Why Not Just Queue Up Another Disney Trip? Link to New TR 6/24 p136!

[eandesmom]

I agree that its a rip and you really have to eat dessert to make it worthwhile. Once I really priced it out I realized it is so NOT a bargain, but once again the theme of this trip is convenience. I am sure that my SIL does not want to be bothered with any cooking (except breakfast) and neither do I. It will actually be a treat for her kids because they never eat out!

I was worried about the soda refill thing but for the times we eat at the resort we can just head over to Artist Pallette and eat/drink there. given the fact that my brother's family rarely eat out, I think this will work out well for them. I'm really do this for their convenience. But I am going to track my meal expenses on my phone and do an analysis.

Good suggestions for CS places. Maybe once Denny and I get over to the BWV we can check out Hurricane Hannahs!

I will definitely go check out the menu online. did you find it here or allearsnet. I really want to go see the resort. It sounds so cool.

Love Pecos Bills and Flame Tree, but I can't eat outside in the summer heat.

LOVE the Mara. It's probably one of my fav CS places! I hope you like it. Yummy flatbreads and good choices plus excellent shaded seating near the pool.

I actually heard about the AoA food court on a podcast, can't remember which one but could look as I still have it in itunes even if it isn't on my phone any more. Some really fabulous sounding options. I can see where the QS plan could be a huge treat and make a ton of sense for your SIL and really, as long as you come close to breaking even and it makes life easy....it's all a very good thing!

 

[LilAnn]

Just wanted to stop in and say that I am still here on your TR! I'm just crazy, obnoxiously, horribly behind. So it'll take me a while to get caught up. But I'm still reading.....I'm just like 50 pages back

 

[MEK]

Great update!

Thanks!

Ugh, sorry the bonsai tree didn't work out!

I am not surprised at all which is why I tried to get Nick to buy the little, already established bonsai.

Your kitties are adorable!

Thanks! I love my little beasties. I wish I could get Wendy (teekathepony) to take their pictures.

I love all of your World Showcase pictures, they actually look like they are from other countries!

Thanks! I am really pleased with the way the France pictures turned out.

Celebration looks like such a cute little town, I'd love to check it out someday on a longer trip!

I really want to check it out this summer after everyone leaves but Denny and I. I think it would be fun to go over there in the evening, maybe have dinner, and walk around.

Sorry about the annoying homecoming, that's not a pleasant way to end a trip!

It wasn't the best, but unfortunately that stuff happens with teenagers who think they know it all.

Can't wait for the Williamsburg TR and final thoughts and everything!

I hope I have time to post the Wburg update next week, I was hoping it could be a one time update, but I will probably have to divide it into two. Too many pics - shock - I know!

Oh no back to BWI! Love the tour of Celebration. I have often thought of turning in my lovely brick colonial in scenic Anne Arundel county for a wonderful home in Celebration. So thanks for giving me a sight into my future

I wish my insight pictures would have been a little better. I feel like we just skimmed the service and I was too lazy to put the correct lens on. I promise to take better pics this summer if we do head over there.

Don't give up your brick colonial yet. But I have to admit, Celebration would not be a bad place to call home. It was odd to see houses without pools in the backyard, unless they were hidden really well.

Back to you - glad your family has made travel plans. Lots of yummy CS in Epcot. Love the Bonsai / maple hybrid. Look forward to your next report.

I am very happy that the travel plans are finalized. I really think if I hadn't started pushing there at the end it would never have happened.

I do love trying different CS places in Epcot!

Glad to hear that all is going well with the rest of the family finally booking their transportation! I've thought about doing QS as the selections are varied a lot more tha the old days of nothing but burgers, dogs & fries!

I am very relieved that they booked and PAID for their transportation. I was still a little nervous while the reservation was "on hold". But its a done deal now. Yeah!

I agree - I think there are some great CS options these days and I am actually looking forward to scanning the menus. I've never paid too much attention to the CS menus before, so its kind of fun!

The Bonsai can be any tree, to get a bonsai takes years to do. the tree is a regular sized tree. A bonsai is accomplished by lots of pruning of the tree as it is growing & wiring the branches into shape. I learned all this because I was into bonsai trees. I had a nice elm tree bonsai that I bought in Gatlinburg many years ago.

I know that bonsai is an art or technique, but I guess I can't visualize how that spindly little stem/ branch is going to turn into a bonsai. I'm sure the success rate is not the high. I definitely do want to get one that is already "established".

Love the pics of the pearl girls, World Showcase and of the cats!

Thanks. I'm glad you like my kitties. I actually have a third who was hiding during the photo session. I love the pearl girls. Seriously, I think they could put a smile on the grumpiest face!

Lol I laughed at the conversation that took place in the phone booths but can see why it would make you want to high tail it out of England! Btw there is none of that sunshine in Manchester

That conversation was just very weird and not magical AT ALL!

So are you saying that England is misrepresented at the World Showcase? That is actually one of my favorite countries in Epcot. It has so many little unexplored areas. I love the buildings and the gardens and the view of the water.

Ah, I fell behind due to not being able to get on the boards for several days, but I'm all caught up now! I can't believe this trip is over! But I can't wait to hear about your Williamsburg trip.

Your WS pictures are gorgeous!!! It put me right back in Epcot, and I saw some stuff I'd never noticed before. Now, I'll be on the lookout for those spots.

Thank you! Isn't it fun looking at other people's pictures where suddenly think "I've never seen that. I need to look for that". I do that all the time.

I don't know what seeds were in that packet, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't a bonsai!

Well, I think the consensus is that are just regular old tree seeds so the buyer has the daunting task of turning that little seedling into a bonsai. Not gonna happen in this house.

I can't believe someone called the phone booth and was rude! Who does that?

My thought exactly. Who DOES do that? I mean, seriously, its Epcot. It's a happy place. Why act like a jerk for no good reason.

Your cats are adorable! Max reminded me of my cat, it's her life mission to sit on every bag, book, and electronic I own.

That's so funny you say that because we used to call Max "the lap top cat" because all winter long he would sit on top of my DH's lap top. And if he forgot to put the lid down - not good. He would just sit on the key board.

Congrats on your weed!

Hey - what do you expect for $5? Wait until one of your kids wants to "grow" a bonsai. How can you say NO to such a valiant intention?

"I did not inhale anything in the Morocco Pavilion."

No I didn't. Thank goodness - that incense knocks me right out.

What did you call me?

Dum Dum Dum!

You'd think he could have just stuck with asking if you had Prince Albert in a can.

I was sorry I ever picked up that phone, that's for sure!

I loved your monorail pictures.

Thanks! You can never have too many monorail pics!

Celebration is a nice little town. Julie and I talked about retiring there until we saw what condos were going for.

I bet those houses are a freaking fortune! Oh well, better rethink your retirement plans!

Quick Service...I highly recommend either 1) The Kringla Bakery in Italy...we tried it this year (my mom and I) and it was AMAZING. They have healthier options, like cheese and apple sandwich or roast beef, all on really good chiabatta (sp?) bread. You get your choice of fresh fruit or side salad with it and a pastry, I believe I got the shortbread pear tart. VERY good all around. Nice crispy sandwich with grilled onions. Yum yum.

First - Can I just say - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?????????

Ok - welcome back!

Those sandwiches sound delish! Lovely lunch options. I have to check that out. Definitely!

Or, 2) Starring Rolls. They have sandwiches there, and their cupcakes/desserts are amazing, particularly the chocolate peanut butter cupcake!

I really wanted to try Starring Rolls on this last trip, but the boys vetoed it for a burger. I have seen so many pictures of those amazing cupcakes that my mission is to finally try one this summer!

Thanks for the suggestions, now come back and resume your TR!

I actually heard about the AoA food court on a podcast, can't remember which one but could look as I still have it in itunes even if it isn't on my phone any more. Some really fabulous sounding options. I can see where the QS plan could be a huge treat and make a ton of sense for your SIL and really, as long as you come close to breaking even and it makes life easy....it's all a very good thing!

Exactly! I'm sure you don't remember this, but when we took LJ in 09 and Denny went out for taco bell one night (when our dining plan was done), LJ had never been in a taco bell. I noted that there were a lot of foods he had never tried (like smoothies) which made it obviously that they rarely go out to FF places. Which in the long run is way healthier, but FF in small amounts is fun for kids. I think they will enjoy having the different options.

If I stay an extra night in October, I am definitely staying at AoA. I would like to check out the food court. It sounds fun and tasty!

Just wanted to stop in and say that I am still here on your TR! I'm just crazy, obnoxiously, horribly behind. So it'll take me a while to get caught up. But I'm still reading.....I'm just like 50 pages back

Thanks for stopping by. There are some TRs which I have gotten really behind on, so I know what you mean. The latest drama has been the June trip and waiting for my brother and family to finally commit to going. That was a struggle.

 

[MEK]

So today I am off on another Girl's Trip! I am heading back to Williamsburg (yes - again) with P & L (from the HHI trip) and one other friend.

And guess what? - I finally bought a ticket to see the Historic District!

Hope Everyone has an Awesome Weekend!!!!!!!

 

[teekathepony]

Sounds like a blast! You kids have fun now

 

[Charleston Princess]

That's like no bonsai I have ever seen!

Have fun in Williamsburg today!

 

[Pinkocto]

Have fun Mary Ellen

 

[marDgreen88]

Dang, impressive American Adventure stuff! I love the pictures of Lady Lib with the fireworks behind her.

Aww, the poor little bonsai tree hahaha. Your cats are too cute! (That looks to me like a Panera bag.) Hahaha I don't know what it is, but cats love sitting on random stuff! My old cat used to always plop down on my homework and my current cat always likes to go in my suitcase if I have it out. So cute.

That picture of the Canada pavilion from afar is incredible! Wow.

What the heck? That's weird... and that they thought you were drunk mid-day is awkward too. Creepy!

Home again. I enjoyed reading about your trip! I'll look forward to hearing about Williamsburg too!

 

[glennbo123]

But first - some news - My bro and SIL paid for their train tickets so now it is official. I even decided to have Nick take the train back with them. He was Ok with it. Right now his coach seat is the same price as a mid day flight (or similar) and this way I don't have to worry about him getting a ride home from the airport. So its done - he's taking the train.

Good! I'm glad your brother is going. Remember though Mary Ellen, that it's not your job to make sure he has fun...don't worry yourself too much.

I love watching the pearl girls.

...

They are all so cute and so enthusiastic

I agree! They're so nice, and great representatives of their country.

Nicholas finally came outside and can you guess which Bonsai he purchased?

If you guessed the seed.....................................................................................................................................

You are CORRECT!

For some reason he wanted the challenge of growing his own Bonsai.

The first seed rotted - probably because he overwatered, I mean flooded, the seed.

The second seed grew but it looks nothing like a Bonsai. Sure - I realize that Bonsai is a technique, but I don't think the seed from a regular old oak tree is going to turn into a Bonsai.

So what does that Bonsai look like now. See for yourself

Yup - Not a Bonsai!

Oh gee, poor guy. Yeah, I always thought bonsai trees were junipers or varities like that. Plus, it takes like 10 years to even begin to look like a bonsai. Oh well. What made you think he would listen to a parent?

Is it my imagination or does this violin player look like Bill Clinton?

"I took a job at Epcot just to get away from Hilary."

 

[Roxychica7]

OMG.. I have NO idea where I have been! It was like, the computer broke right after we left for Disney and then BAM! It's almost May!! I promise I am working on it. I am Blake-less and dog-less today so I will try and get my thoughts together and my act in gear

 

[MEK]

We had a great girls trip in williamsburg this weekend. Well, all except for yesterday's rain, but since I was the driver I didn't mind getting an early start home. The best part of the weekend was that the pool at the resort was open and it was 84 sunny degrees on Saturday. Sitting by the pool with an adult beverage was definitely an unexpected treat.

I will be back with replies tonight!

 

[MEK]

Oh - I am subbed to a June car rental code and just booked a standard car for 10 days @ $217 with taxes. I'm pretty happy about that!

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh - I am subbed to a June car rental code and just booked a standard car for 10 days @ $217 with taxes. I'm pretty happy about that!

WOW! Great deal!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Welcome home! Glad to hear you had a fun trip, I look forward to hearing about it. DC was great! I am slowly writing a Mini-TR on my blog if you want to take a look: www.joeandbrook.com I hope to get more of it posted this week.

So family IS coming. Hopefully it all works out and is a load of fun! I'm glad to hear LJ is making it!!

Your update on the American Adventure gave me chills just seeing the pictures again! We haven't seen it since '09! Little ones don't do well in there, unless you plan it with nap time. Perhaps we can do it on our February trip, I'd love to see it again!

As for QS on the QSDP, a few off the top of my head:
-Wolfgang Puck's
-Sunshine Season's
-La Cantina de San Angel
-Starring Rolls (great value, the sandwich & chips alone is like $9.49, plus they throw in one of those cupcakes and a drink!)
-Fairfax Fair can be
-Cosmic Rays can be
-Smoothies from Auntie Gravity's (Tomorrowland MK) for a snack credit, they are big, yummy and over $4!
-Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich from the MSB for a snack credit

 

[teekathepony]

We had a great girls trip in williamsburg this weekend. Well, all except for yesterday's rain, but since I was the driver I didn't mind getting an early start home. The best part of the weekend was that the pool at the resort was open and it was 84 sunny degrees on Saturday. Sitting by the pool with an adult beverage was definitely an unexpected treat.

I will be back with replies tonight!

Welcome back! Sounds like a great getaway, can't wait to hear the details.

Oh - I am subbed to a June car rental code and just booked a standard car for 10 days @ $217 with taxes. I'm pretty happy about that!

Great price!

 

[MEK]

Sounds like a blast! You kids have fun now

We did! We kids at heart had a fun girls weekend!

That's like no bonsai I have ever seen! !

Tell me about! I really can't wait to go back and get Nick a real bonsai! Maybe he won't fight me this time!

Have fun in Williamsburg today!

We had a blast! Saturday was super gorgeous and the pool was open! That doesn't happen where I'm from!

Have fun Mary Ellen

Thanks Pam! We had a blast! Perfect place for a girl's trip!

Dang, impressive American Adventure stuff! I love the pictures of Lady Lib with the fireworks behind her.

Thanks! I really like that series of pictures! Lady Lib is pretty cool, isn't she?

Aww, the poor little bonsai tree hahaha. Your cats are too cute! (That looks to me like a Panera bag.) Hahaha I don't know what it is, but cats love sitting on random stuff! My old cat used to always plop down on my homework and my current cat always likes to go in my suitcase if I have it out. So cute.

I know, isn't that the saddest tree?

Is IS a panera bread bag - good eye! And my cats do plop right in the laundry basket or suitcase or empty box or whatever they can find. So darn predictabel!

That picture of the Canada pavilion from afar is incredible! Wow.

Thank you!

What the heck? That's weird... and that they thought you were drunk mid-day is awkward too. Creepy!

Awkward is the perfect word for how I felt. I kept thinking they were really someone right there in the world showcase and I kept looking around, but I'll never be able to prove my hunch. Very creepy!


H

ome again. I enjoyed reading about your trip! I'll look forward to hearing about Williamsburg too!

I really am going to write about williamsburg. I am just struggling right now. Ever since the beginning of the month I have not been able to catch up and spend enought ime DISing. I will get an update in this weekend for sure!

OMG.. I have NO idea where I have been! It was like, the computer broke right after we left for Disney and then BAM! It's almost May!! I promise I am working on it. I am Blake-less and dog-less today so I will try and get my thoughts together and my act in gear

I hope you do write your trip report. I really want to hear about your trip! I know you had a ton of fun! Hope the computer is as good as new right now!

Glen - sorry I skipped your reply. I am still at work - have to go do a lecture now - gotta run. Will be back!

 

[glennbo123]

Glen - sorry I skipped your reply. I am still at work - have to go do a lecture now - gotta run. Will be back!

 

[MEK]

I am dedicating this reply just to Glenn since I had to skip him last night!

Good! I'm glad your brother is going. Remember though Mary Ellen, that it's not your job to make sure he has fun...don't worry yourself too much.

I am very glad he is going too and, you're right, I can't make him have fun. I can only show him the way. I think he will be surprised at what an amazing job Disney does. I think he will be shocked at how much there is to enjoy! Yesterday I ordered the DVD for his family so I hope they get it in time to watch before they leave!

agree! They're so nice, and great representatives of their country.

Exactly! I just love their enthusiasm!

Oh gee, poor guy. Yeah, I always thought bonsai trees were junipers or varities like that. Plus, it takes like 10 years to even begin to look like a bonsai. Oh well. What made you think he would listen to a parent?

I didn't realize it took 10 years - No wonder they sell those kits. Any sane person is just going to give up after 6 months and say "forget it".

"I took a job at Epcot just to get away from Hilary."

I so laughed out loud when I read this the other night! Denny overheard me and said "what is SO funny?"

 

[glennbo123]

I am dedicating this reply just to Glenn since I had to skip him last night!

That makes it so special!

I am very glad he is going too and, you're right, I can't make him have fun. I can only show him the way. I think he will be surprised at what an amazing job Disney does. I think he will be shocked at how much there is to enjoy! Yesterday I ordered the DVD for his family so I hope they get it in time to watch before they leave!

Let's hope he becomes a convert, although that might be a tall order.

I didn't realize it took 10 years - No wonder they sell those kits. Any sane person is just going to give up after 6 months and say "forget it".

Well I don't have any first-hand knowledge to say that it takes 10 years...I just threw a number out, but I think it is several years before it starts looking like a bonsai.

I so laughed out loud when I read this the other night! Denny overheard me and said "what is SO funny?"

Glad you liked it!

 

[MEK]

WOW! Great deal!

I'm pretty happy about it although someone just posted they got a standard size car for 10 days for $140 with taxes. Is that even possible???? It was like some 4 hour fluke with Alamo.

Welcome home! Glad to hear you had a fun trip, I look forward to hearing about it. DC was great! I am slowly writing a Mini-TR on my blog if you want to take a look: www.joeandbrook.com I hope to get more of it posted this week.

Hey Brook - thanks for stopping by. I had another fun trip to Williamsburg. I love that place! It's my Disney substitute because of the great variety of things to do.

I checked out your blog and it sounds like you had a fab time. I really need to get to DC again. I haven't been there in such a long time. I need to fit it in somewhere.

So family IS coming. Hopefully it all works out and is a load of fun! I'm glad to hear LJ is making it!!

I am very glad they all decided to come and I am especially glad that LJ is coming because he was such a breath of fresh air a few years ago. I know he's older now, but hopefully he will love it just as much.

Your update on the American Adventure gave me chills just seeing the pictures again! We haven't seen it since '09! Little ones don't do well in there, unless you plan it with nap time. Perhaps we can do it on our February trip, I'd love to see it again!

So glad you enjoyed the pics. I hope by Feb Henry is just the right age to sit through it and enjoy all the animatronics.

As for QS on the QSDP, a few off the top of my head:
-Wolfgang Puck's
-Sunshine Season's
-La Cantina de San Angel
-Starring Rolls (great value, the sandwich & chips alone is like $9.49, plus they throw in one of those cupcakes and a drink!)
-Fairfax Fair can be
-Cosmic Rays can be
-Smoothies from Auntie Gravity's (Tomorrowland MK) for a snack credit, they are big, yummy and over $4!
-Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich from the MSB for a snack credit

These are all awesome suggestions and I already had a few of them on my list, so I'm glad I am on the right track! I have always wanted one of those ice cream sandwiches!

Welcome back! Sounds like a great getaway, can't wait to hear the details.

It was a great weekend. Saturday was unbelievably nice and they already opened the pool! I only live about 4 1/2 hours north of Williamsburg, but I can guarantee you there are no open pools here. Bonus! Score!

Great price!

I am happy with that price. I also learned that expedia.ca has really good prices but I think they wanted prepayment and I don't like to prepay for anything I don't have to!

Sorry I had to skip you - I hate going out of order but I was trying to squeak in a few replies before I set off to give a lecture. I have been getting so far behind with TR's, but I am definitely doing an update on Friday!

That makes it so special!

See - I made up for it by giving you your very own reply!

Let's hope he becomes a convert, although that might be a tall order.

I don't think he'll be a convert but I can't imagine him not finding some fun down there. He really needs a vacation BAD and maybe, just maybe, he will relax a bit.

Well I don't have any first-hand knowledge to say that it takes 10 years...I just threw a number out, but I think it is several years before it starts looking like a bonsai.

I'm sure it does. I can't wait to get a real bonsai this summer. I may surprise him with it and buy it after he goes home.

Glad you liked it!

I really did!