How I Spent My Honeymoon Vacation--by Rachel W. (Day 5, Part I, MK) About This Page:

[Colexis Mom]

Great updates Rachel Sorry you ditched CG, but sounds like you had a great time with Maureen and Kelly The parasol you bought is wondeful, how cute Glad to hear the weather was a little better today, hope you get to see a lot of sun soon Looking forward to more

[simbarel]

Thanks all--I'm loving recapping the events...esp. Day 3!

Day 3, Epcot, Part II

We ended up crossing France again and I figured my parasol was dry. I was at the point of not knowing WHY I bought the parasol (not really practical outside WDW) and didn’t see it hanging and awaiting my return. The French guy who took my order joked that “Oh, another brunette bride named Rachel took it!” which only reminded me that its eBayability was low as well. Ah well, I asked if I could have it sent back to my room. The answer was “non.” Ah well, I’d just carry it.

We spent a lot of time in France, and France was our favorite “Our Favorite” pavilion. Wally was born in Europe and has been all around, but together we loved France when we visited in March 2001 and have always vowed to return. Impressions de France is a beautiful movie, the Patisserie has some reallllly great looking stuff in it (Wally tasted, I just looked) and I also got to have a photo of me and Beast!



We also enjoyed Germany (Wally’s Mütterland) and decided that we would someday take advantage of that BUFFET! We had a good time watching the lederhosened polka bands. Back in Mexico (another one of my faves—so fun and romantic in there!) DH got really into the 10-piece mariachi band. They were something else!

”Stained glass” in France



Snacking outside le Snackerie



Die Klocken auf Deutchland



Reflections in…China?



Newlyweds enjoying Epcot



DH loves culture, and Japanese culture being super high on the list. He thinks the Japanese have it all—food, lifestyle, history, customs, art—everything except for music, which as a musician is of course a high priority on his list (He LOVED the music at Restaurant Marrakesh.)
Even though we had 7:50 PS’s for the Rose and Crown, once we got into the restaurants of Japan, he just had to sit a bit and have a bit of sushi. He swore it wouldn’t ruin his appetite. Luckily, it didn’t! We sat at the Tempura Kiku (is that the small sushi bar upstairs?) and we both just loved it. We go to Japanese restaurants fairly frequently, and Wally is going back to Japan later this month—and this place was as authentic as any. We nearly forgot we were on WDW property, the feel was very urban and chic, and our fellow customers seemed to get with the same vibe. I ordered a Kirin beer and had a couple bites of the veggie rolls he ordered (I knew my appetite would have been ruined if I had eaten more.) Our waitress came by and asked us if we wanted our photo taken, which is the photo that appears in my sig. When we were settling up, our waitress came by with another treat: free dessert for the bride and groom! It was like tiramisu…but even better (if that’s possible…turns out it is!) Thumbs up for the Tempura Kiku!

Free Dessert!



Coming up…The Most Magical Part of our Honeymoon

[luvnwdwgal]

Hi Rachel! You look so cute in your Bride ears!
But the big question now is....Will you wear them on the Mouse Boats?! So glad you got a chance to meet Kelly and Maureen! Looking forward to the next installment!

[CRCrazy]

Great report so far!

Love your Bride Ears - and looks like they are paying off in Spades! Those desserts look yummy!

Keep up the great work!

[simbarel]

The ears certainly did pay off in magic alone. We ran into another newlywed couple who said the MiL gave them wedding ears and they were too embarrassed to wear them. "FOOLS!" I thought. People were genuinely happy for us, guests and CM's alike. The little girls were the best though, they would just stare, and stare....

Too cute.



Oh yeah, and that bus driver--he also said that MGM stands for "Mickey's Gold Mine." Exhausting.



Day 3, Epcot, Part III



We finished up a magic memory at Japan and started back into the World Showcase. We strolled on over to England since our R&C PSs were coming up. I loved England, I think I could have spent all day in those shops. I was looking at _________ (can’t remember) when Wally came over to say “gotta show ya somethin’” and he took me over to the Family Crest station. I immediately lit up as we poured over the book to search for our last name. “Let’s look up the history on the computer!” I said and a CM was able to help us on the spot. It was twilight outside and the mood was just right. We read about Wenzel history and then Wally pointed out the printed and embroidered crests. “Let’s get one!” I said. DH wanted to know which family I wanted. Well, ours of course, silly! But then he pointed out the His and Hers crests that had each family tied together with a marriage date. I nearly peed my pants I was so excited. We were able to get the CM to ring up my maiden name and put it in the “hers” side of the His/Hers crest, input our marriage date, and showed us an image on the computer screen. I was swooning. I looked up and saw the beautiful embroidered crests and asked about those. Yeah, um, *nasal exhale* they were a little out of our league. Such a bummer! But still, we were able to get the pauper version (which was still ridiculously overpriced, but this was THE moment for me.) We were able to choose the “side characters” if we wanted them. We could choose from lions, other stuff I can’t remember, or Knights and Ladies. Without hesitation Wally said “Knights and Ladies.” I was worried about PS check-in so DH sent me over to register while he waited for it to print and pay. I got our PS vibro-disk and Wally was right behind me.



We were seated on the higher tier on the outdoor patio at the Rose and Crown. I ordered a Harp(?) and DH broke out the crest to show it to me. We were going to have it framed, but the charges were outrageous and I’m pretty sure I can do it for a 10th of the price at home. I just thought it was the perfect honeymoon memoir…so full of history, dignity, and romance.





Our Family Crests





PS…Mine says “Ireland” not “Iceland”



I don’t recall exactly what I ordered at the Rose and Crown, but I remember it being really good. I started realizing: Rachel, you gotta tone down the eatin’. Seriously, I had been cutting down the carbs but this trip really blew it all out of proportion. It all started with that Breakfast Lasagna at CP.



Looking over menu at Rose and Crown





But anyways, we were there to eat and see IllumiNations. We had a good view, but in reality, I think it could have been better. People on the inside were coming out to sit on the lower outdoor tier and didn’t have the overhang to block the view. Anyhoo, I enjoyed it immensely, and really need to see it again (and again, and again, and again…)



Short, Silent IllumiNations Video

[luvnwdwgal]

I like your family crest Rachel! Very nice!!

[DouglasE]

First, your narrative has me cracking up. Your writing always makes me laugh out loud. Part of it is we probably have similar perspectives on things.

Second, I completely understand about why you had to get that family crest souvenir. It's a symbol of the union you and Wally share. Not only does it symbolize your union but it also illustrates two families coming together. I'm with Wally. I would have gone with the knights and ladies too.

Third, you didn't happen to get the name and number of that bagpiper, did ya?

[disneyknut]

Wonderful trip report Rachel.. LOVE LOVE LOVE the photos!! Looking forward to more..

[statelady01]

I am just catching up with your TR and I love it! We had a great time I think- you guys were a blast and I enjoyed every second!

Keep up the good work!

[ilovelilo]

Hi Rachel! I love your trip report because I'm finding out about so many things I didn't even know they had at WDW, like the family crests (that's so cool!!!) and the stained-glass picture with the castle in it!!

I also love all the special attention you got from everybody since you were on your honeymoon! We were planning to at least spend some of our honeymoon at WDW (whenever we set a date), and this about decides it for me!! Can't wait to read more!

[beths3]

Rachel,
This has given me a bunch of ideas for my honeymoon. Gotta get those bride ears.
Beth

[MegglesMom]

PS…Mine says “Ireland” not “Iceland”

--Yea, thanks for clarifying!! Seriously though, this is fantastic, and I can't wait to read more!

[WDW Novice]

I am thoroughly enjoying your report. More! More!

[dsnytina]

Rachel:
Thanks for sharing the "magic" of your honeymoon with us!
Tina

[TinkOhio]

It's been so fun reading your trip reports! We honeymooned the WDW 16 years ago and your trip brings back so many memories! We even did the family crest, and still treasure it. You will too!

Love all the pics and the great bride mouse ears. Thanks for sharing!