Brother & Sister, WL, AKL, and Parents on a Disney Cruise! We're off!!! 5/8!! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Nicole786

02-24-2009, 01:46 PM

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dis/minimickey.png Chapter List

1. Our resorts as of right now! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30492436&posted=1#post30492436)
2. Dining plans and ADRs! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30528942#post30528942)
3. Park touring plans! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30625459#post30625459)
4. Mini TR: Xmas with mom! chapter 1 (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30705565#post30705565)
5. Mini TR: Xmas with mom! chapter 2 (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30726972#post30726972)
6. Itinerary cards! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=30784323&postcount=82)
7. Mini TR: XMas with mom! chapter 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30798963&posted=1#post30798963)
8. Mini TR: Our adventures with Everest! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30830731#post30830731)
9. Mini TR: Boma & Epcot! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30884642#post30884642)
10. Paying off really pays off! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30915829#post30915829)
11. Mini TR: Magic kingdom with the princesses! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30936559&posted=1#post30936559)
12. Itinerary on your iPod/iPhone! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30964666&posted=1#post30964666)
13. Mini TR: Osborne lights with mom! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30973294&posted=1#post30973294)
14. Tee purchases! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30997288&posted=1#post30997288)
15. Mini TR: The final mom/daughter chapter! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30998411&posted=1#post30998411)
16. Disney email!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31055962&postcount=159)
17. Mini Tr with Dad! Part 1 arrival (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31086214&posted=1#post31086214)
18. Mini Tr with Dad! Part 2 arrival (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31086253&posted=1#post31086253)
19. Mini Tr with Dad! Part 1 MK morning (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31164458&postcount=176)
20. Mini Tr with Dad! Part 2 MK morning (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31164458&postcount=176)
21. Mini Tr with Dad! Our last day part 1 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31213383&postcount=185)
22. Mini Tr with Dad! Our last day part 2 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31213392&postcount=186)
23. Mini TR with dad conclusion! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31243726&posted=1#post31243726)
24. Countdown begins!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31280565&posted=1#post31280565)
25. Disney mail! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31360460&posted=1#post31360460)
26. More mail goodies, pancakes & lets predict our first day! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31402372#post31402372)
27. Happy earth day! Predicting our 2nd day! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31466209#post31466209)
28. Cruise documents and pixie dust! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31485491#post31485491)
29. Predicting our Day off! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31531463#post31531463)
30. Single digits! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31582957&postcount=287)
31. Magic kingdom day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31604600&postcount=299)
32. Epcot and mom and dad come home! (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31634267&postcount=307)
33. The great switcheroo! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31651416&postcount=3207)
34. Mousekeeping envelopes! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31673930&postcount=330)
35. 2 days left, what are we gonna do our last day?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31692032&postcount=34030)
36. We're off! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31724332&postcount=353)

Hello everyone! Welcome to our pre-trip report for May 2009!! This trip is going to be a wild ride, and I’m very excited to share it with my dis-family for comments and support!! Before we get into the juicy details, lets introduce the cast! Lets start with us, brother and sister, main cast for this trip!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/image218.jpg

Nicole: Lots of disney trips under the belt, loves planning for each and every one of them! Resort switcher and vacation planner! I work with apple computers and use a lot of what I learn at work, effective in my disney planning so stay tuned for more of that if you are a Mac or iPhone user!

David: High school student entering into his senior year in September 2009! Enjoys playing guitar, classic rock tunes, and just like every other 17 year old video games!! He has been to 4 different Disney hotels in the past 3 years: POR, POFQ, CSR, and AKL. AKL of course was his favorite, he still wears the hat MeMom and BrooklynnsMommy (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29060069&posted=1#post29060069) got him to this day! That trip was a brother and sister August 2008 trip, and it was a lot of fun to plan and be a part of, so we’re hoping for a redux with this trip in May!

Supporting cast:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_3953.jpg

Mom: Took a mother/daughter trip to POP in December 2008 and loved every minute of it! Hasn’t been to WDW too often, her last trip before that was March 2006. Really enjoyed getting the full disney experience, using the DDP and seeing all that disney christmas had to offer!

Dad: Never seen my dad more excited about something in a long time! Lets just say this is a much needed vacation away! We took a father/daughter trip in January 2009 to POFQ (his now favorite disney resort) used the DDP and he loved every minute of it!

I just want to add that before a few weeks ago I had no idea this was the Podcast cruise. As a matter of fact if I remember correctly, the original dates I booked (May 3rd) was to avoid the podcast cruise because mom and dad don't know what that is! But when I had to change the cruise dates it completely slipped my mind! Oh well, i'm sure they'll meet some great Dis-ers who can show them the way!

So lets talk about plans! This trip is a unique one. Unless I win the lottery, probably won’t be repeated in the near future, so we want to cherish every moment! I have been saving since April of last year and am very excited that for the first time I get to pay everything off in cash! This year is my parents 25th anniversary and I knew from the time I was little I wanted to do something really special. So I started to think if maybe I should throw them a party, but as I thought more and more about it, I really wanted to send them on a vacation. They hadn’t been anywhere in years and there favorite kind of travel is a cruise! So i looked into cruising. My grandparents best friend is a travel agent and asked her to look into it for me. They had been on Royal Carribbean, Carnival and Princess and loved each one! I did some research online, with a Disney cruise in the back of my mind because I was worried about kids and didn’t think for their anniversary that would be the best to do. I had some criteria though!

1. It had to dock out of Port Canaveral so David and I could drop them off, and stay in Disney to play!
2. The ship had to be beautiful and have ammenities my parents would love

So my grandparents friend came back with 2 ships: Carnival and Royal Carribbean. I thought for sure that Royal Carribbean was the answer until I looked up the ship. It was an old ship and also very small same with the Carnival. So I was a little upset at the reviews it was getting around the internet. I posted in the DCL forums here on the DIS just out of curiosity asking for opinions from adults about the different ships vs. DCL. I got an onslaught of replies!! People of all ages RAVING about DCL. Saying how it was the most child-free cruise they had ever been on because of all the children activities!! After doing a little research on my own, a few weeks later it was booked! DCL Wonder May 10-14th. I couldn’t wait to tell them but was a little apprehensive about the fact that it was a DCL would they like it? Finally the day approached. It was their 24th anniversary and I knew this was a good time to present it to them! But if you know me, we all know I don’t do gifts without making them work for it a little! David and I had really thought about this one! We decided to send them on a pirate scavenger hunt! We assembled scrolls and even burnt the edges to make it look authentic!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_3942.jpg

Then we gave them the first scroll:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann8-1.jpg

It led them to the first “clue” (2 happy anniversary buttons courtesy of a member of the DIS: glitterkittyy how awesome is that!! and another scroll!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann9-1.jpg

Which led them to another “clue” (A DCL pin i found on ebay) and another scroll:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/6bd8_1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann10-1.jpg

Which finally led them to the “treasure” with the final scroll and a box full of t-shirts that looked like this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann11-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann6.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann5.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretripaug08/anniversary/wonderann13.jpg

So how did it work out? We video taped the entire thing (ignore the pajamas) We hope you enjoy it!

Click Here for the video! (http://vimeo.com/1260952)

So I hope you enjoyed the reveal of the cruise!! But obviously theres a lot more to share! ADRs, park plans, resort stay!! I hope you stay tuned!

DWGal210

02-24-2009, 02:54 PM

Nicole786

02-24-2009, 05:24 PM

I LOVE IT!! What nice kids you are - they are going to LOVE it. We went last June and were all adults (for the most part, my sister was 17 but she hung out with us) and had a blast.

Looking forward to more! :cool1:

Thanks for the reply! I'm hoping they'll love it, they are certainly looking forward to it!

CanadianWDWfan

02-24-2009, 05:52 PM

Hi, I'm here! :wave2:

Had to come see what's up...:)

Will there be David's thoughts again? :3dglasses

Loved the last TR, I'm sure this one will be great too. :thumbsup2

MeMom

02-24-2009, 06:15 PM

As I recall, there was something about sparks flying when you burned the paper, too! Your activities could be borderline dangerous sometimes! :rotfl:

I am definitely on board for this cruise and the 'play at Disney while you wait' part, too! Your parents will take pictures on the cruise for us, won't they?

I'm so glad you and your dad had such a good time on your trip together!

Nicole786

02-24-2009, 08:07 PM

Hi, I'm here! :wave2:

Had to come see what's up...:)

Will there be David's thoughts again? :3dglasses

Loved the last TR, I'm sure this one will be great too. :thumbsup2

Yes there will be david's thought! Probably in the next post unless he posts a reply before then! Happy to have you back for this adventure!

As I recall, there was something about sparks flying when you burned the paper, too! Your activities could be borderline dangerous sometimes! :rotfl:

I am definitely on board for this cruise and the 'play at Disney while you wait' part, too! Your parents will take pictures on the cruise for us, won't they?

I'm so glad you and your dad had such a good time on your trip together!

Haha thats right I say that sparks flew in the video :rotfl: They did! But we had water handy lol. Glad to see you MeMom, the adventure can't start without you!

Grybo

02-24-2009, 09:00 PM

Hey everyone! Sorry to be tardy to the party. I'm so pumped for this upcoming trip I never shut up about it!

DWFan4Life

02-25-2009, 01:38 AM

Great PR coming here. I'm looking forward in hearing more from you after your trip.

Have a nice day everyone. :)

Charleston Princess

02-25-2009, 08:51 AM

I'm here! I'm here! :cheer2:

FauntleroyFAN07

02-25-2009, 09:06 AM

very cool video, i am suprised it took them so long to figure it out, my mom would have been asking on the cruise pin, what that was all about and said she figured it out early.

cant wait to read all about it.

BrooklynnsMommy

02-25-2009, 09:33 AM

Hey Nicole! Can't wait to hear more I will live vicariously through MeMom and then you until I can get to the end of July!

Nicole786

02-25-2009, 09:45 AM

Hey everyone! Sorry to be tardy to the party. I'm so pumped for this upcoming trip I never shut up about it!

THis is very true but of course all 4 of us don't shut up about it!

Great PR coming here. I'm looking forward in hearing more from you after your trip.

Have a nice day everyone. :)

Thanks for coming along! :)

I'm here! I'm here! :cheer2:

Yay! Party! :banana:

very cool video, i am suprised it took them so long to figure it out, my mom would have been asking on the cruise pin, what that was all about and said she figured it out early.

cant wait to read all about it.

Yeah if you watch closely at david's reaction he's giving sort of a "what the..?" look to me. Its sort of an inside joke that our parents NEVER get stuff like this

Hey Nicole! Can't wait to hear more I will live vicariously through MeMom and then you until I can get to the end of July!

Yay so glad you're here Jill!

pooksma

02-25-2009, 10:27 AM

Hey Nicole and David!

I am reading along too. Thanks for the invite. I think I'll start our PT when your just about ready to go. That way, I can live vicariously for a bit first.:cheer2:

lauren_elizabeth

02-25-2009, 10:29 AM

I love the video of you & your brother surprising your parents! Your mom is adorable and I love their reaction when it finally clicks that they're going on a cruise. Too cute! :goodvibes

Nicole786

02-25-2009, 11:26 AM

Hey Nicole and David!

I am reading along too. Thanks for the invite. I think I'll start our PT when your just about ready to go. That way, I can live vicariously for a bit first.:cheer2:

I look forward to the PT! Glad you could join the party!

I love the video of you & your brother surprising your parents! Your mom is adorable and I love their reaction when it finally clicks that they're going on a cruise. Too cute! :goodvibes

Im glad you enjoyed the video, we had a blast planning it! Their reaction was just what I was hoping for! Sort of like this: :banana:

lauren_elizabeth

02-25-2009, 11:30 AM

And I just realized that we'll be down at Disney during the same time!

Nicole786

02-25-2009, 11:41 AM

So the resort stays are a bit interesting to say the least!! We had been waiting with baited breathe for the AP rates, and than finally they arrived!! After a LOT of resort swapping, we have [tentative] final plans!! Here are mom & dads:

May 9th-10th - Universal's Royal Pacific Resort
May 10th-14th - DCL Wonder Inside Cabin
May 14th-17th - Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard View

They are SUPER excited about AKL and I am so excited that the rate was so low I was able to book it for them!! I'm hoping for some anniversary pixie dust for them, but I know they are excited just to stay there nevermind having a view of the animals! :rotfl:

Now for David & Mine!

May 9th-10th - Universal's Royal Pacific Resort
May 10th-15th - Wilderness Lodge Standard View
May 15th-17th - Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard View

Both of us are so excited to be staying here!! :banana:

http://www.destination-orlando.com/orlando-hotels/all-orlando-hotels/disneys-animal-kingdom-lodge.jpg

David and I are super excited to be staying here!!

http://z.about.com/d/hotels/1/5/u/-/2/wilderness_lodge.jpg

Now for those of you coming from our last TR, you know how much I disliked switching resorts so let me explain. This is why it is tentative! As of right now, Disney is showing no availability for anything but courtyard view bunk beds on the weekend with the AP discount! The rooms can be booked at rack rate, but because they aren't available at the discount this effects being able to stay at the WL from the 10th-17th. I'm really hoping as the weeks go on, a regular room will pop up at the WL for our entire stay, and I plan on switching. But switching to the AKL? Getting to spend the last 2 nights of disney at the same resort as our parents? Spending time as a family while we swim or go look at animals? It's not a bad "worse case scenario" is it??

Because of work and such, we are only able to spend 1 night in Universal which David and I are a bit upset about, but we'll have to just get on what we can. When you stay at a universal hotel (like the royal pacific) your room key acts as an "express pass" so we should definitely be able to walk on practically everything, that should help!! Mom & Dad don't have universal annual passes like David & I do so they might take the car that day and go to Disney or something, we're not sure yet.

What do you guys think of the plans?

Charleston Princess

02-25-2009, 11:59 AM

Sounds like the perfect resort mix -- WL and AKL!

lauren_elizabeth

02-25-2009, 12:00 PM

I'm crossing my fingers for you that the standard rooms open up at the WL and yall are able to stay there the whole trip! The WL is gorgeous & I wanted to stay there so bad for our trip in May, but the only thing available for the 4/3 deal for our dates is the courtyard bunk beds, just like for you!

The plans sound great! It stinks yall only get one night at Universal, but hey, that just means more time at Disney! :woohoo:

MeMom

02-25-2009, 12:15 PM

I want to stay at both of those places someday!

What do I think of your plans?
I think any plans for being in Disney World are good ones! :thumbsup2

pooksma

02-25-2009, 12:19 PM

I want to stay at both of those places someday!

What do I think of your plans?
I think any plans for being in Disney World are good ones! :thumbsup2

AMEN!:yay: :woohoo:

scottny

02-25-2009, 02:23 PM

Hi,
I will be checking in from time to time. Been busy lately.

FauntleroyFAN07

02-25-2009, 02:33 PM

i could sleep under the monorail station at the TTC, and i would love it as long as my butt is on disney property, i am fine.
:)

but your plans sound good.

:thumbsup2

Lifelong_Dreamer

02-25-2009, 03:07 PM

Hi Nicole! What a great surprise for your parents, the reveal video was hilarious. :laughing:

CanadianWDWfan

02-25-2009, 05:52 PM

Grybo

02-25-2009, 06:13 PM

pixiedust: for a room to open up for you! Bunkbeds could be fun....:rotfl2:

I thought about doing a split stay but I decided it was a lot of hasstle moving our stuff. ;)

Hi David! You are allowed to be as hyped as you want, we are all Disney dorks here. :rotfl:

Lol thanks! I don't think "hyped" is the right word here. You have to remember, Nicole and I have been waiting since even BEFORE April last year for this day! As the great Christopher Walken would say, "I've got a fever! And the only prescription is more Disney!":woohoo:

Also, to show how obsessed I am with Disney, for my creative writing class, I have to write a play and I'm making it about a dysfunctional family that goes to Disney World!!!! I might post the scenes when I'm finished.

CanadianWDWfan

02-25-2009, 07:26 PM

You are too funny....:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :lmao:

MeMom

02-25-2009, 07:35 PM

Also, to show how obsessed I am with Disney, for my creative writing class, I have to write a play and I'm making it about a dysfunctional family that goes to Disney World!!!! I might post the scenes when I'm finished.

Oh, please let it have a MeMom who likes to stay hidden behind things!!!!! :rotfl:

Nicole786

02-25-2009, 07:44 PM

Sounds like the perfect resort mix -- WL and AKL!

I knew you would approve!

I'm crossing my fingers for you that the standard rooms open up at the WL and yall are able to stay there the whole trip! The WL is gorgeous & I wanted to stay there so bad for our trip in May, but the only thing available for the 4/3 deal for our dates is the courtyard bunk beds, just like for you!

The plans sound great! It stinks yall only get one night at Universal, but hey, that just means more time at Disney! :woohoo:

Thanks for the extra wishes for the standard rooms! Same thing with us for the 4/3 but it turned out to be cheaper if we booked AP so we went that way and luckily as soon as it was available I grabbed the only standard rooms tey were offering! lol

I want to stay at both of those places someday!

What do I think of your plans?
I think any plans for being in Disney World are good ones! :thumbsup2

Your right, just being there is great!

AMEN!:yay: :woohoo:

:)

Hi,
I will be checking in from time to time. Been busy lately.

Understand scott nice to see you around!

i could sleep under the monorail station at the TTC, and i would love it as long as my butt is on disney property, i am fine.
:)

but your plans sound good.

:thumbsup2

This is true, I would probably want to grab an aero bed first but that view would be awesome!

Hi Nicole! What a great surprise for your parents, the reveal video was hilarious. :laughing:

Thanks for coming along Lessa!

pixiedust: for a room to open up for you! Bunkbeds could be fun....:rotfl2:

I thought about doing a split stay but I decided it was a lot of hasstle moving our stuff. ;)

Hi David! You are allowed to be as hyped as you want, we are all Disney dorks here. :rotfl:

Thats why i didn't like switching rooms last august. It wasn't a hassle per se, but it was a slight inconvenience to repack etc

Lol thanks! I don't think "hyped" is the right word here. You have to remember, Nicole and I have been waiting since even BEFORE April last year for this day! As the great Christopher Walken would say, "I've got a fever! And the only prescription is more Disney!":woohoo:

Also, to show how obsessed I am with Disney, for my creative writing class, I have to write a play and I'm making it about a dysfunctional family that goes to Disney World!!!! I might post the scenes when I'm finished.

I think i'll have to proofread those scenes first make sure its appropriate :rotfl:

You are too funny....:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :lmao:

Oh, please let it have a MeMom who likes to stay hidden behind things!!!!! :rotfl:

I'll make sure it does! :rotfl:

HeatherBelle614

02-25-2009, 08:05 PM

Just found your pre-trippie and I'm hooked! The video was adorable; I have to figure out a way to surprise my mom, and I love what you did!!

We're doing US and WDW, too! That's exciting you'll be at AKL; we would've loved to stay there this go around, but it wasn't in the budget. Next time, though!

Just subbied; can't wait to read more.

Nicole786

02-26-2009, 07:56 AM

And I just realized that we'll be down at Disney during the same time!

Oh awesome! Where are you staying??

Just found your pre-trippie and I'm hooked! The video was adorable; I have to figure out a way to surprise my mom, and I love what you did!!

We're doing US and WDW, too! That's exciting you'll be at AKL; we would've loved to stay there this go around, but it wasn't in the budget. Next time, though!

Just subbied; can't wait to read more.

Thanks for the compliment on the pirate hunt we had a great time planning it! Whatever you do be sure to tape it! I'm headed to your Pre-trip after work today to check it out!

Nicole786

02-26-2009, 07:59 AM

So I logged on to disneyworld.com today because I had a feeling they would add more rooms today (same feeling I had when they added more room to AKL) my instincts were right!! Now you can book Woods view bunks, courtyard view, and courtyard view bunks!! Unfortunately, courtyard view is about $400 over budget and I don't think I can swing it (although I'm going to run some numbers in my head all day) what stinks is that they're still playing their resort games :rotfl: booking a woods view (no bunks) is totally in my budget considering its only around $10 more per night, but of course they have it available from the 10th-16th -- is it really worth switching to AKL just for the night plus spending more money during our WL stay? David and I think no. I'm just going to have to wait again to see if they offer the Sat-Sun night standard or woods view room. I have a feeling at this rate though, those rooms are going to go fast!!

CanadianWDWfan

02-26-2009, 06:03 PM

I'm so facinated at the choices of rooms...courtyard, woods, bunks, poolview etc. At the values you only choose preffered or not. :rotfl: A girl could go crazy trying to figure it out. :lmao:

Nicole786

02-26-2009, 07:14 PM

I'm so facinated at the choices of rooms...courtyard, woods, bunks, poolview etc. At the values you only choose preffered or not. :rotfl: A girl could go crazy trying to figure it out. :lmao:

:rotfl: Yeah it gets pretty overwhelming! Especially when they charge you a lot more for the views and than only offer them at the discounted rates :confused3 It gets pretty frustrating!! I'll keep checking though!

KatGarcia

02-26-2009, 08:08 PM

where have I been that I didn't know you had a PTR? Probably at my current TR....LOL. Check it out if you have time. Miss ya Lady!! How's FL treatin' ya?

Nicole786

02-26-2009, 08:21 PM

where have I been that I didn't know you had a PTR? Probably at my current TR....LOL. Check it out if you have time. Miss ya Lady!! How's FL treatin' ya?

haha! I didn't even know i've been soout of the loop. I'm doing well im coming for a NY visit in the summer i'll let you know the details when it gets closer but I definitely wanna see Wicked so if you are in let me know! Im gonna head over to your TR!

Nicole786

02-27-2009, 09:07 AM

So on our 90th day out a few weeks ago I was up bright and early with disney dining and I was able to get every restaurant we wanted!! The only exception is the proper time for yak & yeti but i think that because even on EMH, the restaurant closes at 5. I'm really excited to try this new place! Both us and our parents are going to be on the basic dining plan!

May 9th - Mama Della's - this is the best italian restuarant in Orlando! Even ask wdwinfo.com!! I ate here a few years ago while vacationing with my cousins to Disney/Universal its in the Portofino Bay Hotel (a georgeous universal hotel) and if you ever find yourself venturing off disney property or going to Universal for a day or 2, you have to find the time to get over here!

May 10th - Mom and Dad leave for cruise, David and I check into the WL :cloud9: Dinner at Boma Its weird that we have this ADR when we are at the WL not the AKL, but all our restaurants towards the end of the trip are with Mom & Dad and as of right now they like the restaurants we picked. Last time I was here with Dad we had a late ADR and it was awesome! It was the best experience there yet! The food choices were different than every other time we were there, they had this soup, which was the soup from the Seinfeld episode with the soup nazi! There were no buffet lines, and it was so casual, our waitress was awesome!! Im hoping for a repeat experience this trip even though our ADR is early so we can get to Epcot for Illuminations

May 11th - Dinner at Kona Cafe - my second favorite disney restaurant and we both just love it here!!

May 12th - This is our day off, we have dinner this night at Whispering Canyon. My favorite disney restaurant!! Good memories of this place from last trip seeing Declansdad and Pooksma. David asking for a refill and getting this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/tripreport/chapter_8/IMG_5268.jpg

May 13th - We have 2 ADRs this day. Paying out of pocket for my favorite breakfast spot Crystal Palace and than dinner at Yak & Yeti that night for AK EMH which we are very excited to try!! I have 2 ADRs right now (I hate to admit) because Im not sure which we should do: We have an 8:05am for a 'before the parks open' experience and than the latest they had which was a 10:30am. We've had the experience before of being there before the park opens and its also kind of stressful when you know you wanna make it to rope drop but the characters haven't been all around etc! We've never had an 8:05 though (the earliest) what is everyones experience with this? Is that enough time or should we stick with the more easy going breakfast at 10:30?

May 14th - Beaches & Cream for lunch out of pocket (love this place!) and this is the day mom & dad come back so we are meeting them for dinner at Chef Mickey's! They have never eaten here for dinner and we had a good experience. Dad loves him some buffets and he likes the character experience at Chef Mickey's so we are looking forward to this one! Fantasmic this night so it is an early ADR (thank goodness!) wish us luck :scared1:

May 15th - Time for David's favorite disney restaurant tonight, Le Cellier! We all really love Le Cellier it is so good!

May 16th - Our last ADR of the trip right now is Ohana. I've only eaten here once a few years ago and I was with less pickier eaters (my cousins) we had a great time! However, Dad and david are extremely picky so i'm thinking we might switch this to Kona again (a place we all enjoy) or something else remotely close to MK. Anyone eat here with a picky eater?

FauntleroyFAN07

02-27-2009, 09:42 AM

we really like ohana, they have good food, steak, chicken, sausage, and turkey, all good, the sides are also really good, i think they would like along with the interactive things they do during dinner.

Grybo

02-27-2009, 02:01 PM

May 12th - This is our day off, we have dinner this night at Whispering Canyon. My favorite disney restaurant!! Good memories of this place from last trip seeing Declansdad and Pooksma. David asking for a refill and getting this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/tripreport/chapter_8/IMG_5268.jpg

Haha I remember that. The waitress for the other table looked into the bucket, and told the kids there it was swamp water.

Nicole786

02-27-2009, 05:37 PM

Charleston Princess

02-27-2009, 05:53 PM

pooksma

02-28-2009, 06:52 AM

KimAshton

02-28-2009, 07:51 AM

Next time I come to disney I wanna hang with you. :)

HeatherBelle614

02-28-2009, 09:48 AM

Grybo

02-28-2009, 01:33 PM

I'm so glad to see you love Whispering Canyon! I've seen some really bad reviews, but my heart is set on trying it this time and I didn't want to be disappointed.

What do you rec to eat - the skillet? Or, something else??

I don't understand why anyone would say ANYTHING bad about WC. That is probably the most fun restaurant on property. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is awesome! As far as your dilemma goes, I really couldn't say because I'm an extremely picky eater, but I really liked the Western Chicken Pasta. It had a nice bite to it, and was very tasty.

Nicole786

02-28-2009, 01:42 PM

Those sure are some yummy ADRs!!! You know I fully endorse your Boma ressie!!!

We had an 8:00 Tusker House breakfast last June. We were able to see all the characters and eat our fill, and still be out about 8:45. We wandered around Africa, took lots of photos, and were right up at the rope drop of the safari. It was kind of neat watching the hordes of people crest the bridge -- like something out of Lord of the Rings. :rotfl:

I think we're leaning towards the 10:30 but i appreciate the input, im sure someone will put the 8:05 to good use!! I like the idea of not being in such a rush and enjoying the character experience

Next time I come to disney I wanna hang with you. :)

Just let me know when!

Look Pa-we're famous:rotfl:

i really like your ADRs. A new fav (Y&Y), an old one (CP is a must for us each trip with Declan) and of course, LC...mmmm.....LC...mmmm

Haha just thinking about it makes us drool too!! :cloud9:

I'm so glad to see you love Whispering Canyon! I've seen some really bad reviews, but my heart is set on trying it this time and I didn't want to be disappointed.

What do you rec to eat - the skillet? Or, something else??

I really really really love the canyon skillet its my favorite thing. Its usually hit or miss with a lot of the stuff but the chicken is really good and so are the potatoes. Last time the ribs seemed a bit funky and I would have said something but I didn't mind because I was really enjoying the chicken! lol

I don't understand why anyone would say ANYTHING bad about WC. That is probably the most fun restaurant on property. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is awesome! As far as your dilemma goes, I really couldn't say because I'm an extremely picky eater, but I really liked the Western Chicken Pasta. It had a nice bite to it, and was very tasty.

Yeah we'll see what you get this time WCC rocks!

KatGarcia

02-28-2009, 02:44 PM

Next time I come to disney I wanna hang with you. :)

Hi Kim!!! Long time no see!!!

I don't understand why anyone would say ANYTHING bad about WC. That is probably the most fun restaurant on property. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is awesome! As far as your dilemma goes, I really couldn't say because I'm an extremely picky eater, but I really liked the Western Chicken Pasta. It had a nice bite to it, and was very tasty.

I LOVED WCC! We had a great time there and loved the food too. We had a birthday while we were there too and my poor friends got to ride that horse around the place- hilarious!

Grybo

02-28-2009, 03:15 PM

I LOVED WCC! We had a great time there and loved the food too. We had a birthday while we were there too and my poor friends got to ride that horse around the place- hilarious!

Yeah when Nicole and I were there in august this guy who was just engaged had to ride around on the horse singing "You Are My Sunshine" to his fiance.

troobabiee7

02-28-2009, 04:41 PM

CanadianWDWfan

02-28-2009, 05:58 PM

How great that you got all the ADR's that you wanted. :thumbsup2

I was wondering about the same thing as you are. Is it better to have a very early ADR or have one for later in the morning. Charleston Princess has a good point. It would be nice to have a park to yourself for pics and be there first for rides. :goodvibes

We slept through a 8am ADR at Chef Mickeys on the last trip, luckily I was able to get a later one. Very smart to have a back up, just in case. ;) I will take your example and do the same thing.

Here's a really stupid question....does everyone have to get the skillet at WCC?

I have a picky eater (my DS14) who 'could' eat only chicken nuggets & burgers for a week. He is getting better, but still very fussy. He loved O'hana, it's his favorite restaurant so far. It's a family favorite, Yumm! :lovestruc
Give it a try!

Nicole786

03-01-2009, 09:41 AM

Hey Nicole! It's Melissa (babieemelly). How've you been?! I'm so glad I found this report. I remember you showing me the video of your parents finding all the clues last year, and it was just as exciting watching it this time around. I actually got all teary - you're giving all of us kids a bad name with such a great surprise! :laughing: BTW - my mom has the same Lucy pajamas that your mom had one, and I forgot how much your Oreo looks like mine :goodvibes:

All your plans look great! We went to Ohana back in '05, before the food switch, but we loved it. My brother's the pickiest eater there is and he really enjoyed it too. It's good food in a very fun atmosphere! Let us know what you decide!

Hey!! Thanks for watching the video again, it makes me tear up too! Our Oreos are identical lol!! Thats funny about the lucy pajamas--she is always wearing them!!

How great that you got all the ADR's that you wanted. :thumbsup2

I was wondering about the same thing as you are. Is it better to have a very early ADR or have one for later in the morning. Charleston Princess has a good point. It would be nice to have a park to yourself for pics and be there first for rides. :goodvibes

We slept through a 8am ADR at Chef Mickeys on the last trip, luckily I was able to get a later one. Very smart to have a back up, just in case. ;) I will take your example and do the same thing.

Here's a really stupid question....does everyone have to get the skillet at WCC?

I have a picky eater (my DS14) who 'could' eat only chicken nuggets & burgers for a week. He is getting better, but still very fussy. He loved O'hana, it's his favorite restaurant so far. It's a family favorite, Yumm! :lovestruc
Give it a try!

Not everyone has to get the canyon skillet they just bring the appropriate amount of food for the people that order it. We've done the photo ops before the park opens and loved it (mom and I had an 8:05 at CRT and made it to rope drop) but our experience at Crystal Palace has always been rushrushrush to get to rope drop and the characters can take a while to circle the restaurant because its big, so we opted for a more laid back breakfast. Make it to rope drop, secure FP and than head to CP for breakfast. We'll see how it goes because i've never done it before!

I'm planning on posting the day to day details soon, I need to rally for some readers first I think! Let me go shamelessly promote myself :rotfl:

Nicole786

03-04-2009, 08:25 AM

So David and I have come to a decision regarding resort stay. We are going to stick with the split stay regardless of room availability at the WL. We like the idea of meeting up with our parents at AKL and getting the experience of staying at the 2 awesome hotels!! So I'll use this post to show you our itinerary and get your ideas! I also called universal and since royal pacific wasn't available i booked the hard rock! Love this hotel so all is good

May 9th-arrive and check in to the hard rock hotel
May 10th-get up early and take mom/dad to MCO for their scheduled pickup. Spend some time at Universal before leaving to check into the WL :banana: Reservation at boma this night and than Epcot for illuminations our favorite!
May 11th-Wake for epcot future world only. Break in afternoon, than dinner at Kona! We want to try DHS EMH this night (we have never done this and looking forward to it!)
May 12th-We are going to sleep in this day and than head to Blizzard beach on the later side. We always notice how empty the parking lot seems later on in the day so we'd like to give that a try. Never have been to BB only TL, so can't wait for a new park! Since this is a laid back day, we have ADR at WCC and than downtown disney this night
May 13th-Wake up for MK (can you believe we've been at WDW for a few days and havent been there yet?? lol) We have breakfast ADRs at crystal palace for 10:30am so we can maximize the FP at rope drop and than have a relaxed breakfast. Break in the afternoon at the WL and than we can't wait to try AK for its EMH! We have ADR for dinner at Yak & Yeti, can't wait to try this new restaurant!
May 14th-Mommy and daddy come home!! :rotfl: We are sleeping in this day and only doing ecot's world showcase. Lunch is OOP at beaches & cream, a ritual for david and I. We will probably meet mom and dad depending on the time they arrive at AKL. If not we have an ADR this night at chef mickey's can't wait for this. Being there as a family, hearing all about the trip! After this we head to DHS for fantasmic and plan to line up immediately.
May 15th-this is our move to AKL day. We plan to wake up in time for rope drop (we did it last trip its possible) we'll have everything packed for bell services to transfer it to AKL, and than we'll head to DHS for the rope drop. Not sure what mom and dad are doing. At our break we will go get the car at WL and than drive to AKL check in and relax a bit before dinner ADR with mom/dad at le cellier and epcot EMH! Not sure how long we will stay for this one, We just want to be there for illuminations Epcot EMH is usually on the more crowded side.
May 16th-Wake for AK opening. Break back at AKL dinner at Ohana and than MK for spectro/wishes.
May 17th-last day :( I think we want to do MK for the day!

Okay what do you think?? Next post i'll talk about the surprise i'd like to get my parents!!

Charleston Princess

03-04-2009, 08:52 AM

It looks like so much fun!!! I can't wait to read about all your adventures on this trip!!!

KatGarcia

03-04-2009, 11:35 AM

You plans look great! I always do the late breakfasts, I love getting some rides in first then eating slowly and relaxing!

FauntleroyFAN07

03-04-2009, 11:59 AM

an ADR is complete with chef mickeys in it, looks good

MeMom

03-04-2009, 04:23 PM

I think we'll be getting a lot of good pictures from your food and fun!

You've got two very nice resorts and lots of good eating planned.

You're getting your parents another surprise? Man, they are some lucky parents!

pooksma

03-05-2009, 12:38 PM

Hope Declan can get tips from you guys down the road:rotfl2:

Did I miss something or has LC disappeared from the list?:scared1:

Nicole786

03-05-2009, 05:48 PM

It looks like so much fun!!! I can't wait to read about all your adventures on this trip!!!

Thanks I can't wait to live the adventures! :rotfl:

You plans look great! I always do the late breakfasts, I love getting some rides in first then eating slowly and relaxing!

Glad to hear some positive feedback on the late breakfast we were questioning it

an ADR is complete with chef mickeys in it, looks good

Can't wait for chef mickeys!

I think we'll be getting a lot of good pictures from your food and fun!

You've got two very nice resorts and lots of good eating planned.

You're getting your parents another surprise? Man, they are some lucky parents!

Haha just thinking about it, we'll see how it goes!

Hope Declan can get tips from you guys down the road:rotfl2:

Did I miss something or has LC disappeared from the list?:scared1:

LC is still there how could it not be?? its our second to last night!

scottny

03-05-2009, 10:46 PM

Your plans look great. sounds like another great trip in the making.

pooksma

03-06-2009, 06:15 AM

Whew Ok then.:dance3:

FauntleroyFAN07

03-06-2009, 08:39 AM

i always go to the kiddy station and eat the mac and cheese and the dino nuggets
:goodvibes

troobabiee7

03-06-2009, 10:11 AM

Your plans look great! You'll have to let me know how Yak and Yeti is, I'm thinking of trying it this summer!

Grybo

03-06-2009, 03:44 PM

i always go to the kiddy station and eat the mac and cheese and the dino nuggets
:goodvibes

So do I. ^_^

No but this trip is gonna be awesome! I don't think I can wait much longer!

Nicole786

03-07-2009, 03:21 PM

Your plans look great. sounds like another great trip in the making.

Thanks, scott, it should be fun!

Whew Ok then.:dance3:

We are excited because we've never been able to get there for dinner! Only lunch!

i always go to the kiddy station and eat the mac and cheese and the dino nuggets
:goodvibes

mmmmm dino nuggets

Your plans look great! You'll have to let me know how Yak and Yeti is, I'm thinking of trying it this summer!

Yeah im excited to try something new!!

I'm at work right now but when I get home I really want to share the pictures and a few comments of the 2 trips i've taken since I last had a TR. Even if it means im up all night :rotfl:

Nicole786

03-08-2009, 12:22 PM

Sorry about not posting the start of the TR, but Im planning on doing it tonight! Hoping it will pull some out of lurkdom :rotfl:

Nicole786

03-08-2009, 06:58 PM

So Mom and I had been waiting for this magical trip for a lot of months and we were so excited when the day finally arrived!! I couldn't wait to get there already! Mom hadn't been to WDW since 2006, and has only stayed on-site twice! (When i was a kid we never stayed on-site) She stayed at the Poly when she was 16 and we stayed at POR as a family in 2006! She was incredibly excited for Disney, the dining plan, and POP! I had my brand new Canon Rebel XSI (my first D-SLR!) my friend let me borrow an extra lens, what came of it was 1100 photos! So needless to say i've been dying to share!

When I made the ressie, I requested ground floor so I was really excited when we checked in, we had a ground floor room! It was a perfect location, right off the lake in the 60s! This was our view!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7550.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7551.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7552.jpg

We didn't have too much time because we had ADR's at one of my fave disney restaurants Kona!! Here are some of the lobby decorations:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7561.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7564.jpg

The plan was to wait for the MK bus and than head to the Poly, a place mom hasn't been inside of in years! Look how happy @ the bus!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7565.jpg

It took a really long time for a MK bus, but an Epcot bus pulled up and we got on that and got to take a longer Monorail ride! Got off at the TTA and walked to Poly, can you sense moms excitement??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7576.jpg

Hey mom, wait up!

We walked around the Poly soaking it in and looking at all the xmas decorations! Poly isn't as decorated as the others but still has its own charm!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7581.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7583.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7585.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7589.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7592.jpg

It was time to sit down and we of course loved our meal! Mom really loved the DDP!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7579.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7603.jpg

We really wanted to go to the GF, so we hopped on the monorail and hopped right off! From the monorail station facing the Poly lobby:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7609.jpg

I don't think mom has ever been inside the GF and she was amazed. We got some really nice pictures of the lobby and then there were some carolers playing with bells! This was such a great kick off and put us right into the christmas mood!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7611.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7619.jpg

She was astonished by the gingerbread house!! So was I!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7651.jpg

With the night still young we decided to head over to Downtown Disney!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7661.jpg

There were carolers outside and this was just so warm and fuzzy!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7674.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7679.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7688.jpg

We shopped, I bought a gift card to track my purchases (I do this every time its wonderful) We walked in to Days of Christmas and it was MOBBED!!! But so so pretty!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7698.jpg

I was so excited to get a personalized ornament, but we found out it wouldn't be done until December 30th! I was so heartbroken, I had been looking forward to this forever!! Mom bought my a beautiful ornament to make me feel better but I'll be honest, I was still really bummed :(

Back to POP to the short walk to our room, and a good nights rest for our early wake up call for Epcot tomorrow!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7705.jpg

Charleston Princess

03-08-2009, 08:08 PM

MeMom

03-08-2009, 08:17 PM

Hey, hey, hey! I know that place well! My home, Pop Century, that is. Wasn't my tree so pretty?!?!?

That's so cool that you got to hear bell ringers at the Grand Floridian on your mom's first trip there.

Downtown Disney was awesome dressed up for Christmas. You'll have to order your personalized ornament early this year.

I know you and your mom had a great time. Maybe one day on of your mother-daughter trips will overlap with one of ours and I can meet you and your mom.

KatGarcia

03-08-2009, 10:07 PM

that camera takes GORGEOUS pics!!!! Your mom is so cute! How awesome you got to reacquaint her with WDW!

anbouk

03-09-2009, 02:24 AM

Hey Nicole! Found your trippie again! So nice to take mom on a trip around the holidays, bet she loved it! Awesome pics, btw! I have been eyeing that camera that you purchased. How do you like it so far? I need to update my digital camera, too, and I want super quality in a point and shoot. We plan on being at WDW for the upcoming holiday so want some really nice pics. I always find with my past cameras had not been so great in the dark. All my pics of spectro were so=so. Did you end up purchasing the extra lense...think that adds on about another 100 bucks. Let me know of your thoughts. :goodvibes

FauntleroyFAN07

03-09-2009, 07:58 AM

we really like the singers at DTD, and i wish i could have seen the bell ringers at GF they looked cool.

Nicole786

03-09-2009, 01:29 PM

Your new camera takes such gorgeous pictures!!! :lovestruc

I love your mom's look of pure happiness and excitement!

That's a bummer about the ornament! Was it just because it was Christmastime and everyone was getting them? Could you get one in May?

Im going to make the pictures in the next chapter a little bigger because it did take some really nice pics! There's a happy ending to the ornament story! :)

Hey, hey, hey! I know that place well! My home, Pop Century, that is. Wasn't my tree so pretty?!?!?

That's so cool that you got to hear bell ringers at the Grand Floridian on your mom's first trip there.

Downtown Disney was awesome dressed up for Christmas. You'll have to order your personalized ornament early this year.

I know you and your mom had a great time. Maybe one day on of your mother-daughter trips will overlap with one of ours and I can meet you and your mom.

Thanks for letting us borrow your Pop! :rotfl: I hope our trips overlap one day, but i think im just going to take a day or 2 off next time you're here and just drive over like we were planning to do for thanksgiving

that camera takes GORGEOUS pics!!!! Your mom is so cute! How awesome you got to reacquaint her with WDW!

Yeah we had a really fun time! She just kept seeing "I can't believe i've never seen this...this trip is amazing...i am so lucky" It was worth it!

Hey Nicole! Found your trippie again! So nice to take mom on a trip around the holidays, bet she loved it! Awesome pics, btw! I have been eyeing that camera that you purchased. How do you like it so far? I need to update my digital camera, too, and I want super quality in a point and shoot. We plan on being at WDW for the upcoming holiday so want some really nice pics. I always find with my past cameras had not been so great in the dark. All my pics of spectro were so=so. Did you end up purchasing the extra lense...think that adds on about another 100 bucks. Let me know of your thoughts. :goodvibes

A lot of these pictures were taken with my friends 50mm lens that costs about $90 @ B&H Photo. I didn't end up buying it because (1) she lets me borrow it every trip :rotfl: and (2) I found that the lens it comes with takes outstanding pictures as well! The next trip Im going to talk about is a short one I took with my dad recently, and I only used the kit lens it came with for the most part on "automatic" or at least aperture priority (where it automatically fixes the other settings based on the aperture you set) and they came out really nice!! I would definitely recommend the camera, you can judge for yourself on the night shots, I do have those coming up too!

we really like the singers at DTD, and i wish i could have seen the bell ringers at GF they looked cool.

the bell ringers were really cool, very elegant, very grand floridian :D

pooksma

03-09-2009, 05:03 PM

Great photos Nicole! Your mom looks so happy to be at the Poly. :thumbsup2

Nicole786

03-09-2009, 09:26 PM

Great photos Nicole! Your mom looks so happy to be at the Poly. :thumbsup2

She was! I don't think she has been there in ages!

-----------------------------

So we were up bright an early this morning because I was determined to be at Epcot for rope drop! This has never happened. Once it happened but we were so far back and missed everything! So we got up fairly early and had breakfast at POP before heading out. The never ending grin was still present!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7711.jpg

We headed out and got there at a good time, here was our view from the turnstiles:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7715.jpg

Lucky for us we were surrounded by a bunch of nice people whom we chatted it up with! Mostly we talked about EE, a ride mom was hoping to conquer. But mom hasn't been on a roller coaster in years, claims she has a fear of them (where do you think david got it from??) last time she went on a "major" roller coaster was when she was 16 at Six Flags. Lightning Loops. She has swore to not go on roller coasters again, lets see if i can change that.....

This guy right here:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7717.jpg

Was a hoot! He came and teased everyone in line before the turnstiles went! He joked about how 'cold' it was laughing at non-floridians for coming down to this weather. He was such a blast to watch, and than of course his antics continued after the rope drop, we were right up front I was so excited!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7719.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7721.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7723.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7728.jpg

At rope drop! Off to soarin!! Normally, we'll high tail it to soarin, than go over to test track. I decided to switch it up this time and do the reverse. So I FP test track, than mom and I walked over to Soarin. Um, never again!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7730.jpg

After riding soarin it was time for the character connection with hardly a wait! Don't you just love my mom?? She's like taking a 5 year old!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/image0731.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/image0741.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/image0742.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/image0763.jpg

On the way out we spotted my favorite, Mary Poppins!! She was just walking around, not sure if she was lost :rotfl: what is she doing in FW? Oh well, we wanted a photo op! She made sure we were behaving and sent us on our way. Just afterwards, a CM from the character connection approached us after we had just had a conversation about pins and how I didn't have very many (I don't usually put them on a lanyard) she handed me a chip pin after I told her he was my favorite! Yay, a magical moment!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7734.jpg

On our way over to the seas, we saw the Jammitors!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7737.jpg

We went on the seas (no wait) and than Turtle talk something mom has never done. The show wasn't the funniest but she thought it was a hoot! She really loved it!

After that, the World Showcase was just about to open so we headed over in that direction. We stopped at Mouse Gears, because I wanted to get some minnie christmas ears. Mom said how cute they were and when she stepped out to talk on the phone, I grabbed a pair for her too. She was very excited. We instantly put them on, and they are in the new pictures!

Will mom every slap that silly grin off her face?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7742.jpg

In to the world showcase, we had enough time for the Mexico pavillion and the ride (new for mom) before our ADR at Le Cellier

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7743.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7744.jpg

I love how the lights "sparkle" just like you see them in real life!

I bought mom a passport to teach her all about the true hidden treasure of the WS, she really loved going in each one, she just remembers walking around not actually going inside.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7745.jpg

Next, we walked over to Canada and checked in for lunch! It never fails, every time Im here i overhear a CM turning away an angry guest because they are filled. This time a CM was able to grant pixie dust, and allowed the guest to stay 10 minutes standby! We were seated earlier than that, no wait at all!

Mom was excited because since she only drinks water, she could have a raspberry chocolate shake for her drink. We shared it and it was very good!

Of course lunch was amazing, mom loved it and was so happy to be on the DDP!

Our plan was to leave after le cellier and go back for a nap because of MVMCP that night, but mom wanted to walk around so we did. We ended up catching the world showcase players and I love them so i was really excited! they are so funny!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7776.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7785.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_7789.jpg

We walked far enough to the first boat launch and took it back to FW. We were both so exhausted so heading back to POP is just what we needed. But first, Photopass!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/image0809.jpg

Nap time!

Charleston Princess

03-10-2009, 03:57 AM

MeMom

03-10-2009, 04:39 AM

You're mom is still so happy -- I love it! :goodvibes

I think I just saw that same CM at MeMom's Epcot rope drop! He is getting to be almost as famous as a regular character. :lmao:

That chocolate raspberry shake sounds yummy! :thumbsup2

What a great job!
Why wasn't I smart enough to think of having that as a career?
Wonder what his role is after opening? Have you seen him anywhere doing anything other than greeting?
Maybe I'll see him next Friday and tell him he's famous on the Disboards. :cool1:

A chocolate raspberry shake does sound delicious, even this time of the morning.

FauntleroyFAN07

03-10-2009, 07:39 AM

great tour of Epcot, soarin is always nuts unless you go first thing

pooksma

03-10-2009, 03:44 PM

Just Poppin' (Mary is my fav character) in to say I LOVE :lovestruc :lovestruc the pic of your mom and Minnie dancing. It is too :cutie:

CanadianWDWfan

03-10-2009, 07:54 PM

Glad to see your DMom so happy, she does have a wide grin. ;)

Cute ears, so festive. :santa:

It is my wish to one day have an SLR camera. :goodvibes You took beautiful pics. :thumbsup2

Very cool that you were given a pin, how magical. :wizard:

Nicole786

03-12-2009, 07:45 AM

You're mom is still so happy -- I love it! :goodvibes

I think I just saw that same CM at MeMom's Epcot rope drop! He is getting to be almost as famous as a regular character. :lmao:

That chocolate raspberry shake sounds yummy! :thumbsup2

Yeah I saw him over on that TR too! The shake was really really good, the raspberry added a lot to the chocolate flavor!

What a great job!
Why wasn't I smart enough to think of having that as a career?
Wonder what his role is after opening? Have you seen him anywhere doing anything other than greeting?
Maybe I'll see him next Friday and tell him he's famous on the Disboards. :cool1:

A chocolate raspberry shake does sound delicious, even this time of the morning.

When we were there he had a dream squad messenger bag so I guess he was on the dream squad? Now he's probably a customer service CM. You are going to have a blast next week!!

great tour of Epcot, soarin is always nuts unless you go first thing

Yeah we learned that the hard way!

Just Poppin' (Mary is my fav character) in to say I LOVE :lovestruc :lovestruc the pic of your mom and Minnie dancing. It is too :cutie:

Haha thanks!

Glad to see your DMom so happy, she does have a wide grin. ;)

Cute ears, so festive. :santa:

It is my wish to one day have an SLR camera. :goodvibes You took beautiful pics. :thumbsup2

Very cool that you were given a pin, how magical. :wizard:

Thanks for the comments on the pictures! The camera is really nice you lose some of the quality when uploading to photobucket though.

LMO429

03-12-2009, 07:49 PM

Nicole786

03-12-2009, 07:59 PM

Hooray for some good trip news!! We added another day to the trip, we are now arriving on May 8th to the Royal Pacific Resort (at universal) although it isn't disney, its still very exciting! So in honor of some trip news, and the fact that we are only 57 days away!! :banana: :banana: I decided to show everyone the iPhone itinerary cards i'm working on!! I do this every trip, I make individual cards that have an overview of plans. This trip, each card is themed to the hotel we're in!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/Picture2.png

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/Picture3-1.png

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/Picture1-1.png

scottny

03-12-2009, 09:37 PM

great mini tr.

Love all the pics. The camera is great.

you are so close. I wish.

Charleston Princess

03-13-2009, 04:03 AM

Oh, I love your iphone cards -- those are awesome!!!

CanadianWDWfan

03-13-2009, 05:44 AM

What a great way to stay organized. You always do a good job of making the cards look cool too. I wish I was so talented. :thumbsup2

Horray, for adding on a day! :woohoo:

FauntleroyFAN07

03-13-2009, 08:52 AM

very snazzy looking cards.

troobabiee7

03-13-2009, 09:22 AM

I'm loving your mini-report. I had to laugh at Lightening Loops, that was my mom and dad's first upside down roler coaster too! I have a picture of them on it in the 80s, it cracks me up :laughing:

Your pictures are AMAZING! I've been wanting a D-SLR forever but keep putting it off. Your pictures are convincing me more and more! How was it carrying it around? My camera now is TINY and fits right in the little zipper of my bag, I don't know if I'd have the patience to carry around such a big camera. Your pictures look great though! And you and your mom look so happy, I love it :goodvibes:

Nicole786

03-13-2009, 03:05 PM

Just saw your Pre Trip Report. How ironic we will be on the same cruise as your parents. I am sure you know its the dis unplugged podcast cruise there are over 100 rooms with disers on that boat with your parents. should be a great time

afterwards we will be at the beach club for a week

have a great trip! and maybe I will see your parents on the wonder

I didn't realize when I booked but I think it should be fun for them. They don't really know of the podcast, so I hope the normal disney-cruise stuff is still in tact. Would be funny if they sat at a table with disers for dinner!

great mini tr.

Love all the pics. The camera is great.

you are so close. I wish.

Thanks! I know we are very excited

Oh, I love your iphone cards -- those are awesome!!!

THanks! :)

What a great way to stay organized. You always do a good job of making the cards look cool too. I wish I was so talented. :thumbsup2

Horray, for adding on a day! :woohoo:

Aw thank you! It really helps us stay organized thats for sure

very snazzy looking cards.

Thanks!

I'm loving your mini-report. I had to laugh at Lightening Loops, that was my mom and dad's first upside down roler coaster too! I have a picture of them on it in the 80s, it cracks me up :laughing:

Your pictures are AMAZING! I've been wanting a D-SLR forever but keep putting it off. Your pictures are convincing me more and more! How was it carrying it around? My camera now is TINY and fits right in the little zipper of my bag, I don't know if I'd have the patience to carry around such a big camera. Your pictures look great though! And you and your mom look so happy, I love it :goodvibes:

I was nervous at first about carrying it around, i brought a camera bag to carry around to use for other stuff too, but I always end up just wearing it on my shoulder like a bag, or if i know im not gonan be using it for a while messenger bag style. It wasn't as hard to carry it like I thought it was gonna be!

Nicole786

03-13-2009, 03:16 PM

We continue on the xmas mini TR with a trip to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party! We had a blast here! I was so excited for this. I had been to it last year with David, and went to MNSSHP (like that one better though) and mom hasn't been to any kind of parties that WDW has. She was so excited!! We met a lot of the characters, enjoyed some rides that would normally have lines, and loved the shows/parade and especially the fireworks!! Pictures tell a thousand words, so here are some of the great pictures from the night!

Mom loved the stage show, she was getting into it!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7801.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7805.jpg

But the biggest thrill for her was seeing the castle light up! We met a family while waiting and we discussed how unfair it was after we had been waiting for a family to just park themselves in front of us. I told my mom it wouldn't matter and that she would still be able to see! I was right, but I do agree with this. Somethings we just can't control in WDW too many people!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7835.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7863.jpg

And here are the rest of the MVMCP pics!

Dinner @ Pecos Bills with the new system!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7866.jpg

I love this stage show and so did mom!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7893.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7909.jpg

Loved the hot chocolate!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7917.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7928.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7955.jpg

Waiting for fireworks:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7966.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8018.jpg

Parade pictures, gotta love disney parades!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8047.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8052.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8065.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8089.jpg

I love this photo op with Donald!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8111.jpg

We went to see Minnie which didn't really have a line but by the time we were done Mickey was done :(

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8120.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/image1053.jpg

Our last of the evening, we had a great time!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/image1061.jpg

scottny

03-13-2009, 04:33 PM

KatGarcia

03-13-2009, 06:22 PM

awesome pics! you mom is just too friggin cute!!!!

Charleston Princess

03-13-2009, 07:16 PM

Oh, what a fun night! I especially like the hot chocolate cups -- I am such a sucker for theming.

The picture of you and your mom with Minnie is precious!

Nicole786

03-15-2009, 03:47 PM

great update and pics.

I missed Twas the Night Before Xmas and I am still upset over it.

We were there 12/16 at Pecos Bills and did not see those machines. :confused3 Biff just said he was glad because he hated the one at Contempo Cafe.

It's a really funny show im sorry you missed it but theres always next year, right?!

Thats really strange because the date of these photos are 12/12. Did they take them down??

awesome pics! you mom is just too friggin cute!!!!

Hehe! I hope to have some cute photos of this trip too!

Oh, what a fun night! I especially like the hot chocolate cups -- I am such a sucker for theming.

The picture of you and your mom with Minnie is precious!

I'm also a sucker for theming, I really enjoyed the halloween stuff too back in october!

Nicole786

03-15-2009, 04:21 PM

We woke up bright and early tto be at Animal Kingdom rope drop. I remember it being really really cold, and we were really really early so we had a lot of waiting around. But just around the time to be let in we took some pictures

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8148.jpg

I liked how the opening was christmas themed!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8157.jpg

Let the adventure begin!

I ran and went to go get EE fast passes, even though I was pretty certain mom was going to chicken out. I told her to meet me at Dinosaur. When I called her I said I was near the nemo attraction and was heading over. Apparently to her this meant go over to the nemo attraction, long story short we missed each other and it took another 15 minutes for us to meet up. Way to take advantage of opening park crowds :sad2: Anyway, we went on Dinosaur (no wait thankfully) which we both love and had a great time on!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8161.jpg

Afterwards, the first Nemo show wasn't too long away so we decided to go to this. Neither of us had ever seen it (Or maybe I had seen it once before, honestly I don't even remember lol) but we both really really loved it! We had great seats (first row of the second group) so I have some great photos! photography is allowed, but no flash photography.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8169.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8186.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8191.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8192.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8193.jpg

Afterwards it was time for mom to face expedition everest. She was the most scared I had ever seen her so I told her I would go ride single rider (it took like 10 minutes) So she could watch the ride and we would still have our Fast Passes. This is exactly what I did!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8211.jpg

When I came back out I tried to convince her to try it and she said she would. I said if she didn't want to go on it when we got to the front she could leave and I would go on it and reassured her I wouldn't be upset. Well guess what happened. One look at the train and she freaked out. I actually asked her to leave because I was scared for her health! I doubt the ride could do any serious harm to someone but the way she was acting she could have had a heart attack from her nerves! :scared1: I rode myself again, this time front row. I lost my Fast passes though :headache:

We moved on!

We were getting kind of hungry so we stopped and shared a turkey leg! Mom had never had one we really enjoyed it! We also shared some ice cream but we didn't finish either :rotfl: Money well spent

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8217.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8224.jpg

After we ate mom said she had gained some courage and wanted me to FP everest again so we could try it once more. I sighed and went to fetch them. To kill some of the time we walked around and went on the Pangani Forest Trail.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8226.jpg

We stayed in the gorilla area for a little while because there was a CM sharing some interesting facts. It was packed in there though and nobody would listen when she said to be quiet so the gorilla wouldn't be scared

Now back to Everest. Is this the face of someone you want going on a ride??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8253.jpg

We watched some more (she watched, I shopped at a nearby kiosk)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8250.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8251.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8256.jpg

She asked me for the 5th time a detailed recap of what happens. Skip this if you have never been on everest and want to be surprised! Here's what I told her.

You are on a runaway train going as fast as Big thunder mountain. Steep Hill, oh look Epcot!. Oh god, track broken. Backwards, backwards, backwards, darkness. Yeti comes tears up the track. Forward drop outside. Fastness going through caves, Outside, inside, yeti, done.

I think I did pretty good! When we got to the front of the line, we met the most wonderful cast member. I suggested if she was really scared to go talk to her. She was from ireland and really calmed mom down! Mom asked her for yet another recap and she gave her basically the same thing. Maybe with the irish accent it was a little nicer? Either way she decided to try it. I was nervous for her!

She held on to my arm like a death grip the entire time while I prayed for her life, literally.

Mommy survived!! She was so proud of herself for trying it and even though she was shaking a bit when she came off of it, she said she didn't think it was that bad, to this day says her favorite part was going backwards (excuse me, there was a favorite part? All I remember was the death grip:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8257.jpg
(look at our arms)

When we got off the ride guess who was waiting for us?? Irish CM!! She was worried for her and wanted to see her reaction! I thought this was the type of Disney magic you really do expect and pay for! To this day I want to write a letter to Disney about this, but don't know her name and it might come accross inappropriate referring to her as "Irish girl" :rotfl: I think mom deserves a lunch break so off we go to pizzafari! My favorite (and only) AK counter service.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8261.jpg

On the way out we stopped for some photos, and that concluded our Animal kingdom (quite an) adventure!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8263.jpg

Question is, will mom ride EE in May??

Oh and this was waiting for us at Pop, how cute!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7790.jpg

He went into our window with the christmas balloon mom had bought me the night before!

Charleston Princess

03-15-2009, 06:36 PM

You are on a runaway train going as fast as Big thunder mountain. Steep Hill, oh look Epcot!. Oh god, track broken. Backwards, backwards, backwards, darkness. Yeti comes tears up the track. Forward drop outside. Fastness going through caves, Outside, inside, yeti, done.

That's it EXACTLY!!! :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: I am so glad your mom tried Everest! It is a great feeling of accomplishment once you get off! :thumbsup2

MeMom

03-15-2009, 07:06 PM

I laughed at the pictures of your mom checking out Everest. She is really studying it intently. Once was enough for me. Unless my friend really wants to go on it badly (Thursday is AK day), I will be passing that one by only for pictures. It was a little too much for me, but if she wants to go, I'll be brave and do it again.

Looks like you guys had a great time together. I love my mother-daughter-granddaughter trips, and I hope there will be many, many of those in my future.

Animal Kingdom has such cool and unique Christmas decorations. I love the big tree out front.

Good pictures. Keep 'em coming!

Grybo

03-15-2009, 07:35 PM

I think it would be fun if mom goes on EE when we go in May. I really hope she doesn't stay back alone. And I can't wait to go on Aerosmith.

KatGarcia

03-15-2009, 09:20 PM

Go Mom!!!!!

scottny

03-16-2009, 12:17 AM

Thats really strange because the date of these photos are 12/12. Did they take them down??

:confused3

No clue. Maybe they take it on the nights of the party.

Great update and pics.

I have yet to see Nemo, I will definitely do it in October.

:cheer2: for her going on EE.

FauntleroyFAN07

03-16-2009, 09:42 AM

glad she road and pizza fari is our favorite and only CS that we go to in AK as well, we love the pizza and the subs there.

:goodvibes

Nicole786

03-17-2009, 10:29 AM

That's it EXACTLY!!! :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: I am so glad your mom tried Everest! It is a great feeling of accomplishment once you get off! :thumbsup2

Yeah she was proud that she did it! You have no idea how many times I had to tell her what the ride was like! lol

I laughed at the pictures of your mom checking out Everest. She is really studying it intently. Once was enough for me. Unless my friend really wants to go on it badly (Thursday is AK day), I will be passing that one by only for pictures. It was a little too much for me, but if she wants to go, I'll be brave and do it again.

Looks like you guys had a great time together. I love my mother-daughter-granddaughter trips, and I hope there will be many, many of those in my future.

Animal Kingdom has such cool and unique Christmas decorations. I love the big tree out front.

Good pictures. Keep 'em coming!

So jealous of your little getaway! I love animal kingdoms decorations for christmas or otherwise, I could go ot AK and not see any attractions and just "be there" and I would be happy.

I think it would be fun if mom goes on EE when we go in May. I really hope she doesn't stay back alone. And I can't wait to go on Aerosmith.

I don't think she'll stay back alone, I also don't remember if we have an AK day with them

Go Mom!!!!!

:rotfl: :banana:

:confused3

No clue. Maybe they take it on the nights of the party.

Great update and pics.

I have yet to see Nemo, I will definitely do it in October.

:cheer2: for her going on EE.

Nemo is really cute, but its also 40 minutes so its hard to squeeze in. If you can than see it, but if not i don't think its such a big deal

glad she road and pizza fari is our favorite and only CS that we go to in AK as well, we love the pizza and the subs there.

:goodvibes

Agreed, we love pizzafari!

Grybo

03-17-2009, 08:39 PM

I don't think she'll stay back alone, I also don't remember if we have an AK day with them

I thought Mom said she liked it. She'd probably want to go to AK if she did. Isn't it like her favorite ride now?

Nicole786

03-17-2009, 08:50 PM

I thought Mom said she liked it. She'd probably want to go to AK if she did. Isn't it like her favorite ride now?

Very far from her "favorite ride" at best she'll tolerate it, if we can get her back on

troobabiee7

03-17-2009, 09:48 PM

Hedy

03-18-2009, 10:10 AM

Looking forward to reading this adventure.

Nicole786

03-18-2009, 01:00 PM

I WANT YOUR CAMERA!!! :laughing: It seriously takes amazing pictures. This little mini-report is getting dangerous for my wallet... ;)

It looks like you both had so much fun, I'm glad you had a good time!

I'll have to bring the camera with me to NYC so you can play with it! I really want to go to B&H photo when I come, so maybe we can go together! I'l llet you know exact dates when it gets closer.

Looking forward to reading this adventure.

Glad to see you here!! We aren't going to our beloved hard rock this time, hopefully the RPR will be almost as nice!

Nicole786

03-18-2009, 01:16 PM

We were freshly rested before heading out this evening for dinner at Boma and than Epcot for illuminations! Waiting for the bus at Pop, even this has mom with a smile!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8269.jpg

I can't tell if this is "Stop taking pictures" "Im really cold" or "I have no idea whats going on"

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8273.jpg

A mixture of all? :rotfl:

Mom has never been to Boma (or AKL) and was in love when she entered the lobby! No wonder its her pick for her stay in May!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8300.jpg

When we got there after being in awe of the georgeous lobby, I took her out to the public outlook to the left of the lobby near the DCL desk. If you go outside and turn to your right, the first room was where mine and David's room was in August!! For those just joining us, it was a wonderful moment because we were in a standard room! Talk about pixie dust! I wish I could have guaranteed a savannah view room for my parents but I can't so they have a standard room booked. Not that they care, but I would love it if they could have some anniversary magic and be upgraded!

On to Boma!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8295.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8296.jpg

Once again service was great, the food was good and we enjoyed it. I have to say, my favorite trip here was with Dad though, they had changed the menu and it has to be one of my favorite disney restaurant experiences. A mixture of the service, food, and timing (but more on that in a different mini-tr coming up)

We perused the lobby so I could take photos of "sparklies" mom was being such a good sport about my constant need of taking photos. It could be slightly time consuming because it was my first trip with the new DSLR and I was trying for perfection. "Sparklies" as it was coined, is the savvy term we used for when I would capture the christmas lights just right and instead of being a circular blur or blob, it produced a star-like sparkle! I was on a mission to get as many pictures as this as possible because it made it look so real!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8304.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8303.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8306.jpg

We were off to Epcot now strictly for illuminations! I love to plan this way now because it makes everything less stressful. If we got on a few rides, great, but really we were there for the fireworks. It worked out great!

It was about 7:30 when we got there, and we had enough time to go on Spaceship earth. Mom's first time since the refurb, she loved it! This is her favorite epcot ride and still is.

Since we had time to spare we waited in a photopass line to get our photo in front of the lighted path. While waiting I attempted more sparklies

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8324.jpg

fail :( They move, its too hard!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/image1097.jpg

It was time to go get our spot in France, along the way we stopped for sparklies

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8345.jpg

Good evening! On behalf of walt disney world the place where dreams come true, we welcome you all to epcot and world showcase. We've gathered here tonight, around the fire, as people of all lands have gathered for thousands and thousands of years before us; to share the light and to share a story. An amazing story, as old as time itself but still being written. And though each of us has our own individual stories to tell, a true adventure emerges when we bring them all together as one. We hope you enjoy our story tonight; Reflections of Earth

*WOO* (that was me blowing out the candles)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8376.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8375.jpg

Mom loved the little christmas addition added at the end, and I just love all of it. I just love illuminations, David does too. I think we listen to it every time we are in my car!

Time to leave our beloved Epcot and head to bed, we had a date with the princesses in the castle!! If you think my mom has acted like a 3 year old thus far, oh boy!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/image1095.jpg

pooksma

03-18-2009, 05:37 PM

:yay: Yay!!!! More more more!!!!!!!!!!!:yay:

(sorry I'm being impatient but I love these photos:yay: )

Charleston Princess

03-18-2009, 06:10 PM

Ahhh, Nicole, I needed a glimpse of AKL tonight -- thanks! :thumbsup2

I am not sure if you captured sparklies, but those pictures are just breath-taking -- both of the Christmas lights and Illuminations (which is my number one Epcot goal this trip)! :goodvibes

CanadianWDWfan

03-18-2009, 07:40 PM

Your DMom is so brave! :thumbsup2

I was too chicken to ride it last time. :rotfl:

It must be so much fun to play with your new camera and see what it can do. ;)

Can you believe I've never had a turkey leg....:rolleyes1

FauntleroyFAN07

03-19-2009, 08:29 AM

can you describe the food at Boma, it looks good, but i am scared of the different kinds of food.

KatGarcia

03-19-2009, 11:58 AM

can you describe the food at Boma, it looks good, but i am scared of the different kinds of food.

seriously??

One of the best breakfasts I ever had in wdw!

troobabiee7

03-19-2009, 12:07 PM

I'll have to bring the camera with me to NYC so you can play with it! I really want to go to B&H photo when I come, so maybe we can go together! I'l llet you know exact dates when it gets closer.

Sounds good :thumbsup2 Did you get different lenses for your camera or just the ones it came with??

Loved your last update! Just reading the beginning of Illuminations got me all teary... I'm SOOOO in love with that show! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes And of course, more amazing pictures :woohoo:

Nicole786

03-19-2009, 07:37 PM

:yay: Yay!!!! More more more!!!!!!!!!!!:yay:

(sorry I'm being impatient but I love these photos:yay: )

Thanks! I had a lot of fun taking the photos!

Ahhh, Nicole, I needed a glimpse of AKL tonight -- thanks! :thumbsup2

I am not sure if you captured sparklies, but those pictures are just breath-taking -- both of the Christmas lights and Illuminations (which is my number one Epcot goal this trip)! :goodvibes

I think we all need a little AKL every day :rotfl: I captured sparklies in the AKL photos i was so excited!! :cutie:

Your DMom is so brave! :thumbsup2

I was too chicken to ride it last time. :rotfl:

It must be so much fun to play with your new camera and see what it can do. ;)

Can you believe I've never had a turkey leg....:rolleyes1

I hadn't had a turkey leg until recently either but you should try it! And expedition everest!!

can you describe the food at Boma, it looks good, but i am scared of the different kinds of food.

You start out all the way to the right and over there you have the carved meats with a variety of different sauces. There are some side dishes over there also like sweet potatoes, rice, etc. As you work your way down there are more american style foods like chicken nuggets & fries, and than you have a variety of different soups which are awesome!! Breakfast is good too you should give it a try!

seriously??

One of the best breakfasts I ever had in wdw!

Ditto!

Sounds good :thumbsup2 Did you get different lenses for your camera or just the ones it came with??

Loved your last update! Just reading the beginning of Illuminations got me all teary... I'm SOOOO in love with that show! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes And of course, more amazing pictures :woohoo:

My friend lent me her 50mm lens so I was switching between that and the lens it came with. I get misty eyed when illuminations starts too!

Nicole786

03-20-2009, 06:52 AM

Charleston Princess

03-20-2009, 06:58 AM

Hurray for paying off the AKL portion!!! :banana:

FauntleroyFAN07

03-20-2009, 08:46 AM

You start out all the way to the right and over there you have the carved meats with a variety of different sauces. There are some side dishes over there also like sweet potatoes, rice, etc. As you work your way down there are more american style foods like chicken nuggets & fries, and than you have a variety of different soups which are awesome!! Breakfast is good too you should give it a try!

gotcha, but are the meats normal, or are they weird meats, or different tasting, someone posted that the food was really authentic african or something like that...? so it just scared me a little like i would not like it.

KatGarcia

03-20-2009, 10:53 AM

Pre-trip news! I paid off the AKL portion of our trip today!! Hooray! Now all I have left is the WL (the most expensive because we are there the longest) I was going to wait to pay off the AKL just in case we change our minds about it, but I think we're pretty set on the AKL! At first I was not on board with the changing resorts thing, but when it lets you stay at both the WL AND the AKL how could it not be a great thing??

Awesome! I love the resprt switch, feels like 2 vacations in one!

gotcha, but are the meats normal, or are they weird meats, or different tasting, someone posted that the food was really authentic african or something like that...? so it just scared me a little like i would not like it.

They have some more authentic type dishes, but even those are NOT spciy like a real african meal would be. I actually found I LOVED some of the african stuff. They have an awesome piece of salmon. Their soups are to DIE FOR (esp butternut squash) and the deserts were great too (zebra domes!)

FauntleroyFAN07

03-20-2009, 10:59 AM

and the deserts were great too (zebra domes!)

mmmm zebra, i would eat those for sure...do they have rhino pies?

KatGarcia

03-20-2009, 11:04 AM

mmmm zebra, i would eat those for sure...do they have rhino pies?

:lmao: :lmao:

troobabiee7

03-20-2009, 11:20 AM

Congrats on paying off the AKL!

Grybo

03-20-2009, 03:06 PM

Congrats on paying off the AKL!

This is COMPLETELY off topic, but I love your avatar. FotC are the best.

Charleston Princess

03-20-2009, 06:45 PM

Grybo

03-20-2009, 06:59 PM

Lol as a matter of fact, I have to perform a song for my guitar class, and sing it, and I think I'm gonna do one of their songs. Either "Business Time," "Albi the Racist Dragon," or "Jenny."

Charleston Princess

03-20-2009, 07:08 PM

Lol as a matter of fact, I have to perform a song for my guitar class, and sing it, and I think I'm gonna do one of their songs. Either "Business Time," "Albi the Racist Dragon," or "Jenny."

Oh, I need to go youtube the dragon one and Jenny. I heard Business Time last night.

troobabiee7

03-20-2009, 07:14 PM

This is COMPLETELY off topic, but I love your avatar. FotC are the best.

I just discovered who they were last night. A friend of mine was showing me clips and my sides hurt from laughing afterwards! :rotfl:

:laughing: :laughing: They're my FAVORITE!!!!!! Every week my whole family and I just sit there and cry from laughing to hard. This season's been awesome, but the best song's still "Leggy Blonde" from last season... Jemain's little solo CRACKS ME UP!!!!!

Grybo

03-20-2009, 10:37 PM

Nicole786

03-21-2009, 11:46 AM

Wow what a flight of the conchords fest this has become! hahaha! Fauntleroy, I agree with Kat, the food is worth checking out don't let it scare you! The meats are fairly normal the sauces you can put on are optional that probably makes it spicy!

Thanks to everyone for offering up congrats for paying it off I know we are excited in this house! As a matter of fact at this moment David is across the room playing the music for Haunted Mansion! Another mini-tr chapter coming up!

troobabiee7

03-21-2009, 12:08 PM

I think the first season was so much better than this one, but this season has it's share of FotC awesomness. My favorite song from the first season has to be "Think About It." Jemaine's little mumbling session is hilarious.

"What's wrong with the world today? mmmmhmmhmm nay naynay!" Rofl.

:lmao: :lmao: They're the best! I actually love this season, it keeps getting better and better. And they film here in Brooklyn too!

Nicole786

03-21-2009, 12:19 PM

We woke up bright and early for our ADR this morning with the princesses!! We had an 8:05 at CRT I couldn't believe our luck, mom was so thrilled to be eating in the castle and to see Belle, her favorite princess. It's all she would talk about sometimes. She would tell people "my daughter is taking me to disney world and im eating in the castle with the princesses!" Jeez, what is wrong with our family come to think of it?? :rotfl: It was so early it was still slightly dark and there were some hot air balloons that caught my cameras eye

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8429.jpg

The bus was here in no time, really worked out well. We arrived just before 8am to an enormous line, but it didn't take long to get through!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8430.jpg

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We took our photo with Cinderella and climbed the windy stairs up to the restaurant. Mom was blown away, but it is beautiful!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8434.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8436.jpg

We had outstanding service like usual here, our waiter referred to us as princesses and always made comments about the guests of honor and was very in character! I love when a restaurant is so themed even the wait staff is in on it! The food was good but thats not what you pay for here, mom was waiting patiently:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8437.jpg

Looking out the window!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8440.jpg

In no time, they made the announcement the princesses were here! They came to our table first we were so thrilled. A lot of the pictures didn't come out because nobody could figure out my camera, so I opted to be the photographer when belle came around to get the perfect shot. When she did, I told her that she was moms favorite, here's what happened next:

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8457.jpg

Needless to say it was a great breakfast! We walked back down and we were first in line for rope drop! Here was our perfect view!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8459.jpg

Wow! The fairy godmother was down there with us chatting away! And just like that the rope drop and we headed to take over fantasyland! Mom's favorite, ITASM was on the list, but I knew the order to do things, i'm no disney dummy. Peter Pan! Than Winnie the pooh (my favorite!) NOW IASM! Mom was on :cloud9: and so was I! Although not my favorite ride, you can't beat being in the MK on an overcast day enjoying the rides!

We moved on towards frontierland after that, stopping at the christmas shoppe just to see what they had! Turns out they had this monster sale going on, so we managed to pick up some really nice items! Than it caught my eye. Outside, with practically no one near it, sat an ornament kiosk. And next to that?? A CM working on personalization orders!! Could it be? Could the DD CM be mistaken when she told me the only other place to get it done was at DHS and you had to be there early because they stopped orders once they receieved a certain amount?? I approached cautiously inquiring about how long it would take. After all we still had another day here, maybe there was hope! They told me it would be done in just a few short hours! We were ecstatic! All we had to do was stay a little longer in the MK, you don't have to tell me twice! We contiuned on towards frontierland and mom conquered BTMR!

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8480.jpg

We moved on to pirates, another family favorite and than over to Tomorrowland for Monsters Inc (mom had never seen it and loved it) and mom's favorite tomorrowland ride:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8487.jpg

And than we frolicked (mom, literally) towards the christmas shoppe to pick up our purchases!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8511.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8516.jpg

And than our day at MK was over :guilty: and we headed back to POP for an afternoon nap. We had an ADR to book that night but couldn't figure out where to go! Where would we end up? And would we wake up in time for fantasmic??

Here is one extremely happy related photo!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8518.jpg

Charleston Princess

03-21-2009, 06:44 PM

Ahhh, Mom was so excited to meet Belle!!! :goodvibes

The Mickey ornament is gorgeous!

FauntleroyFAN07

03-23-2009, 10:32 AM

very cool ornament, she did a good job

Nicole786

03-23-2009, 08:35 PM

Ahhh, Mom was so excited to meet Belle!!! :goodvibes

The Mickey ornament is gorgeous!

I was really happy about the ornament and mom was adorkable with the princesses!

very cool ornament, she did a good job

She really did, I love it!

Nicole786

03-23-2009, 08:37 PM

I know a few people have iPhones, and a few people have asked me in the past about how I was able to put my itinerary cards on the iPhone. I'm just using this space as a reference for how to do it. I've created a PDF that you can download here if you want to know how! (files.me.com/nicole786/7mvs2j) This has really come in handy in my past trips to Disney and is a lot of fun to do!

MeMom

03-23-2009, 09:30 PM

We were freshly rested before heading out this evening for dinner at Boma and than Epcot for illuminations! Waiting for the bus at Pop, even this has mom with a smile!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8269.jpg

I was just standing at that bus stop yesterday! Oh, how I miss it!!!

We saw Illuminations Friday night. It is a touching production. I was going to buy the CD, as it's the only one of the parks CD's I don't have. I have Spectro, Animal Kingdom, Four Parks/One World, etc., but not Illuminations. I looked at it a couple of times and then decided I'd rather get Jill, Brooklynn, or Bella something else, so I put it back. Maybe I'll get it this summer.

The AKL pictures are beautiful. We went over there for supper one evening (just Mara food and zebra domes) and we watched the giraffes for a little while. There were several of them browsing from the trees. They are such beautiful, graceful creatures.

Mommy - daughter trips are so fun!

Nicole786

03-24-2009, 10:56 AM

I was just standing at that bus stop yesterday! Oh, how I miss it!!!

We saw Illuminations Friday night. It is a touching production. I was going to buy the CD, as it's the only one of the parks CD's I don't have. I have Spectro, Animal Kingdom, Four Parks/One World, etc., but not Illuminations. I looked at it a couple of times and then decided I'd rather get Jill, Brooklynn, or Bella something else, so I put it back. Maybe I'll get it this summer.

The AKL pictures are beautiful. We went over there for supper one evening (just Mara food and zebra domes) and we watched the giraffes for a little while. There were several of them browsing from the trees. They are such beautiful, graceful creatures.

Mommy - daughter trips are so fun!

Im so glad you had a great trip and Mommy-Daughter trips are a lot of fun! I have the music from illuminations if you'd like me to send you the song! I only have that one song not the CD, so I can email it to you or something.

Nicole786

03-24-2009, 11:20 AM

After a nap and a quick call to disney dining, we were off to DHS for mom to see the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights! (and fantasmic) But first heres a photo of our POP room location, so close to classic hall, it was great!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8522.jpg

Someone down the hall had their room decorated with DIS decorations (this was the week of Mouse fest so we so a lot of windows actually.

Once at DHS I took some photos of the xmas decorations! I love the themed tree!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8524.jpg

Remember the days when Fantasmic was every night??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8527.jpg

We had talked about the osborne lights for weeks so she was really excited for it. We got there pretty early so we just parked ourselves down in the streets of america and just waited patiently for sundown.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8532.jpg

When it started to snow mom loved it! It was chilly too so it worked well! When the lights came on, here is what I caught on camera, I love this photo!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8554.jpg

And even though it was crowded I went on my hunt for Sparklies, haha!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8558.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8565.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8567.jpg

Needless to say Mom loved it, its one of the many things she still talks about today!

We had to time to spare for Fantasmic so we headed over to Disney animation so mom could check out one of my favorite DHS things, the chance to draw a character! We also saw frozone but the CM had some camera trouble lol!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8575.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8576.jpg

I forgot who we drew (I think minnie) but mom had some trouble and got frustrated with it after a while (sound familiar, David??)

On our way to fantasmic we stopped for a photopass photo

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/image1116.jpg

And now it was time for a great show at fantasmic! Ah, the good old days when it was twice a night every night, so much more laid back! We got great seats and since we had a late ADR decided to share some nachos to hold us off. Of course the show was great!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8595.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8615.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8632.jpg

After the show we followed the masses out to the buses because we were boarding the bus to the Wilderness Lodge!! :banana: Yep! Mom had a great idea after knowing my favorite hotel and restaurant that we could use our last ADR at Whispering canyon!! I was so excited!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8649.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8651.jpg

We had quite the character of a waiter, but he was so much fun!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8659.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8660.jpg

Mom asked for "a lot of water" be careful what you wish for mom!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8665.jpg

After dinner I walked around basking in my favorite hotel. I realized then that this is where I wanted to stay in May! At this point we were booked at POFQ, but not for long!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8670.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8672.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8675.jpg

And a final image:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8676.jpg

We went back to POP to pack so we could be up early the next morning for DHS and Epcot before leaving!

troobabiee7

03-24-2009, 12:03 PM

Pixieflip

03-24-2009, 12:27 PM

Oh, wow, very fun pre-trip report! The video of the reveal was awesome! And when you added the "when you wish upon a star" music, yep, I'm the sap that had tears in her eyes!

Do you mind if I ask you what program you use to do that? I have years of videos I'd really like to edit and no one I know can really tell me how! Thanks! :thumbsup2

FauntleroyFAN07

03-24-2009, 01:04 PM

i love the water containers they come with, one guy they gave him like a 20 quart steel pot that they use for soups and stuff full of water.

Nicole786

03-25-2009, 02:27 PM

Great updates! I love the ornament from the MK, so cute. We're both Jews from Brooklyn with little Oreo babies! :laughing: We definitely have to plan something out for when you come up here!

And great pics of the Wilderness Lodge, it looks so gorgeous all dekced out for the holidays. How was Whispering Canyon? I've never been but am thinking of bringing my little cousin this summer!

I love whispering canyon! I don't know why but I really enjoy the food and atmosphere although here on the DIS it gets so-so reviews. We are like long lost sisters or something!! We'll definitely meet up in the city when I come up there, looks like June!

Oh, wow, very fun pre-trip report! The video of the reveal was awesome! And when you added the "when you wish upon a star" music, yep, I'm the sap that had tears in her eyes!

Do you mind if I ask you what program you use to do that? I have years of videos I'd really like to edit and no one I know can really tell me how! Thanks! :thumbsup2

Im glad you liked the video! It wasn't hard to do actually, I have a Mac so I used a program called iMovie that comes with all the computers, but on a PC I believe Windows Movie Maker is free and similar to iMovie!

i love the water containers they come with, one guy they gave him like a 20 quart steel pot that they use for soups and stuff full of water.

I know they are so funny. Whenever im thirsty all I want is one of those!

Nicole786

03-25-2009, 02:33 PM

Before I finish up this mini-TR i have some pre-tr news!! Because of threadless.com $5 tee sale (http://www.threadless.com/#/line,threadless/style,tees/price,5/), I picked up a few shirts that are unintentionally perfect for Disney! They came in the mail today and I wanted to share!

First there was this one, which I thought was just really cute, but how perfect for the Wilderness lodge!!

http://www.threadless.com/product/650/minizoom.jpg

Than there is this one which I've talked about in previous TRs but never got around to ordering it! Its perfect for AK!!

http://www.threadless.com/product/619/minizoom.jpg

troobabiee7

03-25-2009, 03:00 PM

Love those shirts! I always love the stuff at Threadless, I had no idea they were having a sale :woohoo:

Nicole786

03-25-2009, 03:23 PM

We woke up a little bit earlier this morning so we could have luggage services store our bags while we finished up our last day!! This is seamless I have done it before. You can leave the bags in the room and they come get them for you and store them at bell services. I plan to do this in May on a few occasions because of the resort switching. So this is what we did and than we proceeded on to DHS for rope drop! C'mon, we all know whats up at that rope drop. Everyone is thinking the same thing, we're waiting for that gun shot so the race can start! "Mom, for the safety and comfort of yourself and others please stay here and I will come back for you if I survive. Wish me luck, so say we all!" (If anyone here is a BSG fan you will get that last part lol)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8680.jpg

So off I went and so did they and I managed to snag 2 fast passes and than went to go get mom. Since mom isn't into thrill rides we didn't even head down towards ToT, we decided to go to Voyage of the little mermaid. It's the girly things that we can never really do with the rest of the family, so this was a lot of fun. We really enjoyed it, and mom was looking forward to the next ride, her favorite ride The Great movie ride!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8688.jpg

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Can I just say that Wicked has totally ruined this part of TGMR for me? I just shake my head during this part and say "poor, poor Elphaba"

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8702.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8706.jpg

I love the movie at the end. I even downloaded the song from Casablanca that plays during it!

Our fast passes were available when we were done so we headed over towards TSM. Mom is a huge toy story fan so I was excited for her, plus this ride is just a lot of fun and very innovative! Here are some fast pass queue shots im sure a lot of dis-ers are familiar with!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8714.jpg

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After I took this shot a very nice CM wanted to see what it would look like. He said a lot of people take these pictures and was curious to see if it came out, he was impressed! He was a sweet older gentlemen. It was almost as if he was about to say "Back in my day..." Whoops, gotta go, the cart is here!

Well Mom loved it but I still came out on top!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8732.jpg

We had finished our morning at DHS and decided to take a scenic route over to Epcot. I wanted mom to see the boardwalk and we also wanted to stop at beaches and cream for some milkshakes and christmas decorations! Mom has never seen the epcot resort area so this was something unique for her and she really enjoyed it!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8739.jpg

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i think I need to sell this picture as a postcard!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8747.jpg

Once at the beach club, the hunt for sparklies continues!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8754.jpg

With much success!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8768.jpg

Got lots of different types of shots of the carosuel. Some were frozen, but I like this one because it shows the motion!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8757.jpg

Obviously it's not moving that fast, but theres some Hidden Sparklies in the back!

We stopped at Beaches and cream for a milkshake and a plate of onion rings (yum!) Mom couldn't get over Stormalong bay, and now she understood my ultimate goal of staying at the BC one day!! We headed over to Epcot to finish out the world showcase and moms passport!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/disneyxmas08/IMG_8778.jpg

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We didn't get to do everything, but after all thats what keeps us coming back, right? Or is it the magic?

We exited and headed back to Pop a little sad, but on our way we saw a DCL bus and it reminded us of how lucky we were to be coming back in May! Little did I know, i'd be back sooner than that...

Charleston Princess

03-25-2009, 06:07 PM

Those are great shirts -- I have never even heard of threadless.com, but I will be headed over there as soon as I finish on the Disboards.

I see the sparklies at the Beach Club this time! :goodvibes

KatGarcia

03-25-2009, 08:10 PM

Yep Poor Elphie! Did u read the book? It really does change how you see her, right?

FauntleroyFAN07

03-26-2009, 09:22 AM

i just can not get into the great movie ride anymore, i am loosing interest they need to update it some

troobabiee7

03-26-2009, 09:50 AM

More great pictures! It was the Great Movie Ride that got me to watch Casablanca :laughing: I've always heard its one of the best movies of all time, but I never felt the need to watch it. Then NBC gave my dad a bunch of DVDs as part of a thank-you for helping with the Olympics and Casablanca in Blue Ray was one of them. I thought about how I always see it on the ride but have never seen the actual movie, so I watched it in December and LOVED it!!!! :goodvibes:

I also love the Epcot area, the Beach Club's one of my favorite resorts! Love all the pics!

MeMom

03-26-2009, 01:08 PM

We didn't get to do everything, but after all thats what keeps us coming back, right? Or is it the magic?

We exited and headed back to Pop a little sad, but on our way we saw a DCL bus and it reminded us of how lucky we were to be coming back in May! Little did I know, i'd be back sooner than that...

Lucky duck!

Beach Club, oh yes! I'd love to know that after I watched Illuminations I could just walk out the back gate and be home for the night.

scottny

03-26-2009, 11:36 PM

great updates and pics.

Loved Osborne Lights.

Wish I was going back soon, I still have 6 months to go. :sad2:

Nicole786

03-27-2009, 10:00 AM

Those are great shirts -- I have never even heard of threadless.com, but I will be headed over there as soon as I finish on the Disboards.

I see the sparklies at the Beach Club this time! :goodvibes

Did you see anything you like? Its an ongoing design competition, each week they choose new prints to make but only print a certain amount so its a lot of fun!

Yep Poor Elphie! Did u read the book? It really does change how you see her, right?

I never read the book but i've seen the show via bootleg several times lol, I'm planning on seeing it in the summer when I come up north! Im too excited!

i just can not get into the great movie ride anymore, i am loosing interest they need to update it some

I did for her lol

More great pictures! It was the Great Movie Ride that got me to watch Casablanca :laughing: I've always heard its one of the best movies of all time, but I never felt the need to watch it. Then NBC gave my dad a bunch of DVDs as part of a thank-you for helping with the Olympics and Casablanca in Blue Ray was one of them. I thought about how I always see it on the ride but have never seen the actual movie, so I watched it in December and LOVED it!!!! :goodvibes:

I also love the Epcot area, the Beach Club's one of my favorite resorts! Love all the pics!

I really want to see casablanca!! My cousin and I are pre-planning a trip for October (my birthday) and right now i'm trying to see if I want to splurge and stay at the Poly or the BC. We may end up at Pop Century with our budget but its nice to dream!

Lucky duck!

Beach Club, oh yes! I'd love to know that after I watched Illuminations I could just walk out the back gate and be home for the night.

That mini-tr will be up soon but I may want to stretch it out longer because this one made the time fly. We are almost at the one month mark!

great updates and pics.

Loved Osborne Lights.

Wish I was going back soon, I still have 6 months to go. :sad2:

Yeah but you are going to EUROPE!!

Charleston Princess

03-27-2009, 10:06 AM

Did you see anything you like? Its an ongoing design competition, each week they choose new prints to make but only print a certain amount so its a lot of fun!

I did -- they have some great ones!!!

Grybo

03-27-2009, 01:53 PM

Little did I know, i'd be back sooner than that...

Is this when you, Brian, Evan, and I went to Universal? Or is there something you're not telling me??? :P

KatGarcia

03-27-2009, 06:47 PM

I never read the book but i've seen the show via bootleg several times lol, I'm planning on seeing it in the summer when I come up north! Im too excited!

You need to read the books! They are really good! And the show was AMAZING!

Nicole786

03-27-2009, 09:10 PM

I did -- they have some great ones!!!

Yeah I love threadless there are some talented people out there!

Is this when you, Brian, Evan, and I went to Universal? Or is there something you're not telling me??? :P

(Dad)

You need to read the books! They are really good! And the show was AMAZING!

Im skeptical to read the books because I heard they were very dark and a little different than the show, I don't want to ruin it

KatGarcia

03-27-2009, 10:54 PM

Im skeptical to read the books because I heard they were very dark and a little different than the show, I don't want to ruin it

NOOOOO it was better than the show, there's a lot more to the Fiero story than in the show! Read 'em!!! :goodvibes

CanadianWDWfan

03-28-2009, 02:52 PM

I see the **sparklies**, and they are beautiful. ;)

I just love all your pics...:thumbsup2

Nicole786

03-28-2009, 05:58 PM

NOOOOO it was better than the show, there's a lot more to the Fiero story than in the show! Read 'em!!! :goodvibes

I may have to on that recommendation maybe after I come see the show in real life!

I see the **sparklies**, and they are beautiful. ;)

I just love all your pics...:thumbsup2

Thank you!! I love those sparklies pictures!!

Nicole786

03-28-2009, 06:00 PM

As of tomorrow we are officially

:cool1::banana::banana:40 Days away!! :banana::banana::cool1:

I can't believe it, it seems like just yesterday we were first planning everything its amazing how sometimes time just flies. Heres to time flying right by into May!!

I was going to start my other mini-tr on our 30 day mark but i'm sick in bed so I may start it a little bit earlier!! In pre-trip report news, we got our first batch of Disney emails!! We actually got three of these. The other 2 are for our AKL stay. They say the same thing just have a picture of the AKL where the WL is!! I can't wait!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/Picture1-2.png

troobabiee7

03-28-2009, 06:58 PM

:woohoo: 40 days!!!!

I hope you feel better soon!

Charleston Princess

03-28-2009, 10:29 PM

Feel better soon! I can't believe you are only 40 days away!!! :eek:

Cute email from Disney! That's a whole new layout for them!

pooksma

03-29-2009, 08:43 AM

Is that all??? 40???? April is guarenteed to fly by then!

Hope you are feeling better soon.

Nicole786

03-30-2009, 12:17 PM

:woohoo: 40 days!!!!

I hope you feel better soon!

Now its the 30s!! Im still sick at home, perfect time for an update!

Feel better soon! I can't believe you are only 40 days away!!! :eek:

Cute email from Disney! That's a whole new layout for them!

I love their new layouts, very colorful!! Im still sick today perfect time for an update!

Is that all??? 40???? April is guarenteed to fly by then!

Hope you are feeling better soon.

I hope April flies by like February & March did!! Thanks for the well wishes :)

Nicole786

03-30-2009, 12:54 PM

Since i'm home sick today I figured I couldn't wait any longer to start this second Mini-TR! First a little background.

Flashback to the night when Mom & saw Illuminations. We were walking out and I realized how bad my dad must feel that I've now taken my brother and my mom to Disney but I haven't taken him. I know if I was him, i'd be questioning "why not me?" so Mom thought a great idea would be to take him to Universal, staying at one of the hotels there and getting a nice massage since he's never been to any of the Universal hotels! I thought it was a great idea and so I booked the Portofino Bay Hotel (http://www.wdwinfo.com/universal/universal-resorts/portofino-main.htm) for 2 nights with a massage booked at the Mandara Spa that they have at the hotel. For anyone not familiar with the PBH, it is Universal's "Grand Floridian" it is their top hotel and it is georgeous! Having stayed next door at the HRH, we eat dinner there every Universal trip at Mama Dellas, the best italian restaurant in Florida!

Some pics from WDWInfo.com (http://www.wdwinfo.com/universal/Photos/Portofino-Bay-Hotel/index_2.htm)

I gave it to him as his holiday gift and he seemed excited but something was a little off.

Cut to early January (we were going late-january) and Disney has their FL resident/passholder discounts and I plug in a few numbers! I was really surprised at the cost!! for 3 nights instead of 2, with dining, it was less expensive!! I quickly had a discussion with Dad about this and left the decision to him. Well what would you do? Of course he said he would rather go to Disney. But being the practical decision maker he is, he stated it would be worth it for him to buy the AP at Disney rather than Universal because he knows he would be using the Disney AP. Most of us would have just admitted they would rather go to Disney, but okay dad :rotfl:So we were set!! 3 nights at POFQ!!

We arrived about 2 pm to POFQ and check in went pretty smooth. One thing I noticed right away were the 2 greeters at the door! They were a hoot! I left my license in the car and when I came back in they made a crack about it. When we left to go to the parks later that day, they commented that I better have my sweatshirt (the one I had been wearing when I checked in!) It was really nice!

So we got a ground floor room in Building 1 (i had requested ground floor) I had already stayed in building 1 with David, so I wasn't super ecstatic about it, but I knew it was a great location and ground floor, who would complain!? So we drove over there, got our luggage etc, but when we opened the door, the room had only been partially cleaned!! Garbage was still full, towels EVERYWHERE. For some reason my dad didn't seem to notice this lol! I told him not to unpack and that I was going to call the front desk. I told them the situation, and they were so apologetic and offered to switch rooms or send mousekeeping right away. Well, since I wanted to try a new building anyway, I inquired about what they could do for us and they switched me to a room assigner who said they had another ground floor room in Building 5, Bulding 5? Prime location? I'll take it!!! So we moved the car to that parking lot, went back to check in to get our keys and walked the quick and easy walk to our wonderful location!! Opened the door, ah much better!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9184.jpg

It was the first room around the corner, ground floor facing the water. Wonderful location!! Dad was really loving POFQ. His only other Disney resort experience was POR, which he liked but felt was too big. So I knew POFQ was the perfect location for us this trip! He still talks about POFQ to this day!

The boat dock was so close, it was over to the right!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9185.jpg

And the lobby was just straight ahead along the side of the pool, great location!

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We stopped for a batch of Beignets (dad loved them) and we were off to the bus stop for DHS!!

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The buses were empty by this point being so late, we had to make a quick stop at guest services for dads AP, I was so anxious because I could hear the pixar block party bash going on and have never seen it!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9194.jpg

Good thing when he was done we rushed past the crowds towards where American idol it was a lot less crowded and it still was going on for a good 10 minutes. I even caught one of those yellow squishy balls!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9197.jpg

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When the parade was over (we thought it was fun, but I prefer moving parades with floats) we began to walk when we saw they were doing early previews for AI! We love AI, and were excited about this!!

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This was tons of fun and can't wait to do it again with Mom & David!! You really felt like you were on the show, especially the detail in the set!

Gift shop of course:

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Continued next post!

Nicole786

03-30-2009, 12:57 PM

We went to animation academy so we could do some drawing (Dad' first time) but first saw the line for Mickey wasn't bad! Theres a funny story here. Dad had been wearing a drawstring bag on his back for our odds and ends and he was trying to get it off when the CM saw him flailing his arms. She approached him and thought he was just really excited to see Mickey!! :rotfl:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9224.jpg

now time to draw!! There was only lap boards available but we gave it a try. We drew Pooh and had a blast! I guess Dad and I are the only 2 who are capable of this since mom and david both freak out and give up about halfway through

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We headed to Star Tours dad really wanted to get on this, as a lot know this makes me dizzy well this was no exception. I got dizzy afterwards but at leat I was okay to walk around.

Now it was time for Fantasmic!! As we were walking around they announced that due to crowd levels they were adding an additional showing of fantasmic, but we had to go to this one because we had ADRs at Boma. I did not plan for this at all. Lets just say when we got there 35 minutes before, it was standing only!! Well I wanted to see it so we decided to stand for it. Never, again!! As much as I love fantasmic this is not the way to see it! Dad has never seen fantasmic and this was not a good first experience, we'll try again in May.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9234.jpg

Afterwards we headed for the AKL bus and dads first experience with Boma and AKL!! This was the BEST Boma experience i have ever had! I believe it was an 8:20 ADR and it was so nice and quiet! Im used to waiting in lines to get to the food, not this time! And we had an awesome server! She was so sweet and talked about how they had the seinfeld soup (from the soup nazi episode) We both tried this soup it was some sort of apple flavored soup, it was AMAZING!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9242.jpg

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Everything this night was just simply amazing! We decided to walk around near the outlook afterwards, it was cold look at the smoke from the pool!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9248.jpg

We both talked about how great it would be to stay here one day it was so nice (At this point we were still at POFQ in May!) We didn't feel like going back just yet so we took the bus to DD and walked around for a bit.

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The boat was closed when we left so they had opened an extra line for POFQ buses. In no time we were home and ready for bed!! I forgot to mention that while exiting Fantasmic we made an ADR for boatwrights, which dad remembers breakfast fondly. We got a very early ADR so we could make rope drop for MK. How does that go?? Find out next time!

FauntleroyFAN07

03-30-2009, 01:56 PM

nice mini update, hope you feel better,

how far away do you guys live from disney

KatGarcia

03-30-2009, 02:31 PM

Great Mini TR so far! I think it's really awesome that you took your mom and then your dad to WDW!

So any news on the trip up here yet? PM me when you know more, I'm excited to see you!

MeMom

03-30-2009, 06:44 PM

Cute pictures of you and Papa Bear! What a sweet daughter you are for taking your parents on these trips. I hope that one day we can meet not just you, but your whole family.

It's nice to see and hear about POFQ, since we'd really like to stay there on one of our girl trips in the next couple of years. It's such a pretty, quaint resort.

What all do you think was in that soup at Boma? It sounds interesting.

Sorry to hear you are sick in bed, but I'm glad that we got to see some good pictures because it gave you the extra Dis time! I hope you feel better soon.

scottny

04-01-2009, 12:04 AM

Yeah but you are going to EUROPE!!

yeah but not soon enough. I need a vacation.

Great mini tr. FQ looks nice but I don't think I could leave my POR.

Boma looks good, was thinking about it for October but I think I have the adr's I am going to do. But you never know, especially with me. :rotfl2:

Nicole786

04-01-2009, 02:10 AM

nice mini update, hope you feel better,

how far away do you guys live from disney

thanks! We live about 3 hours south depending on traffic in west palm beach

Great Mini TR so far! I think it's really awesome that you took your mom and then your dad to WDW!

So any news on the trip up here yet? PM me when you know more, I'm excited to see you!

it's looking like mid-late june right now, depends on flight prices i will definitely let you know! u down for wicked??

Cute pictures of you and Papa Bear! What a sweet daughter you are for taking your parents on these trips. I hope that one day we can meet not just you, but your whole family.

It's nice to see and hear about POFQ, since we'd really like to stay there on one of our girl trips in the next couple of years. It's such a pretty, quaint resort.

What all do you think was in that soup at Boma? It sounds interesting.

Sorry to hear you are sick in bed, but I'm glad that we got to see some good pictures because it gave you the extra Dis time! I hope you feel better soon.

I love POFQ its my favorite out of the moderates I stayed at. Any chance you're going to WDW in october? the latest is that my cousin and i are gonna go Oct. 4-9 for my birthday like last year when I met jill.

I'm not sure what was in that soup, It's called Mulligatawny . I'm sure if you google it theres a recipe to be found, I remember it had an appley sweetness to it i hope they have it in May!

yeah but not soon enough. I need a vacation.

Great mini tr. FQ looks nice but I don't think I could leave my POR.

Boma looks good, was thinking about it for October but I think I have the adr's I am going to do. But you never know, especially with me. :rotfl2:

I like POFQ over POR, but I have some nice POR pics coming up!

MeMom

04-01-2009, 05:07 AM

I love POFQ its my favorite out of the moderates I stayed at. Any chance you're going to WDW in october? the latest is that my cousin and i are gonna go Oct. 4-9 for my birthday like last year when I met jill.

I'm not sure what was in that soup, It's called Mulligatawny . I'm sure if you google it theres a recipe to be found, I remember it had an appley sweetness to it i hope they have it in May!

I'd love to take Jill for a birthday trip, but she doesn't think she'll be able to work that out, since she's taking so much time off for maternity leave until June, another ten days for a long July/August trip, and then another five or so for a Christmas trip.

I've heard of Mulligatawny Stew. I'll have to do some more research on it and try it out.

pooksma

04-01-2009, 10:26 AM

Mmmmm Mulligatawny Stew....I make it during the winter months. I love it.

What great photos! You are so lucky to get to travel with your dad. Mine says he'll never go to Disney.:sad2:

KatGarcia

04-01-2009, 02:17 PM

it's looking like mid-late june right now, depends on flight prices i will definitely let you know! u down for wicked??

Is Elphaba green? :lmao: I might be heading to Atlantic City for my birthday (weekend of the 21st) you can come with us too, if you have no plans!

Nicole786

04-02-2009, 10:39 AM

I'd love to take Jill for a birthday trip, but she doesn't think she'll be able to work that out, since she's taking so much time off for maternity leave until June, another ten days for a long July/August trip, and then another five or so for a Christmas trip.

I've heard of Mulligatawny Stew. I'll have to do some more research on it and try it out.

You should do a Boma-inspired party! That would be awesome, i'd love to see the pics from that!!

I understand about October, maybe next year!

Mmmmm Mulligatawny Stew....I make it during the winter months. I love it.

What great photos! You are so lucky to get to travel with your dad. Mine says he'll never go to Disney.:sad2:

the stew was awesome!! Shame about your dad, but where do you think I get it from?? :rotfl:

Is Elphaba green? :lmao: I might be heading to Atlantic City for my birthday (weekend of the 21st) you can come with us too, if you have no plans!

:rotfl:That sounds cool! I've never been to AC so if the dates work out I say why not!

Nicole786

04-03-2009, 09:16 PM

This chapter isn't going to have as much detail because I wrote out a great long chapter but then my computer shut off! I have plenty of photos though to help with the story lol

We had a great breakfast at Boatwrights this morning, after a beautiful walk to POR!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/dad_jan/IMG_9266.jpg

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Dad got the french toast, the reason why we were here!

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We made it to rope drop! One thing I noticed about What will you celebrate? is the new streamers used at the morning show. I don't have a picture but I definitely noticed a difference.

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We conquered Fantasyland and got Pooh & Peter Pan out of the way. I love Pooh! My Fantasyland favorite!! Dad loves PP

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We met up with FauntleroyFAN's favorite!

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We FP Splash because despite the weather, I was determined to ride! We headed over to BTMR in the meantime no wait!

This here's the wildest ride in the Wilderness!

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Dad got himself into some trouble...

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We got on Haunted Mansion and than headed back into Fantasyland so dad could ride IASW and I could nap, lol!

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Continued in next post....

Nicole786

04-03-2009, 09:17 PM

On our way to Tomorrowland, we ran into Stepmother & Stepsister! They were a hoot! There were 2 groups in front of us. The first couldn't get their camera situation down, so Stepmother shouted "Oh for the love of--its the button on top!" haha! Second group the autograph pen ran out of ink so the stepsister with the screechy voice ran down to the kiosk shouting "Shopskeeper! Shopskeeper! We require a pen!" Once dad found out they are at 100 Park Fare he really wants to eat there, maybe next trip we couldn't fit it in for May!

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A few trips around the TTA!

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We passed the castle show on the way to Aloha Isle!

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They have this new thing at Aloha Isle which is Orange/Vanilla swirl. Very good, not as good as the Dole Float but I knew dad would love both and he did!

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After pirates, I won out and despite the weather we braved Splash!

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Now it was time to leave, I have never gone straight from park to park without a break, but we had lunch reservations at Le Cellier, so to Epcot we go!

All aboard!

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Almost there!

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It was EMH that night so we were planning on leaving after lunch and coming back at night.

We FP Test track and then headed for an amazing lunch!

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Dad liked it especially Maple Creme Brulee!

Time for a nap! Dad went to the hot tub and I caught up on some sleep!

Before I knew it, I was being woken to go back to Epcot! It was around 7:30 when we got there. We got on Spaceship earth and than headed to TT.

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The FP line was about 25 minutes but we had time for illuminations!

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WRONG! Illuminations was pushed up to 8 instead of 9 and we missed it! Boo! I was upset after this and still a bit tired so we walked around an empty WS and went on the rides there because they had no lines. As usual the FW attractions were untouchable. We left about 10:30

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Goodnight, Epcot!

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pooksma

04-04-2009, 07:27 AM

MeMom

04-04-2009, 04:48 PM

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Dad liked it especially Maple Creme Brulee!

I spy with my little eye......

PRETZEL BREAD!!! :banana:

That's so good!

I wanted to get the creme brulee when we went in the summer, but I was too stuffed. I think I have regretted it nearly every day since then, though. I see creme brulee in the frozen dessert section of Kroger and think about buying it, but I never do.

Looks you and Dad are having a lot of fun. I'm so glad you got to do this. Won't be long now before the big family trip is here!

Charleston Princess

04-04-2009, 10:10 PM

Awesome action shots of the train leaving on BTMRR! :thumbsup2

CanadianWDWfan

04-05-2009, 07:12 AM

Your trip is fast aproaching, soon you will be there! :goodvibes

You are the kindest person to take your Dad on his own Father/Daughter trip. ;)

I love how your Dad gets into the spirit and even plays it up for the camera.
The pics where he is on IASW and the TTA, too funny...:rotfl:

I had no idea there was an orange swirl now at Aloha Isle, Yummy!!! :woohoo:

I hope I can get a good ADR at Le Cellier, I want that pretzel bread....:laughing:

The french toast is HUGE....but it looks delicious.

Sorry you missed Illuminations, you still had a great night anyway. :hug:

Grybo

04-05-2009, 06:46 PM

I wanted to get the creme brulee when we went in the summer, but I was too stuffed. I think I have regretted it nearly every day since then, though. I see creme brulee in the frozen dessert section of Kroger and think about buying it, but I never do.

Next time you go, get it! No matter how stuffed you are. The Maple Creme Brulee is to DIE for!!! I still think about it when i hear the name "Le Cellier!"

FauntleroyFAN07

04-06-2009, 09:04 AM

:thumbsup2that has to be the coolest sweatshirt ever your dad is wearing, because i have it as well, i got it on the last night we wre there in epcot.

was looking all week for the perfect one and finally found it, helped it was on sale as well.

scottny

04-06-2009, 02:48 PM

Is Elphaba green? :lmao: I might be heading to Atlantic City for my birthday (weekend of the 21st) you can come with us too, if you have no plans!

Ooh I want to be a stalker. :)

Great update and pics.

I am going to try and get Le Cellier for October. Never eaten there before.

Nicole786

04-06-2009, 10:32 PM

More great photos!

I was admiring the French Toast shot- and I can't remember is it breakfast they have now stopped serving at Boatwrights?

BTMRR is probably my fav ride at MK. When my grandma took me to MK she actualy rode it with my cousins and I. It was also our DS' first coaster. Very special.

Bummer you missed Illuminations tho.

They stopped serving breakfast at Boatwrights which is a shame, but I think Tonga Toast is similar to what he got there so I guess next time we'll go to Kona! I love BTMRR and I love taking photos on it because you can really capture some great candid reactions!

I spy with my little eye......

PRETZEL BREAD!!! :banana:

That's so good!

I wanted to get the creme brulee when we went in the summer, but I was too stuffed. I think I have regretted it nearly every day since then, though. I see creme brulee in the frozen dessert section of Kroger and think about buying it, but I never do.

Looks you and Dad are having a lot of fun. I'm so glad you got to do this. Won't be long now before the big family trip is here!

I'm not a fan of Creme Brulee myself, but David loves it! I'm not really a pretzel bread fanatic either, I prefer the other breads that come in the basket, i'm just weird lol! We're so excited May is coming soon!

Awesome action shots of the train leaving on BTMRR! :thumbsup2

Thanks!

Your trip is fast aproaching, soon you will be there! :goodvibes

You are the kindest person to take your Dad on his own Father/Daughter trip. ;)

I love how your Dad gets into the spirit and even plays it up for the camera.
The pics where he is on IASW and the TTA, too funny...:rotfl:

I had no idea there was an orange swirl now at Aloha Isle, Yummy!!! :woohoo:

I hope I can get a good ADR at Le Cellier, I want that pretzel bread....:laughing:

The french toast is HUGE....but it looks delicious.

Sorry you missed Illuminations, you still had a great night anyway. :hug:

Dad was very cool with the camera, he constantly wanted me to take pictures of him doing something wacky. We're all very excited about May and how close it is!!! The orange swirl is new, It's very good!

Next time you go, get it! No matter how stuffed you are. The Maple Creme Brulee is to DIE for!!! I still think about it when i hear the name "Le Cellier!"

S'mores for the win!

:thumbsup2that has to be the coolest sweatshirt ever your dad is wearing, because i have it as well, i got it on the last night we wre there in epcot.

was looking all week for the perfect one and finally found it, helped it was on sale as well.

Haha! I think we got that a few trips ago so WDW must keep it around!

Ooh I want to be a stalker. :)

Great update and pics.

I am going to try and get Le Cellier for October. Never eaten there before.

Just go in there with average expectations, I think expectations make or break the experience there. For me, you can't beat it as a 1TS option. The food may not be up to par with the 2TS steakhouse, but its a great 1TS option.

Nicole786

04-06-2009, 11:03 PM

We're almost at the end of this mini-trip report adventure! Which can only mean one thing, we're so close to our May trip! (and we are!) before beginning, just want to give a big congratulations to 2nd time MeMom and a second time mommy, BrooklynnsMommy! Welcome baby Isabella! I have a really cute Mom/Dad story to share on the next pre-trip chapter which should be Wednesday night because we have something pre-trip planned for that night i want to share! But first lets wrap it up Mini-TR style!!

So this morning I woke up super early. SOMEBODY was keeping me up with his snoring! Oh how I dread sharing a room that one night at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort...:rotfl: What else to do but go for a nice walk? The sun was coming up and while it was very cold (look at the frosted grass and steamy lake) It was still beautiful. For those wishing to stay at POFQ I hope these pictures do it justice!

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When I went back, it was time for us to go! We were headed to AK for our last full day!

Dad look! DCL bus! You'll be on one soon!

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At rope drop, I ran to get EE fastpasses and told Dad to meet me at Dinosaur. What is it with him and my mom and meeting at Dinosaur? I had to call him like 3 times to figure out where he was!

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Afterwards we walked on to its tough to be a bug and than Nemo! Dad had never seen the Nemo show, he thought it was cute, he loves the Mine,Mine,Mine birds (has the shirt, mug, says it a billion times when he sees birds) so I tried to get a pic but was unsuccessful.

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Now it was time for Everest!! I was nervous with Dad like i was with mom but for different reasons. Mom I thought was going to give herself a panic attack, but dad loves roller coasters, his heart doesn't. He has had heart surgery in the past, so I was a bit nervous for that. He did fine, he loved it and had a blast!

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Walked around...

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Saw some birds....

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And a tree....

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Another kind of tree....

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My plan at AK at this point is to always FP Safari and than head over to Conservation station leisurely and than do a walk through, it always works great this was no different!

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I got some decent safari pictures, but look at the cute baby elephant!!

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Time to say goodbye to AK, see you real soon!

Nicole786

04-06-2009, 11:04 PM

We take a break at POFQ and get a towel animal! Dad heads to the hot tub and I head to the bed in a nice empty and quiet room!

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Well rested, it was time for dinner at Kona! We decided to take the boat to DD and than transfer to the Poly. We had some time to walk around (so we thought) so we poked in to a few stores before leaving. The bus to Poly was a nightmare!! We had to stop at the Contemporary which was having a convention of some sort and traffic was backed up for 15 minutes!! Needless to say we were late for our ADR which wouldn't have been a big deal but we really wanted to see Spectro!! The lady checking us in wasn't of any help either, she seemed like she was under a lot of stress but she was very unforgiving. We asked about a later ADR (post-wishes) and they had a 9PM I think but we decided we would just stick it out. 45 minutes later we were seated! :scared1: But of course we had a great meal anyway. Service was a bit slow, but the food is always great! Dad loved his meal, Kona is his favorite restaurant we ate at!!

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We had enough time to get over to MK to see Wishes (a dad first) and it was great as usual! It was CROWDED!! It was a saturday but OMG, so many tour groups!! I had never seen Wishes so crowded. We stuck around for the mass crowds to leave and ducked in some shops!

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Dad loved it! It's his favorite night time show, which I was surprised it beat Illuminations which has always been a family favorite! My favorite part of Wishes is the at the end with those HUGE gold fireworks that shoot on top of each other. What's yours?

Goofing around on Main street:

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We didn't head home after this, we decided to do something different and head to the boardwalk. Dad has never seen the epcot resort area, but he loved the boardwalk!

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We have watched the Food Network's Unwrapped Disney special a zillion times so he wanted to see the bakery. A tad disappointing, but we had taken our Kona desserts to go to make it for Wishes so we grabbed coffee and sat out on the boardwalk enjoying the last moments of our vacation! I gave him a walking tour while we walked to the bridge to catch a glimpse of Illuminations. "That's the beach club, this is the boat, this is where people get married, this is..." We walked in and out of the gift shops and than headed to catch the DD bus. There was an incident when we got to the bus stop. Apparently someone slipped and fell coming off the bus, there was an ambulence, Disney execs etc. We watched this unfold. A man with a family apparently went to help the distressed person, and his wife and son were sitting next to us. The family of the injured came down in hysterics, where Disney execs said they would escort them to the ER where they were taken. I can't even imagine what going through this is like!! After what seemed like a long time, a DD bus arrived and we took it to get home!

We sat at Floatworks watching the Jazz Player, it was another one of those things that makes POFQ so great. Dad was really loving staying at this resort! I guess we'll see if AKL beats POFQ because he still talks about POFQ to this day!

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Charleston Princess

04-07-2009, 08:15 AM

Your pictures at POFQ really do it justice -- we loved it the two times we stayed there -- such a beautiful, relaxing resort.

scottny

04-07-2009, 09:30 AM

I loved the pics of the steam coming off the water.

What a great way to edn the trip. Sounds like a great night.

That poor person.

KatGarcia

04-07-2009, 09:55 AM

Great pic on Everest!!!!

FauntleroyFAN07

04-07-2009, 10:48 AM

my favorite part of wishes is the music, candi cries every time she hears it even if it is the CD in the car.
:sad1:

troobabiee7

04-07-2009, 12:11 PM

Sorry I haven't been here in forever. School's been eating away at my life but I have one more class this afternoon until Spring Break! Finally! :woohoo:

I loved your mini-report! It's awesome how you can bring your family for little trips, they must love it :thumbsup2 I loved all the pictures too... especially the one of the boat at POFQ with the steam rising off the water. Gorgeous!

Nicole786

04-08-2009, 04:01 PM

Your pictures at POFQ really do it justice -- we loved it the two times we stayed there -- such a beautiful, relaxing resort.

Thanks! We definitely enjoyed our time there!

I loved the pics of the steam coming off the water.

What a great way to edn the trip. Sounds like a great night.

That poor person.

Thanks :) You gonna give POFQ a try one day??

Great pic on Everest!!!!

Thanks!!

my favorite part of wishes is the music, candi cries every time she hears it even if it is the CD in the car.
:sad1:

Haha! I love the music too!!

Sorry I haven't been here in forever. School's been eating away at my life but I have one more class this afternoon until Spring Break! Finally! :woohoo:

I loved your mini-report! It's awesome how you can bring your family for little trips, they must love it :thumbsup2 I loved all the pictures too... especially the one of the boat at POFQ with the steam rising off the water. Gorgeous!

No worries!! Thanks for picture comments--my family definitely appreciates the disney trip thats for sure!!

Nicole786

04-08-2009, 04:17 PM

Time to finish this Mini-TR because we are so close to our trip that we need another pre-tr chapter (coming tonight!)

So on our final day we decided to go to Epcot. There's a lot of stuff here especially in world showcase dad has never seen! We got there before rope drop (great) and I noticed the new banners!

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We did the usual at rope drop--we fastpassed soarin and than went on test track! Had a great time as usual. While waiting for our Soarin fast passes, We headed over to Nemo. Here's dad with his birds:

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After the ride we did Turtle Talk which dad thought was ADORABLE! I forgot to mention but my dad's sister has a daughter (Yo may remember her from an earlier pre-TR) who loves disney but they can't get over to WDW I guess because of finances. Every thing we did that he thought would be perfect for her you could tell he was a little pained on the inside, especially Turtle Talk.

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When we left he said something along the lines of "how could you deprive a child of that kind of experience?" He understands of course because believe me he knows, but he definitely doesn't take for granted the trips we took as kids! We were blessed to have that kind of experience! Even though it was off site, at a days inn, and we ate Mickey D's for 4 days straight, he still made it happen. Gald I could repay you, dad! :lovestruc

Time for Soarin! Love, love, LOVE soarin!! The smells and the music especially!! David and I youtube it sometimes just for the music!

Afterwards we were heading out but dad realized he left the bag inside :scared1: While I waited and waited and waited he went in to go get it. I walked over and got an ice cream to pass the time and just people watched, always fun to do in Epcot!! I just love being there! All was good, he returned so we headed to the no wait figment!

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Dad and his birds again....

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Yes, he went over there and shouted "mine, mine, mine"

and than we headed in the world showcase!

I was excited for him to see the world showcase players, because myself, david and mom LOVE them we think they are hilarious!

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Dad not so much. He said it was because he didn't get british humor, I said he was crazy nuts because they are hysterical!

We stopped for some pastries in France before continuing on.

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We walked inside a few of the pavillions, but we knew we had to leave, so we grabbed some lunch at America to use our last CS credit and unfortunately headed out.

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We knew how lucky we were to be coming back in May so us leaving wasn't too bad! But there is definitely that overwhelming feeling on your last day! Sometimes i'm ready to just leave to get it over with. Although I never want to.

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We had a great time! Dad loved the Dining Plan, all the new experiences and Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter. He was ready to stay there again in May, he really appreciated the size!

I'd love to have a new chapter up tonight because we are doing something very Pre-trippy tonight! If not look for it tomorrow! Happy Passover, friends!

MeMom

04-08-2009, 04:31 PM

scottny

04-08-2009, 11:08 PM

Thanks :) You gonna give POFQ a try one day??
I will. I would like to try them all.

Great ending to your mini tr. Looks like you had a great time.

troobabiee7

04-09-2009, 10:38 AM

When we left he said something along the lines of "how could you deprive a child of that kind of experience?" He understands of course because believe me he knows, but he definitely doesn't take for granted the trips we took as kids! We were blessed to have that kind of experience! Even though it was off site, at a days inn, and we ate Mickey D's for 4 days straight, he still made it happen. Gald I could repay you, dad! :lovestruc

:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

I know what you mean! On every trip we'd all talk about how much my cousin Alison would love everything, and it killed us that she wasn't there. I'm so ridiculously excited to get to bring her this summer! I hope your cousin gets to go someday soon too :goodvibes

Nicole786

04-09-2009, 09:14 PM

Great update! The time spent with your dad is a time to treasure. So cute about the birds.

The pastry looks good.

It's good to know that if we ever eat at Le Cellier, I can have your share of the pretzel bread! :goodvibes

Thanks for the Isabella shout-out. :)

You can definitely have my share! lol thanks for coming over although I know how busy you are (in a good way!)

I will. I would like to try them all.

Great ending to your mini tr. Looks like you had a great time.

I think POFQ is our resort of choice for October, we'll see!

:goodvibes:goodvibes:goodvibes

I know what you mean! On every trip we'd all talk about how much my cousin Alison would love everything, and it killed us that she wasn't there. I'm so ridiculously excited to get to bring her this summer! I hope your cousin gets to go someday soon too :goodvibes

My family used to bring my cousin Michael with us when he was younger, but that was when we all lived in Brooklyn so it wasn't like he was flying alone! If we can convince my aunt we would take her, but i doubt she'll go for it!

CanadianWDWfan

04-10-2009, 09:20 AM

Nicole786

04-10-2009, 04:55 PM

Great update!

Who can pass by those birds and not say "Mine! Mine! Mine! :rotfl:

I want to stay at POFQ one day just for the pool. It's so cool. I love how you captured the morning mist. ;)

I could eat that pastry, so yummy good!

The pool is very nice! I like going underneath the fountains! The pastry was my dad's not my thing but he loves it! We usually grab some pastries to eat while we watch Illuminations! Since we missed Illuminations :confused3 we decided to come back and get the pastries lol!

wlwilliams9

04-10-2009, 06:16 PM

Ok, I haven't made it through the whole PTR yet, but I'm crying after seeing the video of your parents on their scavenger hunt! How sweet! What a great gift you have given them! My parents would have been married 40 years this month, but my Mom passed in August of breast cancer at 57yo. My DSis and I had made tentative plans to send them on a cruise too, thinking that my Mom was going to make it through her chemo again, but unfortunately that wasn't the case.

Anyway, we'll be at Disney while you are there (7-17th)! Hope to see you around!

Nicole786

04-10-2009, 08:33 PM

Nicole786

04-10-2009, 08:57 PM

Now that we are so close (28 days can you believe it??) :cool1::cool1: It's time to get this Pre-Trip train going!! Let's start with a cute story from the other day!

Mom and Dad were relaxing in the pool before company was coming over and David and I were just sitting outside with them and chatting. Like it usually does, our trip came up and before I knew it Mom was shouting from her floating beach chair "Play that video on youtube and we can close our eyes and pretend we're on the cruise!!" :rotfl: So mom and Dad closed their eyes and I played this video from youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK0ceP3t1Po)It was too funny! We played it over and over again!

So now we are on to official pre-trip business!! A few days before out 30 day mark, David and I took a trip to Home Depot to get some mickey heads for our countdown calendar!! On Wed. night (after company had left from passover) we assembled it:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9691.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9694.jpg

We put it up on a pocket door that seperates our 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and a small hallway from the rest of the house. So it slides in and out which is really cool!

David showing the countdown:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9696.jpg

And here are some pictures from passover, I had some friends over the first night and it was a really nice time. Dad is the main chef, we had some great food:

Michael (my cousin) and I had to handwash/dry all of this china! :scared1:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9631.jpg

and than set the tables:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9632.jpg

No more onions!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9636.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9640.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9644.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9662.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9724.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9735.jpg

Oreo taking part:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9747.jpg

Okay so after the 2nd night (some of the photos are from the 2nd night) we began our countdown!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9756.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9757.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9758.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9760.jpg

Mom apparently dressed up for the occasion:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9761.jpg

After this she hid from the camera. The ham (dad) of course did not:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9768.jpg

Tonight we peel another one! At midnight we are 27 days away!!

KatGarcia

04-10-2009, 09:14 PM

Great update! 27 days is as good as three weeks, and it'll fly by!

Love the pics of Oreo getting into passover!

Happy Passover!

my2disneyboys

04-11-2009, 06:26 AM

I found your report from wlwilliams9's report. I can't believe I have missed it!! Great report- I LOVE the mini trip reports. We are staying at POFQ and the pictures have me SO excited. You parents are awesome! Love the one of your mom with the towel and your dad with the count down stickers on his face!! And your mom's face when facing EE!! :scared1:

I will be staying at POFQ May 5-12 and we will be passing you on the 11th at Kona... we will be there for Breakfast that day!

Charleston Princess

04-11-2009, 07:24 AM

Happy Passover! Looks like you had a lovely dinner! That china is gorgeous!

The countdown calendar looks great! How fun! I can't believe how close you are getting!

MeMom

04-11-2009, 07:57 AM

Thanks for sharing your family and friend time with us. It helps us get to know each other better when we share those things. What was on the menu?

Your dad might want to go see a doctor soon. He seems to have some unusual growths on his face. :laughing:

Do you have any video of all of this? I'd like to see the meal and activities that go along with the Passover celebration, if you do.

Hope you have a good weekend planned. I think everyone in my bunch is going to try to catch up on sleep!

troobabiee7

04-11-2009, 09:37 AM

OREO!!! I love him!! He does look just like my Oreo, too cute! I wish you guys still lived in Brooklyn, we could hang out and have Disney movie countdowns! None of my friends are into it for some crazy reason :laughing: Your family reminds me so much of mine, I love it. It looks like you all had a great first night of Passover too :goodvibes:

27 days!!!!! :woohoo: I can't believe how fast that flew by! I remember first seeing your Cruise Reveal video last year and thinking about how amazing of a surprise it was... and now it's right around the corner. You guys must be thrilled!

Grybo

04-11-2009, 02:14 PM

Thanks for sharing your family and friend time with us. It helps us get to know each other better when we share those things. What was on the menu?

Do you have any video of all of this? I'd like to see the meal and activities that go along with the Passover celebration, if you do.
!

A lot of the food was made by me. The soup, the egg noodles for the soup, the Matzo Balls for the soup, etc. For some reason, I've been the chef of the house for the past few weeks. And I don't think we have any videos of Passover, just pictures. :(

Nicole786

04-12-2009, 11:16 AM

Happy Easter Everyone!
http://disney-clipart.com/Easter/pooh-bear/Easter-Pooh-Friends-Eggs-sm.jpg

Great update! 27 days is as good as three weeks, and it'll fly by!

Love the pics of Oreo getting into passover!

Happy Passover!

Now we're even closer! Wasn't oreo cute?

I found your report from wlwilliams9's report. I can't believe I have missed it!! Great report- I LOVE the mini trip reports. We are staying at POFQ and the pictures have me SO excited. You parents are awesome! Love the one of your mom with the towel and your dad with the count down stickers on his face!! And your mom's face when facing EE!! :scared1:

I will be staying at POFQ May 5-12 and we will be passing you on the 11th at Kona... we will be there for Breakfast that day!

We had such a great time at POFQ! I've stayed there twice and I think i'm returning in October. Its so perfectly sized and so peaceful, I just love the theming too. I'm glad mom finally faced EE but I was nervous for her, haha! Dad really gets into it so we should have some interesting pictures from the trip! Maybe we'll bump into eachother while we're there walking around!

Happy Passover! Looks like you had a lovely dinner! That china is gorgeous!

The countdown calendar looks great! How fun! I can't believe how close you are getting!

The china was my grandmother's so thank you! We had a good time that night. david and I enjoyed making the countdown calendar, it was a lot of fun!

Thanks for sharing your family and friend time with us. It helps us get to know each other better when we share those things. What was on the menu?

Your dad might want to go see a doctor soon. He seems to have some unusual growths on his face. :laughing:

Do you have any video of all of this? I'd like to see the meal and activities that go along with the Passover celebration, if you do.

Hope you have a good weekend planned. I think everyone in my bunch is going to try to catch up on sleep!

Unfortunately, we have no video because I used my SLR camera. My non-jewish friends that were visiting had a great time and enjoyed the cultural experience of it all. I can explain shortly though. It's not a very religious day and doesn't require you to go to services so therefore schools are still open and work still goes on during the day. At sundown, you read from a book that tells the story of passover in a very biblical fashion (in other words, unless you majored in Shakespeare, it will be very hard to follow along) During the sedar, it requires you to pass down things accross the table such as matzo with no drink, a bitter herb, horseradish and apples. Everyone has to eat this its part of the sedar because you have to feel the affliction our ancestors went through so we could be hear today. The sedar can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours. My family shortens it because we aren't religious. My father's mother who passed away years ago, was religious and therefore it would be hours. Once finished, the great food begins! We start with those who want Gefilte Fish & Chopped Liver :confused3 and than we move on to homemade chicken soup, with homemade egg noodles, and homemade matzo balls! SO YUMMY! And than depending on the night the actual food comes out. Now on Passover you have to celebrate the fact that once our ancestors escaped Egypt, they had no leavened bread, so the food you eat and cook cannot use bread products (so thats why you have matzo) We had 2 kinds of Brisket, Roasted Chicken, vegetables, and my grandmothers (moms mom) Matzo Stuffing, very delicious! We had a great time. My mothers best friend, husband and son came over. My grandmother's brother flew in from NY as he does each year. It has always been like a secondary Thanksgiving for our family, we enjoy the tradition so we keep it going. Personally, I like to keep myself open to all cultures and faith, so I look forward to one day experiencing Easter as well.

OREO!!! I love him!! He does look just like my Oreo, too cute! I wish you guys still lived in Brooklyn, we could hang out and have Disney movie countdowns! None of my friends are into it for some crazy reason :laughing: Your family reminds me so much of mine, I love it. It looks like you all had a great first night of Passover too :goodvibes:

27 days!!!!! :woohoo: I can't believe how fast that flew by! I remember first seeing your Cruise Reveal video last year and thinking about how amazing of a surprise it was... and now it's right around the corner. You guys must be thrilled!

Yeah I can't wait until i'm up there (should know the dates soon) so we can hang out for a bit! My cousin lives in Brooklyn and thats where i'll be staying (she lives in redhook)

We are close, I can taste it, c'mon april, fly by!!

A lot of the food was made by me. The soup, the egg noodles for the soup, the Matzo Balls for the soup, etc. For some reason, I've been the chef of the house for the past few weeks. And I don't think we have any videos of Passover, just pictures. :(

Yeah but you didn't make the brisket or chicken, but you helped with the soup, matzo balls, and noodles so
*Standing ovation*

Grybo

04-12-2009, 04:21 PM

[CENTER][SIZE="5"][FONT="Arial Black"][COLOR="SandyBrown"]Yeah but you didn't make the brisket or chicken, or the soup, matzo balls on
*Standing ovation*

Actually i did help with the soup, and actually I did make the matzo balls. And I helped with Grandma's stuffing.

Nicole786

04-12-2009, 04:39 PM

Actually i did help with the soup, and actually I did make the matzo balls. And I helped with Grandma's stuffing.

That got typed up wrong, I meant to say you didn't do the brisket or the chicken but you did do the soup the matzo balls etc "standing ovation"

CanadianWDWfan

04-12-2009, 07:37 PM

Nicole786

04-12-2009, 10:23 PM

FUN COUNTDOWN!!! I get so excitted when I see those HD Mickey heads...:laughing:

Thanks for explaining Passover to me, I was wondering how you celebrated it.

I wish I had a pool to float around in....I am soo jealous right now!! :rotfl2:

I'm glad I could help with the passover understanding! We are way excited about our countdown calendar, it definitely is something to look forward to in the mornings around here!

MeMom

04-13-2009, 05:57 AM

FauntleroyFAN07

04-13-2009, 09:46 AM

before you know it you will be in the teens....i cant wait for parker to do his countdown calander when we go next summer, he will love it.

pooksma

04-13-2009, 10:05 AM

25 days 25 days!!!:cool1:

How excited are your parents right now?

Nicole786

04-14-2009, 08:10 PM

Now, now, boys and girls, I didn't mean to start an argument amongst you! :rotfl:

Thanks for the Passover information. That was very interesting. I would love to be a part of that sometime.

I'm looking forward to a fun countdown for the next few weeks as you get ready (and get your parents ready) for some awesome Disney fun!!!

Oh our household is definitely full of positive energy right now we are all very excited!

before you know it you will be in the teens....i cant wait for parker to do his countdown calander when we go next summer, he will love it.

Parker would absolutely love it!!

25 days 25 days!!!:cool1:

How excited are your parents right now?

They are super super excited! I can't tell whose more excited between the people in our house!!

So today around 5pm I texted mom and dad with the words "One month from today we will be meeting you at Chef Mickey's!" and it made me realize I haven't done any of our planned days in here, so I really want to do that over the course of the next few weeks!! We got some awesome SQUEE-WORTHY disney mail the other day, and I have some disneyshopping.com purchases coming tomorrow so look out for an update in the next day or so!

Charleston Princess

04-15-2009, 04:29 AM

Squeal-worthy Disney mail??? I can't wait!

troobabiee7

04-15-2009, 09:17 AM

Can't wait for the updates!

wdwgirl03

04-15-2009, 10:41 AM

Hey there! Just found your new PTR...I remember reading your TR from your trip with your brother and thought I'd join in again.

I LOVE the video of the treasure hunt to reveal the cruise to your parents. That was awesome. And it was so cute how they put on their buttons. :goodvibes:laughing:

How cool you're staying at AKL and WL! We are staying at the VWL for the first time in August and I can't wait! Looking forward to what you have to say about it.

Nicole786

04-15-2009, 08:10 PM

Squeal-worthy Disney mail??? I can't wait!

Any kind of disney meal is Squee worthy but especially this kind!

Can't wait for the updates!

:cool1:

Hey there! Just found your new PTR...I remember reading your TR from your trip with your brother and thought I'd join in again.

I LOVE the video of the treasure hunt to reveal the cruise to your parents. That was awesome. And it was so cute how they put on their buttons. :goodvibes:laughing:

How cool you're staying at AKL and WL! We are staying at the VWL for the first time in August and I can't wait! Looking forward to what you have to say about it.

Hey! I was checking out your TR too! Thanks for stopping by again. I absolutely LOVE the WL, it is my "home" even though i've only stayed there once. When I first stayed there I didnt know what to expect especially since i'm not an outdoorsy, cabin-staying kind of person but it is so GORGEOUS! I love it!!

Nicole786

04-15-2009, 08:25 PM

So we all know that any kind of mail is "EEE" worthy. But this type of email is most definitely "SQUEE" worthy!! It can only mean one thing! Your trip is so close, they have to send you documentation!! For those who haven't been since YOAMD, I love the new style of paperwork, a little booklet!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/wdwmail.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9772.jpg

And we are going to have plenty of these new 30 minute arcade cards!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9774.jpg

Now on to shopping! I got an email from disneyshopping a few days ago about the last day of the 3 for $20 deal. I couldn't pass it up! Here are the designs I chose:

http://as7.dsi.go.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/100438M?$full$ http://as7.dsi.go.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/100437M?$full$ http://as7.dsi.go.com/is/image/DisneyShopping/100423M?$full$

And in the flesh!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9778.jpg

We can't believe how close we are!! I started making a packing list because on friday we are 3 weeks away!! :cool1::yay:

Coming up I would like to share our day to day plans and iphone cards finalized!! These are the daily cards we'll be carrying around in my iphone and davids ipod touch that tell us what parks we are scheduled for etc!! Hope everyone had a great easter!!

wlwilliams9

04-15-2009, 11:08 PM

Cute tees!! 3 for $20...what a great deal! The apps for the iPhone are so sweet! If only I had an iPhone!

troobabiee7

04-15-2009, 11:08 PM

Those shirts are so cute! I can't believe how close the trip is! :woohoo:

Aren't you glad they saved Matt tonight?!!!! As soon as they did I thought of you :laughing: I hope Lil and Anoop (or somehow Danny) go home next week!

MeMom

04-16-2009, 04:47 AM

Nice shirts. Adding those to your collection, how many Disney tees would you say you now have in your wardrobe? I have a few plain ones, but almost every t-shirt I have is either a Disney one or a church camp one. On weekends, I don some kind of Disney t-shirt to run around and do errands in. It makes me happy to wear Soarin' or Animal Kingdom or Mickey's Spring Break or whatever while I'm doing the mundane things in life. :goodvibes

I look so forward to all of your good trip pictures to carry us through the summer until we go again. In three weeks, we'll be winding things down at school. TCAP will be over, so we can at least get to do some fun activities, so that's exciting for students and teachers. I may not have paid attention before in the report, but is David skipping school, or will he be out by that time? Our schools don't get out until near the end of May.

Hope you guys have a good rest of the week!
I'm heading back down to AL either tomorrow night or Saturday to spend just a little while with my babies, so not surprisingly, I'll probably have more pictures of them up soon.

Charleston Princess

04-16-2009, 04:48 AM

Oh, I love seeing the new trip documents -- I can't wait until we get ours!!! :woohoo:

The shirts are very cute -- I need to go check out Disney shopping and see what I can find. :rolleyes1

Lifelong_Dreamer

04-16-2009, 07:43 AM

:woohoo: I eagerly check the mail every day waiting for all of our docs to arrive.

FauntleroyFAN07

04-16-2009, 09:46 AM

what are these arcade cards? is this something new?

pooksma

04-16-2009, 10:42 AM

Really like the new Tees!:yay:

Nichellebelle

04-16-2009, 02:37 PM

Boy you sure are organized! I have a lot of catching up to do! I hope you have a Happy Trip!

Nicole786

04-16-2009, 03:52 PM

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has spoken up out of lurkdom! This was a great pick me up today here at work to see so many replies!

Cute tees!! 3 for $20...what a great deal! The apps for the iPhone are so sweet! If only I had an iPhone!

I think you need to get an iphone!! The tees were a great deal, its still going on!

Those shirts are so cute! I can't believe how close the trip is! :woohoo:

Aren't you glad they saved Matt tonight?!!!! As soon as they did I thought of you :laughing: I hope Lil and Anoop (or somehow Danny) go home next week!

OMG I was so excited but it was predictable. I knew he was gonna be bottom 3 tonight so early on I was like "I bet if he gets voted off they'll save him" I wasn't shocked Lil was not voted off after the dialidol predictions had her pretty up there! Danny can go home too. I want to see if Adam can perform a little differently next week (like the soft song he did 2 weeks ago) The song he chose was too predictable. It would be like if he chose "Super Freak" next week.

Nice shirts. Adding those to your collection, how many Disney tees would you say you now have in your wardrobe? I have a few plain ones, but almost every t-shirt I have is either a Disney one or a church camp one. On weekends, I don some kind of Disney t-shirt to run around and do errands in. It makes me happy to wear Soarin' or Animal Kingdom or Mickey's Spring Break or whatever while I'm doing the mundane things in life. :goodvibes

I look so forward to all of your good trip pictures to carry us through the summer until we go again. In three weeks, we'll be winding things down at school. TCAP will be over, so we can at least get to do some fun activities, so that's exciting for students and teachers. I may not have paid attention before in the report, but is David skipping school, or will he be out by that time? Our schools don't get out until near the end of May.

Hope you guys have a good rest of the week!
I'm heading back down to AL either tomorrow night or Saturday to spend just a little while with my babies, so not surprisingly, I'll probably have more pictures of them up soon.

Can't wait to see the pictures of the girls! Brooklynn looks so much like John so even when Jill was pregnant (when I met her in Oct) I was wondering if Bella would look like her. David and I both look remarkably like my dad (unless I lose weight than I look like mom) David is missing a bit of school. I believe its finals week for other students and he will end up missing 1 or 2 days. Because he's maintained a very high GPA, he's exempted from absences affecting his grades. In FL school ends right after we get back I believe. I gradated school in NY where we got out at the end of June!

Nicole786

04-16-2009, 03:55 PM

Oh, I love seeing the new trip documents -- I can't wait until we get ours!!! :woohoo:

The shirts are very cute -- I need to go check out Disney shopping and see what I can find. :rolleyes1

When I get home i am going to take some closer shots of the new booklets you get they are really nice! I love not having the loose paperwork

:woohoo: I eagerly check the mail every day waiting for all of our docs to arrive.

I did the same thing before these showed up!

what are these arcade cards? is this something new?

When you book a package, one of the things you get now is a 30 minute consecutive play arcade card. I have one from the trip with my dad, we have one from mom and dad, and us at the animal kingdom lodge and also from the wilderness lodge stay! Not sure if we will use all of it but great to have if we do!

Really like the new Tees!:yay:

Thank you! I may exchange them at the local disney store for a smaller size but I do appreciate the comfort!

Boy you sure are organized! I have a lot of catching up to do! I hope you have a Happy Trip!

Thanks for chiming in! I pride myself on my Disney OCD lol!

CanadianWDWfan

04-16-2009, 09:33 PM

Love the Disney tees too! You can never have too many! :thumbsup2

Why can't we get WDW mail everyday.....:laughing:

FauntleroyFAN07

04-17-2009, 09:12 AM

i wonder if we will get one when we stay at FW next summer?

troobabiee7

04-17-2009, 10:00 AM

Oh I hope Adam sings Super Freak next week, that would be hilarious :laughing:

scottny

04-17-2009, 11:23 PM

As soon as they did I thought of you :laughing: I hope Lil and Anoop (or somehow Danny) go home next week!

I like Anoop. I would like ot see Lil' go or maybe Danny. Kris to, I find him boring.

Congrats on the docs. I can't wait till I get mine.

CanadianWDWfan

04-18-2009, 06:41 AM

:banana: Just wanted to say....Congrats you are at 20 days! :banana:

Nicole786

04-18-2009, 01:08 PM

Love the Disney tees too! You can never have too many! :thumbsup2

Why can't we get WDW mail everyday.....:laughing:

I wish we did, it would be awesome!!

i wonder if we will get one when we stay at FW next summer?

I don't see why not? Unless they end it after 2009?

Oh I hope Adam sings Super Freak next week, that would be hilarious :laughing:

I can't wait to see what he pulls off next week!

I like Anoop. I would like ot see Lil' go or maybe Danny. Kris to, I find him boring.

Congrats on the docs. I can't wait till I get mine.

I love kris but agree about the others!

:banana: Just wanted to say....Congrats you are at 20 days! :banana:

YAAAAY!! :banana::cool1:

Nicole786

04-18-2009, 01:29 PM

We are officially just under 3 weeks!! and almost in the teens!!! Can you believe it? I can't! It still seems so close yet so far, so to pass the time, here are some goodies I bought on Amazon with a gift card!! I couldn't wait to get Pinocchio but i needed to buy something else to get the free shipping, finally I had an idea!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_5682.jpg

So to add on to it and make it over $25, I realized I could get water shoes for Blizzard Beach and for just general pool going. This was one thing that I missed at Typhoon last year, the ground can get so hot!! They fit perfectly, I love them!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_5681.jpg

So this morning we made some celebratory homemade pancakes! I found a great recipe online and we used a mickey mouse cookie cutter we have!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_5679.jpg

And now for some pre-trip scheduling! Lets start with Universal! We love universal even though it gets mixed reviews on the disney area of the boards. We are staying at the Royal pacific resort which gives us front of the line access with our room keys! :banana: We are checking in very late friday night, so saturday is our first day. All 4 of us will go to islands of adventure and than do a few things at the regular universal park in the afternoon. We will leave, go swimming and than go eat at my favorite universal restaurant, Mama Dellas at the Portofino Hotel! Last year, I had a conversation with MeMom on the boat because of my knee injury, here's hoping to an injury-free time! Very early Sunday morning we will drive mom and dad to MCO so they can catch their bus to DCL!! David and I will drive back to royal pacific, check our bags with luggage services and enjoy a few more hours at the park of our choice (i think islands of adventure) than we will leave in the early afternoon for wilderness lodge!!! Can't wait!!

So lets get to the disney plans, lets start with that sunday!

We will check in here:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s97/nlaskin/septtrip/01.jpg

Hopefully get our request of being close to the lobby! We have a standard view room, so it would be great to get some pixie dust, but the view doesn't bother us, I would just love the location to be convenient!

Right now we're not sure of an official plan, but we might go over to the magic kingdom! I noticed we don't have enough time here, and since I think it will be crowded (it's EMH that night) david made a point that we have never really explored mickey's toontown fair and he's right! So we aren't going to try to get on anything if its too busy, but just enough to mosey around and kill time! We have dinner reservations that night at:

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s97/nlaskin/septtrip/boma2.jpg

It is a 5:50pm reservation, we're hoping it doesn't take too long because we want to head out to Epcot for illuminations this night!! I think we'll have plenty of time.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/IMG_8376.jpg

Time to head back to our home, the wilderness lodge!

BrooklynnsMommy

04-18-2009, 02:56 PM

Sounds like a great first day to me especially that part where you check into the Wilderness Lodge!

wlwilliams9

04-18-2009, 05:43 PM

Charleston Princess

04-18-2009, 07:15 PM

Our first time at Universal will be the year the new HP park opens -- Connor is very anxious to experience that!

Wilderness Lodge, MK, Boma, and Illuminations -- what a great start to your vacation!!!

Lifelong_Dreamer

04-18-2009, 11:24 PM

Love the Mickey pancakes, yum!

Oh how I miss the Wilderness Lodge! :cloud9:

scottny

04-19-2009, 10:49 AM

I enjoy Universal. I wanted to go in December but Biff wants to wait for Harry Potter to open first.

WL, nice place to stay. I always say I am going to do Boma and end up canceling.

wdwgirl03

04-19-2009, 12:46 PM

Fun goodies! We finally got around to watching Pinocchio last weekend.

We went to Universal in '05 and it was OK. We'll probably go back when the Harry Potter stuff opens. :thumbsup2 Your first day plans look great, I like the part about checking into the WL...can't wait till that's us in August! :banana:

Oh yes, are you an American Idol fan too?

Nicole786

04-20-2009, 11:13 PM

Sounds like a great first day to me especially that part where you check into the Wilderness Lodge!

Yeah, thats my favorite part! :banana:

Nicole786

04-20-2009, 11:22 PM

Sounds like a great start! I want to go back to Universal someday, but we'll probably wait until Emily is a little bigger and can go on more rides, PLUS...I'm very excited for the Harry Potter land!! I'm a teacher and have always wanted to teach Muggle Studies at Hogwarts!:lmao: If you've never read/seen Harry Potter then just ignore my last comment and consider me a lunatic!!;)

The WL is a beautiful resort! I've never stayed there, but don't really have a desire to because it's much like our cabin in Northern Michigan! Although our cabin is much smaller!:rotfl: Well, if I get to go at Christmas time, I'd probably stay at the WL! That seems like a good time to stay there!

I love harry potter so I know exactly what you're talking about! Have you seen the new trailer? I'm really excited for the land also, they have come a long way with the construction and they themed the walls with proclamations from the ministry of magic! Quite awesome i'll be sure to post pictures! I could understand your aversion to the WL lol I guess thats truly something different for me maybe thats why I like it!

Our first time at Universal will be the year the new HP park opens -- Connor is very anxious to experience that!

Wilderness Lodge, MK, Boma, and Illuminations -- what a great start to your vacation!!!

Seems like a popular opinion (the harry potter land) it's very cool how they have announced it around the park, proclamations from the ministry of magic! Have you seen the artists rendering?

Love the Mickey pancakes, yum!

Oh how I miss the Wilderness Lodge! :cloud9:

I love the WL i can't wait. We had fun making the pancakes, thanks!

I enjoy Universal. I wanted to go in December but Biff wants to wait for Harry Potter to open first.

WL, nice place to stay. I always say I am going to do Boma and end up canceling.

Yeah HP is going to be really cool but very crowded the first year or so! Thats when staying on site will truly come in handy!!

Fun goodies! We finally got around to watching Pinocchio last weekend.

We went to Universal in '05 and it was OK. We'll probably go back when the Harry Potter stuff opens. :thumbsup2 Your first day plans look great, I like the part about checking into the WL...can't wait till that's us in August! :banana:

Oh yes, are you an American Idol fan too?

Haven't watched pinocchio yet! Universal is a totally different experience for me when staying on site. It was always fun but the first time i stayed there was completely different!

Yes, i LOVE American Idol. Im digging kris and matt right now (although matt needs to step it up haha) and i find adam entertaining of course :rotfl:

MeMom

04-21-2009, 03:04 AM

Yeah HP is going to be really cool but very crowded the first year or so! Thats when staying on site will truly come in handy!!

Not that I wish Disney any loss in business, but I'd be happy for fewer crowds and shorter lines in WDW if everyone is over at Harry Potter during our trips. :)

I know what American Idol is, of course, but I have never seen the show even once. I don't even know when it comes on. I think I probably lose citizenship points for that, since everyone in the country seems to be hooked on it.

Have fun watching Pinocchio and counting down your days!

Nicole786

04-21-2009, 06:51 PM

Not that I wish Disney any loss in business, but I'd be happy for fewer crowds and shorter lines in WDW if everyone is over at Harry Potter during our trips. :)

I know what American Idol is, of course, but I have never seen the show even once. I don't even know when it comes on. I think I probably lose citizenship points for that, since everyone in the country seems to be hooked on it.

Have fun watching Pinocchio and counting down your days!

My friend charlie got talking to a cast member one trip he was there, and the CM said that disney (and the rest of the area) says its "The biggest thing to happen to Orlando in a LONG time" I'm happy that universal can get the attention it deserves but its going to be ridiculous to try and see that area for a while. I'm excited for it though! And you're right maybe it will calm the crowds down at WDW besides you know what they say about competition! Only good things can come from this

Nicole786

04-22-2009, 09:52 AM

:daisy:Happy Earth Day Everyone!! :rose::flower2:

Hope everyone is enjoying being outdoors today, no better time than now to look back on some of the wonderful photos WDW has provided for us with their foilage!! How about this view from the WL?? This was a great room, maybe we'll get some pixie dust this time around??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_1865.jpg

Or this view at Pop Century:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_7552.jpg

Even the ducks know where to live! (I would live there too if i was a duck)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_8213.jpg

I'm sure the conservation station is bustling today!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/pretrip_may/IMG_9423.jpg

So we are officially 16 days away!! Can you believe it?? I have a cool update to share coming up but for now lets take a look at our second day at WDW!!

This is our scheduled Epcot opening day. We'll fastpass Soarin at rope drop and than head over to test track and mission:space.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/tripreport/IMG_4389.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/tripreport/IMG_4424.jpg

Mosey on over to the seas and possibly innoventions. Not sure if we'll get to the world showcase today. We'll hang on to those FP as long as we can because we all know how Soarin can get!!

It's break time mid day to check out the WL arcade with those 30 minute cards!! Maybe some pool time before heading out to Kona for dinner, one of our favorites!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/tripreport/chapter_4/IMG_4700.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/nal107/tripreport/chapter_4/IMG_4701.jpg

After dinner we are heading over to DHS EMH!! I have always had great success with low crowds here at night time and there is no Fantasmic showing. David can't wait to try Rock n Roller coaster, and i've always wanted to ride ToT at night!!! Will we even be able to touch TSM??

I can taste it we're so close!! Only 16 more days!! We got some pixie dusted SQUEE worthy mail too!! Another chapter on that coming soon!!