Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[brookelizabeth]

Marriage is a choice.
Love is a choice.

We choose to marry a person that we have chosen to love. Sure, there is chemistry and natural flow - but when it comes down to it, love is a choice that we daily make.

And with that choice you learn to compromise and sacrifice your own desires and choices for your spouse. And they do the same for you. Because there is love. We learn to put their desires and needs before our own.

This is also a perfect example of our recent two week adventure in Disney World.

After being on the DIS for several years I have noticed there are two extreme personalities here on the Trip Planning and Reporting boards.

Type 1: Wing-it. Fly by the seat of my pants. Do whatever we are feeling.

Type 2: Plan, plan, plan.

My DH, Joe

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/March1/IMG7369/1210644049_Z4Bkn-L.jpg

is Type 1. Wake up whenever we wake up, he'd prefer not to have any "appointments" (but realizes we often must have ADRs), and doesn't care what we cover in the parks...just as long as we aren't rushing and have plenty of down-time to enjoy the resort and pool.

I; Brook;

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/March1/IMG7368/1210643125_sLuNg-L.jpg

am naturally Type 2.

I don't have a strong urge to plan down to ride-order, but I DO like a daily schedule to ensure we cover all that each person in our party desires to cover. I would prefer to get to the parks early and run until we about drop, sleep like a rock and do it again the next day. Throw in 1 or 2 "no plans" days, and I'm good.

With all that said, having a Type 1 husband and a 3 year old (Henry),

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/March1/IMG7393/1210666508_W2XLR-L.jpg

has forced me to relax and our trips have become a mixture of Type 1 and Type 2...which has been good. We've had several trips that I thought were a perfect mix.

Key word: thought.

During planning of this 2 week trip Joe made it fairly clear to me that he'd like a more relaxed approach to Disney World; after all, we were there for two weeks, right?

Okay, I could do this. No prob!

And I did! We had very, very few plans - and I was excited about it. I figured with two weeks we'd still get everything covered that we all wanted, but be able to do it in a completely relaxed fashion. Best of both worlds!

Ahhh....not so much.

Marriage. Compromise, sacrifice, choices. It all makes you a better person...

...and makes for a great trip.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/March-6/IMG9317/1217823946_M3jd5-L.jpg


Table of Contents
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Hello Mickey! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40432270&postcount=87)
Epcot Eats (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40452338&postcount=152)
First Ride! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40512231&postcount=228)

Sunday, February 27, 2011
Main Street USA (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40535109&postcount=285)
Clang, Clang, Clang went the Trolley (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40662051&postcount=448)
Loosing my Second Breakfast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40662133&postcount=450) (don't worry...I don't really loose it!)
Winnie the Queue. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40737676&postcount=579)
Winnie the Queue. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40737687&postcount=580)
The Big Apple (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40748251&postcount=616)
Paul. *shudder* Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40794764&postcount=696)
Paul. *shudder* Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40794777&postcount=697)
Stormalong-Heaven (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41007231&postcount=788)
Uh...where's the stroller? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41018610&postcount=825)
Flying Blankies, Flying Elephants, and Defending the Galaxy (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41091531&postcount=912)
Castle Girl (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41098722&postcount=947)

Monday, February 28, 2011
Shopping is an attraction, right? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41229186&postcount=1038)
Can you swim really fast? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41444730&postcount=1244)
Duffy on a stick. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41445151&postcount=1247)
Look at all those lazy people on the laaaaaazy river (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41458115&postcount=1277)
Late night rides (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41484935&postcount=1322)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A BIG Small World DIS Meet (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41768773&postcount=1471)
Do-Si-Do! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41768810&postcount=1472)
Wandering Down Main Street (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41768823&postcount=1473)
Crazy Birds and Ice Cream (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41817802&postcount=1544)
A Little Cowboy (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41886268&postcount=1612)
Hi-ja! Part One (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41918450&postcount=1666)
Hi-ja! Part Two (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41918463&postcount=1667)

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Watching the Morning Go By (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42001575&postcount=1716)
Rafiki's Planet Watch (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42036772&postcount=1774)
Are we still in Florida? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42136755&postcount=1821)
Lunch & a Jungle Trek (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42136783&postcount=1822)
Momma Gets a Little Pixie Dust (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42136819&postcount=1823)
The Night Strawberry Shortcake Met it's Match (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42208247&postcount=1882)

Thursday, March 3, 2011
What a great idea....or not! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42567770&postcount=2017)
Relaxing in the Wilderness: take 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42597081&postcount=2064), take 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42601412&postcount=2073)
More Relaxing in the Wilderness (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42689304&postcount=2121)
Strollin' (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42841180&postcount=2157)
Beaches & Cream and a bit of pixie dust! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42877286&postcount=2199)
The Hidden Mickey (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42910909&postcount=2248)

Friday, March 4, 2011
Play & Dine. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42969719&postcount=2289)
Play & Dine. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42969735&postcount=2290)
Drawing...a not so family friendly attraction! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43121521&postcount=2338)
Drawing...a not so family friendly attraction! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43121563&postcount=2339)
To Infinity and Beyond! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43265485&postcount=2404)
TSM, food, Donald, food, Illuminations, food. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43365433&postcount=2428)
TSM, food, Donald, food, Illuminations, food. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43365442&postcount=2429)
TSM, food, Donald, food, Illuminations, food. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43365456&postcount=2430)
TSM, food, Donald, food, Illuminations, food. Part Four. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43365481&postcount=2432)

Saturday, March 5, 2011
Wait, that wasn't supposed to be free? Whoops! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43407070&postcount=2458)
Wait, that wasn't supposed to be free? Whoops! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43407081&postcount=2459)
Wait, that wasn't supposed to be free? Whoops! Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43407091&postcount=2460)
A Change of Plans. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43412113&postcount=2476)
A Change of Plans. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43412150&postcount=2477)
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea... Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43423092&postcount=2500)
Maybe this wasn't such a good idea... Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43423099&postcount=2501)

Sunday March 6, 2011 - Kennedy Space Center
Getting our Geek On! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43426449&postcount=2505)
Getting our Geek On! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43428766&postcount=2510)
Getting our Geek On! Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43428812&postcount=2511)
Getting our Geek On! Part Four. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43428834&postcount=2512)
Getting our Geek on! Part Five. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43428869&postcount=2513)
A few random pictures & videos (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43443899&postcount=2533)

Monday, March 7, 2011
The Beginning to a Very Long Day! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43458840&postcount=2543)
The Beginning to a Very Long Day! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43458860&postcount=2544)
The Beginning to a Very Long Day! Part Three (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43458878&postcount=2545).
The Beginning to a Very Long Day! Part Four. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43458912&postcount=2546)
Saving the World. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43497347&postcount=2575)
Saving the World. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43497375&postcount=2576)
Watching the World Go By. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43653350&postcount=2627)
Watching the World Go By. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43653363&postcount=2628)
Watching the World Go By. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43653377&postcount=2629)
The End to a Very Long Day! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43674799&postcount=2652)
The End to a Very Long Day! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43674816&postcount=2653)
The End to a Very Long Day! Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43674833&postcount=2654)
The End to a Very Long Day! Part Four. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43674864&postcount=2655)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Joe's Turn. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43688685&postcount=2679)
Joe's Turn. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43688703&postcount=2680)
Joe's Turn. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43688716&postcount=2681)
Dinner & Epcot. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43822952&postcount=2720)
Dinner & Epcot. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43822992&postcount=2721)
Dinner & Epcot. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43823014&postcount=2722)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirates Life for Henry! Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43832440&postcount=2739)
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a Pirates Life for Henry! Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43832484&postcount=2740)
Takin' out the Bad Guys. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43844315&postcount=2777)
Takin' out the Bad Guys. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43844418&postcount=2778)
Takin' out the Bad Guys. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43844455&postcount=2779)
Enjoying Main Street USA. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43852581&postcount=2792)
Enjoying Main Street USA. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43852619&postcount=2793)
Enjoying Main Street USA. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43852636&postcount=2794)

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Exploring the Pop! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43895246&postcount=2833)
No Fringe on Top. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43903738&postcount=2841)
No Fringe on Top. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43904399&postcount=2842)
No Fringe on Top. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43904444&postcount=2843)

Friday, March 11, 2011
Plans? What Plans? Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43911239&postcount=2857)
Plans? What Plans? Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43911286&postcount=2858)
Plans? What Plans? Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43911305&postcount=2859)

Saturday, March 12, 2011
I Just Want Epcot. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43966462&postcount=2890)
I Just Want Epcot. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43966478&postcount=2891)
Good-bye Epcot. Part One. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44066597&postcount=2930)
Good-bye Epcot. Part Two. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44066614&postcount=2931)
Good-bye Epcot. Part Three. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44066623&postcount=2932)

Final Thoughts & Link to the Disneyland Trip Report (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44163726&postcount=2969)

Non-TR Stuff
New tickerS (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40722585&postcount=524)
Info about the solo trip (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40737676&postcount=579)
Solo Trip Plans...revised...again! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40794016&postcount=694)
Happy Belated! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41092110&postcount=917)
Girlfriend/Solo Trip Details - TWO DAYS! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41256196&postcount=1092)
Ticker Alert! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41360025&postcount=1178)
QSDP, 4 Reservations, 3 people, 2 Resorts, 1 Tired Momma. Help! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41588524&postcount=1383)
Meeting a Brazilian Tour Guide (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41799450&postcount=1515)
Link to the PTR - Jen and Brook's Excellent Adventure (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41832224&postcount=1585)
A Photographic Walking Tour of All Star Movies Resort (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42015359&postcount=1745)
Hurricane Irene Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42424994&postcount=1952)
Happy Birthday Henry! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42475859&postcount=1971)
Henry's First Day of School (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42571998&postcount=2030)
Please Vote!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=42730338&postcount=2147)
Life Update #1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43258795&postcount=2391)
Life Update #2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43364933&postcount=2425)
Update on Dad (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43412192&postcount=2478)
Ticker Alert! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43415609&postcount=2486)
Disneyland Plans (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43691690&postcount=2687)
Disneyland Sneak Peek (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43835054&postcount=2749)

[that's nice]

Oh yea! :banana:

[ChattaAlley]

Cute Cute kid. Love carrot tops :)

[DisneyFreak06]

I'm in! I think you got me at the title.... :lmao:

[thegreggersmom]

Yeaaahhhh! I've been waiting for you to start -- and I am on the FIRST page. :cool1:

Sarah

[jenseib]

I am here!!!!

[mickeystoontown]

Yay! You've started!

[brookelizabeth]

Oh yea! :banana:

Whoa! You are FAST! Nice! :cool2:

[vamassey1]

I'm here! Now I'm going back to read!

[brookelizabeth]

Cute Cute kid. Love carrot tops :)

Aw, thanks! :goodvibes You will see a LOT of him...:laughing:


I'm in! I think you got me at the title.... :lmao:

It's true, isn't it?!?!? :teeth:


Yeaaahhhh! I've been waiting for you to start -- and I am on the FIRST page. :cool1:

Sarah

Woot! Glad you made it over here! I'm shocked at how quick you guys are!

I am here!!!!

Hey Jen!

Yay! You've started!

Finally started!! I have a certain pic that I took with you in mind...:rolleyes1 You'll recognize it when you see it as a trademark from your family. And no, we weren't choking each other! :rotfl:

[Poolrat]

I am here. Yes when there are those 2 different approaches to life in general .... welll let's say it is interesting. :rolleyes:

[KristEn87]

So excited for this!!!:cool1:

[KristiMc]

Can't wait to read all the details!

[vamassey1]

Lovely start and oh so true.

Wonderful intro pictures too. I can't wait to hear the details and see the magic.

[lovealldisney]

Made it to the first page!! Oh Yeah!! :banana: I'm in. :)

[jenseib]

Finally started!! I have a certain pic that I took with you in mind...:rolleyes1 You'll recognize it when you see it as a trademark from your family. And no, we weren't choking each other! :rotfl:

I think Tim was stalking you...he was awfully fast posting here! :lmao:

I bet the photo is a jumping one! :rolleyes1

[that's nice]

I think Tim was stalking you...he was awfully fast posting here! :lmao:

LOL

It was just good timing! :goodvibes



Juliana likes the pic of Henry! :goodvibes

I'm off to play with the little princess!princess: Be back later!

[Wonders10]

Hi Brook!

Great start! I didn't get the fb friend request that you PMed me about (not a biggie, I'm sure you had tons to do right before your trip :goodvibes), so I've been anxiously awaiting hearing about this 2 week adventure!

[SoonerGirl]

Loved the intro Brook! I'm so excited to hear how your 2 week adventure panned out :yay:

[kschafer]

1/2 hour and page 2 already!! :laughing:

Great intro...I'm in for it all :goodvibes

[chloe770]

Dang, go pick my son up from school and page 2 already:confused3 Well, I'm here. Now going back to read.:thumbsup2

[mickeystoontown]

Finally started!! I have a certain pic that I took with you in mind...:rolleyes1 You'll recognize it when you see it as a trademark from your family. And no, we weren't choking each other! :rotfl:

Oooh I can hardly wait!

[hcmommy]

Joining in.

[lovegrumpy]

Ya you started. Can't wait to read more. I would love a two week trip. Trying to talk dh into longer when we go in Aug.

[amyrella]

Joining in!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

[DisMomAmy]

I've been sitting by my computer for two days watching you post all your replies. I go to pick up the kids at school and help them with some homework and BAM - you've started your TR! Leaving me on page two... :sad2:

PS... a certain CD came today! Uploading to Picasa as I type!

[petals]

Yay a trip report :banana: popcorn::

Luvin the pic of the three of you! Henry's so cute...

[thewesterberg]

Love, love, love reading your TRs! Can't wait for this one!

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Woot Woooooot!!! :cool1:

[MEK]

Hmmmm....that introduction must mean we are in for some twists and turn along the way. All righty then. I'm ready!

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Bring on the 2 week adventure!!


ETA: Page 3?!?!? Really!??!? I feel like I have been stalking your PTR for this link and I still end up on page 3! Pathetic! (Though I am glad you have so many devoted followers- even if they beat me over here!)

[KatMark]

Gee, Page 3 already! :rotfl2::rotfl2:

Great intro...as always.

Reporting for duty, Brook. :goodvibes

[em6668]

Sounds like a blast! I am in!

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Joining in and I can't wait to hear all about it!

[onelilspark]

Really? Page 3? Not even an hour and a half later!

But I'm here! I hope to see lots of Corn Dog Nuggets, seeing as how you were there so long...

[golden2323]

I'm in....can't wait to hear all about it!!

[ClaireW]

Here!
Loved the intro, looking forward to more :yay:

[BMC423]

I'm here... been MIA lately super busy with homework... glad Henry is feeling better :thumbsup2

[CJsMom]

I'm in! :thumbsup2

[Jdougherty]

I so married a type 1 and I'm so a type 2! I'm in too, waiting to see how you handle it. My DH is a "we have plenty of time" procrastinator, i.e. packing the morning OF :confused3:lmao::rotfl2::worship: a deployment!

[OhMari]

In.
So childish.
Fixed a typo-made me laugh when I read it.

[John's Mom]

Great start! Can't wait to read more. :goodvibes

[athenna]

Woo hoo! I'm ready, Brook:woohoo:

[bellebookworm9]

I'm in! I can't believe this is already on page 3, less than 3 hours after you posted it!

[ptcrn]

I'm here!! Wow- page 3 already?!

Looking forward to reading all about your wonderful adventure!! :cool1:

[TanzUnited99]

Am joining in and looking forward to seeing how type 1 and type 2 mix to make a great trip! :goodvibes

[SheaBear]

I've been waiting to read this TR! Two weeks sounds like a blast.:thumbsup2

[MeMom]

Looking forward to seeing lots of Henry pictures. The girls will enjoy it, too.

We had fun riding Small World with the whole gang. Too bad it was raining and we had to huddle. I got a few pictures of that event, but I'm sure yours will beat mine hands down. That was March 1st or 2nd, right? We'll probably get to that on the trip report about mid-May. ;)

It makes me so happy that you got to have two solid weeks. The most we've done is 11 days, and I still wanted more!

[All7OfUs]

Oh! Girl!! I love your intro!! This is going to be one great TR!!

[mrsksomeday]

I am here, I loved the intro and can't wait to read more. I hope there are a bunch of BWV pictures :goodvibes.

[micandminforever]

I am joining the party.:goodvibes

[disneyfan61]

I am here:banana:. Wow page 4 already!!

[k_reile]

soo jealous of 2 weeks...the most we have done is 10 days! I plan the park we are in that day but other than that we go with the flow when we are in the parks!

[blessedby3]

Im in!!!! I have been waiting patiently.....NOT:lmao:

[tiggrbaby]

Hooray! It's started! But I feel so late, on page 4 already!:eek:

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

You have a way with words, the opening has me hooked already! Count me in. :cool1:

[TheDreamsComeTrue]

I'm in too, can't wait to hear about your 2 week trip!
BTW, I'm loving your hair in that picture!

[3prettyprincesses]

Ugh, page four.:headache:

Brook, I'm so happy that you started! Two whole weeks of bliss, I can hardly wait!

Oh and I love that sweet pic of Henry in front of the Yacht Club! Were you kneeling down to get it? The angle is so cute!:thumbsup2

[DisneyRed95]

Joining In! popcorn:: I love Henry's red hair! (I'm a little biased since I'm a redhead too. :thumbsup2) Can't wait to hear about your two weeks in Disney!

[chicagoshannon]

yay! Glad you started!

[photographymom517]

Hey Brook! I, like so many others, have been stalking you on the boards waiting for your TR start! :lmao:

Love your pictures already!!!

I guessed that I'd be on page 5 by this time at night...but I guess I'll take page 4! :lmao:

Wonderful that you have so many loyal friends & followers here on the boards!!! :hug:





Also -- Thank you Christy & Michelle for the heads-up about Brook starting her TR too! I appreciate it! :goodvibes


(nevermind...didn't make page 4, I am on page 5 just as I guessed! lol)

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I lurked on (and loved reading) your last TR, but wanted to say hi :wave: on this one! Henry is too cute, and I see the fantastic YC in the background of that pic!! Can't wait to read more! :goodvibes

[Softballgirl27]

I am so inpopcorn:::banana:

[jenjolt]

I'm here and anxiously awaiting more!! WOOT WOOT!!!

[MaryAz]

Page 5 really?? :scared1: I am here now :yay::yay:

[norybell]

I'm in! (though, sheesh, page 5!)

[glennbo123]

Signing on Brook! :cool1:

[Disneymoon09]

I'm in! A little late, darn work! Hahaha! I really enjoyed being able to follow along on facebnook, now I'm excited for some stories behind the pictures.

[tinacaplan]

I'm here, Brook...can't wait to read it all! :thumbsup2 Also can't believe that you just got this up and started today and you're already on page five. :lmao:

GREAT intro... I have to say that these trips are all about compromise, aren't they? And your first section about marriage being a choice, well... that's so true, isn't it?

[Avery&Todd]

HOLY CANOLI BATMAN!!!

:scared1:

Your TR hasnt even left the building yet and its on page 5!!!

You'll hit page 250 before the end of week 1!!

you go girl!!

:woohoo:

[IluvXU]

Page 5 you are popular! I cannot wait to see the fun that two weeks brought and of course all that Henry really loved so we can try it with Luke. (how was Hollywood and Vine--- I am so excited to go there!)

[PixieDustandEeyore]

I'm already 5 pages behind. Can't wait to read the TR to go with the FB pictures!

[skhermsmeyer]

YAY! You started! I'm looking forward to a nice, long, and picture filled TR! popcorn::popcorn::

(Looks like a lot of other people are too! Already on page 5 after just one day!)

Let the typing begin! :goodvibes

Sarah

[natale1980]

Can't wait to read your TR!!! I'm sure it will be up to page 100+ by the time I get home and start with mine. :)

-nat

[wdwgirl03]

OMG, 5 pages already?! Don't know how I'm going to keep up with this one, especially when I'm going to be gone for a few days! Oh well, I'll try...haha

[Kellyh123]

I'm in. We r going to be staying at BWV for our Christmas trip . Can't wait to hear all about yr trip!

[JJBEAN]

Joining in and excited to hear more! popcorn::

[shaka]

Oh my goodness! Had to come out of lurkdom to say how precious and cute your little boy is! All that red hair!!!!! Dying from the cuteness. Can't wait to hear about your trip!!!! popcorn::

[Charleston Princess]

Six pages in one day??? Craziness, I tell ya! :laughing:

Perfect intro to your trip report! You know I am here for all the fun! :banana:

[pinkxray]

I am coming out of lurkdone for this trip report too since I finally caught one near the beginning.

Your intro is fantastic. DH is type 1 and I am type 2 so I can't wait to hear all about how your trip worked out.

Henry is just adorable:)

[DisGirlAllie]

You should have been a writer ::yes::

Great start! Excited for more :)

[PrincessCaitlin]

I'm here!!

Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

That picture of the three of you is adorable!:cutie:

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here! Now I'm going back to read!

I am here. Yes when there are those 2 different approaches to life in general .... welll let's say it is interesting. :rolleyes:

So excited for this!!!

Can't wait to read all the details!

Lovely start and oh so true.

Wonderful intro pictures too. I can't wait to hear the details and see the magic.

Made it to the first page!! Oh Yeah!! I'm in.

Loved the intro Brook! I'm so excited to hear how your 2 week adventure panned out

1/2 hour and page 2 already!!

Great intro...I'm in for it all

Dang, go pick my son up from school and page 2 already Well, I'm here. Now going back to read.

Oooh I can hardly wait!

Joining in.

Ya you started. Can't wait to read more. I would love a two week trip. Trying to talk dh into longer when we go in Aug.

Joining in!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

Love, love, love reading your TRs! Can't wait for this one!

Woot Woooooot!!!

Hmmmm....that introduction must mean we are in for some twists and turn along the way. All righty then. I'm ready!

Bring on the 2 week adventure!!


ETA: Page 3?!?!? Really!??!? I feel like I have been stalking your PTR for this link and I still end up on page 3! Pathetic! (Though I am glad you have so many devoted followers- even if they beat me over here!)

Gee, Page 3 already!

Great intro...as always.

Reporting for duty, Brook.

Sounds like a blast! I am in!

Joining in and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Really? Page 3? Not even an hour and a half later!

But I'm here! I hope to see lots of Corn Dog Nuggets, seeing as how you were there so long...

I'm in....can't wait to hear all about it!!

Here!
Loved the intro, looking forward to more

I'm here... been MIA lately super busy with homework... glad Henry is feeling better

I'm in!


Great start! Can't wait to read more.

Woo hoo! I'm ready, Brook

I'm in! I can't believe this is already on page 3, less than 3 hours after you posted it!

I'm here!! Wow- page 3 already?!

Looking forward to reading all about your wonderful adventure!!

Am joining in and looking forward to seeing how type 1 and type 2 mix to make a great trip!

I've been waiting to read this TR! Two weeks sounds like a blast.

Oh! Girl!! I love your intro!! This is going to be one great TR!!

I am here, I loved the intro and can't wait to read more. I hope there are a bunch of BWV pictures .

I am joining the party.

I am here. Wow page 4 already!!

soo jealous of 2 weeks...the most we have done is 10 days! I plan the park we are in that day but other than that we go with the flow when we are in the parks!

Im in!!!! I have been waiting patiently.....NOT

Hooray! It's started! But I feel so late, on page 4 already!

You have a way with words, the opening has me hooked already! Count me in.

yay! Glad you started!

Hey Brook! I, like so many others, have been stalking you on the boards waiting for your TR start!

Love your pictures already!!!

I guessed that I'd be on page 5 by this time at night...but I guess I'll take page 4!

Wonderful that you have so many loyal friends & followers here on the boards!!!

Also -- Thank you Christy & Michelle for the heads-up about Brook starting her TR too! I appreciate it!


(nevermind...didn't make page 4, I am on page 5 just as I guessed! lol)

I lurked on (and loved reading) your last TR, but wanted to say hi on this one! Henry is too cute, and I see the fantastic YC in the background of that pic!! Can't wait to read more!

I am so in

I'm here and anxiously awaiting more!! WOOT WOOT!!!

Page 5 really?? I am here now

I'm in! (though, sheesh, page 5!)

Signing on Brook!

I'm in! A little late, darn work! Hahaha! I really enjoyed being able to follow along on facebnook, now I'm excited for some stories behind the pictures.

HOLY CANOLI BATMAN!!!



Your TR hasnt even left the building yet and its on page 5!!!

You'll hit page 250 before the end of week 1!!

you go girl!!



I'm already 5 pages behind. Can't wait to read the TR to go with the FB pictures!

YAY! You started! I'm looking forward to a nice, long, and picture filled TR!

(Looks like a lot of other people are too! Already on page 5 after just one day!)

Let the typing begin!

Sarah

Can't wait to read your TR!!! I'm sure it will be up to page 100+ by the time I get home and start with mine.

-nat

OMG, 5 pages already?! Don't know how I'm going to keep up with this one, especially when I'm going to be gone for a few days! Oh well, I'll try...haha

Joining in and excited to hear more!

Six pages in one day??? Craziness, I tell ya!

Perfect intro to your trip report! You know I am here for all the fun!

I am coming out of lurkdone for this trip report too since I finally caught one near the beginning.

Your intro is fantastic. DH is type 1 and I am type 2 so I can't wait to hear all about how your trip worked out.

Henry is just adorable

:welcome: everyone!!!! Thank you to all the 'usual culprits' who have followed me here, and thank you to all the new readers too for signing on! Sit back and enjoy the ride!

And no one is more surprised than I am by the 6 pages here already! It's wonderful to "see" you all, thank you for commenting too.

[brookelizabeth]

I think Tim was stalking you...he was awfully fast posting here!

I bet the photo is a jumping one!

LOL

It was just good timing!

Juliana likes the pic of Henry!

I'm off to play with the little princess! Be back later!

:laughing: I couldn't believe someone posted that fast! It was slick!

Hi Brook!

Great start! I didn't get the fb friend request that you PMed me about (not a biggie, I'm sure you had tons to do right before your trip :goodvibes), so I've been anxiously awaiting hearing about this 2 week adventure!

Oh! I wonder what happened to it? Send me a PM and we can attempt to re-hook-up. (I am sure I had a PM with your name already, but I've deleted them all before the trip...or I can PM you too-let me know!)

I've been sitting by my computer for two days watching you post all your replies. I go to pick up the kids at school and help them with some homework and BAM - you've started your TR! Leaving me on page two...

PS... a certain CD came today! Uploading to Picasa as I type!

:woohoo: Perfect timing! That CD came quickly!

Yay a trip report

Luvin the pic of the three of you! Henry's so cute...

Thank you! :goodvibes I had a heck of a time finding a picture of all three of us without have our Photopass yet when I wrote the intro. We usually do more mirror shots!

I so married a type 1 and I'm so a type 2! I'm in too, waiting to see how you handle it. My DH is a "we have plenty of time" procrastinator, i.e. packing the morning OF :confused3:lmao::rotfl2::worship: a deployment!

Packing the morning OF?! Even Joe isn't that bad! He packs that night before. :laughing: At about 11:50!

In.
So childish.
Fixed a typo-made me laugh when I read it.

:lmao:

Looking forward to seeing lots of Henry pictures. The girls will enjoy it, too.

We had fun riding Small World with the whole gang. Too bad it was raining and we had to huddle. I got a few pictures of that event, but I'm sure yours will beat mine hands down. That was March 1st or 2nd, right? We'll probably get to that on the trip report about mid-May. ;)

It makes me so happy that you got to have two solid weeks. The most we've done is 11 days, and I still wanted more!

The meet was so much fun! I didn't get too many good shots, but a few random ones of us all huddled together in our various ponchos and rain jackets. :laughing: I meant to ask for an adult group shot too of just us DISers, but Henry was quite ready for Peter Pan! :goodvibes I guess we will just have to cross paths again.

Two weeks was amazing! I hope we are able to do it again sometime. I'll take 11 days too. Or 8, or 7, or you know...anything!

I'm in too, can't wait to hear about your 2 week trip!
BTW, I'm loving your hair in that picture!

Thank you! I was thinking about how short it was back in September and how different it is now! By the time our next trip rolls around I'll look like a different person if I keep growing it out!

Ugh, page four.:headache:

Brook, I'm so happy that you started! Two whole weeks of bliss, I can hardly wait!

Oh and I love that sweet pic of Henry in front of the Yacht Club! Were you kneeling down to get it? The angle is so cute!

Thank you Molly! Yep, I am near certain I either kneeled or even sat on the ground for it. I've been known to lay down for a certain shot if I want it that bad...:laughing:

Joining In! popcorn:: I love Henry's red hair! (I'm a little biased since I'm a redhead too. :thumbsup2) Can't wait to hear about your two weeks in Disney!

Yay! Another red head! We love Henry's hair. It was a total surprise, even though it's recessive on both sides. It's been there since day 1, hopefully it never changes!


I'm here, Brook...can't wait to read it all! Also can't believe that you just got this up and started today and you're already on page five.

GREAT intro... I have to say that these trips are all about compromise, aren't they? And your first section about marriage being a choice, well... that's so true, isn't it?

It is! I remember when I was younger I adamantly refused to believe love was a choice. I've soooooo learned since then! :laughing:

Page 5 you are popular! I cannot wait to see the fun that two weeks brought and of course all that Henry really loved so we can try it with Luke. (how was Hollywood and Vine--- I am so excited to go there!)

H&V was GREAT! We really enjoyed it! The food was delicious, the character interaction was excellent and it was a lot of fun. That is one I definitely want to repeat. I also read a rumor of Jake (Neverland Pirates) joining meet & greets in the parks sometime soon, so maybe he'll be at H&V soon too.

I'm in. We r going to be staying at BWV for our Christmas trip . Can't wait to hear all about yr trip!

BWV :love::cloud9:

Oh my goodness! Had to come out of lurkdom to say how precious and cute your little boy is! All that red hair!!!!! Dying from the cuteness. Can't wait to hear about your trip!!!!

Thank you!! That's very sweet. :goodvibes

You should have been a writer ::yes::

Great start! Excited for more :)

I've been told more than once I should write children's books! I sometimes think about giving it a whirl....but...who knows. :confused3:laughing:

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here!!

Can't wait to hear all about your trip!

That picture of the three of you is adorable!:cutie:

Ninja poster Caitlin! :goodvibes :welcome:

[chloe770]

Yay! Another red head! We love Henry's hair. It was a total surprise, even though it's recessive on both sides. It's been there since day 1, hopefully it never changes!

I had a Genetics Dr. stop DH and I in an airport once. He keep staring at Jack's hair. He told us that red hair is unusual because you need to have the gene on both sides. We knew I had the gene(red head here) but didn't think DH did. Turns out it's recessive on his side too and goes back about 3 or 4 generations. It's the Italian side for both of us too. Not the Irish :lmao:.

[brookelizabeth]

February 26, 2011

After a not-so-great night of sleep (yes, too excited!) this gal finally faced the day. Joe and Henry were already awake and doing the regular morning routine of breakfast and cartoons.

For all Henry knew, today was a normal day. We hadn't mentioned the M-word (Mickey) in over 24 hours, on purpose. If Henry had known the night before that we were going to Mickey's the next day NO ONE would have slept well!

The bags were packed and hidden away in the closet. Joe and I readied ourselves and then...

Video: Henry, you want to go to Mickey's House TODAY? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOzneItEfIE) (2 minutes, 3 seconds)

Needless to say, the kid was excited!

Eventually my phone rang and our car arrived to pick us up. For the new readers, we live in New York City. We generally take public transit to the airport, but this time were flying out of JFK (which is further away), had a lot of luggage and a 3 year old and stroller. We decided to fork over the extra bucks and take a car.

NO REGRETS.

We hadn't told Henry we were riding in a car, so when we walked outside and he saw a car waiting for us the kid almost launched to the moon in excitement.

It's the little things, right?

Our driver was polite and a good (read: safe) driver. Momma was happy.

So was little man
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot9632464/1217371662_vVXuk-L.jpg
A car and Mickey in one day?!?!

We get to JFK, we go through all the normal procedures and make it to our gate. We are about an hour early, which is cool. It's lunchtime, we get some food and sit at our gate...and then see it's been delayed.

At first I saw a 20 minute delay. No biggee.

Then I saw a 1.5 hour delay.

Ugh.

Thankfully there was free WiFi and we are a family of geeks who love their technology. iPhones and iPads were pulled out to enterain us, walks were taken, we watched the planes, we ate

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot5083710/1217371892_fYq5U-L.jpg
Which is bigger, Henry's head or the black & white?

Friends were made with the people next to us. They were meeting friends in FL and had 6 pm dinner reservations. They were NOT happy.

But eventually, at 1:52 pm, an hour after we were supposed to take-off, a plane arrived.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot6522955/1217372588_UpCAd-L.jpg

We boarded at 2:20

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot9116599/1217372843_L673H-L.jpg

and then sat there.

And sat there.

And sat there a little more.

We finally took off at 3:25! 20 minutes before we were originally scheduled to arrive. I bet the passengers at MCO waiting for that plane weren't too happy...

The flight itself went just fine. We had been upgraded to Row 1, extra leg room seats, for free. :woohoo: That was veryyyyy nice for these tall, long-legged folks. (well, except Henry, who's legs barely get off the seat...)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot2672164/1217373087_hawts-L.jpg
How is it that the 3 year old gets the Bose headphones and the iPad???

However, there were no blue chips on board! This was our first time flying JetBlue and I had been informed about the blue chips and was looking forward to them. I had to make due with

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot7526645/1217373338_tqWJv-L.jpg

They were tasty.

We landed at 5:40, about 2 hours behind schedule.

Down to the fake monorail

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot8593487/1217373505_EiwgX-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot8572325/1217373520_xHrpV-O.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot1340822/1217373786_zQyRj-L.jpg

And onward to ME,

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot8502869/1217374631_Gbgb5-L.jpg
PALM TREE!

which, thankfully, was a complete ghost town!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot7758001/1217374980_DCntN-L.jpg

Into our line...we were first. My heart sank a tiny bit, we were going to have to wait a while. Hey, it's okay, this is a long trip, we don't have any agenda for tonight, it's fine. Henry was VERY excited pointing out every picture of Mickey or the Castle that he saw. Some of you may remember the toy buses that we bought him last trip-one is the ME bus and he was thrilled to see it in real life! "Mickey's bus!"

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot68272/1217375500_X5ttJ-L.jpg

Oh, but wait! What's this? A CM smiling at me, heading our way...and YES! he's opening our gate. I might have muttered a, "I love you!" as we scurried through and to our

big yellow bus.

A Mears bus.

Bummer!

Henry was a tad confused, but mostly didn't care - as long as this bus was going to Mickey's he was ready to get on!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot6555215/1217375236_WhpFv-L.jpg

We had a short wait and then we were off!

It was a fun and smooth ride.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6565/1201431135_8N8AL-L.jpg

Our first stop as POR. 10 minutes later, CBR and then 15 minutes later we were HOME!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6572/1201433465_prdLH-L.jpg
I love you Boardwalk!

Stepping into the lobby at 7:10 pm, we all had smiled plastered on our faces.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6573/1201434746_opC9m-L.jpg

Check-in process was quick and easy, even though we hadn't done online check-in. Perhaps they do this now for DVC members? If so, it makes sense!

The Boardwalk often has balloons sitting out that the children can just take. Henry had been eying them and I figured we would grab one on our way up to our room, but two kids came by and took the last two.

His face fell.

Our amazing CM noticed this and pretty soon

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6575/1201435693_U4AnK-L.jpg

That made him happy!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6576/1201436657_Q8wJ7-L.jpg
He's a good sharer.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6577/1201437735_dN2Km-L.jpg

We went up to our villa

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6578/1201439017_5cdSb-L.jpg

This room wasn't quite the excellent location we had last time, but it still wasn't bad at all. We hadn't made any room requests and my fear was to be at the end of those looooooong hallways, but this one was only about 2 "segments" down.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6579/1201440195_s4UHP-L.jpg

Our view
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6581/1201442501_h2UMp-L.jpg
I found it ironic that we had a view of Community Hall. Last trip I had a Mommy Meltdown while trying to find that darn building...

The waterway is there too, it was a relaxing and beautiful view.

Henry was itchin' to do one thing

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6583/1201444602_oUFtD-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6587/1201449448_F4jFx-L.jpg

Video: Jumping at the BWV (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_u71ydgvzE) (53 seconds)

We gave him a couple minutes to do that...but we were HUNGRY! It was past 7:30 by this point and we hadn't eaten since lunch.

Next up: Epcot Eats!

[bellebookworm9]

That video of Henry finding out he's going to Mickey's today makes me smile. I told my suitemate she needed to watch it too, and now she wants to go to Disney.:rolleyes1

I love when ME is a ghost town! The Boardwalk is so pretty...might have to stay there after BCV and VWL...

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

The video of you telling Henry you were leaving is adorable! I just love the pure joy of it all.

[Poolrat]

Arrival day is always so much fun!!!


Except for the flight delay. Ugh. :headache:


YAY for some magic on the MCO side- no lines, no drama ect.

Still laughing over the room assignment. :laughing:

Great start!

[lauren_elizabeth]

Yay for arrival day! It's such an awesome feeling knowing you'll be at DISNEY WORLD in a matter of hours! :thumbsup2

The video of Henry realizing that he's heading to see Mickey is priceless. I love him running to grab his suitcase!

That totally stinks that the plane was delayed for so long, but hey - nothing can ruin the "I'm going to Disney World!!" attitude right? ;)

Henry is so cute jumping on the bed! My 3 year old loves to do the same thing!

Can't wait to read more!

[em6668]

So jealous......of your Black and White! I am a former Brooklyn Heights resident now living in Pennsylvania where they pass off sugar cookies dipped in milk chocolate and white chocolate as a Black and White. Not the same as a dense cake like creation covered in ooey gooey icing that has just the right amount of sweetness! Everytime I go back to NY to visit family a bakery has to be one of my first stops.
Oh and your trip reports is great so far even though I did kind of zone out after the cookie picture...

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot5083710/1217371892_fYq5U-L.jpg
Which is bigger, Henry's head or the black & white?



Oooohh now I want a black & white so bad. That one looks fabulous.



http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6565/1201431135_8N8AL-L.jpg



This is SUCH a sweet picture!



http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6587/1201449448_F4jFx-L.jpg



I love this!!! He was really getting some air!!

Great update! I definitely would have been frustrated at the delay on the way to WDW (going home, I seem to care a teensy bit less :laughing:). But sweet potato chips are a yummy treat (the blue chips are pretty nifty, but I can assure you you're not missing out on any sort of culinary gem. Just a chip.)

[jenseib]

Yay! You are there! I hate delays. They are so frustrating.

On thing....one of the pictures isn't showing up in that update.

[onelilspark]

Yay! Glad you made it! I can't wait til I get to stay at the Boardwalk someday!

[dilligaf212]

I'm in.. :cool1:

I loved the video of your son.. Every time I watch those surprise videos I tear up.. I know I am such a sap!!! :rotfl:

can't wait to read more :thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

The video of Henry & his suitcase it ADORABLE!!

[SoonerGirl]

He told us that red hair is unusual because you need to have the gene on both sides.

Interesting! I have red hair and as far as I know it's just on my dad's side. I've never met or seen a picture of anyone on my mom's side that had red hair, going back several generations even. Must be there somewhere though!


Brook, Henry totally made my morning, that video when he found out 'today is the day' was so stinkin' cute, not to mention all the big smiles throughout the day!

Bummer you had such a long delay :headache: thank goodness you had the electronic toys to help keep you occupied.

Giggling over your view, how ironic is that? :laughing:

[pinkxray]

The video of Henry finding out he is going to Mickey's house is awesome. I'm one of those who gets teary eyed when I see those videos (even the commerials have been causing a little mist). I love him dragging around the suitcase, he is ready to go.

The delay stinks, but I'm it was forgotten once you finally arrived at the Boardwalk. I have never seen the resort in person yet, but it looks fantastic. I would love to stay there someday.

[amyrella]

Henry is so cute!!! Lovin your report!
And I agree that first day is always awesome!!!

[mickeystoontown]

I smiled the entire time I was reading your update. Wait, I take that back, I didn't smile at the delay part of the installment. I did however smile when I looked at all of the pictures and video of Henry. He's just so darn cute!

[Avery&Todd]

WAHOO!! we're HERE!!!...well, I should say.."YOU'RE THERE"!!!!

and Henry has jumped upon the bed..

Lets go eat..Im starving!!!

:rotfl:

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

February 26, 2011

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot6555215/1217375236_WhpFv-L.jpg




This is one of the cutest Henry photos EVER. :goodvibes That is pure and utter joy right there.

You've got a craaazy kid there! (In a good way. ;) ) He's got such a great little personality, too funny! Him just walking out the door with the suitcase, you can tell he knows the drill! :laughing:


And as usual these Boardwalk pics make me jealous. Someday...!

[TheDreamsComeTrue]

Thank you! I was thinking about how short it was back in September and how different it is now! By the time our next trip rolls around I'll look like a different person if I keep growing it out!

It does look a lot different! I think it'd be cute either way, though! Henry's hair is getting longer too! I love how happy he is in all the pictures, and that video is just too precious! :lovestruc

[glennbo123]

It looked like a nice trip down, with the exception of the flight delay.

Hopefully, we'll have no mommy meltdowns while looking for Community Hall on this trip. ;)

[manntra]

Yay you started!!!! :yay::yay:
So excited to hear about your two week adventure!!! :goodvibes
Oh man...sorry you didn't get the blue chips!! :sad2: They are a nice treat! I think I might book Jet Blue again for October. I'll see if anything better comes along in the meantime.
Bummer about the yellow Mears bus...I know it's not really a big deal but it's nice to have a fun ME bus ;)
LOVE the picture of blurry Henry jumping on the bed!! :thumbsup2 Great action shot!! :goodvibes

Tracy

[CreightonsMomma]

I'm slow but I'm in!

The video of Henry finding out you were going to Disney TODAY was so cute!! And I like to jump jump jump on the beds too!

Mmmmmm Black and White Cookies are my favorite!

Ugh....the delay sucks but at least you made it. Yippee!! Can't wait for more!

[TanzUnited99]

Loved the video of the reveal...seeing Henry sooo excited made my day!! :thumbsup2

Wow that was one long wait for the flight...am glad you had gadgets to keep you occupied and :woohoo: on the upgrade! I have to say Henry's head just slightly takes the lead over the cookie...how big is that thing!

The view of your room looks gorgeous :goodvibes

[vamassey1]

I still love the video of Henry finding out he's leaving "today". I mist up everytime I see it. I had my girls watch it too, they misted too.

So sorry for the delay.:sad2: But so happy you're finally there.

I have decided that the next time we go we're all going to jump on the bed like Henry. I think that is a fabulous way to start a stay. Of course I'll take photos before we totally mess the covers up.


I'm hungry, what's for diner?

[chicagoshannon]

YAY! You're there. Too bad about the delayed flight. No Chic Fil A huh? ;)

[blessedby3]

Yay for the first installment!! Cant wait to read more and find out where you got dinner! I cant remember from facebook....I am SO old:sad2: I cant even remember things that happened yesterday:rotfl: Your postings will seem all new....like I never even followed you on FB!

[tinkgurl]

I'm here! So excited that the TR has started!

Henry is so gosh darn cute! :) Love that intro pic of him!

I can just feel your excitement when you guys FINALLY made it on the bus to your Resort aka "Mickey's house". :banana:

[MaryAz]

Great start!! I remember the video from FB-so cute!! Sorry for the delayed plane. Glad you did not have to wait for Mickey's Bus. Looks like a good arrival day overall!! No pics of the creepy slide YAY

[lovegrumpy]

Great video of Henry finding out. We still haven't told are kids that we are going.

[KatMark]

I so love the video of Henry finding out that "TODAY IS THE DAY TO GO SEE MICKEY". He's so darn cute. Sorry about the delay at the airport...I hate those delays (could be my fear of flying helps me hate them more).

Can't wait to hear where you went for dinner.

[micandminforever]

The videos of Henry put a smile on my face, he is so full of energy. He has the most wonderful smile.

Your view was great. Were you able to watch the boats along the waterway?

Did you ever ride the Haunted Mansion? When we left small world we rode the HM and I meant to invite you to come along, but everything was so crazy at the end with the rain.

[Mindy5767]

OMG.... subbing.... I have so much to catch up on !!! :eek: 8 pages!

I'm getting behind here....



YEAH.... I did it..... I uploaded my own avatar!! And it looks JUST like me!! tee heee!! Brooke and I had the same Avatar... so I thought it was time I learned how to upload one... next.... how to reduce the size of a real pic of me as Snow White... so it fits the 100x100 avatar image size. Although this one is slightly bigger... 112x114... but it worked!

[burly]

Late.....but present and looking forward to more!popcorn::

[natale1980]

Too cute. Love the pictures and the videos!!! :woohoo:

-nat

[wdwgirl03]

Great start! I watched that video of Henry the day you left...so cute! :goodvibes I love his little squeals of excitement. hehe

Can't wait for more. popcorn::

[k_reile]

i like the minnie towel creation!

[golden2323]

Love the video - Natalie and Kate just had to watch it a few times too while we're trying to enforce an early bedtime here at POP - got to get up for EMH at MK tomorrow morning!

[petals]

I love the videos. Henry was so excited to go to Mickey Mouses House! Fab update but bummer bout the delayed flight... Delayed flight going home fine but going there NO WAY when ya want to see Disney ASAP lol :)

[disneyfan61]

Love seeing the video of Henry with his suitcase again. It is so cute!!

And the pic of him with the Ipad & Bose headphones:lmao: We know who the boss is right??

And of course jumping on the bed:goodvibes.

Nice view from the room:cloud9:.

[mermaid764]

I'm in:goodvibes

I loved your last TR and can't wait to follow along on this one.

Your son is adorable and the Boardwalk looks like such a beautiful resort, can't wait to hear all about your vacation!

[MEK]

You have trained that boy quite well! What a cute video. His excitement is just contagious.

Sorry about the delay, but it looks like it didn't set you back too far. And it looks like you have a nice room location.

Looking forward to more.

[Softballgirl27]

sounds awesome so far!!! i am sorry your flight was so late though. if that happend to me i would have freaked, you handled that very well:thumbsup2

[MeMom]

Magical Express was a ghost town because 30,000 people were waiting to get there at the same time as we did. :laughing:

Love Henry's excitement. He's ready to go. Now.

There is a special feeling you get on arrival day. You can't really describe it adequately, but it is one of the best feelings in the world!

[photographymom517]

Sorry your flight was delayed! We've only flown 3 times (back & forth) and have got lucky *so far* with all flights being early or on time. We did have to sit on the plane for almost 30 minutes on the way home last trip & it was horrible! It got so hot on the plane & alot of people were complaining. I wouldn't mind as much being in the airport...at least you can walk around & eat! :lmao:

Love all the pictures so far! Henry looks sooo excited!!! For me, that's always the best part of the trip! I just watch Luke's face the entire time & as long as he's happy, mommy is happy too! :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more!!! Oh and I love the Minnie towel as well, I've never seen one of those before!

[KristEn87]

Great start!

You're warming me up to the idea of staying at Boardwalk. We own there, because it was the only property available at the time, but I've had no desire to stay there. Love Beach Club Villas for the proximity to EPCOT, but I'm loving your pictures and the way you talk about Boardwalk... It may be on the list now!

[thegreggersmom]

Awwww, the video of Henry was adorable. You could almost see the Mickey-shaped light bulb go on over his head when he really "got" that you were leaving that day. :lovestruc

And the ipad and Bose headphones question (which I am sure was redundant but I'll answer it anyway): Henry gets them because you CANNOT put a price tag on the quiet contentment of a 3 y/o in the confines of an airplane. I think you got off cheap! :laughing:

[that's nice]

I love all your pictures... and I know there are going to be many more! :lmao:

By the looks of the plane picture I thought you were flying AirTran. :lmao: (The Jetblue blue chips are really good BTW!)

You must of been super anxious waiting to take off. I know I would have been, especially when flying with a kid.

I like your view from your room.. I think it is pretty good! ::yes::


Can't wait to her more. popcorn::

[PrincessCaitlin]

Aw Henry looks so excited :cutie:

I really don't know how people could entertain themselves in airports and on airplanes before ipads, iphones and ipods :laughing:

Oh Coke Zero good choice!:thumbsup2

Aw the picture of Henry on the bus is adorable! I make that same exact face every time I get on the ME but I definitely don't look cute like him while making it :laughing:

Boardwalk is so pretty at night!

Even though your flight was delayed it seemed like check in at the ME and at the hotel was quick and easy :thumbsup2

Can't wait to find out where you eat dinner!

[Flossbolna]

Hi Brook, I am finally here! But I have some excuse for being so late to subscribe, I was away in Disneyland Paris. :goodvibes

Sorry about the flight being so delayed, that's always annoying. But at least someone was really excited about all the travelling you had to do. ;)

Actually, I think that your room was pretty much as far as you could get from the elevators from that room view and looking at a Boardwalk map? I guess those long hallways vary in length depending on everyone's own prception? :goodvibes

[jenjolt]

Well boo to a delayed flight, but it sounds like it all went smoothly!! YAY for being at Disney!! Nothing beats that feeling when you drive under those signs and know you are "Home"!!!!!! BWV are so gorgeous!!!! LOVE THEM!!

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

I cannot believe that I went out of town on business for three days and I'm on page 10!!!!:scared1::scared1:

Hooray for arrival day!:cool1: Boo for delays.:sad2: I'm glad that all was taken in stride and you made it there in one piece. I remember seeing the happy Henry video on F/B. I was overjoyed for him!


February 26, 2011
http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot2672164/1217373087_hawts-L.jpg
How is it that the 3 year old gets the Bose headphones and the iPad???

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

[norybell]

I love the video of Henry finding out today was the day! Ridiculously adorable!

I think, if my flight's ever (that) delayed on the way down to Disney, I'll probably cry in the airport! Good for you for taking it in stride.


http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/iPhone-Photos/smugshot8572325/1217373520_xHrpV-O.jpg
This picture cracks me up. I kinda want to be like, um, Brook? it's not safe to actually stand on the monorail tracks! :rotfl:

Can't wait for more!

[brookelizabeth]

That video of Henry finding out he's going to Mickey's today makes me smile. I told my suitemate she needed to watch it too, and now she wants to go to Disney.:rolleyes1

I love when ME is a ghost town! The Boardwalk is so pretty...might have to stay there after BCV and VWL...

LOL! Do I sense another trip coming on? :hyper:

The video of you telling Henry you were leaving is adorable! I just love the pure joy of it all.

Thank you! It really got us all even more excited for the trip! He bugged us for the next hour about going until the car arrived. :laughing:

Arrival day is always so much fun!!!


Except for the flight delay. Ugh. :headache:


YAY for some magic on the MCO side- no lines, no drama ect.

Still laughing over the room assignment. :laughing:

Great start!

I was SO relieved to find no lines down at ME. Jill had posted earlier that day and it was CHAOS down there, it took them almost an hour to get through I think.

When I opened the curtains and saw Community Hall I rolled my eyes and groaned! Just figured! :rotfl:

Yay for arrival day! It's such an awesome feeling knowing you'll be at DISNEY WORLD in a matter of hours! :thumbsup2

The video of Henry realizing that he's heading to see Mickey is priceless. I love him running to grab his suitcase!

That totally stinks that the plane was delayed for so long, but hey - nothing can ruin the "I'm going to Disney World!!" attitude right? ;)

Henry is so cute jumping on the bed! My 3 year old loves to do the same thing!

Can't wait to read more!

That's right! Even though we were delayed - and a bit annoyed over it - what could we do about it? We were headed to our Happy Land, so it's all good! We'd get there eventually. :thumbsup2

We don't let Henry jump, or even stand, on the furniture at home, he KNOWS Mickey's beds are "made for jumping on" and just loves that!

So jealous......of your Black and White! I am a former Brooklyn Heights resident now living in Pennsylvania where they pass off sugar cookies dipped in milk chocolate and white chocolate as a Black and White. Not the same as a dense cake like creation covered in ooey gooey icing that has just the right amount of sweetness! Everytime I go back to NY to visit family a bakery has to be one of my first stops.
Oh and your trip reports is great so far even though I did kind of zone out after the cookie picture...

:rotfl: that is awful about them trying to pass that off as a real Black & White! Aren't they delicious? They are Henry's favorite cookie hands down. (and mine too!)

Oooohh now I want a black & white so bad. That one looks fabulous.

This is SUCH a sweet picture!

I love this!!! He was really getting some air!!

Great update! I definitely would have been frustrated at the delay on the way to WDW (going home, I seem to care a teensy bit less :laughing:). But sweet potato chips are a yummy treat (the blue chips are pretty nifty, but I can assure you you're not missing out on any sort of culinary gem. Just a chip.)

Love the pic in your siggy, so cute!

It's pretty amazing how much air a determined 3 year old can get on those beds, isn't it? :rotfl:

Yay! You are there! I hate delays. They are so frustrating.

On thing....one of the pictures isn't showing up in that update.

That pic! So I looked into why the DIS blanked out the last few letters of the URL, it's because SmugMug (my picture upload site) assigned it the URL with and f followed by a u followed by a k. Nice. :rolleyes: It's a pic of Henry hugging the Mickey on the side of the Disney store in MCO - you can see it on my blog post http://www.joeandbrook.com/2011/03/hello-mickey.html

Thanks for letting me know! :hug:

[pooh'smate]

I haven't been able to be on the Dis for the last few days and I missed that you had started your tr. I am off to catch up.

[brookelizabeth]

Yay! Glad you made it! I can't wait til I get to stay at the Boardwalk someday!

It's such a beautiful resort!

I'm in.. :cool1:

I loved the video of your son.. Every time I watch those surprise videos I tear up.. I know I am such a sap!!! :rotfl:

can't wait to read more :thumbsup2

:welcome: I'm so with you on the surprise videos. Even the ones I have seen over and over again....tears every single time! :laughing:

The video of Henry & his suitcase it ADORABLE!!

Thanks Amy! He was so so excited!

Interesting! I have red hair and as far as I know it's just on my dad's side. I've never met or seen a picture of anyone on my mom's side that had red hair, going back several generations even. Must be there somewhere though!

Brook, Henry totally made my morning, that video when he found out 'today is the day' was so stinkin' cute, not to mention all the big smiles throughout the day!

Bummer you had such a long delay :headache: thank goodness you had the electronic toys to help keep you occupied.

Giggling over your view, how ironic is that? :laughing:

So glad that video made your day! It was fun to "surprise" him with that. Pretty soon he'll understand the concept of a day for real and we will have to be more sneaky!

Doesn't that just figure I had to look at Community Hall every time on my balcony?!?! :rotfl2:

The video of Henry finding out he is going to Mickey's house is awesome. I'm one of those who gets teary eyed when I see those videos (even the commerials have been causing a little mist). I love him dragging around the suitcase, he is ready to go.

The delay stinks, but I'm it was forgotten once you finally arrived at the Boardwalk. I have never seen the resort in person yet, but it looks fantastic. I would love to stay there someday.

Another crier! Me too! Even if I have seen them before!

The Boardwalk is one of my favorites. I could stay there again in a heartbeat!

Henry is so cute!!! Lovin your report!
And I agree that first day is always awesome!!!

I smiled the entire time I was reading your update. Wait, I take that back, I didn't smile at the delay part of the installment. I did however smile when I looked at all of the pictures and video of Henry. He's just so darn cute!

The delay was annoying! And loooooong. The hour of waiting on the plane was MUCH worse than in the airport since we couldn't walk around to entertain the little man. But! We made it!

WAHOO!! we're HERE!!!...well, I should say.."YOU'RE THERE"!!!!

and Henry has jumped upon the bed..

Lets go eat..Im starving!!!

:rotfl:

:rotfl2: Arrived, check! Jump, check! EAT, coming soon!

This is one of the cutest Henry photos EVER. :goodvibes That is pure and utter joy right there.

You've got a craaazy kid there! (In a good way. ;) ) He's got such a great little personality, too funny! Him just walking out the door with the suitcase, you can tell he knows the drill! :laughing:


And as usual these Boardwalk pics make me jealous. Someday...!

Thank you! He was so, so excited to be on bus going to Mickey's!

He is a NUT! In a good way. And he totally gets the wackiness from me...I used to be really goofy when I was younger--age has tamed me out some, but not entirely. :rolleyes1 He got Joe's "chillness/roll with it" and my goofiness. :thumbsup2

It does look a lot different! I think it'd be cute either way, though! Henry's hair is getting longer too! I love how happy he is in all the pictures, and that video is just too precious! :lovestruc

Henry's hair is long! We had a hair cut appointment down there on our first full day ("tomorrow") - but...well...:rolleyes1

It looked like a nice trip down, with the exception of the flight delay.

Hopefully, we'll have no mommy meltdowns while looking for Community Hall on this trip. ;)

It was a pretty smooth trip down, aside from the delays. I love it when we arrive at ME and they open the gate right away. :cloud9:

I actually cannot recall a single Mommy Meltdown. :eek: That alone though shows you how chill this trip was! We had a couple long days, but not many!

[brookelizabeth]

I had a Genetics Dr. stop DH and I in an airport once. He keep staring at Jack's hair. He told us that red hair is unusual because you need to have the gene on both sides. We knew I had the gene(red head here) but didn't think DH did. Turns out it's recessive on his side too and goes back about 3 or 4 generations. It's the Italian side for both of us too. Not the Irish :lmao:.

Michelle quoting your comment made me realize I forgot to respond to this one-even though I read it! :goodvibes

That is very cool about the red hair! We get asked ALL THE TIME where Henry's red came from since Joe and I are both dark-and yep, both sides. Makes total sense! I am German and Bohemian...Joe is Polish. Are any of those known for red hair? :confused3 Maybe a touch of Irish is in there too though....Interesting!

[Flossbolna]

Michelle quoting your comment made me realize I forgot to respond to this one-even though I read it! :goodvibes

That is very cool about the red hair! We get asked ALL THE TIME where Henry's red came from since Joe and I are both dark-and yep, both sides. Makes total sense! I am German and Bohemian...Joe is Polish. Are any of those known for red hair? :confused3 Maybe a touch of Irish is in there too though....Interesting!

I think red hair is not very common in Germany, but not unheard of, I know a few people with red hair. I guess it would be the same in Poland and Bohemia (i.e. Czech Republic today)

[brookelizabeth]

Yay you started!!!! :yay::yay:
So excited to hear about your two week adventure!!! :goodvibes
Oh man...sorry you didn't get the blue chips!! :sad2: They are a nice treat! I think I might book Jet Blue again for October. I'll see if anything better comes along in the meantime.
Bummer about the yellow Mears bus...I know it's not really a big deal but it's nice to have a fun ME bus ;)
LOVE the picture of blurry Henry jumping on the bed!! :thumbsup2 Great action shot!! :goodvibes

Tracy

Snack selection on the return flight was much better. ;)

I was really hoping for a Mickey bus for Henry - but even just seeing them was pretty darn exciting for him, and I reassured him, more than once, that the big yellow one went to Mickey's too! We had a Mears bus once before and it didn't have a video on it, but this one did. :thumbsup2

I'm slow but I'm in!

The video of Henry finding out you were going to Disney TODAY was so cute!! And I like to jump jump jump on the beds too!

Mmmmmm Black and White Cookies are my favorite!

Ugh....the delay sucks but at least you made it. Yippee!! Can't wait for more!

Yay, glad to see you here!

I've been known to join Henry in jumping on the bed more than once...he he. It's for the kids...right, ya, that's it. ::yes:: :rotfl:

Loved the video of the reveal...seeing Henry sooo excited made my day!! :thumbsup2

Wow that was one long wait for the flight...am glad you had gadgets to keep you occupied and :woohoo: on the upgrade! I have to say Henry's head just slightly takes the lead over the cookie...how big is that thing!

The view of your room looks gorgeous :goodvibes

I was VERY grateful for the free WiFi and gadgets inside the airport. I DISed a bit and looked up if we got a credit from our JetBlue flight. :rotfl2:

That cookie was HUGE. Crazy huge! I've never seen one that big! It was fairly tasty too.

I still love the video of Henry finding out he's leaving "today". I mist up everytime I see it. I had my girls watch it too, they misted too.

So sorry for the delay.:sad2: But so happy you're finally there.

I have decided that the next time we go we're all going to jump on the bed like Henry. I think that is a fabulous way to start a stay. Of course I'll take photos before we totally mess the covers up.


I'm hungry, what's for diner?

Aw! That's so cute about the girls. :goodvibes It makes me mist up too! All of those sort of videos too..they are so fun!

Jumping on the bed is a great way to start the trip, it "breaks in the hotel". ;)

Mexican! Sound good?

YAY! You're there. Too bad about the delayed flight. No Chic Fil A huh? ;)

Nope. We debated on stopped in the airport for food, but we just wanted to BE THERE by that point. Plus, we had the QSDP for that night and specific plans in Epcot. :teeth:

Yay for the first installment!! Cant wait to read more and find out where you got dinner! I cant remember from facebook....I am SO old:sad2: I cant even remember things that happened yesterday:rotfl: Your postings will seem all new....like I never even followed you on FB!

I probably wouldn't remember what we got for dinner most nights if it wasn't for pictures and notes! :laughing: This night; however, I would remember....it was specifically planned. Yummmmmm

[pooh'smate]

I am sorry your trip was delayed, but at least it wasn't cancelled like ours was. We lost a whole day. I have always wanted a Black and White. They always look so good.

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here! So excited that the TR has started!

Henry is so gosh darn cute! :) Love that intro pic of him!

I can just feel your excitement when you guys FINALLY made it on the bus to your Resort aka "Mickey's house". :banana:

Glad you made it over here!!

We were so happy, excited and relieved to finally be at the resort! And I'm so ready to be back there already...:laughing:

Great start!! I remember the video from FB-so cute!! Sorry for the delayed plane. Glad you did not have to wait for Mickey's Bus. Looks like a good arrival day overall!! No pics of the creepy slide YAY

Hey Mary!
It was a total relief that we didn't have to wait for the bus. I figured after the long delay we'd naturally have a wait for the bus too. :rolleyes:

No pictures of the creepy slide....yet. ;)

Great video of Henry finding out. We still haven't told are kids that we are going.

It's so fun to surprise them! Henry knew we were going, but doesn't really get the concept of a day yet-and we had purposely not spoken about it for about a day, and we made sure to be a day off on the countdown. I'm thinking he might get the concept of a day fairly soon, so we'll be pulling the day off on the countdown trick again!

I so love the video of Henry finding out that "TODAY IS THE DAY TO GO SEE MICKEY". He's so darn cute. Sorry about the delay at the airport...I hate those delays (could be my fear of flying helps me hate them more).

Can't wait to hear where you went for dinner.

Oh gosh, I couldn't imagine getting delayed for that long and having to deal with the fear of flying too. Ugh. It would be 2 hours of torture!

The videos of Henry put a smile on my face, he is so full of energy. He has the most wonderful smile.

Your view was great. Were you able to watch the boats along the waterway?

Did you ever ride the Haunted Mansion? When we left small world we rode the HM and I meant to invite you to come along, but everything was so crazy at the end with the rain.

We were able to watch the boats! It was so relaxing. I loved hearing their horns and just kicking back there. We spent a decent amount of time out there. :cloud9:

HM....well, uh...hehe...no! :eek: :rotfl: I didn't! I COMPLETELY meant to, but it just never happened. I didn't avoid it this trip, it just didn't happen (along with quite a few other things!). Right after Small World Henry was dead-set on Peter Pan, so it wouldn't have worked then anyway. You'd think with 2 weeks I'd have gotten everything done, but not even close!

Next trip, for SURE. I'm interested to see that new queue too-even though I won't know any different.

OMG.... subbing.... I have so much to catch up on !!! :eek: 8 pages!

I'm getting behind here....

YEAH.... I did it..... I uploaded my own avatar!! And it looks JUST like me!! tee heee!! Brooke and I had the same Avatar... so I thought it was time I learned how to upload one... next.... how to reduce the size of a real pic of me as Snow White... so it fits the 100x100 avatar image size. Although this one is slightly bigger... 112x114... but it worked!

Only two updates in those 8 pages though, no worries!

Glad you got the avatar thing figured out! I haven't ever changed mine...I always meant to, but this one has just stuck. Red fits my personality. :laughing:

Late.....but present and looking forward to more!popcorn::

Hey you!!! Glad you joined up over here too!

Too cute. Love the pictures and the videos!!! :woohoo:

-nat

Thanks Natale!

Great start! I watched that video of Henry the day you left...so cute! :goodvibes I love his little squeals of excitement. hehe

Can't wait for more. popcorn::

He was so, so excited! It was fun to surprise him with that!

i like the minnie towel creation!

Isn't it cute? I think that might one of the VERY FEW room pictures I took at BWV. :eek: I didn't even realize we didn't take pics until the day we were packing up to move to BLT.

[goodmorningbelle]

So I'm sitting here in the breakroom at work, enjoying my lunch, and cracking up at Henry's enthusiasm. I think I would have had the same reaction! Thanks for sharing! :)

[brookelizabeth]

Love the video - Natalie and Kate just had to watch it a few times too while we're trying to enforce an early bedtime here at POP - got to get up for EMH at MK tomorrow morning!

How cool to watch from Pop!!!! I hope you are having a WONDERFUL trip (and that you were able to get up for EMH! :laughing:)

I love the videos. Henry was so excited to go to Mickey Mouses House! Fab update but bummer bout the delayed flight... Delayed flight going home fine but going there NO WAY when ya want to see Disney ASAP lol :)

It's true! I hate being stranded at MCO though - all I can ever think of is, "I could have stayed at Disney World!"

Love seeing the video of Henry with his suitcase again. It is so cute!!

And the pic of him with the Ipad & Bose headphones:lmao: We know who the boss is right??

And of course jumping on the bed:goodvibes.

Nice view from the room:cloud9:.

It NEVER fails. We try to give him the cheaper headphones so Joe can have the Bose...but they never stay in his ears. I think it was last trip I said we will just have to buy a couple more pairs of the Bose. They are SO nice.

I'm in:goodvibes

I loved your last TR and can't wait to follow along on this one.

Your son is adorable and the Boardwalk looks like such a beautiful resort, can't wait to hear all about your vacation!

:welcome: Thank you!

The Boardwalk is just awesome. I love it there.

You have trained that boy quite well! What a cute video. His excitement is just contagious.

Sorry about the delay, but it looks like it didn't set you back too far. And it looks like you have a nice room location.

Looking forward to more.

I have Disney trained him! :laughing: The kid has no choice but to love Mickey. LOL

sounds awesome so far!!! i am sorry your flight was so late though. if that happend to me i would have freaked, you handled that very well:thumbsup2

That wasn't the worst delay I have experienced...once I was stuck on a PLANE for over 3 hours before we took off. That was before the law was introduced. That was miserable. But, I usually have the mindset of, there's nothing else I can do-getting upset or worried won't change it. It's easier said than done though when you are ready to go!

Magical Express was a ghost town because 30,000 people were waiting to get there at the same time as we did. :laughing:

Love Henry's excitement. He's ready to go. Now.

There is a special feeling you get on arrival day. You can't really describe it adequately, but it is one of the best feelings in the world!

:rotfl: I saw that pic Jill posted and was nervous we would encounter the same.

You are very right about that special feeling! Full of excitement and wonder of what lays ahead...it's such a great feeling!

Sorry your flight was delayed! We've only flown 3 times (back & forth) and have got lucky *so far* with all flights being early or on time. We did have to sit on the plane for almost 30 minutes on the way home last trip & it was horrible! It got so hot on the plane & alot of people were complaining. I wouldn't mind as much being in the airport...at least you can walk around & eat! :lmao:

Love all the pictures so far! Henry looks sooo excited!!! For me, that's always the best part of the trip! I just watch Luke's face the entire time & as long as he's happy, mommy is happy too! :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more!!! Oh and I love the Minnie towel as well, I've never seen one of those before!

We have flown a lot, and dealt with several delays. Being stuck on a plane is awful. I don't mind as much when they explain why we are late, but this one just sat there forever! It was strange.

It seems like the Minnie towel is the default Boardwalk DVC room towel animal for arrival - we had it last time too - and I've seen it on a couple other TRs. I can't remember if we had something at BLT or not....hmmm...I guess we'll just have to wait for the pictures. :laughing:

Great start!

You're warming me up to the idea of staying at Boardwalk. We own there, because it was the only property available at the time, but I've had no desire to stay there. Love Beach Club Villas for the proximity to EPCOT, but I'm loving your pictures and the way you talk about Boardwalk... It may be on the list now!

I would love to own at BWV! It's a beautiful resort. There are a few drawbacks, but the overall feel of the resort is wonderful. Though, BCV is calling to me after experiencing SAB. :cloud9: Next time we go when it's hot out, I'm going for BCV! If you decide to try for BWV I hope you love it!

Awwww, the video of Henry was adorable. You could almost see the Mickey-shaped light bulb go on over his head when he really "got" that you were leaving that day. :lovestruc

And the ipad and Bose headphones question (which I am sure was redundant but I'll answer it anyway): Henry gets them because you CANNOT put a price tag on the quiet contentment of a 3 y/o in the confines of an airplane. I think you got off cheap! :laughing:

:rotfl2: I like that, "Mickey shaped light bulb"!

And you are EXACTLY correct on the iPad and Bose headphones. :lmao:

[brookelizabeth]

I love all your pictures... and I know there are going to be many more! :lmao:

By the looks of the plane picture I thought you were flying AirTran. :lmao: (The Jetblue blue chips are really good BTW!)

You must of been super anxious waiting to take off. I know I would have been, especially when flying with a kid.

I like your view from your room.. I think it is pretty good! ::yes::


Can't wait to her more. popcorn::

Oh yes, many, many more. Over 4,500 pictures this trip! :eek:

We actually weren't too anxious, but BORED. They, thankfully, have TVs in every seat, so I was watching HGTV, but after the first 2 shows were over I knew we had been sitting there for a loooooong stinkin' time. The iPad was worth every single cent too. :thumbsup2

Aw Henry looks so excited :cutie:

I really don't know how people could entertain themselves in airports and on airplanes before ipads, iphones and ipods :laughing:

Oh Coke Zero good choice!:thumbsup2

Aw the picture of Henry on the bus is adorable! I make that same exact face every time I get on the ME but I definitely don't look cute like him while making it :laughing:

Boardwalk is so pretty at night!

Even though your flight was delayed it seemed like check in at the ME and at the hotel was quick and easy :thumbsup2

Can't wait to find out where you eat dinner!



I remember once being stuck in an airplane before cell phones and all that for over an hour and it was MISERABLE. I read the airline magazine more than once! :rotfl:

We are Coke Zero addicts here. We ran out last night and I'm itchin' to get to the store for more.

I was so relieved to have an easy ME ride and check-in. Whew!

Hi Brook, I am finally here! But I have some excuse for being so late to subscribe, I was away in Disneyland Paris. :goodvibes

Sorry about the flight being so delayed, that's always annoying. But at least someone was really excited about all the travelling you had to do. ;)

Actually, I think that your room was pretty much as far as you could get from the elevators from that room view and looking at a Boardwalk map? I guess those long hallways vary in length depending on everyone's own prception? :goodvibes

Ooooh! I can't wait to read about your trip!!! :hyper: :hyper: I hope you and your sister had a MAGICAL time! I'm sure you did!

You know, I never once looked at a map of the BWV while we were there to see where our room was. It seemed like there was another section of hallway after ours, but maybe not. :confused3 Just looked at a map, there was one small section after ours. The walk was NOT that bad. I know people complain about the hallways, but honestly, it didn't even phase me - and we were almost at the end of our section too. That's a relief for our next stay there! (and perhaps that is partly due to the fact that we walk a LOT here...so it takes quite a bit to bother us)

Well boo to a delayed flight, but it sounds like it all went smoothly!! YAY for being at Disney!! Nothing beats that feeling when you drive under those signs and know you are "Home"!!!!!! BWV are so gorgeous!!!! LOVE THEM!!

Yes, it could have been much worse if we had to wait for the ME,or if something was crazy wrong with our room. After we took off it was smooth sailing!

I agree with that feeling - it's so wonderful!

[brookelizabeth]

I cannot believe that I went out of town on business for three days and I'm on page 10!!!!:scared1::scared1:

Hooray for arrival day!:cool1: Boo for delays.:sad2: I'm glad that all was taken in stride and you made it there in one piece. I remember seeing the happy Henry video on F/B. I was overjoyed for him!


:lmao::lmao::lmao:

It's been cruising over here! :yay: But only 2 updates, so not too bad. Lots of chatter!

Any price or sacrifice on the plane if it means a quite and content 3 year old. :laughing:

I love the video of Henry finding out today was the day! Ridiculously adorable!

I think, if my flight's ever (that) delayed on the way down to Disney, I'll probably cry in the airport! Good for you for taking it in stride.


This picture cracks me up. I kinda want to be like, um, Brook? it's not safe to actually stand on the monorail tracks! :rotfl:

Can't wait for more!

Thank you! He was so, so excited! It made us even giddier too!

Isn't that a funny picture? It does look like we are on the tracks!

I haven't been able to be on the Dis for the last few days and I missed that you had started your tr. I am off to catch up.

:welcome: Glad you found me!

I think red hair is not very common in Germany, but not unheard of, I know a few people with red hair. I guess it would be the same in Poland and Bohemia (i.e. Czech Republic today)

Hmmmm....I do recall my Dad saying we may have a touch of Irish in the family (he wasn't sure - and he moved away from his parents at a young age, and they died fairly young, so he never really asked them). I'm curious! I wish I knew!

I am sorry your trip was delayed, but at least it wasn't cancelled like ours was. We lost a whole day. I have always wanted a Black and White. They always look so good.

Ugh! A canceled flight would drive me BONKERS. I would not have taken that in stride! :laughing:

Black & Whites are sooooo good. Henry likes the chocolate part best, I like the white. Joe will take whatever we give him. ;)

So I'm sitting here in the breakroom at work, enjoying my lunch, and cracking up at Henry's enthusiasm. I think I would have had the same reaction! Thanks for sharing! :)

Aw, thanks! Hope it brought a bit of sunshine to your workday!

[that's nice]

I
Black & Whites are sooooo good. Henry likes the chocolate part best, I like the white. Joe will take whatever we give him. ;)

LOL Poor Joe! :lmao::lmao:



I might PM you or write you on FB... I'm thinking of getting Mel an iPad since we are loosing our computer room due to the baby. I want to know what it can & can't do and some other questions... I won't clog up this thread though. ;) :goodvibes

[PirateKate]

What a cute video, of Henry learning he was going to Disney World! It's cool that at that age, it can be a surprise, even with a countdown calender.

Too bad the flight was delayed, but at least you had a cookie to keep you company. :laughing: I've never had a Black and White cookie before. Is that a northern thing?

The view from your room looks fabulous! I've never stayed at any of the Epcot resorts, but I think it would be so nice to be able to walk to Epcot or DHS. :cloud9:

[brookelizabeth]

We left off after arriving at the BWV, jumping on the bed and then heading straight out for Epcot in search of food.

We had one mission.

MEXICO!

:woohoo:

This night we had gotten the QSDP (DVC members can pick and choose their dining plan per night), we wanted the mugs right away in the trip and we wanted to try the new La Cantina, which is more expensive than your general CS, so the QSDP was a good move for this night. And we were more than ready to eat!

On our way to Epcot

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6588/1201450727_2uRWf-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6589/1201451818_hnUV7-L.jpg

Through the International Gateway and through the UK where we saw

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6591/1201453831_4PtQc-L.jpg
I couldn't wait to see it in the daylight! And this was before the F&GF had actually started, so things weren't all out yet. Henry recognized Captain Hook from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

And around to Mexico where we easily found the entrance

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6592/1201454862_JwMWV-L.jpg

It was around 8:00 pm, Illuminations that night was at 9:00 pm and this place was packed!! It was unreal. Many people pile into this CS in hopes to snag a table on the waterfront for Illuminations. So if you ever want to do that, be sure to arrive early and eat sloooooowly.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6593/1201455977_d6D2t-L.jpg

None of the lines were short, so we just waited our turn. When it was finally my turn a random woman came up next to me and demanded the attention of the CM, speaking in Spanish, but obviously complaining about her drink. The conversation took another 5 minutes. The CM kept glancing at me with an apologizing look - but couldn't shake the woman.

It was a bit annoying, but it did give Joe and Henry the time to find and snag a table.

Yes, we snagged a table before we had our food. It would have been a mess trying to find a table if we had waited - I can only imagine us trying to push the stroller balancing a tray of food through that crowd. :scared1: The CS isn't very big and with that number of people in there it was just chaos.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6597/1201458505_jPPNm-L.jpg
Mayhem! But, it's pretty, isn't it?

The food for some reason took quite some time to be done, but eventually it was and I found Joe and Henry easily.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6599/1201460368_GcgEm-L.jpg
Henry's choice. The kids picks are either a cheese epanada or chicken strips.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6600/1201461484_CG3Qu-L.jpg
Joe's choice - Cheese epanadas. He said they were good-not great....but he also didn't leave a single bite behind.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6601/1201462659_YJVqg-L.jpg
Mine - beef tacos. HOLY MOLY. Love, love.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6602/1201463518_YZNR4-L.jpg
Yay! We are at Mickey's and we have food!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6603/1201464491_Y8Wqz-L.jpg
Dessert - deeeeeeeeeeeeeelish. They come with a caramel dipping sauce that is yummy too! And this is one serving - we had two baskets of these.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6604/1201465452_o8Lxw-L.jpg
They also gave us one cup of nacho cheese sauce. It was just your average nacho cheese, nothing extra in it. But, standard is good.

That was a LOT of food. We all were having a great time, enjoying every bite. Henry kept eying those churros and soon it was time.

Of course, to a little boy that is not only a churro, but also a sword.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6605/1201466481_os7kr-L.jpg
I guess it's a sword to a big boy too. ;)

Our bellies were full. We were happy (did I mention it was 80 degrees out and BEAUTIFUL?!:dance3:).

La Cantina was a hit. We really enjoyed it despite the very crowded status, it was worth dealing with the crowd for!

A few more pictures as we maneuvered our way out..

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6606/1201467538_a3frV-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6607/1201468616_mbex3-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6608/1201469730_3PimC-L.jpg
An awful picture, but you get the idea - this is the seating area over the water. It would be a wonderful spot for Illuminations! There is also that little cart on the right with napkins, straws and that sort of thing. Also has 2 types of salsa. Both were good!

No questions asked, we would eat here again.

And as a matter of a fact...we did! ;)

Up Next: What will our first ride be?

[glennbo123]

Mmmm, looks good Brook. So is that place part of the new upscale restaurant that opened recently? I guess it must, since it's on the water.

[thegreggersmom]

Okay, you had me at the cheese sauce but churros, too?! :cool1: This will be a mandatory stop for us in September. Added bonus that the churro doubles as a sword.

I was gonna guess Soarin' for your first ride but maybe it was Fast Passed out. Second choice: Test Track.

[thewesterberg]

Isn't it yummy?! And the churros... drool! I'm right there with ya! We ate there in December, outside. Well, a few of us braved the cold temps. My sister and her husband wimped out and went inside! :) I thought the same thing though, that it would be a great place to watch Illuminations from! (We had lunch... didn't think we better hold a table that long!! :) )

[hcmommy]

Gotta give wdw churros another try. Had them at MK and they were stale tasting and cold! The food looked good I hope we get a chance to try it.

[pinkxray]

La Cantina looks amazing. It is moving to the top of my World Showcase cs places to try.

[mermaid764]

I hadn't heard much about the new CS in Mexico but it looks amazing from your pics!

I love the pics of the boardwalk lit up at night, how long of a walk is it from there to epcot?

Can't wait for more:goodvibes

[PirateKate]

La Cantina looks really good! I hope we get to try it soon. Do you know if the pico de gallo usually come on the side?

I would love to pick and choose which nights I wanted which dining plan. DVC keeps looking better and better- pool hopping and dining plan options...:cloud9:

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Okay, you've convinced me. I have to fit this in somehow in April. Even if it's just the yummy churos. And some guacamole and chips.....:rolleyes1

[chicagoshannon]

I think that restaurant just made it onto our short list! I had no idea you could choose which DP you wanted per night if you're DVC. Very cool!

[TanzUnited99]

Your review of La Cantina sounds great! What a great way to start your trip! :thumbsup2

We are also eating in Mexico on our trip and am really looking forward to it now...if I only I could have some of that food for my tea tonight! :rolleyes1

[CreightonsMomma]

We passed La Cantina a few times and the food smelled Ah-mazing! We saw a lot of people with the nachos and they looked so awesome my BF really wanted to get some but the line was ridiculous. We ended up upgrading our tickets to an AP so we will be there for one day this Friday and then again in October for MNSSHP so I will definitely have to try it.

[norybell]

Your pictures of the Cantina have made me starving! Maybe we'll have Mexican tonight...

I don't remember if La Hacienda was in your plans at all -- did you get to try it? I think it may be my new favorite WS TS spot!

[DisMomAmy]

A few of us grabbed a bite at the Cantina during the January Spectrum Moms trip. It was pretty good - but I can see how the seating could get crowded quickly - especially if you throw in a stroller or two.

Which day was this? Was it Saturday 2/26? I want to keep track since we were there too... but not until Sunday. :goodvibes

[TheDreamsComeTrue]

All those pictures look delicious especially the churros! Now I'm thinking about eating there this June!

[Millie12591]

Wow, already on page 12!! But I'm here! :goodvibes I read this first post on your blog, but couldn't figure out how to make an account, or rather it wouldn't let me. Glad it's here too. :thumbsup2

[jenseib]

That looks yummy. I have to laugh because it looks like a lot of Mexican people are in there eating. Thats like for me to go to Epcot in eat in America area...and I never have...just to note! :laughing:

[All7OfUs]

Too bad it wasn't open yet for our trip! It's one of my faves. Looks even better now!Can't beat the seating. At. All.

And I must say, with the Cava also having seating and snacks that now there are 2 VERY good options for a meal in Mexico! Nice!

[dawnbu40]

I'm late to the party but all caught up :)

How wonderful to be back at BWV :thumbsup2 Love that view!

LaCantina looks so good! I'm thinking we need to give it a try in May :)

[SoonerGirl]

They give you caramel dipping sauce for the churros?! Oh, I'm so there!

I know you're probably still trying to get caught up, but I started a PTR while you were gone :rolleyes1

[Fantasyland Mom]

Oh, my! I can already see that this is a report I need to read constantly, or I'll miss something!
I lurked on your last report, but I see some things never change. 1. Henry is a cutie! 2. Henry likes to jump. 3. I'm considering the Boardwalk (how funny about Community Hall!).
Subbing, can't wait to read two whole weeks of Disney bliss (and compromise!).

[Softballgirl27]

That sounds horrible! i have never had to experience that but my mom and dad have. sounds like a great place to eat by the way. I love mexican food, maybe we will go there for lunch sometime. just a question, have you ever been to disney i febuary? if you have how are the crouds?

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

Mmmm all that food looks just delicious! :love:

Haha, if we have the patience to sit that long maybe we'll snag a table there for Illuminations in May. ;)

[Wonders10]

Yum! I absolutely LOVE mexican food and everything you guys got looked so good! We have reservations at the new sit down, La Hacienda, our first night and I'm really really looking forward to it.

Do not feel bad for saving a table. I honestly don't see what the big deal is - you're going to be eating in a few minutes there anyway :confused3 But I'm also a girl who uses her mug on more than one trip so maybe I'm not the best judge of character :rotfl:

[MEK]

Did you find it was confusing to change your dining plan? Did you change often. I know we have to check in and out 3 times in May for a 4 night stay, but I think it will be worth it for the days we have the DxDP.

The cantina looks like a cool place. I remember it opened at 3pm on the afternoon that Jen and I left last September.

Henry has had a non-stop smile all day. That's one happy kid who knows how to love his Disney.

[KatMark]

Great update, Brook. We met Mary and the girls there last year and the girls seemed to enjoy it a lot. I love the pic of the "boys" playing swords with their churros. :goodvibes

[Disneyland_Mama]

Whoa! Page 12! Glad I'm getting in here early. ;)

Loved the video of Henry being told it's Mickey Time! :goodvibes So cute!

Hmmm... we're going to have to try that CS in Mexico in December. :teeth:

[tiggrbaby]

Wow! What HUGE servings at the Mexican CS! Sounds like it was a great start to the vaca.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Mmm, aside from the little flight delay drama, sounds like an absolutely perfect evening! I have always loved the old Cantina and am so excited to try the new one. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to fit it into our next too-short trip but after your little review, I'm dying to try it even more!!!!!

And omg, Henry is just the CUTEST!

[claryche]

First off I can't believe that I'm so far behind on this trip report already. Wow, page 12 I think. Oh well.

February 26, 2011



http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6565/1201431135_8N8AL-L.jpg



I love this picture. It kinda makes me think of the silhouettes they do at Disney. We have done them with my DS and I love them.


As far as Epcot CS meal. Oh no, you snagged a table before you had your food. The table police will sure be coming after you. :laughing:

We haven't eaten there, neither my DS nor I really like Mexican food that much. But another great CS meal location is Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD. You get so much food and it is so yummy. Don't know if you have eaten there or not, but if not, try it out.

Can't wait for the rest of the report.

[CJsMom]

Loving the trip so far! :thumbsup2
Of course the three-year old gets the Bose headphones and the iPad! We'll do just about anything to keep them sitting quietly on a plane for 3 hours! :rotfl:

La Cantina looks good. We ate at La Hacienda in the fall and it was delish! :thumbsup2

Ok - continue - can't wait to see where you go next! popcorn::

[ptcrn]

Love that Henry got the ipad and the bose headphones!! Anything to keep them happy and quiet on the plane, right? :thumbsup2

I think the picture of him in the lobby with the stickers is so adorable! He is just so excited to be there!

Looking at your view, I'm pretty sure you are in the same section we were in when we stayed at the Boardwalk. Only we were in like, the next to last room in the hallway- loooong walk! I'll have to go back and look up our room number for fun.

La Cantina looks delicious! Can't wait to eat there on our next trip, though who knows when that will be! :laughing:

[hannahsmom7]

Just caught up on all of your PTR and this TR and now I'm just starting on your September one :rotfl:. I had loved reading your previous TRs and then needed to take a break from the DIS for awhile, so as not to torture myself anymore, lol. We canceled our last trip plan after finding ourselves expecting another baby, so I was having major withdrawal. We're now planning on the fall of 2012 though, so I can start getting myself back into Disney mode! I stopped on the TR board for the first time in a long time today and was excited to see you just starting a TR! Henry is close to my DS's age and they looked actually quite similar when they were younger, so he used to remind me of my Jack :). Now my DS's hair has lost most of its reddish tint though. Anyway, just wanted to say hello and that I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

[Flossbolna]

Looks like you had a great start to the vacation! I don't think the Cantina is high on my list, looked like there is way too much cilantro on all the dishes - and I hate that stuff!! :scared1: But otherwise the food looks very tasty and much better than the old Cantina! :thumbsup2

[hcmommy]

Your TR MADE me have to go out to eat at Chuy's last night for Mexican Brook. My wallet and my waistline do not thank you but my belly does...and yeah it was pretty much all your fault, just sayin'! I had chili relleno's, a cheese enchilada, cream jalepeno dip, yummy salsa, ummmmm.

[PrincessCaitlin]

The Boardwalk looks so pretty all lit up!

That Mexican food looks delicious!!!!!!


The churros look delicious! I have had them once and they were supposed to come with the carmel dipping sauce but it didn't :confused3

I am glad it all tasted good!

Can't wait to find out what your first ride is! I am thinking Test Track :thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

LOL Poor Joe! :lmao::lmao:
I might PM you or write you on FB... I'm thinking of getting Mel an iPad since we are loosing our computer room due to the baby. I want to know what it can & can't do and some other questions... I won't clog up this thread though. ;) :goodvibes

Sounds good! I'm awful at checking my messages, unless I know I have a dedicated hour to really look - which I haven't had since we got home from the trip...but, hopefully tomorrow. Last Saturday Joe had to work. :headache: So, I will be on the look-out! I have positives and negatives to say about it.

What a cute video, of Henry learning he was going to Disney World! It's cool that at that age, it can be a surprise, even with a countdown calender.

Too bad the flight was delayed, but at least you had a cookie to keep you company. :laughing: I've never had a Black and White cookie before. Is that a northern thing?

The view from your room looks fabulous! I've never stayed at any of the Epcot resorts, but I think it would be so nice to be able to walk to Epcot or DHS. :cloud9:

I love that it can be a surprise still, even with the calendar!!! I will miss how easy it is. :laughing:

A Black & White is a North-East thing, maybe even focused on NY. I had never had one before I moved here. They are like a cakey-cookie base, and the "frosting" on top really isn't frosting - it's chocolate, but not just straight up dipped in chocolate. The white has a slight lemon taste, but not overly lemon.

I know. Makes no sense. But, rest assured, they are delicious!

I have fallen in love with staying in the Epcot area. With a stroller it's AMAZING. We can walk or boat to two parks where we don't have to deal with the stroller. :cloud9: And really, you COULD walk through Epcot and onto the monorail for MK, but that's a trek.

Mmmm, looks good Brook. So is that place part of the new upscale restaurant that opened recently? I guess it must, since it's on the water.

They have both an TS and a CS. The TS is a bit more upscale from what I have read, but not a signature. During the day the CS is both the outside area where I was, and inside. At night, the TS is inside and the CS is only outside. We want to try the TS sometime too.

Okay, you had me at the cheese sauce but churros, too?! :cool1: This will be a mandatory stop for us in September. Added bonus that the churro doubles as a sword.

I was gonna guess Soarin' for your first ride but maybe it was Fast Passed out. Second choice: Test Track.

Yes! Cheese sauce AND churros. It was sooooo good.

Definite bonus on the sword. :lmao:

You are on the right path for ride choice!!

Isn't it yummy?! And the churros... drool! I'm right there with ya! We ate there in December, outside. Well, a few of us braved the cold temps. My sister and her husband wimped out and went inside! :) I thought the same thing though, that it would be a great place to watch Illuminations from! (We had lunch... didn't think we better hold a table that long!! :) )

Just thinking about it here has my stomach growling. We have a truck down the street (yes, a truck) that sells amazing Mexican food. We haven't had it since fall because they don't come out during the winter...I just might have to get this tonight after all this taco talk!

La Cantina would totally be worth braving the cold temperatures, or the other extreme, for! So good!

[PopArtGal]

OMG such a cute video!!!

[kschafer]

hmm, may have to rethink the Cantina...it does look really yummy!

[PopArtGal]

ok it's 9am and I want tortillas with guacamole lol

[disneyfan61]

Those beef tacos-YUM!!!:thumbsup2 It looks great there just sitting by the water.

[Flossbolna]

A Black & White is a North-East thing, maybe even focused on NY. I had never had one before I moved here. They are like a cakey-cookie base, and the "frosting" on top really isn't frosting - it's chocolate, but not just straight up dipped in chocolate. The white has a slight lemon taste, but not overly lemon.

I know. Makes no sense. But, rest assured, they are delicious!


Wow, this finally cleared up something I have always been wondering about!! :banana:

Here in Germany we have some strange baked goods which are called "Amerikaner" meaning "Americans" - They are these flat cakes with icing on them and I always wondered why they have that name since I never saw them in the USA. So: they really have an origin in the US, but just a very local one. The Wikipedia article even mentions the German variety: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_white_cookie

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

We had gotten lunch at La Cantina, based on how busy it was during lunchtime, I wouldn't want to be near there before Illuminations! Glad you were able to find a seat!

I thought there was pretty good though, I had had the beef tacos like you did. Did you try the two different salsas they have? They're the same ones they have inside La Hacienda.

[photographymom517]

Great update!!! I'm glad that I read this because I was considering adding a TS meal for one of the Mexico restaurants (San Angel Inn or La Cantina) but now that I see the QS, I don't really see a need. The portions look very large & if we use our QS meal for Mexico, we can get that yummy dessert as well!!! I LOVE Disney churros! Won't eat them anywhere else but Disney! :lmao: And I'm super excited they include carmel sauce now!

Love the pictures of the Boardwalk at night!!! I cannot wait for the peaceful evening walk from the Beach Club to Epcot!!! If we wanted to walk to DHS, how long do you think it would take from BC? Should we walk over to the Boardwalk first & then to DHS or just past the YC to DHS? I can't remember where the water is/isn't! Any advice is appreciated! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more about your adventure!!!!

[Stasieki]

How did I miss the start of your report:eek:

Well, I'm happy to join now. Looking forward to reading about your latest adventures:cool1:

[eandesmom]

3 days late and you are on page 14. Sigh.

Great intro, I can't wait to see how it plays out. Your epcot eats makes me want to try the Cantina in a big way, it looks like a vast improvement over the previous iteration, looking at those tacos made me hungry!!!!!!!!! Of course it could also be due to the fact I've not eaten yet today.

[manntra]

Mmmm the Cantina looks yummy!! I do love some good Mexican food :thumbsup2 I think we are eating at La Hacienda in May. :)

And I lovvvvvvvvvvvve black and whites!!! I am partial to the chocolate...but I will eat the white if forced :laughing:

Oh and I added to my apple collection this week and received the new white iPad :woohoo: LOVE IT! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Tracy

[ClaireW]

Lots of people giving La Cantina the :thumbsup2 now - and you can add us onto the list of people who are planning on trying it out thanks to your TR :rotfl:

We're staying at YC in August and really glad to hear how convenient you found it with the stroller. The girls will just have turned 2 and 4 and we've got a 10 day trip planned so looking forward to lots of opportunities to stroll around the world showcase, etc. How was the walk to the studios? We've visited the Boardwalk area from Epcot but the walk to the studios will be something new for us.

[merbobear]

New to your TR and can't wait to read more - just penciled La Cantina in for a QS meal on one of our Epcot days, thanks to your delicious looking dinner!

[chica622]

Subscribing! :)

[vamassey1]

Yum! Yum! I love me so me Mexican grub. We will have to try this in the future. The location sound fabulous too. I know people use to complain about the birds being to close at the old place, how was it here?

[3prettyprincesses]

Awesome updates Brook!:thumbsup2 Henry is as cute as ever and I love the pic of him in the car with all his winter gear on!

So did that creepy spaghettio clown face slide miss you at all?? What's his name, Greg or George, something with a "G".

Looks like Henry knows the routine pretty well...first thing you do when you enter a Disney hotel room, jump on the bed, yay!:thumbsup2

Gorgeous night time boardwalk pics!

Yikes, La Cantina looked like wall to wall people!:eek: I agree, the decor is gorgeous and I'm glad you snagged a table.:thumbsup2 Those churros! Oh the sweet cinnamony goodness! They looked delish.

Looking forward to the next installment!:thumbsup2

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I came looking for the latest Brook TR and I found it!!! :cool1:

Hi Brook - better late than never! I followed you on FB but it's so fun to read the actual TR because I just love yours....:lovestruc

Like many others - I love the picture of Henry on the bus looking out the window - priceless! ;) I'm craving Mexican now! :rotfl2: Hmm, might be headed there for dinner tonight! lol

Can't wait for more...

Heather

[that's nice]

You meal looks guuuuuud!

I think I would have went with what you ordered! :thumbsup2

I will leave it at that considering you have 4 pages of responses to do! :lmao::lmao:

[disneydusted]

Hi Brook! I am finally on board here! We just got back from spring break in the OBX. Your first night in the magic is looking good, especially the Mexican food! :thumbsup2
You have some darling pictures already of Henry, he is a cutie! He has that Disney sparkle in his eyes!

[*dreamit*doit*]

Joining in! Need to go back and catch up, now. :)

[cdotla]

Wow...14 pages. This is humming right along!:eek:

Thank goodness for the links. Oh, how I LOVE links!:rotfl:

That photo of Henry on the plane with the Bose headphones and the ipad is priceless. You do, however, know what you are doing, don't you???:laughing: I can't even imagine what is going to be on his Christmas wish list by the time he is 8!:scared1:

Yay...another fan of Mexico counterservice. I think we are quite scarce in numbers, but even the haters come out of the woodwork to get those 8:30pm tables, don't they?:rotfl:

On a solo trip a few years ago I finished my conference and was doing some solo evening touring at Epcot. I figured as just one person it wouldn't be overly difficult to find somewhere to sit and eat my taco at 8:30pm. Afterall, it didn't need to be a table. A bench, a ledge, heck, even a curb would have sufficed. Obviously I had thought wrong. There was absolutely nothing left. I had to eat my meal trying to juggle my tray, drink and taco plate all while standing up. :rolleyes: What a score if you can snag one of those waterfront tables....I am sure they must go at 8pm.

I am intringued by your title and so looking forward to hearing how all the compromises play into the trip. And super excited that this time I can follow one of your reports in actual time!;)

[mrsksomeday]

I absolutely LOVED how excited Henry got when you told him it was the day!! Loved the dancing! He was adorable! He was going to leave without you.

Great bus mojo, even though you didn't get a real ME bus. I LOVE the pictures of the Boardwalk, makes me so happy we decided to stay there in December.

The new Mexico restaurant looked great, wow it was packed. The food looked good, can't get Bill to go there though. I can't wait to read more about your trip.

[blessedby3]

How could I have forgotten----Mexico for dinner! I commented on FB when you posted and we cant wait to eat there again! Quick question on the tacos....looks like its not ground beef, are they made with shredded roast beef? I am thinking i may have to try these in 66 days!!!!

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, that video of Henry realizing he was going to see Mickey that day just made my morning! Such cuteness! I love how he gradually gets more and more excited until he has the suitcase at the front door! LOL!

I remember seeing the picture of Henry grinning on ME on Facebook -- loved it then, and love it now! That smile says it all!

La Cantina was crowded! :eek: The food looks delicious especially your beef tacos!

[TinkerbellinNY6]

I am following along! I read your last trip report and pre trip report. Henry is adorable.:goodvibes

[Native NYer]

How did I miss this? Going back to read and catch up. :surfweb:

[nodnol]

Hi Brook, I finally made it... looking forward to your two weeks adventure!

[BMC423]

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6601/1201462659_YJVqg-L.jpg
Mine - beef tacos. HOLY MOLY. Love, love.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6603/1201464491_Y8Wqz-L.jpg
Dessert - deeeeeeeeeeeeeelish. They come with a caramel dipping sauce that is yummy too! And this is one serving - we had two baskets of these.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6605/1201466481_os7kr-L.jpg
I guess it's a sword to a big boy too. ;)

Our bellies were full. We were happy (did I mention it was 80 degrees out and BEAUTIFUL?!:dance3:).

La Cantina was a hit. We really enjoyed it despite the very crowded status, it was worth dealing with the crowd for!



YUM! This is going on my list for next trip... I love the churro/sword picture so cute!

[brookelizabeth]

Gotta give wdw churros another try. Had them at MK and they were stale tasting and cold! The food looked good I hope we get a chance to try it.

These were warm and tasty! I wonder if the ones at the various carts can get icky? :confused3

La Cantina looks amazing. It is moving to the top of my World Showcase cs places to try.

We will be eating there every trip I'm sure! YUM!

I hadn't heard much about the new CS in Mexico but it looks amazing from your pics!

I love the pics of the boardwalk lit up at night, how long of a walk is it from there to epcot?

Can't wait for more:goodvibes

The walk from the Boardwalk to Epcot is very short, only about 10 minutes. :thumbsup2

La Cantina looks really good! I hope we get to try it soon. Do you know if the pico de gallo usually come on the side?

I would love to pick and choose which nights I wanted which dining plan. DVC keeps looking better and better- pool hopping and dining plan options...:cloud9:

Yep, the pico came on the side both times for us (the second time we ate there is much later in the trip).

I LOVED picking and choosing our nights for the DDP! We did 1 night of QSDP, 1 night of DDP and one of DxDDP! The Dx night alone we saved around $170. Now granted we wouldn't have ordered app & dessert every time, but it sure was fun!

Okay, you've convinced me. I have to fit this in somehow in April. Even if it's just the yummy churos. And some guacamole and chips.....:rolleyes1

Yes! It's soooo very good. I didn't try the guac, but if it's the same guac they had at the little kiosk they had in Mexico during the construction time of La Cantina, it's delicious!

I think that restaurant just made it onto our short list! I had no idea you could choose which DP you wanted per night if you're DVC. Very cool!

It's a very nice perk! There is a tiny bit of hassle with it, which I'll explain in my report, but, in my opinion, the hassle is worth the benefit.

Your review of La Cantina sounds great! What a great way to start your trip! :thumbsup2

We are also eating in Mexico on our trip and am really looking forward to it now...if I only I could have some of that food for my tea tonight! :rolleyes1

Are you doing the TS part of the restaurant? I've seen pics and read a few reviews...it looks sooooo good! We might be trying that on our next trip.

We passed La Cantina a few times and the food smelled Ah-mazing! We saw a lot of people with the nachos and they looked so awesome my BF really wanted to get some but the line was ridiculous. We ended up upgrading our tickets to an AP so we will be there for one day this Friday and then again in October for MNSSHP so I will definitely have to try it.

I've seen a pic of those nachos, they do look YUMMY! Both times we hit La Cantina it had long lines. The word is getting out that it's good. :laughing:

Your pictures of the Cantina have made me starving! Maybe we'll have Mexican tonight...

I don't remember if La Hacienda was in your plans at all -- did you get to try it? I think it may be my new favorite WS TS spot!

We have a taco truck in our 'hood that sells really good Mexican if you ever find yourself in Astoria. :rotfl:

Nope, La Hacidenda was discussed, more than once, but it didn't make the list this time. I am thinking it will be TOP of the list for our next trip though!

A few of us grabbed a bite at the Cantina during the January Spectrum Moms trip. It was pretty good - but I can see how the seating could get crowded quickly - especially if you throw in a stroller or two.

Which day was this? Was it Saturday 2/26? I want to keep track since we were there too... but not until Sunday. :goodvibes

Yes, the seating can be a nightmare! It was a giant hassle finding a table and all that with the stroller. And if you had 2, or a double...:faint: Ugh!

Yep, this was Saturday 2/26 still.

All those pictures look delicious especially the churros! Now I'm thinking about eating there this June!

I would recommend it! If you like Mexican, you can't go wrong here!

[brookelizabeth]

Wow, already on page 12!! But I'm here! :goodvibes I read this first post on your blog, but couldn't figure out how to make an account, or rather it wouldn't let me. Glad it's here too. :thumbsup2

Hey there! :welcome: glad you found me!

I thought you could post without an account on my blog...but perhaps not? Who knows! LOL

And I still haven't gotten this latest up there...I'm a slacker! :laughing:

That looks yummy. I have to laugh because it looks like a lot of Mexican people are in there eating. Thats like for me to go to Epcot in eat in America area...and I never have...just to note! :laughing:

Now that you say that, the woman with the beverage issue AND the guy who ordered on the other side of the register just before me both spoke Spanish to the CM...

Too bad it wasn't open yet for our trip! It's one of my faves. Looks even better now!Can't beat the seating. At. All.

And I must say, with the Cava also having seating and snacks that now there are 2 VERY good options for a meal in Mexico! Nice!

I have to try the Cava sometime, I've heard so many good things about the food there! Joe wants to try San Angel even though it doesn't get great reviews...we might be one of the few that enjoy it.

I'm late to the party but all caught up :)

How wonderful to be back at BWV :thumbsup2 Love that view!

LaCantina looks so good! I'm thinking we need to give it a try in May :)

:welcome: Glad you made it here!

It was wonderful to be back at the BWV. I could easily go back there again! :laughing:

They give you caramel dipping sauce for the churros?! Oh, I'm so there!

I know you're probably still trying to get caught up, but I started a PTR while you were gone :rolleyes1

Yes, they do! It's a thin caramel, but it's tasty!

Yep, still trying to get caught up...I will get onto your PTR ASAP, thanks for pointing it out to me!!

Oh, my! I can already see that this is a report I need to read constantly, or I'll miss something!
I lurked on your last report, but I see some things never change. 1. Henry is a cutie! 2. Henry likes to jump. 3. I'm considering the Boardwalk (how funny about Community Hall!).
Subbing, can't wait to read two whole weeks of Disney bliss (and compromise!).

:welcome: Thanks for reading!!! I meant to post another update by now, but real life has taken over a bit. Tomorrow FOR SURE! :thumbsup2

Lots of compromise this trip, from me AND from Joe. It really made us both pretty much fully enjoy the trip.

That sounds horrible! i have never had to experience that but my mom and dad have. sounds like a great place to eat by the way. I love mexican food, maybe we will go there for lunch sometime. just a question, have you ever been to disney i febuary? if you have how are the crouds?

I haven't been to Disney in February (other than these 2 days). From what I *think*, it's a slower season. Our first week was really tame, the second week the crowds POURED in. The difference was incredible. I met someone on the bus from NY who had been there the week before us and he said it was really quiet - he thought the crowds had already increased a lot. He hadn't seen nothin'! :eek: I think the weather can be hit and miss though.

Mmmm all that food looks just delicious! :love:

Haha, if we have the patience to sit that long maybe we'll snag a table there for Illuminations in May. ;)

I would love to watch Illuminations from there, it would be such a wonderful spot! I hope you are able to snag one of those tables!

Yum! I absolutely LOVE mexican food and everything you guys got looked so good! We have reservations at the new sit down, La Hacienda, our first night and I'm really really looking forward to it.

Do not feel bad for saving a table. I honestly don't see what the big deal is - you're going to be eating in a few minutes there anyway :confused3 But I'm also a girl who uses her mug on more than one trip so maybe I'm not the best judge of character :rotfl:

I can't wait to try the sit down either! You'll have to let me know what you think of it. It looks, and sounds, delicious!

:lmao: love your comment on the mugs and tables!! I usually just do what works best for us in the moment, and try not to care what others might think of it...I mentioned it here in the update for other stroller families to get a bit of an understand what kind of craziness can be found inside. I would RECOMMEND snagging a table first with little ones or a big group!

And yes, I steer clear of these threads on the Community board. :laughing:

Did you find it was confusing to change your dining plan? Did you change often. I know we have to check in and out 3 times in May for a 4 night stay, but I think it will be worth it for the days we have the DxDP.

The cantina looks like a cool place. I remember it opened at 3pm on the afternoon that Jen and I left last September.

Henry has had a non-stop smile all day. That's one happy kid who knows how to love his Disney.

I didn't find it confusing at all. We had the QSDP this night, the DDP on the night of the 4th and the DxDDP later. Just 3 nights of various dining plans.

The Boardwalk told us we'd have to get new keys when "checking out"/"checking in"...but when I the same keys we got at check in worked just fine, and we had no issues with using the credits. On the 4th we went to get new keys, but the CM told us we didn't need them, but the credits wouldn't be "active" until 11 am (check-out time/their systems roll over to the next day), so we just charged our breakfast to our room and they reversed the credits. Those same keys continued to work though check-out on the 5th.

Over at BLT they were a bit more confused about it all. But, they DID give us new keys and the credits worked instantly. We did NOT need to get new keys when "checking out" (the day the credits were to run out).

I hope that makes sense! I can explain more if you need to. It's a great perk! I hope they can somehow change it so we don't have to stop at the front desk at all, AND our credits be active right away instead of at 11 am...but I'll take what I can get if it saves me some serious bucks. :thumbsup2

Each time we stretched our credits out to the next day ("check-out day") too, and never had an issue with them working properly.

[MaryAz]

Looks like some yumminess was had in Epcot. We ate there in Dec and thought it was good!! Love me some cheese sause!!

[brookelizabeth]

Great update, Brook. We met Mary and the girls there last year and the girls seemed to enjoy it a lot. I love the pic of the "boys" playing swords with their churros. :goodvibes

I bet those girls didn't think to use their churros as swords, did they? :rotfl:

Whoa! Page 12! Glad I'm getting in here early. ;)

Loved the video of Henry being told it's Mickey Time! :goodvibes So cute!

Hmmm... we're going to have to try that CS in Mexico in December. :teeth:

If our December/January trip works out - we'll be eating there again I'm sure, it's tasty!

It was really fun to surprise Henry with it all that day. He's getting so smart now, we are going to start having to be more creative for future trips! LOL

Wow! What HUGE servings at the Mexican CS! Sounds like it was a great start to the vaca.

They are! It was a LOT of food. This first visit I didn't eat all my chips or churros.

The second visit...well, after 2 weeks of Disney food your stomach can handle more it seems. :laughing:

Mmm, aside from the little flight delay drama, sounds like an absolutely perfect evening! I have always loved the old Cantina and am so excited to try the new one. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to fit it into our next too-short trip but after your little review, I'm dying to try it even more!!!!!

And omg, Henry is just the CUTEST!

We ate at the old Cantina once, but I don't remember it at all! I wish we would have tried it a few other times so I could compare.

Thank you for the compliment about Henry! :cutie:

First off I can't believe that I'm so far behind on this trip report already. Wow, page 12 I think. Oh well.

I love this picture. It kinda makes me think of the silhouettes they do at Disney. We have done them with my DS and I love them.

As far as Epcot CS meal. Oh no, you snagged a table before you had your food. The table police will sure be coming after you. :laughing:

We haven't eaten there, neither my DS nor I really like Mexican food that much. But another great CS meal location is Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD. You get so much food and it is so yummy. Don't know if you have eaten there or not, but if not, try it out.

Can't wait for the rest of the report.

It does look like one of those silhouettes! We have one of Henry too and have always meant to get an updated one, but just haven't. Joe nabbed that shot of Henry staring out - it's one of my favorites too.

The table police! :rotfl2: I better not visit the Community Boards for a while! LOL

Oooh, we love Wolfgang Pucks! We haven't eaten there in several trips though - Joe has been hooked on Earl. We might have to stray next trip again...I miss it. Though, they took off the Mushu Chicken Pocket that I LOVED. :sad1:

Loving the trip so far! :thumbsup2
Of course the three-year old gets the Bose headphones and the iPad! We'll do just about anything to keep them sitting quietly on a plane for 3 hours! :rotfl:

La Cantina looks good. We ate at La Hacienda in the fall and it was delish! :thumbsup2

Ok - continue - can't wait to see where you go next! popcorn::

That is SO very true about keeping the 3 year old quiet! So, so true. He knows the drill by now and is ready for the iPad as soon as we get onto the plane. :rolleyes:

I really want to try La Hacidena! I haven't read a bad review of it yet. Next trip is has to make the list!!

Love that Henry got the ipad and the bose headphones!! Anything to keep them happy and quiet on the plane, right? :thumbsup2

I think the picture of him in the lobby with the stickers is so adorable! He is just so excited to be there!

Looking at your view, I'm pretty sure you are in the same section we were in when we stayed at the Boardwalk. Only we were in like, the next to last room in the hallway- loooong walk! I'll have to go back and look up our room number for fun.

La Cantina looks delicious! Can't wait to eat there on our next trip, though who knows when that will be! :laughing:

Wait a sec.

Did I know you were pregnant? Am I having a moment of Mommy Brain?

Is that pregnancy ticker new??

Regardless, if I haven't wished it to you yet---CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

And if I already have and we've discussed this...forgive me, I'm exhausted and not feeling well tonight. :laughing:

Our room was almost at the end of that section, maybe one more set of doors down was the end? I can't completely remember. You'll have to tell me where yours was! I didn't think the walk was too bad though...but we walk a LOT, so we are used to it all, so I'm certain that affects what we thought of it.

[brookelizabeth]

Just caught up on all of your PTR and this TR and now I'm just starting on your September one :rotfl:. I had loved reading your previous TRs and then needed to take a break from the DIS for awhile, so as not to torture myself anymore, lol. We canceled our last trip plan after finding ourselves expecting another baby, so I was having major withdrawal. We're now planning on the fall of 2012 though, so I can start getting myself back into Disney mode! I stopped on the TR board for the first time in a long time today and was excited to see you just starting a TR! Henry is close to my DS's age and they looked actually quite similar when they were younger, so he used to remind me of my Jack :). Now my DS's hair has lost most of its reddish tint though. Anyway, just wanted to say hello and that I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

Glad you found me here!!! Thank you for reading!

Congratulations on the little one! That is probably about the only GOOD reason to cancel a Disney trip. ;)

I love the name Jack. Henry has a buddy named Jack, and Joe and I discussed that name as an option before he was born. I am really surprised that Henry's red hair has stuck around since day one! I hope it stays - and that he likes it when he grows up. It gets him a TON of attention! (which hopefully doesn't go to his head. :laughing:)

Looks like you had a great start to the vacation! I don't think the Cantina is high on my list, looked like there is way too much cilantro on all the dishes - and I hate that stuff!! :scared1: But otherwise the food looks very tasty and much better than the old Cantina! :thumbsup2

I went back to look at the pictures, and the cilantro is even within the meat itself, not just one top - so asking for it without wouldn't even be an option. Bummer!!!

Not that Epcot is lacking in good eats though...:goodvibes

Your TR MADE me have to go out to eat at Chuy's last night for Mexican Brook. My wallet and my waistline do not thank you but my belly does...and yeah it was pretty much all your fault, just sayin'! I had chili relleno's, a cheese enchilada, cream jalepeno dip, yummy salsa, ummmmm.

:lmao: That's hilarious! Sorry!!! :flower3: That is going to make me laugh out loud whenever I think of it for days to come.

But I so understand! I'm not even hungry, it's 11:00 pm and I could SO go for a taco or something right now after responding to these comments about the food!

The Boardwalk looks so pretty all lit up!

That Mexican food looks delicious!!!!!!


The churros look delicious! I have had them once and they were supposed to come with the carmel dipping sauce but it didn't :confused3

I am glad it all tasted good!

Can't wait to find out what your first ride is! I am thinking Test Track :thumbsup2

That's so strange that yours didn't come with the sauce! Did you get them from La Cantina? The sauce is very tasty...the churros are good without, but it does add a bit of extra yum!

OMG such a cute video!!!

It was fun!

hmm, may have to rethink the Cantina...it does look really yummy!

If you like Mexican, you'll probably like this too! Yummmmm

ok it's 9am and I want tortillas with guacamole lol

It's 11 pm here and I could go for some of that. :laughing:

Those beef tacos-YUM!!!:thumbsup2 It looks great there just sitting by the water.

I would love to get lunch here sometime and just enjoy the beautiful water. Maybe sometime during September when no one is in the park! This trip was way too crowded for any for any of that!

Wow, this finally cleared up something I have always been wondering about!! :banana:

Here in Germany we have some strange baked goods which are called "Amerikaner" meaning "Americans" - They are these flat cakes with icing on them and I always wondered why they have that name since I never saw them in the USA. So: they really have an origin in the US, but just a very local one. The Wikipedia article even mentions the German variety: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_and_white_cookie

Ahhhh! I had no idea there was a German variety! That's very cool. Glad it's all cleared up for you!

I didn't realize the black & whites were fondant either. Shows how much I bake. :laughing:

We had gotten lunch at La Cantina, based on how busy it was during lunchtime, I wouldn't want to be near there before Illuminations! Glad you were able to find a seat!

I thought there was pretty good though, I had had the beef tacos like you did. Did you try the two different salsas they have? They're the same ones they have inside La Hacienda.

I did try both salsas, and liked both. I'm glad they are available at La Hacienda too....I want to try that on our next trip!

Great update!!! I'm glad that I read this because I was considering adding a TS meal for one of the Mexico restaurants (San Angel Inn or La Cantina) but now that I see the QS, I don't really see a need. The portions look very large & if we use our QS meal for Mexico, we can get that yummy dessert as well!!! I LOVE Disney churros! Won't eat them anywhere else but Disney! :lmao: And I'm super excited they include carmel sauce now!

Love the pictures of the Boardwalk at night!!! I cannot wait for the peaceful evening walk from the Beach Club to Epcot!!! If we wanted to walk to DHS, how long do you think it would take from BC? Should we walk over to the Boardwalk first & then to DHS or just past the YC to DHS? I can't remember where the water is/isn't! Any advice is appreciated! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear more about your adventure!!!!

That is exactly why we went with the CS this time around. We wanted to try the food, but didn't want to fork over the bucks on a TS without knowing if we like it. And we did! Huge portions and delicious. We'll be at the TS next trip probably!

To get from the BC to DHS you would walk past the YC, then over a bridge onto the walking path near the BW. It would probably take about 20 minutes, since it takes about 15 from the BW. The boat ride is wonderful too (plus you don't have to fold a stroller on those boats!)

How did I miss the start of your report:eek:

Well, I'm happy to join now. Looking forward to reading about your latest adventures:cool1:

Hey there!!! Glad you found me!! It was great meeting you!! Are you doing a TR?

[brookelizabeth]

3 days late and you are on page 14. Sigh.

Great intro, I can't wait to see how it plays out. Your epcot eats makes me want to try the Cantina in a big way, it looks like a vast improvement over the previous iteration, looking at those tacos made me hungry!!!!!!!!! Of course it could also be due to the fact I've not eaten yet today.

The tacos were delicious! We will be eating there again for sure. Another good eats in Epcot. Now if they could only get a couple true winners in DHS!

Mmmm the Cantina looks yummy!! I do love some good Mexican food :thumbsup2 I think we are eating at La Hacienda in May. :)

And I lovvvvvvvvvvvve black and whites!!! I am partial to the chocolate...but I will eat the white if forced :laughing:

Oh and I added to my apple collection this week and received the new white iPad :woohoo: LOVE IT! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Tracy

I really want to try La Hacidena now that we have done the CS. I've heard so many great things about it.

Black & whites are delicious, aren't they? I had a mini one from Starbucks today. :teeth:

Is the white one the new iPad2? Joe played with an iPad2 the other day and he wanted it instantly...of course! :laughing:

Lots of people giving La Cantina the :thumbsup2 now - and you can add us onto the list of people who are planning on trying it out thanks to your TR :rotfl:

We're staying at YC in August and really glad to hear how convenient you found it with the stroller. The girls will just have turned 2 and 4 and we've got a 10 day trip planned so looking forward to lots of opportunities to stroll around the world showcase, etc. How was the walk to the studios? We've visited the Boardwalk area from Epcot but the walk to the studios will be something new for us.

The walk to the Studios isn't bad at all. About 15 from the BW, so about 20 from the YC. The boat ride is wonderful too-and they don't require you to fold up your strollers on those boats! So anyway you go, it's easy with a stroller. I LOVED this area, and BLT area, with a little one. The buses have never really bothered me, until I had the luxury of not having to deal with them!

New to your TR and can't wait to read more - just penciled La Cantina in for a QS meal on one of our Epcot days, thanks to your delicious looking dinner!

:welcome: I hope you enjoy La Cantina as much as we did! It was soooo yummy!

Subscribing! :)

Thank you for reading!!

Yum! Yum! I love me so me Mexican grub. We will have to try this in the future. The location sound fabulous too. I know people use to complain about the birds being to close at the old place, how was it here?

I don't recall having any bird issues there at all -- great question! I cannot recall, but was there a covering over the tables at the old setup? All the tables have a sort of covering (if I remember correctly), and I wonder if that helps...:confused3

We ate over in the UK later in the trip and I swear one of those birds were going to swipe my food right off my plate! :eek:

Awesome updates Brook!:thumbsup2 Henry is as cute as ever and I love the pic of him in the car with all his winter gear on!

So did that creepy spaghettio clown face slide miss you at all?? What's his name, Greg or George, something with a "G".

Looks like Henry knows the routine pretty well...first thing you do when you enter a Disney hotel room, jump on the bed, yay!:thumbsup2

Gorgeous night time boardwalk pics!

Yikes, La Cantina looked like wall to wall people!:eek: I agree, the decor is gorgeous and I'm glad you snagged a table.:thumbsup2 Those churros! Oh the sweet cinnamony goodness! They looked delish.

Looking forward to the next installment!:thumbsup2

George! I still saw him...I have a pic later. Muahahaha! ;)

It was totally wall to wall people! It was craZy in there. But worth the hassle. I could seriously go for one of those tacos right now!

I came looking for the latest Brook TR and I found it!!! :cool1:

Hi Brook - better late than never! I followed you on FB but it's so fun to read the actual TR because I just love yours....:lovestruc

Like many others - I love the picture of Henry on the bus looking out the window - priceless! ;) I'm craving Mexican now! :rotfl2: Hmm, might be headed there for dinner tonight! lol

Can't wait for more...

Heather

Glad you found me!!! No worries, you haven't missed much of anything. I meant to get an update in here already, but time has escaped me lately.

Thank you so much for the kind words on the TR! I love writing them and sharing the magic. :yay:

I think am going to be craving Mexican for days after replying to these comments!

[hannahsmom7]

Glad you found me here!!! Thank you for reading!

Congratulations on the little one! That is probably about the only GOOD reason to cancel a Disney trip. ;)

I love the name Jack. Henry has a buddy named Jack, and Joe and I discussed that name as an option before he was born. I am really surprised that Henry's red hair has stuck around since day one! I hope it stays - and that he likes it when he grows up. It gets him a TON of attention! (which hopefully doesn't go to his head. :laughing:)



I agree, definitely the only good reason to cancel a Disney trip! I knew having a baby in combination with a 3 yr old and another child would be too much. And now she is about as un-easy going as they come and will NOT sit in a stroller, let alone wait in a line. She'll be a bit over 3 when we go.

I love Jack's name too, but was so hesitant to use it b/c it's so popular around here. I'm glad we did though :). Jack used to get so much attention for his red hair AND curls, both of which have mostly disappeared. I had to post a pic of him for you though b/c some of your Henry pics remind me of him so much:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/hannahsmom/DSC_2357p.jpg

Just finally made it through your last TR too and can't wait to hear more about this one :).

[DisneyJoo2008]

eeeek! I can't believe I have only just found your report!!!
But very excited to have 3 updates to read already!
Can't wait for more now!
xxx

[brookelizabeth]

You meal looks guuuuuud!

I think I would have went with what you ordered! :thumbsup2

I will leave it at that considering you have 4 pages of responses to do! :lmao::lmao:

:laughing: Thanks Tim! :lmao:


Hi Brook! I am finally on board here! We just got back from spring break in the OBX. Your first night in the magic is looking good, especially the Mexican food! :thumbsup2
You have some darling pictures already of Henry, he is a cutie! He has that Disney sparkle in his eyes!

Glad you found me! I would ask how your trip to the OBX was, but I'm guessing it was pretty wonderful. I've only seen pictures...and oh my...:cloud9: I think I need to go there sometime!! So beautiful.

Joining in! Need to go back and catch up, now. :)

:welcome: Thanks for joining me here too!

Wow...14 pages. This is humming right along!:eek:

Thank goodness for the links. Oh, how I LOVE links!:rotfl:

That photo of Henry on the plane with the Bose headphones and the ipad is priceless. You do, however, know what you are doing, don't you???:laughing: I can't even imagine what is going to be on his Christmas wish list by the time he is 8!:scared1:

Yay...another fan of Mexico counterservice. I think we are quite scarce in numbers, but even the haters come out of the woodwork to get those 8:30pm tables, don't they?:rotfl:

On a solo trip a few years ago I finished my conference and was doing some solo evening touring at Epcot. I figured as just one person it wouldn't be overly difficult to find somewhere to sit and eat my taco at 8:30pm. Afterall, it didn't need to be a table. A bench, a ledge, heck, even a curb would have sufficed. Obviously I had thought wrong. There was absolutely nothing left. I had to eat my meal trying to juggle my tray, drink and taco plate all while standing up. :rolleyes: What a score if you can snag one of those waterfront tables....I am sure they must go at 8pm.

I am intringued by your title and so looking forward to hearing how all the compromises play into the trip. And super excited that this time I can follow one of your reports in actual time!;)

:laughing: Glad you like the links! I know I use those on various reports too - they can be very handy!

Oh, I know, I know. :sad2: He already has called the iPad HIS. Joe and I quickly correct him....but I don't think it really helps much. The kid is bound to want all the latest techy gadgets since Joe and I do - and we often find extra pennies to buy the ones we really want! LOL And all those things keep getting more and more expensive. :headache:

There are haters of the new Mexico counterservice??? Really? What is there not to like? YUM! I really haven't read reviews of it, but I'm very surprised to hear there are haters! (and yes, everyone and their Momma comes out at 8:30 for those tables! LOL) I didn't realize the old CS there was equally as popular for tables in the evening. Makes sense though! And now with the new design, part of the dining area is over the water, so I bet it's even MORE popular.

How awful that you had to juggle your tray and all that to eat. UGH! I would have ended up with sauce all over me!

Our trip was full of compromise...for both Joe and I...and it worked out to us both having a fully satisfied and enjoyable trip. I'd say slightly more to him than me - so we need to adjust a tad more...but overall, it was pretty darn perfect in that respect. I think we are just going to have to do two week vacations from here on out. :lmao:

[Stasieki]

Hey there!!! Glad you found me!! It was great meeting you!! Are you doing a TR?

Don't think I'm doing one this time, but I am slowly liking the idea of doing one. I think in the past, I've been scared I would abandon and I don't like not finishing things I start. A little bit of OCD:rolleyes1

[brookelizabeth]

I absolutely LOVED how excited Henry got when you told him it was the day!! Loved the dancing! He was adorable! He was going to leave without you.

Great bus mojo, even though you didn't get a real ME bus. I LOVE the pictures of the Boardwalk, makes me so happy we decided to stay there in December.

The new Mexico restaurant looked great, wow it was packed. The food looked good, can't get Bill to go there though. I can't wait to read more about your trip.

He was ready to leave without us! :rotfl: I can't even count how many times he asked to go before the car showed up. It was unending!

I hope you guys will love the Boardwalk - I could easily stay there again, and again, and again and not get tired of it. I miss the music and the vibe of it all.

Bill isn't big on Mexican? You might have to pick that up for yourself and get him whatever he wants. :laughing:

How could I have forgotten----Mexico for dinner! I commented on FB when you posted and we cant wait to eat there again! Quick question on the tacos....looks like its not ground beef, are they made with shredded roast beef? I am thinking i may have to try these in 66 days!!!!

I'm not certain it's roast beef - or what kind of beef, but it's definitely shredded. I honestly didn't pay too close of attention to what kind of beef it is, I was too busy shoving it in my mouth. ;) :laughing: They are awesome though! I smothered mine with the pico and a bit of salsa. :lovestruc

Okay, that video of Henry realizing he was going to see Mickey that day just made my morning! Such cuteness! I love how he gradually gets more and more excited until he has the suitcase at the front door! LOL!

I remember seeing the picture of Henry grinning on ME on Facebook -- loved it then, and love it now! That smile says it all!

La Cantina was crowded! :eek: The food looks delicious especially your beef tacos!

I think he was in shock the first couple minutes. :rotfl2: He had been asking when "the day" was for about a week straight - so when it actually came it took a minute for it to sink in! LOL

La Cantina was a mad house. It's craZy in there. Maybe it will calm down some after it's not so brand new...but with that spot for Illuminations, I'm thinking anything close to 9 pm will be nutty.

I am following along! I read your last trip report and pre trip report. Henry is adorable.:goodvibes

Thank you! And :welcome:

How did I miss this? Going back to read and catch up. :surfweb:

Glad you found me!!!! :hyper:

Hi Brook, I finally made it... looking forward to your two weeks adventure!

Hey there! I have to catch up over on your report too. I'm still sooooo far behind. I got a certain postcard yesterday in the mail - Henry shrieked when he saw it. :laughing: THANK YOU!! I can't wait to read about it!

YUM! This is going on my list for next trip... I love the churro/sword picture so cute!

It's really very good. I know we can get most of what is available in the World Showcase out our front door (and it often is better AND cheaper!) living where we live, but I have to rate these tacos right there up with some of our good local joints.

I am SO craving this right now. Ugh! :laughing:

Looks like some yumminess was had in Epcot. We ate there in Dec and thought it was good!! Love me some cheese sause!!

I really liked the cheese sauce with the chips too. I don't let myself have that too often - or chips - being on WW, but MAN, I love it so!

I agree, definitely the only good reason to cancel a Disney trip! I knew having a baby in combination with a 3 yr old and another child would be too much. And now she is about as un-easy going as they come and will NOT sit in a stroller, let alone wait in a line. She'll be a bit over 3 when we go.

I love Jack's name too, but was so hesitant to use it b/c it's so popular around here. I'm glad we did though :). Jack used to get so much attention for his red hair AND curls, both of which have mostly disappeared. I had to post a pic of him for you though b/c some of your Henry pics remind me of him so much:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/hannahsmom/DSC_2357p.jpg

Just finally made it through your last TR too and can't wait to hear more about this one :).

WHAT A CUTIE! Red hair AND curls. :lovestruc Henry's hair used to curl a tad bit, but lately it's been very straight...which is surprising because Joe and I both have curly/wavy hair. Then again, he obviously didn't get his hair directly from us. :laughing:

I can very much see the resemblance between the two boys!!

eeeek! I can't believe I have only just found your report!!!
But very excited to have 3 updates to read already!
Can't wait for more now!
xxx

Glad you found me!!!! More coming SOON! (finally!)

Don't think I'm doing one this time, but I am slowly liking the idea of doing one. I think in the past, I've been scared I would abandon and I don't like not finishing things I start. A little bit of OCD:rolleyes1

Ahhh, I understand! I didn't finish my very first one and it still bugs me. :laughing: I always mean to finish it on a PTR, but that never seems to work out either. Someday.

They are really fun to write! And it's wonderful to look back and read the little stories. I'm completely hooked on doing them. Even if it takes 6 months to write about 5 days. LOL!

[Flossbolna]

Hey there! I have to catch up over on your report too. I'm still sooooo far behind. I got a certain postcard yesterday in the mail - Henry shrieked when he saw it. :laughing: THANK YOU!! I can't wait to read about it!


Good to know that they (there are a few more on their way...) made it across the Atlantic! I guessed that you should be one of the first to get theirs! :goodvibes

[brookelizabeth]

We left off after finishing our yummy meal at the new La Cantina.

On our walk over to Mexico, Henry had spied one of the light up glow carts selling it's goods before Illuminations, and he saw a young child with a glowing sword.

Put two and two together - and yep - he wanted one!

After we finished up at La Cantina he was still itchin' for a sword, so I asked him if he wanted fireworks or sword and a ride?

I obviously wanted to get my ride on. :laughing:

He picked sword!!

But, first things first - a quick stop at the Baby Care Center..which I am ECSTATIC to report that we will not need diapers on our next trip because Henry is almost completely potty trained!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay - I have to share this, because many of you know my woes with potty training. Last Monday Henry started to show some signs of willingness to potty train...he would actually sit on the potty and even went in it once...which was a complete change from last time we tried. I was taking this bull by the horns and running with it - fully thinking it would result in a day of exhaustion and frustration like the many, many times before. But, all well, I'm half crazy, let's go for it! A week ago today we had "boot camp potty training" an entire day dedicated to it. Lots of juice, WAY more than I ever give him, and glass after glass of milk - along with a bazillion little treats for successful attempts were readied. The boy wasn't allowed to wear pants until he at least tried - and he DESPISES not having pants on. Some tears were shed, but he got it. Again and again and again. He ROCKED that potty!

Since then things have only gotten better. He has had a few accidents (maybe 4?) and is even staying dry through the night. He is already telling me when he has to go, I don't hardly have to ask him anymore and it's only been a week! He is rockin' the little potty chair AND the big potties - even in public. And he's loving it all. He WANTS to do it. It's AMAZING! I am still in awe and a bit of disbelief and wonder when he does it all.

Okay - side note over - I just had to share it, we've been through countless attempts at potty training, it's seriously incredible that it's about done. I can't believe I can even say that. :woohoo:

Back to Disney World! We were in the Baby Care Center...

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6612/1201473716_amQjv-L.jpg
He thought this water station was very cool.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6613/1201474780_MJnZE-L.jpg
Info pic for anyone that might need it! The Baby Care centers are very nice. The only one we haven't been in is DHS. They have a TV with cartoons, toys out, high chairs, nursing areas, changing areas, baby needs for sale and are staffed by great CMs.

Back outside we went straight to a glow cart where the little man got his goods!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6615/1201476746_dPP2o-L.jpg
And just an FYI - these carts only take cash.

Now it's ride time...Soarin' or Test Track?

"Test Track!" came the reply from the stroller - so off we went to our first ride of the trip! It didn't surprise me one iota that he chose Test Track as his first ride, it was a favorite from September.

"My" fountain was dancing, which put a HUGE grin on my face.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6618/1201479952_3CLXw-L.jpg
I cannot get enough of this fountain!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6619/1201481305_aG3ps-L.jpg
Ahhhh, I can hear the music now. The little purple whirly dob things are gone now. During our trip only the one set of them were down, but I've read they are all gone now and rumor has it the tarp will soon disappear too. I personally like the triangle tarp thing, but I've never known Epcot without...so we'll see!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6623/1201484827_nxUPQ-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6624/1201486093_RJeQ9-L.jpg

Henry ran over to the measuring stick, even though we told him he didn't have to.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6625/1201487444_8u8QH-L.jpg
Yay! Plenty tall enough! The CM here did measure him, but I think this was the ONLY time of the entire trip happened. Otherwise they would usher him right in.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6626/1201488811_U6LtH-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6628/1201490066_S56GW-L.jpg
That chick threw the collision test in there as a "surprise"! Tsk, tsk! ;)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6629/1201491473_P5H2y-L.jpg
No lines! Woot!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6631/1201494097_UvkyT-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6633/1201496541_NDUgV-L.jpg
Ready to ride!!!

Henry was so excited for the ride, he kept talking about all the different tests and rooms that you go through and was completely over dramatic when we went over the bumps and through the hot and cold rooms. It was hilarious - he was acting out what we do at home when we YouTube it.

Then we got to the lap outside. He LOVED this in September, but it completely freaked him out this time. Joe and I always put our arms criss cross over him, and he grabbed onto us so tight! He didn't say anything about it this time, so we didn't realize how scared he was until later in the trip...

Into the after show we went.

Uggggggggggggggggggh! Cars + little boys = 17 hours in the after show.:headache:

Joe laid down the lay with Henry though, he knew I didn't like just walking around cars for 45 minutes and was about to high tail it over to Mouse Gear. :laughing: I was grateful. Henry was allowed to sit in 3 cars and then we'd be going. I can handle that!

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6638/1201502692_jdcfn-L.jpg

After we left the Test Track building Illuminations was over and WHOA! serious crowds. We walked against the flow, with a stroller, attempting to make our way to the International Gateway...but it wasn't working. We eventually just stopped and waited it out.

I didn't mind. I'll stay in Epcot. ::yes::

Within a few minutes we were on our way again and quickly we found ourselves here

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6647/1201511194_EwXsP-L.jpg

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6649/1201513604_MHCgq-L.jpg

Standing there, overlooking this beautiful resort area, I remember being giddy. Our trip was just starting, it was really happening! I was in Disney World!!!!! (and how I miss it now!)

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6652/1201516151_vqcT3-L.jpg

Back in our room we opened our door to find our luggage! LOVE THAT.

http://brookelizabeth.smugmug.com/Disney-World/FebMarch2011/February26/IMG6656/1201519945_hCyDg-L.jpg

Before we called it a night, I did some unpacking while Joe gave Henry a bath and got him ready for bed. A bath is a big highlight for Henry each trip since we don't have a bathtub at home. We bring bath toys and he spends at least 45 minutes in there splashing around.

I went down to the Boardwalk Bakery at some point and wanted to get the new mugs since they were included with our QSDP for that night, but they still had the old ones out....hopefully they would show up the next day, I really wanted a new one!

Back in the room I was having a dilemma. I had been trying, without success, to formulate a plan for us to be able to run over to the Hess Station to pick up milk and other needs before we were off to MK in the morning. We had planned on running to Hess on our arrival day, but the delayed flight changed those plans. So, here I was laying awake in bed trying to figure something out - talking out loud about it and completely irritating Joe who didn't understand why we needed a plan for it at all.

Ahhh, marriage. Two completely different people trying to make life work.

I wanted a plan because we had a 10:30 appointment for Henry's hair cut and I wanted to get to MK before that even so we could hit a Fantasyland ride or two. I didn't want to have to think about getting milk in the morning, or sit around twiddling our thumbs in the AM, only to have to rush to the park for the appointment.

Joe just wanted to fly by the seat of his pants, figuring it would work out.

:rolleyes1

After we spoke, Joe compromised a bit and we figured out a plan. He understood my point of view, and I understood his. And we found a plan that satisfied us both. Right away in the morning Joe would get ready and go get milk at the Screen Door shop down on the Boardwalk. Everything else that we wanted to purchase could wait until we made it to Hess...whenever that would be!

Up Next: Clang, clang, clang went the trolley!

[stayhomemom77]

:woohoo: I'm in!! I ADORED the "not so creepy clown" TR and it is for that reason alone that I am now willing to book our next vacation at the Boardwalk!

So, I thank you, my family thanks you and I can't wait to hear more about your marriage TR!!

:thumbsup2

[brookelizabeth]

Good to know that they (there are a few more on their way...) made it across the Atlantic! I guessed that you should be one of the first to get theirs! :goodvibes

I like being this close!! In my head it makes my hopes of traveling in Europe someday more of a possibility. :laughing:

[brookelizabeth]

:woohoo: I'm in!! I ADORED the "not so creepy clown" TR and it is for that reason alone that I am now willing to book our next vacation at the Boardwalk!

So, I thank you, my family thanks you and I can't wait to hear more about your marriage TR!!

:thumbsup2


:welcome: Thank you for reading! And thank you for the compliment! I enjoy sharing these reports so much, I wish I could dedicate even more time to it all.

I hope you enjoy the Boardwalk as much as we do. I could stay there again and again and not get sick of it. :lovestruc

[dawnbu40]

:woohoo: for the potty training progress!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful first evening! I love the pictures of the Boardwalk area at night! Those resorts are all so gorgeous! :lovestruc

[AprilRenee]

just finished reading your Not so Creepy Clown TR and I'm excited to hear about this next trip!
Might go read some of your older TRs later on...I really enjoy your writing style!

[Jupiter&Wolfe]

First and foremost, let me congratulate you on the potty training. It is not something I have personally had to deal with(other than myself and I don't really remember that! :laughing: ) but I can only imagine the woes that come with diaper changing and accidents, so I'm sure this is a big milestone for everyone on your end.

Now back to Disney!

Sounds like a perfect way to start your trip, a relaxing night in Epcot! :goodvibes But ooohhh boy, poor Henry wasn't as into Test Track this time? I'll have a 5 and a 7 year old with me on my May trip, I would like them to try Test Track but I hope I don't freak them out! :scared1:

That really is such a gorgeous area. :love: I think I'll just move there and live there foreverrr...

[chloe770]

Yeah :woohoo: for potty training bootcamp! That's how we did it too.
Good call on the sword and ride combo :thumbsup2.
Funny that Henry was scared on Test track after loving it so much last trip. It seems the older they get the more they start to think about things. Jack's favorite ride when he was 3 was TT. Now , I couldn't pay him to ride it. :sad2:

[SoonerGirl]

WTG Henry with the potty training! Isn't it an awesome feeling to be able to leave the diaper bag at home?!

I wonder if the outside loop on TT bothered him this time because it was dark outside? :confused3 Of course, I remember my boys at that age suddenly becoming scared of something that never bothered them before, it's baffling trying to figure out how their little brains work!

The Boardwalk looks so beautiful at night :goodvibes

[mickeystoontown]

So happy to hear that Henry is almost fully potty trained now. Way to go big boy! Your potty training boot camp is much like the one they had at the daycare my children attended and I continued when they came home for the day. I was so happy that the daycare helped with the potty training as I had heard that some daycares didn't give a darn.

Henry looked so excited to ride Test Track and I hated to hear that he was afraid during the outside part of the ride.

I loved your nighttime pictures of the Boardwalk. It's beautiful.

[thegreggersmom]

:cool1: :dance3: :cheer2: and :woohoo: on the potty training! We just got there ourselves a few months ago and I still marvel at how much easier life has become. :goodvibes

Can't wait to see the haircut!

[CreightonsMomma]

:woohoo::cheer2::woohoo: Go Henry on the potty training!!!!! :banana:

I agree, the baby stations are really nice. I was surprised when I went in the one at Epcot. Creighton didn't want to leave so I had to carry him out screaming. :laughing:

Love love love Test Track. It is so fun. Creighton and I love to youtube Disney ride videos.

Sounds like it was a great evening!

[glennbo123]

That looked like a great night to me, Brook!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Sounds like you guys had a wonderful Epcot evening! And I agree about waiting for the post-fireworks crowds to leave, I don't mind soaking in some more of that Epcot ambiance! :goodvibes

[pooh'smate]

It sounds like you had a great night. Congrats on potty training. Lexi has finally been able to stay dry at night for the past month or so. I am so glad to not have to spend money on that stuff any more.

[eandesmom]

yay for potty training! Eric had to be naked for 2 full days for it to work but it did the trick!

TT is a perfect first ride if you ask me :goodvibes

Where did you get an appointment for a haircut???? I thought MSB was walk up only???

[blessedby3]

Great job on having the potty training behind you...lol
That is my LEAST favorite job as a parent...and I am happy to say that I accomplished that dirty task 4 times:lmao:

Looks like a great beginning to your trip! I am still holding out hope that Alexa will have a growth spurt in the next two months and be able to ride some of the bigger rides. I am afraid she will react like Henry on the outside lap of TT if she is able to ride.....although I dont think she will make 40inches:sad2:
Thats so sweet Henry enjoys the bath since you guys dont have one. We have one, and Alexa loves it too....but I find it so much easier to throw her in the shower with me. I think I am depriving her and we HAVE a bathtub!

Cant wait for morepopcorn::

[999ghostslover]

Loving the TR. You are one popular lady. Page 17?! Your food pictures always make me want to blow my diet but I have learned to chew gum while I am on the Dis. It helps me from walking over to the fridge !
Thanks for the baby care pics. We have still never made it into one. Maybe this trip. I was so sure I would get Brady to potty train before the trip but he is stubborn too. He will go once, get lavished in praise nad then nada. It doesn't help having a younger brother in diapers following you everywhere.
Anyway, yay for Henry!

[hcmommy]

Go Henry and can I get a big WOO-HOO :banana: for mama! Having no diapers to change rocks the party. I told you when they are ready, they are ready and it's amazing how they just wake up one morning and get it. I will have my first diaper free trip next time and i can't wait.

[GreatBiscuit]

Hey BE!

I heard tell there might be some cabbage talk going down on this here TR so I hurried over post haste.

I missed the end of your last tale so I'll have to go find it.

Henry is getting so big! These days go by so fast!

And I love that you did the trip reveal just as you were getting ready to go.

Hope all is well in NYC land.

I answered your other question over on Liesa's thread. (Missed seeing it the first time around.)

Great photos as always. I especially loved the night shots of the Boardwalk.

Give my best to Joe!

Y'all take care!

[TanzUnited99]

:woohoo: on Henry being potty trained - how cool!!!

Love the Epcot pics and the one of Henry showing he is tall enough to ride TT :thumbsup2

Them night time picks look awesome!! Am glad you managed to find a solution to getting the milk for the next day :)

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Go Henry!!:cool1::cool1: I'm so happy for you and him Brook! Congrats on the potty training success!

I appreciate you posting the pics of the Baby Care Center. I'll definitely need these in October. I'm glad to know that they are well stocked and have nice CM's. I never even thought about places like this before I had a baby, but now, if I go to a restaurant with my daughter and they don't have a changing table in the bathrooms, I make a mental note of it.:rolleyes:

I hope Henry being scared on TT isn't a re-occuring theme.:confused3

[disneydusted]

Woohoo for potty training being successful! You will be a free woman now.... well, you'll now know where all of the public restrooms are in NYC! ;)
Ok, say it isn't so..... please tell me they were taking the purple twirling things away to clean them or something. :confused: I love those things! Not sure why... I guess they are just Epcot... and the canopy overhead...:sad1: I will miss all of that.
Your night time shots are great! I love how Henry just knows what to do, he's a true Disney boy! Hummm, a scary outside ride on TT... maybe because it was at night?