There's Always Too Much Sauce - A July 2022 TR *Updated 3/23

[amazingact21]

You have to go at least 3 time to justify it, more if you can.

This means I have to plan one more summer Disney trip.

Where were you in Louisiana?

We were in DeRidder!

We had Cane's for dinner tonight.

So good. Alex told me the other day, "I think I want to grab some Raising Cane's again soon." Fortunately, we have one in town.

 

[amazingact21]

You sure made the most of transitioning from England to Texas. Sounds like a lot of fun was had by all even if there were some tougher moments. Love the photos- no-one has ever looked happier than Evie when on her beloved carousel

Evie asked us about ten times when we were going to ride the carousel.

Unfortunately our Irish summer has been true to form- I think it was a Wednesday and Thursday mid-June There’s a flippin reason it’s called the Emerald Isle. Looking forward to all the trips and races and Texan tales Alicia. Good to see you

I couldn't believe how wet and chilly it was in the U.K.! I joked with friends that we left and took all the warm weather with us. But you do have a point, you do have a lot of greenery!
(Here in Texas, there's not a lot of green, so I'm missing it.)

Good to see an update from you! I randomly thought about you and your family recently. Wondered how the big move went. I don't think there was any way it wouldn't have been rocky especially for the kids. Hope things will get a little better every day now that it's behind you. Anxious to read more about your Disney adventures!

It's nice to be back. I enjoy talking to everyone here on the DIS.

I'm so glad to be looking at this move in the rearview mirror. Alex and I agree that how much longer he stays in the military will be dependent on how many more of these crazy moves we're willing to make.

 

[amazingact21]

See, now you've made me rethink the whole annual pass thing. I'm going in April for a friend's wedding and will be there for a week. I talked myself OUT of an annual pass but...I mean...I AM close enough to drive now so maybe???? Darn you!!!

I hope your kids are adjusting to life back in the States and school in Texas. Hang in there mama. It gets better!

Hahaha, it's hard to pass up on an Annual Pass! Really, you have to do the math and see how many days you know 100% you'll be entering the parks.
Plus, for us, in June, we made 3+ trips where we would have paid for parking had we not had the passes. That's 75 dollars right there.
And finally, I knew we would be eating at and buying enough merchandise to justify the discounts offered.
Good luck making that decision. Not going to lie, it's fun knowing I'm a passholder again. Also, hooray for another April trip taker! It's one of the best months to be Disney, in my opinion. When are your dates? We'll be there the 17-23rd.


And thank you for the well wishes. We're finding our new normal, slowly but surely.

Welcome back and congrats on the move!

I’m around but not really doing reports much, but I’m also running the springtime surprise challenge!!

Yay! That's awesome! How do you feel about the theme? When I saw it was Peter Pan and then Lion King for the 10-Miler, I knew I was going to try and do it again.
Will it be your whole family? Picked a resort yet? We'll have to try and have a meetup at some point.

 

[cindianne320]

YAY! Welcome back! I can't wait to read more!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

I couldn't believe how wet and chilly it was in the U.K.!

This has been the worst summer in quite some time. Wettest July on record since records began. It was warm here but so flippin wet. I feel like we are losing our seasons. Last winter was warmer than usual- no frosts or snow just rain. It’s forecast to be nice and dry tomorrow and Sunday but you will know now how our forecasts go so I’m not holding my breath!

Here in Texas, there's not a lot of green, so I'm missing it.)

You really have moved from one extreme to the other. Never been to Texas but recently watched a chef travel/cook his way through it and loved what I saw. The heat might actually kill this Irish lass though. I’d have to live in the freezer aisle of the supermarket to stay cool

Not going to lie, it's fun knowing I'm a passholder again.

This I totally get! I owned one once in 2000. They were a lot cheaper then and the current UK tickets didn’t exist. We were staying at the Swan and knew we’d want to pop into the parks a lot. I loved that pass and your right those discounts really add up. Boy but they’ve gone up in price since then but now you know it makes sense to get as much value as possible out of it by booking lots of trips

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Shoot...I'll just miss you all in April. I'm there April 7-14. My friends wedding is the 11th and conveniently, my birthday is the 13 so I'm hanging out an extra day so I can be in the parks ON my actual birthday for the first time ever!

 

[NJlauren]

Yay! That's awesome! How do you feel about the theme? When I saw it was Peter Pan and then Lion King for the 10-Miler, I knew I was going to try and do it again.
Will it be your whole family? Picked a resort yet? We'll have to try and have a meetup at some point.

Haven’t decided on family yet, my husband is signed up for 10K but he is having an Achilles issue so not sure if he will be able to run or not. Our kids spring break is the week before, so there is a chance I go solo, also a chance they all come…I’m running the challenge with my best friends husband, they rented a house so may do that, I’m currently booked at wilderness lodge, but if I go solo I’ll probably switch to a value, if I don’t go to the house…. So basically no idea of my plan!

 

[piglet1979]

I am definitely glad the move is finished. I did the math and we stayed at 10 different hotels/houses throughout the course of the move. I was never so happy to see my bed again! (The packers took it on Mya 31st and we got it delivered Aug 18th.)


Oh wow, that's a lot of rain! I do miss the rain. To go from wet England to a desert climate is strange. Now, does being in the 60s mean you'll have a really cold winter? Because I'm not sure the cost of a cool summer is worth a brutal winter.

That is such a long time without your bed.

For winter, who knows. Last year was a bit warmer and we only had one snow storm. So it was very mild. We are due for a bad winter. It has been a few years since we had a lot of snow or several really cold days. I just looked up the Farmers Almanac (we seem to use this around here as a gage to the winter) and it says above normal snowfall and normal to colder then normal temps.

Also, I do have a trip report going from when we went in April. The link is in my signature.

 

[vamassey1]

We were in DeRidder!

I lots of family not that far from there in Lake Charles and Sulphur.

This means I have to plan one more summer Disney trip.

Yes you do!

So good. Alex told me the other day, "I think I want to grab some Raising Cane's again soon." Fortunately, we have one in town.

You have it made!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Welcome back!!! Sounds like a summer of great family memories!! I can't wait to hear all about the rest of this trip and the new ones to come!!!

What has been the hardest thing for the kids to adjust to? They will be so flexible later in life with all the things and expierences they have had!

I have been dragging my feet on starting our July trip. But slowly getting my pictures in order.

 

[amazingact21]

YAY! Welcome back! I can't wait to read more!

Thanks. It's nice to be back and talk with everyone again.

It’s forecast to be nice and dry tomorrow and Sunday but you will know now how our forecasts go so I’m not holding my breath!

Did you get a nice day yesterday? I hope so!

The heat might actually kill this Irish lass though. I’d have to live in the freezer aisle of the supermarket to stay cool

It would certainly be a struggle. And then your poor son. If he had a reaction to the sun in FL, there's no way he could do Texas. There are no trees or shade to help block the extreme sunshine here.
Our mailbox is about a kilometer to and from our house, and we wait until about 7 o'clock to take a family stroll down to check it, and by the time we get back we are all beat red and reaching for water.

I loved that pass and your right those discounts really add up. Boy but they’ve gone up in price since then but now you know it makes sense to get as much value as possible out of it by booking lots of trips

I felt a little bad not buying the kids annual passes, as well, but the price has just gotten to the point where the value wasn't worth the cost. They were none too pleased about that.

Shoot...I'll just miss you all in April. I'm there April 7-14. My friends wedding is the 11th and conveniently, my birthday is the 13 so I'm hanging out an extra day so I can be in the parks ON my actual birthday for the first time ever!

You had to stay an extra day! What're the odds you'd be in Disney around your birthday?
That should make for a really great final day of your trip. Which park will you choose to go to?

 

[amazingact21]

Haven’t decided on family yet, my husband is signed up for 10K but he is having an Achilles issue so not sure if he will be able to run or not. Our kids spring break is the week before, so there is a chance I go solo, also a chance they all come…I’m running the challenge with my best friends husband, they rented a house so may do that, I’m currently booked at wilderness lodge, but if I go solo I’ll probably switch to a value,

Haha, sounds like you are still in the early stages of figuring out what is going to happen. But that's the thing with runDisney. You have to book the races so early, that you tend to plan everything else after the fact.
We're staying at WL, so if you keep that reservation let me know!

We are due for a bad winter. It has been a few years since we had a lot of snow or several really cold days. I just looked up the Farmers Almanac (we seem to use this around here as a gage to the winter) and it says above normal snowfall and normal to colder then normal temps.

Oh dear. I really hope not, for your sake.

I lots of family not that far from there in Lake Charles and Sulphur.

I didn't realize how close that area was to Texas until we left. We'd been driving less than half an hour and were like, "Oh, will you look at that, we're in Texas already."

This was the first time Alex had ever been in Louisiana before (I lived in Shreveport for 2 years) and I had a blast listening to him try to read billboards and then tell him the correct pronunciation. He also spoke with my uncles and cousins and is now dying to get back to LA around Easter time so he can try a crawfish boil.

Welcome back!!! Sounds like a summer of great family memories!!

Thank you, it's nice being back and discussing Disney again.
We stayed at home for Labor Day weekend, and it felt a little strange not to be traveling. Haven't had that in awhile!

What has been the hardest thing for the kids to adjust to?

For Landon, it's been not having as much stuff to do in the area. He misses hopping on a train and going into a city. (Cambridge and Peterborough were about half an hour away from us. London, about an hour.) He's having to learn how to live a little bit slower paced life.
For Evie, it's all about the school. Every morning it's a fight to get her to go. We hear "I hate school" everyday. She despised having to start over. In England, there were only two classes per grade, so she basically went through PreK, Kinder, and First with the same friends. Plus, she was involved in a lot of the after school clubs and basically knew anybody and everybody. So being the new kid has been incredibly tough on her.
She has seemed to be making new friends, and she likes her teacher, I just think she doesn't want to let go of what she used to have. But she'll get there. She starts cheerleading soon and has a couple kids her age on our street that she plays with in the evening, so I believe by Christmas she'll be in a much better place.

I have been dragging my feet on starting our July trip. But slowly getting my pictures in order.

I understand. If/when you decide to start a report for July, I'll be excited to read along. I loved seeing the photos you shared during your trip and look forward to hearing the stories behind them.

 

[amazingact21]

July 16th Part 2:


After exploring Diagon Alley, looking in shop windows and watching magic tricks at certain spots, someone checked the wait time app and saw that Escape From Gringotts was only a 30 minute wait.


And since this was the only Harry Potter attraction Evie was tall enough to ride, it was important we get the kids on it.

Off to the bank we went!



While I felt like a bull in a china shop, trying to navigate and keep up with a nine person group, having those numbers sure came in handy in the queues.


Kids bored?
Talk to Nana!


Still bored?
Here are two aunts to point out details in the line!


Restless kids?
Let your two uncles crack jokes!



Without a doubt, these were the easiest ride waits Alex and I ever had to endure with Landon and Evie.




I love the bank entrance part of the queue, with all the goblins and the chandelier in the middle of the room:




Because we went through the expedited line the first time we rode Gringotts, Alex and I were able to see more of the queue this time around. Like the newspapers:







Then there was the pre-show room:





When it came time to ride, Evie and Landon sat with Isaac and Carly. They were quick to ditch Mom and Dad for their cool aunt and uncle.


Landon is not a fan of 3D effects and scary stuff, so before we boarded, I warned my kid there might be some scenes that startled him. I think he was determined not to miss out on the fun, even if it made him uncomfortable.

If little sister can go on the attraction, then so can I!


After we got off the ride, I asked the kids what they thought. Evie said she had a blast, and Landon replied: “I loved it! I kept my glasses off the whole time and closed my eyes, but it was great!”



Whatever works, kid.




With Gringotts accomplished, Isaac asked if we could take the kids into his favorite store in the WWoHP.

Sure.


Isaac and Evie have always gotten along really well. They both have a lot in common, including their love of science and animals. While we were reading the Harry Potter books, Isaac found it entertaining that Evie was most impressed with all the magical creatures.

Luna Lovegood? Yeah, she’s all right.

But Buckbeak the hippogriff?!?! Now, that’s awesome.


The Weasley twins? Not as cool as their big brother Charlie, who handles dragons.


If Evie had to pick a favorite class at Hogwarts, it would definitely be Care of Magical Creatures.


So when Isaac led her into the Magical Menagerie store, Evie’s little heart filled with joy. She was everywhere at once, looking at the shelves filled, floor to ceiling, with stuffed creatures. Fluffies, Aragogs, Crookshanks!

And the best yet…



Buckbeak the Hippogriff in the….plush!!!



Without hesitating, Evie grabbed one off the shelf, hugged it to her chest and shouted, “I know what I’m using my birthday money on!!!!”

Leslie tried showing her a few other creatures, but Evie only had eyes for Buckbeak. I asked if she wanted to come back the next day and buy it, so she didn’t have to carry it around all day.

“But I WANT to have him around with me. It’s going to be so cool!”


All right, kid.




Meanwhile, Landon had found the Pygmy Puffs and discovered the store had purple ones in addition the pink ones that were at Platform 9 3/4s in London.

AND THEY MADE NOISE.



Thanks, Universal.

That sound hasn’t driven me batty for the last 12 months….



Both kids were on Cloud 9:




And, as their parent, I was happy they were happy:




This was exactly how I hoped their first experience in the Wizarding World would play out.


The store itself was worth going inside, even to just check out.




After too long in the Menagerie, it was time to let the kids take their purchases (which Nana bought for them.) and head back outside.

It was only then did I look at the massive hippogriff in Evie’s arms and have the thought:

“How are we getting that thing home?!?!”



It was an interesting fit, that’s for sure. We had to do A LOT of smashing and rolling of her clothes.

So, friends, please take my advice. Before purchasing big items, think about your suitcase size beforehand.



Back out in the Florida sun, my group spotted Hagrid’s motorbike with nobody around it. That meant only on thing.

Photo opportunity!





All right, all right, enough goofing around. Time to get serious. We had two young witches and wizards that needed something very important before they were to spend more time in the magical world.



Up Next…You Can’t Rush Such a Big Decision

 

[rdkeim]

Very happy to see an update!! Glad to hear things are somewhat settling down for you in TX. What a contrast in geography. Down the road would you ever consider living in England?

 

[Stacybaeasm]

You had to stay an extra day! What're the odds you'd be in Disney around your birthday?
That should make for a really great final day of your trip. Which park will you choose to go to?

I'll have park hoppers so...Magic Kingdom for sure. Possibly DHS or Epcot. And I hope to end the night with a reservation at Steakhouse 71. And fireworks either IN MK or at the Contemporary

 

[vamassey1]

I didn't realize how close that area was to Texas until we left. We'd been driving less than half an hour and were like, "Oh, will you look at that, we're in Texas already."

So close! I really like the Texas Welcome Center on I-10.

This was the first time Alex had ever been in Louisiana before (I lived in Shreveport for 2 years) and I had a blast listening to him try to read billboards and then tell him the correct pronunciation. He also spoke with my uncles and cousins and is now dying to get back to LA around Easter time so he can try a crawfish boil.

I bet he saw lots of interesting names and foods. If he does TikTok HeyEROCK does Cajun name pronunciations that can be entertaining.

I LOVE BOILED CRAWFISH!!! I hope he does too.

 

[vamassey1]

Without a doubt, these were the easiest ride waits Alex and I ever had to endure with Landon and Evie.

Having more adults to entertain really does help and when they're really little having more adults to hold them helps.

After we got off the ride, I asked the kids what they thought. Evie said she had a blast, and Landon replied: “I loved it! I kept my glasses off the whole time and closed my eyes, but it was great!”

Love his reactions. I'm still debating trying to ride it next week. He may be braver than I.

Buckbeak the Hippogriff in the….plush!!!

This picture says it all!!

Love this photo!

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Did you get a nice day yesterday? I hope so!

We did! Even got some burgers on the bbq Matthew said it’s “typical back-to-school weather” . According to him the last sunny day was the day of his last exam in June and it rained all of July and August. Poor lad is unfortunately right. This week it has be hot ( for us) 26-30*c. Think it’s over come Sunday but it sure has been nice to sit outside reading my kindle

It would certainly be a struggle. And then your poor son. If he had a reaction to the sun in FL, there's no way he could do Texas. There are no trees or shade to help block the extreme sunshine here.

What are Texan winters like? Are they very cold?
Matthew is still in a bit of denial regarding his skin I think. He really wants another summer trip to Florida and keeps telling us “I’ll just bring the steroids and take them and I’ll be fine” but I am not so sure. The dermatologist did say it s should lessen with each exposure and he has been really trying to get out there but we don’t get that many hot days and this week he’s back at school so not out in it so much. I am wary of spending such big bucks and then having last years disaster repeat itself even if we did have some good times. At the same time I would love to have an do- over as well. So hard being a responsible parent sometimes

Our mailbox is about a kilometer to and from our house, and we wait until about 7 o'clock to take a family stroll down to check it, and by the time we get back we are all beat red and reaching for water.

Eek! That is hot!
Think of it as endurance training for those Disney races!

I felt a little bad not buying the kids annual passes, as well, but the price has just gotten to the point where the value wasn't worth the cost. They were none too pleased about that.

Poor deprived kiddos

After we got off the ride, I asked the kids what they thought. Evie said she had a blast,

Landon replied: “I loved it! I kept my glasses off the whole time and closed my eyes, but it was great!”

Love it!

This was exactly how I hoped their first experience in the Wizarding World would play out.

I am so happy it all went as planned. Love the photos especially Evie and Buckbeak. Having lots of family around them must have made for such special times

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Alicia, it’s so nice to see you back! I feel like the boards are pretty quiet nowadays so it’s wonderful to see familiar faces. I’m excited to be planning a trip for next year (hopefully it will work out better than our attempt in May 2020! ), so, of course, I’m reading every trip report I can to figure out all the changes and updates.

Just before your return I read your entire report as well as your 2019 report. I love your humor as well as your realistic perspective of Disney travel with kids. Speaking of kids, I can’t believe how big your kids have become! I can’t wait to hear more about this trip as well as your future trips (wahoo on the annual passes!).

Good luck on your adjustment to the U.S. - it’s a big change from Europe. I hope your kids and the rest of your family are doing well!

 

[amazingact21]

Very happy to see an update!! Glad to hear things are somewhat settling down for you in TX. What a contrast in geography. Down the road would you ever consider living in England?

I would move back to England tomorrow if we could, but only if it was for a job. As Americans living overseas, we were exempt from a lot of the UK taxes and kept American healthcare and dental. Plus, we could get gas and American groceries on base, and there were definitely items I liked still being able to get. (Peanut Butter, bagels, Hostess cupcakes )

I'll have park hoppers so...Magic Kingdom for sure. Possibly DHS or Epcot. And I hope to end the night with a reservation at Steakhouse 71. And fireworks either IN MK or at the Contemporary

I feel like you have to at least stop by the Magic Kingdom on your birthday.
I 100% support a meal at Steakhouse 71. (We ate there 4 times last June and each time was delicious.)