Trip Report Who Says You Can't Go Home Updated 2/12- DHS Finished!

This is Kiwi our traveling friend. My DD Lily got him this summer in her Kiwi Crate.

What is a Kiwi Crate? It a monthly service for kids they send you activities (science, art and games) that the kids can make. Two of DD's recent creations from the modern art box -



Anyway Kiwi was sent us with the instructions to take him on trips and post the pictures to Kiwi Crates various social media pages.

DD takes this directive very seriously, he must go on every trip including DH's business trips. Some images of Kiwi's previous adventures (we have tons more) - Believe it or not other adults are more then happy to help DH get special pictures with Kiwi for DD. Kiwi even earned some Delta Wings!



So Kiwi is now ready for his next adventure the big family trip to WDW and DD is already super excited to post pictures of Kiwi having his latest adventure. As most of my Facebook friends will not appreciate hourly updates on our trip I thought the better place to share then would here with you guys!

Kiwi is hitting the road at 5:00 am EST. I hope you will join us for his latest adventure.

Link to our pre-trip report

 

[fractal]

Oh wow, I hope you find Kiwi!

 

[RandomPrincess]

Oh wow, I hope you find Kiwi!

Thanks, no luck yet. On the plus side Lily hasn't noticed.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Magic Kingdom 11/1/13 - CRT

So to continue our first day. We were at Cinderella's Royal Table. The kids ordered chicken nuggets and I had Major Domo's Short ribs which was wonderful! It was like a pot roast flavor (which the waitress did tell us in advance). Tender and great flavor. The mashed potatoes, carrot and wilted spinach that came with it were good too. Not a fan of cooked spinach but this was good.



My DH had the fish of the day with garbanzo beans. He said the fish was good but he really liked the beans.



while we ate Ariel, Snow White, Jasmine and Aurora came around- Alec was not interested in meeting them

First time we have ever met Jasmine not in her winter gear -

For dessert DH had lemon sorbet with blueberries. I had "The Clock Strikes Twelve" A dome of white chocolate mousse covered with dark chocolate topped with a sugar cookie. It was really good -



The kids each had the trip or cones - ice cream cones filled with chocolate, vanilla and strawberry pudding. The kids loved them!



After that is was time to head back to the resort for the afternoon. We would have a late night at the Halloween Party.
Lily and DH went ahead to see if any of our missing items were turned in. We did get Alec's shoe back. Still no Kiwi.

Then we took the boat back to Polynesian

 

[RandomPrincess]

I'm back home. Not even for 24 hours yet. The idea of posting as I went or even daily was crazy! I will be getting down to posting our trip ASAP! We had a great time and really enjoyed our trip.

 

[RandomPrincess]

MNSSHP 11/1/13

So where was I? Oh yes one of the two reasons we were traveling this time of year - MNSSHP! We were going to the final party of the season. The kids were very excited and so was I! The kids were Wreak It Ralph and Vanellope -

The pumpkins only made it as far as the car. Alec was swinging the pumpkin around like a midevil weapon in his excitement so we went with the bags Disney gives out.

First order of business was Trick or Treating! We hit POTC and HM in between T or T spots. We got a Magic shot in front of the Mansion as well. When we went in there was a line of 20 groups. We came out and it was empty so we got a shot of just the kids and the whole family.

Now it was time for the first parade. We found a spot on a raise wooden platform in Frontierland about 10 minutes before start time. The kids LOVED the parade. No personal pictures as we were holding the kids up since the people sitting on the edge of the platform decided to stand for the parade for no apparent reason thus blocking our kids and causing everyone else to stand instead of sit or kneel on the platform.

Next was dinner at Casey's we had no problem finding a spot as the parade was only half way down MS when we sat down. We tried the BBQ dog and the Polish Dog. The BBQ was much better. The Polish dog claimed to have kielbasa but it was not very good kielbasa. It also could have used a touch of celery salt.

Alec didn't touch a thing at dinner he was enthralled with the dozen or so ducks having out in the planter. He was making little quacking noises at them the whole meal. The ducks were just staring at him probably wondering why he wasn't feeding them.

After dinner it was time for the Castle projection show and fireworks we grabbed a spot on the rail right next to a lovely family from England. The grandmother especially was very friendly and chatting with Lily. Once again no pictures of either show. I'm no photographer and a Google search will find me any number of beautiful photos and videos of the event.

Alec and Chris watching the castle projection show

Lily is a little sensitive to noise so we always pack her Peltor Kid's Muffs for the fireworks in case she needs them. Part way through the fireworks she said she didn't like them and wanted to leave. We gave her the ear muffs and she was able to enjoy the rest of the show.

Chris and the kids watching the fireworks

After the fireworks it was time to go the kids were tired. We have a sit and stand type stroller. Alec has a regular stroller seat up front and Lily has a bench seat and small standing platform in the back. She was sitting on the bench seat on the way out of the park and she just started to fall over. I couldn't believe it. My husband had to carry her from the ferry out to the car (we avoid the trams when we have the stroller, we find it quicker and easier to walk).

It seems like we didn't do much but we had a great time. The kids loved it and got lots of compliments on their costumes - which were almost to warm to wear! I'm used to cooler Halloween's at least 50's if not colder. Even though we left shortly after the fireworks the kids weren't in bed and asleep until about midnight.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Animal Kingdom - 11/2/13 - Wet and Wild Safari

We thankfully didn't have major plans for the day since as we watched the parking lot tram pull away without us in it it began to rain. First stop was the gift shop right out front to get some ponchos - I was kicking myself as I had ponchos for DH and I back in the room for our 2007 trip. My husband told me not to worry about it.

Every one was lined up at the first cashier so we walked around the circular counter and were able to get our ponchos ASAP.



The kids poncho just touched the ground on poor Alec so we tied up the sides for him.

By the time we got to Africa it was a major down pour. I had FP+ for the safari even though I figured we wouldn't need it but since it was raining like crazy we used it even though there was only a posted 15 minute wait.

It rained throughout our safari but thankfully it had slowed down some.

The animals didn't mind the rain though...

I was disappointed with the change to the safari though. We didn't get to see the zebras! Kind of boring to just drive slowly passed no animals. Oh well the kids didn't know the difference.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Sorry I haven't posted we have been busy getting back into the swing of things. I finished editing my PP+pictures and downloaded them today so I thought I would share some from our first day at MK and MNSSHP.

Spinning like a Tea Cup with Mickey

Meeting Mickey

Meeting Ariel and - Marching with Belle

Meeting Belle

Meeting Cinderella

 

[kilcher]

Thanks for sharing! Almost feels like I was there. We're going in 4 weeks, can't wait! This will be our 4 year olds 4th trip. Kid has it rough.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Thanks for sharing! Almost feels like I was there. We're going in 4 weeks, can't wait! This will be our 4 year olds 4th trip. Kid has it rough.

I'm glad you are enjoying the report. My 4 yo has been 4 times to Disney. 2 to DLR and 2 to WDW. Our 2 yo has been twice to WDW! Our kids are spoiled.

 

[Tater tot]

How cool. You were in Animal Kingdom the same day I was. Did the Safari during the heavy downpour also. Everyone laughed when the tour guide said all the animals were smarter than us. They were the ones taking shelter.

 

[RandomPrincess]

How cool. You were in Animal Kingdom the same day I was. Did the Safari during the heavy downpour also. Everyone laughed when the tour guide said all the animals were smarter than us. They were the ones taking shelter.

Maybe we saw each other? Not that I was looking at people I was keeping my head down and walking very quickly with two little kids being pulled along behind me.

 

[RandomPrincess]

Animal Kingdom 11/2/13 - Tusker House

By the time we were done with the safari it was raining cats and dogs again! My DH went on ahead to check us in for our brunch at Tusker House. I had a kid by each hand and was trying to weave my way through the park. Alec was stomping in EVERY puddle but I didn’t care it was raining but the day was warm and my shoes and socks were long since soaked through. Our family was in good spirits in spite of the rain. The only place we had trouble was a covered bridge between the safari exit and Tusker House we couldn’t get through to the other side because so many people were just standing taking cover. I kept saying excuse me but no one would move to let us through. Some CMs happened to be coming over to get traffic moving so the problem was quickly solved.


The Dawa Bar area in front of Tusker House was packed I’m assuming only about half the people were actually waiting to get into the Tusker House. The hostess told us tables were being turn over much more slowly than normal. I guess people were trying to wait out the storm a little. This was our longest wait of the week we had about 30 minute wait for our ADR.


Once we were sat down (in the table right next to where we sat last year). We didn’t have to wait long for the characters to come around. Because of the rain Donald was circulating in the restaurant instead of taking pictures out front.

Alec was too busy eating! He would just wave as he ate a pile of Mickey waffles and bacon. He even asked for eggs which he normally doesn’t eat. I think he had a sausage patty in this shot. The free kid ate more than everyone else!

After brunch Alec was tired he was ready for a nap. We hadn’t done much but because of the rain my DH was ready to go too. We stopped at Camp Minnie Mickey to try to get meet Pocahontas but we were just too late. Lily wasn’t to upset though and she understood why we couldn’t wait an hour for her to come back Alec was starting to flop around and Chris was carrying him. Chris pointed out the other characters that were still out - We had Baloo and King Louie (she’s never been too interested in the Jungle Book) and Chip and Dale. We decided to do Chip and Dale. Alec was to tired to participate.

Donald’s spot at the boat dock was rained out so we got a nice surprise -

After this we were done for the morning Alec was exhausted for two late nights in a row. If it was a non rainy day I would have sent my husband to get the stroller from the car and we would have just had him rest in the parks but because of the rain we headed back to the room.

 

[RandomPrincess]

11/2/13 - Raglan Road & Surprises

While Alec was napping Chris took Lily to the arcade to play some games. She had a great time! She fell in love with air hockey. They also checked out the gift shop.

For dinner was Raglan Road. I was really excited to bring Lily here as she has just started taking Irish Dance. It was a Tuesday during a slow time at WDW but DTD was a nightmare to park anywhere near the Pleasure Island or Market Place Entrances. It took us about 20 minutes to find a spot. We were still on time for our ADR though since I had anticipated there might be a parking issue. I would hate to try to get in to DTD during the upcoming busy holiday season.


We requested a table where we could see the dancers and the hostess said we could be seated right away it we didn’t mind a high top. Since she said the high top chairs had backs we said we would take it. This is where something went wrong. Another family of four was being seated 30 seconds before us. As we were being led to our table I saw the party in front of us asking to move to table closer to the stage (their table was in a weird corner where you could not see the main stage at all). Their hostess gave them the closer/better view table.


Our hostess looked confused for a second looked at our table assignment on her paper and then took us to the bad view table rejected by the other party. My DH told the hostess we were not sitting at the bad view table. We could wait for a better seat but we didn’t have to wait too long. After a few minutes were taken to another high top near the bar and we had a view of the main stage.

All the food was very good but I didn’t take any pictures of what we had. Chris was occupied with Alec who was still sleepy. We finally had to just give alec an iPhone so we could make it through dinner and the dancing. Lily was very excited to watch the dancers neither kid ate much.


Our apps were -


Heritage Tomato Salad - Heirloom tomato & rocket salad with shallots, Parmesan crisps & balsamic reduction


Kiss Before Shrimp – Pan seared shrimp in a garlic & chili lemon butter sauce with sliced baguette. Get your kissing done before this dish arrives


The salad was good and the shrimp were a bit spicy for me but DH really enjoyed them.


Chris had - Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do – Homemade gnocchi with seared scallops & crispy pork belly sauteed in a tomato, broad bean & braised kale white wine butter sauce.


The pork belly was sooooo good! I think I wished I could trade dishes with him almost every meal!


I had the Shepherd’s Pie which was good but not as good as Chris’ meal.


The kids had chicken nuggets and fries but not much was actually eaten.


At the end of each performance the dancer let the little kids come up on stage and they show them a few simple dance moves. Lily was all in for this!

This lovely dancer had just moved from Busch Garden’s in VA to Orlando just a few weeks ago. She told us she used to dance in the show there for a few years.

For dessert Chris had


Black Forest Kiss - Sweet black cherries, sumptuous chocolate mousse and biscuit with a splash kirsch.


He said it was very good. I’ve never liked cherries so I didn’t try it.


I had Dunbrody Kiss -Chef Dundon’s gift to America. Chocolate.And more chocolate, then add some more.


I’m not going to lie I know it was good but I had so many chocolate mousse type desserts over our trip they all kind of blend together into a yummy delicious chocolate haze.



Alec was more then done by the time dinner was over he was nodding off at the table. So we ditched the plans to check out the Lego Store and headed back to the room for an early night.


Alec was straight to bed and while Lily was getting ready for bed we had a knock at the door. It was a special delivery from my Grandmother, Aunt and Cousin who live in CA. They had sent the kids gift cards for $75 each to buy something special on their trip! It was such a sweet gift! The gift card came with this little plush Mickey my husband tied to his backpack for the remainder of the trip.

Once both the kids were in bed I spent the evening doing this -

Thankfully my kids aren’t bothered by noise. My poor son really needs more shoes.

 

[RandomPrincess]

I've been spending the last few days putting together our vacation video! I love making little short videos from our trip. Last year was our first time taking the kids to WDW and I ended up with a 11 minute video with multiple songs etc. For this trip I wanted short and sweet. In my Pre trip Report I talked about being obsessed with the Bon Jovi Song - Who Says You Can't Go Home - leading up to our trip and I knew I wanted to use it for our video. So this year clocks in at 4 minutes! Like I said short and sweet.



I will be getting back to my regular trip report now, most likely tonight since DH is watching UFC.

 

[Britt]

4:40 hitting the road.

View attachment 37222

Lily (4.5) and Kiwi.

View attachment 37219

Alec (2.5) with his buddies Mickey and Donald. These guys are strictly hotel buddies.
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LOVE THAT THEY'RE REAR FACING!!!!!
*ok, back to reading!*

 

[RandomPrincess]

LOVE THAT THEY'RE REAR FACING!!!!!
*ok, back to reading!*

Thanks! My DD is getting close to the weight limit. It makes me sad to turn her.

 

[fractal]

Great job on the video!

 

[RandomPrincess]

Great job on the video!

Thanks!

 

[RandomPrincess]

Kouzzina and Future World - 11/3/13


My Family LOVES Epcot! We always try to do two day here and with all the food for F&W we were going to need both days!


We started out the morning with a 9 AM ADR at Kouzzina. This was our first trip to Boardwalk since 2005. I don’t know why we waited so long between visits it’s just lovely, the dining is great and the walk to WS is perfect!


The kids like to take turns holding the pager and see who has it when it goes off. It’s like a really slow game of hot potato.

I had the Breakfast Skillet - Eggs, Pequillo Peppers, Nueske’s Bacon, Onions, Potatoes, Greek Cheese, and topped with Arugula

I could have done without the arugula but otherwise it was very good.


No pictures of Chris’ food (he doesn’t get the photos of food thing) sometimes he;s fine with me taking pictures other times he gets annoyed. This morning was annoyed. .


He ordered the Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast Two Poached Eggs, Kalamata Olive Toast, Artichoke Spread, and Sweet Potato Hash with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage and choose the Chicken Sausage


This was by far the best sausage we had the whole trip. the chicken sausage was sooooo good. I couldn’t believe it was chicken not pork.


Chris loved his meal here. Just the other day he mentioned we had to eat a Kouzzina our next trip. When I suggested we try dinner he said why breakfast was awesome!


The kids had pancakes, bacon and fruit again. Alec really liked the bread that came with my skillet and ate a whole piece himself.


After breakfast we made the short walk to the International Gateway. Today we brought the Sit and Stand stroller and both the kids rode this morning. DH complained that the jogger was better for the parks. I disagreed. I like front to back double strollers for getting in and out of the stores etc.


We didn’t take any pictures we were headed to Soarin’ to use our FP+ the only stop was for the obligatory phone booth picture in UK pavilion. Dh said get one now because there will be a line later. When we passed by later there was.

Lily and Chris headed to Sourin’ and Alec and I went to Living with the Land. Alec was excited he had a job to do…

I had never done this ride before. The first thing I noticed was how great it was to get on the boat compared to IASW and POTC no gap to step over the boat goes all the way to the edge. Much easier with a toddler. Alec enjoyed the ride he liked the scenes with the different environments at the beginning, he was pointing out all the animals. In the greenhouse area he wasn’t as excited. He like seeing the fish though.

After our ride we waited for Lily and Chris. Lily came out excited to tell us about the ride he favorite part was the ending over Disneyland. Yes she said Disneyland and she was excited they had flown all the way to CA. We let her get a Soarin’ pressed penny to make her first ride.

Next was Test Track. My DH couldn’t quite grasp how I was explaining to him we could take turns riding with Lily and both go through the FP line. I took Alec up to the CM and got our Rider Switch pass and Chris and Lily went inside using FP+


Lily’s first car design -

All strapped in -

Alec had a snack while they were inside. It took them about 30 minutes for the round trip.


Next it was my turn to try out the new TT. Lily said she liked the ride but didn’t want to go again. She wasn’t scared though she has a been there done that mentality when it comes to rides. She said I will go again later, she wanted to do something new. We explained I was going either way she could sit and do nothing or come on the ride. She chose the ride.


Designing our car -

For the ride this time I told her to sit up nice and tall so we could see her in the picture.

 

[RandomPrincess]

F&W Round One - 11/3/13

When Lily and I got off of Test Track. Alec was waiting with a new treat.

I was shocked. My husband never lets the kids get lollipops at the bank - he hates them but giant Disney lollipops are okay I guess.


Now it was time to head to World Showcase!


Lily wanted to meet Duffy who was still in his Halloween outfit.

Then we started our first trip around the world. I had been talking F&W up to Lily for a while, well the food part We like to encourage the kids to try new things and Lily loved getting her passport stamped last year so we combined the two and told her we would get a stamp at each booth she tried a food at.

Lily took the stamp thing VERY seriously she need all 30 stamps! The lines were pretty long at most booths being it was Sunday afternoon so we only hit a few.



Argentina was first - Beef Empanada & Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée - Both were very good!


Then we went inside Mexico and rode The Gran Fiesta Tour - my kids love this ride. To them it’s a giant game of I Spy featuring Donald Duck.


South Korea - Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce

When I saw this on the menus I knew this had my husbands name written all over it. I was surprised how good it was.


Then on to Africa and tried Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap & Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket


Lily and I did not enjoy them. There is some seasoning common in both dishes that I don’t enjoy. Lily thought the Beef was too spicy and she was indifferent to the Paneer.

Brewer’s Collection - Beer Flight 1: Schöfferhofer Grapefruit, Altenmünster Oktoberfest, Warsteiner Premium Verum, Warsteiner Premium Dunkel - This was all DH. The Grapefruit was his favorite.


While Chris was in the beer line Lily and I went over to the cheese booth.

Lily got the Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard Goats Gouda. She ate it all, my girl loves cheese. Her favorite was the Brie.

By this point Alec was not doing too well he was trying to sleep but couldn’t get comfortable in the stroller we decided to split up. Chris and Lily headed to Japan to do the pick a pearl I was going to wonder around with Alec and hopefully he would fall asleep.