Doing Disney Grandma Style! Our 6 day adventure! new ptr link up 1/17 ! PG.15

[dddisrunner]

WELCOME! For all of you new to a dddisrunner trip report, HELLO and welcome aboard! This was a special trip, we were going to experience many things for the first time including a trip with our kids grandmothers! My name is Diane, I am a health and physical education teacher, loving wife to my husband Bryan of 11 years and mother to our 2 boys, Matthew 9 1/2 and Eric who turned 8 on this trip!

This trip was a surprise for the boys! We bought into DVC in the summer of 2008 and had last been to the world just this past summer! We were so excited to go during the fall and hoping for GREAT weather!

A little background for this trip...our town trick or treats on 10/30 instead of 10/31, it's a long story but it worked out PERFECTLY for us and this trip! I packed completely undetected and was quite relieved when the kids finally went to bed on 10/30. Bryan and I finished up all the last minute packing and loaded all the suitcases in the car. Bryan's mom had spend the night hat our house so she was already with us and ready to go; she will be referred to as Grandma during this report and my mom will be called GaGa!

I was too excited to sleep but eventually drifted off. At a very early 4:45am the alarm went off and we hopped out of bed and quickly got dressed and ready. My mom "GaGa" arrived at 5:00am and it was time to wake the boys and reveal the surprise!

Here is a video of the surprise! There was no "woo hoo" moment but Eric's reaction was PRICELESS! The video is about 2 minutes long but it is worth it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/th_Disney.jpg (http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/?action=view&current=Disney.flv)

Here are some early waking moment pictures!

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The whole thing was so hilarious because Eric really thought we were lying! We ventured down to my bedroom to show him the surprise birthday gift we had for him on our bed! We had goofy set up with his ipod and a birthday card!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8775.jpg

When he finally realized that we weren't lying and he saw the magical express stickers on the luggage he was EXCITED!

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Everyone was EXCITED! We got the boys dressed and we were on our way to Philadelphia by 5:30am!! We arrived at the airport parked the car and I typed our parking section into my phone so we wouldn't forget where we parked! (remember that).

We checked in and made our way to our gate!

happy people waiting to head to sunny Disney World!

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Our moms were THRILLED to be heading to WDW to see what all the fuss was about! My mom had never been to Disney without it being a band trip, as she used to do choreography for the local high school bandfront! Bryan's mom hadn't been since Eric was 5 months old and ALOT had changed!

We finally boarded the plane and we were surprised to see the flight attendants handing out candy! We forgot it was Halloween! The plane was even decorated!

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We were also offered 1 free alcholic drink because it was a holiday! WOO HOO, you gotta love Southwest!!

We finally arrived in BEAUTIFUL, SUNNY FLORIDA!!! We made our way to the Magical Express and were SO HAPPY to finally be there!

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The system is new now, we didn't have to go to the counter and check in, we went right to a podium and they put us in a line immediately!

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We were told to get on line 4 as we were headed to the new Bay Lake Tower!!!

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We were told to board after about 2 minutes and the bus was PACKED!! We were so happy to be headed to our happy place!

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Grandma and Gaga experiencing Magical Express for the first time!

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We were off! The bus driver came on and told us that the Polynesian was first, then Grand Floridian, then Wilderness Lodge THEN the Contemporary! Friends of ours (Lesley and Tim) had told us that they got off at the Poly and hopped the monorail to the Contemporary. I thought that was a BRILLIANT idea considering how full the bus was, well......................................it didn't work out so well for us! We caught a monorail right away but it stopped for 15 minutes at the Grand Floridian and about 10 minutes at the Magic Kingdom! UGHHHHHH! I just wanted to get checked in and start our vacation!!! turns out we arrived at the same time as the Magical Express bus! As it turned out I made an even BIGGER mistake when I actually walked al the way over to Bay lake Tower to check in! The check in is at the Contemporary and I did not know that! I felt VERY unprepared for this trip and that just proved it! FINALLY, I walked BACK over to the CR and checked us in! I requested a high floor and we booked a lake view! Our room was ready but our moms was not! We were on the 9th floor! WOO HOO!


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!






Trip Report Links!

Day 1...you are here
Awesome holiday video!http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34246567&posted=1#post34246567
Day 2 part 1 DHS morning! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34255267&posted=1#post34255267
Day 2 complete MNSSHP! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34286167&posted=1#post34286167
Day 3 Eric's birthday part 1! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34329906&posted=1#post34329906
Day 3 the end! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34370532&posted=1#post34370532
DAY 4 complete! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34433485&posted=1#post34433485
DAY 5 complete, starts here!http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2325495&page=12
DAY 6 complete! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34565560&posted=1#post34565560
Christmas trip to NYC! http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=34616845&posted=1#post34616845

[dddisrunner]

Day 1 continued!

So we finally checked in and dropped off our luggage! I didn't take any pictures because we were all STARVING and dying to go to a park already!!

We were headed to the Animal Kingdom!

Excited people on the bus!

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We went in and immediately got something to eat at Pizzafari!

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We SHOVELED our yummy food down our throat because it was 2:45 and the park closed at 5pm! That was the one thing that took some getting used to, when we go in the summer all the parks are open late but they were all closing early during our stay!

After lunch Bryan ran to fastpass Everest and said he would meet us at Dinosaur!

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He actually caught back up with us before we got there!

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Here we are on the ride! So fun! It was GREAT to hear my mom and Bryan's mom yell and laugh! We are in the 3rd and 4th rows!

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Bryan and Eric were the only ones riding Everest on this day so the rest of us strolled over to meet up with them!

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Not this trip for me!

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Man was it HOT on this day...not too far off from summer temps! It was 91 we found out later! What a change from the 50 degree Jersey weather!!

I was also STUNNED by the lack of crowds, we had NEVER seen the Animal Kingdom like this! Look at the stand by wait for EE!

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My happy boy after an encounter with the Yeti!

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We made our way over to the safari next! Again, NO LINE!!! I won't bore you with a ton of pics!

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Matthew and Grandma on their 2 week trek!

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Next up was It's Tough to be a Bug!

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Happy bugs!

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At this point we were getting tired, so it was time to head out and say goodbye to the AK for this trip!

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Back at Bay lake Tower, we got our swimsuits on and decided to hit the pool!



CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

The end of Day 1!


We went up to our room and changed and took some pictures!

The long sleek looking hallways!

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Our room #

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we were on the outside of the building, facing the Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake! Honestly, I couldn't believe our view wasn't conseidered a MK view, it was PERFECT and BEAUTIFUL! We had a full on view of the castle! Here is the proof!

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That was looking to the left and this was looking to the right!

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Bay lake Tower is GORGEOUS, the pictures don't do it justice. Everything is so sleek and modern. It is all so new in fact, I don't think our sofa bed was EVER used!

We decided to hit the pool!

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A view of the inner circle from the pool!

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Bryan enjoying a beverage and soaking up the atmosphere!

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My Pina Colava! AWESOME!

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They have this GREAT splash area for kids too!

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A beautiful view of Bay Lake!

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It was getting late and we were all EXHAUSTED after being up since 4:45am so we went back up to the room, showered and went over to the Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary for a quick dinner and then went to bed rather quickly, happy and feeling blessed to be back at the greatest place in the world!!!



Coming up next!

Grandma's ride Toy Story
Pirate's League and
MNNSHP!!!!

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm in!

[wigdoutdismom]

OK, just read it and am cracking up at Eric..... "you're lying":lmao: I can't believe how deserted AK was. A 10 min stand by for EE???? Wow! Looks like you were off to a great start!

[Trentmom]

Hey Diane!!

So glad you started!!!

Now going back to read :surfweb:

[timandlesley]

OH MY GOSH DIANE, RECORD TIME!!! You just got home YESTERDAY!!!! You never cease to amaze me : ) GREAT update. LOVED LOVED LOVED the surprise video- Luke and Lauren were dying laughing every time Eric said "you're lying". So sorry the monorail plan backfired on you and I should have warned you about the check in - so sorry. Looks like after that you guys are off to a good start though. I had that same drink poolside, great minds........ Can't wait for more!
Lesley

[tmkinney]

Love it! Great start.... Too funny Eric saying your were lying... :rotfl2: BLT looks gorgeous! Wasn't the low crowds great?! Can't wait for more!! :goodvibes

[Trentmom]

That video was hilarious :rotfl2:



The grandmoms look so happy to be there. I bet it was a blast experiencing Disney with almost newbies :woohoo:


BLT looks amazing :wizard:

[Sooze]

Geesh, lady... you just got home! Have you even unpacked the suitcases yet?!?:confused3


Not that I'm complaining! I've been so excited to hear about your trip!

That video is AWESOME! I love how they both just rolled over and pulled the covers back up. "You're LYING!!":rotfl2: Great moment.. thank you for sharing!

Love the special holiday treats on the plane.

Sounds like the new check in process for ME is more streamlined... did you like the new way better?

Too bad you guys had to cram stuff in at AK..but luckily the crowds were helpful! Did you catch Nemo or FotLK?! Not sure if your family is a "show" kinda group!

Thanks for getting on this so UBER quickly! You and Lesley are so inspiring!

[shannon47142]

signing up.... going back to read all about it!!!

[shannon47142]

fun video!! looks like a great first day for all:cool1:

[pmama]

So glad you found time to start your TR already! Looks like a fabulous first day. Your mothers look like they are having such a good time. It was very nice of you to take them along.:goodvibes

[H20DogsNDisney]

I can't wait for more!

[vamassey1]

I'm in! I'm going back to read now.

[ShelShelsmommy]

hahaha "Your lying!" Too funny!!! LOVE IT. I could never pull off a surprise....

[vamassey1]

I loved the video! Everyone looks so happy to be there and you're first day was awesome. No line! So different from the summer.

[morgtroy]

Great Start. Way to go on keeping the secret. Eric was too funny with the "you're lying". When we surprised the kids to tell them about our upcoming trip I think they were mostly in shock.:rotfl2:
Love the low wait times:goodvibes
BLT looks really great:)
:thumbsup2 on getting the TR started so quickly.

[IluvXU]

What a fun treat for a Friday night. Loved the video.... too cute.

BLT again looks fantastic, and Animal Kingdom seemed to just be empty, a lot done in not too much time!

[jenbear123]

What a surprise! "You're lying!" :laughing: So cute.

Great start so far!

[CRSNDSNY]

ROTFLMAO!!!! "You're LYING!" ha ha ha! That's awesome.


Wow, for the small amount of time you had at AK you sure did get to experience a lot!

Love the hallway carpets at BLT. The overall color scheme is beautiful!

Awesome start and I can't wait for more!

[CRSNDSNY]

Ok, I needed to add something here. Both you and Lesley are very bad influences. For our upcoming December trip we arrive one night prior to our cruise. We had originally thought we'd drive right down and stay at Port Canaveral the night before but our flight was recently changed to arrive later at night. So now I officially have our night prior booked in a 1BR at BLT.

Very very very bad influence you all are!!! LOL

[Charleston Princess]

Welcome home!!! I am so excited that you have already started your TR, and what a great start to your trip!!! :banana:

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

:goodvibesWow, cute video. Looks like you had a great first day, can't wait to read more. How nice that Grandma and Gaga got to share this trip with you!

[tiggerfan6]

Sounds like a great 1st day! Can't wait to read more!

[kimbo0569]

I read your summer report - great one! I'm in on this one too!

[dddisrunner]

OK, just read it and am cracking up at Eric..... "you're lying":lmao: I can't believe how deserted AK was. A 10 min stand by for EE???? Wow! Looks like you were off to a great start!

Thanks Anita, glad you are here! The crowd levels were great the whole trip!

Hey Diane!!

So glad you started!!!

Now going back to read :surfweb:

Hi Kelly! Read away!

OH MY GOSH DIANE, RECORD TIME!!! You just got home YESTERDAY!!!! You never cease to amaze me : ) GREAT update. LOVED LOVED LOVED the surprise video- Luke and Lauren were dying laughing every time Eric said "you're lying". So sorry the monorail plan backfired on you and I should have warned you about the check in - so sorry. Looks like after that you guys are off to a good start though. I had that same drink poolside, great minds........ Can't wait for more!
Lesley

Hi Lesley! I just wanted to get started, so I put the groceries away and got down to business! So glad you liked the video, Eric was laughing that Luke and Lauren saw it! It isn't your fault I was so unprepared and didn't know where to check in and the monorail was just bad luck, I still think it is a good idea! Love that Pina Colava..yes, GREAT minds!!

Love it! Great start.... Too funny Eric saying your were lying... :rotfl2: BLT looks gorgeous! Wasn't the low crowds great?! Can't wait for more!! :goodvibes

Hi Tammy! The low crowds and good weather were INCREDIBLE!! BLT was gorgeous! Thanks for following along!

That video was hilarious :rotfl2:



The grandmoms look so happy to be there. I bet it was a blast experiencing Disney with almost newbies :woohoo:


BLT looks amazing :wizard:

Thanks Kelly! Our moms did have a good time, it was a slower paced trip but still lots of fun! BLT is AMAZING!

Geesh, lady... you just got home! Have you even unpacked the suitcases yet?!?:confused3


Not that I'm complaining! I've been so excited to hear about your trip!

That video is AWESOME! I love how they both just rolled over and pulled the covers back up. "You're LYING!!":rotfl2: Great moment.. thank you for sharing!

Love the special holiday treats on the plane.

Sounds like the new check in process for ME is more streamlined... did you like the new way better?

Too bad you guys had to cram stuff in at AK..but luckily the crowds were helpful! Did you catch Nemo or FotLK?! Not sure if your family is a "show" kinda group!

Thanks for getting on this so UBER quickly! You and Lesley are so inspiring!

Thanks Sooze! I did unpack the suitcases but I was just excited to get started! I do like the new ME check better this way, it is definitely more streamlined! We definitely are show watchers but time just wasn't on our side that day at AK...mark my words I WILL SEE NEMO this summer, I never have!!! Thanks for being here!!!

signing up.... going back to read all about it!!!

Hi Shannon!

fun video!! looks like a great first day for all:cool1:

It was a GREAT first day, thanks!

So glad you found time to start your TR already! Looks like a fabulous first day. Your mothers look like they are having such a good time. It was very nice of you to take them along.:goodvibes

Hi, Welcome back!! It was fun having our moms along, it was a slower paced trip but still lots of fun!

I can't wait for more!

thanks for reading/posting!!

I'm in! I'm going back to read now.

glad you are here!

[dddisrunner]

hahaha "Your lying!" Too funny!!! LOVE IT. I could never pull off a surprise....

Thanks! It was SO HARD keeping it a secret!

I loved the video! Everyone looks so happy to be there and you're first day was awesome. No line! So different from the summer.

Thanks so much! It was VERY different than the summer!!

Great Start. Way to go on keeping the secret. Eric was too funny with the "you're lying". When we surprised the kids to tell them about our upcoming trip I think they were mostly in shock.:rotfl2:
Love the low wait times:goodvibes
BLT looks really great:)
:thumbsup2 on getting the TR started so quickly.

Thanks Julie! I think ours were in shock for a bit too, they kept saying "We're really going?" Too funny! The low waits were GREAT!! BLT is incredible!

What a fun treat for a Friday night. Loved the video.... too cute.

BLT again looks fantastic, and Animal Kingdom seemed to just be empty, a lot done in not too much time!

Hi Laura! Thanks for joining us! We sure did get a bunch done in a small amount of time! Thanks about the video!

What a surprise! "You're lying!" :laughing: So cute.

Great start so far!

Thanks so much! Glad you are here!

ROTFLMAO!!!! "You're LYING!" ha ha ha! That's awesome.


Wow, for the small amount of time you had at AK you sure did get to experience a lot!

Love the hallway carpets at BLT. The overall color scheme is beautiful!

Awesome start and I can't wait for more!

Thanks so much! BLT overall is just beautiful and so new and clean! We did get alot done in a short amount of time, the crowd level was GREAT!

Ok, I needed to add something here. Both you and Lesley are very bad influences. For our upcoming December trip we arrive one night prior to our cruise. We had originally thought we'd drive right down and stay at Port Canaveral the night before but our flight was recently changed to arrive later at night. So now I officially have our night prior booked in a 1BR at BLT.

Very very very bad influence you all are!!! LOL

SORRY, but you will be so happy to experience BLT even if it is for just one night!!

Welcome home!!! I am so excited that you have already started your TR, and what a great start to your trip!!! :banana:

Hi Jackie!! Thanks for posting!

:goodvibesWow, cute video. Looks like you had a great first day, can't wait to read more. How nice that Grandma and Gaga got to share this trip with you!

Thanks so much! It was fun having our moms there with us! It was an exciting first day for sure!

Sounds like a great 1st day! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much!

I read your summer report - great one! I'm in on this one too!

Hi! Thanks for joining us on another journey!!!

[MickeyisBeast]

The video was too cute! Great pics

[praisehisname]

Love the report so far!

[ampc3]

Awesome Diane!!!!

[mla1977]

I'm in. I just bought at BLT. Hopefully I'll be there in March.

[Disneymoon09]

I'm in! :)

[dddisrunner]

The video was too cute! Great pics

Thanks! Glad you are along for the ride!

Love the report so far!

Thanks so much! WELCOME to our adventure!

Awesome Diane!!!!

Hi! Welcome back! How are your baby boys doing? Thanks for reading/posting!

I'm in. I just bought at BLT. Hopefully I'll be there in March.

How cool! Would love to add on at BLT!!

I'm in! :)

Glad you are here!

[dddisrunner]

OK everyone, I know we were just there but look at this video and tell me it doesn't make you want to book a Christmas trip! It brought tears to my eyes!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/11/disney-parks-unveils-%E2%80%98its-a-small-world%E2%80%99-holiday-spot/


Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Diane:santa:

[Sooze]

I LOVED IT!! I sure hope I get to see this on TV every once in a while for the next few months. It will be so much better than the other Christmas commercials we have to suffer through!

Thanks for sharing, Diane!

[praisehisname]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/11/disney-parks-unveils-%E2%80%98its-a-small-world%E2%80%99-holiday-spot/

Now I'm even more excited! :yay:

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I am such a sap -- that made me all teary-eyed! I would be booking a holiday trip in a heartbeat if I could! :laughing: Thanks for sharing, Diane!

[kimbo0569]

Okay, does Disney not have the BEST advertising ever?!

What a fabulous commercial! I could feel myself choking up and my eyes welling up :lovestruc

[wigdoutdismom]

Thank you for sharing that video Diane, I loved it! I'm so excited for 43 days!

[IluvXU]

So sweet! Thanks for sharing the link Diane!

[Trentmom]

aww...thanks for sharing Diane...


So excited for our trip :santa:

[caralyn817]

Love it! Can't wait for more! :)

[ReneeDisney]

Great start! Looking forward to reading more...

The surprise video was so adorable.. and the kids reactions... too cute and funny!

[momtotanmanandraerae]

I love your trip reports Diane! You and Lesley are my top picks! We went to Disney the first weekend in October. We just love the fall in Disney...the best! Looking forward to hearing more.

Oh, I love that you surprised your boys! I have always wanted to do that but didn't think I could keep the secret in....one day I will need too!

[ms mouse]

What a wonderful memory for your kids, showing their grandmothers their happy place.:)

[Rozz]

A dddisrunner trip!! I always read your trip reports. This one's going to be extra special with the grandmothers!:goodvibes

[mylag1rl]

Off to a great start Diane ! The video of you surprising the boys was too cute. Can't wait to read more.

I love the Christmas video, too. Definitely makes me want to book a holiday trip.

[Fundytrail]

Thanks for bringing back so many good memories of when we last took our children to WDW (1988). Both have been back on their own since.

Now we can’t wait to take our grandchildren! Ages - 20Months, 14 Days and another due in July. :cool1:

Plan to return ourselves in 2010, you know so we will be ready in another 8 or 9 years with the families ;-) :woohoo:

[dddisrunner]

I LOVED IT!! I sure hope I get to see this on TV every once in a while for the next few months. It will be so much better than the other Christmas commercials we have to suffer through!

Thanks for sharing, Diane!

I thought it was great too! I agree better than the other commercials!:goodvibes

Now I'm even more excited! :yay:

I bet! Have a WONDERFUL trip!!:thumbsup2

Oh, I am such a sap -- that made me all teary-eyed! I would be booking a holiday trip in a heartbeat if I could! :laughing: Thanks for sharing, Diane!

You are welcome! I am a sap too! I am a little jealous that Bryan will be experiencing some of the holiday festivities without us!

Okay, does Disney not have the BEST advertising ever?!

What a fabulous commercial! I could feel myself choking up and my eyes welling up :lovestruc

They sure do!

Thank you for sharing that video Diane, I loved it! I'm so excited for 43 days!

I am so excited for you! How special for you all to be there together with little Harper!

So sweet! Thanks for sharing the link Diane!

You are welcome Laura, it was too precious not to share!

aww...thanks for sharing Diane...


So excited for our trip :santa:

How fun, I am sure Trent will have a blast!

Love it! Can't wait for more! :)

More coming right up!

Great start! Looking forward to reading more...

The surprise video was so adorable.. and the kids reactions... too cute and funny!

Thanks Renee! I am glad you joined us for another report!

I love your trip reports Diane! You and Lesley are my top picks! We went to Disney the first weekend in October. We just love the fall in Disney...the best! Looking forward to hearing more.

Oh, I love that you surprised your boys! I have always wanted to do that but didn't think I could keep the secret in....one day I will need too!

You are SO SWEET, thanks for the compliments! Secrets are THE BEST but VERY hard to pull off. Good luck if you do it!

[dddisrunner]

What a wonderful memory for your kids, showing their grandmothers their happy place.:)

Thanks so much! i was happy they could come along!

A dddisrunner trip!! I always read your trip reports. This one's going to be extra special with the grandmothers!:goodvibes

Well thank you so much for joining us again!!

Off to a great start Diane ! The video of you surprising the boys was too cute. Can't wait to read more.

I love the Christmas video, too. Definitely makes me want to book a holiday trip.

Thanks so much and welcome back!! Wasn't that video just precious!

Thanks for bringing back so many good memories of when we last took our children to WDW (1988). Both have been back on their own since.

Now we can’t wait to take our grandchildren! Ages - 20Months, 14 Days and another due in July. :cool1:

Plan to return ourselves in 2010, you know so we will be ready in another 8 or 9 years with the families ;-) :woohoo:

My pleasure! Thanks so much for reading/posting, glad to have you here!

[dddisrunner]

Day 2 had us headed to Hollywood Studios! I was very excited as my mom had never been to this park! We had a 7:15 wake up call. We all woke up dressed and had a quick bite to eat in the room! We made arrangements to meet "the grandma's" in the lobby!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8853.jpg

I took some pictures of the gorgeous lobby of Bay lake Tower while we waited!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8854.jpg

Don't you just love this table!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8855.jpg

My happy husband!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8856.jpg

We walked over to the bus stop at the Contemporary and before we knew it, we were on our way to DHS! We arrived at 8:30. Everyone was lining up at only 3 turnstiles and I knew that all 5 would be open when the park opened so i went ahead and went to an open turnistile which prompted one lady to say "well at least we didn't cut!" I politely turned around and said "excuse me, but it is not my fault that you don't know that ALL of the turnstiles are open and available to stand at!" She then proceeded to go ask a CM and the CM in fact told her that I was CORRECT!!! You have to love being INFORMED!! Anyway....here we are waiting(at the front of the line!!)

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8858.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8859.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8857.jpg

We were then let in and we proceeded to the rope! Bryan was going to run with the masses to fastpass TSM. I knew that my mom wouldn't be able to walk very fast so we didn't rush to do the standby line, instead we told Bryan we would meet him at the Tower of Terror!

Some pictures as we are waiting for rope drop!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8862.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8863.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8861.jpg

The opening show wasn't the same as it usually was, their was not a family chosen to help out so the show only lasted about 3 minutes, which was a good thing!

The rope dropped and we were off to the TOT to wait for Bryan! Another first for us on this trip was NO STROLLER! Let me tell you it was INCREDIBLE!! I don't think we are done with the stroller though, I think we will need it for Eric in the heat of the summer!

Grandma opted out of riding the TOT, she was scared! All together now AWE!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8866.jpg

I thought the wait time on the sign was cute!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8865.jpg

We rode and my mom LOVED it! We were seated in the back row but it was still fun!

With the crowd levels being low, it was already time for our TSM fastpasses! WE LOVE LOVE LOVE this ride!!! So much fun!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8868.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8869.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8870.jpg

After our ride which the grandma's LOVED, we went over to the Animation Studio to draw!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8871.jpg

Grandma checking out Matthew's pins while we are waiting...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8872.jpg

We then went into the studio and the cast member asked everyone who they wanted to draw and it was a landslide for Mickey!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8873.jpg

We all did a great job! After we hit the Great Movie Ride. I was so surprised at the lack of crowds, it was incredible just walking onto all of these rides!

After our tour through the movies, it was time for our lunch at Sci Fi!

We stopped to pay homeage to Gaga's favorite show!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8874.jpg

Grandma's turn...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8875.jpg

and of course the boy's....

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8876.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8877.jpg

I was excited for our mom's to experience some of Disney's great theming inside of Sci Fi! We were on the regular dining plan and our mom's had such a hard time grasping the concept of the tip not being included and how to sign the papers and they were leaving cash tips since the were sharing a room and didn't want to get confused on room charges....I digress!

A few lunch pictures!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8882.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8883.jpg

I did not take food porn pictures this trip! I did the first day and my mother in law thought I was off my rocker!



CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

After lunch, we went over to Star Tours so Bryan and the boys could ride! My mom wanted to look for a souveneir for my nephew and my mother was freezing from lunch, it was SO COLD at Sci Fi so she sat outside and soaked in the sun!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8887.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8888.jpg

I thought this t-shirt was so cute!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8889.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8891.jpg

A happy Eirc after his ride to Endor!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8894.jpg

After our time in the Star Tours area, we went to see the American Idol Experience! Of all the attractions "the grandma's" were most looking forward to this!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8897.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8898.jpg

The host was HILARIOUS!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8899.jpg

After the show we left DHS to catch a bus back to BLT so that we could rest up for our big night out for MNSSHP!!

Once back at the resort, the boys changed into their pj's and relaxed on the balcony!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8903.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8911.jpg

Some more view pictures from our balcony!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8904.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8906.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8909.jpg

After about 10 minutes, we all went back inside to lay down and rest for an hour or two!



COMING UP NEXT!

Our Pirate League Experience and an AMAZING evening at MNSSHP!!

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

Grandma looked so cute posing by AI! Don't you just love that the CM told the lady she was wrong about the turnstiles, it is fun to be right!

[H20DogsNDisney]

Animation Studio. I have to add this to the next trip!

[Trentmom]

What a great day

Love what big grins the grandmas have in all the pics. You can tell they are having a blast :cutie:


:cutie:


Do we get to see anyone's MIckey Drawings ?popcorn::


Am glad that CM set that guest straight :laughing:

[praisehisname]

What a great day of walking right on rides! :thumbsup2 I'm looking forward to hearing about your night at MNSSHP!

[timandlesley]

Great update Diane, the wait time posted at TOT was halarious. No pics of your drawings? How did your Mickey turn out? Glad the grandma's got to experience lots of fun at Toy Story, American Idol, etc. looked like a great morning. Sorry about the rudeness at the turnstyles - good for you for speaking up (I NEVER do that - Tim does it for me :lmao:). Looking forward to your Halloween party and pirates experience, can't believe you are cranking this out so fast, good for you! (and us : )
Lesley

[caralyn817]

I'm proud of you for speaking up. I never do. haha Can't wait for more! I want to do the MNSSHP one day soon, plus Food and Wine. What size room did you have at BLT?

[Charleston Princess]

I am in absolute amazement at everything you were able to do at DHS in just a morning! How fabulous!!! I'm with Grandma -- ToT terrifies me! :laughing:

[jenbear123]

Good for you and telling that lady off!

I really must try the Animation Studio on my next trip. Looks like lots of fun and I love to draw! Any pictures of your Mickey drawings to share? :goodvibes

[wigdoutdismom]

Great update, Diane! Good for you telling the rude guest that you were just getting in a line, not cutting.....
So glad you were proved to be correct too!
Sounds like everyone in your group enjoyed the studios. I love it that the boys got right into their pjs to rest up for the evening!

[IluvXU]

What a fun time at HS! You hit a ton of fun things and I cannot wait to hear all about the Halloween party!

[Queenofallthings]

Hi Diane:wave2:

I can't believe your TR started and I missed it...oh well, I'm here now!! I loved the video, it actually made me laugh so hard I had tears rolling down my face. How great that you were able to pull off the surprise, love it.

Your accomodations are beautiful, what an incredible view.

Cannot believe that guest said that to you....but then again we encountered our fair share of that this summer too....only when I spoke up Jasmine gave me the "oh gosh mother, keep your opinions to yourself" look.:rolleyes:

Can't wait to read more my friendpopcorn::

[MAJ RN]

I am sooo glad to see that you have started your trip report, I enjoyed your summer report very much. The suprise video was hilarious!! my boys would do the same thing. The video link you posted for the parks at Christmas really got to me, we were blessed to be able to spend the Christmas season at WDW one year and it is such an experience!! Can't wait to read more and see what you think of MNSSHP!!


Melissa

[CRSNDSNY]

:woohoo:Can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!!!! :banana:


OK everyone, I know we were just there but look at this video and tell me it doesn't make you want to book a Christmas trip! It brought tears to my eyes!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/11/disney-parks-unveils-%E2%80%98its-a-small-world%E2%80%99-holiday-spot/


Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Diane:santa:

[CRSNDSNY]

Awesome updates!!!! We haven't done AI....did you enjoy it?

[CoP Luv]

Love the report so far! I am with Grandma...ToT is too scary for me too!

[dddisrunner]

Grandma looked so cute posing by AI! Don't you just love that the CM told the lady she was wrong about the turnstiles, it is fun to be right!

Thanks! It was fun to be right in this instance!!

Animation Studio. I have to add this to the next trip!

Definitely add it, it is SO much fun!

What a great day

Love what big grins the grandmas have in all the pics. You can tell they are having a blast :cutie:


:cutie:


Do we get to see anyone's MIckey Drawings ?popcorn::


Am glad that CM set that guest straight :laughing:

Thanks Kelly! The grandma's had a blast! I will post our drawings in a minute!

What a great day of walking right on rides! :thumbsup2 I'm looking forward to hearing about your night at MNSSHP!

Thanks! The crowd levels were so great the whole time we were there!

Great update Diane, the wait time posted at TOT was halarious. No pics of your drawings? How did your Mickey turn out? Glad the grandma's got to experience lots of fun at Toy Story, American Idol, etc. looked like a great morning. Sorry about the rudeness at the turnstyles - good for you for speaking up (I NEVER do that - Tim does it for me :lmao:). Looking forward to your Halloween party and pirates experience, can't believe you are cranking this out so fast, good for you! (and us : )
Lesley

Thanks Lesley! I have to strike with this report while the iron is hot...CRAZY, BUSY weekend this weekend and then back to work on Monday!

I'm proud of you for speaking up. I never do. haha Can't wait for more! I want to do the MNSSHP one day soon, plus Food and Wine. What size room did you have at BLT?

Thank you! It takes ALOT for me to actually speak my mind but I, was annoyed with her lack of knowledge!!!

I am in absolute amazement at everything you were able to do at DHS in just a morning! How fabulous!!! I'm with Grandma -- ToT terrifies me! :laughing:

Thanks Jackie, we were amazed too...it was GREAT!

[dddisrunner]

Good for you and telling that lady off!

I really must try the Animation Studio on my next trip. Looks like lots of fun and I love to draw! Any pictures of your Mickey drawings to share? :goodvibes

Thanks so much! I will post our drawings here in a minute! You should definitely try animator's studio, such fun!!

Great update, Diane! Good for you telling the rude guest that you were just getting in a line, not cutting.....
So glad you were proved to be correct too!
Sounds like everyone in your group enjoyed the studios. I love it that the boys got right into their pjs to rest up for the evening!

I have a very low tolerance for things like that! I could go on and on...there was a woman in the Epcot guest relations who insisted that because she paid for the dining plan she was ENTITLED to eat WHEREVER she wanted and that was that!!! It's called RESEARCH people...how can you pay ALL that money for a vacation and NOT BE INFORMED! Ok off my soap box now!!

What a fun time at HS! You hit a ton of fun things and I cannot wait to hear all about the Halloween party!

Thanks Laura! Great weather and minimal crowds made for a wonderful trip!

Hi Diane:wave2:

I can't believe your TR started and I missed it...oh well, I'm here now!! I loved the video, it actually made me laugh so hard I had tears rolling down my face. How great that you were able to pull off the surprise, love it.

Your accomodations are beautiful, what an incredible view.

Cannot believe that guest said that to you....but then again we encountered our fair share of that this summer too....only when I spoke up Jasmine gave me the "oh gosh mother, keep your opinions to yourself" look.:rolleyes:

Can't wait to read more my friendpopcorn::

Hi there! Welcome back! Good for you for speaking up too, someday jasmine will be proud of you for that quality!!! Thanks for reading!

I am sooo glad to see that you have started your trip report, I enjoyed your summer report very much. The suprise video was hilarious!! my boys would do the same thing. The video link you posted for the parks at Christmas really got to me, we were blessed to be able to spend the Christmas season at WDW one year and it is such an experience!! Can't wait to read more and see what you think of MNSSHP!!


Melissa

Hello! Welcome back and thanks for your sweet compliments!! That xmas video got to me too! I REALLY would love to go for Christmas one year!!

:woohoo:Can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!!!! :banana:

You are going to have so much fun!

Awesome updates!!!! We haven't done AI....did you enjoy it?

We really did enjoy AI! It is a neat experience and sometimes the talent is AMAZING!

Love the report so far! I am with Grandma...ToT is too scary for me too!

Thanks so much!

[dddisrunner]

Since a few of you asked about seeing our Mickey drawings, I figured I would post pictures of them, we drew Sorcerer Mickey!

Here is Matthew's, not bad for a 9 year old!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9551.jpg

Here is Eric's...he got VERY frustrated...the CM's have to keep a certain pace so it is VERY HARD for little ones to keep up! He was very upset with how his turned out, but I think it is great ( a completely biased review of course):thumbsup2


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9550.jpg

Next up is mine! OK but not great!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9552.jpg

Last but not least Bryan's!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9553-1.jpg

Feel free to comment!

have a GREAT night!

Diane:goodvibes

[ms mouse]

Looks like fun, I dont remember ever seeing this. Is it part of the animation tour?:confused3

[jenbear123]

They're all great! It's nice to learn how to draw Disney characters. You can't expect to do it perfectly the first time. Tell Eric to keep practicing and he'll get the hang of it :goodvibes Thanks for sharing the pictures

[Sooze]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8853.jpg

That chair is the COOLEST!!!

I took some pictures of the gorgeous lobby of Bay lake Tower while we waited!

Thanks for doing so. It makes me ache to get in there even MORE!

I politely turned around and said "excuse me, but it is not my fault that you don't know that ALL of the turnstiles are open and available to stand at!" She then proceeded to go ask a CM and the CM in fact told her that I was CORRECT!!! You have to love being INFORMED!!

:cheer2:GO DIS GIRL GO DIS GIRL GO!!:cheer2:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8866.jpg
AWWWWWWWWW! That really is a precious picture!

I was so surprised at the lack of crowds, it was incredible just walking onto all of these rides!
I am SOOOO hoping for these short lines you speak of when we go in a few weeks. We are trying to figure out how we can get a family trip in during the low-crowd times, but it just isn't working out for us! Spring break is such a convenient time to go, but MAN, those crowds STINK!!


We stopped to pay homeage to Gaga's favorite show!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8874.jpg
Did you go in and see a show? Have you done that yet?

[Sooze]

my mother was freezing from lunch, it was SO COLD at Sci Fi so she sat outside and soaked in the sun!
I hate it when the restaurants are so cold that it makes you uncomfortable. I'm glad the sun was there to warm her up!


I thought this t-shirt was so cute!
That is cute! Not as cute as your boys' shirts.. I just realized those are the ones they designed on the last trip, right?:thumbsup2

we went to see the American Idol Experience! Of all the attractions "the grandma's" were most looking forward to this!
Well, now... I just found the answer to my question!


The host was HILARIOUS!
Wouldn't that be a great job?! How were the singers that day? I'm wondering when they have lower crowds, if they have less talent to choose from, and some stinkers can get in...:confused3


Once back at the resort, the boys changed into their pj's and relaxed on the balcony!
That sounds so heavenly and relaxing!


Our Pirate League Experience and an AMAZING evening at MNSSHP!!
YAY! I can't wait to hear all about these adventures!!!

[Sooze]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9551.jpg
:thumbsup2

Here is Eric's...he got VERY frustrated...the CM's have to keep a certain pace so it is VERY HARD for little ones to keep up! He was very upset with how his turned out, but I think it is great ( a completely biased review of course):thumbsup2


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9550.jpg
I haven't brought Tyson in this exhibit yet for that very reason.. he gets SOOOO frustrated SOOOOO quickly! I'm actually surprised that my husband didn't throw his pencil down and walk away! Eric did a GREAT job!!
:love:

Next up is mine! OK but not great!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9552.jpg
:wizard:

Last but not least Bryan's!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9553-1.jpg

:scared1:

Ha ha ha! Just kidding, Bryan!! ;)

[mylag1rl]

Great DHS day ! It is so nice to experience Disney w/o the heat and the crowds. Looks like the grandmothers really enjoyed AI. We had the same host and he was very funny. I thought you all did a great job on your Mickey pics.

You are Lesley are awfully nice wives letting your men sneak off for a boys' trip. :laughing:

[Trentmom]

You all did such a great job on the drawings

I too got so frustrated when we did the drawings years ago. Tell Eric he is not alone :goodvibes

[dddisrunner]

Looks like fun, I dont remember ever seeing this. Is it part of the animation tour?:confused3

It was fun! At the Animators studio, if you go in through the gift shop and then head to the right the studio is on your right side when you walk through the double doors, this allows you to skip the film with Mushu!

They're all great! It's nice to learn how to draw Disney characters. You can't expect to do it perfectly the first time. Tell Eric to keep practicing and he'll get the hang of it :goodvibes Thanks for sharing the pictures

Thanks so much! It is hard even for adults but he likes to try!

That chair is the COOLEST!!!



Thanks for doing so. It makes me ache to get in there even MORE!



:cheer2:GO DIS GIRL GO DIS GIRL GO!!:cheer2:


AWWWWWWWWW! That really is a precious picture!


I am SOOOO hoping for these short lines you speak of when we go in a few weeks. We are trying to figure out how we can get a family trip in during the low-crowd times, but it just isn't working out for us! Spring break is such a convenient time to go, but MAN, those crowds STINK!!



Did you go in and see a show? Have you done that yet?

I hate it when the restaurants are so cold that it makes you uncomfortable. I'm glad the sun was there to warm her up!



That is cute! Not as cute as your boys' shirts.. I just realized those are the ones they designed on the last trip, right?:thumbsup2


Well, now... I just found the answer to my question!



Wouldn't that be a great job?! How were the singers that day? I'm wondering when they have lower crowds, if they have less talent to choose from, and some stinkers can get in...:confused3


That sounds so heavenly and relaxing!


YAY! I can't wait to hear all about these adventures!!!

:thumbsup2


I haven't brought Tyson in this exhibit yet for that very reason.. he gets SOOOO frustrated SOOOOO quickly! I'm actually surprised that my husband didn't throw his pencil down and walk away! Eric did a GREAT job!!
:love:


:wizard:


:scared1:

Ha ha ha! Just kidding, Bryan!! ;)

SOOZE...I absolutely LOVE all your comments! I know Lesley has said this too, I don't know how you do it but it is GREAT and I really appreciate it! Thanks for taking the time to do it!

Great DHS day ! It is so nice to experience Disney w/o the heat and the crowds. Looks like the grandmothers really enjoyed AI. We had the same host and he was very funny. I thought you all did a great job on your Mickey pics.

You are Lesley are awfully nice wives letting your men sneak off for a boys' trip. :laughing:

It was a great day! Oh yes Disney without the heat is INCREDIBLE! Thanks for the drawing compliments! Yes, Lesley and I are holding out for a good time to get our own trip!

You all did such a great job on the drawings

I too got so frustrated when we did the drawings years ago. Tell Eric he is not alone :goodvibes

Thanks Kelly! I will tell Eric!!

[IluvXU]

The Mickey drawings are all fantastic. We will have to try that out sometime. You are going so super speedy quick... I am impressed, and loving it too!

[CRSNDSNY]

All the drawings are great!!!

[dddisrunner]

The Mickey drawings are all fantastic. We will have to try that out sometime. You are going so super speedy quick... I am impressed, and loving it too!

Thanks Laura! I am trying to get a bunckh of the report done before I start work again on Monday!:thumbsup2

All the drawings are great!!!

Thanks so much!!:goodvibes

[dddisrunner]

The next part of our day had us traveling to the magic Kingdom for the boys Pirate League appointments! It was so great being able to just walk there from BLT!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8912.jpg

The decorations were so incredible and we couldn't wait to see what the night had in store!

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These beauties were displayed on Main St!

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We finally arrived at our destination!

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We checked in and the room was beautiful!

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we had chose the first mate package for each boy and the cost was $49 per person and everything I will talk about was included! the first thing the boys had to do was spin the treasure box!

Eric's turn!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8921.jpg

Matthew's turn!

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Then the boys were each asked if the numbers on the dice inside meant anything to them!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8922.jpg

They both said no when the dice were revealed so they were then asked when their birthday's were!

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Once the Cm consulted her special pirate book, Eric was deemed to have the pirate name Henry Yellowbellows!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8923.jpg

Matthew received the name Edward Keelkid!

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After the boys received their names, they were taken by Cm's to their respective chairs!

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The room was GORGEOUS!

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the CM's that worked with the boys were AWESOME!! They were first given tatoo's!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8932.jpg

They were then given 6 different makeup options to chose from! Ironically, my boys both chose the same option! Then the makeup process began!

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The CM's were great, they kept telling the boys what to say when they were asked "how did you get that scar/cut?"

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The boys were then given the option of which bandana they wanted to wear. One had a black side and red on the other and the other choice was a pink one! i was pleasantly surprised when they chose different sides. Matthew chose the black and gray side and Eric chose the red!

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they were then each given an earring to wear which was a clip on and looked GREAT!


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

After they were given their earrings, they were then given an eye patch and told they had to take a pirate oath!

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They were then handed over to this mystery pirate who explained to them that through the secrte door they were about to enter was buried treasure and they were going to get to look for it!

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We were given strict instructions not to take pictures inside this room! But the boys had their pictures taken by Disney photograpers and here they are!

They are appearing to conquer the world! I LOVE how they turned out!

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After they had their pictures taken, the boys were allowed to look for treasure and they each found a medallion which was SO CUTE and also included! Once the treasure was found, we were let out of the room and brought to the check out counter!

the boys were given their pictures in these really cool frames!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9556.jpg

the CM's at the counter then explained that their frames opened up and you could decode pirate messages with them!

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Then they were given certificates with their pirate names on them!

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They were also given belts and swords! All in all an AWESOME experience and the boys LOVED it!!!

After the Pirate League, we were headed out and back to BLT to pick up the Grandma's and change into our party clothes!

We quickly got changed and went down to the lobby to meet the grandma's! Here are our transformed pirates!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8952.jpg

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A family shot!

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We arrived at our destination...let the party begin!!

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Cute pumpkins that were carved to say See ya real soon!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8960.jpg

Our first order of business was to grab a quick dinner, so we headed to Pinnochio Village Haus!

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After dinner we started walking through Fantasyland and noticed a few people lining up for a photo op with Cindereall'a carriage and I had seen pictures of this and knew it was something I wanted to do so we waited in the small line!

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After our photo op, we went onto the Haunted Mansion, which was AWESOME on this night. The CM's all had cobwebs in there hair, it was really neat!

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CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

After the haunted Mansion, we made our way to Toontown because Eric wanted to see Mickey! The line was already so long so we decided to just do the trick or treat trail!

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After our trick or trating, we decided to ride the TTA because it was closed when we were here in the summer and we wanted to see the condition of Space Mountain! There wasn't much to see, but we saw this sign!

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After our ride around Tomorrowland, we went to the castle to see the villains show! We really liked it!

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After the show, they boys got their picture with Cruella DeVille!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8991.jpg

The lines for the other villains were pretty long so we hightailed it out of there and went towards Frontierland to try and catch the early parade! We got lucky and found GREAT spots! Bryan, the boys and I found spots on the ground, but the Grandma's found walls and benches to sit on!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8998.jpg

Bryan and Matthew...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9000.jpg

Eric and I...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8999.jpg

Some pictures of the parade but first my attempth of the headless horseman!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8997.jpg

I have to say we LOVED LOVED LOVED this parade, the music is STILL in my head and I have played it on you tube several times! I just LOVED it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9001.jpg

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This was one of my favorite parts of the parade, the gravediggers march with their shovels and do a routine but then they scrape them on the ground and make sparks, it is SO COOL!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9016.jpg

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!!

[dddisrunner]

They parade continued!

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The parade was AWESOME! After it ended, we made our way back to the hub because Hallowishes was starting in about 45 minutes! Gaga went and bought snack and we scored benches right smack in the middle of the hub! I quickly texted Lesley and Tim and they said our spot was PERFECT!!! We were all excited!

Some pics while waiting!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9032.jpg

Gaga given Bryan some massage time!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9036.jpg

Then the fireworks started and OMG!!! They were INCREDIBLE!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9046.jpg

My pics are not very good but this display was THE BEST Bryan and I have EVER seen!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9048.jpg

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After the fireworks, we went back to Toontown so Eric could see Mickey!

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After Mickey, of course my pirates HAD to go on Pirate's!!


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9067.jpg

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After our pirate ride, we saw these guys with no line!

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After our character meet and greet we all decided we were EXHAUSTED! It was about 11:00pm by that point! We decide to head back to BLT! It was AWESOME knowing we could just walk back and not have to wait for a bus! We had an AMAZING time at the party and it was something we won't soon forget!! It took awhile for me to get the makeup off but by 12:15 we were all in bed! What a GREAT DISNEY DAY!



Up next: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERIC!!!

[Sooze]

SOOZE...I absolutely LOVE all your comments! I know Lesley has said this too, I don't know how you do it but it is GREAT and I really appreciate it! Thanks for taking the time to do it!


It's simple! I use the "wrap quote" button at the top of the reply box (it looks like a speech bubble) I highlight what I want to quote, then press that button! It's so hard for me to do a 'blanket' response most of the time, because there's so much I want to say!!

I'm glad you enjoy them!! I enjoy responding to your fabulous reports!!:worship:

[Trentmom]

Pirates League experience looks like a blast

The boys looked great :thumbsup2

I love the music from parade too. The pic you have of Mickey from Parade is so cool. Love how it looks like he is pointing right at you :goodvibes

[shannon47142]

great update! The pirates make-up was awesome--the black eyes and scars looked very life-like! Was this somethingoffered just duing this time ofyear?

[MAJ RN]

The boys makeup looks awesome! Eric did not look like the same kid! Did you have a reservation for the Pirate League, or can you walk up? Can't wait to read about Eric's birthday!!


Melissa

[timandlesley]

Diane,
What an awesome update. I so wish Luke would have done Pirates League now. If he would have seen this pics before hand he would have wanted too, everyone we have seen with the makeup has that heavy white stuff on but theirs looked like official pirate makeup- very cool! Glad to see all that was included in the 49.00 package, that is a great deal.
Your pics of the parade rocked!!! I'm glad you liked it as much as we did, great spot for the fireworks too! Loved the Mickey pic, now I'm wishing we would have waited Mickey's costume was GREAT!
What a great night you guys had, thanks for sharing!
Lesley

[CRSNDSNY]

:lmao: I love their facial hair and teeth! So awesome. :thumbsup2

Looks like a great night for you guys!!!!

[NMAmy]

Holy cow, I didn't realize you were back and had started the new report already! So, I have 7 pages of fun to look forward to. :thumbsup2

Just looking at the ME line made me really want our trip to hurry up. :rotfl: I'm all misty eyed over a line to ride a bus.

[praisehisname]

I love your drawings of Sorcerer Mickey! I have to try this now!


Here are our transformed pirates!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8952.jpg

So, so cool!!!

It sounds like your night was amazing!

[NMAmy]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8853.jpg

This chair looks as though it could be extremely comfortable or extraordinarily UNcomfortable. Now I'm curious--you'll need to check with Eric for me and let me know. :lmao:




http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8861.jpg

It appears as though Matthew grew antlers in this picture! He's all ready for Christmas.;) I love it.

[H20DogsNDisney]

what a great update! I have wanted to do MNSSHP but we never gone in october! I so want to do a solo trip just so i can do MNSSHP!

[NMAmy]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8898.jpg

Was the theater really that empty???:confused3 It looks like you're the only ones there!




http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8906.jpg


I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the modern look of BLT but that is one heck of a view! :thumbsup2

[NMAmy]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8963.jpg


The boys look AWESOME! I'm behind the times--I've never heard of the Pirate League. I'm so glad they have something for boys now. Although I could totally see Caitlin vying for this instead of the princess thing when she was young. ;)

I'm so glad you got to go for Halloween. We went one year when Cait was about 9. She and I dressed as witches and a little boy told me I was the prettiest witch EVER. :rotfl: I gave him my bag of candy.

[Queenofallthings]

Another great update. I think it's wonderful how they finally have something so cooll for boys to do....their makeup transformation was amazing. They really did a great job.

I love the MNSSHP....someday hopefully we will travel at that time of year again.

I can't imagine how wonderful it was to be able to walk to BLT....Disney magic at it's best.

[ampc3]

GREAT!!!! looks like an amazing time, that is soo cool that both moms went and get along so good!
The pirate make over looks neat, never seen pics before something to look forward to with the babies once they are big enough~ thanks for asking by the way, I was touched you even remembered.. They are almost 6 months now~
Annette

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

I cracked up when I saw the boys fake teeth, so funny! Their makeup was perfect, not to thick where you couldn't tell who they are. Looks like you guys had another great/late night!

[CoP Luv]

I just saw the drawings and they looked awesome! :thumbsup2 We just discovered the animation studio this past trip. Let's just say that we didn't save our Tigger pics for my TR. :lmao:

Looks like you have a great time at the party! Love the boys' pirate costumes and make-up!

[ariel1025]

I am loving your report!! Your boys are adorable and I think it is awesome ya'll got to experience WDW with your Moms. My Husband and I keep trying to plan a big family trip (no kids yet so just us, siblings and parents) but the timing never works out right for everyone :sad2:

We are new DVC owners and after seeing your pictures I am dying to stay at BLT now - I have made a mental note to ask for a high floor so we can see all the fantastic views!!

Can't wait for another update!

[heaven2dc]

The boys look so cool - they really did a great job with the make-up! Love the "bruised" eye look.

Your BLT views are awesome! What view did the grandma's get? (I can't recall reading what view they got.)

[mylag1rl]

The boys make up and costumes were amazing. They looked awesome ! The Pirate League is really a good idea for boys, I wish Disney had that when mine were little. Although in Disney you are never too old for anything. :goodvibes Yours and Brian's shirts were cute, too.

Glad you enjoyed MNSSHP ... I love all the Halloween decorations and seeing the characters in costumes. Eric is a boy after my own heart ... Mickey is my favorite too and every trip I have to have a picture with him. :lovestruc

[purplepeg]

Hey Diane, awesome trip report. I love the pictures of your pirates. That is some amazing makeup! We leave in a couple of days for a surprise trip for our girls. I showed them the video of your boys...we'll see if we get any excitement from them. How long is the walk from BLT to MK? We're staying in a 1 Br at BLT. Thanks again for an awesome report!

[morgtroy]

Oh great, I LOVE the pirate tutorial pics. So cute, perfect for the halloween party. I agree, I just love the music from the halloween parade. "Boo to you and you and you....". And the fireworks:love:
Great pics, love the pics with Mickey, we didn't do that.

[Charleston Princess]

I am in love with the Pirates' League idea! I am so making my kids do it next summer whether they want to or not. :laughing: (I don't think they will mind though ;)). Your boys make such great buccaneers!

Your shirt is great, Diane! Where did you find it?

So glad you loved MNSSHP -- I can't wait to do it again! The gravediggers were definitely my favorite part of the parade as well!

[IluvXU]

More party pics--- loved them all. So glad it was a fun night for you all.

The pirate thing is amazing. I cannot believe all the fun that would be. I had never seen any reports of the Pirate League, and I am so glad they have that for the boys now. Those pictures are just too priceless! Such a fun creative thing to do that boys would love... only at Disney World do we have that kind of magic!

[dddisrunner]

It's simple! I use the "wrap quote" button at the top of the reply box (it looks like a speech bubble) I highlight what I want to quote, then press that button! It's so hard for me to do a 'blanket' response most of the time, because there's so much I want to say!!

I'm glad you enjoy them!! I enjoy responding to your fabulous reports!!:worship:

Thanks Sooze!!!!

Pirates League experience looks like a blast

The boys looked great :thumbsup2

I love the music from parade too. The pic you have of Mickey from Parade is so cool. Love how it looks like he is pointing right at you :goodvibes

Thanks Kelly! That music sure sticks with you! I LOVE it!

great update! The pirates make-up was awesome--the black eyes and scars looked very life-like! Was this somethingoffered just duing this time ofyear?

Thank you so much! I was really happy when the boys chose that look!

The boys makeup looks awesome! Eric did not look like the same kid! Did you have a reservation for the Pirate League, or can you walk up? Can't wait to read about Eric's birthday!!


Melissa

Thank you! I made an appointment for them. I think an appointment is the best way to go especially if you are going during a busy time of year!

[dddisrunner]

Diane,
What an awesome update. I so wish Luke would have done Pirates League now. If he would have seen this pics before hand he would have wanted too, everyone we have seen with the makeup has that heavy white stuff on but theirs looked like official pirate makeup- very cool! Glad to see all that was included in the 49.00 package, that is a great deal.
Your pics of the parade rocked!!! I'm glad you liked it as much as we did, great spot for the fireworks too! Loved the Mickey pic, now I'm wishing we would have waited Mickey's costume was GREAT!
What a great night you guys had, thanks for sharing!
Lesley

Thanks so much Lesley! Maybe Luke can try the pirate league this summer, especially if Lauren does BBB again! Heck, maybe the boys will do it again with him! Mickey did look great didn't he!

:lmao: I love their facial hair and teeth! So awesome. :thumbsup2

Looks like a great night for you guys!!!!

Thanks so much, it was a WONDERFUL night full of great memories!

Holy cow, I didn't realize you were back and had started the new report already! So, I have 7 pages of fun to look forward to. :thumbsup2

Just looking at the ME line made me really want our trip to hurry up. :rotfl: I'm all misty eyed over a line to ride a bus.

YAY!!! Hi Amy, I am so glad you joined us again!! Tell me all about your trip you have planned!

I love your drawings of Sorcerer Mickey! I have to try this now!




So, so cool!!!

It sounds like your night was amazing!

Thank you so much! The drawing is so much fun!

This chair looks as though it could be extremely comfortable or extraordinarily UNcomfortable. Now I'm curious--you'll need to check with Eric for me and let me know. :lmao:




It appears as though Matthew grew antlers in this picture! He's all ready for Christmas.;) I love it.

Eric said the chair was comfy but he sat in it because it looked "cool"!

what a great update! I have wanted to do MNSSHP but we never gone in october! I so want to do a solo trip just so i can do MNSSHP!

Thanks! MNNSHP is ALOT of fun!!

Was the theater really that empty???:confused3 It looks like you're the only ones there!




I have to admit, I'm not crazy about the modern look of BLT but that is one heck of a view! :thumbsup2

No, AI wasn't empty but not full either, I guess that was just camera magic!!

You cannot beat the location and views from BLT!!

The boys look AWESOME! I'm behind the times--I've never heard of the Pirate League. I'm so glad they have something for boys now. Although I could totally see Caitlin vying for this instead of the princess thing when she was young. ;)

I'm so glad you got to go for Halloween. We went one year when Cait was about 9. She and I dressed as witches and a little boy told me I was the prettiest witch EVER. :rotfl: I gave him my bag of candy.

Thanks Amy, you are always so sweet! i could totally picture Caitlin going for the pirate wench instead of the princess!! I LOL'D about the boy and the candy, TOO FUNNY!!

Another great update. I think it's wonderful how they finally have something so cooll for boys to do....their makeup transformation was amazing. They really did a great job.

I love the MNSSHP....someday hopefully we will travel at that time of year again.

I can't imagine how wonderful it was to be able to walk to BLT....Disney magic at it's best.

Isn't it great that the boys finally have something!! If you ever get the chance to do MNSSHP DO IT, it won't disappoint!

GREAT!!!! looks like an amazing time, that is soo cool that both moms went and get along so good!
The pirate make over looks neat, never seen pics before something to look forward to with the babies once they are big enough~ thanks for asking by the way, I was touched you even remembered.. They are almost 6 months now~
Annette

Hi Annette! Of course I remembered about the boys. Having twins is a BIG DEAL!!! I would love to see a picture of them if are OK with posting one!

I cracked up when I saw the boys fake teeth, so funny! Their makeup was perfect, not to thick where you couldn't tell who they are. Looks like you guys had another great/late night!

Thanks, those teeth sure took some getting used too!!! VERY authentic! We did have alot of fun this night! Thanks for reading/posting!

I just saw the drawings and they looked awesome! :thumbsup2 We just discovered the animation studio this past trip. Let's just say that we didn't save our Tigger pics for my TR. :lmao:

Looks like you have a great time at the party! Love the boys' pirate costumes and make-up!

Thanks so much! I am sure your drawings were great! Thanks for all the compliments, we really did have so much fun at MNSSHP!

I am loving your report!! Your boys are adorable and I think it is awesome ya'll got to experience WDW with your Moms. My Husband and I keep trying to plan a big family trip (no kids yet so just us, siblings and parents) but the timing never works out right for everyone :sad2:

We are new DVC owners and after seeing your pictures I am dying to stay at BLT now - I have made a mental note to ask for a high floor so we can see all the fantastic views!!

Can't wait for another update!

WELCOME! Thanks for joining in! Welcome to DVC too, you will LOVE it! We had a BLAST with our moms! BLT is terrific, I hope you get to stay there soon! I LOVE your pictures in your siggie...BEAUTIFUL!!

The boys look so cool - they really did a great job with the make-up! Love the "bruised" eye look.

Your BLT views are awesome! What view did the grandma's get? (I can't recall reading what view they got.)

Thank you so much! The grandma's had a pool view!

The boys make up and costumes were amazing. They looked awesome ! The Pirate League is really a good idea for boys, I wish Disney had that when mine were little. Although in Disney you are never too old for anything. :goodvibes Yours and Brian's shirts were cute, too.

Glad you enjoyed MNSSHP ... I love all the Halloween decorations and seeing the characters in costumes. Eric is a boy after my own heart ... Mickey is my favorite too and every trip I have to have a picture with him. :lovestruc

Thank you so much! I agree, you are NEVER too old for Disney magic! Eric sure does love Mickey, but then who wouldn't right?

[dddisrunner]

Hey Diane, awesome trip report. I love the pictures of your pirates. That is some amazing makeup! We leave in a couple of days for a surprise trip for our girls. I showed them the video of your boys...we'll see if we get any excitement from them. How long is the walk from BLT to MK? We're staying in a 1 Br at BLT. Thanks again for an awesome report!

Thanks! Welcome back to another journey of ours!! I agree, they did a great job with the boys make up! The walk from BLT to the entrance of MK is about 5-10 minutes depending on how fast you walk! Have fun at BLT, you will LOVE it!!

Oh great, I LOVE the pirate tutorial pics. So cute, perfect for the halloween party. I agree, I just love the music from the halloween parade. "Boo to you and you and you....". And the fireworks:love:
Great pics, love the pics with Mickey, we didn't do that.

Thanks Julie! The boys had a blast at the pirate league! I agree that music and fireworks are PERFECT!!

I am in love with the Pirates' League idea! I am so making my kids do it next summer whether they want to or not. :laughing: (I don't think they will mind though ;)). Your boys make such great buccaneers!

Your shirt is great, Diane! Where did you find it?

So glad you loved MNSSHP -- I can't wait to do it again! The gravediggers were definitely my favorite part of the parade as well!

Pirates' League is AWESOME...your kids will have fun there for sure!! I got my shirt at Target! $5!!! the gravediggers were AWESOME weren't they!!

More party pics--- loved them all. So glad it was a fun night for you all.

The pirate thing is amazing. I cannot believe all the fun that would be. I had never seen any reports of the Pirate League, and I am so glad they have that for the boys now. Those pictures are just too priceless! Such a fun creative thing to do that boys would love... only at Disney World do we have that kind of magic!

Thanks Laura! I really thought the Pirates' League was GREAT and you got so much for the money! Thanks for all of your sweet compliments!

[DWGal210]

Hi Diane!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your TRs. You have a great way of writing and it really makes you feel as though you are there - thanks! :wizard:

What a fun thing to be able to bring your mom and MIL on this trip - they are looking like they had a great time!! I bet the boys loved having them along as well.

I have heard awesome things about BLT and your review also confirms that! What a great view - and not even a designated MK view to boot! Score! :woohoo:

I can't wait to read more - it looks like you guys are having a wonderful time!! Have a great weekend!

[Sooze]

It was so great being able to just walk there from BLT!
http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8912.jpg
I know how much I LOVE walking into Epcot from BCV or BWV... I can imagine how wonderful it is to walk from BLT!! I love how this picture captures the casual wonderful-ness of i!


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8917.jpg
How creative is THAT?!


LOVED all of the pictures and details from their pirate experience. Now that I know so much about it, I'm SURE Tyson would just LOVE it. Thank you for being so thorough and for taking so many pictures!!

[Sooze]

Sorry.... I blew this one... trying again!

[Sooze]

We quickly got changed and went down to the lobby to meet the grandma's! Here are our transformed pirates!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8952.jpg
Wow, Diane! They look AWESOME! Did you bring those costumes with you or buy them at WDW? Last year, Tyson was Captain Jack for Halloween and we had the worst time trying to make the costume look decent. Your little guys look fabulous!

And in case you were wanting to see Tyson as a pirate... here he is. (With the rum, of course!)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/sooze73/FallStuff038.jpg


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_8966.jpg
This picture just works in so many ways! Your orange shirts working with the orange pumpkins. The beautiful carriage letting everyone know you were in the Happiest Place on Earth. The perfectly pirate-y boys... Lovin' it!:love:

How cool that you got to experience Halloween at the Haunted Mansion. Feeling a bit of jealousy, I'm not gonna lie! :rolleyes:

[Sooze]

So, after looking at, and drooling over all of your MNSSHP pictures, I have decided that our family IS GOING to go this fall, even for a quick weekend, so that my kids can experience while they are still young enough!

Between you and Lesley, I feel confident that we all would love every moment!

Thanks for sharing!!

[dddisrunner]

Hi Diane!

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your TRs. You have a great way of writing and it really makes you feel as though you are there - thanks! :wizard:

What a fun thing to be able to bring your mom and MIL on this trip - they are looking like they had a great time!! I bet the boys loved having them along as well.

I have heard awesome things about BLT and your review also confirms that! What a great view - and not even a designated MK view to boot! Score! :woohoo:

I can't wait to read more - it looks like you guys are having a wonderful time!! Have a great weekend!

Hi! WELCOME! Thanks for joining us and for all your sweet comments!! BLT was great and that view was SPECTACULAR! I hope you have a great weekend too!

I know how much I LOVE walking into Epcot from BCV or BWV... I can imagine how wonderful it is to walk from BLT!! I love how this picture captures the casual wonderful-ness of i!


How creative is THAT?!


LOVED all of the pictures and details from their pirate experience. Now that I know so much about it, I'm SURE Tyson would just LOVE it. Thank you for being so thorough and for taking so many pictures!!

WOO HOO! I just love all of your comments Sooze!!! Tyson would LOVE Pirates League!

Sorry.... I blew this one... trying again!

Wow, Diane! They look AWESOME! Did you bring those costumes with you or buy them at WDW? Last year, Tyson was Captain Jack for Halloween and we had the worst time trying to make the costume look decent. Your little guys look fabulous!

And in case you were wanting to see Tyson as a pirate... here he is. (With the rum, of course!)
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/sooze73/FallStuff038.jpg



This picture just works in so many ways! Your orange shirts working with the orange pumpkins. The beautiful carriage letting everyone know you were in the Happiest Place on Earth. The perfectly pirate-y boys... Lovin' it!:love:

How cool that you got to experience Halloween at the Haunted Mansion. Feeling a bit of jealousy, I'm not gonna lie! :rolleyes:

Tyson looks AWESOME as Captain Jack and I CRACKED UP when I saw him with the rum! PERFECT!! Thanks for the compliment about the picture, I was pretty pleased with it too! I bought the boys costumes on ebay back in August!

So, after looking at, and drooling over all of your MNSSHP pictures, I have decided that our family IS GOING to go this fall, even for a quick weekend, so that my kids can experience while they are still young enough!

Between you and Lesley, I feel confident that we all would love every moment!

Thanks for sharing!!

AWESOME!!! You will not be disappointed! I am so happy for your family that you will experience Disney in fall!!!!

[dddisrunner]

So our third day at wonderful Walt Disney World was very special because it was my baby boys 8th birthday!! He was THRILLED to be waking up in Disney on his birthday! After our late night the night before, I had made 9am breakfast reservations at Eric's favorite Chef Mickey's!! It was INCREDIBLE to wake up at 8:20 am and be able to just casually get dressed and WALK to the Contemporary!

We walked over checked in and were seated immediately, so fast in fact we didn't even get our picture taken in front of the plate because there was a line there!

Before we knew it, the characters started coming, fast and furious!

Eric's fave!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9089.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9091.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9092.jpg

After those 3 we finally went and got some yummy food! LOVE breakfast here, WAY better than dinner! IMO!

Up next was............

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9093.jpg

The recognized it was Eric's birthday at the podium but so far nothing at the table. I thought they did a specialized placemat but we didn't get one? Soon enough this was brought out though and Eric was a happy camper!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9097.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9098.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9103.jpg

Then this lovely lady stopped by!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9094.jpg

The it was time to dance with Mickey mouse!

The grandma's getting into it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9099.jpg

Matthew swinging his napkin!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9101.jpg

It was a GREAT experience and a wonderful way for Eric to start his birthday!

After we finished we walked over to the monorail to head to Epcot!!!

Our first mission was to head to Test Track after Bryan ran and fastpassed Soarin! Just to give you an idea of the lack of crowds, we arrived at Epcot around 10:45 and our fastpass timefor Soarin was 12:00 noon!!!!

While walking to test Track Matthew was soaking it all in!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9105.jpg

A CM rolled this gigantic ball towards the boys and they had a BLAST playing with it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9104.jpg

Our destination!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9107.jpg

Test Track was a GHOST TOWN!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9108.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9112.jpg

This picture is funny because on the wall directly behind Eric is a crash test dummy who is the size of an average 5 year old! WELL, Eric is 8 on this day and he measures as a typical 5 year old!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9110.jpg

The boys and their grandma's waiting to take on the fast loops!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9111.jpg

It was GREAT because we had a whole car to ourselves!! The grandma's had fun! After our ride of course we had to pose in the cars!

LOOK OUT WORLD!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9115.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9117.jpg

Next up we decided to ride Figment before our fastpass for Soarin!

Then it was on to Soarin!!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9120.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9121.jpg

We asked for the middle top row and the CM's were great and let us wait so we could have it! It was our mom's first time and I wanted them to have a GREAT experience! It didn't disappoint, at one point during the orange grove point I heard my mom say "WOW"! I was SO THRILLED to be able to share this with her and she could see what our Disney obsession was all about!!

Afterwards!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9106.jpg

Next up was Club Cool!! The boys were DYING to trick their grandmothers into trying the Beverly! Well Bryan's mom actually didn't think it was bad!!! My mom took some...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9125.jpg

waiting for the reaction...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9126.jpg

WE GOT NOTHING!!! I think it was because she had a little cold! Needless to say the boys were so upset that they didn't get to trick their grandmothers! HA!

Afterwards, we went to get Eric's birthday gift card. We have annual passes, so we thought the gift card was the best way to go! They raised the prices in August so he actually got $68...NOT BAD!

My happy boy with his card!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9119.jpg

You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned one thing about Matthew being jealous or upset that Eric was getting to be at Disney for his birthday or getting a gift card! WELL up until this point he was a GREAT big brother and just genuinely happy for his brother..........WELL, that was all about to change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Coming up next!

Birthday ruined?

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh no Matthew!
Well, we can't blame him if he was a tiny bit jealous of all that Disney attention...

I think it's so cool that you are sharing your love of Disney with the grandmothers! I'm sure they loved Soarin' and Test Track. I can't wait to see if you turned then into mousejunkies!

I showed Baylor the pictures of the boys at Pirates League. He was curious about Mathew's age. I told him that I thought they were pretty close. I'm afraid we are approaching the time that he will think he's too old for all this, but, he has since decided that he wants a pirate make-over....:laughing:

[purplepeg]

Awesome update! I can't imagine being a kid celebrating your birthday in Disney! He must have been over the moon. Hmm, wonder what happens next?

[Sooze]

After those 3 we finally went and got some yummy food! LOVE breakfast here, WAY better than dinner! IMO!
::yes:: I completely agree! We will only do breakfasts here now!!


I thought they did a specialized placemat but we didn't get one?
For Tyson's 8th birthday, we got a placemat. For his 9th? Just a cupcake. Must be those infamous Disney cutbacks we keep hearing about. A little bit here, a little bit there...

Here's what the placemat looked like:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/sooze73/08%20Surprise%20Disney/08DisneySurprise066.jpg

The grandma's getting into it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9099.jpg
How fun are they!? Do I see Disney shirts on the grandmas?! Hooray!!

While walking to test Track Matthew was soaking it all in!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9105.jpg

I love that our children love the place that we love so much! (Did you follow that?)


Test Track was a GHOST TOWN!
:eek: Another good reason to go in the fall... you're helping me build up my case for a fall trip next year... thanks!


We asked for the middle top row and the CM's were great and let us wait so we could have it!
Good girl, Diane!! I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I will NEVER ride Soarin' and NOT be in the top row, center section ever again! There is NO other way to ride it!!


WE GOT NOTHING!!! I think it was because she had a little cold! Needless to say the boys were so upset that they didn't get to trick their grandmothers! HA!
Awwww... poor little guys!

They raised the prices in August so he actually got $68...NOT BAD!
Pretty cool gift, eh?! We were pleasantly surprised when they handed Tyson his free card, too!!


WELL up until this point he was a GREAT big brother and just genuinely happy for his brother..........WELL, that was all about to change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:sad2: Uh oh....

Waiting to hear all about it....:surfweb:

[IluvXU]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9097.jpg

That picture is just to precious! What a fantastic way to start a birthday. Happy Birthday again Eric! I know that one of my students spent his birthday at WDW this summer... so it is a perfect age to do so.

What a lucky birthday boy he was! I hope that someday Luke and Emily can be there on their birthday too, Hannah did once, but we will see.

We will have to get to Chef Mickey's for breakfast sometime soon, we have only done dinner there.

It is so fantastic to go to EPCOT from the Contemporary, and wow about the FP return time.

It is so special to see that the grandma's got to have a great trip with you all. Having done a trip with my parents I know just how wonderful it is.

Poor Matthew. That would be a tough thing to handle. Dad's birthday during summer trip, little brother during this trip. I wonder how this turns out?

[Trentmom]

Sounds like Eric had an awesome birthday :wizard:

Crowds looked non existent that day :thumbsup2


It is natural for Matthew to be a tad jealous :goodvibes

[MAJ RN]

Another wonderful update!! nothing like a cupcake for breakfast on your birthday!! I hope Matthew was not too jealous. My youngest son was blessed to also celebrate his birthday in WDW and my oldest was not thrilled, but I reminded him that he was still in WDW and that is a privilege. Can't wait for the next installment.


Melissa

[Happydog]

Hi Diane!!!! I just figured out that you had gotten back when Laura clued me in! I just love all the photos and stories so far! We had a similar whirlwind weekend in Sept/Oct and so it looks like yours was as action packed as ours was!!!! We are taking the boys to the Pirate's League this Christmas, and so I really enjoyed seeing all your photos!!!! And of MNSSHP! I couldn't get many! Great to see BLT -- I am looking forward to trying it out! Worried what is coming next -- I have two boys too, and well I know how that Sibling thing can go... :eek:

[Charleston Princess]

What a great way to start his birthday for Eric!!! I think I would like to spend my birthday walking to Chef Mickey's from BLT! :laughing:

[praisehisname]

A CM rolled this gigantic ball towards the boys and they had a BLAST playing with it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9104.jpg

DH was facinated with these and ended up buying one in the smaller size. It's a lot of fun!


You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned one thing about Matthew being jealous or upset that Eric was getting to be at Disney for his birthday or getting a gift card! WELL up until this point he was a GREAT big brother and just genuinely happy for his brother..........WELL, that was all about to change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Uh oh...:rolleyes1

[timandlesley]

Diane,
What a great update. Glad you experienced the same lack of crowds we did, we're going to be in for a culture shock come June, but at least we'll have eachother : ) Great birthday for Eric. So fun you got to experience this with both of your mom's, they look like they are having a blast - too funny about your mom and the Beverly.
UhOh!!! What does Matthew do????:confused3
Lesley

[CRSNDSNY]

Oh no! I hope he wasn't too upset!!!


BTW, you have the best TRs!!! :)

[heaven2dc]

I LOVE that the Grandma's are wearing matching outfits! (was that planned?) They truly look like they are having a blast.

How great that Eric got to spend his 8th birthday at WDW!! Now I'm sitting on pins and needles wondering how Matthew is reacting now :surfweb:

[CoP Luv]

WOW! What suspense. I hope Eric had such a great birthday, but I could imagine Matthew feeling a little down about all of the attention to his brother. Can't wait to read about it next!

[mylag1rl]

Eric's birthday is off to a great start ... can't wait to hear the rest. The grandmothers look like they are having so much fun.

[NMAmy]

YAY!!! Hi Amy, I am so glad you joined us again!! Tell me all about your trip you have planned!
I'm happy you have another trip report! :thumbsup2 We're doing spring break again, at BWV's again (I was going to go with BCV's but after the BW refurb decided to go back), and Cait is bringing a new, college friend this year. Come on, March! Can't get here fast enough for me.



Eric said the chair was comfy but he sat in it because it looked "cool"!

He's right--it totally looked cool and I'd have tried it out myself! Glad to hear it was comfy!


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9097.jpg

I am a firm believer that there is no better start to a birthday than having a cupcake for breakfast! :lmao:


You may have noticed that I haven't mentioned one thing about Matthew being jealous or upset that Eric was getting to be at Disney for his birthday or getting a gift card! WELL up until this point he was a GREAT big brother and just genuinely happy for his brother..........WELL, that was all about to change!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Oh, no, this doesn't sound good.

[DWGal210]

What a fun way to spend your birthday! :wizard: How special!

Uh oh...I sense a brother meltdown coming....don't leave us hanging, Diane! :lmao:

[dddisrunner]

Oh no Matthew!
Well, we can't blame him if he was a tiny bit jealous of all that Disney attention...

I think it's so cool that you are sharing your love of Disney with the grandmothers! I'm sure they loved Soarin' and Test Track. I can't wait to see if you turned then into mousejunkies!

I showed Baylor the pictures of the boys at Pirates League. He was curious about Mathew's age. I told him that I thought they were pretty close. I'm afraid we are approaching the time that he will think he's too old for all this, but, he has since decided that he wants a pirate make-over....:laughing:

Thanks Anita! Our moms both had a BLAST but no, I don't think we turned them into mousejunkies. It was great for them to see it through the boys eyes though! Matthew is 9 1/2, he will be 10 in March and he was apprehensive at first about doing it, but he LOVED it!! Tell Baylor to go for it!!

Awesome update! I can't imagine being a kid celebrating your birthday in Disney! He must have been over the moon. Hmm, wonder what happens next?

Thanks so much, he was OVER the moon!


::yes:: I completely agree! We will only do breakfasts here now!!



For Tyson's 8th birthday, we got a placemat. For his 9th? Just a cupcake. Must be those infamous Disney cutbacks we keep hearing about. A little bit here, a little bit there...

Here's what the placemat looked like:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/sooze73/08%20Surprise%20Disney/08DisneySurprise066.jpg


How fun are they!? Do I see Disney shirts on the grandmas?! Hooray!!



I love that our children love the place that we love so much! (Did you follow that?)



:eek: Another good reason to go in the fall... you're helping me build up my case for a fall trip next year... thanks!



Good girl, Diane!! I've said it before, and I'll say it again... I will NEVER ride Soarin' and NOT be in the top row, center section ever again! There is NO other way to ride it!!



Awwww... poor little guys!


Pretty cool gift, eh?! We were pleasantly surprised when they handed Tyson his free card, too!!


:sad2: Uh oh....

Waiting to hear all about it....:surfweb:

Thanks Sooze for all the AWESOME comments! I knew I they used to give placemats, that is so neat!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9097.jpg

That picture is just to precious! What a fantastic way to start a birthday. Happy Birthday again Eric! I know that one of my students spent his birthday at WDW this summer... so it is a perfect age to do so.

What a lucky birthday boy he was! I hope that someday Luke and Emily can be there on their birthday too, Hannah did once, but we will see.

We will have to get to Chef Mickey's for breakfast sometime soon, we have only done dinner there.

It is so fantastic to go to EPCOT from the Contemporary, and wow about the FP return time.

It is so special to see that the grandma's got to have a great trip with you all. Having done a trip with my parents I know just how wonderful it is.

Poor Matthew. That would be a tough thing to handle. Dad's birthday during summer trip, little brother during this trip. I wonder how this turns out?

Thanks so much Laura! You should definitely try Chef Mickeys for breakfast, it is GREAT!! More on Matthew coming up!

Sounds like Eric had an awesome birthday :wizard:

Crowds looked non existent that day :thumbsup2


It is natural for Matthew to be a tad jealous :goodvibes

Thanks Kelly! The crowds were AMAZING! Eric had a GREAT day!

Another wonderful update!! nothing like a cupcake for breakfast on your birthday!! I hope Matthew was not too jealous. My youngest son was blessed to also celebrate his birthday in WDW and my oldest was not thrilled, but I reminded him that he was still in WDW and that is a privilege. Can't wait for the next installment.


Melissa

Thanks Melissa! Eric did have a wonderful day! Glad to hear Matthew's reaction was a typical one!

Hi Diane!!!! I just figured out that you had gotten back when Laura clued me in! I just love all the photos and stories so far! We had a similar whirlwind weekend in Sept/Oct and so it looks like yours was as action packed as ours was!!!! We are taking the boys to the Pirate's League this Christmas, and so I really enjoyed seeing all your photos!!!! And of MNSSHP! I couldn't get many! Great to see BLT -- I am looking forward to trying it out! Worried what is coming next -- I have two boys too, and well I know how that Sibling thing can go... :eek:

WELCOME! Thanks for joining us again! Your boys will LOVE Pirate's League! BLT is amazing, enjoy it!

What a great way to start his birthday for Eric!!! I think I would like to spend my birthday walking to Chef Mickey's from BLT! :laughing:

Thanks Jackie, me too!!

DH was facinated with these and ended up buying one in the smaller size. It's a lot of fun!




Uh oh...:rolleyes1

They wanted to buy that big ball too and I said NO WAY!

Diane,
What a great update. Glad you experienced the same lack of crowds we did, we're going to be in for a culture shock come June, but at least we'll have eachother : ) Great birthday for Eric. So fun you got to experience this with both of your mom's, they look like they are having a blast - too funny about your mom and the Beverly.
UhOh!!! What does Matthew do????:confused3
Lesley

Hi Lesley! We are going to be shocked in June with the heat and the crowds! Our mom's did have fun, thanks!!

Oh no! I hope he wasn't too upset!!!


BTW, you have the best TRs!!! :)

You are so sweet, thanks!!

I LOVE that the Grandma's are wearing matching outfits! (was that planned?) They truly look like they are having a blast.

How great that Eric got to spend his 8th birthday at WDW!! Now I'm sitting on pins and needles wondering how Matthew is reacting now :surfweb:

Good observation, no they didn't plan to be dressed alike but we thought it was cute!

WOW! What suspense. I hope Eric had such a great birthday, but I could imagine Matthew feeling a little down about all of the attention to his brother. Can't wait to read about it next!

Eric did have a great day! More on Matthew next!!

Eric's birthday is off to a great start ... can't wait to hear the rest. The grandmothers look like they are having so much fun.

I'm happy you have another trip report! :thumbsup2 We're doing spring break again, at BWV's again (I was going to go with BCV's but after the BW refurb decided to go back), and Cait is bringing a new, college friend this year. Come on, March! Can't get here fast enough for me.



He's right--it totally looked cool and I'd have tried it out myself! Glad to hear it was comfy!



I am a firm believer that there is no better start to a birthday than having a cupcake for breakfast! :lmao:



Oh, no, this doesn't sound good.

Thanks Amy! Yay for bringing newbies to WDW!!! How fun!!


What a fun way to spend your birthday! :wizard: How special!

Uh oh...I sense a brother meltdown coming....don't leave us hanging, Diane! :lmao:

More on the meltdown coming up!!

[dddisrunner]

So we left off with Eric and I going to get his birthday giftcard. Well, we come out and the first thing Matthew says is "How much did he get?" Now, I have to say, we planned this trip because we were off from school all week and Eric's birthday happened to fall during our trip, it was a bonus. That is why we thought it would be a great surprise just to go!!! Anyway, Matthew FLIPPED OUT when he heard how much Eric got, I am talking tears the size of golf balls! He didn't scream and yell just kept saying over and over "this isn't fair" Now we had told him he could pick out a few things and Bryan and I would buy them for him. He wasn't having it....I was shocked. It isn't like him to behave that way! Well we finally took him aside and tried to calm him down and then my mom spoke to him and he was FINE!!! I still to this day have no idea what she said, but it worked! This ate up a good 20 minutes and Eric started crying that Matthew was ruining his birthday! UGH!!!!!!!!!

Finally with everyone's attitudes properly adjusted we decided to head into the World Showcase!

The grandma's headed out on there own, the last we saw of them was near France sipping some wine!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9133.jpg

I had taken some pictures of the food and wine boards!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9127.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9128.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9129.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9130.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9131.jpg

We had fastpassed Kim Possible so that the boys could each do their own mission! So when we got to the International Gateway we got our Kimmunicators!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9134.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9135.jpg

After all the birthday drama, Bryan grabbed this beer....

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9136.jpg

and I grabbed one of these delicious slushies from France! YUMMY!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9138.jpg

Bryan went with Matthew on his mission and I went with Eric!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9141.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9142.jpg

After our missions, we met back up with Bryan and Matthew and continued our way around the World Showcase. I was feeling HAPPY after my slushie!

We made our way to America and Bryan decides he wants to see some Sam Adams beer making seminar! B-O-R-I-N-G!!! So, he went alone and now I was ALONE with the kids!! How did this happen? The boys and I decided to grab some snacks. We got popcorn, pretzels and drinks and parked it outside the American Adventure and people watched for a bit!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9145.jpg

Bryan said the show was 1/2 hour long so we planned to meet up in Mexico at 2:00pm! The boys and I strolled through some more countries! This was the wonderful blessing of being able to go just 4 short months after we were just there. We had no pressure to rush around! I took these shots along the way!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9146.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9147.jpg

Then in China we found this beauty with no one waiting!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9149.jpg

Then we ventured towards Mexico and found this guy!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9150.jpg

After our encounter with the mexican Donald(forgot his name?) We went inside on the boat ride! Fun, the boys didn't remember going on before and they really liked it!

Now it was time to meet up with Bryan! Well we waited and waited and waited and of course he DID NOT bring his cell phone with him to the park that day! This is an ONGOING issue with us! So after about 20 minutes...WE LEFT! My thought was, he left us alone now it was his problem to find us!

The boys and I headed back into future world! We went back and played the velcro game we had played this summer with Luke and Lauren! It wasn't as much fun as when we played with our friends but the boys still got picked!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9151.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9154.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9156.jpg

They were paired with another boy and they had to stack the blocks as high as they could in 60 seconds!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9160.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9162.jpg

After our game, it was time to meet up with the Grandma's and low and behold Bryan was there, I guess he figured if he didn't make it there we would leave him!!! haha!

We then decided to ride Spaceship Earth before we left! I took this picture first!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9168.jpg

Then we went to SE! The grandma's had never ridden!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9163.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9165.jpg


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

After our ride on SE it was time to head to the bus stop to catch and Animal Kingdom Lodge bus! We were going to have dinner at Boma for Eric's birthday dinner! I had asked him randomly if he could eat at any restaurant in Disney which would it be. He said Teppan Edo 1st which is funny because he didn't even eat anything there this summer, I think he just thought it was so much fun because we ate with lesley and her family! Well I couldn't get into Teppan Edo until 8:30pm TOO LATE! Boma was his 2nd choice so Boma it was!

We arrived at the AKL and I was SO HAPPY to be there! There is SOMETHING about this resort that I have yet to find at any other resort I have stayed at and that includes the BWV and BLT! I just LOVE it there!! It is HOME!

Downstairs at Boma we checked in and were seated immediately! We were STARVING! Sorry, I didn't take alot of pictures because I was too busy eating! Dinner did not disappoint and our moms LOVED IT!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9170.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9171.jpg


I mentioned to our waitress that I had ordered Eric a cake! Before too long she came out with it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9173.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9174.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9175.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9176.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9177.jpg

the cake was DELICIOUS! It was all chocolate and very moist and the chocolate flakes on the ears were AMAZING! It was so big we had it boxed up!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9178.jpg

After our yummy meal and cake, we hit the gift shop for a bit!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9179.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9180.jpg

After a little while, we made our way back to BLT! The grandma's decided to call it a night but Bryan the boys and I went to the top of the world lounge at BLT!

You have to register and show your DVC card in the lobby and then they send you up to the lounge in a designated elevator!

It was BEAUTIFUL!!

Here is the chandelier!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9183.jpg

This is the mural that changes behind the bar! SO COOL!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9186.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9187.jpg

Bryan and I ordered drinks!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9185.jpg

After we finished our drinks, we decided to head outside and watch Wishes! It was such a spectacular view!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9191.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9190.jpg

Even the speakers have Mickey's on them!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9189.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9192.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9195.jpg

The boys had a blast running around and playing!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9197.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9196.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9198.jpg

It was the PERFECT way to end the evening! Eric said thank you for such a great day before he went to bed! I was happy Matthew seemed to come around and the day was salvaged!



Coming up next!

Oh no we are missing a grandma?
did you taste it first?

[praisehisname]

Anyway, Matthew FLIPPED OUT when he heard how much Eric got

My girls would have done the exact same thing. :sad2:


We had fastpassed Kim Possible so that the boys could each do their own mission!

Great idea! Did you have to use two different KTTW cards?


Downstairs at Boma we checked in and were seated immediately! We were STARVING! Sorry, I didn't take alot of pictures because I was too busy eating! Dinner did not disappoint and our moms LOVED IT!

:thumbsup2 I want to eat there some day!


[IMG]http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9176.jpg

YUM! I want a piece!!!

The lounge looks gorgeous! Sounds like a wonderful evening!

[Trentmom]

Aww...poor matthew

Maybe he was just tired. Glad he calmed down:goodvibes

When is his bday? Maybe you start planing a birthday trip for him :wizard:



Did Eric spend his gift card that night? What he get?

That lounge looks incredible. I wanted to eat that Mickey Cake...looked so yummy!!!

[wigdoutdismom]

Diane, I need to know how to order a cake...
Actually my dh needs to know how to order a cake...
We are going for my birthday next summer!
I'm just not sure I could cut into something so perfect!

I'm glad Matthew came around quickly. I'm sure it was hard to take Eric getting so much special attention especially at Disney!

You have two very special sons!

[bballdiva]

Ohh love it so far...joining in

[MAJ RN]

So glad to see smiling faces all around by the end of the day!! BLT looks amazing!! I am hoping to buy into DVC when I go in Feb so maybe someday we will get to stay there. That slushie you had looks so good, I could REALLY use one right now! Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

[CRSNDSNY]

Thank goodness everyone recovered!!!

The cake looks so yummy! What a fun bday for him.

[NMAmy]

Anyway, Matthew FLIPPED OUT when he heard how much Eric got, I am talking tears the size of golf balls! He didn't scream and yell just kept saying over and over "this isn't fair" Now we had told him he could pick out a few things and Bryan and I would buy them for him. He wasn't having it....I was shocked. It isn't like him to behave that way! Well we finally took him aside and tried to calm him down and then my mom spoke to him and he was FINE!!! I still to this day have no idea what she said, but it worked! This ate up a good 20 minutes and Eric started crying that Matthew was ruining his birthday! UGH!!!!!!!!!

Poor guy. It's really understandable to feel a bit jealous. Now I'm wondering what Grandma told him! :lmao:


The grandma's headed out on there own, the last we saw of them was near France sipping some wine!

:rotfl: Grandmas are so smart.


After all the birthday drama, Bryan grabbed this beer....

:lmao: When I first read this, I misunderstood and thought that MATTHEW had grabbed a beer after all the drama.



and I grabbed one of these delicious slushies from France! YUMMY!!

And Mom and Dad are so smart, too! ;) DH's cure for grumpiness at WDW is a Mickey bar for him and dd and a nice margarita or a beer for Mommy!

Sounds like a fabulous day. And thanks so much for posting the pictures from the lounge at BLT. Since I'm not going to be buying DVC, I'm going to have to live vicariously through your pictures! :thumbsup2

[DWGal210]

I'm glad to hear the drama was quick and short-lived. :thumbsup2 What grandma said to him, seemed to do the trick!

It sounds like your Boma meal was great, and that cake - WOWZA! How beautiful it was!

Sounds like your adventures are off to a good start so far!

[mylag1rl]

Sounds like Eric had a great birthday ! That cake looked delicious. I think you planned out a great day for Eric and your family. Grandmothers seem to have a magic touch kind of like a fairy godmother :goodvibes. Great way to end the special day with a viewing of Wishes.

[IluvXU]

The cake is beautiful. So glad it tasted good too.

Dinner at Boma, I cannot wait to try that place out. I am sure it will happen someday. AKL is amazing... I am glad I got a chance to visit, even though it was a night time short visit.

Your leisurely stroll through EPCOT sounds great, epecially sans the summer heat. I do believe though it can never be as hot as last June!

Grandmas just sometimes say the right thing. I know all about that from my mom and the girls.

[Charleston Princess]

Too bad about all the tears -- I have a feeling my two would respond the same way.

Note to self: get slushy before attempting KP mission -- will go much smoother that way. :laughing:

That cake looks absolutely amazing!!! I need to think of a reason to order a cake. :lmao:

Wow! The Top of the World lounge is just beautiful!!! I may have to buy DVC just so I can access it sometime. ;)

[dddisrunner]

My girls would have done the exact same thing. :sad2:




Great idea! Did you have to use two different KTTW cards?




:thumbsup2 I want to eat there some day!




YUM! I want a piece!!!

The lounge looks gorgeous! Sounds like a wonderful evening!

Thanks so much! I hope you get to try Boma, it is GREAT!

Aww...poor matthew

Maybe he was just tired. Glad he calmed down:goodvibes

When is his bday? Maybe you start planing a birthday trip for him :wizard:



Did Eric spend his gift card that night? What he get?

That lounge looks incredible. I wanted to eat that Mickey Cake...looked so yummy!!!

Thanks Kelly! Matthew's birthday is at the end of March which this year happens to fall RIGHT before Easter, I can't do the Easter crowds! Don't worry, we have something very special planned for his birthday! Eric did not spend his gift card that day, he waited a day or two!

Diane, I need to know how to order a cake...
Actually my dh needs to know how to order a cake...
We are going for my birthday next summer!
I'm just not sure I could cut into something so perfect!

I'm glad Matthew came around quickly. I'm sure it was hard to take Eric getting so much special attention especially at Disney!

You have two very special sons!

Too funny Anita! To order Eric's cake, I went on the restaurant board cake thread and found the # for the AKL and then I ordered a cake through them. I spoke with Latisha, and she was AWESOME!

Ohh love it so far...joining in

WELCOME! thank you so much for reading/posting!!

So glad to see smiling faces all around by the end of the day!! BLT looks amazing!! I am hoping to buy into DVC when I go in Feb so maybe someday we will get to stay there. That slushie you had looks so good, I could REALLY use one right now! Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

Thanks Melissa! I hope you do buy into DVC, we think it is GREAT! If you ever have any questions, feel free to PM me and I will help you as much as I can, I have an AWESOME guide.

Thank goodness everyone recovered!!!

The cake looks so yummy! What a fun bday for him.

Thanks so much! The cake was YUMMY!!

Poor guy. It's really understandable to feel a bit jealous. Now I'm wondering what Grandma told him! :lmao:



:rotfl: Grandmas are so smart.



:lmao: When I first read this, I misunderstood and thought that MATTHEW had grabbed a beer after all the drama.




And Mom and Dad are so smart, too! ;) DH's cure for grumpiness at WDW is a Mickey bar for him and dd and a nice margarita or a beer for Mommy!

Sounds like a fabulous day. And thanks so much for posting the pictures from the lounge at BLT. Since I'm not going to be buying DVC, I'm going to have to live vicariously through your pictures! :thumbsup2

I'm glad to hear the drama was quick and short-lived. :thumbsup2 What grandma said to him, seemed to do the trick!

It sounds like your Boma meal was great, and that cake - WOWZA! How beautiful it was!

Sounds like your adventures are off to a good start so far!

You are too funny Amy! Grandma's are smart! I LOL when I read that you thought Matthew had the beer! Hey maybe that would have helped! JUST KIDDING!!

Sounds like Eric had a great birthday ! That cake looked delicious. I think you planned out a great day for Eric and your family. Grandmothers seem to have a magic touch kind of like a fairy godmother :goodvibes. Great way to end the special day with a viewing of Wishes.

Eric did have a great birthday, THANKS!

The cake is beautiful. So glad it tasted good too.

Dinner at Boma, I cannot wait to try that place out. I am sure it will happen someday. AKL is amazing... I am glad I got a chance to visit, even though it was a night time short visit.

Your leisurely stroll through EPCOT sounds great, epecially sans the summer heat. I do believe though it can never be as hot as last June!

Grandmas just sometimes say the right thing. I know all about that from my mom and the girls.

I agree Laura, last June was borderline unbearable! It was so wonderful just taking our time!

Too bad about all the tears -- I have a feeling my two would respond the same way.

Note to self: get slushy before attempting KP mission -- will go much smoother that way. :laughing:

That cake looks absolutely amazing!!! I need to think of a reason to order a cake. :lmao:

Wow! The Top of the World lounge is just beautiful!!! I may have to buy DVC just so I can access it sometime. ;)

DEFINITELY get a slushie BEFORE KP missions!!! The TOW is BEAUTIFUL!

[Happydog]

I had fun on a KP mission with my DS7, too!!!! And it included a slushie. Well two, actually.... :rolleyes1 The only way to "travel". :lmao:

The birthday came to a happy ending, which is a relief, I am sure :goodvibes Mine would have done the same I am sure...

Your trip has been action packed! Great photos of the BLT lounge So cool! Can't wait to check that out!
:thumbsup2

[dddisrunner]

I had fun on a KP mission with my DS7, too!!!! And it included a slushie. Well two, actually.... :rolleyes1 The only way to "travel". :lmao:

The birthday came to a happy ending, which is a relief, I am sure :goodvibes Mine would have done the same I am sure...

Your trip has been action packed! Great photos of the BLT lounge So cool! Can't wait to check that out!
:thumbsup2

TOO FUNNY! I LOVED that slushie! We actually like the KP missions but they are much more tolerable with slushie in hand!!

[Sooze]

Anyway, Matthew FLIPPED OUT when he heard how much Eric got, I am talking tears the size of golf balls! He didn't scream and yell just kept saying over and over "this isn't fair" Now we had told him he could pick out a few things and Bryan and I would buy them for him. He wasn't having it....I was shocked. It isn't like him to behave that way!
Can we blame him? I'd be pretty upset if my DH got almost $70 to spend and I didn't!! I bet he tried his darndest to not get upset! I never thought how lucky I was that this past summer, when Tyson got his gift card, that Shaelyn was just too young to have any idea what was going on!!

Well we finally took him aside and tried to calm him down and then my mom spoke to him and he was FINE!!! I still to this day have no idea what she said, but it worked!
:confused3Ahhhh... the magic of grandmas!
Bryan decides he wants to see some Sam Adams beer making seminar! B-O-R-I-N-G!!!
Totally. Boring. Agreed.

This was the wonderful blessing of being able to go just 4 short months after we were just there. We had no pressure to rush around! I took these shots along the way!
Such a fabulous feeling. We are SOOO blessed, aren't we?!
Well we waited and waited and waited and of course he DID NOT bring his cell phone with him to the park that day! This is an ONGOING issue with us!
:headache: How do you NOT have a cell phone in the parks?! Crazy guy!!

So after about 20 minutes...WE LEFT! My thought was, he left us alone now it was his problem to find us!
Atta girl!:rolleyes1

We went back and played the velcro game we had played this summer with Luke and Lauren!
I had never seen or heard of this activity until you and Lesley shared. Can't wait to bring Tyson here in the spring!

[Sooze]

We arrived at the AKL and I was SO HAPPY to be there! There is SOMETHING about this resort that I have yet to find at any other resort I have stayed at and that includes the BWV and BLT! I just LOVE it there!! It is HOME!
We now own at AKL and still haven't stayed there! We are HUGE BCV/BWV fans because we just love the proximity to Epcot. But you and Lesley and I seem to have so much in common, I can't help but wonder if I'll love AKL as much as you two do!! Can't wait to experience it for myself :banana:



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Gotta love the yellow food diet. My kids are on the same one!:lmao:


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That cake is FANTASTIC! MUCH better than the one I ordered for our anniversary a few trips back. How did you get it? Were you able to look at a catalog or something? It's perfect!

It was the PERFECT way to end the evening! Eric said thank you for such a great day before he went to bed! I was happy Matthew seemed to come around and the day was salvaged!
What a wonderful evening. So happy for you all to have experienced it (and it looks like you did so with no crowds!:thumbsup2)

[dddisrunner]

Can we blame him? I'd be pretty upset if my DH got almost $70 to spend and I didn't!! I bet he tried his darndest to not get upset! I never thought how lucky I was that this past summer, when Tyson got his gift card, that Shaelyn was just too young to have any idea what was going on!!


:confused3Ahhhh... the magic of grandmas!

Totally. Boring. Agreed.


Such a fabulous feeling. We are SOOO blessed, aren't we?!

:headache: How do you NOT have a cell phone in the parks?! Crazy guy!!

Atta girl!:rolleyes1


I had never seen or heard of this activity until you and Lesley shared. Can't wait to bring Tyson here in the spring!

We now own at AKL and still haven't stayed there! We are HUGE BCV/BWV fans because we just love the proximity to Epcot. But you and Lesley and I seem to have so much in common, I can't help but wonder if I'll love AKL as much as you two do!! Can't wait to experience it for myself :banana:



Gotta love the yellow food diet. My kids are on the same one!:lmao:



That cake is FANTASTIC! MUCH better than the one I ordered for our anniversary a few trips back. How did you get it? Were you able to look at a catalog or something? It's perfect!


What a wonderful evening. So happy for you all to have experienced it (and it looks like you did so with no crowds!:thumbsup2)

As usual Sooze, your comments ROCK!! Bryan always thinks that because I have my phone on me he doesn't need his! Lesson learned! The yellow diet is such the kids diet isn't it! With the cake, I just called the AKL phone number that I found on the dining thread and she took my request for all chocolate. I didn't look at a catalog, I found the picture on the cake thread and just asked for it! I hope you have low crowds when you go too!

[dddisrunner]

Our day 4 plan had us heading to the Magic Kingdom! Our usual morning routine was to meet our moms in the lobby of BLT and then head to the bus stop. On this day when we got to the lobby only Bryan's mom was there! As I was getting ready to ask where my mom was, my phone rang and it was my mom telling me that she had a pretty bad blister on her toe and wanted to rest and take it easy so it didn't ruin the rest of the trip! I was disappointed but thought it was necessary for her to rest!! With that we took our time and strolled over to the Magic Kingdom! We caught the train heading towards Main St. for the opening show! I saw the family on board and it brought a HUGE smile to my face, knowing what their morning had been like before they got on the train because we had the pleasure/luck of doing this back in April of 2008!

We arrived to the opening show and beautiful fall decorations! Which would change VERY soon, only we didn't realize it would be as soon as it was!

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Once again I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of crowd heading into the MK! We made our to Buzz Lightyear!

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After Buzz we made our way over to Indy, which you all know I HATE! Well it wasn't so bad without the heat and crowds! (Did I really just say that?)

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Next up was the "hot tea cup ride" as my mother in law calls it! Bryan and the boys took my MIL on a very FAST SPINNING ride!

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Alice was in the teacup right next to my family and the little girl she was riding with kept saying "I can't believe you picked me to ride with" it was PRECIOUS! Being the dork that I am, I got all choked up when I heard that! Then I heard Alice say "Well of course I picked you, you are the lovliest girl in all of Fantasyland!!!!! AWESOME memory for me and it had nothing to do with me!!!!

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Next up was Pooh! It was great making our way through the park and not waiting for anything!!

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I took this picture of the back of the castle on our way to see Philharmagic!

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After Philharmagic, Bryan his mom and Matthew went to see the Hall of Presidents so Eric and I went over to BTMRR!

Can you say NO CROWDS!

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After our ride, we strolled through some of the shops in Frontierland for a bit and then met up with everyone at Pecos Bills for lunch!

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After our yummy lunch(LOVE the fixin's bar here) we went over to......

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After Pirate's it was back to BTMRR so Bryan and Matthew could ride too! Bryan's mom sat this one out!

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CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!!

[dddisrunner]

After our ride on BTMRR we decided to skip Splash Mountain, it was SO CHILLY on this day so no one wanted to get wet!

We made our way back towards the hub and the Move it Shake it parade was going on!

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This lady cracked me up dancing with Chip and Dale!

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After watching for a little while, we went to see the Monsters Inc show!

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They used my corny joke, but the kids were excited that they said "Diane from NJ"!

After Monsters Inc. we headed down Main St. taking some pictures along the way!

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It was a WONDERFUL morning at the Magic Kingdom! We decided to head back to BLT and I wanted to check in on my mom!

Back at BLT, I called my mom and she was feeling better and ready for our dinner and evening at DHS! The boys spent some time being silly!

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I took some pictures of the bathroom because I LOVED the decor and colors!

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The doors to the bathrooms at BLT slide, they do not open in and out. I cannot tell you how many times we pushed on the door instead of sliding it! OOPS! At one point Bryan said, "we'll be lucky if we don't break this door before we leave", it was hard to get used to or...............maybe we are just a little challenged in the door opening department!

Here is my attempt to take a picture of the door!

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I took more random resort pictures!

These pictures were taken looking through the windows near the elevator banks...

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This is the elevator waiting area...

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The floor directory inside the elevator...

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AWESOME artwork!

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One last lobby picture...

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CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

After spending some time at the resort, it was time to head to DHS for the evening and our dinner at 50's PrimeTime!

We arrived at the Studios to find a transition from fall to the Holidays had occurred! I told you it would be much faster than we expected!

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Our dinner was early, 5pm so we went right over and checked in!

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We were seated within 5 minutes of checking in! We had an AWESOME waitress, her name was Anita and she was GREAT!

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I ordered the strawberry milkshake and pot roast! I watched as Anita stirred and poured my shake but apparently not closely enough. When I went to do it myself, I made A MESS! Anita was NOT HAPPY with me! She said "apparently you were not watching me when I poured it for you!" TOO FUNNY!

See the mess of napkins and my embarrassed face!

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Eric was mortified for me!

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Then my mother got yelled at for slating her food before she tasted it first! Anita was hilarious, she would not LET IT GO!

Overall a GREAT experience! I ordered this awesome looking dessert!

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After our fun meal, we ran over to try and catch the final showing of Idol! It was AMAZING! There were 8 contestants and I would say all but 2 were outstanding! One poor guy this was his 10th time in the final and he wasn't very good, I felt bad! There was a gentleman from Ireland who ROCKED the house and a young african american man from London who I SWEAR sounded EXACTLY like Michael Jackson...he was INCREDIBLe and only 14 years old! A local girl from Orlando ended up winning. She had an AMAZING voice but I liked the guy from Ireland better! They wouldn't let us take pictures which I thought was weird, but it was GREAT!

The park was already closed when the finale was over so we had no choice but to head back to BLT! It was another wonderful day at WDW!!


Coming up next!

Christmas is here!
Food and Wine!

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Diane! I really hope we end up with your waitress Anita! My kids would sure get a charge out of that! We are eating at 50's PT on our first evening there.
I'm so excited to see the rest of your Christmas decorated pictures....

[Happydog]

What a great post! I remember last November when we went the change from fall to "holiday" happened within a few days too... strange!!! But you are giving me a hint at what is to come for me in a month!! ;)

Looks like you all had a great time! We have lunch our first day in WDW @ 50's Prime Time! We loved it over the summer I can't wait to go back! Crazy that the park was so empty, a pleasant change from the summer I am sure! No need for your husband to dodge under ropes... :rolleyes1 HA!

Great trip you have had so far! Looks like everyone has had a great time!!!! :goodvibes

[Trentmom]

Looks like a great day.

Anita sounds like a hoot. :rotfl:

Love the pics of boys being silly together....:goodvibes

[IluvXU]

Another fantastic update. The Alice story is too sweet from the Teacups. That is awesome to just get to witness. We need to eat at the diner soon, it has been a long time for us.

I enjoyed AI too, much more than I had thought.

Can't wait to see the Christmas Decorations !

[CRSNDSNY]

Oh sweet...the Alice/Teacup thing. :cutie: My daughter was picked to ride the teacup with ALice and the Mad Hatter last year and it is one of the most magical memories we have! :love: On top of it, she was wearing her ALice dress and it was her first ever ride on the teacups. That was something we will never forget...or her reaction to it all. Precious and totally unexpected!

I, too, love the color scheme at BLT. It's so pretty! YOur pictures of BLT have me so psyched to stay there in a couple weeks! Even if it is only for one night. :lmao:

We haven't been to 50sPTC in years and have an ADR there for next month. We're looking forward to trying it out again.

How cool you started out with Fall decorations and ended up with Christmas decorations!!!! :rotfl:

[praisehisname]

Great update! I'm glad your mom's foot was feeling better by the evening!

[dddisrunner]

Hi Diane! I really hope we end up with your waitress Anita! My kids would sure get a charge out of that! We are eating at 50's PT on our first evening there.
I'm so excited to see the rest of your Christmas decorated pictures....

Thanks Anita! I LOL'd at your comment!

What a great post! I remember last November when we went the change from fall to "holiday" happened within a few days too... strange!!! But you are giving me a hint at what is to come for me in a month!! ;)

Looks like you all had a great time! We have lunch our first day in WDW @ 50's Prime Time! We loved it over the summer I can't wait to go back! Crazy that the park was so empty, a pleasant change from the summer I am sure! No need for your husband to dodge under ropes... :rolleyes1 HA!

Great trip you have had so far! Looks like everyone has had a great time!!!! :goodvibes

Thanks so much! You will love 50's, so much fun! Have a GREAT time on your trip, I would love to go over the holidays!

Looks like a great day.

Anita sounds like a hoot. :rotfl:

Love the pics of boys being silly together....:goodvibes

Thanks Kelly!

Another fantastic update. The Alice story is too sweet from the Teacups. That is awesome to just get to witness. We need to eat at the diner soon, it has been a long time for us.

I enjoyed AI too, much more than I had thought.

Can't wait to see the Christmas Decorations !

Thanks Laura! Alice was just so sweet with that little girl!

Oh sweet...the Alice/Teacup thing. :cutie: My daughter was picked to ride the teacup with ALice and the Mad Hatter last year and it is one of the most magical memories we have! :love: On top of it, she was wearing her ALice dress and it was her first ever ride on the teacups. That was something we will never forget...or her reaction to it all. Precious and totally unexpected!

I, too, love the color scheme at BLT. It's so pretty! YOur pictures of BLT have me so psyched to stay there in a couple weeks! Even if it is only for one night. :lmao:

We haven't been to 50sPTC in years and have an ADR there for next month. We're looking forward to trying it out again.

How cool you started out with Fall decorations and ended up with Christmas decorations!!!! :rotfl:

How terrific that your daughter got to experience the teacups with both Alice and The Mad Hatter! You will enjoy 50's, it really is alot of fun!

Great update! I'm glad your mom's foot was feeling better by the evening!

Thanks so much, she really felt much better after resting!

[dddisrunner]

Hi everyone! Sorry for the delay in posting! As I am sure is the case with all of you, this time of year is very hectic and busy! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving I know we did! I shopped on Black Friday too and got some great deals! I am going to try and post our last 2 days together either tonight or tomorrow. My readers have dwindled and I just want to post the rest of the trip for you loyal followers! Bryan leaves in 2 weeks for his Disney trip with Tim(Lesley's husband) I am very jealous of all he will experience without us!:sad2:

Thanks again for your patience!

Diane:goodvibes

[15isto2]

Cant wait for more, been superb so far

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Diane!
It is a busy time! Glad to know that you did well on the shopping list yesterday...
How about a Black Friday update as well!
Anita

[Trentmom]

Hey Diane

It is okay. We totally understand. IT is busy for everyone this time of year :goodvibes

I am not going anywhere, well except to Disney in 4 days :woohoo:


Seriously, not leaving...Can't wait to read the rest :surfweb:

[MAJ RN]

still here and can't wait to read an update!

Melissa

[mylag1rl]

Glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving and that you got some good shopping deals. Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip.

[IluvXU]

No worries. I will always read and enjoy your sweet family.

It is a busy time of year...so much fun!

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

Can't wait to read an update! I hope your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving

[Rozz]

I've been keeping up with your trip and can't wait for the rest!:goodvibes

[Charleston Princess]

Looking forward to your update and will definitely be reading it when you post! :goodvibes

[dddisrunner]

Cant wait for more, been superb so far

Hi Diane!
It is a busy time! Glad to know that you did well on the shopping list yesterday...
How about a Black Friday update as well!
Anita

Hey Diane

It is okay. We totally understand. IT is busy for everyone this time of year :goodvibes

I am not going anywhere, well except to Disney in 4 days :woohoo:


Seriously, not leaving...Can't wait to read the rest :surfweb:

still here and can't wait to read an update!

Melissa

Glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving and that you got some good shopping deals. Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip.

No worries. I will always read and enjoy your sweet family.

It is a busy time of year...so much fun!

Can't wait to read an update! I hope your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving

I've been keeping up with your trip and can't wait for the rest!:goodvibes

Looking forward to your update and will definitely be reading it when you post! :goodvibes



Thanks for hanging in there everyone! Glad you are here and the promised update is coming right up!!

[dddisrunner]

Day 5 of our fall trip had us heading back to Hollywood Studios! First we had a nice breakfast in our room!

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When Bryan opened the door to go get breakfast we saw this miserable thing hanging on our door!

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As I was cleaning up in the kitchenette, I noticed this handle on this tall skinny part of the wall and low and behold it was a PANTRY!! It was so sleek looking we had NO CLUE it was even there!

I pulled it out and took this picture!

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They have really maximized the space at BLT!!

As the boys were finishing up their breakfast, I went on the balcony to take a few pictures! All week we had these hawks constantly flying overhead and the boys were in awe of these hawks!

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Once again our beautiful view!

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We finally finished up and headed down to the lobby! We saw these CM'S all week working on the member fountain, polishing it! It is beautiful!

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We then walked over to the bus stop to meet our mom's! Before we knew it we were on our way to DHS!

A HUGE transformation had taken place overnight! Christmas was EVERYWHERE!!!

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As we waited for the opening show, we discussed our gameplan and as usual Bryan decided to run for TSM fastpasses while the rest of us waited for him at TOT!

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Bryan arrived fastpasses in hand and we went into the TOT well everyone except Bryan's mom!

Here are Bryan, my mom and the boys all strapped in ready to go!

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Next up, we went over to RNRC! Eric was SO EXCITED to ride for the first time! Only he was NOT tall enough! He just missed it!

My sweet boy trying to put on a happy face!

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We told him in June he would definitely be tall enough and wecould ride it over and over!!

Next up was the Great Movie Ride! No pictures, sorry! After that we made our way to the Streets of America!

Some more pretty holiday decorations along the way!

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When we got to the Streets of America, we noticed that the Osborn Lights were hung!

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Bryan will get to see all of this all lit up in just 12 short days!!!

While we were admiring the lights these guys came out!

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They were performing for us and just 1 other family! Due to the lack of crowds, we were able to get this shot!

Eric INSISTED I get in the picture too! Do you LOVE my pose or what?

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Too funny!!

Next up was the backlot tour! We haven't done this in years!


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

Over at the backlot tour we took a bunch of pictures!

The acting scene!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9319.jpg

Some pictures from the prop room!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9322.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9323.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9324.jpg

My happy boys on the tram car!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9325.jpg

my mom and I!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9326.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9328.jpg

The costume sewing room!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9330.jpg

The tail of Walt's plane!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9333.jpg

Catastrophe Canyon!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9335.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9336.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9337.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9338.jpg

Such fun to see this again!

After our tour, we stopped in the museum/shop and Eric posed with this guy!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9340.jpg

Next up was the Muppets in 3D! The boys always say they don't want to see this in the summer so it had been about 5 years since we saw it so we overruled the littel boys and went in anyway!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9342.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9343.jpg

Wouldn't you know it, the boys laughed throughout the show! I knew they would! Lesson learned about preconceived notions!

Everyone was getting hungry so we went to Pizza Planet since it was so close by!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9347.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9344.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9345.jpg

After our tummies were full we walked outsid eand saw this guy climbing the stairs!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9348.jpg

We were ready to use our TSM fastpasses now so over to Pixar Place we went! The boys saw this green guy and decided to pose!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9351.jpg

Next up the boys wanted us to take their picture in the Sci Fi car!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9350.jpg

After our picture, we went into One Man's Dream! I just LOVE it in here and could spend hours just looking around and reading all of the facts!


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[heaven2dc]

Hurray!! Diane is back :) The last day is always so sad but there is always hope for a "next" trip. Bryan is lucky to go back so soon - hope he posts a TR!

Loved your pose with the PR's :rotfl2: I love it when the crowds are low and you get photo opportunities like this one.

[dddisrunner]

Over at One Man's Dream, I took a TON of pictures!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9352.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9353.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9355.jpg

Walt's replicated California office!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9356.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9357.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9358.jpg

This picture is funny!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9360.jpg

This sign got me all choked up!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9359.jpg

The creator of it all!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9361.jpg

After our tour, Bryan and his mom and my mom decided to see the movie about Walt but the boys didn't want to so I took them to some shops and we decided we would meet up again by the entrance!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9365.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9366.jpg

We ran into these guys who are SO FUNNY! look at the top of Eric's head!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9363.jpg

We bought 2 Christmas ornaments which are now hanging on our tree that we put up yesterday!

Before we knew it Bryan and our mom's met back up with us and we were headed out!

Bryan signaling 5 to me me....meaning that at this time he would be back in just 5 short weeks!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9367.jpg

We had a bus to ourselves!

Bryan relaxing!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9368.jpg

Funny side note! The boys LOVE to play this game where they make letters with their hands and arms and ask us to guess as they spell out words....WELL we have grown VERY TIRED of playing this with them! BUT with their grandmothers here on the trip they had a captive audience! These pictures crack us up!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9369.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9370.jpg

A picture of an incredibly happy Diane not playing the body part letter game!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9371.jpg

Ah, home sweet home!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9372.jpg

Once home, we decide to walk over to the Contemporary and fill our mugs!

Some more awesome artwork!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9373.jpg

Beautiful view!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9376.jpg

Happy People!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9377.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9378.jpg

JUST LOVE THESE SIGNS!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9379.jpg

Bocce ball court at BLT!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9386.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9387.jpg


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

After we filled our mugs, Bryan decided to take the boys to the arcade and I stayed behind to pack! I packed up pretty quickly and then went over to meet them at the arcade!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9381.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9382.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9384.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9385.jpg

After the arcade, we decided to take a walk over by the pool area! It is beautiful!

Gorgeous walkway!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9388.jpg

Modern, sleek bathrooms

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9389.jpg

The all important pool bar!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9391.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9390.jpg

refillable mug station!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9392.jpg

We found the grandma's relaxing!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9393.jpg

This is looking back up to the pool area from the beach!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9394.jpg

They have this great Ping Pong table and we had a BLAST PLAYING!!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9399.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9400.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9401.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9402.jpg

Such a great relaxing afternoon! We still about playing this all the time! I LOVE memories like these!

After awhile, it was time to head upstairs to get ready for our dinner at Ohana!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9404.jpg

The boys modeling their prizes they won at the arcade!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9405.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9406.jpg

We took the monarail around to the Poly for dinner!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9407.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9408.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9409.jpg

Before we knew it, we were all checked in and ready to eat!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9419.jpg

Some pictures from dinner!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9414.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9418.jpg

Our meal was delicious as always, but Bryan and I were on a mission to eat as quickly as possible because.................our mom's had surprised us and said they wanted to take the boys shopping at DTD and have them sleepover in there room for one night so Bryan and I could have a night alone!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!

After our meal we went our seperate ways. The grandma's and boys headed for DTD and Bryan and I were headed for Food and Wine!


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

So Bryan and I were off and THRILLED to experience Food and Wine!

My first consumption was a dragonberry colada from San Juan I think?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9420.jpg

OMG was this thing STRONG but oh so yummy!!!

Bryan was next up with a yummy dark beer from I forget where, Canada I think!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9421.jpg

We ran into some Monks!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9422.jpg

Bryan and I just soaking up the beautiful night and atmosphere at Epcot!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9425.jpg

We both grabbed a beer in America and then sat to here the Eat to the Beat concert and Billy Ocean!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9433.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9435.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9436.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9440.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9441.jpg

We had so much fun at that concert, everyone was singing out loud! Bryan and I were feeling pretty good at this point and then well.....we started acting a little goofy!

Bryan asked me to take this picture of him in Japan?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9427.jpg

Ordering another beer in Bangkok!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9445.jpg

Bowing in China!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9446.jpg


http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9448.jpg

Posing with some artifacts and other assorted items!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9452.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9451.jpg

He wanted to buy the boys these!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9449.jpg

He was also very excited to find an item with his name spelled properly!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9453.jpg

After that he insisted that I put the camera away so we could hold hands! TOO FUNNY! I obliged! What a GREAT night, so much fun! We shared a plate of food that was called a taste of Spain and it was yummy, but I wasn't allowed to take a picture! Anyway we made the most out of our 2 1/2 hours alone and had a blast! This was the last picture I took that night!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9454.jpg

Overall an incredible day!!!

I know I said I would do 2 updates today but this one took awhile and I have things to do! Sorry! I will post our last day very soon!

thanks!


Coming up next!

O Canada
Goodbye!

[wigdoutdismom]

Wow Diane when you get started you are the posting queen!
I'm sorry that Eric wasn't tall enough to ride RNR your little guy is terribly brave!
He's going to love it in June!
Love your Donald and Daisy shirts! So cute with you and your guys!

I'm curious about your June dates....

[mylag1rl]

Great update Diane ! I think that it is awesome that you got to see both the fall and Christmas decorations in one trip. Looks like you had another fun day. It's so nice you got to share this trip with the grandmothers. That was very nice of them to give you and Brian a night to yourselves. Looks like you guys really enjoyed your night together ... love all the goofy pics.

[IluvXU]

Another great update. Sorry about the height and Eric... he should be great for June! I love all the BLT pics and an adult night- wonderful!

HS looks so pretty all decorated!

[ariel1025]

Great update as always - I'm so sad to see it coming to an end :sad1:

What a great surprise for your Moms to take care of the boys for you for the night :goodvibes

I have one question - what dates were you guys there? I'm sure you wrote it somewhere and I am just too blind to find it :rotfl: My Husband and I are trying to plan a time to go back and he made me promise I would try to figure out a "slow" time to go :thumbsup2

[mom2shayleeandlogan]

Great update! I love One Mans Dream, it's amazing how many lives Walt has touched/change. What a treat for you and Bryan to experince FW alone!:goodvibes

[Trentmom]

What a great day you all had :goodvibes

Thats a shame Eric was too short. :sad2:

Love group shot of you all in your donald shirts....


yay for having a couple hrs alone. Looks brian was having a lot of fun :laughing:

[Charleston Princess]

I love that you were able to see both fall and Christmas decorations!!! The best of both worlds!

Mmmm, the Dragonberry Colada -- how I miss thee!!! :laughing:

[timandlesley]

Wow Diane, what a GREAT update. So much to process and comment on....... let me see. Too funny about you noticing the pull out pantry thing in the kitchen, Inoticed that day 1 and thought it was so cool, took a pic but never ended up posting it. You guys had such a great view. We had the black hawks too, but since we were up high by the roof, I noticed when they landed that they were all VULTURES, EWWWW!!!! So sorry for Eric not making height on Rockin' Roller Coaster, tell him we'll all ride it together this summer. Looks like you guys had a great Hollywood Studio's morning. I love the Muppets 3d show, but we rarely do it due to preconcieved notions as well, glad you won out!
Love the boys mustache prizes, too funny - would have gone well with Tim and Luke's Halloween costumes : ) OHana's looked yummy, gotta go back there this summer for sure! What a nice surprise of your moms to take the boys, that is AWESOME!!! Looks like you guys had fun at Food and Wine, and had a slap happy time like Tim and I by the end, good times. Guess both our husband made us put the cameras away : ) Great update as always, we read it as a family.
Have a good week Diane!
Lesley

[MAJ RN]

Another great update! How nice to have some alone time at the end of your trip. Is Bryan going to do a trip report of his trip with Tim? Can't wait to read about your last day.


Melissa

[praisehisname]

You got a lot done at the park, and still managed to have a relaxing afternoon at the resort. :thumbsup2 That was so nice of the moms to take the boys so you could have date night. Strolling around World Showcase is definitely the best way to spend it!

[CRSNDSNY]

Awesome updates Diane!!!! How wonderful you got some alone time...it is well deserved!!!

[dddisrunner]

Wow Diane when you get started you are the posting queen!
I'm sorry that Eric wasn't tall enough to ride RNR your little guy is terribly brave!
He's going to love it in June!
Love your Donald and Daisy shirts! So cute with you and your guys!

I'm curious about your June dates....

Thanks Anita! Our dates for June are the 18th-27th at AKV Jambo House! Thanks for all of your sweet comments!

Great update Diane ! I think that it is awesome that you got to see both the fall and Christmas decorations in one trip. Looks like you had another fun day. It's so nice you got to share this trip with the grandmothers. That was very nice of them to give you and Brian a night to yourselves. Looks like you guys really enjoyed your night together ... love all the goofy pics.

Thanks so much! It was very neat seeing both sets of decor! We really did enjoy our night alone!

Another great update. Sorry about the height and Eric... he should be great for June! I love all the BLT pics and an adult night- wonderful!

HS looks so pretty all decorated!

Thanks Laura! Eric is very much looking forward to riding RNRC in June!

Great update as always - I'm so sad to see it coming to an end :sad1:

What a great surprise for your Moms to take care of the boys for you for the night :goodvibes

I have one question - what dates were you guys there? I'm sure you wrote it somewhere and I am just too blind to find it :rotfl: My Husband and I are trying to plan a time to go back and he made me promise I would try to figure out a "slow" time to go :thumbsup2

Hi there! We were there from 10/31-11/5! It was a GREAT time to go! Thanks for reading!

Great update! I love One Mans Dream, it's amazing how many lives Walt has touched/change. What a treat for you and Bryan to experince FW alone!:goodvibes

Thanks! I loved One Man's Dream too! Yes, FW alone was AMAZING!

What a great day you all had :goodvibes

Thats a shame Eric was too short. :sad2:

Love group shot of you all in your donald shirts....


yay for having a couple hrs alone. Looks brian was having a lot of fun :laughing:

Thanks Kelly! It was a blast!

I love that you were able to see both fall and Christmas decorations!!! The best of both worlds!

Mmmm, the Dragonberry Colada -- how I miss thee!!! :laughing:

I am missing the dragonberry colada right about now too!

Wow Diane, what a GREAT update. So much to process and comment on....... let me see. Too funny about you noticing the pull out pantry thing in the kitchen, Inoticed that day 1 and thought it was so cool, took a pic but never ended up posting it. You guys had such a great view. We had the black hawks too, but since we were up high by the roof, I noticed when they landed that they were all VULTURES, EWWWW!!!! So sorry for Eric not making height on Rockin' Roller Coaster, tell him we'll all ride it together this summer. Looks like you guys had a great Hollywood Studio's morning. I love the Muppets 3d show, but we rarely do it due to preconcieved notions as well, glad you won out!
Love the boys mustache prizes, too funny - would have gone well with Tim and Luke's Halloween costumes : ) OHana's looked yummy, gotta go back there this summer for sure! What a nice surprise of your moms to take the boys, that is AWESOME!!! Looks like you guys had fun at Food and Wine, and had a slap happy time like Tim and I by the end, good times. Guess both our husband made us put the cameras away : ) Great update as always, we read it as a family.
Have a good week Diane!
Lesley

Thanks lesley! I told Eric we will all ride RNRC together and he was excited! Yes, we definitely had a slap happy time at F&W! Bryan usually loves that I am taking so many pictures but I think he wanted my undivided attention this night! :)

Another great update! How nice to have some alone time at the end of your trip. Is Bryan going to do a trip report of his trip with Tim? Can't wait to read about your last day.


Melissa

Thanks Melissa! I am not sure if Bryan will do a TR...he mentioned maybe but maybe he will just blurb here and there on Tim's!

You got a lot done at the park, and still managed to have a relaxing afternoon at the resort. :thumbsup2 That was so nice of the moms to take the boys so you could have date night. Strolling around World Showcase is definitely the best way to spend it!


Thanks so much! It was so GREAT that our mom's offered to babysit at WDW!
Awesome updates Diane!!!! How wonderful you got some alone time...it is well deserved!!!

Thanks so much, we definitely made the most of it!

[DWGal210]

Another great set of updates, Diane!

Isn't it amazing how fast those Christmas decorations go up? We watched the WDW holiday special on HGTV Sunday night and I was amazed at how fast they do things; they gal said they never leave anything 1/2 finished or not done all the way, which makes sense - but wow, what a lot of work!!

How nice of your moms to let you two have some alone time!! That is very sweet - looks like you had a nice night at Epcot!

Can't wait to read the last part of your TR! Are the guys going to do one about their trip, as well? :rolleyes1 That would be cool! :woohoo:

[ampc3]

Great update Diane :) looks like you had a great time at HS.. love the Power Ranger picture! So awesome you got "alone" time, looks like you made great use of your time at EPCOT :)... I guess I missed the why's of the hubbies going back alone??

Ok , since you asked for me to post a pic of the twins..

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/100_2489.jpg

Matthew and Nathan 5 1/2 months here (6 mths now)

Annette

[NMAmy]

We arrived at the Studios to find a transition from fall to the Holidays had occurred! I told you it would be much faster than we expected!

:lmao: Man, it takes me two WEEKS just to do my house!



Overall a GREAT experience! I ordered this awesome looking dessert!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9278.jpg

What IS that??? And why have I never had it??? It looks fabulous!

[NMAmy]

Bryan is going without you? That makes me sad on your behalf. I don't think I could let Alex go on his own without throwing a major hissy fit. ;) Now if it were anywhere besides WDW, I'd be fine!

my mom and I!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9326.jpg


Diane, I just cannot get over how much you and your mom look alike!

[dddisrunner]

Another great set of updates, Diane!

Isn't it amazing how fast those Christmas decorations go up? We watched the WDW holiday special on HGTV Sunday night and I was amazed at how fast they do things; they gal said they never leave anything 1/2 finished or not done all the way, which makes sense - but wow, what a lot of work!!

How nice of your moms to let you two have some alone time!! That is very sweet - looks like you had a nice night at Epcot!

Can't wait to read the last part of your TR! Are the guys going to do one about their trip, as well? :rolleyes1 That would be cool! :woohoo:

Thanks so much! We watched that special too, isn't amazing how fast they work! It was nice of our moms to watch the boys and we thoroughly enjoyed it! I think the guys will do a TR!

Great update Diane :) looks like you had a great time at HS.. love the Power Ranger picture! So awesome you got "alone" time, looks like you made great use of your time at EPCOT :)... I guess I missed the why's of the hubbies going back alone??

Ok , since you asked for me to post a pic of the twins..

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/100_2489.jpg

Matthew and Nathan 5 1/2 months here (6 mths now)

Annette

OH MY GOODNESS, Annette your little boys are GORGEOUS. Thank you so much for sharing that picture with me! LOVE their names too...of course I am partial to Matthew!:rolleyes1 Thanks for your sweet comments and for taking the time to post, I know how precious your computer time must be! :goodvibes

:lmao: Man, it takes me two WEEKS just to do my house!




What IS that??? And why have I never had it??? It looks fabulous!

Hi Amy! It take us forever to do our house too! I don't remember what that dessert is called, I think it is Dad's brownie Sundae?

[NMAmy]

Hi Amy! It take us forever to do our house too! I don't remember what that dessert is called, I think it is Dad's brownie Sundae?

I am totally getting one the next time we're there! :thumbsup2 I may have to skip dinner but it looks like it's worth it.

It was so nice of the grandmas to give you a date night. And it looks like you made the most of it! What a great time.

And, Annette, those babies are ADORABLE!

[IluvXU]

Love your new ticker....same cruise as Tim and Lesley- that will be super fun!

[dddisrunner]

Bryan is going without you? That makes me sad on your behalf. I don't think I could let Alex go on his own without throwing a major hissy fit. ;) Now if it were anywhere besides WDW, I'd be fine!



Diane, I just cannot get over how much you and your mom look alike!

I am a little sad that he will experience the holiday offering without us but I know one day we will get there as a family! I think Bryan will have a GREAT time, he is really looking forward to it! Yes, my mom and I do look alike but she and my sister are clones!!

I am totally getting one the next time we're there! :thumbsup2 I may have to skip dinner but it looks like it's worth it.

It was so nice of the grandmas to give you a date night. And it looks like you made the most of it! What a great time.

And, Annette, those babies are ADORABLE!

Go for it Amy, you will love it! We did have a great time that night! As always, I am so glad you are reading/posting!

Love your new ticker....same cruise as Tim and Lesley- that will be super fun!

Thanks Laura! You are super observant! We are VERY much looking forward to it!

[dddisrunner]

Well our final day had arrived! We packed up and then went over to the Contempo Cafe to eat breakfast!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9455.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9456.jpg

After our breakfast, we took one last walk (or so I thought) back to Bay Lake Tower from the Contemporary! We picked up our bags, checked them with bell services and went to Epcot!

We arrived at about 9:30 and Bryan ran to grab some fastpasses for Test Track and then we made our way back over to Mission Space! Samantha Brown was filming...we didn't get to see her but here are some pictures of the filming!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9458.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9459.jpg

Bryan and Matthew wanted to do the new ride in Innoventions "The Sum of All Thrills" so they went over there. Eric wasn't tall enough so he convinced his grandma's to do the "Don't Waste It" game in Innoventions!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9460.jpg

I stood between both groups trying to take pictures!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9461.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9463.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9467.jpg

I think these pictures are of Matthew and Bryan's feet!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9469.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9470.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9471.jpg

they said it was a TON of fun but I guess Matthew wanted a tame experience so Bryan was a little bummed at the design but there is always next time right!

They received these cards at the end to see there ride online...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9477.jpg

Over at the recycling game.....

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9482.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9468.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9473.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9489.jpg

they had a lot of fun playing this and our moms thought it was so cool! Only in Disney right?

After our time in Innoventions, it was time to ride some Test Track!!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9492.jpg

After our whirl around the Test Track it was time to go to lunch in Canada at Le Cellier! I was excited to share a meal here with our mom's, I knew they would LOVE it!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9495.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9496.jpg

Once we checked in, we were treated to the singing of O' Canada by the waitstaff. They were GREAT and it was neat to experience!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9497.jpg

We were then shown to our table!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9498.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9499.jpg

We were given some YUMMY pretzel bread!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9500.jpg

We all had an AMAZING meal...our mom's RAVED about the mushroom filet, which is my personal fave too!

Some more lunch shots!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9501.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9503.jpg


CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

Next up, it was time for dessert!

chocolate "moose"

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9505.jpg

Smores!!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9504.jpg

After our delicious lunch, our mom's wanted to finish seeing the rest of World Showcase that they didn't get to see the last time we were at Epcot so they went their own way and we went ours!

The United Kingdom was celebrating a special day!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9507.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9508.jpg

We strolled our way through the WS and loved how UNcrowded it was!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9511.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9514.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9515.jpg

Matthew diving into some canelloni from Italy!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9518.jpg

Eric getting some love from a WS cast member!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9522-1.jpg

Bryan enjoying some kind of lamb thingy!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9523-1.jpg

Yes people, we did just stuff our faces at leCellier and somehow found room to shove even MORE food down our throats!

We banged on the drums at the African outpost!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9524-1.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9525-1.jpg

Our last stop on our tour of the WS...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9526-1.jpg

our last gluttonous purchase!

The taste of Spain!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9528-1.jpg

After our luxurious stroll, it was time to head to the monorail!

Eric's opinion of leaving!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9527-1.jpg

Goodbye food and wine!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9531-1.jpg

Hello Monorail!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9530-1.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9533-1.jpg

We arrived back at Bay lake with about 30 minutes to spare before our ME pick up, so we ran up to the Contempo Cafe and used our last few snack credits for coffee and some chips and we waited for our ME bus!

It arrived and we hopped on!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9536-1.jpg

Eric holding my coffee so I could take pictures!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9537-1.jpg

We were on the Magical Express FOREVER! It went from the Contemporary to the Poly to the Grand Floridian and THEN to the Wilderness Lodge and for the 1st time ever my baby boy did this!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9539-1.jpg

We spent 45 minutes on that dang bus BEFORE we even left WDW property!

We finally arrived at MCO and got to our gate!

Our crew...SO TIRED!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9541-1.jpg

Goodbye WDW!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9545-1.jpg

Our flight was on time and uneventful..thank god! Our good luck ended when we arrived back in Philadelphia though. We went to the parking garage and couldn't find our car???? I had written down our parking # but not the floor ....WHOOPS! Poor Bryan hauled his booty up and down 8 different sets of flights of steps...FINALLY he found it! SORRY BABE! Then we are walking to the car and the automatic unlock button isn't working...................THE CAR BATTERY IS DEAD!!!!!!!!!! It was 10:30pm and 46 degrees and I had 2 VERY TIRED children and 2 EXHAUSTED grandma's! Not the best time for a family portrait if you know what I mean! LOL! After about 45 minutes a woman who worked in the garage came over with a Ghostbusters type of backpack on her back and whipped out 2 cables and attached them to our battery and zip, boom, bam we were back in business!!! We finally made it home at about 12:45am!

It was a WONDERFUL trip and I am so glad the boys got to experience it with their grandma's! Thank you all for following along and posting, it truly means ALOT! Be on the lookout in the new year for an all new PTR as our crazy family gears up for another trip to WDW!

Happy Holidays to all of you and your families!!

Diane!

[Charleston Princess]

Ah, you were in the United Kingdom on my birthday! :goodvibes I have always thought it would be really neat to be in London on my b-day since it is a national holiday over there. Nice to know I can go to Epcot to celebrate if that doesn't work out! :laughing:

[MAJ RN]

I am so sad that your wonderful trip report has ended!! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year!!


Melissa

[IluvXU]

Great report. I once again loved it and so think your boys are just adorable. What a nice last day at EPCOT!

Boo on the battery....

Yea for the new PTR! June will be here before we all know it!

[timandlesley]

Loved it Diane. Too bad both of our trips ended poorly, don't you just hate it when you step off Disney property and are forced back into reality so quickly, wish it could ease you back in slower!
Loved your pics. Hope Eric can ride Sum of All Thrills this summer. LeCellier looked delicious, so glad your moms got to experience it and loved it with you. I agree about the ME bus ride, seems Contemporary gets the worst of both on the way from the airport and the way too the airport, they need to fix that.
You had a great last day, sorry to see it come to an end.
Lesley

[mylag1rl]

What a nice trip Diane ! I really enjoyed your report. I think it was great that you included the grandmothers. Mmmmmm Le Cellier's mushroom filet my favorite, too. Glad you got to experience the F & W festival one last time.

Sorry to hear about the car battery ... that is no way to end a vacation.

Can't wait to hear about your June plans. :goodvibes

[Queenofallthings]

Hi Diane

Sorry it's been so long since I posted...it is such a crazy time of year. Another amazing trip report, I do love reading your trip reports. My sis and her family arrived home 2 weeks ago and they too loved BLT.

Hopefully Jasmine and I will be going in January...we're all booked at the World, but I am waiting for a seat sale...they have a direct flight on Tues, Thurs and Sun from our city so I'm waiting for it to go on sale....last week they had it for $99 each way but only up until first week in Jan, so I am patiently waiting. It will be a surprise for Jasmine if it all comes together.

Will be anxiously awaiting your next PTR!!! Thanks again for another wonderful ride with you and your family:hug:

[ampc3]

Sorry to see it end, but glad you did it so quickly :) (yes you are right my computer time and ability to follow along is VERY limited) Thank you for your sweet comments on the babies :)

Looking forward to next years!
Annette

[wigdoutdismom]

9quote]Ok , since you asked for me to post a pic of the twins..

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/100_2489.jpg

Matthew and Nathan 5 1/2 months here (6 mths now)

Annette[/quote]

What beautiful babies!


************************************************** *****

Diane, I really enjoyed your trip report! It is so awesome that the boys got to experience Disney with the grands!
What a special memory for all of them!

Sorry your reentry to the real world had to be so unpleasant with the dead battery.....

I'll be watching for your PTR!

Looks like we are missing you all again in June.

[praisehisname]

What a great last day, at least until you got back to the parking garage...:rolleyes1 Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!

[CRSNDSNY]

Oh, that's happened to the best of us. Last trip we couldn't find our car at PHL's garage. Then last September I think I left an interior light on and ended up coming back to the PHL to find a dead battery in our car. That sucked.

Now we double and triple check. :rotfl:

Our flight was on time and uneventful..thank god! Our good luck ended when we arrived back in Philadelphia though. We went to the parking garage and couldn't find our car???? I had written down our parking # but not the floor ....WHOOPS! Poor Bryan hauled his booty up and down 8 different sets of flights of steps...FINALLY he found it! SORRY BABE! Then we are walking to the car and the automatic unlock button isn't working...................THE CAR BATTERY IS DEAD!!!!!!!!!! It was 10:30pm and 46 degrees and I had 2 VERY TIRED children and 2 EXHAUSTED grandma's! Not the best time for a family portrait if you know what I mean! LOL! After about 45 minutes a woman who worked in the garage came over with a Ghostbusters type of backpack on her back and whipped out 2 cables and attached them to our battery and zip, boom, bam we were back in business!!! We finally made it home at about 12:45am!


Thanks for the great TR. We leave this Friday and I am having bad pre-trip anxiety. :eek::headache:

[tmkinney]

Great TR Diane! I have been MIA from the boards for awhile, life has been crazy!! Love all the pics, great one with all the Power Rangers!!! How nice for you and Bryan to have a night to yourselves! :) Thanks for sharing your trip with us!!! Great as always! :goodvibes

[dddisrunner]

Ah, you were in the United Kingdom on my birthday! :goodvibes I have always thought it would be really neat to be in London on my b-day since it is a national holiday over there. Nice to know I can go to Epcot to celebrate if that doesn't work out! :laughing:

Thanks Jackie! Your post made me laugh!!

I am so sad that your wonderful trip report has ended!! Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us. Have a wonderful Christmas and a great new year!!


Melissa

Thanks so much Melissa! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well!

Great report. I once again loved it and so think your boys are just adorable. What a nice last day at EPCOT!

Boo on the battery....

Yea for the new PTR! June will be here before we all know it!

Thanks Laura! You are so sweet! June WILL be here before we know it, our ADR date is only 10 days away!

Loved it Diane. Too bad both of our trips ended poorly, don't you just hate it when you step off Disney property and are forced back into reality so quickly, wish it could ease you back in slower!
Loved your pics. Hope Eric can ride Sum of All Thrills this summer. LeCellier looked delicious, so glad your moms got to experience it and loved it with you. I agree about the ME bus ride, seems Contemporary gets the worst of both on the way from the airport and the way too the airport, they need to fix that.
You had a great last day, sorry to see it come to an end.
Lesley

Thanks Lesley! Getting jolted into reality so quickly STINKS! Thanks for all your sweet comments!

What a nice trip Diane ! I really enjoyed your report. I think it was great that you included the grandmothers. Mmmmmm Le Cellier's mushroom filet my favorite, too. Glad you got to experience the F & W festival one last time.

Sorry to hear about the car battery ... that is no way to end a vacation.

Can't wait to hear about your June plans. :goodvibes

Thanks so much! We loved F&W so much we booked an adults only trip for next fall!

Hi Diane

Sorry it's been so long since I posted...it is such a crazy time of year. Another amazing trip report, I do love reading your trip reports. My sis and her family arrived home 2 weeks ago and they too loved BLT.

Hopefully Jasmine and I will be going in January...we're all booked at the World, but I am waiting for a seat sale...they have a direct flight on Tues, Thurs and Sun from our city so I'm waiting for it to go on sale....last week they had it for $99 each way but only up until first week in Jan, so I am patiently waiting. It will be a surprise for Jasmine if it all comes together.

Will be anxiously awaiting your next PTR!!! Thanks again for another wonderful ride with you and your family:hug:

Hi there! I understand about being busy! I am glad you made it back over and thank you for posting!! I hope you get a good deal on airfare!

Sorry to see it end, but glad you did it so quickly :) (yes you are right my computer time and ability to follow along is VERY limited) Thank you for your sweet comments on the babies :)

Looking forward to next years!
Annette

Thanks Annette, enjoy the holidays with your family and those beautiful little babies!



What beautiful babies!


************************************************** *****

Diane, I really enjoyed your trip report! It is so awesome that the boys got to experience Disney with the grands!
What a special memory for all of them!

Sorry your reentry to the real world had to be so unpleasant with the dead battery.....

I'll be watching for your PTR!

Looks like we are missing you all again in June.[/QUOTE]

Well shoot! That stinks Anita, it would be great to meet you in person!

What a great last day, at least until you got back to the parking garage...:rolleyes1 Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!

Thank you so much!

Oh, that's happened to the best of us. Last trip we couldn't find our car at PHL's garage. Then last September I think I left an interior light on and ended up coming back to the PHL to find a dead battery in our car. That sucked.

Now we double and triple check. :rotfl:



Thanks for the great TR. We leave this Friday and I am having bad pre-trip anxiety. :eek::headache:

WOW, it was like we relived what happened to you! Have a great trip!

Great TR Diane! I have been MIA from the boards for awhile, life has been crazy!! Love all the pics, great one with all the Power Rangers!!! How nice for you and Bryan to have a night to yourselves! :) Thanks for sharing your trip with us!!! Great as always! :goodvibes

Thanks tammy! I hope you have a great trip to the world!

[Trentmom]

Hey Diane

What an awesome last day you all had.

Looks like a lot of good food at the festival popcorn::

Love Eric's shirt :laughing:

That stinks about the dead car battery. Glad it all worked out :headache:


Thanks for sharing your report with us.

Looking forward to your next Pre-Tr:wizard:

[dddisrunner]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to wish you all a very happy and healthy, holiday season! Bryan will be leaving for his weekend in Disney VERY early on Friday morning! I am hoping he LOVES all the decorations that he will want to go for Christmas one year soon! As we all get ready for the upcoming traditions and festivities that this time of year brings, I wanted to share some of what we have been doing. This past weekend we took the train into New York City to see the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and all the city has to offer this time of year! It was cold but we had a great time!

Here we are waiting for the train!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9671.jpg

Once we got into NYC we went straight for the tree but we passed this along the way!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9674.jpg

Bryan and the boys with macy's in the background!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9675.jpg

Rockefeller Center!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9680.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9685.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9684.jpg

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http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9689.jpg

We were going to ice skate but it was $100 for 1 hour for the four of us!!! NO WAY!!

Next up we made our way to the Disney Store!

Cartier on the way...so pretty!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9693.jpg

World of Disney!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9696.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9698.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9700.jpg

This is a picture of all the characters stockings!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9702.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9703.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9705.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9709.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9710.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9707.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9712.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9713.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9714.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9716.jpg

Of course we picked out a bunch of stuff to buy for Christmas! Sadly, when we were checking out, the CM told us that that WOD store was closing in 3 weeks! I was shocked and I wish I knew why!

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

Next up on our to do list was FAO Schwarz!

The boys had fun posing with these guys!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9718.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9720.jpg

We made our way upstairs so the boys could dance on the big piano from the movie "Big"!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9721.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9723.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9728.jpg

After the boys dance, we found these lifesize Lego creations!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9729.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9730.jpg

This store is SO COOL! There are employees that just strictly play with and demonstrate toys ALL DAY!!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9733.jpg

Up next on our journey was Dylan's Candy Bar! For any Ckae Boss fans, this was one of the businesses that was featured on the show!

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This place smelled HEAVENLY!!! Look at this belgian chocolate fountain!

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For a dollar, you could choose something to be dipped in the fountain! Matthew chose a marshmallow and Eric and I chose pretzel rods! They had rice krispie treats, strawberries and various other things!

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Bryan in the sugar free section....poor guy!

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Matthew used some of his money to purchase some candy!

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This was a saying on the landing between the upstairs and downstairs levels!

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Next up we got in a taxi and headed to our favorite restaurant for a late lunch!

The boys in the cab!

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CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!

[dddisrunner]

We arrived at John's Pizzeria!

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This restaurant is in the heart of Times Square and is VERY reasonable and BEAUTIFUL! It was decorated so nice for Christmas!

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The pizza maker and brick ovens!

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It was a great meal!

A shot of Time Square!

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Next, this was Bryan's request......I don't know if any of you saw this on the news but the clothing line XOXO has LIVE models living in the display window and here are some pics....

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Crazy huh!

After that pitstop, it was on to Macy's! We wanted to see Santa! We didn't get to though because the wait was 2 hours long!!!

Some pictures from inside Macy's!

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Yankee waterford crystal display!

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When we walked out of Macy's there was a FAKE Minnie Mouse posing with children and taking money to have a picture taken! She looked SO FAKE and I was offended!

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Now we were headed back to the train station!

The Empire State Building!

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Goodbye NYC!

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We had a wonderful day! Another year and tradition for our family memoirs! Whatever you have planned with your families this holiday season, enjoy it and have a WONDERFUL holiday and thank you for letting me share mine with all of you!!!

Diane

[Tinkh]

Enjoyed your TR very much! We have been to Disney every time of the year except fall it seems :( I am so going to have to talk my DH into taking our son out of school to experience it all.

[Trentmom]

It looks like you all had a nice day at NYC

That is so sad that the Disney store is closing there. :sad1:

I would love to take Trent to FAO Schwartz. Looks like a blast

I love Cake Boss, too. Candy looks so good

That minnie was awful :headache:

[MAJ RN]

Thanks for the mini TR of NYC!! What a contrast from pics of you in shorts and tees to winter coats and stocking caps!! I want the play with toys all day job. I love the picture of Eric hugging the sailor mickey, so adorable. Is Bryan going to do a TR of his trip to WDW?

Melissa

[wigdoutdismom]

What a fun day Diane! Lucky you to be so close to NYC!
Is Bryan excited to head down to Disney?

[ampc3]

awesome day in NYC!!! Thanks for sharing... someday I would love to do that with the kids, What an amazing day :)

Merry Christmas!

[CRSNDSNY]

NYC looks like a blast!!! Thanks for sharing with us!

I will be FB-ing pics while away if you want to find me. You have my full name but PM me if you don't have that info anymore. :)

[DWGal210]

What a great end to your report!

That totally stinks about your dead car battery!! :scared1: I'm glad you were able to get it resolved, though!

And your day in NYC looked like so much fun!! I can't believe that store has real people in the windows; I would think after a while, that would be a boring job, unless you could talk on your phone or read while you were in the window. :goodvibes

You have a great holiday as well!! Take care!!

[NMAmy]

Eric's opinion of leaving!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u188/dddisrunner/Disney%202009%20fall/IMG_9527-1.jpg



Oh, man, I feel your pain, kiddo! :lmao:

What a great trip, Diane! And your day in NYC looked like fun. You're giving your boys some great memories.

Have a happy holiday season, Diane!

[Jeanine3kids]

Hey Diane I am back reading another great report, how did you like bay lake tower I am doing a split stay there in June 5 days there 4 days at AKV, I am also reading Tim and Bryan's adventure so funny LOL. Our June dates are 21-26 at blt than26-29 at akv jambo maybe we will run into each other. Loved your NYC day trip didn't get to do that this year my dd was so upset she lives visting American girl at Christmas I promised her we will go after the holidays that store is so darn expensive and I always get tAken in there because I love that stuff to lol. We will be driving down this year from staten island all the way to the world so wish me luck. Oh when did u guys go in oct did the kids have off I went once in oct but I had to pull my big guy out if school but he was only in kindergarten at the time I want to go back in oct but I don't want to pull them well another great report sorry to see it come to an end looking forward to your pretrippie report

Jeanine

Jeanine

[kaysmommie]

Hi Diane,
I'm so out of the loop on Dis lately. I just started reading your trip report today! I have no idea how I didn't know you were writing it. Too much to keep up with being on facebook and here. Well I;m going back to get caught up on this fabulous trip. I love your BLT pool pics and the video of Eric and the surprise :goodvibes. I'm hoping to start a pre trip report in the next few weeks for June.

Nichole

[kaysmommie]

Well I'm all finished :goodvibes and I sure enjoyed reading all about your Food and Wine trip. Too funny how the Christmas decorations were up so quickly after your MNSSHP. Isn't that parade the best!! Happy Eric enjoyed his Birthday in Disney and that Matthew didn't get too upset. At least the day wasn't ruined after all. Eric's Bday cake looks yummy. We also did not get a Birthday menu for Thomas in May at Chef Mickey's. We had dinner though :sick: breakfast looks much better. Love the BLT pics! What room category was that studio? I though you said Bay Lake but you have a MK view as well :goodvibes. I would love to stay there. Glad the mom's got to enjoy a trip with the boys, must have been fun for them. Sorry about your long ME trip and finally finding your car with a dead battery :headache:. Looking forward to your PTR for June. I'm going to attempt to start one in a few weeks too. Think I might include a bit from Tommy and I's Anniversary trip as well. Until then I will be reading about Tim and Bryan's trip. I would have been really bummed not to go but I know your family will get there at Holiday time soon. Thanks again for the good read.

Nichole

[dddisrunner]

NYC looks like a blast!!! Thanks for sharing with us!

I will be FB-ing pics while away if you want to find me. You have my full name but PM me if you don't have that info anymore. :)

Thanks! I will check them out!

What a great end to your report!

That totally stinks about your dead car battery!! :scared1: I'm glad you were able to get it resolved, though!

And your day in NYC looked like so much fun!! I can't believe that store has real people in the windows; I would think after a while, that would be a boring job, unless you could talk on your phone or read while you were in the window. :goodvibes

You have a great holiday as well!! Take care!!

Thanks so much!!! That store with models was crazy!

Oh, man, I feel your pain, kiddo! :lmao:

What a great trip, Diane! And your day in NYC looked like fun. You're giving your boys some great memories.

Have a happy holiday season, Diane!

Thanks Amy, I hope you had a nice holiday too!

Hey Diane I am back reading another great report, how did you like bay lake tower I am doing a split stay there in June 5 days there 4 days at AKV, I am also reading Tim and Bryan's adventure so funny LOL. Our June dates are 21-26 at blt than26-29 at akv jambo maybe we will run into each other. Loved your NYC day trip didn't get to do that this year my dd was so upset she lives visting American girl at Christmas I promised her we will go after the holidays that store is so darn expensive and I always get tAken in there because I love that stuff to lol. We will be driving down this year from staten island all the way to the world so wish me luck. Oh when did u guys go in oct did the kids have off I went once in oct but I had to pull my big guy out if school but he was only in kindergarten at the time I want to go back in oct but I don't want to pull them well another great report sorry to see it come to an end looking forward to your pretrippie report

Jeanine

Jeanine

Hi Jeanine! I LOVED BLT, the convenience is AWESOME! Maybe we will see each other in June! :) Good Luck with the drive! Thanks for posting!

Hi Diane,
I'm so out of the loop on Dis lately. I just started reading your trip report today! I have no idea how I didn't know you were writing it. Too much to keep up with being on facebook and here. Well I;m going back to get caught up on this fabulous trip. I love your BLT pool pics and the video of Eric and the surprise :goodvibes. I'm hoping to start a pre trip report in the next few weeks for June.

Nichole

No problem...glad you are here!!

Well I'm all finished :goodvibes and I sure enjoyed reading all about your Food and Wine trip. Too funny how the Christmas decorations were up so quickly after your MNSSHP. Isn't that parade the best!! Happy Eric enjoyed his Birthday in Disney and that Matthew didn't get too upset. At least the day wasn't ruined after all. Eric's Bday cake looks yummy. We also did not get a Birthday menu for Thomas in May at Chef Mickey's. We had dinner though :sick: breakfast looks much better. Love the BLT pics! What room category was that studio? I though you said Bay Lake but you have a MK view as well :goodvibes. I would love to stay there. Glad the mom's got to enjoy a trip with the boys, must have been fun for them. Sorry about your long ME trip and finally finding your car with a dead battery :headache:. Looking forward to your PTR for June. I'm going to attempt to start one in a few weeks too. Think I might include a bit from Tommy and I's Anniversary trip as well. Until then I will be reading about Tim and Bryan's trip. I would have been really bummed not to go but I know your family will get there at Holiday time soon. Thanks again for the good read.

Nichole

Thanks Nichole!! We did have a bay lakeview booked but we got lucky with a partial MK view!!! I can't wait to readyout TR/PTR, you have lots towrite about, your and Tommy's trip, your and Kaylee's trip (so fun!) and your June PTR! You better get cracking! ;)

[dddisrunner]

awesome day in NYC!!! Thanks for sharing... someday I would love to do that with the kids, What an amazing day :)

Merry Christmas!

Thanks Annette! I hope you had a great Christmas with your new little boys!

What a fun day Diane! Lucky you to be so close to NYC!
Is Bryan excited to head down to Disney?

Thanks Anita! Bryan had a blast on his trip!!

Thanks for the mini TR of NYC!! What a contrast from pics of you in shorts and tees to winter coats and stocking caps!! I want the play with toys all day job. I love the picture of Eric hugging the sailor mickey, so adorable. Is Bryan going to do a TR of his trip to WDW?

Melissa

Thanks Melissa! I know it is weird seeing people from the DIS in winter gear! Tim is doing the TR for their trip!

It looks like you all had a nice day at NYC

That is so sad that the Disney store is closing there. :sad1:

I would love to take Trent to FAO Schwartz. Looks like a blast

I love Cake Boss, too. Candy looks so good

That minnie was awful :headache:

Thanks Kelly! That Minnie was pretty awful!

Enjoyed your TR very much! We have been to Disney every time of the year except fall it seems :( I am so going to have to talk my DH into taking our son out of school to experience it all.

Thanksfor reading along!! Definitely go in the fall, it's PERFECT!!

[dddisrunner]

HEY EVERYONE!!

OUR NEW PRE TRIP REPORT CAN BE FOUND HERE FOR OUR SUMMER OF 2010 TRIP! HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!!


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=35045387#post35045387