Who would have thought!? A Boo to YOU! Sept 09 TR! 2 for 1 on 10/24 - GREAT FUN!

[Happydog]

So welcome to the start of my FALL TR… This was a surprise trip for me to be sure! :goodvibes It is still a little fuzzy (how it all came about) but somewhere around Labor Day weekend, my DH started to rethink the train for our December trip (a trip I was happily planning for.) He decided that we would stick to the train, but somehow in the process he noticed that flights to Orlando were going for $118.00 through October… He then started chatting with me about possible “DVC rentals” he was seeing popping up for October and the end of September… And then he said, "hey, do you want to make a quick trip down there?" I literally fell out of my chair. My response? "WHAT?! We were just at WDW for a week at the end of June first of July and we are headed back the week before Christmas!!!" DH's response "Yeah, I know… so? What do you think?" Was he kidding??!! Don’t call me simple! :rotfl: I immediately started crunching the numbers with the AP discount and we were able to put together a nice package with dining for $800.00… Our airfare another $500.00 and so before you know it I was booking a 4 night stay with dining at CBR (our first time staying at a moderate) with a $100.00 rental car, and RT nonstop flights with excellent times. My DH and I did lots of planning and chatting over Labor Day weekend, and low and behold after several calls to Disney and online ADR scouring, we had ourselves a vacation!. BOY was I giddy! :yay: :yay: And DH was looking forward to it, too! After all, it was the F & W festival. The best reason in my mind to go in the fall, and of course a first for us would be the MNSSHP!!!! THIS I was thrilled about. :goodvibes So generally speaking, without having to pay for park tickets, this gave us a good edge on the cost. We did splurge on the MNSSHP tickets, but these came with a discount for the 29th of September, courtesy of the Annual Passholder’s rate. So that was another benefit. :thumbsup2

Now, overall this trip was the farthest thing from my imagination… I really was stunned that DH even thought to consider it… So it was a special fun extended weekend to be sure, and we enjoyed every minute!:cloud9: I had been in the middle of our Christmas trip planning... another DH surprise (read my PTR from June/July)! So it was really a surprise to me too, and going this past week didn't hit me until we were on the plane!!!!

Since we had just been at the World over the 4th of July, I really wanted this trip to include somethings familiar and somethings new… So, consequently I didn’t take photos of every moment of the trip. I took pictures that struck my fancy, and for those memorable moments… I am excited to share my experience with you! :goodvibes

If my PTR and TRs are new to you, WELCOME!!:cheer2: My DH and I are in the education profession, he a teacher and I an administrator. While we have had our share of Disney vacations both before kids and after, this year has turned into our year for DISNEY to be sure! I have quite a bit of background on us in my PTR which I will link HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2106789).

This trip came about in part b/c of our June/July trip. We initially had a June trip scheduled this past summer. Then my DH found a 2 bedroom villa at OKW over the 4th of July and he asked me if I would be willing to move the trip – keeping in mind I had booked all my ADRs exactly as I wanted them -- he offered to throw in Annual Passes and another vacation to sweeten the deal. I said, "OH you can twist my arm!" So since then I have really been enjoying my time on the DIS, leading up to and including this past summer's trip, and now planning our December vacation, and then taking the detour for this mini trip that we just returned from!!! SOOOOO without further ado, let me take you to our first day, arriving in Orlando on Saturday the 26th, the first night of our four night, five day extravaganza!!

OUR first stop after touch down in Orlando was a car rental pickup and an arrival at CBR. Check in went smoothly, even though I forgot to check in online… I have to say the guest services line for those guests using online check-in seemed to run as long as I did waiting in the regular check-in counter line… I also didn’t get a chance to make any room requests, so I had to hope for the best…. I think the December trip had me so distracted, what with my ADR dates for Dec that Monday before we left! :eek: It was hard trying to keep it all straight!

We were in Aruba, building 44. It was a good spot to be sure. Right near the bridge walk over to Old Port Royale. I have taken some photos of CBR, these were taken later in the trip, but since we are chatting about it, I thought I would share the photos and my thoughts with you …


FIRST, the pool area. This was the primary reason we chose CBR vs. CSR... The new room renovations at CSR were very tempting, but the pool at CBR we knew we would get plenty of mileage from...

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Next, the resort areas, including the bridge and pathway back over the lake to where Aruba is...

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I loved the Carribean color scheme.. very festive!

So the grounds of the resort, the outside of the resort, the atmosphere at the resort, were all really quite lovely. And the POOL, the main pool, FANTASTIC! The pool bar makes a mean mango margarita! ;) The food court was fine, seemed to offer a variety of selections, we didn’t eat much there, but I liked the set up and theme throughout.

The actual rooms were a little disappointing to me, however. The space, the set up of the room, all was fine. What was surprising to me was the somewhat disjointed décor in the rooms… I liked the Nemo themed bedding and the border around the room, but the furniture didn’t match the style of the bedding, and it felt all mismatched. The picture on the wall was more “island” décor vs. pixar style like the bedding. The bathroom was nicely updated, the colors nice, the carpet, the shower curtain and drapery all nice, but just seemed so out of place with the Nemo inspired bedding! The furniture should have been painted a bright color to keep up with the bedding and that art work taken down, OR they should have chosen simpler bedding, without the Nemo! I am not complaining, don’t get me wrong, I just am surprised the great designers of Disney let this one get by… I have seen the pirate rooms, and they just look more put together, if you know what I mean. Still, overall I found CBR a great deal for the price, and we really enjoyed it.

Okay, so that was the interlude about the resort! NOW on to our first day in the World! Starting with …. Animal Kingdom!!!

[Happydog]

SO we knew going into this trip we would spend one 1/2 day at AK and another 1/2 day at DHS. With the F & W and MNSSHP, it was easy to spend more time at Epcot and MK since it was a short visit. We decided on AK for our first afternoon in the park. The AK was only open until 5pm that Saturday; due, I think, in part to the Expedition Everest marathon. But we got to the park a little after 1pm, and had about 4 hours there. We didn't do too much, hit our favorites a few times, and also explored some areas we had not been to before. I had hoped to see the flights of wonder show, but it was closed for most of Sept/Oct.

Anyway, It was a HOT humid day our arrival day, and since our room was not ready, we had changed into shorts at the resort pool changing area, and headed off. We had dinner reservations at Sanaa (my DH's request) for 5:35, so we had just planned to stay there through dinner, then return to our resort room to unpack, etc. Once in the park, we were a little out of sorts. Hungry kids I think, and we just wanted to take a break and catch our breath. So DH ran for Kali fastpasses and found the Dawa bar, and I stood in line for ice cream scoops and water. We met up on a path right before you cross over into Africa on the bridge, and the boys enjoyed their icecream and DH and I our drinks.... YAY!:yay: Jackie, ala CP, gave me the tip on the Lost on Safari cocktail at the AK... BOY. She was right.... :crazy: My DH said they poured these very liberally.... I agreed. :rolleyes: DH came back with two drinks, and a jalepeno cream cheese-stuffed pretzel. THIS was his favorite moment on day ONE of our trip, because he missed these pretzels over the summer -- they took them off the snack plan -- BUT they have made a return it seems, and DH was very happy... he ate two during our afternoon at AK... :laughing: Here are some pics....

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I hope you noticed the 1/2 empty cocktail sitting on the bench!! :laughing:

DH with Pretzel #1!!!! ;)
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The boys were amazed by this Turtle.... he just sat there, so I still don't get their fascination!!!

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Here they are hanging out "under" the waterfall!
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We strolled through under the tree of Life and I admired all the animals... we played "eye spy" with the Tree, b/c the animals were fun to identify as we made our leisurely stroll around it's base.
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We played in the Boneyard, my DH and I hung out in the shade and relaxed while our two boys ran all over! Then we split, DS4 and I rode Kali again, and DS7 and my DH Everest. They were STUCK on Everest, for 15 minutes, and were escorted OFF the ride and down several flights of stairs... They received unlimited fasspass use for Everest the rest of the day. My DH said "um right. Like I am going to ride this one again anytime soon!!" I got myself a fabulous icecream sandwich -- gotta love these. SO yummy! A trip through Dinoland rounded off our short day at the AK... So having had a fun time, we made our way back to parking and to the AK Kidani village, for dinner at Sanaa!

[Diamondintheruff]

The pictures make it seem as if the park was empty.

Haven't tried CBR but it's on my list. Okay almost all of them are on my list to try but CBR is up near the top.

[DisMomAmy]

I'm here!! And you're still on page 1!! :banana:

Now back to read... :rolleyes1

[DisMomAmy]

I'm glad you guys enjoyed CBR - the pool was the biggest draw for us too. Sounds like Aruba was a good choice - did you request that area or did you just end up there?? I doubt we'll stay there again (if we stay on property again we'll probably try out something new) but if we do, I'll request Aruba or Jamaica for sure!!

Looks like AK was fun too - sorry about the EE incident! Bummer!!

Can't wait for more!! popcorn::

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so excited that your started your TR! :banana:

I love it when you get all these Disney trips when you aren't really "planning" too. Makes them even better.

Too funny about your DH and DS getting stuck on Expedition Everest! I secretly want to get stuck on a ride and be escorted off of it. I'm sure it is not as fun when it's actually happening but it sounds like fun right now. :rotfl2:

[Happydog]

The pictures make it seem as if the park was empty.

Haven't tried CBR but it's on my list. Okay almost all of them are on my list to try but CBR is up near the top.

Ha! Well, not exactly, but that little area was. A very nice path, quiet and an easy spot to stop and catch our breath. It was what we needed since getting up so early, and go go going from airport to airport to car rental, to resort, to the park! It was a busy morning. We had all eaten before hand, so we didn't need lunch (dinner was at 5:35 anyhow). That spot was perfect. The park wasn't too crowded, I think maybe because it closed so early? Not sure. But we enjoyed it!:thumbsup2

I really liked CBR. Thought it was nice, laid back, pool amazing.

[IluvXU]

I am in... and not too late!

CBR pool looks fantastic...

[Happydog]

I'm here!! And you're still on page 1!! :banana:

Now back to read... :rolleyes1

I'm glad you guys enjoyed CBR - the pool was the biggest draw for us too. Sounds like Aruba was a good choice - did you request that area or did you just end up there?? I doubt we'll stay there again (if we stay on property again we'll probably try out something new) but if we do, I'll request Aruba or Jamaica for sure!!

Looks like AK was fun too - sorry about the EE incident! Bummer!!

Can't wait for more!! popcorn::

You gave me some great advice about location, so it was just a hunch when we asked for Aruba -- there was Aruba and Martinique I think? That were right over the bridge, and both easily accessible... not a terribly long walk.. the areas on the same side of Port Royale were "upgraded" rooms with $25.00 more a night... we didn't see the need for this on such a short trip... I did ask when we checked in, so we were lucky. I would stay somewhere new, next time, too! :thumbsup2 It is fun to try them out!

EE was unexpected, they sat up there in the heat for 10 minutes easily, my DH said it was an interesting experience, especially the other passengers were funny to listen to....:rolleyes1 We did enjoy our time at AK, it was more leisurely than ever, because we knew going in we didn't have too much time, so we just wanted to let the kids have fun. After getting "lost" it was easy to sit and let them run around at the bone yard!!! :laughing:

[Happydog]

I'm so excited that your started your TR! :banana:

I love it when you get all these Disney trips when you aren't really "planning" too. Makes them even better.

Too funny about your DH and DS getting stuck on Expedition Everest! I secretly want to get stuck on a ride and be escorted off of it. I'm sure it is not as fun when it's actually happening but it sounds like fun right now. :rotfl2:

Thanks!! ;) Yes! IT does make them FUN. This one was a real whirlwind, but that made it just that much more exciting!

Yeah, DS and DH were on the ride for a bit, at the big incline, if you can believe it -- in the hot sun -- which was a drag, but DH said it was funny for a little while!!! He was really amused by the girls behind them -- they were on the phone calling their friends, saying they were "stuck" on Everest... they apparently had to clarify, b/c they then said, "Oh no, no, no girlfriend. WE are not in LINE, we done already made it through the line, we are STUCK on the ride -- like up on the mountain of the ride stuck!" :rotfl:

The funny thing is that the next day, at the MK, we got stuck again on BTMRR -- not as long, but we were teasing our DS7 that he was jinxing us this trip! :laughing: Yes, everyone laughed afterwards! Stuck up on Everest! Who would have thought!!! 7 flights of stairs down apparently!!!

[Happydog]

I am in... and not too late!

CBR pool looks fantastic...

Hi there!!!! So glad you found me! It really really was! They loved it, especially the kid area -- I bet your three would go non stop -- it was so easy with them b/c you could just relax and watch, without worrying about them! The other slides were really fun, too!

[Mickey_Mom]

Stuck on EE ?!? Yikes. Your boys are still dang cute... love the slide pics.

I was considering CBR for our keep-your-fingers-crossed Dec 2010 trip. (It might just be Ariana, Demetri and I.) Would you think it is a great resort to spend time at... or more so a place to sleep while you spend more time in the parks?

[Happydog]

So as I mentioned in the previous post, we were very leisurely touring the AK. We rode Kali, with our FPs, and DH went to get FP's for Everest.. (where he and DS got stuck!) We saw a little of the parade, Meandered around the Tree of Life, watched the monkeys, rode the Triceratops, played in the Bone Yard, snacked on pretzels and icecream, and walked the paths outside the Dinosaur ride... I forget what they are called, but DS's really liked that. We did ride Dinosaur. I think we are done with that ride. It is too loud and jerky for my kids. But otherwise we just took our time. The kids soaked themselves at the fountain in Asia... I took off their shirts and wrung them out and put them back on they were that wet!! :laughing: We rode Kali a second time, and then we spent time on the Tiger walk. We didn't do the shows b/c we had just seen them and we only had a few hours... We were happy with our time there. We left the park at about 5:10, or so, and headed over to the AKL -- Kidani village specifically, so we could go to Sanaa. My DH really really loves this restaurant. So do I. So did the kids, again. The food is great, if you like indian flavored/inspired food.. really excellent. Their bread appetizer is fabulous! For kids, they have a nice grilled chicken with mashed potatoes -- a nice option compared to other standard offerings... and the views of the animals both inside the restaurant and out in the viewing area are great. :thumbsup2 I wrote up more about Sanaa on my TR, so feel free to check that out if you are considering Sanaa!!! We headed to the restaurant had dinner and a bottle of wine. DS4 was falling asleep, we were all pretty tired, so instead of my initial plan to head to the MK for Spectro, we decided to head back to the resort (we still hadn't been to our room mind you) so we made it back there... on my way OUT of Kidani, I took these photos for GUESS who....??!!

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Actually I was really struck by how beautiful they were, and I thought LL would enjoy them too!! :goodvibes

I am very very glad we changed our plans. maybe 15 minutes after we had walked into our room at CBR, the skies opened up and poured rain. Try that on for timing!!! So glad we held off! I think the Expedition Everest Marathon must have been a little soggy! :guilty:

The kids went to bed pretty quickly after we got back to the room -- they had been up really early, and we had a Character breakfast at CMIckey's the next morning at 8am, so I wanted to make sure we were all rested!

I walked over to Port Royale to fill our mugs, checking out the food court and gift store, and after a little conversation and TV, we called it a night and a successful start to our mini fall trip. ;)

[shannn]

Woo Hoo! :banana:

Just subbing, now going back to read

[shannn]

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LOVE this picture. Your boys are so stinkin' cute and they look like they're having such a good time.

It sounds like such a lovely leisurely day at AK. That's one of the things that I think is cool about going often -- you are able to be leisurely. We tend to tour commando because we go every 3 years!! (trying to convince my DH that we need to go more!)

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm here! I'm here!

[eandesmom]

I have to say...no one looks disgruntled or cranky in the least!

I love the pool shots it makes me want to stay there. The E's would love that pool. A mango margarita wouldn't hurt either :)

WHY can't there be options for a family of 6 at the mods (beside FW of course)! gggrrrrr.

That is just wild about being stuck on EE, definitely a buzz kill, I probably wouldn't want to go on it again either. Your DH cracks me up about the pretzel...I think mine feels the same way about they Y&Y egg rolls!

I may have to try that drink next time. It will depend on TK's review of my missed Yak Attack!

But then again I want CP's drink from the BD. Oh wait, we aren't going to the BD.

Boy that's a lot of talk about drinks. I sound like a lush. After effects from a gourmet club girls trip followed by a concert I guess.:rotfl:

It sounds like a LOVELY first day! And a fortuitous choice to head back to the resort.

[Lady Lallie]

I love the light fixtures, just beautiful! :cloud9:

Sometimes you just gotta change up your plans depending on how you are feeling!

[Diamondintheruff]

I'm amazed you kidlets held out so long. Mine would have been puddles of their former happy selves. I thought they would have more gusto as they got older but apparently they take after Dh and not me. I still have hopes for DD8. I think she may turn into my commando touring partner.

It's always great to have your second thoughts validated like that. If there hadn't been a rain storm you might have always wondered what if we had gone. Now you can be confident you made the right decision.

[wigdoutdismom]

Just have to comment on the missing teeth! One of my favorite things about teaching second grade are the kiddos with missing teeth. Just so darn cute!
The boys look so comfortable in the parks, that's the best thing about going so often.:goodvibes

It looks like you all had a wonderful day one! I'm thinking that the cream cheese jalepeno pretzel sounds tasty! Are they very spicy?

Were they up at the top when they got stuck on EE? The part where the tracks are broken???:eek:

One more thing, I went to bed too early last night....can't believe I didn't make it until page 2....:sad2:

[cjackearl]

I'm here! Looks like a great start to your mini surprise trip. Your boys look thrilled with the pirate pool and your AK day seems like it was very laid back and fun. Glad you enjoyed a second yummy meal at Sanaa. I wish I had some of that bread course appetized myself. Can't wait to hear more!

[nts4wdw]

We were having an ice cream sundae at our food court during that deluge! Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures!

[Happydog]

Stuck on EE ?!? Yikes. Your boys are still dang cute... love the slide pics.

I was considering CBR for our keep-your-fingers-crossed Dec 2010 trip. (It might just be Ariana, Demetri and I.) Would you think it is a great resort to spend time at... or more so a place to sleep while you spend more time in the parks?

Hello! So glad you came over!!!! Yeah, no fun stuck up there! RE the resort, you know I think it was a fine place to hang out. We went to the pool two different afternoons, and there are beach areas, play areas, the big patio area outside the pool deck and chairs proper, and the Island in the middle of the lake (I can't remember what it is called, also has hide-away walks and hammocks...) I thought it was a nice place! I would enjoy going back there, but I really think if we do another Mod, I would want to just try another, you know? The pool made a big difference for my boys, but neither are strong swimmers yet, so the kid area, for 48 inches and under, allowed my DH and I to hang out and just watch them play, vs. be right there like a hawk. However in the main pool, which is a walk in "zero entry" style, they had life vests, so the kids wore those and had a good time too with DH and I in the water. I don't think the Mods have "activities" like they do at the Deluxe resorts... so I think if I were going to spend a good amount of time at the Resort, I would go deluxe (like WL or AK) to take advantage of these activities...

Woo Hoo! :banana:

Just subbing, now going back to read

YAY! Glad you came over!

LOVE this picture. Your boys are so stinkin' cute and they look like they're having such a good time.

It sounds like such a lovely leisurely day at AK. That's one of the things that I think is cool about going often -- you are able to be leisurely. We tend to tour commando because we go every 3 years!! (trying to convince my DH that we need to go more!)

I think you are right -- that really is the benefit. I have noticed it for certain. Now I have to remind myself .... isn't this fall trip as a family, and Christmas only you and you friend?

[Happydog]

I'm here! I'm here!

OH YAY!!! I was hoping you'd hop over!!!! :thumbsup2

I have to say...no one looks disgruntled or cranky in the least!

I love the pool shots it makes me want to stay there. The E's would love that pool. A mango margarita wouldn't hurt either :)

WHY can't there be options for a family of 6 at the mods (beside FW of course)! gggrrrrr.


Hey there! You know I think it was a great place. and the AP discount really made it an easy decision... That really is surprising that the MOD's don't have a better option. I think I had read they were designing a hotel that was strictly "family suites" for larger families... Something near POP but it would be a moderate? Maybe I misread this some time ago... Still I understand your frustration! I agree it would be.


That is just wild about being stuck on EE, definitely a buzz kill, I probably wouldn't want to go on it again either. Your DH cracks me up about the pretzel...I think mine feels the same way about they Y&Y egg rolls!

I may have to try that drink next time. It will depend on TK's review of my missed Yak Attack!

But then again I want CP's drink from the BD. Oh wait, we aren't going to the BD.

Boy that's a lot of talk about drinks. I sound like a lush. After effects from a gourmet club girls trip followed by a concert I guess.:rotfl:

It sounds like a LOVELY first day! And a fortuitous choice to head back to the resort.

"wild" isn't how he described it!!! :laughing: That pretzel is one of those you know you shouldn't snacks, but you do it anyway??!! :laughing: They are actually pretty good... especially with the African Margarita!!!

Nah, no Lushes here. Afterall it was the F & W festival, and if a park is going to serve drinks to its patrons, well, who are we to judge??!! ;) Keep em' coming, that's what I say! :thumbsup2


I love the light fixtures, just beautiful! :cloud9:

Sometimes you just gotta change up your plans depending on how you are feeling!


YES they are, really beautiful, LL!!! SO I hope you will make it over there to see them in person (if you have not already? I believe you can walk between both Resort "lodges" so even if you don't eat at Sanaa, you can still enjoy the Kidani Village lobby area... reallly pretty. And yes I am very glad I had a hunch!!! :thumbsup2

I'm amazed you kidlets held out so long. Mine would have been puddles of their former happy selves. I thought they would have more gusto as they got older but apparently they take after Dh and not me. I still have hopes for DD8. I think she may turn into my commando touring partner.

It's always great to have your second thoughts validated like that. If there hadn't been a rain storm you might have always wondered what if we had gone. Now you can be confident you made the right decision.

Oh they did hold up well, I was mildly impressed and 100% relieved. I think they were excited to be at Disney again. It was clear they were tired about dinner time, though, which is why I decided it best that we just went back to the resort... it could have been a mess otherwise, so I am glad I trusted my instinct. They seem to do pretty well on our trips, the only stressful times tend to be when we exit through the gift shops... especially the Toy Story and Starwars inspired rides! :scared1:

[Happydog]

Just have to comment on the missing teeth! One of my favorite things about teaching second grade are the kiddos with missing teeth. Just so darn cute!
The boys look so comfortable in the parks, that's the best thing about going so often.:goodvibes

It looks like you all had a wonderful day one! I'm thinking that the cream cheese jalepeno pretzel sounds tasty! Are they very spicy?

Were they up at the top when they got stuck on EE? The part where the tracks are broken???:eek:

One more thing, I went to bed too early last night....can't believe I didn't make it until page 2....:sad2:

Oh WigD not to worry, you are still one of the first to find my TR!! :goodvibes

That is so funny you teacher 2nd grade -- I bet you are an awesome 2nd grade teacher!!! That toothless grin is goofy, just cute. I told DS7 that I would be pulling the second one out if it didn't come out before his class pictures!!! :laughing:

It WAS a fun day, and we enjoyed it very much. YES, the jalepeno pretzels are good! They have a little spice, not much, but they are cheesey goey in the middle... Great junk food :)

They were stuck on the incline the big hill UP, before they go into the mountain... At least that is how he described it... They were outside with the sun beating down for 10 - 15 minutes... hence the sunburn on DS7's nose!

I'm here! Looks like a great start to your mini surprise trip. Your boys look thrilled with the pirate pool and your AK day seems like it was very laid back and fun. Glad you enjoyed a second yummy meal at Sanaa. I wish I had some of that bread course appetized myself. Can't wait to hear more!

Oh yay! :goodvibes Hello! Thanks! Yes, we did enjoy that meal at Sanaa! I know the bread appetizer is really tasty!!! I wish they gave you more bread, though, b/c there was extra dipping sauce once the bread was finished and the sauces were VERY good!

We were having an ice cream sundae at our food court during that deluge! Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures!

OH yeah I heard that rain and saw it! I walked through some of it, holding my refillable mugs on my way back from Port Royale!

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Happydog! I will be back later to read about all of your fun but wanted to let you know that I was here!

[MomofCKJ]

Your boys are too cute!

CBR looks nice. I have heard it is soooo big, did you find that a problem? Or was Aruba a close location to things? I'd like to try it sometime, pool looks fun!

Your DH likes those pretzels huh? My fave are the sweet cream cheese ones! Mmmm!

Sounds like a lovely first afternoon!

Allyson

[jenjolt]

YAY Happydog!! You have the cutest boys ever!!! Even cuter in person!!!! I love the pictures of them at the pool they look like they were having a blast and that is what its all about!!!! Having a great time!!!

Hmmm...I might have to try that pretzel...sounds very very yummy!!!

Okay I have to completely agree with you...Sanaa is amazing! One of the best dinners we had was there and I would go back in a SECOND!!! The bread service is so yummy and...well you know you've been there but I would gladly have a meal there again!!

[Happydog]

Hi, Happydog! I will be back later to read about all of your fun but wanted to let you know that I was here!

OH YAY!!! CP has returned! CP made it back! CP have you booked again??!! :laughing:

Your boys are too cute!

CBR looks nice. I have heard it is soooo big, did you find that a problem? Or was Aruba a close location to things? I'd like to try it sometime, pool looks fun!

Your DH likes those pretzels huh? My fave are the sweet cream cheese ones! Mmmm!

Sounds like a lovely first afternoon!

Allyson

OH Yes those Cream Cheese pretzels, you and LL must have a similar calling with those!!! I have tried them, too, equally edible! But DH really likes them!

CBR IS nice. I didn't really have an issue with size I think b/c we were close to the walk across the lake... the island in the middle is a nice place to stroll... it took a few minutes to get over to the food court, etc. but I didn't mind it.... the walk was shorter than from the Grandstand area of SSR to the mainpool/food court, so I did't find it a problem... If you look at a map of CBR you will see that Port Royale is on ONE side of the lake and two sets of buildings are on either side of it the food court and main pool (but the same side of the lake). These rooms are considered upgraded rooms, I am assuming b/c they are closest to Port Royale. However, two areas, Aruba and I think Martinique? are directly across from this area by the footbridge/islad, and if you get a certain building 44, for example, it is pretty close. The pool was really worth it IMO...


YAY Happydog!! You have the cutest boys ever!!! Even cuter in person!!!! I love the pictures of them at the pool they look like they were having a blast and that is what its all about!!!! Having a great time!!!

Hmmm...I might have to try that pretzel...sounds very very yummy!!!

Okay I have to completely agree with you...Sanaa is amazing! One of the best dinners we had was there and I would go back in a SECOND!!! The bread service is so yummy and...well you know you've been there but I would gladly have a meal there again!!

OH HI JEN!!!!!!! Well, let me say I hope the little darlings were being welll behaved enough that they didn't scare you all off! I still can't believe DS7 fished coins out of the fountain LOL (At least he threw them back!!!)

The cheese pretzels ARE very good, really junk food good.

And I am so glad you tried and liked Sanaa -- make sure LL at least goes to the resort to see the lights!!! :)

[MouseTriper]

Yeaah, I am here!!! How exciting!!! You sure are lucky to have a dear husband who "talked" you into this quick trip in the middle of your other two. Can we clone him??? LMAO!!! Ok, ok...JK!

I am loving your leisurely trip so far!!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

[Charleston Princess]

I am all caught up now! :thumbsup2

CBR was lovely, wasn't it? I wish I had tried the mango margarita (like I didn't drink enough on this trip ;)), but I can attest to the yumminess of the pina coladas there.

We never made it over to the island -- it looks like fun!

Ha ha! I told you the Lost on Safari had a kick to it! :laughing:

Love the Kidani photos! I want to stay there someday! Good call on not heading to MK and avoiding the rainstorm!

By the way, I haven't quite booked for next summer yet (trying to hold out for a definite Harry Potter theme park release date), but Disney did send me a pin code today -- they miss me already. :lmao:

[shannn]

YAY! Glad you came over!

I think you are right -- that really is the benefit. I have noticed it for certain. Now I have to remind myself .... isn't this fall trip as a family, and Christmas only you and you friend?

Yep, our Oct trip (in One Week!) is my family - grandmothers, us & kids. My Christmas trip is a surprise weekend for my best friend's 40th birthday.

[Happydog]

Yeaah, I am here!!! How exciting!!! You sure are lucky to have a dear husband who "talked" you into this quick trip in the middle of your other two. Can we clone him??? LMAO!!! Ok, ok...JK!

I am loving your leisurely trip so far!!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::


Hello! Thanks for coming over!!!! :goodvibes Yeah he is a keeper... We are setting up one final trip this summer in June... so then we will see how "dear" he is -- if he is willing to go again after the APs expire!!! :rotfl:

BUT for now we are having a great time... Clone away -- though he does have his drama queen moments, too!!! :laughing:

It was a great start to our trip and I am going to post day two tonight!! So stay tuned!

I am all caught up now! :thumbsup2

CBR was lovely, wasn't it? I wish I had tried the mango margarita (like I didn't drink enough on this trip ;)), but I can attest to the yumminess of the pina coladas there.

We never made it over to the island -- it looks like fun!

Ha ha! I told you the Lost on Safari had a kick to it! :laughing:

Love the Kidani photos! I want to stay there someday! Good call on not heading to MK and avoiding the rainstorm!

By the way, I haven't quite booked for next summer yet (trying to hold out for a definite Harry Potter theme park release date), but Disney did send me a pin code today -- they miss me already. :lmao:

I am glad you liked CBR too! I really thought it was nice, and big was not a problem IMO.

Yes that drink definitely came with a kick!!! :upsidedow

YOU got a pin code ??!! :yay: HEY... where is mine!!! :laughing: You know I will be looking!!!

Yep, our Oct trip (in One Week!) is my family - grandmothers, us & kids. My Christmas trip is a surprise weekend for my best friend's 40th birthday.


YAY! Great fun! I am sure you are soooo excited for it!

[Happydog]

Well this post is the first half of the day... I will post our Epcot evening separately... SO on Sunday morning, well rested, we were ready to head to the MK and Chef Mickey's for an early breakfast. We have become fond of a late breakfast at CP in the MK but this time I thought I would branch out and try a different character breakfast... I was able to get an 8am at Chef Mickey's so I grabbed it. :thumbsup2 With trying to make ADRs less than 30 days from our trip I thought this ADR was good luck! The park opened at 9am and there were not any EMH, so I figured we'd miss rope drop, but get there pretty close to the opening.

We checked in, got our picture taken, then sat down. The restaurant was FREEZING cold. :sad2: Both DS's were a little distracted by the temperature and I neglected to bring a sweatshirt for them, so we had to contend with this from the start. I went to fill plates and DS7 came with me. He was disappointed that the French toast was not the same as at the Crystal Palace, so he go waffles instead. I enjoyed the layered veggie lasagna or strata or whatever it was, and the cheesy potatoes!

We got the hang of that spinning napkin thing :laughing: and then JUST as the characters started to enter our room, DS4 said he had to go “potty” soooooo… I took him. DH took pics of DS7 and all the characters. Which is a good thing, because when we returned DS4 still wouldn’t have anything to do with Mickey, Donald, etc… He did smile and flirt with Minnie, who played peekaboo with him, and she got a laugh out of him. He gave Pluto a “high five” but that was it. I was surprised because he loved Pooh and friends at CP this summer, so I am not sure if it was just because they were new, or what… Here are some photos from the CM breakfast...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2692.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2693.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2695.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2696.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2697.jpg


No matter, we finished up breakfast and headed down to the MK. I love the proximity to the MK. I think the walk is nice. :)

On Chef Mickey's I have this to say -- I am GLAD we went. However, we agreed that CP is going to be hard to beat... Mainly because we like the make your own omlette station, and of course the French toast!!! I also believe because we are not big early morning breakfast eaters, the early morning breakfast experience isn't really that great of a plan for our family... we fared better when we went to the park, had fun, then took a break and had breakfast as brunch – around 10:30. So we will be doing that in December. I want to try other character meal options, but so far CP is our favorite!!!! We love breakfast food, just not at 8am… I think an OUT of park breakfast later in the am would be harder to work around, simply because of the time lost going there and back -- if we started at a park. SO I guess this would have to be something we chose on a day we could go to AK in the afternoon, for instance, and that might be a good plan for next summer. This Christmas we have a reservation for Cape May at 9:00... this is on Xmas Eve, but we are going to Epcot right after. We'll see how it works out.

So after breakfast, we headed over to the MK and here are a few shots from that morning. We spent most of the day there, enjoying the day until around lunch time, when we headed off for swimming and relaxing until our plan to head to Epcot about 6pm.

I had never stopped by Excalibur…. In fact, I don’t know that I ever consciously knew where it was… so low and behold outside Philharmagic I spied it! So of course we had to try it…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2707.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2708.jpg


Another first on this trip was Philharmagic itself! WOW our kids totally LOVED this!! So did we!!!! I thought it was hilarious that Donald was chasing the “Jasmine/Aladdin” duo and crashing their moment… but that is my sense of humor for ya. I wish they had spoofed it a bit more!!! I really was impressed with this, laughing and totally enjoying it – the boys were giggling the whole time.

Another fun first at the MK on this trip was….. PUSH. The talking trash can! Now we saw Push twice – however on this first sighting I also found this individual.. Meet Push’s “friend”…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2705.jpg

He looks like a CM!!! :lmao:

We had a great time riding all our favorites, and made it on the Tea Cups a few times as well, rather wet, because I think we had just been to Donald’s Boat…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2703.jpg
And a random Hunny Pot picture!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2710.jpg

We headed back to frontier land for a ride on BTMRR and Splash, took the railroad around to the main entrance, then scooted back to CBR, where we spent the afternoon at the pool….

To be continued!!!

[shannn]

Yay!!

We are not big breakfast people either. I really wanted to go to Chef Mickey's this time. I tried to fit it in for dinner, but it didn't seem to fit anywhere. So, we're actually having a 10am lunch. It's on our last day so I figured we'd pack, go to lunch, and then revisit whichever park we wanted to try again. We'll see how it works. It's totally different for us, but my kids' favorites are Minnie & Goofy so I wanted to make sure we'd see those two.

I love the Pluto picture and the teacup picture.

Philharmagic is my favorite attraction. I just love it, and I giggle like a little kid!! I'm so glad you "discovered" it this trip.

Sounds like a great day. I really want to get more pool time in this trip. I guess we'll see how it goes.

[Mickey_Mom]

Yeah we're not breakfast eaters either. Usually because we're still sleeping... :laughing: Ohana is still our fav for late breakfasts but Crystal Palace is a very close second.

Yay for firsts and very cute random honey pot picture. :goodvibes

[Happydog]

Yay!!

We are not big breakfast people either. I really wanted to go to Chef Mickey's this time. I tried to fit it in for dinner, but it didn't seem to fit anywhere. So, we're actually having a 10am lunch. It's on our last day so I figured we'd pack, go to lunch, and then revisit whichever park we wanted to try again. We'll see how it works. It's totally different for us, but my kids' favorites are Minnie & Goofy so I wanted to make sure we'd see those two.

I love the Pluto picture and the teacup picture.

Philharmagic is my favorite attraction. I just love it, and I giggle like a little kid!! I'm so glad you "discovered" it this trip.

Sounds like a great day. I really want to get more pool time in this trip. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Thanks!It is hard to get everything in!!! I love the character breakfast though!!! Well your plan sounds good, I like the late times, but I have always wanted one of those empty park pics!

It was a fun morning, and afternoon. Epcot that night was very cool... will share that tomorrow. Too late to get it posted tonight :thumbsup2

YES Philharmagic was totally worth it! Funny, but we received a "bonus" fast pass for this ride when we got FPs for another ride... so that was what got us over there!

Yeah we're not breakfast eaters either. Usually because we're still sleeping... :laughing: Ohana is still our fav for late breakfasts but Crystal Palace is a very close second.

Yay for firsts and very cute random honey pot picture. :goodvibes

I would like to try Ohana's for breakfast too! We have dinner in December -- I am looking forward to it!

[eandesmom]

I :love: breakfast food, we all do. But not at 8am. Anywhere :)

Which is why we've yet to do breakfast on a trip to the world but I hope to this summer. It will likely be along the brunch lines though...10 am ish!

Cute wet little teapot spinners you have!

[Diamondintheruff]

I almost hate to admit it here but we are a breakfast family. We can eat it at 7am, 10am or even 6pm. We have done the early morning breakfast thing a few times but I do admit that the 10:30 or even the 10:45 breakfast thing works even better for us.

[praisehisname]

Sounds like you've had an awesome time so far! Your boys are sooo cute!

Denise

[jenjolt]

What a great morning update!! I'm glad you guys were able to experience CM and then figure out for your family a later CP is the way to go!! I can't wait to compare your experiences in December!! I wish CP was going to be open in January as I would have loved to do breakfast there...but we are going to 1900 Park Fare and I'm very very excited about that!!!!!

I love the look on your boys faces on all of the rides!! They look like they are having a great time and a great time was being had!!!! YAY for trying Philharmagic its definitely one of my faves and I love the picture of your boys trying out Excalibur!!!! I hope they'll give it a try again in December LOL!!!!!!

I can't wait to hear more about your afternoon and evening over at EPCOT!

[Happydog]

My DH and I are huge Sushi fans. While we often get it at Cali Grill, I read a review on LurkyLoo's TR a few trips ago, where she reviewed Tokyo Dining. I was really curious, and so this past trip in June/July we tried it. We LOVED the food and the restaurant.:thumbsup2 We were seated at a table by the windows and really enjoyed the view, I thought that the next time we ventured there that I would try an ADR for later in the evening, so maybe we could watch illuminations. I was curious to see what that would be like. So this trip I booked a ressie for 7:30pm.

After the pool and getting cleaned up, we headed over to Epcot. We decided to park at the Boardwalk area, and stroll over. It was a nice opportunity to take our time, and check out the BC, where we will be this December!!!!:santa: We made it through the international gateway, and over to Japan. Along the way we had a detour in France.... well we had two detours in france. Slushie round #1 and slushie round #2... :rolleyes1 basically we were testing my theory that strollers push themselves after a round of GreyGoose Slushies :laughing: Once in front of Japan, with one sleeping kid I might add, I hiked it up the steps to the restaurant... and I made the request for a window table. They told me it would be a few minutes and gave me my buzzer. My DH took DS7 into the store, and I hung out in the entrance with the stroller in the AC (it was still hot! -- maybe that was the slushies, not sure...;)) Our Buzzer went off, and we took everyone upstairs.. I was trying to stall so that we would still be at the table when Illuminations started, so I was pleased to be told that they had "accidently" given our table to another party, and that another window table would be available in about 10 minutes... It was less, but that helped with the timing! So we finally were seated and DS4 previously asleep woke up, and DS7 decided he needed the nap, and crashed on DH's lap. We ordered a few great sushi/tempura combos, the kids had a nice meal, too, and we lingered over dinner and dessert... we then ordered a round of drinks which came just a few minutes before illuminations started :thumbsup2 I had some blue concoction, it was fabulous, and DH had a sakitini!!!!

These are some of the more interesting photos I took that evening. We were able to rouse DS7 to eat, then he fell asleep again, really only saw a little of illuminations, but DS4 saw all of it....

FIRST DH with our second round of slushies.... ;)
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2714.jpg

Japan at twilight...
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2715.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2716.jpg

Illuminations… THIS is one of my favorite photos from the trip…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2720.jpg

These are obviously not taken with a sophisticated camera, and they are kinda blurry but it is just so you can see what we saw...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2721.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2724.jpg

This last one is a gag photo.... kinda like Paula and Jen's Nobby... that is, my DS7 is such a lego fan. Starwars particularly! So we had a little fun with his figures while he snoozed.... :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2718.jpg

IT is ALSO A hint about what is to come TOMORROW... my next post is our DHS day... I have a random Dis Encounter, and DS7 finally gets the gumption!!! for...... :rolleyes1

[Mickey_Mom]

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2718.jpg

:lmao::rotfl2:

What a great way to see Illuminations, did they pipe the music in to the restaurant? Nice shot of your DS4 in the window too. :goodvibes

[shannn]

I can't wait to have one of those Slushies. I keep reading about them, and I can't believe I've never had one. :drinking1

Love that seat you had for Illuminations. What a great idea!

Did he really? Yay!! Can't wait to read about gumption boy!

[Happydog]

I :love: breakfast food, we all do. But not at 8am. Anywhere :)

Which is why we've yet to do breakfast on a trip to the world but I hope to this summer. It will likely be along the brunch lines though...10 am ish!

Cute wet little teapot spinners you have!

I totally understand, the time wasn't a problem, but I just prefer to start my day IN a park... you will like the timing... makes for lunch and is easy to go until dinner especially in the summer... :thumbsup2

I almost hate to admit it here but we are a breakfast family. We can eat it at 7am, 10am or even 6pm. We have done the early morning breakfast thing a few times but I do admit that the 10:30 or even the 10:45 breakfast thing works even better for us.


Hey, we love breakfast too! Dinner in our house frequently!!! Nothing like frenchtoast or waffles with bacon for dinner!!! Big hit in my house!

I think it is a good time...

Sounds like you've had an awesome time so far! Your boys are sooo cute!

Denise

Thank you! We did have a great trip, and the boys had so much fun!

What a great morning update!! I'm glad you guys were able to experience CM and then figure out for your family a later CP is the way to go!! I can't wait to compare your experiences in December!! I wish CP was going to be open in January as I would have loved to do breakfast there...but we are going to 1900 Park Fare and I'm very very excited about that!!!!!

I love the look on your boys faces on all of the rides!! They look like they are having a great time and a great time was being had!!!! YAY for trying Philharmagic its definitely one of my faves and I love the picture of your boys trying out Excalibur!!!! I hope they'll give it a try again in December LOL!!!!!!

I can't wait to hear more about your afternoon and evening over at EPCOT!

THANK YOU, Jen!!! We did have a great morning, and I love that you all went to CM's too!!!! I am curious to see how December goes... What a shame it is getting a renovation.. BUT 1900 Park Fare sounds like a great second choice!!! They did have a wonderful time!! And yes I am ranking Philharmagic a top item on this mini getaway! Maybe their muscles will get a little bigger... ;)

[Happydog]

:lmao::rotfl2:

What a great way to see Illuminations, did they pipe the music in to the restaurant? Nice shot of your DS4 in the window too. :goodvibes

YES the music is piped in, but they don't dim the lights totally -- people still gotta eat!! :rotfl: The view is fine, not perfect, but I liked sitting there watching it from that vantage point...

I can't wait to have one of those Slushies. I keep reading about them, and I can't believe I've never had one. :drinking1

Love that seat you had for Illuminations. What a great idea!

Did he really? Yay!! Can't wait to read about gumption boy!

Oh do do do !!! There is another one in France, with cranberry that is in the F & W foodbooth.. VERY nice!!! :thumbsup2

RE DHS and DS7, he had a great enounter.... ;)

[Lady Lallie]

Sounds like a lovely evening!

I love that you were playing with sleeping DS' legos. Hehehe. It just cracks me up to imagine you after your slushies with the legos. :lmao:

[Charleston Princess]

I feel like I got two updates for the price of one! :laughing:

Chef Mickey's looks like fun for breakfast -- we have had dinner there, and it was nice to do once. We are definitely early breakfast eaters -- love getting into the park early.

Your boys are so adorable trying to pull the sword out of the stone -- very kingly! :lmao:

Spinning in the teacups always makes for great pics of happy children! :thumbsup2

I about died laughing about the Grey Gooses (or is it Grey Geese when there is more than one consummed :confused3) -- they are quite tasty, aren't they?

Great seats for Illuminations and great photos!

Anakin holding an umbrella! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: Did he have some of DH's sakitini, too? :lmao:

[Happydog]

Sounds like a lovely evening!

I love that you were playing with sleeping DS' legos. Hehehe. It just cracks me up to imagine you after your slushies with the legos. :lmao:

Yes well sLUSHie has an operative word that more or less applied to us that afternoon... WELL, not exactly, but practically! :rotfl: Well we needed something to keep us occupied until they lit the torches!!!!

I feel like I got two updates for the price of one! :laughing:

Chef Mickey's looks like fun for breakfast -- we have had dinner there, and it was nice to do once. We are definitely early breakfast eaters -- love getting into the park early.

Your boys are so adorable trying to pull the sword out of the stone -- very kingly! :lmao:

Spinning in the teacups always makes for great pics of happy children! :thumbsup2

I about died laughing about the Grey Gooses (or is it Grey Geese when there is more than one consummed :confused3) -- they are quite tasty, aren't they?

Great seats for Illuminations and great photos!

Anakin holding an umbrella! :lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: Did he have some of DH's sakitini, too? :lmao:

Oh I know I am going to have to do one of those before park opens breakfast ADRs some day. I like the idea of being in the park first, so I agree with that, we do that with ropedrop but it isn't as "exclusive" :snooty: LOL!!! I will probably do this in the summer...

Yes the GEESE really were flying... :rolleyes1

Though I think that blue drink I had at Tokyo Dining made it worth while!

It was fun to watch, it wasn't a perfect view, but the idea was fun, too.

Yes, Anakin was needing some shade... One would think he was a little tipsy... :upsidedow

[eandesmom]

Along the way we had a detour in France.... well we had two detours in france. Slushie round #1 and slushie round #2... :rolleyes1 basically we were testing my theory that strollers push themselves after a round of GreyGoose Slushies :laughing:

It's a good theory. I'm sure it seemed especially sound after round #2!

:)


These are some of the more interesting photos I took that evening. We were able to rouse DS7 to eat, then he fell asleep again, really only saw a little of illuminations, but DS4 saw all of it....

FIRST DH with our second round of slushies.... ;)
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2714.jpg

Illuminations… THIS is one of my favorite photos from the trip…

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2720.jpg

This last one is a gag photo.... kinda like Paula and Jen's Nobby... that is, my DS7 is such a lego fan. Starwars particularly! So we had a little fun with his figures while he snoozed.... :laughing:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2718.jpg

IT is ALSO A hint about what is to come TOMORROW... my next post is our DHS day... I have a random Dis Encounter, and DS7 finally gets the gumption!!! for...... :rolleyes1

Great photo's! Love the lego shot.

I really really want to try Tokyo Dining. I've no idea how I can pull that off with everything on my wish list but I'd love to eat there and watch Illumninations!!

[wigdoutdismom]

Guess who zip a dee doo dahed over here the other night and forgot to subscribe?
Happily reading now!:goodvibes

[jenjolt]

WOOT Two updates in one night!! However did we get so lucky!!! I'm so glad you guys were able to enjoy your dinner at Tokyo Dining and you got seats for Illuminations to boot that is just awesome!! I love that show!!!!

OOOH A little Star Wars Lego Jedi...very cool love your picture!!!

Hmmmm what day was your DHS day???? I can't wait to hear all about that!! I really do love me some DHS!!

Anxiously awaiting more!!!

[Diamondintheruff]

Isn't it funny how children can time it so that they aren't both asleep together? I'm convinced it's a survival of the fittest thing so that they make sure they each get individual attention.

I don't think I could do two slushies. I think that would finish me off. I would be the one in the stroller sleeping.

[wigdoutdismom]

If I had two slushies I would be standing on a park bench belting out some sort of narration to Illuminations.... and probably end up on youtube.

[Charleston Princess]

If I had two slushies I would be standing on a park bench belting out some sort of narration to Illuminations.... and probably end up on youtube.

I so have to get you liquored up before Illuminations next time -- this is something I have got to see!

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

[wigdoutdismom]

I so have to get you liquored up before Illuminations next time -- this is something I have got to see!

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:
It would not be pretty, but it would be fun at the moment.....:lmao:

[Happydog]

If I had two slushies I would be standing on a park bench belting out some sort of narration to Illuminations.... and probably end up on youtube.

I so have to get you liquored up before Illuminations next time -- this is something I have got to see!

:lmao::rotfl::rotfl2:

It would not be pretty, but it would be fun at the moment.....:lmao:

OKAY why is it you two have the BEST conversations on my PTR and TRs and I am never there to participate !!?? :rotfl2: MAN.. I guess we all have to go together at some point!! ;)

YEAH, well it didn't do me in, but I certainly enjoyed the stroll!!!! LOL!

Oh and yes, if WigD is off ringing cowbells in the streets of DHS, SOBER, one can only imagine... :rotfl:

[wigdoutdismom]

Cowbells? Me??:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[Happydog]

I really really want to try Tokyo Dining. I've no idea how I can pull that off with everything on my wish list but I'd love to eat there and watch Illumninations!!

Oh it is a great restaurant. We totally love it. There is a pretty good variety on the menu -- not just sushi and tempura!

Guess who zip a dee doo dahed over here the other night and forgot to subscribe?
Happily reading now!:goodvibes
YAY! Glad you are "officially" here!!!

WOOT Two updates in one night!! However did we get so lucky!!! I'm so glad you guys were able to enjoy your dinner at Tokyo Dining and you got seats for Illuminations to boot that is just awesome!! I love that show!!!!

OOOH A little Star Wars Lego Jedi...very cool love your picture!!!

Hmmmm what day was your DHS day???? I can't wait to hear all about that!! I really do love me some DHS!!

Anxiously awaiting more!!!

Yes well I am trying to finish it up in time, so I can concentrate on my pending trip!!! It is fun to write! RE dinner was great, and yeah we had fun with his legos... :laughing:

So DHS is coming up. Though a friend of mine is coming over tonight to have me help her with a trip she is planning, and so I don't know if I will get DHS in tonight!!! Don't worry I'll post plenty tomorrow and the weekend....

Isn't it funny how children can time it so that they aren't both asleep together? I'm convinced it's a survival of the fittest thing so that they make sure they each get individual attention.

I don't think I could do two slushies. I think that would finish me off. I would be the one in the stroller sleeping.

That is funny but probably true! SOME times they will fall asleep at the same time, we consider ourselves very lucky then!! :laughing: Yes, there were a few times at WDW That I have wished someone could push me around!!!

[Happydog]

Cowbells? Me??:lmao::lmao::lmao:

OH right. That was that OTHER DISer, Anita....

:rotfl2:

[wigdoutdismom]

Thankful that I hadn't been drinking before my cowbell moment!:rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

OKAY why is it you two have the BEST conversations on my PTR and TRs and I am never there to participate !!?? :rotfl2: MAN.. I guess we all have to go together at some point!! ;)

YEAH, well it didn't do me in, but I certainly enjoyed the stroll!!!! LOL!

Oh and yes, if WigD is off ringing cowbells in the streets of DHS, SOBER, one can only imagine... :rotfl:

Yes, we must all go at the same time -- we would be a force to be reckoned with -- the fun we could have after finding a couple of Grey Geese! ;):laughing:

[Happydog]

Yes, we must all go at the same time -- we would be a force to be reckoned with -- the fun we could have after finding a couple of Grey Geese! ;):laughing:

Here here!!! So I smell summer.... ;)

[Charleston Princess]

Here here!!! So I smell summer.... ;)

Let's talk dates! :thumbsup2:laughing:

[Happydog]

Let's talk dates! :thumbsup2:laughing:

WELLL... I do have a bit of a reveal in my SEPTEMBER TR... but we still have flexibility :rolleyes1

[wigdoutdismom]

We are pretty much locked into our dates, I hope we manage an overlap...:cutie:

[Charleston Princess]

WELLL... I do have a bit of a reveal in my SEPTEMBER TR... but we still have flexibility :rolleyes1

We are pretty much locked into our dates, I hope we manage an overlap...:cutie:

Can't wait to see your dates, Happydog!

Anita, you know I am going to have to ask you your dates again -- I think I remember the first bath -- it's until the 11th on your second set, right?

[DisMomAmy]

I met PUSH's friend once too!! But he looked different...:confused3 I guess he has more than one "friend" :rotfl:

You can't see his black bag, but you can see the strap over his shoulder and he's talking into his little microphone, trying to be all secretive!
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff319/DisMomAmy/IMG_0134.jpg

Sorry for the giant pictures... it's an old one. :headache:

Great timing for your Illuminations dinner! Sounds like a great way to end a fun day! :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

We are pretty much locked into our dates, I hope we manage an overlap...:cutie:

Can't wait to see your dates, Happydog!

Anita, you know I am going to have to ask you your dates again -- I think I remember the first bath -- it's until the 11th on your second set, right?

What are those dates? We don't get out of school BEFORE the 16th, l am afraid... :headache: so we are already staying 5 nights sun - thur June 20th -24th... I won't say WHERE until my TR :) BUT we are adding days to the start and/or end of that... the earliest we would be in Disney would be the 18th... You all get out so much earlier than us :sad2: Our APs expire the 29th of June..

But I am still scheming for my spring fling ;)

[Happydog]

I met PUSH's friend once too!! But he looked different...:confused3 I guess he has more than one "friend" :rotfl:

You can't see his black bag, but you can see the strap over his shoulder and he's talking into his little microphone, trying to be all secretive!



SOOOOOOOOOO funny! He was really cute!! DS7 put his head in the trash can, and Push was telling him he was getting "mighty personal!!!!" LOL!

[wigdoutdismom]

What are those dates? We don't get out of school BEFORE the 16th, l am afraid... :headache:
We leave May 30, are there 5 nights then our 4 night cruise, then back to WDW 3 more nights until we fly out on the 11th. Our flights have been booked so no changes for us....
We do get out much earlier than you....but we start much earlier too if I remember correctly :upsidedow

But I am still scheming for my spring fling ;)
Oh I am too, but Shocker just keeps singing the oldie "You Can't Always Get What You Want".....:mad:

[Happydog]

Since we were only visiting WDW for a short trip, we kept the Animal Kingdom and DHS to one visit each. We figured we'd skip the shows until December (having just did them in July) and opted to get there for ropedrop, ride TSM a couple times, enjoy a few other rides, then make it over to Epcot for lunch. :thumbsup2

TSM is probably the park we spend the least amount of time in if only b/c there isn't too much for DSs to do -- other than the shows -- I think when they are older... which is why I am also waiting for the "U" park until they get older... We enjoy most of the rides, and attractions, but even still, it is hard to fill more than one day there. So we knew we’d be done in time for our Epcot lunch…

I was the designated FP runner and DH and the boys stayed back with the herd and strolled. I had made my way closer to the opening show performers, and when they let the crowd enter, I just made my way over to the TSM FP lines as quickly as I could. WITHOUT running! :laughing:

As I have already mentioned I was standing in line and of all random sightings I happened to turn and see a familiar Tshirt and a woman I recalled from the DIS board. That is what happens when you post Tshirt photos!!! LOL! :yay: It was JenJolt! As she was two lines over I hollered “Jen”! And she immediately looked over – I introduced myself and we chit chatted in line. Then we had to get our passes, but as I was coming out of the FP lane and headed towards the walkon line for TSM, I saw her again she was waiting for Paula (Iluvcrush) to join her at noon, and so we agreed we’d be catching up in Epcot with Christine (2xcited2sleep) on the 30th. We waved goodbye! And I made a dash towards the entrance… I found DH and the boys just as he was going into the building, and so in we went! The wait was about 20 minutes or so. Here are some photos along the way… I just love Mr. Potato Head. He is sooooooooooo funny!

Sorry for the redeye here.. I tried to fix it, but it looked too weird!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2731-1.jpg

This one DS7 is thinking he is Mr. Potato head in jail!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2726.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2730.jpg

So the big event on this trip to DHS, and frankly all visits to DHS to date, was that my oldest son was selected to be a Jedi...

DS7 has always watched the Jedi Training Academy from afar… NEVER wanting to participate, but always wanting to watch it. He was just too nervous I guess, not sure, b/c he is on stage all the time, takes Karate, etc., but I guess this was so real for him in his mind, that he just lacked the confidence.... I told DH not to push him, that he'd do it eventually. And this trip we asked him again, and he said yes, that he wanted to try and participate... He said riding Star Tours would give him the courage, so after
we rode Star Tours, (I don't know about courage but it certainly wakes you up!) We went to stand in line for the first training "session" :laughing: We were in the front on the side, and waited for about 20 minutes... There were others already there as well. It was just pure luck of course that he was selected :goodvibes He raised his hand and was pointing to his StarWars Tshirt!!! :laughing: So on stage he went, and it was really fun to watch him! I have some snaps, I didn't want to waste the experience by taking too many photos, but I did get the photopass pics loaded, so hopefully there will be a few good shots there (Thanks Christine :goodvibes) ...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2732.jpg

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It was fun to be so close to the characters... it gets me excited about StarWars weekends, but unfortunately if it is too early in June we won't be able to go, and I know this would be a huge highlight for DS7 and 4, so who knows? Maybe it will be later this year....

After our fun with the Jedi, we rode TSM with our FPs, took in the Animator's club (which we had never done before -- DS7 was most like Aladdin... which wasn't surprising!) and we saw the trailer for the new Princess and the Frog movie, which I suspect we will go to see while we are in Disney over Christmas. :santa:

We then made our way to the boat dock, so we could be in Epcot for our LUNCH ADR... Now, when I first booked this trip, it was very late, and with free dining, the ADR options were pretty bleak! We were not too worried b/c we had of course the options for the F & W festival and that was our biggest draw anyhow, but I had to book four TS's .... So low and behold, I get a PM from SunnieRN, and she had a few ADRs that she was not going to use, and she gave me a lunch at Le Cellier!!! :hug:

NOW, if you read my TR from June/July, we scored a WALKUP ADR for Le Cellier on the 4th of July! So this was just funny, that we were able to eat at one of our favorite restaurants by fortune again! SO a BIG BIG thankyou to her! :goodvibes And of course, that filet was fabulous! And the soup, extra yummy! :)

Here are a few shots after lunch, on the boat back.... Two sleepy boys! Frankly we were all feeling lazy -- it was a hot day!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2753.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2754.jpg

We then went to the resort and spent the afternoon at the pool... Our plan was a quick dinner at the resort food court, which we did, and then DS7 and I went to the MK together, to catch Spectro since we missed in our first night. We all got burgers and DH and I margaritas! Kids meals at CBR are served in little buckets, so that was fun, and since DS's both like cheeseburgers, this was a fun quick meal (complete with apples and carrots I had brought from home! We had a great time sitting at the tables in the common area outside the pool, and this is the evening where I took all my resort pics, so the photos from my first post...

I'll finish up with Spectro and MK later this evening! :surfweb:

[Happydog]

Oh I am too, but Shocker just keeps singing the oldie "You Can't Always Get What You Want".....:mad:

DARN him ruining our plans.... :rotfl:


WELL, regarding the summer trip, I know, curses those different school calendars :) That is okay, I am looking forward to Christmas and a DIS meet with you all then! Looks like we are crossing paths all over the place now, so once I get all squared away with my DBIL, we can coordinate! Osbourne lights, an Xmas eve, or LTT! (THOUGH, DH is having a change of heart on this one, he misses CPalace!!!! -- I am going to try and get that another morning, so we can still do LTT, I want to try it and it seems the perfect place for a Xmas day lunch! ) OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS. this chit chat belongs on my Christmas PTR!!! :rotfl::rotfl: I gotta finish this TR... OH and so do you!!! This two at a time is driving me nuts!!!! :laughing:

[wigdoutdismom]

[quote]http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2741.jpg

Oh how I love a little Jedi wearing boypris and orange crocks. So stinkin cute!



http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2753.jpg

[What a cutie patootie! Sweet little tired face....

[jenjolt]

LOL!!! I love that you DS was able to become a jedi!! That is just way too much fun!!!!! He looks so cute standing up there in his Star Wars garb!!!

I thought I might be the random meet you were talking about :rotfl: I was so happy to meet you!! I think for the rest of the day I was excited because I had gotten "noticed," I felt famous LOL!!!!! I was really glad that we were able to meet up again in EPCOT though your family was a hoot and I really enjoyed meeting up with you!!!

TSM is such a great ride!! I love the queue for it!!

[manntra]

Hi there! :wave2: I was on board for one of your previous TR's and was perusing through the boards today and found your new surprise trip!
I just got back last night...was there from the 4-9th. We had such a great trip and absolutely wonderful (hot) weather!
We too got stuck on EE!!!! I think it was on Wednesday this happened. We were in the second car from the front and it just stopped at the top of the hill! So...as we were sitting there baking in the sun I was taking pictures and posting updates on FB telling someone to come and save us! We were fine until they told us we had to get out and walk down! That was kind of creepy but we snapped pictures all along the way inside the mountain and they gave us the fastpass and water :laughing::laughing:
Mmmmmmmmm those Geese sure are good aren't they? I also had a red one that I hope they add permanently because that too was delish! ::yes::
I loved being there during F&W and MNSSHP was so much fun too:thumbsup2

Tracy

[IluvXU]

Love the Jedi Training pictures! That looks like so much fun!

[eandesmom]

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2754.jpg



I love this picture!!!!!!!!!!

You and your LeCellier luck! And how very cool of SunnieRN! That is wonderful he was selected to be a Jedi. I fear we've missed our Jedi selection window ourselves but I love seeing it, every time.

If it's any consolation, we get out even later than you do.....

[Lady Lallie]

So much fun that DS got picked!! Yayayaya!!

You are a lucky duck with your Le Cellier ADRs. :rotfl2:

[shannn]

I love that DS got picked for Jedi training and even more that he was able to make the decision that he was ready to try. What a big move for him!

In 5 days I'll be eating that cheddar cheese soup myself! I can't wait to taste it now that I've heard so much about it.

[Charleston Princess]

What a thrill for DS to get picked to train as a Jedi!!! :goodvibes

You are the Queen of Lucky Le Cellier ADRs!!! :thumbsup2

I remember those tables outside at CBR! :lovestruc

[Happydog]

[QUOTE=Happydog;33898373]

Oh how I love a little Jedi wearing boypris and orange crocks. So stinkin cute!

What a cutie patootie! Sweet little tired face....

Thanks!! This was a fun day for both of them! My photopass pics are really cute -- I can't wait to see them! :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

LOL!!! I love that you DS was able to become a jedi!! That is just way too much fun!!!!! He looks so cute standing up there in his Star Wars garb!!!

Oh he was just thrilled, I am just relieved he finally did it!! :thumbsup2

I thought I might be the random meet you were talking about :rotfl: I was so happy to meet you!! I think for the rest of the day I was excited because I had gotten "noticed," I felt famous LOL!!!!! I was really glad that we were able to meet up again in EPCOT though your family was a hoot and I really enjoyed meeting up with you!!!

TSM is such a great ride!! I love the queue for it!![/QUOTE]

YAY! Me too! It was soooo funny that I just saw you like that, and I mean the luck of that -- of all those people swarming to get into DHS, and then the lines and the timing of it all, If I had been later, or moved to a different line, etc. I would have missed you! I thought that was just so funny... And of course DITTO on meeting you! :goodvibes

I agree the TSM queue line is fun!

Hi there! :wave2: I was on board for one of your previous TR's and was perusing through the boards today and found your new surprise trip!
I just got back last night...was there from the 4-9th. We had such a great trip and absolutely wonderful (hot) weather!
We too got stuck on EE!!!! I think it was on Wednesday this happened. We were in the second car from the front and it just stopped at the top of the hill! So...as we were sitting there baking in the sun I was taking pictures and posting updates on FB telling someone to come and save us! We were fine until they told us we had to get out and walk down! That was kind of creepy but we snapped pictures all along the way inside the mountain and they gave us the fastpass and water :laughing::laughing:
Mmmmmmmmm those Geese sure are good aren't they? I also had a red one that I hope they add permanently because that too was delish! ::yes::
I loved being there during F&W and MNSSHP was so much fun too:thumbsup2

Tracy

UGH on getting stuck!! Yeah, DH and DS7 said they walked down 7 flights of stairs to get off! Crazy! Welcome back, though! Hope you had a wonderful time! Any YES the red geese were great!

AND welcome over to this trip extravaganza! It was short but memorable!

Love the Jedi Training pictures! That looks like so much fun!

It was neat! He had a great time -- the photopass pics will be really good!

I love this picture!!!!!!!!!!

You and your LeCellier luck! And how very cool of SunnieRN! That is wonderful he was selected to be a Jedi. I fear we've missed our Jedi selection window ourselves but I love seeing it, every time.

If it's any consolation, we get out even later than you do.....

RE the photo, yeah, it was a funny one, it made me laugh! RE Le Cellier, I KNOW, isn't that just funny! She was so nice to PM me and offer it...:goodvibes

I remember getting out of school in Oregon really late, too... but that is because the start time is after labor day I think...


So much fun that DS got picked!! Yayayaya!!

You are a lucky duck with your Le Cellier ADRs. :rotfl2:

It was fun that he got a chance! I really didn't expect it, of course, so that was a surprise to all of us... and with Le Cellier, it was just fortune with the ADR that she wasn't going to use!:goodvibes

I love that DS got picked for Jedi training and even more that he was able to make the decision that he was ready to try. What a big move for him!

In 5 days I'll be eating that cheddar cheese soup myself! I can't wait to taste it now that I've heard so much about it.

OH AM I JEALOUS of you! That soup is the best! And I am of the mind that the smores are one of the best desserts at WDW! I LOVE them!!!

What a thrill for DS to get picked to train as a Jedi!!! :goodvibes

You are the Queen of Lucky Le Cellier ADRs!!! :thumbsup2

I remember those tables outside at CBR! :lovestruc

YOU must try Le Cellier next time, you will really enjoy it! The tables are nice, aren't they??!! It was fun for him -- I could tell there was some serious reenactment going on in his mind :)

[Happydog]

So after our casual dinner by the pool, DH and DS4 stuck it out in the room, watching Jack Skellington! :) AND DS7 and I hightailed it over to the MK. I wanted to catch Spectro, and DS wanted to see the parade, too, so together we made it a night. We got to the park just as the parade was starting, so we walked along mainstreet, ducked across the bridge towards Adventureland then again turned towards the castle, through that shortcut into Frontierland... we found a perfect spot right near the Liberty Tree Tavern sign, and sat right next to the sign. This was a "walkway" area, but no one was policing it, and it wasn't crowded. It was the closest I have been to the parade in a while! Of course I don't have a great camera. But I managed to get a few photos!!

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After Spectro, before the fireworks, DS and I scurried over to the HM, and in we went! I of course was so excited to ride it, because if you recall from my summer trip, I had to leave the HM with my DS4 who decided that the HM was "not" for him :rotfl::rotfl: So I knew I would not get a chance to ride it during MNSSHP, so this worked out that I got it in that night... THEN DS7 and I made it to POC! We were on a boat by ourselves!!! We were riding it at the very end of the night at that point, and it felt VERY eery to be riding it solo!!! Like I really expected a pirate to jump on board!!!! LOL!

We got ourselves dolewhips and were walking back towards Mainstreet when Wishes started.... we just stopped near the CPalace and enjoyed the view from there. The rootbeer float is my favorite, and DS likes the plain vanilla ... :lovestruc I am sorry to say only DH likes the traditional dolewhip flavor... I do however LOVE the frozen orange slushies they sell at the stand behind the magic carpets!!!! They are the best! ALMOST as good as Grey Goose Slushies!!! :rotfl:
OH, speaking of great snack credit choices... I think the location is called Sleepy Hollow or something like that, it is the counterservice stop that is RIGHT over the bridge next to the castle as you enter Frontierland, close to the Hall of Presidents, but goodness, they make a FABULOUS Cappuccino float and the largest softserve servings in a bowl I have SEEN! This location sells funnel cakes... If that helps identify the location. It is a nice out of the way tables and such which is nice, IMO... The softserve was huge. My two DS's could split one! The float is amazing!!!!! :thumbsup2 As a family we had taken a break here on our first day at the MK, I think I just forgot to mention it!

Okay, so after Wishes, we leisurely made our way out of the park, through the shops, of course!!! :lmao: With DS in tow, we bought some shirts, and my 4 parks CD!! and a few Disracers for the little guy. DS7 was holding out for DTD and the Lego store! I got pictures! :thumbsup2

Well, I drove us back to CBR, and piggy backed a sleepy DS7 up to our room. DH was working on the computer, and after a sleepy trip to the bathroom and teeth brushing, both boys were tucked in and asleep. I did a little surfing, but also was anxious to catch some Z's... It was a fun night! :goodvibes

[Lady Lallie]

Awww, what a wonderful night for you and DS7! It's so nice that you got a night with just him.

Marc & I rode Pirates in a boat to ourselves last Fall and let me tell you it was creepy! :laughing:

[wigdoutdismom]

POTC all by yourselves, late at night?:scared1: That would scare me too, but so would HM late at night.....

I could almost hear the music to Spectro, I soooo love that parade and Wishes. You picked a great place to watch both! So did your little 2nd grader love them too?

[Charleston Princess]

What a sweet night for you and DS7! :lovestruc The CS that you were describing is Sleepy Hollow -- their funnel cakes are out of this world as well!

Yeay! You got your Four Parks, One World CD! Have you listened to any of it yet?

[Happydog]

Awww, what a wonderful night for you and DS7! It's so nice that you got a night with just him.

Marc & I rode Pirates in a boat to ourselves last Fall and let me tell you it was creepy! :laughing:


I know!! Griff and I thought so too!! HE wasn't scared of HM, no, but POC, yeah we were both kinda looking around and laughing b/c it is a little spooky!!! :)

POTC all by yourselves, late at night?:scared1: That would scare me too, but so would HM late at night.....

I could almost hear the music to Spectro, I soooo love that parade and Wishes. You picked a great place to watch both! So did your little 2nd grader love them too?

I know I can just hum that non stop... it took me a week to get the MNSSHP parade music out of my ears!!!! RE my toothless child :rolleyes: Yes he did enjoy the parade!! He likes the fish that zoom up and roll around! He loves fireworks. So it was fun... we had to scurry to get into the park as it was just 8pm when we got there, his poor little legs!! But he was a trooper! Once I got us over to the other side to watch he was excited that we had raced the parade to our spot! AND of course it came around the corner only a minute later! AND he could sit and see perfectly.

[Happydog]

What a sweet night for you and DS7! :lovestruc The CS that you were describing is Sleepy Hollow -- their funnel cakes are out of this world as well!

Yeay! You got your Four Parks, One World CD! Have you listened to any of it yet?

Have I listened to it yet??!! Hmmm lets say that is one big OF COURSE!!! lol!!! How about as soon as we got into our car on the way home from the airport!! :laughing:

Yep, I thought that was what it was called! I knew there was one with that name, but I didn't know if it was there... the funnel cake looked fabulous! But not on a hot day! :sad2: Christmas? OH you can count on it!! :rolleyes1

It was fun, I wish we would have gotten there earlier, but we were having so much fun just hanging by the pool, it took longer to get back to the room and dressed to go! :laughing: Still we had fun together :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

What a great way to spend your evening!! Watching Spectro and Wishes with your son!!! That was probably very magical for you!! I'm glad you rode HM...you know me and my love for that ride so I think everyone should ride it LOL, but I get that it can be very intimidating for the younger Disney lovers out there!!!

YAY for a rootbeer float I need to try one of those sometime!!! Sounds so yummy! I'm not the biggest Dole Whip fan so I will have to try something else there next time!!!

YAY I love my 4Parks CD I hope you do too!!!

Can't wait for more!!

[eandesmom]

what a great night but oooohhh that would be spooky being on both of those by yourselves. What a neat night to have it be just the 2 of you, he will never forget that!

[manntra]

Sounds like a really fun night :thumbsup2 When we were sharing our dole whip the other night (seems like ages ago!) there were a few people across from us and their ice cream was green.....I was trying to figure out if it was a mint flavor and how that would work with either the pineapple or rootbeer...not very well in my mind! So I asked her and it was just plain old vanilla that was dyed green for MNSSHP :rotfl::rotfl:
We had one of those funnel cakes too! So good but they are huge!! Fun spot to sit over at the picnic tables too :goodvibes

Tracy

[praisehisname]

What a sweet mom/son evening! And your dinner in Japan the night before sounded great, too!

Denise

[Mickey_Mom]

Very nice Spectro shots and a great way to cap off the night. :thumbsup2

[Diamondintheruff]

I had a chance to have a night alone with each of my two oldest children in 2008 and they still talk about it. It is one of their favorite memories as I'm sure it will be for your DS7 too.

[DisMomAmy]

What a fun mother/son night!! I can't think of a better way to spend some quality time together. :thumbsup2

[Happydog]

What a great way to spend your evening!! Watching Spectro and Wishes with your son!!! That was probably very magical for you!! I'm glad you rode HM...you know me and my love for that ride so I think everyone should ride it LOL, but I get that it can be very intimidating for the younger Disney lovers out there!!!

YAY for a rootbeer float I need to try one of those sometime!!! Sounds so yummy! I'm not the biggest Dole Whip fan so I will have to try something else there next time!!!

YAY I love my 4Parks CD I hope you do too!!!

Can't wait for more!!

Oh I love the HM, so you don't have to convince me!!! We had fun. It was not much time, but a fun little excursion to the MK together! Yeah, I guess "vanilla" isn't really a dolewhip but we bought it there!!! :rotfl: We really really love that CD it is so cool!!!!!!!!!! It is going to help me get to December for sure!
The Rootbeer float and the Cappuccino float are BOTH fantastic! Perfect choice for me!

what a great night but oooohhh that would be spooky being on both of those by yourselves. What a neat night to have it be just the 2 of you, he will never forget that!

Well it wasn't much time, but fun! Oh, we were both a little spooked (in a fun way of course!!!) :laughing: But we were laughing about it -- nervous laughter!

Sounds like a really fun night :thumbsup2 When we were sharing our dole whip the other night (seems like ages ago!) there were a few people across from us and their ice cream was green.....I was trying to figure out if it was a mint flavor and how that would work with either the pineapple or rootbeer...not very well in my mind! So I asked her and it was just plain old vanilla that was dyed green for MNSSHP :rotfl::rotfl:
We had one of those funnel cakes too! So good but they are huge!! Fun spot to sit over at the picnic tables too :goodvibe

Tracy

:crazy2: on the green ice cream.... that is all I can say!!!! So funny how you were JUST there!!! I have not had on one of the funnel cakes, but they do look very tasty! It is a good spot! :thumbsup2

What a sweet mom/son evening! And your dinner in Japan the night before sounded great, too!

Denise

Thanks ! Tokyo Dining is a favorite for our family!!! It was fun to hop over to the park together!

Very nice Spectro shots and a great way to cap off the night. :thumbsup2

Well I tried -- not a high tech camera!

I had a chance to have a night alone with each of my two oldest children in 2008 and they still talk about it. It is one of their favorite memories as I'm sure it will be for your DS7 too.

I think it has convinced me that I would like to do a solo trip with each of them, or something like that in a few years.... like I have seen others do on this board... I think it is a great idea. But for those few hours we did have fun! :goodvibes

What a fun mother/son night!! I can't think of a better way to spend some quality time together. :thumbsup2 Oh yes, I agree, everything is better in Disney World :)

[Happydog]

So as I type this update, remember that this was a short trip, and of course when you are at the World, it always seems shorter :sad2: So even though we were having fun filled days, suddenly it was TUESDAY, our last full day and night there. I was surprised it was already Tuesday, BUT I was excited because tonight was MNSSHP!!! :goodvibes We were very excited for this! :yay:

Today was also our first real day at Epcot... Food and Wine around the world, here we come!!!! :goodvibes

So we started the day at Epcot, just as the park was opening... We followed our tried and true split shift... DH and DS7 head to Mission Space, and DS4 and I jet to Soarin for FPs then go to Nemo and the Seas...

He has a thing for those dang seagulls!!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2792.jpg

MY little pearl in a clam shell...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2793.jpg

We met back outfront of The Land. DH had stopped to get a coffee drink (that great stand right near Mission Space), and he told me the wait for test track was minimal, so we headed that way. I stopped and got a pass for a KP Mission as well :thumbsup2

Here is what DH and DS4 think about Test Track...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2789.jpg

We then went back over to use our FPs for Soarin, grabbed another set, and then decided we were ready to make our way over the the World Showcase -- it was time to eat! :laughing:

DH had already scoped out a few choices... we started with ceviche and frozen mojitos, moved to spanakopita in "Greece", Lobster something pie in "Ireland" -- where in Great Britain we stopped to snap this photo...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2797.jpg

And then just as we were heading towards France, we stopped at the KP Kiosk for our first ever KP mission! Here DH took over the stroller, making his way towards Morrocco for a shwarma platter! And DS4 went with him.. I was going to complete the KP mission in France with DS7, grab a set of the Cosmo slushies in France, and meet him on some benches near Morrocco before he could eat it all!!! It practically sounds like a KP mission! So while we were hard at work figuring out the mysteries of KP in France, I decided that I should at least TRY the Cosmo slushie before I buy one for DH as well, in case, you know, it wasn't really that great....:rolleyes: so armed with my first slushie (cough cough), DS and I helped KP save the world... These missions are great fun. We had a good time, he really liked it! Here he is looking for the communication from Kim...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2798.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2799.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2801.jpg

After he solved that mission, I sent him over to Mexico, b/c I knew we would at least walk past DH and DS4 and could pick them up. And maybe DH saved me a bite of lamb! Before we LEFT France, however, I ordered a round of Cosmo Slushies... since I was asked to bring him one, I certainly had an empty hand, so of course I got two... :rolleyes1 We met up, and proceeded towards Mexico, stopping for lamb chops near Germany, and pot stickers in China, but before getting to these fabulous choices, we of course had to stop in America for the only reason why my DH loves the F & W festival...




YOU GUESSED it.





HERE they are.. the ONLY FOOD PORN PHOTO I HAVE EVER TAKEN!!!!



Drum roll, please ..................................................




http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2802.jpg

LOBSTER ROLLS!!!!!!

CONFESSION:

I ate four of these over the next two days... DH the same.. EEK!!!!!!!!!!! :rolleyes1 Well, they ARE good...

He had crab cakes too... not as good IMO, but still tasty.

So soon, after our other culinary pit stops, and a visit to the trains in Germany... we arrived in Mexico.

Oh, not without a side trip through Italy, though .. where I took a few random photos... Don't know why -- this is clearly the slushie-influence here....

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2803.jpg

I guess I liked the blue sky.... :rolleyes1

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2805.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2806.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2809.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2814.jpg


http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2815.jpg

We finished in Mexico, went to ride Maelstrom and do our final KP Mission in Norway... WHICH seems to be the longest one! It did take a while... but the KP Mission are fun! I think next time we will keep it to TWO missions a day...

We got ourselves a margarita, headed over to Soarin to use our FPs. We then made our way out of the park, somewhere around 2pm... I wanted to get a little rest in before we made it out for MNSSHP!

Stay tuned!!! :yay:

[eandesmom]

I loved that you "tested" the cosmo slushie first.

:rotfl:

I have to admit after all the talk about lobster rolls I'd have been severely dissapointed if there was no food porn.

I seem to recall living on those Crab Cakes at F&W in 04...paired perfectly with an amazing New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

But of course I have not compared them to the infamous Lobster Rolls.

Great pics as always.

Especially of the blue sky in Italy.

was the stroller pushing itself again by slushy power?

[wigdoutdismom]

I loved your slushie influenced photo! To me it looks like art..... very creative!
I can't believe you are on your last full day.:eek: Where does the time go?
Can't wait to read all about MNSSHP.

The lobster rolls looked divine!:goodvibes

[Happydog]

I loved that you "tested" the cosmo slushie first.

:rotfl:

I have to admit after all the talk about lobster rolls I'd have been severely dissapointed if there was no food porn.

I seem to recall living on those Crab Cakes at F&W in 04...paired perfectly with an amazing New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

But of course I have not compared them to the infamous Lobster Rolls.

Great pics as always.

Especially of the blue sky in Italy.

was the stroller pushing itself again by slushy power?


Yes well the things I do for my husband.... lol!

RE the crabcakes they were good, but not as flavorful as the lobster rolls... Dh really liked them too! The stroller was fortunately not pushing itself, that could have been a problem -- it was very crowded in Mexico! :laughing:

[Happydog]

I loved your slushie influenced photo! To me it looks like art..... very creative!
I can't believe you are on your last full day.:eek: Where does the time go?
Can't wait to read all about MNSSHP.

The lobster rolls looked divine!:goodvibes

Thank you! I took another, that is better, I will pull it from photoucket. It was a short trip, so we really only had three days -- Sat arrival, then Sun, Mon, and Tue... then depart Wed. Still, it did creep up on us!

MNSSHP was really fun.

Dig IN!!!! Yum yum.

[Charleston Princess]

How wise of you to try the Cosmo Slushy first before investing money in purchasing more of them. Smart girl! :laughing:

Not to mention, wow! Who would have thought the Cosmo was also good for inspiring great artistic shots in Italy? :lmao: I think that is a very cool picture!

So, you managed two KP missions, ate lots of yummies including those divine lobster rolls, and made it all the way around World Showcase? I am impressed!

[DisMomAmy]

Boy those slushies sound good - I generally avoid alcohol when I'm out in the sun, but I might just have to plan an evening at Epcot after the sun has gone down. :rolleyes1

[2xcited2sleep]

I can't believe I'm so late to the party. Stupid, stupid work. :rolleyes: I'll be back over the weekend to catch up. Looking forward to hearing about your trip! :goodvibes

[MeMom]

Lobster rolls? I suppose I need to add them to my list for Monday. :)

The kids look so cute - totally focused on the mission. I'm glad we have people like them to save the world! ::yes::

[praisehisname]

Mmmm, I can't wait to try a slushie! Those lobster rolls look amazing! Are they only available during F&W?

Denise

[manntra]

Yum on the lobster rolls! :thumbsup2 I just realized that the only food porn pictures I didn't take was our little treats from F&W!! Of course I took pictures of the slushies!! Those lobster rolls were really, really , really good though! Lots of chunks of lobster! We sampled a lot (my niece can really eat!) from the different countries. Was disappointed in Poland though...the kielbalsa was good but the pierogi was Mrs. T's!!
I laughed at your picture of the blue sky...I came back with about 7 pictures of sky! I knew that it would be the last time I would be seeing blue sky for awhile! After all....it is snowing here right now!! :sad2:

Tracy

[TxRabbit]

I'm here!!!

I have no idea what is going on...but I'm here!

I'll be catching up slowly, taking breaks from trying to get settled/organized, but I just wanted to pop on and say hi.

[Lady Lallie]

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2802.jpg

Hello, my precious.

:rotfl2::rotfl::lmao: :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl:

Oh my, those look so yummy. I would like to have a few of those....RIGHT NOW.

I can't believe it's your last full day already! *POUT*

[Happydog]

HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!


I will be back on Sunday! We are off to the Woods for the weekend! :)


Will catch up on all my PTR/TR reading and plan to FINISH this TR then!!! :)

;)

[Happydog]

How wise of you to try the Cosmo Slushy first before investing money in purchasing more of them. Smart girl! :laughing:

Not to mention, wow! Who would have thought the Cosmo was also good for inspiring great artistic shots in Italy? :lmao: I think that is a very cool picture!

So, you managed two KP missions, ate lots of yummies including those divine lobster rolls, and made it all the way around World Showcase? I am impressed!

Well I know! SOMEONE had to make sure they were worth it afterall :rolleyes1

Yes, I was definitely "inspired" :laughing:

We did manage to eat a lot of yummies, and the KP missions were just part of the "touring plan" keeping kids occupied!!! Of course we didn't really spend time in the different countries, just the food booths ;) We ended up feeding the boys lunch in Mexico, b/c that was the only safe place for them to eat! Not too adventurous mine! But it was a fun afternoon!

Boy those slushies sound good - I generally avoid alcohol when I'm out in the sun, but I might just have to plan an evening at Epcot after the sun has gone down. :rolleyes1

Yeah, that is probably advice we should follow, but never do... :laughing:

Do try them... VERY good! :thumbsup2

I can't believe I'm so late to the party. Stupid, stupid work. :rolleyes: I'll be back over the weekend to catch up. Looking forward to hearing about your trip! :goodvibes

Hey!! There you are!!! Yes, I know, I can say the same thing!!!! BUT now I can't wait to see YOUR TR!!! :yay:

[Happydog]

Lobster rolls? I suppose I need to add them to my list for Monday. :)

The kids look so cute - totally focused on the mission. I'm glad we have people like them to save the world! ::yes::

Awww, thanks! They had fun!!! HEY you are on your way, tomorrow??!! YAY!!!! :yay: HAVE fun, and HAVE a lobster roll for me!!! :laughing:

Mmmm, I can't wait to try a slushie! Those lobster rolls look amazing! Are they only available during F&W?

Denise

Yes, they are a F&W special... so just another reason to travel in the fall :thumbsup2

Yum on the lobster rolls! :thumbsup2 I just realized that the only food porn pictures I didn't take was our little treats from F&W!! Of course I took pictures of the slushies!! Those lobster rolls were really, really , really good though! Lots of chunks of lobster! We sampled a lot (my niece can really eat!) from the different countries. Was disappointed in Poland though...the kielbalsa was good but the pierogi was Mrs. T's!!
I laughed at your picture of the blue sky...I came back with about 7 pictures of sky! I knew that it would be the last time I would be seeing blue sky for awhile! After all....it is snowing here right now!! :sad2:

Tracy

Oh I hear you on the weather! 50s and rainy here! We were in the woods and wearing winter clothes! Yup they were very very good, and I wish I could have one right now! There are lots of great things to sample, I will never get tired of the F & W festival!!!! :cloud9:

Blue sky at an angle.... yeah, it was in the moment!!!! :laughing:

I'm here!!!

I have no idea what is going on...but I'm here!

I'll be catching up slowly, taking breaks from trying to get settled/organized, but I just wanted to pop on and say hi.

ooh! Look there! HOWDY!!! I was wondering if you were going to surface again! So you missed all my surprise about my fall trip! Unexpected Fall Trip! But glad you showed up!!!! Hope all is well!! :yay:

Hello, my precious.

:rotfl2::rotfl::lmao: :rotfl2::lmao::rotfl:

Oh my, those look so yummy. I would like to have a few of those....RIGHT NOW.

I can't believe it's your last full day already! *POUT*

OH yeah, you and me both, I would like to have a few RIGHT NOW too!!! :laughing:

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO very good. And yeah, it was our last full day, though I think Wednesday felt like a full day, despite that we didn't get to have a Disney sleep :)

[Happydog]

I didn’t know what to expect for the MNSSHP. :goodvibes I was really excited to go, as were the boys. Because my DH is in the middle of a thesis class, we decided that I would just go to the party with the guys, and he could stay and get some work done. So after we returned from Epcot, DS7 and I headed over to DTD to pick up QS at WPE and to pick out a lego set. In his “goodie bag” for the trip, I had made a LEGO Bucks certificate for $20.00 so he could have his pick of something there. (He used this certificate and some of his own money to get some Lego men – they now have Starwars men “magnets” where you can get the men without buying another set, and believe me, we have enough sets!!!! :laughing:) We picked up dinner for all of us and headed back to the resort. In the room, we ate pizzas and salads, and I got the boys in their Halloween Tshirts…. Me too :)

We got our gear, and said goodbye to “dad” and headed out. I parked at the Contemporary. We were walking into the park about 6:15, a little later than I had wanted but it was a fine time to get there, things were just starting to get exciting… I had to get our tickets from willcall -- we had the $10.00 discount for AP holders, so that was a plus, and as we went in, you could tell they were getting ready for the party...

NOW for the bad news.... :sad2:

Earlier in the day, I noticed that I was getting a low battery signal on my camera. I took the battery out and charged it, thinking it would have some charge enough for the day. Well that didn’t happen…. UNFORTUNATELY, I took two photos at the party and my camera died. Well DS7 had his disposable camera and with that we took a few photos, I don’t know how they came out, I have to get them developed still, but we’ll see!! :headache: The good news is that I did get a few photo pass pics too, a couple cute ones :goodvibes and when those come in we’ll at least have some pictures to document the evening!!!! I just got over it, because we were having a good time just taking in all the fun that evening, so though I couldn't take many pics, it was a fun night.

Here is my ONE photo on Cinderella's carousel, which we rode twice and DS4 could have stayed easily at least another three times!!!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2817.jpg

The ride lines were really non-existent. It was great to just walk on rides... We rode those in fantasy land that we didn’t have time for earlier: Its a Small World, the Carousel, and caught our favorite ones. We also spent time in Frontier Land, getting properly "splashed" on Splash Mountain, and enjoying the "wildest ride in the wilderness" ... They really liked getting candy, and most of the candy collection spots were easy to get to. Only some of the photopass opportunities were backed up.

While we were having a fun time, I should have looked more closely at the times guide. I got the parade times mixed up – thinking the first one started at 8:30, so we missed the first and I was really hoping the boys would still be awake for the second... :scared: We trick-or-treated, and rode a few more rides, watched the dance parties, then went over the bridge to Tomorrowland to watch Hallo-wishes… Which was a great fireworks display! It was similar to the 4th of July, where they set of fireworks from all different places in the park… At the end, we went to see the Laugh Floor… What a show! You know I think they spent more time with the show than I remember in past visits, because we were in there for a while! They were really making fun of a few people…. I love visiting that attraction! ;)

After this, we wheeled our way back towards the castle and saw all the villans, the lines to take pics with them were long, and of course my guys were not into that, so we just wheeled around to the opposite side of the center circle, and were just a few minutes before the parade. The boys were fading fast unfortunately, :guilty: but they did see the headless horseman! And of course the fabulous light show up and down mainstreet, was so cool… I especially LOVED the pumpkins everywhere (the jack-o-lanterns) that came to life at night… :thumbsup2

SO finally the parade began (in hindsight if I had put us at the beginning of the parade route the boys may have seen more of it, but as it was, the waiting was just too much, and while I managed to wake them up for a little, they fell asleep half way through. SO a solo mom, with two sleeping pumpkins, enjoyed a very very cool parade! I started to walk down the sidewalk of mainstreet as the parade was ending, and made it to the main gates as the last few floats and CMs were going by, handing out candy as they sang that very catchy and brain-sticking tune... As we slowly exited the park the CMs were out in front in FULL force, handing out candy to everyone leaving. They laughed at my sleeping guys and put candy in their bags! I was amazed by this massive purple cart they wheeled out in front which was FILLED with eyeballs!!! Chocolate peanut butter filled eyeballs…. Those were the best candy item they got! Mom ate several…
:rolleyes1 WE still have a good bag full!!!

So satisfied, though a little bummed they missed some of the parade, I headed back to the resort, me and two sleeping pumkins, who had great fun even still, and made out like bandits with the candy even though they didn't realize it until they woke up the next morning!!! :laughing:

I will put some more photos from this evening up as soon as I can... I hope to get the photos I have developed soon.

Coming up NEXT, our packing morning followed by a trip to MK (again!) and a quick stop in Epcot for one last Lobster Roll and a DIS meet! :thumbsup2

[2xcited2sleep]

Sounds like it was a fun evening at MNSSHP. I missed the peanut butter eyeballs... I want a do-over! :laughing:

Sorry about the camera but sometimes I think it's better to live in the moment and have your memories rather than be looking through the lens.

Hope your hubby got his work done. Work at WDW just seems wrong but I suppose if you gotta work, that's the setting in which I'd like to do it! :thumbsup2

[Charleston Princess]

What a shame about your camera and the parade time mix-up, but it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Isn't MNSSHP fun? I think I could go every year and never get tired of it! Those chocolate peanut butter eyeballs sound like a hoot! I want some! :laughing:

[Lady Lallie]

I'm so glad you enjoyed MNSSHP! It's such a cool thing to be able to experince.

Too bad your little pumpkins fell asleep, but I'm glad you stayed for the parade and enjoyed it yourself! :thumbsup2

I've only seen Wishes and Hallowishes but Hallowishes is hands down my favorite. It was SO BEATUFIFUL!

[MouseKTeer]

Just found your TR and have really enjoyed reading it. Your boys are so cute! :goodvibes

Glad you didn't float away during your woods weekend--I thought the rain would never end! I'm wondering if you're a scout leader (to be so committed to go during the yucky weather).

That must have been disappointing about your camera batteries, but you sure handled it well. Sometimes I think batteries will be the Achilles heel of our civilization :sad2:

The lobster rolls looked yummy! But your not giving the crabcake as high a rating doesn't surprise me :confused3 -- after all, you and I are used to eating incredible ones here in Maryland...yes?

[manntra]

Boo to me on not seeing the jack-o-lanterns come to life!! Missed that as well as the chocolate eyeballs!! Grrrrr....Oh well looks like I will just have to go back!!
The parade was so cool...especially the HM parts with the gravediggers!
The fireworks were so amazing! I couldn't believe it at the end! It was like daylight from being surrounded by all of them!! :yay:
Camera issues :sad2: I have decided that by next May I am going to have an SLR camera. I was looking at a friend of mines pictures from the parade...particularly the HM and the dancing people and I can't believe how much my camera misses----and I have good point and shoot cameras!! :confused3
:scared: Packing already? Well...looks like it is time for your PTR! ;)

Tracy

[jenjolt]

What a great update!! I'm so glad you had a good time with your boys at MNSSHP!! I loved it and would love to get back there again!!!! OOps about the parade time, but you know what as long as you had a blast together it doesn't matter!! Besides they will get to see the Christmas parade soon and I know that will be a lot of fun!!!!!!

[eandesmom]

It sounds like a lovely evening! Dead camera, sleeping boys and all. I agree, sometimes not having that camera "live" can be a blessing, just relax and be in the moment.

I'd like to see those pumpkins coming to life!

[Mickey_Mom]

Just caught up.... Boo to YOU!

I love this parade... the headless horseman, Pooh bear dressed as a bumble-bee, Jack Sparrow :lovestruc , the dead dancing and of course the grave diggers.

The boys shirts really are very cute... what a fun alternative to full costumes. :thumbsup2

[wigdoutdismom]

I can't wait to see more pictures of the evening, it does sound like you all had fun even though the boys missed most of the parade. Just think, they will have something new to look forward to next year!

[Happydog]

Okay, well the photos are not so hot, but here are a few more... these are the pics both DS7 and I took on his disposable camera... quality with a "K" but the Photopass pics more than make it up... THANK YOU AGAIN, Christine :flower3:

Now a few of these are taken from the vantage point of my son, so that is one thing that might seem odd -- his eye level is more like knee level!!! Unfortunately these and probably any photo isn't going to do the pumpkins justice, but seeing them all glowing, especially the jack-o-lanterns up on the roofs and in the windowns of Main Street was my favorite memory about the MNSSHP!! So these just don't do any justice to the evening, but I wanted to at least show you the decorations I was babbling about, and my sleeping pumpkin heads in their Tshirts!!!! I got more the next morning! :thumbsup2

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Boswell-R1-050-23A.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Boswell-R1-054-25A.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Boswell-R1-040-18A.jpg

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Boswell-R1-038-17A-1.jpg

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http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Boswell-R1-032-14A-1.jpg

[Happydog]

Sounds like it was a fun evening at MNSSHP. I missed the peanut butter eyeballs... I want a do-over! :laughing:

Sorry about the camera but sometimes I think it's better to live in the moment and have your memories rather than be looking through the lens.

Hope your hubby got his work done. Work at WDW just seems wrong but I suppose if you gotta work, that's the setting in which I'd like to do it! :thumbsup2

RE the peanut butter eyeballs... yeah, you and me BOTH wanna do-over!!!! :rotfl: I want to go back for sure! Oh, but this coming from SOMEONE who got to go twice this trip??!! :rolleyes1

He did get his work done, and that was a good thing. The boys and I had a great time together, and I agree, at least at WDW it is less "depressing" to work on vacation!! :laughing:

I agree, I really enjoyed the parade, just watching it, vs. trying to snap pics... I loved it!


What a shame about your camera and the parade time mix-up, but it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Isn't MNSSHP fun? I think I could go every year and never get tired of it! Those chocolate peanut butter eyeballs sound like a hoot! I want some! :laughing:

Awww, thanks, CP. Yeah it was a drag, and drat on the parade I missed the start by 15 minutes, but we really did just have fun regardless. I think I could go every year and never get tired of it too! So let's go together next time!!! :laughing: Yeah, the eyeballs were funny!

I'm so glad you enjoyed MNSSHP! It's such a cool thing to be able to experince.

Too bad your little pumpkins fell asleep, but I'm glad you stayed for the parade and enjoyed it yourself! :thumbsup2

I've only seen Wishes and Hallowishes but Hallowishes is hands down my favorite. It was SO BEATUFIFUL!

The fireworks were VERY cool. And I am really glad I got to experience it in person, too.... The parade was amazing!

Just found your TR and have really enjoyed reading it. Your boys are so cute! :goodvibes

Glad you didn't float away during your woods weekend--I thought the rain would never end! I'm wondering if you're a scout leader (to be so committed to go during the yucky weather).

That must have been disappointing about your camera batteries, but you sure handled it well. Sometimes I think batteries will be the Achilles heel of our civilization :sad2:

The lobster rolls looked yummy! But your not giving the crabcake as high a rating doesn't surprise me :confused3 -- after all, you and I are used to eating incredible ones here in Maryland...yes?

Hello! Welcome!!! We always go to Shenandoah every fall, we rent a cabin, so this time we spent a little more time in doors... THOUGH I must say it was just cold, and not raining. So that was good.

Yeah I should have checked the battery.. Oh well, I did enjoy everything regardless. Yeah, the crab cakes gotta be just right in my book to pass muster!


Boo to me on not seeing the jack-o-lanterns come to life!! Missed that as well as the chocolate eyeballs!! Grrrrr....Oh well looks like I will just have to go back!!
The parade was so cool...especially the HM parts with the gravediggers!
The fireworks were so amazing! I couldn't believe it at the end! It was like daylight from being surrounded by all of them!! :yay:
Camera issues :sad2: I have decided that by next May I am going to have an SLR camera. I was looking at a friend of mines pictures from the parade...particularly the HM and the dancing people and I can't believe how much my camera misses----and I have good point and shoot cameras!! :confused3
:scared: Packing already? Well...looks like it is time for your PTR! ;)

Tracy

YES, all things must end, but it was really a short trip, so that was to be expected. They don't really come "alive" unless you describe the smoke and all lit up as "alive" -- which is how I describe it! So maybe you did see that afterall!
I am sensing a new camera for Christmas... :rolleyes1

What a great update!! I'm so glad you had a good time with your boys at MNSSHP!! I loved it and would love to get back there again!!!! OOps about the parade time, but you know what as long as you had a blast together it doesn't matter!! Besides they will get to see the Christmas parade soon and I know that will be a lot of fun!!!!!!

Thanks Jen!!! They did enjoy most of the evening afterall, and so I am just glad I got to see it! Yes, I agree about going back again! A great time!

You know, actually, the Christmas trip will not include the MVMCP, because we arrive one day late!!! :sad2: I know I used it for my trip counter, but that was because I wanted a festive ticker!! But everything I have read tells me starting on the day we arrive, all the entertainment from the party will be in the park anyhow... So we shouldn't miss too much.

[Charleston Princess]

Awww, thanks, CP. Yeah it was a drag, and drat on the parade I missed the start by 15 minutes, but we really did just have fun regardless. I think I could go every year and never get tired of it too! So let's go together next time!!! :laughing: Yeah, the eyeballs were funny!

Okay, twist my arm! :lmao:

Lobster rolls, Cosmo Slushies, and Boo to You, here we come!

[Happydog]

Okay, twist my arm! :lmao:

Lobster rolls, Cosmo Slushies, and Boo to You, here we come!

You don't even have to twist my arm... I shoulda booked that dang bounce back :lmao:

Do it now, ask later... :laughing: DH would have been like, WHAT is this $200.00 charge from Disney on the credit card statement??!!! LOL!!! :laughing:

[Charleston Princess]

You don't even have to twist my arm... I shoulda booked that dang bounce back :lmao:

Do it now, ask later... :laughing: DH would have been like, WHAT is this $200.00 charge from Disney on the credit card statement??!!! LOL!!! :laughing:

:rotfl: Yes, I always hold with the ask for forgiveness later theory. ;)

[Happydog]

It sounds like a lovely evening! Dead camera, sleeping boys and all. I agree, sometimes not having that camera "live" can be a blessing, just relax and be in the moment.

I'd like to see those pumpkins coming to life!

YES, I agree to get the eye out of the camera is a good thing :goodvibes And it was indeed fun, I must say my two "pumpkins" ate enough chocolate that night!!! :laughing: I am surprised they were NOT awake the whole time!

Just caught up.... Boo to YOU!

I love this parade... the headless horseman, Pooh bear dressed as a bumble-bee, Jack Sparrow :lovestruc , the dead dancing and of course the grave diggers.

The boys shirts really are very cute... what a fun alternative to full costumes. :thumbsup2

Oh you are not kidding the parade is amazing! Yeah, was too worried they would be hot in costume, and I didn't want to pack too much. the Tshirts were perfect! :thumbsup2

I can't wait to see more pictures of the evening, it does sound like you all had fun even though the boys missed most of the parade. Just think, they will have something new to look forward to next year!

Well, here are a few to start! Once the photopass CD share that I got to join comes back there will be a few "posed" ones! And I am sure someone else will have FABULOUS photos -- Jen, Christine, and Paula! Paula's were awesome from last year -- I saw them on Christine or Jen's PTR.... so I CAN'T wait to see the pro shots!!! :goodvibes

[Happydog]

:rotfl: Yes, I always hold with the ask for forgiveness later theory. ;)

If it's not broke, don't fix it!!!! :rotfl: Have you updated your TR yet??!! :upsidedow

[Lady Lallie]

I love the pictures from knee level, so neat to get a kiddos view point. :laughing:

Yes, I subscribe to ask for forgiveness later theory as well. Works like a charm. ;)

[Happydog]

I love the pictures from knee level, so neat to get a kiddos view point. :laughing:

Yes, I subscribe to ask for forgiveness later theory as well. Works like a charm. ;)

The night photos were not so good, b/c the camera was not anything special, BUT they are funny with the vantage point!

Re your theory... we'll see if I test it out in December... depends on the bounce back offers!!! :laughing:

[Happydog]

So after I had tucked in our sleeping boys, I took a little time to begin packing, and planned to finish the job in the morning. In the morning, everyone helped to get the luggage packed, and we all trouped over to the Custom House to check out, and we did our airline check in as well. The boys were again in their halloween Tshirts -- they were the cleanest :) and I figured they should wear them as much as they could. Then we headed over to the MK. We ate breakfast at the Contempo Café in the Contemporary, DH and I had the breakfast burritos, and the boys had french toast. Then we went to the park. We were there until lunch time, again just enjoying the rides we wanted to get in one last time, I got some photo pass pics and the boys ate lunch at Casey’s. Here are some of the pics I took... DSs are just hamming it up, and having fun, taking in the "show" at the foot of the castle, enjoying PUSH the trash can, Goofy's barnstormer -- DON'T ask me WHY!!?? and the shooting range in frontierland. We then exited the park and headed to EPCOT!

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We then made our way over to Epcot so I could meet up with Christine, Jen, and Paula, for my first ever DIS meet! I know, I know, I am easily excited! :rotfl: We all met outside of America, and DH went to get Lobster rolls, while I chatted. We visited a little longer, and said our good byes...
but not without a great photo!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2845-1.jpg

We made our way to the airport, car rental return, etc. The trip home was thankfully uneventful, and we counted this short but fun trip among our favorite family getaways this year. :goodvibes

My only regret this trip was that the boys didn’t see all of the parade at the MNSSHP, and next time if we go to the party, I know we will go all together, b/c while I was fine with both boys alone, it would have been nice to get more photos in… and take more time with the lines for candy, etc. so having DH would have been helpful. I am terrible at stopping for photpass pics! BUT at Christmas I am going to make a real effort to get more in. I also would have liked to spend more time at the F & W festival, which we could have done if we had maybe one more day for, but regardless, we got to do some fun things all around, and visiting AK and DHS for a half day each worked well given the length of our trip. When we go back at Christmas we will go see the shows again, since it will have been longer since the last time we saw them…

This trip we opted again for the basic dining plan. We are happy we did, and ended up using our TS meals for Le Cellier, Chef Mickey’s, Sanaa, and Tokyo Dining. We used our QS meals mostly in the park, once at Old Port Royale, and once at WPE. The highlight, though, of using the dining plan in the fall is using snack credits at the F & W festival!!! Most of the offerings at the festival easily run over $4.50 a serving, so if you save your snack credits for the festival, you end up with a good deal for sure. We paid OOP for kid snacks, but we certainly spent less in the long run by saving the credit s for the adult “snacking”!!!

I will be back to post the photos of my goodies and the purchases I made :rolleyes1 well hope everyone enjoyed my summary about our Hallow-wishes trip – Though we have been in the fall many times, this trip was a first for us, in that we had never been to the MNSSHP, and it is certainly an event at Disney I won’t want to miss whenever it may be that we go back again in the fall… It really is a great time to go :) The F & W festival is my top reason to go to Disney!!!

More photos on the way, and then off to plan CHRISTMAS 09!!!!:santa:

[wigdoutdismom]

Sounds like you guys had a great fall trip. I agree it's a wonderful time to go. Beautiful weather, special events, so much fun!
I'm planning to save my personal days from this year and use them in combination with next years personal days and a comp day for conferences and go back for MNSSHP and F&W 2010....

[eandesmom]

What a wonderful last day and such happy pictures! Love the dismeet pic!

I'm impressed your guys could hold those guns, poor Eric, with zero upper body strength, had a dickens of a time!

[IluvXU]

Quick catching up. Sorry about the parade times... those parties stress me out because there is so much happening besides the attractions. It cracks me up how you can miss all the characters... I can only imagine the lines my girls would drag me into for the special characters in costumes during the party!

That 4 parks CD is awesome... it has made it upstairs in a bedroom... I need to steal it back.

[Charleston Princess]

What a darling picture of the four of you at the your DIS meet! You look like you are having so much fun!

Every trip I think about taking Connor to the Shooting Arcade -- maybe this next one will be the time I actually follow through!

You know I am looking forward to the goodies post! :banana:

[Lady Lallie]

What a wonderful last day. Hitting up both MK and Epcot sounds like a great idea! :thumbsup2

I love the picture of you, Jen, Paula and Christine. Super cute!!

[Lady Lallie]

Every trip I think about taking Connor to the Shooting Arcade -- maybe this next one will be the time I actually follow through!

We'll put it on the itinerary! ;):rotfl2:

[Charleston Princess]

We'll put it on the itinerary! ;):rotfl2:

Okay, good! :thumbsup2:laughing:

[manntra]

What a fun filled last morning! Love your Dismeet picture! :thumbsup2

I really, really, really liked going during October....for the F&W as well as MNSSHP. I am point challenged next year so I only have one trip planned for May but I can count on many more fall trips in my future! :yay:

Tracy

[jenjolt]

Awww...what a great last day!!! I'm so glad we were able to meet up and spend a few moments together chatting while your DH ran to get Lobster rolls LOL!! Your boys were too cute!! I loved being able to meet them too!!!!!

Your finally morning at MK looked like a ton of fun!!

What a great trip!!

[praisehisname]

You had a full last day! Great pics of the boys in MK! Can't wait till you go back in December so we can read another report!

Denise

[Happydog]

Sounds like you guys had a great fall trip. I agree it's a wonderful time to go. Beautiful weather, special events, so much fun!
I'm planning to save my personal days from this year and use them in combination with next years personal days and a comp day for conferences and go back for MNSSHP and F&W 2010....

Ah HA!!! so you are scheming missy, for another return... well I think you are scheming for a few returns... :rolleyes1

What a wonderful last day and such happy pictures! Love the dismeet pic!

I'm impressed your guys could hold those guns, poor Eric, with zero upper body strength, had a dickens of a time!

Yes the photo was fun! I am a wreak, having ridden Splash right before we left MK, and literally got the big splash on the way up and down on the ride! My clothes were still wet!

I think they prop them up, so their aim is decent, but they can't reach everything!

Quick catching up. Sorry about the parade times... those parties stress me out because there is so much happening besides the attractions. It cracks me up how you can miss all the characters... I can only imagine the lines my girls would drag me into for the special characters in costumes during the party!

That 4 parks CD is awesome... it has made it upstairs in a bedroom... I need to steal it back.

I know, I am surprised they don't want to see anyone!!! I am hoping that wont be the case with the christmas characters...

It IS a great CD! My DS4 really really likes it.

What a darling picture of the four of you at the your DIS meet! You look like you are having so much fun!

Every trip I think about taking Connor to the Shooting Arcade -- maybe this next one will be the time I actually follow through!

You know I am looking forward to the goodies post! :banana:

Oh they were a great bunch of ladies to meet! It was fun to chat with them. they are very serene, having just eaten a leisurely lunch at Chefs....

I gotta download photos into Photobucket, but tomorrow, I should be able to post it up!

What a wonderful last day. Hitting up both MK and Epcot sounds like a great idea! :thumbsup2

I love the picture of you, Jen, Paula and Christine. Super cute!!

It was a fun photo to take, DH obliged as the photographer... :)

It was a whirlwind am, but I was determined to get back to Epcot for my meet and for my last lobster roll!!!! :rotfl:

What a fun filled last morning! Love your Dismeet picture! :thumbsup2

I really, really, really liked going during October....for the F&W as well as MNSSHP. I am point challenged next year so I only have one trip planned for May but I can count on many more fall trips in my future! :yay:

Tracy

I agree! Fall is a great time to go, and that is the time we have been the most, so I have to say it will likely remain our favorite too! :thumbsup2

Awww...what a great last day!!! I'm so glad we were able to meet up and spend a few moments together chatting while your DH ran to get Lobster rolls LOL!! Your boys were too cute!! I loved being able to meet them too!!!!!

Your finally morning at MK looked like a ton of fun!!

What a great trip!!

Thank you Jen! I was so happy to catch you ladies there at Epcot, it was fun to chat for a little and I was so excited to hear about your MNSSHP plans... I can't wait to see photos!

You had a full last day! Great pics of the boys in MK! Can't wait till you go back in December so we can read another report!

Denise

Thanks! Yes, we did have full days most days, but it was short, so of course felt too short!

[Happydog]

We had a great trip of course, and getting home rather late that Tuesday evening we had a whirlwind three day week, before we could even unpack or get settled. So that weekend we cleaned up the travel odds and ends, and I took some photos of my souveniers....

FIRST my shirts from TrenD...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009010.jpg

I picked these two b/c I wanted a longsleeve T for the fall/winter (and Xmas trip!) and I liked the Mickey Icon in the peace symbol pattern on the red T -- so festive!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009011.jpg

For the boys, going with the long sleeve T choice, I got the following -- I REALLY loved this one...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009009.jpg

LAST November, when we went to WDW, I really wanted a Jack Skellington ornament. They were sold out everywhere. SO, this year I managed to get one! :yay:

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009008.jpg

I also wanted to get some other small ornaments to put on my tree, but also those I could PACK with me to bring to Disney in December, since I was bringing a small Christmas Tree....

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009007.jpg

I also got this T for DS4 -- he likes Mr. Potato Head, and he already has the small green alien "eyes" T shirt! ;) Piglet and Pooh approve!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009013.jpg

THEN I got a picture of our candy bags, before we ate everything in them!! :rolleyes1

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009014.jpg

AND our little "fishy friend" who showed up in our room the first night we were there....

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/Fall2009012.jpg

Okay... more to include, but dinner calls.... Will post the VERY end, tonight! :thumbsup2

[shannn]

What a nice last day. I'm kicking myself for not trying those lobster rolls. (Guess I'll have to go back next year??;))

Love that peace sign shirt. I looked at it, but they didn't carry it in plus sizes.

What a great September trip!

[wigdoutdismom]

Very cute shirts from TrenD. I like them both! Long sleeve shirts for the boys will be perfect for December. Let's hope it's only long sleeve weather.....
Your Jack ornament would be very cute on my red and white tree at home, I'm going to hope for one when we get there in December.

My gosh, they got a lot of candy! How much is left?

I can't believe you are keeping me waiting on the summer information.
You devil you!

I wonder if they make that Mr. Potato head shirt in an adult size, it would be perfect for Fridays at school.......

[eandesmom]

I can't wait to go to TrendD! Very cute stuff.

Love the Mr. Potato head shirt especially.

[Happydog]

So as I mentioned in the previous post, we got some great souveniers, along with a couple DIS racers, and my DS7 got some legos... well he actually got three sets of lego PEOPLE -- the magnet sets, where you can detatch the figures... we do not need more LEGOs, at least not right now! So instead we got the figures, which is what he really loves most... I have another set I bought secretively, to put in his December trip goodie bag...

I also bought the 4 park 1 world CD... I realize I didn't take a photo of that -- but it is the red 2disc CD, and MAN am I in heaven! DS loves listening to the HM song -- but just not the "hurry back..." at the end of the ride/CD song.... Which makes me laugh! :laughing:

*update* Wait -- here is the photo (I had to go and take a pic of something else, so I got this while I was out there!

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_1075.jpg

Oh! AND I bought one last little goofy thing for me ... but I will show you in a photo, b/c that will be better. I will post it at the very end, b/c after I submit this post I will have to go take the photo!! HA! :rotfl:

*update * Silly photo...

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_1074.jpg


Lastly I got a few princess knick-knacks for my neighbor's little girl, who is going for the first time after Thanksgiving!

Now RIGHT before we left, DH and I started talking about our final hurrah (well HE thinks it is our final hurrah!) trip to Disney on our APs...

There is ONE resort we have been DYING to stay at... we have a reservation for THIS resort, for...
Check-in Sun June 20th - Check-out Friday June 25th...

Now what we are waiting for is to decide WHERE and WHEN ELSE we are going to stay:

A) the Friday/Saturday BEFORE (so June 18th and 19th)

B) the Friday, Sat, Sunday AFTER.. (so the 25th, 26th, 27th, check out on the 28th....) WHICH is what I would prefer, b/c you can see that we will have secured an extra full day! Our passes EXPIRE on the 29th :laughing:

OR

C) ONE extra day on one weekend, the Saturday, and then TWO extra nights on the other end... Friday and Saturday.... I have not gotten to this decision yet, b/c we only have the one reservation at this point! :laughing:

Either way, this will require plane tickets, and the decision of ANOTHER resort... OR two if we go with option "C"... So guess who will be watching for the june date deals for Disney!! :surfweb:

Now, remember this would be an AP discount, so who knows if they will show up in June or all of June.... :rolleyes:

Now, you must certainly be WONDERING.

WHERE is this reservation???

Take a look...


Can you tell?

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2820-1.jpg

HOW about NOW?

http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2820-2.jpg

TA

DA!


http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv359/hooverboswell/IMG_2820.jpg

IT'S the BAY LAKE TOWERS everyone! YES, my dream resort ever since walking into the DVC model on the tour THIS is a big big :cloud9: for me!

WE are THRILLED. NOW we just have to decide on another really fun place to stay, like the AK, Poly, or Coronado... hard to beat the Moderate AP price LET me tell you, or Boardwalk, that is where DH is thinking... but then I would love to end at the Wilderness... I really would like to be at a zero entry pool resort this time, so I am thinking we would pass on the Wilderness... SO here is where the fun begins!!! :yay::yay: MY SPRING FLING PTR! NEVER mind I have a DECEMBER PTR followed by a TR :santa: that I will be attending to! :lmao: Now I am going to have a great deal of fun with this. BUT until I get the dates JUST right, I won't start a PTR, etc. HOWEVER, I know at the very least, I can make ressies for my official trip June 20 - 25th 180 days in advance... :yay: THANK you Disney, for changing that back! This would be on December 22nd. YES. You read that correctly.

DECEMBER 22nd. While. We. Will. Be. In. Disney....

:rotfl: :rotfl:

OR should I say ....

:eek: :eek:

I think it is HIGHlarious... I am gonna have to go to my OWN PTR for my December trip to figure out what I am supposed to be doing, so I can make sure I schedule time for making my ADRs!!!! :lmao:

I find this highly amusing and mildly comical. I can't decide which.

And with THAT, my friends. I will end my TR of September 2009. :wave2:

(wait! -- one LAST photo will be slipped into this entry in the near future... watch for it :magnify:)

Enough said. ;)

[IluvXU]

So are you renting points for BLT? I actually nerd that I was figured it out. I totally know what you mean about a zero entry pool.... and I am pressing for you to add on the front end and maybe just maybe we can be at the same resort!

[wigdoutdismom]

OH WOW, now that's a lot to process at one time!

I think you are a girl with lots of Disney magic heading her way!

Can you believe that we leave on June 11th and you arrive on the 18th, then you leave on the 28th and we arrive back on the 4th of July.....
How can that be?

You might want to consider Beach Club for you last couple of days, the boys would have a blast at SAB.....just in case it's too cold to swim in December.

[Happydog]

What a nice last day. I'm kicking myself for not trying those lobster rolls. (Guess I'll have to go back next year??;))

Love that peace sign shirt. I looked at it, but they didn't carry it in plus sizes.

What a great September trip!

That is okay, I will forgive you :rotfl:

Yeah, I like it too, I am looking forward to wearing it this fall... Already sported it around some ;)

Very cute shirts from TrenD. I like them both! Long sleeve shirts for the boys will be perfect for December. Let's hope it's only long sleeve weather.....
Your Jack ornament would be very cute on my red and white tree at home, I'm going to hope for one when we get there in December.

My gosh, they got a lot of candy! How much is left?

I can't believe you are keeping me waiting on the summer information.
You devil you!

I wonder if they make that Mr. Potato head shirt in an adult size, it would be perfect for Fridays at school.......


Okay wait your "red and white" tree? Does that mean you have a "blue and green" tree, too?? :laughing:

They did get a lot, actually -- I can say this b/c once I pulled out all that they could NOT eat -- the starburst kind of stuff (the teeth sticking practically pulling stuff) there was still a whole 8x14" cake pan full of it... ESPECIALLY the chocolate eyes!!! I shoulda taken a photo of those!!!
YUM.

Okay, so summer is revealed now, happy??!! :laughing:

I agree, I would TOTALLY wear that shirt if I taught second graders :lmao:

I can't wait to go to TrendD! Very cute stuff.

Love the Mr. Potato head shirt especially.

You will love it I am sure! :thumbsup2 Yeah, I liked the Mr. Potato head shirt, too :) Not sure why, but the green alien eyes T shirt and Mr. Potato head T shirt BOTH suit DS4 :laughing:

[Happydog]

OH WOW, now that's a lot to process at one time!

I think you are a girl with lots of Disney magic heading her way!

Can you believe that we leave on June 11th and you arrive on the 18th, then you leave on the 28th and we arrive back on the 4th of July.....
How can that be?

You might want to consider Beach Club for you last couple of days, the boys would have a blast at SAB.....just in case it's too cold to swim in December.

I told ya it would be a big post!!!! :laughing:

I call that "bad luck"!!! :laughing: RATS!!! I think I got that as soon as you mentioned your July dates, though :( I really really know you will love the 4th, though, so I don't feel TOOOOOOO bad knowing you'll be there for that on your Birthday!!!! :thumbsup2 YES, I was thinking that too, BC, but I also want to try as many resorts as I can first hand... But there is time to consider all options after December. I am hopeful it won't be terribly cold.. I don't know about the slides, but I figure 82 degree water is still quite warm!

[DisMomAmy]

Great report!! And yay for BLT!! I can't wait to read the next installment of your year-long Disney adventure. :cool1:

[Happydog]

So are you renting points for BLT? I actually nerd that I was figured it out. I totally know what you mean about a zero entry pool.... and I am pressing for you to add on the front end and maybe just maybe we can be at the same resort!


HI!!! YES! We are renting points -- we have had the best luck with this, to be honest, but the rest of the trip we will take advantage of an AP discount... Oohhhh so have you finally got your self a trip and a ticker??!! :laughing: It is POSSIBLE.. not sure quite yet, our problem is that we don't get out of school until the 16th... the end of the year is always so chaotic... BUT the 18th IS my DH's actual BD, so to get a giftcard for his Bday (should they extend the "celebration" year theme) would be an incentive to DH -- you know, ANOTHER way we have saved by getting APs this year :rolleyes: Remember, he is the $8.00 snack credit use guy.... :laughing: It certainly isn't out of the running, though! :)

[Happydog]

Great report!! And yay for BLT!! I can't wait to read the next installment of your year-long Disney adventure. :cool1:

THANK YOU! Well, it will be on my DECEMBER PTR at this point! I have to hop over to yours, I see you have had some activity and those ADRs are not going to make themselves !!! :laughing:

[Charleston Princess]

How exciting to be staying at Bay Lake Towers next summer!!! Do you rent from someone on the DIS boards or somewhere else? Do tell me your secret because you seem to have the best luck with renting!

Love all the souvenirs -- especially the Jack ornament, the boys' t-shirts, and your decal! :goodvibes

I think I need to write down your dates so I don't forget them.

[Happydog]

How exciting to be staying at Bay Lake Towers next summer!!! Do you rent from someone on the DIS boards or somewhere else? Do tell me your secret because you seem to have the best luck with renting!

Love all the souvenirs -- especially the Jack ornament, the boys' t-shirts, and your decal! :goodvibes

I think I need to write down your dates so I don't forget them.

HI! No we don't have anyone "special"... I can always PM you my DH's techniques if you want! ;) WE have rented from the Disboard, though, in the past not recently... but we had great results when we did .... Craigs List is a good way...

Yes, I love him too!!! I can't wait to hang him up... I thought the decal was just too perfect. My DH totally rolled his eyes at this one when it suddenly appeared on the car :rolleyes1

I HOPE you write them down... :rolleyes:

[Lady Lallie]

What a great wrap up!

I have been dying for one of those Mickey Head people for my car. Where did you find her!?! I must buy! :laughing:

My head is spinning with all your plans. Holy Moly! How exciting to be staying at BLT though, that is going to be amazing for you. :banana:

[Charleston Princess]

HI! No we don't have anyone "special"... I can always PM you my DH's techniques if you want! ;) WE have rented from the Disboard, though, in the past not recently... but we had great results when we did .... Craigs List is a good way...

Yes, I love him too!!! I can't wait to hang him up... I thought the decal was just too perfect. My DH totally rolled his eyes at this one when it suddenly appeared on the car :rolleyes1

I HOPE you write them down... :rolleyes:

When you get a chance, PM me your DH's technique -- no rush though.

Charles rolled his eyes when I put my "got disney world?" decal on the back of my car. :laughing: It makes me smile everytime I see it though.

[Happydog]

What a great wrap up!

I have been dying for one of those Mickey Head people for my car. Where did you find her!?! I must buy! :laughing:

My head is spinning with all your plans. Holy Moly! How exciting to be staying at BLT though, that is going to be amazing for you. :banana:

Yes, spinning heads has been par for the course with my Disney trips!! :laughing: RE the Mickey decals, go to the shop inside TEST TRACK!! That is where I got mine -- they don't have them at World of Disney? I would have thought they did ?? :confused3

When you get a chance, PM me your DH's technique -- no rush though.

Charles rolled his eyes when I put my "got disney world?" decal on the back of my car. :laughing: It makes me smile everytime I see it though.

I will, I gotta get a good "report" on it from him.... RE the decal, that one sounds cute, too! :) Mine makes me smile as well, DH groaned "NO, not the car!!!!" when he saw it a few weeks ago!!! :rotfl:

[eandesmom]

BLT! Very exciting, that was high on our list of possibilities for August and I have a feeling a stay there is on the list at some point in the future.

I'm too nervous to rent points from someone I don't know...I know, big scared y cat, you've had great luck with it.

Out of your list I'd vote for Boardwalk or AKL as both would be very different from BLT and new to you!

[shannn]

Oooooo...BLT!!! I would love to stay there. We went to Cali Grill last week, and the view just blew me away! What about staying at the Poly? It would be such an easy transfer.

I love your decal. I almost bought those when I was there, although I ended up getting a different one instead:

http://www.treasurekingdom.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/ATAE3a.jpg

but I might end up with the decals too. They're soooo cute!

I'm renting points for December, but from someone I know IRL. I'd be nervous to rent from someone online.

[Charleston Princess]

LL, Mousegears had a lot of the decals and car stuff as well. :thumbsup2

[Lady Lallie]

LL, Mousegears had a lot of the decals and car stuff as well. :thumbsup2

I'm really excited about this! There is a car in my town that I see all the time that has the Mouse Ears family and I have Mouse Ears envy. :laughing:

I had dreams last night all about renting DVC points. Is that a sign I need to do it for my next trip? :laughing:

[Happydog]

BLT! Very exciting, that was high on our list of possibilities for August and I have a feeling a stay there is on the list at some point in the future.

I'm too nervous to rent points from someone I don't know...I know, big scared y cat, you've had great luck with it.

Out of your list I'd vote for Boardwalk or AKL as both would be very different from BLT and new to you!

We have been waiting to stay at BLT... The theming is very much appealing to my DH... Re the points rental, so many people use Paypal nowadays, that you can pretty much be guaranteed a safe transaction, b/c your purchase/CC is protected, you know? We have never had trouble. Hopefully that will continue to be the case -- those on the Dis and off.

Oooooo...BLT!!! I would love to stay there. We went to Cali Grill last week, and the view just blew me away! What about staying at the Poly? It would be such an easy transfer.

I love your decal. I almost bought those when I was there, although I ended up getting a different one instead:

http://www.treasurekingdom.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/ATAE3a.jpg

but I might end up with the decals too. They're soooo cute!

I'm renting points for December, but from someone I know IRL. I'd be nervous to rent from someone online.

Oh I love love the hood ornament -- is that what it is?? Yes, we are very excited to stay there. I am toying with Poly -- DH thought so, too... that or AK. Which is why I can't wait to read your TR!!!!


LL, Mousegears had a lot of the decals and car stuff as well. :thumbsup2

They must have the same display! I have not been into Mousegears much -- I try to do my shopping when the kids are "preoccupied" -- asleep -- hence DTD late hours works out well for me! :thumbsup2

I'm really excited about this! There is a car in my town that I see all the time that has the Mouse Ears family and I have Mouse Ears envy. :laughing:

I had dreams last night all about renting DVC points. Is that a sign I need to do it for my next trip? :laughing:

Oh yes! You should get one! :) I think it is sooo cute ;)

Oh well, whatever your dreams tell you.... HA!

Hey, do you all know if the Celebration Theme will be continued into 2010? Where can I find any details/rumors about this? Trying to convince DH that this is why we need the split stay in June :rotfl:

[Charleston Princess]

Hey, do you all know if the Celebration Theme will be continued into 2010? Where can I find any details/rumors about this? Trying to convince DH that this is why we need the split stay in June :rotfl:

I don't know if they are going to continue it or not, but I do know that it works out best for me if you arrive on the 18th. :lmao: Maybe...

[Happydog]

I don't know if they are going to continue it or not, but I do know that it works out best for me if you arrive on the 18th. :lmao: Maybe...

AH HA HA HA HA....:rotfl:

Well, I guess it remains to be seen!! AS DOES YOUR DATES IN JUNE!

BUT. In the meantime I am enjoying your TR from the F & W and your "dull" husband's wit. :laughing:

[Charleston Princess]

AH HA HA HA HA....:rotfl:

Well, I guess it remains to be seen!! AS DOES YOUR DATES IN JUNE!

BUT. In the meantime I am enjoying your TR from the F & W and your "dull" husband's wit. :laughing:

I was trying to get him to help this morning on dates, but he was not helping. His only response was, "Whatever you decide, we HAVE to go to the new Harry Potter theme park." Like I didn't know that already...:rolleyes:

[Diamondintheruff]

Just got caught up again.

Sounds like you had a great ending to your quick surprise trip!

Thrilled for you that you're doing the Bay Tower. I talked to a family that was staying there and they just raved about it. Looking forward to hearing about your next trips.

[Happydog]

I was trying to get him to help this morning on dates, but he was not helping. His only response was, "Whatever you decide, we HAVE to go to the new Harry Potter theme park." Like I didn't know that already...:rolleyes:


YUP, I get that "U" and "HP" pull... my boys don't really know Harry Potter... so I am thinking we have another year yet, for that park... not sure though... I have to really discuss it with my DH, too... would it be worth it, etc. If there isn't anything there yet for that age group, we will wait a little longer.

OH I PM'd you!
;)

[2xcited2sleep]

All caught up. I love lazy Sunday mornings and DIS'ing! :surfweb: So random comments in random order:

I like the kid perspective shots from MK. Those are adorable. And you're very welcome re: photopass. My pleasure!

LOVE all your souvies. I was toying with getting a decal for my car but I didn't. Maybe next time. Love all your T's!!

I am so excited for your Christmas trip! Too funny you will be making ADRs from WDW! If you need help, just let me know. I'm happy to call/log in for you. I'll be home. :thumbsup2

The Frontierland shooting gallery - I always forget that is even there. Guess that may be one of those things you discover with boys. :)

It was SO terrific to meet you and your family. You're all just as nice and adorable as you seem in these TR's. And so glad you were able to get the lobster roll too! ;)

Think you asked about the Celebrate You theme. I heard it is continuing but without the get in free on your b-day part. That is being replaced by the volunteer for a day and get a day promotion. At least that is what I heard on the DIS podcast.

I am very intrigued at the idea of renting DVC points. I skimmed thru some of the replies. Did you post your "secret"? Do you find the renter on the boards? I'm going to have to check that out as it may be the only way for me to continue to visit "my" Beach Club!

Congrats on getting your dream resort! So many TRs to look forward to from you!!! :)

And let's not forget F&W next year... :rolleyes1

[jenjolt]

BAY LAKE TOWERS!! WOOT what fun you will have staying there!! I am so excited for you!!! YAY!!!!

Loved your souvenirs and I can't wait to read about your trip in December!!!

After January (when I renew my AP for the 15 months WOOT) I'm looking to head back in the fall and if we don't own DVC I'm seriously considering renting points and staying somewhere for a good deal so I might have a lot of questions to ask you and your DH about that LOL!!!

[wigdoutdismom]

One small plea.....
When you all go back next fall....
Anyway you could do it later in the month?
Much later in the month....
I would love to meet everyone, but we have our fall break quite late in October.

[Happydog]

All caught up. I love lazy Sunday mornings and DIS'ing! :surfweb: So random comments in random order:

I like the kid perspective shots from MK. Those are adorable. And you're very welcome re: photopass. My pleasure!

LOVE all your souvies. I was toying with getting a decal for my car but I didn't. Maybe next time. Love all your T's!!

I am so excited for your Christmas trip! Too funny you will be making ADRs from WDW! If you need help, just let me know. I'm happy to call/log in for you. I'll be home. :thumbsup2

The Frontierland shooting gallery - I always forget that is even there. Guess that may be one of those things you discover with boys. :)

It was SO terrific to meet you and your family. You're all just as nice and adorable as you seem in these TR's. And so glad you were able to get the lobster roll too! ;)

Think you asked about the Celebrate You theme. I heard it is continuing but without the get in free on your b-day part. That is being replaced by the volunteer for a day and get a day promotion. At least that is what I heard on the DIS podcast.

I am very intrigued at the idea of renting DVC points. I skimmed thru some of the replies. Did you post your "secret"? Do you find the renter on the boards? I'm going to have to check that out as it may be the only way for me to continue to visit "my" Beach Club!

Congrats on getting your dream resort! So many TRs to look forward to from you!!! :)

And let's not forget F&W next year... :rolleyes1

Ah GEE Christine you are so nice to say those things about us! We have fun.. Honestly, if you would have told me this time last year (when I was getting ready to leave for my Nov08 trip) that I would be returning to Disney FOUR or more times in the coming year, I would have laughed you out of my house... :rolleyes: How things change!!!! :rotfl: Well, regarding the DVC, I will send you along what I sent to CP -- no secrets, really, just don't want to blabber on about that in my TR... HAPPY to share our trade-secrets.

AND FALL, you say? Oh, I am totally there. BUT, I am not sure about the HOW, so if it is a fall trip, I will have to check out dates, times, etc... LIKE I said I was a fool not to book that DANG bounce back ahead of time!!! :headache:

DON'T know if I could get DH to go again.... he thinks if he takes me enough in one year he will "purge" it out of my system....:rolleyes1

BAY LAKE TOWERS!! WOOT what fun you will have staying there!! I am so excited for you!!! YAY!!!!

Loved your souvenirs and I can't wait to read about your trip in December!!!

After January (when I renew my AP for the 15 months WOOT) I'm looking to head back in the fall and if we don't own DVC I'm seriously considering renting points and staying somewhere for a good deal so I might have a lot of questions to ask you and your DH about that LOL!!!

I am REALLY REALLY so excited, too.... That 15 mos deal is a DEAL!!! Well you should just take the plunge and BUY DVC lady! A good time to, it seems, based on what I hear from WigD's reports!!! I can always give you the tips! :thumbsup2

One small plea.....
When you all go back next fall....
Anyway you could do it later in the month?
Much later in the month....
I would love to meet everyone, but we have our fall break quite late in October.

Well you gotta give some speculative times, at least, so one can try and figure it out!!!! :goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

YUP, I get that "U" and "HP" pull... my boys don't really know Harry Potter... so I am thinking we have another year yet, for that park... not sure though... I have to really discuss it with my DH, too... would it be worth it, etc. If there isn't anything there yet for that age group, we will wait a little longer.

OH I PM'd you!
;)

I got it -- getting ready to PM you back! :goodvibes

While I would love to see the new HP stuff, I don't like that it is adding about another $400 onto the trip. That is going to cut into my drinking fund. :lmao:

[wigdoutdismom]

I wish I had some dates, but until our school calendar comes out, I'm at a loss. Normally we have that break in the middle of the month. So last year at this time we were at Disney. Then this year they made our conferences and fall break a week later....
So IF we would have gone it would have been next weekend over Halloween, we have never had this late of a fall break before. I really hope next year they go back to a week earlier.....

[eandesmom]

If it weren't for trying to get FD which is by far the best deal for us, I would look into renting points for this trip. I've priced it everywhere to Sunday and FD wins everytime. Maybe by our next trip we will be able to buy on the resale market....we will see!

I think my concern is not so much the financial transaction, it's the transitory nature of our plans and knowing we might need to make changes and sticking someone else in the middle of that, who may or may not want to deal with it...Bleh.

However I think the trick is using HP to extend the overall trip! I couldn't see cutting any Disney time out so it just had to be longer. It did add far more than another $400 though but that was our choice based on how we are doing it. With your kids though I do think you can wait another year or two based on their ages.

That said we did IOA when the E's were 4&5 and they had a blast, plenty to do.