WHAT A DIFFERENCE 6 MOS. MAKES (or how I learned to love MK) COMPLETE-WRAP-UP 12/29

[KatMark]

Tina, first and foremost, I am so sorry that Max is going to have to have surgery. I will be keeping him in my prayers for a most successful surgery and sending you a to help you through the day.

Love the updates...I love World Showcase and could spend a day there. I've often wanted to purchase something in Morocco. But, as you said, a little bit pricey.

 

[tinacaplan]

Just wanted to jump on and thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Max. However...he woke up very stuffed up this morning, so I called his pediatrician and we went in to check him out. And his surgery has been cancelled. So now we're waiting to find out when it will be rescheduled. Being of this week, the timing would have been excellent for me, but I'd never want to take a risk when general anesthesia is involved and thought it best to leave the decision to the medical professionals.

Also found our car may need a new catalytic (sp?) converter very soon, so I may be looking to figure out how to make our February trip a bit more affordable. We'll see what I do about that!

At any rate, its been a real rollercoaster of a day for all of us.

 

[annmarieda]

Oh, I know how frustrating having a surgery canceled is. But..yes, it is better to not take the risk.

I love the epcot updates! I love epcot so much, yet in all of the 10 days we had in the parks... I never got to fully do WS. The china pavillion...we never even went into. I wanted to pick a pearl... but the crowds were bad in that store. I feel sad that I missed so much.

Storm along Bay is amazing. It looks like Max had lots of fun there.

 

[glennbo123]

Nice update Tina!

It took me a long time to realize that there was more to the Morocco pavilion than met the eye from the "street". It's pretty cool back there, isn't it?

That's a very nice picture you took of yourself.

 

[amandaw]

Sorry you're having to reschedule Max's surgery. Hopefully, they won't take too long to find a time when they can do it for him.

I loved your update - so many lovely pictures. How great that you got some alone time to do some shopping! I might have to see if I can broker some sort of deal like that for myself on our next trip!

The more I read your TR, the more you are making me want to just fork out the $$$$ to stay at BC next December. It really seems nice!

 

[tinacaplan]

DAY SIX


Day six had been scheduled as our resort day. We were tired at this point, what with our go-go super commando style of touring and all (that’s sarcasm). We slept in and woke up with plenty of time to get to our 10:30 ADR at Kouzzina.

I took a few pictures on the walk over and looking back on them now, I just have to say AGAIN how beautiful the entire Boardwalk area is. It really is a fantastic location to stay and if any of you are ever considering I recommend it wholeheartedly. Moving on...

The view as you walk out of the Beach Club, across the lake, towards the Boardwalk Inn:

If I am not mistaken, one of those windows is our room. I think it’s the third floor, center. An amazing location, regardless.

Looking back toward the Swan and Dolphin:

Looking toward the pirate ship at Storm Along Bay:

Approaching the Boardwalk:

The Boardwalk Bakery. I’m a real sucker for a red striped awning:

SIgn at Kouzzina:

The all important door at Kouzzina:

Just kidding...its really just a door. Ah, the random things we take pictures of.

We were seated immediately, which was not a huge surprise given that the restaraunt was almost completely empty. Mark and I both ordered Greek style coffee frappes, which were about the most delicious things I have ever tasted:

All it is a blend of coffee, sugar, and milk...but WOW! If our frappes were any indication, our meal would be quite tasty.

Let me apologize (again!) for my lack of pictures. I ordered the stacked Kouzzina breakfast which was two poached eggs on kalamata olive toast, artichoke spread, and sweet potato hash. I really loved this. The kalamata olive flavor went through the whole thing, without being overpowering. My only complaint was the eggs were cooked a bit too much for my liking. In hindsight, I probably should have just ordered them that way.

Despite all the truly inventive, wonderful-sounding things on the menu my husband went with the American breakfast, which was your standard eggs, toast, and bacon. He did really enjoy it, though. And Max had a Mickey waffle.

All in all, I have to say that Kouzzinna turned out to be one of the best meals of our trip. I have no idea what its like for dinner, but it is great for breakfast.

That afternoon, we had some more wonderful time at Storm Along Bay and probably more nap time. I, however, opted out of nap time and instead chose to head to the Magic Kingdom ahead of Mark and Max. I wanted to do some shopping!

 

[amandaw]

Why, oh why, must you torture me with these beautiful pictures of BC?

I've never really had a yearning to stay there, but now I'm starting to feel differently. Would you mind if I ask what type of room you booked?

And your breakfast sounds terrific!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Best wishes for Max's surgery tomorrow!!! I will be sending lots of good thoughts your guys' way!!

I love Epcot in the evenings, especially World Showcase! All of the countries and the lights, the atmosphere is just that much more magical then!

DBF's pretty much favorite thing on the planet are the frappes at Kouzzina! I'm glad you guys enjoyed them too! The Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast is my favorite thing to have there! But their new french toast is very intriguing too....

 

[tinacaplan]

Good luck to Max with his surgery tomorrow! I feel certain that everything will go just fine, but that sure doesn't make it any easier, does it?

I am not even going to try to read your updates without pictures. I just plain torture to read about Max but not be able to see him. Especially when he might have his head in another trash can or doing something equally funny and boyish!

Thanks for the encouragement. His surgery was rescheduled for early February due to Max's cold. Inconvenient, yes, but completely necessary.

OK, I literally LOL'ed when I read your last line.

Great updates, Tina!
I love all the pictures and Max is such a trooper for holding out all day! And it sounds like such a relaxed vacation, even in the blazing July sun.

I'll keep you in my prayers tomorrow and sending lots of pixie dust for Max's operation. Give him an extra hug from me!
for you and Mark too!

Thanks! We really had a relaxing time. We have a good handle on what we enjoy doing and the best way to tour for us and that makes all the difference. Plus, how can you not spend time at SAB?

Thanks for your support Karin. It means a lot.

Tina, first and foremost, I am so sorry that Max is going to have to have surgery. I will be keeping him in my prayers for a most successful surgery and sending you a to help you through the day.

Love the updates...I love World Showcase and could spend a day there. I've often wanted to purchase something in Morocco. But, as you said, a little bit pricey.

Thanks, Kathy. It was rescheduled for February due to Max's cold.

And I could easily spend a day there. Hope that I get to someday. The people watching is excellent and there's so much to see in all the pavilions.

Oh, I know how frustrating having a surgery canceled is. But..yes, it is better to not take the risk.

I love the epcot updates! I love epcot so much, yet in all of the 10 days we had in the parks... I never got to fully do WS. The china pavillion...we never even went into. I wanted to pick a pearl... but the crowds were bad in that store. I feel sad that I missed so much.

Storm along Bay is amazing. It looks like Max had lots of fun there.

I know you understand all too well, Ann.

Sorry to heard you didn't spend more time in EPCOT. But truthfully, there isn't a whole lot for Max to do there right now. He's STILL not tall enough for Soarin' or Test Track. We mainly ride SE and Nemo over and over again.

SAB really added an extra something special to our trip. If we return in the summer, I have to admit that its sort of worth paying for. At least for us, as we obviously use the pool a LOT!

Nice update Tina!

It took me a long time to realize that there was more to the Morocco pavilion than met the eye from the "street". It's pretty cool back there, isn't it?

That's a very nice picture you took of yourself.

Glenn, I actually found out what there was in the Moroccan pavillion because of your TR. Very cool.

 

[tinacaplan]

Sorry you're having to reschedule Max's surgery. Hopefully, they won't take too long to find a time when they can do it for him.

I loved your update - so many lovely pictures. How great that you got some alone time to do some shopping! I might have to see if I can broker some sort of deal like that for myself on our next trip!

The more I read your TR, the more you are making me want to just fork out the $$$$ to stay at BC next December. It really seems nice!

Why, oh why, must you torture me with these beautiful pictures of BC?

I've never really had a yearning to stay there, but now I'm starting to feel differently. Would you mind if I ask what type of room you booked?

And your breakfast sounds terrific!

The BC really is lovely, isn't it? I had zero desire to stay a the BC prior to breakfast at Cape May in February 2011. I realized how pretty it was and I was thrilled they had the white comforters. Small thing, I know, but I can't tell you much I wish the Poly had them.

We booked a garden view room. I did not want to look at a parking lot and the GV rooms were not that much more expensive. However, when Mark complained about the construction noise outside of our room, we got an upgrade to a waterview room. And our room was very close to the elevator, which was super close to the Marketplace.

Best wishes for Max's surgery tomorrow!!! I will be sending lots of good thoughts your guys' way!!

I love Epcot in the evenings, especially World Showcase! All of the countries and the lights, the atmosphere is just that much more magical then!

DBF's pretty much favorite thing on the planet are the frappes at Kouzzina! I'm glad you guys enjoyed them too! The Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast is my favorite thing to have there! But their new french toast is very intriguing too....

Thanks, although we'll be waiting until the beginning of February for the surgery now. He has a head cold, so... no surgery. Its for the best, though.

I'm glad someone else gets it about the frappes. We tried to recreate it at home, but failed. Not sure about the french toast, but the stacked breakfast was out of this world.

 

[tinacaplan]

DAY SIX PART TWO

I have no idea what we did that afternoon, but I would imagine that it involved SAB. Again. The boys decided to take a nap and I decided to head to the MK early to do some shopping and exploring on my own. They would meet me later. Now, complain as some will about Disney transportation, that bus system allowed flexibility like this all the time.

Within ten minutes or so, I was disembarking and walking towards the main gate of the MK.

As I walked down Main Street it, it hit me. The scent of cotton candy and candy apples wafted through the air and all of a sudden I realized that it felt like being at the very best carnival ever. I was surrounded by plenty of eye candy, too. It was just amazing and I was genuinely so happy to be there.

I walked into the Emporium and saw some things I considered briefly:

Really cute post-it notes:

Kitchen stuff:

I didn’t find anything here, so I crossed the street. I was on the hunt for a nice, snuggly sweatshirt. I walked through the clothing stores on Main Street and found nothing that met my requirements. I wanted it to say DIsneyworld on it and I would have preferred black. I found nothing. So I crossed Main Street again and went into the jewlery store. I had always wanted a Disney charm for my Pandora so I stopped to look at them. I decided on a dangling Tinkerbell charm, which I love.

Back out on the street, I stopped for a few pictures:

I walked back towards the entrance and I spotted a marching band. Little did I know it was the Disneyworld Philarmonic! I stopped to listen for a bit and then realized I was catching the flag ceremony. I watched the whole thing and found it absolutely beautiful. Regardless of your political beliefs, no one can deny how moving it is to see people paying tribute to the men and women of our military. I was choked up, to say the least. I am so glad that I got to see this and, frankly, that I got to see it by myself.

Shortly after that was over, I met Mark and Max at the entrance. I thought it might good to take a ride on the railroad. After all, Max loves trains. But, for some reason, Max was feeling particuarly cranky and uncooperative and did not want any part of the train. And, for some reason, I probably made a bad Mommy call: we boarded the train anyway. I thought Max would calm down quickly. Not so much. He did eventually calm down, but it was rather apparent that he was not in a good mood.

I knew that this evening might very well go downhill and fast. We walked down Main Street and grabbed a lollipop for Max, hoping the candy might cheer him up. And, yes, I admit it...I am not above occasionally bribing my child when we’re on vacation. He did cheer up somewhat and we headed for one of his favorite rides...Carousel of Progress. My word. Thank goodness I enjoy this ride or it would be painful.

We eventually had to leave Tomorrowland to take a trip back in time to Victorian era, as we had an ADR at the Plaza. We checked in and then we waited. We waited some more out in the hot sun. The wait continued. Max was squirmy at best and almost went into full meltdown mode at several points. It probably would have made sense to leave at that point, but it actuall;y didn’t occur to me. So we stayed. After what was around forty-five minutes, we were finally seated.

None of us was in the greatest mood that night and I failed to take any pictures of our meals. I know I had the tuna and fries again, but I have no clue what Mark or Max had. The food was good, but the service was incredibly slow. While I will certainly give the Plaza another try, I think it won’t be for awhile.

After all of that, we decided going back to the BC was I best choice. Not sure if we went swimming or not, but I would guess that we did.

All in all, it had been another wonderful day at Disneyworld.

 

[amandaw]

Okay, I'm officially jealous of all your "alone shopping time"!

We ate at The Plaza on our last trip & enjoyed it. However, the wait to be seated was our only negative as well.

And don't feel bad, I bribe Reid on vacation also. Whatever makes everyone happy!

 

[sunnysideup3]

[B]
(as a side note: Max’s old Pre K teachers had managed to plant the idea in our head that there was something wrong with him developmentally, perhaps Asberger’s and despite his pediatrician and several other knowledgeable authories telling me this was not the case, it’s hard to banish the idea form your brain).. At least that’s how it felt that night.
[/B]

As a parent of a 4 year old, I totally understand what you're saying. Eli's old 3 yr old room teachers tried to convince us that he had ADHD and needed to start seeing a therapist. He got 2 new teachers a couple months later and one of the rambunctious boys left and he was fine. I know it's hard not to listen to people that you trust with your child, but know that you know your kid best, and like us, they have good and bad days. A couple weeks ago I was "that mom" leaving DHS and getting on the bus with a hysterically crying child who couldn't pick a toy at the end of a long day and so we left. I had the same thoughts as you did, but in hindsight (as you've said, which is 20/20), he was just tired and over-magic'd

You're a good mom....

 

[dizneeat]

Hi Tina!
Great updates!
I love that you loved Kouzzina! We have never been for breakfast, even though I have planned it several times, we always end up cancelling.
We love dinner there too, even though it can be VERY loud in the restaurant.
There is nothing better than a lazy day - but you should know that from my TRs!
And shopping on Main Street and flag retreat are just magical.
What's up with the Plaza? We waited quite a bit too and it was pretty crowded in there. Service on the other hand - we felt pretty rushed.
And there is NOTHING wrong with Max!!!!! Or you!!!!!!!! That's what vacations are for, sleeping in, doing things you wouldn't do otherwise and even bribing your kid when necessary.
He's a sweety, so I would "bribe" him all the time!

Kind of relieved that the surgery is cancelled but on the other hand I know it has to be done. Please let us know WHEN to send that pixie dust again! I cannot wait to see you all again in person - only 51 more days for us!!!!

A couple weeks ago I was "that mom" leaving DHS and getting on the bus with a hysterically crying child who couldn't pick a toy at the end of a long day and so we left. I had the same thoughts as you did, but in hindsight (as you've said, which is 20/20), he was just tired and over-magic'd

You're a good mom....

We don't have kids, but have seen that happen often at the end of the day and we call it ....... Disneyed out! There is just so much magic a little one can take in! Don't worry - it just happens and is forgotten the next morning!

 

[natebenma]

Wow, you are on an updating roll!

I'm glad you got some pixie dust on the WS rides. Even though the line for the boat ride in Mexico is never very long, it is still a score to be treated like that. Also nice that you were given FP for Maelstrom- that line is slow moving and not particularly magical!

We have never eaten at the 9 Dragons, and I don't think we will be rushing there any time soon. So many other places we enjoy. But your husband's peppery shrimp did look good!!!

That's nice that you got a little bit of solo time in the World showcase, and later at the MK. I love that time. When the only agenda you are following is your own! I wonder how often they have the flag ceremony throughout the day.

The late swim at SAB sounds really nice too. On our first trip there, we found the pool a little warm for our liking, but it was better the next July that we went, and really refreshing at night.

Very jealous of your meal at Kouzzina! Greek is my favorite type of food, but you had me at coffee frappes! Yummm! I would like to try both breakfast and lunch there.

The Plaza, not so much. You are the third person I know who has had a problem a legendary wait for a table and really slow service there! That does not make for an enjoyable dining experience!

 

[glennbo123]

Glenn, I actually found out what there was in the Moroccan pavillion because of your TR. Very cool.

I thought that my TR might have been one of the places you saw it.

You made a good point about the Disney transportation system -- it allows flexibility for people in the same family to go to different places or different times.

I'm glad you got some "alone touring time", and it sounded like you made the most of it.

 

[annmarieda]

I so wanted to try Kouzzina on our trip, but could not fit it in. It sounds amazing!

I also love all your alone time. Isn't it a nice way to enjoy the parks? No need to make sure the rest of your party is happy...just you.

 

[KatMark]

Kouzzina is one of the places on my lsit I really want to try.

Sorry about the meltdown on Max's part...I remember some of those all too well.

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Tina,

Just read the last update... meltdowns from sun and crabbiness. I wanted to see the flag ceremony so badly, but it just didn't work out. AH well, you've given me a new hope that someday I'll get there

 

[tinacaplan]

Okay, I'm officially jealous of all your "alone shopping time"!

And don't feel bad, I bribe Reid on vacation also. Whatever makes everyone happy!

It was great, even if I wasn't alone for that long. Its not easy to try and shop with a four year old boy in tow.

As a parent of a 4 year old, I totally understand what you're saying. Eli's old 3 yr old room teachers tried to convince us that he had ADHD and needed to start seeing a therapist. He got 2 new teachers a couple months later and one of the rambunctious boys left and he was fine. I know it's hard not to listen to people that you trust with your child, but know that you know your kid best, and like us, they have good and bad days. A couple weeks ago I was "that mom" leaving DHS and getting on the bus with a hysterically crying child who couldn't pick a toy at the end of a long day and so we left. I had the same thoughts as you did, but in hindsight (as you've said, which is 20/20), he was just tired and over-magic'd

You're a good mom....

Yes, its not easy. We pulled Max from his old center and it was the best decision I could have made. He is so much happier there and the teachers see him as a regular four year-old boy.

I truly wish people would be a bit more patient with those of us who are dealing with a kid in meltdown mode. Taking the kid out is the absolute best solution, IMO, and people should be sensitive to that. There's no magical thing that you can do when a small child has a tantrum, aside from removing them for the situation and sticking to your guns. I've also found, at least when we're home, that ignoring works, too.

It is sometimes not easy being at Disney with little kids, but it is, overall, SO worth it.

Hi Tina!
Great updates!
I love that you loved Kouzzina! We have never been for breakfast, even though I have planned it several times, we always end up cancelling.
We love dinner there too, even though it can be VERY loud in the restaurant.
There is nothing better than a lazy day - but you should know that from my TRs!
And shopping on Main Street and flag retreat are just magical.
What's up with the Plaza? We waited quite a bit too and it was pretty crowded in there. Service on the other hand - we felt pretty rushed.
And there is NOTHING wrong with Max!!!!! Or you!!!!!!!! That's what vacations are for, sleeping in, doing things you wouldn't do otherwise and even bribing your kid when necessary.
He's a sweety, so I would "bribe" him all the time!

Kind of relieved that the surgery is cancelled but on the other hand I know it has to be done. Please let us know WHEN to send that pixie dust again! I cannot wait to see you all again in person - only 51 more days for us!!!!

Ah..yes...bribing the boy. Not an entirely bad plan of action...sometimes. I really wish nearly every ride did not end up in a dump shop, I realize it makes complete sense from Disney's perspective, but it does not make my job any easier.


We don't have kids, but have seen that happen often at the end of the day and we call it ....... Disneyed out! There is just so much magic a little one can take in! Don't worry - it just happens and is forgotten the next morning!

I like that...Disneyed out. We were definitely feeling that to some extent toward the end of the trip.

Wow, you are on an updating roll!

Well, I really want to get this thing wrapped up over break. I want to start my PTR, which will help me pass the time until our February trip.

I'm glad you got some pixie dust on the WS rides. Even though the line for the boat ride in Mexico is never very long, it is still a score to be treated like that. Also nice that you were given FP for Maelstrom- that line is slow moving and not particularly magical!

We have never eaten at the 9 Dragons, and I don't think we will be rushing there any time soon. So many other places we enjoy. But your husband's peppery shrimp did look good!!!

It was pretty great. And you're right, it was that level of attentiveness that the CM showed toward my son that reminds you why Disney is as amazing as it is.

That's nice that you got a little bit of solo time in the World showcase, and later at the MK. I love that time. When the only agenda you are following is your own! I wonder how often they have the flag ceremony throughout the day.

The late swim at SAB sounds really nice too. On our first trip there, we found the pool a little warm for our liking, but it was better the next July that we went, and really refreshing at night.

Very jealous of your meal at Kouzzina! Greek is my favorite type of food, but you had me at coffee frappes! Yummm! I would like to try both breakfast and lunch there.

The Plaza, not so much. You are the third person I know who has had a problem a legendary wait for a table and really slow service there! That does not make for an enjoyable dining experience!

Some solo time was nice, although I could have taken more, I didn't want to. We loved SAB, but we're also big pool people. And there was something truly magical about being there at night.

Kouzzina was great. I'd love to have one of those frappes right now!

I love the food I've had at the Plaza, even though it's pretty basic. I had a great meal there our previous trip, so I figured we'd have a similar experience this time. Not so much.

I thought that my TR might have been one of the places you saw it.

You made a good point about the Disney transportation system -- it allows flexibility for people in the same family to go to different places or different times.

I'm glad you got some "alone touring time", and it sounded like you made the most of it.

See...your TRs are so comprehensive that you can really learn things by reading them. OK, I've learned a ton about Disneyworld through everyone's TRs.

I actually rather enjoy solo time at Disneyworld. Its nice to be able to do whatever you want. Not to mention, when you're along it makes getting through a large crowd that much easier.

I so wanted to try Kouzzina on our trip, but could not fit it in. It sounds amazing!

I also love all your alone time. Isn't it a nice way to enjoy the parks? No need to make sure the rest of your party is happy...just you.

Kouzzina was great. I'm sure you'll get there eventually. The alone time was nice. I really wouldn't be opposed to taking a solo trip to the world some day.

Kouzzina is one of the places on my lsit I really want to try.

Sorry about the meltdown on Max's part...I remember some of those all too well.

Kouzzina is totally worth it. Well, we had wonderful times and then a few that were not so much fun, but that's life, isn't it?

Hi Tina,

Just read the last update... meltdowns from sun and crabbiness. I wanted to see the flag ceremony so badly, but it just didn't work out. AH well, you've given me a new hope that someday I'll get there

Hi, Liesa! Its so nice to "see" you here. I can tell from your FB updates that you've been rather busy as of late. The flag ceremony is great, really moving. No doubt you'll see it someday.