Chills and Thrills: January 2011 at the Poly - COMPLETE!! 1/27 - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Love this so far! It started out a little hairy, but a free upgrade is a good way to end the day!! And I'm with you on the taxi from the airport. At that point, I'd have hit the wall, too!
As we made our way into World Showcase we saw the beautiful Christmas tree!
One of the things on my “to do” list was the new meet and greet with Duffy the Disney Bear. Our timing was perfect because just as we rounded the corner, Duffy was about to come out and there were only two other families in line.
Well, DD fell for Duffy bear. Hard. And how convenient for us that the shop right across the way is fully stocked with Duffy merchandise!
Well, when we saw the kilt outfit we were all sold (my Dad is Scottish) and next thing you know we’re at the register with Duffy and two outfits (the kilt and the sombrero/serape ). We dressed him up in the kilt to get some pics of Duffy, DD and my Dad. Then we headed over to Mexico, which of course meant an outfit change for Duffy!
More Christmas decorations in the Mexico pavilion.
As we got on the ride a bunch of CMs made a big deal out of DD and Duffy, saying “Look, Mexican Duffy!!!” I think DD was pleased with the attention.
In spite of our large breakfast, we were all hungry for a little nosh at this point. We decided to try out La Cantina de San Angel. My Dad wanted the kids’ chicken strips meal (which cracked me up because I don’t think I’ve ever seen him eat nuggets or chicken fingers before) and DH, Mom and I split the chicken tacos and basket of chips with guacamole. Everything was delish! Will definitely return here.
It was quite chilly out so we decided to go to the indoor seating area. It is so pretty inside. In retrospect, I wonder if some of this seating is part of La Hacienda and maybe they opened it because of the cold. Not sure.
After filling up, we headed back to use our Soarin’ FPs. I wasn’t quite sure how DD would do on the ride as this is her first “big kid” ride but she loved it! The look on her face as we took off was priceless! I think I spent most of the ride watching her reactions. I was actually a little teary as the ride ended – a bittersweet moment. So wonderful to see be able to enjoy this with her but a tiny bit sad that she’s growing up so fast!
Next we headed to the International Gateway to get set up for a Kim Possible mission. We requested Japan and got it. You can see how seriously DD takes her assignment!
I won’t post more pictures because I don’t want to spoil it for others.
After the mission we headed towards the American Adventure to meet back up with my parents. I got this pretty shot of SE and the tree on the way.
Once we met back up with my parents, we admired the pretty tree outside the American Adventure:
Then we headed in to listen to the Voices of Liberty. I don’t think I’ve ever caught this show before so I was happy that our timing worked out.
We also stayed for the American Adventure show, which I don’t think I’ve seen in 10 or 12 years.
When the show let out we made our way over to Italy to browse a bit before our 4:50 p.m. ADR at Tutto. DD headed to the Kidcot station and worked on coloring her Duffy on a stick. DH and I took turns watching us while the other shopped/took in the performers in the courtyard.
More holiday decorations:
Somehow we weren’t able to make it out of the shops without buying another outfit for Duffy! Ay yi yi! This time it was the sailor suit, which is the closest we could find to an Italian outfit (kind of looks like a gondolier’s suit).
Soon enough it was time to check in at Tutto. We were seated immediately. It’s so pretty inside.
Our server was a real doll and took excellent care of us. We ordered two appetizers for the table – proscuitto and melon and eggplant parmesan.
Both were delish! I ordered lobster ravioli for my entrée and the waitress said this was the best pasta dish on the menu so Mom and Dad promptly changed their orders to lobster ravioli too! DH decided to be an individual and go for cavetelli with sausage.
Truth be told, the lobster ravioli were a bit bland - not bad, just not as flavorful as I would have liked. All of us preferred DH’s entrée – so much so that my parents came back later in the week for a second dinner at Tutto!
For dessert Mom, DH and I split the dessert trio (mini cannoli, tiramisu and chocolate mousse cake) and a full-sized cannoli for good measure!
Oh my, so delicious!
When the check came my Dad announced that it was his treat in honor of DH’s upcoming birthday. Very nice of them! All and all, we really enjoyed our dinner at Tutto and it's definitely on our "to do again" list.
We were all about ready to head back to the hotel at this point so we made our way to the front of the park, passing the now lit tree on the way:
There was no line for SE so we decided to ride that as well.
DD enjoyed Epcot so much that we decided to switch up our plans for later in the week. On day three we were planning to go to AK but we decided to come back to Epcot instead. This meant canceling our Tusker House breakfast, which I’d really been looking forward to. I was glad that I’d made that last-minute ‘Ohana breakfast for day four. When I explained to my parents the changes, they said they’d be interested in ‘Ohana breakfast. Uh-oh – as you may recall I didn’t include them on the ADR because I figured they wouldn’t want to do two character breakfasts in a row.
When we got back to the Poly my Dad watched DD while DH and I went to the concierge to see about getting an ‘Ohana breakfast reservation for all five of us. Luck was on our side because they had one available at 9:50 a.m. on the day we were supposed to go to Tusker House. That’s a little later than I prefer, but we took it anyway and cancelled TH and the other ‘Ohana ADR that was just for three.
With that settled we took a few minutes to look around the shops. We ran into my mom who mentioned that some of the entertainers from the Luau were performing upstairs outside of ‘Ohana. Turns out the show had been cancelled due to the cold so they brought some of the show inside (did I mention how cold it was today? I was in my winter coat and scarf most of the day). We found a few chairs and sat and watched.
As we headed back to the room we decided that it was not likely that we’d make the 7:50 a.m. opening ceremony at MK the next day but we still wanted to get in sometimes before 9 a.m. to beat the day crowds (it was EMH from 8-9 a.m.) so we agreed to head out around 8:15 a.m. With that we said goodnight and settled in for the night.
Great update! Love GF Cafe for breakfast. Isn't it amazing how kids can sleep anywhere. :-) How great that the Christmas decorations were still up, they are so pretty. Looking forward to more.
Another great eat! Glad you were able to reschedule your 'Ohana ADR to include your parents! How great your DD is having fun at Epcot! My kids loved it as well when they were little!
Heather, I know just how rough a start like that is! We had the same thing happen to us last year before going on a cruise. Glad you made it safely and that upgrade is a nice bonus!!
Tara
Sorry the same thing happened to you! Yes, very stressful!
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Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great day so far! Love the pictures!
Thank you! BTW, I took your advice and just brought the Elph. So happy I did because it was nice to not have to LUG a camera bag!
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Originally Posted by Principessa_di_Fata
Love this so far! It started out a little hairy, but a free upgrade is a good way to end the day!! And I'm with you on the taxi from the airport. At that point, I'd have hit the wall, too!
Looking forward to more!!
Thanks! Yes, the upgrade definitely took away the pain of all the travel issues.
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Originally Posted by jennie622
Whew! Thank goodness you got out just before that storm hit!
Great decision to not check bags so you got to hop in a cab and get to the Poly (one of my faves!) AND get your room.
WOW! breakfast at GFC looks awesome, think I might have to stop by there.
Definitely check out GFC when you have a chance!
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Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Another great update from Epcot! Lunch looked yummy!
Thanks - yes it was delish!!!
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Originally Posted by taylan1
Great update! Love GF Cafe for breakfast. Isn't it amazing how kids can sleep anywhere. :-) How great that the Christmas decorations were still up, they are so pretty. Looking forward to more.
So true -- DD is at the age where she'd fight me tooth and nail if I tried to get her to lay down for a nap but then she'll fall asleep on my shoulder at a restaurant, on the Monorail, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Another great eat! Glad you were able to reschedule your 'Ohana ADR to include your parents! How great your DD is having fun at Epcot! My kids loved it as well when they were little!
I think DD has finally turned the corner in age where she appreciates Epcot and there are more things she's interested in there. And of course now she's a Soarin' junky! She kept saying "again, let's go on again" of course she doesn't quite get how popular it is and you can't just hop on again unless you want to wait an hour or so!
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Great update! We're looking forward to doing the Kim Possible mission for the first time so thanks for not telling any secrets! Got any tips though? That's so nice your daughter really enjoyed Epcot! We're spending two days there as well.
I love al your pictures and the food looked delicious!
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Your pictures are gorgeous!! I'm so happy that the Xmas decorations were still up! And your food pics are making me very hungry! What a wonderful first day!!
I was so nervous for you guys getting out before the snow hit ~ so glad Delta was on the ball when it came to the upcoming weather.
What luck getting an upgrade at the Poly & having it on them! Disney Magic before you even arrived After seeing that line at DME & now buses in site,I would have gone for the cab too!
GF is so . My fav is the Lobster Eggs Benedict, sooooo good! I the pic of DD napping on DH(those curls & sucking her finger reminds me of my little Princess).
What a great day at EPCOT! I have been eyeing Duffy for a few years ( that he has Mickey heads on his paws), but didn't know the whole story behind him. Now I may have to cave & get one
Love the updates!! My DD also loves EPCOT, so much so that we always skip AK in favor of multiple EPCOT days. (I know, I'm sorry AK lovers)
I'm really excited for her to do Soarin' for the first time, too, so reading about your DD's experience on there lifted my heart! Thanks for sharing all the pix! Can't wait to read more!
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and maybe they opened it because of the cold. Not sure.
This time it was the sailor suit, which is the closest we could find to an Italian outfit (kind of looks like a gondolier’s suit).
and go for cavetelli with sausage.
. I was glad that I’d made that last-minute ‘Ohana breakfast for day four. When I explained to my parents the changes, they said they’d be interested in ‘Ohana breakfast. Uh-oh – as you may recall I didn’t include them on the ADR because I figured they wouldn’t want to do two character breakfasts in a row.
,
Glad you were able to reschedule your 'Ohana ADR to include your parents! How great your DD is having fun at Epcot! My kids loved it as well when they were little! 
We had the same thing happen to us last year before going on a cruise. Glad you made it safely and that upgrade is a nice bonus!! 
Deb
I'm so happy that the Xmas decorations were still up! And your food pics are making me very hungry! 
After seeing that line at DME & now buses in site,I would have gone for the cab too!
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