Summer & Steven's Fairytale Wedding TR, 20th Aug SBP Baby Pics!!! [Archive] - Page 4 - The DIS Discussion Forums

Summer-Caitlin

02-10-2008, 10:17 AM

Day 9, Part 1

We woke up early as the plan had been to go to Boatwrights for a really nice breakfast. This didn't happen though as it was clear that my mom was not in the mood to walk over to Riverside. I was disappointed as I knew I wouldn't get to try this restaurant again during our trip and I had heard that they offered some of the best breakfasts on property.

We were all checking out today so it was time to make sure all our belongings were packed and that we hadn't left anything behind. I took our Wedding Cake out of the fridge and contemplated taking it with us to The Grand Floridian. We decided it would be easier to get rid of it as we had no idea how long it would be before we had access to a fridge again. It was so hard to leave it as over the last few days it had tasted so much better. Once refrigerated the icing had set and the cake was so cold but moist. I had always taken a few forkfuls every morning and evening when we returned, it really was the best cake I had ever tasted.

We grabbed our suitcases and made sure that Mom had not left anything behind. I checked to make sure she had her tickets etc and we made our way down the stairs of POFQ. It was both a sad and exciting day. I was upset that my mom was leaving but I welcomed the thought of spending the next 2 weeks alone.

We approached the lobby of POFQ and it dawned on me that this part of our honeymoon was over:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-20.jpg

I wanted us all to check out and then grab something for breakfast at FloatWorks. My mom's coach wasn't due to pick her up until 11.30am but we wanted to make sure that we were out in plenty of time. Steven and I intended to catch a cab to The Grand Floridian and just take our luggage with us.

There was an area in the lobby stating airline check ins and mom wanted to ask them where she should wait so I went over with her:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-14.jpg
You can see my mom and I in the background

They advised us that she would be getting picked up by Coach USA at the pick up point which was outside and to the left. They told us it was better to be out there at least 30 minutes prior to her pick up time as often they come early.

Realising that we didn't need to check out as we had already handed over our Credit Card for advance check out, we headed over to Float Works and grabbed some breakfast. Mom got herself a bowl of fruit and an Orange Juice, Steven got an Omelette and OJ and I grabbed a Danish and a coffee.

Things were quiet and I think we just didn't really know what to say anymore. I didn't want to talk about my mom's journey as I didn't want to upset her but I knew she would think something was wrong if I didn't speak. So I asked her if she had managed to have a good time and she said it had been the best time ever. I was somewhat taken aback by her response as throughout her time here she had often acted as if she hadn't been having a good time at all.

Luckily my mom has a very short term memory and seems to only remember the good times, which I am very grateful for. The last thing I wanted was her to go home and think about all the things she didn't do or see. I had hoped that this would be memorable for her and I was glad to hear that we had succeeded. She started mentioning all the things she would like to see next time and that she would have to come for 2 weeks.

She had loved the Dining Plan and that was probably one of the biggest highlights of her holiday. It was nice to see her so animated and I felt more relaxed about her going home.

All in all, there are parts of me that wished that Steven and I had more time alone during that first week, but when it comes down to it I am glad I asked my mother to come. Sure we fought a lot and we spent a bit too much time together but she attended our wedding and was there for me when I needed her the most and that makes it all worthwhile. My mom and I are really close and I guess that's why we got on better when I moved out. I haven't lived with her since I was 18. The relationship my mom and I have now is so much better. We are good friends as well as mother and daughter.

We exited POFQ for the last time and headed over to the pick up point. We had to wait 45 minutes for the Coach to arrive but we managed to get my mom on the bus with some difficulty. She started to cry, and then I started to cry and we both gave her a big hug. I felt like I was deserting her. I quickly told her about where she was to go when she got off the bus and that if she was unsure to make sure she asked someone. I asked her if she wanted us to call her when she got home just to make sure and she told us she would be fine.

We waved goodbye to her and I told her how much I loved her and that she was going to be okay. She said she loved me too and was sorry for being upset towards the end. She wished us a wonderful Honeymoon and she boarded the Coach.

She sat at the window, waving and crying and I felt my heart sink, it had never occurred to me that it would be so hard saying goodbye…

Coming up...

Pixie Dust at The Grand Floridian and a special gift not once, not twice but three times.

DisneyLaura

02-10-2008, 11:00 AM

I'm the first one to respond :cool1: Summer - I know it must have been hard to leave mom, as when we go on vacation with my mom every year the kids get very sad too. They had their nannie all week. I sure hope you feel better though :hug: , it was nice to get an update from you. I also hope things go well for you with the court and the dress. Can't wait to hear about the GF.

MUDisneyCouple

02-10-2008, 11:04 AM

Glad to see you back and sorry to hear that things are not going all that well for you. Don't you worry about us, take care of yourself...we'll be hanging out here and will welcome your next addition. Take your time!!!

As I've said, I totally relate on the mom stuff and vacations...it can be a heart wrenching thing. We had to leave my mom at the Vegas airport and itg was awful!!! Your cake sounds delicous and I would have hated leaving it too!!! Oh, cake sounds so good right now....

Goldeelox9

02-10-2008, 12:13 PM

More More More Please!

Sounds like you guys are having fun! HOpe your Mommy got home safe!

feline figaro

02-10-2008, 12:13 PM

Gees Summer you deserve a few big :hug:'s as it does nt seem to rain it sometimes pours:rolleyes: . Sorry you ve not been well either:sick: , its probably all the stress of everything coming out on you, you need to take things easy (if thats possible) & get as prepared as you possibly can for the Court Case. I know its not exactly how you wanted things to go but at the end of the day you ve been put through so much emotional & mental stress that you deserve your £'s back inc much more in a way of compensation.

Lots of :tinker: dust sent your way, chin up girl things will get better:)

I cant wait to read the next part of your never ending TR report:banana: , thankyou for your pm its lovely catching up with you as we had nt spoken in ages.

Have looooooved reading your TR:lovestruc , its given me soooo many ideas for my up coming wedding:woohoo:

Must admit as i ve told you im slightly concerned we maybe in the same boat as you as its possible only my mum will be coming out for my big day!! Im trying for my sis to come out to Orlando :) but shes due to give birth this May so if her babys birth is a round my wedding date she wont be coming out as it ll obviously be their 1st bday:rolleyes: . Im also trying to get my friend & her hubby to come out so at least there will be a group of us.

angel*lady

02-10-2008, 01:47 PM

Summer!

So good to hear from you but I am so sorry that you have been having some difficulties. :sad1: I hope that things get better for you very soon! :thumbsup2 Don't worry about us - we'll be here when you want to check in!

Hugs!
:grouphug:

HarbinsMom

02-22-2008, 04:42 PM

Summer, sorry to hear about what you're going through right now. Hopefully, things will start looking your way soon.

Can't wait to hear about the Pixie Dust! Take your time, we'll wait.:goodvibes

DisneyObsession

02-26-2008, 09:24 AM

Hi Summer!!!:wave2:

Seems like ages since I've been on and catching up on your TR! So glad to see you are still keeping it up! I realized with mine how hard it actually is to write the updates! :scared1:

It is getting closer to the new court date and I am praying that all works out for you.:hug: I remember the stress you went through before the wedding and hope you are well compensated.

I'm glad Mom got through the leaving and made it home safely. Tears and all. We worry about our parents as if they are our children. Role reversal I guess. :confused3

Can't wait to hear about your pixie dust and the numerous gifts!!! :hippie:

pjstevens

02-26-2008, 04:28 PM

Summer,

I am so sorry that it was so hard sending your mom home. I know what you mean saying good bye. I can't wait to hear about your time over at the Grand Floridian. I hope you are soon feeling better and can get moving to Canada.

DisneyObsession

02-29-2008, 12:53 PM

Summer...How did the court date go??? Did they rule in your favor, since the lady was obviously wrong in how she handled the situation???:hug: Please let us know how your doing. Thanks!!!

IrishLily

02-29-2008, 07:01 PM

Summer, I know exactly how you feel. My mom and I are the best of friends (moreso when I moved out than when we lived together. When I go to Disney with my parents (and my 10 year old brother) I always am leaving before them, as I DON'T want to be in Disney alone. It is so emotional that last day. And my mom and I become basket cases, and everyone looks at my red face as I get on the bus. How embarassing! And I think everyone knows how hard it is to try and hide crying...it never works.

Anyway, I totally feel for you on this one--but I don't think the honeymoon would really be a honeymoon if you're mother was there to share it all.

DisneyLaura

03-01-2008, 08:56 AM

Summer - Hope you're ok. Please check in. We miss you.

The Charmed One

03-04-2008, 05:06 AM

Nice to see you back Summer, it's nice to read another part of your trip, it's a shame your mum was sad to go home, I'm glad you made up before she left.

Sorry to hear about going to court over your dress, I hope everything went well.

Take Care.
Wendy x

JuneChickie

03-08-2008, 01:46 AM

Summer ,, I hope all is well and you can come back here soon and
share what the Pixie dust was you got.

Take care and know that we miss you.

angel*lady

03-08-2008, 11:24 AM

:grouphug:

Summer-Caitlin

03-09-2008, 06:19 AM

Oh ladies I am so sorry to have left you in the lurch like that, I feel terrible as I know I have kept you all waiting!!!

Anyway the Court Case...well we have a hearing scheduled for the 17th of March now. I was up for barely 2 minutes when the Judge said that it was clear we needed a hearing scheduled so he could listen to both sides. I was really annoyed as I have already taken 2 mornings off my work and this is yet another one I will have to have. I know I get paid but that isn't the point, I feel guilty asking for so much time off.

After the case was heard I stopped the bridal store owner on the way downstairs and asked her if there was any way she would consider looking at an alternative option, such as mediation. She readily agreed and said that we should both call the mediatior to set up an appointment. Well that day I called and I was told that she would need to wait for the other party to call before we set up an appointment. Still waiting, I emailed the mediatior on Tuesday and she told me that she had spoken to the bridal store and she is now no longer sure if she wants to mediate, she just wants to go to Court!!!!:eek:

I can't believe her, she has nothing to lose through mediation and this is just another thing I can bring up at the hearing, she has failed to try and come to an agreement, she obviously just wants to go to Court, well fine, I will go to Court and I will bring to light how she has been in the wrong this whole time. I know I have a good case and this is just another notch on my belt so to speak!!! I will let you know how it all pans out.

As for my TR, I am so sorry it has taken me so long, I know I have left you all hanging at the good part. However things have been so hectic here, I promise I will get up another instalment with loads of pics next week, you won't belive the amount of pixie dust we had...:wizard:

DisneyLaura

03-09-2008, 09:42 AM

Oh Summer - she sounds really mean, to put it in a nice way. :hug: Here's for the 17th.

Laura

MUDisneyCouple

03-09-2008, 10:59 AM

Good luck with the court case...how silly of the bridal shop. Take care!

angel*lady

03-09-2008, 01:31 PM

Thanks for checking in, Summer! :wave: That is just unbelievable that the shop owner won't mediate! :sad2: Incredible! This is something that should have been easily worked out! I agree - it will make you look good in court when you tell them that you offered mediation and she declined.

Good luck! We'll be here waiting when you get a chance to update your TR. :surfweb: I can understand how you haven't gotten to it ... lots going on! Sounds like my life!!! :rotfl:

Take care!
:grouphug:

Goldeelox9

03-09-2008, 11:56 PM

I hope all goes well with the court case! That just stinks!

DisneyObsession

03-10-2008, 04:39 PM

She sounds like she is just trying to make some easy money! :sad2: How sad!
I'll be praying for you on the 17th. Huh...St Patrick's Day! Isn't that a National Holiday over there?!? :rotfl2:

HarbinsMom

03-10-2008, 05:16 PM

About the pixie dust......could it possibly be an overnight in Cinderella's Castle? Just hoping it did and you have amazing pics and a wonderful story to go along with it.:goodvibes

Summer-Caitlin

03-23-2008, 07:24 AM

Hello ladies, I am back and I am feeling so much better after getting over the flu. I am so sorry that I haven't updated this TR in a while but I have another instalment, well I have a few actually, but I am hoping to stagger them, so I intend to put up a couple today as I know you have all been waiting so long to hear about the pixie dust we had.

I thank you all for bearing with me and I have some brilliant news:banana: :banana: It looks like Steven and I will be going back to WDW for New Year...that's right 14 nights at POFQ, departing the 29th of December!:yay: :yay: Oh and it includes the Deluxe Dining Plan:love: Right now we are working through our finances but it seems pretty good and we are just getting together all the details so we can book it. So watch this space, a new ticker might be appearing very soon:woohoo:

Here we go...

Summer-Caitlin

03-23-2008, 07:25 AM

It was time for us to make our way over to The Grand Floridian. I knew deep down that my mom would be alright and I decided there and then I would call her over the next few days.
We grabbed our suitcases and headed over to the Bell Boy and asked him to call us a cab. Within 5 minutes we were on our way to The Grand Floridian, and excitement overcame us.

We pulled up to the entrance and the attendant came out of his cubicle and asked if we were checking in today. I gave him my surname and he looked down the list and said "Yes, ma'am, here you are and congratulations". He waved us through and Steven and I looked at each other, we were surprised that they stopped everyone coming in.

We made our way up to the entrance of the resort and although we had been here before it felt different this time, we were going to stay here for 7 nights, it felt like a dream come true! Initially we had booked the AKL, but with the construction going on, I didn't want to take the chance and asked my TA to change our accommodations. I had hoped to get The Poly, but had been offered The Grand Floridian instead. Knowing that I couldn't really afford to stay at The GF for 7 nights any other way, I would have been silly to pass the opportunity up so I accepted. I had thought that the style didn't really appeal to me, but the pictures in the brochure didn't do this place justice, it was absolutely stunning, everything about it was grand!

We went to check-in and a sweet woman greeted us. I gave her the name it was booked under and she greeted us with a big smile. "Congratulations, you are checking into our Concierge today, if you just give us a few minutes someone will be down to show you to your room".

I smiled and said thank you, and turned to Steven. I didn't want to say anything because I thought I had misheard. If what she said was accurate we would be staying in Concierge, what happened to our Standard Room I wondered, had we been upgraded?

We stood for what seemed like an eternity before one of the management guys came towards us. He shook our hands and told us to leave our luggage with the desk and he would show us to the 3rd floor. I followed and looked over to Steven, who seemed oblivious. I motioned to Steven if he knew what was happening, that we had been upgraded, but he just looked like he was in shock.

As we followed him, he started to explain that we had been upgraded and for the next 7 nights we would be staying in RPC at no extra charge. He mentioned the gold cards that we would have to use to access the elevators, he went on to talk about the spread that they put on every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course snacks, all of these we could just help ourselves to. He talked about how our dining plan was now on our special gold cards along with our Disney tickets. We would never have to contact the front desk for anything, we had our own Concierge who would be happy to make dining reservations, although he saw that we had loads already, but they would also make show reservations, give us information and make any other type of arrangements we wanted.

All of this he talked about while Steven and I fell silent. I didn't know what to say, I mean this was too much, I was speechless. He went on to say that our room wasn't ready yet but we were welcome to stay on the 3rd floor and wait for it, it apparently wouldn't be long. He shook our hands again and handed us our pack of info along with more 'Just Married' pins and wished us a hearty Congratulations. Within a flash he was gone and we were left alone on the 3rd floor. We both walked over to the balcony and Steven took some pics:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-18.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-14.jpg
The chandelier was beautiful and everything looked so elegant.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-11.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-21.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-15.jpg
This was a picture of where the band would normally sit.

We walked around the 3rd floor while we waited and then we sat down and read the paper. We both were eager to get to our room and I was anxious to see the view…

Coming up...

Pixie dust reigns at The Grand Floridian, oh my god it's so beautiful...

yearbook50

03-23-2008, 07:46 AM

Thats some wonderful pixie dust!!

Summer-Caitlin

03-23-2008, 08:14 AM

Eventually the Concierge made her way over to us and told us that our room was ready, I secretly hoped that we would be allowed to go to our room alone as I really didn't want to contain my excitement any longer. She gave us directions and our room keys and we slowly walked down the corridor. I started to get excited when I knew we were out of earshot, I was practically bouncing off the walls, I didn't want to think too much about what view we were getting, could it be, could it really be that we could get that much pixie dust?

I couldn't wait much longer and I broke into a run, Steven had to follow but couldn't understand just why I was so eager to get to the room. I pushed in front of him as I needed to open the door first, the light beckoned us into the room and I headed straight for the balcony. This is our view:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-10-10.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-9-9.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-11-10.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-12-7.jpg

Our balcony:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-14-7.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-17-5.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-16-5.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-15-7.jpg
We could zoom in so close to the castle from our room, it was an amazing sight!

The room, well it was wonderful. We didn't know where to start so I suggested the bathroom:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-6-12.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-7-12.jpg
I loved the look of the bath and I couldn't wait to try out the Jacuzzi, the shower looked great too.

I loved the vanity unit but I particularly liked the coffee machine:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-20-4.jpg
I had become addicted to percolated coffee since I had got to Disney, I absolutely loved it.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-19.jpg
This bed was the best bed I had ever lay on, it was so soft and cosy, I swear I never wanted to get out of it.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-15.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-12.jpg

The TV was terrific and it had a DVD player, not that I thought I would ever have time to watch a DVD, but still. I loved this room, it was perfect, the balcony was amazing the whole room was fantastic.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-22.jpg

Everything has been carefully planned out, right down to the last detail:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-16.jpg

The mirrors in this place were huge:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-6-13.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-7-13.jpg

Now the plan for this day hadn't been much, we went out on the balcony and sat on the chairs, we were in love with the view. We chatted about what we could do for the rest of the day. It was late afternoon, getting our room had taken longer than we had thought, but the wait had been so worth it. We considered going to a park, any park, but we decided that a relaxing day was in order. We eyed the Sea Raycers which were calling us from the water and decided that it was a good alternative. I hadn't been on one of those in years and Steven had never been on it, the sun was blazing and we were both really hot, so the idea of being on the water seemed like a great idea.

I didn't particularly want to leave the room, fearing that we would come back and there had been a mistake and we would be turfed out. The view though, I never wanted to leave that! We could stay on the balcony and watch Wishes, watch the sunrise over the Castle and of course watch the sun go down to bid goodnight to another day. It was magical, Tinkerbell had found us and for the next 7 days she never left our side…

Coming up…

More and more pixie dust, and desserts during Wishes

Goldeelox9

03-23-2008, 08:32 AM

OMG....Summer you are the Pixie Dust Queen...You got a HUGE sprinkle of it! I was so excited for you reading your TR! How awesome!!!!!!!! I can't wait to read more. I dream of a castle view one day! WOW!

pjstevens

03-23-2008, 09:15 AM

Oh Summer, so good to see you are feeling better and updating your TR. Wow, that upgrade was amazing!!! I can't wait to read more. How exciting that you'll also be going back in December.

meryll83

03-23-2008, 11:58 AM

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-20-4.jpg

It was magical, Tinkerbell had found us and for the next 7 days she never left our side…

Coming up…

More and more pixie dust, and desserts during Wishes

I love this picture, you look so excited - and rightly so!

Can't wait to hear about the pixie dust shower, and here's hoping some will come our way when it's our time.....:cloud9:

Summer-Caitlin

03-24-2008, 02:48 AM

yearbook50 - We were so happy with the upgrade, I had heard of upgrades before but never for a whole 7 nights in GFC, WOW, I am still in awe fo that!

Goldeelox9 - I know, wasn't it amazing, I mean I have heard of pixie dust, but I never thought it was possible to receive this much, stay tuned to see just how much more we received...

pjstevens - I am really excited about going back in December, I always wanted to go over New years and I think it will be wonderful to see WDW all decked out for Christmas. I wonder if I'll receive any pixie dust next time?

meryll83 - Pixie dust, what can I say, I feel so lucky, we had so much on the 2nd week and at one point we were just thinking if it could possibly get any better. Our GF stay couldn't have been more memorable, I am sure that you will get some pixie dust when it's your time.

Goldeelox9

03-24-2008, 09:01 AM

More? More? You got MORE Pixie dust! WOW you lucky girl! I am excited to read all about it! Naybe some will rub off on me. LOL

DisneyLaura

03-24-2008, 09:35 AM

Summer - WOW you lucky girl you. That's awesome. In the back of mind I was hoping that your view was of the castle and it was. That's awesome. And you guys even more I can't wait. So glad eveything is ok with and your doing your TR again. I missed seeing WDW through your eyes.

mla1977

03-24-2008, 09:59 AM

Summer,

I am so glad to see you back! You are so lucky with the Pixie Dust that you got. I can't wait to see what else happened.

lurkyloo

03-24-2008, 11:40 AM

Summer! I think that's the room we stayed in at the GF on our honeymoon - do you remember the number? That's our view!

Unfortunately, we had to move out the night we checked in cuz the guy in the room next door kept lighting up cigarettes - so I'll have to live vicariously through you! :goodvibes

Summer-Caitlin

03-24-2008, 05:47 PM

lurkyloo - We stayed in room 4205 I think, I will double check but I'm pretty sure that was the room we got. It was an amazing room, I had the best stay, it was the most perfect view I ever could have hoped for.:cloud9:

DisneyObsession

03-24-2008, 06:27 PM

WOOHOO!!! After all you had been through before the wedding, I am sooo glad to hear you received the pixie dust you deserved!!!

What a magical view! I can't wait to hear more!!!:banana:

BTW...How did you make out with the Bridal Shop owner? Are they reimbursing you???:confused3

29apr00

03-24-2008, 07:05 PM

Oh my goodness!!! That view is priceless! I'd have never been able to leave it! you are seriously the pixiedust queen! Share some of that with the rest of us!

Congrats! the pics are so beautiful, your wedding looked wonderful!

angel*lady

03-24-2008, 07:18 PM

Welcome back, Summer! :cheer2: I'm so glad you are feeling better! It has been a tough winter with everyone being sick! :sick:

How wonderful that you will be coming back for New Years! You will LOVE the holiday decorations. Just be prepared for the crowds. :crowded: Not a major problem - it just helps to know about it ahead of time. There isn't a better place in the world to ring in the new year than at the MK!!!! We haven't been able to get down there during the holidays for the past few years so we have been talking about going down this year to see the decorations. Who knows, maybe we will be there at the same time!!

How exciting to get such a wonderful upgrade at the GF!!! I would have been doing the happy dance in the lobby! :dance3: Can't wait to hear more! :surfweb:

How did your day in court go? Did I miss the update?:confused3

Again, welcome back!
:grouphug:

Lynn5700

03-24-2008, 07:24 PM

YAY SUMMER!!!!:goodvibes I love the picture's of The grand Floridian!!!!!!!!!

JuneChickie

03-24-2008, 08:08 PM

I couldn't wait much longer and I broke into a run,
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-20-4.jpg

I would have broken into a RUN too !

This has to the one of the cutest pics I have ever seen.

I feel this way about everything DISNEY/Florida

Absolutely Adorable picture !

MUDisneyCouple

03-24-2008, 08:40 PM

So, glad to see you back! Not to mention, you're so lucky with all that pixie dust!!! Waiting for more popcorn::

disneediva

03-25-2008, 09:01 AM

I just found your TR and sat down last night and read the entire thing, it is great, I can't wait to hear more.

disprincessatheart

03-26-2008, 02:15 PM

Ok, I started reading this on either Sunday night or MOnday night. I have been addicted to it ever since and have just now finished the entire thing!! (ok, I have been doing other things in between readings) I absolutely adore your report. I am a little hesitant to read more of the GF story when you post it. We've paid for a Garden View room there next month for our wedding and I'm worried I"ll get my hopes up and will then be disappointed if we don't get as much pixie dust as you. Of course I've never heard of anyone having quite as much pixiedust: as you, so I might just need to convince myself of how unattainable that level is and move on! :lmao:

Congratulations, thanks for the fantastic report (and keeping it going with this much detail for so long) and good luck with the dress fiasco!

Angel16

03-27-2008, 10:40 PM

Summer I just finished reading your trip report through page 10. I'm at the point where you are leaving AK and heading back to your resort. I am really enjoying your TR. You are very good at making your readers feel like they are right there with you. I can't wait to read more and especially your big day. Thank you for sharing your trip. :hug: Hugs and congratulations to you both.

29apr00

03-28-2008, 01:33 PM

Whew! I had to read all 54 pages to catch up! OMG your trip sounds absolutely perfect!! "From this Moment" was our wedding song too, and we definately will be playing it again at our VR in 2 years. I can't wait.

Looking forward to hearing about more Pixie dust you got!

jennifer

Summer-Caitlin

03-29-2008, 04:40 PM

Goldeelox09 - I was amazed to find that we had a castle view, I hadn't thought it was possible, I was so thrilled to have been given The GF let alone an MK view. The pixie dust we received was amazing and yes, we got more, much more!!!

DisneyLaura - Awww, that is such a sweet thing to say, I felt like a kid at Christms in Disney, I felt truly at home, I can't wait to start planning our new Disney trip and then of course writing another TR, this time with food pics;)

mla1977 - We got so much more pixie dust, seriously I thought I had Tinkerbell permanently on my shoulder.

lurkyloo - It was actually 4203, 2 digits out from the one I told you. It was an amazing room, I would love to stay there again.

DisneyObsession - Yup, I was finally getting some good luck, it made a huge difference to our experience on the whole, but even without it, our stay still would have been magical. Stay tuned for the dress update.

29apr00 - I really wish that everyone received some sort of pixie dust while in WDW, I think we received a lot more than most, but usually most brides report having received some. However our view at GF, I think that by far was my favourite part. I have a wonderful photo of us leaving the room for the last time and my face says it all...

angel*lady - Thanks for the welcome back, it feels like I have been gone forever. I will post the update about the wedding dress on a seperate post. I think New Years at MK will be just wonderful, I am SO excited to do this, I have already been discussing our ADR's with Steven, I think he is already zoned out to it all:rotfl: It would be great if you could make it down, I would just have to meet you!

Lynn5700 - Nice to see you here Lynn. Yup the GF was amazing, I can't say that enough.

JuneChickie - I wasn't even going to post that pic as I thought it made me look like a geek:laughing: I mean who would be that excited over a coffee percolator? I will admit to being this way throughout our whole stay, I am a bit of a geek when it comes to these things *sigh*

MUDisneyCouple - I can't express how thrilled I was with the pixie dust, to think there was so much more too. I really hope we get a little sprinkling when we go back!

disneediva - WOW, you read it all, you must be exhausted, I mean I know I'm not exactly good at condensing my writing style:laughing: I am glad to have you along for the ride:grouphug:

disprincessatheart - YAY, another person joining in, I am so glad you came along. My theory about pixie dust is that if you don't expect it, then it will come. We had a difficult first week, still magical at times but trying, very trying. I think we no longer expected much and it just flowed after that. I do know that The GF do seem to treat a bit more than most resorts. However you can make your own pixie dust...You have one more month until you're wedding, I promise you will have a magical time, just believe...

Angel16 - Another person along for the ride, I am liking this;) You aren't even up to the wedding yet, hopefully that is one of the highlights! Thanks for the compliments on the writing, I love to bring you all along for the ride and if being this deatiled helps, then that's what I'll do. Can't wait to hear what you thought about the wedding.

29apr00 - From This Moment is a perfect song and I still get chills when I hear it. So excited to hear that you are having a VR. Steven and I are going to do this too, maybe in 5 years or so:)

Okay now on to the dress fiasco, then I'll update!

Summer-Caitlin

03-29-2008, 04:58 PM

First of all thank you all for the support and well wishes regarding my Court Case. I know this has been ongoing for many months, but alas it's over.

So my wedding dress...

As most of you know I was due in Court on the 17th of March. I didn't particularly relish the idea of going to Court, but I was more than willing to as I think what happened to me was awful.

The last time I was at Court I spoke to the Pursuer and asked her if she was willing to go for mediation, she agreed. However it took her almost 3 weeks to actually make an appointment for this, in fact it was only 3 days before we were due to go to Court.

I met with her along with 2 independent mediators in a boardroom. We basically had to sit and argue it out until we came to some sort of agreement (hopefully). I was full of the flu which didn't help, but I wanted to get this sorted so I was willing to try.

90 minutes into it and we seemed to be going round in circles, she thought she was right and of course so did I. It turns out that she ordered a different skirt to the one I had requested she order. At no point was I told of this and on mediation day, well, that was the first I had heard of it. I was taken aback as it was clear that she had made a bigger mistake than initially thought, however it was her word against mine.

Over 3 hours into it, the mediators tried to get us to come to an agreement, after all we both wanted it over. She initially wanted me to pay $400 and she would then sell the dress and we would split the profits. I refused, telling her that I wasn't willing to take her loss of earnings into account. She then reduced this to $300. My counter offer to this was... I would pay her $200, she would sell the original dress and I would get $650 regardless of what she sold it for. She would also sell the dress I wore and I would get $800 regardless of what she sold it for, my veil, tiara and underskirt would also be sold and I would get $160 for all.

I had all intentions of selling the dress I wore, but to dry clean it I was going to be $180, plus I don't have the audience she does. So when I weighed it up it made sense that I pay her $200 and she would also get the dress dry cleaned before it sold, AT NO EXTRA COST!!!

After discussing this for a while, she agreed, I even got her to come and pick both dresses up;)

All in all, I walked away feeling very happy with the outcome. Yes, I had to shell out some money to begin with, but as you can see the return is much greater than it would have been had I went to Court. Plus you just never know how the Court case may swing and I for one wasn't really wanting to take that chance.

As an afterthought...I think Tinkerbell may have been with me that day...:wizard:

Summer-Caitlin

03-29-2008, 05:55 PM

So we made our way downstairs to check out the Sea Raycers and of course the cost. I was very aware how much over budget we were and this was only the second week of our trip.

I could feel the sun penetrating my skin, today was a scorcher and I began to get concerned about going out on the boats, we all know that the water reflects the sun and I thought I might get burned. Never mind, I lived in hope (silly I know) but I hated the feel of that particular sun block I bought, it made me feel really hot, like I was wearing cling film.

So we looked at the board and noticed that a Sea Raycer would set us back $40 for the hour, it was possible to go on for 30 minutes but I am never one to do something by halves, as you should all know by now, so an hour it was. Initially we had considered going together, but Steven wanted a boat of his own and well, I was all up for some competition! So we walked up to the desk and of course we presented our gold cards which made me feel like royalty :)

She welcomed us and congratulated us on our wedding. I was surprised as we weren't wearing our buttons nor was I wearing my ears (yeah Minnie ears ;) ) We hired 2 Sea Raycers for an hour and were told to pick up our life jackets and meet up on the dock for our instruction.

I picked a large life jacket as it is no secret that my chest isn't small, I am a 36 DD so squeezing them into a medium life jacket was just uncomfortable. Steven had a medium, which I wasn't pleased about, LOL.

We were shown a map of where we could and couldn't go on the bay and told how to use the boats. We were informed about the other much bigger boats in the water and how they always have right of way, too right they do, I ain't messing with those bad boys! After a brief safety talk, we found our boats and I made Steven go out first. I didn't want to crash into the dock and look stupid!

He started our engine and Steven was first to rev and go. I slowly followed and it only took me a few minutes to get the feel of it. Before I had a chance to fully get out of the dock, Steven away, like a duck to water I thought! No, no, he wasn't beating me, I revved my engine and let rip, WOO HOO, feel the wind in my face, it was so exhilarating. I caught up with Steven and we slowed down to discuss our route. We decided to circle the bay for a while before heading out into unknown territory.

We passed the GF, then The Poly and of course The Contemporary. I tried to catch wake from other boats as it was so much fun flying through the sky (literally) I noticed the coastguards had the best wake as they had the speed that the bigger boats didn't possess.

Steven managed to get a couple of pics of me:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-20.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-16.jpg

We then moved on to The Wilderness Lodge before heading out into clearer water. There were loads of boats out, all different sizes, some were trying it on, I'm sure. One sneaked up on me, this huge Steam boat, yup it sneaked up on me, I was too busy trying to find the wildlife in the island we were at, all of a sudden this big hoot sounds, hmmm, too big to be a bird me thinks! I rev my engine and we go toe to toe, I feel like Kevin Bacon in Footloose when he plays chicken on a tractor, this was equally as stupid. I weave to the left and out of its path. Close call, man this is fun!

I look at my watch and note that we don't have that long left, we speed along the open water for another 15 minutes and occasionally slow down to chat and exchange stories of our adventures. With 10 minutes to go we decide it's time to head in, so we slowly make our way back, and I feel so free, the most at peace I have felt in years.

We approach the dock and talk excitedly about the prospect of doing this again, oh yes, it was that good. We take our life jackets off and head to the window to get my key. The woman asked if we had a good time and we both answer with big smiles! She again congratulates us and tells us that as wedding gift we haven't been charged for the hire of the boats, she wishes us well and we thank her profusely.

WOW, more pixie dust, I was in shock, Steven was in shock, we were so happy we were almost shaking. We hurried up to our room to take it all in.

We immediately headed out to the balcony and sat in the chairs to soak in the view. It was magical.

I went in to get us a soft drink and was greeted by this on the sideboard:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-13.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-23.jpg

I was stunned, I slowly walked out to Steven and I asked him to come inside for a minute. I took him by the hand and led him over to our gift. He took one look and went back outside mumbling that it wasn't real, that he felt like he was in a fairytale or something. I ran back outside and dragged him in, I was now squealing with excitement. The card said "To Steven and Summer, Hoping all your dreams come true, Have a magical Honeymoon" There is a picture of Cinderella and Prince Charming and it is signed by both of them. It was such a wonderful gift.

We were both so shocked, Steven more so than me as he was speechless.

After we had calmed down, we put the champagne in the fridge and I decided to check out the mattress, no wonder it was so comfy:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-17.jpg

We headed out to the balcony again and sat down as the sun began to set, it was beautiful:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-6-14.jpg

I felt at home, and as I looked at the water glistening in the distance, I knew this moment would stay with me forever.:cloud9:

Coming up...

Dinner and watching Wishes from our room.

Belle1981

03-29-2008, 07:30 PM

Summer what an amazing TR! I haven't spoken to you in so long and you were just stunning on your big day! I was so excited because I recently received STVS DVD and parts of your wedding was on it! I was so excited! You were stunning and I cried at Rev Miller ceremony. I am so glad he is our minister as well! Best wishes! I am so happy for you both!

disneediva

03-29-2008, 07:31 PM

Summer, did I read that you were going to be in Disney over New Years?

Summer-Caitlin

03-29-2008, 08:38 PM

Belle - I wondered what had happened to you, it has been so long since I have seen you around, I can't believe your wedding will be coming up so soon, I bet you are jst so excited. WHOA, our wedding is on the demo disc from STVS, I never knew, wow, I feel like a celebrity:laughing:

disneediva - Yup, we are planning on going to WDW from the 29th of Dec until the 12th of January, we plan on booking it next week!

disneediva

03-29-2008, 09:28 PM

How fun, we will be there too!! We arrive on the 26th and leave on the 4th of January. Where are you staying?

DisneyLaura

03-30-2008, 12:15 AM

Summer - that last installment was great. The boat ride was a gift, :cool1: A card from Cinderella and Prince Charming. What could be better. Can't wait for more. Glad things also worked with the dress situation.;)

Summer-Caitlin

03-30-2008, 03:45 AM

disneediva - We are staying in POFQ for the whole 14 nights and we are on DDDP:woohoo: What about you?

DisneyLaura - Yeah the gifts just kept rolling in, we were so surprised. I am so glad the dress situation is resolved it was just so exhausting, it was hanging over me for 6 months. Hopefully the dresses will sell soon and I will get my money back.

orangetiggs

03-30-2008, 04:35 AM

I hope we get as much pixie dust as you guys got !! Loving the trip report though, when can we get more!

disneediva

03-30-2008, 08:56 AM

Summer, we are staying at Fort Widerness and I think we are doing the DP. We are doing a cruise to Italy in June so we are going to see how the finaces are after that.:rotfl2:

Lynn5700

03-30-2008, 10:57 AM

Summer you look so cute in the boat lol!! How fun :) Your honeymoon has been amazing so far,you both deserved it.

Glad the dress fiasco turned out ok.

MUDisneyCouple

03-30-2008, 12:14 PM

First off, I am so happy that this whole dress thing is resolved...that has got to be a relief!

Second, your honeymoon has been SO exciting and filled with so much good fortune...wow! You two are so deserving! Have a blast on your next trip...I've never been down there at Christmastime; I would LOVE to see the decorations!

Is there more pixie dust to come?!?! :goodvibes

angel*lady

03-30-2008, 12:31 PM

Summer -

So glad the dress drama got resolved! Whew!!! :)

Lovin' the TR!!! You look so cute in your little speed boat! How cool that it was a gift from WDW and then to find the champagne in your room! Did you just want to pinch yourself to make sure you weren't dreaming? pixiedust:

Beep

03-30-2008, 12:38 PM

Hi Summer, I'm so glad the dress drama has finished and you got a good result. It's just a shame you had to go through that in the first place.

You've had some amazing pixie-dust - can't wait to read the next instalment :goodvibes

shezfrombermuda

04-04-2008, 08:45 PM

I am enjoying your trip report and all of your pictures. It is so great that you got to stay in the concierge room and that you received all the other pixie dust. Summer, would you mind if I "borrowed" the picture of the view from your room? It is the best picture of the marina patio that I have seen. I tried taking pictures of it from ground level when I went for my planning session but you really couldn't get it all in. Looking forward to reading more. :goodvibes

Kirsteen

04-14-2008, 09:42 AM

Loving your TR Summer - can't wait for the next installment. Kxx

dizneyfreak

04-14-2008, 12:08 PM

HI SUMMER!!!:wave2:
Wow, did I ever miss this report! I have to apologise because I was just able to find it again a few days ago and I have been tring to catch up ever since. I've missed your installations so much and was so excited to find it again!!!:banana: I have to say though, I totally expected that your TR would be finished by the time I found it and got around to reading it, however I am totally pumped that it's not and I get to follow along again!:cool1: You are so way ahead of me. I was married October 1st and I still haven't started my PJ or my TR...however I am working on that as we speak. What a rollercoaster ride your trip was! I'm so happy to hear of all the dustings pixiedust: you received. It couldn't have happened to a sweeter girl! I'm also glad to hear that the whole dress thing got sorted out and that you are feeling better...AND I AM SO EXCITED THAT I GET TO TALK TO YOU AGAIN! :dance3: Don't keep me waiting to long and before long you will have my reports to read...yea, yea, I know....it's about time:rotfl:
Anna Marie

HarbinsMom

04-16-2008, 04:45 PM

Summer, I'm so glad for you that the court case is over. I'm sure that's a huge relief for you.

Congratulations on all the Pixie dust. Wow, you certainly found TinkerBell and didn't let go of her! I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip. [/COLOR]

DisneyLaura

04-21-2008, 04:58 PM

Hi Summer - just checking in. How's everything going?

DisneyFairy19

04-21-2008, 05:14 PM

I took pics like that in the bathroom at AKL I LOVED it there:goodvibes

The Charmed One

04-23-2008, 04:41 PM

Summer I can't believe all of the pixie dust you two got, you really are very lucky, the room is beautiful and the view is out of this world.

Pooh_Girl

04-25-2008, 05:44 PM

Summer, I finally got through all of your trip report. This has been such an amazing TR so far. I'm glad everything got smoothed over with your Mom. It sounds like a trip full of pixie dust. Congratulations!!!!!!

Kirsteen

05-02-2008, 04:41 AM

Hi Summer, hope you are well? How are things going? Looking forward to hearing more about your stay at the Grand. Kxx

DisneyObsession

05-07-2008, 02:04 PM

Hi Summer!

Glad all worked out with the dress. :thumbsup2 Have they both sold? Did she honor her agreement??? I hope so!

When do you go to Toronto? :confused: I am assuming your job has kept you busy, since you haven't been around. I am finding everyday life is getting in the way of finishing my TR. Bet you have the same problem.

I look forward to you coming back and giving us another installment! :woohoo:

meryll83

05-12-2008, 02:35 AM

Hi hun,

hope you're well! I tried to PM you but it told me your mailbox doohdah is full!

Just a quick question for you....

We're in the process of booking Stan from STVS to do our wedding video footage, and Simon just asked me is the DVD is a multi region one, or if it can be done on a region 2 disc so we can actually use it at home - and I didn't have a clue, but I though I know who will :thumbsup2

Also, just out of curiousity, did you get charged an outside vendor fee for either Stan or Randy? I have a feeling you didn't but just wondered.....

Thanks so much for helping me out!

Speak soon x

Summer-Caitlin

05-12-2008, 08:09 AM

Hi all

First of all I am so sorry it has taken me such a long time to get back on here. I have been extremely busy with work and trying to organise our move, I unfortunately haven't had a chance to update my TR. I am working on another instalment though and I plan to have it up by Wednesday. I feel terrible that it has taken me so long. you all do realise that we are still only on day 8:lmao:

Thank you all for your continued support and interest in this TR, you are the best audience a girl could ask for:hug:

I won't have a chance to respond to you all individually today but there were a few things that I have noted that I will respond to just now.

Well I have a huge update on our move to Canada. As most of you know I planned on doing a Make Up course, I have a passion for make up and this would have been an ideal route to go. Unfortuantely, it wasn't to be and I found out from Canadian immigration that if I were to do this course at the private school of my choice, I couldn't depend on receiving a post-graduate work permit. Because this is essential, I decided to go to my other passion...the law!

Although we were initially planning on moving to Toronto. I decided to widen my search for the Paralegal course I was hoping to undertake. I came across my dream course in Vancouver, BC and although I had my heart set on going to Toronto, I decided that I should go where the best course is offered.

It is a 2 year Diploma course in North Vancouver, after the 2 years I get a 6 month paid internship and that is something that no other course in Canada has offered. It is with Capilano University and it judged as the benchmark for all Paralegal education. It is slightly more expensive than other Paralegal course I have seen but it seems to have the best reputation and is looked at fondly by prosepctive employers.

So Vancouver it is, if anyone has any opinions I would love to hear them.

We also initially were going to go in August this year but as we are trying to maximise profits on the sale of the house, we intend to spend about 10 months decorating the house from top to bottom and put it on the market some time in March or sooner if possible.

Because of this huge delay we decided to go to Disney at New Years, which I know I have already mentioned, but it's so good it deserves to be mentioned again, right?:banana: :banana:

Now it was a hard decision to postpone the Canada move but, I have already applied and paid for my appliation fee to Capilano for September 09, I feel this will make me more determined to get things done. It is a huge undertaking but I am doing loads of research to make the stresses minimal.

I still need to write a 3 page essay as to " Reasons I want to be a Paralegal" do any of you think I may struggle on this, I mean 3 pages is an awful lot for someone like me, who never has much to say;)

As for my wedding dresses, no, neither have sold yet, but I am not panicing yet, I have no doubt they will sell, spring and summer is the best time for weddings so I hope they will sell soon.

Meryl - You asked about the multi region DVD, to be completely honest I think it is a Region 1 DVD we received. We have a multi region DVD player so I have never attempted to put it in a Region 2 DVD player, so I have no idea if this would work. I can check it when I get home but I am sure Stan might be able to offer a suggestion.

Okay girls, I promise I will try my best, time to get this TR on the road...

pjstevens

05-12-2008, 08:32 AM

So glad to hear you are doing ok Summer. Missed reading your updates. I'll be looking forward to your next installment.

29apr00

05-12-2008, 09:42 AM

So glad you are back!! I hope things settle down for you soon so you can continue your TR!! ;)

jennifer

Kirsteen

05-12-2008, 10:17 AM

So chuffed that your plans are going well Summer. Can't wait for the next installment :goodvibes Kx

DisneyLaura

05-12-2008, 10:23 AM

Summer - glad you were able to give us somewhat of an update, just to let us know you're doing fine. I can't believe we have so much more fun:cool1: . Yeah that you're going back for New Year's Eve, my cousin did that with his family, said is was crowded though but I wouldn't care Im in Disney. Sorry things didn't work out with the make up school. Can't wait for your next installment and more pictures. Until next time.popcorn::

alissa2008

05-12-2008, 01:04 PM

wow. good thing I had a spare 3 hours, I just read your TR from start to 56 page finish!! Phew!! :jumping1:

Fantastic job, Summer. I am SOOOO jealous of your day!! I can only hope my disneymoon/dftw is full of half as much pixie dust! :wizard:

My favorite story was your DD at Chef Mickeys -- CLASSIC!! I LOVE IT! I showed DF and he thought it was SOOO cool! He can't wait to get his ears!

Which got me thinkin', how come your hubby didn't wear newlywed ears?

Anyway, I look forward to hearing more and I'm glad everything worked out with the court case. I also hear Vancouver is BEAUTIFUL!

keep us posted, we're anxious!!popcorn::

MUDisneyCouple

05-12-2008, 09:12 PM

Are we really only on day 8!! Wow...there is so much more fun ahead :thumbsup2

Glad to know that you are ok...sounds like a lot of decision making has been going on...

We are headed to WDW in 6 days! It was a total surprise trip for us, but much needed for MANY reasons. So, I'll have something to catch up on when we get back :goodvibes

dizneyfreak

05-13-2008, 01:01 PM

Summer,
I am glad to see that you are back on the boards even if it is only for a short post. I'm also happy to hear that you are doing well. I can't wait for your next installment...I'll be watching:)
Anna Marie

Summer-Caitlin

05-13-2008, 02:45 PM

As we had no intentions of going to the parks this evening, there was little point in going all the way over to a park to eat. Now of course, I had a dinner reservation, I mean it’s me we’re talking about and I normally don’t play anything by ear, but after the sea raycers, I was quite comfortable with the idea of picking something up at Gasparillas. Neither of us were particularly hungry and there was always the Concierge treats to keep us going if we did get peckish later on.

Gasparillas it was then. I am pretty sure that Steven had been waiting on a dinner like this, chicken, fries, and coke and he was a happy man. I on the other hand knew I would miss the 3 courses, but hey, we still had plenty of them coming up!

So we headed downstairs not knowing what might be on offer. Steven settled for the Chicken Strips served with fries and I took the Hot Dog with fries. We didn’t have to wait long for or food and we both chose our desserts, Steven had a NY cheesecake and I had the chocolate cake. Both slices were absolutely huge, I had no intentions of finishing either but we had a fridge and I intended to save what we didn’t eat. We took Diet Cokes as our drink and handed over our room keys to access our CS credits.

I didn’t want to stay and eat it there as we had a beautiful balcony, with a wonderful view. So we took our food upstairs, grabbed some ice and settled on the balcony to enjoy our food. I wasn’t too fond of the hot dog, it was quite tasteless actually. I love hot dogs normally but I thought this one had so much bun and sauce on it that I didn’t actually taste the dog. Steven loved his chicken strips but that was no surprise. I wished I had taken them myself, they were very dry and crispy.

The chocolate cake was too chocolaty for my liking, the reason being is that it had very little cake, it was more filling than actual cake. I hadn’t noticed this when I picked it up but over half of the slice was buttercream, way too sweet for me, so I ended up leaving it all bar a few bites. The cheesecake was nice and dense, not fluffy like some. I LOVE NY cheesecakes and hate fluffy ones so this one satisfied us both.

I however was disappointed that my dessert hadn’t worked out as planned that I was determined to go and get some mini treats from the Concierge station. Steven wasn’t up for going up to get anything, especially as neither of us were hungry. But I insisted that this wasn’t the point, we could always save them for later! I knew I would be peckish later on and I wanted to enjoy some miniature desserts while watching Wishes, I thought it came hand in hand.

Eventually I managed to persuade him, of course I did, and we headed up to get our miniatures. We ended up with mini éclairs, some brownies and little cheesecakes. We grabbed a couple of Diet Cokes and I was happy!

I was still yet to see Wishes from the ground in the Magic Kingdom, but the idea of seeing it from the balcony on a nightly basis was thrilling. I still intended to look into getting my Pirate and Princess Party tickets swapped as we didn’t make it the first time. I knew we had a slim chance in getting them changed to another day but it was worth a shot, after all we hadn’t even picked them up yet. The main reason I wanted to go to it was for the firework show alone, I heard it was among the best Disney offered.

In the cool breeze on the balcony, it was perfection. The sun was beginning to fade and I could only just make out the faint glow of the castle.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-22.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-18.jpg

Unfortunately I didn't get any more photos, I was too engrossed in the action and I thought as we were quite a distance away they wouldn't turn out.

We still had a while to go before Wishes started but already people started to take their seats from Gasparillas and move them forward for a better view. It looked like a clear night and I was sure we were in for a good show. Although we had some pictures taken by Randy during Wishes from the Grand Floridian Pier, we still hadn't actually watched a show. I knew that Wishes would be a favourite of mine as I just love the idea behind it all. It seemed like such a beautiful show and the message was perfect. At times our whole wedding/honeymoon seemed as if it had been just that… a wish, something I had always dreamed about but would maybe never see the light of day. Sitting on the balcony, with my new husband, made me see that wishes do indeed come true and that you can never stop dreaming no matter how far fetched they sometimes are.

It really was a beautiful night and I had enjoyed not going to the parks, it had been nice to relax at the resort and just have some time to unwind. I knew I would be aching to go to the park tomorrow but for now, I was content.

Twenty minutes on and neither of us had moved from the balcony, I got up only to get my mini desserts and some coke. We had decided to leave the champagne for another night, after all I am always a Coca Cola girl at heart.

I could hear the music through the speakers on the pier, signalling that Wishes was about to start. I grabbed my chair and we both quietly sat and waited.

The show began and I was surprised at how loud it was, the sky was alive with color and everyone began cheering. My favourite fireworks had to be the ones that seemed to produce little, but after a while, danced in the sky. They were beautiful and they seemed to be the biggest crowd pleaser. Tinker bell made her way across the sky and from a distance it looked like a real fairy, I still have my doubts… The finale was of course nothing short of spectacular and the audience was wowed for another night.

I had forgotten about the desserts as I was immersed in the show, no time like the present though and I dug in. A perfect end to a perfect day, chocolate, fireworks and another couple of wishes granted…

Coming up…

Back at Animal Kingdom, Meeting the characters, Pirate and Princess Party…well maybe, but definitely loads of photos!

Wazzo

05-13-2008, 03:49 PM

Hi Summer! Glad you're back! :goodvibes

I think you will be very happy with your decision to move to Vancouver over Toronto. It's a very different place, and a very different lifestyle. I love both places, but I don't think you'll be disappointed!!! :wizard:

DisneyObsession

05-13-2008, 07:30 PM

Summer...I am so glad to see you back! :banana:

DH & I are looking forward to nights like yours, of just relaxing together and not doing much of anything. Who says you have to be at the parks every minute?!? :confused3

29apr00

05-13-2008, 08:52 PM

what an absolute perfect evening you had! OMG it was very magical for you wasn't it. Can't wait to hear more!

Jennifer

Kirsteen

05-14-2008, 03:46 AM

Awww Summer what a lovely end to a fab day. Hot dogs and fries from Gasparillas was my fave meal on our honeymoon (DH is more like you and prefers a sit down 3 course meal) followed by cheesecake - mmm yummy :goodvibes Looking forward to the next installment. xx

Eeyore's Tailfinder

05-14-2008, 06:27 AM

YAY Summer!! Glad you're back and things are working themselves out for you!

Loved your latest installment, and can't wait for the next! Maybe you should be a writer in Canada?!

Chilly

05-14-2008, 06:57 AM

Over the past week or so I've read through your whole trip report and the detail is amazing. Congratulations on your Disney Wedding and the fab upgrade at the GF. Looking forward to reading about the rest of your honeymoon.

DisneyLaura

05-14-2008, 11:21 AM

Yeah another installment from Summer. Your view of the castle from your balcony is awesome. Can't wait to see if you go to the Pirate and Princess Party.

pjstevens

05-15-2008, 06:45 PM

Summer,

So glad to read some more from your TR! Sounds like you had an amazing evening! How wonderful to watch wishes from your balcony (while enjoying those deserts, yummy). Can't wait to read more.

jnale

05-17-2008, 10:11 AM

Awesome pics of the castle from the balcony!

disney*lover069

05-19-2008, 01:12 AM

I just spent the past few days catching up on your TR. Your a great writer & I can't wait to read more with your updates!! Keep them coming!! :cheer2:

MUDisneyCouple

05-22-2008, 11:46 AM

We got to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly...it's great to see it at MK, but it is something special to see it across the water and at the comfort of your own resort (no crowds to fight afterwards!!!).

We ate at 1900 Park Fare this past Monday and really like the GF...it is on our wish list of resorts to stay at...DH wasn't too sure about it before, bt got a taste for it after breakfast.

Can't wait for more to come...:goodvibes

feline figaro

05-22-2008, 11:54 AM

Yay Summer another update to your fab tr

Have loved reading all of your tr so far & cant wait for your next installment. Think i ve read it from start to finish at least twice over the last few months. Its a great way for me to get a much needed Disney fix

Weird as i remember when you joined the boards & started sharing all your ideas for your wedding with us so now reading that everything turned out so magical is sooo lovely.

Your pics are gorgeous!!!

Hope everythings all going well preparing for your move to Canada, gees is that gonna be a culture shock when compared to Scotland.

Hope you & Steven are still both very happy, we all cant wait to hear from you again

Summer-Caitlin

05-25-2008, 10:21 AM

Wazzo - Thank you, the decision to change to Vancouver was very difficult. I had my heart set on Toronto for such a long time but Vancouver does look beautiful and I am excited about the move again. The course sounds wonderful and I am sure we will both be very happy there!

DisneyObsession- I must admit that night was one of the only times that we did nothing! I am not one for relaxing on holiday as you can see and I like to keep myself busy, but that moment is one of many that will forever be treasured!

29apr00 - That was such a magical moment in time, and I look back fondly on it, it's so hard to describe and I have tried my best, then again, we had so many perfect moments on our honeymoon and hopefully we will have many more to come.

Kirsteen - Don't get me wrong I love McDonalds (one of my favourites) but it is so rare that we get to eat out and such wonderful restaurants, that I really missed it when we didn't. I think I have convinced Steven though that when we go at New Years, we are definitely going to do more!

Hayley - Glad to see you back on the boards too, how are you doing? I hope time really is a healer...
You must be getting excited, not too much longer for you now, I really wish we had met, it would have been fab!

Chilly - Thanks for stopping by, I love dragging you all in;) Glad you are enjoying it, there is so much more to come, I can't wait to share it all.

DisneyLaura - Our view was nothing short of amazing, we had so much pixie dust, I don't think I ever anticipated how much we would receive.

pjstevens - Yeah, a perfect moment in time, desserts, Wishes and the cool breeze on the balcony, I remember it as if it was yesterday, aww to be there right now...

jnale - I think that view has spoiled me now and I used the balcony so much, it was the first thing I did every morning, was go out and just soak it in.

disney*lover069 - Thank you, I love being able to share the happiest time of my life with you all, I am just so happy that you all are enjoying it.

MUDisneyCouple - I wasn't too sure about the GF myself, I thought it wouldn't be my style but I fell in love with it, it was so beautiful and I felt Like I was royalty, I have never been treated so well ever, it really was a dream come true, highly recommended!!!

felinefigaro - I remember joining these boards so well, it's hard to believe it has almost been two years. I vowed that when I married I wanted to give a detailed TR so that I could maybe help some upcoming brides out as I was helped many times before. It has been such a wonderful walk down memory lane telling you all my fairytale wedding, and I have enjoyed reading all your comments. I had no idea I loved writing so much:love:
Our move to Canada is very much on as is our trip to Disney, I can't wait for both.

Stay tuned for more updates, one will be up today...

Summer-Caitlin

05-25-2008, 10:55 AM

We woke up early the next morning and decided that we would head down to Gasparillas and have a cooked breakfast. I wasn't overly hungry but I was excited to be going back to the Animal Kingdom and of course Flame Tree BBQ.

I quickly showered and dressed and stepped out on the balcony to greet the morning. There were clouds in the sky and one in particular looked quite ominous but the temperature was up and everyone was dressed in shorts and t-shirts so I pushed my concern aside.

Gasparillas was getting busy and we just managed to grab the last free table outside. Steven had ordered a Grand Breakfast which consisted of scrambled eggs with a side of bacon, sausage, Hash Browns, and a biscuit and I ordered the Croissant Egg Sandwich which was quite simply a croissant with sausage and an egg. I really didn't like this at all, the egg was very rubbery and I am very particular about my eggs, it tasted as if it had been sitting for hours, the sausage also wasn't very nice so I took the filling out of my croissant and decided to eat the croissant as is. Steven quite liked his meal, but it was nothing too exciting and I wasn't up for trying any of it so I don't have much of an opinion on it.

Although my meal wasn't up to much, the setting alone was beautiful. People were just getting up, the sun was shining and we were overlooking the marina and I could see the outline of the castle in the background, I mean how could I be disappointed?

Eager to move along and get the bus to AK, I hurried Steven to finish his food. I knew we would be eating again at Flame Tree so I wasn't that worried about us being completely satisfied.

We headed to the bus stop to wait for our bus. It was looking like it was going to be one of those clammy days, I could feel my hair sticking to my neck already and I just knew that by midday the frizzies would break out. To avoid this I opted on tying my hair up, this is so unlike me as I hate my hair up, but I figured it might be its only chance to survive the day. Grudgingly I put it in a ponytail and commenced my moan about how my hair had been cut too short for the wedding and that it could barely be tied up let alone swing as I loved ponytails to do!

Our bus arrived, much to Steven's delight, I'm sure and we boarded. I loved the buses, it was like stepping into a freezer, and I always felt so comfortable on them.

We arrived at Animal Kingdom within 20 minutes. I had decided that I was going to ask about the Pirate and Princess Party at the park and hope that the CM would take pity on us and give us new tickets. I already had my sob story playing in my head, I just had to hope for the best.

We had agreed that this time we would get the map and concentrate on the areas that we had totally missed last time. The first time we came here we were all pretty tired and had missed a lot. I really wanted to visit Camp Minnie and Mickey and this was going to be the first land we looked at. After of course a photo op:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-24.jpg

It was Chip, my favourite Chipmunk, and I know it was him as he signed an autograph for a girl before me. I was pretty excited that I could get him all to myself…

As soon as we neared the entrance I headed over to Guest Services and waited in line to explain my predicament about the Pirate and Princess Party. We had a nice CM, I could tell straight away that he was going to be sympathetic. I explained that the Pirate and Princess Party tickets we had originally purchased had been for the day after our wedding, but we had just been too exhausted to go and had crashed on the bed and didn't wake until morning. This was true! I said that I had really wanted to see the Pirate and Princess Party, also true, and I was hoping that he would be so kind as to let us go another day. I explained that we had never even picked up our tickets, true, and that I was willing to go any other day they could manage, while this was partially true, I was really only wanting to go that night. The other days I had made plans and ADR's and quite frankly I didn't want to cancel them.

He asked me what day I would like to go and I asked if that night was available, he said it was and handed us two tickets to the Pirate and Princess Party for that night. He wished us both a hearty Congratulations and I am almost positive that if I hadn’t been wearing my 'Just Married' pin that it wouldn't have been so easy. On the back of the tickets it clearly stated non refundable or transferable and I breathed a sigh of relief that we had been sprinkled with yet more pixie dust.

Totally happy that I had managed to get our evening plans sorted, we headed into the Animal Kingdom. We had a lot to do again, and now it seemed we had less time than originally planned. Still you know what they say about the best laid plans…

Maggimus

05-25-2008, 11:15 AM

S-C... my internet is back up and running so I need to send you an email. We have loads to catch up on!! Ill catch up on your TR soon too!! Love ya!

Summer-Caitlin

05-25-2008, 06:19 PM

MAGGIE - I have SOOOO missed you, where have you been girl? I am so glad to see you back on here, I am anxiously awaiting your email. I am eager to hear all the news. Don't suppose there is any chance of you going to Disney for the New year? I still need to meet you in person, when exactly is this going to happen?

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk130/sassycindy2008/impatient01.gif

pjstevens

05-25-2008, 06:56 PM

Summer,

so glad you were given new tickets to the P&P Party. We haven't been to that and I don't think we will get to it this year as MNSSHP will be starting when we get to Disney in September. Can't wait to read another update!

DisneyLaura

05-25-2008, 07:10 PM

Summer so glad that they gave you tickets for a different day. I can't wait to hear and see more.

MUDisneyCouple

05-25-2008, 10:14 PM

Hurray! You get to go to the P&PP!!! We had tons of fun when we went :goodvibes Can't wait to see what you two thought of it!!

meryll83

05-26-2008, 05:00 AM

Yey another update! :banana:

You were so lucky that they exchanged your P&P tickets for you, great news! Has your helping of pixie dust come to an end yet, or is there still more to come?

We received a demo DVD from Stan the other day, I didn't know you were one of the featured weddings on it!

PS. Chip has a small black nose and Dale has a big red nose ;)

Summer-Caitlin

05-26-2008, 05:38 AM

pjstevens - Yes, we got tickets to the Pirate and Princess Party, however things didn't turn out as planned...

DisneyLaura - The CM was great in swapping our tickets, I never thought we would get tickets for another day.

MUDisneyCouple - I had been looking forward to the Pirate and Princess Party for months, I was determined to go even if it had meant paying again. Stay tuned to find out what happened...

meryll83 - WOW, Meryll I can't believe I never noticed that Chip and Dale had different colored noses, thanks, I googled it after I read your comment and my word were "well, I'll be damned"
Another DISser told me we were on STVS demo disc, is it the whole wedding? I would love to ask Stan for a demo if it is as I could give my mom a copy:rotfl: I don't want to look silly though in asking Stan for a demo when we have already had our wedding;)
Our pixie dust has only just begun, stay tuned for more sprinklings!

Summer-Caitlin

05-26-2008, 09:25 AM

We headed up towards the Oasis and stopped to get a few pictures:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-25.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-19.jpg

I loved the colors of this bird:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-14.jpg

I thought this guy was cute, he didn't even flinch:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-24.jpg

This was an interesting position, he was licking his back and I thought it was so cute!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-26.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-20.jpg

We moved on and took a picture of the Tree of Life, I never really did get the opportunity to look at all the carvings up close, but even from afar, it was a beautiful thing!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-27.jpg

We walked on towards Camp Minnie Mickey and noticed these guys heading for a walk also:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-21.jpg

And another one of Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Donald fishing:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-15.jpg

We arrived at Camp Minnie Mickey where we noticed that all the characters were out, there were queues but they weren't too bad. I felt a bit guilty as I realised that my mom would have loved this part, but we had totally missed it thinking it wouldn't have been worth it to come here. I was so wrong, she would have loved getting her pics with all the characters, but I told myself that she did get quite a few, especially at Chef Mickey's, thank goodness we did go there!

The first queue was for Donald, Steven didn't look to impressed that I would soon be reunited with my other sweetheart, but he agreed to wait and take the picture. I tried to convince him to get his picture taken too, but he refused and I guess he thought it wouldn't be too manly to do so! We waited no longer than 5 minutes and Donald and I were together again:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-18.jpg

I LOVE him, he is just so sweet and he gave me a huge hug, he is just the cutest!

Next in line was Goofy and there was a slightly longer wait for him as he was out back getting some milk, this led me once again to trying to decide what Goofy was exactly. I had settled on a dog, even though he stands on 2 legs and wears clothes unlike Pluto, but the milk thing threw me off completely, since when do dogs drink milk? I mean when my dog was a puppy he drank milk, but Goofy has been around for ages and is certainly no puppy. Hmmm, this mystery remains unsolved…

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-28.jpg

Minnie was next and this would be my first picture with her. I had hoped to get one at Chef Mickey's but unfortunately we had missed her and she never returned our whole breakfast so I was eager to get at least one picture with her.

She was smaller than I remembered but she was really sweet and gave me a big hug and pointed to my badge and gestured to see my ring. She gave me another hug before we settled for our picture:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-22.jpg

Mickey had the longest queue of all, everyone had been doing the same thing as us and just moving from one character to the next, so it was like deja-vu in the queues. We waited 15 minutes for his majesty but it was well worth the wait.

I came forward and he noticed my badge, Mickey started to get on down and was cheering on the spot:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-16.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-19.jpg

He gave me a huge hug and presented my hand to the camera:
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-7-14.jpg
he pretended to become faint when he saw my ring and gave me a thumbs up, well to me and Steven. Steven said it had been hilarious to watch and would make for a good photo!

Camp Minnie Mickey was such a wonderful place to visit, I will be sure to go back next time; the character opps were just phenomenal!

We decided to head to DinoLand USA, this was another land we had totally missed our the last time we had been here. I really wanted to go on Dinosaur and I was trying to convince Steven to go on it but I didn't think I was succeeding.

I snapped this pic, which I love! I don't think Steven intended to strike a pose similar to the dinosaur but every time I look at it that is all I see. I think it must be his neck position or something!
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-8-10.jpg

After much deliberation Steven agreed to go on Dinosaur. I convinced him that it wasn't a coaster as such, I explained that it would be very similar to Indiana Jones in California. Knowing how much he had enjoyed this ride I was sure that would be the clincher. Our wait was approximately 15 minutes, I was glad it wasn't too long as normally that is the time that Steven may decide that he doesn't want to do it at all, walk-on's therefore are my favourite kind of rides!
There weren't loads to see in the queuing area, plus it was a bit dark to get many pictures:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-9-10.jpg

We were ushered in to see more pre show things. One was a video explaining that we were to be sent back in time to the Cretaceous period to find the Iguanadon… hmmm, I always wanted to be the female version of Sam Beckett, but this wasn't exactly what I had in mind!

We neared the boarding area where we could clearly see how big the vehicles were. I breathed a sigh of relief that the size of the vehicle indicated that they wouldn't go too fast. I hadn't read too much about this ride but I knew it was a bit bumpy and it was dark, two things I was fine with.

We were about to board our vehicle in the third row when the CM noticed that we were newly married. He moved us to the front of the vehicle and allowed us in the first row! WOO HOO! Nothing better than being in the first row! Although Steven again may disagree.

It is a very jerky ride, that I will say, I suppose this is to simulate time travel. When it gets past the darkness it becomes much smoother and almost tranquil, there are dinosaurs everywhere you look and it is quite a sight. It becomes dark once more and there are meteors sounding off beside you, this is when it gets really fun, you speed along the track, your headlights are out and I can barely see a hand in front of my face let alone Steven gritting his teeth.

We almost collide with a huge dinosaur. We move in every way possible and I could imagine many people feeling pretty queasy on this ride. We are informed that there will be 60 seconds before impact, but we are still in search of the Iguanadon. Luckily our homing missile or whatever it is we are using seeks out the Iguanadon, the force of which causes us to be sucked forward in time. It’s over, we're back and we have the Igunadon!

We depart or time machine and head out the door into the sunlight. Although Steven doesn't really like bumpy or fast rides, I will quote him when he says "it was one of the best rides in Disney" I am also of this opinion, I am a fan of most rides anyway, but anything that involves time travel, darkness and even a few scares thrown in, will always have my thumbs up!

Just about to leave DinoLand USA but I stopped to take a picture of this big cutie:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-10-11.jpg

We walked over the Discovery River where we managed to snap my pal Mickey on a boat:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-11-11.jpg

I also waited to get a good picture of Expedition Everest:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-12-8.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-13-8.jpg

I had originally planned on going on this ride and I am still undecided about whether I will or not, there is always next time I guess. I don't know what is stalling me to be honest, I mean I love things like this. I just thought that the wait was 40 minutes, even for a single rider it seemed, and we didn't really have that much time left, especially as we were now going to the P&P Party. Still unsure, we walked on. I am sure that the P&P Party would make it all worthwhile, that is if we managed to go…

Coming up:

Rafiki's Planet Watch, Flame Tree BBQ and the heavens open…

DisneyLaura

05-26-2008, 09:49 AM

Summer - I can't wait to go on Dinosaur. One time we went to WDW I was pregnant, so I couldn't go. The next time we went me and DH were by ourselves so there was no one to watch the kids while we went on, I wouldn't go on a ride by myself and probably wouldn't do it now. So next year when we go, the kids will be 10, 8 and 4 plus we are bringing my mom so if the kids don't want to go on they can wait with my mom while me and DH go. I'm excited. I can't wait to see if you go to P&PP, I hope so.

MUDisneyCouple

05-26-2008, 11:33 AM

We've never done Camp Minnie-Mickey, but I think we will when we go back in Dec. LOVED their safari outfits :) EE is an amazing ride...we went on it at night - super scary!

meryll83

05-26-2008, 11:50 AM

Another DISser told me we were on STVS demo disc, is it the whole wedding?

A lot of it is there but I think they cut down some of the ceremony and the speech during the sand ceremony, but it's quite a long segment of film!

You'll have to ask him to send you one! :thumbsup2

pjstevens

05-26-2008, 12:59 PM

Oh Summer another great update! We have never been to Camp Minnie Mickey and I think your photos just convinced hubby that we should stop there! Can't wait to see what happens and if you make it to the P&P Party or not!!!!

Pooh_Girl

05-26-2008, 02:12 PM

Summer,
I have to tell you that I absolutely love reading your TR!!!! It is just like reading a book. :thumbsup2 Have you considered becoming a writer instead of a lawyer?!?!? :lmao:

Summer-Caitlin

05-27-2008, 07:29 AM

DisneyLaura - I think you will love Dinosaur, I went in not expecting that much and was pleasantly surprised. I know what you mean about going on a ride yourself, it is why I tend to miss out on certain rides as I hate going alone. I did it on ToT and luckily I didn't have a huge wait.

MUDisneyCouple - I might go on EE next time, I'm just not too sure, I think I was put off of coasters a bit after I went on the one in Vegas at New York, New York, it was horrible! Definitely go to Camp Minnie Mickey, well worth the trip!

meryll - WOW that's quite cool, it feels strange to think that our wedding is on a demo disc, I might ask him to send me one then.

pjstevens - You must go to Camp Minnie Mickey, the charater opps make it so worth it. We must have picked a good time as the queues were really short. I must say aswell that I have been following along on your PJ, I will comment, honestly I will. I LOVE your new dress, it is going to look so perfect! WOW a DCL VR, how romantic!

Pooh_Girl - The writer is actually my husband, he writes short fiction and is currently working on his novel. Maybe I should try my hand at it then:rotfl: First I will publish my PJ and TR, I wonder how may words it will be by the time I'm finished?:lmao:

meryll83

05-27-2008, 07:35 AM

meryll - WOW that's quite cool, it feels strange to think that our wedding is on a demo disc, I might ask him to send me one then.

I definitely would,

I thought he would have asked you if you minded actually, but presumably when you sign a contract with them they'll be a clause that says they can use all footage for their marketing purposes or whatever....

PS. Good to see you back and posting regularly! :thumbsup2

29apr00

05-27-2008, 08:03 AM

Aonther great update!! I love camp minnie mickey, and am so bummed we missed it this trip. Too hot for the kiddies! Oh well, like you said, there's always next time! :thumbsup2

dizneyfreak

05-27-2008, 09:58 AM

Summer,
I think you may have missed my last post, but I wanted to make sure that you know that I am following along again. I am so excited tot see another installment. Your writing remains to be one of my favorite things to read. I'll be looking forward to your next post!
Anna Marie

Summer-Caitlin

05-27-2008, 11:40 AM

29apr00 - Oh I bet the kiddies would love it though, there is always next time, that is what I always say! It was such a great thing we went back to the park or we would have missed quite alot!

Anna Marie - I am so sorry, did I overlook your last comment? My apologies, I hate missing people when I post. I know I didn't respond to everyone individually on some of my instalments as I didn't get the chance. I am trying to get back to posting more regularly now though so I will respond to everyone individually again. So glad you are following along again, I have missed your comments, quite literally:rotfl2: I will try and get another post up this week!

dizneyfreak

05-27-2008, 09:15 PM

You saw me! Yea! :cool1: I was wondering if you remembered me. I am quite sure that you do now given your comment about missing my commentary :rotfl: Me and my big mouth! :laughing: I'll be waiting for the next installment.
Anna Marie

Rain

05-28-2008, 01:06 PM

Summer, I lost you for a few months, so glad to catch up.
Grand Floridian as so good at giving out Pixie Dust. We stayed for 2 weeks in December for our 40th wedding anniversary and 60th birthdays. we had already booked concierge in sugar loaf. They also upgraded us to RP they accomodated us in a VIP room on a what they call a secret floor. The view was exactly the same as the one you had. Champagne, signed cards and chocolate. I will never forget it. I can't remember the room number but you used your gold card in the elevator then walked along a corridor and went in to another elevator. The floor was very private and is where they accomaodate VIPs, no children allowed.

I am so glad you also got lots of pixie dust and memories.

pjstevens

05-29-2008, 05:55 PM

pjstevens - You must go to Camp Minnie Mickey, the charater opps make it so worth it. We must have picked a good time as the queues were really short. I must say aswell that I have been following along on your PJ, I will comment, honestly I will. I LOVE your new dress, it is going to look so perfect! WOW a DCL VR, how romantic!

Thanks so much Summer. I am so looking forward to this. A very special time for hubby and I. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Eeyore's Tailfinder

05-29-2008, 06:13 PM

Yeah Summer!

Your TR makes me want to stay at the GF so bad!! Ahhh, someday - maybe for our wedding :laughing:

I'm glad you're writing again - you should definitely try your hand at writing professionally, you're really good at it! I'm a huge reader and am constantly reading some book or another, and I can tell you, you're a lot better than some of the authors I read :)

Can't wait to see what you thought of the PPP!

PhilHarMaestro

05-29-2008, 10:43 PM

Thank you so much for your TR. I've been struggling as to whether or not to switch my escape wedding to a wishes. And you have inspired me to stay with in my budget. Your wedding was so beautiful. I can't wait to really get into the planning of mine. :hyper:
Oh and also, I was glad to see how well you dealt with your mother, I'll have to think of you when I want to blow up at mine on our DFTW.;)
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!:dance3:

By the way, on your 6 min. video was that your actual violinist or a recording of one? Because it sound like there was another violin in there or cello. Also do know if you were allowed to have the violin play throughout the entire ceremony or only in the specified part.

P.S. I'm a musician not speller...can you tell?:rotfl:

Lynn5700

05-29-2008, 11:06 PM

Summer I'm all caught up!!! How you doing??????

I love the pictures of you with Mickey!!!! SOOO stinking cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

feline figaro

05-30-2008, 04:17 AM

Thanks Summer for another fab update:woohoo: , am loving reading how everything went & seeing all of your gorgeous pics. Your whole honeymoon looked so magical, reading it is making me soooo desperate to go....roll on Oct:thumbsup2

Your wedding is def on the demo dvd from STVS, i just watched it for like the 10 th time a few days a go. Its the only wedding on the dvd that shows a location that is nt WP. Am taking it round to my parents to show them SBP, showed your wedding to my sis & she thought it was beautiful. She got a little chocked when Steven nearly broke down.

I ll be sad when your tr is finished :( , i ve enjoyed reading it so so much

Raspberry Bubbles

05-30-2008, 04:34 AM

I too will miss your TR Summer ~ thank goodness your next trip is not far away!

Looking forward to your next installment! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

Chilly

05-30-2008, 05:33 AM

Glad you got your party tickets.

snow_white725

06-06-2008, 10:39 AM

I just found your TR today - though I have to admit that I went straight to the wedding day and that's all I got to read. But when I'm home from work I can't wait to check out the rest. Thank you so much for sharing!! :)

Summer-Caitlin

06-12-2008, 04:55 AM

meryll - No, Stan never asked if it was okay to use our footage, but as you said it is in the contract. I'm not bothered at all, in fact I'm flattered that he would use it, I mean I personally thought it was a wonderful video, but then I am biased;)

Anna Marie - Of course I remember you, how could I forget such a wonderful fan:goodvibes Do you have your next trip planned yet?

Rain - I did wonder if I had lost you too, I thought with the delay in my updates I would lose a few people, but I always remember your screen name, it is so beautiful. I have always thought about calling my daughter Rain, probably would spell it Rayne!

pjstevens - A DCL wedding would be fabulous, Castaway Cay is so beautiful, I couldn't imagine a more perfect setting for a VR to be honest!

Hayley - Keeping up with this TR is very difficult. Life seems to get in the way of the more important things. I am trying my best to keep up but it is difficult. Hmmm, try myhand at writing? I will take that as a huge compliment that I am better than some of the writers you read then, as long as we are not talking about Mills and Boon then I definitely take it as a compliment:rotfl:

PhilHarMaestro - Glad to have you along for the ride, first of all you will not be disappointed to stay with the Escape Wedding, in fact Lynn5700 agreed that after reading bits of my TR and seeing the video I think that she was also happy with her decision to stay with the Escape rather than upgrade. I am sure she was more than happy with her decision.
As for the violin, in the video I had Stan overwrite the violinist with the original soundtrack, however I must mention that during the ceremony, the solo violin was beautiful. He didn't play during the vows, just the other parts. I love classical music hence the overload during our video!

Lynn - Thanks, the pics don't rival your amazing character pic, but I do love them! Glad you could join me over here!

Becca - My Tr is the neverending sort I think, when you think about it, I have almost been married for a year and I am STILL writing it. I still have almost 14 days to write about, I mean I know it will get finished, I guess the slight delay of me writing it keeps it alive in my mind. I feel so alive when writing about it and I get transported right back, it still feels like yesterday. Oh, Steven is very embarrased about almost losing it on the video, he says "great now everyone thinks I'm a cry baby, I'm supposed to be a man":lmao:

Sara-Jayne - I know I actually have to start planning our next trip, this trip coming up will be the trip to rival all trips, we're going all out I think, Deluxe Dining, Dessert Party, New Years Eve at Epcot, WOO HOO, I can't wait!

Chilly - Yes, we got our party tickets but it wasn't going to be that easy, it never us with me...

snow_white725 - Thanks for joining in, I hope you have had a chance to read some of the rest of my TR, I have had loads of ups and downs and I think you will understand why all the pixie dust we get during and after the wedding is so greatly appreciated!

Okay so I am back again to do another instalment, sorry it's been delayed but I have been having some difficulty with my job, in truth, I no longer have one, I resigned:eek: I do however have 2 jobs in the pipeline which I interviewed for, both pay more and the one that I really want would be huge step up. Although it would only be until we move to Canada it can't be a bad thing! So I have been spending all my free time looking for work.

I am working on another instalment which I hope to have up today. So I hope you will all continue with me on this journey, god knows it's a long and eventful one:thumbsup2

pjstevens

06-12-2008, 08:31 AM

Okay so I am back again to do another instalment, sorry it's been delayed but I have been having some difficulty with my job, in truth, I no longer have one, I resigned:eek: I do however have 2 jobs in the pipeline which I interviewed for, both pay more and the one that I really want would be huge step up. Although it would only be until we move to Canada it can't be a bad thing! So I have been spending all my free time looking for work.

I am working on another instalment which I hope to have up today. So I hope you will all continue with me on this journey, god knows it's a long and eventful one:thumbsup2

Summer,

sorry to hear of the work problems, hoping you'll find something quickly. Can't wait to hear more of your TR though!!!! :goodvibes

figmentfan814

06-12-2008, 09:23 AM

Summer, I was just catching up on your report and wanted to say that your descriptions of the rides and experiences is fantastic. I am really enjoying your installments :thumbsup2

dizneyfreak

06-12-2008, 11:04 AM

Summer,
Yes, as you can see on my ticker we are planning another trip to the world. September can't come fast enough for me! I'm sorry to hear about your work troubles, but let me tell you from experience that everything happens for a reason. Oh, and by the way, I wanted to let you know that my DFTW will be featured in a magazine called Destination Weddings and Honeymoons soon. I'll let you know what issue when they tell me :hyper: I'm so super stoked about it! I'll be patiently waiting for your next installment :surfweb:

Anna Marie

DisneyFairy19

06-12-2008, 11:22 AM

Summer you write so eloquently.... I love reading your TR

MUDisneyCouple

06-12-2008, 08:18 PM

Sorry to hear about the job...my DH just resigned his job too (he was miserable), but has 2 offers currently. Sometimes change is for the best...at least that's what's keeping us going ;)

Pooh_Girl

06-13-2008, 01:26 PM

Yippee!!! You're back!!! I was beginning to wonder if everything was okay over in your neck of the woods. Hope everything works out with your new job!!! :thumbsup2

Summer-Caitlin

06-20-2008, 04:15 AM

Okay so I have a new job, I am now a Medical Secretary starting on 30 June so I have a week off:cool1: It's more money and it's 5 minutes round the corner from where I stay, so I am really happy.
So as I have this week off it gives me plenty of time to do some TR, so without any further hesitattion I will have a post up today...

pjstevens - Yup, I got a new job, I am pretty glad as for this move to Canada I can't afford to be out of work. TR coming up!

figmentfan814 - Thank you, I try my best to describe in detail as I like to think that you were all there along with me, glad you're enjoying it.

dizneyfreak - So you are going back in September, WOO HOO, well done you and WOW you're wedding is going to be in a magazing, you must be so excited, congrats, I can't wait to see it. :thumbsup2

Christina - Aww thanks for the compliments, I can't wait to read your TR which will be coming up soon...;)

MUDisneyCouple - Yes, I am really glad I resigned now, I have found a much better job and I no longer need to catch the bus. I think it is the sort of job I can come home and forget about, which I really need. I have way too much stuff to do like decorate:bitelip:

Pooh_Girl - Yes I am back, I hate leaving my TR so long but then again I don't ever want it to finish. Everything is fine, the move is on schedule, I have a new job, Steven and I are great, wow it's almost been a year since we married, OH MY GOD!!!!

Okay TR, I promise!

Kirsteen

06-20-2008, 05:15 AM

Woop woop - congrats on the job Summer, that is great news. So chuffed to hear that everything is going great for you guys and it is brill that you have scored a weeks holiday out of it as well. :cloud9: :banana:

Patiently awaiting the next installment... :worship: :woohoo: xx

Summer-Caitlin

06-20-2008, 05:42 AM

We looked at the map and decided to go to Rafiki's Planet Watch, I had no idea if it would be any good but we wanted to give it a go as we knew we wouldn't be back to the AK again, well not this trip anyway;)

We took the train which I thought was worth the trip alone, it was so calm and peaceful, I could have stayed on it all day.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-23.jpg

The sky was looking a bit overcast as we came to a stop and entered Habitat, Habitat. I will admit to being bored in this area as I felt it was aimed at younger children as there were loads of cardboard cut outs telling us little snippets about the animals we were seeing. I'm not criticising it, as it was very informative for children, but when you've been to as many zoos as I have and seen as many Tamarins as I have, you don't need to see those signs! So this is mind we bypassed all the exhibits as the trail itself was quite pretty.

We ignored the Conservation Station and headed straight to the Affection Section, now I was hoping to see some lambs, donkeys of course, piglets would have been cute, but Steven found himself a goat!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-17.jpg

I was told to take the picture pretty quick as you just never know with a goat if they might get the desire to kick or something, so I did as best I could, you can see in the pic that he is barely touching the goats head:rotfl2:

I moved on as I wanted to find my donkey, I love these guys:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-26.jpghttp://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-20.jpg

We couldn't actually get in with these guys so I just had to take a pic from the fence. Shame really because they are so cute!

At this moment a huge bolt of lightning appeared and a massive crack of thunder soon after. Over the tannoy system a CM announced that they would be closing the Affection Section due to unforeseen storms on the way. Storms? What storms? Now I am a girl that LOVES storms, the pure adrenaline rush that I get is almost indescribable. I can only liken it to what it must feel like if you jumped out of an aeroplane, not that I have so that's probably not a good example, let me try again, it's more like a coaster I guess, or ToT, although that's a weird one as I don't know if I would go on ToT again, but I put myself in storms time and time again, hmmm this is difficult. Okay I will just describe it, storms for me are like the best feeling I can get, it's like going to your favourite place in the world coupled with that surge of excitement when you actually arrive. It's when your heart gets in a flutter because for a split second you feel a sense of danger, and you submit to that. It's a fear of the unknown and a complete lack of control. Watching a storm to me is like watching a beautiful dance.

Okay, gateway to my mind closed, I will continue::yes::

My eyes were glinting in excitement for the chance to be in a storm but for safety reasons we decided to head back to Africa and maybe grab something to eat. We were nearing the end of our day at AK and the last thing on the agenda was to have lunch before we headed back to The GF.

As we both enjoyed Flame Tree BBQ last time it seemed easier to just go there instead of searching for another place that might suit my tastes.

We were back in Africa in about 7 minutes and we headed straight to Flame Tree BBQ. The sky changed, it grew very dark and then it happened, the rain fell, it started slowly but within 5 minutes it was a downpour! I hate the rain, but not just any rain, I hate the rain that can't decide if it wants to rain or not, you know the kind the sort that only gets your hair damp and the rain that falls in every direction. But, I love the rain that just dumps on top of you, straight on your head, soaking everything in it's path! You would think as I am very particular about my hair and make up that I would hate this but there s no better feeling than being in rain like that, the freedom, the pure joy!:hyper:

Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures of this as I think I was in awe. Neither of us had seen rain like this in Scotland and I hadn't seen rain like this since I lived in Australia so I was mesmerized.

The problem with these sorts of downpours is that they never last for that long and although we were soaked it was over in about 10 minutes. We had made it to Flame Tree BBQ so put in our order.

We both went for the Pork Sandwich again, 2 diet cokes and 2 key lime pies. We sat down and I hoped that I would see my friend the duck, but it was quiet on the animal front, I guess the rain drove them away.

The pork sandwich was quite nice, but I found it a bit fattier than the last time, the smoky taste was still there though but I ended up leaving about half. I wasn't that hungry and I knew I wasn't leaving my key lime pie. I don't know if they refrigerate the pies, but I wish they did as the dessert always seemed quite warm to me. I always put my desserts in the fridge as I like them cold but I don't think they do that here. It was still tasty though so I ate it all. The diet coke washed it down pretty quickly!

We finished up and made our way towards the front of the park. I was excited to get back to our room and get ready for the P & P Party.

Our bus came pretty quickly and I waved goodbye to the AK for the last time. We arrived back at our resort and I couldn't wait to get to our room, although I love storms like that, I don't particularly like the effects it has on my hair and make up, woo hoo, the old Summer is back!

Our room was so inviting and the bed even more so, all of a sudden I felt sleepy! It's these beds, I swear, there is something in the fibres!

So the plan was to get ready at 5pm and head out to Kona for dinner, so I had plenty of time to shower and dry my hair.

Our room lit up and I thought Steven had turned on the light. I didn't need to look out the window as I could hear the rain from inside. It was even heavier than before and a few flashes of lighting could be seen although they were pretty far away.

Again, no sooner had it started, it ended, just like that:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-6-15.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-7-15.jpg

The view from our balcony was great, loads of people had to get carted around in the little golf carts as there were huge puddles forming.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-8-11.jpg

I called the Concierge and asked if the P & P Party would still be going ahead and she assured me that it would be. As the rain had calmed down again I figured it would be okay.

As 5pm neared it rained again, this time it was worse. The weather station said that storms were coming and we were pretty much going to get the worst of it. Steven not as impressed by storms as I am said that he didn't want to be out in this and thought it best if we stayed home. WHAT? Not even go to dinner? I had been looking forward to Kona for ages and of course the party. He said that if the party meant that much to me then we could pay and go again, and we did have another booking at Kona so it wouldn't be that big a deal.

As the lightening continued and the thunder grew closer, I had to agree with him, we wouldn't enjoy it and there was no guarantee that the fireworks would happen and that was what I was looking forward to the most!

So we settled in to watch the storm. I don't think I have ever heard thunder as loud as I did then, it honestly sounded like the GF was being split in two. The lightening surrounded us, and the GF lit up like a Christmas tree every 5 seconds. At one point Steven went inside as the sound of the thunder was deafening. He seemed to think that the lightening may be drawn to an open balcony, lol. We saw sheet and fork lightening; I don't think I have ever seen the two together. It was quite frightening at times as the fork lightening seemed to hit ground pretty close to us. I don't think I have ever felt so much at one time. It was the only time I truly felt it could be dangerous to be outside.

The storm went on most of the evening, the rain stopped but the lightening and thunder persisted. We weren't hungry and I didn't want to leave the storm so we grazed on the food in our fridge. We still had leftovers from earlier.

We went to bed and watched TV and I heard the fireworks go off at about 12.30am, later than planned but they happened all the same. The view from our balcony was terrific and the fireworks looked amazing, I felt a twinge of sadness that I didn't get to see them from the ground but I hoped that Steven was right and we would go the next night it was on.

I lay back down and immediately fell asleep, tomorrow we were going back to MGM so who knew what the day would have in store for us…

Rain

06-20-2008, 07:59 AM

Summer,

What a wonderful detailed report as usual. You made the storm so real that I got the butterflies in my stomach, you see I am terrified of lightning!!!
Congratulations on the new job :)
Can't wait for the next episode.

29apr00

06-20-2008, 08:08 AM

Wow what a great description of the storm!!! I wouldn't have been as calm as you were, probably cowering under the bed. But it's obvious you loved it! Can't wait to hear about MGM.

Chilly

06-20-2008, 08:29 AM

That sounds like an amazing storm. Congrats on the new job.

DisneyLaura

06-20-2008, 08:48 AM

Summer congrats on the new job. I was a medical secretary for years before I had children. Probably going back when the little one is older too. We liked the train ride on Rafiki's Planet watch too and although we go to a lot of zoos too my sons loved the animals, definately geared towards children. AHH the Florida storms, when we went in June one year every day around 3ish it would storm for about an hour. The CM on the boatride from POR to DTD told us happens because of the clouds coming from each coast in FL and meeting in the middle, right above Orlando. Our paths in Alligator Bayou were pools at times :lmao: because it rained so hard. I sure hope you get to go to the Pirate and Princess party and Kona too. Here's to a great update :thumbsup2

Pooh_Girl

06-20-2008, 10:28 AM

Yippee your back!!! Congratulations on the job!!! I really hope you like it.

pjstevens

06-20-2008, 12:10 PM

Summer another GREAT update! Wow, you really should be a writer. You have such a way of saying things, makes me feel like I am right there with you! Hope you actually got to you P&P party!

DisneyObsession

06-21-2008, 09:22 AM

That storm sounds like it was amazing! Definitely the kind you need to be inside for and watching it! ::yes::

Look forward to hearing more! :thumbsup2

alissa2008

06-21-2008, 09:31 AM

I can't remember if I ever posted on your TR, because I remember lurking a lot before I started to post -- but I love your trip!! Everything looked beautiful and simple -- sorry about your dining debacle, but it seemed like everything worked out. I did feel like you might have been a bit harsh on your mom - but then I decided that I really don't know her and I'm sure your attitude was warranted - after all, you know her best. :confused3

Anyway, just wanted to say - everything was beautiful!! :lovestruc

MUDisneyCouple

06-21-2008, 10:40 AM

Still on th edge of my seat to see if you two make to the P&PP!

Eeyore's Tailfinder

06-21-2008, 01:33 PM

Was this the 24/08 PPP? If so, we went to that PPP so we know EXACTLY what you mean about the storm.

I have never seen such a storm in my life. The PPP was rained out and the storm pretty much spoiled the party since the first parade was cancelled and we missed the Princess bit of the second parade since we didn't know what time it was going to be - not to mentioned we were SOAKED to the skin!

But, we went on Splash Mountain and the lightning started. The ride stopped (due to the storm I presume?) and we were stuck riiiiight at the top of the ride - but what a view!! We could see lightning hit us miles around and the sheet lightning was setting the sky alight - I'm quite scared of storms TBH but this was mezmerzing!

dizneyfreak

06-24-2008, 03:09 PM

Oh my goodness Summer! I'm so glad you are updating again because I truly missed your writing. :cool1: I loved this installment...you made me feel like I was right there with you. I absolutely hate storms. They scare the crap out of me. :scared1: You see, my fater is a lineman for a power company in my area and when I was a child I would get so scared when he got called out to go into the storms and fix the power lines. All I knew was that you were supposed to stay away from tall things when it was lightening and my Dad was climbing power poles during these storms. I think I developed a complex from it. I sooooooo would have stayed in my room with the curtains drawn. I can't wait to hear more!

Anna Marie

feline figaro

06-24-2008, 03:25 PM

Yay Summers back :woohoo: with what must be my fav TR ever :cutie:

Firstly let me say a big Congrats at getting your new job:thumbsup2 , if you ve started it already then i hope you re enjoying it :bitelip:

Yet again another fab update with lots of lovely pics. I loved the ones of the Donkey :love: , i hope they ve still got them there when we go in Oct as i have a massive soft spot for Donkeys. Just hope though that unlike when you guys went that they re not fenced off.

Gees talk about rain :eek: , then gain i guess us Brits are very much use to rain, rain, rain:laughing:. I can remember as a teenager when i last went to WDW & it stormed, i ve never seen one like it...scared the cr...ap out of me. Bet you had a great time though seeing as you love storms

Shame you guys had to delay P & P but i hope you did eventually make it as i bet you ve got some fab pics of the party which i cant wait to see.

I will be gutted when it comes to you ending your TR, then again i think you guys are going back at the start of next year so drag it out till then so by the time it finishes it ll be time to start a report of your next trip :woohoo: :banana:

As always im looking forward to the next update, hope you & Steven are both well & still are very much enjoying married life :thumbsup2

Have been discussing your pics with Randy as he knows i love them so im hoping mine will turn out as great as yours ::yes::

ClemsonGirl

06-24-2008, 09:48 PM

Just wanted to let you know that I have been reading your TR! :surfweb: I have really been enjoying it- your wedding was so beautiful, and you are such a great writer! :) Can't wait to read the rest! :hyper:

Pooh's-Honey-Pot

06-25-2008, 04:11 PM

Hi Summer

I found your report three hours ago and have been reading it none-stop ever since! I haven't spoke to my DH all night!! Looks like you had a great trip!

And guess what - we had the same violinest as you at our wedding in 2006! He gets around!! :goodvibes

D&R love Disney

06-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Summer it's so good to have you back doing your TR! I was wondering how the rest of the trip went.
Congratulations on the new job. When do you plan on moving to Vancouver?

I had the same violinist too LOL!

Dancermomof1

06-26-2008, 12:16 AM

I love your trip report soooo much!!! We will be doing an escape wedding next Fall and your photos convinced me to pay the extra $1000 for the MK shoot. I love your writing. It is so good to hear your experiences. Thank you for sharing!!!

Summer-Caitlin

06-26-2008, 05:32 AM

Kirsteen - You managed to sneak in before my last post;) Thanks fe congrats on the job, I am so glad to not be out of work, I so need a job right now! I have enjoyed having this time off though! I don't know if I congratulated you on your little one, if not I am sorry I missed doing so. So a big belated Congratulations!!:thumbsup2 Is this a Disney Baby?:hyper:

Rain - Perfect name for my last instalment;) Some people are terrified of storms, but not me, I LOVE them, I guess it's a huge disappointment to me that we don't get them here. I really miss the storms we got in Austraila. There was one time that it looked like the sky was closing in, the clouds were moving so fast and they seemed to meet eachother at the center of the sky, WOW, I'm getting visions of it right now:hyper:

29apr00 - I thought you had to be there to appreciate the strom but I think I must have done an okay job at describing it. Yup MGM is up next where we have a more sprinklings of Pixie Dust...

Chilly - Thanks about the job, I am looking forward to doing something different and I can come home for lunch, even better. Glad you're still enjoying my long TR!

DisneyLaura- Oooh another Medical Secretary, I guess it goes with my Nursing and Forensic background, I guess that's why I want to move to study becoming a Paralegal:lmao: I swear I have been everything under the sun!
I love zoos, well we both do, the best one imo in San Diego, it really was amazing! We only got one storm the whole 3 weeks we were there, quite surprising, I expected the rain every afternoon. Stay tuned if you want to hear if we get to the P & P Party!

Pooh Girl - Thanks for the congrats on the job, I hope it will suit me until I leave for Canada!!! It's difficult keeping up with a TR this long, but it lets me revisit my time at WDW::yes::

pjstevens - Thank you, I do love writing, well non fiction anyway, when it comes to the creative stuff, I leave that to my husband, he's the pro! How is your planning coming along? Srry I haven't managed to get on to your PJ this week, is your hubby growing back his mustache?

DisneyObsession - I don't know if I've seen you in a while, I thought I had lost you:worried: I hope you are doing well and I see you're not that far away from your anniversary trip, you must be getting pretty excited!:hyper:

alissa2008 - Hi alissa, no I haven't seen you over in this neck of the woods, glad to have you on board::yes:: The dining, for some reason, I knew would cause us problems, all that switching, but I was assured it was fine before we left the UK, always trust your instincts::yes:: As for my mom, yes, at times I think I may have been a bit harsh, but, yes, you also have to know her. I mean I love her with all my heart but at times she seems to go out of her way to annoy me, and it was all getting too much. It really was time to have the honeymoon to ourselves.

MUDisneyCouple - You will find out if we get to go to the P & P Party, but you have to stay tuned. How long are you staying at the world at Christmas time?

Hayley - Yes, it was that night of the P & P Party, wasn't the storm fabulous, well maybe not for you as you were in it, and OH MY GOD, being stuck on Splash Mountain, I would have loved that too, no fair you got your lot of pixie dust too:rotfl2: Well for Steven that would have been hell:lmao: Next time I am going out in that storm just to feel that rain on me, I bet it's wonderful! You must be getting really excited about your upcoming trip? A proposal on the cards maybe...

Anna Marie - LOL, I guess I might have felt differently about storms too if my dad had been a Power line guy, but my dad always loved storms, so I guess my love came from that. Oh I hate them if I'm in a plane but that is a different story all together! I'm still not cured of my (why did I ever get that) fear of flying! Next instalment is coming up, I promise!

Becca - Thanks for the congrats on the job, I start on Monday but I have been so busy this week, I'm about to make fudge, don't know why, just cause I feel like it:rotfl:
I don't know if they would let you in with the donkey, maybe he's always sectioned off, but I'm with you, I love them:love: Yeah, I never thought i loved the rain before, but I love that kind of rain, not the stupid drizzly crap that we get here:lmao:
I don't want my TR to end either, I have so enjoyed this walk down memory lane. I actually watched our wedding DVD the other day and I felt like I was there, writing this keeps me in the moment that I loved so much!

ClemsonGirl - Another straggler joins the flock;) Welcome, glad you could come along for the ride! Thanks for tyhe compliements on my writing, I had no idea when I started this that it would take so long, but I should have known I can never write a short TR, Do you know I even talk like this? I never give a straight answer, I'd make a good politician:lmao:

Pooh's-Honey-Pot - LOL, thank you, tell your DH I'm sorry, I dont want to be the grounds cited for arguments, this is my web and you are stuck:lmao: Our violinist was fab, Steven spoke to him quite a bit, I still feel guilty that we didn't tip him, it all was over so fast I totally forgot!

D&R love Disney - Thank you, I haven't seen you in a while! We plan on moving to Vancouver a year from now exactly. School starts Sep 04 09 ad we can get into Canada 2 months prior to that, which will give us plenty of time to get an apartment etc. I am getting really excited about it. I can't wait to live in North Vancouver, even more than going back to Disney!

Dancermomof1 - You will so not regret going with the MK shoot, I too thought it was too expensive, but some of those pics were worth it alone, I am in love with them! Welcome to my TR, you still have about 14 days to go, thats' right, 14 DAYS!!!!

So guys, I am working on my next instalment, I was hoping to get it up today, we'll see, it will be a long one, so I think it should actually be considered to be 2 instalments, in fact it likely will have to be as I have a lot of pictures.

Now, yes we have booked to go to Disney over New Year, but to be honest I am considering cancelling. The thing is we really need to get the house decorated to the best of our ability for selling it. To go to Disney this time it will cost us about $8000, you can see that it is maybe a bit too much to spend when we have a new life to look forward to in Canada. That $8000 could cover our home decorating and then some.
We are basically gutting our apartment and refitting carpets, repainting etc. It has to look great if we want to sell it as quickly as we do and for as much money as we do. We want to get it on the market just after Christmas and I'm worried that if we go to Disney we might not be able to afford it.
It's a difficult decision as I LOVE Disney and really want to go back, but I fear it might be my heart ruling my head and I think this is a time I should listen to my head!
I mean we are going to live in Vancouver a year from now, that is wonderful enough. Steven doesn't know I am feeling this way yet, but it has been playing on my mind for the last week. I wish I could afford to do both but even if I could, $8000 could sure go a long way to our new life in Canada.

Any advice?

meryll83

06-26-2008, 07:36 AM

You could go back to WDW more cheaply couldn't you? Stay in a chaper hotel / go for less time?
I don't know what your current plans are but $8000 seems a heck of a lot if it's just 2 of you! :scared1:

Summer-Caitlin

06-26-2008, 08:09 AM

meryll, we are booked with VA for 2 weeks, obviously it is more expensive over New Years, we have 14 nights at POFQ with the Deluxe Dining Plan. this includes 14 day ultimate Tickets. We both agreed that we didn't want to go back unless we had the Dining Plan, for us we saved loads of money doing this and I think we had a much better experience. Half the fun was trying all the restaurants and not having to worry about the cost. we could obviously stay at a cheaper Disney resort but POFQ is special to us now, after all we spent our last night as single people and our first night as husband and wife there. I don't think we would save too much by swapping anyway. The $8000 includes our spending money of course!

WithDisneySpirit

06-26-2008, 08:34 AM

I think I would consider renting points for a studio stay instead. wouldn't that save money? Oh, only problem would be getting in at that time of year though...

Pooh_Girl

06-26-2008, 08:49 AM

Honestly (and don't hate me for this), but I would actually skip WDW this year and try to sell my house. Once you get to Canada, you will be that much closer to WDW. I totally understand how you feel, DH and I are actually looking at moving down to Orlando next year (which I know is not nearly the move that you will have to endure) and we are using our trip in October to go apartment hunting. DH has already said no vacation next year since we'll need all our money to move.

Summer-Caitlin

06-26-2008, 09:21 AM

Thanks girls for the replies.

Pooh_Girl - I think I agree with you, I don't want to (no offense) but as I said before, I think it is the sensible option. I know when we are in Canada we will be much closer to Disney and I have no doubt that we will get to go at some point in the near future, I make things happen;) Sometimes I hate being an adult, having to make the snesible decision, Ugh, how boring! I won't cancel anything just yet, I need to talk it over with Steven first and see what we can work out. I would much rather know for definite that the house is ready for selling, the sooner we sell the house, the sooner I can apply for my study permit.
You sem to have your sensible head on too, I know it is the right decision, but why does it have to suck so much!:(

WithDisneySpirit - Again, this option is better but as you say getting in at New Years would be almost impossible I'm sure. Plus if I can't go the way I want as in having the dining plan etc, then I think I would rather wait until I can afford to go properly. Hope that doesn't sound silly? I'm also worried that if I go to Disney then I will spend the whole vacation thinking that I should have used that money to decorate our home, ah decisions!

pjstevens

06-26-2008, 09:28 AM

Summer,

I too would skip this year and once you get moved over to this side of the 'pond' you'll be so much closer!!!! That you can definately go for a LOT less. And then there is free dining at times (granted it's not the deluxe, but that's a lot of food).

Can't wait to read the next update!

MUDisneyCouple

06-26-2008, 10:58 PM

Oh, Summer! I feel for you having to make this decision!!! Being an adult really does suck more often than not ;) I agree with you that going and not doing it the way you want to will be a disappointment. We settled for less in our planning this past May and when we showed up, it just didn't feel right. I know, I know - it's Disney and it shouldn't matter where you stay or if you have the dining plan, but I agree that it does! We tried it cheaper, but it didn't work for us...we walked into our room and were instantly saddened. It took us all of 45 minutes to get switched to WL (our honeymoon spot - totally feel you there!!!) and added the dining plan :lmao:

To answer your question, we are going back to WDW on a bounce-back offer for 3 nights and 4 days. If not for that offer, we wouldn't be going back so soon...what we saved in room rate we added back in the dining plan! :lmao:

Best of luck in your decision!!! :goodvibes Don't worry, still hanging on for the P&PP situation!!!

pjstevens

06-27-2008, 08:51 AM

pjstevens - Thank you, I do love writing, well non fiction anyway, when it comes to the creative stuff, I leave that to my husband, he's the pro! How is your planning coming along? Srry I haven't managed to get on to your PJ this week, is your hubby growing back his mustache?

Summer,

Hey, no problem, you are definately busy. Right now, hubby is growing his mustache back, but he may shave it again. I don't know how to take my poll (vote) down so I keep telling him it's now in favor of leaving it off. So who knows what he'll decide. I actually liked it when it was a week or so old, not too bushy!

Pooh_Girl

06-27-2008, 10:51 AM

dizneyfreak

06-27-2008, 06:03 PM

Summer,
I don't know if they are still offering the free dining or not, but Brad and I got in on it for this year. If you go sometime in September they give you the free dining. This would save you money on food and resort because it is less expensive by a whole lot to stay in September instead of December.
With that said I totally understand your plight. However, I don't ever want anyone, especially you :hug: , to have to go without their Disney fix. Once it gets in your blood...your stuck for life! :lmao:
Then again, if you came in September I could see you.....ok, I'm going to shut up now. :rotfl2:

Anna Marie

DisneyObsession

07-08-2008, 09:35 AM

I'm bumping the thread in hopes you will be back soon with another installment! ;)

What's the verdict on the Christmas trip? Did you decide to cancel it after all? :confused3

MistressOfAllEvil

07-09-2008, 04:28 PM

Just caught up!!! :banana: :banana:

Summer, I love reading your TR!!!

I didn't quote anything out, but here's a couple of comments. I know someone already told you, but you know Chip is Chip, not just because he has the brown nose (vs. Dale's red one) but because it's a chocolate chip nose!!! Or atleast that's the way I learned it.

Also, I'm just soooo in awe of ALL of the pixie dust you encountered. It's just amazing and makes me just green with envy!! :sick:

Can't wait to read more when you get to it!:goodvibes

MistressOfAllEvil

07-09-2008, 04:30 PM

Oh and the Sam Beckett thing got me! I'm with you... I :love: anything having to do with time travel!!

meryll83

07-10-2008, 03:22 AM

I know someone already told you, but you know Chip is Chip, not just because he has the brown nose (vs. Dale's red one) but because it's a chocolate chip nose!!! Or atleast that's the way I learned it.

Clever! :thumbsup2

We've still got Universal to come as well in your Trippie haven't we? I'm looking forward to that as we don't hear much about it normally (yes I know that's coz we're on a Disney board ;))

The Charmed One

07-17-2008, 10:41 AM

I've just caught up Summer, I'm still loving these reports. Congratulations on your new job I hope your enjoying it.

farjojo

07-28-2008, 06:18 PM

Hi Summer

I am new to this forum (going to be a May 2010 DisneyBride!!)...just had to tell how much I have loved this TR...I have felt that I have been reading a mini novel!! It has taken me roughly 4 evenings to catch up from the beginning...I once spent until 3am saying to myself "just 1 more page" :)

I can't wait to read the rest...well done on your wonderful writing.

Jo

Summer-Caitlin

08-01-2008, 05:53 PM

pjstevens - You are right, I so know you are, I guess I have to be strong and ignore the call of Disney which is getting stronger by the day. Every day I say I'm going to cancel it and every day I say "I'll do it tomorrow" I need to be sensible!!!

Pooh_Girl - Yes, I agree with you there, I am forever trying to convince DH about a little trip here and there. I even said if we didn't go to WDW, then maybe we could go to DLP instead, this was a no go however, I think we both realise it's not the real thing and we would be comparing it constantly.

Anna Marie - I would have loved to go in September but we just can't, I agree the free dining would be amazing and I love the hotter weather but neither of us have enough vacation time left for this year so it was New Years or nothing. Don't worry I am sure that one day our Disney trips will coincide;)

DisneyObsession - I am so sorry about this delay, I am hating not being able to update this as much as I used to. I am going to try my best to put up an instalment tonight, I am working in it right now. The verdict is still out on the Disney trip, read on to find out more...

MistressOfAllEvil - Thanks for reading along on my immense TR, I don't know if it will ever end. Yes, we did get oodles of pixie dust and for that I am really greatful, I couldn't have planned it better myself and believe me I would have tried! YAY :woohoo: another time travel lover:hug: I LOVED Quantum Leap!

meryll - Yup, we still have our romantic dinner on the balcony with a butler, our Universal trip, Seaworld:mad: and even our Disney Cruise, bring it on I hear you say? You did say that didn't you?:rolleyes1

The Charmed One - YAY, I haven't 'seen' you in such a long time, I hope you are keeping well. I am enjoying my job but it's keeping me busy. Glad you're still reading along and enjoying my trippie, there is still loads to come...

farjojo - Congrats to you :cheer2: and I'm glad you decided to stop by, I hope my TR may be of help to you. I am so interested to find out how many words I have written, I bet you it's up there as a novelette. May 2010 will come round before you know it, I ownder if my TR will be finished before then:lmao:

Okay, so I have been away for a long time...again, I hear you say! Well I have been really busy. First of all, Steven and I talked and we decided to cancel our WDW trip for the New year, sensible thoughts keep messing up my head and I know it's the right thing to do. However, when life gets you down and you realise that you no longer have a Disney trip to look forward to, it all becomes way to real.
So we seem to be at a stale mate. Yesterday Steven had a bad day at work and said 'to hell with it, just put it on the credit card' I must admit a huge smile appeared on my face! But in the cold light of day it becomes apparent again that we need to decorate the house, however much it pains me to say that the money is better spent elsewhere. Stay tuned to see if I feel this way next week:rolleyes:

So my busy life has consisted of working, decorating and researching, researching, researching! We are down to 10 months before we go to Canada, assuming the house sells when it's supposed to. So yes, the research and decorating has been stepped up. I can assure you though that I will find the time to finish this TR. I NEED to finish it.

It is our first anniversary this month and I can't believe a year has almost passed since we said our vows, well you know what they say, time flies when you're having fun...

Summer-Caitlin

08-01-2008, 06:35 PM

We woke up eager to see MGM properly. Our last visit was pretty much a wash as we had both been exhausted after the MK Shoot.

Neither of us were that hungry but we agreed to go upstairs and take advantage of the spread that The Grand Floridian laid out every day. I was very surprised at the amount that was on offer, luckily it wasn't that busy so I decided to sample a few things! I thought I wasn't hungry, but that was before I bit into a cheese Danish! I had never tried this before; I had this idea of a cheddar Danish, which I thought sounded horrible so I always chose against it. Steven had assured me that it was really nice so I gave in and picked one up. OH MY GOD, these were outstanding, notice I say the word these, yup, I had two, I would have had more but I didn't want to appear greedy :)

Steven had decided to be healthy and went for assorted melon with yoghurt. I love melon and picked up some honeydew and watermelon, that and my Danish was enough to fill me until lunch.
We decided that for the majority of the week we would come here for breakfast.

Skipping over to the bus stop (well I did) Steven and I talked about what we wanted to see at MGM this time. Knowing this would be our last chance here, we were determined to see as much as possible.

The bus arrived quickly and we all piled into the ice box on wheels. Although it was still early it was shaping up to be a scorcher. We pulled up to MGM within 10 minutes. You know I was sure that amongst all my research, many websites had stated how terrible the shuttles were and how inconsistent they were. So far we had no problems with the buses, or boats or monorails; this was all a load of nonsense if you ask me. We rarely waited longer than 10 minutes for a bus and quite often we were on it for even less.

So MGM was ready to be busted by us was it? We headed straight for the hat, as I'm sure most people do:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-31.jpg

It was a pretty cool focal point!

I was determined to go on 'The Great Movie Ride' I heard this was pretty good and although the wait time was long, we decided to go for it as I knew it was a quick loader (it pays to research!)

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-24.jpg

We stood for what seemed like ages but luckily the queuing area was interesting, they had props and costumes from different movies which I was intrigued with. Once we got inside there were several TV screens showing clips of movies that I assumed would be part of the ride. Again, I never pay attention to these things, I am not the most patient person and not one pre show has appealed.

We weaved in and out of the posts as we moved forward and a CM noticed that we had on our 'Just Married badges. He of course made a big deal about this and said that newlyweds shouldn't have to wait in a queue and ushered us to the front. He made us wait to board the next tram as he thought it best that we had the front seats!!! Woo Hoo, I loved these badges, without them I dread to think of all the things we might have missed! Top tip, wear those badges!!!!

So we waited and secured seats in the front row, right beside our usher. I hadn't read too much about the ride as I don't like to spoil the surprise to myself, but I always research a bit to see whether or not there is any point coming on the ride at all.

We were all seated and we began or tour. Our usher seemed quite nice, a bit bored if I'm honest, like she was at a Drive-Thru. She didn't have much to say, out with her lines that she had clearly memorised to a tea. She did have nice make-up though…

We approached musical scenes of 'Singin in the Rain' and 'Mary Poppins', I have never seen the latter, yes I know, blasphemous right? I have just never got around to it, but I have seen 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks', go figure! Anyway, 'Singin in the Rain' is a brilliant movie and the scene they show is of course the most memorable.

We then stop in a 1930's movie set, tribute to James Cagney I think, and while stopping at a red light our usher gets involved in a shoot out (no worries, no one was hurt in the making of this) our guide disembarks our vehicle (how dare she) and leaves it to the remaining gangster to steal. So we are in the hands of Mugsi, who may overact, but is entertaining none the less.

We enter Indiana Jones territory which I really enjoyed, our hijacker leaves us here after being tempted by a jewel. She should know better, has she never seen the movie, since when is Indy ever able to just take the jewel with no consequences? Okay, ignore the warnings, bye bye Mugsi.

Our usher joins us again for the remaining part of the tour; I guess she picked up a coffee in her break as she appeared slightly more animated. We moved on to view scenes of 'Tarzan' and the famous scene of 'Casablanca'. Of course dancing brooms are next and the magical 'Fantasia' scene.

Now I always knew the best and brightest would be saved 'til last, and it didn't disappoint. 'The Wizard of Oz' probably the all time best Disney movie, was the final scene. The colors were so bright I almost had to put on my sunglasses to view it. I was being welcomed home by the munchkins, that's a trip, I tell you! After seeing the Wicked Witch of the West argue with our guide, she disappeared in a puff of smoke. The munchkins returned and sang there little hearts out as we all took the yellow brick road to the Grand Finale…

We stop in front of a big screen and watch a fast paced montage of some of the greatest movie scenes of the century.

I enjoyed this ride, it was a slower pace than I'm used to but it was interesting and entertaining. I wouldn't say it was a must do but it was worth visiting and I would likely return. It was maybe a bit overlong but if you did have to stand a long time in those queues, you at least want to make sure you get your time back!

We exited the ride and we headed straight for Indiana Jones. Steven had been going on and on about this since the last time we visited MGM. I promised we would see the show, no matter what, so off we went.

Coming up…

Indiana Jones and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, OH MY GOD!!!

pjstevens

08-02-2008, 07:58 AM

Yea Summer you are back!!!! So sorry you had to cancel your trip, but I really understand where you are coming from. You need to get the house sold so you can move to this side of the pond. Why is it that people from over there call it a pond? It's so massive (the ocean) where to us (on this side) ponds are usually pretty small body of waters. Sorry just keep thinking of that and didn't know the answer.

I'm so glad you are continuing your TR. I can't believe it's almost your 1st anniversary!!! WOW time does fly. Thanks for sharing your wedding and honeymoon with us. Can't wait for the next update.

And tell Steven to not tempt you with the trip, cause you could so easily call Disney and book that with his credit card, lol.

MUDisneyCouple

08-02-2008, 08:58 AM

HURRAY! You're back!!! Happy (early) 1 year anniversary! Our 5th is coming up next week :goodvibes I bet still writing your TR keeps all those memories so alive, so take as long as you need!! Sounds like you have been really busy...the summer always keeps me busy, I'm looking forward to the fall when life will slow down a bit.

orangetiggs

08-02-2008, 12:20 PM

more please, can you get your trip finished before we go on ours?? we have 26 days left so please

dizneyfreak

08-02-2008, 10:31 PM

YEA SUMMER YOUR BACK!!! I so missed your installments. I know what you mean about the spread they provide at the Grand...soooo good! We ate something every time we passed it I think :rotfl: ...gotta love free food! I can't wait to hear more...you so intrigued me with the butler thing. I'll be waiting :surfweb:

Anna Marie

angel*lady

08-03-2008, 10:22 AM

Welcome back, Summer! :cheer2:

It is so good to "see" you! I know how busy life can get! I am still making myself crazy juggling work and school but I am almost done!! After this semester I have only 1 more class!! I am so excited! I am hoping to take a quick weekend trip to WDW to celebrate in Nov or Dec.

I am actually taking a pretty exciting trip later this month for work. I am going to China!! I can't believe it! My company is an Olympic sponsor and I will be reporting back via blogs. I am still pinching myself to see if it is real! It will be quite an adventure! :thumbsup2

Well - got to run! Just wanted to hop on and say a quick hello and an early "Happy Anniversary"! I can't believe that it has been a year already! Time sure does fly!!

:wave:

DisneyObsession

08-03-2008, 06:55 PM

Welcome back! :hug: I was very excited to see an installment when I signed on today! WOHOO!!!

"The Great Movie Ride" is a must do fo us every time we go to Disney, and I'm sure we'll ride it again in Sept. I don't remember the interaction with the Wicked Witch at thje end......something new to look forward to! :banana:

Sorry about the cancelled trip...it stinks when we have to be "grown-ups" and make "responsible" decisions. The good news is Disney will be there when you're able to make it back! :thumbsup2

DisneyLaura

08-03-2008, 10:09 PM

Summer sorry you had to cancel the trip but like everyone else I understand why. Great update so glad to see you again. I love Indiana Jones, hope you two loved it as well.

Pooh_Girl

08-04-2008, 10:16 AM

Yippee Summer your back!!!!!! Happy early 1 year anniversary!!!!!!!!!! Sorry about your trip. I know that sucks, but I hope everything with your move goes smoothly.

29apr00

08-06-2008, 02:57 PM

I can't believe you can continue with such great detail after a year! You have an amazing writing talent!!

Sorry you had to cancel the new years trip! Sucks to be responsible doesn't it.

dizneyfreak

08-12-2008, 11:43 AM

I just wanted to make another quick post to tell you I miss you Summer...and to bump your amazing trip report to the top of the list ;) Can't wait to "see you" again!

Anna Marie

The Charmed One

08-24-2008, 05:21 PM

Another great installment of your wedding report, I just love reading them. Can't wait for more.

Hope you are both well.

keenercam

08-24-2008, 05:47 PM

Summer -- I LOVE reading every installment you post! Your day at MGM sounds like so much fun! Oh, and you didn't say how the coffee was at the concierge setup at the Grand Floridian; glad you loved the cheese danish. Definitely one of my favorites, the other being melon & yogurt. :goodvibes More! More!

Summer-Caitlin

08-29-2008, 09:14 AM

Firstly sorry it has taken me so long again to get back on here, this redecorating of our house is taking it's toll, we never have any time left and I have very limited time on the boards these days. I keep saying to myself that it's a temporary sacrifice to move to Canada, so if that's the way it has to be, that's the way it has to be I guess!
I hate being so lax on the updates though, so I am going to try and make every update a big one to tide you all over until the next one.

Thanks for all the well wishes on our anniversary, we had a quiet 1st anniversary as we are heading down to England (Alton Towers) for a few days in a couple of weeks time. We figured we needed a break and we will hopefully come back rejuvinated, ready to finish the house.

We had a quote on our kitchen and it looks like it will be getting started in early October. It is slightly more than I would have hoped for, but in today's market, we need all the selling power we can get and a new kitchen is a huge selling point!

Patricia - Why do we call it a pond you ask? To be honest I don't know, I always think of a pond as a little pool of water and as you say the ocean is hardly that. Sorry I can't give you an answer, although it could be because we really aren't that far away, not when you think it only takes 6hrs to get to New York from here...
Our cancelled trip, although still not official, is on my list to be done. I am not as disappointed as I was initially as all my thoughts at the moment are going into Canada, so just now I feel okay. Thanks for your thoughts though!

MUDisneyCouple - Thank you, I hope you had a wonderful 5th anniversary, my how time flies! I am hoping that this TR never ends in a way, but I will also be glad as I intend to read it from start to finish!

orangetiggs - I am really sorry but that is impossible, you are almost there now and I still have a week and a half to write about, including Universal, SeaWorld and The Disney Line Cruise...

Anna Marie - I hate leaving my updates so long, but I am trying my best to get them up but time is huge factor at the moment. Yes, we loved the Grand and if I had the money I would go back there in a flash, I just loved our view more than anything. Glad to see you still reading along, I will try not be so much of a stranger!

angel*lady - Wow, I hope you had a wonderful trip to China, did you enjoy the Olympics? I loved them, some of the best I've seen! I have to admit that I am a USA supporter and I was devestated when both the women and men dropped the baton in the heats for the relays. Athletics are my thing, but I watched the swimming for Michael Phelps who was fantastic.
I hope you get a trip to WDW to celebrate your graduation, you will be so happy to finally get your life back after all that studying! Glad to see you back too.

DisneyObsession - Yes, the way I look at is that there will likely be more things to see and do when we go back next time, plus 2 weeks in Disney does not make up for a lifetime in Canada. Short term it seems fantastic, but in the light of day, Disney will always be there, our chance to get to Canada won't be. Sorry about the delay of instalments, I am trying to get more up.

DisneyLaura - Thanks. Indiana Jones is up next, still have to see the new movie too. My mom would have loced the show so I am regretful she didn't get to see it. From our seats he really did look like Indy!

Pooh_Girl - Thanks for the well wishes, we had our favourite Chinese and was going to have the bottle of Champagne that we received from the Grand Floridian, but I have decided to keep that for the day we have our plane tickets in hand, confirming we are going to Canada!!!

29apr00 - Thank you for the compliments, I am surprised myself as I didn't write anything down. I know I have a very good memory, but I remember loads of things of little importance too, Steven is so surprised I can remember not only what I ate in Disney, but what he ate too:lmao:

Anna-Marie - Thank you for the bump, again, sorry that I am being so lax, I am going to try harder, I promise. Even if I sign on now and again with a small update, I guess that's better than nothing.

The Charmed One - We are both doing really well, looking forward to our trip to Alton Towers and staying at the Alton Towers Hotel:woohoo: it's not Disney, but it's something! Hope you are doing well too!

keenercam - Thanks for posting. Hmmm the coffee, well I fell in love with the coffee in Disney full stop. In fact I came home and bought a percolator just so I could have my coffee. I took all the extra coffees from our hotels in Disney but for some reason it just doesn't taste the same here. The melon at the Concierge station was Steven's favourite, I'm more of a Donut girl, if my weight could handle it though;)

So without further ado, you know I should get plenty of brownie points for this long post! Mmmmm, Brownies!

29apr00

08-29-2008, 09:21 AM

yeah, can't wait!

Summer-Caitlin

08-29-2008, 09:57 AM

Okay I swear I have a post almost ready and it's a doozie, even if I do say so myself:thumbsup2
I was hoping to post it within the next hour but my hubbie called and said he is on his way home now as he managed to get tickets to Flashdance at the theater!:banana: The show starts at 5pm and I am not even close to being ready, where is my red cinderella skirt?:eek:
So I have decided that I will promise to post my instalment tomorrow as we will likely go past his younger brothers house to discuss our upcoming trip to Alton Towers (Theme Park, for those that don't know) as him and his girlfriend are going with us! Might also play some Beijing Olympics on the PS3 too, well might as well while I'm there;)

See you all tomorrow!

keenercam

08-29-2008, 10:01 AM

Have fun at the show, sweetie! Can't wait to see the next installment. Good luck with the kitchen renovation, BTW. We went through that last year. It is a hassle while it is happening, but you'll get through it! :thumbsup2

meryll83

08-29-2008, 10:05 AM

Yey, looking forward to the next installment! :goodvibes

Haven't been to Alton Towers for a couple of years, but I love their coasters!

And have fun at the theatre tonight!

DisneyLaura

08-29-2008, 10:34 AM

Summer - have fun at the show. Can't wait for your update though.:surfweb:

dizneyfreak

08-29-2008, 01:52 PM

YEA! :dance3: Summer's back! I hope you have a great time at the show and on your upcoming trip, however, I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE NEXT INSTALLMENT! :surfweb: I have to get my Summer fix you see :goodvibes

Anna Marie

MUDisneyCouple

08-29-2008, 08:29 PM

Oohh! Flashdance! I love Flashdance!!! Thanks for the well-wishes for a happy 5th...it was a quiet one too - I think we will celebrate in Dec. Hope you had fun and can't wait for the next installment. :goodvibes

pjstevens

08-29-2008, 09:24 PM

Summer-Caitlin

08-30-2008, 04:21 PM

29apr00 - As promised here is my post, I intended to write a bit more but I kinda like where it ends...

keenercam - The show was good...so I hear, we never made it to Flashdance as the bus was really late and we decided that we didn't want to go if we were late (we are the kind that hates going to the cinema if we had to walk in on the previews) So we headed down to Kentucky Fried Chicken, got some movies (The Pianist, LOVE this and Pan's Labyrinth, LOVE this too) and came home, cuddled up and watched our movies!

meryll - Can you tell me what Nemesis is like then? I haven't been on it before and his girlfriend wants to go on everything, including Oblivion, yup the vertical one and I'm a bit unsure! Please tell me I can do it!

DisneyLaura - No show for us, I am a tad disappointed but we had a good night all the same, we also played some console which is always good fun.

Anna Marie - Hopefully this Summer fix will fix you right up:cutie: I intend to write some more tomorrow so no fear, Summer is here but I might make you wait just a little bit longer...:rotfl2:

MUDisneyCouple - I read some reviews of Flashdance after we didn't go and although I read it was good, the main start sings in the show...huh? since when was she a singer, it's called FlashDance not FlashSing! Why do they always mess with perfection?

Patricia - I know life can suck sometimes, why does it have to interfere with my Disney memories? I have loads still to write and I have to finish it eventually. I really miss being on these boards and I certainly miss being up to date with everyones weddings. 1 week, 1 day, wow that is so close, you must be on cloud 9:cloud9:

Okay girls here is the next instalment in my fantabulous Disney trip...

Summer-Caitlin

08-30-2008, 04:27 PM

We rushed over to Indiana Jones, I didn't know what to expect really as although I researched everything to death before our trip to WDW, I didn't want to spoil everything so I tended to skip over detailed descriptions of shows or rides that I thought I would really love. So I was kinda a blank canvas on this one.

The sun was beating down and I was getting really hot. There is nothing I hate more than sitting in an outdoor area watching a show, I just hoped there were some fans!
I must admit that I was very disappointed that the same Indiana Jones ride from Disneyland was not in Florida. I LOVED this ride and I even managed to get Steven on it…twice! See I knew he would get on track rides, well he will if I bend the truth.:idea:

Anyway, we got straight through, no queuing, and was surprised to see that it was already quite full. We had arrived with over 20 minutes before the show was due to start and I figured as it was nearing lunch we might score and get some good seats. We ended up having to sit quite far back, to the right, and because I didn't take my glasses, my view was somewhat compromised!

So we sat and we waited and as I am not very patient (remember my hate of pre shows?) I started to get a bit grouchy! I was hot and bored and yes, we were at MGM, In Disney, what is there to complain about? Well lack of food in my tummy for one! Come on, come on, start already!:mad:

Eventually it started and we were treated with Indy dodging spikes, creeping past creepy things on the floor and of course almost being crushed by the huge boulder. What is that made of anyway? He was very good and I was reminded of the movie, which I remember loving as a kid.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-33.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-25.jpg

After it was clear that Indy was indeed okay, it was audience participation time!!! Although I always have liked the idea of putting my hand up and taking part in the show, I always feel that I would miss out as I wouldn't get to see the show and that is probably the best part. So I didn't offer my services, no matter how good they would have been;) Steven has never wanted to volunteer for anything like this so I knew he would never offer, so we settled down and waited for people to be chosen.

As the background sets opened up to produce a market scene in Cairo, people started making their way up from the audience. It starts off with the extras either running from explosions or cheering from the sidelines as they watch the fight scenes.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-34.jpg

It then became quite obvious that not all the audience participants were just 'normal' people. One fight scene was way too good and way too coordinated and the guy was pretty funny too. I was glad when they revealed that he was not from the audience and was indeed a stunt man. I think if they tried to pull the wool over peoples eyes like that, it would have been quite cheesy in my opinion.

After the fight scenes the extras were asked to go back to their seats as the rest of the scene took place.

It looked like Indy was going to have to chase people down…of course!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-26.jpg

When I saw Indy's lady friend go to the top of the building, I mean first of all who in their right mind would do that, I mean she is being followed so the first place she goes is on top of a building? I just knew that Indy would follow:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-1-35.jpg

as did the guy following them…hmmm!:rolleyes1

Indy and girl of course fall, intentionally of course, to get away from their followers! Meanwhile a cool looking plane enters from the right:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-2-27.jpg

As Indy and girl try to escape in the plane, a huge guy comes out (there is always a huge guy, and this one didn't disappoint) he of course has the man power to stop the blades, thus this plane ain't going nowhere!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-3-18.jpg

The big guy jumps on top of the plane to drag Indy and girl out:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-4-27.jpg

They do of course manage to escape, not in the plane though as this is what gets left behind them:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-5-21.jpg

I swear the heat that comes off of that explosion is way hot! We were sitting quite far back too, I dread to think what it would have been like had we been sitting at the front!

I must admit that this bit for me was the most interesting to watch, I like a good chase or fight scene and peppered with an explosion makes it even better! Although I knew it was going to be a happy ending, as it always is for Indy, I still enjoyed the show and would highly recommend it to anyone at MGM.

By the time we exited the open theatre, we had killed a good hour. I decided it was enough talk and time for some action, let's head on down to the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster!

As we hurried along we managed to stop and get a photo of these guys:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-6-16.jpg

I was getting very nervous as I knew I would be going on this ride myself. My main reason for going on it was that it was Aerosmith, I have always loved these guys and the idea of having Aerosmith songs blasting out from speakers in my car, well that sold me! This would be the fastest roller coaster I had ever dared to go on, I had decided that as I had done Tower of Terror I just had to do this.:eek:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-7-16.jpg

I had read quite a bit about this ride before coming to WDW, I had debated going on it as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I even watched a video clip on You Tube to see what it would be like. I watched the intro video and everything so I thought I had it down…boy was I wrong!

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Untitled-8-12.jpg

I didn't want to think about it anymore, I just wanted to get on it. I knew that as a single rider my wait would be much shorter, so I wouldn't really get the time to talk myself out of it, plus I wasn't going to wuss out, I was determined to do this!:scared1:

So I gave Steven my bag and entered the single rider queue, although wait a minute, there was no queue, there was just the very long walkway taking me up to the ride and I began to panic a bit. Still I pressed on, it was just a ride, it’s not like I was going to keel over or anything, I mean no one gets scared to death in real life do they? I assured myself that this only happened in the movies and there was no way it could be that bad. The only thing that concerned me was the acceleration, I had heard horror stories about the sheer force of the acceleration and this worried me on many levels.:scared:

Still I walked on, head high and mind blank! I would love to describe the kind of things that were visible on my walk up to what I had decided would either be the death of me or the most fantastic experience of my life, but I was in a world of my own. This happens a lot but I needed to escape my dark thoughts, or I knew I wouldn't be setting foot on that coaster. Have you ever scared yourself so much that you actually convince yourself that you must be nuts to go through with something? Well I was hovering on that oh so thin ledge, and one more nasty thought would have pushed me WAY over!:scared:

I watched the pre show and although I enjoyed it I didn't take much of it in, I laughed when I was supposed to but to be honest I wanted to get on the coaster so I could get off the coaster!:scared:

So I approached what was my queue and it didn't even deserve to be called that, it was like 5 people, oh god that means I was getting on really soon!:scared:

Single riders got called to the front of at least one row of cars, one single rider to every row; I guess this was so no family members could get on together.

I was now standing at the front of the queue and I watched with fear as I saw the limo launch, that's right LAUNCH. I knew it was 0-100 in 2.8 seconds but that doesn't mean much until you feel it, so I thought 'Cool'

It looked much faster than 2.8 seconds, I mean seriously a flash of lighting could be seen longer that that thing! If I was going to chicken out, now would be a good time…I said now would be a good time…

The stupid part of me said 'don't be stupid' and the smart part of me said 'don't be stupid'. I entered the limo…

dizneyfreak

08-30-2008, 05:03 PM

Summer,
You and your flipping cliffhanger endings! :lmao: You've got me biting my nails and I have been on that ride a hundred times! It is my favorite ride at that park (because of Aerosmith of course...love them) and I don't ever miss it even when the line is an hour long, but here I am worried sick about it. Look what you do to me! :rotfl: I will be waiting (notice I didn't put patiently) for the next installment to take me off the pins and needles you have perched me on today. :surfweb:

Anna Marie

feline figaro

08-30-2008, 05:19 PM

Summer, im so so glad that i came a cross your update, i was about to log off & then saw your name at the top of the page. I was like "oh my god Summers back":woohoo: .Your tr has been such an inspiration to me & helping me plan our wedding next May. We re counting down to our planning session in Oct so i have not been looking at the wedding section too much recently but am so glad i wondered back over here so i can finally read your new update.

Congrats for your first anniversary as a married couple :thumbsup2
Are you guys staying at one of the Alton Towers hotels?? We ve been there many times & have had a blast, one of the Hotels Splash Landings has a great indoor water park which you ll love. Have a great time when you go:goodvibes You ve gotta ride Air its fab plus of course Nemesis:woohoo: . Have nt ever gone on Oblivion though, i hate the feeling of being dropped. Went on TOT many years a go & never again :laughing:

Im surprised you can remember everything as well as you can, each update still has a ton of detail to it & we all still throughly enjoy reading them:thumbsup2. I had to laugh on your comments about the great movie ride lady, that she was boring but had nice makeup:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Thats exactly the kinda thing i would notice:goodvibes. Good makeup works wonders :cutie:

Take care hun, good to see you back on the boards;)

karentan

08-30-2008, 05:32 PM

glad to read more of your trippie!! its making me more excited for our trip in november! how do you remember it still in so much detail!?!??!

WithDisneySpirit

08-30-2008, 09:40 PM

Love this cliffhanger, Summer, very cool :goodvibes :worship:

Mama of Indybride

08-30-2008, 09:58 PM

:worship:

Please come back soon and let us know if you made it out alive!! :lmao:

Loving your report, and spent a LOT of my saturday catching up.

Can't wait for more!

Good luck on selling your house!

meryll83

08-31-2008, 04:22 AM

meryll - Can you tell me what Nemesis is like then? I haven't been on it before and his girlfriend wants to go on everything, including Oblivion, yup the vertical one and I'm a bit unsure! Please tell me I can do it!

Nemesis is a really great ride - my tip is to keep your head back against the back of your seat though, as if you look forward you get rattled around a little bit.
It is built into a valley, so it doesn't feel like you're going very high when you're on it, coz there's alwasy ground near you! So if heights worry you, you'll be fine on this.
Same with Air, never seems to go too high, and it's another fab ride!
Oblivion, on the other hand, (the vertical dropper), I have done a couple of times but wimped out on the last two trips, I have developed an irrational fear of it, so someone else will have to persuade you through that one I'm afraid!!

pjstevens

08-31-2008, 06:12 AM

Summer,

WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't leave us hanging again!!!!! well we do know you survived your ride, but cannot wait to hear what you thought of it. That one makes my stomach very queasy! Love the way you right, I feel like I am right there watching the action. Keep at it.

And yes, in one week and one day we'll be renewing our vows onboard the Disney Wonder!!!! Praying all storms stay AWAY!

MUDisneyCouple

08-31-2008, 12:24 PM

I agree that I never knew the star sung...hmm...maybe it's ok you missed this one :goodvibes

On our Honeymoon, we were selected as "stunt" participants in Indy. It was funny, but all I remember was them telling us to NOT stray from our leader and to stay out of the way! Sitting back and enjoying it seems to be a much better way!! Glad you are back with more of your TR :goodvibes

angel*lady

09-02-2008, 08:11 PM

angel*lady - Wow, I hope you had a wonderful trip to China, did you enjoy the Olympics? I loved them, some of the best I've seen! I have to admit that I am a USA supporter and I was devestated when both the women and men dropped the baton in the heats for the relays. Athletics are my thing, but I watched the swimming for Michael Phelps who was fantastic.
I hope you get a trip to WDW to celebrate your graduation, you will be so happy to finally get your life back after all that studying! Glad to see you back too.

Hi Summer! I am back from Beijing!! WOW!!! The Olympics were incredible! It was beastly hot and I ended up in a Chinese hospital to get rehydrated but that was just a little bump in the road!

I was actually there at the Bird's Nest when the relay teams dropped their batons. :scared1: We couldn't believe it! It was bad enough when one team dropped it but when both dropped it we were dumbfounded. At least we were able to see USA take all three medals that night in the 400. :banana: Awesome! I also got to see Team USA play in the basketball semifinals and go to the closing ceremonies. It was crazy with stuff going on all over the field and in the air! You didn't know where to look first. It was so cool when the big double decker bus converted into a stage with Leona Lewis, Jimmy Page and David Beckham. :rockband: We were all so excited we want to go to London in 4 years! Who knows! I also got to climb the Great Wall, get some incredible deals on pearls and do some other sightseeing as well. Truly a trip of a lifetime!

I would have loved to have seen Michael Phelps swim in person but he was done before I got there. I watched his races obsessively here at home on TV! I did get to meet the two American guys who won the gold medal in beach volleyball. They were on my flight back to the States and I got to have my picture taken with them. What a great way to end my trip!

Well, I've got to go write a paper and I am struggling with jet lag! It's my last class before graduation! I'll be back soon to read your update!

Hugs!
:)

DisneyLaura

09-03-2008, 11:58 AM

Summer - great installment and you left on a cliffhanger again :lmao: My DH went on Aerosmith a couple of years ago and he loved but the beginning was really fast but he loved it. Maybe after you described it I'll think about it.

DisneyObsession

09-03-2008, 01:05 PM

THAT'S IT?!? You leave us hanging there????

This is the one ride I said I would go on with DH and am quite scared to do...please!!! Tell me more and ease my mind!!!! :eek:

Kirsteen

09-05-2008, 06:18 AM

Great update Summer - can't wait to hear more. Glad to hear you are workign away on your house - another step closer to your big move woop woop Kxx

IndyBride

09-05-2008, 05:02 PM

Great update!! That ride is so much fun!!!

Beep

09-06-2008, 11:08 PM

:bored: :bored: :bored:

Rain

10-11-2008, 01:59 PM

Summer,
You are one seriously naughty girl leaving us with that cliffhanger!!! lol

By the way did you try the wonderful chocolate dipped strawberries in the GF!

JuneChickie

10-12-2008, 04:06 PM

popcorn:: Please come back and tell us more.

Summer-Caitlin

10-14-2008, 11:05 AM

Okay I know this is not an instalment but I do have one. I just wanted to stop in and let you know I am indeed alive and well, just extremely busy with this move across the pond. We are pretty much looking at another 9 month or so before we leave, providing our house sells of course. I am extremely sorry that it is taking me so long to get these instalments up just now. However on a brighter note, I now have access to a PC at lunch time and I am using that every day to write the rest of this TR. It will end (it has to eventually)

Anyway, I have been working on my next instalment this week and I have almost completed it. I promise it will be a good one!

Thanks to all that are still tuning in to see the outcome of this neverending TR. You know I never knew when I started this TR that it would still be going 14 months later:rotfl: I still have about 10 days left of this bad boy, I swear this is a novel in the making:lmao:

I will respond to all your comments before I post my next bit.

Love to you all :hug:

Summer

Summer-Caitlin

10-17-2008, 12:11 PM

Anna Marie - Yes my cliffhanger endings are becoming my trademark style, unfortunately I am leaving you hanging a bit too long, but I have decided to post little and often. I think this is the only way I will get my TR finished. Hope you are still enjoying it, even if it is long awaited.

Becca - I see you had your planning session, I hope everything went smoothly for you, you will have to let me know.
We stayed at Alton Towers Hotel and I went on everything I could (not Oblivion as it was shut) I did enjoy it but it isn't Disney is it?
I have a fantastic memory, I'm beginning to realise that. I had no idea how much info was stored up there, most of it might appear useless, but it defintely does have it uses when writing a year old TR!

karen - Your trip is just around the corner, I so wish I was going again so soon, never mind it won't be far when I get to Canada. I keep saying that, sort of like a mantra:lmao:

Lisa - Sorry my update has been so long, I do have another one which I hope to have up by Monday, little and often, little and often (another mantra)

Mama of Indybride - Sorry again for being slack, I hope this suffices until Monday (hopefully sooner), I do have another section in the wings, but I don't want to spoil you!

Meryl - I did go on Air (done it before) and Nemesis was fantastic! Oblivion was closed (thank god) and everything else I did, pretty proud of myself. I enjoyed it, the weather wasn't great but it was a decent break away.

Patty - I have been reading along on your TR, need to get caught up however, I see you are on day 3 already, you are putting me to shame! Sorry to leave you hanging on so long, I will try to do better:worship:

MUDisneyCouple - Wow, it still would have been cool to take part in Indy, I think once you have seen it once it would be fab to take part in, maybe next time I will volunteer. As it was our first time it was definitely better to watch.

angel*lady - Oh you poor thing getting ill, still as you say it was a minor hitch. I can't believe you were in the birds nest when they dropped the baton, OH MY GOD, I would have been screaming! I was absolutely devestated the next day at work! I bet the stadium was beautiful.
Have you graduated yet? I am unsure but I think you probably have as it's been ages since I was on here updating! Let me know. I forgot you live in Florida...lucky thing, you're so close!

DisneyLaura - The next installment is for you then if you are considering going on this ride. I warn you take everything into account before saying no!

DisneyObsession - I am so sorry I didn't update this before you went, I had all intentions of doing so but stupid life got in the way:mad: I am eager to hear if you did go on it though, see if your review compares to mine!

Kirsteen - You only have 10 days to go according to your ticker, WOW are you ready for the new addition? Yes, we are getting closer to our move although I do just wish it was over already. This is the crap part, waiting, just waiting!

Indybride - Glad you're enjoying my TR. Read my full review of this ride to get my impressions...:lmao:

Beep - Here you go, no pics just solid TR, hope you like it. More by Monday!

Rain - I know I'm terrible and no I didn't try the chocolate strawberries as I don't even like strawberries, although Steven and my mom did and they said they were gorgeous!

JuneChickie - I'm baaaaaaaaaccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkk. Sorry it's taken so long, been stuck in some vortex!

Summer-Caitlin

10-17-2008, 12:14 PM

The cadillac felt quite small, and it sure wasn’t no ordinary car. As I sat in this ‘thing’ I was consumed with fear. My neighbour was a blonde girl from the UK, pleased to meet you, but you do realise this is our last ride, not counting the one up to the pearly gates!

Checking my car for a panic button and not seeing one, didn’t help me. Still I would never forgive myself if I wussed out so I guess I should suck it up like the adult I am. From the reviews and my love of Aerosmith, I had no doubt I wanted to do this ride. I did ToT and never thought I would, so this should be a cinch! So what on earth was happening? I was well aware that the lap bars were coming down and they were all being checked to make sure that we were indeed secure. I knew if I wanted out then I would have to say so, I thought about it and thought about it…:eek:

Everyone around me looked excited, I had a mixture of emotions and couldn’t figure out which one was stronger. I figured I would feel too embarrassed to get up now so to save my red face I stayed seated. The poor girl next to me was going to endure several minutes of non stop screaming. I say several knowing full well that this ride is under 3 minutes, I say several as I planned to start screaming before we accelerated and I say several as I figured I may well continue screaming long after the ride ended!

The car slowly turns the corner as we get set to launch! Launch, like a rocket? That word alone is terrifying but I will say it describes what was about to happen perfectly! The countdown commences and there is no turning back now, 3…we start on 3, what happened to 10? 2… do we launch on 1? 1… OH GOD! GO…****!!!!:eek: :scared1: :eek:

I briefly saw the LCD screen as I whizzed past it, I couldn’t decide if part of me had entered another dimension and left the other part behind, cause that’s sure as hell what it felt like! My body was most certainly here but my organs where god knows where! I’m assuming they hit the guy riding the back of the car! My eyes were trying to protect me by remaining tightly shut, and despite several attempts to fight against it, they refused to budge. Although I had my eyes shut for a little while (yes I did open them eventually) I could still feel the bright lights beating down on my eyelids, I could certainly hear and feel the music pounding through my brain and most of all my stomach experienced every breathtaking move!

I knew I would not be sick, I have never and likely never will be on any ride. My stomach is that of steel and despite being subjected to inversions, rolls etc, it wasn’t about to give me out on me yet. However, I did get the sensation of my stomach not being secure, if you know what I mean? Not praying to the porcelain god insecure, but more like, “Stomach, I’d like you to meet the upper lobe of my lungs!”

To be honest this ride was over before I knew it, but I have, even a year on, never forgot the feeling I had while ‘Rockin and Rollin’. I opened my eyes enough to see bright lights but I didn’t capture what most people probably do. From checking online at images of this coaster it is clear that there is much more to it than dozens of lights, there even appears to be a story (I must have had other things on my mind)

I know I screamed, I heard myself many times, my neighbour didn’t let me feel left out and she joined me. What annoys me is that I have no idea what song was playing, I didn’t know what song was playing when I left the roller coaster and I don’t know what song was playing now. I hear that it may have been one of 5 tracks, and although I heard music sure enough, my brain did not engage with what music it actually was!:confused3

The ride came to a standstill and I sat there for a few seconds, I felt relieved, woozy and proud. My neighbour clearly loved the ride as she was ready to go again. I on the other hand thought I would never get back on that thing again. However, many, many months on, I have reconsidered my stance on this. I have since been to Alton Towers and went on ‘Rita, Queen of Speed’. I am inclined to believe that this ride may be even worse than ‘Rock and Roller Coaster’. ‘Rita’ is outside and you can see everything that happens. The G Force is the same, although there are no inversions, nothing like that plus the acceleration is slightly faster than ‘RnR’. Again I now feel like I could go back on ‘RnR’ in fact I want to! I don’t know why months on I would choose to experience this again, could it be the adrenaline? I am beginning to think it makes you insane!:idea:

So to summarise (yes I can do that ) I recommend trying it if you never have! If you read all of this review you are likely thinking ‘WHAT, after all I’ve said’ but yes, after all I’ve said I do recommend it, even if it is just to come back and say “y’know Summer you are one crazy broad”;)

Coming up…

Our day at MGM comes to an end...

Rain

10-17-2008, 12:37 PM

Never ever ever could I do that ride! I do have motion problems though.
Keep the instalments coming Summer.

pjstevens

10-17-2008, 12:51 PM

Summer,

So glad to see an update from you. You get us worried when you disappear for such a long time. I know you are busy though, trying to get the house ready to see, and it's not like you are moving around the corner. You had me sitting on the edge, all your excitement, your descriptions makes me think I'm right there at the "R&R coaster"!!!

Great job. Now don't take too long off this time. WE WANT SOME MORE PICS!!!

DisneyLaura

10-17-2008, 04:31 PM

Ok Summer since you are so detailed in your ride descriptions, I'm going on ToT and RnR. I will tell you next year (we don't go until Nov 2009) how I made out.

MUDisneyCouple

10-17-2008, 06:37 PM

Yeah!!! You're back! I also LOVE Aerosmith, so I knew I needed to go on it too and LOVED it! I think the only song I've heard on it was "Love In An Elevator"...that seems to be the most frequent one (or at least the one that I remember - lol!). Looking forward to the rest...take care!

29apr00

10-17-2008, 10:00 PM

That is an AWESOME Ride!! Totally kicks butt!! You should be proud of yourself for going on it, but next time, keep your eyes open!! It's much better that way!! :rotfl:

Good luck getting the house ready to sell!! Hope we see more of you now!!

dizneyfreak

10-19-2008, 10:35 AM

Summers back! :dance3: Summers back! :dance3: Summers back! :dance3: I swear, you bring out the 5 year old in me! :lmao: I loved the installment. I have heard "Back in the Saddle", "Love in an elevator", and "Dude Looks like a Lady" on my many many many times riding the RnR. One of these days I will hear all of them...that is my goal anyways.
Now my dear Summer, I have to insist that you put some pictures in your next installment. We all miss that gorgeous face of yours...plus I am the kind that picks a picture book over a written one any day. I may ,however, have to make an exception to that rule when it comes to your writing. I love your descriptions and the vivid details you use. You got me hooked that's for sure, but that still doesn't stop me from wanting more pics! :lmao: Can't wait for the next one....little and often...little and often...little and often...

Anna Marie

angel*lady

10-19-2008, 06:02 PM

Summer!!! :cheer2: So glad you stopped by! I just LOVE your description of riding the Rock n' Roll Roller Coaster!!!! :thumbsup2 OMG!!! I couldn't stop laughing! :rotfl2:

It is official!!! I am DONE with school!!! I just took my last final this past Thursday!!!! Can you see me doing the happy dance? :dance3: My graduation ceremony is in December but I am done! I spent this weekend cleaning off my desk here at home, throwing out papers etc. Now I will have to get started on all those things that I have neglected while I was in school!! YIKES!

Take care, I know you are busy but I will be looking forward to your next installment - no matter how long it takes! :surfweb:

Hugs!
:grouphug:

Summer-Caitlin

10-20-2008, 11:25 AM

Rain - The only reason I chose to do this ride was firstly because it was Aerosmith and secondly the queue was practically non existant. Steven definitely could not do it, he also has problems with motion, but I am very glad I did it. I have another installment coming up...

Patty - I know I shouldn't leave it so long before an update, can you believe I actually have a finished update right here. I am waiting to go home so I can attach the pictures before I post it. I have been so busy of late, it sux to be honest, I just feel like I don't have enough hours in the day.
I do have pictures in this instalment...

Laura - YAY, I love being able to help (well that's something for you to decide in 2009 I guess:laughing: ) Hopefully you will agree it was terrifying but amazing at the same time. I expect to hear a 'you were right';)

MUDisneyCouple - Yes I'm back and this time I have a great writing schedule, I do it at work:laughing: I think it may well have been Love in an Elevator, it's ringing a bell although I don't really remember hearing it, if you know what I mean. More coming up...

29apr00 - I admit now that I am alive and well that it was indeed a 'kick butt' ride. I would probably be terrified at going on it again, but I would, even if it is just to see it this time. Our house should be up in December (hopefully) although I need to do something with our garden. Can you cut grass in the Winter?

Anna Marie - Awww shucks : hug: I do have pics in the next instalment but I don’t have any of Steven or me, I promise I do have loads more in upcoming instalments so the promise of more pics will have to tempt you to come back. :laughing: In our last day in Orlando we chose to spend it in Epcot and we spent the whole day finding cool places to take pics. We had a laugh that day I’ll tell you, but you’ll have to wait another 10 days or so (yeah my TR time, not real time :lmao:) before you see them. We must have taken about 60 or so. I do have loads more before that, I promise.

angel*lady - YAY:dance3: I am so happy for you, you must be so proud, are you going to throw all your papers in the bin?:laughing: That''s what I did after I finished my Forensics, I was just so glad to be done! You will have to let me see a pic of your graduation ceremony, oh you must be so excited, back to normal life now where not every day is taken up with school and studying! Well done you:hug:

Summer-Caitlin

10-20-2008, 04:40 PM

After my awakening on ‘RnR’, I was feeling rather hungry, I guess screaming really brings out the hunger in me.

Again I already knew where we would be eating. It was all the way across the park but as far as I was concerned it offered the best selections. Before I came to Disney I researched for months to find the best places to eat. Food is very important to me, especially when I’m on holiday! I did however find that MGM really lacked in the food department. I know that Hollywood Brown derby gets pretty good reviews, but as we were on the Dining Plan it would mean 2 TS each for our lunch and after pondering the menu, I decided that no lunch was worth that! The offerings didn’t really appeal to me either, especially not the sound of a grapefruit cake, YUCK!:sick:

Anyway, Backlot Express was my chosen destination, I told Steven where we would be eating so we took a scenic route around the park to snap some pictures. We fell across some of the cast from Cars. The queue to get a picture taken with them was huge, so we decided a couple of pictures would suffice.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/Cars.jpghttp://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/Cars2.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/Cars3.jpg

From the outside, Backlot Express doesn’t look like much, it is designed to resemble a warehouse which is houses many movie props. While one eats, one may educate oneself, what a unique concept ;)

There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and while I love the sun, I always opt for air con if they have it. I have seen this menu dozens of times, but I quickly scanned it to see if there were any new additions and to make sure that the Marble Cheescake was still there!

Now Steven is not that into food, so he says anyway, and before we got to Disney I would have been inclined to agree with him. However our honeymoon had brought out a whole other side to him. He was now just as in love with where we would be eating as I was. Granted he didn’t spend hours on the internet looking at menus, interior of restaurants or food porn:rolleyes: , but everyday he asked where we would eat, what kind of things were on the menu and most importantly, when there, would light up like a Christmas tree when he caught sight of the food he was about to devour.

Steven loves burgers and fries, especially Disney fries, so Backlot Express to him was very appealing. I will admit that I really love McDonalds. If I could get away with having a hamburger everyday for lunch, I most certainly would. If I could forgo the health and dietary implications, then for me this would be included in my daily routine.
Lunch for me at Disney was a means to an end to get to the good bit…Dinner!
So I was very happy to indulge in burgers on a daily basis for the next couple of weeks.

Steven chose a Double Cheeseburger which was served with either French fries or baby carrots, hmmm, which one do you think Steven had? I chose the same and we both (although I had to coax Steven) got the Marble Cheesecake! He was sure he would be too full after the burger, fries and more than likely half of my burger and fries.
Need I explain to him again the concept of the Dining Plan? Order it, even if you do only try a little bit, the stomach is a wonderful thing, it can take way more than we give it credit for :rotfl2: Remember, what happens in Disney, stays in Disney!

We found a quiet area of the warehouse and sat down to enjoy. I always start with my fries and save the best for last, Steven is the opposite and before I know it his burger is gone. As I looked around the restaurant the thing that struck me the most about it was actually the most unclean of Disney restaurants I had been in and that still stands today. There was an accumulation of trays with cartons scattered around the area and food and drink had been spilled on the floor and there was no sign of any staff coming to clean it. This is something that has stayed with me. I found it very unusual for Disney as I have always found them to be a company that will go that extra mile. It didn’t put me off my food, but it did slightly taint my experience of Backlot Express.

Well the fries were very tasty as usual, crispy on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. The burger, being a double was too big for me and I knew I wouldn’t finish it. The bun was wonderful and soft and the burgers were juicy and cooked perfectly. I don’t know what cheese was smothered over my burger for sure but I am assuming it was American and I just LOVE American cheese. I prefer quite mild cheese as you would have seen from my Victoria and Alberts experience and American cheese hits the spot just right. There is no sharpness to it and my expression doesn’t resemble that of a person drinking whiskey straight up. It’s just there, mild and smooth, and compliments the burger and onions perfectly.

I offered up half my burger to my husband and although he admitted to being full, he couldn’t leave it sitting there, just staring at him! My fries had somehow managed to gradually disappear too. Meet the new Mr McBurgler!

The cheesecake was calling my name and I suggested that we split one and take the other one back to our hotel. The cheesecake was in a black, round, plastic container and you would think from the packaging that it wouldn’t be that much to talk about. However, I love my cheesecakes and I consider myself to be an enthusiastic cheesecake hunter. I only like dense cheesecakes, nothing fluffy and if you are reading this and think that you know of a great dense cheesecake recipe, whether it be one from a book or even better a good ole family recipe, then please let me know. I am always on the lookout for something to make me go “WOW”:cloud9:

Anyway, this didn’t disappoint, for a burger bar, this was pretty good. It had a very thick consistency, a pleasant vanilla taste combined with milk chocolate and nice crumbly base. I could have easily managed this on my own but I grudgingly handed over half of the cheesecake to Steven. He finished it so I can only assume it pleased him! I gathered all the cartons and placed them neatly on the tray and we headed out into the sunshine.

We looked over the map again and to be honest we weren’t that bothered about seeing much else. I did however want to walk past ABC Commissary where I knew Mike and Sulley hung out. I really hoped to get a picture with these guys.

Lucky for us the sign stated that they would be there within the next 5 minutes. There was a small queue forming, but it was bearable so we quickly nipped in.

Now I must mention this as it still surprises me to this day. While we were in the queue, there was a middle aged guy sitting on wall waiting like we were. He was with his family, a small boy and his wife. Beside him were quite a large group, mainly consisting of women in there early 20’s with children in tow. Several of these women had been sitting beside this man but as the wait grew longer, they became restless and got up. One girl must have been carrying her money in her shorts pocket as when she rose, she left behind several coins. It didn’t appear to be just nickels either and I think the guy could easily see that.:rolleyes1

I watched as the guy seeing this opportunity, quickly got up and sat on the coins. Several minutes of shuffling later, he stood up and just like that the coins had vanished. I couldn’t believe it, he went to so much trouble to get his hands on maybe 4 dollars at the most, I just couldn’t understand why he didn’t give the money back it’s not like he was sitting on a winning lottery ticket (not that this would be right either!) but actually seeing someone drop $4 dollars and not giving it back…HUH? :confused:

Well we waited and we waited, 5 minutes turned into 20 minutes and a CM announced that they wouldn’t be much longer. I was getting antsy as it was hot and I really wanted to get into some shade. Eventually Sully appeared minus Mike, which was okay as he was my favourite anyway, but I felt a tad disappointed not to see both of them. The line moved quickly and before long I was in Sulley’s arms. Now I really wish we had not listened to the CM and got him to take the pic for us, as unfortunately it is one of the pics that I don’t have. Normally Steven will take one of me with a character, but the CM practically pushed Steven towards me before he had the chance. As we didn’t participate much with the PhotoPass, we didn’t purchase it. I am really disappointed as I have no doubt it would have been among my favourite pictures. Steven did manage to get a picture of Sulley, minus me though :mad:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/Sulley.jpg

We walked on and I realised that we hadn’t went on Star Tours. Although this is a ride that I don’t think has aged well (First 1991 (DL), 2001 (DL) and 2007 (WDW)) It is like ‘It’s a Small World’ it’s just one of those rides that you keep coming back to, despite its flaws.

There wasn’t a long line for Star Tours and Steven had expressed an interest in watching the parade, which would be showing in 40 minutes. Assuming the queue moved quickly we would be able to do both. Luckily for us the queue was better than first thought and probably didn’t even wait 10 minutes.

I still haven’t seen all of the Star Wars, so I do not ride this for that reason. If I’m honest, I’m not really a Star Wars fan. I have seen the 1st, 4th and 5th movie. I saw the first one in 2002 and was really put off by the effects. Steven wanted to see the ‘new’ ones so I obliged and went to the movies to see the 4th and 5th, but we somehow missed the last one…:idea:

I just don’t get it, I think you maybe had to grow up with them, I know there are people that LOVE these movies, but I just don’t get it! However the ride itself, is pretty cool.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/StarTours1.jpg

We managed to get a few pictures while we waited in line:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/StarTours2.jpghttp://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/StarTours3.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/StarTours4.jpg

There are parts of robots parts scattered around as we near our ship, hardly fills you with confidence does it?

We were about to board when a CM spotted our ‘Just Married’ pins and he told us he had saved the best seats for us. He ushered us into the back row where there were two seats right in the center! WOO HOO!:banana:

We strapped ourselves in and prepared for take off. I knew this ride could get bumpy at times but other than that it has always been quite tame. The doors closed and our ship which was being piloted by a robot, RX-24 apparently, started off well. Our Pilot taxied us gently out but suddenly we drop, he has unfortunately took the wrong route and we end up going down some dangerous looking path, much to the amusement of the passengers.

Our pilot somehow manages to steer the ship and escape trouble, just as some mechanical thing look set to pound us! We enter open space and we begin to accelerate, we are after all supposed to be travelling at light speed. Thousands of stars surround us as we hurtle through space, all of us are pinned to our chairs. We begin to slow down to avoid all the comets that are suddenly all around us, we try to dodge the majority of them but we can’t help it and inevitably hit a few, one of them is the largest comet I’ve ever seen, including in the movies!!!:eek:

As we pitch back and forth we smash into a wall and weirdly enough breath a sigh of relief thinking that our ship is out for good, so that means it over right? Wrong, the Star Wars theme can be heard (yes I do recognise it) and of course we recover and are off to help get us some Tai Fighters!!! We are dodging fire and explosives and are being thrown from one angle to the next, I am laughing and Steven isn’t looking so jolly. A huge explosion follows and we accelerate to light speed once again before we slow down to a more acceptable pace. We see our gate in the distance and we slowly start to taxi back to our starting point. We come to a standstill and thank our Pilot and the doors on the right open to let us out.

I grin at Steven as we depart and he smiled back. Seemed like it turned out to be a pleasant flight after all…

Coming up…

The MGM parade and let’s go speed boating again!!!:yay:

keenercam

10-20-2008, 05:22 PM

Summer -- I am devouring every single word of your trip report! Your posts are so descriptive and I love your accounts of what you ate (more food porn would be good here! I LOVE cheesecake!) So glad you "enjoyed" Rockin' Roller Coaster. Woohoo!! Your description was hysterical -- just exactly like my experience on that!

Cant' wait to hear more! :cool1:

MUDisneyCouple

10-20-2008, 09:42 PM

Aren't people strange?? All for some change, eh? Sully and Mike are now inside a little area off of the Streets of America...it makes the wait time SO much better. We were waiting outside in the sun forever to see them and finally just gave up...we did see them this last time, though. My DH loves Mike!

Pooh_Girl

10-21-2008, 09:47 AM

Yippee Summer is back!!! I LOVED your description of RNR. I think most people find themselves thinking those exact thoughts before take off. I'm really glad you will ride it again though. It's one of my favorite rides at WDW.

DisneyObsession

10-21-2008, 10:49 AM

I am sooo glad you are posting again! I have missed you & Steven!;)

Hope all is going well with getting the house ready to sell. Look forward to hearing more!!!

dizneyfreak

10-21-2008, 11:03 AM

Summer,
I swear...your descriptions make me feel like I am on the ride again...which is great since I want to LIVE AT DISNEY! Plop me in the middle of an exhibit or something...as long as I can stay :rotfl: I feel the same way about Star Wars...I never got it, but still love the ride! I can't wait to hear more...and see more PICTURES missy!

Anna Marie

29apr00

10-21-2008, 11:03 AM

yeah for good Cheesecake!! And what was up with that guy?? Taking her change? How strange....

Can't wait for more!!

Rain

11-16-2008, 09:54 AM

Summer, next installment please, we are on our way again on 27th and I just love reading them.

Just for your information I was 59 when I started reading this I am now 61!! It must be the longest trip report in history:goodvibes

Beep

11-16-2008, 01:30 PM

SUMMER - A WORD IF YOU PLEASE?!

I am back on the Atkins diet (10lbs lost so far - woohoo!) and the description of the cheesecake really didn't help. I can actually taste that cheesecake now, with it's vanilla and chocolate goodness and crumbly base... Mmmmmm....

*sniff* off to find something sweet and low carb :sad1:

Summer-Caitlin

11-18-2008, 06:58 AM

Hi ladies

Jus a quick update as I know you are all patiently waiting for the next instalment. I do mean to post little and often, however we have been in the process of getting a new kitchen installed, also new interior doors, so I actually haven't had much time recently. Now things are falling into place, I should have more time to devote to this TR. Our internet connection has been a bit unpredictable of late so please bear with me, I am getting there, I promise!;)

I must admit I love my new kitchen, too bad we are selling the damn thing!

pjstevens

11-18-2008, 12:15 PM

dizneyfreak

11-30-2008, 11:21 AM

Yea for getting closer to moving!!! :dance3: Boo for having to leave all the new fun stuff in the house. :sad2:
It will all be ok...just keep telling yourself...I will be so much closer to Disney when I move and it will make it all better! ;)
We will all be waiting for your return Princess Summer...:hug:

Anna Marie

DisneyLaura

11-30-2008, 11:55 AM

I still haven’t seen all of the Star Wars, so I do not ride this for that reason. If I’m honest, I’m not really a Star Wars fan. I have seen the 1st, 4th and 5th movie. I saw the first one in 2002 and was really put off by the effects. Steven wanted to see the ‘new’ ones so I obliged and went to the movies to see the 4th and 5th, but we somehow missed the last one…:idea:

I have not seen the newer Star Wars movies. I was younger when the older ones came out and me and my brother loved them as kids (Harrison Ford played Hans Solo if you didn't know that, I love me some Harrison Ford). Now my DS7 Nicholas loves Star Wars and he loved this picture I showed him. I keep them the kids little things that are at Disney for when we go next year and his eyes lit up when I showed him the Star Wars pictures.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Disney/StarTours1.jpg

You gave a great description of the ride.

blondie7

11-30-2008, 01:34 PM

Hi Summer, I am really enjoying your TR I can't wait to read more. How are your plans for your move to Canada going. It is funny you are moving here and I am now going to the UK for a year. I got engaged in Oct and I am moving to England in Jan for 1 year to live with my Fiancee. We are planning a Disney wedding in 2010. I can't wait to hear all about your move to Canada nad what you think. Let me know if I can help you in any way. Your Canadian Friend.

JuneChickie

01-13-2009, 10:56 PM

Summer , you coming back ?

Summer-Caitlin

01-26-2009, 07:13 AM

Ladies I must apologise again for my delay in getting back to this TR.

Things have been really hectic recently.

First of all, the Canada plan doesn't look like it will come together this year if I'm honest. The Credit Crunch has hit us badly over here and having recently looked in depth at the sale prices of homes in our area, it looks like we would lose an awful lot on the house (something we can't afford to do). We are now in a recession here and Steven is worried about the possibility he could lose his job (he works in the car industry). So at the moment we are just getting our house ready for the market as planned and we will put it on the market when it's ready, it will be unlikely that we would get it up for the summer. Still need to do a lot of work to it and we don't have the funds to do it yet! I am very tempted to put it up before it's finished and test the waters, but the recent house sales have been about $30,000 less than we need. If we don't get to Canada this year, my hope is that we may get over early next year. The house will definitely be up before Christmas, you never know, pixie dust may reach us somehow...

Also, on December 27th, my grandfather suddenly passed away. I am devestated by this loss as he was like a father to me and we were very close. I took some time to try and gather my thoughts and feelings and then I was struck down with a bug. I was off ill from my work for the last 3 weeks (back today) with viral gastroenteritis too, so that hasn't helped matters!!!

So again, I apologise for those of you still waiting for my next instalment. I am feeling a bit better today and I plan to get my instalment up this week. I have been working on one this morning.

I just thought I should pop in and let you know I am okay and still here, just hoping for a little miracle...

Summer xx

Chilly

01-26-2009, 08:04 AM

Sorry to hear you've been having a bad time lots of hugs to you :grouphug:

Pooh_Girl

01-26-2009, 09:55 AM

Sorry you guys are having a bad time. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope everything gets better and you start feeling better. pixiedust: pixiedust:

MUDisneyCouple

01-26-2009, 02:47 PM

So sorry to hear about your recent loss and troubling times. It seems that 2008 has left a bad impression on many people and I hope that 2009 is much better for you (minus that nasty bug you had). Take care!

pjstevens

01-26-2009, 03:51 PM

Summer,

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your grandfather. Praying for you during this difficult time. It's so hard to deal with a loss and the economic issues you and Steven are dealing with. I hope that some day you'll be able to move to this side of the pond.

Hugs hon.

meryll83

01-27-2009, 02:37 AM

:grouphug: Big hugs to you....

blondie7

01-27-2009, 05:44 AM

Summer I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am also sorry to hear about your delay in moving to Canada. I know what you mean about things being hard right now. I moved to the UK at the beginning of the year and finding a job is proving difficult. I hope everything turns around for you soon.
Hugs :hug:
Debbie

dizneyfreak

01-27-2009, 09:14 AM

Summer,
You poor thing. I am sending big hugs and love your way! :grouphug: :flower3: The economy has ruined things for a lot of people on this side of the pond as well. It will get better...I know it will with a little faith, trust, and (yea you guessed it) pixiedust: ! Take your time hon...we are all here for you and understand.

Anna Marie

29apr00

01-27-2009, 09:40 AM

Summer, I'm so sorry about your grandfather. Tough times are all around us, my dh is in the auto industry too. Lots of positive thoughts coming to you guys! :grouphug:

Chilly

01-27-2009, 01:47 PM

Hey Summer did you know your wedding video is on Stan's Demo DVD?

Summer-Caitlin

02-06-2009, 11:49 AM

Chilly - Thanks for the hugs, it goes a long way. Yes, someone told me that my vid was on Stans Demo disc, I keep meaning to somehow get a copy of it as I would love to have it on the demo too. I am sure Stan would think it strange if I were to order a Demo disc:rotfl:

Pooh_Girl - Thank you, things are carrying on as usual, just taking my time to get back to normal. I'm back at work now so getting into the swing of things again.

MUDisneyCouple - Thank you. Yes, 2008, or the tail end of 2008 wasn't great for us. However I am feeling a bit more positive, it's my birthday, I have to! I am just hoping that my next birthday is on the other side of the pond!!!

Patty - Thank you for your kind words. Yes it's been a struggle, but I am getting by, it has seemed to be all doom and gloom over the last couple of months here. Trying to stay positive though, maybe we will catch a break?

meryll - Thanks. I see you are getting on well with your planning. Glad to hear that even though things have been a bit rocky with your DF's work, you won't have to cut back anything. Good for you for saving, you sensible girl:thumbsup2

Debbie - Thank you for the hug. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling to find work, any news on that front? Yes, my delay in going to Canada is getting me down to say the least. However I am learning to have patience and I do believe good comes to those who wait, so I'm waiting and hoping for a silver lining.

Anna Marie - Thank you again, you always could cheer me up! I know this global economy crisis is sucking the life out of everyone. I am sure it is going to get better. Canada is waiting for Steven and I to take it by storm, and we're gonna, you just wait and see:scratchin

29apr00 - Thanks for the hugs. Yes, the auto industry doesn't seem to be faring well just now, I just hope that things start pulling together and the light at the end of the tunnel becomes clear. I hope your DH is in the clear soon.

So I am back, a bit later than stated but I have had some problems with resizing my pictures. We had another computer where we had Adobe installed. That computer died on us and on this laptop, we have no such thing. I have had to work out how to resize my pics using Paint and it took me ages to figure it out. I actually had my section written and ready on Monday, but I only got a chance to resize pics just now.

Anyway, it's my birthday today and birthday's always get me thinking. Deep down I am happy with most things. My wonderful husband sent me a glorious bunch of flowers with my favourites....Calla Lillies and we just intend to spend a cosy night in, just the two of us and my favourite chinese take out.

However I still can't shake the thought of something missing in my life. I still desperately want to go to Canada and I have been depressed lately (since Christmas) for a few reasons, but one of them has been the thought I may never get to Canada.
I have considered things today and decided that I have to realise that I can't control everything. I can only do as much as I can towards my goal and hope and pray that it will be enough. So we continue on, determined to get to Canada, it may not be in June as planned, but I am confident that we will get there soon. It may be that things are somewhat clearer now, or that Tinkerbell has said a brief hello, but I believe dreams do come true, my TR so far has proved that. In any case, I will be thinking of you all when I have a glass of champagne tonight and how you have all been there with me through the bad times. Thank you all again for joining me on this rollercoaster ride. :grouphug:

Summer-Caitlin

02-06-2009, 11:52 AM

We stepped out into the heat and by this time I was pretty much shot. The temperature was climbing and I was ready to go ‘home’. Steven noticed that the parade was about to start but I was burning up and was starting to feel a tad grumpy. Steven advised me that it would make for some good photographs so I reluctantly agreed to watch it if I could buy something to tie my hair up (for me to suggest this, I must have been pretty hot!).

So we marched on and I found a little cart that sold some hair ties. I thought if I’m going to buy some, then I was going to buy some pretty ones. I found two large, chunky, clear plastic, Mickey head hair ties, they were $5 each, but at this point I would have paid double that. So I paid my $10, not necessarily money well spent in the long run, as I have never used them since, but at the time they were essential.

So I put my hair in pigtails, had a drink of water from the handy bubblers located in the ‘streets’ and settled down for the parade. 10 minutes later, I was not happy. We were waiting in an area that had no shade whatsoever, the ground was cooking beneath me and I could feel my legs burning by the second. I stood and paced for a little while but the crowds that were gathering made this quite difficult. Steven seemed content so I waited as patiently as I could. It seemed like the parade was never going to start but eventually I heard the music and in the distance I could see the characters making their way down the street.

Steven managed to get several good pictures, so I was told anyway, as after I had seen about 10 characters, I decided to go wandering. I made my way to the shops near the entrance and gladly stepped into the cool air conditioned premises. I just browsed and had no intentions of buying anything. I hate shopping on holiday and would likely leave any souvenir shopping until the last day.

After a good 20 minutes or so, I found Steven again and watched the end of the parade. I admit he did get some good close ups of the characters:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Wedding/DSCF1331.jpg http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l82/Summer-Caitlin/Wedding/DSCF1334.jpg

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The cloudless sky allowed no relief from the sun and I was desperate to go Speed Boating again. The Sea Raycers were such a wonderful experience the last time, esp as it was free, I was determined to go again. The thought of racing in the Seven Seas Lagoon, with the cool water spraying my face, was enough to make me giddy!

We boarded the bus back to The Grand Floridian and I took in the sights as we left. I still couldn’t get past the fact that I was in the happiest place on earth, it felt better than I had ever imagined. We walked slowly tour room, commenting on the splendour of our amazing resort. I know I was concerned before our arrival about accommodation, as I don’t know if you all remember how many problems I had with our Tour Operator and the mix up with the hotels? Remember how we were supposed to stay at AKL, but because of the construction we were moved (after much arguing) to The Grand Floridian? I had always dreamed of a wonderful honeymoon resort and walking around The Grand Floridian, I couldn’t have asked for any more. It was perfect.

We reached our room, went out on the balcony and looked at the Marina. It was quiet, most people were probably still at the parks. I could see a few boats out, but we would pretty much have the Lagoon to ourselves. So what would we go for, 30 minutes, an hour?

We arrived at the Marina and handed in our room card and asked for a one hour hire. We picked out our life jackets and told them we had been before so most of the explanations were skipped. Steven went out first and I followed. It is so hard to describe how free you can feel on one of those things. I felt like I was in paradise. When you reach top speed and you are trying to catch the wake of any boat that passes your way, when you leap over the minor waves you created, when you feel the wind through your hair and the spray in your face, it can only be described as magicpixiedust:

We managed to get some pictures again although we knew you weren’t supposed to.

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We bypassed all the hotels surrounding the lagoon and waved to people on other boats, the only thing missing was a little horn, something that plays “When you wish upon a star”, just a suggestion :scratchin
I thought once more how such a small thing could make me incredibly happy. In the future I would never stay at a resort in Disney if it didn’t have access to these boats.

Our hour came to an end quicker than I would have liked and we made our way back to the Marina. We parked with incredible precision, we were becoming pros and placed our lifejackets back in the containers. The man at the desk gave me back my room key and said the boats were free of charge as a wedding gift from The Grand Floridian. WHAT AGAIN??? I was speechless, well almost and I stuttered a thank you ever so much, I was grinning from ear to ear, yet more pixie dust had been scattered. This meant we could go again right? The temptation was definitely there to just head right back, but we thought it wouldn’t look right, so we just agreed to go later on in the week.

We got back to our room, sat out on the balcony and just watched. The sun was low in the sky and the earlier heat was beginning to fade. As always, I looked forward to what the next day had in store for us…

Coming up…

Dinner at Kona