Is it a bad sign for the vacation when you faint on the plane? COMPLETED!

[jmamom]

Heidi,
I'm guilty of lurking lately, but I'm definately not bored! I just couldn't think of anything witty enough to say (everyone ia always so funny - sometimes I can't take the pressure!). Love your pics of the Wilderness Lodge! We stayed there in 2001 - its so relaxing. Looking forward to reading more, really!

[Charleston Princess]

Originally Posted by MRYPPNS

We didn't have the best of experiences with dining on that trip. And the thing is....at home Liam is a joy to take out to eat. People come over to us to tell us how well behaved his is. (All 4 of us went out to eat for the first time tonight....it was only Chilis but both kids did awesome!)

Isn't it nice when you are able to take your children out in public to eat?

[carissanboys]

Hey Heidi! I didn't realize you guys were heading back in a month! I'm not very observant, am I?

I haven't heard much about breakfast at WCC. Honestly, I forget most of the time that they even serve breakfast.

Glad you were able to get Liam out of there quickly.

[Lady Lallie]

I always forget that WCC serves breakfast too.

Your photos of Wilderness Lodge are just beautiful.

[If U Had Wings]

The toothbrush story is too funny. On my first trip to Disney with my nieces, my older niece had issues with the self flushing toilets. Even though we'd be sure to block the sensor so it wouldn't flush while she was going, she was constantly paranoid, and getting her to even go in the restrooms was becoming a major problem. I don't think we were ever so greatful as when we finally realized that there were good old-fashioned toilets at the Germany pavillion. We spend a lot of time there that trip.

[mousescrapper]

Originally Posted by MRYPPNS

I must have a boat load of lurkers because there have been something like 400 views of my update and only these few friends saying Hi. I told you Julie..... this TR is getting boring!

not to me....


Right now Liam had been throwing things away in the trash....like a brand new bottle of salad dressing and a colander. Gotta love 2 year olds!

I once found a practically full bottle of Tarter Sauce under the dresser in Margaret's room.... needless to say it was not cold

We didn't have the best of experiences with dining on that trip. And the thing is....at home Liam is a joy to take out to eat. People come over to us to tell us how well behaved his is. (All 4 of us went out to eat for the first time tonight....it was only Chilis but both kids did awesome!)

yay a happy dinner out! I like Chilis

[MagicShell]

I just got caught back up on your report. It sounds like you did a great job of figuring out what Liam would like and dislike. Too bad you got caught by the parade. I have never seen Wishes from in front of the castle and I plan to do that on my next trip.

[Tinkerbellroxs95]

Love the trip report!!!!! And Liam is so cute!

[brookelizabeth]

Ooooh, I'm so glad Henry hasn't found "the slot". And, I'm going to be extra careful with my toothbrush in case he does/when he does!

Sorry breakfast wasn't all that great. We found our service at WCC a bit slow too-nice, but slow. I think it's just like you said-too many tables for too few servers. I'm looking forward to finding out what the rest of your "choose your own adventure" day holds!

[MRYPPNS]

Originally Posted by KathyRN137

Oh my goodness, Heidi, that is just so typically two!!
They just love to explore the "cause and effect" of their actions...
Billy once flushed our Annual Passes down the toilet!
The "effect" on Mommy was not what he expected....

BTW, I love how you organized your "free day" like a multiple-choice quiz! I was tempted to get out my #2 pencil...


Kathy

AP down the toilet? That must have been an interesting convo with guest services.
Would you believe that I have a favorite brand of #2 pencils? Ticonderoga....it only writes the correct answer

Originally Posted by jenjolt

Heidi...I just love your pictures of WL!!! I so want to visit there someday!!

I'm not finding your TR boring at all...of course I understand the need to finish up as you have another coming soon...I'm in that same dilemna!!! I can't wait to hear more about your day!!!!!

A great way to visit WL without eating there is to rent a boat from their Marina. It's a great location to cruise both 7 Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

Originally Posted by joy13

Hi - I just followed you over to this trip report from Kathy's! It's fun to read since you went last year the same week we are going this year. Thanks for posting the DTD Halloween brochure - I wasn't sure exactly they had going on - now I do

It seems your trip was quite the adventure - but you sure did perservere!

Welcome! I always enjoy reading a TR from the stay time period as my trip too. Pack a sweatshirt!!!! Let me know if you have any DTD Halloween questions.

Originally Posted by jmamom

Heidi,
I'm guilty of lurking lately, but I'm definately not bored! I just couldn't think of anything witty enough to say (everyone ia always so funny - sometimes I can't take the pressure!). Love your pics of the Wilderness Lodge! We stayed there in 2001 - its so relaxing. Looking forward to reading more, really!

Thanks for de-lurking!!! No need to be witty....I'm not most of the time

Originally Posted by Charleston Princess

Isn't it nice when you are able to take your children out in public to eat?

Very much so!

[MRYPPNS]

Originally Posted by carissanboys

Hey Heidi! I didn't realize you guys were heading back in a month! I'm not very observant, am I?

I haven't heard much about breakfast at WCC. Honestly, I forget most of the time that they even serve breakfast.

Glad you were able to get Liam out of there quickly.

I'm going to Disney for a solo trip 9/30 to 10/4. Mama needs a vacation where she doesn't have to change diapers

IMO the WCC breakfast would be fine if you were staying at WL or the campground but I don't think it's worth it to travel there.

Originally Posted by Lady Lallie

I always forget that WCC serves breakfast too.

Your photos of Wilderness Lodge are just beautiful.

Thanks! See you stayed there.....that's how rememberable breakfast at WCC is

Originally Posted by If U Had Wings

The toothbrush story is too funny. On my first trip to Disney with my nieces, my older niece had issues with the self flushing toilets. Even though we'd be sure to block the sensor so it wouldn't flush while she was going, she was constantly paranoid, and getting her to even go in the restrooms was becoming a major problem. I don't think we were ever so greatful as when we finally realized that there were good old-fashioned toilets at the Germany pavillion. We spend a lot of time there that trip.

That would make a great thread topic.....Non-Sensor Toilets of WDW!

Originally Posted by mousescrapper

yay a happy dinner out! I like Chilis

Me too....and it was cheap the other night. We usually get take out but I really wanted to be waited on!

The worst is finding milk sippy cups under the couch.....nasty.

Originally Posted by MagicShell

I just got caught back up on your report. It sounds like you did a great job of figuring out what Liam would like and dislike. Too bad you got caught by the parade. I have never seen Wishes from in front of the castle and I plan to do that on my next trip.

You must see Wishes from the front of the castle.....doesn't have to be directly in front but as close as you can.

Originally Posted by Tinkerbellroxs95

Love the trip report!!!!! And Liam is so cute!

Welcome and thanks!

Originally Posted by brookelizabeth

Ooooh, I'm so glad Henry hasn't found "the slot". And, I'm going to be extra careful with my toothbrush in case he does/when he does!

Sorry breakfast wasn't all that great. We found our service at WCC a bit slow too-nice, but slow. I think it's just like you said-too many tables for too few servers. I'm looking forward to finding out what the rest of your "choose your own adventure" day holds!

I can just imagine the mischief that Liam and Henry could get into together!!!

[scottny]

I'm going to Disney for a solo trip 9/30 to 10/4.

I miss you by 5 days.

[MRYPPNS]

Ok so when I last updated it was Day 8 and it was Choose Your Own Adventure Day. We went to WCC for breakfast and the next thing we decided to do for a big adventure was……..nap. Yup we napped, well Liam and I napped, and DH played his game on the laptop. And ladies there in lay the secret for getting your DH’s to love the idea of a Disney vacation. Quick story…. I’ve been worried that DH might not want to make Disney an annual or even bi-annual family vacation. For a number of reasons but the main one is that my DH has an incredible memory….he can remember in great detail just all the rides and shows we do at Disney….I on the other hand can’t remember what I had for breakfast today. So to go to Disney “often” to him could become boring I worried. Well the other night we were talking about vacations and he made a great comment about Disney…he said he likes to go to Disney because we can do as little or a much in a day as we want because it’s all right there for us. We don’t have to drive around looking for a good restaurant….we know where they are. If we want to go to a park for just part of the day we can. And if we want to nap and play on the computer we can. Sounds like home doesn’t it?

Anyhoo…..I have no idea if we had lunch at the resort or not. I’m pretty sure we would have feed Liam in the room before heading out to…..



The Food and Wine Festival was going on.










We checked out Innoventions. I wanted to see the EPCOT 25th Anniversary Gallery but it was closed. And I was rather bummed.

DH and I spent a couple minutes making Velcro Frogs…very cute idea and FREE. Gotta love FREE. I got a Kidcot lanyard for Liam and he did a little coloring at the table. I must say that he did 3 of these Kidcot lanyard things in Future World (he didn’t do the mask in WS) and I was less then impressed with the CM’s manning these things. I can no stand it when two employees (Disney or not) chat among themselves like they are bored and don’t engage the guests. Mini rant over.

Kim Possible was not open yet when we went….does anyone know if this is a pickup spot now for the Kimmunicators?



New paint scheme for Innoventions….



Next we headed to the old Wonders of Life Pavilion for the F&W Fest Center. (Side note: I am so happy that during my 2002 trip with my friend that we spent so time in here and did everything but the Making of Me. It hasn’t been open since and I doubt it ever will again….that’s why I think I take so many random pictures….you never know when it will be the last time you see it “like it was”.)







I gotta say, I was not impressed with the Festival Center. I saw first hand why people were unhappy with the seminars taking place in there. It was cramped, a bit loud, and hard to get around with a stroller. Maybe because it was the last weekend of the Festival but I was disappointed with the F&W Logo items for sale….very little to choose from and not very “Disney-ish”. On a good note: the bathrooms were clean.

As we were headed out I noticed a woman in Chef whites that looked very familiar. It was Cat Cora. I asked if she would mind posing for a quick picture and she was very nice. Too bad I didn’t think to get her to sign the autograph book.


(By the way….DH is crouching down….she is tiny!)

It had started raining at this point…and would off and on for the rest of the day. Here’s Liam’s stroller covered in a $1 poncho….the $35 brand-new-for-the-trip stroller cover is in the basket underneath…it still hasn’t been used.


Next stop Food and Wine Booths.










I have no food porn <hangs head in shame>.

[Tonight’s dinner was supposed to be at 1900 Park Fare. We canceled it…second trip in a row that I have missed eating here…and I can’t get a ressie for it on my solo trip this year. ]

I’ll just quickly run thru what we sampled at the booths and give you my impressions.

My general impression was not the greatest. I guess I thought the food would be more gourmet. That was a mistake on my part to think that. Yes it is a Food and Wine Festival but it is still Disney we’re talking about and its still food that has to be mass produced. Secondly I was pregnant….there wasn’t anything I couldn’t eat because of it, but I couldn’t drink. Third, I’m allergic to tree nuts….lots of the dessert samples had nuts in them so there goes a lot of the sweet treats. Fourth, DH was kinda being a bummer about trying things…..that took a bit of the fun out of it. All that being said: I personally wouldn’t book a vacation just to go to F&W but I am excited to be going during my up coming solo trip.

The Mouse Catch
3 different cheeses $4.50
Loved 1, liked 1, meh about 1

Argentina
Grilled Beef with Chimichurri $4.25
Don’t remember it so it must have been OK

Austria
Beef Goulash $3.75
This must have been DH’s because I don’t remember it at all.

South Africa
Durban Spiced Chicken with Coconut Milk Infused Root Veggies $3.75
Spice Cake with Chocolate sauce $2.25

I was surprised how much I liked this chicken dish….I would have gotten another one if we came back.

The spice cake was good as well….

Australia
Pepperberry Prawns with sweet Potato Hash $4.75
Wattleseed Mousse $2.75

These were DH’s samples…I did try the mousse (I’m allergic to shellfish too). The Prawns were too spicy for him. The mousse tasted like coffee with poppy seeds in it. We both didn’t like it and didn’t finish it. And the spicy prawns turned DH off from trying any more booths that night. Grrrrrrr.

Germany
Regensburger Sausage with Sauerkraut in a Pretzel roll $3.75

I had them hold the Sauerkraut. The sausage itself was rather bland. The roll was excellent. I added some spicy brown mustard and it improved the sausage. I’m looking forward to trying this one again.

France
Goat Cheese and Leek Quiche $4.00

I liked the flavors but found the quiche dry.

Our next stop was the Refreshment Port for a milk and chicken nuggets for Liam. Just as soon as we got his food it started to pour. We ducked into the gift shop that is there by the lagoon and feed Liam his nuggets on the tray of his stroller. A little redneck, but it was raining and he really needed to eat. Oh well. When the rain let up we continued our tour.

Greece

Greek Salad $2.75
Spanikopita $3.50

I didn’t like the dressing on the salad but I ate it all anyways because I was dying for some greens. Normally on vacation I eat a lot of salad with dinner but since we were sticking to counter service for most of this trip I was missing veggies….fries don’t count, nor does ketchup.

I didn’t care for the spanikopita. It’s one of those foods that I think I like but I really don’t because every time I have it I wish it was cheesier. The pastry was good, it needed more cheese!

Back to the Refreshment Port

McDonald’s French Fries $2.87

I was craving them something bad and they hit the spot!

When we were in Germany we stopped at Der Teddybar to pick up Danica her first teddy bear. We were able to do this for Liam in 2007. ($31.95 w/tax)


Near the American Pavilion they had a set-up called The Pearville Fair. It was the only thing during the Festival that seemed to be kid friendly. Liam did some coloring with some Grand-mom type CM’s and because the area was fairly closed off we were able to let him walk around on his own.




On our way out we stopped to watch the Mine, Mine, Mine seagulls….Liam thought that was very funny.







When we got back to the room we found these guys already in bed.

[DisMomAmy]

Hi!! I'm back... not bored, just been REALLY BUSY lately! Your update popped up today and I figured it was time to get caught up on my DISing so I started with you. I was happy to find I was only 2 updates behind.

I liked your WCC update - even if you guys didn't love it - your pictures brought back some nice memories of the WL. I was definitely more impressed with the Lodge than WCC itself - but that could have been because our moods were really bad that day.

I'm glad you guys took it easy for a while on free choice day - my DH could appreciate a little video game time too.

I'm sure I'm alone in this, but I don't have much of a desire to visit Epcot during the F&W festival. Wine I like, but I'm definitely not a foodie! I'm so picky I'd probably have a hard time finding stuff I'd enjoy. But thanks for the reviews.

[jordanyosh]

I'm sure you know that Cat Cora has opened a restaurant on the Boardwalk--Kouzzina! Can't wait to try it. She's kinda good looking...