I'm going to keep throwing tons of updates at you guys because our next trip is just 27 days away!!!
Woot! Keep 'em coming!
Our ADR was for 8:00 am, but we didnt arrive at Epcot until 7:55, and it took us another 10 minutes to hoof it back to Norway.
You guys must've been practically dragging Maddie.
It didnt seem to matter as the line to check in at the podium was all the way back to the lagoon.
Whoops! That must've been a tad disconcerting.
Once wed met our first princess we were led to our table-the exact same one wed been given on our last visit.
Always nice when the staff remember you and show you to "your usual table".
Its very near the cold buffet, and its the first stop the princesses make when visiting.
hmmm... We ate there in 2005 and I don't remember a cold buffet.
Just the family style.
Its been well documented in my TRs how much I enjoy the fact that salami is available on the buffet at Akershus,
Yes. You are the Queen of the salami!!
uh... that really sounds bad, doesn't it?
Family board!!!
Snow White was up next, and SHE was memorable! We heard her before we saw her as she positively squealed from the next table Its my princess twin! She seemed genuinely excited, and spent a ton of time talking to Maddie about the dwarves, apples, and other princess things. And after a few hugs, she insisted on a kiss.
Gotta love when a character goes above and beyond!
I love these photos.
That's my favorite.
Ariel stopped by, and while she seems to have amused Maddie I dont remember much about her either.
Yeah. There's just something fishy about her...
Yeah. That was pretty bad... and old....
gimme a break. I'm tired.
While we waited, Maddie and I watched with interest as they filmed something out on the grass in front of the attraction. Anyone know what this was all about?
Nope. Not a clue.
We joined the standby line, and while most people think its boring we enjoyed it. Well, Bryan enjoyed it, and both of us had fun taking photos to send to my little brother the family gear head.
I've yet to see the new line.
I've certainly heard mixed reviews about it, though.
A tip- secure your hair before riding.
Great shot! You look fabulous, dah'ling!
The standby line had already reached a hour, so we were grateful to have our FP (apparently I did not take any notes about characters, but did take note of all standby wait times).
Yeah, 'cause who cares if you had a nice time. We wanna know how long it took you to have them!
Soarin over California works up an appetite, so we hit up our favorite open-before-11 Future World pretzel cart.
Well done.
Again.
You may be shocked to know that we did not pop into the Character Spot for some QT with Mickey and Friends. Rather we made our way to World Showcase-where we got in line to meet Mulan.
No. Not really.
I'm not at all surprised that your little princess would rather meet a princess than a rodent.
Maddie is notorious for getting bored and hating World Showcase, so this year Id printed up the flag of each country and had a question that Maddie had to ask a CM in each one. If she completed them all, shed get a souvenir.
That's a good idea.
Did you think of that on your own? Or did you read about it somewhere?
Either way, anything to keep the littles occupied so the adults can enjoy world showcase.
Hey! Look at you with no brace.
In Norway we stood around for a loooonnnnnggg time while Maddie colored not only a Duffy, but also a Perry.
A true artiste cannot be rushed.
Maddie was starting to get hot and whiny,
And her mother was not far behind.
C'mon... admit it.
Snow wasnt in quite as good a mood as shed been that morning,
"So I knee-capped her and told her to step it up."
so the M&G didnt last long.
Oh. I like my version better.
We arrived at Chefs de France hot, tired, and a little cranky.
I knew it! You said "we".
The restaurant is decorated in creams and golds with brass railings and comfortable banquettes.
Never been. Sounds nice.
Pauline graciously brought us water (Im looking at you Joe from CRT) along with soft drinks and took our orders quickly.
Im sure we ordered dessert, probably crème brulee, but have no photos or recollection of it.
No recollection of crème brûlée ???
I do know that by the end of the meal I was becoming a little disappointed that our little surprise for Maddie wasnt going to happen, but right around the time that our plates were cleared this guy appeared
So cool! I'd love to be able to see him... but...
I am beyond disappointed that Remy is no longer appearing at Chefs.
noooooo!!!!!!
I had no idea he wasn't there anymore!
but Maddie talked about Remy changing her order for the rest of the trip.
Score!
We donned our ponchos and slogged along, but the storm passed quickly and had stopped by the time we passed Canada.
Of course. Nothing but sunny skies up here, ya know.
This time I remembered to pull my hair back,and Maddie was brave enough to put her hands up!
Way to go Maddie!
And way to go Shan!
While waiting in the requisite line I watched a little boy of about 3 slam in and out the restroom door. I was a little worried about him smashing his fingers in the door, but figured his mom was watching and it wasnt my business.
Mom. was. watching.
Surely you gest. When my DDs were Maddie's age, I'd take them to playgrounds and always wind up being the entire playground's monitor.
Parents far too busy with themselves to worry about what their little terror was up to.
Using my best mom voice and digging deep to pull out the best of my high school and restaurant Spanish speaking skills I managed to ask where his mom was. He assured me that she was in that bathroom. I managed to figure out what stall she was in, and parked him at that door with instructions to stay put. I think the mom voice worked because he looked a little scared and was still there once Id finished my business and was leaving.
Good for you. Put the fear of a real mom into him.
I was tired so Bryan and Maddie went to the pool without me. I took a nap and Maddie went down the pool slide one thousand times.
Assuming it takes 30 seconds to ascend and descend... your nap was over 8 hours!
You must've been exhausted.
Poor thing.
Maddie also talked me into one of those silly painted umbrellas for her and her doll as well as some popcorn. Must not have been a pretzel cart nearby.
Couldn't have been.
We waited on the bridge for about 15 minutes before being called in for dinner. Obviously we had to be scary like the gargoyles.
Hillarious pics!
You didnt have to tell us twice-one of us had chosen her outfit precisely with this photo-op in mind.
The line to meet the Beast wasnt long, and I was pleased that the attendant didnt rush us along. Id also heard stories of PP photographers that would only allow one photo per family, but our photographer took several. The Beast himself was lovely. He danced with and bowed to the little princess before posing for photos.
Even though she's not looking at the camera, I like this photo the best.
Looks like she's dancing with him and not posing, I think.
We got into line right at 10, and watched Wishes from the line and the ride. It was a new and cool perspective!
Good timing!
We also found out the we LOVE riding BTMRR in the dark.
But of course.
There is no bad time to ride BTMRR.
We were back at POR at 11:15, and having fallen asleep on the bus Maddie was out for good by 11:30
Poor little thing. All wore out.
Up Next: Our First Disney Water Park
Sounds like fun. Can't wait! Thanks for the updates.... except...
Only six this time?
You're slipping Shanzapants.
Your upcoming trip is around the same time as mine, we are arriving in the last few days of your vacation. I will keep my eye out for Princess Maddie and say hello if we spot you 
