Wild & Wacky 3 week LIVE Trip Report AKV, DCL & BWV

[bethbuchall]

You sure do know how to VACATION! Thanks so much for "bringing us along" on the boards. I'm having so much fun reading about all your adventures.

I hope that you have a spectacular cruise!

[Tinkaroo]

I, too, hope that is the most traumatic experience of Jackie's life. ;)

You've had an amazing trip so far - I hope the cruise is another wonderful surprise for you guys!

(If you decide to do a DCL cruise again, see if you can get a night at the Residence Inn - new, very nice, and a good free breakfast. :thumbsup2 )

Bon voyage!!!

[mommykds]

I, too, hope that is the most traumatic experience of Jackie's life. ;)

You've had an amazing trip so far - I hope the cruise is another wonderful surprise for you guys!

(If you decide to do a DCL cruise again, see if you can get a night at the Residence Inn - new, very nice, and a good free breakfast. :thumbsup2 )

Bon voyage!!!

I agree...we had a very nice stay there before our cruise.
Kristine, you should be sailing off soon!

[yellowfish78]

pixiedust: that no one got seasick, that dinner was wonderful, that the family took a great Lifestyles portrait, that the show was great (unless it was the comedian ;) ) and that your visit to the deck got some awesome sunset pictures, and behave at kareoke tonight!

[ReAnSt]

I, too, hope that is the most traumatic experience of Jackie's life. ;)

You've had an amazing trip so far - I hope the cruise is another wonderful surprise for you guys!

(If you decide to do a DCL cruise again, see if you can get a night at the Residence Inn - new, very nice, and a good free breakfast. :thumbsup2 )

Bon voyage!!!

Yep, I agree stay at the Residence Inn.:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 I had a great stay there and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Hope you have a fantastic cruise.

[Diamondintheruff]

Talk more from the cruise!!

I was disapointed thinking that you wouldn't be able to continue with the live updates from the cruise. So glad to hear I'll still be hearing from you. You really know how to "do" a disney trip. I'm enjoying coming along for the ride.

[KristineN]

Hi everyone!!!!

I am writing to you from Stateroom 6100 on board the Disney Wonder!!!!!

http://www.disboards.com/V

http://www.disboards.com/V

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family405.jpg


Another exhausting day....the time we checked in, unpacked and did a little exploring I was in need of a nap (which I didn't get)

So far everything has gone smoothly.....I am awestruck at the sheer size of the ship. We have never gone on a cruise before...and it was certainly impressive getting on the ship.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family409.jpg


No one is feeling seasick...although every now and again if I really thought about it...I may be feeling a tad queasy...but nothing major.

Coming from a 2 bedroom at Animal Kingdom Lodge....I was somewhat surprised at how small the staterooms are....we have 2 Category 6 rooms with verandas that are connecting.....don't get me wrong...they are very nice. It just seems small....I am sure this is because I was unsure what to expect.

Tonight we had dinner at Parrot Cay...it was excellent. I had requested for our family to dine alone....but we actually ended up being seated with a family of 3 from Ohio....and we ended up very much enjoying their company!!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family412.jpg

I had a pedicure at the spa tonight...the spa was very very nice. I have more stuff scheduled for tomorrow.

The staff here has been truly top notch and I can't say enough good things about how friendly everyone is

Kirsten has been all over the ship by herself...she is totally brave and it is fun to see her go off on her own exploring. Christopher has been sticking by our side...I am hoping by tomorrow he will feel more comfortable. Jackie just left a little while ago to check out the teen center.

I am using wireless internet connection in our room...I have found it to be sluggish at best....not sure how many pics I will be able to post because of this.

Tomorrow we are going on a dolphin encounter in Nassau.....it sounds very interesting.

[triplefigs]

I hope you have a WONDERful time on the cruise!!! I so want to go on one. I just have to convince John! Enjoy the spa and all the fun. Have a drink for me, please!

[Diamondintheruff]

Tomorrow we are going on a dolphin encounter in Nassau.....it sounds very interesting.

Does it ever.::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

[Steffy]

Kristine, what a trip!!! Thank you so much for bringing us along....:worship: :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

I am enjoying every moment of your trip. I can't wait to see how you enjoy the cruise....

[Tammi67]

The dolphin encounter should be wonderful! Enjoy your day!

[PNO4TE]

Enjoy your day, Kristine (and Bill and Jackie and Christopher and Kirsten...) :)

[lmartin2711]

Kristin....now I'm really jealous.

I love cruises!!!! Your making me want to go sooner on ours April of next year. You will soooo enjoy it!! Our cruise last year I actually took a nap our on the balcony for about 45 minutes. It was so relaxing.

Enjoy your time!!

[LITTLEKID58]

Great Tr..............luv it.........The pics are awesome...

Did you decorate the door.. with you magnets.. ?????? It should look awesome...

[tinknme]

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

[KristineN]

A couple more pics if the internet cooperates

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family401.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family384.jpg

[KristineN]

we just docked in Nassau...off we go to see the dolphins....

[tinknme]

How exciting :yay: Look forward to your review!


we just docked in Nassau...off we go to see the dolphins....

[heaven2dc]

Wow your pics are so clear - great job! Your daughter is so brave to wander around alone on the ship - I'm the scaredy cat in my family. My DS15 wants to go with his 21 yr old brother on a cruise rather than go to WDW and I'm nervous if he wanders around alone. What great parents you are and wonderful kids you have!

[Goldeelox9]

Oh now I am excited....We are sailing in 4 months and 3 weeks...getting married on Castaway Cay. I have two quick questions...How much is the wireless internet in your room & did they provide soap and shampoo?

Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip....sounds like it will be great!

[collcass]

Enjoying your trip report. Hope you had a great time with the dolphins today!

[KristineN]

Hi there!!

Had a wonderful time at our Dolphin encounter....all of us felt this excursion was worth the time and the money we spent.

You got to touch & pet a dolphin...

hug him

dance with him

feed him

touch his teeth

etc

it was definitely cool!!

I have no pictures to post.....the internet is just too slow to even attempt it.

Tomorrow we will be going to Castaway Cay....on the agenda:

stingray adventure

parasailing

hanging loose

hope everyone is well!!

[yellowfish78]

Hopefully docking at Castaway Cay won't wake you guys up too early! If you get a chance, head up to the back of deck 7!

[arielchickenofthesea]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I want to pet the dolphins again! This is something we HAVE to do next year! I think I may need to rearrange our usual trip to WDW in May, maybe a week there, a cruise to Nassau to see the dolphins and then back to WDW for another week at a different resort! We usually just spend 18 days at WDW! Now I want to change it up a bit like your trip! Wow! What great pics! I know you must be loving every minute of your trip! Enjoy it! Thanks for sharing the pics and your adventures with all us landlubbers here! lol:)
suzy

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm afraid we'll have to make due with interacting with penguins. I just booked the polar excursion thanks to reading about your VIP tour of seaworld.

Sounds like you all had a blast with dophins. Can't wait to hear about the parasailing. I'd love to interact with the dolphins myself but I am more than happy to be a bystander for parasailing.

[rosiejo]

*phew* Kristine I am exhausted just reading your TR - and extremely jealous! I can't believe you still have the cruise and then more time at WDW!

Sounds like y'all are having a blast. Can't wait to hear more about the cruise - we'll do that one day :)

[KristineN]

LAND HO!!!!!!


We got off our Disney Cruise this morning....and we are now checked into Boardwalk. This is one of our home resorts...and we really love it here.


Getting back to the cruise....

yesterday we had an EXCELLENT time on Castaway Cay!!!!

The 5 of us did the interactive Stingray excursion....I highly recommend this!!! You get to touch and pet the Stingrays....and then at the end, you get to snorkel around with the he stingrays. Bill loved this....everyone had a life jacket on...so he was able to snorkel as well.

We did a lot of swimming & exploring.....at the end of the day, the 3 kids and I went parasailing :eek::eek::eek::eek:

What an amazing experience....Kirsten and I were harnessed together...for the first few seconds were were both terrified...but soon were enjoying the view. They dipped us in the water twice....if you get the chance to do this...DO IT!!!!

We disembarked smoothly...no problems with customs and were checked into the Boardwalk by 9:45 am!!


Here are some pics:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family409.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family412.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family384.jpg


Castaway Cay:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family437.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family436.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family431.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family441.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family439.jpg

From dinner:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family442.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family443.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family444.jpg




CRUISE SUMMARY

Service was exceptional....an amazing staff. All were helpful and friendly

Food was amazing. We were impressed with how efficiently they could serve the masses....and not compromise quality

Excursions:

Enjoyed the Dolphin encounter immensely...but did not care for Nassau. The people constantly approaching you and haggling with you was a turn off!

Castaway Cay was beautiful!!

The ship itself was gorgeous....lots of amazing artwork.

The staterooms were way too small for my liking...I am sure this is not a reflection of Disney but of the cruise industry. We are all used to MUCH bigger accommodations...and I felt claustrophobic. We had 2 Category 6 rooms...I can't imaging how small the lower category staterooms are :scared1:

Would we do it again?? .....not sure really. I think I would try another cruise line (blasphemy I know!!!) The 3 kids didn't get into the character interaction on board at all.....so for them, I think we could try another cruise line and do fine.


Today we strolled around Epcot. The heat is beginning to make me crazy....


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family450.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family446.jpg

[tinknme]

Thanks for the update Kristine! I hope the rest of your stay is as wonderful as the beginning!

[PNO4TE]

Welcome back to Florida, Kristine and crew! I hope you get some cooler weather to enjoy this next leg of your wonderful vacation. :)

[dreamcometrue]

glad you enjoyed your cruise Kristine! We got off the 7 day Eastern Magic in May and we loved it so much, we booked another for 2009! :) Can't wait to read the rest of your trip report!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Enjoy the last leg of your trip! It's hot everywhere - better to be hot at WDW than hot at home! :rotfl:

[curlz2tite]

loving your trip so far, can't wait to hear more!!! & your children are beautiful

[bear74]

Kristine love your trip report so far

[lmartin2711]

Kristin....thanks for the info on the Disney Cruise. We have always used Carnival for our budget. But I don't think that with kids you can go wrong. It has always been the best price and the rooms for us have been fine. Although now that we have gone with balcony rooms I will never be able to go back to a regular room.

[ChristyJ]

Kristine, more pictures please!:) Did Bill get a photo of you parasailing? Do you have photos of the dolphin encounter? Hey, I'm going scrapbooking 7/12-why don't you come to NY and go with me?;)

[zerog]

Kristine

Wow.. I just found your fantastic TR today. What a great vacation! :thumbsup2

Universal Studios: Our annual passes expire in September. On more than one occasion, we've witnessed screaming/swearing people at the park (not at us). Many employees at Universal move very slow and don't smile very often. On the other hand, Disney has its share of worn out and irritable parents (due to being out in the sun all day), but the employees and visitors seem to have a different attitude about them. My DW says she's had enough of Universal!

Blue Man Group: I love this show! I don't know if I've ever seen my DS laugh so hard. :rotfl2:

Sea World: Our favorite show is "Pets Ahoy." Oddly enough, there are no sea creatures. Kraken is a very smooth roller coaster.

Space Center: True, you have to be a space enthusiast to get the most out of your visit. However, the IMAX movies are awesome for everyone.

BTW, the rocket launch you witnessed had a very exciting payload, called "GLAST":
- GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and search for signs of new laws of physics and what composes the mysterious dark matter, explain how black holes accelerate immense jets of material to nearly light speed, and help crack the mysteries of the staggeringly powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.

With high sensitivity GLAST is the first imaging gamma-ray observatory to survey the entire sky every day. It will give scientists a unique opportunity to learn about the ever-changing universe at extreme energies. GLAST will detect thousands of gamma-ray sources, most of which will be supermassive black holes in the cores of distant galaxies.

Raddisson at the Port: Many Dis'ers have been recommending the Raddisson as the place to stay the nite before a cruise; mostly because you can leave your car there and take the shuttle to/from the port. If you have time, you might like to write a review on Tripadvisor. Also, an email to the management. Hopefully, that will cause things to change. If more people are having issues, perhaps we (Dis'ers) should consider 'blacklisting' it on our list of recommendations.

------- Questions ---------

1) Did you see the Fantasmic show at Disney Hollywood?
2) What did everyone think of La Nouba?

[KristineN]

Hi everyone!!

This is the view from our balcony:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family460.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family459.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family456.jpg



Today went to the Studios...it was early entry so we were there by 8 am.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family455.jpg



We rode:

ToT X2

R & R Coaster

Toy Story Mania - we finally mad it on this ride. Last time we got on this ride we were stranded inside for an hour and had to be escorted off.

Great Movie Ride

We did all of the above with the first hour or so...

by 10 am the crowds were really picking up. I can see a daily increase of the crowd levels here.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family454.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family452.jpg



After lunch we can back to the BW....the 3 kids & Bill are all in the pool now, and I am frankly enjoying the quiet. I am actually contemplating taking a nap!

We are going to Tutto Italia for dinner.....we had an amazing meal here in Feb.....so I am hoping it will be as good.

[my3princes]

What a great view. Much better than the parking lot view we had last year. It sounds like things are going well. I'm not excited about the crowd levels picking up as we are less than 2 weeks away, but we'll deal with that when we get there. Thanks for the trip reports. Are you planning to do Star Wars Weekends?

[KristineN]

waiting to be seated at Tutto Italia

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family463.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family464.jpg

The food & service was very good....I was a little disappointed that they no longer had the veal ravioli

They are doing construction on some of the boardwalk view buildings...I snapped a couple of pics...I sure would NOT want one of those rooms!!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family461.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family462.jpg

[PrincessPaczki]

I am really enjoying your trip report! :goodvibes Your view from the Boardwalk is awsome! :thumbsup2 Keep the pictures coming! thanks.

[tinknme]

Great view Kristine! Glad to hear all is still going well with your trip :thumbsup2

[rosiejo]

Great view! That pool looks awesome :)

[triplefigs]

Thought about you when I was "cruising the Mississippi River" on Sunday. Don't think it was the same as DCL! Glad you are having a great time. The pool at BWI looks wonderful!

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Did the kids choose to model those hats just for ME? :hyper:

I've heard the menu at Tutto keeps changing. I think we will like it. We've never been there before, so we don't have favorites.

So what's up next?

[GGOOFY1]

I would be mad if used points for a boardwalk view and was put in one of those rooms. Great shirts. I have enjoyed your trip report. Keeps me wanting more and like about 1,000 other pp, would you adopt my family!!!

[KristineN]

Howdy...

Today we did the Magic Kingdom...it was extremely HOT and packed to the gills!! I am grateful to be winding down.....the crowds are getting to me

crowds:


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family469.jpg

kids are fascinated by Mr. Toads grave

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family468.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family466.jpg


Had dinner at the Captain's Grille over at the Yacht Club....it was our least favorite meal of the trip.....food wasn't particularly good....and the service was S L O W!!! and I mean slow!!!!

Kids are back at the pool.....they have loved the pool here at the Boardwalk. Although Bill and I have stayed a couple of times at the Boardwalk, this is the kids' first time here. They have informed us that this is their favorite place....I am very surprised as I had assumed Animal Kingdom woukld have been the big winner.

[tinknme]

I never knew about Mr Toads tombstone :blush:

I can handle the crowds in Aug., but the heat has me worried!

[zerog]

I can handle the crowds in Aug., but the heat has me worried!

Drink a lot of water - I know that is obvious, but people tend to get wrapped up in what they're doing and put it off. :drinking1

[LovintheLodge]

Wow...I found your live report a couple of days ago and had been checking in. What a wonderful trip your family is taking...you've done so many great things. Also I love your pictures...hopefully my family can get back there soon (it's been 3 years this summer :sad1: ).

[heaven2dc]

They are doing construction on some of the boardwalk view buildings...I snapped a couple of pics...I sure would NOT want one of those rooms!!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family461.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family462.jpg

Wow that would be so disappointing if this happened on our December trip (we have boardwalk view booked). Is this the Villas side or the Boardwalk Inn? The building doesn't look familiar.

Great view of the pool from your room! Glad the kids are enjoying it - never sure what kids will love until after they try it, right? Am thoroughly loving the live report - thank you so much for posting it!

[KristineN]

It is actually the Inn side...I spoke to Jackie the manager today and she said the project is almost complete.....next step will be interior refurbishment...again on the Inn side. No plans for the Boardwalk side until they are directed by DVC...although she says it is in desperate need

[arielchickenofthesea]

Such awesome pictures and a great TR! What fun you are having! This is a VERY long trip! I Love it! I want to do one similar to yours next year!
ariel

[tinknme]

Kristine when do you return home?

[TraceyDisney2008]

Can I get adopted too? I just found your trip report and read it all. I think you need a 36 year old daughter.

[arielchickenofthesea]

That Boardwalk pool is the only one I cannot go near! That...clown!!!!!:scared1:
I have clown fear! That one is scary especially since you come sliding out of it's mouth! ACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!! Okay it would be worse if you had to climb stairs INTO his mouth, but he is scary to me. I had to avoid that pool when we stayed at the Boardwalk.

Hope you are having a blast! Enjoy! Enjoy!

We are going to sneak in a quick 4 dayer to Disneyland next week right before my spine surgery on July 2nd, *** we won't be going to any Disney Parks for a while after my surgery.:( So we gotta get some fun in before I am recuperating for 6 months! We just decided to go! YAY! A disney fix always helps what ails ya...I will just take my pain meds faithfully and get through 4 days on an ECV there. Those will be my thoughts and images as I drift into anesthesia land...all the fun of Disneyland and WDW from our May trip!
More! More Kristine! Beautiful photos and tales of the fun of Disney always satisfy the soul if you can't be there in person!
ariel

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hello! I have been enjoying your report... I have to say my hat is off to you for tackling 3 weeks of family vacation! :eek: I think I'd either be in a straight jacket or I'd have sold my kids to the gypsies by then. :laughing: You must be a saint!!! :worship:

I'd love to know what the timeline is for the interior refurb of the BWI. If you happen to hear anything please let us know! :)

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

[babytrees]

Can I get adopted too? I just found your trip report and read it all. I think you need a 36 year old daughter.

we could be her twins then:thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Welcome home, Kristine!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

I guess you're in the midst of the unpacking frenzy. My least favorite part of vacations.

I had a great time following along with your trip. Thanks for taking us along online with you!

[arielchickenofthesea]

Tell us more and post more pics when and if you have time! It was fun to see the pics and read what fun your family had on your trip. It has convinced me that we are going to do a WDW/Cruise/WDW trip next year. I like that idea. And Seaworld. We missed it this year! Your pictures made me want to go so badly, cause I love those dolphins!:lovestruc

Thanks for sharing all your pics and tales. I hope you are rested. Sounds like you had a great time!

I hate the unpacking part. It usually takes us days to get it done. Then the merchandise we bought and shipped home starts coming in and needs to be opened and it brings back memories of the trip! Like Christmas, sorta! Then I can't wait to start planning next year's trip! Of course!;)

ariel

[KristineN]

Hi guys!!

Back to the real world!! YUCK!!

I actually came home with not 1 piece of laundry, can you believe that??!! I love having a washer in the DVC units. I do however have massive amounts of stuff to unpack and put away.

In thinking about the trip…here’s a little summary with the highlights:


PART 1


ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

LOVED staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge in a 2 bedroom concierge unit.

Would I stay there again?? Yes, we felt it was definitely worth the extra points.


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/2a.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/2c.jpg


Pool was very nice


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family070.jpg


We received excellent service and the staff was wonderful. Our maid Vicki made our kids smile every day!!


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family093.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family094.jpg


This was in our room on the first turn down night…


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/d1h.jpg


And this was from the staff for Kirsten’s birthday

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family101.jpg

SUNRISE SAFARI

We did enjoy this, but would not do it again. I didn’t feel like I got much more out of this that I do on the regular Kilimanjaro safari ride.


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family141.jpg




http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family142.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family139.jpg




The breakfast was very good


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family145.jpg


SUNSET SAFARI

If you can swing this…DO IT!!! We loved it. I was truly amazed by how close the animals were.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family155.jpg



http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family184.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family186.jpg


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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family168.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family165.jpg


CORAL REEF DIVER
If you have the opportunity to set this up for a special occasion, definitely try & schedule it. I set this up for Kirsten’s bday. We got a custom menu with pictures of her on it…and then a diver swam out to us. The other diners really got a kick out of this!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/d1f.jpg



http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/d1e-1.jpg

[KristineN]

PART 2

SEA WORLD


We enjoyed our day there. We did a VIP tour and definitely enjoyed it. It was nice not to wait in line and have reserved seating for the shows. The kids got to touch a penguin during this tour which they really enjoyed. One of the best parts was the luncheon….we served behind the scenes from Shamu. We were extremely close!

From the lunch

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family222.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family229.jpg






http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family227.jpg


Would we do it again….yes, but not for a couple of years I'd say.


From the tour


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family240.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family237.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family233.jpg


I just love this picture of Kirsten


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family221.jpg


More from the tour


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family209.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family246.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family248.jpg


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m19/kristineNaj/family250.jpg


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UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Had a great day there. I highly recommend there VIP tour. They truly have back door access to all the rides…there was NO and I mean NO waiting whatsoever. We accomplished almost all the rides from both parks. The kids loved all the rides…Bill & I however did not. A couple of the simulators almost put me away. I would never go on them again. We shared our tour with a father and son from England. David & Gavin were great guys and my kids really liked them. It worked out well...because they were thrill seekers and my kids liked riding with them. I will say David (the dad) got ill on Jimmy Neutron like I did!!

We would definitely go back to Universal.


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BLUE MAN GROUP


The kids loved this show!! Bill & I have seen it in Vegas, but we did enjoy seeing it again. However, I think 3 times would be over kill.It amazes me how entertaining toilet paper can be!!


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[KristineN]

PART 3

MAGIC KINGDOM VIP TOUR
We have done a few VIP tours at WDW. They are definitely expensive, but it sure is nice not to deal with all the lines. Our tour guide Jeff was great…the kids really liked him. If you do book this tour…make sure you request the reserved seating for the parade. This is a nice perk….but it is very limited. We will do it again, especially if we come during a crowded time of year.


Our tour guide


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Pics from the reserved seating:
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GIFTS OF A LIFETIME SCAVENGER HUNT


Lots and lots of laughs this day. We had to race around "the world" and solve clues...this would lead you to the next clue. During this challenge we had to solicit help from strangers and cast members....


One of the clues


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getting help from a CM at the Hall of Presidents


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Bill lost a challenge and had to wear this hat for the rest of the day!!!


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more help from a history teacher from Alabama...this guy was SMART!!


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Prize at the end


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[arielchickenofthesea]

Such great pictures! You all look like you had so much fun! I want to do that Sea World tour and maybe even the Universal one, though I am not big on thrill rides...What a vacation! I am already planning DH's and my next year's trip! Gotta do that short cruise between a couple weeks of WDW! That looks like the way to go!
Thanks for sharing your trip as you went along the way! I bet you need a little rest. You guys did SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!!!!!

arielchickenofthesea

[tinknme]

Welcome home Kristine!

[yellowfish78]

Welcome Home Kristine! After three weeks are you ready to get back to real life?

[dreamcometrue]

Welcome home Kristen!! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

[mrsdrkwaver]

what is the name of the company that did the scavenger hunt for you

[johnsonet]

Your TR has been amazing! I've really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing. Your family seems to have done EVERYTHING!!! Quite something :thumbsup2
Hope re-entry into real life isn't too hard ;)

When are you going to start planning your next trip??? :cool1:

[jns]

Thanks for sharing your family holiday with us
just found this thread so got to read the whole report in one go

love all you photos and love all the different T shirts

[DisneySuiteFreak]

the sunrise safari is at Animal Kingdom and is in the same vehicle as the regular ride. It follows the same path...but because it is so early, you see more animals...the keepers put food out so many of the animals are eating out in the open. The vehicle also stops frequently to allow you to take pictures.

The sunset safari is at the lodge....and you take a truck out to the various savanahs...you are VERY close to the animals

Do you have to be staying in Concierge in order to book either the sunrise or sunset tour?
Thanks! I'm loving your TR!

[mickey2minnie1]

Loved all of your inside info! In case I missed it, where did you get the too cute shirts?? I am always looking for matching shirts for Disney. Yours were so original. :thumbsup2

[tinker1bell]

we could be her twins then:thumbsup2 :rotfl2:


Since I have one son age 37, a daughter age 34 and youngest son age 29, I could be ya'lls mother :lmao: :lmao:

[CSwan1]

Do you have to be staying in Concierge in order to book either the sunrise or sunset tour?
Thanks! I'm loving your TR!

Loved all of your inside info! In case I missed it, where did you get the too cute shirts?? I am always looking for matching shirts for Disney. Yours were so original. :thumbsup2

I was wondering these same things, especially the shirts. I love your shirts!

[Diamondintheruff]

Originally Posted by mickey2minnie1
Loved all of your inside info! In case I missed it, where did you get the too cute shirts?? I am always looking for matching shirts for Disney. Yours were so original.

I was wondering these same things, especially the shirts. I love your shirts!

In case Kristine is too modest to admit it, she's a "disigner" on the creative disign boards. Go check out her thread there. She's got some great T-shirt designs.

[kaylie&laurensmom]

I really enjoyed your report!! I am so jealous, we didn't get one of those cool chocolate trays! I might need to request that next time. It sounds like you had a trip of a lifetime ~ we have been to Orlando 6 times, but have only been to Disney World. We would love to do Sea World & Universal when our youngest DD gets bigger. We went on a 3 day Wonder cruise in September & Castaway Cay was our favorite part!

What did you think of La Nouba? We've never done that. Which is better - La Nouba or Blue Man Group?

[Imagoofy1]

Does anyone know how Kristine is. :confused3 I have not seen her on in a long time and hope everything is OK with her. Just wondering what happened to her. Maybe she is just busy with family, work etc. I hope all is well.

[poohmomof5]

Does anyone know how Kristine is. :confused3 I have not seen her on in a long time and hope everything is OK with her. Just wondering what happened to her. Maybe she is just busy with family, work etc. I hope all is well.

I was wondering the same thing. I hope all is well Kristine!:hug:

[tinknme]

Kristine is alive & well :goodvibes Hopefully she will pop in soon!

[Imagoofy1]

Thank you Tinknme for the info. I was a little worried that something was wrong.. GREAT to hear she is well. ;)

[mdsouth]

But if Animal Kingdom has early entry hours and you head straight to the Safari, you will be earlier or at the same time as the Sunrise safari. As we followed directly behind the sunrise safari group the one time at AK. There were other groups who were in the safari before the Sunrise group.

Thanks Becky for the tips!

Kristine, thanks for the detailed TR it was interesting to read about your family's experiences.