Who knew choking each other would earn us fastpasses?

[mickeystoontown]

Hunter had been hoping that there would be Final Fantasy action figures in the store but, alas, they were not. They were there a couple of years ago and Hunter had bought two of them while there. Every year, he hopes that he'll walk in and find them there again. Alas, there were none there this year either.

Last year, I had done the pick-a-pearl and had gotten a pretty white pearl and I told John that I wanted to do it again this year. I gave Hunter the camera and told him to take pictures for me. There were quite a few people standing around waiting to take their turn. I paid for the pearl, got my number and joined the wait. While waiting, I told Hunter to pick the ugliest, hairiest oyster he could find since I had heard these produce the prettiest pearls.

The oyster in the middle of this picture is the one he chose for me:

Believe it or not, the lady in front of me almost chose that same oyster and I kept my fingers crossed that she would change her mind 'cause I wanted that one too. At the last minute, she did change her mind and chose another oyster.

As soon as it was my turn, I pointed out the oyster to the lady and she started the little show they do when you pick-a-pearl. If I am remembering correctly, they first did a countdown and asked the other guests to count down with them. And, then, they opened the oyster:

She smooshed around on the oyster and out came my 7 3/4mm pearl:

They make a show out of rolling your pearl on a card that measures your pearl. They will start out on a small circle and roll it, all the while saying something like "ooh, it's not 6 1/2, its not 7" until they get to the actual size of your pearl. As she called out the size, another lady played a little drum:

She asked if she could show it to the other guests and I said yes. She put it in a shell that had white sand in it and walked around to show everyone to ooh and aah over. My pearl was placed in a small ziplock bag that had the size written on it and handed to me.

I knew that I wanted to find a setting for it so we went over to the display case to see what choices I had. The settings are right next to the cash register where you pay for your pearl and it was super crowded. I had to wait for a little opening so I could slip in and see what I liked. I found a sterling silver loop that had a small CZ on it. It was simple, yet perfect for my pearl. Even though it was really busy, the castmembers always had a smile on their face when helping the guests:

***Oh no Photobucket is freezing up. I better stop here just in case I have to shut down my computer. Hopefully, I'll be right back.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Whew! I didn't have to shut down the computer. Whatever Photobucket was doing, it stopped.

Back to the smiling Japan castmembers:

I filled out the papers and paid for my setting and was told that it would be about 30 minutes before it would be ready.

That would give us enough time to walk around the rest of the Japan stores:

By the time we finished our walk through of the other parts of the store(s), our 30 minutes had passed and it was time for me to pick up my pearl. I had to wait for two other ladies to pick up their pearls before I could get mine. When it was my turn, the castmember showed my pearl to me and it was beautiful! I was very very pleased with it. She gave me instructions on how to care for the pearl and told me not to wear it while showering (and a few other things but I forget what they were). She packed it in a box and we were back out to explore more of World Showcase.

***Well, photobucket has frozen up again. I guess I better stop here.

 

[Caretames1]

How much was the pick-a-pearl? I bought the girls pearl cages for Christmas in the shape of Cinderella's carriage, and we're going to let them do pick-a-pearl.
I also heard that the ugliest oysters have the most beautiful pearls.

 

[johnsonmatt3]

How much was the pick-a-pearl? I bought the girls pearl cages for Christmas in the shape of Cinderella's carriage, and we're going to let them do pick-a-pearl.
I also heard that the ugliest oysters have the most beautiful pearls.

Its between 15 and 20 dollars. I estimated on my computer around 17 a few months ago since I want to do it for my mother and that's just what I will do.

 

[mickeystoontown]

How much was the pick-a-pearl? I bought the girls pearl cages for Christmas in the shape of Cinderella's carriage, and we're going to let them do pick-a-pearl.
I also heard that the ugliest oysters have the most beautiful pearls.

Its between 15 and 20 dollars. I estimated on my computer around 17 a few months ago since I want to do it for my mother and that's just what I will do.

I think it's $17 to pick the pearl. If you want to have it set there, it's a separate charge.

 

[rndmr2]

Great pics/update. I had done a pick a pearl when I was in Hawaii a few years ago but have not done it at Disney, I should do that next time.

I believe the candy lady is still there, she was there when we were there, although we were there a couple weeks before you, but she is just not allowed to give the candy away anymore

 

[dismagiclover]

Fun World Showcase day so far! We spend lots of time in that Japan store too. Japan definitely knows how to make toys that boys love And I haven't started a trip report yet. I hope to get started sometime soon. I'll post a link in my siggie when I start.

 

[MouseKrazy]

Oh I love World Showcase! Wonderful pictures so far! I think next time I go I'm going to try the pick-a-pearl. Looks like so much fun!

 

[natebenma]

Sounds like you are continuing to have a great afternoon in the World Showcase.

I did the pick-a-pearl, I think at Seaworld, on one of my first trips- probably like 25-30 years ago. I have two pearls, still in their little plastic bag. I really should get those set one of these days...

Those are some beautiful pictures in Japan. And once again, you have managed to avoid having a lot of people in your photos.

 

[Bethislucy]

We are going to do pick a pearl this time. We bought a cage holder thing for it off of ebay. It's a stage coach.

 

[lemonsours]

Does Japan still have the little toy museum? That was DH's favorite part!
Marce

 

[ddstratton]

Wonderful updates!! I wanted to try the Pick a Pearl in Japan, but forgot all about it. Will have to remember that this time around!

 

[TinksThree]

Wow! I finally have caught up!! No way will I comment on things from July but I did really enjoy the mini-TR from the Smokies!! That is one of our favorite vacation spots! We were there for Thanksgiving and heading back during Spring Break!

Also, the comment about the Spacehip Earth loo-alike buliding cracked me up! I vaguely remember thinking that years ago but I pass it constantly now and do not even think about it existing! That is Mississippi College's basketball arena.

You have so many pictures and I love that!! I take 1000s on my trips much to my family's dismay!! I am so happy I caught up at Epcot....my Favorite park!!

 

[Angies1274]

I was thinking about you the other day. How is the family? I bet the boys have grown a foot since you posted in your trip report.

Do you have any Disney plans in the works?

Hi Lisa Finally back to catch up! Thanks for asking about the family. They are doing great and yes the boys are getting so big! Unfortunately, there is no trip scheduled for this year after all. But, we hope to make it back next summer. Can't wait!

Okay...so back to the updates. You got some amazing photos in AK! We haven't walked the trails since our first trip. We'll definitely have to plan it in next time.

The Luau looks like so much fun! Another thing to add to the list!And your pictures of CBR really, really makes me want to stay there.

Love the jumping shots of you and Hunter at Epcot!!!Oh no! No candy lady? I didn't realize she wasn't there anymore.

I can't wait to do pick a pearl on our next trip!!

Oh and YAY!! for Lacey joining you on your trip!! That's such great news!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I sure hope Momma was feeling good today. I once had a nasty cough/scratchy throat at Disney and was on the same mints hunt that she has been on. I found some mints in a tin, but they were tiny and didn't really do the trick. I hope she had better success than me!

Hunter wanted to give it a try and, believe it or not, this was my first shot:

LOVE the jumping pics! You got some serious height there!!!

The feet pic with the "Hidden Mickey" is very cute.

Wonderful WS pictures, we get to see your new necklace, right?? I want to do pick-a-pearl sometime, I'll have to check out the various settings they have this trip!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Wait a minute! Did I just read that the Candy Lady is no longer in Japan!?!?! Is that true? What a shame! She was so talented.

 

[haleofafamily]

Wait a minute! Did I just read that the Candy Lady is no longer in Japan!?!?! Is that true? What a shame! She was so talented.

Oh yeah, I was gonna comment on that and forgot...She was there when we were there in December. I heard that she had to stop giving out the candy but could keep making it.

 

[MEK]

Is it my imagination or is that pond totally overrun with koi? I think they are multiplying!

Great Epcot pics! Glad photobucket cut you a break and let you finish your update.

Jen and I did Pick a Pearl in September. Those girls are a hoot! You can't help but want to join in the fun. I didn't take one picture of the whole thing. I was obviously too wrapped up in it!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Does Japan still have the little toy museum? That was DH's favorite part!
Marce

It was still there! We didn't go in this trip but we did in 2009.

Wonderful updates!! I wanted to try the Pick a Pearl in Japan, but forgot all about it. Will have to remember that this time around!

This was my second time doing it and I want to do it again in May. Definitely something you should make time to do.

Wow! I finally have caught up!! No way will I comment on things from July but I did really enjoy the mini-TR from the Smokies!! That is one of our favorite vacation spots! We were there for Thanksgiving and heading back during Spring Break!

Also, the comment about the Spacehip Earth loo-alike buliding cracked me up! I vaguely remember thinking that years ago but I pass it constantly now and do not even think about it existing! That is Mississippi College's basketball arena.

You have so many pictures and I love that!! I take 1000s on my trips much to my family's dismay!! I am so happy I caught up at Epcot....my Favorite park!!

Glad you are all caught up! I never knew what the Spaceship Earth looking building was. Now, I gotta go tell the family what it is.

I take so many pictures while on vacation. Everybody knows I'm going to do it so they just keep on walking and I catch up.

Hi Lisa Finally back to catch up! Thanks for asking about the family. They are doing great and yes the boys are getting so big! Unfortunately, there is no trip scheduled for this year after all. But, we hope to make it back next summer. Can't wait!

Okay...so back to the updates. You got some amazing photos in AK! We haven't walked the trails since our first trip. We'll definitely have to plan it in next time.

The Luau looks like so much fun! Another thing to add to the list!And your pictures of CBR really, really makes me want to stay there.

Love the jumping shots of you and Hunter at Epcot!!!Oh no! No candy lady? I didn't realize she wasn't there anymore.

I can't wait to do pick a pearl on our next trip!!

Oh and YAY!! for Lacey joining you on your trip!! That's such great news!!

I'm glad to hear that you are all doing good. You should post a picture of the boys so I can see how much they've grown. I hate to hear that you won't be going to Disney this year. I have our plans already made and hope that our loan refinance doesn't get in the way.

I have since heard that the candy lady is still in Epcot but can't hand out the candy any more.

I'm so happy that Lacey is going with us again this year. She is a daddy's girl so her daddy's even more excited than I am.

I sure hope Momma was feeling good today. I once had a nasty cough/scratchy throat at Disney and was on the same mints hunt that she has been on. I found some mints in a tin, but they were tiny and didn't really do the trick. I hope she had better success than me!



LOVE the jumping pics! You got some serious height there!!!

The feet pic with the "Hidden Mickey" is very cute.

Wonderful WS pictures, we get to see your new necklace, right?? I want to do pick-a-pearl sometime, I'll have to check out the various settings they have this trip!

Those are the exact mints that Mama found and they didn't do too much for her either. We did find some in one of the World Showcase countries later on though.

Mama thought that was a hidden Mickey and I had to stop and take a picture for her.

I tried taking a picture of my necklace and it comes out blurry. I think I'll try again tonight so I can post it here.

Wait a minute! Did I just read that the Candy Lady is no longer in Japan!?!?! Is that true? What a shame! She was so talented.

Oh yeah, I was gonna comment on that and forgot...She was there when we were there in December. I heard that she had to stop giving out the candy but could keep making it.

I'm so happy to hear that she's actually still there and that we had just missed her.

Is it my imagination or is that pond totally overrun with koi? I think they are multiplying!

Great Epcot pics! Glad photobucket cut you a break and let you finish your update.

Jen and I did Pick a Pearl in September. Those girls are a hoot! You can't help but want to join in the fun. I didn't take one picture of the whole thing. I was obviously too wrapped up in it!

That's exactly what I was thinking.....that's a whole lotta fish in that little pond!

I agree that the ladies at Pick a Pearl are a hoot! They made a big show of counting down and ooohing and aaahing over the pearl.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Great pics/update. I had done a pick a pearl when I was in Hawaii a few years ago but have not done it at Disney, I should do that next time.

I believe the candy lady is still there, she was there when we were there, although we were there a couple weeks before you, but she is just not allowed to give the candy away anymore

I'm happy to hear that she is still there. I do remember there being a thread on the Dis asking where she went. I guess I just didn't read enough details to see that she's there but can't give away the candy any more.

Fun World Showcase day so far! We spend lots of time in that Japan store too. Japan definitely knows how to make toys that boys love And I haven't started a trip report yet. I hope to get started sometime soon. I'll post a link in my siggie when I start.

Hunter could spend all day in the Japan store looking at the "boy stuff".

Oh I love World Showcase! Wonderful pictures so far! I think next time I go I'm going to try the pick-a-pearl. Looks like so much fun!

Pick-A-Pearl is something that everybody should do at least once. I had a lot of fun doing it and the pearls I have chosen have been beautiful.

Sounds like you are continuing to have a great afternoon in the World Showcase.

I did the pick-a-pearl, I think at Seaworld, on one of my first trips- probably like 25-30 years ago. I have two pearls, still in their little plastic bag. I really should get those set one of these days...

Those are some beautiful pictures in Japan. And once again, you have managed to avoid having a lot of people in your photos.

I was happy that Mama felt up to going around World Showcase because she hadn't been there in 10 years and couldn't remember mucha bout it.

I know that they sell the pearl cages on ebay. Maybe you could find one to put your pearls in.

We are going to do pick a pearl this time. We bought a cage holder thing for it off of ebay. It's a stage coach.

I saw those coaches! I want to do the pick-a-pearl again but can't decide if I want a ring or make another pendant. If I do the pendant, I want to buy one of the coaches because they are so pretty.