This is the trip that never ends! Yes it goes on and on my friends.. 10 days o' pics!

[Sarilas]

For your Quick Link pleasure:

Back from the beyond! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33377031&postcount=38)
Day 1 - Off to find our resort! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33382845&postcount=42)
Day 1 - A room of our own! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33402629&postcount=49)
Day 1 - You're going WHERE?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33423705&postcount=55)
Day 2 - Animal Kingdom, here we come! Pt. 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33429918&postcount=68)
Day 2 - Animal Kingdom, here we come! Pt. 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33429950&postcount=69)
Day 2 - What is this ride exactly? And way to go, Mom! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33432399&postcount=78)
Day 2 - How to soothe the savage 3 year old. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33432781&postcount=79)
Day 2 - Seriously?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33446560&postcount=84)
Day 2 - DeVine! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33447251&postcount=85)
Day 2 - The hunt for Rafiki. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33463907&postcount=96)
Day 2 - Are you eyeballin' me?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33464031&postcount=97)
Day 2 - A brisk walk and Downtown Disney. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33465205&postcount=98)
Day 2 - I see Tinkerbell! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33485692&postcount=109)
Day 3 - FINALLY, the castle! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33499582&postcount=121)
Souvenirs thus far! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33505672&postcount=129)
Day 3 - There's a show? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33509512&postcount=136)
Day 3 - There's a show? (Cont'd) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33510054&postcount=138)
Day 3 - Is that you, Fairy Godmother? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33546324&postcount=163)
Day 3 - Will she sit in it? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33557345&postcount=170)
Day 3 - Let's go see the singing dolls! (part 1) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33584566&postcount=179)
Day 3 - Let's go see the singing dolls! (part 2) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33584601&postcount=180)
Day 3 - My favorite ride! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33601262&postcount=192)
Day 3 - Tomorrowland is here! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33625512&postcount=225)
Day 3 - My childhood favorite! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33631393&postcount=237)
Day 3 - Well you look mighty familiar! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33632325&postcount=238)
Day 3 - Nightime fun at Magic Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33702506&postcount=253)
Day 3 - New frontiers and wishes (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33712620&postcount=260)
Day 3 - New frontiers and wishes, continued (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33712630&postcount=261)
Day 4 - Epcot Character Spot (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33726185&postcount=269)
Day 4 - SO not cool. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33763135&postcount=279)
Day 4 - Time to view the World! part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33846496&postcount=291)
Day 4 - Time to view the World! part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33846510&postcount=292)
Day 4 - Is this ever going to stop? part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33859821&postcount=302)
Day 4 - Is this ever going to stop? part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33859834&postcount=303)














party: Welcome to my FIRST EVER Trip Report! party:

Here's a little rundown for those who haven't followed along on my extensive PTR (found here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1854798)): My family and I had never been to Disney World before, and started planning this trip early last summer after the one year anniversary of my Mom's passing. We were all very tired from what 2007 had brought us and decided Disney World was just the ray of light we needed to get out of the funk we were in. I grew up going to Disneyland and my oldest two children had gone with me only once, but the other half of our clan had no clue what to expect. I was clued into the DIS boards by friends who I KNOW ARE STILL HERE BUT LURK, LURK, LURK! (Hi, girls!) -I honestly don't know what kind of trip we'd have ended up with without a board like this one and the information it holds.

The date of our trip and resort of choice changed many (many) times, but we finally settled on January 30 through February 8th, 2009 at Port Orleans Riverside.

The cast of characters were...

Myself and my husband
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/Trip%20Report/LaraandJosesmall.jpg

Our son Kyle
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/Trip%20Report/Kyle-small.jpg

Our daughters Tatiana...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/Trip%20Report/Tatiana-small.jpg

And Anastasia
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/Trip%20Report/Stasia-small.jpg

And Alexandra!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/Larushka/Disney/Trip%20Report/Lexi-small.jpg


I'm in the process of uploading, resizing and converting the 3,100 pictures I took over the ten days were were in Disney World, not to mention the 300+ PhotoPass pics taken by the good folks on site, so please bear with me if the beginning is a little slow going. There's a DIS meet (hi, GeminiAngel!), a DIS bus ride (hi, SoldiersMom!), pics of the new treehouse villas taken from the river during the day and at night (awesome) and much, much more.

Here is what you'll be reading about:

January 30 - Our arrival at POR and Downtown Disney
January 31 - Animal Kingdom... and Downtown Disney!
February 1 - Magic Kingdom
February 2 - Epcot
February 3 - DHS
February 4 - Magic Kingdom
February 5 - Epcot
February 6 - Magic Kingdom
February 7 - Epcot
February 8 - Animal Kingdom and our journey home.

Thanks for reading this far and I hope you enjoy the journey with me!

[Lady Lallie]

Yayayayaya!! I'm here, I can't wait to hear about your trip!


:banana: :woohoo: :dance3: :yay: :dance3: :woohoo: :banana:

[pooh'smate]

I'm here. Now I am going back to read.:)

[Sarilas]

Hurray!

And now I really am going to go back to working on pictures. It's a full time job at this point!

[GeminiAngel]

I'll start reading soon. I have a crushing headache. Think I'm dehydrated.

[Sarilas]

Oh no- I'll bet you're right. I started drinking vitamin water and such at the end of our trip becase I was so dehydrated. Next time, more fluids that don't include glow cubes and straws for me... ;)

[TarzansKat]

Hey, Lara! :yay: Happy to be checking in for your trip report. :goodvibes

[trixiequilts]

Hey! I can't wait to hear all about everything! :yay:

[MegansMom]

Hey sweetie, I'm here---take your time with the pictures......that is a LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lynn5700]

Awesome!! You're title is so cute! looking forward to reading!

[All7OfUs]

Sounds like great fun! Can I join too??

Looking forward to your trip, big time! See you soon,

[JenAusty]

Hey! I'm here and ready to read!! :cool1:

[jenjolt]

I'm here and ready to hear all about it!! Boy do I know about the organizing of pictures...holy moly I had 2300 and it was just me LOL!!! So take your time I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

[MRYPPNS]

I'll be back!

[Villainess]

I'm going to join in!

[Charleston Princess]

I'm here and so excited although I must admit that I now have a certain song stuck in my head!!! :lmao:

[dort]

Count me in on the fun. Going to sit back and read tonight:thumbsup2

[GeminiAngel]

popcorn:: Come on Lara. Let's get this puppy rollin!!!:rotfl2:
4 kids is not an excuse!:rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[mreid1974]

im in and looking forward to reading!!!

[MidgeHadley]

Hello! I'm new here. I'm joining in your report. I can't wait to hear about it. I love Port Orleans Riverside. Your family is adorable and your sons eyes are an awesome blue in that photo!

[Sarilas]

Thank you so much... and I will get this started, but the stomach flu has finally come for me. Should be A-OK within two days based on the fact that everyone else has already had it.

Send fluids.

[MidgeHadley]

Thank you so much... and I will get this started, but the stomach flu has finally come for me. Should be A-OK within two days based on the fact that everyone else has already had it.

Send fluids.

Get well soon!

Here's a cup of tea :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3275109310_7f5b986fb7_o.jpg

[nessz79]

Sorry to hear you're sick. I'm in when you're ready!

[GeminiAngel]

Thank you so much... and I will get this started, but the stomach flu has finally come for me. Should be A-OK within two days based on the fact that everyone else has already had it.

Send fluids.

OMG no!! Feel Better Lara. :hug:

[TarzansKat]

Thank you so much... and I will get this started, but the stomach flu has finally come for me. Should be A-OK within two days based on the fact that everyone else has already had it.

Send fluids.

:hug: I hope you feel better soon, hon. I too, was the last to get sick in my household. I didn't have the stomach flu, but this nasty nasty cold virus. I think last night was the first night I got one solid stretch of sleep all week! :lmao: I hope it's not as harsh on you as it was on me. :goodvibes

[2ScottishPrincesses]

De-lurking myself.....:goodvibes get well soon:flower3:

[If U Had Wings]

I'm in, can't wait to hear all about your trip.

Hope your feeling well soon!

[GeminiAngel]

How are you today Lara? I hope all is well. :hug:

[winkers]

I kept my looking for you, but no luck!
I hope you're feeling better!

[Cindeegyrl]

Can't wait to read about your trip!!

[Malificient Tater]

well I am going to read it all here till I have a chance to hear it alllllllll in person

I even came out of hiding just for you,

[GeminiAngel]

Hi Lara!

[Villainess]

Hope everyone is feeling better soon!

[If U Had Wings]

:flower3:

[JenAusty]

You're right.. when you titled it.. this trip does go on an on my friends...hehe I hope everything is going good.

[Sarilas]

Okay, my TR has been salvaged from the depths of the lost report files and I will FINALLY be sharing all our 3,000+ photos with you!

Truly better late than never, huh?

[If U Had Wings]

Glad to see you back!

[Sarilas]

Okay, back from the great beyond am I, and ready to pick up where I left off which was... at the beginning of course!

First thing first: I've missed you guys! Lots has been going on here, including my Dad's dialysis, my husband's final year of school, and my oldest two kids returning to public school so that I could go back to university myself! I'm a college student, again. I've gone back to get my Bachelor degree in Social Science and consequently my teaching license for secondary education. I am VERY excited about it, if not a little bit exhausted and schizophrenic (mom, daughter, wife, nurse, student, you get the idea). We're also planning on moving to California next year, which should prove to be interesting with seven people.

But this trip report is about something else entirely, isn't it! We had a fantastic time, I took over 3,000 pictures and I've even got video to share with you all.

See you in my next post for Day 1 of 10!

[Charleston Princess]

You have been busy!!! :eek: I think I am jealous of your move to California, and I am super thrilled you are getting ready to write this trip report! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

It has been CRAZY, but I'm excited to finally get my TR in motion!

[Sarilas]

I'm writing the first installment now- I should put out a warning that this thread will be very picture/video link heavy! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

We woke the family up early-early-early on Friday, January 30th to catch our 6:25 am flight from Nashville to Orlando, and surprisingly (or not so much) the kids were all really alert and prepared. The little girls were a bit confused, but amazingly well behaved. When we landed in Orlando just after 9 am there hadn’t been one hissy fit or scream session and we anxiously searched around to find Magical Express.

Finding it wasn’t easy with a couple of toddlers in need of breakfast.

Once we finally found the elevators (strollers times two!) and spotted the wonderful Magical Express signs, I navigated my way through the completely empty line while Jose and the kids took a breather and got their bearings back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xjx4wk0qQ8
Stasia was not exactly loving the cameras this trip. You'll see more of that soon... :laughing:

Bless the patient man who helped me flip my way through my travel documents and find what he needed!

We were told to head toward the red carpets, so off we went searching for the lane earmarked for Port Orleans Riverside.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV-O4Nwv9nY

There was only one person ahead of us; a single girl who stopped at the entrance to the lane. I thought we were supposed to go on up ahead toward the doors, but then I figured she must know something I don’t so we just stood behind her trying to assess the situation.

That’s when someone came up and asked her to move ahead to the front of the line.

After a very short wait in a very empty line, we were off to board our Magical Express bus! I couldn’t wait to watch the welcome video and FINALLY see the entrance signs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i03Z9WdjhAs

Kyle (excuse the red eye, I was too lazy to remove it!) on the ME bus
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3295373629_6d240b507d.jpg

Glancing past Anastasia in search of the sign!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3351737542_786eddf0f6_o.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xtBCVn6vG4

As the Luck o’ the DIS would have it, POR was the first stop! There had been a light rain the whole drive, and everything looked and smelled amazing. What a great first glimpse of things to come! (There were even a few ‘Million Dreams’ still hanging around!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTKqyc46xI4

The inside of the lobby is really quite breathtaking. The height of the ceiling alone just seems to add to the feeling of ease and relaxation!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mKfczuNsUI

After a very short wait, I got all of checked in and off in search of our room. We didn’t get the area I’d hoped for, unless I wanted to move the next morning, and believe me I didn’t. So we set out in search for building 38, refusing to let a little thing like room location spoil our fun.


Coming up next… Pretty island!

[If U Had Wings]

Love the videos. Glad to hear that the trip was off to a smooth start!

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for arriving in Orlando with no airplane hissy fits, and hurray for POR being the first stop on the Magical Express!!! Your trip is already off to a great start!!! :woohoo:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Hi subbing on ( I followed your link over from...hmmm i'm starting to get confused...) but anyway sounds like fun...:surfweb:

[Sarilas]

Glad to see you! I'm working on another installment now!

I'm also working on planning another trip!!! I've got my husband pretty well convinced, but now the question is try to go this year for Food & Wine or go next January in hopes of another killer deal like the 4/3 we took advantage of this year... decisions, decisions.

[All7OfUs]

Sounds like you had smooth sailing into "Port". Hooray for you! You certainly could feel your excitement right away upon stepping into your home away from home. Nice!

Hope you update soon :)

[JenAusty]

YAY! You're back! And thanks for the videos! I'm excited to hear more!

[Sarilas]

I loved loved LOVED walking across Ol’ Man Island. There was a slight drizzle falling and it was just so quiet and peaceful and green… unlike the frozen brown we’d just left behind at home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUhj9_RdTHs

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3295374437_0288081c9f.jpg

It didn’t take long to get to our room at all; I was a bit concerned about how often I’d want to make that walk after a few long days in the parks, but I figured in the grand scheme of things it was a minor sacrifice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLAfCV3osWo

Oh look, our building is FOUND!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/3295374489_2d0f34e2d8.jpg

Home sweet home… for ten glorious days.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3296199190_5d399a1039.jpg

A corner room! So much light and quiet… it was perfection.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3351737574_cb1e92213a.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3295373851_15ced04421.jpg

Tatiana in search of lost pirate booty. pirate:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3295373885_0dab82026a.jpg

Hurray, Mickey!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3296198382_4b00785201.jpg

After dropping off a few of our carryons we headed out to Downtown Disney for a good look around and of course… some shopping!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3296198914_a14e2b3e1b.jpg

Anastasia, ever ready to be photographed! :rotfl:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3350996685_5bb62685bb.jpg

And Alexandra, always bright and shiny.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3350996547_c716cf9520.jpg

Though that could just be the exposure of the camera…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3350996575_8e7b3a763a.jpg

Kyle looking… startled.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3350996729_8e9656f55e.jpg

Waiting on the dock for the boat to DD

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3438/3351822350_d8291940a1.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3351822564_b4c8de305b.jpg

And here it comes!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3350996803_d85b9ba6c9.jpg

Enjoy the ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuDMOKfMG6w

We enjoyed seeing French Quarter for the first time…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3B7twr8LA8

And the then unfinished Treehouse Villas!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3350996977_7acbc976cf.jpg

Lexi on her first ever boat ride!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3350996875_95f1b95798.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3658/3351823014_ee8d8cd51b.jpg

Tatiana enjoying the scenery…

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3350997101_cfdddb8469.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3350997235_d769352110.jpg


Up next… Downtown Disney and “You’re going WHERE?”

[Charleston Princess]

Score on the corner room! How exciting!

Everyone looks so excited to be at Disney and headed down the river!!!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Riverside looks charming...I love the looks of the grounds-very atmospheric...

I love the picture of Kyle...I have some DD ones that are similar...:lmao:

Looking forward to see what you did at DTD-how nice to have a boat to take you...:cloud9:

[If U Had Wings]

I've always wanted one of those corner rooms. It looks so lovely and sunny. The videos are making me a bit homesick though to go back! :)

[Sarilas]

I think writing this TR is what made me NEED to book for November! lol

Patricia, I just noticed you have a 14 year old too! Kyle's birthday is the 11th of this month. I can't wait till the 'meh' attitude passes!

[trixiequilts]

Lara! You're back!!! :yay:

I'm so excited to hear all about your trip, and good luck with school! :teacher:

[Sarilas]

Seeing Downtown Disney for the first time was AMAZING. I'd been reading about it online (living vicariously through all of you!) and we were finally here to see it ourselves. We went up the ramp that runs alongside the Rainforest Café and were immediately greeted by this!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3351822662_e73ebd9e90_b.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9WJ-Pvccdc

The first thing I needed to do was find Guest Relations in order to buy two gift cards for Kyle and Tatiana. They were getting their very own money with which to do whatever they wish! …Within reason. But when I finally found a map and tracked the building down, there was a CM outside redirecting everyone to the other side of the area where a temporary setup had been established while the building was under renovation!

So off we trekked, in search of buildings I’ve never heard of to try and follow the verbal directions we’d received. Luckily it wasn’t so difficult to miss THIS:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3350997163_0169869c38_b.jpg

Two gift cards and several hundred dollars later we were finally off to explore Downtown Disney!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWxYgcT3oKk

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3350996951_34a05709da_b.jpg

Only, it was about this time that my Jose started to feel poorly… REALLY POORLY. Bless his heart, he looked absolutely worn out and I didn’t even bother pulling the “BUT WE JUST GOT HERE!” card I normally would have. So I let him take Alexandra back to POR to take a breather while the rest of us made our way through the shops (and let’s face it, I feel far less guilty shopping when my husband’s not standing over my shoulder!).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEok_6NpOc8

We absolutely love the Lego creatures!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3350997047_6c3a3d5435_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3351823350_3a93038ff5_b.jpg

And Kyle had to give a shout-out to the Motherland! :laughing:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/3350997421_b5dce4cf2f_b.jpg

…Before we headed into the Lego store to spend most of the money I’d just given him.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3350997317_d0daf34cf5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3351823112_d87423070e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3351823148_b4922350a6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3453/3350997461_8bfb50461a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3351823290_fac36bd497_b.jpg

“My PRECIOUS!”

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3350997659_6a84d2595e_b.jpg

Then it was time for Kyle to suck it up while we shopped for his three sisters.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3351823518_06a83078c0_b.jpg

Finally we thought we’d head back, get Daddy and Lexi and decide where to have dinner. So back on the boat we went, and the kids had a grand time playing on the bridges leading to our room.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3295374293_4970ca2ab7_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3296198974_c67bd97960_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3295374371_ced810d240_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3296199074_d11b3dd0f5_b.jpg

Coming up next: Decisions, decisions…

[Sarilas]

Lara! You're back!!! :yay:

I'm so excited to hear all about your trip, and good luck with school! :teacher:

HI! I'm so glad to see you! How's it goin', what's new, what's the down-lo? :rotfl:

[winkers]

I'm so glad you're back!

[Sarilas]

HI! I'm totally reading your TR right now. lol

Your comments about the cheerleaders are spot on. We started running into them around Feb. 7 or 8th (our last days) and it made me realize how blissful the rest of our trip had been without 'em. Oy.

[winkers]

HI! I'm totally reading your TR right now. lol

Your comments about the cheerleaders are spot on. We started running into them around Feb. 7 or 8th (our last days) and it made me realize how blissful the rest of our trip had been without 'em. Oy.

the best is when you're on a bus with them and they decide the other 69 sardines riding want to hear their chants. good times, good times.;)

[Sarilas]

Word. My 13 year old son was chasing after them, clapping like a darn fool and repeating every chant they bellowed out.

I tried to stop him. Sort of...

[winkers]

Word. My 13 year old son was chasing after them, clapping like a darn fool and repeating every chant they bellowed out.

I tried to stop him. Sort of...

:lmao::lmao:
my 16 yr old was just drooling......:rolleyes:

[Sarilas]

Ah, what a difference a few years makes... lol

[Sarilas]

Back at Port Orleans Riverside we decided to go grab some quick service from Riverside Mill, and then go BACK to Downtown Disney because we were TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP. :rotfl:

Riverside Mill was never 'busy' the entire time we were there. Even at peak meal hours it was super quick and easy to grab a hot meal. Two thumbs up!

Fish sticks, pizza and kids chicken nuggets (QS Dining, henceforth known as QSD), fruit bowl (snack credit).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3460/3295374199_552eeaf10f_b.jpg

Jose's beef 'n bleu cheese sandwich. (QSD) He was 'meh' about it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3295374057_de7ac57d67_o.jpg

Kyle's burger

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3295374087_a99e2cab5a_b.jpg

Somebody's brownie and MY Magic Bar. Oh, Magic Bar, how I love thee. Let me count the ways... (Why are they always better when you buy them than they are when you make them at home?)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3295374153_7811a8e526_o.jpg

When dinner was finished we all headed back to DD!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3462/3351867276_af88a0404e_b.jpg

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The kids spotted a bunny hiding outside Ghiradelli!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3351041569_c1f34ea892_b.jpg

Tinkerbell takes flight... sort of.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3351867216_278571c15d_b.jpg

And Kyle spent some more of his Disney allowance.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3351867572_64fbd5326c_b.jpg

Before we headed home for the night we decided to grab a snack here!

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Then it was back to the boat dock and time to head 'home'.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3351868040_d3bb2c9fd6_b.jpg

What's this? LIGHTS? Who on earth cold I have been thinking of when I was taking pictures of lights? (Happy Birthday, LL!)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3351892566_d6e23373e5_b.jpg

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Treehouse Villa closest to the golf course.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3351066747_62fde42b5e_b.jpg

Stasia was OVER having the breeze from the boat blow her hair in her face. And she hates ponytails. This should say everything you need to know about how she was feeling about the boat by this time.

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Looky... lights INSIDE the Villa!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3351066851_426136f357_b.jpg

Back at the room, I let the kids open and attempt to dig in to their snacks... This was the oreo cookie:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3295374659_c81e26703d_o.jpg

And pretzel sticks!

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As the sugar rushes subsided we tucked in for the night, prepared to get up early in the morning and head to Animal Kingdom.

Lexi was sleeping in a Pack 'n Play. Lexi HATED THE PACK AND PLAY. She cried so much, and I felt so badly for her. We kept taking her out and hugging her, talking to her and telling her that it was alright, she was just going to go night-night and we'd all be with her in the morning. She was having none of it.

So night #1... less than stellar. (It did get easier for her as the 10 days went on, but she was just SO confused as to where her crib was and why we were in this strange place... Poor baby.)

Up next... Animal Kingdom, here we come!

[GeminiAngel]

Okay, back from the great beyond am I, and ready to pick up where I left off which was... at the beginning of course!

First thing first: I've missed you guys! Lots has been going on here, including my Dad's dialysis, my husband's final year of school, and my oldest two kids returning to public school so that I could go back to university myself! I'm a college student, again. I've gone back to get my Bachelor degree in Social Science and consequently my teaching license for secondary education. I am VERY excited about it, if not a little bit exhausted and schizophrenic (mom, daughter, wife, nurse, student, you get the idea). We're also planning on moving to California next year, which should prove to be interesting with seven people.

But this trip report is about something else entirely, isn't it! We had a fantastic time, I took over 3,000 pictures and I've even got video to share with you all.

See you in my next post for Day 1 of 10!



:yay::yay: Welcome Back!!! I really thought you were gone for good!
What a busy bee you have been. Wonderful news, you going back to school.
So far your report is just great. The photos are fantastic. I'm along for the ride.:thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

It was really starting to feel like I was gone for good. NOT a feeling I enjoyed, believe me.

I'm glad you're along for the ride... after all you are IN THE REPORT! lol

[Charleston Princess]

What a shame that Jose was not feeling good :(.

Ah, Legos and Light sabers -- Connor would approve. ;)

I am sitting here reading your update while I eat lunch, and now I really wish I had those fish and chips and a giant covered and smothered Oreo instead of a sandwich and chips. Disney food is always so yummy! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Kyle's light saber ended up being double sided. I was telling him there is no way the CM's were going to let him make a dual sided light saber, and not only did they let him they were hooking him up with extra crystals and what not! He was in hog heaven.

Dang that fish was good. lol

[Sarilas]

ah, morning.

On this morning we waited for the bus at the front of the resort; it was a bit of a hike but we weren't sure where the other bus stop was, and didn't want to risk figuring it out!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3351953336_95d4df8338_b.jpg

The wait was never very long at all, except for one day which I can no longer even remember.

Stasia was a wee bit apprehensive about this whole bus thing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3350914085_b305c23b03_o.jpg

The driver gave Kyle a handful of bus cards!

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It was just a LITTLE bit sunny that morning...

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Before you knew it we were pulling into the lot at AK and practically running for the entrance! (Again, we were just a we bit excited!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTbswi9hEbc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTZbxhtlUlc

And we were standing with the rest of the crowd, ready for rope drop!

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Then it happened... I spotted our first PhotoPass photog and made the family stop cold for a picture!

Don't they look... confused?! :rotfl:

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Then he said for everybody to ROAR! And I'm the only one who did!

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Needless to say, we had a little discussion about doing what the PhotoPass guy says for you to do! And they did. ;) Do you love Stasia hiding her face? She was having NONE of this!

That all changed when we saw THIS though!

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And THIS!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3351953950_e2434dc109_b.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgWEQ9Q2iYI

We knew exactly where we wanted to go first. So off we went to search for Expedition Everest!

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[Sarilas]

We let the boys go off on their own to ride Everest first... and check them out talking all kinds of smack about it! Don't worry... Everest took revenge on Jose. :lmao:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j29A8jkfm4I

Looks like it was easy enough to find! ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWuDD49dt6o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwo5pz1yWdI

There was absolutely no line, and we enjoyed that same lack of line atmosphere almost the entire ten days of our trip! (Late January in WDW gets two thumbs up!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjNL_9voGms

Jose started to get a bit nervous...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFYXE1AIMhI

Pardon my husbands mouth as the train begins its ascent in this video... you have been warned. :rolleyes1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRptFGl32aE

And when it was all over? :rotfl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4uOm6YYbZ4

Meanwhile, the girls and I meandered slowly through the park, taking pictures and enjoying the amazing detail on everything.

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As we passed Y&Y we decided this is where we'd have our QS lunch at the counter next door!

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The shrine

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Tatiana

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LOVE the signs

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And the lights, flags... everything was just awesome.

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And we finally found where we needed to wait for the boys!

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I don't know what's better here. Random rug-rats picking their noses in the background or the look on my husband's face... :lmao:

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The first thing Kyle did was RUN to get these:

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Which he and I used later in the day.

Coming up next... What is this ride exactly? And way to go, MOM!

[winkers]

The EE picture is hilarious!! Between the nose miners, Jose's look or fear and your sons rather bored expression......:lmao::lmao:

You took great pictures around everest! Gorgeous!

[Sarilas]

Thank you! I love the heck out of my camera. I can't wait to take more pics when we go back in November, now that I know how to really work the darn thing!

[JenAusty]

Your food looks yummy. Especially the brownie. :goodvibes

I love all your pictures. They are all clear and so focuses and bright. What camera do you use?! and your zoom capability is awesome. I need a new camera sooo bad. And I'm actually searching to buy a new one.

Goofy's Candy Co.!!!!!! :yay: Your snacks look soo yummy.

I love the second pic with a rawr!

Great pics of Animal Kingdom!

I like EE- but it was a little to intense for me.. and it seems that way for your Husband.. but the kids in the back are funny.

[If U Had Wings]

You have some wonderful pictures from the Animal Kingdom. I had to laugh over the videos from Everest. I love how your DH progresses from talking smack to the "Oh Nos!". The picture of him and Kyle is priceless.

[Sarilas]

I'm reading your TR right now, Jen!

The camera is a Nikon D40. When we started planning our January trip I researched every DSLR camera known to man, because I wanted to take amazing pics for our first trip to the World. The D40 delivered, big time! I seriously love it.

[Sarilas]

You have some wonderful pictures from the Animal Kingdom. I had to laugh over the videos from Everest. I love how your DH progresses from talking smack to the "Oh Nos!". The picture of him and Kyle is priceless.

I know, my husband had me ROLLING when we came home and watched all the videos. He can't wait to go back and take more videos. :rolleyes:

I kept trying to convince Kyle that he really did want to go, but he so totally doesn't. Sigh. I'm taking him to the Paramore concert on November 1st as a belated birthday present; that's his Disney right now, I suppose. ;)

[PracPerfPatricia]

Poor Jose...:sad2:...

Kyle looks like a pretty good sport around his sisters: that's a tough ration 1 older brother to 3 younger sisters...i love that he wanted legos and a light saber...DD's male friends are kind of cute that way...they'll get all excited and want to play with DS's toys...there girls are kind of busy being "Mature"...:lmao:

Your photos are lovely...beautiful pictures...

Poor Lexi-I hope she gets a little use to her PACK AND PLAY...:sad2:

[Sarilas]

Kyle's a really good kid; he didn't want to do the whole character thing at first but I convinced him it was mandatory. Meaning I begged him to do it for the family. lol

I think Lexi will be alright, though I have a feeling the first night or two might be a bit of a battle. This time I think we can be a bit more prepared though. We'll have her own pillow and blanky and such since we're driving down and don't need to worry so much about space for packing like we did when we flew...

[Sarilas]

Following the guys' memorable ride on EE, we followed the Yeti prints to discover new territory.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3352191584_cc47c4a2ce_b.jpg

And we came upon this!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3352191886_526bd6587c_b.jpg

It was a really chilly morning and the girls were still on the cranky side so once again Jose and Kyle decided to give it a whirl. :laughing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPcUTSwQoF4

And Jose got a little of the ride on video before the shaking made the camera go kaput.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3glONXE1ac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUfQ5Qph-cw

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3352192300_74f9c2be6f_b.jpg

While the guys were on the ride I noticed Goofy and Pluto just around the corner at a picture spot!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3351365365_32a4dbeff9_b.jpg

I'm not sure what's going on with Tatiana's hair here, but I love it. :rotfl:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3874132917_b554aa7554_b.jpg

Doesn't this just say EVERYTHING! :laughing: Bless her heart.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3874922020_da06ba4a9f_b.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irCd_7Zrts4

Genius flower border...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3351365593_607c144ac8_b.jpg



Coming up next... How to soothe the savage 3 year old.

[Sarilas]

So, yeah. Anastasia was REALLY freaked out by the characters. This was her first ever trip where anything that large was waving wildly at her while we photographed the goings on. I'll start saving for her therapy. ;)

I thought, "Oh, the boneyard! Stasia will love that!"

Not so much.

But he did!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3351405913_2cf904b896_b.jpg

Finally it was clear that there was only one way to tame the beast that was our cranky 3 year old.

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That's right. Snack time!

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And suddenly all was right with the world!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8fQomr_yjg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3351406089_a0b21702d3_b.jpg

It was pretty clear that lunch was in order by this time, so we headed off for...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3352297442_1482b592ac_b.jpg

Kids chicken 'n fries

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Kid, eating the chicken 'n fries (is that not a look of joy?!)

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King Pao Beef

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Sweet 'n Sour Pork

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Shrimp Lo Mein

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Key Lime Pie

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Chocolate Cake

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/3351472243_6b0f93896e_b.jpg


Coming up next... SERIOUSLY?!

[BenA81]

what did she not like about the boneyard? (subbing!)

[Sarilas]

Well, howdy! It wasn't that she didn't like the boneyard per se, it was that she didn't give it a chance. She was still so annoyed by being forced upon Pluto and Goofy that the boneyard was a lost cause. It wasn't until her sister was kind enough to give her that giant Mickey head sucker that she became human again.

[Charleston Princess]

Lara, your pictures are just so gorgeous!!! I have serious photography envy! :laughing:

Love the first "growling" photopass picture with no one doing it except you -- did you notice Jose is getting a good laugh during it? :lmao:

[Sarilas]

I did! He was absolutely roaring with laughter by the time the photographer had finished. He got into the spirit of things once he realized he wasn't being Punkd. lol

[Sarilas]

With full bellies, we started wandering around Animal Kingdom some more.

And we wandered right into...

The Beatniks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIVkTSDXEo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIVkTSDXEo

Kyle loves percussion so he was way into these guys.

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3351454851_bb3fd0be74_b.jpg

Kyle (and the crowd) with the noise sticks the band pass out during the performance.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/3351454999_344ccc83d0_b.jpg

Coming up next... DeVine!

[Sarilas]

Right about the time we wandered away from The Beaniks, Alexandra had a major meltdown. She was way tired and WAY used to getting naps every afternoon. I was hoping she'd crash in her stroller, but no such luck. Jose volunteered to take her back to POR so the rest of the kids and I could finish exploring the parks till our feet gave out. So off went Kyle, Tatiana, Anastasia and myself to see what we could find!

And boy did we get a find...

DeVine wandered right into our path! People were stopping dead in their tracks as she moved toward them, and you could see the looks on most faces like they were trying to comprehend what they were seeing.

In other words, it was AWESOME. ;)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3888019048_781d0de77a_b.jpg

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Coming up next: The hunt for Rafiki.

[winkers]

That's it....I want your camera!

[Sarilas]

I'm tellin' you, the DeVine pictures alone made me feel justified in asking for it before our trip!

[winkers]

I'm tellin' you, the DeVine pictures alone made me feel justified in asking for it before our trip!

sorry if I'm too nosey...how much did it cost?

[Sarilas]

I have no shame - be nosey! lol

I have to ask Jose, as he's the one who actually bought it for me. I can't remember exactly how much we paid for it, but I looked it up on Amazon (here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000KJQ1DG/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)) and it's $481; that's the camera body and the basic lens. I got a second lens that I used to take some of the far away shots, but honestly the kit lens it comes with isn't shabby. (Obviously!) I seriously heart it, and for a DSLR camera it's pretty inexpensive.

[praisehisname]

I love your report so far! Your pictures are so incredibly beautiful and clear!

Denise

[Sarilas]

Thank you so much, Denise! Only 8.5 days to go! lol

[NorweJenNY]

I'm thoroughly enjoying your photos!

And I love looking back at your POR pictures. Brings back memories of our last trip... we stayed there in July. It's a great place!

Looking forward to more!

[Sarilas]

Thank you so much, Jenny! I should have another installment up tonight; then at least I can say I got through the first full day!

[Lizzybear]

I'm in! Loving all your photos and your oldest DD's leopard mouse ears, I have to get me some of those! :cool1:

[Sarilas]

I'm in! Loving all your photos and your oldest DD's leopard mouse ears, I have to get me some of those! :cool1:

Welcome! The leopard print ears were at a little kiosk right by the boneyard. We still have them, and the Minnie ears and another pair of princess style ears that have held up all these months with a 2 and 4 year old; good quality! In fact I just packed them away for our next trip in two months... it's a surprise trip so things have to disappear slowly and gradually so as not to raise suspicions... ;)

[Sarilas]

After photographing the heck out of DeVine, we headed off in search of Rafiki!

But first, Kyle gave us an impromptu music performance.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/3888035686_ef2d8e21c1_b.jpg

And it was time to board the train.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/3887240295_9ef8c4432b_b.jpg

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I really enjoyed all there was to see (and photograph along the trail).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/3887240233_d81d6e5b7f_b.jpg

Inside the conservation center we found the guy we'd been in search of! See how excited Anastasia was? :laughing:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2537/3888035954_fe311357b9_b.jpg

We also found our conscience.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3888036066_51b284ec0b_b.jpg

And an indian princess!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3888036296_48e5d0e546_b.jpg

I totally counted this as the kids homeschool lesson of the day. ;)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3888036168_3b012790f9_b.jpg

We ran into this guy outside the building; does anyone know if he's called Push too, or does he have a different name? He was a recycling trash can... very awesome.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/3888035992_760434c0f9_b.jpg

But Anastasia wasn't loving a talking pile of metal any more than she did any other characters I'm afraid.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3887241011_0c8d845907_b.jpg

This woman was serenaded with "Happy Birthday" and the whole crowd joined in. A very Disney moment. :cloud9:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3888036460_f7dfc2c9c0_b.jpg

Soon it was time to head back to Harambe, and to think about catching up with Jose and Alexandra back at POR.

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Coming up next... Are you eyeballin' me?!

[Sarilas]

After visiting Rafiki and friends, the kids decided they were desperately in need of a ride.

Anastasia and I hung behind so I could get pictures of the big kids; they looked like they had such a great time!

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On our way out we stopped to visit some primates.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3352297794_257e316f73_b.jpg

This Mommy wasn't too pleased with my tourist behavior. "Are you eyeballin' me?!"

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3351472185_6aa7d62212_b.jpg

I love this, but somehow I think in my back yard it wouldn't have the same effect...

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It was too cold to dunk his head in the fountain (that's right, I said too COLD), but he couldn't resist playing in the water.

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And then it was time to say goodbye to Animal Kingdom, until later...

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And I forgot to post this in the appropriate place, but THIS is how you go on a roller coaster, Jose. :rotfl:

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Coming up next... A brisk walk and Downtown Disney.

[Sarilas]

On the bus back to POR we were, but we decided to get of at POFQ and walk back to our own resort; I have heard the walk is very pretty so we wanted to give it a try! In retrospect... We didn't realize how tired we were till we'd sat on the bus for a while and then tried to walk back 'home'!

Bridge between the resorts from the walking path.

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A little friend out enjoying the sun.

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Pretty.

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Tatiana, enjoying her life!

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Crossing the bridge nearest the mansion buildings.

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We gathered up Jose and Lexi from the hotel room, freshened up and decided to head to Downtown Disney for a little more shopping and some dinner at Wolfgang Puck Express!

Kyle loved the sea monster.

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Stay... Good dog.

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Why do boys feel the need to TOUCH everything?!

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You can kind of see the black 'rope' they had around the Lego family; I've not seen that in other pictures, so I'm wondering if they'd freshened them up and the 'rope was to keep people at a distance? Not that it stopped Kyle from reaching across with his monkey arms...

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Inside the stores, Jose searched out shirts for his favorite character, and life model.

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And Lexi was glistened by a Fairy Godmother In Training

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At Wolfgang Puck Express, the kids had a blast ordering something other than burgers and fries. Though naturally, chicken fingers would remain Anastasia's favorite! She's a girl of simple tastes.

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The BBQ Chicken Pizza

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And the Chicken Quesadilla

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Mmmmm... Creme Brulee!

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Strawberry thief.

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The Rotisserie Beef & Gorgonzola Pocket

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Chocolate cookie

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Chocolate Chip cookie

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When we left, I was approached by a CM to take a survey about my dining experience at Disney World in general. Changes afloat, perhaps?

Then it was time to head back to POR, where a surprise would be waiting for us...

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Coming up next... I see Tinkerbell!

[PracPerfPatricia]

How great that you were able to take so much advantage of your locations at Riverside and hit DTD---I've thought about staying somewhere in that complex next year for DD's 16th...I think she would like those Manor House complexes...I forget the name and God help me I know she'd love being a boat ride from DTD...:sad2:

I love the photo of Tatiana with Jiminy Cricket-I love him and you don't see him very often w/o Pinocchio and I love Pinocchio too...but sometime I'd love to score some photos of just Jiminy...:confused3 kind of hate to ask Pinocchio to budge over...:lmao: but we already have photos of him w/Gepetto...

You have to know that I am GREEN with envy over your photos...those colors are just amazing...I know you have a nice camera but you also have a good eye...;)

Love some WPE-wish we had one around the corner...:lmao:

[Lady Lallie]

Phew. I'm caught up!

Your pictures are Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-Mazing! :cloud9:

Thanks for the light fixtures! :rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

Wow! Lara, you have some really high-class food porn shots!!! :laughing: Yummy!

[Sarilas]

How great that you were able to take so much advantage of your locations at Riverside and hit DTD---I've thought about staying somewhere in that complex next year for DD's 16th...I think she would like those Manor House complexes...I forget the name and God help me I know she'd love being a boat ride from DTD...:sad2:

I love the photo of Tatiana with Jiminy Cricket-I love him and you don't see him very often w/o Pinocchio and I love Pinocchio too...but sometime I'd love to score some photos of just Jiminy...:confused3 kind of hate to ask Pinocchio to budge over...:lmao: but we already have photos of him w/Gepetto...

You have to know that I am GREEN with envy over your photos...those colors are just amazing...I know you have a nice camera but you also have a good eye...;)

Love some WPE-wish we had one around the corner...:lmao:

POR was a great first location, and we had a blast riding the boat back and forth.

Jiminy was just chillin' all by his lonesome at Rafiki's Planet Watch! He was in the corner by all the windows overlooking the animals are, near where the little kids' table sits.

And thank you for the camera comments! It's been years since I held a 35mm camera, so working with a DSLR was like starting from scratch!



Phew. I'm caught up!

Your pictures are Ahhhhhhhhhhhh-Mazing! :cloud9:

Thanks for the light fixtures! :rotfl2:

You are soooo welcome! (I'm sure there are more to come... I just don't remember!) :rotfl:



Wow! Lara, you have some really high-class food porn shots!!! :laughing: Yummy!

Girl, you know I love my food porn! :lmao: I've got at least six TS reservations for November, so I'm hoping to step my game up now that I'm better acquainted with the camera!

[GeminiAngel]

Lara, great pictures! I love the shirts Jose was picking out :rotfl:. Which one did he get? Right up my alley.

I thought it was great meeting Jiminy Cricket too! He's so cute!

POR was my first resort too. I just loved it. We walked from POR to FQ for dinner one night then took the boat back. We will all be staying at FQ in 2011 for our magical gathering. I can't wait.

[Sarilas]

Lara, great pictures! I love the shirts Jose was picking out :rotfl:. Which one did he get? Right up my alley.

I thought it was great meeting Jiminy Cricket too! He's so cute!

POR was my first resort too. I just loved it. We walked from POR to FQ for dinner one night then took the boat back. We will all be staying at FQ in 2011 for our magical gathering. I can't wait.

Thanks, Traci! :goodvibes He ended up buying neither of those, because he fell in love with one from our own resort! It's plain gray and in white writing it says "I'm Grumpy because you're Dopey". :rotfl: I'm sure there'll be a whole new round of Grumpy shirt hunting in November!

Think you can talk your DH into another trip? It won't feel right not running into you at MK again! :laughing:

[Lizzybear]

Great pictures in and around AK, love the tree of life one :goodvibes WPE is so awesome, can't wait to eat there again this year :cool1: Those T-shirts are great, I think the Donald anger management one would suit my bf :laughing:
Sorry if you already mentioned this but what camera do you use? Your photos are so clear :)

[Sarilas]

The camera is awesome; it's a Nikon D40. Most of the pictures are taken witht he lens that the camera comes with, but I also bought a longer range lens that comes in handy when I'm trying to get details (I love details!).

It's a gorgeous camera.

[Lizzybear]

Ahh that's the one my bf has too, but he's considering replacing it with a Canon despite only buying the Nikon a year ago and after he's bought a tripod, lenses etc to fit it... Men! :rolleyes: :laughing: I think he just needs more practice with the one he has, and i'll definitely be showing him your pics to see if they'll sway him into keeping it :)

[Sarilas]

Boys just want to buy new toys. lol

[Sarilas]

When I last left you we were on the boat from Downtown Disney to POR.

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The kids had no idea what was in store for them...

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Especially not an In Room Celebration!

I'd ordered the smaller of the two major packages, and the reactions were so worth it!

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This little box was added on by me, because I can never leave well enough alone...

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And here's what was inside!

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Mmmm.. Chocolate.

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Lexi still sleeps with both of these guys in her crib. They're as big as she is! (I added the Minnie to our package, so the little girls wouldn't fight over one toy.)

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Everyone was screaming when we came in the door and saw Tinkerbell's light coming from the bathroom! She was suction cupped on there, looking over the joy she'd spread. ;)

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They couldn't even wait for me to take a picture!

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All in all, a fabulous way to end Day 2 of our 10 first days at Disney World!

(On a side note, it occurred to me later on that the in room package was missing a pair of Mickey hand gloves and a hidden Mickey book. I emailed the Disney Florist who had helped me set up the package, and she was incredibly apologetic, explaining that we were one of the first to order the surprise and they were still working out the kinks. A short time later we received a box in the mail from Mickey Mouse, containing the missing items plus a Disney World tote bag, an apologetic note from Mickey and a signed picture! So sweet and well handled!

[Charleston Princess]

What a cool surprise to come back, too! I have to say my absolute favorite thing though was the Tinkerbell! I want one of those for my bathroom mirror here at home! :laughing:

[Sarilas]

Yeah, that would be a lot to pay for a litle light up Tink, but SO WORTH IT! lol

[winkers]

How fun!

I had thought about doing one of those and now I wish I would have.

Your girls are so adorable!

[GeminiAngel]

I plan on doing something like that on the next trip. So worth it!

[Sarilas]

How fun!

I had thought about doing one of those and now I wish I would have.

Your girls are so adorable!

I debatted about it for a long time, but in the end I figured with this being our first trip, it would be the perfect time.

I plan on doing something like that on the next trip. So worth it!

Totally was worth it! I don't think I got a pick of the yellow Mickey feet on the floor, leading the way. And the bigger package had a cookie bouquet or something, and an embroidered blanket. It was AWESOME. :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

That is a wonderful treat to come home too! What fun!

The tinkerbell light is amazing.

Disney handled the missing items very well! :thumbsup2

[Lizzybear]

What an awesome surprise for the kids :goodvibes I love the big Minnie and Mickey, I can't wait to have kids just for an excuse to buy one... Or both ;)

[PracPerfPatricia]

Thanks for sharing the In Room Celebration Pictures-Awesome...

I'm thinking it would be kind of nice to have some one set one of those up for when I come home for dinner tonight....:lmao:

[Sarilas]

That is a wonderful treat to come home too! What fun!

The tinkerbell light is amazing.

Disney handled the missing items very well! :thumbsup2

They really did. It was incredibly sweet to go so far and make it right!


What an awesome surprise for the kids :goodvibes I love the big Minnie and Mickey, I can't wait to have kids just for an excuse to buy one... Or both ;)

I'm tellin' you, having kids has been my go-to excuse for fourteen years... by the time my youngest is too old for me to use that one anymore, my oldest will be giving me grand children! :laughing:


Thanks for sharing the In Room Celebration Pictures-Awesome...

I'm thinking it would be kind of nice to have some one set one of those up for when I come home for dinner tonight....:lmao:

I agree! While we're out it, I'm going to need mousekeeping every afternoon and Wolfgang Puck in my kitchen... :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

I agree! While we're out it, I'm going to need mousekeeping every afternoon and Wolfgang Puck in my kitchen... :lmao:

Heck, I would settle for a Boma buffet each evening...:laughing:

[Sarilas]

Heck, I would settle for a Boma buffet each evening...:laughing:

I don't think that's too much to ask for! While we're at it, I'm going to need a Basin outlet in my bathroom... ;)

[Sarilas]

The next morning we were up and at 'em in plenty of time to get to rope drop at the Magic Kingdom; I've heard a lot about this and I cannot WAIT to see the show for myself.

The kids waited patiently for the bus at POR.

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Alright, Stasia needed convincing (by a lollipop...)

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And before you knew it, we were here!

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This was our mistress of ceremonies... anybody know who she is? I feel terrible calling her "mistress". :rotfl:

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Wanna see some video of the rope drop ceremony?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgOmhOdBqU

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And here comes the train...

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And then it was countdown time!

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We must've been at '7' here... ;)

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HURRAY!

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And then it was time to head down the 'red carpet'...

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And to celebrate today.

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Now try to imagine the screams when the girls all saw this for the very first time!

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Coming up next... Can we just GO, Mom?!

[winkers]

I still get chills seeing the castle for the first time each trip...just like the first time.:goodvibes

[Sarilas]

It really was breathtaking; I'm used to the smaller Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland which is gorgeous in and of itself. But Cinderella's was enormous! Made for lots of great pictures. lol

[Sarilas]

As soon as we started meandering down Main Street, I saw this:

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Silhouettes!

I had to had to HAD. TO. stop and make the kids sit for one of these. I couldn't even wait for another time to do it, though I knew they had kiosks all around the resorts. After the artist finished he offered me two for the price of one! I did buy a second frame, but it was so worth it. (I gave one to my Dad and one is on our living room wall.)

It took no time at all for him to do the cut outs, but the kids were way anxious to get down the end of the street and back in view of the castle!

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See, doesn't Tatiana look excited?

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Coming up... There's a SHOW?

It'll take me a while but I'm going to try to get the next installment up in a bit. Kyle is home with the flu (of the swine variety) so I'm running up and down the stairs fetching him cold drinks and what not. Hang tight, it'll be here soon!

[Charleston Princess]

Morning lollipops!!! Love it! :thumbsup2

Do we get to see how the silhouettes turned out? Please? :goodvibes

I hope Kyle feels better soon! :hug:

[carps09]

Great pictures! Can't wait to read more!

[Sarilas]

Morning lollipops!!! Love it! :thumbsup2

Do we get to see how the silhouettes turned out? Please? :goodvibes

I hope Kyle feels better soon! :hug:

Dude, when you're staying up late every night and then waking up early the next morning, the kids need sugar power! :rotfl:

(I am such a relaxed vacation Mom.)

I located all our souvenir pics that were taken at the end of our trip; I'll post the ones from the first couple of days up to the silhouettes and then try to remember to post them in the TR where applicable! ;)


Great pictures! Can't wait to read more!

Hi there! And thanks so much! :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Dude, when you're staying up late every night and then waking up early the next morning, the kids need sugar power! :rotfl:

(I am such a relaxed vacation Mom.)

Me too -- I feel like it is one of the few times when I can let them eat whatever they want, whenever they want, and not feel the least bit guilty -- you saw how many times in my TR, my two have been eating desserts first thing in the morning, right? ;)

[Sarilas]

Okay, here's what we've purchased thus far during the trip!

From Basin!

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That's an oatmeal face bar, coconut bath salts, a soap dish and an I-can't-remember-what-scent massage bar; let me tell you, I am a GENIUS with that massage bar! I used it on my feet at the end of every night, and it was brilliant. My feet were never overly-sore the whole trip.

My tater head pieces!

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Jose bought me Mr. Tater before we left, so I didn't bother putting him in the box. I need to get more outfits when we go in November!

From Mickey's Pantry... Hand towels!

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Now let me tell you, I am not an overtly Mickey person. I like my Mickey's to be a bit hidden and not so easy to spot. I keep these towels out all the time and nobody even notices them. Perfect!

And cookbooks!

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Okay, you remember our In Room Celebration, right? And I mentioned some things were left out?

Here's the box when it arrived at our house!

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I think I took this one with my cell phone; Lexi just happened to be dressed as Snow White... completely coincidental! :rotfl:

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Here's the bag our Florist sent as a surprise

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The gloves!

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The card and picture from Mickey!

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And finally, bringing us up to date in our TR, the silhouette of the kids!

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[Sarilas]

Me too -- I feel like it is one of the few times when I can let them eat whatever they want, whenever they want, and not feel the least bit guilty -- you saw how many times in my TR, my two have been eating desserts first thing in the morning, right? ;)

This is why I like you SO MUCH. :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Cool souvenirs so far, but I have to say that the silhouettes of your children are just absolutely precious!!! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

We were really pleased with them. I love those 'odd' souvenirs!

[Lady Lallie]

I love love love love love the silhouettes! They are just beautiful. Marc & I were just talking about getting them done when we go together next year. We think it will be a nice way to celebrate our skinnier selves. :laughing:

You know I bought one of those massage bars and I have NEVER used it. I think I need to remedy that. :headache:

[Sarilas]

I love love love love love the silhouettes! They are just beautiful. Marc & I were just talking about getting them done when we go together next year. We think it will be a nice way to celebrate our skinnier selves. :laughing:

You know I bought one of those massage bars and I have NEVER used it. I think I need to remedy that. :headache:

Oh yeah, you NEED to use that massage bar, LL! Pick a body part. :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

Oh yeah, you NEED to use that massage bar, LL! Pick a body part. :rotfl:

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

[Sarilas]

As I was ushering the kids to sit in front of the silhouette artist one by one, Jose was trying to entertain those who were finished.

They weren't pleased with having to sit in an alley way at the Magic Kingdom within minutes of entering for the very first time.

Exhibit A.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMgZoj_9ldw

When the dancers started performing on Main Street, Jose was thoroughly confused. He had no idea there was more to entertain him than just rides at Disney World! (He had never ever ever ever been before. Not even to Disneyland like I have all my life. Isn't that just the saddest thing you've ever heard?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_I8ChYrFYs

In less than 15 minutes all four kids had been captured permanently in silhouette, mounted and framed and we were able to meander down Main Street a little further.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siswqKonWZ4

And what did we find when we got near the castle?

Another show! Seriously, Jose was stoked. Lexi was stoked. She was bouncing in her stroller so hard I thought she'd break it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01S-vlIs2lY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LqbbCpBhwU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=215JRTMKVXY

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Continued in next post...

[winkers]

I love that Jose was excited about the shows!

I remember my first trip to disneyland and I couldn't believe that we could see snow white and Alladin for "free".

[Sarilas]

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Lexi really was having a blast

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Coming up next... Is that you, Fairy Godmother?

[Sarilas]

I love that Jose was excited about the shows!

I remember my first trip to disneyland and I couldn't believe that we could see snow white and Alladin for "free".

It was so cute. There was SO much I had to prep him for, it never even occurred to me to tell him about all the shows! You should have seen him at parade time... Running for cover. :rotfl:

[GeminiAngel]

Your pictures are just stunning! Love all the video too.
The shows at WDW just blow away the shows at DLR. Everything is on a grand'er scale. I guess there is no room at DLR, being surrounded by a city and all.

Sending get well wishes to Kyle :sick:. I know how awful this thing makes you feel. Nova said "I hope he feels better, I'm worried about him" :rotfl: It was love at first sight for her. :rotfl:

We already did the H1N1 thing around here in July. Nova's school had the biggest outbreak out of any school in Clark County.

[Sarilas]

Your pictures are just stunning! Love all the video too.
The shows at WDW just blow away the shows at DLR. Everything is on a grand'er scale. I guess there is no room at DLR, being surrounded by a city and all.

Sending get well wishes to Kyle :sick:. I know how awful this thing makes you feel. Nova said "I hope he feels better, I'm worried about him" :rotfl: It was love at first sight for her. :rotfl:

We already did the H1N1 thing around here in July. Nova's school had the biggest outbreak out of any school in Clark County.

Awe, please thank Nova for us! He's crashed out now but I'll tell him when I wake him up in a bit. :hug:

I didn't realize you guys had been through this already! It's a stinker isn't it? So far it's just Kyle, but... It ain't over till I sing! :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

Again, your pictures are amazing! :goodvibes

I loved watching Marc's reactions to things at Disney, it was just so freaking cute when he would get excited.

[Charleston Princess]

Lexi is so cute sitting there and watching the show! I love her little Mickey hair scrunchie!

[Sarilas]

Again, your pictures are amazing! :goodvibes

I loved watching Marc's reactions to things at Disney, it was just so freaking cute when he would get excited.

I felt the same way watching Jose! It was so fun watching him get excited over the little things that I may not have even noticed otherwise.


Lexi is so cute sitting there and watching the show! I love her little Mickey hair scrunchie!

I got both the little girls he same hair scrunchy at DTD, and I just put them back in my "you don't know we're going to Disney but I've got to start repacking things" box! :rotfl: The Princesses/Fairies all got a big kick out of those hair bands...

[PracPerfPatricia]

Once again-stunning pictures...the blue is soooooooooo blue...:cloud9:

Love, love the silouhettes...hmmm... an new souvenir idea-

all those cookbooks-planning a feast...hmm...? ARE we all invited? :lmao:

Great updates...

[Sarilas]

Once again-stunning pictures...the blue is soooooooooo blue...:cloud9:

Love, love the silouhettes...hmmm... an new souvenir idea-

all those cookbooks-planning a feast...hmm...? ARE we all invited? :lmao:

Great updates...

Thank you! The silhouettes are my favorite souvenir from the entire trip.

I love the Disney cookbooks! I cooked Disney meals for months before our trip with recipes I found on the internet from different Disney chefs but I thought it would be fun to try some new ones!

And heck yeah, everyone's invited! After all I cook for six every day of my life... what's a few dozen more? :rotfl:

[thesaurinis]

I love the Tinkerbell light and package you had for the room. Would you mind sharing where you ordered that stuff from? We leave in less than 2 weeks and this is a magical trip for our son for all he has overcome this past year and that would be a great topper for him.

[Sarilas]

I love the Tinkerbell light and package you had for the room. Would you mind sharing where you ordered that stuff from? We leave in less than 2 weeks and this is a magical trip for our son for all he has overcome this past year and that would be a great topper for him.

Oh congratulations on the magical trip! Truthfully the moment our kids opened the door and saw everything set up was phenomenal. And it's all done by the Disney Florists! They just started doing these 'in room celebrations' this year; HERE'S (http://www.disneyflorist.com/product/disneyfloralandgifts-waltdisneyworldflorist-Disney-Welcome-Congratulations-Balloons-Mickey-Mouse-Celebration/display) the link to their web page so you can see the general things they offer, but when you call to order you can specialize anything extra you may wish to have. (The way we added Minnie and the chocolate box.) The Disney Florists absolutely go out of their way to make your order special. (They used to have a smaller package than the Grand Welcome; but if you're willing to go Grand, go for it!)

They'll ask you when you would like the celebration set up, and you can pick a time frame (I believe it was a two hour time frame) to help be certain you're out of the room when they come to surprise you. They like to wait till at least the second day of your visit in case you have to change rooms or anything.

But I digress. I hope your son does indeed have a magical trip! :goodvibes

[praisehisname]

I love this, but somehow I think in my back yard it wouldn't have the same effect...

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:rotfl2::rotfl2:


It was too cold to dunk his head in the fountain (that's right, I said too COLD), but he couldn't resist playing in the water.

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I'm surprised you guys even wanted to ride Kali...it looked cold!


We must've been at '7' here... ;)

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I'm guessing it was cold, and that is why Snow White has "fake hands"? :confused3


And finally, bringing us up to date in our TR, the silhouette of the kids!

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Awesome!!!

You're on a roll! I'm going to have to get better at staying caught up!

Denise

[MRYPPNS]

I got all caught up today thanks to the links!

[Sarilas]

I'm surprised you guys even wanted to ride Kali...it looked cold!




I'm guessing it was cold, and that is why Snow White has "fake hands"? :confused3


You're on a roll! I'm going to have to get better at staying caught up!

Denise

It was seriously cold or cool the entire 10 days we were there, save the last day (Feb 8). That just so happens to be the day we were inundated with cheerleaders... coincidence? Me thinks not. :rotfl:

Snow white totally had flesh colored gloves on! I don't blame her, as it WAS freezing, but I was a little worried my kids would think she had a skin condition... ;)

I got all caught up today thanks to the links!

I'm glad they're useful, Heidi! :goodvibes

[GeminiAngel]

I love the Tinkerbell light and package you had for the room. Would you mind sharing where you ordered that stuff from? We leave in less than 2 weeks and this is a magical trip for our son for all he has overcome this past year and that would be a great topper for him.

I would love to read your plans & read your story. No Pre-TR?

[Sarilas]

Today is my only son's fourteenth birthday, and his birthday present is to not have a fever for the first time in five days! His temp was 99.7 which, after temps of 101 and 102 sounds GORGEOUS.

Happy birthday, Kyle-o! :cloud9:

(That being said, I woke up with a sore throat and Stasia has a temp of 101.6... Ugh.)

[thesaurinis]

I would love to read your plans & read your story. No Pre-TR?

I have never done a trip report or pre trip one. I am conteplating doing one though. I am not a good writer so I guess thats why I have stayed away from it.


sarilas i hope your family gets feeling better real soon.

[Sarilas]

I have never done a trip report or pre trip one. I am conteplating doing one though. I am not a good writer so I guess thats why I have stayed away from it.


sarilas i hope your family gets feeling better real soon.

Thank you so much; Kyle's temperature is under 100 for the first time in five days so I'm thrilled at even that much.

I hope you do choose to write a TR; I would love to read it! :goodvibes

I wrote my first PTR for the trip we took in January; it was our gift to our children after my mother passed away. A much needed moment of joy for everyone.

[Charleston Princess]

Happy Birthday to Kyle! I am glad he is feeling better!

Take it easy -- I hope you feel better soon! :hug:

[thesaurinis]

This trip is a much needed trip for our son who is 6. He has struggled all his life with health issues and in February he had a big surgery to help him and it set him way back and he had to learn to walk again and deal with major pain, so we thought why not encourage him to work through the pain at therapy with a trip to wherever he wanted to go. Well as you can see he chose "Mickeys House" and we are off in less than 2 weeks. He still has a hard time walking alot so the stroller will be used for the most part because he said "NO WHEELCHAIR MOM, people will look at me" He has had a hard time with people asking whats wrong, what happened, and me constantly asking do you feel ok, so I figured ok we will do the stroller.

Glad your son is feeling better. Nothing worse than having our children sick

[BigOnDis]

The camera is a Nikon D40. When we started planning our January trip I researched every DSLR camera known to man, because I wanted to take amazing pics for our first trip to the World. The D40 delivered, big time! I seriously love it.

Don't you just love the D40. I love the pictures it takes and the price was right. I got mine a couple years ago and have been pleased. I looked into upgrading before our trip this summer, but instead I bought a new lense (18mm-200mm VR).

I must admit I leave mine on Auto most of the time, but I have been experimenting more with some of the other settings.

Love all the pictures, I love a trip report with lots of pictures, it's almost like going again. And I love all the videos, I especially loved the build-up to EE. It's fun seeing Disney through the eyes of someone who has never experienced it before.

My 13 year old son has that meh attitude as well most of the time, but he loves Disney. He wants to do a Father / Son trip.

Look forward to seeing more.

[Sarilas]

Happy Birthday to Kyle! I am glad he is feeling better!

Take it easy -- I hope you feel better soon! :hug:

He says thank you! It'll be another long week, but we'll pull through. :goodvibes

This trip is a much needed trip for our son who is 6. He has struggled all his life with health issues and in February he had a big surgery to help him and it set him way back and he had to learn to walk again and deal with major pain, so we thought why not encourage him to work through the pain at therapy with a trip to wherever he wanted to go. Well as you can see he chose "Mickeys House" and we are off in less than 2 weeks. He still has a hard time walking alot so the stroller will be used for the most part because he said "NO WHEELCHAIR MOM, people will look at me" He has had a hard time with people asking whats wrong, what happened, and me constantly asking do you feel ok, so I figured ok we will do the stroller.

Glad your son is feeling better. Nothing worse than having our children sick

Bless his heart; I hope he has an amazing trip. I know he will- he already sounds like he's in the right frame of mind. PLEASE consider a trip report; yours is one I would love love love to read! :goodvibes



Don't you just love the D40. I love the pictures it takes and the price was right. I got mine a couple years ago and have been pleased. I looked into upgrading before our trip this summer, but instead I bought a new lense (18mm-200mm VR).

I must admit I leave mine on Auto most of the time, but I have been experimenting more with some of the other settings.

Love all the pictures, I love a trip report with lots of pictures, it's almost like going again. And I love all the videos, I especially loved the build-up to EE. It's fun seeing Disney through the eyes of someone who has never experienced it before.

My 13 year old son has that meh attitude as well most of the time, but he loves Disney. He wants to do a Father / Son trip.

Look forward to seeing more.

I leave mine on the shutter setting most of the time; I want that quick shutter speed more than just about anything else. With four kids its all about action shots. lol

[DevonsDisneyMom]

Just found your report... Now that I'm all caught up, I'm moving on to the pre-trip report now!!! :goodvibes So sorry Kyle is so sick, hope he feels better soon!!! Love the silohettes too!!!

[GeminiAngel]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE!!!!!

Yeah for the fever starting to break! Sending some pixie dust Kyle's way. :wizard:

[Sarilas]

Just found your report... Now that I'm all caught up, I'm moving on to the pre-trip report now!!! :goodvibes So sorry Kyle is so sick, hope he feels better soon!!! Love the silohettes too!!!

Thank you! :goodvibes

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYLE!!!!!

Yeah for the fever starting to break! Sending some pixie dust Kyle's way. :wizard:

Thanks, Traci! Kyle has a lingering sore throat but hopefully that's it... Fingers crossed!

[Sarilas]

(Caveat: I'm fighting off a wicked bad head cold today, so forgive me if my post is less than stellar. It's not you, it's me...) ;)

As Mickey and the gang were conquering over the villains on stage, we decided we'd take advantage of everyone else standing around the castle and start exploring the park.

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We were headed off for Liberty Square...

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When I realized there was a pathway around the side of the castle and there was a crowd of people headed that direction.

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I *had* to know where they were going!

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Oooh, pretty!

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Wait, who is that I see?

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Fairy Godmother, is that you?!

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Lexi LOVED her, but was pretty freaked out that she was actually HERE!

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Tatiana was thrilled to add her signature to the collection.

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Stasia was having none of it!

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But the Fairy Godmother didn't mind. She knew it wasn't personal. ;)

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Coming up next... Will she sit in it?!

[praisehisname]

I have never seen Fairy Godmother when we've been there. I hope we get to see her this time!

Denise

[Sarilas]

I have never seen Fairy Godmother when we've been there. I hope we get to see her this time!

Denise

It was really surprising; she said that Lady Tremaine and the Evil Stepsisters were going to be out later in the day, too!

[Charleston Princess]

First, I love the pictures of Kyle and Lexi with the Fairy Godmother -- Lexi's smile says it all!!!

Second, poor Stasia -- she is even refusing to listen to the Fairy Godmother!!! :rotfl:

[Sarilas]

First, I love the pictures of Kyle and Lexi with the Fairy Godmother -- Lexi's smile says it all!!!

Second, poor Stasia -- she is even refusing to listen to the Fairy Godmother!!! :rotfl:

Lexi was SO excited about her! And believe me, Stasia doesn't get any more excited about the characters later in the trip... :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

Lexi looks so happy to be meeting the Fairy Godmother! How cute! :lovestruc

[Sarilas]

Lexi looks so happy to be meeting the Fairy Godmother! How cute! :lovestruc

Those are some of my favorite pictures; she was so shocked to see someone she recognized!

[Sarilas]

After meeting the Fairy Godmother we found ourselves wandering through Fantasyland and my first instinct was that if we were going to try the girls out on Dumbo now should be the time.


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The line was long but not too crazy so I sent Jose and the kids to go ride while I took pictures. Cuz that's what I do. :laughing:

Doesn't Kyle look THRILLED?

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Stasia loved the ride, but Lexi kept trying to crawl up her daddy for safety.

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They do love their daddy. :love:

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Coming up next... Let's go see the singing dolls!

[Lady Lallie]

That is just the sweetest picture of the girls with their Daddy. Hehehe. I love their matching outfits too! :lovestruc

[Sarilas]

That is just the sweetest picture of the girls with their Daddy. Hehehe. I love their matching outfits too! :lovestruc

I love having two girls so close together in age/size. I dressed them alike every chance I could at WDW! I never do that at home, but for some reason my psyche screams TWINS when I'm in Orlando! :rotfl:

[Lady Lallie]

I love having two girls so close together in age/size. I dressed them alike every chance I could at WDW! I never do that at home, but for some reason my psyche screams TWINS when I'm in Orlando! :rotfl:

:lmao: I think that is natural. Heck, Jen & I dressed alike in May. :rotfl:

[PracPerfPatricia]

I love the girls's matching outfits...I'd do that to if I had twins...:lmao:

I hope that Kyle had a great Birthday!!!:bday:

[Charleston Princess]

That picture of Jose and the girls is just precious!!! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

:lmao: I think that is natural. Heck, Jen & I dressed alike in May. :rotfl:

I just saw that on your TR today! LOVE IT!


I love the girls's matching outfits...I'd do that to if I had twins...:lmao:

I hope that Kyle had a great Birthday!!!:bday:

Unfortunately his birthday was marred by everyone (including himself) being ill, but we'll make that up to him as soon as the coughs and stuffy noses have subsided!

I just can't help myself from dressing the girls alike... and they're actually 19 months apart but so close to the same size now that I can get away with it! ;)

That picture of Jose and the girls is just precious!!! :goodvibes

It's such a tell-tale pic, too! He is ALWAYS carrying them around like that. He should have guns the size of Arnold Schwarzenager! :rotfl:

[MeMom]

Your pictures are so clear; you've got me wanting that D40, but I can't afford it right now. I've got to have a new camera, as mine has died after much, much, use, but I think I'm going to have to go cheap this time and save a better one for sometime down the road.

Sorry to hear the sick bug has found its way to your house. It seems like there is always something going on as the seasons begin to change. I hope you all feel better soon. Hopefully, you can do something fun for Kyle's birthday when he and everyone else feels better.

[Sarilas]

Your pictures are so clear; you've got me wanting that D40, but I can't afford it right now. I've got to have a new camera, as mine has died after much, much, use, but I think I'm going to have to go cheap this time and save a better one for sometime down the road.

Sorry to hear the sick bug has found its way to your house. It seems like there is always something going on as the seasons begin to change. I hope you all feel better soon. Hopefully, you can do something fun for Kyle's birthday when he and everyone else feels better.

I'm glad to 'see' you up and about, MeMom! Kyle had it worst of all; full blown swine flu, but the rest of us seemed to have fared much better. We got him tickets to see Paramore when they play at the Ryman, so he's got something wonderful to look forward to.

The D40 was a great compromise as far as DSLR's go, but I am completely in love with it. It does everything I could need a camera to do at this stage of my experience!

[Sarilas]

After successfully getting our girls to ride Dumbo, and humiliating our teenage son in the process we figured we'd roll with that theme and head to It's A Small World!

Stasia was apprehensive, to say the least.

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This one looks like pictures of my husband when he was playing folk music in Puerto Rico!

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My peeps.

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[Sarilas]

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3352066601_27e68ccddd_b.jpg

Thanks for sticking through this seriously picture heavy post about our Small World! What else can we say except goobye (till the next post!)...

In Spanish...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3352066639_1d224ae4b8_b.jpg

And Russian!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3352891678_3476b720a9_b.jpg



Coming up next.... My favorite ride! (Practice your Grim Grinning...)

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks for my lunchtime ride through It's a Small World -- it was a blast! :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Thanks for my lunchtime ride through It's a Small World -- it was a blast! :goodvibes

At your service! ;)

[aprilisis]

I love your TR- and I JUST found it! (I'm a little slow on the uptake.:rolleyes:)

[Sarilas]

I love your TR- and I JUST found it! (I'm a little slow on the uptake.:rolleyes:)

I'm glad to have you! (And I'm pretty darn slow on the updates, so you be as slow on the uptake as you wish!) ;)

[GeminiAngel]

what a colorful update :thumbsup2

How's Kyle?

[Sarilas]

what a colorful update :thumbsup2

How's Kyle?

Oh, he's much better; went back to school yesterday, much to his chagrin. He's still feeling kind of tired but no fever or anything so I made him go back. He's been all hormonal and teenagerish ever since. ;) I'm just so happy to have him up and around again!

[GeminiAngel]

Oh, he's much better; went back to school yesterday, much to his chagrin. He's still feeling kind of tired but no fever or anything so I made him go back. He's been all hormonal and teenagerish ever since. ;) I'm just so happy to have him up and around again!

:banana::banana::woohoo::woohoo:

[Lady Lallie]

I read your update before I went out today and ran errands...I had to listen to It's a Small World on my 4 Parks 1 World CD while I was out. ;)

[MeMom]

Thanks for my lunchtime ride through It's a Small World -- it was a blast! :goodvibes

You get pictures at school, you lucky duck! We don't get the pictures, so I always have to wait to get home until I see the good stuff.


Sarilas,
Great pictures again, and I am glad to hear the teenager is back to being a teenager. I thought you guys were homeschooling. I guess I missed the latest on that.

[Sarilas]

I read your update before I went out today and ran errands...I had to listen to It's a Small World on my 4 Parks 1 World CD while I was out. ;)

Now that's a good way to run errands! :woohoo:


Sarilas,
Great pictures again, and I am glad to hear the teenager is back to being a teenager. I thought you guys were homeschooling. I guess I missed the latest on that.

It's back toward the beginning of this thread when I came back from hiatus; I re-enrolled the kids in public school as I went back to school myself! I'm getting my teaching degree. :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

You get pictures at school, you lucky duck! We don't get the pictures, so I always have to wait to get home until I see the good stuff.

I get most of them, but not all of them -- like today for some reason I couldn't see Julie's pictures in her update.

[Sarilas]

After It's A Small World we started wandering out of Fantasyland, just exploring without a map or a plan. Now, I should tell you up front that in a situation such as this where I have an idea in my head and I'm trying to make it happen, I am completely focused. So the first thing I wanted to do upon entering the Magic Kingdom was find The Haunted Mansion. And of course we got side tracked by Fairy Godmothers and flying elephants and dancing dolls... so when we wandered near Columbia Harbor house and my husband was begging for food, I was annoyed.

Sorry, honey. :goodvibes But I was!

We were standing outside looking at the menu when I happened to turn around and see this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3352909992_837e94683b_b.jpg

And then I saw THIS:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3352910082_cf2e799db6_b.jpg

And my husband knew he was on his own. :laughing: The kids and I found him a table, waited for him to order and then left him with Lexi and Stasia while we enjoyed my favoritest ride in the World!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3352084425_deb8cb9beb_b.jpg

It's so different from the one I'm used to at Disneyland...

The horse and carriage are awesome!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3352909392_174efd4c70_b.jpg

Because there was literally no wait I had a heck of a time taking pictures while we walked through the empty lines.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3352084477_e3689ac789_b.jpg

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http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3352909334_8b4d432539_b.jpg

And of course I was still learning how to use my camera and couldn't get a decent interior shot (we'll see if I can change that in November, fingers crossed).

The kids loved it!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3352946614_c794804e1a_b.jpg

Now I'll say that the HM at WDW is awesome, but the Disneyland version is still better! (Don't throw tomatoes!) There's just something about the ambiance of the exterior in California... there's more graveyard... I dunno, I just love it! :love:

When we were finished Jose decided he wanted to ride it too. The kids and I grabbed a bite but it was so hurried I didn't take pics... (bad photographer!) Listen to Jose not understand any of the ambiance on this video, won't you? :rotfl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKHPS9g6Q3Y

And a little of the opening, before he realizes you can't see a thing (and you hear someone trying to convince their child to ride... that kid doesn't sound happy!):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc2txa5CoNk

As we walked through Liberty Square an opportunity arose that we could not pass up.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3352121163_8715ac9c25_b.jpg

Off with their heads!

I loooooooooove these lights.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3352121371_2c31245b31_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3352946888_b8e2341e44_b.jpg

We found ourselves in the center of the park again, and decided to head in a direction we had not been yet.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3352121505_93bd12451a_b.jpg



Coming up next... Tomorrowland is here!

[Lizzybear]

Yay HM! I agree with you that the DLR version is better, I prefer their Space Mountain and POTC too (I actually prefered Disneyland park to MK if i'm honest, I can't wait to go back there next time we visit the west coast :goodvibes)
Congrats on going back to school also :goodvibes I work with kids now in a daycare and keep contemplating going back and doing the extra year of study to become a teacher (I did early childhood studies for my degree)

[Sarilas]

Yay HM! I agree with you that the DLR version is better, I prefer their Space Mountain and POTC too (I actually prefered Disneyland park to MK if i'm honest, I can't wait to go back there next time we visit the west coast :goodvibes)
Congrats on going back to school also :goodvibes I work with kids now in a daycare and keep contemplating going back and doing the extra year of study to become a teacher (I did early childhood studies for my degree)

Oh me too... I love New Orleans Square and how close POTC and HM are to one another.

And thank you! I've always wanted to teach but life got in the way as it so often does.

[Lady Lallie]

Ahhhh....Haunted Mansion! I just adore it.

:lmao: Look at all those light fixtures you took pictures of! :laughing:

[trampsgirl]

Just found your TR today and I'm loving it! Love the videos and your pictures are gorgeous! Can't wait to see and read more!

[Sarilas]

Ahhhh....Haunted Mansion! I just adore it.

:lmao: Look at all those light fixtures you took pictures of! :laughing:

That was all for you, LL! :laughing: And the irony is I really started admiring all the different light fixtures as our time went on... who would've thunk it!


Just found your TR today and I'm loving it! Love the videos and your pictures are gorgeous! Can't wait to see and read more!

Well I'm glad you found me, and thank you so much!

[GeminiAngel]

Funny. You discovered a passion of mine. I like to photograph light fixtures.
I'm not good at it so I end up deleting most of them. :rotfl:

I LOVE WDW's HM. Its better than DLR's really. But I have an attachment to the DLR one. It was the first. :lovestruc

[lvstitch]

All caught up, can't wait for more. Your pictures are amazing.

[Sarilas]

Funny. You discovered a passion of mine. I like to photograph light fixtures.
I'm not good at it so I end up deleting most of them. :rotfl:

I LOVE WDW's HM. Its better than DLR's really. But I have an attachment to the DLR one. It was the first. :lovestruc

Oh yay, I didn't know you were a light fixture aficionado too! And girl, we will have to agree to disagree about the HM's. :rotfl: :goodvibes


All caught up, can't wait for more. Your pictures are amazing.

I'm glad you're all caught up, and thank you!

[Charleston Princess]

I adore the Haunted Mansion so, so, so much! You got some great shots -- I love the wrought iron!

Have you seen this? It is being released on September 22.

Song and Story from the Haunted Mansion (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B002M2N9HU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)

[Sarilas]

I adore the Haunted Mansion so, so, so much! You got some great shots -- I love the wrought iron!

Have you seen this? It is being released on September 22.

Song and Story from the Haunted Mansion (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B002M2N9HU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)

I used to have the album on vinyl as a little girl! I still have the Electrical Parade somewhere... Man I wish I'd kept all that stuff (or rather that my parents had)!

I've got to buy that again!

[Charleston Princess]

I used to have the album on vinyl as a little girl! I still have the Electrical Parade somewhere... Man I wish I'd kept all that stuff (or rather that my parents had)!

I've got to buy that again!

I had the Electrical Parade one! It was a 45 and had a design on it. I wonder if my mom kept it...I wish they would release that one -- I used to play it over and over and over again!

[Sarilas]

I had the Electrical Parade one! It was a 45 and had a design on it. I wonder if my mom kept it...I wish they would release that one -- I used to play it over and over and over again!

That's the one! Oh man... I am going to make a conscious effort to look for that tomorrow. If I find it I'll take a pic and post it, for old times sake. :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

That's the one! Oh man... I am going to make a conscious effort to look for that tomorrow. If I find it I'll take a pic and post it, for old times sake. :goodvibes

That would be awesome! It will remind me of all the times I listened to that little record and dreamed of being on Main Street! (See I was a Disney Freak from the get-go! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:)

[Sarilas]

That would be awesome! It will remind me of all the times I listened to that little record and dreamed of being on Main Street! (See I was a Disney Freak from the get-go! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:)

I'm tellin' you... My Mom was at DL opening week, and we spent every free weekend there till I moved away. I still refer to the good rides as E Tickets! Disney freak here, too! :laughing:

[Charleston Princess]

I'm tellin' you... My Mom was at DL opening week, and we spent every free weekend there till I moved away. I still refer to the good rides as E Tickets! Disney freak here, too! :laughing:

My mom used to go a lot, too, when she lived out there in Ventura. She has recently started unloading various bits of Disneyland memorabilia on me. She has given me this huge map that needs to be framed and a souvenir hardcover book -- both from the early 1960s! I love them!

[Sarilas]

My mom used to go a lot, too, when she lived out there in Ventura. She has recently started unloading various bits of Disneyland memorabilia on me. She has given me this huge map that needs to be framed and a souvenir hardcover book -- both from the early 1960s! I love them!

Now that is awesome! I wish my Mom had kept stuff; they just looked at it as junk! :eek:

That's probably why I can't get rid of a darn Disney thing... ;)

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Just coming out of lurk doom to chime in on the DLR Vs WDW debit I prefer the stretch rooms in DLR's Hunted Mansion but the rest of the ride goes to WDW. With pirates I find the drop in WDW is betere especially after the rehab, well Disneylands seams anti climatic to me.

[GeminiAngel]

Just coming out of lurk doom to chime in on the DLR Vs WDW debit I prefer the stretch rooms in DLR's Hunted Mansion but the rest of the ride goes to WDW. With pirates I find the drop in WDW is betere especially after the rehab, well Disneylands seams anti climatic to me.

I say DLR's POTC is the best to me. Now if you just add the queue from WDW's, It would be perfect.

[Sarilas]

Just coming out of lurk doom to chime in on the DLR Vs WDW debit I prefer the stretch rooms in DLR's Hunted Mansion but the rest of the ride goes to WDW. With pirates I find the drop in WDW is betere especially after the rehab, well Disneylands seams anti climatic to me.

Well hello there! I haven't been on DLR's HM since the rehab; is it much different?

I say DLR's POTC is the best to me. Now if you just add the queue from WDW's, It would be perfect.

The queue has SO much to do with the ride as a whole for me. It's a lot of the reason I like DLR's HM better!

[Barbara C]

Your pictures are amazing - thank you for sharing.

Would you mind letting me know what additional lens you got to go along with the D40?

Thanks.

[Sarilas]

Your pictures are amazing - thank you for sharing.

Would you mind letting me know what additional lens you got to go along with the D40?

Thanks.

Hi, Barbara! The additional lens is a Nikon 55-200 with vibration reduction. I love love LOVE it.

[Barbara C]

Thanks again for sharing! I hope you don't mind, I love your photos so much I have a couple more questions - :worship:

for the photos in It's a Small World - did you do anything to get the pictures so bright? They are so close and clear, it's amazing.

Also - we saw the same show outside the Castle but your pictures are so much nicer. It's seems as though you were at the same level (height?) as the show. Did you hold the camera over your head to get those shots or did you find something to stand on? Also, you must have used the zoom lense you added on - correct?

I am really a novice at photography so thanks for taking the time to indulge me :lovestruc

[Sarilas]

Thanks again for sharing! I hope you don't mind, I love your photos so much I have a couple more questions - :worship:

for the photos in It's a Small World - did you do anything to get the pictures so bright? They are so close and clear, it's amazing.

Also - we saw the same show outside the Castle but your pictures are so much nicer. It's seems as though you were at the same level (height?) as the show. Did you hold the camera over your head to get those shots or did you find something to stand on? Also, you must have used the zoom lense you added on - correct?

I am really a novice at photography so thanks for taking the time to indulge me :lovestruc

Oh I don't mind at all!

I had the flash on most of the time in the Small World pics... normally I'm against flash with the DSLR, but the other people on the ride were using flash and dang it I couldn't get a decent shot without it because of their flashes! They turned out pretty well.

The castle show was taken from my eyeball height; I didn't have to hold it overhead at all! That's all the magic of the 55-200 lens! Pretty awesome, right?

I totally recommend investing in a lens other than the stock one the camera kit comes with. That lens is great for everyday use but another lens opens up so many more possibilities! :goodvibes


Edited to add, I was standing way back by the hub on the Tomorrowland side for the castle show; we were pretty far away and still got some great shots!

[All7OfUs]

Those are some fabulous pix of IASW. I always try, but never really hit the mark here. They are usually dark, blurry, all that....

So.. what's your secret??!! AHHH!!! Scrolled down a little further, and now I get it. Lots of lenses, and expensive stuff. ;) Any tips for up P&S folks?? Besides ditching our POS's?

BTW, I have to ask... what made you decide on very Russian sounding names?? We have tons of neighbors here with Nastia (or some other variation of Anastasia) and oodles of little Alexandras.

[Sarilas]

Those are some fabulous pix of IASW. I always try, but never really hit the mark here. They are usually dark, blurry, all that....

So.. what's your secret??!! AHHH!!! Scrolled down a little further, and now I get it. Lots of lenses, and expensive stuff. ;) Any tips for up P&S folks?? Besides ditching our POS's?

BTW, I have to ask... what made you decide on very Russian sounding names?? We have tons of neighbors here with Nastia (or some other variation of Anastasia) and oodles of little Alexandras.

Unfortunately I could never get good pictures with my P&S; that's how I ended up buying the DSLR! There are some good P&S's now with pretty awesome features... I know Cannon makes one but I can't for the life of me think of what it's called!

The names... that's a fair enough question! I'm a first generation American. My Mom was from Russia, on the Ukrainian border (near Belgorod). So the names are actually family names. My grandmother was Olga, my Mom was Lydia, I'm Larissa, and of course then the girls are Tatiana, Anastasia and Alexandra. Kyle lucked out and got a way 'normal' name. :laughing:

[PracPerfPatricia]

Once again-fabulous pictures-It was liking riding IASW...I love the Haunted Mansion too...it's fabulous...I agree about DL-it's an awesome park-do prefer MK's castle but the rest of the park is :thumbsup2-but I don't remember the difference it the queueing for HM there-I know there is more graveyard out front...and the house isn't NY Hudson Valley-isn't it more Southern in style...?

more please...popcorn::



I adore the Haunted Mansion so, so, so much! You got some great shots -- I love the wrought iron!

Have you seen this? It is being released on September 22.

Song and Story from the Haunted Mansion (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B002M2N9HU/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance)

Aww man Jackie-I didn't want temptation to buy any more books until after (October 31st) oh -but wait...that isn't a book is it?;)...:lmao:

[Sarilas]

Once again-fabulous pictures-It was liking riding IASW...I love the Haunted Mansion too...it's fabulous...I agree about DL-it's an awesome park-do prefer MK's castle but the rest of the park is :thumbsup2-but I don't remember the difference it the queueing for HM there-I know there is more graveyard out front...and the house isn't NY Hudson Valley-isn't it more Southern in style...?

more please...popcorn::


I agree about the castle at MK - absolutely amazing! I do think the Sleeping Beauty walk through was far more awesome though!

The HM has more of the cemetery out front, including the pet cemetery. I love trying to read all the headstones. And yeah it's very much a white, Southern plantation mansion. Just gorgeous and fits perfectly into the feel of New Orleans Square!

Let's not forget the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, as well. I WISH WDW had that!

[PracPerfPatricia]

I agree about the castle at MK - absolutely amazing! I do think the Sleeping Beauty walk through was far more awesome though!

The HM has more of the cemetery out front, including the pet cemetery. I love trying to read all the headstones. And yeah it's very much a white, Southern plantation mansion. Just gorgeous and fits perfectly into the feel of New Orleans Square!

Let's not forget the Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, as well. I WISH WDW had that!

Hmm...I think I remember reading something about a NBC overlay at HM DL---love, love NBC btw...popcorn::

In the spirit of Halloween, do tell..:hyper2:what is that like....the overlay I mean?...:goodvibes

Cinderella's Castle is prettier but actually if there had to be a throw day for best princess:hmmm:lmao:-I'd have to go with Aurora over Cindy...Cindy is nice and all that and of course they are both lovely but SB has the...better villain (best villain)...better prince...hmm also she gets to have parents that she reunites with in the end...(why do they also kill over the mothers-it starts to make you paranoid...:confused3)

[Sarilas]

Hmm...I think I remember reading something about a NBC overlay at HM DL---love, love NBC btw...popcorn::

In the spirit of Halloween, do tell..:hyper2:what is that like....the overlay I mean?...:goodvibes

Cinderella's Castle is prettier but actually if there had to be a throw day for best princess:hmmm:lmao:-I'd have to go with Aurora over Cindy...Cindy is nice and all that and of course they are both lovely but SB has the...better villain (best villain)...better prince...hmm also she gets to have parents that she reunites with in the end...(why do they also kill over the mothers-it starts to make you paranoid...:confused3)


Oh you have to see Halloween at Disneyland! It's A Small World's facade is much bigger and completely covered in lights. HM is changed completely; the entire ride becomes about NBC... Jack Skellington wreaths on the doors and fences, the stretching room has different paintings (and there's a lot of glow in the dark!), the music is NBC... it's an entirely different ride!

[Charleston Princess]

Aww man Jackie-I didn't want temptation to buy any more books until after (October 31st) oh -but wait...that isn't a book is it?;)...:lmao:

It is a CD...:rolleyes1

[praisehisname]

Wow, you've been busy! I had a lot of catching up to do!

Looking forward to seeing where you go next!

Denise

[Sarilas]

Wow, you've been busy! I had a lot of catching up to do!

Looking forward to seeing where you go next!

Denise

Yeah, I wasn't kidding when I said this thread was pic-heavy, huh? :laughing:

[Sarilas]

After locking the kids up in Liberty Square we headed off to discover Tomorrowland!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S39fDwb-bQ

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3352947186_6ce3035799_b.jpg

As we passed under the archway we could hear somebody hollering loudly... it wasn't an unpleasant holler, but we couldn't figure out what he was saying either. Soon enough we realized it was a CM telling the whole of Tomorrowland about a young guests birthday! So funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEaMP503ZpY

It was absolutely adorable. The first thing we wanted to do here was take turns riding with Buzz. I let Jose, Kyle and Tatiana go on first, and I followed behind with them again afterward.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3352947144_0b9a1c7b6b_b.jpg

Jose videotaped some of the line...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MaFmpXB8Gs

And the ride!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnl65JoDlUY

This was about the time I became obsessed with having the pictures after each ride... I spent a fortune on them (as you'll see)!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/3875615498_e53d3328e8_b.jpg

We had a blast on this ride, even if Kyle did show me he's the boss of that universe. (Talk about getting schooled by your kid!)

The boys wanted to ride on Space Mountain, and Tatiana reluctantly agreed to go on as well. The little girls and I sat out front and enjoyed the afternoon chaos while we waited.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3352121857_35138e60ef_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3352947214_5cc13a7157_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3352121997_c14fa54974_b.jpg

About this time, Alexandra took a bit of a nap in her stroller and we decided it was time for Stasia to have some fun. So off to Tomorrowland Speedway we went!

Kyle sat it out with me while Jose, Stasia and Tatiana ruled the raceway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10SinHcuTE0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3352084193_ab6db47100_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3352084771_b392ff7268_b.jpg

Photographing him videotaping me... :rolleyes1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyH2PiozATQ

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3352084677_ab8f4e5e0a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3352909760_703ec6e360_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3439/3352910122_bb15a41594_b.jpg

Tatiana was... how do I put this delicately... well she was less than a stellar first time driver. Good thing she's not actually on the roads yet! :laughing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3gCfC-Alj0

They had a great time and we repeated this ride a few times during our trip. Two thumbs up from the pre-school crowd!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3352121825_99dcbcae5f_b.jpg


Coming up next... My childhood favorite!

[Lady Lallie]

Awww, Stasia looks so sweet driving the car! She looks so happy. She also looks like your little twin. :lmao:

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Well hello there! I haven't been on DLR's HM since the rehab; is it much different?



I meant Walt Disney Worlds

[Sarilas]

Awww, Stasia looks so sweet driving the car! She looks so happy. She also looks like your little twin. :lmao:

She is totally my Minnie Me. :rotfl: And I tell you, uploading these videos to post in the TR is dangerous; the girls come RUNNING at full tilt when they hear anything that sounds like a Disney video playing from the computer. It's a good thing our November trip is soon because they need a fix BAD! :lmao:


I meant Walt Disney Worlds

Ah... well I can't speak for the pre-rehab HM at WDW as our January trip was the first time any of us had ever been there! The kids totally loved the exterior of the WDW HM because it went along with the Eddie Murphy movie house so perfectly.

[Charleston Princess]

Look at Stasia's sweet little dimples!!! :cloud9:

[Sarilas]

Look at Stasia's sweet little dimples!!! :cloud9:

She does have serious dimple cuteness going on. She gets them from her Daddy! Lexi has ONE dimple on her left cheek. As a non-dimpled person I cannot get enough of them!

[Charleston Princess]

She does have serious dimple cuteness going on. She gets them from her Daddy! Lexi has ONE dimple on her left cheek. As a non-dimpled person I cannot get enough of them!

I don't have dimples either, and I am in love with Connor's dimples -- he just has to flash me a smile and I give in to anything he wants! :laughing:

[Sarilas]

I don't have dimples either, and I am in love with Connor's dimples -- he just has to flash me a smile and I give in to anything he wants! :laughing:

They do know how to work us, don't they?! :rotfl:

[cjb1879]

Enjoying the report so far- and I have to say, love that you named your daughters after the Romanov tsarina and grand-duchesses! Very clever!

ETA- just saw you said they were family names too!

[Sarilas]

Enjoying the report so far- and I have to say, love that you named your daughters after the Romanov tsarina and grand-duchesses! Very clever!

ETA- just saw you said they were family names too!

Well hello there! I do love that the girls have 'royal' names; it's purely happenstance that my Aunts had the names as well... or maybe not so much happenstance. They're very popular names! ;) I do call all the girls Princess. And rightly so. :thumbsup2

[heaven2dc]

I have had SO much fun reading your TR and absolutely LOVE your pics!! What a fantastic photographer you are! The videos are so cute!

[Sarilas]

I have had SO much fun reading your TR and absolutely LOVE your pics!! What a fantastic photographer you are! The videos are so cute!

Thank you SO much! I really enjoy taking the pictures, more than the rides or anything else now. (Sad, isn't it?!) :rotfl:

I think I'll try to write another post tonight; I need the encouragement!

[Sarilas]

When I was a girl growing up in Orange County, California, the teacups were my most favoritest ride EVER. The biggest difference in the teacups there and in Florida are that the teacups aren't covered in CA. I kind of miss that feature of being out in the sunshine, but then we didn't have frequent and toreential downpours to contend with either...

But I digress.

Teacups!

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After a super short wait in a super short line we were in our cups!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDa5oWF6yr8

And we were off!

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Lexi didn't know what the heck was going on. She was clinging to daddy for dear life!

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Stasia on the other hand could not have been happier!

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1z-3ibURRk

It was great fun, and I was so glad everyone liked it. Even Lexi, in retrospect!

It was about this time we realized everyone was in need of a break so we decided to head back to POR.

On the way back we saw a beanstalk...

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And visited a beautiful castle.

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Coming up next... Well you look mighty familiar!

[Sarilas]

On our way out of MK for an afternoon break we spotted some familiar faces from rope drop that morning.

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Maybe it was the too-large freaky human hands that made the girls shy away? ;)

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When we'd finished with autographs and pictures we hopped a ride on the bus back to POR for the mid day break we all needed.

Well, some wanted to rest. Some ended up with a different form of relaxation...

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Stasia was diggin' the kiddie pool. (In fact she still asks when she can go to Disney World to swim.)

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Coming up next... night time fun at Magic Kingdom!

[soldiersmom]

Hi-
I just found your report...and your "bus meet" shout out excited me so much, it yanked me out of lurkdom! When my girlfriends asked me why I had a lime green Mickey head hanging on my bag, I told them it was so that my imaginary friends from the Dis Boards could recognize me. I got eye rolls. BUT, when you said hello on the bus, their jaws hit the floor! "It seems she isn't quite as nutty as we previously thought. The imaginary friends actually exist!"

Anyway--loving your report. It's giving me a between-trips boost. And your pictures are A-MAY-ZING!!:cool1:

[Charleston Princess]

According to my mom, the tea cups were also my first favorite ride at WDW. Great pictures of your spinning fun!

I have to agree with the girls -- Snow White's freakishly large human-hand-like gloves are just plain weird -- she should just wear white ones instead.

[Lady Lallie]

Your girls are just too cute. I can't get over it! :laughing:

Do you think Snow White was just wearing some gloves? They are FREAKISH. :eek:

[Sarilas]

Hi-
I just found your report...and your "bus meet" shout out excited me so much, it yanked me out of lurkdom! When my girlfriends asked me why I had a lime green Mickey head hanging on my bag, I told them it was so that my imaginary friends from the Dis Boards could recognize me. I got eye rolls. BUT, when you said hello on the bus, their jaws hit the floor! "It seems she isn't quite as nutty as we previously thought. The imaginary friends actually exist!"

Anyway--loving your report. It's giving me a between-trips boost. And your pictures are A-MAY-ZING!!:cool1:

Holy carp, I am so stoked to see you here! I was so excited to see you on the bus... my husband thought *I* was the crazy one asking a stranger if she's on the Dis boards! You absolutely made my day (and I never forgot it, even though I'm late in writing my TR). :love:

Thank you for the picture comments; I had so much fun photographing everyone and I can't wait to do it again in November!


According to my mom, the tea cups were also my first favorite ride at WDW. Great pictures of your spinning fun!

I have to agree with the girls -- Snow White's freakishly large human-hand-like gloves are just plain weird -- she should just wear white ones instead.

They're just weird, right? I mean if those gloves were made for princesses, should they be a size or two smaller? :rolleyes:

[Sarilas]

Your girls are just too cute. I can't get over it! :laughing:

Do you think Snow White was just wearing some gloves? They are FREAKISH. :eek:

Thank you, LL! :goodvibes

Totally freakish flesh colored gloves. I get what Disney was going for with the coloring, but it looks so bizarre! I mean it WAS freezing cold, and I wouldn't want Snow White to come down with anything but...

[MeMom]

You got great pictures of the mosaics. I love those!

Down time at the pool for the kids is always one of their favorite memories of trips, it seems. Looks like they are having great fun! :thumbsup2

[Sarilas]

You got great pictures of the mosaics. I love those!

Down time at the pool for the kids is always one of their favorite memories of trips, it seems. Looks like they are having great fun! :thumbsup2

Thanks, MeMom! I really loved them too though I wish we hadn't been in such a rush to get to the front of the park at the time; frankly I wish we'd slowed down a whole lot more in the parks!

[PracPerfPatricia]

Stunning photos of the Cinderella mosaics...hmmm those would make nice screen savers...you wouldn't mind...:lmao:...jk

I'm going to have to go with the crowd consensus...those fleshy colored glove-things on Snow White"s hands...just really odd...plain white gloves would be so much better...

Ahhhh...tea cups...I love them too...:love:...don't remember this from DL-but if there isn't the covering...do they still have those pretty Chinese Lanterns hung above?

[Sarilas]

Stunning photos of the Cinderella mosaics...hmmm those would make nice screen savers...you wouldn't mind...:lmao:...jk

I'm going to have to go with the crowd consensus...those fleshy colored glove-things on Snow White"s hands...just really odd...plain white gloves would be so much better...

Ahhhh...tea cups...I love them too...:love:...don't remember this from DL-but if there isn't the covering...do they still have those pretty Chinese Lanterns hung above?

Take the pics- they're yours! ;)

The teacups at DL do have the pretty lanterns hung above; it's such a different feel, and when night falls the lanterns light up and it's like you're in the movie! Stars and lanterns above spinning teacups... ethereal is a good word for it. LOVE IT!

[Lizzybear]

Yay the teacups, love em!! I really liked that so many of the rides in DL were open, and just Fantasyland in general there is awesome (I mean TWO Alice rides, what more do you need?! ;))
Snow White's gloves are a bit weird looking... It'd be so strange for me to go to WDW at a cooler time of year, since it's always been blazing hot when i've been. We went to DLRP in January a few years ago though and that was freeezing!
I don't think i've noticed the mosaics before but I definitely will now, we plan to 'smell the roses' a lot more this trip :goodvibes

[Sarilas]

Yay the teacups, love em!! I really liked that so many of the rides in DL were open, and just Fantasyland in general there is awesome (I mean TWO Alice rides, what more do you need?! ;))
Snow White's gloves are a bit weird looking... It'd be so strange for me to go to WDW at a cooler time of year, since it's always been blazing hot when i've been. We went to DLRP in January a few years ago though and that was freeezing!
I don't think i've noticed the mosaics before but I definitely will now, we plan to 'smell the roses' a lot more this trip :goodvibes

I never thought about that before... maybe the extra Alice love at DL is why I love her most! Well, maybe not the whole reason... ;)

[praisehisname]

Great updates!

I think it's hilarious that the lifeguard is bundled up in a sweat suit, but the kids are splashing around having a blast in the pool! :rotfl2:

Denise