Our Disney Trip Aug 13-20

Day 1 Aug 13,2011

We got up at 3:45 and went to the airport for 5am. Through security and customs to our flight to Denver. We landed in Denver on time and went to find our connecting gate we went for lunch and came back to discover our flight had been delayed. So we had a 3 hour layover instead of a two hour layover. We finally landed in Orlando at 7:40ish. The kids both did amazing on the flights we were very impressed and happy. So off we went to find the Magical Express. We got to Port Orleans Riverside at 8:30ish. Cheeked in and went to pick up our Stroller Rental and Garden Grocer order. We headed to our room to drop it all off then back down to meet the family for dinner at Boatwrights.

The food at Boatwrights was really good. I had the Cajun-seasoned Crawfish Bites for an appetizer then the Blackened Fish Fillet for dinner and the Chocolate Cake for desert. I loved the Crawfish bites I could have eaten them all night. The fish was good I really liked it and the cake we took back to our room it was very moist and soft without being to sweet Chris had Bourbon Barbecue Shrimp as an appetizer and the Grilled Tenderloin Medallions and liked it quite a bit but he wasn't fond of the crawfish Beignet that came with it and the Pecan Pie for desert. We really liked the food and were sad that we only managed the one meal here.

We went back to our room to find one of our suitcases but not the other so I went to the front desk to cheek on it. (bell service was closed for the night) Their computer only showed one bag that had been tagged coming from Vancouver. So I went back to our room to grab the tracking number that had been on the suitcase. Erin at front desk was very helpful and said she would put a track on it as well as cheeked there system to see if it had been delivered to one of our families rooms. So i went back to the room for the night to sleep and hoped that the suitcase would be there in the morning.

Day 2. Aug 14,2011

We got up around 8:30 and I went to cheek on our missing bag. Still no luck so back to the room I went and started to get the kids ready to head out for the day. We went down to the food court for breakfast and both just got a plate with scrambled eggs sausage bacon and a biscuit. We went back to the room to grab the stroller and diaper bag and headed off to downtown Disney with one last cheek at bell service to see if they had possibly found our suitcase. They had and it was on its way to our room apparently. Yay. So off we went to DTD.

Chris in the shirt he borrowed. 

We wandered in and out of stores but with a double stroller it was not easy. We went into the lego store for Carsten but found he was to little to play in the bins with the older kids so off we went to the world of Disney store this was the hardest store to navigate but there is lots of interesting things to look at. We went to a few more stores then stopped at Garhadelli for some ice cream. Wow are the servings big.

We saw the water fountains and let DS go play in them well I went and looked at once upon a toy. We ended up getting a clip on fan for the stroller I think it was worth the $15 and will get used at home.

We went back to the resort and grabbed some lunch then went back to the room to let the kids cool off a bit and maybe take a nap. I had hoped to make it to the magic kingdom latter in the afternoon but by the time we were all done napping it was pretty much time to go for dinner at California Grill. We had a late reservation here so we could watch the fireworks and it was definitely worth it for the food alone. For an appetizer I had the California Roll it was very good. Then I had a fish of some sort I cant remember what kind but it was also very good and for desert I had the chocolate Creme Brulee. Chris had some sort of a Tomato Salad for his appetizer that he said was really good and it must have been because tomatoes aren't something he normally eats on there own. Then he had the Cast Iron-Seared Veal Tenderloin which he loved as well. I think he had a cheesecake for desert but I cant remember what kind it was.

Our waiter (picture curtsey of Sophie Bogner)

The fireworks were definitely worth seeing from there and we had a very good view this was my day to see how the kids reacted to the fireworks so I could decide if we would do any of the other shows up close. The kids both liked the fireworks and didn't seam bothered by the loud bangs so I was happy that we could see the fireworks at the other parks.

We decided because Carsten was awake that we would go to the Magic Kingdom for a few hours and get some use of the extra magic hours. So off we went we thought River was going to stay awake to but the heat just seams to make her sleep. So Carsten and I went and road on Dumbo, Winnie The Pooh and the teacups and then headed back to the resort. Grandma and Grandpa and Caleb came and rode on Dumbo with us as well but they went to ride splash mountain right after.

Day 3. Aug 15, 2011

We got up and headed to get breakfast at the food court then back to our room to grab everything we needed for a full day at Epcot. We went to meet up with Aunty Cherie, Uncle Ryan, Caleb, Sophie and Silas to ride the bus together. We got into Epcot and did some photo pass pictures of the four of us then we headed to the seas with nemo which we discovered was a bit to long of a wait before are lunch reservations with everyone. So we found a little side area and let Carsten run around and look at the ducks in the pond.

Lunch was at Coral Reef and I thought the food was spectacular. Both Chris and I had the Crab Cakes to start and they were amazing. Then I had the Lobster Ravioli it was my favourite part of the meal. I could not have been happier with it. For dessert I had the Creme Brulee and it was also very good nice and light. Chris had the Caeser Salad with Shrimp and enjoyed it also. For dessert he had the cheesecake and raved about how light and fluffy it was. He tried to find another one like it the entire week but didn't succeed.

After lunch we went with the whole family to The Seas with Nemo it was a very cute ride River was interested in all the colors that were going by and Carsten liked it but was iffy with the darkness at points but I think it was more because he was tired then anything. From there we separated from the family and went to figment but by the time we got there the kids were both asleep so we decided to just head to the world showcase.

This is where we really noticed that a double stroller in Disney really could restrict more then help. We would have liked to go through the different countries and wander in the shops but we found that the stroller got in the way to much. So we walked along the world showcase taking pictures and trying out some of the food and beverage carts. I really like the Grand Marnier slush and Chris got a beer at Germany that line always seamed to take awhile. We got a strawberry margarita in Mexico and then a blue something as well (really strong.)

Carsten was starting to wake up at this point so we went over to a bench with a popsicle and let him watch the ducks who are very friendly. I am assuming because they get fed a lot. There was also another bird there but I am still not sure what it is. At this point River was starting to wake up so we sat there for a little bit longer then got up to head back to the Germany Pavilion for dinner with the Family.

The food here we really weren't fans of. It is a buffet and we found that everything except for the salads and Bratwurst were really dry and chewy. The experience here was fun but i definitely wouldn't go back for the food. After dinner we went and watched Illuminations which was very well done I would have liked to have been a bit closer but it was still very good. 

Day 4 Aug 16, 2011

This was our day to go to Animal Kingdom, because it closes earlier then the rest of the parks we tried to get there a bit early. I wanted to go to the Safari first well the kids were still awake to enjoy it. So we headed there first and the wait was only about 20 mins so we got into line. I really liked seeing all the animals and so did Carsten. River feel asleep on the ride so we put her in the stroller and headed off to ride the train. Carsten and I road the train around once then went to meet Chris who was waiting with the stroller. We still had some time before our lunch reservation with the family so off we went to Dino Land. We were going to play in the Bone Yard but Carsten spotted the Triceratops spin so off we went. The kids had been in the heat for quite awhile so we got a couple popsicles and then headed to the baby care area to cool off a bit. Then off to meet everyone for lunch.

At lunch we ate at the Yak & Yeti the food was good but there was way to much. For an appetizer I had the Lettuce Cups which I thought could have been just my meal with how much there was but it was very good and had a bit of spice to it but not to much that I couldn't have fed it to either of the kids. For my main I had the Sweet and Sour Pork which I really liked the meat was extremely tender. For dessert I had the Sorbet and really liked that as well the lemon was my favourite. I could have kept eating that all day very light and refreshing. Chris had the Seared Ahi Tuna and liked it quite a bit. For his main he had the Miso Salmon and liked it as well. For dessert he had the Fried wontons and wasn't a huge fan of them. His sister had them as well and said they were good but there were to many to eat. From there we headed back to the resort to cool down and go swimming.

Day 5 Aug 17, 2011

This was our full day at the Magic Kingdom. We got up and went to have breakfast then headed straight to the park. The first thing we did was ride the train around with Carsten which made him very happy he is very interested in trains at the moment. From there I went to get fast passes to the meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie and the Princesses. We went to the Chapeau to find some Mickey ears or a hat. River got a blue Princess Crown with mickey ears and a picture of Cinderella on it and wore it for i think 30 seconds before she pulled it off. Carsten got a Disney Sun hat which will get worn a lot more and I got a black hat with tinker-bell on it.

As we were picking hats it started to rain so we went over to the candy store next door and got some suckers and a cookie cutter. From here we wandered up main st and looked in a few shops. It was still raining but not heavy so we walked out in it to cool off. Our fast pass time for the meet with Mickey was coming up so we headed back there and got into line. It went really quick and we got into see Mickey and Minnie within 5 minutes. Both the kids loved Mickey and Minnie and no one was scared which I had been a bit nervous about but it went really well. Then we headed to lunch with the family which we were running a bit late for but we made it on time.

Lunch was at the Liberty Tree Tavern Chris and his dad were both a bit surprised that with Tavern in the name you still couldn't get any beer. But lunch went well I had the Declaration Salad with the Strawberry Dressing. For my main I had the Pilgrims' Feast it was ok not quite as good as the food we had been eating but still had very good flavor. For Dessert I had the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake it may have been my favourite dessert. Chris had the Clam Chowder for his appetizer which he really liked. Then he had the New England Pot Roast which he wasn't a huge fan of he liked the meet and potatoes but the vegetables that came with it weren't his favourite. For dessert he had the Sorbet he really liked it and so did the kids but it was a very big serving and he said it wasn't as light as what some sorbets are.

 After lunch we went with the family to ride its a small world. River fell asleep again so Chris stayed with her and the stroller. I think he may have gotten the better half of the deal as I had that song stuck in my head for a few days after. From there we went on the carousal and then to meet up with the family again. Carsten went on the carousal with his Grandparents well River was sleeping.

When River woke up we went back down main st to go to meet the princesses. Carsten needed some run around time so only River and I went in to meet the Princesses. We got to meet Cinderella and Belle both were very good with River and Belle even asked to hold her. They got some amazing pictures and River was just fascinated with the princesses. I couldn't have been happier to watch the interactions. We came out and went over to the barber shop and asked to get a mickey head put on Carstens head which lasted a whole 5 minutes I think but I did manage to get a picture of it.

The timing worked out perfectly because we came out and the move it shake it street parade was just starting and there was no one else there so we got to watch all the floats come out. Then we walked back up Main St to go ride the carousal again this time with River. We were going to stay and watch the Electrical parade but the kids were getting tired and cranky so we went back to the hotel. I needed to do some laundry so Carsten would have some clean clothes to wear the next day. So our one day at the Magic Kingdom got cut short sadly.

Day 6 Aug 18, 2011

This was our day where we didn't meet up with anyone until dinner time. We went to Hollywood studios in the morning and meet Phineas and Ferb. Then we realized that the cars meet and greet was right beside it but a bit hidden so if you aren't paying attention you will miss it. We planned to come back and do it a bit latter when Carsten was a bit more awake and cheerful. Then we went wandering the streets and found the umbrella that rains and played around there for a little bit. By this time our lunch reservation at the 50's prime time cafe was coming up so we headed over there.

The experience was definitely good it was lots of fun watching the adults get time outs for not staying at there table or poking friends. We had a really good time but it was a lot of food. I got one of the peanut butter and jelly milkshakes. I couldn't taste the jelly but that was fine I thought it tasted like a Resses peanut butter cup. Yummy. We both got the Crab cake again and really liked it. Then I got the Fried Chicken which was really good but way to much for me to eat for lunch. I ended up skipping dessert I just couldn't eat anymore. Chris got the Stacked Sandwich which was a much better portion for lunch. For dessert he tried the cheesecake again and it was good but not quite as good as the one at Coral Reef. We had a really good time getting lunch here just the four of us. Definitely a fun experience and one I am sure we will remember.

We came out and realized that the parade was about to start so we went to watch that but Carsten fell asleep. River and Chris watched it from the shade and I went and took pictures. I was good until about half way through a woman came and pushed her child in front and stood there so about half my pictures have a strangers head in them. I felt bad for the mother and her daughter that had been sitting in front of me because I am pretty sure they got kicked a few times by this woman trying to get her kid up front and trying to take her pictures.

Carsten was still sleeping when the parade was over so we decided to take River to see Winnie the Pooh. Chris decided to stay with Carsten and the stroller in the shade rather then possibly wake him. We waited in line probably about 30 mins and it was a really good experience. River loved Winnie the Pooh and we have some really good photos of her with him. We went back to find Chris and Carsten still asleep and went to get a popsicle. We were going to go watch Disney Junior Live but we just missed the show so we headed off for dinner at Fort Wilderness Campground.

Dinner was at Mickeys Backyard Bar-B-Q. The food was ok not great but for what we were doing it was good. This was again a fun experience in my opinion but I like country music and dancing. The characters were good but it was very hard to get anywhere near them. So I don't think we would do this again it just wasn't worth it with the kids being 2 and 7 months we couldn't really get close enough to get any pictures. So I don't think we would do it a second time but I did enjoy it.

The only problem we had was it started raining and i don't think they were fully prepared for it. I ran out to get the rain cover on our stroller and got there before any of the cast had gotten there to move any of it. Unfortunately by that time our stroller was soaked and there wasn't much we could do about it. When we went to go catch the bus because the boats had been shut down due to the lighting in the area it was very crowded with only a few busses picking people up so I ended up getting soaked a second time and the kids were not happy in the stroller.

We finally got on a bus and went to the wilderness lodge to catch a bus to the Magic Kingdom so we could get a bus back to Port Orleans. It was a very long bus ride and the kids were both cold. On the bus to the Magic Kingdom we had a very nice lady lend us her sweater to wrap around River, and then on the bus to Port Orleans we had another woman give us a warm resort towel to wrap River in again.

Day 7 Aug 19, 2011

We did half the day at Epcot and half the day at Hollywood Studios. We went to Epcot late in the morning with the kids Grandparents and did a photo of all 6 of us then we separated off leaving the kids until lunch with Chris's parents. They really enjoyed it on both sides I would say they had a ton of fun and came to lunch with lots of pictures and got to do some more character greetings with the kids.

Well the kids were with their grandparents Chris and I went off to the world showcase to go through the the different countries. We made it from Mexico to Morocco but didn't manage to get back to Paris the UK and Canada. We both really enjoyed going from country to country and being able to go through all the shops with out worrying over the kids trying to touch things or how to maneuver the stroller. We Picked up a wine bottle topper in Italy and some very nice sushi dishes and the soup spoons from the Japan pavilion. Then we headed back to Norway for lunch with the family.

 We had lunch at Akershus Royal Banquet hall. It was a very nice set up and we got to do a big family photo with Belle. As well as Cherie and her family got an individual portrait with Belle and River and I got our photo taken with Belle as well. The appetizer for lunch was just off the buffet which was salads cold meats and some seafood I ended up rushing back to watch our niece go on the princesses procession. For a main I got the Sautéed Chicken Breast which I really enjoyed. Chris had the Traditional Kjottkake and really enjoyed it. Dessert was a family plate of the Rice Cream which both Cherie and I thought would be much better if it was just ground down so it didn't have chunks in it. It also had Chocolate Mousse and a Puff Pastry. I don't think Chris or I were really crazy for the desserts but we really did enjoy our meal. We would definitely go back. I Just wished that the princesses spent a little bit more time at our table.

I got a photo of River with almost all the Princesses except for snow white who came and went extremely fast. We got some pictures with Cinderella, Aurora, and Ariel. Carsten really wasn't interested in the princesses so he just sat and ate lunch and colored.

After Lunch we went to Hollywood Studios we got there and headed straight for the meet and greet with cars because we hadn't made it back the day before. River had fallen asleep on our way over so she slept well we went and meet Lightning McQueen. Carsten really like the cars and wanted to play in them he was not happy when we had to let someone else get their picture taken. From there we went back to the umbrella but it wasn't working this time so I am glad I got so pictures with it on the first day. So we kept walking until we found the fire hydrant that sprays water and let Carsten play in that for a bit. 

Then we went walking a bit with the hopes that Carsten would go for a nap in the stroller. Which he did eventually do. So we walked for a bit longer and then River woke up so we went to watch the Disney Chanel Rocks music show. It was very good and the dancers are amazing, you can tell they enjoy what they do.

After the show was finished we went and looked in a few stores and then watched the sky as it looked like it was going to rain again. We wanted to stay sort of close to where were meeting the rest of the family for dinner so if it did rain we wouldn't end up soaked. In the end we ended up under the Hat just before it started to rain and just stayed there until we saw some of the family at the Brown Derby. We did purchase a towel to dry Carsten off and help him warm up from his expedition in the fire extinguisher.

We went to the Brown Derby for dinner and it was really good food the server we had we weren't so fond of it felt like she was trying to push us out the door. But we would go back again for the food. For my appetizer I had the Crab cakes again and they were very good I really liked the Rémoulade sauce that was with them. For my main I had the Filet of Beef. I thought it was a bit under cooked for my liking but it had very nice flavor. For Dessert I had the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee which was the best Creme Brulee I had. Chris had the Spicy Sashimi-grade Tuna Tartare and really liked it I think he would have ate more if he could have. He had the Filet of Beef as well but he was quite happy with how his was cooked he really enjoyed it. Then for desert he had Shortbread Crusted Cheesecake with Grand Marnier Macerated Strawberries. The food was really good and we would definitely go back again. We just weren't fond of the server we had.

We were going to go see Fantasmic but the kids just weren't going to last that long so we went back to the resort and started to pack to leave the next day.

Day 8 Aug 20, 2011

This was our last day here we got up in the morning and finished the packing a did a last cheek of the room. We went down for breakfast and saw the rest of he family then took the kids to the park to play until we had to go catch our bus. We took the Magical Express to the air port and went through security which was much easier then coming down. We met up with the rest of the family before they flew out and said good bye then we went to our gate to wait. We flew back home at 3:50. with a layover in Denver for an hour. We got back to Vancouver just before 9 cleared customs and went to our car. We were very happy to be home. The kids did great on these flights as well and when we were getting off we had one man say that they were very well behaved and thanked us for that.