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

[brookelizabeth]

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.

Welcome! I'm so glad you have enjoyed the TR!!

Our stroller is a Peg Perego Aria, ordered from albeebaby.com. albeebaby.com sells older models (a few years old-but still new) for nice discounts. It was around $80 and if I recall, shipping was about $5! It was a great deal. We wanted one with at least one cupholder and a basket. We are VERY glad we had both during our WDW trip.

We left it outside rides all the time - no problems at all. I wouldn't recommend leaving anything of high value in the stroller, but we always left our diaper bag and often times a sweatshirt and some random purchases. We used the sweatshirt to hide anything that we had purchased. For restaurants, sometimes they had an area inside we could park it, otherwise it was outside like with the rides. I do recommend tying a ribbon or scarf to your handle though, so you don't repeat our Fantasmic incident!

On packing - we didn't pack enough jeans for Henry. We only had 2 pairs, and vomit quickly covered one of them during our first night. Joe did wash the other pair in the bathtub midway through the week (I think I forgot to include that tidbit in the TR!). Since you are staying DVC (CONGRATS! ) you will have a washer/dryer, so you probably don't need to worry about that as much.

We ordered our baby needs (diapers, snacks, a couple Gerber meals, whole milk) through GardenGrocer.com and that worked great. Saved a lot of room in our suitcase and saved money - we always had something on hand for Henry and had milk in the morning for him before we left the room. This trip we ordered from wegoshop.com instead - it will be cheaper (I think) and more variety, but I have nothing negative to say about GardenGrocer.com either.

Rides - Henry got antsy during the 3D shows and during the longer ones where we sat (Ellen's, Carosel of Progress). He LOVED the playgrounds and this trip we plan to make longer stops at them. We also missed Toon Town, but I am fully expecting him to love that. He enjoyed the ducks and watching various water features too! We found that as soon as Henry went down for his nap, if we hit the big rides, using the Child Swap, we could cover a lot. You kinda have to be a bit organized, but it works. Henry had no problems on Buzz or Toy Story Mania, he just sat in between us. Now that he's VERY mobile (he wasn't fully walking yet in November), it might be a different story with him wanting to get out...we'll see!

I think his favorites of all the trip were TTA, It's a Small World, the ducks at Epcot, the bubbly fountain in the WL (those pics coming in the next update), Chef Mickey's, and the playgrounds. I know he loved the trip overall, his face was almost always smiling and he was giggling and pointing at everything. And by the end of the trip he was pulling on his stroller, ready to go into the park!

Wow-that's a lot, hopefully not overwhelming! The #1 thing from my experience with a little one - take it slow. Watch their face. Experience Disney joy through their eyes. It's .

We also found CS MUCH MUCH easier. Henry is great with TS, but CS was quick and Henry, being a bit noisy at times, usually wasn't an issue at a CS - other diners barely noticed, but at a TS it was a bit different. Plus, then we weren't dedicated to a time. This coming trip we only have about 4 TS' scheduled - and I think it's about perfect.

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!

I KNOW. It's INHUMANE!

I also have NYC's weather on my Google homepage, currently 38. I'm jealous. It has warmed up to -4 here, thanks to the cloud cover at night and the snow we are getting AGAIN.

Thanks for the compliments on Henry's pics. Ya, I agree with Ellen's. We didn't really remember it all that well until we were on it. It was fine, but I would have rather done Figment since we still haven't! I hope the refurb brings some nice updates to Ellen's! It's down until the end of March - so sounds like it will be quite a job!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow - it's going to be almost balmy up there in Minnesota on Friday!

Once again, I'm so pleased that my parents moved south was I was young!


Your last meal was at my absolute FAVORITE Disney restaurant! I love Le Cellier! The pretzel bread, the fillet, cream cheese potatoes, and the oh so yummy creme brulee! It's all so good!

I'm so sad your trip is over - but also really excited because I know you'll be starting on another one very soon!

 

[thewesterberg]

And I'm back....

Okay, that picture of Henry screams "Enough of the pictures already! I'll tolerate it, but I'm not gonna smile."

Fun to read your review of Le Cellier... we're thinking that will be a must-do on our next trip. And maybe we'll even make Mickey ears out of plates to honor you guys! How hilarious... and I love that you even took pictures of yourselves!

And sweet baby Henry finally hit the wall - I'm impressed how well he's been your whole trip! When Junior was younger, bed time was a nightmare, especially at hotels. I've tried to block most of those memories... But it sounds like he knows how to listen to his body by dropping off to sleep so quickly - count that as a HUGE blessing!

But packing means your leaving. Which means your TR will be over soon. That's sad.

BUT... you're going back! So YEA!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

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!

It seems that people either love that Moose or they don't. I didn't try the chocolate part because I'm iffy on chocolate normally. It's so cute though, I'm glad we ordered it once.

I love the WL too - it's sooooo peaceful.

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!

Is it even colder up there?! Is it possible?!

Oooh, mukluks! I wish I had some of those today. The sun was warm though - when we went out at our lunch break our car wasn't that cold surprisingly.

Yes! I am escaping!!!!!!!!! Knowing my luck, we'll have a freak heat wave of 80 next week and WDW will be 50.

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!

You gotta try LeCellier sometime!! Yum yum! I've just heard that some people have been disappointed lately, the quality had gone down, but we didn't experience that a bit. It really is pretty in there, very relaxing!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wow - it's going to be almost balmy up there in Minnesota on Friday!

Once again, I'm so pleased that my parents moved south was I was young!


Your last meal was at my absolute FAVORITE Disney restaurant! I love Le Cellier! The pretzel bread, the fillet, cream cheese potatoes, and the oh so yummy creme brulee! It's all so good!

I'm so sad your trip is over - but also really excited because I know you'll be starting on another one very soon!

Yes! The weather is just nutty and so so wrong.

The pretzel bread was our favorite too - deeeeelish. Though, we had no problem eating the others either.

I hope to get a leaving day update in, then a souvie quick update and a wrap up - all before we leave for SSR in a week. We'll see how I do...!

And I'm back....

Okay, that picture of Henry screams "Enough of the pictures already! I'll tolerate it, but I'm not gonna smile."

Fun to read your review of Le Cellier... we're thinking that will be a must-do on our next trip. And maybe we'll even make Mickey ears out of plates to honor you guys! How hilarious... and I love that you even took pictures of yourselves!

And sweet baby Henry finally hit the wall - I'm impressed how well he's been your whole trip! When Junior was younger, bed time was a nightmare, especially at hotels. I've tried to block most of those memories... But it sounds like he knows how to listen to his body by dropping off to sleep so quickly - count that as a HUGE blessing!

But packing means your leaving. Which means your TR will be over soon. That's sad.

BUT... you're going back! So YEA!!!

Ya, those pictures are pretty funny because of his face in them!

You gotta do LeCellier! It's so very tasty. After I did the Mickey ears with the plates once to Henry, Joe started laughing and pulled out the camera - then I insisted I take a picture when he did it too, he didn't think it was quite that funny then.

Henry is SUCH a good sleeper. It is a complete blessing. I've heard some children not sleeping through the night for years even. Hopefully, if we have more children they will repeat Henry's behavior in this area especially!

 

[Flossbolna]

Brook, great update! I actually never made it on Ellen's Energy Adventure in my three trips so far. But it seems that I have not missed that much.

Good to hear that you had such a nice meal at Le Cellier. I can imagine that TS with a toddler can be very challenging, but it seems you managed that very well! Where will you eat on the upcoming trip?

 

[Charleston Princess]

An 80 degree difference between Minnesota and Orlando! Just think, though, you will get to experience those divinely warm temperatures very soon!

We have never done the boat from WS to FW -- looks like fun! I think it has been DECADES since we did the Universe of Energy -- I remember being unnerved by the dinosaurs when I was about 8 or 9.

I hadn't seen that coffee steak either on the menus! It sounds delicious!!!

 

[MeMom]

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 suppose I should not be complaining about the teens and twenties we are having here for the next couple of days, then. Thanks for putting me in my place!

The steaks at LeCellier look scrumptious. As soon as I am really eating normally again and can do justice to a meal, we are having steaks! Yum!

An 80 degree difference between Minnesota and Orlando! Just think, though, you will get to experience those divinely warm temperatures very soon!

We have never done the boat from WS to FW -- looks like fun! I think it has been DECADES since we did the Universe of Energy -- I remember being unnerved by the dinosaurs when I was about 8 or 9.
I hadn't seen that coffee steak either on the menus! It sounds delicious!!!

You need to go do it again just to see how 'lame' it seems now. I don't mean it in a bad way, but it just shows how far things have come with attractions. We did it either this summer or at Thanksgiving, I can't remember which, and it had been forever since I had been on it, too. It was almost a nothing ride, especially compared to Dinosaur.

 

[kschafer]

I'm so sad to see your last day come to an end But at least we have your next trip to look forward to (any fun tibits to tease us before you leave?)

I too loved LeCellier!! the filet was the most amazing steak I have ever had (but I do wish I had subbed the potatoes for the risotto) Unlike Joe, this chocolate lover thought the moose was devine!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

What a great update and as usual, great pics!! I loved your update of Le Celliar..it was our ABSOLUTE favorite, by far, place from our December trip. I had the mushroom filet and the mousse (and loved it!!) and couldn't say enough about it....YUM!!! I think I've told too many people it's my favorite place, not sure I'll ever be able to get a ressie there again when I want one!!

Poor Henry finally hitting the wall....that's what seems to happen, we had a similiar situation last year with our middle son (was 2 at the time) and we definately deserved it, we had pushed him all week and he only had one melt down! Phew...but then I felt badly, too. Oh well, he survived (and we did, too!) and he did great this past trip.

Looking forward to your last day, even though I'm bummed it's your last day, I"m excited to see what is on the horizon with your upcoming trip!!!

Stay warm!! It's a balmy 10 degrees here in Boston today....ahh.....

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook, great update! I actually never made it on Ellen's Energy Adventure in my three trips so far. But it seems that I have not missed that much.

Good to hear that you had such a nice meal at Le Cellier. I can imagine that TS with a toddler can be very challenging, but it seems you managed that very well! Where will you eat on the upcoming trip?

You really haven't missed much at Ellen's. It's kinda cute-a great idea-but it just needs updates. It will open again in late March, so in our December trip it's a "must do" to check out the updates!

TS' can be exhausting with a toddler. We got out to eat a lot even at home, but even so, a whole day in the parks + being strapped into a high chair can equal an antsy baby.

This trip we are doing the GF Tea (yeaaaa!!!), Spoodles, The Wave and Kona Cafe for breakfast. We might do Beaches & Cream if our schedule should lead us that way....

An 80 degree difference between Minnesota and Orlando! Just think, though, you will get to experience those divinely warm temperatures very soon!

We have never done the boat from WS to FW -- looks like fun! I think it has been DECADES since we did the Universe of Energy -- I remember being unnerved by the dinosaurs when I was about 8 or 9.

I hadn't seen that coffee steak either on the menus! It sounds delicious!!!

I know it! Joe walked into the house yesterday morning (after being my hero and SHOVELING in that -22 weather), and commented about there being a 90 degree difference between inside and outside our house. Unreal!

The thought of warm FL weather is helping me get through this icky stuff here this week!

I can underdstand why those dinosaurs would scare a young kid. They are huge and pretty close to the ride cart, plus I'm sure at the time they looked VERY real. I really wonder what the refurb will bring - perhaps a whole new film!

The boat is fun. You can probably walk faster, but it's a nice way to rest your feet and see the WS from a different perspective.

I suppose I should not be complaining about the teens and twenties we are having here for the next couple of days, then. Thanks for putting me in my place!

The steaks at LeCellier look scrumptious. As soon as I am really eating normally again and can do justice to a meal, we are having steaks! Yum!


You need to go do it again just to see how 'lame' it seems now. I don't mean it in a bad way, but it just shows how far things have come with attractions. We did it either this summer or at Thanksgiving, I can't remember which, and it had been forever since I had been on it, too. It was almost a nothing ride, especially compared to Dinosaur.

the teens is COLD for you guys down there though! So feel free to complain. I just won't have any pity if it snows a couple inches and you have to shovel that while we have 4 foot drifts in our driveway....

Gotta LOVE Minnesota!!!!!!!!!

No really, I do love it here. Despite the weather! It's kinda silly in a way, we Minnesotans get competitive about it. "My DH shoveled our driveway in the -22 weather." "Well, my DH went ice fishing for 4 hours and caught us dinner." etc. I think the snow cracks us up a bit...

You will have to throw a LeCellier party when you are all healed up!!

I agree with you on Ellen's too. It is lame compared to Dinosaur. The different technology is pretty astounding. Hopefully they will update it all during the refurb and we will have a really cool 'new' ride!

I'm so sad to see your last day come to an end But at least we have your next trip to look forward to (any fun tibits to tease us before you leave?)

I too loved LeCellier!! the filet was the most amazing steak I have ever had (but I do wish I had subbed the potatoes for the risotto) Unlike Joe, this chocolate lover thought the moose was devine!!

I am sad about it too! But, I do have a few more posts to go - and a half day more at the World. Then of course a wrap up, and souvie pics!

Tidbits...hmmm....we are renting a car one day and going to Kennedy Space Center! I don't think I shared that here yet. Joe is PUMPED.

I've been scheming how we can go to MK at least twice (possibly three times) so we can eat at CHH and Casey's (and try somewhere new). Joe thinks I'm insane because I bring up Casey's daily. It's the ONE meal I CRAVE.

We will be watching the series premier of LOST in our Villa!

It seems a lot of people love that Chocolate Moose - I thought for sure Joe would be one of them! There really isn't anything, dessert wise, that catches his eye on the menu....and he is a dessert loving man. Good thing they he loved everything else so we can go back!

What a great update and as usual, great pics!! I loved your update of Le Celliar..it was our ABSOLUTE favorite, by far, place from our December trip. I had the mushroom filet and the mousse (and loved it!!) and couldn't say enough about it....YUM!!! I think I've told too many people it's my favorite place, not sure I'll ever be able to get a ressie there again when I want one!!

Poor Henry finally hitting the wall....that's what seems to happen, we had a similiar situation last year with our middle son (was 2 at the time) and we definately deserved it, we had pushed him all week and he only had one melt down! Phew...but then I felt badly, too. Oh well, he survived (and we did, too!) and he did great this past trip.

Looking forward to your last day, even though I'm bummed it's your last day, I"m excited to see what is on the horizon with your upcoming trip!!!

Stay warm!! It's a balmy 10 degrees here in Boston today....ahh.....

It sure will be interesting booking at 90 days for LeCellier versus the 180. I wonder if the demand will be even higher for it then since people have had more time to research and decide....I can just picture a bunch of DISers sitting by their phone with the numbers dialed, except the last one, as soon as the ADR place opens we all hit the last button and request LeCellier!

Ya, I felt really bad he was so exhausted - and that I had pushed him past him limits for packing the suitcase - but it had to get done, I knew in the morning it would have been a rush job. Like you said, they survive! And we do too. Hopefully this trip we won't have any meltdowns. Though, he is MUCH more apt to meltdown at 16 months than he was at 14...somewhere between the 2 months he discovered his scream (EAR PIERCING, OH MY WORD MY EARS ARE BLEEDING type scream!) and his will. He likes to test Mommy. BUT, still overall is a good and "easy" child. I think having more CS will help!

I can't believe we are only 6 days away from our next trip!

You stay warm too, 10 is chillllllllly! But, I will take ANY degrees in Boston. I love that City!

 

[disneydusted]

hi Brook! Your last update was fun to read! I think you are such a sweet mom who really adores her little boy! It is such a pleasure to read about your trip and see how you put Henry's needs first. It is fun too to see you and Joe delight in Henry!
We had 18 degrees here this morning and it is cold! But when I saw your weather I had second thoughts about ours! And you have snow!! We have yet to have any snow and our kids are flipping out about it! DS keeps waiting for it to happen but I think we are out of luck.... maybe send some of yours down to us!

 

[Camster0307]

Ok, as usual, I'm behind; I'm here to comment on the WS pix.....................

I, too have never tried the schoolbread; it was on my "must-try" list this past nov. and I never got to it. I'm definitely trying it in Feb. - I just need to space out my eating around the World Showcase a little more effectively. I also need to try the churros in Mexico. Oh - so much food, so little time!

Yes, the Maelstrom is just ok but you've got to do it. It's one of our must-dos every trip; we always skip the movie at the end though. Also, check out the perfume Laila sold in the Norway shop. I love it and always pick up a bottle; I'm told you can only purchase it there or a Nordstrom's. Every time I wear it, my daughter tells me I smell like Epcot!

We caught up with the photopass photog. in China also. I had never seen one there before and he was standing around with no one near him. He got some good shots of us - I used one of them as our xmas picture. That being said, the pictures you got of Henry are just soooo cute! How great was that? Now you've got these professional shots and you can make as many pix of them you want!

Now, a little off-topic: I've noticed that they are airing last season' finale of Lost tonite 8-11pm (est). So I'm thinking you're right about next week - the season premiere is starting at 8pm (est). I'm wondering if it's a 2-hour episode? I can't wait!

Ok - back to catching up!

 

[Camster0307]

All caught up!

My goodness Brook - that is some cold weather you got there! And, yay - I hear it's headed my way! Our WDW can't get here quick enough!

I laughed out loud at Henry's face in that one pic in front of SE. Yeah, looks like he had had enough; my 13yr.old gets the same look after too many photopass pix!

Loved all your shots of Epcot - my favorite park!

I love, love, love LeCellier also. I don't know how it ever gets a bad rap. We eat there every trip and I enjoy it every time. Love the food, love the atmosphere, love the service! If you go again, try the S'mores dessert. It may be on the kid's menu but you can still order it - very pretty and very good. Lauren gets that and I always get the Maple Creme Brulee - YUM!

And we too were pleasantly surprised to see some Christmas decorations up too! Epcot looks so pretty during the holidays!

 

[Lady Lallie]

to work blocking your pictures. The weird thing is I can see everyone else's pictures but yours while at work. Hmmm. I won't complain too loudly though lest they block my beloved DIS.

I am so glad you had a great meal at Le Cellier. I can't believe Joe didn't like the Chocolate Moose!! It was soooooo yummy. Maybe he just got a wonky serving of it because it was one of my favorites from our trip. We also ate ours back at WL while watching a slide show of our pictures so maybe that contributing to it's awesomeness.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Tidbits...hmmm....we are renting a car one day and going to Kennedy Space Center! I don't think I shared that here yet. Joe is PUMPED.

Ooooo, I can't wait to hear about this - we are thinking of doing it in December!

 

[Donald is #1]

-22???

Wow, you are making the weather here look warm and it was only 14 for my drive home.

 

[BigDogHU75]

Welcome! I'm so glad you have enjoyed the TR!!

Our stroller is a Peg Perego Aria, ordered from albeebaby.com. albeebaby.com sells older models (a few years old-but still new) for nice discounts. It was around $80 and if I recall, shipping was about $5! It was a great deal. We wanted one with at least one cupholder and a basket. We are VERY glad we had both during our WDW trip.

We left it outside rides all the time - no problems at all. I wouldn't recommend leaving anything of high value in the stroller, but we always left our diaper bag and often times a sweatshirt and some random purchases. We used the sweatshirt to hide anything that we had purchased. For restaurants, sometimes they had an area inside we could park it, otherwise it was outside like with the rides. I do recommend tying a ribbon or scarf to your handle though, so you don't repeat our Fantasmic incident!

On packing - we didn't pack enough jeans for Henry. We only had 2 pairs, and vomit quickly covered one of them during our first night. Joe did wash the other pair in the bathtub midway through the week (I think I forgot to include that tidbit in the TR!). Since you are staying DVC (CONGRATS! ) you will have a washer/dryer, so you probably don't need to worry about that as much.

We ordered our baby needs (diapers, snacks, a couple Gerber meals, whole milk) through GardenGrocer.com and that worked great. Saved a lot of room in our suitcase and saved money - we always had something on hand for Henry and had milk in the morning for him before we left the room. This trip we ordered from wegoshop.com instead - it will be cheaper (I think) and more variety, but I have nothing negative to say about GardenGrocer.com either.

Rides - Henry got antsy during the 3D shows and during the longer ones where we sat (Ellen's, Carosel of Progress). He LOVED the playgrounds and this trip we plan to make longer stops at them. We also missed Toon Town, but I am fully expecting him to love that. He enjoyed the ducks and watching various water features too! We found that as soon as Henry went down for his nap, if we hit the big rides, using the Child Swap, we could cover a lot. You kinda have to be a bit organized, but it works. Henry had no problems on Buzz or Toy Story Mania, he just sat in between us. Now that he's VERY mobile (he wasn't fully walking yet in November), it might be a different story with him wanting to get out...we'll see!

I think his favorites of all the trip were TTA, It's a Small World, the ducks at Epcot, the bubbly fountain in the WL (those pics coming in the next update), Chef Mickey's, and the playgrounds. I know he loved the trip overall, his face was almost always smiling and he was giggling and pointing at everything. And by the end of the trip he was pulling on his stroller, ready to go into the park!

Wow-that's a lot, hopefully not overwhelming! The #1 thing from my experience with a little one - take it slow. Watch their face. Experience Disney joy through their eyes. It's .

We also found CS MUCH MUCH easier. Henry is great with TS, but CS was quick and Henry, being a bit noisy at times, usually wasn't an issue at a CS - other diners barely noticed, but at a TS it was a bit different. Plus, then we weren't dedicated to a time. This coming trip we only have about 4 TS' scheduled - and I think it's about perfect.

Thanks for the tips. I haven't planned for too many TS (I think 3) because my DS does not like to sit still for long periods of time. But, I did want to dine at Le Celiler or 'Ohana. I am still deciding.

I am so sad to see your trip report coming to an end. I am living vicariously through your report until it is my turn to experience the World.

 

[CJsMom]

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!

Ok, I will stop complaining about it being a balmy 17 degrees here in MA!

Your last day was very fun - ending with that great meal at Le Cellier - which I am adding to my list of "must-do's"!

I don't blame Henry for being upset - I felt like screaming and crying on my last day of vacation at WDW too.

 

[brookelizabeth]

hi Brook! Your last update was fun to read! I think you are such a sweet mom who really adores her little boy! It is such a pleasure to read about your trip and see how you put Henry's needs first. It is fun too to see you and Joe delight in Henry!
We had 18 degrees here this morning and it is cold! But when I saw your weather I had second thoughts about ours! And you have snow!! We have yet to have any snow and our kids are flipping out about it! DS keeps waiting for it to happen but I think we are out of luck.... maybe send some of yours down to us!

I really do adore my little boy. When we first got pregnant I was NOT happy or excited-the exact opposite actually, I cried. We were freshly married, and I was mentally and emotionally not ready for children yet. I wanted a few years with just my husband. But it happened. And he is the biggest blessing I have ever received! I cannot even fathom our lives without him. He brings joy to us even in the roughest moment. And, experiecing Disney with and through him was wonderful. It was so sweet and fun. I can't wait to do it again in FIVE days!

It's even colder here today. I have some pictures to share with ya'll, which I will post in the next update. I'll GLADLY send some snow your way, like the 4.5 foot drift at the end of our driveway!

Ok, as usual, I'm behind; I'm here to comment on the WS pix.....................

I, too have never tried the schoolbread; it was on my "must-try" list this past nov. and I never got to it. I'm definitely trying it in Feb. - I just need to space out my eating around the World Showcase a little more effectively. I also need to try the churros in Mexico. Oh - so much food, so little time!

Yes, the Maelstrom is just ok but you've got to do it. It's one of our must-dos every trip; we always skip the movie at the end though. Also, check out the perfume Laila sold in the Norway shop. I love it and always pick up a bottle; I'm told you can only purchase it there or a Nordstrom's. Every time I wear it, my daughter tells me I smell like Epcot!

We caught up with the photopass photog. in China also. I had never seen one there before and he was standing around with no one near him. He got some good shots of us - I used one of them as our xmas picture. That being said, the pictures you got of Henry are just soooo cute! How great was that? Now you've got these professional shots and you can make as many pix of them you want!

Now, a little off-topic: I've noticed that they are airing last season' finale of Lost tonite 8-11pm (est). So I'm thinking you're right about next week - the season premiere is starting at 8pm (est). I'm wondering if it's a 2-hour episode? I can't wait!

Ok - back to catching up!

No worries-I'm always behind on TRs too! I can't ever seem to keep up with any of them.

You GOTTA try the schoolbread! Yummmmm-o. I mentioned churros to Joe the other day and he perked up at that. They sell them at AK too, right?

I will check out that perfume. I want to smell like Epcot!

I love that we have all these Photopass Pictures of our family-and of just Henry. We have so few family pictures overall. I kind of wish we were doing it again this trip, but we opted not to, since we were just there. I'll do it again for December though - Henry will be TWO. I can't even imagine that - a two year old...seems so far away!

I wish I had caught that last season finale to remind me of everything - I'm sure it will all come back to me quickly though. Did you watch it?

I hope it's a 2 hour episode!!!!

All caught up!

My goodness Brook - that is some cold weather you got there! And, yay - I hear it's headed my way! Our WDW can't get here quick enough!

I laughed out loud at Henry's face in that one pic in front of SE. Yeah, looks like he had had enough; my 13yr.old gets the same look after too many photopass pix!

Loved all your shots of Epcot - my favorite park!

I love, love, love LeCellier also. I don't know how it ever gets a bad rap. We eat there every trip and I enjoy it every time. Love the food, love the atmosphere, love the service! If you go again, try the S'mores dessert. It may be on the kid's menu but you can still order it - very pretty and very good. Lauren gets that and I always get the Maple Creme Brulee - YUM!

And we too were pleasantly surprised to see some Christmas decorations up too! Epcot looks so pretty during the holidays!

It's worse here today. Just wait until you see the pictures I have to post. It's so very, very wrong. Thankfully I work from home on Thursdays and don't have to go outside at all!

I will mention that S'mores dessert to Joe for our next trip to LeCellier! I am thinking it might be a repeat in December.

to work blocking your pictures. The weird thing is I can see everyone else's pictures but yours while at work. Hmmm. I won't complain too loudly though lest they block my beloved DIS.

I am so glad you had a great meal at Le Cellier. I can't believe Joe didn't like the Chocolate Moose!! It was soooooo yummy. Maybe he just got a wonky serving of it because it was one of my favorites from our trip. We also ate ours back at WL while watching a slide show of our pictures so maybe that contributing to it's awesomeness.

I wonder if you can't see the pics at work because my Photobucket account is private....I wonder if there is a way to make my Disney folders not private...hmmmm....I'll look into that.

I was totally shocked he didn't like the Chocolate Moose! Most people rave about it!! Maybe it was just a weird batch or something...I really don't know....or maybe he's just weird...

Ooooo, I can't wait to hear about this - we are thinking of doing it in December!

Are you going to be there during the launch? Joe made sure our December dates covered the launch date so he would catch it this time because we TOTALLY forgot about the launch this time. Plus, it was POURING RAIN, I forgot to mention that in this last update. See what not taking notes on the last day does for me!

Anyway, if we love KSC, we'll probably go back in December to experience the launch.

-22???

Wow, you are making the weather here look warm and it was only 14 for my drive home.

And today is worse. I'll take 14! I'm throw on the swimsuit and flip flops at 14!

Thanks for the tips. I haven't planned for too many TS (I think 3) because my DS does not like to sit still for long periods of time. But, I did want to dine at Le Celiler or 'Ohana. I am still deciding.

I am so sad to see your trip report coming to an end. I am living vicariously through your report until it is my turn to experience the World.

It's a tough call between LeCellier and 'Ohana. LeCellier is more adult. 'Ohana is still adult a bit, but also has entertainment for the kids. The food is wonderful at both. You get all you can eat at 'Ohana - its an awesome spread! LeCellier is more upscale.... if your DS was noisy at 'Ohana, most people would probalby not notice. Plus, if he got antsy, he could join in on the parades. But, overall, I think I did enjoy LeCellier more (from an adult perspective, and having a DS who was still too little to join in on the parades-he wasn't walking yet).

That is a really tough choice!

Another TR will be coming very soon!!! This trip will probably be a whole new experience with a walking child...

Ok, I will stop complaining about it being a balmy 17 degrees here in MA!

Your last day was very fun - ending with that great meal at Le Cellier - which I am adding to my list of "must-do's"!

I don't blame Henry for being upset - I felt like screaming and crying on my last day of vacation at WDW too.

Oh man, 17 is a heat wave!!!!!!! It is supposed to get into the 20s this weekend again. I'm sure all us crazy Minnesotans will be out in our spring jackets.

Though, on the day it was -22 I did see a man NOT WEARING A JACKET. And three people without hats! 2 of them were bald, so it's not like they had hair that would get messed up!

Good point on the screaming...he must have known it was our last full day! I remember Joe and I commenting, "I don't want to leave" that last night. It was sad. It felt like our vacation had just begun and was quickly over.

LeCellier was fantastic! It is a must-do! I hope we get it again in December.