Two Weeks until Two Weeks! - Update 3/22 - NEW TR LINK!

[blessedmom4]

Okay, after reading your PTR last night, it's LISA'S 8th birthday in 2 weeks (minus one day)?

(your correct)

That is major!!!
, I agree!

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET LITTLE GIRL! (and a big 'ol for you Momma!)
You are too sweet!

Whew - crud...crying...wipe tears, smile.
Me too a little.

That's so funny about the guy in Norway! I'll have to scope them out. I believe we had a very pretty woman last time. Joe might remember. LOL!


Let me know when you get back...Joe just might know...those girls in Norway are Gorgeous. As our oldest pointed out...he thought doing some college studies in Norway would be fun...I mean "educational"

Test Track is a BIG hit. He talks about the bumpy road, the brakes, the hot room, then the reallyreallyreallyREALLY fast lap!

My children LOVE this! It is obvious Henry does as well!

That sweet almond pretzel is so wonderful, isn't it? Have you ever had the one with the chocolate on top? I have never been brave enough, in fear the chocolate will ruin the beautiful balance that already exists.

Okay NOW you have to be brave enough to try it, so you can tell me if it is delicious!! Sounds YUMMY...although the one you posted might lure me away from...YOU KNOW WHAT!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Two weeks from today....March 4

This morning we have a special breakfast planned. We are eating with

and

and

at Hollywood & Vine!

We have never eaten here before, and I haven't read many reviews, so it will be a "I'm not entirely sure what to expect" experience. We almost booked Cape May again, or Crystal Palace, but when we spoke to Henry about it, he got very excited over eating breakfast with Oso and Manny!

After we fill our bellies we will go over to Playhouse Disney, which re-opens this day as Disney Junior! It was scheduled to re-open on the 6th, but a Disney Parks Blog from just the other day said it was going to open on the 4th.

(concept art from the Disney Parks Blog)

ESPN the Weekend also starts today, so we will walk around and see what there is to see in the park. I know there are to be sports celebrities, but honestly, one could walk through my door right now and I wouldn't have a clue who they are. I see there are a couple guys from the Yankees, and a couple from the Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl Champions). OH WAIT! HOLD THE PRESSES! I RECOGNIZE A NAME!!! Frank Thomas from the White Sox! My uncle is a big White Sox fan, and used to work security for them, so the names there are familiar from when I used to spend time in the summer with their family.

Anyway! Still not our thing. If we see them, we see them, but we won't be going out of our way. I want to check out the "Interactive Sports Zone" to see if they have anything child friendly that Henry would enjoy doing.

Also new to us this day is the fact that we will be on the Disney Dining Plan for this day only. DVC introduced a new perk recently that allows us to book any dining plan for any day(s) of our stay. Everyone still has to be on the plan, but you can pick and choose your days. Because of the more expensive character breakfast, the DDP ends up being cheaper after a CS and snack-which we are surely to eat. We haven't done the DDP in several trips, so hopefully I remember how it all works.

After the breakfast we don't have any other solid plans for the day. I have in my notes "If it works out, eat an expensive CS." (to take advantage of the DDP) So, this might be the day we had back into Epcot and eat at La Catina since it is on the higher-price end for CS.

or maybe we'll do one of our non-parks activities, or hang out at the resort!

or maybe we will go to DTD to eat at Wolfgang Pucks Express! YUM!

I'll share our resorts and DTD plans for another update, since this is already getting long--and wordy!

Before I go...
Does anyone have any requests from the World? I am more than happy to look up prices for you, pick something up and mail it to you, get pictures of a certain thing, send postcards, etc. A couple of you have already spoken to me and I have you on my list!

 

[loritemp]

We are debating heading over to DHS on Sun (the day we arrive). I don't know if any of the activities will be toddler friendly. But I was wondering if the kids would be less crowded if everyone is focused on the ESPN stuff. Small request, if you get a chance, post a blurb on FB about your impression of it!!

 

[that's nice]

Like the plans... lot of maybes, what if's, and possibily's!

I have a request.. for nice weather!

 

[claryche]

I'm sure Henry is going to love breakfast at Hollywood and Vine. We have eaten there I think 3 times. The food is just kinda the same old breakfast food, but we always leave full. But the character interaction is great. They have dance time, where the kids get to go to the middle of the restaurant and dance with the characters. Here is a picture of my DS last time.

He was so excited that Oso was there, we hadn't told him that he would be there. I know that it doesn't look like they are dancing, but they are or singing or something at that particular time. It's a lot of fun.

I'm so excited about Playhouse Disney changing. I knew nothing about that until you mentioned it. My DS always has to go see Playhouse Disney, so it will be nice that it has changed. I'll be sad though, because it appears that Pooh won't be included, since he isn't on Disney Junior. Pooh is my fav, so I'll miss him, and my DS loves Tigger. Oh well.

As far as Epcot. We did go during the Flower and Garden Festival 2 years ago, and really enjoyed it. They had a lot of activities for kids and I loved the flowers, they do a great job. You are gonna enjoy it I'm sure.

As far as ESPN the weekend, I think we are going to avoid it if at all possible. Nothing that I have read that is a must do for us. Have you found anything really exciting going on during that time?

 

[jenjolt]

Brook I'm loving your plans!! Henry is going to have a fun fun fun morning!!! I love Disney breakfast food LOL!!!!!!

I really can't wait to hear all about your trip!! This is going to be a fabulous vacation for you guys!!!!!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Tim & I have found H&V to be so-so... But the kids have definitely enjoyed it!

I'm interested in checking out the ESPN interactive stuff too. Alex is really into sports - mostly basketball & soccer - so he would probably love anything like that. Hopefully it's not too crazy crowded.

That's cool that you can add the DDP for just one day!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Oh, you will LOVE that H&V breakfast! We eat there every trip. It's a fabulous restaurant, very art deco with all the chrome and metal everywhere. And the food is really good! DH claims they have the best corned beef hash (blech!) on property. You'll love it! Henry will love it, the characters are so darling here. DD was 4 when we first went and loved all of them here. I even enjoyed it myself since it wasn't like some of those other hectic character breakfasts. I still remember June (from Little Einsteins) came over and wanted a pic with just me because she liked my braided hair. It was really funny and so cute.

Don't you just love HS? I do, it's a very cool park. Although I forgot to take my pic with Bo this trip, isn't that sad? I wonder if he missed me?

I didn't realize you could add the DVC dining plan for one day? Is it a one time deal then? Like you only can pick one day or can you do more??

ETA: I thought of a request. Could you call my DH and tell him that we need to go back to Disney in October please? If it's not too much trouble for you Brook!

 

[Moira222]

We haven't ever eaten at the Rainforest Cafe at WDW, when we lived in Minnesota we did go to the one at the Mall of America a couple times. It's a very fun place to eat, and pretty good food! I can see us booking here in the future, or at T-Rex too.

Katie loves the popcorn shrimp there..she already knows what she will order!!! T-Rex....have to say I hated that place. It was probably mostly me, as I know that the menu is about the same as Rainforest. We were seated in an "ice cave" room -- all white. but then they changed the lighting effects. the lighting changed from a soft, soothing blue (like ice) to bright red--i think they were portraying when the meteor showers hit and melted the ice age. Well it wasn't just the ice that melted - it was me. Everything seemed to hit me at once -- the red lighting (I am easily influenced by color in my environment), the dinosaur noises (not nearly as pleasant as tropical birds), the little boy who sat on the floor under the table next to us and BANG constantly BANG and incessantly BANG hit BANG his BANG forkBANG againstBANG the metalBANG table BANG leg BANG forBANG 30 minutes BANG while BANG his BANG parents BANG ignored BANG him BANG completely BANG (see how annoying that is?) the second I finished my meal and literally chugged my drink (why waste good wine?) I bailed on DH, DD & DSIL to finish their desserts & pay up and wandered outside. I had fun chilling out (literally, it was chilly!) and chatted with a vendor outside for a little while till the gang came out. I think that DH was a little of me that night...for sure my DSIL had never seen me lose my cool SO, we joke now about how if DD wants to go to T-Rex, she can go with Daddy and I will go elsewhere!

(sorry for hijacking your PTR!)

 

[that's nice]

Katie loves the popcorn shrimp there..she already knows what she will order!!! T-Rex....have to say I hated that place. It was probably mostly me, as I know that the menu is about the same as Rainforest. We were seated in an "ice cave" room -- all white. but then they changed the lighting effects. the lighting changed from a soft, soothing blue (like ice) to bright red--i think they were portraying when the meteor showers hit and melted the ice age. Well it wasn't just the ice that melted - it was me. Everything seemed to hit me at once -- the red lighting (I am easily influenced by color in my environment), the dinosaur noises (not nearly as pleasant as tropical birds), the little boy who sat on the floor under the table next to us and BANG constantly BANG and incessantly BANG hit BANG his BANG forkBANG againstBANG the metalBANG table BANG leg BANG forBANG 30 minutes BANG while BANG his BANG parents BANG ignored BANG him BANG completely BANG (see how annoying that is?) the second I finished my meal and literally chugged my drink (why waste good wine?) I bailed on DH, DD & DSIL to finish their desserts & pay up and wandered outside. I had fun chilling out (literally, it was chilly!) and chatted with a vendor outside for a little while till the gang came out. I think that DH was a little of me that night...for sure my DSIL had never seen me lose my cool SO, we joke now about how if DD wants to go to T-Rex, she can go with Daddy and I will go elsewhere!

(sorry for hijacking your PTR!)

WOW! That sounds horrible!!!

I think I would of asked for a cocktail to go!

 

[Poolrat]

For DHS and The DDP.

 

[Moira222]

Two weeks from today....March 4

This morning we have a special breakfast planned. We are eating with

and

and

at Hollywood & Vine!

We have never eaten here before, and I haven't read many reviews, so it will be a "I'm not entirely sure what to expect" experience. We almost booked Cape May again, or Crystal Palace, but when we spoke to Henry about it, he got very excited over eating breakfast with Oso and Manny!

After we fill our bellies we will go over to Playhouse Disney, which re-opens this day as Disney Junior! It was scheduled to re-open on the 6th, but a Disney Parks Blog from just the other day said it was going to open on the 4th.

(concept art from the Disney Parks Blog)

ESPN the Weekend also starts today, so we will walk around and see what there is to see in the park. I know there are to be sports celebrities, but honestly, one could walk through my door right now and I wouldn't have a clue who they are. I see there are a couple guys from the Yankees, and a couple from the Green Bay Packers (Super Bowl Champions). OH WAIT! HOLD THE PRESSES! I RECOGNIZE A NAME!!! Frank Thomas from the White Sox! My uncle is a big White Sox fan, and used to work security for them, so the names there are familiar from when I used to spend time in the summer with their family.

Anyway! Still not our thing. If we see them, we see them, but we won't be going out of our way. I want to check out the "Interactive Sports Zone" to see if they have anything child friendly that Henry would enjoy doing.

Also new to us this day is the fact that we will be on the Disney Dining Plan for this day only. DVC introduced a new perk recently that allows us to book any dining plan for any day(s) of our stay. Everyone still has to be on the plan, but you can pick and choose your days. Because of the more expensive character breakfast, the DDP ends up being cheaper after a CS and snack-which we are surely to eat. We haven't done the DDP in several trips, so hopefully I remember how it all works.

After the breakfast we don't have any other solid plans for the day. I have in my notes "If it works out, eat an expensive CS." (to take advantage of the DDP) So, this might be the day we had back into Epcot and eat at La Catina since it is on the higher-price end for CS.

or maybe we'll do one of our non-parks activities, or hang out at the resort!

or maybe we will go to DTD to eat at Wolfgang Pucks Express! YUM!

I'll share our resorts and DTD plans for another update, since this is already getting long--and wordy!

Before I go...
Does anyone have any requests from the World? I am more than happy to look up prices for you, pick something up and mail it to you, get pictures of a certain thing, send postcards, etc. A couple of you have already spoken to me and I have you on my list!

Iam so excited for you. I have been reading all your fantastically fun plan at AK & Epcot. The food looks soooo yummy. I have to say though we have not really indulged in many of the desserts and snacks that so many people have posted pix of. We are not really big "in between" eaters and usually find that our meals are pretty filling. I pack granola / fruit snacks so we just pick at them. I feel like I am missing out on something now!

My DH loves La Cantina at CSR. That was where we stayed our first trip. I wouldn't make a special trip there just for lunch but yummm.. Also, WolfGang Pucks express is CS? that would be awesome. I may have noted that on my spreadsheet but forgot it. I remember how yummy their menu is.

Here's a silly request - I am subbed on the planning section on a travel mug chain. would you post a picture of the new refillable mug? PLEEAASEE????

I am so excited to add to my new "MUST DO" some of the innoventions things. I didn't know about the storm thingee but my family will really love that too.

to your single digits!!!

 

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh, if you guys have the same experience we did, you're going to love H&V for breakfast! Our little guy had a blast! If you want me to find that update from my TR, I'd be happy to show it to you.

 

[kschafer]

That sweet almond pretzel is so wonderful, isn't it? Have you ever had the one with the chocolate on top? I have never been brave enough, in fear the chocolate will ruin the beautiful balance that already exists.

funny you say this because I tried both the school bread and thought it was and the almond pretzel which I thought was good but perhaps not quite sweet enough. Now the chocolate one is high on my to-do list!

 

[kschafer]

Before I go...
Does anyone have any requests from the World? I am more than happy to look up prices for you, pick something up and mail it to you, get pictures of a certain thing, send postcards, etc. A couple of you have already spoken to me and I have you on my list!

That scarf we talked about and would you let me know if they have a watch on their buy $X..get this for... deal. I have had and loved 2 of them but the band broke on the first and my second is now starting to lose time here and there (that's what you get for 15 bucks I guess!!)

TIA!!

 

[MiaBella05]

joining in

 

[IluvXU]

I am excited to see pics from this breakfast and reviews too. We are headed there to eat, Luke, like Henry will be on cloud nine! He loves loves loves Oso and Handy Manny. (Jake and the Neverland Pirates has been a hit this week too). This is our only breakfast planned, hard to give up Cape May especially since we are staying there!

 

[Softballgirl27]

hello I ama huge fan of your trip reports i must tell you that sum of thrills at inovations (sorry if i mispelled that) is amazing!! it is somewhat educational. there is a wait but it is totally worth it!! i think you will love it but Henry might take some convincing but you never know

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your plans look great. Sounds like this breakfast was meant to be!

As far as requests go, please have a great time!! Any pictures you can take of Flower & Garden would be appreciated! Oh and any 40th anniv merchandise.

OK... I intended to be less selfish with my requests...

Seriously... focus on having a great time. I can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Brook,

I'm finally caught up after a fair amount of reading and drooling and wondering how Henry and you guys could NOT enjoy a special morning with the characters at H&V. Great choice given his age and excitement over the shows.

I'd love a copy of any CDs you can find from either Mo'Rockin or Mariachi Cobre. (Morocco and Mexico Pavs.)