Up, down and all around...a trip we will NEVER forget - COMPLETE 1/19

[PNO4TE]

You see, how cheap flying is now as compared to then!!

And you really need to wait until the exchange rate becomes better for you. At the moment, the USA are really cheap for us.

Sorry for being so OT and bothering all the other readers with this...

I loved that you took the time to tell us this. And I know Brook won't mind the little bit of time and space it took.

 

[PNO4TE]

I loved all your new photos, Brook. What a wonderful bunch of memories you three made!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

WOW! What amazing photos. Both the photopass ones of H as well as all the World Showcase ones you took. I think WS is my favorite - my "if you could be instantly transported anywhere" place. Ahh to be walking around the lagoon today instead of getting ready to go shovel snow...

BTW- I noticed the stairs in Italy and wondered the same thing.

Thanks for bringing me a little Disney day dream today! And your next trip is just about here! Which I'm selfishly hoping means another TR?

Oh love the new countdown ticker thingy in your siggie with your Spaceship Earth photo!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Brookelizabeth!

I've been quiet lately, but I'm still following your wonderful TR! Your pictures are incredible (and it looks like you had WS all to yourselves!! )

The pictures of Henry are precious -- what a cutie he is!

Also wanted to wish you a magical time on your We Love Mickey trip since I know it'll be here soon! Say "Hi!" to Flossbolna from me (she and I met briefly in DHS last year!)

Hi Laura! It was great meeting you last year! You were the very first DISer I ever met, it so nice to finally see someone you know from these boards in person!

 

[PNO4TE]

Oh love the new countdown ticker thingy in your siggie with your Spaceship Earth photo!

If you mean mine, I say, "Thanks!"

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow, your pictures are great! Henry is so adorable in them. Great update, I can't wait to go back to Epcot. We only got to tour the countries at night on our last trip. Next time we will be going to the Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival and hopefully see a couple flower power concerts.

By the way, Happy New Year! Only ten days till you leave for your next trip! How exciting! So you are going to be staying at SSR? I'm sure you will really enjoy the pool area. It was so much fun for my little ones!

Thank you! The pictures I have seen from the F&G Festival look so pretty! I didn't ever realize there were concerts too - that will be a blast!

Yep, we are staying at SSR, the more I look at pictures and read about it, the more I look forward to experiecing the resort. The pool/splash areas look really fun, hopefully it will be warm enough to enjoy!

Wow. I subscribed not too long after you started this and after viewing your chapter links- I see how far I'm behind! Plenty of reading material for my Sunday! :

I hope you enjoy(ed) it all! I've been hoping to wrap this up before we leave for the next trip, so I've been on a roll!

I love those Photopass pictures! Henry's pictures are absolutely adorable... especially the last black and white one. How cute! And I didn't get to comment on your last update so the Spaceship Earth pictures are too funny I've never tried the school bread; what exactly is it?

You have to venture into Mexico and go on Maelstrom on your next trip! Mexico's pure magic. It really does feel like you're in a Mexican village in the middle of the night in there. The lighting mixed with the mariachi band, the volcano softly billowing smoke and the boats drifting along the river... It's perfect! Malestrom's also one of my favorite rides in all of Disney! It may be simple and not all that thrilling, but it's pure F-U-N. Only a few more days to go...!

Schoolbread is a pastry of sorts, a donut basically, but a bit lighter than a regular donut. Inside is the same yellow cream you see on top, it's not Bavarian, but is sweet and smooth. Then the top has a sugar glaze and roasted coconut. VERY TASTY!!

Wow, Mexico sounds BEAUTIFUL! I've seen a couple pictures, but I'm sure it's even better in person. We will have to ditch the stroller and check it out this time. Henry is walking steadily on his own now, so that will be helpful for us. I'm so glad to read your positive review of Maelstrom too! I've read so many jokes about it and poor reviews, I enjoy hearing the good too!

Yep, only NINE DAYS! We are single-digit-dancing around here!

Great picutres of Henry and of the WS! The photopass photographers in the WS are great! DH and I were in between China and Norway one trip and took some pictures. Then we went and walked around China and then made some phone calls standing near the water and the same photographer found us and just started taking candid pictures of us on the phone and then we posed a little more. It always makes it so magical when they do stuff like that!

That is so fun! It really does add a bit of magic to your day when you run across a CM who is so into their job.

What a sweet little "I just waked up" face!

Wouldn't you love to be strolling through World Showcase right now? A guy named Sorceror Mickey, has a webcam down in Magic Kingdom right now. I'm going to go over to it and watch the three o'clock parade! It's as close to being there as I can be right now.

I love that face with the rosey cheeks too. Makes me all Mommy sappy.

Yes, strolling through WS right now would be dandy! I remember waching Sorceror Mickey's webcam at the same time I was watching the one with the NYE fireworks. I would have love to seen the parade at MK, I've never seen it before. Does he live down there? I'll have to find that site again and maybe bookmark it this time.

Wow those are awesome pictures of Henry!

Thank you!

Bad Windsheim is really close to Nuremberg where I live (even though I am at the moment working in Berlin, the capital)!! I am sure your parents would have visited Nuremberg, it is famous for its old medieval castle.

Airfare across the Atlantic can actually be quite affordable, for example we are paying 400 Euros return fare (about 550 $ at the exchange rate at the moment) for the flight from Germany to MCO this time, which is an incredible good deal. But I have never payed more than 700 Euros (little under 1000 $) and this was for Germany - Los Angeles. Actually my parents paid the same (even though it was in German Mark at that time) for my very first flight to the USA, visiting my aunt in San Francisco in 1984!! You see, how cheap flying is now as compared to then!!

Travelling with a baby (or toddler) over the Atlantic really is not so great, but I think, if kids are bit older, it would be manageable. And there are many things that are fun for kids like castles. And you really need to wait until the exchange rate becomes better for you. At the moment, the USA are really cheap for us.

Sorry for being so OT and bothering all the other readers with this...

Oh wow! I will have to ask my Mom out Nuremberg and next time I'm visiting her pull out her Germany photo album, it would be neat if they had pictures of the castle!

Thank you so much for posting the info about the flights! No worries on being OT, the chit chat in TRs is half the fun!

We would be waiting a while, until Henry (and any future children) are older and the American economy gets a bit stronger again - hopefully that will help the price to come down in tickets too.

Flying though, like you said, has become MUCH cheaper. I started flying more often in the past 10 years, and prices really haven't changed much at all.

Awwwww, what a special treat that photopass photographer gave you in a special sitting for Henry! Those photos are treasures!
How many more days are left????

It really was a special moment. I was VERY surprised with the PhotoPass Photographer offered a special photo shoot of just Henry.

Just NINE days left!

Great pictures! Henry is so adorable! He seems to love the camera.

Thank you! He does well in front of the camera....I think it was part in due to us taking a picture of him EVERY DAY of his first year...

The pictures are great! I love the one of you guys in front of the pagoda! And of course the pictures of Henry are the cutest!

Thanks!!

Another great update! Those pictures of Henry are so cute! DH was looking over my shoulder and commented too how cute he looked. There was one that I said out lout "Wow, does he look like Joe!" What a special keepsake from his first trip!

So are you all packed and ready to go for Round 2?!

Yes! He does look like Joe, doesn't he? He has since day one. It was my second thought when I saw him in the hosptial for the first time.

Packed? Uh....no....we don't even have the luggage out yet!

Hi Brookelizabeth!

I've been quiet lately, but I'm still following your wonderful TR! Your pictures are incredible (and it looks like you had WS all to yourselves!! )

The pictures of Henry are precious -- what a cutie he is!

Also wanted to wish you a magical time on your We Love Mickey trip since I know it'll be here soon! Say "Hi!" to Flossbolna from me (she and I met briefly in DHS last year!)

Thank you! Glad to hear you are enjoying my TR!

I'm really excited about meeting Flossbolna!!

I loved that you took the time to tell us this. And I know Brook won't mind the little bit of time and space it took.

You are very right! I don't mind one bit.

I loved all your new photos, Brook. What a wonderful bunch of memories you three made!

Thank you! It was a great moment - it was such a relaxed day, calm, and with a bit of magic.

WOW! What amazing photos. Both the photopass ones of H as well as all the World Showcase ones you took. I think WS is my favorite - my "if you could be instantly transported anywhere" place. Ahh to be walking around the lagoon today instead of getting ready to go shovel snow...

BTW- I noticed the stairs in Italy and wondered the same thing.

Thanks for bringing me a little Disney day dream today! And your next trip is just about here! Which I'm selfishly hoping means another TR?

Oh love the new countdown ticker thingy in your siggie with your Spaceship Earth photo!

Thank you! I agree with you on the "if you could be instantly transported anywhere". I think Epcot would be it. Or the AK trails. They were equally as peaceful and beautiful. Or, I'll just take ANYWHERE in WDW!

I remember the Italy stairs in your TR too-and when I saw them in person it peaked my curiosity even more. I wonder if that answer is on the DIS somehwere...everything seems to be.

And yep, there will be a TR! And after that one, a PTR for our December trip!

 

[MeMom]

Thank you! The pictures I have seen from the F&G Festival look so pretty! I didn't ever realize there were concerts too - that will be a blast!


Does he live down there? I'll have to find that site again and maybe bookmark it this time.

Thank you! I agree with you on the "if you could be instantly transported anywhere". I think Epcot would be it. Or the AK trails. They were equally as peaceful and beautiful. Or, I'll just take ANYWHERE in WDW!

When my friend and I go on the March trip (if we actually do go) Davy Jones is scheduled to have a concert, so we're planning to go by and at least see him from afar. I never was a huge fan or anything - I mean, he was okay, but not one of my most favorite - but it would still be cool to see and hear him for at least a song or two.

Just do a search for Sorceror Mickey, and he will come up. He lives about 10-15 minutes away, and he says he'll be streaming more often. He did Illuminations Friday night and Magic Kingdom parade, Spectro, and Wishes Saturday.

We really must get busy on an instant transport system! There have been many Saturdays that I have wished I could just be there for the day. Wouldn't that be so nice???

 

[jaycns]

That last picture of Henry (the final one in the series, black and white) is worth blowing up uber big and framing! It's GREAT! I love those shots. What a special treat!

 

[marieNJkitty]

Thank you! The pictures I have seen from the F&G Festival look so pretty! I didn't ever realize there were concerts too - that will be a blast!

We will be there for Harold Melvin's Blue Notes and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats. I don't know to much about them, but my kids will love dancing to the music! The extra entertainment is always welcome.

Yep, we are staying at SSR, the more I look at pictures and read about it, the more I look forward to experiecing the resort. The pool/splash areas look really fun, hopefully it will be warm enough to enjoy!

Silly me, I forgot it might be cold in January! I guess I always image Florida as being warm, but it probably isn't. I hope you get some nice weather to be able to enjoy the water!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I just caught up with your updates that you posted while I was gone!!

Those pictures of Henry are absolutely adorable!!!

 

[Somnia]

Starting to make my way through the report now. Really enjoying it so far!

 

[brookelizabeth]

When my friend and I go on the March trip (if we actually do go) Davy Jones is scheduled to have a concert, so we're planning to go by and at least see him from afar. I never was a huge fan or anything - I mean, he was okay, but not one of my most favorite - but it would still be cool to see and hear him for at least a song or two.

Just do a search for Sorceror Mickey, and he will come up. He lives about 10-15 minutes away, and he says he'll be streaming more often. He did Illuminations Friday night and Magic Kingdom parade, Spectro, and Wishes Saturday.

We really must get busy on an instant transport system! There have been many Saturdays that I have wished I could just be there for the day. Wouldn't that be so nice???

Ah, yes, I recall you mentioning Davy Jones now in your TR. Los Lobos was playing while we were there for Food & Wine, but we completely missed them. Like you with Davey Jones, I wasn't ever a big fan, but it would have been neat to see for a bit. Is the March trip now up in the air again?

I will do the search for Sorceror Mickey - it will be a very nice thing to tide me over between trips! DH and I were chatting, trying to figure out how he does that - being that you must have internet to stream live. Or maybe it's not live? Or maybe he has a card in his computer to run the internet through his cell phone? It really peaked our nerd interests. I'm going to just have ask Mr. Sorceror Mickey about all these details I think! We also are throwing around the idea of streaming from SSR...but, we aren't sure we could stream from a park or anything due to the lack of internet....

I agree with you on the transport system! There certainly is enough demand found on these DISboards, you'd think someone would have made it by now...

That last picture of Henry (the final one in the series, black and white) is worth blowing up uber big and framing! It's GREAT! I love those shots. What a special treat!

Thanks Jay! It really was a wonderful moment!

We will be there for Harold Melvin's Blue Notes and Chubby Checker & The Wildcats. I don't know to much about them, but my kids will love dancing to the music! The extra entertainment is always welcome.

Silly me, I forgot it might be cold in January! I guess I always image Florida as being warm, but it probably isn't. I hope you get some nice weather to be able to enjoy the water!

When you mentioned the concerts, I instantly pictured kids running around and dancing. It would be a blast just to watch them!

The weather has been in the 60s-80s down there over the past couple of weeks. But much cooler at night. However, today was NEGATIVE TWENTY-TWO in Minnesota, so I'll take the 60s even over that!

I just caught up with your updates that you posted while I was gone!!

Those pictures of Henry are absolutely adorable!!!

Thank you!!

How was your trip? I think I saw a link to your TR in your siggy - I will subscribe, but might not be able to read/catch up until we get back.

Starting to make my way through the report now. Really enjoying it so far!

Welcome! Glad to hear you are enjoying the read!

 

[brookelizabeth]

This morning, about 7:00 am, while I sipped my coffee and ate breakfast, I logged onto my computer and saw this on my Google homepage:

By the time we had gotten to work it was -20. The warmest I saw it all day was -6, and that's right now.




I'm so ready to escape to Orlando!

 

[BigDogHU75]

I just finished reading your trip report (I started a few days ago) and it was great. I loved all of the pictures and the little details.

DH & I haven't been to Disney World since our honeymoon in 2002. We are going back next month & can't wait. This time we will have our DS who will be 21 months old at the time. So, any tips re: rides, packing suggestions, anything would be great. Also, if your don't mind me asking, what type of stroller do you have? Were you or your husand always with it or did you leave it outside of rides/restaurants?

Also, welcome to the DVC family! Our trip in February will be our first trip "home" to AKV. We are using a combination of developer points & "regular" points since family members are coming with us and meeting us there. Like you, I wanted to share Disney with family.

I can't wait to hear about your stay at SSR. You do not have long now. Meanwhile, try to stay warm.

 

[brookelizabeth]

After our little photo shoot with Henry we decided to go back to Futureworld, we still had a while to spend before checking in for our dinner ADR.

Joe wanted to take the Friendship boat instead of walking, and I thought that sounded like a fine idea - a nice little boat ride would be fun with Henry, and a nice way to rest our feet! Plus, an excellent picture taking opportunity, and something we have never done before.

As we approached the dock, a boat pulled right up and we all filed on. Joe took a spot inside with the stroller - I can't recall if it was too windy for Henry, or if he just wanted to sit down and all the back seats were gone - quite possibly a bit of both! I sat with them for a bit, but then grabbed the camera and went to the back of the boat and snapped away.

The Illuminations rafts were out, they were kinda neat to see a bit closer up.

I also took this opportunity to play peek-a-boo, with my favorite little boy, though the door and window separating the inside of the boat from the out. He of course, found this HILARIOUS and had many individuals on the boat laughing and grinning along with him.

Very soon our boat ride and we were off toward Ellen's Universe of Energy. First we stopped and got a few pictures by the giagunda Christmas tree. When we had been in Epcot earlier in the week for Food & Wine the Christmas tree wasn't there, but here it was, towering in the sky, full of ornaments and lights!!

And the Photopass Photographer had us turn around to get a few with Spaceship Earth...I think Henry was done with photos by this time!

At Ellen's,

we almost opted to exit before the ride started. We had forgotten how long it was and how there was no exit once you were on. This might get REALLY interesting with Henry.... The ride started and we had a whole row to ourselves, so we let Henry explore the row a bit-up and down the row he crawled and walked along the bench. He started screeching because it was sooooo much fun , and that's about when I opted to scoop him up into my lap. He sat still for a while, but got pretty antsy. Eventually the car started to move into the dinosaur area and he forgot he was "trapped" on my lap. I think the dinosaurs scared him out a bit - especially the ones that snorted air or mist - but I held him close and whispered into his ear happily, trying to make him comfortable and show him it wasn't scary. I pointed out the "birds" and plants. When we saw Ellen (and that figure looks NOTHING like Ellen, does it?!), I pointed her out and laughed. I could tell this helped ease him a bit and we made it through. If I had remembered the dinosaur part, I probably would have opted to skip this ride - it's interesting, but nothing I would horribly miss. They are refurbing it now, I wonder what kind of changes they will be doing? It certainly could use a few updates!! I am impressed how the ENTIRE theater moves though, I think that is really neat.


After Ellen we had just about 30 minutes before our ADR. So, we decided to head that way...

to Canada! We were eating at LeCellier that night!

I was looking forward to this meal since the moment I booked it. It's gotten some mixed reviews lately-many people are saying it isn't as good as it used to be, so I was a bit concerned about that - but still excited about experiencing it!

We walked around in Canada for a bit

You can see some ducks in the background of the pictures above - as soon as Henry noticed these he started exclaiming "Duck! Duck!" (or his version of duck )

We couldn't believe how close the ducks would come, very tame! And smart, they knew it was just time before Henry would toss some sort of snack overboard - and we discovered ducks like Gerber Puffs.

Eventually we checked in to LeCellier

there was a bit of a wait, which was no problem...Joe waited outside on a bench and Henry and I ventured in for a most exciting event...a diaper change!

When I walked in and saw the inside of the restaurant, I let out a little "oooh". I loved the atmosphere - a calm and cozy feel, I knew Joe would love it too.

Very soon after I got back, we were called in and sure enough, I heard the "oooh" escape from Joe too. We were seated and our waitress was with us promptly to take our drink orders.

Continued in next post

 

[troobabiee7]

That's CRAZY!!! I thought it was cold here and it's 30-degrees! How do you deal when it's that cold??

ETA - We posted at the same time so I missed your last update! Love the photopass pictures, Henry's such a cutie! We've only done Ellen's Energy Adventure once, back in 2005. It was cute but not something I think I'd want to do on every trip. I had no idea about the refurb, I wonder what they're doing!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

As we reviewed the menu, I was sure I wanted to order the signature Mushroom Filet (with no mushrooms) over the polenta (sub cream cheese mashed potatoes) (so not "signature" at all!), but then my eyes fell on the beautiful words:

"Coffee-rubbed Kansas City Strip Steak"

Oh, why hello my friend, I don't recall seeing you on allears.net OR wdwinfo.com menus! Very nice to meet you!

We ordered our food, and while we waited we looked around the restaurant and took in the relaxing atmosphere.

Henry "colored" (i.e. ate the crayons and them threw them onto the floor, shortly followed by the children's menu and anything else within his arms reach).

To entertain my little boy, I decided I would become Mickey Mouse for him.

In the middle of LeCellier.

The lengths a mother goes to in the name of entertaining their toddler!

Then Joe joined in.

I'm sure we got some WEIRD stares, but we didn't care!
Really, it was just a matter of moments, and we crouched down (as you can tell from the pictures), so we wouldn't make a complete scene.

Oh goodness, then we started taking pictures of our food!

That I'm sure drew even more stares!

Who are the weirdos with the plates on their heads taking pictures of their food?!

But, then I saw another family, who had seen me do both the Mickey ears and the pictures, take pictures of THEIR desserts! The father looked straight at me and smiled. He's probably a DISer (or a very understanding husband of one)!

The food came pretty quickly, my glorious Coffee-Rubbed Kansas City Strip Steak. Yes, I can hear the angels singing the Hallelujah chorus.

Joe had the New York Strip Steak.

Henry had a kids meal - Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup, Hot Dog and a Fruit cup.

Kids portion

Everything was superb.

Excellent service-best we had all week - she was quick, visited our table enough to provide good service, but not too much, she was VERY friendly and fun, and the food was faaaaaaaaaantastic! Every bite, every item. The bread - holy cow. Yes, people rave about it, and I'm joining that crowd! Count me in LeCellier bread lovers! We mowed it in no time! Even Henry's cheese soup - which I knew Joe would love (and Henry too!), but I wasn't sure I would since I'm not a huge cheese fan, I even liked that! (Not enough to order my own bowl, but still good). Joe's Yukon Gold potatoes, my cream cheese potatoes - deeeeeeeeeeelish!

For dessert, Joe got the Chocolate "Moose"

and I got the Maple Creme Brulee.

Now, this was the ONLY item of the night we weren't crazy about. Joe didn't really enjoy the Moose. I was really surprised! My chocolate loving husband didn't like the Chocolate Moose?! He said the chocolate was just kinda weird (not sure if it was texture, or what?), I ate one of the maple antlers though, and it was great.

The Maple Creme Brulee on the other hand - devine! I ate EVERY bite.

Yum, yum, yum. We will be back here sometime! We will!

We rolled on out of LeCellier and slowly waddled back to the Christmas tree for a few more pictures with the lights twinkling.

It was stunning.

We made our way to the front of the park and veryyyyy reluctantly and taking teeny tiny steps looked at the exit.

Oh, there is another PhotoPass Photographer - let's get another picture before we leave!

ANY excuse to not leave our last park is a good one!

But, the pictures were over quickly and we knew it was time to go. Our little man was tired, we had packing to do, and we too, were pretty exhausted.

Good-bye Epcot!

We boarded the bus and soon were back at the most beautiful WL. I commented, once again, on how beautiful the resort was and found myself saying outloud, "I love it here." The flickering lights welcomed me home each night.

Back in our room I started into full-blown packing/organizing/clean the fridge out mode while Joe played with Henry and got him ready for bed. We also feasted on the Deep Dish Apple Pie we had in our fridge from WCC earlier in the week. It was EXCELLENT! We were so, so, so not hungry, yet couldn't keep our paws off this!

(The fruit plate was Henry's breakfast the morning after WCC).

It was very soon close to 11:00 pm. And that's when it happened.

Henry hit the wall.

Full blown screaming and crying.



I dropped the packing (almost done!) and knew I had pushed the limit of my good natured little guy a bit too far. He wanted sleep and wanted it n-o-w. So we put him down in the pack and play (still crying and screaming-sorry neighbors! ) and made our way out to the balcony. Within, oh about 14 seconds, Henry was sound asleep.

Very soon after, we met Henry in dreamland...

Up next: We aren't in Disney World anymore, are we?

 

[IluvXU]

Glad dinner was great.. looks good! I hope to go back there again soon, and I remember not being a fan of the moose either... and I love chocolate.

The flickering lights at the WL are just so nice... love that place!

 

[thewesterberg]

This morning, about 7:00 am, while I sipped my coffee and ate breakfast, I logged onto my computer and saw this on my Google homepage:

By the time we had gotten to work it was -20. The warmest I saw it all day was -6, and that's right now.




I'm so ready to escape to Orlando!

I know - isn't it insane?! That's an 83 degree difference! I wore long johns and my mukluk boots to work today so I would stay cozy. It was deceiving - although it was SOOOOOOO cold out, the sun was shining so bright that my office actually was warm. Put that together with my cozy clothes and it made me want to curl up and take a nap. Wouldn't it be nice to escape this bitter cold??? Oh, wait, that's right YOU ARE!!! (And I'm insanely jealous!!!)

Okay, now I'm going to read your update!

 

[troobabiee7]

Dinner looked great! I'd love to try Le Cellier one day, I've heard nothing but good things and it looks so pretty in there. I'm sad to see the trip coming to an end, but I love knowing that you'll have another one up so soon!