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

[jenseib]

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!

If you want, you can send us a postcard, if not thats OK too. Do you still have my address? Also would you like us to send Henry one when we are there? if so, give me your address as well.

 

[MeMom]

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.

Do they have a special opening for the F&GF? That will be neat to see! I'm thrilled to finally see all those flowers and exhibits.

I haven't had the one with chocolate. When I go there, I go for the schoolbread or the almond pretzel, but I should broaden my tasting experience. Since we'll be there on our last day, so if we have extra snack credits, I may try a couple of different things. I will be back at school on Thursday and Friday, so to be eating an Epcot snack at my desk on those days may help soothe my sorrows.

I've seen one on youtube, so I'm guessing they do, but I guess we'll find out when we get there.

 

[brookelizabeth]

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!!

Yep, I can do that! I marked it down.

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

I have a request.. for nice weather!

I'll see what I can do about that weather Tim. (it looks like it's going to be high 70's to mid-80's...but you probably already knew that. )

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?

Thank you for the pic! From what I have read about it, and what you posted, I think Henry will really enjoy it! The dancing sounds fun. Henry has gotten very into dancing lately - especially when I join him.

I'm excited about Playhouse Disney changing too! I'm sad about Pooh going, kinda strange that he is? I haven't seen the new show yet, but Henry and I will watch this coming week.

From so far what I have researched about the F&GF it sounds amazing. There are two kids playgrounds and more. I am so excited to see all the colors and beauty!

As for ESPN, no, I haven't found much that looks interesting to me. The only thing that might be is the interactive sports area. I saw some pics of kids playing basketball, but that's about it. Apparently a lot of shows go on around the hat and it gets crowded there, but MANY of the rides are walk-ons. So we'll enjoy the empty rest of the park!

 

[brookelizabeth]

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!!!!!

I love Disney breakfast food too. YUM. And in buffet style... I love me a breakfast buffet!

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!

I hope the ESPN stuff is kid-friendly and fun..and like you said, not crazy crowded with a 20 minute wait to shoot a basketball three times.

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!

I'm so happy to hear H&V isn't a crazy hectic character meal!!!! Yay! I really enjoy the more laid back, slower paced ones so much more. I can go to the buffet without worrying I am going to miss all the characters.

I am certain Bo missed you! I will be sure to tell him you said hello. Perhaps I can make up a story of your DH being jealous so he doesn't feel bad?

As for the DVC DDP deal - you can pick whatever you want! We have the DDP on this day, and later in the trip we have the DxDDP for one night. I've read threads where people did every other day DxDDP too. It takes a bit of work on the CM's side of things, they have to segment your vacation, but it is a new perk, so they will do it. It came with the system upgrade they went through a couple months ago. I'm a tad worried about how it will go with our keys and all that...so we'll see!

about calling your DH! I can text him pics of his favorite things perhaps.... Wouldn't that be hilarious? Like a picture fo School Bread from some random number just shows up on his phone!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

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!)

Oh my word. That experience at TRex sounds MISERABLE! What is up with the parents letting the kid sit on the floor and band the table??? UGH!

Kinda funny it became a family joke though.

I've heard more than just your negative review about it - the sensory overload is not uncommon there!

For DHS and The DDP.

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!!!

I love Disney snacks! Sometimes I'd rather skip a real meal at a TS or CS and just get a few snacks.

Yep! Wolfgang Pucks Express is a CS! If you are on the DDP it's a great value for a CS. And delicious food. We haven't eaten there in a few trips, since before they changed the menu (and one of my favorites is gone!), but I'm willing to try the new too. They still have the creme brulee.

Is the new mug out??? Joe just asked me tonight, he wants a new mug! LOL And YES! If there is a new mug I will surely post a pic! Are we on FB together (sorry, can't keep track of everyone's real name + screen name here! ), I'll post it there because it's easier, but can also mention it here/try to post it. What is that thread too? I'm interested! Mug Watch 2011!

Innoventions has lots of hidden little things! It amazes me how much they can pack in there. We haven't visited the side with the Storm Struck in years!

 

[brookelizabeth]

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.

I'm so happy to hear that!

I have been sloooooooooowly reading your TR. I might be able to actually get a chunk done tonight since I'm - believe it or not - caught up on the DIS! It never happens! When I get over there in a bit to read, I'll search that post out! Thank you!!

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!

I think the chocolate would make it quite a bit sweeter - in a good way. I'm tempted, but scared.

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!!

Yep, I can do that! I've got both marked down.

 

[brookelizabeth]

joining in

thanks for reading!

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!

It was hard to give up Cape May! But, little ones rule sometimes, don't they? We need to watch some Jake this week so Henry has a clue who he is when we go to the show.

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

Thank you!! I enjoy writing them and sharing the magic - and reliving our trips!!

Do you think Henry would be tall enough for Sum of All Thrills? I haven't a clue what the height requirement is...I imagined he was too short, and Joe and I would just have to take turns/Baby Swap if they have that. Maybe we could create a real tame one with him though if he's tall enough...hmmm! I'm super excited to try it! We might head that way first thing in the morning one day in attempts to avoid the lines!

 

[tinacaplan]

Hi, Brook! Bye, Brook! We'll be like ships passing in the night...or more like planes passing at MCO. I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I know I will enjoy ours. Have a truly magical time!

 

[brookelizabeth]

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!

Have a great time - we can do that!

I will take a bazillion F&GF pictures. I am so stinkin' excited to see it for real. I'm always jealous of everyone's pictures and now I will finally have my OWN! And I will be sure to snag some of the 40th merch. I really like what I have seen so far. If the iPhone case is reasonable, it might be coming home with me!

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.)

I think the only way we'd not have a good time at H&V is if the food was inedible and the characters ignored us. Not likely!

I will look for both of those CD's and FB ya on the info! Or do you know that you absolutely want them? Then I can just FB ya when I have them in my hands for you!

If you want, you can send us a postcard, if not thats OK too. Do you still have my address? Also would you like us to send Henry one when we are there? if so, give me your address as well.

I'd love to send Princess Claire a postcard! I still have your address.

And yes, Henry would LOVE a postcard. I'll PM ya.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I haven't had the one with chocolate. When I go there, I go for the schoolbread or the almond pretzel, but I should broaden my tasting experience. Since we'll be there on our last day, so if we have extra snack credits, I may try a couple of different things. I will be back at school on Thursday and Friday, so to be eating an Epcot snack at my desk on those days may help soothe my sorrows.

I've seen one on youtube, so I'm guessing they do, but I guess we'll find out when we get there.

Ooh, good idea to use up some snack credits! And eating Epcot snacks at your desk...yes, that is a very nice idea!!!! I really enjoyed bringing back a few things last trip - it makes the happiness extend a little bit longer.

Just think though MeMom, you'll be back soon!!!

Very cool about the special ceremony! I'll have to look that up.

Hi, Brook! Bye, Brook! We'll be like ships passing in the night...or more like planes passing at MCO. I hope you enjoy your trip as much as I know I will enjoy ours. Have a truly magical time!

YOU LEAVE IN JUST HOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!! Enjoy every minute, leave some pixie dust for us!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Brook, you have to read this! Trust me! Just think, in barely a week you could be munching on them.

http://www.mainstgazette.com/2011/02/if-they-dont-win-its-shame.html

 

[MEK]

That looks like a cute breakfast. I am sure that Henry will love it.

Now don't faint - but I set up my FB account and sent you a friend request. It's sort of weird. Suddenly I have friends that I haven't seen in forever. Let's just say that I am gradually getting used to all the love. But I am totally looking forward to following your trip.

 

[Native NYer]

I can't wait to read your review of Hollywood & Vine.
ESPN weekend sounds like fun. You're going to be there for so many events!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, I got up on my ten pages of fun with Brook!

The campfire and pony rides will be so much fun! I hope you get to do both of them!

There are lots of great little nooks and crannies on the water with seating in the Animal Kingdom on the walkway between Africa and Asia. That might be a good place to sit and enjoy the quiet while Henry naps.

I missed the single digit rollover! Hurray for being in the homestretch!

Yummy World Showcase eats! Don't forget to wander into the caramel shop while you are in Germany!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook, you have to read this! Trust me! Just think, in barely a week you could be munching on them.

http://www.mainstgazette.com/2011/02/if-they-dont-win-its-shame.html

LOVE IT!!! That made me grin ear to ear. My favorite line:

The crispy exterior meshes with the gooey morsels of the batter that adheres to the miniature, juicy hot dog bites in all the most wonderfully bad for you ways.

That looks like a cute breakfast. I am sure that Henry will love it.

Now don't faint - but I set up my FB account and sent you a friend request. It's sort of weird. Suddenly I have friends that I haven't seen in forever. Let's just say that I am gradually getting used to all the love. But I am totally looking forward to following your trip.

You did it! You took the plunge! FB is great for reconnecting with old friends - it's amazing how they come out of the wood work! And a lot of fun.

I promise to post a lot during our trip, pictures, text and video!!!

I can't wait to read your review of Hollywood & Vine.
ESPN weekend sounds like fun. You're going to be there for so many events!

I was pretty amazed at how many events are happening right during our trip - we only purposely planned around F&GF. It's a nice bonus!

Okay, I got up on my ten pages of fun with Brook!

The campfire and pony rides will be so much fun! I hope you get to do both of them!

There are lots of great little nooks and crannies on the water with seating in the Animal Kingdom on the walkway between Africa and Asia. That might be a good place to sit and enjoy the quiet while Henry naps.

I missed the single digit rollover! Hurray for being in the homestretch!

Yummy World Showcase eats! Don't forget to wander into the caramel shop while you are in Germany!

I am so looking forward to finding one or two of those nooks with a yummy snack and drink in hand, watching the scenery and just doing nothing. Well, I'll probably FB on my phone....

And now we are ONE WEEK away. ONE WEEK!!!!!!

Yes, the caramel shop is a MUST DO. I will be trying some of that caramel corn, it looks amazing!

 

[Poolrat]

You are so close.

I am so excited for you. I can't wait to see all the FB pics- I can checkit on my phone now!!!!

 

[kschafer]

I set up my FB account

About time!! (just sent you my friend request)

 

[Softballgirl27]

thanks for reading!



It was hard to give up Cape May! But, little ones rule sometimes, don't they? We need to watch some Jake this week so Henry has a clue who he is when we go to the show.




Thank you!! I enjoy writing them and sharing the magic - and reliving our trips!!

Do you think Henry would be tall enough for Sum of All Thrills? I haven't a clue what the height requirement is...I imagined he was too short, and Joe and I would just have to take turns/Baby Swap if they have that. Maybe we could create a real tame one with him though if he's tall enough...hmmm! I'm super excited to try it! We might head that way first thing in the morning one day in attempts to avoid the lines!

i am not a hundred percent sure if Henry would be tall enough but i think if he can ride test track and he wears the "tall shoes" he would make it. plus if he is tall enough you have the option of how much of a thrill you want to make it. i know that you will love it

 

[manntra]

I think Henry will be thrilled with meeting the Handy dude And you can have your Mickey waffles!!

A 40th Anniversary iPhone case? Oooooh!! I can't wait to see all of the merchandise live!! I have the aliens from TS as an iPhone case right now...waiting for the rumored white iPhone to come out for At&t....which is really stupid because I have white now and it is covered up It's okay....even I don't understand my thinking process some of the time I saw a collage of something for the Anniversary and there was a picture of a Christmas ornament that I have....so between that and my old metal lunchbox I am officially vintage!!

Oh and we will have to compare your F&G pictures with MEK's in May (our designated paparazzi) to see how everything has grown

Tracy

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'm so happy to hear H&V isn't a crazy hectic character meal!!!! Yay! I really enjoy the more laid back, slower paced ones so much more. I can go to the buffet without worrying I am going to miss all the characters.

I am certain Bo missed you! I will be sure to tell him you said hello. Perhaps I can make up a story of your DH being jealous so he doesn't feel bad?

As for the DVC DDP deal - you can pick whatever you want! We have the DDP on this day, and later in the trip we have the DxDDP for one night. I've read threads where people did every other day DxDDP too. It takes a bit of work on the CM's side of things, they have to segment your vacation, but it is a new perk, so they will do it. It came with the system upgrade they went through a couple months ago. I'm a tad worried about how it will go with our keys and all that...so we'll see!

about calling your DH! I can text him pics of his favorite things perhaps.... Wouldn't that be hilarious? Like a picture fo School Bread from some random number just shows up on his phone!!!

It seemed laid back to me and the characters are so cute! My DD's didn't even know who Jojo and Goliath were but they still loved hugging them and taking pics.

Do you think Bo missed me? I missed him! He's always smiling when he sees me.

So cool about the DVC dining! Ugh, I'm so torn about joining. I feel like if we did, somehow it'd force DH to want to go more since he wouldn't want to be wasting money or points!

Oh, PLEASE text him some pics! Let's see, he isn't that into snacks (I know, weird) but he loves Test Track, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Dinosaur, Indiana Jones, etc. Can you imagine, him getting random texts from you with pics?? He'd be like, who the heck is Brook?? Actually, that's not true, I did tell him that you have some of the best TR's on the boards so he knows your name at least!

LOVE IT!!! That made me grin ear to ear. My favorite line:

I just knew you'd appreciate that article! That line is hilarious! Make sure you post of pic of you stuffing your face with them!