I'm thankful for...MICKEY!!! My Thanksgiving '08 TR!: TR Update, Last Day! [Archive] - Page 8 - The DIS Discussion Forums

SwansLoveDisney

05-12-2009, 01:20 PM

We were in bed by 11 p.m. after a full day at MK and we set the alarm for 6:40 for the next morning.

I jumped out of bed when the alarm rang and jumped into the shower. Surprisingly, it only took me 2 tries to get DH out of bed! Today was the day that I would have a DIS meet, so I was careful in choosing my attire for the day. A Mickey and Minnie shirt seemed the perfect choice!

DH and I headed to the food court for breakfast. We brought bagels and peanut butter from our room and DH purchased a fruit bowl and some yogurt. And of course, we had some delicious apple juice from the soda fountain.

We were in line for the bus at 8:15 and ALMOST everyone was there! Everyone except my dad. My mom said that he hadn't had enough coffee yet :rolleyes: and would meet us at the park later. My brother and sister in law were looking pretty tired this morning. They both LOVE their sleep and I was wondering how many more rope drops they would make it to on this trip...

It took FOREVER for the bus to arrive. I started to get a little bit nervous because I wanted so badly to get to Epcot for rope drop! Finally, the bus arrived :yay: and we all found seats.

We got through the turn-styles and bag check without incident and "walked" very quickly over to the right side of Spaceship Earth. Our target this morning was Soarin'. Soon, cast members came out with Minnie, Mickey, and some other characters. It is SO cute to see all the kids' faces when they see the characters!

Pretty soon, it was time for the countdown. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 AND THEY'RE OFF!

We tried VERY hard to walk rather than run, but that proved to be VERY difficult. We MIGHT have broken into a jog several times, but we quickly returned to a walk!

There it is!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxaYPlq9I/AAAAAAAABNI/6pfBbQ3zLmw/s288/DSC00338.JPG

DH and I grabbed everyone's keys to the world and got into the fastpass lines. OF COURSE I got behind the lady who was getting six thousand fastpasses! She took forever, but I finally got the fastpasses and we got into the standby line. We had a very short wait!

Here we are waiting! See how tired my brother (on the left) looks?
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxP1jldMI/AAAAAAAABMc/_9R5Yukg_as/s288/DSC00319.JPG

DH and me! I was very happy that we made it for rope drop. DH was, um, your guess is as good as mine!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxQWwMSDI/AAAAAAAABMg/2cwln9l_wnY/s288/DSC00321.JPG

It's almost time!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxRTKhENI/AAAAAAAABMk/TFYdWfWH1-Q/s288/DSC00322.JPG

Soon, it was time to strap ourselves into our seats and prepare for takeoff. The feeling that Soarin gives me is difficult to articulate. Flying over all of those gorgeous places, smelling the wonderful smells...I just love it!

DH and I got married at Yosemite National Park, so I always look for us as we fly over Yosemite on Soarin. I haven't seen us yet though! :rotfl:

After Soarin, we decided to skip Living with the Land. It's not one of my favorites. So I *might* have swayed the rest of the family to skip it!

DH spotted some real coffee in Sunshine Seasons, so my brother, SIL, mom, and DH got some espresso. Then DH and I took everyone's keys to the world and ran over to get Test Track FPs for later. This gave everyone (except DH) a chance to enjoy their coffee without me rushing them! Then, DH and I met up with everyone at the Seas. My dad called just as we were walking into Turtle Talk with Crush and said he had arrived at the park and would meet us after Turtle Talk.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxSpwhwMI/AAAAAAAABMo/mOGKx0YKO4Y/s288/DSC00324.JPG

We had great timing for Turtle Talk because it was just starting, so we walked right in and grabbed some seats and watched the cutest show ever! Crush cracks me up every time! And the kids that ask questions are hilarious.

After the show, we found my dad and looked around at all the sea life. We checked out the rescued manatees.

http://picasaweb.google.com/julieswanster/SkiTripDisneyOtherStuff?authkey=Gv1sRgCJb-lL6vr8u7HQ#5333160610491239058

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxUaZvipI/AAAAAAAABMw/2CNvZrjn4B0/s288/DSC00327.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxWc7xCRI/AAAAAAAABM4/GNkHwXkzeCI/s288/DSC00329.JPG

There was a dolphin that swam right over by us and hung around for a while. We also saw sea turtles, divers, icky eels, and a shark!

Here's the blurry shark
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxYbHO1wI/AAAAAAAABNA/C1lYBWaAx_M/s288/DSC00335.JPG

This was the most time I had ever spent looking at all the sea creatures in the Seas and it was wonderful. To me, that is one of the many advantages of doing rope drop. Getting there early and getting those fastpasses really allows one to slow down and enjoy the rest of the park in between fastpass times.

Next, it was time to head over to the Imagination Pavilion...

And I'll have to finish later. My friend is about to arrive. We're going to Target and Trader Joe's. Two of my favorite stores!

Charleston Princess

05-12-2009, 01:44 PM

Great update!!! I love rope drop at Epcot with a side of Soarin'! ;) It is truly my favorite ride in Epcot.

lisalonglash

05-12-2009, 01:59 PM

Great update, Julie! :thumbsup2 I fully intend to hit at least two rope drops this time - after all, the only people I'll have to force ... I mean, encourage :laughing: ... to get up early are dh and our two boys! I like Soarin' too, it's fun to pretend I'm hang-gliding :goodvibes I'm REALLY looking forward to Turtle Talk this time - other people weren't "into it" last time :sad2: Oh, and we'll be passing on Living with the Land too - the four of us found it a snooze-fest :rotfl: I don't know if we'll do the Seas exhibits - the Vancouver aquarium is pretty awesome - but we'll definitely be doing the Kidcot stop in the pavilion this time!

Can't wait for the next update, Julie, I'm so glad you're all settled in to your lovely new home! popcorn::

shebaxric

05-12-2009, 04:15 PM

Thank you for the info and for the link! So helpful! :goodvibes

Have you ever been to WDW for Thanksgiving?

You are more than welcome!:) I have been to WDW for Thanksgiving twice. This will be our third Thanksgiving there. Actually, I've never been to WDW besides Thanksgiving and Christmas.:lmao: Some people find that kind of funny, but we really love the atmosphere and feeling of Disney at Christmas. I want to persuade my DH to go during F&W or F&G, I'd love either one of these times.

BTW, love the update! You and I seem to have similar personalities in "guiding" people around the parks.:rolleyes1 I firmly believe that it's our duty to make sure that the people we take to WDW with us have a good time, as long as they follow our schedule!:lmao::lmao:

KathyRN137

05-12-2009, 05:55 PM

Julie, you're doing such a great job getting everyone up and out the door for rope drops!! They had to have seen the major benefits.... sleeping in is for the "normal" world!! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to read about your DIS-meet!

Kathy

MaceysMom

05-12-2009, 11:32 PM

Hopefully Mike will keep his promise and get up early for some rope drops while we are there. I am all about getting fast passes. I can't wait to try Soarin, it looks fun.

DH is so funny in all your pictures!! I will never understand why men do strange things!:confused3 My fiance is definitly a weirdo!:)

MeMom

05-13-2009, 08:31 AM

Hopefully Mike will keep his promise and get up early for some rope drops while we are there. I am all about getting fast passes. I can't wait to try Soarin, it looks fun.

You're gonna love it! It's awesome!

Julie - Soarin', Turtle Talk, manatees; all of that is seeming so very familliar to me for some reason! :)

Have you decided what pictures to put in your Disney frame yet? We'll need to see the finished product, of course.

BrooklynnsMommy

05-13-2009, 08:42 AM

mousescrapper

05-13-2009, 11:17 AM

There are seven spots. Could you put one favorite picture from each of your last seven trips in order? That might be nice.

that sounds real nice! how about printing them in a Sepia tone to match the frame and mat...that may look sharp!

post a pic when it's done! :thumbsup2

Nice end of your MK day and your Epcot morning is starting out pretty nice.

My DH loves the manitees too, nice that you had time to enjoy the tanks and take some time to enjoy the little stuff!

MeMom

05-13-2009, 05:09 PM

We will definitely be at at Epcot rope drop on July 30th (MeMom's bday and our 4 parks in 1 day adventure) and probably at least one other day. My job is to quickly walk not run to the fastpass machine while MeMom comes with Brooklynn and John parks the stroller (He is very particular about stroller parking and can take a while). I guess this summer Bella will probably do the "Soarin' Trot" with me since it will probably be easier to have her in her carrier rather than them trying to get her and Brooklynn out of the stroller with the giant crowd all around.

Yes, we all know our roles. We have this down to a science. John is the stroller parker, I am the toddler keeper, and Jill is the Soarin' trotter. Even when she was pregnant in November, she was faster than us. I have to walk slowly for my bad leg to be able to take it, and John just walks slowly by nature. Jill is the designated runner, and an awesome job she does! :thumbsup2

Can't you just picture Bella now? Her little eyes peering out of the sling while she bounces up and down amidst the sea of people! :laughing: I need to have the video camera ready.

SwansLoveDisney

05-13-2009, 10:14 PM

Great update!!! I love rope drop at Epcot with a side of Soarin'! ;) It is truly my favorite ride in Epcot.

Thank you!

I think Soarin is my favorite ride at Epcot as well. Well, maybe test track at night. Hmmm... that's a tough one!

Great update, Julie! :thumbsup2 I fully intend to hit at least two rope drops this time - after all, the only people I'll have to force ... I mean, encourage :laughing: ... to get up early are dh and our two boys! I like Soarin' too, it's fun to pretend I'm hang-gliding :goodvibes I'm REALLY looking forward to Turtle Talk this time - other people weren't "into it" last time :sad2: Oh, and we'll be passing on Living with the Land too - the four of us found it a snooze-fest :rotfl: I don't know if we'll do the Seas exhibits - the Vancouver aquarium is pretty awesome - but we'll definitely be doing the Kidcot stop in the pavilion this time!

Can't wait for the next update, Julie, I'm so glad you're all settled in to your lovely new home! popcorn::

Rope drops are the BEST!

Yes, let's call it encouragement! Forcing doesn't sound so Disney! :rotfl:

I am happy to learn of others who think Living with the Land is BOOORING!!!

You are more than welcome!:) I have been to WDW for Thanksgiving twice. This will be our third Thanksgiving there. Actually, I've never been to WDW besides Thanksgiving and Christmas.:lmao: Some people find that kind of funny, but we really love the atmosphere and feeling of Disney at Christmas. I want to persuade my DH to go during F&W or F&G, I'd love either one of these times.

BTW, love the update! You and I seem to have similar personalities in "guiding" people around the parks.:rolleyes1 I firmly believe that it's our duty to make sure that the people we take to WDW with us have a good time, as long as they follow our schedule!:lmao::lmao:

This was my third Thanksgiving at WDW. It seems that we have lots of similarities! I love it at that time too! Food and Wine was great, but you can't beat those Christmas decorations. And the Christmas music. And the Candlelight Processional. And buying Christmas presents at WDW. I could go on forever!

I definitely made it my job to show people a great time, whether they liked it or not! :rotfl:

Julie, you're doing such a great job getting everyone up and out the door for rope drops!! They had to have seen the major benefits.... sleeping in is for the "normal" world!! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to read about your DIS-meet!

Kathy

Oh, just you wait, Kathy! My alarm clock skills seemed to fade as the week progressed...

Hopefully Mike will keep his promise and get up early for some rope drops while we are there. I am all about getting fast passes. I can't wait to try Soarin, it looks fun.

DH is so funny in all your pictures!! I will never understand why men do strange things!:confused3 My fiance is definitly a weirdo!:)

Rope drops are a must! Just keep telling him about all the benefits incessantly until the trip. That's what I did!

You'll LOVE Soarin'!

DH loves to make funny faces in pictures. It's so hard to find a normal one sometimes!

You're gonna love it! It's awesome!

Julie - Soarin', Turtle Talk, manatees; all of that is seeming so very familliar to me for some reason! :)

Have you decided what pictures to put in your Disney frame yet? We'll need to see the finished product, of course.

Hmmm...where have we seen all those things before?!? ;)

I haven't decided on the pictures yet, but you will certainly see the finished product when I do. Our house is in a state of disarray due to the wood floor installation, so I'm having a hard time finding all my stuff!

We will definitely be at at Epcot rope drop on July 30th (MeMom's bday and our 4 parks in 1 day adventure) and probably at least one other day. My job is to quickly walk not run to the fastpass machine while MeMom comes with Brooklynn and John parks the stroller (He is very particular about stroller parking and can take a while). I guess this summer Bella will probably do the "Soarin' Trot" with me since it will probably be easier to have her in her carrier rather than them trying to get her and Brooklynn out of the stroller with the giant crowd all around.

I love it that you guys all have your jobs! True DISers!

I think having Bella in the carrier sounds like a great idea. Why mess with getting 2 kids out of a stroller when you NEED to get those FPs ASAP?!?

I can't wait to see pics of Bella's first trip to WDW!

that sounds real nice! how about printing them in a Sepia tone to match the frame and mat...that may look sharp!

post a pic when it's done! :thumbsup2

Nice end of your MK day and your Epcot morning is starting out pretty nice.

My DH loves the manitees too, nice that you had time to enjoy the tanks and take some time to enjoy the little stuff!

OOOOHHHH! I love the Sepia tone idea. I'm going to have to check that out!

I will definitely post a pic when it's done!

Yes, we all know our roles. We have this down to a science. John is the stroller parker, I am the toddler keeper, and Jill is the Soarin' trotter. Even when she was pregnant in November, she was faster than us. I have to walk slowly for my bad leg to be able to take it, and John just walks slowly by nature. Jill is the designated runner, and an awesome job she does! :thumbsup2

Can't you just picture Bella now? Her little eyes peering out of the sling while she bounces up and down amidst the sea of people! :laughing: I need to have the video camera ready.

I think you have the best job of all, MeMom!

How is that leg of yours doing?

Awww...please do have the video camera ready. I want to see it all!!!

DisMomAmy

05-17-2009, 10:18 PM

julezdisney

05-23-2009, 09:52 AM

Love the 1st part of your Epcot update, Julie! You're giving me a fantastic touring plan for that part of our trip in Sept! :laughing:

Isn't Chicagoland BEAUTIFUL today?

Hey- are you gonna check out the Disney's Christmas Carol tour stop at Union Station July 24-26? I'm SO THERE!

mousescrapper

05-23-2009, 10:46 AM

Hey- are you gonna check out the Disney's Christmas Carol tour stop at Union Station July 24-26? I'm SO THERE!

This is why I love these boards....that sounds cool....gonna put that on the Summer Family Wish List!

SwansLoveDisney

05-26-2009, 08:55 PM

Hi Julie! :wave2:

I'm finally caught up! :faint: You've been busy with this TR recently!!

I'm glad to hear you guys are all settled in back home with your family.

Your trip sounds like it's going well so far - can't wait to hear more. popcorn::

Are you still planning a trip to NH?

Glad to hear you are getting your stolen items back - especially that painting from Italy!!

Hi Amy!

We are still planning our trip to NH. If you had to choose one town to stay in, which would it be? We have all purchased our plane tickets and now we need to choose where to stay!

Speaking of the stolen items, we STILL haven't gotten them back! They're still "evidence", apparently. I hope they hurry it up so we can get our stuff back!

Love the 1st part of your Epcot update, Julie! You're giving me a fantastic touring plan for that part of our trip in Sept! :laughing:

Isn't Chicagoland BEAUTIFUL today?

Hey- are you gonna check out the Disney's Christmas Carol tour stop at Union Station July 24-26? I'm SO THERE!

I had no idea about the Disney's Christmas Carol tour stop! I think I might have to check that out! Do you have a link to info about it?

This is why I love these boards....that sounds cool....gonna put that on the Summer Family Wish List!

Me too!

SwansLoveDisney

05-26-2009, 09:05 PM

Hi everyone!

It's me again...the girl who just can't seem to finish her TR! I really am sorry about how long it's taking me to do this thing. Thanks for being so patient with me.

DH and I used the long weekend to finish our hardwood floors. We worked ALL weekend, like maniacs! Now all 3 bedrooms and the living room have beautiful floors in them. It looks SO MUCH BETTER! I love it! Our next project is putting laminate flooring in the lower level/basement area. Once that is done, our house will really feel like our house. I can not wait. It's a ton of work, but so worth it.

I'm starting to get some pretty bad Disney itches lately. I am dying to plan another trip! The problem is that I promised DH that we wouldn't go to Disney World again until we had kids. Well, we're working on the having kids thing and it's taking much longer than I hoped. So what are some ways I can scratch those Disney itches without actually planning a trip?!?

Oh, and please send some baby vibes our way...we need 'em!

KathyRN137

05-26-2009, 10:51 PM

lisalonglash

05-27-2009, 12:01 AM

I'm starting to get some pretty bad Disney itches lately. I am dying to plan another trip! The problem is that I promised DH that we wouldn't go to Disney World again until we had kids. Well, we're working on the having kids thing and it's taking much longer than I hoped. So what are some ways I can scratch those Disney itches without actually planning a trip?!?

Oh, and please send some baby vibes our way...we need 'em!

You can have all my fertility, Julie! I'm finished with it :rotfl: Seriously, sending you LOTS of baby dust and a positive p-test result very very quickly!!! :wizard:

As for scratching that itch in the meantime, how about planning a trip for a couple of years from now? Nothing stopping you from planning a future trip, right? Maybe that would help! :confused3

Charleston Princess

05-27-2009, 06:12 AM

Sending you lots of pixie dust for babies!!! :wizard:

I bet the floors look fabulous -- I love hardwoods!

julezdisney

05-27-2009, 10:26 PM

I had no idea about the Disney's Christmas Carol tour stop! I think I might have to check that out! Do you have a link to info about it?

Here ya go!!

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/

This is why I love these boards....that sounds cool....gonna put that on the Summer Family Wish List!

I know, right?! I always find out such cool stuff on the DIS!

Hi everyone!

It's me again...the girl who just can't seem to finish her TR! I really am sorry about how long it's taking me to do this thing. Thanks for being so patient with me.

DH and I used the long weekend to finish our hardwood floors. We worked ALL weekend, like maniacs! Now all 3 bedrooms and the living room have beautiful floors in them. It looks SO MUCH BETTER! I love it! Our next project is putting laminate flooring in the lower level/basement area. Once that is done, our house will really feel like our house. I can not wait. It's a ton of work, but so worth it.

I'm starting to get some pretty bad Disney itches lately. I am dying to plan another trip! The problem is that I promised DH that we wouldn't go to Disney World again until we had kids. Well, we're working on the having kids thing and it's taking much longer than I hoped. So what are some ways I can scratch those Disney itches without actually planning a trip?!?

Oh, and please send some baby vibes our way...we need 'em!

Sounds like a lot of work- I bet it's great!

And here's some wishin & prayin' for your baby makin! :wizard::cloud9::love:

jordanyosh

05-28-2009, 09:12 PM

jessica!!!!!! or julie to most others...

hey I gotta go and catch up!

DisMomAmy

05-30-2009, 07:15 AM

Hopefully planning other trips will help scratch the Disney itch! As for NH - I guess it depends which area you are interested in visiting - Portsmouth is great if you want to be near the seacoast. We usually stay up in the North Conway area when we go up to the White Mountain area. There is also a lot to do in the Lakes Region - around Lake Winnipesaukee.

Good Luck with the baby making - hopefully you'll get some good news soon and that will help scratch the itch! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

MeMom

05-30-2009, 08:28 AM

Wishing you all the best as you start your family.
Those little blessings don't always cooperate with our time frames, but when they get here, they make the waiting very worthwhile! :love:

SwansLoveDisney

05-31-2009, 03:38 PM

pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: for Baby!!!

I'm itchy for Disney, too! Here is a website that posts a schedule of weekly Disney Parks-related television shows! Some of the Travel Channel shows are very good!

http://www.bartlett-sloan.net/tv/agenda.php3?modeagenda=soon

Kathy

Thanks, Kathy!

I haven't had a chance to check out the website yet, but I will today!

You can have all my fertility, Julie! I'm finished with it :rotfl: Seriously, sending you LOTS of baby dust and a positive p-test result very very quickly!!! :wizard:

As for scratching that itch in the meantime, how about planning a trip for a couple of years from now? Nothing stopping you from planning a future trip, right? Maybe that would help! :confused3

I will gladly take your fertility Lisa!

You're right...I should start planning a future trip. I should start a Disney piggy bank. Surely if I start saving now, I can save enough to stay at one of my dream resorts by the time we're ready to go!

Sending you lots of pixie dust for babies!!! :wizard:

I bet the floors look fabulous -- I love hardwoods!

Thanks Jackie!

The floors are SO much better! I like our house so much more now!

Here ya go!!

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/christmascaroltraintour/

And here's some wishin & prayin' for your baby makin! :wizard::cloud9::love:

Thanks for the link. I'm going to have to find someone to go with me!

Thanks for the wishin and prayin...let's hope it works!!!

jessica!!!!!! or julie to most others...

hey I gotta go and catch up!

Joseph!

I think your disappearing act is contagious! I seem to have caught it!

Hopefully planning other trips will help scratch the Disney itch! As for NH - I guess it depends which area you are interested in visiting - Portsmouth is great if you want to be near the seacoast. We usually stay up in the North Conway area when we go up to the White Mountain area. There is also a lot to do in the Lakes Region - around Lake Winnipesaukee.

Good Luck with the baby making - hopefully you'll get some good news soon and that will help scratch the itch! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Okay, I'm going to have to look all those places up and figure out which ones we may want to go to. I will probably have a billion questions for you!

I do hope we'll get some good news soon. I'm trying very hard to be patient, but it's so hard!

Wishing you all the best as you start your family.
Those little blessings don't always cooperate with our time frames, but when they get here, they make the waiting very worthwhile! :love:

Thanks MeMom!

I am sure babies are worth every second of waiting, so I will keep trying to be patient!

SwansLoveDisney

05-31-2009, 04:19 PM

Oh my! I left you waiting for a LONG time in the Seas. I hope you took advantage of the time and went SCUBA diving!

Next up was the Imagination Pavilion. I attempted to use the map to navigate around the Figment ride, but my navigation skills were not up to par. We ended up walking right into the Figment line. Oops! I didn't really like Figment the first few times I went on, but this time, I appreciated it a little bit more. It's growing on me for sure. Maybe next time, I'll love it!

After the Figment ride, we played around in the Imagination Pavilion a little bit. My mom conducted some music.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxcS-3YGI/AAAAAAAABNQ/dq8zAKEtYNw/s288/DSC00342.JPG

We tried to do the email postcards with the funny faces, but we never received them. :confused3

My mom, dad, bro, and SIL wanted to see "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience," so they got in line for that. I took advantage of that time to sit on a nice bench in the sun and write in my trip journal. And to eat some sour sugar coated gummy worms which had been purchased in the Imagination Pavilion. Yum!

DH took advantage of that time to...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxecrEGVI/AAAAAAAABNc/C_dk6gwl7Xg/s288/DSC00345.JPG

Yep, he took a nap on the bench in Epcot. My lap was his pillow, but when I got up to take the pic, he used his jacket as a replacement.

It was a gorgeous day, so if ever there were a good time to nap on a bench in Epcot, today was the day!

If only I could be back at that bench in Epcot right now...:cloud9:

Next, we used our fastpasses to go on Test Track.

We walked right up to door number 2
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxe0jx3rI/AAAAAAAABNg/MGLyaSA7iok/s288/DSC00348.JPG

As always, I loved Test Track! Speeding around that track in the open air is such a wonderful feeling. Love it! :lovestruc

I tried to take a picture of our picture, but there were words all over it!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxf8QO47I/AAAAAAAABNk/8iTpVpIeAmM/s288/DSC00350.JPG

We grabbed more FPs on our way out of Test Track.

After Test Track, everyone was ready for lunch.

We went over to Sunshine Seasons Good Court. I got the Asian plate with Sweet and Spicy Beef, Sweet and Sour Chicken, noodles and broccoli with Diet Coke. DH got a sandwich. We each at half of our plates and then traded halfway through.

Everyone was looking pretty sleepy after lunch, so we headed out of the park...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxiPIe7XI/AAAAAAAABNs/KwdZZm1UPeE/s288/DSC00352.JPG

Look at that beautiful blue sky behind the prettiest golf ball in the world!

DH, my brother, and my SIL decided to go back to POP for a nap. My mom and I chose to visit Downtown Disney.

We chose to take a bus to Port Orleans thinking we would take the boat over to DTD. A little girl dressed as Tinkerbell got on the bus with her parents and her big brother. Her big brother sat down leaving no seat for Tink, so her parents asked him to give up his seat to her. He said "She's got wings. Why can't she fly there?" :rotfl: Hilarious!

Our plan was to get on the boat at Port Orleans, but when we arrived at POFQ, my mom's feet were feeling sore and she wanted to avoid too much walking, so we found the DTD stop and waited for the bus. It took FOREVER for the bus to come!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxkfCEUcI/AAAAAAAABN0/kko7PcYHHCI/s288/DSC00354.JPG

Finally, the bus arrived and we climbed aboard and headed to DTD.

Here we are!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxoOH6OkI/AAAAAAAABOA/R0ZDhL25ycE/s288/DSC00358.JPG

Look at that poinsettia tree!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxqgtVgwI/AAAAAAAABOI/L9Q7IAn5kh8/s288/DSC00360.JPG

After a bathroom break, we made a beeline for Goofy's Candy Co.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMx0G0nkmI/AAAAAAAABOs/XS7oAQjyIKc/s288/DSC00370.JPG

Goofy was all decked out in a purple wreath!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxs01h4bI/AAAAAAAABOU/IRc3BkvWO1E/s288/DSC00363.JPG

This was my first time, so I checked out the instructions

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxux5B6DI/AAAAAAAABOY/A7Mazm-w7R8/s288/DSC00364.JPG

How could I resist this?
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxw8_F8YI/AAAAAAAABOg/jaxmGQC8ln8/s288/DSC00366.JPG

I ordered a Mickey Rice Krispy treat covered in milk chocolate, mini m & m's, and caramel.

Here she is dipping it in chocolate

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxy7jrNyI/AAAAAAAABOo/W5miQoSABrw/s288/DSC00368.JPG

And covering it in M & Ms

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxxwM2JqI/AAAAAAAABOk/UKFp9mcn7qU/s288/DSC00367.JPG

And here it is. The finished product!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMx0lxgfpI/AAAAAAAABOw/ioqjDPdnM_c/s288/DSC00371.JPG

It was absolutely delicious! I was eating that thing for a couple days!

Then it was on to World of Disney for some shopping. I was very tempted by all the kitchen stuff in there. I restrained myself, though, knowing that each thing I bought was just one more thing to move from Phoenix to Chicago. I ended up buying a photo album and dog bowls for my pooches. Every time I feed them, I get a little Disney fix!

Next, we stopped in the 10 dollar or less store. We didn't see anything we wanted in there, so we moved on.

We had a hard time deciding whether we should head back to POP for a rest or go back to Epcot. Epcot won!

We decided to be creative and take the bus to the Yacht Club and then walk over to World Showcase. The Yacht Club had this gorgeous Christmas tree up.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMx2SFULDI/AAAAAAAABO4/GmpkWv_S7tQ/s288/DSC00373.JPG

I want it!

After walking from Yacht Club to World Showcase, I am determined to stay at one of those resorts some day. I love, love World Showcase and it would be AWESOME to be able to walk there from the resort!

Up next...Is that MeMom I see?

SwansLoveDisney

05-31-2009, 04:31 PM

One of the fun things about moving into our house has been seeing all the annuals that the previous owner planted in the yard.

Last weekend, our Lilacs were in full bloom!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiLne4Lw10I/AAAAAAAABQs/NVda5LfIv6M/s288/P5230013.JPG

And some gorgeous peonies bloomed as well!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiLnd-AWiYI/AAAAAAAABQo/63hydGrHWcY/s288/P5230012.JPG

And some baby birds bloomed!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiLncPfmaqI/AAAAAAAABQg/Mu7sD6Jvrn4/s288/P5230007.JPG

Unfortunately, those baby birds are atop our hose reel. So we haven't really been able to use our hose. I've had to fill up a sprinkling can a billion times in order to water my flowers and our vegetable garden. The first of the baby birds left the nest today. I'm hoping the other 3 follow suit soon!

We're having a GORGEOUS day here in Chicagoland. I hope it's the same for all of you! :goodvibes

BrooklynnsMommy

05-31-2009, 04:50 PM

Great update. John saw the make your own rice krispie treat and it is now on our to do list for July.

k_reile

05-31-2009, 06:30 PM

that rice krispy treat looks like a cavaity waiting to happen...but I am sure it is worth the cavity though! We never went on our last trip...so we will have to check it out this next time.
We stayed at the boardwalk last trip and it was soo cool to be able to walk to the world showcase every night for a drink...or the ESPN zone too. I think we are going to attempt to stay at the Beach club next time for that reason and the cool pool for the boys...if not I want to stay at Wilderness Lodge.

Good luck on the baby trying! ;) I think easy clear makes an ovulation monitor device...it is pretty expensive ($100 maybe) but it tells you exactly when you ovulate and when prime time is...expensive maybe but some reviews on it i saw that it didn;t take long for it to happen! I know i am pretty new to the mommy thing but it is pretty good. Caleb is all smiles now and has learned how to patty-cake and does it all the time now...he is really wanting to move...so it won;t be long before he is crawling. HE is 8 mos old now...its gone way too fast!

xoktenox

05-31-2009, 06:55 PM

ooooh I love Sunshine Seasons! So much better than the regular food at theme parks.

Goofy's is the best! I got the chocolate covered rice krispie treat too and never even finished it over 7 days! Good choice :thumbsup2

lillylynnb

05-31-2009, 07:02 PM

Just found your report just got to the part about going to New England . We vacation there every year because my husband is from New Hampshire so if you need any advise or suggestions just ask? Would be glad to help out anyway.

Charleston Princess

05-31-2009, 09:33 PM

DH sleeping on a bench! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

I could use one of those Mickey rice krispie treats right now!

MeMom

05-31-2009, 10:08 PM

.

Up next...Is that MeMom I see?

If it is, please be kind with all comments and pictures. She needs all the breaks she can get! :laughing:

jordanyosh

05-31-2009, 10:17 PM

DH took advantage of that time to...

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMxecrEGVI/AAAAAAAABNc/C_dk6gwl7Xg/s288/DSC00345.JPG

Yep, he took a nap on the bench in Epcot. My lap was his pillow, but when I got up to take the pic, he used his jacket as a replacement.

It was a gorgeous day, so if ever there were a good time to nap on a bench in Epcot, today was the day!

If only I could be back at that bench in Epcot right now...:cloud9:

There's nothing better than enjoying WDW on a bench....sleeping.....the weather looks like it was soooo nice.

Didn't you have rain on your last trip?

KathyRN137

05-31-2009, 11:11 PM

And here it is. The finished product!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SgMx0lxgfpI/AAAAAAAABOw/ioqjDPdnM_c/s288/DSC00371.JPG

It was absolutely delicious! I was eating that thing for a couple days!

I was just going to say that!!

Next, we stopped in the 10 dollar or less store. We didn't see anything we wanted in there, so we moved on.

I've read so many TRs over the years and no one has ever bought anything in that store!! :laughing:

I'm so glad you're leaving us at the Yacht Club and not at Goofy's Candy Co.... I'd gain ten pouns by the time you came back!!! :lmao:

LYMI
Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

06-01-2009, 10:17 PM

Great update. John saw the make your own rice krispie treat and it is now on our to do list for July.

July? Well, that's NEXT MONTH!!! :banana:

That's a must-do on my Disney list from now on!

that rice krispy treat looks like a cavaity waiting to happen...but I am sure it is worth the cavity though! We never went on our last trip...so we will have to check it out this next time.
We stayed at the boardwalk last trip and it was soo cool to be able to walk to the world showcase every night for a drink...or the ESPN zone too. I think we are going to attempt to stay at the Beach club next time for that reason and the cool pool for the boys...if not I want to stay at Wilderness Lodge.

Good luck on the baby trying! ;) I think easy clear makes an ovulation monitor device...it is pretty expensive ($100 maybe) but it tells you exactly when you ovulate and when prime time is...expensive maybe but some reviews on it i saw that it didn;t take long for it to happen! I know i am pretty new to the mommy thing but it is pretty good. Caleb is all smiles now and has learned how to patty-cake and does it all the time now...he is really wanting to move...so it won;t be long before he is crawling. HE is 8 mos old now...its gone way too fast!

One of my boss's patients at work today told me that she's going to Disney World (leaving Saturday) and they're staying at the Beach Club. I promptly told my boss that I had to take an emergency vacation because his patient needed a physical therapist to come on her trip with her. He didn't go for it though. :sad2:

I saw that ovulation monitor and it looks pretty good. I think we're going to try it without those aids for a couple more months. And then we'll break out the big guns!

I can't believe Caleb is 8 mos old already! Wow! Are you excited for him to crawl? You're going to be running around after him like crazy soon!!!

ooooh I love Sunshine Seasons! So much better than the regular food at theme parks.

Goofy's is the best! I got the chocolate covered rice krispie treat too and never even finished it over 7 days! Good choice :thumbsup2

You are right...Sunshine Seasons is SO much better than the regular food. It's refreshing to be able to have somewhat healthy food!

Yeah, I don't think I ever finished my rice krispy treat either. It was delicious, but way too much!

Just found your report just got to the part about going to New England . We vacation there every year because my husband is from New Hampshire so if you need any advise or suggestions just ask? Would be glad to help out anyway.

Hello and welcome!!! :welcome:

Thanks so much for the offer to help with the vacation planning! I will definitely need some help as we progress with our plans. Right now, I'm planning a trip for my mom and me to St. Augustine, FL for the end of June and that's taking up my trip planning time. When that's done, though, expect some questions from me! :goodvibes

DH sleeping on a bench! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

I could use one of those Mickey rice krispie treats right now!

Pretty soon, you'll be able to get one of those rice krispy treats for yourself! :banana:

If it is, please be kind with all comments and pictures. She needs all the breaks she can get! :laughing:

Does that mean I have permission to post the pic again?!?

There's nothing better than enjoying WDW on a bench....sleeping.....the weather looks like it was soooo nice.

Didn't you have rain on your last trip?

I definitely thought of you when DH was sleeping on that bench!

Good memory! We had non-stop rain on our last trip! It was CRAZY! We only had a little bit of rain on this trip, thank Goodness!

I've read so many TRs over the years and no one has ever bought anything in that store!! :laughing:

I'm so glad you're leaving us at the Yacht Club and not at Goofy's Candy Co.... I'd gain ten pouns by the time you came back!!! :lmao:

LYMI
Kathy

I tried to tell my mom that we shouldn't waste our time in that store, but she just wouldn't listen to sound DIS boards advice!

The Yacht Club is a beautiful place to be left, huh?

SwansLoveDisney

06-01-2009, 10:25 PM

I just had a (maybe) crazy idea! :idea:

My mom and I are going to St. Augustine, FL for 4 days at the end of June.

So I looked on GoogleMaps today and it looks like St. Augustine and Orlando are about 2 hours from one another.

I wonder what my mom will think of us going to visit my favorite place in the world for one of those 4 days...

Charleston Princess

06-01-2009, 10:26 PM

SwansLoveDisney

06-01-2009, 10:28 PM

Oh, wouldn't that be wonderful!!!???

That would be absolutely wonderful. Which park(s) would we go to?!?

Oh my goodness! I have to call my mom!

SwansLoveDisney

06-01-2009, 11:10 PM

Guess what?!?!

I'M GOING TO DISNEY WORLD THIS MONTH!!! :banana::woohoo::yay::dance3:

I just talked to my mom and she agreed that we should definitely go to Disney World for one of the days of our St. Augustine trip!

Here's how the conversation went:

Me: Hi Mom! You know how I've always wanted to go to Disney World for my 30th birthday?

Mom: Uh, sure.

Me: Well, I was thinking that we could drive down to Orlando on one of our St. Augustine days.

Mom: :lmao:

Me: No, I'm serious! It's only a 2 hour drive. We could drive down in the morning and drive back at night.

Mom: Well, why don't we just spend a night there?

Me: Are you serious?!? Yes!!! Let's do it!!!

Okay, so now i have a bunch of decisions to make. The first decision is: Should we stay on-site or off?

If we stay on-site, we can bask in the Disney Magic all day and all night. If we stay off-site, we can save some money. Our one-day tickets are going to be pretty pricey, so any money saved on the hotel will be helpful.

I wonder if there are any codes for June 30...

Oh my! I am so excited! Gotta get to planning!

mrsksomeday

06-01-2009, 11:59 PM

KathyRN137

06-02-2009, 12:03 AM

Woo-Hoo!!! :cool1: Go MOM!! :woohoo:

Kathy

MAGICFOR2

06-02-2009, 02:26 AM

Yeah Julie! Nothing better than a "surprised myself" trip to Disney!:woohoo:

jordanyosh

06-02-2009, 02:32 AM

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

As far as what park to go to, I would probably opt for either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Since those are both full day parks.

Resort choices would be fully dependent on budget, but WL or AKL come to mind.....

Charleston Princess

06-02-2009, 08:01 AM

Hurray for mom agreeing!!! :yay:

MeMom

06-02-2009, 08:25 AM

You are right...Sunshine Seasons is SO much better than the regular food. It's refreshing to be able to have somewhat healthy food!

Does that mean I have permission to post the pic again?!?

Sunshine Seasons has that awesome rotisserie chicken! So gooood!!!

That one picture.
One time.
I guess I can bear that.

SwansLoveDisney

06-02-2009, 09:44 AM

I love Sunshine Seasons, Bill does too. Great update.

Sending pixie dust your way for a baby, you are going to be a great mommy :hug:.

Loved the pictures of your flowers. The smell of lilacs brings back so many great childhood memories.

Congrats on getting to go back to Disney.

Thanks for the pixie dust!

It's a shame that lilacs bloom for such a short time. I LOVE that smell! :cloud9:

Woo-Hoo!!! :cool1: Go MOM!! :woohoo:

Kathy

I knew I could convince her! :rotfl:

Yeah Julie! Nothing better than a "surprised myself" trip to Disney!:woohoo:

I certainly did surprise myself! I'm still pretty surprised!

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

As far as what park to go to, I would probably opt for either the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Since those are both full day parks.

Resort choices would be fully dependent on budget, but WL or AKL come to mind.....

You're right about MK or Epcot. Those make the most sense for a one day trip. I LOVE World Showcase, but how can I go to WDW without going to MK? :confused3

Hurray for mom agreeing!!! :yay:

:banana:

Sunshine Seasons has that awesome rotisserie chicken! So gooood!!!

That one picture.
One time.
I guess I can bear that.

I'm putting the rotisserie chicken on my list for next time!

Okay, just that one picture, one time. I promise!

MaceysMom

06-02-2009, 10:18 AM

SwansLoveDisney

06-02-2009, 10:35 AM

Okay, everyone, let's head back to Epcot!

But first, let's have a look at that beach.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUuex93iSI/AAAAAAAABRo/FgG4s2zxKCU/s288/DSC00376.JPG

Ahhh...what a pretty sight.

Through the International Gateway we go.

At this point, my mom was hungry, so she went off in search of food. My mom is about the most indecisive person I have ever met in my life! It's works to my advantage sometimes: Me: "Mom, do you want to go to Disney World one day of our St. Augustine trip?" Mom: "Whatever you want to do." And it frustrates me like crazy sometimes: Me: "Mom, what kind of food do you want?" Mom: "Hmmm...I don't know. What kind of food do they have? Let me look at the map. Maybe I'll just walk around. What kind of food would you get? Do they have quesadillas anywhere?" Me: "Yes, in Mexico." Mom: "Well, I'm not sure if I want those." Me: "Okay, well, go ahead and find food and I'm going to take some pictures!"

So my mom took off and I checked the times schedule and saw that Voices of Liberty was about to start! I have been wanting to see Voices of Liberty for a long, long time and have somehow missed it on every trip. This was one of my major goals on this trip. As I made a beeline for America, I passed Japan and thought I saw MeMom! It was hard to be sure since MeMom only posts hidden MeMom pics. It sure looked like her, but she wasn't holding a camera at the time, so I wasn't too sure. I was due to meet up with her later, so I didn't stop to say hello. I continued on to America and went into the American Adventure building. I sat down on the floor and made sure my underwear wasn't showing. (I hate that about sitting on the floor!)

And then Voices of Liberty began. They did all Christmas,and Hannukah music and it was everything I had hoped for. The singing gave me chills. I loved it! A definite must-do on every trip from now on!

Here they are:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUugGmR5GI/AAAAAAAABRs/1QalT5WlgMI/s288/DSC00377.JPG

When VOL finished, I headed out of the building and there she was again...the maybe MeMom! This time, I saw the fancy camera, and I just had to ask. And it was her! We introduced ourselves and chatted for a bit, then my mom showed up and I introduced them to one another. We said we'd see each other later at the designated DIS meet time and place and parted ways.

I took some pics in the meantime

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUukR1sYZI/AAAAAAAABSA/FHJAspOGNLM/s288/DSC00382.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUullzpieI/AAAAAAAABSI/nXk8f6kn9VE/s288/DSC00395.JPG

Then DH called and said that he and my dad and brother and SIL were arriving at Epcot, refreshed and ready to go.

My mom revealed at this time that she couldn't decide what kind of food to get, so she just got popcorn :confused3 and she was still very hungry. How can you not find food in the World Showcase?!? Anyway...she and my dad headed back over to Mexico because she had read an article in the Chicago Tribune about their Guacamole.

So DH, my bro, SIL, and I headed to the UK for fish and chips! :yay: This was another thing on my list for this trip. I love their fish and chips! DH and I shared an order of fish and chips and a Harp Lager. The food proved to be DEEEEELICIOUS, as always! Everyone enjoyed their dinner. We all had Test Track fastpasses burning holes in our pockets from the morning, so we made our way over to Future World.

On the way, however, I had a very important date! It was time for my DIS meet! My bro and SIL continued on to Future World and DH waited over by the lagoon. He wanted no part of the DIS meet. :confused3

As I arrived in Canada, I saw Jill (BrooklynnsMommy on the DIS), Brooklynn, and MeMom. Then the Janloz family arrived. We all chatted for a bit. Brooklynn had just awoken from a nap and she was not feeling so happy, so we talked very briefly and then had someone take a pic of us.

And here it is, the pic that MeMom has given me permission to post:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SbsOn7SRBDI/AAAAAAAAA2M/kIUi8ILjmaQ/s288/DSC00397.JPG

It was so nice to meet everyone. MeMom and Jill were just as sweet in person as they are here on the DIS.

We said our good-byes and DH and I went to meet up with my bro and SIL at Club Cool.

Soon, it was time for Beverly. Everyone else had tried it, so my SIL was the only one who was a Beverly rookie.

And here she is:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUumYDhFaI/AAAAAAAABSM/qNFOZ8bW0zY/s288/DSC00399.JPG

She realized it was a trick as soon as it touched her lips.

But she thought it was pretty funny

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUunPP1VZI/AAAAAAAABSQ/Od_vfTnY76s/s288/DSC00400.JPG

The sun had set and it was time for Test Track at night! :woohoo:

Kinda scary when you read the warnings:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUun2JyE7I/AAAAAAAABSU/vsBJT4jJIes/s288/DSC00402.JPG

My brother checked if he would make a good crash test dummy

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUupr1trGI/AAAAAAAABSc/g1EIERmtz70/s288/DSC00405.JPG

Looking good

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUuqVgMaAI/AAAAAAAABSg/3lOaLLJgC_U/s288/DSC00406.JPG

After Test Track, my bro and SIL wanted to check out Mission Space. DH and I decided to take a pass on that since we had bellies full of fish and chips, beer, and Club Cool soda!

DH and I headed back toward WS

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUurYYCltI/AAAAAAAABSk/j-HC1MPL6o8/s288/DSC00408.JPG

I love walking through this beautifully-lit archway

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUus_p-muI/AAAAAAAABSs/KShzdvgXM4Q/s288/DSC00410.JPG

The big old Epcot Christmas tree

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUuvJVtqaI/AAAAAAAABS0/zM9Ii0VU2a0/s288/DSC00412.JPG

DH and I took the boat across the lagoon and DH got a funnel cake, his favorite WDW treat!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUuv8AFXsI/AAAAAAAABS4/EGe_0GTAnn0/s288/DSC00414.JPG

We sat on a bench, people watching and eating our delicious treat. As I was people watching, I saw a woman who looked VERY familiar. Then I saw her husband and children who also looked familiar. Then I realized it was one of my coworkers from back in Chicago! I hadn't seen her in 3 years! I ran over and gave big hugs and we caught up. I told her I would soon be returning to work at the clinic at which we had both worked. It was so much fun to see her there!

DH and I wandered WS a little bit more and then met up with my bro and SIL in Morocco. We enjoyed the Morocco atmosphere for a while as we browsed the shops. My bro and SIL ordered a Schwarma platter. I stole a few bites because that is one of my favorite things in Disney World!

Then DH and I headed back to POP to get some much needed rest. We left as Illuminations was starting. I knew we'd be back to see Illuminations later in the week, and I was super tired, so I was happy to get out before all the crowds started to leave! This was a LONG day! We left POP at 8:15 that morning and it was now 9:00 p.m. and I was ready to lie down!

We took the elevator this time and took a gander at the food court selections

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUuwypgixI/AAAAAAAABS8/ak16i6bA7ZQ/s288/DSC00420.JPG

When we returned to our room, we watched cable TV for a little bit (we were excited to watch cable since we had canceled the cable at our house in Phoenix. Thankfully, we have cable at our Illinois home!) And we fell asleep pretty quickly.

Next up: Animal Kingdom rope drop!

SwansLoveDisney

06-02-2009, 10:39 AM

First of all i will be thinking of you guys so you can have a baby!!! They are so fun. and then you can take another full trip to Disney.

The flowers in your yard are beautiful!

That rice crispy treat looks delicious. I can't wait to get one.

I am so excited for you that you get to spend the night in Disney!!!!!! What park will you chose? how will you spend your day? Too many things to choose from.:banana::banana::banana:

I can't wait till we have a child that we take to Disney with us. I am sure that it is a completely different and wonderful experience to see your child there.

There are SO many decisions to make! I think I'm going to call Disney World right now and find out what our room options are!

mousescrapper

06-02-2009, 11:52 AM

BrooklynnsMommy

06-02-2009, 12:43 PM

yeah Brooklynn definitely was a pill that night. She does not wake up a happy little girl. It usually takes a good 15 minutes before she becomes human. Until then it is just growling and whining and stretching.

julezdisney

06-02-2009, 01:00 PM

Julie I totally missed your last update!! Well, I'm all caught up now and I LOVE the look of that dipped Krispie Treat! I'm DEFINITELY getting one of those in September!! ::yes::

Your perennials look beautiful! We've got some rain the last couple days but I got to lay on Sunday and it was so wonderful!

I'm SO THERE the last day of the Train Stop. It looks like a fun day. Followed by a lunch at the Rainforest Cafe in Woodfield and a stop at the Disney Store- it'll be a Disney kind of Day!!

Mmmm.... I'm so hungry for that Krispie treat now....

SwansLoveDisney

06-02-2009, 01:47 PM

all caught up....

sorry I got a bit behind, great posts though. You did do a marathon day at Epcot w/ the shopping break in btwn, sounded like a wonderful day!

Love the Tink story...that should she should fly! :lmao:

I'm jealous of your hardwood....someday we hope to get this house floored correctly! I just love them too. and congrats on the baby-making news....here's hoping for a baby ticker real soon! :cloud9:

Great fun to have your Dsimeet and meet some of your Disfriends :grouphug:

I have never ridden TT at night that does sound like fun...have to try that next year.

and I just love all the Christmas decorations...I can't wait to see them all in person!

Oh and that rice krispie treat was to die for YUM! I took one packaged one home w/ me and chersished every gooey bite. Rice Krispie treats are one of my fav desserts!

Looking forward to more.

J-

I love those marathon days. They're tiring, but I have a hard time with down time at WDW!

I hope to have a baby ticker soon as well...we'll keep trying!

Test Track at night is a must.

I can't wait for you to see all the Christmas decorations! They're fantastic!

I am definitely getting one of those treats on my day trip to disney!

yeah Brooklynn definitely was a pill that night. She does not wake up a happy little girl. It usually takes a good 15 minutes before she becomes human. Until then it is just growling and whining and stretching.

It usually takes me about an hour before i become human! 15 minutes sounds pretty good to me!

She was as cute as ever even if she was tired!

Julie I totally missed your last update!! Well, I'm all caught up now and I LOVE the look of that dipped Krispie Treat! I'm DEFINITELY getting one of those in September!! ::yes::

Your perennials look beautiful! We've got some rain the last couple days but I got to lay on Sunday and it was so wonderful!

I'm SO THERE the last day of the Train Stop. It looks like a fun day. Followed by a lunch at the Rainforest Cafe in Woodfield and a stop at the Disney Store- it'll be a Disney kind of Day!!

Mmmm.... I'm so hungry for that Krispie treat now....

You're going to love that treat in September!

I never can remember what's an annual and what's a perennial!

Your Disney day sounds like so much fun! I might have to copy you!

SwansLoveDisney

06-02-2009, 01:50 PM

MeMom

06-02-2009, 02:08 PM

The room has been booked!

My mom and I are staying at Port Orleans Riverside for one night at the end of June! :yay:

I found a code to use and the room is pretty reasonable.

Now I have to figure out park tickets. One day tickets are $75 each. Is there any way to do it less expensive than that?

I am SO, SO excited! I thought for sure I wouldn't get to go to Disney World again until DH and I had kids.

Oh happy day!!!

You couldn't be that close to Disney World and not go to Disney World!
I am so glad you get to go...and you get to stay there for the night! :banana:

I have no idea about any cheaper way out of the one day ticket. I hope you find something, but if not, I'm sure you'll get your money's worth out of the day. Maybe you can go to DTD the second day to stretch your Disney time out some.

Having a new Disney trip booked, even if it is for one day, should make things brighter for you right now, huh?

You mean I was walking around Japan without the camera up to my eye??? :eek:
I'm very disappointed in me!

julezdisney

06-02-2009, 03:07 PM

I hope to have a baby ticker soon as well...we'll keep trying!

Test Track at night is a must.

You're going to love that treat in September!

I never can remember what's an annual and what's a perennial!

Your Disney day sounds like so much fun! I might have to copy you!

Yes- keep trying! :rotfl:

I remember annual vs. perennial in that it's the opposite of what it seems logically. Annuals= need to be replanted every year. Perennial is something that never has to be replanted. :upsidedow

Oh! And a trip to Woodfield necessitates a trip to Doorway to Dreams! :yay:

The room has been booked!

My mom and I are staying at Port Orleans Riverside for one night at the end of June! :yay:

I found a code to use and the room is pretty reasonable.

Now I have to figure out park tickets. One day tickets are $75 each. Is there any way to do it less expensive than that?

I am SO, SO excited! I thought for sure I wouldn't get to go to Disney World again until DH and I had kids.

Oh happy day!!!

Try conventionears.com

Tickets for conventioners that let you in at 2pm or 4pm. Otherwise, ebay! Other than those two avenues, I dont' think there IS anything less than that.

Say to heck w/it and get a "x"-day non-expiring! :idea:

jordanyosh

06-02-2009, 05:39 PM

I took some pics in the meantime

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUukR1sYZI/AAAAAAAABSA/FHJAspOGNLM/s288/DSC00382.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUullzpieI/AAAAAAAABSI/nXk8f6kn9VE/s288/DSC00395.JPG

Great pix!

Looking good

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUuqVgMaAI/AAAAAAAABSg/3lOaLLJgC_U/s288/DSC00406.JPG

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Kind of reminds me of your "act out the first letter of the word that descibes how you're feeling right now" pix.

lisalonglash

06-02-2009, 05:47 PM

Wooooohoooo, a BONUS TRIP! :banana: How fun!

Great update, Julie! I love the Epcot pictures - that is our favourite park, hands-down. I wish the Canada pavilion actually represented Canada, but I digress.... LOL

Keeping my fingers crossed for you to get a baby ticker! :banana:

xoktenox

06-02-2009, 06:27 PM

:woohoo::yay: for a night at POR at the end of the month! I'm so happy for you!

Love all your Epcot pictures. It's so cool you got to meet some Disers! I can't wait til I can finally meet some! :thumbsup2

SwansLoveDisney

06-02-2009, 09:57 PM

You couldn't be that close to Disney World and not go to Disney World!
I am so glad you get to go...and you get to stay there for the night! :banana:

I have no idea about any cheaper way out of the one day ticket. I hope you find something, but if not, I'm sure you'll get your money's worth out of the day. Maybe you can go to DTD the second day to stretch your Disney time out some.

Having a new Disney trip booked, even if it is for one day, should make things brighter for you right now, huh?

You mean I was walking around Japan without the camera up to my eye??? :eek:
I'm very disappointed in me!

I don't know why I didn't think of doing the day trip to Disney before. :confused3

Having the new Disney trip booked makes me sooo happy! :goodvibes

We are definitely going to check out DTD before we leave the next morning. Maybe we'll shop and have some lunch there.

Yep, I wrote it in my trip journal...I didn't see the camera when I first saw you, so I wasn't absolutely sure it was you! :rotfl:

I remember annual vs. perennial in that it's the opposite of what it seems logically. Annuals= need to be replanted every year. Perennial is something that never has to be replanted. :upsidedow

Oh! And a trip to Woodfield necessitates a trip to Doorway to Dreams! :yay:

Try conventionears.com

Tickets for conventioners that let you in at 2pm or 4pm. Otherwise, ebay! Other than those two avenues, I dont' think there IS anything less than that.

Say to heck w/it and get a "x"-day non-expiring! :idea:

I'll probably always confuse annuals and perennials. I guess I'll just have to stick with "the ones that come up every year."

What is the Doorway to Dreams?!

I think we're just going to bite the bullet and buy the 75 dollar one day tickets. Like MeMom said, we'll definitely get our money's worth!

Great pix!

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Kind of reminds me of your "act out the first letter of the word that descibes how you're feeling right now" pix.

Ah, yes, those letter pics were fun! I love having willing posers!

Wooooohoooo, a BONUS TRIP! :banana: How fun!

Great update, Julie! I love the Epcot pictures - that is our favourite park, hands-down. I wish the Canada pavilion actually represented Canada, but I digress.... LOL

Keeping my fingers crossed for you to get a baby ticker! :banana:

:woohoo:

I love Epcot too! I could spend every night of my Disney trips in World Showcase. I'm trying to decide if my mom and I should go to Epcot or MK...tough decision!

Yes! Keep those fingers crossed!

:woohoo::yay: for a night at POR at the end of the month! I'm so happy for you!

Love all your Epcot pictures. It's so cool you got to meet some Disers! I can't wait til I can finally meet some! :thumbsup2

Thanks!

It was great to meet some DISers and find that they were just as great in person as they are right here on the boards!

KathyRN137

06-02-2009, 11:52 PM

Then I realized it was one of my coworkers from back in Chicago! I hadn't seen her in 3 years! I ran over and gave big hugs and we caught up. I told her I would soon be returning to work at the clinic at which we had both worked. It was so much fun to see her there!

It's a small world (showcase!) ;)

One of the best things about Epcot is that there's something for everyone! it's great to be able to split up then get back together as a group for more fun!

Your brother and SIL are so sweet!

*
*
*
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Also, HOORAY for POR!! :yay: Wasn't it fun to make that ressie?!

Kathy

mrsksomeday

06-03-2009, 12:05 AM

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUukR1sYZI/AAAAAAAABSA/FHJAspOGNLM/s288/DSC00382.JPG

This picture is gorgeous!! I have a castle picture blown up to 11 x 14 and am doing that with all 4 parks, I have to see if I can't duplicate your vantage point, I love it!

Congrats on POR, we loved it there. It is beautiful. You sounded like you had such a great time, I love the pictures of your brother at TT, too funny :thumbsup2.

jordanyosh

06-03-2009, 02:09 AM

SwansLoveDisney

06-03-2009, 11:04 PM

It's a small world (showcase!) ;)

One of the best things about Epcot is that there's something for everyone! it's great to be able to split up then get back together as a group for more fun!

Your brother and SIL are so sweet!

*
*
*
*
*
Also, HOORAY for POR!! :yay: Wasn't it fun to make that ressie?!

Kathy

It was so much fun to make that reservation! And the cast member that helped me was awesome!

I have been on cloud 9 all day just thinking about going to Disney World in 25 days!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SiUukR1sYZI/AAAAAAAABSA/FHJAspOGNLM/s288/DSC00382.JPG

This picture is gorgeous!! I have a castle picture blown up to 11 x 14 and am doing that with all 4 parks, I have to see if I can't duplicate your vantage point, I love it!

Congrats on POR, we loved it there. It is beautiful. You sounded like you had such a great time, I love the pictures of your brother at TT, too funny :thumbsup2.

Thanks Tracy! I have about 15 different pictures from that same vantage point. That was the one that turned out the best.

I love POR also. I've stayed there two times in the past and I'm very excited to stay there again, if only for one night!

This is so awesome....

:goodvibes

SwansLoveDisney

06-03-2009, 11:26 PM

mousescrapper

06-04-2009, 11:11 AM

The room has been booked!

:yay: sorry I forgot to say in my last POST :yay: for getting a quickie bounce back...how FUN!

My mom and I are staying at Port Orleans Riverside for one night at the end of June! :yay:

You will love POR...we stayed there back in May 05!

I found a code to use and the room is pretty reasonable.

NICE!

Oh happy day!!!

Love that phrase!!!!! :goodvibes

Oh and to answer another question....the Doorway to Dreams at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg I believe is a DVC/WDW planning store....I have yet to visit it myself, but would like too....may be fun to do later this year before we get ready to book our 010 trip!

Here is a link....I googled it:

http://www.shopwoodfield.com/IM/storedetail.html?store=L330

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/miniSite/doorwayToDreams?id=DoorwayDirectionsPage

I need some advice from you fine DIS folks!

My mom and I are going to Disney World on a Sunday. I am leaning strongly toward going to MK since we have only one day and we are choosing one park. The problem is this: MK has EMH in the evening that day. I usually avoid the EMH parks because I fear that they will be super crowded.

In your experience, are the EMH parks super crazy in the summer? Should we avoid MK and go with Epcot or should we just chance it?

Thanks!

I tend to avoid the EMH days too now that I have kids...but I agree if I was going to WDW for one day I'd proably pick MK too!

my only experience w/ an evening EMH at MK was last June...just DH & I went and we wnet as the park was close to reg closing and people were packed in Main street...coming in, going out and waiting for parade and wishes....we flet like fish swimming up stream...it was bad!

but after that it was great! low crowds, did many rides and had a great time!

whatever you pick I'm sure will be great!

OH PS....we could do a mini Dismeet at Woodfield someday if you make it out that way....I used to work at the Gap there for 3 years before my twins were born.

J-

lisalonglash

06-04-2009, 11:33 AM

I need some advice from you fine DIS folks!

My mom and I are going to Disney World on a Sunday. I am leaning strongly toward going to MK since we have only one day and we are choosing one park. The problem is this: MK has EMH in the evening that day. I usually avoid the EMH parks because I fear that they will be super crowded.

In your experience, are the EMH parks super crazy in the summer? Should we avoid MK and go with Epcot or should we just chance it?

Thanks!

If it was morning EMH, I'd go to MK, but I wouldn't go to a park with evening EMH (just my thoughts on this). Of course, we love Epcot more than any other park, so I might be biased when my vote is for you and your mom to go to Epcot! :lmao:

jordanyosh

06-04-2009, 12:47 PM

I need some advice from you fine DIS folks!

My mom and I are going to Disney World on a Sunday. I am leaning strongly toward going to MK since we have only one day and we are choosing one park. The problem is this: MK has EMH in the evening that day. I usually avoid the EMH parks because I fear that they will be super crowded.

In your experience, are the EMH parks super crazy in the summer? Should we avoid MK and go with Epcot or should we just chance it?

Thanks!

I wish I could help you out. We try and avoid EMH parks in general. We did do a Sunday night EMH at MK, but it was in February. It was crowded at first and then after the first hour it just died. Fantasyland was empty. But that was February. I wouldn't expect June to be the same. Can anyone else help Julie out?

jordanyosh

06-04-2009, 12:58 PM

Julie,

I am bored at work so i did some forum searching about Sunday EMH at MK. Many people like it and say it's not that crowded even during summer. However, I think that's when the EMH hours are 11pm-2am. Yours will be more like 9-12am.....I think it's a crap shoot.

shebaxric

06-04-2009, 01:34 PM

I am a bad, bad DISer! I've been on vacation with no internet access and I've missed so many updates from my favorite TR's!

Firstly, pixiedust:pixiedust:!!! Good luck on your baby adventure! My DH and I are also trying, but we just started a month ago. I know that it can be a long road from friend's experiences, but just when you aren't thinking about it, BOOM! It'll happen.:cutie:

Second, WOO HOO on your surprise one day trip!:woohoo::woohoo: I love St. Augustine, but anytime you can make a side trip to WDW, it's totally worth it. My suggestion would be to go to MK and stay for as long as you can. That doesn't mean push yourself to the limits, just try and enjoy your day. If that means staying for an hour or two of EMH, then go for it!

Third, congratulations on getting all the hardwood in!:yay::yay: I'm sure it looks absolutely wonderful!

Lastly, great update, but I know how indecisive relatives can be when it comes to food!popcorn:: My DH wants me to pick everything, he never seems to have an opinion! Then when I choose something, he doesn't want it. Go figure!:lmao: I love the pictures of your DB trying to fill the role of the crash test dummy!:rotfl:

Okay, I'm done! Sorry for the long reply, I just had so much to reply on!

SwansLoveDisney

06-04-2009, 09:40 PM

Love that phrase!!!!! :goodvibes

Oh and to answer another question....the Doorway to Dreams at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg I believe is a DVC/WDW planning store....I have yet to visit it myself, but would like too....may be fun to do later this year before we get ready to book our 010 trip!

Here is a link....I googled it:

http://www.shopwoodfield.com/IM/storedetail.html?store=L330

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/miniSite/doorwayToDreams?id=DoorwayDirectionsPage

I tend to avoid the EMH days too now that I have kids...but I agree if I was going to WDW for one day I'd proably pick MK too!

my only experience w/ an evening EMH at MK was last June...just DH & I went and we wnet as the park was close to reg closing and people were packed in Main street...coming in, going out and waiting for parade and wishes....we flet like fish swimming up stream...it was bad!

but after that it was great! low crowds, did many rides and had a great time!

whatever you pick I'm sure will be great!

OH PS....we could do a mini Dismeet at Woodfield someday if you make it out that way....I used to work at the Gap there for 3 years before my twins were born.

J-

Thanks for the link. I would definitely like to check out the doorway to dreams someday. A Dismeet would be awesome! Ohhhh...I LOVE Gap. Well, it's a love-hate relationship...I love shopping there and I hate it when my Gapcard bill comes!

:scared1: I do not like the feeling of fish swimming upstream. But I guess I could tolerate it for a little while in order to stay for EMH. Maybe? :confused3

If it was morning EMH, I'd go to MK, but I wouldn't go to a park with evening EMH (just my thoughts on this). Of course, we love Epcot more than any other park, so I might be biased when my vote is for you and your mom to go to Epcot! :lmao:

I also love Epcot!!! I just wonder if we go to WDW and I don't go to MK, will I regret it?!?

I wish I could help you out. We try and avoid EMH parks in general. We did do a Sunday night EMH at MK, but it was in February. It was crowded at first and then after the first hour it just died. Fantasyland was empty. But that was February. I wouldn't expect June to be the same. Can anyone else help Julie out?

Thanks for the call for help!

Julie,

I am bored at work so i did some forum searching about Sunday EMH at MK. Many people like it and say it's not that crowded even during summer. However, I think that's when the EMH hours are 11pm-2am. Yours will be more like 9-12am.....I think it's a crap shoot.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for doing some research for me! However, I'm still undecided! I guess we have to decide just how late we want to stay out. :confused3

I am a bad, bad DISer! I've been on vacation with no internet access and I've missed so many updates from my favorite TR's!

Firstly, pixiedust:pixiedust:!!! Good luck on your baby adventure! My DH and I are also trying, but we just started a month ago. I know that it can be a long road from friend's experiences, but just when you aren't thinking about it, BOOM! It'll happen.:cutie:

Second, WOO HOO on your surprise one day trip!:woohoo::woohoo: I love St. Augustine, but anytime you can make a side trip to WDW, it's totally worth it. My suggestion would be to go to MK and stay for as long as you can. That doesn't mean push yourself to the limits, just try and enjoy your day. If that means staying for an hour or two of EMH, then go for it!

Third, congratulations on getting all the hardwood in!:yay::yay: I'm sure it looks absolutely wonderful!

Lastly, great update, but I know how indecisive relatives can be when it comes to food!popcorn:: My DH wants me to pick everything, he never seems to have an opinion! Then when I choose something, he doesn't want it. Go figure!:lmao: I love the pictures of your DB trying to fill the role of the crash test dummy!:rotfl:

Okay, I'm done! Sorry for the long reply, I just had so much to reply on!

You're not a bad DISer! I think I get that title for abandoning my TR for months at a time!

Where did you go to on vacation?

Good luck to you on your baby-making adventure! I am sure that it will happen for us, so I just have to keep trying to be patient. That's kinda hard though!

I haven't been to St. Augustine before, but I've heard great things about it and I'm excited to check it out! Is there anything that you think we should put on our must-do list for St. Augustine?

DisMomAmy

06-04-2009, 09:51 PM

Yay for a Disney trip!!! :banana::banana::banana:

And you get to go this month!! :banana::banana::banana:

I can't wait to hear where you decide to go!

SwansLoveDisney

06-04-2009, 09:54 PM

Yay for a Disney trip!!! :banana::banana::banana:

And you get to go this month!! :banana::banana::banana:

I can't wait to hear where you decide to go!

Hi Amy!

:banana:

I can't wait to figure out where we're going!

jordanyosh

06-05-2009, 03:07 AM

I can't wait to figure out where we're going!

this is a funny statement....:rotfl2::rotfl2:

MeMom

06-05-2009, 07:07 AM

I also love Epcot!!! I just wonder if we go to WDW and I don't go to MK, will I regret it?!?

You're not a bad DISer! I think I get that title for abandoning my TR for months at a time!

I haven't been to St. Augustine before, but I've heard great things about it and I'm excited to check it out! Is there anything that you think we should put on our must-do list for St. Augustine?

That's how I would be. If I could only go to one park for one day, it would probably have to be Magic Kingdom. I'd hate not visiting my beloved Animal Kingdom or not riding Soarin', but I'd console myself with a few rounds on Big Thunder Mountain, a funnel cake from Sleep Hollow, and an evening of Spectro and Wishes!

You were definitely in the running for the title of Trip Abandoner, but with the move and all, we cut you some slack. :)

St. Augustine has so much history. There's Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, musems, the old school, church, etc. It is a beuatiful place. There's a trolley tour you could take.

SwansLoveDisney

06-06-2009, 09:50 AM

this is a funny statement....:rotfl2::rotfl2:

I guess I get my indecisive nature from my mother!

That's how I would be. If I could only go to one park for one day, it would probably have to be Magic Kingdom. I'd hate not visiting my beloved Animal Kingdom or not riding Soarin', but I'd console myself with a few rounds on Big Thunder Mountain, a funnel cake from Sleep Hollow, and an evening of Spectro and Wishes!

You were definitely in the running for the title of Trip Abandoner, but with the move and all, we cut you some slack. :)

St. Augustine has so much history. There's Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, musems, the old school, church, etc. It is a beuatiful place. There's a trolley tour you could take.

Yum! A funnel cake! I like how you think, MeMom!

Thanks for cutting me some slack! ;) I was pretty good this week with my DISing because DH was out of town the whole week. Let's hope I can keep it up now that he's home!

Our hotel in St. Augustine is one of the trolley stops, so we definitely plan on making good use of the trolley. I think almost all of the places you mentioned are along the trolley route. I am very excited about our trip. It's always fun to visit a new place. (And to visit an old favorite!)

SwansLoveDisney

06-07-2009, 10:35 PM

Once again, the alarm rang at 6:40 this morning. We woke up to a VERY muggy morning. With each passing day, it was getting a little bit harder to get out of bed when the alarm rang. After one or two snoozes, I dragged my butt out of bed and got into the shower. It was super humid and it looked like rain, so I just put some mousse in my hair and put a bit of make-up on and I was all ready to go! DH was ready pretty soon after me. We packed ponchos and brought our raincoats because of the forecast of "violent thunderstorms" to begin at noon! :scared1:

We headed down to the POP cafeteria for breakfast. DH got an omelette and I got the kids breakfast platter with bacon and sausage.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtTEVI1XI/AAAAAAAABUk/dSPRjHSpTbk/s288/DSC00421.JPG

It amazes me that they give so much food in the children's portions and that they cost quite a bit less than the adult portions. For me, there is no need to get an adult portion of the breakfast.

After eating, we washed out our mugs in the mug wash station and went back to the room to drop off the mugs. We were at the Animal Kingdom bus stop by 8:15. I almost fainted when I realized that EVERYONE was there!!! :banana:

When we arrived at AK, I told everyone to follow me and I led them through the Rainforest Cafe entrance to the park. We pretended to look at the merchandise while we watched for the turnstyle to open. There were only 2 people in front of us at the turnstyles at the Rainforest Cafe entrance! Soon, there was a cast member there and she allowed everyone through. We made our way into the park and as far up and to the right as we could. Expedition Everest was our first destination this morning!

I coached my family on our technique for getting fastpasses and then getting into the stand-by line and I showed them our route on the map. Due to our previous 2 days' successes, everyone was pretty hyped up and ready to dash off to EE!

DH and DB were ready
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtVJpi0hI/AAAAAAAABUs/lXGPFohQCp4/s288/DSC00424.JPG

DSIL was ready
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtWNIJYJI/AAAAAAAABUw/L7YzbzjSOsY/s288/DSC00425.JPG

Mom was ready
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtW_9okPI/AAAAAAAABU0/_HJEasIfjZY/s288/DSC00426.JPG

Dad was ready
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtXtY9j1I/AAAAAAAABU4/2O630-xoCDo/s288/DSC00427.JPG

Look at all those people behind them!

Soon, the opening show began. And as always, the opening show was super cute. And even better, it was holiday themed!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtY6ESkHI/AAAAAAAABU8/89sCO4W8GVY/s288/DSC00430.JPG

My mom wasn't interested in Expedition Everest, so she hung back a bit as the rest of us scooted closer and closer to our preferred route. The show ended and we were off!

I was so proud of my dad! He is 68 years old and he kept up with the rest of us as we speed walked/tried not to run to EE!

And due to the humidity, we were all SWEATING by the time we arrived. Not even 15 minutes into our AK day and we're already soaked with sweat. Ick!

My brother and I took everyone's Keys to the World and grabbed fastpasses and then we met up with them in line. We walked right onto the ride. I consider this a mixed blessing on EE because I LOVE the theming in the line.

We got into our seats and I took a pic before we pulled away from the loading area.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtZjkKvXI/AAAAAAAABVE/oXZQGqtSAdc/s288/DSC00433.JPG

EE was, of course, a great ride. I even heard DH scream!

I try not to hold on whenever we go on any ride. Sometimes, it's really hard, but it definitely adds to the thrill factor for me!

DH and I are in the second row
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtasYDKVI/AAAAAAAABVI/4RZRHEmMU-o/s288/DSC00434.JPG

Dad's in the front left, holding on for dear life
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixtc2qFnTI/AAAAAAAABVQ/6FWbtvgmYm4/s288/DSC00436.JPG

Next up was Primeval Whirl.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtdkWrihI/AAAAAAAABVU/VYCPFMLU2mM/s288/DSC00437.JPG

I think this ride is so much fun! My dad opted out of this ride. DH, DB, DSIL, and I walked right onto this ride as well. DB and DSIL started to get nervous as they saw that the ride looked like a busted up carnival ride. And they got even more scared when they saw what happened to the people in front of us! No one wanted to spin!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixtea65JVI/AAAAAAAABVY/KLQ9jcI0SRw/s288/DSC00438.JPG

I love the signs that are all over Dinoland. I took some pics of them as we ascended the steep track.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixtfp84nlI/AAAAAAAABVg/C_wdV6kIq48/s288/DSC00440.JPG

This one says "Prehistoric prices, mammoth deals."
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtgkD3cQI/AAAAAAAABVk/B3ZLNytGK-U/s288/DSC00441.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixthKiAAXI/AAAAAAAABVo/Clg2QY3jwrQ/s288/DSC00442.JPG

EVERYONE screamed on the way down the drops on this one. There was much giggling to be heard from our car!

Next up: More AK!

BrooklynnsMommy

06-07-2009, 10:40 PM

I usually order a kid's meal because they do get a lot of food and it is quite a bit cheaper! I enjoy the preshow at AK.

mrsksomeday

06-07-2009, 10:53 PM

I love your get up and go attitude :thumbsup2! Looks like you had a great plan for EE and it worked perfectly. I love the pic of your dad!

julezdisney

06-07-2009, 11:24 PM

Great update and super great tip on the children's breakfast!! ::yes::

mousescrapper

06-08-2009, 11:00 AM

:scared1: I do not like the feeling of fish swimming upstream. But I guess I could tolerate it for a little while in order to stay for EMH. Maybe? :confused3

It was so worth it in the end!

Great Update to the begining of your AK day...love the ride pictures from EE...very fun! I went on it w/ my parents during our trip in march.

I can just imagine all the giggles coming from your crew on the PW....:rotfl:

looking forward to more!

xoktenox

06-08-2009, 07:48 PM

Ohhhh I hope I can get to see the AK rope drop when I go back. It will be holiday themed then too!

EE is my favorite ride in WDW! :woohoo: for your dad being a trooper and keeping up AND riding!

MAGICFOR2

06-08-2009, 08:01 PM

Hi Julie! We went in early June 2 yrs ago - we did EMH for MK. It is the only time to do Fantasyland, IMHO. :thumbsup2 Then the park gets REALLY crowded about 10:30 or 11:00 am. That would be the time to go to another park. We usually stay out of the EMH parks when we don't have kids with us, we just skip Fantasyland except for MP. All of the rides aren't open for EMH, and Toontown opens an hour after the regular EMH, or at RD.

Loved your update, BTW. Your dad is a trooper! I always wish I could put my hands up on those rides, but I always hang on for dear life!:rotfl2:

SwansLoveDisney

06-08-2009, 09:39 PM

I usually order a kid's meal because they do get a lot of food and it is quite a bit cheaper! I enjoy the preshow at AK.

I enjoy all the opening shows, but I think I like AK best!

I love your get up and go attitude :thumbsup2! Looks like you had a great plan for EE and it worked perfectly. I love the pic of your dad!

I wish I had that same get up and go attitude when it comes to cleaning my house!

I think my dad thought I was crazy, but he's such a good sport!

Great update and super great tip on the children's breakfast!! ::yes::

Thanks!

Great Update to the begining of your AK day...love the ride pictures from EE...very fun! I went on it w/ my parents during our trip in march.

I can just imagine all the giggles coming from your crew on the PW....:rotfl:

looking forward to more!

Isn't it fun to go on those rides with your parents when you're all adults?

I was laughing so hard on PW, I had a hard time catching my breath!

Ohhhh I hope I can get to see the AK rope drop when I go back. It will be holiday themed then too!

EE is my favorite ride in WDW! :woohoo: for your dad being a trooper and keeping up AND riding!

AK rope drop is great. I really love that one! Such a cute little show. You should definitely try for the rope drop there!

I was very impressed with my dad. I am ashamed of myself because I thought for sure he would slow us down, but he did no such thing!

Hi Julie! We went in early June 2 yrs ago - we did EMH for MK. It is the only time to do Fantasyland, IMHO. :thumbsup2 Then the park gets REALLY crowded about 10:30 or 11:00 am. That would be the time to go to another park. We usually stay out of the EMH parks when we don't have kids with us, we just skip Fantasyland except for MP. All of the rides aren't open for EMH, and Toontown opens an hour after the regular EMH, or at RD.

Loved your update, BTW. Your dad is a trooper! I always wish I could put my hands up on those rides, but I always hang on for dear life!:rotfl2:

Thanks for the tips. I keep thinking that we will definitely go to MK. But then I think about World Showcase and how we could have such a nice day there and I wonder if MK is really the way to go. The EMH are evening EMH, so I wonder if that makes a difference?

My dad is great. He's such a good sport about everything his little girl (guess I'm not so little anymore, huh?) wants to do! I guess that's the advantage of being the youngest child and only girl in a family of 5 children!

There are some times that I can't help but hold on when I'm on a ride. Like Tower of Terror. Sometimes, my hands grab on no matter what I tell them to do!

MaceysMom

06-09-2009, 10:56 PM

That is good to know about the cheaper kids meals. We are going to eat our breakfasts out of pocket on our trip and that looks like enough food for me!

KathyRN137

06-09-2009, 11:11 PM

Great that everyone was there at the bus stop all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!! Good for Dad! (I honestly find PW to be much rougher than EE!)

Those kitchy touches in DinoLand are such a hoot! I love looking at all the little details, too.

Hope you don't get soaked!! :umbrella:

Kathy

**Have you made a decision yet about which park you're going to on Sunday?? I can't wait to find out what you decide!

jordanyosh

06-10-2009, 12:01 AM

Soo awesome that dad rode EE! I hope I'm as spry as he is when I'm 68

DisMomAmy

06-11-2009, 09:47 AM

Great update - we had so much fun at AK this year!!

Charleston Princess

06-13-2009, 10:22 PM

I love Animal Kingdom updates!!! Everest and Primeval Whirl are two of Chelsea's favorites -- you would get along very well! :goodvibes

SwansLoveDisney

06-14-2009, 10:00 AM

That is good to know about the cheaper kids meals. We are going to eat our breakfasts out of pocket on our trip and that looks like enough food for me!

I think you'll find your tummy and your wallet very satisfied with the child portion breakfasts!

Great that everyone was there at the bus stop all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!! Good for Dad! (I honestly find PW to be much rougher than EE!)

Those kitchy touches in DinoLand are such a hoot! I love looking at all the little details, too.

Hope you don't get soaked!! :umbrella:

Kathy

**Have you made a decision yet about which park you're going to on Sunday?? I can't wait to find out what you decide!

I was SHOCKED that everyone was at the bus stop on time!

I pretty much told my dad not to go on Primeval Whirl. Being a physical therapist, I am always worried about neck injuries on the rides and PW seems like prime potential for neck injuries!

I think we're going with Magic Kingdom. Even if it is crowded, the fact that we can be there till midnight is drawing me there!

Soo awesome that dad rode EE! I hope I'm as spry as he is when I'm 68

Me too!

Great update - we had so much fun at AK this year!!

Can't wait to hear what happened with your fam at AK on your TR...hurry up and update!

I love Animal Kingdom updates!!! Everest and Primeval Whirl are two of Chelsea's favorites -- you would get along very well! :goodvibes

Hi Jackie!!! Welcome back!!!

Maybe Chelsea and I will have to go to the parks together sometime. But we might have a fight over Bo! :rotfl:

lisalonglash

06-14-2009, 01:09 PM

MeMom

06-14-2009, 01:54 PM

I think we're going with Magic Kingdom. Even if it is crowded, the fact that we can be there till midnight is drawing me there!

You can go to Magic Kingdom, ride the monorail 'into' Epcot (sort of, you know), and go to Downtown Disney. You could even eat a meal at a monorail resort, maybe a Captain Cook's breakfast out on the lovely patio of the Polynesian or something from Gasparilla's at GF out on the beach, packing in a little more Disney. That's a good little dose for a short journey there. I'd milk it for everything you can get out of it! :)

OK, I totally thought I'd posted here, but I can't see it! :confused3 Anywho...
Fantastic that everyone was at the bus stop on time! :thumbsup2 I'm looking forward to riding PW this time - it sounds fun! Giggling on a ride is a good thing :goodvibes

I'm glad you all had fun - that's what it's all about! :woohoo:

I think posts occasionally get lost in cyberspace. You are not the first DISer to have a post disappear. Oooooooo-weeeee-eeee-ooooooo!

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 09:12 AM

OK, I totally thought I'd posted here, but I can't see it! :confused3 Anywho...

Fantastic that everyone was at the bus stop on time! :thumbsup2 I'm looking forward to riding PW this time - it sounds fun! Giggling on a ride is a good thing :goodvibes

I'm glad you all had fun - that's what it's all about! :woohoo:

Well, I'm glad you reposted!

PW is fun! Just be prepared for a jerky, spinny ride!

You can go to Magic Kingdom, ride the monorail 'into' Epcot (sort of, you know), and go to Downtown Disney. You could even eat a meal at a monorail resort, maybe a Captain Cook's breakfast out on the lovely patio of the Polynesian or something from Gasparilla's at GF out on the beach, packing in a little more Disney. That's a good little dose for a short journey there. I'd milk it for everything you can get out of it! :)

I think posts occasionally get lost in cyberspace. You are not the first DISer to have a post disappear. Oooooooo-weeeee-eeee-ooooooo!

Okay, so I have to admit that I've been calling Disney reservations every day to see if there is a standard view Wilderness Lodge room open with the pin code that I have. No luck so far...

I think I will take your suggestion and we'll do a dinner outside of MK. NOw I just have to decide where...

Charleston Princess

06-16-2009, 09:17 AM

Hi Jackie!!! Welcome back!!!

Maybe Chelsea and I will have to go to the parks together sometime. But we might have a fight over Bo! :rotfl:

Thank you!!!

We have decided that Bo is a big flirt -- always letting women hang all over him. :rotfl:

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 09:56 AM

After Primeval Whirl, we all met up with my mom, who chose to skip EE and PW. Next up was Dinosaur! My dad decided to skip this one.

The first time I rode Dinosaur was on my last trip and I was shocked that I had never been on it before because I thought it was so much fun! We walked right up with no waiting and Mrs. Huxtable told us what was up.

Then we boarded the ride and it was SO much fun! I thought this ride was even more fun this time than last time I rode it. It's slowly creeping up on my list of favorites!

Here's our pic! I'm kinda hidden behind a plant. My mom was pretty scared on this ride!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtjXDBqlI/AAAAAAAABVw/vgSrcuggis4/s288/DSC00445.JPG

Next, we walked over and grabbed some fastpasses for Kali. The skies were quickly turning to gray, ugly skies with the promise of rain. So even though there was NO line for Kali, we decided to hold off on it until we were already wet from rain!

We did the Maharajah Jungle Trek. I think this was my first time doing this!

We saw this guy

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtkvmZ_AI/AAAAAAAABV0/W1K-bsgg_XA/s288/DSC00447.JPG

And this guy

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixtm4Qnc9I/AAAAAAAABV8/Fut7y46m0vE/s288/DSC00449.JPG

WARNING: BIG SCARY BAT PICTURES COMING UP!!!!

Bats FREAK ME OUT and I had a hard time looking at the bats at first, but I tried to just look at them as God's creatures. And I looked long enough to take pics! My DH, brother, and SIL were saying the bats were CUTE. WHAT?!? CUTE?!? Maybe their brains got knocked around on PW and Dinosaur.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtoVXVcgI/AAAAAAAABWI/--uFBTuMGU0/s288/DSC00454.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtpPtbdbI/AAAAAAAABWM/reBZOo0iMKA/s288/DSC00456.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtqMBBqCI/AAAAAAAABWQ/gJ15Y6bxyFg/s288/DSC00458.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtntyLjuI/AAAAAAAABWE/8PcZN-cMukY/s288/DSC00452.JPG

BAT PICS ARE DONE NOW!

Something funny happened while we were looking at the bats. One of the other park guests who was going through at the same time as us was complaining to the cast member about the cast member saying that bats don't have rabies. The guest said "You shouldn't tell kids that. Now they're all going to go around handling bats." The guest was pretty fired up about this. I couldn't believe it! He was really worried about kids handling bats.

Um, excuse me, but I don't know ANY kids who would go around handling bats!!! I felt bad for the cast member, but he took it in stride.

And now for some GORGEOUS tigers!

Just chillin by the pool

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtrZgactI/AAAAAAAABWU/iY8tyjQCunU/s288/DSC00459.JPG

Two tigers chatting (or something)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixttW74dTI/AAAAAAAABWc/vpfa0PdSJPs/s288/DSC00461.JPG

Another view of the chillin tiger
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtuSX4b0I/AAAAAAAABWg/etWJnrG4kc4/s288/DSC00462.JPG

Some scenery

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtvsCpRSI/AAAAAAAABWk/VCHXU4XPobY/s288/DSC00465.JPG

I love these!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixtwx_pDDI/AAAAAAAABWo/GjQJA1bfAJI/s288/DSC00466.JPG

I had a few quick deliveries to make

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixtyZc_ePI/AAAAAAAABWs/SeZXk9Ybars/s288/DSC00468.JPG

Next up was the bird section. I have a pretty bad fear of birds, so I rushed through this section and waited for my family on the other side. Here are the chains that keep the birds in. Thank Goodness for those!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixt0YrsS4I/AAAAAAAABW0/K_2M-d-XPAI/s288/DSC00473.JPG

DH tried to pull the rickshaw (is that what it's called?) but he was sad that he couldn't lift it

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixt1SWt1wI/AAAAAAAABW8/IHOzEw6GzAQ/s288/DSC00474.JPG

I love monkeys!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixt2cZ91XI/AAAAAAAABXA/Gk1PnFGDIGA/s288/DSC00475.JPG

I think they were grooming each other

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixt3X6aZKI/AAAAAAAABXE/CqMhSockwCw/s288/DSC00476.JPG

Continued in next post...

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 09:57 AM

Continued from previous post...

After our trek through the jungle, it was time to use our EE fast passes!

DH and I asked for the front row and we only had to wait a couple minutes for it. I love the front row on this ride!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixt6T8H_1I/AAAAAAAABXQ/YCWzGb8iQuE/s288/DSC00479.JPG

The sky was looking worse and worse as we headed to the next attraction.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/Sixt8IBNHbI/AAAAAAAABXY/T7dAh5OABpI/s288/DSC00481.JPG

Next up was It's Tough to Be a Bug! Such a cute show. Of course, all the kids in there were terrified. I feel so bad for the kids that freak out during that show!

Everyone was getting pretty hungry at this point, so I asked DH to take everyone to Flame Tree BBQ and order some food while I ran to get everyone FPs for the Safari. On my way back to Flame Tree, DH called and said they had all ordered their food and they found a covered table for 6 right on the water.

DH and I shared a chicken meal with a large coke. YUM!!! I love the food here! We had more than enough to eat sharing this one meal.

Now, I LOVE the food at Flame Tree. What I do not love is the bird problem. I keep a watchful eye on all the birds as I eat here. At the beginning of the meal, I reached down into my purse to grab my hand sanitizer and there was a duck down there under the table. His beak was no more than 2 inches from my hand!!! I squealed and tried not to look down for the rest of the meal!

My family finds some humor in my fear of birds, so they kept telling me when the ducks were getting close! I told them I didn't want to know!

After a delicious, albeit scary, lunch, it was time for a safari!

We walked right up with our fastpasses.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuA_U8M6I/AAAAAAAABXs/JSLrT0x-6BM/s288/DSC00488.JPG

Just as we boarded our vehicle, the rain began to come down. I was happy that we were covered!

A rhino booty

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuCZ1d-rI/AAAAAAAABX4/zoN9rZgnsdI/s288/DSC00491.JPG

Are those crocs or gators?

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuDCE7W3I/AAAAAAAABX8/tg94FCUs7kw/s288/DSC00493.JPG

EEK!!!

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuD4I-RmI/AAAAAAAABYA/s4gFjbaPk-U/s288/DSC00494.JPG

A Giraffe!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuFcIrPFI/AAAAAAAABYE/Z6wsXJ2BZdY/s288/DSC00497.JPG

Looks like a baby!

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuGR9JcxI/AAAAAAAABYI/Xn7Fu0Fd4jc/s288/DSC00499.JPG

Kinda hard to see, but there's a lion up there!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuHII7ocI/AAAAAAAABYM/z4vYpyY1SaE/s288/DSC00501.JPG

We had a great safari. We saw lots of great animals who weren't bothered at all by the rain!

As we got off the vehicle, we got out our ponchos. And despite my constant warnings, my mom and dad hadn't brought their ponchos! Mom had a raincoat with her, so she was okay. I gave my dad my poncho as I had my raincoat also.

Festival of the Lion King was going to start soon, so we headed out from the shelter of the Safari queue and it was POURING!!! :scared1: We walked/waded over to FOTLK. My booty and legs got SOAKED because I didn't have my poncho. I had my crocs on, thank goodness! I would have been so sad if my running shoes had gotten soaked!

We finally arrived at Festival of the Lion King and DH decided that he didn't want to sit in the air conditioning while soaking wet, he headed back to Pop. The rest of us found seats and took off our rain gear and waited for the show to start.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuJEHUwqI/AAAAAAAABYU/3pVxN3VJGTM/s288/DSC00506.JPG

She had such a great voice
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuMWhw_vI/AAAAAAAABYg/EHD5_htI5ic/s288/DSC00510.JPG

Are they called tumble monkeys?

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuNV1ojbI/AAAAAAAABYk/iWNfx298hvE/s288/DSC00511.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_oWtL9Aw1CAw/SixuOrCZnEI/AAAAAAAABYo/XUhRXxWe0oI/s288/DSC00512.JPG

This was my first time seeing this show and I LOVED it! I will definitely be back!

After the show, we were still pretty soaked and decided to pass on Kali. We put our rain gear back on and walked to the bus stop.

The rest of the family wanted to head back to Pop to change and rest up, but I decided to head over to DHS. So we parted ways and I reminded them of our ADR at Boma at 5:55...

Next up...will this rain ever stop?!?!

julezdisney

06-16-2009, 11:59 AM

Wooo! Way to fire out a big update! I'm enjoying the day at AK with you! FOTLK doesn't look like something that appeals to me- did everyone enjoy it?

MAGICFOR2

06-16-2009, 12:16 PM

Julie, loved your nice long update! You got some nice pics of the tigers. I hadn't seen Maharajah until this year, either. I agree - the bats are really creepy!:scared1: I feel bad for that CM - they are there to educate us - not lie to little children so the parents will feel better about things. And handling bats - what are these people, nocturnal?:rotfl:

I'm sorry your lunch was so scarey:goodvibes With all the healthy kids portions and enough food to split, I'm thinking we should skip the DDP next time and just eat less.:thumbsup2

I'm glad you like Dinosaur- it is just like Indy in DL - with a different theme. Indy is my all time fav anywhere! I'm also glad you got to see FOTLK - not to be missed for sure!:thumbsup2 Looks like such a fun trip with your family!

MeMom

06-16-2009, 12:37 PM

DH and I asked for the front row and we only had to wait a couple minutes for it. I love the front row on this ride!

I need to get a good front row picture at the broken tracks right before you go backwards.

Just the mention of Flame Tree stirs up the most awesome aromas for me. That place smells so good!

mousescrapper

06-16-2009, 12:41 PM

Julie,

great AK update....sorry that rain came and you got a bit wet, but it didn't seem to dampen your spirits :rotfl:

Hope you got all your delieveries ran....that looked like a heavy cart!

Those bats would have freaked me out too :eek:

I'm not a fan of Dinosaur, but love EE! glad you had fun on both!

I can't believe that was your first time seeing FotLK!

that is like the best show in the world, I get chills each time we see it!

looking forward to what you do at DHS!

J-

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 01:14 PM

Thank you!!!

We have decided that Bo is a big flirt -- always letting women hang all over him. :rotfl:

Yeah, Bo is probably just a big flirt. But who can blame him? All these fine DISers going to visit him all the time...who could resist?! :lmao:

Wooo! Way to fire out a big update! I'm enjoying the day at AK with you! FOTLK doesn't look like something that appeals to me- did everyone enjoy it?

My mom, SIL, and I enjoyed FOTLK. My brother said he wished he had skipped it. My dad was so-so on it. So not everyone liked it. In my opinion, I would do the other things at AK and go see FOTLK if you have spare time!

Julie, loved your nice long update! You got some nice pics of the tigers. I hadn't seen Maharajah until this year, either. I agree - the bats are really creepy!:scared1: I feel bad for that CM - they are there to educate us - not lie to little children so the parents will feel better about things. And handling bats - what are these people, nocturnal?:rotfl:

I'm sorry your lunch was so scarey:goodvibes With all the healthy kids portions and enough food to split, I'm thinking we should skip the DDP next time and just eat less.:thumbsup2

I'm glad you like Dinosaur- it is just like Indy in DL - with a different theme. Indy is my all time fav anywhere! I'm also glad you got to see FOTLK - not to be missed for sure!:thumbsup2 Looks like such a fun trip with your family!

That bat guy was crazy!

I am always tempted by DDP, but I think we would end up wasting SO MUCH food. Also, I have a very hard time sitting in a restaurant at WDW when there is so much fun to be had!

I can't believe I never went to DL when we lived in Phoenix. I never got to experience Indy. :sad2: But I'm happy to hear that it's just like Dinosaur!

I need to get a good front row picture at the broken tracks right before you go backwards.

Just the mention of Flame Tree stirs up the most awesome aromas for me. That place smells so good!

You mean a pic like this?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/P1020920.jpg

Writing about Flame Tree was making my mouth water this morning!

Julie,

great AK update....sorry that rain came and you got a bit wet, but it didn't seem to dampen your spirits :rotfl:

Hope you got all your delieveries ran....that looked like a heavy cart!

Those bats would have freaked me out too :eek:

I'm not a fan of Dinosaur, but love EE! glad you had fun on both!

I can't believe that was your first time seeing FotLK!

that is like the best show in the world, I get chills each time we see it!

looking forward to what you do at DHS!

J-

We had sooooo much rain on the trip before this one. It rained almost every day and some days it rained ALL day. We definitely learned how to have fun despite the rain on that trip. So I didn't let the rain stop me this time either!

I can't believe I had never seen FOTLK either! There were a lot of firsts for me on this trip and I loved all of them! I had chills when I watched FOTLK also, but I think it was because I was soaked and the air conditioning was blasting in there! :rotfl:

Yeah, that cart was heavy, but I got everything delivered on time! :laughing:

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 04:38 PM

I was going to go for a run today, but it's POURING right now. All of my errands are done for the day, so I'm going to keep rolling on this trip report!

As we left AK, my family got in line at the bus stop for Pop and I got in line at the bus stop for DHS. I grabbed the poncho from my dad and bid them adieu. The Pop line was LOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!! The rain wasn't letting up and everyone was escaping to their hotels from Animal Kingdom. The DHS line, on the other hand, had one person in it: Me!

I arrived at DHS and it was raining very lightly. There were hardly any people out on the streets of DHS. There were lots of people in the stores, though!

I headed right over to ToT and Rock n Roller Coaster.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00513.jpg

I grabbed a FP for ToT and then got in the single rider line for RnRC. I hadn't yet been on RnRC on this trip and I was very excited to ride!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00515.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00516.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00517.jpg

On RnRC, the freakiest thing happened...the music stopped right after we blasted off. I'm usually not scared on this ride, but without the music, it was super scary!!! I could hear everyone screaming and hear the super stretch limos zooming around. And without the music to listen to, all I could think about was turning upside down! I will take my RnRC WITH music from now on, thankyouverymuch!

After RnRC, I headed over to the candy shop and got myself a s'mores treat. I munched on the s'mores treat as I browsed through the shops. I didn't purchase anything because I didn't want it to get soaked, but I got some good ideas for souvenirs to purchase later in the trip.

Some pics from the shops...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00533.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00535.jpg

Now it was time for Tower of Terror, my all time favorite ride at Disney World!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00518.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00520.jpg

Only one side was working at this time, so the fastpass line took longer than usual, but it wasn't too bad. The good thing about the longer line was that i had more time to take pics of my favorite place!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00522.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00523.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00525.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00526.jpg

I checked the times board at the front of the park and it showed the Toy Story Midway Mania wait as 80 minutes. That was too long for me! I knew we'd be back the next day, so I decided to head back to Pop so I could shower and put on some dry clothes before dinner at Boma!

I'll see you tomorrow, Sorcerer's Hat!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00530.jpg

Continued in next post...

Charleston Princess

06-16-2009, 07:29 PM

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 07:56 PM

Continued from last post...

I headed back to Pop and found a sleeping DH in the room. I quietly took a hot shower, put on some dry clothes, woke DH up, and we headed back to Animal Kingdom with the rest of the family. Once at AK, we caught the bus for AKL.

We arrived at AKL and checked out the Christmas decorated lobby. It was STUNNING! I think the AKL lobby is gorgeous normally, but this was just amazing!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00538.jpg

I love these!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00540.jpg

We checked in for our 5:55 reservation and roamed the lobby as we waited. The buzzer went off at 5:45, 10 minutes early! :banana: We were all starving, so we were happy about being seated a little bit early!

I had eaten at Boma the year before and I absolutely loved the food. I was hoping not to be disappointed and I wasn't! The food was delicious! I love trying all the different, exotic things.

Here's my first dinner plate, which includes falafel, hummus, flatbreads, and pita. YUM!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00541.jpg

I must have been too hungry to take a pic of my second plate!

Here's my dessert, with the delicious zebra domes! All of the desserts were AWESOME!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00542.jpg

I chose Jungle Juice as my beverage and it was yummy!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00544.jpg

As I said, the dinner was great, but the service was horrible. Our server took forever to bring our drinks and to refill our waters. We waited super long for the check too. And we had a little surprise in our check...6 dollars extra per person due to the holiday! It was Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend and I had totally forgotten that they might charge extra. Oops! Bad DISer! The delicious food was worth it, though, so we paid up and moved on!

After dinner, it was still raining, so we decided to do a resort tour rather than go to a park.

DH headed back to the room to watch the Bears' game and the rest of us took the bus to Epcot and then got on the Monorail. And...we got so wrapped up in chatting that we forgot to get off! Oops again!

We eventually got on the resort monorail and headed over to the Polynesian. We walked around the Poly and took it all in. I definitely want to stay there at some point in my life!

A Poly Christmas tree
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00555.jpg

A tiki guy
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00552.jpg

Some super cool marine life on the ceiling
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00549.jpg

I want one of these for my house!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00548.jpg

Next up was the Grand Floridian!

A small tree and a guy in suspenders
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00558.jpg

The big, beautiful GF tree!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00564.jpg

The giant gingerbread house

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00566.jpg

The ceiling

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00572.jpg

I went into Basin and bought some Christmas gifts for some of my friends. Just the other day, I was going to buy some lotion and then I would wait and treat myself to some Basin lotion when I'm at WDW in 2 weeks!

We sat and listened to a wonderful band playing Christmas music as we took in all the beautiful Christmas decor. :cloud9:

It was time to head back to the hotel. I had been soaked all day and I just couldn't warm up! I was looking forward to getting into some dry, warm pajamas and curling up in bed with my sweetie!

When I got back to Pop, the Bears game was still on...BORING!!! I made a deal with DH...he could continue to watch the game if he would snuggle me so I would warm up!

Tomorrow would be a full day of DHS and I couldn't wait! I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow after my super fun, full day of Disney fun!

SwansLoveDisney

06-16-2009, 08:03 PM

You were an updating machine today, Julie!!!

I have to admit that I was fascinated by the bats on our trip -- I could watch them hang there and eat their fruit for hours. :goodvibes

Flame Tree sounds so yummy -- your family was relentless in their teasing though, weren't they? :laughing:

I can't imagine riding RnRC without music. Yikes! :scared:

Boma! Boma! Boma!

It was such a rainy day here! DH and I cleaned the whole house top to bottom over the weekend, so there wasn't a lot of cleaning to do. I did all my errands over the weekend. So DISing just seemed right!

As the little sister to 4 older brothers, I have endured huge amounts of teasing in my life. I'm used to it!

Boma is the best!

k_reile

06-16-2009, 08:08 PM

i'm sorry Julie's family....bats are NOT cute! Yuck!:eek:

KathyRN137

06-16-2009, 11:27 PM

I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow after my super fun, full day of Disney fun!

It was such a treat to read all about it... I'm glad it rained today!!

Kathy

mrsksomeday

06-16-2009, 11:38 PM

Great updates, I loved the AK pictures, they were great. The Christmas pictures were fantastic, I am loving your TR!!

MAGICFOR2

06-17-2009, 12:15 AM

Yet more updates! You are really making up for lost time!:rotfl2: I love the Christmas tree pics - I have to get there at Christmas some time soon!

princessjv

06-17-2009, 01:35 AM

I just read your entire TR to date and am loving it! We were there at the same time as you and so far most of our park days were spot on. I'll have to look to see if I find your family members in any of my pictures~That would be a hoot!

Love the bedroom set and congrats on the hard work you've put into your new home. I look forward to the rest of the TR. :)

jordanyosh

06-17-2009, 01:39 AM

jasmine,

wow...where to start.....

1) Dinosaur--great ride, but even I find it a bit scary. Taking new people and sitting them on the right side is a hoot though.

2) Flame Tree BBQ--mmmmmmm.

3) Maharajah Jungle Trek--the tigers were out!!! Good mojo!!!!

4) You seem to do well with rain at the parks!

5) Allowing DH the flexibility to come and go as he pleased was very generous of you.

6) Resorts at Christmas--:cloud9:

lisalonglash

06-17-2009, 11:46 AM

Wooohooo, TWO updates to enjoy! :woohoo: Sounds like you all had a great day! Flame Tree is yummy, the Maharajah Trek is great (love the tiger pictures!), Dinosaur makes me :eek: and RnRC without music would be even freakier than it already is! :scared1:

Can't wait for more, Julie! :banana:

SwansLoveDisney

06-17-2009, 10:14 PM

i'm sorry Julie's family....bats are NOT cute! Yuck!:eek:

THANK YOU!!!

NOT CUTE AT ALL!!!

It was such a treat to read all about it... I'm glad it rained today!!

Kathy

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I guess I can call yesterday productive now! :rotfl:

Great updates, I loved the AK pictures, they were great. The Christmas pictures were fantastic, I am loving your TR!!

Thanks, Tracy!

I love being at WDW at Christmas time. Those decorations are THE BEST!!!

Yet more updates! You are really making up for lost time!:rotfl2: I love the Christmas tree pics - I have to get there at Christmas some time soon!

I certainly am making up for lost time! The trip was in November/December and here we are in June and I'm not done yet. Oy!

Yes, you do have to get there at Christmas time!

I just read your entire TR to date and am loving it! We were there at the same time as you and so far most of our park days were spot on. I'll have to look to see if I find your family members in any of my pictures~That would be a hoot!

Love the bedroom set and congrats on the hard work you've put into your new home. I look forward to the rest of the TR. :)

:welcome:

We were probably waiting in line next to each other! If you heard a girl telling her husband to please be serious in at least one picture, that was me! :rotfl:

Did you do a TR? I'll have to find it and read it and look for us if so!

Thanks so much for reading!!! :goodvibes

jasmine,

wow...where to start.....

1) Dinosaur--great ride, but even I find it a bit scary. Taking new people and sitting them on the right side is a hoot though.

2) Flame Tree BBQ--mmmmmmm.

3) Maharajah Jungle Trek--the tigers were out!!! Good mojo!!!!

4) You seem to do well with rain at the parks!

5) Allowing DH the flexibility to come and go as he pleased was very generous of you.

6) Resorts at Christmas--:cloud9:

Hey Jafar!

I definitely made sure the Dinosaur newbies were on the right hand side. My SIL's reactions were priceless on most of the rides!

I try to see the good in the rain at the parks! Lesser crowds are always a plus!

I was so happy that DH was at Disney World with me, I was totally okay with him sneaking away to watch da bears! I learned very early on in my marriage that balance is the key to a happy Julie and a happy DH! :lovestruc

Wooohooo, TWO updates to enjoy! :woohoo: Sounds like you all had a great day! Flame Tree is yummy, the Maharajah Trek is great (love the tiger pictures!), Dinosaur makes me :eek: and RnRC without music would be even freakier than it already is! :scared1:

Can't wait for more, Julie! :banana:

That WAS a great day!

The only thing that would have made it better would have been music on RnRC! :rotfl:

xoktenox

06-18-2009, 08:02 PM

princessjv

06-18-2009, 08:25 PM

T
:welcome:

We were probably waiting in line next to each other! If you heard a girl telling her husband to please be serious in at least one picture, that was me! :rotfl:

Did you do a TR? I'll have to find it and read it and look for us if so!

Thanks so much for reading!!! :goodvibes

I will keep looking for my family in your pictures and vice versa. I started a TR, yet got too busy to post. I'll let you know if I decide to post it and finish it. :upsidedow

MeMom

06-18-2009, 08:36 PM

After dinner, it was still raining, so we decided to do a resort tour rather than go to a park.

DH headed back to the room to watch the Bears' game and the rest of us took the bus to Epcot and then got on the Monorail. And...we got so wrapped up in chatting that we forgot to get off! Oops again!

We eventually got on the resort monorail and headed over to the Polynesian. We walked around the Poly and took it all in. I definitely want to stay there at some point in my life!

The big, beautiful GF tree!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00564.jpg

I went into Basin and bought some Christmas gifts for some of my friends. Just the other day, I was going to buy some lotion and then I would wait and treat myself to some Basin lotion when I'm at WDW in 2 weeks!

We sat and listened to a wonderful band playing Christmas music as we took in all the beautiful Christmas decor. :cloud9:

Tomorrow would be a full day of DHS and I couldn't wait! I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow after my super fun, full day of Disney fun!

I want to stay at Poly someday, too.

Grand Floridian is so pretty at Christmas!

Basin is a great place to get gifts. :thumbsup2

There's no sleep like Disney sleep!

SwansLoveDisney

06-18-2009, 10:31 PM

Wooo lots of updates Julie! Can I just say that I'm petrified of birds and I give you a lot of credit for going through the bird area on the Maharajah Jungle Trek and eating at Flame Tree with all those birds around!

The Christmas pictures of the resorts are beauuuutiful! I can't wait to be there for that :cloud9:

I love Flame Tree so much that I am able to overcome my fear of birds during that half hour! But you can bet that I got out of there as soon as I was done with my food!

You're gonna love all the Christmas decorations! And the Christmas music everywhere! It's the BEST!!!

I will keep looking for my family in your pictures and vice versa. I started a TR, yet got too busy to post. I'll let you know if I decide to post it and finish it. :upsidedow

I got too busy for my TR for a while, too. Hence the NOvember TR being done in June!

I'm gonna check my pics for sure!

I want to stay at Poly someday, too.

Grand Floridian is so pretty at Christmas!

Basin is a great place to get gifts. :thumbsup2

There's no sleep like Disney sleep!

Okay, let's go stay at the Poly!

I can't wait to get me some Basin stuff and some Disney sleep in TEN DAYS!!!!

mousescrapper

06-19-2009, 11:59 AM

DisMomAmy

06-19-2009, 06:41 PM

I can tell you are getting in Disney mode for your upcoming trip - so many updates at once... apparently you have Disney on the brain. :goodvibes

Sounds like you had a great day at AK - even though you had a wet bootie!

Those ducks terrorized Alex - I can understand your fear - they are a bit aggressive!

That was pretty cool that you went off to DHS by yourself - it's nice that everyone could do what they wanted without hard feelings. I tend to be the one who ends up with hard feelings... :rolleyes1

The resort tour was awesome - I'd love to spend more time exploring the resorts in the future - not too fun for the boys at this point though...

SwansLoveDisney

06-21-2009, 09:28 PM

That was a worthwhile rain visit to DHS for you after all....I agree ToT is one of my all-time fav's too!

Love all your pictures :thumbsup2

Dinner sounded yummy...one day we'll eat there, another resoprt on my dream to-do list!

Your resort tour was brillant! All the Christmas pic's make me so-so excited for our trip next year! We watched some tv special about decorating for Christmas there and I'd love to see the Gingerbread house at the GR too....

oh and the guy in suspenders too! :lmao:

J-

I absolutely love Boma. I would definitely recommend it for dinner!

Do you plan to tour all the resorts when you're there next year? That is such a fun thing to do. The only problem is that it makes me want to stay at all the super expensive resorts!

I can tell you are getting in Disney mode for your upcoming trip - so many updates at once... apparently you have Disney on the brain. :goodvibes

Sounds like you had a great day at AK - even though you had a wet bootie!

Those ducks terrorized Alex - I can understand your fear - they are a bit aggressive!

That was pretty cool that you went off to DHS by yourself - it's nice that everyone could do what they wanted without hard feelings. I tend to be the one who ends up with hard feelings... :rolleyes1

The resort tour was awesome - I'd love to spend more time exploring the resorts in the future - not too fun for the boys at this point though...

I definitely have Disney on the brain! I need to get my act together and start getting things together for this trip. Normally I'm 3/4 of the way packed at this point before any trip! I haven't even started!

Poor Alex...I'm an adult and I can't even handle those ducks. I can't imagine being a kid and dealing with them!

Each time someone (or everyone!) from the group went back to the resorts while there was still so much park fun to be had, I just told myself it was their loss! I have to admit it made me a little sad, but I got over it!

I can imagine that the boys would have been super bored on a resort tour. My DH couldn't even handle it!

SwansLoveDisney

06-21-2009, 10:51 PM

Once again, our alarm was set for 6:40 this morning. I was a little bit slow moving this morning, but I managed to get myself up. It is a struggle for me to get out of bed at 6:30 every morning for work, but I guess Disney makes everything seem better!

After I showered, I tried to wake up DH, but he wasn't budging! He had been such a great sport for all the other rope drops, so I took no for an answer and he said he'd meet us all later on. I left the room and took some photos.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00578-1.jpg

The emotion I feel almost constantly at Disney World

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00580.jpg

Where are we again? Oh yeah...

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00581.jpg

I headed to the cafeteria with some pop tarts in hand and toasted them up for myself. As I ate, I tried to guess who would show up for the bus this morning. As it got closer and closer to 8:15, I began to realize that NO ONE was showing up!

Finally, I saw my mom arriving at the cafeteria. Yay Mom! :yay: She said my dad hadn't gotten out of bed yet and that she hadn't heard from my brother or SIL either. I was tempted to call or text them just to be sure they weren't coming, but I didn't want to wake them if they were sleeping.

So Mom and I got in the bus line, which was HUGE! :scared1: It was Monday after Thanksgiving, the day the crowds were supposed to thin and it was our longest bus line yet. Not good! I started to get nervous about the rest of our day.

Eventually, we got on a bus and arrived at DHS. This was my first time at DHS since it turned into DHS. I thought I would never get used to calling it that, but now it only takes me a second to realize that it's not MGM anymore!

We got through bag check without incident and then tried to pick the best line at the turnstyles. Most of the lines were pretty full, but we spied one line that only had about 5 people in it. Score! So we jumped in that line only to be told by a guy in front of us that it was a line only for cast members and their guests. Now, he didn't look like a cast member to me, so I asked him if he was a cast member. He said he was, but for some reason I didn't believe him. Rather than take a chance, Mom and I got into a different line that was kinda short as well. In that line were some other people who were turned away by the "cast member". We commiserated with one another over the fake cast member as we watched him wave his friends over into his line. Soon, all the lines were SUPER long and the turnstyles were opened up and GUESS WHAT!?! The turnstyle that the "cast member" was waiting at didn't even open! So when he realized that it wasn't going to open, he directed all of his guests to CUT IN FRONT OF ME AND MY MOM to get through our turnstyle!!! I wasn't having that, so I told the people, very nicely, that their "cast member" friend had kicked us out of line and that if they could jump in the line behind us if it was okay with the people behind us. His friends appeared to be shocked that he kicked us out of the line. So they asked the people behind us if they could cut. Well, the people behind us had been kicked out of the other line as well, so they gave the same answer as we did. To that, the friends of the cast member said, very sarcastically "Well, thanks so much for your hospitality." I feel like I might have been being petty about that whole situation, but I didn't get up at 6:40 to let people get to Toy Story Midway Mania before me!

Moving on...

Mom and I worked our way up as close as we could to the opening show and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

I tried to take pics, but mostly got pics of people's heads!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00586.jpg

They let us begin the charge to TSMM and I grabbed Mom's Key to the World and ran/walked to the fastpass machines. Of course, as luck would have it, the lady in front of me was getting 65 billion fast passes. I waited patiently, grabbed our fastpasses, and then Mom and I got in the stand-by line. The queue was super cute.

I loved these when I was little!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00587.jpg

I still love playing with a barrel of monkeys!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00588.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00589.jpg

I could use that 50 bzilion dollars right about now!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00592.jpg

Mr. Potato head was funny!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00594.jpg

And the ride was SO MUCH FUN!!! I loved it!

I beat my mom in points, but she beat me in accuracy

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00596.jpg

As we exited TSMM, my dad and my brother arrived. My brother and I grabbed everyone's keys to the world and got fastpasses for Tower of Terror. We figured that when DH and DSIL arrived, they could use our parents' fastpasses.

Then, my bro and I rode RnRC using the single rider line. That single rider line moves SO QUICKLY!!! They scoot you right through everything so that you can fill in all the places where there's an odd numbered group. My brother said that the girl next to him was CRYING while waiting for the ride to begin! He tried to calm her down, but she didn't speak any English! He felt so bad for her, but there was nothing he could do. Poor girl! I don't know why her group decided to leave her as the odd person out!

Here she is next to my bro (she's in the back right!). She looks so scared!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00599.jpg

After RnRC, we checked the ToT stand-by line and it was super short, so we hopped on that ride. Loved it, of course!

I could ride those two rides all day!

At this point, I was pretty hungry. I guess my pop tart didn't do the trick. So we met up with my mom and dad at the Starring Rolls Bakery and I got a cherry danish. Hey, it had fruit in it. It was healthy, right? :rotfl:

Then it was time for Beauty and the Beast, my favorite show at Disney World! We found some seats and then DH showed up :woohoo:. He and I shared my Danish as we enjoyed the show. Belle seemed a little off to me during this performance and it was a bit distracting. Not my favorite performance ever, but it was still very cute!

After the show, my bro was busy calling his wife and trying to convince her to come to the park. She said she was finishing watching a movie on TV and then she would come. He seemed to be a little irritated by that, and I tried to tell him that it was her loss and that he should just try to enjoy himself. He wasn't having that though :rolleyes:. He didn't want to ride anymore rides without her, so he hung back with my parents while DH and I went for another round of ToT and RnRC.

DH is back left

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00611.jpg

Super fun again, of course!

On ToT, I noticed a VERY creepy little guy that I had never noticed before. He was sitting off to the left of the elevator as we landed. I snapped a pic and it STILL creeps me out when I see it!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00613.jpg

We were both pretty hungry after that, so DH and I called my family and they said that we should go ahead and eat and they would find something on their own. So DH and I headed over to Pizza Planet. The pizza was not my cup of tea, but it was definitely filling.

At this point, the 4 straight days of rope drop began to catch up with me. I felt PRETTY sleepy, so I decided that it was time for a real break.

DH and I let everyone know we were departing the park and we headed back to Pop Century for a rest.

Up Next: Doogie!

princessjv

06-21-2009, 11:20 PM

At this point, the 4 straight days of rope drop began to catch up with me. I felt PRETTY sleepy, so I decided that it was time for a real break.

O my goodness. 4 straight days...:worship: I'd be pooped out too!

KathyRN137

06-22-2009, 12:01 AM

After the show, my bro was busy calling his wife and trying to convince her to come to the park. She said she was finishing watching a movie on TV and then she would come.

Sooo many things to comment on in this update, but this one really takes the cake!!! :eek: I can definitely see coming later to the park if you're tired and need a bit of extra sleep... but... watching a movie!!! :sad2: Oh my....

I don't think you were being petty about the "fake" CM line... you had every right to speak up!

I felt so bad for that poor girl on R&RC!! :upsidedow

I cannot wait to get Billy on TSM... I just know he's going to want to ride again and again!!! :banana:

Did I miss it?? Did you choose what park you and Mom are going to tour yet??

Kathy

Charleston Princess

06-22-2009, 07:41 AM

Four days of rope drop??? Wow! I would need a nap as well, I think! Looks like it was nice and sunny that day, though! :thumbsup2

MeMom

06-22-2009, 08:30 AM

And the ride was SO MUCH FUN!!! I loved it!

We were both pretty hungry after that, so DH and I called my family and they said that we should go ahead and eat and they would find something on their own. So DH and I headed over to Pizza Planet. The pizza was not my cup of tea, but it was definitely filling.

DH and I let everyone know we were departing the park and we headed back to Pop Century for a rest.

Up Next: Doogie!

Your Monday after Thanksgiving was so much better than mine! I was back at school after having driven in from Alabama that morning after getting back from Disney World at about 2 a.m. :eek: I was in a zombie-like state and suffering Disney withdrawals.

You had one of Jill's favorite days - Toy Story ride and Toy Story pizza!

Sounds like you were in much need of a rest!

Looking forward to more and more and more!
We've started the pre-trip report for the summer trip, by the way. I don't have it in my signature yet, but you'll probably recognize it as being ours. It's called Brooklynn Takes Bella to Meet Cinderella. :)

DisMomAmy

06-22-2009, 08:48 AM

Sounds like the ideal morning to me... TSM, ToT, RnRC! All my favorites!! :thumbsup2

I can understand why you needed a break - Not only 4 early mornings, but late nights too! We tend to make the early mornings, but we usually have early nights.

shebaxric

06-22-2009, 03:08 PM

Shame on that "Cast Member"! I think I would've been the same way, he should suffer the consequences of his unkind actions. Too bad his friends tried to go along with him! I cannot wait to get on TSMM!!! I have heard so many good things about this one, and I really enjoy Buzz Lightyear, so with it being the same concept, I think we'll really enjoy it! I can never get my family up for rope drops, I think we should at least try one of them. Which park would you reccomend?

mousescrapper

06-22-2009, 03:47 PM

Another fun morning to be had at Disney....:thumbsup2

can't believe that story about the fake CM....:confused3

glad you stuck up for your spot in line!

Ok I had to quickly scroll past that creepy :eek: :scared: puppet guy at ToT....I'm glad that I have never seen him....

did your SIL ever make it to the park?....watch a movie? OK maybe in a horrible rain storm....but not missing early morning lines on the best rides....

oh well, guess they can't all be crazy like us huh?

looking forward to more...popcorn::

SwansLoveDisney

06-23-2009, 09:42 AM

O my goodness. 4 straight days...:worship: I'd be pooped out too!

Yeah, it was a lot of early mornings! I guess that's my vacation style. I put sleep on the backburner in order to pack everything in. It's a good thing that DH agrees with me on that!

Sooo many things to comment on in this update, but this one really takes the cake!!! :eek: I can definitely see coming later to the park if you're tired and need a bit of extra sleep... but... watching a movie!!! :sad2: Oh my....

I don't think you were being petty about the "fake" CM line... you had every right to speak up!

I felt so bad for that poor girl on R&RC!! :upsidedow

I cannot wait to get Billy on TSM... I just know he's going to want to ride again and again!!! :banana:

Did I miss it?? Did you choose what park you and Mom are going to tour yet??

Kathy

Yeah, I could not believe she was watching a movie and that was her reason for coming so late. I didn't really let it bother me (I mean, my DH went back to our room to watch a Bears game!), but I think my brother was really bothered. He loves Disney world almost as much as I do and it made him sad that she would rather watch a movie than come to DHS!

Billy is definitely going to love TSMM...I know I did!

We are going to do Magic Kingdom for our one day trip. I figured that even if it is pretty crowded for EMH, at least we'll get to stay there a LONG time!

Four days of rope drop??? Wow! I would need a nap as well, I think! Looks like it was nice and sunny that day, though! :thumbsup2

Yes, it was definitely time for a rest. The early mornings were great, but they did wear me out!

Your Monday after Thanksgiving was so much better than mine! I was back at school after having driven in from Alabama that morning after getting back from Disney World at about 2 a.m. :eek: I was in a zombie-like state and suffering Disney withdrawals.

You had one of Jill's favorite days - Toy Story ride and Toy Story pizza!

Sounds like you were in much need of a rest!

Looking forward to more and more and more!
We've started the pre-trip report for the summer trip, by the way. I don't have it in my signature yet, but you'll probably recognize it as being ours. It's called Brooklynn Takes Bella to Meet Cinderella. :)

A 2 a.m. return from Disney?! :scared1: And then back at school the next day?! :scared1::scared1:

I have been visiting your pre-trip daily!

Sounds like the ideal morning to me... TSM, ToT, RnRC! All my favorites!! :thumbsup2

I can understand why you needed a break - Not only 4 early mornings, but late nights too! We tend to make the early mornings, but we usually have early nights.

We did have some pretty late nights after our early mornings. Every time, I would tell myself that we would come back to the room earlier, but that never did happen!

Shame on that "Cast Member"! I think I would've been the same way, he should suffer the consequences of his unkind actions. Too bad his friends tried to go along with him! I cannot wait to get on TSMM!!! I have heard so many good things about this one, and I really enjoy Buzz Lightyear, so with it being the same concept, I think we'll really enjoy it! I can never get my family up for rope drops, I think we should at least try one of them. Which park would you reccomend?

I have no idea what was up with that guy. :confused3

TSMM was great! So much fun. And you have to go on it more than once to figure out your technique! :thumbsup2

As for the rope drop I would recommend, I LOVE the opening show at Magic Kingdom. It just really makes you excited to be where you are! But it depends on which rides you're interested in going on. How old are the people in your group?

Another fun morning to be had at Disney....:thumbsup2

can't believe that story about the fake CM....:confused3

glad you stuck up for your spot in line!

Ok I had to quickly scroll past that creepy :eek: :scared: puppet guy at ToT....I'm glad that I have never seen him....

did your SIL ever make it to the park?....watch a movie? OK maybe in a horrible rain storm....but not missing early morning lines on the best rides....

oh well, guess they can't all be crazy like us huh?

looking forward to more...popcorn::

i normally don't say anything when people cut in front of me in line, but i just had to at that point!

Yeah, that was the first time I had ever seen that ventriloquist guy and hopefully the last!

With my SIL, i just had to keep reminding myself that I was the one who wanted to pack in as much as possible, not her. She wanted part of her vacation to be relaxing, and I guess that's when she decided it should happen!

shebaxric

06-23-2009, 10:23 AM

I have no idea what was up with that guy. :confused3

TSMM was great! So much fun. And you have to go on it more than once to figure out your technique! :thumbsup2

As for the rope drop I would recommend, I LOVE the opening show at Magic Kingdom. It just really makes you excited to be where you are! But it depends on which rides you're interested in going on. How old are the people in your group?

We're all adults, no kids. We also all love Disney, so I think this would be the best. The only thing that might change this is if we decide to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour in the morning, which we'd have to be there earlier for. I love your idea of getting a FP first and then getting in the standby line, we honestly never do that! We definitely will for TSMM!

SwansLoveDisney

06-23-2009, 06:03 PM

We're all adults, no kids. We also all love Disney, so I think this would be the best. The only thing that might change this is if we decide to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour in the morning, which we'd have to be there earlier for. I love your idea of getting a FP first and then getting in the standby line, we honestly never do that! We definitely will for TSMM!

The opening show at Magic Kingdom is definitely worth waking up early for. Other than that, I would say that Animal Kingdom is the best one to be at rope drop for. If you're at EE first thing, you can speed through the rest of the rides if you time the fastpasses right!

SwansLoveDisney

06-24-2009, 08:08 AM

MeMom

06-24-2009, 08:27 AM

I'm going to be at Disney World in 4 days!

This will be my 7th visit to the happiest place on earth, but it will be my first visit in the summer.

So I have 2 big questions for you, my friends!

1. What do I wear?!?

2. What do I bring?!? What are the summer essentials for a day at Magic Kingdom?

Thanks for your help!

What do I wear? Very little, 'cause it's going to be burning hot. Bring plenty of good sunscreen, or scumscream, as Brooklynn says.

What do I bring? A water bottle and scumscream. Are you a hat wearer? Maybe do that to keep from getting your head burned. A lot of people take those small clip-on water fans.

Just play the Fastpass card right and do plenty of indoor shows and rides so you can cool off often.

I'm so glad you are getting to go on this unexpected trip! What did you decide on for your final itinerary?

Charleston Princess

06-24-2009, 08:34 AM

MeMom's advice is spot-on! Sunscreen, sunglasses, and very little clothing. Pick places to eat that are air-conditioned -- duck into every shop you see just to enjoy the air conditioning -- and drink lots of water! :thumbsup2

Roxychica7

06-24-2009, 12:27 PM

We've gone in May before and I still remember the sweat! Totally agree with the others. We went to DD and grabbed a case of water, pack a few with you in your bag. Tank tops, shorts, hat and sunglasses. Put a good coating of sunscreen on in the morning and bring the tube with you. Try and get to the parks early, and avoid that 10am-2pm heat wave. Maybe go back to the resort during that time or plan all your shows, lunch, shopping in between that time. A small squirt bottle from the dollar store is awesome or try and get in the cool stations when you're getting really overheated. Good luck!!

shebaxric

06-24-2009, 01:24 PM

I've never been in the summer, so memom and Charleston Princess are probably right on. Florida in the summer=hot & steamy! My suggestion would be to know your limits, don't try to do everything. Remember to take breaks, whether it's inside an air conditioned building or going back to your resort. Good luck with the heat and have a wonderful time!

MAGICFOR2

06-25-2009, 01:52 AM

MeMom has it down! Have you seen the temps? Multiply that by 5 for the humidity!:rotfl2: I would just ad that you can expect it to rain every afternoon about 3pm - I mean THUNDERSTORMS!!!! So be prepared with the ponchos and wear shoes you can get wet. We went in June 2007 and someone from the local area explained that with that kind of heat, the water in the air evaporates and then the clouds get heavy and rain every day. :confused3 It clears back up about 5pm or so. I kept trying to have pool time at 3pm after leaving the parks - doesn't work!:rotfl2:

jordanyosh

06-25-2009, 02:33 AM

I agree with everyone else...lots of sunscreen, stay hydrated...

Carousel of Progress
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Pirates
Tiki Room
Country Bear
Philharmagic

any indoor attraction will do.

SwansLoveDisney

06-25-2009, 08:19 AM

What do I wear? Very little, 'cause it's going to be burning hot. Bring plenty of good sunscreen, or scumscream, as Brooklynn says.

What do I bring? A water bottle and scumscream. Are you a hat wearer? Maybe do that to keep from getting your head burned. A lot of people take those small clip-on water fans.

Just play the Fastpass card right and do plenty of indoor shows and rides so you can cool off often.

I'm so glad you are getting to go on this unexpected trip! What did you decide on for your final itinerary?

I am trying to find Disney appropriate clothes that fit the description of "very little." Kinda difficult!

I definitely need to lather on the scumscream. I don't know if you noticed when we met, but my skin is a ghostly shade of pale. I burn after about 5 minutes in the sun! I think a hat is a fabulous idea. Thanks, MeMom!

We leave Chicago Friday evening, we're staying in St. Augustine Friday and Saturday night, then driving to Disney Sunday morning, doing Magic Kingdom all day, staying at POR Sunday night, seeing Downtown Disney Monday morning, then driving back to St. Augustine, staying in St. Augustine Sunday night, then flying back to Chicago Tuesday night. I can't wait!

MeMom's advice is spot-on! Sunscreen, sunglasses, and very little clothing. Pick places to eat that are air-conditioned -- duck into every shop you see just to enjoy the air conditioning -- and drink lots of water! :thumbsup2

Air conditioning is the key, huh? We're going to be seeking it out all day!

We've gone in May before and I still remember the sweat! Totally agree with the others. We went to DD and grabbed a case of water, pack a few with you in your bag. Tank tops, shorts, hat and sunglasses. Put a good coating of sunscreen on in the morning and bring the tube with you. Try and get to the parks early, and avoid that 10am-2pm heat wave. Maybe go back to the resort during that time or plan all your shows, lunch, shopping in between that time. A small squirt bottle from the dollar store is awesome or try and get in the cool stations when you're getting really overheated. Good luck!!

I will follow your advice and buy water to bring with us. I think we're going to play it by ear as far as a resort break. Since it'll be EMH and we can stay at MK till midnight, it might do us well to have a resort break for a few hours.

Thanks so much for your tips!

I've never been in the summer, so memom and Charleston Princess are probably right on. Florida in the summer=hot & steamy! My suggestion would be to know your limits, don't try to do everything. Remember to take breaks, whether it's inside an air conditioned building or going back to your resort. Good luck with the heat and have a wonderful time!

We're planning on being pretty relaxed about this visit to Magic Kingdom. We're just going to do what we can and not have an itinerary. That way, if it's too hot and we can only do air conditioned stuff, we son't be disappointed!

MeMom has it down! Have you seen the temps? Multiply that by 5 for the humidity!:rotfl2: I would just ad that you can expect it to rain every afternoon about 3pm - I mean THUNDERSTORMS!!!! So be prepared with the ponchos and wear shoes you can get wet. We went in June 2007 and someone from the local area explained that with that kind of heat, the water in the air evaporates and then the clouds get heavy and rain every day. :confused3 It clears back up about 5pm or so. I kept trying to have pool time at 3pm after leaving the parks - doesn't work!:rotfl2:

Yeah, it's been pretty hot and humid here in Chicago, so I'm trying to think of it as training for our trip! I know it's going to be much worse in Florida though!

I am wearing my crocs, which have proven to do very well in lots of rain. I hope that if it rains it's quick and not very voilent!

I agree with everyone else...lots of sunscreen, stay hydrated...

Carousel of Progress
Monsters Inc Laugh Floor
Pirates
Tiki Room
Country Bear
Philharmagic

any indoor attraction will do.

I am going to have to keep reminding myself to drink water!

I've never seen the tiki room or country bear, so this will be a good first time for those!

lisalonglash

06-25-2009, 02:36 PM

KathyRN137

06-25-2009, 07:42 PM

This article has a lot of good tips...

http://allears.net/pl/sunsurv.htm

Kathy :sunny:

Roxychica7

06-25-2009, 09:01 PM

Hey Julie..following up on my water post. At the 2nd bus stop at DD (next to Planet Hollywood), there's a Hess Gas station right on the corner across the street. We picked up our case there, it was like $4.99 for a case of 24 and we used them all even in December. Considering it's $2.09 plus tax per bottle in the parks, it saved us BIG TIME! We just brought it on the bus with us and took it right back to the resort! Good luck to you! :goodvibes

SwansLoveDisney

06-25-2009, 09:37 PM

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, Julie - I'm having major problems with this site :headache:

There's really nothing I can add to the fantastic suggestions already posted, but... LOL

Scumscream (:lmao:) is an absolute must - and lots of it! Tanks and shorts sound like a great wardrobe plan and a hat is also an absolute must IMO I have a Panama Jack hat that I got at US/IOA last year - it's big enough to shade my face :thumbsup2 No heatstroke and no sunstroke with a great big honkin' hat! :laughing:

I've heard that the misters are a great idea, too.

I wonder why you're having so many problems with this site? :confused3

I am going to have to find a hat. Hopefully, I can find one in St. Augustine because I don't have time to look for one here!

This article has a lot of good tips...

http://allears.net/pl/sunsurv.htm

Kathy :sunny:

Thanks Kathy! That article is great! :thumbsup2

Hey Julie..following up on my water post. At the 2nd bus stop at DD (next to Planet Hollywood), there's a Hess Gas station right on the corner across the street. We picked up our case there, it was like $4.99 for a case of 24 and we used them all even in December. Considering it's $2.09 plus tax per bottle in the parks, it saved us BIG TIME! We just brought it on the bus with us and took it right back to the resort! Good luck to you! :goodvibes

Thank you so much! Great advice!

SwansLoveDisney

06-25-2009, 09:43 PM

SwansLoveDisney

06-25-2009, 09:47 PM

I just checked the Orlando weather and it's 82 degrees right now at 8:45 at night?! :eek:

Oh my!

Charleston Princess

06-25-2009, 10:51 PM

I'm running around like a maniac packing up all my stuff. I can't believe I am so unprepared for this trip!

Of course, I am bringing WAY too many clothes, but I guess that's just how I roll.

I am also bringing WAY too many hair products. I know my hair is just going to be frizzy and crazy the whole time, so why do I bother?!

I have another question...will we be able to buy park tickets from the concierge at POR? I hope we won't have to buy them at the park!

Thanks!!!

I would assume so -- I know we were able to buy water park tickets from the concierge at Coronado the time we went over spring break.

I just checked the Orlando weather and it's 82 degrees right now at 8:45 at night?! :eek:

Oh my!

That sounds about right. :scared:

MAGICFOR2

06-26-2009, 12:36 AM

Have a great time, Julie - and bring back lots of pics - we would love a mini TR within your TR!:cool1:

shebaxric

06-26-2009, 08:12 AM

Hi Julie!
You know, if you have any hint of curl in your hair, the humidity is just going to take over, so why bother?:lmao: I always take a bunch of hats to cover it up with. As for the concierge, I'm pretty sure you can, but I'd call and check to make sure. The phone number for POR is 407-934-6000.

I also forgot to answer your question about what to see in St. Augustine way back when, sorry.:confused3 Of course, there are all of the historical factors to St. Augustine, some of it is pretty neat, like the Castillo de San Marcos (the fort on the water) is cool. Personally, my favorite thing to do in St. Augustine is SHOP!!! So much to shop for, so little money and time!:lmao: If you're into nature, of course there is a ton of places to see, as well. The beaches in Ponte Verda are really beautiful. If you haven't already, my suggestion would be to go to this website: http://www.getaway4florida.com/:thumbsup2 Lots of good stuff. Sorry for the long-winded reply, I hope you have a wonderful time!

mousescrapper

06-26-2009, 11:26 AM

Hey Julie wow I can't believe you'll be at Disney so soon!

Yes the weather we have been having here should be a nice body precurser to FL...:beach:

only other things I can add would be....yes to tank top...single layers, but be cautious as hot outside it is, going in the AC is like shock to your system cause it is so much cooler...all that in and out can be icky too.

so best of all brace your self, and maybe even a very light weight pullover or cute tunic can help ward off the AC on your hot body (ok you know I mean that from temperature :rotfl:)

also do you have a water bottle clip, something that straps over your shoulder or on a belt loop? that can help keep your hands free. Also the Crystal Light single serving add in make FL tap water seem ok. You will need to refill water constantly...the heat turns it warm in a flash. ask for a cup of ice and pour your water in there to drink too. :idea:

Hair: for the frizzies....I have natural curly so it's even worse down there. I really like Aussie 24 hr Frizze control.

and lastly don't forget to put sunscreen on your feet....I haver gotten heat rash on the tops of my feet twice there. ichy ouch!

Can't wait to hear abou the trip!

Julie (too) :goodvibes

julezdisney

06-26-2009, 01:04 PM

I don't know how I missed that you will be there in 4 days. Will have to spend the weekend finding where I left off! Have fun!

DisMomAmy

06-27-2009, 06:56 AM

Have Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cool1:

Charleston Princess

06-27-2009, 07:26 AM

Have a great time down in St. Augustine and WDW!

MaceysMom

07-05-2009, 09:53 AM

I am so far behind on your report!!!! That little guy on TOT is definetly freaky!!! I am going to try not to look for him!!!

luvfigment

07-06-2009, 07:10 PM

Hey Julie! It has been forever and I just got all caught up on your TR! I hope you had a good time when you just went with your Mom. Are you still planning on coming to New England in Aug with your friends?

mousescrapper

07-22-2009, 12:54 PM

popcorn:: popcorn::

Hey Julie,

hope all is well and that your St. Augustine and 1 Day Disney trip were :thumbsup2 looking forward to seeing you back on the boards!

Julie too :chat:

SwansLoveDisney

07-28-2009, 05:14 PM

lisalonglash

07-28-2009, 05:30 PM

Hello! :wave2:

I'm back.

Yay! Welcome back, Julie :hug:

My mom and I went on our St. Augustine/one day Disney trip at the end of June and it was a great trip! We had a ton of fun in St. Augustine and of course, Disney World was perfect.

I'm going to get to work on a little TR of our Disney day now.

Can't wait to read about it! I'm glad you had a great trip! :yay:

Charleston Princess

07-28-2009, 09:02 PM

Welcome back, Julie!!! :banana:

KathyRN137

07-28-2009, 10:45 PM

Hooray! You're back!! :goodvibes

I'm so looking forward to hearing about the trip with Mom....

Kathy

jordanyosh

07-29-2009, 12:33 AM

Hello! :wave2:

I'm back.

Again.

For now and hopefully for good!

Somehow I turned into a really bad DISer when DH and I moved back to Illinois. I am so easily sidetracked these days, but I'm going to try to get back down to DIS business!

My mom and I went on our St. Augustine/one day Disney trip at the end of June and it was a great trip! We had a ton of fun in St. Augustine and of course, Disney World was perfect.

I'm going to get to work on a little TR of our Disney day now.

And I'm going to try to catch up on all the TRs now too!

Okay stop the presses! <newspaper presses all over the country come screeching to a halt!>

YOU MOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!?????

Apparently this must've happened during my extended MIA days...or maybe I knew you were moving......anyway....

YOU MOVED!!!!!!???????

shebaxric

07-29-2009, 09:32 AM

Thanks for coming back!!:cool1: I am patiently awaiting your newest update, and to see how well you liked St. Augustine!

mousescrapper

07-29-2009, 12:17 PM

Can't wait to hear all about it!popcorn::

glad you're back on the Dis :hug:

SwansLoveDisney

07-29-2009, 10:20 PM

Yay! Welcome back, Julie :hug:

Can't wait to read about it! I'm glad you had a great trip! :yay:

Hi Lisa! Thanks for the warm welcome back. I'm slowly getting caught up on all my TRs that I'm subbed to. PTRs are next. So hopefully I'll get to yours this week!

Welcome back, Julie!!! :banana:

Thanks Jackie!

Hooray! You're back!! :goodvibes

I'm so looking forward to hearing about the trip with Mom....

Kathy

Hey Kathy!

Okay stop the presses! <newspaper presses all over the country come screeching to a halt!>

YOU MOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!?????

Apparently this must've happened during my extended MIA days...or maybe I knew you were moving......anyway....

YOU MOVED!!!!!!???????

:rotfl:

I think that the move happened during your MIA days, but yes, we did in fact move!

We moved from Phoenix back to the Chicago area in December. So now we're back near family and old friends and loving our Chicago summer!

Thanks for coming back!!:cool1: I am patiently awaiting your newest update, and to see how well you liked St. Augustine!

Hello! I really enjoyed St. Augustine. I love places like that with so much history. We did a ghost tour and a regular city tour and they were both wonderful!

Can't wait to hear all about it!popcorn::

glad you're back on the Dis :hug:

Thanks!

SwansLoveDisney

07-29-2009, 10:27 PM

Okay, so my plans to report on my trip to St. Augustine and the one day WDW trip got derailed yesterday. Every time I went to upload my pics to photobucket, my computer froze. I don't know what was happening. :confused3

I hereby PROMISE that I will do the update this weekend. If I can't get photobucket to work, i'll use Picasa even though the pics turn out small.

In other news, my 3 best girlfriends and I have changed our 30th birthday trip plans. Originally, we were going to go to New Hampshire/Maine. However, since 2 of the girls are not the least bit outdoorsy, we were having difficulty coming up with activities that everyone agreed on.

So we have changed our destination to Las Vegas!

We have booked a big ol' suite at the Venetian for 3 nights. The suite is huge and has private access to a special pool deck. We have tickets to Cirque du Soleil "O" and we have a spa day booked. Facials, pedicures, and all day access to the luxurious Canyon Ranch spa with lunch included. :cloud9: I'm super excited about our Vegas trip! (I tried very hard to make it a Disney trip, but I only had one other girl on the Disney side.)

luvfigment

07-30-2009, 11:14 AM

The trip to Vegas sounds awesome!!! A day at the spa...ahhhhh. Glad you had fun in FL at the end of June and can't wait to hear about that trip and the rest of the TR.

mousescrapper

07-30-2009, 12:38 PM

Don't you hate it when the computer thinks its smarter than you and messes w/ you! :badpc:

Can't wait to read w/ small pics or not!
and the mini Vegas trips sounds very girl-lish! What a fun way to ring in the BIG 3-0 :cheer2:

KathyRN137

07-31-2009, 10:08 AM

I hereby PROMISE that I will do the update this weekend. If I can't get photobucket to work, i'll use Picasa even though the pics turn out small.

Or, you could just post your report and edit/add the pictures at a later time!! :thumbsup2

In other news, my 3 best girlfriends and I have changed our 30th birthday trip plans... we have changed our destination to Las Vegas!

We have booked a big ol' suite at the Venetian for 3 nights. The suite is huge and has private access to a special pool deck. We have tickets to Cirque du Soleil "O" and we have a spa day booked. Facials, pedicures, and all day access to the luxurious Canyon Ranch spa with lunch included. :cloud9:

The Cloud 9 emoticon is perfect.... it sounds heavenly!!

Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

08-01-2009, 09:41 AM

The trip to Vegas sounds awesome!!! A day at the spa...ahhhhh. Glad you had fun in FL at the end of June and can't wait to hear about that trip and the rest of the TR.

I can't wait for our Vegas trip, particularly the spa!

Don't you hate it when the computer thinks its smarter than you and messes w/ you! :badpc:

Can't wait to read w/ small pics or not!
and the mini Vegas trips sounds very girl-lish! What a fun way to ring in the BIG 3-0 :cheer2:

Yeah, I don't know how many times I tried to upload my pics to photobucket before I gave up. What a pain!!!

The Vegas trip is making me very excited to turn 30!

The Cloud 9 emoticon is perfect.... it sounds heavenly!!

I agree!

Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

08-01-2009, 10:09 AM

As you know, my mom and I went on a trip to St. Augustine, FL for a long weekend. Sunday morning, we drove down to Disney World for a day of fun!

The drive wasn't bad at all. Soon, we saw this!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01433.jpg

The sky in that pic looks MUCH worse than it actually looked!

Next, we found this!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01434.jpg

This is where we would spend the night tonight!

Mom, take a picture of me as approaching Port Orleans Riverside!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01435.jpg

(I hate that picture of me!)

We checked in and since it was

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01437.jpg

(actually 10:03 a.m. I hadn't changed my watch to FL time,) our room was not ready yet. I was given the option of a phone call or text message when our room was ready. I chose text because I thought it would be awesome to get a text message from Disney World! They told us what our room would be, so we headed over that way to park the car.

I was a little bummed that we were in the Alligator Bayou section

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01436.jpg

but we REALLY weren't spending much time at all in the room and I really wanted to get to the park, so I didn't argue!

We grabbed our stuff out of the car, including 3 bottles of water, since it was already pretty hot and humid. I tried to walk, but may have broken into skipping a bit as we headed over to the bus stop.

Deciding on ONE park to go to was pretty tough, but we made a decision and stuck with it.

The bus pulled up pretty quickly and we got on. I thought it was a bad sign that it was so early in the morning and we were grateful for the air conditioning already!

Shortly, we pulled up to the Magic Kingdom!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01438.jpg

It was a short line through the bag check and we were ready to head through the turnstyles

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01439.jpg

Then we headed right up to the train and gazed upon my favorite street in the whole world, Main Street in the Magic Kingdom! :cloud9:

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01440.jpg

We heard the train approaching, so we jumped in line.

There it is!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01442.jpg

I just love riding on that train! We got off the train and headed over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Sadly, BTMRR was not running at the time. They said to check back in a half hour. So we walked over to Splash Mountain and grabbed some fastpasses.

I was DETERMINED not be be commando on this visit to Disney World. I tried to let my mom make most of the decisions as to what we would do. I say "tried" because my mom is very indecisive, so I ended up deciding anyways! I tried to keep a slow walking pace throughout the day and just take it all in.

My mom's decision this time was to go to Haunted Mansion, so off we went.

I always feel so bad for the little kids on this ride! They get so freaked out! A little girl behind us in line tapped me on the back and asked me "Does this ride go upside down?" I assured her that we would stay upright the whole time and chuckled to myself about the thought of those doom buggies going upside down!

I love all these eyes!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01445.jpg

Bluebeard sure had a lot of wives!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01450.jpg

One of my goals on this trip (aside from taking it easy) was to see things at Magic Kingdom that I have never seen before. Since I have never seen the Hall of Presidents, we walked over there and headed on in. But we were blocked! I hadn't realized they were closed for refurbishment (to add our new president). They were having an annual passholder event in there. Someday I will own an annual pass!!!

That was the second attraction we were denied in the first 2 hours at the park! Would this be a bad sign of things to come?!

mousescrapper

08-01-2009, 11:22 AM

That was the second attraction we were denied in the first 2 hours at the park! Would this be a bad sign of things to come?!

I hope not....

looking forward to hearing more of your Day at MK! popcorn::

mrsksomeday

08-01-2009, 08:06 PM

It is great to see you back!! :hug: I missed you.

mrsksomeday

08-01-2009, 08:14 PM

That was the second attraction we were denied in the first 2 hours at the park! Would this be a bad sign of things to come?!

It will get better!! You are in the Magic Kingdom, I would hope that you got some pixie dust and ride mojo :thumbsup2.

Charleston Princess

08-01-2009, 10:37 PM

He he -- I love that you skipped to the bus stop after checking in!!! Magic Kingdom is always a good choice for a one-park day -- I hope you aren't shut out of all the rides you want to do!

KathyRN137

08-01-2009, 11:41 PM

Julie, I was hoping you'd choose the Magic Kingdom!! :cloud9:

Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

08-02-2009, 10:00 AM

I hope not....

looking forward to hearing more of your Day at MK! popcorn::

It did get much better, thank Goodness!

It is great to see you back!! :hug: I missed you.

Thanks Tracy! :hug:

It will get better!! You are in the Magic Kingdom, I would hope that you got some pixie dust and ride mojo :thumbsup2.

Things did turn around. Of course they did! We were in Disney World!

He he -- I love that you skipped to the bus stop after checking in!!! Magic Kingdom is always a good choice for a one-park day -- I hope you aren't shut out of all the rides you want to do!

Not getting to go on the rides was just a little disappointing, but it made us laugh more than anything!

I could not contain the skipping. I was so excited!

Julie, I was hoping you'd choose the Magic Kingdom!! :cloud9:

Kathy

It was the perfect choice!

SwansLoveDisney

08-02-2009, 10:48 AM

When I left you, we were denied entrance to Hall of Presidents. We were both pretty hungry at this point since our last meal was the continental breakfast in St. Augustine.

Columbia Harbor House was calling our name! It was pretty early at this point, so it was nice and crowd-free at CHH. I had the chicken strips and fries and they were delicious as always!

Oh, and this pic is a combo of food porn and the super cute napkins!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01451.jpg

A funny thing happened as we were eating lunch. There was a man who was apparently waiting for a HUGE group to order their food. He proceeded to move EVERY empty table to one corner of the room in order to make an enormous table for his group. He then gathered all the chairs from the room to add to his island of tables. This was kind of annoying to deal with during lunch because those tables were LOUD as he moved them. And the chairs weren't much better. I told my mom we better hold onto our table and chairs because he might steal them from under us! Well, he got all the tables arranged and then someone from his group came over and told him they were sitting on the OTHER SIDE of the restaurant. I couldn't help it and I started laughing. Mr. Furniture Mover dejectedly left his monstrous creation of tables and chairs and went to find his group.

After lunch, I told my mom that I've never done the Enchanted Tiki Room and it was on my list for the day. So we headed over that way. I was expecting it to be just blah, but I actually thought it was super cute!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01454.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01457.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01459.jpg

I loved it how everything in the room was moving and singing!

Soon, it was time for our Splash Mountain fastpasses! I think my 3 years in Phoenix did me well on this trip to Florida because I wasn't bothered much at all by the heat. My mom, however, was sweating up a storm and was dying to get wet!

We breezed through the fastpass line and soon we saw this

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01462.jpg

Our first view of the big drop!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01464.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01465.jpg

I wish my garden was that neat!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01466.jpg

I love these signs!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01477.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01479.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01478.jpg

Next up was Snow White's Scary Adventures.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01484.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01485.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01486.jpg

Bye Dopey!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01489.jpg

On our way out, we saw and heard these guys playing "You've Got a Friend in Me." We stopped and listened. Love that song!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01490.jpg

After that, it was time for a bathroom break. As I was waiting outside the bathroom for my mom, a woman came up and asked me if she could borrow my phone to call her group because she came out of the bathroom and couldn't find them. I handed over the phone and waited about ten minutes for her to try to remember the phone numbers and to call everyone in the group to find out where they were! Each time she was in between calls, she would wipe her sweat off the phone and get back to it. Kinda gross! When I got my phone back, I wiped it off with an antibacterial wipe and realized that we had received the text message telling us that our room was ready!

We decided to head back to POR to get into our room and swim a bit. Our room was super close to the parking lot and super close to the foodcourt. We lugged all of our stuff to the room, opened the door to the room and realized that it was one king sized bed instead of 2 queen beds! :scared1: I called the front desk and explained the situation to them and they told me that we should come to the front desk and we would receive our new room number. THIS is when the heat started to get to me! After lugging all the suitcases and stuff up to the room, I was a little sweaty. I went and got the new room number and then we put all our stuff back in the car. We headed over to Magnolia Bend (Yay!) and lugged the suitcases to the room again.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01491.jpg

At this point, I was super sweaty and I was READY to get in that pool! We changed into our swimming suits very quickly and headed over to the pool bar (priorities!)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01492.jpg

We grabbed some girly fruity drinks and then we found some chairs at the quiet pool. We sucked down those drinks and then jumped in the pool. So nice!

This was the life! We were at Disney World, enjoying a pool side drink and taking a dip in the perfect temperature pool with the knowledge that we'd be back in the Magic Kingdom in a couple hours! :cloud9:

I took some pics around the resort

Loved this!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01496.jpg

And here's the oak

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01497.jpg

After a refreshing swim, we headed back to the room, got cleaned up, and made our way back to Magic Kingdom. Casey's was calling our names this time, so we went in and got some corn dog nuggets. Yum!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01498.jpg

Loved these cups!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01500.jpg

There's that beautiful castle!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01501.jpg

Continued...

SwansLoveDisney

08-02-2009, 11:04 AM

Now it was time for Pirates of the Caribbean!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01513.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01515.jpg

My pictures from inside the ride never turn out!

We did several more attractions this afternoon, including Carousel of Progress (a new favorite of mine), Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (it was up and running, thankfully!).

We were determined to watch Spectro and Wishes tonight. This would be our first time watching Spectro the whole way through. And it would be our first time watching Wishes with an unobstructed view!

Over at Sleepy Hallow Refreshments, we ordered a funnel cake to share.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01517.jpg

It was more delicious in person than it looks in the picture!

This pic was taken to make DH jealous because he LOVES Disney funnel cakes!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01518.jpg

Here comes Spectro!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01520.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01521.jpg

My favorite Spectro float (is that what they're called?)

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01526.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01537.jpg

After Spectro, we went and found some empty space on Main Street and we had a seat and waited for Wishes to begin!

The was my first time seeing wishes from an unobstructed view. Seeing Tinkerbell fly was awesome. And being able to hear everything, all the music and words, was very moving. I did shed a tear or two while watching Wishes. I loved it!

I made a wish at the end of Wishes and IT CAME TRUE!!! The wish that came true will be revealed soon. I am SUPER happy about it and so is DH!

After Wishes, we did It's a Small World.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01556.jpg

After IASW, my mom was pretty tired and was ready to head back to the room. I was torn between staying and going, but I decided to go back with my mom and we went to bed and had sweet Disney Dreams!

The next morning was another steamy one, as you can see in my steamy pics!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01564.jpg

The camera was all fogged up!

I just love how POR is designed!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01567.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01568.jpg

We had breakfast in the food court and then headed over to Downtown Disney.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01571.jpg

This was my first visit to TrenD and there were many things that caught my eye.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01573.jpg

I saw a couple people wearing this dress the day before and I loved it!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01575.jpg

Super cute shirt

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01576.jpg

I exhibited a great deal of self-restraint and I avoided buying all the cute things in TrenD. Next stop was World of Disney, where I bought "My First Minnie" for my BFF's new baby girl and I bought an outfit for my Godson's 1st birthday.

After World of Disney, it was time to head back to St. Augustine. :sad2:

I was a little bit sad to leave Disney World, but the thought of a day at the beach made me happy! :beach:

It was a wonderful one day trip to Disney World! I thought that I would be left with a feeling of sadness because it was ONLY one day, but with our relaxed pace and relaxed attitude, one day was just enough for a great Disney fix!

k_reile

08-02-2009, 12:42 PM

hmmm....a wish that makes you and DH happy??? I would guess its not a trip back to WDW but maybe a baby??? You know you are going to have to reveal this soon!! Its going to drive me crazy!! LOL!!!

Charleston Princess

08-02-2009, 05:33 PM

I loved the new napkins and cups, too! :lmao:

Hurray for a room in the Magnolia Bend section!

I can't believe you are going to make us wait to find out what your wish during Wishes was!!!! :rolleyes:

mrsksomeday

08-02-2009, 06:00 PM

OMG you are going to leave us with the cliff hanger about the wish an the end of Wishes :eek:? How long are we going to have to wait? I will admit after I read that line I immediately skimmed to see if you would tell us at the end of the installment, then dejected I scrolled back up :rotfl:.

So I will be impatiently waiting until you reveal your wish popcorn::.

mousescrapper

08-02-2009, 07:26 PM

Julie,

loved the end of your Day TR to MK....you did more than I expected...very cool! :thumbsup2

How fun to do new things and many of your favorites too. Isn't seeing Tink :tink: coming down from the castle just awesome!!!! I've missed her the last 2 trips, but it is a MUST for next year!

the TrenD store looks really cute! it would be dangerous for me too...the print on the dress and bag is the print on the inside of my hoddie I bought this yr, I love it!

So I hope you won't leave us hanging too long on your WISH pixiedust: and I really hope it has something to do w/ a little bundled wrapped in pink or blue :flower3:

Julie 2 (Scrappie)

KathyRN137

08-03-2009, 01:19 PM

Loved this!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01496.jpg

And here's the oak

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC01497.jpg

**********************************

The was my first time seeing wishes from an unobstructed view. Seeing Tinkerbell fly was awesome. And being able to hear everything, all the music and words, was very moving. I did shed a tear or two while watching Wishes. I loved it!

I made a wish at the end of Wishes and IT CAME TRUE!!! The wish that came true will be revealed soon. I am SUPER happy about it and so is DH!

***********************************

It was a wonderful one day trip to Disney World! I thought that I would be left with a feeling of sadness because it was ONLY one day, but with our relaxed pace and relaxed attitude, one day was just enough for a great Disney fix!

I agree... a great little fix!
How wonderful that you eventually got your room in the Mansions section!

We've stayed at POFQ, but never POR, so I really enjoyed your pix; especially that majestic oak! Talk about recycling!! :goodvibes

I'm thrilled that the wish your heart made came true!! :cloud9:

Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

08-03-2009, 09:23 PM

hmmm....a wish that makes you and DH happy??? I would guess its not a trip back to WDW but maybe a baby??? You know you are going to have to reveal this soon!! Its going to drive me crazy!! LOL!!!

Well, I'd be VERY happy with either a trip to WDW or a baby...

I loved the new napkins and cups, too! :lmao:

Hurray for a room in the Magnolia Bend section!

I can't believe you are going to make us wait to find out what your wish during Wishes was!!!! :rolleyes:

The cups were so cute and colorful! And the napkins were so much fun. It's the little things, huh?

Soon I will reveal the wish!

OMG you are going to leave us with the cliff hanger about the wish an the end of Wishes :eek:? How long are we going to have to wait? I will admit after I read that line I immediately skimmed to see if you would tell us at the end of the installment, then dejected I scrolled back up :rotfl:.

So I will be impatiently waiting until you reveal your wish popcorn::.

I'm sorry to leave you hanging! Soon I will tell you my wish!

Julie,

loved the end of your Day TR to MK....you did more than I expected...very cool! :thumbsup2

How fun to do new things and many of your favorites too. Isn't seeing Tink :tink: coming down from the castle just awesome!!!! I've missed her the last 2 trips, but it is a MUST for next year!

the TrenD store looks really cute! it would be dangerous for me too...the print on the dress and bag is the print on the inside of my hoddie I bought this yr, I love it!

So I hope you won't leave us hanging too long on your WISH pixiedust: and I really hope it has something to do w/ a little bundled wrapped in pink or blue :flower3:

Julie 2 (Scrappie)

Seeing Tink was SO cool. It was my first time with a clear view and it was awesome!

I love that print! I think I saw that hoodie too. I don't know how I resisted.

I'll tell you my wish soon!

I agree... a great little fix!
How wonderful that you eventually got your room in the Mansions section!

We've stayed at POFQ, but never POR, so I really enjoyed your pix; especially that majestic oak! Talk about recycling!! :goodvibes

I'm thrilled that the wish your heart made came true!! :cloud9:

Kathy

I was really happy to be moved to the mansions. The insides of the rooms are decorated so much better than the Alligator Bayou section!

:goodvibes

SwansLoveDisney

08-03-2009, 09:38 PM

In answer to your questions, my wish was that we would be blessed with a baby and we recently found out that we are expecting!!! :yay::woohoo::banana:

DH and I are so very happy with this news! We have been hoping and wishing for this for a little while and we are thrilled that our wishes have come true.

So far, I've just been very tired. No sickness yet, thank goodness!

We're expecting our bundle of joy on March 28, 2010. It seems like a long way off. I kind of wish we could fast forward to the baby's arrival, but at the same time, I hope to really enjoy this pregnancy.

We haven't told very many of our real life friends yet (in case something should go wrong), so if you are my facebook friend, please don't mention it on my facebook!

So get ready for a new little DISer! :goodvibes

mrsksomeday

08-03-2009, 09:47 PM

Charleston Princess

08-03-2009, 09:48 PM

Congratulations, Julie!!! I was so hoping that was the wish that had come true!!! I am just so happy for you!!! :hug:

k_reile

08-03-2009, 09:52 PM

Julie!!! I am soo excited for you and Gordon!!! Enjoy your pregnancy because it goes soo fast!! That baby will be here before you know it!! And before you know it you will be planning their first birthday party!!! I can;t believe my little guy is 10 months old!! :sad1: BUt think of it this way by the time I get back from WDW (we're thinking feb 6-13) you won;t have much longer to go!!!

SwansLoveDisney

08-03-2009, 09:58 PM

:banana::cheer2::banana::goodvibes:banana::yay::ch eer2::goodvibes:banana:

YAY!!! Congratulations!!! I am so very happy for you both, a little DISer.

I cried a little when I read your news, you are such a lovely person and will be a fantastic Mommy!!!!

Thanks Tracy! :goodvibes

Congratulations, Julie!!! I was so hoping that was the wish that had come true!!! I am just so happy for you!!! :hug:

Thank you Jackie! :goodvibes

Julie!!! I am soo excited for you and Gordon!!! Enjoy your pregnancy because it goes soo fast!! That baby will be here before you know it!! And before you know it you will be planning their first birthday party!!! I can;t believe my little guy is 10 months old!! :sad1: BUt think of it this way by the time I get back from WDW (we're thinking feb 6-13) you won;t have much longer to go!!!

Thanks Kara! :goodvibes

I can't believe your baby boy is going to be one so soon!

Native NYer

08-03-2009, 10:35 PM

Congrats Julie!!!!!

Now that I'm back on the DIS, I have to go back and read your tr!

xoktenox

08-03-2009, 10:54 PM

Congratulations Julie!!! I'm so happy for you guys! What a great wish to make and have actually come true :cloud9:

DisneyJoo2008

08-04-2009, 03:08 AM

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very pleased for you - what wonderful news!

Enjoy every bit of your pregnancy and look after you and your little baby beanie! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

SwansLoveDisney

08-04-2009, 09:35 AM

Congrats Julie!!!!!

Now that I'm back on the DIS, I have to go back and read your tr!

Thank you!

Welcome back!

Congratulations Julie!!! I'm so happy for you guys! What a great wish to make and have actually come true :cloud9:

Thank you so much!

I am so happy too! :goodvibes

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very pleased for you - what wonderful news!

Enjoy every bit of your pregnancy and look after you and your little baby beanie! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you!

I can't believe your little guy is already 2 months old!

mousescrapper

08-04-2009, 10:26 AM

luvfigment

08-04-2009, 12:23 PM

Congrats Julie!!! I am so happy for you! Now we can look forward to the baby's first trip in a couple of years!

Kerri

luvfigment

08-04-2009, 12:37 PM

SO i just read the day at MK! It looks like you had a great time. The funnel cake looks yummy. The new TenD store looks really nice and tempting.

lisalonglash

08-04-2009, 12:50 PM

MeMom

08-04-2009, 04:47 PM

Yay! :banana: Hooray! :cheer2:
Congratulations! I know how much you have wanted this, and you will be great parents. I'm glad you got back closer to family so that they can be around the baby a lot.

Before you know it, you'll be taking pictures something like this:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/LastpartofDisneySummer2009465.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/LastpartofDisneySummer2009466.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/LastpartofDisneySummer2009596.jpg

That's Bella from just a few days ago at Magic Kingdom and on the beach at Wilderness Lodge. :love: Just had to show her off, and I didn't figure you'd mind.

Keep us posted on how you are feeling, and of course we'll have to know about all the progress on 'our' new DIS baby as you go along!

BrooklynnsMommy

08-04-2009, 04:51 PM

Congratulations Julie!!!!!!!! It will change your world forever. I will keep you and the little one in my thoughts and prayers for an easy pregnancy. The time will fly and before you know it March will be here and you will be trying to figure out what you ever did before that beautiful little baby arrived.

KathyRN137

08-04-2009, 07:04 PM

congratulations!!

http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp190/FindStuff2/Best%20Images/Families/BESTbaby_feet.gif

I'm so happy for you both!!

March is a great time to have a baby... it's Tricia's birth month, too!! :shamrock:

Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

08-04-2009, 07:57 PM

Julie and your DH,

Congratulations on your news and the little bundle of blessing to be arriving next year!!!!

:cloud9: :cutie: :littleangel: princess: :groom: :flower1:

love the new ticker...that will be fun to watch "grow" along these next 9 months....

we'll so need to plan a Chicago Dis-meet now....how fun!

Thanks for sharing the great news w/ us!

Julie 2 (Scrappie) :goodvibes

Thank you so much Julie! A Chicago Dis meet would be awesome! I'm up for that anytime!

Congrats Julie!!! I am so happy for you! Now we can look forward to the baby's first trip in a couple of years!

Kerri

Thanks Kerri!

Haha! I was just talking to DH the other night about when the first Disney trip will be with our little one!

SO i just read the day at MK! It looks like you had a great time. The funnel cake looks yummy. The new TenD store looks really nice and tempting.

I love those funnel cakes. So delicious and so healthy! :rolleyes1

Yay!!! Congratulations to you both :hug: Wishing you a boring, enjoyable pregnancy and L&D, my friend :wizard: Yes, enjoy your pregnancy, it's truly a miraculous 9 months, truly! :yay:

Thanks Lisa!

The pregnancy has already been somewhat, um, eventful (there was a concern that it was ectopic, but an ultrasound confirmed that it's not), so I'm hoping that dies down in the coming months!

Yay! :banana: Hooray! :cheer2:
Congratulations! I know how much you have wanted this, and you will be great parents. I'm glad you got back closer to family so that they can be around the baby a lot.

Before you know it, you'll be taking pictures something like this:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/LastpartofDisneySummer2009465.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/LastpartofDisneySummer2009466.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/Summer%202009/LastpartofDisneySummer2009596.jpg

That's Bella from just a few days ago at Magic Kingdom and on the beach at Wilderness Lodge. :love: Just had to show her off, and I didn't figure you'd mind.

Keep us posted on how you are feeling, and of course we'll have to know about all the progress on 'our' new DIS baby as you go along!

I am SO happy that we are back near family for this time in our lives. It will make things MUCH easier!

I love the pics of Bella. She looks so happy!princess:

Of course I'll keep you posted on the progress of this little one. I'm going to start the Disney training in utero with lots of Disney music and movies!

Congratulations Julie!!!!!!!! It will change your world forever. I will keep you and the little one in my thoughts and prayers for an easy pregnancy. The time will fly and before you know it March will be here and you will be trying to figure out what you ever did before that beautiful little baby arrived.

Thanks Jill!

It's hard to imagine having the baby here with us, but I can't wait!

SwansLoveDisney

08-04-2009, 07:58 PM

SwansLoveDisney

08-06-2009, 10:27 PM

MAGICFOR2

08-06-2009, 11:55 PM

MAGICFOR2

08-06-2009, 11:57 PM

Oops! I see I should have read back - I just got excited and posted:goodvibes I've been teaching at church Day Camp this week - a little scattered.

k_reile

08-07-2009, 06:25 AM

Julie so glad you heard that heartbeat!! We didn;t hear Caleb's until 10 wks or so...it might have been later...I can;t remember. I know the first couple of visits we could not hear it but they said it was common not to hear it for a while. Course everyone teased us that alot of times if you can;t hear it that there could be twins!! LUCKILY for us...it was only one!! :lmao:

Do you think you will find out the gender of the baby when the time comes or do you want it to be a suprise??

MeMom

08-07-2009, 06:36 AM

So I had an appointment yesterday for an ultrasound.

Even though we had seen that the baby was in the right place last time, I was a little anxious about this ultrasound as it was possible that we would see a heartbeat today!

Keeping our fingers crossed, we went into the room for the ultrasound and we found a heartbeat! We saw the little heartbeat flickering on the screen. 128 beats per minute to be exact! I think the baby is 2.2 millimeters long at this point. Tiny little thing!

After seeing that, I feel like we can REALLY get excited now! :banana:

It's amazing to know that all of this is going on inside me. I love it! :love:

It's awesome, isn't it? I remember with Jill literally shaking my head thinking, 'I made a another person!' I had never felt a love so overwhelming in my life, and I would sit and hold her and just watch her breathe. It's the most amazing feeling, and now all these years later, I do the same thing with Bella. She looks so much like Jill did as a baby that it's like holding her all over again.

Thanks for sharing your doctor visit with us. It's good to hear that your little peanut is drumming away in there! Do you find yourself writing down lists of girl names and boy names and then putting different middle names with those trying to find the perfect fit? :)

SwansLoveDisney

08-07-2009, 05:59 PM

Julie!!! Just saw your little ticker! Congratulations!!!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::b anana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::ban ana:

When are you due? My DDIL just found out she's pregnant - due in April.

Thank you!!!

And congratulations to you and your DDIL and your son!

Oops! I see I should have read back - I just got excited and posted:goodvibes I've been teaching at church Day Camp this week - a little scattered.

This was a LONG week for me as well. TGIF!

Julie so glad you heard that heartbeat!! We didn;t hear Caleb's until 10 wks or so...it might have been later...I can;t remember. I know the first couple of visits we could not hear it but they said it was common not to hear it for a while. Course everyone teased us that alot of times if you can;t hear it that there could be twins!! LUCKILY for us...it was only one!! :lmao:

Do you think you will find out the gender of the baby when the time comes or do you want it to be a suprise??

Twins run in my family (my dad's mom had THREE SETS of twins!), so I was a little apprehensive about that. They've only found one baby, though, so we can rest easy!

I would like the gender to be a surprise, but DH wants to find out. So we'll see...

Did you find out?

It's awesome, isn't it? I remember with Jill literally shaking my head thinking, 'I made a another person!' I had never felt a love so overwhelming in my life, and I would sit and hold her and just watch her breathe. It's the most amazing feeling, and now all these years later, I do the same thing with Bella. She looks so much like Jill did as a baby that it's like holding her all over again.

Thanks for sharing your doctor visit with us. It's good to hear that your little peanut is drumming away in there! Do you find yourself writing down lists of girl names and boy names and then putting different middle names with those trying to find the perfect fit? :)

Awww...I can't wait till I can hold my baby!

DH and I have been talking names pretty much since we got married. You'd think we would have it nailed down by now, but I change my mind all the time. I think DH will go with pretty much whatever I choose. Such a big decision!

mousescrapper

08-07-2009, 10:31 PM

that is wonderful news...how exciting...so many wonderful moments to come :cloud9:

DisneyJoo2008

08-08-2009, 03:17 AM

Great news on your ultrasound! Its amazing seeing that heartbeat for the first time! MeMom is right about the overwhelming love you have for your little one - its wonderful growing a bond during pregnancy and its even stronger when they finally decide to make an appearance and join us in this world!!! (I say fine as my little guy was 11 days late!!!)
HUGE Congratulations again! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

DisneyJoo2008

08-08-2009, 03:22 AM

Double post, sorry!

xoktenox

08-08-2009, 03:20 PM

Congrats on hearing the baby's heartbeat!! That's so amazing, I can't even imagine how excited you and your DH are. Are you guys going to find out the sex before that baby is born?

luvfigment

08-11-2009, 12:33 PM

Congrats on hearing the heartbeat! You must be so excited!!! DH and I have been the same way with names keep coming up with them find something you like then change it. How have you been feeling?

lisalonglash

08-11-2009, 12:49 PM

So I had an appointment yesterday for an ultrasound.

Even though we had seen that the baby was in the right place last time, I was a little anxious about this ultrasound as it was possible that we would see a heartbeat today!

Keeping our fingers crossed, we went into the room for the ultrasound and we found a heartbeat! We saw the little heartbeat flickering on the screen. 128 beats per minute to be exact! I think the baby is 2.2 millimeters long at this point. Tiny little thing!

After seeing that, I feel like we can REALLY get excited now! :banana:

It's amazing to know that all of this is going on inside me. I love it! :love:

I understand about being anxious to hear that little galloping heartbeat :thumbsup2 Yep, teensy-tiny - we called each our boys "the peanut" until I could feel them moving :rotfl2:

Oh, as for resting easy on the twin question because the doctor only heard one heartbeat, don't rest easy just yet. An u/s when you're a fair bit farther along will be more definitive. Don't shoot me, I'm just sayin' :laughing:

julezdisney

08-13-2009, 09:28 AM

Congratulations Julie!!!! I've been absent for a while, I know :(

But I was so happy to read your title update- congrats congrats congrats!

March is a good time for baby to come- plenty of time for walks w/the stroller after the snow melts to get rid of lbs!

PinkTink2009

08-13-2009, 09:44 AM

I booked our hotel last week! :woohoo:

We're all set up for SIX NIGHTS at POP Century! This will be my longest Disney trip ever!!! :banana: I know to some of you, that's a short jaunt! :rotfl:

We will call POP home from November 27, 2008 to December 3, 2008.

We (I) chose POP because I know Gaston will be happy with the price! He and I stayed there on his only Disney trip, and we both liked it. Also, my friends and I stayed at AKL last trip and I felt so guilty the whole time because we didn't spend enough time at the hotel. It was such an amazing place and we didn't take the time to enjoy it. So value it is!

Gaston, his mom, and I will be flying on Southwest rapid reward credits, so we can't fly the day before Thanksgiving (blackout date). That means we'll be flying on Thanksgiving day. I think there's only one non-stop flight from Phoenix to Orlando each day, and that has us arriving at 4 or 5. Unfortunately, the Southwest flight schedule only goes till August right now, so we can't book the flights yet. I will be so happy when we can book those!!!

My parents will be flying from Chicago, so they'll have lots of options for flights. I miss those short flights from Chicago to Orlando!

We'll all be using Magical Express for the first time. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm nervous about them getting my luggage! Also, I like that the limos will stop at the grocery store on the way. But in the name of a less expensive trip, ME it is!

I can't make ADRs yet, but I'm already planning them! (I can't believe I started my PTR before I could make ADRs!)

Of course, we need to have a Thanksgiving dinner somewhere! Does anyone have any ideas where we should eat for Thanksgiving dinner? Oh, we won't have park hoppers for the first day, so it has to be somewhere not in a park.

As for plans for the dogs, we have yet to discuss where they'll stay. One thing I know for sure is that Roxy will have new things to add to her Disney collection after this trip!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/PC250244.jpg

And so will Indy!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/PB070230.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/PB070226.jpg

That's it so far!

Our dog, Splinter, has the same collar!

PS-CONGRATS!!!!!!!!

jordanyosh

08-18-2009, 02:28 AM

Congrats Julie!

MaceysMom

08-18-2009, 02:40 AM

Congrats on the pregnancy!!!! Being a mommy is so fun!!!

DisMomAmy

08-18-2009, 10:25 PM

Congratulations Julie!!!

I'm way behind on your TR but when I saw mousescrapper refer to you as "Mama Julie" I had to hop right over here to see what was going on!

That's such wonderful news - I'm so happy for you & your DH too. :goodvibes

MeMom

09-03-2009, 05:57 AM

Just checking in on you and the little one! :)

mousescrapper

09-03-2009, 11:27 AM

popcorn::

just giving you a friendy bump too and hope all is well....

SwansLoveDisney

09-08-2009, 10:05 AM

Hi everyone!

Thanks for all the well wishes!

All is well with the baby, me, and DH. I will go today for another doctor appointment. No ultrasound today, but hopefully, we'll be able to hear the heartbeat on the doppler.

I've been SO SO SO tired and SO SO SO nauseated for the past month! The nausea I can deal with...it's really annoying, but not unbearable. The being tired, though, that's killing me! So, all my mommy friends, please tell me it's going to go away after week 12!

My little family has had some very busy times lately. DH went to Taiwan to visit his brother for 10 days, then I left for Las Vegas for my 30th birthday trip with my 3 dear girlfriends, then we had a big old 30th birthday bash for me Saturday. And I wonder why I'm tired...

DH and I are talking names and we're getting close to deciding. With my indecisiveness, however, I'm sure the name choices will change several times between now and March 30!

I hope all is well with all of you!

mousescrapper

09-08-2009, 10:48 AM

jordanyosh

09-08-2009, 01:05 PM

Again, Jordan is a great name for both a girl or a boy. It's a popular name, but rarely in the top 10 names of the year....Just sayin;)

Charleston Princess

09-08-2009, 01:07 PM

Hi, Julie! So glad to hear everything is going well with you and the baby! Yes, the tiredness goes away during the middle part of the pregnancy. :goodvibes

Sarilas

09-08-2009, 02:03 PM

That's right; by the second trimester you'll be good as gold!

mrsksomeday

09-08-2009, 02:09 PM

Hi Julie!! So great to see you on here. Happy Belated Birthday. I hope you had a great time in Vegas. Bill and I are talking about going there in the spring so if you have any tips please share.

SwansLoveDisney

09-08-2009, 03:29 PM

Hi Julie,

Glad to hear you and baby are well...despite the "wonderful" blessings that come along w/ being pregnant ;)

Yes that tired phase does get better...can't say so much right at 12 weeks...but you will be on an up trend w/ feeling better till about 30 weeks or so then you will tired again....

hang in there..the fun parts of being pregnant are coming soon!

Julie (too) :lovestruc

I can not wait for the fun parts of being pregnant! The icky stuff is annoying, but it will absolutely be worth it in the end.

I keep telling myself that all of you moms of more than one went through all of this while dealing with other young children. I just have a job, a husband, and dogs to take care of, so I should be able to deal just fine!

Again, Jordan is a great name for both a girl or a boy. It's a popular name, but rarely in the top 10 names of the year....Just sayin;)

I agree, Jordan is a wonderful name for either a boy or girl. However, we already have a Jordan in the family, so we have to stay away from it! With 50 cousins on my dad's side, there are a lot of names that are off limits!

Hi, Julie! So glad to hear everything is going well with you and the baby! Yes, the tiredness goes away during the middle part of the pregnancy. :goodvibes

Thanks Jackie!

I can't wait for the tiredness to go away. I feel bad for all my patients lately. I just don't have the same energy. I'm excited for the real Julie to come back!

That's right; by the second trimester you'll be good as gold!

Yay!!! :banana:

Hi Julie!! So great to see you on here. Happy Belated Birthday. I hope you had a great time in Vegas. Bill and I are talking about going there in the spring so if you have any tips please share.

Hi Tracy!

I have plenty of Vegas tips for you! Just PM me when you're ready for them!

Native NYer

09-08-2009, 07:52 PM

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

k_reile

09-08-2009, 07:56 PM

Hi, Julie! So glad to hear everything is going well with you and the baby! Yes, the tiredness goes away during the middle part of the pregnancy. :goodvibes

but it comes back again in the 3rd!! lol!!

Charleston Princess

09-08-2009, 09:27 PM

but it comes back again in the 3rd!! lol!!

I wasn't going to tell her that, yet! :ssst: ;)

DisneyJoo2008

09-09-2009, 03:24 PM

Sadly I had sickness until about 26-weeks, although I was actually throwing up so maybe I had a bad luck thing with that!

But when they smile at you like this... you forget about it all!

So great to hear everything is ok!

Julie and Toby (4 months!)
xxxxx

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs209.snc1/7625_149804195814_509990814_3473513_1193347_n.jpg

SwansLoveDisney

09-10-2009, 08:47 AM

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! :goodvibes

but it comes back again in the 3rd!! lol!!

:scared1:

Hopefully in the 3rd trimester, I won't be as stubborn about sticking it out for my 12 hour days at work. Right now, I have a hard time knowing when to say when with that.

I wasn't going to tell her that, yet! :ssst: ;)

Thanks for trying to protect me Jackie!

Actually, in my extensive (obsessive?) reading, I have seen that the exhaustion returns at about week 30. I just hope it actually does go away for me in between!

Sadly I had sickness until about 26-weeks, although I was actually throwing up so maybe I had a bad luck thing with that!

But when they smile at you like this... you forget about it all!

So great to hear everything is ok!

Julie and Toby (4 months!)
xxxxx

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs209.snc1/7625_149804195814_509990814_3473513_1193347_n.jpg

Awwww...he's SO adorable!

I can't believe you were sick until 26 weeks! :scared1:

DisMomAmy

09-11-2009, 11:39 AM

Hi Julie! Hope you start feeling better soon. I didn't have much morning sickness with either of my boys, but I definitely felt the best during the second & early part of the third trimesters. :thumbsup2

SwansLoveDisney

09-11-2009, 06:14 PM

luvfigment

09-12-2009, 04:50 PM

Hey Julie! I am glad everything is going pretty good with the pregnancy besides the nausea and being tired. Happy Belated Birthday and hope you had a great time in Vegas.

SwansLoveDisney

09-13-2009, 09:19 PM

Hey Julie! I am glad everything is going pretty good with the pregnancy besides the nausea and being tired. Happy Belated Birthday and hope you had a great time in Vegas.

Thank you! :goodvibes

Vegas was tons of fun! It was wonderful to get to spend so much time with 3 of my bestest friends!

SwansLoveDisney

09-13-2009, 09:56 PM

Guess what I'm in the process of doing!?!

I'm uploading all the rest of my pics from my Thanksgiving trip to Photobucket!

I am determined to finish this thing and I want to finish it before a year has passed since the trip!

I am off work Tuesday, so if you're still with me, check for a long overdue update Tuesday!

mousescrapper

09-14-2009, 11:02 AM

popcorn::

Can't wait!!!

KathyRN137

09-14-2009, 11:24 AM

Yay!! :yay:

Kathy

SwansLoveDisney

09-15-2009, 10:20 AM

When last I left you, DH and I had left the rest of the family (my mom, dad, brother, and sister-in-law) at DHS.

DH and I wanted to rest up before the Candlelight Processional, one of the things that I was looking forward to most on the trip!

We took the bus back to POP and took a quick nap, then headed over to Epcot.

On our way into the park, we noticed that the Spaceship Earth line was non-existent, so we walked through the line onto the ride.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00617-1.jpg

For some reason, I appreciated Spaceship Earth so much more this time than I ever had before. I don't know if it's because the ride has been enhanced or because I'm more mature and able to appreciate things like that more!

I loved it that they took our pics and determined our future!

What did I say about being more mature?
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00625.jpg

After the ride, we did some of the tests/games in the dump area. Due to our competitive natures, we spent a little too much time in the dump area!

Next, we got on the boat to cross the lagoon to head over to the World Showcase. I had a taste for some Disney popcorn, so DH got in the LONG line for the Candlelight Processional and I went off in search of some popcorn. And I could not find ANY popcorn anywhere! Bummer!

I ran back over to where DH was and I had to crawl under some ropes to get to where he was in line. I felt like bad line cutter!

Even though the line was super long and we were nowhere near the front, we got some pretty good seats.

There was still about a half hour until the show would start and it was COLD outside! We were freezing! I had so many layers of clothes on that I thought I would be fine, but the Arizonan in me was wishing for my down coat!

Soon, the show began!

The orchestra came out and began to warm up
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00631.jpg

Then Voices of Liberty came out :banana:
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00632.jpg

The choir began to proceed in with their candles
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00634.jpg

Blurry pic, but there's everyone up on stage
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00636.jpg

There's a better pic!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00639.jpg

Then Neil Patrick Harris came out onto stage. It's kind of hard to see him in this pic, but he has a spot light on him
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00641.jpg

It was when Neil Patrick Harris came out and began to read the stories from the Bible that I began to warm up. I did not think again about being cold! Hearing the story of Christmas alternated with the unbelievable sounds of the orchestra, Voices of LIberty, and the choir was deeply moving for me. I teared up several times. DH was captivated also. DH and I have since discussed how wonderful it was that we were celebrating the story of Christmas and celebrating our Christianity in the middle of Disney World. And let me tell you, Neil Patrick Harris had a wonderful speaking voice that sounded like it just belonged up there with that choir!

These guys made me nervous standing up on that wall. I kept thinking they were going to fall off when they got to playing the songs!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb315/julieswanster/DSC00644.jpg

If you have never been to the Candlelight Processional and you will be at Disney World when it is going on, YOU MUST GO SEE IT!!! It was amazing, wonderful, moving, inspiring. It was perfect. I loved every minute of it!

I have videos that I took during the show, but I don't know how to post those!

All too soon, the Candlelight Processional was over and now we had to go find my family, who had been late (of course) getting to Epcot and had not been able to get seats. I felt bad for them that they had to stand on the outskirts to see this beautiful show.

Up Next: Dinner around the world!

mousescrapper

09-15-2009, 01:17 PM

Charleston Princess

09-16-2009, 10:12 PM

When I first read your update, I was at school and couldn't see the pictures. Now I am home, can see the pictures, and am able to comment!

Your SSE pic is great!!! I should do that on our next trip (and make Charles make a funny face, too)! :laughing:

The Candlelight Processional sounds so wonderful -- I would love to see it one day! :goodvibes

KathyRN137

09-16-2009, 11:45 PM

Hooray for an update! :woohoo:

Wasn't the CP just beautiful?! We were fortunate enough to see it in 2005... Ciciley Tyson was our narrator and she was excellent,too. In fact, I think we were sitting exactly where you were!

Sorry the rest of the family had to stand in the crowd... but at least they were able to enjoy all the wonderful music!

Kathy

mrsksomeday

09-16-2009, 11:56 PM

I have to see the Candlelight Processional one day, I just have to. The pictures were great, I would love to have Neil as a speaker.

Your SE pic was great :thumbsup2.

SwansLoveDisney

09-19-2009, 07:53 AM

Ok Julie,

how cold was cold....:confused3 are we talking below 60, 50 or 40 degrees....

you are an Illinoin (msp?) now what are are you going to do this winter when it's like -10 degrees outside...;) JK

but seriously that would be good to know how cold does it get at night in November?

next question, about how long before the show did you arrive for seats?

As you know our next trip will be the week preceeding Thanksgiving and the the weekend after, as of right now we are planning to stay thru that Sat right after and the Osbourne Lights and this the Candelight processional start both on the Friday after Thanksgiving (going off the 09 calendar sure it will be the same for '10 too)...w/ that potentially being our last night at Disney we'll have to pick just one...I am a bit torn, they both would be amazing, although the CL processional would be so much more meanigful and probably equally full of awe.

Not sure if we could manage going to one park in the morning, then park hop to Epcot for this and then PH again to DHS for the lights...can you even do that?

Ok sorry I digressed from YOUR TR, not planning my trip...

any thoughts or ideas would be great here. :idea:

I'm sure it was just amazing, so glad you were able to experience that and I just love your "mature" pic on SSE...:rotfl:

Julie (too)

Okay, so I *think* it was probably low 50s or maybe high 40s when we were freezing. Keep in mind that that's about as cold as it EVER got when we were living in Phoenix, and even that was RARE! So we were (are?) a little wimpy when it comes to cold weather, but my brother and SIL live in Wisconsin and they were also very cold and wishing for more winter clothing!
It was usually fine during the day, but then at night, it started to get pretty darn cold. The previous times we had been there at Thanksgiving (2 other times), I don't remember it being that cold. But I would definitely pack some layers for everyone for your trip at that time!

I think we arrived a little less than one hour early for the Candlelight Processional. And we got better seats than I thought we would! :thumbsup2
Maybe because it was the Monday night following Thanksgiving?

I am ashamed to say that in 3 trips to Disney World at Thanksgiving, I have never, ever seen the Osborn lights. That was on my list on this last trip and it just never happened. I am pretty bummed about that, but I guess it's something that I'll have to do in the future!

I hear it's amazing, so if you can do both, I would do it!

When I first read your update, I was at school and couldn't see the pictures. Now I am home, can see the pictures, and am able to comment!

Your SSE pic is great!!! I should do that on our next trip (and make Charles make a funny face, too)! :laughing:

The Candlelight Processional sounds so wonderful -- I would love to see it one day! :goodvibes

When I KNOW they're taking my picture, I can't just smile and act normal!

You would LOVE the Candlelight Processional. CP (charleston princess) must see CP (candlelight processional)!

Hooray for an update! :woohoo:

Wasn't the CP just beautiful?! We were fortunate enough to see it in 2005... Ciciley Tyson was our narrator and she was excellent,too. In fact, I think we were sitting exactly where you were!

Sorry the rest of the family had to stand in the crowd... but at least they were able to enjoy all the wonderful music!

Kathy

Oh Ceciley Tyson would be amazing!

I just love the Candlelight Processional...I hope that I am able to see it again someday!

I have to see the Candlelight Processional one day, I just have to. The pictures were great, I would love to have Neil as a speaker.

Your SE pic was great :thumbsup2.

Yes, you do have to see the Candlelight Processional.

Neil was wonderful, but they could probably have my DH up there talking and it would still be amazing!