OMG- Where is the baby!....oh, yeah, that's right!-PTR link- 5/24!

[CandleontheWater]

There is a lot of muscle memory in being a parent….

I am a 24-7 stay a home mom to my sweet bundle-of-energy Everett, and to say that I’ve gotten used to having him around is an understatement.

So, when I stepped off the metro at Regan National Airport, and realized that I didn’t have the stroller, or my son, I did have a moment of complete panic- “OH MY GOD- EVERETT IS STILL ON THE TRAIN!”… that is until I remembered that my sweet little boy was safe at home in the capable arms of his grandparents, and not continuing on to the Pentagon.

On Oct 4-6th DH and I took our first vacation away from DS, and it did take some getting used to. I had to get used to taking escalators again (since we’re usually taking the elevator with the stroller), I had to remember that I didn’t have the mothership diaper bag to lug around, I had to get used to sleeping without the soft blue glow of the baby monitor by my head.

However I quickly realized that the trade-off were pretty great! Getting to indulge in a few drinks, eating hot food, having an uninterrupted conversation with DH, sleeping ALL NIGHT LONG! What luxury, what bliss!

BUT- with all that being said, I was still more than ready to trade in all that freedom at the end of the trip because sweet baby kisses are worth all that and then some! I love being a Mom, but it sure was fun to have a few days off!

SO, if you are interested in tagging along on a few footloose and fancy-free days of wine and food (and beer), dueling pianos, and mimosas on the savannah, please read along!

Chapter Links
a little background info (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43036359&postcount=29)
Episode 1: What time is our wake up call??!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43086264&postcount=38)
Episode 2: The agony and the ecstasy of the Magical Express (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43121984&postcount=54)
Episode 3- Zebra butts! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43161883&postcount=62)
Episode 3- Zebra Butts- part II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43161897&postcount=63)
Episode 4- twelve hours bottle to throttle (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43200337&postcount=75)
Episode 4- Twelve hours bottle to throttle- part II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43200344&postcount=76)
Episode 5- A leisurely meal is one thing, but this is getting ridiculous! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43261208&postcount=94)
Episode 6- breakfast on the Savannah! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43468889&postcount=124)
Episode 7 : Ride breakdowns 101 part I (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43506255&postcount=137)
Episode 7 : Ride breakdowns 101 Part II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43506263&postcount=138)
Episode 8: You don’t see that everyday… (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43639162&postcount=148)
Episode 9: Wait a minute- this doesn’t look like Italy…. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=43776644&postcount=186)
Episode 10- the update where I have a sinking feeling… (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44242212&postcount=198)
Episode 11- the rope drop miracle part I (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44300695&postcount=216)
Episode 11- A rope drop miracle- part II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44300709&postcount=217)
Episode 12- a slithery surprise and a not so magical ME experience (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44449047&postcount=231)
BIG changes- new ticker (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44965429&postcount=245)
PTR link! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44979994&postcount=266)

[chloe770]

Here...and first

I totally understand everything you just wrote. I occasionally get to go shopping by myself and half way down the street I look back for the kids. The car is so quiet and lonely without them. Now shopping without them, that is a blessing.

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Wooo Hoo! I'm in and sooo looking forward to your TR!!...especially since DH and I are going on our first NO kids WDW trip in August for our 10 year anniversary!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Here!

[afwdwfan]

I'm here and I look forward to reading about your adults only trip!

[amandaw]

Yay! you started your new TR. Can't wait to read all about the big adults-only trip!

I completely related to everything you wrote in your opening post. Ed & I have taken 1 trip without Reid. And while there are some glorious benefits to it, it is so nice to hug & kiss your little one! :goodvibes

[wendy3]

I'm in!popcorn::

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

Count me in!

[CandleontheWater]

Here...and first

I totally understand everything you just wrote. I occasionally get to go shopping by myself and half way down the street I look back for the kids. The car is so quiet and lonely without them. Now shopping without them, that is a blessing.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way! One of my new parent irrational fears was that I was going to leave Everett somewhere. If he gets too quiet I will still check to make sure he is in the car and not still sitting in the cart in the Target parking lot! :laughing:

Wooo Hoo! I'm in and sooo looking forward to your TR!!...especially since DH and I are going on our first NO kids WDW trip in August for our 10 year anniversary!!

Yay for a no kids trip! you guys are going to have a blast! :cool1:

Here!

Welcome back! :)

I'm here and I look forward to reading about your adults only trip!

Thank you! I'm going to work really hard to get it done by our Dec trip!

Yay! you started your new TR. Can't wait to read all about the big adults-only trip!

I completely related to everything you wrote in your opening post. Ed & I have taken 1 trip without Reid. And while there are some glorious benefits to it, it is so nice to hug & kiss your little one! :goodvibes

It is nice to have a break every now and again, but my favorite part of the whole trip was how happy Everett was to see me when I got home! :cloud9:

I'm in!popcorn::

Count me in!

Thank you guys for joining along!

[Disneybuckeye]

Yeah! I'm in! DH and I discovered the wonder of kidless Disney trips five years ago (when our youngest was 14, yes, we are slow learners) and three childless trips later we haven't looked back.

Looking forward to hearing more!

[fi46re129]

I'm in!!! Love reading your TR's!

[Jiminy_78]

I'm in! Excited to hear about all the Disney fun you guys managed to cram into a weekend. I know you missed your sweet guy but a little grown up time is always fun too! :lmao:

[keholman15]

I am here!reading your TR's,Count me toohttp://*******************/adminfs/images/7.gif

[Missyrose]

Wuh-hoo, you started! Can't wait to read about your kidless fun!

[Maria Rose]

I'm in! Can't wait for more!!!:cool1:


__________
Maria Rose

[KatMark]

I've seen you on several TR's I follow and wanted to join in on your fun.

[DisneyMomma09]

Ohhh!! Adults only trip! Yeah! This is on my bucket list!

[vikkii19]

Joining in. We're leaving in 3 weeks and we are also leaving the baby with the grandparents. Can't wait to find out how it went.

[mulanshaircut]

I lurked all the way thru your fearless tr, so i thought i'd say hi and join up for this one.

[StephaniexMarie]

I'm definitely in! :)

[mom2clr]

You had me at "hot food". :goodvibes

I'm a stay at home mom also and talk about being able to eating one WARM meal at least once a week like it's an ex-boyfriend. :lmao:

[MeMom]

On the couple of grown-ups only trips I have taken, I had to 'detox' from heading straight to stroller parking when exiting a ride or show. :laughing: My legs just started walking that way without me thinking, since it's such a habit.

Glad you guys got to get away for a few days. I will enjoy seeing pictures and hearing all about it.

[ladylyons]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way! One of my new parent irrational fears was that I was going to leave Everett somewhere. If he gets too quiet I will still check to make sure he is in the car and not still sitting in the cart in the Target parking lot! :laughing:

Followed you over from your fearless trip report. Really enjoyed reading it since I'm trying to get my DH to agree to another Disney World trip since our only trip in May 2009 got rained out. On another note I've been known to get the kids into the van but managed to leave my shopping bags in the cart in the Target parking lot and not realizing it until I've gotten home!! :lmao: Thank goodness my store is only 5 mins away and I've been able to call them and they'll run my bags back out to me when I come back so I don't have to unload 3 kids for a 2 min stop.

[CandleontheWater]

Yeah! I'm in! DH and I discovered the wonder of kidless Disney trips five years ago (when our youngest was 14, yes, we are slow learners) and three childless trips later we haven't looked back.

Looking forward to hearing more!

Sometimes I wonder why people think Disney is for kids ;)

I do love trips with Everett, but DH and I went all the time back (pre-DS) when we lived in Florida, and it was nice to revisit that type of fun.

I'm in!!! Love reading your TR's!

Thank you so much and welcome back!

I'm in! Excited to hear about all the Disney fun you guys managed to cram into a weekend. I know you missed your sweet guy but a little grown up time is always fun too! :lmao:

We did cram in lots of fun! I was exhausted by the end of the weekend, I'm out of practice with commando trips!

I am here!reading your TR's,Count me toohttp://*******************/adminfs/images/7.gif

Glad you could join us! :goodvibes

Wuh-hoo, you started! Can't wait to read about your kidless fun!

Lots of fun and shenanigans! Just like it should be! :)

[CandleontheWater]

I'm in! Can't wait for more!!!:cool1:


__________
Maria Rose

Yay, I'm hoping to have the first "real" update done today. We'll see if Everett will cooperate and take a long nap!

I've seen you on several TR's I follow and wanted to join in on your fun.

Thank you for coming over!

Ohhh!! Adults only trip! Yeah! This is on my bucket list!

It is so much fun to go as adults only, you guys definitely should!

Joining in. We're leaving in 3 weeks and we are also leaving the baby with the grandparents. Can't wait to find out how it went.

Yay, I'm sure you guys will have a great time! It all went much smoother than I anticipated, and I'm sure you guys will have a similar experience.

I lurked all the way thru your fearless tr, so i thought i'd say hi and join up for this one.

Thank you for coming out of lurkdom! :)

[CandleontheWater]

I'm definitely in! :)

Thanks for joining in the fun!

You had me at "hot food". :goodvibes

I'm a stay at home mom also and talk about being able to eating one WARM meal at least once a week like it's an ex-boyfriend. :lmao:

Yes!! The elusive hot meal, it is blissful!

On the couple of grown-ups only trips I have taken, I had to 'detox' from heading straight to stroller parking when exiting a ride or show. :laughing: My legs just started walking that way without me thinking, since it's such a habit.

Glad you guys got to get away for a few days. I will enjoy seeing pictures and hearing all about it.

We had a few issues with that as well, it is amazing how the body can't seem to forget that the kids are safe at home!

Followed you over from your fearless trip report. Really enjoyed reading it since I'm trying to get my DH to agree to another Disney World trip since our only trip in May 2009 got rained out. On another note I've been known to get the kids into the van but managed to leave my shopping bags in the cart in the Target parking lot and not realizing it until I've gotten home!! :lmao: Thank goodness my store is only 5 mins away and I've been able to call them and they'll run my bags back out to me when I come back so I don't have to unload 3 kids for a 2 min stop.

Oh my gosh! I can't believe that I have never done that. That is so nice of the store to take your bags out to the car!

[TinkerbellBby]

I'm in! :)

[NMW]

Subscribing always wanted to do a trip alone with DH

[CandleontheWater]

A little background info (with various pics from over the years)-

So I figure you are all dying to know the who, what, when and where for this vacay, and a little background on how it came to be!
Ask and ye shall receive!

ME! I am Marissa and a Disney freak since birth. I grew up in a Disney family and took my first trip at the tender age of 9 months old. 50 some-odd trips later and I’m still riding high on the magic (or is it the margaritas from Mexico?). I am the planner and executer of the trips…

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1240.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/Epple.jpg

BUT, I wouldn’t be anywhere without my travel partner and husband extraordinaire Mark. He is a good sport about my addiction and deep down really does love Disney (even if he does love to tease me about being a nerd). He had been to WDW a few times before we met, but his vacation count really skyrocketed when we moved to Jacksonville Florida in 2005 and I introduced him to the wonders of the annual pass.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/MarkSparrow.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1021.jpg

There are three people who won’t be joining us in this TR, but still were an integral part of the trip, and that would be my sweet DS Everett and my super-awesome Mom and Dad. Being that this was our first time away from DS, I was understandably a little nervous, but I knew he was in excellent (if overindulgent) hands.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN0405.jpg

As to the why for this trip- well, I hate to be a downer, but I’m going to take it down a few notches here.

This trip was really not in the plans for DH and I, you see we had planned to take a couples weekend much closer to home, just across the Potomac ,at the Gaylord National at National Harbor. We had planned this weekend for the beginning of August, and my parents were going to come down and watch Everett.

Unfortunately in July our world was rocked and forever changed when my brother’s fiancée died suddenly and tragically from a ruptured brain aneurism. Both DH and I were very close with her and the loss hit us, and everyone in our family, very hard. It is something we are still struggling with, but it has reminded us that every moment with your loved ones is precious and not to take a single moment for granted.

We obviously canceled the weekend away, being wrapped up with family and nowhere near ready for a lighthearted getaway, and truthfully I didn’t give it much thought with all the other pressing matters at hand.

My mom, however, did not forget, and in September she presented her “grand plan”. She wanted DH and I to get away, and not just locally, but to a place that we both love and is filled with happy memories. We had some flight credits that we could use, and some DVC points, and with the discounted military tickets, we could go to Disney for just about the same price as our weekend at Gaylord National.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1368-2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/FunnyTogether.jpg

After everything that had happened I thought the chance to focus on something happy, and to have the time to reconnect as a couple would be priceless, so we decided to give it a go. My first call was to DVC, to figure out if we could even get something so last minute and I was pleased to find availability in a studio for Oct 4-6. It would be a quick trip, but one we could pack full of fun.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1230.jpg

Originally we were booked at SSR, but after many, MANY calls to member services, a savannah view studio at AKV opened up. I was beyond thrilled because I had always wanted to stay at AKL, but never had the chance.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1221.jpg

So, everything had fallen into place, first flight out in the morning, last flight out at night, AKV, and even an ADR at Bistro de Paris. Make sure those seat belts are fastened now, because we’ve got to get this show on the road!

[CandleontheWater]

I'm in! :)

Yay! Thanks for joining!

Subscribing always wanted to do a trip alone with DH

I'd highly suggest it! It is so much fun!

[fitgirl36]

Yay! Another trip report from CandleontheWater! Can't wait to read about your most recent WDW adventure!

[StephaniexMarie]

Nice introduction! I can tell I'm really going to like this trip report. :)
I'm so sorry about your loss, I have never lost anybody that close to me but I can imagine how horrible it is. :hug:
On a happier note, I think your mom's "grand plan" was genius. :thumbsup2
I'm happy everything worked out for you guys in such short notice! And by the way, your Alice in Wonderland shirt is super cute. :goodvibes

[KatMark]

Love the introductions, Marissa. My dream came true last month and we were able to stay at AKL Savannah view and we loved it. I can't wait to hear what you think about it.

I am sorry for the loss of your brothers' fiance.

[TinkerbellBby]

Before I start anything else, I'd just like to say that I'm extremely sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose someone that close to you! :hug:
However, your introduction was great! I'm glad to see that everything worked out for you guys! :goodvibes
Can't wait for more. :)

[ladylyons]

Great introduction. Isn't a weekend away just what the Doctor ordered? :goodvibes I love my kids but it sure is nice when the DH and I can reconnect. Can't wait to hear more.

Oh my gosh! I can't believe that I have never done that. That is so nice of the store to take your bags out to the car!

Yeah it is very nice of them (now I have had to prove I've bought the items by keeping my receipt handy, luckily it always goes in my pocket not a bag). I think it also helps that I shop there on a regular basis so they've gotten to know me pretty well over the last few years.

[amandaw]

Love your intro....great pictures!

I'm so happy for y'all that y'all were able to do this get-away. Y'all definitely needed it. And I know your mom & dad had to be over-the-moon getting to keep Everett.

Can't wait to hear all about y'alls adult-only adventure!

[afwdwfan]

Once again, I'm sorry for your family's loss. That is great that your parents made this trip come together for you though. Disney is always a good getaway when you just need to clear your mind and surround yourself with happy things.

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 1: What time is our wake up call??!!

When I first booked this trip, I thought that maximizing our time should be a priority. What I did not think about when I booked the 7am flight, was how early I would have to wake up to make said flight. :sad2:

With DH threatening to have my head if we were not out the door by 5:20 sharp, I set the alarm for the ungodly hour of 4:45 and drifted off to sweet Disney dreams.

The next morning was the usual push me/pull me of pre-vacation hysteria, with me taking as long as humanly possible to accomplish simple tasks like brushing my teeth, and DH standing by the door and fuming.

He began the badgering at 5 am, which he should know by now has the opposite effect, because I still had 20 WHOLE MINUTES, to drink my coffee, and stare off into space, and other important pre-dawn tasks.

My parents were asleep on the pull out couch downstairs, and I did try my best not to wake them, but they got up anyway. My mom offered to drive us to the airport, but I turned her down. I told her to go back to sleep, she was going to need her rest to keep up with speed-racer Everett.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1825.jpg
Here is our luggage- ready to go! NOTE: neither cat nor highchair accompanied us on this trip!

Finally at exactly 5:20 (and not a moment earlier) we left the house and walked down to the metro. It was really dark and so peaceful without the usual crush of tourists and shoppers on King Street. I would have liked to take my time and admire the window displays (something I am unable to do with DS), but we had a SCHEDULE to keep, you know. :rolleyes1

We managed to time it pretty well and we didn’t have long to wait for the next metro train. While we were standing on the platform, I saw the MARK commuter train go by and I couldn’t believe how packed it was. It was barely 5:30 and all those people were already on their way to work. I didn’t even want to think about how early they had to get up! :eek:

Soon enough our train arrived and we took the short trip to DCA. One thing I’m really going to miss about living in Alexandria is how easy it is to get to the airport. Even if we do have to haul all our suitcases like hobos, it sure beats driving.

We made our way to the US Air counter and Mark got us all set up. Members of the US military don’t have to pay bags fees on US Air, which is a really nice perk, so DH is always in charge of getting our luggage checked.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1826.jpg

I was in charge of taking gratuitous photos, such as this one

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1827.jpg
Ladies and gentleman- we are flaunting the mug rules!

And this one

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1828.jpg
No one should be up and functioning this early (unless they are going to Disney)

We then made our way to security, so DH could calm down and stop insisting we were going to miss our flight. Seriously, I had been keeping to THE SCHEDULE!

Security is waaaaay easier without toddlers…. let me just say that again…. Security is waaaay easier without toddlers.

There was no stroller to fold and attempt to mash through the X-ray scanner, only to find out it doesn’t fit and then have to get it out, unfold it, send it over to another screener, wait around for a while, have bomb sniffing dogs give it the once over, wait some more, have some lady pat it down, wait around some more, have another lady wipe it down with some contraption that looks like a cotton ball on a stick, and wait around some more, until it comes back clean, all while attempting to keep Everett from riding on the conveyer belt through the X-Ray scanner. Fun times!

One thing I did notice was that there are now signs everywhere saying that if you are under 12 you no longer have to remove your shoes. That is a welcome relief. I’ll never forget the first time I flew with Everett when the TSA made me remove his SOCKS (because they apparently counted as footgear)! You may have heard of the Shoe Bomber, but the little known Baby Sock Bomber is just as dangerous. It’s always the innocent looking ones. :laughing:

Once we were through security and DH’s stress level jumped down about five notches, we settled in for a nice long wait, and some pretty mediocre breakfast.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1829.jpg

I played with my phone a little bit, to make sure that my updates on foursquare would go through to facebook, and DH made fun of me for being so concerned about my nerd friends. I think he is just jealous that he doesn’t have a smartphone or “nerd friends” for that matter. :rotfl:

While we were sitting around I truthfully wasn’t paying attention to the boarding announcements, figuring that Mr. Obsessive Traveler sitting to my right would be all over it. At one point I looked up and said “isn’t that our flight”, as they were boarding the last of the passengers.

We jumped up and ran over right on time! What is the point of being in the waiting area 56 hours early, if you don’t even pay attention to the boarding announcements, right? ;)

Well despite everything, we made it on the plane, and we even had seats next to each other. Something we managed to mess up when we booked the flights, but luckily my mom managed to fix. What would I do without that woman! :worship:

I figured that since we were the last people on the flight, that we’d be off and moving quickly, right? I got myself seated in record time, and I was all ready to go, but there were some people who obviously didn’t have big theme park plans that hinged on getting to Orlando as quickly as possible.

Here is a helpful tip: If your rollerbag is so heavy that you cannot lift it up to the overhead compartments- CHECK IT! Sit down already lady- we’ve got places to be!

Once all luggage was secured we still waited around for a while and I was about jumping out of my skin. The frustrations did not end when we started moving, because some idiot decided to change seats, WHILE WE WERE TAXIING ON THE RUNWAY! Of course that completely stopped the plane, and the captain had to remind everyone that the seat belt sign is on for a reason.

I kept my eye on that guy, just in case he tried to pull some funny business. Then I would have to clobber him while DH guided the plan to safety (now THAT would be a trip report!)

Next up-I have a seat- all to myself! And no one to entertain! (not counting DH)

[CandleontheWater]

Yay! Another trip report from CandleontheWater! Can't wait to read about your most recent WDW adventure!

Thanks for coming along again! :)

Nice introduction! I can tell I'm really going to like this trip report. :)
I'm so sorry about your loss, I have never lost anybody that close to me but I can imagine how horrible it is. :hug:
On a happier note, I think your mom's "grand plan" was genius. :thumbsup2
I'm happy everything worked out for you guys in such short notice! And by the way, your Alice in Wonderland shirt is super cute. :goodvibes

Thank you so much, yes, my mom is awesome, she knew that we needed to focus on something positive.

Love the introductions, Marissa. My dream came true last month and we were able to stay at AKL Savannah view and we loved it. I can't wait to hear what you think about it.

I am sorry for the loss of your brothers' fiance.

AKL was a dream come true for me as well! :goodvibes I hope I'm not spoiling anything if I say that I loooooved it! :cloud9:

Before I start anything else, I'd just like to say that I'm extremely sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose someone that close to you! :hug:
However, your introduction was great! I'm glad to see that everything worked out for you guys! :goodvibes
Can't wait for more. :)

Thank you for reading along. It certainly hasn't been an easy few months, but I'm lucky that I have such a wonderful family, and we've all really come together to help each other out.

Great introduction. Isn't a weekend away just what the Doctor ordered? :goodvibes I love my kids but it sure is nice when the DH and I can reconnect. Can't wait to hear more.



Yeah it is very nice of them (now I have had to prove I've bought the items by keeping my receipt handy, luckily it always goes in my pocket not a bag). I think it also helps that I shop there on a regular basis so they've gotten to know me pretty well over the last few years.

It was nice to have some time just with DH, I hope we get to do it again in the future.

Love your intro....great pictures!

I'm so happy for y'all that y'all were able to do this get-away. Y'all definitely needed it. And I know your mom & dad had to be over-the-moon getting to keep Everett.

Can't wait to hear all about y'alls adult-only adventure!

Yes, I think my mother's idea was partly self motivated. I know that spending time with Everett made her very happy and helped raise her spirits as well.

Once again, I'm sorry for your family's loss. That is great that your parents made this trip come together for you though. Disney is always a good getaway when you just need to clear your mind and surround yourself with happy things.

It was a much needed retreat, and focusing on the positive and making new happy memories was very beneficial.

[Deemarch]

Enjoying your TR! Glad that you and your husband were able to go to your "happy place" to get back to enjoying the life you have!! Sorry for your loss.

[KatMark]

I am in absolute stitches here. I can't stop laughing. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Your husband sounds like mine. He INSISTS we be to the airport 2 to 2-1/2 hours before flights because you just never know.... I haven't figured out yet what the "never know" is. I can tell you I won't be getting to the airport that far in advance of my flight in January when we do our girls trip.

That is hysterical that your DH was not even listening for the announcement of the flight boarding.

I personally think they should BAN all carry-on luggage unless it is a purse, a backpack or a computer. I think planes would be ready to get going a whole lot sooner. :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I am in the get to the airport early club but when we go to Disney we have the additional stress of the border to deal with so that is my excuse for always leaving super early. :rolleyes1

[amandaw]

Great update - you had me laughing out loud, which made me keep getting weird looks from Ed. :lmao:

Anyway, I am just like your DH - we MUST be at the airport at least 2 hours before our flight. But, I thought it was hilarious that y'all didn't hear the boarding announcements until it was almost too late. And I completely agree with you on people needing to check luggage that they can barely pick up above their heads & then can hardly stuff into those overhead compartments. I hate the fees for checking baggage just as much as the next person. But, if you are that stingy about it - either fly Southwest or DRIVE! Okay, I'm done with my rant. :rolleyes1

[MeMom]

Security is waaaaay easier without toddlers…. let me just say that again…. Security is waaaay easier without toddlers.


Once we were through security and DH’s stress level jumped down about five notches, we settled in for a nice long wait, and some pretty mediocre breakfast.

I played with my phone a little bit, to make sure that my updates on foursquare would go through to facebook, and DH made fun of me for being so concerned about my nerd friends. I think he is just jealous that he doesn’t have a smartphone or “nerd friends” for that matter. :rotfl:




Security is definitely way easier without toddlers. Although Brooklynn is quite the security expert now, it's stressful to keep your eyes on little ones, strollers, and all of the rest of your valuables at the same time. That's a time it might be good to have that third eye that the little green aliens from Toy Story have. ;)

We are like your husband. We like to get there early, too. We get through the stress of security, stake out a spot at the window so the girls can watch the planes, and then get something to eat. We relax and talk about the Disney excitement that is just ahead until it's almost time to go. We get that last potty break in, and then when we board, the girls are usually ready for some sleep. :thumbsup2

By nerd friends, you mean DIStown - correct? :upsidedow
Our official mascot should probably be called the DISton Dork. :laughing:

[CandleontheWater]

Enjoying your TR! Glad that you and your husband were able to go to your "happy place" to get back to enjoying the life you have!! Sorry for your loss.

We did have a wonderful time, it was just what we needed!

I am in absolute stitches here. I can't stop laughing. :rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Your husband sounds like mine. He INSISTS we be to the airport 2 to 2-1/2 hours before flights because you just never know.... I haven't figured out yet what the "never know" is. I can tell you I won't be getting to the airport that far in advance of my flight in January when we do our girls trip.

That is hysterical that your DH was not even listening for the announcement of the flight boarding.

I personally think they should BAN all carry-on luggage unless it is a purse, a backpack or a computer. I think planes would be ready to get going a whole lot sooner. :thumbsup2

Ugg, I HATE carry-on luggage, I'm 100% with you! Maybe we need to start an "Occupy the tarmac" group to put an end to it!

I am in the get to the airport early club but when we go to Disney we have the additional stress of the border to deal with so that is my excuse for always leaving super early. :rolleyes1

I could understand getting there early if we were flying international! Its a good thing we don't travel overseas, because I'm guessing if we did, in DH's mind we should probably already be waiting at the airport.

Great update - you had me laughing out loud, which made me keep getting weird looks from Ed. :lmao:

Anyway, I am just like your DH - we MUST be at the airport at least 2 hours before our flight. But, I thought it was hilarious that y'all didn't hear the boarding announcements until it was almost too late. And I completely agree with you on people needing to check luggage that they can barely pick up above their heads & then can hardly stuff into those overhead compartments. I hate the fees for checking baggage just as much as the next person. But, if you are that stingy about it - either fly Southwest or DRIVE! Okay, I'm done with my rant. :rolleyes1

Rant away, you have a friend in me! ;)

Yeah, I don't think I'm going to ever let DH live it down that we almost missed our flight! :rotfl2:

Security is definitely way easier without toddlers. Although Brooklynn is quite the security expert now, it's stressful to keep your eyes on little ones, strollers, and all of the rest of your valuables at the same time. That's a time it might be good to have that third eye that the little green aliens from Toy Story have. ;)

We are like your husband. We like to get there early, too. We get through the stress of security, stake out a spot at the window so the girls can watch the planes, and then get something to eat. We relax and talk about the Disney excitement that is just ahead until it's almost time to go. We get that last potty break in, and then when we board, the girls are usually ready for some sleep. :thumbsup2

By nerd friends, you mean DIStown - correct? :upsidedow
Our official mascot should probably be called the DISton Dork. :laughing:

That third eye would definitely come in handy! and not just at the airport!

nerd friends = DIStown, with a few podcast friends and people I've met at Disney over the years thrown in to the mix. You know, of course, that I mean nerd in the kindest possible way! :hug:

I fully support the DIStown dork, in fact, I think we should make him up some merchandise so we can show our support next time we are in the parks! :rotfl2::rotfl:

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!!

[katiebelle21]

Your title caught my eye-too funny! It sounds like this was a much needed and well-deserved trip. My husband is super uptight about getting to the airport on time too. I tend to be a little "time challenged." :lmao:

[marDgreen88]

Hey there! I read your May TR and thought it was so much fun, Everett is SO so cute. Also I have to say, your name is pretty much the best name you can have, I would know. ;) Anyways, can't wait to read about your adventures with your husband! I'm sure it'll be awesome.

[PirateKate]

Great start! I never like to get to the airport too early. There's plenty of time without sitting around for hours.

I went shopping yesterday by myself and it felt very strange to have nothing buy my own bag. I kept automatically going to the elevators and then backtracking to the escalators, just because I could. I'm sure it would be even worse at Disney. :rotfl:

[CandleontheWater]

Count me in!!!

Welcome! Thanks for joining us!

Your title caught my eye-too funny! It sounds like this was a much needed and well-deserved trip. My husband is super uptight about getting to the airport on time too. I tend to be a little "time challenged." :lmao:

"Time challenged"! what a great way to put it! :rotfl2:

Hey there! I read your May TR and thought it was so much fun, Everett is SO so cute. Also I have to say, your name is pretty much the best name you can have, I would know. ;) Anyways, can't wait to read about your adventures with your husband! I'm sure it'll be awesome.

I do think we have the greatest name! ;) We did have a wonderful time! I hope to do it again some day!

Great start! I never like to get to the airport too early. There's plenty of time without sitting around for hours.

I went shopping yesterday by myself and it felt very strange to have nothing buy my own bag. I kept automatically going to the elevators and then backtracking to the escalators, just because I could. I'm sure it would be even worse at Disney. :rotfl:

It was really weird to take escalators again! The thing is that escalators kinda scare me, especially the REALLY long ones in the DC metro, so I'm partly thrilled to have Everett as elevator cover! :rotfl:

[afwdwfan]

Your description of your early morning airport experience just reminded me of all the details I hate about flying. :headache: Nothing worse than people who can't manage to put their luggage into an overhead bin or people who think the rules don't apply to them.

Oh well, at least you've made it on the plane and on your way to Disney World!:thumbsup2

[jeremysdisneymom]

Subbing.. this report looks like fun. Our son is 9 and we have never travelled without him other than 1 trip to DC when he was 4 months old. DH and I keep talking about it but just never get it done.

So sorry to hear about your brother's fiancee. That really puts life in perspective.

Can't wait to read more. :surfweb:

[marDgreen88]

I do think we have the greatest name! ;) We did have a wonderful time! I hope to do it again some day!

:goodvibes I'm looking forward to the rest of the TR!

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 2: The agony and the ecstasy of the Magical Express

Well here we were, flying the friendly skies and I made a startling revelation- I had no one to entertain! And I had the seat all to myself! Usually we fly with DS as a lap baby, yes I am a bad parent, of course I do not value my child more than the airplane coffee pot, and yes I do think he would make a wonderful airbag- being so soft and squishy. Did I miss any of the usual criticisms of parents of lap children tossed around here on the DIS? If I did, feel free to insert them here……


Ok, all set! Anyway, I had not really thought about what I would do on the airplane without DS. Flying with Everett is a full body affair. You need to grow about six extra arms to keep him contained, and you need to be fully mentally engaged to keep him entertained and to head off any potential meltdowns.

Needless to say I have never been bored on a flight since DS came along. :rotfl2:

But now, I’m settled in, and for a brief moment I have no idea what to do- what do people do on airplanes when they not flying with the baby equivalent of a sack of weasels?

They RELAX! Oh yes, this is what people do! Immediately it all came rushing back and I reclined my seat, got out my book and immersed myself in a juicy historical thriller all the way to MCO.

When you don't have a baby to corral, you've got hands free to take pictures too!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1832.jpg

I even got to partake of the complimentary beverage service, who would have ever thought a simple glass of ginger ale would feel so indulgent. ;)


Once the flight was over we headed in the general direction of Magical Express.

first up- the fauxnorail!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1833.jpg
Dh looks thrilled

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1834.jpg
I, on the other hand, am much happier

Now this was a point of contention between DH and I in the days leading up to the vacation. I wanted to take a taxi and he insisted on Magical Express. Normally I don’t have a problem at all with Magical Express. In fact it appeals to me because the nerd in me loves to make comparisons between a Disney trip and a traditional rite of passage or pilgrimage. I view the trip from your home to Disney as the liminal phase, when you pass from the profane into the sacred, and I love the imagery of the magical express as being the final phase of the journey, since in incorporates elements of the profane (run by MEARS transportation) and the sacred (Disney imagery on the bus, Disney video playing inside)- bored yet? :confused:

However- when my time in the sacred realm is limited to only two days, I would rather eschew all those fun comparisons in favor of a much faster, much more profane, yellow taxi.

DH was not buying this- not because he buys into my crazy theories- but because he is cheap and Magical Express is free. I tried my hardest to convince him, but he would not budge. I decided that if I didn’t press the issue, perhaps he’d be more easy going with the wads of cash I intended to burn through at the food and wine festival, so Magical Express it was. :rotfl2:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1835.jpg
on the way to Magical Express we saw this super fun themed baggage claim!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1836.jpg

We moved through fairly quickly, since we remembered our packet, and soon we were in about to board the bus.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1837.jpg
if you remember your packet, you don't ever have to visit this desk!

As a side note, while we were waiting a trailer for the movie “Spooky Buddies” was playing on the flat screens, and I took much glee in pointing it out to DH. He has an irrational hatred of puppies dressed up in costumes, and whenever we run across a commercial or advertisement for the film (which seem to be everywhere) always says that he will never watch that movie. Guess what I got DS for Halloween- I am so evil! :stir:

The bus pulled up quickly, and we all loaded on. It was a pretty busy morning at ole Magical Express, but everything seemed to be running smoothly, and before long everyone and everything was loaded. Now all there was to do was wait! I was crossing my fingers and praying to the Disney gods that we’d be the first stop. This was in direct opposition to our last ME trip where I was praying to be the last stop. I guess the Disney gods don’t like me much, because both times I was thwarted.

The driver got on and let us know that we’d be going to Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and AKL, in that order. Well, at least I would get to see the whole video, right?

Now I was hoping for a quick and quiet trip to the World, but unfortunately the first item on my list was shot, and I was soon to discover that I was out of luck on the second as well. As soon as we got moving the people behind us started talking, very loudly, about Florida politics.

Now there are lots of things I love about Florida, I love the weather, the beaches, the palm trees, that no one is actually “from” Florida, that all the roads are straight and flat, etc., but one thing I do not love is Florida politics.

To give you a recent example the Governor of Florida said recently in an interview that “the state has enough anthropology majors” and that he would like to remove university funding for programs like anthropology and give it to programs like engineering and technology. Well, as someone who holds a master’s degree in anthropology from a Florida state university, and who went on to be gainfully employed in her field in the state of Florida, I took some offense. I know that technology and engineering are important and all- but does the Governor not realize how often those jobs are being outsourced! I would like to see someone try outsourcing an archaeological dig to India. That would be one heck of a long shovel! :laughing:


Anyway- as you can see, the last thing I wanted to hear or think about on my vacation was politics. I tried plugging my ears, but little bits would keep sinking in….blah, blah, blah,….straw poll….blah, blah, blah, re-election campaign…..blah, blah, blah,……ahhhhhh! somebody get me off this bus!!:eek:

Luckily I wasn't too distracted to snap this picture!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1838.jpg

We pulled up to Caribbean Beach- the politicos remained
We went on to Pop- still on the bus
Now we were at AKL, and all I could think about was escape!

BUT- we still had to go to Kindani Village- and finally my beltway insider friends disembarked, whew!:laughing:

Now as we pulled into Jambo house I was able to sit back and relax and not worry about anything bursting my vacation bubble. No worries, no outside thoughts, no current events, just Disney!:cloud9:

I was thrilled to be pulling into Jambo house, my home for the next two nights. I have always dreamed of staying at AKL, being a huge animal lover, but my family would never agree. They think it is too far removed from the action, and they are just not as excited about savannah views as I am.

Now most of the DVC rooms at AKL are at Kindani Village, but there are a few at Jambo house and that is where we were staying. When I called member services and found out there was space, the CM I talked to made it sound like Jambo house was the least popular of the two choices, but I actually really liked it. I think if I have the choice in the future I would choose Jambo over Kindani, because I liked being part of the main hotel with that big gorgeous lobby, and I liked having the quick service place, the Mara, right downstairs.

Check in was also really easy at Jambo house, it looks like they were training some new CMs, so the “seasoned veteran” CM was really going above and beyond, I guess to show the "newbie" CM what excellent customer service looks like.

The duo met us coming off the bus, and walked us right to the check-in desk. They were going above and beyond and it was very nice bit it did border on comical.

Once we were in line they were asking us if there was anything else they could do, tickets, dining reservations, park hours, maps, and I told them that I did need a new annual pass and I thought I could get it over at the concierge desk.

The dynamic duo thought about this for a second, and then said the “seasoned veteran” had the "newbie" run over to ask if that was indeed possible. When we got the all clear, I thanked them profusely for their help, and they went to find some new people to help.

Once we got up to the check in desk and the process was going smoothly, I left DH to finish up and I went over to get my new AP. The CM at the concierge desk was also super helpful and efficient and while she was getting everything together and my new AP printed out we spent some time chatting about Jacksonville and about a trip she was planning on taking up to Amelia Island.

I was very pleased to see that my new AP was on a hard plastic card, just like a KTTWC. I initially was very excited about this, because I seem to demagnetize my paper ticket at least once a vacation, but what I did not anticipate was confusing the two cards, and spending the majority of the vacation using my room key in fastpass machines, and my park ticket to try and buy mickey bars! :rolleyes1

Before I was even finished DH came over to meet me, and with the good news that our room was all ready! We were in the Kudu trail (which was interesting because we didn’t see a single kudu) and we had a top floor room. I didn’t make any room requests, but both of those sounded pretty great so we were off to drop off the luggage, and take our first glimpses of the savannah!

Up next- who needs the park when you have zebras!

[afwdwfan]

I don't care what state it is... I don't want to have to listen to political BS on vacation!!! :scared1: :lmao: Sorry you had to endure that, but at least you got your picture of the welcome sign. I guess watching the video and watching for the sign would be a little bit of a distraction to help block out the conversation on the bus.

I'm glad check in went smoothly as well as the procurment of a new annual pass. I would think the plastic one would be a lot better. You'll just have to come up with some creative way to tell the difference between it and the KTTW card quicker.:rotfl2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Love what they did with the luggage carousel for Halloween!

Ugh, nothing like annoying people sitting behind you when you can't get up and move away.

Even if staying at AKL DVC, I would always prefer a Jambo House room.

[CandleontheWater]

Your description of your early morning airport experience just reminded me of all the details I hate about flying. :headache: Nothing worse than people who can't manage to put their luggage into an overhead bin or people who think the rules don't apply to them.

Oh well, at least you've made it on the plane and on your way to Disney World!:thumbsup2

I pretty much hate flying too, but I hate being stuck in a car more, so flying wins the least bad award. :laughing:

Subbing.. this report looks like fun. Our son is 9 and we have never travelled without him other than 1 trip to DC when he was 4 months old. DH and I keep talking about it but just never get it done.

So sorry to hear about your brother's fiancee. That really puts life in perspective.

Can't wait to read more. :surfweb:

You guys should consider a solo Disney trip! It is really fun when you can concentrate on just adult stuff! :goodvibes

:goodvibes I'm looking forward to the rest of the TR!

Its coming! ;)

I don't care what state it is... I don't want to have to listen to political BS on vacation!!! :scared1: :lmao: Sorry you had to endure that, but at least you got your picture of the welcome sign. I guess watching the video and watching for the sign would be a little bit of a distraction to help block out the conversation on the bus.

I'm glad check in went smoothly as well as the procurment of a new annual pass. I would think the plastic one would be a lot better. You'll just have to come up with some creative way to tell the difference between it and the KTTW card quicker.:rotfl2:

Yeah, listening to political talk on vacation = :sick:

It wouldn't have been so bad, but they were a big family, and they were having a loud conversation with people sitting all over the bus. That was hard to tune out!

I do need to figure out a way to tell them apart, because I anticipate it being a problem on our Dec trip. Maybe I should write TICKET on the AP with sharpie in big black letters and KEY on the key, but then again, that might not be obvious enough! :laughing:

Love what they did with the luggage carousel for Halloween!

Ugh, nothing like annoying people sitting behind you when you can't get up and move away.

Even if staying at AKL DVC, I would always prefer a Jambo House room.

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks Jambo is better. The woman at DVC made it seem like I was getting a second class room. I know the pool at Kindani is very cool, and I like Sanaa, but in every other way I think Jambo is better. I like being in the heart of the action and Kindani just seems so quiet!

[amandaw]

Aaahhh...a nice relaxing flight...I miss those! :lmao: And don't feel bad, I'm a "bad airplane mom" too....of course, I have to buy Reid his own seat but I don't even consider lugging his car seat on to the plane & attempting to use it. Ginger ale is always my beverage of choice on airplanes. :thumbsup2

I love the Halloween decorated luggage carousel. Too cool!

[marDgreen88]

I admit I'm still somewhat new to the boards so I pretty much know nothing, but do people actually criticize if a parent wants to put their toddler in their lap on a flight? :confused3 That seems like overstepping... I think it makes sense. You know the kid can't do too much you don't know about if they're on your lap, plus there's room for another passenger on the flight. Just seems like it makes sense to me but... moving on...
Landing in Orlando is an amazing feeling.
The people behind you on the bus... ew. I prefer not to hear/talk about politics ever... whether I'm on vacation or not. :rotfl:
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a dream resort for me, I've never even actually set foot in it but from what I've seen in pictures, it's amazing. Lucky you!

[shan23877]

Just found the new TR! Sorry I'm late, but joining in!

[MeMom]

I am looking forward to your AKL pictures. I love this resort! I had the privilege of staying there one time when Jill surprised me for a Mother's Day trip, and of course I have visited there many times to eat or shop or just roam and take pictures. It was so nice to sit out on the balcony in the morning. It was just so relaxing and inviting that it made it harder to want to get up and go to a park. I was happy just sitting there soaking up the AKL atmosphere.

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 3- Zebra butts!

So off we went away from the lobby and toward our room. We were in room number 5320, which was on the fifth floor. We were lucky in that our room was not to far from the elevators, and we were able to walk by some big windows giving us a preview of what our savannah view was going to look like.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1839.jpg

Hidden mickey in the carpet

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1840.jpg

Well we got into our room and the very first thing I did was run over to the balcony, pull back the curtains and take a look outside- this is what I saw!

Zebra butts!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1844.jpg

It was just glorious! I couldn’t believe there were zebras right outside of my window!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1841.jpg

I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to stay here, I never wanted to leave!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0088.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0089.jpg

I had been all about getting to the parks, and my plan was to be there by noon, but now, all I wanted to do was sit back and look out over the savannah.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0090.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0091.jpg

DH came out and admired the zebras with me, but for him the pull of food and wine was stronger than zebras, and he really wanted to get moving.


I reluctantly went back inside, took some pictures of the awesome room

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1845.jpg
view from the front door

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1846.jpg
sink area

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1847.jpg
bathroom

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1848.jpg
bed

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1851.jpg
headboard detail

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1849.jpg
dresser

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1850.jpg
table and chairs

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1853.jpg
Pull out couch

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1854.jpg
tile detail by kitchen area

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1856.jpg
towel animal!

then we put on some sunscreen and packed my park bag, which is so much easier than lugging around a huge diaper bag!

And we headed down to the bus stop

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0092.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0093.jpg

We had really good bus luck all week, and within minutes an Epcot bus pulled right up.

With no stroller to fold up or toddler to chase down, I remembered why I love Disney transportation! So quick and easy!

Once inside I noticed that the Spooky Buddies decided to join us

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0094.jpg

Now I was preparing myself for a really long bus ride. I mean, everyone talks about how far away AKL is, and how long it takes to get anywhere and how out of the way and inconvenient the resort is.

Well, I don’t know where they were staying, but I couldn’t believe how fast we got to Epcot. I had gotten my phone out, and was checking the wait times in the parks, when DH began nudging me.

DH “What are you doing!!??”
Me: “Umm, checking the lines app”
DH “Why don’t you get off the bus”
Me: “ What??? You mean we are here, already!”

The whole time we were there it was like that, I’d be all prepared for a long ride, and then we’d be there in no time. I swear the travel time from AKL to the parks is no worse than from SSR or the Port Orleans resorts. Maybe it helps that you don’t make any additional stops, but either way, I had nothing to complain about, and was really pleasantly surprised.

Well my original goal was to be at Epcot by noon, well, we were walking in the gates by 12:15. DH helpfully reminded me that if I hadn’t spent 15 mins staring at zebra butts we would have been there by noon.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0095.jpg

We made a quick stop at the ticket windows to activate DH’s military ticket, and then our first stop was the Land Pavilion. My super handy lines app had alerted me that there were still FPs available for Soarin’ so down we went.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0096.jpg

continued next post

[CandleontheWater]

Then finally it was time for Food and Wine- we decided to start over by Canada and work our way counter-clockwise. Dh’s favorite booth is Greece, so that is where we began.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0097.jpg

He was very sad to see that the Spanikopita had been dropped from the menu, but decided to try out the new griddled cheese. I went with the old standby (and still favorite) Chicken Souvlaki.

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Here they are, the very first tasties of the festival!

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My souvlaki was the superior choice, the chicken was warm and tender, the pita was soft, and the tzasiki was tangy an not to garlicky.


Dh’s griddled cheese was cold and congealed. He still ate it, and I even had a taste. It wasn’t terrible (it was still cheese after all), but it was a little weird to eat something advertised as “griddled” cold.

Not to be deterred, we headed over to the old standby- Canada! I had to have some yummy cheddar cheese soup and DH had to get his first drink of the festival a Moosehead beer.

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From there we continued our quest onto one of the most prized treats of the whole festival- the Lobster and Scallop Fisherman’s Pie in Ireland. Dh did not get one last year, and had to listen to me talk about how great it was all year long, so he was intent on not missing out this time around.

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Along with the pie, I got my first drink the Bunratty Meade Honey wine. This is sort of a tradition for me, since it was the very first thing I ever ordered at my first Food and Wine festival back in 2006. Dh is not a fan, he thinks it is too sweet, but I think it is pretty yummy!

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We took our spoils, and found a place back by the pin cart to rest our drinks and dig into our pie.

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It was glorious, even better than last year. I do believe that the chunks of lobster were even bigger and tastier. DH agreed that it was divine, and was kicking himself even harder for missing out last year.

Once we had finished up, we headed over the bridge into France.

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I decided not to heed the siren song of Grey Goose lemonade slushies, and instead made a bee-line to Belgium. This is where we made an important discovery- that ordering a beer flight was a much better value than just ordering a beer alone. You get more ounces for your money. One twelve ounce beer was $6.25, but you could get 18oz for $8.00 – score!

Dh ordered us up a beer flight, including Stella, Hoegaarden and Leffe and we found a nice trash can to balance them on- Klassy!

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We ended up making good use of the trashcans around Epcot. There are definitely not enough tables around WS for the F&W, but there are plenty of trash cans. It became a theme of the trip to shout, “quick snag that empty trash can in the shade” whenever our food or drinks outnumbered our hands.

Once we had our drinks settled nicely on our trash can, we noticed another couple come out of line with a beer flight and no empty space in sight. I quickly spoke up and offered them some space on our lovely table.

Our new friends were awesome, they settled right in, and we started chatting. They retired to Florida and now are seasonal CMs, with he working at the Jungle Cruise and she at the Haunted Mansion. How cool, right? They were very friendly, and I really enjoyed chatting with them. One of the things I love best about Disney is meeting people along the way during your vacation. Everyone always is in such a great mood, concentrating on relaxing and having fun. Don’t you wish real life could be like a Disney vacation?

Once we had finished our beers, it was time for another vacation tradition, my henna tattoo. For those of you who are unaware, you can get henna tattoos in Morocco. The woman who does them is awesome, she does all the designs free hand and they always come out great. I always get the same design “Star” around my ankle. If I wasn’t such a wuss I might actually consider getting it tattooed for real, but I have a fear of needles, and despite how much I do love the design, the whole permanent thing turns me off. I think I’m better off sticking with henna!

While I was waiting my turn, I took some shots of the World Showcase Lagoon. This is the view from the henna tattoo booth, not a bad “office window” right?

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While I was waiting there was a woman getting a whole hand tattoo, it was also very pretty, and she mentioned that she gets it done every time she visits also. What a cool Disney tradition!

While I was getting done up, DH took a walk over to America and came back with a Sam Addams cream stout.
He had checked out some of the booths up ahead and wanted to try out Singapore, so once we were done with my tattoo, we headed in that direction.

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Henna tattoo!

We decided to try the coconut braised beef, and I had to get myself a Tiger beer. DH always jokes that I pick wine based around whether there is an animal on the label (everyone has got to have a system, right?), so I had try a beer with a tiger on its label!

Once we passed Singapore, we were conveniently in front of the Hops and Barley booth again!

DH got himself another beer, and we went and sat on a bench. The fife and drum corps came out and DH got up to get closer so he could “hear”, but I was comfy on the bench, so I stayed put (and incidentally heard just fine).
At that moment I just kicked back and appreciated everything around me. I had an animal-themed beverage, I was listening to the fife and drum corps and I was looking out over the World Showcase. This right here is heaven. This was the memory that I wanted to hold on to, that perfect Disney moment when everything was right. This is what keeps me coming back again and again.

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When the drum corps was through DH came back over and I was ready to continue on- there were still lots of food and wine out there, and it wasn’t going to eat or drink itself!

[CandleontheWater]

Aaahhh...a nice relaxing flight...I miss those! :lmao: And don't feel bad, I'm a "bad airplane mom" too....of course, I have to buy Reid his own seat but I don't even consider lugging his car seat on to the plane & attempting to use it. Ginger ale is always my beverage of choice on airplanes. :thumbsup2

I love the Halloween decorated luggage carousel. Too cool!

Glad I'm not the only "bad airplane mom", although all that is going to be a moot point in a few short weeks. Although even after Everett turns 2, I don't think I'll be dragging the car seat on the plane unless we'll need it where we are going.

Just found the new TR! Sorry I'm late, but joining in!

Welcome back! :)

I am looking forward to your AKL pictures. I love this resort! I had the privilege of staying there one time when Jill surprised me for a Mother's Day trip, and of course I have visited there many times to eat or shop or just roam and take pictures. It was so nice to sit out on the balcony in the morning. It was just so relaxing and inviting that it made it harder to want to get up and go to a park. I was happy just sitting there soaking up the AKL atmosphere.

I am with you! It was just amazing! I didn't think that anything could keep me away from the parks, but I would be happy just watching the animals all day long! It really is a special place, and I hope I have the chance to get back someday. DH loved it too, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed he'll agree to spring for it when we are not staying on DVC points one of these trips.

[CandleontheWater]

I admit I'm still somewhat new to the boards so I pretty much know nothing, but do people actually criticize if a parent wants to put their toddler in their lap on a flight? :confused3 That seems like overstepping... I think it makes sense. You know the kid can't do too much you don't know about if they're on your lap, plus there's room for another passenger on the flight. Just seems like it makes sense to me but... moving on...
Landing in Orlando is an amazing feeling.
The people behind you on the bus... ew. I prefer not to hear/talk about politics ever... whether I'm on vacation or not. :rotfl:
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a dream resort for me, I've never even actually set foot in it but from what I've seen in pictures, it's amazing. Lucky you!

Somehow I didn't manage to catch you in the multi-quote!

I'm with you- no politics on vacation! :thumbsup2

It was a dream to stay there! We mostly stay moderate when we are not using our DVC points for our big family trips, so this was a real treat indeed! It is my new favorite, and I didn't think any resort could ever beat out the Contemporary.

[shan23877]

Great update. Love the food and wine TRs! That lobster pie sounds divine!

Love the tattoo, what a fun tradition. I have a permanent one on my shoulder, and I don't really regret it except when DD asks who's been drawing on me. :lmao:

I'm glad that you were able to really enjoy your perfect Disney moment. And without a little one clawing at you legs! Such luxury! ;)

[afwdwfan]

Nothing says welcome to AKL like being mooned by a zebra. :lmao::rotfl2:
Great view from the room! One of these days I might actually get a chance to stay there.

F&W looks awesome! I really want to go for that sometime. Between all the drinks and the food I'd probably gain about 20 pounds... might lose about that much in the wallet though.:lmao: I'm glad you made good use of the trash cans. It's a good thing it was Disney and they're so good at keeping everything clean. I wouldn't want to stand by a trash can full of leftover food if they weren't keeping them emptied out. :sick:

[marDgreen88]

Somehow I didn't manage to catch you in the multi-quote!

I'm with you- no politics on vacation! :thumbsup2

It was a dream to stay there! We mostly stay moderate when we are not using our DVC points for our big family trips, so this was a real treat indeed! It is my new favorite, and I didn't think any resort could ever beat out the Contemporary.

Wow, you KNOW it's good when it can beat out a Magic Kingdom monorail resort! :thumbsup2

Loved this update! The Food and Wine Festival is something I've wanted to try out for a while. Everything looks so good! Well... all but the cheese thing from Greece, that looks a bit odd. I definitely do not blame you for using the trash cans as tables! They provide a nice view and I bet you're not going to find a cleaner trash can anywhere else! :laughing:

Cute henna tattoo! I didn't even know they did those at Disney. Sounds like a fun tradition.

[amandaw]

Your update made me hungry! :lmao:

Well, first, I love the view from your room. Very nice! That's good to know that you didn't find it to take too long to get to the parks from AKL. Probably around March, I'm going to start looking to see if I can get a DVC reservation by trading through RCI. I wasn't sure if I would want to consider staying at AKL, but I definitely think I'll take it if it pops up.

I loved seeing the menus from the different F&W booths. Everything sounds so good!!!

[CandleontheWater]

Great update. Love the food and wine TRs! That lobster pie sounds divine!

Love the tattoo, what a fun tradition. I have a permanent one on my shoulder, and I don't really regret it except when DD asks who's been drawing on me. :lmao:

I'm glad that you were able to really enjoy your perfect Disney moment. And without a little one clawing at you legs! Such luxury! ;)

That is too funny about your tattoo!

It was so nice to just kick back and relax! I never would have had that luxury with DS, he is all "go, go, go!"

Nothing says welcome to AKL like being mooned by a zebra. :lmao::rotfl2:
Great view from the room! One of these days I might actually get a chance to stay there.

F&W looks awesome! I really want to go for that sometime. Between all the drinks and the food I'd probably gain about 20 pounds... might lose about that much in the wallet though.:lmao: I'm glad you made good use of the trash cans. It's a good thing it was Disney and they're so good at keeping everything clean. I wouldn't want to stand by a trash can full of leftover food if they weren't keeping them emptied out. :sick:

The F&W festival is so much fun! It does get pricey, we probably went through about $100 on our first day, and then another $75 on our second. We had a $50 gift card and I thought it would last us the whole day, but we pretty much had it all used up after our beer flight. It was fun though, and money doesn't count when you are charging it to you KTTWC, right? :rotfl2:

Wow, you KNOW it's good when it can beat out a Magic Kingdom monorail resort! :thumbsup2

Loved this update! The Food and Wine Festival is something I've wanted to try out for a while. Everything looks so good! Well... all but the cheese thing from Greece, that looks a bit odd. I definitely do not blame you for using the trash cans as tables! They provide a nice view and I bet you're not going to find a cleaner trash can anywhere else! :laughing:

Cute henna tattoo! I didn't even know they did those at Disney. Sounds like a fun tradition.

Trash cans are hot commodities during F&W, you'll never see so many people standing trash cans as you will there!

I knew I would like AKL, but I didn't realize I would LOVE it as much as I do, it is really a special place!


Your update made me hungry! :lmao:

Well, first, I love the view from your room. Very nice! That's good to know that you didn't find it to take too long to get to the parks from AKL. Probably around March, I'm going to start looking to see if I can get a DVC reservation by trading through RCI. I wasn't sure if I would want to consider staying at AKL, but I definitely think I'll take it if it pops up.

I loved seeing the menus from the different F&W booths. Everything sounds so good!!!

I would definitely check into AKL, the transportation wasn't an issue and it is so beautiful. It really feels like you are in a different place, it has a level of escapism that you won't find even at the Poly or the boardwalk.

[RGirl]

A little late to the party, but I am really enjoying your report! I love visiting WDW with my DD, but an adult trip is a secret dream. :rotfl:

Love your AKL view. Another dream except I'm afraid of the transportation - your bus luck has me rethinking that....

[jeremysdisneymom]

Isn't the view just great at AKL? I could have set there all day and watched the animals.

Wow, what food choices there are at F&W. We have never been. Maybe I can convince DH to go next year.:rolleyes1

[MeMom]

I only got two things at F&W this year, since Jill wasn't with me to help eat any of it. I got the griddled cheese - mine was warm - and the Fisherman's Pie. The Fisherman's Pie was purchased mainly because I had never had scallops, and I always like to try at least one new thing at F&W. It was very good.

As I sit wrapped up in a blanket this morning in my fairly cool house, the sunshine in your pictures is looking very inviting.

I got the girls Spooky Buddies for Halloween. Brooklynn is a movie fiend. She loved it. Bella liked it, but she was tired and fell asleep. :cutie: I just got them a new Buddies Christmas one the other day - something with Golden in the title. I don't remember exactly. It may end up being Brooklynn's 'on the plane' movie, since we'll be traveling to Disney World on Christmas Day.

[TravelAgentJen]

I love your tr, my husband+I are going on one of our own adults only short trip this weekend http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/yay.gif. I jumping out of my skin I'm so excited! We're right down the street in MD, close!

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 4- twelve hours bottle to throttle

We began to meander our way out of America, and past one of the merchandise carts. I saw this little beauty and had DH model it.

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I remember when these were everywhere in Frontierland! Does anyone else?

I tried to get him to buy it and wear it around, but he definitely didn’t have enough drinks yet for that type of behavior, so the only course of action was to go find him more to drink!

We walked by the American Garden’s Theatre and saw that .38 special was playing that night for eat to the beat. I knew that I had heard the name before, but I couldn’t place their hit song. I asked DH, who is a professed ‘80s music expert, but he was also drawing a blank. I really wish they would write the one hit under the name, that way you would know who these people are!

As we walked by we saw that there was a couple already lined up for the show! It was now maybe 2 pm, and the first show wasn’t until later in the evening (maybe 5:30?). They were apparently very serious, wearing shirts with the bands name on it and everything. I was tempted to go over and ask them who the band was, but I was afraid of getting sucked into an hours long conversation (it was apparent they were big fans). DH suggested that maybe they were the band’s parents. Maybe they were! But then again you would think that you would be able to get your parents preferred seating, I mean it is just an Epcot concert.

Next stop on our culinary trip around the globe was Poland. We were big fans of the Pierogies on our last F&W trip and they continued to live up to the hype.

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While I was waiting on DH to finish his Pierogie check out, I made an important discovery! Did you know that the F&W booths are solar powered! I was completely fascinated by this, and took a picture, and pointed it out to DH when he came back.

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He was unimpressed, apparently he noticed YEARS ago that they had solar panels. :rolleyes1

We kept moving on, and walked past the train set in Germany. I found out (by reading other people’s TRs) that Disney had decorated the train set for the Flower and Garden festival. Despite being at the F&G and looking at the train set, I somehow managed to miss this detail (I guess it goes hand in hand with solar panels). This time I wasn’t going to miss out, and I went to take a closer look to see if they had decorated for F&W

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Low and behold they had! Look at those happy train people, munching and drinking away! If you notice, there are decidedly more tables in the model than there were to be found in total around the whole WS. Lucky train model people, they didn’t have to balance their food on trash cans. :rotfl2:

Gratuitous Epcot shot!

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Next stop- more beer! DH went and got the Altenmunster Oktoberfest from the brewers collection booth, and although I was interested in trying the smoked wheat beer, I decided to hold off for South Africa.

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A few years past the South Africa booth had a wine called “Goats do Roam”. I thought the name was hilarious and the wine wasn’t half bad either. It wasn’t there last year, and much to my disappointment it wasn’t back again this year.

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I decided to drowned my sorrows in the La Capra Pinotage- which was also good, but unfortunately did not have the benefit of animals on the label or a cutesy name.

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I don't look very sad, do I?

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double fisting! Now its a party!

Once we had secured our libations we took a look around “The Outpost”. I checked out the pin board, but didn’t make any trades, and DH looked at the African soccer jerseys. DH collects soccer jerseys from around the world, so I encouraged him to buy one, but he decided against it.

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We continued to press on because my FAVORITE booth was next- South Korea! The lettuce wrap with roast pork and Kimchi slaw is hands down my favorite F&W offering. I unfortunately took no pictures of it- likely because I was too busy stuffing it down my gullet. Suffice to say that it is delish, and you should not miss it if you go to the F&W.

At this point we decided to slow it down, well at least the food part of food and wine. We had a dinner reservation at Bistro de Paris, and I didn’t want to miss out because I was too full. DH still had a little wiggle room in his tummy, so he got himself one last item- the pork potstickers.

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can you spot the dummy! :laughing::rotfl2:

Sorry, couldn't resist! ;)

Potstickers in hand we went and saw down by the gardens in China. This is one of my favorite spots in WS, one that I don’t frequent with Everett. For some reason toddlers are not impressed by scenery, who would have thought?:rotfl:

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It was really peaceful back there, and we were just enjoying the view and each other, when a very unhappy family passed by. The kids were fighting, and the mom was over it, and told them “That’s it, if you kids don’t stop I’m just going to find a new family to vacation with”- Well, I couldn’t help myself- I shouted “You can come vacation with us- we’re fun!” The mom looked over, pointed and said “Yes- them- I am going to spend the rest of my vacation with them”.

I just had to laugh, because we’ve been there as a family. I had very vivid memories of crashing and burning in Epcot with my two younger brothers. Nothing brings out the good, the bad and the ugly like a Disney vacation.;)

continued in next post

[CandleontheWater]

After viewing that poor stressed out family, I figured they needed a drink- and since the mom did not actually take us up on our offer- we went and got a drink in their honor instead.

Where better to get drinks than the Margarita stand in Mexico! I have much love for the lime/strawberry combo. I am also pretty picky about one other thing- if the lime is on top I want a salt rim, and if the strawberry is on top I want the sugar rim. Vice versa just doesn’t work. Luckily I got a wonderful CM, who fixed my margarita just the way I like it! Heaven!

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Margaritas in hand we decided to get out of the heat and spend some time inside Mexico.

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now you are talkin' my language

I just love that pavilion, and it brings back happy memories for DH and I, because we ate at the San Angel Inn the night that DH proposed.

We hung out by the fountain and just took in the lovely atmosphere. It was really nice to sit back next to a fountain with a drink in hand and not have to worry about a curious toddler falling in.

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Once we had almost finished our margariatas we decided to head out and “get our ride on” as Stacey would say. We saw a photopass photographer standing by the entrance to the Mexico pavilion and we got him to take our picture as we exited.

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Where were we headed to- why Mission Space of course! It is DH’s favorite ride, and definitely in my top 5. I think it is really funny that he loves it so much because he is really freaked out by space. Being a military pilot he has friends who dream of getting into the space program, but he always says he would not be interested, he doesn’t want to ever be in a place where he can’t breathe. He also doesn’t like the idea of scuba diving, so I guess he is pretty attached to his oxygen. Me, a little less so, I’d go to space in a heartbeat. If they ever are looking for space pioneers, I’ll be the first to sign up!

On the way over to Mission space, I was stopped short by this unusual sight. I know that I had been drinking, but was there really a cranberry bog in the middle of Epcot- bizarre! All I could think about was what a good workout that person was getting, all that water resistance and walking back and forth all day- maybe I should hop in and give it a whirl, I could use a little help burning off my food and wine indulgences. :lmao:

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Soon we were at the entrance to mission space. There was no wait to speak of, so we grabbed our orange team more intense training passes, and headed inside.

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Before long we were teamed up with two other people and lucky DH got his favorite role of pilot.

Me: “Ummm- haven’t you been drinking, what are the regulations for a Mars Mission”
DH: “Well, it is supposed to be twelve hours bottle to throttle”
Me: “I think you might be flying under the influence- I hope it will not reflect poorly on your performance”
DH: “Well, we are cutting it a little close- we’ll just have to see what happens”

*Spoiler alert*- he crashed our deep space shuttle into a snow bank and nearly propelled us off a cliff

This is why you should not drink and fly!:laughing:

On the way through the gift shop I spotted this hidden mickey

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and this goofy guy

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Yes, I made him put that on his head!

After that harrowing experience it was time for us to leave Epcot so we could head back to the resort and freshen up for our dinner that evening.

We made our way out, found a taxi, and were back at AKL in no time.

Up next- the longest dinner in history (only a slight exaggeration)

[CandleontheWater]

A little late to the party, but I am really enjoying your report! I love visiting WDW with my DD, but an adult trip is a secret dream. :rotfl:

Love your AKL view. Another dream except I'm afraid of the transportation - your bus luck has me rethinking that....

You aren't late! We are just beginning, welcome aboard!

An adults only trip is awesome! Dh and I used to go all the time pre-kids and it was wonderful to have the chance to relive all those found memories.

I was afraid of the buses also, but I found getting around to be very quick and easy. I don't know if we just got lucky or what, but I wouldn't let the transportation hold me back from such an awesome resort.

Isn't the view just great at AKL? I could have set there all day and watched the animals.

Wow, what food choices there are at F&W. We have never been. Maybe I can convince DH to go next year.:rolleyes1

I wish I was still there sitting on the balcony! It made going to the parks really tough!

The F&W festival is awesome! I think it is the single most awesome event that Disney puts on all year!

I only got two things at F&W this year, since Jill wasn't with me to help eat any of it. I got the griddled cheese - mine was warm - and the Fisherman's Pie. The Fisherman's Pie was purchased mainly because I had never had scallops, and I always like to try at least one new thing at F&W. It was very good.

As I sit wrapped up in a blanket this morning in my fairly cool house, the sunshine in your pictures is looking very inviting.

I got the girls Spooky Buddies for Halloween. Brooklynn is a movie fiend. She loved it. Bella liked it, but she was tired and fell asleep. :cutie: I just got them a new Buddies Christmas one the other day - something with Golden in the title. I don't remember exactly. It may end up being Brooklynn's 'on the plane' movie, since we'll be traveling to Disney World on Christmas Day.

I can imagine the griddled cheese would have been much better warm. I'm glad that you had it served that way! I was wondering if it had just cooled off, or if they decided to just serve them cold. I'm happy to hear that we just got a bad one and that they were not ALL bad!

I think Spooky buddies is very cute, and Everett seems to like it. He doesn't have a great attention span when it comes to TV, so I'll turn it on and he'll watch the "goggies" for a few minutes before he moves on to something else. It is worth turning it on just to hear DH's crazy tirades against dogs in costumes! ;):lmao: What a crazy thing to get worked up over! :laughing:

I love your tr, my husband+I are going on one of our own adults only short trip this weekend http://www.wdwinfo.com/images/smilies/yay.gif. I jumping out of my skin I'm so excited! We're right down the street in MD, close!

Your trip is so close! I'm really excited for you! I hope you have a wonderful time! Where in MD are you? Everett was born in Bethesda and we had friends who live outside of Baltimore, so we've spent some time over the border ;)

[KatMark]

I have NO clue how I missed so many updates (I can't even say it was because I was updating my own TR because I've not done a lot of that).

Glad byou got to relax on the plane and enjoy the flight and free soda without having the little one. :)

Sorry for the awful ME bus ride. I don't like talking politics period...and cedrtainly don't want to listen to it on vacation.

Your room looks great at AK (we were in Kidani as opposed to you being in Jambo). Like you, I did not want to leave my balcony (luckily we were not doing the parks those days).

Great photos of you and DH at Epcot at the F&W. One of these days I really want to get there for F&W.

You had some really yummy looking goodies.

[RGirl]

I'm loving your updates! My DD4 and I were there for F&W this year too, but I'm not going to lie - you got to experience a LOT more of the Festival than I did! :laughing:

[shan23877]

.38 SPECIAL????!!! I loved them when I was in high school (but they were a bit past their prime even then). I believe that I even went to one of their concerts with my mom. Hold on Loosely is the most famous song I think.

Booze + Double Fisting = Good Time. That's one math problem that I learned in college. :lmao:

Love the funny hat photos, and that your DH was having enough fun to try them on.

I wish we'd run into you guys when I was threatening to vacation without my family. I'd have joined you. :rotfl:

[gatormommy07]

The hubs and I went on a mommy and daddy only trip last summer and it was so fun!! I am glad you were having fun!!

By the way, your hubby will hate this, but our dog has a Gator football jersey, a bumble bee costume, and a sweater vest with a skull and cross-bones on it, and he loves wearing all of them!! Here are a couple of pics you can show him...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/gatormommy07/downsized_0919111624426x320.jpghttp://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/gatormommy07/0917111529800x600.jpg
Sorry about the poor quality, phone pics, although the outside one is way better than the inside one!!

[amandaw]

Your first update entry made me so hungry that I had to go fix my lunch! :lmao:

Sounds like y'all were really having a wonderful time! :goodvibes That margarita looks soooooo good. I've had strawberry margaritas but never strawberry & lime....I'm definitely going to have to try that out on our next trip!

Can't wait to hear about this long dinner.

[afwdwfan]

Yes, I believe you guys would be fun to vacation with... especially during F&W. :lmao::rotfl2: I'm sure hearing your comment probably helped cut a little bit of the stress for the mom... the kids might not have thought it was so funny, but still :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 for spreading Disney magic.

It looks like you left out part of your TR... I didn't catch the part where you went back to buy the coonskin hat.:confused3 :lmao: Surely he had enough to drink! :rotfl2:

[fitgirl36]

Ok, all caught up! Sounds like you guys had a blast. By the way, and certainly not judging AT ALL, but what was your drink count up to this espisode?!? I was thinking you guys look really great in the Mexico photo,no drunk eyes or anything!

[acejka]

You had me at "metro" "king street" and "dca"

Lord I miss NOVA!! I can't wait to get out of the mousehouse and back to my beloved washington dc area!

I think we are staying in Orlando a few more years though :(

[PirateKate]

I've started planning a weekend getaway for us without the boys, staying at AKL. I'm getting even more excited reading your TR. So many things will be so much easier. No toddlers climbing in the fountain in Mexico...Landon almost made it in on our last trip. :rotfl:

Jeremy hates Spooky Buddies, too. He says animals shouldn't talk move their mouths to talk. :confused3 I should really buy it for the boys. It'd be fun for me.

[CandleontheWater]

I have NO clue how I missed so many updates (I can't even say it was because I was updating my own TR because I've not done a lot of that).

Glad byou got to relax on the plane and enjoy the flight and free soda without having the little one.

Sorry for the awful ME bus ride. I don't like talking politics period...and cedrtainly don't want to listen to it on vacation.

Your room looks great at AK (we were in Kidani as opposed to you being in Jambo). Like you, I did not want to leave my balcony (luckily we were not doing the parks those days).

Great photos of you and DH at Epcot at the F&W. One of these days I really want to get there for F&W.

You had some really yummy looking goodies.

Did you guys like Kidani? It just seems so far away from the action- but then again you are really close to Sanaa, and I love me some Sanaa! :lovestruc

I'm loving your updates! My DD4 and I were there for F&W this year too, but I'm not going to lie - you got to experience a LOT more of the Festival than I did! :laughing:

Pretty much the only thing we experienced was the festival! :rotfl2: That was the plan, so it was fine with us!

.38 SPECIAL????!!! I loved them when I was in high school (but they were a bit past their prime even then). I believe that I even went to one of their concerts with my mom. Hold on Loosely is the most famous song I think.

Booze + Double Fisting = Good Time. That's one math problem that I learned in college. :lmao:

Love the funny hat photos, and that your DH was having enough fun to try them on.

I wish we'd run into you guys when I was threatening to vacation without my family. I'd have joined you. :rotfl:

We did eventually figure out who .38 special was, later that night in Jellyrolls, but I'll get to that part.

I'm not sure Dh and the hats had anything to do with "fun", but more to do with beer! :rotfl:

The hubs and I went on a mommy and daddy only trip last summer and it was so fun!! I am glad you were having fun!!

By the way, your hubby will hate this, but our dog has a Gator football jersey, a bumble bee costume, and a sweater vest with a skull and cross-bones on it, and he loves wearing all of them!! Here are a couple of pics you can show him...
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/gatormommy07/downsized_0919111624426x320.jpghttp://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i72/gatormommy07/0917111529800x600.jpg
Sorry about the poor quality, phone pics, although the outside one is way better than the inside one!!

hahaha! :lmao: I love the dog pics! He is a cutie!

Your first update entry made me so hungry that I had to go fix my lunch! :lmao:

Sounds like y'all were really having a wonderful time! :goodvibes That margarita looks soooooo good. I've had strawberry margaritas but never strawberry & lime....I'm definitely going to have to try that out on our next trip!

Can't wait to hear about this long dinner.

Strawberry and lime is yummy! I still think that the margaritas inside are better, but I was in the mood for a frozen concoction.

Yes, I believe you guys would be fun to vacation with... especially during F&W. :lmao::rotfl2: I'm sure hearing your comment probably helped cut a little bit of the stress for the mom... the kids might not have thought it was so funny, but still :thumbsup2:thumbsup2 for spreading Disney magic.

It looks like you left out part of your TR... I didn't catch the part where you went back to buy the coonskin hat.:confused3 :lmao: Surely he had enough to drink! :rotfl2:

Sadly we did not make it back over to America! We have, in past trips, bought some strange things while a little tipsy. One of my favorites was incense in Morocco. I swear I thought it smelled so nice at the time, but when we got home it wasn't quite the same. Whenever I would get it out, DH would say that it "smelled like bad decisions" :lmao:

Ok, all caught up! Sounds like you guys had a blast. By the way, and certainly not judging AT ALL, but what was your drink count up to this espisode?!? I was thinking you guys look really great in the Mexico photo,no drunk eyes or anything!

We were making the most of our child-free window- that is for sure! ;)

Hmm... I have no idea- but we were drinking over a multiple-hour time window, and eating along with it. DH and I are also not rookies when it comes to having a few drinks, before Everett arrived on the scene, we used to know how to have a good time. ;)

You had me at "metro" "king street" and "dca"

Lord I miss NOVA!! I can't wait to get out of the mousehouse and back to my beloved washington dc area!

I think we are staying in Orlando a few more years though :(

Oh gosh- do you want to trade! I desperately would like to get back to Florida! I do appreciate where we are living, and there are lots of things that I do enjoy, but especially now that the weather is getting colder, I want nothing more than to be back living in Florida!

Did you guys live in Alexandria?

I've started planning a weekend getaway for us without the boys, staying at AKL. I'm getting even more excited reading your TR. So many things will be so much easier. No toddlers climbing in the fountain in Mexico...Landon almost made it in on our last trip. :rotfl:

Jeremy hates Spooky Buddies, too. He says animals shouldn't talk move their mouths to talk. :confused3 I should really buy it for the boys. It'd be fun for me.

Yay!! When is your weekend getaway! You guys are going to have so much fun at AKL, I thought it was a very romantic resort, and so beautiful! :lovestruc

I'll let Mark know that he is not along with his dislike of the spooky buddies- maybe its a guy thing?

[RGirl]

Pretty much the only thing we experienced was the festival! That was the plan, so it was fine with us!

You took my dream trip. :sad1:

:rotfl2:

[Missyrose]

How did I fall so behind?!?! All caught up now. :goodvibes You guys are having a blast on your baby-free trip! Loved the exchange with the fed-up mom. You two do sound like a fun bunch to hang with. :thumbsup2

Did I tell you about my plans for a trip next October? I think we're going to rent points to stay at AKV for six nights! I was so excited to see all of your photos now that those plans have taken hold.

Can't wait to hear about Bistro de Paris, that is one of the restaurants on my to-do lists for future trips. popcorn::

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

I'm in and caught up! Great TR, very jealous, a child-free trip to WDW?!?!?! How lucky are you two? I'm trying to plan a child-free trip but it won't happen until 2014 when our kids are 17 and 13. Our friends will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary the same time as us so this is how we will celebrate....woo hoo:woohoo:!

Love the henna tattoo and the pictures with all the hats!

[Jiminy_78]

Your trip report should come with a disclaimer: "Do NOT read on an empty stomach!" :rotfl2: My only F&W experience was in '09 and since we were on the DxDDP that trip we had a lot of snack credits to burn through as we ate our way around the world. So yummy! :cloud9:

Had to comment on the Goats Do Roam wine. We had dinner at Boma back in '07 with my sister and BIL and shared a bottle of GDR with our dinner. It was the first time any of us had it and we enjoyed it enough that it's become a running joke, we often laugh about how those goats do roam, and they make tasty wine also. :lmao:

[acejka]

I have to admit I love love LOVE the weather down here. And I love living in Florida, I think I might be better suited for a different area... Tampa maybe...

I'll move back down here eventually, but with the baby on the way I want to be near my family, and being near them takes a whole host of problems away with holidays and traveling to see his family and mine.

I worked on Duke Street, right across from King Street Metro for 5 years, and I grew up in Franconia, now its pretty much called Kingstowne. We were living in Burke before his job transferred us down here.

I really really really miss how convenient everything was up there and how there is just so much to do, I feel like there isn't a lot to do other than theme parks- I practically grew up in DC at the Smithsonian, on the national mall, at the zoo etc. I really miss those experiences :(

[CandleontheWater]

You took my dream trip. :sad1:

:rotfl2:

:rotfl2:

How did I fall so behind?!?! All caught up now. :goodvibes You guys are having a blast on your baby-free trip! Loved the exchange with the fed-up mom. You two do sound like a fun bunch to hang with. :thumbsup2

Did I tell you about my plans for a trip next October? I think we're going to rent points to stay at AKV for six nights! I was so excited to see all of your photos now that those plans have taken hold.

Can't wait to hear about Bistro de Paris, that is one of the restaurants on my to-do lists for future trips. popcorn::

I think you will LOVE AKV! Great choice! I'll have more photos of the lobby and such coming up!


I'm in and caught up! Great TR, very jealous, a child-free trip to WDW?!?!?! How lucky are you two? I'm trying to plan a child-free trip but it won't happen until 2014 when our kids are 17 and 13. Our friends will be celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary the same time as us so this is how we will celebrate....woo hoo:woohoo:!

Love the henna tattoo and the pictures with all the hats!

We were really grateful to be able to take such a nice trip! When we lived in Florida, before we had Everett, we were able to go fairly often, so it was really nice to be able to do it again.

Your trip report should come with a disclaimer: "Do NOT read on an empty stomach!" :rotfl2: My only F&W experience was in '09 and since we were on the DxDDP that trip we had a lot of snack credits to burn through as we ate our way around the world. So yummy! :cloud9:

Had to comment on the Goats Do Roam wine. We had dinner at Boma back in '07 with my sister and BIL and shared a bottle of GDR with our dinner. It was the first time any of us had it and we enjoyed it enough that it's become a running joke, we often laugh about how those goats do roam, and they make tasty wine also. :lmao:

I do like Goats Do Roam, and I actually found another wine from the same vineyard at Trader Joes. Its sitting in my wine rack right now, waiting for a good excuse to break it out!

I have to admit I love love LOVE the weather down here. And I love living in Florida, I think I might be better suited for a different area... Tampa maybe...

I'll move back down here eventually, but with the baby on the way I want to be near my family, and being near them takes a whole host of problems away with holidays and traveling to see his family and mine.

I worked on Duke Street, right across from King Street Metro for 5 years, and I grew up in Franconia, now its pretty much called Kingstowne. We were living in Burke before his job transferred us down here.

I really really really miss how convenient everything was up there and how there is just so much to do, I feel like there isn't a lot to do other than theme parks- I practically grew up in DC at the Smithsonian, on the national mall, at the zoo etc. I really miss those experiences :(

I do like all the things to do in this area and I LOVE Old Town. I'm really happy we ended up where we did, we went in blind, and just picked a place. I didn't realize that we would be in such a great location.

I have a lot of friends who live in Kingstowne, its great for families. If we were staying here long-term we'd probably be moving out there, because there is no way we could afford a three bedroom house in Old Town! :scared1:

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 5- A leisurely meal is one thing, but this is getting ridiculous!

We headed back into the resort and took the elevator up to our room. While we were walking down the hallway, we were behind a dad and young daughter duo. They were walking, and then the Dad, stopped to put the little girl on his shoulders- perfectly normal right? Well as they continued to walk down the hallway, the Dad didn’t notice the low hanging exit sign- and SMACK- right into the girls head.

The poor little girl started wailing and the poor dad just looked defeated. She wasn’t really hurt, she didn’t smack that hard, but take heed- beware the low hanging exit sign! I could totally see DH doing the same with Everett!:rolleyes1

After all that excitement, we were back into the room, and of course, the first thing I did was open the blinds and I saw this!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0142.jpg

Giraffes! A whole herd of Giraffes! I was beside myself with excitement!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSC_0144.jpg

I had to be coaxed back inside to get ready for the evening, but after a quick shower, and changing into my favorite dress- I felt ready for a romantic meal.

I was really excited to be able to get dressed up, I can count the times on one hand that I’ve worn a dress since I had Everett. My exciting life of playgroup, grocery shopping and Gymboree doesn’t exactly lend itself to a fashion forward wardrobe. I swear, the “What Not to Wear” people are lurking, just waiting to jump out and get me for my mommy faux pas! :laughing:

I was especially excited that I got to wear my favorite dress- my lighthouse dress- (because it is patterned with lots of little lighthouses). I am also excited that it fits! I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy and I thought for sure that I would never be able to wear my pre-baby wardrobe again. Luckily the dress is forgiving! ;)

I also got to bring along my Disney Dooney! I love my purse, and I rarely have the chance to take it out, since I’m mostly saddled with a diaper bag. I figured that a nice meal and then a few drinks was the perfect excuse to bring it out!

We took a taxi back to Epcot, because we didn’t want to risk being late for our ADR, and it worked out great because we were a little early and got to take some photos.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1859.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1861.jpg

We made our way back to the France Pavillion and over to Bistro de Paris.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1864.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1863.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1862.jpg

I chose this restaurant because I figured it was one that I would never in a million years bring Everett too. I know that people bring kids to signature restaurants, but those parents are either delusional, or have better behaved children than I do. There is no way that I would trust Everett in a fancy restaurant, and I’d feel terrible if I ruined someone else’s evening, so places like Bistro de Paris will be off our radar for a while.

While we were waiting for our table, I took a few pictures

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1866.jpg
Chefs du France

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1867.jpg
DH waiting

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1865.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1868.jpg
There was a really pretty chandelier hanging down into the lobby


And before long we were being lead upstairs

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1877.jpg

This is a very pretty restaurant, and we got a very nice table, right in the center of the room, but still with a view out over WS lagoon. If you are going to go for a romantic dinner, and it is still light out, I’d request a window table, I think that would be even nicer.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1876.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1869.jpg

We got our menus and the wine list and we took a look. My original plan was to do the Prix Fixe menu, with the wine pairings, but really none of the appetizers were speaking to me. Also, the entrée I was most interested in was not part of the fixed menu, so I ended up deciding against it.

DH decided against it too, and we both declined an appetizer. Dh ended up ordering the lamb shank, and I got the red snapper with potato scales and rosemary sauce. I was initially a little hesitatnt, because I thought it might be too similar to my beloved red snapper at the Flying Fish, and don’t want to always have the same thing, but I think I made a great choice.

While we were waiting I had a nice glass of Pinot Noir (sorry, I forgot to write down the name), and Dh had a glass of wine as well.

It was so lovely to just sit back and relax and talk, and we were enjoying every minute of it! It was a real date, and we haven’t had one of those in such a long time!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1873.jpg

While we were waiting on our entrees our waiter brought us out an amuse bouche- which was celery soup with (some sort of) cheese foam. It didn’t sound overwhelming appetizing, but it was worth a shot. I did like the soup itself, it was very creamy and rich, but I wasn’t a fan of the foam. It tasted a little odd and it was a strange consistency when paired with the soup.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1870.jpg

It did serve the purpose of taking up some time while we waited, and waited and waited for our food to come out. Now, I was certainly looking forward to a leisurely meal, but when an hour had gone by and we still didn’t have our entrees, I was getting a little antsy ( and hungry). The waiter came by and apologized and told us the kitchen was running behind. Well, there wasn’t much we could do about that!

We still were enjoying ourselves and we chatted a little about the other diners. There were a lot of empty tables at the restaurant, which wasn’t all that surprising, since I was able to score a 6:30 pm dinner reservation less than one month out. The people that were there were mostly couples, I could tell a few were honeymooners, and some families with older children.

There were two families that had brought young children (a baby and a toddler) into the restaurant, and I was surprised. First of all there is no kids menu, so I’m not sure what they were eating, and the way that service was running, I couldn’t believe that they’d sit for so long.

One of the kids really surprised me, and was a complete angel. Not a peep through the whole meal, just sat happily in her high chair. If Everett would act like that I would have no problem taking him anywhere.

The other kid was acting like a typical toddler, and the parents let her up out of the highchair and was letting her run around. They were on the other side of the restaurant from us (the restaurant was separated by low cabinets), but I still found it disruptive.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1875.jpg
these cabinets divided the restaurant in two

One other thing that I didn’t really love about the service was that our waiter would disappear for long stretches. If I’m not getting my food, please at least make sure my wine glass and water glass don’t become empty!
Another few minutes went by, and finally our food was brought out!

I have to say that it was very good! If we had to wait almost an hour and a half for bad food, I wouldn’t have been happy. The restaurant did redeem itself by presenting two very detectible dishes. My red snapper was cooked perfectly, the potato scales were not over done and the sauce was very light and delicious.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1871.jpg

Dh’s lamb was tender and juicy and seasoned perfectly.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1872.jpg

After we finished eating, we decided to take a look at the dessert menu, we figured that the desserts were all likely pre-plated, so they would come out quickly. I mean, that makes sense, right?

We decided on the chocolate almond cake, and we asked the waiter to please bring our check, because we would like to get moving. I think I told him we wanted to watch the fireworks, was was a little white lie, but I figured it might work better than just “We need to get to the next bar”.


I was a little disappointed that dinner took so long, because the plan was to use our Soarin’ fastpasses after dinner, and then go on to Jellyrolls. I figured that dinner wouldn’t take more than an hour and a half, and we were already at the mark, and dessert was still to come. We made the decision to skip Soarin’ today, and hit it up the next day. It was getting late and we wanted to be sure to get a table at Jellyrolls.

It took them another half an hour to bring our dessert (so much for the speedy plan), but it also was very good.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1874.jpg
chocolate almond cake

All told, we were at the restaurant for almost 2 ½ hours! I was really glad in the end that we didn’t get the three course meal, the park might have closed before we even finished eating!

We left the park just as Illuminations was going off- and made our way to the Boardwalk.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1878.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20Oct%202011%20Tue/DSCN1880.jpg

We got into Jellyrolls scored a table (and a much nicer waitress than our last trip), and proceeded to settle in and enjoy the entertainment. We made a few requests and they were played, and we also figured out who .38 special was, because they played their hit “Hold on Loosely”. As soon as DH and I heard it, we were like “Oooohhhh- we recognize that song”.

We had a few beers, but at this point I was slowing down because the early AM wake up call was catching up to me, and I didn’t want to get too sleepy to enjoy everything.
We ended up leaving Jellyrolls around 11:30, I think it was earlier than DH would have liked, but I was about to fall asleep at the table.

We took a taxi back to the resort, and we were in bed by midnight. How long did we sleep in- well wait and see!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I like your dress!

Your meal looked really yummy!

I know the feeling about not being able to eat at a signature restaurant, I can't take my brothers there either, they are like two big kids! ;)

[afwdwfan]

I'd have been running around the restaurant like a toddler afte 2 1/2 hours! :lmao::rotfl2:

Looks like a very fun, enjoyable evening! I really need to get to Jellyrolls sometime. I've been to the Boardwalk several times, but never there.

[RGirl]

Great update! You both looked so nice for your date night. And the food looked really good as well. But man, that was a looooooong wait! :mad: Too bad you had to skip Soarin'. :sad2:

[fi46re129]

Finally all caught up! Crazy few weeks here. Anyway.. It looks like you guys are having a wonderful trip! So wonderful that I told Nick we are going sans little Nick next Sept for our yearly trip! I can't wait to have some drinks around the world fully experience food & wine and hit up some signature restaurants! Oh and Jelly Rolls! We have never been there! I hate waiting forever to be served at a restaurant but a really delicious meal definitely helps. Can't wait to read more!

[shan23877]

[QUOTE=CandleontheWater;43261208]


I was really excited to be able to get dressed up, I can count the times on one hand that I’ve worn a dress since I had Everett. My exciting life of playgroup, grocery shopping and Gymboree doesn’t exactly lend itself to a fashion forward wardrobe.

:guilty: if you can't wear it to the grocery store, I don't wear it. (except to work but that doesn't count)

I swear, the “What Not to Wear” people are lurking, just waiting to jump out and get me for my mommy faux pas! :laughing:

Sometimes when I'm getting dressed I think to my self "I wonder if the What Not To Wear people will let me keep my Cubs T-shirts?" :lmao:

I can't believe that dinner took that long! I've worked in restaurants for a long time, and there's no reason for you food to have taken 1 1/2 hours to come out. Especially if the restaurant wasn't full. Crazy!!

I love Jellyrolls!!! Glad you guys found out who .38 Special are! :rotfl:

[marDgreen88]

AHH! The giraffes! That's the coolest thing ever. I HAVE TO STAY THERE.

Cute dress! Wow, that is a little ridiculous that you had to wait so long for your food. For some reason that has been a recurring theme... I feel like any time I go to a restaurant that happens to be slow, it takes a lot longer than it would if it were busy. I guess the chefs are far less motivated when nobody's there?! :laughing: Who knows. Glad your food was good at least!

[KatMark]

Sorry I missed your update (I'm trying to move faster on my TR so that I can start my PTR :headache:).

Love the giraffe pictures (I had tons of those pictures too!). :)

I loved the update. Your dress is very pretty and you look great!

That is too bad that dinner/dessert took so long. I would not have been as patient as you, especially with a disappearing server.

We have never been to Jellyrolls; sounds like you guys had a good time on date night.

[amandaw]

Y'all look great for date night! I love your lighthouse dress - very cute!

Dinner looks really, really good - especially dessert! But, I would've been ready to scream waiting that long for food.

And I'm like you - I would never bring Reid to a place like that. I know it would be unfair of me to expect him to be still for so long & I wouldn't want to disrupt other people. The toddler running around would've driven me nuts. That drives me nuts in any restaurant. No matter how restless Reid may get, he's never allowed to run around. I just refocus his attention while at the table. Okay, I'll put away my soapbox now. :laughing:

[khertz]

Somehow, I missed the start of this TR, but I'm all caught up now! :thumbsup2 I just remarked to DH how I read your last TR to prepare us for bringing DS on his first trip to Disney, and now I'm hoping this one will prepare me for taking our mommy & daddy getaway trip in a few months without DS! :rotfl: Great so far. That meal at Bistro looks delicious, but WOW that's a long meal. I too am surprised that people would bring their babies & toddlers there. DS would definitely not tolerated that, no matter how many puffs we tried to give him! :laughing:

[Missyrose]

Sounds like you had a lovely, albeit looooong, meal at Bistro de Paris. We've never been to Jellyrolls before, but it sounds like a lot of fun!

[PirateKate]

Bistro de Paris looks really good, but I'd find it frustrating to wait that long. I've always figured that any place with a dress code isn't the place for my boys, despite their stellar table manners. :rotfl:

I love the giraffes outside the window! It'd be hard to ever make it to the parks, with a view like that.

[CandleontheWater]

I like your dress!

Your meal looked really yummy!

I know the feeling about not being able to eat at a signature restaurant, I can't take my brothers there either, they are like two big kids! ;)

That comment totally cracked me up! :rotfl:

I'd have been running around the restaurant like a toddler afte 2 1/2 hours! :lmao::rotfl2:

Looks like a very fun, enjoyable evening! I really need to get to Jellyrolls sometime. I've been to the Boardwalk several times, but never there.

You should try Jellyrolls sometime! It is really fun, and probably the best night time entertainment at Disney since the Adventurers Club closed down.

Great update! You both looked so nice for your date night. And the food looked really good as well. But man, that was a looooooong wait! :mad: Too bad you had to skip Soarin'. :sad2:

Thank you! :goodvibes

I was a little sad we had to skip Soarin' but I knew we'd be back the next day (and its like like we've never been on it before ;) )

Finally all caught up! Crazy few weeks here. Anyway.. It looks like you guys are having a wonderful trip! So wonderful that I told Nick we are going sans little Nick next Sept for our yearly trip! I can't wait to have some drinks around the world fully experience food & wine and hit up some signature restaurants! Oh and Jelly Rolls! We have never been there! I hate waiting forever to be served at a restaurant but a really delicious meal definitely helps. Can't wait to read more!

Yay! Adults only trips are so much fun, I'm glad to have inspired you to take one!

[QUOTE=CandleontheWater;43261208]


I was really excited to be able to get dressed up, I can count the times on one hand that I’ve worn a dress since I had Everett. My exciting life of playgroup, grocery shopping and Gymboree doesn’t exactly lend itself to a fashion forward wardrobe.

:guilty: if you can't wear it to the grocery store, I don't wear it. (except to work but that doesn't count)

I swear, the “What Not to Wear” people are lurking, just waiting to jump out and get me for my mommy faux pas! :laughing:

Sometimes when I'm getting dressed I think to my self "I wonder if the What Not To Wear people will let me keep my Cubs T-shirts?" :lmao:

I can't believe that dinner took that long! I've worked in restaurants for a long time, and there's no reason for you food to have taken 1 1/2 hours to come out. Especially if the restaurant wasn't full. Crazy!!

I love Jellyrolls!!! Glad you guys found out who .38 Special are! :rotfl:

I don't think they'd let you keep your cubs shirts, but they'd probably take my Disney shirts away too, so don't feel too bad :scared1:

AHH! The giraffes! That's the coolest thing ever. I HAVE TO STAY THERE.

Cute dress! Wow, that is a little ridiculous that you had to wait so long for your food. For some reason that has been a recurring theme... I feel like any time I go to a restaurant that happens to be slow, it takes a lot longer than it would if it were busy. I guess the chefs are far less motivated when nobody's there?! :laughing: Who knows. Glad your food was good at least!

I have no idea what was going on in the kitchen, but it was crazy!

[CandleontheWater]

Sorry I missed your update (I'm trying to move faster on my TR so that I can start my PTR :headache:).

Love the giraffe pictures (I had tons of those pictures too!). :)

I loved the update. Your dress is very pretty and you look great!

That is too bad that dinner/dessert took so long. I would not have been as patient as you, especially with a disappearing server.

We have never been to Jellyrolls; sounds like you guys had a good time on date night.

I was really hoping to see some giraffes, so I was super psyched that they were just hanging out right beneath my balcony!

Y'all look great for date night! I love your lighthouse dress - very cute!

Dinner looks really, really good - especially dessert! But, I would've been ready to scream waiting that long for food.

And I'm like you - I would never bring Reid to a place like that. I know it would be unfair of me to expect him to be still for so long & I wouldn't want to disrupt other people. The toddler running around would've driven me nuts. That drives me nuts in any restaurant. No matter how restless Reid may get, he's never allowed to run around. I just refocus his attention while at the table. Okay, I'll put away my soapbox now. :laughing:

I don't even like taking Everett to casual dining restaurants, because he can be such a beast. If he can't handle Applebees, there is no way I'd entertain the idea of a signature. :laughing:

Somehow, I missed the start of this TR, but I'm all caught up now! :thumbsup2 I just remarked to DH how I read your last TR to prepare us for bringing DS on his first trip to Disney, and now I'm hoping this one will prepare me for taking our mommy & daddy getaway trip in a few months without DS! :rotfl: Great so far. That meal at Bistro looks delicious, but WOW that's a long meal. I too am surprised that people would bring their babies & toddlers there. DS would definitely not tolerated that, no matter how many puffs we tried to give him! :laughing:

I'm sure that some kids could handle it (probably little girls :rolleyes1 ), but I know that my DS would have been tearing up the place after about 30 mins.

Sounds like you had a lovely, albeit looooong, meal at Bistro de Paris. We've never been to Jellyrolls before, but it sounds like a lot of fun!

It was a really yummy meal, and I'd definitely go back, but I'd be sure not to plan anything for afterwards just in case it ran REALLY long.

Bistro de Paris looks really good, but I'd find it frustrating to wait that long. I've always figured that any place with a dress code isn't the place for my boys, despite their stellar table manners. :rotfl:

I love the giraffes outside the window! It'd be hard to ever make it to the parks, with a view like that.

I really would like to go back to AKL and stay there for a week, that way I could spend some time just enjoying the view, and still have enough days to make it to the parks


OK- Sorry I've been MIA, its been a really busy few weeks between Everett's birthday, Thanksgiving and getting ready for our next Disney trip. I have been meaning to get an update done, but life just got in the way. I don't think Everett is going to nap today (he's been partying in his crib for the past 20 minutes with no sign of slowing down), so I'll likely pick this back up when we get back from Disney.

I hope you all stick around! It will be good to still have this TR going, because that will give me time to get the photopass CD for our Dec trip before I start that TR!

[RGirl]

Have a wonderful trip!!!! :yay:

[fitgirl36]

Have a great trip!

[fi46re129]

Have a wonderful trip!!

[MeMom]

OK- Sorry I've been MIA, its been a really busy few weeks between Everett's birthday, Thanksgiving and getting ready for our next Disney trip. I have been meaning to get an update done, but life just got in the way. I don't think Everett is going to nap today (he's been partying in his crib for the past 20 minutes with no sign of slowing down), so I'll likely pick this back up when we get back from Disney.

I hope you all stick around! It will be good to still have this TR going, because that will give me time to get the photopass CD for our Dec trip before I start that TR!


You could back up your 'sorry' by giving us pictures from the trip on FB throughout the trip. :rolleyes1

I mean, if you're really wanting complete forgiveness. :)

Have a fabulous time!!! :dance3:

[CandleontheWater]

You could back up your 'sorry' by giving us pictures from the trip on FB throughout the trip. :rolleyes1

I mean, if you're really wanting complete forgiveness. :)

Have a fabulous time!!! :dance3:

You got it MeMom! Check your facebook for fun Disney pics this week! :goodvibes

See you all when I get back!

[amandaw]

Have a safe & wonderful trip! :goodvibes

[CandleontheWater]

Well...we're back!

I would love to say that we had a fabulous time, and everything went swimmingly, but unfortunately it didn't. :sad2:

We had a confirmed case of bedbugs in my dream Poly room, and it really negatively effected our vacation.

We were there for four nights total, so it was a short trip, and we ended up losing about a full day to the madness.

I started a thread about it here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843348) if you are interested in our misadventures, but I don't think I'm going to do a TR for that trip. I don't like being overly negative, and I'm sure no one wants to read about two days of worry, hassle and itching.

That and I have pretty much no pictures from the last two days because they had to take my camera bag to clean it, and I wasn't going to take my nice camera into the parks without the bag.

We did have some fun, and we did try to stay upbeat and positive, and I know we are going to laugh about this in the future, but right now it is just disappointing!

I will get back to this TR ASAP! Please stay tuned! :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

Well...we're back!

I would love to say that we had a fabulous time, and everything went swimmingly, but unfortunately it didn't. :sad2:

We had a confirmed case of bedbugs in my dream Poly room, and it really negatively effected our vacation.

We were there for four nights total, so it was a short trip, and we ended up losing about a full day to the madness.

I started a thread about it here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843348) if you are interested in our misadventures, but I don't think I'm going to do a TR for that trip. I don't like being overly negative, and I'm sure no one wants to read about two days of worry, hassle and itching.

That and I have pretty much no pictures from the last two days because they had to take my camera bag to clean it, and I wasn't going to take my nice camera into the parks without the bag.

We did have some fun, and we did try to stay upbeat and positive, and I know we are going to laugh about this in the future, but right now it is just disappointing!

I will get back to this TR ASAP! Please stay tuned! :thumbsup2

Welcome back! I had read about your misfortunes on the resort board....I am so sorry that happened to you. :sad2:

I look forward to reading your next update here.

[afwdwfan]

Wow, sorry your trip was less than magical. That must have been awful.

[khertz]

Oh my God, how awful for y'all!!!! :hug: I just read through your thread on the bedbugs, and I'm glad Disney rectified the situation as best they could, but so sorry you had to go through that. I definitely don't blame you for not wanting to relive that nightmare in the form of a TR. Hopefully next time your trip won't be so "exciting."

[RGirl]

Well...we're back!

I would love to say that we had a fabulous time, and everything went swimmingly, but unfortunately it didn't. :sad2:

We had a confirmed case of bedbugs in my dream Poly room, and it really negatively effected our vacation.

We were there for four nights total, so it was a short trip, and we ended up losing about a full day to the madness.

I started a thread about it here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2843348) if you are interested in our misadventures, but I don't think I'm going to do a TR for that trip. I don't like being overly negative, and I'm sure no one wants to read about two days of worry, hassle and itching.

That and I have pretty much no pictures from the last two days because they had to take my camera bag to clean it, and I wasn't going to take my nice camera into the parks without the bag.

We did have some fun, and we did try to stay upbeat and positive, and I know we are going to laugh about this in the future, but right now it is just disappointing!

I will get back to this TR ASAP! Please stay tuned! :thumbsup2

Oh no! I am so sorry! :sad2:

[amandaw]

Oh no!!! I just got done reading about your ordeal. That is just unreal. I'm so sorry y'all had to deal with that junk on vacation. But, like you said, at least Disney did what they could to resolve the problem. Hope your bites stop itching soon so you can get some relief! They didn't get Everett since he wasn't in the bed, right?

[fitgirl36]

I saw your bedbug post on the resorts board! Awful, awful, awful! That stinks for you guys, you love the Poly and this is what happened?! I look forward to reading some more about this trip report. You know, after reading about bedbugs here on the Dis I'm pretty certain we had a case of them at the BC a few years back. First morning there I woke up with a 'mosquito' bite on my leg. Itched like heck, next morning, a couple more. My DH never had any and I thought maybe it was my perfume or lotion that they were attracted too. After I got back from that trip I started reading the Dis more and realized it was probably bedbugs. Since I didn't know, we never asked to move rooms, got our stuff clean etc. Thank goodness they didn't travel home with us! Yuck!

[MeMom]

It is good to know that they worked quickly to remedy the situation and comped some of your cost. Since it really did affect your overall stay, it would have been nice if you could have gotten your entire room price back to put a 'do-over' trip in the future, but it does seem like you were satisfied at the way things played out. Hope that itching has subsided now. That would be miserable.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Yikes, definitely not a dream vacation. So sorry that happened to you guys but it sounds like Disney handled it well.

[marDgreen88]

Oh no! I'm so sorry that had to happen. I hope you were still able to have some fun.

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 6- breakfast on the Savannah!

So, here it was, our much anticipated morning to sleep in, and what time did I wake up?

7:30 am :sad2:

So much for sleeping in! My body is so conditioned to waking up early, that now sleeping in til 8 am is something crazy! Well, we had stuff to do, and anyway, I was dying to see what was going on right outside our window.

I jumped out of bed, threw open the curtains (much to the dismay of DH, who was still sleeping, and perfectly content to snooze away) and there, right below our balcony was a whole herd of zebras!

They were jumping and running and just generally having the time of their life. I know I should have grabbed the camera, but I was too busy enjoying the view, and by the time I got my senses together, they had moved on some.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0149.jpg
One lone zebra- a straggler from the herd

The plan for the morning was to have breakfast on our balcony, and then spend some time by the pool, but it was a chilly morning, so I nixed the pool plans.

Dh decided to join me to go and get the food, so we both headed down to Mara for some provisions. This was one reason I really liked Jambo house. It was a really short walk from the DVC rooms to Mara, something that I wouldn’t have had access to if we were out in Kindani.

We got our food to go and headed right back up to our room.

I set up our feast on our little table- Mickey waffles for me and croissant sandwhich for DH.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSCN1882.jpg

Breakfast- meet savannah!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSCN1881.jpg

Then I went back inside to break out the bubbly! I had brought a little bottle of champagne and some plastic flutes so we could celebrate with mimosas for breakfast. It was a perfect compliment to our breakfast, and nothing says vacation like alcohol for breakfast.

Before

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSCN1883.jpg

After
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0146.jpg

The only unfortunate thing was that when we sat down to eat, most the animals had moved on. We got to view a few birds, storks maybe, but all the big game was elsewhere. No matter, it was still a lovely morning and a lovely view.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0145.jpg
breakfast time!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0150.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0151.jpg
pretty empty savannah!

Towards the end of our breakfast we did see a small truck driving in circles around the savannah. I wondered aloud what they were doing, and DH said “They are looking for animal poop”. “No way”, I said, “they are just likely checking everything out”.

Well, after driving in circles for a while, the truck stopped, and the people got out with big shovels, and low and behold, DH was right. We had a good laugh about that, but I guess it makes sense, it would get pretty pungent on those balconies if there were no official pooper scoopers.

After breakfast, since it had not really warmed up, we made the final call to skip the pool and head to the MK. We got ready, and left the room.

Half way to the elevator, I realized I left my wedding rings in the room, so we had to turn around and head back for them. Since having Everett I have really gotten out of the habit of wearing them. I accidentally scratched his face with my solitaire when he was about four months old, and I just felt terrible, so I stopped wearing them around him. Since this was our big adults only weekend, I brought them along, but I found that they were easy to forget, since I wasn’t used to having them on my fingers.

We weren’t too far, so it was no big deal to head back, and before long we were on our way to the MK.

When we arrived at the bus stop we had the good luck to have a bus right there waiting on us! When we realized that it was a MK bus, we did hustle, but it is much easier to pick up the pace when it is just you and your own two feet, that is for sure!

On the way into the MK, I stopped to take some pictures. I just love the fall decorations for the MK. I know this may sound scandalous, but I love the fall decorations even more than the Christmas ones! That is, except for the Castle dream lights, they are in a league all their own.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0153.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0154.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0155.jpg
Walking under this gives me shivers! :lovestruc

Once inside the MK, I took some more photos,

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0156.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0157.jpg

and I did some pin trading with the CM out and about around Main Street. That is when we ran into the CM who chose us to be the Grand Marshalls of the parade back in 2009! It was so exciting to see him again, and he remembered us because we just found out that we were having Everett, and not only did he give us the chance of a lifetime in being the parade Grand Marshalls, but he bought Everett his first pair of mickey ears! It was so exciting to see him again, and I was sure to thank him for the wonderful experience and to let him know that we will never forget him. It really was a magical exchange, the CM was so thrilled that we remembered him, and he was really touched that it meant so much to us.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0158.jpg

After that it was time to head over to our first ride of the day- which one was it? Stay tuned to find out!

[afwdwfan]

It was a perfect compliment to our breakfast, and nothing says vacation like alcohol for breakfast.
:thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

I've got to say, I never thought about them picking up poop out there. I guess it does make sense though, especially if the animals like to leave deposits right outside a certain balcony or something.:eek:

I kind of agree with your comment about the fall decorations. Granted, I've never seen them myself, but from pictures it just looks like they're a little more elaborate than the Christmas decorations.

That's great that you saw the CM from before and were able to talk with him. I'm sure it really made his day that someone would remember him for something he did 2 years ago.:thumbsup2


Ok... just saw your thread about parade poachers. I didn't post there, because it seems to be getting out of control with the vultures looking for the things you did "wrong" in the process, but there are situations where your shoe to their rear end is the right solution... you just didn't get it there the right way.:thumbsup2

[amazingact21]

Just read through your TR and have enjoyed it thus far. I've never been to WDW with a child, but I know vacationing there as 2 adults is a wonderful experience.
From all the pictures, it looks like you two had a great time. The F&W festival sounds delicious, and MK in the fall is gorgeous.

[amandaw]

I just love the view from y'alls balcony! It seems so peaceful. I showed the pictures to Ed, in hopes of getting him excited about AKV. He's like yeah, that's nice. I will stay there one day, I will!

I'm the same way about my wedding rings - I have to remember to put them on when leaving the house. They are a real danger to little ones. I've finally gotten into the habit of turning my ring around to the inside of my palm before trying to buckle him into his carseat. Can't even tell you how many times I've scratched him during that process.

Your pictures of MK are really, really pretty! And that is such a magical story about the CM who made y'all grand marshals! :goodvibes

[RGirl]

"So, what do you do for a living?"

"I scoop zebra poop for Disney."

:rotfl2:

You know, I think if I were staying in a savannah-view villa, I wouldn't be able to sleep in either! I'd keep hopping up to see what animals were out and about.

That is so cool about the MK CM. :love:

Thanks for the great update!

[tsme]

I'm so envious of ya'll. I would love to go to Disney just my husband and I. But I'm afraid our 9 yr old DD would never forgive us if we left her behind.
I hope ya'll trip was amazingly wonderful & full of pixie dust!:tinker:

[CandleontheWater]

:thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

I've got to say, I never thought about them picking up poop out there. I guess it does make sense though, especially if the animals like to leave deposits right outside a certain balcony or something.:eek:

I kind of agree with your comment about the fall decorations. Granted, I've never seen them myself, but from pictures it just looks like they're a little more elaborate than the Christmas decorations.

That's great that you saw the CM from before and were able to talk with him. I'm sure it really made his day that someone would remember him for something he did 2 years ago.:thumbsup2


Ok... just saw your thread about parade poachers. I didn't post there, because it seems to be getting out of control with the vultures looking for the things you did "wrong" in the process, but there are situations where your shoe to their rear end is the right solution... you just didn't get it there the right way.:thumbsup2

Mark and I did get a good laugh at the huge shovels they had for pooper scooper duty! It was especially funny because there weren't any other animals around, and we were just sitting there watching them.

Just read through your TR and have enjoyed it thus far. I've never been to WDW with a child, but I know vacationing there as 2 adults is a wonderful experience.
From all the pictures, it looks like you two had a great time. The F&W festival sounds delicious, and MK in the fall is gorgeous.

Thank you for joining in! We did have a wonderful time, and I think you just can't beat WDW in the fall, between MNSSHP, F&W, the wonderful weather and the beautiful decorations, it is such a great time to vacation.

I just love the view from y'alls balcony! It seems so peaceful. I showed the pictures to Ed, in hopes of getting him excited about AKV. He's like yeah, that's nice. I will stay there one day, I will!

I'm the same way about my wedding rings - I have to remember to put them on when leaving the house. They are a real danger to little ones. I've finally gotten into the habit of turning my ring around to the inside of my palm before trying to buckle him into his carseat. Can't even tell you how many times I've scratched him during that process.

Your pictures of MK are really, really pretty! And that is such a magical story about the CM who made y'all grand marshals! :goodvibes

I'm sure someday you'll get to AKL! You need to get Reid on your side, and have him work on Daddy also. I can't wait until Everett and I can tag team DH, he is not going to know what hit him! :rotfl2:

"So, what do you do for a living?"

"I scoop zebra poop for Disney."

:rotfl2:

You know, I think if I were staying in a savannah-view villa, I wouldn't be able to sleep in either! I'd keep hopping up to see what animals were out and about.

That is so cool about the MK CM. :love:

Thanks for the great update!

I wonder if scooping zebra poop is a promotion from scooping horse poop on Main Street! :lmao:

I'm so envious of ya'll. I would love to go to Disney just my husband and I. But I'm afraid our 9 yr old DD would never forgive us if we left her behind.
I hope ya'll trip was amazingly wonderful & full of pixie dust!:tinker:

The good thing is that Everett is still too young to really understand that we left him behind. I think taking adult only trips will get more challenging as he gets more aware. Heck, I still get a little miffed when my parents go to Disney without taking me and I'm 33! :rotfl2:

[AKL LOVER]

I'm joining in and interested to read about all the adult things that you did as I'm taking an adults only trip in the Spring...girls only. DH will have to sit that trip out.




The good thing is that Everett is still too young to really understand that we left him behind. I think taking adult only trips will get more challenging as he gets more aware. Heck, I still get a little miffed when my parents go to Disney without taking me and I'm 33! :rotfl2:

You might be pleasantly surprised as he gets older...My DH and I took our first adults only trip back over the summer. We went to Jamaica. I was so worried the kids would give us a hard time about leaving them at home because they LOVE anything to do with water and swimming. I couldn't believe how excited they were for us to go! For several weeks leading up to our vacation they kept asking us how much longer until we left...turns out they couldn't wait to spend the week with their grandparents! It sure made me feel less guilty about leaving them at home! ;)

[want2bamommy]

While we were sitting around I truthfully wasn’t paying attention to the boarding announcements, figuring that Mr. Obsessive Traveler sitting to my right would be all over it. At one point I looked up and said “isn’t that our flight”, as they were boarding the last of the passengers.

We jumped up and ran over right on time! What is the point of being in the waiting area 56 hours early, if you don’t even pay attention to the boarding announcements, right? ;)



I'm very sorry for your loss. I think it was a wonderful for your Mom to suggest this! I just started reading your review tonight and love it! This part made me laugh though!!! I can't wait to read more :thumbsup2.

[want2bamommy]

Your trip report should come with a disclaimer: "Do NOT read on an empty stomach!" :rotfl2:

I agree with this, lol!!! Actually, I've eaten dinner so I don't have an empty stomach but I do have some cravings now.....:)

[amandaw]

I'm sure someday you'll get to AKL! You need to get Reid on your side, and have him work on Daddy also. I can't wait until Everett and I can tag team DH, he is not going to know what hit him! :rotfl2:


I did try this tactic last night, except it wasn't with AKL. I tried to get Reid to tell Ed that we really wanted to stay in one of the new princess rooms at POR next year. But, it backfired on me. Reid looked at me & said, "No, mommy. We're boys, we don't stay in princess rooms. We need a pirate room!" :rotfl: So, now I'm considering moving our trip from POFQ to CBR. :scratchin

[MeMom]

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Breakfast on the balcony is an excellent way to start a Disney day! I remember how nice it was to sit out there in the morning when we were at AKL. It was so nice to just relax there for a while, and it made it a little harder to want to leave to go to a park.

[khertz]

What a great way to start the day, even if it was a little earlier than planned! :laughing: We are the same way now. On our anniversary weekend in New Orleans, and a couple of weeks ago when my mom kept DS for a couple of nights, we were still in bed by 9:30 and awake by 7:30! Just the inner body clock of a Mommy, I guess.

I love the fall decorations in MK too, though not as much as the Christmas ones. It reminds me of our honeymoon, which was an amazing trip that really made me fall in love with WDW, and it was the first time I had ever seen the MK decorated for anything. I'm looking forward to seeing it dressed like that again on our trip in 2012. :thumbsup2

How awesome to see the same CM and have him remember you!! The CM's are often a part of making magical memories for families, but they probably do that for so many people that it is a real treat to have them remember you, as if that memory is just as special for them as it is for you. :wizard: Too bad he didn't get to meet Everett for the first time though, I bet he would have LOVED that!

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 7 : Ride breakdowns 101 part I

So where we headed on this lovely fall morning?

SPACE MOUNTAIN!

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DH’s favorite of all the MK mountains (I keep waffling between Space and Thunder). This used to be our traditional first ride of the day, but now with DS, we tend to wait until he is snoozing in the stroller and then trade off.

Since we were a little late getting to the park, our plan was to get fastpasses and then come back and ride later, but we were really pleasantly surprised to find that there was only a 15 minute wait, and jumped right into standby.

I couldn’t believe how empty it was, and we even stopped for a second to try out the new games that had been installed in the last refurb. Since we never wait standby, we hadn’t seen them before, and they were pretty cute. They reminded me of the game after Mission Space, which is a big hit with our family. I could see how it would be a fun distraction if you were silly enough to stand in a hour plus line!

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When we got to the split, we chose to go to the left, since we hardly ever get to ride that track side for some reason. I actually think I prefer the left a little to the right, but DH says I’m crazy and that they are exactly the same. :confused3

Before we had a chance to settle the argument we were on board, and getting ready to depart. We had just pulled away from the loading platform, and were about to turn into the tunnel, when everything came to a screeching halt.

Hmm… this is unusual. We sat there for a few minutes, listening to the emergency spiel, when all of a sudden all of the lights came on inside the waiting area. Then the CM in the loading area began herding everyone out of the queue. At this point I was a little disappointed, if I had gotten to the ride a little earlier, I bet I’d be stuck INSIDE, and likely with the LIGHTS ON!

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stuck!

The CM then came over and told us to hold tight, and she’d be letting us know whether we’d have to evacuate.

I couldn’t believe it! My first ride 101 and I was literally two feet from the loading platform. I was really hoping for something more spectacular, like the time that DH and his cousins had to be evacuated from a log on Splash Mountain and got to climb down inside the ride scenes. Of course, I missed all the excitement that time because I was with Everett in the babycare center. Poor Moms always miss out on the fun. :rolleyes1

Well we sat there for another 10 or so minutes, when all of a sudden the lights went off again. The CM came by to tell us that the problem was resolved (I never did find out what happened) and that we’d soon be on our way.

Actually riding Space Mountain is way better than an unspectacular evacuation, so I was pleased to hear that things were back on track.

Space Mounatin was enjoyable as always, and on the way out I was able to snap a redneck ride photo.

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Don’t we look thrilled!

Our next important stop was the (old) new Tiki Room. I had been really excited to see the (old) new tiki room and I hoped that it would live up to my expectations and memories.

We headed out of Tomorrowland, catching a few pictures

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And onto the bridge

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And then we ran into the Move it, Shake it Celebrate it parade. Since I was pretty focused on getting to my bird friends, I declined the offer to “move it and shake it”, but I did snap some photos as we maneuvered our way around the crowd.

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One of these days I’ll make a point to watch it with Everett. I think he’d have a blast busting out his best dance moves on Main Street.

We headed on over to the Adventureland Bridge and got a picture of an exasperated DH “Why do you always have to stop and take pictures!”

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And soon we were here!

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We moved into the pre-show area and I was pleased to see that there was a substantial crowd. I’m not sure if it was die hard fans, since this was just a few days after MK’s 40th, or everyday tourists that just wandered their way inside, but either way, it was butts in the seats.
We watched the new (old) preshow- which I still don’t really understand how it fits with the tiki room?

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before

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after

And made our way inside

Some people should really heed this warning

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Once we were inside, I took two pictures, but then I got all paniced that I shouldn’t be taking flash photography, so I put my camera away. I’m still not sure if it is OK to take pictures before the show starts, but I guess its better to err on the side of caution.

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When the birds started singing, I held my breath until they got past the part where Iago busts into their lovely song. Part of me was worried that he’d still pop out, but when the Tiki birds were able to finish their first refrain, I was able to let out a sign of relief.

I really did enjoy the show, I love the tiki birds, and I just love the room and how it really feels like you have been transported to a different place. You loose the feel of being inside a bustling theme park and it is just so serene and peaceful without that annoying Tiki goddess or Iago squawking about.

I also feel like the new (old) show makes much better use of the room as a whole than UNM did. In the UNM show I always felt like the talking tikis and the flowers took a back seat, which is a shame because they are so cool.

DH was not overly excited to go into the tiki room, but when it was over even he was a little impressed. I don’t think he’s going to be rushing over after rope drop or anything, but I think he’ll choose it over Hall of Presidents for an air conditioned retreat.

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 7 : Ride breakdowns 101 Part II

Once we got outside DH announced he was hungry- I mean it had only been like two hours since we last ate. :rolleyes:

He didn’t feel like a Dole Whip, but jumped at the chance to get a churro, so we took the secret cut through into Frontierland.

I stopped to take a picture of the country bear jamboree, and by the time I had made my way back over to him, he had inhaled his churro and didn’t even leave me one measly bite.

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We wandered back through into Adventureland and took a look at the wait for Jungle Cruise. It was more than 20 minutes, so I didn’t want to wait, and actually now I was thinking a snack sounded good (although I would have settled for a bite of churro), so we decided to leave the MK and head back over to Epcot to graze around the F&W festival.

I took some photos of the decorations on the way out, and just because I love seeing smoke come out of DH’s ears, I took a quick detour into Uptown Jewelers to check out the Disney Dooney selection.

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He lost it when he saw I was taking pictures of purse displays, especially when I told them it was for the ladies on the Disboards. :rotfl2:

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I knew the best way to turn around his attitude was to get him over to Epcot and get a frosty beverage in his hands, so we made our way out of the park

Wait one last photo

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And over to Epcot.

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[Lifelong_Dreamer]

On behalf of the ladies of the Disboards I thank you for the pretty pictures of the purses! ;)

[CandleontheWater]

I'm joining in and interested to read about all the adult things that you did as I'm taking an adults only trip in the Spring...girls only. DH will have to sit that trip out.

You might be pleasantly surprised as he gets older...My DH and I took our first adults only trip back over the summer. We went to Jamaica. I was so worried the kids would give us a hard time about leaving them at home because they LOVE anything to do with water and swimming. I couldn't believe how excited they were for us to go! For several weeks leading up to our vacation they kept asking us how much longer until we left...turns out they couldn't wait to spend the week with their grandparents! It sure made me feel less guilty about leaving them at home! ;)

Everett does love his grandparents so much, so I know he'd have fun with them (and be completely spoiled rotten), so maybe there is hope for more adults only trips in the future.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I think it was a wonderful for your Mom to suggest this! I just started reading your review tonight and love it! This part made me laugh though!!! I can't wait to read more :thumbsup2.

I agree with this, lol!!! Actually, I've eaten dinner so I don't have an empty stomach but I do have some cravings now.....:)

Sorry to make you hungry- but as a warning- more food pics and discussion are coming! ;)

I did try this tactic last night, except it wasn't with AKL. I tried to get Reid to tell Ed that we really wanted to stay in one of the new princess rooms at POR next year. But, it backfired on me. Reid looked at me & said, "No, mommy. We're boys, we don't stay in princess rooms. We need a pirate room!" :rotfl: So, now I'm considering moving our trip from POFQ to CBR. :scratchin

That is so funny! I think that the pirate rooms at CBR look awesome, so if you did move I think you'd make a good choice. I do have a soft spot for POR and I'd love one of those princess rooms. I guess I'll have to plan a trip before Everett figures out that princesses are girly! :lmao:

Oh, and how is the job hunt going for Ed? I don't think I heard the final outcome!

Breakfast on the balcony is an excellent way to start a Disney day! I remember how nice it was to sit out there in the morning when we were at AKL. It was so nice to just relax there for a while, and it made it a little harder to want to leave to go to a park.

I hear ya! It was so pleasant hanging out there, I could have spent the whole day (well maybe not watching pooper scoopers, but you get the idea). I'd love to go back for an extended trip to AKL, where I could spend lots of time back at the resort, but not feel guilty for abandoning the parks. Two weeks sounds about right :laughing:

What a great way to start the day, even if it was a little earlier than planned! :laughing: We are the same way now. On our anniversary weekend in New Orleans, and a couple of weeks ago when my mom kept DS for a couple of nights, we were still in bed by 9:30 and awake by 7:30! Just the inner body clock of a Mommy, I guess.

I love the fall decorations in MK too, though not as much as the Christmas ones. It reminds me of our honeymoon, which was an amazing trip that really made me fall in love with WDW, and it was the first time I had ever seen the MK decorated for anything. I'm looking forward to seeing it dressed like that again on our trip in 2012. :thumbsup2

How awesome to see the same CM and have him remember you!! The CM's are often a part of making magical memories for families, but they probably do that for so many people that it is a real treat to have them remember you, as if that memory is just as special for them as it is for you. :wizard: Too bad he didn't get to meet Everett for the first time though, I bet he would have LOVED that!

Maybe he'll get the chance to meet Everett someday! :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

I missed an update last week (I think that was when we were getting ready to see my son out of town who has been sick), but I'm caught up now with that one and the ones today.

One of my favorite parts of AKL/Kidani, was sitting on the patio enjoying our meal and watching the animals. :goodvibes

I never did get a chance to play the games on Space Mountain (I'll have to remember that for next visit). Great redneck picture capture after your ride.

I did not care for the new and improved Tiki Birds. I didn't like Iago either, but the "new" version still is not the original...although it is better.

Why do husbands complain about us taking pictures. They know we are going to do it...can't they just accept it? :rolleyes1 And thank you for the Dooney pictures. :)

[MeMom]

One of these days I’ll make a point to watch it with Everett. I think he’d have a blast busting out his best dance moves on Main Street.


Yes, he will. The girls love to dance along with the cast members and characters in this parade. :yay: :cool1:






He lost it when he saw I was taking pictures of purse displays, especially when I told them it was for the ladies on the Disboards. :rotfl2:



Thanks for all the pictures. Thanks, DH, for letting her take them. :thumbsup2





I hear ya! It was so pleasant hanging out there, I could have spent the whole day (well maybe not watching pooper scoopers, but you get the idea). I'd love to go back for an extended trip to AKL, where I could spend lots of time back at the resort, but not feel guilty for abandoning the parks. Two weeks sounds about right :laughing:




If everything falls right into place for the summer trip, I will have the longest stay I have ever had at 13 days. So far 11 days has been the longest, and I still wasn't ready to leave. We'll see what 13 does for me. ;)

[afwdwfan]

When we got to the split, we chose to go to the left, since we hardly ever get to ride that track side for some reason. I actually think I prefer the left a little to the right, but DH says I’m crazy and that they are exactly the same. :confused3
I agree with you... I tested this theory thoroughly when I went to the park by myself for evening EMH and I could just walk onto the ride. Left side is a smoother... it's a fact.:thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

I really enjoyed the new, old, whatever it is now Tiki Room. Nice and relaxing show to enjoy.

[amandaw]

I just knew y'alls 1st ride of the day was going to be Space Mountain! I have not been on that ride since Dec. 2006! I really need to ride it next year....I miss it.


That is so funny! I think that the pirate rooms at CBR look awesome, so if you did move I think you'd make a good choice. I do have a soft spot for POR and I'd love one of those princess rooms. I guess I'll have to plan a trip before Everett figures out that princesses are girly! :lmao:

Oh, and how is the job hunt going for Ed? I don't think I heard the final outcome!


Definitely try out the princess room soon....or you will have Everett & DH both vetoing your pick! :laughing:

I'm so sorry I forgot to fill you in on Ed's job hunt....things have been wild around here! :eek: He was able to get a job & started about a week & a half after his last job ended. Thank goodness!!! And the best part is that we didn't have to move. His new job is for an engineering consulting firm that does lots of different things for (mainly) oil companies down here. And it's actually about 2 miles closer to our house. So, instead of him being about 5 miles from the office, now it's about 3. We were very blessed, especially in this economy, that he was able to find something so quickly.

Now my major stress factor is trying to decide on a preschool for Reid. I never knew this would be so stressful. It's the whole public versus private school thing. And everyone tells me that if we'll send him to private school, we have to start him in Pre-K 4 & not wait until kindergarten. So, even though he's only 3, I'm having to decide NOW if the public schools we're zoned for are good or if we'll need to shell out $$$$$ for private school. I always said Reid would definitely go to public school & not private, but now everyone has me feeling like he HAS to go to private school or he won't be smart enough to go to college & he'll end up homeless as an adult. :lmao: Okay, sorry for the tangent. But, you just wait.....you'll be thinking about all of this before you know it for Everett!

[amazingact21]

I would have been very jealous of you had Space Mtn stopped working while you were on it and the lights were turned on. Talk about a one-of-a-kind peek!

Unlike you, though, I prefer the right side of the attraction. To me, it's a little bit less bumpy than the left. :confused3


DH didn't save you one bite of the churro?? Sounds a little disappointing, but what a great excuse to head to Epcot and eat more goodies from F&W.


I know it must've looked odd snapping a picture of purses, but as a lady on the DISboards, I enjoyed seeing another glimpse of them. :cutie:

[My sister's princess]

Just found you, and got all caught up!! Sounds like an amazing trip!
You MADE my night with your photos of the AKV @ Jambo photos! I will just die if we have a view like that!

I am going to steal your breakfast on the balcony idea!


Can't wait for another update!

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Hi Marissa! I can't believe how long its taken me to check out your TR! I am so sorry! I'm about half-way through and I am loving it so far - you are a wonderful writer! I am going back now to catch up on the rest! :goodvibes

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 8: You don’t see that everyday…

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We made our way over to the express monorail, and I could tell that something was eating DH. I asked him what was the matter and our conversation went something like this…

Me: What is the matter, you seem really grumpy.
DH: Why do you have to take so many pictures, who are you on vacation with, me or your DIS friends?

Well, I guess the saying is true, that age really does bring wisdom, because instead of blurting out the first thing that popped into my head (which was- I’m on vacation with you now, but when I get back home it will be like being back on vacation with my Dis friends :rotfl: ), I took a second to think about it- and I decided to try a different tactic.

Me (in a hurt tone of voice): Someday you’ll be happy I wrote all these trip reports, when we can look back at our vacations in years to come and remember all the fun we had. I’m doing this for us (and for you, Dis friends, but I left that part out ;)).

DH: (Looking a little contrite): Well, I guess I never thought about it that way, I guess they will be nice to have in the future… Well, OK I guess, but no more purse pictures.

I thought that sounded like a fine compromise! ;)


Soon we were on the monorail and headed off to Epcot.

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Does anyone else do line reconnaissance while taking the loop through Future World. Its pretty east to read the wait time for Test Track and if you squint, you can actually read the tip board as you coast by.

First up we headed in the direction of Soarin’, with the goal of picking up some fastpasses. I was determined to get on today, after our plans got derailed yesterday.

On the way to Soarin’ we ran into a real life apparition of a DIS urban myth- that’s right- A GROWN MAN IN A STROLLER.

I wasn’t about to let this pass me by, and I turned to DH and said “I’m going to take a picture of him”
DH cried: “Don’t do it, you’ll cause a scene”- but too late I was already headed in his direction.

I sidled up next to him, and began commenced small talk in an attempt to butter him up...
Me: “That’s a pretty sweet ride you’ve got there- would you mind if I took your picture”
Man in stroller: “No problem”

He even had his kid pull to the side so they could smile big for the camera-
So I present to you- ladies and gentleman- Grown Man in Stroller Being Pushed by a Child

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Pure awesomeness!

After that photographic coup, we made our way inside (so much easier without having to park the stroller btw), and exited fastpasses in hand.

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Before we made our way over to WS, we had one more stop to make- over to project tomorrow (otherwise know of the exit of Spaceship earth) to play power the city.

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If you have followed my TRs before, you might remember that DH and I have a passion for this game that borders on obsession. We have NEVER been able to reach the top level, despite deploying various strategies and working together as a flawless team.

We have tired splitting the board in half, which each of us concentration on a specific side, we have tried splitting up the various power sources, with DH concentrating only on getting green power to the power hungry spots, we have just done it willy nilly, rushing around the board like lunatics, but despite our very best efforts, we have not been successful.

I actually think it is getting tougher as the years go by, as the floor area gets more worn and less responsive, but that has not damped our enthusiasm or our rock solid conviction that we will someday be masters of Power the City.

We waited our turn, and then took to the board. We hit power up after power up, but still we could not push ourselves over the threshold to super-megalapolis (or whatever the highest level is). Defeated, but not beat down, we grabbed a Kim Possible Mission from inside innoventions, and headed back into WS.

Our first stop was Hawaii, which we did not make it to the day before. I got myself a pork slider, which was actually very good, so good that I couldn’t resist taking a bite before I remembered to take a picture.

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Everyone loves half eaten food pictures!

We meandered on towards Mexico, and couldn’t pass up a visit to the craft beer booth. I don’t remember what DH got (maybe a purple haze?) but I just had to try the Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss. I just had to pick the beer I couldn’t pronounce, and that is saying something, considering it was my first drink of the day.

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I thought it was delightful, fresh and fruity, but DH likened it to drinking a scented candle. To each their own, I guess.

At this point, I spotted my old friend “Barfy” sporting a ridiculous looking pumpkin outfit (seriously, who thought that was a good idea??). I snapped a quick paparazzi style photo and moved on.

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From there we moved onto something we both could agree upon, our old standby, the Argentina beef skewer with Chimichurri sauce. I love this offering, and not just because chimichurri is a fun word to say. For good measure DH picked up an empanada as well.

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The chimichurri didn’t disappoint and DH said that the empanada was good too (not that he gave me a bite or anything).

By that point I had finished my fruity and/or scented candle beer and was ready for another drink. Luckily the Caribbean both was happy to oblige with a Rock Coconut mojito. I have been burned in the past by the specialty frozen drinks served at the food and wine booths (I’m looking at you, Poland!) so I was a little hesitant to try it, but boy am I glad I did.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0205.jpg

It was really, really good! They make frozen mojitos at the Ritz Carleton in Amelia Island Florida that are just divine and this drink was almost as good! Even Dh liked it, and I had to snatch it back out of his hands before it disappeared.

Continuing on- we headed towards Mexico, which traditionally has solid, if not particularly imaginative, offerings. We chose the Crispy shrimp Taco, which was pretty delicious!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0206.jpg

From there we had one more stop before we embarked on our Kim Possible mission, my absolute favorite- the lettuce wrap with roast pork.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0208.jpg
Ignoring the fact that is it resting on a garbage can- Doesn't that look yummy!

While we were in line waiting on that little piece of deliciousness, I noticed one of the other offerings- the Boolgogi beef. This was almost as much fun to say as Chimichurri! Boolgogi, Boolgogi, Boolgogi!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSC_0207.jpg

Unfortunately we didn’t try the Boolgogi beef, so I will never know if it is as delicious as it is entertaining to pronounce, but maybe next time.

Our KP mission directed us to meet in Italy to get our Kimmunicator, so we headed in that direction.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Oct%202011%20Wed/DSCN1889.jpg

DH grabbed a quick Okoberfest beer from the brewers collection and we were on our way to save the world- or something like that.

[jedijill]

Oh, the boolgoogi WAS delicious!!! One of my favorites of F&W. ;)

Jill in CO

[CandleontheWater]

On behalf of the ladies of the Disboards I thank you for the pretty pictures of the purses! ;)

you are welcome! ;)

I missed an update last week (I think that was when we were getting ready to see my son out of town who has been sick), but I'm caught up now with that one and the ones today.

One of my favorite parts of AKL/Kidani, was sitting on the patio enjoying our meal and watching the animals. :goodvibes

I never did get a chance to play the games on Space Mountain (I'll have to remember that for next visit). Great redneck picture capture after your ride.

I did not care for the new and improved Tiki Birds. I didn't like Iago either, but the "new" version still is not the original...although it is better.

Why do husbands complain about us taking pictures. They know we are going to do it...can't they just accept it? :rolleyes1 And thank you for the Dooney pictures. :)

You'll have to try out the new Space Mountain games, they are almost worth waiting in the standby line for!

Yes, he will. The girls love to dance along with the cast members and characters in this parade. :yay: :cool1:

Thanks for all the pictures. Thanks, DH, for letting her take them. :thumbsup2
If everything falls right into place for the summer trip, I will have the longest stay I have ever had at 13 days. So far 11 days has been the longest, and I still wasn't ready to leave. We'll see what 13 does for me. ;)

13 days sounds heavenly, I hope it works out for you! :cloud9:

I agree with you... I tested this theory thoroughly when I went to the park by myself for evening EMH and I could just walk onto the ride. Left side is a smoother... it's a fact.:thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

I really enjoyed the new, old, whatever it is now Tiki Room. Nice and relaxing show to enjoy.

Glad to know that I am not (completely) crazy! :laughing:

I just knew y'alls 1st ride of the day was going to be Space Mountain! I have not been on that ride since Dec. 2006! I really need to ride it next year....I miss it.

Definitely try out the princess room soon....or you will have Everett & DH both vetoing your pick! :laughing:

I'm so sorry I forgot to fill you in on Ed's job hunt....things have been wild around here! :eek: He was able to get a job & started about a week & a half after his last job ended. Thank goodness!!! And the best part is that we didn't have to move. His new job is for an engineering consulting firm that does lots of different things for (mainly) oil companies down here. And it's actually about 2 miles closer to our house. So, instead of him being about 5 miles from the office, now it's about 3. We were very blessed, especially in this economy, that he was able to find something so quickly.

Now my major stress factor is trying to decide on a preschool for Reid. I never knew this would be so stressful. It's the whole public versus private school thing. And everyone tells me that if we'll send him to private school, we have to start him in Pre-K 4 & not wait until kindergarten. So, even though he's only 3, I'm having to decide NOW if the public schools we're zoned for are good or if we'll need to shell out $$$$$ for private school. I always said Reid would definitely go to public school & not private, but now everyone has me feeling like he HAS to go to private school or he won't be smart enough to go to college & he'll end up homeless as an adult. :lmao: Okay, sorry for the tangent. But, you just wait.....you'll be thinking about all of this before you know it for Everett!

Glad to hear that the job hunt was successful! And best wishes to you about finding the right preschool! Its pretty crazy, expensive and competitive around here, so part of me is happy that we are moving away and I don't have to deal with that!

I would have been very jealous of you had Space Mtn stopped working while you were on it and the lights were turned on. Talk about a one-of-a-kind peek!

Unlike you, though, I prefer the right side of the attraction. To me, it's a little bit less bumpy than the left. :confused3

DH didn't save you one bite of the churro?? Sounds a little disappointing, but what a great excuse to head to Epcot and eat more goodies from F&W.

I know it must've looked odd snapping a picture of purses, but as a lady on the DISboards, I enjoyed seeing another glimpse of them. :cutie:

It would have been really cool to be in Space Mt with the lights on, a girl can dream, right!

Yup, no Churro, but I did make up for it at Epcot! :)

Just found you, and got all caught up!! Sounds like an amazing trip!
You MADE my night with your photos of the AKV @ Jambo photos! I will just die if we have a view like that!

I am going to steal your breakfast on the balcony idea!

Can't wait for another update!

I hope you guys get a great view and have a wonderful time!

Hi Marissa! I can't believe how long its taken me to check out your TR! I am so sorry! I'm about half-way through and I am loving it so far - you are a wonderful writer! I am going back now to catch up on the rest! :goodvibes

Thank you for your kind compliment and for joining in!

[CandleontheWater]

Oh, the boolgoogi WAS delicious!!! One of my favorites of F&W. ;)

Jill in CO

Now I am sad we missed it! Maybe next time! :)

[afwdwfan]

Does anyone else do line reconnaissance while taking the loop through Future World.
Of course, doesn't everybody??? :confused3


He even had his kid pull to the side so they could smile big for the camera-
So I present to you- ladies and gentleman- Grown Man in Stroller Being Pushed by a Child
:worship: Pure awesomeness! :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

I've actually never played the Power grid game. I've read about it in several TR's and thought it might be fun to try... just haven't done it yet.

I'm glad to see you did KP on an adults only trip. I felt a little goofy when we did it with a child obviously too young to get it. At least now I know we aren't the only grown ups who wanted to try it out. :lmao:

[amazingact21]

Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard at that picture of the man in the stroller. DH was sitting near me and he looked over my shoulder and saw the photo and laughed as well. Then replied, "You know, if we ever ran into that, you'd make me go over there and take a similar picture.":rotfl:

That Rock Coconut mojito sounds sooooo good. I love anything coconut, though, so naturally I was drooling at that photo. Glad you found it enjoyable. :thumbsup2

[amandaw]

The man in the stroller......:rotfl2:.....that is just great!!!

All of those food pictures have my tummy rumbling. That empanada looked huge!

As for "Barfy" in his pumpkin costume.....:sad2:....as if he wasn't bad enough.



Glad to hear that the job hunt was successful! And best wishes to you about finding the right preschool! Its pretty crazy, expensive and competitive around here, so part of me is happy that we are moving away and I don't have to deal with that!


Thanks! I finally decided just to keep Reid in the school where he is this year. Private school is crazy expensive! It was going to cost me close to what a year at LSU would cost us.....and that was for elementary school! :scared1: Instead, we're just going to move into a really good public school district.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:rotfl2: Grown man in the stroller is hilarious.

[MeMom]

Still borrowing a laptop until mine is fixed, so I only get a minute here and there. I got to scroll through your Epcot pictures. F&W strolls are so enjoyable.

Going back to the Move It, Shake It parade - on this trip, the one time we stopped to watch the whole thing and let the girls dance, it was too packed too move. You couldn't see any ground, just people, people, and more people. Jill said Donald almost got knocked over in the area where she was, so she got the girls out of the chaos and we headed away from the traffic. That's one of the drawbacks of the Christmas to NY week, but for the most part we were able to stay out of the crowds.

[shan23877]

While the grown man in stroller was very funny, it was the scented candle beer that really had me laughing.

And your mini-argument with DH? I was nodding as I read because I can picture DH and I having that same argument. You did great. :lmao::thumbsup2

[khertz]

A grown man in a stroller!! :scared1: If you wouldn't have taken the picture, I wouldn't have believed it. I guess I better not let DH know about this, he might get some ideas... :rotfl:

Good save on the picture question. :thumbsup2

Looks like a good time at Food & Wine. I'm always determined to try at least a little something, but those prices usually make me change my mind.

[My sister's princess]

Wonderful update!!!! :cool1:

[RGirl]

:scared1: I can't believe I fell so far behind! I don't know what happened!

I love this TR - it is just so cool that you and your DH had so much fun together just the two of you. It's really special.

I think I must have done the Tiki Room in Disneyland when I was a kid, but I haven't done it since. I guess maybe we should try it - it sounded fun. Actually, maybe we'll try it in Disneyland later this month! :woohoo:

I wish I liked Space Mountain more. I did it in 2010 (hadn't done anything Disney since I was a teen and then only Disneyland), and it was just SO jerky - I felt beat up after the ride. I didn't do it this year. :sad2: Okay, I couldn't have done it if I had wanted to since DD wasn't tall enough. :laughing: The Disneyland version has a 40" height requirement, so I am guessing we will be doing it this month. I just noticed on the DL web site though that the ride is not one-by-one seated behind each other, but rather two people next to each other - WAY better with a small child, I think!

Love your Epcot adventures. Some day I will experience Epcot that way. Some day........... :rotfl2:

[CandleontheWater]

Of course, doesn't everybody??? :confused3

:worship: Pure awesomeness! :lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

I've actually never played the Power grid game. I've read about it in several TR's and thought it might be fun to try... just haven't done it yet.

I'm glad to see you did KP on an adults only trip. I felt a little goofy when we did it with a child obviously too young to get it. At least now I know we aren't the only grown ups who wanted to try it out. :lmao:

Both times we've done the KP missions we've been sans children. I think they'd be less fun with Everett hogging the Kimmunicator ;)

Oh my goodness, I laughed so hard at that picture of the man in the stroller. DH was sitting near me and he looked over my shoulder and saw the photo and laughed as well. Then replied, "You know, if we ever ran into that, you'd make me go over there and take a similar picture.":rotfl:

That Rock Coconut mojito sounds sooooo good. I love anything coconut, though, so naturally I was drooling at that photo. Glad you found it enjoyable. :thumbsup2

The stroller man really made my day! Glad you got a laugh out of it too! :rotfl2:

The man in the stroller......:rotfl2:.....that is just great!!!

All of those food pictures have my tummy rumbling. That empanada looked huge!

As for "Barfy" in his pumpkin costume.....:sad2:....as if he wasn't bad enough.

Thanks! I finally decided just to keep Reid in the school where he is this year. Private school is crazy expensive! It was going to cost me close to what a year at LSU would cost us.....and that was for elementary school! :scared1: Instead, we're just going to move into a really good public school district.

Seriously! I have no idea how people afford crazy expensive pre-school! I know a parent here who sends their kid to a $20,000 a year preschool! I don't think my entire undergrad degree cost that much! :scared1:

:rotfl2: Grown man in the stroller is hilarious.

He also was not ashamed at all, which made it extra funny!

Still borrowing a laptop until mine is fixed, so I only get a minute here and there. I got to scroll through your Epcot pictures. F&W strolls are so enjoyable.

Going back to the Move It, Shake It parade - on this trip, the one time we stopped to watch the whole thing and let the girls dance, it was too packed too move. You couldn't see any ground, just people, people, and more people. Jill said Donald almost got knocked over in the area where she was, so she got the girls out of the chaos and we headed away from the traffic. That's one of the drawbacks of the Christmas to NY week, but for the most part we were able to stay out of the crowds.

I think you guys were really brave to go Christmas week, I don't know if I could have handled the crowds, especially with a stroller! :eek:

[CandleontheWater]

While the grown man in stroller was very funny, it was the scented candle beer that really had me laughing.

And your mini-argument with DH? I was nodding as I read because I can picture DH and I having that same argument. You did great. :lmao::thumbsup2

For the record, I didn't think it tasted like a scented candle at all- and it also didn't stop DH from mooching some when he has finished his beer! :laughing:

A grown man in a stroller!! :scared1: If you wouldn't have taken the picture, I wouldn't have believed it. I guess I better not let DH know about this, he might get some ideas... :rotfl:

Good save on the picture question. :thumbsup2

Looks like a good time at Food & Wine. I'm always determined to try at least a little something, but those prices usually make me change my mind.

It does get pricey, but after a few drinks, we tend to stop caring! :rotfl2:

Wonderful update!!!! :cool1:

Thanks- you're getting really close! Packed yet? :)

:scared1: I can't believe I fell so far behind! I don't know what happened!

I love this TR - it is just so cool that you and your DH had so much fun together just the two of you. It's really special.

I think I must have done the Tiki Room in Disneyland when I was a kid, but I haven't done it since. I guess maybe we should try it - it sounded fun. Actually, maybe we'll try it in Disneyland later this month! :woohoo:

I wish I liked Space Mountain more. I did it in 2010 (hadn't done anything Disney since I was a teen and then only Disneyland), and it was just SO jerky - I felt beat up after the ride. I didn't do it this year. :sad2: Okay, I couldn't have done it if I had wanted to since DD wasn't tall enough. :laughing: The Disneyland version has a 40" height requirement, so I am guessing we will be doing it this month. I just noticed on the DL web site though that the ride is not one-by-one seated behind each other, but rather two people next to each other - WAY better with a small child, I think!

Love your Epcot adventures. Some day I will experience Epcot that way. Some day........... :rotfl2:

Yeah, I think it would be eaiser to take young kids on Space Mountain at DL, I know that I'm going to be a little freaked out the first time Everett wants to ride. I'm sure I'll be spending the whole time trying to push down his shoulders to make sure he stays put! :rotfl:

[My sister's princess]

Thanks- you're getting really close! Packed yet? :)




No, but I bought pants! I really should pack. DH came home from drill last night and wasn't impressed that I wasn't packed. Can only imagine how unimpressed he will be tonight if I am not :lmao:

He is much like your husband I am finding... can't imagine why :upsidedow

[khertz]

It does get pricey, but after a few drinks, we tend to stop caring! :rotfl2:


So that's the secret! :lmao: Now that I am armed with this knowledge, maybe I can give some F&W booths a chance!

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

So many yummy F&W pictures! :thumbsup2 Oh my goodness, I can't believe you found a grown man in a stroller, and even took his picture! :lmao: You are far braver than I am!

[CandleontheWater]

So hello! Sorry I've been MIA the past few days, but DH and I got some unexpected and not particularly awesome news, and I've been spending all my available "screen time" working through it.

For those of you unaware, my DH is Navy, and that means every 2-3 years we go through a whole push me/pull me song and dance over where we are going to move to next. Some of you remember that we were told we were moving to Florida, only to be told that we were moving to Norfolk VA, well we got our orders last week, and now we know where we are definitely moving....


Everett, Washington- This is about how I felt :scared1::eek::guilty::confused3:scared::crazy2::b adpc::worried::tilt: (I just got to use some smilies I've never even seen before!)

and here I was thinking Norfolk was bad!

Moving cross country wasn't even on my radar, because we were told that there were going to be no cross coast moves due to the cut in Pentagon funding. I'm SO GLAD they were able to find the money for us. :rolleyes:

So I have been very busy trying to figure out where we are going to live, what is life like out there, and how I'm going to get two cars, two cats, and a toddler across the country by the end of March.

Oh and DH is going to have to leave immediately on deployment, so I'm going to have to deal with finding a place to live, getting our stuff moved in, and unpacking, all solo- awesome :headache:

I am going to do my best to finish this up (really I only have about 24 hours left, so it shouldn't be too much), but my updates will likely be pretty sporadic. However, you will get the added benefit of updates about the move and the entertainment of watching me slowly loose my mind, that's got to be worth sticking around for, right? :laughing:

[jedijill]

First...Giant hugs! Gotta love the military....I was Active Duty and know the drill well although I was single so much easier to make the cross country or cross continent moves. I know there are some great Dis'ers on here from that area of WA so maybe post a question about the area on the Budget board or Community board to get some ideas or guidance.

Good luck with the move!

Jill in CO

[afwdwfan]

:eek: Wow, sorry for the last second surprise. I'm sure it is probably a nice enough place to live, but I don't care where you're moving when you have to deal with such a long distance move on such short notice.

I wish you luck with your move. Hopefully everything will fall into place for you and you can get some help since your DH won't be around.

[amandaw]

First of all.....:hug:

I can only imagine how disappointed you are right now. And it does seem like a lot for one person to undertake, especially have a little one to tend to as well. I know you will be able to persevere through this unforeseen obstacle. Will your mom be able to help you with Everett or with getting everything & everyone to WA?

On the bright side.....maybe your next trip could be DisneyLand! (Just trying to find something positive for you!) :flower3:

[fitgirl36]

Wow, Washington the state! That's a trip! From what I read in your TRs you are pretty resourceful so you will handle this just fine! Good luck to you and I hope you have time to update us on your move, I'm sure you will have some good stories! Take care!

[shan23877]

Oh, boy! I am so sorry! That's a LOT to deal with. Sending you positive thoughts...

[belleinpink]

Oh the joys of being military. I believe that is near where my brother was. He enjoyed it minus the constant miserable rain. Good luck with the move

[MeMom]

Some of you remember that we were told we were moving to Florida, only to be told that we were moving to Norfolk VA, well we got our orders last week, and now we know where we are definitely moving....


Everett, Washington- This is about how I felt :scared1


and here I was thinking Norfolk was bad!



I was really hoping you would end up in Florida. I grew up in an Air Force household, though, so I know that what you want and what you get can be two very different things. I know you'll be strong throughout the move and handle it all just beautifully. Hopefully you will meet some very nice people when you get settled in, and DIStown will always be here when you need to visit and vent.

Maybe you can do some Disneyland trips while you are on that side of the country. :thumbsup2

[LukenDC]

Good luck with the move. Military spouses are amazing and you will get through it.

Luke (the guy who said hello at B&N last summer)

[khertz]

WOW! :scared1: You poor thing! That is a LOT to have to deal with by yourself. I'm sending some prayers your way that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

[CandleontheWater]

Thank you all for your support, it has just been crazy around here. My DH isn't the best about moving, he tends to get overwhelmed and a little panicky (and this is his job right? ;) ) so I try to be the voice of reason and do my best to plan everything out so it runs smoothly.

The major obstacle is getting the cars across the country. I am not a good driver, and I do not feel confident in my ability to drive for 5 days, across mountains and especially in snow. I didn't get my drivers license until I was 20, and that was under duress. I don't like driving across town, let alone across the country.

When we moved up here from Florida, my parents drove with DH and I, and they didn't let me drive at all. Really, no one wants me driving this time around either, but there may be no choice.

We might have to ship one of the cars, but that would be a last resort, since we'd have to pay for it out of pocket, and there are going to be a lot of expenses with this move anyway.

Everything else I know I can handle, finding a place to live will be easy, and I was thinking that I could just draw a schematic of the house and note all the locations where I want the furniture to go for the movers, that way I could play with Everett in a bedroom, and not have to worry about watching him and the movers.


First...Giant hugs! Gotta love the military....I was Active Duty and know the drill well although I was single so much easier to make the cross country or cross continent moves. I know there are some great Dis'ers on here from that area of WA so maybe post a question about the area on the Budget board or Community board to get some ideas or guidance.

Good luck with the move!

Jill in CO

This is our first cross country move, so it is a little daunting. I've always lived on the East Coast, so I'm sure it will be an adventure

:eek: Wow, sorry for the last second surprise. I'm sure it is probably a nice enough place to live, but I don't care where you're moving when you have to deal with such a long distance move on such short notice.

I wish you luck with your move. Hopefully everything will fall into place for you and you can get some help since your DH won't be around.

I'm hoping things will work out, I guess really there is no alternative. I keep telling myself, "In three months this will all be over, one way or another, It WILL get done"

First of all.....:hug:

I can only imagine how disappointed you are right now. And it does seem like a lot for one person to undertake, especially have a little one to tend to as well. I know you will be able to persevere through this unforeseen obstacle. Will your mom be able to help you with Everett or with getting everything & everyone to WA?

On the bright side.....maybe your next trip could be DisneyLand! (Just trying to find something positive for you!) :flower3:

I know that my Mom wants to help, but I'm just not sure how much time she can get off of work. I'm going to ask her to watch Everett while the movers come and pack up the house here in Alexandria (otherwise I have visions of Everett ending up packed into a box and loaded on a truck), and she might have to watch him while we drive cross country (you couldn't PAY me to take Everett in a car for 5 days), so I'm not sure what else she will be able to do.

I do know that she is really disappointed and doesn't want us going so far away, and I do feel terrible taking Everett away from her, but we don't really have a choice. :sick:

Wow, Washington the state! That's a trip! From what I read in your TRs you are pretty resourceful so you will handle this just fine! Good luck to you and I hope you have time to update us on your move, I'm sure you will have some good stories! Take care!

From Washington the District to Washington the state, funny, right? I think the worst part is that I'm going to have Everett in Everett. I'm going to have to spend lots of time explaining that when I named him I was living in Florida, and had no idea that Everett, Washington even existed, let alone that I would end up there.

Oh, boy! I am so sorry! That's a LOT to deal with. Sending you positive thoughts...

Thanks, we're going to get through it, and I made DH promise that he'd take me on an Alaska cruise at some point while we are out there. I figure he owes me! :laughing:

Oh the joys of being military. I believe that is near where my brother was. He enjoyed it minus the constant miserable rain. Good luck with the move

Yeah.... I'm a little worried about the miserable rain. I don't like rain, and from what I can tell it never gets really hot, not even in the peak of summer. A summer without shorts seems kinda depressing to me, but I guess we'll get used to it.

I was really hoping you would end up in Florida. I grew up in an Air Force household, though, so I know that what you want and what you get can be two very different things. I know you'll be strong throughout the move and handle it all just beautifully. Hopefully you will meet some very nice people when you get settled in, and DIStown will always be here when you need to visit and vent.

Maybe you can do some Disneyland trips while you are on that side of the country. :thumbsup2

I was hoping for a miracle and getting Florida too! Oh well, my mom always says that everything happens for a reason, so I guess there is a reason for moving out there.

I am planning on at least one Disneyland trip, since DH will be deployed for my birthday, I'm thinking that Everett and I might go for an adventure!

Good luck with the move. Military spouses are amazing and you will get through it.

Luke (the guy who said hello at B&N last summer)

Hi there! Nice talking to you again! I know we'll get though it, all in one piece would be nice! :laughing:

WOW! :scared1: You poor thing! That is a LOT to have to deal with by yourself. I'm sending some prayers your way that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Thank you, we need all the support we can get. I know everything will be fine once we get out there. I have heard that they have great breweries out in the Pacific Northwest and do a lot of craft beers, I think I'm going to earn myself a few, and will deserve a night out at a nice brewery when all of this is complete! :thumbsup2

[amandaw]

I know that my Mom wants to help, but I'm just not sure how much time she can get off of work. I'm going to ask her to watch Everett while the movers come and pack up the house here in Alexandria (otherwise I have visions of Everett ending up packed into a box and loaded on a truck), and she might have to watch him while we drive cross country (you couldn't PAY me to take Everett in a car for 5 days), so I'm not sure what else she will be able to do.

I do know that she is really disappointed and doesn't want us going so far away, and I do feel terrible taking Everett away from her, but we don't really have a choice. :sick:


That's good that your mom will be able to at least give you some help. It would be hard to have the movers packing up & having to watch him. And I think that's a really good idea for y'all to drive while Everett is with your mom. That would be a lot for the little guy.

I know your mom is going to miss all of y'all. Tell her to fly up once you're settled & y'all can take Everett to Disneyland together! :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I'm sorry you are moving somewhere you don't want to go but maybe you will end up really liking the area!

Does the military pay for a house hunting trip and for a moving company to move your stuff across country for you?

[KatMark]

I'm sorry I've been missing on your TR (had to get mine finished and get my PTR up to snuff since we leave next Thursday).

I'm sorry you have to move...and to some place that you were not expecting. And sending :hug: .... I can't imagine doing all of that on my own without any help.

[jedijill]

Don't forget...anything the military doesn't pay for moving expense-wise, you can deduct from your taxes as a moving expense. I thought the military would ship 2 cars...has that changed since I got out? One of my guys shipped his car from Seattle to Denver for less than $500 last month..it was cheaper than driving it.


Jill in CO

[kimbo0569]

Oh, I so understand what you mean. I've only been away from my girls once (they were 7 and 3 at the time and it wasn't even for a vacation. I went to Florida to see my grandfather - he was very ill and three days after I went home, I had to turn right back around to return to Florida for his funeral) But when I got on the plane by myself each time, it was really very strange not having the carry on bags with stuff inside and kids in tow, worrying about who was sitting where etc etc. I would love to go on a mom's only trip one day...I'm seriously thinking in 3 years for my 45th birthday....
I'm in for this TR!

[IluvXU]

I have been reading along,not posting, but want to wish you well with this next adventure.... I can totally relate to the driving, the idea of that kind of drive gives me the hives. I hope it works out for you all so that you can make the move with the least amount of stress.

[CandleontheWater]

So things are coming together! Dh's Dad agreed to drive with him out to Everett, so that gets me off the hook, whew! I really was stressing about the drive! Good news there!

Now that will free me up to fly out with Everett early and find us a place to live, so that when DH and DFIL arrive, we'll be all set with a house to move into.

Also we got good news about the deployment, apparently DH will only be hitting the tail end of the deployment. He'll have to fly out to the ship, and then ride with it back to port. He'll be doing job turnover and learning the ropes of his new position, but will only be gone for about a month, so that is really great timing.

His "big" deployment will start around Dec, but it will only be 4 months long, so that also is awesome news. Four months really is nothing, by the time I notice he's gone, he'll already be back. From what it looks like now those are the only times he'll be gone.

Of course it could all change, but that is pretty cake for a sea tour. Last time around he was gone for almost two years total out of the three years we were on sea tour.

Thanks for sticking around everyone- Disney update is coming today during naptime!


That's good that your mom will be able to at least give you some help. It would be hard to have the movers packing up & having to watch him. And I think that's a really good idea for y'all to drive while Everett is with your mom. That would be a lot for the little guy.

I know your mom is going to miss all of y'all. Tell her to fly up once you're settled & y'all can take Everett to Disneyland together! :thumbsup2

I don't think Everett could handle the driving (I think I'd be going pretty crazy after 3 or so days!), so flying him out is the only option. I'm sure my mom will come out as often as she can, and my Dad is retiring next January, so I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of him as well. I secretly think my mom is happy my Dad will have something to do when he retires, other than hanging around the house and driving her crazy ;)

I'm sorry you are moving somewhere you don't want to go but maybe you will end up really liking the area!

Does the military pay for a house hunting trip and for a moving company to move your stuff across country for you?

They will give DH leave (i.e. vacation) time to go house hunt, but they won't pay for plane tickets or hotel or anything. They will hire movers, so at least I don't have to do the packing myself, I just have to watch them to make sure they aren't slacking off and cutting corners. ;)

I'm sorry I've been missing on your TR (had to get mine finished and get my PTR up to snuff since we leave next Thursday).

I'm sorry you have to move...and to some place that you were not expecting. And sending :hug: .... I can't imagine doing all of that on my own without any help.

Yay for a new trip! Please post the link to your new TR here so I can get on board from the beginning!

It is all coming together, so I'm feeling a little better about the whole process.

Don't forget...anything the military doesn't pay for moving expense-wise, you can deduct from your taxes as a moving expense. I thought the military would ship 2 cars...has that changed since I got out? One of my guys shipped his car from Seattle to Denver for less than $500 last month..it was cheaper than driving it.


Jill in CO

That's a good tip about deducting the moving expenses! I'll be sure to mention that to DH, in case he doesn't already know (he deals with all the taxes, its too complicated for me!)

I'm also having him double check that we can't get money to ship the cars. He swears up and down that the military will only pay to ship cars when you are moved out of country, but he has been known to not have all the information straight in the past, so I'm making him check again. ;)


Oh, I so understand what you mean. I've only been away from my girls once (they were 7 and 3 at the time and it wasn't even for a vacation. I went to Florida to see my grandfather - he was very ill and three days after I went home, I had to turn right back around to return to Florida for his funeral) But when I got on the plane by myself each time, it was really very strange not having the carry on bags with stuff inside and kids in tow, worrying about who was sitting where etc etc. I would love to go on a mom's only trip one day...I'm seriously thinking in 3 years for my 45th birthday....
I'm in for this TR!

You should definitely think about a Mom's only trip! It is so much fun to do Disney without kids, its such a different experience. Not that going with kids isn't fun, but they are fun each in their own way.

I have been reading along,not posting, but want to wish you well with this next adventure.... I can totally relate to the driving, the idea of that kind of drive gives me the hives. I hope it works out for you all so that you can make the move with the least amount of stress.

Me too! I have never been a confident driver (I actually dropped out of drivers ed because I wouldn't complete the part of the course that included highway driving- I was too scared!), so I've never dreamed of driving cross country!

[amandaw]

I'm so happy for you that things are coming together & working out in y'alls favor! :hug: That's great that you won't have to drive & you can fly out with Everett. And it sounds like his deployment won't be too bad. That makes me so happy for y'all! :goodvibes

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad to see things are coming together for you. I'm sure that will help relieve some stress now that you won't have to worry about making the cross country drive. Hopefully the house hunting will be a quick and easy process for you.

That's great news that your DH won't be gone for very long. 4 months is a long time, but it looks like you're somewhat used to it by now.

I hope things continue to fall into place for move and hopefully there will be no more uexpected surprises.

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 9: Wait a minute- this doesn’t look like Italy….

So we headed over to Italy to pick up our Kimmunicator, and quickly located the KP mission both. I was looking forward to going a mission in Italy because I have been partial to the pavilion ever since my Dad dropped our camera, that contained two weeks of WDW vacation photos, into the Neptune fountain on our family vacation in ’86. Good times, warm family memories!

Well, much to my disappointment, when turned on our Kimmunicator it directed us to go to Japan for our mission, psyche!

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Where does this say we're going?

Well, at least I got to make a pit stop at the Sam Addams kiosk for some fortifying Cherry Wheat beer on the way. I think foiling plans at world domination are best done with some liquid courage, don’t you?

So we proceeded into our mission, and it was a pretty good time. The only real problem we encountered was that they didn’t space us out too well, and we were right on the heels of another family doing the same mission.

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the mission apparently involved some deadly windchimes

This sorta ruined some of the effects for us, but it was still pretty cute. I don’t think I liked Japan better than the one we had done previously in France, but it may have just been because I was disappointed we didn’t get Italy.

Once we were finished we really had to hunt for the drop off location for the Kimmunicator, in fact the end location was probably one of the few things we found before the family in front of us. They were pretty grateful we showed them, I wonder how many Kimmunicators “walk off” because people get frustrated looking for the drop point at the end.

After all that, it was time for more food! New Zealand was right around the corner from Japan, and DH was dying to try out the lamb slider. It was one of his favorites from previous years, so he was really looking forward to trying out again.

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looks good

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tastes good!

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Its a winner!

After that it was time for one of my favorites, the chocolate lava cake! Yes, it is approximately the size of a quarter, but it is one tasty quarter!

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doesn't the trash can make it look even more appealing?

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The verdict, heavenly!

About that time we figured it might actually be time to ride something, so we swung by Test Track to pick up some FPs,

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Meandered by some people stuck in a cranberry bog

and then headed into Spaceship earth, which was just as fun as always! This time around I noticed that some backlight triangle were added to the decent. Maybe they had been there all the time and I just didn’t notice because I was too busy building my future? They certainly don’t make up for the unfinished descent, but at least they are something to look at!

When we were finished DH decided to try out one of the other games in the post show area, some driving game.

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Truthfully I don’t remember too much about it, and it wasn’t really all the exciting, so feel free to skip in favor of power the city.

After all that, our FPs for Soarin’ still weren’t ready, so after a little wheedling, I convinced DH to go on a nostalgic favorite, Universe of Energy- at least that is what the sign still says.

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I hadn’t been on this ride in a while, because I always worry about how Everett would do, and 45 minutes is a long time with no chance of exit in case of meltdown. There should be some sort of emergency temper tantrum kill switch in that ride, so parents can get off in extreme situations.

But, since I’m still waiting for that upgrade, I figured now would be my best chance to visit my dinosaur friends, who are cool, not like the ones that try to eat me in Animal Kingdom!

I remember being so unbelievably impressed by the dinosaur scene as a kid, and really, it still is pretty awesome. It is a dark ride on such a grand scale, something you’d never see built today.

Dh was less than enthusiastic, but even he had to agree that it did a good job of eating up time, and when we got off, we were able to head over to Soarin’

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I was really glad I got my chance to get on today!
Once we were done with our hangliding tour of CA, we were feeling a little peckish. Yeah, I know, its not like we’d be eating all day or anything! DH loves those giant sandwiches at Sunshine Seasons, and since we were right there, it was the logical choice for dinner.

DH got one of the afore mentioned sandwiches, and I got a chicken Caesar salad, a good Disney staple. I can’t say that my salad wowed me, but it was fine and it did the trick.

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blurry food pictures

The logical choice after dinner is always to go on a fast or spinny ride, and since our TT FPs were now good, that is exactly what we did.

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We went through the FP line fairly quickly and we were matched up with a kid from the single rider line. I was guessing he was a first time rider, but I knew for sure when he started screaming right before we “crashed” into the wall. It was pretty funny.

redneck ride photo alert!
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It had gotten dark by the time we were off TT, which meant only one thing, there was time for a dessert loop around WS, and then it was time to settle in for Illuminations.

DH wanted Baklava, so we headed off in the direction of Morocco. DH hit up the F&W booth, while I stood back and caught a little bit of Mo’rockin’ .

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They are one of my favorite WS performers, them and Off Kilter, so it was nice to get to listen to them for a little bit.

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Baklava consumed, it was time for me to make my dessert choice, and there was one thing that I just had to try- a chewy caramel bar. This treat was made famous by PirateKate in her TRs, and on our last trip I thought I had one, but as it turns out I was mistaken and ate a chocolate caramel, which while chewy and bar shaped, was not the real deal (still delicious by the way!).

This time I was not to be thwarted by wrong signage, I knew what I was looking for and I was going to find it. We made our way into the Karamel Kutche (or however you spell it) and I saw it.

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I had a momentary lapse where I considered trying the caramel cookie instead, but I kept the faith. I trusted Kate, she wouldn’t steer me wrong.

Boy, was I ever glad! It was delicious, with shortbread goodness and chewy caramel, completely heavenly!

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After all that we were not done, we had one more dessert to try out before we settled in for Illuminations, the white chocolate macadamia mousse with dark chocolate pearls that was at the desserts and champagne booth.

I don’t have any photos of it, for some reason, probably because we were too busy scarfing it down to bother with pictures. If I learned one lesson from the churro incident, its “eat now, take pictures later”.

Dessert loop complete, there was only one thing left to do- get our traditional pre-illuminations margarita and settle in for the fireworks.

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We ended up in Norway, which I think it a great place to watch from and took a seat. I broke down and called my Mom to check on how things were going and was happy to hear that everything was going swimmingly.

We had to watch our backs for spot poachers while we were waiting, but luckily no one tried to muscle in front of us and we had a great viewing of Illuminations.

Once it was through we headed back to the busses and back to AKL. We had discussed getting a drink and sitting outside by the firepit, but we nixed that plan because we were both pretty tired.

Also tomorrow we had to be up bright and early because tomorrow was the day that we would run with the bulls, in the Toy Story Mania dash.

[khertz]

That chocolate lava cake looks delicious!!

It has been forever since we took a ride on Ellen's Energy Adventure, and we can be sure that now that DS will be tagging along on our trips, it will be even LONGER before we ever make it back on that attraction! It is just SO long, there's no way I could ever attempt it with Paxton until he is much older.

I'm glad things are working out so far with the move. :goodvibes I wonder how many people will think Everett was named after the city? :laughing: We will actually (probably) be visiting not too far north of you after our DL trip in May. We are combining that vacation with a visit to see DH's aunt and grandmother who live in Washington. His aunt lives on Camano Island, which it looks like is about 45 minutes north of Everett! I feel like maybe we did something in Everett on our last visit a few years ago, but I might just be remembering road signs with Everett on it and thinking how much I liked that name! :confused3

[amandaw]

Trash can or no trash can....that chocolate lava cake looks G-O-O-D!!! And so does PirateKate's chewy caramel bar. I'm going to have start up a list in my Disney vacation notebook of all the snacks I want to try in December. I always think I'll remember but I never do.

Sounds like y'all really had a wonderful evening!

I hope y'all didn't get trampled the next morning in the TSM running! :eek:

[shan23877]

Sounds like a great day at Epcot! I'm going to have to get one of those chewy caramel bars one of these days...

I have to admit, when you shared about the move one of the first things I thought was that you'd have Everett in Everett. At least you won't have to tell everyone how to spell his name! ;) We are (probably) moving this summer but only about 100 miles away. All the same, I'm making myself sick trying to plan it all out with all of the uncertainty. You must have the patience of a saint to deal with all of the back and forth rigamarole! :worship:

[afwdwfan]

The chocolate lava cake looks amazing. I want one right now. :lmao:

On the topic of desserts, I tried a chewy caramel bar... I also, can agree that it does live up to PirateKate's hype.:thumbsup2 And I don't usually care for caramel unless there is also chocolate involved.

It looks like a fun time at EPCOT. I'm with you about the dinosaurs, I have always loved the Universe of Energy ride, because I could see some cool animatronic dinosaurs. Unfortunately, I think the last time I rode it I was asleep by the time we got to them. I woke up with a dinosaur staring at me.:rolleyes1 :rotfl:

[amazingact21]

I loved the baklava at the F&W Festival, but seeing that picture of the lava cake, I think that would be tastier. Looked liked a chocolate lover's dream. :love:

[amandaw]

I had to come & tell you that I just thought of you. I'm sitting here, catching up on my DIS threads when my emailed dinged with a new message. I go to check it out & it's from the Disney store. They're now selling "Adventure wear" for Duffy. I took one look at it & thought, "Oh, look at Barfy all dressed up!" :lmao:

[My sister's princess]

Great update!

VERY glad to hear your deployment news, that is wonderful!!! :banana::banana:

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

That lava cake looks so good! Tiny, but good! :laughing: Whenever we finally get to go during F&W, I am definitely planning a night to walk around WS and sample the desserts like you did - that sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening! And thanks for the Norway tip for Illuminations. I am always looking for a good fireworks viewing spot. :thumbsup2

[KatMark]

Great update. Sounds like a productive evening at Epcot. I am drooling over that Lava Cake after having an apple for my afternoon snack.

[princessbride6205]

I knew I would like AKL, but I didn't realize I would LOVE it as much as I do, it is really a special place!

I would definitely check into AKL, the transportation wasn't an issue and it is so beautiful. It really feels like you are in a different place, it has a level of escapism that you won't find even at the Poly or the boardwalk.
We feel the same way about AKL - and especially the villas. It is totally our exotic home away from home.


A few years past the South Africa booth had a wine called “Goats do Roam”. I thought the name was hilarious and the wine wasn’t half bad either. It wasn’t there last year, and much to my disappointment it wasn’t back again this year.

I decided to drowned my sorrows in the La Capra Pinotage- which was also good, but unfortunately did not have the benefit of animals on the label or a cutesy name.
I really liked Goats do Roam when I tried it at Food and Wine back in 2006. I also like to choose wines based on animals or funny names. ;)

Oh and I wanted to join your evil-parents-on-planes club. :laughing: We flew with DD so many times as a lap child and now that we have to buy her a seat, I've never brought the car seat. It works for us.

DH and I have been wanting to do an adults only F&W trip, haven't done that or any non-kid vacation since before we had DD. Maybe 2012 is our year. :rolleyes1

I'm sorry to hear about the Washington state move. I guess the best thing is that it's only "for now." I assume you'll move again 2 or 3 years later. I don't really like Minnesota (I'm also an East Coast girl) and somehow I've managed here for almost 9 years. :scared1: But seriously, I'm sending good thoughts your way for the upcoming move and deployment. And, of course, looking forward to your next update! :)

[afwdwfan]

I'm sure you're busy right now, but how are things coming along with the move?

[CandleontheWater]

I know I've been MIA, and I do really intend to finish this TR, but since I've last posted, I've had a birthday, took another Disney trip (where my entire family came down with hand, foot and mouth disease- yay!), had to replace both the furnace and the water heater in our house, and... had our move to Everett Washington cancelled!

A few weeks ago DH got another call from the detailer with the good news. The reason we got stuck with the Everett orders, was because someone had initially accepted the orders, and then decided at the last minute to get out of the military. Well, in order to get out, you have to submit a detachment packet, which gets reviewed, and this persons request was denied. Since they had already accepted the orders, they had to fulfill them.

So the orders were taken away from us, and given back to the person who originally accepted them.

I am really happy about this change, but I just wish they could have let me know a little earlier, because I've discovered that cancelling a cross country move is almost as time consuming as planning one! :laughing:

So now it looks we are going to Norfolk at the beginning of July, of course after all these changes, I don't think I'm going to believe it until I'm actually living there! ;)

So back onto the TR- if there is anyone left out there reading this! :cutie:

Episode 10- the update where I have a sinking feeling…

We were up bright and early the next morning, and after a quick peak at the savannah, finished up our packing and we were out the door.

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look, its zebras!

We were doing so well on time, that I actually stopped to get some shots of the lovely lobby and ambiance.

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This is such a gorgeous hotel, even though it does share similarities with the WL, I think it is so unique.

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We then headed down to the bus stop and we were riding a bus to DHS by 7:30 am.

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I was pretty proud of myself, everything was going so well! We were going to make it with plenty of time for rope drop and were pretty much guaranteed a ride on TSM!

We got off the bus and I was just in heaven, even though it was our last day I was in high spirits, off to have some fun in the most thrill-packed park. I didn’t have to worry about baby swaps or stroller parking or boring poor DS with waiting around, it was going to be all about competition and adrenaline!

I snapped a quick early morning tower photo

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And then noticed that one of the cars topiaries was out by the entrance. I went and posed next to lightning McQueen, since he is Everett’s favorite, and held up my coffee cup.

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It was then that I noticed a glaring omission and a sinking feeling spread through my stomach. My wedding rings! :eek: They were not on my finger! I must have left them back in the room- and WE HAD CHECKED OUT! :scared1:

I began to panic and ran over to the first CM I saw, asking if they knew where I could get the number to AKL. They sent me over to guest relations, and after explaining the situation, the CM called up the front desk of AKL right away. The CM at the AKL were awesome, they put a hold on the room so that the housekeeping staff wouldn’t start cleaning (I was so afraid that the rings might accidentally get thrown away or knocked into the sink during cleaning), and they said that they would send a runner right up to the room to get them and bring them back to the front desk. They even said that I didn’t need to come back to the hotel, that they would give me a call when they were recovered.

Of course, at this point I was so frazzled that I knew I wouldn’t have any fun until they were back on my finger, so we decided to get back on the bus and go back to get them.

I wasn’t sure if we’d even be able to get a bus back to the hotel, since the park wasn’t even open yet, but the we went and stood by our bus stop and the next driver who dropped off guests was nice enough to take us back to AKL.

I ran off that bus and rushed back up to the front desk. The CM there immediately put me at ease when she told me that she just saw someone come down with my rings, and that they put them in the safe. She went and got them from the safe, and we were reunited!

I’m really glad that this adventure ended well, and it certainly taught me my lesson! When I was down in WDW last week I did wear my wedding rings, but I never took them off. They did get a little gunky with sunscreen and soap over the course of the week, but its easy enough to clean them and I’d rather them gunky then gone!

Next up- could we still make it to RD?

[CandleontheWater]

That chocolate lava cake looks delicious!!

It has been forever since we took a ride on Ellen's Energy Adventure, and we can be sure that now that DS will be tagging along on our trips, it will be even LONGER before we ever make it back on that attraction! It is just SO long, there's no way I could ever attempt it with Paxton until he is much older.

I'm glad things are working out so far with the move. :goodvibes I wonder how many people will think Everett was named after the city? :laughing: We will actually (probably) be visiting not too far north of you after our DL trip in May. We are combining that vacation with a visit to see DH's aunt and grandmother who live in Washington. His aunt lives on Camano Island, which it looks like is about 45 minutes north of Everett! I feel like maybe we did something in Everett on our last visit a few years ago, but I might just be remembering road signs with Everett on it and thinking how much I liked that name! :confused3

I really have a lot of love for Universe of Energy, I remember how excited I was for that attraction when we went in 1986! I'm thinking of maybe braving it with Everett when we go in Oct, he really like dinosaurs, and he'll almost be three... but I might be getting ahead of myself. :laughing:

Trash can or no trash can....that chocolate lava cake looks G-O-O-D!!! And so does PirateKate's chewy caramel bar. I'm going to have start up a list in my Disney vacation notebook of all the snacks I want to try in December. I always think I'll remember but I never do.

Sounds like y'all really had a wonderful evening!

I hope y'all didn't get trampled the next morning in the TSM running! :eek:

You really do have to try the caramel bar- although from what I read in Kate's recent TR, she didn't think they were as good as they used to be, so be wary of bad batches!

Sounds like a great day at Epcot! I'm going to have to get one of those chewy caramel bars one of these days...

I have to admit, when you shared about the move one of the first things I thought was that you'd have Everett in Everett. At least you won't have to tell everyone how to spell his name! ;) We are (probably) moving this summer but only about 100 miles away. All the same, I'm making myself sick trying to plan it all out with all of the uncertainty. You must have the patience of a saint to deal with all of the back and forth rigamarole! :worship:

I could really go for a chewy caramel bar right now!

The chocolate lava cake looks amazing. I want one right now. :lmao:

On the topic of desserts, I tried a chewy caramel bar... I also, can agree that it does live up to PirateKate's hype.:thumbsup2 And I don't usually care for caramel unless there is also chocolate involved.

It looks like a fun time at EPCOT. I'm with you about the dinosaurs, I have always loved the Universe of Energy ride, because I could see some cool animatronic dinosaurs. Unfortunately, I think the last time I rode it I was asleep by the time we got to them. I woke up with a dinosaur staring at me.:rolleyes1 :rotfl:

You feel asleep before the dinosaurs! That takes commitment! I'll confess I have almost nodded off in the radio tower scene, but thats got to be at least 20 minutes into the ride! :laughing:

I loved the baklava at the F&W Festival, but seeing that picture of the lava cake, I think that would be tastier. Looked liked a chocolate lover's dream. :love:

It was so good! I just booked an Oct trip, and I can't wait to have another one!

[CandleontheWater]

I had to come & tell you that I just thought of you. I'm sitting here, catching up on my DIS threads when my emailed dinged with a new message. I go to check it out & it's from the Disney store. They're now selling "Adventure wear" for Duffy. I took one look at it & thought, "Oh, look at Barfy all dressed up!" :lmao:

That is too funny! Do you know we were just in Disney over presidents week, and we didn't buy Barfy even one outfit! For shame! :sad2: :laughing:

Great update!

VERY glad to hear your deployment news, that is wonderful!!! :banana::banana:

Well, the only bad thing about canceling the Everett move, is now he'll have to go back on another regular length deployment. It will be 7 months, but we've done it before and we'll make it through.

That lava cake looks so good! Tiny, but good! :laughing: Whenever we finally get to go during F&W, I am definitely planning a night to walk around WS and sample the desserts like you did - that sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening! And thanks for the Norway tip for Illuminations. I am always looking for a good fireworks viewing spot. :thumbsup2

Dessert laps are the very best kind of laps! :rotfl:

Great update. Sounds like a productive evening at Epcot. I am drooling over that Lava Cake after having an apple for my afternoon snack.

The food at Epcot is automatically better then anything I have at home, maybe thats why I take so many trips!

We feel the same way about AKL - and especially the villas. It is totally our exotic home away from home.


I really liked Goats do Roam when I tried it at Food and Wine back in 2006. I also like to choose wines based on animals or funny names. ;)

Oh and I wanted to join your evil-parents-on-planes club. :laughing: We flew with DD so many times as a lap child and now that we have to buy her a seat, I've never brought the car seat. It works for us.

DH and I have been wanting to do an adults only F&W trip, haven't done that or any non-kid vacation since before we had DD. Maybe 2012 is our year. :rolleyes1

I'm sorry to hear about the Washington state move. I guess the best thing is that it's only "for now." I assume you'll move again 2 or 3 years later. I don't really like Minnesota (I'm also an East Coast girl) and somehow I've managed here for almost 9 years. :scared1: But seriously, I'm sending good thoughts your way for the upcoming move and deployment. And, of course, looking forward to your next update! :)

I'm glad I'm not the only one who chooses wines entirely based on cutesie criteria! :thumbsup2

He he, I don't bring the carseat for Everett either, unless we are renting a car. Its just too much trouble! :rolleyes1

I'm sure you're busy right now, but how are things coming along with the move?

Well, as you can see from my last update- everything is going just fine! :rotfl2: Thanks for asking though! :thumbsup2 It is so nice to know that my DIS friends are thinking of me!

[My sister's princess]

All I can say about this update is :scared1:


YAY for not moving, boooo for deployment

[fitgirl36]

Thanks for the update! I've been wondering how the moving has been going. Glad to hear it worked out the way you hoped.

[jedijill]

Glad the cross-country move got cancelled but boo for deployment. Glad you found your rings!

Jill in CO

[shan23877]

Glad to have an update! I've been wondering how the move went, glad to hear it didn't! Virginia sounds much more manageable. A family friend's son is stationed there right now and seems to like it.

So glad your rings were found!

[Mom&RN]

Oh my gosh, what a scare - I would have FREAKED OUT!! :eek: Glad it turned out ok in the end - I hope you make it on TSM anyway!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Oh my gosh, I am so glad that you got your rings back. I would have had a heart attack!

[amandaw]

I was so excited when I saw in your PM reply to me that the move got cancelled! I had to come right over to read all about it. I know you have to be so relieved. At least the move to Norfolk won't be as far and hopefully much more manageable! So happy for y'all! :goodvibes

I would have freaked out if I had realized I had checked out & forgotten my rings. :eek: I would've done the same thing & hopped back on the bus. I do hope y'all were able to make it for Rope Drop or at least that y'all weren't too late.


You really do have to try the caramel bar- although from what I read in Kate's recent TR, she didn't think they were as good as they used to be, so be wary of bad batches!

I saw that in her TR. There are so many things I want to try on our next trip. To make it worse, our trip has now changed & we'll be there during the 1st week of F&W. I'll have to make some tough food choices! :laughing:


It was so good! I just booked an Oct trip, and I can't wait to have another one!

When will y'all be there in October? We moved our trip up from December because Ed is going to be running the Tower of Terror 10 mile race. Our dates are now Sat, 9/29 - Sat, 10/6.

[CandleontheWater]

All I can say about this update is :scared1:
YAY for not moving, boooo for deployment

Yeah, I'm not thrilled about the deployment, but I knew it was coming, and I'm about as mentally prepared as I can be. It also is going to help that I'm going to go stay with my parents for the majority of the time DH is gone. It will be much easier with extra help and company.

Thanks for the update! I've been wondering how the moving has been going. Glad to hear it worked out the way you hoped.

It certainly did work out, it was pretty much a miracle! :yay:

Glad the cross-country move got cancelled but boo for deployment. Glad you found your rings!

Jill in CO

Yes, I would have freaked if I lost my rings (and I think DH would have killed me!)

Glad to have an update! I've been wondering how the move went, glad to hear it didn't! Virginia sounds much more manageable. A family friend's son is stationed there right now and seems to like it.

So glad your rings were found!

It will be so much easier to just move down the road to Norfolk. Its certainly not my top choice of places to live, but housing prices are much more reasonable than here around DC, so it will a real upside to have some extra living space.

Oh my gosh, what a scare - I would have FREAKED OUT!! :eek: Glad it turned out ok in the end - I hope you make it on TSM anyway!!

It really worked out as well as it could have, I was super lucky! You'll have to stayed tuned to find out about TSM! ;)

Oh my gosh, I am so glad that you got your rings back. I would have had a heart attack!

I just kept thinking about the story a few years ago about the couple who's rings got thrown away in Disney, and a CM found them in the trash and they were able to be returned. I was sure that magic like that couldn't strike twice, and I was pretty sure that they would be gone forever! :scared1: I was so lucky that was not the case.

I was so excited when I saw in your PM reply to me that the move got cancelled! I had to come right over to read all about it. I know you have to be so relieved. At least the move to Norfolk won't be as far and hopefully much more manageable! So happy for y'all! :goodvibes

I would have freaked out if I had realized I had checked out & forgotten my rings. :eek: I would've done the same thing & hopped back on the bus. I do hope y'all were able to make it for Rope Drop or at least that y'all weren't too late.

I saw that in her TR. There are so many things I want to try on our next trip. To make it worse, our trip has now changed & we'll be there during the 1st week of F&W. I'll have to make some tough food choices! :laughing:

When will y'all be there in October? We moved our trip up from December because Ed is going to be running the Tower of Terror 10 mile race. Our dates are now Sat, 9/29 - Sat, 10/6.

We are going to be there at the same time! :thumbsup2 I'm going to be there Sept 25th-Oct 2nd. We'll have to plan a meet up, I'm sure Everett and Reid would have a blast together!

[amandaw]

We are going to be there at the same time! :thumbsup2 I'm going to be there Sept 25th-Oct 2nd. We'll have to plan a meet up, I'm sure Everett and Reid would have a blast together!

How exciting that our dates overlap! Where are y'all staying? We'll definitely have to see if we can meet up. You're right - the boys would definitely have fun! :goodvibes

[afwdwfan]

You feel asleep before the dinosaurs! That takes commitment! I'll confess I have almost nodded off in the radio tower scene, but thats got to be at least 20 minutes into the ride! :laughing:

It was a hot July day and I was exhausted. I sat down in the A/C and that was all it took. :lmao: :rotfl2:

I woke up and fell asleep again a few times during that ride.:rolleyes1



I'm glad to see that your move to WA was canceled. Hopefully, the new plan will actually stick. :confused3 That has to be quite a relief to not have to make that cross country move now.


That is scary that you forgot your rings the morning you went to DHS. The CM's always seem to be wonderful about taking care of things in those situations though. It's good to see that you were quickly reunited with them.

[khertz]

SO happy to see you back & updating!! If canceling the move to Everett (despite the headache of doing so) was a good thing, then I'm very happy for you!

I would definitely have done the same thing had I left my rings in the room. My mind always jumps to worst case scenario, so I would have wanted them back in my possession safe & sound asap! It's refreshing to see that the CM's were so quick and efficient in solving this problem for you and getting you your rings back. Hopefully you were still able to make RD!

Side note - I'm disappointed that we will miss you in October! We are not going until the end of the month so we can spend Paxton's birthday in MK. :wizard: We would have loved to meet up and let Paxton & Everett get to know each other! :goodvibes

[CandleontheWater]

It was a hot July day and I was exhausted. I sat down in the A/C and that was all it took. :lmao: :rotfl2:

I woke up and fell asleep again a few times during that ride.:rolleyes1

I'm glad to see that your move to WA was canceled. Hopefully, the new plan will actually stick. :confused3 That has to be quite a relief to not have to make that cross country move now.

That is scary that you forgot your rings the morning you went to DHS. The CM's always seem to be wonderful about taking care of things in those situations though. It's good to see that you were quickly reunited with them.

Well, I guess you'll be forgiven for nodding off on a hot July day, just don't do it again! ;)

I was very happy to get my rings back, and DH even more so! :rotfl2:

SO happy to see you back & updating!! If canceling the move to Everett (despite the headache of doing so) was a good thing, then I'm very happy for you!

I would definitely have done the same thing had I left my rings in the room. My mind always jumps to worst case scenario, so I would have wanted them back in my possession safe & sound asap! It's refreshing to see that the CM's were so quick and efficient in solving this problem for you and getting you your rings back. Hopefully you were still able to make RD!

Side note - I'm disappointed that we will miss you in October! We are not going until the end of the month so we can spend Paxton's birthday in MK. :wizard: We would have loved to meet up and let Paxton & Everett get to know each other! :goodvibes

I'm sorry we'll not overlap too! Originally I wanted to be down there for Halloween, but my AP expires on Oct 4th, and I'm not sure about renewing it. I don't think I'll be back at Disney again until next April, but who knows, right?

[RGirl]

:woohoo: So glad you're back!!

And Wow about the move and non-move and move, etc. High stress there!

So glad they found your rings!!! :scared1:

[MeMom]

Good to see you back in DIStown. I am glad you are staying on this side of the country. :thumbsup2

I think we all know that panicky feeling when we think we have lost/missed something important! :sick: I'm glad your issue was solved so quickly.

The AKL lobby is beautiful with its rich, dark colors. We have sat at that fireplace many, many times.

I can feel the warmth from the sun in those Hollywood morning pictures. :cool2:

[amazingact21]

Oh my goodness! I had a similar incident with my engagement ring last May, and I know how stressful it can be. I'm glad to hear AKL worked with you and you were able to retrieve them quickly. (But I bet it put a damper on your TSM competition.:laughing:)

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 11- the rope drop miracle part I

After I had been reunited with my rings, I took a look at the time- 8:30. I figured with some luck we could come really close to making RD, so we hoofed it back over the bus stop and got on a bus pretty quickly.

We hustled through the bag check and the turn-styles and we were walking onto Hollywood Blvd by 9:07, we even caught the tail end of the rope drop crowd! Not bad for having been back and forth to the park twice already that day.

Once in the park we had a mission. I took the tickets and walked my very fastest, trying to (literally) make up lost ground. I knew it could be worse, but I wasn’t happy being at the very back of the TSM FP dash.

I did manage to beat a few of the stragglers to the FP machine and soon had my FPs in hand, and luckily with an early enough return time so we could ride before we had to leave to catch Magical Express.

Now we had a major decision to make, I knew we had to leave the park around 1:30 pm, so we could be back to the resort in time, so we really had to prioritize. If we got into the TSM standby line (which was now up to 30 minutes) we would likely have to skip either Tower or Coaster.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0259.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0260.jpg

Since we rarely get to ride TSM together, we made the choice to get into the standby line and guarantee us two rides that day. I think it was a very good choice. I do love both Tower and Coaster, but the ride really isn’t any different riding together or apart, whereas on TSM, you need a good teammate to unlock the easter eggs and get the highest score.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0261.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0262.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0263.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0264.jpg

We didn’t come close to our personal bests, but we did pretty respectably, considering how out of practice we are, and we knew we had one more ride for vindication.

Our next stop of the day was at Starring Roles, to pick up some yummy breakfast. I had one of the chocolate croissants and DH had a cheese Danish. There is just something so good and fresh about the Disney chocolate croissants, I haven’t been able to find one in real life that even comes close.

We took our goodies and sat down in the outdoor area by the brown derby and talked a little bit about our day. We decided to skip Tower in favor of coaster, and prioritize getting on the new Star Tours.

We then headed up Sunset and into line for Coaster. The wait time was a ½ hour, but I don’t think it ended up taking us that long. I hadn’t waited in the standby line in a long time, so I had forgotten about some of the details in the queue, like who are these people?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1890.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1891.jpg
I must be really out of the loop

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1892.jpg
this is making me feel old

And look a guitar
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1894.jpg

And some recording equipment
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1893.jpg


Before long we were on our tour of G force records,
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1895.jpg

And after we scored our backstage passes, we waited in a small line for our super stretch limo
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1898.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSCN1896.jpg

And we somehow made it to the concert just on time!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0265.jpg

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 11- A rope drop miracle- part II

We then headed on to Star tours,

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0267.jpg
this could also be the DIS motto

Taking some pictures along the way

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0268.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0269.jpg

When we got over there, we grabbed FPs, since the wait was a little long and we figured we could make it our last ride of the day.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0271.jpg

Since we had a little time to kill before lunch, we used our FP to once again conquer TSM, and happily increased both of our scores.

That being accomplished we still had some time before our Star Tours FPs were good, so we headed over to one of DH’s favorites, the backlot express for some chicken nuggets.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0284.jpg
Yum, I wish I was eating these for lunch today!

It was then time for our last ride of the trip- Star Tours. I really love how they managed to add new details to the queue, without detracting from the overall feel. I would have been sad if they removed C3PO and the Star Speeder, it is so nice to see them still present and all spiffed up.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0272.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0273.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0274.jpg

I also like how you can find Captain Rex in the queue- marked defective of course! ;)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0276.jpg

Watching this window is also really fun!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0279.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0281.jpg

Its such a great experience, it almost makes me want to wait in line- almost!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0282.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0283.jpg

On this trip we ended up going to Coruscant, which I hadn’t been to before, so I had to commemorate my journey with a photo.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0285.jpg

After our space journey it was time to make our way out of the park. We had a little time to kill so I took some photos, and stopped at one of my favorite places- the well outside of Indiana Jones.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0288.jpg

I was an archaeologist before DS, so I really love the little details in this area.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0286.jpg

Looks almost like a real dig

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0287.jpg

On the way out, DH also almost got eaten alive by a green monster :scared1:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0290.jpg

And his head was nearly consumed by Duffy (who would have thought that such an innocent looking bear would thirst for human brains!) :rotfl2:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0291.jpg

After braving those trials, he also braved shopping on our way out of the park (by far the most dangerous and trying ordeal of the day!)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0293.jpg

We stopped for one last photo

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0295.jpg

And said our goodbyes to DHS

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0297.jpg

Next up- a slithery surprise and a close call

[CandleontheWater]

:woohoo: So glad you're back!!

And Wow about the move and non-move and move, etc. High stress there!

So glad they found your rings!!! :scared1:

Well things certainly got a lot less stressful when we found out we weren't moving cross country, so I'm thankful for that, but really, moving is always a pain! :headache:

Good to see you back in DIStown. I am glad you are staying on this side of the country. :thumbsup2

I think we all know that panicky feeling when we think we have lost/missed something important! :sick: I'm glad your issue was solved so quickly.

The AKL lobby is beautiful with its rich, dark colors. We have sat at that fireplace many, many times.

I can feel the warmth from the sun in those Hollywood morning pictures. :cool2:

I wish I was sitting in the AKL lobby right now! Its such a wonderful space!

Oh my goodness! I had a similar incident with my engagement ring last May, and I know how stressful it can be. I'm glad to hear AKL worked with you and you were able to retrieve them quickly. (But I bet it put a damper on your TSM competition.:laughing:)

Well, it was stressful, but once I got them back I was pretty much OK (although that is a very good excuse for why my score wasn't up to par, I think I just may take it! ;) )

[amandaw]

Yay! Y'all made it back for Rope Drop! :woohoo: And how fun that y'all got to ride TSM 2x!

I, too, would have to opt for RNRC over ToT. I love both but RNRC does win out for me if I have to choose.

I'm so excited to experience the new Star Tours this year. Although, I think Reid is even more excited than I am. :laughing: He's seen the (old) Star Wars movies now & loves them.

[afwdwfan]

Wow, that is some impressive park touring for having gone back to the resort and returning to the park all before rope drop. You really got a lot done.

I like your comment about your DH wearing the Duffy hat, but I'm not sure there's anything that scares me more than the thought of Zombie Duffys. :scared1:

[khertz]

And we somehow made it to the concert just on time!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0265.jpg

:lmao:

I am so impressed that y'all still made it into DHS so early! And ya gotta take advantage of riding TSM without a toddler as much as you can. :laughing: At 1 years old, DS wasn't interested in trying to pull the string, but I know it will be a different story when we take him on it again.

I don't know who most of the artists they have posters of in the RnRC queue are either. :confused3

[smile4stamps]

Just read through your entire TR! It sounds like you had a fabulous trip! Minus the rings! I so very rarely take mine off. Hubby would kill me if I lost them! I don't have kids though so that may make a difference...

Can't wait to experience the F&W festival in October!! Thanks for sharing pics of some of the goodies you enjoyed!

[CandleontheWater]

Yay! Y'all made it back for Rope Drop! :woohoo: And how fun that y'all got to ride TSM 2x!

I, too, would have to opt for RNRC over ToT. I love both but RNRC does win out for me if I have to choose.

I'm so excited to experience the new Star Tours this year. Although, I think Reid is even more excited than I am. :laughing: He's seen the (old) Star Wars movies now & loves them.

Yay, I'm glad Reid is now a Star Wars fan! When did you show him the movies? I want to introduce Everett to Star Wars at some point, but I'm not sure he'd sit through an entire movie that wasn't animated.

Wow, that is some impressive park touring for having gone back to the resort and returning to the park all before rope drop. You really got a lot done.

I like your comment about your DH wearing the Duffy hat, but I'm not sure there's anything that scares me more than the thought of Zombie Duffys. :scared1:

Zombie Duffy = :scared1: :rotfl2:

:lmao:

I am so impressed that y'all still made it into DHS so early! And ya gotta take advantage of riding TSM without a toddler as much as you can. :laughing: At 1 years old, DS wasn't interested in trying to pull the string, but I know it will be a different story when we take him on it again.

I don't know who most of the artists they have posters of in the RnRC queue are either. :confused3

Yes, I think TSM is much better without a toddler on your lap! We took Everett on TSM for the first time on this last trip, and he really didn't get it. He wouldn't wear the glasses, and lost interest in pulling the string pretty quickly.

Just read through your entire TR! It sounds like you had a fabulous trip! Minus the rings! I so very rarely take mine off. Hubby would kill me if I lost them! I don't have kids though so that may make a difference...

Can't wait to experience the F&W festival in October!! Thanks for sharing pics of some of the goodies you enjoyed!

Your welcome, thank you for joining us! The F&W festival is awesome, you are going to really enjoy it, especially since it will just be the two of you! I booked a trip for me and Everett this year (DH will be deployed) since I couldn't stay away! If you see a crazy lady pushing a stroller and balancing multiple plates of food, that would be me! :laughing:

[amandaw]

Yay, I'm glad Reid is now a Star Wars fan! When did you show him the movies? I want to introduce Everett to Star Wars at some point, but I'm not sure he'd sit through an entire movie that wasn't animated.


I showed him the movies for the 1st time this past fall....I think. :laughing: That would've put him at about 3 1/2. There were a couple of times when Ed had stopped on them if he was flipping channels. So, from that, he learned the main characters & then I decided to let him watch the movies. If I have the movie playing in the den, he usually won't sit still & watch the whole thing. But, sometimes he likes to do movie time in my bed. When we do that, I have movie rules of (1) be quiet and (2) sit still. So, in bed, he will sit still & watch the whole thing. And he is fascinated by Darth Vader!

[AKL LOVER]

The girl in the poster over your DH's right shoulder is Selena Gomez. At least I'm pretty positive it is. But I'm at a loss for the others. :confused3 Yup, we're old.

You got some solid park time in before you had to leave. Nice. :thumbsup2

[danielle79]

Just totally caught up on the TR and love all the pics! My husband and I have never been to Disney without the kids, but we were just talking the other day that we can both see ourselves going once the kids have grown up an d moved out. I love love love all your pics! And dont worry I wouldn't judge anyone on a plane with a baby on their lap or someone that puts his/her fork on a Disney garbage can! My favorite pic is the second one in this last update, where you can see the little boy taking a pic of his parents, love that!:goodvibes

[CandleontheWater]

I showed him the movies for the 1st time this past fall....I think. :laughing: That would've put him at about 3 1/2. There were a couple of times when Ed had stopped on them if he was flipping channels. So, from that, he learned the main characters & then I decided to let him watch the movies. If I have the movie playing in the den, he usually won't sit still & watch the whole thing. But, sometimes he likes to do movie time in my bed. When we do that, I have movie rules of (1) be quiet and (2) sit still. So, in bed, he will sit still & watch the whole thing. And he is fascinated by Darth Vader!

Sounds good! I especially like your movie time in the bed rules!

The girl in the poster over your DH's right shoulder is Selena Gomez. At least I'm pretty positive it is. But I'm at a loss for the others. :confused3 Yup, we're old.

You got some solid park time in before you had to leave. Nice. :thumbsup2

At least you knew who one of them was, thats better than me! :laughing:

Just totally caught up on the TR and love all the pics! My husband and I have never been to Disney without the kids, but we were just talking the other day that we can both see ourselves going once the kids have grown up an d moved out. I love love love all your pics! And dont worry I wouldn't judge anyone on a plane with a baby on their lap or someone that puts his/her fork on a Disney garbage can! My favorite pic is the second one in this last update, where you can see the little boy taking a pic of his parents, love that!:goodvibes

It is really fun to go without the kids. We went so much before DS was born, just the two of us, that we really missed touring the parks adults only. It is a different type of trip, but so worth it! Thanks for reading along!

[RGirl]

Great update! It looks like such a beautiful day at DHS. Wow - I really wish I was there right now...........

[amandaw]

Sounds good! I especially like your movie time in the bed rules!

Thanks! I have to say that Reid does follow the movie time bed rules rather well. Now, I try to do most of our movie times in there so I can get him to be quiet & relax for just a little bit.

I have to tell you about another thing I found that involves Star Wars. Playskool puts out a line of toys geared towards preschoolers that is all Transformers, Marvel Superheroes & Star Wars! They are really cute & geared just right for little boys. Santa had brought Reid a Spiderman playset along with some action figures (Doc Ock, Iron Man, Dr. Doom, etc) for Christmas. He liked it so much that for his birthday yesterday, we gave him a Millenium Falcon playset. It came with Han Solo & Chewy. And then we gave him a Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Yoda & Luke Skywalker action figures. So, when Everett is just a bit older (like maybe once he hits 3), you may want to look into these. They're very cute!

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

Goodness, I had gotten behind! I'm finally all caught up! :goodvibes

I literally felt sick to my stomach reading about your ordeal with your wedding rings! I am always so paranoid that I am going to lose my rings at Disney. I find myself constantly checking my fingers to make sure they're still there! I'm so glad it turned out ok. And :worship: for still making it into the park so close to rope drop!

[CandleontheWater]

Episode 12- a slithery surprise and a not so magical ME experience

I made my way out of the gates and to the bus with a heavy heart. It had been a wonderful trip, but like every other time I have been to Disney, I was wishing for just one more day. Of course, once that day was over I would still probably wish for another day, and so and and so on, until I was just living at WDW (A girl can dream, right? :cloud9:).

Since we made it back to the resort a little early, we had some time to walk around, take some last minute photos and fill up our mugs one last time. Since we hadn’t be able to log any time at the pool, we headed out in that direction, stopping to check out the savannah .

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0312.jpg

We came across some antelope things, and some flamingos

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0310.jpg

And then we reached the pool

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0309.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0308.jpg

I took a seat on a lounger for a few minutes and just soaked in the atmosphere, trying to save up as much Disney as possible before we had to leave.

We then continued on to the Mara and filled up our mugs. I snapped a few pictures of the water feature that runs from the lobby into the pool. I always thought that this was one of the best parts of the lobby at both the wilderness lodge and the AKL.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0307.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0305.jpg

I also just love the waterfall by the Victoria falls lounge. I think that it is one of the best hotel bars at Disney, just for the ambiance alone.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0306.jpg

I got a quick photo of DH by the doorway, and we then headed out to check out the firepit that we missed out on the previous evening.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0304.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0302.jpg

Not so exciting during the daytime, but mark my words, someday I’m going to sit around the fire in the evening and enjoy a nice adult beverage.

We could see some giraffes had joined us out on the savannah, so we headed in their direction to take some more photos before we had to wait on ME.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0301.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0299.jpg

We even saw a wildebeest!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0300.jpg

We turned around to head back inside when we heard a commotion of sorts going on the pathway back into the resort. What we saw was this

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0298.jpg

An innocent black racer. While I was living in Florida, before DS, I worked as an archaeologist, and spent my days tramping around the swamps and forests. I’ve seen just about every snake Florida has to offer, both the venomous and non-venomous varieties (except coral snakes, I never ran into one of those).

Well, I guess the family on the path didn’t have much experience with snakes, because they were pretty much freaking out. I assured them that it was a harmless snake, and that they should just leave it alone and head down the path. Well, they gave it a wide berth, and headed on their way.

I stood there and watched it, wanting to make sure it made it safely into the bushes before some other family came along. The one thing that I didn’t tell that family, is although it is a perfectly harmless snake, Black Racers can get territorial, and will charge at you if it feels threatened, so I didn’t want anyone to come along and poke at it or try and chase it.

As a quick side note I’ll don’t think I’ll ever stop teasing DH about his first run-in with a black racer. He was working in the yard and I was inside watching TV. All of a sudden I see DH running full speed by the window, with the weed whacker still in his hand. This being out of his normal range of behavior, I went outside to investigate. He was in the front yard, yelling about some giant snake that jumped out of the weeds to attack him! Well, being how our yard ran up to a retention pond, I went out to take a look to make sure it wasn’t a water moccasin or anything dangerous. What I found was a tiny, skinny, about a foot long, black racer sunning himself in the yard.

Seriously, this was the “giant attack snake”, not only was it a pretty small little fellow, but DH was armed with a weed whacker, he could have chopped it to ribbons. I don’t think he’ll ever live it down. :laughing:

Once the snake slithered safely into the bushes, we headed back inside to wait on Magical Express. I settled down on one of the comfy chairs, while DH collected our luggage.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0314.jpg

While I was waiting I head a CM come inside and announce the ME that departed ½ hour before our scheduled departure. “Oh”, I thought to myself, “I guess we can just wait here until they call us”. So we did, we waited and waited and waited. When it was 5 minutes until we were supposed to be called, we went and sat outside, just to be on the safe side.

When we got outside there was a Mears bus by the ME stop, but no one was making any announcements, and since it wasn’t an ME or cruise line bus, and our bus wasn’t supposed to come for another 5 minutes, I didn’t think too much about it.

The Mears bus left shortly, still with no announcements or anything, so I just figured it was for a conference or something.

So we waited, and waited, and when the bus didn’t come DH started to get really anxious. I asked someone when the 2:30 ME bus was coming, and the CM told us it should be any minute now.

We waited and waited some more, and when another 5 minutes past I went to ask a different CM about the bus, and he verified that the Mears bus we saw, was indeed the bus we should have been on.

Drat! Now DH was really panicking, but the CM assured us that we could get on the next ME bus with no problem, and just to tell the driver we missed the previous bus.

Dh was on the verge of a full fledged meltdown by this point, he was sure we were going to miss our flight.
Well the next ME bus arrived, we got on with no problem, but now DH was in a panic about hitting traffic. I tried to assure him that unlike the DC area, Orlando rush hour did not begin until work got out at 5 pm, but he wasn’t listening. The whole ride over he was in a real state, and I tried to ignore him and watch the cute kids in the seat across the isle. They were talking about the trip with their grandparents and it was fun to see how excited they were and what a great time they had.

When we pulled up to the airport, DH grabbed me, the luggage and took off. He was like the Tasmanian devil, tearing though the airport, rushing through check in and security. When we got to the gate, and he realized that we had plenty of time, he finally cooled down.

After a while, I noticed that the nice family who sat across the isle from us on the ME bus were also on my flight. I took great glee in pointing that out to DH, that since they were on the same flight with us, and that Disney scheduled them on the later ME bus, that he had panicked the whole way for nothing. Dh was not amused.

Well after all that excitement, I was happy to settle into a quiet flight, and before I knew it we were back in DC. DS received a glowing report of good behavior from my parents, who said they’d be happy to watch him again anytime.

This trip, despite its shortness, was exactly what DH and I needed. It was delightful to spent time together, to enjoy each other’s company, and reconnect. I look forward to doing it again in the future, and to anyone contemplating and adults only trip, go book it, right now! You won’t regret it!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

To be honest, I probably would have reacted the same way as that family and your DH when faced with a snake. SCARY! In fact, if I had been part of that family I probably would have screamed and gone running in the opposite direction! :laughing:

[CandleontheWater]

Great update! It looks like such a beautiful day at DHS. Wow - I really wish I was there right now...........

you and me both! :goodvibes

Thanks! I have to say that Reid does follow the movie time bed rules rather well. Now, I try to do most of our movie times in there so I can get him to be quiet & relax for just a little bit.

I have to tell you about another thing I found that involves Star Wars. Playskool puts out a line of toys geared towards preschoolers that is all Transformers, Marvel Superheroes & Star Wars! They are really cute & geared just right for little boys. Santa had brought Reid a Spiderman playset along with some action figures (Doc Ock, Iron Man, Dr. Doom, etc) for Christmas. He liked it so much that for his birthday yesterday, we gave him a Millenium Falcon playset. It came with Han Solo & Chewy. And then we gave him a Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, Yoda & Luke Skywalker action figures. So, when Everett is just a bit older (like maybe once he hits 3), you may want to look into these. They're very cute!

Those toys sound like fun! I bet DH would love it if we got Everett some Star Wars toys! I keep forgetting that a whole world of toys opens up after they get past the choking hazard stage. This Christmas should be a blast!

Goodness, I had gotten behind! I'm finally all caught up! :goodvibes

I literally felt sick to my stomach reading about your ordeal with your wedding rings! I am always so paranoid that I am going to lose my rings at Disney. I find myself constantly checking my fingers to make sure they're still there! I'm so glad it turned out ok. And :worship: for still making it into the park so close to rope drop!

I was scared, I usually don't travel with jewelry just for that reason, but DH had made some hurt-sounding comment about me never wearing my rings anymore, and I thought this would be a great chance to wear them. Now I know to never take them off.

To be honest, I probably would have reacted the same way as that family and your DH when faced with a snake. SCARY! In fact, if I had been part of that family I probably would have screamed and gone running in the opposite direction! :laughing:

Thats funny! I have always liked snakes, so I guess I think about them a little differently.

[fi46re129]

Glad you guys had such a great trip!! Love all the AKL pics... I have been on the phone all day with DVC about purchasing there! Can't wait to hear about the next trip!

[amandaw]

I'm so sad that the trip is already over! :sad1: But, it sounds like y'all really had a great time.

You are one brave chick when it comes to snakes! :worship: I would be just like your DH if I saw one in our yard. :laughing:

I bet Everett was so happy to see his Mommy when you got home! :goodvibes

[PirateKate]

I'm sad your trip ended. It seems like it went by really fast. We're leaving the boys behind for a weekend trip soon and I know it's going to go by way too fast. How was Everett when you got back? Did he seem happy?

I'm glad you found those wedding rings! That would have been really scary.

[shan23877]

I think that I would have behaved exactly like your DH if I encountered a snake in the yard. :lmao: But, I bet it was really, really funny to watch him.

I'm sad that the trip is over, but I'm hoping that there's another TR on the horizon.

[smile4stamps]

Awww! I had just found your TR and now it's ended! Sounds like you had a great time!

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad the 2 of you had an enjoyable trip. I'm sure you missed Everett, but sometimes that time away is just what you need.

Does your DH read any of your DIS updates? :confused3 :rolleyes1 :lmao:

[khertz]

This trip, despite its shortness, was exactly what DH and I needed. It was delightful to spent time together, to enjoy each other’s company, and reconnect. I look forward to doing it again in the future, and to anyone contemplating and adults only trip, go book it, right now! You won’t regret it!

I so loved reading this assessment of the trip! It's exactly why I was hoping DH and I could do the same thing this past February. Since that fell through, I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for a good AP room discount to help us maybe go in August instead. Even though it's only a couple months before our big October trip, I still really want to have an adults only weekend and a room discount would be the easiest & best way for us to do it.

That's crazy about your ME experience!! I have to admit, I would have been your DH in that scenario, no question. :lmao: I'm a constant worrier when it comes to being on time or late for anything, but especially a flight!

I'm so glad you decided to do a TR of this trip, despite it being short and child-free. It was so great to follow along with your experiences! Can't wait for the next one!

[CandleontheWater]

Glad you guys had such a great trip!! Love all the AKL pics... I have been on the phone all day with DVC about purchasing there! Can't wait to hear about the next trip!

Congrats on your DVC purchase! I think you made a wonderful choice!

I'm so sad that the trip is already over! :sad1: But, it sounds like y'all really had a great time.

You are one brave chick when it comes to snakes! :worship: I would be just like your DH if I saw one in our yard. :laughing:

I bet Everett was so happy to see his Mommy when you got home! :goodvibes

He was happy to see Mommy, although my mom said that he didn't ask about me once when we were gone. Who needs Mommy when you have Grammy- right? :laughing:

I'm sad your trip ended. It seems like it went by really fast. We're leaving the boys behind for a weekend trip soon and I know it's going to go by way too fast. How was Everett when you got back? Did he seem happy?

I'm glad you found those wedding rings! That would have been really scary.

You're trip will be here before you know it! Everett seemed pretty happy that next morning when I went in to get him, but he's happy every morning, so I didn't notice anything different. I think he realized he was living the high life with cupcakes, TV and late bedtimes with the grandparents, and wasn't about to complain! :rotfl:

I think that I would have behaved exactly like your DH if I encountered a snake in the yard. :lmao: But, I bet it was really, really funny to watch him.

I'm sad that the trip is over, but I'm hoping that there's another TR on the horizon.

I'm actually thinking about starting a PTR for our Sept trip. I know I'll be back in Disney next week, but I don't plan on writing a TR for that trip. We're traveling with people I don't know well, so I don't think they'd want their pictures on the internet. Actually if I do start a PTR, I could do a little mini-TR in it, and talk a little about how we dealt with the new FP system.

Awww! I had just found your TR and now it's ended! Sounds like you had a great time!

Thanks for joining! We did have a great time!

I'm glad the 2 of you had an enjoyable trip. I'm sure you missed Everett, but sometimes that time away is just what you need.

Does your DH read any of your DIS updates? :confused3 :rolleyes1 :lmao:

We did have such a wonderful trip! And yes, my DH loves reading my TRs, he has the wonderful ability to be able to laugh at himself! :lovestruc:laughing:

I so loved reading this assessment of the trip! It's exactly why I was hoping DH and I could do the same thing this past February. Since that fell through, I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for a good AP room discount to help us maybe go in August instead. Even though it's only a couple months before our big October trip, I still really want to have an adults only weekend and a room discount would be the easiest & best way for us to do it.

That's crazy about your ME experience!! I have to admit, I would have been your DH in that scenario, no question. :lmao: I'm a constant worrier when it comes to being on time or late for anything, but especially a flight!

I'm so glad you decided to do a TR of this trip, despite it being short and child-free. It was so great to follow along with your experiences! Can't wait for the next one!

You guys should definitely try to fit in an adults only weekend! It tough being parents, and its so nice to remember that there was life before baby. If you guys go, I hope you write a TR, it would be really fun to read!

[MeMom]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/Caryatid/Disney%20oct%202011%20thur/DSC_0309.jpg

I took a seat on a lounger for a few minutes and just soaked in the atmosphere, trying to save up as much Disney as possible before we had to leave.

And what a nice place to soak up the Disney-ness, too! On the other side of that pool bar/hut, there are lounge chairs and a table and chairs in a nice shaded area. We ate our lunch there one day on the last trip. It was so peaceful and relaxing.

The black racer wouldn't have made me freak out, since I have seen those before. I'm glad you made sure he got safely away from someone who might have tried to hurt him out of fear. :thumbsup2

[marDgreen88]

So I resubscribed (still have no clue what happened??) and found where I last left off, and it turns out you were done with the TR?! I actually had only missed a few updates! But I'm glad you get to stay on the east coast, I know you said you were pretty worried about moving cross country. And anyways, I enjoyed reading about your trip! Sounds like you and your DH had a really great time. OH, and I'm also very glad AKL was so great about your misplaced wedding rings!

[RGirl]

Oh, no, it's over! :sad2:

I absolutely loved reading this adults-only TR. It is something that I can't imagine ever being able to do or at least not for many, many years, so it was positively thrilling to live vicariously through your trip. Thank you!

[CandleontheWater]

Check out my new ticker-

http://lbdf.lilypie.com/6MHum4.png

Surprised?....imagine how I felt! :rotfl2:

Christmas is coming early at our house and while I'm sure Everett did not have a little brother/sister on his Christmas list, DH and I are both thrilled.

The timing could be a little better, since DH is going to be deployed for the birth and about the first three months, but I'll have my mom (who is a super-mom if there ever was one) and my Dad, and they are both over the moon at the idea of another grandchild.

I was afraid that DH would be really upset that he was going to miss so much, but I think he realized that he'll be home just in time for the idyllic stage of babyhood, when they are smiling and laughing and more interactive and (most importantly) sleeping longer at night. Come to think of it, do you think DH would trade places with me? :rotfl:

Despite everything we are both very happy with this wonderful surprise. We didn't have an easy time getting pregnant with Everett, and part of me was afraid that we wouldn't be able to have another baby. Just turning up pregnant without any stress or worry or interventions is such a blessing. :cloud9:

So- what does this have to do with Disney- right?

Well, it will have a big impact on our next trip. We're still going (I'll only be 27 weeks and fine to travel baring any complications), and I'm more committed than ever to making sure that Everett has a magical time. The poor kid is going to have a lot thrown at him over the next year, and I want him to have the best trip ever.

Because there aren't a ton of TRs/PTRs that deal with traveling to Disney pregnant, I've decided to start a PTR to discuss my planning and then do a TR to relive the magic.

I hope that many of you will join along, I feel like I gotten to know you so well, and I've love to share this journey to Disney with you.

I'll be back to post the PTR link as soon as it is live!

[Grumpy's Wife]

Congratulations! You must be on :cloud9: What a wonderful surprise. Wishing you the best for a stress free, uncomplicated pregnancy.

[afwdwfan]

Congratulations on the surprise!

It's a shame that your husband won't be there for the birth, but as a dad with a 3 week old daughter at home, I can totally agree with your logic about how it will be nice for him to get home after things have calmed down a little bit. :rolleyes1 :lmao:

We had a great trip last December when DW was pregnant and we had DS with us, so I'm sure a veteran like you will do well in that situation. I think DW was a bit disappointed that she had to miss out on a few of the headline attractions, but we all still had a great time.

[amazingact21]

Congratulations! That's such a wonderful announcement. It's never fun to have your significant other miss important events because of a deployment (I can relate) but thankfully you'll have your mom to help you out with the new baby and Everett.:thumbsup2


There really aren't a lot of TRs out there for traveling to WDW pregnant. DH and I have wondered if we'll ever travel to the world when the time comes that I'm pregnant, but I don't know how it's done. So I'd LOVE LOVE LOVE to read a PTR and TR about your journey and see how a veteran Disney visiter like yourself does it. I can't even tell you how many mental tips I've stockpiled from your TRs about going with a kid. (I didn't even know there were baby care centers before I read about them on yours and PirateKate's TRs:confused3)

[jedijill]

Congrats!

Jill in CO

[amandaw]

OMG! Congratulations!!! :hug: That is so exciting! :woohoo: I won't lie - that's probably the last thing I expected when I pulled up your thread this morning. :laughing:

I know it'll be tough to not have DH with you for the delivery & those 1st 3 months. If only we could give birth to 3 month olds it would be so much easier right?!? I know with Reid at least it was like I got a whole new baby come 2 1/2 months. I thought someone had done a switcheroo in the night. :lmao:

Anyway, I think that's sweet of you to want to give Everett an extra magical trip to Disney. And I know you will! :thumbsup2 That's a great idea to do a PTR & TR to talk about doing Disney pregnant. I'm sure there are many women out there who will appreciate that.

You know I'll be there for both the PTR & TR! Can't wait to join in!

Again.....congratulations! I'm so happy for y'all! :goodvibes