jenseib Posted September 7, 2014 Author Share Posted September 7, 2014 We thought about a Dole Whip Float, but the line was just way to long so we moved on. We were a little bit hungry and we knew were weren’t going to make it till our ADR, which I think was around 7PM, so we went in search of something to help take care of that need. We ended up just going in Pecos Bills for some food. The lines were long everywhere and we just sucked it up and got in one here. I swear this is one of the slowest serving places though….good thing I like the food here. My small snack turned into a meal. We shared the fries, but Claire got some chili. The burgers here are so good….and I am craving one right now. We had a few friends in the area while we ate. With our bellies now full we moved on again. It was time for our next Fastpass of the day…Peter Pan. I tried to get a picture of the screen the CM’s look at when they scan your band. It’s just too dark on Peter Pan, so I pretty much have given up on taking pictures, but we enjoyed the ride, even though it is way too short. They had been repainting the peaks on the castle and it was neat to see the changes throughout the week. I had seen pictures before we had arrived and all the turrets were stripped and then grey for a few days and slowly, one by one, they were turning back to blue. Hello Mr. Bird. It was just so crowded and everything had a long wait, so I mentioned to Claire that maybe we should’ve just taken a longer cruise and maybe in the future, if we come at this time of year, we’ll just skip the parks. She had a look of horror on her face. She said we could NEVER skip the parks. LOL. Well it was good the crowds weren’t getting her down. We decided to get in line for Dumbo now. When we got to the waiting room area, I told the CM we did not want to go in there, he said I didn’t have a choice. Ugh. Last time we were given a choice and we chose not to. As we walked in, Claire told me I better not force her to play on anything in there. LOL……I won’t. It’s extremely on the babyish side. We walked to the far left corner and sat on a bench away from everyone else and I handed Claire the beeper. After about 10-15 minutes we beeped and got back in line and made our way to our Dumbo. Here we go! Claire gave me instructions that she was going to control our flying…and I gave her instructions to get us up high so I could try to take pictures. And the lovely view of the trees that surround the ride now. That was fun, but it bums me I can’t get a better view of the new Fantasyand with all the trees they planted. We headed off back into New Fantasyland next. We had a date with Belle. We arrived at Belle’s cottage and got in the FP line and were let in practically right away. Of course when using the FP’s for Belle you skip the first room, but we were ok with that. This enchanted mirror still amazes me and I am not sure how it works. You can’t see the seams of where it would open beforehand and it really intrigues me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 7, 2014 Author Share Posted September 7, 2014 Once the mirror opens our portal, we headed into the next room. Now Claire is in a shy stage…and also the “I am too cool to do that” stage. She refused to participate no matter how much prodding and urging I did. I told her she wouldn’t get her picture taken with Belle if she didn’t at least be an extra and she still refused. UGH! That was the whole purpose of getting the FP for this. Oh well, nothing I can do. But I probably will be skipping this attraction in the future if she won’t participate as its cute, but not something I need to repeat over and over. We then made our way into the library. Here she is! The little girl who played Beast was so cute. Her parents told me on the way out that they didn’t even know what Enchanted Tales was when they got in line and were so excited that their daughter got the starring role. Because Claire did not volunteer, she wasn’t able to get her picture with Belle. That really was the only reason I had made this FP too. The show is cute, but not something we need to see every time, so I don’t think we’ll be doing it again any time soon. By Belle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBpony414 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I finally got a chance to read through this and catch up! Whew. I read it on and off throughout the day today so can't remember everything I was going to say. Here's what I currently have: - Approximately how long does the Agent P adventure take that you did in Epcot? I remember you guys doing some sort of adventures before on the cruises and maybe at DW before but all the trips are sort of a blur at this point haha. - The food at Via Napoli looks down right delicious and I've got to eat there on my next visit, as well as get a No Way Jose. YUM!!! - The new Fantasy parade is really impressive and it was funny because I was commenting to myself when viewing, "beautiful costumes" "wow, very detailed!" "cool!" and you kept saying the same things about the sets and costumes. - I know at the time it's frustrating as hell (been there, done that) but to read about your dad and his comments is hilarious! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 I finally got a chance to read through this and catch up! Whew. I read it on and off throughout the day today so can't remember everything I was going to say. Here's what I currently have: - Approximately how long does the Agent P adventure take that you did in Epcot? I remember you guys doing some sort of adventures before on the cruises and maybe at DW before but all the trips are sort of a blur at this point haha. - The food at Via Napoli looks down right delicious and I've got to eat there on my next visit, as well as get a No Way Jose. YUM!!! - The new Fantasy parade is really impressive and it was funny because I was commenting to myself when viewing, "beautiful costumes" "wow, very detailed!" "cool!" and you kept saying the same things about the sets and costumes. - I know at the time it's frustrating as hell (been there, done that) but to read about your dad and his comments is hilarious! Each country has different things and vary in time. I think this one was maybe 15-20 minutes long....part of our problem was we weren't very knowledgible about where everything was in Japan and we had to really hunt down a few areas. We LOVE Via Napoli!!!!! I really love this parade. They did an awesome job with it! Yes looking back, many things my Dad does are quite funny, but at the time we want to just crown him....and not as king! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 After Enchanted Tales, we headed back outside. Another shot of the empty moat. I convinced Claire to pose….and smile! Sort of….. DUCK! There is some wall coverage…it was kind of weird to see so many things blocked off. I am always trying to get that special balloon picture. We were working our way up front now as we needed to stop at our locker so Claire could make a wardrobe change. We did our business and then back up the street we went. You can never have too many pictures of the castle. We still had time before out dinner reservation so we moseyed around a bit. Mine Train! A walk by Dumbo. Claire had the urge to purchase something, so we went inside. She found a stuffed Dumbo…which was just the cutest thing, but I told her we would come back later so we didn’t have to carry it around the rest of the evening….and of course she would never let me forget that! On we went. Some more Mine Train pictures. I love the CM costumes in this area. We then met up with my parents and checked into Be Our Guest. We got a beeper and waited on the bridge for it to go off. I had Claire pose for a few pictures. This is her Gargoyle face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Our beeper went off and soon we were being led to our table. We got this reservation just about a month or so before our trip. They had opened up more reservations and I snatched one up. We already had one for the next day, but I was up for eating here twice! Once we placed our orders, I went for a walk to take pictures. A shot of one of the dessert trollies. We had some yummy rolls. I got the potato leek soup, which I enjoyed. When we had walked in, we saw these light up goblets, so I let Claire get one. It had a choice of a few drinks…well really you could get anything in it, but we got the All Natural Fruit Punch, which was really yummy. I knew it was probably expensive, but heck…this is my princess….and it was….to the tune of $18.99. The table next to us was a family with several kids. We watched in awe as each kid ordered BIG appetizers. The things they ordered were clearly meant to be shared, but the parents let them each order one of their own. I know at least 3 of them got the Assorted Cured Meats and Sausages board and it says it serves 2, but could serve 3 or 4 as an appetizer. Needless to say they only nibbled at it and then the rest was wasted. But the parents were all about them trying new things…as we heard them say this over and over….and I am not opposed to that…but maybe have them try new things …and SHARE? LOL! We heard the announcement that Beast was coming back out, so we went to the ballroom to see him. He went to each room and did a wave and then headed back to his meeting spot. Our food then came out. Mom (and I think Dad did too) got the Grilled Strip Steak and I think she substituted the Pommes Frites with au gratin macaroni. Claire got the Grilled Steak. She loves steak and this was very good. Much better than the time before we came when it was in preview season. I went with the Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops - Seasonal vegetables served in puff pastry with a creamy lobster sauce. I thought it was pretty good, but maybe needed a little more sauce for the pastry to soak up. Now Be Our Guest food is good, but there is one REAL reason to come here……Dessert! Claire got the Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake. MMMM! This is so good! I decided I wanted to try The "Grey Stuff". I thought it was really good. It has a cookies and cream flavor. I did think the tart thing it was on was just OK. I have seen this in a form of a cupcake in others reports and I think that looks even better. Soon we were stuffed to the gills and we paid our bill and Claire and I went and got in line to see the Beast. My parents were going to be heading out and back the Marriott. The CM at the doorway to the Beast room kept asking us over and over if we were sure we were done as we couldn’t come back in once we met the Beast. Yes we are done….are you sure you don’t need to use the restroom….you can’t come back to use it. I think we’ll live. The line moved fairly fast and it soon was our turn to see the Beast. And then we were directed out to the hallway and guess what….we walked right over to the bathroom and no one stopped us. We are all wild like that at times. Of course I had to get a picture of the Prince with no pants on. Claire found that hilarious. It was dark now when we got outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBpony414 Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 "And then we were directed out to the hallway and guess what….we walked right over to the bathroom and no one stopped us. We are all wild like that at times." Haha this is something I would do too! The meal at BOG looks very good... but everything you get always looks delicious. Does Claire use the $20 light up goblet at home? I'd have her use it for every meal for that kind of price lol. Will we see a picture of the Dumbo stuffed animal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 11, 2014 Author Share Posted September 11, 2014 "And then we were directed out to the hallway and guess what….we walked right over to the bathroom and no one stopped us. We are all wild like that at times." Haha this is something I would do too! The meal at BOG looks very good... but everything you get always looks delicious. Does Claire use the $20 light up goblet at home? I'd have her use it for every meal for that kind of price lol. Will we see a picture of the Dumbo stuffed animal? LOL! No, I think she has only used it once, but mainly because I put it on display on a shelf. I should have her use it more though. I do have a picture where she is holding it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 11, 2014 Author Share Posted September 11, 2014 Our bellies were full and we headed off to do another ride. Claire had an itch to go on Barnstormer. But I think first we walked past it and perhaps watched the train take off first? We then got in line. It was busy, but the line moved fairly fast and soon we were ready to ride. I love the costumes here. I took a few pictures while riding, but they were awful, so I will spare you those…. We had a good time and I just wish it was a little longer of a ride. After we got off we headed down the dark path towards Tomorrowland. We got in line for Buzz….which was the longest I have ever seen this line before, with it winding outside on the side of the building, but luckily this is one that usually moves fairly fast. Claire looks like she will be upset if she doesn’t win. LOL!!! After we conquered Zurg we headed back out. I think we went on Carrousel of Progress then….I know we went on it a few times as this is a new favorite of Claire’s. And I think this is when we had a bit of a quirk and had to repeat a room or 2. I must not have taken any pictures in it though, which is the norm for me most times. I just sit back and relax in there usually. And then on to another of Claire’s favorite…..Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. They had switched the preshow area to the Monsters U stuff we noticed. We found a seat and watched the screen as it displayed people and laughed. I always sit us in a spot that I know has potential to be on screen and what do you know….I was flashed up there…for about 2 seconds and then they took me off. Maybe I was too scary? The show was funny, but we will never be able to top the one we went to in 2012 where we laughed so hard it hurt. But Claire still enjoys it each and every time. I believe we needed to make a potty break and went in search of one. I think we may have gotten a drink in Cosmic Rays as well and just sat and relaxed for a few minutes. And back out we went. Claire always has to try and get that sword pulled out, but we have never had success yet. She always swears it’s just about to come out though. And then I attempted some artsy shots I had seen someone else post. His were much better and taken in the daytime, but I was here now, so I tried it in the dark…and I need to go back and do them in the daytime someday too. I made this next one into a canvas print. After that we moved on and saw Rapunzel’s tower all lit up. Chances are we made another potty stop here too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Now I really like Haunted Mansion, but Claire still is very leery of this ride. I usually have to beg and plead with her to ride it. Our last trip together we did not ride it at all and I told her she had to ride it this time and basically told her she couldn’t buy her Dumbo later if she didn’t. It’s not scary and I know she can handle it, but in her mind she thinks it is and is fine every single time afterwards…so she did finally agree to ride it with me. And she was fine and even laughed in the new hitchhiking ghost area. Next stop…..Pooh! That was fun and one we always enjoy to ride. We had a mission next….we needed popcorn and not just any old popcorn….one in a Dumbo bucket. I had first seen this last summer when my friend Janet had posted her daughter having one. I thought it was the cutest thing ever. I showed it to Claire and she said she needed one too. So at first we were going to buy 2 of them, but the more I thought about it, I knew it would just be a passing fancy for Claire and once we got home, she wouldn’t even do anything with it, so it would then become mine….and it was a good plan too. We headed off to buy our popcorn….but guess what…that stand closes early. UGH! I told Claire we would get one another day, but we were kind of bummed. We had purposely waited to buy it so we wouldn’t have to carry it around all day and evening. We even doubled checked in the Big Top Store just to be sure that they didn’t sell any either and they told us no and that the Dumbo stand was the only one that sold it in the park, so we purchased Claire’s stuffed Dumbo and moved on. He was getting a lot of love from her. And we then moved on again. And we again went down the dark path to Tomorrowland…..and then Claire spotted it. That lady had lied…..Tomorrowland was selling Dumbo popcorn. Woohooooo!!!! We got in the line, which was pretty long and made our purchase. Claire is a popcorn hog and I only got a few bites, but that was OK, I knew in a few weeks’ time Mr. Dumbo would be ALL MINE! Today was an Extra Magical Hours evening, but we were no longer onsite guests. I had heard that at this point in time if you had a band on they pretty much let you stay since off site people didn’t have an option to get bands back then. I heard some rides would scan the band, but for the most part they didn’t. I had debated on trying it….BUT I was tired, Claire was tired, and it was still fairly busy and I just didn’t want to hassle with even trying it out, so we decided it was time to work our way out of the park. You can see the mass of crowds exiting in this next picture. We did stop for a photopass shot. One thing I had noticed all night was that the castle was not changing colors like it normally does at night. I am not sure if that was because the moats are drained or with the work on the actual castle being done while we were there, but as we reached the front I noticed it changed….and the kiss goodnight was being done. I didn’t realize that they did this on nights when they had EMH’s. We watched a little bit of that and then headed out for the monorail, which was crazy, but luckily the resort monorail wasn’t too bad…and our car was still at the Poly from our breakfast earlier that day. We made it back to the Poly and headed towards our POC car. We programmed Siri once again to get us back to the Marriott and took off. I don’t like driving in the dark in unfamiliar places and until we got away from the area I was a little tense. So much traffic and crazy drivers makes it hard for someone who doesn’t know the area very well. We did make it back in one piece though and I think Claire dozed off while I drove us. We had more issues finding a parking spot tonight and had to park in a lot further away from our building, but it wasn’t too bad and then we headed back to the room and got right to bed. Once again I watched the coverage of the missing plane and still nothing was found…of course each day there was new theories, but nothing ever panned out. I set the timer on the TV and dozed off to dreamland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hey...hey Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Sorry to hear about the Cast Member lying. That actually happened to my wife and I during the Halloween Party. My wife and I dressed up as Flynn and Rapunzel. We asked a CM where "Flynn" and "Rapunzel" were, and they proceeded to tell us that they were not in the park that night. We were hoping they were for my daughter who was also along. Needless to say, my daughter went back to the room early with my parents, and we stumbled onto Flynn and Rapunzel up front in the Theatre with the other princes and princesses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBpony414 Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Let's see the Dumbo popcorn bucket! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Sorry to hear about the Cast Member lying. That actually happened to my wife and I during the Halloween Party. My wife and I dressed up as Flynn and Rapunzel. We asked a CM where "Flynn" and "Rapunzel" were, and they proceeded to tell us that they were not in the park that night. We were hoping they were for my daughter who was also along. Needless to say, my daughter went back to the room early with my parents, and we stumbled onto Flynn and Rapunzel up front in the Theatre with the other princes and princesses. I hate that too. I think they just don't know and make something up. I rather them tell me they don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 12, 2014 Author Share Posted September 12, 2014 Let's see the Dumbo popcorn bucket! I'll take one with my phone and try to post it tonight or tomorrow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 I have started another Trip Report from a quickie trip I took down to Florida in August. I will be working on both of these and I actaully have half of this one already written up and hope to kick it out fast. Please join me over here for Solo & Unleashed. http://themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=68980 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 13, 2014 Author Share Posted September 13, 2014 Day 4, March 24, 2014, Monday We had another full day ahead of us again. And me being me, I was up early and got myself ready. I also utilized our washer and dryer and got a few things washed. My foot was already developing a hot spot between my toes and the ball of my foot so I applied some mole skin. Sadly this was too late and I ended up with a huge blister that felt like I was walking on a golf ball the rest of the week. The mole skin did help though. Of course, since I was up early, I took a little walk and took some pictures around the resort. Squirrel! I never did make it over to the other side of the lake. I got Claire up and ready as well…we had a new experience this morning. Once we were ready, we headed out. I think my parents were going to head to Hollywood Studios today, but I had a different destination. First a picture before we left. Our destination…..the Grand Floridian. It took me a bit to find the self-parking area as it had moved from the last time we used it. I am not sure if this is a permanent spot or not, but it is now over by the DVC villas. This is the walkway over to the GF from the Villas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 14, 2014 Author Share Posted September 14, 2014 Once we arrived at the Grand F I had to talk Claire into taking some pictures out front for me. She wasn’t too pleasant about that. Um…that’s not a smile. Nor is that! Oh well, I am not going to argue over the small things. We headed inside. And went to check in for…… The Perfectly Princess Tea Party. Yes it was mega bucks, but Claire is getting older and this was our last chance to give it a try. I was surprised by how many people were there already and we had to wait in line to get checked in….and of course I took pictures while we waited. We got all checked in and Claire got a name tag, which evidently is pretty embarrassing for a 9 year old for some reason. We all crammed into a small area while we waited to be seated, but I took a few more pictures. Ironically that was where we ended up sitting and that was our doll! It was clear very early on that Claire was much older than most of the girls attending and that made her very self-conscious. Rose Petal came out to greet us. All the little kids were so excited and cute, Claire did a lot of eye rolling. Uh oh! Then they started taking the kids in and you could take a picture with Rose Petal and then someone else would seat you. Since Claire was clearly older…..and much cooler…..than many of the other kids I told her to hang back and let the little ones go in first and she was fine with that. Rose Petal then complimented her for being so nice. As they each child went up to Rose Petal they had flower petals sprinkled on them. And given a crown. Then they would pose. We then were taken to our table. We had another girl and her mother sitting with us. There was a bracelet wrapped in the napkin…but I think we were told not to open them yet at that point. And we were seated right next to Baron Von Branch. Rose Petal than began with the story of how she came to be. A close up of the cake, which in reality I think was just a prop/decoration as I think our cake came from the back and was precut already …..and cold like it had been refrigerated. I believe Rose Petal told the girls to put their napkins on their lap now and that is when they found the bracelets. They served the kids apple juice, but the adults had tea. I do not drink tea, so I asked for apple juice as well. I found out later from my friend Janet that I could’ve asked for diet coke…wish I would’ve. Claire put on her bracelet, but it JUST barely fit her….another sign that she was on the older end of kids here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WFChris Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 That look in the very last picture there is priceless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 but wow. . $250 for Apple juice and PB&J? Is it a limited edition Aurora doll at least? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share Posted September 15, 2014 That look in the very last picture there is priceless! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share Posted September 15, 2014 but wow. . $250 for Apple juice and PB&J? Is it a limited edition Aurora doll at least? Closer to $300 with tax...and no it's not. Very pricey indeed. But it was something we have talked of doing for several years. I just wish I got her there before she started her "too cool" phase. Ine the end she did enjoy it and told me after we got home it was one of her favortite things....go figure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share Posted September 15, 2014 Claire kept telling me that she thought this whole thing was a little bit babyish. I was sad she wasn’t enjoying it more…for one reason being that it was so pricey…but I think if she had a friend with her things would’ve been totally different. Our food came out next, which were cute finger sandwiches. Claire is very picky, so she only ate the fruit and the jelly sandwiches, but I didn’t let anything go to waste and ate her other ones. While we at Baron Von Branch came around and signed autographs. I had a little more food on my plate and all the little sandwiches were tasty. I noticed a lot of the parents just picked at their food and only had a few bites. I was a pig, I ate it all. First off this was expensive, so I was not about to be dainty and leave half my plate (or Claire’s) and secondly, I was darn hungry! Claire and her new doll. Oh and I forgot to mention there were a few little boys there as well and I think they got Teddy Bears. One little boy was really too little and didn’t really enjoy the party at all. Rose Petal talked some more and did some twirls. And then all the girls had to gather around. Claire didn’t want to but I made her. And then Aurora arrived! They paraded around and Claire did not look happy about it at all. See? She was giving me evil eyes…that ungrateful child! Claire was happy to sit back down. She and the other girl did start to talk a little bit and we found out she was 10. I was shocked because she seemed much younger than Claire, and of course Claire was the tallest of all the kids. But they did talk a bit and that made things seem a bit better for Claire. Cake was then served. This cake was some of the best cake I have ever had! It was darn good! And all the kids got a back pack to put their dolls in. Aurora came around and gave each girl a rose and signed their books. Rose Petal did too and she gave the girls a necklace. While all this was going on Baron Von Branch had been playing music…different Disney songs. At one point he started playing “Let It go” and Claire and the other little girl locked eyes and they both started singing every single word. It was so cute. This guy had been helping Aurora out. Aurora made the rounds again and handed out a thank you type card. And then she left and it was kind of over, though Rose Petal mentioned something about getting a picture taken. Some people left, but we were gathering our things when we saw some people now were lining up to be taken to get a picture. Claire did not want one taken, but I told her too bad. And of course she had to go to the bathroom and the mean mother that I am told her she couldn’t go till she had her picture taken. I think she also got a wand like the one in that last picture too. We then made a quick potty stop and went back downstairs so I could try and take a picture of her on the stairs, but there was a family in the background that let their little boy roll up and down the stairs and we soon just gave up. I believe the party lasted about 2 hours. I enjoyed it and Claire complained a lot about it, but later on she admitted she did like it and was glad she had gone. We won’t be doing this again and if someone asks me about it, I would recommend the child be a little younger and maybe more outgoing. Claire is really becoming very shy lately and she won’t “let lose” in front of others till she knows them. I know if she had a friend her own age she would’ve been more comfortable there too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bert425 Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 In the end she did enjoy it and told me after we got home it was one of her favorite things....go figure. then it was worth every penny then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenseib Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 In the end she did enjoy it and told me after we got home it was one of her favorite things....go figure. then it was worth every penny then Yep...but it would've been nice if she told me that DURING the party! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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