TimandLesley's When the Boat's a Rockin' Don't .... Trip of a Lifetime TR 2/4/1 pg.33

[timandlesley]

Welcome to Timandlesley’s (and Luke and Lauren’s) Trip of a Lifetime! For those of you who have followed us year after year now during our trips, this one is honestly the BEST ONE YET, if you can believe that! For those of you who are new to our trips, please feel free to review the trip reports in my signature to get to know us a little better. As always with our trip reports we promise LOTS of pictures, LOTS of details and most of all……LOTS of fun!
Trip you will be reading about in a nutshell: we DROVE down from the Cincinnati Ohio area, stayed 2 nights at the Boardwalk resort, sailed 5 nights on the brand new LOVELY Disney Dream, and then ended our Disney adventure with 5 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge level…………….so are you understanding why I say this was our trip of a lifetime! Let’s begin shall we…………………………………..
Our trip began on June 18th with a LONG day in the car. We got on the road bright and early by 7:30 a.m. We drove through NON STOP torrential rain for the first 6 hours of our trip, NOT FUN:
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The kids were occupied in the backseats with every luxury item needed for a long trip in the car:
Lauren:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/113.jpg
Luke:
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The day was LONG but the kids were great and it went as well as could be expected. We decided to push all the way to Orlando that night knowing we could check in at the Boardwalk Resort on the 19th. So I called Buena Vista Suites (Tim and I honeymooned there all the way back in 1998 so it has some history for us) and got a reservation. I also made a call to Flipper’s Pizza (if you haven’t tried this pizza yet you MUST) and they met us in the lobby about 10 minutes after we checked in at 11:30 at night, we started the trip of gluttony off on the right foot : )
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The next morning we woke up and gave Tim his Father’s day cards from us (it was Father’s Day on our first Disney Day) and headed to Disney, the kids were THRILLED when we saw those Disney gates for the first time!
Lauren’s pure excitement:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9814.jpg
Luke’s pure excitement:
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It always is so awesome driving through those gates!
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We arrived at the Boardwalk in no time:
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The security guy at the gate was so sweet, he was from Ohio, and he gave the kids security stickers, so they were thrilled with their new found duties:
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We pulled in and unloaded the car, the kids faces were full of Disney excitement
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We went in to checkin and since we are DVC members it gets a bit confusing but bottom line, they had a standard view room the 1st night and a boardwalk view the second, I had waitlisted forever trying to get one room for both nights. At check in I inquired again to see if it would be possible so we wouldn’t have to switch rooms, but they couldn’t do anything, oh well. The room wasn’t ready, so we left our things and headed over to Epcot.
I just love the beautiful Boardwalk area

The kids and I:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9825.jpg
The stroll over to Epcot from there is such a nice one.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9827.jpg
It was SUPER hot on this day!!!! We enjoyed a beautiful stroll through an almost empty World Showcase.
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We were headed to Future World to Fast Pass Test Track (Tim’s favorite) but had to make a pit stop at our new favorite the Karamel Kitche in Germany, YUM YUM YUM!!!!
Tim got his favorite, caramel pecan bars:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9831.jpg
The kids and I enjoyed some of their delicious caramel popcorn:
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Then our trek continued to Future World on a hot summer day:
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The kids were thrilled to see these guys:
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Took a minute at a splash area to cool down a bit:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9837.jpg
And then again while Tim was grabbing the fast passes:
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CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

[timandlesley]

After that, Tim and Luke wanted to hit Mousegears to shop, so instead of shopping Lauren and I jumped in line to see Tinkerbell (line was very slow moving so Luke ended up being able to catch up with us before it was our turn):
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After that we all decided a refreshing beverage would be nice so we headed to Club Cool, I was THRILLED my Mezzo Mix was back in stock this year (last trip it was out and I’ve been going through major withdrawl : (
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9852.jpg
We had fun tasting all of the different kinds:
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While we were waiting for our Test Track return time we headed into Innoventions to have fun. The kids and Tim immediately put themselves into a video game in that fun area:
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After the filming/posing is done, you get to move over to the game console and play your game with yourself in the starring role (they email the game to you so you can play it later at home too, such fun!)
Tim playing his game:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9863.jpg
Lauren playing hers:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9861.jpg
We decided to head over to the Land to eat lunch, while there we went on the ride “Living with the Land” My handsome boys on the ride:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9866.jpg
I always find that right interesting and I was surprised at how much the kids loved it, actually begging to ride again. We enjoyed a yummy lunch at Seasons inside the Land pavillion:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9869.jpg
Then it was FINALLY time for our Test track return time, so we headed there:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9872.jpg
Happy Tim on Father’s Day waiting to ride his favorite ride:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9873.jpg
We got ALL the way through the cue and an announcement came on they were shutting down the ride. WHAT!?!!? We were in denial at first standing there waiting as everyone else cleared out, then we saw them making the people in the cars get out too, AUGH!!!! So we headed to the exit, they gave everyone fast passes to use later but we never made it back, BUMMER!!
Oh well, we didn’t let that dampen our Disney spirits, we headed back through the World Showcase to get back to Boardwalk to see if our room was ready. We stopped off in Mexico to do the boat ride:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9876.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9877.jpg
We had some fun playing around in the World Showcase on our stroll back:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9878.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9880.jpg
The Belly Dancer was out with “Mo Rockin” Lauren’s FAVORITE : ) Seems to be a favorite of lots of Disney dads as well : ) : )
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9881.jpg
At this time I got a text our room was ready, WOO HOO!!!! So we headed immediately back to Boardwalk to our room:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9883.jpg
Room photo’s of our studio for you:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9884.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9885.jpg
CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

[timandlesley]

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Luke started fooling around with the giant bow that Mousekeeping left in the room:
IMG]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9892.jpg[/IMG]
Lauren made herself comfy right away:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9894.jpg
At this point everyone was thirsty and since it was Father’s Day I volunteered to make the long walk down to Boardwalk Bakery to refill our mugs. First I went to the car to fill up a backpack of bottled waters to bring up to the room and put in the fridge. When at the car a panic filled me, WHERE IS MY IPAD!?!?! I searched the car in a panic, called Tim, he searched the Villa, NO IPAD!!! YIKES, I was FREAKING OUT! I called Buena Vista Suites and thank GOD they had it. So, even though the bed and a nap was calling my name, I refilled the mugs for Tim and the kids and got into the BURNING hot car and drove over to Buena Vista Suites for the Ipads. By the time I got back to the room I was exhausted!
For Tim’s Father’s Day dinner he wanted to eat at ESPN club, since they don’t take ressies, we headed over by 5 for a table. We got a table no problem.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9895.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9896.jpg
After a yummy dinner we just enjoyed the atmosphere of the Boardwalk and the many entertainers:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9900.jpg
The shows were great!
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http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9902.jpg
At this point I was ITCHING to walk over and see Illuminations. Tim just wanted to chill, so the kids and I headed over to Epcot to take in then show:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9903.jpg
We got there about 8:30 and hit the bakery in France to use a few snack credits and then got the perfect spot for the Fireworks:
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Continue by Clicking Here for Day 2:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41749619&posted=1#post41749619

[peacelovemickey]

Yay! I love your trip reports! I don't always post, but I think I have read every one! You are staying at my two favorite resorts!

[maryr1oz]

I love your reports, can't wait to hear more about your stay! :cheer2:

[sunnysideup3]

Subbing in! Can't wait to read more--sounds like a great trip!

[cherokeemamma]

Hi Lesley and Family!
Great start to another great report. :thumbsup2 I read your last (I think) report that you highly recommended Flippers Pizza. We were at Disney back in early January and we tried it. You are right....it is AWESOME pizza! We loved it.

I also can't believe how much/fast your kids are growing. Actually I can because I see my own kids doing the same :eek:....I really don't like it either! ;) Any way Luke are Lauren are just adorable and always look so happy.

Really looking forward to hearing about the cruise. We are planning on doing a cruise in Feb. for DS's HS graduation and our 25th wedding anniversary. We are not going on the Dream - we will be on the Magic. Really excited about it...first cruise ever.

Looking forward to more as usual!:goodvibes
TTFN
Darlene

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! So excited about this TR!! Can't wait to hear all about the Disney Dream!! :)

[PittypatBR]

Wow, can't believe I am so close to the beginning! Usually Lesley's TR's have 10 pages before I even get a glimpse! Excited to see a new TR and looking forward to the "best" trip ever! :goodvibes

[PittypatBR]

Oh, my, goodness!! Luke and Lauren are growing up so fast, but they are still are adorable as ever. They are the most photogenic kids - I don't think they ever take bad pictures!

I can't believe you lost and then FOUND the IPad. I would have been freaking out also.

[lovegrumpy]

Jumpin on board.

[Kristina]

Aww bummer about Test Track for Tim but you know you will be back :thumbsup2!! I want to visit again so badly, it's over a year now for me. I love how it's always changing, and I can't wait to visit the Karamel ..place :goodvibes! Looking forward to part 2!
ooh and phew! about your ipad!!

[KristEn87]

Joining in! We board the dream in just a few hours!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Joining in! I really enjoyed your past TR's, and can't wait to read this one too! :goodvibes

Your pictures around the Boardwalk area are gorgeous, you're definitely giving me Disney envy right now!

[HeyIt'sMe]

Yeah another TimandLesley trip report! Some fun summer reading! :thumbsup2

The rain on June 18 ---- OMG I drove through that too. I was driving from the Indy area to Columbus, OH to visit my sister and it was terrible. It never let up!

Luke & Lauren are getting so big. Lauren and her poses crack me up!

Looking forward to the report. Thanks again for writing one!

Debbie

[15isto2]

Superb report as always

[sharonW]

Just couldn't wait till tonight to start reading!
As always I'm enjoying each and every word
and the pics are great! Boardwalk is such a
beautiful resort...sorry about test track, sure
another opportunity to ride happens somewhere
on your vacation.....keep the magic coming!!:goodvibes

[IluvXU]

Subbing again. Can't wait to see all that fun that occurs this trip!

[lindseynleah]

So glad you guys are back!!! I was wondering when another report would be up!!! I love reading your trip reports and I can't believe how big the kids are getting!!! Adorable!!! We are headed to Disney in August and now I am super excited!! Can't wait to read more!!

[DaPanMan]

Another Tim and Lesley TR!!! Can't wait to hear all about it. I'm subbin.

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi there! Here to read along!

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh my gosh! You left your iPad?
And you got it back?
Major pixie dust right there in my opinion!

Great report Lesley!

[Native NYer]

Yay a new tr!! I love your reports and am looking forward to this one.
The Boardwalk area is just so beautiful. Actually, the entire Epcot resort area is spectacular.

Thank goodness the hotel had your iPad!

Can't wait to read more!

[RachaelA]

Subscribing! :goodvibes

[shannon47142]

I was just wondering if you were going to do a report when here it is:cool1:
Excited to read about all your adventures!!

[ddstratton]

Joining in! I am loving your report already. We ordered from Flipper's on our first Disney trip, after reading recommendations on the DIS. We loved them, too!

[Mickey'sMainMami]

OMG, I am soooo happy you guys decided to do a trip report. I thought I had read that you were taking a break from writing one this year, and I was so bummed! I understood, because it is a big undertaking, but I was seriously bummed!! Soo so happy you changed your minds, I have read every one of yours and I just so look forward to reading them every year. It helps to fill in for the years we don't get to go. I am really looking forward to hearing all about the cruise part, as I have never done a cruise and really want to hear about your experience. Anyway great job so far, and looking forward to following along, this really made my day!!

[Jennifer48]

Hooray! So glad you are doing a TR for your trip of a lifetime! :goodvibes

What a fantastic first day (with the exception of the iPad incident but so glad you got it back!) :thumbsup2

[PrincessPaczki]

Hi! Great start to your trip report. I can't wait to read more.:goodvibes:thumbsup2

[teacher1717]

Awesome start! I remember reading another report of yours and it was great. I love how your daughter strikes a pose in every picture, SUPER cute!!!

[VanniGirl]

YAY :banana: Another great report - cannot wait for the rest :)

[Sooze]

:dance3: Yay! I feel like it has been FOREVER since I've been able to enjoy a TimandLesley (and LukeandLauren) report! So glad you are sharing your adventures with us again!!


stayed 2 nights at the Boardwalk resort, sailed 5 nights on the brand new LOVELY Disney Dream, and then ended our Disney adventure with 5 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge level…………….so are you understanding why I say this was our trip of a lifetime!
Can I EVER understand... sounds like heaven heaven heaven!! So excited to hear all about it!

We drove through NON STOP torrential rain for the first 6 hours of our trip, NOT FUN
BOO! I am so sorry this is how your trip began. Hopefully you got the 'ick' out of the way so you could have nothing but pixie dust for the rest of your trip!

we started the trip of gluttony off on the right foot
Trip of gluttony! YES! I can only imagine what the ship will hold...

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9821.jpg
GAH! We were JUST there... so glad you guys were able to enjoy the Boardwalk. Too bad they couldn't get you in the same room for both nights... hope you still enjoyed one of our favorite resorts!!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9828.jpg
What has happened to your children? They are getting so TALL!!!

but had to make a pit stop at our new favorite the Karamel Kitche in Germany, YUM YUM YUM!!!!
Agreed! We made several stops here... super yummy!

[jecskc]

I love you TR's, too, so I'm joining in !! We were at Epcot the exact same day (Father's Day) !! We even had lunch at Sunshine Seasons !! I checked to see if we were in your pictures, but we weren't. If you have time, you should check my TR and see if you are in any of OUR photos. I'll check as well. We sail on the Dream in April and we are doing the 5 days as well. I totally can't WAIT !!! Can't wait to read more !!

[MiaBella05]

popcorn:: so excited to read about another Tim and Lesley adventure! popcorn::

[Sooze]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9845.jpg
You all are too cute!

I was THRILLED my Mezzo Mix was back in stock this year (last trip it was out and I’ve been going through major withdrawl
I bet they made SURE it was in stock when they heard you were coming!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9866.jpg
What a beautiful picture of your guys!!

We enjoyed a yummy lunch at Seasons inside the Land pavillion
Such a great place to eat. What did you have?

We got ALL the way through the cue and an announcement came on they were shutting down the ride. WHAT!?!!? We were in denial at first standing there waiting as everyone else cleared out, then we saw them making the people in the cars get out too, AUGH!!!! So we headed to the exit, they gave everyone fast passes to use later but we never made it back, BUMMER!!
Oh NO!!! That is not fun :sad2: But, knowing you guys, you made the best of it!

Oh well, we didn’t let that dampen our Disney spirits
:thumbsup2 I knew it...

[Sooze]

YIKES, I was FREAKING OUT! I called Buena Vista Suites and thank GOD they had it. So, even though the bed and a nap was calling my name, I refilled the mugs for Tim and the kids and got into the BURNING hot car and drove over to Buena Vista Suites for the Ipads. By the time I got back to the room I was exhausted!
What a scary moment. So glad you found them, even if it meant an unexpected adventure for you!

For Tim’s Father’s Day dinner he wanted to eat at ESPN club,
Ah, perfect!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/IMG_9902.jpg
This. Is. FABULOUS!!

I have a feeling we shall be hearing about the candy lady soon.... :confused3

[relcx4]

Hi I am a long time lurker/reader of your Trip reports...I am really excited to hear all about your cruise experience! Thanks for taking the time to share! :thumbsup2

[Queenofallthings]

WOO HOO you started!!!

[Dallas_Lady]

Yes! I am so on board! Been patiently waiting for your to start this one, you write the best trip reports ever! We are double dipping the same week nest year so I am busy taking notes :)

[macheath]

popcorn:: subbing! Can't wait to follow along

[Bibbidi]

Finally! I had read a long time ago that you weren't doing a pre-trip report this time around. I had been hoping that you would do a trip report after your vacation though, since I remember you mentioning going on a cruise this time. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on that. We hope to get on a Disney cruise in the next couple years, but it always prices out to be more money than going for a long Disney World trip, so I find it hard to justify the time at sea.

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Yay! LOVE your trip reports!!! Can't wait...although I'm still a bit surprised at your apparent new love for DCL over WDW.....but I guess I'm one of those people who wouldn't know since I haven't been!! Oh...and did I read your ticker right...same trip next year?!? Awesome!!!:thumbsup2

[Kelliroo3]

I always enjoy reading your trip reports; your family always seems to have fun! It sounds like you had a great start to your trip of a lifetime vacation! Can't wait to hear more. :goodvibes

[Shell & Ted]

So glad to see you're writing a trip report! I enjoy your reports every time I find one.

[cdotla]

So glad to hear you had such a GREAT trip! Definitely on board for this one...although how it will beat your last few trips, I just don't know!!!:confused3

Looking forward to finding out! Awesome Start!:goodvibes

So, so GLAD you got your ipad back...that would NOT be a good way to kick off your trip!:eek:

[eemmie1]

Can't wait for more!! I am not going back untill 2013 so I will have to enjoy Disney through you for the time being.

[timandlesley]

Yay! I love your trip reports! I don't always post, but I think I have read every one! You are staying at my two favorite resorts!
Thanks for coming back for more. I will weigh in on which resort is our favorite after this trip and why : )
I love your reports, can't wait to hear more about your stay! :cheer2:
Thanks! Welcome!

Subbing in! Can't wait to read more--sounds like a great trip!
It really was, thanks for reading/posting

Hi Lesley and Family!
Great start to another great report. :thumbsup2 I read your last (I think) report that you highly recommended Flippers Pizza. We were at Disney back in early January and we tried it. You are right....it is AWESOME pizza! We loved it.

I also can't believe how much/fast your kids are growing. Actually I can because I see my own kids doing the same :eek:....I really don't like it either! ;) Any way Luke are Lauren are just adorable and always look so happy.

Really looking forward to hearing about the cruise. We are planning on doing a cruise in Feb. for DS's HS graduation and our 25th wedding anniversary. We are not going on the Dream - we will be on the Magic. Really excited about it...first cruise ever.

Looking forward to more as usual!:goodvibes
TTFN
Darlene
Hi Darlene, yes, Flippers is GREAT, did you get the breadsticks, OMG!!!! I know, my babies are getting so big so fast, breaks my heart. The cruise is AMAZING! The Magic will be great too, where are you guys cruising to? We get to go back in February because I won the sales contest from my travel agency (I'm a Disney travel agent now) and so I won a free 3 night on the Dream in February, CAN'T WAIT!!!! Well, we were first time cruisers on Disney too, so you should enjoy the report.

YAY!! So excited about this TR!! Can't wait to hear all about the Disney Dream!! :)

Thanks Disney Dream is AMAZING!!! We can't wait to get back on her in February, trully an amazing ship!
Wow, can't believe I am so close to the beginning! Usually Lesley's TR's have 10 pages before I even get a glimpse! Excited to see a new TR and looking forward to the "best" trip ever! :goodvibes
Too funny, welcome!!
Oh, my, goodness!! Luke and Lauren are growing up so fast, but they are still are adorable as ever. They are the most photogenic kids - I don't think they ever take bad pictures!

I can't believe you lost and then FOUND the IPad. I would have been freaking out also.
I know, they are growing up SO fast! Thanks, Luke reads the comments and really appreciated all of the compliments he received : ) : ) Yes, I had heart failure with the Ipad, SO glad it was recovered or it would NOT have had a Magical start at all.

Jumpin on board.
WELCOME!

Aww bummer about Test Track for Tim but you know you will be back :thumbsup2!! I want to visit again so badly, it's over a year now for me. I love how it's always changing, and I can't wait to visit the Karamel ..place :goodvibes! Looking forward to part 2!
ooh and phew! about your ipad!!
I hear you, hope you get back soon. The Karamel place is to die for!
Joining in! We board the dream in just a few hours!
Oh wow, so you are on now, I KNOW you are having an AMAZING time!
Joining in! I really enjoyed your past TR's, and can't wait to read this one too! :goodvibes

Your pictures around the Boardwalk area are gorgeous, you're definitely giving me Disney envy right now!
Welcome back! The Boardwalk isa wonderful area, so pretty.

Yeah another TimandLesley trip report! Some fun summer reading! :thumbsup2

The rain on June 18 ---- OMG I drove through that too. I was driving from the Indy area to Columbus, OH to visit my sister and it was terrible. It never let up!

Luke & Lauren are getting so big. Lauren and her poses crack me up!

Looking forward to the report. Thanks again for writing one!

Debbie
Hi Debbie, welcome back. I know, wasn't that rain awful! Lauren is quite the poser, always has been : ) You are quite welcome, glad you enjoy them.

Superb report as always

Thanks so much!
Just couldn't wait till tonight to start reading!
As always I'm enjoying each and every word
and the pics are great! Boardwalk is such a
beautiful resort...sorry about test track, sure
another opportunity to ride happens somewhere
on your vacation.....keep the magic coming!!:goodvibes
Too funny, well WELCOME! Glad you are enjoying it so far : )
Subbing again. Can't wait to see all that fun that occurs this trip!
Lots of fun to come, thanks for reading/posting
So glad you guys are back!!! I was wondering when another report would be up!!! I love reading your trip reports and I can't believe how big the kids are getting!!! Adorable!!! We are headed to Disney in August and now I am super excited!! Can't wait to read more!!
Glad you found us again. You will have a great time in August, where are you staying?
Another Tim and Lesley TR!!! Can't wait to hear all about it. I'm subbin.
Welcome!!!
Hi there! Here to read along!
Hi Anita!
Oh my gosh! You left your iPad?
And you got it back?
Major pixie dust right there in my opinion!

Great report Lesley!
I know, OMG indeed , SO glad I got it back!!!

Yay a new tr!! I love your reports and am looking forward to this one.
The Boardwalk area is just so beautiful. Actually, the entire Epcot resort area is spectacular.

Thank goodness the hotel had your iPad!

Can't wait to read more!
Thanks, glad you are back for more. I agree, that resort area is amazing!

Subscribing! :goodvibes
Welcome!

I was just wondering if you were going to do a report when here it is:cool1:
Excited to read about all your adventures!!
Thanks, lots of adventure was had this time, hope you enjoy it

Joining in! I am loving your report already. We ordered from Flipper's on our first Disney trip, after reading recommendations on the DIS. We loved them, too!
Oh yes, Flippers is sooooooooo good, it was a great welcome to Disney meal : )
OMG, I am soooo happy you guys decided to do a trip report. I thought I had read that you were taking a break from writing one this year, and I was so bummed! I understood, because it is a big undertaking, but I was seriously bummed!! Soo so happy you changed your minds, I have read every one of yours and I just so look forward to reading them every year. It helps to fill in for the years we don't get to go. I am really looking forward to hearing all about the cruise part, as I have never done a cruise and really want to hear about your experience. Anyway great job so far, and looking forward to following along, this really made my day!!
Thanks, I almost didn't do one but a lot of my clients wanted me to write one and I just love sharing all about our adventures. It has been nice to be able and look back at them over the years and watch my kids grow and relive the experiences through the reports. The cruise is AMAZING!!! Disney really knows how to exceed all expectations in the cruise front. We are blessed because I won our travel agencies contest and we are going again in February all expenses paid on the Dream, only 3 nights, but it's free so we are excited!Thanks for finding us again and reading/posting
Hooray! So glad you are doing a TR for your trip of a lifetime! :goodvibes

What a fantastic first day (with the exception of the iPad incident but so glad you got it back!) :thumbsup2
Yes, great first day other than the iPad incident : ) Thanks for reading/posting

Hi! Great start to your trip report. I can't wait to read more.:goodvibes:thumbsup2
Thanks, welcome!

Awesome start! I remember reading another report of yours and it was great. I love how your daughter strikes a pose in every picture, SUPER cute!!!
Glad you found us again. Yes, Lauren sure does : ) : ) And so does Tim on occassion : )

[timandlesley]

YAY :banana: Another great report - cannot wait for the rest :)
Thanks much more fun to come!
popcorn:: so excited to read about another Tim and Lesley adventure! popcorn::
Thanks! Glad you found us again

You all are too cute!


I bet they made SURE it was in stock when they heard you were coming!


What a beautiful picture of your guys!!


Such a great place to eat. What did you have?


Oh NO!!! That is not fun :sad2: But, knowing you guys, you made the best of it!


:thumbsup2 I knew it...
Thanks so much for your AWESOME comments! Stinks we didn't meet up with you guys but by the looks of it you were busy having grand gathering fun!!! Oh, and singing your heart out on the Idol stage! Thanks for reading/posting.

Hi I am a long time lurker/reader of your Trip reports...I am really excited to hear all about your cruise experience! Thanks for taking the time to share! :thumbsup2
Thanks so much for posting! The cruise is AMAZING, there will be lots of details and cruise pics so stay tuned!

WOO HOO you started!!!
Woo Hoo!!! Welcome!
Yes! I am so on board! Been patiently waiting for your to start this one, you write the best trip reports ever! We are double dipping the same week nest year so I am busy taking notes :)
Thank you so very much, I truly appreciate your comments. Double Dipping, OHHHHHH I'm JEALOUS!!!!

popcorn:: subbing! Can't wait to follow along
Welcome!
Finally! I had read a long time ago that you weren't doing a pre-trip report this time around. I had been hoping that you would do a trip report after your vacation though, since I remember you mentioning going on a cruise this time. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on that. We hope to get on a Disney cruise in the next couple years, but it always prices out to be more money than going for a long Disney World trip, so I find it hard to justify the time at sea.
So glad you found us. You know, for us, I booked the cruise two years out and it made it VERY affordable and paid a little on it at a time, SO WORTH IT! Now we have the Disney cruise bug though and want to book one EVERY SUMMER. Luckily I won one through my travel agency I work for and we get to go again in Feb. Once you go, you will be hooked! We thought we'd miss Disney too, but it was like Disney and BETTER, I know, I know, hard to believe!!

Yay! LOVE your trip reports!!! Can't wait...although I'm still a bit surprised at your apparent new love for DCL over WDW.....but I guess I'm one of those people who wouldn't know since I haven't been!! Oh...and did I read your ticker right...same trip next year?!? Awesome!!!:thumbsup2
Welcome! You know, DCL WON US OVER! You will see why as you read on. Actually, no, I need to change the ticker. Girls trip in November for me, Boys trip for Tim in December to Disapalooza, 3 night cruise on the Disney Dream (I won it through my travel agency) in February (can't wait!) Grand Gathering in March with my family (can't wait) a little too much to make tickers for, but I need to get crackin' : )
I always enjoy reading your trip reports; your family always seems to have fun! It sounds like you had a great start to your trip of a lifetime vacation! Can't wait to hear more. :goodvibes
Thanks, we do have a good time, especially when in Disney together!

So glad to see you're writing a trip report! I enjoy your reports every time I find one.
Thanks!!!
So glad to hear you had such a GREAT trip! Definitely on board for this one...although how it will beat your last few trips, I just don't know!!!:confused3

Looking forward to finding out! Awesome Start!:goodvibes

So, so GLAD you got your ipad back...that would NOT be a good way to kick off your trip!:eek:
It was an AMAZING trip, wait until you see : ) I agree, would NOT have been good, so glad someone turned it in : )

Can't wait for more!! I am not going back untill 2013 so I will have to enjoy Disney through you for the time being.
Well, you can live vicariously through me : )

[queenof3]

personal question Lesley---I thought you were a teacher. ARe you a travel agent too? Just curious! I have been following your reports for years as well and love them! (even though you are yankees fans and I am a Red Sox fan) :sad2:

[timandlesley]

personal question Lesley---I thought you were a teacher. ARe you a travel agent too? Just curious! I have been following your reports for years as well and love them! (even though you are yankees fans and I am a Red Sox fan) :sad2:

Too funny about the Yankees Red Sox, Yes, I am a travel agent now specializing in Disney (surprise surprise : ) , can't post here but I'll send you a message about how it all came about : )

[Sooze]

Thanks so much for your AWESOME comments! Stinks we didn't meet up with you guys but by the looks of it you were busy having grand gathering fun!!! Oh, and singing your heart out on the Idol stage! Thanks for reading/posting.



I was bummed that we were finally there in June, like you guys, and we just didn't think ahead enough to meet up. But your assumption is correct... bringing family members along on a trip adds a LOT to your plate!! (In a good way, of course!) We just had NO spare time. We even skipped our precious 'down time' at the resort each afternoon! :eek: There will be plenty more opportunities, I'm sure!

Speaking of... when is your next trip? ;)

[LovintheLodge]

Hi Lesley! Looking forward to reading about your vacation (have thoroughly enjoyed your past reports!!). Funny thing...I just started getting back to the DISboards after a couple of busy months. So this week I remembered you were taking your annual trip and cruising on the Dream too and looked for ya in the Trip Reports!

Our first (and so far only) cruise was three years ago (Royal Caribbean) and we loved it!! I have a friend who works at the Beach Club (met here first on the boards and then in person on our fantastic WDW vacation last year!) who said she has cruised on all of the cruise lines and says Disney cruises are the best! So that may be our next cruise! My family absolutely loved BC and the Epcot resort area last year.

Looking forward to more...you have a beautiful family.

Kerry

[mylag1rl]

Yeah so excited you started your trip report ! Can't wait to hear all about it :thumbsup2 My family are pizza lovers too so we will have to try Flippers some time. Can't believe how grown up Luke and Lauren look. Off to a great start.

[lindseynleah]

Hey Lesley....We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge!!! I'll have to go back and take a look at your report from then!! LOL!!

[ProudMommyof2]

Yippee! I have been checking and checking for this year's TR and was so excited to see you started. Can't wait to get your take on the Dream!! I have been working hard to convince DH to take a cruise. I won next month's trip to WDW with a sweepstakes so I am hoping to get to use the planned funds for a cruise in the spring.

[Happydog]

Hmmmm... so the IPAD gets left.... seems vaguely like a WAVE phone if you ask me. :rolleyes1


Looking forward to trying out Boardwalk sometime... really enjoy the feel of the Boardwalk area, I agree! :thumbsup2

[luvfigment]

So excited that you decided to do a TR! Can't wait to read another one of your amazing reports! The kids are getting so big and I love how they always take such great pictures together. Your first day look great despite the IPad incident and Tim not being able to ride Test Track.

Can't wait to read all about the cruise and AKL CL!

[mkluvsmickey]

Hi Lesley! :wave2: Long time lurker of your trip reports though I don't think I've ever posted. :sad2: We were on the same Dream sailing as you all so I'm really looking forward to your take on the amazing ship and cruise. :love:

(I'm pretty sure I saw your family in the box seats in the Walt Disney Theater for the "Believe" show, was that you guys?)

[pooksma]

I always love reading your reports since they are usually before we are going and it helps to get me excited. Looking forward to seeing your DC stuff as we are considering a surprise cruise trip for DS' birthday next March on the Magic. Maybe your report will sway us one way or another...no pressure :lmao:

[pmama]

Yay! Great start.:thumbsup2 Can't believe you drove the whole way in in one day. Wow!:worship: So, glad Buena Vista had your ipad.:goodvibes That would have been a terrible start. I love my ipad. Looking forward to reading more.:yay:

[timandlesley]

I was bummed that we were finally there in June, like you guys, and we just didn't think ahead enough to meet up. But your assumption is correct... bringing family members along on a trip adds a LOT to your plate!! (In a good way, of course!) We just had NO spare time. We even skipped our precious 'down time' at the resort each afternoon! :eek: There will be plenty more opportunities, I'm sure!

Speaking of... when is your next trip? ;)
Well, we will be in that boat in March when we bring my entire family, can't wait though! As for next trip, girls trip in Nov., Tim has a guys trip for Disapalooza in Dec., 3 nights on the Dream using that incentive I won through my travel agency in Feb, and then with my family in March for my spring break, WHEW! That wears me out just thinking about it : )
Hi Lesley! Looking forward to reading about your vacation (have thoroughly enjoyed your past reports!!). Funny thing...I just started getting back to the DISboards after a couple of busy months. So this week I remembered you were taking your annual trip and cruising on the Dream too and looked for ya in the Trip Reports!

Our first (and so far only) cruise was three years ago (Royal Caribbean) and we loved it!! I have a friend who works at the Beach Club (met here first on the boards and then in person on our fantastic WDW vacation last year!) who said she has cruised on all of the cruise lines and says Disney cruises are the best! So that may be our next cruise! My family absolutely loved BC and the Epcot resort area last year.

Looking forward to more...you have a beautiful family.

Kerry
Hi Kerry, so glad you found us again. OMG, if you ever get a chance to cruise Disney I can't recommend it high enough, just wait until it gets to that part of my report : )

Yeah so excited you started your trip report ! Can't wait to hear all about it :thumbsup2 My family are pizza lovers too so we will have to try Flippers some time. Can't believe how grown up Luke and Lauren look. Off to a great start.
Thanks. Flippers is awesome, get the breadsticks!!! YUM! I know, my babies sure have grown quickly, it's fun sharing their lives here with you all.

Hey Lesley....We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge!!! I'll have to go back and take a look at your report from then!! LOL!!
Wilderness Lodge will be AMAZING! Yes, be sure to do that, I have a few from WL : )

Yippee! I have been checking and checking for this year's TR and was so excited to see you started. Can't wait to get your take on the Dream!! I have been working hard to convince DH to take a cruise. I won next month's trip to WDW with a sweepstakes so I am hoping to get to use the planned funds for a cruise in the spring.
So glad you found us, the Dream is AMAZING, have him read that part of my TR when it gets to it, he won't be able to say no. For Disney though, do it EARLY, we saved 3,000 by booking almost 2 years in advance and paying it off a little at a time, you save so much booking way in advance with Disney cruises.
Hmmmm... so the IPAD gets left.... seems vaguely like a WAVE phone if you ask me. :rolleyes1


Looking forward to trying out Boardwalk sometime... really enjoy the feel of the Boardwalk area, I agree! :thumbsup2
Hi Jen, Too Funny!!!!!!!! God me there!!!:thumbsup2:rolleyes1:rolleyes1 Thanks for joining us for the TR, so great to meet you guys!

So excited that you decided to do a TR! Can't wait to read another one of your amazing reports! The kids are getting so big and I love how they always take such great pictures together. Your first day look great despite the IPad incident and Tim not being able to ride Test Track.

Can't wait to read all about the cruise and AKL CL!
Glad you found us again and are enjoying things so far. LOTS to report on about the cruise and AKL CL so stay tuned:thumbsup2


Hi Lesley! Long time lurker of your trip reports though I don't think I've ever posted. :sad2: We were on the same Dream sailing as you all so I'm really looking forward to your take on the amazing ship and cruise. :love:

(I'm pretty sure I saw your family in the box seats in the Walt Disney Theater for the "Believe" show, was that you guys?)
Well hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. Yes, that was us. Were you below us showing your daughter us? I thought we were being "pointed out", if so, how cool! Wish we could have said hi. Wasn't the cruise AMAZING!!!

I always love reading your reports since they are usually before we are going and it helps to get me excited. Looking forward to seeing your DC stuff as we are considering a surprise cruise trip for DS' birthday next March on the Magic. Maybe your report will sway us one way or another...no pressure :lmao:
So glad you enjoy them and found us again. Yes, this will definitely sway him so stay tuned!!
Yay! Great start. Can't believe you drove the whole way in in one day. Wow!:worship: So, glad Buena Vista had your ipad.:goodvibes That would have been a terrible start. I love my ipad. Looking forward to reading more.:yay:
OMG, the drive was CRAZY but worth it. Welcome back, thanks for reading/posting!

[mkmommy]

I can't believe that it is time for another timandlesley report, I am so glad you are doing it and can't wait to hear about the Dream.:cool1:


Sorry that you liked the Dream;) I find DCL much more addictive then the parks. Cruise 7 in 4 years is coming up and each one get better.:banana:

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!!

[basketlacey]

I'm hooked after Day 1! We just booked our first trip to AKL so I can't wait to hear how you liked it. My kids love Disney like yours look like they do!

And speaking of those kids, mine really want to do a Disney Cruise. I keep thinking I should look at booking one for next summer!

You have a gorgeous family - I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

[purplepeg]

such a great start...the only thing missing food pictures...I love my food porn you know:rotfl2:My hubby wants to go to ESPN Club one of these times but it always seems to get pushed back for "next time". Glad Tim enjoyed it.I can't believe how much your kids have grown in a year. They look as happy as ever! Can't wait for more.

[DisneyDreamerMN]

Subscribing! I am so glad you are doing another TR! Thank goodness for honest people at the hotel who had your Ipad.:)

[MaryAz]

Hurray another one of ur great TR's. Kiddos are as cute as ever. Looks like you guys are off to a great start!!

[jwwi]

I was happy to find your trip report, and it will be interesting to read your DCL experiences. The kids are so cute. Sounds like a fun Father's day.

So glad you found the missing IPAD, what a scare. I lost a cell phone on a trip once. Had it on the airplane, but couldn't find it by the time we stopped for lunch. I ended up keeping the cheap replacement for 3 years, but at least I had something. Good thing AT&T is everywhere. I love my apple products, macbook pro, ipod touch and Iphone 3gs. My DH has an IPAD too.

[CreightonsMomma]

Yes! Yes! Yes!! I am so excited to see a TR. I have followed you for a while and I just love your TR's. I almost jumped up with excitement. lol.

The family looks great! The kids are getting big.

:scared1: about the Ipad. So glad they resort had it.

I can't wait to read more.

[mkluvsmickey]

Well hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. Yes, that was us. Were you below us showing your daughter us? I thought we were being "pointed out", if so, how cool! Wish we could have said hi. Wasn't the cruise AMAZING!!!


No, that wasn't us. We were in the balcony sort of off to the side of the box seats. :) The cruise was even more amazing than I imagined. We have sailed twice before on the Wonder (great ship too!) but only the 3-night. It was nice to have a longer time on the ship for sure. We love, love, love our trips to Walt Disney World but there is something almost better about DCL, hard to explain but it's like Disney Plus! Now I just have to figure out how to do both trips each year. :rolleyes:

[timandlesley]

I can't believe that it is time for another timandlesley report, I am so glad you are doing it and can't wait to hear about the Dream.:cool1:


Sorry that you liked the Dream;) I find DCL much more addictive then the parks. Cruise 7 in 4 years is coming up and each one get better.:banana:
So glad you found us again. OMG, I could totally see that, we are officially HOOKED!

Count me in!!!
Welcome!

I'm hooked after Day 1! We just booked our first trip to AKL so I can't wait to hear how you liked it. My kids love Disney like yours look like they do!

And speaking of those kids, mine really want to do a Disney Cruise. I keep thinking I should look at booking one for next summer!

You have a gorgeous family - I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!
You are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE AKL!!!! The Disney cruise is AMAZING. The rates for next summer are going up FAST though, so if you want to do it book soon : )

such a great start...the only thing missing food pictures...I love my food porn you know:rotfl2:My hubby wants to go to ESPN Club one of these times but it always seems to get pushed back for "next time". Glad Tim enjoyed it.I can't believe how much your kids have grown in a year. They look as happy as ever! Can't wait for more.
Thanks, I do have some food pics, but not a ton this trip, took some on the ship for sure.

Subscribing! I am so glad you are doing another TR! Thank goodness for honest people at the hotel who had your Ipad.:)
I know, thank God for honest people! Welcome, thanks for reading/posting.

Hurray another one of ur great TR's. Kiddos are as cute as ever. Looks like you guys are off to a great start!!
Thanks!!
I was happy to find your trip report, and it will be interesting to read your DCL experiences. The kids are so cute. Sounds like a fun Father's day.

So glad you found the missing IPAD, what a scare. I lost a cell phone on a trip once. Had it on the airplane, but couldn't find it by the time we stopped for lunch. I ended up keeping the cheap replacement for 3 years, but at least I had something. Good thing AT&T is everywhere. I love my apple products, macbook pro, ipod touch and Iphone 3gs. My DH has an IPAD too.
Glad you found us again. Yes, gotta love AT&T
Yes! Yes! Yes!! I am so excited to see a TR. I have followed you for a while and I just love your TR's. I almost jumped up with excitement. lol.

The family looks great! The kids are getting big.

:scared1: about the Ipad. So glad they resort had it.

I can't wait to read more.
Well, I am so glad I could excite you, thanks so much for reading/posting.

No, that wasn't us. We were in the balcony sort of off to the side of the box seats. :) The cruise was even more amazing than I imagined. We have sailed twice before on the Wonder (great ship too!) but only the 3-night. It was nice to have a longer time on the ship for sure. We love, love, love our trips to Walt Disney World but there is something almost better about DCL, hard to explain but it's like Disney Plus! Now I just have to figure out how to do both trips each year. :rolleyes:
O.K, hope we get to say hi next time. We have a 3 night in Feb, and I worry it will seem SOOOOO fast!

[timandlesley]

Day 2 of our Trip of a Lifetime
So as I mentioned before, unfortunately we had to change rooms from a standard view to a boardwalk view. I went down super early (around 7:30) to do the switch and believe it or not the room was ready! Makes you think, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm are you HONESTLY telling me that room wouldn’t have been available for us yesterday? Oh well. So, instead of calling Bell Services to hold our luggage while we headed to Hollywood Studios, we called them and they just switched our luggage from one room to another. As we followed the gentleman from Bell Services we were beginning to realize our room was FAR away from everything. I want to say the room # was 5005, it was ALL the way at the farthest point away from everything, the elevator was FOREVER away.
Now that we had our room we took the mile hike to the elevator and then had to backtrack to get to the path to walk to Hollywood Studios. It was a beautiful morning to walk to the parks.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/120-1.jpg
We could see the park on the horizon:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/121.jpg
The crowds were crazy at rope drop:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/122.jpg
Our strategy was for Tim to get fast passes for Toy Story Mania and then to meet up at Star Tours to ride the new ride, we were excited to experience the brand new 3-D Star Tours experience.
The kids and I headed over there and we passed by the line of people signing their kids up for Jedi Training Academy, Luke started begging to do that but by this time the line was SUPER long and when I asked a cast member she said if we got in that line they would be in a late afternoon show. At this point I PROMISED Luke that on the first visit after the cruise we would do a bee-line to that sign up and get him in the show (stay tuned for how that goes down).
The kids and I arrived at Star Tours and there was no wait:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/123.jpg
We waited what seemed like forever for Tim (it took him 20 minutes to get a fast pass for Toy Story Mania)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/124.jpg
It was already a HOT one that morning:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/125.jpg
Finally Tim met up with us and we headed inside, we got SUPER lucky because for some reason the cast member led us past other people and into the fast pass line even though we didn’t have fast passes and we literally walked RIGHT on the ride:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/127.jpg
Tim and Luke excited to ride:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/129.jpg
The ride is AWESOME! There are four different scenes that you can experience, for our first ride we went to Planet Hoth for that experience. I love how they randomly pick one “spy” from within your vehicle, that made it extra fun too. The 3-D is a nice touch. We all LOVED it!
After that we all were itching to ride Rockin’ Roller Coaster so we headed that way:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/130.jpg
We went into the standby line and waited about 20 minutes to ride, the line went super fast.
I rode with my girl Lauren :
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/132.jpg
We waited for the first car, so did Luke and Tim. I’m surprised more people don’t do this.
We had an AWESOME ride as always!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/133.jpg
As we left, we grabbed some of the fruit smoothies with snack credits at the cart outside the ride, they were YUMMY!!! We noticed they had set up a fun red carpet scene and were encouraging people to walk the carpet. We tried to encourage Lauren as that is her DREAM, but she got shy on us, so Luke stepped up to the plate to show her how it’s done : )
(Click on the picture below to play the video)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/th_135.jpg (http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/?action=view&current=135.mp4)
He WORKED it didn’t he !?! : )
I had heard that Lightning McQueen was making a debut as the “hero” in Lights Motor Action Stunt Show and we hadn’t seen that show in years, so we headed that way. On the way we ran into this guy:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/136.jpg
We got a spot for Lights Motor Action and I can’t explain to you how hot it was in those seats. I felt like we were in a frying pan, there was no breeze, sun was bearing down and It was SOOOOO hot! I asked a Cast Member before the show started if Lightning McQueen was in it and she said that he was busy getting ready for his movie premiere. BUMMER!!! Well, we enjoyed the show:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/139.jpg
It really is an AWESOME show. We made it about ½ way into it and just had to leave, the heat was getting to all of us. We made our exit and headed to Toy Story Mania to ride our family favorite in the AIR CONDITIONING!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/141.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/142.jpg
I rode with Lauren and Tim rode with Luke. It was a fun ride as always, I didn’t do half bad (my score is on the left):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/147.jpg
As we came out Tim and Luke were complaining that their guns didn’t work so the cast member let them ride again. As Lauren and I were waiting I looked at my times guide and the Disney Channel Rocks show was starting and Lauren REALLY wanted to see that, so we headed over to see that:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/150.jpg
Lauren had fun being a part of the show (she’s in the purple) click on the picture to play the video:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/th_153.jpg (http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/?action=view&current=153.mp4)
After the boys met up with us and the show was over we decided to head back to the hotel and swim.
We took the boat back to the Boardwalk Area:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/154.jpg
Off the boat we took the hike that seemed like it took FOREVER to our room (our feet were soooooo sore at this point), got changed into our suits and headed down to the pool:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/155.jpg
Tim didn’t join us at the pool, he ran to the store to buy beer and wine for us to bring onto the cruise ship the next day (did you know you can CARRY ON your own beer/wine to save money)? We were thrilled to learn this and definitely took advantage of it.
The pool was a great way to cool off!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/157.jpg
CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

[timandlesley]

The kids were THRILLED because they were doing pool games, so they participated in those for over an hour:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/160.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/164.jpg
We had brought our refillable mugs down and I got us drinks at the bar. It frustrates me to no end that at the Boardwalk they won’t refill your mugs but give you Styrofoam cups at the pool with your drinks, it seems SOOOOOO wasteful. Come on Disney, let us use the mugs, imagine how many cups they are going through in one day alone, I just don’t get it. Anyway, guess I’ll step off that soap box, sorry : )
The kids had fun just lounging in the pool together and so did I:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/166.jpg
As we were sitting there I looked up and saw our travel buddies Diane, Bryan, Matthew and Eric (dddisrunner) here on the boards. They have become great friends of ours after meeting here on the Dis and traveling together as a result. They would be joining us on the Disney Dream and they had just arrived after a long day of traveling to Orlando. It was great to see them. We said our hello’s and they were headed to Epcot to eat at Chef’s De France, they were STARVING. The kids and I headed back up to the room to head to Epcot ourselves for dinner.
Here is the view from our room (beautiful!)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/168.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/170.jpg
Happy Lesley on the balcony:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/171.jpg
We made the LONG hike back out to the Boardwalk area (I know I keep mentioning this, but this location was just awful and our feet were SO tired by the time we left our two nights at the Boardwalk) and headed to Epcot. We had done the counterservice plan for these two pre-cruise nights so we had some counterservice credits to use. We were headed to the American Pavilion to eat dinner. On the way we ran into Diane, Bryan, Matthew and Eric as they were coming out of dinner so we visited them for a bit. They were headed to a hotel by the port so we said our goodbye’s (or our “see ya real soon’s”) and then we headed to dinner. As we passed by Japan Tim said “Man, I would give ANYTHING to eat in Teppan Edo Right now!!” I reminded him that was our first meal after the cruise but we all agreed that sounded good. We went in and ate at the counterservice place in Japan and it was pretty yummy too:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/172.jpg
After dinner we just enjoyed a lovely evening in Epcot (my favorite place to be in Disney at night)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/177.jpg
The drummers were performing and we loved that:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/178.jpg
As we stood there the candy lady appeared and headed towards her stand, it was so funny, Lauren looked up and screamed “THE CANDY LADY!!!!!!” She looked at Lauren and smiled from ear to ear. We followed her over and enjoyed her show. She no longer gives out her candy but allows children to pick an animal and then will make it and pose for a picture allowing the child to hold it in the pic. Luckily both Lauren and Luke were selected for that. Luke picked a Lion and Lauren picked a dog:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/182.jpg
The show was entertaining as always, I could listen to her all day. Here is a video I shot, again, click on the picture to see the video:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/th_181.jpg (http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/?action=view&current=181.mp4)
If you haven’t seen her show yet, I highly recommend checking her out next time you go, such fun!
We continued our stroll along World Showcase, we passed Mo Rockin’ and the belly dancer again, so Lauren had fun dancing:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/183.jpg
Tim was disgusted by a lady who was smoking in the middle of the crowd and then proceeded to throw her cigarette on the ground. Tim can’t hold his tongue in situations like this so he told her to pick it up. It got kind of heated but suffice it to way she was an idiot. She actually defended her actions and said she was saving a custodian a job by throwing her trash on the ground because they get paid to do that, LOVELY LADY right!?!
We decided to hang out in France. I “had” to get Tim and I two Grey Goose Slushies and Tim and the kids went inside the bakery to use a few snack credits.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/186.jpg
I could have sat there in that pretty area of the park all night, just love it there.
We decided we should head back because we had an EARLY morning ahead of us for the cruise in the morning.
Lauren was EXHAUSTED and wanted to take the boat back, so we took the boat and the boys walked back to the resort:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/189.jpg
The beautiful Boardwalk Resort:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/190.jpg
We headed up to the room:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/191.jpg
We got our luggage all packed and ready for the morning and went to bed with visions of the Disney Dream in our heads
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Day%201%202010/NextEpisode32010640x480-2.jpg


FOR DAY 3 (DISNEY DREAM DAY) CLICK HERE!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41771085&posted=1#post41771085

[mefordis]

Such a great update! I"m so glad you decided to do a trip report for this trip! I am lovin' it!!

You made great time driving to Orlando, I must say! Would you stay at BWV again? I've read here on the Dis about other people having rooms really far away while staying there, too.

[3LittlePirates]

Love your trip report so far!! Can't wait to read all about your Cruise adventures!

[pooksma]

Enjoyed the update. Looking forward to riding the new Star Tours and finding out if Luke gets to do Jedi training as this is something Declan wants to try as well.

[jeremysdisneymom]

:yay: Yay, I love a Tim and Lesley Trip Report!!! I think we may have been at AKL at the same time. We were there June 25-30th. We moved to BLT on the 30ths. Were you there then? We stayed in Jambo house. It was so much fun.

We live about 30 minutes from Cincy so I know what that drive to Disney is like. We drove it at night which made it a lot easier but coming home during the day time seemed to take forever.

Love your pictures of the Boardwalk. We are there the beginning of our Thanksgiving trip.

Love all the pictures of Epcot. I agree, the world showcase is so much fun at night.

Can't wait to hear about the Dream!

[reelmom]

Joining in just in time. Can't wait to read about your cruise.

[sharonW]

lovin it!!! Always wondered if you met diane from the Dis and you answered my question!! Can't get over Tim telling that lady off over the cigarette incident, disney rage!!! lol people can be so rude and inconsiderate, it never ceases to amaze!! Can't wait to hear all about the "Dream" magic!

[CreightonsMomma]

Great update. I really enjoyed riding Star Tours in June. My nephew was picked as the spy and he was just elated about it. Toy Story Mania is such an awesome ride. I wasn't much a fan of Hollywood Studios but it really has grown on me.

I can't wait to be in Epcot this weekend. Such a beautiful park. I cannot believe that lady and her cigarette. I hate it when people are smoking when there are children everywhere. They have area's for that. Ok, now i'll get off my soapbox. :rotfl:

Back to Epcot...I ate at Teppen Edo in March and I didn't think it was very good. We have a hibatchi place here in S.FL that is just incredible and I have yet to find a place that can compare. I don't think I would eat at Teppen Edo again, but I wouldn't discourage people from eating there because it is such a neat and fun experience.

I can't wait to read more about the cruise. I want to go on a cruise so bad but at the same time I am terrified of being stuck on a boat for however many days. I'm sure one day I will eventually give in.

[ArielSRL]

Can't believe I missed this!! Joining in now!

[IluvXU]

Sorry you had to move rooms and had a less than great location. Glad though you were not waiting forever on your room, we had a long day our check in day at the BCV, but the location we had for the villa made up for it!

The Boardwalk pool did have fun pool games! Did you mind the lack of cs that took the dining plan, or did you not notice on your short trip? We lunched and swam there and it made it hard for me to get lunch especially for the kids... and I know what you mean about the mugs, thankfully the BC pool had a self serve refill for mugs spot!

Great report... can't wait for the cruise part,
I am itching for a cruise, you and Anita really have me hoping we do one someday!

[luvfigment]

Another great update! Looks like a great view from your room although you can tell how far of a walk you had! That lady was rude at Epcot about the cigarette, good for Tim to say something! Looking forward to the cruise!

[charming23]

Yay!!! Another Tim and Lesley, and Luke and Lauren TR. Can't wait to hear more.

Seeing the picture of the Flipper's pizza box made me miss them so much. I need to get back to FL for that pizza soon.

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Wow...Boardwalk looks really beautiful!!! So excited for your next morning!!:cool1: I noticed you did the CS plan...what are your thoughts on the price increase for the dining plan for next year....especially the TS one/regular one?? I just don't see how we'll save any money with it!?:confused3

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

Subbing in! :woohoo: I was so excited to see that you working on another TR, I always LOVE following along on your Disney Journeys! Would also love to hear more about your newest TA career.

[ProudMommyof2]

Great update! I love the laid back way of touring that going every year gives you. Strolling through World Showcase is my favorite nighttime activity as well!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Oh wow your room location does seem like a hike! That's one of the reasons I've been hesitant about staying at the Boardwalk, some of the rooms are practically located at the Dolphin! :laughing:

[Sooze]

Makes you think, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm are you HONESTLY telling me that room wouldn’t have been available for us yesterday?
Ugh, you KNOW that room sat empty all night long. I just don't GET those things!!

It was a beautiful morning to walk to the parks.
LOVE being able to walk to two parks!!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/122.jpg
:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

for some reason the cast member led us past other people and into the fast pass line even though we didn’t have fast passes and we literally walked RIGHT on the ride
Sweet! Maybe they are starting to recognize you guys and rewarding you for your Disney awesomeness!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/133.jpg
Lauren is SO brave!!!

He WORKED it didn’t he !?!
He sure did! But I couldn't get past how long his legs are! That boy is just growing like a weed (as my grandma would say!)

We made it about ½ way into it and just had to leave, the heat was getting to all of us.
Wow... it must've been brutal out there!

As we came out Tim and Luke were complaining that their guns didn’t work so the cast member let them ride again.
:thumbsup2 Nice strategy guys! ;)

[Sooze]

The kids were THRILLED because they were doing pool games, so they participated in those for over an hour
Those pool games are the best. So glad Luke and Lauren were able to enjoy them!

It frustrates me to no end that at the Boardwalk they won’t refill your mugs but give you Styrofoam cups at the pool with your drinks, it seems SOOOOOO wasteful.
Disney spends so much time talking about all its conservation efforts...then they continue to be wasteful like this. It makes no sense!

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/168.jpg
My goodness, you really WERE far away from the elevators, weren't you! But pretty spectacular view!!

Tim can’t hold his tongue in situations like this so he told her to pick it up. It got kind of heated but suffice it to way she was an idiot. She actually defended her actions and said she was saving a custodian a job by throwing her trash on the ground because they get paid to do that, LOVELY LADY right!?!
OMG... first of all... YAY TIM!!!! I'm so glad some people have the guts to say things to rude, trashy people! Second of all... WHY do people like this exist?! Who teaches them such a complete lack of etiquette and respect? It scares me how the world is filling up with trash like this! ugh!

I “had” to get Tim and I two Grey Goose Slushies
;) Of COURSE you did!

I am SO excited to hear all about the ship!!! And I'm SO glad you guys did the cruise before we do... because I know I'm going to learn so much about the ship and will feel so prepared! (You already taught me about the alcohol.. so thanks!!)

Thanks again for your great reports, Lesley!

[Dallas_Lady]

Great update! I'm excited to see you guys head to the Dream :)

[DisneyDreamerMN]

I love that Tim said something to the lady with cigarette! Too bad she just doesn't get it. :sad2:

[PittypatBR]

A fun day, but so much walking! I don't blame Lauren for wearing down! I can't wait to experience the new Star Tours. That is one of my grandson's and my favorite rides, and we will never forget riding it first thing in the morning and having a storm trooper come in and look us over! The changes will make each experience a little different, so we will have to spend some time getting them all! I won't be at WDW for a while, but the one in DL is supposed to be the same so I will get to try it in October.
I can't wait to hear about the cruise. I REALLY want to do that.

[lindseynleah]

I am so excited for you Disney Dream update!!!! Can't wait!!!!!

[Native NYer]

Wow! DHS was crowded!
Yay for not having to wait long to ride Star Tours. I can't wait to ride it next month.
It stinks that your room was so far away from everything. On the bright side, you were only there one night and it is Disney. :cloud9:
The BWI/BWV are so beautiful. The whole Epcot area is amazing.
I think I need to try Flippers...
Can't wait for the cruise portion to start!

[DWGal210]

Another great update, Lesley!

Epcot has got to be my favorite park. There's just so much to see and do!

I'm glad Tim said something to that lady! That kind of attitude (on her part) irritates me to no end.

I can't wait to read about your posts on the Dream! We are in Orlando this week and as we drove to Cocoa Beach on Tuesday, we saw the Dream docked at Port Canaveral. I SO wanted to just take that exit and get on board!!! :banana:

Thanks again for writing such entertaining and interesting trip reports. It's been fun seeing your family grow up in your reports. Cheers to you for a fabulous job!! :cheer2:

[Sweetpeamd]

I'm subbing!!! Yea!!! I just LOVE your trip reports, Lesley. I was so excited to find your new one this morning. I always get emotional reading your reports because your family shares our enthusiasm for the world so completely! I enjoy seeing how much you all love everything about your vacations. I can't wait to see your next update! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your memories with us!:hug:

[ddstratton]

Wonderful update! Sounds like a wonderful start to your trip. Well, except for having a room three miles away :rotfl2:

[macheath]

Love your BW pics! I've always wanted to stay there and now I want to even more :cloud9:

Also, cant wait to ride Star Tours! Your TR is making me more excited about our upcoming trip! TFS

[heaven2dc]

How did I miss seeing your TR?!! Love reading all about your adventures and can't wait to read about your cruise aboard the Dream :love:

BWV is our favorite resort (as you can see by our siggie) and last trip we rented DVC points for a 2-bedroom villa right next door to you (to your left as you are standing on the balcony). It was a long trek to the elevator - many times we just ran down the stairs and walked to Swan/Dolphin to catch the boat to HS or just walked. For some silly reason, we felt it was quicker to walk down the hallway to the stairs that come out behind Screen Door to catch the boat to Epcot. This was the second trip that I requested close to the elevator and got rooms way down at Crest O' Wave (in Dec 2008 I had a foot brace on and got room #2001 but luckily I got moved between Thimbles and Threads & Screen Door on the third floor).

You have such a beautiful family - so fun watching your videos, looking at pics and feeling like we are right along on your journey!

[HeyIt'sMe]

Another fun installment!

Oh EPCOT at night ---- heavenly! Teppan Edo is one of our favorite places to eat too. So YUM! My DD was craving Teppan Edo a few months ago so we went to our local Benihana (not the same, but it was tasty). As I sat there watching the chef I wished that after we were done eating we'd be walking around World Showcase and not getting back in our car to go home!!

OK, I need to try one of those Grey Goose slushies.....so many people rave about them. I'm actually allergic to alcohol (yes, it's a curse!) but I can usually get by with one drink and feel OK.

And BRAVO to Tim for saying something to the lady with the cigarette. How rude was she???!!??

Looking forward to reading about the Dream.....:boat:

Debbie

[Disneycouple99]

The kids were THRILLED because they were doing pool games, so they participated in those for over an hour:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/160.jpg
I can't believe this. If you look behind your daughter, you will see the butt of my youngest sticking out behind her. If you have other photos of the group my oldest is on the other team wearing goggles over her eyes out of the water.

[ampc3]

yay made it in time for the cruise part!!! :)))) I'm sure it was amazing.

[mylag1rl]

Sounds like a great Disney day to me. Loved seeing all the pics of DHS, Epcot and the Boardwalk. I really like your Mickey American flag shirt. Can't wait to hear all about the Dream.

[momtotanmanandraerae]

Lesley - I am so glad you are doing a trip report!!! I was so sad that you weren't going to do one especially since you were going on the Dream! I screamed when I saw your trip report listing on Sooze's TR! We were at Disney the same time you were (after your cruise). I told my DH that I hoped to see you. He actually saw you when I was on Star Tours and you and Tim were standing outside Star Tours watching Jedi Training Academy. When I got off Star Tours, he told me he saw you and I ran back to that place but you were gone. I know I'm a stalker!!

I was explaining to my son why I wanted to see you so bad. I told him that I have read your trip reports for so many years that I have seen your kids grow up on these boards. Luke and Lauren have turned into beautiful kids!

Can't wait to read more and see how the cruise was! We are waiting till Summer of 2013 to go on the Dream and I had hardly wait!!

Kari

[timandlesley]

Such a great update! I"m so glad you decided to do a trip report for this trip! I am lovin' it!!

You made great time driving to Orlando, I must say! Would you stay at BWV again? I've read here on the Dis about other people having rooms really far away while staying there, too.
Thanks so much, glad you are enjoying it. You know, I don't know if we will stay at BWV again with the kids for our longer trips, but if/when Tim and I go by ourselves for Food n' Wine, etc. then we would.
Love your trip report so far!! Can't wait to read all about your Cruise adventures!
Thanks, cruise stuff coming up, get ready for a LOT of pics and details.
Enjoyed the update. Looking forward to riding the new Star Tours and finding out if Luke gets to do Jedi training as this is something Declan wants to try as well.
So glad yo uenjoyed it. I write a column for disney dispatch dot com (google it) and today's column that I wrote (my column is "Happiest Tips On Earth") is all about my Hollywood Studios touring tips and it includes Jedi Training Academy tips : )

:yay: Yay, I love a Tim and Lesley Trip Report!!! I think we may have been at AKL at the same time. We were there June 25-30th. We moved to BLT on the 30ths. Were you there then? We stayed in Jambo house. It was so much fun.

We live about 30 minutes from Cincy so I know what that drive to Disney is like. We drove it at night which made it a lot easier but coming home during the day time seemed to take forever.

Love your pictures of the Boardwalk. We are there the beginning of our Thanksgiving trip.

Love all the pictures of Epcot. I agree, the world showcase is so much fun at night.

Can't wait to hear about the Dream!
Too funny, yes, we were at AKL from the 26th-1st, must have just missed you, we were in Jambo in the concierge level. Yes, the drive is brutal. Boardwalk is a lovely area to stay. Cruise info/pics to come!!
Joining in just in time. Can't wait to read about your cruise.
Yes, just in time, cruise update coming soon, get ready for lots of pics!

lovin it!!! Always wondered if you met diane from the Dis and you answered my question!! Can't get over Tim telling that lady off over the cigarette incident, disney rage!!! lol people can be so rude and inconsiderate, it never ceases to amaze!! Can't wait to hear all about the "Dream" magic!
Thanks, yes, we met on the Dis, one little Dis meet turned into a great friendship.

Great update. I really enjoyed riding Star Tours in June. My nephew was picked as the spy and he was just elated about it. Toy Story Mania is such an awesome ride. I wasn't much a fan of Hollywood Studios but it really has grown on me.

I can't wait to be in Epcot this weekend. Such a beautiful park. I cannot believe that lady and her cigarette. I hate it when people are smoking when there are children everywhere. They have area's for that. Ok, now i'll get off my soapbox. :rotfl:

Back to Epcot...I ate at Teppen Edo in March and I didn't think it was very good. We have a hibatchi place here in S.FL that is just incredible and I have yet to find a place that can compare. I don't think I would eat at Teppen Edo again, but I wouldn't discourage people from eating there because it is such a neat and fun experience.

I can't wait to read more about the cruise. I want to go on a cruise so bad but at the same time I am terrified of being stuck on a boat for however many days. I'm sure one day I will eventually give in.
To fun that your nephew was picked as a spy for as many times as we rode it this trip that never happened. What did you have at Teppan Edo? We love it there, didn't have a great chef this year but the food was good. I love the salad with ginger and the steak/shrimp combo. I think the food is better than our local place. The cruise was AMAZING, when you read through my report you will see you are not "stuck on a boat" at all, it's such an amazing experience!!

Can't believe I missed this!! Joining in now!
Welcome!
Sorry you had to move rooms and had a less than great location. Glad though you were not waiting forever on your room, we had a long day our check in day at the BCV, but the location we had for the villa made up for it!

The Boardwalk pool did have fun pool games! Did you mind the lack of cs that took the dining plan, or did you not notice on your short trip? We lunched and swam there and it made it hard for me to get lunch especially for the kids... and I know what you mean about the mugs, thankfully the BC pool had a self serve refill for mugs spot!

Great report... can't wait for the cruise part,
I am itching for a cruise, you and Anita really have me hoping we do one someday!
You have to do a cruise, you and the kids would LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! We didn't notice the lack of CS options while we were there since we ate most of our meals in the parks. Tons of pics of the cruise to come.

Another great update! Looks like a great view from your room although you can tell how far of a walk you had! That lady was rude at Epcot about the cigarette, good for Tim to say something! Looking forward to the cruise!
Glad you are enjoying it, yes, nice view, NOT a nice hike each time.

Yay!!! Another Tim and Lesley, and Luke and Lauren TR. Can't wait to hear more.

Seeing the picture of the Flipper's pizza box made me miss them so much. I need to get back to FL for that pizza soon.
Ohhhhhhhhh Flippers, YUM!!!

Wow...Boardwalk looks really beautiful!!! So excited for your next morning!! I noticed you did the CS plan...what are your thoughts on the price increase for the dining plan for next year....especially the TS one/regular one?? I just don't see how we'll save any money with it!?
The Boardwalk area IS really beautiful! Well, we kinda "cheated" this time around. We didn't claim Luke on our reservation since we were staying DVC and have annual passes so we only had 2 adults and 1 child for the CS plan to pay for which ended up saving us money. With the increase next year, no, for CS I don't think it will be worth it.

Subbing in! I was so excited to see that you working on another TR, I always LOVE following along on your Disney Journeys! Would also love to hear more about your newest TA career.
Welcome! Thanks for reading/ posting. I'll send you a PM : )

Great update! I love the laid back way of touring that going every year gives you. Strolling through World Showcase is my favorite nighttime activity as well!
I know, it definitely has changed our touring style that's for sure. AhhhhhhWorld Showcase at night, wish I was there right now!

Oh wow your room location does seem like a hike! That's one of the reasons I've been hesitant about staying at the Boardwalk, some of the rooms are practically located at the Dolphin!

Yes, it was a hike indeed!!!

Ugh, you KNOW that room sat empty all night long. I just don't GET those things!!


LOVE being able to walk to two parks!!



Sweet! Maybe they are starting to recognize you guys and rewarding you for your Disney awesomeness!


Lauren is SO brave!!!


He sure did! But I couldn't get past how long his legs are! That boy is just growing like a weed (as my grandma would say!)


Wow... it must've been brutal out there!


Nice strategy guys!
Yes,I bet that room DID stay open all night, burns me up. Yes, Lauren is quite brave, I love that ride photo. I know, Luke sure is shooting up tall! It was BRUTALLY hot before the cruise, after the cruise, not so much (but you would know that wouldn't you : )

Those pool games are the best. So glad Luke and Lauren were able to enjoy them!


Disney spends so much time talking about all its conservation efforts...then they continue to be wasteful like this. It makes no sense!


My goodness, you really WERE far away from the elevators, weren't you! But pretty spectacular view!!


OMG... first of all... YAY TIM!!!! I'm so glad some people have the guts to say things to rude, trashy people! Second of all... WHY do people like this exist?! Who teaches them such a complete lack of etiquette and respect? It scares me how the world is filling up with trash like this! ugh!


;) Of COURSE you did!

I am SO excited to hear all about the ship!!! And I'm SO glad you guys did the cruise before we do... because I know I'm going to learn so much about the ship and will feel so prepared! (You already taught me about the alcohol.. so thanks!!)

Thanks again for your great reports, Lesley!
The pool games were super fun. Yes, that lady with her cigarette was ridiculous! TONS of updates on the sihp with lots of pics, I'll be sure to explain everything in detail for those of you who haven't cruised yet, it was a learning process for us and we had a blast so I hope you can learn a bit from us and have a fabulous time as well (well, you WILL for sure!!)

Great update! I'm excited to see you guys head to the Dream
Coming up soon! Thanks for reading/posting
I love that Tim said something to the lady with cigarette! Too bad she just doesn't get it.
She just DID NOT get it : )

A fun day, but so much walking! I don't blame Lauren for wearing down! I can't wait to experience the new Star Tours. That is one of my grandson's and my favorite rides, and we will never forget riding it first thing in the morning and having a storm trooper come in and look us over! The changes will make each experience a little different, so we will have to spend some time getting them all! I won't be at WDW for a while, but the one in DL is supposed to be the same so I will get to try it in October.
I can't wait to hear about the cruise. I REALLY want to do that.
Yes, the walking was crazy, especially for the kids. Star Tours is wonderful, you will love it!!! The cruise was AMAZING,lots of pics to come!

I am so excited for you Disney Dream update!!!! Can't wait!!!!!
Coming soon!!!

Wow! DHS was crowded!
Yay for not having to wait long to ride Star Tours. I can't wait to ride it next month.
It stinks that your room was so far away from everything. On the bright side, you were only there one night and it is Disney.
The BWI/BWV are so beautiful. The whole Epcot area is amazing.
I think I need to try Flippers...
Can't wait for the cruise portion to start!
It was REALLY crowded on all of our DHS days this trip. You are going to love Star Tours, such fun. Yes, do try Flippers, be sure to order the garlic bread sticks, YUM!
Another great update, Lesley!

Epcot has got to be my favorite park. There's just so much to see and do!

I'm glad Tim said something to that lady! That kind of attitude (on her part) irritates me to no end.

I can't wait to read about your posts on the Dream! We are in Orlando this week and as we drove to Cocoa Beach on Tuesday, we saw the Dream docked at Port Canaveral. I SO wanted to just take that exit and get on board!!!

Thanks again for writing such entertaining and interesting trip reports. It's been fun seeing your family grow up in your reports. Cheers to you for a fabulous job!! :cheer2:
Epcot has become our favorite too. I know, the Dream is AMAZING, I bet you did want to get on, I'm going through Dream withdrawl myself : ) Thanks for the compliments, I truly appreciate it.

I'm subbing!!! Yea!!! I just LOVE your trip reports, Lesley. I was so excited to find your new one this morning. I always get emotional reading your reports because your family shares our enthusiasm for the world so completely! I enjoy seeing how much you all love everything about your vacations. I can't wait to see your next update! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your memories with us!:hug:

Welcome! Glad you found us again. We just LOVE the World. Thanks so much for reading/posting.
Wonderful update! Sounds like a wonderful start to your trip. Well, except for having a room three miles away :rotfl2:
It was a GREAT start, yes, despite the LONG WALK!!

Love your BW pics! I've always wanted to stay there and now I want to even more

Also, cant wait to ride Star Tours! Your TR is making me more excited about our upcoming trip! TFS
It's a lovely place to stay. Glad I can help get you excited!!

How did I miss seeing your TR?!! Love reading all about your adventures and can't wait to read about your cruise aboard the Dream

BWV is our favorite resort (as you can see by our siggie) and last trip we rented DVC points for a 2-bedroom villa right next door to you (to your left as you are standing on the balcony). It was a long trek to the elevator - many times we just ran down the stairs and walked to Swan/Dolphin to catch the boat to HS or just walked. For some silly reason, we felt it was quicker to walk down the hallway to the stairs that come out behind Screen Door to catch the boat to Epcot. This was the second trip that I requested close to the elevator and got rooms way down at Crest O' Wave (in Dec 2008 I had a foot brace on and got room #2001 but luckily I got moved between Thimbles and Threads & Screen Door on the third floor).

You have such a beautiful family - so fun watching your videos, looking at pics and feeling like we are right along on your journey!
Glad yo ufound us again. Yes, we did the stairs some times too. Thanks so much, I appreciate your nice comments.

Another fun installment!

Oh EPCOT at night ---- heavenly! Teppan Edo is one of our favorite places to eat too. So YUM! My DD was craving Teppan Edo a few months ago so we went to our local Benihana (not the same, but it was tasty). As I sat there watching the chef I wished that after we were done eating we'd be walking around World Showcase and not getting back in our car to go home!!

OK, I need to try one of those Grey Goose slushies.....so many people rave about them. I'm actually allergic to alcohol (yes, it's a curse!) but I can usually get by with one drink and feel OK.

And BRAVO to Tim for saying something to the lady with the cigarette. How rude was she???!!??

Looking forward to reading about the Dream.....:boat:

Debbie
Glad you are enjoying the updates. I agree, just love Teppan Edo!! Yes, try a Grey Goose for sure, one and you should be o.k they are to die for! She was SOOOOOo rude! She told him to "f" off a few times too really loudly for my kids to hear, REALLLLLLL classy! Updates on the Dream to come with a TON of pics!
I can't believe this. If you look behind your daughter, you will see the butt of my youngest sticking out behind her. If you have other photos of the group my oldest is on the other team wearing goggles over her eyes out of the water.
Too funny!!!!!
yay made it in time for the cruise part!!! :)))) I'm sure it was amazing.
Coming up soon, it was beyond amazing, can't wait to share it with you guys.
Sounds like a great Disney day to me. Loved seeing all the pics of DHS, Epcot and the Boardwalk. I really like your Mickey American flag shirt. Can't wait to hear all about the Dream.
It was a great Disney Day! The Mickey flag shirt was actually an Old Navy Find, Tim got one too. : )

[timandlesley]

Lesley - I am so glad you are doing a trip report!!! I was so sad that you weren't going to do one especially since you were going on the Dream! I screamed when I saw your trip report listing on Sooze's TR! We were at Disney the same time you were (after your cruise). I told my DH that I hoped to see you. He actually saw you when I was on Star Tours and you and Tim were standing outside Star Tours watching Jedi Training Academy. When I got off Star Tours, he told me he saw you and I ran back to that place but you were gone. I know I'm a stalker!!

I was explaining to my son why I wanted to see you so bad. I told him that I have read your trip reports for so many years that I have seen your kids grow up on these boards. Luke and Lauren have turned into beautiful kids!

Can't wait to read more and see how the cruise was! We are waiting till Summer of 2013 to go on the Dream and I had hardly wait!!

Kari

Hi Kari,
You are so sweet, those comments made my day. I truly wish you would have run into us so we could have said hello : ) Thanks so much for your sweet words, I appreciate it and it's people like you who make writing these reports so rewarding and fun. You will LOVE a Disney Cruise, we are now officially hooked. Get ready for a TON of cruise pics and details : )
Lesley

[Bibbidi]

Lesley,

I think you mentioned that you booked two years ahead of your cruise to get a great rate. I am looking for a trip in July of 2013, but I looked on the official dcl website, and so far they don't list cruises beyond Dec 2012. Now that you're also a TA, do you know when they'll start booking beyond 2012?

Thanks!

[timandlesley]

Lesley,

I think you mentioned that you booked two years ahead of your cruise to get a great rate. I am looking for a trip in July of 2013, but I looked on the official dcl website, and so far they don't list cruises beyond Dec 2012. Now that you're also a TA, do you know when they'll start booking beyond 2012?

Thanks!
Should be in October of this year, can't wait because I plan on booking our own summer getaway as soon as they are released : )
Lesley

[wigdoutdismom]

We are sitting in our hotel room and I'm reading your update about Tim calling out the smoker and I holler woah! So I have to read it aload to Baylor and Marc! LOL w
We can relate, Marc is always calling out the smokers that are puffing out of their areas at Disney...
We have been down on the end at BWV (twice)!
AND I was the spy!

[CreightonsMomma]

To fun that your nephew was picked as a spy for as many times as we rode it this trip that never happened. What did you have at Teppan Edo? We love it there, didn't have a great chef this year but the food was good. I love the salad with ginger and the steak/shrimp combo. I think the food is better than our local place. The cruise was AMAZING, when you read through my report you will see you are not "stuck on a boat" at all, it's such an amazing experience!!

I had the Shrimp and Steak also. The steak was good but the shrimp was overcooked. We also had a spicy tuna roll and that was incredible. I'm not sure if you like sushi but it was some of the freshest sushi I have ever had.

[morgtroy]

Yay!!! I just got back from vacation at the beach and got all caught up. Can't wait to read about the Dream. I hope we get to go back on it someday and do all the things we didn't have time to do last time. I'm sure you all had a great time, so fun that you and Diane's family got to travel together again.
Glad to hear the new Star Wars changes are great.:banana:

[timandlesley]

We are sitting in our hotel room and I'm reading your update about Tim calling out the smoker and I holler woah! So I have to read it aload to Baylor and Marc! LOL w
We can relate, Marc is always calling out the smokers that are puffing out of their areas at Disney...
We have been down on the end at BWV (twice)!
AND I was the spy!
Too funny!!! Tim and Marc could hang together easily then : ) How cool you were the SPY!!!!

I had the Shrimp and Steak also. The steak was good but the shrimp was overcooked. We also had a spicy tuna roll and that was incredible. I'm not sure if you like sushi but it was some of the freshest sushi I have ever had.
Weird, sorry you had a bad experience. I'm not a sushi fan so I've never had that there.
Yay!!! I just got back from vacation at the beach and got all caught up. Can't wait to read about the Dream. I hope we get to go back on it someday and do all the things we didn't have time to do last time. I'm sure you all had a great time, so fun that you and Diane's family got to travel together again.
Glad to hear the new Star Wars changes are great.:banana:
Hope you had fun on the beach. Dream update coming tonight. Yes, we have become great friends in Disney and beyond which has been awesome!

[timandlesley]

Day 3 of Our Trip of a Lifetime, DISNEY DREAM TIME!!!!!!!
I had checked in online and they gave me a check in time of 11:30 but we decided based upon what we had heard to get to the port early, so we left the Boardwalk around 8a.m. and we pulled into the port around 9 a.m. We had done some research and found a reputable place to park the car during the cruise called “Park and Cruise” that only charged 6.00 per day. Our plan was to drive to the terminal and Tim would drop the kids and I off. We saw the Dream in the distance and the excitement was in the AIR:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/004.jpg
Ahhhhhhhhh, isn’t she LOVELY!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/005.jpg
Tim dropped the kids and I off and we checked our luggage and then he went to park the car. Diane, Matthew and Eric met up with the kids and I in line. They started letting us through the gate at 10 a.m. but Tim wasn’t with us so I was worried since I had his birth certificate (we did not have passports, did the birth certificate option instead to save money). They said it would be no problem and I could check in for him and he would just have to show his license at the security gate when he arrived.
We got in and through security no problem and made our way up to the terminal, the kids were THRILLED (of course I was too):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/006.jpg
Diane and I jumped in line and it moved quick and we were given our room keys and boarding number which was 4, WOO HOO!!!
Tim and Bryan arrived shortly (Tim had given Bryan a lift after dropping off their rental car). Tim and I were sooooooooooo thrilled, we couldn’t believe we were about to board:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/009.jpg
Our traveling companions :
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/007.jpg
There was a line forming to sign your kids up for kids club (even though you do this online, you still have to get them the wrist bands) so Diane and I took the kids and waited in that line. It took forever because the computers hadn’t turned over from the previous cruise yet, but we had nothing but time to kill and I was on too big of a Disney high to care. We just sat down in the line and patiently waited our turns. Then the kids got their bracelets. These things are COOL, they have a computer chip in them, and they are like a GPS tracker so when you pick your kids up they can tell you exactly where they are in the club (but more on this later). They warned us that if these weren’t returned the final night of the cruise there would be a $50 dollar charge per bracelet, o.k., check, that was important to remember : )
At this point Tim and I turned off our cell phones and un plugged for the cruise, it was a wonderful feeling!
At noon exactly they called boarding numbers 1-3 and those mass of people entered and then about 10 minutes later our boarding group was called, WOO HOO, we were actually getting on the DISNEY DREAM!!!!! I couldn’t believe it!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/010.jpg
We were carrying on one carry on rolling suitcase with us. Disney allows you to roll on any alcohol so this was stocked with a few bottles of wine and beer to save us money and some bottled water to put in our fridge in the room. We also had my laptop that we carried on with us too.
Here we were rolling onto the ship:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/011.jpg
They announced us like we were celebrities and we were greeted by a standing ovation by the cruise staff, goose bumps ran up and down my spine and each of us were smiling from ear to ear and jumping out of our skin with excitement!!!!!!!! We were here, we were really here!!!!!
The kids were thrilled by the portholes (not only was this the first Disney cruise for my kids but this was my kids very first cruise EVER so everything was extra special):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/014.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/015.jpg
We made our way up to Cabanas for a yummy lunch. In wonderful Disney Cruise line style the characters were everywhere throughout the ship- we realized this quickly as we bumped into Chip and Dale as we came off the elevator (the seeing characters with no line thing was AMAZING throughout the entire cruise):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/016.jpg
We made our way into Cabanas and it was beautiful and the buffet was delicious. We ate to our hearts content, yummy prime rib, pork, shrimp, soups, salad, deserts, it was YUMMY. After lunch I reached into the carry on that had our alcohol in it because I had also stashed the kids swimsuits and goggles in it. I had read that when you first get on is a great time to ride the Aquaduck with zero line. We headed to the nearest restroom by the pool and the kids wasted no time getting changed.
It honestly took my breath away when we stepped onto the pool deck. I can’t describe how amazing this ship is, and seeing it in brochures doesn’t do It justice:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/017.jpg
They played Disney movies all of the time on that HUGE screen, so cool!
The Mickey pool:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/018.jpg
Mickey Slide:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/019.jpg
Lauren having fun swimming:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/022.jpg
Luke, Matthew and Eric couldn’t wait to ride Aqua duck
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/020.jpg
At this point I regretted not putting my suit into the carry on : (
The kids headed up:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/027.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/028.jpg
Luke on the ride:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/032.jpg
They had an AMAZING time!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/035.jpg

He wasted no time and jumped into the pool:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/023.jpg


CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

[timandlesley]

At this point we looked at our watches and realized it was after 1:30 p.m, our ROOMS WERE READY!!! So we headed down to check it out. We had booked the cheapest category on the ship, a category 11C, we had an inside cabin with a virtual porthole, we knew we were on deck 2 by the elevators and Enchanted Garden restaurant.
On our way to our room we were greeted by our AMAZING stateroom attendant Helene who would take care of us throughout the week, she was Disney’s finest!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/038.jpg
Our ROOM!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/039.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/041.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/042.jpg
At first it seemed small but it was a good room. I should have taken pics of the bathroom because it was nicely sized, nice full tub and everything. Tim was amazed by the virtual porthole, he thought it was just Disney characters (which do make appearances) but he was pleasantly surprised by the fact that it was an actual camera showing the scene outside, we LOVED this throughout the ship and weren’t missing a porthole at all. The beds were super comfy, ours felt like a heavenly bed.
The kids wasted no time and wanted to order room service, so we ordered two mickey bars and they were delivered quickly : )
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/040.jpg
There was a DVC reception we considered going to because they were raffling off a $250 on board credit. Our wonderful stateroom attendant Healine delivered our luggage and Lauren and I got ready for dinner since we wanted to go to the sailing away party after the lifeboat drill and figured that would give us more time. We decided we wanted to explore the ship and forget about the reception so we used our wave phones (each stateroom comes with these two wave phones and you can use them to call or text others on the ship, they are AWESOME!!) to call Diane and Bryan and tell them we didn’t know if we were coming to the DVC presentation. Well………. Our minds changed when they told us they were serving free mamosas (spelling?) and fancy drinks for the kids and handing out free gifts. So…………. We headed over there and drank to our content, it was fun. The kids wanted to explore the kids club so Bryan and Tim took them to do that and Diane and I stayed until the end to see if we won, we didn’t, but we had enough drinks in us that we didn’t care : )
At this point it was time for the lifeboat drill. I took some pics of the beautiful artwork on the way:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/044.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/045.jpg
The lifeboat drill really was no big deal, Tim got a little wigged out towards the end being that close to everyone for a while, it was nice they don’t make you wear the life jackets anymore. After that we headed up for the SAILING AWAY PARTY!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/047.jpg
BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/054.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/053.jpg
We ran back down to the room so the boys could get changed for dinner. The great thing about the location of our room is we just took the stairs up one flight (the stairs were right by our room) to the lobby. Our first night dinner was at the Royal Palace on that floor. We climbed the stairs ready for our first dinner on the dream:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/057.jpg
Nice live music in the lobby as we waited:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/058.jpg
Remy was there (again with NO line!!)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/059.jpg
We were so excited for dinner:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/060.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/061.jpg
We were pleased to see that Disney honored our request to sit together with Diane, Bryan and family and we were the only ones at our table. The restaurant was BEAUTIFUL. Our servers were amazing. We had Ana from Croatia as our assistant server and Zoe from the United Kingdom (I could listen to her talk all day ) as our head server. They took amazing care of us throughout the entire cruise. Zoe was so cute,picture a young Lindsay Lohan in Parent Trap, that was HER!!!
Luke, seated and ready for dinner:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/062.jpg
Lauren and Luke quickly traded in their kids menus for adult menus (we did this throughout the cruise):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/063.jpg
Our meal here was GREAT! I quickly learned I should have listened to Zoe’s suggestions. She suggested the rack of lamb and I tried it and it was AMAZING!! I had some sort of beef that was very good, but his lamb was outstanding. Overall we had a great meal. From start to finish the entire experience was about 2 hours, but it didn’t seem that long. At the start of the meal Zoe told Lauren that the princesses will appear from time to time. Lauren was THRILLED when Princess Tiana came through:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/064.jpg
Isn’t she just gorgeous!!!
Luke with his desert:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/065.jpg
After dinner the kids were itching to go into the kids club so we headed up there and looked who we bumped into in the stairwell:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/066.jpg
When I dropped them off it was my first time to see the club and OMG I now saw why they wanted up there so badly. When they go in they put their hands in these automatic hand washing machines, INCREDIBLE:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/067.jpg


CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

[timandlesley]

Some pics of the club:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/069.jpg
Luke having fun right away:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/070.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/071.jpg
Interactive play floor (they did a TON with this and many times characters like Captain Hook or Lilo/Stitch came in too)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/072.jpg
Is this place AMAZING or what!!!???
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/073.jpg
Lauren in Pixie Hollow Heaven:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/074.jpg
The Monster’s Inc. Area:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/076.jpg
Andy’s room was outstanding:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/077.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/078.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/079.jpg
There was even a Mrs. Potato Head in there that was interactive, the trunk was full of accessories, hats, eyes, etc. and you could actually decorate her and she was HUGE, so cool!

So while the kids were playing Tim and I explored the adults only areas of the ship but first we enjoyed just sitting out on deck 4 taking in the sites:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/083.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/082.jpg
Then we headed to the clubs. Pink was first, I thought it was beautiful in here:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/084.jpg
We sat down and met up with Diane and Bryan. The boys felt a little uncomfortable in here, especially when they asked what beers were on tap and they didn’t have beer in that bar, just champagne. I loved it, very pretty, but we moved to the sports bar area for the guys which was another really nice place:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/085.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/086.jpg
We enjoyed some great drinks and AWESOME laughs with our friends:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/089.jpg
After a few hours we decided it had been a long day and we should probably get the kids. On the way I took pictures of all of the beautiful adults only club areas:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/087.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/088.jpg
Picture of the gorgeous lobby on the way to get the kids:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/090.jpg
When we got there we told them who we were there to pick up, they looked on their GPS and told me Lauren was in Pixie Hollow and Luke was in Andy’s room, AMAZING technology I tell ya! So we found Lauren in Pixie Hollow and SURPRISE SURPRISE she didn’t want to leave:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/091.jpg


CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

[timandlesley]

Sarge from Toy Story had shown up in Andy’s Room and hidden monkeys all over as a scavenger hunt for the kids which Luke LOVED:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/092.jpg
We headed up to Deck 11 for some ice cream, HEY WHY NOT!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/094.jpg
Then we saw there was no line for the aqua duck so we ran down and got our suits on and took our first family ride. OMG this ride all lit up at night is AMAZING, we had SO MUCH FUN!!!
After that we were ready to hunker down for the night. The amazing Healine had made up our beds for the evening:
Our fun animal :
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/096.jpg
Bed all turned down and looking comfy:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/099.jpg
Kids beds, Lauren Is on the bottom bunk:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/098.jpg
Luke on the top, there were STARS on the ceiling above his bed:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/097.jpg
OF COURSE we had to kick the first night off right and order more room service. Tim found something on the room service menu that was instantly my favorite and I ordered it every night. It was a cheese and cracker plate with YUMMY cheeses included fresh blue cheese which I love, grapes, crackers, etc. soooooo yummy and perfect with a glass of wine before bed every night. We ordered warm chocolate chip cookies and milk for the kids:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/100.jpg
Talk about SWEET dreams : )
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/101.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Day%201%202010/NextEpisode32010640x480-1-1.jpg


CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT!!:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41851247#post41851247

[Sooze]

I am just salivating right now...

wow... just wow!!

[disneylovin24]

Just started reading! Love the TR so far!

Im excited to read more about your time on the Dream because a)I have never been on a cruise and b) the Dream looks SPECTACULAR!!

[DisneyDreamerMN]

OK, I am so booking a cruise!

When I saw this photo, I thought you were going to say the lovely lady in the colorful dress who seems to be posing was in your party. :lmao:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/007.jpg

I wish adults could play in the kids club! That place looks awesome!

Having never cruised before - did you get charged for the nightly room service?

[dddisrunner]

LOVE IT! I am laughing out loud right now remembering how Bryan said something extremely obnoxious and inappropriate that the bartender excused herself...can't for the live of me remember what it was? Your "All Hands on Deck" platter was the icing on my wine cake very quickly too! The aquaduck at night scared the bejesus out of me but I LOVED it and couldn't wait to ride again! Glad youmentioned Ana & Zoe, they were the bomb! Bad bad fishy!! LOL!:rotfl:

[sharonW]

OMG, OMG, how absolutely AMAZING the Dream looks.
Can see already why this trip was your ultimate to date!
Gotta love the beauty of that liner!

[luvfigment]

WOW!!!!! The Dream looks amazing and I now have cruise fever! Looks like a great first day on the trip and can't wait to hear about Castaway Cay.

[shannon47142]

amazing pictures!! seems like all is going well:goodvibes

[ProudMommyof2]

Wow!!! Such a great update! Did you ever wish you had a bigger room? Would you book the same category next time?

[RachaelA]

I want to go on the Dream! Unfortunately we have to wait a couple years for our future Disney Princess to get here and grow up a bit!

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Wow...just...WOW!!!! Okay...I honestly didn't think I would choose DCL over WDW for our anniversary trip...but now you have me thinking!! So I take it unlimited room service is included at no charge?? I LOVE that red pillow on your bed...I want one!! :)

[Aburns8]

I am so glad that I found your report! We are going on our first cruise in September and I am so excited. I am learning a lot from your first day. I can't wait to read more!

[jecskc]

We are going on the Dream in April for the double dip, too. I think I might have already said that, though. We so sooo excited.

We were wondering if we should get passports, but it seems like the birth certificates were enough ???

Can't wait to see more !!

[twob4him]

This is even better than I expected! I am loving every moment of living this cruise with you! I have been listening to podcast about the Dream and just seeing all of you enjoying it....cemented it. Summer 2012 baby!!! :thumbsup2 and I like the idea of a land portion too! :banana:

[Dallas_Lady]

Great post! What did you think of the crowds at the sail away party? I have read so many conflicting things. From your picture it doesn't look too bad, though.

[kimmylaj]

ok, i was quietly lurking along, but the cruise pics. you are killing me...i have to find a way to get on that ship. it looks completely amazing. thanks for sharing

[Kristina]

Ahhhh :goodvibes!! I love it, the ship is so beautiful and you all look so happy and why wouldn't you :thumbsup2! Wow what an amazing trip so far. I couldn't tear myself away from reading and oohing at all the pics and I needed to, because now I am late lol!! Looking forward to the next bit!

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Alright, the Disney cruise looks like possibly the awesomest thing ever. When you first said "virtual porthole", I was like "um...what?", but that is so cool! I love that it's a camera and not just an image of random water or whatnot!

The kids club looks AMAZING, and the GPS is such a great idea! No wonder the kids wanted to go there! I'm not sure I would have wanted to leave either! :laughing:

[KristiMc]

I love your trip reports! I was hoping that you would do one for this trip. We sailed on the Magic in March and loved it. Doing a 8-night on the Magic out of NYC next June. Loving your pictures of the Dream.

[Kelliroo3]

I want to go on the cruise!!! I've never done a cruise before and it sounds amazing so far. I'm 23...are there a lot of options for young adults? Things to do? Also, for the meals do you plan ahead of time where you are going to eat and what time? Or does Disney do that for you? Thanks Lesley!

[ampc3]

soo awesome!!!! so my dream to take a disney cruise someday!!! So they don't frown upon taking alcohol on board?? never heard of that before..

[MiaBella05]

where did Luke's bed come from?!?! Was it hidden in the wall?

[VanessainWonderland]

YAY! Another Timandlesley TR!

The ship looks incredible!!! Your family looks beautiful! You look so pretty in the purple top and the gorgeous necklace!

We are DEFINITELY booking!

Lesley, are there any Florida resident deals for this ship?

[morgtroy]

How much fun! We loved the Aqua Duck. Ordering room service is something we never did. We were always so full and just didn't get take the chance, not enough time. That cheese tray sounded really good when I looked at the menu. We did hit that ice cream bar a few times a day. LOL. I loved the peach. My son came back to my chair by the pool one day with red on his lip. Scared me at first, I thought he had cut it. He said, "Oh, we got some french fries and ice cream." They were loving that walk up food and ice cream right next to the pool.
I loved how the room was always taken care of, beds turned down at night, but done when you didn't know it.
Castaway Cay up next.:banana: I told my husband I wished they would just sail over to Castaway and dock there for a week, and you could just get on and off the ship each day. Loved it there!!

[Trentmom]

So excited when I scrolling through the TR section looking for a good read and saw yours :cool1:

I can't believe how big Luke and Lauren are getting. Lauren looks so grown up.

Sounds like a good trip down, minus the rain

Glad they had your Ipad.

Sounds like a great Father Day

off to read more :wizard:

[Trentmom]

Out of curiosity, how long of a walk is it from Boardwalk to the Studios?

Rope Drop looked super crowded indeed

Trent is so excited to ride Star Tours and me too :laughing:

That is awesome you are traveling with Diane and her friend again. You guys had a blast I bet

Off to read more :surfweb:

[timandlesley]

I am just salivating right now...

wow... just wow!!
OMG, it is AMAZING, you guys are going to love it and be prepared to be as hooked on cruising as we are, don't say I didn't warn you : )
Just started reading! Love the TR so far!

Im excited to read more about your time on the Dream because a)I have never been on a cruise and b) the Dream looks SPECTACULAR!!
Glad you found us and are enjoying it so far. Yes, the Dream is SPECTACULAR!

OK, I am so booking a cruise!

When I saw this photo, I thought you were going to say the lovely lady in the colorful dress who seems to be posing was in your party. :lmao:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/007.jpg

I wish adults could play in the kids club! That place looks awesome!

Having never cruised before - did you get charged for the nightly room service?
:rotfl:Too funny!!!! How DIDN'T I notice her before. No, everything is included, they service your room several times a day, it's AMAZING!

LOVE IT! I am laughing out loud right now remembering how Bryan said something extremely obnoxious and inappropriate that the bartender excused herself...can't for the live of me remember what it was? Your "All Hands on Deck" platter was the icing on my wine cake very quickly too! The aquaduck at night scared the bejesus out of me but I LOVED it and couldn't wait to ride again! Glad youmentioned Ana & Zoe, they were the bomb! Bad bad fishy!! LOL!:rotfl:
Too funny Diane! Oh yes, his comment was legendary. Bad Bad Fishy.........good times!

OMG, OMG, how absolutely AMAZING the Dream looks.
Can see already why this trip was your ultimate to date!
Gotta love the beauty of that liner!
It is so amazing. Yes, definitely was the trip of a lifetime.

WOW!!!!! The Dream looks amazing and I now have cruise fever! Looks like a great first day on the trip and can't wait to hear about Castaway Cay.
Cruise fever is easy to catch when you are talking about the Disney Dream.
amazing pictures!! seems like all is going well
Yes, all went very well
Wow!!! Such a great update! Did you ever wish you had a bigger room? Would you book the same category next time?
You know, at first glance we did, and of course bigger rooms would be nice but in all honesty we weren't in there except to get changed and sleep so no, I would book the same category again to save money.

I want to go on the Dream! Unfortunately we have to wait a couple years for our future Disney Princess to get here and grow up a bit!
I hear you, it will be waiting for you, and by then the Fantasy (her sister ship) will be out there too!

Wow...just...WOW!!!! Okay...I honestly didn't think I would choose DCL over WDW for our anniversary trip...but now you have me thinking!! So I take it unlimited room service is included at no charge?? I LOVE that red pillow on your bed...I want one!!

I'm telling you, it's amazing! Tim and I want to go for our 15 year anniversary! Yes, unlimited room service at no charge, ahhhhhhh.
I am so glad that I found your report! We are going on our first cruise in September and I am so excited. I am learning a lot from your first day. I can't wait to read more!
Glad you found us too!
We are going on the Dream in April for the double dip, too. I think I might have already said that, though. We so sooo excited.

We were wondering if we should get passports, but it seems like the birth certificates were enough ???

Can't wait to see more !!
Double dip, ahhhhhh so jealous!!! No, birth certificates were fine for us.

This is even better than I expected! I am loving every moment of living this cruise with you! I have been listening to podcast about the Dream and just seeing all of you enjoying it....cemented it. Summer 2012 baby!!! :thumbsup2 and I like the idea of a land portion too! ]
Glad you are enjoying it. I listened to the podcasts before our trip too but experiencing it is amazing!!! If you are going to book, do it early, these ships fill QUICK and prices go up FAST too!

Great post! What did you think of the crowds at the sail away party? I have read so many conflicting things. From your picture it doesn't look too bad, though.
The crowds at sail away weren't too bad at all, we were on the 12th deck facing the big screen and had no trouble. Pirate night fireworks were crowded but all was tolerable.

ok, i was quietly lurking along, but the cruise pics. you are killing me...i have to find a way to get on that ship. it looks completely amazing. thanks for sharing
So glad you decided to post! Thanks for reading/sharing

Ahhhh !! I love it, the ship is so beautiful and you all look so happy and why wouldn't you ! Wow what an amazing trip so far. I couldn't tear myself away from reading and oohing at all the pics and I needed to, because now I am late lol!! Looking forward to the next bit!
The ship is amazing! So glad you are enjoying it, sorry to make you late ; )
Alright, the Disney cruise looks like possibly the awesomest thing ever. When you first said "virtual porthole", I was like "um...what?", but that is so cool! I love that it's a camera and not just an image of random water or whatnot!

The kids club looks AMAZING, and the GPS is such a great idea! No wonder the kids wanted to go there! I'm not sure I would have wanted to leave either!
It really is the most "awesomest" thing ever! The portholes were amazing and the kids clubs rocked!
I love your trip reports! I was hoping that you would do one for this trip. We sailed on the Magic in March and loved it. Doing a 8-night on the Magic out of NYC next June. Loving your pictures of the Dream.
So glad you are enjoying it. The Magic out of NYC looks like a GREAT itinerary.

I want to go on the cruise!!! I've never done a cruise before and it sounds amazing so far. I'm 23...are there a lot of options for young adults? Things to do? Also, for the meals do you plan ahead of time where you are going to eat and what time? Or does Disney do that for you? Thanks Lesley!
I don't blame you, they are amazing! Tons for your age group to do, the "navigator" which has a list of everything on the ship every day had a ton of stuff for every age including martini/beer/wine tastings, stand up comedians, cooking demo's, music at the adults only pool, etc. SO MUCH TO DO!!! For the meals when you are given your key to the World card (room key) there is an order for your meals listed on it so you get to eat in each restaraunt but the rotation is pre determined for you and listed on your card. Your wait staff goes with you each night and they get to know you REAL well which is excellent!
soo awesome!!!! so my dream to take a disney cruise someday!!! So they don't frown upon taking alcohol on board?? never heard of that before..
No, they know about it actually and are fine with it. I could even call the stateroom attendant and get a wine glass, fill it with wine and walk right into the dining room with it nightly- BRILLIANT!

where did Luke's bed come from?!?! Was it hidden in the wall?
It came from the ceiling, Disney Magic of course : )
YAY! Another Timandlesley TR!

The ship looks incredible!!! Your family looks beautiful! You look so pretty in the purple top and the gorgeous necklace!

We are DEFINITELY booking!

Lesley, are there any Florida resident deals for this ship?
Glad you found us. Thanks so much for your sweet comments, made my6 day! As for the resident deals, they are rare because as you can tell these ships are popular and fill on their own. For the Magic and other itineraries they ocassionally have specials like kids sail free (right now for Mexican Riviera Cruises Oct-Dec) or kids sail free on Alaska like they did this summer, or California Resident discounts on the Mexican Riviera like they have now. If you book it though and they come out with a discount it can easily be applied to the reservation : )

How much fun! We loved the Aqua Duck. Ordering room service is something we never did. We were always so full and just didn't get take the chance, not enough time. That cheese tray sounded really good when I looked at the menu. We did hit that ice cream bar a few times a day. LOL. I loved the peach. My son came back to my chair by the pool one day with red on his lip. Scared me at first, I thought he had cut it. He said, "Oh, we got some french fries and ice cream." They were loving that walk up food and ice cream right next to the pool.
I loved how the room was always taken care of, beds turned down at night, but done when you didn't know it.
Castaway Cay up next.:banana: I told my husband I wished they would just sail over to Castaway and dock there for a week, and you could just get on and off the ship each day. Loved it there!!
We did room service every night, even if it was just the milk and cookies and my cheese plate, we just loved being able to do it. That's funny about the self service by the pool. We loved that ice cream too. Tim found some Metts he LOVED at Luigi's grill. I agree with you, would LOVE more time at Castaway Cay but with this 5 night we got 2 stops there which was amazing!

So excited when I scrolling through the TR section looking for a good read and saw yours :cool1:

I can't believe how big Luke and Lauren are getting. Lauren looks so grown up.

Sounds like a good trip down, minus the rain

Glad they had your Ipad.

Sounds like a great Father Day

off to read more :wizard:
Hi! So glad you found us, yes they are growing up way too fast for my taste : )

Out of curiosity, how long of a walk is it from Boardwalk to the Studios?

Rope Drop looked super crowded indeed

Trent is so excited to ride Star Tours and me too :laughing:

That is awesome you are traveling with Diane and her friend again. You guys had a blast I bet

Off to read more
I would say the walk from Boardwalk to Hollywood Studios is about 15 minutes (with kids) with adults only you could make it there in about 10 minutes. Yes, it was fun experiencing all of this with good friends, we did have a blast!

[kaysmommie]

Hi Lesley,
So happy you decided to write a trip report! I just spent the last 45 minutes getting caught up and now I caught wait to read more. Sorry about your BWV room being so far from the lobby. The view looked great though. I had to :lmao: when I read about Tim confronting the woman with the cigarette. The cruise looks amazing! Love your pictures with the characters and of the pool deck. So I'm guessing i really don't need to book a stateroom with verenadah? probably not much time sit out there with so much to do on the ship. I can't wait to read more and hear all about Castaway Cay.

[timandlesley]

Hi Lesley,
So happy you decided to write a trip report! I just spent the last 45 minutes getting caught up and now I caught wait to read more. Sorry about your BWV room being so far from the lobby. The view looked great though. I had to :lmao: when I read about Tim confronting the woman with the cigarette. The cruise looks amazing! Love your pictures with the characters and of the pool deck. So I'm guessing i really don't need to book a stateroom with verenadah? probably not much time sit out there with so much to do on the ship. I can't wait to read more and hear all about Castaway Cay.
Glad you are enjoying it so far. The cruise is sooooooo amazing! The verandah rooms look amazing and I would love to stay in one someday but for the money saved I would book the interior cabins with the virtual porthole again in a heartbeat!

[Trentmom]

The ship looks amazing

That is so neat how Characters just walk around

THe kids clubs look so fun, wish adults could play in there :laughing:

Can the kids go anywhere they want in there or are they separated by age groups?

The characters in the port hold window sound really neat. Did you happen to get a pic of that or was it too hard since it is glass?

[firechick139]

Joining in! popcorn::

I don't think I have read any of your TR's, but I LOVE your pics and the Dream is looking AWESOME! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

P.S> I didn't know those port holes show the actual view outside (by camera), that is fantastic!

[timandlesley]

The ship looks amazing

That is so neat how Characters just walk around

THe kids clubs look so fun, wish adults could play in there :laughing:

Can the kids go anywhere they want in there or are they separated by age groups?

The characters in the port hold window sound really neat. Did you happen to get a pic of that or was it too hard since it is glass?
It is awesome, you bump into them all over the ship, such fun. In the entire oceanears lab that I photographed those kids can go all over the place, the Edge is for older kids ages 11-13 and they have their own separate club. I didn't get a character on film because it would happen so quick and I never had the camera ready. My favorite was when it filled with the lanterns from Tangled, so pretty!

Joining in! popcorn::

I don't think I have read any of your TR's, but I LOVE your pics and the Dream is looking AWESOME! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

P.S> I didn't know those port holes show the actual view outside (by camera), that is fantastic!
Welcome! The Dream is Awesome! Yes, the port holes were so cool, our friends were staying on the opposite side of the ship and we later discovered their window had an entirely different view. Like, when we stopped at Nassau our porthole showed the Carnival ship we were next to and theirs showed the Bahamas (the city) true to the side of the ship you were on, they really are great!
Lesley

[eemmie1]

I always said I would never go on a Disney Cruise because of the cost because I could go on a regular longer cruise for less money but you are changing my mind. Can't wait for more.

[caralyn817]

Hi! I love reading your reports! Can't wait for more! I want to go on a cruise so badly! My husband has been and he said it's awesome.

[Kelliroo3]

Thanks for the response, Lesley! I appreciate it. Now I just need to start saving some money....or win the lottery...or find a full time teaching job (not too many in my area)! Looking forward to hearing more.

[ArielSRL]

Awesome update! We were supposed to go on the Dream in June as well, with DH's family. I won't go into the horrible specifics, but they booked it for May when I am still teaching, after we had discussed doing it in June, so they all got to go and DH and I did NOT. Needless to say, I am STILL a little miffed about that one. Especially since MIL paid for SIL and family to go...but I digress.

Anyway, DH and I will make it one of these days and we'll be able to take the baby!

So, a few questions (sorry if anyone already asked). One, did it cost to bring the alcohol on? Is there a limit? What was on your bed in front of the towel animal? Oh and did you get your top at Old Navy? I have two exactly like it except they are blue and green and are a much bigger size to accomodate my baby belly...lol.

[timandlesley]

I always said I would never go on a Disney Cruise because of the cost because I could go on a regular longer cruise for less money but you are changing my mind. Can't wait for more.
Tim and I said that before too, but now we are HOOKED, the Disney difference is true!
Hi! I love reading your reports! Can't wait for more! I want to go on a cruise so badly! My husband has been and he said it's awesome.
Glad you enjoyed it, your hubby went without you!?! Yes, you NEED to go!
Thanks for the response, Lesley! I appreciate it. Now I just need to start saving some money....or win the lottery...or find a full time teaching job (not too many in my area)! Looking forward to hearing more.
I hear ya. We booked ours 2 years out and paid it off slowly!
Awesome update! We were supposed to go on the Dream in June as well, with DH's family. I won't go into the horrible specifics, but they booked it for May when I am still teaching, after we had discussed doing it in June, so they all got to go and DH and I did NOT. Needless to say, I am STILL a little miffed about that one. Especially since MIL paid for SIL and family to go...but I digress.

Anyway, DH and I will make it one of these days and we'll be able to take the baby!

So, a few questions (sorry if anyone already asked). One, did it cost to bring the alcohol on? Is there a limit? What was on your bed in front of the towel animal? Oh and did you get your top at Old Navy? I have two exactly like it except they are blue and green and are a much bigger size to accomodate my baby belly...lol.
Oh wow, I'd truly be bitter too! Yes, Flounders nursery looked awesome so your little one can go with you soon enough.
As for the questions, as long as you roll it on in a carry on suitcase there is NO limit : ) In front of the towel animal were chocolates and the daily navigator and the shirt WAS from Old Navy, they have some nice ones this year : )

[caralyn817]

He went for his high school graduation. It was his senior class trip. We met 4 years later. I have turned him into a Disney-oholic. That was his first time ever going to Disney. They went for 4 days to the parks and then on the cruise. He didn't return to Disney until we started dating. Now, we go several times a year, especially since we only live 3 hours away makes it easier.

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

Great update, thanks for the amazing pictures, it takes me back to our trip in February. We also always book a cat 11, like you said, you are NEVER in the room! I was reading someone's TR and it looked like they only were doing 1 Sail Away Party, is this true? In February, they had two so the crowds would be a little lighter.

[KristEn87]

Loving your trip report so far! We are waiting at Orlandos airport right now for our flight and I'm missing the Disney Magic and Dream already! You are so right that sp is amazing. We've been on the Wonder before, but this Dream is well... A Dream!

[psupple]

Another great trip report... thanks! Look forward to reading more.

[2xcited2sleep]

How did I miss the start of another T&L trip report? :confused3. I am super excited to find it by chance and follow along on another trip. I especially can't wait to hear your views on a cruise.

I am only through the first two updates and will catch up later. Love the excitement on the kids' faces as you arrive at WDW!

I would have been panicked at loss of the ipad. Thank goodness they had it!!

I wouldn't have been able to hold my tongue either with the smoker/litterer. :sad2:

So excited for another fun TR adventure!!! :woohoo:

[pigletto]

Loving your trip report!!!
I think you should be hired to promote Disney cruises. We cruise often and I have never really considered Disney because I can always find a better price on another line. But those pictures!!!!! And that kids club!! My son would be in heaven!

So.. you've got me thinking.. and that's never a good thing. :rotfl2:

[timandlesley]

He went for his high school graduation. It was his senior class trip. We met 4 years later. I have turned him into a Disney-oholic. That was his first time ever going to Disney. They went for 4 days to the parks and then on the cruise. He didn't return to Disney until we started dating. Now, we go several times a year, especially since we only live 3 hours away makes it easier.
Gotcha, that makes sense. Well, living so close I'd be on that ship as much as possible, how nice!

Great update, thanks for the amazing pictures, it takes me back to our trip in February. We also always book a cat 11, like you said, you are NEVER in the room! I was reading someone's TR and it looked like they only were doing 1 Sail Away Party, is this true? In February, they had two so the crowds would be a little lighter.
So glad you enjoyed your cruise. Yes, only 1 Sail Away party, it really wasn't too bad though.
Loving your trip report so far! We are waiting at Orlandos airport right now for our flight and I'm missing the Disney Magic and Dream already! You are so right that sp is amazing. We've been on the Wonder before, but this Dream is well... A Dream!
Thanks, glad you are enjoying it, I agree, it is a DREAM!
Another great trip report... thanks! Look forward to reading more.
You are welcome, glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for reading/posting.

How did I miss the start of another T&L trip report? :confused3. I am super excited to find it by chance and follow along on another trip. I especially can't wait to hear your views on a cruise.

I am only through the first two updates and will catch up later. Love the excitement on the kids' faces as you arrive at WDW!

I would have been panicked at loss of the ipad. Thank goodness they had it!!

I wouldn't have been able to hold my tongue either with the smoker/litterer. :sad2:

So excited for another fun TR adventure!!! :woohoo:
Glad you found us again!

Loving your trip report!!!
I think you should be hired to promote Disney cruises. We cruise often and I have never really considered Disney because I can always find a better price on another line. But those pictures!!!!! And that kids club!! My son would be in heaven!

So.. you've got me thinking.. and that's never a good thing. :rotfl2:
Well, I am a travel agent so in a way I guess I'm paid by Disney to promote their cruises : ) : ) I hear ya, I never thought we would get this hooked but we are HOOKED and already dying to get back on board!
Lesley

[Bethmsu]

I love all your families trip reports, but this one is the best! WOW! I love all your Dream pics. Can't wait to hear more!

[mkluvsmickey]

Aahhh, loving your recap of the first day/night on the Dream. I feel like I am reliving our trip as well. We were part of a group cruise and I've even seen some familiar faces in the background of a couple of your pics. :rotfl:

Thanks for the info on the Park & Cruise. Were you happy with it? I saw it on the way in to port and wondered about it.

Isn't that first sight of the Dream when cresting that first bridge amazing? I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear from that point on. :love:

And, you mentioned being unplugged for the trip. I think that is one of my favorite things. At home I'm attached to my iphone for work (and personal stuff) and it's actually quite refreshinhg to not have that for a few days. Though it did take a bit to get used to not constantly checking my phone. My daughter wondered how I'd survive. :rolleyes:

Oh my goodness, the beds were the most comfy I've ever slept in. Seriously couldn't wait to get to bed each night. Between the super comfy beds and slight rocking of the ship, I slept better than I had in a very long time.

My daughter just turned 11 so she was in the Edge club. She loved it and a few nights she got back to the room later than me. We did tour the Oceaneer Club/Lab too and that looked amazing.

Ok, sorry for so many comments, just excited to relive this awesome trip with you. :goodvibes

[lindseynleah]

Awesome!!! Loving this...can't wait for more!! :)

[timandlesley]

I love all your families trip reports, but this one is the best! WOW! I love all your Dream pics. Can't wait to hear more!
So glad you are enjoying it, it was the best trip we have had to date so I'm happy that comes across : )

Aahhh, loving your recap of the first day/night on the Dream. I feel like I am reliving our trip as well. We were part of a group cruise and I've even seen some familiar faces in the background of a couple of your pics. :rotfl:

Thanks for the info on the Park & Cruise. Were you happy with it? I saw it on the way in to port and wondered about it.

Isn't that first sight of the Dream when cresting that first bridge amazing? I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear from that point on. :love:

And, you mentioned being unplugged for the trip. I think that is one of my favorite things. At home I'm attached to my iphone for work (and personal stuff) and it's actually quite refreshinhg to not have that for a few days. Though it did take a bit to get used to not constantly checking my phone. My daughter wondered how I'd survive. :rolleyes:

Oh my goodness, the beds were the most comfy I've ever slept in. Seriously couldn't wait to get to bed each night. Between the super comfy beds and slight rocking of the ship, I slept better than I had in a very long time.

My daughter just turned 11 so she was in the Edge club. She loved it and a few nights she got back to the room later than me. We did tour the Oceaneer Club/Lab too and that looked amazing.

Ok, sorry for so many comments, just excited to relive this awesome trip with you. :goodvibes
too funny you are seeing people you know it our pics. Yes, that first shot of the Dream was AMAZING!!! Glad to hear your daughter loved the Edge, Luke will be able to go there next year when we go (hard for me to believe) I know, those beds were SOOOOO comfy, I didn't expect that. Ohhhhhhhhh how I miss that ship!

Awesome!!! Loving this...can't wait for more!! :)
Thanks! Glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for reading/posting!
Lesley

[cdotla]

Yay! Cruise day!

That first day on the ship sounds amazing!!!:goodvibes We are hoping to go in 2013, but I don't know how I am going to wait until then!

The AquaDuck at night?!! Why didn't I hear about that before? That sounds AMAZING! But yes, I agree with Diane - also quite frightening!:laughing: Must have been a rush. Were the crowds lesser at night? Do you have any pics of it at night with the lights on?

Can't wait for more updates!:goodvibes

[mblc14]

Another Tim and Lesley trip?? It's about time, and a cruise nonetheless? Can't wait to tag along for all of this one! Everything has looked liked a blast thus far!!:cool1:

[jwwi]

The cruise looks amazing, the pictures are all so wonderful at showing what a great time everyone is having. The kids club looks like so much fun, I can see why everyone says that their kids never want to leave. The lounges look nice, but a little empty. It's nice that you had some friends to share time with on the cruise too.
I am also happy that you are taking the time to share your best trip with us. :)

[hcmommy]

I have never wanted to go on a Disney Cruise.....until now! I thought it was very expensive for "just" a cruise. They are going to start departing from Galveston in 2012 and I live close to there. If I can snag a good deal we are so going!

Loving you report. Had to delurk to tell you you converted me.

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow!! What a beautiful ship and a great start to your trip! How nice that you got to enjoy the cruise with friends.

We are booking our first cruise next year. I wanted to get in before Jeremy is too old to enjoy the kids clubs. They look amazing!!!

[timandlesley]

Another Tim and Lesley trip?? It's about time, and a cruise nonetheless? Can't wait to tag along for all of this one! Everything has looked liked a blast thus far!!:cool1:
I'm glad you found us again,it was SUCH a blast!!

The cruise looks amazing, the pictures are all so wonderful at showing what a great time everyone is having. The kids club looks like so much fun, I can see why everyone says that their kids never want to leave. The lounges look nice, but a little empty. It's nice that you had some friends to share time with on the cruise too.
I am also happy that you are taking the time to share your best trip with us. :)
The cruise is so amazing! Yes, I doubted if the kids would want to go much but once we saw it I knew I was wrong. The lounges weren't ever super crowded but those pics I took were early so that's why. It was great sharing the cruise with our friends.
I have never wanted to go on a Disney Cruise.....until now! I thought it was very expensive for "just" a cruise. They are going to start departing from Galveston in 2012 and I live close to there. If I can snag a good deal we are so going!

Loving you report. Had to delurk to tell you you converted me.
I'm excited that you "delurked" thanks for reading/posting!

Wow!! What a beautiful ship and a great start to your trip! How nice that you got to enjoy the cruise with friends.

We are booking our first cruise next year. I wanted to get in before Jeremy is too old to enjoy the kids clubs. They look amazing!!!
The ship is soooooooo beautiful. It was fun experiencing the cruise with our friends. Jeremy is going to LOVE it!

Yay! Cruise day!

That first day on the ship sounds amazing!!!:goodvibes We are hoping to go in 2013, but I don't know how I am going to wait until then!

The AquaDuck at night?!! Why didn't I hear about that before? That sounds AMAZING! But yes, I agree with Diane - also quite frightening!:laughing: Must have been a rush. Were the crowds lesser at night? Do you have any pics of it at night with the lights on?

Can't wait for more updates!:goodvibes
Rates for 2013 are supposed to come out in October. The Aquaduck is so fun at night!! Yes, there wasn't a line if you went at night which was great. Thanks for reading/posting!

[CreightonsMomma]

Wow wow wow. I am absolutely floored by the Dream. I have to go on it.

I could feel the excitement from your writing and pictures. You have my sooooo wanting to go on it.

Wow. Beautiful.

[sharonW]

Cannot wait for another update!!:surfweb:
I really look forward to them!

[dvc4life]

Yay. Another Tim and Lesley Trip Report. Will have to play big time catch up tonight at home. Just love that you post so many pictures. Makes me not miss WDW so much today! :goodvibes

[Mickey'sMainMami]

Hey Lesley,
I was just wondering, as much as you and your family love Disney world, have you ever thought about moving down there? I really want to move there, I couldn't care less about Florida, I just want to go so I can visit Disney whenever I want! That is my dream and hopefully in a few more years, it will become a reality. I posted on here not to long ago, and you won't believe all the negative comments. I know there are pros and cons to living anywhere, but for me, Disney is very important to me, I would move there in heartbeat if I could if I was in the financial position to do it. I don't know if you are familiar with them, but there is a blog I am following about a family from WI who moved down to Disney. Do a google search for the Relocated Tourist, it is a great blog.

Anyway, can't wait to hear more, your family is just so beautiful, you can really see the happiness and respect for eachother!

[cherokeemamma]

The Dream looks amazing! :) My kids really were so excited when they heard about the AquaDuck. I know that it must be so fun. I bet your kids just loved it! I think that is the one thing they are disappointed about with us sailing on the Magic. Unfortunately they are both too tall for the pool slide, too! :rolleyes:

I wanted to ask you for info regarding the park and cruise....name/phone or if they have a website. We were thinking of staying at a hotel (the night before departure) near the port but now we've changed our minds...we are going to do WDW for 2-3 days prior to the cruise so we will just stay at our WDW hotel and drive over early that morning.

Hope you are having a great day!!! I'm looking forward to reading your next installment!:goodvibes

TTFN
Darlene

[meggymouse]

I'm so excited for another TimandLesley trip report! I read through so far and the ship looks amazing! *Megan

[momto2inKC]

Enjoying your trip report :goodvibes

[MegansMom]

Hey sweetie!!! I have been reading along from the beginning off the links from FB, and just realized today that I could post a reply too.....do NOT ask me why it has taken me this long to figure out that I was automatically logged in....must be "summer brain!"

Your trip so far just seems so wonderful...both the Boardwalk stay and the first day on the Dream!!!! So excited for you all....although I am sure you all could have done without the mile long trek to the second BWV room!!!! ;)

Tom and I have never done a cruise because he is a little worried his motion sickness will get the best of him...what do you think? Do you feel the movement of the water/the boat much?!?!?!

SO looking forward to everything else left to come!!!! Sending hugs out to you all!

[timandlesley]

Wow wow wow. I am absolutely floored by the Dream. I have to go on it.

I could feel the excitement from your writing and pictures. You have my sooooo wanting to go on it.

Wow. Beautiful.
It is an AMAZING ship! I hope you get to go on it some day, it will take your breath away!
Cannot wait for another update!!:surfweb:
I really look forward to them!
Thanks Sharon, been a busy week, we leave to go out of town on Saturday, I'll try REALLY hard to get an installment up before we go.
Yay. Another Tim and Lesley Trip Report. Will have to play big time catch up tonight at home. Just love that you post so many pictures. Makes me not miss WDW so much today! :goodvibes
Hope you are caught up now : ) Glad you found us again, thanks for reading/posting

Hey Lesley,
I was just wondering, as much as you and your family love Disney world, have you ever thought about moving down there? I really want to move there, I couldn't care less about Florida, I just want to go so I can visit Disney whenever I want! That is my dream and hopefully in a few more years, it will become a reality. I posted on here not to long ago, and you won't believe all the negative comments. I know there are pros and cons to living anywhere, but for me, Disney is very important to me, I would move there in heartbeat if I could if I was in the financial position to do it. I don't know if you are familiar with them, but there is a blog I am following about a family from WI who moved down to Disney. Do a google search for the Relocated Tourist, it is a great blog.

Anyway, can't wait to hear more, your family is just so beautiful, you can really see the happiness and respect for eachother!
I LOVE that blog, been following it since she started it. Yes, it is definitely something we have considered but both of our families are here and I have great job security which I wouldn't have with the way the teaching field in this country is right now, plus I'm woried it would loose the magic being that close, but we do plan on doing it someday, maybe when the kids are out of school, Would LOVE to live closer to the magic and live in Celebration if I could! Glad you are enjoying the TR, thanks for your kind words, it means a lot!

The Dream looks amazing! :) My kids really were so excited when they heard about the AquaDuck. I know that it must be so fun. I bet your kids just loved it! I think that is the one thing they are disappointed about with us sailing on the Magic. Unfortunately they are both too tall for the pool slide, too! :rolleyes:

I wanted to ask you for info regarding the park and cruise....name/phone or if they have a website. We were thinking of staying at a hotel (the night before departure) near the port but now we've changed our minds...we are going to do WDW for 2-3 days prior to the cruise so we will just stay at our WDW hotel and drive over early that morning.

Hope you are having a great day!!! I'm looking forward to reading your next installment!:goodvibes

TTFN
Darlene
Hi Darlene, yes the aqua duck is a blast! Park and Cruise is awesome, google it, (they won't let me put links on here because they consider it advertising) but that is literally the name, I will be posting a pic of their sign towards in installment #6-7 when we get off the ship. They were SO efficient, quick to drop Tim off and RIGHT THERE for us when we came off the ship, he was very friendly and appreciative of the business too, I would HIGHLY recommend them. They are only 5 min. away from the port and if you make a reservation online you save an additional 10%, we will definitely use them again.

I'm so excited for another TimandLesley trip report! I read through so far and the ship looks amazing! *Megan
Thanks for reading/posting, glad you are enjoying it!
Enjoying your trip report :goodvibes
Thanks!!

Hey sweetie!!! I have been reading along from the beginning off the links from FB, and just realized today that I could post a reply too.....do NOT ask me why it has taken me this long to figure out that I was automatically logged in....must be "summer brain!"

Your trip so far just seems so wonderful...both the Boardwalk stay and the first day on the Dream!!!! So excited for you all....although I am sure you all could have done without the mile long trek to the second BWV room!!!! ;)

Tom and I have never done a cruise because he is a little worried his motion sickness will get the best of him...what do you think? Do you feel the movement of the water/the boat much?!?!?!

SO looking forward to everything else left to come!!!! Sending hugs out to you all!
Hi, Tim had the same worries, he has BAD motion sickness. The only time we felt anything was pulling out that first day it got a little rocky but he was fine, other than that, NOTHING, smooth sailing, I'd highly recommend it to anyone!Megan would LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Lesley

[Luv2trav]

I absolutely love your reports. You are so going to make me want to go on a cruise.

[sunnygirl8503]

Well I have come out of lurking to say Great trip report so far. Cannot wait to read more!

[Native NYer]

What an great first day on the Dream!
The kids club looks amazing. I definitely need to book a cruise!

[cherbear]

WOW Lesley!!! What a dream vacation!!!

I am so glad I’m not too late. Thanks to Kelly (Trentmom) for telling me you had a report going :)

I am all caught up reading….I’ve been compiling my comments in Word so here goes.....


Luke is a “SUPA STAR!!” LOL I love his walk down the red carpet

I love your videos, I watch them all entirely! Thank you for putting them on photobucket. I am unable to get to youtube at work…and I love reading trip reports on my lunch break! :)

We decided to hang out in France. I “had” to get Tim and I two Grey Goose Slushies and Tim and the kids went inside the bakery to use a few snack credits.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/186.jpg

LOOOVE that picture!! Ever since you told me about them and I tried them out, I have been in love with the grey goose slush! (It’s never enough is it?)

So when you said you got Tim and you one, and he was inside the building with Luke & Lauren, does that mean that you really drank them both? LOL

OMG, Disney lets you bring on alcohol, free mimosas at a DVC presentation…wow! That’s a cruise done right, for sure! (So does that mean you had to be a DVC member to go to the reception?)

Were the stuffed animals on the kids beds put there by the staff? If so, awesome!!!!

The Aquaduck looked amazing!!!! And at night, wow! I hope you have pics of that ;)

I had read an article about the virtual portholes and that seriously SOLD me about wanting to do a Disney cruise! And now your report has me hooked on booking one as soon as we can! Thanks for your incredible reporting skills, as always. I've said it before, but your TR was the very first one I have read, and I've been "hooked on TimandLesley" ever since! :banana:

[timandlesley]

I absolutely love your reports. You are so going to make me want to go on a cruise.
Thanks so much, I appreciate it. You would love it, but I warn you, for all the reasons you've already seen they are ADDICTING!!

Well I have come out of lurking to say Great trip report so far. Cannot wait to read more!
Thanks for reading/posting, so glad you are enjoying it!

What an great first day on the Dream!
The kids club looks amazing. I definitely need to book a cruise!
I'm telling you, ya do! It IS amazing!
WOW Lesley!!! What a dream vacation!!!

I am so glad I’m not too late. Thanks to Kelly (Trentmom) for telling me you had a report going :)

I am all caught up reading….I’ve been compiling my comments in Word so here goes.....


Luke is a “SUPA STAR!!” LOL I love his walk down the red carpet

I love your videos, I watch them all entirely! Thank you for putting them on photobucket. I am unable to get to youtube at work…and I love reading trip reports on my lunch break! :)



LOOOVE that picture!! Ever since you told me about them and I tried them out, I have been in love with the grey goose slush! (It’s never enough is it?)

So when you said you got Tim and you one, and he was inside the building with Luke & Lauren, does that mean that you really drank them both? LOL

OMG, Disney lets you bring on alcohol, free mimosas at a DVC presentation…wow! That’s a cruise done right, for sure! (So does that mean you had to be a DVC member to go to the reception?)

Were the stuffed animals on the kids beds put there by the staff? If so, awesome!!!!

The Aquaduck looked amazing!!!! And at night, wow! I hope you have pics of that ;)

I had read an article about the virtual portholes and that seriously SOLD me about wanting to do a Disney cruise! And now your report has me hooked on booking one as soon as we can! Thanks for your incredible reporting skills, as always. I've said it before, but your TR was the very first one I have read, and I've been "hooked on TimandLesley" ever since! :banana:
Glad you found us. Luke will love your superstar comment : ) No, I didn't drink both of them, but it was hard to hold off and not drink his while he was stuck in line in the bakery, i just posed with the two empty glasses : ) No, you don't have to be a DVC member to go to the reception : ) The towel animals were done by our room attendant every night, I took a pic of them each night, so there will be more of those : ) The auqua duck was AMAZING! You would love a cruise, we are sooooo hooked now! Thanks so much for your kind comments, I enjoy them every TR, so THANK YOU! Glad you found us again!!
Lesley

[cherbear]

Lesley, thanks for the great welcome!!

Regarding the stuffed animals, I was referring to ones on the kids' beds. Thinking back...there was a Mickey on Luke's bed, and I can't remember what I saw on Lauren's. They weren't towel animals. I thought maybe those were gifts they received on the cruise? Or did they bring them along? (if so, that is so sweet!)

And by the way...I would've drank them both ;) heehee

[timandlesley]

Lesley, thanks for the great welcome!!

Regarding the stuffed animals, I was referring to ones on the kids' beds. Thinking back...there was a Mickey on Luke's bed, and I can't remember what I saw on Lauren's. They weren't towel animals. I thought maybe those were gifts they received on the cruise? Or did they bring them along? (if so, that is so sweet!)

And by the way...I would've drank them both ;) heehee

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, sorry. The one is a "Chef Mickey" that Luke brought with him and the other is Lauren's "cowie", it's a cow she's had since she was 1 year old,he goes on ALL our trips : )
It was soooooooooo tempting, but I was good : )
Lesley

[timandlesley]

Day 2 of Living the Dream
We awoke on our first full day of the cruise, looked out our virtual porthole and what did we see? CASTAWAY CAY!!!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/102.jpg
I was soooooooooo excited, we all were. We had dreamed of this private island since we booked the cruise and couldn’t wait to get out there and see for ourselves how beautiful it was. We headed to the Enchanted Garden (right down the hall) for a wonderful breakfast buffet then headed back to the stateroom to get our suits on and go! We walked down one flight of stairs and were on the gangway in beautiful Castaway Cay in no time!
Donald and Daisy were there to greet us (again with NO LINE!)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/192.jpg
We hopped in line for a tram. We had discussed the night before at dinner with Diane and Bryan that we would both like to go to the farthest family beach because it should be less crowded and it’s where the slide was. The tram came quickly and we jumped on board (the kids were wearing the hats they were given for free at the DVC reception the day before):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/193.jpg
As we were riding on the tram I looked up to the beautiful palm trees and blue sky and had to snap a picture of Heaven on Earth:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/194.jpg
I turned around to see the Beautiful Disney Dream docked:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/196.jpg
When we got off Tim and Luke headed to find a spot for us and Lauren and I went to get some rafts. I had booked online before our cruise a 2 day raft rental for 2 of us. It was very cheap, like around $14 for 2 days worth of raft rentals. When you pre pay for an “excursion or rental” they leave tickets for it in your stateroom, so I took my ticket to the counter and got the rafts. There were tons of chairs and umbrellas everywhere, many sat empty all day, so it will never be an issue of not having a spot. My beautiful Lauren on a beautiful island:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/197.jpg
Another pic of the island:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/209.jpg
I spent a LONG time just floating on my raft in the crystal blue water. At one point I drifted all the way in and ended up on the sand in between a lady sunning herself and two kids playing, it was HALARIOUS, it gave Diane a good laugh who saw me do it.
Happy Lesley on the island:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/205.jpg
Tim and Lauren on the island:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/207.jpg
Luke and I:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/208.jpg
Diane and Eric went out to the slide and said it was a rough swim out there and the slide was FAST, so we decided to skip it and just had fun swimming and enjoying the rafts.
After a while the boys were complaining of itching like crazy (in their nether regions : ) : ) Diane, Lauren and I did not have this problem. Diane had read about “sea lice” on the island, so we went to find the freshwater play area for the boys to soak themselves. It was a fun place to play and they felt better instantly.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/200.jpg
After we played for a while we headed over to “Cookies Two” BBQ for a yummy lunch.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/210.jpg
They had really good food, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, ribs, rice, chips, lots of fresh fruit and cookies. The kids were thrilled the ice cream machine was on the island too, as well as the fountain drinks. We had a great lunch with Diane, Bryan, Eric and Matthew.
Chip and Dale were back in the BBQ area (again, NO LINE!!) Luke loves Chip and Dale:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/212.jpg

After lunch Bryan (who had ran the 5k on the island, was tired so he found a spot in the shade to lounge and fall asleep) Tim, who was still a bit uncomfortable from the experience that morning was itching to hit the gym on the ship so he headed back. That left Diane and myself with the kids, so what did we do? We checked the kids into Scuttles Cove!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/216.jpg
The kids were excited to try it.,
Diane and I spied on them and they seemed to be having a good time.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/222.jpg
Knowing they were having a good time we hit the bar for some Conch coolers
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/219.jpg
We got our drinks and headed back to paradise:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/220.jpg
We pulled our chairs into the water and sat there with our drinks and just enjoyed eachothers company, I could have sat there all day. The drink was yummy, company was great and the beach was heavenly!
After our drinks and time on the beach we shopped around a bit, here is a pic of a shop on the island:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/195.jpg
We took some pictures:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/218.jpg
Then we got the kids out, they seemed to have a good time. They wanted to play some Tether ball, so we watched them do that for a bit.
We then got back on the tram and headed back to the ship.
The kids were DYING to play Midship Detective Agency on the ship.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/224.jpg
Since it was around 4:00 already and I knew the detective agency thing can take around an hour we headed back to the cabin and got ready for dinner and then headed up to play.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/103.jpg
This is an interactive detective game that is throughout the ship. You head up to deck 5 to be trained and get your agency card
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/104.jpg
CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!!

[timandlesley]

Then you are sent around the ship looking for clues contained within the artwork, you use your card to interact with the paintings (the card actually hammers nails, wipes glass clean within the images, pops balloons, etc. to help you solve the crime). You have a tally sheet with the villans and cross them off as you go like a giant game of CLUE, my jaw kept dropping at how amazing it was. Here are some pics of our adventure:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/105.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/106.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/107.jpg
Disney did it again with this one it is AMAZING technology and of course the kids loved it! It took us about 45 minutes to solve the clues. We used our wave phone to call Tim and he met us up at Shutters to check out some of our photo’s they had taken of us so far on the ship and then we headed to Animators Palate for dinner, I couldn’t WAIT to eat here!
Before dinner we saw that Buzz Light Year was appearing, so we jumped in the short line to meet him.
The kids in the porthole while we waited (love this pic of them):
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/111.jpg
Buzz!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/109.jpg
Before we knew it our dinner time had arrived. We were in the early seating for dinner (5:45). I forgot to mention how every time you went into dinner the staff was standing outside with hand sanitizing wipes, they really do a good job keeping everyone clean and healthy on the ship.
We walked inside and I started snapping pictures of this amazing restaurant.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/115.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/116.jpg
We were seated toward the center of the dining room, I was a little bummed we weren’t by a t.v. screen since I knew about Crush coming out, but we still had a great meal and wonderful experience. The menu:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/113-1
The detail of this restaurant is AMAZING! Even the butter knives go with the theme:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/114-1.jpg
Tim and I at dinner:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/117.jpg
Our whole crew:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/118-1.jpg
Lauren had fun drawing Mickey on her menu, she was VERY proud of this!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/119-1.jpg
Our waitress did a great job greeting us and telling us all about the restaurant and what fun we were going to have in there tonight, made us so excited! She told us it is the most expensive area on the ship, and they have over 300 t.v’s in there, it was SO cool!
I was very excited to try the pursette’s as an appetizer, I had read about how good they were, I ordered them and they did NOT disappoint, I think everyone who didn’t order them, ordered them after they tried mine. YUM YUM YUM!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/127-1.jpg
Before we knew it CRUSH made his appearance:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/123-1.jpg
The kids were THRILLED
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/122-1.jpg
The lights started to dim, I can’t describe how COOL this entire dining experience was:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/124-1.jpg
At this point Luke had to go to the restroom so Tim and Luke left for a bit.
Then Crush encouraged everyone to get up on their feet and dance, so dance we did:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/130-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/133-1.jpg
Tim and Luke re appeared and poor Luke had gotten himself locked in the bathroom (Tim was waiting in the hall and heard the commotion after another guy alerted him) so Tim talked him through it and he was able to get himself out. Luke was a little shaken up, but he was excited to get back to the meal.
My handsome husband at dinner:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/134.jpg
I listened to Zoe and took her recommendation of the Sea Bass as my main course and it was too DIE FOR! Everyone enjoyed their meals. I don’t remember what my desert was called but it was delicious and I snapped a picture of it:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/137-1.jpg
Luke with his desert:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/135-1.jpg
CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!!

[timandlesley]

After dinner we headed up to deck 4 towards the Disney theatre. We went outside to enjoy the beautiful evening before the show:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/139-1.jpg
Luke enjoyed lounging on deck 4:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/140.jpg
The kids had playing some shuffle board:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/144-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/147-1.jpg
I HAD to take a picture of the beautiful bathrooms for you on the ship, the details of this ship at everywhere you turn are just beautiful!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/142-1.jpg
We always made point to be first in line for the show so we could get our box seats. Lauren ready to go in for the show:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/143.jpg
Our box seats:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/148.jpg
The show was “Villians TONIGHT” and we couldn’t wait to see it!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/149.jpg
My babies excited to see the show:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/150-1.jpg
I took a few pictures of the show (sorry if they are blurry, my camera takes GREAT pics close up but we need to invest in a larger lens for the far away pics.)
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/151.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/162.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/167-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/175.jpg
She show was amazing from start to finish. It is a GREAT show and very funny, the talent of the cast in the shows on the ship is so talented. We had a GREAT night.
After the show the kids had seen that there was an interactive game show for families In the “D Lounge” so we headed over there:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/179.jpg
Lauren watching Karaoke in the lounge before the show started:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/180.jpg
Luke excited for the game show to start:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/181-1.jpg
We ordered the kids specialty drinks. I really was amazed at how affordable the drinks on the ship were, these nice kids specialty cocktails were only $3.95:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/183-1.jpg
The game show was called “Mirror Mirror”
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/182-1.jpg
They divided the audience into teams, we were team “Grumpy” and Diane was selected as our leader : )
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/185.jpg
The show began:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/186-1.jpg
CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

[timandlesley]

It was a cute premise, but the cast really was unorganized and our kids are VERY competitive and took it very seriously. Dopey would award the winning team apples in their buckets, well Dopey wasn’t paying any attention and kept putting apples in the wrong bucket (almost always when our team won) so the kids got a little upset at that. Matthew got picked to be a Dwarf in a dress up relay, it was fun to watch:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/188-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/189-1.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/190-1.jpg
I got picked to finish a song to earn points for our team too. Overall it was a fun time but if you go, tell your kids not to take it seriously and just to enjoy the experience.
After that the kids wanted to go to the kids club and we were FINE with that : ) Lauren jumped right into the fun:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/191-1.jpg
We hung out with Diane and Bryan and got some drinks. Tried to take a serious picture in the lobby but Bryan wouldn’t let us : ) : )
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/192-1.jpg
That’s better…………………………….. : )
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/193-1.jpg
We had such a great night. After a while we picked the kids up, they had an amazing time in the club again. We went back to the room and Healine had made it up nice for us, here was our towel animal for the evening:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/194-1.jpg
Luke was excited because the card on the bed discussed how CARS 2 was premiering on the ship, we were all thrilled about that!
We ordered some room service (I got my usual cheese tray with my wine) the kids enjoyed cheeseburgers and pizza and Tim had a steak sandwich (yes we were GLUTTONS on this ship, and it was FUN!).
The next day would be a day at sea so we went to bed late knowing we could sleep in:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Day%203%202009/NextEpisode3640x480-2.jpg

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT EPISODE:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=42061079#post42061079

[ronnmel]

I have read a lot of your TR, but I don't think I've ever commented.

The cruise sounds like so much fun. Everything looks great! Castaway Cay was gorgeous, reminds me of my wedding. Gotta love the Caribbeans!

How awesome is it to meet all these characters with NO LINE!!!

I just want to go and play that detective game, looks like fun.

[Queenofallthings]

Great update Lesley! That just looked like the perfect day...start to finish:worship: I told Jasmine you had started your TR and she said to me after reading .... "I want to go on the Dream"...(she was very lucky to go on the Magic with my sister and her family in Feb) I said "I thought you wanted to do another cruise line and she replied with..."that was before I saw Lesley's pictures!

So I thank you...cause now we'll be saving for a Disney Dream Cruise:cloud9:

[MegansMom]

I have always enjoyed your reports Les, but this one seriously leaves me speechless!!! I get through reading about each day, and am so amazed by EVERYTHING about the cruise!!! It really was a DREAM vacation.....it is making me want to cajole Tom into taking a cruise on one of the Disney boats!!! :) I think if we ever go though, we are going to have to go with another family so Megan could enjoy the kids club with some kids she might know. That is one of the hardest things about having an only child! SO looking forward to more!!!

[CreightonsMomma]

What a cool restaurant. What are pursettes? They look like little raviolis.

The interactive game is awesome. I had no idea they had that.

Castaway Cay is beautiful.

[BrdwayBoy]

I'm loving this; Thanks for sharing!

[Trentmom]

Castaway Cay looks gorgeous

Looks like Detective game is fun, kind of like Kim Possible, but better :goodvibes

Animator Palette looks like such a fun place to eat

Poor Luke getting stuck...:goodvibes

Villains show looked great too

Great update :thumbsup2

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The cruise sounds like it was absolutely amazing! How great that they had so many fun activities for the kids! The detective game sounds especially fun. :wizard:

[Native NYer]

Castaway Cay is so beautiful. The water is so clear!
I am so sorry about the sea lice incident. At least got better!
The detecive agency activity sounds like so much fun! My nephew would LOVE that.
The theming on the Dream is just amazing! I really love Disney's attention to detail.

[2xcited2sleep]

Castaway Cay looks just beautiful. :cloud9: love the manager's name in the sign behind the kids with Donald Duck, "May B Tamara" aka maybe tomorrow. :lmao:

I am happy to hear you say that you saw empty chairs but boy do they looked packed in pretty tight on the beach. :beach:

The details on the ship look pretty great too. the detective game sounds especially cool.

How neat you got box seats for the shows!

Love the idea of nightly room service! :thumbsup2

[Aburns8]

Great update! I really can't wait until our cruise in September. We are snorkeling on Castaway Cay and I can't wait. I really can't wait to see the restaurants either!

[DaPanMan]

Lesley, such amazing pictures!! :thumbsup2

We went on our first ever cruise through DVC last year and never made it to Castaway Cay due to high seas. Trying to plan a grand gathering a few years out, but if that doesn't pan out, I see our family heading back to the Seven Seas on the Dream.

The whole ship look like a total blast around every corner.

Can't wait to see/read more!!! :surfweb:

[disneylovin24]

YAY a new update:cool1:

The ship really looks stunning from the pictures, Im sure in real life it was breathtaking (or another word that implies it being more beautiful then stunning:laughing:).

I think I have always hated the idea of cruises because I feel like I would always be bored, that doesn't seem like the case at all though! It seems like you guys were always doing something! I can't believe how many activites they have running on the ship.

[feyrerm]

What a long, long busy day!! The beach looked so amazing. I can not tell you how jealous I am!! We need to book a cruise!

[DWGal210]

Oh Calgon, take me away back to that beach!!! Love it!!

My aunt ordered that same appetizer on our cruise; we all ended up getting 2nd appetizers & getting that too. It was awesome!!!

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

wow...okay...you pretty much have me fully convinced I need to cruise!! :thumbsup2 That detective game alone...my kids would LOVE!! You got some really great pictures of you and Tim and your whole family!! I can just feel the magic through your TR!! So enjoying it!!:lovestruc

[timandlesley]

I have read a lot of your TR, but I don't think I've ever commented.

The cruise sounds like so much fun. Everything looks great! Castaway Cay was gorgeous, reminds me of my wedding. Gotta love the Caribbeans!

How awesome is it to meet all these characters with NO LINE!!!

I just want to go and play that detective game, looks like fun.
Thanks for reading/commenting. Your wedding pictures are gorgeous!!!!

Great update Lesley! That just looked like the perfect day...start to finish:worship: I told Jasmine you had started your TR and she said to me after reading .... "I want to go on the Dream"...(she was very lucky to go on the Magic with my sister and her family in Feb) I said "I thought you wanted to do another cruise line and she replied with..."that was before I saw Lesley's pictures!

So I thank you...cause now we'll be saving for a Disney Dream Cruise:cloud9:
It was such a perfect day. .Too funny about Jasmine, glad I could convert her for ya : )

I have always enjoyed your reports Les, but this one seriously leaves me speechless!!! I get through reading about each day, and am so amazed by EVERYTHING about the cruise!!! It really was a DREAM vacation.....it is making me want to cajole Tom into taking a cruise on one of the Disney boats!!! :) I think if we ever go though, we are going to have to go with another family so Megan could enjoy the kids club with some kids she might know. That is one of the hardest things about having an only child! SO looking forward to more!!!
So glad you are enjoying this one, the cruise is amazing. Luke read your comment and said "she doesn't need to have friends before mom, she'll meet a TON of kids in there and they'll become friends". Also, we joined a cruise club here on the Dis and they had pen pals going for the kids, Lauren had 3 before the cruise.

What a cool restaurant. What are pursettes? They look like little raviolis.

The interactive game is awesome. I had no idea they had that.

Castaway Cay is beautiful.
I can't describe the pursettes, kinda like a ravioli but buttery heaven, soooo yummy!!

I'm loving this; Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome!

Castaway Cay looks gorgeous

Looks like Detective game is fun, kind of like Kim Possible, but better

Animator Palette looks like such a fun place to eat

Poor Luke getting stuck...

Villains show looked great too

Great update :thumbsup2
It really is gorgeous! Glad you enjoyed the update.

The cruise sounds like it was absolutely amazing! How great that they had so many fun activities for the kids! The detective game sounds especially fun. :wizard:
It was absolutely amazing, the detective game is so cool! Thanks for reading/posting

Castaway Cay is so beautiful. The water is so clear!
I am so sorry about the sea lice incident. At least got better!
The detecive agency activity sounds like so much fun! My nephew would LOVE that.
The theming on the Dream is just amazing! I really love Disney's attention to detail.
I know, I love that clear water. The attention to detail is at every turn on this ship!

Castaway Cay looks just beautiful. love the manager's name in the sign behind the kids with Donald Duck, "May B Tamara" aka maybe tomorrow. :lmao:

I am happy to hear you say that you saw empty chairs but boy do they looked packed in pretty tight on the beach. :beach:

The details on the ship look pretty great too. the detective game sounds especially cool.

How neat you got box seats for the shows!

Love the idea of nightly room service! :thumbsup2
Too funny, I didn't notice that sign until you mentioned it, too cute! The chairs were packed tightly but you can move them, I put my chair right in the water, soooooooo nice!Nightly room service as amazing!

Great update! I really can't wait until our cruise in September. We are snorkeling on Castaway Cay and I can't wait. I really can't wait to see the restaurants either!
You are going to have such fun in September. We saw people snorkeling, you can go WAY out, looked fun!

Lesley, such amazing pictures!!

We went on our first ever cruise through DVC last year and never made it to Castaway Cay due to high seas. Trying to plan a grand gathering a few years out, but if that doesn't pan out, I see our family heading back to the Seven Seas on the Dream.

The whole ship look like a total blast around every corner.

Can't wait to see/read more!!!
Glad you are enjoying the pics, bummer about Castaway Cay, hope you get there soon! Thanks for reading/posting.

YAY a new update:cool1:

The ship really looks stunning from the pictures, Im sure in real life it was breathtaking (or another word that implies it being more beautiful then stunning:laughing:).

I think I have always hated the idea of cruises because I feel like I would always be bored, that doesn't seem like the case at all though! It seems like you guys were always doing something! I can't believe how many activites they have running on the ship.
Glad you enjoyed the update. Oh man, you could NEVER be bored on this ship, we didn't do so many of the activities offered, there was so much going on at any given time it was overwhelming, you could never do/see it all, always something to do, such fun!

What a long, long busy day!! The beach looked so amazing. I can not tell you how jealous I am!! We need to book a cruise!
It was a wonderful day. Hope you get on a cruise, sooooo worth it!
Oh Calgon, take me away back to that beach!!! Love it!!

My aunt ordered that same appetizer on our cruise; we all ended up getting 2nd appetizers & getting that too. It was awesome!!!
I hear ya, I want back on that beach too! Wasn't that appetzer to die for!

wow...okay...you pretty much have me fully convinced I need to cruise!! That detective game alone...my kids would LOVE!! You got some really great pictures of you and Tim and your whole family!! I can just feel the magic through your TR!! So enjoying it!!
You really need to someday, it's sooooooooo cool! Glad you are enjoying it : )

[MegansMom]

So glad you are enjoying this one, the cruise is amazing. Luke read your comment and said "she doesn't need to have friends before mom, she'll meet a TON of kids in there and they'll become friends". Also, we joined a cruise club here on the Dis and they had pen pals going for the kids, Lauren had 3 before the cruise.



You give that sweet boy a hug for me!!! What a sweet comment!!! :hug: I love the idea of the cruise club...did she get to meet any of her pen pals while on the boat? I hope she did...I sometimes feel "sorry" for her having to "endure" hanging out with all the boys!!! ;) You have such wonderful kiddos sweetie!

[cherbear]

What a cool restaurant. What are pursettes? They look like little raviolis.

The interactive game is awesome. I had no idea they had that.

Castaway Cay is beautiful.

I had the same question :)



woops, you already answered it. I didn't see the 14th page when I made this comment. Silly me.

LOVED the update, what an AMAZING day!! Castaway Cay looks beautiful...and fun!

[ProudMommyof2]

Amazing update!! The details on the ship are just stunning!

[twob4him]

I am loving all the fun things to do and all of the experiences...well, accept the jellyfish stings...did the showers work? Ouch!
The food looks great! And we loved hearing about the interactive detective agency quest! Awesome!!!

Ok, if you have a few minutes, I do have a few questions:
1. Did not sitting right next to the screen affect your AP dinner?
2. Did you wave phone work when the kids wanted to be picked up? Did they call or a CM?
3. I will have a 15 yr old when we cruise. Do they have to be picked up and dropped off by a parent?
4. When you ordered room service was that included or extra?
5. I read a trip report of a family who rented one of those cabanas but it seems like they were a little isolated...which could be good and bad. It's about $500 which is a ton and doesn't seem worth it...you'll seemed to have a great time without it.
6. I am a little dissappointed in the slide area...why build such an elaborate structure if its hard to access and too fast..is it just for adults...seems stupid to do that.

Please don't feel obligated to answer all of these questions.....I know time is short and you have lots of followers. I should just make a list of questions and post them on the boards....I am trying to read lots of trip reports now and see if I can get them answered that way too! Have a super day and as always, enjoying all of your posts!!! :cool1:

[timandlesley]

You give that sweet boy a hug for me!!! What a sweet comment!!! :hug: I love the idea of the cruise club...did she get to meet any of her pen pals while on the boat? I hope she did...I sometimes feel "sorry" for her having to "endure" hanging out with all the boys!!! ;) You have such wonderful kiddos sweetie!
She met one of them, she had so much fun with all the kids!

I had the same question :)



woops, you already answered it. I didn't see the 14th page when I made this comment. Silly me.

LOVED the update, what an AMAZING day!! Castaway Cay looks beautiful...and fun!
Glad you enjoyed the installment!

Amazing update!! The details on the ship are just stunning!
Thanks, stunning indeed!
I am loving all the fun things to do and all of the experiences...well, accept the jellyfish stings...did the showers work? Ouch!- It wasn't jelly fish, just sea lice, they were fine!
The food looks great! And we loved hearing about the interactive detective agency quest! Awesome!!!

Ok, if you have a few minutes, I do have a few questions:
1. Did not sitting right next to the screen affect your AP dinner? No, we still had a great meal!
2. Did you wave phone work when the kids wanted to be picked up? Did they call or a CM? We never got a text to pick the kids up but Bryan and Diane did, it just comes through as a text, the CM's do it.
3. I will have a 15 yr old when we cruise. Do they have to be picked up and dropped off by a parent? No, they check themselves in and out.
4. When you ordered room service was that included or extra? INCLUDED!!!! We did tip them though.
5. I read a trip report of a family who rented one of those cabanas but it seems like they were a little isolated...which could be good and bad. It's about $500 which is a ton and doesn't seem worth it...you'll seemed to have a great time without it. Definitely wouldn't be worth it!
6. I am a little dissappointed in the slide area...why build such an elaborate structure if its hard to access and too fast..is it just for adults...seems stupid to do that.
There are so many fun things on the island this won' even phase you but I know what you mean.
Please don't feel obligated to answer all of these questions.....I know time is short and you have lots of followers. I should just make a list of questions and post them on the boards....I am trying to read lots of trip reports now and see if I can get them answered that way too! Have a super day and as always, enjoying all of your posts!!! :cool1:
All answered above, hope it helps : )
Lesley

[cherbear]

every time I see your report pop up in my User CP, I have to giggle at the title!! :upsidedow

[twob4him]

Thanks Leslie!!!! That answered a lot! :goodvibes

[ArielSRL]

Great update!! You guys did so much in one day, I would need a rest after all that! :)

[ampc3]

GReat update again! Can you order as much food off the menus at meal time as you want? ex:more than one entree or app, desert??

Also, Thank you sooo much for doing this TR. I know there was a time when you weren't sure you wanted or was going to do one... so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.. I know I probally speak for many... especially when it seems so doubtful that we will ever be able to afford a Disney cruise.. Love reading this :)
Annette

[UGAFan0829]

LESLEY!!! I can't believe that I just now found this report!! I'm so glad I saw the link on Facebook!!! I knew y'all were cruising this year, but I had no idea the trip had already come and gone!!

It sounds like you had the best time ever! Each one of your trips gets better and better!

I am so loving all the pictures from aboard the ship. We set sail in 50-something days, and I just thought I was excited until I started reading this!!

[timandlesley]

every time I see your report pop up in my User CP, I have to giggle at the title!! :upsidedow
That was a Tim original, he likes coming up with the titles of our reports : )
Thanks Leslie!!!! That answered a lot! :goodvibes
Glad I could help.

Great update!! You guys did so much in one day, I would need a rest after all that! :)
Well........... it was an "at sea" day the next day so we knew we'd have plenty of time to rest !

GReat update again! Can you order as much food off the menus at meal time as you want? ex:more than one entree or app, desert??

Also, Thank you sooo much for doing this TR. I know there was a time when you weren't sure you wanted or was going to do one... so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.. I know I probally speak for many... especially when it seems so doubtful that we will ever be able to afford a Disney cruise.. Love reading this :)
Annette
So glad you enjoyed it. Yes, you sure could. Tim and Bryan ordered 2 entrees almost every night, we each ordered 2 of one course at some point. I had 2 deserts the last night and they were both to die for! I am so glad you are enjoying the TR. They are very time consuming and I'm quite busy but I just love doing them, you guys who post/comment spur me on to continue, so thank you, it makes it all worth it!

LESLEY!!! I can't believe that I just now found this report!! I'm so glad I saw the link on Facebook!!! I knew y'all were cruising this year, but I had no idea the trip had already come and gone!!

It sounds like you had the best time ever! Each one of your trips gets better and better!

I am so loving all the pictures from aboard the ship. We set sail in 50-something days, and I just thought I was excited until I started reading this!!
HI!!!!!! So glad you found it too! Yes, I must agree, it seems the trips get better and better, just when I never thought it was possible. You are going to have so much fun on your cruise!!!!

[Kelliroo3]

Great update! Just a quick question or two; did you ever have any trouble finding a spot to sit on the cruise? Like at the pool? How early did you have to get to the theatre to be first in line? Thanks!

[ronnmel]

Thanks for reading/commenting. Your wedding pictures are gorgeous!!!!


Thanks :cutie:

[sharonW]

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING. Glad I now have insight
into a Disney Cruise through you. Hope I'll be able to
have the experience one day. Thanks so much for taking
the time to share!!!! I can see why you say HEAVEN on EARTH!!!:goodvibes

[Sooze]

You have no idea how elated I am that you all did this cruise, and that you're writing this TR for us. I have already learned A TON and I'm even MORE excited to go!!

The Villains show looked awesome. Question(s) about the 'box seats': Is it general seating for the shows? Did you just get the box seats because you were first in line and that was your first choice? Did you think it was distracting being off to the side of the show? If you could do it again, would you still go for those box seats?

Can't wait to hear about your day at sea!

[Luv2trav]

Awesome update... I have you to blame for booking the Dream sometime next year... Your vacation style is so similar to ours and when I read it it's like.."That is what we would do etc"... You writing style and details are amazing.. Thank you!!

[jwwi]

Wow what an amazing fun filled day you had. Castaway Cay looks so nice, I can see why everyone loves being there. You sure have a way with your photography skills, the kids seem to be loving every minute. Luke looks so grown up on the deck chair, I had to go back to see a pic of him standing, he looks so tall.
You do a great job answering everyone's questions, so here's mine. Do you think the cruise would still be fun without young children? Or maybe I'll wait until I can take grandchildren with me......

[cdotla]

Loving your report! I am so ready to cruise now!!!:rotfl:

[ReneeDisney]

Wonderful trip report! What an amazing trip so far. The ship is beautiful and your family is gorgeous!!! Looking forward to reading more .....

[pooh'smate]

I can't believe I missed that you started your tr. I am so glad that you decided to do a tr. I am going back to read now.

[pooh'smate]

Wow, your report is leaving me speechless!!!! The Dream really seems like a dream. When does booking for 2013 open? I really want to go on a cruise now.

[mblc14]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/134.jpg



With that paint brush behind his head, Tim looks like Aladdin with the hat on when he is Prince Ali...lol

You are convincing me that after this spring, our next trip should be a cruise...everything has been awesome so far!!

[timandlesley]

Great update! Just a quick question or two; did you ever have any trouble finding a spot to sit on the cruise? Like at the pool? How early did you have to get to the theatre to be first in line? Thanks!
Too funny, my next installment is about this, on the day at sea I did but I'll explain how it was quickly resolved, NEVER had a spot in the adults only pool area. We got to the theatre about 15-20 minutes before show time.
AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING. Glad I now have insight
into a Disney Cruise through you. Hope I'll be able to
have the experience one day. Thanks so much for taking
the time to share!!!! I can see why you say HEAVEN on EARTH!!!:goodvibes
So glad you are enjoying it, yes, heaven on earth indeed!
You have no idea how elated I am that you all did this cruise, and that you're writing this TR for us. I have already learned A TON and I'm even MORE excited to go!!

The Villains show looked awesome. Question(s) about the 'box seats': Is it general seating for the shows? Did you just get the box seats because you were first in line and that was your first choice? Did you think it was distracting being off to the side of the show? If you could do it again, would you still go for those box seats?

I am so glad you are enjoying it and are learning. The box seats were general seating, we got in line on the upper level on the right and just went in every night and got them, no regrets, they were great seats!

[QUOTE=Luv2trav;41866927]Awesome update... I have you to blame for booking the Dream sometime next year... Your vacation style is so similar to ours and when I read it it's like.."That is what we would do etc"... You writing style and details are amazing.. Thank you!!
Too funny, you are quite welcome!!!
Wow what an amazing fun filled day you had. Castaway Cay looks so nice, I can see why everyone loves being there. You sure have a way with your photography skills, the kids seem to be loving every minute. Luke looks so grown up on the deck chair, I had to go back to see a pic of him standing, he looks so tall.
You do a great job answering everyone's questions, so here's mine. Do you think the cruise would still be fun without young children? Or maybe I'll wait until I can take grandchildren with me......
We did have such a great day. Luke is growing up so fast, I can't believe it! Yes, the cruise would still be a BLAST, Tim and I would like to go just the two of us for our 15 year anniversary in 2013 : )
Loving your report! I am so ready to cruise now!!!:rotfl:
I'm glad you are enjoying it!

Wonderful trip report! What an amazing trip so far. The ship is beautiful and your family is gorgeous!!! Looking forward to reading more .....
Thanks so much for your kind comments!

I can't believe I missed that you started your tr. I am so glad that you decided to do a tr. I am going back to read now.
Enjoy!

Wow, your report is leaving me speechless!!!! The Dream really seems like a dream. When does booking for 2013 open? I really want to go on a cruise now.
So glad you are enjoying it. 2013 is supposed to open in October, I have a list going of people who need prices, let me know if you want on that list : ) I know Tim and I will be booking it as soon as we can!
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%20Vacation%20Summer%202011/134.jpg



With that paint brush behind his head, Tim looks like Aladdin with the hat on when he is Prince Ali...lol

You are convincing me that after this spring, our next trip should be a cruise...everything has been awesome so far!!
Too funny!!!!:rotfl2:

[swisely]

Lesley I have followed several of your trip reports here on the DIS and they are always fantastic! So glad you guys did the "Dream". Hopefully we can go someday. We are headed to WDW next March. I'm a longtime lurker but thought I would say hello. Can't wait for more! Sharen

[luvfigment]

Looks like a great day at Castaway Cay except for the "itching" incident. The ship looks amazing and that there is tons to do on it! Looking forward to seeing what you did on your "at sea" day.

[disneymomof1]

I am so happy !!! I was just surfing the Dis, thinking, I really miss timandlesley, so, low and behold, I did an advanced search on your tag and there is a new trip report, I am so excited to read all about your adventures, it just wouldn't be a complete summer without a timandlesley trip report. :banana:

[wigdoutdismom]

Baylor had the same problem with itching on both of our cruises.:scared: It started this last time when we were at Blue Lagoon...
I hadn't heard of the sea lice but was told to give him some petroleum jelly and tell him to liberally coat himself before getting into the water...

Also, last summer we spent our time on the family beach. This summer we split the cost of a cabana with some friends.
In my opinion it was worth every penny to have to have that private little hut on the beach.:goodvibes The water was basically undisturbed in our area since the beach was private, it was just so nice...

We will be watching the calendar to book again next spring!:beach:

[mkluvsmickey]

Ah, sure wish I was back on Castaway Cay this morning. Beautiful island and your pictures were great. My daughter had itching from sea lice on the second CC day. Once she rinsed off in one of the showers on the island she was fine though.

Love all the pics of Animator's Palate too. That was our first night restaurant and my favorite of all (theme wise). I wanted to take one of the chairs home. :)

Great picture of your family on Deck 4.

[iixheartxyouxox]

Glad to read another one of your TR's! so far it truely seems to be the trip of a lifetime..im dying to go on the dream but if anything ill be going on the Magic now that it will leave out of NY..im still hoping that one day ill get on the dream tho, your pictures make it look so amazing! Can't wait to read more!!

[srandsr76]

Excited I found your latest report!!!!

[timandlesley]

Lesley I have followed several of your trip reports here on the DIS and they are always fantastic! So glad you guys did the "Dream". Hopefully we can go someday. We are headed to WDW next March. I'm a longtime lurker but thought I would say hello. Can't wait for more! Sharen
So glad you found us again. Thanks for reading/posting, we will be in WDW again in March too : )
Looks like a great day at Castaway Cay except for the "itching" incident. The ship looks amazing and that there is tons to do on it! Looking forward to seeing what you did on your "at sea" day.
Castaway Cay was amazing. Yes, TONS to do! Sorry for the delay on the next post, we are on our final family vacation of the summer in Grand Haven Michigan right now, when we get back Diane and family are staying with us for a week but I'll update ASAP
I am so happy !!! I was just surfing the Dis, thinking, I really miss timandlesley, so, low and behold, I did an advanced search on your tag and there is a new trip report, I am so excited to read all about your adventures, it just wouldn't be a complete summer without a timandlesley trip report. :banana:
Woo hoo! So glad you found us, your comment was so sweet!

Baylor had the same problem with itching on both of our cruises.:scared: It started this last time when we were at Blue Lagoon...
I hadn't heard of the sea lice but was told to give him some petroleum jelly and tell him to liberally coat himself before getting into the water...

Also, last summer we spent our time on the family beach. This summer we split the cost of a cabana with some friends.
In my opinion it was worth every penny to have to have that private little hut on the beach.:goodvibes The water was basically undisturbed in our area since the beach was private, it was just so nice...

We will be watching the calendar to book again next spring!:beach:
crazy Baylor had the same problem, good tip on the jelly though. Splitting the cabana is a good idea, sounds like you had fun. Let me know if you want on my email list and I can email you the day 2013 rates are released.

Ah, sure wish I was back on Castaway Cay this morning. Beautiful island and your pictures were great. My daughter had itching from sea lice on the second CC day. Once she rinsed off in one of the showers on the island she was fine though.

Love all the pics of Animator's Palate too. That was our first night restaurant and my favorite of all (theme wise). I wanted to take one of the chairs home. :)

Great picture of your family on Deck 4.
Me too! CC is so beautiful! Isn't Animator's Palate AMAZING!!! I know, I wish I could theme my dining room like that. Thanks : )

Glad to read another one of your TR's! so far it truely seems to be the trip of a lifetime..im dying to go on the dream but if anything ill be going on the Magic now that it will leave out of NY..im still hoping that one day ill get on the dream tho, your pictures make it look so amazing! Can't wait to read more!!
Glad you are enjoying the TR. Yes, the Magic out of NY is a great option for those living up there, wish we lived closer to a port, although that could be pretty dangerous!!

Excited I found your latest report!!!!
Glad you found us too!

[disneyfan61]

Ok how did I miss this?? Now I have to go & catch up.

[disneyfan61]

Ok it is way past my bedtime but I could not stop reading.

Loving it all!! The cruise looks AMAZING!!! I think you will have lots of people interested in cruising after this report.

My DH was in the Coast Guard & had no interest in cruising but I may have to change that.

Cannot wait to read more about this wonderful trip.

[heathers4um]

Hi Leslie!! :banana:

It's just not right how excited I am to read this! I have been off the dis for a few months only because real life has taken over but I am hoping to begin planning our fall trip so I wanted to get back into all the fun.

This certainly has been a trip of a lifetime so far, and you have made me think 2x about NOT doing a cruise...may have to talk to the man re: this silly decision!!

I am loving all the pics of the kids, who I think are 2 of the cutest kids ever! The camera loves them for sure! And the scenery..wow!

Subbing...as usual! popcorn::

[mylag1rl]

WOW ! I am totally in awe of your pictures of the Dream and Castaway Cay. I could just feel your excitement in the terminal and as you make your way around the ship. I am just catching up after being in your neck of the woods July 13-17th. We were in Dayton for a baseball tournament. Got to check out a Reds game...what a nice ballpark.

I am really enjoying your trip report and am definitely going to need to take a cruise on the Dream.

[kaysmommie]

Your Castaway Cay update was fabulous as were the pics! Sorry you didn't get to try out the slide. Is the water always that rough? Scuttles Cove looks great. Sorry to hear about the sea lice, that freaks me out :scared1:. How do you get rid of them?

[Mycuteboyz3]

:yay:I was so thrilled when I came across your trip report. I'm all caught up and you have convinced my entire family on going on the Disney Dream for 2013. How do I get on that list?::)

[anbouk]

I was soooo missiing a Tim and Lesley tr and came upon it by accident! Your cruise sounds so amazing!!! Can't wait for updates. I keep on checking. BTW, I saw you posted on a thread for disney mickey crocs for your son, Were you able to find any? We are heading to WDW in 3 weeks and I need to replace my sons pair :) (same size as your son's) Any luck in finding any? Perhaps you saw some in the parks? Keep it coming :thumbsup2

[timandlesley]

Ok it is way past my bedtime but I could not stop reading.

Loving it all!! The cruise looks AMAZING!!! I think you will have lots of people interested in cruising after this report.

My DH was in the Coast Guard & had no interest in cruising but I may have to change that.

Cannot wait to read more about this wonderful trip.

That was fast! So glad you found us again and are enjoying the report. I hope you can change his mind, it's AMAZING!
Hi Leslie!! :banana:

It's just not right how excited I am to read this! I have been off the dis for a few months only because real life has taken over but I am hoping to begin planning our fall trip so I wanted to get back into all the fun.

This certainly has been a trip of a lifetime so far, and you have made me think 2x about NOT doing a cruise...may have to talk to the man re: this silly decision!!

I am loving all the pics of the kids, who I think are 2 of the cutest kids ever! The camera loves them for sure! And the scenery..wow!

Subbing...as usual! popcorn::
Hi! Welcome! So glad you found us again. Yes, after this report is over I'm sure it will change your mind. Your comments are too sweet, thank you!

WOW ! I am totally in awe of your pictures of the Dream and Castaway Cay. I could just feel your excitement in the terminal and as you make your way around the ship. I am just catching up after being in your neck of the woods July 13-17th. We were in Dayton for a baseball tournament. Got to check out a Reds game...what a nice ballpark.

I am really enjoying your trip report and am definitely going to need to take a cruise on the Dream.
It is an amazing island! Small World! We are headed to our first Reds game of the season on Monday night (Diane and Bryan are coming down for a visit, can't wait!) Hope you get on the Dream, it is an AMAZING ship!
Your Castaway Cay update was fabulous as were the pics! Sorry you didn't get to try out the slide. Is the water always that rough? Scuttles Cove looks great. Sorry to hear about the sea lice, that freaks me out :scared1:. How do you get rid of them?
I don't know if it is always that rough but honestly we weren't missing it at all, that island was amazing! The sea lice was no big deal not even 100% sure that's what it was, they were just itchy and one dip in the fresh water play area and they were fine, they got back in again too!
:yay:I was so thrilled when I came across your trip report. I'm all caught up and you have convinced my entire family on going on the Disney Dream for 2013. How do I get on that list?::)
So glad you found us again, I"ll send you a PM : )
I was soooo missiing a Tim and Lesley tr and came upon it by accident! Your cruise sounds so amazing!!! Can't wait for updates. I keep on checking. BTW, I saw you posted on a thread for disney mickey crocs for your son, Were you able to find any? We are heading to WDW in 3 weeks and I need to replace my sons pair :) (same size as your son's) Any luck in finding any? Perhaps you saw some in the parks? Keep it coming :thumbsup2
Well, I'm so glad you found us! We ended up finding them at our local Dicks sporting goods before our trip and they were buy 1 get one 50% off so we got Lauren some too. They are in the parks but super expensive in there.

[LattNJ]

I'm only on page 13, but let me tell you, you have SOLD ME on Disney cruise line. I could never see paying the price for a Disney cruise, but now I see why, and I'm convinced it will be worth it!!

[michpoit]

What a wonderful trip report. We will be on the Dream in 2 weeks and cannot wait!

[disneymomof1]

:) Can't wait for a new update !!!! :):)

[mblc14]

:) Can't wait for a new update !!!! :):)

Me too!! More....popcorn::

[jblb1020]

subscribing popcorn:: Love your trip report so far! We will be on the Dream Oct. 30th and can't wait! This will be our 7th Disney Cruise! They r addicting!!