Football players, Jiminy Cricket's fat brother, and some tipsy tourists...DONE! p.9

[AlohaPolynesian]

Hey everyone! Thanks for following me over here from my pre-trip report. If you’re just joining in, welcome and thanks for stopping by!

On December 10th, my mom and I went to WDW to celebrate my graduation from college this fall.

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That's us in front of the tree in the lobby at GF last week.

I love my mom more than anyone in the world, so for graduation I wanted to take a mother/daughter trip somewhere. My mom does a lot for our family and works really hard every single day. But she rarely takes the vacations she deserves because she doesn’t like to be away from home. So when I gave her some ideas for vacation destinations, she actually picked Disney!

Although she picked WDW, it was only because it was the closest spot on the list of places I’d want to go. Not to say that I wasn’t absolutely thrilled to go to WDW during the Celebration promotion with something to celebrate, but I didn’t know what it would be like just with my mom. You see, she doesn’t really like Disney World…

But after three nights at the Boardwalk Inn and eating at some fabulous restaurants, did she change her mind? What about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the Candlelight Processional, and the Osbourne Lights? After me dragging her out of bed at 7am to get to the parks, did she still not like the happiest place on earth?

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I hope you’ll stay tuned to find out…

Chapter 1 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34688082&postcount=9)
Chapter 2 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34699874&postcount=25)
Chapter 3 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34718519&postcount=47)
Chapter 4 (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34953326&postcount=88)
Chapter 5 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35886325&postcount=122)
Chapter 6 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35886797&postcount=123)
Chapter 7 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35887173&postcount=124)
Final Thoughts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=35887222&postcount=125)

[jordanyosh]

Hello!

Hope you're Mom was converted.....

[praisehisname]

I'm in! DH and I were there the 10th - 14th!

[OhioDisneyLover]

I'm here. popcorn::

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

I'm here!!!!!! I will be starting my TR this weekend and catching up on all the other ones I've missed while we were gone!!!!

[wdwgirl03]

I'm here!!!

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i think she converted and asked when she could go back.
:thumbsup2

[AlohaPolynesian]

Hello!

Hope you're Mom was converted.....

Thanks for coming over here Jordan!

I'm in! DH and I were there the 10th - 14th!

Welcome! I wonder if we saw each other while we were there and didn't even know it?!

I'm here. popcorn::

Yay!! Thanks for reading Sophia!

I'm here!!!!!! I will be starting my TR this weekend and catching up on all the other ones I've missed while we were gone!!!!

You're back!! I'm still sad we didn't get to meet up. I know I have a lot of catching up to do too!

I'm here!!!

Yay!! Thanks girl!

i think she converted and asked when she could go back.
:thumbsup2

Hmmm....you're sort of right...;) Thanks for joining in!

[AlohaPolynesian]

We left the house early on Thursday to catch our flight at 9am. We upgraded to first class when we checked in the night before, so we were able to go through a shorter security line. The flight down was fine until we were about to land, and then it got really bumpy.

I HATE flying and get mini-panic attacks sometimes when there is turbulence. I grabbed the safety information card from the seatback pocket and started fanning myself with it because I was starting to freak out. But I think the guy next to me thought I was going to throw up!!

We landed safely and went off to the Magical Express counter downstairs. My dad is a control freak and feels “trapped” without a car, so we’ve always rented a car when we go as a family and my mom had never been on ME!

She was really impressed by the whole thing and couldn’t believe that we didn’t have to wait for our baggage. We were the only people in line for the Boardwalk and were led immediately onto the bus, which already had quite a few people on it.

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The driver didn’t talk to us, and we didn’t get to see the video. I was kind of bummed out about that but was still just excited to be there! We stopped at Port Orleans – Riverside first before we got to the Boardwalk.

Now if you read my PTR, you know that I was thinking about switching resorts. I was getting nervous about the Boardwalk because I didn’t hear much about it and there weren’t too many photos online that looked appealing. But as soon as we walked into the lobby I felt as if I made a good choice.

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The CM at the front desk checked us in and told us a little about the resort. She gave me a button since the reservation said I was celebrating my graduation, and then she gave my mom one and said she should be celebrating, too! Our room was ready so we headed up.

While we were walking to the elevators, this HUGE - and I mean HUGE - guy standing there. I knew he had to be a football player, but why would he be at the BoardWalk?! He was wearing a Nebraska t-shirt and sweatpants and was just checking out the decorations in the lobby by himself. We walked up to the room as I tried in my head to figure out who this guy was.

I really liked how the BWI is small and everything is connected. We didn’t have to walk very far at all to find the elevators, and there was the cutest little sitting room right next to them.

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Our room was #4271, which is a deluxe water view room. I was kind of disappointed because we were facing the courtyard and the other side of the resort, not the water. We could see the Boardwalk and the water if we turned and looked that way, but that was not the direction our room was facing.

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I love the new décor. I saw some old pictures online and it looked pretty outdated before they re-did everything. The sink area outside the bathroom is the perfect size and there is plenty of room for everything. The room itself was charming and the beds were AMAZING! My mom even seemed excited to be there as soon as we got to our resort :cool1: !!!

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We dropped off our carryon bags and on our way back downstairs we saw more football player-ish looking guys. Many of them were wearing something with the name of a school on it, so at this point we knew it had something to do with college football. We were then on our way to tea at the GF, where we would find out just who all those football players were...

[heaven2dc]

Congratulations on your graduation! How exciting that you get to share a WDW trip with your mom and I hope she enjoys it this time :love: I have never stayed at the BWI, just BWV. Your room view is sort of just the opposite of my view last Feb 2008 - I was on the third floor on the BWV side right across from your room with a huge balcony but more towards the left side of your pic. In Dec 2008 we had a boardwalk view room above General Mercantile and loved it. BTW your room was beautiful! Loved the decor - I always get goosebumps when I walk into the lobby of the Boardwalk resort :cloud9:

I can't wait to find out all about those football guys...

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i know who they were and what they were doing there, but i wont say and ruin your unveiling, they were there last year at that time of the year when we were there also...it was cool to see what was going on there.

we also saw a bunch of coach types, and tv personalities there last year for the event as well, alot of the football players were hanging out on there balconies in the main courtyard area that goes down from the hotel to the boardwalk area.

now im wondering if you went to see the event?

[AlohaPolynesian]

Congratulations on your graduation! How exciting that you get to share a WDW trip with your mom and I hope she enjoys it this time :love: I have never stayed at the BWI, just BWV. Your room view is sort of just the opposite of my view last Feb 2008 - I was on the third floor on the BWV side right across from your room with a huge balcony but more towards the left side of your pic. In Dec 2008 we had a boardwalk view room above General Mercantile and loved it. BTW your room was beautiful! Loved the decor - I always get goosebumps when I walk into the lobby of the Boardwalk resort :cloud9:

I can't wait to find out all about those football guys...

Thanks so much. That's awesome that you had such great rooms! Are you a DVC member?

i know who they were and what they were doing there, but i wont say and ruin your unveiling, they were there last year at that time of the year when we were there also...it was cool to see what was going on there.

we also saw a bunch of coach types, and tv personalities there last year for the event as well, alot of the football players were hanging out on there balconies in the main courtyard area that goes down from the hotel to the boardwalk area.

now im wondering if you went to see the event?

You know it's funny because after I found out what it was, I kicked myself because I KNEW it was there. I watched it on TV last year...I should of thought about it and looked into getting tickets for that instead of the MVMCP!! So no, we didn't go :(

[mickeystoontown]

First off, congrats on your graduation! I can't think of a better place to celebrate than Walt Disney World!

The Boardwalk looks like a beautiful resort!

Can't wait to hear more.

[Jiminy'sGirl]

I"m going to be staying at BWI with MY mom (ok, not until Feb. 2011, but still), so I can't wait to hear about your trip!!

Great pics so far!

[wdwgirl03]

Ahh great start! You definitely didn't make a bad choice in the Boardwalk. So jealous you got to stay there...that's next on my list of DVC resorts! It looks amazing. :thumbsup2

[AlohaPolynesian]

First off, congrats on your graduation! I can't think of a better place to celebrate than Walt Disney World!

The Boardwalk looks like a beautiful resort!

Can't wait to hear more.

Thanks so much and I am glad you stopped by!

I"m going to be staying at BWI with MY mom (ok, not until Feb. 2011, but still), so I can't wait to hear about your trip!!

Great pics so far!

Jiminy's girl, huh? I wasn't really a fan until this trip when....well, you'll see. ;) Thanks for stopping by and it is never too early to start planning for your trip!!

Ahh great start! You definitely didn't make a bad choice in the Boardwalk. So jealous you got to stay there...that's next on my list of DVC resorts! It looks amazing. :thumbsup2

We went to the model DVC for the BWV and it looks totally different than the rooms at the BWI. Do you know if they're planning to do those rooms, too?

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Thanks so much and I am glad you stopped by!



Jiminy's girl, huh? I wasn't really a fan until this trip when....well, you'll see. ;) Thanks for stopping by and it is never too early to start planning for your trip!!



We went to the model DVC for the BWV and it looks totally different than the rooms at the BWI. Do you know if they're planning to do those rooms, too?

Can't wait - that is what drew me to this TR! JIminy has been my favorite for as long as I can remember...

Right now I am busy planning our upcoming March 2010 trip... We've been doing two-a-year trips for the past few years, but the March trip will be it for 2010... :sad1:

[redlight]

I'm in. I want to hear about the football players and tipsy tourists!

[Spoogle]

Great start to your TR!!

I think I know why all those football players are there! I'm a little bit jealous too! Although, a couple of them make me want to throw up!

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

wow so BW doesn't as bad now! The pool still freaks me out a little bit lol. I can't wait till I can begin my TR tomorrow, perhaps I should start uploading my 450 photos now?? lol

[AlohaPolynesian]

Can't wait - that is what drew me to this TR! JIminy has been my favorite for as long as I can remember...

Right now I am busy planning our upcoming March 2010 trip... We've been doing two-a-year trips for the past few years, but the March trip will be it for 2010... :sad1:

You never know what can happen! I would've never in my life thought I would have gone to Disney three times this year, but it happened. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya!

I'm in. I want to hear about the football players and tipsy tourists!

Thanks for joining! It was a pretty eventful weekend...

Great start to your TR!!

I think I know why all those football players are there! I'm a little bit jealous too! Although, a couple of them make me want to throw up!

Thanks! I have to ask, why do they make you want to throw up?!

wow so BW doesn't as bad now! The pool still freaks me out a little bit lol. I can't wait till I can begin my TR tomorrow, perhaps I should start uploading my 450 photos now?? lol

We never made it to the pool, but judging from the pictures it'd probably freak me out too! And yeah, you need to start uploading girl!

[Spoogle]

Well, maybe that was a little harsh! Let's just say some of them are so disgustingly perfect and they don't play for my team. If they were on my team (and not members of rival institutions) I might feel different. I can't wait to hear about it in your next installment! I love college football and I would have been so excited to have been there!

[tinkgurl]

Woo! You started! :woohoo:

Love the pic of you and your mom in front of the tree in your intro!

Wow, the room at the Boardwalk is nothing like I expected it to be. Very nice! That bed looks cozy! :cloud9:

I can't wait to find out who the football players are!

[AlohaPolynesian]

Well, maybe that was a little harsh! Let's just say some of them are so disgustingly perfect and they don't play for my team. If they were on my team (and not members of rival institutions) I might feel different. I can't wait to hear about it in your next installment! I love college football and I would have been so excited to have been there!

I can totally agree with you on that!

Woo! You started! :woohoo:

Love the pic of you and your mom in front of the tree in your intro!

Wow, the room at the Boardwalk is nothing like I expected it to be. Very nice! That bed looks cozy! :cloud9:

I can't wait to find out who the football players are!

Aw thanks! I know, I never really even considered the BWI before this trip for some reason.

[AlohaPolynesian]

As we walked from the busses to the monorail at the MK, I took a picture of the sign for the Christmas party since we would be there later.

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At the Grand Floridian, a ton of memories were brought back. When my parents brought me here as a little kid it was right after Thanksgiving so all of the decorations were up. Last time I came over Christmas was in 2004, but we were at the Yacht Club and didn’t even go to the MK resorts. We checked in for tea and were told it would be about ten minutes, so we explored the lobby and took some photos in front of the tree. Only the one I posted on the first page turned out okay because my mom said she doesn’t like taking pictures anymore so she didn’t smile in the other ones.

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We headed back over to the check in area to wait for our name to be called for tea. I didn’t get too many pictures while we were waiting because one of the supervisor/manager type guys working there started talking to us after he noticed our pins. After I told him we were celebrating my graduation, he started telling me I should apply for a job at Disney and explained the jobs he has had since he started working there and how Disney is paying for his grad school.

Our hostess asked where we were staying and when we told her it was the BoardWalk she asked if we had seen any football players. I asked her what was going on because we had seen a few before we headed over here and she said it was for the ESPN College Football Awards! As a sports fan (although mostly baseball), I watch ESPN a lot. So my mom had this look on her face like “You totally booked the BWI because you knew this was going on!!” But in truth, I had totally forgotten about it! I watched the awards last year on TV and now I was kicking myself for not remembering that I’d be there around the same time. Oh well…just another excuse to go next year, right?! And for those of you wondering, the guy I saw in the lobby was Nebraska's Ndamukong Suh - who was a candidate for the Heisman Trophy! And remember how I said he was huge? Well I looked it up and he is 6'4'', 300 pounds!

We were taken to the first table when you walk in and our server Heather Lynn explained how the tea works. My mom was hungry so she decided that we should do the “Grand Tea” which according to AllEars is “The classic English tradition of Afternoon Tea, Grand Floridian style. We offer you a variety of tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts, followed by your choice of our freshly baked tea pastries or English trifle, accompanied by a glass of Domaine Ste.-Michelle sparkling wine and your choice of tea”.

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As soon as I took this picture, everyone kept looking at me strange, so unfortunately I didn’t take any more from the tea. It was delicious though – especially the scones and the trifle! There was an older couple next to us celebrating their anniversary and they were just adorable. My mom and I almost cried when we heard their conversation with their server – it was so sweet.

After tea it was time for MVMCP! We were able to enter the park at 4pm with our tickets. We had to stand in the rain and wait for them to wristband us so they could tell we were there for the party. Unfortunately I did not pack our Mickey ponchos from previous trips, so it was time to buy some new ones. We wore the ponchos and headed through the park to ride a few things before the party got started. My mom actually seemed to be enjoying herself, thanks for the HGTV special about the holiday decorations. She loves that channel and is a fan of the guy who hosted the special, David Bromstad - so that was a good sign!

First we watched the castle light up and it looked gorgeous!

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Then we decided to squeeze in a few more attractions before finding a good spot for the parade. I know it is easier to go to the late parade, but we were so tired from traveling and I wanted to see if there would be any cute football players in the lobby when we got back LOL so we decided to just find a spot early for the first one. We ended up right across the street from Liberty Tree Tavern and grabbed some hot cocoa and a cookie from the station next door.

I know my mom and I are adults, but we are not tall people. So just because you have a child does not give you the excuse to stand in front of us 2 minutes before the parade starts with small children on your six foot tall shoulders. My mom got SO mad at these guys and I was not happy either. I stood on the something to be able to see better and my mom just tried to look through the two dads in front of us. I got a few pictures of the parade but most of them didn’t turn out well.

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The only other thing we (and when I say we, I mean I) really wanted to see was the holiday version of Wishes. We had time to kill and also a TS credit from our free dining plan, so we walked over to Cosmic Ray’s. I had a veggie burger and my mom got the hot dog and we grabbed a seat up front so we could watch the dance party. Let me just say, I would go back to MVMCP just for this dance party. It was hilarious watching everyone dance and the guy teaching all the moves on stage was just a riot. My mom didn’t want to dance, though so next time I go back I’ll have to bring someone who will! Here's the crowd learning Michael Jackson's "Thriller" moves.

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I was pretty disappointed with holiday wishes as far as the narration and music goes. The fireworks portion was amazing! I’m just so in love with the normal Wishes so maybe that is why I didn’t really like this one? We had a great spot in front of the castle.

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After the fireworks it started snowing on Main Street. For some reason fake snow on Main Street in Florida is way more exciting than real snow on my street in Ohio!!

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Walking back to the lobby, our hotel looked so cute lit up!

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When we got back to the Boardwalk we saw a few people from ESPN leaving the hotel with their credentials on. I am a regular ESPN watcher and although I have been a bad college football fan this season I still didn’t recognize any of them. There were a few groupie looking girls waiting on the big round couch in the lobby, and I kind of wanted to punch them in the face. Okay, that was mean. But seriously – I’m all about a cute football player but I’m not going to wait in the lobby for one because I want to go back to his room!! Gross. I tried to take a picture of them but my mom thought they’d catch me, LOL!

We headed up to the room and as tired as my mom said she was, I fell asleep before she was even done washing her face and brushing her teeth. Before I fell asleep, I set the alarm for 7:00am because I wanted to be up in time for our day to start. I knew it would be a busy one at Animal Kingdom and DHS, and there would be no time to waste. My mom asked if we really had to get up that early and after I said yes I wondered if I’d be able to get her out of bed in the morning…

[FauntleroyFAN07]

did you ever make it over behind the bridge that goes by boardwalk and the swan and dolphin that is where they had all there stuff and semi trailers set up last year for the event.

here are some pics we got of the event setting up last year.

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hope yo udont mind me posting those, just wanted to let you see what we saw last year.

i can delete em if you want me too.

[tinkgurl]

So cool about the football players! :)

The GF is so beautiful! I love how tall that tree is!

Ahh the MK. :goodvibes The Castle looks amazing! I really want to get down there sometime to see it like that for myself!

Ugh, I hear you about people standing in front of you! :headache: I am short-it happens to me all the time!

But, the parade does look neat! We saw it one year, but I think it's changed since then.

[TravelBug86]

Hey, there! I'm enjoying reading about your trip. The BW looks really nice!!! Never stayed there before, either. We're staying at the BCV for the first time next week! :banana: I would love to plan a mother daughter trip of my own someday but it's kind of hard b/c my whole family are disney nuts LOL! The Grand Floridian Tea sounds fabulous... :cloud9:

[TravelBug86]

Oh, yeah, and the thing with the guys standing in front of you at the parade... so rude!!! It's funny how rude people can be when a parade or fireworks are involved! And it doesn't help with how overly populated the parks are these days... you wouldn't believe we were in a recession by the amounts of people at Disney world!!!

[praisehisname]

We upgraded to first class when we checked in the night before, so we were able to go through a shorter security line.

Isn't it awesome? I don't know if I'll ever be able to fly coach again! :rotfl2:


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So gorgeous! :lovestruc


I really liked how the BWI is small and everything is connected.

That's the same thing we loved about the Beach Club. We didn't have to go outside to get to the drink station or lobby.


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Aw, look at that Christmas Tree down there all alone!


My mom was hungry so she decided that we should do the “Grand Tea” which according to AllEars is “The classic English tradition of Afternoon Tea, Grand Floridian style. We offer you a variety of tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts, followed by your choice of our freshly baked tea pastries or English trifle, accompanied by a glass of Domaine Ste.-Michelle sparkling wine and your choice of tea”.

Yum!


As soon as I took this picture, everyone kept looking at me strange, so unfortunately I didn’t take any more from the tea.

I felt a little funny taking pictures, too!


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That was so cool!

I'm looking forward to hearing about your AK/DHS day!

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Sounds like this trip is going great so far... Your Mom kind of reminds me of mine... Totally going along for the ride for your benefit but not really into it! Oh well... Hey, cute football players AND Disney... what could be better??

[wdwgirl03]

Awww great pictures from MVMCP! It was exactly a year ago today that we were at the party. So sad! :sad2: In fact at this time we'd probably be standing somewhere on Main Street getting ready to see the castle lighting ceremony. :goodvibes

ETA: OK so I was just on twitter and saw that Michael Sarver released a new single on Tuesday. You know I had to tell you that. ;)

[luckylady]

Love the pictures of the BWI all decorated. MVMCP sounds like fun even tho you had a couple of rude dads. Can't wait to hear more.

[jordanyosh]

The updated rooms do look nice. I don't think I've ever seen a TR of someone who's stayed at the BWI. Looking forward to hearing more.

[redlight]

I love scones. Afternoon tea done right is almost like another meal.

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

how cool you got to see football players!!!!!! I too would have had no idea what was going on hehe. I'm glad your mom enjoyed the party :) I totally hate the kid shoulders thing. It tends to always happen to us during the fireworks. We try and stand behind a stroller that is up to the rope for the parade since we know there won't be anyone standing in front of a stroller!!! A tip for next time!!!!!

[Camster0307]

I'm here!:cool1:

That's such a pretty picture of you and your mom in front of the tree! Again, I'm so sorry we didn't bump into ONCE while we were all there! I know I'm going to read this TR and see that we were at alot of the same places at the same time!

Your pix of the BW are gorgeous. We went picture crazy too! It's so beautiful and I am missing it sooooo much right now!

[Camster0307]

Oh - and about those football players.............we ate at the ESPN Zone on Wed.afternoon. The big room off to the side was closed off for the private function. When we walked by later that night, we saw the event going on. Pretty fancy. Next morning, we saw some big guys on the boardwalk, with a camera crew, getting their caricatures done. I knew they were players but had no idea who! They were huge - and cute! :lovestruc

Must say - there were celebrities all over the place the week we were there: college football stars, the Jonas Brothers, Mariah Carey, Kelly Ripa. Good time to be there.

[AlohaPolynesian]

did you ever make it over behind the bridge that goes by boardwalk and the swan and dolphin that is where they had all there stuff and semi trailers set up last year for the event.

here are some pics we got of the event setting up last year.

hope yo udont mind me posting those, just wanted to let you see what we saw last year.

i can delete em if you want me too.

No I don't mind at all - thank you for sharing!! We didn't get there until the day of the event so by the time we realized what was happening there was no time to explore.

So cool about the football players! :)

The GF is so beautiful! I love how tall that tree is!

Ahh the MK. :goodvibes The Castle looks amazing! I really want to get down there sometime to see it like that for myself!

Ugh, I hear you about people standing in front of you! :headache: I am short-it happens to me all the time!

But, the parade does look neat! We saw it one year, but I think it's changed since then.

Yeah I saw it a few years ago in 2004 (why does 2004 sound like last year but really it's SIX years ago!?) and when I was little but it is definitely different! The soldiers and the reindeer are the same though so I definitely got into the Christmas spirit when I saw them!

Hey, there! I'm enjoying reading about your trip. The BW looks really nice!!! Never stayed there before, either. We're staying at the BCV for the first time next week! :banana: I would love to plan a mother daughter trip of my own someday but it's kind of hard b/c my whole family are disney nuts LOL! The Grand Floridian Tea sounds fabulous... :cloud9:

Oh, yeah, and the thing with the guys standing in front of you at the parade... so rude!!! It's funny how rude people can be when a parade or fireworks are involved! And it doesn't help with how overly populated the parks are these days... you wouldn't believe we were in a recession by the amounts of people at Disney world!!!

Thank you! I am jealous that your family all likes Disney. My older sister LOVES Disney but she is married with kids so she takes her own trips and she is actually there right now!! And yeah, my philosophy on parades and fireworks is that ANYONE can sit down early and save themselves a good spot. So just because you have little kids that can't see doesn't mean YOU need to stand in front of people that have been waiting! OK - I'm done ranting about that, LOL!

Isn't it awesome? I don't know if I'll ever be able to fly coach again! :rotfl2:

So gorgeous! :lovestruc

That's the same thing we loved about the Beach Club. We didn't have to go outside to get to the drink station or lobby.

Aw, look at that Christmas Tree down there all alone!

Yum!

I felt a little funny taking pictures, too!

That was so cool!

I'm looking forward to hearing about your AK/DHS day!

I think the tree looked SO strange there. it needs to be bigger or there needs to be something else around it. It's a pretty tree it just looks so...lonely!

Sounds like this trip is going great so far... Your Mom kind of reminds me of mine... Totally going along for the ride for your benefit but not really into it! Oh well... Hey, cute football players AND Disney... what could be better??

That is EXACTLY what my mom did LOL! She does that a lot though, does anything to make us happy even if it doesn't make her happy. I wanted this trip to show her that maybe things that make me happy CAN make her happy too!

Awww great pictures from MVMCP! It was exactly a year ago today that we were at the party. So sad! :sad2: In fact at this time we'd probably be standing somewhere on Main Street getting ready to see the castle lighting ceremony. :goodvibes

ETA: OK so I was just on twitter and saw that Michael Sarver released a new single on Tuesday. You know I had to tell you that. ;)

Awwww! My sister is there right now and even when she tells me they are doing things that I did just last WEEK I get sad, so I totally feel you! And yeah I saw that and don't laugh, but the song "You Are" was one he sang for us this summer. And when he sang it I was really surprised and it is actually pretty good. So I bought it :lmao: Can you believe me?! Wait, don't answer that. LOL.

Love the pictures of the BWI all decorated. MVMCP sounds like fun even tho you had a couple of rude dads. Can't wait to hear more.

Thank you! I wish I had taken more pictures of the Christmas decorations, but with the event going on the lobby was just so busy.

The updated rooms do look nice. I don't think I've ever seen a TR of someone who's stayed at the BWI. Looking forward to hearing more.

And you read a lot of TR's! But now that you mention it, I don't think I have either which was probably why I kept thinking about switching my reservation!

I love scones. Afternoon tea done right is almost like another meal.

It WAS another meal! I had planned on grabbing a CS dinner when we got to MK but we were stuffed from tea. The trifle we had for dessert was to die for but we were already so full that we couldn't finish it. I will say that tea will be a must-do for us in the future!

how cool you got to see football players!!!!!! I too would have had no idea what was going on hehe. I'm glad your mom enjoyed the party :) I totally hate the kid shoulders thing. It tends to always happen to us during the fireworks. We try and stand behind a stroller that is up to the rope for the parade since we know there won't be anyone standing in front of a stroller!!! A tip for next time!!!!!

Thanks for the tip!

I'm here!:cool1:

That's such a pretty picture of you and your mom in front of the tree! Again, I'm so sorry we didn't bump into ONCE while we were all there! I know I'm going to read this TR and see that we were at alot of the same places at the same time!

Your pix of the BW are gorgeous. We went picture crazy too! It's so beautiful and I am missing it sooooo much right now!

Oh - and about those football players.............we ate at the ESPN Zone on Wed.afternoon. The big room off to the side was closed off for the private function. When we walked by later that night, we saw the event going on. Pretty fancy. Next morning, we saw some big guys on the boardwalk, with a camera crew, getting their caricatures done. I knew they were players but had no idea who! They were huge - and cute! :lovestruc

Must say - there were celebrities all over the place the week we were there: college football stars, the Jonas Brothers, Mariah Carey, Kelly Ripa. Good time to be there.

Aw thank you. That is cool that you saw all that stuff for the event. And Cammie I swear, if I read your TR and find out that you get to meet the Jonas Brothers again...:love: You're so lucky!

[Camster0307]

Aw thank you. That is cool that you saw all that stuff for the event. And Cammie I swear, if I read your TR and find out that you get to meet the Jonas Brothers again...:love: You're so lucky!

LOL. Wait to read what happened. I swear, we have crazy luck where they are concerned. It could not have worked out any better!

And of course, I have a bazillion pictures.

[SurfinTX]

The Boardwalk looks like a place my parents would love. I love the decorations. Too bad about the view.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your mother did at 7:00 am. :laughing:

[NMW]

subscribing

[AlohaPolynesian]

The Boardwalk looks like a place my parents would love. I love the decorations. Too bad about the view.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your mother did at 7:00 am. :laughing:

Thanks for joining in. I see you are from Texas...I did an internship in Houston last fall and LOVED it down there. I'll try to update later today!

subscribing

Welcome!

[khertz]

I'm joining in! DH & I just got back from a trip with my parents and his, and it was so funny how hard it was to get them out the door on time in the morning! They are always up at least an hour before we were up, but they were never ever ready on time. It drove us crazy! What a role reversal... Looking forward to reading more. :goodvibes

[Native NYer]

Joining in! The BWI looks absolutely beautiful!!!

[AlohaPolynesian]

I'm joining in! DH & I just got back from a trip with my parents and his, and it was so funny how hard it was to get them out the door on time in the morning! They are always up at least an hour before we were up, but they were never ever ready on time. It drove us crazy! What a role reversal... Looking forward to reading more. :goodvibes

Thanks for joining in! I'm usually not a morning person, unless I am at Disney!! And um, is that Taylor Hanson as your display picture?!

Joining in! The BWI looks absolutely beautiful!!!

It was amazing! I'm so glad we stayed there. Welcome and thank you for joining!

[AlohaPolynesian]

So Friday was going to be our Animal Kingdom/DHS day. I wanted to get an early start because we had a lunch reservation at Sanaa for 11:45am, which didn’t leave us much time in the park. AK is pretty small and since my mom doesn’t like big rides, I knew we could do it if we started on time. I set my alarm for 7:00am before bed and my mom asked hopefully if we really needed to get up that early. I went to bed a little nervous after telling her that yes, we DID need to get up that early!

When my alarm went off I jumped out of bed to go head into the shower, but the bathroom door was closed and the lights above the sink were on. What?! My mom came out and said that she got up at 6:30am!!! I was SO proud. So when she asked if we had time to grab coffee and something to eat for breakfast before leaving, I couldn’t say no. After we got ready we went to the Boardwalk Bakery to fill up our mugs with coffee and used snack credits to get a bagel for me, and a muffin for her. We sat outside on the Boardwalk and it was a little chilly and cloudy, but still an adorable area to soak it all in.

We hopped on the bus to AK and when we got there I took a picture of the gorgeous tree! There was a line for the photopass photographer so we decided we’d stop on the way out.

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We walked straight to the safari and had an AWESOME driver. He was hilarious and threw in a little adult humor, which had the whole car laughing. Had some great shots of giraffes and elephants, but no lions.
Also, the little Thompson’s Gazelles were chasing each other and leaping into the air. The driver said he had never seen that before and it was the best safari he’s ever gone on so far in four years. It was SO cute and everyone was laughing because these things would literally just go BOING! Into the air! Here are some pictures from the safari:

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After the safari we went to the Festival of the Lion King show. I had seen this years ago but for some reason skipped it on the last few trips. It was amazing and of course I had a few tears in my eyes. I don’t know why it makes me cry!

Maharajah Jungle Trek was up next. Tigers are my favorite zoo animal so that is why I love this so much. Luckily we were able to see the big kitties but they were just sleeping. I want to snuggle up next to them so bad!

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They remind me of my dog (I know, they are CATS), so of course I started to miss our little guy, Andy. They look nothing alike, see?

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We then decided to head back to the front and get our pictures in front of the tree. The photographer had a gift wrapped and was having people pose with it, but honestly we thought the poses he was having people do looked kind of cheesy. When we got up there he handed us the gift and I gave it back to him and said we just preferred us with the tree in the background. He looked so sad and asked us if we were really sure we didn’t want to hold it. After we left (how the heck do I put the Photopass pictures from online into my TR?) we felt bad for him and hoped we didn’t hurt his feelings. Did he make that just for his pictures? Or do all the Photopass people have it? My mom said we should’ve just posed with it and if it looked cheesy it would’ve just made the pictures more memorable and funny. I still feel bad for not just holding the present!

We got on the bus to AKL and the driver told me that Kidani was the first stop. We were a little early so we walked around the lobby before checking into the restaurant.

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I had switched my ADR’s around a few times but I always had Sanaa in the mix somewhere after seeing a great vegetarian review on the boards. It was a lot of booking and canceling, and it started to get confusing.

But as soon as we got in the elevator and I pushed the button that said Sanaa, I started to worry that I had canceled the wrong day’s reservations….

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[redlight]

I love your Animal Kingdom pictures! I don't think those tigers want anyone snuggling up next to them. LOL.

[Camster0307]

Ok, so here we go................we were at AK on Friday also! Rode EE three times in a row. Well Lauren did, I rode once with her; Amanda's nurse the other two times.

Also saw Nemo for the first time; and caught the Lion King show - one of our faves.

I'm telling ya - we were at the same places alot of the time this trip. Can't believe I didn't see you!

[wdwgirl03]

Love the AK update! Glad you had such a good safari driver. And that's funny how the Tommies were chasing each other!

[AlohaPolynesian]

I love your Animal Kingdom pictures! I don't think those tigers want anyone snuggling up next to them. LOL.

But they are just so cute!!

Ok, so here we go................we were at AK on Friday also! Rode EE three times in a row. Well Lauren did, I rode once with her; Amanda's nurse the other two times.

Also saw Nemo for the first time; and caught the Lion King show - one of our faves.

I'm telling ya - we were at the same places alot of the time this trip. Can't believe I didn't see you!

Wow. And that day at AK it seemed practically empty so I was sure I'd be able to spot you. I can't believe Lauren rode EE three times! I wouldn't have even gone on it if I was with people who wanted to ride because last time I was on it I got really bad motion sickness. It's too bad because it is such a cool ride!

Love the AK update! Glad you had such a good safari driver. And that's funny how the Tommies were chasing each other!

Thanks! It was hilarious, everyone in the car was laughing so hard. You should've seen these guys. I'm hitting myself for not taking video :sad2:

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

good update!!!!!!!

When I see the Lion King show, I get major major chills..never did cry though!

Can't wait for more :)

[jordanyosh]

Early mornings on the Boardwalk are so peaceful!

you actually got to do quite a bit for being at AK for such a short time!:thumbsup2

Oh oh...nice cliffhanger!

[khertz]

Thanks for joining in! I'm usually not a morning person, unless I am at Disney!! And um, is that Taylor Hanson as your display picture?!


I'm so with you on the morning person thing! I still wasn't the happiest waking up so early, but darn it, I was making it to rope drop if it killed me! :rotfl:

And yes, it is Taylor Hanson. :love: I'm a fangirl at heart, but I control myself better now at 24 than I did at 12. :laughing:

ETA: OK, so now I read your latest post to get all caught up! The photopass pictures with the present, they put Stitch jumping out of the present, same as when he is supposed to be coming up out of the ground. Cute, but not that great. We did a few group pictures at the tree, then he handed me the present for one last pic.

Your safari ride looks awesome! We got hardly any decent pictures because we were in the very LAST row and it was so bumpy I came off of my seat a couple times! So DH had a hard time getting good pictures. Oh well.

I absolutely adore your tiger pictures! I love the big cats, they remind me of my two kitties at home. We saw a lion at the MGM in Las Vegas playing with a ball and kicking it with her back paws the same way my cat Callie does, it was too cute!

[AlohaPolynesian]

good update!!!!!!!

When I see the Lion King show, I get major major chills..never did cry though!

Can't wait for more :)

Thanks girl. It reminds me of the Broadway show which was also amazing!

Early mornings on the Boardwalk are so peaceful!

you actually got to do quite a bit for being at AK for such a short time!:thumbsup2

Oh oh...nice cliffhanger!

Hahaha thanks...It was NOT so nice when I was freaking out in the elevator LOL

I'm so with you on the morning person thing! I still wasn't the happiest waking up so early, but darn it, I was making it to rope drop if it killed me! :rotfl:

And yes, it is Taylor Hanson. :love: I'm a fangirl at heart, but I control myself better now at 24 than I did at 12. :laughing:

ETA: OK, so now I read your latest post to get all caught up! The photopass pictures with the present, they put Stitch jumping out of the present, same as when he is supposed to be coming up out of the ground. Cute, but not that great. We did a few group pictures at the tree, then he handed me the present for one last pic.

Your safari ride looks awesome! We got hardly any decent pictures because we were in the very LAST row and it was so bumpy I came off of my seat a couple times! So DH had a hard time getting good pictures. Oh well.

I absolutely adore your tiger pictures! I love the big cats, they remind me of my two kitties at home. We saw a lion at the MGM in Las Vegas playing with a ball and kicking it with her back paws the same way my cat Callie does, it was too cute!

Ohhh OK, thanks for explaining the present!! Also, I actually was obsessed with Hanson when I was 10...my dad videotapes Christmas every year and that year when we were going to bed he was filming it and you can see my wall literally COVERED in Hanson pics! Taylor was my favorite and I always liked Zac too but he was my best friends favorite so I couldn't like him. :lmao: OK well fast forward to this fall when I finally was able to see them in concert...OMG. It was THE best concert I've ever been to. Maybe because I waited for 12 years to see it or maybe because I didn't know what to expect, but seriously it was amazing!! I can't wait for the new album - I love their new music!

[OhioDisneyLover]

I loved your DAK update. I love that park. It is so hot when we go in September that we never seem to be able to stay for the parade. Next year, it's a must for me.

[lilpapsgirl]

Just got caught up on your TR. How exciting about the football players! That would be so cool. My husband would love that. He's a huge college football fan! MVMCP looked like a lot of fun..to bad it was rainy/drizzly. Can't wait for more and a review of Sanaa!

[tinkgurl]

Wow, cool Safari pics! That ride is definately a hit or miss. Either you'll have a great ride with lots of animals out or a not-so-good ride with not very many animals out.

HEY- you need to leave a warning before you post any elevator pics! :laughing: I'm claustrophobic!

Wow, the lobby looks neat!

[TravelBug86]

Aww, I love the giraffe's nobby knees.. hehe
How can you leave us with that cliff hanger???
Oh.. and I thought I was the only one obsessed with Hanson when I was 11, now I don't feel so bad :rotfl:

[AlohaPolynesian]

I loved your DAK update. I love that park. It is so hot when we go in September that we never seem to be able to stay for the parade. Next year, it's a must for me.

I don't think I've ever seen the parade either!!

Just got caught up on your TR. How exciting about the football players! That would be so cool. My husband would love that. He's a huge college football fan! MVMCP looked like a lot of fun..to bad it was rainy/drizzly. Can't wait for more and a review of Sanaa!

Thanks!! Yeah my mom and I were thinking how if my dad and brother knew this would be going on they'd would've come for sure!

Wow, cool Safari pics! That ride is definately a hit or miss. Either you'll have a great ride with lots of animals out or a not-so-good ride with not very many animals out.

HEY- you need to leave a warning before you post any elevator pics! :laughing: I'm claustrophobic!

Wow, the lobby looks neat!

Hahahaha you crack me up. I will warn you next time!

Aww, I love the giraffe's nobby knees.. hehe
How can you leave us with that cliff hanger???
Oh.. and I thought I was the only one obsessed with Hanson when I was 11, now I don't feel so bad :rotfl:

Another Hanson lover?! I'm loving this!

[TravelBug86]

Yeah when I was about 12 my mom took me to NYC to watch a Hanson concert in the Beacon theatre, where they filmed a music video!!! I think it was "I will Come to You"..... so I would like brag to all my friends that I was in the music video LOL! :rotfl2:

[AlohaPolynesian]

Yeah when I was about 12 my mom took me to NYC to watch a Hanson concert in the Beacon theatre, where they filmed a music video!!! I think it was "I will Come to You"..... so I would like brag to all my friends that I was in the music video LOL! :rotfl2:

SHUT UP! I remember that video!! I am jealous even though it was a long time ago! hahahaha

[MAJ RN]

enjoying your trip report!! Can't wait to read about your experience at Sanaa, we are going in Feb. Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

[khertz]

Ohhh OK, thanks for explaining the present!! Also, I actually was obsessed with Hanson when I was 10...my dad videotapes Christmas every year and that year when we were going to bed he was filming it and you can see my wall literally COVERED in Hanson pics! Taylor was my favorite and I always liked Zac too but he was my best friends favorite so I couldn't like him. :lmao: OK well fast forward to this fall when I finally was able to see them in concert...OMG. It was THE best concert I've ever been to. Maybe because I waited for 12 years to see it or maybe because I didn't know what to expect, but seriously it was amazing!! I can't wait for the new album - I love their new music!

I absolutely LOVE seeing them in concert! They are just amazing. I saw them last in October this year and had a blast!! I think the new album is supposed to be in the spring, but they always push things back. :sad2: My walls used to be wallpapered in Hanson as well. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) very much enjoyed helping me take all of them down!

Aww, I love the giraffe's nobby knees.. hehe
How can you leave us with that cliff hanger???
Oh.. and I thought I was the only one obsessed with Hanson when I was 11, now I don't feel so bad :rotfl:

Yeah when I was about 12 my mom took me to NYC to watch a Hanson concert in the Beacon theatre, where they filmed a music video!!! I think it was "I will Come to You"..... so I would like brag to all my friends that I was in the music video LOL! :rotfl2:

I so didn't mean to turn your TR into a Hanson fan outing party! :lmao: That is pretty amazing that you saw them at the Beacon when they filmed the music video.

I wore my Hanson tour hoodie the first day we were in Disney and a couple girls stopped me to say they were fans too! I always feel like the only one left, so it's fun when someone else tells you they are still a fan. :thumbsup2

[tinkgurl]

Ooooh Hanson..I remember those days. I think I even wrote them a letter. :rotfl: I have a video of them somewhere..it was one of those ones that follows them around and then shows music videos and stuff.

[AlohaPolynesian]

enjoying your trip report!! Can't wait to read about your experience at Sanaa, we are going in Feb. Can't wait to read more.


Melissa

Thanks Melissa!

I absolutely LOVE seeing them in concert! They are just amazing. I saw them last in October this year and had a blast!! I think the new album is supposed to be in the spring, but they always push things back. :sad2: My walls used to be wallpapered in Hanson as well. My boyfriend at the time (now husband) very much enjoyed helping me take all of them down!





I so didn't mean to turn your TR into a Hanson fan outing party! :lmao: That is pretty amazing that you saw them at the Beacon when they filmed the music video.

I wore my Hanson tour hoodie the first day we were in Disney and a couple girls stopped me to say they were fans too! I always feel like the only one left, so it's fun when someone else tells you they are still a fan. :thumbsup2

That's awesome. And its not like it is some super popular or QUOTE "cool" band, either. It's hard to find Hanson fans!!

Ooooh Hanson..I remember those days. I think I even wrote them a letter. :rotfl: I have a video of them somewhere..it was one of those ones that follows them around and then shows music videos and stuff.

Oh my gosh I love that you wrote them a letter!!! And I have that video too it was called Tulsa, Tokyo, and the Middle of Nowhere. I am pretttttyyyyyy sure I watched it at least once per day when I was in 5th grade. Is that the one you have? :lmao:

I remember also my parents made me go to a minor league hockey game and I didn't want to so I just brought my sweet discman with my Middle of Nowhere CD and sat there and listened to it :sad2:

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I just found your TR! (Followed it in your sig when you posted about your mom and the Christmas presents! Soooo cute!)

I LOVE a TR with lots of pics and yours so far is fantastic!! I want to see more pics of you guys, though!

You really left us with quite the cliff-hanger, though! Hope you had your ADR right!

[ramsfootball92]

I can't wait to hear more popcorn::

[dizneeat]

I finally caught up again!
And I want more, more, more ............... :lmao:

[AlohaPolynesian]

I just found your TR! (Followed it in your sig when you posted about your mom and the Christmas presents! Soooo cute!)

I LOVE a TR with lots of pics and yours so far is fantastic!! I want to see more pics of you guys, though!

You really left us with quite the cliff-hanger, though! Hope you had your ADR right!

Aww thanks. Yes my mom is the best! Thanks for joining in. I'll try to update soon!

I can't wait to hear more popcorn::

Thanks!!

I finally caught up again!
And I want more, more, more ............... :lmao:

I'm glad you are all caught up! I should probably go catch up on yours AND start my dining review, huh?!

[tinkgurl]

Oh my gosh I love that you wrote them a letter!!! And I have that video too it was called Tulsa, Tokyo, and the Middle of Nowhere. I am pretttttyyyyyy sure I watched it at least once per day when I was in 5th grade. Is that the one you have? :lmao:

I remember also my parents made me go to a minor league hockey game and I didn't want to so I just brought my sweet discman with my Middle of Nowhere CD and sat there and listened to it :sad2:

YES that is the video! :lmao:

:rotfl2: Love that you sat and listened to their cd at a hockey game.

[AlohaPolynesian]

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile guys. My mom has Christmas every year so I was helping her get the house ready. I also was lucky enough to get a car as my other graduation gift, so my dad and I had been researching and trying to figure that out as well. Today I'm headed to the Cleveland Browns game followed by the Cavaliers game.

Tonight I'll try to update but I really should start to clean my room because I can't find my camera charger. And I'm realllly going to need my camera because I'm going to be in DISNEYLAND in a few days!

My aunt, uncle, brother, dad, and I are all going to the Rose Bowl to see our Buckeyes play. My brother loves amusement parks so luckily he was also begging my dad to take us to DLR! We're going to be doing both parks this time so I am really excited. I've never been to the California Adventure side. Any tips or recommendations?

[Aburns8]

There is an Aladin show at California Adventure. Go see it (it is spectacular) because they are going to stop it within the next year to put a Toy Story show in. I like the Space Mountin better at Disneyland as well.

[khertz]

Have fun in Disneyland!! I really wanted to go earlier this year when DH got unexpected vacation time dumped on him from work, and it was right around his birthday. But we ended up going to Hawaii instead. :laughing: Obviously, I have no tips since I've never been, but take lots of pictures to share with us!!

[praisehisname]

My mom came out and said that she got up at 6:30am!!! I was SO proud. So when she asked if we had time to grab coffee and something to eat for breakfast before leaving, I couldn’t say no.

She knew you were serious!


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2580/4202270698_79ce6b74cb_b.jpg

OMG, so cute! :love: My dog sleeps like that!


When we got up there he handed us the gift and I gave it back to him and said we just preferred us with the tree in the background. He looked so sad and asked us if we were really sure we didn’t want to hold it. After we left (how the heck do I put the Photopass pictures from online into my TR?) we felt bad for him and hoped we didn’t hurt his feelings.

Hey, it's your picture. Don't feel bad; I wouldn't have wanted that present in there, either.

As far as your Photopass pictures, once you get the CD you can upload them to your online photo account and then use them in your report just like your other photos.


But as soon as we got in the elevator and I pushed the button that said Sanaa, I started to worry that I had canceled the wrong day’s reservations….

:scared1: No, you can't leave us like that!


And I'm realllly going to need my camera because I'm going to be in DISNEYLAND in a few days!

Woo Hoo! :yay: Have fun!!!

[wdwgirl03]

My aunt, uncle, brother, dad, and I are all going to the Rose Bowl to see our Buckeyes play. My brother loves amusement parks so luckily he was also begging my dad to take us to DLR! We're going to be doing both parks this time so I am really excited. I've never been to the California Adventure side. Any tips or recommendations?

Sooo jealous (not about the Buckeyes part though, haha! ;)). California Adventure is fun. One of the best things is California Screamin. The Orange Stinger was fun too but I don't know if it's still called that. :confused3 Oh yeah, and the Monsters Inc ride! That was really cute. It's pretty much like all of the Fantasyland dark rides. Grizzly River Run is fun if you don't mind getting drenched. :laughing: And since the Grand Californian is right there you should check that out too! Have fun!

[AlohaPolynesian]

There is an Aladin show at California Adventure. Go see it (it is spectacular) because they are going to stop it within the next year to put a Toy Story show in. I like the Space Mountin better at Disneyland as well.

Thanks so much. I just looked this up and wrote down the times for when we will be there. I can't wait! I actually went on that Space Mountain over Halloween...and almost threw up! Literally the whole ride I was trying to decide if it would be better to throw up in the car or over the side :eek:

Have fun in Disneyland!! I really wanted to go earlier this year when DH got unexpected vacation time dumped on him from work, and it was right around his birthday. But we ended up going to Hawaii instead. :laughing: Obviously, I have no tips since I've never been, but take lots of pictures to share with us!!

HAWAII?! I am so jealous! I went there a long time ago but would love to go back. I just found my camera charger so I will take lots of pictures!



Hey, it's your picture. Don't feel bad; I wouldn't have wanted that present in there, either.

As far as your Photopass pictures, once you get the CD you can upload them to your online photo account and then use them in your report just like your other photos.


OK that makes me feel a little better. And thanks for the Photopass tip!

Sooo jealous (not about the Buckeyes part though, haha! ;)). California Adventure is fun. One of the best things is California Screamin. The Orange Stinger was fun too but I don't know if it's still called that. :confused3 Oh yeah, and the Monsters Inc ride! That was really cute. It's pretty much like all of the Fantasyland dark rides. Grizzly River Run is fun if you don't mind getting drenched. :laughing: And since the Grand Californian is right there you should check that out too! Have fun!

Girl if you watch the Rose Bowl you have to root for OSU! You cannot possibly have any good reason to cheer for Oregon, right? I look up those rides and the Orange Stinger is closed for refurb because they are changing it into something else. My brother is trying to convince me to go on California Screamin but lately I've been having problems with roller coasters so I'm not sure if I could handle it!!

[CW4DW]

Just found your report and am all caught up... Can't wait for more!

[Camster0307]

OMG - are you in Disneyland right now? So jealous! I hope you're having a great trip.

And I'm LOL'ing at all the Hanson memories in this post. Yes, it does sound exactly like Lauren's current-day Jonas Brothers' obsession. ;)

Can't wait to read more about your trip.

[wdwgirl03]

Girl if you watch the Rose Bowl you have to root for OSU! You cannot possibly have any good reason to cheer for Oregon, right? I look up those rides and the Orange Stinger is closed for refurb because they are changing it into something else. My brother is trying to convince me to go on California Screamin but lately I've been having problems with roller coasters so I'm not sure if I could handle it!!

I had good reason to cheer for Oregon...OSU is Michigan's biggest rival! LOL. ;) In all honesty though I didn't see too much of the game (saw the first quarter and that's about it) but congrats on your win.

That's right, they are refurbing it. I remember reading that somewhere but I can't remember what they're doing to it.

[AlohaPolynesian]

Just found your report and am all caught up... Can't wait for more!

Thanks so much!

OMG - are you in Disneyland right now? So jealous! I hope you're having a great trip.

And I'm LOL'ing at all the Hanson memories in this post. Yes, it does sound exactly like Lauren's current-day Jonas Brothers' obsession. ;)

Can't wait to read more about your trip.

Disneyland was great! Sorry for the lack of updates...it's actually been a busy week for me and I even had a job interview (FINALLY)! PS I just saw that Joe Jonas made a surprise appearance last night at the pre-show concert outside of the Rose Bowl. That is exactly where I was just a week ago and NO Joe Jonas then!! I guess he isn't an OSU or Oregon fan, LOL!

I had good reason to cheer for Oregon...OSU is Michigan's biggest rival! LOL. ;) In all honesty though I didn't see too much of the game (saw the first quarter and that's about it) but congrats on your win.

That's right, they are refurbing it. I remember reading that somewhere but I can't remember what they're doing to it.

FINE!! :laughing: I've been slacking on updates lately but I will try to get one up sometime today!

[RobinHoodGirl]

I did a mom/daughter only WDW trip back in May 2008 and may have been the best WDW trip to date. I can't wait to read more of yours (also gets me ready for my BWV trip early Feb as well!)

[Panotchr]

Just found your TR. We are going in July on our regular summer trip, but we are surprising our girls with a Christmas trip next year at Boardwalk. I found your pictures and then your trip report and I want to know more :)

Hope you had a good interview :) What did you get a degree in?

[AlohaPolynesian]

I did a mom/daughter only WDW trip back in May 2008 and may have been the best WDW trip to date. I can't wait to read more of yours (also gets me ready for my BWV trip early Feb as well!)

I'm so glad it was the best one yet for you. And I am jealous that you are about to go to WDW and the BW!!

Just found your TR. We are going in July on our regular summer trip, but we are surprising our girls with a Christmas trip next year at Boardwalk. I found your pictures and then your trip report and I want to know more :)

Hope you had a good interview :) What did you get a degree in?

Thanks for coming over! I know I have been slacking with updates lately...I've just been really frustrated with well, life! My interview seemed to have went well...except after going there I realized it is not something I'd enjoy doing at all. Of course my parents are furious and tell me if I am offered the job I have to take it...:confused3

My degree is PR & Advertising with a minor in Sociology. I met a really inspiring person who kind of made me realize that working in sports was actually something I shouldn't pursue and should head in a different direction. (Long story). My parents are upset because they spent a lot of money for me to have a really great sports internship and now it is basically all for nothing if I go a different route.

Sorry for that novel LOL! I bet you are sorry you even asked... I hope I didn't scare you away!!

[Panotchr]

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you LOVE IT. Otherwise it is just a job. :(
I teach Kindergarten and I LOVE doing it. It can be frustrating some days, but the rewards are great.... at least to me. When they learn something, I know I taught it to them and it is a wonderful feeling!!
I'll hope that the right thing will come along for you. Go with your gut :)

Looking forward to more ;)

[inkedupmomma]

OK, I am here! read all the posts last night on my iTouch, hence the comment..I hate typing things out on that thing! anywho, LOVE your TR so far! Your mom is a beauty! Glad you are having such luck so far! really looking forward to the next installment!popcorn::

Subbing!

[AlohaPolynesian]

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you LOVE IT. Otherwise it is just a job. :(
I teach Kindergarten and I LOVE doing it. It can be frustrating some days, but the rewards are great.... at least to me. When they learn something, I know I taught it to them and it is a wonderful feeling!!
I'll hope that the right thing will come along for you. Go with your gut :)

Looking forward to more ;)

Thanks so much! :goodvibes

OK, I am here! read all the posts last night on my iTouch, hence the comment..I hate typing things out on that thing! anywho, LOVE your TR so far! Your mom is a beauty! Glad you are having such luck so far! really looking forward to the next installment!popcorn::

Subbing!

Thanks!! I would tell my mom what you said but then she'd kill me for having her picture online, LOL!

[AlohaPolynesian]

So when I left off we were heading down the elevators in Kidani Village to Sanaa, but I was starting to think I cancelled the wrong ADR/forgot to book the new one/didn’t have the right time/etc. I had the confirmation number written on an index card in front of me with the rest of the reservations, but I just had a weird feeling.

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Turns out I was right! It was my old confirmation number for the reservation I had cancelled! Luckily it was lunchtime and it was not very busy, so they were able to get us a table anyways.


Our server was Giovanni and he explained everything very well. He kept our water glasses full and new Diet Coke was on the table before we were almost done with the old ones. Although the menu was different and kind of exotic, he was very reassuring when he was recommending what to order. The atmosphere was great – we were seated right at the window by the savannah and the animals were very close!

Here’s what one of the tables looks like and our view where you can see the giraffes in the distance:

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At one point during our meal the giraffes came pretty close to the window. People were jumping up to try to get pictures and a closer view and really just pushing their way up to the windows. There really wasn’t anyone by our table and the space by the window was pretty big, but a woman came over with her camera and asked if we would mind her taking a few pictures. She slipped by and took a couple and then left and said thanks again. So there are some polite people left in this world!

The food was awesome, we liked everything we got. How often does that happen?

In order of appearance: Naan bread service with three spreads (cucumber raita, roasted red pepper hummus, mango chutney) potato and pea samosas, Chicken with green curry sauce and beef short ribs with rice, vegetarian sampler, dessert sampler, and vanilla coconut rice pudding.

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After lunch we hopped on the bus to DHS! I knew we needed to make it to the next showing of Beauty and the Beast, so that’s where we went first.

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Now my mom doesn’t like rides unless they are the slow ones, and even then sometimes she says she gets dizzy. So we skipped Dinosaur in AK and I didn’t even ask her if she wanted to go on it. Then we’re in DHS and she asks me if the Dinosaur ride was here because she loves that one!!!!!! I was like wait a second, you won’t go on Winnie the Pooh but you want to do Dinosaur?! Oh man. TOO LATE NOW!

After hitting up Beauty and the Beast we headed to American Idol. My mom and I are AI nuts. So is my grammy. We always call each other after the shows to discuss what happened and those of you that know me know I have some funny stories from the concert tours, LOL! Oh an Carrie Underwood is like my most favorite person in the world. So we did Idol TWICE in a row! Can you tell my mom doesn’t like having her picture taken?

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Then we went to the Magic of Disney Animation. I'd seen this on the DIS and never knew it existed before, and then I couldn't even figure out where it was when I was there. So I wanted to make sure we had time for it. I was kind of bummed because the options were Minnie, Stitch, or Jiminy Cricket and we had to draw Jiminy. It's not that I don't like him but I just love Minnie and Stitch SO much that it would've been fun to draw them.

I was nervous because my mom is a very good artist...I used to get mad when I was little because I'd ask her to draw with me and then her pictures would be better than mine :lmao: So I was pretty excited when my drawing turned out pretty good... (I made this picture smaller because I look gross since it was raining and no one wants to see that close up, haha )

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4259231569_fe109d9416.jpg

And hers looked like...Jiminy Cricket's fat brother! I mean, you can still tell its him, and its a pretty good job, but that is just too wide to be the real Jiminy LOL! You can tell my mom isn't too happy that I am taking her picture with it!

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TSM line was way too long, so I still haven’t been on this! (OK well I just went on it in DL, is it the same?) We waited for Osbourne lights for awhile and then ran over to Fantasmic. My mom said it is her least favorite but I put it right behind my #1 favorite Wishes! It has such a good message about not letting the villains get you down, ya know? We were freezing though!

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Here are some of the pictures from the spectacle of lights, but it looks a lot better in person – those of you who have been there know what I mean!

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After Fantasmic we waited in a LONG line for the boat back to BWI. I would walk but that path is seriously pitch black at night…is it always like that?! I didn’t want to get attacked by a gator before my highly anticipated dinner at Flying Fish!!

[praisehisname]

Turns out I was right! It was my old confirmation number for the reservation I had cancelled! Luckily it was lunchtime and it was not very busy, so they were able to get us a table anyways.

We need a smilie breathing a sigh of relief!


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Everything looked really good, but these looked particularly enticing!


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Good job!


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Tell your mom I'm really sorry, but DD11 and I just laughed ourselves silly at Jiminy's fat brother! :rotfl2:

Great update!

[kcandbella]

Just found and read your report. You got some great pics!! Cant wait for more! :goodvibes

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Great update! I agree with your mom, Fantasmic is NOT my fav! Excellent drawing of Jiminy! I have GOT to get to the Animaion Studio one of these trips! It is something that is very easy to skip unless you make it a point to hit it!

[AlohaPolynesian]

We need a smilie breathing a sigh of relief!

Everything looked really good, but these looked particularly enticing!

Everything was delicious!! I will eventually get around to a food review, but all the flavors just worked really well together and the dessert was a perfect way to end the meal. Our plates were definitely clean!

Good job!

Tell your mom I'm really sorry, but DD11 and I just laughed ourselves silly at Jiminy's fat brother! :rotfl2:

Great update!

Hahahahah thank you!

Just found and read your report. You got some great pics!! Cant wait for more! :goodvibes

Thanks so much!

Great update! I agree with your mom, Fantasmic is NOT my fav! Excellent drawing of Jiminy! I have GOT to get to the Animaion Studio one of these trips! It is something that is very easy to skip unless you make it a point to hit it!

It is so much fun, you really need to go. When I was in DL I wanted to do it there but no one wanted to :(

[Panotchr]

Great update! We are staying at Kidani this summer, but not eating at Sanaa. It doesn't win out with the girls over eating with Princesses and Mickey :) Guess one day we will!

I really want to do the drawings! That looks like great fun! I love Jiminy, so I am glad you did him. :)

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

great update!!!! I can't wait to see how your dinner went.

[beyondblessed]

Aloha! I just got caught up on your trip report! :cheer2: I'm anxious to see if our paths ever crossed while we were both there! So far it looks like you and your Mom had a wonderful trip. I can't wait to read more!!! :lovestruc

[redlight]

Great update!

I like your mom's drawing. By the way, you and your mom look a good deal alike.


In order of appearance: Naan bread service with three spreads (cucumber raita, roasted red pepper hummus, mango chutney) potato and pea samosas, Chicken with green curry sauce and beef short ribs with rice, vegetarian sampler, dessert sampler, and vanilla coconut rice pudding.

My mouth is watering.

[tinkgurl]

Oooh lunch looks like it was good! Love how the place looks too!

YAY, American Idol! :woohoo: I cannot wait to do this one again.

:rotfl: Love the pics of Jiminy! How long do the drawing sessions last?

[wdwgirl03]

Yay, a new update! That is funny about doing AI twice in a row. Are you ready for tomorrow night?! :banana:

Great job on the drawing too. I think I might have to try that when we go (even though I am NOT an artist at all. LOL!).

[khertz]

I'm glad your lunch at Sanaa still worked out! DH and I are not adventurous eaters at all, but the food looks pretty good! DH is less adventurous than me though, so I'll never have a chance to try it. :laughing:

We absolutely LOVED the drawing class! I laughed a little at your mom's picture, but at the same time I can feel for her. Wait till you see my drawing of Donald Duck! Make sure you show it to her when it's posted so she can get a good laugh at my expense too. :thumbsup2

The Osbourne Lights were probably my favorite Christmas thing that we did while there, and I didn't expect it to be! They were beautiful, and you're right, much better in person than in pictures. Pictures can't really capture how large scale everything is!

Great update! :thumbsup2

[Camster0307]

Disneyland was great! Sorry for the lack of updates...it's actually been a busy week for me and I even had a job interview (FINALLY)! PS I just saw that Joe Jonas made a surprise appearance last night at the pre-show concert outside of the Rose Bowl. That is exactly where I was just a week ago and NO Joe Jonas then!! I guess he isn't an OSU or Oregon fan, LOL!

DOH! Near miss! :headache:

I love how you're stalking Jonas gossip now. :thumbsup2

[TravelBug86]

Wow, I'm glad you were able to get into Sanaa even with the cancelled reservation. I was worried there for a minute! :lmao:
Lunch looked pretty good! So how does it work there? Are there , like, set courses and you choose something for each one? I'd really like to try lunch there some day (seems like the best time b/c of the animals being awake) but don't want to be too stuffed!

[MHTeacher]

Just found your trip report...something about that title made me look twice. ;) I'm looking forward to reading some more updates.

Congrats on your college graduation! and good luck finding the right job.

[Camster0307]

Sorry about the interview but I agree with the previous poster - do something you LOVE. You're young still & it's understandable to be changing your mind but you should follow your gut. There's nothing worse than getting up and going to a job every day that you don't enjoy. Hang in there. The right opportunity will come your way. :thumbsup2

I laughed so hard at your mom's Jiminy drawing. :rotfl: I, too, had read about the animation studio but had never been before. It is hard to find but Lauren and I finally attempted it during our last mom/daughter trip last year. We got to draw Pluto:

Mine was awesome.................
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee237/Camster0307/DisneyFeb09/DSC04216.jpg

Your mom drew "fat Jiminy"; Lauren drew "sick Pluto":
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee237/Camster0307/DisneyFeb09/DSC04217.jpg

:rotfl:

Adorable picture of you and your mom at Fantasmic, btw. We love that show - but only under the right weather conditions.

[AlohaPolynesian]

Great update! We are staying at Kidani this summer, but not eating at Sanaa. It doesn't win out with the girls over eating with Princesses and Mickey :) Guess one day we will!

I really want to do the drawings! That looks like great fun! I love Jiminy, so I am glad you did him. :)

You'll have to try it someday. I would love to stay at Kidani someday so I hope you come back and share some pictures and tell us all about it!

great update!!!! I can't wait to see how your dinner went.

Thanks girl! I need to go catch up on your TR!

Aloha! I just got caught up on your trip report! :cheer2: I'm anxious to see if our paths ever crossed while we were both there! So far it looks like you and your Mom had a wonderful trip. I can't wait to read more!!! :lovestruc

Thanks so much! There were a few DISers who were there the same time as I was but I don't think I saw any of them!

Great update!

I like your mom's drawing. By the way, you and your mom look a good deal alike.



My mouth is watering.

Thank you! People used to say we looked more alike when I had my natural hair color :rolleyes1

Oooh lunch looks like it was good! Love how the place looks too!

YAY, American Idol! :woohoo: I cannot wait to do this one again.

:rotfl: Love the pics of Jiminy! How long do the drawing sessions last?

The drawing session was around 25 minutes I think. It was great! I could sit there all day and draw the different characters.

Yay, a new update! That is funny about doing AI twice in a row. Are you ready for tomorrow night?! :banana:

Great job on the drawing too. I think I might have to try that when we go (even though I am NOT an artist at all. LOL!).

I am a horrible artist!! They make it really easy and the instructions are step-by-step.

I'm glad your lunch at Sanaa still worked out! DH and I are not adventurous eaters at all, but the food looks pretty good! DH is less adventurous than me though, so I'll never have a chance to try it. :laughing:

We absolutely LOVED the drawing class! I laughed a little at your mom's picture, but at the same time I can feel for her. Wait till you see my drawing of Donald Duck! Make sure you show it to her when it's posted so she can get a good laugh at my expense too. :thumbsup2

The Osbourne Lights were probably my favorite Christmas thing that we did while there, and I didn't expect it to be! They were beautiful, and you're right, much better in person than in pictures. Pictures can't really capture how large scale everything is!

Great update! :thumbsup2

OK, I cannot wait for your Donald picture!!

Wow, I'm glad you were able to get into Sanaa even with the cancelled reservation. I was worried there for a minute! :lmao:
Lunch looked pretty good! So how does it work there? Are there , like, set courses and you choose something for each one? I'd really like to try lunch there some day (seems like the best time b/c of the animals being awake) but don't want to be too stuffed!

It is just like a regular meal and since we were on the DxDP we were able to have an appetizer, main course, and dessert. It was SO much food but everything was so delicious!! You've got to try it.

Just found your trip report...something about that title made me look twice. ;) I'm looking forward to reading some more updates.

Congrats on your college graduation! and good luck finding the right job.

Thanks for joining and thanks for the congratulations and good luck. My job search has me so frustrated right now so it is really nice to have some encouragement :goodvibes

Sorry about the interview but I agree with the previous poster - do something you LOVE. You're young still & it's understandable to be changing your mind but you should follow your gut. There's nothing worse than getting up and going to a job every day that you don't enjoy. Hang in there. The right opportunity will come your way. :thumbsup2

I laughed so hard at your mom's Jiminy drawing. :rotfl: I, too, had read about the animation studio but had never been before. It is hard to find but Lauren and I finally attempted it during our last mom/daughter trip last year. We got to draw Pluto:

Mine was awesome.................
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee237/Camster0307/DisneyFeb09/DSC04216.jpg

Your mom drew "fat Jiminy"; Lauren drew "sick Pluto":
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee237/Camster0307/DisneyFeb09/DSC04217.jpg

:rotfl:

Adorable picture of you and your mom at Fantasmic, btw. We love that show - but only under the right weather conditions.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. It's horrible right now and I am seriously contemplating running away...not a day goes by that my parents don't nag me and ask me why I can't be more like my siblings :confused3

I love Lauren's sick Pluto!! I would've loved to draw him. Maybe next time!

[OhioDisneyLover]

Awesome update! :thumbsup2 Now I do want to try Sanaa for lunch!!

I still have not gone into AI. Not sure why, but we have never made it there. I need to add it to my list for September.

So, how do you like our weather? Sucks, doesn't it?

[AlohaPolynesian]

Awesome update! :thumbsup2 Now I do want to try Sanaa for lunch!!

I still have not gone into AI. Not sure why, but we have never made it there. I need to add it to my list for September.

So, how do you like our weather? Sucks, doesn't it?

Ugh this weather REALLY makes me want to be in WDW right now!! I took my dog for a walk yesterday and I seriously got a workout from climbing through all the snow! And yes, you should try Sanaa for sure. Flying Fish will be up next!

[redlight]

Yes, I am eager for spring too. It's a little warmer today, but still not anywhere near warm.

[jordanyosh]

I think you're one of the ones that convinced me to go to Sanaa. That food looks great!

It looks like it was cold.

Our house love AI too! I LOVE Carrie Underwood. Love her new song, Temporary Home. Cooler to know she wrote it.

[tinkgurl]

The drawing session was around 25 minutes I think. It was great! I could sit there all day and draw the different characters.

Okay, thanks girl!

[ladybugmom]

Hi!! I just found your TR!! I'm excited to read it as we're planning a trip to WDW this December!! :goodvibes Congrats on your graduation from college!! What was your major?!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry I am super late!! We have been really busy since we got back a little over a month ago!! Boy...that went fast! Anyway...just as the New Year came and went and I was ready to settle in and read TR's and start my own...I spilled wine in our laptop! LOL So...long story short...got a new computer and we are now in business again! I read up on the whole thing so far. It all looks great so far! Can't wait for more! I am starting tomorrow night! So, be on the look-out!

[AlohaPolynesian]

Yes, I am eager for spring too. It's a little warmer today, but still not anywhere near warm.

What part of the country are you in? My biggest problem with living up here in Cleveland is there is NO SUN!

I think you're one of the ones that convinced me to go to Sanaa. That food looks great!

It looks like it was cold.

Our house love AI too! I LOVE Carrie Underwood. Love her new song, Temporary Home. Cooler to know she wrote it.

Good! I can't wait to hear how you like it. And I am so glad to find another Carrie Underwood fan! That song makes me cry but I just love her new album.

Okay, thanks girl!

No prob!

Hi!! I just found your TR!! I'm excited to read it as we're planning a trip to WDW this December!! :goodvibes Congrats on your graduation from college!! What was your major?!

Yay! Welcome and thanks for joining in. I've been slacking majorly on coming on the DIS but I will try to update soon. I'll have to check out your plans as well!

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry I am super late!! We have been really busy since we got back a little over a month ago!! Boy...that went fast! Anyway...just as the New Year came and went and I was ready to settle in and read TR's and start my own...I spilled wine in our laptop! LOL So...long story short...got a new computer and we are now in business again! I read up on the whole thing so far. It all looks great so far! Can't wait for more! I am starting tomorrow night! So, be on the look-out!

OH MY GOSH! That is so crazy. I cannot wait to hear all about your trip because it looked like you had some amazing stuff planned!

[redlight]

What part of the country are you in? My biggest problem with living up here in Cleveland is there is NO SUN!



I'm in Massachusetts. There's not much sun here either.

I saw your ticker. Good job getting started. I'm trying to lose my last 12 lbs.

[AlohaPolynesian]

I'm in Massachusetts. There's not much sun here either.

I saw your ticker. Good job getting started. I'm trying to lose my last 12 lbs.

Ohh yes, I can imagine how cold it is! And thanks - I stole the ticker from you! So far my idea is working. Last night I was about to eat some cookies then thought "no, then everyone on the DIS will see that my ticker isn't moving" LOL!

Good luck with the last 12 pounds!!!

[redlight]

Good for you! I passed up an ice cream sundae today.

[OhioDisneyLover]

I'm thinking of using the ticker too. I joined Weight Watchers and lost 2.6 in my first week. Ugh, this is hard!

[mmwelch]

joining in a little late, going down in April to WDW and hated flying too so I guess driving down

[AlohaPolynesian]

Good for you! I passed up an ice cream sundae today.

Woo woo!

I'm thinking of using the ticker too. I joined Weight Watchers and lost 2.6 in my first week. Ugh, this is hard!

That's awesome!! Do you do it online or go to the meetings?

joining in a little late, going down in April to WDW and hated flying too so I guess driving down

Thanks for joining! I hate flying but driving gives me anxiety. So at that point it just comes down to which would get me there faster...I'd rather be in the plane for 2 hours than in a car for like, 18!

[AlohaPolynesian]

Hey guys. I have been MIA again for awhile and I am so sorry. I am really stressed out and just trying to figure out life. Hopefully I'll be back soon to update and catch up on everyone's trips!

[redlight]

Glad to see you back!

Big decisions are hard to make, but delight in the fact that you have good choices.

[wdwgirl03]

Hey girl, glad to see you back. Can't wait for another update.

joining in a little late, going down in April to WDW and hated flying too so I guess driving down

I'm going in April too! :thumbsup2

[AlohaPolynesian]

OK so I have been MIA...to make a long story short, I moved and have been getting settled. I thought about just not finishing this but I still have a few more pictures to post so I might just try to put them all up here and briefly finish my story. Then I'll be checking in with all of my reports I was reading.

Anyways, after Fantasmic and a day at DHS we went to Flying Fish. We had to wait a little while for our table which was odd because there were a ton of empty ones. Here is a view of the restaurant from the hostess stand and a picture of one of the tables close by.

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We were finally seated in the back kind of by the kitchen. Our server took forever to come by and we finally realized that there were only a few servers in the whole place which is why it was taking so long. When we finally did meet our server, Tim, he was great. One of the best I've had in Disney! He brought us some yummy warm bread to get started with.

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I got one of the red wine flights which was delicious and a lot of wine!

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For our appetizers I had the Vero Beach Salad and my mom had the crabcake. My salad was absolutely wonderful!

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We both had the vegetarian option for our main entree. It was some sort of ravioli and it was SO rich. It serious tasted so sweet and just was not what we were imagining it would be. Our server offered to bring us something else instead, but we were pretty full still from lunch and the appetizer, plus we knew we had dessert coming.

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For dessert I had the banana napoleon which was just to die for. My mom had the sorbet trio which she really enjoyed.

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After dinner we headed to Jellyrolls for a drink and listened to a few songs. It was fun! We wouldn've stayed longer if we weren't so tried. Next time!

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We headed to bed after we walked back to the room because we had an early ADR for Kouzzina!

[AlohaPolynesian]

We woke up and headed down to Kouzzina. We had an ADR but probably didn't need one because it was not very crowded at all. Our table was right next to a window.

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I ordered the blueberry-orange granola pancakes and my mom had the french toast. Both of us really enjoyed our food. The coffee was good, too!

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After breakfast, we headed over the the Yacht & Beach Clubs to check out their decorations. The chocolate carousel was awesome!

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The decor of the YC lobby is sooo nice, but it just isn't my favorite.

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I just adore these chairs at the BC though!

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Here are some other photos I took:

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I love this spot!

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Then we headed for the International Gateway to start our EPCOT day!

[AlohaPolynesian]

So our last full day started off with breakfast at Kouzzina. We headed to EPCOT and did some stuff in FW. We skipped TT and Soarin since my mom doesn't like those, and I had just done them a few months earlier so I didn't mind. We also skipped Mission Space because I refuse to go on it! I didn't really take any pictures because my battery was low and I had left my charger at home.

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Finally we walked over to WS since it was finally open.

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We decided to start with Canada and we noticed that there were people starting to gather for Off Kilter's performance. So we went to my favorite bar, Rose & Crown, and got the best drink ever (though it was the best when Irish Eddie made it last spring :lovestruc ) before we went to sit back down for the show.

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The band was pretty good, but we decided to continue on and explore the rest of the WS. I had a Sultan's Colada in Morocco before we headed up to Tokyo Dining for our lunch ADR for the Candlelight Processional package. When we got there, the drummers were performing outside.

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We waited a pretty long time for our table. Here's the view from the waiting area. Please note the tables close to the divider and how you can see through them.

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So we sit down for our meal and it takes the guy forever to explain to us the CP, even though I told him I was pretty sure I knew how it worked. I blamed it on his lack of English speaking skills because he was nice otherwise. He took FOREVER! Never had such slow service in my life. Then halfway through the meal he was gone and we had a new server with no explanation. I have no idea what happened.

Anyways, while we were waiting for our meal to arrive, my mom gives me this look and tilts her head towards the edge of our table which was right up against one of those dividers. There was a man standing there with his hands through the bars just staring at us!

So we looked at him and he started laughing hysterically. Then he tried to grab stuff off of our table through the bars. Finally his wife came over and apologized and took him away. I think they were both drinking a lot because every few seconds for about 5 minutes they would come over and both stare through the thing and start laughing hysterically.

We just ignored them after a while so we could eat our meals and they finally left. When we got up we noticed that they weren't in the restaurant anywhere so we wondered if they were asked to leave?

Anyways, after dinner we got in the already ridiculously long line for the Candlelight Processional. The show was good and brought a tear to my eye. The parents behind us had a screaming baby though and did not want to get up to take it somewhere to calm it down, so everyone around was just staring at them.

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After this we had a HORRIBLE meal at Ohana for dinner. It is my favorite restaurant but the experience was so bad (yes I wrote to Disney) I may not go back for awhile. Our server was rude to my mother which got me upset, etc. Luckily, Cousin Gary who I have had as a server a few times before was in the next section over and was very kind and stood to chat with us about our trip.

I'll spare you the Ohana pictures because you've all seen it!

The last day we spent at MK before heading back to the hotel. Here is a picture of our view from the table we had at Tony's.

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I was SO sad to be leaving!

[AlohaPolynesian]

The trip was awesome, but way too short! My mom had a good time and actually said she wants to come back for a week and just relax and not do commando style touring. She loved trying the restaurants and really liked staying Boardwalk Inn.

I was especially sad that the trip was over because it was the first time I didn't even have an idea about the next time I'd be back! Usually I don't have a trip booked when I leave, but I at least have times in my mind when I'd be able to come back. But now that I was finished with school there were too many other things to worry about before thinking of booking another trip.

I still don't really know what the future holds. I'm doing another internship because no one is hiring. It is very discouraging to be rejected by almost every job you've applied for. And, even if I make it to the final stages of the interview process, they usually go with someone else. It's frustrating but I know so many other people who are in the same situation so I'm just trying to remember that.

I'm studying for the LSAT because I figure I might as well go back to school now with the economy the way it is. Wish me luck! PLUS - If I get in, I'll have breaks from school to plan trips to Disney...

[FauntleroyFAN07]

your drink from rose and crown did look good, what was in it?

and was that a real glass glass, or plastic.

[wdwgirl03]

Awww, sad it's over. Hopefully you get to go back soon.

And I totally hear ya on the whole job situation. It is SO frustrating when you get interviews and get rejected. It's even more frustrating when people tell you they're going to talk to you and then decide not to. :sad2: I hate how all these teachers and principals give me compliments on doing such a nice job but nothing ever comes out of it. OK, sorry for my vent. Fingers crossed for the both of us!

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Great ending to your trip!!!!

[bamadisney]

I loved reading your TR with your and your mom. I too have a mom that deserves a vacation. I am also interested in the name of your drink that you got at Rose and Crown? And was that real glass? Thanks for sharing.