1st Trip (of many!) as Mr. & Mrs.--the TR-- UPDATE 9/9: Life Update--We're Moving!!

[stacikristine]

We’re Back! And we had the time of our lives! :dance3:


Hi everyone, I’m Staci. For those of you who read my PTR, you already know that. For those of you who didn’t follow along, Welcome! Here’s the link in case you’d like to go read the prequel to our trip story: Click Here for PTR (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2023470).

As you can see from the title, this was my husband’s and my first trip to the World as Mr. and Mrs. We were married last December, and just took a small honeymoon since we got married only a few days before Christmas and wanted to be back home for our first Christmas together. We knew we’d be taking a small honeymoon, so we decided last October to start planning a trip to Disney World for this September.


This leads me into a little background on the Cast:

Staci, 22—that’s the Mrs. (me)! As many of you know, I’m a graphic designer for a legal services company. I also do freelance design. I’m an obsessive planner. I just love fitting all of the details together like a puzzle. Insane? Maybe. :upsidedow I think this is one of the reasons I love Disney World so much. There is just SO MUCH to plan! And let me tell you, I had it planned down to the last pair of socks in our suitcases! :rotfl: I also just love all of the details at Disney World and how everything works together to provide such great opportunities for amazing vacations. When I’m not psychopathically planning, I love helping my hubby with the youth kids at church, reading, watching The Office & 24, and spending time with family. This was my fourth trip to the World. I don’t remember my first trip at all—I was two. My second trip wasn’t until I was 15. I went with my family and my uncle and his family. We stayed at Fort Wilderness and even though it poured every day, we loved it! I went again in October 2006. It was the girls and Pawpaw trip. I went with my mom, sis, grandparents, aunt, cousin, and her two girls. We stayed at POP Century and had a blast! Let’s just say I was excited beyond all measure for our trip to finally start! :woohoo::yay:

Michael, 22—that’s the Mr.! Michael works as a youth and music minister for our church. Even though it can be very challenging at times, he loves his job and we both love hanging out with the kids. He loves playing the guitar (and I love listening to him play) and is very talented at making highlight videos. While I’m more of the obsessive event planner, Michael is more of the obsessive orderer. For example, all of our vacation video is already labeled with the day, place, what, and clip number. Together, we make quite the vacationing pair. :rolleyes: But we have TONS of fun at it! I mean, who doesn’t have fun once they admit they’re a nerd?! :laughing: When he’s not putting his iTunes in order, Michael also loves watching The Office & 24 (he got me hooked on both), reading (though he doesn’t like to admit it) and interpretive dancing in the car. We laugh a lot! Michael had only been to Disney World once before. He was 9 and stayed in the Contemporary. While he was excited about our trip, he didn’t really get the hype like I did. He was more excited to be away from work and the world for a week than go to Disney World. I think it’s safe to say that is NOT how he feels anymore! He’s already talking about our next trip! :woohoo:


Here’s a pic of what we’re really like:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/IMG_4066.jpg


And this is us being a little more civilized:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/IMG_4829.jpg


When we started planning our trip, we planned to stay at POP Century. I really enjoyed it last time, and we knew it’d be in our price range. However, I bought The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide online and found out about all kinds of new savings, including renting points from DVC owners. In fact, that’s what brought me to the DISboards in the first place! I ended up renting points and staying at a Deluxe Villa for less than what it would have cost us to stay at POP! :thumbsup2 We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House in a DVC Studio. I can’t even tell you how much we loved this resort! (But more on that later) We had the Disney Dining Plan and Park Hoppers.

Our trip dates were September 20-26, 2009. We drove down to Dallas (from Oklahoma) on the 19th to stay with my aunt, and then left for Walt Disney World early Sunday morning.



I’m so excited to share ALL about our trip with you all! It was absolutely fantastic, and it’ll be a lot of fun to re-live!

Thank you all for reading!! :goodvibes



Up Next:
An extra passenger?
Frozen Custard
Pretty, Pretty Disney Princess



I've included a quick link to the different installments...I'll update this when I have a new post:

1. Day 0: Traveling to Dallas (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33779797&posted=1#post33779797)
2. Day 1: Flight to Orlando & DME (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33802197&posted=1#post33802197)
3. Day 1: AKL Check-In and Room (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33836045&posted=1#post33836045)
4. Day 1: Exploring Animal Kingdom Lodge (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33864172#post33864172)
5. Day 1: DownTown Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33934302&posted=1#post33934302)
6. Day 1: Video of AKL (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=33964557&posted=1#post33964557)
7. Day 2: Epcot Future World (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34008230&posted=1#post34008230)
8. Day 2: Epcot Future World (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34046214&posted=1#post34046214)
9. Day 2: Break from Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34115251&posted=1#post34115251)
10. Day 2: Coral Reef and Epcot (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2296654&page=15)
11. Day 2: Spectro and Wishes (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34233884&posted=1#post34233884)
12. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios opening and first ride (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34268773&posted=1#post34268773)
13. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios morning and afternoon (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34321174&posted=1#post34321174)
14. Day 3: Disney's Hollywood Studios and end of Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34381126&posted=1#post34381126)
15. Day 4: Magic Kingdom Rope Drop (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34396609#post34396609)
16. Day 4: Magic Kingdom Morning (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2296654&page=26)
17. Day 4: Magic Kingdom late morning, and a fun break! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34562038#post34562038)
SO SORRY!!!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34732354#post34732354)
18. Day 4: Dinner and Magic Kingdom Evening (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34733242&posted=1#post34733242)
19. Day 5: Keys to the Kingdom Tour! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34928812&posted=1#post34928812)
20. Day 5: MK Afternoon and a Magic Moment! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35004460&posted=1#post35004460)
21. Day 5: Epcot World Showcase Late Afternoon (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35059774#post35059774)
22. Day 5: Epcot World Showcase on Speed! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35297054#post35297054)
23. Day 6: Animal Kingdom Morning (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35578083&posted=1#post35578083)
24. Day 6: Animal Kingdom late morning (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35775393&posted=1#post35775393)
INTERRUPTION: Help Please! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35799907&posted=1#post35799907)
INTERRUPTION: Contest Update (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35870667#post35870667)
25. Day 6: Rest of Animal Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35884513&posted=1#post35884513)
26. Day 6: Boma and DHS night! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35967476#post35967476)
Excuses are like a butt... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36339979#post36339979)
27. Day 7: Boma Breakfast and DHS morning (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36525594#post36525594)
28. Day 7: DHS and Home (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36637719#post36637719)
29. Life Update (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37211374#post37211374)
30. Trip Wrap-Up! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37370872#post37370872)
Life Update: We're Moving!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38155070&posted=1#post38155070)

[princess_momma]

I'm here! And first!

[princess_momma]

I wish I could say I was the extra passenger! Can't wait to read your update!! And I wish I had known about renting points earlier. Oh well!! There's always next time. Glad we both found the Dis anyway. :goodvibes

And to get back to your other thread, I will definitely have to look into that!! I was looking in the Orlando and while the cost of living is pretty much the same, the exact same job I'm doing there STARTS at more than I make now (after 2 raises!) But I also do need to go back to school and stuff...so I don't know if I'm going to be moving before or after that. Pretty much the thing that keeps me here now is my mom watching Landon. Daycare is SO expensive!! It can cost as much as rent for a small apartment!! :scared1: But I have some research to do :surfweb:

[pinkpixie0920]

I can't wait to read about your trip! I have been so busy with work, coaching cheerleading, and just plan life that I don't think I really have a lot of free time to write a trip report unfortunately. I looked for you while were there but I was sad we never ran into each other. Our trip turned out great and I can't wait to hear all about yours!

[crocko]

I'm here, too!

Excited to hear about the trip!
"extra passenger"? Hmm....several possibilities come to mind.....(although, I don't think you spent any time in jail, so I'll rule one of them out)

[deslynnpatterson]

i am just joining in to read your TR!! count me in:)

[deslynnpatterson]

I can't wait to read about your trip! I have been so busy with work, coaching cheerleading, and just plan life that I don't think I really have a lot of free time to write a trip report unfortunately. I looked for you while were there but I was sad we never ran into each other. Our trip turned out great and I can't wait to hear all about yours!

I see you are from Pittsburgh PA Pixie-- I am too:) What part of Pittsburgh are you from?

[BippityBoo]

Woohoo :cool1:

Are you going to update soon? Cant wait to see your room. Is renting DVC points a money saver? I don't know anything about it. SO happy to be here :love:

[Leleluvsdis]

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:: Waiting for more popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[Tnkrbelle565]

Reading along popcorn::

[heaven2dc]

I'm definitely joining in for this one! First of all congratulations on your marriage last year - you are a beautiful couple!

I always love hearing how people discover how much they can save by renting points from a DVC owner. I've stayed twice last year at BWV and got a boardwalk view in December 2008 for a one-bedroom villa and paid so much less than staying at a value resort or even moderate (thanks to the DVC owner for a great rate on points! :thumbsup2)

Can't wait to hear all about your trip and see lots of pics and maybe some videos ;)

[Dancegrl624]

I'm here Staci! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!! :woohoo:

[LilAnn]

Yay! You've started the TR! Count me in!popcorn:: I hope you had a fabulous time! Can't wait to see how all of your outfits and planning turned out!

[ibedancin824]

Count me in popcorn::

[khertz]

YAY!! Needless to say, subscribing. Can't wait for some PICS!!! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

I'm here! And first!

Haha! Yay! :thumbsup2


I wish I could say I was the extra passenger! Can't wait to read your update!! And I wish I had known about renting points earlier. Oh well!! There's always next time. Glad we both found the Dis anyway. :goodvibes

And to get back to your other thread, I will definitely have to look into that!! I was looking in the Orlando and while the cost of living is pretty much the same, the exact same job I'm doing there STARTS at more than I make now (after 2 raises!) But I also do need to go back to school and stuff...so I don't know if I'm going to be moving before or after that. Pretty much the thing that keeps me here now is my mom watching Landon. Daycare is SO expensive!! It can cost as much as rent for a small apartment!! :scared1: But I have some research to do :surfweb:

I know--I wish I could be an extra passenger on everyone's trips! Yeah, I was lucky to have stumbled upon it... It saved a lot of money, and we got to stay in a Deluxe! :thumbsup2 Yeah, we have lots of things we're saying "next time" for already! Wow--that would be incredible if you could have that kind of raise! Keep me posted. Yeah, daycare is outrageous. And I'm sure your family would miss you SO much if you moved. But it's good you're looking into all of it! :goodvibes


I can't wait to read about your trip! I have been so busy with work, coaching cheerleading, and just plan life that I don't think I really have a lot of free time to write a trip report unfortunately. I looked for you while were there but I was sad we never ran into each other. Our trip turned out great and I can't wait to hear all about yours!

I can't wait to write all about it!! I know--I looked for you too, but I guess our paths just never crossed. If you're not going to write a TR, what was your highlight? Your favorite meal? Something everyone should do next time?


I'm here, too!

Excited to hear about the trip!
"extra passenger"? Hmm....several possibilities come to mind.....(although, I don't think you spent any time in jail, so I'll rule one of them out)

Yay! Haha... Nope, no jail time! :rotfl:


i am just joining in to read your TR!! count me in:)

Hi! Thanks so much for reading!! :goodvibes

[stacikristine]

Woohoo :cool1:

Are you going to update soon? Cant wait to see your room. Is renting DVC points a money saver? I don't know anything about it. SO happy to be here :love:

Hi Katie! Yes--I'll update Day 0 (travel to Dallas day) today sometime! And maybe I'll be able to start on our arrival day. You'll for sure be able to see some AKL pictures by the end of this week! Oh my goodness, YES! It's SUCH a money saver. We stayed for 6 nights at a studio savanna view room at AKL for cheaper than what we could have stayed at POP! :eek: It was only $560 for the entire 6 nights! I've met so many people who rent points every trip. If you want more info, PM me, and I'll send you a link. The only drawback is you can't take advantage of the specials (like the 4/3 deal). But you can stay at WL for about $1050 for the entire week's lodging.


popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:: Waiting for more popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

It's coming soon!! :thumbsup2


Reading along popcorn::

Hi! Thanks for reading! :goodvibes


I'm definitely joining in for this one! First of all congratulations on your marriage last year - you are a beautiful couple!

I always love hearing how people discover how much they can save by renting points from a DVC owner. I've stayed twice last year at BWV and got a boardwalk view in December 2008 for a one-bedroom villa and paid so much less than staying at a value resort or even moderate (thanks to the DVC owner for a great rate on points! :thumbsup2)

Can't wait to hear all about your trip and see lots of pics and maybe some videos ;)

Hi! Thanks so much for reading!! Thank you--we're really happy together. Isn't renting points just the greatest?! I don't know if we'll ever do anything else!! :goodvibes I took almost 2,000 pictures plus the photo CD, and we have hours of video footage!!! ;)


I'm here Staci! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!! :woohoo:

Yay! I'm glad you made it over! :thumbsup2 I can't wait to share all about it!


Yay! You've started the TR! Count me in!popcorn:: I hope you had a fabulous time! Can't wait to see how all of your outfits and planning turned out!

Hi! Thanks! It was wonderful!! Haha--the outfits were a super great time saver... I can't wait to share! :thumbsup2


Count me in popcorn::

Yay! Hi!


YAY!! Needless to say, subscribing. Can't wait for some PICS!!! :thumbsup2

Haha--Yeah, I figured you would be! :upsidedow Thanks! I took almost 2,000!!! So they're on their way! ;)

[Roxychica7]

Yay Staci! The trip report has been posted! I was ready to close out the window because I saw non of my favorite reports hadn't updated and then the saw "The TR link has been posted!" :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about more! And SO glad to know that Dbf and I aren't the only ones making goofy faces on our trip :rotfl:

[stacikristine]

Yay Staci! The trip report has been posted! I was ready to close out the window because I saw non of my favorite reports hadn't updated and then the saw "The TR link has been posted!" :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about more! And SO glad to know that Dbf and I aren't the only ones making goofy faces on our trip :rotfl:

Hey Jess! I'm glad you found it! I'm about to start on the first real installment :thumbsup2 Haha--we make TONS of goofy faces! It's what makes them interesting :rotfl:

[HeatherBelle614]

You need to update. I need a distraction... :sad1:

[princess_momma]

Hey Jess! I'm glad you found it! I'm about to start on the first real installment :thumbsup2 Haha--we make TONS of goofy faces! It's what makes them interesting :rotfl:

Goofy faces in pictures are the best! This reminds me of high school...I was a teacher aide with my best friends for one period and we pretty did NOTHING but take pictures of ourselves and in all of them we just have different faces. I'm pretty sure we did every facial expression imagineable! It is what makes pics interesting! I can't wait to see yours!

[stacikristine]

You need to update. I need a distraction... :sad1:

I'm posting it right after this! I've been praying a ton! :hug:


Goofy faces in pictures are the best! This reminds me of high school...I was a teacher aide with my best friends for one period and we pretty did NOTHING but take pictures of ourselves and in all of them we just have different faces. I'm pretty sure we did every facial expression imagineable! It is what makes pics interesting! I can't wait to see yours!

Haha--yep! :laughing: That is hilarious! I'm sure Landon will get a kick out of those someday!!! :rotfl:

[stacikristine]

On Friday Night, we set our alarm for 9:00 the next morning.

Around 5:30, we both woke up. We were sooo excited! :dance3: I guess it was just the pre-vacation jitters (this isn’t the first you’ll see of these!) Mine wouldn’t have been so bad if I didn’t have “Kill the Beast” in my head! Try falling asleep when all you can think about is “Kill the Beast! BOOM! Kill the Beast! BOOM! Kill the Beast!” :headache: We chatted for a little while and then finally went back to sleep around 6:15.

We were both wide awake by 8:15, but we tried to go back to sleep until our alarm played *“Kiss the Girl” at 9:00 and reminded us it was time to get up because we were going to Dallas! :woohoo: *Note: we woke up to a different Disney song every day of our trip! This was the first…

We got ready, made some Cinnamon Rolls, and watched the new Office episode we’d missed earlier in the week. We also did all of our last minute packing (toiletries, etc).

My dad was next door working on remodeling one of their rental apartments, so he stopped in to see if we were all ready for our trip. My mom and sister were staying about 20 minutes away, and no one could get ahold of them. We were afraid that if they didn’t come soon, we wouldn’t be able to say bye!

Our plan was to leave our town around 10:30. We were pretty much on schedule, but then my mom and sister showed up. You see, my sister had been begging and begging to be able to go with us. She’s 12, and absolutely loves Disney World. We’d told her no a million times, but 12 year olds can be very persistent. :rolleyes:

We said bye to my parents, loaded up, and headed off! It was 11:00 on the dot when we pulled out of our driveway. Everything was going smoothly until we took this picture and saw this:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/001CarRide.jpg

What?! What’s SHE doing in the car?? She’ll never make it through baggage!!! :scared1:





Just kidding! ;) Earlier that morning, my dad asked us if we could meet my uncle on the highway (they live in Dallas and were coming up to OK) to pass Emily off so she could go to the OU game with them. So we met up, gave “hi” hugs all around, told everyone bye, and hopped back on the route to Dallas.


We called my cousin (not related to the OU game uncle or the aunt we’re staying with…I have family ALL over the DFW metroplex) to give her our ETA for lunch. We’d said we’d probably be meeting between 1:30 and 2:00 since we didn’t leave on time.


On our drive down, we saw this awesome car:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/002CarRide.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/003CarRide.jpg

Isn’t that gorgeous?!


I also got a cool shot of the sun through the top-tinted front window:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/007CarRide.jpg


Sorry—here’s the only luggage picture I remembered to take… Our big bag was in the trunk:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/004Luggage.jpg


We made REALLY great time, and pulled into the Cheddar’s parking lot at 1:30. My cousin thought we were going to be later than that, so she didn’t come until about 1:55.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/005Cheddars.jpg


Oh my goodness, we LOVE Cheddar’s! :lovestruc We really miss having one in our town. I didn’t take pictures, but my cousin and I both had the grilled chicken salad (grilled chicken, glazed roasted pecans, cheese, etc.), and Michael had a cheeseburger. It was all DELISH! We all split an Apple Pie a la Mode for dessert. Holy Cow. :eek: This thing was GOOD!


After our scrumptious lunch and saying bye to my cousin (for those of you who read my PTR, she was one of my maids of honor), we headed off to my Aunt Laura’s house.

We left Cheddar’s at 3:15, and pulled into Aunt Laura’s driveway at 3:45.


My cousin’s little girl, A, was sleeping when we arrived (she’s 3). Aunt L said she’d been planning all day how she was going to hide and surprise us when we got there. So we waited in the living room, and Aunt L woke her up and told her we were there. She covered her face as A.L. carried her into the kitchen so we couldn’t see her. :cutie: I just love it how kids do this! When we went outside “to get our bags”, she found her hiding spot—burying her face in a pillow on the couch!! We “looked” for her and then came and tickled the “lump on the couch”. :upsidedow She’s just adorable.


Continued in next post

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous



After she showed us everything from her bedroom to her brush, we decided to take a drive to:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/008TuttiFrutti.jpg

I’d never been here before, but it’s AWESOME! :thumbsup2 What an incredible idea! You go in and pick whatever size of cup you want. Then you fill it up with whatever types of frozen yogurt you’d like. You can choose one flavor, or all of the flavors (there were about 10 or 12). Since Michael and I had never been there before, we were given tiny little cups to try the different flavors. I ended up getting Strawberry, Vanilla, and Original Tart (I think that was the name). I think Michael got Cheesecake, Vanilla, and Strawberry. Then, you go over to the toppings bar. They have everything from fresh fruit to candy to cakes—almost anything you could think of! The greatest thing is that you can put as many toppings as you’d like! Michael stuck to Sprinkles. I put mini Gummy Bears on the Tart, Strawberries on the Vanilla, and Cheesecake bites on the Strawberry. After you’ve completed your yogurt-y creation, they weigh your cup, and you pay by the ounce. Brilliant! :goodvibes

Here’s mine and Michael’s:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/009TuttiFrutti.jpg

And here’s A and me:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/010TuttiFrutti.jpg

She had Cookies & Cream with Oreo pieces, Chocolate Chips, and some other toppings. Isn’t she adorable?!


Oh my goodness! This was SOOO yummy! :love:


After we ate our frozen yogurt and visited for a while, we went to Target. I can’t tell you how much I miss having a Target in my town! We found one of our funny Dirty Santa Exchange gifts (don’t worry…it’s completely clean. My mom’s family just does a silly gift swap every Christmas). We found all of these little monster things in the dollar section, and made a goofy gift out of it. We also found some Office pens, pencils, and notepads that we just had to buy. We walked around and visited the Halloween costumes section, the game section, and the toys section. I got really excited when A started pressing buttons on a princess Barbie display—we were going to be at those princesses’ home in one day!!! :yay:


By the time we left Target, we were ready to eat. Again, I don’t have any pictures, but I can assure you it was fantastic! We went to a little place called Joe’s Pizza & Pasta. Michael and I both had half orders of spaghetti with ½ marinara, ½ alfredo sauce. YUM! Aunt L had spaghetti and meatballs. A had spaghetti. Let’s just say our tummies were very satisfied when we left there!


We went back to A.L.’s house and played with A some more. She showed us her kitchen and all of her sticker books.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/018Playing.jpg


Then, she showed us her pig named Richard. We just HAD to take a picture with Richard, because that’s Michael’s brother’s name! :rotfl:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/016Playing.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/017Playing.jpg


We decided to play Cooties! I hadn’t played this in forever. I must say, this game is much cooler now than when I had it. All of our pieces looked the same. Now, each cootie looks completely different!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/011Playing.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/012Playing.jpg


I’m proud to announce that my cootie was the first to be completed!!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/013Playing.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/014Playing.jpg


Michael’s was having a little bit of an issue. :upsidedow

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/015Playing.jpg


After we played Cooties, A decided she wanted us to play “Pretty, Pretty Disney Princess”. I’d played the original game, but not this one. I didn’t really understand what some of the squares stood for…oh well.

It was also at this point that I realized my camera does some cool stuff. I don’t know why I’d never thought to check it out before. So sorry about the weird colors and things on these pictures…I was playing!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/019Playing.jpg

Oh, Aunt Laura, you’re looking fabulous!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/020Playing.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/021Playing.jpg

I don’t know why I took this…Probably to check out the color. But I think it looks pretty neat.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/022Playing.jpg


Michael had been doing something else, and when he walked up and asked what we were doing, A said, “We’re playing princess! We’re playing princess! Here…you can be the witch!” Thanks, A.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%200/023Playing.jpg


After we finished playing Princesses and Witch, we got ready for bed. It’d been such a fun day! I’m so glad we were able to meet up with my cousin and spend the day with my aunt and A. She’s just the sweetest little girl.

We ended up going to sleep around 9:45—had to go to bed early for our Flight to Disney!!!! :dance3:




Up next:
Where the heck is our flight check-in desk?!
GORGEOUS Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jason from Zimbabwe
Shopping

[annnewjerz]

Hi there! :wave2:

I think I stopped in a few times on your PTR to help you get pics off of a memory card (right?) and just saw you had your TR started, so I thought I should say hello and that I'm in!! :woohoo:

I also wanted to tell you, that idea about waking up to a different Disney song each day of your trip is SO FREAKIN CUTE. I love it and may have to steal it for our upcoming trips.

Love the picture of the little tot in your backseat while you are starting your drive. You had me convinced that she hid in the back to tag along with you to WDW. And Pretty Pretty Princess used to be a game I loved when I was younger (although still probably too old to be playing it :rolleyes1 but that's neither here nor there).

Looking forward to more!

Ann

[BippityBoo]

Woohoo! The first part of your trip!! Little A is adorable. LOVE her pig (and so funny that your DH has a brother that name). What a great way to start off your trip...with family :love:

That frozen yogurt place looks awesome!! What a great idea!

Is it bad that I want you to write the entire TR in one night so I can see what happens? :lmao:

Also, did you ever get some beignets? I had some on Sunday (kind of a tradition here) and thought of you!

[princess_momma]

I literally LAUGHED OUT LOUD so many times already!! A is SO CUTE. I LOVE the pig named Richard. And I want to play Pretty Pretty DISNEY Princess. I only played the original as well! And I want to try Tutti Frutti. I think I need to go to Texas.

I just can't believe you don't have a TARGET!! Thats so crazy!! I would die and I don't even go there that much!!

And by the way, what type of camera do you have? You had some cool effects with it!! I'm looking into getting a new one in the next year or so!

[lauren_elizabeth]

Hey Girl! I saw you over on Kimmy's trip report (princess_momma) and had to join along! You & Michael are such an adorable couple and OH MY GOSH! That Tutti Frutti yogurt place looks DELICIOUS! Yummmmm!

Can't wait to read more!

[stacikristine]

Hi there! :wave2:

I think I stopped in a few times on your PTR to help you get pics off of a memory card (right?) and just saw you had your TR started, so I thought I should say hello and that I'm in!! :woohoo:

I also wanted to tell you, that idea about waking up to a different Disney song each day of your trip is SO FREAKIN CUTE. I love it and may have to steal it for our upcoming trips.

Love the picture of the little tot in your backseat while you are starting your drive. You had me convinced that she hid in the back to tag along with you to WDW. And Pretty Pretty Princess used to be a game I loved when I was younger (although still probably too old to be playing it :rolleyes1 but that's neither here nor there).

Looking forward to more!

Ann

Hi Ann! Yes--you saved my pictures! :goodvibes Thanks again! And thanks for reading. The Disney Songs thing just happened. I picked one for our trip to Dallas morning, and then every day at Disney, Michael picked a different one. I LOVED waking up to different favorite Disney songs of ours :thumbsup2 Yeah...she REALLY wanted to come along! Too bad little sis :laughing: I never owned Pretty Pretty Princess, but I'd love it when I babysat little girls that had it! :upsidedow


Woohoo! The first part of your trip!! Little A is adorable. LOVE her pig (and so funny that your DH has a brother that name). What a great way to start off your trip...with family :love:

That frozen yogurt place looks awesome!! What a great idea!

Is it bad that I want you to write the entire TR in one night so I can see what happens? :lmao:

Also, did you ever get some beignets? I had some on Sunday (kind of a tradition here) and thought of you!

It was awesome to get to spend time with them! I love my family:goodvibes Oh my goodness, the frozen yogurt place was amazing!! I'd never heard of anything like it! I want one in our town... Haha--I wish I could write it all in one night... :laughing: And no, I didn't. :sad2: I SO wish we could have, but it just didn't work out. I think I might have to buy that mix. What was the website again? I'm so jealous you get them so often!!!


I literally LAUGHED OUT LOUD so many times already!! A is SO CUTE. I LOVE the pig named Richard. And I want to play Pretty Pretty DISNEY Princess. I only played the original as well! And I want to try Tutti Frutti. I think I need to go to Texas.

I just can't believe you don't have a TARGET!! Thats so crazy!! I would die and I don't even go there that much!!

And by the way, what type of camera do you have? You had some cool effects with it!! I'm looking into getting a new one in the next year or so!

Yay! I'm glad you liked it! :laughing: Isn't she adorable?! I hope my kids are that cute. We laughed so hard when she said his name was Richard. Nice leotard, Richard! :rotfl: Yeah, I agree--you should just move to Texas!! I really do love it there, and hope we can move back someday. The DFW area is awesome! I know...I've only had a Target 7 years of my life :scared1: But those 7 years spoiled me. I have a little Cannon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph. I love it. In my opinion, it's the best little compact camera out there. The color is really great. I've had this one for almost 2 years.


Hey Girl! I saw you over on Kimmy's trip report (princess_momma) and had to join along! You & Michael are such an adorable couple and OH MY GOSH! That Tutti Frutti yogurt place looks DELICIOUS! Yummmmm!

Can't wait to read more!

Hi Lauren! Thanks for reading! :goodvibes Thanks! It was absolutely incredible!! :thumbsup2 I SO wish we had one here! Hopefully I'll get another installment up today.

[SparKeLLy]

Love your report so far and glad to know I'm not the only one that plans their outfits lol. :thumbsup2
I also have to agree the Canon Digital Elphs are the best!

[jenny105]

Great start! I'll be reading along. So cool we got to meet at DHS!!

[princess_momma]

Yay! I'm glad you liked it! :laughing: Isn't she adorable?! I hope my kids are that cute. We laughed so hard when she said his name was Richard. Nice leotard, Richard! :rotfl: Yeah, I agree--you should just move to Texas!! I really do love it there, and hope we can move back someday. The DFW area is awesome! I know...I've only had a Target 7 years of my life :scared1: But those 7 years spoiled me. I have a little Cannon PowerShot SD1000 Digital Elph. I love it. In my opinion, it's the best little compact camera out there. The color is really great. I've had this one for almost 2 years.

I have been thinking about Texas for YEARS!! Everyone thinks I've been there and love it because I have it tattooed on my back! But I've never been! :laughing: Brandt is the one who first put it in my mind. His nickname here was "Tex" lol. And I even have a best friend living down there now and I just really want to!!

You need to quickly move back to another Target! Its so great. I love it there. We have a Target and Walmart side by side and it just works out. We have it all at that little area! :laughing:

I'll have to look into that camera! How does it do with taking video? The one I have now doesn't record sound with the video which is terrible when I want to get a video of Landon laughing. I actually have a digital camcorder too but it won't charge and I can't get the videos I have off of it and on to my computer! Its sad!

[ariel1025]

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you started your TR :woohoo:

A is the cutest little girl and I am sooo jealous that they didn't have the Disney Pretty Princess when I was a kid :rotfl:

Can't wait to read more and see what your thoughts on AKL are since we just stayed there as well.

[pinkpixie0920]

I can't wait to write all about it!! I know--I looked for you too, but I guess our paths just never crossed. If you're not going to write a TR, what was your highlight? Your favorite meal? Something everyone should do next time?

Oh boy I don't even know where to start. We had so many highlights. I would say watching Wishes from our table at Ohana's. We lucked out and got a table right by the window. Also, staying at the beach clubs was just wonderful. The pool was awesome and I loved how it was just a short walk to Epcot and boat ride/walk to DHS. And also getting to go to MNSSHP! That was so fun! We didn't dress up but we had so much fun. It was a last minute thing. My favorite meal was probably at Tutto Italia. The atmosphere in their alone was wonderful and the food was delicious. HMM, for something everyone should do next time...I would say if you go during fall go to MNSSHP! I can't wait to hear about your tour you took. We might do that next time. After this trip are you planning any future trips?

[stacikristine]

Love your report so far and glad to know I'm not the only one that plans their outfits lol. :thumbsup2
I also have to agree the Canon Digital Elphs are the best!

Hi! Thanks for reading!! I don't know if I could make it without planning my outfits--I even plan them out for 2 day trips! :rotfl: It's by far my favorite compact camera!


Great start! I'll be reading along. So cool we got to meet at DHS!!

Hi Jenny! Thanks for reading! Have you started yours yet? I'll have to go look to see if you've updated... I KNOW!!! It was so cool to run into you and Joe :thumbsup2


I have been thinking about Texas for YEARS!! Everyone thinks I've been there and love it because I have it tattooed on my back! But I've never been! :laughing: Brandt is the one who first put it in my mind. His nickname here was "Tex" lol. And I even have a best friend living down there now and I just really want to!!

You need to quickly move back to another Target! Its so great. I love it there. We have a Target and Walmart side by side and it just works out. We have it all at that little area! :laughing:

I'll have to look into that camera! How does it do with taking video? The one I have now doesn't record sound with the video which is terrible when I want to get a video of Landon laughing. I actually have a digital camcorder too but it won't charge and I can't get the videos I have off of it and on to my computer! Its sad!

Texas is awesome--you really should look into it! :thumbsup2 Or Oklahoma ;) I know--I miss Target a lot!!! I think it's funny that a lot of Targets and Wal-Marts are right by each other... The camera is awesome!! The video has sound. It's not the absolute greatest quality of videos, but it's the best (in my opinion) for videos on a camera (instead of a video camera). I'll post some video from it on here, so you can see what it's like. Does your digital camcorder have a memory card? Because you could just stick that in your computer :confused3 But definitely look into the Cannon. I love it!!!


YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you started your TR :woohoo:

A is the cutest little girl and I am sooo jealous that they didn't have the Disney Pretty Princess when I was a kid :rotfl:

Can't wait to read more and see what your thoughts on AKL are since we just stayed there as well.

Hi!!! Thanks for reading! I'm glad I finally started it too--I'm excited to talk about everything and re-live the trip! Haha--me too! I would have loved Pretty Pretty Disney Princess :goodvibes I can tell you now that we absolutely LOVED it! We want to move back!!


Oh boy I don't even know where to start. We had so many highlights. I would say watching Wishes from our table at Ohana's. We lucked out and got a table right by the window. Also, staying at the beach clubs was just wonderful. The pool was awesome and I loved how it was just a short walk to Epcot and boat ride/walk to DHS. And also getting to go to MNSSHP! That was so fun! We didn't dress up but we had so much fun. It was a last minute thing. My favorite meal was probably at Tutto Italia. The atmosphere in their alone was wonderful and the food was delicious. HMM, for something everyone should do next time...I would say if you go during fall go to MNSSHP! I can't wait to hear about your tour you took. We might do that next time. After this trip are you planning any future trips?

Aw! It sounds like you had a great trip! That is so awesome that you had such a good view of Wishes! :goodvibes I really want to visit the Beach Club...It looks so pretty in pictures. Isn't MNSSHP so cute?! I did it in 06 and loved it. But I knew it wouldn't be a big deal for Michael, so we'll wait til we have kids. Did you get to meet any of the villains? Ooh--I haven't heard much about Tutto Italia--we might have to try it next time. What did you get? I can't wait to tell all about the tour!!!! :thumbsup2 And YES we're planning more trips! :woohoo: Are you?

[jenny105]

Hi Jenny! Thanks for reading! Have you started yours yet? I'll have to go look to see if you've updated... I KNOW!!! It was so cool to run into you and Joe :thumbsup2

I haven't started my TR yet. I actually just ordered a new computer so I'm waiting for that to come in until I start it. It'll be a couple weeks. :rolleyes1

[LilAnn]

awww great post! I am so jealous about that frozen yogurt place! Although, maybe it's a good thing there isn't one of those near us. :laughing: It looks like your vacation was off to a great start! I can't wait for my DD to get a little older so i can start playing all of those games with her!

[stacikristine]

I haven't started my TR yet. I actually just ordered a new computer so I'm waiting for that to come in until I start it. It'll be a couple weeks. :rolleyes1

Well, I'll be checking your PTR for when you do start! Good luck with getting your computer in :thumbsup2


awww great post! I am so jealous about that frozen yogurt place! Although, maybe it's a good thing there isn't one of those near us. :laughing: It looks like your vacation was off to a great start! I can't wait for my DD to get a little older so i can start playing all of those games with her!

Thanks! I'm upset that we don't have one here!! Yeah, they say frozen yogurt isn't bad for you, but if I ate it every day, I'm sure it wouldn't be GOOD :upsidedow It was a great start!! I bet! I can't wait until we have a little girl so I can play all those games too! :goodvibes

[stacikristine]

:woohoo: “Woo-Hoo!!! Today’s the day we’re going to Disney!!!” :woohoo:


This thought running through our heads was probably the reason we woke up at 3:50 and couldn’t go back to sleep. We were just too stinking excited!! :yay:

We finally got up at 5:00 right before our alarm went off (so we didn’t wake everyone up for no reason). We got ready really quickly and made sure all of our liquids were in quart-sized ziplocks before we headed out the door at 5:45. Oh—and let me say here that my aunt is a saint for getting up and driving us to the airport this early in the morning!


We arrived at the airport at 6:10 for our 7:45 flight.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/001AirportDallas.jpg

It was so funny walking into the airport just the two of us. I don’t know why, but we really got a kick out of this… I don’t know if it felt like we were breaking rules or that we were little kids traveling without Mommy and Daddy, but we laughed a lot! :rotfl: What made it even more funny was the fact that we had NO CLUE where we were going.

After walking around and looking for the Airtran check-in desk, we finally had to ask someone where to go. We felt like little 12 year olds: “Excuse me, sir. Where is the Airtran check-in?” After he told us, and we headed back out the door, we kept joking around and saying things like, “Excuse me, sir. Where is the potty?” and “Excuse me, sir. Is this the airport?” and “Excuse me, sir. Where is my airplane?” :lmao:

I know. We’re weird. But it was really early…and this was our first flight together…and we were just way too excited about Disney World…


We finally found the Airtran check-in desk. At this point, it was around 6:20. We didn’t know which line to get in (online check-in or full service) so we got in the shorter one—online check-in. While we were in line, they called out for 7:00 flights to Orlando. About half of the people raised their hands. I couldn’t believe it!! It was 6:30, and people still didn’t have their boarding passes! :eek:

We got to the front of the online check-in line, and they told us they couldn’t help us yet because they had to handle all of the 7:00 people first. I asked if we were even in the right line, and she told me that this was for people who checked in online earlier and only needed to check a bag. Oops. Not us.

It didn’t bother us that we had to go get in the longer line because we couldn’t be helped until the 7:00 people were anyway. When I got into the full service line, I noticed a lady with my same VB Hipster. Then I looked and saw that they had DME tags for AKL!! What a coincidence! :thumbsup2 I pointed this out and we visited for a little while in line. It turns out that she and her husband had both been to Disney as kids, but their kids (a baby girl, a little girl around 6 years old, and a little boy around 7 years old) had never been. **Remember these people—it’s not the last time we’ll run into them**

Let me also point out that at this point it was after 6:30. And there were still a TON of people who had 7:00 flights in line. :scared1: They finally called for the last call to Orlando and these people were still in line. Stinks to be them. But honestly, I really didn’t feel sorry for them. I mean, everyone should know that you have to get to the airport early. You can’t show up 45 minutes early anymore!

Oh—and our bag was only 48 lbs! We didn’t have to pay extra!


We finally made it through check-in and security by 7:10. We found our gate, and I sat down for a little bit while Michael went to find us some breakfast. When he came back, they had just called our section for boarding.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/002AirportDallas.jpg

We boarded the plane (with bacon, egg, and cheese croissants in hand) and buckled up for take-off.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/003PlaneDallas.jpg

We ate our breakfast while we waited for everyone else to board, and at 7:45 (right on time) we took off!!

Check out this gorgeous sunrise:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/005PlaneDallas.jpg


I think it’s safe to say we were just a little excited! :dance3:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/007PlaneDallas.jpg


Goodbye, Dallas!
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/008PlaneDallas.jpg

Don’t you just love it when you start to fly higher than the clouds?! These were pretty little cotton clouds:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/011Plane.jpg


We planned on sleeping on the plane, but we were way too excited! We played cards (I beat Michael in Old Maid—woo-hoo!), Soliare (on the computer), and listened to XM radio (courtesy of Airtran). In no time at all, we were instructed to fasten our safety belts and prepare for the landing.

Hello, Orlando!
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/012PlaneOrlando.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous



It was an excellent flight! We were very, very impressed with Airtran. For those of you that didn’t know/remember, I was pretty nervous about flying with them since I’d never even heard of them before. But if they have the lowest fares again, we’ll fly Airtran in a heartbeat!

We landed a little ahead of schedule. We were supposed to land at 11:13, and we landed a little before 11:00 instead.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/013PlaneOrlando.jpg

Yay!! We’re pulling into the gate! I’m happy to see you, MCO! :yay:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/014PlaneOrlando.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/015PlaneOrlando.jpg


As much as we would have loved to push everyone over so we could run off the plane and get to Disney’s Magical Express, we waited for almost everyone to get off.

Here we are all excited to be exiting the plane:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/016AirportOrlando.jpg


We found the “monorail” with no problem,
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/017AirportOrlando.jpg

and look what greeted us when we got on:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/018FirstMickeyAirport.jpg

Our first Mickey of the trip!!! :goodvibes


Pretty soon, we headed down the escalators and saw this:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/019MagicalExpressnew.jpg

And this:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/020MagicalExpressnew.jpg

I’m so thankful we had our vouchers with us so we didn’t have to wait in yet another line.

YAY!!! This is where we’re going!
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/021MagicalExpress.jpg


We got in line and we were two families away from getting on the first bus. Oh well, this way we knew we’d get good seats! Our bus came at 11:45, and we got the very front seats on the passenger side!!

Our driver was Richard, and he was excellent.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/022MagicalExpress.jpg


Before long, we saw this: :goodvibes
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/023WelcomeSign.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/024WelcomeSign.jpg


Oh my goodness, we’re actually here!!!!


We went to Coronado Springs first, and then we saw the road sign for our resort!
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/025AKLSign.jpg


Michael, what is it?
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/026MagicalExpress.jpg


YAY!!! The welcome gate!!
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/027JamboCheckIn.jpg


And FINALLY, we saw this: :banana::banana:
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/028JamboCheckIn.jpg


Yay! Yay! Yay!!!!!!! Our Disney Vacation has officially started!




Up Next:
Oh. My. Goodness. We get to stay here?!

[Tnkrbelle565]

You guys look like you are having so much fun!!! Can't wait to see more!!!

[jenny105]

Looking forward to reading more! Can't wait to see the pictures of AKL!

[Leleluvsdis]

Love the update!!! HOW EXCITING!!!! Can't to read more, especially about renting DVC points. We are thinking about doing this next Christmas and would love to hear a first hand experience.

[Dancegrl624]

I am loving your TR! You two look so excited and it's putting a smile on my face. It's like I'm right there with you two! :goodvibes

[khertz]

Ahh, y'all are so freakin' cute!! I love the pictures, especially the one of y'all exiting the plane and the one of the watch marking the time y'all landed. Very good idea!

[FONT="Georgia"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Blue"][SIZE="5"]

After walking around and looking for the Airtran check-in desk, we finally had to ask someone where to go. We felt like little 12 year olds: “Excuse me, sir. Where is the Airtran check-in?” After he told us, and we headed back out the door, we kept joking around and saying things like, “Excuse me, sir. Where is the potty?” and “Excuse me, sir. Is this the airport?” and “Excuse me, sir. Where is my airplane?” :lmao:


:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

DH and I get like this with each other sometimes, especially when we are traveling! Of course, he usually knows more about airports than me (especially the New Orleans airport since he has flown out of there so many times), and he just kind of laughs at me because I get SO nervous at the airport! I'm always afraid something won't make it through security, or I'll lose my boarding pass (I check my bag for it about 1,253 times to make sure it's still there), or that we'll get on the plane and some other people will be sitting in our seat! None of that has ever happened, but I think I stress him out at the airport just a little. :rotfl: So usually the goofiness emerges when we have reached our destination, not at the airports!

I'm getting so excited just reading all this! I can't wait to see pics of the resort! I think it's one we may try to visit when resort hopping our first day to check out the decorations (well, AKL anyway, probably not the DVC parts).

[heaven2dc]

How cute - you guys are so excited! You should come along on our trip to amp up my kids :banana::banana:

Isn't it just the greatest feeling to see that WDW sign :love: Can't wait to see what room you got and the view and how check-in went!

[iluveeyore]

You guys are so adorable - making me smile while I read along and see all your neat photos - can't wait to read more!:surfweb:

[princess_momma]

Texas is awesome--you really should look into it! :thumbsup2 Or Oklahoma ;) I know--I miss Target a lot!!! I think it's funny that a lot of Targets and Wal-Marts are right by each other... The camera is awesome!! The video has sound. It's not the absolute greatest quality of videos, but it's the best (in my opinion) for videos on a camera (instead of a video camera). I'll post some video from it on here, so you can see what it's like. Does your digital camcorder have a memory card? Because you could just stick that in your computer :confused3 But definitely look into the Cannon. I love it!!!


You give me so much stuff to look into! :upsidedow Its okay though!!
I have put the memory card in my computer and it doesn't read it right. I wonder if I should try a different computer or what the problem is. I know its a special memory card for videos. :confused3 I don't know what the problem is. I'll have to post these 2 videos on it to show you though...one is me "grounding" my friends baby. He's 5 weeks older than Landon and he kept making noises after I would talk and its just funny. The other one is Landon laughing at me putting a pillow in a pillowcase. Lol its so cute, it was the first time he really cracked up...I don't know why he thought it was funny, but he did!



ANYWHO...I really feel like I'm there with you! You took pictures of everything! Its great. I probably would've but I had to take care of Landon...and my parents didn't feel the need to take pictures of every thing...clearly they don't Dis! lol! I LOVE IT though!! You've got me all excited! I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip! :woohoo:

[Roxychica7]

OH my gosh, such an exciting day already! LOVE the frozen yogart store! It's like Cold Stone but you get to choose everything, so cool. Must go look that place up! Love Richard and his tu-tu and M's face having "issues" with his cooties :rotfl: Oooh, so excited to hear about your AKL reaction!

[Roxychica7]

Yay! So excited already! Oh my gosh you and Michael are cracking me up already with the faces! Don't you just love the MCO airport? Dbf and I get SO excited riding the "monorail." AKL was beautiful when we went in december, hope you got a great room/view! :thumbsup2

[beyondblessed]

I've already subscribed and am anxious to read more. You two are adorable! Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us.:lovestruc

[MiaBella05]

popcorn:: joining in popcorn::

[bballdiva]

jumping in too:thumbsup2

[ibedancin824]

Hahaha you guys must have the patience of saints because Scott and I would have been pretty cranky waiting in that line at the airport!!! :eek:

[LilAnn]

You guys are too cute! That was a great post! I love how excited you guys are. It sums up my feelings exactly whenever I go on vacation to Disney!:yay: Can't wait to read along for the rest of your trip!

[xoktenox]

Hey, just got all caught up and you can count me in!! :thumbsup2

I'm sooo excited to hear about your trip. My BF and I are staying at AKV in Kidani Nov 29-Dec 5 and are soo excited. I am interested to see what you thought of the resort and the buses. We're thrilled to be able to stay there thanks to renting DVC pts too! The best invention ever :laughing:

My BF and I took an "we're really excited to be here" picture like you guys took too, the one with your mouths open LOL Can't wait to read more :surfweb:

[jenjolt]

I'm here Staci!!! I promise to catch up in the morning but I wanted you to know I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip!!

[BippityBoo]

Staci-
LOVE the update (as usual). My husband and I went on a cruise 3 months after we were married, and we felt the same way about asking permission, etc. :lmao:

However, it was even more of a reality check when the bill came and we could not just pass it off to my Mom. HA!

Here is the website for the beignets...

www.cafedumonde.com

Click "Shop" then "coffee and beignets". The mix is only like $3 a box and it makes lots. Pretty easy to make as well. You will love it. Might as well order some of their famous coffee while you are on the site!

Anxious to see how you start your vacation off! popcorn::

[stacikristine]

You guys look like you are having so much fun!!! Can't wait to see more!!!

It was a blast!!! :thumbsup2


Looking forward to reading more! Can't wait to see the pictures of AKL!

I can't wait to post them! Hopefully today or tomorrow. They're GORGEOUS!


Love the update!!! HOW EXCITING!!!! Can't to read more, especially about renting DVC points. We are thinking about doing this next Christmas and would love to hear a first hand experience.

Renting points is the greatest invention! Ever!!! :thumbsup2 Honestly, we're planning on renting every trip from now on!!


I am loving your TR! You two look so excited and it's putting a smile on my face. It's like I'm right there with you two! :goodvibes

Thanks! We were ecstatic! :woohoo: Seeing your pictures made me feel the same way. Madison's face just lights up!


Ahh, y'all are so freakin' cute!! I love the pictures, especially the one of y'all exiting the plane and the one of the watch marking the time y'all landed. Very good idea!

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

DH and I get like this with each other sometimes, especially when we are traveling! Of course, he usually knows more about airports than me (especially the New Orleans airport since he has flown out of there so many times), and he just kind of laughs at me because I get SO nervous at the airport! I'm always afraid something won't make it through security, or I'll lose my boarding pass (I check my bag for it about 1,253 times to make sure it's still there), or that we'll get on the plane and some other people will be sitting in our seat! None of that has ever happened, but I think I stress him out at the airport just a little. :rotfl: So usually the goofiness emerges when we have reached our destination, not at the airports!

I'm getting so excited just reading all this! I can't wait to see pics of the resort! I think it's one we may try to visit when resort hopping our first day to check out the decorations (well, AKL anyway, probably not the DVC parts).

Thanks! We have fun. YAY! I'm glad to know we're not the only ones :rotfl: Sometimes we feel so goofy. We don't stress as much as joke around. It makes for very interesting traveling :upsidedow You HAVE TO go check out AKL!!!!! It's GORGEOUS! :cloud9:

[stacikristine]

How cute - you guys are so excited! You should come along on our trip to amp up my kids :banana::banana:

Isn't it just the greatest feeling to see that WDW sign :love: Can't wait to see what room you got and the view and how check-in went!

We were about to lose it we were so excited! YEAH!!! We'll be there...just tell us when and where to meet you! :thumbsup2 :rotfl: It was an awesome feeling!! I can't wait to share our pics and everything--hopefully today or tomorrow I'll have a new update ready :thumbsup2


You guys are so adorable - making me smile while I read along and see all your neat photos - can't wait to read more!:surfweb:

Thanks!! Can't wait to share more...


You give me so much stuff to look into! :upsidedow Its okay though!!
I have put the memory card in my computer and it doesn't read it right. I wonder if I should try a different computer or what the problem is. I know its a special memory card for videos. :confused3 I don't know what the problem is. I'll have to post these 2 videos on it to show you though...one is me "grounding" my friends baby. He's 5 weeks older than Landon and he kept making noises after I would talk and its just funny. The other one is Landon laughing at me putting a pillow in a pillowcase. Lol its so cute, it was the first time he really cracked up...I don't know why he thought it was funny, but he did!



ANYWHO...I really feel like I'm there with you! You took pictures of everything! Its great. I probably would've but I had to take care of Landon...and my parents didn't feel the need to take pictures of every thing...clearly they don't Dis! lol! I LOVE IT though!! You've got me all excited! I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip! :woohoo:

Sorry! :upsidedow But I love OK and TX... and I know you would too! See if you need a different memory card reader to hook into your computer. If you take both to Best Buy or something like that, they should be able to help you. Haha--I would love to see those videos :goodvibes I've always been a picture freak. I just love them! One summer when I was in HS, I spent $800 on film and developing!! :scared1: YAY! I can't wait to write more and share it...


OH my gosh, such an exciting day already! LOVE the frozen yogart store! It's like Cold Stone but you get to choose everything, so cool. Must go look that place up! Love Richard and his tu-tu and M's face having "issues" with his cooties :rotfl: Oooh, so excited to hear about your AKL reaction!

Oh my gosh--it was amazing!! And I just went to another one this weekend in OKC...it's called the Orange Tree. Apparently there's one called Pink Swirls and one called the Lemon Tree up there too. You might check--I bet there's one at least semi-close to you! :thumbsup2 I'm glad you liked those pics--he has some pretty goofy faces! :rotfl:


Yay! So excited already! Oh my gosh you and Michael are cracking me up already with the faces! Don't you just love the MCO airport? Dbf and I get SO excited riding the "monorail." AKL was beautiful when we went in december, hope you got a great room/view! :thumbsup2

We crack ourselves up too--hints the funny faces :laughing: YES! It was so exciting getting there. I love that they have little Disney stuff there... I would LOVE to see AKL in December!! Hopefully I'll have an update today or tomorrow.


I've already subscribed and am anxious to read more. You two are adorable! Thanks for sharing your trip with all of us.:lovestruc

YAY! Thanks so much for reading! :goodvibes I'm already loving sharing this and can't wait to write more!! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

popcorn:: joining in popcorn::

Yeah! Thanks for reading! :woohoo:


jumping in too:thumbsup2

Hi! Thanks for reading!! :thumbsup2


Hahaha you guys must have the patience of saints because Scott and I would have been pretty cranky waiting in that line at the airport!!! :eek:

No...I'm usually a VERY impatient person--Just ask Michael :rotfl:--but we were WAY too excited to let anything get to us!! :yay:


You guys are too cute! That was a great post! I love how excited you guys are. It sums up my feelings exactly whenever I go on vacation to Disney!:yay: Can't wait to read along for the rest of your trip!

Thanks! It was a lot of fun to write...I'm excited about the rest! I think Disney just brings about a whole new level of excitement :dance3:


Hey, just got all caught up and you can count me in!! :thumbsup2

I'm sooo excited to hear about your trip. My BF and I are staying at AKV in Kidani Nov 29-Dec 5 and are soo excited. I am interested to see what you thought of the resort and the buses. We're thrilled to be able to stay there thanks to renting DVC pts too! The best invention ever :laughing:

My BF and I took an "we're really excited to be here" picture like you guys took too, the one with your mouths open LOL Can't wait to read more :surfweb:

Hey! Thanks for reading! :thumbsup2 Oh my gosh--You're going to love staying there! It's just gorgeous. We took some pictures of Kidani Village that I'll post in one of the later days. I just love feeling like I'm in some other world there... :cloud9: Isn't DVC renting the greatest thing in the world?!?!? We're hooked! :thumbsup2 I can't wait to post more--hopefully today or tomorrow.


I'm here Staci!!! I promise to catch up in the morning but I wanted you to know I'm here and can't wait to read all about your trip!!

Hi Jen!! You're home!! :goodvibes I'll have to go over and see if you've started your TR yet. I'm sure you had a fantastic time--but I'm excited to read all about it!


Staci-
LOVE the update (as usual). My husband and I went on a cruise 3 months after we were married, and we felt the same way about asking permission, etc. :lmao:

However, it was even more of a reality check when the bill came and we could not just pass it off to my Mom. HA!

Here is the website for the beignets...

www.cafedumonde.com

Click "Shop" then "coffee and beignets". The mix is only like $3 a box and it makes lots. Pretty easy to make as well. You will love it. Might as well order some of their famous coffee while you are on the site!

Anxious to see how you start your vacation off! popcorn::

Hi Katie! Thanks! It was fun writing it. Haha--I'm glad we aren't the only ones that felt like that! :upsidedow It was the weirdest feeling...Haha!! I know what you mean about the bill :rotfl: Thanks for passing that site along. I'm going to go order some right now! They're just toooooooo yummy! :lovestruc I'll hopefully update today or tomorrow...

[tinkgurl]

:lmao: I am just now making it over here.

[stacikristine]

:lmao: I am just now making it over here.

Hey! I'm glad you made it!! Just about to post again... :goodvibes

[stacikristine]

Last time, I left you with us seeing this:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/028JamboCheckIn.jpg



By this time, we were literally about to jump out of our seats! We were almost to our resort!!!! :yay::yay:


Before long, we were in front of Animal Kingdom Lodge! Here’s a picture of us pulling up to the resort:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/029JamboCheckIn.jpg


We got off the bus, handed Richard a tip, and got ready to walk into our African Paradise.


Underneath the entrance:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/030JamboCheckIn.jpg


Oh, wait—we almost forgot to take a picture of our DME bus…

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/031JamboCheckIn.jpg
It turns out this was a great bus for us to be on…but more on that on our DHS day(s)



Can you tell we’re about to burst?! :dance3:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/032JamboCheckIn.jpg



Aahhh. Home.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/033JamboCheckIn.jpg



Let me just say, my pictures do not do this lobby justice. It is the most beautiful lobby I have ever seen in my life! I know some don’t feel this way, but it was absolutely perfect for our tastes. It was SO big. I knew that it looked big and gorgeous in other peoples’ pictures, but I wasn’t prepared for it being this incredible. I think my jaw had to be picked up off the floor! :lovestruc


When we walked in, we immediately saw the HUGE window that faces the savannah.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/034JamboCheckIn.jpg


And the gorgeous light fixtures

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/035JamboCheckIn.jpg


And the detailing on everything:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/036JamboCheckIn.jpg



I wanted to keep taking pictures of everything I saw, but I knew that there would be plenty of time for that. So we went over to Guest Services (I should have taken a picture of the beautiful wall hangings…) to check in.


Since we had already done online check-in, we were able to bypass the line (even though it wasn’t very long) and go straight to the online check-in section. I didn’t write down our CM’s name, but she was there with the College Program. She was very helpful and very cheerful! She gave us our “Welcome Home” DVC packet (since we rented points, we were treated like DVC owners) with our discount and perks info :thumbsup2 as well as AKL information and maps.

Since we rented points for a value studio room, I knew it was a toss-up as to whether we would have a pool or savanna view room. There was just no way to know. Then, when I checked-in online, it said we had a pool view. I was completely ok with this. I’d heard that the pool view rooms were still gorgeous. And there was no way I was complaining with the incredible deal we got. I was also prepared to have to wait to check in. That’s no problem—we could just check our carry-ons with Bell Services, and go swimming or whatever we wanted.


Well…….


Our CM told us that our room was on the Fifth floor (I think this is where most of the DVC rooms are…) and that we had a SAVANNA VIEW room!!!! :woohoo::yay::banana: Woo-Hoo!!! And I didn’t even have to ask!! She also told us that our room was ready (What?! :woohoo: ) and pointed us in the right direction. Could it get any better than this?!


Our room was located on the Ostrich trail, which is one of the short hallways right off the Lobby. It was immediately to the left of the Lobby and the check-in desk. She had told us that there was an elevator, so we looked for one as we tried to take in all of the incredible-ness of the resort hallways.


I loved seeing these lights every day:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/037Hall.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/038Hall.jpg



We walked all the way to the end of the hallway and realized that we must have missed the elevator. So then we walked all the way back and still didn’t see one. She must have just been a little confused. Oh well—no sweat! I offered for us to go find another one, but Michael said the carry-ons weren’t heavy and we could just take the stairs.

Let me insert here that AKL is a little strange when it comes to floor levels. The Lobby is actually on Level 3 (and the rooms start on this level as well). I don’t really remember what is on Level 2 (we never went there) and then the restaurants and pool are on Level 1. We were a little confused at first, but quickly got the hang of it.

All that to say, it was only 2 flights of stairs up to our room from the first floor of rooms.


We made it up to the fifth floor and excitedly hurried down the hall to find our room. But not without a few pictures at the lookout on the way:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/039Hall.jpg
Is that gorgeous, or what?!


Our first animal friend:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/040Hall.jpg


Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous



When we got to our room, Mousekeeping was just about to head in. No worries—she said she had just forgotten to put the laundering bag in the closet. We visited with her for a while, and then took time to take everything in.


Outside our room:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/041Room.jpg


I just love all of these little decorations on all the doors. Each door is a little different:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/042Room.jpg



Oh my goodness. Our room was gorgeous!!!! We loved it as soon as we stepped in! Everything was perfect for us. :cloud9:


Our kitchenette with fridge, microwave, toaster, and sink (we never used the coffee pot, but we did use everything else)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/043Room.jpg


Here’s an up-close shot of the sink décor:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/044Room.jpg
Yay for The Lion King—it’s one of our favorite movies!



Next up: The bathroom. Here’s the vanity area outside the bathroom. We loved having the huge mirror and counter-top space. Again, the detail is just so gorgeous! I didn’t get an close-up of the wallpaper, but it was this really pretty African/Disney paper…

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/045Room.jpg


Our actual bathroom area was a little small, but it was fine for the week. One thing to note, however: It’s dark! We learned that you have to open up the curtain to get any light in there.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/046Roomnew.jpg



After these areas, you walk into the studio room. To the right was our couch and coffee table:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/047Room.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/052Room.jpg


And to the left was our closet, chest of drawers, and TV.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/051Room.jpg



Next to these was a little desk and mirror (what a gorgeous mirror!!)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/048Room.jpg



Next, we come to our bed. Look at that fantastic headboard/wall décor!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/049Room.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/050Room.jpg


I’ll probably forget to say this later, so let me say now that the bed was very comfy! It didn’t have quite enough pillows (we like a lot), but they had extras in the closet. The mattress was very nice, and the pillows were great. And this is saying something coming from me—I’m the pickiest pillow person! I take mine with me whenever possible.



Anyway…back to the room!



Lastly was our balcony:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/053Room.jpg
I don’t know if you can see the details on the shades or not, but they had animals in the lace!


Our little zebra chairs on our balcony:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/054Balcony.jpg



And now, our view!


To the left:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/055Balcony.jpg
You can see Kidani Village there in the distance.


The center:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/056Balcony.jpg


And the right:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/057Balcony.jpg
This is where a lot of the animals hung out throughout our stay.




We were SOOO pleased with our room and our view. We just couldn’t get over how awesome it was that we were staying HERE! :goodvibes




Up Next:
Exploring our African Paradise

[annnewjerz]

Very nice room! It looks like you guys lucked out with getting the savannah view! :thumbsup2 I also didn't know you could do online check-in if you rented DVC points. We did for our trip in December and I thought I'd have to wait in the normal line---good to know!

Sooo, I've never been to AKL but we have a dinner ressie for Jiko on our upcoming trip. Does this mean we go in and down two floors to get to the restaurants?? That is a bit confusing if you don't know you enter on floor 3.

Can't wait to hear more!

[LilAnn]

oooh! Looks like I logged at a perfect time! Just in time for another awesome update! Love all of the pictures. Nothing like a little pixie dust to start off your trip! I think we may have to look into renting DVC points on future trips after reading about your experience. Anxiously awaiting your arrival into a park......:yay:

[khertz]

What a gorgeous room! And a nice surprise on that Savannah View!!

That lobby sure does look amazing. I had it as a "maybe" on our resort hopping tour, but I might have to bump it up to the "for sure" list! It looks great in the pictures, I can only imagine how much better it looks in person.

Looking forward (anxiously!) to the next update!! :goodvibes

[Dancegrl624]

What a beautiful view from your balcony! I hope to see some animal pics from there soon! :goodvibes Your room is so pretty and I love all of the Disney details. Can't wait for more! :yay:

[BippityBoo]

WOW! What a room! I love it.

I also love the carpet from what I saw on the DVD and my brother in law's pics. Everything is so nicely decorated! Can not WAIT to stay at AKL in the future! Kids would love the animals :thumbsup2

So happy for you two...what a great trip!

[princess_momma]

AKL is really so gorgeous!! I love it!! Your pictures are awesome!! I love all the animal details and Lion King ones...that's one of the best movies ever!! I'm so excited for more!!

[haleofafamily]

I'm thoroughly enjoying your trip report.

We loved AKV Kidani! I'm thinking about doing a trip report myself. For me, this was our most satisfying trip to date.

I was disappointed we didn't run into each other. Maybe next time:goodvibes

By the way, I grew up in OK and my family still lives there. Glad you like it. I keep trying to talk my DH into moving back there.

[Tnkrbelle565]

OOOOOH those pics are making me a little sad that we aren't staying at AKL again. We stayed for for our last two family trips and it's just GORGEOUS!!!

So they changed your room after you checked in online??? I haven't done the whole "check in online" thing yet...do you see an actual room assignment or just a building? Sorry for the questions- just getting excited for our trip!

[heaven2dc]

I'm so excited for you :banana: What a great view!:cheer2:

[Leleluvsdis]

How awesome of a view to you have!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

OT when did they change the magical express busses? I thought they had the round windows and said magical express?

[tinkgurl]

Ahh..I love the excitement of checking in and just getting there. :goodvibes

I love walking across that bridge in the AKL lobby. Such a beautiful Resort. Your room was nice too! What a great view!

[ariel1025]

I'm so happy to see all the pictures of your hotel and room. Sadly, we never once made it over to Jambo house to see the lobby :sad2: I've been curious about the differences in Jambo and Kidani. I love your guys' headboard/wall decor - very romantic :lovestruc Still very intrigued and can't wait for more :goodvibes

[beyondblessed]

I love your trip report - you did so good with pictures and details. Great job!!! I hope to be able to remember to grab the camera for all those details. You've inspired me!;) I'm anxiously awaiting more!!!

[stacikristine]

Very nice room! It looks like you guys lucked out with getting the savannah view! :thumbsup2 I also didn't know you could do online check-in if you rented DVC points. We did for our trip in December and I thought I'd have to wait in the normal line---good to know!

Sooo, I've never been to AKL but we have a dinner ressie for Jiko on our upcoming trip. Does this mean we go in and down two floors to get to the restaurants?? That is a bit confusing if you don't know you enter on floor 3.

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks! Yeah, we got really lucky--we weren't expecting it! :thumbsup2 Yeah, someone gave me the link on my PTR to check-in online for DVC. It's not the normal check-in. It worked great! I've heard Jiko is really good. We didn't try it this time though. Yes, you'll enter the lobby which is actually on the 3rd floor. Then go to the elevators (on the right of the lobby, past the first hallway) and go down to the 1st floor. Jiko will be on your right once you get off the elevators. It was pretty confusing our first day...we just pressed a bunch of buttons! :upsidedow


oooh! Looks like I logged at a perfect time! Just in time for another awesome update! Love all of the pictures. Nothing like a little pixie dust to start off your trip! I think we may have to look into renting DVC points on future trips after reading about your experience. Anxiously awaiting your arrival into a park......:yay:

Thanks! I love, love, love pictures. I know--it was awesome to get that awesome view!! :goodvibes You should definitely look into it! It's sooo great. The only downside is you can't take advantage of the specials (like free dining and 4/3 deal). Hopefully I'll post again soon. :thumbsup2


What a gorgeous room! And a nice surprise on that Savannah View!!

That lobby sure does look amazing. I had it as a "maybe" on our resort hopping tour, but I might have to bump it up to the "for sure" list! It looks great in the pictures, I can only imagine how much better it looks in person.

Looking forward (anxiously!) to the next update!! :goodvibes

We LOVED our room! The view was fantastic :cloud9: Oh my gosh--it has to have a MUST!!!!! Honestly, though, we visited a lot of resorts, and AKL was our favorite by far. And they say the Christmas stuff is gorgeous there. I'll try to write it in the next few days!


What a beautiful view from your balcony! I hope to see some animal pics from there soon! :goodvibes Your room is so pretty and I love all of the Disney details. Can't wait for more! :yay:

It was SUCH a great view. Don't worry--animal pics in the next update! ;) We really loved our resort and our room!


WOW! What a room! I love it.

I also love the carpet from what I saw on the DVD and my brother in law's pics. Everything is so nicely decorated! Can not WAIT to stay at AKL in the future! Kids would love the animals :thumbsup2

So happy for you two...what a great trip!

We really loved our room!! :lovestruc Yes--I should have taken a picture of the carpet. It was great too. Everything was awesome! YES--your kiddos would have a blast at AKL! It's so awesome to see all of the animals without leaving your resort. Thanks, Katie! It was an incredible trip :goodvibes

[stacikristine]

AKL is really so gorgeous!! I love it!! Your pictures are awesome!! I love all the animal details and Lion King ones...that's one of the best movies ever!! I'm so excited for more!!

It is SOOO gorgeous! You and Landon would both love it! :thumbsup2 Yes--the Lion King is awesome. I love that we were staying at "his resort"! ;)


I'm thoroughly enjoying your trip report.

We loved AKV Kidani! I'm thinking about doing a trip report myself. For me, this was our most satisfying trip to date.

I was disappointed we didn't run into each other. Maybe next time:goodvibes

By the way, I grew up in OK and my family still lives there. Glad you like it. I keep trying to talk my DH into moving back there.

Thanks so much! :goodvibes I just couldn't be happier with AKL. We loved the atmosphere! YES!!! Do a TR--and let me know what the link is! I really don't know how we're going to top this trip... I know! Me too! I ran into 3 DISers, but there were so many more I wanted to run into! I'm glad yall had such a great trip though. Oh, wow! Where is your family from? (If you don't want to tell the city, just what part) I love it here. It's so friendly and laid-back. Granted, I would like to move back to the OKC area. The small town thing isn't really my favorite. :rolleyes:


OOOOOH those pics are making me a little sad that we aren't staying at AKL again. We stayed for for our last two family trips and it's just GORGEOUS!!!

So they changed your room after you checked in online??? I haven't done the whole "check in online" thing yet...do you see an actual room assignment or just a building? Sorry for the questions- just getting excited for our trip!

Oh my goodness, isn't it just incredible?! I would love to try other resorts, but I don't know how they'll compare to AKL. Where are you all staying this trip? I guess they changed it! :woohoo: It said Pool View online, and when we got there, they told us we had Savanna View! :yay: No, you just see what kind of view it is. Since we got the value studio, we knew it would be between a pool and savanna view. I'm SOOO glad we got SV. When is your trip?


I'm so excited for you :banana: What a great view!:cheer2:

Thanks! It was awesome!! :thumbsup2


How awesome of a view to you have!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

OT when did they change the magical express busses? I thought they had the round windows and said magical express?

We loved our view! :lovestruc They still had the old busses, but they had some new ones too. I guess we just happened to get the Lights, Motors, Action one! :upsidedow

[stacikristine]

Ahh..I love the excitement of checking in and just getting there. :goodvibes

I love walking across that bridge in the AKL lobby. Such a beautiful Resort. Your room was nice too! What a great view!

Isn't it the greatest?! You just feel like you're going to explode! :yay: That bridge is so awesome...we only walked across it a few times though, since our room was on the other side of the lobby. Thanks--we loved our view!! :goodvibes


I'm so happy to see all the pictures of your hotel and room. Sadly, we never once made it over to Jambo house to see the lobby :sad2: I've been curious about the differences in Jambo and Kidani. I love your guys' headboard/wall decor - very romantic :lovestruc Still very intrigued and can't wait for more :goodvibes

You have to visit Jambo house next time. We were really surprised when we visited Kidani--they're very different! I'll post more about that later, though. Isn't the decor great?! We loved it!! :goodvibes


I love your trip report - you did so good with pictures and details. Great job!!! I hope to be able to remember to grab the camera for all those details. You've inspired me!;) I'm anxiously awaiting more!!!

Thanks so much! It's been fun writing it so far! Yes--you'll be happy you took tons of pics! :thumbsup2 I'll hopefully write more in the next few days!

[haleofafamily]

Thanks so much! :goodvibes I just couldn't be happier with AKL. We loved the atmosphere! YES!!! Do a TR--and let me know what the link is! I really don't know how we're going to top this trip... I know! Me too! I ran into 3 DISers, but there were so many more I wanted to run into! I'm glad yall had such a great trip though. Oh, wow! Where is your family from? (If you don't want to tell the city, just what part) I love it here. It's so friendly and laid-back. Granted, I would like to move back to the OKC area. The small town thing isn't really my favorite. :rolleyes:



I have family all over OK. I grew up in Harrah (very small town) then OKC. Now my parents live in Norman, my sister and her family in Del City and a brother in Del City. My dad, brother and brother-in-law teach and coach at a Christian school in Del City. My other brother just started as youth pastor at a church near Tulsa. My grandparents (well my grandpa) live in a small town in the panhandle called Beaver.

We live in the Kansas City area and I must say I love it here. I would just like to live closer to all my family.

[Roxychica7]

OH MY GOSH!! Check out the awesome luck you two had! Awesome view AND your room was ready right away! So incredibly beautiful...I hope you two saw lots of animals. I would totally sip my coffee in the morning on that balcony (love the details on the chair too!) and unwind. The lobby, yes...beautiful, you should see it in december with the GIGANTIC Christmas tree! Oooh, can't wait to read about your 1st day in the parks!!

[pipermae]

Just joined in! Your room looks awesome! I can't wait to read more! :cool1:

[jenny105]

Wow! AKL looks absolutely beautiful! I've never seen a DME bus like that!! Can't wait to read more. :)

[stacikristine]

OH MY GOSH!! Check out the awesome luck you two had! Awesome view AND your room was ready right away! So incredibly beautiful...I hope you two saw lots of animals. I would totally sip my coffee in the morning on that balcony (love the details on the chair too!) and unwind. The lobby, yes...beautiful, you should see it in december with the GIGANTIC Christmas tree! Oooh, can't wait to read about your 1st day in the parks!!

I KNOW! Wasn't it incredible luck?! :thumbsup2 We did see a lot. Yeah, that's what we thought too...you'll have to see how the morning balcony worked out! ;) Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to see it in December! I bet it's just incredible. I'll hopefully update again soon!


Just joined in! Your room looks awesome! I can't wait to read more! :cool1:

Hi! Thanks so much for reading! :goodvibes It was fantastic!


Wow! AKL looks absolutely beautiful! I've never seen a DME bus like that!! Can't wait to read more. :)

It was SOOO great! We loved it. Yeah, I'd never seen one like that either. :confused: But that's what we got!

[jenjolt]

WOW Staci!! What a great trip report so far!! You guys just look like you were having a blast!! I have to say I love the look of AKL!!! I would love to eventually buy DVC and this last trip really settled it for me that is the way to go!! I'm not sure what resort I want to buy in but I definitely need to check out AKL a little bit more!!!!! Love your pictures of the room!! I'm glad you were able to get such a great deal!!!

Savannah view...score for you guys!! I'm so excited I can't wait to hear about your two's adventures when you actually get into the parks!!!

[bballdiva]

What a beautiful room, I had no idea they were so nice :)

[stacikristine]

WOW Staci!! What a great trip report so far!! You guys just look like you were having a blast!! I have to say I love the look of AKL!!! I would love to eventually buy DVC and this last trip really settled it for me that is the way to go!! I'm not sure what resort I want to buy in but I definitely need to check out AKL a little bit more!!!!! Love your pictures of the room!! I'm glad you were able to get such a great deal!!!

Savannah view...score for you guys!! I'm so excited I can't wait to hear about your two's adventures when you actually get into the parks!!!

Thanks Jen! Oh my goodness, we had such a great time! :goodvibes You really need to go visit there. I was our favorite of all the places we visited by far. It's just so different--you can't experience that outside Disney World! Congrats on deciding to buy DVC!!! That is incredible! :woohoo: I'm sure you'll take full advantage of it living that close! I'm soooo thankful for the great deal we got! I'm about to post about our fun time exploring right now, and then hopefully we'll get into the parks before too long! :thumbsup2


What a beautiful room, I had no idea they were so nice :)

Thank you! Yes, it was a really, really nice room. I don't know what a regular room looked like, but this was a studio... :goodvibes

[stacikristine]

Last time, I had just finished showing you all our incredible room and the view from our balcony.


Aaahh. Love it. :cloud9:



After we relaxed in our room for .78 seconds, we realized we were too excited and we wanted to explore the resort and grab some lunch.


Since we were on the 5th floor, we had a really good view of the lobby:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/059Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/060Exploring.jpg



YAY! We love our resort!! :thumbsup2

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/061Exploring.jpg


This little sitting area is at the opposite hall’s entrance

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/062Exploring.jpg


Oh, my. I could look at these light fixtures all day! Be honest, do you think they’d be too much for my house? :upsidedow

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/064Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/063Exploring.jpg


We went on a little walk across the bridge (there’s a bridge on the 5th floor that goes across the lobby)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/065Exploring.jpg


And took some pictures of the huge window

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/066Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/067Exploring.jpg



We hopped on the elevator and headed down to the 1st floor to find some food to fill our hungry belly. When we got to the 1st floor, we saw Boma to our left and Jiko to our right. But where was the Mara? We finally asked someone and they told us it was outside and to the left.


On our way we had to stop and take a couple of pictures

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/068Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/069Exploring.jpg



We found the Mara without a problem and chose our meals. I love how they have the pictures of all of the meals featured on the screens so you can actually see what you’re ordering. Our initial plan was to split a meal here, but we were both really hungry. We decided we could either pay OOP sometime later for a meal or split one that night at DTD.


I ended up getting the Turkey Ciabatta with fries, a Water, and Apples and Caramel for dessert.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/070SLunch.jpg


Michael got the Chicken Pita with fries, a Root Beer, and Cheesecake for dessert.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/071MLunch.jpg


YUM! We both loved our meals! I decided to save some of my apples and caramel for later since I was stuffed.


Oh, and before I forget, we saw “the airport family” at lunch! It seems like we weren’t the only ones who were hungry after our plane ride from Dallas.


These murals lined all of the Mara’s walls. I wish I would have gotten a shot of the huge “tree” in the middle of the room. We really liked the murals, though.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/072LunchMara.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous



When we left the Mara, we decided to look around outside some more.


Here’s the little walkway to the pool area

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/073Exploring.jpg


The main building from the poolside—doesn’t it just look like you’re in a different place entirely?! We loved that it was such a get-away!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/074Exploring.jpg


Near the pool was a flamingo area. These were really pretty (I’ve always been so fascinated by flamingos!) but the area smelled like a zoo.


We wandered a little farther and saw the cute kids playground. The kids that were there looked like they were having a lot of fun! Oh—and we saw “the airport family” again! But this time we walked away quickly so it didn’t look like we were stalking them or something. :rotfl:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/077Exploring.jpg


Here’s what the balconies look like from the outside looking in

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/078Exploring.jpg



We went back upstairs to drop off my apples, and look what was waiting for us

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/079Luggage.jpg

Our luggage!! That was quick.


We took a couple of balcony shots (I don’t know if you can see the birds and animals or not. I should have zoomed in more)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/080Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/081Exploring.jpg



Then we headed back to the lobby for some more pictures


From the savanna/porch entrance looking back up at the lobby

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/082Exploring.jpg


Aren’t these gorgeous?!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/083Exploring.jpg


This African fun statue is in the lobby as well. I must admit it’s a little faded from being so close to the big window. It was still really neat, though!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/084Exploring.jpg


They have a little fireplace inside (off of the lobby) that looks very cozy (even though we never tried it out)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/085Exploring.jpg



After we took some more lobby pictures, we headed outside to the fire pit area on the porch.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/086Exploring.jpg


The flowers were GORGEOUS!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/087Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/088Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/089Exploring.jpg


Since it was a very, very chilly day :laughing:, we decided to warm ourselves by the fire

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/090Exploring.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/091Exploring.jpg


This is one of the pillars outside the lobby. I wish this picture did it justice. It’s truly magnificent!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/092Exploring.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous




Next, we headed to the savanna observation areas (still outside the back of the lobby)


See the animals?

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/093Exploring.jpg


There was a CM visiting with a man when we got there, so we looked around for a while and then visited with him after the man left. His name is Jason, and he’s from Zimbabwe. Let me tell you, meeting Jason was one of the highlights of our trip! This guy is awesome. We talked about all kinds of things, and loved learning about his culture and how he likes Disney and all kinds of things. The most awesome thing for us, though, was that we had a special connection with him because of our beliefs. It was awesome knowing that things like that bind people together—even over continents! :goodvibes


Jason took this pic of us

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/094Exploring.jpg


And then I took this of Michael and him (they had a guitar connection!)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/095ExploringandJason.jpg



After saying goodbye to our new friend, we headed to the gift shop.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/096GiftShop.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/097GiftShop.jpg


The hats were great!! But I think people were probably wondering if we were complete nuts. (No pun intended)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/098GiftShop.jpg


Here’s his little boy face :rotfl2:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/099GiftShop.jpg


I’m ready for the safari!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/100GiftShop.jpg


Shy little tot

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/101GiftShop.jpg


Ok. The next time I make this face, please stop me! :eek:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/102GiftShop.jpg


Ooohhh… Tough guy!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/103GiftShop.jpg



These mixed media artworks were gorgeous! If only we had an extra few hundred dollars lying around…

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/104GiftShop.jpg


We ended up just buying some postcards to send to friends and family and decided we’d come back for souvenirs later.


I loved this lion/Simba behind the check-out counter!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/105GiftShop.jpg


On our way out, we saw these incredible rocks. Oh, my word. They were gorgeous!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/106GiftShop.jpg



On our way back to our room, we decided to look down some of the other hallways. These were taken from two different look-outs.


Savanna view

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/107Balcony.jpg


And Pool view

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/107Exploring.jpg


Even though they’re both gorgeous, we’re really glad we had a Savanna view. It just seemed much more peaceful.



When we got back to our room, look who were waiting for us!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/108Balcony.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/109Balcony.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/110Balcony.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/111Balcony.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/113Balcony.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/112Balcony.jpg


There were FIVE giraffes outside our balcony! I think I could have photographed them all day long! Giraffes are such beautiful creatures. I love how each one is different. They’re just stunning.


After we finished watching the giraffes and calling our parents/siblings, we left our little African Studio and headed downstairs to catch the bus to DownTown Disney. And let me say here that I don’t think we ever entered the lobby or walked down the 5th floor from the elevators to our room without gawking at how gorgeous everything is!




Up Next:
DownTown Disney & The Best Counter Service in Disney World

[BippityBoo]

OH MY!! Your TR has definately done AKL justice :thumbsup2

The pictures are just beautiful. How special to have giraffes outside of your room!? The kids would love to stay there. I think we may have to re-think not staying there while they are young. How did you find the location? Too far from the parks? That was the only negative I had heard. Everything else looks fabulous.

Your pics of the hats cracked me up! Too funny!

Can't wait to see where the best CS is in Disney (especially since we got Quick Service Dining!) Is it Earl or WGP....hummm??

[jenny105]

Wow! Gorgeous pictures! AKL looks amazing. I'll have to stay there sometime. Almost on this past trip but changed to BCV at last minute. Considering I liked WL more than BCV, I would have probably LOVED AKL. I hope I'm making sense with all these abbreviations. :rotfl:

I love the pictures of you guys in all the different hats!

[tinkgurl]

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/092Exploring.jpg

Did you know that there's a hidden Mickey on the other pillar? It's hard to find though, but once you do..it's hard to miss it!

We loved The Mara! B/F and I are definately going back there in March.

The Resort is seriously breathtaking. :cloud9:

[lauren_elizabeth]

Oh my goodness! I so wanna stay at AKL now! It's absolutely GORGEOUS! :love:

Mmm, your meals from the Mara look and sound delicious! I'll have to give it a try on our trip coming up!

So cool that yall got to meet Jason! He seems awesome!

[jenjolt]

Okay Staci, I'm totally sold!! Yes Ma'am I am so going to have to look into purchasing at AKL...what gorgeous pictures!!! You and Michael must have had the best time every staying there!! The food at the Mara just looks amazing!!! I'm so sad that I forgot to get Zebra Domes, but no worries I am making up for that in January!!!!

Love the giraffe pictures!!!

Can't wait for more!!

[heaven2dc]

I absolutely LOVE giraffes! They are such gentle elegant creatures :love: Your pics are awesome - loved the hats ;)

[Roxychica7]

Look at that dedication to the TR! Loving these updates! We explored outside the AKL although it was pretty cold in december, I really liked the giraffee drawings on the wall, kinda looks like cave drawings. And the lights! Ah, love the lights on the lower floor that are kind of metal looking, it's a box shape with moons and stars on it? Can't remember if it's by Jiko or Boma. And then the orange glass looking light by the elevator. It's just SO amazing how many details there are to look at! Dbf and I LOVE the Lion King.

And the food pics! Good start! I love the pictures too, although they make Dbf want to change his mind back and forth and I just end up ordering on my own trying to wait for his decision:rotfl:

I'll tell you what though, you had some awesome timing so far! Quick bus ride, quick check in, rooms ready and the luggage is waiting! I'll have to go back and see when you landed, although I think you two just had some awesome luck...hope it continues! :thumbsup2

[LilAnn]

I can't say enough how awesome your updates are with all the pictures! It really makes me want to either visit AKL again or stay there one day. It must have been amazing to look out the window and just see giraffes hanging out. Sigh. By the way, super cute outfit! Loving the jewelry too!:thumbsup2

You guys are too cute with you faces and the hats! Such the newlyweds!

[Tnkrbelle565]

Thanks for additional AKL pics!!! Reminding me again how much I love it there!!! We are going in two weeks. We are only staying at POP this trip as it's my 2nd trip this year ;) The trip is a surprise for DD's bday. My DH is NOT happy about POP. AKL totally turned him into a Deluxe snob :rotfl2:

[princess_momma]

I love your update!! I got so excited for you when I went there!! So glad you were able to rent DVC and stay there! :goodvibes It's so gorgeous! I love all your guy's hat pictures! Too cute! I wish I had giraffes outside my balcony! That's so awesome. I love them too! They're so gorgeous!

Mara was so good! Did you end up going back there a lot? I enjoyed it when I went! Did you ever try the zebra domes? I LOVED those!! (I guess I could try being patient and waiting for the rest of your tr! lol!)

Can't wait for more!!

[disneygirlinnj]

wow the resort is gorgeous!!! I can't wait to head over there and explore.

[iluveeyore]

You take amazing photos! I'm enjoying your trippie.
Oh, and just FYI, the 'rock' you thought was gorgeous in the gift shop is actually something my husband has always wanted to buy but I'm too nervous to take it home - they are actually painted ostrich eggs!!! Amazing, I know!

[stacikristine]

OH MY!! Your TR has definately done AKL justice :thumbsup2

The pictures are just beautiful. How special to have giraffes outside of your room!? The kids would love to stay there. I think we may have to re-think not staying there while they are young. How did you find the location? Too far from the parks? That was the only negative I had heard. Everything else looks fabulous.

Your pics of the hats cracked me up! Too funny!

Can't wait to see where the best CS is in Disney (especially since we got Quick Service Dining!) Is it Earl or WGP....hummm??

Yay! I'm glad you're liking the AKL photos--we loved it! :thumbsup2 Yes, I think they would like it! There are TONS of little kids' activities throughout the day and at night, too. I think you all would really like it.

We didn't think the location was too terrible. It took about 5 mins to get to AK, 10 for DHS, 13 for E, and 15 for MK. We rarely had to wait more than 5 mins for a bus too. The DTD trip was the longest--almost 30 mins! It also was a little longer for some because AKL is still picking up Kidani village people. I don't know if this will continue like this or not. For us, it wasn't a big deal. But there was one family that said it was too hard for them--they had a baby and 2 little ones. I guess it really depends on your preferences. I'll include the wait times and bus ride times in my report, so you can get a feel for it.

Haha--thanks. These aren't the only hat pics you'll find! :laughing:

Ooohh--good guesses! You'll have to wait and see! ;)


Wow! Gorgeous pictures! AKL looks amazing. I'll have to stay there sometime. Almost on this past trip but changed to BCV at last minute. Considering I liked WL more than BCV, I would have probably LOVED AKL. I hope I'm making sense with all these abbreviations. :rotfl:

I love the pictures of you guys in all the different hats!

Thanks! It was amazing. We loved it so much! Yeah, I hear if you like WL, you'll like AK. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on BCV and WL! Haha--yes--you made perfect sense! :upsidedow


Did you know that there's a hidden Mickey on the other pillar? It's hard to find though, but once you do..it's hard to miss it!

We loved The Mara! B/F and I are definately going back there in March.

The Resort is seriously breathtaking. :cloud9:

Oh my goodness--I didn't know that! We'll have to look for it next time. We loved it too! Yall are going to have such a good trip! I know...we never quite got our chins off the ground! :lovestruc


Oh my goodness! I so wanna stay at AKL now! It's absolutely GORGEOUS! :love:

Mmm, your meals from the Mara look and sound delicious! I'll have to give it a try on our trip coming up!

So cool that yall got to meet Jason! He seems awesome!

You need to!!! It's incredible! :goodvibes Yes--then you can visit the AKL! And the food at the Mara is good too. Jason was very cool. We actually talked about him last night!


Okay Staci, I'm totally sold!! Yes Ma'am I am so going to have to look into purchasing at AKL...what gorgeous pictures!!! You and Michael must have had the best time every staying there!! The food at the Mara just looks amazing!!! I'm so sad that I forgot to get Zebra Domes, but no worries I am making up for that in January!!!!

Love the giraffe pictures!!!

Can't wait for more!!

Yay! I think you would LOVE it, Jen! :goodvibes And another good thing about purchasing AKL is that it's a longer contract (or whatever the correct term is). Have you looked at http://dvcbyresale.com/index.php? It seems like a great way to buy--you still get the normal benefits for a fraction of the price! If we're going to buy, we'll probably go this route. They have some great AKL ones right now. We had a FABULOUS time!! :goodvibes Haha--I tried Zebra Domes, but I liked some of the other desserts at Boma a lot better! Thanks--they're such gorgeous animals!

[stacikristine]

I absolutely LOVE giraffes! They are such gentle elegant creatures :love: Your pics are awesome - loved the hats ;)

I completely agree--elegant fits them perfectly! :goodvibes Thank you--we had fun with those!


Look at that dedication to the TR! Loving these updates! We explored outside the AKL although it was pretty cold in december, I really liked the giraffee drawings on the wall, kinda looks like cave drawings. And the lights! Ah, love the lights on the lower floor that are kind of metal looking, it's a box shape with moons and stars on it? Can't remember if it's by Jiko or Boma. And then the orange glass looking light by the elevator. It's just SO amazing how many details there are to look at! Dbf and I LOVE the Lion King.

And the food pics! Good start! I love the pictures too, although they make Dbf want to change his mind back and forth and I just end up ordering on my own trying to wait for his decision:rotfl:

I'll tell you what though, you had some awesome timing so far! Quick bus ride, quick check in, rooms ready and the luggage is waiting! I'll have to go back and see when you landed, although I think you two just had some awesome luck...hope it continues! :thumbsup2

Thanks! It's been fun writing it so far... :goodvibes Isn't it just so gorgeous?! We're big time detail people, and so we were just in awe of all of the details in AKL and all over Walt Disney World! But, yes--the details even in the lights are incredible! I remembered to take almost all of our food pics. Haha--I think the food pics helped us make better decisions! :upsidedow I know!! We had such great luck with timing! We were definitely experiencing some major pixie dust! ;)


I can't say enough how awesome your updates are with all the pictures! It really makes me want to either visit AKL again or stay there one day. It must have been amazing to look out the window and just see giraffes hanging out. Sigh. By the way, super cute outfit! Loving the jewelry too!:thumbsup2

You guys are too cute with you faces and the hats! Such the newlyweds!

Thanks so much! That means a lot :flower3: Oh my goodness--you have to at least visit. Next time you're at WDW, go to AKL when you visit AK! You won't be disappointed! It was sooo neat to see the animals! Oh, thanks! That dress is super comfy. :thumbsup2 Haha--thanks! Yeah, we're living this newlywed thing up! :laughing:


Thanks for additional AKL pics!!! Reminding me again how much I love it there!!! We are going in two weeks. We are only staying at POP this trip as it's my 2nd trip this year ;) The trip is a surprise for DD's bday. My DH is NOT happy about POP. AKL totally turned him into a Deluxe snob :rotfl2:

You're welcome! I love looking at them! Haha--I think it's turned us into Deluxe snobs too! :snooty: Wow--that's so great that this is your second trip this year...I'm sure you'll have SO much fun! :thumbsup2 And POP is really great--we stayed there in 06.


I love your update!! I got so excited for you when I went there!! So glad you were able to rent DVC and stay there! :goodvibes It's so gorgeous! I love all your guy's hat pictures! Too cute! I wish I had giraffes outside my balcony! That's so awesome. I love them too! They're so gorgeous!

Mara was so good! Did you end up going back there a lot? I enjoyed it when I went! Did you ever try the zebra domes? I LOVED those!! (I guess I could try being patient and waiting for the rest of your tr! lol!)

Can't wait for more!!

Thanks Kimmy! We were SO thankful that we were able to rent those points. Who would have thought?! :goodvibes Thanks--we're goofs! :rotfl: I wish we had them outside our room NOW! But then we wouldn't live in Oklahoma...so it probably wouldn't work out. But if they ever need someone to be a permanent resident of AKL, we're signing up! :thumbsup2 Haha--yeah, you'll have to wait and see about all those food questions! ;)


wow the resort is gorgeous!!! I can't wait to head over there and explore.

It is incredible!! You will love exploring--but be warned--you'll explore longer than you were planning on! ;)


You take amazing photos! I'm enjoying your trippie.
Oh, and just FYI, the 'rock' you thought was gorgeous in the gift shop is actually something my husband has always wanted to buy but I'm too nervous to take it home - they are actually painted ostrich eggs!!! Amazing, I know!

Thanks so much! I really like taking pictures :goodvibes Really?! That is incredible!!! We thought they looked like painted ostrich eggs, but we thought that would be impossible--they're so detailed! :eek: They are just GORGEOUS!! Maybe you could have it shipped home?

[Tnkrbelle565]

You're welcome! I love looking at them! Haha--I think it's turned us into Deluxe snobs too! :snooty: Wow--that's so great that this is your second trip this year...I'm sure you'll have SO much fun! :thumbsup2 And POP is really great--we stayed there in 06.


:rotfl: Happens to the best of us!!!

I've stayed at POP 4-5 times now and I actually do like the hotel. It's really fun for kids. After my DD got over the excitement of giraffes out the window on our first AKL stay (we didn't tell where we were staying until we got there), she'd tell you that she's just as soon stay at POP. Difference means nothing to her!

[Dancegrl624]

Giraffes are my FAVORITE animal!!! Whenever I see them, I take a million pictures of them. They are just so cool! I love all of your AKL pics. Amazing!!!

[stacikristine]

:rotfl: Happens to the best of us!!!

I've stayed at POP 4-5 times now and I actually do like the hotel. It's really fun for kids. After my DD got over the excitement of giraffes out the window on our first AKL stay (we didn't tell where we were staying until we got there), she'd tell you that she's just as soon stay at POP. Difference means nothing to her!

That's awesome that your DD doesn't mind where she's staying--as long as it's at DISNEY WORLD!! :thumbsup2 Now all you have to worry about is pleasing the grown-ups! :upsidedow We'll have no problem staying in a value, but I think we'll probably try to at least squeeze in a few days at a Deluxe from now on. We just loved it!



Giraffes are my FAVORITE animal!!! Whenever I see them, I take a million pictures of them. They are just so cool! I love all of your AKL pics. Amazing!!!

Aren't they just the greatest?! They're gorgeous! :goodvibes Thanks so much--it was so fun exploring!

[ibedancin824]

OMGGGG after seeing all your pics I can't wait to get to AKV in Jan!!

[blabbermouth]

Wow, I just caught up. Haven't been on the dis lately, so missed the change over to the actual TR! AKL is soooo nice, never thought it would be my choice, but your photos are great... and with that good of a deal it'd be hard to say no.

Can't wait to hear about the rest, making sure I subscribe to this one!

[stacikristine]

OMGGGG after seeing all your pics I can't wait to get to AKV in Jan!!

You will LOVE it! :thumbsup2


Wow, I just caught up. Haven't been on the dis lately, so missed the change over to the actual TR! AKL is soooo nice, never thought it would be my choice, but your photos are great... and with that good of a deal it'd be hard to say no.

Can't wait to hear about the rest, making sure I subscribe to this one!

Isn't it funny how different resorts are for different people? Just like wedding dresses... ;) Thanks--it was so fun taking pictures of such a gorgeous resort!! You should try it--even if it's just for a few nights of a split stay! And thanks for subbing!! :goodvibes

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Hi Staci!
I just caught up and am loving your TR!! The resort is gorgeous! One of the main attractions to that area for me would be the animals! Those giraffe were so beautiful, I almost started crying ('course it could be the pregnancy hormones, ha!). Can't wait to read more!!

[misskate]

HA! I laughed out loud thinking about someone having those light fixtures in their house. You should definitely try and recreate them. A nice touch, I think. :)

Isn't it nice how our faith connects us in the most unlikely of places? I always find meetings like that to be a little pat on the back from God, reminding us he's there in our excitement, as well. Good stuff.

Cant wait to read more!

[stacikristine]

Hi Staci!
I just caught up and am loving your TR!! The resort is gorgeous! One of the main attractions to that area for me would be the animals! Those giraffe were so beautiful, I almost started crying ('course it could be the pregnancy hormones, ha!). Can't wait to read more!!

Hi Amanda! Thanks so much :goodvibes Oh my goodness--it was soooo neat to have animals outside. It didn't even feel like we were in the USA! Aw--I'm glad you almost cried. They're gorgeous. I'll post more right after this!



HA! I laughed out loud thinking about someone having those light fixtures in their house. You should definitely try and recreate them. A nice touch, I think. :)

Isn't it nice how our faith connects us in the most unlikely of places? I always find meetings like that to be a little pat on the back from God, reminding us he's there in our excitement, as well. Good stuff.

Cant wait to read more!

Wouldn't that be ridiculous?! :rotfl: I would like them though!! Yes--it was SO neat to experience that. :goodvibes I agree. And they make me smile really big. It's like I leave with my heart a little fuller. I'm posting more right after this!

[stacikristine]

When I last left you, we were heading downstairs to catch a bus to DownTown Disney.




When we got to the bus station (which isn’t a bad walk at all!), we waited 8 minutes before our DTD bus showed up. We pulled out of the AKL bus stop at 4:35, and headed to Kidani Village to pick up our AKV friends. (Note: If you want to get TO Kidani Village, you board the DTD bus, if they want to get TO Jambo house, they board any park bus.)



Yay! We’re on our first Disney Transportation Bus!! :woohoo:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/114BusRidetoDTD.jpg



At 5:00, we pulled up to DTD, and in no time we were walking under this

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/115DowntownDisney.jpg



Our first stop was the Christmas scene outside Disney’s Days of Christmas. I thought about tinkgurl’s family since they always take pics there… I wish I had someone to take the picture for us, but there was no one around. I ended up having to put it on a rock or something.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/116DTDChristmas.jpg



Next, we went inside and took a ton of time walking through the entire store and looking at all of the ornaments. We already knew we wanted to buy an ornament, but we didn’t know what kind. Even though we saw a lot that we liked, we both loved this one from the start:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/117DTDChristmas.jpg


I don’t know if you can see it or not, but it has 2009 engraved in the middle.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/118DTDChristmas.jpg



With our ornament in Michael’s backpack, we walked across the street to Design-A-Tee. We knew we didn’t want to make a T, but we designed one anyway just for fun:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/119DTDShirt.jpg


It was so neat inside there!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/120DTDShirt.jpg



We walked through the store and found ourselves in the Create Your Own Ear Hat store.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/122DTDHats.jpg


We stood and watched them work for a while. How fun will it be to bring our kids here one day?! :thumbsup2

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/121DTDHats.jpg



Our next stop was The Art of Disney. Oh my goodness—this place is SO GREAT! We just loved walking through and looking at all of the gorgeous artwork. :goodvibes


Here are a few of our favorites:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/123DTDArt.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/124DTDArt.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/125DTDArt.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/126DTDArt.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/127DTDArt.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous




We got so excited when we saw Once Upon A Toy! We’re both just little kids at heart, and we couldn’t wait to see all of the old and new toys! :yay:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/128DTDToy.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/129DTDToy.jpg


“You have saved our lives. We are eternally grateful!”

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/130DTDToy.jpg


“I’ve found my movin’ buddy!”

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/131DTDToy.jpg


“Don’t touch that!”

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/132DTDToy.jpg



Needless to say, we had to stop and create a Mr. Potato Head (or few)

We laughed SO hard while we were making one on the computer. :rotfl2:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/134DTDToy.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/th_VideoDTDToy.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/?action=view&current=VideoDTDToy.flv)



After we made an electronic Potato Head, we made a quick “real” one with pieces that were close to us. I must say, Mr. Potato Head has seen some better days!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/135DTDToy.jpg


How fun is this?! I loved the Star Wars Potatoes!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/136DTDToy.jpg



“What the heck kind of a Mickey Mouse is this?!” :rotfl: Michael still talks about how he wished he bought this just so he could look at it and laugh!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/137DTDToy.jpg



The Mouse and the Miss

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/138DTDToy.jpg



When I was little, I wanted an Ewok SO badly!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/139DTDToy.jpg



This train was super cool. If I was a little boy, I would have stayed in this room forever

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/140DTDToy.jpg



My Little Ponies! These have such a special place in my heart. :lovestruc When I was little I had a whole backpack full of My Little Ponies. Well, when I got too old to play with them, my mom let me sell them in a garage sale. I know that she was just letting me get rid of what I wanted to get rid of, but I REALLY wish she would have made me keep them!! I’d absolutely love to have all of my original My Little Ponies back!


Anyway, it made me happy to see all of these

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/142DTDToy.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/143DTDToy.jpg



And if I was a little girl, you’d never get me to leave this room:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/141DTDToy.jpg



After we finished looking at everything in Once Upon A Toy, we decided we were pretty hungry. Since we’d both had our own lunches, we just wanted to split a counter service for dinner.


I’d heard such great things about this restaurant, and I couldn’t wait to try it!


We went in and immediately our tummies started growling because it smelled so great in there. Everything that we saw looked so delicious, but we decided to split the Rigatoni with Chicken Alfredo and a Cesar Salad.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/144dinnerWolfgangPuckExpress.jpg


This was fantastic!! It tasted every bit as good as something you’d buy at a sit-down Italian restaurant.


For dessert, we split a Crème Brule.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/145dinnerWPE.jpg


We loved every bite of this meal—and it was so big that even though we were splitting it, we couldn’t finish everything! :cloud9:


So what is the best counter service in all of Disney World?? Wolfgang Puck Express!!!




Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous



After our incredible dinner, we walked over to the mother of all Disney Stores—World of Disney!


Since we were not really looking to buy a lot of souvenirs, this store was a little overwhelming for us. We did love all of the details in the decorations, though. People probably thought we were crazy because we both stopped, looked up at the ceiling, and had a whole conversation about Disney, theming, and details.


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/146DTDWorldofDisney.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/147DTDWorld.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/148DTDWorld.jpg



When we left World of Disney, we went to another store we were really excited about: The LEGO Imagination Center!


It just blows my mind that people can actually create things like this! And in the water…WOW!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/149DTDLego.jpg


If you haven’t noticed, Michael likes to imitate the statues! :upsidedow

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/150DTDLego.jpg


What incredible detail!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/151DTDLego.jpg


Hi LEGO family!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/152DTDLego.jpg


When we made it inside, it was very cool, but somehow not what I was expecting. I don’t really know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t quite like this.


I loved this, and I had to take a picture for my dad and brother

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/153DTDLego.jpg


Wow!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/154DTDLegonew.jpg


This part was VERY cool, but we agreed that it’d be too overwhelming for us to pick out what pieces we wanted—they had SOOO many options!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/155DTDLegonew.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/156DTDLegonew.jpg


After we looked in the store, we went back outside and had some more fun with the LEGO statues


See the squirrel??

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/157DTDLego.jpg


Now THAT is a transformer!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/158DTDLego.jpg


No! Don’t eat my husband’s arm!!! :scared1:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/159DTDLego.jpg


Or my head!!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/160DTDLego.jpg


Sorry. We’re goofs.



I was really excited to go in and look at the T-Rex gift shop. I’d heard that it was really, really neat inside!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/161DTDTrex.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/162DTDTrex.jpg


My brother would have loved this place!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/163DTDTrex.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/164DTDTrex.jpg



We walked all the way through Pleasure Island and DTD West Side, but we ended up not going into any of the stores. We really liked the atmosphere of the live music on the West Side!


Now, I apologize for this next picture, but I just have to know if anyone else saw what we did. :eek: We had to do about 3 double-takes before we saw what the sign was supposed to say…bad choice of lettering!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/166DTD.jpg



As we walked around and glanced in different stores, we saw the marina. Even though it was closed, we went down to see what the prices for different things were. See, we were given a few money gifts before we left to use “on something fun” at Disney World. As soon as Michael saw the marina, he knew exactly what he wanted to spend the money on! When he was little and came with his family, they all rented Sea Raycers. Well, he was the only one that was too young to drive, and had to ride with his brother or dad. Every since then, he’s wanted to rent one at Disney World. Well, that’s what we would be doing with part of the money!! :thumbsup2


While we were down at the marina, this was our gorgeous view:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/167DTD.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous



About this time, we were ready to make one last stop and then head back to our resort. Let me say that this one stop was something we’d been looking forward to for months! I’d heard so much about people’s yummy creations, and we couldn’t wait to pick out our fantastic creations of sweet-tooth yumminess at Goofy’s Candy Co.!!!! :dance3:


Oh my. It was wall to wall goodness in there!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/169DTDGoofys.jpg


I told Michael to make a face about how this place made him feel. This is the result:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/170DTDGoofys.jpg


I love how this is made of Jelly Beans!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/171DTDGoofys.jpg


After we walked around a little bit, we headed right to the counter to accomplish what we came for!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/172DTDGoofys-1.jpg


Michael ordered Marshmallows—dipped in dark chocolate—with multi-chocolate chips—and drizzled with dark chocolate.

I ordered a Rice Krispie Treat—dipped in milk chocolate—soaked in pecans—and drizzled with dark chocolate.



Here they are working on our creations:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/173DTDGoofys.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/174DTDGoofys.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/175DTDGoofys.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/177DTDGoofys.jpg



We amused ourselves by playing at the mirror while we were waiting for them to cool in the fridge.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/176DTDGoofys.jpg


When I got to the register to pay, I was a little surprised. My treat wasn’t covered on the DDP. Oops. Oh well. Michael’s was, so we used a snack credit on his, and then we paid OOP for mine.



With yummy treats in hand (literally), we headed back to the DTD bus stop. A bus was waiting for us when we got there. I can’t tell you how hard it was to not bite into them on the way home! Our bus departed at 8:03 and arrived at Jambo House at 8:30-ish.



We went back up to our room and unpacked all of our suitcases (we stored the empty ones under the sink, which worked really well) and got everything ready for the next day—our first day in the parks!!!


Before we hit the hay, we tried our Goofy’s treats


Michael’s

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/181mSnack.jpg


Mine

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/180sSnack.jpg



They were SOOO yummy! :thumbsup2 Michael ate one of his mallows, but I could only eat 2 or 3 bites of mine. I was still stuffed from dinner! We put them in ziplock baggies, and left them on the counter to snack on throughout the trip.



We were in bed and ready for our first Disney Night’s Sleep by 10:30.


It had been SUCH a fantastic day! Everything went so smoothly, and we were so thankful to be at Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World!!! Our vacation was actually here!





Up Next:

Day 1 in the Parks!
Do we make rope drop?
What is the first attraction at WDW?
Do we stick with my super detailed plan?

[tinkgurl]

Wow, I never thought about how people would get to and from the main building and AKL Villas building. Thanks for that info!

AW...you thought about me at the Christmas statues. :goodvibes I feel special! :laughing: It's almost time for Christmas...which means I finally get to hang my new Tink ornament up!

DTD is such a nice, fun relaxing way to spend the day. It looks like you guys had a blast.

[jenjolt]

Great update Staci!!! WOW you guys had a ton of fun at DTD and I loved being able to relive that with you YAY!!!!!! I had no idea they had My Little Pony accessories...I'm going to have to check that out in January!!! I used to love My Little Ponies!! You and Michael are goofy but its amazing to see that!! What fun you two have a Disney!!!

Loved it! can't wait for more!!

[annnewjerz]

Great update!!

I totally agree about the font on that store front. The first time I saw it I thought the same thing----Drapery minus the "D." If nothing else, it makes for a good laugh once you realize what is actually says versus what you thought it said. :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more!

[jenny105]

Awesome update, Staci! We didn't make it to DTD on this trip so it was nice to go through all of your pictures. :) I loved My Little Ponies as well! I think I may still have a couple of mine in a box in the garage. My mom never throws anything away!

I see what you mean about that sign...:sad2:

[Dancegrl624]

I had NO idea that My Little Ponies were sold at Once Upon a Toy!!!! I too loved them when I was little. I had SO many of them. I love that they've made a comeback and now Madison has many of her own. We always love getting cool Mr. Potato Head pieces there too. In January, I think we got Tink, Peter Pan, and Capt Hook pieces!

I think DTD is an awesome place to start any Disney trip. It just gets you in the Disney mood! Can't wait for more!

[princess_momma]

Hello! Wow...massive update!! I love it!! I loved all the Toy Story quotes for the Once Upon a Toy pics!! :goodvibes And all your guys pics crack me up! Especially Michael imitating the statues! Reminds me of one my friend and I took of the seal statue at our zoo! I'll see if I can find it to show you.

I also loved all the My Little Pony stuff. Did you ever watch the show? I still vividly remember a few episodes for some reason! I still had a My Little Pony until just last year I think. I lost it. But I know what you mean about how you thought you wanted to gt rid of something but now wish your mom had made you keep it! I feel the same way about all my Backstreet Boys stuff :laughing: I was SUCH a fanatic. I had everything BSB! I wish I still did just to look back.

That food looks SO good! MMMM I'm going to have to try Wolfgang Puck Express!! Especially since my mom has vetoed EOS from now on!

Oh man...I wish I was eating a treat from Goofy's RIGHT now! That's so weird that yours didn't count as a snack? I got a rice krispy treat one when I went and it counted on the plan. :confused3 Well I'm pretty sure it did...we were using left over treats and counted exactly and had that many and used them all. Plus, my dad would've been pretty mad if I had gotten one to pay OOP when we had so many credits! That is so strange to me! But none the less, wasn't it so delicious? I didn't even realize there was pecans because I was so excited for an oreo one! Looks like I'll have to go back! ;)

[khertz]

Awesome updates! Y'all look like you are having an absolute blast in all of the pictures. I love the pic of you and Buzz, the caption is just too funny! :lmao: That rigatoni from WPE looks DELICIOUS. I don't remember seeing it on the allears menu though?? I might have to check it out in person when we go.

Can't wait to see some pics from the PARKS!! :woohoo:

[bballdiva]

Those treats from Goofys looked GREAT!!!!

[alliesmommy]

Just came across your TR. Love it! We were at the World the same week you were. :thumbsup2

[blabbermouth]

Great update, can't wait to hear about the sea racers. Wish we would have made time for that when we were there. Your candies look soooo good, you can barely tell there was marshmallows under there!

[Bridora]

:eek: I can't believe I am just now realizing you started a TR. Believe me, I am kicking myself for not thinking...I had subscribed to your PTR and hadn't seen an update on it...duh! I am about to start reading it now! Sometimes I don't know about myself.....:rotfl:

[Bridora]

Wow! I have been missing out! I'm all caught up now, though. Great TR!

I was :lmao: at you trying to sleep with 'Kill the Beast! BOOM Kill the Beast BOOM' in your head. Seriously. The waking up to a different Disney song every day was a great idea. I tried that when we went, only the 1st time I set it to wake us up to 'American Boy' by Estelle. Max was sooooo not amused. I switched to Disney after that!

Tutti Frutti sounds like a place I could get addicted to. I love love love Cold Stone and TCBY. Only, there aren't any in my town, which is probably a good thing, in reality.

OMG! I love your Savanna View room. What a beautiful place AKL is. You have been taking really great pictures of the place. :thumbsup2

Those chairs around the fire pit look gigantic! The whole place looks like so much fun, giraffes at your window....!

That picture of you with Buzzlightyear at DTD was too funny...We've been to Goofy's but the kids usually get those little tubes you fill with sugar. Another thing for my 'next time' list is Make Your Own Treat. yum! (I probably really need to start actually writing down my 'next time' list, huh?)

I can't wait for more...

[LilAnn]

All in all, that sounds like a fun first day! I love WPE, too. It was packed the last time we went, so I think the word is getting out about how yummy it is. I feel like you could spend hours in each store at DTD alone! You're right, the themes and designs are amazing. Once again, love all the photos. The goofier, the better, I think! You're on vacation! Why not live it up and have fun with the photos, that's what I always think. My DH usually thinks I'm crazy though when I do those silly poses. :lmao: Fun update!

[stacikristine]

Wow, I never thought about how people would get to and from the main building and AKL Villas building. Thanks for that info!

AW...you thought about me at the Christmas statues. :goodvibes I feel special! :laughing: It's almost time for Christmas...which means I finally get to hang my new Tink ornament up!

DTD is such a nice, fun relaxing way to spend the day. It looks like you guys had a blast.

No problem! Yeah--I thought about your family as soon as I saw it! :) It's crazy how that works...and I've never even met you all! :upsidedow YAY!! I'm trying to convince Michael to let us put our tree up November 1st, but he said that's WAY too early and we have to wait until Thanksgiving. But I told him it would just give me one more thing to be thankful for at Thanksgiving--my tree! :rotfl: We had a lot of fun!! It was a good way to feel the Disney magic without trying to rush in a park...



Great update Staci!!! WOW you guys had a ton of fun at DTD and I loved being able to relive that with you YAY!!!!!! I had no idea they had My Little Pony accessories...I'm going to have to check that out in January!!! I used to love My Little Ponies!! You and Michael are goofy but its amazing to see that!! What fun you two have a Disney!!!

Loved it! can't wait for more!!

Thanks Jen! YES!! We had SO much fun :goodvibes And it's so much fun telling all of you all about our trip! You have to look at the My Little Ponies things--they were so neat! I'm kinda regretting not buying one. It's like the create-a-Potato, but it's only available in DTD. My Little Ponies were the greatest!!! Haha--thanks! We're huge goofs all the time. We love embarrassing my little sister :laughing: We loved every minute of Disney World!



Great update!!

I totally agree about the font on that store front. The first time I saw it I thought the same thing----Drapery minus the "D." If nothing else, it makes for a good laugh once you realize what is actually says versus what you thought it said. :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks Ann! I'm so glad we aren't the only ones! I couldn't believe it was like that--you'd think someone would have pointed it out to them by now! :eek:



Awesome update, Staci! We didn't make it to DTD on this trip so it was nice to go through all of your pictures. :) I loved My Little Ponies as well! I think I may still have a couple of mine in a box in the garage. My mom never throws anything away!

I see what you mean about that sign...:sad2:

Thanks Jenny! It was my first time there in the daylight--we've only gone at night in the past. I like it so much more this way. Oh wow! I SO wish I still had mine. Isn't it awful?! :eek:



I had NO idea that My Little Ponies were sold at Once Upon a Toy!!!! I too loved them when I was little. I had SO many of them. I love that they've made a comeback and now Madison has many of her own. We always love getting cool Mr. Potato Head pieces there too. In January, I think we got Tink, Peter Pan, and Capt Hook pieces!

I think DTD is an awesome place to start any Disney trip. It just gets you in the Disney mood! Can't wait for more!

Yes!! They have a HUGE section for them. Take Madison next time--she would love it!! :thumbsup2 I really wish I had mine... That is so fun that Madison has them--do they have movies and things again? I have a feeling we'll be getting Potato Head accessories when we have kids. It's awesome that you can get so many unique pieces. I agree--it worked out so well this way!

[stacikristine]

Hello! Wow...massive update!! I love it!! I loved all the Toy Story quotes for the Once Upon a Toy pics!! And all your guys pics crack me up! Especially Michael imitating the statues! Reminds me of one my friend and I took of the seal statue at our zoo! I'll see if I can find it to show you.

I also loved all the My Little Pony stuff. Did you ever watch the show? I still vividly remember a few episodes for some reason! I still had a My Little Pony until just last year I think. I lost it. But I know what you mean about how you thought you wanted to gt rid of something but now wish your mom had made you keep it! I feel the same way about all my Backstreet Boys stuff I was SUCH a fanatic. I had everything BSB! I wish I still did just to look back.

That food looks SO good! MMMM I'm going to have to try Wolfgang Puck Express!! Especially since my mom has vetoed EOS from now on!

Oh man...I wish I was eating a treat from Goofy's RIGHT now! That's so weird that yours didn't count as a snack? I got a rice krispy treat one when I went and it counted on the plan. :confused3 Well I'm pretty sure it did...we were using left over treats and counted exactly and had that many and used them all. Plus, my dad would've been pretty mad if I had gotten one to pay OOP when we had so many credits! That is so strange to me! But none the less, wasn't it so delicious? I didn't even realize there was pecans because I was so excited for an oreo one! Looks like I'll have to go back!


Haha--yeah, it ended up being a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be! :upsidedow Thanks! I'm glad you like the goofiness...we have fun with it! Yeah, Michael loves imitating statues--you'll see more throughout the TR :rotfl: Show me the pic if you find it! Yes!!! I watched the show all the time. And Care Bears :lovestruc I loved both of them! Yeah, there's lots of stuff I wish my mom would have made me keep. Yep--you'll have to try WPE!! It's soooo yummy :thumbsup2 I'm sure your mom could find something she liked. Really?! I wish mine could have counted as a snack!! She said only the pretzels and marshmallows counted. And the pretzels only if they were chocolate only. :confused3 Maybe next time I'll have someone that lets me count it. YES! That for sure gives you an excuse to go back! The pecans were so yummy--and they were 1/2 an inch thick! :eek:



Awesome updates! Y'all look like you are having an absolute blast in all of the pictures. I love the pic of you and Buzz, the caption is just too funny! :lmao: That rigatoni from WPE looks DELICIOUS. I don't remember seeing it on the allears menu though?? I might have to check it out in person when we go.

Can't wait to see some pics from the PARKS!!

Thanks! We are--we had SO much fun! Michael didn't like it too much when I told him what caption I used :rotfl: I don't know if it was on the allears menu or not. But it was REALLY good!! :thumbsup2



Those treats from Goofys looked GREAT!!!!

They were heavenly! :cloud9:



Just came across your TR. Love it! We were at the World the same week you were.

Hi! Thanks so much for reading!! :goodvibes Really?! Where did you stay? Are you going to do a TR? Did you all have a good time?



Great update, can't wait to hear about the sea racers. Wish we would have made time for that when we were there. Your candies look soooo good, you can barely tell there was marshmallows under there!

Thanks! We didn't ride on them for a few more days, but it was great! You definitely need to try it next time. :thumbsup2 There was as much chocolate and toppings as marshmallows and rice krispie!! :eek:



I can't believe I am just now realizing you started a TR. Believe me, I am kicking myself for not thinking...I had subscribed to your PTR and hadn't seen an update on it...duh! I am about to start reading it now! Sometimes I don't know about myself.....

That's ok! I've done that SOO many times! :rotfl:



Wow! I have been missing out! I'm all caught up now, though. Great TR!

I was :lmao: at you trying to sleep with 'Kill the Beast! BOOM Kill the Beast BOOM' in your head. Seriously. The waking up to a different Disney song every day was a great idea. I tried that when we went, only the 1st time I set it to wake us up to 'American Boy' by Estelle. Max was sooooo not amused. I switched to Disney after that!

Tutti Frutti sounds like a place I could get addicted to. I love love love Cold Stone and TCBY. Only, there aren't any in my town, which is probably a good thing, in reality.

OMG! I love your Savanna View room. What a beautiful place AKL is. You have been taking really great pictures of the place.

Those chairs around the fire pit look gigantic! The whole place looks like so much fun, giraffes at your window....!

That picture of you with Buzzlightyear at DTD was too funny...We've been to Goofy's but the kids usually get those little tubes you fill with sugar. Another thing for my 'next time' list is Make Your Own Treat. yum! (I probably really need to start actually writing down my 'next time' list, huh?)

I can't wait for more...

Thanks! I'm glad you like it :goodvibes Oh my gosh--those BOOMs just about did me in! :rotfl2: It was fun waking up and hearing the different songs... Haha! I bet he wasn't :rotfl: We don't have any of those ice cream/ frozen yogurt places in my town either. But yeah, it's probably a good thing!! Thanks! We just loved our room. We want to move back! :lovestruc It's an incredible resort. Thanks! We had fun posing! You HAVE TO make your own treat next time--they are SOOO good!! :woohoo:



All in all, that sounds like a fun first day! I love WPE, too. It was packed the last time we went, so I think the word is getting out about how yummy it is. I feel like you could spend hours in each store at DTD alone! You're right, the themes and designs are amazing. Once again, love all the photos. The goofier, the better, I think! You're on vacation! Why not live it up and have fun with the photos, that's what I always think. My DH usually thinks I'm crazy though when I do those silly poses. Fun update!

It was a great, great day! We loved it. Yeah, there were only a few tables left at WPE, but luckily we only had two in our party and could squeeze in and find a place. I know--there is just so much to look at! Haha--thanks. We love taking goofy pics :laughing: And all of those goofy pics will give our kids something to make fun of us for someday! Tell your DH that if he doesn't take funny pics with you, you'll just snap ones that make him look like a goof when he's not looking :rotfl:

[princess_momma]

Haha--yeah, it ended up being a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be! :upsidedow Thanks! I'm glad you like the goofiness...we have fun with it! Yeah, Michael loves imitating statues--you'll see more throughout the TR :rotfl: Show me the pic if you find it! Yes!!! I watched the show all the time. And Care Bears :lovestruc I loved both of them! Yeah, there's lots of stuff I wish my mom would have made me keep. Yep--you'll have to try WPE!! It's soooo yummy :thumbsup2 I'm sure your mom could find something she liked. Really?! I wish mine could have counted as a snack!! She said only the pretzels and marshmallows counted. And the pretzels only if they were chocolate only. :confused3 Maybe next time I'll have someone that lets me count it. YES! That for sure gives you an excuse to go back! The pecans were so yummy--and they were 1/2 an inch thick! :eek:


You and Michael both take such good pics! You guys are certainly amusing! I would love to go on a vacation with you guys! You can really tell how much fun you have!

Definitely going to try WPE and think of you!!

That's so weird about Goofy's though. Because I also got stuff on my pretzels besides chocolate. A different thing on each pretzel actually. It must really depend on the person because I don't think that's something they would change in the short amount of time between our trips! And I would've never thought of pecans on krispy treats, but it does sound divine!

Here's that pic!
http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w322/momma_kimmy/random%20times/statue4-1.jpg

[tinkgurl]

But I told him it would just give me one more thing to be thankful for at Thanksgiving--my tree! :rotfl:

:lmao: That's great!

[stacikristine]

:lmao: That's great!

He didn't go for it. But I did go through some of our ornaments last night :thumbsup2

[Tnkrbelle565]

What a fun update of DTD!!! You guys really took the time to enjoy it all. I always rush through DTD since we usually leave it until the last day and always need to rush back from ME.

"I found my moving buddy" :lmao::lmao::lmao:

Never noticed the lettering on that sign before. You're right...that's a publicity nightmare!!!

[stacikristine]

What a fun update of DTD!!! You guys really took the time to enjoy it all. I always rush through DTD since we usually leave it until the last day and always need to rush back from ME.

"I found my moving buddy" :lmao::lmao::lmao:

Never noticed the lettering on that sign before. You're right...that's a publicity nightmare!!!

Thanks! It was a lot of fun. I'd never spent much time there at all...we always only went at night for a few hours. I really liked it better in the daytime. :thumbsup2 Isn't it horrible! Someone should probably point it out...

[stacikristine]

I completely forgot to include video from Day 1! :confused:



So here is a little bit more from Animal Kingdom Lodge. Oh, and before you start watching, please excuse our slight hick accents and any weird comments made.



First up: Our room. As you already know, we loved it. And this is the grand tour. If you have no desire to see an Animal Kingdom Lodge Studio Villa, that’s all this video is, so go on to the next one… And sorry, but it’s a little dark because of the lighting in AKL. Without further ado,

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/th_1_001_AKL_TheRoom.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/?action=view&current=1_001_AKL_TheRoom.flv)



This is our balcony! You can see all of the views from outside our room (and an animal or two).

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/th_1_002_AKL_ThePorch.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/?action=view&current=1_002_AKL_ThePorch.flv)



After lunch, we saw the flamingos (as you already know). Here’s the video of that.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/th_1_AKL_Flamingos.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/?action=view&current=1_AKL_Flamingos.flv)




This is a short clip of the Lobby (at least the lower part)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/th_1_AKL_BackofLodge.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/?action=view&current=1_AKL_BackofLodge.flv)



Here are the giraffes that were outside our room when we went back up before going to DTD!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/th_1_AKL_Giraffes02.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%201/?action=view&current=1_AKL_Giraffes02.flv)




NOW up Next: Our first day in the Parks!!!

[khertz]

You don't sound hick!! You should hear the people talking in the town I went to college in. :rotfl: Actually your voice sounds just like I expected it to after seeing so many pictures of you, if that makes sense?! Y'all should pitch yourselves for a show on the Travel Channel!! :goodvibes

[LilAnn]

Oh my goodness, y'all are too cute! I barely even heard an accent. Such fun to watch the videos. It was almost like getting to "meet" you in person. haha.

[misskate]

Those Marshmallows look FANTASTIC. Wowwww. I really can't wait to make one soon. haha

I'm glad to hear your good report on WPE. We're planning on hitting it when we go there. That alfredo pasta looks divine!

[crocko]

Hey there!

I've been behind on reading TR's, but finally got caught up on yours. Trip through day 1 sounds great so far!

Some comments as I caught up:

a) Cheddar's -- we've got one in Norman, OK now...near the new SuperTarget.
b) Tutti Fruitti -- was that in Dallas area? Where is that? Looked so yummy.
c) Africa map in your room. I really like that map....want a room with a cool Africa map sometime!
d) Murals in the Mara -- ?? -- I was in the Mara several times and was completely oblivious to those murals. I was either busy trying to figure out what food to get with our credits and then just staring up at the Disney shows on the TV once I sat down. LOL
e) Disney Kisses poster -- We love that poster, too.....which is why we have one at home!
f) Wolfgang Puck Express -- TOTALLY AGREE! Best QS restaurant in Disney.
g) Drapery & Gifts. Before I read your comment, I saw the picture and did a mental double-take...what did that say? Looking closely the 2nd time, I noticed the D at the beginning. Man...that looked bad for a minute. LOL

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip and how you ran into a really cool guy at Kidani one day. (haha, j/k)

[stacikristine]

You don't sound hick!! You should hear the people talking in the town I went to college in. :rotfl: Actually your voice sounds just like I expected it to after seeing so many pictures of you, if that makes sense?! Y'all should pitch yourselves for a show on the Travel Channel!! :goodvibes

Haha! Thanks! I've been told I do...so I was just warning everyone! :upsidedow We would LOVE to be on the Travel Channel...wouldn't that be the life?!


Oh my goodness, y'all are too cute! I barely even heard an accent. Such fun to watch the videos. It was almost like getting to "meet" you in person. haha.

Thanks! We love making videos of stuff so our family and friends can feel like they were there with us! :thumbsup2 Haha--well, nice to meet you!


Those Marshmallows look FANTASTIC. Wowwww. I really can't wait to make one soon. haha

I'm glad to hear your good report on WPE. We're planning on hitting it when we go there. That alfredo pasta looks divine!

I didn't taste the marshmallows--he put too much chocolate on there for me--but mine was incredible!! He loved his too :thumbsup2 Oh gosh, you have to eat there. It's the best CS ever!!


Hey there!

I've been behind on reading TR's, but finally got caught up on yours. Trip through day 1 sounds great so far!

Some comments as I caught up:

a) Cheddar's -- we've got one in Norman, OK now...near the new SuperTarget.
b) Tutti Fruitti -- was that in Dallas area? Where is that? Looked so yummy.
c) Africa map in your room. I really like that map....want a room with a cool Africa map sometime!
d) Murals in the Mara -- ?? -- I was in the Mara several times and was completely oblivious to those murals. I was either busy trying to figure out what food to get with our credits and then just staring up at the Disney shows on the TV once I sat down. LOL
e) Disney Kisses poster -- We love that poster, too.....which is why we have one at home!
f) Wolfgang Puck Express -- TOTALLY AGREE! Best QS restaurant in Disney.
g) Drapery & Gifts. Before I read your comment, I saw the picture and did a mental double-take...what did that say? Looking closely the 2nd time, I noticed the D at the beginning. Man...that looked bad for a minute. LOL

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip and how you ran into a really cool guy at Kidani one day. (haha, j/k)

Hey! It was a super great Day 1!!

a) We saw it on Friday (last week)--how awesome is that!!! We LOVE the crescent rolls!!
b) Tutti Frutti is in Hurst. But the Orange Tree and the Lemon Tree are both in OKC or Moore (I don't know where...look them up). And Pink Swirls is in Edmond. I've been to the Orange Tree and it's REALLY great! (I think it's by 1st Baptist Moore)
c) Awesome map!
d) Haha--the murals are ALL over the walls. I can't believed you missed them!
e) oh wow!
f) YUM!
g) It's awful. I can't believe they haven't made them change it!!
Haha--YEP. Can't wait to read about how you ran into a really cool girl and guy at Kidani! :thumbsup2

[tinkgurl]

Aw loved the videos! So great to hear your voice! :)

[SheenaXena21]

You've got me all excited now!!!! We're staying at Kidani Village in 26 days. :dance3: My mom and I ate at Boma last year, and I vowed that we would stay there this year, and we are!!! And I could have stayed at BLT, nope, AKV...

Really enjoying your TR!!!

[BippityBoo]

I loved the videos!! Such a great way to capture where you stayed!

You guys are so cute! Our accents sound a lot alike (I was raised in Southwest Louisiana--close to Texas). Except, I am a bit more twang I think :rotfl:

CANT WAIT to see your first day at the parks!! Oh, and good news...we booked the Wilderness Lodge today!! Woohoo! I will explain later on my PTR!

[jenny105]

I keep meaning to watch the videos. I can at work but I don't want anyone sneaking up behind me and busting me if I do! :rotfl:

[stacikristine]

Aw loved the videos! So great to hear your voice! :)

Thanks! :goodvibes



You've got me all excited now!!!! We're staying at Kidani Village in 26 days. :dance3: My mom and I ate at Boma last year, and I vowed that we would stay there this year, and we are!!! And I could have stayed at BLT, nope, AKV...

Really enjoying your TR!!!

YAY! You're going to love it!! :woohoo: That is so exciting. I don't know if we'll ever be able to stay anywhere else! :thumbsup2 Thanks so much for reading!



I loved the videos!! Such a great way to capture where you stayed!

You guys are so cute! Our accents sound a lot alike (I was raised in Southwest Louisiana--close to Texas). Except, I am a bit more twang I think :rotfl:

CANT WAIT to see your first day at the parks!! Oh, and good news...we booked the Wilderness Lodge today!! Woohoo! I will explain later on my PTR!

Thanks Katie! Hehe--that's fun our accents sound the same :upsidedow I have some really good friends from LA and I just LOVE their accents. I'll post about our first day today!! I'm excited to finally get to it! YAY!!!!! :yay: That's SOOO exciting! Congrats. I'll go and check out your update. :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

I keep meaning to watch the videos. I can at work but I don't want anyone sneaking up behind me and busting me if I do! :rotfl:

Haha! I know what you mean :rotfl: But thankfully everyone in my dept does, so if I get busted, everyone will because they'll catch all of us at once!

[pinkpixie0920]

I love all of your updates! I can't wait to hear about your first day in the parks. I got a rice krispy treat made too and I had to pay OOP, they girl said they changed it two weeks before we were there. I got a marshmallow made to mostly because I wanted the straw. That was covered under the DDP. I agree with you wanting to put your tree up Nov. 1st. I told my DH last night that if I wasn't having people over on Nov. 1st the trees would be up. So I might do it the weekend before Thanksgiving. I keep my trees up for a while though too. I just love Christmas so much!

[stacikristine]

I love all of your updates! I can't wait to hear about your first day in the parks. I got a rice krispy treat made too and I had to pay OOP, they girl said they changed it two weeks before we were there. I got a marshmallow made to mostly because I wanted the straw. That was covered under the DDP. I agree with you wanting to put your tree up Nov. 1st. I told my DH last night that if I wasn't having people over on Nov. 1st the trees would be up. So I might do it the weekend before Thanksgiving. I keep my trees up for a while though too. I just love Christmas so much!

Thanks! It's coming up soon--today or tomorrow! :thumbsup2 Hm...that explains things. It stinks we had to pay OOP, but I'd gladly do it again because it was AMAZING!! Michael finally agreed to put it up the weekend before Thanksgiving instead of after it. So I'll keep my fingers crossed and slowly push it up a weekend at a time! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

Before I start this update, I have a quick side-note. I went to see Mary Poppins this past weekend in Dallas. Oh my goodness—it was incredible!!!! :love: I could go on and on and on about it, but let me just say, if you get the chance to see it, DO! The sets and the talent and just everything was fantastic. I’ll try to upload some pictures and do a little installment about it soon (but no pics of the actual musical…it’s a big no-no).







We have finally arrived at Day 2—Monday, September 21



Since we’d gotten to bed fairly early and we were SOO excited to finally go to a Disney World Park, we woke up before our alarm (again!). It was supposed to go off at 7:00, but we woke up at 6:45 instead. We stayed in bed until “Under the Sea” went off, and then we got up and got ready for the day.



Let me note here that we were really looking forward to relaxing on the balcony and possibly eating our breakfast or putting on our shoes or something while we watched the animals in the morning.


Well, I opened up the balcony door and just about lost it. I literally started gagging and had to run to the bathroom just in case I lost it. :sick: Michael had no clue what was going on, and when I finally regained enough composure to tell him that the balcony smelled like crap (literally), he made fun of me. He went out to prove that it didn’t smell that bad, and rushed back in holding his face. I’m telling you, it was BAD!!!


We didn’t know what was going on (we found out later in the trip that it was merely the fertilizer that they put on periodically—not the actual animal poop) but we were NOT going to be putting on shoes and definitely NOT eating outside that morning!!! :eek:



We grabbed breakfast (M=Pop Tarts, S=Special K cereal bar) and headed down to the lobby at 7:50. We found the mail room (off the lobby in the back-Left) to mail our postcards and were at the bus stop by 7:55.


Here’s the awesome AKL pop machine on the way to the busses:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/001AKLBusStop.jpg



There were only four people waiting for our bus, but there were a TON for Animal Kingdom since they had EMHs (PS. I don’t understand why people go to EMHs if they’re going to arrive half-way through it. Oh well.). We ate our breakfast while we waited.


Our bus arrived at 8:10, and we pulled into Epcot at 8:25.


We were finally at a Disney Park!!! :yay: We were SUPER excited! :woohoo:



Here’s our first shot of “The Big Ball”

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/002EFWEnt.jpg


Michael took this one so you could see the Ball and the Epcot sign

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/004EFWEnt.jpg



Since we arrived so early, we zipped through the bag check (we both had to go through it ever time since Michael carried our backpack, and I carried my purse) and we were 3rd and 4th in line at the turnstiles! :thumbsup2

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/006EFWWait.jpg


This was the view in front of us:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/007EFWWait.jpg


And I took this while we were waiting.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/005EFWEnt.jpg



We had to wait for quite a while, but we entertained ourselves by talking about our “plan” and watching the cute kids playing in line. There was one adorable little girl who was wearing a Minnie hat that was about 3 sizes too big for her. She was so cute!


When they came by to let us in around 8:45 (I think), my ticket wouldn’t work. Oh no. I stuck it through about 5 times, and then a CM came and tried to help me. It wasn’t reading it!! At this time, I was freaking out inside since I’d bought them from an authorized Disney Ticket Distributor online instead of actually getting them from Disney. Finally, after about 15 tries and rubbing it on the metal and her clothes, the ticket worked!! I think it probably just had some lotion on it or something. :confused: Who knows. I’m just glad it worked!


We hurried in and headed to the right to be ready to walk to Soarin’ as soon as they dropped the rope.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/008EFWWaitbw.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/009EFWRope.jpg


Before long, we saw our Soarin’ friends come to the rope!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/010EFWRope.jpg



And then look who came out! Mickey and Minnie!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/011EFWRope.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/012EFWRope.jpg


We let some kids in front of us so they could see Minnie better. They were soo adorable!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/013EFWRope.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from Previous




After the little opening celebration, we rushed with all of the other millions of people to The Land Pavilion.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/014EFWRope.jpg


I let Michael go in front of me since he was going to grab some FPs before we rode.


Look at all those people pouring in!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/015EFWSoarin.jpg



Yay! He’s second in line for the FP machine!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/016EFWSoarin.jpg


Michael grabs FPs and we head to the line. It was still a complete walk-on. We walked right to the place where they point you to the line you’ll be in.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/017EFWSoarin.jpg


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/018EFWSoarin.jpg


Guess where we were! Middle Section, Front, Middle Seats!! :cloud9: How perfect is that for our first ride at Walt Disney World?!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/020EFWSoarin.jpg


Our ride over California was fantastic. We both loved it. Michael had never ridden it before, and he was really impressed. Yay! I knew he would love it! We were off of the ride by 9:30.


I decided to check the FPs to see when we would be eligible for another set, and it said they were invalid. :scared1: What?! Oh…silly me. The last time, our park tickets were on our KTTW cards since they were a package. So we used our room keys for the FP machines (or at least that’s what was in my mind—is that how it works?). Since Michael had never used a FP machine, he was going on what I said. So I gave him our room keys to use on the FP machine, and they obviously didn’t work. :upsidedow



Oh well. We weren’t upset. Even though it would have been neat to ride it again, our seats were so perfect this time that we didn’t think it could be equaled or topped.



Our plan was to head to the Seas Pavilion to ride Nemo and then see Turtle Talk with Crush (or vice versa, whatever worked better with the Turtle Talk time). After that, we’d head to Test Track to get a set of FPs, and then go to the Imagination Pavilion. We’d finish up there, get FPs for Mission:SPACE, ride Test Track, check out Innoventions, and then ride Mission:SPACE. After lunch, we’d do whatever we hadn’t done already and fit in Club Cool and Spaceship Earth. When we were finished, we’d head back to AKL to relax, and then catch dinner back at EFW and go to Magic Kingdom for the evening entertainment.



Well, Soarin’ was the first and last thing we did according to our plan that day! :laughing:





Up Next:
What will our (un-planned) plan be for the rest of the day at Epcot Future World?!

[jenny105]

OMG, how fabulous is Mary Poppins? I saw it maybe a month after it opening in NYC and LOVED it. How great was "Step In Time???"

Did you get to every park for opening? ;) Can't wait to read more!

[lauren_elizabeth]

Thanks for posting those videos! I loved watching yall give the tour of your AKL room! You & your hubby are too cute and I love your voice! :)

YAY for perfect seats on Soarin'! The front is definitely the best row and how cool that yall were in the middle!

[praisehisname]

I'm coming along for the ride! You're doing a great job so far!

Denise

[tinkgurl]

How exciting! Your first park! So..we've never used the WDW phones to set an alarm..what are the choices? popcorn::

Ew...too bad you had to smell that!

Yay! The Big Ball! :laughing: We call it 'the ball' too.

Nice job getting to Soarin'! Aw man, too bad the fast pass thing got mixed up for you guys. But yay for a walk on!

[BippityBoo]

Yay!!! Awesome update. The poo smell outside made me laugh out loud(sorry--I know it made you miserable!!) :rotfl: Much needed...I had a LONG day. So, thanks:lovestruc

Also, I may just be tired, but I didn't get what happened with the fastpasses? Did you use the wrong thing to retrieve one (like a room key instead of something else)? Sorry, just went over my head! I want to make sure you can teach me not to do whatever it was :lmao:

I also found it funny that you call it a Pop machine. We call it a Coke machine (hehe). I am SO enjoying your TR so far. You capture all of your moments so well, and give GREAT tips. :wizard:

[heaven2dc]

I had always wondered if anyone experienced any peculiar smells staying at AKL and you confirmed that :rotfl2: That's too bad you couldn't enjoy sitting out on the balcony for breakfast - hopefully another day!

Was so glad that you got to ride Soarin' for your first ride and front seat middle section! That's great!! Now I can't wait to hear how the rest of your day went :happytv: (That was so cute to see Mickey and Minnie :love:)

[SheenaXena21]

Well, I opened up the balcony door and just about lost it. I literally started gagging and had to run to the bathroom just in case I lost it. :sick: Michael had no clue what was going on, and when I finally regained enough composure to tell him that the balcony smelled like crap (literally), he made fun of me. He went out to prove that it didn’t smell that bad, and rushed back in holding his face. I’m telling you, it was BAD!!!



Continued




:lmao: Now that's funny!!!!!

[stacikristine]

OMG, how fabulous is Mary Poppins? I saw it maybe a month after it opening in NYC and LOVED it. How great was "Step In Time???"

Did you get to every park for opening? Can't wait to read more!

OH GOSH!! It was fantastic! :love: We loved every bit of it. "Step In Time" was INCREDIBLE. All of it was. I couldn't get over the incredible sets and set changes. Hm...I guess you'll just have to wait and see ;) You know we made it to at least one other opening!



Thanks for posting those videos! I loved watching yall give the tour of your AKL room! You & your hubby are too cute and I love your voice! :)

YAY for perfect seats on Soarin'! The front is definitely the best row and how cool that yall were in the middle!

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :goodvibes We're pretty goofy together. Thank you. :) We were SO happy with our Soarin' seats!!



I'm coming along for the ride! You're doing a great job so far!

Denise

Hi! Thanks so much for reading!! :) I'm glad you're enjoying it!



How exciting! Your first park! So..we've never used the WDW phones to set an alarm..what are the choices? popcorn::

Ew...too bad you had to smell that!

Yay! The Big Ball! :laughing: We call it 'the ball' too.

Nice job getting to Soarin'! Aw man, too bad the fast pass thing got mixed up for you guys. But yay for a walk on!

We were super excited to finally be at our first park! We actually used our iPod to wake up. They have a iHome (or something similar) and we already had Disney songs on it, so we just hooked it up and set it that way. It was great! I don't know if all the rooms have that kind of alarm or not, but the villas did. :thumbsup2 Yeah, it was SICK! I don't know many people that don't call it the ball! :laughing: Yeah, it was a bummer they were mixed up, but it actually worked out for the better. It was really good timing!



Yay!!! Awesome update. The poo smell outside made me laugh out loud(sorry--I know it made you miserable!!) :rotfl: Much needed...I had a LONG day. So, thanks:lovestruc

Also, I may just be tired, but I didn't get what happened with the fastpasses? Did you use the wrong thing to retrieve one (like a room key instead of something else)? Sorry, just went over my head! I want to make sure you can teach me not to do whatever it was :lmao:

I also found it funny that you call it a Pop machine. We call it a Coke machine (hehe). I am SO enjoying your TR so far. You capture all of your moments so well, and give GREAT tips. :wizard:

Thanks! Haha--I'm glad it made you laugh! It surely wasn't funny at the time, but by later that morning we were laughing about it! :laughing: Sorry you had a long day :hug: I gave him the room keys to use (since that's what we did last time with my family--we bought a package and they were all together on the cards). I should have given him the separate tickets (like the flimsier ones with the pictures on them) since that was our park admission. So just use whatever you use to get into the park. :thumbsup2 Yeah, Michael gives me a really hard time about saying Pop. He insists that it's Coke. But it's not all Coke--there might not be any Coke in there!! It even says Pop on most of our grocery isles. :upsidedow Aw--thanks Katie! I'm so glad you're enjoying it!



I had always wondered if anyone experienced any peculiar smells staying at AKL and you confirmed that :rotfl2: That's too bad you couldn't enjoy sitting out on the balcony for breakfast - hopefully another day!

Was so glad that you got to ride Soarin' for your first ride and front seat middle section! That's great!! Now I can't wait to hear how the rest of your day went :happytv: (That was so cute to see Mickey and Minnie :love:)

Haha--yep. There's your answer! It was actually just the fertilizer, but it didn't smell like that! :sick: We really lucked out with fantastic seats and a fantastic first ride!! The rest of the day was great--I'll hopefully post more soon. I love how they make such a big deal about park openings (even if it's not an actual show like some of the others) by sending the characters out and things! :thumbsup2



:lmao: Now that's funny!!!!!

Haha! Glad you liked it. :laughing:

[khertz]

That is SO GROSS about the fertilizer!! It is Disney, surely they can make it smell like cotton candy or somthing?!? :lmao: I hope for your sake that they didn't do that EVERY morning and you got to have your breakfast on the balcony at least one day!

The opening show looks SO cute! I've never seen a rope drop ceremony before, so that is definitely on the list of must-dos this year. Sorry, but I lol'd a little at the FastPass story! Although, had it been me, I probably would have done the same thing!! :rotfl:

Looking forward to MORE updates!! :thumbsup2

[princess_momma]

OOOOHHHH me and Meghan (Dancegrl624) both got front row, middle section, middle seats on soarin'! We should all form a club! :rotfl:

A similiar fast pass thing happened to me! It was on our last night, but I tried using my KTTW card which I had been using the whole time and then I had to use my MNSSHP card instead! lol! But I didn't even end up using it! :laughing:

Can't wait for more! I really hope you can enjoy breakfast on the balcony sometime!! :goodvibes

[stacikristine]

That is SO GROSS about the fertilizer!! It is Disney, surely they can make it smell like cotton candy or somthing?!? :lmao: I hope for your sake that they didn't do that EVERY morning and you got to have your breakfast on the balcony at least one day!

The opening show looks SO cute! I've never seen a rope drop ceremony before, so that is definitely on the list of must-dos this year. Sorry, but I lol'd a little at the FastPass story! Although, had it been me, I probably would have done the same thing!! :rotfl:

Looking forward to MORE updates!! :thumbsup2

Haha! Yeah, I'll request that next time it smells like Florida Oranges! :rotfl: We were a little scared to try it again...but it wasn't that bad all the time! They don't do a big show at Epcot (like the other parks--especially Magic Kingdom) but it was still cute to see the Characters. You HAVE TO make it to a rope drop!! :thumbsup2 That's ok--we laughed when we realized it too. But it worked out for the better! I'll have another one before too long!



OOOOHHHH me and Meghan (Dancegrl624) both got front row, middle section, middle seats on soarin'! We should all form a club! :rotfl:

A similiar fast pass thing happened to me! It was on our last night, but I tried using my KTTW card which I had been using the whole time and then I had to use my MNSSHP card instead! lol! But I didn't even end up using it! :laughing:

Can't wait for more! I really hope you can enjoy breakfast on the balcony sometime!! :goodvibes

Yeah! It'll be "The Best Soarin' Seats Club"! :thumbsup2 That spot is just incredible!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who messed up with the FPs. I was just confused since last trip we used our KTTW cards. Oh well--we learned! I'll hopefully write another today or tomorrow. Prob tomorrow. :thumbsup2

[Dancegrl624]

OOOOHHHH me and Meghan (Dancegrl624) both got front row, middle section, middle seats on soarin'! We should all form a club! :rotfl:


Yeah! It'll be "The Best Soarin' Seats Club"! :thumbsup2 That spot is just incredible!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who messed up with the FPs. I was just confused since last trip we used our KTTW cards. Oh well--we learned! I'll hopefully write another today or tomorrow. Prob tomorrow. :thumbsup2

I was just going to call it that!!! :rotfl: We're pretty special people I guess!

[Scott MC]

You two are just so darn cute!
I'm enjoying your trip report and can't wait for more updates. The AKL looks so beautiful. It's DBF's fantasy resort, and since we stayed at mine (GF), this year, I predict we'll be hitting up AKL soon. :simba:

[stacikristine]

I was just going to call it that!!! :rotfl: We're pretty special people I guess!

Yep--it looks that way! :thumbsup2



You two are just so darn cute!
I'm enjoying your trip report and can't wait for more updates. The AKL looks so beautiful. It's DBF's fantasy resort, and since we stayed at mine (GF), this year, I predict we'll be hitting up AKL soon. :simba:

Thanks so much! :goodvibes And thanks for reading! Oh my goodness, the AKL is just amazing. You HAVE TO try it next time! I hear the GF is incredible as well.

[jenjolt]

You and Michael sure know how to tour a park!! You two look like you were having a blast and I enjoyed experiencing those moments with you!! I'm so glad you had a great first day at the parks!!!!

[Bridora]

Great updates! Congrats on getting those awesome Soarin' seats...there's nothing like 'em, huh? Really, feet soarin' above my head over California is just not quite the same...but I would ride that way right now if I could!!! :)

Loved your videos! You are putting my TRing abilities to shame...

My daughter also enjoyed the videos...she really loved the idea of having animals right outside your room!

That stinks about your balcony plans being messed up! Hopefully you'll get to enjoy a balcony breakfast--I loooove those--especially in WDW!

[stacikristine]

You and Michael sure know how to tour a park!! You two look like you were having a blast and I enjoyed experiencing those moments with you!! I'm so glad you had a great first day at the parks!!!!

Thanks! We had SO much fun at Disney World--we loved touring together :thumbsup2 I'm so glad you got to share them with us!! It was a great start to our time in the parks... I'll hopefully post more today!



Great updates! Congrats on getting those awesome Soarin' seats...there's nothing like 'em, huh? Really, feet soarin' above my head over California is just not quite the same...but I would ride that way right now if I could!!! :)

Loved your videos! You are putting my TRing abilities to shame...

My daughter also enjoyed the videos...she really loved the idea of having animals right outside your room!

That stinks about your balcony plans being messed up! Hopefully you'll get to enjoy a balcony breakfast--I loooove those--especially in WDW!

Thanks! Oh goodness, the seats were great! It was perfect for our first ride :goodvibes I'm with you, though. I'd be all for feet above my head if that meant I could be at WDW now! Thanks so much--we took over 2 hours of video footage! :eek: No--I love reading your TR! Yay--I'm glad your daughter liked them! The animals were great. It was so fun to see them right outside our room. It's ok--we probably would have been late if we ate out there anyway :upsidedow

[annnewjerz]

Looks like you guys are off to a great start. We'll be going on Soarin for the first time in December (just never really paid any attention to it, to be honest) and I can't wait. I'm sure it'll be just as good as everyone says it is.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip. :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

Looks like you guys are off to a great start. We'll be going on Soarin for the first time in December (just never really paid any attention to it, to be honest) and I can't wait. I'm sure it'll be just as good as everyone says it is.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip. :thumbsup2

It was a fantastic start! We were so lucky to get those seats! I think you'll love Soarin' :goodvibes Just don't go in expecting a thrill ride...people who do are disappointed. It's completely different from anything at WDW! I'm posting more right now! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

When I last left you, we had just exited Soarin’ after having the best seats ever! We also realized that our FPs were not valid, and that was the end of following our Epcot Plan…



Back story:

When Michael’s family came when he was 9, Test Track was built, but not open yet. He wanted to ride this SOOO badly!! So when we decided to come to WDW, Test Track was definitely on his must-do list. I’m pretty sure it was #1 at Epcot. So when we realized that our FPs weren’t valid at Soarin’ and we could get another, he asked if we could PLEASE go get one for Test Track instead.


Of course!! :goodvibes


So we headed over to Test Track and scored some FPs for 10:10. With FPs in hand, we were planning on heading back to the other side of the park and visiting The Seas. But then we saw that….

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/022EFWMS.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/023EFWMS.jpg


Mission:SPACE only had a 5 minute wait! Score! :woohoo:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/024EFWMS.jpg


We walked to the end of the queue area, and we were first in line to get on the next mission (green side, of course! We are big babies when it comes to spinning!!).

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/025EFWMS.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/026EFWMS.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/027EFWMS.jpg


When it came time for our mission (which ended up only being about a 3 minute wait), we were paired with a cute little girl (probably 13 years old) and her dad. We really enjoyed our trip to space!


I snapped a pic of the cockpit on our way out:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/028EFWMS.jpg



When we left Mission:SPACE, we still had about 10-15 minutes until our FPs for Test Track were able to be used. So we decided to go explore Innoventions East for a little bit.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/029EFWInnoE.jpg


At the Test Limits Lab,

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/031EFWInnoE.jpg


we tried to break a TV screen,

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/030EFWInnoE.jpg


Slam a door, make some music with robots, and some other little things like that.

We also played with the computerized fish pond.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/032EFWInnoE.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous




Then, it was time for Test Track!! :woohoo:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/033EFWTT.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/034EFWTT.jpg


I can’t even tell you how ready Michael was to ride this! He’d been waiting for 13 years! :yay:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/035EFWTT.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/036EFWTT.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/037EFWTT.jpg



Our ride was a ton of fun! Michael loved it—probably one of his favorite rides at WDW! :thumbsup2 And I really, really liked it too! We had fun looking around the showroom and seeing all of the awesome cars:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/038EFWTT.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/040EFWTTnew.jpg


As we headed to the gift shop, we were told that it was “Name Your Price” for the ride pictures. At first I was really hesitant to name a price (it was just awkward…don’t ask me why), but I asked the CM if I could say a dollar (I wasn’t convinced it was really and truly whatever I wanted to pay), and she said, “Sure! That’s great!” So we bought our Test Track Photo for a dollar! :scared1:



Since it was really hot outside, we decided to cut through Mouse Gears. :confused:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/041EFW.jpg



Where were we headed? Back to The Seas Pavilion (where we were originally headed after Soarin’!)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/042EFWNemo.jpg


Nemo had a 5 minute wait, but the only wait was really walking through the queue area

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/043EFWNemo.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/044EFWNemo.jpg


We had to hold our breath since we were going underwater!! :rotfl:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/045EFWNemo.jpg


I know a lot of people don’t really like this ride, but we really enjoyed it! It’s really cute, and I love how the Nemo fishies are swimming with the real fishies!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/046EFWNemo.jpg

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http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/048EFWNemo.jpg



When we exited our clammobile, we realized that we were just in time to see Turtle Talk with Crush! I’d seen this on my last trip (and loved it!) but Michael had never seen it.

This might be bad, but we walked up to the aquariums “to take some pictures” before the show started. It’s not our fault it made us a little closer to the doors when they opened… :rolleyes1

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/049EFWSeas.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/050EFWSeas.jpg


Oh my gosh! We LOVED this! We both laughed so hard. :lmao: There was a little “human dude” who had a hard time being understood. Crush asked him his name, and he had to say it 3 times before Crush could understand it. And when Crush asked where he’s from, the boy answered (none of us could understand him) and Crush said, “Uuooh. Never heard of it.” Haha! It was great! We loved it so much that Michael said that if we have extra time in Epcot, we should see it again.



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous



After we hung out with out turtle dude, we decided it was time to put some food in our bellies! (This was also the day I realized that one Special K cereal bar will NOT be sufficient for my morning food supply.) So we headed over to Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion to grab lunch and relax for a little bit.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/053EFWSeasons.jpg


Before we got there, we both knew that we wanted Asian food. Places like that give you a ton of food, and we were sharing a meal since we had a super early ADR for that night.

Oh, my. This food was YUMMY! We ordered sweet & sour chicken, rice, and noodles.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/051EFWLunchSeasons.jpg


And strawberry shortcake for dessert! Wow. :cloud9:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/052EFWLunch.jpg



We decided to sit for a while and relax after we finished our lunch, and then we decided to go to The Imagination Pavilion.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/055EFWImag.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/056EFWImag.jpg


When we went to see when the next Honey, I Shrunk the Audience show would start, we found out that it was only 4 minutes away! Perfect timing.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/057EFWShrunk.jpg


Can I just say that the Kodak commercial is ridiculously long and corny? Everyone around us was so frustrated by the time it was over. :headache: Goodness, I wish they would get rid of it.


Anyway, the show was cute, but we both agreed that it is probably time for an update. First of all, kids don’t even know what HISTK is. Secondly, the 3-D effects just aren’t up to par with the rest of the ones in the parks. Thirdly, the 90s clothes are a dead give-away that it’s time to change!



After the show, we went to visit our friend Figment. I’d loved this ride since I was 2 (when I bought a Figment doll for one of my souvenirs), but Michael’s family skipped it when he came when he was little.


On our way to the Figment entrance:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/058EFWImag.jpg


There was only about a 3 minute wait. In no time, we were off to use our imaginations!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/059EFWFigment.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/060EFWFigment.jpg


I held my nose here!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/061EFWFigment.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/062EFWFigment.jpg


My favorite part:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/063EFWFigment.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/064EFWFigment.jpg


This guy looks so creepy in the moon!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/065EFWFigment.jpg


We thought it was fun and cute, but it’s not something we have to see again any time soon.


When we left Figment, we played in the ImageWorks studios for a while. We made some music:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/066EFWImag.jpg


And then turned our picture into a masterpiece! :upsidedow

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/067EFWImag.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous



On our way over to Spaceship Earth, we saw the Jammitors! I don’t think either of us had seen them before. We really enjoyed this! It made me really miss my brother, though (he’s really talented on the drums). We took lots of pics and videos for him.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/068EFWJamm.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/069EFWJamm.jpg


And then, it was time to take a ride in “The Big Ball” and see where we’ve been and where we’re going. We LOVED the new “Your Future” part! How fun! Next time, we’ll actually smile for the camera, though. I don’t remember what all it said, but it was something about adventure and traveling.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/078EFWSE.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/079EFWSE.jpg

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http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/082EFWSE.jpg


I also loved how it showed all of us on the big map when the ride was over!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/083EFWSE.jpg


I wish I would have known that you could send a postcard home, though. Oh well. There’s always next time!


We saw an older couple playing this skeleton game, and it looked like they were having a blast!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/084EFWSE.jpg


How fun! We just love interactive games and things like this! We got Top Surgeon together!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/085EFWSE.jpg


After that, we played this game where you shuffle these energy balls on the floor and try to get them into the power saving plants and recycle them. It was SOOOO fun!!! We loved it so much! :thumbsup2


We watched some boys play it before we did

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/086EFWSE.jpg


And then we were ready to get our recycling on!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/088EFWSEnew.jpg


We saved a Metropolis the size of New York! Woo-Hoo!! :woohoo: We knew we’d be back here again!


When we were done shuffling energy and waste, we decided to save the world from Agent Havoc by racing to his secret lab. It was a lot of fun too!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/091EFWSE.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/092EFWSE.jpg


They really did an amazing job updating all of these interactive games and things! We loved SE now! :thumbsup2




We decided that it was time for a break. But before we left, we went to the “Leave A Legacy” station inside the picture shop, and found where my dad’s and my picture was. After a little bit of searching, we saw this:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/097EFWLegacy.jpg


My dad and I got this made when I was 15. I love that it’s still here!



Even though we were pretty worn out, we’d had a WONDERFUL first morning/afternoon at Epcot Future World!





Up Next:
Do we have time to go back to our resort? What will we do before dinner?

[praisehisname]

Yay for Michael finally getting to ride Test Track!!! You guys got a lot done! :thumbsup2

Looking forward to more!

Denise

[tinkgurl]

Oh geeze girl, you did a big update! :woohoo: Okay..where to start...

Eeekkk...Mission Space scares me. :laughing:

That worked out so good that you were able to get TT fast passes. I can tell that he was so excited to finally ride it. That's so awesome you got your TT photo for $1!

Aw Nemo. This ride/line is so cute. So great that it was practically a walk on.

Ooh yay you ate ate Sunshine Seasons! You know it's my fave at Epcot.

Aw, I love the Jammitors! Last year, we were at the Electric Umbrella and could see them performing through the window. They were even entertaining without even actually being able to hear them!

Well, I think you've convinced me to look around the games when you get off SE!

So cool you found your pic with your dad!

[khertz]

Whew! Long (:thumbsup2) update, so I have lots of comments!!

1. I can't believe y'all rode the green side on Mission Space!! Orange team rules! :yay: Seriously, though, spinning rides do me in too (Teacups...:sick:). But on M:S you can't even tell you are spinning, so it doesn't bother me if I take Dramamine, which I take every day while I'm there anyway. Does the green side just shake and stuff??

2. The picture of Michael with the Test Track sign is awesome! :rotfl:

3. Turtle Talk with Crush looks SO cute! I can't wait to do it this year, we didn't do it on our honeymoon because we were more focused on riding rides since we were only in Disney for 4 days. And love the pic of y'all holding your breath on Nemo! Cute...

4. Strawberry Shortcake!! Looks DELICIOUS! Must. Have.

5. I can't stand HISTA! I love the original movie, but the 3-d show freaks me out. I have to leave my feet on the seats when they let the rats out, and take off my glasses for the snake. They could do something way cooler, because there's no way kids like that attraction. They have probably never seen the movies, and it's just plain scary for little kids!

6. :lovestruc Figment

7. The games and stuff all look so fun! Hopefully we have time to try some of them too.

8. Love the Legacy! That's so awesome that y'all did that, and that you were able to find it! What an amazing memory & way to make yourself part of Disney World forever!

Needless to say, loved the updates, and as always, ready for more! :goodvibes

[SheenaXena21]

Everytime we tried to play a game at SE, there's always a bunch of selfish HOGS playing!!!!!! I'm definately playing one this time, even if I have to kick and scream!!! ;)

[AGPrincess]

Hi Staci! I am finally getting around to posting...LOVE the updates and photos so far! :thumbsup2 (the one you took in the reflection of the Journey into the Imagination pavillion is really cool!). You guys sound like so much fun with your silly faces and excitement - I love it! Mmm...that strawberry shortcake looks amazing -- may have to try that next time... ;)

[Dancegrl624]

Your picture of the Strawberry Shortcake from Sunshine Seasons nearly made me cry. It's one of my FAVORITE treats in all of Disney and we adore Sunshine Seasons.

It looks like you 2 had a very productive morning/afternoon at Epcot. Maybe someday we'll actually stop and play some games at SE. Usually, we just exit the ride and keep on going to our next destination. I can't wait to hear more!

[LilAnn]

Wow! Long update - but super fun! Glad that Michael finally got to ride Test Track! It looks like you had so much fun around Future World. The nemo ride is so cute..plus a nice break from the heat. The lunch you had at Sunshine Seasons looks yummy! I've never done lunch there but we always enjoy breakfast there while waiting for our FP to Soarin' to become valid. Your update makes me want to go back right now! I haven't done HISTK in a while either, the rats portion always freaks me out. I loved the movie when it came out though. Can't wait to see what you do later in the day!

[BippityBoo]

Best update ever!! Thanks for giving us such an insite into your EPCOT morning!

Where to start?

Can't WAIT to ride Test Track. Such a cute backstory for your DH! hehe. I am sure he LOVED it!

We are quite fond of Turtle Talk w/Crush. It is such a cute show, even if you dont have kids yet!

Lunch @ Sunshine looked great as always.

We LOVED Spaceship Earth. We had never been on the old one, so I can not compare, but it is one of our absolute EPCOT favorites. Loved the ending as well. Also, I showed my DH about the Legacy Room and the pic of you and your Dad. Can you still take pics and leave them there? He loved that idea and it kind of made him sad that you were 15 in the pic and are now on your first trip with your DH. haha He DOES NOT want our daughter to grow up ;)
What a great memory!!! I am sure you are SO glad your Dad did that.

I CANT WAIT to see what you guys do next. Again, LOVING the report!

[stacikristine]

Yay for Michael finally getting to ride Test Track!!! You guys got a lot done!

Looking forward to more!

Denise

Thanks for reading, Denise! :goodvibes He was SO excited to finally ride it--and he loved the ride! We were so lucky that the lines were pretty much non-existent. We got soo much done! :thumbsup2


Oh geeze girl, you did a big update! Okay..where to start...

Eeekkk...Mission Space scares me.

That worked out so good that you were able to get TT fast passes. I can tell that he was so excited to finally ride it. That's so awesome you got your TT photo for $1!

Aw Nemo. This ride/line is so cute. So great that it was practically a walk on.

Ooh yay you ate ate Sunshine Seasons! You know it's my fave at Epcot.

Aw, I love the Jammitors! Last year, we were at the Electric Umbrella and could see them performing through the window. They were even entertaining without even actually being able to hear them!

Well, I think you've convinced me to look around the games when you get off SE!

So cool you found your pic with your dad!

Haha--yeah, I had some time on my hands and decided to just get a chunk done! :upsidedow The Orange Side scares me, but I can usually handle the Green one... It's not in my favorites group though. I'm so glad TT was on our first day, b/c he'd been wanting to ride it for SOOO long! I just love how everything is so perfectly themed... Yep! I knew it was your favorite! We LOVED it! :thumbsup2 We watched the video of them a few nights ago, and I just sat there with my mouth open--those guys are great! You HAVE TO play the shuffle ball energy game!! It's so much fun! Honestly, SE games were some of our favorite things in all of Epcot :thumbsup2 Thanks--I loved finding it!


Whew! Long (:thumbsup2) update, so I have lots of comments!!

1. I can't believe y'all rode the green side on Mission Space!! Orange team rules! :yay: Seriously, though, spinning rides do me in too (Teacups...:sick:). But on M:S you can't even tell you are spinning, so it doesn't bother me if I take Dramamine, which I take every day while I'm there anyway. Does the green side just shake and stuff??

2. The picture of Michael with the Test Track sign is awesome! :rotfl:

3. Turtle Talk with Crush looks SO cute! I can't wait to do it this year, we didn't do it on our honeymoon because we were more focused on riding rides since we were only in Disney for 4 days. And love the pic of y'all holding your breath on Nemo! Cute...

4. Strawberry Shortcake!! Looks DELICIOUS! Must. Have.

5. I can't stand HISTA! I love the original movie, but the 3-d show freaks me out. I have to leave my feet on the seats when they let the rats out, and take off my glasses for the snake. They could do something way cooler, because there's no way kids like that attraction. They have probably never seen the movies, and it's just plain scary for little kids!

6. :lovestruc Figment

7. The games and stuff all look so fun! Hopefully we have time to try some of them too.

8. Love the Legacy! That's so awesome that y'all did that, and that you were able to find it! What an amazing memory & way to make yourself part of Disney World forever!

Needless to say, loved the updates, and as always, ready for more! :goodvibes

1. Haha--we're REALLY wimps when it comes to spinning stuff. We enjoyed the Green side, and I don't think there's any chance in us trying Orange! 2. Thanks! He was excited! 3. You have to see Turtle Talk!! It is hilarious :rotfl: 4. Yes! It's great! :thumbsup2 5. Haha--that's funny! I actually left my feet down this time (first time ever!) and it wasn't that bad. But I agree it's in need of an update. 6. Me too! 7. They were one of our favorite parts of Epcot! You have to try them! 8. Thanks! I'm so glad we did it :goodvibes Thanks!!


Everytime we tried to play a game at SE, there's always a bunch of selfish HOGS playing!!!!!! I'm definately playing one this time, even if I have to kick and scream!!! ;)

Stink. They're SOOO fun! You need to just stand there until they leave because they are great! :thumbsup2


Hi Staci! I am finally getting around to posting...LOVE the updates and photos so far! :thumbsup2 (the one you took in the reflection of the Journey into the Imagination pavillion is really cool!). You guys sound like so much fun with your silly faces and excitement - I love it! Mmm...that strawberry shortcake looks amazing -- may have to try that next time... ;)

Hey Emma! How's everything? You've already moved, haven't you? I hope you're loving it!!! :goodvibes Thanks--it's been a lot of fun posting all of them! Thank you! We could just see our reflection so clear. Haha--yeah, we love just being silly and having fun! And you have to try the strawberry shortcake :cloud9: Michael doesn't even really like strawberries, and he loved this!


Your picture of the Strawberry Shortcake from Sunshine Seasons nearly made me cry. It's one of my FAVORITE treats in all of Disney and we adore Sunshine Seasons.

It looks like you 2 had a very productive morning/afternoon at Epcot. Maybe someday we'll actually stop and play some games at SE. Usually, we just exit the ride and keep on going to our next destination. I can't wait to hear more!

Sorry--I didn't mean to make you almost cry! Have you tried to find the recipe? They probably don't have it, but if they do... :thumbsup2 We did! I can't believe we got so much done. You HAVE TO try the SE games--they are so, so much fun! They were one of our favorite things in all of Epcot!


Wow! Long update - but super fun! Glad that Michael finally got to ride Test Track! It looks like you had so much fun around Future World. The nemo ride is so cute..plus a nice break from the heat. The lunch you had at Sunshine Seasons looks yummy! I've never done lunch there but we always enjoy breakfast there while waiting for our FP to Soarin' to become valid. Your update makes me want to go back right now! I haven't done HISTK in a while either, the rats portion always freaks me out. I loved the movie when it came out though. Can't wait to see what you do later in the day!

I'm so glad he did too!! He's been waiting way too long :thumbsup2 We had a blast! It was so fun actually being in a park! You should for sure try lunch at Sunshine Seasons--there's so much to choose from, and it's all really yummy! :) Is the breakfast good? My update makes ME want to go back right now too! :laughing: I actually didn't think the rat part was that bad. It's Tough to be a Bug freaks me out more! Even though it wasn't necessarily to plan, we had a lot of fun the rest of the day too! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

Best update ever!! Thanks for giving us such an insite into your EPCOT morning!

Where to start?

Can't WAIT to ride Test Track. Such a cute backstory for your DH! hehe. I am sure he LOVED it!

We are quite fond of Turtle Talk w/Crush. It is such a cute show, even if you dont have kids yet!

Lunch @ Sunshine looked great as always.

We LOVED Spaceship Earth. We had never been on the old one, so I can not compare, but it is one of our absolute EPCOT favorites. Loved the ending as well. Also, I showed my DH about the Legacy Room and the pic of you and your Dad. Can you still take pics and leave them there? He loved that idea and it kind of made him sad that you were 15 in the pic and are now on your first trip with your DH. haha He DOES NOT want our daughter to grow up ;)
What a great memory!!! I am sure you are SO glad your Dad did that.

I CANT WAIT to see what you guys do next. Again, LOVING the report!

Aw, thanks so much Katie! That means a lot :goodvibes I'm glad you liked it! Oh, you will LOVE Test Track! It's super fun without being scary. I'm so glad Michael finally got to ride it! :thumbsup2 We're for sure doing Turtle Talk twice next time--we laughed so hard! Have you all played the games at the end of SE? The shuffle ball one is so much fun--your kids (and you and your DH) would love it! I'm pretty sure you can't actually Leave a Legacy anymore. I think it was just for a little while. I'm glad we actually got to go to WDW when they were doing it. I can't wait to show our kids someday! Aw. I can only imagine what it's like to be a dad with a little girl! Yes--I'm SO glad we did it together (at first, I was just going to do it on my own). You'll like what we did next! ;) Thanks!

[jenny105]

Great update!

It's been years since I've been on Mission Space. I'm not a huge fan of that ride and Joe doesn't like it at all, spinning or not spinning, so we never go on it.

People don't like the Nemo ride?? Why?? I think it's super cute!

I agree about the Kodak commercial at the beginning. I almost don't want to go on Honey I Shrunk The Audience because of it. It's too long!

Can't wait to read more! :)

[princess_momma]

Test the Limits looks fun! I didn't even see that! All the things I did see in Innoventions looked kinda boring, but I would like to go see that!!

Isn't Test Track great? I LOVE that ride!! It's so fun! That's so cool about getting your picture for a dollar! I wonder if they did that because they probably don't sell a lot of pics there since its the only one on Photo Pass? :confused3 That's so awesome though!!

Glad you guys like Turtle Talk!! I LOVED it! Its one of my favorites!

Your guys future was too cute! I loved it. I don't think I've ever seen that one before! I didn't stop and play the games there either, but your report made me want to do them!! (At both Spaceship Earth and Figment!!)

Can't wait for more!! Love your legacy tile too, by the way!

[Bridora]

Great update! You have some awesome pictures. :thumbsup2

Sounds like you guys are getting to do lots of stuff! I love Test Track & Figment! The one time I rode the Spinning side of Mission:Space is was most definitely fun! It gives you this rush feeling that the other one doesn't quite match. I'm just as happy riding the green side with everyone else though! We've never eaten at Sunshine Seasons, but it looks like I'll be adding that one to my list, too! I hope you made it Club Cool for some Beverly!

[Roxychica7]

Oh my gosh your Spaceship earth pics are SO funny!! I definitely need to spend more time playing with the games in there next time. Your lunch looked yummy! Dbf and I are big on sharing too, that way we have an opportunity to try more food :rotfl:
:thumbsup2 to Test Track, one of my favs! And I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that still holds their nose on "the stinky" part on Figment! :goodvibes

[blabbermouth]

Great couple of updates. We loved sunshine seasons, they had about a billion desserts to choose from, it was so hard!!!

Nice work getting primo seating for Soarin', we actually lucked out with that our first time too.

Can't wait to hear more!

[cdotla]

Great TR so far! I love that you found that photo of you and your Dad!

Can't wait for more!:goodvibes

[crocko]

Great update!

It's so cool that when your just there as a couple you can get so much done. A lot of the fun little stuff you guys did, had to get skipped on our trip.

But of course, guess we'll just have to go back again some time. (Also -- LOVE the picture you took under the Imagination building)

[stacikristine]

Great update!

It's been years since I've been on Mission Space. I'm not a huge fan of that ride and Joe doesn't like it at all, spinning or not spinning, so we never go on it.

People don't like the Nemo ride?? Why?? I think it's super cute!

I agree about the Kodak commercial at the beginning. I almost don't want to go on Honey I Shrunk The Audience because of it. It's too long!

Can't wait to read more! :)

Thanks Jenny! MS was ok. It's definitely not a "Must Do" for us from now on, though. I know!! I think Nemo is super cute too! People have said that it's slow and boring... :confused3 Oh my goodness, that commercial is horrible! Thanks--I'll have more in the next few days!


Test the Limits looks fun! I didn't even see that! All the things I did see in Innoventions looked kinda boring, but I would like to go see that!!

Isn't Test Track great? I LOVE that ride!! It's so fun! That's so cool about getting your picture for a dollar! I wonder if they did that because they probably don't sell a lot of pics there since its the only one on Photo Pass? :confused3 That's so awesome though!!

Glad you guys like Turtle Talk!! I LOVED it! Its one of my favorites!

Your guys future was too cute! I loved it. I don't think I've ever seen that one before! I didn't stop and play the games there either, but your report made me want to do them!! (At both Spaceship Earth and Figment!!)

Can't wait for more!! Love your legacy tile too, by the way!

Test the Limits was ok. We actually liked a lot of the other stuff better (I'll get to it in my next couple of posts). It had a lot of really cute stuff. You just have to take a little time and figure out what stuff is. :upsidedow YES! We LOVED TT! I don't know why they had the "name your price" thing going on. But it stinks that it's the only one on the FP CD, and we actually bought it. Oh well. Yeah, Turtle Talk is sooo fun! Thanks! We laughed at our future. Our faces were horrible! :rotfl: You REALLY need to do the games at the end of SE--they are great! Thanks--it was fun seeing it again :goodvibes


Great update! You have some awesome pictures. :thumbsup2

Sounds like you guys are getting to do lots of stuff! I love Test Track & Figment! The one time I rode the Spinning side of Mission:Space is was most definitely fun! It gives you this rush feeling that the other one doesn't quite match. I'm just as happy riding the green side with everyone else though! We've never eaten at Sunshine Seasons, but it looks like I'll be adding that one to my list, too! I hope you made it Club Cool for some Beverly!

Thanks so much!! We got a ton done. It really helped that it was a slow time of year (at that TGM had such accurate ratings on the days!). We loved those too! Really? We *might* have to give the orange side a try. I don't know if we could handle it, though. Sunshine Seasons is really yummy--and there's something for everyone! We'll see ;)


Oh my gosh your Spaceship earth pics are SO funny!! I definitely need to spend more time playing with the games in there next time. Your lunch looked yummy! Dbf and I are big on sharing too, that way we have an opportunity to try more food :rotfl:
:thumbsup2 to Test Track, one of my favs! And I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that still holds their nose on "the stinky" part on Figment! :goodvibes

Haha! Thanks--we didn't know it was taking the picture then :rotfl: Yes, you and your Dbf would love it! Especially the shuffle energy thing. We didn't share all the time, but we did when we knew we'd have a really early dinner or something like that. We both eat too much to share all the time! :laughing: TT was so great! And I'm not putting myself through the "torture" of smelling that if I don't have to! :thumbsup2


Great couple of updates. We loved sunshine seasons, they had about a billion desserts to choose from, it was so hard!!!

Nice work getting primo seating for Soarin', we actually lucked out with that our first time too.

Can't wait to hear more!

Thanks so much! It was really, really hard to choose our dessert, but I'd heard some great things about the strawberry shortcake, so Michael let me get that (even though strawberries aren't his favorite). It was SO good! Thanks--aren't they just perfect seats?! I'll hopefully have more in the next few days...


Great TR so far! I love that you found that photo of you and your Dad!

Can't wait for more!:goodvibes

Thank you!! I'm so glad we found it. I wanted to look for it my last trip, but I didn't know they had that spot where a CM could give you the location. I'll find it every trip now! :thumbsup2 I'm excited to write more!!

[stacikristine]

Great update!

It's so cool that when your just there as a couple you can get so much done. A lot of the fun little stuff you guys did, had to get skipped on our trip.

But of course, guess we'll just have to go back again some time. (Also -- LOVE the picture you took under the Imagination building)

Thanks John! Yeah, we were shocked at how much we could get done. It was so different from the last time I was there (we had little kids with us). But it's also so great to see kids' reactions to everything... :goodvibes YES! Yall will for sure have to go back and try to do the little things you didn't get to this time! Thanks--I just looked up, saw us, and decided to snap a pic! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

Before I start this post, I forgot to include our Test Track photo from our Photopass CD! We received our Photopass CD a few weeks ago, but our gallery CD just came in last night. And oh my goodness, those pictures are incredible! :lovestruc


Anyway, here’s our TT photo!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/Image016.jpg

……………………………………………………………………………………..





When I left you last, we had just finished a very, very productive/VERY fun morning and afternoon at Epcot Future World.



At this point, we were definitely in need of a break. The only problem was, it was already 2:15, and we had dinner reservations for 4:00 back at Epcot. We didn’t really want to gamble with the bus system and timing issues and things like that, so we decided instead to visit another resort.


We hopped on the Epcot monorail to the TTC (our first monorail ride of the trip!),

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/099TTCMonorail.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/100TTCMonorail.jpg



and then waited a few minutes to catch the ferry to the Magic Kingdom.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/101TTCFerry.jpg



We could see the Magic Kingdom from the dock!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/102Ferry.jpg



Within a few minutes, our ferry had arrived!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/103Ferry.jpg



We both really loved our relaxing ferry ride. It was a perfect way to take a break without going back to our resort. The breeze was fantastic, and the view was wonderful! :goodvibes

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/104FerryPoly.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/105FerryGF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/107FerrySpaceMtn.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/108FerryContem.jpg



At 2:40, we pulled into the Magic Kingdom

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/109FerryMKnew.jpg



And then……..we got in line for the ferry to………………………………………………








The Grand Floridian! :woohoo: Neither of us had ever seen inside this resort, but we’d heard such great things about it. Katie (BippityBoo) had told me that we had to visit it, and I was really excited to just explore for a little bit.


Before long, our ferry had come to pick us up. I just loved this boat—it was so cute and little. And it made for a great ride!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/110GFFerry.jpg



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous



Soon, we saw this

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/112GFFerrynew.jpg


And then we were docking next to this :thumbsup2

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/113GFnew.jpg



We were at the Grand Floridian! We got out and started taking pictures. It truly is a gorgeous resort.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/114GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/115GF.jpg


We found the main lobby, and I loved all of the intricate details. I felt like I was stepping back in time.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/116GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/120GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/117GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/118GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/119GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/122GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/121GF.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/123GF.jpg



But as much as we liked experiencing all of the “fancy atmosphere” for a while, we both agreed that the Grand Floridian isn’t for us. It is definitely beautiful, but it just didn’t fit our personalities very well. It’s a little too fancy for us.


Nonetheless, it was a great way to just relax and take some time off. And it has such a different feel from the business of the parks… We really enjoyed our time there! :goodvibes



After we’d explored and taken pictures for a while, we decided it was time to catch the monorail back to Epcot.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/124Monorail.jpg


We took the monorail to the TTC, and caught the Epcot monorail from there. I’m so glad we rode the monorail to Epcot, because we got to go around the loop and see Epcot from a different angle!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/124EFWMono.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/125EFWMono.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/126EFWMono.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/127EFWMono.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/128EFWMono.jpg




We arrived at Epcot at 3:45, and hurried to check in at our first table service restaurant of the trip—









Coral Reef! :yay:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/129CoralReef.jpg





Up Next:

What would we think of our dinner?
Where were we seated?
A few more hours of Epcot Fun!
Nighttime entertainment at Magic Kingdom!!

[jenny105]

I agree with you 100%. The GF is BEAUTIFUL but I can't picture myself staying there. I feel like I would break something lol. It's just too over the top fancy!!

Can't wait to see what you thought about Coral Reef. We went there a few years ago and enjoyed it but thought the portions were pretty small. We were still hungry when we left!

[tinkgurl]

Well that was a fun break! I love riding the monorail to/from the TTC to/from Epcot. Such a fun monorail ride instead of having to stop at each monorail Resort.

I have to say, we've never been on the ferry to/from the TTC to/from the MK! I bet it was a nice ride though.

Aw, I love the pic of the Resort boat. Definately one of my favorite things about WDW.

The GF is so beautiful. And I can't help but think of 'Full House' when we're there. :rotfl2:

[jenjolt]

What a great idea for a break!!!! Taking time enjoying the ride on the monorail and on the ferry boats and just taking a relaxing tour at a resort!! Great pictures!!! I can't wait to hear what you thought about Coral Reef!

[LilAnn]

I love that you guys rode all of those boats. I've never done any of the MK boats, but they look cute! We also like resort hopping. It's always fun to see all the details that go into each resort. Can't wait to hear what you thought of Coral Reef. I think I mentioned on your PTR that we had a great experience there and enjoyed our food (minus the no sugar added cheesecake) but I know it gets a lot of 'eh' reviews. Can't wait to see if you got seated near the tank and got to see the ginormous turtle!

[praisehisname]

I'm hoping to do some resort-hopping (specifically the monorail loop) when we are there in December! Have to see the Christmas decorations!

Can't wait to hear how you like Coral Reef. We absolutely loved it!

Denise

[Bridora]

What a great idea for a little break! We think the same thing about the Grand Floridian. I think it's a beautiful place to visit, but I have no desire to stay there. It's funny you said that because as I was looking at your pictures I was thinking to myself that maybe one day my tastes would change and I would be all about staying there...

That loop around Epcot is one of my favorite things to do! It's like a mini tour of Epcot.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day...





The GF is so beautiful. And I can't help but think of 'Full House' when we're there. :rotfl2:

I'm thinking, but I can't remember this episode!?!? I used to love it when my favorite tv characters went to Disney. That is probably one of the many reasons why I always wanted to go! :laughing:

[princess_momma]

I LOVE this update! We didn't get to stop inside the GF. I want to though!! I think I would like the over-the-top fancy for maybe just one vacation. Perhaps when I get married there! :rotfl: That'll be the day!

The monorail ride looks so fun! Can't wait to hear your review of Coral Reef. :goodvibes

The GF is so beautiful. And I can't help but think of 'Full House' when we're there. :rotfl2:

That's funny! Because I think of 'Full House' when I see the Coral Reef! :rotfl:


I'm thinking, but I can't remember this episode!?!? I used to love it when my favorite tv characters went to Disney. That is probably one of the many reasons why I always wanted to go! :laughing:

My favorite was when the Boy Meets World characters went there! :thumbsup2 I always loved it when tv characters went too!

[jenny105]

I'm thinking, but I can't remember this episode!?!? I used to love it when my favorite tv characters went to Disney. That is probably one of the many reasons why I always wanted to go! :laughing:


CLASSIC Full House episode! Jesse sung to Rebecca in the middle of the GF lobby and then again in front of Cinderella's Castle. Danny also proposed to Vicki with fireworks. Michelle was princess for a day and was a total brat and ran away. A Michelle fan I was not! Haha. It was a two parter lol.

I also love the episode of Boy Meets World where they sleep in Splash Mountain!

[tinkgurl]

CLASSIC Full House episode! Jesse sung to Rebecca in the middle of the GF lobby and then again in front of Cinderella's Castle. Danny also proposed to Vicki with fireworks. Michelle was princess for a day and was a total brat and ran away. A Michelle fan I was not! Haha. It was a two parter lol.

I also love the episode of Boy Meets World where they sleep in Splash Mountain!

Don't forget when DJ sees Steve checking in to the GF and Steve starts running towards her and trips over his bag!

[jenny105]

Don't forget when DJ sees Steve checking in to the GF and Steve starts running towards her and trips over his bag!

Oh yeah! I forgot about the part when they're all watching the Indy stunt show and she thinks it's Steve and yells 'STEVE! NO!...one thinks you're really here..." :rotfl: I love how they fit him in as Aladdin too! LOL

[blabbermouth]

That's the reason why I'd like to stay at the GF. My normal style is more Contemporary, so that wouldn't feel as much like a big expensive vacation. I think it's more fun to act goofy in a stuffy place (when you're at Disney so it's not really too inappropriate). Although, Poly would be good too though.

We stayed at the Fairmont Empress (here in Victoria) on our wedding night and it's pretty Victorian too and it has lots of history, so I guess it would also remind me of that :love:

Hope you liked Coral Reef!

[Scott MC]

Thank you for your beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian! It's nice to see the tile work coming along so beautifully!
Don't count it out as a possibility in the future though. The lobby *IS* very formal, but the rooms are more tasteful and elegant. There are some pictures in my TR thread if you'd like to check it out.

[stacikristine]

I agree with you 100%. The GF is BEAUTIFUL but I can't picture myself staying there. I feel like I would break something lol. It's just too over the top fancy!!

Can't wait to see what you thought about Coral Reef. We went there a few years ago and enjoyed it but thought the portions were pretty small. We were still hungry when we left!

It's so gorgeous, but it's just not our style ;) Yeah--I would feel the same way--I liked being somewhere that I didn't feel like I had to be super careful. Really? I'm anxious to tell what we thought about it now!


Well that was a fun break! I love riding the monorail to/from the TTC to/from Epcot. Such a fun monorail ride instead of having to stop at each monorail Resort.

I have to say, we've never been on the ferry to/from the TTC to/from the MK! I bet it was a nice ride though.

Aw, I love the pic of the Resort boat. Definately one of my favorite things about WDW.

The GF is so beautiful. And I can't help but think of 'Full House' when we're there. :rotfl2:

Yeah, it was a lot of fun--and really relaxing! :thumbsup2 I agree--I like that monorail ride MUCH more! You really need to ride the ferry to/from the MK/TTC! It's really calming. Aren't they just adorable?! It reminded me of when we stayed at Fort Wilderness when I was in High School--we loved riding the ferry to/from MK! Haha! :laughing: I just bought the first season of Full House (and Growing Pains) for less than $8 on Amazon--I've laughed SOOO hard watching them! :rotfl2:


What a great idea for a break!!!! Taking time enjoying the ride on the monorail and on the ferry boats and just taking a relaxing tour at a resort!! Great pictures!!! I can't wait to hear what you thought about Coral Reef!

Thanks Jen! It turned out really great (even though it's not what we were originally planning). I think we would be happy if we could ride on the ferry boats every day--we just loved how relaxing it was! :goodvibes I'll have the update ready today or tomorrow!


I love that you guys rode all of those boats. I've never done any of the MK boats, but they look cute! We also like resort hopping. It's always fun to see all the details that go into each resort. Can't wait to hear what you thought of Coral Reef. I think I mentioned on your PTR that we had a great experience there and enjoyed our food (minus the no sugar added cheesecake) but I know it gets a lot of 'eh' reviews. Can't wait to see if you got seated near the tank and got to see the ginormous turtle!

You really need to! They were great. We just loved how calming and relaxing they were! :goodvibes It's so crazy how each resort is so different...and so great in their own way! Yeah, I remember that you enjoyed it! We were a little apprehensive going in...I'll have the review soon... ;)


I'm hoping to do some resort-hopping (specifically the monorail loop) when we are there in December! Have to see the Christmas decorations!

Can't wait to hear how you like Coral Reef. We absolutely loved it!

Denise

Hi Denise! Oh, goodness. We were looking at some of the resort pictures at Christmas last night, and I CAN'T WAIT to go at Christmas one year (probably after we have kids). :lovestruc They were so gorgeous! You'll have to have a TR so we can see the pics! I'll have that update hopefully soon!


What a great idea for a little break! We think the same thing about the Grand Floridian. I think it's a beautiful place to visit, but I have no desire to stay there. It's funny you said that because as I was looking at your pictures I was thinking to myself that maybe one day my tastes would change and I would be all about staying there...

That loop around Epcot is one of my favorite things to do! It's like a mini tour of Epcot.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your day...


I'm thinking, but I can't remember this episode!?!? I used to love it when my favorite tv characters went to Disney. That is probably one of the many reasons why I always wanted to go! :laughing:

It was a last-minute idea, but we really enjoyed it! I'm excited to see all of the different resorts one day. (we'll have to spread it out over all of our trips, or we'll be resort hopping instead of park hopping! :upsidedow) Yeah, the GF is a little too fancy for our tastes. But it is gorgeous to visit! Isn't that little loop so great?! I love watching the people down below! I'll have more to post today or tomorrow... ;) It was one of the newer episodes (can you even say "newer" for something that old?! :confused:) Steve was there with them... But the twins weren't born yet. So I'm thinking maybe season 4 or 5?? :confused3 I remember loving it though!!

[stacikristine]

I LOVE this update! We didn't get to stop inside the GF. I want to though!! I think I would like the over-the-top fancy for maybe just one vacation. Perhaps when I get married there! :rotfl: That'll be the day!

The monorail ride looks so fun! Can't wait to hear your review of Coral Reef. :goodvibes

That's funny! Because I think of 'Full House' when I see the Coral Reef! :rotfl:

My favorite was when the Boy Meets World characters went there! :thumbsup2 I always loved it when tv characters went too!

Thanks Kimmy! You really need to stop in there next time--I think you'd really like just looking around! Yeah!! It'd be the perfect wedding spot :thumbsup2 Just remember to invite us! ;) It was a good ride and a good break. I'll have my review soon! ;) I love that TV show characters go to Disney--Can you imagine being there when that was being filmed?! :cloud9: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Full House and Boy Meets World--I can't wait for Boy Meets World to be released on DVD! :thumbsup2


CLASSIC Full House episode! Jesse sung to Rebecca in the middle of the GF lobby and then again in front of Cinderella's Castle. Danny also proposed to Vicki with fireworks. Michelle was princess for a day and was a total brat and ran away. A Michelle fan I was not! Haha. It was a two parter lol.

I also love the episode of Boy Meets World where they sleep in Splash Mountain!

Haha!!! :rotfl: I forgot about Uncle Jesse singing twice. That was such a good episode!! I liked Michelle when she was little, but she was a little brat sometimes when she got older! I don't think I saw the Boy Meets World episode when they went to Disney...I LOVED Boy Meets World, though! :thumbsup2


Don't forget when DJ sees Steve checking in to the GF and Steve starts running towards her and trips over his bag!

Haha! :lmao:


Oh yeah! I forgot about the part when they're all watching the Indy stunt show and she thinks it's Steve and yells 'STEVE! NO!...one thinks you're really here..." :rotfl: I love how they fit him in as Aladdin too! LOL

Michael and I were talking about that the other night... :laughing: And how JTT was playing with a Simba stuffed animal in Home Improvement. Those sillies! ;)


That's the reason why I'd like to stay at the GF. My normal style is more Contemporary, so that wouldn't feel as much like a big expensive vacation. I think it's more fun to act goofy in a stuffy place (when you're at Disney so it's not really too inappropriate). Although, Poly would be good too though.

We stayed at the Fairmont Empress (here in Victoria) on our wedding night and it's pretty Victorian too and it has lots of history, so I guess it would also remind me of that :love:

Hope you liked Coral Reef!

I think we might like it for a night, but then we'd be ready for something a little more themed and a little more laid back (more on this later). Haha--that's one way to look at it! :thumbsup2 Aw! I bet your wedding night hotel was gorgeous! The GF does seem like a good wedding hotel... I'll have the Coral Reef review before too long!


Thank you for your beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian! It's nice to see the tile work coming along so beautifully!
Don't count it out as a possibility in the future though. The lobby *IS* very formal, but the rooms are more tasteful and elegant. There are some pictures in my TR thread if you'd like to check it out.

Is the tile work new? It was GORGEOUS! I loved the big GF tiles :thumbsup2 I'll definitely keep that in mind. I'll have to go check it out...Thanks! :)

[stacikristine]

Thank you for your beautiful pictures of the Grand Floridian! It's nice to see the tile work coming along so beautifully!
Don't count it out as a possibility in the future though. The lobby *IS* very formal, but the rooms are more tasteful and elegant. There are some pictures in my TR thread if you'd like to check it out.

I saw the pics on your TR--what a gorgeous view!! :cloud9: It's just amazing. And the room looked very nice, and not-too-stuffy. I still don't know if it's our taste, but it is gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup2

[tinkgurl]

I just bought the first season of Full House (and Growing Pains) for less than $8 on Amazon--I've laughed SOOO hard watching them! :rotfl2:

Just a fun tidbit...did you know that DJ on Full House and Mike on Growing Pains are brother and sister?!

[tinkgurl]

Oh yeah! I forgot about the part when they're all watching the Indy stunt show and she thinks it's Steve and yells 'STEVE! NO!...one thinks you're really here..." :rotfl: I love how they fit him in as Aladdin too! LOL

LOL I always think about the Indy stunt show part when we are watching it. I always have to say "STEVE! NO!" to my family. :rotfl2:

I love how they had him as Aladdin since he's the voice for Aladdin!

[stacikristine]

Just a fun tidbit...did you know that DJ on Full House and Mike on Growing Pains are brother and sister?!

Yes! Isn't that crazy?! Those were two of my very favorite shows... And it's kinda crazy that neither of them did much acting after those shows. But they probably made enough then to last them the rest of their lives! :thumbsup2

[Bridora]

CLASSIC Full House episode! Jesse sung to Rebecca in the middle of the GF lobby and then again in front of Cinderella's Castle. Danny also proposed to Vicki with fireworks. Michelle was princess for a day and was a total brat and ran away. A Michelle fan I was not! Haha. It was a two parter lol.

I also love the episode of Boy Meets World where they sleep in Splash Mountain!

Don't forget when DJ sees Steve checking in to the GF and Steve starts running towards her and trips over his bag!

Oh yeah! I forgot about the part when they're all watching the Indy stunt show and she thinks it's Steve and yells 'STEVE! NO!...one thinks you're really here..." :rotfl: I love how they fit him in as Aladdin too! LOL

:headache: Where the heck was I? Maybe I was 'too mature' for Full House by then? :lmao: No, seriously, that was one of my most favorite shows. I wasn't much of a Michelle fan, either. I am going to find this episode and watch it!



Ok--there was a whole other page after I posted this. But now I really don't know. I must have missed that one, or just totally forgotten it?!?! Because I remember the twins, but not Danny & Vicki being married....Well, that was a long long time ago....and I'm getting (old)!

[princess_momma]

Thanks Kimmy! You really need to stop in there next time--I think you'd really like just looking around! Yeah!! It'd be the perfect wedding spot :thumbsup2 Just remember to invite us! ;) It was a good ride and a good break. I'll have my review soon! ;) I love that TV show characters go to Disney--Can you imagine being there when that was being filmed?! :cloud9: I LOVE LOVE LOVE Full House and Boy Meets World--I can't wait for Boy Meets World to be released on DVD! :thumbsup2

Of course you are invited! :goodvibes It workds because its so close to the wedding pavilion too! :rotfl: Can't wait for your review. I would LOVE to have been there when they were doing Full House or Boy Meets World episodes. They don't even have any good shows like that now that I would like to be there for. Can you imagine being there for a Hannah Montana episode or something. :scared1:

I can't wait for Boy Meets World either. Those were the best!!

Haha!!! :rotfl: I forgot about Uncle Jesse singing twice. That was such a good episode!! I liked Michelle when she was little, but she was a little brat sometimes when she got older! I don't think I saw the Boy Meets World episode when they went to Disney...I LOVED Boy Meets World, though! :thumbsup2

For some reason, I can't remember Uncle Jesse singing. I do remember Michelle being princess of the day though! I also remember Vicki and Danny eating at Coral Reef and I think some people ended up in the tank! :rotfl:

Yes! Isn't that crazy?! Those were two of my very favorite shows... And it's kinda crazy that neither of them did much acting after those shows. But they probably made enough then to last them the rest of their lives! :thumbsup2

They were 2 of my favorites too!! I wonder what they are all doing now!

[princess_momma]

Ok--there was a whole other page after I posted this. But now I really don't know. I must have missed that one, or just totally forgotten it?!?! Because I remember the twins, but not Danny & Vicki being married....Well, that was a long long time ago....and I'm getting (old)!

I'm pretty sure there was more than one!

[khertz]

What great pictures! First off, the little girl in the front seat is showing us what a Test Track photo is SUPPOSED to look like! :rotfl: So cute!

I cannot wait to see the Grand Floridian in person, especially after seeing these pictures! It looks so gorgeous. And I have to say, I do think of the Full House episodes too! I think that was the best Disney special on sitcom ever. I saw the Roseanne one the other day, and it was LAME! Most of the episode was them taking about going to Disney, annoying everyone on the plane ride to Disney, and the hotel room! Full House did it best, for sure! :thumbsup2

I'm interested to see what y'all thought of a meal at Coral Reef. The reviews on allears are so different! Hopefully y'all got an awesome view of the tank, since that is why everyone wants to go there anyway!

[khertz]

For some reason, I can't remember Uncle Jesse singing. I do remember Michelle being princess of the day though! I also remember Vicki and Danny eating at Coral Reef and I think some people ended up in the tank! :rotfl:


Jesse & Joey were doing a broadcast of their radio show inside the tank!

[stacikristine]

:headache: Where the heck was I? Maybe I was 'too mature' for Full House by then? :lmao: No, seriously, that was one of my most favorite shows. I wasn't much of a Michelle fan, either. I am going to find this episode and watch it!



Ok--there was a whole other page after I posted this. But now I really don't know. I must have missed that one, or just totally forgotten it?!?! Because I remember the twins, but not Danny & Vicki being married....Well, that was a long long time ago....and I'm getting (old)!

Haha--you can never be too mature for Full House! :rotfl: I was laughing so hard watching one of the ones from the first season the other night that I almost spit my spaghetti out! :rotfl2: They didn't get married...at least I don't think they did... I quit watching it as religiously after they all got a little older. We're all getting old!! :upsidedow


Of course you are invited! :goodvibes It workds because its so close to the wedding pavilion too! :rotfl: Can't wait for your review. I would LOVE to have been there when they were doing Full House or Boy Meets World episodes. They don't even have any good shows like that now that I would like to be there for. Can you imagine being there for a Hannah Montana episode or something. :scared1:

I can't wait for Boy Meets World either. Those were the best!!

For some reason, I can't remember Uncle Jesse singing. I do remember Michelle being princess of the day though! I also remember Vicki and Danny eating at Coral Reef and I think some people ended up in the tank! :rotfl:

They were 2 of my favorites too!! I wonder what they are all doing now!

Woo-Hoo! We'll be there. ;) Oh my gosh--I would have LOVED it. I think I'd die (and not in a good way) if I was there for one of the shows now. Ugh! Sick. :headache: I don't remember them eating at Coral Reef, but I remember Jesse singing... Michael and I actually looked them all up on Wikipedia. It's pretty interesting! :thumbsup2


What great pictures! First off, the little girl in the front seat is showing us what a Test Track photo is SUPPOSED to look like! :rotfl: So cute!

I cannot wait to see the Grand Floridian in person, especially after seeing these pictures! It looks so gorgeous. And I have to say, I do think of the Full House episodes too! I think that was the best Disney special on sitcom ever. I saw the Roseanne one the other day, and it was LAME! Most of the episode was them taking about going to Disney, annoying everyone on the plane ride to Disney, and the hotel room! Full House did it best, for sure! :thumbsup2

I'm interested to see what y'all thought of a meal at Coral Reef. The reviews on allears are so different! Hopefully y'all got an awesome view of the tank, since that is why everyone wants to go there anyway!

Haha--isn't she so cute?! You'll love seeing it. It really is gorgeous. Full House just did everything great--of course their Disney episodes would be great! :thumbsup2 I have always hated Rosanne because her Halloween episode scared the mess out of me when I was two. :scared1: I'm posting our review (and the rest of our time at Epcot) right now!


Jesse & Joey were doing a broadcast of their radio show inside the tank!

Haha--that's right! :rotfl:

[stacikristine]

We’d just finished up a relaxing trip to the Grand Floridian and come back to Epcot for our 4:00 dinner reservation when I left you last.




We were VERY excited to eat at Coral Reef! :woohoo: It was our first table service restaurant of the trip, and we were excited to see the marine life. I honestly didn’t have super high expectations for the food since I’d heard some not-so-great reviews of it. But we were at least hoping for a good meal.


As much as I wanted to request a table next to the aquarium, it was really busy in there, and I figured we’d lucked out without making requests so far….


So we got our buzzer and took a seat next to these awesome pillars (we were all sitting on the ground since it was packed in there…only at Disney!)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/130CoralReef.jpg



If you remember, we didn’t check in until 4:00 (for our 4:00 ressie), so I was expecting to wait at least 30 minutes. Well…our buzzer went off at 4:12! We took our buzzer back to the front desk, and were led to our table……………
















Right next to the aquarium!!! :dance3:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/132CRnew.jpg


We were SOOO excited! We had the best (and worst—but more on that later) seats in the house! We were the first table on the floor, next to the aquarium. The giant turtle was RIGHT in front of our table.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/134CR.jpg


Oh my goodness—he’s huge! It was a lot of fun to watch him throughout the night.



Our waiter was super nice, and he brought out our awesome bread right away. After listening to his suggestions, we decided to order the following:

Michael—Grilled Mahi Mahi - topped with a spicy pineapple chutney over cashew-jasmine rice finished with a coconut rum beurre blanc

Me— Roasted Scottish Salmon - with leek fondue, Orecchiette pasta, asparagus, and red wine reduction (I don’t remember the Leek Fondue…but that’s what AllEars said…)


While we were waiting for our food, our little friend decided to go for a swim

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/137CR.jpg


And we looked at the fish finding guide (I can see how this would be really entertaining for little kids!)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/138CR.jpg



Before long, our food arrived. And it was EXCELLENT!

Sorry! We were too excited to remember to take pictures…but I promise this doesn’t happen often!

Michael’s Mahi was oh-so-good! I actually liked it a lot more than my salmon (which was good, but a little oily for me). But my pasta was YUMMY—I could have eaten a whole meal of that stuff!



While we were eating, our turtle friend came back

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/139CR.jpg


And then it was time for dessert!

Michael ordered The Chocolate Wave - served with raspberries

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/142CR.jpg


And I ordered Almond Gelato - with granola-marshmallow cookie, peaches, and passion fruit sauce

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/141CR.jpg


Michael really liked his (I’m not the hugest chocolate fan, so I didn’t care to try it) but mine wasn’t that great. The peaches were very yummy, but the almond flavor was a little weird. Oh well…I was really too full to eat much dessert anyway.



Oh—before I forget, it was slightly weird to be seated where we were. Even though we had GREAT seats, everyone else thought we did too. And since we were the very first table by the aquarium, everyone would stop right by our table and take pictures of the huge turtle. :headache: It was funny at first, but it became a little annoying. By the time we left, I was sick of having my picture taken while I was trying to eat. So that’s why our seats were the best and the worst in the house. Oh well…we were still happy to be so close to the turtle. :goodvibes



On our way out, we snapped a few pictures to catch the mood of the restaurant

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/145CR.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/146CR.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/147CR.jpg


So our over-all review of Coral Reef: Excellent! Would we go back? You betcha! :thumbsup2 But I would get the Mahi… We were very, very pleased with our first TS of the trip! And we left just full enough (I hate being stuffed…so I didn’t finish all of my food, but Michael finished his and it was the perfect size for him).



Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous




After we left Coral Reef, we went over to Innoventions West.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/147EFWInnoW.jpg


I’d heard about making your own video game there, and we were excited to give it a try! This was SOOO fun! We went to this area where it filmed us. We had to jump, run, and party. After we were ok with our clips, we went over to play our video game!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/150EFWInnoWGame.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/151EFWInnoWGame.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/152EFWInnoWGame.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/th_153MOVIEEFWInnoGame.jpg (http://s401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/?action=view&current=153MOVIEEFWInnoGame.flv)

SO FUN! I love Innoventions for things like this. ;)




Right next to the video game thing is a little are that was advertising an interactive game show called “What’s Your Problem?”. It’s all about Velcro. I’d read about it on someone else’s TR (they went in the summer) and I really wanted to give it a try. Before we went into the game show room, one of the hostesses talked to us about the origin of Velcro (a man saw how burs stuck to his dog’s fur and tried to re-create that effect) and I think we watched a little video.


Then it was time to enter the game show room!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/153EFWInnoWProblem.jpg



There were two families with elementary-age kids, a newly-wed couple and mom/sister in the same family, and us. The hostess introduced another hostess, and they told us how the game show would work. Oh—and we all had to yell “What’s…Your…Problem!!” many times! :upsidedow


The first people they chose from the audience were both sets of siblings. They went on stage, spun the wheel to see what problem they would be solving (with Velcro), and found that they had to compete to build the tallest tower out of Velcro blocks. It was really cute!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/155EFWInnoWProblem.jpg


After that, she called two “manly men” up to the stage. Michael and the newly-wed guy got picked!! They spun the wheel, and found that they were going to solve the problem of “bringing up babies”! :rotfl2:


She gave them their “Daddy Aprons” and it was time to get started~

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/156EFWInnoWProblem.jpg


Each guy had a roley cart with a conveyer belt in the middle. Babies were coming fast on the conveyer belt. They had to grab a baby, put a diaper on, put a bottle in its mouth, and stick it on the apron. I laughed SOOO hard! :lmao:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/157EFWInnoWProblem.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/160EFWInnoWProblem.jpg


This was especially funny since neither guy had ever put a diaper on a baby in their lives!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/161EFWInnoWProblem.jpg



When the time limit was over, both guys each had 4 babies on their aprons.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/162EFWInnoWProblem.jpg


Let me just say that we loved this! Sure, it was a little cheesy. But that’s the point! It was so neat that each family had at least one representative on the stage. It was just a really cute thing. We’d definitely go back, and I’d recommend it to anyone else! :thumbsup2



After “What’s Your Problem?” we went next door to make our own Velcro frogs (sorry no pic). It was cute and quick. You could decorate your frog with any Velcro things you wanted. Mine had a crown and crazy shoes and clothes. And it’s a fun FREE souvenir for kids!




Continued

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous




After we left Innoventions, we decided it was time for a trip to the coolest place in Epcot—that is, Club Cool!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/163EFWCool.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/164EFWCool.jpg


We decided to each start on an end, and then we’d work our way to the other side. I conveniently picked the side furthest away from the Beverly. :rolleyes1

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/166EFWCool.jpg


Oh, Beverly. Why do you taste like grossness?

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/167EFWCoolBeverly.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/168EFWCoolBeverly.jpg


I’m pretty sure he spit in the trashcan. Since I was laughing so hard at his reaction and I was “mean” in not telling him, I had to try it too.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/169EFWCoolBeverly.jpg


Sick!


We decided that Beverly was obviously our least favorite (no shock there)

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/170EFWCoolWorst.jpg


China’s Watermelon soda was my favorite

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/171EFWCoolsBest.jpg


And Israel’s Kinley lemon-lime drink was Michael’s favorite

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/172EFWCoolmBest.jpg




On our way to Innoventions East, we took some pictures at the awesome fountain

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/173EFW.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/174EFW.jpg




When we entered Innoventions East (we’d been here for a little while before Test Track), we were invited to visit the House of Innoventions where they have things that are available for houses now (but that are probably ridiculously expensive) in a show house.


The kitchen was REALLY cool. I loved all of the appliances.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/175EFWInnoEHouse.jpg


I thought this shelf was fun

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/176EFWInnoEHouse.jpg


This table is too contemporary for me, but it’s really clean looking

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/177EFWInnoEHouse.jpg


Um…where was a bed like this when I was a little girl?! I would have LOVED this!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/178EFWInnoEHouse.jpg


Michael got to play the super high-tech drums that had songs already programmed in

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/179EFWInnoEHouse.jpg


While I thought it was cool to go through the house, I also thought it was a little long. Michael, on the other hand ate it up. He loves nerdy, high tech stuff like that. ;) I’m glad we toured it! (Oh—and they’re updating it constantly)



After that, we headed over to the waste station to conserve energy.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/180EFWInnoEWaste.jpg


We picked a team name, got our trash collector thing (it was like a push cart shaped like a recycling bin) and took it to our first station where we worked as a team to separate the recycling.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/181EFWInnoEWaste.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/182EFWInnoEWaste.jpg


Then we built a landfill (as a team—it was all promoting working together to help the environment)


And worked in a factory where we had to recycle hot and cold things

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/183EFWInnoEWaste.jpg


When it was over, we got to see our score and get a certificate!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/184EFWInnoEWaste.jpg


Not too shabby! Almost a perfect score!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/186EFWInnoEWaste.jpg


We had lots of fun here. I can see where kids would just eat this up—but it was fun for adults too!




After we finished up in Innoventions, we decided it was time to wrap up our Epcot Future World day and head over to Magic Kingdom for some evening entertainment. It had been a FANTASTIC first park day so far!! :yay:




Up Next:
An almost empty camera battery
Um, sure. We’ll join your family.
Our favorite fireworks show ever!

[praisehisname]

Yay, you liked Coral Reef! They really shouldn't put those tables right up against the aquarium. When we were there, we noticed the same thing happening that happened to you.

Sounds like a lot of fun in Innoventions. We never take the time to do that; maybe this time I'll schedule it in!

Denise

[misskate]

I've missed a lot!! Great updates!! Coral Reef sounded delicious. I tried to get in there for our Feb trip and nothing was available. (Strangely Le Cellier was...?) I'm definitely putting that Mahi on my future trip must have list. Sounds delicious! The big turtle was pretty darn cute too. :)

[tinkgurl]

Oooh loved the Coral Reef pics! I can see how having a table by the glass would be both good and bad.

I'll have to try the Mahi Mahi next time!

Haha, love the pics of Michael doing the baby race! :laughing:

[Roxychica7]

Girl! Where are you finding these things at Innovations?? I have never seen ANY of those activities before!! HYSTERICAL pictures of your adventures and M and the babies!! :rotfl:
So glad you loved CR! We still want to eat there too, even though the reviews are crappy. I'd probably eat the Mahi Mahi so good that M liked it! Being biologists we obviously have to eat there regardless, but that stinks about the people! I guess there's always something "bad" about getting the better seats.
Cool Club...love your faces! I love the Watermelon too! And the Veggie Beta, reminds me of V8 Splash sorta. Sounds like you two are having a blast, can't wait to see how you finished up your night! :thumbsup2

[BippityBoo]

WWHHHAAA?? How did I miss your Grand Floridian Trip!!!! :confused3
And I even had a cameo! hehe Thanks for the shout out :thumbsup2
I agree, it is a very pretty resort and SO quiet and relaxing. The rooms were really the #1 reason to stay there, they are huge. However, it is not very themed. I think that we will stay there again as a couple, and maybe with the kids when they get older, but for now we are SO looking forward to the WL and the Poly!!

Loved your new update as well! Coral Reef sounds awesome, I loved the big fat turtle (ha!) But, how rude of those people to take pics by your table. It is just a turtle people. Let these two eat their expensive meal in peace! Sometimes I do not get it.

Also, the pics of your DH with the babies...SO funny. If only it were as easy as velcroing your baby to an apron and continuing with your day...ha!

Overall, you are making me so excited for EPCOT!! Can't wait to see who's family you join?

[jenny105]

Yes! Isn't that crazy?! Those were two of my very favorite shows... And it's kinda crazy that neither of them did much acting after those shows. But they probably made enough then to last them the rest of their lives! :thumbsup2

She probably doesn't need to work anymore if she doesn't want to. She married a pro athlete. They are more than set for the rest of their lives! I think Kirk Cameron became really relgious toward the end of Growing Pains and does Christian programming now. I watch too many of those 'Where are they now?' specials. :rotfl:

:headache: Where the heck was I? Maybe I was 'too mature' for Full House by then? :lmao: No, seriously, that was one of my most favorite shows. I wasn't much of a Michelle fan, either. I am going to find this episode and watch it!
Ok--there was a whole other page after I posted this. But now I really don't know. I must have missed that one, or just totally forgotten it?!?! Because I remember the twins, but not Danny & Vicki being married....Well, that was a long long time ago....and I'm getting (old)!

Danny and Vicki never actually got married. He proposed but nothing ever came of it! Youtube the episodes! :)


Staci, great pictures of Coral Reef but I can understand why you'd get annoyed. I probably would have to! I understand it's a great photo op but people need to respect the fact that you're trying to eat! :sad2:

You didn't play Where's the Fire?? That's my favorite innoventions thing. I actually didn't know they had a make your own video game. I'll have to spend more time in there next time!

[Jenvenza]

I love your report! You two are too cute! I love how excited you both are. I am 31 and still get that way everytime we go! now we have a 2yo daughter, so it makes it even more exciting to see her reaction!

We loved Coral Reef, too. I had the Mahi and it was wonderful! I think if everyone had that when they went there wouldnt be any bad reviews of that place!

[princess_momma]

Jesse & Joey were doing a broadcast of their radio show inside the tank!

Oh yes! I remember now!! That was SO great!!

Staci!! Tell Michael that I think we're food twins!! We got the same entree AND dessert! :rotfl: Wasn't that mahi-mahi so good?! I just loved it!! I'm definitely glad I just took a leap and tried it!! Mmmm I could go for some right now!!

I'm also INSANELY glad that you lucked out and got a window seat! Thats so awesome. pixiedust: You definitely got tons of pixie dust! I can't believe you didn't even request it!! That's awesome. I love that the turtle was next to you!! That's too bad about everyone coming and taking pictures. Our table was the last one, so at the way other end of yours, and we didn't have any cute turtles right in front of us!

The make your own video game looks so fun!! I bet I could convince my mom to like Epcot more if I can get her to go back to Innovations. I'll have to show her your tr!! We didn't do anything in there! But a lot was also closed when we were there. :confused3 I'm definitely taking her here when I drag her back there! :laughing:

[crocko]

Awesome updates! You guys were having a great day :thumbsup2

I'm with you on the best sodas. I like China's watermelon drink best.
And I also think that shelf is cool!!

[jenny105]

Oh I forgot to say Mexico is my favorite at Club Cool. I like that it has an apple juice kick to it. :thumbsup2

[honeymooner09]

I just started reading your TR today, and I am loving it!! Can't wait for your next installment!

[LilAnn]

Yay! I am so glad that you enjoyed Coral Reef. I was worried you would be disappointed. Maybe you had our same waiter, he was the one that convinced me into ordering the mahi too! I polished that plate clean! You guys looked like you had so much fun at Innoventions. We haven't done a lot of those stations before and that Velcro station sounds like fun. The baby demo - hilarious. :rotfl: Great pictures there! I am going to have to remember that for our next trip, whenever that is. Loved the club Cool pics. I feel like I always try Beverly thinking that maybe, just maybe this time it will taste different! :confused3 Sounds like your trip is off to a fantastic start.

[Dancegrl624]

Hi Staci! I didn't leave you, I've just been busy. Love all of your Epcot pics yet once again. That velcro game looked so funny! I love the pics of the fountain. In Jan when we went, it was being refurbed so it had lovely blue refurb walls all around it. Then, in June, it was never working!!! So, my DH and DD have never gotten to see that amazing fountain. There's always next time!

[bballdiva]

Oh wow that "bed" was really awesome, I would have loved that too as a child!!!

[disneygirlinnj]

Your pics from the GF are beautiful! I never got a chance to see the Mickey in the tile. I'll have to look next time! And Coral Reef sounds yummy! I totally LOL'd watching hubby try diapering babies :)

[stacikristine]

Yay, you liked Coral Reef! They really shouldn't put those tables right up against the aquarium. When we were there, we noticed the same thing happening that happened to you.

Sounds like a lot of fun in Innoventions. We never take the time to do that; maybe this time I'll schedule it in!

Denise

We liked it a lot! I agree--but then if they moved them away from the windows, then people would constantly be standing in front of you to be next to the window...I guess there are always issues when you have a huge aquarium in your restaurant! ;) You should definitely schedule in Innoventions! We had a lot of fun there. I'd schedule at least an hour for the two combined. We probably spent more time that that there! :thumbsup2


I've missed a lot!! Great updates!! Coral Reef sounded delicious. I tried to get in there for our Feb trip and nothing was available. (Strangely Le Cellier was...?) I'm definitely putting that Mahi on my future trip must have list. Sounds delicious! The big turtle was pretty darn cute too. :)

It was really good--we've said we'd go back. Are you serious?! Le Cellier was booked for our entire stay! :eek: The turtle was ginormous!!


Oooh loved the Coral Reef pics! I can see how having a table by the glass would be both good and bad.

I'll have to try the Mahi Mahi next time!

Haha, love the pics of Michael doing the baby race! :laughing:

Thanks! We liked it... but it was a little annoying after a while. I think it would have been better if we weren't the first table at the bottom. Yes--the Mahi Mahi was incredible!!! :thumbsup2 We watched the video on Saturday night and were laughing so hard--those guys looked ridiculous! :rotfl:


Girl! Where are you finding these things at Innovations?? I have never seen ANY of those activities before!! HYSTERICAL pictures of your adventures and M and the babies!! :rotfl:
So glad you loved CR! We still want to eat there too, even though the reviews are crappy. I'd probably eat the Mahi Mahi so good that M liked it! Being biologists we obviously have to eat there regardless, but that stinks about the people! I guess there's always something "bad" about getting the better seats.
Cool Club...love your faces! I love the Watermelon too! And the Veggie Beta, reminds me of V8 Splash sorta. Sounds like you two are having a blast, can't wait to see how you finished up your night! :thumbsup2

They really should have the cooler stuff in the front--maybe more people would stop and tour then! You have to go in and really see everything. Some stuff is pretty lame, but some stuff is really great! Now they even have a place where you make your own rollercoaster, etc. and then "ride it" in a simulator! It came out a few weeks ago. :thumbsup2 It was so funny watching him with the babies--I can tell there will be MANY training sessions when we have kids! :rotfl: I really don't know why the reviews are so bad...we'd definitely go back. Almost all of the flavors were good--besides Beverly! :sick: We're headed to MK after this!!


WWHHHAAA?? How did I miss your Grand Floridian Trip!!!! :confused3
And I even had a cameo! hehe Thanks for the shout out :thumbsup2
I agree, it is a very pretty resort and SO quiet and relaxing. The rooms were really the #1 reason to stay there, they are huge. However, it is not very themed. I think that we will stay there again as a couple, and maybe with the kids when they get older, but for now we are SO looking forward to the WL and the Poly!!

Loved your new update as well! Coral Reef sounds awesome, I loved the big fat turtle (ha!) But, how rude of those people to take pics by your table. It is just a turtle people. Let these two eat their expensive meal in peace! Sometimes I do not get it.

Also, the pics of your DH with the babies...SO funny. If only it were as easy as velcroing your baby to an apron and continuing with your day...ha!

Overall, you are making me so excited for EPCOT!! Can't wait to see who's family you join?

I don't know how you missed it--but I'm glad you saw it now! :thumbsup2 No prob--I thought about your family while we were there! We've decided we're really into over-the-top theming--we can stay at a fancy hotel somewhere else. But we were talking about how fun it would be to stay at the GF after we retire (yes...we plan ahead! :upsidedow). It seems like the perfect "relax resort". Haha--I wish you were there to tell those turtle-people off! :laughing: Then maybe we wouldn't be in a million pictures with our forks in our mouths! Yeah, I'm sure he'll wish it was that easy when we have real kids :rotfl: I'm happy you're excited for Epcot now!! It's my second favorite resort. We just love all the hands-on stuff there! :thumbsup2


She probably doesn't need to work anymore if she doesn't want to. She married a pro athlete. They are more than set for the rest of their lives! I think Kirk Cameron became really relgious toward the end of Growing Pains and does Christian programming now. I watch too many of those 'Where are they now?' specials. :rotfl:

Danny and Vicki never actually got married. He proposed but nothing ever came of it! Youtube the episodes! :)

Staci, great pictures of Coral Reef but I can understand why you'd get annoyed. I probably would have to! I understand it's a great photo op but people need to respect the fact that you're trying to eat! :sad2:

You didn't play Where's the Fire?? That's my favorite innoventions thing. I actually didn't know they had a make your own video game. I'll have to spend more time in there next time!

Yeah, I saw that! They're set for life! Yeah, Kirk Cameron and his wife (his girlfriend from Growing Pains!!) actually adopted a lot of kids from different countries. They have a really sweet story. Did you see Fireproof? Our church went to see it together last year. He does a really good job in it (even if some of the other actors are sub-par). .... Yeah, it was good and bad at the same time. I wish they had a little "viewing area" away from the tables. No--the line was too long, and we knew we had to head over to MK soon. But we'll for sure put it on our list for next time!! The video game thing is SO FUN! Definitely spend a lot of time there! :thumbsup2

[stacikristine]

I love your report! You two are too cute! I love how excited you both are. I am 31 and still get that way everytime we go! now we have a 2yo daughter, so it makes it even more exciting to see her reaction!

We loved Coral Reef, too. I had the Mahi and it was wonderful! I think if everyone had that when they went there wouldnt be any bad reviews of that place!

Thanks so much! :goodvibes I think we'll be 75 and still all excited!! I bet--I can't wait until we can take our kids with us. I remember watching my little sister when she was 5. She was SO excited! We ate with Pooh our first morning, and the next day she woke up bright and early and shook my dad and said, "Hurry, Daddy! Pooh is waiting!" :cutie: Isn't the Mahi incredible? I wish I could have it with my pasta though, that stuff is great! Yeah, I think people are just ordering the wrong thing... :confused:


Oh yes! I remember now!! That was SO great!!

Staci!! Tell Michael that I think we're food twins!! We got the same entree AND dessert! :rotfl: Wasn't that mahi-mahi so good?! I just loved it!! I'm definitely glad I just took a leap and tried it!! Mmmm I could go for some right now!!

I'm also INSANELY glad that you lucked out and got a window seat! Thats so awesome. pixiedust: You definitely got tons of pixie dust! I can't believe you didn't even request it!! That's awesome. I love that the turtle was next to you!! That's too bad about everyone coming and taking pictures. Our table was the last one, so at the way other end of yours, and we didn't have any cute turtles right in front of us!

The make your own video game looks so fun!! I bet I could convince my mom to like Epcot more if I can get her to go back to Innovations. I'll have to show her your tr!! We didn't do anything in there! But a lot was also closed when we were there. :confused3 I'm definitely taking her here when I drag her back there! :laughing:

Haha--I'll tell him! That's great. :thumbsup2 He loved all of his meal! Yeah, I was shocked that we were so lucky with everything--without requesting anything! It was definitely a perfect start to the trip! :goodvibes I bet your seats were tons better. I think the middle would have even been better--there were just too many people that stopped at our table on the way to theirs. Yeah, with Epcot, you really make your own fun. They don't just hand it to you like the other places. You have to get in and try things and take time to do all of the "hidden" little things. Disney should do a better job letting people know what's in there. It looks like a lot is closed, but it's really not--they're just building some new stuff. But then again, it's kinda good most people don't know about all of it, because it's pretty much empty in there! :thumbsup2

Awesome updates! You guys were having a great day :thumbsup2

I'm with you on the best sodas. I like China's watermelon drink best.
And I also think that shelf is cool!!

Thanks! Yes--we were!! Isn't that drink so good? They should market it here. I'd love to know where they found that shelf.


Oh I forgot to say Mexico is my favorite at Club Cool. I like that it has an apple juice kick to it. :thumbsup2

Yeah, that one was really good too! :thumbsup2


I just started reading your TR today, and I am loving it!! Can't wait for your next installment!

Hi! Thanks so much for reading! :goodvibes I'll have the next one sometime early this week!


Yay! I am so glad that you enjoyed Coral Reef. I was worried you would be disappointed. Maybe you had our same waiter, he was the one that convinced me into ordering the mahi too! I polished that plate clean! You guys looked like you had so much fun at Innoventions. We haven't done a lot of those stations before and that Velcro station sounds like fun. The baby demo - hilarious. :rotfl: Great pictures there! I am going to have to remember that for our next trip, whenever that is. Loved the club Cool pics. I feel like I always try Beverly thinking that maybe, just maybe this time it will taste different! :confused3 Sounds like your trip is off to a fantastic start.

We enjoyed it a lot! Maybe he was the same... This guy said to try the Mahi or the steak. I'm not a steak person, so I tried Salmon...I should have stuck with his suggestions! We did!! It was really fun. You should definitely give it a try next time. :thumbsup2 The Velcro show was so much fun! It was corney, but it was cute that someone from each family got to participate. I would NOT have tried it if Michael didn't tell me I had to for making him try it! :upsidedow

Hi Staci! I didn't leave you, I've just been busy. Love all of your Epcot pics yet once again. That velcro game looked so funny! I love the pics of the fountain. In Jan when we went, it was being refurbed so it had lovely blue refurb walls all around it. Then, in June, it was never working!!! So, my DH and DD have never gotten to see that amazing fountain. There's always next time!

Hi Meghan! Glad you're back--and I hope you're not too overly busy still! I have a feeling we'll all just get busier as Christmas comes closer... Thanks! It was a lot of fun. Oh--that stinks you didn't get any fountain pictures! The fountain is one of my favorite parts of Epcot! Yep--I think "Next Time" is the most popular saying in regards to Disney World! :upsidedow


Oh wow that "bed" was really awesome, I would have loved that too as a child!!!

Isn't it incredible?! I saw one similar to it at IKEA a few weeks ago... I would have LIVED on my bed if I had that one!

[stacikristine]

Your pics from the GF are beautiful! I never got a chance to see the Mickey in the tile. I'll have to look next time! And Coral Reef sounds yummy! I totally LOL'd watching hubby try diapering babies :)

Thank you! It's such a gorgeous resort. The tile work is really pretty too--it's at the entrance. It is! I'm sure your mom would like it because she could get shrimp! ;) I hope he does a much better job when we have kids! :rotfl:

[Bridora]

I'm so glad you guys got a "window" seat at Coral Reef! :thumbsup2

That video game look like so much fun! I'll have to look for it when we go back. I've also wondered what the Velcro show was like--thanks! The pictures of the guys with the babies & aprons were too funny! Sounds like a fun thing to do!

Your Beverly pictures were good! I just love going to Club Cool!

[amandaluvsgoofy]

Hi Staci!
I know I've been MIA for a while (been sick, busy, pregnant, etc), but I just caught up on your trip report! Loved your pics of the GF! And y'all did so much more fun stuff at Epcot than J and I!! I think the crowds were worse for us so we missed out! :sad1: Oh well, guess we'll have to try it out next time! And the Coral Reef food sounded soooo good!!

[stacikristine]

I'm so glad you guys got a "window" seat at Coral Reef! :thumbsup2

That video game look like so much fun! I'll have to look for it when we go back. I've also wondered what the Velcro show was like--thanks! The pictures of the guys with the babies & aprons were too funny! Sounds like a fun thing to do!

Your Beverly pictures were good! I just love going to Club Cool!

It was a perfect view! :thumbsup2 It was SOOO much fun! And you get to send a copy home (but I don't know that we ever received it...) You should definitely try the Velcro show! I laughed when I saw how horrible my face was in that pic :rotfl:


Hi Staci!
I know I've been MIA for a while (been sick, busy, pregnant, etc), but I just caught up on your trip report! Loved your pics of the GF! And y'all did so much more fun stuff at Epcot than J and I!! I think the crowds were worse for us so we missed out! :sad1: Oh well, guess we'll have to try it out next time! And the Coral Reef food sounded soooo good!!

Hey Amanda! That's totally ok--real life is ALWAYS more important ;) So sorry you've been sick! Are you feeling better? I saw on your ticker that your little girl is getting big! :goodvibes We were able to do pretty much everything in Epcot--we loved all of the interactive stuff. Yeah! Hopefully the crowds will be better next time! Oh goodness, it was really good. I could really go for some of that food now...

[lauren_elizabeth]

That's the same exact table we were seated at when we ate at Coral Reef 3 years ago! I love how the turtle hung out right by yall for awhile - so cool! :thumbsup2

Your Beverly pictures are hilarious! I heard it's the aftertaste that makes it taste pretty YUCK!

Can't wait to hear all about Magic Kingdom! :love:

[stacikristine]

That's the same exact table we were seated at when we ate at Coral Reef 3 years ago! I love how the turtle hung out right by yall for awhile - so cool! :thumbsup2

Your Beverly pictures are hilarious! I heard it's the aftertaste that makes it taste pretty YUCK!

Can't wait to hear all about Magic Kingdom! :love:

Oh wow! How fun. It was really cool that he was there most of our meal. He was HUGE! Thanks :rotfl: It was sick. During-taste and after-taste. :headache: I'm just about to post it!

[stacikristine]

I’m so sorry for the delay in this new post. Things have actually been really busy at work, which means I don’t have time to DIS. I’ve been trying to write this post for the past week! Anyway…without further ado…




When I last left you, we had just finished up a wonderful day at Epcot Future World, and it was time to head over to Magic Kingdom for SpectroMagic and Wishes!



When I was planning, I was really excited that Spectro was showing on this night. I felt like it would be a perfect ending to our first park day! Since SpectroMagic was starting at 8:00, I knew we needed to be there by 7:30 at the latest if we wanted to get decent “seats”.


We boarded the Epcot monorail at 6:55, transferred to a MK monorail at the TTC, and arrived at Magic Kingdom at 7:15.


Aahhhh…I love the fall decorations! The last two times I’ve been to Disney World was during the fall, and I just love how they decorate so wonderfully. I took a hurried picture of the Magic Kingdom entrance as we entered the park.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/187MKEntrance.jpg



We didn’t have much time to really take pictures since it was getting closer and closer to parade time, but I was so excited to be at Magic Kingdom that I had to at least take a few pictures!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/188MKMain.jpg

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http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/190MKMain.jpg


I love how the Castle almost matches the sky! :goodvibes

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/191MKCastle.jpg




I’d heard that Liberty Square was a really good place to view Spectro, so we took a left at the Hub and headed in that direction. There were still some good spots over this way, but we would have had to stand behind someone else (I know…the horror!). Michael went over and asked a CM if we could stand in the little walkway to the Liberty Bell, and she said that was completely fine (they’d be putting a rope up there later). Woo-Hoo! :yay: We walked across the street and picked our little spot in front of the Liberty Bell.


There was a lady that overheard Michael asking the CM about the Liberty Bell area, and she decided to come join us. We found out that they were from somewhere up North (I think in the New England area). We chatted with them for a little while and learned that they were expecting 13 people to come join us in that little walkway!! Uh, ok. :upsidedow

Slowly, their family started showing up (it was the grandparents, kids, and grandkids). They all had matching red shirts with a number and their “character” on the back. They were really nice and friendly, but one thing happened that frustrated me… There was a lady standing in front of the railing to the left of where we were standing. We knew that the CMs were going to end up making her move, so Michael decided to go and tell her so that she could find another spot before it was too late. She was really grateful, and he offered for her family (a hubby and a little girl) to come join us on our little walkway. Well, she went to find her family, and when they came back, we were going to let them in (by this time, we’d put up the rope so people couldn’t shove in front of us when the CMs made them move). This obviously wasn’t happening. The mom that was saving all of the spots (only about 1/3 of the family was here by this point) said, “No. Sorry. We’re expecting 13 people. There’s not room.” :eek: Um, excuse me?! We’d just told them they could join us. And we were here first. I’m sorry if you’re sending two people to save a spot for everyone. This is what I would have liked to have said. But instead, Michael and I both apologized to the little family and told them we didn’t know that they couldn’t share it with us when we offered. We felt really bad even though it wasn’t us that turned them away. It was just frustrating because they should at least send half of their group to save the spots, and then if someone else comes, they should be able to be there! It’s just not fair. :headache: Anyway…rant over. Sorry!



After that, (and after I got un-frustrated) we visited some more, and I talked with some of the kids while we were waiting for the parade. Somewhere during that, I noticed that my shirt looked red in the non-light, and we probably looked like we were just a part of the family! That, and the fact that they gave us some Glow-Stick Necklaces! :thumbsup2 I sat on the ground with the kids while we waited for the parade to start. They ended up being a fun family to have to wait with. :)



At 8:17, SpectroMagic made its way to where we were waiting. Oh, goodness. I just LOVE this parade!!!! I was SO excited to be at Disney World, watching my favorite Parade, with my Best Friend. :love:

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/192MKSpectro.jpg


Did you know that the big thing behind Mickey is actually his coattails? I just found this out this trip!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/193MKSpectro.jpg


I was having to be pretty selective with my photos because my camera battery was dying (Uh-Oh). And by the way, this starts the trend of this happening….. Anyway, Here are some other pictures I got as the parade went by.

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/194MKSpectro.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/195MKSpectro.jpg

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http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/197MKSpectro.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/198MKSpectro.jpg

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http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp95/stacikristine/Disney%2009%20Day%202/202MKSpectro.jpg


Just look at all of that detail! The lights are so gorgeous. We really, really, really enjoyed SpectroMagic! Michael kept talking about how the music and lights were timed just perfectly. And how you couldn’t hear the part for “The Little Mermaid” once something else came, and things like that. He was VERY impressed. We loved it. :goodvibes



Continued