Tasty Planning Time with ZeBrook! A 2 for 1 PTR - 11/13 - Disney World circa 1985 [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

brookelizabeth

05-14-2009, 03:11 PM

Table of Contents

NYE PTR Stuffs:
- Welcome & Introductions (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31821354&postcount=2)
- How "The Plans" got changed before they were even made (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31864547&postcount=52)
- The Resort Dance (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32201823&postcount=215)
- 199 Days and Counting! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32224893&postcount=232)
- Kidani, here we come! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32344646&postcount=333)
- Flights, ADRs and more (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33616134&postcount=1199)
- Ahhh! It's ADR Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33742127&postcount=1226)
- Finally, some progress! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34211950&postcount=1255)
- The Plan 1.0 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34310870&postcount=1278)
- Disney World circa 1985 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34322369&postcount=1291)

September PTR Stuffs:
- I have an Annual Pass burning a hole in my back pocket (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32305979&postcount=276)
- The Plan (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32306453&postcount=283)
- The Eats! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32339012&postcount=319)
- Value Flights and Value Resorts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32370620&postcount=363)
- Big 'ol changes. Surprised? Me neither. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32435793&postcount=384)
- The Plan 1.1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32462980&postcount=410)
- Shoes and News (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32534190&postcount=443)
- Let's talk MUNCHIES! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32592473&postcount=479)
- Dollar Store Goodies (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32636334&postcount=507)
- 50 Days (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32701056&postcount=576)
- The Plan 1.2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32786000&postcount=658)
- Pre-Trip Report Randomness (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32843506&postcount=699)
- The Rides (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32882216&postcount=739)
- A Week of Mickey Mail (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32976100&postcount=776)
- The Countdown Begins! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33054998&postcount=839)
- Three weeks from today, we'll be... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33143555&postcount=870)
- Pre-Trip Report Randomness...Part Deux! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33241666&postcount=907)
- Countdown update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33245432&postcount=921)
- ONE week from today! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33314632&postcount=966)
- Wishes & EVCs (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33335290&postcount=992)
- Wishes - UPDATE! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33336025&postcount=999)
- A long drawn out post on ECVs, but I included pretty pictures at the end! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33355670&postcount=1032)
- A Hidden Mickey in our bathroom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33393836&postcount=1074)
- Leavin' on a jet plane (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33411257&postcount=1116)
- We are back! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33488141&postcount=1151)
- New TR is UP! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33531182&postcount=1198)

Non-PTR Stuffs:
Mini-TR: Celebrating in Wisconsin Dells
- Wisconsin Dells: The Waterpark Capital of the World (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31936133&postcount=86)
- The World's Lamest Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32032975&postcount=125)
- Continued from previous post (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32049070&postcount=133) (this time with real content :rolleyes1)
- Henry and his hot date. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32133364&postcount=166)
- Henry and his hot date. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32133398&postcount=167)
- BREAKFAST BUFFET! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32201303&postcount=211)
- BREAKFAST BUFFET! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32201318&postcount=212)
- Guess what Henry found? Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32234536&postcount=249)
- Guess what Henry found? Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32234569&postcount=250)
- Guess what Henry found? Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32234592&postcount=251)
- Adventure Golf, where the biggest "adventure" is pushing your stroller up a hill (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32636907&postcount=515)
- Seeing another side of the Dells. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32664491&postcount=541)
- Seeing another side of the Dells. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32664690&postcount=542)
- Seeing another side of the Dells. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32664848&postcount=543)
- Seeing another side of the Dells (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32665025&postcount=545). Part Four. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32665025&postcount=545)

- A Birthday Surprise (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32128536&postcount=158)

- Henry the Race Car Driver (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34201756&postcount=1241)

:yay:

brookelizabeth

05-14-2009, 03:12 PM

HELLO!

Welcome and thank you for joining in with me on this journey of planning! If you have a young child you may get my PTR Title...if not, click here (http://tv.disney.go.com/playhouse/tastytimewithzefronk/ncds/index.html) and enjoy some "Tasty Time with ZeFronk!" It's a very fun short. ::yes::

I am not a weiner dog or a chef, nor is my name Fronk...I am Brook. If you have read my TRs and followed me here, THANKS! Good to see you again! If you are new to my adventures, I'll tell you a bit about myself...

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/brookwozniak/Disney%20January%202009/IMG_5106Small.jpg
That's me (at the Grand Floridian Tea! :lovestruc). I'm 29 years old, wife to

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/brookwozniak/Disney%202008/Friday%20November%2014%202008/IMG_4226Small.jpg
Joe.

And Momma to

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/brookwozniak/IMG_9223Small.jpg
Henry!

Joe and I are both techy geeks. I also enjoy the history of Walt Disney and think he was an incredible visonary who was beyond his time.

We love most all types of rides from simple to the intensity of EE.

My favorite thing about going to Disney World is seeing the magic of it unfold through my son's eyes.

Henry (20 months) is a sincere lover of Playhouse Disney...Mickey Mouse Club, Handy Manny and the Choo-Choo Soul short top the list...despite me singing "ZeFronk" around the house ;) Trains and all mode of transportation intrigue my little motorhead! He is very into cars, "ba" (buses) and "trus, trus" (trucks).

This will be our fourth trip to Disney World, number three for Henry. It is our second DVC trip, but our first one "HOME" to AKV!

That is our clan...

but wait!

There is MORE!

Who else could be going?

My DMIL (Grammy), DFIL (Poppa) and DSIL (Auntie KK)!

:yay: <--FYI...I really like this guy. You will probably see him often.

Um...ya...so...where are the pictures of the in-laws??

I've scoured my computer and Photobucket account for quite sometime looking for a decent picture of my in-laws and for some reason am coming up empty handed.

I know they exist!

I just don't know WHERE they exist! :rolleyes:

So, I promise, when I am able to take a few decent shots and/or if I come across some, I will post and 'introduce' you to the fam.

Who, by the way, are FANTASTIC. I love my in-laws!

When we purchased DVC we had in mind to take family/friends every other year or so with us. We asked some very close friends of ours, but they cannot swing it this year-so we are looking at 2010 with them - but we still wanted to bring someone with us for this trip. Both Joe and I kept mentioning how fun it would be for Grammy to see Henry at the parks.

So we asked...and YES! They are thrilled to come with! :yay:

Up next: How "The Plans" got changed before they were even made.

princess&her4princes

05-14-2009, 03:51 PM

Hi Brook!
I'm here, can't wait!!!:banana:

troobabiee7

05-14-2009, 03:56 PM

Hey Brook! I can't wait to follow along :woohoo:

brookelizabeth

05-14-2009, 04:02 PM

Hi Brook!
I'm here, can't wait!!!:banana:

Hey Brook! I can't wait to follow along :woohoo:

You two are QUICK!
Thanks for following along. :goodvibes

BrooklynnsMommy

05-14-2009, 04:06 PM

IluvXU

05-14-2009, 04:11 PM

thewesterberg

05-14-2009, 04:12 PM

Hey Brook! So glad you're doing another TR! (Just gotta catch up on the end of your other one!) Can't wait to hear all about your planning adventures!!

shebaxric

05-14-2009, 04:13 PM

I'm here Brook!! I'm ready for all the fun the PTR has to offer!:cool1:

KristiMc

05-14-2009, 04:16 PM

Looking forward to the PTR.

moparop

05-14-2009, 04:25 PM

I made it over here! Now, I'll be singing the Zefrank song every time I open your PTR - good stuff I tell you! :up: My kids love that show, Liam says... "look the cooking!"

We did a trip last summer with my parents and it was such an awesome week. How fun to share it with the ILs!

brookelizabeth

05-14-2009, 04:53 PM

Hey Brook! I'm here. We are very familiar with ZeFronk at my house as well as all the Playhouse Disney crew. Can't wait to hear all your plans for the trip and watch Henry continue to grow over the next 226 days!

Hi Jill! Thanks for joining in!
Thank you as well for sending Erica my way about the Photopass! :thumbsup2

I also highly enjoy "Can you teach my alligator manners?" and the Happy Monster Band has some very catchy tunes.

Brook- can't wait to hear all about this trip you are planning. I also want to say I think you are headed into my favorite age. I love two year olds, their wonder, their questions! I think the terrible twos aren't terrible at all (now at three- yikes!)
It will be so fun to see how Henry reacts this trip. Plus this trip will come in the midst of the cold boring long winter... and long after our trip!

That is so wonderful to hear about the age 2! Lately Henry has been FUSSY. Sometimes it seems he gets upset that he wants something but can't tell us what it is. And other times, I think he knows, but just plain refuses to tell us. He's getting better though as he learns more words and as we encourage him to "use your words please". I do like sharing in the wonder with him, it's so sweet!

I don't think I'm subscribed to your PTR! :eek: I really thought I was. Fixing that right now! :sad2:

Hey Brook! So glad you're doing another TR! (Just gotta catch up on the end of your other one!) Can't wait to hear all about your planning adventures!!

I'm here Brook!! I'm ready for all the fun the PTR has to offer!:cool1:

Looking forward to the PTR.

Hiya! Thanks for joining in! :goodvibes

I made it over here! Now, I'll be singing the Zefrank song every time I open your PTR - good stuff I tell you! :up: My kids love that show, Liam says... "look the cooking!"

We did a trip last summer with my parents and it was such an awesome week. How fun to share it with the ILs!

That is so cute, "look the cooking!" :cutie: ZeFronk is a very fun weiner dog.

I'm really excited about taking our in-laws, the are newbies!

wickesy

05-14-2009, 05:10 PM

Hi Brook,

Still following you from 'across the pond'. Looking forward to reading all about your plans for your next trip. :goodvibes

Vexorg

05-14-2009, 05:32 PM

Looks like I actually managed to catch this one before it got 27 pages in.

k_reile

05-14-2009, 05:46 PM

I'm here...now I want your trip to hurry up and happen so I can go on mine! :goodvibes

I do not know who ZeFronk is....yet anyways...I'm sure in time Caleb will let me know who they are all. I am now getting acquianted with Handy Manny and all of his tool friends according to my 2.5 yr old newphew!

Oh and it took me a while to realize who "NYE" was...until I realized New Years Eve! :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear how the trip with the inlaws go...I too :love: my inlaws! I am a very lucky girl who married into a wonderful family. My MIL keeps Caleb and my 3 yr old niece everyday!

Flossbolna

05-14-2009, 06:06 PM

Hi Brook, I am here! I am looking forward to reading about your plans.The trip with your in-laws sounds great! :goodvibes

Lady Lallie

05-14-2009, 06:18 PM

I'm here!

I just love that picture of you at the Grand Floridan Tea. So cute! :goodvibes

I am so looking forward to your trip, I want to hit up Disney on all of the holidays someday so I can learn from you! :thumbsup2

Mocharilla

05-14-2009, 06:26 PM

I'm in for more Henry-ventures!! :goodvibes

kschafer

05-14-2009, 07:03 PM

4 hours and the second page already! Everyone wants to be a part of the fun including me, I'm in!

Charleston Princess

05-14-2009, 08:34 PM

Brook, I can't believe you are already at page two! I'm here to help ease the pain of your trip report ending. I can't wait! :yay:

2xcited2sleep

05-14-2009, 08:41 PM

ONLY 226 days to plan? You've got to get busy! ;) Can't wait to hear all about your plans! :)

DisGirlAllie

05-14-2009, 08:46 PM

Yay! Another TR in the making!

IBelieveInTheMagic

05-14-2009, 08:49 PM

Hi Brook, I am here! I am looking forward to reading about your plans.The trip with your in-laws sounds great! :goodvibes
To Flossbolna - Hello my fellow Bayern! :) Nice to see you I hope you and NUE are doing well...:thumbsup2

I'm in too Brook!!! I'm really looking forward to reading and following your plans and the in laws are in for a treat!;)

Heather

MeMom

05-14-2009, 09:00 PM

New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve.
Hmmm, I can't quite put my finger on it, but New Year's Eve just seems like it's going to be pretty special this year. :idea:

I don't know. I'll let you know if I think of what's happening.
Until then, I'll count down with you.

226 cups of hot cocoa on the wall,
226 cups of cocoa,
You take one down,
Pass it around on the Poly beach on NYE while you're watching Wishes,
225 cups of cocoa on the wall!

KathyRN137

05-14-2009, 09:00 PM

Brook,

We'll definitely be off to a Happy New Year... party:

...because now we'll have your trip report to read!!!

Kathy

PopArtGal

05-14-2009, 09:16 PM

Here I am!

disneyfan61

05-14-2009, 09:41 PM

I'm here too!! :goodvibes

ClaireW

05-15-2009, 06:00 AM

Looking forward to hearing all about Henry's latest adventures. Until our baby is born and big enough for us to make the trek from UK to Florida (thinking maybe next May/September) I'll have to experience toddler time at WDW through your little family instead!

BrooklynnsMommy

05-15-2009, 10:00 AM

Brook- can't wait to hear all about this trip you are planning. I also want to say I think you are headed into my favorite age. I love two year olds, their wonder, their questions! I think the terrible twos aren't terrible at all (now at three- yikes!)
It will be so fun to see how Henry reacts this trip. Plus this trip will come in the midst of the cold boring long winter... and long after our trip!

I agree 2 has been a blast but as Brooklynn inches closer to 3 I'm starting to see lots of temper tantrums and attitude I have never seen from her. She still has her sweet moments and is lots of fun to talk to and listen to as she describes her world so hopefully we will make it to the other side of 3 all still sane!

Mocharilla

05-15-2009, 10:29 AM

I agree 2 has been a blast but as Brooklynn inches closer to 3 I'm starting to see lots of temper tantrums and attitude I have never seen from her. She still has her sweet moments and is lots of fun to talk to and listen to as she describes her world so hopefully we will make it to the other side of 3 all still sane!

Unfortunately, Jacques is quite the opposite. He throws awful tantrums now, about EVERYTHING, and he's 18 months. Today, I set my purse on his chair that he wasn't using, and he stopped playing, screamed, came over, threw my purse across the room, and proceeded to scream and hit things for 15 minutes. Yeah. God forbid we tell him he can't go outside! :scared:

I'm hoping he's getting it out now so he's better behaved later. I don't think it can get worse. :rotfl:

jenseib

05-15-2009, 12:12 PM

I'm in too! :cool1:

I think it's great you are gong with family. I often think about going with family...but then I think...they will slow me down. LOL! :yay:

disneydusted

05-15-2009, 03:28 PM

WOW! Page 3 already!! You are a popular girl! :goodvibes I'm subbing for this PTR!! Can't wait! :yay:

blessedby3

05-15-2009, 04:39 PM

Subbing for another great report. We have gone with the grandparents- both sides, at different times- and had a great time. I know my mom and mil both love seeing Disney through my kids eyes. Have a fun time planning!!

tiggrbaby

05-15-2009, 06:16 PM

You will have a great time going with family! When my boys were little, my parents and sister always came to see the magic for the first time (the first was almost 3 his first time, and the second two each had their first time about 18 months).

Donald is #1

05-15-2009, 06:28 PM

I'm in too! popcorn::

TyRy

05-15-2009, 08:13 PM

Count me in as well. You guys will have a blast with the family, this may sound crazy, but I love have my in-laws with us on trips...they love it almost as much as us and it's just fun to watch them.

MRYPPNS

05-15-2009, 09:58 PM

I'm in for any report that works in a Playhouse Disney short into the title....but I must confess.....my fav is Choo-Choo Soul!

BellaSoleil

05-15-2009, 10:49 PM

I'm here, friend! Let the planning begin!

I love how we book our trips close to one another, but hate the fact that we 'just' miss one another! Maybe next year!:confused3

P.S. When I read your title I wanted to reach into my laptop and give you a big ole' hug! You are so my kinda girl, ZeBrook!

CharacterFan

05-16-2009, 12:30 AM

I'm in. I love Disney at New Year's I've been 3 times before, but just can't swing it this year. You'll have lots of fun.

micandminforever

05-16-2009, 02:17 AM

Disney is a fun place to be on New Years Day. The parks were low crowds in the morning of the 1st. I don't know if everyone was sleeping late or watching football, but the crowds stayed away until the afternoon the two times I have been at Disney on the 1st.

SoonerGirl

05-16-2009, 10:27 AM

See what happens when I don't DIS for a couple of days - you start your PTR and it's already 3 pages by the time I get over here! You've got quite a following, girl. :goodvibes

I think that's so wonderful that you are taking your in-laws, and that you actally enjoy them! Me? I couldn't handle a day trip with mine, let alone an entire vacation. :lmao:

BrooklynnsMommy

05-16-2009, 11:57 AM

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkggggguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

:cool1::cool1::banana::banana::laundy::laundy::dan ce3::woohoo:

That was Brooklynn typing see ya in December, Henry!

brookelizabeth

05-16-2009, 04:21 PM

Hi Brook,

Still following you from 'across the pond'. Looking forward to reading all about your plans for your next trip. :goodvibes

Hi! Thanks for following along!

Looks like I actually managed to catch this one before it got 27 pages in.

Makes it a tad easier, eh? ;)

I'm here...now I want your trip to hurry up and happen so I can go on mine! :goodvibes

I do not know who ZeFronk is....yet anyways...I'm sure in time Caleb will let me know who they are all. I am now getting acquianted with Handy Manny and all of his tool friends according to my 2.5 yr old newphew!

Oh and it took me a while to realize who "NYE" was...until I realized New Years Eve! :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear how the trip with the inlaws go...I too :love: my inlaws! I am a very lucky girl who married into a wonderful family. My MIL keeps Caleb and my 3 yr old niece everyday!

You will know who ZeFronk is veryyyy soon I bet! Handy Manny is a cool dude too. They actually had a commerical that I caught with the real guy who does Handy Manny's voice - it was so weird to see him in real life and yet he sounded like the familar cartoon.

That is SO nice that your MIL watches Caleb. I would love it if my MIL could watch Henry. We have an excellent set-up with a very close friend, but Grammy would be even more ideal!

Hi Brook, I am here! I am looking forward to reading about your plans.The trip with your in-laws sounds great! :goodvibes

Hello there! Thanks for joining in here too.

I'm here!

I just love that picture of you at the Grand Floridan Tea. So cute! :goodvibes

I am so looking forward to your trip, I want to hit up Disney on all of the holidays someday so I can learn from you! :thumbsup2

Thanks LL!! Despite being exhausted I was fairly pleased with that pic as well. It was before the Henry Meltdown too! :laughing:

I would love to hit Disney on all the holidays too...MeMom is well on her way to doing that!

I'm in for more Henry-ventures!! :goodvibes

Thanks for reading!

4 hours and the second page already! Everyone wants to be a part of the fun including me, I'm in!

I can't believe it's already grown to this many pages! I haven't hardly written anything! It's so sweet of everyone to read along! :cutie:

Brook, I can't believe you are already at page two! I'm here to help ease the pain of your trip report ending. I can't wait! :yay:

I can't wait to read your TR! It will help tide me through unti our trip!

ONLY 226 days to plan? You've got to get busy! ;) Can't wait to hear all about your plans! :)

I know it! Now we are down to 224 days! :scared1: ;)

Yay! Another TR in the making!

Yep! Hopefully the PTR time will zip by and we can be at the World soon to make that TR!

To Flossbolna - Hello my fellow Bayern! :) Nice to see you I hope you and NUE are doing well...:thumbsup2

I'm in too Brook!!! I'm really looking forward to reading and following your plans and the in laws are in for a treat!;)

Heather

Thank you for reading! I think my in-laws are gonna have a FANTASTIC time! At least I hope so!

New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve.
Hmmm, I can't quite put my finger on it, but New Year's Eve just seems like it's going to be pretty special this year. :idea:

I don't know. I'll let you know if I think of what's happening.
Until then, I'll count down with you.

226 cups of hot cocoa on the wall,
226 cups of cocoa,
You take one down,
Pass it around on the Poly beach on NYE while you're watching Wishes,
225 cups of cocoa on the wall!

I love your song! :rotfl2: I can't really remember what is happening either on NYE...something about a few DISers meeting up, and some kids playing together...on the Poly beach while watching Wishes...does it get any better? :cloud9:

Brook,

We'll definitely be off to a Happy New Year... party:

...because now we'll have your trip report to read!!!

Kathy

Thanks Kathy! Hopefully the PTR time zips by, the actual trip creeeeeeeeeps by and then I can drag the TR out for a while too!

Here I am!

I'm here too!! :goodvibes

Hello! Thanks for following me over here!

Looking forward to hearing all about Henry's latest adventures. Until our baby is born and big enough for us to make the trek from UK to Florida (thinking maybe next May/September) I'll have to experience toddler time at WDW through your little family instead!

It really is so special to experience Disney with your little one! It will be worth the wait. And then you can get really prepared and get all sorts of tips from the DIS before your trip. :goodvibes

I agree 2 has been a blast but as Brooklynn inches closer to 3 I'm starting to see lots of temper tantrums and attitude I have never seen from her. She still has her sweet moments and is lots of fun to talk to and listen to as she describes her world so hopefully we will make it to the other side of 3 all still sane!

Henry has a fair share a temper tantrums already...I hope as he learns more words and understands more they subside some. I know some of his frustration stems from not being able to fully express what he wants. BUT, some of it is for no reason! Overall, he's still a very good little boy-we have more happy fun times than cranky ones!

brookelizabeth

05-16-2009, 04:22 PM

Unfortunately, Jacques is quite the opposite. He throws awful tantrums now, about EVERYTHING, and he's 18 months. Today, I set my purse on his chair that he wasn't using, and he stopped playing, screamed, came over, threw my purse across the room, and proceeded to scream and hit things for 15 minutes. Yeah. God forbid we tell him he can't go outside! :scared:

I'm hoping he's getting it out now so he's better behaved later. I don't think it can get worse. :rotfl:

"Side, side, side, side" that's all I heard this morning! :laughing: Unfortunatly it's 45 degrees here in Minnesota today. :sad2: We'll probably head out anyway after his nap, winter hat, coat, etc. You wouldn't even know it was May. :headache:

I'm in too! :cool1:

I think it's great you are gong with family. I often think about going with family...but then I think...they will slow me down. LOL! :yay:

:rotfl2: Ya, I have to make sure to keep in the mindset of it being very busy this time of year, and the family might not want to move as quickly as I do!

WOW! Page 3 already!! You are a popular girl! :goodvibes I'm subbing for this PTR!! Can't wait! :yay:

I couldn't believe I was at 3 pages already either! :eek: Thanks for reading!

Subbing for another great report. We have gone with the grandparents- both sides, at different times- and had a great time. I know my mom and mil both love seeing Disney through my kids eyes. Have a fun time planning!!

I think it will be a very special trip with Grammy and Poppa. Wonderful memories waiting to be made. :goodvibes

You will have a great time going with family! When my boys were little, my parents and sister always came to see the magic for the first time (the first was almost 3 his first time, and the second two each had their first time about 18 months).

This will probably be like another first time for Henry, being he probably doesn't remember a whole lot from either previous trip. And even being older, I'm sure he'll experience things in a whole new way too. I'm excited to share this with the family!

I'm in too! popcorn::

Thanks for joining in!

brookelizabeth

05-16-2009, 04:23 PM

Count me in as well. You guys will have a blast with the family, this may sound crazy, but I love have my in-laws with us on trips...they love it almost as much as us and it's just fun to watch them.

Your in-laws are so cool! I love reading your report. :goodvibes I am thinking of and praying for your DMIL!! I'm sure she'll be pushing to be just fine for that September trip!

I'm in for any report that works in a Playhouse Disney short into the title....but I must confess.....my fav is Choo-Choo Soul!

I love Choo-Choo Soul as well. I always dance with Henry (except he doesn't always dance :rolleyes1) during it. Henry gets VERY excited when it comes on TV and puts his hand up like pulling the horn cord. It's so sweet.

I'm here, friend! Let the planning begin!

I love how we book our trips close to one another, but hate the fact that we 'just' miss one another! Maybe next year!:confused3

P.S. When I read your title I wanted to reach into my laptop and give you a big ole' hug! You are so my kinda girl, ZeBrook!

I know it! :headache: I couldn't believe it when you PM'ed me with your dates! Maybe our paths will cross that last day...depending on flight times. Henry would love to meet Belle! And I would love to meet you!! Have you offically announced this trip yet?

Glad you like the PTR title! :goodvibes Joe and I were going through some various things over chat the other day while at work and I threw out this one, and he freaked "YES!" and we kept coming back to it no matter how many other ones we tossed around. Playhouse Disney is such a big part of our lives, it's gotta be represented! ;)

I'm in. I love Disney at New Year's I've been 3 times before, but just can't swing it this year. You'll have lots of fun.

Oh, I'm SO glad to hear that! Please share ANY TIPS you have! PLEAAAAAAASE! :yay:

Disney is a fun place to be on New Years Day. The parks were low crowds in the morning of the 1st. I don't know if everyone was sleeping late or watching football, but the crowds stayed away until the afternoon the two times I have been at Disney on the 1st.

That is great to hear! I'll have to keep this in mind if we can drag our rears out of bed on the 1st. ;)

See what happens when I don't DIS for a couple of days - you start your PTR and it's already 3 pages by the time I get over here! You've got quite a following, girl. :goodvibes

I think that's so wonderful that you are taking your in-laws, and that you actally enjoy them! Me? I couldn't handle a day trip with mine, let alone an entire vacation. :lmao:

I am a very fortunate girl to have great in-laws. I hear so many awful stories of MILs trying to control their son, and then when you have babies it's a whole new deal-like you are doing everything wrong, etc. Ugh. My DMIL is incredible!

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkggggguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

:cool1::cool1::banana::banana::laundy::laundy::dan ce3::woohoo:

That was Brooklynn typing see ya in December, Henry!

I love this. It's so stinkin' cute.

Hi Brooklynn! Henry can't wait to see you either! We will play and dig in the sand on the Poly beach! :goodvibes

A's Princess

05-16-2009, 09:16 PM

Subbing! I love your TRs!

jenseib

05-17-2009, 11:45 AM

I can;t think of Handy Manny's voices real name, but he was on that 70's show and used to date Lindsey Lhan too, years ago. LOL!

PopArtGal

05-17-2009, 12:42 PM

I can;t think of Handy Manny's voices real name, but he was on that 70's show and used to date Lindsey Lhan too, years ago. LOL!

Wilmer Valderama

jenseib

05-17-2009, 02:42 PM

Thats it. I kept thinking to myself his first name was Vilder, but I knew that was wrong. :lmao:

ClaireW

05-17-2009, 02:52 PM

ZeFronk hasn't appeared on UK Playhouse Disney but curious to see what's behind your TR titile so will be checking out your link later

BTW - just googled Wilmer Valderama and won't be able to look at Handy Manny in the same way again! :rotfl:

brookelizabeth

05-17-2009, 04:52 PM

Subbing! I love your TRs!

Thank you! :goodvibes

I can;t think of Handy Manny's voices real name, but he was on that 70's show and used to date Lindsey Lhan too, years ago. LOL!

That's so weird. I just think of him as Handy Manny, not a real person! He's only allowed to flirt with Kelly, the chick who owns the hardware store! :laughing:

Wilmer Valderama

Thats it. I kept thinking to myself his first name was Vilder, but I knew that was wrong. :lmao:

Vilder. Love it!

ZeFronk hasn't appeared on UK Playhouse Disney but curious to see what's behind your TR titile so will be checking out your link later

BTW - just googled Wilmer Valderama and won't be able to look at Handy Manny in the same way again! :rotfl:

He's a good lookin' man! :laughing: When I saw that commerical with him in it, I called to Joe and said "That's Handy Manny. Handy Manny is cute!" He just rolled his eyes and laughed!

brookelizabeth

05-17-2009, 05:05 PM

So far you know who is going, now the question is, when are we going?

Out of our three previous trips, two have been in the "Value" season and one in the "Normal" season. Joe, Henry, nor I are big on crowds and even at times during the past trips I found myself a tad annoyed with the sheer amount of people everywhere. With that said, we always, always, ALWAYS have wanted to keep going in the lower crowd seasons, so our trip dates were planned for December 8-15.

It was a perfect choice.

A list of why December 8-15 was perfect, created just for you list lovers! :
-Value season means fewer DVC points.
-Value season means lower crowds.
-December means Christmas decorations.
-December means OSBORNE LIGHTS BABY! :woohoo:
-December means MouseFest. Well, it did when we were first selecting our dates. ;)
-AND, there is a shuttle launch planned for December 10. On our January trip we toured Kennedy Space Center and upgraded to Season Passes with the intention of coming back to watch the launch in December - one of Joe's dreams.

It was a great time to escape the winter of Minnesota and enjoy time as a family in between the hectic holidays. All around, these dates were just perfect.

Enter in, the wrench in the plans:

We got an email from one of Joe's cousins....

He's getting married.

:yay:

In New Orleans....

:yay::yay:

over New Year's! (January 2 to be exact).

:yay::yay::yay:

Of course, being the big fans of travelling and going to new places, Joe and I instantly wanted to go to NOLA!

:yay::yay::yay::yay:

Oh wait! Over New Year's?! :eek: We can't cancel Disney! Can we afford both trips? Dare we go on a week long Disney trip, fly home for a couple weeks, celebrate Christmas, and then be off flying again?!

No. My time off (or lack there of) from work would not allow it. :sad2:

Then the idea struck me..."How about we combine the trips?"

Now this is something I got excited about. I looooooooooove fireworks, and NEW YEARS AT DISNEY WORLD means major, major, MAJOR fireworks!! Last year we watched them via WebCam (courtsey of our fellow DISer SorcererMickey), and live over the Travel Channel at the same time. Joe and I were blown away at how cool it was.

Could this work though?

Turns out it works even better for our family than our previous dates!

Grammy and Auntie KK already have those days off from work, so they don't have to take more vacation time. And while they were wanting to go to the wedding, they were ruling it already due to the cost of traveling twice in such a short time. Combining the trip makes us all able to enjoy a vacation AND be part of the wedding!

In true DIS fashion, our plans were changed before we had even made them.

So, our "Value Season Only" mantra abruptly ended and we found ourselves scrambling to get a room during the PREIMIER season.

Decmeber 26-January 1 at WDW, then January 1-January 4 in NOLA!

Up next: The Resort Dance

PopArtGal

05-17-2009, 05:43 PM

Cool.

Wow.

That's gonna be something.

Lady Lallie

05-17-2009, 06:23 PM

How fun to combine both trips! :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

05-17-2009, 07:07 PM

How perfect to combine both trips! Sounds like such fun. And all the better for a TR (not that I'm thinking about myself or anything ;) ). I totally forgot about watching the Disney fireworks on Travel Channel last year. I hope they do it again this year. How fun to know that you guys will be there!!

The resort dance in premier season. :scared1: I have faith in you, though. Can't wait to hear how it turned out and count down with you!!

KathyRN137

05-17-2009, 07:45 PM

Combining the trip makes us all able to enjoy a vacation AND be part of the wedding!

Fantastic! :thumbsup2

The only thing is.... Yikes!.... Premier Season!!! :eek:

Oh, the Humanity (in the parks!!)

Kathy

Charleston Princess

05-17-2009, 08:01 PM

That is going to super fun going from WDW at Christmas and New Year's to New Orleans for a wedding! Have you ever been there?

k_reile

05-17-2009, 08:20 PM

Funny story about Handy Manny. My mom always keeps the elmo juices that you get at walmart at her house for my newphew. He was there one weekend when she was not expecting him to be there and he wanted his elmo (as he calls it when he asks for it) MOm goes i;m not sure i have any elmo...well he found one in the back of the fridge and he goes Mawmaw...you have everything...just like Kelly!:lmao::happytv:

BrooklynnsMommy

05-17-2009, 10:54 PM

jenseib

05-18-2009, 12:06 AM

That's so weird. I just think of him as Handy Manny, not a real person! He's only allowed to flirt with Kelly, the chick who owns the hardware store! :laughing:

My Dh always makes rude crude comments about what Manny and Kelly are doing in the back room of the hardware store. LOL! :lmao:

Flossbolna

05-18-2009, 03:31 AM

I have been wanting to ask about your ticker for quite some time - New Orleans has been showing up for quite some time there. But since we were sworn to secrecy over at the Jambo thread I was waiting patiently. And now the secret has been unveiled. It sounds like you have the trip of a lifetime in the planning! :banana: I am sure that you will have a fantastic time despite the crowds. Since you know how to tour the parks without stressing yourself out you should be doing great! :goodvibes

I hope we will get a report about both sections of your combined trip! :goodvibes

SoonerGirl

05-18-2009, 10:12 AM

shebaxric

05-18-2009, 02:07 PM

So far you know who is going, now the question is, when are we going?

Up next: The Resort Dance

OOOH, THE SUSPENSE!:scared1: I hate not knowing where I'm going to be staying, hopefully it wasn't too much of a problem to get rooms. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Also, be cautioned, you know the crowds at Disney during the week between Christmas and NYE is one the busiest weeks!:scared1: I'm sure that you guys will do fine and still have a wonderful time!:cool1:

P.S. I'm sorry your DH will miss the shuttle launch.:sad2: Hopefully you can still go down to KSC and use that AP!

Lovemy3babes

05-18-2009, 03:51 PM

I found ya! I didn't know you were 29 too. Did you also graduate in 98? :) Great start! What a fun trip you are going to have, Disney and then New Orleans. Lucky girl you are!

HoneyLSU

05-18-2009, 05:41 PM

Hi Brooke,

I've been following along on your PTR's and your TR's but haven't done too much commenting because I don't know Disney that well and can't really offer and advice. However, I CAN offer you some advice on NOLA!

New Orleans is such a great city, but sometimes I can hate it as much as I love it.

Just a piece of advice that I want to offer you. I noticed your first day there will be Jan 1 which is also the day of the Sugar Bowl. This is one of the busiest times in the city. It will be jam PACKED that night! I'm sure that you know to plan ahead, but I would book your hotel room NOW! Even if there is a block set aside for the wedding. This is probably the hardest time to get a hotel room in NOLA other than Mardi Gras. Prices will keep rising until the beginning of December when the teams are announced then they will sky rocket!

I don't know how familiar you are with college football but the champion of the SEC is always in the Sugar Bowl. The SEC has some of the rudest crudest fans in all of college football. My advice to you for the 1st would be to stay out of the quarter, ESPECIALLY if LSU is in the big game. Our campus is only a little over an hour away so even if people don't have tickets, the still go to party. You will hear things out of a sorority girls mouth that you shouldn't even hear out of a grown man's mouth. It's a far cry from the Magic Kingdom and honestly it's a little embarrassing. It can be a lot of fun, but if you're not a fan you may not enjoy it. Oh and if you do insist on going out, and LSU is playing, wear purple and/or gold. That way you don't draw attention to yourself!

I hope I didn't scare you off with all that. New Orleans really is great and I do love the city. I just wanted to give you a heads up so you'd know what to expect. If you need any other advice on the city, I'd love to answer any questions. You may even see me down there on the 1st, if LSU is in the Sugar Bowl, yelling obscenities! Just kidding about the obscenities, but I will be down there to support LSU!

And a trip to NO too! Have you ever been? DH and I went once for the Sugar Bowl. Personally, I didn't like it much, and don't care to ever go back, but I also know that I am in the minority there, most people really enjoy it.

Please tell me that the Sugar Bowl you went to wasn't the 03 National Championship game and the reason you didn't care for it was the rude LSU fans. If it is, I sincerely apologize. LSU fans can be out of control at times. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your trip! It was crazy after that game because that was our first national title in almost 50 years. Not that that's an excuse. We did meet some great OU fans after that game that we so nice and seemed so happy for us!

SoonerGirl

05-18-2009, 11:58 PM

Please tell me that the Sugar Bowl you went to wasn't the 03 National Championship game and the reason you didn't care for it was the rude LSU fans. If it is, I sincerely apologize. LSU fans can be out of control at times. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your trip! It was crazy after that game because that was our first national title in almost 50 years. Not that that's an excuse. We did meet some great OU fans after that game that we so nice and seemed so happy for us!

Actually that was the Sugar Bowl I went to, and I'll be honest, we met a few very nice LSU fans, but the vast majority of those we encountered were some of the rudest, most obnoxious people I've ever been around in my life. I try not to judge an entire group based on the bad apples, but there were A LOT of bad apples! :lmao: That wasn't the only reason for my poor opinion of the city though, it was just a bad trip all the way around. We had booked a package deal that included hotel and game tickets, the tickets were supposed to be given to us upon check in at the hotel. Well, when we checked in we got an envelope and in it was a letter of apology stating that they were unable to deliver our tickets and there was a check for $900. Of course, with LSU in the game, tickets were no where to be found, and certainly couldn't be purchased for $900! We didn't have tickets until a few hours before the game when a ticket broker from our home town was able to find some for us, and thankfully he accepted the $900 check as payment. So, I was in a bad mood the entire trip! Plus, the French Quarter really smells, and I couldn't get past that (could have had something to do with my bad mood though too :laughing: ). DH has been to NOLA several times for work and he really likes it there, he wants to take me back and show me other areas of the city, but I doubt I'll ever go......

OK - sorry to go :offtopic: on your PTR Brook! Forgive me? :flower3:

GreatBiscuit

05-19-2009, 09:12 PM

Well How-Diddly-Doodly! Kudos on Orlando at Christmas time. I've spent many a holiday in Minnesota and I gotta say, at that time of the year, I'd prefer The World hands down. The fact that my in-laws use their garage as a giant drive-in freezer still cracks me up. If you leave food in the garage here in winter, it thaws, in the summer it cooks. I remember one New Year's at my in-law's in Brooklyn Park, we decided to grill steaks. It was one of those nights with sub-zero wind chill. Normally I stand around the grill gabbing with the other men folks, but on that night, I stuck my head out, discovered my nostril hair had instantly frozen, turned around, and went right back inside. Sure they can call me a thin blooded Texan all they want. Aint no steak worth losing appendages over. I say all that to say this. I know you are going to have a fantastic time and I can't wait to read along and see how your plans shape up.

TyRy

05-19-2009, 10:43 PM

Brook - that is a great idea. I even approached DH with the same thing two years ago...we could hit NOLA either on the way there or back as I've wanted to go back since our honeymoon. I'm glad the timing is working out for you guys. Be sure to hit Cafe Beignet - that was our favorite place for beignets in New Orleans.

And thank you for your prayers...we need them tonight more than ever (I'll explain later!)

Tracy

brookelizabeth

05-20-2009, 12:42 AM

Cool.

Wow.

That's gonna be something.

You are very right...something...!:scared: :laughing:

How fun to combine both trips! :goodvibes

I hope fun is the word that we come back with...part of me is REALLY nervous about crowd levels and all. But another part of me is just pumped for it!

How perfect to combine both trips! Sounds like such fun. And all the better for a TR (not that I'm thinking about myself or anything ;) ). I totally forgot about watching the Disney fireworks on Travel Channel last year. I hope they do it again this year. How fun to know that you guys will be there!!

The resort dance in premier season. :scared1: I have faith in you, though. Can't wait to hear how it turned out and count down with you!!

I will try to yell really loud "HI CHRISTINE!" and maybe the Travel Channel will hear. :laughing:

If there is another 'live from the Poly' webcam, then you'd be able to watch AND hear that! So, maybe it would be possible...!

I'm still waltzing with the Resorts. Sigh. More on that soon...

Fantastic! :thumbsup2

The only thing is.... Yikes!.... Premier Season!!! :eek:

Oh, the Humanity (in the parks!!)

Kathy

I KNOW IT. I'm a tad freaked about it. I think I'll be doing lots of telling myself it will be fine, we'll take it easy and I'll be subscribing to TourGuideMike or the like!

That is going to super fun going from WDW at Christmas and New Year's to New Orleans for a wedding! Have you ever been there?

Nope, I've never been to New Orleans! I have a little travel guide from the Official Tourism office, but other than that, I don't know squat!

Funny story about Handy Manny. My mom always keeps the elmo juices that you get at walmart at her house for my newphew. He was there one weekend when she was not expecting him to be there and he wanted his elmo (as he calls it when he asks for it) MOm goes i;m not sure i have any elmo...well he found one in the back of the fridge and he goes Mawmaw...you have everything...just like Kelly!:lmao::happytv:

That is so stinkin' cute! I love it! Ooooh, kids say the best things. :lovestruc

And we are so grateful to Joe's cousin for planning that wedding because now we get to meet you in person and enjoy the ginormous fireworks together. There will also be ginormous crowds that probably won't be so enjoyable so just change your mantra to "I get to see Disney's New Year's Eve fireworks on the beach of the Poly with Dis friends. I get to see Disney's New Year's Eve fireworks on the beach of the Poly with Dis friends."

That is so sweet. I like your idea of the mantra! "I get to see Disney's New Year's Even fireworks on the beach of the Poly with Dis friends."

HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY GET BETTER THAN THAT?! :yay:

The mantra is working!

My Dh always makes rude crude comments about what Manny and Kelly are doing in the back room of the hardware store. LOL! :lmao:

I have to admit, I laughed out loud at this!

I have been wanting to ask about your ticker for quite some time - New Orleans has been showing up for quite some time there. But since we were sworn to secrecy over at the Jambo thread I was waiting patiently. And now the secret has been unveiled. It sounds like you have the trip of a lifetime in the planning! :banana: I am sure that you will have a fantastic time despite the crowds. Since you know how to tour the parks without stressing yourself out you should be doing great! :goodvibes

I hope we will get a report about both sections of your combined trip! :goodvibes

I've been bursting to spill the details! I couldn't wait to do the ticker, and only had one person ask via PM, but I figured some people might have noticed and put it together. :goodvibes And all the Jambo friends-you guys get the dirt before anyone! I haven't been able to keep up over there lately though. :guilty:

And yep, I do plan the TR for the entire trip-all the way through New Orleans!

brookelizabeth

05-20-2009, 12:43 AM

I noticed New Orleans in your ticker quite some time ago too and was curious about it, but didn't ask as I figured all would be explained here. :thumbsup2

I think as long as you go into your trip realizing that it will be crowded @ WDW and you adjust your plan accordingly, you'll still have a good time (at least that's what I keep telling myself :laughing: )

And a trip to NO too! Have you ever been? DH and I went once for the Sugar Bowl. Personally, I didn't like it much, and don't care to ever go back, but I also know that I am in the minority there, most people really enjoy it.

Hi Brooke,

I've been following along on your PTR's and your TR's but haven't done too much commenting because I don't know Disney that well and can't really offer and advice. However, I CAN offer you some advice on NOLA!

New Orleans is such a great city, but sometimes I can hate it as much as I love it.

Just a piece of advice that I want to offer you. I noticed your first day there will be Jan 1 which is also the day of the Sugar Bowl. This is one of the busiest times in the city. It will be jam PACKED that night! I'm sure that you know to plan ahead, but I would book your hotel room NOW! Even if there is a block set aside for the wedding. This is probably the hardest time to get a hotel room in NOLA other than Mardi Gras. Prices will keep rising until the beginning of December when the teams are announced then they will sky rocket!

I don't know how familiar you are with college football but the champion of the SEC is always in the Sugar Bowl. The SEC has some of the rudest crudest fans in all of college football. My advice to you for the 1st would be to stay out of the quarter, ESPECIALLY if LSU is in the big game. Our campus is only a little over an hour away so even if people don't have tickets, the still go to party. You will hear things out of a sorority girls mouth that you shouldn't even hear out of a grown man's mouth. It's a far cry from the Magic Kingdom and honestly it's a little embarrassing. It can be a lot of fun, but if you're not a fan you may not enjoy it. Oh and if you do insist on going out, and LSU is playing, wear purple and/or gold. That way you don't draw attention to yourself!

I hope I didn't scare you off with all that. New Orleans really is great and I do love the city. I just wanted to give you a heads up so you'd know what to expect. If you need any other advice on the city, I'd love to answer any questions. You may even see me down there on the 1st, if LSU is in the Sugar Bowl, yelling obscenities! Just kidding about the obscenities, but I will be down there to support LSU!

Please tell me that the Sugar Bowl you went to wasn't the 03 National Championship game and the reason you didn't care for it was the rude LSU fans. If it is, I sincerely apologize. LSU fans can be out of control at times. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy your trip! It was crazy after that game because that was our first national title in almost 50 years. Not that that's an excuse. We did meet some great OU fans after that game that we so nice and seemed so happy for us!

Actually that was the Sugar Bowl I went to, and I'll be honest, we met a few very nice LSU fans, but the vast majority of those we encountered were some of the rudest, most obnoxious people I've ever been around in my life. I try not to judge an entire group based on the bad apples, but there were A LOT of bad apples! :lmao: That wasn't the only reason for my poor opinion of the city though, it was just a bad trip all the way around. We had booked a package deal that included hotel and game tickets, the tickets were supposed to be given to us upon check in at the hotel. Well, when we checked in we got an envelope and in it was a letter of apology stating that they were unable to deliver our tickets and there was a check for $900. Of course, with LSU in the game, tickets were no where to be found, and certainly couldn't be purchased for $900! We didn't have tickets until a few hours before the game when a ticket broker from our home town was able to find some for us, and thankfully he accepted the $900 check as payment. So, I was in a bad mood the entire trip! Plus, the French Quarter really smells, and I couldn't get past that (could have had something to do with my bad mood though too :laughing: ). DH has been to NOLA several times for work and he really likes it there, he wants to take me back and show me other areas of the city, but I doubt I'll ever go......

OK - sorry to go :offtopic: on your PTR Brook! Forgive me? :flower3:

Before reading all these replies, I had NO clue what the Sugar Bowl even was. :laughing: Our cousin mentioned it was the Sugar Bowl, but Joe and I were like "Uh, okay?" Neither of us understand football, let alone know anything about college football!

And no worries, this isn't really off topic (and I don't mind if it was! :goodvibes) It's SO GOOD for me to hear this stuff to prepare our family. None of us would enjoy that atmosphere...so this is excellent advice!

HoneyLSU, first, thank you for reading!! :goodvibes Second, I will be needing advice! And lots of it I think!

So the Sugar Bowl is on January 1? Is it JUST January 1? Or does it continue on for a couple days?

I am making a note to make sure we are landed and at the hotel in the afternoon-I was thinking a later flight so we could enjoy Disney more, but avoiding crazy New Orleans will be a better idea. We'll just have a 'hotel night' and avoid everything. Both the hotels for the wedding (yep, they have a block, and we are reserved in them already, yay!) are in the French Quarter, is that where it gets nutty? Does it last all night?

I can picture myself leaning out our hotel room window snapping pictures at the crowds. ;)

SoonerGirl, I'm so sorry that whole mix up happened with the $900 and tickets! What a pain. That would have put me in a very bad mood too, esp if that is what you were coming to the City for!

OOOH, THE SUSPENSE!:scared1: I hate not knowing where I'm going to be staying, hopefully it wasn't too much of a problem to get rooms. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Also, be cautioned, you know the crowds at Disney during the week between Christmas and NYE is one the busiest weeks!:scared1: I'm sure that you guys will do fine and still have a wonderful time!:cool1:

P.S. I'm sorry your DH will miss the shuttle launch.:sad2: Hopefully you can still go down to KSC and use that AP!

I'm not a big fan of the Resort Dance either...it's stressful!!

I have heard about the crowds during this week-they make me REALLY nervous...I hope I can find some past TRs and major advice on the week.

I am bummed about the shuttle launch too and keep hoping maybe they will move it. I doubt they would do it between two major holidays though. :sad1: I would love another KSC day though, and I think the family would love it too...definetly something to keep in mind!

I found ya! I didn't know you were 29 too. Did you also graduate in 98? :) Great start! What a fun trip you are going to have, Disney and then New Orleans. Lucky girl you are!

Yep! Almost 30 though, just a couple more weeks! :scared::laughing: I graduated in 97. I take it you are 29, graduated in 98?

Well How-Diddly-Doodly! Kudos on Orlando at Christmas time. I've spent many a holiday in Minnesota and I gotta say, at that time of the year, I'd prefer The World hands down. The fact that my in-laws use their garage as a giant drive-in freezer still cracks me up. If you leave food in the garage here in winter, it thaws, in the summer it cooks. I remember one New Year's at my in-law's in Brooklyn Park, we decided to grill steaks. It was one of those nights with sub-zero wind chill. Normally I stand around the grill gabbing with the other men folks, but on that night, I stuck my head out, discovered my nostril hair had instantly frozen, turned around, and went right back inside. Sure they can call me a thin blooded Texan all they want. Aint no steak worth losing appendages over. I say all that to say this. I know you are going to have a fantastic time and I can't wait to read along and see how your plans shape up.

Hello GB! You are too funny! I'm with ya though, I would NOT be standing out in the garage grilling in the middle of winter either! Noooo way. :sad2:

I like a Minnesota white Christmas. If we could have the white snow, without the cold, it would be perfect. No ice on the roads. No freezing cold. Just pretty white fluffy stuff that coats the trees and makes it beaaaaaaaaaautiful for one night. The next day it can melt!

Brook - that is a great idea. I even approached DH with the same thing two years ago...we could hit NOLA either on the way there or back as I've wanted to go back since our honeymoon. I'm glad the timing is working out for you guys. Be sure to hit Cafe Beignet - that was our favorite place for beignets in New Orleans.

And thank you for your prayers...we need them tonight more than ever (I'll explain later!)

Tracy

Cafe Beignet. Marking that down! I've heard of Cafe du Monde many times, and already have that one marked, but I like everything new too!

Your last comment has me nervous...I am praying for your DMIL! :hug: I hope everything is fine....I laughed at her comment about giving the docs a deadline. What a great spirit she has! :laughing:

robinm1215

05-20-2009, 01:17 AM

Charleston Princess

05-20-2009, 06:41 AM

Nope, I've never been to New Orleans! I have a little travel guide from the Official Tourism office, but other than that, I don't know squat!

Oh, you are going to love it. Charles and I went there a few years back -- 2004, maybe? We stayed right down in the French Quarter and did all the touristy things. We had breakfast at Cafe du Monde every morning (their cafe au lait is to die for), took a tour of the Garden District, went to a couple of museums near Jackson Square, and ate a bunch!

MeMom

05-20-2009, 07:51 AM

Oh, you are going to love it. Charles and I went there a few years back -- 2004, maybe? We stayed right down in the French Quarter and did all the touristy things. We had breakfast at Cafe du Monde every morning (their cafe au lait is to die for), took a tour of the Garden District, went to a couple of museums near Jackson Square, and ate a bunch!

For a reason unknown to me, I really want to visited New Orleans someday. I have no ties to it, am not a party person, nor do I have any particular reason to have a desire to go, but I'd like to do it anyway someday. I think it's the archtitecture that fascinates me - probably stemming from the quaint feeling of POFQ at Disney, most likely. The thought of having real beignets there helps foster my desire to go, too. I will really enjoy your pictures from this trip!

brookelizabeth

05-20-2009, 09:15 AM

Hi Brook! Just found your trip report and have enjoyed reading about your plans so far. New Orleans sounds fun too. It will be great to do 2 trips in one.:cool1:

I'm curious about where you are staying now -- are you not going to be at Kidani?? Guess we'll have to wait until your next post!:goodvibes

Hey! Thanks for finding me over here. :goodvibes I hope the trips are fun despite the crowds, etc. I think if I plan right, they can be!

We are staying at Kidani. Or at least....trying to. There's a hint for ya! :laughing:

Oh, you are going to love it. Charles and I went there a few years back -- 2004, maybe? We stayed right down in the French Quarter and did all the touristy things. We had breakfast at Cafe du Monde every morning (their cafe au lait is to die for), took a tour of the Garden District, went to a couple of museums near Jackson Square, and ate a bunch!

This sounds like my perfect trip, along with a wedding! :laughing: I am VERY excited about eating a beignet...I haven't heard much on thier coffee-but am THRILLED that you gave it a good report! :banana: You know how I am with coffee...:rolleyes:

For a reason unknown to me, I really want to visited New Orleans someday. I have no ties to it, am not a party person, nor do I have any particular reason to have a desire to go, but I'd like to do it anyway someday. I think it's the archtitecture that fascinates me - probably stemming from the quaint feeling of POFQ at Disney, most likely. The thought of having real beignets there helps foster my desire to go, too. I will really enjoy your pictures from this trip!

I'm with ya MeMom! The architecture is a huge pull for me. In addition, I just love Cities and new cultures. And yes! The beignets just top off the deal! :rotfl:

k_reile

05-20-2009, 11:25 AM

HoneyLSU

05-20-2009, 11:45 AM

Before reading all these replies, I had NO clue what the Sugar Bowl even was. :laughing: Our cousin mentioned it was the Sugar Bowl, but Joe and I were like "Uh, okay?" Neither of us understand football, let alone know anything about college football!

And no worries, this isn't really off topic (and I don't mind if it was! :goodvibes) It's SO GOOD for me to hear this stuff to prepare our family. None of us would enjoy that atmosphere...so this is excellent advice!

HoneyLSU, first, thank you for reading!! :goodvibes Second, I will be needing advice! And lots of it I think!

So the Sugar Bowl is on January 1? Is it JUST January 1? Or does it continue on for a couple days?

I am making a note to make sure we are landed and at the hotel in the afternoon-I was thinking a later flight so we could enjoy Disney more, but avoiding crazy New Orleans will be a better idea. We'll just have a 'hotel night' and avoid everything. Both the hotels for the wedding (yep, they have a block, and we are reserved in them already, yay!) are in the French Quarter, is that where it gets nutty? Does it last all night?

I can picture myself leaning out our hotel room window snapping pictures at the crowds. ;)

SoonerGirl, I'm so sorry that whole mix up happened with the $900 and tickets! What a pain. That would have put me in a very bad mood too, esp if that is what you were coming to the City for!

The Sugar Bowl is the night of the 1st and I don't think you'll really have a problem with the crowds after that. The big crowds would be in the days leading up to it. The morning after we won the National Championship in 04, the city was literally a ghost town. It might have still been too early (and people too hungover) but the interstate heading back to Baton Rouge was PACKED. I think y'all will be fine in the city though.

If I were you, this is what I would do (not really sure if this is BEST solution and how well it would work, but it's what I would do to bypass the crowds). I'm assuming you're flying into MSY in New Orleans (well I think it's Kenner). I would schedule my flight to land right around kickoff and travel to your hotel during the actual game. I would say the majority of the people will either be in the Superdome at this time or in bars watching the game. If you're staying in the Quarter you can completely bypass the area around the Dome (Poydras St., Canal). Do you plan on renting a car or taking a cab? Keep in mind that the streets in the Quarter are usually one way and only one lane. Traffic can get backed up. Avoid crossing Bourbon, in a car, at all costs! There's so many people it's pretty much impossible to get a car across that street. If you have to cross Bourbon, I'd do it as far away from Canal as possible.

I don't mean to scare you with all that, I just hate driving in that city. I really don't think you'll have any problems, I just wanted you to know what was going on and how to avoid it the best you could. I think you'll enjoy yourself so much more if you have a plan set up. You know how people talk about having an awful time in Disney and they failed to plan? I really don't want you to be disappointed with NOLA! I think once y'all park though you could walk around the Quarter that night. The crowds may not even be that bad. I'll let you know a little better what to expect once the teams are announced in the beginning of Dec. But, the fact that the National Championship isn't in NOLA this year, works in your favor.

After the game the majority of the people will head to Bourbon (which is in the Quarter). The crowds may not be that big since a National Championship isn't involved (the National Championship is also in NOLA every 4 years). Here's pics from the last one LSU won in 2008 (we've won the National Title the last 2 times the game has been in New Orleans - not to brag or anything :cool1:)

This is of our head coach holding the trophy on a balcony on Bourbon...
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww301/HoneyLeigh07/de908c01.jpg

...and this is the crowd below!
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww301/HoneyLeigh07/18de5ac7.jpg
Yes, they are on the actual street!

But honestly, LSU is the team that will travel the most (IF we're in this game) and even if we win the Sugar Bowl the Quarter will not be nearly that bad. I'd say the partying would go late into the night but not into the early morning. Also, as long as your hotel isn't on Bourbon, you probably won't hear much of it. I'd snap as many pictures as you could of the craziness, people may not believe you! Haha!

Ok some other things that aren't football related :)

Cafe du Monde - Yes! Do it! Find a table yourself, sit down and they'll come serve you. Bring cash!! One of my favorite photo opportunities there is to put the powdered sugar on your nose and take a family photo! Haha, it's so cute! I always get the frozen cafe au lait and it's AMAZING!

The French Market - It's down St. Peter's from Cafe du Monde. There's so much neat stuff to look at. It's like an outdoor flea market.

Mother's Restaurant - Looks like a whole in the wall, but the food is SO good! Sometimes there will be a line out the door, but it moves pretty quickly. It's on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas. Pronounced: Chop-a-TOO-lis.

Audubon Zoo (Garden District Area) and Aquariam of Americas (Near the RiverWalk) - These are great! If you had to do one of the two though, I'd go with the Audubon Zoo if it's not too cold.

And just explore the Quarter. It's so full of history, I love it! Me and my BF took a ghost tour back in November and it's not scary at all. It's just like a history tour. I suggest doing some sort of walking tour in the Quarter. I always wanted to do one, but it seemed kind of touristy. I loved it and can't wait to do another one.

It really is a great city and I think y'all will have alot of fun. And seriously, if you have any other questions, I'd love to answer them!

Lovemy3babes

05-20-2009, 04:34 PM

Yep! Almost 30 though, just a couple more weeks! :scared::laughing: I graduated in 97. I take it you are 29, graduated in 98?

Yep. I turn 30 in September. I'm going to hide in my bedroom all day and cry about it. ;)

SoonerGirl

05-20-2009, 06:59 PM

Brook - about the noise the night of the Sugar Bowl, I know people were out until wee hours of the morning partying, but we weren't bothered by it and our hotel was in the Quarter as well (I want to say it was a Marriott, but it's been a few years, my memory may be fuzzy!). I think they built those hotels knowing what the area can be like and they did a pretty good job of sound proofing them :thumbsup2

We left for home on the 2nd, as I believe most people did. Like HoneyLSU said, the days leading up to the game are the busy ones.

MeMom

05-21-2009, 07:24 AM

Yep. I turn 30 in September. I'm going to hide in my bedroom all day and cry about it. ;)

No. no, no!
What better day than to have a celebration of your very blessed life and maybe start the plans for a new Disney trip yet to come!?!?! :wizard:

Maybe you can hide in your room for a few minutes with the latest Birnbaums, come out and have a Disney party with the kids party:, start the planning, and then cry a few tears of joy. :woohoo:

You'll feel young and raring to go in an instant! :yay:

And if you planned that trip to be at the same time that MeMom and crew were going to be in WDW, that would be excellent, too. ;)

Brook, it looks like you've got some fun plans this weekend. I hope all that goes great, and I'll look forward to some good pictures upon your return. Have a great time!

karajeboo

05-21-2009, 12:15 PM

Signing on Brooke!!!! I've seen you over on Cammie's TRs so thought I'd come check you out!

I hate that you'll miss the shuttle launch but please make sure you tie that in some time in the future. We live about 2 hrs from Cape Canaveral and the last shuttle launch at night??? Let me just say..... SPECTACULAR! We watched it from our neighborhood and to be about 100-150 miles away even then it was awe inspiring......

Lovemy3babes

05-21-2009, 12:22 PM

Lamping3

05-21-2009, 02:10 PM

popcorn::I'm comming out of lurkdom on this one. I don't want to be too far behind! My daughter loves playhouse disney too....I like Zefronk...he is my fav short skit!

ILuvCrush

05-21-2009, 07:28 PM

HI Brook!!!

excited to join in on another one of you AMAZING PTR/TRs!!!!

Sorry that you'll miss the launch.... next years trip will have to be planned aroung the shuttle schedule:thumbsup2

I can hardly wait to hear how tough it was scoring a DVC ressie over Xmas....something I may be looking to do myself....soon.....;)

paula

brookelizabeth

05-22-2009, 12:31 AM

Brook...when is your birthday then?? It might be close to mine...June 17. You are probably at the begining of June?? I will be 29 :headache:. My husband turned 28 on May 10th and he was like...you will be 30 next year! I was like No I'm not because I'm not 29 yet. Then I got it...omg I'm going to be 30 next year! I was thinking that since I am not 29 yet then there is no way I can be 30 next year but he was right and I didnlt like him for that! :rotfl:

Yep, beginning of June-June 6. That is so funny about the conversation between you and your husband! :laughing: 30 won't be so bad! Though, Joe just told me that this year (he turned 31 this past April) he's started to feel older! I still feel like I'm in my mid-20s, hopefully that won't change this year. I know when I hit 40 I'll look back and laugh at even thinking this though!

The Sugar Bowl is the night of the 1st and I don't think you'll really have a problem with the crowds after that. The big crowds would be in the days leading up to it. The morning after we won the National Championship in 04, the city was literally a ghost town. It might have still been too early (and people too hungover) but the interstate heading back to Baton Rouge was PACKED. I think y'all will be fine in the city though.

If I were you, this is what I would do (not really sure if this is BEST solution and how well it would work, but it's what I would do to bypass the crowds). I'm assuming you're flying into MSY in New Orleans (well I think it's Kenner). I would schedule my flight to land right around kickoff and travel to your hotel during the actual game. I would say the majority of the people will either be in the Superdome at this time or in bars watching the game. If you're staying in the Quarter you can completely bypass the area around the Dome (Poydras St., Canal). Do you plan on renting a car or taking a cab? Keep in mind that the streets in the Quarter are usually one way and only one lane. Traffic can get backed up. Avoid crossing Bourbon, in a car, at all costs! There's so many people it's pretty much impossible to get a car across that street. If you have to cross Bourbon, I'd do it as far away from Canal as possible.

I don't mean to scare you with all that, I just hate driving in that city. I really don't think you'll have any problems, I just wanted you to know what was going on and how to avoid it the best you could. I think you'll enjoy yourself so much more if you have a plan set up. You know how people talk about having an awful time in Disney and they failed to plan? I really don't want you to be disappointed with NOLA! I think once y'all park though you could walk around the Quarter that night. The crowds may not even be that bad. I'll let you know a little better what to expect once the teams are announced in the beginning of Dec. But, the fact that the National Championship isn't in NOLA this year, works in your favor.

After the game the majority of the people will head to Bourbon (which is in the Quarter). The crowds may not be that big since a National Championship isn't involved (the National Championship is also in NOLA every 4 years). Here's pics from the last one LSU won in 2008 (we've won the National Title the last 2 times the game has been in New Orleans - not to brag or anything :cool1:)

This is of our head coach holding the trophy on a balcony on Bourbon...
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww301/HoneyLeigh07/de908c01.jpg

...and this is the crowd below!
http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww301/HoneyLeigh07/18de5ac7.jpg
Yes, they are on the actual street!

But honestly, LSU is the team that will travel the most (IF we're in this game) and even if we win the Sugar Bowl the Quarter will not be nearly that bad. I'd say the partying would go late into the night but not into the early morning. Also, as long as your hotel isn't on Bourbon, you probably won't hear much of it. I'd snap as many pictures as you could of the craziness, people may not believe you! Haha!

Ok some other things that aren't football related :)

Cafe du Monde - Yes! Do it! Find a table yourself, sit down and they'll come serve you. Bring cash!! One of my favorite photo opportunities there is to put the powdered sugar on your nose and take a family photo! Haha, it's so cute! I always get the frozen cafe au lait and it's AMAZING!

The French Market - It's down St. Peter's from Cafe du Monde. There's so much neat stuff to look at. It's like an outdoor flea market.

Mother's Restaurant - Looks like a whole in the wall, but the food is SO good! Sometimes there will be a line out the door, but it moves pretty quickly. It's on the corner of Poydras and Tchoupitoulas. Pronounced: Chop-a-TOO-lis.

Audubon Zoo (Garden District Area) and Aquariam of Americas (Near the RiverWalk) - These are great! If you had to do one of the two though, I'd go with the Audubon Zoo if it's not too cold.

And just explore the Quarter. It's so full of history, I love it! Me and my BF took a ghost tour back in November and it's not scary at all. It's just like a history tour. I suggest doing some sort of walking tour in the Quarter. I always wanted to do one, but it seemed kind of touristy. I loved it and can't wait to do another one.

It really is a great city and I think y'all will have alot of fun. And seriously, if you have any other questions, I'd love to answer them!

YOU ARE AWESOME. Seriously. This is the exact kinda stuff I need to hear that you just don't find easily online or in travel books! :dance3:

Thank you for teaching me how to say Tchoupitoulas! :laughing: I saw that street name and was thinking "Whoa, that's the 'Are you a tourist?' test I bet!" :rotfl2:

I love your advice about what to do-I saw some things in the tour book, but it's hard to whittle it down and really figure out what to do, so your advice helps a TON. And the Mother's Restaurant recommendation-thank you! I love 'hole in the wall' type places that are local. You really catch the culture of a place, and some awesome, unforgettable food in those types of joints! This is the exact type of stuff I like!

LOVE LOVE the crowd pic! That's pretty much how I pictured it being. I've seen crowds like that from when I used to live in NYC (New Year's Eve for example-though I never did NYE at Times Square). Thank you as well for the advice on the crowds, your idea of our plane landing during the game is gold. Seriously gold. I probalby would not have thought of that! :thumbsup2 We haven't booked our flights yet (waiting on SWA to release those dates next month), I will be sure to look for good times DURING the game. BTW....when is the game usually? Afternoon, evening?

I am relieved to hear that the crowds die out after the 1st too since that is when we'll be doing much of our touring.

We are currently booked in the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is on Canal Street. However, the family might want to leave on the 3rd instead of the 4th (Joe and I will probably stay until the 4th though), so because the Crowne Plaza has a 3 night restriction, we would have to switch to the other hotel they have a wedding block in - Royal Sonesta, which is on Bourbon. Both hotels have a GREAT rate for the wedding. Much cheaper than I expected! Thought the prices are $100 more expensive on NYE, the day of the Sugar Bowl and the day after!! The Crowne didn't jack their prices for the big events.

Anyway, we do not plan on renting a car, but doing the cab instead and just walking everywhere (as per reccomendation of the cousin). The cabbies should be smart enough to follow the advice you gave I'm sure, but I'm going to print it out/commit it to memory so they don't try to take us for a "tour" and we end up paying oodles out of pocket. And no worries, big crowds/driving in a busy City doesn't phase me much--I actually like that kind of driving because it's a challenge! I'm a City girl. :goodvibes

Thank you again for all this. As the dates get closer and I get the Disney stuff more nailed down and start to adventure more into the NOLA Unknown, I am sure I'll have questions that I'll be coming to you for! You are so awesome for helping me with this! I love hearing it all from someone who knows the City-and loves the City! You remind me of me when I hear someone is going to NYC. :goodvibes

Oh, and I love the idea about the powder on the nose! I can already picture Henry with it. :cutie:

Yep. I turn 30 in September. I'm going to hide in my bedroom all day and cry about it. ;)

:rotfl: Naw, come on, it won't be that bad!!!!

Brook - about the noise the night of the Sugar Bowl, I know people were out until wee hours of the morning partying, but we weren't bothered by it and our hotel was in the Quarter as well (I want to say it was a Marriott, but it's been a few years, my memory may be fuzzy!). I think they built those hotels knowing what the area can be like and they did a pretty good job of sound proofing them :thumbsup2

We left for home on the 2nd, as I believe most people did. Like HoneyLSU said, the days leading up to the game are the busy ones.

This is such a relief! The hotel we might end up switching to is on Bourbon, so I'm glad to hear it seemed soundproof. And I'm glad to hear the crowds start to thin after the 1st, since all of our touring will be done on the 2nd-4th.

brookelizabeth

05-22-2009, 12:32 AM

No. no, no!
What better day than to have a celebration of your very blessed life and maybe start the plans for a new Disney trip yet to come!?!?! :wizard:

Maybe you can hide in your room for a few minutes with the latest Birnbaums, come out and have a Disney party with the kids party:, start the planning, and then cry a few tears of joy. :woohoo:

You'll feel young and raring to go in an instant! :yay:

And if you planned that trip to be at the same time that MeMom and crew were going to be in WDW, that would be excellent, too. ;)

Brook, it looks like you've got some fun plans this weekend. I hope all that goes great, and I'll look forward to some good pictures upon your return. Have a great time!

I like your 'turning 30 party' idea! Joe is taking me on a surprise overnight, but maybe I'll pick up a PassPorter (instead of Birnbaums) and hide away in our hotel room for a bit reading, then burst out and have a good time with my hubby and whatever adventure he has planned!

And yep! We do have some fun plans for this weekend, I'm just about to share a bit on that...and I will be sure to bring back some pics! Thanks MeMom!

Signing on Brooke!!!! I've seen you over on Cammie's TRs so thought I'd come check you out!

I hate that you'll miss the shuttle launch but please make sure you tie that in some time in the future. We live about 2 hrs from Cape Canaveral and the last shuttle launch at night??? Let me just say..... SPECTACULAR! We watched it from our neighborhood and to be about 100-150 miles away even then it was awe inspiring......

Hello and welcome! Thanks for joining in! :goodvibes

I am really bummed about missing the shuttle launch too. It really is one of Joe's dreams to see it up close-so YES, we have to do it at some point! (another great excuse to bring us back! ;)) I can only imagine how beautiful it is to see first-hand.

popcorn::I'm comming out of lurkdom on this one. I don't want to be too far behind! My daughter loves playhouse disney too....I like Zefronk...he is my fav short skit!

Thanks for reading and posting! :goodvibes Today ZeFronk made veggie pizza. Yum! :lmao:

HI Brook!!!

excited to join in on another one of you AMAZING PTR/TRs!!!!

Sorry that you'll miss the launch.... next years trip will have to be planned aroung the shuttle schedule:thumbsup2

I can hardly wait to hear how tough it was scoring a DVC ressie over Xmas....something I may be looking to do myself....soon.....;)

paula

Hey Paula!
Is that a subtle hint there on your last line?!?! :yay:

brookelizabeth

05-22-2009, 12:47 AM

Who would ever guess Wisconsin Dells is the Waterpark Capital of the World?

According to the offical website, www.wisdells.com (http://www.wisdells.com), they are!

Most people only know Wisconsin for three things:

1) Cheese.
2) Cows.
3) Fireworks.

Or "Where is Wisconsin again?" ;)

I digress.

Tomorrow morning my little family and I, along with some close friends (the Mom of the family watches Henry 4 days a week), are headed to the Waterpark Capital of the World for some weekend FUN!

We hope to be out the door by 6:30 am. Any bets on what time we'll actually leave?

My guess is 7:15. :laughing:

The other contest is, "How many cups of coffee will Brook consume on the drive down?"

My guess is 5.

Not actual 8 oz cups, but like 'travel mug' or 'Caribou Coffee Medium drive-through' type cups. In real cup size...uh...an embarassing amount of probably 12 or so...:eek:

I am very excited for the weekend away. Wisconsin Dells has always been a bit of a special place for me. I grew up in a suburb of Chicago, and we would drive to Minnesota to visit family. We would beg and beg for our parents to stop at the Dells, and sometimes they would! It was like Disney World to us! I haven't been back since I was about 13 years old, so it will be really interesting to see how things have changed.

In addition, work has been a bit more stressful than normal lately, so 4 days off is like a dream! And this weekend is to celebrate Joe's 31st birthday :banana:(which was actually back in April, but the timing did not work out until now)

We are staying at the Kalahari Resort the first night for waterpark fun, and then a cheapy (but highly rated on tripadvisor.com) motel the second night and just crusing around the Dells, doing whatever.

So despite spending half my weekend in a stinkin' swimsuit :rolleyes:, I'm sure we'll have a GREAT time together!!

I'll do a mini-TR sharing all the pics when I get back.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

(I better get to bed, otherwise it will be 8:15 when we finally roll outta here!! :laughing:)

Flossbolna

05-22-2009, 03:57 AM

Have a great trip! It sounds like you have wonderful weekend planned out! :goodvibes

Oh and a belated Happy Birthday to Joe! :cake:

BrooklynnsMommy

05-22-2009, 08:57 AM

Have fun!!!

KathyRN137

05-22-2009, 09:36 AM

Have fun on your weekend trip!

I enjoyed reading all the 'Nawlins talk! Years back, DH and I didn't have too much money to spend on a honeymoon, so we chose New Orleans! :bride: :groom:

We went in mid-January, though, so we missed the Sugar Bowl and were just ahead of Mardi Gras. What a fabulous city! We had so much fun! And the food! :faint: Amazing!

I'm glad that you are thinking about using TGM for your WDW trip... I highly recommend it!

Kathy

moparop

05-22-2009, 09:50 AM

I hope it's a great weekend in the Dells! I am looking forward to doing the indoor waterparks with my kiddos soon as well.

I loved NOLA when I was there. That was back in my 20s during Mardi Gras. Yep, Mop was a little wilder, crazier in those days. ;)

jenseib

05-22-2009, 09:52 AM

LOL! I never heard of Wisconsin being known for Fireworks. Around here I would say Michigan is the one known for it. Also when traveling I always see sign in Tennesee.

I would say to me, Wisconsin is known for Cheese/Dairy, Tractorpulling, and the Dells. LOL!
Oh and the Packers. My grandfather grew up in GreenBay so even though I was never into sports he was ,and would talk about them all the time. :)

Lamping3

05-22-2009, 10:38 AM

[QUOTE=brookelizabeth;31936011]
Thanks for reading and posting! :goodvibes Today ZeFronk made veggie pizza. Yum! :lmao:

I think the best is the banana dog with peanut butter and jelly!:rotfl:

Lovemy3babes

05-22-2009, 01:00 PM

Have fun at the Dells Brook! I have only heard good things. :)

wdwgirl03

05-22-2009, 01:47 PM

Being from Wisconsin, I had to check on your PTR when I saw Off to Wisconsin Dells in your title! I've been there a couple times (usually just to go to Noah's Ark, the main water park in the Dells)...it is pretty cheesy! :rotfl: Hope you have fun! Can't wait to see the mini TR.

Now I've got to go back and catch up on the Disney stuff. How exciting you are staying at AKV. That is awesome it's your home resort!

blessedby3

05-22-2009, 03:09 PM

Have a great trip and enjoy the waterpark. I am hoping our pool is warm enough for the kids to swim this weekend. My DD10 has been begging her dad to make sure the pool is ready!!

ClaireW

05-22-2009, 03:17 PM

Just wanted to say enjoy your trip and.... we share a birthday :yay: (although next year is my 30th - sure it's not as bad as it first sounds!)

Donald is #1

05-22-2009, 07:35 PM

Have a great time this weekend! pixiedust:

The other contest is, "How many cups of coffee will Brook consume on the drive down?"

Not actual 8 oz cups, but like 'travel mug' or 'Caribou Coffee Medium drive-through' type cups. In real cup size...uh...an embarassing amount of probably 12 or so...:eek:

Does that mean the third contest is "How many stops will Brook have to make on the drive?" :rotfl2:

tiggrbaby

05-22-2009, 09:23 PM

Have a great trip!

And 30 isn't that bad! I spent my 30th one week overdue with my first son. Went into labor the next day. Forty was the year I had to go back to work. So for fifty, I had enough money to really be able to do something great (also 25th anniversary year)! There's always so many exciting adventures to look forward to, why worry about aging? It's just another adventure!

CJsMom

05-22-2009, 11:33 PM

Seven pages already...where have I been? The trip sounds great so far! Have a great time at the waterpark capital of the world - my kind of trip! :cool1:

floridascgirl

05-24-2009, 02:22 PM

brookelizabeth, I'm jumping in on your PTR, too. There's nothing that I love more than planning for an up-coming trip to The World. :cloud9: I'm so psyched about our December trip, I can hardly stand it. I haven't even told our friends and family because I know what they will say..."What...you're going to Disney AGAIN???" If they only knew that I was also planning actual details already, they would think I have a screw loose. :crazy2: What's great about the DIS is we all feel the same way. A trip that's 6 months away is practically next week!!!! Am I right? :woohoo:

IBelieveInTheMagic

05-24-2009, 04:38 PM

Hope you guys are having fun, if you aren't home already! Is this a water park like the Great Wolf Lodge I hear so much about? I bet little Henry will have a blast - looking forward to seeing your great pictures! :)

Heather

jenseib

05-24-2009, 08:29 PM

IBelieveInTheMagic

05-24-2009, 08:36 PM

Yes, very similar.

Thanks Jen - hope you're doing well.... :)

Heather

jenseib

05-24-2009, 08:53 PM

Thanks Jen - hope you're doing well.... :)

Heather

Sure am, but would be doing better if I was at Kalahari with Brook! LOL! :rotfl2:

brookelizabeth

05-27-2009, 01:08 AM

We are back!
We had a GREAT weekend...and even extended it by a day! :yay:

We headed out on Friday, came back on Monday - in 4 days I took 835 pictures. :laughing: I joined SmugMug.com (thanks for the suggestion LL!) tonight and will be doing the mini-TR using it instead of Photobucket to see how they compare. I should be able to start the Dells TR on Thursday (along with a PTR update). :goodvibes

Have a great trip! It sounds like you have wonderful weekend planned out! :goodvibes

Oh and a belated Happy Birthday to Joe! :cake:

Thank you! And a BIG thanks for the link in the PM! I haven't had a chance to read through it all yet, but really look forward to it. I can't believe you remembered that I have a degree in City Planning! You have a great memory. :thumbsup2 The link was a very sweet surprise!

Have fun!!!

Thanks! We had a blast!

Have fun on your weekend trip!

I enjoyed reading all the 'Nawlins talk! Years back, DH and I didn't have too much money to spend on a honeymoon, so we chose New Orleans! :bride: :groom:

We went in mid-January, though, so we missed the Sugar Bowl and were just ahead of Mardi Gras. What a fabulous city! We had so much fun! And the food! :faint: Amazing!

I'm glad that you are thinking about using TGM for your WDW trip... I highly recommend it!

Kathy

I've heard so many great things about New Orleans, I'm excited to experience it! It's been on my list of Cities to See for quite a while. My pastor from my church back in NYC went down to the area often (and to Mississippi) after Hurricane Katrina to assist and brought back stories of the people-it made me really want to go, but the timing never worked to travel with him and our church for a trip back then.

TGM-I'm glad to hear you like it! I kinda want to research the pros/cons of the three I hear about, TGM, touringplans.com and ridemax.com. I'm tempted to email the DISPodCast for advice. Maybe my email will get read on the PodCast! :goodvibes

I hope it's a great weekend in the Dells! I am looking forward to doing the indoor waterparks with my kiddos soon as well.

I loved NOLA when I was there. That was back in my 20s during Mardi Gras. Yep, Mop was a little wilder, crazier in those days. ;)

We had a really fun weekend! The indoor waterparks are such a great idea-Joe and I want to go back when the snow is falling so we can walk around in just a swimsuit and shorts and laugh in the face of winter! :laughing:

Mardi Gras, eh? I can only imagine how CRAZY it would be from stories I hear...are the stories exgarrated, or true?

LOL! I never heard of Wisconsin being known for Fireworks. Around here I would say Michigan is the one known for it. Also when traveling I always see sign in Tennesee.

I would say to me, Wisconsin is known for Cheese/Dairy, Tractorpulling, and the Dells. LOL!
Oh and the Packers. My grandfather grew up in GreenBay so even though I was never into sports he was ,and would talk about them all the time. :)

Around here Wisconsin is THE place for fireworks, but that's because even sparklers were illegal in Minnesota until about 5 or 6 years ago. Everyone snuck in fireworks from Wisconsin!

But yes, it is very well known for the cheese and dairy! Tractorpulling I don't know much about....but ya, the Packers. I don't know anything about football, so I didn't even think about them! The cheeseheads!

I think the best is the banana dog with peanut butter and jelly!:rotfl:

That is a GREAT idea! Wow. I haven't seen that one yet. Henry would loooove it (but I don't let him eat too much peanut butter yet, so it will be a treat after he turns two!)

Have fun at the Dells Brook! I have only heard good things. :)

It was a really fun time. There is so much to see and do-it's kind of a quirky place too!

Being from Wisconsin, I had to check on your PTR when I saw Off to Wisconsin Dells in your title! I've been there a couple times (usually just to go to Noah's Ark, the main water park in the Dells)...it is pretty cheesy! :rotfl: Hope you have fun! Can't wait to see the mini TR.

Now I've got to go back and catch up on the Disney stuff. How exciting you are staying at AKV. That is awesome it's your home resort!

I have been to Noah's Ark twice-once I almost drowned in the big wave pool there! :eek: Thankfully it didn't give me a fear of water, just of BIG waves. :laughing: The Dells can be kinda cheesy-it's got some weirdddd stuff, but there are lots of fun things too! We had a great weekend and I have lots of pics to share!

I am VERY excited about staying at AKV!! All the pictures look so beautiful. I'm sure we are going to love it!

Have a great trip and enjoy the waterpark. I am hoping our pool is warm enough for the kids to swim this weekend. My DD10 has been begging her dad to make sure the pool is ready!!

Surprisingly it was warm enough here in Minnesota (and Wisconsin) this past weekend to even swim outside! Of course today it's back down into the 60s. :headache:

Just wanted to say enjoy your trip and.... we share a birthday :yay: (although next year is my 30th - sure it's not as bad as it first sounds!)

Yay! For YEARS I never met anyone with my same birthday, but you are the fourth person now!! I think 30 will be just fine. It's kinda strange saying "30" though...I think I need to start acting more like an adult.

Nah!

;)

brookelizabeth

05-27-2009, 01:09 AM

Have a great time this weekend! pixiedust:
Does that mean the third contest is "How many stops will Brook have to make on the drive?" :rotfl2:

:rotfl: YES! :rotfl: We did have to stop a few times...:rolleyes1

Have a great trip!

And 30 isn't that bad! I spent my 30th one week overdue with my first son. Went into labor the next day. Forty was the year I had to go back to work. So for fifty, I had enough money to really be able to do something great (also 25th anniversary year)! There's always so many exciting adventures to look forward to, why worry about aging? It's just another adventure!

GREAT ATTITUDE! And you are RIGHT! Everyday is an adventure. Age is true beauty in my book anyway. I always wonder what my years ahead will hold...it will be fun to look back in 10 years!

Seven pages already...where have I been? The trip sounds great so far! Have a great time at the waterpark capital of the world - my kind of trip! :cool1:

Hey you made it! :dance3: Wisconsin Dells has SO many waterparks. Even the cheapy hotels have little waterparks in them!

brookelizabeth, I'm jumping in on your PTR, too. There's nothing that I love more than planning for an up-coming trip to The World. :cloud9: I'm so psyched about our December trip, I can hardly stand it. I haven't even told our friends and family because I know what they will say..."What...you're going to Disney AGAIN???" If they only knew that I was also planning actual details already, they would think I have a screw loose. :crazy2: What's great about the DIS is we all feel the same way. A trip that's 6 months away is practically next week!!!! Am I right? :woohoo:

Hello there! Welcome and thanks for reading!!
What dates are you going in December?

I know what you mean about not telling friends and family. None have commented to us, but I'm sure inside they are rolling their eyes or something! Especially since we went in November AND January. I did have one co-worker comment "Is she planning another trip?" one day when I was talking to DVC Member Services on the phone during a break! :laughing: But then it was followed by "Can I come?" :goodvibes

I love the DIS for the same reason. We do all feel the same way! A trip that is so far away will be here before we know it due to all the planning and advice taking/researching. I love it!

Hope you guys are having fun, if you aren't home already! Is this a water park like the Great Wolf Lodge I hear so much about? I bet little Henry will have a blast - looking forward to seeing your great pictures! :)

Heather

Yep! Jen already commented, but the Great Wolf Lodge is very similar to the Kalahari. It's a nice hotel with a HUGE waterpark inside and out.

Sure am, but would be doing better if I was at Kalahari with Brook! LOL! :rotfl2:

:lmao:

brookelizabeth

05-27-2009, 01:23 AM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167168_9dHft-M.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547187755_w8aSS-M.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189532_3Bz6x-M.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547191046_7UL9r-M.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547203366_WfhKZ-M.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547210744_LNwfU-M.jpg

Flossbolna

05-27-2009, 04:04 AM

Thank you! And a BIG thanks for the link in the PM! I haven't had a chance to read through it all yet, but really look forward to it. I can't believe you remembered that I have a degree in City Planning! You have a great memory. :thumbsup2 The link was a very sweet surprise!

TGM-I'm glad to hear you like it! I kinda want to research the pros/cons of the three I hear about, TGM, touringplans.com and ridemax.com. I'm tempted to email the DISPodCast for advice. Maybe my email will get read on the PodCast! :goodvibes

I guess I remembered that you were interested in city planning because that is something which I find very interesting, too. :goodvibes

I used both TGM and touringplans on our previous three trips. I was afreaid of missing out on valuable information if I did not get both. :rolleyes1 But to be honest, I think you would be fine which ever one you chose. I actually love reading the Unofficial Guide and therefore I would have bought that book anyway. If you have the book, you can access everything on their site, too. TGM was fun to read through, too. But sometimes it was a bit difficult to find the information I was looking for. Also I found that TGM is not very quick in updating his advice. There were a few areas where I found information that was rather outdated. Both offer sound advice on how to tour the parks. While touringplans objective is to hit every attraction once, TGM offers more advice on how to get to see the big attractions again. That's why I liked to combine them! With regard to best day at which park: I think they usually were very similar for our time frame. All in all I tend to believe touringplans more than TGM - they actually do scientific research and have an statistician doing this. And I am someone who likes scientific approaches. :goodvibes

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547191046_7UL9r-M.jpg

What a cute picture! Once again Henry looks so much older!! I am looking forward to hear about your weekend!:yay:

lazydoxy66

05-27-2009, 04:36 AM

It's good to see your planning another trip to WDW!!! Good luck with those crowds. Count to 10 when it's too much. It really does work.

Your preview looks wonderful! I love the Dells too. There are so many things to do. The Travel Channel had a special dedicated to it. I think they said something about all the water parks and the fact that a lot of them are indoors. I think they are trying to get more tourists to come up there in the winter.

Charleston Princess

05-27-2009, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the preview of the Dells! Can't wait to hear all about it!

tiggrbaby

05-27-2009, 07:42 AM

Love the teaser pics! And your new siggy pics are sooo cute!!! When were they taken?

princess&her4princes

05-27-2009, 07:50 AM

Hey Brook,

I thought I was subscribed to this and somehow I wasn't!:eek: I think I was the 1st person to comment on this new PTR, too! Hmm, something went wrong, cause I missed a lot!!!! I just came over from my PTR to see what was new and to tell how ADORABLE your new siggie is with the pics of Henry!!!!! Too cute!!:lovestruc I have to go back and read and see where these were done, assuming you commented on them already? Sorry about that....off to catch up!!:surfweb: And now, I swear, I'm subbing!!!;) I can't miss any of your PTR/TRs!!!:goodvibes

moparop

05-27-2009, 11:38 AM

We had a really fun weekend! The indoor waterparks are such a great idea-Joe and I want to go back when the snow is falling so we can walk around in just a swimsuit and shorts and laugh in the face of winter! :laughing:

Mardi Gras, eh? I can only imagine how CRAZY it would be from stories I hear...are the stories exgarrated, or true?

:D I love it!! Laugh in the face of winter... sounds like an excellent plan! I can't wait for more pictures and stories from the Dells trip!

As far as Mardi Gras goes, the French Quarter really is as crazy as they say it is. It was solid people, lots of drinking and quite a bit of nudity. As a pretty naive sheltered girl, it was an eye opening experience.

For the rest of the city, it was really nothing more than a good time. In neighborhoods, families sat on their lawns to watch the parades go by and we were still able to hit markets and Cafe du Monde.

SoonerGirl

05-27-2009, 04:47 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547210744_LNwfU-M.jpg

OK - this is just too stinkin' cute :goodvibes I love the new pics in your siggy too!

jenseib

05-27-2009, 04:52 PM

Flossbolna

05-27-2009, 05:17 PM

I bought the book too, and thought you got complete access to the site, but all I got was the hours and said I had to pay for a membership to get anywhere else. What am I doing wrong?

Brook, the pics look fun and great. Your new signature is awesome too.

Oh, sorry, I guess that was wrong information then!! I actually have the subscription, too, I guess I needed to check dates before I bought the book... But the subscription is actually quite affordable, especially if you sign up for the Allears.net newsletter, you get a discount code for the subscription.

And, Brook, I agree the pictures in your signature are great!!

Actually just went back to touringplans and this here is from their FAQ:

Subscriptions

I Bought the Book - Do I Have to Pay to Subscribe? Beginning with the 2009 edition of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, book owners receive free website subscriptions that last through the end of that edition's year. That is, those subscriptions will last through December 31, 2009. Owners of Unofficial Guides published before August 20, 2008 require a subscription to access the premium content on the site. Here are the steps to get your free subscription:

1. If you don't already have a username on TouringPlans.com, create a free basic subscription account on the website, including a username and password. Having a username allows us to remember you, and that you're a book owner. (If you already have a username on TouringPlans.com, sign in to the site first before continuing to Step 2.)

2. Answer the two questions shown on the Crowd Calendar page to validate your edition of the book.

jenseib

05-27-2009, 05:36 PM

OK, now I'm more confused. I have the 2009 edition and answered the book questions, but it still only let me see the hours and that it?

MeMom

05-27-2009, 07:36 PM

I believe he is quite liking the car ride. How cute!

What kind of boo-boo did he get on his elbow in the sandpail picture?

Can't wait to hear all about your fun!

jenseib

05-27-2009, 08:08 PM

OK, now I'm more confused. I have the 2009 edition and answered the book questions, but it still only let me see the hours and that it?

OK, I figured it out. I never had signed up for th basic before hand.

Flossbolna

05-28-2009, 04:59 AM

OK, I figured it out. I never had signed up for th basic before hand.

I am glad it finally worked for you!! :thumbsup2

2xcited2sleep

05-28-2009, 07:16 AM

Love the preview pics. Can't wait to hear all about it! popcorn::

disneydusted

05-28-2009, 09:16 AM

Hi Brook! Glad you had a great time on your mini vacation! :goodvibes When I saw your new photos on your signature I literally said, "Awwwwww, it's Henry" and my kids just looked at me..... I said "I'm on the DISboards" and they got that "knowing look", like there goes mom again with these people she thinks she knows. :rotfl:

brookelizabeth

05-28-2009, 11:06 PM

I guess I remembered that you were interested in city planning because that is something which I find very interesting, too. :goodvibes

I used both TGM and touringplans on our previous three trips. I was afreaid of missing out on valuable information if I did not get both. :rolleyes1 But to be honest, I think you would be fine which ever one you chose. I actually love reading the Unofficial Guide and therefore I would have bought that book anyway. If you have the book, you can access everything on their site, too. TGM was fun to read through, too. But sometimes it was a bit difficult to find the information I was looking for. Also I found that TGM is not very quick in updating his advice. There were a few areas where I found information that was rather outdated. Both offer sound advice on how to tour the parks. While touringplans objective is to hit every attraction once, TGM offers more advice on how to get to see the big attractions again. That's why I liked to combine them! With regard to best day at which park: I think they usually were very similar for our time frame. All in all I tend to believe touringplans more than TGM - they actually do scientific research and have an statistician doing this. And I am someone who likes scientific approaches. :goodvibes

What a cute picture! Once again Henry looks so much older!! I am looking forward to hear about your weekend!:yay:

You sealed the deal. Touringplans it IS! I had no idea if you bought the Unofficial Guide you got a free membership-I didn't know they were related. So not only do I get the info I want/need, but I get a book out of the deal?! SIGN ME UP! :thumbsup2 Thank you for your help on that!

Henry keeps doing that growing up thing! :sad2: ;)

It's good to see your planning another trip to WDW!!! Good luck with those crowds. Count to 10 when it's too much. It really does work.

Your preview looks wonderful! I love the Dells too. There are so many things to do. The Travel Channel had a special dedicated to it. I think they said something about all the water parks and the fact that a lot of them are indoors. I think they are trying to get more tourists to come up there in the winter.

That count to 10 idea is a good one! I am thinking I'll be doing that trick more than once.

It does make sense for the Dells to try and pull people there during the winter. I am surprised at how many things are outdoors only. It will be fun to visit sometime in the winter and see how many people are even around!

Thanks for the preview of the Dells! Can't wait to hear all about it!

:thumbsup2 Coming up soon! (but you'll probably read this tomorrow night with your tea ;))

Love the teaser pics! And your new siggy pics are sooo cute!!! When were they taken?

Thank you! We got the pics done just about a week ago at Target. They are his "18 month" pics, taken at 20 months. :rolleyes1

Hey Brook,

I thought I was subscribed to this and somehow I wasn't!:eek: I think I was the 1st person to comment on this new PTR, too! Hmm, something went wrong, cause I missed a lot!!!! I just came over from my PTR to see what was new and to tell how ADORABLE your new siggie is with the pics of Henry!!!!! Too cute!!:lovestruc I have to go back and read and see where these were done, assuming you commented on them already? Sorry about that....off to catch up!!:surfweb: And now, I swear, I'm subbing!!!;) I can't miss any of your PTR/TRs!!!:goodvibes

That has happened to me before too with subscriptions. I think sometimes something quirky happens. Who knows! BUT, I'm glad ya made it back! And thank you for the nice comments on Henry's pictures. I just added them to my siggy the other day, so I haven't commented on them yet. They were done at Target just recently!

:D I love it!! Laugh in the face of winter... sounds like an excellent plan! I can't wait for more pictures and stories from the Dells trip!

As far as Mardi Gras goes, the French Quarter really is as crazy as they say it is. It was solid people, lots of drinking and quite a bit of nudity. As a pretty naive sheltered girl, it was an eye opening experience.

For the rest of the city, it was really nothing more than a good time. In neighborhoods, families sat on their lawns to watch the parades go by and we were still able to hit markets and Cafe du Monde.

:rotfl: It would be eye opening for me as well! I really don't know if I woudl be able to handle it all. Crowds are one thing, but drunk nude crowds...I would be running for the hills!

However, the parades, markets and Cafe du Monde do sound quite my style!

OK - this is just too stinkin' cute :goodvibes I love the new pics in your siggy too!

Aw thanks! I was pretty excited about that shot with the bucket too. Might have to frame that one.

I bought the book too, and thought you got complete access to the site, but all I got was the hours and said I had to pay for a membership to get anywhere else. What am I doing wrong?

Brook, the pics look fun and great. Your new signature is awesome too.

Thanks!

Oh, sorry, I guess that was wrong information then!! I actually have the subscription, too, I guess I needed to check dates before I bought the book... But the subscription is actually quite affordable, especially if you sign up for the Allears.net newsletter, you get a discount code for the subscription.

And, Brook, I agree the pictures in your signature are great!!

Actually just went back to touringplans and this here is from their FAQ:

Thank you again for this info on touringplans, and I didn't realize you get a discount too with the Allears.net newsletter. I just belong to their RSS feed. BUT, I'm planning on getting the book - so I'll get the membership. What a deal!

I believe he is quite liking the car ride. How cute!

What kind of boo-boo did he get on his elbow in the sandpail picture?

Can't wait to hear all about your fun!

He was SO excited about going in the cars. "Car, car, car" was all I heard! Joe said he was blank faced for most of the ride, just trying to take it all in - but overall he did seem to enjoy it!

You have a keen eye there MeMom! His boo boo was from a spill he took when trying to go down a step in the garage. It's almost all healed up now. He had a scrape on his knee too. Just the beginning I'm sure with a boy. :rolleyes:

OK, I figured it out. I never had signed up for th basic before hand.

I am glad it finally worked for you!! :thumbsup2

Me too!

Love the preview pics. Can't wait to hear all about it! popcorn::

Thanks!

Hi Brook! Glad you had a great time on your mini vacation! :goodvibes When I saw your new photos on your signature I literally said, "Awwwwww, it's Henry" and my kids just looked at me..... I said "I'm on the DISboards" and they got that "knowing look", like there goes mom again with these people she thinks she knows. :rotfl:

:rotfl2: That's so funny! I told Joe the other day "My friends are in my computer". And since we've had 2 DisMeets, he said he could vouch for me that at least some of them are real! :laughing:

Thank you everyone for the kind words about my new siggy pics! We were SO thrilled with the pictures I had to use a few here to show off my little guy. We just picked up the prints tonight and found out they would like to use one for their preview book in store, and also he might get featured in the hardcover feature books that all Target Portrait Studios use! So who knows, Henry might be a star!!

And for that, we get $4 off our next purchase. :laughing:

princess&her4princes

05-28-2009, 11:12 PM

That's it....$4 off your next purchase!! LOL!!!:rotfl: Get that boy an agent, he's too cute for $4!! ;)

brookelizabeth

05-28-2009, 11:28 PM

After 5 hours of driving, 2 bathroom stops and 10 cups of coffee, we arrived at our hotel in Wisconsin Dells, excited and ready for FUN.

The Kalahari had gotten mixed reviews online, but the moment I stepped up to the check-in desk I knew this was going to be a good visit. The gal who assisted me was INCREDIBLE. She went above and beyond. She was Disneyfied. (I filled out an online comment card and mentioned her name-hopefully she gets some kudos, she rocks!).

Our room was not ready, but that was fine-we were prepared for that - our swimsuits were easily accessable and we were ready to hit that waterpark!

I found our crew wandering around the beautiful lobby and started to explain the wristbands, etc for the waterpark when I was approached and told our room JUST became ready!

SCORE!

A few minutes later we were in the elevator on our way

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164432_iUNRy-M.jpg

Our room was located on the 4th floor in a "quiet zone" where you needed to get your key to get through an additional set of glass doors. We all laughed about how with a toddler and a 4 year old and a 6 year old, this was NOT going to be a quiet zone!

Sorry about the pics-they really aren't the best - I was distracted while taking these with the kids running all around! :goodvibes

Our room was BEAUTIFUL and veryyyyy clean!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164435_oR7hK-M.jpg
The master bedroom

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164492_b4rwV-M.jpg
The balcony. A view of the parking lot. Not the best, but that's OK. The kids found it GREAT fun to run between the sliding glass doors from the master bedroom, around to the living room.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164504_nnf6U-M.jpg
The living room

Okay...this has got to be The World's Lamest Update ever.

I'm sorry.

My internet is being veryyyyy slow for some reason so this update is taking a stinkin' long time and Joe is really wanting to watch a movie with me tonight...so, I will end this here, BUT, I will try to write a bit more on our adventure tomorrow night! :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

05-29-2009, 08:21 AM

Brook, you know I am loving the zebra-print patio furniture! :laughing:

IBelieveInTheMagic

05-29-2009, 09:33 PM

OMG! I love all the new pictures of Henry! :lovestruc Target did an awesome job!! :) Too darn cute, I tell ya.

Great updates so far and I'd hardly call you lame...

Heather

2xcited2sleep

05-29-2009, 09:46 PM

Not pathetic at all! I can't wait to hear more about this resort. I'm very intrigued by the water park capital of the world! :)

KathyRN137

05-29-2009, 10:10 PM

No worries, Brook!

Your post was just a little appetizer, that's all! :goodvibes

We all know how it is when hubbies demand attention! :rolleyes1

Kathy

BellaSoleil

05-29-2009, 10:17 PM

It was a fun update! G and I went to New Orleans last weekend and I have not even had time to download the pictures yet.

Putting that on the list of things to do tonight at Princess Pickletoes goes to bed.:thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

05-30-2009, 12:33 AM

Brook, you know I am loving the zebra-print patio furniture! :laughing:

I loved it too! From what I could see from our balcony, ours was the ONLY one with it. Made me feel speeeeeeeecial. ;)

OMG! I love all the new pictures of Henry! :lovestruc Target did an awesome job!! :) Too darn cute, I tell ya.

Great updates so far and I'd hardly call you lame...

Heather

Thank you!! Joe is going to scan in some of the prints so we'll have a larger size, I'll share them once he does.

I felt bad about the post being so short, I didn't even finish the room pics. :rolleyes:

Not pathetic at all! I can't wait to hear more about this resort. I'm very intrigued by the water park capital of the world! :)

I'm glad you guys don't all think it was as pathetic as I did! Tonight let's hope I at least make it through the rest of the room pics, eh? :laughing:

No worries, Brook!

Your post was just a little appetizer, that's all! :goodvibes

We all know how it is when hubbies demand attention! :rolleyes1

Kathy

Oh, I like that-it was an appetizer! ::yes::

It was a fun update! G and I went to New Orleans last weekend and I have not even had time to download the pictures yet.

Putting that on the list of things to do tonight at Princess Pickletoes goes to bed.:thumbsup2

How fun! I can't wait to see the pics...and maybe get some more tips/tourig ideas!

brookelizabeth

05-30-2009, 01:41 AM

That's it....$4 off your next purchase!! LOL!!!:rotfl: Get that boy an agent, he's too cute for $4!! ;)

Just saw this comment too...:rotfl2: that's pretty much what his Daddy said too! :laughing:

brookelizabeth

05-30-2009, 02:09 AM

Alright, where did I leave off...ah yes, the couch.

Which was a very nice microfiber couch I might add! :goodvibes

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164540_ziWPt-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547164540_ziWPt/Large)
The fireplace

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164573_zLetz-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547164573_zLetz/Large)
The all important very large vanity!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164587_GgXXP-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547164587_GgXXP/Large)
The Master Bathroom - not much vanity space, but a great whirlpool tub!

There were 3 flat panel TVs, one in the living room, one in the Master, and one in the second bedroom.

And some much better pics that Joe got just before we checked out the next day:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186390_xuvhW-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186390_xuvhW/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186431_ykEoN-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186431_ykEoN/Large)
Master bed, it was very comfy but the pillows were too poofy!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186658_i2Y2y-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186658_i2Y2y/Large)
The other bedroom

Okay, so his pics are only slightly better than mine. Sorry-they just don't do the room justice!

And don't worry-for those of you who are new to my PTRs/TRs, we take many more pics, and better ones, during our Disney vacations! :thumbsup2 ;)

After we dropped our bags we quickly changed into our swimsuits and headed straight for the waterpark!

Of course I left the camera in the room at this point, so no pics yet of the waterpark.

Joe, Henry and I hit the lazy river first. Henry was a bit nervous about it all, it was a bit noisy, and there was a LOT going on at one time, but soon he settled down and we had a good time on the river.

We moved over to a few different kiddy areas which were all VERY cool. Henry did find that climbing in and out of the pool was his favorite activity-which resulted in this Momma having visions of her baby tripping off the side and landing head/face first into the water occur over and over and over! :rolleyes:

Henry also found a tiny little "waterslide" to be a bit of fun. I often had to coax him down, but overall, it was one of his favorites.

And another area, with basketballs was also a huge highlight for him. "Ball! Ball! Ball!" and he enjoyed hitting it out of his Daddy's hands.

For myself, I don't exactly enjoy waterslides. I'm a complete WUSS when it comes to them. I really believe it's due to feeling out of control of my body. On a roller coaster, which I looooove, I'm strapped in and safe. With a waterslide, I'm wet, wiggly and everywhere. :sad2: However, this was for celebrating my dear Joe's 31st birthday, so I was going to buck it up and have fun! Or at least try to.

So, me and Mrs. Friend went off to some slides together. I chose one that was completely covered (which eliminates the irrational fear I have of flying out the side!).

HOLY SMOKEY DOGS! I screamed the entireeeeeeeee way down. Once I finally felt "okay" during the ride, it took a deep drop and the screams started all over again. I'm sure the life guards were expecting a 6 year old girl to fly out of the tube...and then had a great moment sharing with all their fellow co-workers about the grown woman screaming like a banshee.

Joe went on the same slide the next day and was all, "meh".

WHATEVER.

Anyway...
Mrs. Friend was much more brave than I and tried a slide that shot you down a pipe and then you whipped around in what basically resmembled a giant toliet bowl until you were burped out at the end and dropped into a pool.

Needless to say, I avoided that one.

Later in our waterpark adventures, Joe and I hit up the "Master Blaster" which is a waterslide roller-coaster - I do know they have one of these at one of the Disney Waterparks, TL I believe...the Crusher Gusher?

I was nervous.

Sooooo nervous.

But I did it!

And really, it was FUN! We didn't fly side to side in the raft, so no irrational fears crept in, and it was fairly slow (at least compared to the earlier Tube of Death!)

After the boys hit a few more slides and much more kiddy pool fun (which really was fun, they had so many neat things going on in the kiddy pools!) our stomachs started to growl. We headed back to the room and freshened up for dinner.

Dinner was the easiest part of planning our trip. Joe is a major pizza man!

We went to a local place I found good reviews of online and tried a "spaghetti and meatballs" pizza and just a good old pepperoni and sausage. Both were DELISH.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164734_VQ2re-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547164734_VQ2re/Large)
Strange, but GOOD.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164727_piNMD-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547164727_piNMD/Large)
Mrs. Friend and son

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547164761_JVdQK-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547164761_JVdQK/Large)
A light for LL! They had really rockin' fixtures in there

After our bill was settled and our stomachs were bulging, we made our way back to the Kalahari where our friends surprised us with birthday gifts! Completely unexpected and very sweet.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165150_7AnN6-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165150_7AnN6/Large)
Joe got a farm toy set. It was funny-he is SO hard to shop for! The intention was so he and Henry could play together with it (and they do!) Henry was thrilled as well!

I received a really great necklace/earrings set (you will see it later in the report), some Bath & Body Works shower gel, awesome lip gloss and a yummy candle.

Up next: The Dells continued...Henry and his hot date.

lazydoxy66

05-30-2009, 05:46 AM

I saw no lameness!

The room is fab! It sounds like you had a terrific time at the water park.
That pizza is exactly what my DH would go for.

Vexorg

05-30-2009, 05:48 AM

Ah, a fellow pillow snob. I don't care much for fluffy hotel pillows myself, since it seems like I need to use at least 2 or 3 of the things to feel like they're actually doing anything. These days if I can possibly get away with it I'll just smuggle in my own pillows. I sleep a lot better that way.

As for waterslides, It's been years since I've been on one, but our family used to go to a campground called Cherry Hill in Kaysville Utah for our vacations which included waterslides on site, and later grew to include a downhill river run, lazy river and "pirate's cove" place on site, as well as mini golf, batting cages, video arcades (that's where I ended up spending most of my time) and other attractions. I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the big steep drop type slides, but the other ones I could ride all day. They really aren't as scary as they look.

jenseib

05-30-2009, 08:44 AM

I'm just like you. Not big on the waterparks in general. I'm not into slides at all. Once years ago I did one really big one and swore I would fly out the sides the whole way doen, and then when I got down I opened my eyes to find my DD Paige, who was probalby about 5 or 6 at the time. She went down before me and had strict instructions to stand at the end and wait for me. She wasn't in site and I sttod up with my suit falling off and fixed it as I tried to rush and find her and trip over the side and scraped both knees so badly. I had major blood dripping down both legs and Paige was still not in site. She had taekn off and went to another part of the park to the kids area. Why she did this, I'll neer know, but we were frantically looking for her for quite some time and I was cryuing from losing her and from the pain too I think. Once we found her I realized how bad my knees were nad had to go to the first aid. And hten I was embarrassed too. LOL! So I pretty much only do Lazy River type stuff or something in a raft anymore. LOL!

Charleston Princess

05-30-2009, 09:05 AM

When Henry is older you will have to try Typhoon Lagoon -- I am not a big water park person, but it is so neat and beautifully themed (like everything at Disney)!

Tube of Death -- :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Joe looks so excited about his farm set -- boys and their toys! :thumbsup2

PopArtGal

05-30-2009, 09:25 AM

I can' wait to hear about H and is Hot Date :)

Flossbolna

05-30-2009, 04:44 PM

Brook, you know I am loving the zebra-print patio furniture! :laughing:

I love those, too - and they would be great for AKL!!

I am happy that I could help you with your decision! Before you go out and buy the 2009 Unofficial Guide, you might want to wait for the 2010 edition. I think the new edition generally comes out in August. That way you have the most up to date book for your vacation.

I love water slides, but I can understand your problem with them. I don't like the very fast ones where you move up the sides a lot either. I actually thought that the slides at the Disney waterparks were rather tame. And you are right, Typhoon Lagoon has the Crush'n Gusher which is a roller coaster slide. It is a lot of fun!! But make sure your raft has enough air in it. We once used a flat one and that was not good, because we actually touched the slide with our bottoms. Very uncomfortable!!! :scared1:

The pizza you had sounds intriguing! pasta on pizza... :confused:

KathyRN137

05-31-2009, 12:12 AM

Sounds like a really fun time... you were braver than I would've been!!

Love the toy farm gift, too! http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/prinnypublic/smilies/moodance.gif

Kathy

Vexorg

05-31-2009, 12:15 AM

Joe looks so excited about his farm set -- boys and their toys! :thumbsup2

Yeah, wait until you see what the toys start to look like when Henry (and whatever brothers might join him along the way) grows up...

Kara

05-31-2009, 02:24 AM

i'm so glad I found your PTR!! I loved reading about your last trip and looking forward to another! do you like smugmug better than photobucket?

princess&her4princes

05-31-2009, 09:32 PM

Brook,
Your description at the waterpark was hysterical!!!:lmao: I remember going to Typhoon Lagoon as a teenager and doing the "tube of death" and my entire bathing suit being up my behind! And people call this fun?!!:confused3 No thank you....lol!!:rotfl: And I had to laugh when you said that the lifeguards were expecting a 6 year old girl coming off the slide when you came down....that would be me too!!!:laughing:

Love Joe's gifts...too funny!!!!:cutie: Can't wait for more.....:surfweb:

Lady Lallie

05-31-2009, 10:36 PM

Phew. I am caught up! It's hard work getting caught up on subscriptions.

Tube of Death! That is how I feel about water slides, they really freak me out. I get all breathless on them and then the plunge into water...bah. Not fun. :lmao:

The room looks awesome! I love the light fixture too! :thumbsup2

k_reile

06-01-2009, 08:30 AM

though of you last night...have you seen the yoplait light commercials...i swear that woman looks just like you!

wdwgirl03

06-01-2009, 08:47 AM

Love the update of the Dells. The Kalahari looks great!

OhMari

06-01-2009, 09:11 AM

I was going to quote you, but I can't find the text when I tried.
I caught the last page, and then I backtracked, and backtracked and backtracked to the beginning.
I was wondering why it took 5 hours to get to the Dells and then I remember, duh, it take us an hour to get to the Dells and 5 more to get to MN.
I can't wait to find out what the 2nd hotel was,
I wish I would of read this sooner, so I could of warned ya~~
but "maybe" you lucked out.

You should come back in the summer, when the outdoor water parks open at the resorts, "twice the fun".

SoonerGirl

06-01-2009, 07:36 PM

Tube of Death :lmao:

I actually love water slides, well all of them except the really tall ones that drop you straight down, I tried one of those once and that was one time too many! :scared1:

brookelizabeth

06-02-2009, 12:39 AM

I saw no lameness!

The room is fab! It sounds like you had a terrific time at the water park.
That pizza is exactly what my DH would go for.

The room truly was beautiful! We were really pleased with it. The pizza was unique and tasty. The kids got a kick out of eating spaghetti on the pizza too.

Ah, a fellow pillow snob. I don't care much for fluffy hotel pillows myself, since it seems like I need to use at least 2 or 3 of the things to feel like they're actually doing anything. These days if I can possibly get away with it I'll just smuggle in my own pillows. I sleep a lot better that way.

As for waterslides, It's been years since I've been on one, but our family used to go to a campground called Cherry Hill in Kaysville Utah for our vacations which included waterslides on site, and later grew to include a downhill river run, lazy river and "pirate's cove" place on site, as well as mini golf, batting cages, video arcades (that's where I ended up spending most of my time) and other attractions. I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of the big steep drop type slides, but the other ones I could ride all day. They really aren't as scary as they look.

These hotel pillows were not the type to cave in-but they just stayed round when you laid on them. So, it was almost like you were sitting up! Well, not quite sitting up-but you get my drift. That is a great idea about bringing our own pillow too-esp when you are driving.

That campground sounds like a blast!!

I'm just like you. Not big on the waterparks in general. I'm not into slides at all. Once years ago I did one really big one and swore I would fly out the sides the whole way doen, and then when I got down I opened my eyes to find my DD Paige, who was probalby about 5 or 6 at the time. She went down before me and had strict instructions to stand at the end and wait for me. She wasn't in site and I sttod up with my suit falling off and fixed it as I tried to rush and find her and trip over the side and scraped both knees so badly. I had major blood dripping down both legs and Paige was still not in site. She had taekn off and went to another part of the park to the kids area. Why she did this, I'll neer know, but we were frantically looking for her for quite some time and I was cryuing from losing her and from the pain too I think. Once we found her I realized how bad my knees were nad had to go to the first aid. And hten I was embarrassed too. LOL! So I pretty much only do Lazy River type stuff or something in a raft anymore. LOL!

Oh my! What an awful experience. I can see why you stick to the Lazy River! I am a big fan of the Lazy River. The one at the Kalahari had a bit of "adventure" to it as well-it flowed through the wave pool. I have no idea how they made all the tubes still go through the wave pool when the waves were on, but it worked! There were a few water sprays and things too, it was so creative.

When Henry is older you will have to try Typhoon Lagoon -- I am not a big water park person, but it is so neat and beautifully themed (like everything at Disney)!

Tube of Death -- :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

Joe looks so excited about his farm set -- boys and their toys! :thumbsup2

Joe will LOVE Typhoon Lagoon. And my Aunt, who has been to Disney a few times, cannot believe we haven't ever been there. It was her ultimate favorite thing at Disney. So-we'll definetly have to go at some point. I'll enjoy the theming and take pictures while the boys hit the slides. ;)

I can' wait to hear about H and is Hot Date :)

She is a cutie! :laughing:

I love those, too - and they would be great for AKL!!

I am happy that I could help you with your decision! Before you go out and buy the 2009 Unofficial Guide, you might want to wait for the 2010 edition. I think the new edition generally comes out in August. That way you have the most up to date book for your vacation.

I love water slides, but I can understand your problem with them. I don't like the very fast ones where you move up the sides a lot either. I actually thought that the slides at the Disney waterparks were rather tame. And you are right, Typhoon Lagoon has the Crush'n Gusher which is a roller coaster slide. It is a lot of fun!! But make sure your raft has enough air in it. We once used a flat one and that was not good, because we actually touched the slide with our bottoms. Very uncomfortable!!! :scared1:

The pizza you had sounds intriguing! pasta on pizza... :confused:

The zebra print chairs would be PERFECT for AKL. The theming overall was beautiful, and many of the pieces could easily swap between the resorts.

Too late on the Unoffcial Guide! :laughing: We went to a bookstore over the weekend and I snatched it up! But, that's OK because then I can start reading/planning now. :thumbsup2 Thank you again for that awesome tip-I've already registered on TouringPlans.com and starting plugging stuff in.

I am VERY glad to hear Disney slides are tame! :woohoo: Someday I know we'll go, so with that in mind I won't have to be as nervous. That is AWFUL about your raft! OUCH! :eek:

The spaghetti on the pizza was very tasty. I would even consider trying to make it from home. If I ever started cooking! :rolleyes:

Sounds like a really fun time... you were braver than I would've been!!

Love the toy farm gift, too! http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/prinnypublic/smilies/moodance.gif

Kathy

Henry has pulled out the farm toys almost every single day. "Cow" "Cow" "Trak, trak". It's so fun!

Yeah, wait until you see what the toys start to look like when Henry (and whatever brothers might join him along the way) grows up...

No joke! If he has taste like Joe we are all going to have to get a couple jobs to support their "hobbies". :rotfl2: (Thankfully for Joe, I'm a bit of a techy geek as well-so he often gets what he wants!)

brookelizabeth

06-02-2009, 12:39 AM

i'm so glad I found your PTR!! I loved reading about your last trip and looking forward to another! do you like smugmug better than photobucket?

Welcome!!!! So glad you made it over here, thank you for reading. :goodvibes I am loving' SmugMug. At first I was "eh" about it, but then I configured my layout a bit different. I have over 600 thumbnails that load on one page-and it loads quickly. Then I click into the picture I want, simply copy and then paste right here onto the DIS. Slick and fast. Page loads are super quick! I also found a 50% off code via Google for it!

Brook,
Your description at the waterpark was hysterical!!!:lmao: I remember going to Typhoon Lagoon as a teenager and doing the "tube of death" and my entire bathing suit being up my behind! And people call this fun?!!:confused3 No thank you....lol!!:rotfl: And I had to laugh when you said that the lifeguards were expecting a 6 year old girl coming off the slide when you came down....that would be me too!!!:laughing:

Love Joe's gifts...too funny!!!!:cutie: Can't wait for more.....:surfweb:

:rotfl2: Thankfully my Tube of Death didn't cause those issues! :scared1:

Phew. I am caught up! It's hard work getting caught up on subscriptions.

Tube of Death! That is how I feel about water slides, they really freak me out. I get all breathless on them and then the plunge into water...bah. Not fun. :lmao:

The room looks awesome! I love the light fixture too! :thumbsup2

Going to Disney makes it hard to keep caught up on those subscriptions, doesn't it? SO WORTH IT THOUGH! :goodvibes For some reason, my RSS subscriptions to your Twitter just gave me a few new ones-two from when you were about to leave saying you were so ready to go home. I hope that doesn't mean some rough stuff happened at the end! :sad2:

though of you last night...have you seen the yoplait light commercials...i swear that woman looks just like you!

I have seen some recent Yopliat Light commercials, but I didn't really notice...now I'll be watching for them! :laughing: We are watching HGTV, so the chances are high...

Love the update of the Dells. The Kalahari looks great!

It really was a beautiful resort!

I was going to quote you, but I can't find the text when I tried.
I caught the last page, and then I backtracked, and backtracked and backtracked to the beginning.
I was wondering why it took 5 hours to get to the Dells and then I remember, duh, it take us an hour to get to the Dells and 5 more to get to MN.
I can't wait to find out what the 2nd hotel was,
I wish I would of read this sooner, so I could of warned ya~~
but "maybe" you lucked out.

You should come back in the summer, when the outdoor water parks open at the resorts, "twice the fun".

Our 2nd hotel was a good one (I had researched that one), but our 3rd was a bit...um...skeevy? Is that word? :laughing: More on that later!

The Kalahari outdoor park opened our second day, we were all amazed! But, we all felt it was still a bit chilly for it. During the summer would be really nice to enjoy it all, plus it would thin out some of the people!

Tube of Death :lmao:

I actually love water slides, well all of them except the really tall ones that drop you straight down, I tried one of those once and that was one time too many! :scared1:

Ya, NO WAY would I do those speed slides. When I was a teenager I did them alllll and loved them alllll. I don't know when it all changed, but I can barely do a kiddy slide now! :rotfl:

Vexorg

06-02-2009, 02:21 AM

No joke! If he has taste like Joe we are all going to have to get a couple jobs to support their "hobbies". :rotfl2: (Thankfully for Joe, I'm a bit of a techy geek as well-so he often gets what he wants!)

These days, just trying to keep up with my brothers' hobbies can be a challenge. A couple of years ago it was golf (I'm still lamenting the loss of precious closet space resulting from that one,) and now it's nitro-powered RC racecars (the ones that do 45+ miles per hour and seem to require costly repairs anytime you crash 'em into something.) Unfortunately, they don't seem to follow my hobbies too well (otherwise they'd all have basements full of decrepit old arcade games... I wonder why they don't?)

Then there's talk of trying to put together an el cheapo racecar to take out to the Saturday Night redneck races... I'm probably the least mechanically inclined of the guys in my family, but I think that would still be fun.

GreatBiscuit

06-02-2009, 07:00 PM

Tracy has often commented on the trips to Wisconsin Dells she took while growing up in the Twin Cities. We hope to head that way for at least ONE night the next time we up duing the summer. Sounds like you all had a ton of fun. Loved the Farm set. I was thrilled when Bug went through her 6 month Cars phase. (Finally the girls had something that I could play with.) But alas, it ran its course and she's now going through a baby doll stage. The girls are also going through a "Beauty Shop" stage and take great joy in "Fixing" my hair while we watch TV. The joy of having all girls....:sad2: I tell Tracy that we AT LEAST have to get a male dog when the Pipster is let out into that great backyard in the sky.

mickeysmyboy

06-02-2009, 10:53 PM

Hi Brook!! I'm jumping over!

I'm sooo jealous that your going 12/26 - new years!! Your going to be in WDW on my birthday! I sooooo want to go to WDW for my birthday, 12/28. but am a little scared to! I'll be waiting to kind out how it is!

Your trip the Dells sounds great! I saw a show on the travel channel, which I'm addicted to, about all the waterparks in the Dells!

Anyway, can't wait to read more!!!

shebaxric

06-02-2009, 11:16 PM

I go on vacation and I got sooo far behind! The Dells looks like a great place for families, maybe I'll get to visit there one day! Your updates have not been lame or boring, you silly silly woman! Your trip reports have been some of my favorites, and I never want you to stop writing!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes

Lovemy3babes

06-03-2009, 11:56 AM

That is a really nice room you got Brook! I don't like the out of control feelings of waterslides either. I really want to love them but I about pee my pants I am so darn afraid I will fly over the edge and plummet to my death. ;) Seriously. That pizza looks delish!

CJsMom

06-03-2009, 05:55 PM

Trip looks great so far and you had me rofl about going on the waterslides! :rotfl: You guys got a really nice room. Love the Target pics - Henry is so darn cute!! :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

06-04-2009, 01:10 PM

These days, just trying to keep up with my brothers' hobbies can be a challenge. A couple of years ago it was golf (I'm still lamenting the loss of precious closet space resulting from that one,) and now it's nitro-powered RC racecars (the ones that do 45+ miles per hour and seem to require costly repairs anytime you crash 'em into something.) Unfortunately, they don't seem to follow my hobbies too well (otherwise they'd all have basements full of decrepit old arcade games... I wonder why they don't?)

Then there's talk of trying to put together an el cheapo racecar to take out to the Saturday Night redneck races... I'm probably the least mechanically inclined of the guys in my family, but I think that would still be fun.

I used to golf. In high school. 2 friends and I joined the golf team and we were like the rebellious golfers-shouting on the course, making divits on purpose...we were naughty! :rotfl2: I'm sure my clubs are still somewhere. Or maybe my Mom sold them. You could Craigslist yours! Closet space is more important than golf. ;)

The Saturday Night Redneck Races do sound like fun. We aren't into cars or the like here (except Henry!), but computers, sound equipment, home theater systems and anything else with a $800+ pricetag! :headache: :rolleyes:

Tracy has often commented on the trips to Wisconsin Dells she took while growing up in the Twin Cities. We hope to head that way for at least ONE night the next time we up duing the summer. Sounds like you all had a ton of fun. Loved the Farm set. I was thrilled when Bug went through her 6 month Cars phase. (Finally the girls had something that I could play with.) But alas, it ran its course and she's now going through a baby doll stage. The girls are also going through a "Beauty Shop" stage and take great joy in "Fixing" my hair while we watch TV. The joy of having all girls....:sad2: I tell Tracy that we AT LEAST have to get a male dog when the Pipster is let out into that great backyard in the sky.

I hope you are able to stop for a night as well! It's a neat/quirky place.

I think we all need pics of your hair all done up. ::yes::

I wish you the best with getting the male dog. I think you will NEED it during their teen years...:rolleyes: :laughing:

Hi Brook!! I'm jumping over!

I'm sooo jealous that your going 12/26 - new years!! Your going to be in WDW on my birthday! I sooooo want to go to WDW for my birthday, 12/28. but am a little scared to! I'll be waiting to kind out how it is!

Your trip the Dells sounds great! I saw a show on the travel channel, which I'm addicted to, about all the waterparks in the Dells!

Anyway, can't wait to read more!!!

I'm so NERVOUS about going during our week! I keep trying to look up as much information about it as I can. I can completely understand why you are scared!

I see a "next date coming soon" in your siggy. Perhaps you might get there for your b-day after all????

I go on vacation and I got sooo far behind! The Dells looks like a great place for families, maybe I'll get to visit there one day! Your updates have not been lame or boring, you silly silly woman! Your trip reports have been some of my favorites, and I never want you to stop writing!!!:goodvibes:goodvibes

Vacation does that, doesn't it??? Interfers with our DIS time! :laughing:

The Dells really are a neat place-it's very family geared, and so many things to appeal to different tastes.

Thank you for the sweet words about my TRs! :hug: That first Dells post was so short, so few pictures-so I felt bad about it being so short and lame! Thankfully my computer/internet stopped acting so goofy the next day.

That is a really nice room you got Brook! I don't like the out of control feelings of waterslides either. I really want to love them but I about pee my pants I am so darn afraid I will fly over the edge and plummet to my death. ;) Seriously. That pizza looks delish!

EXACTLY my thoughts on the waterslides!!!!!!!! I want to love them, I really do, but ugh. My stomach turns and I have to do everything my power to push myself off to actually go down.

The pizza was very yummy!

Trip looks great so far and you had me rofl about going on the waterslides! :rotfl: You guys got a really nice room. Love the Target pics - Henry is so darn cute!! :goodvibes

I'm such a chicken on the slides! They seriously freak me out. But give me a big 'ol roller coaster anyday!

Thank you for the compliment on Henry's pics. I don't think Joe ever did get around to scanning them in...hmmm....

brookelizabeth

06-04-2009, 01:19 PM

My birthday is on Saturday. I'm turning 30. Yestereday I found a big 'ol gray hair! :eek: :rotfl2:

Joe just revealed to me that he has been planning something. I don't know all the details yet, but this is what I do know:

* We are going to Minneapolis for an overnight stay.
* We are going to see a Broadway show (A Bronx Tale) at the State Theatre.
* We are going SHOPPING. DSW is involved. :yay: (and I have coupons-saving bucks is almost as thrilling as the shoes themselves to me!! :yay::yay:)

I'm so excited! It's so unlike him to actually plan something-and to this magnitude!!!!!!!!! He even arranged for Henry to stay with MIL!

:love:

I plan to get a Dells update and a PTR update done today!

princess&her4princes

06-04-2009, 02:11 PM

Lady Lallie

06-04-2009, 02:21 PM

That sounds like a wonderful Birthday weekend!! Yayaya!

shebaxric

06-04-2009, 02:42 PM

HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!!!:banana::banana: The trip sounds like it'll be a ton of fun! Enjoy it, you don't get to turn 30 twice!

jordanyosh

06-04-2009, 02:57 PM

I'm in...I will be curious to see how your trip is now that you're going during Premier Season.....

Happy Early Birthday....

Charleston Princess

06-04-2009, 03:02 PM

Oh, you are going to have a wonderful birthday, Brook! I am so excited to hear all about it when I get back!

I will sing you happy birthday as I arrive on Disney property -- I hope my voice travels all the way to Minnesota! :laughing:

Lovemy3babes

06-04-2009, 03:38 PM

Awww! Good job Joe! :)

brookelizabeth

06-04-2009, 04:56 PM

Happy (early!) Birthday Brook:goodvibes...you're going to LOVE your 30's they are GREAT years!!!!:love:

And how WONDERFUL that Joe planned something so nice for your special day!! Does this mean we get a mini TR too?!! :yay: Have a wonderful time!!!!

I've heard that the 30s are great from several people, so I'm looking forward to them! It will be a bit strange to not be in my 20s though.

And yep, I'll share the details when we get back! I have to finish the Dells first though-otherwise I'll have PTR, Dells and Birthday all going at the same time! :laughing:

That sounds like a wonderful Birthday weekend!! Yayaya!

I think it will be! I'm kinda lovin' that he has kept it as a surprise too.

HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY!!!:banana::banana: The trip sounds like it'll be a ton of fun! Enjoy it, you don't get to turn 30 twice!

Thank you!!

I'm in...I will be curious to see how your trip is now that you're going during Premier Season.....

Happy Early Birthday....

Welcome aboard! Thanks for reading! I am slightly frightened about going during Premier Season. I am hoping to find more information here on the DIS about it-read TRs, etc.

Oh, you are going to have a wonderful birthday, Brook! I am so excited to hear all about it when I get back!

I will sing you happy birthday as I arrive on Disney property -- I hope my voice travels all the way to Minnesota! :laughing:

I'll make sure to listen for it! :rotfl2: I can't belive you leave so soon!!! I can't wait to read your TR.

Awww! Good job Joe! :)

Yes, very well done!! :lovestruc

brookelizabeth

06-04-2009, 06:23 PM

I left off just as we had opened some birthday gifts from our dear friends.

We then headed to the Kalahari Indoor Theme Park. It still amazes me that not only did this hotel have a GIANT indoor water park, but it also had a indoor amusement park, 14 screen theater, pottery shop, 4 restaurants, several "counter service" type places and more.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165342_yazFD-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165342_yazFD/Large)

On the way to the theme park, there were several sitting arrangements that looked pretty comfy and inviting. One even had a table with what looked like zebra fur under the glass. It was way prettier and less icky than that sounds! :laughing: Silly me did not take a pic! :sad2:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165357_jNTjW-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165357_jNTjW/Large)

We stepped foot into the theme park, completely not knowing what to expect, and were greeting with an INCREDIBLE amount of arcade games. Directly inside the doors were several car games lined up-Henry went bazerk!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165575_y9FGY-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165575_y9FGY/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165387_QE7Cq-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165387_QE7Cq/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165431_xg3mj-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165431_xg3mj/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165515_x8jxC-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165515_x8jxC/Large)

We eventually peeled him away from the cars so we could go more than 19 inches inside the park!

A few arcade games later and we came across this:
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165585_hpNdW-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165585_hpNdW/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165624_qiomK-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165624_qiomK/Large)

And then, across the room IT was spotted:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165657_oLm8M-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165657_oLm8M/Large)

The litte red car.
(and it is official, Henry has good taste-it's a Mustang! ;))

Henry loved this car!! Forget about the ferris wheel, the giant fake animals, even the car games with blinky lights. This thing was just his size and so close to real-he didn't care about anything else!

This click-happy Momma took 31 pictures in less than 24 hours of him in this car. That is how often we visited it! :laughing:

So, Henry is hanging out in the car. When suddenly this little lady struts by and Henry works his charm and he snags a date.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165655_sPr5A-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165655_sPr5A/Large)
"Where to babe?"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165692_MXFGQ-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165692_MXFGQ/Large)
"You want some tunes?"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165805_LFSa6-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165805_LFSa6/Large)
"Daddy! You can't be here, I'm on a date!"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165828_Dxqez-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165828_Dxqez/Large)
Older protective brother to the date makes sure the car is in tip-top shape. Apparently this car runs on stickers and a manual!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165862_qaV3u-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165862_qaV3u/Large)
"Let's blow this pop-stand!"

A miracle then occurred and we managed to pull Henry away without a tantrum. Thankfully there were 9 million blinky lights to distract him!

More arcade games...
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165913_DLHk2-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165913_DLHk2/Large)

And more cars!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166048_dw3mC-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166048_dw3mC/Large)

Oooh, and lookie what I spied...
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166144_u8Cdn-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166144_u8Cdn/Large)
Dut Dut!

Big surprise I found the crane machine with the Disney character prizes, eh? ;)

Because Henry kept running back to the little red car, Joe hiked him up onto his shoulders.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166302_jcKnN-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166302_jcKnN/Large)
"Da da, the car is that way!" (Joe's facial expression is priceless as Henry pinches his cheek!)

Continued in next post

brookelizabeth

06-04-2009, 06:25 PM

Continued from previous post

More arcade games...thankfully the kids don't yet know the difference when you insert money!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166428_Z7bgJ-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166428_Z7bgJ/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166420_baQQj-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166420_baQQj/Large)
"Where is that red car???"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166485_zsrRW-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166485_zsrRW/Large)
For some reason I love pictures where Henry is on his tip-toes, or stretching to reach something-I guess it just shows that he isn't all that big! :goodvibes

Eventually we made it past the ferris wheel, past the elevated go-karts, through the entire arcade, past the "high-ropes" course, climbing wall and counter service place to find what the gal who checked us in called "like a McDonald's playland".

Let me tell you, the McDonalds playlands in Wisconsin must be dynamite because this play area was awesome!!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166578_EAHyG-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166578_EAHyG/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166925_i5LGi-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166925_i5LGi/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547166993_DoQNa-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547166993_DoQNa/Large)
They were racing and Friend's Son was pretty pumped he won! It was cute.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167066_EnMbU-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167066_EnMbU/Large)
Have you ever seen a SOCK vending machine? For the curious, they were $3 a pair.

Henry was a bit small to really take in the playland, so Joe and I explored an adjacent area with things more his speed.

Of course, what did we find?

A car! And not just a normal car, a car that looked like a dog! Double the excitement for this little boy!
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167135_QrPmq-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167135_QrPmq/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167168_9dHft-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167168_9dHft/Large)
Wearing my new necklace and earrings! (Though you can't really see 'em in this picture)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167226_z3C7y-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167226_z3C7y/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167261_g85BJ-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167261_g85BJ/Large)
Just a couple things to do here!

Earlier at the play land, Joe and Mr. Friend had decided they would like to catch a movie. Going to the movies is one of Joe's favorite things, and with a 1 year old-it doesn't happen for us too often. And, this trip was for his birthday, so I encouraged him to go. So, the boys seperated and us ladies and the kids explored a bit more. We found the bowling alley.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167274_ZTwTg-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167274_ZTwTg/Large)
I thought the couches were so cool!

On the way back out of the park, we had to make a stop at a couple more arcade games...

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167335_9mSHJ-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167335_9mSHJ/Large)
We watched someone win one of these big balls

And...guess what Henry spotted on the way back through?

YEP!

But, this time, Friend's Son got in!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167387_bLhhe-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167387_bLhhe/Large)
"Where's my girl???"

Friend's Son had pushed Henry in the car away from the wall, but now that he was in the car, who would push it back?

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167343_mi5Mh-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167343_mi5Mh/Large)

Make the girl do the hard work! :sad2:

:rotfl2:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167425_aS7UW-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167425_aS7UW/Large)

I think Older Brother was eating it UP!

Soon, we were out of the park and back in the room where we got the kids ready for bed. All of the kinds found complete facination with the King sized bed, and had crawled all over it.

Pretty soon Friend's Son was standing and looking at me with a look that said "Please, pretty please, can I jump?"

My response was:

"Beds at home are not for jumping on. But hotel beds ARE!!!!!!"

That was all he needed to hear!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167445_33QZJ-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167445_33QZJ/Large)

Henry wanted to join them, so I let him. I will admit though, my heart was beating pretty fast in fear he would either fall off the bed or get trampled! BUT, everything was fine (of course), and the kids were very good with Henry on the bed too.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167496_sEpSz-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547167496_sEpSz/Large)
Henry drilling his head into the bed-he was soooooooo tired. But he was squealing with laughter at the same time.

A few more minutes of jumping and we roped them off the bed. Within minutes of laying down every kid was sound asleep-what a day we had!

Up next: The part of the trip I was looking forward to...BREAKFAST BUFFET!

PopArtGal

06-04-2009, 06:49 PM

Cool.

Sounds like a cute place.

Lady Lallie

06-04-2009, 06:50 PM

Henry is just the cutest. I can't get over his cuteness!

I love him in the red car, little boys and their cars. Hehehe.

I also love the picture of you and Pumba...that is his name right, the warthog?

IluvXU

06-04-2009, 07:39 PM

A bowling alley... the one here in OH has a putt putt, but no bowling alley. The playscapes are fantastic there, my girls could have spent weeks playing there.

This is making me want to hit the Kalahari... maybe we can snag a deal for sometime soon!

MeMom

06-04-2009, 07:41 PM

Looks like much fun! You really have a good time with your mini-trips in between your Disney trips, don't ya? :woohoo: My weekends aren't nearly as exciting.

Not that I've seen many bowling alleys, but I've never seen couches like that in any of the ones I have seen. Pretty spiffy!

Good for you for spotting Donald and Daisy, too.

I'm sure Henry enjoyed jumping on the bed. :yay:

I might have a jumping on the bed, falling off the bed, and going to the hospital for stitches story about one of my sons, but since Henry made it through unscathed this time, I'll save it. :laughing:

k_reile

06-04-2009, 07:54 PM

henry is too darn cute in that car. Ladies man already huh?? :lmao:

TyRy

06-04-2009, 08:26 PM

Wow - that place is huge...I've always wondered what it looked like...we see the commercials all the time in Chicago. And the pictures of Henry and his "girlfriend" are priceless! :rotfl2:

I'll stay happy early birthday now in case I don't get back on before Saturday...welcome to your 30's. Unfotunately, I get to leave them this year :scared1:

princess&her4princes

06-04-2009, 08:30 PM

Boys and their toys....love the Henry story and the chick picking up already!! You're going to have your hands full with that one!!!;)

Love the pic of you and Pumba and Joe and the sock machine, you guys crack me up!!!!!:laughing:

And love the rule of bed jumping....beds at home are not for jumping but hotel beds :thumbsup2 go for it!! Fun!!!!!!:banana:

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!:surfweb:

moparop

06-04-2009, 09:36 PM

That hotel looks AMAZING! So many fun things to do! That car IS awesome! Glad to hear that Joe got to see the movie and had someone to go with.

Have an awesome birthday weekend! Can't wait to hear about all of your fun!

mickeysmyboy

06-04-2009, 10:13 PM

WOW! Have a wonderful birthday! It sounds like Joe planned a lovely weekend!!

That hotel looks awesome!! My kiddos would LOVE that place!! There's a place with an indoor water park in the Poconos near my parents that we've talked about taking the kids to but I don't think they have all that!!! WOW!

Have fun and enjoy your weekend!! I can't wait to hear about it !!

Charleston Princess

06-04-2009, 10:16 PM

What a great update!!! I love every single picture of Henry and the little girl in the car -- so cute!!! What was even funnier though is his less-than-pleased look when the older brother was in the car with him -- Henry really does seem to be missing his "girl." :lmao:

brookelizabeth

06-04-2009, 11:14 PM

Cool.

Sounds like a cute place.

It really is!

Henry is just the cutest. I can't get over his cuteness!

I love him in the red car, little boys and their cars. Hehehe.

I also love the picture of you and Pumba...that is his name right, the warthog?

Thanks LL :goodvibes And yes, boys and their cars! Most of them never grow out of it either. :rolleyes:

I do think that's Pumba. I didn't put his name in there on purpose because I wasn't sure and didn't want to Google! But, I'm pretty sure...

A bowling alley... the one here in OH has a putt putt, but no bowling alley. The playscapes are fantastic there, my girls could have spent weeks playing there.

This is making me want to hit the Kalahari... maybe we can snag a deal for sometime soon!

Oh! I forgot about the putt putt! Below the elevated go-karts was a mini-golf course. The whole indoor park is very new to the Wisconsin Dells one, so I wonder if they find the bowling alley successful, if it will be added onto the other ones?

They seem to always be running deals-esp during the week! Go for it!

Looks like much fun! You really have a good time with your mini-trips in between your Disney trips, don't ya? :woohoo: My weekends aren't nearly as exciting.

Not that I've seen many bowling alleys, but I've never seen couches like that in any of the ones I have seen. Pretty spiffy!

Good for you for spotting Donald and Daisy, too.

I'm sure Henry enjoyed jumping on the bed. :yay:

I might have a jumping on the bed, falling off the bed, and going to the hospital for stitches story about one of my sons, but since Henry made it through unscathed this time, I'll save it. :laughing:

After the 4th of July we don't have much going on...but I guess it's Henry's birthday (:sad1:) in September, so that might tide us over, then Thanksgiving not too far from that. But, yep-we filled up our weekends, kind of on purpose so Disney didn't seem soooooooo far away.

And Joe had me pricing flights in late July/early August to Orlando the other day...we'll see if anything comes of that!

I am with ya on the couches-I've never seen anything like that before. It made me want to bowl, just so I could chill on the couch!

Oh my goodness---I know, I know, I KNOW, with a boy, I HAVE to come to realize stitches are most likely GONNA happen during his growing up years, but I'm sooooo glad you can save that story right now! :laughing:

henry is too darn cute in that car. Ladies man already huh?? :lmao:

He's such a ladies man!

Wow - that place is huge...I've always wondered what it looked like...we see the commercials all the time in Chicago. And the pictures of Henry and his "girlfriend" are priceless! :rotfl2:

I'll stay happy early birthday now in case I don't get back on before Saturday...welcome to your 30's. Unfotunately, I get to leave them this year :scared1:

It is MASSIVE. When you pull around to the resort it stretches so far from end to end-it would be miserable to walk from the one end to the other, I'm pretty sure it's even bigger than AKL. :eek:

Boys and their toys....love the Henry story and the chick picking up already!! You're going to have your hands full with that one!!!;)

Love the pic of you and Pumba and Joe and the sock machine, you guys crack me up!!!!!:laughing:

And love the rule of bed jumping....beds at home are not for jumping but hotel beds :thumbsup2 go for it!! Fun!!!!!!:banana:

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!:surfweb:

Henry looooooves that little girl. The Mom of the group is the one that watches Henry 4 days a week, so he spends a lot of time with her and he's already giving her hugs and kisses! :eek: :laughing:

That hotel looks AMAZING! So many fun things to do! That car IS awesome! Glad to hear that Joe got to see the movie and had someone to go with.

Have an awesome birthday weekend! Can't wait to hear about all of your fun!

It is a very cool hotel-and would be a blast in the winter so you don't even have to leave!

The little red car was really neat, I have no idea why it was there other than just for kids to sit in. :confused3 But we sure are glad it was!

WOW! Have a wonderful birthday! It sounds like Joe planned a lovely weekend!!

That hotel looks awesome!! My kiddos would LOVE that place!! There's a place with an indoor water park in the Poconos near my parents that we've talked about taking the kids to but I don't think they have all that!!! WOW!

Have fun and enjoy your weekend!! I can't wait to hear about it !!

Thanks! I am fairly certain a spa is involved as well...:yay:

The Kalahari is a great hotel-I knew it had a lot to do, but I didn't really comprehend just how much!

I see you have a Jan 2010 at AKV in your siggy!! I don't think I recall that being there before...or maybe I just forgot! :rotfl: Regardless, :woohoo:!

What a great update!!! I love every single picture of Henry and the little girl in the car -- so cute!!! What was even funnier though is his less-than-pleased look when the older brother was in the car with him -- Henry really does seem to be missing his "girl." :lmao:

Glad you liked the pics of Henry in the car...because there are MORE coming! :rotfl2:

I didn't even realize he had that look when the older brother was in the car-but looking back at the pics, he's not smiling in ANY of them! He was concerned about his lady pushing the car. :laughing:

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! I wanted to get an update for the actual PTR up tonight as well, but, it's 10 pm and I still have laundry and packing to do!

Have a great weekend all!

KathyRN137

06-05-2009, 01:31 AM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547165692_MXFGQ-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547165692_MXFGQ/Large)
"You want some tunes?"

Absolutely adorable!! :goodvibes You've got a real chick-magnet on your hands!!

Wow, Brook, that place looks amazing... a kid's paradise!!

So glad you were having such fun!

Kathy

A's Princess

06-05-2009, 08:05 AM

Have a great birthday Brook! The Dells sounds like so much fun!

Flossbolna

06-05-2009, 10:26 AM

Another wonderful update! Henry and his date were adorable in their little car! :goodvibes She looks a bit older than he is - but not taller. Is Herny quite tall for his age??

Have a wonderful weekend trip! :banana:

k_reile

06-05-2009, 11:03 AM

Happy 30th birthday brook....a day early!!

This is wierd...after i figured out the math...you are a little over a year older than me (I will be 29 on the 17th :headache:) and you said henry's b-day is in Sept...so he is probably about a year older than Caleb (his is Sept 25th) ....guess i never put two and two together after reading your last report when henry was 16 mos old that he was proabbly born in Sept...duh me! :lmao:

Anyways happy birthday and I hope that it is a good one...can't wait to hear what Joe's suprise is!

troobabiee7

06-05-2009, 11:12 AM

Those pictures are so cute, I'm glad you all had a good time!

Happy early birthday, I hope you have a great trip!

And when you get a chance, send me a link to your blog. For some reason I can't get to it by clicking on your name. Thanks!

Lovemy3babes

06-05-2009, 11:54 AM

I love the car pictures Brook! You're going to have to hide your keys when he gets to be older. ;) Do I dare ask how expensive this super cool hotel was?

jordanyosh

06-05-2009, 12:00 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167445_33QZJ-M-1.jpg
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547167496_sEpSz-M-1.jpg

Oh the joy of being a kid...great pix!

ClaireW

06-05-2009, 04:37 PM

Just stopping by to wish you an early Happy Birthday! After a week long spell of glorious sunshine and hot weather we are now back into true British summertime - it rained hard for an hour and looks set to continue tomorrow. But like any true Brits we're still going ahead with my birthday BBQ! Sure we'll have a lovely day in good company so just not worried - hope the same is true for you and you have a great birthday :goodvibes

blessedby3

06-05-2009, 07:24 PM

Love the updates. That hotel/water park/theater/bowling alley/arcade/etc. looks amazing. Wish we had something like that near us. Looks like you better start saving for Henry's first car. :rotfl2: He seems to be very drawn to them and has expensive taste!!
Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Have a great time on your birthday trip:thumbsup2 The 30's are great years. Im in the 40's right now and feel downright OLD!!

Flossbolna

06-06-2009, 06:25 AM

happy birthday!!

:bday:party::bday:party::bday:

(Sorry, I wanted it to be capital letters, but the boards did not let me post it with capital letters...)

jenseib

06-06-2009, 08:37 AM

Happy Birthday Brook!

A bowling alley... the one here in OH has a putt putt, but no bowling alley. The playscapes are fantastic there, my girls could have spent weeks playing there.

This is making me want to hit the Kalahari... maybe we can snag a deal for sometime soon!

I was going to say that too. The one in OH doesn't have a ferris wheel either. We do have the tunnels/slide/ball pit type thing. But I hate those. DH went in it with Claire for a bit. I thought the sock vending machine was funny too when I saw it, but I also saw people buying from it. LOL!

I love the car pictures Brook! You're going to have to hide your keys when he gets to be older. ;) Do I dare ask how expensive this super cool hotel was?

I don't know about there, but in Oh it starts at $150 for a base room with two beds. It includes waterpark for 4 the day of arrival and the day of check out. But the bigger rooms are much more. I think when my sister goes the room they get is $500 a night.

IBelieveInTheMagic

06-06-2009, 09:11 AM

:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2::cheer2:

I'm here for for the party to wish you a very happy birthday!!! :cool1: I hope you have a wonderful time! :)

Loved all the new pictures and the whole time I was thinking, good gravy that place was loaded! :rotfl:

Enjoy your weekend,
Heather

Lady Lallie

06-06-2009, 11:23 AM

Happy Birthday!!!!! :wizard:

TyRy

06-06-2009, 01:04 PM

:cool1::banana:HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOK!! :cool1::banana:

Hope you are having a wonderful day and weekend!

CJsMom

06-06-2009, 07:53 PM

Happy Birthday!!!!

Hope you found some good stuff at DSW! My favorite shoe store!! :thumbsup2

disneydusted

06-06-2009, 11:15 PM

Happy Birthday!!! :flower3: Loved your update.... amazing place!

brookelizabeth

06-07-2009, 12:27 AM

Absolutely adorable!! :goodvibes You've got a real chick-magnet on your hands!!

Wow, Brook, that place looks amazing... a kid's paradise!!

So glad you were having such fun!

Kathy

I love those car pics of Henry and his girl too-they are so sweet. The Kalahari truly is a kid's paradise for every age, so many things to do!

Have a great birthday Brook! The Dells sounds like so much fun!

Thank you!! It was a great birthday!
The Dells are a lot of fun-and we barely scratched the surface with our weekend.

Another wonderful update! Henry and his date were adorable in their little car! :goodvibes She looks a bit older than he is - but not taller. Is Herny quite tall for his age??

Have a wonderful weekend trip! :banana:

Henry is tall for his age-he's bigger than most kids that are 6 months older than him even. At his 18 month check-up I believe he was in the 74th percentile (which means out of 100 babies his age, he's taller than 74 of them). The little girl just turned 4, and while she's not extradoniarly small (however, her 6 year old brother is!), she is pretty small. Both the Mom and Dad are small people-short and small framed-the opposite of Joe and I! :goodvibes

Happy 30th birthday brook....a day early!!

This is wierd...after i figured out the math...you are a little over a year older than me (I will be 29 on the 17th :headache:) and you said henry's b-day is in Sept...so he is probably about a year older than Caleb (his is Sept 25th) ....guess i never put two and two together after reading your last report when henry was 16 mos old that he was proabbly born in Sept...duh me! :lmao:

Anyways happy birthday and I hope that it is a good one...can't wait to hear what Joe's suprise is!

I didn't realize that either! Kinda funny that we are just a year apart and so are our babies! Henry's b-day is Sept 1. I think it was a great age to have a baby-even though when I got pregnant I was not ready for it!

Those pictures are so cute, I'm glad you all had a good time!

Happy early birthday, I hope you have a great trip!

And when you get a chance, send me a link to your blog. For some reason I can't get to it by clicking on your name. Thanks!

We did have a great weekend in the Dells-I'm sure we'll go back again sometime in a few years.

My blog is: http://thelastcoffee.blogspot.com

I love the car pictures Brook! You're going to have to hide your keys when he gets to be older. ;) Do I dare ask how expensive this super cool hotel was?

:rotfl2: That is so true. He already wants to play in the car anytime we go outside!

We went on a Friday night-which is more expensive during the week. Our room was 2 rooms, a living area, a kitchenette and 2 bedrooms-which is a suite. Plus, it included 2 free breakfasts, a $20 Pottery Pizzaz gift certificate (more on that soon), everyone passes the waterpark, and 2 passes to the indoor theme park-it was just over $400. We covered the room as part of Joe's birthday party-so it would have been more reasonable if it wasn't all on our checkbook! BUT, I do think it was worth it. We could check in as early as Noon and begin using the waterpark right away, and it's open late-and we could enjoy it all the next day even after we had checked out.

The more normal hotel rooms were around $200 a night I believe.

Oh the joy of being a kid...great pix!

Thanks! I almost joined them...:rolleyes1

Just stopping by to wish you an early Happy Birthday! After a week long spell of glorious sunshine and hot weather we are now back into true British summertime - it rained hard for an hour and looks set to continue tomorrow. But like any true Brits we're still going ahead with my birthday BBQ! Sure we'll have a lovely day in good company so just not worried - hope the same is true for you and you have a great birthday :goodvibes

We are having the same weather as you! It was beautiful yesterday, and today it's been rainy and cool. However, just like you, we forged ahead and enjoyed the day! HAPPY BIRTHDAY-sounds like you had a good one! BBQ, yummmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Love the updates. That hotel/water park/theater/bowling alley/arcade/etc. looks amazing. Wish we had something like that near us. Looks like you better start saving for Henry's first car. :rotfl2: He seems to be very drawn to them and has expensive taste!!
Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Have a great time on your birthday trip:thumbsup2 The 30's are great years. Im in the 40's right now and feel downright OLD!!

If he's anything like his Daddy, I won't be surprised by that expensive taste at all. :rolleyes: :laughing:

Everyone has told me the 30s are some great years, so I'm diving right in today and embrassing it! It's weird to say "I'm 30" and not be in the 20s, but it's a good-weird!

happy birthday!!

:bday:party::bday:party::bday:

(Sorry, I wanted it to be capital letters, but the boards did not let me post it with capital letters...)

That is weird that DIS wouldn't let capital letters! :confused3 Who knows!

Thank you for the birthday wishes!!

Happy Birthday Brook!

Thank you!!!!

I was going to say that too. The one in OH doesn't have a ferris wheel either. We do have the tunnels/slide/ball pit type thing. But I hate those. DH went in it with Claire for a bit. I thought the sock vending machine was funny too when I saw it, but I also saw people buying from it. LOL!

That is awesome! I wish I could have spied someone actually buying from it. I'd be curious about the quality of socks!

:cheer2::cheer2:

I'm here for for the party to wish you a very happy birthday!!! :cool1: I hope you have a wonderful time! :)

Loved all the new pictures and the whole time I was thinking, good gravy that place was loaded! :rotfl:

Enjoy your weekend,
Heather

Thank you! We did have a GREAT time!

I was amazed at the Kalahari!!

brookelizabeth

06-07-2009, 12:29 AM

Happy Birthday!!!!! :wizard:

:cool1::banana:HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOK!! :cool1::banana:

Hope you are having a wonderful day and weekend!

Happy Birthday!!!!

Hope you found some good stuff at DSW! My favorite shoe store!! :thumbsup2

Happy Birthday!!! :flower3: Loved your update.... amazing place!

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! We had a wonderful time!! I'll give you a brief overview of what we did-and later I'll share more detail with pics.

Friday night
*Said good-bye to Henry :sad1:
*He was PSYCHED about staying with his Poppa though! :yay:
*Drove to Minneapolis
*Found hotel with ease (thank you GPS!)
*Ate dinner at local pizza place (Joe was thrilled)
*Went to the Minnesota State Theater for the Broadway show A Bronx Tale
*It had a lot of bad language in it, which we aren't so fond of, BUT, the story-line and the fact that it was a one-man show truly made it incredible.
*Checked in at hotel
*Got a room with huge windows and a great view!
*Watched 2 movies on TV with Jennifer Lopez in them. They must have been doing a JLo marathon. :confused3
*SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEP.

Saturday
*Slept until my body couldn't anymore (a rare thing-usually a certain little boy wakes me up ;))
*After getting ready went to breakfast BUFFET :woohoo: in the hotel
*It was so good.
*Wandered around the skyways of downtown Minneapolis. It was cold (low 50s, and even in the 40s today! :sad2:) and rainy. We need the rain, so I wasn't bummed by it-and much of the area we were in is connected with skyways, so we didn't even have to go outside!
*Purchased a crazy-fun dress at Macy's
*Purchased a CHEAP braclet and hat at the Saks Outlet
*Got coffee (oh yes)
*Went to spa appt-Joe got me a spa sampler. A massage, a facial, a manicure and a pedicure
*AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
*AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
*AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
*Crud, I smuged my toes. :headache:
*They were gracious enough to fix them.
*Drove to Mall of America
*Bought new shoes at DSW :yay:
*Ate dinner at Ruby Tuesdays
*Back to Grammy and Poppa's house to pick up my favorite little boy :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:
*He had a fantastic time there-he was talking a mile a minute, telling us all sorts of stories.

We had a GREAT weekend, but boy am I tired!!! I didn't realize how exhausting spending half your day at a spa was! :laughing:

IluvXU

06-07-2009, 12:37 AM

Glad you pampered yourself and had fun! Happy Birthday!

MeMom

06-07-2009, 07:36 AM

What a nice birthday treat from your husband!

I'm sure Henry had a blast. I'm glad he could have that special time with Grammy and Poppa. :love:

I hope you can finish out your birthday weekend with a beautiful, relaxing Sunday with your two favorite guys!

Flossbolna

06-07-2009, 12:27 PM

That sounds like a real magical birthday!! Joe really is a wonderful husband for having organised this wonderful trip!

blessedby3

06-07-2009, 01:25 PM

Sounds like you had a great time!! Id love a mini vacation break right about now. DD has to have her second foot surgery in a week and I will be going non stop for weeks to come:sad1:
Glad to hear you had fun and glad you have your cutie pie Henry back in your arms:hug:

Lovemy3babes

06-07-2009, 06:24 PM

What a fun weekend you guys had. Happy 30th Brook! :)

teruterubouzu

06-07-2009, 06:30 PM

A belated happy birthday to you! It sounds like you had a fun one, despite the cold.

Kalahari looks fun. The pictures of Henry driving the car are so cute.

Donald is #1

06-07-2009, 07:52 PM

Happy belated birthday! :cake:party::bday:

It sounds like you had an awesome weekend!

tiggrbaby

06-07-2009, 10:06 PM

It sounds like you had a fabulous time!

http://www.pinkcakebox.com/images/cake236.jpg

princess&her4princes

06-07-2009, 10:10 PM

Sounds like a GREAT birthday Brook!!!! And it's nice to get away from the little ones every once and awhile too, as much as I love my boys, getting away does a Mommy good!!!!:thumbsup2

Welcome to your 30's....I'm telling you, they are even better than your 20's! Have fun!!!!:banana:

SoonerGirl

06-07-2009, 10:20 PM

Happy Belated Birthday, Brook!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/SoonerGirl69/Smilies/17938.gif

It sounds like you had a great one, that was very sweet of Joe to plan all that for you. :thumbsup2 I know all about milestone birthdays, I just got back from a trip with my girlfriends to celebrate my 40th.......... http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/SoonerGirl69/Smilies/signs093.gif

lazydoxy66

06-08-2009, 02:24 AM

That update was adorable! Kalahari is an amazing place.

Happy Belated Birthday! I'm glad you had a good time!

shebaxric

06-08-2009, 01:38 PM

I apologize for being two days late, but

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!

I am glad to hear that the weekend was fantastic, filled with shopping and a fun spa day! Kudos to Joe, he did it right!:thumbsup2

jordanyosh

06-08-2009, 02:35 PM

Happy Belated Birthday!!!!

SPA=:cloud9: and the fact that DH got that for you...:cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

moparop

06-08-2009, 03:49 PM

Glad to hear it was a wonderful birthday weekend! We watched the J-Lo movies in our hotel room on friday night too! Ryan and I had to laugh - here were on a night without kids, sitting there watching movies instead of soaking up nightlife.

brookelizabeth

06-09-2009, 03:39 PM

I left you in Wisconsin Dells, after jumping on the bed for a short time, then it was off to sleep for everyone.

The next morning everyone woke up fairly early, but not too early (much to my relief!). I believe it was around 8:00 am. This gave us plenty of time to all get ready and finish packing our bags - today we were moving to the Cheapy Motel.

We tossed around the idea of doing room service for breakfast, but then Joe said the words that completely changed my mind, "But, what if they have a buffet?"

Oh honey, I love you. He knows me and my breakfast food! I LOVE IT!

So Mr. Friend, who was all ready and rarin' to go before the rest of us, ran down to the restaurant and reported, YES, THERE IS A BUFFET.

That sealed the deal. No Room Service for this crew! We moseyed down to the lobby where I finally snapped some pictures of it's beauty...

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185840_PWTC7-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185840_PWTC7/Large)
Below this beautiful mural was the hallway to the elevators and the indoor theme park-the ceiling was VERY high in the lobby, just adding to how massive it was!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185813_QbhgK-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185813_QbhgK/Large)
The pond in the lobby-not a very good picture, but you might be able to tell there are sculptures of various animals in there, some shooting water.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185851_xzgcw-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185851_xzgcw/Large)
The Sweet Hut. Drool.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185869_zQsTH-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185869_zQsTH/Large)
From the back of the pond

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185927_MnfSC-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185927_MnfSC/Large)
The Pottery Pizzaz shop (more on this later!)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185915_dumfo-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185915_dumfo/Large)
The back-end of the lobby, hallway to the Waterpark....obviously. ;)

We were seated almost right away at the restaurant and we all opted to do the breakfast buffet. Joe suggested I go first, he would sit with Henry, and I quickly took him up on that offer!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185922_dnHkn-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185922_dnHkn/Large)
Everything was delish! This was my first plate, and the only one I took a picture of. There was lots of fresh fruit on the buffet as well-much to Henry's delight!

We sat at a table fairly close to the windows that overlooked the waterpark and we could see it was getting busy even though it wasn't hardly 9 am.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185962_7u435-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185962_7u435/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547185976_m7ai3-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547185976_m7ai3/Large)
:lovestruc

After clearing plate after plate of breakfast food, we waddled out and noticed the outdoor waterpark was suddenly bustling with activity! It was closed the day before (Friday), so today was "opening day"!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186003_9hMCw-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186003_9hMCw/Large)
Note, Mrs. Friend is in LONG sleeves and there is a dude next to her wearing just swim trunks. Midwesterners are craZy. It was NOT hot that day!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186069_ZN2em-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186069_ZN2em/Large)
One of the kiddy areas

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186065_vWYz3-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186065_vWYz3/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186095_Ka4w9-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186095_Ka4w9/Large)
Another kiddy area

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186166_XWfSk-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186166_XWfSk/Large)
The theming was equally as amazing outside

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186167_kfJ2n-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186167_kfJ2n/Large)
A giant hot tub! I loved the lion statues and waterfalls!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186215_8BCJw-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186215_8BCJw/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186239_VmXTD-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186239_VmXTD/Large)
An outside playground

Between the outdoor waterpark and the above playground is a small wooden fence, so the playground is a bit hidden. When we went around to see the playground I instantly knew why the fence was there...the SOUND was unbelivable! If you see in the pics above, you can see cars and trucks on the road to the upper left. That is no ordinary road, that is the INTERSTATE. Cars and trucks are whipping by at 70 mph! :scared1:

We debated for about 1.8 seconds on if we should do the outdoor waterpark today...then sanity came back to us and we realized it was not THAT warm out (despite the crowds at the outdoor park!)....so back in we went.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186264_cHbU8-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186264_cHbU8/Large)

We headed back to our room to do the official check-out

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186333_7QeQp-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186333_7QeQp/Large)
Waiting for the elevator

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186353_4zJFg-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186353_4zJFg/Large)
Love these kids!

We wrapped things up in the room and I discovered there was no official check-out process...we just dropped an envelope in a box near the elevator and that was it. Easy!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186609_EsD6v-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186609_EsD6v/Large)
The kids played for a while more on the balcony

Henry and I stayed in the room while everyone else took the bags down to the cars. We hung out on the balcony and instantly made friends with 3 balcony neighbors.

Peter was directly across from us. His favorite movie was Madagascar.
Two young girls below us that were there with their Grandpa.
And a young adorable baby, who's Daddy obviously adored her. :goodvibes

Continued in next post

brookelizabeth

06-09-2009, 03:40 PM

Continued from previous post

We could see our car from our balcony and it was taking a very long time and our crew was still not out to the cars! I was beginning to wonder if something happened, so I peeked my head out into the hallway and could hear their voices-they hadn't even boarded the elevator yet! Turns out just about everyone and their Uncle was checking out and for some bizzare reason, there is only one elevator. So, they were waiting and waiting. Eventually, they made it and I had Joe take a couple pics of Henry and I from the parking lot:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186655_4bdhs-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186655_4bdhs/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186671_MuoUL-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186671_MuoUL/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186702_a5dzx-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186702_a5dzx/Large)

After our bags were safely way in the cars, I did a one last look around the room and took care of the check-out envelope. I met everyone downstairs and we decided to walk to the indoor theme park to take advantage of the 2 passes that came with our room. Despite us having already checked out, we were welcome to use the waterpark again and any other ammenity until close that night.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186744_Q7r3N-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186744_Q7r3N/Large)
The Kalahari sign marks the outdoor entrance to the indoor park. Futher down and not pictured is the movie theater, to our left are guest rooms, and the lobby is behind us.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186773_JLTuA-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186773_JLTuA/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186776_k5eDh-M-1.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547186776_k5eDh/Large)

Up next: I'll give you one guess as to what Henry found (again) at the indoor theme park....

brookelizabeth

06-09-2009, 03:51 PM

Glad you pampered yourself and had fun! Happy Birthday!

Thank you! It really was a nice treat.

What a nice birthday treat from your husband!

I'm sure Henry had a blast. I'm glad he could have that special time with Grammy and Poppa. :love:

I hope you can finish out your birthday weekend with a beautiful, relaxing Sunday with your two favorite guys!

Did I tell the story on here of Henry and and his Poppa? I can't recall if I did...but, on Friday during the day, while Joe and I were at work, Henry also spent that time with his Grammy (she had the day off work). Poppa came home around 3:30 while Henry was napping, but as soon as he woke up, he was ALL about his Poppa! Joe and I came for a quick visit after work before we headed onto the road and when Joe reached down to pick him up off Poppa's lap, all he got was a "No!" and then Poppa got a big hug. It was adorable! :lovestruc

When we picked him up on Saturday evening he was talking a mile a minute and giving many many hugs and kisses to his Grammy and Poppa. He truly did have a great weekend! I'm sure it was a treat for him as well. :goodvibes

That sounds like a real magical birthday!! Joe really is a wonderful husband for having organised this wonderful trip!

He is a wonderful husband! I was kinda shocked that he organized it all, and thought of each thing he knew I would like!

Sounds like you had a great time!! Id love a mini vacation break right about now. DD has to have her second foot surgery in a week and I will be going non stop for weeks to come:sad1:
Glad to hear you had fun and glad you have your cutie pie Henry back in your arms:hug:

Oh-you DO need a mini-getaway!!! :hug:

What a fun weekend you guys had. Happy 30th Brook! :)

Thank you!!

A belated happy birthday to you! It sounds like you had a fun one, despite the cold.

Kalahari looks fun. The pictures of Henry driving the car are so cute.

We did-I was happy it was raining, since we needed it so badly. And thankful for the skyways! :rotfl:

Happy belated birthday! :cake:party::bday:

It sounds like you had an awesome weekend!

It sounds like you had a fabulous time!

http://www.pinkcakebox.com/images/cake236.jpg

Thank you!!

Sounds like a GREAT birthday Brook!!!! And it's nice to get away from the little ones every once and awhile too, as much as I love my boys, getting away does a Mommy good!!!!:thumbsup2

Welcome to your 30's....I'm telling you, they are even better than your 20's! Have fun!!!!:banana:

That is what everyone has been telling me-the 30s are GREAT. So, I'm diving in! :yay: So far I've just felt icky for the past few days (I'm off work today), but otherwise they have been good!

Happy Belated Birthday, Brook!

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/SoonerGirl69/Smilies/17938.gif

It sounds like you had a great one, that was very sweet of Joe to plan all that for you. :thumbsup2 I know all about milestone birthdays, I just got back from a trip with my girlfriends to celebrate my 40th.......... http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o265/SoonerGirl69/Smilies/signs093.gif

Thanks!!! I think I recall you mentioning a birthday trip...what was it again? How was it? I hope you had a blast!

That update was adorable! Kalahari is an amazing place.

Happy Belated Birthday! I'm glad you had a good time!

Thank you! We did have a great time!
The Kalahari is crazy...Joe and I couldn't get over the amount of things to do!

I apologize for being two days late, but

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!

I am glad to hear that the weekend was fantastic, filled with shopping and a fun spa day! Kudos to Joe, he did it right!:thumbsup2

Yes he did!! He told me he had been planning for months! Maybe someday I'll let him plan a Disney trip.

But probably not! :rotfl2:

Happy Belated Birthday!!!!

SPA=:cloud9: and the fact that DH got that for you...:cloud9::cloud9::cloud9:

You are exactly right! He has told me a dozen times I can do the spa, but I just haven't bothered making an appointment, or parting with that money. The fact that HE set it all up was an extra treat!

Glad to hear it was a wonderful birthday weekend! We watched the J-Lo movies in our hotel room on friday night too! Ryan and I had to laugh - here were on a night without kids, sitting there watching movies instead of soaking up nightlife.

That is hilarious! I didn't make it all the way through "Enough", but a good ways in.

The first time Joe and I ever stayed in a hotel together (aside from our honeymoon) was just a couple months after I realized we were pregnant. We stayed up REALLY late watching MythBusters!!! We are such geeks!

Flossbolna

06-09-2009, 04:07 PM

brookelizabeth

06-09-2009, 04:11 PM

I almost forgot this was a PTR. ;)

Getting back on boat with that....let's do the Resort Dance.

A jig.

PREMIER season.

Really?

Dare we?

Will anything be available?

We want AKV-Kidani, our home, but were willing to take anything.

The first phone call I made to Member Services was on April 1. If you know about DVC, you might know that you can start booking at 11 months at your "home" resort. So that means I could have started calling in January to AKV. I was 4 months late! Would ANYTHING be available at AKV? Anything at all???

After my call, the email to the family went something like this:

Okay...so I just got off the phone with Member Service with our Vacation Club and the news is pretty much what I expected...there isn't a lot of room at the inn...

But...I have hope!

We are currently booked in the Main Building (Jambo House), 2 bedroom for the night of the 26th (the day we arrive).
We are "wait listed" for the rest of the days for the Jambo House 2 bedroom.
We are currently booked in a "Standard View" (just a different tier of room), 2 bedroom for the 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th.
We are homeless on the 31st. (My co-workers suggested just grabbing some pool towels and crashing on the loungers around the pool for the night!!)

That means we would be moving once and homeless for a night.

NOT exactly my ideal.

Persistence pays off, doesn't it? :rolleyes:

By April 7 I had us solidly booked for the ENTIRE stay-even NYE, in a 2 bedroom Standard View in Jambo House.

:yay:

Standard View, more points than I wanted to spend, but hey, we aren't homeless!

:yay:

Er....
Wait a sec....Standard View at Jambo is the same as Standard View at Kidani....hmmm...:scratchin

If I'm spending that many points, I want the new place, the third bathroom, more room, and that splash park for Henry! :teacher:

Back to Member Services to do more Resort Dancing.

After much more dancing, and a very patient MS CM, we were booked for everyday, 2 bedroom Standard at Kidani ---- except 2 days.

December 28-29 and December 31-January 1, we got Jambo House for those 2 days and we waitlisted at Kidani.

A few weeks later, December 28-29 came through.

On May 20, I called Member Services again. The very kind CM explained (again) that I don't have to call, anything that becomes available goes first to the Wait List, then to their computers....hmmm...should I trust it??

In addition, this CM also noted that we were in a lock-off 2 bedroom, so she waitlisted us for the entire stay in a dedicated, in case that happened to come through first. I hadn't thought of that!

Score! :thumbsup2

She also calmed some nerves saying that once the 7 month starts opening, people that are booked at Kidani will move resorts--so I have a very, very good chance of getting that last night.

And, as of 18 seconds ago, as per DVCMember.com, we are still waiting for December 31-January 1 at Kidani.

Sigh.

I don't know if I trust the wait list, despite one coming through already.... I've just heard too many stories of members calling and suddenly "your wait list just became available!" So, I've been calling about once a week or so to see if that New Year's has come through.

After we get that all squared away I still start to make requests. My FIL has a bit of a bad back, so I'm going to request to be near the Lobby. Being that I've never stayed in a 2-bedroom, I don't think I care if it's a Lock-Off or Dedicated-anyone have any opinions/advice about that? And, if anyone reading this has already stayed at Kidani-do you have any further suggestions for requests? I believe our Standard room could be anything from parking lot/dumpster to Savannah. So, I'll tack Savannah view onto that request as well.

Meanwhile, the Resort Dance continues. You all will hear me rejoicing from Minnesota when that last night does come through! :goodvibes

Oh, and do you think it's a bad sign when the CM laughs on the phone when she sees your dates? I swear I heard her whisper "sucker" under her breath...;)

Just kidding...well...she did laugh. :laughing:

Up next: Ahhhhhh, AKV

brookelizabeth

06-09-2009, 04:14 PM

Wonderful update! I love the look of this huge hot tub with the lions! I love water parks and I think I would have been crazy enough to try out the out door one at least for a bit! :goodvibes

Ok, here is my guess as to what Henry finds: a car! :rotfl:

Hope you are feeling better soon! Here everyone seems to have a summer cold as well.

Isn't that hot tub great?? I would love to see something similar at AKL.

Part of me did want to try the outdoor park-just to try it, who knows when we'll be back! But, Mrs. Friend mentioned "the kids"...so that put a quick damper on my plans. The kids would have been shaking cold and I would have felt terribly guilty...:rolleyes:

You have been paying attention!! ::yes:: :laughing:

Lady Lallie

06-09-2009, 04:39 PM

troobabiee7

06-09-2009, 05:15 PM

Hey Brook! What a great trip, the resort looks gorgeous!

Good luck with the resort situation, I'm sure that last night will come through. I'll have my fingers crossed!

I started a new PTR, by the way. There were so many changes that I just started over :laughing: The link's in my signature if you're interested!

brookelizabeth

06-09-2009, 06:04 PM

First off I need to WOOOO HOOOOO because I can see your pictures at work! Yayayayaya!!! :yay: :dance3: :woohoo: :banana: I am so very excited!

It sounds like you had a great trip to the Dells, so much fun!

I am sorry you are still waiting on the resort, I hope it all works out. I am assuming other resorts wouldn't be available for that time either??

That is because I DITCHED photobucket and joined you on SmugMug!!!! I LOVE it! Oh my goodness. The pages actually load, no ads, it's so easy and smooth. I have my pics arranged in "All Thumbs" style, so I just click on the picture I want to add so it makes it large scale, then copy and paste straight into the DIS. Simple. Love it! Plus no one will have that weird issue that they can't see the pics!!! Thank you for suggesting it on your PTR. :thumbsup2

The Dells was a blast. My favorite part is still coming up too!

I haven't bothered to look at other resorts yet for the stay...our 7 month window where we can switch to another resort, opened back on May 26, so I was hoping that my NYE at Kidani would come through, since it's our first choice. However, if we go toooooo much longer, I will just call and see what is open (if anything), I really don't want to make my entire family move for one night!

Hey Brook! What a great trip, the resort looks gorgeous!

Good luck with the resort situation, I'm sure that last night will come through. I'll have my fingers crossed!

I started a new PTR, by the way. There were so many changes that I just started over :laughing: The link's in my signature if you're interested!

You are too funny about your PTRs! No wonder your other one disappeared off my list! I'm headed over to check out...Universal now, eh?

moparop

06-10-2009, 12:18 AM

jordanyosh

06-10-2009, 12:26 AM

I love the pics....! Wearing swimtrunks in barely warm weather.....:thumbsup2
Mid-Westerners are not the only ones that are crazy, I do stuff like that all the time...:rolleyes1

2xcited2sleep

06-10-2009, 12:18 PM

Ah the resort dance. Such fun and such torture all at the same time! Fingers crossed that it all comes through for you! I wouldn't trust the waitlist system either (not that I have ANY experience w/ it or know what I'm talking about! :laughing:). I say keep calling. :thumbsup2

MeMom

06-10-2009, 03:29 PM

Well, Kalahari was fairly awesome, it looks like.
There is life outside Disney World, I guess.

I don't know that it matters so much if you have a room for New Year's Eve.
By the time fireworks are over and you get through the crowds to the bus and to the resort, it's going to be daylight anyway. Then you can just pretend you're out for an early morning swim and fall asleep in the lounge chairs. :laughing:

troobabiee7

06-10-2009, 03:39 PM

You are too funny about your PTRs! No wonder your other one disappeared off my list! I'm headed over to check out...Universal now, eh?

:laughing: I know, I have to stop changing my mind!

Lovemy3babes

06-10-2009, 04:01 PM

Good luck with the wait list Brook! We're waiting on just one day at OKW to open up for our early December trip. The DVC owner is unbelievably awesome and I know has called to check on it as well. If you cross your fingers for me, I'll cross mine for you, ok? :goodvibes

Lady Lallie

06-10-2009, 04:09 PM

I don't know that it matters so much if you have a room for New Year's Eve.
By the time fireworks are over and you get through the crowds to the bus and to the resort, it's going to be daylight anyway. Then you can just pretend you're out for an early morning swim and fall asleep in the lounge chairs. :laughing:

:lmao: There you go! Problem solved!

jordanyosh

06-10-2009, 04:28 PM

I think the difference in the dedicated 2 bedrooms and the 2 bedroom lock off would be in the kitchenette. In the lock off, you basically have a one bedroom and a studio connected which means the studio will have a kitchenette and if I'm not mistaken a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. The dedicated 2 bedroom has 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom and it seems like the bathroom area has a bit more space since you don't have the kitchenette to deal with. Am I rambling? I'm tired sorry

I guess I would go with the dedicated 2 bedroom....but I really don't mind the lock off either.

GreatBiscuit

06-10-2009, 04:28 PM

Great updates! Henry looked like he had a blast! I have a few shots of our girls doing gymnastics on a the beds last summer for our "Training Run". They LOVE when we stay in a motel. In fact I think we could have just booked a few nights in the POP and not mentioned the parks and they would have still been thrilled. I hope all your DVC dilemas work themselves out! I'll be waiting for the Minnesotan Shout Out.

k_reile

06-10-2009, 09:35 PM

lazydoxy66

06-10-2009, 10:00 PM

I will definitely put the Kalahari on my bucket list. It is just too interesting to not go there at least once.

Your my kinda gal. If there is a buffet, there is no other way. Especially for breakfast. :thumbsup2

Congrats on the rooms at Kidani. I'm sure the other days will come through.

jenseib

06-10-2009, 11:21 PM

Great update. I love the profile picture of Henry. So precious. I am always trying to take pictures like that of Claire too. LOL!

Sounds like your trip is coming along, but I bet you will happy no matter where you stay....even poolside in a lounge. LOL! :lmao:

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 01:29 AM

I haven't had a moment yet to read the above replies, but I just wanted to share my discovery today at work:

This morning when I arrived at work I grabbed a cup of coffee and then loaded my computer programs-the same thing I do every morning:

*Outlook
*Internet Explorer
*Our ticketing software

As Internet Explorer loaded, it defaults to 2 pages I use often for work, and I instantly open 2 new tabs-one for my personal email that I check randomly thoughout the day for a "brain break" and the other is my iGoogle homepage.

My iGoogle homepage has many tidbits, one of which is a countdown to our trip.

Today when it loaded, much to my delight I found a number that made me smile:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/560060721_dS6TV-M.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8500614_uo2TD/1/560060721_dS6TV/Original)

WE ARE FINALLY BELOW 200 DAYS!!! :yay:

Just 4766 hours. :rotfl2: How many Monday's is that?????

jordanyosh

06-11-2009, 03:45 AM

Congrats on getting under 200 days......:thumbsup2

Lady Lallie

06-11-2009, 09:35 AM

:laughing: to how many Mondays. Now I'm curious!

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 11:31 AM

That breakfast looks delish! Good call on the buffet. I have to admit, it's my favorite way to do breakfast.

I'll keep my fingers crossed that AKL will come through. Have you made any more calls just to check, even though you are on the wait list? The suspence would be killing me!

I love me a breakfast buffet. It trumps all other breakfasts. Disney has several beautiful breakfast buffet options, which makes it difficult to decide! :laughing:

I haven't called MS in about 2 weeks. But I do check DVCMember.com almost daily. :rolleyes: I think I might call them today to see if my Wait List has suddenly come through....;)

I love the pics....! Wearing swimtrunks in barely warm weather.....:thumbsup2
Mid-Westerners are not the only ones that are crazy, I do stuff like that all the time...:rolleyes1

Or ya know, post your TRUNKS on the DIS! :rotfl2: :goodvibes

Ah the resort dance. Such fun and such torture all at the same time! Fingers crossed that it all comes through for you! I wouldn't trust the waitlist system either (not that I have ANY experience w/ it or know what I'm talking about! ). I say keep calling.

It seems that with everything the best option is to keep calling, keep buggin' em and eventually you can get what you want....and all the information being different depending on what CM you speak to. I recently read on the DVC boards that the Wait List "cycles", so it doesn't go immediatly to the Wait List like I was told by 2 CMs. So knows what is true!

Thanks for crossing your fingers for me. Every CM seemed very confident it would come through since it's still so far away, but still...it's at the 7 month window when AKV owners can start shifting their rooms to another resort, and nothing has budged it seems.

Well, Kalahari was fairly awesome, it looks like.
There is life outside Disney World, I guess.

I don't know that it matters so much if you have a room for New Year's Eve.
By the time fireworks are over and you get through the crowds to the bus and to the resort, it's going to be daylight anyway. Then you can just pretend you're out for an early morning swim and fall asleep in the lounge chairs. :laughing:

Joe and I were also surprised there was life outside Disney that was almost Disney-quality. We found ourselves commenting on that several times throughout our 2 days there.

I like your theory on NYE! Maybe we'll just save the points and take advantage of those loungers. DMIL and DFIL would be all for it, right? :laughing:

:laughing: I know, I have to stop changing my mind!

Does your entire family basically leave all the vacation plans up to you? A Universal trip will be a blast I'm sure!

Good luck with the wait list Brook! We're waiting on just one day at OKW to open up for our early December trip. The DVC owner is unbelievably awesome and I know has called to check on it as well. If you cross your fingers for me, I'll cross mine for you, ok? :goodvibes

Sounds like a plan! :thumbsup2 Have you ever stayed at OKW? From what I have read/heard the rooms are just huge and the deck/patio has a table for 4! I would LOVE eating meals out there, esp if my room overlooked the river and you could watch the boats go by. :cloud9:

:lmao: There you go! Problem solved!

:rotfl: I should present it seriously to the family to see what their reactions are. ;)

I think the difference in the dedicated 2 bedrooms and the 2 bedroom lock off would be in the kitchenette. In the lock off, you basically have a one bedroom and a studio connected which means the studio will have a kitchenette and if I'm not mistaken a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. The dedicated 2 bedroom has 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom and it seems like the bathroom area has a bit more space since you don't have the kitchenette to deal with. Am I rambling? I'm tired sorry

I guess I would go with the dedicated 2 bedroom....but I really don't mind the lock off either.

Ahhhhhhhhh! Thank you Jordan! That jogs my memory. You weren't rambling, makes total sense.

If it was just DMIL and DFIL I would go with the lock off so they could have a little kitchen for conveience, but I would now perfer a dedicated because then DSIL won't have to sleep on a pull-out. I don't think she'll care overall, but I'll feel better about it!

The chances of the dedicated coming through is probably pretty slim though...:rolleyes:

Great updates! Henry looked like he had a blast! I have a few shots of our girls doing gymnastics on a the beds last summer for our "Training Run". They LOVE when we stay in a motel. In fact I think we could have just booked a few nights in the POP and not mentioned the parks and they would have still been thrilled. I hope all your DVC dilemas work themselves out! I'll be waiting for the Minnesotan Shout Out.

I was reading in the Unoffical Guide the other day that some of the top things kids want to do on vacation is swim in the pool and sleep in. :laughing: Yet, we overblow it and take 'em to Disney while they would be happy in the Motel 6! ;)

I will definitely put the Kalahari on my bucket list. It is just too interesting to not go there at least once.

Your my kinda gal. If there is a buffet, there is no other way. Especially for breakfast. :thumbsup2

Congrats on the rooms at Kidani. I'm sure the other days will come through.

The Kalahari definetly is interesting. We really loved it and hope to return! What is your favorite Disney breakfast buffet?

Great update. I love the profile picture of Henry. So precious. I am always trying to take pictures like that of Claire too. LOL!

Sounds like your trip is coming along, but I bet you will happy no matter where you stay....even poolside in a lounge. LOL! :lmao:

I have so many pics of Henry's profile, I just love it. They never turn out quite the way I want, but all well! :goodvibes

I think you are right-we'll be happy no matter what, but if that room came through, it sure would make things more simple. Moving resorts can be such a pain...

Congrats on getting under 200 days......:thumbsup2

Thanks!! I was so happy to see it!
And then my next thought was about how we used to make ADRs at 180 days. I'm NO WHERE close to knowing what to do there!

:laughing: to how many Mondays. Now I'm curious!

28 more Monday's.

BUT, that is better than the like 6373839 I had when I mentioned it on your PTR! :goodvibes

Lovemy3babes

06-11-2009, 12:05 PM

Sounds like a plan! :thumbsup2 Have you ever stayed at OKW? From what I have read/heard the rooms are just huge and the deck/patio has a table for 4! I would LOVE eating meals out there, esp if my room overlooked the river and you could watch the boats go by. :cloud9:

No, we've never done DVC before so I am super excited about that! :thumbsup2 Congrats on getting under 200! The summer should fly by too like it usually does (if MN ever gets summer weather, right?) and then you'll be down even lower.

Lamping3

06-11-2009, 01:32 PM

:cool1:Yeah! for being under 200! Keeping my fingers crossed for you at getting your preferred room!

GreatBiscuit

06-11-2009, 03:00 PM

200 Day Happy Dance! :banana: :rotfl: & a little bit of :cool1:

Flossbolna

06-11-2009, 03:33 PM

Under 200 sounds great! And you will soon be at 6 months as well!! :goodvibes:goodvibes

And you started reading the UG? I actually find this book very amusing. I love their dry humor!

princess&her4princes

06-11-2009, 03:47 PM

jordanyosh

06-11-2009, 04:20 PM

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 04:23 PM

No, we've never done DVC before so I am super excited about that! :thumbsup2 Congrats on getting under 200! The summer should fly by too like it usually does (if MN ever gets summer weather, right?) and then you'll be down even lower.

Oh, I bet you will love DVC! We enjoyed having the kitchen, the LAUNDRY and the extra space. I never thought I would care to do laundry on vacation, but with a little guy, it sure is nice to just throw the dirty clothes in there and hit "wash" as you walk out the door.

OKW looked really beautiful when Joe and I were there. It's very spread out, so be prepared for that (or request a room near the main buildings). Many of the rooms looked like they faced the river though, and it's set in the woods, so it's truly beautiful. The boat ride to DTD is really enjoyable too!!

And no joke about the MN weather! I've been wearing jeans and sweaters lately. :sad2: It's finally in the 70s again today though! :yay:

:cool1:Yeah! for being under 200! Keeping my fingers crossed for you at getting your preferred room!

I am just thrilled we are under 200 days! 200 is still sooooooo far away, but it sure sounds closer. :laughing:

200 Day Happy Dance! :banana: :rotfl: & a little bit of :cool1:

You are at your one week boogie today, aren't you?!! :yay::woohoo::dance3:

Under 200 sounds great! And you will soon be at 6 months as well!! :goodvibes:goodvibes

And you started reading the UG? I actually find this book very amusing. I love their dry humor!

I have started reading it - and I love it! I usually read it right before I go to sleep and almost every night and laughing, trying not to wake up Joe. I love that they put in so many tidbits from readers too, both people who agree and disagree with them.

:cheer2:WOOHOO!!:cheer2:

::yes:: :dance3:

KathyRN137

06-11-2009, 04:28 PM

Congratulations for breaking the "200" barrier!!! :yay:

Kathy

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 04:29 PM

Brook,

the dedicated 2 bedrooms are hard to come by, but yes, it would make a difference in your case to have the 2 queen beds instead of one queen bed and one sleeper sofa.....although from what I remember the sleeper sofas are quite comfortable...for sleeper sofas.

oh..you'll never see me in my trunks...but you will see my undies drying on a clothesline..:rolleyes1

It's good to hear that the sofa sleepers are decent. I'm sure DSIL won't mind so much-she has been on several foreign missions trips-so she's slept in some pretty interesting places! :laughing:

Undies and baked doggies....it's an interesting PTR! ;)

jordanyosh

06-11-2009, 04:36 PM

Undies and baked doggies....it's an interesting PTR! ;)

:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

thanks brook:thumbsup2

Flossbolna

06-11-2009, 04:39 PM

I have started reading it - and I love it! I usually read it right before I go to sleep and almost every night and laughing, trying not to wake up Joe. I love that they put in so many tidbits from readers too, both people who agree and disagree with them.

Actually the first UG I ever had was one for Disneyland Paris (the EuroDisney) which they published just when it opened. My sister and I had been to the US in 1992 after my high school graduation and spent two days at DL with my aunt. I became a Disney geek than: I read the Brinbaum guide from cover to cover. Of course when I returned I really wanted to check out EuroDisney and since she could not give me a trip to EuroDisney she got me a guide book for my birthday! :love: That was the UG for EuroDisney in the German translation! It actually says in the front that the gift includes her company on a trip - if I pay for her! :rotfl: I was so amazed at the explanation of how the rides load and which load faster than others... Have been a fan of this book ever since!

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 05:02 PM

Congratulations for breaking the "200" barrier!!! :yay:

Kathy

Thanks Kathy!

:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

thanks brook:thumbsup2

:goodvibes Really, it's a great PTR, I am loving learning about China!

Actually the first UG I ever had was one for Disneyland Paris (the EuroDisney) which they published just when it opened. My sister and I had been to the US in 1992 after my high school graduation and spent two days at DL with my aunt. I became a Disney geek than: I read the Brinbaum guide from cover to cover. Of course when I returned I really wanted to check out EuroDisney and since she could not give me a trip to EuroDisney she got me a guide book for my birthday! :love: That was the UG for EuroDisney in the German translation! It actually says in the front that the gift includes her company on a trip - if I pay for her! :rotfl: I was so amazed at the explanation of how the rides load and which load faster than others... Have been a fan of this book ever since!

What a great gift that was!! I like what she wrote in the front too! :rotfl2:

I haven't gotten to the ride stuff yet-I have just been reading sections on stuff I have questions about-so I didn't even realize they had detail in there that showed what rides loaded the fastest and such...wow! That will be really great information for the busy season.

moparop

06-11-2009, 05:29 PM

WOOT! :banana: for under 200 days!

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 05:51 PM

Back in Wisconsin Dells....we left off after gorging ourselves on the breakfast buffet, packing all our bags and heading to the indoor theme park once again.

Mr. Friend really wanted to take his son on the go-karts and the son was PUMPED about it. Joe thought it would be fun to take Henry as well, if they would allow it.

As soon as we walk into the doors, what is directly to our left?

Yep, the little red car!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186787_AMTPU-L-2.jpg
"Car, car, car!"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186830_ndD52-L-2.jpg
"Come on in babe!"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547186987_SzeGJ-L-2.jpg

A dozen pictures later, we pulled Henry out and headed up to the go-karts.

We had two indoor park passes that came with our room, so Mr. Friend used one and his son could actually ride for free with him (score! :thumbsup2), and they did allow Henry to ride, so Joe used the other pass with Henry being free.

Henry seemed very excited about getting to ride in the car with Daddy!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547187352_yg3w7-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547187352_yg3w7/Large)

I feared he was going to have a meltdown just before everything started, but, he sat there very patiently waiting for their group of cars to be released.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547187586_GUpgf-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547187586_GUpgf/Large)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547187810_wyfTW-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547187810_wyfTW/Large)

Within a few minutes they were off!!!

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After the ride Joe said Henry didn't really react the entire time, he was just wide-eyed, blank face. :laughing: Joe had to stop several times to readjust Henry, as you can see in the pic above-he kept sliding down the seat! Every single car lapped them as well, BUT, they had a good time and Henry was all grins afterwards!

After the Go Karts our friends decided to head to the waterpark, and I had wanted to take Henry on the carousel I spied out last night, so we parted ways for a bit.

Henry has been on 2 carousels, the first being at a local carnival last summer just before he turned 1 and the second time being on Cinderella's at MK. His first ride was a bit of a disaster, he wasn't too keen on it! But, he did do better on Cinderella's.

This carousel had all different animals, so I picked one I knew Henry would like-the lion! He doesn't say lion yet, but instead roars when he sees one. :cutie:

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"Oooh boy...am I gonna like this?"

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"I think I do like it!"

He LOVED it!!!!! He was smiling, laughing and waving at his Daddy!

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He was even brave enough to touch the lions teeth. :laughing:

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Big boy!

After the ride we walked back through the indoor park

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Mini-golf

And look at that! We were able to distract Henry from every single car! ;)

He was obviously getting tired by this point, but since we had no room, and it was very busy in the entire hotel, we weren't sure how to get him to take a nap...so I figured we'd try to at least find a quiet activity or a quiet corner.

And that's when I remembered our room package also came with a $20 gift card to the "Pottery Pizazz" store they had just off the lobby. This is a shop where you can pick a pottery item and then paint it, they will bake it for you, and you pick it up the next day. This is something I have wanted to do with Henry, thinking a plate with his hands would be really sweet and special. This is the exact kind of activity that we needed-quiet and low key. :thumbsup2

Continued in next post

brookelizabeth

06-11-2009, 05:52 PM

Continued from previous post

So, off to Pottery Pizazz. We browsed around the tiny shop and instead of doing a plate, we opted for a mug. As you probably know, I am a BIG coffee drinker and I like my mugs! So it was a good fit. :goodvibes

It was a family effort:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189246_Np9ck-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189246_Np9ck/Large)

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No picture of Henry though...that took two adults to manage, no one to take a picture! :laughing:

Our finished mug, Henry's smooshy handprint in blue...

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(Our last name starts with a W)

After our painting we decided to meet up with our friends and get some more waterpark action in! So Joe ran out to the car to get our suits, and Henry and I hung out in the lobby.

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At the Sweet Hut. An amazing little sweets shop just off the lobby. You could smell the goodness anytime you went even close to it!

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In a sitting area section of the lobby-amazing, isn't it???

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/photos/547189365_7Myks-M-2.jpg (http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/gallery/8346135_SrRDv/1/547189365_7Myks/Large)
Henry enjoying climbing on and off the couches. Check out that coffee table too-animals carved into the base-really cool!

Soon enough we were back in the waterpark, and this time I made sure to get some pictures before hopping into the water.

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The first thing you see after exiting the locker rooms

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A bit to the left

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This is the same wave pool as the first pic, but just from the side

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Walking around the left side of the park--more slides

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This is the TOILET slide! You are shot down a pipe and then swirled around inside that thing and burped out the bottom. No thanks! But Joe and Mrs. Friend did it! :eek:

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On the other side of the Toilet Slide

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A small section of the Lazy River

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The blue slide was part of the "Master Blaster" (like Crush n Gusher)

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One of the Children's areas

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While the other two kids were loving the water again today, Henry was NOT having any of it. It was much more busy and loud today, and I don't know if that was part of it, or if he was just exhausted from not having a nap-but he was in tears anytime we tried to even stick one of his little toes into the water! I was just fine with hanging out with him poolside and watching, or holding him while I stood in knee deep water while everyone else played. He and I had a great time hanging around. :lovestruc

Continued in next post