Taking A Break from Life with a Trip to My Happy Place About This Page:

[honeybee723]

Originally Posted by MayraLR

Glad Hope did better with the characters this time. And that brownie of hers looks yummy.

So am I!

Originally Posted by num1DVCfan

How long did it take you to walk to HS? We're staying at Boardwalk in May and I'm debating on walking over for our breakfast if a boat isn't readily available.

That was quite a brownie! It reminded me of the pudding they gave Sean on our cruise. It was covered in chocolate syrup and we went through about a dozen napkins trying to keep him clean!

I'd say it took us about 10 minutes, and that was with us moving really quickly. Sometimes I think it's quicker to just walk because you miss the boat stops. We've done that walk a few times, and it always seems pretty quick to me.

Originally Posted by lauriep

Yikes, scary moment for you at breakfast almost passing out! Must have been the cold messing with your inner ear and sinuses. Glad it passed. What a lovely, restful time at Epcot. Good timing getting Hope to nap!

That had to be the reason I was feeling that way. Usually when I pass out it's because I'm getting blood drawn or something scary like that.

Originally Posted by stardust190

Sorry that you guys ended up getting sick, but it doesn't look like you let that stop you from having fun. I didn't realize the OSoL was up in mid-November. Is it that way with all the Christmas decorations? I really want to go at Christmastime, but DH can't take time off between Thanksgiving and Christmas so I didn't think I would get to.

I think Hope picked out a good lunch. That brownie looks great! I will say that you are a little bit of a wishy-washy mom on vacation. Kid gets brownies for lunch, but still has to have time outs. Sounds like what I would do.

All of the parks were decorated when we got there, and the hotels were working on putting there stuff up. Our resort didn't have their Christmas tree up when we got there, but when we woke up on Thursday morning (the day of this update) everything had gotten a Christmas makeover. They were even working on getting the decorations up at the BC when we were there for our breakfast. I think you'd be really happy with the amount of decorations if you went the week before Thanksgiving one year.

Originally Posted by chezp

What a great start to the day - I'm so glad Hope did better this time around with the characters and I love those shots of her posing... what a cute little diva she is!

I think she's getting too used to me carrying a camera around all of the time, and likes to ham it up!

Originally Posted by KMB733

Glad Hope enjoyed the characters much better today. Sounds like a nice relaxing time at DHS, and I see nothing wrong with eating a brownie for lunch while on vacation!

Chocolate is good any time of the day if you ask me.

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

I am glad Hope got to feeling better and she looked like she finally got into enjoying the characters.
I am glad to see they got Mr. Potato Head working right. The last time we were there it was broken half the time.
Your drinks looked yummy and of course I love the pic of you tasting both!

I think we were there one time when he wasn't doing anything, now that you mention it. Like I said, I had never seen him interact with people, so maybe I just wasn't used to him working.

Originally Posted by dutchdisneyfamily

Laughing so hard at you trying them both at once! Looks perfect! That brownie looks sooooo good right now.

Hey...I had to do a taste test for everyone here.

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

I.Need.A.Brownie.NOW!!
But I'd settle for either of he FAB's!
Great day so far - especially with Hope doing bett with the characters. Love the new sig pic.

Thanks! And a brownie plus a FAB is an even better idea.

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

So glad that Hope was better with the characters!!!! We haven't done Cape May for breakfast in along time.....might have to fix that!

Looks like you and mom had a beautiful quiet moment with your FAB's!!!! Looks yummy!!!

We love CMC! You get a lot of bang for your buck there because it's one of the more inexpensive places to get a character breakfast.

Originally Posted by Cam22

Looks like breakfast at Cape May went quite well! That brownie also looked very good!

Thanks.

Originally Posted by mcc0313

Sorry you and Hope were not feeling well at DHS but sounds like you had a great dinner, the right server really can make this such a fun meal (plus I always love the food). Glad Hope woke up feeling tons better and that while you did have a cold it was something you could deal with.

Love the pictures but I always do...glad they were able to move you to a better table at breakfast. Glad once you ate the feeling that you had passed quickly. I have gotten like that every once in a while and usually food does the trick.

I think you and your mom had the perfect idea while Hope slept...both of your drinks looked delicious!!!

The food definitely made me feel a lot better, so much so, that I was able to enjoy a FAB later that afternoon.

Originally Posted by kingfamily1129

wow! that was some brownie! lol and I LOVE the look on your face while drinking the two FAB It looks like you 3 were having a great time. I love the Mr. Potatohead in line, I think he is fun for the kids who do have to wait in line, like Hope. It looks like she was starting to warm up to the characters at your breakfast...that's a good sign, right?

That was definitely a good sign. No problems with the characters from here on out.

Originally Posted by shazza

Nice photos with the characters at Cape May - and the brownie too! Yum, nice FABs.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by OneLittleSpark

Don't tell her to stop posing Melissa! She is so freaking cute! Love those pics.

How did you like the GG slush? It's my fave out of the two. I don't think I am a big GM fan.

Sounds like breakfast was a hit. Sorry you had that moment though going up to get food. Sounded like you were going to pass out! I am so glad you didn't.

I can't wait to hear about the first, but it sounds like it could be bad.

Don't worry. I only tell her to stop posing when I'm trying to get special shots, like the ones I took of her for our Christmas card. I don't want to take that sassiness away any time soon. And I did like the GG slush better than the GM. My favorite drink is a Lemon Drop Martini, so I tend to like drinks with more of a tangy flavor. This one definitely hit the spot.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Great pictures from CMC! Glad you got moved to a better table! Sounds like a great time at DHS, and some nice adult time at Epcot!

That table was just awful! I was happy we moved too.

Originally Posted by OCEANGRLLG

I am back! Sorry so long, my computer once more and now the stupid thing wont even turn on and the worst part is I have about 15 years of pics stored on the computer! I moved them all to that computer cause I was thinking that I wold then just move them all to another hard drive but did not get the chance to do so. But anyhoos! Great updates!!!

Glad you're back with us! Sorry about your computer issues though. That's why I always back my photos up to an external hard drive. You just never know what could happen.

Oh, and I got your message the other day. I was actually walking into my office when you called and I had my hands full. I get into the office at 7:30am now. I'll give you a call one evening on my way home from work when I have to pick Hope up from daycare. That way I'll be in the car a bit longer.

Originally Posted by JKnott17

Another great day so far! I'm glad Hope liked the characters a little more this morning. I don't blame you for asking to move out of that room at CMC, I always feel bad for the people they stick in there when I walk by.

I don't know why they even open that room up. It doesn't even look like it should be there.

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

LOVE the pics of Hope "posing"..................she is so stinkin' CUTE!!!! Especially with the shades and hip action goin on!!! Treasure those moments...............not so cute when they are doing it at 13

Oh, I do treasure them. They just have "Hope" written all over them, and that what makes pictures like that so special.

Originally Posted by poohbr2015

So glad Hope was feeling better the next morning and that your cold was manageable. CMC is one of our fave bfasts, now along with Tusker House. Do you mean seating to the right when you walk in? We have always been seated to the left either right around the buffet or just a little further where they have larger tables. Glad Hope loosened up with the characters. Love her posing, let her do it now while it is still cute! lol! That brownie looks more like a pudding. The FAB's look delish, wish I was having one right now!

Love how you and your mom are just relaxing and really enjoying the slower side of disney. Its always nice to find a seat with a FAB and take in your surroundings and people watch! I would love to do this with my mom at some point but I know it would be hard to get my hh and dad to stay home! lol!

Well usually when you get snow, we get it too so we are in the same boat. We had some Monday night, just like a coating to an inch and some is hanging around since its been so cold. I am hoping for at least a moderate storm also since my 4 year old is bugging me about building a snowman and making snow angels! My sister took my nephew to the Baltimore Aquarium on Monday. I passed, I would rather go when its warm enough to walk around the harbor!

Yes, that's the room I'm talking about...to the right as soon as you walk in. Just a weird little room. Oh, and tell the men to go off by themselves to the ESPN zone or something so you and your mom can have some girl time. That's what we always do when they're with us.

Oh, and we got some snow last night! But it wasn't much. We're supposed to get more tomorrow afternoon into the evening. Hoping it's worth at least a snowman...even if he's a miniature snowman.

Originally Posted by MickeyD

Now you got me wanting a Grey Goose Slushie!!!

Originally Posted by Linnynad

Double fisted!!! That's my girl
Really sorry your mom beat you on TSMMThat's tragic
Glad Hope was feeling better and back to her supermodel self, she is looking so grown up lately........must be all her poses.

Well, if you're gonna do it, do it right! Ha! She does look more grown up now that you mention it. I still can't believe she's only 3.5 years old, especially with the way she acts sometimes. Sure you can totally relate to what I'm saying.

[sc507]

Loving the diva pictures! LOL! My friend blames my daughter for teaching hers to pose like that on our Disney trip - the girls were 4 Nothing wrong with a brownie for lunch on vacation My kids may or may not have had a brownie for lunch from the caramel store in Germany on our last trip....

[OhToodles!]

Originally Posted by Linnynad

Double fisted!!! That's my girl

Took the words right out of my mouth!
That room on the right...that's where we sat last ( and only) time we've been to CMC. Although the room was pretty full when we were there.
I love Hope in her sunglasses! So stinkin' cute!

[honeybee723]

Originally Posted by sc507

Loving the diva pictures! LOL! My friend blames my daughter for teaching hers to pose like that on our Disney trip - the girls were 4 Nothing wrong with a brownie for lunch on vacation My kids may or may not have had a brownie for lunch from the caramel store in Germany on our last trip....

I honestly have no idea where she learned to pose like that. I know I didn't teach her. Haha!

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Took the words right out of my mouth!
That room on the right...that's where we sat last ( and only) time we've been to CMC. Although the room was pretty full when we were there.
I love Hope in her sunglasses! So stinkin' cute!

Sorry you got stuck back in that room, and I can understand utilizing it if it's crowded, but there was only one other family in there when we were taken back, and there were a ton of tables available in the main area. Very strange.

[mommapants]

all caught up. So happy Hope is doing better with the characters. She is a sweetie. Love the Diva poses. They love so cute on 3 years olds - 15 year old, not so much.

Hey if you gonna have 2 drinks at your disposal, why not try both.

[dsteiny23]

Okay, I'll get back to the other stuff, but you let your mom beat you at TSMM?? I gotta tell you, I'm a little disappointed in you

Other than that, we love CMC for breakfast. Haven't been stuck in the cafeteria yet, but I think I'd say something too. Don't you love the walk to DHS from there? Hope's poses are too much. And I did NOT see that Cosmo when I was there, yummm!

[honeybee723]

Originally Posted by mommapants

all caught up. So happy Hope is doing better with the characters. She is a sweetie. Love the Diva poses. They love so cute on 3 years olds - 15 year old, not so much.

Hey if you gonna have 2 drinks at your disposal, why not try both.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Two are way better than one anyway.

Originally Posted by dsteiny23

Okay, I'll get back to the other stuff, but you let your mom beat you at TSMM?? I gotta tell you, I'm a little disappointed in you

Other than that, we love CMC for breakfast. Haven't been stuck in the cafeteria yet, but I think I'd say something too. Don't you love the walk to DHS from there? Hope's poses are too much. And I did NOT see that Cosmo when I was there, yummm!

My head is hung low in shame. You have every right to be disappointed in me because I'm a loser.

A cafeteria...that's exactly what that room reminds me of! Couldn't pinpoint it, but that's what it was. Thanks! And next time you go around the holidays, go look and see if that Cosmo is there. They usually bring it out for the F&WF and leave it there for the holidays, or so the guy told me. Worth a shot.

[honeybee723]

Day Four, Pt.2 –Friday, November 16th
A “First” I Wish I Hadn’t Tried

After relaxing and enjoying our FABs for a bit, we realized we were starting to get a bit . Taking a cue from Hope, and eating a snack for lunch, we agreed that it was time for some chocolate cake. With Hope still snoozing, we walked over to Norway and ordered our “regular”…chocolate mousse cake with a glass of milk.




We had just finished eating when Hope started to stir a bit, and pretty soon she was wide awake. Earlier, when we were making our way over to Norway, I had noticed a really pretty garden in front of Akershus, so before we went anywhere else, I took a few photos of Hope.




Then we asked Hope what she wanted to do next, and she told us she wanted to go on the flying ride. For all of you that don’t speak 3 year old, the flying ride is also known as Soarin’, and I had Stacey and her Top 10 Things to Do at Disney to thank for putting the idea into Hope’s head. You see, every morning Hope wanted to watch what she called the “Disney Show”, which was the one with that annoying woman Stacey. Sorry guys, but I can’t stand her. Anyway, Hope watched this thing so many times she started memorizing some of the lines from it, as well as some of the rides, and Soarin’ was one of them.

We weren’t sure if she would even be tall enough for it, or if there would even be any FPs available, but we figured we’d head over there to find out. Once we got there, right away we noticed the FPs were all gone, and the standby line was showing a 70 minute wait, so there was no way we were riding Soarin’ at that very moment, but we could still see if she was tall enough for the possibility of a future ride.

Well above the line and very excited about it!


This is her idea of a thumbs-up.


Because Soarin’ was out of the picture right now, we figured the next best thing would be for us to go have a looksie for Nemo.



We hung out in there for a bit, and even got lucky enough to see the sea turtle being fed, as well as a ton of other fish trying to steal his food.




Then we decided to head back to the room for a bit to freshen up, and get some more cold medicine for me, before we had to go back to Epcot for our 6pm ADRs at TE. I forgot to mention that when we woke up this morning, AKL had been magically transformed for Christmas, so before we headed back out we got a few shots in front of the tree.





Now back at Epcot, I was really looking forward to our dinner, although by now my throat had started hurting, and I was beginning to get that achy feeling behind my eyes and in my head. On our way to the restaurant, Hope notice that Alice was out, and because we had time to spare, we let her stop and say hello.



Finally in Japan, and this is so embarrassing, but I didn’t even know where TE was located. Somehow I got lucky enough to stumble upon the podium that I thought was only for Tokyo Dining, but then I realized it was shared with TE as well. So after checking in and receiving our pager, we had about a 10 minute wait before they called us into our “group”. Hope was the only child at our table, and the rest of them were older couples who probably rolled their eyes as soon as they saw that she would be seated with them.

We sat on one end of the table, with me and Hope at the very end, and my mom sitting next to one of the couples to her right. Normally we have no problem socializing with other people we don’t know, but for some reason I felt like I was pulling teeth trying to strike up a conversation with any of them. Thankfully the lady sitting next to my mom was a little chattier than the rest of the group, because the last thing I wanted was to feel like we were all just staring at each other.

When it came time to place our order, mom and I both selected the filet mignon, with Hope saying she wanted the chicken. Then the “show” started, and unfortunately I didn’t take one single picture in here. I’ll chalk it up to not feeling 100%, but also because I just wanted to enjoy what I was seeing, as well as Hope’s reactions to what she was seeing. We had a great chef, and to my surprise Hope loved everything about this place. The noodles, most of the vegetables, the chicken and the sauces to dip the chicken in….she ate all of it! This was by far our best meal of the trip…DELICIOUS! I could have eaten here again a few more times, so I know the next time we go back, this place is definitely on our list of must-dos.

Of course, we still had to order dessert, and the only bad thing about this restaurant was their lack of dessert variety. It was either soft serve ice cream, chocolate ginger cake or green tea pudding, and out of the three, all of us chose the ice cream. By now we were the only people left at the table because we were the only people ordering dessert on the dining plan, but that was fine by me because at least for a portion of my meal I didn’t need to try and make small talk with people who didn’t want to talk at all.

It was getting close to 8:30pm by the time we left, and my throat was still feeling yucky, plus I was getting colder as the evening went on. I didn’t want to be a party pooper, but I decided it was time for me to start calling it a night. So as we were heading out of WS, I decided to stop by Morocco and check another first off my list by ordering a Casablanca Coffee. I figured that might help my throat feel better, as well as warm me up in the process.



That was until I took the first sip, and realized I had made a big mistake by ordering this thing. It had what tasted like spices in it that actually burned my throat, and the actual taste of it was something less than desirable. I think I might have gotten 3 sips down before I gave up and threw it away. Yuck!

As we made our way towards FW, we figured that we may as well see what the standby situation was with Soarin’. Since Illuminations getting ready to start, we thought we’d have a good chance of getting on the ride, but boy were we wrong. The wait was still holding at 70 minutes, and I knew there was no way I was going to be able to make it through that wait with the way I was feeling. I know Hope was a bit disappointed, but I promised her if we didn’t find the time to ride it before we went home, we would definitely ride it on our next trip to Disney.

We made one more stop before leaving the park, and that was to Mousegears so my mom could try and pick out a souvenir for my niece, as well as to see if anything caught Hope’s eye since my mom had given her a gift card at the start of our trip. She did see a Belle Barbie doll, but she said she wanted to wait to make sure she didn’t see anything else she liked at one of the other parks. Smart girl. As we were leaving the store we noticed the cool little hats they were now selling, so of course, I had to get a few pictures before we finally left the park.



At the bus stop we waited a little too long for my liking, and by the time we got on the bus, I was FREEZING. The wind had picked up outside and I just felt like crap. I couldn’t wait to get back to the room, and when we finally did, I immediately hopped into a warm shower to thaw out. This was also the night we saw the giraffes eating right outside of our balcony. I wish I had a camera with night vision capabilities so I could have shared this amazing experience with all of you. I think it was the highlight of our stay here because to have a giraffe that close when it’s that quiet outside, is just incredible. We could hear them munching on the leaves and even their breathing. It was just an unbelievable moment to have right before heading off to bed.

Up Next: Hope Gets a Very Special Kiss

[disneydreamer33]

We love TE too! I think last trip was the only time we didn't eat there.
That chocolate mousse looked too die for.
Glad Hope is tall enough for Soarin', hopefully you got to go on it before you left. I guess I will see!
Sorry you weren't feeling good. That happened to me on one of our trips. The next to last day, it just smacked me in the face. We had a ADR at Yak & Yeti and I cancelled it because I just couldn't trek across AK to go eat. We ended up eating at the resort (OKW) at Olivia's and it was delish. Hope it got better and not worse.

[dsteiny23]

Gotta love Hop's face in the "I'm tall enough to ride Soarin" pic!!
Beautiful pics of Hope by the tank too. I love a giraffe and that must have been so great outside your room. We saw them at night up close when we stayed there for the race, but from the observation deck and not our room.
Those hats are adorable
Sorry you were sick and that coffee didn't help :P

[OhToodles!]

I'm glad you enjoyed TE. I didn't, but I wouldn't cross it off my list entirely. Bummer on the coffee.
I just love AKL at Christmas and that HUGE tree!
Sounds like an amazing experience with the giraffes.

And I see our friend Dawn is currently viewing this thread too. Now, where's Linny?

[chezp]

I absolutely love Hope's face when she found out she was tall enough to ride Soarin'! How cool that you got to see the Christmas tree up at Animal Kingdom Lodge as well.

Sorry you weren't feeling well - I'm sure the weather probably didn't help on that count.

[KMB733]

Sorry that coffee made your throat even worse. Hope looks so excited that she can ride Soarin, I hope you can't the chance!

[davishomeschool]

I am so sorry you were feeling so bad. You couldn't have picked a better shirt color for DD to have on for her pictures taken in front of Nemo

[lauriep]

I'm so sorry that the cold came on strong and you felt so bad! You held out for quite a while, though, and managed to get in a great meal. Lots of wonderful photos of Hope, too, especially the funny "thumbs up" one! She looks so cute in jeans. I hope you wake up feeling a bit better, but once a cold grabs hold like that they don't usually just go away. Hearing the animals eat at night is the best thing about staying at AKL. What a cool thing that is.