TR: Thingamabobs, Zebra & Giraffes, Oh My! Completed 3/25/15 About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

How cool to be able to do pottery! Great meal at Sanaa! What an exciting evening at MK! Love all the pictures, and how cool to be "rescued" from SM! Late night!

[JKnott17]

I had no idea they had paint your own pottery there, is that something they have at all of the DVC resorts or just AKL? I love those bowls, and the animal print you were doing inside of yours. Can't wait to see the finished product! Dinner and your night at the MK looked like a lot of fun. for making it until that late closing time!

[lfredsbo]

Originally Posted by lauriep

I can't believe all of this-- relaxing on the balcony, the ceramics, fabulous dinner, MK, lots of rides, the parade and a RESCUE-- was just the afternoon and evening! Seems like 3 days-worth of activities to me!

It was a super long day - But so nice too!

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Love the bowls!! Can't wait to see the finished project!
That bread service....yum!!!!

Thanks! You will see them in a few days

Originally Posted by xwewhisper

The ceramics looks like so much fun! Of course bread service at Sanaa is sooo tasty I love the pic of Emily ready to dive in! What an interesting experience getting "rescued" too. Always something new at Disney right?!

The painting was a lot of fun - and relaxing!

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

How cool to be able to do pottery! Great meal at Sanaa! What an exciting evening at MK! Love all the pictures, and how cool to be "rescued" from SM! Late night!

It was a great afternoon!

Originally Posted by JKnott17

I had no idea they had paint your own pottery there, is that something they have at all of the DVC resorts or just AKL? I love those bowls, and the animal print you were doing inside of yours. Can't wait to see the finished product! Dinner and your night at the MK looked like a lot of fun. for making it until that late closing time!

We didn't realize it either - I believe each Community Hall does the same thing - but honestly not positive - I would just check in which ever one you are going to

[OhToodles!]

I too can't wait to see your bowls! So was it 2 days to have them ready? Love Sanaa -so good! What a great time at MK, but so crazy about sitting there forever and having to be rescued!

[MayraLR]

The bowls are so cute! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Wow, MK till 2:00 am! That's something I'd love to try. I'll have to do it solo because I don't think any of my guys would last that long.

[MikeL]

That full a day and Scott only took 1 nap Sign me up for two. Love the bowls

[shazza]

Once again, you did a week's worth of activities in one day - and still managed a nice balcony visit with a glass of wine. Fun day and night!

[lfredsbo]

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

I too can't wait to see your bowls! So was it 2 days to have them ready? Love Sanaa -so good! What a great time at MK, but so crazy about sitting there forever and having to be rescued!

Thanks! Yes, we painted them on Sunday and got them back on Tuesday.

Originally Posted by MayraLR

The bowls are so cute! Can't wait to see the finished product.

Wow, MK till 2:00 am! That's something I'd love to try. I'll have to do it solo because I don't think any of my guys would last that long.

Thanks! It was a llllooooonnnnnggggg day!

Originally Posted by MikeL

That full a day and Scott only took 1 nap Sign me up for two. Love the bowls

Thanks!

Originally Posted by shazza

Once again, you did a week's worth of activities in one day - and still managed a nice balcony visit with a glass of wine. Fun day and night!

Thanks! It's all about taking that break!

[lfredsbo]

Monday, July 7, 2014:

Scott was up very early for the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour at Magic Kingdom. Emily and I slept in a little as we were very tired from the late night before.

I believe for breakfast this am, everyone just grabbed something easy in the room on their way out – I forgot to write it down.

I will start with Scott’s tour – although it is mostly just photos – as he took NO notes, but I guess I can praise him for taking at least some photos! He did try to explain the photos to me - in "Scott terms"

He arrived at Magic Kingdom to a pretty empty park! And then he tour began! They took that empty train to the Round House.






They began at the “Square” Round house where all the trains are stored at night.




They were able to see the Locomotives Walter E. Disney (#1) and Roger E. Broggie (#3), which are twins, built side by side. Roger E. Broggie was the gentleman who found the locomotives.








He caught a photo of the first monorail of the day going out on the tracks.




They were able to go in for a peek at the Engineer compartment.






These are Lilly Belle’s cars – Lilly Belle locomotive was out for refurb, but the cars are used for the morning welcome show that carries the characters into the park – the reason for this is you will notice that the cars do not have side rails on the seats – this allows for the characters to easily move in and out of the train!






This is a switcher car.




The engineer showing them how they lit the locomotives for the day!





And Scott with their tour guide




While Scott was having fun on his trains, Emily and I slowly woke up and got ready – we were heading to Epcot and would meet up with Scott later.

Emily and I arrived in Epcot and on our way in, we saw this little guy along the path!




We also stopped for a Photopass photo!




Then we headed straight for Mouse Gear as we had another 20% off coupon and I needed some retail therapy!!! I purchased my Tinker Bell Alex and Ani bracelet and our 2014 Vinylmation. I also picked up some pins for Lisa #1 as she had forgotten to get them while they were here. And Emily found some cute Minnie Mouse jewelry she liked. Our purchases were small enough that we just stuck them in our bag (or put them on ourselves!!!).




By the time we were done shopping Scott was waiting outside the store for us. He found himself a Monster Energy drink along the way.

And apparently Scott stopped for a photopass photo on his way into the park as well!




We then headed over to the Living Seas, as we had a fastpass for The Seas with Nemo & Friends. After finding Nemo and Dory – we wandered around the Living Seas building – visiting the Manatees and various aquariums. Emily could spend all day in here – as she is fascinated with marine animals!










































We still had a bit of time before our next Fastpass, so we headed over to Journey into Imagination with Figment. We always enjoy this ride – but like It’s A Small World, I get that song stuck in my head all day!














Next we headed over to Test Track for our next Fastpass. Emily designed our vehicle – no surprise that it was a big truck! She can be such a tomboy sometimes!


















We were also starting to get hungry so we headed over to World Showcase stopping in England. Scott ordered 2 orders of fish n’ chips, an orange soda for Em, and a beer for himself. Emily had run over to France to grab a crepe, and I stepped into the Rose and Crown pub to get a Leapin’ Leprechaun that I had heard so much about. We all met back at a table in the UK CS seating area to enjoy our lunch. The fish n’ chips are always delish! Em enjoyed her crepe – wanted more! The Leapin’ Leprechaun – well, not so much. It w as just not so good to me. Not quite sure what it was, and I usually like just about every drink I try. But at least I can say I have tried it.








After our lunch, we decided to walk around World Showcase, stopping in France to sample the new ice cream in France – we got a Pistachio and all just shared the one. It was delish!










Of course, we can’t just let a photopass photographer just stand there doing nothing!










We continued walking – just enjoying the day – and we stopped in Germany as the smell from Karamell-Kuche was pulling us in…..they were making a fresh batch of caramel popcorn, so of course we had to purchase a bag, along with a caramel roll with marshmallow cream and a diet coke to wash it all down!

















I thought this was a neat shot!




Continuing on, the next stop was in Norway where Emily purchased a bottle of water – but not just an ordinary bottle of water – it was the Voss water – not quite sure what is so special about it – but Emily loves it and if that is what it takes for her to drink water – then by all means do so!

By now, I needed a real adult beverage – so I stopped in Mexico to try another place I had been hearing so much about – La Cava del Tequila! Now this was my kind of place! I had a hard time choosing which margarita to try and ultimately chose the Pineapple Margarita – this was DELISH!!!










While enjoying my margarita we shopped around the little shops in the building and I found a few gifts for my mother and a necklace and earring set for myself! And of course when in Mexico.......




We also rode the Grand Fiesta Tour – as we had not been on that in a long time – we love that ride!












I was able to catch a neat shot of the monorail coming through Epcot.




We decided we were in need of a break and the weather was holding out so we wanted some pool time, and headed for the bus, but of course stopped for a few photopass photos on the way out!









Up next: Meeting up with more friends!

[cubfancolleen]

Yummy - the margarita looked good!
I was so sad that we weren't able to try the new ice cream shop OR have caramel corn on our last trip. But as you know from my current TR, we did NOT go hungry!
My dad would have loved the tour Scott did! He worked for the railroad (in the offices) and was a big train buff!

[Cam22]

You got my absolute favorite meal in all of WDW, beef short ribs and butter chicken at Sanaa. What an experience on Space Mountain. You all did it -- MK to 2:00 AM!

[lfredsbo]

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Yummy - the margarita looked good!
I was so sad that we weren't able to try the new ice cream shop OR have caramel corn on our last trip. But as you know from my current TR, we did NOT go hungry!
My dad would have loved the tour Scott did! He worked for the railroad (in the offices) and was a big train buff!

Thanks! That margarita was yummy! Much better than that green thing earlier in the day!

Originally Posted by Cam22

You got my absolute favorite meal in all of WDW, beef short ribs and butter chicken at Sanaa. What an experience on Space Mountain. You all did it -- MK to 2:00 AM!

Thanks! That meal was amazing!!! And I ate every last bite!!

[lfredsbo]

Yes - I am posting this update close to the other - this weekend will be busy - as I am finally laying the floor in my new craft room!!! So didn't want to forget to post an update today!





Monday, July 7, 2014 Continued:

We made it back to the resort and quickly changed into our swimsuits – the sun was not full, but there was no rain or thunder! We swam for a bit, then sat and enjoyed some beverages – I had a skinny mojito – and Emily had a virgin mojito! This has become her new favorite "fun" beverage!




















We even enjoyed some hot tub time! It felt so good!






After a bit we headed back up to the room to get showers and get ready to head out to dinner.

Tonight we were having dinner at Flying Fish – a first for us. And because we were just showered and feeling clean and fresh, I made the executive decision to take a taxi to the Boardwalk. I didn’t want to have the hassle of taking this bus here, then transferring to this bus, etc. and getting all hot and sweaty, so to me it was worth the $$ to stay somewhat fresh!

We arrived at Flying Fish and checked in – we were led to our table in a corner of the little side room – it was cozy. Our server was JR – he was very attentive.




We started out with the Chef’s Degustation of Worldly Artisanal Cheeses ~ which was amazing!!! The little tiny grapes were so full of flavor! Especially with the complimentary champagne JR brought to Scott and I to celebrate our anniversary! It was a very nice touch! He also brought Emily a virgin strawberry daiquiri – he sure knew the way to her heart!






For entrees, I had the Oak-grilled Maine Sea Scallops with a glass of Torres Esmeralda wine.




Scott had the Fragrant Asian Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna Filet and a cup of soup.






Emily decided she just wanted the Vegetarian Sushi Roll.








We skipped dessert as we were all quite full and very pleased with our meals. It was very good – as well as the service.

After dinner we took the boat over to Disney Hollywood Studios. Old friends of ours were visiting as their son was in the Dance of America Dance Competition, so we had been in touch and they were performing at DHS tonight – so we wanted to see them.









We quickly got to DHS and head straight back to the Beauty & the Beast stage where the dancers were performing and our friends were saving seats for us – we made it just in time to see Nick perform! He is the boy in the 2nd photo! All the dancers in this particular piece were from all over the U.S. and were winners in various categories – they learned this choreography in a matter of days to perform tonight! Emily was excited to see some of the dances!








After the show we walked around with our friends for a bit, catching up. The kids had known each other when they were little and had not seen each other for quite some time and of course compared dance notes!

It was time for them to head back to their resort as Nick had an early start in the morning with more choreography.

DHS had EMH this evening, so we stuck around. We made our way back to Wandering Oakens Trading Post which had just opened that week – and Emily was dying to get in there! This was a Frozen fans dream store!!! Emily spent just about the remainder of her spending money here purchasing a Anna animator doll, an Elsa animator doll, Frozen Tee shirt, a few pins, and an Olaf stuffie (we also purchased one for our friends daughter, as they could not get back to the store, she would meet up with me later in the week to grab it). The Frozen treats were quite tempting, but we refrained!






















Emily wanted to ride Rock ‘n Roller coaster, so we headed there next – even though it was EMH, the line was quite lengthy – so we rode single rider line. This is a nice option now that Emily is old enough and doesn’t mind who she sits next to as long as she gets to ride!








We were beat now even though it was still fairly early for us – it was only 10pm, but given our late night the night before, and early rise for Scott – we were in need of our pillows!






So back to the resort – and yes – I had my nightly soak before bed!



Total Miles Walked today: 19.94
Total Spent on Food & Beverages: $224.92
Total Spent on Souvenirs, Activities, Misc.: $311.41
Total TIW Discount savings: $24.60
Total Annual Pass Discount Savings: $19.75
Total 20% CS Coupon Discount savings: $22.21
Chase Visa Discount savings: $10.80


Up Next: A misbehaving pup!

[cubfancolleen]

I REALLY want to eat at Flying Fish! Everything always looks so good!!
Fun night at DHS.
I'm so excited for you about the floor going in!!! Looking forward to pictures later on.

[KMB733]

Just catching up. The pottery painting looks like a lot of fun! I never knew they did that at AKL. Dinner looked delicious. I can't believe you had to be rescued from Space Mt. That reminded me of the time we had to be rescued from Dinosaur!
After seeing your pictures of the caramel popcorn, I could really use some of that right now. It is so delicious