Mini-trip TR ~ Emma's First trip, My first MNSSHP and F&W! LOOKING AHEAD! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-23-2009, 07:40 PM

Yay!! I can't believe I am starting a new TR already!!!!!! I JUST finished my honeymoon TR last night and now I am 9 days away from a mini-trip!

If you haven't read my last TR, please join in over there and read! It's fun, I promise, and filled with TONS of pictures!!

You can find it HERE ...
Honeymoon WDW/DCL Trip Report! (http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2247228)

Okay a little background...

I am a Disney fanatic. First trip was at 18 months and I've now lost count of the amount of times I've gone. It's somewhere around 17 or 18 by now. My husband was a WDW virgin until he met me! Our first trip was summer 2006 - 8 days, our second was summer 2007 - 10 days, (our engagement trip!), our third was winter 2008 - 4 days, and our most recent trip was this past summer - 14 days, if you include the cruise, immediately following our wedding! (Again, please read the TR!)

I am so excited for this trip, because like the winter 2008 trip, it is only 4 days. It is so hot and crowded when we go in the summer that we honestly felt like we got more done in our winter 4 day trip than our summer 10 day!

It's hard to go in the "off-season" as I am a teacher, but I took 2 personal days and am leaving next Friday morning! (Which happens to be the morning AFTER Back To School Night!) Because of that, I've never done MNSSHP OR Food and Wine and I can't WAIT!!!!!!

Here are some pics of us throughout the years....

I actually don't have a pic from 2006 uploaded to my computer!! So unlike me! But I can't find one anywhere!

2007 (moments after we got engaged)
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/108055100_2552-B.JPG

2008
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/108055101_0663.JPG

2009 ~ This picture describes our perfect WDW day. In Epcot with a margarita!!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d629b3127ccec784b61fcdfd00000050O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Before I go any further, I have mention another reason why this trip comes at the perfect time for us. Our beloved cat of 9 years passed away last week, after being sick for 2 weeks. We tried everything we could to help him but it was just his time. We miss him terribly, especially at night, in the morning and when I get home from work. He would always greet me at the door so it's sad to walk into a lonely apartment. So, we really need to get away and enjoy ourselves after a couple of weeks of turmoil!

His name was Jack, named after Jack Skellington, but we more often called him Browsy, refering to the sound he made when he "talked" to us.
Here's that handsome face!
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/DSCN0293.JPG

Okay, sad part over!!

Alright, I did a LOT of blabbing and NOT too many pics....I promise, it's usually the other way around!!!

Up Next: Who we're going with!! And hopefully more pics! :thumbsup2

Jillpie

09-23-2009, 08:23 PM

Yay it's Nikki again, it almost feels like it was yesterday I was reading about your honeymoon, oh wait a minute, it was yesterday!!:rotfl: so psyched we get to join you again and your margaritas around Epcot:cool1:!!

norybell

09-23-2009, 09:09 PM

I'm in! Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP and F&W, especially since I'll be experiencing them myself (for the first time) in just a few weeks!:cool1:

jasliv

09-23-2009, 09:49 PM

:smokin:Be careful! You may get caught!:scared1:

Can't wait to hear if Emma likes it as much as her family! I am sure she will be so excited, just like you!:yay:

disneyfav4ever

09-23-2009, 11:06 PM

Followed the link over from your honeymoon TR. That is such a sweet picture of Jack, Disney will help you feel better about his passing. It always helps me. :goodvibes

mamaboogie

09-24-2009, 02:19 AM

Heyyyyyy! Hiya Nikki! (And Tom!):)

Can't wait to hear all the juicy details!:thumbsup2

Shari xx

Stefy

09-24-2009, 02:55 AM

Yay you started one :thumbsup2 Am ready and waiting to hear about your upcoming trip popcorn::

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-24-2009, 07:05 AM

disneyfav4ever

09-24-2009, 10:33 AM

mamaboogie

09-24-2009, 11:24 AM

Wooo Hooo!! My friends are here! Thank for coming over from my other TR to join me! :grouphug:

So here's my next question...is it too late to still wear my ears and "Just Married" pin?? I'm thinking 'yes' but it was so much fun to wear them! Regardless, I AM wearing the "Happily Ever After" pins. I think that's still appropriate.

Of course it isn't too late!!!

We are going to WDW next year and we will be celebrating: My 40th (December 09) Daughter's 16th (November 09), Husband's birthday (July), End of daughter's exams (July) Wedding anniversary (July), 2nd Daughter's 14th birthday (July), Exam results (August!) and many other things!

Only the exam results actually happen when we are there but we are going to celebrate EVERYTHING!!!!

Two months - that's still the honeymoon!:laughing:

heaven2dc

09-24-2009, 11:49 AM

Hurray - you're back! Loved your winter 2008 TR (really had hoped that I was at WDW the same time as you but not so. I was there 12/13-20/08 and wanted to meet a fellow Diser! I did meet one when we did the stroller swap at GF but I can't remember her name! I'm sorry!) I just revisted your WDW/DCL TR and still am awestruck at how beautiful your dress was and your entire wedding was gorgeous!

So very sorry to hear about Jack (Browsy) :sad1: What a sweet face he had!

We look forward to your TR and hope you have a wonderful trip!

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-24-2009, 12:51 PM

Wear them! It's only been two months. If it were me, I'd think anytime in that first year would be appropriate.

Of course it isn't too late!!!

We are going to WDW next year and we will be celebrating: My 40th (December 09) Daughter's 16th (November 09), Husband's birthday (July), End of daughter's exams (July) Wedding anniversary (July), 2nd Daughter's 14th birthday (July), Exam results (August!) and many other things!

Only the exam results actually happen when we are there but we are going to celebrate EVERYTHING!!!!

Two months - that's still the honeymoon!:laughing:

Thanks guys!! I just might wear them!

Hurray - you're back! Loved your winter 2008 TR (really had hoped that I was at WDW the same time as you but not so. I was there 12/13-20/08 and wanted to meet a fellow Diser! I did meet one when we did the stroller swap at GF but I can't remember her name! I'm sorry!) I just revisted your WDW/DCL TR and still am awestruck at how beautiful your dress was and your entire wedding was gorgeous!

So very sorry to hear about Jack (Browsy) :sad1: What a sweet face he had!

We look forward to your TR and hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for joining!! Thanks for the compliments on the wedding! :hug:

I LOVE that you called my cat Browsy! We mostly called him Browsy. But we sometimes threw in one of his nicknames. We had so many nicknames for him that all had to do with his 'brow." We rarely called him "Jack."

Mr. Browsy B
Jack Brower
Jackson BROWn
Browsy J. Browserton

We really had a sick infatuation with our cat. We miss him terribly! :guilty:

wdwtwins

09-24-2009, 05:03 PM

I hope you update soon!!! :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-24-2009, 05:59 PM

Update ~ Who's Going?? And who's Emma??

So why is this trip entitled "Emma 1st trip?" Well, Emma is my niece who is 14 and 1/2 months old and happens to be the CUTEST baby in the world. Actually, I don't even think I can call her that anymore....the cutest TODDLER in the world! I can't believe how quickly she went from baby to little girl.

My sister and I are very close and we grew up going to WDW together. The last time we were there together was 2003!! We both LOVE it so much and I always go in the summer, she always goes in October. FINALLY, I decided I HAD to go with her in October, 1. because we REALLY needed to go together again and 2. because there was no WAY I was going to miss Emma's first trip to Disney World! I was there when she was born and have seen her at least once a week since then (except when we were on our honeymoon). I HAVE to be there!

This is the most recent picture I have of her on my comp aside from wedding pics. I swear, she doesn't even look like this anymore! This was before she was walking.
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/DSCN0237.JPG

Here are some pics of her from the wedding. Again, she was not walking but she did walk down the aisle holding my sister's hand...it was adorable! Then, by the time we got back from our honeymoon, she was a full-on WALKER!! Now you can't stop her! And she LOVES to dance!

This is one of my favorite pics in the whole wedding album.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d625b3127ccec79d63b10a9a00000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Emma with my sister, Jamie (DznyLvr2005)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d625b3127ccec79c6025ebeb00000040O10QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

(See my sister's Mickey tat on her foot in this pic? I have the same one. We got them together last April.)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d625b3127ccec79db7628b1300000040O10QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

She had a wardrobe change!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d625b3127ccec79c16e6eb1300000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Finally, this is my sister with Emma and her husband, Justin, who will also be on this trip. (Emma won the centerpiece...no, we didn't rig it or anything.... :rolleyes1)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d625b3127ccec79d47a08ba900000040O10QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Can you tell Emma's the first baby in the family???

Anyway, so it's Tom and I at CBR. We stayed there once before in a preferred room and loved it! Unfortunately, we couldn't get a preferred room with an AP rate this time but we'll try to request a good location! And we got a great rate! $89 a night for the first 2 nights, then $99 for the third. Not bad!!

Justin, Jamie and Emma are in a preferred room at CBR with the free dining package. They booked through some shady PBA TA and all the paperwork they've gotten is screwed up! She totally should have done it on her own, as she is VERY knowledgable about WDW but she thought she was getting a better deal. Her hotel says POP on one paper (originally they were there), NO ME tags at all, NO plane tickets at all (in fact they called Continental and they didnt' even have Emma down!), and it says they have 5 day hoppers when they wanted 6. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it all turns out okay for them or else we'll be waving them goodbye at the airport!

ALSO, my cousin Nicole and her son Nicholas (I know, what's with our names? It's an Italian thing, I guess :confused3) are driving up from Miami on Saturday morning so we will be hanging out with them for the weekend AND my DBIL's friend from work and his fiance (Mike and Christy) will be there at the same time too. She actually made all the ADRs for the trip and I'm just beside myself with the fact that I actually planned NOTHING for this trip!

Usually I have spreadsheets and park hours and confirmation numbers out the wazoo but I am so proud of myself for taking the "go with the flow" attitude on this one and stepping back to let someone else take charge. My attitude might change once we're there and I really start feeling lost, but I think I can manage alright.

So that's the cast. We are going from 4 straight trips with just the two of us, to now a short trip with 9 people!!

Up Next: So where ARE we eating? And what's the PLAN!?!

Disney-Kim

09-24-2009, 06:00 PM

subbing

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-24-2009, 06:03 PM

I hope you update soon!!! :)

Just did! :thumbsup2

subbing

Woo Hooo!! :cool1:

mamaboogie

09-25-2009, 02:27 AM

How exciting! A whole bunch of people on your trip!

We stayed at CBR last August and LOVED it!:thumbsup2

Can't wait!!:woohoo:

Stefy

09-25-2009, 03:20 AM

I say go for it with the ears and pins, you should get to celebrate being married for the rest of the year :)

Emma is such a cutey and you guys are going to have a blast in October.

I hope you sister can get her booking sorted out, is so annoying when it starts to go wrong. Is it too late to cancel and do it herself?

onelilspark

09-25-2009, 08:20 AM

You'll love Food & Wine Festival!

Tinkerbellie16

09-25-2009, 10:32 AM

What a great cast for this TR :) Can't wait for updates!

disneybarbie

09-25-2009, 02:09 PM

Hi Nikki!

Following from the July'09 thread/your PTR & TR :goodvibes

I have my fingers crossed that you & Tom love the Epcot Food & Wine festival... DBF and I enjoyed it so much last year... it's World Showcase with.. extras!! :woohoo:
We would definitely return to the World in October again just for the F&WF and we'd love to go to MNSSHP... we didn't last time (I was thought it was 'too Disney' for DBF.. but when we were there he asked why I'd not booked tickets for it!! :confused3 lol)

Looking forward to reading more.. your niece is so cute btw :cutie: ... great name too! hehe.

Emma princess: x x

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-25-2009, 04:03 PM

How exciting! A whole bunch of people on your trip!

We stayed at CBR last August and LOVED it!:thumbsup2

Can't wait!!:woohoo:

Me either!! One week from today!!

I say go for it with the ears and pins, you should get to celebrate being married for the rest of the year :)

Emma is such a cutey and you guys are going to have a blast in October.

I hope you sister can get her booking sorted out, is so annoying when it starts to go wrong. Is it too late to cancel and do it herself?

I think it might be too late to cancel and redo it. SHE KNOWS though, so I'm not getting involved. ;)

You'll love Food & Wine Festival!

Oh I just can't WAIT!

What a great cast for this TR :) Can't wait for updates!

Yeah what a difference in number of people! This will be Tom's first trip to WDW with anyone else besides me.

Hi Nikki!

Following from the July'09 thread/your PTR & TR :goodvibes

I have my fingers crossed that you & Tom love the Epcot Food & Wine festival... DBF and I enjoyed it so much last year... it's World Showcase with.. extras!! :woohoo:
We would definitely return to the World in October again just for the F&WF and we'd love to go to MNSSHP... we didn't last time (I was thought it was 'too Disney' for DBF.. but when we were there he asked why I'd not booked tickets for it!! :confused3 lol)

Looking forward to reading more.. your niece is so cute btw :cutie: ... great name too! hehe.

Emma princess: x x

So glad you followed me over to the new TR!

WS is so amazing as it is, I can't imagine how awesome it's going to be!! I can't wait!

disneybarbie

09-25-2009, 04:14 PM

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-25-2009, 04:22 PM

not sure if you want to see these before you go.. but here's some preview pics of the F&WF!!

http://wdwmagic.com/Events/International-Food-and-Wine-Festival/News/24Sep2009-2009-International-Food-and-Wine-Festival-menus-and-pricing.htm

I got hungry just reading the menus ;)

Emma princess: x

Oh definitely! Thanks Emma! (Number 1 baby name in America 2008! ;) My sister did NOT know that at the time, or she may have not picked it!)

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-25-2009, 05:26 PM

OMG! GOOD NEWS!!

Tom and I ate at 'Ohana for the first time on our honeymoon and we LOVED it! So we had been trying to get 'Ohana as soon as we got back but it was booked solid. Mikey and Christy were apparently trying too. It HAD to be arrival day (10/2) as that was the only day we didn't have dinner planned. I tried party of 6, party of 4 (sorry, Mike and Christy, you're out) and party of 2 (sorry EVERYONE, you're out) but no luck! I tried repeatedly over the last couple of months.

I hadn't tried in a few weeks but today I thought, what the heck, let me try one more time....

Party of 6?? NOTHING! Party of 4?? Nothing! (You know where I'm going with this....)

Party of 2? DING DING DING!!! I can't believe it! 5:10 ADR at 'Ohana for 2!

We are really excited because there are so many people on this trip, we are happy to have one thing planned for just the 2 of us. So the plan is to do MGM during the day, back to the hotel, rest, get ready for the party, go to dinner at 'Ohana, then monorail it over to the MK for the party where we'll meet up with everyone else!! :cool1::cool1::cool1::cool1:

PopArtGal

09-25-2009, 07:53 PM

PopArtGal

09-25-2009, 07:57 PM

Once again, I can't believe how much you two girls look alike.

Ok not carbon copies. But you can't deny you are sisters :)

jasliv

09-25-2009, 10:12 PM

Thinking about the ears- nobody will know when you were married unless they ask, so why not wear them! It is the only place you will wear them so just do it!::yes::

emcreative

09-25-2009, 10:26 PM

Whew, I finally made it over! :thumbsup2

So besides Ohana (we did the breakfast last time and loved it, I can't wait to try the dinner next time) and the party, what else is planned?

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-26-2009, 08:30 AM

I would def. wear the happily ever after. Even around the house :lmao:

:lmao:

Once again, I can't believe how much you two girls look alike.

Ok not carbon copies. But you can't deny you are sisters :)

Yeah we really do look alike...especially now that I cut my hair short. We used to get asked if we were twins all the time.

Thinking about the ears- nobody will know when you were married unless they ask, so why not wear them! It is the only place you will wear them so just do it!::yes::

Tom thinks I shouldn't wear them. We had our honeymoon, now it's someone else's turn. He said if someone asks us what we're celebrating, if we say we got married 2 months ago and someone wants to give us new pins, then ok.

Whew, I finally made it over! :thumbsup2

So besides Ohana (we did the breakfast last time and loved it, I can't wait to try the dinner next time) and the party, what else is planned?

Dinner at 'Ohana was fantastic!! We are so excited that we got that ADR. It just goes to show that if you keep trying, it can pay off! And good thing for the online ADR system, because I never would have kept trying if I had to call every time.

Oh, ok!! I wil update next time with our other ADRs and daily plans!!!

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-26-2009, 09:52 AM

THE PLANS!!!

So, in true Tom and Nik fashion, we are on the first flight out on Friday morning. I think it's a little later than the flight the morning after our wedding but it still falls within the 6 o'clock hour!

My sister and her husband are on the same flight. As of yesterday, they didn't even have seat assignments! I swear, that TA she used is the WORST! So luckily, my sister was able to get all the infor she needed about the flight and flying with a toddler directly from Continental, as well as getting seat numbers.

So, here's the tentative!

10/2
Wake up early! (Did I mention it's the morning after back to school night?)
Taxi to airport. I haven't booked it yet but I'm thinking I'll have them come around 5:30am.
ME it to CBR. Hopefully we'll be at CBR no later than 11am.
Check in, drop bags, head to DHS, which if you remember from my last TR, NOT our fav! So we're just going to bang it out!
Head back to the resort with plenty of time to rest, shower, get ready for the party.
We'll probably want to be at the bus to MK no later than 4:30, from there, we'll monorail it to the Poly for our 5:10 ADR.
After dinner, we'll head straight to the MK and meet up with everyone for the party, which I am SOOOO excited about!!

(Last night, we were at my sister's and she put on the music to the Boo To You parade and the whole time Emma is listening intently and as soon as Mickey jumps in with , "Oh Boy!...." her face lights up with a huge open mouth smile! She jumped off my lap and just HAD to dance! I reeeally hope she is the same way when it's LOUD, dark and 3D!)

10/3
Epcot aaaalllll day! I can't WAIT for Food and Wine!
Dinner at Teppan Edo ( I have no idea what time! :scared1:)

10/4
AK in the morning.
Evening at Epcot!!
Dinner at Le Cellier!

10/5
Crystal Palace breakfast for 4 + baby. Mike and Christy will have left by then. After breakfast, it's straight to Fantasyland for all the rides we want to take pictures of Emma on!!
We have a 7:00pm flight home that night so I'm assuming ME will want to pick us up at 4. We're going to try to get as much in that day as we can before going home!

I feel awful that I have no new pictures to share! So I'll post some from our dinner at 'Ohana in July!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79f0c17938f00000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79e699ff3e100000050O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79f392bd33100000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79e2494326400000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79f2e9c931500000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79f38e3936100000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79fd88b937900000050O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79ebe0b32b600000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

YUM!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't WAIT to eat there again!!!

Tom was feeling a little frisky on the way out! Someone better warn that guy that we're coming!!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d624b3127ccec79eef96f3ab00000040O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

PopArtGal

09-26-2009, 11:38 AM

You know, if you guys have a few extra seconds, I wouldn't mind a postcard heheh

PopArtGal

09-26-2009, 11:43 AM

You really think waking up early will be a problem? Come on! After parents-teachers interview I can't wake up for a meeting in the am, but for WDW, yup!

Stefy

09-26-2009, 12:11 PM

Everything looks good, Ohana's on the first night is an excellent idea, a fab restaurant :)

Excellent choice of restaurant for your Epcot day, Teppan Edo is a wicked restaurant!

Not long to go now :)

knewton64

09-27-2009, 08:45 PM

:goodvibes

Enjoy and have fun:yay:.

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-27-2009, 10:16 PM

You know, if you guys have a few extra seconds, I wouldn't mind a postcard heheh

PM me your address!!

You really think waking up early will be a problem? Come on! After parents-teachers interview I can't wake up for a meeting in the am, but for WDW, yup!

Yeah, I'm not too worried! ;)

Everything looks good, Ohana's on the first night is an excellent idea, a fab restaurant :)

Excellent choice of restaurant for your Epcot day, Teppan Edo is a wicked restaurant!

Not long to go now :)

Yes I'm super excited for 'Ohana!

I've never eaten at Teppan Edo and am kind of nervous, as I'm not an adventurous eater at all! As long as there is some sort of plain meat, I'm good though!

:goodvibes

Enjoy and have fun:yay:.

Glad you came over!! :thumbsup2

Stefy

09-28-2009, 02:51 AM

Don't worry they have steak and chicken, but maybe try some prawns, they are just delish :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-28-2009, 06:13 AM

Don't worry they have steak and chicken, but maybe try some prawns, they are just delish :)

I would never!! :eek:

Stefy

09-28-2009, 07:49 AM

Ooh are you not a prawn person? Sorry :blush:

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-28-2009, 07:55 AM

Ooh are you not a prawn person? Sorry :blush:

Haha, I'm not an "anything from the ocean" person. (Do you see the face I'm making in the 'Ohana picture with the shrimp?)

I really eat like an 8 year old. A friend from work had a few other girls over to her house before my wedding as a little get-together and we had to go over the menu together before-hand! She decided on "mexican lasagna" and even then, she had to make a smaller one with basically just meat and cheese for me.

My real problem is that I don't try new things. In my opinion, if I've never eaten it, I don't like it!

disneyfav4ever

09-28-2009, 07:58 AM

Your plans look great, and I hope you have an awesome trip! And enjoy the Food and Wine Festival, it is my favorite time at Epcot.

Stefy

09-28-2009, 08:18 AM

Haha, I'm not an "anything from the ocean" person. (Do you see the face I'm making in the 'Ohana picture with the shrimp?)

I really eat like an 8 year old. A friend from work had a few other girls over to her house before my wedding as a little get-together and we had to go over the menu together before-hand! She decided on "mexican lasagna" and even then, she had to make a smaller one with basically just meat and cheese for me.

My real problem is that I don't try new things. In my opinion, if I've never eaten it, I don't like it!

I am the same, except for shellfish and cod in batter. I hate the smell of fish and thats what puts me off eating it.

I used to be like you in that I was never adventurous with food, until I started working at my present job. My office manager/friend made me try all sorts of different things and I am glad she did because there are alot more foods out there that I love now because I tried it.

I know its scary to try new things, I still get iffy sometimes when someone says try this think its also the pushyness as well, but if you start small you may just find out what you have been missing out on :goodvibes

disneyfav4ever

09-28-2009, 08:31 AM

Nikki, try using the Food and Wine Festival as an excuse to try new foods. The samples are only a few dollars each, and it's a great way to try new stuff.

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-28-2009, 08:45 AM

I am the same, except for shellfish and cod in batter. I hate the smell of fish and thats what puts me off eating it.

I used to be like you in that I was never adventurous with food, until I started working at my present job. My office manager/friend made me try all sorts of different things and I am glad she did because there are alot more foods out there that I love now because I tried it.

I know its scary to try new things, I still get iffy sometimes when someone says try this think its also the pushyness as well, but if you start small you may just find out what you have been missing out on :goodvibes

Nikki, try using the Food and Wine Festival as an excuse to try new foods. The samples are only a few dollars each, and it's a great way to try new stuff.

Haha! Thanks guys! I really am trying! Just in the past few years I started eating sandwiches (SIMPLE, of course!) and more recently I discovered guacamole!

I appreciate your encouragement and will definitely try to be open minded when it comes to the Food and Wine Festival offerings! :thumbsup2

RobinHoodGirl

09-28-2009, 12:25 PM

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-28-2009, 03:05 PM

Glad to see a new TR from you; enjoyed all the photos from your last one. I can't wait to see pictures of Emma! I love seeing little kids in WDW. I have a dream of going with my sisters, Bro-in-laws and nephews and niece just to see WDW through the kids faces... but this won't happen till at least 2011 :(

Can't wait to read more!!

Oh believe me! There will be TONS of pictures of Emma! I can't wait! I have all these images in my mind of shots I want to take of her...

Thanks for joining the TR! :thumbsup2

Born 2B a Princess

09-28-2009, 03:31 PM

BippityBoo

09-28-2009, 08:45 PM

Woohoo!! I am here :cool1:

Just realized you made a new TR!! What is wrong with me?!

Can't wait for the trip. Emma is a doll! Is this your first trip to WDW with a baby?

Also, looking forward to see how you like the resort. I am having to pick a Moderate for our upcoming trip, but having a hard time finding one :goodvibes

BippityBoo

09-28-2009, 08:48 PM

PS: We were there during Food and Wine...it was awesome! SO many things to sample. Look for the champagne cart close to the entrance of the World Showcase! Great options there :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-28-2009, 09:30 PM

I'm here! I haven't checked the boards in a few days (I know -- how could I have let several days pass without the DIS???)...

Congrats on finishing your last TR...I'm only on Day 3 of mine. I'm so terrible...

I loved your TR and am so glad that you enjoyed your last day at Epcot (LOVE Epcot!) and I hope you and Tom someday are able to be CMs! I would love that...DH, not so much. :rotfl: I'm so excited about your new TR -- I just wish we were going to be at MNSSHP the same day! Oh well...since you're going the week before us, you'll be able to give me all the great info and inside scoop on what to do and how much fun it was! :cool1: My younger DD finally decided on a costume -- after 1.5 hours of going back and forth between the same three stores, she said that all along she had wanted to be Minnie Mouse (news to me -- she never told me that!) and so I went online and within 2 minutes had ordered her a Minnie Mouse costume. Now to figure out what my older DD is going to be...I don't think I'm going to dress up. Maybe a Halloween t-shirt, but that's probably it. And we still don't know if DH is going. ACK!!

I'm so excited that you got your 'Ohana ADR! I'm jealous! Our trip is going to be so quick that the only ADR I made is T-Rex. We're driving down Friday morning, going to MNSSHP that evening, the water parks the next day (if the weather is nice, otherwise it will be DisneyQuest), T-Rex that evening, and then possibly driving home on Sunday or else staying with some friends at their condo, going to the water park or Disney Quest again on Monday, and driving home on Tuesday. Who knows...we'll see. The Plan is cursing me for being so up in the air about everything, but since we still don't know if DH is going or not it's really hard to finalize anything!!

I'm so glad you're doing a TR for your mini-trip!!

Thanks for coming over!!

So glad DD finally picked a costume! It really is too bad we aren't going to be there at the same time. You and me both, about The Plan! (I always think of you know when I refer to it like it's a person.) I think we can do it, though! It's our "go with the flow" trips!!

Woohoo!! I am here :cool1:

Just realized you made a new TR!! What is wrong with me?!

Can't wait for the trip. Emma is a doll! Is this your first trip to WDW with a baby?

Also, looking forward to see how you like the resort. I am having to pick a Moderate for our upcoming trip, but having a hard time finding one :goodvibes

Yay!!! So glad you're here!! YES, this is my first trip with baby! I'm excited, as I can't WAIT to see her (hopefully) enjoying it all. And the best part is that if she's cranky...."We're gonna go get a funnel cake...." :rolleyes1

Oh, we've stayed at CBR once before and LOVED it! I think it's our mod of choice! Last time we had a preferred room, so I'm not sure if we'll feel the same NOT being in the closer location. I already have my requests ready so hopefully we won't be TOO far from Old Port Royal. But I definitely recommend CBR if you had to pick a mod. :thumbsup2

PS: We were there during Food and Wine...it was awesome! SO many things to sample. Look for the champagne cart close to the entrance of the World Showcase! Great options there :)

Thanks for the tip! :thumbsup2

Stefy

09-29-2009, 03:06 AM

Yes defo see what new things you can try at F&W, we plan to try one of everything next year :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-29-2009, 06:59 AM

Yes defo see what new things you can try at F&W, we plan to try one of everything next year :)

Alright, I promise, I'll be open minded. I'll have Tom take a picture of my face trying new things! It's usually the same face I make before taking a shot of tequilla.

I promise to take lots of pictures of all the food everyone in the group eats. :thumbsup2

Stefy

09-29-2009, 08:46 AM

Lol, v good :) You can blame us if you don't like any of it :)

Not long now, only 3 more sleeps?

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-29-2009, 10:27 AM

Lol, v good :) You can blame us if you don't like any of it :)

Not long now, only 3 more sleeps?

Wow, I guess you're right!! I haven't even thought about it like that! Usually our trips are in the summer with nothing else to think about BUT the trip but I'm all about making lesson plans AND planning for back to school night, that it's just going so fast!

I'm just worried with Back to School Night the night before, that I won't get everything done. If I can have my wedding the night before a trip with no problems, I can do anything!!

Stefy

09-29-2009, 02:54 PM

Most certainly, you seem like you are so v organised so I know you can do it :thumbsup2

BippityBoo

09-29-2009, 11:01 PM

Hey!! Aren't you the popular girl~ You already have so many pages!!

I saw this and thought of you...I do remember the food not being very good, so it is a good sign!

"This year's festival is both better and worse than past years. How can that be? For example, the food quality at the "International Marketplaces" (food booths) around World Showcase seemed to be far superior to that of the last few years. Even if I didn't like a sample that I tried, it was because I didn't care for the flavor, not because it was prepared poorly. On the other hand, it was clear that a number of Festival features have been curtailed. There were no topiaries welcoming you into World Showcase, for instance. In addition there was not one major exhibit, like last year's Louisiana, or the big Australia and Spain displays of several years ago."

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-30-2009, 06:35 AM

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-30-2009, 06:44 AM

So with the trip, Back to School Night AND planning for a sub, I feel like I have SO much to do this week!! I swear, planning for a sub is so much work, it's easier to just come in. I have to be REALLY sick to take a day off because it takes so much time to plan for subs.

So between that, Back to School Night AND the fact that my plan book is due the day I get back, I stayed at school until 5:00 yesterday and will probably do the same today but I think I'm making good progress and should be done fairly soon!

I also started packing last night! There are two problems. One I encounter every time I pack. I have to try on EVERYTHING that I'm thinking about packing just to see how it looks beforehand. Now keep in mind, I'm not wearing ANYTHING that I didn't wear on the honeymoon. It's a miracle that I found enough clothes to get me through 2 weeks without too many repeats so, those of you who followed my honeymoon TR will see me in the same clothes in this one.

So anyway, because I have to try everything on, it took a couple of hours. (Did I mention we're only staying 3 nights?)

The other problem.....well, my stomach seems to be protruding a little more than it was 2 months ago.....

I haven't gotten on the scale in weeks but I'm sure I gained at least 5 pounds since the honeymoon, I really have just been eating and eating. So while I'm still "skinny," my clothes that I wore just 2 months ago, do not look exactly the same on me and that made me a little depressed. :( Luckily, I have really skinny arms and legs so the stomach is pretty easy to hide while still giving the illusion that I'm super skinny!

Other than that, I started packing the essential toiletries. Now I"m just waiting for Tom to pick what he's going to wear so I can put everything in the suicase. We're just going to take one.

Soooo cose!! Sooo exciting!

TWO MORE SLEEPS!!! :thumbsup2

Born 2B a Princess

09-30-2009, 12:56 PM

Tinkerbellie16

09-30-2009, 03:34 PM

Oh, you get to pack! I love packing - for Disney that is! It means the trip starts soon (ok, in my case, it starts in a few months because I start 'gathering' all my 'stuff' early :rotfl:).

Well, if you feel you MUST wear something different, I guess you'll just HAVE to buy something at Disney :cool1:

NikkiLovesWDW!

09-30-2009, 08:32 PM

I can't imagine you looking even the slightest bit heavy, Nikki -- you're so gorgeous and thin! You'll look fabulous no matter what you wear.

DD's Minnie Mouse costume arrived in the mail yesterday and it's just right. She loves it! :love: In fact, when she tried it on, she kept twirling around the living room in it and couldn't stop smiling. I am SO glad it fits and that she loves it! My older DD has decided that she will wear one of the costumes she already has -- either her Dorothy costume (from "Wizard of Oz" -- she was the lead in the school production last year, hope it still fits!) or her "funky witch" costume that I made her for Halloween last year. Both costumes will be cool and won't interfere with rides. And then, if she decides to be something else for our Halloween party at church and trick or treating (although I think she's too old to go trick or treating...), we have time to find something else. Actually, she and a few of her girlfriends want to do a "Project Runway" challenge and design/make costumes out of newspaper and wear those for Halloween (we did that as a youth group activity at church a few weeks ago and had so much fun).

Anyway...long story short...the girls' costumes for the party are now taken care of. I don't think I'll dress up -- I'll probably just get a cute Halloween t-shirt and wear that. I asked DH again last night if he thinks he will be going with us and he's still noncommittal. I need to see if there are still tickets even available for next Friday night's party....

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

That's so sweet about your youngest DDs costume! She's going to have a blast!! That sounds fun what your older DD is going to do with making costumes out of newspapers! I can't wait to hear about your trip, too!!

Oh, you get to pack! I love packing - for Disney that is! It means the trip starts soon (ok, in my case, it starts in a few months because I start 'gathering' all my 'stuff' early :rotfl:).

Well, if you feel you MUST wear something different, I guess you'll just HAVE to buy something at Disney :cool1:

YES! I am purposely NOT bringing a sweatshirt so, oops, I'll just have to buy one! :rolleyes1

I am SUCH a gatherer too! Except this trip snuck up on me so fast I didnt' even have a chance to do that!!

Still packing....trying to get Tom to get his clothes together so I can pack them tonight but he's dilly dallying!

PopArtGal

10-01-2009, 02:15 AM

I can't believe you are leaving tomorow!

Stefy

10-01-2009, 03:08 AM

Woo Hoo, not long now :cheer2:

Are you all ready do go?

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-01-2009, 06:36 AM

I can't believe you are leaving tomorow!

I know!!

Woo Hoo, not long now :cheer2:

Are you all ready do go?

Totally! Just need to pack the last minute things but I'll have to do that either tonight or in the morning.

It's such a short trip, I'm going to be back before you even know it! I need to try and savor every moment.

onelilspark

10-01-2009, 08:45 AM

Have a great trip!

PopArtGal

10-01-2009, 09:16 AM

I know!!

Totally! Just need to pack the last minute things but I'll have to do that either tonight or in the morning.

It's such a short trip, I'm going to be back before you even know it! I need to try and savor every moment.

I wrote this so early, and went back to bed. Well I actually dreamt I was in WDW lol

PopArtGal

10-01-2009, 09:49 AM

I still can't believe you're not on facebook, though! lol

Born 2B a Princess

10-01-2009, 10:29 AM

I still can't believe you're not on facebook, though! lol

Yes, we definitely need to get you on Facebook, Nikki!

I hope you have a safe flight and have a wonderful time on your trip!

Stefy

10-01-2009, 02:47 PM

Have a safe flight and a fantastic trip :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-01-2009, 03:04 PM

I still can't believe you're not on facebook, though! lol

I'm just not interested! I know, it seems like EVERYONE is on it!

Yes, we definitely need to get you on Facebook, Nikki!

I hope you have a safe flight and have a wonderful time on your trip!

Have a safe flight and a fantastic trip :)

Thanks guys!!

I'm sooo nervous right now about back to school night, I keep forgetting I'm even going to WDW in the morning!!

My cell phone and ipod are charging right now, then I need to pack my cell charger. I'm about to go do the dishes and I think I'm all set...for the trip anyway! After the dishes, I'm going to practice what I'm going to say to these parents tonight! I can't WAIT for this to be over!!

Born 2B a Princess

10-01-2009, 03:32 PM

[QUOTE=NikkiLovesWDW!;33792443]I'm just not interested! I know, it seems like EVERYONE is on it!

Isn't the fact that Christy and I are on FB enough of a reason? ;);)

Good luck with the parents tonight -- and have a great trip!

Stefy

10-01-2009, 04:46 PM

Good Luck tonight, just do the old imagine everyone in their underwear thing, that seems to work with some people ;)

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-01-2009, 05:16 PM

Have a great trip!

Thank you!!!

Isn't the fact that Christy and I are on FB enough of a reason? ;);)

Good luck with the parents tonight -- and have a great trip!

Haha, it should be reason enough, you are right. But I kind of like the fact that I'm not doing what everyone else is doing. I can't really explain it exactly. Maybe I just want to keep it as my back up when I play "Never Ever." "Never ever have I ever....joined Facebook!" ...and then everybody drinks! God, I haven't played that game in years...I'm getting old. :(

Good Luck tonight, just do the old imagine
everyone in their underwear thing, that seems to work with some people ;)

Thanks, I just need to get it over with!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-01-2009, 06:36 PM

Two hours from now I will be speaking in front of at least 20 parents at Back to School Night, nervous as I could possibly be...

Twenty-four hours from now I will be full from 'Ohana and at my first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, as content as I could possibly be...

PopArtGal

10-01-2009, 07:11 PM

Have a safe trip!

anetnmike

10-01-2009, 09:51 PM

:eek: I've been in the throes of writing a paper for school and haven't checked in and it's already time for you to leave!
Have an amazing time! I can't wait to see how much fun Emma has! I love to watch little one's faces as they experinece the magic!:cloud9: It is THE best!
Epcot again! Oh boy! It's almost like going too!:yay: Have fun Nikki and Tom!
PS
wear the ears! :hug:
Annette

PopArtGal

10-02-2009, 07:26 AM

oh my! You're already on your way!

So jealous! hehe

avviexxx

10-02-2009, 10:24 AM

Subscribing xO

Tinkerbellie16

10-02-2009, 01:17 PM

You leave today!!!! In fact, you are probably already on your way - or even there! Have so much fun and I know we are all looking foward to your TR!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-05-2009, 10:21 PM

It's so sad! :(

I felt like we had so little time. Thank goodness we just had that looong trip a couple of months ago or I'd really be bummed about not staying longer.

Our flight landed almost a 1/2 hour early tonight and we just walked in our door about 15 mins ago. Gotta go to work tomorrow, so it's straight to bed for me! Hopefully I'll start the TR tomorrow! Gotta get my pics uploaded onto the computer.

Just to give you a head start on the TR, I'll say this....going with more people AND a baby was a totally different trip from what we're used to!

Jillpie

10-05-2009, 10:49 PM

Welcome home! Wow, that was quick. Oh oh, thats a scary last sentence you gave us, so is that good news or bad....can't wait for your mini trip story!!

BippityBoo

10-05-2009, 11:11 PM

haha amen sister! That is why we are going with just our family in January. We figured it we swapped turns (ex: all family trip one time, immediate family next, then all family again...etc etc) we can enjoy WDW with everyone, but still get our time alone together. It is hard trying to please so many in a place with SO many options.

I am sure you had a great time despite. Cant wait to hear about it and see pics of adorable little Emma. Also,anxious to see pics of the Resort!! Glad you are back...good luck adjusting to reality tomorrow!

Stefy

10-06-2009, 03:02 AM

Yay you back, welcome home can't wait to hear/read all about it :)

swankybeth

10-06-2009, 06:33 AM

Can't wait to read about the trip! :)

disneyfav4ever

10-06-2009, 07:33 AM

Glad you made it home safe, can't wait to read your TR. :goodvibes

onelilspark

10-06-2009, 09:08 AM

Welcome home!

Born 2B a Princess

10-06-2009, 10:41 AM

Welcome home, Nikki! I'm looking forward to hearing all about it...we leave Friday morning. Just found out last night that DH can't get Friday off work (our school district doesn't allow teachers to take off the day before or after a holiday weekend or school break -- UGH), so it will just be me and girls at the party.

I'm glad you had safe travels!

norybell

10-06-2009, 11:06 AM

Welcome home! My sister and I are thinking of taking my 2-year-old niece sometime in this next year, so I'm really interested to hear about how having a little one along changes things for a person used to touring adult-style.

mamaboogie

10-06-2009, 11:34 AM

Can't wait to hear all about it! popcorn::

katiebelle21

10-06-2009, 05:05 PM

Welcome back! I can't wait to hear about your trip!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-06-2009, 08:02 PM

Thanks for the welcome home, guys!!!! You are all the BEST!!

I put in some pics this afternoon but couldn't do them all because the machine only allows 200 at a time...and you KNOW I took more than that! Then I had to leave so I'll do the rest tomorrow and get them all put on a CD so that i can upload them easily to my shutterfly account and get this TR started!!!

PopArtGal

10-07-2009, 08:23 AM

Welcome back, sweetie!

Can't wait to hear all about it! :)

Born 2B a Princess

10-07-2009, 09:12 AM

Nikki --

I'm working on my parents' touring plan for Saturday and have a question...did you guys go to Epcot at RD during your trip? Trying to figure out if it would be best for my parents to just ride Soarin' at RD and then head to AK, or just grab FPs for Soarin' at RD, head to AK, and then after AK (they just want to see the two shows and ride the safari) head back to Epcot and use their FPs. What do you think?

All they want to do on this trip is ride Soarin' and Living with the Land, spend as much time as possible in WS, see IllumiNations, ride the safari and see Finding Nemo and FOTLK shows. They only have Saturday. I was going to have them be at Epcot 15 minutes before RD, go straight to Soarin' and get FPs, then drive over to AK and do the three things there, then head back to Epcot for the rest of the day. Some feedback I'm getting on that is that they should just be at Epcot for RD, ride Soarin' then, and then head to AK and after that head back to Epcot. What do you think?

podsnel

10-07-2009, 10:31 AM

Nikki!

I can't believe you went to WDW the day after I came home from WDW!!! We just missed each other! I just finished my DISmoms TR and am about to start a new one....while doing the HHI one still...AND we are ALL going back NJ week!!:yay:

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading about your mini-trip!:goodvibes

Ellen

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-07-2009, 12:42 PM

Welcome back, sweetie!

Can't wait to hear all about it! :)

Thanks!

Nikki --

I'm working on my parents' touring plan for Saturday and have a question...did you guys go to Epcot at RD during your trip? Trying to figure out if it would be best for my parents to just ride Soarin' at RD and then head to AK, or just grab FPs for Soarin' at RD, head to AK, and then after AK (they just want to see the two shows and ride the safari) head back to Epcot and use their FPs. What do you think?

All they want to do on this trip is ride Soarin' and Living with the Land, spend as much time as possible in WS, see IllumiNations, ride the safari and see Finding Nemo and FOTLK shows. They only have Saturday. I was going to have them be at Epcot 15 minutes before RD, go straight to Soarin' and get FPs, then drive over to AK and do the three things there, then head back to Epcot for the rest of the day. Some feedback I'm getting on that is that they should just be at Epcot for RD, ride Soarin' then, and then head to AK and after that head back to Epcot. What do you think?

Oh boy...that's a tough one.

First of all, we were NOT there at RD on Saturday BUT I will tell you this...Epcot was PACKED! Probably more crowded than I've seen it in the middle of July, mostly in WS for Food and Wine. I imagine it was a lot of locals and that the weekdays are less crowded.

I think going back and forth might be too much, especially for just those 3 things at AK. You know me, I'd just stay in Epcot the whole day! But if they must do AK, then definitely be at Epcot at RD, RIDE Soarin' and any other FW rides in the morning. That should put them on the AK bus by 10/10:30, let's say they get to AK at 11:00 the latest. Then they can do those things they want, maybe grab lunch and head back to Epcot after lunch, going STRAIGHT to World Showcase.

That's what I would do. :thumbsup2

Nikki!

I can't believe you went to WDW the day after I came home from WDW!!! We just missed each other! I just finished my DISmoms TR and am about to start a new one....while doing the HHI one still...AND we are ALL going back NJ week!!:yay:

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading about your mini-trip!:goodvibes

Ellen

Oh that is funny! Where did you guys stay?? I can't believe you're going back Jersey Week! How were the flight rates? I'm going to have to find your TRs!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-08-2009, 10:05 PM

Sorry guys! I don't have all my pics uploaded yet. I had to make 2 seperate trips to CVS to do my pics because you can only do 200 at a time and by the time I got to 200, I had to leave. So for the next 135, I printed them AND decided to put those on a CD. So I only have the last 135 pics uploaded at the moment and I can't very well start my TR on day 3! Sooooo.....just to keep you interested, here's a pic of Emma meeting her very first characters at Crystal Palace!!! We were thrilled that she LOVED the characters...she actually cried when they left the table and if she would spot them again, she would point and stare! So precious!

(You'll notice in most of the pictures I have of her, she's completely serious. This kid does NOT like to smile for pictures. She is more smiley in these pics than all the others I have.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce26b3127ccef81bcf2c358000000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce26b3127ccef81bb0b2f48900000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce26b3127ccef81b0e2c757800000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

jasliv

10-08-2009, 11:05 PM

Sooo cute!!:cutie: Boy, you all must be happy Emma loved the characters! You never know how they will react. Most little kids are scared! She is adorable, and what a big smile!:) Can't wait to see more! Went to your room later on to look at the rest and you were gone! Bring them back!!

Born 2B a Princess

10-09-2009, 07:19 AM

So cute!!!

Thanks for the feedback on the plan for my parents for Epcot and AK on Saturday. I just hope they have a good time (you know how much I stressed about that for our July trip!)...I made sure to warn them about the crowds and we made an alternate evening plan for them if they decide WS is just too crowded for them. Keep your fingers crossed!

The girls and I are getting in the car in about 45 minutes to drive down to WDW and go to tonight's MNSSHP -- can't wait! Of course, I've got a horrible, horrible cold but at least I was able to get some sleep last night and the cold is a little better than it was the last two days. The girls will be wearing their costumes tonight but I won't...I made a "50s girl" pink poodle skirt for myself (it turned out pretty cute, actually) but it's out of felt and it's supposed to be 90+ degrees today. So it's just too hot for me to wear it tonight. Oh well.....

Can't wait to read more about your trip after I get back from mine!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-09-2009, 07:55 AM

Stefy

10-09-2009, 08:08 AM

Aww bless her she looks so entranced by them. Such a cutey :)

More please popcorn::

PopArtGal

10-09-2009, 03:23 PM

awwwwe, she's so precious!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-09-2009, 08:18 PM

Day 1 ~ Friday, October 2, 2009

I got home from Back to School Night around 10pm and went right to bed, after making sure everything was all set for the morning, of course. I was actually quite surprised at how easily I fell asleep that night. I remember the first trip Tom and I took together, it had been 3 years since my last trip and I probably slept a total of 30 mins that night. Not sure if it was the exhaustion from the start of the school year, the fact that we're going more often now, the fact that we just went 2 months ago...or a combination of them all. If this makes sense, I was actually happy and disappointed at the same time. Happy, obviously, that I wouldn't wake up exhausted, but sad that the thrill seemed to be gone. I was no longer "too excited to sleep!"

Sooo, the alarm went off promptly at 5:00am. I stayed in bed for about 10 mins and by that time I WAS excited so I got up and checked all the bags one more time. I think I may have even posted on this thread, but I don't remember!

We decided to go with a new car company this time because I think we got totally ripped off last time! It was something like $90 to get to the airport, where they used to be like $50...and the way back was around $65 so we totally got screwed! This time I used a taxi company and they were only $32! MUCH better! Well, I looked out the window around 5:25 and saw the car was there.

As soon as we got on our way, I texted my sister to see where she was at. She had stayed at my parent's house the night before and my dad was driving them to the airport. I thought for SURE we'd be ahead of them but she texted back that they were already at the airport!! This is also when she informed me that they've upgraded to first class. They fell for that "do you want to upgrade to first class for only $70" or some crap that they try to sell you when you check in. Keep in mind, these are the people who at one point cancelled this trip because they "are so broke." Whatever!

For the first time ever, we did curb-side check in. The man who took our bag got us all checked in and we were about to leave when he stressed, "I'm gonna take good car of your bag, sir!" with a smile on his face. "Uhh, okay thanks." Again, he repeats, almost in a "is there something wrong with this guy" way...."I"m gonna take good care of your bag, SIR!" Ohhh, he wants a tip! Well Tom gave him one and we were on our way in!

Security was a breeze, as it always is at this time of the morning and we made our way to our gate where we met our travel companions!

(Sorry there are so few pictures so far but from this point on, no more rambling!!! It will be pictures GALORE!)

Now Emma usually goes to bed late and gets up late so she was quite confused to, first of all, be awake, secondly be in a strange place and then all of a sudden, seeing Aunt Nik!

(I apologize for the terrible quality of this picture!)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80605e4837f00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Shortly, we boarded. It was still kind of dark when we got on the plane but it was pretty cool seeing the sun rise over NYC.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80648c2c3e700000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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The flight was fantastic because this was the first time no one was sitting in the third seat! So Tom and I got the whole row to ourselves. At one point, I got up to go to the bathroom, waited about 10 mins for someone to get out and just as it was my turn, the fasten seatbelt light came on! Ugh! The flight became pretty rough, which was not good on my blatter OR my stomach. I started feeling a little sick. So Tom played UNO with me to keep my mind off my stomach. After a while, I couldn't wait anymore so I just got up to pee completey disregarding the "fasten seatbelt" light! Sorry! Nature called!

Some more pics from the flight...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80720e2e3bf00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6324%3B%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B6%3A8634%3Bnu0mrj

We landed and the waiting game started.....

Now just a little info about ME. I am probably one of the most impatient people in the world. I HATE waiting around....and I move FAST! Now I KNOW that with a baby there are times that you have to stop and do what she needs but what I didn't realize is that my sister and her husband are NOT fast like we are! I got my first incling of this at the airport. We even went ahead to the ME counter because I couldn't wait for them anymore. I don't even know what they were doing!!

So Tom and I got on that monorail and we got our first sight of what was to come! I was excited!!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80786d862e600000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

OH, by the way...the long sleeves? Yeah, it was 40 degrees with we left Newark that morning. Lucky for me, I had a tank under the shirt AND shorts in my carry-on! :thumbsup2

So we sat in the little waiting area by the ME counter waiting for them. NEVER did I think anyone would sit in those chairs...what's the point?

*Remember, I'm not really complaining about THEM, I know this is totally MY problem.*

My sister had to go to the ME counter because of the shady TA they booked through but it was quick and we got in line for CBR.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8072a21e37900000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

I've never seen the line so long but once it started moving, we got on the bus quickly and it left right away. Jamie and Justin sat in front of us and we had the TV right about us so they passed Emma to me (which I was thrilled about) and we spent the ride to CBR eating some yogurt bites and watching the video.

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*A little side note about Emma. She LOVES TV and is a Noggin girl. Just recently, my sister started putting on the Disney channel for her and she LOVES it, especially Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She lights up when she hears Mickey's voice. It's the cutest.

Another thing to know about her, she's not really talking yet. She says mama, dada, of course, but nothing else really.....except Donald Duck!! I'm not even kidding, the only thing she knows how to say is Donald Duck!! We don't even know what she got it from but one day my sister was changing her and starting sing the Micky Mouse March..you know, "Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E. Mickey Mouse!" and Emma answers "Donald Duck!" Now all you need to do is "Mickey Mouse!" and she responds! Of course, it sounds more like "Donl Duh" but whatever, it's still cute! So we were singing that on the way, too!

Now Jamie was supposed to be in a preferred room but, again, because of the TA, they messed it up. So when we checked in, I gave the CM a list of a few buildings I would like to be in, starting with Jamaica 45. She said she could up us there so I turned to my sister (who was next in line) and told her "Jamaica 45!" The cm heard me and asked if we were travelling together. I"m not sure WHAT she was doing from that point on but she was clicking, walking off, talking to other CMs, all the while my sister was checking in too.

After what seemed to be hours, (did I say I was impatient?) we were all checked in and they had found a room for Jamie and Justin in Jamaica 45, too! Our room was not ready...but my sister's was. :confused3 Uhhh,, hello! We checked in first? Whatever, I didn't really care. They needed it more that us at this point and at least we could drop our things in their room.

So we went outside to wait for the internal bus to Jamaica!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807fb02229a00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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I apologize for being so wordy!! I don't know what's the matter with me! I guess because it was so recent, I remember so many details! I can't believe this was only a week ago!

Up Next: Getting our rooms, MORE waiting...and a little bit of DHS.

BippityBoo

10-09-2009, 09:04 PM

Jillpie

10-09-2009, 11:00 PM

Oh great start, thanks!! Lovin it so far:thumbsup2 and you're definitely not too wordy, the more descriptive the better, and the more pictures even better! Don't leave one of them out, especially those cutie pics of Emma.:) And I am just as inpatient, I know exactly how you felt. Can't wait for more...

norybell

10-09-2009, 11:59 PM

Yay, I'm so glad you've started! I loved your last TR, can't wait to read this one!

PopArtGal

10-10-2009, 07:39 AM

Great start! I'm like you. I hate waiting after people.

Emma's a cutie cutie :)

swankybeth

10-10-2009, 08:47 AM

Great start! Looking forward to reading more. Emma is such a doll! :cutie:

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-10-2009, 09:08 AM

LOVE IT! Great start. I do not think that you were too wordy! Love the details!

Emma is a little doll. I love her earrings! So excited to see your rooms!

I have always wondered about that...if we go to WDW lots...will the excitement wear off? I am happy you wrote about it. I am sure it all comes back to you when you get there!

I mean, it was just such a different kind of trip at such a different time so I don't think the excitement REALLY wore off, it was just a weird feeling....

Oh great start, thanks!! Lovin it so far:thumbsup2 and you're definitely not too wordy, the more descriptive the better, and the more pictures even better! Don't leave one of them out, especially those cutie pics of Emma.:) And I am just as inpatient, I know exactly how you felt. Can't wait for more...

Oh don't you worry...I will not leave out ANY picures!

Yay, I'm so glad you've started! I loved your last TR, can't wait to read this one!

Thanks!!

Great start! I'm like you. I hate waiting after people.

Emma's a cutie cutie :)

Isn't she?! Just wait!

Great start! Looking forward to reading more. Emma is such a doll! :cutie:

Thanks! :)

PopArtGal

10-10-2009, 06:20 PM

Hey Nikki.

Just wanted to let you know that we are planning on July 2010 instead of Christmas 2010 now.

And I'm in the process of trying to be certified in Florida.

I'll let you know how all this goes.

If we are going in July, then a PTR will be here soon.

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-10-2009, 07:47 PM

PopArtGal

10-10-2009, 08:39 PM

NO way! How do you do that? I'd LOVE to move to Florida!

Check out the Florida Schoolboard website. That's where I got all the info. They are really nice!

anetnmike

10-11-2009, 12:37 AM

SheenaXena21

10-11-2009, 01:03 AM

We're traveling with my will-be 8 month old niece next month. And I'm curious how you did your trip with your 14 month old niece.

Enjoying your report so far!!!! :thumbsup2

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-11-2009, 11:24 AM

Hi Nikki!
Love your trip so far! Emma has grown so much even since your wedding pictures! I love the sheer joy on her face as she is looking at Eeyore:cloud9:
So darn cute! I just love little ones loving Disney at that age.
My boys are bigger now and it isn't quite the same. In fact, DS 16 looks at Cinderella in a decidedly different way now:eek: But I still remember him getting a big kiss from Minnie Mouse on his 4th birthday!:laughing:
Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

I know! Isn't it crazy how fast they grow!

We're traveling with my will-be 8 month old niece next month. And I'm curious how you did your trip with your 14 month old niece.

Enjoying your report so far!!!! :thumbsup2

Oh you're going to have a blast with her! Although, there is a HUGE difference between Emma 8 months and Emma 14 months! Hope the TR helps, though!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-11-2009, 11:47 AM

Day 1 ~ October 2, 2009

We got on the internal resort bus and decided to just get off at Old Port Royal to see how the walk from there to Jamaica was. Not bad at all!

It was a relief to get into my sister's room, drop our bags and change into our shorts!! Emma was happy to have a new place to explore...starting with the door stop.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807e046e37b00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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After we were all ready, we went back to Old Port Royal and J & J wanted to have lunch. :confused3 At that point, I thought they were just messing with us. We only had a little time at MGM because Tom and I had dinner reservations at 'Ohana. (Remember, I got them just a few days before leaving?!) By now it was probably 11:30. WE are used to getting to the resort, dropping our stuff and just going. No...we had to have lunch. HELLOOOOO, there is lunch AT the park! But it was okay. I kept telling myself this trip was NOT going to be what we're used to so I really wasn't THAT bothered by it....

After lunch, we went to the gift shop. Justin bought shorts and we met up with Mike and Christy. Then we had to go BACK to the room so Justin could change. By this point, I was getting a little stressed but didn't say anything. What could I do? And it's a good thing I really don't care about DHS....

By around 1:00, we were finally at the bus stop. Emma thought it was a good time for a nap.
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63243%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A%3E WSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B6%3A8734%3Bnu0mrj

We were all excited to be getting on our first Disney bus of the trip!
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The first thing we had to do when we got in the park was get Emma a hat. So cute!
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp6324%3B%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B647434%3Bnu0mrj

Everyone was pretty indecisive, which is another problem with a large group so we decided to go down towards TOT and RnRC.

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We got FPs for TOT and then Justin, Mike and I rode RnRC. I got to sit in the very first row! It was pretty awesome!

Then Tom and I rode TOT but didnt' even need out FPs.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80793b8221400000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

After that, we met back up with the group and Emma was having a blast OUT of her stroller, playing with the straps. Hey, she just learned to walk a few months ago...she did NOT want to be strapped it!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8066df3026c00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

She was pretty mad when it was time to go and she had to be tied down.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806650a83a100000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

BUT she saw something she liked, pointed to it and, of course, Mama bought it for her! And she was happy again!

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At that point, all Tom wanted to do was get to the Star Tours store so we could get out of there. We caught a little of the parade on our way out...

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We were on our way back to CBR by 3:00.
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Up Next: The race to 'Ohana and MNSSHP!!!

disneybarbie

10-11-2009, 12:05 PM

Stefy

10-11-2009, 12:06 PM

Yay, am loving everything so far. Emma is sooo cute. More please :)

mamaboogie

10-11-2009, 04:40 PM

Yay! Great update!:woohoo:

Lovely to see CBR - we really enjoyed staying there last year!

Emma is sooooo cute!:love:

PopArtGal

10-11-2009, 06:02 PM

great update.

Any chance you'll be in WDW this coming July?

swankybeth

10-11-2009, 06:10 PM

I would be stressed/anxious too w/a group like that. DH and I are the same way, we just want to drop our stuff and go right to the parks! On our trip next month my parents and aunt are coming to Epcot with us just for the day. I already know it's not going to be the same pace we're used to but it will still be fun! :thumbsup2

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-11-2009, 06:53 PM

Yay more TR! :goodvibes lovely photos of the Studios.. I could take a million photos of ToT.. it always looks so spooky! :rotfl:

I know what you mean about going with other people and not doing wdw your own way... I had to wear my big sunglasses ALOT in July with DBF's family.. so they wouldn't see me rolling my eyes at their indecisiveness/complaining, etc!! :rolleyes: lol

Looking forward to 'Ohana & MNSSHP.... :wizard:

Emma princess: x

I also love TOT! I have a million pics of it! I am such an eye-roller, too!

Yay, am loving everything so far. Emma is sooo cute. More please :)

Thanks!

Yay! Great update!:woohoo:

Lovely to see CBR - we really enjoyed staying there last year!

Emma is sooooo cute!:love:

I will pos tmore pics of our room later. We had a Nemo-themed room and it wasn't until the last night that I took pics!

great update.

Any chance you'll be in WDW this coming July?

Actually....it is possible! Our APs run out on the 19th so we need to make a final trip sometime between the end of school, June 24th and July 19th. We're either going to go the very last week in June, the week AFTER the 4th or MAYBE even brave the 4th and go that week! When are you going??

I would be stressed/anxious too w/a group like that. DH and I are the same way, we just want to drop our stuff and go right to the parks! On our trip next month my parents and aunt are coming to Epcot with us just for the day. I already know it's not going to be the same pace we're used to but it will still be fun! :thumbsup2

One day will be fine. And I think if they are willing to leave the day up to you, it will be easier. We have a friend who is just like me and he always goes with his 2 kids, wife, her sister, brother, mother and father. After this trip, I had to ask him how he does it! He said it's because they all know that he is in charge, basically and they do whatever he's planned. They would never go without him. My sister, on the other, goes often so she was not going to have US make the plans!

Hey, I didn't see you at the party on Friday night! You were there right?? How was your quickie trip?

PopArtGal

10-11-2009, 07:08 PM

We are probably going the first week of July.

I finish work on June 30.

We should do something together, like a meal or something!

Tinkerbellie16

10-11-2009, 07:11 PM

Emma is adorable! It must have been worth it to see the smiles on her face. You and your sister look a lot alike! Can't wait to read more popcorn::

PopArtGal

10-11-2009, 07:33 PM

Would you recommend Carribean? Have you ever been to Port Orleans Riverside?

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-11-2009, 08:07 PM

Emma is adorable! It must have been worth it to see the smiles on her face. You and your sister look a lot alike! Can't wait to read more popcorn::

Yes, we do look very similar! We get that a lot!

Would you recommend Carribean? Have you ever been to Port Orleans Riverside?

Are you going for SURE the first week of July? Will you be there over the 4th? I'm scared! I can't seem to find any past threads about that time.

I loved CBR the first time we stayed there but not as much this time. The reason is...ME drops you off and picks you up at the Custom House. This place is NOT on the regular bus route, in other words, you can't get a back to the MK from here. From the Custom House, you have to get an internal bus to your building section.

The first time we stayed there it really wasn't a big deal because we did a split stay so we had bell services come and take our bags over to the WL for the second half of the trip and I didn't have to go back to the Custom House at all. This time it was a pain because we had breakfast at the MK at 8:05 the morning we checked out so that meant we had to have bell services come to get our bags at 7:00am and we had to go with him to the Custom House to do airline check-in and have them hold our carry-ons.

Not THAT big of a deal, but was a little bit of a pain.

I have stayed at POR MANY times, even back when it was Dixie Landings. Stayed there with Tom once. I think we might actually try POR again for this upcoming trip! I will DEFINITELY request a building location this time though. We had a bad one last time.

podsnel

10-12-2009, 08:51 AM

Oh that is funny! Where did you guys stay?? I can't believe you're going back Jersey Week! How were the flight rates? I'm going to have to find your TRs!

We went to Disney's Vero Beach for the weekend where my BFF Lonnie & her DH Mike spent the weekend with us. Then we stayed at OKW for 4 nights. It was a really good trip- we golfed and did F&W and got massages and ate at V&A's- very grown-up!

For NJ week we are actually going on Weds and coming back the next Tuesday because of the flight $$$$. For 5 of us we are saving $1000 doing this- but of course we miss out on Tuesday being off which I guess I forgot about when I booked. :headache: Originally we were going to spend a full week in Kidani, and I REALLY wish that's what we were still doing, but the airfare was sooooooooo stupid, we switched to 2 nights Kidani, 2 nights HRH (for roller coasters for the boys and a visit to Pods' aunt on the west coast one afternoon) and 2 nights at BLT. Just not going to unpack, I guess, and I'll probably put seperate stays (Disney vs. US) in seperate luggage. But knowing I was going back in a month made getting on the plane this trip a whole lot easier!!:thumbsup2

OK- going back to catch-up!!

PopArtGal

10-12-2009, 09:27 AM

POR is my FAVE! We stayed there 4 times!

We chose it again :)

We have been to WDW in July during July 4 a lot of the time. Not a biggie when you are a Disney pro. And we don't go in a park on the 4th :)

Soldier's*Sweeties

10-12-2009, 10:13 AM

Hi! I'm new here! LOL...I just love reading Trs and can't get enough of them!

We're not going untill like 2011...apparently the Amry didn't like my 2010 plans:sad2:, but anyway!

Emma is so cute and your family isn't too shabby either! I can't wait for the update!

PopArtGal

10-12-2009, 11:09 AM

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-12-2009, 07:16 PM

We went to Disney's Vero Beach for the weekend where my BFF Lonnie & her DH Mike spent the weekend with us. Then we stayed at OKW for 4 nights. It was a really good trip- we golfed and did F&W and got massages and ate at V&A's- very grown-up!

For NJ week we are actually going on Weds and coming back the next Tuesday because of the flight $$$$. For 5 of us we are saving $1000 doing this- but of course we miss out on Tuesday being off which I guess I forgot about when I booked. :headache: Originally we were going to spend a full week in Kidani, and I REALLY wish that's what we were still doing, but the airfare was sooooooooo stupid, we switched to 2 nights Kidani, 2 nights HRH (for roller coasters for the boys and a visit to Pods' aunt on the west coast one afternoon) and 2 nights at BLT. Just not going to unpack, I guess, and I'll probably put seperate stays (Disney vs. US) in seperate luggage. But knowing I was going back in a month made getting on the plane this trip a whole lot easier!!:thumbsup2

OK- going back to catch-up!!

Sounds like you had a lovely trip! :thumbsup2 Sounds like a fun week planned for NJ week. A friend of mine from work (jasliv on this thread ;)) is also going at that time to visit JUST Universal and Sea World. I can't understand being THAT close to WDW and not going and she sort of feels the same way but her reasoning is that once your on a "disney trip" you don't want to go anywhere else! So the only way to do those other parks is to plan a trip JUST for them! :thumbsup2

Hi! I'm new here! LOL...I just love reading Trs and can't get enough of them!

We're not going untill like 2011...apparently the Amry didn't like my 2010 plans:sad2:, but anyway!

Emma is so cute and your family isn't too shabby either! I can't wait for the update!

Thanks for joining!!! So glad you're enjoying the TR. :thumbsup2

oh and btw, we always request Magnolia bend. And my mom wants a Water view this time. We did it once, but our view was blocked by stairs and bushes. So we'll request a 2nd floor or higher. Of course we'd love a corner room, but what are the chances lol

That's funny. I've stayed there probably more than any other resort....with WL in a close second! We stayed in Magnolia Bend a couple of times but I prefer Alligator Bayou. We're definitely going to request a building if we decide to stay there this time.

BippityBoo

10-12-2009, 08:45 PM

oh and btw, we always request Magnolia bend. And my mom wants a Water view this time. We did it once, but our view was blocked by stairs and bushes. So we'll request a 2nd floor or higher. Of course we'd love a corner room, but what are the chances lol

Nikki---excuse me being rude and hijacking your TR--but I have a question for PopArtGal...thanks, your the best! :worship: Great update by the way! Cant wait for Ohana!

PopArtGal--We are going to POR in january and I chose Magnolia Bend/Magnolia Terrace. Is that a good building? The one think we are most concerned with is being closest to the food court, etc. b/c we have a young child. We def. want to stay in the mansions area. Thanks!! I have had a hard time finding people who stayed in the mansions area. Most stay at FQ or Alligator Bayou.

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-12-2009, 09:11 PM

Nikki---excuse me being rude and hijacking your TR--but I have a question for PopArtGal...thanks, your the best! :worship: Great update by the way! Cant wait for Ohana!

PopArtGal--We are going to POR in january and I chose Magnolia Bend/Magnolia Terrace. Is that a good building? The one think we are most concerned with is being closest to the food court, etc. b/c we have a young child. We def. want to stay in the mansions area. Thanks!! I have had a hard time finding people who stayed in the mansions area. Most stay at FQ or Alligator Bayou.

Haha! No problem!! But maybe I can help, as I have stayed in both sections of POR as well.

First of all, have you seen a map of the resort? There are 4 large "mansions" in the magnolia bend section. That section is across the river and there are some buildings in Alligator Bayou that are closet to the food court. Take a look at the map and that should help you decide what building to request. That's what I did with this trip to CBR and I got just the building I wanted. :thumbsup2

POR MAP (http://allears.net/acc/portorleansmap.jpg)

Christy...what say you? ;)

PopArtGal

10-13-2009, 06:20 AM

Nikki---excuse me being rude and hijacking your TR--but I have a question for PopArtGal...thanks, your the best! :worship: Great update by the way! Cant wait for Ohana!

PopArtGal--We are going to POR in january and I chose Magnolia Bend/Magnolia Terrace. Is that a good building? The one think we are most concerned with is being closest to the food court, etc. b/c we have a young child. We def. want to stay in the mansions area. Thanks!! I have had a hard time finding people who stayed in the mansions area. Most stay at FQ or Alligator Bayou.

I have stayed in Magnolia Terrace and Acadian House. We preferred Magnolia Terrace. It is really close to the bridge that brings you to the pool, then to the food court. In any case, I loved the stroll in the morning to go get myself some breakfast :)

Born 2B a Princess

10-13-2009, 11:09 AM

Great updates, Nikki! Your niece is so adorable! I am learning that I prefer to do our trips without other family along, just because that way I'm not stressed about making sure they're having a good time. Thanks for the suggestions on the plans for my parents, by the way -- they were at Epcot at RD, picked up FPs for Soarin', rode it standby immediately with a 15 minute wait, and then headed to AK to do the stuff over there, then back to Epcot. (This was just this past Saturday) I warned them about the potential for crowds but they said Epcot really wasn't that bad at all and that it was more crowded in July than it was this past Saturday. They said the crowds really picked up around 7 pm in WS, though. But they had a great time.

My girls and I absolutely LOVED MNSSHP and are planning to go back next year. Loved it! The parade was fabulous -- we liked it better than SpectroMagic. The decorations were amazing and we loved being able to ride everything without having to wait in line. It was great!

Looking forward to your next installment!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-13-2009, 07:26 PM

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-13-2009, 08:04 PM

Day 1 ~ October 2, 2009
'Ohana, MNSSHP

So we got back to CBR by around 3:15 and had just about an hour to shower and get ready.

I showered first and noticed that the shower was NOT draining. All the water was just collecting in the tub and it was kind of gross. I felt especially bad for Tom who showered after me, standing in my dirty shower water!

So as I blowdryed my hair, Tom called the front desk. They said they would put in a work order and we didn't need to be there for them to fix it. Honestly, I didn't expect it to get fixed...I was fully prepared to be pissed off the next time I showered...

Our 'Ohana ADR was for 5:10. We got to the bus stop exactly the time I planned - 4:15, I told myself 4:30, the latest! So I was happy that we were there with plenty of time to spare.

The plan was to get a bus to the MK and take the monorail from there to the Poly.

Well, we waited.....we waited....we waited...we decided to take some pics...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806f23dc34500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806761e421400000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

By the time the clock hit 4:30, and still no MK bus, I was starting to worry. So we decided to just hop on the next bus that came and take a bus to the Poly from there. So when the DHS bus pulled up, we got on. On the way, I asked the bus driver what number stop the Poly was and luckily it was just a few stops away from where we were dropped off.

Right next to the Poly stop, was a TT stop with a bus pulling up....so we quick changed our plans again and hopped on THAT bus, deciding to walk from TTC to Poly.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80725c9223e00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

By the time the bus pulled into the TTC, it was 5:00 and I was worried! So instead of walking to the Poly, we sort of jogged. Now, we stayed at the Poly this summer and did the walk from the TTC many times.....NEVER did I remember that walk being that long!

There was a long line at the check-in desk, just like there was in July, but we got up to the desk at exactly 5:10 and after a few minutes wait, we were seated.

We were so hungry and very excited to get started on this delicious bread!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807ab7422c400000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Tom got a drinky drink but I just went for the diet coke. It was going to be a long night at the MK and I didn't want to get sleepy.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806f14b029a00000060O10QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

The food was sooo delicious, just as we remembered!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80702a5e3e900000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

This little guy did not get all his "hair" plucked!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807a6b6629800000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

I had to take a sneaky picture of our waiter because he so resembled my friend's husband!! (jasliv, on this thread!)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8060ca8c3af00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

He was very nice and when it was time for dessert, we ordered two coffees and told him to HOLD the sauce that goes on top of the bread pudding. We could have eaten more meats, although we were very full, we left some room in the corners for the fantastic bread pudding!! We were so excited for it.

When our waiter came to our table and put that plate/bowl down on our table, we both stared with our mouths slightly opened......before we could stop him, our waiter lifted the cup with the sauce and.....poured it all over the pudding, in my mind, RUINING IT!! Neither of us could say anything, it was like watching a car accident! I think I finally muttered "eeeehhhh" to which our waiter realized, "You didn't want me to do that..." Really, it was no big deal, he brought us a new one within minutes and it was marvelous!!

While we were eating dinner, my sister was getting Emma ready for the party! I had bought her this dress from Babies R Us a few months ago because it was SO Minnie Mouse. So this was her "costume" for the party.

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63245%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A%3E WSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B648334%3Bnu0mrj

Now back to us...we monorailed it from the Poly to the MK and walked in around 6:45, stopping to take some pictures, of course!! I was sooo excited to see it all decorated for Halloween.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806a15c839500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806257b02c000000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

I LOVE hearing that familiar Main Street music! It instantly puts me in the MK mood! We walked up to the train station to take some pics of Main Street. We saw a family up there so I offered to take their picture and then they offered to take ours.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807386ae33b00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8068c8cc3cb00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80701c5222000000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Just as we were walking down the steps of the train station, the clocks chimed 7:00....and instantly the music changed from "Main street USA" music to Halloween party music! It was amazing and I LOVED it!!

More pics down Main Street.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8071020e36500000050O20QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D2/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8071422e36500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807d5ad222200000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806e6a3c3d100000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807211ca3d900000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

We were waiting to the rest of the clan to meet up with us, so we decided to get in a ride on the TTA!!! It is one of our favorite rides and it was closed on our honeymoon. So we really couldn't wait!! Well....we could wait for me to use the bathroom, first, during which time Tom got a little creative with his photography.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806dab1c3dd00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So from there, we went to the TTA. Uhhhhhh :confused3 who is this voice? Why are they talking to me like I'm a child? Where is the "Now approaching..." fairly scary voice of the TTA we all know and love???? Ugh, NOOOOO, they totally Judi Denched this narration! It was a total bummer. As was the part where I think I got asbestos poisining while riding through Space Mountain.

Oh well....what could you do? I don't understand it but it is what it is. I found out later that, even though the TTA reopened weeks earlier, this was the FIRST day they played that new narration. Drats.

Some pics from the ride.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80705a9224e00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807ca5be37300000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8071a7c620c00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Okay, I have SOOOO many pics from the party so I'm going to have to stop here and do more later because I KNOW I'm going to be over my picture limit!!

PopArtGal

10-13-2009, 08:53 PM

Great update.

Emma's outfit is so cute. I just want to hold her and kiss her cheeks again and again lol

anetnmike

10-14-2009, 08:06 AM

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-14-2009, 10:02 AM

Judi Dench on TTA? OOOOO that IS weirdness:eek:
was there any Tom Morrow? too many changes at once just messes with my mind:sad2:
The picture of Emma in the Minnie outfit was beyod cute!!!! If I had a little girl we'd be in the poor house on outfits alone! She is so adorable!

Well, it's not REALLY Judi Dench. When I say they "Judi Denched" it, I mean they did to TTA what they recently did to Spaceship Earth....which is now narrated by Judi Dench. And no, no more "paging Mr. Morrow." :(

Tinkerbellie16

10-14-2009, 10:18 AM

Born 2B a Princess

10-14-2009, 10:23 AM

We rode TTA on Friday and I was so disappointed with it...and I think we probably got asbestos exposure, too! LOL It was such a let down. I remember riding People Mover at Disneyland and how much I loved that so I had high hopes. Oh well..... I was SO disappointed with the narration. I was looking forward to hearing Mr. Morrow be paged!! LOL

We love 'Ohana...and we love the sauce that they put on the bread pudding! LOL I'm glad they brought you a new one. I've made it at home a couple of times and it turns out pretty well, although never as good as it is at 'Ohana.

Emma is just too darn cute!

disneybarbie

10-14-2009, 03:13 PM

great update... looking forward to the MNSSHP photos soon!

Mr Morrow is still paged in the queue for Star Tours ;) .... it makes DBF jump every time (used to on TTA too!) as his surname sounds a lot like Morrow :rotfl:

Emma princess: x x

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-14-2009, 10:05 PM

No more paging Tom Morrow??? Oh no. That is probably the worst part of it. BUT the picture of the castle cheered me up! I'm a runner and they say there is a runner's high. Well, I kind of get that way when I run but I get a total Disney high when I see that castle! All these good feelings just wash over me and I smile automatically!

Emma is adorable in her 'costume'. That is too cool that she got it at babies 'r' us without a 'costume' price tag & the ears make it PERFECT! Can't wait to read more!

I hear ya about the "disney high!" Yeah, the elimination of the old narration is a real bummer.

We rode TTA on Friday and I was so disappointed with it...and I think we probably got asbestos exposure, too! LOL It was such a let down. I remember riding People Mover at Disneyland and how much I loved that so I had high hopes. Oh well..... I was SO disappointed with the narration. I was looking forward to hearing Mr. Morrow be paged!! LOL

We love 'Ohana...and we love the sauce that they put on the bread pudding! LOL I'm glad they brought you a new one. I've made it at home a couple of times and it turns out pretty well, although never as good as it is at 'Ohana.

Emma is just too darn cute!

Oooh, you'll have to give me the recipe for that! I'd love to try to recreate it.

Isn't she just the cutest!?!

great update... looking forward to the MNSSHP photos soon!

Mr Morrow is still paged in the queue for Star Tours ;) .... it makes DBF jump every time (used to on TTA too!) as his surname sounds a lot like Morrow :rotfl:

Emma princess: x x

That's funny!

Although with the refurb of Star Tours coming soon, who know if that Mr. Morrow will last there either!

anetnmike

10-14-2009, 10:36 PM

BippityBoo

10-15-2009, 12:01 AM

Love the update~! O'hana is so solid, isn't it?

Also, Emma's outfit for MNSSHP was SOOOOO cute!! Wish they made one in my size. I especially loved her girly socks and sparkle shoes. princess:

Can't wait to see more pics from MNSSHP!! Oh, and thanks alot for advice on POR. The map is a little confusing for me. I just researched my butt off and found out that Magnolia Trace was the most convenient, so we went that route.

Stefy

10-15-2009, 02:47 AM

Great update and that outfit is just too cute on her :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-15-2009, 07:03 AM

RIP Mr Morrow:sad2:
Oh well, I guess things can't always stay the same. I still loved Walter Cronkite's voice in Space Ship Earth the best. He had a great voice. Sorry, don't want to stray off topic.
OK, back to pretty little girls in cute Minnie dresses!:cloud9:

I am a Jeremy Irons fan, myself. I like sort of being scared into listening to the history of communication. With Judi Dench, I feel like I'm in school.

Oh, there will be plenty more pictures of pretty little girls...one in particular!

Love the update~! O'hana is so solid, isn't it?

Also, Emma's outfit for MNSSHP was SOOOOO cute!! Wish they made one in my size. I especially loved her girly socks and sparkle shoes. princess:

Can't wait to see more pics from MNSSHP!! Oh, and thanks alot for advice on POR. The map is a little confusing for me. I just researched my butt off and found out that Magnolia Trace was the most convenient, so we went that route.

'Ohana is where it's at! Yes, Emma was just adorable that night, as always, IMO!

Good, glad you figured out what works best for you. Just a word of warning though, I'm pretty sure you can't guarantee which section of Port Orleans Riverside you are in. You can request to be put in Magnolia Bend, in the Magnolia Terrace building, but it's only a request. The only thing you can decide for sure is that you want to be in Port Orleans Riverside over Port Orleans French Quarter, as they are two seperate resorts.

Great update and that outfit is just too cute on her :)

She's a princess!! princess: I feel like I can keep complimenting her myself because I'm not her mother so it's not bragging!!

Stefy

10-15-2009, 09:02 AM

Lol, I am the same with my niece. Love her to bits :)

RobinHoodGirl

10-15-2009, 01:09 PM

Emma looks very cute in that outfit! Can't wait to see the the party pics!

disneyfav4ever

10-15-2009, 01:30 PM

So from there, we went to the TTA. Uhhhhhh :confused3 who is this voice? Why are they talking to me like I'm a child? Where is the "Now approaching..." fairly scary voice of the TTA we all know and love???? Ugh, NOOOOO, they totally Judi Denched this narration! It was a total bummer. As was the part where I think I got asbestos poisining while riding through Spaceship Earth. I was so confused when I read this, since I thought for sure I heard the old narration when I rode, which, if I'm thinking straight, was only two days before. But then I read that you rode the first day the narration switched.

I'm going to have to ride it again next time to hear the new voice, but my guess is I won't like it as much.

Born 2B a Princess

10-15-2009, 03:20 PM

PopArtGal

10-15-2009, 03:51 PM

Thank you so much sweetie!!

I just received the postcard! It made my day!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-15-2009, 03:54 PM

Nikki --

You can find the bread pudding recipe at AllEars.net -- go to dining, and scroll down -- "WDW Recipes" will be on the left. There are TONS of recipes listed. I've printed out a bunch of them -- I have two of the Disney cookbooks but there are a lot of recipes on AllEars.net that aren't in my cookbooks.

Link: http://allears.net/din/rec_obp.htm

Good to know! Thanks! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much sweetie!!

I just received the postcard! It made my day!

OH I'm so glad you finally got it!! I was wondering how long it would take to get there!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-15-2009, 07:27 PM

Day 1 (still!) ~ October 2, 2009
MNSSHP!

So after our disappointing ride on the new TTA, I got in touch with my sister and she said to meet her in Adventureland! On the way, we stopped to take some pics in the "hub." I loved the Halloween statues that look permanent but are obviously not there all year!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806b7dc022e00000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80724bb62d400000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807730ba3e700000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807730ba3e700000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So we rushed over to Adventureland to meet up with Jamie, Justin, Emma, Mike and Christy. On our way, we passed by a character stop. We were quickly rushing by as the CMs were announcing who was in there...".blah, blah, blah, Jane." We both stopped dead in our tracks! JANE?? You NEVER see Jane! We asked how long the wait was, realized we didn't even care, and went in. There was only one other family in line in front of us and the CM was going on about how Jane will only be there 5 more minutes. So I snapped a pic of them real quick before the family in front of us went up to her JUST IN CASE!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8064c94c3b300000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

We were in time to get a picture but it didn't really come out that well. Oh well, at least we got the other one.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8079b7ba3e300000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

When we finally met up with the crew, Christy and Jamie were just getting on the Flying Carpets.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806b267c33f00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807bf75a3ff00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Emma was sleeping at this point and we walked over to Pirates. The decor was all spooky and awesome! Since Emma was sleeping, we couldn't all ride together, so Mike and Christy went first while the rest of us posed for a photopass picture and then just hung around outside the ride.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8065c85429a00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Remember when this used to be an actual fountain?
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I get really excited when we get picked to carry the line length checker card!
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After the ride, we walked around the path to Frontierland and the parade was just starting!! Jamie was upset because Emma was asleep and she was really excited for her to see the parade. When we plays the parade music at home, Emma gets sooooo excited! It was a little disappointed but there will be another parade!

So I walked right up to the rope all the way to the left, right at the spot where the floats JUST come out! Here are some pics I got from THAT viewing of the parade.

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After the parade, we walked to Frontierland and found BTMRR to be closed due to technical problems. I really wanted to ride Splas, as it is my FAVORITE ride in all of WDW but no one else seemed really into it. My BIL finally agreed to go with me. Thankfully we did NOT get soaked, just a little wet on the bottom!

After that, we walked back toward the castle and there was some more indecisiveness so Tom took some time to take some castle pics.

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I bought Emma a light up necklace, and we settled in by The Crystal Palace for the fireworks.

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Emma didn't quite know what to make of the fireworks. She was interested...but then she would get a little freaked. It was loud!

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After the fireworks, the rest of the gang wanted to get some dinner (since they didn't have the delicious meal at 'Ohana like we did!) so they went to Pecos Bills and we went to watch the Villians Mix and Mingle.

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NikkiLovesWDW!

10-15-2009, 07:34 PM

We "mingled" with them just a little. I got my pic with this guy from Hunchback and Tom got a little molested by the Queen of Hearts.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806b035425c00000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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After the show, the second parade was about to start. I called Jamie and she had found a spot near Pecos Bill and since we were all the way near Sleepy Hollow, we decided to just watch from seperate areas.

Here are some MORE pictures from THIS viewing of the parade.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807f3d5a37900000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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Somehow, we ended up near the HM to take a pic of that...
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By then, we were completely exhausted and decided NOT to meet up with the rest of the clan. We slowly wandered out.

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OF COURSE, CBR's bus was the furtherst one and we watched it pull away as we walked up to it! Bummer. We were there for probably about 20 minutes and then just as another bus pulled up, the rest of our clan came to the line too! They were like, "We thought you left a long time ago?!" It worked out good, though, because our carryon bags and stuff were still in their room so we stopped there on our way to our room and a good night's sleep!!

Up Next: Food and Wine!!!!!!!!

disneyfav4ever

10-15-2009, 08:01 PM

Can't wait to hear about what you thought about F&W.

Stefy

10-16-2009, 03:01 AM

Awesome update, looks like you had lots of fun at MNSSHP and score for getting pics with Jane and Terk(?). Your parade pics are getting me excited for when we go next year, that headless horseman pic is a really good shot/angle :)

What did Emma think of the second parade?

PopArtGal

10-16-2009, 06:14 AM

The parade looks so cool with all the Haunted Mansion stuff.

So cool that you got to mingle with the villains.

They're my fave :)

anetnmike

10-16-2009, 06:57 AM

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-16-2009, 06:59 AM

Can't wait to hear about what you thought about F&W.

:woohoo:

Awesome update, looks like you had lots of fun at MNSSHP and score for getting pics with Jane and Terk(?). Your parade pics are getting me excited for when we go next year, that headless horseman pic is a really good shot/angle :)

What did Emma think of the second parade?

I had to put my camera on the "sports/continuous" setting for the horseman shot. I just held down the button and it snapped somethinng like 4 pics a second! I had to weed through them all to find the one I liked best!

I wasn't with Emma but Jamie said she liked it. :thumbsup2

The parade looks so cool with all the Haunted Mansion stuff.

So cool that you got to mingle with the villains.

They're my fave :)

Yeah, all that stuff was soooo cool. I LOVED the haunted mansion ballroom dancers, the man and his dog were in the parade! The hitchhiking ghosts and i think the grave diggers were my favorite. They spun their shovels on the ground and they sparked. It was awesome!

Stefy

10-16-2009, 08:45 AM

Oh thats good, at least she didn't miss the second parade :)

Born 2B a Princess

10-16-2009, 09:50 AM

We loved the parade, too. Great shots of the headless horseman! I need to see how ours turned out (Alyssa took them and I haven't looked at them on the computer yet). LOL about Tom being "molested" by the Queen of Hearts!!

Cheryl726

10-16-2009, 09:57 PM

Enjoying your TR--also really enjoyed your honeymoon TR-beautiful wedding. I can't believe how much you got done in WDW in the heat of July! It's too bad you didn't have such a good experience on the cruise, our family enjoys it, though we haven't done a 7-day one yet.

Your niece's costume is adorable!

I also wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your cat, hope you're doing better now. I know it's not easy, just remember the good times!

Cheryl

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-17-2009, 08:44 AM

just a word on the Port Orleans Riverside - you are totally right- you can only request. they will not guarentee anything for you. Magnolia is the best building IMO. Riverside is my fav place to stay (traslate my fav place in my budget to stay) if you do stay there, treat yourself to a boat ride over to DTD. it is really lovely!

In all the times I've stayed there, I've NEVER done the boat ride to DTD! It's a definite next time!

Oh thats good, at least she didn't miss the second parade :)

:thumbsup2

We loved the parade, too. Great shots of the headless horseman! I need to see how ours turned out (Alyssa took them and I haven't looked at them on the computer yet). LOL about Tom being "molested" by the Queen of Hearts!!

Seriously, he just walked up to her to stand next to her but she grabbed him and started dancing and humping him! It was so funny!

Enjoying your TR--also really enjoyed your honeymoon TR-beautiful wedding. I can't believe how much you got done in WDW in the heat of July! It's too bad you didn't have such a good experience on the cruise, our family enjoys it, though we haven't done a 7-day one yet.

Your niece's costume is adorable!

I also wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your cat, hope you're doing better now. I know it's not easy, just remember the good times!

Cheryl

Thanks so much! I'm so glad you are enjoying this and my other TR!

It's funny you should mention my cat because I feel like it's hitting me really hard now. I've been really upset about him and missing him this week. I think with all that was going on when he was sick, it was sort of a relief for it to be over when he died, then we had the trip and now that everything is "back to normal" it's very evident that he's not here with us and we're both just devastated.

BUT, we made a trip to Petsmart on Wedneday and had our eye on a fat, lazy 2 year old cat named Gordon. When I looked him up on petfinder, he was listed with his friend Newman. Tom called the shelter and they are just thrilled that we are interested in adopting these cats!

So we're going to meet the woman from the shelter there on Sunday and both Gordy and Newman will be there for us to meet them and see if they are the cats for us!

I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Like, am I really ready to go through all of this again? I couldn't take it if they got sick and I KNOW eventually they are going to die. But I also know we would give these cats a great home and a wonderful life, just like we did with Jack and Kitty (she died 2 years ago - cancer). It's a lot to think about.

Cheryl726

10-17-2009, 09:21 AM

momof2TNboys

10-17-2009, 02:53 PM

I love your TR so far. I just finished your honeymoon report and thought it was great also. I am going with my family to WDW in November for the first time. I am excited to go, but I really wanted to go to MNSSHP. Maybe next year! I love your review of Ohana and it made me want to go there. Luckily, I finally got a reservation last week!! Can't wait to hear more about your trip.pirate:

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-17-2009, 03:46 PM

Best of luck with meeting the cats tomorrow. I feel the exact same way as you--my dog turned 15 last month and overall is pretty healthy, although the past few weeks he hasn't been eating and has lost weight. So I am trying to "prepare" myself and think how I could love another one as much as him. But I think that another animal would be lucky to have a good life so it'd be worth it. Sorry, not trying to take away from your TR. Looking forward to more!

Thanks!! :hug:

I love your TR so far. I just finished your honeymoon report and thought it was great also. I am going with my family to WDW in November for the first time. I am excited to go, but I really wanted to go to MNSSHP. Maybe next year! I love your review of Ohana and it made me want to go there. Luckily, I finally got a reservation last week!! Can't wait to hear more about your trip.pirate:

Oh great! I'm so glad you are reading my TRs! First timer, huh?? This forum is helpful and if you have any questions about anything, don't be afraid to ask! Even if you think it's stupid!

Congrats on the 'Ohana ADR! It really is a fantastic dining experience!

Don't worry about missing MNSSHP...there will be TONS of things you won't get to do on your first trip...I think that's what keeps most of us going back so often!

anetnmike

10-18-2009, 07:46 AM

good luck at meeting the new cats:hug:
follow what your heart tells you - obviously you and Tom have lots of love to give and they would be so lucky to have you!Let us know how it turns out.

swankybeth

10-18-2009, 09:08 AM

Hey, I didn't see you at the party on Friday night! You were there right?? How was your quickie trip?

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Yes, we were there and we had a great time!! And guess who is in your fireworks pic??? US!!! In the corner on the bench there drinking water is my DH and I'm sitting next to him. We were right there at the Crystal Palace watching fireworks too! I can't believe we still managed to miss each other! :headache:

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-18-2009, 10:02 AM

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80776b3e3c500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Yes, we were there and we had a great time!! And guess who is in your fireworks pic??? US!!! In the corner on the bench there drinking water is my DH and I'm sitting next to him. We were right there at the Crystal Palace watching fireworks too! I can't believe we still managed to miss each other! :headache:

That is hilarious!!!!

BippityBoo

10-18-2009, 10:38 AM

Awww poor Emma. Even my 5 year old had trouble with Wishes. Even though there is beautiful music, it can get pretty loud! I am curious to see how my 2 year old handles it this year. He slept through last year :rotfl:

We usually stand by the Ice Cream shop on the corner, kind of far away, but still visible. Where were you standing?

Stefy

10-18-2009, 02:37 PM

Good luck with meeting the cats, they are really lucky to be going home with you guys :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-18-2009, 03:04 PM

We just got back from lunch, after spending about an hour and a half in a little room with Gordy and Newman. It was such a big decision and after taking some time to think about it, we decided to not take them home with us.

I wanted to fall in love with them both even thought I KNOW that it takes months, even years, to become as close to cats as we eventually became to Jack and Kitty. We really loved Newman, he was very easy to love but we had some concerns about Gordy...nothing crazy but we just weren't feeling him. He was very active, trying to jump on everything and I don't think we're ready for that right now.

But what really made us not take them was the fact that it's just way too soon. Every time I made the decision in my mind that we should take them, I started crying about Jack. I miss him so much, it is so painful. I look at these two cats and they are strangers. I don't want strangers sleeping in Jack's chair and playing with his toys. I know that some people think getting a new pet is good for someone who just lost a pet, a distraction. But to me, I feel like they would be a constant reminder that Jack is not here.

I think we just need more time. :sad1:

PrincessCaitlin

10-18-2009, 04:12 PM

Hi I am a lurker and I am loving your trip report

I just wanted to say I am sorry about Jack and I know how close a pet can get to your heart. My dog recently passed away and it's been really tough.

It is nice remembering the good times though and I understand about not wanting another pet yet when the time is right you will be able to :hug:

anetnmike

10-18-2009, 05:17 PM

:hug:

PopArtGal

10-18-2009, 05:27 PM

I so understand. It took me a year before I was ready for a cat.

disneyfav4ever

10-18-2009, 11:19 PM

I understand. My dog died over the summer, and I've just started to really accept that he's gone. I do plan to steal my aunt's dogs at Christmas though. They're little, they'll fit right into my suitcase. :laughing:

BippityBoo

10-19-2009, 12:52 AM

Give yourself a little more time. Your heart will tell you when it is time :lovestruc

Stefy

10-19-2009, 02:52 AM

knewton64

10-19-2009, 03:51 AM

esp from MNSSHP:thumbsup2.

Never been to it & lookin forward to it:goodvibes.

Born 2B a Princess

10-19-2009, 09:30 AM

Sorry things didn't work out with the potential new cats...your sweet Jack and Kitty were obviously well-loved and a very important part of your life and your family. You'll know when you're ready to go down that road again.

HUGS

Tinkerbellie16

10-20-2009, 12:54 PM

I absolutely LOVE the pictures of the parade!!! It is like the dancing ghosts in the Haunted Mansion ballroom came out on the sidewalk. Thank you so much for posting those!!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-20-2009, 06:01 PM

Thanks, everyone, for the words of comfort and encouragement. It is unbelievable how much we miss Jack, not that I thought we wouldn't but you never really know what it's going to be like when they're suddenly gone. But like Tom said the other night, we NEVER took him for granted! We knew how much we loved and appreciated him when he was here. There were times when I would just grab his face and kiss him and kiss him and kiss him over and over again just because I loved him so much! We are so lucky to have had the time we did with him....

Okay, cat drama over for now....the TR must go on!

PopArtGal

10-20-2009, 06:44 PM

Don't worry about it.

You can talk about "cat drama" all you want.

We're here for you :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-20-2009, 06:45 PM

Day 2 ~ October 3, 2009

Today was the day to go to Epcot! The day before, my sister informed me that there were EMH in the morning so I asked her if that meant she wanted to be there at 8. She made it sounds like that was the plan.....

My cousin and her son were meeting us that day and she had made arrangements with Jamie (my sister) to meet her at our resort at 8 or 9. (She was staying at one of the All Stars).

I woke up early, as I always do, but since I hadn't heard from Jamie, I decided to let Tom sleep in.

Oh, and I also want to point out that when I took a shower this morning the clog had been fixed!! I was very pleasantly surprised!

I took some pics of the room at some point, in case anyone is interested in seeing the Nemo theme...

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Tom eventually got up and showered too and we met up with the crew having breakfast outside of Old Port Royal.

Again, there was a lot of waiting around but it gave me some time to hang with Emma.

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I think we were on our way around 9:30/10. Look who I got to sit with on the bus!!!

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63246%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A%3E WSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B6%3A%3B734%3Bnu0mrj

So from the bus, she was starting to get a little tired and because I just love her so much, I wanted to hold her as we walked in...well she got sleepier and sleepier....

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And eventually, she was out! You can tell my her limp limbs! I am so glad for this picture, though, because walking up to and into Epcot is one of my favorite things to do! And even with all the picture opportunities, I never thought to take one of this wonderful moment!
http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63242%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A%3E WSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B956834%3Bnu0mrj

This was about the time my sister started getting very mad that her camera wasn't working properly! She thought it was the batteries so she changed them the night before but it still wasn't working. It was then that she realized it was that the memory card was full. Crap. Welllllll....lucky for her, I had an extra!!! For the honeymoon, I bought an 8GB mem card because I was scared the 2GB wouldn't be enough! But I thought, I'd better bring the 2GB just in case! I LOVE when being prepared pays off!

I can't even explain to you how excited I was at this point! My FIRST food and wine festival! I loved the decorations and of course, we stopped and posed for some pics!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80727f3a33500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807736e22b200000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

The plan was to go and get FPs for Soarin'. We all walked in that direction and Jamie, Nicole (my cousin) and I went in with the tickets and Tom, Justin and Nicholas (cousin's son) stayed out with Emma.

From there, we walked over to Journey Into Imagination, which I haven't ridden since our first trip together in 2006. Tom's not really a fan. And I don't love it, but I was glad for the opportunity to ride it with Jamie, Nicole and Nicholas while Tom stayed with Justin and Emma, mostly because I just got a delicious frosty drink that we couldn't bring on the ride and he wanted to drink it. ( I was going to get a pretzel with my delicious drink but Tom quickly reminded me that there was FOOD AND WINE to be had shortly!)

They brought Emma up to see the fountain.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8067867426a00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

When we got off the ride, we waited around some more.

Honestly, I don't even know what we were waiting for at his point. All I know is that World Showcase is now open and I need me some FOOD AND WINE!!

At some point, either Tom or I just had enough and said, "Okay, we're going, anyone who wants to come with us, can!" My cousin was anxious to get to WS, too, and I had talked up the Kim Possible thing as something for Nicholas to do while we eat and drink!!

Jamie and Justin decided they wanted to go over to the Seas with Emma so we parted ways!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80605a1020a00000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

We stopped at the Kim Possible station right near the walkway to the Oddysey building and got a return time to get our phone. It's almost like a Fast Pass.

Now I know this isn't part of the festival, but Tom and I were both super psyched for the new tequilla bar in Mexico so we had to check that out, first thing!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8071fe2220800000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

It was not very crowded in there at first but it did fill up by the time we left. We wanted some margaritas and guacamole, which I have recently become obsessed with, but the bartender told us we couldn't get the guac to go. I felt bad for making Nicole and Nicholas wait but what can you do? Tom ordered the drinks and I found a seat. (The place was VERY small inside, maybe 10 tables of 2 total.)

I can't remember the names of the drinks we ordered but they were some specialty 'ritas. When Tom brought them to the table, I picked what I thought was mine and he, what he thought was his, and we ate our guac.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806a1ae836700000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Tom thought his drink was a little "spicey" so he brought it to the bartender to ask him what was in it that made it spicey. Well the bartender told him that, one, that drink is not supposed to be spice, and two, that's the drink that was supposed to be mine! So the bartender was very nice and made him the drink he was supposed to have (which I was drinking) and we were both happy! Until about 1/2 hour later...............

So we left with our drinks and let the eating commence!

Tom stopped in Poland to get something that I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806cf6b839500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807c4ad62b200000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Nicole stopped to get her first glass of wine, which was filled to the brim! The rest of the stands only filled about halfway.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806d3bf834f00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806edb6835900000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8066669c35b00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8060e8e42b800000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

I wish I would have taken a picture of the snack that Nicole got from Shanghai because it was AWESOME! Some sort of chicken. It was so nice to share with 4 people so we could each have a little taste of everything!

We made it so far as China, when Jamie called and said she had arrived in Mexico! So we finsihed our chicken snack and made our way back to China to ride The Gran Fiesta Tour!

Here we are with our drinks from the tequilla bar, before turning back to Mexico. Notice how happy we look at this point drinking them...
(I actually LOVE the viewpoint in this picture.)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80636ac428600000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Up Next: Mexico, Kim Possible and the Tums emergency!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-20-2009, 06:47 PM

Don't worry about it.

You can talk about "cat drama" all you want.

We're here for you :)

Thanks Christy. :hug:

Jillpie

10-20-2009, 10:47 PM

How fun in Epcot Nikki! And we have very good friends that love that resort every June, so it was great to see some nice pictures. Oh no, Tums? Can't wait.:thumbsup2

Stefy

10-21-2009, 03:08 AM

Great start to F&WF, what was that snack/meal from Poland? Looks kinda gooey.

Loving your pics, showed DF the margarita bar and he went "oh dear". He hates tequila, whereas I love it :)

Tinkerbellie16

10-21-2009, 05:20 PM

You've totally left me hanging!!! And I so want to know if it was something from that new tequila bar. I want to check it out. I love WDW but coming from the high altitude (mile high here in the Denver area), liquor doesn't do much for us at sea level. :headache: So I prefer the tequila drinks or something equally as devlish :) (One drink at our altitude equals 2 to 2 1/2 at sea level. So we have to drink more than twice as much at sea level to enjoy the 'boozy' effect. But we try our hardest to oblige :rotfl: especially since it is one of the few times that DH and I can BOTH drink since we aren't driving anywhere!)

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-21-2009, 06:25 PM

How fun in Epcot Nikki! And we have very good friends that love that resort every June, so it was great to see some nice pictures. Oh no, Tums? Can't wait.:thumbsup2

Yes, CBR is very nice...just a pain to check-in and out because the "custom house" is in a seperate building far from the food court/ gift shop area.

Great start to F&WF, what was that snack/meal from Poland? Looks kinda gooey.

Loving your pics, showed DF the margarita bar and he went "oh dear". He hates tequila, whereas I love it :)

It was the braised pork shank with cabbage. I didn't try it but Tom liked it. I don't love tequilla on it's own (too many shots in college) but I LOVE margaritas! There was such a huge variety and I tried a specialty one but I really like the regular lime! :thumbsup2

You've totally left me hanging!!! And I so want to know if it was something from that new tequila bar. I want to check it out. I love WDW but coming from the high altitude (mile high here in the Denver area), liquor doesn't do much for us at sea level. :headache: So I prefer the tequila drinks or something equally as devlish :) (One drink at our altitude equals 2 to 2 1/2 at sea level. So we have to drink more than twice as much at sea level to enjoy the 'boozy' effect. But we try our hardest to oblige :rotfl: especially since it is one of the few times that DH and I can BOTH drink since we aren't driving anywhere!)

It wasn't THAT big of a deal but it was something we remember...I'm getting really detailed with my TR!

That's so funny about sea-level liquor! I never knew that!

PopArtGal

10-21-2009, 08:20 PM

I love that last pic of you and Tom. You guys look so great and happy.

We should plan a meal or something for the 4 of us this coming trip hehe No obligation...just an idea.

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-21-2009, 08:43 PM

I love that last pic of you and Tom. You guys look so great and happy.

We should plan a meal or something for the 4 of us this coming trip hehe No obligation...just an idea.

Oh definitely!! Once we have our dates picked and we're sure we'll be there wehn you're there, we can plan something!! We might stay at POR, either that or WL, depending on the AP rates we can get.

Have you thought about where you want to eat yet? We decided on our honeymoon that we prefer lunches as our big meal so that we can spend the rest of the day snacking! We're thinking of Tutto Italia, Rose and Crown, Beirgarten, Tusker House, T-Rex and maybe Paradiso 37 for dinner and possibly Boatwrights or Whispering Canyon, depending on where we stay. All just thoughts at this point, we may end up with totally different ADRs but just throwing them out there. Any sound appealing to you?

swankybeth

10-21-2009, 08:51 PM

Great F & W update! We're going to miss it by about a week this year. :sad1:
Looking forward to more! :)

Stefy

10-22-2009, 03:00 AM

It was the braised pork shank with cabbage. I didn't try it but Tom liked it. I don't love tequilla on it's own (too many shots in college) but I LOVE margaritas! There was such a huge variety and I tried a specialty one but I really like the regular lime! :thumbsup2

Oh yes Margaritas most def, I can't seem to do shots anymore (must be getting old). I prefer the frozen strawberry ones, delish :)

PopArtGal

10-22-2009, 04:39 PM

My mom doesn't feel like doing a lot of ADRs. So far we have Toni's, Les Chefs de France, and Chef Mickey's (for dinner) in mind.

Anything sounds appealing?

anetnmike

10-22-2009, 04:57 PM

can't wait to hear the rest popcorn::
DH just told me that he is taking me to Epcot before our cruise in 3 weeks! (this after telling me for months that we were going to skip the parks this trip!) I totally LOVE my DH!
WooHoo! After reading your honeymoon TR and this one I will be pumped and ready to go:woohoo:

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-22-2009, 05:03 PM

Great F & W update! We're going to miss it by about a week this year. :sad1:
Looking forward to more! :)

Oh that stinks! It's definitely a must-do! We really can never go this time of year because of my job but I've been checking the Rosh Hashannah calendar for the next few years to see when I can make a long weekend again in the fall!!

Oh yes Margaritas most def, I can't seem to do shots anymore (must be getting old). I prefer the frozen strawberry ones, delish :)

I like frozen too! Especially when it's really hot out!

My mom doesn't feel like doing a lot of ADRs. So far we have Toni's, Les Chefs de France, and Chef Mickey's (for dinner) in mind.

Anything sounds appealing?

Hmm, we did France lunch last time and we enjoyed it, not sure if we want to repeat though. We did Chef Mickey's once for dinner and didn't like it so I know for SURE Tom doesn't want to repeat that. Never did Tony's, is it good?

We'll think of something...

can't wait to hear the rest popcorn::
DH just told me that he is taking me to Epcot before our cruise in 3 weeks! (this after telling me for months that we were going to skip the parks this trip!) I totally LOVE my DH!
WooHoo! After reading your honeymoon TR and this one I will be pumped and ready to go:woohoo:

Awesome!!! Your DH is the best! Is it still going to be Food and Wine??

anetnmike

10-22-2009, 05:36 PM

F&W ends the day before we fly down to Orlando:eek:
However, it is Epcot and I am a happy girl :yay:
I think my DH planned this all along:lovestruc

PopArtGal

10-22-2009, 05:49 PM

My mom and I loved Toni's last time.

Good chicken parmagiana and AMAZING tiramisu lol We shared last time. This time, we are having our own lol

I'm kind of wishing that they will be doing the Wishes dessert party.

norybell

10-27-2009, 12:26 AM

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-27-2009, 06:50 AM

Here's a pic of the chicken from China. Wasn't it yummy? Chicken Ürümqi. And don't ask me how to pronounce that...I asked the guy at the stand, expecting it to be ur-um-kee or something, but whatever he said was nothing remotely like that!

http://norywinslow.smugmug.com/photos/692808293_Zvrd6-M.jpg

Loving your report! Emma is sooooo cute!

Hmm, that actually doesn't look like the chicken that we got. :confused3 Ours seemed more brown, like it was sauteed in brown sauce or something. Hmmmm.

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-27-2009, 07:28 AM

Ok, I did some searching on AllEars and the Chicken Ürümqi is NOT the chicken I had. It was this, which AllEars just lists as Grilled Chicken with Cumin. Were there two chickens on the Shangai menu?

http://allears.net/tp/ep/fw09/fw09q.jpg

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-28-2009, 07:43 PM

Day 2 ~ October 3, 2009

Soooo, where were we?? Ah yes, just leaving China with delicious margaritas to meet back up with Jamie, Justin and Emma for a little more Mexico!

Babies who just learned to walk LOVE stairs!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8066473427000000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So we chugged our drinks and just as we get inside, probably, my favorite place in all of Disneyworld...I start getting a familiar pain in my upper abdomen. I haven't had this pain in a while, but there were a few years there, in college especially, where I felt this pain ALL THE TIME! I call it "acid reflux." It's that feeling that you get when you drink something really acidy. I used to drink a lot of orange juice but had to stop because of this pain I started getting. Very fruity drinky drinks do it to me too. Because of this I ALWAYS carry Tums with me. :thumbsup2

Well I haven't had an "acid reflux" episode in a while so I wasn't positive that's what it was so I tried to just ignore it and hope it would go away.

Here's Nicholas taking the infamous big hat picture!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8078ab1e3b900000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Uh Oh! Emma found a maraca! She loved it! So Aunt Nik bought it!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80680aac3eb00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So, after the purchase, it was time to get on the ride. By this time, the stomach pain was getting way worse and just as we were walking to the line, Tom says he's got a weird stomach pain!!! I couldn't believe it! He NEVER gets the acid pains that I do! He was really worried because it was a pain he had never felt before and having recently had kidney stones, he thought the worst!

Well, I quickly whipped out my travel bottle of Tums and gave each of us 3. "I'm telling you, honey! TUMS! Just eat them!!"

Well the ride was excruciating!! Tom was sitting in front of me and I wanted to whisper to him that I felt it too, because I KNEW that he was probably freaking out at how badly it hurt! I had a few more Tums during the ride....actually I think I finished the bottle!

As soon as the ride stopped, I made sure to tell Tom how badly my stomach hurt so he knew that it wasn't just him. And luckily, by the time we walked out of the Mexican pavilion, the Tums had taken effect and we were good to go!

Needless to say, neither of us will EVER have that drink again!

So from there, we walked back to Norway and picked up Nicholas's Kim Possible cell phone. Our first assingment was in China...perfect!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806d6bfc3d500000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8078916a38700000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

After taking a few pics, I went with Nicholas to help him complete his missions, Tom went to get some "food and wine," Nicole went to do some shopping in China and Jamie and Justin went to use their counter service credits. I don't know HOW people do the dining plan during Food and Wine!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806e77a02a000000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

After Nicholas finished his assignemt and we got some more of that delicious chicken Nicole had last time from the Shanghai booth, we walked BACK again because our FP time for Soarin' was up! Ugh, this is NOT how we do WS. Remember, gotta go around the horn! Well not this time...only to China and back..TWICE!

BUT at least on the way back this time we spotted the Mouse Catch and got a trio of cheese!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80655a3022000000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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It was all so delicious, althought a little too hot for cheese. Again, it was SO perfect that 4 of us were sharing so we each got just a little bite or two of everything!

At the same time, Jamie went with the classic Mickey Bar...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8078278624400000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

And Tom went for the beef empanada from Buenos Aires...sorry I didn't get a picture of the snack but it was delicious!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806c53102fa00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

(Also, after passing Buenos Aires, I couldn't get that song from Annie out of my head!)

So we went up the Odyssey walkway, past Test Track on the way to Soarin. Well, Emma spotted water and so we had to stop for another few minutes. She LOVED it!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806f82cc35100000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806020a423a00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

She stood right on that spot because she knew the mist came up from there. Soooo cute!

So finally, we got to Soarin. Justin stayed out with Emma and the rest of us went on the ride. Look at that! Nicholas got the "how long is the line" pass this time!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef807f4d6e3e100000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80659e9026c00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Oh, I just remembered what I was feeling at this point in the day...another kind of stomach pain, if you know what I mean! (Is that TMI?! :lmao:) I had eaten such random crap so far all day and it caught up to me! I used to get this pain a lot when eating a combination of French Onion Soup and Nachos (don't ask! there are only a few things I eat so sometimes random combos are a must) Anyway, Tom and I have dubbed that as the FOPs. The French Onion ........rhymes with soup. So instead of the FOPs, we decided I had the F&WPs!

Anyway, it made for a very unpleasant wait in line and ride, even though I tried my best to enjoy it as always, and even asked Tom to snap of pic of me and Jamie, as this was the FIRST time we had ridden Soarin' together because we hadn't been to WDW together since before it opened.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80636e442ce00000040O30QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So we QUICKLY went up the stairs and all stopped for a much needed bathroom break!

Okay, so at this point, Jamie and Justin decided they were going to go back to the room for who know's what! But we had more Food and Wining to do! And Nicholas had another mission....next stop: Germany!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806c047421600000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80666d842da00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Up Next: MORE Food and Wine! (I swear, there are going to be like 8 installments of JUST this day!)

anetnmike

10-28-2009, 08:57 PM

Bring it on! Intestinal distress and all!:rotfl: (I live with males- I can take it sister!)
Food & Wine looks like so much fun! I can only imagine the variety of things available. :rolleyes:

norybell

10-28-2009, 09:30 PM

Ouch, sorry about your stomach woes! That's the worst!

What did you think of Kim Possible? I did a mission in Germany, and while it was cute, I just thought, eh. I could see how kids would love it, though.

In better news, I may have gotten to the bottom of our China chicken mystery! I found this picture (hiding in my camera). It looks like the Chicken Urumqi is the chicken with cumin! It probably looks different in my picture because I have this food setting on my camera that apparently makes everything look brighter and more beautiful (works for me!). Plus, I slathered mine in red hot sauce. :scared1:
http://norywinslow.smugmug.com/photos/696040288_Ak43a-L.jpg

I know you must be relieved we got to the bottom of that! :)

Stefy

10-29-2009, 04:16 AM

Great pics :) Love the stair walking one :) It is true that babies get more adventurous once they learn to walk. DF's niece loved to climb and would climb everything (nothing dangerous though).

Sorry you weren't feeling so good, was it defo the margaritas?

To second norybell's question, what was KP like? We are thinking about doing this next year, but if it is too kiddy we might pass.

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-29-2009, 07:05 AM

Bring it on! Intestinal distress and all!:rotfl: (I live with males- I can take it sister!)
Food & Wine looks like so much fun! I can only imagine the variety of things available. :rolleyes:

HAHA! Good, glad it wasn't TMI for you!

Ouch, sorry about your stomach woes! That's the worst!

What did you think of Kim Possible? I did a mission in Germany, and while it was cute, I just thought, eh. I could see how kids would love it, though.

In better news, I may have gotten to the bottom of our China chicken mystery! I found this picture (hiding in my camera). It looks like the Chicken Urumqi is the chicken with cumin! It probably looks different in my picture because I have this food setting on my camera that apparently makes everything look brighter and more beautiful (works for me!). Plus, I slathered mine in red hot sauce. :scared1:
http://norywinslow.smugmug.com/photos/696040288_Ak43a-L.jpg

I know you must be relieved we got to the bottom of that! :)

Wow, mystery solved!! Yes, I am glad you did that! Things like that bug me until I figure it out, so thanks! The sauce in your picture really did throw me off...

Great pics :) Love the stair walking one :) It is true that babies get more adventurous once they learn to walk. DF's niece loved to climb and would climb everything (nothing dangerous though).

Sorry you weren't feeling so good, was it defo the margaritas?

To second norybell's question, what was KP like? We are thinking about doing this next year, but if it is too kiddy we might pass.

It was definitely the margaritas!

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-29-2009, 07:08 AM

Okay, Kim Possible...it was actually kind of fun. It worked a little differently than I thought. I thought you went around and did a little thing in each country but what actually happens is you go around and do like 5 or 6 things all in the SAME country. Basically it tells you where to go, shows you a picture of what to look for, then once you find it, you hit "ok" and something moves in a window or a sound from behind a rock. Things like that.

I really enjoyed the mission in China...in fact now that I'm remembering, we started in China before we went to Soarin' and were able to finish it when we got back. There weren't many other people around so everything that happened really was a surprise.

Then when you're done, it will say Kim needs help and is looking for agents and gives you a list of other countries that are available. I guess it depends on how many phones are already out in each country. So we did do one in Germany too and again Nicole and Tom went their seperate ways for food and drinks. I guess because I showed interest in it the first time, and know how to talk to 9-year-olds being a teacher, they assumed I was into it but it was not as fun. It was really crowded in Germany and the pavilion is much more compact than China so there were a LOT of other kids doing the same thing. And I wanted to get my eat and drink on too!! I feel like it would have been more fun if it was just Tom and me because we would do one mission, have a drink, do another, get something to eat. It wasn't as fun running after a 9 year old boy who had this as his only agenda for the day!

But I will say, he LOVED it and I think it was a brilliant, and perfectly fitting addition for kids in World Showcase. :thumbsup2

PopArtGal

10-29-2009, 07:20 AM

I so get you. I get acid reflux too. Actually take stomach pills everyday.

But for the past 2 weeks, I'm getting ARF(Acid Reflux pain hehe) pain every day!

onelilspark

10-29-2009, 08:41 AM

We did the Kim Possible Mission in the UK. It was fun, I'm glad I did it...but there's no way I'm doing it on a day that was as crowded as that again! I can totally see the appeal for kids!

Born 2B a Princess

10-29-2009, 09:26 AM

Not fun to have stomach problems while you're on vacation! That happened on our first WDW trip -- pretty much ruined at least half of a day for us (our first day at AK) because I was feeling so sick. I was happy that I really didn't have too much trouble with that on our last trip. Like Christy, I have chronic stomach problems and it flares up a lot based on what I eat, so I have to be careful, which isn't always easy (and definitely not fun) when you're on vacation!

Great updates...keep them coming! Emma is just SO adorable!

anetnmike

10-29-2009, 09:36 AM

I did Kim Possible with my DS 10 and he LOVED it and cannot wait to do it again. We had the China mission too and he loved the ending so that was big fun for him. We are hoping to do it a few more times this trip and get different countries. It is something you have to enjoy doing with your kid and know the characters of the show to appreciate for sure. And you are right- crowded countries makes it less fun for everyone!
Acid reflux IS nasty isn't it- Pepcid every night before bed for me.:sad2:
No such thing as TMI for me I'm afraid... I am a nurse. You 'd be surprised at what people "share":eek:

momof2TNboys

10-29-2009, 01:30 PM

How old do you think kids need to be to enjoy the missions?

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-29-2009, 03:21 PM

I so get you. I get acid reflux too. Actually take stomach pills everyday.

But for the past 2 weeks, I'm getting ARF(Acid Reflux pain hehe) pain every day!

Ugh, totally stinks!

We did the Kim Possible Mission in the UK. It was fun, I'm glad I did it...but there's no way I'm doing it on a day that was as crowded as that again! I can totally see the appeal for kids!

I would like to do the UK, seems more spread out. Like I said, Germany was too compact.

Not fun to have stomach problems while you're on vacation! That happened on our first WDW trip -- pretty much ruined at least half of a day for us (our first day at AK) because I was feeling so sick. I was happy that I really didn't have too much trouble with that on our last trip. Like Christy, I have chronic stomach problems and it flares up a lot based on what I eat, so I have to be careful, which isn't always easy (and definitely not fun) when you're on vacation!

Great updates...keep them coming! Emma is just SO adorable!

Luckily, I don't get the stomach issues too often, this was the first time it hit me in WDW but it was quick!

I did Kim Possible with my DS 10 and he LOVED it and cannot wait to do it again. We had the China mission too and he loved the ending so that was big fun for him. We are hoping to do it a few more times this trip and get different countries. It is something you have to enjoy doing with your kid and know the characters of the show to appreciate for sure. And you are right- crowded countries makes it less fun for everyone!
Acid reflux IS nasty isn't it- Pepcid every night before bed for me.:sad2:
No such thing as TMI for me I'm afraid... I am a nurse. You 'd be surprised at what people "share":eek:

Haha, I can imagine! I actually don't know anything about the show and I don't think Nicholas did either, but he was still addicted to it! He actually got really mad when his mother told him he couldn't do another one.

How old do you think kids need to be to enjoy the missions?

Well, Nicholas is 9 and he loved it, although he needed a little help finding the right places and reading the clues. (The clues are also spoken so that helps!) I think 10 is probably the perfect age for it but can go a good amount of year before and after.

Tinkerbellie16

10-29-2009, 08:57 PM

Tums-tums-tums-tums (got that jingle in my head....)

Stefy

10-30-2009, 04:09 AM

Thanx for the mini review on KP, sounds like it could be fun for me and DF (well mainly me, but he doesn't have a choice :cool1: ) From the sounds of it there are missions in all the countries in WS?

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-30-2009, 07:05 AM

Thanx for the mini review on KP, sounds like it could be fun for me and DF (well mainly me, but he doesn't have a choice :cool1: ) From the sounds of it there are missions in all the countries in WS?

No sure if they are in ALL the countries but definitely a lot of them. When Nicholas finished his mission in China, it came up that there were other mission available and you got to choose your country...there were only 2 options but when he finished in Germany,...there were at least 5 listed. It all depends on how many "agents" are already in those countries.

praisehisname

10-31-2009, 08:10 PM

Hi! Just wanted to let you know I'm reading along and enjoying your report!

Denise

720L

10-31-2009, 08:33 PM

Just wanted to say sorry about your cat. I know how you feel, we had to put our 15 year old cat to sleep 2 weeks ago. (A week before our GF Disney trip.) It didn't wreck our trip thankfully.

NikkiLovesWDW!

10-31-2009, 09:00 PM

Hi! Just wanted to let you know I'm reading along and enjoying your report!

Denise

Great! So glad you are enjoying the TR!

Just wanted to say sorry about your cat. I know how you feel, we had to put our 15 year old cat to sleep 2 weeks ago. (A week before our GF Disney trip.) It didn't wreck our trip thankfully.

Aw, thanks and so sorry to hear about your cat. I'm glad it didn't effect your trip. With all that was going on between Jack dying, the start of school and then the trip...it actually hit me pretty hard just the past two weeks, even though now a month and a half has past. Hang in there. I still cry about Jack almost every day, I miss him terribly.

Stefy

11-02-2009, 02:57 AM

No sure if they are in ALL the countries but definitely a lot of them. When Nicholas finished his mission in China, it came up that there were other mission available and you got to choose your country...there were only 2 options but when he finished in Germany,...there were at least 5 listed. It all depends on how many "agents" are already in those countries.

That sounds cool am looking forward to doping this now, thanx :goodvibes

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-02-2009, 07:33 PM

Day 2 ~ October 3, 2009

So we parted ways from my sister and Tom, Nicole and Nicholas were off for more adventures in World Showcase. So far, we had walked as far a China and back....TWICE!

So this time we finally made it past China, around the African Outpost and over to Germany. Well the combination of Oktoberfest with F&W made for the most crowded Germany I'd ever seen. Combine that with the fact that this probably the most compact country in WS and it made for a NOT FUN mission on Kim Possible. Again, Tom went to get some more food and drinks, Nicole went to get a pretzel from Somerfest and I was stuck with Nicholas doing his missions. Well I shouldn't put it that way. I kind of volunteered but he was very hard to keep up with. I couldn't help being a little "teachery" with him because he would just go without finishing the clue! It kind of annoyed me and by the time we were done with the mission in Germany, I was done with Kim Possible altogether. Unfortunately, Nicholas was not but NOT MY PROBLEM!!

So I texted Nicole when we were done to see where she was. I think she must have had a little too much to drink because she found Tom and they were on their way back to China. What?? I'm in Germany!! Okay, we'll meet you there.

When they got back, she swore up and down that I texted her that we went back to China but I really think it was the drinks. :lmao:

Anyway, on their way to China, they fortunately got stopped by the bridge opening. It was forunate for two reasons. 1. because it prohibited them from going too much further away and 2. because they scored an awesome pic of the Illumination globe being brought into the lagoon.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80798bd628c00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So when Nicole came back, she not only had the pretzel but got this chocolate cake somewhere. (Notice she has a glass of wine in that hand too! BTW, my cousin Nicole is a hard core Miami police officer. Her department was once featured on a TV show called something like "The Real Miami Vice" and she could totally kick, not only MY butt but most likely Tom and me at the same time. BUT, she knows how to let loose! I just wouldn't want piss her off!)

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The pretzel was delicious, as always and because chocolate covered pretzels are one of my favorite things, I took a little bite of each and they were SOOOO good together!

Once we finished our snacks, we realized that we were standing very close to the spot in Germany where Tom and I got engaged...so of course, we took a pic!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef8060a6e425a00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

As we passed by Germany, I snapped a pic!
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I honestly don't even know where Tom stopped next! We were really just stopping everywhere!!
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Nicholas begged his mother for another mission and I quickly whistled and walked away...but she took it this time, I think it was in Japan.

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As some point during the afternoon, we realized that there was NO WAY we were going to be hungry for dinner. Christy had made a reservation for 8 at Teppan Edo. I was nervous about calling my sister and telling her we weren't coming and we debated over it for a while but finally I realized, I just didn't want to waste money on food that I was going to have to force down my throat. So eventually I called and she took it ok. They were still able to go and enjoy dinner. :thumbsup2

Eventually we made it around and the snack I wanted next was chips from England! They were delicious as always. We went to find a seat and all the tables were taken....at which point I would just walk away. But my brazen cousin Nicole just walked right up an older couple and asked if we could sit! I call it brazen, I guess some would call in "friendly." I guess it's the difference between New Jersians and Floridians. The whole time we sat there, I was completely uncomfortable...but Nicole kept up a conversation and eventually we left.

We took some pics on the way around the last few countries of WS and decided to ride Test Track, do a little MouseGear shopping before finally checking out "The Seas," as I call it.

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After riding the little Nemo ride, and getting Mr. Ray's song stuck in our heads, we walked around the aquarium for a little while. There really is nothing appealing to me in there except for the manitees. I could watch them for hours!

As we were walking around, I heard them call "last call" for Turtle Talk with Crush. I had always "kind of" wanted to see it but never enough to wait in line and since we had Nicholas with us, I thought it was the perfect chance to see it. It was cute!

Tom didn't want to see it, so he moved back to WS where we met up with him shorty after. While he was there, he got a sneak peak of the Party for the Senses and got a lamb slider from New Zealand.

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NikkiLovesWDW!

11-02-2009, 07:34 PM

Nicole and I were SOOooooo excited because Starship was playing at the American Garden's Theatre and it was just about time! First we got a funnel cake and took it to the theatre to get our seats. All afternoon, we had been singing "We Built This City" but it just couldn't think of their other big hit. Turns out, the people in front of us were having the same problem! Finally we figured out it was "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" from Mannaquin!

Well, they opened with We Built This City, then sang one song I knew, but didn't think they sang, one song I didn't know....TWO songs from Jefferson Airplane, White Rabbit and Don't you Want Somebody to Love then ended with Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now. It was AWESOME!!! The crowd was clearly big fans and half blitzed! There was a great group up in the front who didn't sit down the whole time and the band definitely played to them. I think a 30 minute, 6 song concert is the best kind of concert...you know every song and you don't have to sit for too long!!

At one point during the concert, Nicholas was falling asleep. I tired to take his pic but he woke up and smiled just as I snapped it!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef806a1b2837b00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

About 10 mins into the concert, Tom showed up with his bourbon drink he got from "New Orleans" which he was was soooo strong!

So after the concert was over, we walked around again and Nicole stopped in Japan to get some sushi but she wanted to leave before the fireworks started.

So we said goodbye to them and headed straight back to Mexico. There was a cheese quesadilla with my name on it!!!

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I don't remember what Tom got, but my quesadille was awesome!! I wanted to get some margaritas so I jumped on the line for the Cantina just as they were closing! As I was in line, the fireworks started. I was getting a little fidgety because I was missing it!!! But I had seen it a million times and it was just awesome to be hearing the music live and in person!! (Remember, I play Epcot Entrance Music followed by Illuminations every morning when my students come into the class but hearing it in person...I could just cry every time...I think I usualy do!)

So by the time we got our drinks, we decided to just walk and drink while the fireworks were going off. We finally ended up in China and I got some pics from a cool perspective...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce28b3127ccef80694d542ae00000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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Well when the show was over, we were NOT ready to leave! So, as always, we decided to take the looooong way. And not only that but we decided to sit in Germany in the spot where we got engaged and wait for the burn off that I've heard about on the Dis. Well, I don't know HOW LONG after the show they do it but we were in World Showcase until about 10 and there was NO burn off. Oh well. We still had a nice relaxing time, though.

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praisehisname

11-02-2009, 08:21 PM

Sounds like a great day! You tried lots of food and drink! And now you can say you did a KP mission...:rolleyes1

Denise

podsnel

11-02-2009, 10:42 PM

Hey there girlfriend!! :goodvibes Starship was there while we were there, but I made a point of NOT going- because I LOVE Airplane but not so much with Starship. I had no idea they'd play White Rabbit!!!! WOW, I wish we would have stayed to hear them!

Your pics of Illuminations are excellent- what a great angle! :thumbsup2

Come by my TR sometime- haven't heard from you in a Looooooong while! We're going back down on Weds- yay NJ teachers convention!!! :cheer2::cheer2: Wish us luck getting Sean on the plane........

Stefy

11-03-2009, 02:56 AM

Loving those Illumination shots :) Shame you didn't get to see the burn off, wonder why they didn't do it.

You all seem like you are having a blast at F&WF, that chocolate cake swirl looking thing looks yummy, where did Nicole score that from?

Looking forward to more :)

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-03-2009, 07:07 AM

Sounds like a great day! You tried lots of food and drink! And now you can say you did a KP mission...:rolleyes1

Denise

Yes, it was a fantastic day! When we got home, I actually looked up the Fall Jewish holidays for the next few years to see when I'll have a four-day weekend off of school during Food and Wine again!

Hey there girlfriend!! :goodvibes Starship was there while we were there, but I made a point of NOT going- because I LOVE Airplane but not so much with Starship. I had no idea they'd play White Rabbit!!!! WOW, I wish we would have stayed to hear them!

Your pics of Illuminations are excellent- what a great angle! :thumbsup2

Come by my TR sometime- haven't heard from you in a Looooooong while! We're going back down on Weds- yay NJ teachers convention!!! :cheer2::cheer2: Wish us luck getting Sean on the plane........

Hey!! Everyone was going NUTS during White Rabbit! You totally should have stayed. I don't know where they got this girl but she was fantastic!

Good luck at "jersey week!" The whole fam this time?? How many TRs do you have now?! I'll find them!

Loving those Illumination shots :) Shame you didn't get to see the burn off, wonder why they didn't do it.

You all seem like you are having a blast at F&WF, that chocolate cake swirl looking thing looks yummy, where did Nicole score that from?

Looking forward to more :)

I know, I didn't understand the whole burn off thing. Oh well, we tried.

I have NO idea where Nicole got that cake from! Some kiosk between Africa and Germany!

Tinkerbellie16

11-03-2009, 09:55 AM

disneybarbie

11-03-2009, 02:43 PM

really enjoying your TR nikki :goodvibes ... all those food pics make me hungry, I can't wait to go back to wdw during the F&W festival again! mmm.

I am totally the same about the Illuminations music - I must listen to it at least once a week on my iPod, but seeing the show live around the lagoon takes my breath away, I always shed a tear or too - especially during 'We Go On' and the finale!! :lovestruc

About the burn-off... I'm not sure if they do it every night; in July DBF & I heard it from the YC just once, it was about 10.30/11pm - we just heard this HUGE bang & rumble, like thunder close-by, but there was no storm near?!

Looking forward to reading more

Emma princess: xx

ps - which margerita do you recommend at the Mexico Pavilion? in December my sister & I are going to do a beverage tour around the World (showcase)! :yay: x

Born 2B a Princess

11-03-2009, 03:53 PM

I wasn't a big fan of the KP missions...probably because it was so hot and crowded when we did it in July. The food looks so yummy! I'm going to have to go to F&W next time we go down for a weekend (both MNSSHP and F&W sound like the perfect way to spend a weekend!).

:goodvibes

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-03-2009, 04:28 PM

I can't believe I'm going to ask this but I am not one to keep my mouth shut...what is the burn off???

And you'll get a kick out of this - I got my hair chopped off! I remember you telling us about your recent hair cut so I wanted to let you know. My beloved hairstylist knows how I love my long(ish) hair and I told her to cut it off but keep it at my collarbone...well, it's barely hitting my shoulder in front and it is a short bob in the back (I wanted it to go longer in the front). :eek: It's 2" shorter than I asked for and I'm really surprised at her. Of course, I would have never dared cut it this short so it's fun but I can't wait until I can put it in a ponytail again (i'm envious that you can do that!) Ok, thanks for listening to my i'm-samsom-from-the-bible story :rotfl:

Well apparenty, from what I've read on the DIS, there is some sort of large explosion that burns off the excess of whatever is leftover from the fireworks.

I want to see a pic of you hair!!! I felt the same way when I first got mine cut. It was WAY shorter than I wanted it! But just in the past 2 months, it has grown so much..it doesn't ALL fit in a ponytail but enough to be comfortable in WDW!

really enjoying your TR nikki :goodvibes ... all those food pics make me hungry, I can't wait to go back to wdw during the F&W festival again! mmm.

I am totally the same about the Illuminations music - I must listen to it at least once a week on my iPod, but seeing the show live around the lagoon takes my breath away, I always shed a tear or too - especially during 'We Go On' and the finale!! :lovestruc

About the burn-off... I'm not sure if they do it every night; in July DBF & I heard it from the YC just once, it was about 10.30/11pm - we just heard this HUGE bang & rumble, like thunder close-by, but there was no storm near?!

Looking forward to reading more

Emma princess: xx

ps - which margerita do you recommend at the Mexico Pavilion? in December my sister & I are going to do a beverage tour around the World (showcase)! :yay: x

I wonder if there's anyway to know what nights they do the burn-off. :confused3

I really like any of the margaritas they have at the stand. They always have lime, strawberry and mango...the 4th one sometimes changes but those three are always good. I feel like you cant go wrong with the original lime! :thumbsup2

I wasn't a big fan of the KP missions...probably because it was so hot and crowded when we did it in July. The food looks so yummy! I'm going to have to go to F&W next time we go down for a weekend (both MNSSHP and F&W sound like the perfect way to spend a weekend!).

:goodvibes

F&W and MNSSHP absolutely WAS the perfect way to spend a weekend! :thumbsup2

anetnmike

11-04-2009, 06:39 AM

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-04-2009, 07:22 AM

I LOVE the long way out!:cloud9: I am SO going to "borrow" that from you next week:)
I have a feeling that DS is going to want to try to do every KP mission. :rolleyes:
F&W looks like so much fun-alot to experience. No wonder everyone is crazy about it!

You gotta go the long way! It's the best! Everyone else is going hurrying in one directions and you can just stroll "upstream." Then once everyone clears out, it's just peacefulness in WS. Just fantastic after seeing it so busy with all the hustle and bustle during the day and then just quiet, with the Tapestry of Nations music playing. :cloud9: I imagine this is what heaven is like...

anetnmike

11-04-2009, 08:08 PM

PopArtGal

11-05-2009, 06:02 PM

Lovely update. Can'T believe I still hadn't read it. Oh yes, I am doing report cards, that is why hehe

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-05-2009, 10:06 PM

I didn't know the "music on the way out" had a name. Cool! Yes, I have to agree with you, the long way out has to be the only way to leave Epcot. It's like holding on for the last possible second! DH simply MUST indulge me:love:
Ever since I read your long way out from your honeymoon to him he know I was hooked:cloud9:
What an amazing memory for you and Tom:love:

Good luck on getting DH to go "the long way!" I'm telling you, it's the best! No running to the buses with the crowds! This night that I just wrote about....there were so few people walking to the buses that once we got to the bus area, there was a man that asked us where we were going, told us to go to the bus stop that was right there and he called in the bus and told them where we were going! And we were the ONLY ones on the bus!! Normally, we would have had to walk all the way to the second bus area.

Lovely update. Can'T believe I still hadn't read it. Oh yes, I am doing report cards, that is why hehe

Ugh, I hear ya! I'll be doing them shortly...followed by a week of conferences.

anetnmike

11-06-2009, 06:30 AM

the bus to yourselves is worth it right there!:thumbsup2 however we are driving this trip. good info for future trips - oh DH.....:idea:
we are going during the Veteran's Day holiday and conferences so DS will miss minimal school- DS's teacher wants to come with us:yay:
I don't blame her!

Tinkerbellie16

11-06-2009, 05:56 PM

I'm not avoiding the short hair picture request - I've just never posted pictures on here before so I guess I need to get an account that provides an http address - doh! My hair might be grown out by the time I figure it out :)

PopArtGal

11-14-2009, 02:22 PM

Anything new?

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-14-2009, 03:31 PM

Anything new?

I know! What's the matter with me?! I was actually falling asleep last night and it popped into my head that I have not been keeping up with this TR at all!! I got through my 2 week honeymoon faster than I'm doing this 4-day mini-trip!

We have to get ready to go to my DBIL's birthday dinner tonight but I promise I will update with Day 3 - AK tomorrow! :thumbsup2

PopArtGal

11-14-2009, 03:39 PM

I know! What's the matter with me?! I was actually falling asleep last night and it popped into my head that I have not been keeping up with this TR at all!! I got through my 2 week honeymoon faster than I'm doing this 4-day mini-trip!

We have to get ready to go to my DBIL's birthday dinner tonight but I promise I will update with Day 3 - AK tomorrow! :thumbsup2

heheh No prob.

anetnmike

11-19-2009, 09:26 PM

Oh good! I left and came back already and didn't miss anything!:rotfl:

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-20-2009, 06:35 AM

I know! I don't know what's wrong with me! This TR is taking forever! I have conferences thise week and we are in the process of "refurbishing" our apartment so I just don't feel like I ever get a second to sit down and write more TR!!

Hopefully soon, though!

Stefy

11-20-2009, 09:23 AM

Hey take your time, we will still be here :)

Hope everything is going ok :)

dolfinjuls

11-20-2009, 10:00 PM

I just found your "new" TR! Loving it like always. Your niece's huge smile at CP was the best!!! I can't wait to get to Food & Wine one year! Can't wait for the rest!

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-23-2009, 08:21 PM

I'm sitting in my living room in complete disarray! Now that I'm married, I need a grown-up apartment...not a "just out of college with my first job" apartment. So the orange Ikea couch, Pier One papasan chair and tube TV have to go. I've also been going crazy over the Black Friday ads trying to find my first flat screen HDTV, which is driving me insane!! So new tv and new furniture leads me to complete rearrange my very tiny living room and extra bedroom. Extra bed goes out, old couch goes in. (Although at the moment it's just been moved away from the wall and is now in the middle of the living room.) After a remodel, there are now 2 free walls so I"m thinking of getting the love seat, too. I know....just too grown up, isn't it!? There's even talk of a coffee table.

Everything is a mess right now so what better time to do a much needed update!!

Day 3 ~ October 4, 2009

So because we were sick of the waiting around, we decided we were going to go to AK as soon as we were ready and meet my sister and them there. Nicole and Nicholas had the same idea and they actually made it there for opening.

Tom and I have this tradition that we pick one AK morning to stop at the Royal Anandapur Tea Co. and get a frozen capuccino and cinamon bun. The bun is not delicious and I accidently ordered a frozen chai latte...but it was still nice! We love to listen to the monkeys (who SCREAM early in the morning, it's hilarious) and people watch.

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Meanwhile, Emma was enjoying her freedom as a new walker around CBR!

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63245%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A%3E WSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B958534%3Bnu0mrj

Jamie called me just as we were finishing our breakfast and we decided to meet near Chester and Hester's where Emma made a new friend.

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63242%3Enu%3D3973%3E34%3A%3E25%3A%3E WSNRCG%3D3247%3A%3B958634%3Bnu0mrj

Just in case you've forgotten so freaking cute she is since I last posted....

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(I swear, her hair is so much longer now! It's amazing how much she's grown since this trip.)

We met up with my cousin Nicole and Nicholas and she offered to watch the baby while the rest of us went on Dinosaur. My sister does NOT like thrill rides. Her biggest thrills are Big Thunder and Test Track...and Dinosaur scares the crap out of her!!

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So in true "Nik and Tom" fashion, we had to pose for the picture! I even got Nicholas in on it...but look at my sister in the back!

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After that, we went back to Dinoland for a ride on Triceratops Spin! Emma loved it!

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Not sure if I mentioned this in my honeymoon TR, but Tom tried once again to get a good pic of the signs in front of Chester and Hester's store...it says, "When In Florida, Be Sure To Visit Epcot!"

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From there, we walked over to Everest. Emma wanted OUT of her stroller, so we spend a few minutes letting her play and walk around.

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DBIL and I rode Everest 2 times, while Tom took some pics.

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While we were trying to decide where to eat for lunch, Tom couldn't resist the corn dog!

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Well, we decided on Flame Tree BBQ for lunch and look who was hanging around by one of the seating areas....

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HIDDEN MICKEY!!! Tom is a PRO at spotting these!

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At that point, we were done with the AK. Jamie and Justin wanted to bring Emma back to the resort for a swim so what were Tom and I to do....??

NikkiLovesWDW!

11-23-2009, 08:22 PM

You guessed it!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce26b3127ccef81b5dbd355800000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

We were going to hop a bus to Epcot but the TTC bus happened to be there, so we hopped on that and were glad for the opportunity to ride the monorail!

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We didn't want to overdo it with the Food and Wine fest today because we had an ADR for Le Cellier at 6:55. But I told Tom how delicous the quesadilla was so he had to have one....

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...and I had to try the guacamole from the Cantina de San Angel. Again, we
have been on this guacamole kick lately and I knew it would be delicious....and it was! Oh, and we had to get 'ritas, of course!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9ce26b3127ccef81b677a358200000030O00QctnDFo2bsg e3nwM/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/
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Of course, there was nothing but World Showcase in this Epcot visit (did I really need to say that) so as we walked around, we couldn't HELP but get just one more snack....I don't even remember where this came from!

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We stopped in France to get some champagne. On the honeymoon I took a pic of this bottle but you couldn't tell how large it was because there was nothing else in the pic!! REDO!!

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By this time, Jamie and Justin had called and said they were on their way. So we made our way to Future World to meet them and decided to take a spin on Spaceship Earth. This USED to be one of my favorite rides. I could ride it 5 times a day, easy. But since the refurb once a trip is enough. I don't hate it but I think they really missed the boat on this one. Definitely a downgrade!

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Turns out Jamie, Justin and Emma hopped on SE too! I was surprised that they took a pic of Emma too! So cute!

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Mike and Christy had joined up with us by this point and we walked over to Test Track.

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Now Jamie LOVES Test Track and she hadn't ridden it yet on this trip. Knowing that this was our last day in Epcot before it was just her and her husband and Emma, this was her last chance to ride it. So as soon as Tom and I got to Epcot, we got FPs. Then back on the way to the front, we got two more FPs.

Tom opted to stay out with Mike and Emma and Christy, Jamie, Justin and I went on. Christy was all about posing too so we decided on "super scared."

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By this point, Emma was tuckered out and it was time for us to make it to Le Cellier for our ADR.

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It was quite a wait for our table of 6 and service was soooo slow! Unfortunately, we didn't get out of dinner until way after 9 o'clock. We missed Illuminations and Epcot was now closed. :(

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The food was delicious!