Mommmy & Daddy go to Disney World! *ALONE!* !!!6/30!!! Final thoughts!!!

[mickeysmyboy]

First off, welcome to any newbies!! If you’d like to read my thread that’s a combo of PTR for our January and March trips and the TR for January please see the link in my siggie! If you choose to catchup on that thank you and enjoy! If not I’ll give you and itty bitty bit of background!!

Cast of Characters

Me= Melissa, 33, Stay at Home Mom to 3 wonderful kiddos! I’ve loved Mickey for as long as I can remember, before I even knew there was a place called Disney World! Our March trip was my 6th (WOW!) trip to WDW!

DH= John, 34, my college sweetheart! A Civil Engineer who works very hard to give us the wonderful life we have! He continues to amaze, thrill and dumbfound me as he lets little bits of his love for Disney be known to me ;)

As you can see the cast doesn’t include our kiddos! This trip was Mommy and Daddy all by ourselves to celebrate our 10th anniversary!

When we first discussed going away alone to celebrate our 10th anniversary WDW just made sense. It’s a direct 2 ½ hour flight from our local airport, we don’t have to go to JFK or La Guardia. It’s easily doable for 2 adults in 4 nights 5 days, the longest I wanted to stay away from my kiddos. So, a planning I went!

Polynesian MK view here we come! With the help of my wonderful TA we were able to upgrade to the Platinum Plan along the way and actually end up paying less! Yippeee!!!

The kiddos were ok with us going without them because we just spent 9 nights at WL in January! They also understood, at least a little, that Mommy and Daddy need sometime alone from time to time

So, enough background, let me get on with the TR!

Mommy and Daddy go to Disney World! ALONE!

Day 1, Monday 3/23, Part 1

Well, we’ll actually start the night before. Because we left early in the morning we said our goodbyes to the kiddos before bed. That went really well, let me tell you ;) 8 o’clock bedtime ended an hour and a half later after all the tears were dried up! DS6, Johnny, just kept saying “But I want you Mommy” and DD8, Dorothy, ran a whole bunch of things from “I’ll miss you” to confessing all her sins! Oh my! It was exhausting! But they survived and so did I.

On to the next morning!

Uggh! Just thinking about this makes me tired! LOL!! Our flight took off at 7:50 am so we figured we wanted to be at the airport between 6:15 and 6:30. This meant we had to leave home around 5:30! Ughhh! That meant I had to get up at 4:30!!! I set the alarm for 4:20, just in case. But, I was up at 4:15! Too excited to sleep!

Luckily, my handy dandy coffee maker was set to start brewing at 4:10 so the coffee was just finishing as I came down stairs!

I took a quick shower, got ready and threw the last things in the bag!

By the time I was done DH was up and ready to go and MIL was knocking on the front door! Good thing they only live next door! FIL was outside waiting to chauffer us to the airport! We said goodbye to MIL took the bag and headed for the car!

We were on our way! Phew!

[BewwyBootiful]

Hi! I am one of those "newbies" - I havn't been to the world since I was 3, and DH husband has never been - recently I discovered the DIS boards, and after a month of lurking, I am now posting and planning a trip for 2010. I am so excited to follow your trippie - we aren't blessed with kids yet, and I am planning our first trip as our 2nd Honeymoon, so I am interested to see how a "pro" brings romance to the World. I can't wait to hear about the Platinum Plan, etc...

[faerieprincess]

Hi Melissa, i'm here! Great start so far!

[VAisforDisneyLvrs]

I am totally jealous!! Our 10th anniversary is this year, too. I talked my husband into a weekend at Disney (Saturday AM until Monday PM), but now I think we are going to skip it! I think we're just going to roll the money we were going to spend on our weekend into another family trip next February. I don't know. Our annivesary isn't until July, so I have time to change my mind again. :confused:

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm off for a long weekend to WDW with Dh in a couple of weeks to celebrate my birthday without the kids.

So I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip.

Our plan leaves around noon at an airport three hours away accross a border. I shudder to think of how early we'll have to get up to get there. I think I will have to book the night before at a hotel near the airport. Don't you?

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi! I am one of those "newbies" - I havn't been to the world since I was 3, and DH husband has never been - recently I discovered the DIS boards, and after a month of lurking, I am now posting and planning a trip for 2010. I am so excited to follow your trippie - we aren't blessed with kids yet, and I am planning our first trip as our 2nd Honeymoon, so I am interested to see how a "pro" brings romance to the World. I can't wait to hear about the Platinum Plan, etc...

Welcome :banana: Thanks for Joining in!! More to come soon! Hope I can be of some help to you!

Hi Melissa, i'm here! Great start so far!

Thanks Sare!! I have to get caught up on your trippie and all my other subscriptions!!

I am totally jealous!! Our 10th anniversary is this year, too. I talked my husband into a weekend at Disney (Saturday AM until Monday PM), but now I think we are going to skip it! I think we're just going to roll the money we were going to spend on our weekend into another family trip next February. I don't know. Our annivesary isn't until July, so I have time to change my mind again. :confused:

Aww! I hope you get to take your trip! Even if it's just for a few days it's sooooo worth it!!! We had a fabulous time and it was so different without the kiddos!



I'm off for a long weekend to WDW with Dh in a couple of weeks to celebrate my birthday without the kids.

So I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip.

Our plan leaves around noon at an airport three hours away accross a border. I shudder to think of how early we'll have to get up to get there. I think I will have to book the night before at a hotel near the airport. Don't you?


Wooo hooo!! What a great way to spend your birthday! I'd love to do that but being that my b-day is 12/28 I think I'd have to be crazy!

Definitely book the hotel the night before you leave!! If the airport is 3 hours away and across the border it will be worth it! I tried at one point to convince DH to fly to Orlando Sunday mid-day and stay in the hyatt at the airport overnight and head to WDW the next morning but he thought I was crazy! :lmao:

[xoktenox]

Heyy Melissa, so glad you started! Of course, I'm here to join in :goodvibes

Our flight leaves at 6am from JFK :scared1: So I will be feeling your pain that day!

[marcielm]

I'm excited to read your TR because after our first trip to the world, DH said next time we are going WITHOUT the kids!!! It will be for our 15th anniv. in 2011. This is what I've always wanted to do (beginning with our honeymoon) but he always said no. He had so much fun on our trip, he wants to go and do everything that much quicker w/o the kids. :rotfl:

Intrested in hearing about your stay at the Poly. That's one that we are considering for our Mom & Dad only stay.

[bob6sims]

Looking forward to reading more :surfweb:

We are 20 years married this year :hug: but haven't made it to WDW without the kids - maybe on our 25th anniversary :lovestruc

[faerieprincess]

I'm off for a long weekend to WDW with Dh in a couple of weeks to celebrate my birthday without the kids.

So I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip.

Our plan leaves around noon at an airport three hours away accross a border. I shudder to think of how early we'll have to get up to get there. I think I will have to book the night before at a hotel near the airport. Don't you?

You definitely should. Crossing the border can be a pain in the butt and it's much better to get it done the day before and wake up on the day without it to worry about!

[JPFamilyMom]

Great start Melissa, can't wait to read all about it.
We finally booked our first family trip.... WOO HOO

[roxannensteve]

Can't wait to read more, we just planned a lil escape ourselves w/o the kiddos

[mickeysmyboy]

Looking forward to reading more :surfweb:

We are 20 years married this year :hug: but haven't made it to WDW without the kids - maybe on our 25th anniversary :lovestruc

Thanks!!! You definitely need to go without the kids! It was a completely different trip!


Great start Melissa, can't wait to read all about it.
We finally booked our first family trip.... WOO HOO

Thanks!!! :cool1::banana: On the family trip!!! You must be sooo excited!! I have to check out you PTR again!

Can't wait to read more, we just planned a lil escape ourselves w/o the kiddos

Thanks for joining!! Your going to have a so a great time on your trip!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Thanks for joining everyone!! Another update to come soon!! Today is a busy day of errands including taking DD to the dentist at 2:45! :eek: She hates going!! She needs a filling! last time they didn't drill, this time I think their going to:scared1: Wish me luck!! I keep explaining to her that if she trys to take better are of her teeth she wouldn't have to go through this!

[PrincessNewsie]

Polynesian MK view here we come! With the help of my wonderful TA we were able to upgrade to the Platinum Plan along the way and actually end up paying less! Yippeee!!!

I set the alarm for 4:20, just in case. But, I was up at 4:15! Too excited to sleep!



I know all about being too excited to sleep before a trip!!!!! Also, Poly MK view, can I just say I'm SO jealous. And platimum package? How in the heck you pull that? I am doing deluxe dining for my honeymoon and was so excited about that. I can't even imagine Platinum!


Wooo hooo!! What a great way to spend your birthday! I'd love to do that but being that my b-day is 12/28 I think I'd have to be crazy!


I am actually going 12/28-1/4, so please don't say that!!!! My fiance (will be hubby) will be back from military training so we were going to celebrate in Disney at our DVC for the first time!!!! Now I'm nervous, is NYE really that bad???


Looking forward to more of your TR, off to a good start, can't wait! Hope you had a blast!

[mickeysmyboy]

I know all about being too excited to sleep before a trip!!!!! Also, Poly MK view, can I just say I'm SO jealous. And platimum package? How in the heck you pull that? I am doing deluxe dining for my honeymoon and was so excited about that. I can't even imagine Platinum!



I am actually going 12/28-1/4, so please don't say that!!!! My fiance (will be hubby) will be back from military training so we were going to celebrate in Disney at our DVC for the first time!!!! Now I'm nervous, is NYE really that bad???


Looking forward to more of your TR, off to a good start, can't wait! Hope you had a blast!


We actually saved money with Platinum plan! Suprising I know. When all was said and done we saved well over $1000 with it! When I orginally book we were booked for lagoon view concierges at Poly. But then a deal came out for the Platinum package! my TA asked if I wanted to change to take advantage of it and when I looked into it it really worked out well for us!

I wasn't originally going to do a dining plan because we ate at places that would be 2 meals credits and it didn't seem worth it to me! But with the platinum package you get the deluxe dining and soooo much more! The massagethat I'd already booked was free, we got to see cirque as part of the package (and had great seats), we got a free photopass CD, our Keys to the Kingdom tour that I had already booked was included, etc etc! It was great! Our dinner meals where over $200 every night! It was really cost effective for us!


I think without kiddos you'll be fine 12/28 -1/4! I would think it will be crowded and taper off as the stay goes on! Without kids saying "Mommy, I wanna go ride Toy Story!" You'll be much more as ease to do what you want when you want! We arrived 1/3 this past January for our family vacation and had no crowd problems at all!

Good luck!! Congrats! I'm going to go take a look at your PTR when I have a chance! I sooo wanted a WDW honeymoon! But back then DH said "why would I want to Disney World?!" UGH!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 1 Part 2

After an uneventful trip the airport we checked our luggage curbside and head for security!

I was wearing a wrap sweater, no zipper or metal, so I asked the lady if I needed to take it off. She told me that it wasn’t up to her but if I tied it tight the gentleman at the metal detector may let me leave it on. So, I tied it a bit tighter and waited for DH to pass through the detector. DH got patted down! I thought it was kind of funny and of course had to poke fun at him. It was also nice to see that security, even at a small airport, is doing their job. I proceeded through the detector and the gentleman told me that he wasn’t going to make me take my sweater off “because you have a nice smile this early in the morning” Okey dokey! I’m good with that. Maybe I look less threatening them DH ;)

We got the gate and I went to get a newspaper, water and something to eat. DH refused my offer to get him something even though he knew it would be awhile before we ate. He’s not that fond of flying and gets motion sick so I guess nerves got the better of him. He took his dramine and we read the paper while I ate a surprisingly good muffin! I guess our airport has good food! In January I ate a very yummy yogurt parfait before of flight purchased from the same place.

Soon enough it was time to board the plane! Yipppeee!!!

The plane was only about 75% full so DH and I had 3 seats to ourselves. It gave us a little extra room which was great! I actually napped on the plane!! With the 3 kiddos in tow I can’t do that! I have to worry about them! It was nice to sit there with my Ipod in my ears, relax and nap!!

After an uneventful flight we landed in Orlando about 25 minutes early!!

We quickly took the “fake monorail” as DH calls it and headed to baggage claim! Waiting there for us was our limo driver!! We waited for our bag, which I swear was the last to come off the plane, and headed to the car!!

Our trip to the Polynesian was uneventful, although the limo driver seemed almost scared to drive. Kinda weird! It took him forever to change a lane and when he did he did it ever so carefully! But we got there in good time and safely, that’s what counts!

Soon we were checking into the Polynesian!!

I was super excited! We had planned to stay at Poly in March 08 but changed plans do to the pool being closed! We've been in Poly a few times for meals at the Luau and Kona but never to stay!

We checked in quickly and where soooo happy when we found out our room was ready! It was only 11:30 in the morning!

We decided that lunch should be our first stop especially because DH had only had the tiny blueberry snack bar they gave us on the plane to eat all day! So we were off to Capt Cooks!!

DH got the Pork Sandwich and I got the Multigrain Turkey Club. Both were delicious! We really enjoyed to Polynesian chips that were the side! Yummy! I got a Dole Whip as a desert!

Can I tell you a secret?!

I didn’t like it! :scared1:

I got the one that’s all pineapple, not the pineapple and vanilla mixed together. Next time I’m gonna try the mix, I think I may like that better. The one I had was just too much! Too sweet, too tart. If I had eaten it I would have had a headache when I was done!

Then it was time to find our room!

I took some pictures along the way! I had plenty of time because our room was in the Tahiti building which is very, very far from the Grand Ceremonial House! It was a llllooonnnggg walk! We actually ended up being closer to the TTC then GCH! That kind of worked to our benefit in the long run!

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/45104/2160686190098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2160686190098269115GZdGIn)
babbling brook outside!

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/44360/2244080240098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2244080240098269115xGiDvg)
Crazy worker WAY high up in the roof of one of the buildings!

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/5925/2245165100098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2245165100098269115WyHRYc)
Tiki!!

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/44135/2309001440098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2309001440098269115HkyuAK)
Tiki!!


We arrived at our room, Tahiti room 1032 and of course the first thing I wanted to see was the view! Boy was I happy!!!

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/10863/2830361980098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2830361980098269115ghxlLT)
Looking straight out! Look between the palm trees!

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/31933/2455772620098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2455772620098269115sLXWAg)
Zoomed in a little!

http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/39245/2269766340098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2269766340098269115CgSAsP)
Looking to the right to the TTC!

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/42155/2504793000098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2504793000098269115YXpLlq)
zoomed in on Space Mountain

We called for our luggage and enjoyed a peaceful moment on our patio!

Once our luggage arrived we were off to MK!!! Of course I took a few more pictures along the way!

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/44056/2563472380098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2563472380098269115zQRHIj)

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/36467/2903251010098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2903251010098269115GttKDC)

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/44657/2840770160098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2840770160098269115LYkaHf)

[JPFamilyMom]

Great pictures Melissa, the Poly is beautiful.
I guess a plan ride would be uneventful without kids:laughing:
Did you take pictures of the room?

[Diamondintheruff]

It sounds heavenly to fly without the kids and to have empty seats around you to boot. Wow!

[PrincessNewsie]

We actually saved money with Platinum plan! Suprising I know. When all was said and done we saved well over $1000 with it! When I orginally book we were booked for lagoon view concierges at Poly. But then a deal came out for the Platinum package! my TA asked if I wanted to change to take advantage of it and when I looked into it it really worked out well for us!

I wasn't originally going to do a dining plan because we ate at places that would be 2 meals credits and it didn't seem worth it to me! But with the platinum package you get the deluxe dining and soooo much more! The massagethat I'd already booked was free, we got to see cirque as part of the package (and had great seats), we got a free photopass CD, our Keys to the Kingdom tour that I had already booked was included, etc etc! It was great! Our dinner meals where over $200 every night! It was really cost effective for us!


I think without kiddos you'll be fine 12/28 -1/4! I would think it will be crowded and taper off as the stay goes on! Without kids saying "Mommy, I wanna go ride Toy Story!" You'll be much more as ease to do what you want when you want! We arrived 1/3 this past January for our family vacation and had no crowd problems at all!

Good luck!! Congrats! I'm going to go take a look at your PTR when I have a chance! I sooo wanted a WDW honeymoon! But back then DH said "why would I want to Disney World?!" UGH!!

Stop it, we are going to do a couples massage and we are doing Deluxe Dining and horseback riding and a carriage ride and Around the World (segway) tour. I am staying DVC, so does that count me out for Platinum plan?

Yeah I figure that since I won't have seen much of him for months, even if it's so busy that I don't leave my beautiful new BLT studio... I'll just be bummed I didn't get a 1BR. With the monorail there and the ability to just wander, I think we'll be okay!

Great update-- I can't even wait to stay at the Poly!!!! Love the pictures!

[faerieprincess]

Awesome update Melissa, i'm glad your trip there was quick and easy and uneventful!

The Poly is so beautiful, isn't it? :goodvibes

[xoktenox]

Yayyyy you made it there! Everytime I see pictures of the Poly it makes me want to stay there more and more, its just sooo beautiful. :cutie:

I can't believe you didnt like the Dole Whip! I've never had one but I'm going to try one in a few weeks when we go and I'm going to make sure to go for the swirl one :thumbsup2

[shortstuff7429]

Loving your report so far! Looking forward to more! DH and I are headed to WDW for a special adults only anniversary trip in May. (though we don't think we're going to tell our DD (4) where we're going...she's too young to understand!)

[MiaBella05]

popcorn:: joining in popcorn::

[mickeysmyboy]

Great pictures Melissa, the Poly is beautiful.
I guess a plan ride would be uneventful without kids:laughing:
Did you take pictures of the room?

Thanks!! It was nice not to have to worry about any fidgety kiddos on the plane!! I did take soem pictures of the room later in the week, I was just so enthralled with the view on our first day that I didn't really care about the room!

It sounds heavenly to fly without the kids and to have empty seats around you to boot. Wow!


It was sooo much more relaxing!! DH doesn't like to fly. When it's all of us I think the kids kind of feed off his anxiety a little and get nervous themselves! Not to mention Johnny, our 6 year, gets air sick! :scared1: It was super nice to have to worry about that!

Stop it, we are going to do a couples massage and we are doing Deluxe Dining and horseback riding and a carriage ride and Around the World (segway) tour. I am staying DVC, so does that count me out for Platinum plan?

Yeah I figure that since I won't have seen much of him for months, even if it's so busy that I don't leave my beautiful new BLT studio... I'll just be bummed I didn't get a 1BR. With the monorail there and the ability to just wander, I think we'll be okay!

Great update-- I can't even wait to stay at the Poly!!!! Love the pictures!

I'm not sure about DVC and the platinum plan, although I'm intrigued to find out. I will tell you it was one heck of a lot of food! We refused desert serveral times even though it was included, we just couldn't eat that much!

Is your room at BLT MK view :cloud9:? I would love to stay in one of those rooms!!! That's definitely something we'll do in the future! ;)

Awesome update Melissa, i'm glad your trip there was quick and easy and uneventful!

The Poly is so beautiful, isn't it? :goodvibes

I really feel in love with Poly!! It's so beautiful and tranquil!! :cloud9:

Yayyyy you made it there! Everytime I see pictures of the Poly it makes me want to stay there more and more, its just sooo beautiful. :cutie:

I can't believe you didnt like the Dole Whip! I've never had one but I'm going to try one in a few weeks when we go and I'm going to make sure to go for the swirl one :thumbsup2

Poly is soooo beautiful! You definitely have to stay there in the future! It's perfect for say a honeymoon ;)

I was totally not into that dole whip! I love pineapple too! I don't know! I think the mix with vanilla maybe better, I'm going to give that a try next time!

Loving your report so far! Looking forward to more! DH and I are headed to WDW for a special adults only anniversary trip in May. (though we don't think we're going to tell our DD (4) where we're going...she's too young to understand!)

Thanks for joining in!! We thought about not telling the kids but DD is too smart and would have figured it out. We can't keep a secret around her! They were really fine with it though!

popcorn:: joining in popcorn::

Thanks for joining in!! More to come soon!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi everyone!! I just wanted to let you know I didn't forget about my TR! I'm hoping to post another update later today!

It's been a busy few days and now the big kiddos are on school vacation until the Tuesday after Easter! they have a total of 11 days off of school! WOW!

We have a few fun things going on today, our usual family Sunday breakfast, a trip few towns away to see a house MIL and FIL just renovated, a spin on a local carousel, an easter egg hunt, and dinner with MIL and FIL! Phew! But, then I hoping to have a second or 3 of peace to get a new update up!

I got my photopass CD yesterday! We didn't a lot of photos done but the CD was included in the package so we got it. The funny thing is that they say your photos expire 30 days from the day you first look at them on the photopass website. Well, when I went on to do our new photos all of our January pictures were there and all of our January pictures came on the CD! I did those pictures right after we came home so it's been 2 1/2 months!

[PrincessNewsie]

Hi everyone!! I just wanted to let you know I didn't forget about my TR! I'm hoping to post another update later today!

It's been a busy few days and now the big kiddos are on school vacation until the Tuesday after Easter! they have a total of 11 days off of school! WOW!

We have a few fun things going on today, our usual family Sunday breakfast, a trip few towns away to see a house MIL and FIL just renovated, a spin on a local carousel, an easter egg hunt, and dinner with MIL and FIL! Phew! But, then I hoping to have a second or 3 of peace to get a new update up!

I got my photopass CD yesterday! We didn't a lot of photos done but the CD was included in the package so we got it. The funny thing is that they say your photos expire 30 days from the day you first look at them on the photopass website. Well, when I went on to do our new photos all of our January pictures were there and all of our January pictures came on the CD! I did those pictures right after we came home so it's been 2 1/2 months!

Looking forward to the update whenever you can-- sounds like you have an awesome busy Easter break planned!!!

We are staying at BLT lake view because over NYE is SUCH a high point holiday that we can't afford MK view without borrowing points. Next time I stay in a more "off" time, namely not oen of the only big two holiday weeks, we're staying MK view. I ccan't wait!

[BewwyBootiful]

I just finished the January trip - I can't wait to hear all about the grown up one! popcorn::

Does your Travel agent specialize in Disney?

[noahdove]

I am looking forward to reading more. I always thought that I would celebrate my 25th anniv. at Disney with my husband...well, next year it will be 35...will I succeed then??? So, you see, I am totally enjoying your pictures and report...

[emmiesmom]

I am so excited to read your trip report!

DH and I had our honeymoon at WDW at the Polynesian on the then "Deluxe Package" and loved it:goodvibes! We now have an almost 4 year old DD and have been 2x with her (with 3 more trips planned since we bought DVC) and DH is saying he can't think about going to WDW without her:confused3

Our 10 year anniversary is in 2011 and I'm trying to work on an adults only trip to the Poly again so I'm taking notes on your report:teacher:!

[chepic]

I am in also...after this trip we just took with the kids, we decided we didn't get to do what we wanted so I booked us a quicky trip on Memorial Day W/E. Can't wait to be alone...hasn't happened in 6 years.

Cheryl

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here and enjoying your report! As you know, we just have Henry, but that is a lot to deal with on the plane already--I cannot imagine three plus a husband who doesn't like to fly! Stressssssss!

Your view was beautiful!!!!! Someday I would love to stay at the Poly - it looks perfect for a Mommy/Daddy only getaway--very romantic!

[mickeysmyboy]

Looking forward to the update whenever you can-- sounds like you have an awesome busy Easter break planned!!!

We are staying at BLT lake view because over NYE is SUCH a high point holiday that we can't afford MK view without borrowing points. Next time I stay in a more "off" time, namely not oen of the only big two holiday weeks, we're staying MK view. I ccan't wait!

I'm posting my update after this!

I'm sure an MK view room that week is like a million points! I'm sure the lake view is beautiful too!

I just finished the January trip - I can't wait to hear all about the grown up one! popcorn::

Does your Travel agent specialize in Disney?

Yippee! Thanks! I can't believe you read allllll that! :lmao:

She does specialize in Disney! She's great! I found her through another board :rolleyes1 and used her for the first time for January. I did it through a TA mainly because if a new deal comes out it easier to get the deal through a TA. All she had to do was do a quick change to the reservation. If I had booked myself I would have had to cancel and rebook. She also kept an eye out for anything that maybe pertain to us. She saved us a TON of money on both trips!

I am looking forward to reading more. I always thought that I would celebrate my 25th anniv. at Disney with my husband...well, next year it will be 35...will I succeed then??? So, you see, I am totally enjoying your pictures and report...

:lmao: I hope you succeed! I think you deserve GF MK view for the extra 10 years!!!

Thanks for joining in!


I am so excited to read your trip report!

DH and I had our honeymoon at WDW at the Polynesian on the then "Deluxe Package" and loved it:goodvibes! We now have an almost 4 year old DD and have been 2x with her (with 3 more trips planned since we bought DVC) and DH is saying he can't think about going to WDW without her:confused3

Our 10 year anniversary is in 2011 and I'm trying to work on an adults only trip to the Poly again so I'm taking notes on your report:teacher:!

It was a totally different trip! Really, a completely different experience without the kiddos! I was a little apprehensive at first to go without them but it was great!!!!!

Thanks for joining in!

I am in also...after this trip we just took with the kids, we decided we didn't get to do what we wanted so I booked us a quicky trip on Memorial Day W/E. Can't wait to be alone...hasn't happened in 6 years.

Cheryl

:banana: for your alone trip!!! 6 years is a long time! DH and I have been away before, for wedding etc, but never more then 2 nights and not at all since the little one was born! It was very nice!

Thanks for joining in!!

I'm here and enjoying your report! As you know, we just have Henry, but that is a lot to deal with on the plane already--I cannot imagine three plus a husband who doesn't like to fly! Stressssssss!

Your view was beautiful!!!!! Someday I would love to stay at the Poly - it looks perfect for a Mommy/Daddy only getaway--very romantic!

Hi Brook!! Thanks for jumping over!!

If it wasn't for the fact that I know the we're goingto Disney World I would NOT get on a plane withthe kids! No way!! Especially with Ryan! The first time he flew we took his car seat, for January I bought a CARES harness. THe CARES was a lot easier then putting a giant Britax car seat in the seat and no had to lug the thing across the airport! It's still stressful though! I normally end up exhausted just from flying!

Poly is absolutely beautiful! I really feel in love with it! I think it's my favorite resort now!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 1 part 3!

We took a quick Monorail ride over to MK! I just love the monorail! Ok, I don’t love the fact that it always smells funky, anything from a bandaid to stinky socks to BO. But, I love the convenience of it and the wonder of this completely different mode of transportation! It's so fun and so disney!!!

We got to MK and went quickly through security. Throughout the trip we had many instances when not having the kiddos with us made things a lot less stressful and a lot easier. Security and just getting into the parks was one of those. DH and I watch our kiddos like hawks, we’re are not the parents who let their kids wander. Our kids know that they must be within arms reach at all times. They know that if one of us clears our throat and holds our arm out that their too far away. Going into the parks and going through the security is always a feet of child wrangling know how! With just us I opened my bag and DH opened the camera bag and we breezed through! WOW! I swear we saved like 5 minutes at each security stop without the kids! Not to mention we kept the line moving instead of causing traffic!

Under the train station we went! I kid you not when I tell you DH headed for stroller rental! :lmao: No joke! DH is always in charge of getting the stroller while I stay to the side and out of peoples way with the kiddos! He started to go in and I said “Honey, where ya going?” He stopped, turned around and laughed! He did the same thing at least once more during the trip! :lmao::lmao:

Then we were on Main Street!!! I LOVE Main Street!! I could wander around for hours, looking at the buildings, gazing at the castle, people watching. AHHHH!

Then we stopped to take a few pictures! I may have forgetten to mention that when we landed in Orlando it was raining, but by the time we got to Poly it had stopped completely, it was a breezy and cloudy. You can see that by my castle pictures!

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/42625/2759555190098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2759555190098269115WLIeqn)

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/44330/2690094630098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2690094630098269115mZXMoQ)

Moving along a bit we stopped to have our first photopass picture done! DH kinda grimaced and smirked. I told him he HAD to humor me and do this! He agreed! I think they came out cute!

http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/14516/2748175590098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2748175590098269115RTkgni)

http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/43890/2715245780098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2715245780098269115bGHfEG)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/43760/2888982470098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2888982470098269115hgVtCq)

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/41682/2081768500098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2081768500098269115eqImRK)

Then it was off to ride some rides!! DH loves Buzz so we headed that way and got a fastpass. The return time was only an hour away so we discussed what our next move would be. We decided to go see Carousel of Progress!

Who would have thought that Carousel of Progress would be our first ride!?

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/16472/2273101970098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2273101970098269115duhVTI)
DH outside of COP

I love COP! We do it every trip! I remember going as a kid and actually thinking it was very cool! I guess it’s kind of a nostalgia thing!

We took our spin thing Progress but when we got the scene in the 40’s (I think) that’s Halloween time Rovers tail was broken! OMG! The furry covering was off and laying on the floor! You could see the plastic piece that is his tail and some of the workings!

Well, of course that crowd laughed and whispered! I was kinda shocked that it was like that! The man in front of us pulled out the camera and started taking pictures. No big deal but he forgot the part about no flash photography and was using a giant SLR camera that took film. Has he not heard of digital photography?! The camera was soooo loud when the film advanced! It was soooo annoying! His wife nearly had a heart attack! She gave him the look of death and did something I thought only women in my family do, she talked through her clenched teeth! She told him in no uncertain terms to knock it off and what the he%& is the matter with you! Oh boy!!

After that we talked about what to do next and DH decided we should head to TTA. All I could think was how weird it was that our first 2 rides were 2 of the least popular attractions in the park. But we had a nice, quiet, relaxing ride. I love the part where you go through Space Mountain. You’ll never get me on SM so this is my only opportunity to see it! I wonder what they’re going to do when SM goes down for the big refurb! I guess they’ll put something on the windows.

After that we still had bit of time before our FP for Buzz was good so we headed to Fantasyland. We discussed going on the speedway alone the way but the wait was like 40 minutes, no thanks. We talked about Pooh, but again the wait was like 40 minutes, nope. So we decided to hit one of my very favorites, Mickey’s PhilHarMagic!!

I just love it!!! I love all the kiddos reaching for everything, I love the effects and scenery! After PhilHarMagic we browsed the shop and then decided to head to Buzz.

We were excited to ride together for the first time! Normally DH and I are split so the kiddos have Mommy and Daddy with them! I usually stink at Buzz and DH is the most competitive person in the entire world, its part of his DNA for some reason, so figured kick my butt.

Guess what happened?!

I kicked his butt! The whole ride he kept looking at my score going OMG! I guess I’m a lot better without a baby on my lap and a kiddo to worry about next to me! DH’s finally score was something around 265,000 mine was around 495,000! Yippeee for me! I tried to take photographic proof of his utter defeat figuring he would deny it but it didn’t come out! Oh well!


After Buzz we decided to head back to Poly and rest. We had a dinner reservation and fireworks to look forward to that night and wanted to be ready to go for the evening!

We walked toward Main Street and browsed the shops, we didn't buy anything though, and then headed for the Monorail!

[Diamondintheruff]

So funny you whipped his butt on Buzz!

[faerieprincess]

Yay! Great update Melissa. Sounds like you and your DH had fun at the MK. Don't you just :love: the TTA!

Funny how much easier it is to play when you're not holding a baby lol!

[xoktenox]

What a nice relaxing morning at the MK! Who would of thought those would be your first 2 rides? :confused3

Congrats to you for kicking your DH's butt in Buzz! You just represented for all the women who lose to their men everytime on that ride!! :rotfl::thumbsup2

[PrincessNewsie]

Day 1 part 3!

Nice update!!! Cute photopass pics with your hubby-- i've always wanted pictures like that!!!

COP and People mover are like my favorite rides next to space mountain so I probably would have done the same thing. Love the monorail-- sounds incredible.

Can't wait for more

PS that's really funny about your DH and the stroller!

[mickeysmyboy]

So funny you whipped his butt on Buzz!

:cool1: I was soooo proud of myself! When we talked to the kids later that day I, of course, told them and they were so excited!!

Yay! Great update Melissa. Sounds like you and your DH had fun at the MK. Don't you just :love: the TTA!

Funny how much easier it is to play when you're not holding a baby lol!

:cloud9:I loved to look at the sites and sit back with the breeze in my face!

:lmao:I could actually try yo aim the gun instead of just randomly shooting!

What a nice relaxing morning at the MK! Who would of thought those would be your first 2 rides? :confused3

Congrats to you for kicking your DH's butt in Buzz! You just represented for all the women who lose to their men everytime on that ride!! :rotfl::thumbsup2

:confused3 Everyone runs to Space Mountain, Splash Mountain etc, not us! :rotfl:We aren'r rollercoaster people anyway, especially DH.

:woohoo: Thank you! LOL! I couldn't believe I beat him!!!

[chepic]

We love the COP and the Wedway thing....it always makes for a nice noon ride break for us right after an early lunch....gets us away from the crowds. We were just there at the end of March, and I don't remember the dogs tail. And that is funny about the stroller!!!! :lmao:

cheryl

[Mycuteboyz3]

Enjoying you're TR and taking lots of notes. DH and I are heading to DW in May for the first time without the kids and are so looking forward to it:cool1:. Can't wait to read more. I totally know what you mean about the COP. It's always a must do for me.

[pamouselover]

:goodvibes

[mickeysmyboy]

Nice update!!! Cute photopass pics with your hubby-- i've always wanted pictures like that!!!

COP and People mover are like my favorite rides next to space mountain so I probably would have done the same thing. Love the monorail-- sounds incredible.

Can't wait for more

PS that's really funny about your DH and the stroller!

Thanks! We're not rollercoaster people. DH gets motion sick! I ride the crazier rides with DS but I don't think I'll get on Space Mountain, I don't think I can handle the darkness ;)

More to come soon!!

We love the COP and the Wedway thing....it always makes for a nice noon ride break for us right after an early lunch....gets us away from the crowds. We were just there at the end of March, and I don't remember the dogs tail. And that is funny about the stroller!!!! :lmao:

cheryl

They really are a good way to away from the crowds!

I'm hoping Rover's tail wasn't like that for long! It seemed very un-disney to me :sick:

:lmao: I guess with 4 trips with the kiddos under his belt he's used to getting the stroller at every park! He felt kinda silly!

Enjoying you're TR and taking lots of notes. DH and I are heading to DW in May for the first time without the kids and are so looking forward to it:cool1:. Can't wait to read more. I totally know what you mean about the COP. It's always a must do for me.

:banana: congrats on your trip!!! Your going to have a blast!

:goodvibes

:surfweb:




More to come soon!

[JPFamilyMom]

What a great start to your grown up trip. I bet it's a lot easier walking through shops without kids in tow, lol.

[mickeysmyboy]

What a great start to your grown up trip. I bet it's a lot easier walking through shops without kids in tow, lol.

:lmao: a lot cheaper too!

[disneygirl1972]

TTA will go down for rehab also the same day SM rehab begins. Unfortunately it will be the day I'm @ MK next weekend :sad2:

I'm taking a "Mommy time out" next weekend & flying to Disney for a Solo weekend.

Enjoying your TR!!

[mickeysmyboy]

TTA will go down for rehab also the same day SM rehab begins. Unfortunately it will be the day I'm @ MK next weekend :sad2:

I'm taking a "Mommy time out" next weekend & flying to Disney for a Solo weekend.

Enjoying your TR!!

Yeah, I read that after I posted. A lot of stuff is down for refurb! When we were there is January I think the only thing that was down was Splash. DS was kinda disappointed but we knew before we went and I promised him it would be our first ride time if the weather permitted.

Have a wonderful trip!!! That sounds like a lot of fun!!!

[JPFamilyMom]

Yeah, I read that after I posted. A lot of stuff is down for refurb! When we were there is January I think the only thing that was down was Splash. DS was kinda disappointed but we knew before we went and I promised him it would be our first ride time if the weather permitted.

Have a wonderful trip!!! That sounds like a lot of fun!!!

Where can you find out about what rides get refurb. when?

[mickeysmyboy]

Where can you find out about what rides get refurb. when?

if you go onto the main Dis page the column in the left side of the page has different categories. The third category is theme parks, the third thing down in theme parks (and the last) is rehabs/closings.

or you can just click here (http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm) and bookmark the page ;)

There always seems to be something good down! Our first trip with the kiddos in 05 It's a Small World was down for the big refurb before the Happiest Celebration on Earth. In 07 I think Spaceship Earth was down for the big refurb. In March 08 there was a few things but they were kinda scattered. Peter Pan was down for 1/2 the week etc. In January, like I said, splash was down as well as Hall Of Presidents. This trip I think it was just Hall of Presidents. I'm really interested to see what their doing in HOP!!! A CM told us that if they were just adding Barack Obama it would be down for a day or 2. This is much bigger. I heard a rumor of walking presidents!!

[mariakc]

I'm loving your TR!! DH and I are going for a kidless Anniversary trip in September. Same amount of time, so I'm anxious to see how much you get to see in 4 nights.

Keep the updates coming!! :banana:

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm loving your TR!! DH and I are going for a kidless Anniversary trip in September. Same amount of time, so I'm anxious to see how much you get to see in 4 nights.

Keep the updates coming!! :banana:

Thanks for joining in!! Congrats on your trip!!! We kind of took it a little lower key and more relaxing then normal, which actually turned out to a very valuable lesson learned!!!

[mickeysmyboy]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j154/mommymissy27/eastertitle.gif

Happy Easter to all celebrating!!

I have my next update all written I just have to post it and put the pictures into it! I'll hopefully do that today!

Right now I think I need a nap! LOL! I got up at 6 to do Easter Bunny duty because I hate the thought of the eggs sitting allll night :sick: Johnny, My 6 year old DS, got up at 6:45 and wanted to come down to see what the the easter bunny brought! DH was overjoyed to get up that early!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 1 part 4! Sorry, no pictures in this update!

Back to Poly we headed via the Monorail! When we got there we stopped in the shop and bought some adult beverages, wine for me, beer for DH, a few snacks and a postcard for the kids! In hind sight I can’t figure out why I didn’t think to stop at the lounge instead and get a Lapu Lapu or something!

We took a long stroll to our room. Really, our room was reallllllllllllly far from the Grand Ceremonial House! It wasn’t to terribly bad. But, there was a few times when I really didn’t want to walk that far!

Take a look at the map! I put a red dot on the Tahiti Building approximately where our room was! It was a hike!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j154/mommymissy27/polyn07.jpg

We go to our room and found a lovely gift basket sent to us from MIL, FIL, SIL and her DH! It was very nice! Champagne, Mickey champagne flutes and different foods!

DH shacked out on the bed the TV on. I’m sorry, I’m all for resting and at that point we needed it, but I couldn’t see myself lying on the bed with that beautiful beach and view outside!!!

So I left DH and went outside in hopes of snagging a hammock! The one closet to our room was occupied by a couple who really could have used a room :scared: Apparently they forgot this is a family place, no joke. But they were in a pretty secluded spot.

So I walked down the beach and sat on a beach chair. That only lasted about 2 minutes because it was too hard to really relax in. I was admiring a hammock further down the beach between two huge palm trees that was calling my name! So I went for a short walk down the beach and claimed that hammock for own!!

It was so relaxing to lie in that hammock gentle swaying back and forth! The best part was if I laid right I could see the castle and the boats on the water! AHHHHHHH! :cloud9:

I laid there for a good 45 minutes just relaxing! I would have stayed longer but it was very breezy and the breeze was picking up and I was getting cold. So I walked back to the room. Good thing the smart Disney people put the numbers of the rooms on the first floor on the outside of the building too, not just in the hallway. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have found our room!!!

I got my sweater and sat on out little patio for a bit listening to DH snore inside!

Then it was time to get ready for dinner!

I poured myself a glass of wine which was very yummy, and quickly ironed our clothes for the night! I woke DH and got myself ready.

Then it was time to head to the Grand Floridian for our dinner at Narcoossees! We left early hoping we’d be seated early because we were kinda hungry!

One Monorail stop and we were there! We stopped in Basin and looked around. I didn’t buy anything!!

At this point DH mentioned to me how proud he was of me for going all the way through the shops on Main Street from the Hall of Champions all the way down to the first entrance of the Emporium, without buying 1 single thing and not buying anything in Basin! LOL!! I was proud of myself too!

We headed to the lobby and sat for a second listening to the band play while I filled out the postcard and dropped it in the mail box.

Then we headed outside toward Narcoossees!

We checked in and were seated within about 5 minutes! Yippeee!

Our waiter was a very nice and funny guy named Chevy! He informed us “Yes, like Chevy Chase” and then would throw in a funny little Vacation (the movies) reference every now and then. It was too funny. I suppose if you have seen the movies it wouldn’t have been so amusing but I think if we didn’t get the first 1 or 2 he would have stopped doing it. Of course, we got them. :rolleyes1

We looked at the menu and while we were discussing all the yummy looking things on the menu we got an anniversary surprise! 2 flutes of champagne with strawberries on top! It was very nice and the champagne was wonderful!

Then it was time to order. I’ll take this moment to let you know that DH and I are not foodies. Far from it. DH is very meat and potatoes and not an adventurous eater at all. I’m a lot more adventurous then him but still not all that willing to try things too far outside of my comfort zone. We know what we like and we know what we don’t like, simple and easy. So take any dining reviews from that perspective.

We both ordered Crab Cakes for an appetizer and the Steamed Whole Maine Lobster for a main course.

The Crab Cakes were delicious! Very fresh, not overly fired or overly fishy. There were 2 on each plate which was more than plenty. The green papaya and remoulade sauce that accompanied it was also delicious! It was just right to add a touch of extra flavor and not over power the cakes!

Now on to the lobster! Were we live lobster is abundant, one of the good things of living by the water. We love lobster and have it several times a year when one of the local fish markets has a sale. The thing I hate about lobster is the work. I feel like I shouldn’t have to work so hard to eat! Cracking, pulling etc. Well, this lobster came in a very lovely presentation and although was in the shell had already been very carefully taken out and placed back in. It was sooooo good! It was so fresh! It was absolutely perfectly cooked! It was outstanding!

Then it was time for dessert! Did we really have any room left?! Well on the platinum plan you get an appetizer and a dessert so what the heck! DH ordered Almond Crusted Cheesecake and I order Strawberry Shortcake. Both were delicious but it was kind of hard to enjoy them after eating the Crab Cakes and Lobster! We were full!

The meal was outstanding, to say the least! We’ll definitely return here again! Dinner for the 2 of us, 2 appies, 2 entrees, 2 desserts, and drinks (a glass of wine for me, a beer for DH and 2 sodas) cost, hold onto your hat, a little over $250. No joke. We, of course, had to pay out of pocket for the alcoholic drink. I kid you not when I say it was a meal worth $250! With the platinum plan or deluxe dining a signature restaurant, such as Narcoossee’s, is only 1 dining credit, not the 2 it would be on the normal dining plan. The deluxe plan is 71.99 per day per adult. On this meal, and this day in general with lunch, we made out very well.

With our tummies full and smiles on our faces we bid farewell to Narcoossee’s noting in our minds to return in the future! A Mommy and Daddy date night next trip with MIL and FIL perhaps!

Then it was off to the Magic Kingdom for our platinum plan reserved seating for Wishes!

Next update coming soon!!! I promise a lot sooner then this one ;)

[faerieprincess]

Aside from what you actually ate (:lmao:) it sounds like a wonderful meal! i agree about crashing on the bed when there's a perfectly good beach with chairs and hammocks so close by - i'd have gone out, too! Sounds like a wonderful first night so far, hope Wishes was spectacular!

[hill6]

We were in the Tahiti building when we were at the Poly too. We found it convenient to walk over to the TTC most of the times.

[BewwyBootiful]

Thanks for posting how much things cost/how the platinum plan saved you - as someone considering it, I really appreciate it! Now if only they would add BBB on the platinum plan! LOL!

Did your lovely family use the Disney florists or were you staying concierge? Or was that even necessary with the PP? Did the IPO make your ADR's?

I appreciate the help! Thanks for writing!:worship:

[Diamondintheruff]

I had already booked the deluxe dinning plan for Dh's and mine adult weekend away but thank you for pointing out that I get desert and an appetiser. I hadn't noticed the fine print on that.

Okay, I'm just taking a few moments to take in some things you got to do in those few hours that I didn't get to do on my last Disney vacations.

1)Escape to a hammock alone. I did escape the kids a couple times. I called it laundry and took a book, a drink and of course some dirty clothes.

2) Ironed clothes. I've only taken "ready to wear" clothes to Disney. Some have been Sundresses, or peasant blouses so a little more dressy for dinner but it never occurred to me to iron at Disney before. It does seem a tad decadent and you know what? I think I'm going to take some clothes that I have to iron on purpose. Just because I will be able to. I might even iron my underwear like my Grandmother used to.

[JPFamilyMom]

sounds like a wonderful meal, not one I would eat, but it sounded just beautiful. I'm am very simple too and don't eat seafood, except salmon and tuna

diamondintheruff......:rotfl:about the ironing underwear, too cute

[pamouselover]

I total agree with you when it comes to COP! Some people pass it by, and it is so sad. You dinner sounds wonderful! Hope you are staying warm, darn spring is never coming.

[mickeysmyboy]

Holy COW!!! I didn't get an email notification that anyone replied after my post last night!! :confused3 What's that about?!?!?

We're headed out the door to run a few errands, I'll be back later to reply!!!

[PrincessNewsie]

I'm really resenting my choice not to eat at Narcoose's-- it sounds beautiful. That hammock experience sounds breathtaking!!!

We're going to the keys for the second week of our honeymoon so we figured we'd leave the seafood to them.

Hope you had a lovely holiday weekend!

[mickeysmyboy]

Aside from what you actually ate (:lmao:) it sounds like a wonderful meal! i agree about crashing on the bed when there's a perfectly good beach with chairs and hammocks so close by - i'd have gone out, too! Sounds like a wonderful first night so far, hope Wishes was spectacular!

:rotfl: LOL! That meal was soooo good! Truly in the top 5 of meals we've ever had!

I loved my hammock! I couldn't see laying on the bed watching CNN (Yes, he was watching CNN) with such a setting outside!!

We were in the Tahiti building when we were at the Poly too. We found it convenient to walk over to the TTC most of the times.

TTC was super convenient from our room! We discovered that and tried to take advantage unless we needed to go to GCH for something.

Thanks for posting how much things cost/how the platinum plan saved you - as someone considering it, I really appreciate it! Now if only they would add BBB on the platinum plan! LOL!

Did your lovely family use the Disney florists or were you staying concierge? Or was that even necessary with the PP? Did the IPO make your ADR's?

I appreciate the help! Thanks for writing!:worship:

The platinum plan was great! It truly did save us $! Especially because they were offering a deal on the platinum plan. BBB in the platinum plan would be super! DD has done the whole package, including the dress, twice and its a lot of money!!!

They used Disney Florist! I've used them several times, including for this trip which you'll find out about later, and their GREAT! When we originally we were booked for Club Level MK view and then the platinum plan deal came out but didn't include Club Level. So we switched out of club level and on the platinum plan. We really didn't need the Club Level ammentities with the platinum plan! We stayed Club Level GF last year and it was super! I think the platinum plan is worth the splurge if your going to take advantage of all the stuff that's included, the spa, the tour, Cirque etc, etc.


I had already booked the deluxe dinning plan for Dh's and mine adult weekend away but thank you for pointing out that I get desert and an appetiser. I hadn't noticed the fine print on that.

Okay, I'm just taking a few moments to take in some things you got to do in those few hours that I didn't get to do on my last Disney vacations.

1)Escape to a hammock alone. I did escape the kids a couple times. I called it laundry and took a book, a drink and of course some dirty clothes.

2) Ironed clothes. I've only taken "ready to wear" clothes to Disney. Some have been Sundresses, or peasant blouses so a little more dressy for dinner but it never occurred to me to iron at Disney before. It does seem a tad decadent and you know what? I think I'm going to take some clothes that I have to iron on purpose. Just because I will be able to. I might even iron my underwear like my Grandmother used to.

The appie, entree and dessert was A LOT of food!!!! A LOT!!! OMG! We refused dessert a few time because there was NO WAY!

My hammock, yes it's mine ;), was sooooooo nice! I can't even put into words laying in that hammock, swaying in the breeze, looking at the castle!! :cloud9:

I really didn't want to iron on vacation! But DH's pants and shirt really needed it after being folded in the suitcase!

sounds like a wonderful meal, not one I would eat, but it sounded just beautiful. I'm am very simple too and don't eat seafood, except salmon and tuna

diamondintheruff......:rotfl:about the ironing underwear, too cute

Our dinner was soooo wonderful!!! The funny thing about you saying you only eat salmon and tuna is I'll only eat shell fish. DH tries to get me to eat flounder and stuff but I can't even bare the smell! :sick: But, I love lobster, shrimp and crab!

I total agree with you when it comes to COP! Some people pass it by, and it is so sad. You dinner sounds wonderful! Hope you are staying warm, darn spring is never coming.

COP is one of my favs!! I guess it's more room for us if people walkby. I just hope they don't get rid of it!

OMG! I really do think spring is never coming!! It was snowing this morning! UGHGHGHGH!

I'm really resenting my choice not to eat at Narcoose's-- it sounds beautiful. That hammock experience sounds breathtaking!!!

We're going to the keys for the second week of our honeymoon so we figured we'd leave the seafood to them.

Hope you had a lovely holiday weekend!


The funny thing is we weren't originally booked for Narcoossee's! We were goin to have dinner at Kona Cafe that night and go back to our room. But, I wasn't too impressed with lunch at Kona in January and I figured we should take advantage of the platinum plan! I'm sooooo glad we did! It was truly one of the best meals we've ever had!

[pixiefairy]

My dh & I also did a solo trip in February to celebrate our 10th anniversary..without kids. I'm going back to read now! I totally understand how you felt with the saying good bye..lol. My dd would alternately be ok with us going, to bursting into tears telling me she wanted to go with us..or better yet, leave daddy behind and take her, lol!

[mickeysmyboy]

My dh & I also did a solo trip in February to celebrate our 10th anniversary..without kids. I'm going back to read now! I totally understand how you felt with the saying good bye..lol. My dd would alternately be ok with us going, to bursting into tears telling me she wanted to go with us..or better yet, leave daddy behind and take her, lol!

Thanks for joining!! I was, and still am, really suprised the kids never asked if they could come! I guess if they hadn't just been and I hadn't drilled it into their heads that it was good for mommy and daddy to go away alone they would have! They really enjoyed their time at Grandma and Grandpa's!! DH and I are thinking of going away alone again soon ;)

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 1, part 5 (finally the last day 1 update, took me long enough!)

So, we rolled out of Narcossees and headed to the monorail station! GF is absolutely beautiful!! I love being there at night just kind of slowly strolling along! It’s so peaceful and it smells so good! I guess because of all the flowers. I’d love to stay there again in the future!!

We made it to monorail without popping a button on our pants and quickly made it to MK. It was shortly after 8 and dark! When we entered MK SpectroMagic was in progress. The funny thing was, it was running backwards! Meaning it was running from Frontierland, down Main Street to the Car Barn. Not out of the Car Barn, up Main Street, into Frontierland. Hmmm, we found out why later in the trip! If I forget to tell you later on, let me know ;)

We tried to fight our way up Main Street. UGH! So many people, so little space! It was crazy and claustrophobic! We made it to the ice cream shop and were able to head to the right and get out of the mob scene!

Our seating for Wishes was supposed to be at the old Swan Boat Landing down below where the Plaza Restaurant is.

DH was in need of the restroom so we went to the one over by the Noodle Station. I didn’t even know that bathroom was there until last trip! To my surprise, the Noodle Station was actually open! I don’t think in all the times we’ve been to WDW I’ve ever seen it open!!

Anyway, once DH was done we decided to just hang where we were for a little bit because Spectro had just ended and the crowd was on the move. YIKES! So we sat on a wall and let our food digest a little more!

Once the crowd thinned and it was closer to 9 we headed down to the landing!

There we found a very, very CM named Gina waiting for us and only us! Oh my! We were the only people with the reserved area that night! She had the left side of the landing roped off for us with several tables and chairs. So we picked a table and sat down. The only thing was there was a GIANT tree in our line of sight of the castle! No matter were in our roped off area we sat the tree was right there! That was kinda of annoying. I thought the view would have been better. But, I hated to complain for 2 reasons. 1, We got a tremendous deal on the platinum plan so I figured I could deal, if we had paid full price I probably would have. 2, our fireworks greeter, Gina, was one of the nicest CM’s I have ever encountered! She talked with us for awhile and told us about being here from Brazil on the college program (I didn’t know CP was international) and all sorts of stuff! She was super!!!! If it hadn’t been for her we would have gotten up and left to find a better spot.

Gina had to leave our lovely conversation to attend to some guests who kept trying to duck our rope. The nerve! ;) When Gina walked away DH pointed out that he felt very, very strange sitting there in a special roped off area with no one else. I did too! We kind of felt like people were looking at us!

Soon it was time for Wishes! I LOVE Wishes, even with a giant tree in my view!! The one good thing about of spot was that Tink flew right over our heads!! That was kinda cool! But another detraction from the spot was that the lights on the landing are only dimmed a tiny bit, they don’t go off!

No matter what we enjoyed seeing Wishes and Gina was lovely!

After Wishes we let the crowd thin a bit then headed for the Emporium!

Why o why did I think it was a good idea to go into the Emporium after the fireworks when the park was closing?! That was a stupid, rookie thing to do! What’s worse is that that was the time I choose to buy something! What came over me?!?!?!It was a horrifying mob of rude people in there! UGHGH!

So, after fighting the crowd forever I finally paid for my purchases and we headed for the monorail!

The benefit of being in the Emporium for so long was there weren’t a lot of people at the monorail station!

So back to Poly we headed! This time we got off at TTC and headed to our room via the TTC-Poly pathway! The path was soooo pretty at night! Very serene and romantic!

Soon we were back at our room and ready to call it a night! But not before I took a few pictures!!

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/42222/2240940880098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2240940880098269115jEgpwU)
My nighttime castle view :love:

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/15839/2643326840098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2643326840098269115RwHkyd)
my nighttime SM view :love:

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/43557/2774383490098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2774383490098269115yejGDB)
My torch that was just outside of our room :love:

Yes, all of these things became mine ;) at least in memory! Much like the seagulls at The Seas, "Mine, Mine, Mine!"

[JPFamilyMom]

People probably thought you were celebrities,:cool1: and they were staring out of jealousy. (I would've felt uncomfortable too though, I'm not an attention seeking person, would rather blend into the scenery).

Your room view was just wonderful.

Love the "mine, mine, mine" we said that the other day when we took the boys to the beach and there were all these seagulls on the dock, our 4 yo thought that was funny.

Can't wait to read morepopcorn::

[Nicole786]

Great report cant wait for more!

[mickeysmyboy]

People probably thought you were celebrities,:cool1: and they were staring out of jealousy. (I would've felt uncomfortable too though, I'm not an attention seeking person, would rather blend into the scenery).

Your room view was just wonderful.

Love the "mine, mine, mine" we said that the other day when we took the boys to the beach and there were all these seagulls on the dock, our 4 yo thought that was funny.

Can't wait to read morepopcorn::

Your probably right! I hadn't thought of that! I felt really weird to sit there in our own little roped off area! We aren't the attention seeking types and here we were with a lot of people around sitting in a special area alone!

I sooooo loved that view :cloud9: I'd love to make it into wallpaper and put it up in my bedroom! That way we always have a little disney magic!

Those seagulls crack me up! I don't know why, probably the kid in me, but I love them!!!

Great report cant wait for more!

Thanks!! New update coming soon!!!

[chepic]

We have been able to sit there in the past to watch wishes....for my 40th b-day trip when I had to whine to get my husband and son to stay that late....and I remember thinking that the lighting could have been lower. Otherwise, I thought it was nice being away from the pushing crowds. They didn't rope it off then.

cheryl

[mickeysmyboy]

We have been able to sit there in the past to watch wishes....for my 40th b-day trip when I had to whine to get my husband and son to stay that late....and I remember thinking that the lighting could have been lower. Otherwise, I thought it was nice being away from the pushing crowds. They didn't rope it off then.

cheryl

Aww! We shouldn't have to whine to get what we want on our birthdays! I would have stayed late with you!

It was definitely nice being out of the huge crowd, but we felt a little funny:rolleyes: I think the view may have been a little better from other areas on the landing. But, because there was only 2 of us it was easiest to rope of the corner. Really, I would have LOVED an area big enough for the 2 of us to stand in the train station or by the Partners statue!

[mickeysmyboy]

A little personal update before my regular Dis update! Those of you who followed my PTR know a little about by thyroid drama. Well, it's official now. It's coming out 5/28. :headache: I'm still really freaked at the idea of having it done BUT after talking to my endocrinologist again I know its the best thing, wisest thing to do. He refered me to the surgeon who is great! She was sooooo nice and really took the time to sit down with DH and I and go over what to do and what was best. The only draw back to using this surgeon is that she is almost an hour and a half away from home! UGH! My endocrinologist is fantastic and I know he wouldn't refer to a doctor any less then fantastic!

So, I'm hoping to have this done before then and then spend my recovery living vicariously through others, or maybe starting another PTR ;)

Anyway, onto the real business

Day 2 part 1


Ring ring, ring ring!! Holy cow its 7 in the morning and the freaking phone is ringing! “Hello” I say, “NO SLEEPING!” Stitch yelled in my ear. UGUGH! Mickey apologized for Stitches behavior. That was nice but it would be better if he changed that stupid wake up call! But I couldn’t dwell on that! I had to get in the shower!

After a nice, relaxing, no kids knocking on the door shower I was quickly getting myself dressed and ready. When what do my ears hear but a knock on the door!

Ahhh breakfast is served! Before we went to bed the night before I called room service and ordered our breakfast for the next morning! The lady who delivered it was lovely and set it up all nice on the little table that pulled out from under the desk! DH was, of course, still snoring away so I sat all by myself (sniff, sniff) and ate my blueberry pancakes with his Aloha eggs still under their cover. The pancakes were very yummy but the blueberries seemed to be concentrated in the middle and ended up being a bit overpowering. I didn’t eat the middle for that reason. The pancakes were so big it didn’t matter anyway. I couldn’t have eaten the entire thing anyway!

After my breakfast I quickly finished getting myself ready, made plans to meet DH, who was now coming out of his coma thanks to the smell of food ;), at the coffee stand at TTC, kissed him goodbye and headed out on my own!

After a beautiful walk I was at the monorail station, bordered and quickly found myself at GF! I meandered down the lovely grand staircase and out the front doors!

I lovely gentlemen of a CM pointed me in the right direction and I took a pretty long walk to reach my destination,

the Spa!!!!!

I checked in with a lovely, very chipper CM who escorted me into the women’s lounge showed me where everything was and explained to me what to do. I changed into a robe and slippers, stored my stuff in a locker and waited in the lounge for my masseuse to come get me!

After sitting for a few minutes sipping ice water the door opened and my name was called!

But wait, I was caught completely and totally off guard, not something that happens to me often! My masseuse was really a masseur! Yes, a guy! Oh my!

Ok, I tend to think I’m an open minded kinda gal but I was a teeny bit freaked by a guy massaging me! After all, I was going to naked (UGH!) under the blankets. I also knew that DH would be a bit uncomfortable with this.

I hesitated for a second and wondered if I could request a woman. Then it occurred to me that I was positive that this guy wouldn’t be working here if there was any question in the minds of the people at Disney that he wasn’t the utmost professional and superb at his job.

So I went for it and he escorted me to the room!

He was super nice and super sweet! I wish I could remember his name, but I can’t!!

He did a massage with warm, round rocks. It wasn’t a hot stone massage because, like he said, he wasn’t leaving the stones on me and the stone were a little different then used for a hot stone massage.

He did a spectacular job! I swear it was the best massage I’ve ever had! At one point he told me to exhale and relax into the table. Then he rubbed down the center of my back. My back went crack, crack, crack and there was a tremendous release of pressure and tension in my back that I felt instantly! Ahhhh!!! I said “Wow! I think I needed that!” He said “You really did!” :cloud9:

My 50 minutes were up way, way too soon! I really wish I had more time! I will definitely be returning to the spa at GF!!!!


I got myself together again and headed back to the monorail! I called DH and let him know I was on my way and would meet him soon!


After a quick ride I was at TTC! I wasn’t really thinking about what I was doing and followed the signs for the Epcot monorail. Of course I ended up on the epcot platform and never walked pasted the coffee stand were DH was waiting for me. Oh well, I called DH and had him walk up to meet me on the platform!

Soon enough we were off to Epcot!

Sorry no pictures in this update!! There will be tons in the next one!!

[JPFamilyMom]

the massage sounds heavenly except the down the spine part, that freaks me out, I can't even let dh touch my spine. I want to do a spa day on one trip when the kids are older or I ...gasp... go by myself, lol.

Can't wait to read about your Epcot adventure, as this is a park I still don't have figured out yet, since my DH made us leave so soon on our honeymoon. I only got half a day there.:confused:

[mickeysmyboy]

the massage sounds heavenly except the down the spine part, that freaks me out, I can't even let dh touch my spine. I want to do a spa day on one trip when the kids are older or I ...gasp... go by myself, lol.

Can't wait to read about your Epcot adventure, as this is a park I still don't have figured out yet, since my DH made us leave so soon on our honeymoon. I only got half a day there.:confused:

The cracking would have completely freaked me out if it hadn't been for the fact that I felt the release! You definitely need to go! Next trip with MIL and FIL I'm going to take MIL!

Epcot grows on us more and more each trip. It's kind of hard to do WS with little ones. While the grown ups may enjoy strolling and looking at the sights the little ones tend to be like "what the heck is this, were are the rides!?" My kids like doing the kidcot fun stops. The rest of Epcot I think really depends on the kids! My kids could spend HOURS in both Innoventions but I can definitely see that it wouldn't be for everyone!

[Diamondintheruff]

OMG! Breakfast in your room and then a massage. How could this day get any better?

[cammie810]

I am very happily reading your trip report! I have our first adults only trip to WDW planned for the Fall. I want to go to the Food and Wine festival for my birthday. I have been hemming and hawing and feeling guilty about going without my children (even though they have been a million times) so your TR is helping convince me. :) Your massage sounds wonderful and definately something I am going to plan for our trip!

[brookelizabeth]

Ahhhhhhhhh! The spa sounds so wonderful! What a great trip so far, amazing food, a VIP:cool2: area for Wishes and a massage. This truly is the ultimate no kids, pamper Mommy trip! I LOVE IT!

[mickeysmyboy]

OMG! Breakfast in your room and then a massage. How could this day get any better?

:lmao: I have to agree, in my mind not much more could be better!

I am very happily reading your trip report! I have our first adults only trip to WDW planned for the Fall. I want to go to the Food and Wine festival for my birthday. I have been hemming and hawing and feeling guilty about going without my children (even though they have been a million times) so your TR is helping convince me. :) Your massage sounds wonderful and definately something I am going to plan for our trip!

Thanks! I felt guilty too but really it was soooo much fun and definitely worth doing! Truthfully, I want to do it again sooner rather then later!


Ahhhhhhhhh! The spa sounds so wonderful! What a great trip so far, amazing food, a VIP:cool2: area for Wishes and a massage. This truly is the ultimate no kids, pamper Mommy trip! I LOVE IT!

:cloud9: That's really what I was going for! After 10 years of marriage, 10 years of really big ups and really big downs and 3 kiddos I figured we needed it!

[pamouselover]

The spa sounds lovely. I want to try that one time. I would have been the smae way with the men....:cutie:

[mickeysmyboy]

The spa sounds lovely. I want to try that one time. I would have been the smae way with the men....:cutie:

You should definitely try the spa! You could take DD for a girls thing!! They have a sauna and a hot tub in an area off the lounge that anyone who has an appointment can use! If I had known that before I went I would have taken my bathing suit and sat in the hot tube for a bit!

[MEK]

Just found your TR and your no kids trip sounds fantastic! You really did it up the right way! Looking forward to reading more!

[MickeyLover20]

Your trip sounds amazing...I would love to go for the massage!

[mickeysmyboy]

Just found your TR and your no kids trip sounds fantastic! You really did it up the right way! Looking forward to reading more!


Thanks so much!!! More coming soon!!


Your trip sounds amazing...I would love to go for the massage!


Thanks!! You definitely should go for a massage! It was definitely worth it!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 2 part 2!

So I left off with us making our way to Epcot via the monorail!

Along the way DH asked about my massage and I casually told him about it and used the word “he.” Like I said before I knew DH wouldn’t be all that jazzed with the thought that I was massaged by a guy. I thought briefly about not telling him but I didn’t want lie to him. After I said “he” one or 2 times DH said “wait a minute, he? You mean it was a guy?” I explained to him that yes the masseuse was a guy and then was bombarded with about 1000 questions. It was basically what I expected and he was ok with it after I explained ever second of the massage!

Soon we were headed into Epcot! Again a quick and easy trip through without any child wrangling!

We stopped just inside to take some pictures of the beautiful princess display that was welcoming us to the Flower and Garden Festival!


http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/42590/2184354790098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2184354790098269115pgunwk)

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/43278/2750515170098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2750515170098269115eiTqHg)

http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/19833/2890311390098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2890311390098269115tTXVdp)

http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/42150/2415413200098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2415413200098269115lFEETV)

I reallllllllly wanted to get a photopass picture taken but there was a LARGE group, I mean 25 or 30, of high school kids getting a photo done and one girl had taken it upon herself to arrange everyone in the picture just so. So, if we wanted to wait an hour for the photo we could have done it but we really wanted to get a move on!

We decided we would head straight to The Seas because it was nearing 11 and we had a 12 ADR at the Coral Reef for lunch.

We did stop to take some pictures of the Fantasia display!

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/3955/2755779150098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2755779150098269115QiLnVA)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/38704/2691667570098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2691667570098269115UIgTQE)

We got to The Seas to find an outrageously long line for Nemo! I mean out the door, ropes set up hour long or more wait. We found that kind of shocking because it isn’t that great of a ride! We rode the darn thing right after it opened and wait 20 minutes top! We decided to head into the seas via the gift shop and spend some time exploring.

We wandered around and had some fun looking at all the different fish and all that there is to see!

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/41614/2081713820098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2081713820098269115hRdwTG)

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/44105/2150398490098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2150398490098269115AnAFOL)

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/41736/2014455390098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2014455390098269115ATHKVl)

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/25451/2367350710098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2367350710098269115MUtZIY)


Soon it was nearing 12 and we decided to head over to The Coral Reef and check in! On our way over we had to skirt around the back of the line for Nemo which was now half again as long as it was when we were there 45 minutes ago! Why would you wait 90 minutes?!

Anyway! We entered The Coral Reef and were given a pager and sat for probably 10 minutes before we it went off. When we were lead inside I noticed that more than ½ the tables were empty! Why the 10 minute wait and pager?! We checked in at maybe 11:55. We weren’t too early. This struck me as kinda odd. But, oh well!

We were seated at a very nice table on the second tier with a lovely view of the tank. I had kind of hoped that we would be seated right up against the tank but this table and view were perfect!

Our waitress soon arrived and we ordered drinks! I ordered a strawberry margarita and DH ordered a strawberry daiquiri!

Our drinks arrived quickly while we continued to look over the menu. This was the start of a theme that would remain for a lot of the day.

DH’s was much, much better than mine!

My margarita tasted like it had whipped cream or something else very creamy in. mixed with tequila it really kind of turned my stomach. DH’s daiquiri was good though and I enjoyed a few sips of that (thanks honey!)

Soon enough, our waitress returned and we ordered for appetizers I ordered Shrimp and Lobster Cakes and DH ordered Seared Scallops. For our entrees I ordered Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and DH ordered Grilled Mahi Mahi.

We enjoyed the view and looking for the different fish on the sheet they give you while we waited!

Soon our appetizers arrived. Continuing the theme DH’s was much, much, much better than mine! Actually my appetizer, the shrimp and lobster cakes, were nothing short of disgusting. They were just awful. There were 2 on the plate on top of cabbage slaw with a spicy kind of vinaigrette. The cakes were fried beyond recognition and had almost a bad beef and oily taste. Truly gross. I decided that perhaps I would try eating them with a little bit of the slaw and maybe the taste would be better. It was actually worse. Even more gross! UGH! DH asked why I wasn’t eating and I told him that they were gross. He decided to try for himself! Big mistake! He had the same opinion I did! Terrible! DH, being a gentlemen, offered me some of his scallops which he was enjoying quite a bit but I declined.

Our waitress arrived again and collected our dishes. We waited a bit more enjoying the lovely ambiance of the restaurant and each others company and soon our entrees arrived.

Hmm, my thoughts on my salad you ask? Are you sure you want to know? Well, my first thought is how can you screw up a salad?

Somehow they did!

It arrived and I waited for the waitress to walk away and I looked at DH and said “what the heck is this?!”

It was 1 heart of romaine with the core end hacked off and dropped on the plate exactly as is. Not chopped up, not nicely arranged. On top of my very own heart of romaine was dropped 1 piece of grilled chicken. No, it wasn’t cut in anyway. Not cubed, not cut into strips or pieces. Just a whole piece of chicken on a heart of romaine. The presentation was terrible to say the least!


There was barely any dressing and what was there had been absorbed in the shredded cheese. There were no crotons or anything. So, for 13.99 (granted we were on the DDP) I got a heart of romaine, a piece of chicken, a tiny amount of dressing and some cheese. I think I should get like $10 back!

I don’t think it helped that at this point I was just annoyed and disappointed but I was ready to be done with this meal!!

DH enjoyed his Mahi Mahi somewhat but complained that the fish definitely was not fresh! YUCK!

So, for me Coral Reef gets an F-, 2 thumbs down! We will not return to Coral Reef. It was very disappointing! I never, up until now had a bad meal at WDW! This meal changed that! I don’t understand how it is that there are some many wonderful restaurants at WDW and Coral Reef went so terribly wrong!

After lunch we decided to head to the Imagination Pavilion because we’ve never been there! We walked through and got on the Figment ride! It was a bit cheesy and DH thought it was stupid. We will return there in the future though because I thought the photo area at the end was neat! I want to do 1 or 2 of them with the kids!

Soon we were off to Honey I Shrunk the Audience! Again, something we’ve never done! But when we got there they had just filled up for the show that was about to start. We could have waited for the next show but the wait would have been something like 40 minutes. No thanks! We’ll go back next trip!

Seeing as our day at Epcot wasn’t off to that great of a start we decided to head to WS in search of a better day!

[JPFamilyMom]

Oh my, not a good start to your Epcot day. Glad my DH isn't on the board and reading along with me, because he doesn't want to do Epcot. He is willing to because of me though, but I guess we won't be dining at Corral Reef after all. Hmmm.... I had heard decent things before, but I guess it could go either way, and so I'll just not take the chance now.

Hope the rest of the day turns out better. popcorn::

[MEK]

Your lunch at the Coral Reef sounds really disappointing. It really sounds like its "hit or miss" there. If I ever eat there and I am not satisfied with the food, I am just going to send it back and order something else. You are not the first person who has described a meal like that, and you won't be the last. It's just ridiculous.

Anyway - I hope you enjoy your afternoon in the World Showcase.

[Eeyore's-tail-tack]

I have heard a lot of bad reviews about coral reef recently. It was always the one must do restaurant on our first trip to the world. But I think we would be better off at McDonald's or anywhere else.

[tink1957]

:sad2:Sorry about your bad experience at Coral Reef. We ate lunch there last Sept & it was good. DS & I had the steak, I've heard that's the best thing to get there. I would go for the chocolate wave dessert alone & the view, but it would take alot for me to go back if I had your experience, there's no excuse for a bad salad.

[mickeysmyboy]

Oh my, not a good start to your Epcot day. Glad my DH isn't on the board and reading along with me, because he doesn't want to do Epcot. He is willing to because of me though, but I guess we won't be dining at Corral Reef after all. Hmmm.... I had heard decent things before, but I guess it could go either way, and so I'll just not take the chance now.

Hope the rest of the day turns out better. popcorn::


I'm glad your DH isn't reading either! It did get better! I promise! We enjoy epcot more and more each trip! It's different from the other parks!

I've always heard mixed things about Coral Reef and I know why now! When we got back I read a review on the main dis page that was very similar to mine. You can't win them all I guess! We just won't be returning! I could have had a much more enjoyable lunch getting CS at Sunshine Seasons or Electric Umbrella!

Your lunch at the Coral Reef sounds really disappointing. It really sounds like its "hit or miss" there. If I ever eat there and I am not satisfied with the food, I am just going to send it back and order something else. You are not the first person who has described a meal like that, and you won't be the last. It's just ridiculous.

Anyway - I hope you enjoy your afternoon in the World Showcase.

I did think about sending the cakes back and asking for something else but there was nothing else I really wanted. When the salad came I just really wanted the meal to be over! I just don't understand how they could go so wrong! I know eating next to the aquarium is very appealing but you would think that they would make an effort with the food! Atmosphere can't account for everything!

I have heard a lot of bad reviews about coral reef recently. It was always the one must do restaurant on our first trip to the world. But I think we would be better off at McDonald's or anywhere else.


I REALLY would have been happier with McDonald's let me tell you!! Actually I would have been happier with anything else ;)

:sad2:Sorry about your bad experience at Coral Reef. We ate lunch there last Sept & it was good. DS & I had the steak, I've heard that's the best thing to get there. I would go for the chocolate wave dessert alone & the view, but it would take alot for me to go back if I had your experience, there's no excuse for a bad salad.


If it hadn't been for the fact we had an ADR at LeCellier that night I may have ordered the steak. We skipped dessert, I just couldn't at that point!

[brookelizabeth]

Sorry to hear about the bad meal-that is always such a big bummer, esp when it's so bad you can't eat it!! At least the view of the tank was good, along with the company. :goodvibes

I enjoy Nemo, but in NO WAY would wait even 30 minutes for it! :lmao:

I hope your day improves at the WS!

[faerieprincess]

Hi Melissa, i just got all caught up. FIrst of all the Spa sounds wonderful - i'd book it every day if i could have acupuncture instead of a massage though! i'm glad you've made the decision about your thyroid surgery and are okay with it. In the long run hopefully it will be better for you. my mother and grandmother have both had to have theirs out, and they both had much more energy afterwards (though reading about some of your days i'm a little worried that more energy could be a little scary in you!

Your meal at Coral Reef sounds ghastly and i'm so sorry it wasn't good for you!! But i guess there's something to be said for going to Disney as many times as you have and only now having a terrible meal!

Can't wait to hear about WS...

[mickeysmyboy]

Sorry to hear about the bad meal-that is always such a big bummer, esp when it's so bad you can't eat it!! At least the view of the tank was good, along with the company. :goodvibes

I enjoy Nemo, but in NO WAY would wait even 30 minutes for it! :lmao:

I hope your day improves at the WS!


We really did enjoy the atmosphere at Coral Reef! It would have been wonderful if the food was good too!

I couldn't believe the wait for Nemo! It was crazy! Never, ever would I wait that long for that ride! I wouldn't wait for most rides!


Hi Melissa, i just got all caught up. FIrst of all the Spa sounds wonderful - i'd book it every day if i could have acupuncture instead of a massage though! i'm glad you've made the decision about your thyroid surgery and are okay with it. In the long run hopefully it will be better for you. my mother and grandmother have both had to have theirs out, and they both had much more energy afterwards (though reading about some of your days i'm a little worried that more energy could be a little scary in you!

Your meal at Coral Reef sounds ghastly and i'm so sorry it wasn't good for you!! But i guess there's something to be said for going to Disney as many times as you have and only now having a terrible meal!

Can't wait to hear about WS...


I loved the massage!! Soooooo nice!

I'm still a little freaked at the idea of having the surgery but I know I really need to! It hurts sooooo bad lately! You made me laugh :lmao::rotfl:out loud about having more energy! I think it would definitely scare DH! It really depends on the day how much I have. I really do have down, down very low energy days!

[mickeysmyboy]

I didn't forget about my TR, I promise! I've been in super, duper high octaine spring cleaning mode the last few days! I have 8 huge black garbage bags full of junk that DH has to take the dump tomorrow and more to come once the kid are at school monday! I can't clean out their room with them here! Plus, it's absolutely beautiful here! It was in the upper 70's today with no clouds and a beautiful bright blue sky!! Tomorrow it's supposed to be even warmer!!! The kids wanted to know if we could go the beach and go swimming! LOL! The water is like 45 degrees still! NO SWIMMING!

I'll be back asap with another update!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 2 part 3!


We strolled toward WS on a beautiful, warm day but breezy day in hopes of finding a better time at Epcot!

We took the path between the Imagination Pavilion and WS are and saw some more beautiful flower and garden displays!

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We kind of skipped over Canada because we knew we’d be back later for dinner at LeCellier. But we did stop briefly to take a quick picture of the Bambi display!

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We explored the UK a bit and did some browsing in the shops! They had the prettiest Alice in Wonderland Tea Set!! It was beautiful! But I have nothing to do with anything like that and it would have gotten broken in my house! Not to mention it was $$$! So we moved onto France!

We saw the movie in France which was a first for us! We really enjoyed it, all the sights were beautiful!

On the way out of France we took a second to sit on the side of the fountain

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and call grandmas to talk to the kiddos for the millionth time! They were both home “sick” that day. DD was actually sick and DS was playing on Grandma’s sympathy!! But they were being good and enjoying their time at with Grandma and Grandpa!

After the call it was off to find some yummy drinks!!!

We waited on line at the kiosk forever behind 2 very annoying, barely 21 girls, who were very, very drunk! UGH! The guy in the kiosk didn’t even ask for ID! I was really shocked, especially with all the spring breakers around!

Finally it was our turn! DH ordered a Gray Goose Lemon Slush and I ordered the Grand Marnier Orange Slush!

Guess what happened! I bet you can figure it out!! The theme for the day continued!

I didn’t like the Grand Marnier Slush!

Blasphemy I know!!! But it just didn’t taste good to me! It kinda had a weird taste! DH’s Lemon Slush was really, really good though and he let me have some! What a guy!!!

We strolled on toward Morocco! I loved just strolling hand in hand with DH! It was perfectly relaxing and wonderfully romantic! This was what I was going for with this trip!!!

We explored the pavilion a bit, I love this pavilion! It’s so pretty!!! Then we found a seat to rest while DH finished his drink! Mine was in a garbage can back by the beginning of the pavilion!

Then we stopped at the drink kiosk in Morocco for something we knew! Moroccoritas! Yummy! Finally!!!

We ventured into Japan and tried to see the drummers, I love the drummers! But the temple is under refurb and they have them set up outside Mitsukoshi. There was no place to move in the pavilion!! OMG! So we made a quick move for the door of Mitsukoshi browsed a bit and head for the front and out of Japan!

We headed toward The American Adventure and discovered the next show started in about a half an hour so we took a bathroom break and went and sat inside and waited for the Voices of Liberty. We were approached by an older gentlemen who asked us if we had seen the Voices before and we said yes. He was very, very, very enthusiastic about them! We had a very interest conversation with him and soon the Voices came out!

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I have to admit, this performance is a little too sugary for me, but still enjoyable. Interestingly enough, we noticed that 2 of the performers in the Voices were people we had seen perform at Hoop De Doo Musical Revue in the past (the women in the orange dress and the man behind her.) We’ve notice over our trips that the performer must have more than 1 job. The best example of that was in March 08 our Pirate host for our Wishes cruise was one of the street performers in the United Kingdom the next day! FIL got a huge kick out this!

Anyway, after the performance was over we headed up to see the show! For once I stayed awake! I don’t know what it is but the other 2 times we’ve been to this show I’ve fallen asleep! Much to DD’s disbelief! LOL!!

After the show we enjoyed some more strolling!

We looked around in Italy and Germany and strolled along toward China!

While we were walking I was starting to feel a little low energy from the day and decided that something cold, sweet and creamy was in order! So we found the soft serve ice cream stand at the Outpost!

I got a nice big vanilla cone and DH got a swirl! Yummy, it really hit the spot! I like ice cream as much as the next guy but for some reason it always seem to taste a bit better at WDW!

Soon we were in China but skipped the movie because we were still eating our ice cream!

We ventured into Norway in hopes to ride the Maelstrom but the wait was like 40 minutes! I’ve never on the Maelstrom but DH has, he said it isn’t worth 40 minutes of our lives so we moved on!

Then it was off to Mexico! I love this pavilion! It’s so pretty and smells sooooo good! We discussed buying sombreros for the kids, but DH insisted that if we were going to do buy them we had to get the HUGE ones. I told him that there was no way we were getting those home unless we had them shipped and I wasn’t paying to have them shipped so we skipped the sombreros and headed for Gran Fiesta!

We walked right on and enjoyed our little tour of Mexico with Donald. At the beginning of the ride DH commented on San Angel Inn and said he thought that would be a good place for us to eat at some point! OMG! I wanted to eat there but I didn’t think DH would have gone for it! We could have had lunch there instead of Coral Reef!!!! UGH!


After our Mexican adventure we headed out of WS and decided to head for Spaceship Earth! We walked right on and enjoyed our trip through time!

Then we headed for Mousegear! I love to shop and I love this shop! It’s probably my favorite shop in all of WDW! We looked around and picked out a few things to bring home for the kiddos!

Then we decided to head toward the Flower and Garden Festival Butterfly Conservatory!! We took some pictures and enjoyed the butterflies and headed out!

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outside the conservatory

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again outside

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outside the other side of the conservatory


We stopped at a kiosk shop set up for the Flower and Garden Festival and bought really cute Mickey Mouse Wind Chimes for MIL! Then we decided to head to Canada and check-in for dinner at LeCellier!

Coming soon, will dinner be better then lunch?! will we have a good viewing spot for Illuminations?

[JPFamilyMom]

Where are all the pictures? LOL, j/k, love the pictures of the flowers and garden displays.

I REALLY REALLY hope you had a good dining experience. And can't wait to see pictures of Illuminations since I've not yet seen it.:cutie:

[mickeysmyboy]

Where are all the pictures? LOL, j/k, love the pictures of the flowers and garden displays.

I REALLY REALLY hope you had a good dining experience. And can't wait to see pictures of Illuminations since I've not yet seen it.:cutie:

Ya know the stupid thing is I forgot some of the pictures!! That's what happens when I do to many things at once! I was in the process of making dinner when I posted! I'm going back now and putting them in!

[xoktenox]

Awww what a great day in the WS for you and your DH! I can't believe you didn't like the Grand Marnier Orange Slush, I thought it was delish! BF didn't really like it too much though.

I'm excited to hear about your dinner at Le Cellier! I've only heard good things about it so hopefully its better than your CR lunch was!

[JPFamilyMom]

ooohhh love the ones you added. LOVE the tink.:thumbsup2

we leave tomorrow morning for our move, so I will catch up on your TR once we get settled in TN and get our internet hooked up again. I'll be having DIS withdrawals.:sad2:

[mickeysmyboy]

Awww what a great day in the WS for you and your DH! I can't believe you didn't like the Grand Marnier Orange Slush, I thought it was delish! BF didn't really like it too much though.

I'm excited to hear about your dinner at Le Cellier! I've only heard good things about it so hopefully its better than your CR lunch was!

I love WS!! Especially without kids! It was much more enjoyable! I love my kiddos more then anything but strolling along in WS with just DH was heavenly!!

I was so upset I didn't like the grand marnier slush! It kinda tasted funky to me! I thought it would be more citrusy and orangy (I love making up words! ;) ) I really liked DH grey goose slush though! I'll definitely be having that in the future!

Hmm, was LeCellier better then CR?! Toon in and find out!

ooohhh love the ones you added. LOVE the tink.:thumbsup2

we leave tomorrow morning for our move, so I will catch up on your TR once we get settled in TN and get our internet hooked up again. I'll be having DIS withdrawals.:sad2:

LOL! That was one of my blonde moments ;) I can't believe I did that!

Good luck with the move! 'm sure your goingto be so busy with the move you won't have time to have Dis withdrawal!!

[chepic]

Love, love, love the pictures....24 days until we sneak away, and the Flower and garden show will be still happening...can't wait.

cheryl

[mickeysmyboy]

Love, love, love the pictures....24 days until we sneak away, and the Flower and garden show will be still happening...can't wait.

cheryl


All the flowers and topiaries where so beautiful, although overall the F&GF was a little different then I expected! You must be getting so excited for your getaway!!!

[PrincessNewsie]

zThe massage sounds fab, been thinking of getting a couples one for our disneymoon-- what do you think?

So sorry about your surgery I know how scary hospitals can be. Hope you get a wonderful caring nurse to help you in recovery!

Finally, I am nervous to try a GM slush or grey goose... I don't know which to pick, but now i'm leaning to GG...

Lovely update I can't wait to go see the flowers now!

[Diamondintheruff]

Sorry you didn't enjoy coral reef. We had an okay experience there. Nothing really noteworthy. At least you can say you did it now.

[reelmom]

Just joining in. I am really enjoying your TR so far. I would love to go to WDW kiddo free and relax. Maybe yor TR will convince DH to listen to me.

[mickeysmyboy]

zThe massage sounds fab, been thinking of getting a couples one for our disneymoon-- what do you think?

So sorry about your surgery I know how scary hospitals can be. Hope you get a wonderful caring nurse to help you in recovery!

Finally, I am nervous to try a GM slush or grey goose... I don't know which to pick, but now i'm leaning to GG...

Lovely update I can't wait to go see the flowers now!

A couple massage does sound fab! I tried to convince DH and he didn't want to. His loss!

They actually moved my surgery up to the 22nd! :scared1: I'm trying not to freak out! I have soooo much to do before that and DD is making first communion on the 16th! I always had really good luck with care after different things! Especially maternity nurses! ;)


Sorry you didn't enjoy coral reef. We had an okay experience there. Nothing really noteworthy. At least you can say you did it now.


Yeah, we've done it and probably won't again! The only thing that would make me go back is if the kiddos wanted to!

Just joining in. I am really enjoying your TR so far. I would love to go to WDW kiddo free and relax. Maybe yor TR will convince DH to listen to me.

Thanks for joinging in!!! We had such a good time with no kiddos! We have a great time with them but without them was soooooo much different! It was definitely worth doing and I'd love to do it again!

[mickeysmyboy]

Sorry to leave you guys for so long! Everything, as it normally is, is crazy around here!

I found out last week that my surgery has been moved up to the 22nd instead of the 28th because the surgeons husband suprised her with a trip to Paris for their anniversary. Hmmm, I wanna go too!

We're getting ready for DD's first communion on the 16th and a house full of people for a luncheon after.

And least week DH's Dad broke his back! He spent 5 days in the hospital but is home now and resting comfortably!

So, I've been a little busy and a little preoccupied but I've been writing the next update a little bit and a time!

So, here it is!

Day 2, Part 4

We checked in to LeCellier and waited. We had checked in early and figured we’d wait and relax! DH went to find us some beer to enjoy while we waited and I claimed us a seat on a bench outside LeCellier.

DH soon returned with some yummy brew which if memory serves me was some sort of Moosehead! We enjoyed sitting, relaxing and people watching! We saw 2 couple approach the podium and try for a dinner seating that night and be turned away because there was not one available seating that night! I feel like there should be some giant warning on the WDW website saying you need to make ADR's. I feel bad for people struggling to find a sit down meal.

Soon our name was called and we were off to enjoy our dinner!

We were seated at a nice quiet table in a corner and looked over the menu. DH seemed to be expecting more steak on the menu. :confused:

Soon our very nice waitress arrived and took our drink and appetizer order. I ordered the tomato stack and DH ordered the cheese soup!

Both were delicious!! Really, really delicious!!! I really liked the tomato stack! I love tomatoes, I’ve been known to cut a tomato into big pieces and eat it with a little bit of salt. The tomato stack was way yummier (is that a word?!) then that!!

For dinner I got the Salt Crusted Prime Rib and DH got the New York Strip Steak. Both were very good! I really enjoyed the Prime Rib it was really cooked to perfection!!

We had a very nice group of 2 older couples sitting next to us and we stuck up a conversation with them! The one older gentleman asked me about the prime rib because he had wanted to order it but his wife reminded him that the salt may not be good for his blood pressure! He wanted to know if it was salty. I told him that it wasn’t at all. We talked about trips to WDW and they asked how many times we had been there. We told him that this we our 6th trip and the first without our kids. He looked at me and told me that we should buy DVC. LOL! I said “thank you so much!” I explained that I had been trying to convince DH off and on for a while to buy DVC and he hadn’t gone for it yet! He told DH that they had been DVC members for a number of years and that it was the best thing they ever did. They owned several different resorts, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Animal Kingdom, I think.

Soon their dinner was over and we bid them farewell. After they left I promised DH that I didn’t pay the gentleman to say that ;)

We soon finished our yummy dinners and our wonderful waitress returned to see if we wanted dessert. Again, the deluxe plan is a whole lot of food! There is no way we could have eaten dessert on top of the wonderful appetizers and entrees we had just had! So we said no thank you and signed for our meals.

Le Cellier was, in my opinion, a very good meal even though DH thought there would be more steak on the menu, that still confuses me a bit. Both of our meals were delicious! After Coral Reef just about anything would have been good but this was great! I didn’t find the restaurant crowded or loud as I’ve read. Perhaps with the kids I may have felt different. We’ll definitely return to LeCellier in the future!

Soon we were headed for Morocco to our Illuminations viewing! We decided that if we weren’t happy with this spot we would leave and find a better spot. But upon our arrival we discovered that this spot was much, much better than the spot the night before. We were down on the landing by the friendship boat dock. We couldn’t go all the way out on the dock which would have been a little better but no matter! It was a great viewing spot!

We weren’t alone tonight either! We were with a family who was on a Wish trip for a very cute little boy! He was very happy to tell us everything he had seen and done on his trip and take my advice as to what I thought he may like. He was also very impressed that I knew a little bit about the Give the Kids the World village and all the fun stuff to do there.

Soon it was time for Illuminations to start! It was wonderful as usual! Unlike Wishes the night before our viewing spot tonight allowed me to take lots of pictures!

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Mexico from across the lake

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After Illuminations we strolled along very slowly taking in the sights and enjoying ourselves! We didn’t fight the crowds or wait hours for the Monorail.

We planned it right and by the time we got to the monorail there was no line! Our journey back to Poly was a quick on and we strolled from TTC to our room!

When we got into our room we discovered a romantic surprise!
A rose petal heart on the bed, more champagne and goodies, flickering candles (they weren’t real) and a few other things!

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Unfortunately the romance was lost on us that night!

Something terrible happened!

DH went to take a shower and I lay down on the bottom of the bed. When DH came out of the bathroom I sat up in bed and the entire room spun around me! OMG! It was terrible! It was vertigo at its very, very worst! I lay back down and hoped the room steady. When it did I laid there for a few more minutes and then tried to get up again.

Opps! Bad idea! The room spun again! This time worse than before! I had DH get me the garbage can because I was feeling a bit nauseous at that point! I waited a little bit longer and had DH help me into bed the right way! I’m not sure what caused it, maybe the drinks, but I was in no way drunk at any point during the day. So, I took some advil and prayed to feel better in the morning! DH and I had a reservation for Keys to the Kingdom in the morning!!

[xoktenox]

Yummm that dinner at Le Cellier sounds great! I think the man there is right and it was a sign that you guys are supposed to buy into DVC :laughing:

What a wonderful evening you guys had at Epcot. The World Showcase is one of the best parts of WDW. Sorry to hear about your vertigo though! One of my supervisors at work has it and I can tell sometimes when she doesn't take her medicine because she can barely walk in a straight line! I hope you felt better the next morning because the Keys to the Kingdom tour sounds amazing! :thumbsup2

[MEK]

Loved your updates. I agree that you got a major hint to buy DVC. DH and I joined about 18 months ago through a resale and we have had two really nice trips with a third scheduled for next month. So far, no complaints. I am happy we decided to do it.

Sorry about the vertigo. I hope you are better by morning because I know you don't want to miss the KTTK tour.

[figment41]

Sorry to hear about your Vertigo. Hope things get better.

Those pictures are great. What kind of camera do you have? Did you use a tripod?

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.:wizard:

[Diamondintheruff]

Reminds me how I felt when I was first pregnant.:rolleyes1

We skipped desert at le cellier too. Must of been all that cheddar cheese soup and yummy bread.

What a lovely surprise to come home to.

I can't wait to hear how your tour went. We did it on our trip too.

[mickeysmyboy]

Yummm that dinner at Le Cellier sounds great! I think the man there is right and it was a sign that you guys are supposed to buy into DVC :laughing:

What a wonderful evening you guys had at Epcot. The World Showcase is one of the best parts of WDW. Sorry to hear about your vertigo though! One of my supervisors at work has it and I can tell sometimes when she doesn't take her medicine because she can barely walk in a straight line! I hope you felt better the next morning because the Keys to the Kingdom tour sounds amazing! :thumbsup2

LOL!! That man was so funny and he really sounded like a commercial at points during the conversation!!

We had a lovely night in WS! It was so relaxing and romantic!!

Usually when I get vertigo it's mild, like I stop moving and I feel like the room keeps going for a second and usually it's worst when I have cold or allergies are acting up. That night was terrible!! It was like getting the bed spins when your really drunk :rolleyes1

Loved your updates. I agree that you got a major hint to buy DVC. DH and I joined about 18 months ago through a resale and we have had two really nice trips with a third scheduled for next month. So far, no complaints. I am happy we decided to do it.

Sorry about the vertigo. I hope you are better by morning because I know you don't want to miss the KTTK tour.

LOL!! I truly could have kissed that man! He was so funny! He sounded like a commerical or a DVC guide!

The vertigo was terrible and I was so worried I'd miss the tour!! I was really looking forward to it!!

Sorry to hear about your Vertigo. Hope things get better.

Those pictures are great. What kind of camera do you have? Did you use a tripod?

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.:wizard:

Thanks!! I have a Canon Powershot SX10. I've had it since the fall and I love it! I didn't use a tripod but where we were I was able to rest the camera on the wall in front of me to keep it steady!

Reminds me how I felt when I was first pregnant.:rolleyes1

We skipped desert at le cellier too. Must of been all that cheddar cheese soup and yummy bread.

What a lovely surprise to come home to.

I can't wait to hear how your tour went. We did it on our trip too.

I really wanted to try the Chocolate Moose at LeCellier but there was no way! The suprise was great and beautiful!!! It was lovely!!!

More to come soon!!

[tink1957]

It sounds like you had a wonderful day at Epcot. Sorry to hear about your vertigo, hope you got better in time for your tour. Your room looked so romantic it's a shame you couldn't enjoy it.

Can't wait to read about your tour.popcorn::Got my imaginary popcorn ready.

[mickeysmyboy]

It sounds like you had a wonderful day at Epcot. Sorry to hear about your vertigo, hope you got better in time for your tour. Your room looked so romantic it's a shame you couldn't enjoy it.

Can't wait to read about your tour.popcorn::Got my imaginary popcorn ready.

We definitely did have a wonderful day at Epcot!!! It was very nice and very relaxing!! I really wish we could have enjoyed the romance in our room but there was no way! LOL, poor DH!

New update coming soon!!

[faerieprincess]

Wow, sounds like a yummy meal and your IllumiNations photos are excellent! i'm sorry you weren't feeling well enough to enjoy the romance, but at least your DH was good enough to help you get safely into bed! Vertigo definitely sucks.

[mickeysmyboy]

Wow, sounds like a yummy meal and your IllumiNations photos are excellent! i'm sorry you weren't feeling well enough to enjoy the romance, but at least your DH was good enough to help you get safely into bed! Vertigo definitely sucks.


It definitely was a yummy meal! We had such a nice night at epcot!

Romance definitely was not in the air after we got back to the room! But DH took good care of me! That was by far the worst vertigo I've ever had! It really did suck!

[bbluvsdis]

Hi. I'm just tuning in. We leave for WDW in 2 weeks. I love to read the TRs to get even more excited about our trip. I know what you mean about the DVC guy. I am that way when someone asks me about it. We joined in 2006 and the only regret I have is that we didn't do it years ago! My DH and I went in October to the F&W festival and it was great. We also did the KTTK tour. I have been to WDW at least 15 times and we learned so much on the tour. It was fun to do something a little different. I can't wait to read the rest of your report!

:yay:

[JPFamilyMom]

:flower3:Happy Mothers Day:cutie:

I'm all caught up, but happy I didn't miss too much. Your room looked so beautiful. So sorry you had issues when you got to the room:sad2: Hope you felt better in the am for the tour. I can't wait to hear about the tour.

I think it is time for you guys to think about DVC with all the trips you take.:)

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi. I'm just tuning in. We leave for WDW in 2 weeks. I love to read the TRs to get even more excited about our trip. I know what you mean about the DVC guy. I am that way when someone asks me about it. We joined in 2006 and the only regret I have is that we didn't do it years ago! My DH and I went in October to the F&W festival and it was great. We also did the KTTK tour. I have been to WDW at least 15 times and we learned so much on the tour. It was fun to do something a little different. I can't wait to read the rest of your report!

:yay:

Thanks for joining in! I loved the DVC guy at Le Cellier! He was too funny and cute! Really he could have been a commerical!

:flower3:Happy Mothers Day:cutie:

I'm all caught up, but happy I didn't miss too much. Your room looked so beautiful. So sorry you had issues when you got to the room:sad2: Hope you felt better in the am for the tour. I can't wait to hear about the tour.

I think it is time for you guys to think about DVC with all the trips you take.:)

Thanks!!! I hope you had a great Mothers Day too!

Our room looked so great and even though I didn't really get to enjoy it I'll surely always remember it!

I reallllly like the DVC guy at Le Cellier! It was nice for DH to hear it from someone other then me that DVC is a good option for us!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 3 part 1

Just a little FYI before I begin, this update is going to be short and sweet with no pics! Sorry! But it involves Keys to the Kingdom and you can’t take a camera on the tour and are sworn to secrecy about the info given and all the stuff you see!

So, I woke up that morning feel perfectly fine! Yipppeee! I would have been completely bummed if I had missed The Keys to the Kingdom, again!

I quickly showered and got myself ready while DH meandered out of bed and got himself ready!

I’m going to stop for a second and add a note about the bathroom at Poly! One of the things I liked about the room at Poly was the size. We’ve stayed at AKL, WL and GF and the room at Poly was much, much bigger and much better suited to our family of 5. Not only was the room itself huge but the bathroom was gigantic!!! I swear the bathroom must have been 20 feet long by 15 feet wide! I could be really over estimating that but it was huge!!! There was more than enough room for DH and me to get ready at the same time. In fact the kids, if they had been there, could have come in too and we still would have been comfortable! I also kinda liked that it was a big bathroom and not the toilet and shower bathroom with the dressing area with the sinks outside. That way I could close the door when I had the blow dryer on and not wake DH!

Anyway, once we were ready we headed for Capt Cooks for breakfast! I got a croissant and DH got a bagel and we each got a bowl of fruit. We also filled our mugs! DH got Tea and I coffee, yucky yucky coffee!

We ate and read the paper that had been left for us at our room and soon it was time to head to MK. But, not before stopping at the Kona Coffee bar to get real coffee! Real, yummy, strong coffee!! I realllllllly enjoyed that cup of coffee! It was sooooo good! I really wish I had had more during our stay and that I didn’t think better of buying a lbs to bring home. $40 for a lbs is crazy but that coffee is crazy good and I would enjoy every single last drop of it!

Anyway, soon we were off to MK and found ourselves at the gates in no time! It was still before opening because we got there around 8:30. But we were allowed in to check in for KTTK!
We soon checked in, got our name tags and ear pieces. We had a little time to wait but enjoyed sitting on a bench on an empty Main Street!

Soon our tour guide, Claire, round up all the people who were on our tour that day. There was, I believe, 18 of us and soon we were on our way!

I’m not going share too much of the tour as I said before. But will tell you a few things ;)

We learned A LOT of stuff. A lot of stuff I didn’t know! Claire was a wealth of Disney knowledge! DH, who took KTTK in March 09 said Claire knew a ton more than the tour guide he and FIL had then. As much info as Claire gave she also asked a lot of questions give those of us on the tour the opportunity to answer and get a reward for a correct answer!

I’ve read many different books about Walt Disney himself and Disney World and the building of it etc. So of course I had lots and lots of answers and at one point during the tour Claire declared me a Disney scholar! LOL!! I told her I would shut up! She told me “Don’t you dare!” Like I said, she gave a reward when someone answered a question correctly she gave us a reward, Mickey stickers!! I came home with 48 strips of 2 Mickey stickers that Claire gave me! LOL!! My kiddos where super happy and very impressed when I came home!

We learned about everything from windows on Main Street, to sensory tickles, to garbage cans, to hidden Mickeys etc, etc! It was incredible!

Of course the coolest part of the tour was the behind the scenes stuff! We didn’t see anything that I found disillusioning at all. We did see characters without their heads, which I know a lot people think is off putting. We went behind scenes in Frontierland and the little street show they have in frontierland was going on. When it was over they came back and we saw the Country Bears take their heads off!

We saw the floats for Spectro, which is when we learned why Spectro was running the wrong way Monday night. Claire told us they were running it backwards as a test to see if crowd flow would be better that way. We also learned that at Disneyland the parade run back and forth. Meaning one day they go down and the next they go up because there is no way to get the floats back to the other side behind the scenes.
We did, of course, get to go down into the utilidors. That was very, very cool! It wasn’t much different then I expected except I thought they would be wider! We kept having to move so service vehicles could get by.

At the end of the tour Claire declared “Congratulations, you’ve just completed a 3 mile walking tour!” LOL! I didn’t really like I had walked 3 miles. I really only felt even more in owe of WDW and Walt Disney himself!

I truly enjoyed this tour! Claire was AWESOME! She knew sooooo much, like I said DH said she knew more than his last guide. She also seemed to know everyone working in all of MK! She walked fast and really kept us on our toes and moving! I really recommend doing this tour!!

Claire also recommended a DVD documentary on Walt Disney to us. Of course, one of the first things I did when we got home was order it! It’s Walt Disney, The Man Behind the Myth and it is great!!! I got it for $8 on amazon! Totally worth it!

After the tour was finished we thought about going up Main Street to get some ice cream but decided to skip it and head back to Poly for some rest before a fun night!

[MEK]

Yeah...... a new update. So glad you made it to the KTTK tour. Sounds like your tour guide was great. I had a pretty awesome guide when I took the tour. I try to think of all the little things he taught us whenever I visit. I especially liked learning tidbits about tinkerbell.

[xoktenox]

OMG the KTTK tour sounds so cool!!! How long did the whole thing take? How much was it? (I know it was included in your platinum package but maybe you'll know anyway) Maybe we'll try it in November if its reasonable! :thumbsup2

[faerieprincess]

The KTTK is definitely something i would love to do if i get to go back. The chance to see stuff behind the scenes sounds great and i'd love to know more about how stuff at Disney works. i did see Mickey take 'his' head off when i was there in 1996 (note "his" in quotation marks!) and was a little traumatized, but i think i was just unprepared. Sounds like a great day so far...

[brookelizabeth]

KTTK sounds awesome! Wow! Thank you for sharing, I would love to do that sometime.

[mickeysmyboy]

Yeah...... a new update. So glad you made it to the KTTK tour. Sounds like your tour guide was great. I had a pretty awesome guide when I took the tour. I try to think of all the little things he taught us whenever I visit. I especially liked learning tidbits about tinkerbell.

We had a great time on KTTK! Claire was soooooo good! I'm not sure I'll ever remember all the things she taught us!

OMG the KTTK tour sounds so cool!!! How long did the whole thing take? How much was it? (I know it was included in your platinum package but maybe you'll know anyway) Maybe we'll try it in November if its reasonable! :thumbsup2

KTTK was wonderful!! We had the 9 am tour and we done around 1:30 or 2 I think. I believe it's $65 a ticket but with a Disney Visa you get a discount. It's definitely worth every single penny!!!


The KTTK is definitely something i would love to do if i get to go back. The chance to see stuff behind the scenes sounds great and i'd love to know more about how stuff at Disney works. i did see Mickey take 'his' head off when i was there in 1996 (note "his" in quotation marks!) and was a little traumatized, but i think i was just unprepared. Sounds like a great day so far...

I definitely think seeing Mickey headless would be a little dis-enchanting! We saw a lot of cool stuff and learned so much! It's definitely worth doing!

KTTK sounds awesome! Wow! Thank you for sharing, I would love to do that sometime.

It definitely was awesome!!! Definitely do it if you get the chance!

[mickeysmyboy]

I am sooooo sorry I've been the worst disser ever!!! I haven't checked in almost a week and hadn't even responded to anyone! :scared1:

We've had so much going on! Saturday was DD's First Communion

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/42431/2163812040098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2163812040098269115PWFtBu)

and I've been trying to get every single thing I can think of set and ready before my surgery on Friday!

But, I promise I'll be back asap with another update!

[lizet313]

Am in waiting to hear more popcorn::

[brookelizabeth]

I hope everything with the surgery goes well!
Love the pic of your DD, very sweet :angel:

No worries on posting-real life gets in the way sometimes. ;)

[mickeysmyboy]

Am in waiting to hear more popcorn::

More to come soon! I promise for real this time ;)

I hope everything with the surgery goes well!
Love the pic of your DD, very sweet :angel:

No worries on posting-real life gets in the way sometimes. ;)


Thanks soo much Brook! It went really well! DD looked so beautiful that day! She put the dress on and said "Mommy, it looks like a wedding dress!" OMG, I nearly fainted! I told her "no, it looks like a beautiful communion dress. Your way to young for me to even think about you getting married!"

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi everyone! I'm home recovering from my surgery and feeling really well! It went great and I really feel good! Tomorrow I have to go see the dr to have everything checked out again anf get my pathology results (gulp :scared:)

I swear I will update again very, very soon! Thanks to those who are still hanging on!

[xoktenox]

Glad to hear your surgery went well and you're not feeling too bad! Hope your doctor's appointment goes well too and you recover quickly :thumbsup2

[faerieprincess]

Hi Melissa, i'm glad to hear your surgery went well. Please take good care of yourself while you recover, and don't worry... we'll wait to hear more of the story. :hug:

[MEK]

I'm glad your surgery went well. Here's to a speedy recovery and a lot more trip updates!

[mickeysmyboy]

Glad to hear your surgery went well and you're not feeling too bad! Hope your doctor's appointment goes well too and you recover quickly :thumbsup2

Hi Melissa, i'm glad to hear your surgery went well. Please take good care of yourself while you recover, and don't worry... we'll wait to hear more of the story. :hug:

I'm glad your surgery went well. Here's to a speedy recovery and a lot more trip updates!

Thanks everyone!! I went to the dr today and she didn't have my pathology results yet. So I have to call tomorrow or the next day to see if they have them. The holiday weekend threw everything off. She took the bandage off thank god because it was driving me nuts!!! It itched soooo bad. DH was shocked to see that the incision is length of the bandage almost 4 inches long :scared1::scared: HOLY COW! I didn't think it would be that big!!!unfortunately she had to out a new bandage on it which I'm sure will be terribly itchy in a few days! But,I feel pretty great still and am pretty shocked about that!

Anyway, thanks again! Update coming up!!

[tink1957]

I'm glad to hear your surgery went well & you're feeling good. Here's some pixiedust:wishing you a speedy recovery & good news. I know the waiting is the hardest part(didn't Tom Petty say that?).:hug:

[mickeysmyboy]

When I left off a looooonnnnngggg time ago DH and I were relaxing back at Poly after the KTTK tour. But soon soon it was time to get ready for dinner!

After we were ready we enjoyed a little more R&R outside on our little patio!

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/21998/2480863150098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2480863150098269115KhTAYS)

We decided to head to WL a little early and enjoy the surroundings of one of our favorite resorts.

So we took to monorail to MK and the boat from MK to WL. I love the boat from MK to WL!! I find it sooooo relaxing and such a pleasant trip!

We soon found ourselves walking up to dock toward the lodge. We enjoyed the surrounding and decided to head inside to The Mercantile to buy the new WL totem pole that I wanted to get MIL. She had one from our WL stay in 07 and our little guy broke it admiring Mickey.

We still had a bit of time before of 5:30 reservation so we decided to head to the bar and get a few beers to enjoy while taking in the beauty of the lodge!

We sat inside for a few minutes while I took some pics

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/42688/2486976910098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2486976910098269115RlFrGf)

http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/20180/2387833360098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2387833360098269115kjOTRo)

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/45091/2869073740098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2869073740098269115LedvuW)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/25648/2689162940098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2689162940098269115gIheCF)


and then decided to head outside and sit in the giant rocking chairs on the balcony/deck right off the lobby.

It was very relaxing and wonderfully nice to sit there and rock in the chairs and sip a beer! After a good 45 minutes it was time to go inside and check in for dinner at Artists Point!

We were seated right away and there were really only 2 or 3 other tables of people in restaurant. We had a wonderful waitress who quickly came and took drink order and returned with our drinks and 2 glasses of champagne with raspberries in them! Yummy!

We soon ordered our appetizers DH ordered the venison pot stickers and I ordered the mixed green salad. We enjoyed both. DH pot stickers had some sort of chilies in them that kind of overpowered the flavor of the meat but they were still good. The salad was good too, but nothing too special.

For dinner I ordered grilled pork chop and DH ordered the braised buffalo tenderloin. Both were very, very good! DH really enjoyed his buffalo and was so impressed that there was not one tiny bit if fat or gristle in the entire piece of meat. My pork chop was also very, very good! It was cooked perfectly. It was still juicy and tender and not in the least bit over or undercooked! Perfect! Not to mention the purple potato puree that accompanied the chop was absolutely delicious! I admit to be a bit taken back by the fact that the mashed potatoes on my plate, which was really what they were, were in fact purple. But, boy they were good! They kind of tasted like red potatoes, but better and more flavorful!

Again we skipped desert because there was just no way we could eat another bite!

So we settled our bill, again only for the adult beverages and were on our way to the buses to catch a bus to DTD!!

We had tickets for the 9 pm show of Cirque! At this point it was now about 7:15. We were supposed to pick up the tickets at will call at 8 and we had a very important trip to the Lego store that we HAD to make!

We got off at the second DTD bus stop at about 7:45ish and hurried to Lego! DS and DD love legos and DS asked us to bring him back a specific lego set!

The Lego Store was, as usual, absolutely crazy busy! So DH and I split up and looked of the set! Luckily we easily found it and went to pay. The young guy at the cash register was super nice and very funny and just the kind of person who makes a trip to WDW that much more enjoyable! He was joking with the lady in front of me and I about the lego ice cube trays they have behind the counter. The lady had asked how much they were and they were some insane price like $25 for 2 ice cube trays. As neat as it would be to have lego shaped ice it wasn’t worth $25! The guy was joking about the price and some of the other things like the $15 lego keychain!

After we finished up in Lego we hurried again to get to Cirque to pick up our tickets! This time we didn’t hurry as fast though because my feet hurt after the KTTK earlier and hurrying wasn’t working for me ;)

We made it there a few minutes after 8 and picked up our tickets. The gentleman behind the counter instructed us that the doors would open in about 30 minutes and let us know where to go to enter at the right gate for our seats.

We decided to take a bathroom break. Of course every other women who was attending Cirque that night decided to take a bathroom break then too and I waited online for 20 minutes for the ladies room!

When I finally got back to DH after the bathroom we decided to call the kids to say goodnight! After some hugs and kisses via the phone it was time to head into Cirque!

Again, I won’t tell you too much because it’s much better to experience it in person! DH didn’t enjoy it too much. He thought it was to “artsy.” The last thing my DH is “artsy” he’s a baseball and beer kinda guy. I however really enjoyed it. We sat in the lower level 6 rows from the front in what was classified as “front and center” seating. Would I have paided the $102 that the tickets actually cost to see the show. That’s kind of debatable. The show was excellent and soooo well put together and preformed but $102 seems like A LOT of $$$$. I would love to take MIL and DD to see it at some point. They would definitely enjoy it and it would make a very nice girls night out. But I don’t think I’d get those tickets! The arena is very small in comparison to what I had envisioned. I think most of the seat have a very good view!

Anyway, I definitely think that the show was good, not great. It was very enjoyable and a lot of the stunts and performances were very good and very well done. I do think it’s worth seeing but not worth $102 a ticket. The tickets being part of the platinum plan worked out very well for us!

After the show was over, around 11 I think, we headed for the bus stop. It was funny because that end of DTD was bustling with people walking around with drinks in their hands and having a grand time partying. But they all looked sooooooo young!!! DH and I both had the same thought but DH was braver then me and voiced his thought. He said “Man, we must be getting old!” LOL!!!

Soon enough we boarded a bus that we only waited about 2 minutes for and headed back to Poly for a good night sleep and late morning!

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm glad to hear your surgery went well & you're feeling good. Here's some pixiedust:wishing you a speedy recovery & good news. I know the waiting is the hardest part(didn't Tom Petty say that?).:hug:

Thanks! I hate waiting!!! Hopefully I'll know in a few days!

[MEK]

Another great update. Interesting to hear your impression of Cirque. That is something I would really like to see on one of my "no kids" trip. Glad to hear that every seat has a great view, since I am not one to buy the most expensive ticket.

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks soo much Brook! It went really well! DD looked so beautiful that day! She put the dress on and said "Mommy, it looks like a wedding dress!" OMG, I nearly fainted! I told her "no, it looks like a beautiful communion dress. Your way to young for me to even think about you getting married!"

:scared1: :rotfl: Oh, too funny! I would have said the EXACT same thing! *gulp*!


Great update! Ahhhhh, sitting on the balcony of the WL with your love, sipping a beverage of choice. Seriously, does vacation get any better? :cloud9:

DH and I have never really had the desire to see Cirque, but then I saw just a very brief clip of it somewhere and it kinda changed my mind a bit....DH just doesn't like the "circus" type atmosphere (he thinks a circus is weird with clowns and all-not sure why), but Circque is more about performance, and art - I think he would like that. Anyway, all that to say, IF we ever go, and pay OOP, it's good to know that you think most seats would have a good view, $102 does seem like a LOT for a show!

[reelmom]

Hope your recovery is going well and the pathology reports come back with great news. I agree about Cirque. We have seen 6 other performances and the one in Orlando was our least favorite. It could have been because we were so tired by the time we got there but we were a tad bit disappointed with the show. So if you ever have a chance to see another one, I would definitely do it.

[Diamondintheruff]

My kids and I enjoyed cirque last year. Dh didn't much care for it either.

It's not something I would do again with them (at least not the same show) but I'm glad I did it. Actually in truth, I didn't really do it. Grandma paid for us all to go. The sad part was that Grandma after paying for the tickets six months in advance had to fly back home for family event and ended up missing the show.

I agree that all of the seats are quite good. The theatre is a good set-up that way.

[mickeysmyboy]

Another great update. Interesting to hear your impression of Cirque. That is something I would really like to see on one of my "no kids" trip. Glad to hear that every seat has a great view, since I am not one to buy the most expensive ticket.

Cirque is worth doing once. But $102 is VERY expensive! That kind of counts out most families. $408 dollars (plus any taxes and fees) for a family of four is too much!

:scared1: :rotfl: Oh, too funny! I would have said the EXACT same thing! *gulp*!


Great update! Ahhhhh, sitting on the balcony of the WL with your love, sipping a beverage of choice. Seriously, does vacation get any better? :cloud9:

DH and I have never really had the desire to see Cirque, but then I saw just a very brief clip of it somewhere and it kinda changed my mind a bit....DH just doesn't like the "circus" type atmosphere (he thinks a circus is weird with clowns and all-not sure why), but Circque is more about performance, and art - I think he would like that. Anyway, all that to say, IF we ever go, and pay OOP, it's good to know that you think most seats would have a good view, $102 does seem like a LOT for a show!


Sitting in the rockers at WL sipping a beer just chatting with DH was sooooo nice and relaxing!!!

There are some VERY weird looking clowns and face painting on the performers. I can totally see people being freaked by them. Especially knowing that a lot of people don't care for clowns!

Hope your recovery is going well and the pathology reports come back with great news. I agree about Cirque. We have seen 6 other performances and the one in Orlando was our least favorite. It could have been because we were so tired by the time we got there but we were a tad bit disappointed with the show. So if you ever have a chance to see another one, I woud definitely do it.

Thanks! I feeling really good! I did a little too much picking DS2 up yesterday and felt the result last night though! I still waiting on my pathology results, should get them today :scared:

I'm glad you said that about cirque! I tried to convince DH over the winter to take the kids to NYC to see Cirques Wintuk (I may have spelled that wrong) but he didn't want to. Now I think it will a cold day in heck before he goes to another cirque show. I, however, would love to see a different show!

My kids and I enjoyed cirque last year. Dh didn't much care for it either.

It's not something I would do again with them (at least not the same show) but I'm glad I did it. Actually in truth, I didn't really do it. Grandma paid for us all to go. The sad part was that Grandma after paying for the tickets six months in advance had to fly back home for family event and ended up missing the show.

I agree that all of the seats are quite good. The theatre is a good set-up that way.

I completely agree with you about cirque. I would see it again only because I think DD would really enjoy it. I would like to see a different show at some point.

[ibedancin824]

Glad to hear you liked the show! I wanted to see it for my birthday when we go in august but it isn't playing that night and the tickets seemed kind of expensive! Im glad that you didn't feel that it was an "absolute must see" because now I don't feel soo bad :lmao:

[TiggerCL]

I'm really enjoying your trip review! Thanks so much for posting and I hope your recovery is going well. I'm going to the Poly with my husband this fall! Can't wait : )

[mickeysmyboy]

Glad to hear you liked the show! I wanted to see it for my birthday when we go in august but it isn't playing that night and the tickets seemed kind of expensive! Im glad that you didn't feel that it was an "absolute must see" because now I don't feel soo bad :lmao:

I liked it, DH not so much! LOL! Too bad you can't see it for your birthday! Maybe do something else special! We REALLY enjoyed Narcossees and it would lovely later in the evening when Wishes is going on! We also enjoyed Cali Grill but I haven't gotten to that part of the TR yet!

I'm really enjoying your trip review! Thanks so much for posting and I hope your recovery is going well. I'm going to the Poly with my husband this fall! Can't wait : )

Thanks so much! I'm recovering very well! Poly was soooooo nice! Actually, my next update will have lots and lots of pictures of Poly! I'd love to stay there again! So nice and relaxing and peaceful!!! New update coming soon I promise!

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that I got my pathology results and NO CANCER! That's a big relief with the fact that my Dad and my sister both had thyroid cancer! They say if your going to cancer thyroid cancer is the "best" to get because once you have your thyroid removed its cured. But no matter what, to me, cancer is cancer!

The doctor did say, not sure why I didn't know this before, that my thyroid was very enlarged and that the nodule that was the reason I had the surgery had gotten bigger too. So I'm glad I did it!

I'm still recovering well but seem to keep hitting a brick wall and crashing! I have a VERY hard time not doing things and resting. So I keep "doing to much!" as my mom says and then getting really tired and sore! Of course, it's not helping that I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping!

Another note, today is my babies 2nd birthday!!!! I really can't believe he's 2 already! It's crazy!!! I'll post pictures later or tomorrow!

New update coming soon!

[smarsha4455]

So glad to hear that it is not cancer. :hug: I have truely enjoyed reading your trip reports and love to hear how much your kids really enjoy WDW. My kids are much older DS 13 and Wow 18 in August for my DD. So although they love Disney like me it is not quite the same as when they were younger. I am probabbly Disney fanatical enough for our whole family though so mabye that is a good thing. :cheer2:

[mickeysmyboy]

So glad to hear that it is not cancer. :hug: I have truely enjoyed reading your trip reports and love to hear how much your kids really enjoy WDW. My kids are much older DS 13 and Wow 18 in August for my DD. So although they love Disney like me it is not quite the same as when they were younger. I am probabbly Disney fanatical enough for our whole family though so mabye that is a good thing. :cheer2:

Thank you so, so much!!!

I really sometimes wonder what my kiddos are going to think about Disney when they get a little older. DD swears that she's going to do the college program and get married at WDW! :cloud9: We'll see!

[tink1957]

Great news, I'm so happy for you:hug: Now you can concentrate on more important things, like your baby's birthday. Have a piece of cake for me, I'm on a low carb diet & like it when other people have cake.

[mickeysmyboy]

Great news, I'm so happy for you:hug: Now you can concentrate on more important things, like your baby's birthday. Have a piece of cake for me, I'm on a low carb diet & like it when other people have cake.

Thanks!!!

He had a great b-day! I didn't have a piece of cake :( We had ice cream ice cream cake and my tummy has been a little off since my surgery so I skipped it! But Ryan enjoyed it a lot!!

[mickeysmyboy]

before I get to my updated TR post I wanted o share a few pictures from Ryan 2nd birthday yesterday!

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/43768/2694983310098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2694983310098269115EtrYsB)
sleepy birthday boy needed a nap!

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/42760/2165894960098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2165894960098269115ftJEhl)
Presents at Grandma's house!

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/111/2833976100098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2833976100098269115GNXRQa)
looking cute in the hat Grandma and Grandpa gave him!

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/43317/2873794060098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2873794060098269115qlKoDu)
cheering for blowing the candles out!

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/27776/2479398530098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2479398530098269115HCqTxp)
Yummy cake!

Updated TR next post!

[xoktenox]

Congrats on being cancer free!!! :banana:


Your baby is soooo cute in all his bday pictures! I love that one of him getting excited over blowing out the candles! :goodvibes

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 4, Thursday March 26th

We had decided to sleep late today. We were, in fact, on vacation without the kiddos and should enjoy the ability to sleep late. We had thought and debated about getting up early to go to MK for EMH but after a rather late night the night before we opted for sleeping.

Now you must understand that late to us is probably not late to a lot of people. I think I had called for a 9 am wakeup call but because anything past 7:30 is late for me I was up at 8ish. I got myself ready and sat outside and enjoyed the peace, quiet and beauty of my view!

I made sure I was in the room at 9 to pick up the phone for DH. He quickly got up, surprising because DH is not a morning person. But I guess sleeping until 9 had him full of energy! He was ready in no time and we discussed what to do.

Our breakfast reservation at Chef Mickey’s wasn’t until 10:30 and by this time it was only about 9:15. We thought about heading to the Contemporary to see if we could be seated early but figured that was no way in heck that was going to happen.

I suggested we see more of the grounds at Poly and DH agreed so we took a nice morning picture taking stroll!

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/44560/2575550160098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2575550160098269115MMoloB)

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going into Wyland Gallery

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http://inlinethumb39.webshots.com/42854/2012157200098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2012157200098269115lQNqfX)
DH being silly with the tiki

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Wyland Gallery

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We walked around for a good long while. Probably 45 minutes and enjoyed a few little rests on a bench or a swing during our stroll!

I’ve said it before, Poly is just beautiful!! I think it’s probably tied with WL for my favorite resort now!!

About 10 we decided to head to the Contemporary to check into Chef Mickey’s!

We arrived quickly, of course, and soon checked in! Then it was time to wait, wait and wait some more. We waited for what seemed like forever! Truly we waited 45 minutes. No joke. It was kind of annoying to us but I really felt bad for all the people with kids. Some of the kids were getting very antsy waiting so long!

We were finally called, had our picture taken and were seated! Hurray! The funny thing was that we were seated at the table we sat at during our first trip with the kids back in 05!

Anyway, we soon made our way to the buffet and enjoyed a yummy breakfast! I, of course, was very careful not to eat too much or too much of a variety. Those of you who read my TR from our family trip in January will recall my experience after our breakfast at The Crystal Palace! I didn’t want to experience the awfulness of breakfast reappearing again this trip!!! So some fruit, a small (very small, rather more like tiny) helping of eggs, 1 piece bacon was it for me! DH on the other hand ate the entire buffet! LOL!! DH LOVES breakfast and couldn't resist taking a little bit of just about everything and a lot of a few things!

We were, of course, visited by all our favorite characters! I sat on the outside of the table and DH took pictures of me with them! LOL! The thing is, I don’t photograph well sometimes and DH is a terrible photographer! So I’m not going to share a lot of pictures with you! Sorry, I just can’t! I either look way fatter then I am (I’ll admit freely to being a little fat ;) but not that fat) or am making a stupid face! I will share 1 or 2 though!

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/45132/2120919340098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2120919340098269115bvQJrB)

http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/18985/2556384100098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2556384100098269115EdbvlQ)


The highlight of Chef Mickey’s, to me at least, was that Mickey kissed me on the cheek! Awwwwww, I love Mickey soooo much! But DH didn’t get a picture of it!!! UGHGHGH!

Our lovely and enthuastiatic waitress brought us a cupcake with candles to celebrate our anniversary during one of the "Celebrate with Mickey Mouse" song and napkin twirling extravangazas!! DH and I split it and it was yummy!

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/45435/2623908010098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2623908010098269115lnoHfK)

But, soon we were all full and had seen all the characters so we headed for the bus stop to catch a bus to DHS!

[faerieprincess]

Great update Melissa, i love your pictures from the Poly! Soooooo beautiful. i'm so glad your results came back clear, now you can focus on healing from your surgery and not worry!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Great update Melissa, i love your pictures from the Poly! Soooooo beautiful. i'm so glad your results came back clear, now you can focus on healing from your surgery and not worry!!

Thanks! It really is beautiful! Pictures don't do it justice! We were so happy that everything came back clear! I'm trying to recover but I seem to feel worse this week then I did last week :confused:

[brookelizabeth]

:yay: for being cancer free!!!!!!!!! What a RELIEF!!! :yay::yay::yay:

I hope you start to feel better soon and can truly recover.


http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/43768/2694983310098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2694983310098269115EtrYsB)
sleepy birthday boy needed a nap!

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Presents at Grandma's house!

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looking cute in the hat Grandma and Grandpa gave him!

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cheering for blowing the candles out!

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Yummy cake!

Updated TR next post!

So, I was just going to quote the first pic-but then I saw the second one again, and the next one and next, he's so cute I had to do them all! :laughing: I LOVE the napping one and the hat one. So adorable!

Your Poly pics are stunning-great great shots! I love that resort too. Joe said he priced a package there recently, just for kicks, and it came back with the cheapest room being $319 a night. (without a discount). So stinkin' expensive, but someday maybe...:cloud9:

That is awful about having to wait another 45 minutes for breakfast. I would have been starved by that point and eating at the CR CS!! :laughing:

I think you look GREAT in your Chef Mickey's pics!! Very cute - and love that shirt! ;)

[mickeysmyboy]

:yay: for being cancer free!!!!!!!!! What a RELIEF!!! :yay::yay::yay:

I hope you start to feel better soon and can truly recover.



So, I was just going to quote the first pic-but then I saw the second one again, and the next one and next, he's so cute I had to do them all! :laughing: I LOVE the napping one and the hat one. So adorable!

Your Poly pics are stunning-great great shots! I love that resort too. Joe said he priced a package there recently, just for kicks, and it came back with the cheapest room being $319 a night. (without a discount). So stinkin' expensive, but someday maybe...:cloud9:

That is awful about having to wait another 45 minutes for breakfast. I would have been starved by that point and eating at the CR CS!! :laughing:

I think you look GREAT in your Chef Mickey's pics!! Very cute - and love that shirt! ;)

LOL! We think he's pretty cute too! The thing is he knows he's cute!! :rolleyes: He's too funny with the hat! He has NEVER had worn a hat, much like Henry! But last week my parents were here to help and my dad always wear a hat. He loves Grandpa more then anything so he wanted "hat, hat" all week and would walk around wearing one of Grandpas hats for hours! He was very happy to get his very own and loved the fact it had Key, his word for Mickey, on it!

My pictures really don't do Poly justice! It's just soooo beautiful!! I really think part of the beauty comes from the peaceful surroundings. It's just sooooo nice :cloud9:

$319 a night is a whole heck of a lot!!! That's why I love all the great deals they have and why we only stayed 4 nights!

I had a thought or 2 about running over to the new CS that's next to Chef Mickey's now to get something! By the time we sat down it was almost lunchtime! LOL!

Thos 2 pictures are the only decent ones! LOL! I saw that shirt on another TR and had to have it!! I'm not sure DH is the biggest fan of it though ;)

[mickeysmyboy]

Hi everyone! I wanted to let you all know to stay tuned! I'm working on a big update with a HUGE surprise!!! I should have it up within the next day or so!!!

Thanks!

[TiggerCL]

Woohoo! Can't wait! The Poly pictures are gorgeous - made me even more excited for my trip!

[MEK]

Glad you path report is negative. Enjoyed reading your latest update, but I can't see your pics here at work, so I will be revisiting this evening.

[Diamondintheruff]

Great news about your health!

The Poly pictures are beautiful!

What's this big surprise? I'm so not good at waiting.

[xoktenox]

Yayyy can't wait to find out the surprise...could it be another trip? :confused3

[mickeysmyboy]

Woohoo! Can't wait! The Poly pictures are gorgeous - made me even more excited for my trip!

Glad you like the pictures! It truly is beautiful! You'll love it!

Glad you path report is negative. Enjoyed reading your latest update, but I can't see your pics here at work, so I will be revisiting this evening.

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the pics when you can see them!!

Great news about your health!

The Poly pictures are beautiful!

What's this big surprise? I'm so not good at waiting.

Thanks!! We were very happy!

Patients dear, patients!! LOL!! I promise within the next 24 hours...


Yayyy can't wait to find out the surprise...could it be another trip? :confused3


Oh, you have to wait! I've been waiting months, ok only 2, to tell you the secret! Soon, very soon!!

[MEK]

Phew! Finally made it back for the pics and they did not disappoint. Beautiful Poly Pics! :thumbsup2

[mickeysmyboy]

Phew! Finally made it back for the pics and they did not disappoint. Beautiful Poly Pics! :thumbsup2

I'm glad you like them! It really is sooooo beautiful!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 4, part 2!

So I left off with DH and I at the bus stop to catch a bus to DHS! The bus soon arrived and we board!

Along the way to DHS we discussed our plan of attack for the rest of the day. We would head to TSM once in DHS and see if any fastpasses where still available and then kinda wander around and do what we felt like. DH also expressed an interest in stopping by a Vacation Club kiosk should we pass one by. He asked me a few questions about what I knew about DVC and I answered. I know by, 10 years of marriage after 4 years of dating have taught me well, not to get my hopes up. DH is very hard to convince of anything, especially something that cost so much money. But, it made me happy to think that my little mentions of the fact that DVC would be a good choice for us and the lovely man at dinner at LeCellier had sunk in on him!

We got to DHS and got our picture taken! I actually semi like these pictures!!

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/44721/2693822110098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2693822110098269115ZEUVhA)

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Then we headed in the direction of TSM with little hope that there would be any FP left. It was well after 12 by now. Much to our surprise (not) the FP machines were bagged. No more FP for the day :( We talked about going standby but the wait was like 80 minutes at that point. Seemed like a longtime to wait so we opted to skip TSM for this trip, or did we, hmmm tune in later for more on that.

We strolled along and somehow ended up at Muppet Vision 3-D. I’ve missed Muppet Vision the past 2 trips because of sleeping kiddos that I didn’t want to wake up. So I was happy to have this opportunity to see it again. We actually got to see the pre-show too! I’ve never stood outside the theater and seen the little show on the TV’s. The only other times I've done Muppet Vision we walked straight into the theater! Our visit with Kermit and friends was, of course, enjoyable but PhilHarMagic is by far my favorite WDW 3-D!

Then we decided to head toward the Art of Disney Animation because I wanted to see Sorcerer Mickey! I LOVE Mickey bunches and bunches and Sorcerer Mickey is my very favorite!

Along the way we saw a DVC kiosk! But, DH was on the phone with MIL checking in on things at home so we kept walking. Once DH got off the phone he said he wanted to back!!

We had a nice chat with the 2 DVC reps at the kiosk. I wanted to make sure that DH didn’t feel any pressure from me or the reps because I had promised him that the DVC sales pitch is very much no pressure. Not like all the timeshare horror stories you hear. The female rep mentioned going over to Saratoga Springs and sitting with a guide and taking the tour. I really didn’t think DH would want to take tour at this point. But he said he did!! He figured that we had no set plan for the rest of the day and we had plenty of time before our 8:30 dinner reservation that night so we would go for it! My heart jumped with excitement! I kid you not! I couldn’t believe my DH was actually about to go on the DVC tour!

The rep called for a van to come pick us up at the front of DHS! We had a few minutes to spare so we stopped and got a soda and then headed out with the rep!

A lovely DVC gentleman arrived in a red DVC van and drove us a short distance to Saratoga Springs to the DVC center. We went in and they took our name and we were escorted into the lovely lounge area that had assorted beverages and such. Seeing as how we had finished the soda I had bought before we left DHS I helped myself to a cup of real coffee! Yummy! Non-nescafe coffee!!! Yippeee!!!

We waited a few minutes before someone called our name and escorted us to a little sitting area were we waited a little while longer.

Soon our guide, Nick, arrived and greeted us!

Nick was super nice and super helpful. Back at DHS when we decided to go on the tour we asked how long it normally takes and we were told an hour and a half. Well, they had yet experience it with my DH.

My DH, as shy as he maybe sometimes, has a nickname I gave him because of these kinds of situations, Chatty Cathy. DH can TALK. For hours! We sat in that sitting area with Nick for 2 hours!!! We talked mainly about DVC, how it works, all of the benefit and how it would fit our needs and our family etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. But we also ended up talking about a bunch of little tid bits of other stuff!

Finally time to move on and see the model rooms!!!

All I can say is WOW!! We saw a model of the rooms at AKV and Bay Lake Towers.

The AKV rooms were WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!! Really, really WOW! So beautiful, so spacious, so nice and so perfect for us! Not mention the master bedrooms with the king size bed and the master bath with beautifully tiled walk in shower and the giant JACUZZI TUB! HELLO!!! OMG!


I had expressed to Nick that I didn’t think we’d like Bay Lake Towers because we don’t normally like modern décor. He told me that he and his wife, who own DVC, didn’t think they would like it either. But liked it so much more in person then in pictures. They liked it so much in fact that they are booked for a few nights at BLT over Halloween to take their daughter to MNSSHP.

Well, he was right, I like it much more in person. It was very modern but not as cold, crisp and hard as I expected based on the pictures I had seen! Not to mention the picture out the balcony of the view of MK was WOWOWOWOWOWOOWOW! Can’t beat that!

After our tour of the models we went and sat in a little office/conference room type room and ran all the numbers with Nick. I could see that it was really making sense to DH and I was so excited but still very guardedly optimistic. I knew my DH and I know how easy it is for him to change his mind.

The numbers all made perfect sense to me and I knew it was something we could do.

I could tell by the look on DH’s face and the way he was nodding his head that it was making sense to him as well!!!

Nick gave us a whole bunch of info to take with us and also gave us of handy dandy thank you for taking the DVC tour fastpass cards worth 4 instant FPs a piece! We told Nick that we were definitely interested and that we would hopefully be in touch really soon to get things rolling to actually buy!!!

Have we purchased DVC?! I know your dying to know!







Dying to know!





Find out next post below! ;)

[mickeysmyboy]

Well, when we got home to NY DH and discussed it again. He already knew what my thoughts were on it! He told me he wanted to see the numbers worked out.

Nick had presented us with the numbers and it all made perfect sense but he wanted to make sure that it really worked out that way.

He also wanted to know how many points we should buy, we were going back and forth between the 160 minimum purchase and 200, and he wanted to know approx how many trips it will take for us to break even on the purchase.

I probably know my DH better then he know himself and I know the engineer in him wants to see the cold, hard facts laid out in front of him.

Thank the computer gods for Microsoft Excel! Using the currently little used skills I obtained in my former employment where I was known as the “spreadsheet queen” because it was my sole job to export information from our computer system, put it into a spreadsheet and analyze it, I was able to quickly come up with something concrete for DH to look at.

No spin on it from me because I reallllllly wanted us to buy. No spin from Nick because it’s his job to sell it to us.

Just the concrete numbers in black and white. Everything he wanted right there! Yea me!

Of course, the numbers where the same as Nick presented to us!

I didn’t need any convincing. I knew we should do it!

I could tell from the nodding of DH’s head he thought we should too!!!!

2 weeks after we sat with Nick I spoke to him on the phone and got the ball rolling!

We are now the very proud owners of 200 DVC points!!!!! All the official documents in hand including our membership cards and our deed!!!

We chose AKV as our home resort and can’t wait to stay there at some point! The room model was truly beautiful!!

I still can’t believe it!!! Really, really, really can’t believe it!

I had always hoped that one day we would own DVC. I knew it was the right thing for us to do. But, I had my doubts as to whether DH would go for it. He tends to be much, much more frugal then me.

But it made sense to him to do it. We’ve been 5 times since 05 and he knows by now that there is no way he’s going to be able to stop me from going that frequently in the future. He liked the idea that our vacations to WDW have been secured for 50 some years. He also liked knowing that the vacation that costs us 200 or so points this year will cost us 200 or so points in 2050. It made sense to buy now because we could and in a few years the 200 points we bought this year will be worth more $$.

The stars aligned perfectly for us!

I still can’t get over it!

:cool1::banana::woohoo::yay:WE ARE OFFICIALLY DVC OWNERS!! :cool1::banana::woohoo::yay:

Of course being official DVC owners leads to planning another trip! I have 200 points ready to use!!

So, the plan right now is to return to WDW January 9th – 16th 2010! We will borrowing some points from our 2010 use year (our use year falls in February) and hopefully staying at a Grand Villa at Old Key West with my sister, her DH and their 3 kids!!! Although there is a good chance that we will actually be changing that to Dec 5th – 12th! I’ll fill you in more on that soon!

So, now that the suprise has been revealed and I can put up my DVC tags and a new ticker we'll get back to the TR!

After spending close to 3 ½ on the DVC tour it was time for us to leave! Nick took us to the ice cream shop and we opted to skip the ice cream, I still believe we skipped free ice cream. So they called for a van to come take us back to DHS. While we waited we chatted with the girl at the desk and we mentioned that we hadn’t been able to get a FP for TSM earlier and she told us that she had a secret for us that not everyone knew. It seems that the handy dandy DVC FP also work in the birthday machines. So even if the ride is out of FPs for the day we should be able to get one! She said she had heard it from another DVC CM and that she couldn’t guarantee it would work but it was worth a try.

Our van arrived soon and we rode back to DHS with a very interesting CM who talked about such wonderful things as the deaths of her mother, father and husband. I really felt bad for her but it was truly a bizarre conversation!

I noticed on her id tag that it said she had been employed at WDW since 1971!! I was super impressed and really wanted to ask her about it. I mean she’d worked there as long as it’s been there! But, I didn’t get the chance. Oh well!!

Back at DHS we headed straight for TSM to give our DVC FP cards a try in the birthday machine. Of course the birthday machine was roped off and you couldn’t enter. DH said we should ask a CM but I felt kinda funny asking. So DH went off to find a CM. While I waited for him to returned I watched a man give a poor young female CM a tongue lashing about how it’s not fair that there are no more FPs for TSM and there’s a 90 minute wait and how they need a better system for their customers who are paying so much and on and on and on. I really wanted to tell the man to shut up and get up early and arrive at rope drop like every other person who wanted a FP or wait the dang 90 minutes! It’s not this girls fault and she truly had this deer in the head lights look on her face! Poor thing! What a jerk!

Soon DH arrived with a CM who escorted him through the ropes, put our DVC FP cards in and out popped 2 instant TSM FPs!!!! Yippeee!!!

We quickly enter the FP line and waited a good 20 minutes to ride! It was, of course, a great ride! It really is very, very cool. But I HATE that it whips you around so hard! It’s crazy! I think the ride should be a lot smoother from on scene to another.

After my victory at Buzz Lightyear I had high hopes for TSM but DH kicked my butt! LOL! I don’t remember what the score was but he won by A LOT!
After TSM we discussed what we wanted to do. I was like 5:30 or a little later and decided to skip the rest of the park and head out. But not before going on a hunt for ice cream.

Yes, ice cream. An hour before we could have had free ice cream at the DVC ice cream shop. But we skipped it. Now we were looking for ice cream to pay for!

The thing is, I prefer soft serve ice cream and I believe the ice cream at the DVC center in all hard. Not to mention at this point I was feeling a little hungry and starting to crash a little. I knew some ice cream would hit the spot and get me to our 8:30 dinner reservation!

We found the ice stand on Echo Lake at DHS! We waited on line forever! I think everyone was having ice cream for dinner that night or something! But it was worth it! I said this before, I swear ice cream tastes a little bit better at WDW!!! Yummmmmmy!!!

We sat on a wall near the ice cream stand and ate and then started heading for the front of the park. Of course we had to stop and do some shopping first. I bought 3 stuff animals in one shop, 1 for each kiddo and then we headed to Keystone Clothier, I really like this shop but didn’t buy anything!

On our way down the street I realized that it was now about 6:30ish and we hadn’t printed out our boarding passes for our 5:15 southwest flight home the next day! CRAP!

So we headed to guest services in the front of the park and a super nice CM printed them out for us. We got lucky and got assigned somewhere in the middle of A. Phew!

Then we finally left DHS and headed back to Poly to get ready for dinner!

[tink1957]

:cool1:Wow, what great news! Congratulations on DVC, you deserve it after the time you've had. :flower3:
By the way, your baby is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen, except for my own when they were little. Just adorable.

[reelmom]

Congratulations on the DVC. I would love to be a member but DH is crazy cheap...er, frugal.

[xoktenox]

Congrats on becoming DVC owners! So cool that your home resort is AKV and your description of the rooms just made me SO much more excited to get to stay there! :banana:

Your day at DHS with the DVC tour mixed in sounds great. Really cool that your got to ride TSM! We loveeee this ride and could ride it over and over again. :thumbsup2

[NMW]

Awesome tr congrats on DVC. Subscribing

[mickeysmyboy]

:cool1:Wow, what great news! Congratulations on DVC, you deserve it after the time you've had. :flower3:
By the way, your baby is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen, except for my own when they were little. Just adorable.

Thanks soooo much! I'm still so excited!

We thinkthe kiddos are pretty cute too but I think we're probably a little bias ;)

Congratulations on the DVC. I would love to be a member but DH is crazy cheap...er, frugal.

Thanks!! I really had my doubts about DH going for it. He is a lot more frugal then me! His other nickname, besides Chatty Cathy ;), is The Money Police! But, he saw that it would actually be cost benefical in the long run so he went for it!


Congrats on becoming DVC owners! So cool that your home resort is AKV and your description of the rooms just made me SO much more excited to get to stay there! :banana:

Your day at DHS with the DVC tour mixed in sounds great. Really cool that your got to ride TSM! We loveeee this ride and could ride it over and over again. :thumbsup2


Thanks!! That's why I said I was so jealous when you posted about staying at AKV! Your staying at our home resort before we are!! LOL!

The rooms are so beautiful!!! Soooo beautiful! We stayed at AKL in 05 and it was super nice. But the villa rooms were so, so nice!!! Just beautiful! Pictures just don't do them justice! Plus, I LOVE the master bathroom! LOL! I know it's weird but I think that's what sold me on AKV!

We had a great day! The tour was so unexpected and so nice! It was very relaxing and Nick, our guide, was wonderful!!! We had a wonderful night too but you have to stay tuned for that!

Awesome tr congrats on DVC. Subscribing

Thanks so much! More to come soon!

[mickeysmyboy]

When I revealed the big surprise I mentioned another trip! :banana:

Well, I made my very first call to DVC member services this morning and tried to book a Grand Villa at OKW for December so we could take my sister and her family. No luck at all.

I told DH I had no luck with December and we had a quick conversation about our options. He mentioned something about Ryan sleeping in our bed, because he does at least 1/2 the night at home anyway. Then he left to go to a meeting. Him mentioning that gave me one of light buld moments :idea:!

All along I've been counting us as 10 people. Our family of 5 and my sisters family of 5. But Mr Ryan just turned 2. He doesn't count in the head count yet!! We're really 9 people!!

If I'm lucky we can get a 9 person 2 bedroom and skip the Grand Villa!

I quickly called DVC member services back and tried again! Still no luck for December! All the date options I gave the CM ended up with a night or 2 with no availablity.

So, I went back to our original dates of 1/9/10 - 1/16/10. But, skipped the Grand Villa at OKW.

I booked a dedicated 2 bedroom, savannah view at Kidani Village AKV!!!!

I'm sooooo excited!! We're staying at our home resort!

my 13 year old niece, who is also my goddaughter and basically my 4th child will be soooo excited!! She LOVES animals!!

When we first started planning the trip they had to cancel on for last January she mentioned AKL but it was too $$ for all of us together. With our points we can do it!!

We'll put DH and I with Ryan in the master bedroom, my sister, her DH and 2 girls in the other bedroom. Then my big kids on the pull out in the living room and my nephew on the sleeper chair! I may ship a box with an air mattress in case my nephew isn't comfortable on the sleeper chair.

I haven't spoken to my sister yet but I can't wait to tell my niece!!

I'm still contemplating a PTR. I'm not sure I can be interesting for 7 months! LOL!! I may start when I'm done with this TR. But I'll be done soon!! I have the evening of day 4 and the next day including our trip home! Then done!

We'll see about the PTR!!!


Be back soon with a TR update!!

[NorweJenNY]

It all sounds so exciting! Congratulations on your new membership and on booking the 2BR Kidani stay! One day we've gotta try staying there too. :goodvibes And enjoy your secured vacations for the next 50 years in the Happiest Place on Earth! :cloud9:

And congrats on finally getting on TSM too! We had two trips last year while TSM was open, but it was down so much we still haven't gotten to try it! I've got two little boys who would love it... they're already addicted to Buzz, but we've gotta mix things up a bit next time! Third time's a charm, right?

So the FPs you got from the DVC people were like the birthday passes? Were you supposed to use the birthday FP machine? Or what were you supposed to do to use them? I just assumed you'd have a pass that you hand the CM, like any FP you get with your tickets... so I couldn't figure out why you'd need a machine... :confused3

BTW, go ahead and try a PTR... ;)

[mickeysmyboy]

It all sounds so exciting! Congratulations on your new membership and on booking the 2BR Kidani stay! One day we've gotta try staying there too. :goodvibes And enjoy your secured vacations for the next 50 years in the Happiest Place on Earth! :cloud9:

And congrats on finally getting on TSM too! We had two trips last year while TSM was open, but it was down so much we still haven't gotten to try it! I've got two little boys who would love it... they're already addicted to Buzz, but we've gotta mix things up a bit next time! Third time's a charm, right?

So the FPs you got from the DVC people were like the birthday passes? Were you supposed to use the birthday FP machine? Or what were you supposed to do to use them? I just assumed you'd have a pass that you hand the CM, like any FP you get with your tickets... so I couldn't figure out why you'd need a machine... :confused3

BTW, go ahead and try a PTR... ;)

That stinks that you didn't get to do TSM! We did it with the kiddos in January! The older 2 lOVED it, the baby not so much! LOL! Good luck next trip, I bet you'll get on!

The DVC fastpasses cards were plastic credit card type cards. They were good for 4 instant fastpasses a piece. So all we had to do was put them in any fastpass machine and get a fastpass for that ride at that time. No waiting and going back later! I'm not sure if they were supposed to work in the birthday machine. But the girl at the DVC welcome center was right, they worked!

I probably start a PTR when I'm done with this! I'm trying to keep it a surprise for the kiddos so we'll see! DD is very observant and a really snoop! I don't want her to catch on!

[faerieprincess]

Congrats on the DVC Melissa that is awesome! i'd love to know i was definitely going to Disney every year!!!

How are you feeling?

[mickeysmyboy]

Congrats on the DVC Melissa that is awesome! i'd love to know i was definitely going to Disney every year!!!

How are you feeling?

Thanks! We're so excited about DVC! I'm still in shock that we're actually DVC owners! :banana:

I'm feeling pretty good! The recovery from the surgery was not anywhere what It thought it would be! It's been very easy! I started to feel a bit like crap but that was from my thyroid hormones falling. Now I'm on the synthetic hormones so everything is getting better! Thanks for asking!

[MEK]

[CENTER]
We are now the very proud owners of 200 DVC points!!!!! All the official documents in hand including our membership cards and our deed!!!

We chose AKV as our home resort and can’t wait to stay there at some point! The room model was truly beautiful!!

I still can’t believe it!!! Really, really, really can’t believe it!

I had always hoped that one day we would own DVC. I knew it was the right thing for us to do. But, I had my doubts as to whether DH would go for it. He tends to be much, much more frugal then me.



:cool1::banana::woohoo::yay:WE ARE OFFICIALLY DVC OWNERS!! :cool1::banana::woohoo::yay:

]

OMG.... congratulations!!!!!!!! I am very excited and happy for you. I am frugal, too. It's really hard for me to spend the money to stay at a deluxe resort because of the expense. But I have no regrets on prepaying my vacations and being a DVC member. I also have 200 points and I would really like to add on. It's true what everyone says....once you stay in the 2BR villa....oh baby.....that's all you want. We joined about 18 months ago....No regret! In fact, in less than 48 hours we will be at Kidani village. Can't wait.

[pamouselover]

Hi just checking in. Congrats on DVC! Can I buy some points? :rotfl2:

[mickeysmyboy]

OMG.... congratulations!!!!!!!! I am very excited and happy for you. I am frugal, too. It's really hard for me to spend the money to stay at a deluxe resort because of the expense. But I have no regrets on prepaying my vacations and being a DVC member. I also have 200 points and I would really like to add on. It's true what everyone says....once you stay in the 2BR villa....oh baby.....that's all you want. We joined about 18 months ago....No regret! In fact, in less than 48 hours we will be at Kidani village. Can't wait.

Thanks!! I'm sooo excited! We haven't even gone on a DVC trip yet and I already want to add on points! I've actually browsed resales! :laughing: I think if we added on 50-100 more points it would be perfecto! We'll see!! There are sooo many things I'm excited about for DVC! The room we'll have, the bathroom (ok, I'm obsessed with the bathroom ;) ) having a kitchen and normal fridge, having a washer/dryer, not having to go to bed when the kids are asleep and of course 50 YEARS OF WDW VACATIONS!!

Have a beautiful, wonderful, relaxing trip!!! Are you going to do a TR?!

Yippeee for your vacation!!

Hi just checking in. Congrats on DVC! Can I buy some points? :rotfl2:

HI PAM!!! Funny thing, I've been thinking about you!! January is gonna be a surprise for our kiddos! We're going to tell them on christmas morning. I'm trying to come up with ways to do it!

Hope all is well with you and your family!

[JPFamilyMom]

WOW!!! :cheer2:Congrats on DVC!!!!!!!!!! :banana:I'm so jealous
I have to go back and read a bit I think, not too much, but a little. Still busy getting settled in our new state. :) How are you feeling these days? I think I skimmed that all went well with your surgery, I'll have to go back and read it thoroughly.

[bbluvsdis]

I am just catching up on your TR, we just got back from our stay at the BWV last week. Congrats on your DVC purchase!:banana::banana: It's the best thing we ever did. We own at SSR but have stayed at BCV and BWV also. We have a trip to San Francisco planned using the Concierge Collection. You will love the DVC. I wish we had purchased when our son was younger. There's nothing like that "Welcome Home" you get when you enter. We have also gotten spoiled by the bathroom. We will now stay only in a one bedroom or larger! Congrats!!

[ibedancin824]

Congrats on DVC!!!
Extra congrats on staying at AKL :banana: !!!!!
Sooo jealous!

[brookelizabeth]

HOWDY NEIGHBOR!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay::yay::yay: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

We will just miss eachother by 8 days!!!

It's so awesome that your DH wanted to do the tour and all-now you know for sure, you had no part in convincing him, but it's something he also wanted! That makes it all even better. :thumbsup2 That's how it worked out with my DH as well.

Did you get any incentive Developer points, or a cruise or anything for buying in?

I agree with you on TSM whipping around so quickly. We had Henry in between us and I was so concerned about him banging his head every turn.


Thos 2 pictures are the only decent ones! LOL! I saw that shirt on another TR and had to have it!! I'm not sure DH is the biggest fan of it though ;)

Might have been my TR---I just took a picture of it though when I saw it in a gift shop. I thought Joe should be wearing it in our case! :lmao:

[mickeysmyboy]

WOW!!! :cheer2:Congrats on DVC!!!!!!!!!! :banana:I'm so jealous
I have to go back and read a bit I think, not too much, but a little. Still busy getting settled in our new state. :) How are you feeling these days? I think I skimmed that all went well with your surgery, I'll have to go back and read it thoroughly.

I hope your enjoying your new home and getting settled!! Thanks for the congratulation! We're super excited!

I'm feeling good! Getting better! Thanks!

I am just catching up on your TR, we just got back from our stay at the BWV last week. Congrats on your DVC purchase!:banana::banana: It's the best thing we ever did. We own at SSR but have stayed at BCV and BWV also. We have a trip to San Francisco planned using the Concierge Collection. You will love the DVC. I wish we had purchased when our son was younger. There's nothing like that "Welcome Home" you get when you enter. We have also gotten spoiled by the bathroom. We will now stay only in a one bedroom or larger! Congrats!!

I can't wait for that welcome home, I will definitely cry! I know we made a good decision buying DVC! I can't wait to take our first DVC trip! January seems so far away!!! San Francisco sounds great!! I can't wait to use the points to go to DL!!

Congrats on DVC!!!
Extra congrats on staying at AKL :banana: !!!!!
Sooo jealous!

Thanks!!! We can't wait!!!

HOWDY NEIGHBOR!!!!!!!!!!!! :yay::yay::yay: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

We will just miss eachother by 8 days!!!

It's so awesome that your DH wanted to do the tour and all-now you know for sure, you had no part in convincing him, but it's something he also wanted! That makes it all even better. :thumbsup2 That's how it worked out with my DH as well.

Did you get any incentive Developer points, or a cruise or anything for buying in?

I agree with you on TSM whipping around so quickly. We had Henry in between us and I was so concerned about him banging his head every turn.



Might have been my TR---I just took a picture of it though when I saw it in a gift shop. I thought Joe should be wearing it in our case! :lmao:

When I read your plans for January I thought the same thing! Your goingto have a blast! I'll be watching to see how you make out that week. I can't think of a way I'd rather spend my birthday. I absolutely hate my birthday and a WDW trip might change that!!

I'm not sure if DH wanted it or realized that it was the right thing to do. Either way, apples and oranges.

I completely forgot to mention the incentive when I posted all the info!! When we went on the tour the incentive was still the developer points or $2000 toward the down payment. It change the next week to $2000 toward the principle. Our guide let us choice between the developer points or $2000 toward the principle. I would have loved the developer points but having been in January and March I couldn't see going again before the end of Sept. when the deadline was. If it was the end of Oct I would have taken it and gone for a few days for MNSSHP. But we took the $2000 toward the princ.

Ryan cryed during TSM because of the whipping around! UGH!

I had to have that shirt!!! There was no way I was leaving in January without it! No way! It's just too appropriate!! I think it would work well for either one of us to wear!

[mickeysmyboy]

Messed up the update trying again!

[mickeysmyboy]

DARN!! I wanted to post a poll! But, apparently you can't post a poll in the middle of a thread?! I'm starting over!

So, I'm super excited to plan another trip! Our first DVC trip! Our first trip to out home resort! Kidani looks beautiful!!

Some of you know that I dabbled in DISigning a little but its super additive and really time consuming.

I very recently found a new addiction. Digital Scrapbooking!

I love to scrapbook and digital scrapping is super cool and super fun!

I've been playing around bit and trying to make a covers for my new planning book!

I'm going to share them with you! Let me know what you think and what you like and don't! I just started the digital scrapping thing so I'm sure I can do a lot more but I really like them! I have my favorites, actually 2 that I may combine a bit of each to make the final cover. I'm also going to make a folder of info for my sister and her family so I'm going to put a cover picture on that too!

1. http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/26728/2886235430098269115S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2886235430098269115VYBSNh)


2. http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/34971/2333454610098269115S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2333454610098269115vLWTKH)


3. http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/36579/2944834000098269115S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2944834000098269115FpuuBQ)


4. http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/41536/2194784640098269115S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2194784640098269115sxMrDa)

Thanks! I'll post an update tomorrow!!! Promise!!!

[disneylovinfamily]

I love #3

[bbluvsdis]

It is so awesome that you are making folders for your sister and her family. What a great way to get them excited about the trip. I too am a scrapper but have not yet delved into digital scrapping. Now that I am in the DVC I am having a hard time deciding whether to scrap all of the trips we take. I love all of your work but #3 and #4 are my favorites.:thumbsup2 Is there a website you use for your digital Disney embellishments?

[ibedancin824]

I love #2 .....I also love scrapbooking! Digital Scrapbooking sounds really kool how do I go about doing that?!?!?

[tink1957]

I vote for #3, it was a hard choice as all of them are good.

[brookelizabeth]

I would have loved the developer points but having been in January and March I couldn't see going again before the end of Sept. when the deadline was. If it was the end of Oct I would have taken it and gone for a few days for MNSSHP. But we took the $2000 toward the princ.

You did the smart thing! Right after we bought in we got our tax return. And no matter how much we wanted to go spend it on something FANTASTIC, Joe crunched the numbers and by applying almost $6k to our loan it made the interest cut in HALF on what we would pay over time. It saved us a ton! So, your $2k stretched much much farther than it seems even! :thumbsup2

I think at the time we bought in we got a "gift card" of $1500 (or along those lines) and the Developer points, so we applied the gift card to our closing costs/principal as well. I so wanted to take the card and just run, but I had to think logically! :laughing:


Your designs are GREAT! Digital scrapbooking is something I would love to get into, but I just don't have the time right now. :guilty: I'm always so impressed, and I know I could actaully do it...I'm so NOT crafty, but I'm a computer geek!! Do you use a certain program to do it? And where do you get your clip art?

I *think* I like #3 the best because it's so unique and fits your exact trip...your first time HOME! #2 is cute with the characters on the different pictures, #1 I like the background-it looks like a cloth cover, and #4 is such a cool idea!

I'm no help! :rotfl: Really though, I think #3 is my favorite because it's so unique and fits the "first time home" so well.

[faerieprincess]

i like #4 :)

[xoktenox]

I vote for #1! How do you digital scrapbook, that sounds so fun!!!

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm going to answer everyones digital scrapping questions at the end of the post. That way everything is together, everyone has access to it and it's easy!



I love #3

Thanks!!

It is so awesome that you are making folders for your sister and her family. What a great way to get them excited about the trip. I too am a scrapper but have not yet delved into digital scrapping. Now that I am in the DVC I am having a hard time deciding whether to scrap all of the trips we take. I love all of your work but #3 and #4 are my favorites.:thumbsup2 Is there a website you use for your digital Disney embellishments?

Thanks!

I love #2 .....I also love scrapbooking! Digital Scrapbooking sounds really kool how do I go about doing that?!?!?

You did the smart thing! Right after we bought in we got our tax return. And no matter how much we wanted to go spend it on something FANTASTIC, Joe crunched the numbers and by applying almost $6k to our loan it made the interest cut in HALF on what we would pay over time. It saved us a ton! So, your $2k stretched much much farther than it seems even! :thumbsup2

I think at the time we bought in we got a "gift card" of $1500 (or along those lines) and the Developer points, so we applied the gift card to our closing costs/principal as well. I so wanted to take the card and just run, but I had to think logically! :laughing:


Your designs are GREAT! Digital scrapbooking is something I would love to get into, but I just don't have the time right now. :guilty: I'm always so impressed, and I know I could actaully do it...I'm so NOT crafty, but I'm a computer geek!! Do you use a certain program to do it? And where do you get your clip art?

I *think* I like #3 the best because it's so unique and fits your exact trip...your first time HOME! #2 is cute with the characters on the different pictures, #1 I like the background-it looks like a cloth cover, and #4 is such a cool idea!

I'm no help! :rotfl: Really though, I think #3 is my favorite because it's so unique and fits the "first time home" so well.

LOL! We ran the numbers and it just made good sense! We really didn't want to take a trip in June,July,August or Sept. I hate summer in NY, no way am I doing any of those months in FL!

I have a bit of a computer geek in me too as well as the side of me my sister calls "Martha" as in Stewart (who I can't stand) so...

i like #4 :)

Thanks!!

I vote for #1! How do you digital scrapbook, that sounds so fun!!!


Thanks!!



I think I'm going to go with #3! I may change it a little!


Ok! Onto digital scrapping!! Like I said, I just started but holy moly I love doing it and am in the middle of making the book for our March trip! It's great! I don't have 20,000 papers, 9,000 sticker and assorted cutters, embossers etc all over my kitchen island like when I work on an actual book! I love to scrap but I'm not as consistent as I'd like. I'll do 4 or 6 pages in a day or 2 and then not work on it for 6 weeks! This seems easier because I just have to open the file! I can do a few pages while Ryan is napping and close them when he wakes up and a few pages at night after the kiddos are in bed. I don't have to take out allll my stuff, and I have A LOT of stuff, set up and then cleanup when I'm done! Easy peasy!

I use PhotoImpact now because I have it and know how to use it! But I know the Digital Scrapping FAQ Thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1475382) has a list in the first post. I've never used them but I may take a look at them! That thread also has a ton of GREAT info! All sorts of info on printing your pages etc! It's a great place to start!

For the different papers and embellishments check this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310733) there's a whole bunch of links. Some of the stuff is free!! That's wonderful because scrapping can be an expensive hobby! Plus, once you download it you can use it over and over and over. Not like buying stuff at the craft store and having to buy new stuff next trip! I also googled stuff today and found some cute stuff! In my second cover there were disney characters on the photos, those were clip art that I got from various disney clip art sites. Some of which are listed on the first page of the thread above.


If you have anymore questions let me know!!!

[brookelizabeth]

LOL! We ran the numbers and it just made good sense! We really didn't want to take a trip in June,July,August or Sept. I hate summer in NY, no way am I doing any of those months in FL!

I have a bit of a computer geek in me too as well as the side of me my sister calls "Martha" as in Stewart (who I can't stand) so...

I think I'm going to go with #3! I may change it a little!


Ok! Onto digital scrapping!! Like I said, I just started but holy moly I love doing it and am in the middle of making the book for our March trip! It's great! I don't have 20,000 papers, 9,000 sticker and assorted cutters, embossers etc all over my kitchen island like when I work on an actual book! I love to scrap but I'm not as consistent as I'd like. I'll do 4 or 6 pages in a day or 2 and then not work on it for 6 weeks! This seems easier because I just have to open the file! I can do a few pages while Ryan is napping and close them when he wakes up and a few pages at night after the kiddos are in bed. I don't have to take out allll my stuff, and I have A LOT of stuff, set up and then cleanup when I'm done! Easy peasy!

I use PhotoImpact now because I have it and know how to use it! But I know the Digital Scrapping FAQ Thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1475382) has a list in the first post. I've never used them but I may take a look at them! That thread also has a ton of GREAT info! All sorts of info on printing your pages etc! It's a great place to start!

For the different papers and embellishments check this thread (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1310733) there's a whole bunch of links. Some of the stuff is free!! That's wonderful because scrapping can be an expensive hobby! Plus, once you download it you can use it over and over and over. Not like buying stuff at the craft store and having to buy new stuff next trip! I also googled stuff today and found some cute stuff! In my second cover there were disney characters on the photos, those were clip art that I got from various disney clip art sites. Some of which are listed on the first page of the thread above.


If you have anymore questions let me know!!!


Thank you so much for all the great information! I've tried to look up this kind of stuff before, but to have it all in one place makes it so simple. I would really, really, really like to get into this-I have no idea how I'll ever find the time, but I'm going to try! We already have Photoshop (DH bought it years ago for a project he did), and I have 2 gift certificates for HeritageMakers, but it's always intimdated me, so I have never used them. :laughing:

Maybe on Saturday when Henry is down for his nap...instead of cleaning...;)

Be sure to share with use your designs and final cover! I'd love to see it!

[mickeysmyboy]

Thank you so much for all the great information! I've tried to look up this kind of stuff before, but to have it all in one place makes it so simple. I would really, really, really like to get into this-I have no idea how I'll ever find the time, but I'm going to try! We already have Photoshop (DH bought it years ago for a project he did), and I have 2 gift certificates for HeritageMakers, but it's always intimdated me, so I have never used them. :laughing:

Maybe on Saturday when Henry is down for his nap...instead of cleaning...;)

Be sure to share with use your designs and final cover! I'd love to see it!

I think I'm going to go with the AKV cover. I think it will be nice fo our first trip "home" but like I said I may change it a bit. If I do I'll share!

Funny you should mention doing the scrapping when Henry's napping on Saturday instead of cleaning. I've been doing it while Ryan naps during the day, except today cause he didn't nap! Luckily for me Ryan loves to clean! Hench why I have no working vaccum right now! He broke the darn thing! He follows along behind me cleaning things and even picks up after himself :confused3 the older 2 don't do that!

I'm finding digital scrapping is A LOT less time consuming then paper scrapping! I've been working on our March trip and I think it's going really, really well! I will, of course, share when I'm done!

[brookelizabeth]

I think I'm going to go with the AKV cover. I think it will be nice fo our first trip "home" but like I said I may change it a bit. If I do I'll share!

Funny you should mention doing the scrapping when Henry's napping on Saturday instead of cleaning. I've been doing it while Ryan naps during the day, except today cause he didn't nap! Luckily for me Ryan loves to clean! Hench why I have no working vaccum right now! He broke the darn thing! He follows along behind me cleaning things and even picks up after himself :confused3 the older 2 don't do that!

I'm finding digital scrapping is A LOT less time consuming then paper scrapping! I've been working on our March trip and I think it's going really, really well! I will, of course, share when I'm done!

Henry loves to vaccum too! :rotfl: I hope he always does! ;)

I look forward to seeing your March trip pages!

[JPFamilyMom]

I pick #1

[theduck619]

Great report! My wife and I always have found Epcot WS to be very romantic.

[mickeysmyboy]

Henry loves to vaccum too! :rotfl: I hope he always does! ;)

I look forward to seeing your March trip pages!

:lmao: I keep saying Ryan's going to make some girl very happy one day! I hope he doesn't grow out of it!

I'm almost done with the March pages! I've done 12 pages, I don't have all that much for this book because it was just the 2 of us for 4 nights. But I think it was a good trip to start Digi scrapping with!

I pick #1

Thanks!!! I hope your all settled into your new home!!!

Great report! My wife and I always have found Epcot WS to be very romantic.

Thanks so much!! I LOVE the romance of WS!! It sooo nice!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 4, part 3!!

So, I left off with us going back to Poly after a fun and exciting day!

We had an 8:30 dinner ADR at Cali Grill to get ready for. We didn’t get back to Poly until around 7ish after our ice cream and stopping to print our boarding passes so we decided to get ready and head over to the Contemporary to checkin. We figured that even though we’d be early maybe we’d be seated early and we could always have a drink in the bar.

So we got ready, headed to the lobby and headed to the Contemporary. We checked in at about 8 I believe and given the OK to head up the special elevator. We sat in the bar for maybe 10 minutes. Just enough time to order me a glass of wine, DH a beer and enjoy a few sips of them. Our buzzer thingy went off and a hostess was standing near the bar waiting for us.

We were seated right next to the window! The view was beautiful, stunning and amazing! I tried to take a few pictures but they didn’t come out :(

Our waiter, Eric, soon arrived and we ordered our appetizers! We both had the Hearts of Romaine. Which is “with roasted garlic dressing, marinated anchovies, olives, aged parmesan and croutons” (taken from allears) It was very yummy. It had a very nice flavor. My only complaint, not DH though, was that the parts of the Romaine that the anchovies touched tasted too fishy to me. I don’t do anchovies!! YUCK!

For dinner I ordered Filet of Beef which came with mashed potatoes and brocollini. Sooooo, sooo good!! All of it was delicious!! Not one complaint about it at all! The meat was perfectly cooked and so tender. The mashed potatoes were yummy and the brocollini was to die for!! Yummy, yummy and more yummy!

DH had Stripped Bass, which came with roasted potatoes, and something else, not sure what. He really enjoyed the meal but questioned the freshness of the fish. He thought it had been frozen. The thing is, at home he can catch a Stripped Bass down the street and have it on his plate in an hour. So, I told him he maybe a little spoiled by that! LOL! He did enjoy it but he kind of wished he had ordered the Filet of Beef as well.

Soon Eric came back and we ordered dessert! We figured that it was our last night and we had skipped dessert all but 1 other night so we would enjoy it tonight!
We both ordered the Valrhona Chocolate Cake and Raspberry. Eric promised us we would not be disappointed with our choice!

While we waited for our dessert Wishes started!! It was FABULOUS to watch it from that vantage point! Sooooo beautiful! It was unbelievable! It kind of gave us a different perspective on it though! You could really see the different place the fireworks shoot off from! I have to say, at this point we’ve seen Wishes from inside MK, on a fireworks cruise on Bay Lake, from the dock at GF (only part of the show) and from Cali Grill. I’ll take a good spot in MK over any of them ;)

After Wishes DH excused himself to the boys room and a few seconds later Eric arrived with our dessert and 2 glasses of Champagne!!

Eric told me that he wouldn’t tell DH if I ate his while he was gone! LOL! I told him I appreciated the thought but I didn’t think there was anyway I could finish all of mine let alone eat 2! I also thanked him for the champagne and he wished us, well me, a happy anniversary and thanked me for us making his night so good! He told me that DH and I were a lot of fun! LOL!

I think this is the one and only pic of food porn I took all trip

http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/42671/2524494590098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2524494590098269115gDYSIM)

DH returned and we dug into our desserts!

OMG! Soooooo delicious! I wasn’t sure of how we were going to like the Raseberry ice cream and sauce but it was soooo good!!! It was very rich! Very, very rich and there was no way on earth we could eat the whole thing!

After we ate what of the desserts that we could eat and we settled the drink bill we headed to observation deck!

OMG! Have I ever mentioned to you guys that I’m afraid of heights! Yup! Yes indeed!

I think it wouldn’t have been as bad if it was daylight but it was very, very dark.

We walked out the door and started to down the walkway to the patio type area. Well, I didn’t make it that far. I took maybe 15 steps and told DH we needed to go back in, NOW! He said “But Melis, look!” I told him “You look, I’m going back inside!!” I nearly had an anxiety attack!! That would have been fun!!

After that adventure it was time to call it a night and head back to Poly to go to bed!

[faerieprincess]

Great update on what sounds like a great meal!!

In my experience the view from MK was much better of Wishes but being in a restaurant (in our case 'Ohana) and being able to hear all the people oooohing and ahhhhing was very special, too!

i'm sorry your trip is almost over :sad:

[mickeysmyboy]

Great update on what sounds like a great meal!!

In my experience the view from MK was much better of Wishes but being in a restaurant (in our case 'Ohana) and being able to hear all the people oooohing and ahhhhing was very special, too!

i'm sorry your trip is almost over :sad:

It was a very good meal! We'll definitely eat there again if we go alone again or when the kiddos are a bit older.

I agree about the ooohing andd ahhing! Most of the people who didn't have seats on the window went outside to see it.

I'm sad that its almost over too! But I think I will start a PTR for January when I'm done. So, there's more to look forward to ;)

[xoktenox]

Hmmmm Cali Grill sounds yummy! I think us Long Islanders may be a little spoiled on the seafood side though LOL Cute dessert they brought you too.

I would LOVE to see Wishes from all those vantage points, lucky you! You're probably right though, inside the MK has got to be the best. Sorry to hear about your near anxiety attack!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Hmmmm Cali Grill sounds yummy! I think us Long Islanders may be a little spoiled on the seafood side though LOL Cute dessert they brought you too.

I would LOVE to see Wishes from all those vantage points, lucky you! You're probably right though, inside the MK has got to be the best. Sorry to hear about your near anxiety attack!!

It was yummy! We'll definitely dine there again! We definitely are spoiled my the seafood on Long Island! DH has a friend who works on one of the charter fishing boats in Orient and he stops by with fish all the time now! I'm not big on fishy fish like strippers but DH loves it!

I know I said MK was my favorite vantage point but the boat was a close second. It was very cool to see the fireworks surrounding the park!! I highly recommend a fireworks cruise if the opportunity arrises!

[brookelizabeth]

The Cali Grill sounds sooooo good. I hope to get that as a 'date night' in December. Hope, hope, hope, I know those ADRs fill FAST during that week! I really want to see Wishes from the CG though, it sounds like a unique and exciting way to see them.

Good choice on not going out on the deck to avoid the anxiety attack-that would have put a slight bump in the road! :eek:

[Diamondintheruff]

I don't do well with heights either. I once went to a restaurant on the top of the CN tower (It's huge landmark in Toronto) and spend the whole night facing the elevator so I couldn't see out the floor to ceiling windows. It was awful.

Glad to hear that your last night was good (other than the balcony thing).

[faerieprincess]

I don't do well with heights either. I once went to a restaurant on the top of the CN tower (It's huge landmark in Toronto) and spend the whole night facing the elevator so I couldn't see out the floor to ceiling windows. It was awful.

Glad to hear that your last night was good (other than the balcony thing).

Hehe, i've never been afraid of heights until i was standing on the glass floor of the CN Tower. i had one foot on the glass floor and my BF shoved me from behind so that i lost my balance and had to take a step forward, ending up completely standing on the glass. i was like "AAAAHHHH" and jumped back so fast i lost my balance again and almost went face first on the glass floor! It was so freaky. Funny in retrospect i guess.

[mickeysmyboy]

The Cali Grill sounds sooooo good. I hope to get that as a 'date night' in December. Hope, hope, hope, I know those ADRs fill FAST during that week! I really want to see Wishes from the CG though, it sounds like a unique and exciting way to see them.

Good choice on not going out on the deck to avoid the anxiety attack-that would have put a slight bump in the road! :eek:


Definitely try for the Cali Grill adr! It was great! The view of MK is amazing! I took pictures but they didn't come out! I wanted to take pictures from outside but, well you know what happened with that! LOL

Actually, this is a picture I "borrowed" to use in something,

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/43748/2134842760098269115S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2134842760098269115mYEOKN)

This is the view from Cali Grill!!! Wow!!


I don't do well with heights either. I once went to a restaurant on the top of the CN tower (It's huge landmark in Toronto) and spend the whole night facing the elevator so I couldn't see out the floor to ceiling windows. It was awful.

Glad to hear that your last night was good (other than the balcony thing).

The funny thing was I wasn't nervous being inside next to the window! We took the kids to NYC in Dec of 07 to see the christmas show at Radio City, the tree etc and we went to the "top of the rock" which is the top of the building at Rockerfeller Center. I was so nervous even inside. I went outside but wansn't going anywhere near the railing! They had a railing and a fencing thing a good 12 feet above the railing. I still didn't want to see down! YIKES!

Hehe, i've never been afraid of heights until i was standing on the glass floor of the CN Tower. i had one foot on the glass floor and my BF shoved me from behind so that i lost my balance and had to take a step forward, ending up completely standing on the glass. i was like "AAAAHHHH" and jumped back so fast i lost my balance again and almost went face first on the glass floor! It was so freaky. Funny in retrospect i guess.

OMG! That's so not funny! I would have killed him! There is no way I could do a glass floor like that!!! DH and I saw a thing on TV about a glass floor that was put out over the Grand Canyon. DH was all "how cool is that?! We should go there!" Ummmm, no not me! No thanks! Not gonna happen!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Hey everyone!!

Before I get to my regular update I wanted to share a few things with you!

First, my cover! I picked the AK themed cover but changed it a bit to make it more disney themed too.

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/42976/2532325530098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2532325530098269115VTaQMI)

I used this one for my sister because it her kiddos first trip and she hasn't been ine 20 some odd years, I thought a more disney theme cover was more appropriate!

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/41788/2333454610098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2333454610098269115vLWTKH)

I also finished, I think maybe not cause I may add to it, my very first digi scrapbook! Like I had mentioned, I did this trip! Take a look...

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/42284/2053499530098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2053499530098269115cGczgg)

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/910/2710586340098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2710586340098269115SewxKG)

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/13418/2448689310098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2448689310098269115oVQHeI)

http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/43382/2982862600098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2982862600098269115gsSlWN)

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/44817/2605979270098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2605979270098269115iTurhb)

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/45/2732761750098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2732761750098269115mPLSmr)

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/44928/2468229400098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2468229400098269115tqktWH)

http://inlinethumb44.webshots.com/18795/2377186160098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2377186160098269115NrMnni)

http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/19843/2756466910098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2756466910098269115CiCdlE)

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/44383/2705345010098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2705345010098269115CgOqEM)

http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/21173/2358902320098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2358902320098269115NqkPhM)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/45090/2130381780098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2130381780098269115LYIzNw)

I made the pages 8X8 to fit in the small scrapbook I had already bought. I printed them out on 8.5 x 11 matte photo paper and cut them down, cutting the white off, using my scrapbooking paper cutter. I had printed them out on semi gloss photo paper but the ink got a little messed up when I cut the pages. They actually printed nicer on the matte paper anyway!

Now I've moved onto doing pages of different things from this year. Every since I started scrapbooking I've always thought about doing a book for each year with pages of different event and things. I've never done it because it always seemed like a huge task! Digitially it's much, much easier! I did a page for DD's Softball, a page for the short phase when DS insisted on wearing a tie to school every day, etc and have lots more to do!!

[mickeysmyboy]

Day 5, Part 1, Friday March, 27th

Today started with an early wakeup call of 6 am! Yikes!:eek:

But I had stuff to do! I got myself showered and ready and got DH up. Then I started packing up our stuff! Without the 3 kiddos and all their stuff and all the stuff they acquire over a trip it was much, much easier! :banana:

I hate packing up to go home. Not just because it involves going home, but because it’s such a daunting task! A week’s worth of dirty clothes and crap! UGH! But this wasn’t bad at all!

I soon found that we were ready and with time to spare!

Then we had nothing else to do but wait! We had an 8:30 am ADR at Kona Café! We hung in the room for a while and watched the morning news, DH could watch the news 24/7.

I sat down on the ottoman for the chair next to our doors out and soon had a visitor!

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/45218/2671015960098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2671015960098269115mpTfuu)

This was one ginormous goose! I swear to you that it was 3 ½ feet tall! HUGE and beautiful and apparently really wanting to come in our room and visit us!

It sat at the door and squawked at me! Crazy goose! I mean really squawked loudly! It really wanted in! It watched me for like 10 minutes! It was really starting to freak me out and I certainly wasn’t going to open the door! So much for sitting outside that morning! But in looking out the door I noticed something I hadn’t before

http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/43928/2222681970098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2222681970098269115dWOyQL)

From our room you could see the tops of BTMMR and SM! Cool!

Soon it was time to go to breakfast at Kona! For some reason we had decided to leave our stuff in the room and go back for it after breakfast and then call bell to take the luggage. There was a reason for this but for the life of me I can’t think of it.

So we were off to Kona! We walked over and were seated immediately! There were very few people in the restaurant! But I guess it was still early.

Our waiter soon arrived and we ordered!! I believe DH got the 2 eggs your way breakfast and I, of course, got Tonga Toast! We also ordered our drinks, DH got a tea and I got, again of course, my very own press pot of Kona Coffee!

Our drinks arrived super quick and the waiter told me he’d be back in a few minutes to press the coffee as it wasn’t ready yet. Boo! I totally get the coffee not being ready! I love me a press pot of coffee at home from time to time, of those of you who love coffee and don’t own a French press I highly recommend it! The coffee, even if it’s not Kona Coffee, is sooo rich an flavorful! Anyway, but the waiting thing was like torture! It was 8:35ish, I’d been up for over 2 and ½ hours and had not 1 drop of coffee!! Truth be told I had a can of Diet Coke in the room but I needed coffee! Here on our table right in front of my eyes was a wonderful pot full of what I knew was probably the best coffee ever and I couldn’t have it yet! Mean!!!

The clock ticked and ticked and I thought of pressing it myself and just drinking it. But I knew good things do actually come to those who wait. I was just having a hard time with that!

Finally the waiter came back!! I swear he told me 3 minutes and be waited 5!!! Meany! DH asked if he could press the pot and I told DH that it had to be done the right way! The waiter agreed and explained to DH that if you do it too fast not only could the pot explode (not sure about that one) but the coffee won’t taste as good. Hands off my coffee DH, let the expert do it! So the waiter pressed it and poured me a cup! OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH YUMMMMMMMY!!!!

That is some good coffee!!! Yummy, yummy, yummy! Again, and many times throughout the meal, I thought about buying a pound but $44 a pound seemed insane, even to me!

Our meals soon arrived and WOW! Kona is one good breakfast! The Tonga Toast was sooooo good! There really is no way to describe it! You really have to try it for yourself! Just thinking about it now makes me hungry! It is a huge amount of food though and I think I ate ¼ of it! It’s very heavy and I knew I had to watch it with the amount of food I eat at breakfast:sick:. DH really enjoyed his meal too!! I highly recommend a Kona breakfast!!!

We were soon finished and I asked our waiter for a cup to took some Kona on the road with us. The pot is made for 2 people and its very strong coffee, I had 2 cups at the table and was about to take 1 on the road. Hmmm, was that a good idea?! Well, I was a bit afraid I’d get the jitters. But I was willing to risk it! I know enough about my body to know that if I drink too much coffee some water will counter act the jitters quickly!

So, with a cup of yummy Kona Coffee in hand we headed to our room to pick up our stuff!

We made a quick trip into our room and called bell service. Bell service arrived very quickly and took our bag and then we were off to TTC!

We decided to ride the boat over to MK since they were just boarding a boat and could walk right on! Soon we were off and headed to MK!

I was looking at Poly out the window of the boat and what do I see but my friend the goose chasing, yes chasing, a lady down the beach!!!! Holy cow!!! Chasing this poor lady!!! She kinda kicked at it and luckily for her it flapped away down the beach! YIKES! Attack goose!

We soon found ourselves at the MK boat dock and headed inside!!

[disneylovinfamily]

LOL attack goose! :lmao: Love the update

[brookelizabeth]

Definitely try for the Cali Grill adr! It was great! The view of MK is amazing! I took pictures but they didn't come out! I wanted to take pictures from outside but, well you know what happened with that! LOL

Actually, this is a picture I "borrowed" to use in something,

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/43748/2134842760098269115S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2134842760098269115mYEOKN)

This is the view from Cali Grill!!! Wow!!

:faint: Wow. That is beaaaaaaautiful.


I love your covers and your digital scrapbook! You did such a great job. The flowers on the Mickey heads are really cute-perfect for the Poly!

The goose story is hilarious!! I can't believe he was CHASING that lady, and :rotfl2: about her kicking him! :rotfl2: Good thing you didn't let him in :eek:

Isn't Kona WONDERFUL?! I was laughing about loud about you describing the minutes ticking by waiting for that glorious beverage. I totally understand though...I'm the same way!!!!! :rotfl: I would have been dancing in my seat. So yummy. A fellow DISer sent me an address to a person in Hawaii that sells Kona coffee and will ship to the States, it's WAY cheaper. I haven't bought any yet, and I can't remember the exact cost, but she has bought several times and says the woman is great to work with and the coffee is the same! I'll forward you the PM!

[xoktenox]

OMG i cant believe that goose! I have the biggest fear of birds and I would have had a heart attack if I was that lady it was chasing :scared1:

That Kona coffee sounds sooo delicious. I'm satisfied with a cup of 7-11 coffee so I'm sure I'd think it was really good!

The digital scrapbook is soooo cute! I Love the little blurbs you added to each page :thumbsup2

[JPFamilyMom]

The digital scrapbook is so cool
Wow what a crazy goose:rotfl2:

[Diamondintheruff]

Love the scrapbook! You did a great job. It must feel so wonderful to have it completed.

I agree with you about the coffee at Kona. It was great but not $44 a pound great. I'll just have to wait to have it again my next visit.

[mickeysmyboy]

LOL attack goose! :lmao: Love the update

The goose was crazy! I wonder if he's still harrassing people at poly!!

:faint: Wow. That is beaaaaaaautiful.


I love your covers and your digital scrapbook! You did such a great job. The flowers on the Mickey heads are really cute-perfect for the Poly!

The goose story is hilarious!! I can't believe he was CHASING that lady, and :rotfl2: about her kicking him! :rotfl2: Good thing you didn't let him in :eek:

Isn't Kona WONDERFUL?! I was laughing about loud about you describing the minutes ticking by waiting for that glorious beverage. I totally understand though...I'm the same way!!!!! :rotfl: I would have been dancing in my seat. So yummy. A fellow DISer sent me an address to a person in Hawaii that sells Kona coffee and will ship to the States, it's WAY cheaper. I haven't bought any yet, and I can't remember the exact cost, but she has bought several times and says the woman is great to work with and the coffee is the same! I'll forward you the PM!

Thanks!!! I'm very happy with the cover and the scrapbook! I can't wait to do more!

That goose was insane! After yelling at me through the door and then chasing the lady! Oh my! She's lucky it didn't bite her! My sister got bite by a goose at a duck pond when we were kids!

I'm exactly like about coffee and that waiting was like torture! DH kind got a kick of out though! It was sooooo yummy!! Thanks for the info about the Kona I may do it! I get a Kona blend at our wholesale club thats really good but not as good as the real, not blended stuff! Actually, having a coffee maker in the DVC villa and bringing real, good coffee to WDW is seeming like a really big plus to me! I hate the nescafe crap! I took coffee in January but didn't realize they didn't have filters in the cofffee packets! Of course they didn't have any filters in the merchantile! :( DH laughed at me for going on real coffee hunts! I was stalking places that sold lattes and such!

OMG i cant believe that goose! I have the biggest fear of birds and I would have had a heart attack if I was that lady it was chasing :scared1:

That Kona coffee sounds sooo delicious. I'm satisfied with a cup of 7-11 coffee so I'm sure I'd think it was really good!

The digital scrapbook is soooo cute! I Love the little blurbs you added to each page :thumbsup2

That goose was freaking me out and I was behind glass! I can't imagine being chased by it!!! :scared1:

Kona Coffee is soooooo good! It's strong, and I'm all about strong coffee, rich and flavorful!! Yummmy, yummy and yummy! I'm trying to figure a trip to poly in January just to get me some!!!

Thanks about the scrapbook! The journaling part is my least favorite part about scrapbooking! I never know what to say! I look at other peoples layouts online and what not and they always say great things. I alway feel like mine sounds stupid! LOL!

The digital scrapbook is so cool
Wow what a crazy goose:rotfl2:

Thanks!! I really enjoyed doing it and can't wait to do more! Right now I'm finishing up the paper scrapbook from January and doing some digital pages for this year!

That goose was completely crazy and freaky!!! :scared1:

[mickeysmyboy]

Hey everyone!!! I thought I'd ask for a little pixie dust for Ryan!

He's been sick for a few days. He woke up early Wednesday morning with a fever of 102.6. He's was really down and out all day wednesday and I took him to the doctor. SHe told me that it was a virus and watch him and bring him back today if he wasn't better.

Well, yesterday he was terribly down and out all day again and slept almost the entire day. Last night his fever went up to 104.6! I nearly had a heart attack!! But I was able to get the fever down by giving him motrin and tylenol!

I called the dr this morning to get him back in today and the receptionist said they were all book in both offices all day! She said that there are soooo many sick kids it's unbelieveable! She told me she'd take my name and number and have someone call if they opened up more appointments later in the day or if they decided to double book. I made an appointment for tomorrow morning in case I couldn't get in today. Then DH and I decided that DH would take him to the urgent care dr in the next town.

Just as I was getting Ryan ready to call the doctor called me and said to bring him in right away and she would see him.

DH took him because DS Johnny had a play at school today.

Well, it turns out Ryan has the flu! DH asked about swine flu and the dr said that everything they've had tested by the CDC came back postitive! So basically in all likelihood it is swine flu!!! Holy cow!!!

She did tell DH that all the cases they've seen aren't any worse then the normal winter flus but just watch him!

I'm trying not to freak out, I now she said it should be worse then the regular flu but all the bad things you hear on the news are sneaking into my head!

My poor baby just laying on the couch is just terrible to see! I hate to see them sick!!!

I praying no one else gets sick!!!!!

[tink1957]

:grouphug:I'm so sorry your boy is sick, here's some pixiedust: for a quick recovery. I will keep him in my prayers.

[ibedancin824]

OMG that crazy goose!!!!!

Sorry bout your son!! Hope he feels better:sick:

[faerieprincess]

Holy crap Melissa, that's so scary!! i hope he has started to feel better!!!!! :hug:

[JPFamilyMom]

:goodvibespixiedust: Hope your DS feels better soon. I can't believe he got swine flu, lots of good thoughts coming your way and hoping no one else gets sick.

[noahdove]

How is your son feeling today? I will lift him in prayer before I go to bed and then when I wake in the morning. Hopefully he will be back like his happy little self very soon:)

[xoktenox]

I'm a little late but I'm so sorry to hear about Ryan! I hope that he's feeling better by now the poor little guy :hug:

[MEK]

I hope that Ryan is feeling better really soon! :hug:

[mickeysmyboy]

:grouphug:I'm so sorry your boy is sick, here's some pixiedust: for a quick recovery. I will keep him in my prayers.

OMG that crazy goose!!!!!

Sorry bout your son!! Hope he feels better:sick:

Holy crap Melissa, that's so scary!! i hope he has started to feel better!!!!! :hug:

:goodvibespixiedust: Hope your DS feels better soon. I can't believe he got swine flu, lots of good thoughts coming your way and hoping no one else gets sick.

How is your son feeling today? I will lift him in prayer before I go to bed and then when I wake in the morning. Hopefully he will be back like his happy little self very soon:)

I'm a little late but I'm so sorry to hear about Ryan! I hope that he's feeling better by now the poor little guy :hug:

I hope that Ryan is feeling better really soon! :hug:

I'm going to answer everyone at once!!

Thanks everyone so, so much! Ryan is much, much better!! Poor baby was sooooo sick! His fever broke over the weekend, thank god!

He woke up Sunday morning with a rash all over! It didn't seem to bother him at all. It wasn't itchy or anything. Just red spots alllll over!

I called the dr's office knowing that when they need to they have the one office open on Sunday. So they had me bring him in.

The doctor said there was a chance it was Roseola and not the flu. But she said that it didn't really look like the roseola rash. She said sometimes you get a viral rash as a side affect of a bad virus and it could very well be that.

She said, of course, to watch him and bring him back again if we needed to!

I was totally freaked at the idea of him having swine flu! But the dr was adamant that it shouldn't be any worse then a regular flu. I guess a lot of what we hear is caused by the hype and fear and the media loving the whole "pandemic" thing. Really he wasn't any worse then I would have expected if he got a regular winter flu. From what she said their seeing A LOT of influenza A/Swine flu now and it's really just the flu.

He's been much, much better! He's just sleeping a lot! He slept until 10 Monday morning, after having gone to bed at 8 Sunday night, and then took a 3 hour nap in the afternoon!

The other kids and DH and I haven't gotten sick, thankfully!! I think the big kids are a little sick of me asking if they feel ok and sneaking in a feel of the forehead when I can!:rotfl:

This is the last week of school for the kids! Last week, on top of Ryan being so sick, were a whole bunch of activities! Both kids had a play, I'll post play pics in my update, I went on a field trip to the beach with DD and assorted other things I can't even remember now! DD also went on a boat trip out of our local aquarium to explore the ecosystem where the river lets out into the bay but parents weren't needed to chaperone.

Monday I went on a 1/2 day field trip to the beach with John and his kindergarten class. Luckily, it only drizzled while we were there twice for like a minute or 2. We've had soooo much rain I swear I'm building an ark soon! Yesterday was kindergarten field day for 1/2 the day. It was super cute and a lot of fun!! Tomorrow I'm bringing cookies (6 dozen I made earlier :scared1:) to school for last day treats!

Today and tomorrow are 1/2 days! Then it's officially summer vacation! Phew! I can't believe DD will be in 3rd grade and DS will be in 1st grade!! CRAZY!!!

I'm in the midst of writing an update so I'll post that ASAP!!!

Thanks again!!! :hug:

[JPFamilyMom]

Wow! Your summer starts late, when do the kids go back to school? In my new area (TN) the schools let out the end of May (so early) but they go back mid August. Can't wait for the update popcorn::
Glad your son is feeling better :cheer2:

[mickeysmyboy]

Wow! Your summer starts late, when do the kids go back to school? In my new area (TN) the schools let out the end of May (so early) but they go back mid August. Can't wait for the update popcorn::
Glad your son is feeling better :cheer2:

I know! It's funny to see everyone on here saying that school was ending a month ago!

School doesn't start for the year until after labor day though.

Ryan is much, much better, thank you!!

Hopefully the next update will come today depending on how crazy the kids are after school, which ends at 11 today, and the weather! I really want to take them to the beach but it's still cloudy out and was raining a little bit ago.

[mickeysmyboy]

I wanna get on with this because although I said I wasn’t sure about doing a PTR for January I have this next trip making my mind go a mile a minute and seeing as how I can’t say anything when the kiddos are home, remember it’s a surprise to them, I need to share my excitement and planning somewhere!!!

So, I’ll get on with the end of this TR!!! LOL!

I left off with us getting off the boat and heading into MK! I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but MK is my favorite park and I get a warm, fuzzy, magical feeling every time we enter!!! It’s just everything Disney is about to me!!!

I kinda got lazy on the picture taking at this point and didn’t take anymore pictures! YIKES! The last picture I took the whole trip was the tops of BTMRR and SM from our room! What was I thinking?! Sorry!

Even though our breakfast reservation was at 8:30 we got to MK around 9:20ish, so it was still good and early!

We headed for Buzz walked right on, again I BEAT DH! Whoo hooo me :woohoo: I guess I really am pretty good at it and having to pay attention to what the kiddo sitting next to me and usually hold Ryan makes for a less than stellar game for me ;) I was so excited!!! LOL!!

We still had our DVC fastpass cards but because it was still early we really didn’t need them! Because the park was far from crowded!

We then went for a little spin on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority! I know it’s kinda cheesy and kitschy but I LOVE it and will do it every trip at least once! Then it was off toward Fantasyland!

We thought briefly about having a little competitive fun on the speedway but for some reason it was just about the only ride in the park with a wait! So we skipped it.

I teased DH a bit and tried to convince him to go on the Tea Cups with me! LOL! No luck! DH gets motion sick!

So it was onto Pooh! We had to ride Pooh in honor of Ryan who just loves all things Pooh! On our last trip, Jan 09, DH and I were so excited to take Ryan on Pooh! But when we did he cried!!! I was so sad that he cried at his favorite character! But, by the end of the ride I realized he was crying because Pooh kept coming and going! LOL! He didn’t like that he would see Pooh and then he’d be gone as we moved on! Poor kiddo!

After a quick trip to and through the 100 acre wood we were off to be scared by the wicked queen in Snow White’s Scary Adventure! We were soon waving goodbye to Dopey and were off to PhilHarMagic!

PhilHarMagic is my favoritist thing is alllllll of Disney World :cloud9: I just love it, love it, love it!! I’m really not sure why. But to me it’s very magical to go in and out of all those wonderful Disney movies and actually be “in” them! I also love to see all the kids reaching for the things that come near!

After that it was off to Peter Pan! We used our DVC FP’s this time because the wait was something like 40 minutes! But soon, because of the handy dandy DVC FP’s we were off to Neverland with Peter and friends!

Then it was off to take a tour around the world with all the little dolls in IASW!

I think we waited 5 or 10 minutes and were on our way! We enjoyed our tour and soon bid adieu IASW for this trip and we then took the back way into Liberty Square and decided to head over to Adventureland to ride pirates!

Again we waited maybe 5 or 10 minutes. It must have been a slow day at MK because by now it was around 11 – 11:30 and mostly everything was walk on!

After Pirates we decided to head into Frontierland! I tried to convince DH to ride SM with me but he wouldn’t go for it! :confused: He had said he would but he chickened out! Mean DH!

So, we were off on another adventure! This was a first for us! We went to Tom Sawyer Island!

Well, TSI was kinda a bust for us! DH was a little tired and really not into exploring and said “Now I know why we’ve never been here!” LOL!

So we headed off the island and decided it was time to grab lunch!

Now, usually after a big breakfast like the one we had at Kona we would have had a very light lunch but we knew we’d be in the air at dinnertime so we’d eat a good size lunch!

So we headed to Pecos Bill! We usually eat there once a trip. I think they have great burgers although I think the service there, even with the touch screen kiosks there now, leaves A LOT to be desired for! We’ve always eaten outside on the deck on a bench but it was starting to get warm so we decided to see if there were any seats inside in the area to the right of the counter.

I had no idea that area was so big! I didn’t know that it went all the way down and through! There are soooo many seats in there! WOW! Although it was lunchtime and there weren’t too many open! But we managed to find a table and sit inside in neat surroundings and enjoy our burgers!

After we were done eating we discussed what to do next and decided to go hop on the train and head to Toontown to see Mickey one last time!

But when the train got to Toontown we discovered why all the rides were walk ons! Everyone and their brother, uncle, and cousin was in Toontown! So we decided to get off at Main Street and do a little shopping and then head back to Poly!

First stop was the Emporium! We had been looking all over all week for Spaceship earth for DD and had no luck! In the Emporium I ask an official looking CM who turned out to be a manager and he said that the entire property was sold out! WOW! But he told me to call the merchandising line in a few weeks and they should have it back in stock. I still haven’t remember to do it!

So we browsed a little more and I truthfully don’t think we bought anything! WOW! Shocking!!!

Then we headed to the Confectionary to try to use up some of our snack credits! We had sooooooooo many snack credits left!!! The deluxe plan gives you 2 snacks a day! On top of all that food 2 snacks was just too much! Our allotment for the week was 20 snack credits, I think we still had 12 when we went into the confectionary! The 8 we used went to ice cream twice and drinks! I didn’t want them to go to waste! So we decided to take candy home to the kiddos! LOL!!

This turned out interestingly because it turns out we couldn’t buy say a bag of jelly beans, because there was more than 1 thing in the bag and you couldn’t use a snack credit for that! OK! So we ended up having to put back an arm load of stuff and start over! But, we did end up with a lot of good stuff! Most which we paid for with the snack credits, but some of it we paid for OFP because it was stuff we wanted anyway!

After our candy buying trip we decided to bid farewell to MK for this trip and head back to Poly!

Off to the Monorail we went and were soon riding the rail back to Poly for one last time! 

When we got back to Poly we got 2 bottles of water and I left DH resting in the lobby! I had to go off to the Photopass desk in order to try to find out about the free CD we were supposed to get with the platinum plan! I had asked when we checked in and once at the concierges desk and they didn’t know a thing about it.

So I went to the desk and asked the photopass CM who was there. At first he was a little obnoxious. Kinda like I was trying to put one over on him and get something for free or that I was just wrong about getting the free Photopass CD. Good thing for me I had all my paperwork in hand and could show him at least 2 places, one on my actual reservation printout and one on a brochure they sent me about the platinum plan, where it said we got a free CD.

So he had to call him manager because he knew nothing about it. It turns out I should have gotten a number via email when we changed to the platinum plan that’s the same as the one you get when you pre-pay the Photopass CD. Well, I never got the number. So he told me to email photopass guest services when we got home and they would send me a new #. Okey Dokey!!

After my adventure at the photopass counter I met DH and rested for about 15 minutes before it was time for us to go change into out pants. After all, we were going back to NY from FL. Going from 80 degrees to 40 degrees :( We were gonna need pants!!

Then we headed outside to claim our luggage and wait for the limo. We waited outside for maybe 5 minutes and had a nice chat with the bellmen who was from NYC and was telling us about how a big highway sign had fallen down on top of someone’s car during morning rush hour in NYC causing all sorts of traffic. He knew because his cousin was stuck in the traffic for hours and was texting him the whole time! LOL!

Soon enough the car arrived and we were off to the airport! But would the trip be smooth from there?! Tune in to find out!

[MEK]

Great update. I am so glad Ryan is feeling better. What a crappy time of year to get sick....just as it starts to get nice outside.

Your kids do get out of school rather late. Do they go back to school right after labor day or a few days later? I loved when my kids were little and went back after labor day. We would head to Disney that last week of August. So much fun! I miss it. Now they play soccer and must go to preseason.

I just got back from Kidani, so stop on over at my TR because I will be posting more and more pics of the resort. It was lovely. You will love it!

[xoktenox]

Aww the last day of vacation is always so bittersweet. You want to soak up and enjoy everything around you but you can't help but realize it's the last day. Good thing you guys had such a good time!

I can't believe how many snack credits you had left! Crazy! Can I ask you how much a car to and from the airport cost you, if you don't mind? I've been pricing rental cars and stuff for our next trip and maybe a car just to and from the airport would be better. Thanks! :goodvibes

[mickeysmyboy]

Great update. I am so glad Ryan is feeling better. What a crappy time of year to get sick....just as it starts to get nice outside.

Your kids do get out of school rather late. Do they go back to school right after labor day or a few days later? I loved when my kids were little and went back after labor day. We would head to Disney that last week of August. So much fun! I miss it. Now they play soccer and must go to preseason.

I just got back from Kidani, so stop on over at my TR because I will be posting more and more pics of the resort. It was lovely. You will love it!

It usually a few days after labor day! It's great because we live in summer community and all the summer people have left by then and it gives us a kind of an extra, little quiet time to end the summer. We have thought of going to WDW that time of year but I'm just not hot weather person and niether are the kids! I guess ir's the fair skin and blonde hair, we get over heated really quickly!

I LOVE your tr!!! All your pictures are beautiful and your off to a great start!!

Aww the last day of vacation is always so bittersweet. You want to soak up and enjoy everything around you but you can't help but realize it's the last day. Good thing you guys had such a good time!

I can't believe how many snack credits you had left! Crazy! Can I ask you how much a car to and from the airport cost you, if you don't mind? I've been pricing rental cars and stuff for our next trip and maybe a car just to and from the airport would be better. Thanks! :goodvibes

I think we were ready to go home! I missed my kiddos a lot!!

We had soo many snacks left! Imagine if all of those had gone to Mickey ice cream bars... OH MY!!

I think the car was $120 total. We had a town car from car service in the area. PM me if want the name, I think if I post it the filters on the board will make it look like ********* It was nice to have them take us bsack and forth. Our January trip was the first time we've used ME and it was great! I don't know if we'll pay the $$ for a car service again! We did it in March to try to get the most of our trip and get a few more hours in actually at WDW!

[mickeysmyboy]

I'm seriously finishing this TR!! I really wanna get a move on so I can start my PTR! I'm already coming up with a catchy name! I may enlisted MEK for help with that! I have trouble coming up with one good name but if you take a look at MEK's TR she can come up with dozens! I thought of stealing one but none of hers actually related to our January trip except for the one she's actually using and stealing that one just seems rude.

Anyway, before I get on with our quest homeward bound I promised pictures of the kids plays!

DD's was a "reader's theatre" thing. instead of memorizing their lines they read off the script which is great!!

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/41708/2603671170098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2603671170098269115EEcsvU)
Notice her dress matches the sign!!! :laughing: DD tends to be a little bit of a diva and was so excited when she go home from school that day (the play was at night) and found out I had gone to Target and bought 2 sun dresses for her. She told "I have to wear this tonight!" I didn't know why until I saw the sign! I swear it was the color exactly!

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/39470/2961520350098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2961520350098269115uTBQWR)
DS in breakout role at "The Biggest Fly" in his kindergarten's classes production of Fairy Tale Retold. This was a full on theatrical production including seats and costumes that I helped with in his class!


http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/43368/2384721590098269115S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2384721590098269115ArDtMo)
:lovestruc I love this picture of him bowing!

Now on with the TR!!!

I left off with us heading the airport! The trip there was uneventful and we were soon going through security. Again, without the kids it was infinitely easier without the kids. A lot less stuff and no stroller, and not 5 pairs of shoes to put back on.

And we were off on the MCO fake monorail!

At the terminal we stop for a biological break and then at Starbucks! I was in need of of caffeine!! I'm not a huge fan of starbucks, I'd prefer Dunkin Donuts and it definitely wasn't Kona Coffee but it was good and it worked! I also bought some water and a snack of some sort but I can't remember what! Sorry!

Then it was off to our gate to wait and wait and wait! We waited truely forever. We watched the news on TV and chated and read the paper etc. At one point I saw a man with an "Air Marshal" shirt use his key card to open the door next to our gate and go out and down onto the Tarmac, interesting I thought. But I felt very safe knowing guys like him where around! Hmmmmm...

Our flight was mysteriously delayed. Our flight had orginating spot of Ft Lauderdale and we knew there was some thunderstorms in the area but it really didn't explain the delay.

Around the 5 pm (our flight was supposed to take off at 5:15they had us start lining up for A boarding group even though the plane wasn't there. The SW employee kept saying that the plane would be at the airport momentarily and we would board right away.

So we waited. I'll take this moment to say that people say people from NY are rude and impatient. Well, let me tell you there were some REALLY annoying impatient people waiting with us!! OMG! I really wanted to tell a few of these people to shut up!! The complaining and whining was insane!! Really, in this day and age in air travel delays are almost expected. We were hardly delayed and this was nothing more then a minor set back!

Around 5:30 our plane landed and 4 Orlando Police officers boarded the plane :scared1: Alrighty! A little concerning!

A minute later a few people got off the plane, including the police officers. 2 passengers stepped to the side and talked to the police and an official looking SW employee.

Right away we were allowed to board.

None of the flight crew would say what had happened. :confused3 Jeeze! Didn't they know that the curiousity was killing us!?

There was one lady who remained on the flight from FT Lauderdale and was headed to NY. Turns out there was a fight at some point. She had been sitting in the back of plane and the fight was in the front so she had no idea what happened aside from a fight and a man was escorted off the plane in cuffs by the Air Marshal and taken to a waiting police car on the tarmac. :eek:

At about 6 pm we finally took off.

Really a 45 minute delay wasn't bad. In all the times we've flown SW we've never had a delay and have actually landed early a bunch of times we couldn't complain, although the other passengers did ;)

After a relatively uneventful flight, just a bit bumpy through the thunderstorms in spots on the east coast, we landed actually only 10 minutes late!

We had made up time!!

We were soon off the plane and headed for another bio break and then to get our luggage!

FIL was our transport to and from the airport so we didn't have to pay $100 to park.

When we got through the area where security was we saw not only FIL, but MIL and the 3 kiddos!!! We were sooo happy to see us and we were soooo happy to see them!!! Ryan was sooo excited to have his mommy back!! I had to carry him and he just hugged me and wouldn't let go!! He kept saying "Mia, Mia, Mia, Mia!!" He calls me Mia because Johnny says Momma Mia all the time! :cloud9: It was soooo cute and sooo sweet!

We soon found our luggage and were off on our way home!!

We were so happy to be home with the kids but so excited to explore the DVC info a bit more. I surely hoped we'd soon be able to call Disney "home" too ;)

Up next, final thoughts!!!!!

[xoktenox]

Love the kids play pictures! Be prepared because if your daughter is a diva now, wait til she's a teenager :laughing: ;)

So sad it's over...but not really because you came home and bought DVC and planned another trip! That's pretty scary that there was a fight on the plane! Although, when stuff like that happens I always wish I was there to see it, kind of like when car accidents happen :rolleyes: Anyway, glad everything went good and I'm sure the kids were just so thrilled to see their "Mia" (thats adorable.) Excited to hear your final thoughts and the start to your PTR! :goodvibes

[faerieprincess]

We had a long wait for our plane home as well, but all the excitement happened in the terminal at the boarding gate! A young woman keeled over suddenly and they called the paramedics, she was really out of it and it seemed to be an overdose of some kind, they thought a prescription sedative or something. In the end they boarded us by having us file past this poor woman surrounded by paramedics and we left without her!

i'm glad you ended up not being delayed, and it sounds like your kids were very happy to see you! And it's great you get to go back, bring on the PTR! Looking forward to your final thoughts...

[mickeysmyboy]

Love the kids play pictures! Be prepared because if your daughter is a diva now, wait til she's a teenager :laughing: ;)

So sad it's over...but not really because you came home and bought DVC and planned another trip! That's pretty scary that there was a fight on the plane! Although, when stuff like that happens I always wish I was there to see it, kind of like when car accidents happen :rolleyes: Anyway, glad everything went good and I'm sure the kids were just so thrilled to see their "Mia" (thats adorable.) Excited to hear your final thoughts and the start to your PTR! :goodvibes

I know!! :rotfl: I maybe pulling my hair out in another 5 years! She is such a little diva! DH reminds me from time to time that I "created my own monster" I have no clue what he's talking about :confused3 ;)

I love knowing that there are sooooo many mre trips to come thanks to DVC!!!! It's hard to get the post-disney disney blues when you really can start planning the next trip! I loved seeing my kiddos at the airport! Little cuties!

I'll be back soon with the last update!!

[mickeysmyboy]

We had a long wait for our plane home as well, but all the excitement happened in the terminal at the boarding gate! A young woman keeled over suddenly and they called the paramedics, she was really out of it and it seemed to be an overdose of some kind, they thought a prescription sedative or something. In the end they boarded us by having us file past this poor woman surrounded by paramedics and we left without her!

i'm glad you ended up not being delayed, and it sounds like your kids were very happy to see you! And it's great you get to go back, bring on the PTR! Looking forward to your final thoughts...

That's sooo crazy! I guess with so many people traveling so many places crazy stuff is bound to happen!! The thing that DH and I thought was strange is that the flight from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando is an hour long! What could have happened in that short amount of time?! Not to mention there were like 10 people on the flight! :confused3

It was great that we up time! I loved it! The kiddos were definitely happy to see us and we were soooooo excited to see them!

I'll be back soon with more! I'm just trying to remember all the details! :rotfl:

Then I'll start the January PTR and there maybe more to it then that ;) ...

[Diamondintheruff]

I would have been curious about the delay at the airport too!

Sounds like it was a wonderful trip.

I'm sure the kiddlets were happy to have you home.

[mickeysmyboy]

I would have been curious about the delay at the airport too!

Sounds like it was a wonderful trip.

I'm sure the kiddlets were happy to have you home.


It's kinda one of things where you can't help but look or in this case be curious!

We definitely had a wonderful trip and we'll definitely do it again!

They were definitely glad to have us home and we really were glad to be home!

[MEK]

The ending to your TR was really entertaining. And here I thought your TR was over when you left for the airport! NOT!

I can't believe people would be that annoyed when a flight is delayed for an obvious "situation". It is completely beyond the airline's control.

I love the pictures of your kids. How cute!

BTW - you can use any and all of the silly TR titles I come up with! :rotfl: Looking forward to your PTR.

[mickeysmyboy]

The ending to your TR was really entertaining. And here I thought your TR was over when you left for the airport! NOT!

I can't believe people would be that annoyed when a flight is delayed for an obvious "situation". It is completely beyond the airline's control.

I love the pictures of your kids. How cute!

BTW - you can use any and all of the silly TR titles I come up with! :rotfl: Looking forward to your PTR.

LOL! I still have more to come too! I'm finishing up my final thoughts and will post them either tonight or tomorrow!

Some of the other passengers were soooo annoying when we were delayed a little. The thing was that they were vocal about it going "Oh my god, blah blah blah!" I wanted to tell a few of them to shut up!

I thought all of your titles were great! Although I really do like the one using! Especially because I maybe somewhat of a resort snob myself :rolleyes1

[JPFamilyMom]

What a fun journey you had, or should I say magical:wizard: journey, ready to embark on a surprise vacation right? When is the next PTR starting? popcorn::Do you know how you will reveal the vacation?
I saw a cute idea on someone elses TR where they had a box, and a balloon flew out of it holding a card that said they were going to WDW. I thought that was so cute.

[mickeysmyboy]

What a fun journey you had, or should I say magical:wizard: journey, ready to embark on a surprise vacation right? When is the next PTR starting? popcorn::Do you know how you will reveal the vacation?
I saw a cute idea on someone elses TR where they had a box, and a balloon flew out of it holding a card that said they were going to WDW. I thought that was so cute.

We definitely had a magical trip!! I'm definitely ready for the trip in January! I just have to keep to a secret for the next 6 months!!!

I haven't decided hoe to reveal it to the kiddos yet. I think that was probably pammouselovers PTR/TR that had the balloon in a box with the card. I read that too and was think about doing that or something along those lines! We'll see!

[mickeysmyboy]

Final thoughts!

Oh my! Where to begin!?

I’ll start with the platinum package!

Now, remember we were originally booked for club level MK view at Poly and when the discount on the platinum package came out we switched out of club level to a regular MK view room with the platinum plan.

The deal we got amounted to 25% off what we would have paid for the platinum package. At this point I can’t remember exactly how much we saved because when we planned our January 09 trip we saved a bundle because of the 4 and 3 deal. It’s all kinda blended together at this point! But no matter what we saved a lot! We were going to do a few of the things that we got for free with the platinum plan anyway so it saved us there. We weren’t going to get the dining plan because a lot of the places we were going to eat would have been 2 credits. But with the platinum plan we got deluxe dining which meant everything was 1 credit.

The deluxe dining plan that goes along with the platinum plan ended up being a HUGE money saver for us! We ate very, very well and very, very nice places. Our dinners would have cost us on average $200 per night, just for dinner. That doesn’t include the other meals during the day! The cost of dinner alone made it a pretty good deal!

I will say that the deluxe dining plan is A LOT of food! I really mean A LOT! We refused dessert twice because there was no way we could have eaten all that! It was good though because we tend to me more appetizer people then dessert people.

Knowing that we could we could pretty much have anything to eat anytime as great but there was no way after eating so much all day that we would have wanted to eat a mickey bar or something! That’s how we ended up with so many snack credits left!!

I’m truly not sure who could possibly eat all that food! We surely couldn’t! We ate like kings while we were there and scale showed it when we got home! I gained 7 lbs and DH 10!!! No joke!

The fact that my massage was included saved me $110 and KTTK being included saved us $120. We wouldn’t have gone to cirque if it wasn’t included so I’ll call that a wash and not mention any savings because we really didn’t save anything. I also won’t state any savings because our refillable mugs were included. We wouldn’t have gotten mugs because we knew we were only going to eat at Capt Cooks once or twice. We saved a good little piece of change by the photopass CD being included. We wouldn’t have gotten the CD because we only got a few pictures taken BUT I would have paid for the prints and their expensive.

So, ultimately the platinum package saved us a HUGE chunk of change! When we switched from Poly LVC to Poly MK view with Platinum Plan the total cost on the bottom of the reservation was actually less and with all the other savings it was a big difference!!

Yippeee for us and super yippee for our TA who is the one who suggested the change!!!

I will mention that there are other services also included in the PP. They have the platinum planning office which is itinerary planning. Umm, those who read my PTR know my feelings on the PPO. They made a huge mess of my ADR’s and couldn’t be reached several times to fix them. I have nothing good to say about them! I will say, however, when we had planned to stay in club level I used the itinerary planning office for club level guest (something completely different with different CM’s but they do the same thing) and they were super helpful and wonderful! I don’t know if the confusion with my reservations happened because we switched and I really don’t care. The PPO’s guest services was the worst I’ve ever experiences with Disney and they heard about it.

We also got the preferred fireworks viewing areas. MK not so good, Epcot, very good!!!

There were also a bunch of other things included that we didn’t take advantage of and I can’t even begin to remember all of them! But it was things like preferred t-times for golf etc.

All in all I think the platinum plan was GREAT! 9 out of 10! We’d definitely do it again if the opportunity arose with a discount like we got!


Now on to our meals! YUMMY, YUMMY and REALLY, REALLY YUMMY!

The best was definitely Narcossees! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again! The 2 best meals I’ve every had in my life were at WDW! One was when we went to Fulton’s in 08 on DH’s b-day and the other was Narcossees! I can’t say enough about everything there! It was wonderful and we’ll definitely eat there again!

The worst was by far Coral Reef! YUCK!!! The worst meal I’ve ever had at WDW! The only reason we’d ever go back it for the surrounding because the kids would love it! But, if they don’t ask I’m not mentioning it!

All the other meals were sooo good too! We would definitely eat at all the places we did again!

I’m gonna take a brief moment to comment on something that bugged DH and I during our trip! I don’t think I mentioned it before! So we went to all these really nice places, Narcossees, Artists Point, Cali Grill. We dressed for nice places. There is a dress code for these places if you look on the dining area on Dis or allears etc. What the deal with people coming in tees and shorts? Really! I get that your at Disney and all but really!

I’ll also mention people at Cali Grill for 9 pm reservations with really little kids! What?! I understand naps and feeding them earlier so you can go and enjoy the place but really. Especially those whose kids seemed completely whipped out! Really?!

Now onto Poly!!!

OMG! Sooooooo wonderful! The pictures just don’t do it justice! There is no way they could! There’s this feeling you get there, or at least I do, that can’t be conveyed in a picture. It’s sooooo serene and so relaxing it’s almost like a world set apart. You can see MK from Poly, you can hear the boats etc but it’s so removed from the hustle bustle that is Disney.

It hasn’t taken over the top spot in my list of resorts but it is definitely tied!! Poly and WL are my favs!!! I have to say that when we bought DVC, although I reallllllly wanted to buy and knew it was the best thing for us, I was kinda sad that we may not stay at Poly again because it’s not DVC. I assure you we will be visiting there again and again and again! I’m already thinking of dinner at Ohana in January!

My massage at GF spa! Wonderful and so relaxing!!!! Definitely one of the best massages I’ve ever had! I’ll definitely do it again! Mommy needs some relaxation and pampering!!!

KTTK! Sooooo great, soo cool and sooo much fun! Definitely recommended!!!

So now on to the biggest part of our trip! Going alone!!!

When I started planning and spoke to the TA I said I was a tiny bit apprehensive to go without them. The guilt, would we have fun, etc, etc. She assured me that it would be a completely different, wonderful experience!

She was right!

The difference was unbelievable! We got to enjoy walking hand and hand through WS, something I had envisioned in my head as a romantic high point of our trip. We got to enjoy some wonderful meals, some wonderful downtime and just an overall wonderful trip!!!

We had a truly wonderful, relaxing, unique trip! We will definitely do it again and probably many times!!!

So that’s about it! I think I covered mostly everything! Thanks for coming along for the trip! I hope you enjoyed it!

I am, as promised moving onto another PTR for our trip in January!! I’m going to start that ASAP and post a link in here!!

[xoktenox]

It's overrrrr :guilty: But another one is right around the corner!

My parents said the same thing as you regarding the dress code. They ate at the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the beginning of June for their 25th anniversary and I told them to make sure that my dad wore khakis and a polo shirt and my mom wore nice pants or capris and a nice shirt. They did and they said that they were the minority there! That lots of people were in shorts and t-shirts. This is a signature dining spot so I didn't expect them to say that!

The Poly...WOW. It totally is my dream resort. One day, when I have money and spending so much isn't totally out of the question, we will stay there. Chris loves it too, everything about it. We will own DVC one day too :goodvibes

I loved hearing all about your trip and I'm so glad to see how much you enjoyed yourselves. Can't wait for you to start your next PTR! :thumbsup2

[MEK]

LOL! I still have more to come too! I'm finishing up my final thoughts and will post them either tonight or tomorrow!
:thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2
Some of the other passengers were soooo annoying when we were delayed a little. The thing was that they were vocal about it going "Oh my god, blah blah blah!" I wanted to tell a few of them to shut up!
Knowing me, I just might have told them to shut up! :rotfl: But then I would have had to endure nasty stares for the next 3 hours!

I thought all of your titles were great! Although I really do like the one using! Especially because I maybe somewhat of a resort snob myself :rolleyes1

Thanks. There are so many deluxes I haven't stayed in yet. I would really like to try them all. And one by one I hope to even if its just for a night at the beginning or end of a DVC trip!

I really liked the end of your report. That platinum plan sounds fantastic. DH and I are doing a quick free dining trip in September and I keep flip-flopping on whether or not to change to DxDP. I've already made my dinner ADR's, so I would just add breakfast and lunch. But then I remember how much food it really is and I have a hard time saying "No thanks" when food is available to me. Actually I already have one ADR at Artist Point and I really would like to try Narcoosee's. I guess that adding just that one signature meal and a couple of lunches would make it worth it. Crap - why can't I decide?????

Anyway, couples only trips are great. That's so great you had that time alone with your DH. I am excited that my kids are older and can now be left alone overnight. The real reason I bought DVC was so DH and I would travel twice a year to Florida. I didn't buy it for the kids! :laughing:

[mickeysmyboy]

It's overrrrr :guilty: But another one is right around the corner!

My parents said the same thing as you regarding the dress code. They ate at the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the beginning of June for their 25th anniversary and I told them to make sure that my dad wore khakis and a polo shirt and my mom wore nice pants or capris and a nice shirt. They did and they said that they were the minority there! That lots of people were in shorts and t-shirts. This is a signature dining spot so I didn't expect them to say that!

The Poly...WOW. It totally is my dream resort. One day, when I have money and spending so much isn't totally out of the question, we will stay there. Chris loves it too, everything about it. We will own DVC one day too :goodvibes

I loved hearing all about your trip and I'm so glad to see how much you enjoyed yourselves. Can't wait for you to start your next PTR! :thumbsup2


The dress code thing annoyed me! I mean really, I made sure that we had nice things to wear each night and there were people in all of the restaurants wearing tees, shorts and sneakers :mad: I wouldn't have wanted to wear our park clothes to those places anyway but DH was a little annoyed I made him wear khakis and what not and other people had on shorts.

Poly was soooo beautiful!!! I LOVE it! I hope we get to stay there again! With DVC it isn't really worth it to use your points to stay at some place at WDW other then a DVC resort. But, I guess we could do a night or 2 at the end or beginning of a trip at a regular resort and switch to DVC for the rest of trip!

We had such a great time alone! I can't wait to do it again!!!

Thanks so much for following along for soooooo long! I think I've had a PTR/TR going for like a year straight at this point! :scared1::rotfl:

I'll be back with the PTR link ASAP!

I really liked the end of your report. That platinum plan sounds fantastic. DH and I are doing a quick free dining trip in September and I keep flip-flopping on whether or not to change to DxDP. I've already made my dinner ADR's, so I would just add breakfast and lunch. But then I remember how much food it really is and I have a hard time saying "No thanks" when food is available to me. Actually I already have one ADR at Artist Point and I really would like to try Narcoosee's. I guess that adding just that one signature meal and a couple of lunches would make it worth it. Crap - why can't I decide?????

Anyway, couples only trips are great. That's so great you had that time alone with your DH. I am excited that my kids are older and can now be left alone overnight. The real reason I bought DVC was so DH and I would travel twice a year to Florida. I didn't buy it for the kids! :laughing:

Thanks!!

I say give DDP a try if you can! We did the 2 breakfast and cancelled out lunch at Cindy's Castle on our last day, which I forgot to mention in the TR!

It is A LOT of food and I too have a hard time saying no to food that's sooooo good and is right there for the taking! But, believe me, you will! Your just too full after an appetizer, bread, dinner, drinks etc. I don't think we've ever eaten soooo much in our lives!

DDP also gives you the added benefit of not using 2 credits for a signature dining restaurant. That's very nice because then you don't have to worry about where the extra credit will come from and what meal you'll pay oop for and so on!

Definitely add Narcossee's!! Call now!! Right now!!! It was by far in the top 2 of any meal I've ever had!! Granted we both had lobster, but it was sooo good! They cook it in this big steam closet thing, like a sauna for lobsters with a bad ending. They somehow take the meat out of the shell perfectly and get any yucky stuff out and replace the meat. Meanwhile the shell looks perfect! They cut it somehow with a razor thin slit!

Artist Point is sooo good too! We really enjoyed it! Not to mention the surroundings are so nice! We love WL!

Being able to go alone more with DH was definitely one thought in my mind when we were going through the purchase! Of course, being a little point challenged right now that will have to wait! I really, really wish I had pushed DH a little for 270 - 300 points! I mentioned it and he said he didn't think we needed that many so I dropped it cause I was still treading lightly worried that he would change his mind! I keep looking at resales and you can get 100 points for like $85 a point! Too tempting!


Thanks for following along!!! I'll put up the link for the PTR soon!

[mickeysmyboy]

I just started the PTR!!!

Please join in for the fun!! I'll miss you all if you don't!!!

Zebras, Giraffe & Okapi! Oh My! Crazies take on AKV & WDW! A PTR! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=32530165#post32530165)

[MEK]

I say give DDP a try if you can! We did the 2 breakfast and cancelled out lunch at Cindy's Castle on our last day, which I forgot to mention in the TR!

It is A LOT of food and I too have a hard time saying no to food that's sooooo good and is right there for the taking! But, believe me, you will! Your just too full after an appetizer, bread, dinner, drinks etc. I don't think we've ever eaten soooo much in our lives!

DDP also gives you the added benefit of not using 2 credits for a signature dining restaurant. That's very nice because then you don't have to worry about where the extra credit will come from and what meal you'll pay oop for and so on!

Definitely add Narcossee's!! Call now!! Right now!!! It was by far in the top 2 of any meal I've ever had!! Granted we both had lobster, but it was sooo good! They cook it in this big steam closet thing, like a sauna for lobsters with a bad ending. They somehow take the meat out of the shell perfectly and get any yucky stuff out and replace the meat. Meanwhile the shell looks perfect! They cut it somehow with a razor thin slit!

Artist Point is sooo good too! We really enjoyed it! Not to mention the surroundings are so nice! We love WL!

Being able to go alone more with DH was definitely one thought in my mind when we were going through the purchase! Of course, being a little point challenged right now that will have to wait! I really, really wish I had pushed DH a little for 270 - 300 points! I mentioned it and he said he didn't think we needed that many so I dropped it cause I was still treading lightly worried that he would change his mind! I keep looking at resales and you can get 100 points for like $85 a point! Too tempting!


Thanks for following along!!! I'll put up the link for the PTR soon!

I just added Narcoosee's today and told my TA to add the DxDP on Monday. It's only $258 more for 4 days. I think that is totally worth it. I also made some additions for breakfast and lunch. Now on the way home I was thinking that I will add the flying fish. I want to go check out reviews on that. The only night I probably won't do signature dining is the night we plan to hit the Halloween party. I don't think it would be worth it to have a big long dinner and then get to the party late.

I know what you are saying about the points. I wish I had 270 points and the only reason I didn't push for more was because my kids are going to be out of the house in a few years. I figured once they were in college we would only stay in studios or a 1BR for a special treat. But now I am starting to discover how much fun it is to take other people along and that requires a 2BR.

So get your feet wet and then start looking for an add on contract. I am actually supposed to get a small inheritance from my uncle who died recently. He was such an awesome, generous guy. I know he would want me to use the money for something I love, so I am either going to buy a new flute (yes, I play the flute) or add on DVC points!


Now I have to go on over to your PTR. Nice title!

[brookelizabeth]

I was SO far behind! :eek:
First, how scary about your DS being sick! I'm soooo glad to read he's okay. Whew, that had to be a very scary time for you! :hug:

I don't even know where to begin for the updates, so I'll just say I really enjoyed reading them all-and loved your final thoughts! Sometime I'd like to do a DH and I only trip, but I can't bring myself to be away from DS for that long yet. I'm sure the day will come, but not quite yet. :rolleyes: :goodvibes

I'm excited to read your new PTR!! :yay:

And, we are so "coffee sisters". :lmao: I search out the latte stands too, the first thing we buy in the airport is REAL coffee--and I too, not a big fan of Starbucks, more of a Dunkin' gal (or Caribou :lovestruc), but Starbucks is better than the swill at WDW! :thumbsup2

[mickeysmyboy]

I was SO far behind! :eek:
First, how scary about your DS being sick! I'm soooo glad to read he's okay. Whew, that had to be a very scary time for you! :hug:

I don't even know where to begin for the updates, so I'll just say I really enjoyed reading them all-and loved your final thoughts! Sometime I'd like to do a DH and I only trip, but I can't bring myself to be away from DS for that long yet. I'm sure the day will come, but not quite yet. :rolleyes: :goodvibes

I'm excited to read your new PTR!! :yay:

And, we are so "coffee sisters". :lmao: I search out the latte stands too, the first thing we buy in the airport is REAL coffee--and I too, not a big fan of Starbucks, more of a Dunkin' gal (or Caribou :lovestruc), but Starbucks is better than the swill at WDW! :thumbsup2


LOL! That's ok! I always seem to fall behind!

Ryan was so sick! IT was crazy! But he got better quickly and is back to his old terrible 2 self ;)

DH and I have been married 10 years, been parents for 8, that's how long it took us to finally go away alone! We'd been away for a night or 2 maybe 4 times in 8 years for weddings and whatnot but never longer then 1 or 2 night! THe 2 nights was only once because we were both in the wedding. We'd also never been away since Ryan was born! It takes a longtime to get to the point where you need that alone vacation! I ran into one of DD's friends mom's in the grocery store the other day and we were talking about and she said her and her husband are at the point now where they need to take that alone vacation. Her oldest is 10. I was stressed about it but I promised myself I wouldn't cancel. It was sooooo worth it!

:lmao::rotfl2::cool1: Your so right about being coffee sisters!! I think we should compile a list of latte places in WDW to share with the good coffee drinking guests! I LOVE that caribou iced coffee!! That's all thanks to you! I have 1 left in my fridge right now and need to figure a trip to target for something other then just that so I can get more! It's wonderful for a afternoon pick me up!

Please come on over to my PTR!!! The more friends the better! :hug: