You can spit on Space Mountain from here! An April '13 TR UPDATED 10/19 p. 28

[IheartDDuck]

I must have fallen behind, but I'm sorry to hear about your car Sarah! It stinks to be without your car even for a short period of time. And rentals are not the same.

Woah! Narrow margin of a win. Nice job!

I also love getting first-timers reactions on ToT. I cackle endlessly when I hear them screaming.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Saturday, April 6, 2013 cont'd (part 3)

Once we made it around the Epcot resorts and through the gates at the International Gateway, we started our tour of World Showcase. We didn't really have any plans for the afternoon as far as attractions go. I really just wanted to take one last afternoon to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival since it was such a beautiful afternoon!

We started our walk by heading toward France, where we spotted Aurora and Prince Phillip in topiary form. Next to the fairies, the princesses are probably my favorite topiaries. So cute.





Our next stop was Morocco.


And then Japan. These little bonsai trees are always interesting.


We made a quick stop at the American Adventure pavilion because I wanted to try one of the Doofenslurper drinks (for those of you confused, Dr. Doofenshmirtz is a character on Phineas and Ferb-and that's about the extent of my knowledge on that ). It's basically like a slushie but it also came in an awesome beaker that I felt the need to buy. The drink was pretty good! There was one guy who saw me walking around with it and asked what it was. I bet he thought it was an alcoholic drink. And the beaker was a good size so I needed Emma and Dad to help me finish it off.

While I was getting my drink Dad and Emma started talking to one of the cast members at the DVC kiosk right in the same area. Because I had been dying to know (and hoping I might get some inside information...) I had to ask when they would be adding DVC to the Polynesian because there have been rumors going around for a while now. Well, I didn't get any inside information-but the CM did respond, "That's the million dollar question." And as some of you might have heard, it is pretty much official that they WILL be adding DVC units to the Polynesian. AHHH that makes me so happy. Maybe that means I'll be able to stay there again someday. Fingers crossed!

Anyway...back to our trip around World Showcase.

In China we spotted the panda topiaries again. This is always a good display too. Love the pandas!



I tried playing around with my camera setting again in Norway. I actually really like how this picture turned out. So did my mom, so I ended up framing this one for her for Mother's Day.



We got to meet Donald in Mexico. Awww! Do you like how I had to crouch down in the picture? Otherwise I tower over him. I always feel like a giant when I'm taller than some of those characters.



A random shot of Spaceship Earth as we got closer to the promenade between World Showcase and Future World:



There were some pretty clever monster topiaries by the Monsters University display.



And another random SSE shot:


I have a funny story to go with that one. So I have a laptop for school and when I got it I decided I needed to have a Disney picture as my background. I ended up choosing this one. During the first week of school when we were doing a get to know you activity, I had all the kids bring in a special treasure to tell something about themselves. I brought in my very first pair of mouse ears and told the kids how I love Disney and go to Disney World a lot. They saw the picture on SMART Board and one of the kids asked if it was Epcot. One of the other little boys said, "Yeah, it is Apricot." One of the other girls then said I must have a lot of money because Disney World is expensive. haha Gotta love first graders. Sorry for that bit of randomness but I had to share. I was pretty impressed that one of them knew it was Epcot!

We slowly made our way back to Future World.


We admired all the colorful flowers surrounding the water. See, once again this is why I love going during the Flower and Garden Festival so much. It's just so vibrant and gives the park a completely different look!



(you can see my Doofenslurper beaker on the ground in this picture)



This is probably my favorite picture from this year's F&GF:


AHHH I just love it! Can't believe I'm going to miss out next year (for like the first time in 4 years. Boo!).

We got a family photo with Spaceship Earth in the background before heading out.


Good-bye, Epcot!




up next: Dinner at the Hoop-de-Doo Revue and saying good-bye to Emma

 

[jwwi]

Those pictures from Epcot are just beautiful. What a thoughtful gift for your Mother. The flower and Garden festival is a special time to visit the park.
That story about your first graders is so cute, they sure can be funny at that age. Apricot, hmmm another fun word to describe Epcot.

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh how I miss F&G time at Epcot. I haven't officially been since last year since our trip in Feb/March ended right before the official open.

Catching up... That was an amazing photo on ToT with the ghost characters. Definitely that is my favorite ride at DHS. What timing that you were at the park for the final Disney Channel Rocks show. I can imagine the emotions for those performers.

Being an Epcot resort lover myself I end up doing split stays since I just can't decide between the quaint boardwalk area and BLT. Now I love AKL too so I have a dilemma! Your awesome photos of the BW/BC area are fabulous.

Moving onto Epcot - I love all of those topiaries. Your photos are all wonderful.

Your 1st grader who knew that was Epcot is a smart fella! Makes my heart proud to hear that!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

You know Sarah, this is one of the main reasons I love Epcot. There's no need to rush from attraction to attraction like in the other parks. Here you can just relax and sight-see and it's perfect. ESPECIALLY in Flower and Garden season.

Hehe, I would have been upset if at least one kid didn't know Epcot. I'd be thinking, "What are parents teaching their kids??!! Priorities people!", lol.

 

[marDgreen88]

I think I say this every single time your post a Flower and Garden update, but I need to see that festival, dangit!

Hahaha, Apricot. I sure miss Apricot!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[shalom]

I think the problem is there are too many great resorts to choose from. It's not that I'm unhappy about the place I'm staying at-I've just loved all of the places we've been to!

I've only stayed offsite and I still feel that way a little bit -- we've enjoyed everywhere we've stayed in Orlando, and they all had different things we liked best.

Your Food & Garden pics are so pretty! We almost went to Epcot for our first trip during F&G, but I'm kind of glad we didn't, because I think if we'd done that the first time, it'd feel like it was lacking a little the next! But I do want to get there for that sometime.

With the food they're adding to that festival, I'm wondering if it'll get as bad as Food and Wine; without the food, didn't seem to make much difference in the crowds, but with food, more people may be making the effort to go. Kinda hope not, but I know a lot of people who've gone to F&W for a while are considering switching, because they think the crowds would be less. Not nearly as many booths for F&G at this point, I don't believe, but there's speculation that's the direction Disney is going.

The picture of you with Donald is cute; he and Mickey and Minnie may seem big to the little ones, but compared to most grownups, they are all pretty tiny!

 

[wdwgirl03]

I must have fallen behind, but I'm sorry to hear about your car Sarah! It stinks to be without your car even for a short period of time. And rentals are not the same.

Woah! Narrow margin of a win. Nice job!

I also love getting first-timers reactions on ToT. I cackle endlessly when I hear them screaming.

Thank you. It was a pain and even though that was a couple months ago I'm still sort of jittery when I'm driving. Ugh.

Thanks! It was definitely exciting pulling out that win.

I know! Their reactions can be hilarious.

Those pictures from Epcot are just beautiful. What a thoughtful gift for your Mother. The flower and Garden festival is a special time to visit the park.
That story about your first graders is so cute, they sure can be funny at that age. Apricot, hmmm another fun word to describe Epcot.

Thank you! It's going to be strange not going next year for the F&GF. Unless I can somehow pull off an extra trip...I just love going during that time!

Oh how I miss F&G time at Epcot. I haven't officially been since last year since our trip in Feb/March ended right before the official open.

Catching up... That was an amazing photo on ToT with the ghost characters. Definitely that is my favorite ride at DHS. What timing that you were at the park for the final Disney Channel Rocks show. I can imagine the emotions for those performers.

Being an Epcot resort lover myself I end up doing split stays since I just can't decide between the quaint boardwalk area and BLT. Now I love AKL too so I have a dilemma! Your awesome photos of the BW/BC area are fabulous.

Moving onto Epcot - I love all of those topiaries. Your photos are all wonderful.

Your 1st grader who knew that was Epcot is a smart fella! Makes my heart proud to hear that!

Yeah, I've been during the F&GF the last 4 years. It makes a great spring break trip and I love seeing Epcot so colorful.

Thanks! I was impressed with that picture.

haha, I know, it's so hard choosing a resort because so many of them are amazing. I think once I start my 2nd round of DVC resorts AKL might be one of the first I do again since it is usually pretty available and it doesn't seem to take as many points as some of the others.

I was impressed he knew it was Epcot too.

You know Sarah, this is one of the main reasons I love Epcot. There's no need to rush from attraction to attraction like in the other parks. Here you can just relax and sight-see and it's perfect. ESPECIALLY in Flower and Garden season.

Hehe, I would have been upset if at least one kid didn't know Epcot. I'd be thinking, "What are parents teaching their kids??!! Priorities people!", lol.

Exactly! Sometimes it's nice to just enjoy the atmosphere and the fact that you're in Disney World.

I think I say this every single time your post a Flower and Garden update, but I need to see that festival, dangit!

Hahaha, Apricot. I sure miss Apricot!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

haha, yes you do need to go during the F&GF! It is amazing! Almost as good as Christmas!

I miss Apricot too.

I've only stayed offsite and I still feel that way a little bit -- we've enjoyed everywhere we've stayed in Orlando, and they all had different things we liked best.

Your Food & Garden pics are so pretty! We almost went to Epcot for our first trip during F&G, but I'm kind of glad we didn't, because I think if we'd done that the first time, it'd feel like it was lacking a little the next! But I do want to get there for that sometime.

With the food they're adding to that festival, I'm wondering if it'll get as bad as Food and Wine; without the food, didn't seem to make much difference in the crowds, but with food, more people may be making the effort to go. Kinda hope not, but I know a lot of people who've gone to F&W for a while are considering switching, because they think the crowds would be less. Not nearly as many booths for F&G at this point, I don't believe, but there's speculation that's the direction Disney is going.

The picture of you with Donald is cute; he and Mickey and Minnie may seem big to the little ones, but compared to most grownups, they are all pretty tiny!

See, I think I've been spoiled by staying at all these Disney resorts. We only stayed offsite once because it was a last minute trip and there was nothing available at the Disney resorts (this was right after Christmas a few years ago). I didn't like having to be off the Disney grounds!

You should definitely try to go during the F&GF sometime. It makes Epcot all the more exciting.

Yeah, I can't imagine they'd do as many food booths as the F&WF.

Thanks!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Wow, once again it's been way too long in between updates! But since I have a few days off I figure it's time for an update. I really need to finish this report, though there's probably not too many people still reading it.

Before I get to the update, I just have to say that I get to go back to Disney World in ONE MONTH!!!!! I am so ready for a vacation and I can't wait to finally see the Christmas decorations again! AHHHH!!!!! I don't know if I'll bother doing a TR for that trip, considering how long it's taking me to finish this one, and I haven't even commented on my August trip at all. But anyway...back to April we go!

Saturday, April 6, 2013 cont'd (part 4)

As we were leaving Epcot, I spotted a survey marker! I had never seen any before so I had to take a picture. haha



We hopped on the monorail so we could go back "home" to Bay Lake Tower. Here's an attractive shot of Emma. I guess she saw me with my camera and decided to make a strange face.



I stared out the window wishing I could stay at the Polynesian...oh how I wish I was there right now!


Though really, wouldn't it be nice to be at ANY of these places right now?!


And Bay Lake Tower...






When we got back to the Contemporary, I wanted to go to the gift shop. I spotted this really cute laptop sleeve. Before buying it, I wanted to make sure that my laptop actually fit. It would've been a bummer to buy something and then have my computer end up being too big. So I grabbed my laptop and headed to the shop. Thankfully, my computer fit! So this is my new computer sleeve:



So cute! Yes, my name is Sarah and I am addicted to Disney merchandise. Clearly I have no self-control...

After making my purchase we spent some more time out on our balcony admiring our fantastic view. Even though we had been there for a few days, that view just never got old and every time I looked out the window it was just like WOW. How could we have gotten so lucky?!

I took a million more pictures and had some more fun playing around with my camera settings.

I guess this is what the Magic Kingdom would look like to a fish (my fish eye feature!).









I tried the selective coloring feature but I couldn't quite figure it out.




While we were still at the resort Emma gave me my birthday present.



I had mentioned how I wanted one of these mystery pin boxes for Epcot's 30th anniversary. The boxes had one revealed pin and one mystery pin. One of the revealed designs was a Soarin pin and I had to have it! I saw it at DAK earlier in the week and as soon as I picked it up Emma put it back down. haha The other one I ended up with was for the Living Seas! The coloring book is kind of a joke. When my sisters and I were younger we would always get those books. They come with a marker that magically colors everything when you color over the picture. Yeah, we're dorks.

After our quick break it was time to get ready to head over to Fort Wilderness for the Hoop de Doo Revue!!!

 

[dawnbu40]

What an amazing view! I felt the same way about our DL view last summer

Thanks for the update and "Happy Thanksgiving"!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Oh we're still reading, don't you worry about that!!

Haha, great that you had your laptop to test the sleeve.

Wow, Big thunder and the Castle look so much closer to each other in the photo. Cool!

It's just such an amazing and beautiful view. My goodness.

 

[marDgreen88]

The trip is so soon, oh my goodness! So exciting.

Love that laptop sleeve! Ugh, we never got over the view at BLT either, but how could you? Really though. Hahahah

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[OhMari]

I am still working on my April TR, just need to finish it. I don't think anyone is reading it either.

I may not be going in the Spring to WDW either---

I didn't like these, it was like they cheapened out and put stickers on.

 

[wdwgirl03]

What an amazing view! I felt the same way about our DL view last summer

Thanks for the update and "Happy Thanksgiving"!

It was seriously one of the best views ever.

Thanks! Can't believe I haven't commented on here for so long...now it's time to say Merry Christmas!

Oh we're still reading, don't you worry about that!!

Haha, great that you had your laptop to test the sleeve.

Wow, Big thunder and the Castle look so much closer to each other in the photo. Cool!

It's just such an amazing and beautiful view. My goodness.

Glad someone is still reading. I've been such a slacker.

Yes, I am so glad it fit! I love it.

I know!!! I miss that view.

The trip is so soon, oh my goodness! So exciting.

Love that laptop sleeve! Ugh, we never got over the view at BLT either, but how could you? Really though. Hahahah

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I KNOW!!! Only 5 days to go now!

It was so amazing. I am sure I've said it before but I'm glad Dad was willing to spend more points to get that view.

I am still working on my April TR, just need to finish it. I don't think anyone is reading it either.

I may not be going in the Spring to WDW either---

I didn't like these, it was like they cheapened out and put stickers on.

Yeah, I have been terrible at updating this report.

Aww, boo! I wish I could somehow sneak in a quick spring trip now that Emma is staying down there...

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi guys! Remember me?! Once again I am so sorry for the lack of updates on this report. I've been so busy with school and at times I just haven't felt like updating (I know, what is wrong with me?!). Since it's winter break now and my next trip is ONLY 5 DAYS AWAY now, I am going to try and wrap up this trip report.

I can't believe I'm going back to Disney World so soon! I don't care how crowded it is going to be-I just want to be there and admire all of the amazing Christmas decorations. Dad and I are planning on taking advantage of EMH (7 AM openings, baby!) so that should definitely help. We also have some pretty good fastpass+ reservations so hopefully we'll have no issues with that. And the other day we made a FP reservation for lunch at Be Our Guest. So now we'll be eating there for both lunch and dinner!

I also can't wait to see Emma again. Her Professional Internship ends in January but not surprisingly, she is not quite ready to come back to Wisconsin. She went to casting a couple weeks ago and got a part-time job at the Magic Kingdom while she continues to look for something full-time.

I seriously doubt I am going to do another report for the December trip, so if you have Twitter and/or Instagram and don't already follow me, feel free to add me! I am sure I'll be posting pictures while we're there. My username is mugirl0307.

OK, onto the update!

Saturday, April 6, 2013 cont'd (part 5)

After our short break, it was time to head over to Fort Wilderness for the Hoop de Doo Revue! In all of our trips we had never seen the show. Since it seems like a classic, we had to go see it once! We ended up driving over there so we could take Emma back to her apartment later that night.

Once we parked the car, we had to get a bus to take us over to Pioneer Hall. If you've never been to FW before, it is SO spread out. While we were on the bus it was interesting seeing the campsites. I know it's a cheap way to stay on property but it just seems weird to camp in Disney World. Of course I am not a fan of camping...






When we got to Pioneer Hall, we had to check in. They also took our picture, kind of like they do at Chef Mickey's and some of the other resort restaurants. Then we hung around while we waited for the earlier show to let out.





Our table inside Pioneer Hall was right near the stage which was kind of nice. There was already salad and corn bread waiting at our table.







After everyone was seated the show began!





The performers introduced themselves and sang a couple songs. Basically they do a little bit of the show and then bring out all the rest of the food. There was so much to eat! We had everything from fried chicken to ribs to mashed potatoes to corn. I kind of felt bad because there was no way we were going to eat everything. But it was all quite good! I love how everything was served in those little buckets.



More of the performing...








And then it was time for dessert! Strawberry shortcake!




YUM.

There is one part where they select people from the audience to be a part of the show.




At the end we got to play the washboards which was very entertaining.


OK, so that was probably a pretty bad review of the show but we all enjoyed it. It is a little cheesy but that is what makes it fun! And like I said, the food was good too. I would recommend HDDR if you have never seen it before.

I'll leave you with a couple videos from the show. I'm just posting the links but if anyone knows how to embed the actual video into this post let me know! I couldn't get it to work.

Gotta love the napkin twirling in this one...I was cracking up at that.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/95152748@N06/11039375016/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/95152748@N06/11091391613/

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Sarah! I hope you have an awesome trip! Seeing as how I just returned from WDW I can now say that I love the holiday time of the year there.

Those photos of the castle and MK from your BLT room were awesome. I loved the fish-eye version. To see the view of that castle every day is amazing.

Wishing you and your family a great trip and sending early Merry Christmas greetings!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

SO excited for to be going back in only a few days Sarah! Christmas crowds be damned. You're all vets so you know how to work it. And really at this time of year, the atmosphere is where it's at.

Haha, I don't do camping either, Disney World or otherwise.

Ahh that food looks so good and AHHHH STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE... Nature's PERFECT food.

 

[RachelNinja]

I always love the adventures you have in Disney with your dad and with Emma!

 

[jwwi]

Merry Christmas Sarah. Have a great time on your trip.
You will love the FP BOG reservation, front of line is great. Enjoy all the beautiful Christmas decorations. Where are you staying this trip?

I agree with you about camping, but if it was the only way I could afford it.....Maybe I would do it too?

 

[wdwgirl03]

Hi Sarah! I hope you have an awesome trip! Seeing as how I just returned from WDW I can now say that I love the holiday time of the year there.

Those photos of the castle and MK from your BLT room were awesome. I loved the fish-eye version. To see the view of that castle every day is amazing.

Wishing you and your family a great trip and sending early Merry Christmas greetings!

Hi Brenda! Thank you so much! I know it will be a great trip even if the parks are crowded! I am just happy to get to see the decorations again.

Glad you liked the pictures. It really was a great experience having that view. Hopefully we can stay there again some day.

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!

SO excited for to be going back in only a few days Sarah! Christmas crowds be damned. You're all vets so you know how to work it. And really at this time of year, the atmosphere is where it's at.

Haha, I don't do camping either, Disney World or otherwise.

Ahh that food looks so good and AHHHH STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE... Nature's PERFECT food.

Yes, I'm hoping we have good luck with the EMH like we have in the past. I can't wait! Exactly! That is why I wanted to go in December!

Glad I'm not the only non-camper. Just not my thing.

The food was very good! I LOVED the strawberry shortcake!

I always love the adventures you have in Disney with your dad and with Emma!

Thanks! We do have a good time.

Merry Christmas Sarah. Have a great time on your trip.
You will love the FP BOG reservation, front of line is great. Enjoy all the beautiful Christmas decorations. Where are you staying this trip?

I agree with you about camping, but if it was the only way I could afford it.....Maybe I would do it too?

Merry Christmas! Thank you so much. Can't believe it's only a couple days away now.

Yeah, I'm excited about the BOG lunch. I loved it when we went in April. It's nice that we were able to get a relatively early time. After being up for those 7 am openings, we get hungry pretty early! We are staying at Saratoga Springs this time. So excited to be going back to our "home."

Yeah, I might have to do the cabin though...haha