We're Doing WHAT For My Birthday??? - Final Thoughts

[mnmrmustard]

We moved on from the Canada pavilion and into English country. The first sight we saw the palace

Large view of the Palace

I did wonder why they had such a big architectural presence with no real interaction with it …unless there was an interaction/tour that I missed.

We moved on into the village area, I liked the feel of this area. Kind of down home in an English sort of way.

English Village Panorama

The pub looked inviting but we had Le Cellier coming up and I wanted to be hungry and thirsty for it.

We knew we would be back through here due to the reses so we skipped the shops and continued on. The tea cup garden was cute.

Across from them was a cool Peter Pan topiary

Pan was at the ready

Hook was challenging him as usual

And the croc was just biding his time

There were lots of ducks wandering around

We kept strolling on towards France

Cool waterway, I saw a boat launch at one point – does anyone know where it goes?

Down towards the bridge we ran into royalty

They had company across the way

We crossed the bridge and ran into an Aristocat

We came across Beauty and the Beast

…and the rest of the cast

Right next to them was a real live princess – bring on Aurora!

After getting pics with the princess we found a shady spot and I made another call to reservations. We re-confirmed the Le Cellier rese and tried again for the dessert fireworks Wishes show. Le Cellier was good but still no dice with the fireworks event. From there we continued into the French village.

I was surprised that you couldn’t actually approach the Eiffel tower. Next up we travel to the Middle East and then the Far East.

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 3 Part 7 – We Take a Trek to the Eastern Continent

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

It was our first time seeing F&G and I was very impressed! I loved all the topiaries and all the details that were put into place. I've seen many pictures before on the DIS, but they just don't do the festival justice. Your pictures brought back some very happy memories!

I am the planner of the family, by a longshot. I tell him what the plan is, give him time to add his input, and then we head off. I am spending a good amount of time on the cruise threads to get information. The TR's over there definitely provide some good advice. We are also taking our daughter who will be 22 months old at the time. I need to get her a passport, and in order to do so, BOTH parents need to be there. I understand the rules and they are in place for a reason, but doesn't the government know I'm trying to take my husband on a surprise cruise???

I love the Moroccan Pavilion, so much stuff to see in there! Can't wait to see what pictures you've taken.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

The boats go to Boardwalk, Beach Club and the Swolphin.

*Jealous* that you saw Marie Kitty! We've never been so lucky.

 

[kaoden39]

I keep hearing that they are bringing the People Movers back but until Disney says that they are doing it and it actually starts I am not believing it.

I love the pictures from Epcot. That area interests me the most I think.

 

[Trentmom]

Well by the time I'm done posting from my days here I'll have you completely sold!



Under two weeks, time is really zooming now isn't it? I'll get some more posted either tonight or in the morning.

And I agree with everything Marsha says



I love DLR and it is an easy decision for us west-coasters - it will always have that special bit of magic that comes with being Walt's first baby. But despite the extra time in planning and the expense to get you there, WDW is just amazing.

The total experience of being on property and being immersed in the resorts and parks and even the busses and boats and of course the longer monorail runs. Add in the water parks and an expanded DTD, shake in some special rides like RnRC and classic shows like the Country Bear Jamboree and you're knee deep in the magic



Thank you so much Kelly! Are there a bunch of different topiaries from when you were there or are you seeing some of the same stuff?

Yes, the scooter made a huge difference. I can't imagine how bad off her ankles would have been if she had tried to walk it that day.







They do an amazing job, I've seen topiaries before, but nothing even close to what they did with theirs. Just goes to show that no matter what the media, Disney hires the best when it comes to presenting their art.

Well I'm tuckered out so the next update will have to happen tomorrow - and yes, it will include my review of Le Cellier

Well, Toy story and Fairies are definitely different

I do not remember seeing Pooh and friends

So plenty of new stuff to see

 

[Trentmom]

Love the angle of the pic you took of the palace,....so neat looking

We got to meet Marie on our trip, she so cute

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

I love the pictures from Epcot. That area interests me the most I think.

Now World Showcase is one area of WDW that I would love to explore without my kids. There is so much to see and a lot of it doesn't particularly interest them so we always do kind of a run through.

 

[mnmrmustard]

It was our first time seeing F&G and I was very impressed! I loved all the topiaries and all the details that were put into place. I've seen many pictures before on the DIS, but they just don't do the festival justice. Your pictures brought back some very happy memories!

I am the planner of the family, by a longshot. I tell him what the plan is, give him time to add his input, and then we head off. I am spending a good amount of time on the cruise threads to get information. The TR's over there definitely provide some good advice. We are also taking our daughter who will be 22 months old at the time. I need to get her a passport, and in order to do so, BOTH parents need to be there. I understand the rules and they are in place for a reason, but doesn't the government know I'm trying to take my husband on a surprise cruise???

I love the Moroccan Pavilion, so much stuff to see in there! Can't wait to see what pictures you've taken.

Thank you very much about my captures of the topiaries, I very much enjoyed seeking them out and photographing them

If you're the planner that makes it a lot easier to suprise him, but the passport thing does throw a wrench in the works. I'll have to think on a possible excuse for you to use to get a wee one a passport without tipping your hat on the whole thing. I know the first thing he'd ask is "why?"

Morrocco pics coming up in a few

The boats go to Boardwalk, Beach Club and the Swolphin.

*Jealous* that you saw Marie Kitty! We've never been so lucky.

Ahhh, so that'd be a bonus of staying there for sure! TY for cluing me in

I keep hearing that they are bringing the People Movers back but until Disney says that they are doing it and it actually starts I am not believing it.

I love the pictures from Epcot. That area interests me the most I think.

True enough, wait till we see a press release on it.

I agree as far as my interest, EPCOT was a prime focus for me on this trip.

Well, Toy story and Fairies are definitely different

I do not remember seeing Pooh and friends

So plenty of new stuff to see

Good to know that they change it up. One thing I did miss out on ...you'll see Lightning McQueen a bit later. He was supposed to be posed with Mater but they apparently had issues with how he was holding up and had to take him out

Love the angle of the pic you took of the palace,....so neat looking

We got to meet Marie on our trip, she so cute

Thank you, it was kind of a weird perspective, pure photoshop magic tying 4 different pictures together

Now World Showcase is one area of WDW that I would love to explore without my kids. There is so much to see and a lot of it doesn't particularly interest them so we always do kind of a run through.

Oh you have that completely right. Roxy and I spent a lot of time just taking it all in, our kids would have been bored stiff!

 

[Trentmom]

See you guys saying your kids don't care for world showcase. Trent has ball in there. I thought he be bored too

He loves the train near Germany I believe. Then there is a cool toy shop in UK.

Plus, Mexico is awesome. That is Trent's favorite country.

Took Trent into Japan I believe it was and he had ball in their shop. They have more cool toys in there


You never know what hidden gems the kids can find in there

 

[mnmrmustard]

See you guys saying your kids don't care for world showcase. Trent has ball in there. I thought he be bored too

He loves the train near Germany I believe. Then there is a cool toy shop in UK.

Plus, Mexico is awesome. That is Trent's favorite country.

Took Trent into Japan I believe it was and he had ball in their shop. They have more cool toys in there


You never know what hidden gems the kids can find in there

Well actually you may have a point there. Kyra's choice for her "mommy and me" day on our 2008 trip WAS EPCOT's World Showcase. And they had a good time there. Bean would be more of an issue since she is more of a pure thrillseeker.

Yes, there are some cool shops. I somehow missed the train Both girls would spend a couple of hours (and one of my monthly paychecks) in the store in Japan!

We'll just have to see how future trips go.

 

[mnmrmustard]

We continued through France with me still trying to find a route to the tower - lol

Large Version of Parisian Storefronts

Roxy really liked the perfume-bottle shaped topiaries

As we left the France area we stumbled upon Belle!

Next up was the Moroccan Pavilion. I had been intrigued about this area for years having heard about the stories of the King of Morocco and how he brought in his own artisans to build it. I was not disappointed with what I saw.

Aladdin greeted us.

I loved the tiling on the fountain

…and of course the archway

The buildings were pretty cool

The bath house was amazing

Large Panorama of the Bath House

I had stayed back taking pictures while Roxy looked through the shop stalls. I walked through another archway past the came.

…and came across this building

Which housed the Restaurant Marrakesh. It looked like a place I’d like to check out sometime

Past that was another beautiful mosaic fountain.

We finished looking through the shops and headed out. I turned and took one more shot.

From there it was on to Japan! The crowds weren’t bad through here at this point.

We headed inwards and asked about the lady who does the sugar animal molding and found out that she wasn’t working today :-[

The pagodas looked pretty cool though

I really liked the statue, very powerful and regal.

Next up we check out the world of Anime

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 3 Part 8 – A Tour through Spirited Beasts

 

[mnmrmustard]

Day 3 Part 8 – A Tour through Spirited Beasts

We moved into an exhibit that I know my daughter Kyra would love. It covered Japanese art and anime and was called…

We finished going through the exhibit and it said “it’s time!” What time was it? It was Le Cellier time – w00t! We weaved our way all the way back through the crowds, Morocco buzzed by, France was a blur, England went by in a flash, and BAM we were in Canada again! We checked in up top and headed down the path towards the entrance. We saw a mama duck and 8 baby chicks as we were walking. I took a bunch of pics and then looked at them and realized I still had my camera set for the extreme low light of the Japanese anime exhibit and they were all completely overexposed. Oh well, they were cute.

We walked in and were welcomed by the oh so well air conditioned reception area – ahhh! We checked in there and had a seat. While we waited I snapped this quick pic of the CMs working the desk. They were very focused on what another guest was saying.

We were taken to our table within 5 minutes of coming in. We sat right next to one of the columns at a two person table which I really liked since it gave us a bit of privacy. I loved the lighting and intimate feel of the place. It was such a good place to decompress. Our waitress was very nice and got our drinks and was very helpful with the menu choices and how it worked with the dining plan. We got our drinks and bread sticks very quickly.

Roxy LOVED the pretzel breadsticks and I actually liked the whole grain flavor. She ordered the Heirloom Tomato Salad and I ordered the Steakhouse Caesar. Roxy and I both really liked them both. For entrees Roxy chose the Canadian "Prime" New York Strip and I had that signature Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon. These dishes were in Roxy’s words “Oh my God good.” For me each bite was amazing. We finished off with crème brulee for her and the chocolate moose for me.

Overall it officially counts as what I would want if I had to have a last meal on earth. Seriously, it was that good. I can’t see myself ever going to WDW again without a stop at this restaurant. We had great conversation, great food, great service – just a perfect lunch.

Coming up next we pass back through familiar country …or countries in this case ;-]

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 3 Part 9 – The Brits Invade, the French find Balance, and the Japanese Drum!

 

[kaoden39]

I am so green with jealousy over you getting to see Belle in her blue dress. That is never going to happen in Disneyland.

 

[GeminiAngel]

Jumping in!

 

[Trentmom]

I enjoyed seeing your pics. I never walked through Morocco. Have to hit that up next time. Looks really cool

Meal at Le Cellier sounds so good.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Mike I'm so glad you posted on my report so I could find out about your trip to WDW......absolutely stunning photos. I saw some other photos of the topiaries & was in awe of them.....thanx for sharing so many of them in your report!!!

I've never been to WDW, so I'm fascinated by your report & pics. Looking forward to seeing more!!

 

[GeminiAngel]

All caught up! I'm planning a Universal visit on our next trip to the World.
I never saw the bath house in Morocco, just beautiful!
Great clear photos, what type of camera do you have?

 

[mnmrmustard]

I am so green with jealousy over you getting to see Belle in her blue dress. That is never going to happen in Disneyland.

I hadn't even thought of that. She is always dressed up at DL isn't she?

Jumping in!

Welcome! Glad to have you along for my B-Day Fun!

I enjoyed seeing your pics. I never walked through Morocco. Have to hit that up next time. Looks really cool

Meal at Le Cellier sounds so good.

Thank you Kelly, it was a cool place to walk through and didn't take too much time out of the day. I missed Italy on this trip and now have to make time for it after hearing some of the things to see there. Always more to see I guess.

Yes, Le Cellier was the best!

Mike I'm so glad you posted on my report so I could find out about your trip to WDW......absolutely stunning photos. I saw some other photos of the topiaries & was in awe of them.....thanx for sharing so many of them in your report!!!

I've never been to WDW, so I'm fascinated by your report & pics. Looking forward to seeing more!!

Yay Laurie! Thank you for joining my TR and I'm glad you are liking my pics. I have more topiaries to come!

All caught up! I'm planning a Universal visit on our next trip to the World.
I never saw the bath house in Morocco, just beautiful!
Great clear photos, what type of camera do you have?

Welcome, thank you for joining in I hope my Universal pics have helped you, I have more coming from our second day there.

The bath house is in the second building on the left as you're walking past the fountain. Thank you for the compliment on my photos. I'm using a 5 year old Canon Digital Rebel XS (10 megapixel) with the standard canon 18-55MM lens and a Tamron 28-75MM fast (f/2.8) lens.

My apologies to all for not posting anything for over a week - work and home have been a bit crazy. I'll get a good update posted in the next hour

 

[kaoden39]

Nothing like real life interfering with trip reports.

 

[mnmrmustard]

We wanted to stay in Le Cellier all day …or at least until we got hungry again. But since we couldn’t we made our way back up the path and thru the Canada Pavilion. We didn’t want to stop so again we missed ‘O Canada!’ again. We headed back towards England. As we got closer we could hear music playing. A Beatles tribute band was just starting to play. Their looks weren’t exact to the fab four but they sounded very good.

I listened to a couple of songs while Roxy checked out some shops. I caught up with her and saw a bookshelf with some great references to Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan

We then had a quick visit with a familiar friend

It was a fun interaction; we had a really good time with him.

We walked back out into the afternoon heat, it was really pressing down on us. We took it slow and walked back past Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Just before the bridge heading towards France we saw a Photopass photographer just setting up. She was very happy because there are three stations that they set up at and she got the one in the shade :-D She took a great shot of us with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

We crossed the bridges and I leaned over and took a shot of the artist’s nook on the water

As we came back into France proper we saw the balancing act going on

We managed to make it by the crowd before he completely wrapped up the show. I was leading the way, trying to avoid crowds and keep to the shade where possible. Back in Morocco we saw the belly dancer act going on

Just past him was Aladdin and Jasmine but they had already shut down their line. I got a couple of shots as they headed out

We continued on back to Japan. I actually got a shot of the arch without anyone in front of it

As part of the Flower and Garden Festival they had a series of banzai trees set up in front of it

From the fence where the little trees were I turned around and had a good view of the Pavilion.

Large Panorama of the Japan Pavilion

As you can see we finally started to get some decent cloud cover. It upped the humidity but sure felt more bearable when the sun was behind them. We headed towards the tower.

Once there we saw the Kodo Drummers setting up. It was hot standing out there to watch the show but it was very cool.

I took a video of them drumming, sorry about the shaky quality - it was hot and I don't have the steadiest hand. CLICK HERE for it.

When they were done we needed to cool off so we went shopping. Both girls like Anime and Japanese culture so it was easy to find things for both of them. We bought Kyra a mini-kimono pajama set and Bean got a trio of Pokemon stuffies.

Next up we return to America and breeze past Italy on our way to a miniature world.

Click here to view the next chapter: Day 3 Part 10 – America is Spirited, Italy is Tall, and Other Things are Small