Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR! [Archive] - Page 5 - The DIS Discussion Forums

ptcrn

05-19-2011, 09:47 PM

MeMom

05-20-2011, 04:45 AM

I love all the pictures! The mosaics always fascinate me. So much time and detail went into those.

The 40th Mickey ears are high on my list of things to bring home this summer

Butterfinger fudge sounds delicious. :goodvibes

Our Peter Pan strategy is simple - we do it at rope drop, right after Dumbo, and then we usually walk off and right back on. The girls love it, so we ride it twice with no wait and never think about standing in a line for it.

precious pixie

05-20-2011, 09:52 AM

I am enjoying your trip report immensely :thumbsup2 (and am also jealous of all the disney days you got to have ;))

3prettyprincesses

05-20-2011, 09:57 AM

You know Brook, I think this TR has some of your best pictures ever! I love all the night time shots and blurring effects. Very cool!

The spitting camel is hilarious, isn't it? It's even more hilarious that Henry targeted you! He's too stinking cute I tell ya.:goodvibes

What a fun IASW ride you had. We love that castle girl too, she looks so friendly! Henry obviously was quite enormoured with her, wasn't he. He's a little charmer I'm guessing.:goodvibes

And again, I commend Henry's ride taste...I love Peter Pan too!:thumbsup2 It's our first ride at rope drop every time.

I can't believe this is still just the beginning of your trip! Two weeks must have seemed heavenly.:love: Can't wait to read more.

CandleontheWater

05-20-2011, 01:25 PM

Wow there has been a lot of activity since I last logged on, but I'm all caught up! :)

I completely agree with you about Peter Pan, I never understood the hype and really still don't. We've done it with Everett every trip, and he enjoys it, but he pretty much enjoys all the rides, it doesn't stick out as anything extra special. We'll keep riding it though, it just seems like the sort of ride you are obligated to do with a preschooler.

I love your pictures! We got a digital SLR when Everett was born, and I had all these plans to learn how to use it properly. Well he is 17 months old and I'm still using auto mode :rotfl: Someday I'll figure it out and hopefully get some shots half as good as yours!

You guys had a wonderful first day, I'm looking forward to the rest of your updates. Its so fun to read about your trips because its like looking into the future, I can't wait until Everett is Henry's age, it just seems like every day gets better and better!

vamassey1

05-21-2011, 09:07 PM

cdotla

05-21-2011, 10:59 PM

All caught up again...loving your TR!!! Your photos are GREAT!:goodvibes

Can't believe that drama with the stroller...thank goodness that was straightened out.

What luck with all those fastpasses....seems like little Henry is quite the charmer!!!;)

Can't believe how close you are to your solo trip!!!!:banana:

CreightonsMomma

05-22-2011, 09:01 AM

I can understand why the castle lady wanted Henry to go around again. Henry is a handsome little fella' :love:

Only a few more days until your solo trip! :yay:

wdw_fanatic06

05-22-2011, 06:26 PM

LOVE LOVE LOVE your TR so far! and I can't wait for more

ps- Your little guy Henry is so adorable!

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 09:14 AM

I will be back to post replies and another update or two before I leave THIS SATURDAY!

I cannot believe I am so close, I'm starting to get that :hyper: feeling when I think about it all or read TRs and see pics! Right now I'm catching up on wdwgirl03's (Sarah) report and reading about her safari at AK. I'm about to jump out of my chair! :yay: :laughing:

I do have some solid plans for the Girlfriends/Solo trip which I will share too!!!

I have a busy week in front of me...TA work stuff, final details to figure out, grocery shop, clean the house, PACK, plus.......my sister-in-law is moving in with us tomorrow! :eek: Yes, we are adding another person to our teeny home. We are nuts! :lmao: (and will most likely move to another apartment in the fairly close future!)

I will be reporting live from the World on both Twitter and Facebook. So if we aren't already friends, PM me your name and we can hook up!

KatMark

05-23-2011, 09:19 AM

Can't believe how fast the girls only trip has arrived. :woohoo::woohoo:

KristiMc

05-23-2011, 09:35 AM

Have a great trip Brook!

Corrine 1973

05-23-2011, 09:47 AM

Only 5 days to go, and one day later we are on our way. I still feel like I have a ton to do. We will be keeping our eyes Peeled looking out for you. I just "barrowed" my mickey paint chip yesterday.:thumbsup2

dekkerdisneydreamer

05-23-2011, 09:57 AM

5 DAYS!!!!

:jumping1::jumping1:

blessedby3

05-23-2011, 10:08 AM

claryche

05-23-2011, 01:01 PM

I just love those action shots of the Flying Blankies. What is your secret to taking those pictures?

claryche

05-23-2011, 01:10 PM

When we got back to the load area, Henry instantly started waving at his castle girl again. She noticed him and played it up again with him. She motioned to another CM who asked us if we'd like to ride again-and before Joe or I could respond Henry shouted out a "Yes!" So....off we went! And we got our own boat! Henry was ALL GRINS and blew many kisses to his new girlfriend. It was a fantastic magical moment!

So cute. Henry has a way with the girls. First the extra large cookies and now this. So cool.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February27/IMG6982/1201972710_x68Gw-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February27/IMG6991/1201987902_fyo4q-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February27/IMG6993/1201991550_GbRMS-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February27/IMG7004/1202002657_3fLpj-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February27/IMG7007/1202006277_u3pAj-L.jpg

I just love :love: all these night time pictures. You did so awesome. Secrets?

Can't wait for the rest of the days. :)

that's nice

05-23-2011, 01:34 PM

Great pics of the castle at night....

:woohoo::woohoo: for scoring FPs and an extra ride on IASM!!!!!

I can't believe you are leaving on Saturday! I hope you have better weather than the crud we've been getting the last week & 1/2.:thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 07:05 PM

Me too, Dawn!! I love, love, love that ride- there's so much to see, and I confess, I kinda even like the song. But for me also, it goes way beyond to childhood memories.

Brook- great update! I'm with Glenn, I think that shot through the castle is simply AMAZING!!

And YES!!!! :scared1::scared1::scared1: You found the HM I spent nearly half an hour hunting for in 2008. Never did find it, even asking a passing CM. I'm so jealous! Good job!! :thumbsup2

There really is a lot to see in Small World - I always see something new. Plus, there are some really cute things-I love the hula dancers and monkeys!

Thank you on the picture! I was pretty pleased with that one after I took it! I took one from the other direction as well - it turned out but not quite as well.

And :yay: I found a real Hidden Mickey! Though, I didn't notice at the time. :rotfl: I submitted it to the Hidden Mickey's website and received an email the other day that said he would go verify it. Sounds like it's already been in a book of some sort...? How did you hear about that one?

:lmao: On our anniversary trip, we rode IASW late at night and for a second I thought we were going to sent through again and we about jumped right out of the boat! But now Max sings that song a lot and I totally get what you mean about perspectives changing when you're with a small child.

Great story about the ride and the castle girl. :thumbsup2 And while I feel like all I do is say how beautiful your pictures are, you got a few of that castle that are absolutely stunning. The one of the arches is incredible.

:laughing: that's hilarious! Please don't make us ride again! Henry could ride it over and over and over if we let him! I could take it a few times in a row, but after a while I know that song would start sticking!

Thank you on the compliment on the pictures! I never feel like I quite capture the pure awesomeness of the castle, there truly is something about seeing it person, isn't there? But! I do like a few I snagged this trip!!! I tried out some new settings on the camera...now, let's see if I can remember those. :rotfl:

Such lovely updates, Brook! Your pictures really make me want to be right there in the Magic Kingdom at night!

Too funny about Henry getting the camel to spit on you, and then wanting to ride Dumbo! He is so cute posing by his blue Dumbo!

The flowers in NYC are just gorgeous! It certainly looks like spring has arrived in all its glory! Happy Belated Mother's Day and Easter to you, too! Looks like you had a lot of fun!

So adorable about the Castle Girl! I love that she played along with Henry!

I hope you are able to swing a fall trip! Let those PIN codes be extended!!!! Then you can experience some of that magic at night. But regardless, you are going to have a WONDERFUL amazing trip at the beach! Six days, right?

so I have to wonder what kind of camera you took your pics with this night. They are so clear and rich...I dream of having photos come out like that!

I can't believe you haven't ridden Peter Pan in so long! I admit, it's not my favorite but I love it from a nostalgia aspect. Too cute about Henry and the castle girl...keep a close eye on that little charmer!

We have a Canon XSi. I know I played around with the settings some this trip-but I cannot remember exactly what I did! I THINK I put the shutter on 60 and let the camera do the rest. I hope I can figure it out so I can get more of those this trip!

I am thinking Peter Pan will be a "must do" for quite some time...I'm even thinking I'll be riding (depending on the line!) this trip solo or with Sarah. It will remind me of Henry! :cutie:

And yes! I do have to keep an eye on that boy-he's such a flirt! It's unreal! LOL!

I love the It's a Small World story! :thumbsup2

Also all the pictures of the castle are awesome! I see the hidden mickey you are referring to in the castle path - which is unusual as I am normally rubbish at spotting them! :laughing:

I will def let you know if we plan a trip to NY and will be taking you up on the offer to help with our plans. How cool to be able to wake up in such a cool location every day! :cool1:

I normally don't catch Hidden Mickey's at all either! I didn't even see it while I was taking the picture, I just happened to notice as I was posting it. Henry sees them better than I do!

Sounds GREAT about NYC! It really is such a joy to live here. There are a few things we have to live without - such as closets! :laughing: but, the tradeoff is so worth it to me. I often forget that literally, the world is at my doorstep.

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 07:14 PM

Alright...I feel the COMPLETE opposite of you regarding Peter Pan. I'm not sure what it is...nostalgia maybe? but I :love: this ride. It's my Fantasyland fav!! We don't usually go on it more than once each MK day but I :love: it so it's a priority for me!!

I also :love: IASW. Now that I KNOW is nostalgia...my dad told me that when I was six I made him ride it three or four times in a row before he begged for mercy and had us move on to something else (probably Peter Pan :rotfl2: ).

So irrespective of my kid's feelings these rides are big with me. Now Pooh's Adventures on the other hand... :rolleyes1

That nostalgia thing works in reverse too, unfortunately. :sad2: My kids have never been to Country Bear Jamboree because I went when I was 13 and HATED it so I told them on our first trip that it kind of sucked and now they always refuse to go. Same thing with the Tiki room (I liked it when I was a kid but HATE that stupid Aladdin bird so I told them I didn't think we'd like that one either and they've refused that one ever since. Oops! I may insist on our next trip that we try both of these so they can draw their own conclusions.

Who knew they would remember and take my opinions so seriously two years later?

You guys always seem like you have the best time (grouchiness over "lost" strollers notwithstanding. :rotfl2: ).

Can't wait for more!

I love the nostalgia rides! I think that is why Joe and I love the Peoplemover so much. We just thought it was so unique on our first trip, so since then it's always a must do! And for me, BTMRR - I vividly remember commercials with Mickey riding in the front from when I was growing up and BEGGING my Mom to go to Disney! So when I ride that, I think of those days! It IS Disney World to me!

Well, good news for your family on the Tiki Room - they are refurbing it to be more like the original! Bye bye Iago!

We are fans of the Country Bear Jamboree - it's a cute show. Not a must do, but if we are there and there is a show, we like it! Henry really enjoys all the music.

I'm so behind again, so I am doing the scan thing. Just read the blankies update. You got some great blur/movement shots on that. I love them. I love your spring pictures too. So cheery. I love all the background scenery of the skyscrapers too. I want to just go a a cool "field trip" ...not anywhere near home, and just take pictures, with out worrying about anyone but myself. I guess I need to play the lottery and WIN! to do that.

Ok, I am still behind, so back to catch up.

I hear ya on the field trip! I am kinda getting that here on my upcoming trip - and I do some of that right here in NYC, but it's still in the midst of real life!

Wow...those are great small world pictures. And castle shots too. I tired to get one "through" it too, but I haven't even looked to see how well it turned out yet.
We only do Peter Pan when the line isn't ten miles long. We were lucky enough to get right on this trip with late EMH's. Itg is a neat ride. I always forget that even though Claire has done some of these rides in the past, she was little and it has been 2 years since our past trip, so some of it seems new to her again.

Have you heard they are EXTENDING the queue line for Peter Pan?!?! :rotfl: Seriously, they are! I believe it's getting the "Next Gen" queue like Pooh though, so that will be cool. The bathrooms are being re-located to the Skyway Tower, which will be destroyed and rebuilt new. So now, the Peter Pan queue will be 15 miles long!

I missed sooooooooooo many updates! I'm in exactly the same situation as you...it's hard enough keeping up with my own TR, much less reading everyone else's!

I love all your pics -- especially your springtime in NY ones! That brownstone is incredible.

All in all, what a wonderful first day at WDW! Can't wait to hear about the next 12.5! :goodvibes

Wouldn't it be wonderful to live there? Upper East Side, so pretty!!!

Loved your update :goodvibes Look at all the pixie dust you are getting, its sweet :thumbsup2 Peter Pan is a great ride, but I won't stand in line for it... fastpass is the future... lucky for you, you received more :goodvibes Lets see where you use them :3dglasses

Yes, I totally agree! I wouldn't stand in line for 50 minutes + for Peter Pan. FastPass all the way!

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 07:27 PM

:rotfl2: That was the end to day one?!!!! ;) Well I am just glad I didn't get too far behind!!
Too funny about the camel on the flying blankies!!! You were his target!! How fun that MandM were on the same Dumbo ride as you!! That is a rockstar moment!! :woohoo:
Love that H was blowing kisses to his castle girl!! That is just adorable :goodvibes
Great pixie dust on the extra FP's :thumbsup2:thumbsup2
Mmmmm love those chocolate crossiants!! I think I only had one this last trip..must be a record low for me!! :sad2:

Tracy

Well, technically day two - but arrival the previous day was at 8 pm! I'm going to be here all year I think! LOL!

I will be having a chocolate croissant next week!!! :woohoo: I can already picture myself sipping an iced coffee and nibbling one of those on Main Street.

isn't the castle mosaic so beautiful?

I didn't have the opportunity to take as many pics since there always seems to be sooooooooooo many people in there.

It is! We haven't walked through the Castle in a while - or if we have, we didn't stop/were distracted. But this time we walked really slowly through and just admired the artistry! Truly amazing.

Love the updates Brook!!

You know we have never been on the "flying blankies". Not sure why but just one of those things. I bet Henry did love the camel "spitting" on you.

I love the Easter pics of Henry. He is such a cutie!!

Love the story of the "castle girl". I love how she played along with him.

Enjoy every minute when they are little. The time sure goes fast!! My "baby" is going to his Junior prom tonight. He is all dressed up in his tux right now.

The Flying Blankies is a pretty cute ride...but I'm partial to Dumbo. There just is something about flying in an elephant! :goodvibes

I saw the pics of your baby on your PTR! He, and his date, looked FANTASTIC. I know that time will just fly by-it's hard for me to grasp that he's almost 4 already. He's getting to understand so many concepts! It's exciting and sad all at the same time!

Holy Cow! That was only the first day? :confused3

I love the flying blankie pictures with all of the lights wizzing by in the background.

Amazing mojo with the fastpasses! :thumbsup2

Yes! :rotfl: I'm a slow mover! I take too many pics for a normal TR! LOL You are in it for the long haul here I think!

I'm a new follower and wanted to say I have enjoyed reading so far. Many great memories being made.
Also how special to get such a great gift, the monorail set from another DISer. Many wonderful people on here. It brought a tear to my eye.
I am jealous of your Friend/Solo trip. How much fun you will have on that.
I can't see when your cruise is? The ticker may be cutting it off? I have done two and so can't wait to get to do another, hoping for one of the new ships.

:welcome: Thank you for reading and posting!!

Our cruise is June 2-10, sailing on the Magic out of NYC! I'm SO SO excited for it! Reading cruise TRs is killing me though. :laughing: I can't wait!

Awesome pictures!! I echo Katie - your evening shots are just magical! Love it!!

Henry is too sweet on PP....what a cutie! And his Castle Girl?! OMG I teared up when I read that! Too cute!! :cutie:

Your pictures took me right there....it makes me think I NEED to be there for NYE. Or maybe a quick October or Novembef trip....sigh...too much Disney, too little time. :banana:

Thank you!!!

The moment on Small World was pretty sweet. I'm sure he'll remember her during our next trip -- and will be completely confused if it's a guy up there! :laughing:

Yes, I think the NYE, October or November trip would be just right. ::yes:: I'm already dreaming of one myself. It's really not realistic, but dreaming is allowed!

I thought you lived in Minnesota? Did you just move to New York? I am confused!

I love your late night ride pics. They turned out so cool!

We used to live in MN, but moved to NYC back in June 2010! I can't believe we've been here almost a year. :eek: Time flies! I lived here before I moved back to MN and missed it sooooo much. Joe and I always planned to return here, but it just took longer than we expected due to the economy. But! We made it, and we LOVE it!

Totally!!!!!;)

I cannot remember what we were chatting about! I need to keep up on my TR better! LOL

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 07:35 PM

8 pages to catch up on !!!! :eek:

Pheeewww All done.

Love the night time shots. I never knew you could plan the camel spitting. :rolleyes1

The castle shots too were great!!!

NY in the Spring time. Cherry Blossoms and Dogwoods maybe???

Oh yes, you just have to have the Flying Blankie at just the spot and boom! he'll get the outside person!

I am SO HAPPY there are 12.5 more days to go, no matter how quickly you get them finished! I am thoroughly enjoying this TR!

So cute that Henry made all the CMs fall in love with him. And you're quite a "castle girl" yourself with all those beautiful castle shots!

Thank you! The 12.5 days excites me and completely scares me at how slowly I'm moving. :laughing: Hopefully I'll be able to pick up the pace at least a bit.

I just wanted to mention, before I forget, that I've worn Croc flip-flops (the Capri style) on both of my Disney trips and found them to be quite comfortable and I'm very picky about my shoes. I cannot tolerate any discomfort whatsoever. The capri style is nice, smooth nylon on the straps that go over your feet, too.

This is great to know! I didn't realize the Capri ones had nylon straps, that wouldn't worry me as much as the style that has the Croc material straps. I think I'll have to check those out! Thanks Tina!!

Hi Brook! So many magical moments for your family... its always a pleasure to read one of your reports!

I'm very interested in your upcoming "solo" trip; I'll be making my first one in October!

Kathy

Thank you Kathy! It's always so fun to share the memories too!

And :yay: for your solo time!!!!! I'll be sure to post a link here to the Solo TR or just smush it right in here...I haven't decided yet!

Thank you! I have a very hard time with sandals. I can't wear them if I am doing any significant walking. I might have to check these out!

Now off to read the update!

Your welcome!! These are walking sandals, so hopefully they would stand up for most anyone!

Your pictures are so beautiful! SAB looks like little boy heaven. And Magic Kingdom that night sounds like a lot of fun, aside from the missing stroller. It would be interesting to know exactly how it ended up there. I bet Henry was very charming, waving to the girl in the Castle. :goodvibes

Thank you!! Aside from the stroller and the one fit, we had a great night at MK!! At the time I didn't realize how much we were getting done, but we really were all over the park. :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 07:47 PM

Hi Brooke! Thank you SO much for putting the links to your posts at the beginning. I've been gone so long I had no idea where I left off! All caught up now - and your solo trip is coming up quick! I can't wait to hear all about it! Love the pics of Henry playing in the sand - and now, of course, I want to stay at Beach or Yacht Club so we can go to SAB...so cool! :thumbsup2

Your welcome! I know I use those links sometimes to catch up too-it makes it so much easier!!

SAB is awesome! Your boys would love it! Now to convince your DH!

whoa.. how did we get to page 66!! I am WAY behind. I'd better figure out where I left off... It was way way back! :sad2:

I used the Search>Advanced Search then search by username to find where I left off. That little search engine is my DIS best buddy! I can't ever remember where I am...even on my own TR! :laughing:

Peter Pan is a very cute ride! I would never wait in a long line for it, but I think it is very much worth it to get a FP for it. I have to do it at least once on every WDW trip, while the other Fantasyland dark rides aren't must dos at all.

The pictures inside the castle are really great. I think on the last trip we did not walk through the castle once, so I need to make sure to do that next time and take time to look around.

I agree - it really is a unique and cute ride! I found a new love for it. I will try to ride again, and I will also try to get on Snow White since it's going away. The others, we'll see what happens!

64.pages.for.one.day. :lmao::lmao: You are way too popular girl!!

Hooray for Henry and his lovely girlfriend! Does he still talk about her, or has he moved on?:lovestruc

BTW, I love love your IASW pictures. The perspective you achieved with those is very interesting and beautiful! I love seeing the water.:thumbsup2

I can't hardly believe it's already this many pages. :eek: I'm going to end up in multiple threads this time like Liesa and Glenn (and others!) if I don't hurry it on up! :laughing:

Oh, Henry - he's got lady friends ALL over! LOL He seriously told a girl on the train the other day that he loved her. :rotfl: It was hilarious!

Thank you on the pictures!! I zoomed out like that because all my attempts at capturing the details would end up blurry - and I too liked the different perspective!

Was way behind -- a lot of that going around, eh? ;) -- but all caught up now. So much fun, I'm happy there are still 12.5 more days to go!

I snickered when you said you were a cheapskate. Me, too! But not when it comes to shoes for Disney. I tried my old fave Mary Jane Crocs once, cuz they're comfy & I wouldn't have to buy new. Was I sad, tho, when they caused blisters with so much walking. Now I gulp and pay full price for Keens when I must, because they're so comfy & long-lived. They're all we wear at Disney. DH is *not* a sandal person, & even he loves them. They're good all day, even the longest days, and even when wet. So we can laugh at rain & go multiples rounds on the water rides DD so loves.

Again with the gorgeous photos! Love love the flowers in Central Park & on Park Ave. And those nighttime flying blanky shots were a shot of magic. Tee hee for the cute pic of you two growly pirates! pirate:

OK, ready for more whenever you are. popcorn::

Yes! Way too much of that "way behind" going on for me too! As you can see by my own TR! :rolleyes1

Keens ARE worth full-price, I agree! They are just awesome! And they are the only sandals Joe owns as well. :laughing: I've pointed out flip flops to him and no way...he'd rather wear socks and shoes in the summer--or his Keens. I LOVE that they can get wet!!!! They are a perfect vacation shoe.

2xcited2sleep

05-23-2011, 07:49 PM

Five days?? Am I reading your ticker correctly?!?! :woohoo: :banana: :yay:

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 08:08 PM

I feel a lot better knowing you are just finishing day 1, considering how very behind I am!! I think the last time I posted here was almost 2 months ago! But I'm back and determined to keep up. :thumbsup2

I can't believe your solo trip is coming up so soon! That will be so much fun for you, but I totally understand the mommy guilt that goes along with that. But anything you can do to give yourself a little break now and then will be good for Henry too. I'm jealous!

To get to what is now a very old post... Thank you for the congrats! No, you weren't having mommy brain, I had just posted the ticker! And now I'm already halfway through- where does the time go? We found out that we are having a girl! princess: I'm so excited to buy cute little dresses and things that aren't trucks! :rotfl:

I know I said this on Facebook but congratulations on the TA job! I will definitely be contacting you to book our next trip (though who knows when that will be!) I would love to do the 8 night cruise out of NY next summer- it's only a 6 hr drive for us so to eliminate airfare would be HUGE. Now only to convince my DH....

I love these pictures! They are just perfect and bring me right back to MK at night. :cloud9:

It seems my posts are about a month apart on most TRs! Trying to be only a week apart, or less, on my own, but failing! :rolleyes: We've got a long haul in front of us though-read when you can!

I'm SO excited over the solo trip, and getting more and more excited as the days tick closer! It will be hard the day of, but Henry and I have been chatting about when Mommy goes to Mickey's House - and so far he's just requested numerous toys. :laughing:

A GIRL!! That is exciting! Aren't girl clothes so much fun? Little headbands, barrettes, shoes, lacy socks...:cutie: I remember when Joe and I were registering for our baby shower and he picked up a pair of sparkly flip flops - of course we knew we were having a boy by then, but even he commented about how adorable they were! Such fun!!!

Thank you about the TA job! It's been GREAT! I love helping people plan! I'm learning so much too. Let me know if you convince your DH, I'd be more than happy to run you some quotes! :goodvibes We are on the June 2 8-night cruise, the more I read about it all, the more excited I get. I really look forward to when Disney starts releasing some details on it all!

I love all the pictures! The mosaics always fascinate me. So much time and detail went into those.

The 40th Mickey ears are high on my list of things to bring home this summer

Butterfinger fudge sounds delicious. :goodvibes

Our Peter Pan strategy is simple - we do it at rope drop, right after Dumbo, and then we usually walk off and right back on. The girls love it, so we ride it twice with no wait and never think about standing in a line for it.

Those 40th ears are adorable! I might have to bring something 40th back this time too - maybe a shirt, or a key chain since my recent key chain finally broke...I got it when I graduated HIGH SCHOOL! :eek:

That is a perfect strategy for Peter Pan! We did it very similar on the Small World meet day - except Small World instead of Dumbo...and it was 9:30. :laughing:

I am enjoying your trip report immensely :thumbsup2 (and am also jealous of all the disney days you got to have ;))

I love your signature line! :laughing: We were spoiled this trip with so many days!! Going back to a short trip won't be easy...but I'll take anything I can get!

You know Brook, I think this TR has some of your best pictures ever! I love all the night time shots and blurring effects. Very cool!

The spitting camel is hilarious, isn't it? It's even more hilarious that Henry targeted you! He's too stinking cute I tell ya.:goodvibes

What a fun IASW ride you had. We love that castle girl too, she looks so friendly! Henry obviously was quite enormoured with her, wasn't he. He's a little charmer I'm guessing.:goodvibes

And again, I commend Henry's ride taste...I love Peter Pan too!:thumbsup2 It's our first ride at rope drop every time.

I can't believe this is still just the beginning of your trip! Two weeks must have seemed heavenly.:love: Can't wait to read more.

Thank you! Playing around with the camera settings really paid off!! Let's see if I can remember what the settings were for this trip now!

The Castle Girl is always so friendly, waving up there with her big smile! I can see why he crushed on her!

Two weeks was amazing. Yet still not enough time to get our lists done! Which I couldn't believe - and still wonder, what the heck did we do?!?! :laughing:

Wow there has been a lot of activity since I last logged on, but I'm all caught up! :)

I completely agree with you about Peter Pan, I never understood the hype and really still don't. We've done it with Everett every trip, and he enjoys it, but he pretty much enjoys all the rides, it doesn't stick out as anything extra special. We'll keep riding it though, it just seems like the sort of ride you are obligated to do with a preschooler.

I love your pictures! We got a digital SLR when Everett was born, and I had all these plans to learn how to use it properly. Well he is 17 months old and I'm still using auto mode :rotfl: Someday I'll figure it out and hopefully get some shots half as good as yours!

You guys had a wonderful first day, I'm looking forward to the rest of your updates. Its so fun to read about your trips because its like looking into the future, I can't wait until Everett is Henry's age, it just seems like every day gets better and better!

I think what made Peter Pan more exciting this time was watching Henry light up with it. But, like you said - he does enjoy most of the rides! :laughing: Peter Pan is still talked about though, so I know that one really stood out for him!

I use auto mode almost ALL the time - except at night or on the rides. Then I adjust. But even still, I usually just adjust the speed and let the camera do the rest. I used to be able to do both, but now I never do...:rolleyes1 I'm better with an old film camera in that manner, but digital is so fun! The DIS has a great photography board with a ton of tips for getting good shots!

This age with Henry is a roller coaster! There are some REALLY fun things-like he can ride a lot of the "big boy" rides, and that is truly a blast. But boy-he has an opinion about things! At 17 months they aren't sassing back yet either! :laughing: I've enjoyed every age (except 3-3.5 was rough, we are on the other side of that now, thank you Jesus!) and each age has it's benefits. Going on 4 here is really fun - seeing them get smarter and smarter by the day is a joy!

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 08:18 PM

I was behind again, but the one good thing is there was so much trip report for me to read.:thumbsup2

I'm so loving your report! Henry is such a great kid. All 3 of my kids were very outgoing when they were little. Danielle is still that way and never meets a stranger.

The first time we rode Peter Pan was on her first trip when she was 3 and it has been a family favorite since then. I do believe doing certain rides with small children really make a difference. Small World I can take it or leave it but it's still a favorite with Danielle so we have to do it at least twice each trip. She also loved "the blankets" when she was 3.

Lots of chatter-not much Disney! :laughing: I hope to get this baby rolling after life settles into a routine again....whenever that will be!

Henry was SO quiet and shy when he was younger - but this year he has COMPLETELY come out of his shell. He never meets a stranger either! I love that. And he's truly learned the art of wrapping someone around his finger in moments....:laughing:

It's true! Seeing the magic through those little eyes truly changes things. It's wonderful!

All caught up again...loving your TR!!! Your photos are GREAT!:goodvibes

Can't believe that drama with the stroller...thank goodness that was straightened out.

What luck with all those fastpasses....seems like little Henry is quite the charmer!!!;)

Can't believe how close you are to your solo trip!!!!:banana:

Thank you!!!

Henry is quite the charmer! The ladies down at Dunkin Donuts see me come in and they already have 2 munchkins ready for him. :rotfl2: He loves his coffee shop girlfriends! (and that just goes to show how often we go there! :rolleyes1)

I can understand why the castle lady wanted Henry to go around again. Henry is a handsome little fella' :love:

Only a few more days until your solo trip! :yay:

Aw, thanks!!! And such a good flirt!

Yes, 5 days! FIVE! I cannot believe it!!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your TR so far! and I can't wait for more

ps- Your little guy Henry is so adorable!

Thank you!!!! And thank you for reading and posting! There WILL be an update (or two...or hopefully more!) before I leave for my next trip on Saturday!

glennbo123

05-23-2011, 08:30 PM

I've enjoyed every age (except 3-3.5 was rough, we are on the other side of that now, thank you Jesus!) and each age has it's benefits. Going on 4 here is really fun - seeing them get smarter and smarter by the day is a joy!

I remember saying that the "terrible two's" are mis-named. The two's were fine, it was the three's that were something of a challenge.

glennbo123

05-23-2011, 08:31 PM

Ooo, I shouldn't be commening.....you're trying to get replies done so that you can put another update up, aren't ya? ;) :laughing:

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 08:34 PM

Can't believe how fast the girls only trip has arrived. :woohoo:=

I know! It has FLOWN by!! I like it that way. ::yes::

Have a great trip Brook!

Thank you! I was going to PM you on FB today about the DCL cruise...I have an idea, but I need to do a bit of research on it first!

Only 5 days to go, and one day later we are on our way. I still feel like I have a ton to do. We will be keeping our eyes Peeled looking out for you. I just "barrowed" my mickey paint chip yesterday.=

I have SO much to do too! :scared1: I know it will get done. It always does somehow and all that running around is worth it.

And speaking of Mickey Heads...I need to dig mine out! I'm hoping to be bag free, so not sure how I'll wear it, but we'll see...

5 DAYS!!!!

:jumping1:

YES! :yay:

5 DAYS!!!!!! :banana::banana: WOOHOO!!!!!! We finally hit single digits today:banana::banana:

I cant believe you are squeezing:crowded: another body in your apartment!! Brave souls:lmao: We have had my dsis's family live with us years ago...and we lived with them for a bit. Im sure you will have a blast, though!
Cant wait to hear about the solo trip on facebook!!

I know! We are crazzzzzzzzy! She's a puny little thing, so that helps. :laughing: No, really - it's very hard to get started here in NYC without a job. And it's hard to get a job when you don't live here-kinda nutty. She will be going to college and we want to help her. Plus, built-in-baby-sitter. ::yes::

Thankfully, we have a comfy couch that flattens to a bed very easily! And hopefully sooner, rather than later, we'll move into a bigger place and she can rent a room from us.

I just love those action shots of the Flying Blankies. What is your secret to taking those pictures?

On those we generally put the shutter speed at 30 or even slower and let the camera determine the aperture. Then hold it veryyyyy steady. Joe is better at them than me, those all might be his even.

So cute. Henry has a way with the girls. First the extra large cookies and now this. So cool.

I just love :love: all these night time pictures. You did so awesome. Secrets?

Can't wait for the rest of the days. :)

Oh the cookies! :laughing: Joe was so disappointed when we didn't get a third one. LOL! He does get free donuts ALL THE TIME from Dunkin' Donuts though!

Thank you on the pictures! I was very pleased with how they turned out this time. Usually I can't quite capture it all... I think this time, if I remember correctly, I had the shutter a bit faster, maybe 1/80 or even more...

Wait, I just looked it up---The night pictures were taken with an ISO of 800 (so if you enlarge them, they will be grainy!), and a shutter speed of 1/6. I let the camera select the aperture. I need to work on getting those same type of shots with a lower ISO....but for what I use them (here, desktop wallpaper/screen savers) they work just fine! If anyone wants a larger size copy, let me know and I'll send you a link! :thumbsup2

Great pics of the castle at night....

:woohoo::woohoo: for scoring FPs and an extra ride on IASM!!!!!

I can't believe you are leaving on Saturday! I hope you have better weather than the crud we've been getting the last week & 1/2.:thumbsup2

No joke! I'm so DONE with this cruddy weather! Orlando has been in the 90s so I might melt, but all well. I'll melt next to a palm tree with a Mickey Bar in hand. :teeth:

Five days?? Am I reading your ticker correctly?!?! :woohoo: :banana: :yay:

Yes you are!!!!!!!!! :dance3:

brookelizabeth

05-23-2011, 08:36 PM

I remember saying that the "terrible two's" are mis-named. The two's were fine, it was the three's that were something of a challenge.

Ooo, I shouldn't be commening.....you're trying to get replies done so that you can put another update up, aren't ya? ;) :laughing:

:rotfl2: You are hilarious! I do want to get an update done tonight!!! But, it will be about 30-40 minutes before I can....

Wait, I shouldn't tell you that - you and your posse might see that and post 38292 comments while I am gone! :lmao: ;)

Anyway, YES, I completely agree with the "terrible 2's" they were a breeeeeeeeeeze! 3's, now...as any good Minnesotan would say...uff-da! :headache::headache::headache:

glennbo123

05-23-2011, 08:41 PM

I do want to get an update done tonight!!! But, it will be about 30-40 minutes before I can....

Fair enough! I'm heading to bed soon, so I'll catch it in the morning. :goodvibes

dilligaf212

05-24-2011, 06:26 AM

I am super jealous!! I wish I was leaving this Saturday :goodvibes

hcmommy

05-24-2011, 09:09 AM

Chiming in to say that I so agree that the terrible 3's are worse than the terrible twos. My 3 year old is a CRAZY PERSON. And I can now spot a 3 year old from a mile away when I see them in public. Anytime I see a kid in a store acting like a lunatic I ask the mom is the kid is three and they always are! Makes me feel like less of a bad mom when I can commiserate with the other mom! I'm not just doing something wrong, it's a 3 year old thing!! I'm praying my son's behavoir improves before our August trip or I am going to be getting so many dirty looks :rolleyes1

merbobear

05-24-2011, 09:44 AM

TanzUnited99

05-24-2011, 12:24 PM

:woohoo: on it being 4 days until your solo vacation!! Have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 02:05 PM

We left off wrapping up our first full day with Henry flirting with the It's a Small World CM and scoring us a back-to-back ride on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed.

We all slept hard that night, it had been a long, full day!

Monday, February 28, 2011

We didn't set an alarm. As usual for this family. We all didn't even wake up until 8:00 am! It was bliss!

We took it slow that morning, watching some Playhouse Disney

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot4068752/1217392216_gQ8Ef-L.jpg

DISing and Facebooking while enjoying a wonderful, wonderful breakfast

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot7100751/1217392561_sYxA8-L.jpg

Playing with the monorail

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7016/1210192089_2a2oS-L.jpg

And really, just enjoying our morning in the room.

We eventually left the room right around 10:00 am

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7017/1210193065_hr6pi-L.jpg

We headed down to the Boardwalk and toward the International Gateway (commonly known as "Christine's Entrance". ;)), we were headed to Epcot!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7019/1210194903_VPL6z-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7021/1210196683_x4dPS-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7022/1210197542_vCzuK-L.jpg
Interesting picture, eh? LOL I took this because I was wondering if this was one of mickeytoontown's back sacks??? I swear she had a similar print for one that she made!! Maybe this is one of your customers?!

And within minutes we were here

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7023/1210198771_zvbox-L.jpg
Sigh. So pretty.

The World Showcase was still not open, but they do have the Kim Possible stations open, so we grabbed a FP for that.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7024/1210199683_yekk7-L.jpg
This was something I had been meaning to do for several trips, I was determined this time!

We slowly made our way to Future World

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7025/1210201487_E445E-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7026/1210202929_FnmXS-L.jpg
A few of the F&GF items, even though it wasn't quite officially started yet!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7027/1210204427_8kNiY-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7028/1210205569_5Kgkm-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7029/1210206799_YH37R-L.jpg

Suddenly some two-wheeled guests were flying past us

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7030/1210208038_VFy5o-L.jpg
Henry was VERY excited to see the Segways. Joe and I took this tour during our Disneymoon and had a pin with a Segway on it from the tour. Just before we had left on our trip Henry had asked about them, and he instantly recognized them here in the World Showcase!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7034/1210213559_dSy3L-L.jpg
I cannot explain how excited I was to see those flower beds. They are BREATHTAKING! And they smell soooooo good. I almost called this report "Mmmm...that smells GOOD!" because I said that so many times during our trip!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7036/1210215738_KE4cd-L.jpg

Okay, who wants to be in Epcot RIGHT NOW?!?! These pictures are making me 'homesick'!

We decided to go get Test Track FPs, but they had some sidewalks blocked off in preparation of Pixie Hollow area for F&GF, so we cut through Mouse Gear instead-which was a-OK with me, I wanted to shop here anyway!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7037/1210216975_YXzRV-L.jpg

Of course, when you walk into a gift shop with a child, it isn't always easy to just peel them outta there. Joe and Henry shopped for a bit, while I ran for FPs

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7038/1210217733_CRVTm-L.jpg
Glennbo Style picture!

Back to shoppin'

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7039/1210218962_RLvpK-L.jpg
1 of each please. LOVE the 40th stuff!

Henry reallyyyyy wanted a couple cars. We said "Only one.", but then he reminded us he had his own money! And he did! We give him a few coins each time he does things that we are working on-such as cleaning up after himself, obeying RIGHT away, putting his dishes in the sink, etc. plus, birthday money. Soooo....

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7044/1210224639_7HsvJ-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7046/1210226747_bF8Bt-L.jpg
The one we bought him

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7047/1210227584_zA6Gp-L.jpg
The one he bought

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7048/1210228478_zUhoo-L.jpg
Could he be any happier?!?!

Up next: Can you swim really fast?

jenjolt

05-24-2011, 02:15 PM

onelilspark

05-24-2011, 02:15 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7048/1210228478_zUhoo-L.jpg
Could he be any happier?!?!

Up next: Can you swim really fast?

This is my face when I arrive at Disney :rotfl:

Hopefully we'll run into each other at Disney (in 3 days! :banana: )

EDIT: I skipped passed the date...that's my birthday you guys were there! Aww, it was lovely in Florida. There was a snowstorm here...

KatMark

05-24-2011, 02:19 PM

YES I want to be there right now. It looks so bright and clear and beautiful.

Great update, Brook. Henry is getting so big...paying for his own purchaes and all.

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 02:21 PM

Fair enough! I'm heading to bed soon, so I'll catch it in the morning. :goodvibes

Well, real life - budget/number crunching, got in the way last night - so it had to wait until this afternoon! :rolleyes:

I am super jealous!! I wish I was leaving this Saturday :goodvibes

Your trip will be here soon! I really cannot believe it's this Saturday! :eek:

Chiming in to say that I so agree that the terrible 3's are worse than the terrible twos. My 3 year old is a CRAZY PERSON. And I can now spot a 3 year old from a mile away when I see them in public. Anytime I see a kid in a store acting like a lunatic I ask the mom is the kid is three and they always are! Makes me feel like less of a bad mom when I can commiserate with the other mom! I'm not just doing something wrong, it's a 3 year old thing!! I'm praying my son's behavoir improves before our August trip or I am going to be getting so many dirty looks :rolleyes1

:rotfl2: Yes! It's true! I've had several Mom's say, "He's 3?" and I nod and they give me a sympathetic look. It's like a code we have! :hug: We had a few moments with Henry this trip. But, things ARE getting easier as he's getting closer to 4. This morning in the grocery store he was SOOOOO 3 years old though. I even caught myself saying, "Please stop acting 3!" :lmao:

Totally agreed. My dd is 3 and she is a wreck. When she's good she's great, but when she's misbehaving she is almost intolerable at times. I am just hoping and praying that it's a phase...and that the phase ends soon!

Exactly!!! And it does end! It does! I've heard great things about 4. So as long as we don't all go bald (or gray) before 4, we'll make it!!!!

:woohoo: on it being 4 days until your solo vacation!! Have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it :goodvibes

Can you believe it?!?! I can't wait to be there!!!

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 02:25 PM

Another fabulous Brook update!!!

EPCOT during Flower and Garden is simply breathtaking!! Yes I want to be back there!! Yes I loved how the flowers smelled!! It was a great time to be there!!!!

YAY for Henry being able to buy his own car and come out with two!!! That's awesome!! The look on his face says it all...he was one happy guy!!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

I looooooved F&GF. It is spectacular!!!! Such great weather (for the most part) and amazing flowers everywhere. :love:

This is my face when I arrive at Disney :rotfl:

Hopefully we'll run into each other at Disney (in 3 days! :banana: )

EDIT: I skipped passed the date...that's my birthday you guys were there! Aww, it was lovely in Florida. There was a snowstorm here...

:lmao: Mine too! Crinkled up nose and all! It was a beautiful day in Florida that day. Our first week had amazing weather! BOO on the snowstorm. :headache: Next year you should spend it in Florida. ::yes::

Have we compared schedules yet? I will be posting mine here today - or tomorrow, depending on how much time I get here...

YES I want to be there right now. It looks so bright and clear and beautiful.

Great update, Brook. Henry is getting so big...paying for his own purchaes and all.

Those pictures were killing me just posting them! I kept reminding myself I have a very teeny ticker, so soon enough, soon enough! :laughing:

He felt like such a big boy using his own money all vacation long! He even came home with about $7 left! Smart spender! (or cheapskate like Momma!)

onelilspark

05-24-2011, 02:31 PM

:lmao: Mine too! Crinkled up nose and all! It was a beautiful day in Florida that day. Our first week had amazing weather! BOO on the snowstorm. :headache: Next year you should spend it in Florida. ::yes::

Have we compared schedules yet? I will be posting mine here today - or tomorrow, depending on how much time I get here...

Our goal is to be living in Florida by my next birthday :ssst: We'll see if we can make it happen!!

Ours is pretty simple:
May 27- Arriving late, I might head to a park...Geoff will stay at the resort and read :laughing:
May 28- Hollywood Studios, then Raglan Road for dinner
May 29- Epcot, Flying Fish for dinner, then Jellyrolls!!
May 30- First 2 hours my Mom & I are headed into the MK, then we've gotta head to the airport :sad2:

I'll be tweeting and I already follow you on Twitter, so not to be creepy...but I'll keep an eye out!

CandleontheWater

05-24-2011, 02:31 PM

Lovely update and great photos! We were at Epcot for the last day of the Flower and Garden and I thought that they didn't do the floating flower baskets this year. I'm happy to see that they are present in your pictures and that Disney must have just removed them before we arrived. I think that the floating flowers are so beautiful and really set off the intricate flowerbeds.

I guess I just have to plan my trip before the last day of the festival if I want to see them! :thumbsup2

Isn't the 40th merchandise fabulous?!! I managed to somewhat restrain myself and only get a purse with the 40th print, but all bets are off if we go again in Oct!

chicagoshannon

05-24-2011, 02:41 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7022/1210197542_vCzuK-L.jpg
Interesting picture, eh? LOL I took this because I was wondering if this was one of mickeytoontown's back sacks??? I swear she had a similar print for one that she made!! Maybe this is one of your customers?!

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Does she sell these on Etsy? My mom would love one of those. She has a backpack similar to that but it's super old. She could use a new one. :)

We do the same reward for good behavior thing with Madeline. She's up to $30 for Disney. She might make it to $35 before we go in 9 days. Her wish list is way longer than $30 worth though I'm afraid. lol

manntra

05-24-2011, 02:45 PM

The flowers really are spectacular aren't they? All of the parks and resorts have the best manicured grass and flowers. :worship:
So nice of Christine to share her entrance with us. ;) It is so nice to walk through the gates and into an empty England :thumbsup2 Hope you had better luck on your KP mission than she and I did :rotfl2: We didn't do our part saving the world :rotfl: Or even a small part of France :rotfl2:

Tracy

luvfigment

05-24-2011, 02:47 PM

All caught up! The pictures so far of the flowers from Epcot are beautiful. I can't believe your solor trip is coming up so quickly. You must be excited! can't wait to read about the next 12 days of this trip and then about the Solo trip!

dekkerdisneydreamer

05-24-2011, 02:48 PM

Morning sleep in=bliss.:goodvibes

I know I'm flameworthy when I say this, but I relish sleeping in and not getting to parks at rope drop. I know, I said it. :eek:

Hooray for Henry remembering he had his own money!:thumbsup2 Smart little man you have there Brook!

Shopping is TOTALLY an attraction. Espcecially since it's part of most attractions.
ahem, dump shops.

KristiMc

05-24-2011, 02:58 PM

Love the landscape pictures from Epcot. I could spend all day walking around World Showcase.

Send me a message about your cruise idea - I'm curious :)

chloe770

05-24-2011, 03:00 PM

Flossbolna

05-24-2011, 03:33 PM

Brook, great update! I am sooo looking forward to walking to the parks. I never thought it would be such a huge issue for me, but after walking everywhere at DLP I am so excited about that direct access. :goodvibes

Thanks for the info on being able to get Kim Possible FPs before the WS opens. I am planning on doing a few adventures in October and that will make things easier if we can pick the FP up when we enter the park in the morning. :thumbsup2

How sweet that Henry was so excited about the car which he bought from his own money!

Native NYer

05-24-2011, 03:47 PM

Great update!
Henry is definitely turning into a Disney shopper! So cute!
Love the F&G stuff. It must have been even more beautiful in person.

Lovemy3babes

05-24-2011, 04:02 PM

I love sleep-in days at Disney. It's awesome to wake up feeling refreshed and knowing you are in the Happiest Place on Earth. :) Yay.

Epcot always smells good. I bet it smelled exceptionally good on that day. Mmmm.

Love Henry's happy smile. Cars do a little boy good!

Stringbean&Wingnut

05-24-2011, 07:25 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7036/1210215738_KE4cd-L.jpg

Okay, who wants to be in Epcot RIGHT NOW?!?! These pictures are making me 'homesick'!

Right here!!!! I think I'd like to be in Mitsukoshi...I love that store!

Softballgirl27

05-24-2011, 07:28 PM

Well, technically day two - but arrival the previous day was at 8 pm! I'm going to be here all year I think! LOL!

I will be having a chocolate croissant next week!!! :woohoo: I can already picture myself sipping an iced coffee and nibbling one of those on Main Street.

It is! We haven't walked through the Castle in a while - or if we have, we didn't stop/were distracted. But this time we walked really slowly through and just admired the artistry! Truly amazing.

The Flying Blankies is a pretty cute ride...but I'm partial to Dumbo. There just is something about flying in an elephant! :goodvibes

I saw the pics of your baby on your PTR! He, and his date, looked FANTASTIC. I know that time will just fly by-it's hard for me to grasp that he's almost 4 already. He's getting to understand so many concepts! It's exciting and sad all at the same time!

Yes! :rotfl: I'm a slow mover! I take too many pics for a normal TR! LOL You are in it for the long haul here I think!

:welcome: Thank you for reading and posting!!

Our cruise is June 2-10, sailing on the Magic out of NYC! I'm SO SO excited for it! Reading cruise TRs is killing me though. :laughing: I can't wait!

Thank you!!!

The moment on Small World was pretty sweet. I'm sure he'll remember her during our next trip -- and will be completely confused if it's a guy up there! :laughing:

Yes, I think the NYE, October or November trip would be just right. ::yes:: I'm already dreaming of one myself. It's really not realistic, but dreaming is allowed!

We used to live in MN, but moved to NYC back in June 2010! I can't believe we've been here almost a year. :eek: Time flies! I lived here before I moved back to MN and missed it sooooo much. Joe and I always planned to return here, but it just took longer than we expected due to the economy. But! We made it, and we LOVE it!

I cannot remember what we were chatting about! I need to keep up on my TR better! LOL

i don't remember with school finals and softball:confused3

tinacaplan

05-24-2011, 08:23 PM

YES I want to be there right now. It looks so bright and clear and beautiful.

Great update, Brook. Henry is getting so big...paying for his own purchaes and all.

Oh, me too...me, too! :yay::yay::yay: Beautiful shots of all of the flowers...and I can't wait for that entrance to be our entrance, too. Can't beat those beautiful shots of an empty World Showcase.

glennbo123

05-24-2011, 08:24 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7038/1210217733_CRVTm-L.jpg
Glennbo Style picture!

:banana:
And a nice one too!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7048/1210228478_zUhoo-L.jpg

Congratulations to Henry on his first purchase of a set of wheels!

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 08:25 PM

Our goal is to be living in Florida by my next birthday :ssst: We'll see if we can make it happen!!

Ours is pretty simple:
May 27- Arriving late, I might head to a park...Geoff will stay at the resort and read :laughing:
May 28- Hollywood Studios, then Raglan Road for dinner
May 29- Epcot, Flying Fish for dinner, then Jellyrolls!!
May 30- First 2 hours my Mom & I are headed into the MK, then we've gotta head to the airport :sad2:

I'll be tweeting and I already follow you on Twitter, so not to be creepy...but I'll keep an eye out!

So far it doesn't look like our plans will cross...but ya never know! I follow you to Twitter too, so we'll keep watch for each other! :thumbsup2

Lovely update and great photos! We were at Epcot for the last day of the Flower and Garden and I thought that they didn't do the floating flower baskets this year. I'm happy to see that they are present in your pictures and that Disney must have just removed them before we arrived. I think that the floating flowers are so beautiful and really set off the intricate flowerbeds.

I guess I just have to plan my trip before the last day of the festival if I want to see them! :thumbsup2

Isn't the 40th merchandise fabulous?!! I managed to somewhat restrain myself and only get a purse with the 40th print, but all bets are off if we go again in Oct!

I love those floating flowers too! They must have died or something before the end of the festival...? :confused3

Yes! I love the 40th stuff, the colors and designs are just awesome! I did get one 40th item from this past trip, and might pick up one next week!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7022/1210197542_vCzuK-L.jpg

Does she sell these on Etsy? My mom would love one of those. She has a backpack similar to that but it's super old. She could use a new one. :)

We do the same reward for good behavior thing with Madeline. She's up to $30 for Disney. She might make it to $35 before we go in 9 days. Her wish list is way longer than $30 worth though I'm afraid. lol

I think she just sells them on eBay - and I believe her eBay name is mickeystoontown as well! She's a wonderful fellow DISer and I think she'll even do a custom one for you if you want a certain print, etc. (but don't quote me on that!)

:rotfl: Henry's list was way longer than his $30 too! The coins are a good incentive though, aren't they? It works well for us!

The flowers really are spectacular aren't they? All of the parks and resorts have the best manicured grass and flowers. :worship:
So nice of Christine to share her entrance with us. ;) It is so nice to walk through the gates and into an empty England :thumbsup2 Hope you had better luck on your KP mission than she and I did :rotfl2: We didn't do our part saving the world :rotfl: Or even a small part of France :rotfl2:

Tracy

I am always amazed at Disney grass! It is so thick and perfect. The flowers were stunning - I wish it was the F&GF all year round. :laughing:

I looooooove that VIP entrance, I'm so glad Christine shares. ;)

We did quite well against the bad guys, Henry was so into it he started to look a bit like Connor!! I was thinking of all Jackie's time following Connor around the World Showcase and I understand her laments!

All caught up! The pictures so far of the flowers from Epcot are beautiful. I can't believe your solor trip is coming up so quickly. You must be excited! can't wait to read about the next 12 days of this trip and then about the Solo trip!

The flowers and topiaries were just awesome. So, so pretty.

I am VERY excited about my upcoming trip!!! Time has just flown by and I can't believe it's almost here! :hyper:

Morning sleep in=bliss.:goodvibes

I know I'm flameworthy when I say this, but I relish sleeping in and not getting to parks at rope drop. I know, I said it. :eek:

Hooray for Henry remembering he had his own money!:thumbsup2 Smart little man you have there Brook!

Shopping is TOTALLY an attraction. Espcecially since it's part of most attractions.
ahem, dump shops.

I have extreme mixed feelings about Rope Drop.

I know as "good DISer" I should be doing it. But man, when it comes down to it, we just like to SLEEP if our child allows us! :rotfl2: And most of the time, it really doesn't affect us one way or the other. This past trip it did a bit because the parks were more crowded, but in times like September it hardly matters.

We were very surprised that Henry remembered his money! Though, we had bought him a very cool Lightning McQueen wallet that he was quite proud of just a couple days prior to the trip, and we coached him that he could buy something if Mommy and Daddy said no. He was ready to SPEND!

Very good point on the dump shops! :laughing:

Love the landscape pictures from Epcot. I could spend all day walking around World Showcase.

Send me a message about your cruise idea - I'm curious :)

The F&GF was truly breathtaking. I'm going to miss seeing all those flowers next week!

I'll send you a message now on Facebook!

CJsMom

05-24-2011, 08:32 PM

Me, me, I want to be there RIGHT NOW!! :)
Those flower beds are gorgeous!

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 08:36 PM

I had to laugh as I was reading about you almost naming the update "Mmmmm...That smells so good" because just as I read that DD walked by me smelling....well.... let's just say she smelled like she wanted to be alone. Kinda killed the visual for me.:rotfl2::rotfl2:

Looking forward to hearing about Kim Possible. It's on our "To Do" list.

:lmao: That's hilarious! What perfect timing!!!!! Oh too funny!!!!

Kim Possible. Oh, Kim. It might be a tad "too fun" for the kids--dragging their parents through the WS! But, it really is cute. More on all that soon! (and I better get there before your trip! :laughing:)

Brook, great update! I am sooo looking forward to walking to the parks. I never thought it would be such a huge issue for me, but after walking everywhere at DLP I am so excited about that direct access. :goodvibes

Thanks for the info on being able to get Kim Possible FPs before the WS opens. I am planning on doing a few adventures in October and that will make things easier if we can pick the FP up when we enter the park in the morning. :thumbsup2

How sweet that Henry was so excited about the car which he bought from his own money!

You will LOVE it! It completely spoils you! For this trip I already discovered I had a hard time making resort ADRs since I don't like the idea of having to transfer. S-p-o-i-l-e-d! :laughing:

If you get a KP FP at the IG (whoa, acronyms!) it will be for one of the countries near it, France or the UK. Sometimes they have FPs for the other locations though - you can just ask too, they are good about giving you what you want!

Great update!
Henry is definitely turning into a Disney shopper! So cute!
Love the F&G stuff. It must have been even more beautiful in person.

That boy LOVES his gift shops! I very much remember him asking to go into one and me asking, "Why? We are going to a ride!" "No, I don't want to ride, it's fun in THERE!" :laughing:

I love sleep-in days at Disney. It's awesome to wake up feeling refreshed and knowing you are in the Happiest Place on Earth. :) Yay.

Epcot always smells good. I bet it smelled exceptionally good on that day. Mmmm.

Love Henry's happy smile. Cars do a little boy good!

Most every day for us is sleep-in day at Disney. :rotfl: As you'll find out as this trip unfolds. My goal was to make it to at least ONE RD. :rolleyes1

Right here!!!! I think I'd like to be in Mitsukoshi...I love that store!

I'll join you!!! That store is so much fun!

i don't remember with school finals and softball:confused3

And me taking 2 weeks between updates! :laughing:

Oh, me too...me, too! :yay::yay::yay: Beautiful shots of all of the flowers...and I can't wait for that entrance to be our entrance, too. Can't beat those beautiful shots of an empty World Showcase.

The empty World Showcase is WONDERFUL! It's so quiet and calm. Ahhhhh...I will miss staying in that area this trip!

:banana:
And a nice one too!

Congratulations to Henry on his first purchase of a set of wheels!

And many more like that to come. I really dig that style of FP pic!

:laughing: about the wheels! He told me the other day when he gets big he's going to get a pick-up and a boat and drive to Minnesota!

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 08:37 PM

Me, me, I want to be there RIGHT NOW!! :)
Those flower beds are gorgeous!

They are amazing! I wish they would keep that up all year long! But I completely understand why they don't. I will miss them!

Poolrat

05-24-2011, 09:05 PM

I want to be in EPCOT right now too! I still have to wait but you will be there soon enough.:goodvibes

How cute that Henry used his own money to buy his car. He likes the shops more than the rides?!?!?!?:rotfl2:

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 09:07 PM

MEK

05-24-2011, 09:26 PM

Poolrat

05-24-2011, 09:26 PM

When is your next trip????

I might have another one in August. :rolleyes1

Sept 27- Oct 3- I get vacation approval next week. :goodvibes

Then NYE of course!:goodvibes

brookelizabeth

05-24-2011, 09:35 PM

Henry looks ecstatic with his new purchases. That's how he looked when he got the buses last trip. Ahh - to be so happily and easily amused! I miss that!

Yeah for sleeping late and strolling in through the private entrance. Your pictures are lovely!

Just tonight he came across that blue Mater and got the same expression, it was cute!

Sept 27- Oct 3- I get vacation approval next week. :goodvibes

Then NYE of course!:goodvibes

I hope you get that approval! Such a WONDERFUL time to go!

We won't be able to swing NYE this year...:sad1: It just won't work with going to MN for Christmas and all that expense. I will miss all you having a DIS meet on the Poly, but I'll be on the camera FOR SURE! :goodvibes

ShesAPirate

05-24-2011, 11:31 PM

Just found this TR and read all of your posts. Loving it! Can't wait for more! :thumbsup2

MeMom

05-25-2011, 05:00 AM

We won't be able to swing NYE this year...:sad1: It just won't work with going to MN for Christmas and all that expense. I will miss all you having a DIS meet on the Poly, but I'll be on the camera FOR SURE! :goodvibes

Beautiful, beautiful Epcot pictures! I thought the big Mickey head flower display was especially vibrant this year. I've see many displays in the past, but this one just seemed especially bright to me. Probably my imagination - they are always beautiful.

Starting my Wednesday off with happy Henry pictures just makes me smile. I think of him every time I see Cars things in stores.

We're having a tough time figuring out the Christmas/New Year's trip. SW flight prices were released, but they are not pretty. The best one if early Christmas morning. The girls are still little and don't know the difference, so we could do Santa on Friday night, having the girls' toys on Sat. morning, then take that Sun. flight and be in WDW almost all of Christmas Day. Coming back, there's nothing good anywhere, so we are going to have to suck it up and pay high prices or rent a car and drive back.

2xcited2sleep

05-25-2011, 05:28 AM

I would like to be in EPCOT right now too!!! ::yes::

Agree that the flowers were just spectacular. Definitely worth a trip. Just what I needed - another "must see" time of year. :laughing:

Love that H spent his own $ and was frugal! :thumbsup2

3 days til you're back!!:woohoo:

Charleston Princess

05-25-2011, 07:03 AM

I am raising my hand for wishing I was in Epcot right now!!! Early morning pics there always do that to me!

I love that Henry used his own money to buy a car! Good choice on his part! :thumbsup2

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-25-2011, 07:34 AM

[QUOTE=brookelizabeth;41229186]
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7023/1210198771_zvbox-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7028/1210205569_5Kgkm-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7034/1210213559_dSy3L-L.jpg[QUOTE]

Those empty WS pics are awesome! I LOVE WS!!!! :cloud9: It's even prettier without all the tourists!

And that monorail picture... :worship: You should frame that!

brookelizabeth

05-25-2011, 07:37 AM

Just found this TR and read all of your posts. Loving it! Can't wait for more! :thumbsup2

:welcome: Thank you for reading and posting! I plan to get another update done later today!

Beautiful, beautiful Epcot pictures! I thought the big Mickey head flower display was especially vibrant this year. I've see many displays in the past, but this one just seemed especially bright to me. Probably my imagination - they are always beautiful.

Starting my Wednesday off with happy Henry pictures just makes me smile. I think of him every time I see Cars things in stores.

We're having a tough time figuring out the Christmas/New Year's trip. SW flight prices were released, but they are not pretty. The best one if early Christmas morning. The girls are still little and don't know the difference, so we could do Santa on Friday night, having the girls' toys on Sat. morning, then take that Sun. flight and be in WDW almost all of Christmas Day. Coming back, there's nothing good anywhere, so we are going to have to suck it up and pay high prices or rent a car and drive back.

Those flowerbeds were absolutely stunning. I couldn't get over it. You'll see several more pictures of the exact same thing as my TR goes on. :laughing:

I'm so glad to bring a smile to your face this morning! His Cars OBSESSION has just slightly waned, just in time for the 2nd movie to come out and it to flare up again! ;)

That stinks about the prices. I hope they come down some! We just kept trying to figure it out-even if we got cheap flights, it would all be such a stretch at this point in our lives. Hopefully next year or the year after we will be more comfortable and could swing two back-to-back trips. NYE is such a unique experience and so fun!

I would like to be in EPCOT right now too!!! ::yes::

Agree that the flowers were just spectacular. Definitely worth a trip. Just what I needed - another "must see" time of year. :laughing:

Love that H spent his own $ and was frugal! :thumbsup2

3 days til you're back!!:woohoo:

The flowers are awesome! We will be going back (planned anyway) for the last week in February. I'm afraid we will miss the F&GF start, but hopefully we will at least catch some of the displays before they officially open!

I am raising my hand for wishing I was in Epcot right now!!! Early morning pics there always do that to me!

I love that Henry used his own money to buy a car! Good choice on his part! :thumbsup2

The sun is just perfect in the early morning at Rope Drop to make spectacular pictures! I'd love to be in the park sometime at sunrise - those would be phenomenal.

But, I doubt I could get up that early. :rotfl:

brookelizabeth

05-25-2011, 07:39 AM

Those empty WS pics are awesome! I LOVE WS!!!! :cloud9: It's even prettier without all the tourists!

And that monorail picture... :worship: You should frame that!

Thank you!! :goodvibes

I was love the empty World Showcase - walking through the IG and through the empty park like a VIP! It really is a neat perspective, it's so quiet and pretty!!

ClaireW

05-25-2011, 08:19 AM

pooh'smate

05-25-2011, 09:21 AM

Add me to list of people that want to be in Epcot. It looks so nice and warm and sunny. You might be going in August. Lucky you. :goodvibes

jenseib

05-25-2011, 11:01 AM

Yay, and update and I'm caught up too!
Love Henry's cars. Claire had A LOT of money to spend, and she did well, She came home with more than half, but has since spent most of that. :lmao:

You got some great Epcot shots too. I haven't really looked through mine yet, so I don't know how well mine turned out, but I think I didn't take as many as I wanted to. It was such a busy day and drizzled to start out with.

I hope you go in August! ;)

TanzUnited99

05-25-2011, 11:14 AM

What a great breakfast and way to start the day! :thumbsup2

Love the empty WS pics! Also :woohoo: on Henry getting his cars - he seems so happy with them.

onelilspark

05-25-2011, 01:49 PM

So speaking of shopping...have you seen that the Disney Store online is having a sale? I saw this and thought of Henry :) http://www.disneystore.com/personalized-lightning-mcqueen-duffel-bag/mp/1284151/1005801/

GreatBiscuit

05-25-2011, 02:03 PM

Hey BE!

Just got cuaght back up. LOVE all the posts since my last visit. Great job on the photos and the story telling. Have a great solo trip!

brookelizabeth

05-25-2011, 04:05 PM

Isn't Henry smart for thinking to use his own money! :thumbsup2 And I love how happy he looks!

England in the Florida sunshine looks better than it does right now - I'm looking out at grey-ish skies, so yes, I would like to be in Epcot right now :rotfl:

And any ideas on dates for that August trip? I'm hoping to add a DisMeet to my planning notes...

:laughing: Sunny England in Florida is much better than the gray skies! Though...I'd still prefer to visit the REAL one someday-gray skies or not! :goodvibes

Yes, I do have dates...August 15-19, possibly a weekend on one end, or both. It's not certain yet...I am going to post a personal update before I go and I'll include info on it.

Add me to list of people that want to be in Epcot. It looks so nice and warm and sunny. You might be going in August. Lucky you. :goodvibes

I will be really surprised if the August trip works out, but Joe really wants it to. Hopefully.... and hopefully I don't MELT during it either! :laughing:

Yay, and update and I'm caught up too!
Love Henry's cars. Claire had A LOT of money to spend, and she did well, She came home with more than half, but has since spent most of that. :lmao:

You got some great Epcot shots too. I haven't really looked through mine yet, so I don't know how well mine turned out, but I think I didn't take as many as I wanted to. It was such a busy day and drizzled to start out with.

I hope you go in August! ;)

That is great!!! Wow, more than half, smart spender!

I got your PM about August-I'll keep you posted! :thumbsup2

What a great breakfast and way to start the day! :thumbsup2

Love the empty WS pics! Also :woohoo: on Henry getting his cars - he seems so happy with them.

And you know what he requested for me to bring back for him from my solo trip? A car! :laughing: Not just any car though, a Parking Tram. We saw it once and we didn't buy it, and he's asked for it since! He also wants me to ride it and take video for him. :cutie:

So speaking of shopping...have you seen that the Disney Store online is having a sale? I saw this and thought of Henry :) http://www.disneystore.com/personalized-lightning-mcqueen-duffel-bag/mp/1284151/1005801/

That bag is SO cute! I did see that Disney Store was having a sale (love Twitter!) I opened the link and promptly closed it - I cannot justify buying anything right now! I must resist! :rotfl2: But that bag...and SO CHEAP. Wow. Is there a free shipping code out there? :rolleyes1

Hey BE!

Just got cuaght back up. LOVE all the posts since my last visit. Great job on the photos and the story telling. Have a great solo trip!

Thank you GB! I'm really looking forward to this solo trip as it creeps closer I'm starting to get the excited butterflies in my stomach. The week is flying by too!

KathyRN137

05-25-2011, 04:59 PM

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7036/1210215738_KE4cd-L.jpg

Okay, who wants to be in Epcot RIGHT NOW?!?!

Me! Me! Me!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7048/1210228478_zUhoo-L.jpg
Could he be any happier?!?!

Henry looks ecstatic! :car:

Ah, the beauty of a nice, long trip! Taking it easy and not having to rush!

Kathy

eandesmom

05-25-2011, 05:06 PM

Shopping IS an attraction! Well Done Henry, well done!

Sigh...I'd like to be there right now too.

And YOU almost are :cool1:

brookelizabeth

05-25-2011, 05:22 PM

Henry looks ecstatic! :car:

Ah, the beauty of a nice, long trip! Taking it easy and not having to rush!

Kathy

It was veryyyy nice having that chill attitude throughout the trip--though, IMO we took it a bit TOO chill, as you'll see as we get closer to the end of hte trip! Joe says, "Yep, it was about perfect." :laughing:

Shopping IS an attraction! Well Done Henry, well done!

Sigh...I'd like to be there right now too.

And YOU almost are :cool1:

I KNOW! I can't believe it!!!! :hyper: :hyper:

Softballgirl27

05-25-2011, 06:19 PM

:lmao: That's hilarious! What perfect timing!!!!! Oh too funny!!!!

Kim Possible. Oh, Kim. It might be a tad "too fun" for the kids--dragging their parents through the WS! But, it really is cute. More on all that soon! (and I better get there before your trip! :laughing:)

You will LOVE it! It completely spoils you! For this trip I already discovered I had a hard time making resort ADRs since I don't like the idea of having to transfer. S-p-o-i-l-e-d! :laughing:

If you get a KP FP at the IG (whoa, acronyms!) it will be for one of the countries near it, France or the UK. Sometimes they have FPs for the other locations though - you can just ask too, they are good about giving you what you want!

That boy LOVES his gift shops! I very much remember him asking to go into one and me asking, "Why? We are going to a ride!" "No, I don't want to ride, it's fun in THERE!" :laughing:

Most every day for us is sleep-in day at Disney. :rotfl: As you'll find out as this trip unfolds. My goal was to make it to at least ONE RD. :rolleyes1

I'll join you!!! That store is so much fun!

And me taking 2 weeks between updates! :laughing:

The empty World Showcase is WONDERFUL! It's so quiet and calm. Ahhhhh...I will miss staying in that area this trip!

And many more like that to come. I really dig that style of FP pic!

:laughing: about the wheels! He told me the other day when he gets big he's going to get a pick-up and a boat and drive to Minnesota!

it is ok. r u pumped for your solo trip

petals

05-25-2011, 07:01 PM

luvin the early morning Epcot pics. Looking at your pic of the 40th Anniversary stuff and knowing what my wish list is already. I'm going to need to bring nothing in my suitcase and loads more monies! :rotfl:

More importantly than that 3 DAYS TIL DISNEY FOR YOU!!!:cheer2::cheer2::cheer2: How exciting!! :yay::yay:

merbobear

05-25-2011, 07:37 PM

We left off wrapping up our first full day with Henry flirting with the It's a Small World CM and scoring us a back-to-back ride on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed.

Up next: Can you swim really fast?

I love his happy face after purchasing his car! He's so excited.
Also, I want to say thank you for your updates. My own trip planning was helped a lot by the Dis in general, but your TR's in particular really gave me a ton of insight into WDW with a toddler. I appreciate all the time you take to chronicle your vacations :worship:

LookinUp

05-26-2011, 10:39 AM

Before I forget again, I must say that while I agree you are crazzzzzzzy to add another person to your rabbit hole, you are absolutely right. Gotta help family, of course. Plus it's so great for H to have another loving adult family member around. Despite the inevitable stepping on toes (both literally & figuratively), I do hope you all enjoy each other & this special aunt-nephew bonding time.

Mmmm, another gorgeous shot of ... breakfast! Now I will always think of you when I see those beautiful chocolate croissants. *drool* Esp yummy and indulgent enjoyed slowly with coffee.

Never noticed before: H's car has Lightyear tires. Too cute! And bully for him for using his "own very" money (as DD used to say) and shopping so wisely. DD rarely has any money left in her WDW wallet.

Maybe I really am nuts, but my World vacay goal is the opposite of yours. I always aim for at least one sleeping-in, relaxed morning, while you hoped for at least one Rope Drop. Maybe I should take a page from your book!

And hurray for being back in 2 days!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

brookelizabeth

05-26-2011, 01:44 PM

it is ok. r u pumped for your solo trip

I am!!! And getting more excited by the hour. It's been hitting me all day, "I'm leaving for Disney in two days!" then I freak out about how much I have to do, then get excited. :laughing:

luvin the early morning Epcot pics. Looking at your pic of the 40th Anniversary stuff and knowing what my wish list is already. I'm going to need to bring nothing in my suitcase and loads more monies! :rotfl:

More importantly than that 3 DAYS TIL DISNEY FOR YOU!!!:cheer2: How exciting!! :yay:

The 40th stuff is GREAT. I am really wanting one of those t-shirts, we'll see if I'll be willing to fork over the $$ for it this trip.

Yes, I can't believe it's here!!! :woohoo:

I love his happy face after purchasing his car! He's so excited.
Also, I want to say thank you for your updates. My own trip planning was helped a lot by the Dis in general, but your TR's in particular really gave me a ton of insight into WDW with a toddler. I appreciate all the time you take to chronicle your vacations :worship:

Your welcome!!! I'm honestly THRILLED to hear that. I remember when we first took Henry, I searched all over the DIS for tips for traveling with a baby-they helped immensely! I'm happy to share the tips and our experiences! If you think of any questions too, don't hesitate to ask!

Before I forget again, I must say that while I agree you are crazzzzzzzy to add another person to your rabbit hole, you are absolutely right. Gotta help family, of course. Plus it's so great for H to have another loving adult family member around. Despite the inevitable stepping on toes (both literally & figuratively), I do hope you all enjoy each other & this special aunt-nephew bonding time.

Mmmm, another gorgeous shot of ... breakfast! Now I will always think of you when I see those beautiful chocolate croissants. *drool* Esp yummy and indulgent enjoyed slowly with coffee.

Never noticed before: H's car has Lightyear tires. Too cute! And bully for him for using his "own very" money (as DD used to say) and shopping so wisely. DD rarely has any money left in her WDW wallet.

Maybe I really am nuts, but my World vacay goal is the opposite of yours. I always aim for at least one sleeping-in, relaxed morning, while you hoped for at least one Rope Drop. Maybe I should take a page from your book!

And hurray for being back in 2 days!!! :banana: :banana:

So far having Auntie KK here has been good! But, this is only her 2nd full day. :laughing: Henry LOVES having her here. He woke up this morning and instantly went out to where she sleeps to give her kisses. :cutie: Hopefully we are able to get a new apartment this summer if Katie decides to live with us all during school. 3 bedrooms will be fantastic!

YES, that is just the way I like to enjoy those chocolate croissants. Slowly chewing and sipping. :love: I am already planning on having one next week...of course if I'm in the park, I'll be sipping ICED coffee with 90 degree weather!

:rotfl: about having a goal of one sleep in morning! That's a more typical DISer! Joe really likes the laid back approach - and I do too really...but it's difficult when the crowds are high and I KNOW we could have gotten so much more done if we had made RD! :rolleyes:

jenjolt

05-26-2011, 01:47 PM

Welcome Foolish Mortals....can you hardly believe you'll be hearing those words soon!!! I don't think you understand how happy I am to be with you on your first ride!!! I of course adore HM but to share that with others LOL!! Of course I hope you like it...if not...hmmmmmmmmm....LOL!!!!!:rotfl:

So are you packed yet??? Cuz I'm not LOL!

petals

05-26-2011, 01:56 PM

Yes, I can't believe it's here!!! :woohoo:

Wish I was going as well!! lol only 182 days to wait for me! :goodvibes

I'm hoping the 40th anniversary stuff might be onsale when I get there.... wishful thinking :)

brookelizabeth

05-26-2011, 02:24 PM

Look at that ticker.

TWO DAYS!

In the words of the Little Einstein's, "I can-not be-lieve it!"

Time has been flyyyyying right by, much faster than any previous Disney trip!

I have knocked out a few details and plans for the trip, so I thought I'd share those with you!

Saturday, May 28
Arrival.
My flight lands at 7:45 pm. Boo! I might be trying to fly stand-by for an earlier flight. Sarah's flight lands around 5:00 pm, so that would be more ideal for me too!
We won't be able to go to a park this evening due to Sarah's tickets; however, I might hop over to MK to meet up with disneyfan61 (Doreen), if time and plans allow.

Sunday, May 29
AM - Animal Kingdom
PM - Magic Kingdom, staying late! PM EMH until 2 am!
--I kinda want to hit DHS for the Hyperspace Hoopla at SWW. It looks like SO much fun, gets fantastic reviews and is at the Hat stage this year, so we won't be completely crammed in like sardines. We'll see if it happens...
--we scrapped the Ultimate Touring Plan through MK for a number of reasons. Besides, this gives Magdalene and I something to look forward to when our trips cross again! :woohoo:

Monday, May 30
AM - Hollywood Studios
PM - Epcot, late dinner ADR at La Hacidena. Hopefully we get a good table for Illuminations!
--we may also do the spa this day, undecided as of yet...we'll probably just play it by ear!

Tuesday, May 31
Sarah leaves before the crack of dawn. :sad1:
AM - Animal Kingdom
PM - Hollywood Studios
--late dinner ADR at Cape May Cafe with wigdoutdismom, shocker and jenjolt! :yay: I am soooo looking forward to this awesome meet and dinner! I am not a big seafood person, but the buffet looks like it will have plenty of other choices, and maybe I'll be adventurous.

OR.....

4 Parks 1 Day, ending at Cape May for dinner.

My plan would be:
RD at MK
AK
Epcot
DHS

Rules are 3 rides, plus one food item at each park. And I would see if DTD could possibly fit in there as well. I will be a MESS by the time I meet up at Cape May though!! I'm just going to roll with whatever I'm feeling that day. Who knows, I might end up in Epcot!

Regardless of what I do, after our Cape May dinner we'll all be heading over to Epcot for PM EMH until 12 am. Jen and I already have plans to chow down on some caramel corn! There also might be some leg wrestling involved...:rolleyes1

Wednesday, June 1
Departure day. :sad2: But! ME won't be until around 4 pm! WOOT!
So that means RD at MK for me!
Lunch ADR with the same crew from the night before at Liberty Tree Tavern! I've never been here, I'm very excited to experience it!
And TR Spoiler: I will also save my first Haunted Mansion ride to happen this day with Jen!!!! She's the biggest HM fan I know, so it will be especially awesome to ride it with her!

Now for some of the fun stuff on my "To Do" list:

Henry has requested I buy him a parking tram toy. We saw the trams often from the buses or the monorail and he once saw the toy on this two week trip and I told him we weren't buying it at the time, and he's asked for it many times since then. We even watched YouTube videos of the trams the other day - he was grinning ear to ear. He also wants me to ride one and video it. :cutie: So, I'm on a mission to get the toy! He also requested Legos. I bought a kit here from Target to give to him upon my return! :teeth:
Purchase some pirate themed gear for Joe and I for Pirate Night next year on our cruise!
Explore All Star Movies, the resort I am staying at.
Walk through the stand-by queue of TSMM.
See Baby Lilly at AK!!!
Get some Fantasyland construction pictures.
I will be on the hunt for Coconut Mickey Head Patties for Joe. We had a VERY hard time finding them in Feb/March - they better be back! :mad: ;)

And, a few purchases made last night!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Other/mwt/i-Zf22PBb/0/L/smugshot1096987-L.jpg
A traveler's haven!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Other/mwt/i-M58rLcZ/0/L/smugshot11152-L.jpg
I will just be taking a carry-on

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Other/mwt/i-brKwxzW/0/L/smugshot677020-L.jpg
FINALLY! A new swim suit! Not a great picture of it, but you get the idea. My current one is from HIGH SCHOOL. No joke! I was long overdue. I bought two bottoms, I think I like how the stripe looks better, so I'll return the polka-dot...maybe. ;)

And, a big, slightly-scary purchase:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Other/mwt/i-9pJGH4X/0/L/smugshot4100455-L.jpg

A point & shoot. :faint:

I did not want to have to lug around the big honkin' SLR this trip. I wanted something simple and that could slide in my pocket and hopefully I will be bag free. So far, I'm pleased with this. It's not fantastic, but it will do. I will be limited to about 1200 pictures though since we only have a 4GB card for it. We'll see how it goes, hopefully I come back with some good shots for you all!!

Now, before I update this TR, I am going to respond to PMs...FINALLY! :goodvibes Thank you for your patience!!!! I will be back at some point today with an update too!

If anyone wants me to send themselves or a child a postcard, please PM me with your address. I'm happy to do so!

KatMark

05-26-2011, 02:36 PM

KristiMc

05-26-2011, 02:50 PM

I love your plans! Sounds like a great trip.

I saw the coconut mickey patties at Goofy's when we were at DTD in April.

lauren_elizabeth

05-26-2011, 02:53 PM

I absolutely ADORE the picture of Henry holding up his purchase! :goodvibes That smile is priceless!

We'll just be missing you at Disney World! We arrive on the 4th! You'll love All Star Movies... it's so lively and fun!

Can I PM you our addy to send Jake a postcard? I think he'll be SO excited to get one right before we leave :)

eandesmom

05-26-2011, 02:53 PM

High School???????????????????

oh my. Cute new suit (s)

Bag free is a lovely thing, I highly recommend it. You can also buy another card while there if you really need to.

Everything looks fabuulous!!!!!!

CJsMom

05-26-2011, 03:00 PM

2 days - so exciting - have a fantastic trip!!!! :banana::woohoo::dance3::cheer2:

jenjolt

05-26-2011, 03:01 PM

LOL...I have to laugh because you mentioned leg wrestling and I might have just mentioned leg wrestling over on my PTR...great minds my friend great minds!!

WHY yes we will be sharing caramel pocorn won't we!! I'm so looking forward to that...oh and I might have already commented on the whole HM thing!!! I'm so excited, I'm so excited!!

PirateKate

05-26-2011, 03:04 PM

I'd love to be at Epcot right now. Those pictures are so beautiful. I remember how wonderful the Flower and Garden Festival smelled last time. :cloud9:

Your solo trip plans sound like so much fun. Two more days!! Good move buying Henry's Lego set from Target. :thumbsup2

3prettyprincesses

05-26-2011, 03:05 PM

Two days?? Two days?!?! Lucky lucky lucky!

Your plans look soooo fun, really! But again, I see a glaring error...you mention Sarah but you really meant Molly. It's ok, I can totally see how that happened, I forgive you. Just swing by and pick me up.:thumbsup2

I am extremely eager to see how your 4 parks 1 day plan pans out! I hope it works! It sounds fun but definitely a solo tour kind of thing.

Cute new bathing suit, though I'm partial to polka dots myself. High School?? Really?? Oh, I'd be kissing the ground if my High School bathing suit still fit me!!!:laughing: That would be a happy, happy day.

Nice new P&S too! I can totally understand not wanting to lug around your DSLR. I'm looking to get one myself because sometimes I want something lighter and more compact. I hope yours works well for you!

thegreggersmom

05-26-2011, 03:06 PM

I am SO vicariously excited for you -- and throughly impressed that your swimsuit fromHS still fits. WOWZA! I pm'd you my address. Would love to have Micket send Gregory a card. Thanks so much!

hcmommy

05-26-2011, 03:23 PM

Plans look great. Can't wait to find out if the Aug. trip pans out so I can be on the lookout for the famous Henry...uh, I mean brookelizabeth :laughing:

glennbo123

05-26-2011, 03:57 PM

I kinda want to hit DHS for the Hyperspace Hoopla at SWW. It looks like SO much fun, gets fantastic reviews and is at the Hat stage this year, so we won't be completely crammed in like sardines. We'll see if it happens...

I hadn't heard that they moved it to the Hat stage this year....that is a smart move -- we were crammed in like sardines last year, and it was actually kind of dangerous.

Have a great trip!

Lovemy3babes

05-26-2011, 04:08 PM

Your plans look awesome! Busy but FUN! :) I love that you are doing some things with friends and also some solo. What a great combo. Love your new suit! :)

jenseib

05-26-2011, 04:11 PM

Brook, if you have time, You can Send Claire a card too. I think you still have my address. If you can't it's no big deal.

If you run out of memory you can go to the picture places in each park and they can transfer them to a DVD. I did that this last trip. I think it was about $15 for a DVD.

Flossbolna

05-26-2011, 04:15 PM

Past my bedtime already, so only one short comment:

:banana::banana::banana: We are still going to do the Ultimate Touring Plan together for the first time for both of us!!

Have a wonderful trip and lots of fun!! :goodvibes

PopArtGal

05-26-2011, 04:33 PM

Awe, Henry looks so cute with his purchase hehe.

Canon's powershot is a great purchase. I bought one in 2006 and just replaced it this year. And it's still working. I just wanted a newer model since this one was starting to be dated ;)

MeMom

05-26-2011, 05:03 PM

Saturday, May 28
Arrival.
My flight lands at 7:45 pm. Boo! I might be trying to fly stand-by for an earlier flight. Sarah's flight lands around 5:00 pm, so that would be more ideal for me too!
We won't be able to go to a park this evening due to Sarah's tickets; however, I might hop over to MK to meet up with disneyfan61 (Doreen), if time and plans allow.

Wave at us as you fly over GA. We'll either be in a Disney Store or on the road back to TN.

I hope you get to meet Doreen.

brookelizabeth

05-26-2011, 07:02 PM

Brook, I love the plans for your Girls only trip...they sound awesome (and I'm jealous).

You could download your photos to a CD at one of the camera shops if you are worried about not being able to take "enough pictures."

Can't wait for the next update.

Thank you Kathy! I'm getting more and more excited! And I'm FINALLY getting some stuff done around here too. :thumbsup2

That is a GREAT tip on the photos! Can I bring my own CD in, or do I just buy one there? Does it cost anything? Usually we bring the laptop, but I'm not going to this time, I'll just use my phone for email, etc.

I love your plans! Sounds like a great trip.

I saw the coconut mickey patties at Goofy's when we were at DTD in April.

:worship::worship::worship: I cannot tell you how THRILLED I am to hear that about the Coconut Head Patties being back! They were completely gone, except TWO boxes in the CR gift shop in Feb/March. I looked everywhere we went. Did they re-brand them? The only one was a Hawaiian type theme.

I absolutely ADORE the picture of Henry holding up his purchase! :goodvibes That smile is priceless!

We'll just be missing you at Disney World! We arrive on the 4th! You'll love All Star Movies... it's so lively and fun!

Can I PM you our addy to send Jake a postcard? I think he'll be SO excited to get one right before we leave :)

Thank you!!! :goodvibes

That is a BUMMER about just missing each other! That is happening with quite a few DISers. I wish I could just extend my trip on both sides.

And yes, I'd love to send one to Jake! I will try to get it into the mail right away - sometimes Disney mail seems to take a while. :confused3

High School???????????????????

oh my. Cute new suit (s)

Bag free is a lovely thing, I highly recommend it. You can also buy another card while there if you really need to.

Everything looks fabuulous!!!!!!

Yes! Can you believe it?! High school! :scared1: To stay it was stretched out is an understatement. :rolleyes1:rotfl: And sooooo dated. It was just bad. But, it was a Speedo, so a great suit!

I am a big fan of bag free. So hoping I can do that for at least one day of the trip. I think it won't be a problem...

onelilspark

05-26-2011, 07:02 PM

FYI: I've heard the Idols will be at HS on Sunday. Might get a little crazy there.

And ONLY 1200 photos? Seriously? Slacker. :rotfl: I plan on just using my iPhone this trip!

thewesterberg

05-26-2011, 07:07 PM

Oooooo! You're going to have so much fun!! I did a short trip with a girlfriend a couple of years ago (when we did the Expedition Everest 5K) and we had a BLAST! I've also been fortunate to go to Disneyland with the same friend and a couple of other friends when we've been at a work conference in Anaheim. It's such a different way of seeing the parks when you're only responsible for yourself!

And I had to laugh... ONLY 1,200 pictures?!? What a slacker!

ETA: onelilspark... we must be on the same wave length, both calling her a picture slacker at the same time! :)

tinacaplan

05-26-2011, 07:08 PM

Plans sound great, Brook. Although I'm fairly certain I couldn't handle that much touring in one day. Maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to find out! :goodvibes But seriously...the same suit since high school??? :lmao:

brookelizabeth

05-26-2011, 07:18 PM

2 days - so exciting - have a fantastic trip!!!! :banana::woohoo:

Thank you!!!!

LOL...I have to laugh because you mentioned leg wrestling and I might have just mentioned leg wrestling over on my PTR...great minds my friend great minds!!

WHY yes we will be sharing caramel pocorn won't we!! I'm so looking forward to that...oh and I might have already commented on the whole HM thing!!! I'm so excited, I'm so excited!!

That's hilarious! I have to tell you, when you emailed me about the leg wrestling I did a triple take on what the stink you were talking about! LOL! But after I heard about the Cape May welcome gift...there might be 3 of us wrestling! :lmao: Marc and Baylor can take pics!

I'm excited about riding the Haunted Mansion with you! If Sarah wants to ride earlier in the trip, I'll have to send her in alone!! :hyper: I have seen video of the update at the end with the hitch hiking ghosts and that alone looks AMAZING. I can't wait to see it and see what they do to us! And the queue...so cool!

I'd love to be at Epcot right now. Those pictures are so beautiful. I remember how wonderful the Flower and Garden Festival smelled last time. :cloud9:

Your solo trip plans sound like so much fun. Two more days!! Good move buying Henry's Lego set from Target. :thumbsup2

Doesn't it smell so wonderful? Especially coming from the cold winter - just to stand there and breathe it in. :lovestruc

We found a super cool Mater and McQueen Cars 2 set, he's gonna flip! It SHOOTS a missile! He won't give two hoots where it's from! :laughing:

Two days?? Two days?!?! Lucky lucky lucky!

Your plans look soooo fun, really! But again, I see a glaring error...you mention Sarah but you really meant Molly. It's ok, I can totally see how that happened, I forgive you. Just swing by and pick me up.:thumbsup2

I am extremely eager to see how your 4 parks 1 day plan pans out! I hope it works! It sounds fun but definitely a solo tour kind of thing.

Cute new bathing suit, though I'm partial to polka dots myself. High School?? Really?? Oh, I'd be kissing the ground if my High School bathing suit still fit me!!!:laughing: That would be a happy, happy day.

Nice new P&S too! I can totally understand not wanting to lug around your DSLR. I'm looking to get one myself because sometimes I want something lighter and more compact. I hope yours works well for you!

Oh, oops, sorry, I'll go back and edit that post! Not Sarah, MOLLY. ::yes:: :laughing:

I liked the polka dots better on the shelf - and actually tried on a whole polka dot suit! But, the bottoms of the stripe fit just slightly better. I think I might keep both-just to change it up!

And yes, high school. Scary, scary! That suit "grew with me" :rotfl: I'm about 30 pounds heavier than I was in high school! I was so overdue, that suit was probably one that got snickered at behind my back!

I hope the P&S works out, I think it will be fine. It's a bit slow, but I'm used to the SLR, so I just need to get used to it a bit more. I took a few pics, I'll try to get them uploaded before I go!

I am SO vicariously excited for you -- and throughly impressed that your swimsuit fromHS still fits. WOWZA! I pm'd you my address. Would love to have Micket send Gregory a card. Thanks so much!

I got your address! :goodvibes

And, I wouldn't say the suit "fit". :rotfl2: As I mentioned above, it "grew with me". It was baaaaaaaaad. (and sad!)

Maybe I will like lounging poolside more with a pretty suit? Hmmm.

Plans look great. Can't wait to find out if the Aug. trip pans out so I can be on the lookout for the famous Henry...uh, I mean brookelizabeth :laughing:

I will be sure to share them here! I SO want them to pan out, I'm going to try everything I can to make it happen!

I hadn't heard that they moved it to the Hat stage this year....that is a smart move -- we were crammed in like sardines last year, and it was actually kind of dangerous.

Have a great trip!

I vividly remember you describing that ordeal with people pushing forward and it being 280120 degrees in there - like a mosh pit! :sick: The Hat stage also allowed them to add lights and pyrotechnics!

Your plans look awesome! Busy but FUN! :) I love that you are doing some things with friends and also some solo. What a great combo. Love your new suit!

I am really excited about the combo of the trip! It's just right. Solo time for me to relax and chill and recharge, but still spend time with one of my best friends AND meet new DIS friends!

Brook, if you have time, You can Send Claire a card too. I think you still have my address. If you can't it's no big deal.

If you run out of memory you can go to the picture places in each park and they can transfer them to a DVD. I did that this last trip. I think it was about $15 for a DVD.

Yep! I sure can! I do still have your address too. :thumbsup2

I had no idea that was even an option - Kathy mentioned the same thing! So slick! I wonder how much they charge for an SD card at WDW - at the stores they are about $12 for a 4GB, I'm guessing they are more than $15!

Past my bedtime already, so only one short comment:

:banana: We are still going to do the Ultimate Touring Plan together for the first time for both of us!!

Have a wonderful trip and lots of fun!! :goodvibes

YES!!!!! :dance3::dance3::dance3: And we WILL do it at some point!!!!!! Honestly, it will be much more fun with you anyway - I'd feel like I was dragging Sarah with me -even though she gets into those sort of things sometimes. A fellow Disney Fan is always a better mate for that crazy stuff!

Awe, Henry looks so cute with his purchase hehe.

Canon's powershot is a great purchase. I bought one in 2006 and just replaced it this year. And it's still working. I just wanted a newer model since this one was starting to be dated

:yay: I'm glad to hear that!!! It seemed to get pretty good reviews overall. I don't like that it's so slow, but I'm used to the SLR speed. I think I'll get used to it quickly.

Wave at us as you fly over GA. We'll either be in a Disney Store or on the road back to TN.

I hope you get to meet Doreen.

That's right! The big GA meet!!! Have fun and I'll be sure to wave!!!

brookelizabeth

05-26-2011, 07:22 PM

FYI: I've heard the Idols will be at HS on Sunday. Might get a little crazy there.

And ONLY 1200 photos? Seriously? Slacker. :rotfl: I plan on just using my iPhone this trip!

I heard that too! I don't even know who the winner is, since I don't watch, but it still might be kinda neat to snag a pic of him/her!

:rotfl2: just using the iPhone crossed my mind! It takes great night shots, but some indoors ones are just awful. Plus, I have over 2,000 pics already on my phone...:rolleyes1

Oooooo! You're going to have so much fun!! I did a short trip with a girlfriend a couple of years ago (when we did the Expedition Everest 5K) and we had a BLAST! I've also been fortunate to go to Disneyland with the same friend and a couple of other friends when we've been at a work conference in Anaheim. It's such a different way of seeing the parks when you're only responsible for yourself!

And I had to laugh... ONLY 1,200 pictures?!? What a slacker!

Oh I can't wait!!! Just reading this and realizing "you're only responsible for yourself" made me giddy. :rotfl:

We ALWAYS take at least 2,000! Granted, many are of Henry, so perhaps I can make it. ;)

Plans sound great, Brook. Although I'm fairly certain I couldn't handle that much touring in one day. Maybe someday I'll be lucky enough to find out! :goodvibes But seriously...the same suit since high school??? :lmao:

I know! Embarrassing! I'm CERTAIN people laughed at me behind my back at the pool! It was a Speedo, just really basic, so not terribly outdated, but streeeeeeeetched out and just OLD looking. Bad, bad! I put off swim suit shopping long enough!

Softballgirl27

05-26-2011, 09:36 PM

I am!!! And getting more excited by the hour. It's been hitting me all day, "I'm leaving for Disney in two days!" then I freak out about how much I have to do, then get excited. :laughing:

The 40th stuff is GREAT. I am really wanting one of those t-shirts, we'll see if I'll be willing to fork over the $$ for it this trip.

Yes, I can't believe it's here!!! :woohoo:

Your welcome!!! I'm honestly THRILLED to hear that. I remember when we first took Henry, I searched all over the DIS for tips for traveling with a baby-they helped immensely! I'm happy to share the tips and our experiences! If you think of any questions too, don't hesitate to ask!

So far having Auntie KK here has been good! But, this is only her 2nd full day. :laughing: Henry LOVES having her here. He woke up this morning and instantly went out to where she sleeps to give her kisses. :cutie: Hopefully we are able to get a new apartment this summer if Katie decides to live with us all during school. 3 bedrooms will be fantastic!

YES, that is just the way I like to enjoy those chocolate croissants. Slowly chewing and sipping. :love: I am already planning on having one next week...of course if I'm in the park, I'll be sipping ICED coffee with 90 degree weather!

:rotfl: about having a goal of one sleep in morning! That's a more typical DISer! Joe really likes the laid back approach - and I do too really...but it's difficult when the crowds are high and I KNOW we could have gotten so much more done if we had made RD! :rolleyes:

are you going to do a trip report for this trip?

aladdinsgirl

05-26-2011, 10:24 PM

I will be on the hunt for Coconut Mickey Head Patties for Joe. We had a VERY hard time finding them in Feb/March - they better be back! :mad: ;)
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First, let me say, I am a huge fan and long time lurker of you TR's. I have read them all and they are the best! Henry is too cute! I have a little boy who is 2.5 and whenever I am reading your TR's and he sees Henry, he always says, "that's me!" :goodvibes

Secondly, my sister bought a box of the coconut Mickey heads at the store in All Star Movies 2 weeks ago, hopefully they will still be there for you!

Hope you have a great trip!

DisneyJoo2008

05-27-2011, 03:29 AM

Brook - can't wait to hear about your trip on FB again! Please let there be lots of FB'ing!!!

If the offer of a postcard extends to across the pond - let me know! I was going to ask MeMom too!!! hee hee!

Have an AMAZING trip!
xxxxxx

MeMom

05-27-2011, 03:43 AM

And yes, I'd love to send one to Jake! I will try to get it into the mail right away - sometimes Disney mail seems to take a while. :confused3

Just a thought for you and Lauren to discuss, as cards coming from Disney World do seem to take a while: You might want to send the card to Jake from Mickey (or whoever) telling him how happy he was to see Jake and Mallory, so that he'll have that when they return home. Just from our prior card experiences, if she is leaving on June 4th, and with the holiday weekend, I have huge doubts that he will get it before they leave. If, by chance, it does, she can just put it aside until they get back.

Brook, I'm anxious to see what all you get with a point and shoot. I think you'll like the ease of hauling it around. You just need to grab another SD card before you leave. ;) 1200 isn't going to cut it. :laughing:

TanzUnited99

05-27-2011, 04:44 AM

:woohoo: on it being one day until your trip!!! :banana:

Your plans sound great and yay on getting a new swimming costume - wow at having the same one since high school!

kschafer

05-27-2011, 06:44 AM

That bag is SO cute! I did see that Disney Store was having a sale (love Twitter!) I opened the link and promptly closed it - I cannot justify buying anything right now! I must resist! :rotfl2: But that bag...and SO CHEAP. Wow. Is there a free shipping code out there?

:rolleyes1

http://www.disneystore.com/?CMP=EMC-eml&att=20110527_MemDay&RRID=12309025

wdwgirl03

05-27-2011, 07:11 AM

Oh my goodness, so close!! Didn't you just get back?! Gotta love those short breaks in between trips. I was just saying the other day how I wish we were going again this summer. Even though it's so hot it was fun to have a vacation planned. But I guess I'll be waiting until December. :guilty: Have fun!

jenb1023

05-27-2011, 08:06 AM

Have a great time on your solo/girlfriends trip!!!! It sounds great!

(And should give me enough time to read your current TR!)

brookelizabeth

05-27-2011, 08:19 AM

are you going to do a trip report for this trip?

Yes! I haven't decided if I'll start another thread, or just put it in here right along with this one. I'm NOT good at keeping up with 2 threads (let alone even one...:laughing:), but I could try...we'll see. But yes, a TR WILL be done!

First, let me say, I am a huge fan and long time lurker of you TR's. I have read them all and they are the best! Henry is too cute! I have a little boy who is 2.5 and whenever I am reading your TR's and he sees Henry, he always says, "that's me!" :goodvibes

Secondly, my sister bought a box of the coconut Mickey heads at the store in All Star Movies 2 weeks ago, hopefully they will still be there for you!

Hope you have a great trip!

Thank you for posting!!! It's nice to "meet" you!!! That is soooooo cute about your DS! :cutie:

I am THRILLED to hear that about the Mickey Heads!!!! :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: It was very sad to not find them everywhere during Feb/March, the CMs thought they must have been out for rebranding - thankfully they were right!! Thank you for your info!!!!!

Brook - can't wait to hear about your trip on FB again! Please let there be lots of FB'ing!!!

If the offer of a postcard extends to across the pond - let me know! I was going to ask MeMom too!!! hee hee!

Have an AMAZING trip!
xxxxxx

How much is a postcard stamp for sending it across the ocean? I've never looked into that....but if it's not an insane price, then YES! I'd love to send one over!

Last night I had a dream that I got to MK (and the Castle was huuuuuuuuuge, it was weird!) and I had 2 phones on me. My phone and Joe's work phone. :confused: Apparently these phones were so heavy they were making my shorts fall down. :rotfl: I was standing on a staircase that you had to take down Main Street, staring at the Castle, completely GIDDY, pants falling down and I wanted to take a picture with my phone so I could Facebook that I was there, but kept grabbing Joe's work phone instead of mine. I was frustrated, I wanted to send a message to Facebook, but I had to hold the phones so my pants wouldn't fall down! So, I just kept walking. I rolled the waist of my pants over and juggled the phones. I got to the Castle and there was an "adventure river" type ride in the moat. :rotfl2: I didn't want to ride that first, I was at Rope Drop, I knew this was not good touring, so I got even more frustrated, but then I just let it go and decided to float down the moat!

Then I woke up. I've never had a Disney dream before a trip, it was so funny!

Just a thought for you and Lauren to discuss, as cards coming from Disney World do seem to take a while: You might want to send the card to Jake from Mickey (or whoever) telling him how happy he was to see Jake and Mallory, so that he'll have that when they return home. Just from our prior card experiences, if she is leaving on June 4th, and with the holiday weekend, I have huge doubts that he will get it before they leave. If, by chance, it does, she can just put it aside until they get back.

Brook, I'm anxious to see what all you get with a point and shoot. I think you'll like the ease of hauling it around. You just need to grab another SD card before you leave. ;) 1200 isn't going to cut it. :laughing:

1200 will be pushing it for me! I'm click happy! I will have to learn some restraint!:rotfl:

That is a very good idea MeMom about the postcard!!! And yes, that is a good point about the holiday weekend making things even slower. Lauren - what do you think?

:woohoo: on it being one day until your trip!!! :banana:

Your plans sound great and yay on getting a new swimming costume - wow at having the same one since high school!

I leave TOMORROW!!!!!!!! Ahhehhehehehhehhehehe! (not sure what the word is, but it's the sound I emit when thinking about the trip. :laughing:)

:rolleyes1

http://www.disneystore.com/?CMP=EMC-eml&att=20110527_MemDay&RRID=12309025

EVIL WOMAN!!!!! :rotfl: (thanks! :hyper:)

Oh my goodness, so close!! Didn't you just get back?! Gotta love those short breaks in between trips. I was just saying the other day how I wish we were going again this summer. Even though it's so hot it was fun to have a vacation planned. But I guess I'll be waiting until December. :guilty: Have fun!

In ways it feels like we got back last week, and in other ways it feels like FOREVER ago. I could easily go to Disney every three months though...that would be perfect. :cloud9:

There is no hope, at all? The flights are still too much? :sad2:

brookelizabeth

05-27-2011, 08:21 AM

Have a great time on your solo/girlfriends trip!!!! It sounds great!

(And should give me enough time to read your current TR!)

Thank you!!! I should try to send a bunch of updates today/tomorrow for people to read while I'm gone....:scratchin

but, that probably won't happen...my to do list is already long enough! :laughing:

Charleston Princess

05-27-2011, 08:39 AM

Love all your plans, Brook! Have a great time on your trip!!!

petals

05-27-2011, 09:06 AM

You are going TOMORROW!!! Super excited for you! :banana::banana::banana:

blessedby3

05-27-2011, 09:10 AM

TOMORROW is THE DAY!!! So excited for you! Your solo/girls trip sounds like it is packed :) with fun :goodvibes
We will be driving down as you are flying back. You have the better deal...a nice plane ride...while we have 8 packed in our minivan like sardines:scared1: for a 12 hour drive:scared1:
Prayers are appreciated that all 8 will make it to Disney:lmao: I dont want to have to put anyone out by the side of the road:lmao:
Have a great time and I am excited to keep up through facebook! Be safe:)

dekkerdisneydreamer

05-27-2011, 09:13 AM

Okay lady,

HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!!

Your plans look amazing, and I cannot believe you aren't taking your SLR!!:scared1: I understand though. There are times that I really don't want to drag mine around, either.

One last thing before you go......

:jumping1: :jumping1:

jenseib

05-27-2011, 10:33 AM

Brook. I was accepted...It's at the Yacht Club!!!!!!!! :banana:

norybell

05-27-2011, 01:00 PM

I'm sooooooo far behind on TRs I had to skip all the banter, but I still had to pop in and say: TOMORROW!!! I'm so excited for you! And also jealous (I know, I know, I was just there...but still...I want to be going back tomorrow, too!).

I also cannot believe that you were wearing the same swimming suit from high school! That's crazy!

Have an extraordinary time!

John's Mom

05-27-2011, 01:39 PM

Have a magical time! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Kathy

Softballgirl27

05-27-2011, 07:06 PM

yah hace fun on your trip

pooh'smate

05-27-2011, 08:22 PM

Brook, I just wanted to let you know that I do not like seafood either but Jon and Lexi love it so I booked Cape May because it is hard to get good fresh seafood here in the Midwest. We all loved it. There was plenty that I could eat and I think it was one of the buffets that I ate the most at. Make sure try at least one of the Oreo bonbons they have in the dessert section. I really liked the carved flank steak with the horse radish cream. Also we ate at Liberty Tree tavern for lunch and it was really good too.

robinm1215

05-27-2011, 08:41 PM

Look at that ticker.

TWO DAYS!

In the words of the Little Einstein's, "I can-not be-lieve it!"

Time has been flyyyyying right by, much faster than any previous Disney trip!

I have knocked out a few details and plans for the trip, so I thought I'd share those with you!

Saturday, May 28
Arrival.
My flight lands at 7:45 pm. Boo! I might be trying to fly stand-by for an earlier flight. Sarah's flight lands around 5:00 pm, so that would be more ideal for me too!
We won't be able to go to a park this evening due to Sarah's tickets; however, I might hop over to MK to meet up with disneyfan61 (Doreen), if time and plans allow.

Sunday, May 29
AM - Animal Kingdom
PM - Magic Kingdom, staying late! PM EMH until 2 am!
--I kinda want to hit DHS for the Hyperspace Hoopla at SWW. It looks like SO much fun, gets fantastic reviews and is at the Hat stage this year, so we won't be completely crammed in like sardines. We'll see if it happens...
--we scrapped the Ultimate Touring Plan through MK for a number of reasons. Besides, this gives Magdalene and I something to look forward to when our trips cross again! :woohoo:

Monday, May 30
AM - Hollywood Studios
PM - Epcot, late dinner ADR at La Hacidena. Hopefully we get a good table for Illuminations!
--we may also do the spa this day, undecided as of yet...we'll probably just play it by ear!

Tuesday, May 31
Sarah leaves before the crack of dawn. :sad1:
AM - Animal Kingdom
PM - Hollywood Studios
--late dinner ADR at Cape May Cafe with wigdoutdismom, shocker and jenjolt! :yay: I am soooo looking forward to this awesome meet and dinner! I am not a big seafood person, but the buffet looks like it will have plenty of other choices, and maybe I'll be adventurous.

OR.....

4 Parks 1 Day, ending at Cape May for dinner.

My plan would be:
RD at MK
AK
Epcot
DHS

Rules are 3 rides, plus one food item at each park. And I would see if DTD could possibly fit in there as well. I will be a MESS by the time I meet up at Cape May though!! I'm just going to roll with whatever I'm feeling that day. Who knows, I might end up in Epcot!

Regardless of what I do, after our Cape May dinner we'll all be heading over to Epcot for PM EMH until 12 am. Jen and I already have plans to chow down on some caramel corn! There also might be some leg wrestling involved...:rolleyes1

Wednesday, June 1
Departure day. :sad2: But! ME won't be until around 4 pm! WOOT!
So that means RD at MK for me!
Lunch ADR with the same crew from the night before at Liberty Tree Tavern! I've never been here, I'm very excited to experience it!
And TR Spoiler: I will also save my first Haunted Mansion ride to happen this day with Jen!!!! She's the biggest HM fan I know, so it will be especially awesome to ride it with her!

Hi Brook! I finally made it over here now that I am done packing! I leave bright and early at 5:30am tomorrow morning. I'm not happy about that but hey, I'm going to Disney! And so are you!

I really hope you get on an earlier flight. I had some trouble with my flight where they tried to tell me they switched me to a different one, yet they still had seats on the original flight I had booked on :confused: I don't think they know what they are doing. Now all is good! They did say that the airports were going to be very busy with heightened security for the holiday weekend so to make sure to get there early.

I had sent you a message on facebook with my plans earlier in the week. Looks like our Monday and Tuesday plans overlap -- I'm planning on going to DHS on Monday and AK on Tuesday morning. So let me know what would work for you to meet up. Probably best to send me a message on facebook since it's not as easy for me to check in here on my iphone. Hope we can figure something out!

I hope you are done packing! I'm going to try and get to bed early since I have to be up so early. Have a safe trip and I hope to see you soon :goodvibes

micandminforever

05-27-2011, 10:28 PM

Have a magical time filled with pixie dust.:goodvibes

brookelizabeth

05-27-2011, 11:32 PM

Well...I had meant to get back here with a TR update before I left; however, during the free chunk of time I had, my photo storage site was down! :headache:

There is still a small chance of hope for tomorrow! But, if I don't make it back here, I DID get your PMs (even if I didn't respond), and I'll see ya on Facebook! (or...after I get back :laughing:)

MeMom

05-28-2011, 04:12 AM

Have a most excellent and magical adventure, Brook! :wizard:

blessedby3

05-28-2011, 06:41 AM

Praying for safe travels and a great time!

2xcited2sleep

05-28-2011, 06:57 AM

Have a great trip!!!! :goodvibes

ClaireW

05-28-2011, 07:58 AM

Have a great trip - look forward to hearing all about it :cool1:

tinacaplan

05-28-2011, 08:00 AM

Have a magical trip, Brook! :goodvibes

Moira222

05-28-2011, 08:23 AM

Moira222

05-28-2011, 08:34 AM

how nice to have a leisurely morning. Looks like you have a fair amount of open floor space in your room to have the monorail set up. Did you keep it set up the whole time or take it apart and reassemble? just wondering.

Love early morning walks in Epcot. We didn't get that this trip, but did in 09 and in 07 and it was just lovely!

Moira222

05-28-2011, 08:37 AM

:lmao:did i tell you i was way behind on updates?

Love your NYC photos -- when we are there we are always rushing from one spot to the other. I miss those days when I had time to stroll and take in the sights, and the flowers are beautiful.

Native NYer

05-28-2011, 08:41 AM

Have a wonderful trip! :goodvibes

Moira222

05-28-2011, 08:52 AM

Brooke your girls trip sounds awesome! Walking around last week I realized what a good idea a girls trip would be.... girls who like to look at the same things I like to look at, instead of power walking to the next ride!:cool1:

Have a blast!!!

CreightonsMomma

05-29-2011, 09:18 AM

Lots to catch up on for me....

Those cars that Henry bought are cute. I have spent a lot of money on cars so far. I don't see the obsession ending anytime soon either. lol. I still really want the monorail set that Henry has. haha.

All the flowers did smell amazing, didn't they? I really enjoyed walking around epcot in March.

I hope you can make it to the Hyperspace Hoopla tonight. I will be there on Saturday. I am so excited and I don't even know anything about Star Wars. lol

That bathing suit is too cute. I like both the striped and the polka-dots. I desperately need a new bathing suit.

I missed your send off, but I hope you are having a fantastic time!! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

Poolrat

05-29-2011, 09:56 AM

Late in wishing you a great trip. See you on the other side.:goodvibes

wdwgirl03

05-29-2011, 09:59 AM

Monday, May 30
AM - Hollywood Studios
PM - Epcot, late dinner ADR at La Hacidena. Hopefully we get a good table for Illuminations!
--we may also do the spa this day, undecided as of yet...we'll probably just play it by ear!

Yes, I also saw that the Idols are going to be at DHS this morning (or atleast Scotty, this year's winner!). If you still go there and are there early, would you mind trying to get a picture for me, your Idol-loving, DIS friend? :flower3: A picture of the chaos would be fine. LOL.

Have fun!

CandleontheWater

05-30-2011, 08:56 PM

I hope you are having a wonderful time! :thumbsup2

MEK

05-31-2011, 02:16 PM

Hope you are having a fab time. I would say from your FB posts that you are. Lovely Illuminations picture last night!

cdotla

05-31-2011, 10:37 PM

So sorry I missed your big send-off, but hope you are doing something spectacular right now on your last nite in the World!!!:goodvibes

LookinUp

06-01-2011, 12:03 AM

I keep peeking in to see if just maybe you had a minute to post a tease about your girls' weekend. Happily, it seems you've been up to way too much fun to DIS. Good!!! Happy last day amid the magic! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Luvmepluto

06-01-2011, 07:50 AM

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

Lovemy3babes

06-01-2011, 01:25 PM

I'm following along on Facebook! :) Sounds like a great time so far Brook.

MeMom

06-02-2011, 05:08 AM

Waking up in NY again, are ya?
I enjoyed reading the updates from the trip.
Glad you got to meet Jen and that bunch she was hanging out with.

Those quickie trips always leave me longing for more. How about you?

kschafer

06-02-2011, 06:32 AM

Welcome home Brook! I hope the trip felt longer to you than it did to me while following on FB!

Can't wait to hear about it :thumbsup2

Poolrat

06-02-2011, 07:35 PM

Welcome Home Brook!!! I love that you got all 4 parks in. Can't wait to hear all about it. :goodvibes

DisMomAmy

06-02-2011, 07:45 PM

Welcome Home!! :goodvibes

OhMari

06-02-2011, 08:36 PM

Welcome back.

vamassey1

06-02-2011, 09:43 PM

Welcome back! Sorry I missed the send off.

MEK

06-02-2011, 10:27 PM

Welcome Back. Looking forward to reading about your solo trip!

2xcited2sleep

06-03-2011, 04:57 AM

Welcome back! I had a busy week and couldn't follow as much as I wanted to so am looking forward to hearing the details! popcorn::

eandesmom

06-03-2011, 07:39 AM

Welcome back!

LookinUp

06-04-2011, 12:19 AM

Welcome back! :yay: for 4 parks! Anxious to hear all about it. Anxious but patient. Catch up on your boys and your TA clients and meet us back here when you can.

Oh, if we're guessing how many photos you took, put me down for 2108. :laughing:

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 08:47 AM

Love all your plans, Brook! Have a great time on your trip!!!

Thank you Jackie! I was in the car with Anita as you texted her about jet skiing...sounds like you guys were having a great time!

You are going TOMORROW!!! Super excited for you! :banana::banana:

I still wish I was going tomorrow. :laughing: Back to back trips? I'll take it!

TOMORROW is THE DAY!!! So excited for you! Your solo/girls trip sounds like it is packed :) with fun :goodvibes
We will be driving down as you are flying back. You have the better deal...a nice plane ride...while we have 8 packed in our minivan like sardines:scared1: for a 12 hour drive:scared1:
Prayers are appreciated that all 8 will make it to Disney:lmao: I dont want to have to put anyone out by the side of the road:lmao:
Have a great time and I am excited to keep up through facebook! Be safe:)

Oh gosh, that is quite the drive!! But, totally worth it! I am LOVING your pictures on Facebook!!! I hope you do another TR! :hyper:

Okay lady,

HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!!!

Your plans look amazing, and I cannot believe you aren't taking your SLR!!:scared1: I understand though. There are times that I really don't want to drag mine around, either.

One last thing before you go......

:jumping1: :jumping1:

I gotta say....I REALLY missed the SLR! :scared1: Dealing with AA batteries, plus learning my iPhone was better in certain instances...sigh. I haven't downloaded the camera yet, so we'll see if it's as bad on screen that it seemed to be on the camera!

Brook. I was accepted...It's at the Yacht Club!!!!!!!! :banana:

I about FLIPPED when I saw it was the Yacht Club! :yay: Joe is insanely jealous...and I gotta make a ticker! LOL

I'm sooooooo far behind on TRs I had to skip all the banter, but I still had to pop in and say: TOMORROW!!! I'm so excited for you! And also jealous (I know, I know, I was just there...but still...I want to be going back tomorrow, too!).

I also cannot believe that you were wearing the same swimming suit from high school! That's crazy!

Have an extraordinary time!

I can understand why you love those solo trips now! They are AMAZING! I loved every.single.second!

Have a magical time! pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Kathy

Thank you Kathy, I did!

yah hace fun on your trip

I did! Sooooo much fun!

Brook, I just wanted to let you know that I do not like seafood either but Jon and Lexi love it so I booked Cape May because it is hard to get good fresh seafood here in the Midwest. We all loved it. There was plenty that I could eat and I think it was one of the buffets that I ate the most at. Make sure try at least one of the Oreo bonbons they have in the dessert section. I really liked the carved flank steak with the horse radish cream. Also we ate at Liberty Tree tavern for lunch and it was really good too.

Cape May was AWESOME! You are exactly right! Deeeeeeelish. I also really enjoyed LTT! Joe would love that one, it'll be on our short list for a future trip!

Hi Brook! I finally made it over here now that I am done packing! I leave bright and early at 5:30am tomorrow morning. I'm not happy about that but hey, I'm going to Disney! And so are you!

I really hope you get on an earlier flight. I had some trouble with my flight where they tried to tell me they switched me to a different one, yet they still had seats on the original flight I had booked on :confused: I don't think they know what they are doing. Now all is good! They did say that the airports were going to be very busy with heightened security for the holiday weekend so to make sure to get there early.

I had sent you a message on facebook with my plans earlier in the week. Looks like our Monday and Tuesday plans overlap -- I'm planning on going to DHS on Monday and AK on Tuesday morning. So let me know what would work for you to meet up. Probably best to send me a message on facebook since it's not as easy for me to check in here on my iphone. Hope we can figure something out!

I hope you are done packing! I'm going to try and get to bed early since I have to be up so early. Have a safe trip and I hope to see you soon :goodvibes

What a mess with your flights! But, as I know, you made it!! :goodvibes I'm so glad we had a chance to meet! It was awesome chatting with you, thanks for letting me drag you (along with the others) through Epcot just before it closed so I could finish my mission! LOL I hope our paths cross again...and you gotta do TRs! I want to hear all about all your trips!!!!! :hyper:

Have a magical time filled with pixie dust.:goodvibes

Thank you! I DID!!

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 08:48 AM

Have a most excellent and magical adventure, Brook! :wizard:

Praying for safe travels and a great time!

Have a great trip!!!! :goodvibes

Have a great trip - look forward to hearing all about it :cool1:

Have a magical trip, Brook! :goodvibes

Thank you everyone! I truly did have a great trip! I look forward to telling you all about it!

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 08:54 AM

let me start by apologizing for replying to each of your updates separately and skipping the chat....I am far behind and really shouldn't even be online this morning . but here I am.

your description of how DH "gets dinner" makes me laugh. I get it. totally. Is it because they are both Joe? LOL

Oh the scariness of losing the stroller. wonder how it got moved so far out of where you put it? So glad you found it!

After the third day I realized that Katie did not HAVE to order a kids meal when we did QS, which was a good thing because the kids meals were not good choices. when I looked at Henry's mac & cheese I thought it looked icky. Katie was most upset when she couldn't pick a good dessert. No fair that she would get a plain old cookie when Mom and Dad had cheesecake:laughing:

Can't wait to read on to your girls trip!!

:rotfl: glad my Joe isn't the only one!!!

I think the fact that kids don't HAVE to use a Kid's QS credit on the meal plan is a huge secret - especially for older kids who need more food, or for ones that don't like chicken strips and hot dogs! It's sorta working the systems, but seriously - if Disney leaves a loophole, there is a reason, so use it! IMO! :laughing:

I also like that adults can purchase a kids meal too if they want!

how nice to have a leisurely morning. Looks like you have a fair amount of open floor space in your room to have the monorail set up. Did you keep it set up the whole time or take it apart and reassemble? just wondering.

Love early morning walks in Epcot. We didn't get that this trip, but did in 09 and in 07 and it was just lovely!

At BWV we just kept the monorail up - it was definitely large enough in there. We had to step over it to use the balcony, but that wasn't a big deal. At home, we take it apart because it barrrrrrely fits in Henry's bedroom!

:lmao:did i tell you i was way behind on updates?

Love your NYC photos -- when we are there we are always rushing from one spot to the other. I miss those days when I had time to stroll and take in the sights, and the flowers are beautiful.

You just have to come to NYC more often so you can stroll. ::yes:: ;)

Have a wonderful trip! :goodvibes

Thank you Jen, I did!!!

Brooke your girls trip sounds awesome! Walking around last week I realized what a good idea a girls trip would be.... girls who like to look at the same things I like to look at, instead of power walking to the next ride!:cool1:

Have a blast!!!

It was awesome! It was a perfect combo of girl time and solo time.

Lots to catch up on for me....

Those cars that Henry bought are cute. I have spent a lot of money on cars so far. I don't see the obsession ending anytime soon either. lol. I still really want the monorail set that Henry has. haha.

All the flowers did smell amazing, didn't they? I really enjoyed walking around epcot in March.

I hope you can make it to the Hyperspace Hoopla tonight. I will be there on Saturday. I am so excited and I don't even know anything about Star Wars. lol

That bathing suit is too cute. I like both the striped and the polka-dots. I desperately need a new bathing suit.

I missed your send off, but I hope you are having a fantastic time!! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

We spend quite a bit on cars too - but I don't mind because they last and often get passed onto another child, or two, before they even start to show wear. :thumbsup2 I got Henry 2 Disney Racers during my solo trip and he was elated with both!

I missed the flowers in Epcot! While Epcot is still pretty, the flowers just add so much more!

PopArtGal

06-04-2011, 08:55 AM

So how did it feel to just think about your needs during this past WDW trip?

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 09:07 AM

Late in wishing you a great trip. See you on the other side.:goodvibes

Thank you Pat!

Yes, I also saw that the Idols are going to be at DHS this morning (or atleast Scotty, this year's winner!). If you still go there and are there early, would you mind trying to get a picture for me, your Idol-loving, DIS friend? :flower3: A picture of the chaos would be fine. LOL.

Have fun!

Aw-I didn't see this until just now!!!!

It was just Scotty--I thought I had read about all top 5 coming, but in the end it was just Scotty. I don't remember if I took a pic of the madness-I very well might have, but I DID think of you the entire time! :laughing: I didn't see Scotty, it was must mass chaos, so we walked around the area. Fox News was there filming during Rope Drop (which I MADE!) and that was pretty cool!

And....I finally saw the AIE!!!!!!!!!!! (and I really enjoyed it!!! More on that in the TR ;))

I hope you are having a wonderful time! :thumbsup2

Thank you! I did!

Hope you are having a fab time. I would say from your FB posts that you are. Lovely Illuminations picture last night!

Illuminations from La Hacienda is awesome!

So sorry I missed your big send-off, but hope you are doing something spectacular right now on your last nite in the World!!!:goodvibes

During my last night in the World I dragged a few other DISers around Epcot with me. :rotfl:

I keep peeking in to see if just maybe you had a minute to post a tease about your girls' weekend. Happily, it seems you've been up to way too much fun to DIS. Good!!! Happy last day amid the magic! Can't wait to hear all about it!

I SO wanted to DIS, but I didn't have free internet, so I tried to limit using my phone's data plan for just Facebook and Twitter. I missed having free internet like we get in the villas!

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

I can't wait to write about it!!!

I'm following along on Facebook! :) Sounds like a great time so far Brook.

It really was - so much fun!

Waking up in NY again, are ya?
I enjoyed reading the updates from the trip.
Glad you got to meet Jen and that bunch she was hanging out with.

Those quickie trips always leave me longing for more. How about you?

I gotta say...I REALLY missed my bed! Movies NEEDS those new beds they are getting!

It was wonderful meeting all those DISers. Love those ladies! And we went SHOPPING. Poor Marc and Baylor. :laughing:

I was actually okay with coming home this time - but only because I was solo and missed my boys. If they were along, there would have been NO WAY I wanted to come home!

Plus....I need to make another ticker. :rolleyes1 That always helps. LOL

Welcome home Brook! I hope the trip felt longer to you than it did to me while following on FB!

Can't wait to hear about it :thumbsup2

It actually DID feel long! We got so much done in so few days!

Welcome Home Brook!!! I love that you got all 4 parks in. Can't wait to hear all about it. :goodvibes

I was thrilled that I did it! Plus had a 3 hour break in there!

Welcome Home!! :goodvibes

Welcome back.

Welcome back! Sorry I missed the send off.

Welcome Back. Looking forward to reading about your solo trip!

Welcome back! I had a busy week and couldn't follow as much as I wanted to so am looking forward to hearing the details! popcorn::

Welcome back!

Welcome back! :yay: for 4 parks! Anxious to hear all about it. Anxious but patient. Catch up on your boys and your TA clients and meet us back here when you can.

Oh, if we're guessing how many photos you took, put me down for 2108. :laughing:

Thank you everyone!!!! I had an AWESOME time. I really look forward to writing all about it! I think I will make another TR thread and attempt to update both there and here. :rotfl2: It's laughable, I know. We'll see how it goes. It won't start today...but soon! I didn't take ANY notes, so I need to write it soon (and quickly) so I don't forget the fun details!

Pictures were fewer due to AA batteries almost dying on my FIRST day. Ugh. But, I did have an extra set, and bought another one, so it picks up again. :laughing: It looks like I took about 1000 though!

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 09:09 AM

So how did it feel to just think about your needs during this past WDW trip?

So weird!

And I found out, I get ready in less than 30 minutes.

Why then does it take us over 1.5 hours to leave our hotel room on a family trip?!?!?!?! :lmao:

Softballgirl27

06-04-2011, 01:53 PM

Thank you Jackie! I was in the car with Anita as you texted her about jet skiing...sounds like you guys were having a great time!

I still wish I was going tomorrow. :laughing: Back to back trips? I'll take it!

Oh gosh, that is quite the drive!! But, totally worth it! I am LOVING your pictures on Facebook!!! I hope you do another TR! :hyper:

I gotta say....I REALLY missed the SLR! :scared1: Dealing with AA batteries, plus learning my iPhone was better in certain instances...sigh. I haven't downloaded the camera yet, so we'll see if it's as bad on screen that it seemed to be on the camera!

I about FLIPPED when I saw it was the Yacht Club! :yay: Joe is insanely jealous...and I gotta make a ticker! LOL

I can understand why you love those solo trips now! They are AMAZING! I loved every.single.second!

Thank you Kathy, I did!

I did! Sooooo much fun!

Cape May was AWESOME! You are exactly right! Deeeeeeelish. I also really enjoyed LTT! Joe would love that one, it'll be on our short list for a future trip!

What a mess with your flights! But, as I know, you made it!! :goodvibes I'm so glad we had a chance to meet! It was awesome chatting with you, thanks for letting me drag you (along with the others) through Epcot just before it closed so I could finish my mission! LOL I hope our paths cross again...and you gotta do TRs! I want to hear all about all your trips!!!!! :hyper:

Thank you! I DID!!

that is good. do u have a nice tan now?

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 01:57 PM

that is good. do u have a nice tan now?

Yes! A very nice t-shirt line on my arms and sandal lines on my feet. :rotfl:

glennbo123

06-04-2011, 02:07 PM

First, welcome home!

And I found out, I get ready in less than 30 minutes.

Why then does it take us over 1.5 hours to leave our hotel room on a family trip?!?!?!?! :lmao:

Um, because there are 3 of you....1/2 hour each. :teacher: ;)

PopArtGal

06-04-2011, 03:25 PM

So weird!

And I found out, I get ready in less than 30 minutes.

Why then does it take us over 1.5 hours to leave our hotel room on a family trip?!?!?!?! :lmao:

Tell me about it! lol

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 04:14 PM

First, welcome home!

Um, because there are 3 of you....1/2 hour each. :teacher: ;)

Tell me about it! lol

:lmao: Nice job Glenn! I think you are correct in that reasoning as well....

All7OfUs

06-04-2011, 04:28 PM

By all the FB pix, I trust you had a marvelous time! Welcome home!!

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 04:31 PM

I have a new ticker! And I really cannot believe it! :eek::eek::eek:

Back in January I thought my only trip this year would be our 2 week adventure....my, how things have changed! Good thing we have AP's!:rotfl2:

Turns out Disney decided to offer Agent On-Site Training and several TA's and I JUMPED at the chance...it's an incredible itinerary, at an amazing price. And we are staying at the Yacht Club baaaaaaaaaby! :hyper:

This time Joe won't let me escape alone ;) so he and Henry are tagging along. Our family time will be on the weekends and I'll be at the conference during the weekdays. During the conference, I will be rooming with fellow DISer and TA, jenseib (Jen)! :yay: I might get a chance to see Joe and Henry once or twice during the week too-we'll see-there are some REALLY long days in there. (more on that later!)

We haven't bought airfare yet, or where we are going to stay (other than me at the Yacht Club), but we are shooting for August 13-August 21, the conference running the 15-19.

I'm a bit nervous about the heat...but we have done the first week of September twice, so it can't be all that different, right???? :scared:

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 04:32 PM

By all the FB pix, I trust you had a marvelous time! Welcome home!!

I did! It feels good to be home, but I loved every single second of being away too!

All7OfUs

06-04-2011, 04:43 PM

ANOTHER TRIP!?? I don't think I can bear it any longer!!! I may have a bit of good news of my own, though.... :rolleyes1

petals

06-04-2011, 06:03 PM

Another trip! You're soooo lucky getting to go to Disney so often.

tinacaplan

06-04-2011, 06:20 PM

First of all welcome home! Can't wait to hear about your solo trip. And yay for a new ticker! That's awesome! :thumbsup2 I still want to pinch myself when I think that we're going in less than forty days! And then I want to kick myself for not getting APs...oh well...:rotfl: Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking forward to more updates, too! :goodvibes

2xcited2sleep

06-04-2011, 06:30 PM

Hurrah for another trip! And I'm so glad that you are enjoying the Travel Agent role so much. I am very interested to hear about the training they offer.

As for the heat, I havent been in Aug but with strategic pool breaks I'm sure you'll be fine! :)

hcmommy

06-04-2011, 06:31 PM

You are going Aug. 2012, right? If so boo! I thought you were going this year when we are going :confused:

Glad you had a great trip, can't wait to hear all about it.

onelilspark

06-04-2011, 06:49 PM

:banana: AP's sure are dangerous!!

KatMark

06-04-2011, 07:12 PM

Wow, another trip! Too bad it isn't in September and we could meet.

MEK

06-04-2011, 07:15 PM

ANOTHER TRIP!?? I don't think I can bear it any longer!!! I may have a bit of good news of my own, though.... :rolleyes1
Spill please!!!!! Or did you already? Let me check!

CJsMom

06-04-2011, 07:47 PM

Yahoo for another trip!!! :banana:

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 08:05 PM

ANOTHER TRIP!?? I don't think I can bear it any longer!!! I may have a bit of good news of my own, though.... :rolleyes1

Ooooh reaaaaaaaally???? I so need to get caught up on your TR! :hyper:

Another trip! You're soooo lucky getting to go to Disney so often.

I really cannot believe we are going to be able to swing it. The rate on the TA conference is just too good to pass up, this truly will be a "bargain trip"!

First of all welcome home! Can't wait to hear about your solo trip. And yay for a new ticker! That's awesome! :thumbsup2 I still want to pinch myself when I think that we're going in less than forty days! And then I want to kick myself for not getting APs...oh well...:rotfl: Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking forward to more updates, too! :goodvibes

This trip you should just buy 10 Day Park Hoppers with No Expiration - just in case another trip sneaks it's way in this year....;)

Hurrah for another trip! And I'm so glad that you are enjoying the Travel Agent role so much. I am very interested to hear about the training they offer.

As for the heat, I havent been in Aug but with strategic pool breaks I'm sure you'll be fine! :)

I am LOVING the TA work!! And I'm so excited about the conference. I don't know the details on the actual meetings yet, but I do know all the "extra" stuff. I will be reporting live and will write a TR too! :thumbsup2

Strategic pool breaks will be NECESSARY. We are looking at CBR for a chunk of the stay due to their awesome pirate pool.

You are going Aug. 2012, right? If so boo! I thought you were going this year when we are going :confused:

Glad you had a great trip, can't wait to hear all about it.

No, August 2011!!!! What are your dates? We might be able to meet up!!!! :hyper:

:banana: AP's sure are dangerous!!

Yes they can! :sick: :rotfl: We did this last time we had APs too...:rolleyes:

Wow, another trip! Too bad it isn't in September and we could meet.

I wish it was September! Such a better time of the year to go overall...but this probably makes it easier for those with kids in school...which I guess will be me this year! :eek: Also, the dates of the TA conference exactly end when the D23 conference begins (the one in CA, same as 2 years ago when they announced the New Fantasyland)...sort of strange timing. My agency owner also said she's NEVER seen on-site training during the summer (busy season), so she is very surprised. My Disney rumor-seeking-self wonders if something very fun will be announced....I can hope!

Spill please!!!!! Or did you already? Let me check!

Has she been teasing everyone??? :rotfl2:
Yahoo for another trip!!! :banana:

I can't believe it....it just seems too CRAZY and UNREAL! But, it's true! I'm really looking forward to all the conference has too!

chloe770

06-04-2011, 08:07 PM

Spill please!!!!! Or did you already? Let me check!

Yeah! What gives? A Princess run maybe?:rolleyes1

Poolrat

06-04-2011, 08:38 PM

ANOTHER TRIP!?? I don't think I can bear it any longer!!! I may have a bit of good news of my own, though.... :rolleyes1

:confused: I need to know. I am all ears. :listen:

KristiMc

06-04-2011, 08:49 PM

Yay for another trip!! I'm so jealous though.

PirateKate

06-04-2011, 08:53 PM

Wow, another trip already!! It's so exciting to have trips come up when you hadn't thought they would. Yacht Club sounds fabulous.

APs are only dangerous if you don't know how to use them. :laughing:

Poolrat

06-04-2011, 09:03 PM

APs are only dangerous if you don't know how to use them. :laughing:

I think the AP's have a homing device. :rotfl:

glennbo123

06-04-2011, 09:22 PM

Unbelieveable! Congrats on another trip! It sounds like a great opportunity.

wdwgirl03

06-04-2011, 10:05 PM

I had a feeling it wouldn't be long before you had another ticker! Not even fair! The end of your trip is right around the time my dad and sister will be going-she moves in on the 22nd for the CP. Yes, I am sounding whiny-even with a CP sister I probably won't be going any sooner than December. :sad2: Hopefully that'll change though.

As for the heat, yes, it will be hot...just plan on getting to the parks early and taking swimming breaks and doing some indoor attractions!

brookelizabeth

06-04-2011, 10:17 PM

Yeah! What gives? A Princess run maybe?:rolleyes1

:confused: I need to know. I am all ears. :listen:

:rotfl2: I love how people are begging Liesa on my TR too! :thumbsup2 A Princess run sounds like a LOT of fun!!!

Yay for another trip!! I'm so jealous though.

I am still in a bit of disbelief about it!

BTW, got your FB message - just need to reply! I will! :goodvibes

Wow, another trip already!! It's so exciting to have trips come up when you hadn't thought they would. Yacht Club sounds fabulous.

APs are only dangerous if you don't know how to use them. :laughing:

It is very fun to have these spur of the moment trips! We'll be busy through the fall and winter too settling into a school routine with the H man, so this year is going to fly right by I think! :eek:

LOL about the APs!

I think the AP's have a homing device. :rotfl:

:rotfl2:

Unbelieveable! Congrats on another trip! It sounds like a great opportunity.

Thank you! It really is a great opportunity. The itinerary Disney is giving us for the price is unreal! There are a couple things I would likely NEVER experience aside from this.

I had a feeling it wouldn't be long before you had another ticker! Not even fair! The end of your trip is right around the time my dad and sister will be going-she moves in on the 22nd for the CP. Yes, I am sounding whiny-even with a CP sister I probably won't be going any sooner than December. :sad2: Hopefully that'll change though.

As for the heat, yes, it will be hot...just plan on getting to the parks early and taking swimming breaks and doing some indoor attractions!

Oooh boo! I hope it does change! Your sister "needs you"....ya, that's it. You have to be the good older sister... ;)

Thank you for the tips on the heat! I think we'll get water delivered too so we can always have it easily. So many plans to make! :hyper:

Mindy5767

06-05-2011, 12:27 AM

I gotta new ticker!!! :cool1:---oh no.. its cut off! :( I can't figure out how to get it to appear NEXT to my other counter instead of below it.

MeMom

06-05-2011, 06:08 AM

I have a new ticker! And I really cannot believe it! :eek::eek::eek:

Turns out Disney decided to offer Agent On-Site Training and several TA's and I JUMPED at the chance...it's an incredible itinerary, at an amazing price. And we are staying at the Yacht Club baaaaaaaaaby! :hyper:

This time Joe won't let me escape alone ;) so he and Henry are tagging along.

I'm a bit nervous about the heat...but we have done the first week of September twice, so it can't be all that different, right???? :scared:

Congratulations! :dance3:

Good for Joe and Henry coming along, too. :cool1:

Heat is heat is heat in Florida during those months. You just have to play it right with the rides, attractions, meals, and pool/rest time, and since you are a seasoned WDW traveler, so you know exactly how to do that.

Happy planning! :woohoo:

DisneyJoo2008

06-05-2011, 06:38 AM

lemonsours

06-05-2011, 06:48 AM

Strategic pool breaks will be NECESSARY. We are looking at CBR for a chunk of the stay due to their awesome pirate pool.

If you stay there you will have to let me know how Henry likes the kiddie pool--that's 3/4 of the reason we are staying there!

I can't believe it....it just seems too CRAZY and UNREAL! But, it's true! I'm really looking forward to all the conference has too!

That trip will be so much fun! Congratulations!

PopArtGal

06-05-2011, 07:19 AM

Congrats on getting in the on-site training!

jenseib

06-05-2011, 07:32 AM

YAY!!! Love the ticker!!!
I worry about the heat too. WE have had such hot days here lately, and I keep thinking I hope WDW isn't like this in Aug. Lucklily we should be going in and out of AC rooms for a good part of most days.
Do the nights get cool in the summer? I'm wondering if I will need a sweatshirt for evenings. I know in April it was hot in the day, but the evenings need a sweatshirt for sure.

I can't wait!!!!

hcmommy

06-05-2011, 07:43 AM

This is so cool! Our dates are Aug. 14-20 at CBR! I chose it mostly because our boys (3 and 5) are going to LOVE the pools and pirate ship area. Let me know when you get your schedule worked out. Our parks are:

14-EPCOT
15-EPCOT
16-MK
17-DHS
18-MK
19-AK

I am so scared of the heat but I will have one in preschool and one in kindergarten so summer and school holiday trips are our only choice now. Originally planned for Thanksgiving break then the Kids Stay and Play promo came out and everything just fell into place for Aug. price and timewise. Wish I would have planned it this way sooner, then we could have had free dining instead. It is saving us almost a thousand dollars going in Aug. instead of Nov. between room prices, tickets, etc. so heat it is! Going to have to take it easy and swim a lot this time.

DWGal210

06-05-2011, 09:08 AM

How cool is that?! The training trip sounds like a BLAST!!!! :thumbsup2

I'm glad you had a good time on your solo adventure, it looked like you all had a blast!!! :banana::banana:

CreightonsMomma

06-05-2011, 10:40 AM

Congrats on the new ticker!! You lucky devil! :rotfl:

vamassey1

06-05-2011, 01:44 PM

Wonderful news! You're so lucky to get some much Disney Magic in, in one year.

Looks like we might have a small trip early next year.

Lovemy3babes

06-05-2011, 02:20 PM

How fun that you are going back again Brook!! Take advantage of those APs baby! Woot! :)

BerrysGirl

06-05-2011, 05:03 PM

As soon as Matt gets his assignment for the CP I'll have to let you know! Maybe he can stir up some Pixie Dust for you, Joe, and Henry!

Flossbolna

06-05-2011, 05:25 PM

TanzUnited99

06-05-2011, 05:33 PM

Welcome back and woohoo on having another ticker!!!

Softballgirl27

06-05-2011, 07:37 PM

Yes! A very nice t-shirt line on my arms and sandal lines on my feet. :rotfl:

sweet i have always wanted a sandle tan:lovestruc

Charleston Princess

06-06-2011, 06:14 AM

Thank you Jackie! I was in the car with Anita as you texted her about jet skiing...sounds like you guys were having a great time!

I was so nervous about Charles and Chelsea doing that! I was convinced they were going to end up in the ocean. :rotfl: As you can see, though, from the pics, they survived and had a great time. :goodvibes

Hurray for a new ticker!!! :woohoo:

chloe770

06-06-2011, 06:44 AM

http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u353/mason1208_photos/happy-birthday-102-59873.gif

jenseib

06-06-2011, 06:51 AM

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh275/karebearlv/BIRTHDAY/Birthday2.gif

hcmommy

06-06-2011, 07:28 AM

Have a great Birthday! :wizard:

vamassey1

06-06-2011, 07:46 AM

Happy Birthday!:banana::banana::woohoo::woohoo::cheer2:: cheer2:party::bday::bday::jumping1:

pooh'smate

06-06-2011, 08:27 AM

http://lafreebee.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/birthday_clipart_27.jpg

eandesmom

06-06-2011, 09:22 AM

How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!! My beloved Yacht Club :love:

It will be HOT but heat is heat and plan accordingly. I'd plan on lighting and rain in the afternoon and schedule your pool time around that if you can, that was the one thing that mucked up our plans more than anything.

And the beauty of the BC/YC is how you can cut through, inside, quite a bit to escape the heat to get from one end to the other :rotfl:

moparop

06-06-2011, 11:36 AM

Happy birthday friend!!!

And another trip coming up before mine?? Man, I am jealous! ;) We did Disney in august before and honestly, we had done a local amusement park here the week before we went and Disney was not any worse. We did the afternoon nap every day in the heat and it worked out fine!

I'll probably be contacting you to run some numbers just before that trip for a Mop Family 2012 adventure.... :D

dekkerdisneydreamer

06-06-2011, 11:37 AM

party::bday:party:

I hope you have a great day Brook!

Congrats on the TA trip! That should be a blast, minus the heat of course....:rolleyes1

CandleontheWater

06-06-2011, 11:51 AM

Wow, another trip- how exciting!

You'll be fine in August, yes it is hot, but you live in NYC and it is hot there too. The difference is that you'll have SAB in Florida! :yay:

TanzUnited99

06-06-2011, 12:51 PM

Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a great day! :cool1:

Native NYer

06-06-2011, 04:41 PM

Happy Birthday Brook!
I hope we get to meet up in August. :goodvibes

tiggrbaby

06-06-2011, 05:10 PM

Happy Birthday!:cheer2:

disneyfan61

06-06-2011, 07:59 PM

Hey Brook!! Happy Birthday!!:goodvibes

Sorry we did not get to meet on our last night (and your first night). As it was I got to meet Anita at about 11:30 that night.

Great news about another trip in August.:thumbsup2

I am so far behind & trying to catch up since coming back. Still have not downloaded my pics.

So glad to hear you had a great trip.

Poolrat

06-06-2011, 08:20 PM

party:party::bday:party:party:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOK!!!!!!

MeMom

06-06-2011, 08:22 PM

I said Happy Birthday on Facebook this morning, so I'll end the day by saying it on here.

http://bestsmileys.com/birthday1/2.gif

Hope it was a good one!

Disneyfreak616

06-06-2011, 08:59 PM

Congrats on the Yacht Club!!!! :woohoo:

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! party:

jenb1023

06-07-2011, 08:17 PM

Thanks to the chapter links I am all caught up and ready for more!

Congrats on another trip! Yacht Club is where we are dying to stay next but I think it will be awhile.

Skipping back a little on your TR, the Barber Shop taking appointments now is awesome. We made one for DD in January to get a fancy do with gel and confetti (best deal in the parks at $7.50 and so cute!) and those without an appointment waited an hour. I totally would have skipped the haircut too but if you get a chance next time it is worth the time!

CJsMom

06-08-2011, 08:36 PM

Happy Birthday Brooke! :cool1:

LookinUp

06-09-2011, 12:21 AM

ClaireW

06-09-2011, 07:06 AM

Your trip sounds brilliant - busy but very exciting!

But... we don't fly in until the 23rd - any chance you could make even better use of those APs and stay a little longer...? :rolleyes1

SoonerGirl

06-11-2011, 08:46 AM

Hi there Brook!

I had to skip the chatter to get caught up, which stinks, because I love the chatter, but I'm sooooo far behind on everyone's reports I knew I wouldn't be able to read every post.

Congratulations on your August trip!!! :banana:

Oh and Happy Belated Birthday!!!!! :cake: Sorry I missed it

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 07:45 PM

Once again I'm behind on my own thread. :sad2: Sorry folks, I have truly meant to update by now! Tonight is the night. No plans - no distractions after Mr. Henry is in bed....replies and a (hopefully massive!) update are COMING SOON! :yay:

All7OfUs

06-11-2011, 07:48 PM

I'll have to catch it on Monday!! Have fun writing it though :)

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 07:52 PM

I gotta new ticker!!! :cool1:---oh no.. its cut off! :( I can't figure out how to get it to appear NEXT to my other counter instead of below it.

It looks good to me! You've probably figured it out by now though. :laughing: I'm so excited to meet you gals and spend 5 days with you!!!

Congratulations! :dance3:

Good for Joe and Henry coming along, too. :cool1:

Heat is heat is heat in Florida during those months. You just have to play it right with the rides, attractions, meals, and pool/rest time, and since you are a seasoned WDW traveler, so you know exactly how to do that.

Happy planning! :woohoo:

Joe was not about to let me go alone again. LOL He's looking forward to this trip, even though it will be a bit different.

I am trying to convince Joe about rope drop this trip, since it will be so hot during the mid-day. We'll see how he does...otherwise, maybe we'll just hang at the resort during the day and then hit the parks in the evenings. Who knows! We'll figure out though. :goodvibes

I am SO excited for you!!! and FINALLY one of my DIS friends will be there at the same time as me!!!!!!!! Our trip is 11th August to 1st September - would be amazing if Toby and I could meet you!!!!!!!!!!!!
xxx

HOLY COW 3 WEEKS!!!!!!! That will be awesome! Where you are staying? Yes, we should DEFINITELY meet up! The 15-19 will be very busy for me, but our other days will be a bit more flexible. Send me a PM when you get a second if you have any sort of schedule set!

If you stay there you will have to let me know how Henry likes the kiddie pool--that's 3/4 of the reason we are staying there!

That trip will be so much fun! Congratulations!

Well, after pricing everything - it looks like this might be a Pop trip instead...which is great - I know Henry will love that pool and resort! We are really having to do this as cheaply as possible, and while CBR was still a good deal - it just isn't enough of a good deal (unless we somehow get a steal on airfare!). I think CBR will be our next Mod though, it looks so beautiful and that pool is incredible!

luvfigment

06-11-2011, 07:56 PM

I just saw about your trip in Aug! Congrats that is amazing! You will learn so much at the conference and get to spend some time with the family...that is perfect.

How old was Henry again when you went for his first trip? I am going through some major Disney withdrawal and am trying to plan when I will go for the first time with Maliah. Of course she does need to be born first. Ha ha ha.

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 07:59 PM

Congrats on getting in the on-site training!

Thank you Christy! And I'll see you soon! :hyper: :goodvibes

YAY!!! Love the ticker!!!
I worry about the heat too. WE have had such hot days here lately, and I keep thinking I hope WDW isn't like this in Aug. Lucklily we should be going in and out of AC rooms for a good part of most days.
Do the nights get cool in the summer? I'm wondering if I will need a sweatshirt for evenings. I know in April it was hot in the day, but the evenings need a sweatshirt for sure.

I can't wait!!!!

I don't think the nights will get all that cool. In early September I usually bring a sweatshirt in my luggage, but I don't think I've ever used it. You'll want one for the conference rooms though I bet! It seems like every conference I have ever been to are way over-air-conditioned!

This is so cool! Our dates are Aug. 14-20 at CBR! I chose it mostly because our boys (3 and 5) are going to LOVE the pools and pirate ship area. Let me know when you get your schedule worked out. Our parks are:

14-EPCOT
15-EPCOT
16-MK
17-DHS
18-MK
19-AK

I am so scared of the heat but I will have one in preschool and one in kindergarten so summer and school holiday trips are our only choice now. Originally planned for Thanksgiving break then the Kids Stay and Play promo came out and everything just fell into place for Aug. price and timewise. Wish I would have planned it this way sooner, then we could have had free dining instead. It is saving us almost a thousand dollars going in Aug. instead of Nov. between room prices, tickets, etc. so heat it is! Going to have to take it easy and swim a lot this time.

Well, it looks like we won't be doing CBR. It's not completely out of the picture, but the wallet is more liking Pop this trip! 1/2 at Pop and 1/2 at OKW with our points. I haven't a clue yet what our schedule will be, but the only day I could probably meet up is the 14th, since I'll be at the training on the 15-19 (one or two of those nights I think we do get out earlier too...). I'm not sure what we are doing on the 14th yet, but I marked your schedule down! I'll keep ya posted. :goodvibes

How cool is that?! The training trip sounds like a BLAST!!!! :thumbsup2

I'm glad you had a good time on your solo adventure, it looked like you all had a blast!!! :banana::banana:

I had a great time on the solo trip!! I do plan to write a TR about it...I just haven't gotten to it at all yet! I sent you a message a while back on Facebook about TA stuff - did you ever get it?

Congrats on the new ticker!! You lucky devil! :rotfl:

Thank you! I am so so excited!!!!!

Wonderful news! You're so lucky to get some much Disney Magic in, in one year.

Looks like we might have a small trip early next year.

The May trip would NOT have happened if I had known about this one...but I'm not complaining! :laughing:

I hope that small trip works out for you!!!!! :wizard:

How fun that you are going back again Brook!! Take advantage of those APs baby! Woot! :)

Exactly! That and DVC make a trip like this, on the fly, a LOT more doable.

As soon as Matt gets his assignment for the CP I'll have to let you know! Maybe he can stir up some Pixie Dust for you, Joe, and Henry!

That would be so great! I'd love to just to run across someone I "know" in the parks. :thumbsup2

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 08:19 PM

Welcome back Brook and wow, another trip!! But I am sure that Disney made some mistakes with those dates since they are two months too early!! Same days in October would have been soooo much better!

I agree with you!!! October would have been so much better - for so many reasons! :laughing: At this rate, perhaps I will have a surprise for October too? I can dream, right???

Welcome back and woohoo on having another ticker!!!

Thank you!!! I loved putting that ticker on there!!

sweet i have always wanted a sandle tan

:laughing: Mine is a problem, because I wear several different pairs of sandals and it looks hilarious with some of them! But, all well!

I was so nervous about Charles and Chelsea doing that! I was convinced they were going to end up in the ocean. :rotfl: As you can see, though, from the pics, they survived and had a great time. :goodvibes

Hurray for a new ticker!!!

I would have been the exact same way!!! Little fast boats scare me!

http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u353/mason1208_photos/happy-birthday-102-59873.gif

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh275/karebearlv/BIRTHDAY/Birthday2.gif

Have a great Birthday! :wizard:

Happy Birthday!:banana::banana::woohoo::woohoo::cheer2:: cheer2::bday::bday::jumping1:

http://lafreebee.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/birthday_clipart_27.jpg

Thank you everyone! It was a great day - just simple at mostly at home, but nice.

How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!! My beloved Yacht Club :love:

It will be HOT but heat is heat and plan accordingly. I'd plan on lighting and rain in the afternoon and schedule your pool time around that if you can, that was the one thing that mucked up our plans more than anything.

And the beauty of the BC/YC is how you can cut through, inside, quite a bit to escape the heat to get from one end to the other :rotfl:

I just looked at the pictures of the Yacht Club rooms for the first time, they look so comfortable! I really look forward to staying there. We walked through the lobby during our Feb/March trip and were in awe-it's beautiful!

Great advice, thank you Cynthia! I will be sure to tell that to Joe too as he'll be solo parenting Monday-Friday in the parks...I can totally see them not even adventuring out until after nap time even. LOL

Happy birthday friend!!!

And another trip coming up before mine?? Man, I am jealous! ;) We did Disney in august before and honestly, we had done a local amusement park here the week before we went and Disney was not any worse. We did the afternoon nap every day in the heat and it worked out fine!

I'll probably be contacting you to run some numbers just before that trip for a Mop Family 2012 adventure.... :D

That's good to hear that it's not unbearable! I figure it can't be all that much hotter than the first few days of September, right? And we've done that twice. Now that Henry is older too, we'll probably be riding the water rides! :thumbsup2

Disney prices for 2012 (except very early 2012) aren't out yet - but I suspect they are coming soon with this price hike on the tickets and I've already seen the 2012 DDP brochures too...hopefully this means they are about to release all the numbers! People are ready to BOOK! Send me your info whenever you can though, and I'll watch for the opening of the booking windows and run those numbers!

party::bday:party:

I hope you have a great day Brook!

Congrats on the TA trip! That should be a blast, minus the heat of course....:rolleyes1

Thank you!!! It was a great day!! My favorite part was sushi for lunch. YUM!!!

Wow, another trip- how exciting!

You'll be fine in August, yes it is hot, but you live in NYC and it is hot there too. The difference is that you'll have SAB in Florida! :yay:

NYC does get VERY hot and humid! Last year July here was unreal. And we are outside all the time, so maybe I'll be a bit more adjusted...

I'm SO looking forward to SAB!!!!!

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 08:26 PM

Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a great day! :cool1:

Happy Birthday Brook!
I hope we get to meet up in August. :goodvibes

Happy Birthday!:cheer2:

Thank you!!!

Jen-I hope we do too!!! I'll send you my schedule when I have one. I marked it down in my notes that you will be there!

Hey Brook!! Happy Birthday!!:goodvibes

Sorry we did not get to meet on our last night (and your first night). As it was I got to meet Anita at about 11:30 that night.

Great news about another trip in August.:thumbsup2

I am so far behind & trying to catch up since coming back. Still have not downloaded my pics.

So glad to hear you had a great trip.

I was bummed about not getting to meet up! It just wasn't working with our timing - and my friend Sarah didn't have a ticket for that night....I would have felt bad leaving her along in the hotel room so quickly. :sad2: Glad it worked out with Anita though, I saw a pic of you two on her Facebook!

I understand about being behind! I still haven't caught up from February! :headache: I'm about a month behind on a lot of threads.

party:party::bday:party:party:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOK!!!!!!

I said Happy Birthday on Facebook this morning, so I'll end the day by saying it on here.

http://bestsmileys.com/birthday1/2.gif

Hope it was a good one!

Congrats on the Yacht Club!!!! :woohoo:

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! party:

Thank you!!!!

Thanks to the chapter links I am all caught up and ready for more!

Congrats on another trip! Yacht Club is where we are dying to stay next but I think it will be awhile.

Skipping back a little on your TR, the Barber Shop taking appointments now is awesome. We made one for DD in January to get a fancy do with gel and confetti (best deal in the parks at $7.50 and so cute!) and those without an appointment waited an hour. I totally would have skipped the haircut too but if you get a chance next time it is worth the time!

I'm really looking forward to the Yacht Club. I haven't done much research about it all yet, but I will! I just looked at pictures of the rooms tonight - they look beautiful and comfortable. Plus, that location. :love:

Yes! The Barber Shop does now take appointments! YAY! We waited about 1.5 hours one time for Henry too. It was worth it, but that's not a fun line to wait in! I might have to do the gel in a future trip, I think he'd love that-even though it would probably end up a total mess! LOL

Happy Birthday Brooke! :cool1:

Thank you!!! :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 08:37 PM

Yea, Brook! Getting to plan yet another WDW trip this year is an awfully nice birthday present. Yacht Club, amazing training, and spectacular bargain. Wow. Plus, to top it off, you're taking Joe & Henry? Incredible. You must be on :cloud9:

I cannot believe I get to go AGAIN this year. :eek: Next year will likely be one trip in Feb and the cruise in June...unless something crazy happens again. :laughing:

Your trip sounds brilliant - busy but very exciting!

But... we don't fly in until the 23rd - any chance you could make even better use of those APs and stay a little longer...? :rolleyes1

It will be very busy - but a ton of fun! I would LOVE to stay until the 23rd and meet up!!! We still haven't bought our airfare...so while the chances of an extension are slim, I guess ya never know!

Hi there Brook!

I had to skip the chatter to get caught up, which stinks, because I love the chatter, but I'm sooooo far behind on everyone's reports I knew I wouldn't be able to read every post.

Congratulations on your August trip!!! :banana:

Oh and Happy Belated Birthday!!!!! :cake: Sorry I missed it

No worries on missing the birthday! I wasn't on here anyway! LOL I practically forgot about it myself...they are all just running together now! I am also having a hard time remembering how old I am! :laughing:

I cannot wait to read about your trip!!!! :hyper: :hyper:

I'll have to catch it on Monday!! Have fun writing it though :)

Thanks Liesa! Have a blessed Sunday!

I just saw about your trip in Aug! Congrats that is amazing! You will learn so much at the conference and get to spend some time with the family...that is perfect.

How old was Henry again when you went for his first trip? I am going through some major Disney withdrawal and am trying to plan when I will go for the first time with Maliah. Of course she does need to be born first. Ha ha ha.

Thank you!!! I am really looking forward to the family time and the conference - both the fun parts of the conference, and the seminars.

Henry was 14 months old. It was a GREAT age. But, Henry's first trip was to NYC at 8 months old and that was fantastic. I think it's much easier to travel with a baby versus a toddler. You have a bit more gear to carry, and have to plan for a few things extra, but if they are a stroller sleeper-no problem! What age are you thinking about? Jill (BrooklynsMommy) did WDW when Bella was just around 3 months old - she just wore her the entire time, it seemed to work well for her! I love that you are thinking about her first WDW trip! :cutie:

jenseib

06-11-2011, 08:48 PM

I've been looking at Yacht Club pictures too, and it makes me so excited! I can't wait to check it out.

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 10:02 PM

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! It was a very nice day! I woke up to Henry's hands on my cheeks and him singing Happy Birthday to me. :lovestruc It was very sweet. My sister-in-law made me breakfast, then since Joe was working from home, he ran out and picked me up sushi for lunch! YUM! For dinner we all grabbed slices of pizza from a nearby place and we walked to the movie theater to see Kung Fu Panda 2 - it was cute. All in all, a simple, but great day spent with those I love!

Now...where did we leave off? I had grabbed FastPasses for Test Track (including Henry-he said he wanted to ride today, despite him saying he didn't like it on our first night), and we had made a purchase of two Disney Racer cars.

We headed to the other side of Future World

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7049/1210230296_iS5ur-L.jpg
The F&GF still wasn't open yet - but this was outside the butterfly tent

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7050/1210231756_evzfR-L.jpg
See the Hidden Mickey?

Pit stop-let's go in!

Perhaps I can trick Henry with the Beverly....

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7053/1210234262_PPsT6-L.jpg
I wasn't the only mean one - that is JOE'S arm in the pic!!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7054/1210235103_H22AP-L.jpg
:rotfl:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7057/1210237876_uwacd-L.jpg
"It's yucky!!!!"

After the Beverly incident Henry refused to try anymore of them! Gee, I wonder why?!?!

Back outside,

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7060/1210240956_xXh7P-L.jpg

we eventually made it to our destination

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7061/1210242225_4AgF6-L.jpg
Nemo!

An attempt at a family picture...you may recall the World's Worst Family Picture was taken right in these very clam shells back in September

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7062/1210243256_tiwRy-L.jpg
Blurry, yet a BAZILLION times better than the last one!

After we found Nemo we had to pay Bruce a visit

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7064/1210244324_b4qUj-L.jpg

Turtle Talk was in the middle of a show, so we spent some time exploring the area

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7066/1210246489_nwMsA-L.jpg
Henry always enjoys a touch screen! Such a little geek!

And of course, we scoped out the fish and stingrays

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7075/1210257779_Ak7WS-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7087/1210272963_rutJt-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7091/1210277864_vrYbq-L.jpg

There are a few fish in the stingray tank, one of which "befriended" Henry back in September and would not leave the corner of the tank where Henry was standing. This time, as soon as Henry spotted that little fish, he remembered him! I was surprised!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7073/1210255248_Rs8d5-L.jpg
"Hi friend!"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7071/1210252904_Vz7ip-L.jpg

And this is where Momma made a mistake.

Henry kept saying "Hi!" to the fish as it swam near him, and would ask him various questions, so in return, I pretended I was the fish and spoke back to Henry.

"Hi Henry! I remember you! How are you? Are you having fun? Are you going to see Crush?"

And so on.

Cute, right?

Well....for the rest of the trip Henry expected EVERY animal to speak back to him. "Make him talk Mommy!" I cannot count how many times I (or Joe) was a duck, or a bunny, or a fish, or an animatronic animal! LOL! While it's fine the first few times, it does get old! :rolleyes1 Thankfully, he has passed this stage!!!!

Eventually the doors opened and we went in. For the past couple trips Joe has tried to encourage Henry to sit down front with the other kids, and Henry has always refused. But, this time Joe and I got front row seats, so Henry happily sat on the floor-directly in front of us.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7093/1210278882_KX5AN-L.jpg

He didn't last too long sitting there, he would scoot up front - then stand up and come back around to us. Then go sit back down. Lather, rinse, repeat!

We really enjoy this show. Sure, it's pretty similar every time you see it, but the questions kids ask are so stinkin' cute! It has never failed to make us laugh. The best part of the show this time was when one of the kids asked Crush how fast he swam. I cannot remember the answer, but then Crush asked the child if she could swim really fast - except he repeated "really" about 200 times! :lmao: The whole place was roaring with laughter!

Out into the dump shop

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7095/1210281010_KbL7A-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7096/1210281934_L5CcL-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7097/1210282769_ES8eH-L.jpg
If Disney t-shirts were closer to $15 instead of $30, I bet I'd have a closet full of 'em.

I didn't buy anything, but Henry...

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7098/1210283434_9JxHD-L.jpg

selected his stuffed animal of the trip!

Last trip he selected Nemo, this time Squirt (or is that supposed to be Crush?). If they have a Dory, I can see him getting her next time!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7101/1210285420_z5B2B-L.jpg

Up Next: Duffy on a stick.

tinacaplan

06-11-2011, 10:08 PM

Yay Nemo! We rode Nemo more times than I care to count in February. Max loved it and it hardly ever had a line. What's better? :confused3

Poolrat

06-11-2011, 10:41 PM

Crush always makes me smile.

It's good to see Henry starting to get brave at Crush. That whole area is so great to spend some time in.

Getting Henry with the Beverly... priceless. :rotfl2:

brookelizabeth

06-11-2011, 10:45 PM

After our adventures in the Seas were over, our stomachs were starting to rumble a bit. It was nearing lunch time. But first, we must stop at the Land to grab Soarin' FastPasses!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7103/1210287386_nmNQd-L.jpg
I cannot help myself but to take pictures like this every trip. I seriously have an obsession with palm trees! (among other things found at Disney World...)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7105/1210289326_HSSbz-L.jpg
Squirt was guiding the way over to the Land

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7107/1210291137_Q7q93-L.jpg

I believe I hung out with Henry outside while Joe went to obtain the goods

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7109/1210292837_cMjYi-L.jpg
Glennbo123®

Where to eat?

Let's go this way:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7110/1210294594_36F44-L.jpg
The other side of the butterfly tent

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7111/1210295681_fRskA-L.jpg

The World Showcase sure looks inviting...through Canada, the UK and onto

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7117/1210302381_CP5ze-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7118/1210303292_i2mUi-L.jpg

France. Your bakery is my husband's siren call.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7119/1210304408_e2xSS-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7120/1210305758_3D7f6-L.jpg

Cynthia (among others) had described the ham sandwich found here - and I had been longing to try it after their descriptions. Joe had absolutely ZERO problem with eating lunch at a bakery - especially this one!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7121/1210306727_nBFrQ-L.jpg
Ham and cheese sandwiches for all of us.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7122/1210307645_dfhCr-L.jpg
Chocolate Mousse - Henry's pick.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7123/1210308634_kv7uL-L.jpg
Eclair - Joe's pick.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7124/1210309752_uDsCv-L.jpg
Apple Tart - mine.

I was a bit nervous about this meal. I am not a huge fan of cheese (I know, I know, but just wait until you read the NEXT paragraph), so I wasn't sure I'd like the cheese on the sandwich - but I did! The entire sandwich was delicious and not a crumb was left behind!

As you can see in the pictures above, I chose the apple tart as my dessert, but I will admit, I steered Henry in the direction of the Chocolate Mousse so I could try it! I've heard so many good things about it, I just wanted a taste. I am not a huge fan of chocolate either (see! worse than cheese, right?), I have to be in the mood for it, and it can't be too rich - but with all the rave reviews, I had to try that mousse! Sadly, I was correct with this one - it was too chocolatey for me. Henry, on the other hand, ate that cup CLEAN!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7127/1210312011_V4EBF-L.jpg

Despite our simple meal of a sandwich and desserts, the bill was almost $30--without drinks! This is not a great deal out of pocket, but could be pretty decent on the dining plan.

After we were done eating I took Henry over to the KidCot stop so he could color a Duffy on a stick. I figured we'd be here for just a couple minutes while Joe threw away the garbage and we each took a turn browsing the shop/coloring with Henry.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7132/1210316886_9PqPa-L.jpg
Serious artist at work.

It was about 3 minutes into it, I decided to make a run to the bathroom. I consulted my iPhone map and saw there was one just over the bridge, near the International Gateway.

Easy.

Well, turns out this bathroom is OUTSIDE the gates. It wasn't close at all! Morocco is much closer! All well, lesson learned. I hurried back knowing Joe and Henry would be more than ready and waiting for me...

but...I found Henry was still hard at work on his Duffy! Joe said he had not come up from coloring since he had started!

So, I took pictures and waited.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7133/1210317852_uPkLu-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7135/1210319970_RXyAp-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7136/1210320786_rQYBb-L.jpg

And eventually, the masterpiece was complete!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7138/1210322571_MpWvr-L.jpg

I was a very proud Mommy. I'm certain that Duffy would go for millions!

We finally emerged from France

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7139/1210323934_hDaJX-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7141/1210326270_aNord-L.jpg

We started to wander just a bit, completely without an agenda

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7145/1210332011_mBexn-L.jpg

In seconds we were in Morocco - near the bathroom. :rolleyes:

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February28/IMG7146/1210333145_2DxGa-L.jpg

It was getting late in the day - and Joe was itchin' for some Stormalong Bay. A decision was made, we turned around and headed back out toward the Boardwalk - first a nap, then SAB!