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

[kschafer]

not wanting to hijack Brookelizabeth's report, but I think this might help you:

http://allears.net/tp/mailorder.htm

THANK YOU!! I knew this was out there but didn't know where to begin looking for it. That was really kind of you. I love Disers, such a helpful bunch!

Oh my!! The wilderness lodge is my dream. I don't know if I will ever get to stay there in person but it is SO my style. It just looks so relaxing and laid back. On our June trip we stayed at Old Key West and that's what I enjoyed about it, lots of space and quiet. Just what I need after the crowds and commotion of the parks. The value resorts don't appeal that much to me (although will probably be where I stay next time, stupid finances!) mostly because their decor just seems so in your face and over the top. The mods and deluxes feel more relaxing to me.

Brook, I'm also dying to know about the next trip. I'm thinking you fell in love with WL so much that you bought DVC to the WLV and upgraded to an AP. (Oh wait, maybe that's my dream again ) Can't wait to hear about it!

 

[Donald is #1]

OK, deluxe snob that I am, your description of the Pop food court, was exactly my fear of staying there.

 

[marieNJkitty]

I LOVE YOUR PICTURES! Sooooooo cute! I can tell your DD was having such a blast! So precious. Is that fountain at SSR? It looks so fun!

Thank you! The children had the best time at Saratoga's interactive wet play area. It was perfect for there age range.

Bummer about not doing a TR and the pictures though. Hopefully you will have a new one for your next trip! Feel free to share any other ones on here if you would like, I love looking at other people's pics and hearing their adventures!

We were so busy on this trip! Between keeping our kids happy and showing around my DH's mom, dad, sister and her 3 children (first time visitors), we hardly any time to ourselves. However, we knew we were going back in April, just the 4 of us. We plan on taking things really slow and hopefully relaxing a little next time.


Pop looks really neat! Sorry the food court was so crowded. I've never stayed there, but we stayed at ASMu for our honeymoon seven years ago. I would like to stay at all of the Disney resorts at least one time in my lifetime. Since DVC is expensive during the weekends we may stay at some of the value or moderates during this time.

I made this ticker about an hour ago:
Yes, that does say 1 MONTH, AND 28 DAYS.
And yes....it's true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you buy DVC?!?
Looking forward to hearing about your plans!!!

 

[Mocharilla]

I totally didn't realize at the time that hallway was so little and undecorated to the bathroom, but you are right! It was like you were going down the back hallway to the maintenance room or something. I was in such a freak-out mode about the "Chef Mickey's Incident" that I didn't really pay attention to anything, except that I had to go downstairs to get there. All this makes it even more bizzare!

The Cars Crocs are from Payless! Cheapies!

"Dysentary tended to kick my butt." I laughed out loud at that one...

And yes, I do remember the ordeal on your TR about the ring, it's all anyone wanted to hear about! Thankfully you will find out before the very end of the trip, but you do have to wait through Sunday (Epcot), Monday (DHS) and Tuesday (AK) to find out. I'll try to type fast though. And, chances are I'll burst at the seams and leak it all out before hand...!

Yeah. I can't blame you for concentrating more on that!

May have to pick some up. They're ADORABLE!

Oregon Trail was awesome!

That's good that we don't have to wait that long! Type faster!

 

[thewesterberg]

I was gone for the weekend and had to catch up. Life is too busy these days!

Okay, so lots happening in your world - you're going back in less than 2 months?! I'm so incredibly jealous!!!

What awesome updates! Thank you so much for taking the time to find Junior a postcard (both times! ) and for sending it. He got it today! He's had 4 really good days at school in a row and it was perfect timing to motivate him to keep making good choices there and at home. (We hit a rough streak the last couple of weeks at school with too many notes coming home as the result of some bad choices.) Anyhow, his eyes just lit up when he realized who the postcard was from. And the extra cool part... he was sounding out the words and was trying to read by himself!!!! He stumbled over a couple, but with a little sounding out and a little help, he got it! He did say that he was going to bring it to sharing day on Wednesday. So thank you, thank you, thank you for making our little guy's day! You are so sweet!!

Keep the updates coming! We've got to get over and update ours this week... lots of cool stuff happening on our end these days too!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Last I left you, we were on our way to Epcot. and Joe wasn't feeling the best. Well, actually, when I last left you I was being very mean about our upcoming trip! I am going to try to get to that ASAP, or I will just burst with the details! Once again, be prepared for lotssss of pictures in this update...

We arrived at Epcot in pretty quickly, went through bag check and entered our first Disney park of the trip! We stopped almost instantly for a Photopass picture in front of Spaceship Earth and all the Food & Wine Festival décor. I do not have my Photopass pictures yet, but will post them when I do.

Picture us sitting on the ledge in front of this, and that would be our Photopass pic

As we walked closer to Spaceship Earth I looked down at Henry who was staring up in wonder. “Oooooh!”

"Ball!"

Yep, I agree! Oooooh! So cool! I love Epcot!

We walked further into the park, snapping a bunch of pictures along the way.

This fountain makes me smile. Back on our Disneymoon I very vividly remember strolling through Epcot as it was closing and coming up to this fountain. It was all lit up and the music was blaring and the water was "dancing" to the music. We were the ONLY people in the area at the time and it was just a really neat moment. Joe and I stood there for a while, hand in hand, watching the fountain.

Our plan for the day was to only hit the World Showcase and really enjoy and explore it. We walked through in 2006 on our first trip, but didn’t really explore very much. And, of course, since it was the last day of the Food & Wine Festival, we were going to eat around the world! I fully planned on eating MANY different items, along with Joe and I splitting at least one counter service meal (hopefully fish & chips from the UK!).

It was about this time Joe mentioned again he wasn’t feeling very well. I had woken up with a stomach ache as well, but it was due to hunger and thirst, which disappeared shortly after breakfast. I kinda shrugged off him not feeling well, thinking if he drank a bit more water he would start to feel better, since neither one of us had much the previous day or that day.

We stopped briefly at San Juan, Puerto Rico, but didn’t buy anything.

Onward to Poland.

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies. Drool. Sign me up baby! I asked Joe if he wanted to share, or his own. He said maybe he’d share. I used a snack credit for these beauties, a very good deal, as it was $4.50.

When I got to pick up the food, the CM was making a Mickey head with the sour cream on a new plate…I secretly hoped she would give me that one, and she did! Fresh, and hot, and with a Mickey! It's the little things that thrill me.

Joe did take a bite or two, and we both declared them de-lish.

Next was the Greece food booth, but we didn't get anything.

All the booths were themed to the country, this was one of my favorites.

We traveled on and came to Canada.

We wanted to explore in here and I wanted to make note of where LeCellier was, at which we had an ADR for Friday night.

We walked around and took in the beauty of Canada,

Continued in next post already...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post.

and browsed through the gift shop. More stuff we didn't buy!

Funny stuff...

Of course this is my favorite because it's completly nerdy in a fantastic way.

It would make me nervous to use this soap!

After Canada, we treked on. I came to this beautiful booth,

and another food booth...

but we just weren’t hungry enough. The months of WeightWatchers has truly changed our eating habits and our stomach sizes. I had imagined us getting a little something from most every booth, my “try” list was long…I quickly realized I would make myself sick if I even attempted to eat that much…and Joe still wasn’t feeling the best. But, we were still having fun despite the lack of gorging taking place.

Next up was the UK. We explored,

We watched this performance for about 8 seconds.

My lovely Joe took this picture for me because of the "Tudor Lane". I love tudor architecure. What's funny is that the building it's on, it's a tudor.

So pretty!

shopped

Amazing architecure!

Cuteness.

I have a "thing" for tea sets. I've always wanted one. I used to drink a lot of tea, but not so much anymore. But I still want a set. They are so cute and girly.

I like square things - this was very, very cool.

and then stumbled upon Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, and Tigger with NO line! Henry had fallen asleep in the stroller just before this, so Joe and I jumped in for a picture without Henry! (Again, Photopass-coming soon.) I wish Henry had been awake, he loves those guys…but just another reason we have to go back, right?

We pushed forward to France

No food for us.

where we ran into a huge mass of people because a crazy skit was going on where a guy climbs up about 8 chairs. There is probably a name for this guy, but ya...I'm clueless.

We caught him right at the end, which was a theme of the day. We never caught any of the performances!

It was very pretty-some neat shops too!

Continued in next post...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post...

We don't drink, but this shop is so cute it made me want to buy wine.

I love the outdoor seating. Reminds me of NYC...

A nice light fixture/architecture shot

The atmosphere is really great.

Some people look cool in these hats. I'm NOT one of them. But, I'm not afraid to be a dork.

After France I quickly spotted the Baton Rouge, LA food booth.

I saw the Praline Bread Pudding with Bourbon Carmel Sauce and knew, oh yes, it had to be mine. I again asked Joe if he wanted anything-he completely declined. It was then I knew he REALLY didn’t feel good. It was past lunch by this point, we had a decent breakfast, but other than that, just a few bites of food.

I got in line and got my bread pudding. It was devine!

Joe had me pose like this. I think I can repeat myself. "I'm not afraid to be a dork."

Gooey goodness.

After a few bites, Joe gave in and tried some. Despite his stomach ache, he said it was very, very good.

After France is Morocco.

The tile and wood work is stunning!

I enjoyed the shops there too of course! I saw a bag I wanted, but $99.95…uh no.

This shop left me speechless! You just sorta dump into it, and it's wall-to-wall stuff. So much to look at and it's all beautiful.

She/He/It is still headless. And I still don't get why. Does anyone?

I loved this "open air" market.

So, we made it through 3 countries - continued in next post!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Another food booth where we didn't buy anything,

and then into Japan.

Miyuki was doing her show!! I had forgotten to grab a Times (thus missing all the shows), so we had walked up during the middle of the demonstration, it was packed, but we got a few glimpses of her awesome work.

I decided on Friday we would purposely get a front row view so Joe could enjoy watching her as well. There was no way from our spot that he could see the detailed work she does.

We took a long time exploring the giant Japan store. So many neat things to look at.

I had to get the Monchichi dolls, they show up on so many TRs!!

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We liked the scenery behind the cash register.

Pick a Pearl (but I didn't).

Another neat cash register backdrop.

Then into the Tin Toy museum that jaycns had commented about in her TR. We enjoyed our time in both the store and the toy museum. Joe told me that he remembers owning a few tin toys even.

Then it was onto America!

Epcot is so pretty.

At this point we were really loosing steam. Joe was feeling awful, and needed a rest. We started to move a bit quicker and explore less-we decided we would leave the park and then come back in the evening after our dinner.

Another food booth, this one was also one of my favorite themed booths

Next was Italy, which we moved very quickly through.

Then into Germany...which is continued in the next post.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from the previous post.

In Germany

I apologize for the really poor photos of Germany. We were SPENT by this time.

I spotted one of the items at the Food & Wine Festival that I really wanted to try, the sausage on the pretzel roll. I commented about it, but kept walking so we could head out. Joe stopped me and told me to go get it, he would be fine and he didn’t want me to miss out on it.

The line was HUGE. I suppose it was for the beer offerings!

Eventually I got my snack

Yum!

and got Joe a bottled water, Joe had snagged a shaded bench. Score! And Henry had woken up-he had taken a REALLY long nap that day, I believe it spanned all the way from the UK, which is 7 countries (not counting F&W countries). As soon as Henry saw my pretzel roll, I knew he would want some. Being a nice Mommy I shared. Then Joe wanted a bite. I suppose….

He still wasn’t feeling well, but explained it came in waves. In one moment he felt okay, then the next he felt REALLY sick – like he was going to repeat the Chef Mickey’s incident at any moment. He was trying to just keeping going and figured he just needed to relax a bit and he thought the water was helping some.

After our snack we headed to the front of the park. The park had been busy all day, but it was bearable. The only time it was bad was in France, due to the chair-guy-show, and I can’t remember exactly where we were, maybe near Mexico, and it was wall-to-wall people! We could barely walk.

On our way out we stopped at the Baby Care center and changed Henry and relaxed in the air conditioning for a few minutes. The facility was very nice.

We went to our bus stop and waited for about 2 minutes when a bus rolled up, but it said “VIP Cast Member”. We were confused, but the guy opened the door and asked us “Where are you headed?” “Wilderness Lodge!” “Hop on!” Alright! We got on the bus with the one other family in line and saw two other guys already on the bus. We dropped them off at Fort Wilderness and then went onto the Wilderness Lodge. While on the bus we called and got our room number, so we went straight for it when we arrived.

Up next: The Great ‘Ohana Debacle.

 

[Nora03]

Loving your trip report, but oh no, your DH is sick! And you both took bites of the same food. I hope that doesn't mean that you'll get what he has and what your little guy must have had? He must have felt just awful walking around WS.

I've read all your pre trippie and loved it. Can hardly wait for more. My favourite TR are yours and Jacyns. Both of you write so well.

You've convinced me not to stay at Pop. We're going to stay at the WL in March and have not yet booked our first day. As we're arriving later in the day (probably evening), we thought we'd stay at a value just for that night and then transfer to WL the next morning. Well, now we've decided to try POFQ instead.

Looking forward to hearing about your next trip. What a nice surprise, and we'll get to read another TR!

Nora

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wilderness Lodge will be the first deluxe we stay in, when we are able. For now, it is value for us, and we're fine with that. We like Pop, and we're usually up and already at the parks before the food court chaos ensues, so it's not a real problem for us.

The Lodge is just awesome, isn't it?!?!? We will be going over there this week to get pictures of it all dressed up for Christmas, and it is even more inviting when it has on its holiday clothes!
What a perfect Christmas morning it would be to go out and gaze at that tree and then go sit by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
Heaven, I tell ya!

I liked Pop too, when I stayed out of the food court! I LOVED the options there though, so nice! I think I would have noooo problem staying there if I would just go in by myself (no stroller), or like you, hit it before the crowds.

The Lodge is INCREDIBLE. I loved every single second of being there. I bet those Christmas decorations are stunning! And your description with the hot chocolate...ahhhhh ENJOY MEMOM!!! (and take lots of pics so we can live through you when you get back!)

Wilderness Lodge is just gorgeous! I would have to agree that Pop is a bit noisy -- breakfast when we were there was crazy busy and I was twitching by the end of it!

I can't believe that you are going back in less than two months!!! Details, please!

Twitching. Yep, that would describe it!

Details are coming very soon. I promise!

Lovin' the trippie! Glad you were able to still enjoy Chef Mickey's. Great pics! Henry is sooo adorable! Can't wait to hear more about the next trip! Glad you are taking advantage of your new ownership!

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying the report, and thank you for the compliments on my little guys.

And shhhhhhh.....about my next trip!

THANK YOU!! I knew this was out there but didn't know where to begin looking for it. That was really kind of you. I love Disers, such a helpful bunch!

Oh my!! The wilderness lodge is my dream. I don't know if I will ever get to stay there in person but it is SO my style. It just looks so relaxing and laid back. On our June trip we stayed at Old Key West and that's what I enjoyed about it, lots of space and quiet. Just what I need after the crowds and commotion of the parks. The value resorts don't appeal that much to me (although will probably be where I stay next time, stupid finances!) mostly because their decor just seems so in your face and over the top. The mods and deluxes feel more relaxing to me.

Brook, I'm also dying to know about the next trip. I'm thinking you fell in love with WL so much that you bought DVC to the WLV and upgraded to an AP. (Oh wait, maybe that's my dream again ) Can't wait to hear about it!

Glad you found the link there! And yes, I agree, DISers are so helpful and wonderful!!

WL is very relaxing and very laid back. It's a nice respite from the parks.

Pop is "in your face" and "over the top", but in a very fun way. Just beware of the food court during the peak hours!

Details on the trip are coming very soon. I won't deny or claim what you wrote though.

OK, deluxe snob that I am, your description of the Pop food court, was exactly my fear of staying there.

I was convinced DH was the only snob in this family, but nope. I think it's official. I think I might stay there again to save a few bucks, but just avoid the food court during the main dining times. The selection was incredible!

Thank you! The children had the best time at Saratoga's interactive wet play area. It was perfect for there age range.

We were so busy on this trip! Between keeping our kids happy and showing around my DH's mom, dad, sister and her 3 children (first time visitors), we hardly any time to ourselves. However, we knew we were going back in April, just the 4 of us. We plan on taking things really slow and hopefully relaxing a little next time.

Pop looks really neat! Sorry the food court was so crowded. I've never stayed there, but we stayed at ASMu for our honeymoon seven years ago. I would like to stay at all of the Disney resorts at least one time in my lifetime. Since DVC is expensive during the weekends we may stay at some of the value or moderates during this time.

Did you buy DVC?!?
Looking forward to hearing about your plans!!!

That SSR kids area looks like so much fun! We'll have to visit it sometime in the very near future.

That is so great that you are headed back in April and can really enjoy your trip! I bet it was fun leading all the newbies around, but I can see why that was hectic too.

I want to stay at all the Disney resorts too-they are all so different and special in their own ways. That is a great idea about doing the weekends at a Value/Mod and then DVC during the week. I'm taking notes.

Did I buy DVC?

Yeah. I can't blame you for concentrating more on that!

May have to pick some up. They're ADORABLE!

Oregon Trail was awesome!

That's good that we don't have to wait that long! Type faster!

Joe told me the other day we DON'T have Oregon Trial for that computer! I so want to hunt eBay.

I meant to put up tonight's update yesterday, but I just couldn't-I was soooo tired. But, I do have several more days written, it's just a matter of finding the time to post with all the pictures. That's what takes so long! But, I can't weed anymore out. I just love them all!

I was gone for the weekend and had to catch up. Life is too busy these days!

Okay, so lots happening in your world - you're going back in less than 2 months?! I'm so incredibly jealous!!!

What awesome updates! Thank you so much for taking the time to find Junior a postcard (both times! ) and for sending it. He got it today! He's had 4 really good days at school in a row and it was perfect timing to motivate him to keep making good choices there and at home. (We hit a rough streak the last couple of weeks at school with too many notes coming home as the result of some bad choices.) Anyhow, his eyes just lit up when he realized who the postcard was from. And the extra cool part... he was sounding out the words and was trying to read by himself!!!! He stumbled over a couple, but with a little sounding out and a little help, he got it! He did say that he was going to bring it to sharing day on Wednesday. So thank you, thank you, thank you for making our little guy's day! You are so sweet!!

Keep the updates coming! We've got to get over and update ours this week... lots of cool stuff happening on our end these days too!

Oooooh, thank you for the update on Junior!!!!!! I am grinning ear to ear reading it and picturing him trying to sound out the words! I'm so glad to hear he was excited, and that it came at a good moment, and that he is bringing it to sharing day!! It all makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

Yes, you gotta update us all with the trip, and with your recent developments! I was visiting another board, which shall remain nameless , and saw your DH posting about that recent happening.

Loving your trip report, but oh no, your DH is sick! And you both took bites of the same food. I hope that doesn't mean that you'll get what he has and what your little guy must have had? He must have felt just awful walking around WS.

I've read all your pre trippie and loved it. Can hardly wait for more. My favourite TR are yours and Jacyns. Both of you write so well.

You've convinced me not to stay at Pop. We're going to stay at the WL in March and have not yet booked our first day. As we're arriving later in the day (probably evening), we thought we'd stay at a value just for that night and then transfer to WL the next morning. Well, now we've decided to try POFQ instead.

Looking forward to hearing about your next trip. What a nice surprise, and we'll get to read another TR!

Nora

He did feel awful-and I didn't realize how awful until the next day...more foreshadowing for ya!

Thank you for the nice words on my PTR and TR - I LOVE Jacyns' as well!

Pop really is a neat resort, it's really fun, we loved exploring it! But, if you are going to be in the food court area, it is nuttyyyyyyyy! (but the food is great!) I feel kinda bad detering everyone away from Pop because of my experience, but at the same time, I guess it's good info and I would have love to known how crazy it was in there going in, so I would have been much better prepared for the chaos.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Lots of hints as to how our next trip came about in the post directly above.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have time to fully catch up now but I was just checking in and see that you are going back in 1 month and 28 days and all signs point to DVC purchase.

Wahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't wait to come home tonight and catch up completely. I'm so excited for you!!

 

[kschafer]

Wow Brook, you are an updating machine!

So sorry Joe was feeling poorly. On our June trip, the stomach flu struck about 2/3 of our family (group of 15) in 2 different waves. Luckily we were offsite and only planned to visit the park on half of the days so we had flexibility in the schedule to still visit all the parks. Nothing worse than being sick on vacation!

I would love to hit F&W some year but looking at those menu boards it looks like I would have to spread it out over 3 or 4 days, Wow!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Amazing pics! Since it does not seem like I will be back for a while, this is really giving me a great Disney fix!

Sorry to hear about the upset tummies! And 'Ohana trouble?!? Oh No!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I was so excited to see you posted an update and a super long update! But for some reason it's not letting me see your pictures at work. I plan to catch up tonight.

 

[BellaSoleil]

The "May the Forest Be With You" shirt is the most hilarious thing I've seen all day!

I am tickled that there was a Baton Rouge food booth! There is all of the exotic food from around the world and smack dab in the middle is a little slice of Good ole' Lousy-ana. The bread pudding did look great, though!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Brook yau are the update QUEEN!!! really!! I hope that all the speculation is correct, and you ARE buying DVC! Sounds like its a good idea for you (even if you haven't yet...hint hint!!)

I'm so sorry your DH is sick! I hope you don't get it too, but I sorta have this feeling.....

Keep up the great TR!!! I'm one that LOVES immediate gratification...so I really like how quick you are putting up the updates

Paula

 

[Mocharilla]

Lots of hints as to how our next trip came about in the post directly above.

So, if what I think is the case IS in fact the case, I am SOOOOOOOOO jealous.

We did a DVC tour and Nic flat out said no before we even walked in.

I convinced him that MAYBE later on in life, it was a slight possibility.