story about the little boy yelling out "Poppins". I am sure that would have made me chuckle. I am glad dd got to meet both "POPPINS" and the white rabbit.

My boys would have loved to have seen Dylan or Cole! Stitch especially is a huge Suite Life fan.

Your lunch in Morocco looked really good. That is now on my list for our next trip! Thanks for the great idea.

KEEP IT COMING!

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Bummer about Le Celier. I had thought about trying them in May but have only read bad reviews lately. So maybe I'll try another steak place.

 

[joelp]

I'm still here ...

Good Epcot pics - especially since you focused on all the countries that I never made it to in our December trip!! Now I know what I missed ...

Glad to here about Tangerienne Cafe - the DW and I usually eat at Restaurant Marrakesh but passed this time, with the cafe on our plans ... but we never made it there (another thing for our next trip ... )

Time to make brekfast for the DD ...

 

[momoftriplets]

Sounds like a great day at EPCOT. We love that park. Were you & DD able to do it all in one day, or did you go back again during the trip?

Too bad about Le Cellier. The reviews had been so good for such a long time. Now, not so much, huh?

So glad you found your bag. That would have stunk. This is exactly why I keep all of my "valuables" in the always attractive, figure flattering, hip pack. Laugh if you will, but then I don't set it down anywhere.

B

p.s. Hi Jay!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Looks like you had a great day at Epcot! Too bad it was so cold though. When we were there last January (right after New Year's) it was like that pretty much our whole trip. I remember Dad saying they were having record low temperatures and such. Normally I don't consider 35 to be THAT cold but needless to say we did not leave Wisconsin for the same kind of weather in Florida!

 

[SkyGirl]

I'm still here and reading. I just am so far behind because of the holidays and my DM being in the hospital for a week that I'm just now getting caught up with...well everything. (Except maybe this )

I'm so glad you're still here! I hope that your DM is doing better! It's horrible when our parents are sick, isn't it?

How did I miss this update????

I love the photo that you didn't take, too funny

Your Crystal Palace meal looks great, you both look so cute with Pooh.

How cool you saw either Zack or Cody, my kids would have loved to see him!

The parade sounds a nightmare!

It was exciting to see that Suite Life kid!! He's so cute and seemed sweet -- at least the VIP Guide was all smiles with him. It's funny, when you see the VIP Guides, you automatically look -- it brings some of them more attention than if they were alone, I suspect. Wait until you hear about our "BIG" celebrity sighting and then meeting! Whooo Hooo, I'm still excited!!

Phew that was lucky!!!

Maybe we could house swap for a few weeks

I've never seen him, cool!

Same here, it was our best meal in 2007 so we went twice in August 2008 and wasn't impressed either time

We will definitely house swap! We hate Florida -- no culture, no good museums, but ... you are only three hours from Disney!!!

So sad about Le Cellier!

Awesome, Awesome, AWESOME update ladies! Those pictures from the World Showcase are absolutely stunning. Great food porn too! Those Le Cellier pictures have got my mouth watering. I could jump in that cheese soup and swim in it!!! That NY strip is to die for as well. What a great day!

Looks are lies, aren't they? Darn! I was waiting all year!

Yay! A new update! You guys looked like you had such a good time in World Showcase! I really enjoy going around to all of the different countries. It is quite amazing to see coats and gloves!! And frost and steam!!
I am so glad you didn't loose your backpack! That would have been very hard.
I had the same reaction to Mary Poppins! We saw her our first day and I spazed out! DH said go get in line for a picture so I did, my DD joined me but DS declined... There's just something about that Poppins woman!

I love World Showcase so much! I love talking with all the different CM's and trying different food -- not the squid candy!!

Seeing the frost on the ground was so amazing -- it brought back wonderful memories of snow in Pittsburgh! But then I truly felt the cold and brrrr!!!

Great TR! I loved the pics of the GF and the old pic of the 2 of you. Such nice memories. We are staying at the GF for the first time in May and I am so excited, I can't wait. I loved the pic on the patio outside Gasparilla Grill. Great view and I can't wait to see it in person.

I am sorry your meal at LeCellier was not that good. We loved it back in 2005 and were thinking of trying it again in May. Now I am not so sure.

Keep up the good work, can't wait to read the rest.

Loralie

What a great name -- Loralie!

The GF is so beautiful, Christmas and anytime. I just love it there. And everyone is just so nice. I hope you have a fabulous time and write a TR!!

Yay, we've made it to Epcot! lol!

Great update, and I kind of wish I filled out a complaint card at Le Cellier, but I was too sick to even think about it!

OHHH SCHOOL BREADDDDD.

That would have been a good idea to fill out a complaint card -- it was just awful!

LOVING IT! If you are printing up that super cute picture of you two and Pooh for BARB (hi there Barb!) please print out two! I know you know where to find me.

AHHHHH....a lost bag. I do things like that all of the time. I am so glad it was still hanging on the chair.

I love the pictures you took in China. They all looked amazing.

What a cute story about the little boy yelling out "Poppins". I am sure that would have made me chuckle. I am glad dd got to meet both "POPPINS" and the white rabbit.

My boys would have loved to have seen Dylan or Cole! Stitch especially is a huge Suite Life fan.

Your lunch in Morocco looked really good. That is now on my list for our next trip! Thanks for the great idea.

KEEP IT COMING!

DD really tortured me about leaving my backpack in Morocco!! I never do things like that and was just so worried until I saw her with it!

When Dylan or Cole left Space Mountain store, I waited, wondering if I was going to hear the squeeeeels of the tweens!! Whichever one it was, he was super cute! Makes me wish DD was a tween again. She loved .... the Backstreet Boys!!!

Oh, I can't tell you how super yummy delicious and amazing the food in Morocco was!! The lamb was outstanding as well as everything that went with it. YUM! I wish I was having that for dinner tonight instead of burgers and fries!!

Bummer about Le Celier. I had thought about trying them in May but have only read bad reviews lately. So maybe I'll try another steak place.

I definitely would recommend going somewhere else. It was heartbreaking. So sad to see steak done so poorly!!

I'm still here ...

Good Epcot pics - especially since you focused on all the countries that I never made it to in our December trip!! Now I know what I missed ...

Glad to here about Tangerienne Cafe - the DW and I usually eat at Restaurant Marrakesh but passed this time, with the cafe on our plans ... but we never made it there (another thing for our next trip ... )

Time to make brekfast for the DD ...

World Showcase is truly my favorite place in The World! We really love taking our time and doing it over and over again all day!

Sounds like a great day at EPCOT. We love that park. Were you & DD able to do it all in one day, or did you go back again during the trip?

Too bad about Le Cellier. The reviews had been so good for such a long time. Now, not so much, huh?

So glad you found your bag. That would have stunk. This is exactly why I keep all of my "valuables" in the always attractive, figure flattering, hip pack. Laugh if you will, but then I don't set it down anywhere.

B

p.s. Hi Jay!

We do all of EPCOT each time we go, some countries we might have to get through fast, or we might skip Italy, but we do it all. Sooo much fun!! We usually do Future World in the morning and then do World Showcase the rest of the time although we'll go and ride Soarin or Test Track at night.

I gave up the hip pack after last year's trip but leaving that made me second think it!!

Looks like you had a great day at Epcot! Too bad it was so cold though. When we were there last January (right after New Year's) it was like that pretty much our whole trip. I remember Dad saying they were having record low temperatures and such. Normally I don't consider 35 to be THAT cold but needless to say we did not leave Wisconsin for the same kind of weather in Florida!

For us poor Floridians, 35 is like death! We were shivering although we did laugh at seeing our breath!! Everyone in the park was buying blankets and hats and gloves. Disney was smart and put all that warm stuff right up front in the kiosks and stores!!! I was soooooo tempted to buy one!!

 

[AshleyMWC]

Wow, I am FINALLY caught up on your report. First off, I have to say, what great parade picture you got of the MK parade!! I especially love the ones where it looks like Donald is pointing right at you And I never ceased to be amazed at rude people can be pushing and shovingto see a parade. Come on, you can ssee it from more than the front row- there'r no need to klobber people in wheelchairs and Maters to get to the front!! I am glad you got a good seat, nonetheless. It also sounds like you had a great Epcot day! I just the World Showcase also. It is one of my favorite places in WDW to jsut relax and soak in the atmosphere. The only place we seemt o disagree is on Italy. I lvoe Italy, even though there's not much to it. I love getting a glass (ok, a plastic cup) of wine from the little store there and just sitting in the courtyard. Oh, and have you ever watch the WS Players do the Romeo and Ethel Skit?? Oh my gosh, it cracks me up every time!! It's not as good as the Holy Grail one in the UK, but it's worth a watch for sure! I can't wait to hear more about your mother/daughter adventures!

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Mom's doing alot better. She had to get a pace maker because her heart wasn't recieving a signal to beat. She didn't even know she had this condition until some blood pressure meds made her heart slow to 35 bpm. But all worked out well. She's home and doing everything she was before.

 

[jpmom97]

I am really enjoying reading your trip report. It is so wonderful you and your daughter can share such a special trip. Look forward to reading more! I am even playing Disney music in the background!

 

[DisneyJo]

We will definitely house swap! We hate Florida -- no culture, no good museums, but ... you are only three hours from Disney!!!

We're 1 hour from London, 2 hours from Paris and a 5 minute walk from a castle