What's the Big Deal With Staying On Property Anyway? *Goodbyes* 12/17 p.114

[cjackearl]

Um........interesting review. Did you have room service?;):rotfl:

[Goofster57]

We ate at RR on our last trip and LOVED it (it was just dh and I). Here's the link to my review:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2903.jpg

Okay - now I need to run and get a shower!!! Have some errands to run. Be back later. :goodvibes

When you get outof the shower you may want to change your link.....:lmao:

[Goofster57]

Those look like really nice rooms,

I have never stayed there, in fact I don't think I have ever been to that resort at all.

Nice update Carissa

[carissanboys]

Um........interesting review. Did you have room service?;):rotfl:

:rolleyes1

When you get outof the shower you may want to change your link.....:lmao:

Shower is done and the boys are playing nicely together and not wanting to run errands. I'll just wait until Chuck gets home and go out by myself. Probably a better idea since Sully has pink eye today and should probably limit his exposure to the public. :sick:

Those look like really nice rooms,

I have never stayed there, in fact I don't think I have ever been to that resort at all.

Nice update Carissa

You REALLY need to go to POR and take the boat ride to DTD. :thumbsup2

[MagicShell]

Glad to see that you made it. On my first trip to Disney World, we stayed at Dixie Landings which is now Riverside. We didn't have any kids yet. We really like staying there a lot. I can't wait to hear how you liked it.

[blue_river]

uh Carissa....todays the 10th! :rotfl:

What's happening on the 10th??? :confused3

Building 14 was awesome!! We got to be so tired by the end that if we'd had to walk much farther I'm not sure what we would have done! :rotfl:

We were in Building 26 :headache:


What tattoo?? :confused3

Hmmm....I'll have to find a photo and paste it! He got his ear signed by the real Stitch on our trip at O'Hanas!

[carissanboys]

Glad to see that you made it. On my first trip to Disney World, we stayed at Dixie Landings which is now Riverside. We didn't have any kids yet. We really like staying there a lot. I can't wait to hear how you liked it.

It's a great resort. :thumbsup2

What's happening on the 10th??? :confused3

She was telling me that I had posted the wrong date in my title. I had put 4/16 because I was trying to remember page 16. :rolleyes1

We were in Building 26 :headache:

Whoa - didn't know they went that high! :rotfl: I'd imagine you'd almost have to drive over and park out front of the main building if you wanted to use the food court.

Hmmm....I'll have to find a photo and paste it! He got his ear signed by the real Stitch on our trip at O'Hanas!

Ahhhh - must have been loved off of him. :goodvibes A CM did tell us that Stitch would sign our Stitch, but since he's not ours I wasn't sure if that would be okay or not.

[jbmom]

I am enjoying your trip report very much! I don't often read trip reports, but yours is great! Must be because you're a fellow pillow freak.:rolleyes1

[carissanboys]

I am enjoying your trip report very much! I don't often read trip reports, but yours is great! Must be because you're a fellow pillow freak.:rolleyes1

:welcome: I'm honored that you're reading mine! :) Pillow freaks unite! :rotfl:

I LOVE Mike Rowe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :love:

[jbmom]

:welcome: I'm honored that you're reading mine! :) Pillow freaks unite! :rotfl:

I LOVE Mike Rowe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :love:

I knew I liked you! He's my TV boyfriend, at least that's what dh says.:lmao:

[carissanboys]

I knew I liked you! He's my TV boyfriend, at least that's what dh says.:lmao:

I'm curious though - how does he have time to visit you in your dreams?? He's pretty tired when he leaves mine. :rolleyes1

[Charleston Princess]

Don't you hate getting turned around on the interstate? That's happened to us a couple of times over the years.

I bet Owen felt that it was a dollar well spent. :lmao:

I get all choked up when the CM welcomes me to the resort as well! ;) Oh, and I always get all choked up when we drive under the sign!

What a crazy check-in line!!! :scared1: Thanks for all the tips about online check-in -- we are going to try it out in June -- hopefully it will make it go quickly for us, too!

The room looks great! We stayed at Riverside in 2004 but had one of the Mansion rooms -- which we loved! It is such a pretty resort!

[carissanboys]

I bet Owen felt that it was a dollar well spent. :lmao:

I'm sure he did! :rotfl:

The room looks great! We stayed at Riverside in 2004 but had one of the Mansion rooms -- which we loved! It is such a pretty resort!

Chuck really liked the look of the mansion buildings, but I didn't really like the decor of those rooms nearly as much as Aligator Bayou (not that we had a choice anyway since we have five people). The grounds are GORGEOUS. :goodvibes

[Goofy442]

Just tuning in. My DH and I stayed at PO and loved it we went down for our 20th anniversary with out the kids which they were not happy about. But we all need some alone time without the kids.

[Charleston Princess]

I'm sure he did! :rotfl:

Chuck really liked the look of the mansion buildings, but I didn't really like the decor of those rooms nearly as much as Aligator Bayou (not that we had a choice anyway since we have five people). The grounds are GORGEOUS. :goodvibes

I am such a southern belle at heart, those mansions are right up my alley! ;)

Hope you were able to explore lots of the stuff at Riverside and that you took a lot of photos for later in your TR!

[carissanboys]

Just tuning in. My DH and I stayed at PO and loved it we went down for our 20th anniversary with out the kids which they were not happy about. But we all need some alone time with the kids.

:welcome: I bet that was wonderful! :love:

I am such a southern belle at heart, those mansions are right up my alley! ;)

Hope you were able to explore lots of the stuff at Riverside and that you took a lot of photos for later in your TR!

The mansions are beautiful. TONS of pictures. :thumbsup2

[coffeehousemom]

Isn't it just the best getting the "welcome home". I honestly don't remember them doing that at All Stars last year but they did at POP this year.

Hmm differences in our Chucks..... mine is a driving fiend. He loves to drive WILL NOT fly. SO we do the 23 hour straight drive to the world :scared1:. Yes DVD players are a life saver. Its funny cause my little guys always relates drive times to vacations. "is it as long as a Disney drive or just a S. Dakota drive? or please tell me its only a Minnesota drive.":car:

Finished you PTR I felt your pain on the whole move orders thing I did the 12 schools in 12 years. Most of my family is in the service still Brother Army 30yrs & new nephew in law Marines.

[jmskinner]

:yay:Another update. Love your room pics, we have only stayed at the mansion side of POR, so it is nice to see pics from the other.

DH and I have a lot of issues driving, usually because he has his head in a book when I need his help to watch for signs.

Can't wait to hear about your visit to Raglan Road.

[carissanboys]

Its funny cause my little guys always relates drive times to vacations. "is it as long as a Disney drive or just a S. Dakota drive? or please tell me its only a Minnesota drive.":car:

That's so cute! :rotfl:

Finished you PTR I felt your pain on the whole move orders thing I did the 12 schools in 12 years. Most of my family is in the service still Brother Army 30yrs & new nephew in law Marines.

Wow! Thanks for reading the PTR. :thumbsup2 12 schools in 12 years would be very tough. Our oldest two have been at one school so far (we homeschooled our oldest for kindergarten and first), and they'll be at the next one for hopefully 3 - 4 years until Chuck retires. And then our plan would be to settle somewhere after that so they don't have to keep moving through the junior high/highschool years.

:yay:Another update. Love your room pics, we have only stayed at the mansion side of POR, so it is nice to see pics from the other.

DH and I have a lot of issues driving, usually because he has his head in a book when I need his help to watch for signs.

Can't wait to hear about your visit to Raglan Road.

We won't discuss the driving issues between Chuck and I (he IS reading this afterall!). :rolleyes1 Suffice to say there are arguments no matter which of us is driving, but less when I am (mainly because I constantly comment on his driving). I think the second day I began doing all of the driving around Disney World and Chuck said, "This is much nicer. There's no complaining about my driving." ;)

[jmskinner]

Chuck said, "This is much nicer. There's no complaining about my driving." ;)

:rotfl:

[liznboys]

$1 to pee, too funny!! Owen is a pricey pee-er. lol

You're in Disney World!!!!!! :cloud9:

Riverside is so pretty. Aw, Welcome Home. Yeah, I think it used to be a DVC only thing and has spread to everywhere. Some DVC peeps are a bit peeved by that. lol

Nice bday button, love the Mickey for the i dot.

I love those rooms, we honeymooned in POR, well, Dixie Landings!

[carissanboys]

Nice bday button, love the Mickey for the i dot.

I love those rooms, we honeymooned in POR, well, Dixie Landings!

Isn't it cute? I actually think that pin was given me to later in the trip. I think the first one I got didn't have the special Mickey dot.

Did it look the same when it was Dixie Landings? Did just the name change?

[liznboys]

I'm not sure what else, if anything, changed besides the name. It looks the same pretty much to me.

[jordanyosh]

see what happens when you're gone for 6 weeks. I'll be back on Sunday

[carissanboys]

see what happens when you're gone for 6 weeks. I'll be back on Sunday

JORDAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

You've been missed my friend (in case you couldn't tell by the message I left on your TR :rolleyes1 )!

Looking forward to having you back around the neighborhood and hoping you enjoyed your time away. :hug:

[jordanyosh]

JORDAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

You've been missed my friend (in case you couldn't tell by the message I left on your TR :rolleyes1 )!

Looking forward to having you back around the neighborhood and hoping you enjoyed your time away. :hug:

good to be almost back. Thanks for missing me.....:)

[liznboys]

Carissa, have you been reading the crowd reports over the past week? Aren't you so glad you went the week before this??! :eek: I can't believe it's been worse this week than our trip over Christmas.

[jbmom]

I'm curious though - how does he have time to visit you in your dreams?? He's pretty tired when he leaves mine. :rolleyes1

He is like the sandman and can make many womens dreams blissfully "dirty" at the same time. Never underestimate the power of Mike!

[carissanboys]

Carissa, have you been reading the crowd reports over the past week? Aren't you so glad you went the week before this??! :eek: I can't believe it's been worse this week than our trip over Christmas.

No I haven't, but it doesn't surprise me. That's exactly the reason I was willing to pull the boys out of school last week even though their spring "break" was this week. This will come up more in the TR, but crowds were pretty much the same as our first trip that we took that first week of March (when we were there with you :love: ).

[carissanboys]

He is like the sandman and can make many womens dreams blissfully "dirty" at the same time. Never underestimate the power of Mike!

:rotfl: I really like you. :thumbsup2 You will fit in well here. :rolleyes1

[Flora]

Well, here I am!!! :thumbsup2

While, we have drove through the Disney property sign a few times for day trips while in Florida, I think it will feel even better the next time we go and actually make that looooong drive down.

Cool that you got building 14. Excellent location. Rooms look exactly the same, 'cept flipped from ours.

That line does look atrocious. Glad you were finally able to find the online checkin line. Very interesting.

I'll have to remember to bookmark this so I can keep up ... :flower3:

[carissanboys]

Well, here I am!!! :thumbsup2

While, we have drove through the Disney property sign a few times for day trips while in Florida, I think it will feel even better the next time we go and actually make that looooong drive down.

Cool that you got building 14. Excellent location. Rooms look exactly the same, 'cept flipped from ours.

That line does look atrocious. Glad you were finally able to find the online checkin line. Very interesting.

I'll have to remember to bookmark this so I can keep up ... :flower3:

Who are you?? :confused3


I kid! Glad you're here. :hug:

If people aren't familiar with POR, they might not realize how long that line really was. There was the straight part I was in and then up ahead it curved around to the left. I think one woman said it took her 45 minutes to reach the counter - guess that doesn't sound too bad but when you've been on the road for two days and just want to relax (and make a reservation at DTD) - not what you want to see!

[mrsksomeday]

OH you just brought back great memories for me. I love POR :love:, we were in Building 14, fantastic location :thumbsup2. I am glad you heard "welcome home" I would have gotten all teary eyed. I am loving your PTR.

[winkers]

I love that you tried to get Owen to pee in a pop bottle....:lmao: I don't blame him for not doing it. Neither would I!

I hope the long line at check in isn't a sign of things to come!:eek:

[mckh]

Hello, I am new here, but always love to see other military wives around on the boards I go to. My husband has done a 16 month deployment overseas and will be going back next year. We love disney, so can't wait to read as much as possible on these boards.

Katie (wife and mother to 4)

[mousescrapper]

No I love to scan thru it all I don't read all the chatter, but close to it...never know what you miss....

No I haven't, but it doesn't surprise me. That's exactly the reason I was willing to pull the boys out of school last week even though their spring "break" was this week. This will come up more in the TR, but crowds were pretty much the same as our first trip that we took that first week of March (when we were there with you :love: ).

I'd like to chime in and say the first 5 days of our trip 3-26to the 30th were good but you could really feel and see the crowd pick up those last 3 especially AK on Tuesday the 31st...more to come in my TR (to start real soon I promise)

[dddisrunner]

Yay! You made it to WDW!!:cool1: LOVE all the great pictures of the room at POR looks so rustic!! I always feel good when the bad traffic is on the OPPOSITE side of the road that I am driving on!:goodvibes

[carissanboys]

OH you just brought back great memories for me. I love POR :love:, we were in Building 14, fantastic location :thumbsup2. I am glad you heard "welcome home" I would have gotten all teary eyed. I am loving your PTR.

Maybe my getting Building 14 was a birthday present. :thumbsup2 Thanks Tracy! :goodvibes

I love that you tried to get Owen to pee in a pop bottle....:lmao: I don't blame him for not doing it. Neither would I!

He did it before when he was younger. And I think it would be a lot more difficult for you to pee in a bottle than it would be for Owen, Cherie - just sayin'. :rolleyes1

I hope the long line at check in isn't a sign of things to come!:eek:

That's what I was afraid of too when I saw the line.

Hello, I am new here, but always love to see other military wives around on the boards I go to. My husband has done a 16 month deployment overseas and will be going back next year. We love disney, so can't wait to read as much as possible on these boards.

Katie (wife and mother to 4)

:welcome: Hello Katie! I feel so honored that your first post here was on my TR! :goodvibes Thank you to you, your children, and your husband for your service to our country. I feel like an imposter sometimes because my husband has never had to be deployed overseas and this will be his first ship duty. I can't imagine how difficult it is for you to have your husband gone so long and have 4 little ones to take care of. :hug:

Glad to have you here and feel free to ask any questions about Disney. If I don't know the answer, there are plenty of experts here to help!

I'd like to chime in and say the first 5 days of our trip 3-26to the 30th were good but you could really feel and see the crowd pick up those last 3 especially AK on Tuesday the 31st...more to come in my TR (to start real soon I promise)

Looking forward to it!

[carissanboys]

Yay! You made it to WDW!!:cool1: LOVE all the great pictures of the room at POR looks so rustic!! I always feel good when the bad traffic is on the OPPOSITE side of the road that I am driving on!:goodvibes

I know! It happened on the way home too. :thumbsup2

[dismagiclover]

Yea! You've finally arrived and your room looks great! I can't wait to hear about the trip. Don't keep us hanging!

[carissanboys]

Yea! You've finally arrived and your room looks great! I can't wait to hear about the trip. Don't keep us hanging!

Hey Jenny! :goodvibes I don't think there's any worry of that happening at the rate I update! :rotfl:

[mnkyboy24]

The rooms were an "OK" size. Although we didn't stay in the room for long, if the weather was really bad and you did have to stay there a while (2 adults and 3 boys) would get really old really quick. But other than that, the room was perfect. They looked nice, had a mandatory coffee pot, half fridge...plenty enough for a short stay. For 2 people, those rooms would be outstanding.

Those look like really nice rooms,

I have never stayed there, in fact I don't think I have ever been to that resort at all.

Nice update Carissa

[carissanboys]

The rooms were an "OK" size. Although we didn't stay in the room for long, if the weather was really bad and you did have to stay there a while (2 adults and 3 boys) would get really old really quick. But other than that, the room was perfect. They looked nice, had a mandatory coffee pot, half fridge...plenty enough for a short stay. For 2 people, those rooms would be outstanding.

It wasn't as tight a fit as I thought it would be. And the way we were able to make use of the sink area (which I will talk about soon) really helped.

[liznboys]

No I haven't, but it doesn't surprise me. That's exactly the reason I was willing to pull the boys out of school last week even though their spring "break" was this week. This will come up more in the TR, but crowds were pretty much the same as our first trip that we took that first week of March (when we were there with you :love: ).

Wow, you had great crowd levels then, nice!

Cute new avatar!

[KathyRN137]

Welcome Home is always so nice to hear!! :goodvibes

Your room looks great!! I love that decor, too....


Kathy

[GGOOFY1]

Stumbled onto your trip report and I am looking forward to your updates. Have a great trip

[momrek06]

Carissa..another great update!!! :banana:

Ahhh, "welcome home"...I would have gotten emotional too, Car!! How awesome to hear that!!! :goodvibes

The rooms are wonderful...I have never stayed at POR...not even really sure where that resort is...but one day soon I will get back to the WORLD. :yay:

Loving the new avvie and the new siggy!!! :thumbsup2

:dance3: DM IS IN DA HOUSE!!!!!!!!! :dance3:

[Goofster57]

The rooms were an "OK" size. Although we didn't stay in the room for long, if the weather was really bad and you did have to stay there a while (2 adults and 3 boys) would get really old really quick. But other than that, the room was perfect. They looked nice, had a mandatory coffee pot, half fridge...plenty enough for a short stay. For 2 people, those rooms would be outstanding.

It wasn't as tight a fit as I thought it would be. And the way we were able to make use of the sink area (which I will talk about soon) really helped.

I think I have to side with Chuck on this, not sure I would want to be stuck in the room for a long period of time.

[carissanboys]

Wow, you had great crowd levels then, nice!

Cute new avatar!

Let's just say that they felt about the same anyway - maybe they were busier, but it always seems pretty busy to me in the afternoons at all of the parks.

Thanks!

Welcome Home is always so nice to hear!! :goodvibes

Your room looks great!! I love that decor, too....


Kathy

:goodvibes

Stumbled onto your trip report and I am looking forward to your updates. Have a great trip

:welcome: Thanks for reading!

Carissa..another great update!!! :banana:

Ahhh, "welcome home"...I would have gotten emotional too, Car!! How awesome to hear that!!! :goodvibes

The rooms are wonderful...I have never stayed at POR...not even really sure where that resort is...but one day soon I will get back to the WORLD. :yay:

Loving the new avvie and the new siggy!!! :thumbsup2

:dance3: DM IS IN DA HOUSE!!!!!!!!! :dance3:

POR is a Downtown Disney resort. I didn't know where it was until we decided to stay there. ;)

I think I have to side with Chuck on this, not sure I would want to be stuck in the room for a long period of time.

I didn't say that would be easy - just saying I thought the rooms would be horribly small and the entire stay would be difficult. Just wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. That was one of the reasons why I didn't want to stay on property.

[MeMom]

Well, since I didn't end up back at the hospital this morning, I get to spend some time catching up on reports. I last left this one when you had escaped the tornadoes, so it was good to see pictures of your safe arrival and the boys in the room.

Stitch was cute watching out the window. It's fun to 'play' with our little friends on these trips. One of my favorite pictures of a Disney pal who came along with us is this one:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/DSC03340.jpg

Minnie so enjoyed seeing Beauty and the Beast! :)

I have only visited POR, but Jill and John have stayed there once. They liked it, and they liked the food at Boatwright's. I enjoy walking the peaceful riverside path that runs from POR to POFQ. It's always so quiet back there that you can easily forget you are really plopped in the midst of a place, speaking of WDW as a whole, that is crawling with thousands and thousands of people.

[whogirl'smom]

Oh, good, you're finally there! That was a lot of catching up to do since yesterday morning--you're a very popular girl!

[mejkjj97]

joining in- enjoy your report so far. i am interested in what you think about the rooms at PORS for a family of 5. My friend is staying there in a couple of weeks and any advise would be great!

[carissanboys]

Stitch was cute watching out the window. It's fun to 'play' with our little friends on these trips. One of my favorite pictures of a Disney pal who came along with us is this one:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/missjill5/DSC03340.jpg

Minnie so enjoyed seeing Beauty and the Beast! :)

I remember you posting that on my PTR - I love it! We had a lot of fun with Stitch - as you will soon see. :goodvibes

I have only visited POR, but Jill and John have stayed there once. They liked it, and they liked the food at Boatwright's. I enjoy walking the peaceful riverside path that runs from POR to POFQ. It's always so quiet back there that you can easily forget you are really plopped in the midst of a place, speaking of WDW as a whole, that is crawling with thousands and thousands of people.

We didn't eat at Boatwright's - we should have. I haven't been to all that many of the resorts yet, but from what I can tell - POR seems to have the best grounds. :thumbsup2

Oh, good, you're finally there! That was a lot of catching up to do since yesterday morning--you're a very popular girl!

I don't know about that - but I am chatty! :rotfl:

joining in- enjoy your report so far. i am interested in what you think about the rooms at PORS for a family of 5. My friend is staying there in a couple of weeks and any advise would be great!

:welcome: Probably another installment or so and then I'll discuss the room and how we made it work for us. I should get to it by early next week. :thumbsup2

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

It's a rainy and cold Saturday here in Maryland - a far cry from how we were spending LAST Saturday!

You will notice I didn't do an update this morning. I promised I would slow down a bit once we arrived at Disney World. I figure everyone is busy this weekend with Easter plans anyway so the next update will be Monday morning (that gives Jordan a chance to catch up ;) ). We'll be heading up to PA to celebrate with Chuck's family tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

[Charleston Princess]

Have fun in Pennsylvania and have a wonderful Easter, Carissa!

[MeMom]

I remember you posting that on my PTR - I love it! We had a lot of fun with Stitch - as you will soon see. :goodvibes



I hope everyone has a great weekend![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Oops! Sorry for the repeat. You know how us old people are. We say (and show) the same things over and over! :rotfl:

[carissanboys]

Have fun in Pennsylvania and have a wonderful Easter, Carissa!

Thanks Jackie! You too! :goodvibes

Oops! Sorry for the repeat. You know how us old people are. We say (and show) the same things over and over! :rotfl:

:rotfl: I'm glad you posted it! I have a lot of readers who didn't read my PTR. :thumbsup2

[Goofy442]

My son who works at DHS said MK got to level 4 which means nobody was allowed in the park. I don't think I would want to be at the park then. I have pulled my kids out of school but our teachers don't have to give them makeup work so they fall behind. We leave on the 24th of April for SSR and my DS will miss three days of school but is a good student so I'm not worried.

[carissanboys]

My son who works at DHS said MK got to level 4 which means nobody was allowed in the park. I don't think I would want to be at the park then. I have pulled my kids out of school but our teachers don't have to give them makeup work so they fall behind. We leave on the 24th of April for SSR and my DS will miss three days of school but is a good student so I'm not worried.

When did MK get to level 4?

[momrek06]

Have a wonderful EASTER, Carissa!! Safe travels!! :goodvibes

We will all be at the RED SOX/ANGELS game on Easter Sunday!!
http://bestsmileys.com/sports2/24.gif

[carissanboys]

Have a wonderful EASTER, Carissa!! Safe travels!! :goodvibes

We will all be at the RED SOX/ANGELS game on Easter Sunday!!
http://bestsmileys.com/sports2/24.gif

Lucky you!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes Blow a kiss to my little Scrapper (Pedroia), would you? :love:

[cjackearl]

Safe travels and Happy Easter!!:goodvibes

[carissanboys]

(Okay - you caught me. I know I said I wasn't going to do an update today - but, this really isn't an update. ;) )

I know my trip report has just begun, but I sent Stitch off on his journey to California today. His next host family is with Keith (Goofster57). I believe Keith plans to take Stitch to Disneyland and other Southern California Hot Spots and post about them in his ongoing TR. Once Stitch arrives and Keith updates his TR, I'll post a link in case anyone wants to continue following Stitch on his adventures. :stitch: We will all miss Stitch, but we're looking forward to seeing what mischief he gets into next. :rolleyes1

This is what I posted on Keith's TR today:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_4389-2-1.gif

Up Next - "I Swear I Wasn't Running Off Without Paying!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31311034&postcount=342)

[carissanboys]

Safe travels and Happy Easter!!:goodvibes

Thanks Christine! http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Easter_smiley_bunny.gif

[torsie24]

Hee hee! I love it!!!!

Very sad there's no update today though :sad2:

Have a wonderful Easter!

[mommytothreeboys]

I keep missing pages of your report...UGH!

I'm glad you were able to make the room work for you. I've always said that if you had to be stuck in there for any length of time with 5 people it would be a disaster :scared:, but as long as you just use the room for sleeping and getting ready to hit the parks, it's just fine. It would be tough if there was a little one that needed naps and everyone had to be quiet, but with older kids that's not an issue. :)

Have a great Easter with Chuck's family. Looking forward to more next week!

Oh..and bye Stitch! Enjoy sunny CA!! ;)

[pamouselover]

Hey! You got your siggy pics before me :mad:

They look great!

Guess I better find the ones I like and send them off :woohoo:
Ok, I need to learn how to do this!
Idiot directions only please.

Isn't it just the best getting the "welcome home". I honestly don't remember them doing that at All Stars last year but they did at POP this year.

Hmm differences in our Chucks..... mine is a driving fiend. He loves to drive WILL NOT fly. SO we do the 23 hour straight drive to the world :scared1:. Yes DVD players are a life saver. Its funny cause my little guys always relates drive times to vacations. "is it as long as a Disney drive or just a S. Dakota drive? or please tell me its only a Minnesota drive.":car:

Finished you PTR I felt your pain on the whole move orders thing I did the 12 schools in 12 years. Most of my family is in the service still Brother Army 30yrs & new nephew in law Marines.

HI KATE!:hug:

Hi, Well I think I made it throught all the pages! :laughing:
I am so glad you did the drive by of SOTB. Pedro lies.
$1.00 to pee...too funny. Welcome home! How did you miss that on all the TR's? The is the best feeling! Room looks great. Cant wait for more.

[carissanboys]

Hee hee! I love it!!!!

Very sad there's no update today though :sad2:

Have a wonderful Easter!

Sorry Torsie! First thing Monday morning. :thumbsup2

I keep missing pages of your report...UGH!

I figured you were just ignoring me. :sad1:

J/K ;)


Ok, I need to learn how to do this!
Idiot directions only please.

Are you asking how to use an image as a link? It works the same way as a text link. Highlight the image code, then click on the link button, and paste the link. Voila! Let me know if you need more details.

Welcome home! How did you miss that on all the TR's? The is the best feeling! Room looks great. Cant wait for more.

There's a lot of things I miss! :rotfl:

[torsie24]

Ok, I need to learn how to do this!
Idiot directions only please.


Hi Pam,

I made Carissa and Heidi's pictures, feel free to PM me if you want some made for TRs. :)

[blue_river]

I know my trip report has just begun, but I sent Stitch off on his journey to California today. His next host family is with Keith (Goofster57).
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_4389-2-1.gif


Yahooty!!!! Can't wait to see what kinda trouble Stitch gets into out in California :yay:

Guess Stitch will be heading back to Canada after his visit to California eh? :woohoo:

Heading to Goofsters page now :goodvibes

[blue_river]

Ok, I need to learn how to do this!
Idiot directions only please.



Torsie made mine and taught me how to do the linking too! I see she already offered to make you some also! :goodvibes

[mousescrapper]

:wave: bye Stitch....it was fun to see you. Didn't know he was the traveling kind. How very fun!

we had some tag-alongs for our trip this year too. 1) we brought with and 1) that joined us on Day 2).....

Have a great Easter and safe travels

[blue_river]

:wave: bye Stitch....it was fun to see you. Didn't know he was the traveling kind. How very fun!

we had some tag-alongs for our trip this year too. 1) we brought with and 1) that joined us on Day 2).....

Have a great Easter and safe travels


Who were your tag-alongs???? popcorn::

[carissanboys]

Hi Pam,

I made Carissa and Heidi's pictures, feel free to PM me if you want some made for TRs. :)

You're so sweet. :goodvibes

Yahooty!!!! Can't wait to see what kinda trouble Stitch gets into out in California :yay:

Guess Stitch will be heading back to Canada after his visit to California eh? :woohoo:

Heading to Goofsters page now :goodvibes

A reunion! :banana:

:wave: bye Stitch....it was fun to see you. Didn't know he was the traveling kind. How very fun!

we had some tag-alongs for our trip this year too. 1) we brought with and 1) that joined us on Day 2).....

Have a great Easter and safe travels

You're such a tease! I can't wait for you to start your TR. :thumbsup2

[jerseygirl81]

I found your TR last night and I'm now up to date and loving it! Linda :)

[wvdislover]

Hi, Car! Sorry I'm late, but I wanted to see if I could still join in on the party? Since it's late, and I still need to put the girls' Easter baskets together, I skipped all the chit-chat (maybe I can go back and catch it later) and just read your updates. Sounds exciting so far! BTW, your room at POR looks EXACTLY like the room we stayed in our first time there! Who knows? Maybe it was!

[carissanboys]

I found your TR last night and I'm now up to date and loving it! Linda :)

:welcome: Linda! Glad you're enjoying it. :goodvibes

Hi, Car! Sorry I'm late, but I wanted to see if I could still join in on the party? Since it's late, and I still need to put the girls' Easter baskets together, I skipped all the chit-chat (maybe I can go back and catch it later) and just read your updates. Sounds exciting so far! BTW, your room at POR looks EXACTLY like the room we stayed in our first time there! Who knows? Maybe it was!

:welcome: No worries on skipping the chit chat - that's what the links are for (I realized one of the links was messed up, but have fixed it). :thumbsup2

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/ATT0000911.jpg

[torsie24]

Haha, that's too cute! :) Happy easter, xx

[jmskinner]

Happy Easter!!!

Love the Easter pic!

[flyfire]

Thank you for the pics of AB rooms! :worship: That's were we are staying. I am sooooo excited.

[Flora]

What? No update? :lmao:

Happy Easter Car!

[mommytothreeboys]

Happy Easter!! Hope you are enjoying your day!

[cjackearl]

Happy Easter Carissa!:goodvibes

[carissanboys]

Haha, that's too cute! :) Happy easter, xx

Happy Easter!!!

Love the Easter pic!

Thanks! :goodvibes

Thank you for the pics of AB rooms! :worship: That's were we are staying. I am sooooo excited.

:welcome: Glad to help! :thumbsup2 You will LOVE POR!

What? No update? :lmao:

Happy Easter Car!

I know - hard to believe I could go a whole day without doing one! ;)

Happy Easter!! Hope you are enjoying your day!

Happy Easter Carissa!:goodvibes

Thanks everyone! :grouphug:

We're home and had a lovely day with family. I'm super tired though! Off to bed soon and an update in the morning. :thumbsup2

[Goofster57]

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

[blue_river]

Looking forward to the update CAR!!!!


:woohoo:

[carissanboys]

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

Is there something in the air again today or are you excited about an update tomorrow? Or did you eat too much candy and on a sugar high? :confused3

Looking forward to the update CAR!!!!


:woohoo:

I get to post food porn tomorrow!!! :cool1:

[Goofster57]

Is there something in the air again today or are you excited about an update tomorrow? Or did you eat too much candy and on a sugar high? :confused3


Yeah, That's it.....



I get to post food porn tomorrow!!! :cool1:


:cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

[carissanboys]

Yeah, That's it.....

All of 'em, eh? Hooboy! ;)

[wvdislover]

Hope everybody had a happy Easter! We went out to eat at Quaker Steak and Lube (had gift cards! :banana:) and then took DD's 11 and 7 to see the Hannah Montana movie. Movie was actually well done, surprisingly. Better run...it's bedtime!

[DisMomAmy]

I hope you had a Happy Easter! :goodvibes

[carissanboys]

Hope everybody had a happy Easter! We went out to eat at Quaker Steak and Lube (had gift cards! :banana:) and then took DD's 11 and 7 to see the Hannah Montana movie. Movie was actually well done, surprisingly. Better run...it's bedtime!

I've heard great things about that place (and I've seen the episode of Dives, Drive-Ins, and Diners - or whatever it's called - when Guy goes there and eats the hottest wings they have)!

I hope you had a Happy Easter! :goodvibes

Thanks Amy - you too! I'm trying to wake up enough to roll out an update. (there really needs to be some sort of sleepy smiley)

[carissanboys]

After dropping things in our room (and taking quick pictures), we headed over to the dock to catch a boat taxi to DTD.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2918.jpg

The boat goes from POR to POFQ - then on to DTD. On the way back it stops at POFQ first - then to POR. If you get on at POR you should know that they have to leave a certain amount of seats open so that people getting on at POFQ can have room too. Many people did not seem to understand why this was and I tried explaining once to a couple of people - but they just thought the captain was giving them a story. :confused3

Anyway - we had no issues finding a seat at that time of day. We sat down and settled in to enjoy the ride down the Sassagoula River.

This is where I must confess something.

It was on this boat ride that I fell in love. :love:


The boat ride to DTD is what made me first start falling for Port Orleans Riverside. It is such a relaxing, beautiful experience. It really was one of my favorite parts of this trip.

After the 15 minute ride to DTD, we disembarked and headed over to Raglan Road.

Our first view of "Flights of Wonder"

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2904.jpg

Here's where things started to go a bit "meh."

I had made a reservation online for 5:30. I knew the entertainment started at 6 so I figured this was a good time for us to arrive and get our meal ordered, etc. I walked up to the desk and yes - they did have my reservation. Unfortunately, they didn't have a table available in the main section until 6. I asked if we could come back at 6 instead of sitting around to wait. She said she couldn't change our reservation at that point. :sad2: I said, "But, our reservation was for 5:30."

I consulted with Chuck and we decided to try sitting outside to eat. Well, the sun was starting to set (right in the eyeballs) and it was very windy that day. We lasted a few minutes before I went back in and told the girl we would take the next one she had available for us inside and we'd wait in the outdoor area. I kind of felt she was a bit annoyed with me - but maybe it was me being paranoid.

By this time I was DYING of thirst. You remember one of my rules of driving?? I don't drink much on driving days. I decided against ordering a Guinness because I figured I was already dehydrated. So, I got a lemonade and Chuck got a Guinness.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2906.jpg

I swear Owen wasn't drinking. :rolleyes1

I did have a sip of the Guinness and it was just as good as I remembered from our last visit to RR.

I asked our waitress how we'd go about paying - if we could just get a bill to add on to our meal. She said, "I'll bring you a check." In my mind that meant - I'll bring you a check to take with you so you can pay all together. She knew we were eating at the restaurant because she brought us menus to look over while we were waiting.

Our buzzer went off (it was before 6 I believe) and we headed inside. We got a table with a great view of the stage. Shortly after sitting down, the waitress from outside came up to me. She thought I was running off on her without paying. :confused3

I explained to her what I thought bringing me the check meant (I had placed the check on our table), but that I'd be happy to pay up now if she wanted. She said no - she'd just have to get her manager to add it to our new bill.

So far our meal at RR wasn't going super well!

We ordered our food and settled in to enjoy the entertainment. I had to get a picture of Mona enjoying my favorite beverage!

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2909.jpg

It's so beautiful inside!

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2913.jpg

One of my favorite parts of the meal - the Irish Soda Bread - arrived, but instead of slices of bread, it was now in the shape of muffins. It was still good, but I like the bread better. I didn't take any pictures for some reason. The best part is the olive oil and Guinness you dip the bread in.

I can't remember the name of the duo performing, but they were very good - and funny. Here's a short video clip:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/th_MVI_2908.jpg (http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/?action=view&current=MVI_2908.flv)

Then our food arrived! :cool1:

Chuck had the Serious Sirloin Steak and said it was outstanding.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2911.jpg

I have looked at different websites trying to find the name for what I had, but I can't find it listed anywhere. :confused3 It was pasta, with meatballs (which were cooked in Guinness), tossed in a red wine sauce. It was awesome! The meatballs had wonderful flavor, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was nice and light.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2910.jpg

Sully and Owen had the fish 'n chips and Connor had the Dalkey Duo, which he really didn't eat. This was one place that we had a very hard time picking something for Connor.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2912.jpg

I was very full after my meal, but since we were on the dining plan, we decided to share a dessert. I think they must have changed their menu recently because I can't find the dessert listed either.

It was an apple/berry crumble (is that right Chuck??). Very tasty.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2914.jpg

When it was time to pay up, we had to pay out of pocket for the Guinness (this is where it would have been tricky to pay outside - my lemonade was included on the dining plan, but if we weren't eating a meal at the time - what would have happened?) and I put that and the tip on our room tab. I realized afterwards that probably the girl outside wouldn't get a tip?? I felt badly, but I didn't realize it until we were back in our room.

I definitely didn't enjoy our meal at Raglan Road nearly as much as I had on our last trip when Chuck and I went alone. It was a combination of it being very loud with the music playing and chaotic - but also just having the boys along and not being able to relax. The food was awesome though!

We were all pretty tired so we decided to head back to our room and save shopping for another day. We did take time to snap a few photos along the way.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2917.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2916.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2915.jpg

The boat ride back was even more relaxing as the sun was setting and it was just so peaceful and cool with a lovely breeze blowing.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2926.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2919.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2922.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2923.jpg

Up Next - Renovations Anyone?

[mommytothreeboys]

Awesome update Carissa!

I am so with you about the boat ride from POR to DTD! It is so relaxing and beautiful! It's perfect after a long day of traveling or hitting the parks.

We are going to try Raglan Road's CS restaurant, Cooke's of Dublin. I hope the food is as good as inside! It looks delicious!

Loved the video...the shot of one of the boys (I think Owen???) with the wide open mouth made me giggle!!

Looking forward to more updates...you are going to keep me going this week while I get ready to go! Your pics make me want to be there NOW!! :goodvibes

[jcc0621]

I heave heard wonderful things about the boatride to DTD from POR. My brother and SIL said it was their favortie part of their last trip:goodvibes

Raglan Road - we went there last August. We had a 5:00 reservation, we arrived at exactly 5:00...we were the only one's there and they gave me a buzzer:confused3 When I questioned why they said that ALL of the servers were running late:confused: Don't think I will be running back there anytime soon.:sad2:

[jbmom]

Great update Carissa! That is my favorite part of staying at POR too, I love that boat ride and my boys love looking for critters in the water. They are Steve Irwin wannabes, unfortunately for me they have success catching less than desireable creatures too.:headache:

Here are some sleeping smiles. Personally, I like the first one!
http://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/13.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/2.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/14.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/15.gif

[Lady Lallie]

I wanted to pop in and tell you how much I have been enjoying your TR. :goodvibes

I know how you feel about the boat to DTD. I felt the same way about the boat from Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom. It just made me feel so relaxed. :thumbsup2

[carissanboys]

Awesome update Carissa!

I am so with you about the boat ride from POR to DTD! It is so relaxing and beautiful! It's perfect after a long day of traveling or hitting the parks.

We are going to try Raglan Road's CS restaurant, Cooke's of Dublin. I hope the food is as good as inside! It looks delicious!

Loved the video...the shot of one of the boys (I think Owen???) with the wide open mouth made me giggle!!

Looking forward to more updates...you are going to keep me going this week while I get ready to go! Your pics make me want to be there NOW!! :goodvibes

I saw on a dining plan snack thread that Cooke's of Dublin had fried chocolate bars!! I once had fried oreos in Syracuse, NY and they were to die for - seriously!!!!

Yes, that was Owen being silly. :rotfl:

You'll be there soon!! :goodvibes

I heave heard wonderful things about the boatride to DTD from POR. My brother and SIL said it was their favortie part of their last trip:goodvibes

Raglan Road - we went there last August. We had a 5:00 reservation, we arrived at exactly 5:00...we were the only one's there and they gave me a buzzer:confused3 When I questioned why they said that ALL of the servers were running late:confused: Don't think I will be running back there anytime soon.:sad2:

I was disappointed with the service a bit on this trip, but we still love the food! I believe the hostess told me that all of their servers weren't on yet either. :sad2: On our last trip we didn't have a reservation - just walked up and were seated immediately and had an awesome server.

Great update Carissa! That is my favorite part of staying at POR too, I love that boat ride and my boys love looking for critters in the water. They are Steve Irwin wannabes, unfortunately for me they have success catching less than desireable creatures too.:headache:

Here are some sleeping smiles. Personally, I like the first one!
http://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/13.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/2.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/14.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/sleeping/15.gif

We've been to Steve Irwin's Zoo (the Australia Zoo)! We all love animals and we enjoyed the many birds we saw on our boat rides. :)

Thanks for the smileys - I'll have to save them. :thumbsup2

I wanted to pop in and tell you how much I have been enjoying your TR. :goodvibes

I know how you feel about the boat to DTD. I felt the same way about the boat from Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom. It just made me feel so relaxed. :thumbsup2

:welcome: It's Lady Lallie! :goodvibes Thank you so much for reading.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

What a bummer about the poor service and the confusion over the bill for the drinks. At least the food was yummy!

[torsie24]

Yay!! Update! :woohoo: Lovely photos too!!

[pamouselover]

Sorry your dinner was not up to your expectations this time. Why does that always seem to happen? Love the new theme sign! Thanks for getting a pic of it. P.s You handbag looks great on you! Looking forward to more.:woohoo:

[DisMomAmy]

The boat ride sounds great! We'll be taking the MK/Wilderness Lodge boat when we eat at Whispering Canyon. It should be fun!

Sorry the restaurant wasn't what you remembered... I hate when that happens. :headache:

[pamouselover]

Hi Pam,

I made Carissa and Heidi's pictures, feel free to PM me if you want some made for TRs. :)

Ok, I will! Thanks!

Forgot to say glad you enjoyed the boat ride. I thought that made POFQ and POR speical.:lovestruc

[Phibbles]

Just got caught up today. Whew, this is moving quick. Keep up the good work, sounds like trip started very nice.


Phibbles's ticker just had to shout out that I love your title "sweatin with Mickey" so true in those summer months I did my fare share last June

Thanks. :goodvibes Will be title of my TR when we return too. Last Aug wiped me out and I swore we would never go in summer again. Then I went and booked a trip for DW's Aug birthday. :sad2: Glutten for punishment I am.

[GGOOFY1]

Carissa enjoying your TR We stay at OKW and I love the boat ride to DTD. I prefer to take the boat over the bus. It is so relaxing.

[carissanboys]

What a bummer about the poor service and the confusion over the bill for the drinks. At least the food was yummy!

That it was! I love their food.

Yay!! Update! :woohoo: Lovely photos too!!

Thanks :goodvibes

Sorry your dinner was not up to your expectations this time. Why does that always seem to happen? Love the new theme sign! Thanks for getting a pic of it. P.s You handbag looks great on you! Looking forward to more.:woohoo:

Thanks! I love my bag. :thumbsup2

The boat ride sounds great! We'll be taking the MK/Wilderness Lodge boat when we eat at Whispering Canyon. It should be fun!

Sorry the restaurant wasn't what you remembered... I hate when that happens. :headache:

I knew it would be a different experience because we'd be there during entertainment (our last meal there was very quiet because there was no one performing and it was dead). I probably wouldn't have minded the atmosphere if I'd been there with a bunch of friends - hanging out and having some drinks. I think we were just too stressed from the two day drive and the boys being tired. I'd still eat there again.

Just got caught up today. Whew, this is moving quick. Keep up the good work, sounds like trip started very nice.

Thanks Kevin :goodvibes

Carissa enjoying your TR We stay at OKW and I love the boat ride to DTD. I prefer to take the boat over the bus. It is so relaxing.

We didn't use the buses once on our trip. :rolleyes1

[MagicShell]

The boat to DTD was our favorite part of staying at POR.

[torsie24]

Ooooh, I didnt notice your bag! Off to look again now!

[torsie24]

Very pretty I love Paisley! It's where my Mum's half of my family are from, when I was little I always said I'd get married in Paisley Abbey.....sadly it lost out to WDW!

[momrek06]

Great update, Carissa. First off all your pictures are wonderful. You always do such a great job taking pictures. The boys loook so happy :goodvibes and I love the pic of you and Chuck!! :love:

Ahh..that boat ride looks to be very relaxing. I already love POR (through your pictures) and have never even been there. :goodvibes

Ahh..Car, you will have a few little bumps in the road here and there but it is all good because you and your family are at the WORLD!!! :mickeyjum

AND I love your bag too...is it a Vera? :yay:

[carissanboys]

The boat to DTD was our favorite part of staying at POR.

:thumbsup2

Ooooh, I didnt notice your bag! Off to look again now!

Very pretty I love Paisley! It's where my Mum's half of my family are from, when I was little I always said I'd get married in Paisley Abbey.....sadly it lost out to WDW!

It's a Vera Bradley Hipster. :goodvibes

Great update, Carissa. First off all your pictures are wonderful. You always do such a great job taking pictures. The boys loook so happy :goodvibes and I love the pic of you and Chuck!! :love:

Thanks Karen! :hug: I actually have a few other ones taken at the same time (of Chuck and I) - I kept cutting Chuck off. :rolleyes1

Ahh..that boat ride looks to be very relaxing. I already love POR (through your pictures) and have never even been there. :goodvibes

Ahh..Car, you will have a few little bumps in the road here and there but it is all good because you and your family are at the WORLD!!! :mickeyjum

AND I love your bag too...is it a Vera? :yay:

I have a lot more pictures of the grounds at POR that I can't wait to share!

Yes - it is Vera. ;)

[mrsksomeday]

Great update Carissa!!! I love the boat ride from POR, I can't wait until October :banana:. We might just try Raglan Road, Bill loved your food pictures :thumbsup2. I loved the family photos, you have a beautiful family.

[carissanboys]

Great update Carissa!!! I love the boat ride from POR, I can't wait until October :banana:. We might just try Raglan Road, Bill loved your food pictures :thumbsup2. I loved the family photos, you have a beautiful family.

Hi Bill!! :wave2: Thanks Tracy :hug:

[jessily]

Love your trip report! All the pictures are great:thumbsup2

We stayed at Riverside last year and absolutely loved the boat to DTD. Sometimes if the buses back to the resort were crazy, we'd take a bus to DTD and catch the boat back to the resort. It took a little longer but that boat was just so relaxing:love:

Can't wait to read more!

[Goofy442]

When did MK get to level 4?

It was the first week of April. Not sure which part of the country was on vacation but my son said it was very busy.

[cjackearl]

I'm looking forward to Raglan Road more and more.:thumbsup2 Your food porn is great.

Love the picture of you and Chuck, and you with the boys.

The picture of the Guiness on the table with Owen made me :rotfl2:. It looked like he was going to reach out for a great big ol' drink.

[Goofster57]

I'm Here...I'm Here...I Read....I Read

Stop yelling at me...:lmao:

Nice update Carissa,

Too bad your experiencing wasn't has good as before, I find that happens frequently for us in WDW.

I really like all of the boat taxi's you get to take while staying at the world, but then I like the buses too, so what does that say about me.

Keep up the good work

[carissanboys]

Love your trip report! All the pictures are great:thumbsup2

We stayed at Riverside last year and absolutely loved the boat to DTD. Sometimes if the buses back to the resort were crazy, we'd take a bus to DTD and catch the boat back to the resort. It took a little longer but that boat was just so relaxing:love:

Can't wait to read more!

:welcome: Thanks so much! :goodvibes

It was the first week of April. Not sure which part of the country was on vacation but my son said it was very busy.

From what I've heard, last week was much worse! :scared1:

I'm looking forward to Raglan Road more and more.:thumbsup2 Your food porn is great.

Love the picture of you and Chuck, and you with the boys.

The picture of the Guiness on the table with Owen made me :rotfl2:. It looked like he was going to reach out for a great big ol' drink.

I thought so too. :rotfl:

I'm Here...I'm Here...I Read....I Read

Stop yelling at me...:lmao:

Nice update Carissa,

Too bad your experiencing wasn't has good as before, I find that happens frequently for us in WDW.

I really like all of the boat taxi's you get to take while staying at the world, but then I like the buses too, so what does that say about me.

Keep up the good work

Who's yelling?? :rolleyes1

It says you should have been a bus driver?? :confused3

Thanks Teach! ;)

[KathyRN137]

Hey Carissa!

The food looks yummy... I've forgotten how pretty the Raglan Road interior was! :shamrock: Those little boat rides on the Sassagoula River are so nice! Sooo much better than driving and trying to find parking at DTD!

I'm surprised that Stitch missed his chance at a Guiness!! :drinking1 :laughing:

Kathy

[Goofster57]

:banana::cool1::yay:Kathy:yay::cool1::banana:

[irene_dsc]

Whew - all caught up now! But, everyone has already made all of my comments already! ;)

I also thought it would be a European paying to use the toilet experience - you successfully fooled me on that one!

I can't remember if they said Welcome Home to us when we got to CBR. Hm. I think I still like the room decor of CBR better - or at least, the room we had. I don't know if they still look like that!

And I'm getting nervous about my idea to do Spring Break at WDW next year, after hearing about all the crowds - but I don't know how close it will be to Easter until we get the school schedule.

Too funny you mentioned Diners, Dives and Drive-ins' - one of our clients is going to on the show, and we might get to be there when they tape it! I'll let you know if it happens...

Raglan Road looks interesting - sorry the service wasn't good, but it looks like the food was yummy.

The boat ride looks very relaxing - and I like the bag, too! (I had to go back and look for it, though!)

[jmskinner]

I am late reading this update. I never get the posts of the updates, just the responses to the updates.

Love the boat to DTD also. I think someone mentioned the one from WCC to MK. That is a nice one also. Plus, it is how we figured out the buses to MK actually go under the water. We didn't know that until we took that bus from WCC to MK.

Raglan Road isn't really a kids restaurant. Love the music and entertainment though.

Renovations, what renovations?!?!

[carissanboys]

Hey Carissa!

The food looks yummy... I've forgotten how pretty the Raglan Road interior was! :shamrock: Those little boat rides on the Sassagoula River are so nice! Sooo much better than driving and trying to find parking at DTD!

I'm surprised that Stitch missed his chance at a Guiness!! :drinking1 :laughing:

Kathy

Stitch was back in the room still recovering from the drive down. I didn't realize he was a fellow Guinness fan! ;)

And I'm getting nervous about my idea to do Spring Break at WDW next year, after hearing about all the crowds - but I don't know how close it will be to Easter until we get the school schedule.

I think the week of Easter is the worst. It really wasn't that bad when we were there.

Too funny you mentioned Diners, Dives and Drive-ins' - one of our clients is going to on the show, and we might get to be there when they tape it! I'll let you know if it happens...

Cool! Yeah - definitely let me know. I like Guy Fieri. :love:

Raglan Road isn't really a kids restaurant. Love the music and entertainment though.

No, but they have kid menus and activity sheets. And there are a lot of children that eat there. ;) I think the kids enjoyed the entertainment and you definitely don't have to worry about them being too loud! I think we all would have enjoyed it more if we hadn't been tired. And if the initial arrival at the restaurant would have gone more smoothly.

Renovations, what renovations?!?!

Well, that's the question, isn't it?? :rotfl:

I was wondering if anyone would notice this picture:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2918.jpg

I posted it at the start of this installment and said we took the boat taxi to DTD. But, can you see Saratoga Springs in the background? :rolleyes1 That picture was actually taken in DTD at the dock on our way back. Oops.

[mnkyboy24]

It was an apple caramel crumble with berry compote. Really what they should have labeled was awesome dessert you get a Raglan Road. It has a buttery-graham cracker crust that went well with the apple and caramel. The berries just added a hunt of tart (the apples were thinly slice Granny Smiths...tart too) that help not over power it with sugar. It was yummy. Also, that Sirloin was the probably the most tender cut of sirloin I have ever had. The only thing that has come close to it was the Filet I had at La Cellar. Plus I had a Guiness...it turns any steak based meal into something wonderful.

After dropping things in our room (and taking quick pictures), we headed over to the dock to catch a boat taxi to DTD.



The boat goes from POR to POFQ - then on to DTD. On the way back it stops at POFQ first - then to POR. If you get on at POR you should know that they have to leave a certain amount of seats open so that people getting on at POFQ can have room too. Many people did not seem to understand why this was and I tried explaining once to a couple of people - but they just thought the captain was giving them a story. :confused3

Anyway - we had no issues finding a seat at that time of day. We sat down and settled in to enjoy the ride down the Sassagoula River.

This is where I must confess something.

It was on this boat ride that I fell in love. :love:


The boat ride to DTD is what made me first start falling for Port Orleans Riverside. It is such a relaxing, beautiful experience. It really was one of my favorite parts of this trip.

After the 15 minute ride to DTD, we disembarked and headed over to Raglan Road.

Our first view of "Flights of Wonder"


Here's where things started to go a bit "meh."

I had made a reservation online for 5:30. I knew the entertainment started at 6 so I figured this was a good time for us to arrive and get our meal ordered, etc. I walked up to the desk and yes - they did have my reservation. Unfortunately, they didn't have a table available in the main section until 6. I asked if we could come back at 6 instead of sitting around to wait. She said she couldn't change our reservation at that point. :sad2: I said, "But, our reservation was for 5:30."

I consulted with Chuck and we decided to try sitting outside to eat. Well, the sun was starting to set (right in the eyeballs) and it was very windy that day. We lasted a few minutes before I went back in and told the girl we would take the next one she had available for us inside and we'd wait in the outdoor area. I kind of felt she was a bit annoyed with me - but maybe it was me being paranoid.

By this time I was DYING of thirst. You remember one of my rules of driving?? I don't drink much on driving days. I decided against ordering a Guinness because I figured I was already dehydrated. So, I got a lemonade and Chuck got a Guinness.



I swear Owen wasn't drinking. :rolleyes1

I did have a sip of the Guinness and it was just as good as I remembered from our last visit to RR.

I asked our waitress how we'd go about paying - if we could just get a bill to add on to our meal. She said, "I'll bring you a check." In my mind that meant - I'll bring you a check to take with you so you can pay all together. She knew we were eating at the restaurant because she brought us menus to look over while we were waiting.

Our buzzer went off (it was before 6 I believe) and we headed inside. We got a table with a great view of the stage. Shortly after sitting down, the waitress from outside came up to me. She thought I was running off on her without paying. :confused3

I explained to her what I thought bringing me the check meant (I had placed the check on our table), but that I'd be happy to pay up now if she wanted. She said no - she'd just have to get her manager to add it to our new bill.

So far our meal at RR wasn't going super well!

We ordered our food and settled in to enjoy the entertainment. I had to get a picture of Mona enjoying my favorite beverage!


It's so beautiful inside!


One of my favorite parts of the meal - the Irish Soda Bread - arrived, but instead of slices of bread, it was now in the shape of muffins. It was still good, but I like the bread better. I didn't take any pictures for some reason. The best part is the olive oil and Guinness you dip the bread in.

I can't remember the name of the duo performing, but they were very good - and funny. Here's a short video clip:



Then our food arrived! :cool1:

Chuck had the Serious Sirloin Steak and said it was outstanding.


I have looked at different websites trying to find the name for what I had, but I can't find it listed anywhere. :confused3 It was pasta, with meatballs (which were cooked in Guinness), tossed in a red wine sauce. It was awesome! The meatballs had wonderful flavor, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was nice and light.


Sully and Owen had the fish 'n chips and Connor had the Dalkey Duo, which he really didn't eat. This was one place that we had a very hard time picking something for Connor.



I was very full after my meal, but since we were on the dining plan, we decided to share a dessert. I think they must have changed their menu recently because I can't find the dessert listed either.

It was an apple/berry crumble (is that right Chuck??). Very tasty.



When it was time to pay up, we had to pay out of pocket for the Guinness (this is where it would have been tricky to pay outside - my lemonade was included on the dining plan, but if we weren't eating a meal at the time - what would have happened?) and I put that and the tip on our room tab. I realized afterwards that probably the girl outside wouldn't get a tip?? I felt badly, but I didn't realize it until we were back in our room.

I definitely didn't enjoy our meal at Raglan Road nearly as much as I had on our last trip when Chuck and I went alone. It was a combination of it being very loud with the music playing and chaotic - but also just having the boys along and not being able to relax. The food was awesome though!

We were all pretty tired so we decided to head back to our room and save shopping for another day. We did take time to snap a few photos along the way.

The boat ride back was even more relaxing as the sun was setting and it was just so peaceful and cool with a lovely breeze blowing.


[FONT="Verdana"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Black"]Up Next - Renovations Anyone?

[carissanboys]

It was an apple caramel crumble with berry compote. Really what they should have labeled was awesome dessert you get a Raglan Road. It has a buttery-graham cracker crust that went well with the apple and caramel. The berries just added a hunt of tart (the apples were thinly slice Granny Smiths...tart too) that help not over power it with sugar. It was yummy. Also, that Sirloin was the probably the most tender cut of sirloin I have ever had. The only thing that has come close to it was the Filet I had at La Cellar. Plus I had a Guiness...it turns any steak based meal into something wonderful.

Caramel? Really? I don't remember the caramel part. You sure you aren't thinking about the dessert at Whispering Canyon Cafe?

Guinness has a way of doing that. :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

I posted it at the start of this installment and said we took the boat taxi to DTD. But, can you see Saratoga Springs in the background? :rolleyes1 That picture was actually taken in DTD at the dock on our way back. Oops.

Aww, you don't think we're that picky, do you?? :goodvibes

Kathy

[liznboys]

The Sassagoula River is one of my most favorite areas of WDW. :cloud9: That's part of why I love the resorts that are on it so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it too!

Sorry about the not-so-pleasant start to your RR meal. Food looks delicious!

You look GREAT in your red shirt and new bag!! I love them both, very cute, and so flattering on you. :thumbsup2

All of you look very content and relaxed... :goodvibes

Oh, I did notice that picture. I just figured you didn't have another river shot to use, and I love it with the river/boat/SSR in it so thanks for posting it! :)

[carissanboys]

Aww, you don't think we're that picky, do you?? :goodvibes

Kathy

I guess I'm the one that's picky! :rotfl:

You look GREAT in your red shirt and new bag!! I love them both, very cute, and so flattering on you. :thumbsup2

All of you look very content and relaxed... :goodvibes

Oh, I did notice that picture. I just figured you didn't have another river shot to use, and I love it with the river/boat/SSR in it so thanks for posting it! :)

Awwww - thanks! :goodvibes

I figured if anyone would notice, it would be you. ;) Every time we went by SSR I thought of you. It's such a pretty resort!

[LaurenMic]

Hi Carissa! Wow you are popular, I finally find your TR and you are already 26 pages in :rotfl: I love your TR so far! I used to stay at POR all the time, it was the only place I stayed as a kid, and I have the BEST memories of it, I'm so glad that you liked it too...or at least it seems like you did so far! The boat ride is so fun. I can't believe people didn't understand why they were saving seats or the POFQ people. I wish they did that on the busses too!

Oh, and as a former Cracker Barrel employee (we have one down the street from where I live and working there got me through my first two years of college!), we value your patronage ;) That is crazy that you drove by that tornado damage on your way there!

Sorry that the RR meal wasn't as great, sounds like you had some CMs who didn't really have their act together! But the food looks super yummy! Can't wait to read more, happy belated Easter! :thumbsup2

[teacher2525]

Hi, enjoying your report. I think that port orleans is a great resort for boys, there is so much to explore. Seems kike the boys did well on the ride down. I have 3 boys pirate:pirate:pirate: also but I think that if I attempted to drive to o/rlando with all of them I might arrive with only 2 boys. Looking forward to reading more:goodvibes

[Goofster57]

We may have a problem.........:scared:

I was coming home from work and turned the corner to the front door and found this

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/Goofster57/Stitch/IMG_4454.jpg

Upon closer examination it was a package that was sent to me by Carissa

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/Goofster57/Stitch/IMG_4455.jpg

As you can see it appears that the contents has made a run for it...:scared1:

I tried to contact the local Fish and Game department to let them know that a Possibly Very Dangerous Animal was lose on the streets of Anaheim, but thanks to Arnold's Cutbacks all I got was a answer machine.

Stay tuned for further developments…….

[KathyRN137]

Uh-Oh.

Sounds like trouble. Better put out an APB on the ALF... :stitch2:

Kathy

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:rotfl:

[MeMom]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2915.jpg



Look at those great guys surrounding you!
Aren't you a lucky girl?
I know life with them is so much fun!

The sirloin steak looks so good, and so does the berry crumble. I don't know when we'll get around to eating at Raglan Road, but we will in time. We've still got a long way to go on our list of park and resort restaurants first. We are chipping away at the list slowly but surely. Our two new ones for this summer will be Teppan Edo and Cape May Buffet.

I can't blame Stitch for busting out! I'd be going nuts if somebody stuffed me in a box, too! :stitch:

Hopefully, he is just hanging out in the neighborhood waiting for his new family to get home. :)

[carissanboys]

Hi Carissa!

Lauren!!!! Glad you made it over even though you're super busy right now. :goodvibes

Oh, and as a former Cracker Barrel employee (we have one down the street from where I live and working there got me through my first two years of college!), we value your patronage ;) That is crazy that you drove by that tornado damage on your way there!

Were you a waitress? Just curious how well most Cracker Barrel patrons tip??

Hi, enjoying your report. I think that port orleans is a great resort for boys, there is so much to explore. Seems kike the boys did well on the ride down. I have 3 boys pirate:pirate:pirate: also but I think that if I attempted to drive to o/rlando with all of them I might arrive with only 2 boys. Looking forward to reading more:goodvibes

:rotfl:

:welcome: Glad to have another mom of 3 boys along for the ride (so to speak ;) )!

We may have a problem.........:scared:


Stay tuned for further developments…….

I think he was anxious to begin exploring!

By the way - you might want to keep a lookout for this one - her name is Angel and I was informed by a CM at MK that she was Stitch's girlfriend. I had no idea since I've never seen the third Stitch movie. :rolleyes1

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/StitchAngel.gif

Uh-Oh.

Sounds like trouble. Better put out an APB on the ALF... :stitch2:

Kathy

As you can see Kathy, I recycled the box you sent him to us in. It was such a great package that it needed to see more action! :thumbsup2

Look at those great guys surrounding you!
Aren't you a lucky girl?
I know life with them is so much fun!

The sirloin steak looks so good, and so does the berry crumble. I don't know when we'll get around to eating at Raglan Road, but we will in time. We've still got a long way to go on our list of park and resort restaurants first. We are chipping away at the list slowly but surely. Our two new ones for this summer will be Teppan Edo and Cape May Buffet.

Thanks MeMom - and yes - I am a very lucky girl. :goodvibes

I know what you mean. It's hard when you have favorites that you want to eat at again, but there are so many others out there to try!

[mommytothreeboys]

Look Out...Stitch is on the LOOSE!! :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

When we stayed at POFQ, we loved the boat as well! It is so relaxing to just sit back and enjoy the water and views!

The inside of Raglan Road is gorgeous!!! Dinner looks delicious as well -- especially Chuck's steak. Yummy, yummy, yummy! Too bad the meal just wasn't as enjoyable! :sad2:

[carissanboys]

We took the boat taxi back to POR and saw the new Tree House Villas along the way. I have more to say about them later in the TR.

Before going back to our room, we took a few pictures.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2933.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2934.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2935.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2936.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2937.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2938.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2939.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2940.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2946.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2947.jpg

This was the view from the balcony right outside our door:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2948.jpg

Home sweet home! :love:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2949.jpg

I want to add in here that all of the pictures I have posted so far were taken with my little, inexpensive Canon Powershot. It's easy to store in my purse and it can take video.

On days that I felt like lugging it around, I also had my Canon EOS SLR Digital Rebel. I think you'll be able to see the difference in the photos.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_1225.jpg

Back in our room, Chuck gave the boys' baths and showers while I unpacked and tried to organize things a bit. Those of you who read my PTR know that I brought two of these along to hang in the sink area:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_2694.jpg

They come in very handy with holding all sorts of stuff - sunscreen, first aid supplies, deodorant, etc. There is that shelf above the sinks, but there wouldn't have been enough room for everything. This way I didn't have to keep things in bags and keep digging around every time I needed something.

Also - I might have asked one or two of you about the bench seat that you can see in this picture:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2898.jpg

For the record - it does not open so you cannot store things inside. But, it was a good place to set things down. ;)

We got the boys to bed by 8:30 (late for them, but better than the night before!). Then the dilemma began of what the heck do Chuck and I do once the boys need to sleep??

The sink area has a curtain that can be pulled across to give privacy. I decided we could take the two chairs from the table and put them in the sink area, pull close the curtain, and that would allow us some space to read after the boys went to bed at night. It worked out really well for this trip. :thumbsup2

We used the shelves inside the TV armoire to store our boxes of food items. We were running out of space on the table and refrigerator so we had to find other places. And we had plenty of space in the drawers to unpack all of our clothes.

Okay - so maybe not serious renovations - but that's how we made the room work for us. ;) By the way, we never used the table as a table. It was a place to set stuff and we used the chairs.

One more thing to mention. At home, we all sleep with fans on as background noise. We've always done it since the boys were babies and so we're all use to it. I have such a hard time sleeping when it's perfectly quiet. :rolleyes1 I decided to bring along a fan for our room since resorts aren't always the quietest of places. I'm a light sleeper and we're early birds so I didn't want to be woken up by people returning to their rooms in the evenings.

It worked so well!! We never heard a peep from anyone. I was so glad I thought of it. :goodvibes

Up Next - Did Toy Story Mania Live Up to the Hype?? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31357071&postcount=434)

[carissanboys]

Look Out...Stitch is on the LOOSE!! :rotfl:

It'll be interesting to see what kind of trouble he gets into out in California. ;)

Here is the link to Keith's TR (he also has a link in his signature):

Goofter57's TR including Stitch's New Adventures out in sunny California (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1424413)

When we stayed at POFQ, we loved the boat as well! It is so relaxing to just sit back and enjoy the water and views!

The inside of Raglan Road is gorgeous!!! Dinner looks delicious as well -- especially Chuck's steak. Yummy, yummy, yummy! Too bad the meal just wasn't as enjoyable! :sad2:

It really is a pretty restaurant and you might not notice if you don't look up! :goodvibes

[torsie24]

:hyper: Update! Love all the POR photos! :)

Can't wait to read about TSM!!!

[dddisrunner]

Great updates Carissa! That boat ride looks heavenly!:cloud9: You are a clever girl and you certainly planned for every scenario...seems like a magical trip so far! Sorry Raglan Road wasn't as enjoyable as last time, it always bugs me when that happens especially when you are looking so forward to it!:thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

I think the Powershot pix are great... I might get one for us.
(I have enough to lug around the parks!) And it would be awesome to have some video.

On our first trip in '03, we brought along our clunker of a camcorder... it was so inconvenient that we barely shot much after the first day!

Aren't you so glad you chose POR?? :goodvibes

Kathy

[monkeybug]

I'm so happy I stumbled upon your trip report!!
We are a Military family living in Maryland and driving to WDW where we will be staying at the POR!!!
Your family is adorable!
I can't wait to see those South of the Border signs!!!

[carissanboys]

:hyper: Update! Love all the POR photos! :)

Can't wait to read about TSM!!!

Thanks!

Great updates Carissa! That boat ride looks heavenly!:cloud9: You are a clever girl and you certainly planned for every scenario...seems like a magical trip so far! Sorry Raglan Road wasn't as enjoyable as last time, it always bugs me when that happens especially when you are looking so forward to it!:thumbsup2

As long as the food was still good, I was happy. :thumbsup2

I think the Powershot pix are great... I might get one for us.
(I have enough to lug around the parks!) And it would be awesome to have some video.

On our first trip in '03, we brought along our clunker of a camcorder... it was so inconvenient that we barely shot much after the first day!

Aren't you so glad you chose POR?? :goodvibes

Kathy

I can't remember which Powershot it is. I got it over two years ago now. I just know it was one of the least expensive models. I think it takes pretty good pictures too. It's only when I use my other camera that I start to notice the difference in clarity. I just wish it wasn't such a clunker and that it took video.

[carissanboys]

I'm so happy I stumbled upon your trip report!!
We are a Military family living in Maryland and driving to WDW where we will be staying at the POR!!!
Your family is adorable!
I can't wait to see those South of the Border signs!!!

Oh wow! :welcome: What branch are you guys? Do you live on base?

You're leaving soon and it's your first trip!! How exciting!!! :goodvibes

[monkeybug]

Oh wow! :welcome: What branch are you guys? Do you live on base?

You're leaving soon and it's your first trip!! How exciting!!! :goodvibes

We are Coast Guard, and we live on a Military Base (of sorts) but it's not a Coast Guard base. We live in Annapolis if that narrows it down :)
We are very excited about our first trip!! I am loving your report, and it is soooo adding to said excitement!!!!

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, Riverside looks so peaceful and relaxing. I really hope I get to stay there soon. :goodvibes Great job on making the space work for you and your crew! :thumbsup2

[carissanboys]

We are Coast Guard, and we live on a Military Base (of sorts) but it's not a Coast Guard base. We live in Annapolis if that narrows it down :)
We are very excited about our first trip!! I am loving your report, and it is soooo adding to said excitement!!!!

Okay - you're not too far from us then. ;)

You're going to love POR! :goodvibes

[wvdislover]

I have a Canon Powershot, too! I just got it while we were out in California on our Disneyland trip. Our backpack, holding my other digital camera and my cell phone, was mysteriously knocked into a fountain at DCA while I was riding California Screamin' :confused3 So, I got a new camera for Valentine's Day!!! I did really like my Sony Cybershot, though. I'm still trying to figure out all the features on my Canon.

[MinniesYooHoo]

Hey there! I'm really enjoying your trip report. I can't wait to hear more. BTW, I live in Virginia Beach. I think you'll enjoy it!

[Goofy442]

I thought we were the only family that had to have a fan to sleep :lmao:.
One year we forgot our fan (well it just didn't fit in our suitcase) so I thought all of us would be okay well that lasted one night so I called down to guest services and they got us a fan :banana:. It would have been a long week with out it. Love all your pictures. My son has to take a picture of every door and number of the resort we stay at.

[MinniesYooHoo]

I forgot to mention, last time we were at Disney we stayed at POR. This time we will be at POFQ. I LOVE these resorts. Aren't they great?!?!

[irene_dsc]

Ooh - I like your idea of moving chairs to the sink area for a late night reading area! I might have to use that one sometime! Tho I still am thinking Windsor Hills for next time, so we can spread out a bit.

[momrek06]

We may have a problem.........:scared:

I was coming home from work and turned the corner to the front door and found this

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/Goofster57/Stitch/IMG_4454.jpg

Upon closer examination it was a package that was sent to me by Carissa

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/Goofster57/Stitch/IMG_4455.jpg

As you can see it appears that the contents has made a run for it...:scared1:

I tried to contact the local Fish and Game department to let them know that a Possibly Very Dangerous Animal was lose on the streets of Anaheim, but thanks to Arnold's Cutbacks all I got was a answer machine.

Stay tuned for further developments…….

YIKES!!!!!!!!! :scared1:

Say it isn't so...STITCH is on the loose in SoCal!!! :scared1:

Goof, I will look for him over here in Newport Beach!!! :thumbsup2

S T I T C H......where can you be???

:stitch::stitch::stitch::stitch::stitch::stitch:

[whogirl'smom]

Love, love, love Raglan Road! They only had the entertainment at 9 p.m. when we went in the fall, but it was worth it to wait to eat then. They had the best macaroni and cheese I have ever put in my mouth (it was on the kids' menu).

You have my camera! I've had it almost 4 years and am still trying to figure out all the settings. So far, it's taken some good pictures.

That was a really good picture of you with the boys, very sweet.

[Goofster57]

I like all the pictures Carissa,

I use my..Uhm I mean Shivahn's Sony Power Shot (SD300) it does a great job and it is so much easier to carry around then a full size camera.

Love the pictures of the room and your renovations

I have to admit that I am a Fan Addict myself..24/7...365 days a year
Got the habit in college in Texas 30 something years ago.

[momrek06]

Another great update, Carissa and another post full of great pictures!!! :yay:

POR absolutely looks like a wonderful resort!! ALLIGATOR BAYOU!!! :woohoo:

Renovations...GREAT IDEA!!! :thumbsup2 The curtain does give you another little private area to get your evening reading in!!! :goodvibes

I always have a fan on all night long just for the "white noise"!!! FAN ADDICT!! :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/StitchAngel.gif


As you can see Kathy, I recycled the box you sent him to us in. It was such a great package that it needed to see more action! :thumbsup2




Uh, it went to California... I don't think they would deliver it if it wasn't a recycled box!! :laughing:

Seems to me that Jessica may have been a mere distraction for Stitch after all! (Who knew he could be such a player??)

I'm sure Goofster will get him in line(!) :rolleyes:... once he catches up with him, anyway!!


Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

I'm glad you could make it work in the room - we'll be facing the same situation at CBR. We used to so much more room. Luckily once our kids are asleep, they are out for the count. I can vacuum in their bedrooms at night! We'll hide out behind the curtain until they are asleep then we can come out and start the party. :cool1:

We're fan addicts too - and obviously we won't be bringing one along, flying from NH. But it's good to know you can call Guest Services to get one. I think I'll ask for one right when we check in. :thumbsup2

I'll be bringing our "rain" machine too - but I actually use both - rain & fan!

[carissanboys]

I have a Canon Powershot, too! I just got it while we were out in California on our Disneyland trip. Our backpack, holding my other digital camera and my cell phone, was mysteriously knocked into a fountain at DCA while I was riding California Screamin' :confused3 So, I got a new camera for Valentine's Day!!! I did really like my Sony Cybershot, though. I'm still trying to figure out all the features on my Canon.

I'm still trying to figure out the features on both of my cameras! I even have a book for the Canon Rebel.

Hey there! I'm really enjoying your trip report. I can't wait to hear more. BTW, I live in Virginia Beach. I think you'll enjoy it!

:welcome: Lots of readers from that area!

I thought we were the only family that had to have a fan to sleep :lmao:.
One year we forgot our fan (well it just didn't fit in our suitcase) so I thought all of us would be okay well that lasted one night so I called down to guest services and they got us a fan :banana:. It would have been a long week with out it. Love all your pictures. My son has to take a picture of every door and number of the resort we stay at.

We're not the only ones! I never even would have thought about calling the front desk about one. :thumbsup2

I forgot to mention, last time we were at Disney we stayed at POR. This time we will be at POFQ. I LOVE these resorts. Aren't they great?!?!

We didn't do a ton of looking around POFQ, but I have to say that we liked the look and feel of POR much more.

Ooh - I like your idea of moving chairs to the sink area for a late night reading area! I might have to use that one sometime! Tho I still am thinking Windsor Hills for next time, so we can spread out a bit.

More space is a definite plus!

Love, love, love Raglan Road! They only had the entertainment at 9 p.m. when we went in the fall, but it was worth it to wait to eat then. They had the best macaroni and cheese I have ever put in my mouth (it was on the kids' menu).

You have my camera! I've had it almost 4 years and am still trying to figure out all the settings. So far, it's taken some good pictures.

That was a really good picture of you with the boys, very sweet.

Thanks! :goodvibes I love that camera - but like you - still trying to figure it out.

I like all the pictures Carissa,

I use my..Uhm I mean Shivahn's Sony Power Shot (SD300) it does a great job and it is so much easier to carry around then a full size camera.

Love the pictures of the room and your renovations

I have to admit that I am a Fan Addict myself..24/7...365 days a year
Got the habit in college in Texas 30 something years ago.

Fan Addict - never thought of it that way, but it's the truth! :rotfl: Do you have it blowing on you for the air or just the noise? We have them so they blow against the wall. It's strictly for the white noise.

Another great update, Carissa and another post full of great pictures!!! :yay:

POR absolutely looks like a wonderful resort!! ALLIGATOR BAYOU!!! :woohoo:

Renovations...GREAT IDEA!!! :thumbsup2 The curtain does give you another little private area to get your evening reading in!!! :goodvibes

I always have a fan on all night long just for the "white noise"!!! FAN ADDICT!! :thumbsup2

Fan Addicts Unite!! :thumbsup2

Uh, it went to California... I don't think they would deliver it if it wasn't a recycled box!! :laughing:

:lmao:

[carissanboys]

I'm glad you could make it work in the room - we'll be facing the same situation at CBR. We used to so much more room. Luckily once our kids are asleep, they are out for the count. I can vacuum in their bedrooms at night! We'll hide out behind the curtain until they are asleep then we can come out and start the party. :cool1:

We're fan addicts too - and obviously we won't be bringing one along, flying from NH. But it's good to know you can call Guest Services to get one. I think I'll ask for one right when we check in. :thumbsup2

I'll be bringing our "rain" machine too - but I actually use both - rain & fan!

Another member!! :rotfl: Who knew there were so many of us?!

My kids are pretty much out once they fall asleep, but honestly - we weren't too far behind. We were so tired! I went to bed most nights by 9 or 9:30. One night I think it was even 8! :rolleyes1

[MRYPPNS]

We're fan addicts too - and obviously we won't be bringing one along, flying from NH. But it's good to know you can call Guest Services to get one. I think I'll ask for one right when we check in. :thumbsup2

I'll be bringing our "rain" machine too - but I actually use both - rain & fan!

CBR has ceiling fans. Between that and the AC I was fine (I sleep with a fan on too at home).

Too bad the bench in the room didn't open up for storage....they do at CBR....it's a drawer that pulls out. I had that sucker full by the end of our vacation!

[carissanboys]

CBR has ceiling fans. Between that and the AC I was fine (I sleep with a fan on too at home).

Too bad the bench in the room didn't open up for storage....they do at CBR....it's a drawer that pulls out. I had that sucker full by the end of our vacation!

POR has a ceiling fan too, but we never even used it. Forgot about it most of the time.

[VAisforDisneyLvrs]

I finally caught up! I have been reading along as much as possible for the last week, but since the kids were home for Spring Break I couldn't get much DIS time in during the day. Mommy, Wifely, and PTA duties took over, but everyone is back to school and work today and I finally got time to sit and read until the end. :woohoo:

I am excited to see your pictures of POR because I think that's where we'll end up staying next time. I was reading your report last night, and my husband looked over (right at the time I was at your son with the glass of Guinness:laughing:). I showed him a few pictures and he said "I can't wait to go back." :yay: I am hoping to go on another family trip next year. I keep showing him pictures and updating him with things I read on DIS so that he'll want to go back as much as I do.

Can't wait to read more. Also, thanks for reading my TR-I am going to try to update it tonight, but I have a PTA Meeting and some shopping to do. It might have to wait until tomorrow. :sad2:

[cjackearl]

Wow, the resort looks beautiful!

I've been having the inner camera debate myself between my little pocket sized digital that fits easily in my purse and my Canon Rebel DSLR. I hate how huge the Rebel is, but since I've been using it primarily, I can't get used to the delay on the small camera and I just like the pictures better from the Rebel. I'll probably bring both too.

Good thinking with the room "renovations". Sounds like you made it work well for your family.:thumbsup2

P.S. Add me to the Fan Addicts club, but I like the air as well as the noise.

[jmskinner]

We are always just like you, the table ends up as a place to sit stuff, along with the bench and we never use them except for that. The bench in the mansions is open underneath (it is on legs) so you can store items under it.

I still have not gotten tired of my SLR. It goes everytime I go to the parks.
You are really making me miss POR.

I am not a fan person. Expecially the thing blowing on me. With curly hair, I hate for my hair to blow around, it just gets bigger and bigger.:rotfl2:

Now, I think I know the answer to your statement about TSM.

[mommytothreeboys]

Oh..beautiful POR! **SIGH**

I'm glad that bench didn't end up opening up..I would have felt pretty silly that I never figured that out the entire stay!

I must confess, we never had an issue with the boys sleeping and us needing to use the curtain room! We pretty much all passed out at the same time every night! But, it was NEVER early...we'd come from parks at closing, then swim, then go to bed so it was rarely before 11. There were nights I stayed up to take notes or to figure out finances or DDP stuff, but the boys pretty much zonked as soon as their heads hit the pillows!

We used the table for the exact same purpose! It became such a mess by the end of the week and it drove me NUTS!! I am bringing small flat baskets this time so everyone can put their junk in their own basket and keep the mess to a minimum!

I'm so sad I can't join the Fan Addict club. :sad1: We've never been a "white noise" family. I found POR to be very quiet at night as well.

Looking forward to the update on Toy Story Mania...we need a good strategy! ;)

[Goofster57]

Fan Addict - never thought of it that way, but it's the truth! :rotfl: Do you have it blowing on you for the air or just the noise? We have them so they blow against the wall. It's strictly for the white noise.


I use it for cooling and white nosie

[carissanboys]

Can't wait to read more. Also, thanks for reading my TR-I am going to try to update it tonight, but I have a PTA Meeting and some shopping to do. It might have to wait until tomorrow. :sad2:

Sounds like you've been busy! Glad you were able to make it back over and post. I'm continuing to read yours and get caught up. :thumbsup2

Wow, the resort looks beautiful!

I've been having the inner camera debate myself between my little pocket sized digital that fits easily in my purse and my Canon Rebel DSLR. I hate how huge the Rebel is, but since I've been using it primarily, I can't get used to the delay on the small camera and I just like the pictures better from the Rebel. I'll probably bring both too.

Good thinking with the room "renovations". Sounds like you made it work well for your family.:thumbsup2

P.S. Add me to the Fan Addicts club, but I like the air as well as the noise.

I totally know what you mean about the delay with the small digital. It drove me nuts on the trip!!! I love how fast the Rebel is.

I am not a fan person. Expecially the thing blowing on me. With curly hair, I hate for my hair to blow around, it just gets bigger and bigger.:rotfl2:

Now, I think I know the answer to your statement about TSM.

I only like a fan blowing on me if it's hot. But, living with central air - that isn't an issue. Growing up in Maine we didn't have A/C so fans were needed on those hot summer days.

Looking forward to the update on Toy Story Mania...we need a good strategy! ;)

I have a good one (at least *I* think it is!). :thumbsup2

[mousescrapper]

Who were your tag-alongs???? popcorn::

Ok I can only reveal one now since I mentioned it in my PTR....

my oldest DD Aldine we let her bring her 6" version of her AG doll Josefina. Here is a picture of her at CSR:

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee134/Dizmama5/WDW%20SB09/100_2115.jpg

The other one you'll have to wait till Day 2) of my TR....coming soon I swear...busy bee I am and so sad I haven't had a lot of time to Dis.

[FONT="Trebuchet MS"][SIZE="3"]
This is where I must confess something.

It was on this boat ride that I fell in love. :love:


[COLOR="royalblue"]I so agree I just loved the boat ride to DTD. I was bummed we couldn't stay here on this trip, as I had visioned many a trip.

I definitely didn't enjoy our meal at Raglan Road nearly as much as I had on our last trip when Chuck and I went alone. It was a combination of it being very loud with the music playing and chaotic - but also just having the boys along and not being able to relax. The food was awesome though!

I'd love to eat there one of these trips, just DH & I would be nice too. I love Irish pubs! and DH enjoys an occasional Guiness too. Glad the food was good.




We may have a problem.........:scared:

I was coming home from work and turned the corner to the front door and found this

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/Goofster57/Stitch/IMG_4454.jpg


As you can see it appears that the contents has made a run for it...:scared1:



Ok you had be going there for a minute...thinking some racoon got at your box...oh that STITCH!



As you can see Kathy, I recycled the box you sent him to us in. It was such a great package that it needed to see more action! :thumbsup2

I didn't know he was the same Stitch....I just viewed and read his antics from Kathy's 11-07 trip



[FONT="Trebuchet MS"][SIZE="3"]


Also - I might have asked one or two of you about the bench seat that you can see in this picture:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2898.jpg

For the record - it does not open so you cannot store things inside. But, it was a good place to set things down. ;)

[COLOR="royalblue"]I remember that too...sorta odd?:confused3

Then the dilemma began of what the heck do Chuck and I do once the boys need to sleep??

The sink area has a curtain that can be pulled across to give privacy. I decided we could take the two chairs from the table and put them in the sink area, pull close the curtain, and that would allow us some space to read after the boys went to bed at night. It worked out really well for this trip. :thumbsup2

very clever....





I think once again I took the before lived in room shots but never took any pictures of where all our stuff went...very helpful. We used a shoe organizer thing for the first time this trip. Couldn't put everything in it because of the 2 yr old (mine was longer), but helped a bit. A great tip from the Disers.

[Charleston Princess]

Beautiful pictures of the resort -- oh, how it makes me wish I was at Disney right now!!! I always have to organize the room as well -- I cannot live in chaos -- even at Disney. :lmao:

[blue_river]

Yikes! I've missed two updates! :woohoo:

Going to watch AI right now but I'll be back later this evening to catch up! :hug:

[mnkyboy24]

Pretty sure it had Caramel...Think Whispering Canyon had the Apple Rhubarb dessert? There was so much good food I have a hard time remembering. It was a great idea to choose the DDP this time.


Caramel? Really? I don't remember the caramel part. You sure you aren't thinking about the dessert at Whispering Canyon Cafe?

Guinness has a way of doing that. :thumbsup2

[blue_river]

I swear Owen wasn't drinking. :rolleyes1

:laughing:

In my mind that meant - I'll bring you a check to take with you so you can pay all together.

Uh oh...I sense trouble.....:3dglasses

Shortly after sitting down, the waitress from outside came up to me. She thought I was running off on her without paying. :confused3

OMGosh!!!!!!! :scared1: How embarrassing for you!


Mmmm......loved the food porn! :thumbsup2

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_2922.jpg

This is a nice photo of you both :upsidedow

[blue_river]

We may have a problem.........:scared:

I was coming home from work and turned the corner to the front door and found this

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n37/Goofster57/Stitch/IMG_4454.jpg




OH!!!!!!! How exciting!!! A parcel in the mail :banana:


As you can see it appears that the contents has made a run for it...:scared1:

I tried to contact the local Fish and Game department to let them know that a Possibly Very Dangerous Animal was lose on the streets of Anaheim, but thanks to Arnold's Cutbacks all I got was a answer machine.

Stay tuned for further developments…….

:scared1:

Have you sent out a search party yet???????

popcorn::

[blue_river]

Back in our room, Chuck gave the boys' baths and showers while I unpacked and tried to organize things a bit. Those of you who read my PTR know that I brought two of these along to hang in the sink area:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_2694.jpg

I used one of those also - very handy!! :thumbsup2


For the record - it does not open so you cannot store things inside.

I was a little disappointed about that.



Great POR pics CAR! :cheer2:

[carissanboys]

Ok I can only reveal one now since I mentioned it in my PTR....

my oldest DD Aldine we let her bring her 6" version of her AG doll Josefina. Here is a picture of her at CSR:

I love how she looks almost lifesize with the way the picture was taken. :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about the other tagalong!

Beautiful pictures of the resort -- oh, how it makes me wish I was at Disney right now!!! I always have to organize the room as well -- I cannot live in chaos -- even at Disney. :lmao:

You'll be there soon Jackie! :goodvibes

Yikes! I've missed two updates! :woohoo:

Going to watch AI right now but I'll be back later this evening to catch up! :hug:

I got through watching my favorite - Matt (although he didn't do too well last night). Still have to watch the rest.


Pretty sure it had Caramel...Think Whispering Canyon had the Apple Rhubarb dessert? There was so much good food I have a hard time remembering. It was a great idea to choose the DDP this time.

I'm pretty sure it didn't have caramel. ;) The dessert at WCC was like an apple caramel pie. I'll get the official name when I get to that point in the TR.

This is a nice photo of you both :upsidedow

Thanks! :goodvibes

[MagicShell]

All your organization sounds great. Maybe I should try that next time. Our room usually ends of with junk piled everywhere.

[coffeehousemom]

Great updates!!

For all of the "white noise" people I am pleased to say that, at least at POP, the new clock radios at Disney have a built in white noise machine!!! They also have a neat little cord adapter that you can plug into your MP3 player & use it to listen to your ipod.


Works great for background noise.

We have never eaten at RR did the cs at Cookes one year. Hmm something to add to the list.

[mousescrapper]

-- I cannot live in chaos -- even at Disney. :lmao:

I'm w/ you on that!

I love how she looks almost lifesize with the way the picture was taken. :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about the other tagalong!

that was all DH taking those photos. Josefina was quite the traveler on our trip....more to come!


J-

[NWOhioDennis]

Hi Car, I just found your TR and have spent the morning catching up with it. I am looking forward to your next update.

[carissanboys]

All your organization sounds great. Maybe I should try that next time. Our room usually ends of with junk piled everywhere.

Oh - trust me. There was still junk piled everywhere. :rotfl:

Great updates!!

For all of the "white noise" people I am pleased to say that, at least at POP, the new clock radios at Disney have a built in white noise machine!!! They also have a neat little cord adapter that you can plug into your MP3 player & use it to listen to your ipod.


Works great for background noise.

We have never eaten at RR did the cs at Cookes one year. Hmm something to add to the list.

That's very cool about the white noise machine at Pop!

I'm w/ you on that!

Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures your husband took! :goodvibes

Hi Car, I just found your TR and have spent the morning catching up with it. I am looking forward to your next update.

:welcome: Glad to have you here and thanks for reading. :thumbsup2

[burly]

I'm in...popcorn::

[carissanboys]

I'm in...popcorn::

:welcome: Glad to have you. :goodvibes

[carissanboys]

~ March 29, 2008 ~

We are finally getting to a park day! :cool1:

I woke up during the wee hours of the morning - around 4:30 - and heard thunder. A small part of my brain acknowledged that maybe thunder wasn't a good sign for the day to come.

I went back to sleep until about 5:30 and finally gave up at 6:00 and headed to the shower. The entire trip pretty much worked the same way. I would wake up first and shower. (I never once set the alarm or got a wake up call. I have an amazing internal alarm - fortunately or unfortunately - however you want to look at it. :rotfl: ) Then I would wake up Chuck and send him to the shower. The boys would either continue to sleep or slowly wake up on their own. I might have needed to get them moving one or two days, but my boys are early risers like me.

This first morning we ate in our room. I had brought along a couple boxes of cereal, some bagels, peanut butter, and juice. We never even bothered getting milk - the boys just ate it dry. A bagel with peanut butter held me over nicely. :thumbsup2

We were all ready and out the door by 8:00 a.m. I confess that we drove to the parks every day and never stepped foot on a bus our entire stay. :rolleyes1 It was just easier that way. This morning we were headed to Hollywood Studios. And - it was raining. :scared:

It rained on and off for the entire morning and part of the afternoon. It was even a bit chilly. It was kind of a pain because we'd take out the raincoats only to have the rain stop shortly afterwards. That process was repeated a few times. :sad2:

First thing we did after parking was head to the ticket window. We were getting the special military salute tickets. Chuck got his 5 day pass for free and the rest of ours cost $100 each. Not bad, eh?? I got my 2nd birthday pin at that time.

Here are a couple of pictures once we'd gotten through the turnstiles and waiting for rope drop.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4405.jpg

Sorry about this 2nd one - didn't realize I was focusing on the crowd and not the boys.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4404.jpg

Now - you all know what our first and most important objective was, right?? :woohoo:

Toy Story Midway Mania!

We headed over there straightaway and things were a bit slow moving at first. The fastpass line was LONG!! I recommend skipping getting a FP first thing and getting it after you ride. When we came back out there was no line for FP. And our return time was between 12:20 and 1:20. Granted - it might not have been so bad because the park wasn't as busy as normal due to the weather so if you try my technique and it doesn't work well, please don't yell at me! :flower3:

The standby line seemed kind of long at first, but that's because it had just opened. It moved nice and steady. I'm glad it took us about 15 minutes to get through because it allowed us to see all of the great stuff in the queue.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4408.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4409.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4410.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4411.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4412.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4413.jpg

Connor's all excited and ready to go!

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4414.jpg

Sully rode by himself, Chuck and Connor went together, and that left Owen and I to pair up.

So - did TSM live up to the hype?? You bet your knickers it did!! :thumbsup2 This attraction is sooooooooooooo much fun! I enjoyed it far more than Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin for a couple of reasons.

1) You don't have to bother with spinning yourself around and looking for targets. It's all right there in front of you.

2) The "shooter" or whatever you want to call that thing is much easier to operate than the "gun" on BLSRS. You just pull the string and there ya go.

You will LOVE this ride AND you will definitely want to do it again. :woohoo:

What did I end up with for a score??

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4415.jpg

My score is on the right - Owen's on the left. I thought I did pretty good for my first try. My accuracy was actually lower than Owen's, but I was all about trying to go as fast as I could to score as many points as possible.

We headed outside to get FPs (no line now) and it was raining - again. :headache:

Up Next - Rock n' Roller Coaster - Was I Brave Enough to Ride It??? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31381562&postcount=483)

[Charleston Princess]

Whew! When I first settled down to catch up this afternoon, I was disappointed because you hadn't updated -- you have me spoiled, Carissa! :goodvibes

Boo to the rain!!! That's so not the way it is supposed to be at WDW!

TSM is a lot of fun, isn't it??? Can't wait to ride it again! Great tip about stand-by and getting FPs -- I think we will try that this summer.

[torsie24]

I cannot wait to try TSM!!!!! I hope we make it for rope drop so we can FP it and standby!!

Your score looks really high!! How is your prize beaver settling into your home? :lmao: What a funny thing to have as a prize!! I laugh everytime I see his little beaver teeth!

I hope you did do RnRC! I love the take off part!!!!

I loev your boys t-shirts! Jack and I love that show!!

[carissanboys]

Whew! When I first settled down to catch up this afternoon, I was disappointed because you hadn't updated -- you have me spoiled, Carissa! :goodvibes

Boo to the rain!!! That's so not the way it is supposed to be at WDW!

TSM is a lot of fun, isn't it??? Can't wait to ride it again! Great tip about stand-by and getting FPs -- I think we will try that this summer.

:goodvibes It makes me feel good to know that others look forward to my updates. I was going to try and not post one today, but as you can see....

:rolleyes1

I probably won't get many out the next few days and over the weekend since my friend is coming tomorrrow evening. I might squeak one more out tomorrow.

TSM is sooooooooooo much fun!! We absolutely loved it! :love:

[carissanboys]

Your score looks really high!! How is your prize beaver settling into your home? :lmao: What a funny thing to have as a prize!! I laugh everytime I see his little beaver teeth!

:lmao: I know - I thought that was funny too. I'm trying to remember what score Chuck got. I think he got around the same as me - maybe a bit higher. But, I whooped his butt on Buzz later in the week. :thumbsup2

I hope you did do RnRC! I love the take off part!!!!

:rolleyes1

I loev your boys t-shirts! Jack and I love that show!!

I forgot to mention that as we were walking by one of the CM after rope drop (he was part of the opening show) he said, "You better not let Mickey see your Spongebob shirts!" I guess he thought they were wearing Nickelodeon shirts. :confused3 Like we'd ever do that!

[Lady Lallie]

Toy Story Mania is awesome. I really can't wait to ride it. :3dglasses I think it's much better than Buzz as well. :thumbsup2

Too bad on the rain. I hate the whole poncho debate. Off, On, Off, On. We had an afternoon like that at Epcot.

[torsie24]

I forgot to mention that as we were walking by one of the CM after rope drop (he was part of the opening show) he said, "You better not let Mickey see your Spongebob shirts!" I guess he thought they were wearing Nickelodeon shirts. :confused3 Like we'd ever do that!

Bad CM, he needs to watch himself some Disney Channel!!!

[Jensspark]

Carissa,

I am loving your TR! I have been reading all week, but just finally came out of lurkdom to comment. It is thoroughly entertaining and is really getting me excited about my trip. Your boys are so cute and look like a lot of fun. Boys are great! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the reassurance on TSM. I know it has to be good for everyone to talk about it so much, but you still have that little part of you that really wants to know "for sure"...is it worth it? :confused3 I'm feeling much better. I can't wait to see it for myself. I will definitely do SB first and then FP if we can. I want to get a good chance to check out that queue! :yay:

[DisMomAmy]

I have to say that I've become spoiled by your morning updates too. :rolleyes1

Glad you found time to do one this afternoon. :goodvibes

I can't wait for TSM - I really want to go through the regular line too to see all of the theming. We'll be going straight there at RD. :thumbsup2

Sorry about the rain! :sad2: It put a damper on my weekend getaway last April. Hope the weather improves for the rest of the trip!

[carissanboys]

Toy Story Mania is awesome. I really can't wait to ride it. :3dglasses I think it's much better than Buzz as well. :thumbsup2

Too bad on the rain. I hate the whole poncho debate. Off, On, Off, On. We had an afternoon like that at Epcot.

I guess it could have been worse and been pouring the entire time.

Bad CM, he needs to watch himself some Disney Channel!!!

That's what I said! ;)

Carissa,

I am loving your TR! I have been reading all week, but just finally came out of lurkdom to comment. It is thoroughly entertaining and is really getting me excited about my trip. Your boys are so cute and look like a lot of fun. Boys are great! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the reassurance on TSM. I know it has to be good for everyone to talk about it so much, but you still have that little part of you that really wants to know "for sure"...is it worth it? :confused3 I'm feeling much better. I can't wait to see it for myself. I will definitely do SB first and then FP if we can. I want to get a good chance to check out that queue! :yay:

:welcome: I'm so glad you came out of lurkdom to post! :cheer2: Thank you so much for the compliments. :goodvibes I hope my suggestions for TSM help. :thumbsup2

[carissanboys]

I have to say that I've become spoiled by your morning updates too. :rolleyes1

Glad you found time to do one this afternoon. :goodvibes

I can't wait for TSM - I really want to go through the regular line too to see all of the theming. We'll be going straight there at RD. :thumbsup2

Sorry about the rain! :sad2: It put a damper on my weekend getaway last April. Hope the weather improves for the rest of the trip!

Thanks Amy! :goodvibes You guys will love TSM. :yay:

[cjackearl]

TSM looks great! How were the crowds on the way to the ride? In my mind, I've built up a mass stampede of people when the rope drops, complete with body checks. It makes me a wee bit nervous.

[carissanboys]

TSM looks great! How were the crowds on the way to the ride? In my mind, I've built up a mass stampede of people when the rope drops, complete with body checks. It makes me a wee bit nervous.

It wasn't that bad at all. We were towards the back of the crowd and we just took our time getting there. I really think the rain helped keep the crowds lower, but getting over there was pretty calm. :thumbsup2

[dismagiclover]

I think we'll try your trick of riding TSM first and then getting the fast pass on our upcoming trick. No point in standing in 2 different lines if we don't have to. And I promise I won't yell if it doesn't work out for us:goodvibes

Look, I've finally reached 100 posts!

[carissanboys]

I think we'll try your trick of riding TSM first and then getting the fast pass on our upcoming trick. No point in standing in 2 different lines if we don't have to. And I promise I won't yell if it doesn't work out for us:goodvibes

Look, I've finally reached 100 posts!

That was how we felt. The FP line was almost as long as the Standby line! I wasn't going to stand in it twice! (I would have if the line would have still been long when we got out.)

Yay for 100 posts!!! :cool1: :cool1:

[Goofy442]

When we were there last year people were pushing and knocking kids down to get to TSM :scared1:. It was bad when we got in line it said a 90 minute wait well I'm one to time it and :confused3 it took us close to 2 hours. I told the CM they needed to update the time. My DH got FP and they were for 2:00 that day . My DS who works at DHS rides TSM every chance he gets.

[momrek06]

Carissa!!! Great Update!!! :goodvibes

TSM, omg, is that not the BESTEST (is that even a word) ride of all!!! :love:

:blush: We actually just did TSM for the first time in March on my birthday. :blush:

We have been going to the LAND since September but never wanted to wait in the lines. At DL there is NO FASTPASS for TSM! :mad: The waits can be up to 90 minutes. :scared:

We have headed over to TSM many many times but when we got there the wait was always so long. :mad:

Well on my birthday, we decided we would wait it out. :goodvibes

:dance3: YIPPEE SKIPPEE, it is by far one of my TOP favorites!!! :dance3:

[LaurenMic]

Hey Carissa! Loved the update...TSM is the greatest :3dglasses Too bad about the raining, that on again of again stuff is so annoying! Can't wait for more!

[jmskinner]

Great update Carissa! I remember that day it rained and thinking of you on your trip. We had one of those days, ponchos on, ponchos off, over and over again.

I knew you would love TSMM, it is the best. I'll have to try your idea of riding first and then getting FP's. I love the standby line, Mr. Potato Head is so cool! You miss everything in the FP line.

Did you see toy soldiers inside the que? I remember them being there before, but it seems like the last time we rode they weren't there.:confused3

I wish I had that alarm clock. I woke up yesterday and my alarm(radio) had been going off for 30 minutes. I just made it part of my dream.

OK, trying to be patient, waiting to hear the rest of your trip. Can't wait until you get to Epcot. We went today and the F&G Festival is ...well, I'll let you explain it.

[KathyRN137]

1) You don't have to bother with spinning yourself around and looking for targets. It's all right there in front of you.

Oh good. I'm usually paired with Tricia and she spins Buzz like it was the Mad Tea Party!!

2) The "shooter" or whatever you want to call that thing is much easier to operate than the "gun" on BLSRS. You just pull the string and there ya go.

Ha! Finally, I may get an advantage over Ed. (He's used to shooting with a trigger... for practice and qualifications, not in the line of duty lately, thank heavens!!)

You will LOVE this ride AND you will definitely want to do it again. :woohoo:

Can't wait!!



So glad it lived up to the hype!! DS really did need a ride like this! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[BrooklynnsMommy]

I'm so glad you enjoyed Toy Story. It is my favorite ride for sure!

[mousescrapper]

we LOVE TSM too!!!!!!!


and we'll have some rain stories to compare this day. Yes we were standing in that crowd waiting to "pour" ;) in w/ the rest of the people in the rain!

This is our Day 3) (day 2 in the parks) but I'll catch up eventually.

I keep wondering did I see you guys at Sci-Fi...I am so bummed we didn't have each others numbers. I was actually tempted to shout out "Carissanboys"


but I restrained myself.

looking forward to more....popcorn::

[blue_river]

I don't want to comment too much about TSM without spoiling my own installments :sad2: I have an awful habit of doing that!


BUT I'm glad you all had a blast!!!! :banana:


Too bad about the rain and chill factor. I hope that was your only day of poor weather.

[wvdislover]

We LOVE TSM! Can't wait to ride it again in September!

I agree, that internal alarm clock can be a good or a bad thing. Good when I need to wake up to get DD7 ready for school. Bad when there is no school and I can finally sleep in (NOT!)

[ckdsnynt]

Before the title of my trip report starts a huge debate, let me explain.

This was our third trip to Disney World in three years. On our first trip, we stayed at Shades of Green. While technically ON property, it is not a Disney resort and didn't really have the Disney feeling (at least to me). Basically, there were no towel animals. :sad1: But, the rooms were large and you couldn't beat the price. :thumbsup2

Our second trip took us completely off property to Windsor Hills. We LOVED staying there! So much space to move around, a splash pool all our own, and a quick and easy drive to the parks. :cool1: (Here's the link to my first PTR/TR - "Our 2nd Trip to Disney! Did It Measure Up?" (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1651833))

So - I asked myself - what was the big deal about staying on Disney property??? :confused3

This last trip was spur of the moment thanks to some great deals offered to military families by Disney. We were able to purchase our tickets at a great price and they gave us 40% off our room. That pretty much settled it for me - it was time to try staying on property and find out what all of the hoopla was about for ourselves! :idea:

The cast:

I'm going to keep the introductions simple. Most of you already know us, but if you don't and would like to find out more, feel free to read my PTR (do not be thrown by the word "camping" in the title :rolleyes1 ).

Me - Carissa - turned 35 on the trip

DH - Chuck - already 35 (he he he) and getting ready to do his first tour on board a ship

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_2805.jpg

Sullivan - 8 - my thrill rider

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_2856.jpg

Owen - 6 - the one I can always count on to pose with characters

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_2836.jpg

Connor - 4 - my shy one

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_2835.jpg

Stitch - our visitor for this trip (you can find out more about why he's with us in my PTR)

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/IMG_4389.jpg

The details:

We left Maryland on Friday, March 27th and returned home on Sunday, April 5th. Our plan was to stay at Port Orleans Riverside for seven nights. We were getting the five day basic park tickets and also taking advantage of the free entry to Sea World.

Now that all of that business is out of the way, we can get on to the trip! But, I'm afraid that will have to wait a bit longer. We just got home yesterday and I have lots to do to get caught up on life. I'm sure y'all understand. :rolleyes1

By the way, for those who may be new (please say "hi" as I love to hear from everyone!), my husband just received orders on board his first ship. He'll be leaving us at the end of next month for four months of school in Florida. The boys and I will most likely be moving to the Virginia Beach area sometime in June. And then Chuck will begin his tour on an aircraft carrier in September. I am sure this TR (if I can drag it out long enough :rotfl: ) will have mini-TRs about all of that. If you care to skip over non-Disney stuff, I always have links to installments right here on the main page.

Now, let's get this trip report started...

*Links*

1) Day 1 - Part 1 - Let the Driving Begin! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31216065&postcount=51)
2) Moving Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31222268&postcount=80)
3) Part 2 - Are We a Magnet for Tornadoes or What??? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31234247&postcount=106)
4) Part 3 - What Did Pedro Call Me??? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31251284&postcount=168)
5) Day 2 - Part 1 - It Cost $1.00 to Pee?? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31270258&postcount=237)
6) So Long, Stitch! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31288155&postcount=312)
7) Part 2 - "I Swear I Wasn't Running Off Without Paying!" (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31311034&postcount=342)
8) Part 3 - Renovations Anyone? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31328985&postcount=387)
9) Day 3 - Part 1 - Will Toy Story Mania Live Up to the Hype? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31357071&postcount=434)

Just found your trip report. Love it so far! Had to skip ahead and read some! You are the same age as my DS so that makes it even more interesting - he has 2 DDs!:)
Can't wait to read more.
P.S. We are staying at POFQ May 16-23.

[carissanboys]

When we were there last year people were pushing and knocking kids down to get to TSM :scared1:. It was bad when we got in line it said a 90 minute wait well I'm one to time it and :confused3 it took us close to 2 hours. I told the CM they needed to update the time. My DH got FP and they were for 2:00 that day . My DS who works at DHS rides TSM every chance he gets.

There was that much of a wait right at opening??? :scared1:



Well on my birthday, we decided we would wait it out. :goodvibes

:dance3: YIPPEE SKIPPEE, it is by far one of my TOP favorites!!!

I guess I missed your birthday Karen!! Happy belated Birthday! :goodvibes
And glad you finally got to go on TSM! :banana:

Hey Carissa! Loved the update...TSM is the greatest :3dglasses Too bad about the raining, that on again of again stuff is so annoying! Can't wait for more!

Thanks Lauren :goodvibes

Did you see toy soldiers inside the que? I remember them being there before, but it seems like the last time we rode they weren't there.

I wish I had that alarm clock. I woke up yesterday and my alarm(radio) had been going off for 30 minutes. I just made it part of my dream.

OK, trying to be patient, waiting to hear the rest of your trip. Can't wait until you get to Epcot. We went today and the F&G Festival is ...well, I'll let you explain it.

Do you mean real soldiers?? Don't think so, but I miss a lot. :rolleyes1

Tell me what time you want to wake up and I'll call you. ;)

Yes - the F & G Festival is.............. :thumbsup2

So glad it lived up to the hype!! DS really did need a ride like this! :thumbsup2


Kathy

Definitely! :thumbsup2

I'm so glad you enjoyed Toy Story. It is my favorite ride for sure!

I don't think I've heard from anyone who hasn't loved this ride.

I keep wondering did I see you guys at Sci-Fi...I am so bummed we didn't have each others numbers. I was actually tempted to shout out "Carissanboys"


but I restrained myself.

looking forward to more....popcorn::

:rotfl: You should have!!

I don't want to comment too much about TSM without spoiling my own installments :sad2: I have an awful habit of doing that!


BUT I'm glad you all had a blast!!!! :banana:


Too bad about the rain and chill factor. I hope that was your only day of poor weather.

Let's just say we had a day of much worse weather. :rolleyes1

We LOVE TSM! Can't wait to ride it again in September!

I agree, that internal alarm clock can be a good or a bad thing. Good when I need to wake up to get DD7 ready for school. Bad when there is no school and I can finally sleep in (NOT!)

Sleeping in?? I don't understand?? :confused3

:rolleyes1

My body never lets me do that. :sad2:

Just found your trip report. Love it so far! Had to skip ahead and read some! You are the same age as my DS so that makes it even more interesting - he has 2 DDs!:)
Can't wait to read more.
P.S. We are staying at POFQ May 16-23.

:welcome: Thanks for reading! You'll love your stay at Port Orleans! :goodvibes

[gogo65]

Hi Carissa,

I want to ride TSM. It seems so much fun.:thumbsup2

Now I will be back in the US in Dec/Jan, do you think my DH and kids will me miss me if I do a quick side trip to WDW:rotfl:

Well DH probably wouldn't even notice I was gone, but the kids might:rolleyes:

[jbmom]

Ack 2 updates and I'm late! I really like the POR pics and can't wait to be staying there again in August. My family also loves TSM, last September we rode it 8 times during our 2 days at HS. We rocked the fastpasses that trip!

[Goofy442]

My DS and his girlfriend rode TSM again he keeps trying for a higher score.
http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr291/LuckyPerdy/IMG00091.jpg

[mommytothreeboys]

I kept checking all day yesterday for an update!! I needed to hear about TSM!! :goodvibes:goodvibes

Jeff and I had a lengthy debate about how to manage it...SB first, then FP or vice versa. We decided to do SB first so we at least got to ride once, then hit FP on the way out and decide whether the line was worth standing in. I am SO GLAD you confirmed our choice!! :thumbsup2 We LOVE Buzz so we are very much looking forward to this ride! Only 3 more days!!:banana:

Sorry to hear about the rain...that is definitely a bummer on vacation.

I have no internal clock in the AM whatsoever! I am not at all a morning person, but at WDW I manage to be able to get up and around pretty quickly. Let's just say that the prospect of getting out of bed to do laundry and dishes is not nearly as appealing as getting up to go see Mickey! LOL! Isaiah, DS11, is an early riser and is always ready for school well before bus time. Dan, DS14, always struggles to be out to the bus on time. Funny how they are SO different!

Have a great weekend with your friend! I'll miss your updates, but I guess I'll manage! ;)

[carissanboys]

Hi Carissa,

I want to ride TSM. It seems so much fun.:thumbsup2

Now I will be back in the US in Dec/Jan, do you think my DH and kids will me miss me if I do a quick side trip to WDW:rotfl:

Well DH probably wouldn't even notice I was gone, but the kids might:rolleyes:

They don't want to go back to WDW?? I think you should definitely make a side trip! ;) Where in the U.S. will you be?

Ack 2 updates and I'm late! I really like the POR pics and can't wait to be staying there again in August. My family also loves TSM, last September we rode it 8 times during our 2 days at HS. We rocked the fastpasses that trip!

Wow! You should share your secrets here! :rolleyes1 You must have been there from open to close if you were able to get that many FP. I'm suprised there were enough left for you to get 4 each day?? I know when we went back to ride the 2nd time the FP return time was for the evening. So - even if we would have stayed that late, we would only have been able to FP it twice. And that was on a slow day! Oh - maybe you didn't FP it four times, but also did standby??

My DS and his girlfriend rode TSM again he keeps trying for a higher score.
http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr291/LuckyPerdy/IMG00091.jpg

Awesome score! If I worked there I'd be going on as much as I could too. :thumbsup2

We LOVE Buzz so we are very much looking forward to this ride! Only 3 more days!!:banana:

We use to love Buzz too, but you may find your feelings about it change after you ride TSM and then go on Buzz! ;)

Have a great weekend with your friend! I'll miss your updates, but I guess I'll manage! ;)

Thanks Missy! I'm already thinking about how it's going to be when you all go on YOUR trips! I'll be lonely! :rotfl: Seems like so many are coming up.

[jmskinner]

Do you mean real soldiers?? Don't think so, but I miss a lot. :rolleyes1



No, they were the actual toy ones and I remember the first couple of times we rode we noticed them all over the displays within the que, but Jacob and I didn't see any last time. I sure hope people didn't take them.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Nothing wrong with driving to the parks, I agree with you that it is so much easier than the buses. :thumbsup2

So glad that you had a blast on TSM, it is super fun! I can't wait to ride it loads of times in only ONE MONTH! :banana::cutie:

[jbmom]

Wow! You should share your secrets here! :rolleyes1 You must have been there from open to close if you were able to get that many FP. I'm suprised there were enough left for you to get 4 each day?? I know when we went back to ride the 2nd time the FP return time was for the evening. So - even if we would have stayed that late, we would only have been able to FP it twice. And that was on a slow day! Oh - maybe you didn't FP it four times, but also did standby??

We did it 4 times both days. We got a fastpass before getting in the standby line, did it standby, waited around the TSM area till we could get another fastpass (we only had to wait about 10 minutes after we got off the ride), we came back to use our fastpasses later that afternoon and then got in line right before closing one day and the other day a family gave us their fastpasses they wouldn't be using. It was in September so not peak season by any means. We didn't need fastpasses for RnR Coaster or ToT since the waits for both of those were minimal.

[MRYPPNS]

Nothing wrong with driving to the parks. I actually think it's easier then the bus if you are going for rope drop.

I'll throw in my 2 cents about TSMM fastpasses. If you decide to get them after riding first in the stand-by line be prepared for a late FP return time. I waited for FP's for 15 minutes and the return time jumped about 2 hours from when I first got in line for them. If you were only planning on doing a half day or so at DHS your FP could be for later then you were planning on staying.

[carissanboys]

No, they were the actual toy ones and I remember the first couple of times we rode we noticed them all over the displays within the que, but Jacob and I didn't see any last time. I sure hope people didn't take them.

Ahhh - gotcha. Yeah - I don't remember seeing them.

Nothing wrong with driving to the parks, I agree with you that it is so much easier than the buses. :thumbsup2

So glad that you had a blast on TSM, it is super fun! I can't wait to ride it loads of times in only ONE MONTH! :banana::cutie:

The only problem with us driving is that I can't report on how well the buses work (or not so well as the case may be).

We did it 4 times both days. We got a fastpass before getting in the standby line, did it standby, waited around the TSM area till we could get another fastpass (we only had to wait about 10 minutes after we got off the ride), we came back to use our fastpasses later that afternoon and then got in line right before closing one day and the other day a family gave us their fastpasses they wouldn't be using. It was in September so not peak season by any means. We didn't need fastpasses for RnR Coaster or ToT since the waits for both of those were minimal.

That makes sense. I'm still jealous that you got to go on it so many times! :thumbsup2

Nothing wrong with driving to the parks. I actually think it's easier then the bus if you are going for rope drop.

I'll throw in my 2 cents about TSMM fastpasses. If you decide to get them after riding first in the stand-by line be prepared for a late FP return time. I waited for FP's for 15 minutes and the return time jumped about 2 hours from when I first got in line for them. If you were only planning on doing a half day or so at DHS your FP could be for later then you were planning on staying.

I think it totally depends on the crowds. We picked a predicted lowish level day and it rained so our return time was early. But, definitely something for others to think about.

[Happydog]

:eek: Your TR is already 32 pages long!

:faint:
I'm here I'm here. I just had to pull myself off of the floor. Okay CLEARLY I have some reading to do! I just got to your first day!

I will catch up! :yay: I am sure your TR will be very helpful as I get into the 60 day mark for our trip. I look forward to hearing about your trip for tips and ideas! :thumbsup2

I am glad to know, however, that you had a great time :goodvibes

[Phibbles]

We drove to the parks everyday on our last trip too. It is better in many ways. I am going to miss having a car on our next trip. We especially liked the special Diamond parking pass we got with our AAA package.




I don't want to comment too much about TSM without spoiling my own installments :sad2: I have an awful habit of doing that!

Puh-lease...by the time you post we would have all forgotten the information anyhow. ;) :rotfl2:

[carissanboys]

:eek: Your TR is already 32 pages long!

:faint:
I'm here I'm here. I just had to pull myself off of the floor. Okay CLEARLY I have some reading to do! I just got to your first day!

I will catch up! :yay: I am sure your TR will be very helpful as I get into the 60 day mark for our trip. I look forward to hearing about your trip for tips and ideas! :thumbsup2

I am glad to know, however, that you had a great time :goodvibes

Sorry! :rolleyes1 You can skip all of the chit chat and use the links at the beginning. Wouldn't take too long to get through those. And you have time to catch up because I probably won't be posting another update until Tuesday. ;)

I'm glad you're here and can't wait to hear about your trip to Italy!! :yay:

Puh-lease...by the time you post we would have all forgotten the information anyhow. ;) :rotfl2:

:rotfl: Seriously laughing out loud right now. :lmao:

Oh Heidi - you know we love ya! :hug:

[mindyd]

I am really enjoying your trip report can not wait to e to POR I already told my husband about moving the table behind the curtain because he is a night owl. We drove our last trip almost all the time I like to so much more then trying to fight for seats on the bus with the Girls. I love Toy Story Mania I am going to try to do the trick with riding and then getting the fast passes.

[irene_dsc]

I forgot to mention that as we were walking by one of the CM after rope drop (he was part of the opening show) he said, "You better not let Mickey see your Spongebob shirts!" I guess he thought they were wearing Nickelodeon shirts. :confused3 Like we'd ever do that!

And I forgot to comment before on your Phineas & Ferb shirts! They are way cool! My kids like that show, too, but we need some new ones!

[Mom 2 Two]

I just found your TR. I am lovin' it! My son wants your boys Phineas and Ferb tshirts. Where did you get them? I agree. We loved TSM last summer. It is so much fun!

[mnkyboy24]

Cariisa,

I did beat you by about another 10,000 points or so on TSM. :woohoo: But it was a bad day for Chuck on BLYSRS...I think you beat me by about 30,000 points. I though I was doing well until I came out and saw my score. And for the record, there Toy Story Mania is a much better game overall. You can tell once you play it, that a lot more planning and effort went into it that ride. Everyone can have a good time, although I will have to say that my arm started to get tired from pulling the popper string to shoot the targets on the second round through.

:lmao: I know - I thought that was funny too. I'm trying to remember what score Chuck got. I think he got around the same as me - maybe a bit higher. But, I whooped his butt on Buzz later in the week. :thumbsup2



:rolleyes1



I forgot to mention that as we were walking by one of the CM after rope drop (he was part of the opening show) he said, "You better not let Mickey see your Spongebob shirts!" I guess he thought they were wearing Nickelodeon shirts. :confused3 Like we'd ever do that!

[carissanboys]

I am really enjoying your trip report can not wait to e to POR I already told my husband about moving the table behind the curtain because he is a night owl. We drove our last trip almost all the time I like to so much more then trying to fight for seats on the bus with the Girls. I love Toy Story Mania I am going to try to do the trick with riding and then getting the fast passes.

I think having the table behind the curtain might be a tight fit, but we didn't try it. Every morning we'd bring the chairs back over to the table.

Glad you're enjoying the TR! :goodvibes

And I forgot to comment before on your Phineas & Ferb shirts! They are way cool! My kids like that show, too, but we need some new ones!

I've only seen bits and pieces of it myself, but the boys like it!

I just found your TR. I am lovin' it! My son wants your boys Phineas and Ferb tshirts. Where did you get them? I agree. We loved TSM last summer. It is so much fun!

:welcome: Thanks! I bought the shirts at The Disney Store at our local mall (it's an outlet). They were only $2.99!! :woohoo:

Carissa,

I did beat you by about another 10,000 points or so on TSM. :woohoo: But it was a bad day for Chuck on BLYSRS...I think you beat me by about 30,000 points. I though I was doing well until I came out and saw my score. And for the record, there Toy Story Mania is a much better game overall. You can tell once you play it, that a lot more planning and effort went into it that ride. Everyone can have a good time, although I will have to say that my arm started to get tired from pulling the popper string to shoot the targets on the second round through.

I think I beat you by more than 30,000, but really - who's counting? :rolleyes1

[scottny]

oh boy I am finally caught up. I just bypassed all the chatter.

Great updates and pics.

Great room location you got.

That balloon looks so fun. I cannot wait to try it in Paris and then in October at WDW.

[carissanboys]

oh boy I am finally caught up. I just bypassed all the chatter.

Great updates and pics.

Great room location you got.

That balloon looks so fun. I cannot wait to try it in Paris and then in October at WDW.

How cool that you'll be able to say you've been on both the one in Paris and Orlando!! :cool1:

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

I'm heading down to Virginia Beach later today with a friend. I'll be back sometime on Sunday, but my friend doesn't leave until Tuesday morning. I may check in here and there, but I won't get another update out until Tuesday. Have a great weekend! :goodvibes

[MeMom]

How cool that you'll be able to say you've been on both the one in Paris and Orlando!! :cool1:

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I'm heading down to Virginia Beach later today with a friend. I'll be back sometime on Sunday, but my friend doesn't leave until Tuesday morning. I may check in here and there, but I won't get another update out until Tuesday. Have a great weekend! :goodvibes

It would be interesting to go to an overseas Disney Park, wouldn't it?


Sounds like fun! Wishing you safe travel and a great time!

[gogo65]

They don't want to go back to WDW?? I think you should definitely make a side trip! ;) Where in the U.S. will you be?



We arrive on Christmas day for a four days in DL then Vegas for NYE then up to Canada skiing for 2 weeks followed by a week in Hawaii to relax:woohoo:

My hubby didn't even want to go to DL :sad2: but I am making him go (I know he will have fun we are there):thumbsup2

AND i just found out that they have TSM in DL. Is it the same ride as the one WDW??

My daughter may be dancing in DL in April next year (Yeh another trip to my favourite place), so I am already thinking up ways of getting her over to WDW. She is a cheerleader here (National champions last year and she is the team captain this year:yay:) so I am hoping that there may be some Cheer comp in April at WDW, because she would love to see real American cheerleaders;)

[carissanboys]

It would be interesting to go to an overseas Disney Park, wouldn't it?


Sounds like fun! Wishing you safe travel and a great time!

Yes it would! :) Thanks - it's partly a trip to look for a place to live and partly a girls weekend away. :goodvibes

We arrive on Christmas day for a four days in DL then Vegas for NYE then up to Canada skiing for 2 weeks followed by a week in Hawaii to relax:woohoo:

My hubby didn't even want to go to DL :sad2: but I am making him go (I know he will have fun we are there):thumbsup2

AND i just found out that they have TSM in DL. Is it the same ride as the one WDW??

My daughter may be dancing in DL in April next year (Yeh another trip to my favourite place), so I am already thinking up ways of getting her over to WDW. She is a cheerleader here (National champions last year and she is the team captain this year:yay:) so I am hoping that there may be some Cheer comp in April at WDW, because she would love to see real American cheerleaders;)

Wow! That's quite a trip! :thumbsup2 At least you get to go to Disneyland! :cool1:

I believe TSM is the same at DL as it is at WDW.

[carissanboys]

I said you wouldn't get an update until Tuesday, but I have a bit of time this morning (just sent Sully and Owen to school and my friend and Connor are still sleeping) so I thought I'd at least get a short installment up. :thumbsup2

We had finished riding TSM, had FP in hand to ride again, and it was decision time.

Sully had requested that we ride Rock 'n' Roller Coaster - and crazy me had told him that I would ride it with him. :scared1:

Up until that point, I had only ever done Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I use to be a thrill rider in my younger days, but something happened as I got older. I hate the way my stomach feels during drops and I don't really thrive on fear anymore. :rolleyes1 But, I knew RnRC didn't have any big drops so I thought - okay. I'll do this.

Chuck took Connor and Owen over to Star Tours while Sully and I headed over to RnRC. This was our first time even being over in that part of the park.

Look how yucky the sky looked:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4417.jpg

Sully playing the air guitar:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4418.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4419.jpg

Then we headed to the line. I believe standby was about a 20 minute wait. Sully was getting a tiny bit nervous as we were waiting so I sucked up my own fear and tried to act like it was no big deal.

You know when you're at the point where you get to watch the "cars" take off??? Well, that's when I really started to get nervous. :eek:

I am proud to say that I rode RnRC. That take off is CRAZY!!! It feels like you're on a big drop because of the forces against your body. Thankfully, it's a short ride. :rolleyes1

When we got off I rednecked our photo and only because I love all of you am I going to share this EXTREMELY embarrassing picture of myself.


http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4420.jpg

:rotfl:

Once is enough for me on that coaster - just sayin'.

When we got outside I asked Sully what he thought. It was very difficult to read his thoughts because he looked like this:

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee163/carissanboys/Disney%2009/IMG_4421.jpg

Turns out that's his dumfounded - that was so awesome! - face. ;) He loved it and wanted to do it again. Sure buddy - next time you're taking your dad. ;)

Up Next - A Moving Update and Mini TR (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31411576&postcount=529)

[Lady Lallie]

Good for you for riding RnR! I am not a fan of thrill rides but am trying to get myself to go on Tower of Terror. I really want to see the theming and everything but I don't know if I can handle all of those drops! :scared1:

[mommytothreeboys]

YAY Carissa! Way to suck it up and take one for the team!! I LOVE roller coasters of any kind and that take off really is amazing! :thumbsup2

Love the pic of you screaming! :scared1: I have one of Jeff and I on the freefall ride on top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas that tops that one! It is so HILARIOUS! We were truly terrified and it shows!

That sky looked miserable! I really hope the weather improved for the rest of your trip. :rolleyes:

Enjoy your weekend! I'll check in with ya when I get home!! :banana:

[carissanboys]

Good for you for riding RnR! I am not a fan of thrill rides but am trying to get myself to go on Tower of Terror. I really want to see the theming and everything but I don't know if I can handle all of those drops! :scared1:

That's how I feel about Tower of Terror too. I'd love to be able to go through the whole thing, but then chicken out right before getting to the drops part. :rotfl:

YAY Carissa! Way to suck it up and take one for the team!! I LOVE roller coasters of any kind and that take off really is amazing! :thumbsup2

Love the pic of you screaming! :scared1: I have one of Jeff and I on the freefall ride on top of the Stratosphere in Las Vegas that tops that one! It is so HILARIOUS! We were truly terrified and it shows!

That sky looked miserable! I really hope the weather improved for the rest of your trip. :rolleyes:

Enjoy your weekend! I'll check in with ya when I get home!! :banana:

Can you scan that photo and share it here?? :rolleyes1 I laughed so hard when I saw our picture. It was one of those, "I really don't want to show this to everyone, but how can I not??"

Have a great trip Missy and say hi to POR for me!! :goodvibes

[torsie24]

Yay! Glad you did it!! The take off is super scary!!!!!!

If you think your photo is embarrasing check mine out from Paris!

I can't believe I'm about to post it!

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v272/219/66/821450083/n821450083_3449501_3732.jpg

[mommytothreeboys]

Ok...ready for a good laugh? This picture was just TOO FUNNY to not purchase! And I'm only sharing it cause you asked so nicely! LOL! It will tie you over until I get back with more crazy WDW pics! :goodvibes
















http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/image8-5-2008.jpg


How do you like me now!! LOL!!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[jmskinner]

Surprise updates are the best!

Glad he liked the ride. If I'm still in the area next time you go, call me, I'll ride with him. But, I guess Chuck needs to go at least once.

[carissanboys]

Yay! Glad you did it!! The take off is super scary!!!!!!

If you think your photo is embarrasing check mine out from Paris!

I can't believe I'm about to post it!

I love it! Thanks for posting it. :thumbsup2

Ok...ready for a good laugh? This picture was just TOO FUNNY to not purchase! And I'm only sharing it cause you asked so nicely! LOL! It will tie you over until I get back with more crazy WDW pics! :goodvibes

How do you like me now!! LOL!!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

I'm feelin' the love now! Thanks for posting Missy - it's not so embarrassing when others post their photos too. :rotfl:

Surprise updates are the best!

Glad he liked the ride. If I'm still in the area next time you go, call me, I'll ride with him. But, I guess Chuck needs to go at least once.

I'm not sure Chuck will be jumping in line to ride with him! Chuck did end up doing one coaster on this trip, but I think it's the only big ride he's done at WDW.

[torsie24]

Hahaha, I love that photo Missy!!

I was way to scared to go on any of the stratosphere rides!!!

[dismagiclover]

Congratulations on RNR and I love, love, love the photo:lmao:

[mommytothreeboys]

Hahaha, I love that photo Missy!!

I was way to scared to go on any of the stratosphere rides!!!


Thanks Torsie! We NEVER buy the souvenir photos, but that one was too good to pass up!

I LOVE thrill rides, but I have to say that I was truly scared on this one! It was a windy day and the tower was swaying and I had some true fear! I have to say though that I LOVED IT and would do it again. :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:rotfl: Since we are all sharing here is Erich's picture from his first roller coaster, Volcano. It starts off just like RnR. ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/volcano-1.jpg

[GGOOFY1]

Carissa....RnR is not that bad, I am a bit of a roller coaster junkie and love RnR and TT. Could ride them all day, now Star Tours is different. One time on that ride is enough for my stomach:eek:

[BrooklynnsMommy]

I'm like you, I have done the Rock and Roller Coaster and I don't need to do it again! The last time I did it really messed my head up for the rest of the day.

[carissanboys]

Congratulations on RNR and I love, love, love the photo:lmao:

Thanks Jenny! I'm glad I can now say I rode it. :thumbsup2

Thanks Torsie! We NEVER buy the souvenir photos, but that one was too good to pass up!

I LOVE thrill rides, but I have to say that I was truly scared on this one! It was a windy day and the tower was swaying and I had some true fear! I have to say though that I LOVED IT and would do it again. :thumbsup2

You're crazy, Woman!! :rotfl:

:rotfl: Since we are all sharing here is Erich's picture from his first roller coaster, Volcano. It starts off just like RnR. ;)

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/volcano-1.jpg

Ahhh - poor Erich. :rotfl:

Carissa....RnR is not that bad, I am a bit of a roller coaster junkie and love RnR and TT. Could ride them all day, now Star Tours is different. One time on that ride is enough for my stomach:eek:

I didn't like Star Tours either - left me feeling dizzy and icky. But, I beg to differ on RnRC! Most of it isn't too bad, but that take off is insane.

I'm like you, I have done the Rock and Roller Coaster and I don't need to do it again! The last time I did it really messed my head up for the rest of the day.

That's my biggest worry with the crazy rides - that I'll spend the day feeling lousy. I can deal with the fear factor - I just don't want to feel sick while I'm there.

[torsie24]

I 100% agree Carissa about being worried about rides ruining your day more than the fear factor.

Why am really doubting whether to risk Mission Space...

[carissanboys]

I 100% agree Carissa about being worried about rides ruining your day more than the fear factor.

Why am really doubting whether to risk Mission Space...

That's one that I'm not sure I will ever try for just that reason. I am prone to getting motion sick.

[WillowBelle]

Whew! Just made it to the end of this TR. Can I join the fan club :rotfl: also? We HAVE to have a fan while we sleep, for the noise!

Love the pictures of your room. We've always only stayed at value resorts. I'm crossing my fingers that DH will agree to staying at a mod. next year when we go.