You know what I did when I was 12? I got a job! 1/31 update [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

tlenzendorf

11-02-2011, 07:14 PM

After 18.5 months of careful, secretive planning we were sooooo close to pulling this secret trip over on the girls. I had emailed the school attendance lady at the older 2 girls' school and everything was set to go.

And then....

Apparently when you let the school know that your child will be absent they enter it in right away. And in sixth grade computer class they teach you how to look up your attendance online :headache: Guess what Alyssa saw 2 weeks before vacation? That's right, she saw that she was going to be absent. Now the girls had some suspicions since they are older(they may be blond, but sometimes they are way too smart for their own goods!), so she put it all together and was driving her mom absolutely crazy that night. Brent ended up calling her and telling her, but swearing her to absolute secrecy.

She was able to keep a secret and 2 weeks later the older 2 went to school as usual and Ellie and I came home as usual so she could get ready. Instead of getting ready for school we told her the good news! And she cried! :scared1: She didn't want to go to Disney, she wanted to go to school! Definitely not a commercial moment kind of like I was expecting, if I can figure out how to post the video I will. Eventually she told me that she didn't want to go because she was scared of the rides. I wonder how that turned out? Ellie was a great help after she was done freaking out and we talked it out and after we were all finished packing she was really anxious for me to go pick the girls up for the dentist(so Mariah thought...) and bring them home.

FINALLY it was time to go get the older 2 from school. Did Alyssa keep the secret? How would Mariah react? And just how did I tell her?

Stay tuned!!

becpee

11-02-2011, 07:20 PM

I've never been to WDW but I'll live vicariously through your TR!

Subbing ;)

tlenzendorf

11-02-2011, 07:39 PM

I've never been to WDW but I'll live vicariously through your TR!

Subbing ;)

Welcome and thanks for joining in! It was a lot of fun and will be fun to relive by doing this TR :)

tinkmom2

11-02-2011, 07:50 PM

Apparently when you let the school know that your child will be absent they enter it in right away. And in sixth grade computer class they teach you how to look up your attendance online :headache: Guess what Alyssa saw 2 weeks before vacation?
Stay tuned!!

It is so hard to keep a secret these days lol My DD's school didn't record that we were going on vacation even though I sent a letter to the school and to both their teachers. We got a truancy call every day until I checked my voice messages and called them.

LJD2143

11-02-2011, 08:22 PM

That's perfect! We had a lot of fun with you guys :yay:

Ditto! It was so much fun touring the Parks with people who you share so much in common with.........kid's ages, love of Disney, Wisconsin, guy's love of beer, girl's love of margaritas, Badgers, Packers...oh well, not EVERYTHING in common!:rotfl:

Seriously, we had WAY more fun with you guys than our own family because they didn't want to go to the Parks. And even if they had - it's still not the same....It was the best of both worlds to have DISfriends to tour with, yet still each have our own space and schedule. In fact, now we're spoiled and future trips just won't be as fun without you!!:grouphug:

FINALLY it was time to go get the older 2 from school. Did Alyssa keep the secret? How would Mariah react? And just how did I tell her?

Stay tuned!!

Wait........you probably told me this already, but I don't remember!
So now I'm in suspense too!:hyper:

tlenzendorf

11-03-2011, 08:59 AM

It is so hard to keep a secret these days lol My DD's school didn't record that we were going on vacation even though I sent a letter to the school and to both their teachers. We got a truancy call every day until I checked my voice messages and called them.

That was how it was with Ellie, the one in elementary school! I called and said hello, I filled out the form!

Ditto! It was so much fun touring the Parks with people who you share so much in common with.........kid's ages, love of Disney, Wisconsin, guy's love of beer, girl's love of margaritas, Badgers, Packers...oh well, not EVERYTHING in common!:rotfl:

We had so much fun too! I totally agree that it was so much fun touring with people just like you. Hey, the guys could still bond over football even if it wasn't the same team! :lmao:

Seriously, we had WAY more fun with you guys than our own family because they didn't want to go to the Parks. And even if they had - it's still not the same....It was the best of both worlds to have DISfriends to tour with, yet still each have our own space and schedule. In fact, now we're spoiled and future trips just won't be as fun without you!!:grouphug:

I was thinking the same thing that the future trips wouldn't be quite the same or as fun! :hug: I was worried we would be bothering you too much. I hope we can continue to get together other times!

Wait........you probably told me this already, but I don't remember!
So now I'm in suspense too!:hyper:

It's totally funny and embarassing to her. I will post tonight probably. And hopefully the video that goes along with it.

Anyone know how to post video?

tinkmom2

11-03-2011, 10:20 AM

That was how it was with Ellie, the one in elementary school! I called and said hello, I filled out the form!

It's totally funny and embarassing to her. I will post tonight probably. And hopefully the video that goes along with it.

Anyone know how to post video?

I uploaded all my video onto youtube and then just put the link code here for people to click on or on photbucket you get the img code of the video and have them click on the picture to see the video.

PS When we were at MNSSHP I saw a family dressed up as the racing sausages. The Mom was the Chirizo, the baby the hotdog, and the DD was the Polish. I wish I would have taken pics it was so cute!

KatieCollette

11-03-2011, 11:37 AM

PS When we were at MNSSHP I saw a family dressed up as the racing sausages. The Mom was the Chirizo, the baby the hotdog, and the DD was the Polish. I wish I would have taken pics it was so cute!

Aww what a good costume!

solana131

11-03-2011, 11:53 AM

I'm in. Going for the first time in 20 years this Feb, so I can use all the exposure I can get :thumbsup2

tlenzendorf

11-03-2011, 07:31 PM

After waiting for what seemed like FOREVER, I went to pick up the older 2 girls from school. They had surprises in their backpacks for the car and they had to get their school work gathered up in the car. Mariah got in the car and handed me a folder that she had tried to look at in the office. It had her homework in it. The attendance lady who entered the time in saw her and told her not to look in it, so it was actually kept a surprise for Mariah! Alyssa didn't spill the beans!

Mariah got home and walked in the kitchen to this:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/th_SoccerandDisney019.jpg (http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/?action=view&current=SoccerandDisney019.mp4)

To punish her a bit for being a snoop, I had hung Every. Single. One. of her bras in the kitchen! For 2 reason, 1. to embarass her, 2. I have no idea which ones she wanted to take. Oooops, I had accidentally got some of Alyssa's in there.

She was surprised and definitely gave the best reaction out of the 3!

So we get in the car to leave and then what happens? Stay tuned!

exwdwcm

11-03-2011, 08:30 PM

I am here and subscribed..........and will NOT being dropping like a fly! Can't wait to hear all about your adventure. The girls are too cute. I love the bra thing. They seem really excited!!!! I can't wait to hear how AKV was and see pics of the 2 bedroom. :goodvibes

tlenzendorf

11-04-2011, 08:08 PM

Glad to see more of you here :)

tlenzendorf

11-04-2011, 08:24 PM

We are all ready to get going to the airport, car all packed, kids all ready. They just want to tell the dogs and cats goodbye one more time. We are leaving right on schedule with our stop at the outlet mall so I can see if they have any raincoats at the Columbia outlet store for Ellie.

Dogs goodbye-check! Stormy cat goodbye-check! Bubba cat goodbye.... Where is Bubba???? We search the house hi and low! He likes to sneak out whenever possible and Brent had the door open on his way in and out doing luggage plus I did, too. We search outside, no cat, search inside, no cat! Crap! Now we have spent 30 minutes and need to actually go to make the airport on time. We ended up leaving without finding him and left the breezeway door open. Brent's brother is coming to watch the dogs, so he will look for him.

The drive to the airport was smooth and fairly easy. Thanks to the stupid cat we didn't have enough time to stop at the Johnson Creek Columbia outlet. Oh well. We would figure something out at WDW if need be. The Milwaukee airport is about 85 minutes away. There was a shuttle in the super saver lot($5/day, woooo!) right when we got there, we got our 6(!) suitcases and carryons on and were off to the SW stop in no time. Check in went very smoothly. We got thru the gate with about 45 minutes until takeoff. It was just a little after 12:00 and we needed some food!

We got burgers and fries at Johnny Rockets. It was ridiculous busy there! We got our food to go and went to eat at the gate. By the time we had our food we pretty much had to scarf it down to board the plane. 4 of us had burgers and fries, Alyssa had grilled cheese. It was ok. Not nearly as good as I was expecting. I was thinking the food would be more Culver's like. For those that don't know, Culver's is a midwest area burger place that is better than McD's, Burger King, etc. It was just meh.

After that we boarded the plane quite promptly and even departed a little before schedule, yay!

I just reviewed my photos and there are no obligatory plane photos! :scared1: Our plane had 2 rows of 3 seats each. It was Alyssa by the window, Mariah and then Brent on the aisle. Ellie and I were across the aisle, it was an older lady who slept the whole way on the aisle, me in the middle and Ellie in the window. We had a very smooth flight. The girls were a little restless by the time we were landing, it's a 2.5 hour flight.

We landed a little before 6:00pm in Tampa. Our bags were some of the first out and we went over to get the car. We rented from Budget and we got over there and the line was loooooooooooong. Sigh. Finally it's our turn and they give us a Chevy Malibu. Now, I don't know about you and rental cars, but our rental agreement said Ford Taurus or similar, a Malibu is NOT similar! A Taurus is similar to an Impala, but they had none of those. Apparently it was a Malibu, a Hyundai something or another, or an upcharge for an SUV. Did you notice earlier when I said we had 6 suitcases??

We took the Malibu and Brent packed everything in that trunk God bless him! We made it work. We then got a call or text from Brent's brother. The dumb cat was sitting inside in the kitchen window meowing when he got there. When we had been calling him OVER and OVER and shaking the treat bag the little jerk was taking a nap somewhere and just didn't want to come out. Sigh. Then we were finally on the road! Off to Giordano's we went for pizza and then hit I-4 towards Orlando. Pulled into AKL right at 9:00, checked in, unpacked and went for a swim. I think we went back to the room around 10:45? We were pretty tired, everyone hit the hay pretty quick.

Next up: Who did we meet? What did we do our first day?

msmith1026

11-06-2011, 11:59 AM

Ok, that bra thing is pretty funny!!!

We have a Johnny Rockets in our mall, and we go there on rare occasions for milkshakes and onion rings. Their onion rings used to be so amazing, but the last time I had one they were just so so. I think i just like that they come with ranch dressing to dip, honestly.

That's some pretty impressive packing by Brent to get all of your luggage to fit in your rental!!

tlenzendorf

11-06-2011, 06:47 PM

That's some pretty impressive packing by Brent to get all of your luggage to fit in your rental!!

It seriously was, lol! He says he is part Oriental being able to fit so much into small places. :rolleyes: He can be such a nerd sometimes!

tlenzendorf

11-06-2011, 06:58 PM

Here is our rooms. It was very nice for 5 of us to have 2 bathrooms. Here are some room shots. These are from our departure morning REALLY early, so the room isn't all clean. Also they are from my iPhone, so not the clearest photos...

Main Room:5024(1 bedroom)
Room entry:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011060.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011059.jpg

Kitchen

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011057.jpg

Kitchen/Dining/Living Room

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011058.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011051.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011050.jpg

Bathroom

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011046.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011047.jpg

Commode in it's own private room

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011048.jpg

Shower Mural

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011055.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011056.jpg

Master Bedroom

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011045.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011044.jpg

Laundry

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011049.jpg

Cont'd in next post

tlenzendorf

11-06-2011, 07:00 PM

Girls' Room 2026(studio)

Kitchenette

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011052.jpg

Bed/Sleeper Sofa

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011053.jpg

Bathroom

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011054.jpg

Our view from both rooms!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/10312011040.jpg

What I loved about the rooms:
There was so much space! We had a 2 bedroom value villa with room for 8 I believe for sleeping. 2 in the master bedroom with king size bed, 2 in the 1 bedroom sleeper sofa, 2 in the studio queen size bed and 2 in the studio pull out couch. It was awesome having a living room to actually sit down and watch TV and a kitchen for storing food and drinks and stuff. We didn't do any actual cooking, we made some toast and had grab and go stuff for breakfasts. The iPod/iPhone docking station alarm clocks. Means no more bringing so many cords if we stay DVC again. Staying DVC has definitely spoiled us for future trips!

The resort itself was just beautiful. It felt like we were a world away from Disney which was a nice reprieve from being at the parks.

What I didn't like about the rooms/AKV in general:
The bussing. Utterly ridiculous. Way too long of waits and ridiculousness that Jambo and Kidani shared. I will be emailing Disney, nuff said.
The bathroom in the studio was tight, it was hard to get in and shut the door for me and the kids. It would have been very hard for Brent. You have to squeeze in and around the door or get into the shower to shut the door easily. It would have made more sense for them to have the door open the other way or the toilet on the other side.

If you are bussing it can be a long ride. We definitely learned the value of having a car this time!

KatieCollette

11-07-2011, 12:39 PM

Pretty room! Did you use the washer/dryer at all?

tinkmom2

11-07-2011, 12:44 PM

I agree the busses to Kidnai are crazy. We had dinner ressies there and the bus we got on didn't go there but the bus driver was nice enough to take us there. We also didn't know where to go to get the night vision goggles you can use to view the animals but I hear that's over at Jambo house. We didn't have any AK dinners this time but I love how you can watch the animals and eat at Sanaa.

The rooms look really beautiful!

tlenzendorf

11-07-2011, 05:41 PM

Pretty room! Did you use the washer/dryer at all?

We used them EVERY DAY! lol I know some people hate doing laundry on vacation, but it was right there. It also meant I didn't have a whole ton of laundry to bring home at the end of the trip, it was done. We used the Purex laundry sheets.

I agree the busses to Kidnai are crazy. We had dinner ressies there and the bus we got on didn't go there but the bus driver was nice enough to take us there. We also didn't know where to go to get the night vision goggles you can use to view the animals but I hear that's over at Jambo house. We didn't have any AK dinners this time but I love how you can watch the animals and eat at Sanaa.

The rooms look really beautiful!

Ohhh those busses :sad2: The bus should have dropped you off at Kidani first if you were coming from any park. If you were coming from DTD it should have dropped you off after stopping at Kidani. The night vision goggles are at Jambo. The CMs just stand outside with them out the main back entrance where the savannah is between certain hours. We totally forgot, so we went out once but it was too late.

The room was very beautiful. Definitely dark like I have seen people complain about, but if you turn on every light it isn't too bad.

tlenzendorf

11-07-2011, 06:18 PM

***Breaking news***

:cheer2: Brent gave the ok! We are now planning a trip from 2/4-2/10!:cheer2:

solana131

11-08-2011, 12:12 PM

***Breaking news***

:cheer2: Brent gave the ok! We are now planning a trip from 2/4-2/10!:cheer2:

Yay! Best time ever! Come to the Poly and join the cool kids :cool1:

ZehnJahren

11-08-2011, 02:33 PM

I'm in! Looks like a fun trip already! DBF and I are considering renting DVC for our next trip - that room looks GREAT!

I have people that keep dropping off my TR (to be fair, most of them come back :) ), but I'm determined to finish it if for no other reason than I want a good memory of the trip! I won't drop off yours - I like TRs too much - so keep writing!!

tlenzendorf

11-08-2011, 08:17 PM

Yay! Best time ever! Come to the Poly and join the cool kids :cool1:

Awww we are staying at the BW since that's where our friends are staying! Do I hear Dismeet? :lmao:

I'm in! Looks like a fun trip already! DBF and I are considering renting DVC for our next trip - that room looks GREAT!

I have people that keep dropping off my TR (to be fair, most of them come back :) ), but I'm determined to finish it if for no other reason than I want a good memory of the trip! I won't drop off yours - I like TRs too much - so keep writing!!

Thanks for joining! DVC rental seriously saves some money if you are staying deluxe or sometimes even moderate. Our room was super awesome!

I'll come join up on your TR!

tlenzendorf

11-10-2011, 08:27 PM

We had decided with lower crowd levels that we wouldn't push the kids to be up and moving every morning for rope drop. We would do more evening EMHs and sleep in a bit the next day.

Did that work for us? Stay tuned for further reviews....

I got a text at 7:10 from Carla(aka Parla) asking if we wanted some water and stuff they had left over as they were leaving that day. I went down and met her in the lobby around 7:30 and they were so kind to help carry it up to the room. Thanks! We really enjoyed the water, pop tarts and cereal bars over the next week. They were in a hurry to get to HS I believe for some last minute rides before they departed later that day.

Brent and I got ready and the girls were still sleeping. After I was done getting ready I woke them up around 8:15 to start getting ready while Brent was getting ready. We grabbed a quick bite and headed out to the car. We were running a little behind from about when I wanted to get there so we figured we would try out the car. It didn't work that well for driving to the MK, the bus probably would have been less time that day.

FINALLY we are HERE!!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011008.jpg

On the tram

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011010.jpg

We still had to pick up our YES tickets at TTC, so we did that. I got mine and my girls' tickets plus a wrist gift card(seriously one of the best things ever!) but Brent's took a little bit longer. I said we were going in(meaning the TTC area) and I was going to take some pictures. He thought I meant leaving for the MK so he got a little crabby but realized what I meant when he came around the ticket booths.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011011.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011012.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011013.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011016.jpg

We hopped on the ferry since the monorail was backed up. Here is our first view of my favorite place in the world!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011017.jpg

After we got in we took in some sights of Main Street. It was around 9:45, we figured we had a few extra minutes so we ran to get Buzz Lightyear fast passes and then headed back for breakfast.

Who did we eat with and what yummy foods did we have? One of our favorites! Stay tuned!

tlenzendorf

11-14-2011, 08:02 PM

After we got the Buzz fastpasses and while we were still marveling at just being in the park, we wondered over for breakfast. Brent and I had eaten there on our last trip to test it out and see if the kids would like it. It became a new favorite and a must do for sure! So where did we go? Does this give you a hint?

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011039.jpg
Silly old bear!

That's right, we were at Crystal Palace!

The girls really liked breakfast here.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011031.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011023.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011033.jpg

Now what you've been waiting for, food pics! I only took pics of mine and Ellie's plates since the others were making fun of me already.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011026.jpg

Sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, Pooh's puffed french toast, strawberries with whipped cream and a chocolate waffle.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011027.jpg

Egg fritatta, chocolate croissant, Pooh's puffed french toast, potato casserole, sausage, egg frittata and breakfast potatoes.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011038.jpg

Pineapple and grapes, salmon, biscuit and gravy, breakfast pizza and egg frittata.

As usual for the most part everything was super delicious! The bacon was typical Disney bacon, the chocolate Mickey waffle was dry and the salmon was gross, but I don't like salmon and the bacon and waffle issues were expected.

After our bellies were full we headed to the new and improved tiki room. I liked it a lot better than the under new management. Iago was way too much of an annoyance!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011045.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011044.jpg

When we came out they were just starting the Pirate Tutorial. Ellie got to stand on the rope and be the anchor. She really learned the ropes, wuah wuah wuaaah

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011050.jpg

Mmmmmmmm who is that?

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011048.jpg

Why, it's yummy Cap'n Jack!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011047.jpg

After that we headed over to grab a FP for Big Thunder and then came back to ride Pirates. This is where little miss attitude came in. That would be Ellie, the ride chicken! She cried almost the whole way thru the queue, quietly and under her hat so that if you weren't with us you wouldn't have known she was crying. Yes, I know, I am one of those mean parents who makes their kid ride "for their own good". By the time we got to the boat I was crabby and really hoping this wasn't going to be a sign of things to come for the rest of the trip. Ellie is the total ride chicken. We had the talk that I wouldn't make her go on anything too scary for her or that I knew she wouldn't like.

So what happened when we rode? I can tell you are dying to know... She loved it! Proclaimed it one of her favorite rides! Did riding Pirates help her overcome all her ride fears? Did we have any more queue tears?

What did we do after that! I don't know! :scared1: I have to go search for our itinerary because I can't figure it out from the pictures :laughing:

Stay tuned!

tlenzendorf

11-14-2011, 08:07 PM

Is this thing on? Do we have any riders out there? Can I get a show of hands?

ZehnJahren

11-14-2011, 09:05 PM

Is this thing on? Do we have any riders out there? Can I get a show of hands?

*waves hands wildly*

KatieCollette

11-15-2011, 09:13 AM

*waves hands wildly*

seconds that ^

We did CP on our first breakfast and we love that place. It's our tradition to go to MK first park and that's our first breakfast!

poofiesdream

11-15-2011, 09:36 AM

enjoying every post!:yay:

tlenzendorf

11-15-2011, 09:52 AM

Ok, just checking :)

msmith1026

11-16-2011, 12:00 PM

tlenzendorf

11-16-2011, 12:10 PM

I'm here!!:wave2:

I really want to go to the CP for breakfast now, even with our bad dinner experience. We didn't even try to get Zoey on PoC, i just knew after how she reacted to Peter Pan not to push my luck. Next time she'll go!!

Hi! :goodvibes CP breakfast is awesome! I'm guessing your bad dinner luck could happen anywhere since it was a customer based issue? The character meals we have been to the characters seem to rarely have handlers with them at all. I'd give it another shot, especially since the food is actually good(well, minus the bacon, but that's a WDW issue...).

solana131

11-16-2011, 12:21 PM

Awww we are staying at the BW since that's where our friends are staying! Do I hear Dismeet? :lmao:

Would love a Dismeet, but maybe not for our first time there. I think I'm going to have all I can handle with just getting my family around the parks :eek:

And you should have a career in food pictures. Seriously yummy looking breakfast pics! Usually when I see buffet pics, all the food is smooshed on the plate and piled on top of eachother. But that actually looks good. I passed on CP this time because staying at the Poly, we just had such great options right there and didn't need to worry about getting to a park ontime with all the broken down monorails I have been hearing about. But next time for sure :)

tlenzendorf

11-16-2011, 01:34 PM

Would love a Dismeet, but maybe not for our first time there. I think I'm going to have all I can handle with just getting my family around the parks :eek:

And you should have a career in food pictures. Seriously yummy looking breakfast pics! Usually when I see buffet pics, all the food is smooshed on the plate and piled on top of eachother. But that actually looks good. I passed on CP this time because staying at the Poly, we just had such great options right there and didn't need to worry about getting to a park ontime with all the broken down monorails I have been hearing about. But next time for sure :)

It's kind of funny because even though I consider myself a vet now after 4 trips in 4 years, it's still easy to get lost/caught up in the moment and forget about a meet.

Thanks about the pics! I only posted the good ones, you should see the bad ones! :rotfl: Ohana was a really good breakfast at the Poly. I would for sure recommending CP just once, though. Especially if you can get a before the park opens ADR and get some good empty park/Main Street pics.

LJD2143

11-18-2011, 02:50 PM

Okay, okay I'm back on board! I think my head is finally clearing from the "haze" of a flu, sinus infection, double ear infection and post-Disney depression:sick::sick::sick:

We did CP breakfast once before Park opening...it's definitely a neat experience to get in the Park before the masses are let in.
I don't especially remember the food as being good or bad, but definitely the first seating for breakfast is best because the food is all fresh and hot!:thumbsup2

You are gonna be so spoiled now after that 2BR villa. I think you should seriously consider buying DVC.....MuahHaHa *evil laugh* :stir:

tlenzendorf

11-18-2011, 02:56 PM

LJD2143

11-18-2011, 03:10 PM

I am seriously considering buying it! That's what I'm going to do with my inheritance from my gma. Hopefully not for awhile, though!!!! I love my grandma like my mom :cutie:. Trust me, I would buy that, APs and TiW if I could!! That reminds me, do you guys have TiW?

No APs. No TiW.
Considering Darren and I will have 3 trips within 1 year, perhaps we should have done APs? But yet, the YES tickets were such an awesome deal.
Our trip in fall 2012 will hopefully be in late August or late September - so hoping for another YES class.

What kind of tix and how many days you getting for Feb?

tlenzendorf

11-18-2011, 03:18 PM

No APs. No TiW.
Considering Darren and I will have 3 trips within 1 year, perhaps we should have done APs? But yet, the YES tickets were such an awesome deal.
Our trip in fall 2012 will hopefully be in late August or late September - so hoping for another YES class.

What kind of tix and how many days you getting for Feb?

This is the second time that we made a long trip and said we weren't going for awhile and then went a second time within 5 months :rotfl: We totally should have gotten an AP!! But those YES tickets were an awesome deal.

We are going to do 6 day hoppers from UT. We want to do AK for the Safari, bird show and ride EE a few times. I'm thinking that's only a few hours though and then we are done with that park which is why we need the hoppers. We will have Saturday-Friday since we are going to do the 4:00 flight home. After I get my bonus check deposited then I'm going to buy our plane tickets either this weekend or Monday.

tlenzendorf

11-19-2011, 01:10 PM

I can't believe it, but I didn't take many pictures for the afternoon/evening!

When we left MK we went back to AKV for a swim. It was perfect because the elevator that would take us right down to the pool area was just a couple rooms down from our room. Our room was on floor 5 and the pool was on floor 3. The girls all changed fast and I ran to the Super Target to get some grocery stuff. I got bread, pb&j, fiber bars, applesauce, Diet Pepsi, bananas, coffee creamer and granola bars. It's funny how you can totally see lots of Disney stuff from the outside, but you can't see anything outside from within Disney. Totally amazing!! I haven't driven outside of Disney before, so it was weird to see all the stores, lol. While I was gone the girls and Brent swam the whole time. I got back to the room with all the stuff and waved them up from the balcony. After that we headed back to the MK, it was EMH night!

For dinner we ate at Peco's Bills around 7:00. It was pretty good, but I was surprised at how busy it still was. The lines were pretty long, but amazingly we were able to find a table big enough for all 5 of us right away. Brent and Alyssa got in one line and we got in another. Mariah and Ellie got kid's meals with burgers; Brent, Alyssa and I all got taco salads. The food was pretty good, I really liked the fixings bar. Mmmmm hot cheese :)

Total for 2 kid's cheeseburger meals, taco salad and a cup of water: $20.42

We did a lot of rides, thru out the day earlier we had collected fast passes. Mariah and I and then Mariah, Brent and Alyssa did SM. Mariah loved it! It was her first time since it had been closed in 2009. Brent and Alyssa not so much, they both said it was too rough. Ellie and I rode the People Mover. She declared it her favorite ride since it went thru SM haha.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011051.jpg

About 11:50pm the girls were starting to get wiped out. We tried to fill them with some sugar to see if we could get the last hour out of them, so we went to Main Street Bakery. I have never seen this place not busy and this was no exception. We got 2 pieces of chocolate cake, 2 ice cream cookie sandwiches and 1 cupcake. We got to the table all excited for our snack and Ellie promptly dropped her yet unbitten piece of chocolate cake on the floor :headache: Let's just say I was pretty crabby after that, $3.59 on the floor! I was nice and shared my ice cream cookie with her. After that since the girls were still tired and I was crabby about the cake we headed back to the bus area to head back to the resort for the night. We knew that the next day would be a busy one!

Total for chocolate cake, cookie sandwich, cupcake and bottle of water: $15.04.

LJD2143

11-22-2011, 07:14 AM

Yikes! Thank goodness you're not moving very fast here with your TR! I still have to upload my pics to Photobucket. :eek:

For years and years, we would walk right past the Main Street Bakery - always in a hurry to get on the rides! Last year we tried it for breakfast for the first time, and now we're HOOKED! YUM YUM YUMMY treats!:goodvibes

Are the taco salads at Pecos Bills the same as Tortuga Tavern? I was so excited to try Tortuga Tavern this trip and we really liked it - problem is, it's not always open.....:confused3

And I'm with Ellie - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the PeopleMover!!!:love:

tlenzendorf

11-22-2011, 08:26 AM

I'd be faster with it but I'm waiting for my Photopass CD :)
The taco salads at Pecos Bill's and Tortuga Tavern are the same. I like Pecos Bill's better since the toppings bar is better. Plus I liked the menu at Tortuga Tavern better before. Now they don't have tacos! Jerks!

Eeyore74x

11-22-2011, 11:48 AM

Thanks for picking my best disney picture for the report....

tlenzendorf

11-22-2011, 11:56 AM

Thanks for picking my best disney picture for the report....

Holy crap you posted something! :lmao:

And you're welcome puckerup:

tlenzendorf

11-29-2011, 07:32 PM

Exciting news today! The PhotoPass CD is on it's way to me which means I can really get this TR moving. Also, only 67 more days until our February trip :goodvibes

solana131

11-30-2011, 11:53 AM

tlenzendorf

12-01-2011, 07:39 PM

Yay for 67 more days!!!!! Down to 66 now :) I finally made countdown calendar for my little guy. He is so excited and he doesn't even know what Disney is yet...except for what I have told him and shown him on the planning DVD they sent. Yay! :woohoo::banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo::banana:

It's so much fun on their first trip! Get him a 1st visit button when you get there, the CMs always pick up on that and are always super nice. Sometimes they even give little tips :goodvibes

solana131

12-02-2011, 11:22 AM

It's so much fun on their first trip! Get him a 1st visit button when you get there, the CMs always pick up on that and are always super nice. Sometimes they even give little tips :goodvibes

I will. I am going to make hubby wear one too since its his first visit also. He is not looking forward to the trip, but he is gonna like it if it kills me :) He just isn't a crowd or a ride person, so its gonna be tough. I'm just hoping once we get there and the magic hits him he will be alright. I mean seriously, the Poly....low crowd season....laid back touring approach...I think we will be fine. And if not, he can stay in the room all week pirate:

exwdwcm

12-02-2011, 02:41 PM

I love the attempt at sugar to keep them going! LOL! :goodvibes

Sounds like a pretty good day though! Sorry the AKV buses were so bad. That stinks. We always rent a car, just a personal preference. While we may not get anywhere faster, at least we feel in control and aren't waiting. We do RD most of the time, so we usually get good parking too and can avoid the tram. :thumbsup2

Can't wait to hear how the rest goes!

tlenzendorf

12-03-2011, 06:09 PM

I love the attempt at sugar to keep them going! LOL! :goodvibes

It was a good thought that failed, lol. Next time they go they will most likely be 15 :scared1: 14 :scared1: and 10 :scared1: So I'm thinking they will have more lasting power for those late EMHs.

Sounds like a pretty good day though! Sorry the AKV buses were so bad. That stinks. We always rent a car, just a personal preference. While we may not get anywhere faster, at least we feel in control and aren't waiting. We do RD most of the time, so we usually get good parking too and can avoid the tram. :thumbsup2

We decided that driving is definitely for us! We took the car the first day to AK and the parking guy yelled at me!!! There was a cone right in the way and he wanted me to just run it over :confused: I had a rental and no way was I going to run it over! I told him there was a cone and he just yelled at me to get moving. I told him again there was a cone right there and he yelled at me again to move. I said THERE IS A CONE RIGHT THERE AND THIS IS A RENTAL AND I AM NOT RUNNING IT OVER. MOVE IT!!! And all exasperated he moved it while doing an eye roll. That turned Brent off for driving for a few days. Then after we drove to the other parks we were hooked on driving.

Can't wait to hear how the rest goes!

I'm updating the photopass pictures right now. I'm thinking an update tomorrow since we are watching the Badger game tonight :cheer2: Let's go Bucky!

tlenzendorf

12-04-2011, 05:53 PM

Here is a PP picture of us on the way back into the park Saturday night after our swim break:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0865FourBySix.jpg

tlenzendorf

12-04-2011, 06:13 PM

Sunday I had down on my itinerary that we were going to let the kids pick where we were going. Instead since we had the late evening the night before, we let them sleep in a bit. Brent and I woke up around 7:00, he went out to take some pics of the animals in the savannah and I went back to sleep til about 8:00.

I went in to get the kids moving and showered. Everybody was slowly getting ready. We had some breakfast(Pop Tarts and cereal bars) and headed out to the bus. A bus came pretty quick and we headed to AK with the thoughts that we weren't going to get much done since it was almost 10:00 already and we wanted a break before MNSSHP that night and we wanted to take it easy for a bit in the afternoon.

Me on the bus courtesy of Ellie

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos046.jpg

We headed in wandered around to see what time the FPs were for EE. It was later than we were planning on being in the park so then we headed over to Camp Minnie Mickey to meet some characters. We got over there and saw that FOTLK was going to start soon so we figured we would head on in to see that.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011055.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011054.jpg

From there we weren't quite sure what to do so we headed to see how long the line was for the safari. I think it was posted at 20 minutes so we waited, it took maybe around 10-15 minutes.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos052.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos054.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos069.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos072.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos077.jpg

After that we started getting kinda hungry so we were deciding where to eat. We decided on Pizzafari and headed back over there. I know others don't really like Disney pizza, but we do! I thought I had taken pictures, but I didn't, and I have no receipt so I can't tell you the cost either. I can tell you that Brent and I both had pepperoni pizza, I had salad, we got 2 orders of breadsticks, 3 kids cheese pizzas with sides and 3 kids drinks, Brent got a soda and I got a cup of water. They gave us an extra bottle of water on accident. We went to give it back and they said keep it. After we ate we headed back out to the bus for our swim break/rest. It was maybe about 1:00? Since we had a lot of water in our room I found a mom who was looking frazzled buying water and I handed the one we got from Pizzafari to her.

The bus came fairly quick and we were back at Jambo fairly quick. I did some laundry and got the girls costumes together and then headed down to sit in the hot tub a bit before it was time to go again.

exwdwcm

12-07-2011, 02:27 PM

lol at the parking guy trying to get you to drive over the cone. That cracked me up. I really enjoy driving and last time Alan actually wanted to drive some. I think he knows his way around enough too. I am slowly converting him! It's just nice to keep the stroller in there (although we will be outgrowing the stroller for Will in a year or so), and even fill up our mugs on the way out of the hotel, drink them in the car and leave them in there, then refill when we return on the way to the room!

Great pic of the whole family. Your girls are just too cute! Sounds like a great day at AK. I actually like the pizza too. I know most don't, but well my tastes are pretty basic! :rotfl::confused3

tlenzendorf

12-07-2011, 09:01 PM

lol at the parking guy trying to get you to drive over the cone. That cracked me up.

Ugh that guy. That was probably one of the worst people we ran into. I don't think I've ever been yelled at by a CM before!

I really enjoy driving and last time Alan actually wanted to drive some. I think he knows his way around enough too. I am slowly converting him! It's just nice to keep the stroller in there (although we will be outgrowing the stroller for Will in a year or so), and even fill up our mugs on the way out of the hotel, drink them in the car and leave them in there, then refill when we return on the way to the room!

We LOVE driving now! Brent is convinced after this trip, too. That's a great idea about the mugs. We didn't get them this trip since it would be a pain to stash them someplace or haul them around.

Great pic of the whole family. Your girls are just too cute! Sounds like a great day at AK. I actually like the pizza too. I know most don't, but well my tastes are pretty basic! :rotfl::confused3

Thanks! I don't know what's so horrible about it that people complain? It's crust, sauce, cheese and meat. What else is there to pizza? :rotfl: I could eat pizza every day!

msmith1026

12-10-2011, 02:17 PM

tlenzendorf

12-10-2011, 06:06 PM

LOVE the pic of you guys from PP. Great pic.

Sadly, you don't have any giraffe butt sniffing pics from your safari. I'm sort of jealous!!

Got my photopass cd today, so i have to get ready to do an update on my TR.

Ha, that was our first safari photos. I'll have to see if I have any awesome photos more like your butt sniffing photos :)

I read on FB about your photos being missing. Did you find them??

tlenzendorf

12-10-2011, 06:32 PM

We got back to the park around 4:15 to get dinner before the party started and to get in line for the dwarfs early.

The girls were all punk pirates and Brent and I just wore Halloween shirts. I had this plan that we would all dress up, but then things got outta hand for all the stuff we were buying for this trip.

I have a TON of photos from the party, so this will be a heavy photo update :cool1:

We went to check in for our 4:20 reservation at The Plaza just a few minutes late. We were seated right away and our waiter came over very quickly. He wasn't a bad waiter per se, but he was definitely the worst that we had the entire trip! He spoke way too fast and was hard to understand and he really didn't listen to what we said we were wanting!

I ordered the club sandwich:
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011056.jpg

Brent got a Philly Cheesesteak thingy:
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011060.jpg

Alyssa got grilled cheese(can't find the pic?)

My girls got cheeseburgers:
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011058.jpg

They also got a choice for a side dish. I think it was soup or salad. Ellie picked the soup and the older girls each got salad. The waiter was way too quick taking our order. I asked for Mariah to get ranch dressing. He then went away before we could ask for Alyssa to get Italian dressing, she doesn't like ranch dressing. I ended up eating her salad.

Then the girls all picked to get an ice cream treat. Other kids were getting different combinations of flavors and sprinkles. Our waiter didn't give them a choice and just brought out plain vanilla :confused3 The girls weren't too happy since they wanted different kinds.

Sundae:
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011062.jpg

After dinner was over we headed over to where the meet and greet was for the Dwarves. I think it was around 5:40. When we finally found it Brent took the girls to ride PotC and maybe something else? while I waited in line. We were the third group in line! :woohoo: By the time we were done the line was super LONG! We were out of there by 7:05.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0957FourBySix.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0961FourBySix.jpg

After that we were checking out the map and heading over to ride pirates when we saw a line. I remembered that it must be for Cap'n Jack! Swoon! :lovestruc We got in line and waited. And waited. And waited some more. Where the heck was Jack?? He didn't come out until 7:45ish. The line was pretty long by the time we got done with that, too.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0977FourBySix.jpg

Ellie telling Jack "Look! It's Blackbeard's daughter!" and getting ready to flee...
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0973FourBySix.jpg

Of course I had to get in on some of that action. Jack whispered in my ear "I've been waiting all my life to meet you" :faint:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0981FourBySix.jpg

tlenzendorf

12-10-2011, 06:43 PM

From there we headed toward Adventureland to see who was out for characters there. We didn't do too many rides since we had lots of MK time and we really wanted to focus on characters and party stuff. Tarzan, Jane and Terk were out at Adventureland. They were pretty entertaining.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011079.jpg

Then we headed in to meet the Fairies. They were a little freaked out at first since the girls were pirates, but they quickly decided they were good pirates ;)

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011090.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0988FourBySix.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Photo0993FourBySix.jpg

I can't remember exactly what we did after that. We were going to try to head somewhere I can't recall, but we were stuck on the one side of the park because the parade was starting. We decided to see if Tiana and Naveen were out, but they weren't and it was going to be about 15 more minutes, so we decided to move on. We headed over to one of the dance parties. Since the parade was going on it was kinda lame. There wasn't really anyone in there and Horseshoe was watching the parade and totally ignoring the kids! I got a picture of Ellie with Jesse, though.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011091.jpg

After that the first parade was over, so we headed over to the front of the castle to get a spot for the Villains stage show. LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this!!!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011094.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011096.jpg

See the hidden Mickey at the top?

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011097.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011101.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011106.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011112.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011115.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011120.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011127.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011129.jpg

After the stage show the villain meet and greet is kind of chaotic since you don't know which villains will be where unless you read the Disboards ahead of time. I did, but I forgot which one was where, so we just got in a line. This is who we ended up with! One of the ones I really wanted!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011130.jpg

From there we headed to the HM for a mandatory Halloween party night ride.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011135.jpg

The fat lady was out sitting in the yard. Man I'd love to be a character on a party night! They were all so awesome!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011132.jpg

tlenzendorf

12-10-2011, 06:50 PM

From there it's kind of a blur. I know Brent and Alyssa went there own way for a bit and my girls and me went our way. Eventually we met back up and watched Hallowishes and then settled in for the parade. LOVED both! I think I only videotaped Hallowishes since I can't find any pics. Here are the pics from the Boo to You parade!!

These guys were playing and entertaining.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011145.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011140.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011143.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011155.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011160.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011162.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011162.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011164.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011166.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011170.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011172.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011173.jpg

Now my favorite parts of the parade!!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011178.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011179.jpg

They scared Ellie and I, we got the shovels right in our face!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011181.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011186.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011191.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011195.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011199.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011200.jpg

tlenzendorf

12-10-2011, 06:56 PM

After that Brent and Alyssa and the girls and I split up a bit again. Alyssa wanted to go back to the HM to get her picture taken in front of the hearse and my girls wanted to go meet princesses! Here are just a couple photos:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011201.jpg

Meeting these 2 I think made Ellie's life so far! Where is the smoulder Flynn??

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011204.jpg

After that it was 11:40 already!! And we hadn't done any trick or treating! So the girls and I then ran from place to place trick or treating :) Our last stop was at 12:01 at the Werther's stand for some caramel apple candies, yum!!

From there we headed back to the front of the park to meet back up with Brent and Alyssa and head back to AKV. We were all EXHAUSTED!

Heading out of the park:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011207.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011210.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011211.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011212.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011214.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011215.jpg

CANDY!!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011283.jpg

We all took showers and pretty much fell asleep before our heads hit the pillows. We had a big day at Epcot tomorrow doing something VERY fun!

tinkmom2

12-10-2011, 08:30 PM

tlenzendorf

12-17-2011, 07:32 PM

I loved the Halloween party too! We missed the 7 Dwarfs though:mad: We were stuck inside waiting for the Princesses. I thought the dance party with Jessie and Woody was fun too:) We had 4 bags of candy. We ended up giving some away on our cruise. We also missed the Villans show. But on the dream they had the Villans Tonight show and we loved that. I think I like the MVMCP better though. There is something about seeing WDW at X MAS.

I really wish that I had budgeted for a second party. I still feel like we missed things. I really would have liked to see the villains show a second time, plus meet some additional characters and have more photo ops. I forgot about Cinderella's carriage.

The Villains tonight show sounds very cool! Doing WDW and MVMCP during Christmas time is very high on my list. I think that will be a shorter trip for us whenever we do go since it will have to be during the 2 week craziness of Christmas and New Years and will mainly be about the decorations.

tlenzendorf

12-17-2011, 08:04 PM

We slept in after MNSSHP I'm guessing until about 8:00 or so. We got ready and headed off to Epcot for our special thing for today. A DISmeet! We were meeting Laurie(LJD2143), Melissa(msmith1226) and Becky(Rorey). Looking back I think a few people missed our meetup. It's so hard when you get into the park and are doing your own thing to make it someplace.

After reviewing Facebook, I had posted at 9:28am that we were running a bit late and were hoping to make it on time. From there I'm guessing it was 10:15 or so when we got to Norway where we were supposed to wait up. I had ditched Brent and the girls and speedwalked there and they went to get Soarin' fastpasses. I kinda had a hard time finding the viking ship as it's behind a rail in some bushes, but there was Becky and her husband once I finally found it. A few minutes later Laurie and her husband came over. We had a great time meeting!

We chatted maybe for a half hour or an hour? Then Becky and her husband left, but Laurie and family hung around still.

From left to right, Becky, Laurie and me:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011216.jpg

We decided to hang out together for awhile since the kids, dads and moms were all getting along so well! The guys went for beers maybe? While Laurie and I went for some pot stickers from one of the F&W food stands.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011218.jpg

After that we went for a Peach Snap for the China tea stand. Yumm!!!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011217.jpg

From there I remembered that Melissa hadn't shown up, so I think I text her asking if she was still coming since we were still in the general area. She text that she would come! And she did. Loved meeting you!! I wish we could have hung out more! I can't find a picture, but I know we took one. Maybe Laurie has it?

While us girls were talking the guys were drinking some brews and keeping an eye on all 6 kids while they were doing Kimpossible missions. After awhile the whole group was back together and we went to ride Maelstrom. Ellie was scared(as usual), but she always puts on a more brave face when others are around.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011221.jpg

After that we went to ride Sum of All Thrills. Ellie chickened out, so I took her to check out something(?), got her a snack of Cheetos and then went back to meet up with everybody else. At that point everybody was getting hungry, so we headed to Sunshine Seasons for some lunch.

Kids Stir Fry Meal with yogurt and Drink
Potato Chips
Soda
2 Sides of Mac and Cheese.... Total $21.78

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011222.jpg

After lunch we headed our separate ways. I think Laurie et al were headed to use their Soarin' fast passes. I'm not sure exactly what we did? After awhile we headed to the International Gateway.

Stay tuned for where we were headed! And more exciting, WHERE THE TITLE OF THIS TR CAME FROM!!

lovethattink

12-20-2011, 01:52 PM

I could have sworn I posted and subscribed to your TR, but I guess not. Hope you don't mind that I am coming on board so late.

I had toured AKL during a passholder tour before they first opened, but I do not remember the bathroom tile. The mural in the tile is great! Love you pics from MNSSHP! It's been so many years since we went, maybe 2005? It's nice to see Jane again, haven't seen her since the ending of the Tarzan show at AK.

I had hoped to make the Norway meet, but we didn't make it to the park in time.

tlenzendorf

12-20-2011, 07:36 PM

I could have sworn I posted and subscribed to your TR, but I guess not. Hope you don't mind that I am coming on board so late.

:cheer2:It's always nice to have readers!

I had toured AKL during a passholder tour before they first opened, but I do not remember the bathroom tile. The mural in the tile is great! Love you pics from MNSSHP! It's been so many years since we went, maybe 2005? It's nice to see Jane again, haven't seen her since the ending of the Tarzan show at AK.

I really liked the mural. It gives the bathroom kind of a special tough. I don't remember seeing it in the regular room is 2004 when we stayed there.

I had hoped to make the Norway meet, but we didn't make it to the park in time.

We were still in that same spot like an hour or 2 later :laughing: You should have stopped by! We hung out with Laurie and family a long time that day.

LJD2143

12-20-2011, 09:39 PM

We got back to the park around 4:15 to get dinner before the party started and to get in line for the dwarfs early.

Ok so the title of this post started something like "The most fun I've ever had at Disney..." For a minute there I though you were gonna talk about our DISmeet! :rotfl:

We went to check in for our 4:20 reservation at The Plaza just a few minutes late. We were seated right away and our waiter came over very quickly. He wasn't a bad waiter per se, but he was definitely the worst that we had the entire trip! He spoke way too fast and was hard to understand and he really didn't listen to what we said we were wanting!

We did The Plaza this trip too. Decided we don't need to do it again.....:sad2:

Of course I had to get in on some of that action. Jack whispered in my ear "I've been waiting all my life to meet you" :faint:

How romantic!:love:

We slept in after MNSSHP I'm guessing until about 8:00 or so. We got ready and headed off to Epcot for our special thing for today. A DISmeet! We were meeting Laurie(LJD2143), Melissa(msmith1226) and Becky(Rorey). Looking back I think a few people missed our meetup. It's so hard when you get into the park and are doing your own thing to make it someplace.

After reviewing Facebook, I had posted at 9:28am that we were running a bit late and were hoping to make it on time. From there I'm guessing it was 10:15 or so when we got to Norway where we were supposed to wait up. I had ditched Brent and the girls and speedwalked there and they went to get Soarin' fastpasses. I kinda had a hard time finding the viking ship as it's behind a rail in some bushes, but there was Becky and her husband once I finally found it. A few minutes later Laurie and her husband came over. We had a great time meeting!

Ditto - what a great DISmeet! It was so fun to meet Becky and Melissa and who would've thought you and I would become such REAL-LIFE friends?!:hug:

We chatted maybe for a half hour or an hour? Then Becky and her husband left, but Laurie and family hung around still.

We decided to hang out together for awhile since the kids, dads and moms were all getting along so well! The guys went for beers maybe? While Laurie and I went for some pot stickers from one of the F&W food stands.

After that we went for a Peach Snap for the China tea stand. Yumm!!!

The Potstickers and Peach Snap were amazing! Highly recommend.:thumbsup2

From there I remembered that Melissa hadn't shown up, so I think I text her asking if she was still coming since we were still in the general area. She text that she would come! And she did. Loved meeting you!! I wish we could have hung out more! I can't find a picture, but I know we took one. Maybe Laurie has it?

Sorry - no pix from that day:guilty:

While us girls were talking the guys were drinking some brews and keeping an eye on all 6 kids while they were doing Kimpossible missions. After awhile the whole group was back together and we went to ride Maelstrom. Ellie was scared(as usual), but she always puts on a more brave face when others are around.

After that we went to ride Sum of All Thrills. Ellie chickened out, so I took her to check out something(?), got her a snack of Cheetos and then went back to meet up with everybody else. At that point everybody was getting hungry, so we headed to Sunshine Seasons for some lunch.

Kids Stir Fry Meal with yogurt and Drink
Potato Chips
Soda
2 Sides of Mac and Cheese.... Total $21.78

After lunch we headed our separate ways. I think Laurie et al were headed to use their Soarin' fast passes. I'm not sure exactly what we did? After awhile we headed to the International Gateway.

Stay tuned for where we were headed! And more exciting, WHERE THE TITLE OF THIS TR CAME FROM!!

Our 2 fams just clicked, didn't they?

I do not even remember what we had at Sunshine Seasons....but I think it was good.:confused3

exwdwcm

12-21-2011, 12:55 PM

Thanks! I don't know what's so horrible about it that people complain? It's crust, sauce, cheese and meat. What else is there to pizza? :rotfl: I could eat pizza every day!

Wow you had a great party night! I can't believe all the characters you saw and the Villains show and parade! AWesome. so jealous. We had the horrible rain the night of our party and were soaked the first few hours. So no characters were out in the normal spots. I would have loved to see Capt Jack- hello hottie! :rotfl:;) So cool you saw the Dwarves too. WE are just not patient enough to wait in the long lines.

How was the Villains show? We missed it but we LOVED the parade. I definitely want to do October again sometime just to do the party again. It definitely topped the MVMCP for me. WE never saw the lady by HM either- it was too wet for her to sit out there, but I did see her walking around near Liberty Square and she actually talked with me a bit- so funny! We did get the pic by HM at least. But your night sounds complete!!!

The DIS meet sounds fun too- so glad a few of you got to meet up.

tlenzendorf

12-21-2011, 07:28 PM

Ok so the title of this post started something like "The most fun I've ever had at Disney..." For a minute there I though you were gonna talk about our DISmeet! :rotfl:

I would have to say that was honestly probably my second favorite thing the whole trip!

We did The Plaza this trip too. Decided we don't need to do it again.....:sad2:

I thought it was pretty good even with the bad server, I'd just ask for a different one next time if we were going to be assigned to him again! It was a good value for not being on the DP.

How romantic!:love:

I seriously about swooned!! Love me some Cap'n Jack!! I couldn't even answer him back I was so surprised what he said. And he whispered it in my ear quiet enough that no one but me heard it. I'm seriously blushing right now just thinking about it!

Ditto - what a great DISmeet! It was so fun to meet Becky and Melissa and who would've thought you and I would become such REAL-LIFE friends?!:hug:

I know!!! Our February trip will be SO much fun!

The Potstickers and Peach Snap were amazing! Highly recommend.:thumbsup2

Only 46 days til we can get more Peach Snaps :rolleyes1

Sorry - no pix from that day:guilty:

I know someone took one. I wonder if Brent has some on his camera? Hmmmm....

Our 2 fams just clicked, didn't they?

They sure did. It was really awesome. I love how the boys tried to help talk Ellie up about rides. That kid is the biggest chicken when it comes to rides, but she's a little daredevil when it comes to riding her bike/stroller/sled etc.

Do you have the pics of them from Illuminations later in the trip? Mine didn't turn out very well. I have a nice camera and no idea how to use it... I keep meaning to learn...

I do not even remember what we had at Sunshine Seasons....but I think it was good.:confused3

I'm not remembering what you had either? lol

Wow you had a great party night! I can't believe all the characters you saw and the Villains show and parade! AWesome. so jealous. We had the horrible rain the night of our party and were soaked the first few hours. So no characters were out in the normal spots. I would have loved to see Capt Jack- hello hottie! :rotfl:;) So cool you saw the Dwarves too. WE are just not patient enough to wait in the long lines.

The party was awesome, but we only got so much done because I was a pre-planning FOOL, we did no rides except HM and I marched our group thru that park like nobodies business! :laughing: I think the only way to see the dwarves and make the rest of the party worthwhile is to get in line early. It worked out perfect since I held the line and Brent took the girls to do stuff while I waited.

How was the Villains show? We missed it but we LOVED the parade. I definitely want to do October again sometime just to do the party again. It definitely topped the MVMCP for me. WE never saw the lady by HM either- it was too wet for her to sit out there, but I did see her walking around near Liberty Square and she actually talked with me a bit- so funny! We did get the pic by HM at least. But your night sounds complete!!!

The Villains show was AWESOME!!! The parade was great, too! Even though we got a lot done, there was still some things I had forgotten even. Oh well, gives a reason to go back :yay:

The DIS meet sounds fun too- so glad a few of you got to meet up.

Our DISmeet was really fun, and we made fast friends with Laurie's clan. We are going together in February for a Disney trip even!

tlenzendorf

12-21-2011, 07:53 PM

So here it comes, the title of this TR. Last we left you(I think), we were on the boat from Ep to HS and running LATE! Crap! We got off the boat right at the time of our ADR and hurried on over to...

50s PT Cafe

That's right, one of the Lenzendorf/Sletten family favorites! Our last trip in 2009 with the kids I had gotten in some t-r-o-u-b-l-e there, which cemented it in as one of the girls all time faves. I had to stand in the corner even!

Lucky for us they would still take us even though we were 20 minutes late. I think we had about half an hour wait? as they were behind. We got taken to a table in the far back left corner of the restaurant, right around the corner I think from the kitchen and the bathrooms.

I really wish I remembered our servers name. He was absolutely wonderful! He went over the menu options. He told Ellie about her choices on the kids meal. And he said, "See how the fruit is down there by the desserts? Fruit is not a dessert. Fruit is an appetizer. So if you want, you can have fruit for an appetizer instead of" well, instead of whatever the appetizer options were. Alyssa was going to help her, but he stepped in with a minding your own business comment. He then asked about drinks and showed Brent the adult beverage menue and said "You may need one of these drinks with all these girls." He was very quick with comments and seriously the best waiter we had. He took our orders. I think the girls all got chicken nuggets and fries, Brent and I shared Mama's Sampler Platter with an extra side of corn. After we were done ordering he took all the menus and stayed to chat an extra minute asking the Alyssa and Ellie their ages. He had funny comments when they responded, which I wish I could remember.

But the funniest thing that happened all trip. The highlight we quoted the ENTIRE rest of the trip. The thing that almost made me pee my pants. What you've been waiting for!!

All right, all right, I'm getting on with it!!

He then he asked Mariah's age. She said she was 12. He then said "Sweetie? Do you know what I did when I was 12?" She shook her head no. He said "When I was 12, I got a job." She looked at him really funny. He said "Here, take these menus to the front and give them back to your cousin". He handed her the menus and walked away while the rest of us just lost it laughing!!! :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

It was the perfect dinner. The food was fabulous, our waiter was awesome and we were stuffed!

Ellie's appetizer/dessert of fruit and her punch with the Tinkerbelle glow thingy

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011223.jpg

Kids nuggets and fries

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011225.jpg

Sampler Platter with an extra side of corn

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011224.jpg

He then brought our check over and said "Here dad, I'm sure this is for you". From here we were talking about what to do after dinner. The waiter came by again while we were discussing. Our plan had been to go to F! right after dinner which is why I had picked a 5:20 dinner ADR. But it was 7:10 and I think F! was at 7:30 and the park closed at 8:00. Our waiter suggested we skip it and hit up some rides since they would be dead since we had another night to be able to see F!

So that's just what we did! We headed over to TSM and the wait I believe said 40 minutes? We got in line and walked all the way into where the Potato Head is! We were in, rode and off in less than 10 minutes! Alyssa and Brent headed to the bathroom, the girls and I rode again. We walked right in and all the way up to the car! and it was only 7:47, we figured we'd have time to ride a 3rd time in less than 30 minutes before the park closed at 8:00! Alas, just as I thought that the ride broke down. Darn it! It was only down a couple minutes, but it was down just long enough that as we were coming out of the exit again they were shutting the doors. Drat!

Hey, look who is still out!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011226.jpg

Then we noticed that they were still letting people in to meet and greet with Buzz and Woody, so we hopped in that line. It was a little long. I don't think we were out of there for a good 20 minutes?

Waiting...

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011228.jpg

Buzz and Woody!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011231.jpg

It was now about 8:30 and the park closed at 8:00 so we headed back to the front of the park. I bet you think we were going to head back to the resort now, don't you???

Well, I did say it was a 3 park day and we'd only hit 2 so far! Stay tuned for where we went, how we got there, who we hung out with and what we did!

LJD2143

12-29-2011, 09:44 PM

Our DISmeet was really fun, and we made fast friends with Laurie's clan. We are going together in February for a Disney trip even!

Can't wait!:banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:

So here it comes, the title of this TR. Last we left you(I think), we were on the boat from Ep to HS and running LATE! Crap! We got off the boat right at the time of our ADR and hurried on over to...

That's right, one of the Lenzendorf/Sletten family favorites! Our last trip in 2009 with the kids I had gotten in some t-r-o-u-b-l-e there, which cemented it in as one of the girls all time faves. I had to stand in the corner even!

Lucky for us they would still take us even though we were 20 minutes late. I think we had about half an hour wait? as they were behind. We got taken to a table in the far back left corner of the restaurant, right around the corner I think from the kitchen and the bathrooms.

I really wish I remembered our servers name. He was absolutely wonderful! He went over the menu options. He told Ellie about her choices on the kids meal. And he said, "See how the fruit is down there by the desserts? Fruit is not a dessert. Fruit is an appetizer. So if you want, you can have fruit for an appetizer instead of" well, instead of whatever the appetizer options were. Alyssa was going to help her, but he stepped in with a minding your own business comment. He then asked about drinks and showed Brent the adult beverage menue and said "You may need one of these drinks with all these girls." He was very quick with comments and seriously the best waiter we had. He took our orders. I think the girls all got chicken nuggets and fries, Brent and I shared Mama's Sampler Platter with an extra side of corn. After we were done ordering he took all the menus and stayed to chat an extra minute asking the Alyssa and Ellie their ages. He had funny comments when they responded, which I wish I could remember.

But the funniest thing that happened all trip. The highlight we quoted the ENTIRE rest of the trip. The thing that almost made me pee my pants. What you've been waiting for!!

All right, all right, I'm getting on with it!!

He then he asked Mariah's age. She said she was 12. He then said "Sweetie? Do you know what I did when I was 12?" She shook her head no. He said "When I was 12, I got a job." She looked at him really funny. He said "Here, take these menus to the front and give them back to your cousin". He handed her the menus and walked away while the rest of us just lost it laughing!!! :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

It was the perfect dinner. The food was fabulous, our waiter was awesome and we were stuffed!

It was now about 8:30 and the park closed at 8:00 so we headed back to the front of the park. I bet you think we were going to head back to the resort now, don't you???

Well, I did say it was a 3 park day and we'd only hit 2 so far! Stay tuned for where we went, how we got there, who we hung out with and what we did!

50's is so fun! Your server sounds just like the one we had a couple years ago. I can just picture Mariah's face when he told her to get to work! :rotfl:

OK - so what day is this now? I am so lost!..............
The girls clothes are so familar.....oh that's right, this was the same day as the DISmeet....

So I don't have any pix of our 2 gangs from this day, but I'll just throw in a few miscellaneous pix from our first few days up to this point:

The BOYS
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c018.jpg

View from our room at BLT
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c008-1.jpg

The Kitchen Sink!
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c059.jpg

I have some real cute ones from our night together at EPCOT....so get goin girl!:goodvibes

msmith1026

12-30-2011, 08:11 AM

I love your recap of your MNSSHP night, looks like you guys all had so much fun. Next time we go i think we'll all dress up, only Zoey did this time.

I had so much fun meeting you guys--even briefly.

Love the server you had at 50 PTC--he sounds like a blast! I wish we had made it to DHS on our trip, but the day we were supposed to go, Zoey slept so late and decided she'd rather just hang by the pool. Sometimes, I forget she's just 5! I'm glad we decided to make the whole day a rest day.

tlenzendorf

12-31-2011, 05:20 PM

Can't wait!:banana::woohoo::banana::woohoo:

I'm SOOOOOO excited!!! I can't wait either!!! :banana:

50's is so fun! Your server sounds just like the one we had a couple years ago. I can just picture Mariah's face when he told her to get to work! :rotfl:

She had that what just happened look on her face. It was the funniest thing that happened all trip for sure.

OK - so what day is this now? I am so lost!..............
The girls clothes are so familar.....oh that's right, this was the same day as the DISmeet....

Are you lost because of the Peach Snaps? :laughing:

So I don't have any pix of our 2 gangs from this day, but I'll just throw in a few miscellaneous pix from our first few days up to this point:

The BOYS
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c018.jpg

I am loving the matching shirts! We meant to do them but just ran out of time.

View from our room at BLT
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c008-1.jpg

GREAT view!

The Kitchen Sink!
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c059.jpg

I still have to try one of those. I've wanted to every trip and it just hasn't happened. Maybe in February? :rolleyes1

I have some real cute ones from our night together at EPCOT....so get goin girl!:goodvibes

I'll probably do one later tonight :)

I love your recap of your MNSSHP night, looks like you guys all had so much fun. Next time we go i think we'll all dress up, only Zoey did this time.

MNSSHP was my favorite thing we have ever done in 4 trips. I would love to be able to go again.

I had so much fun meeting you guys--even briefly.

I know! I'm still sad we didn't make it to the second one that day. I'm such a bonehead for not checking Facebook again :headache:

Love the server you had at 50 PTC--he sounds like a blast! I wish we had made it to DHS on our trip, but the day we were supposed to go, Zoey slept so late and decided she'd rather just hang by the pool. Sometimes, I forget she's just 5! I'm glad we decided to make the whole day a rest day.

Sometimes rest days are the best thing to do. We did one on our Wednesday and it was perfect. I highly recommend 50s PT, it's been a lot of fun every time.

tlenzendorf

01-03-2012, 07:36 PM

Only 4 days later... I'm working on an update now, coming soon!

tlenzendorf

01-03-2012, 07:52 PM

Last I left you we were at the bus stop at HS park closing. We were in the VERY long bus line for the TTC. After waiting quite awhile and seeing bus after bus for other resorts go by we decided if the bus for the Contemporary came by we would get out of the TTC line and get in that line.

The Contemporary bus came and we headed over there, the bus was pretty empty. We got off the bus and started walking to the MK. What a nice walk that is, it's even better when fire works are going off. Man do those fire works echo off of BLT though! I wonder if you have a theme park view how loud that is? It seemed like the whole building shook.

While we were on the bus I was talking to Dizneydawn aka Dawn. Her and Dan were down for their honeymoon. We agreed to meet up when we got there.

We headed over to SM I think which is where they were by. Mariah wanted to ride, but no one else did. I think next we headed to BTMR, the later it got the more the park cleared out. I can't remember what exactly we all rode, I know we did BTMR, PotC, Aladdin's Carpets for sure. There was supposed to be a Dismeet at 10:00, but when I looked at Facebook it looked like everyone had cancelled, so we didn't go there. I ended up finding out later that a couple people did go and I felt bad.

We left Dawn and Dan after the carpets I believe, they wanted to get some dinner. I think it was maybe 11:00 or so? Brent took the older 2 girls to do Splash I believe and I took Ellie to do BTMR again and then I discovered that Ellie left her bag someplace! :scared1: Away we went back to the carpets. Lucky for us they had grabbed it off the carpet ride and it was still there in the area where they run the ride.

My attempt at artsy photos.....

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011233-2.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011234.jpg

Dawn and Dan on the carpets

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011235-2.jpg

Me and Dawn

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011236-2.jpg

We were supposed to meet Brent and the girls someplace but ended up changing that because of the bag issue. On the way back to Main Street we ran into Dawn and Dan at Casey's. We then all headed out the gates to go our separate ways, but we would meet again. We hit the bus back to AKV and they went to their car to head back to BC. It was a little later than we had planned on and we had an early morning meeting for something fun with Laurie and the gang!

What did we do???

msmith1026

01-04-2012, 07:39 PM

OMG, i feel like you met a celeb! I love Dizneydawn's PTR and TRs.

JP and I went to the meet at Aloha Aisle that night--we ended up chatting with the nicest couple who happened to be having Dole Whips as well. They were so adorable and it was fun to chat. I finished my Dole Whip and we were getting ready to leave when someone yelled out to me if I was looking for someone. When I said yes, and sheepishly said "but i don't really know who, because it's from an online board" she was like "the DIS?" ha ha, it was so funny. I can't remember who it was now, but she was awesome, and we ended up chatting for awhile, and then went our own ways!! I wish you and I had been able to meet up longer, but there's always next time (and FB). :rotfl:

tlenzendorf

01-04-2012, 08:42 PM

OMG, i feel like you met a celeb! I love Dizneydawn's PTR and TRs.

I KNOW!! I totally felt like I met a celeb, too!! :lmao:

JP and I went to the meet at Aloha Aisle that night--we ended up chatting with the nicest couple who happened to be having Dole Whips as well. They were so adorable and it was fun to chat. I finished my Dole Whip and we were getting ready to leave when someone yelled out to me if I was looking for someone. When I said yes, and sheepishly said "but i don't really know who, because it's from an online board" she was like "the DIS?" ha ha, it was so funny. I can't remember who it was now, but she was awesome, and we ended up chatting for awhile, and then went our own ways!! I wish you and I had been able to meet up longer, but there's always next time (and FB). :rotfl:

I totally wish you and I could have met up longer as well. But yes, there is next time and FB. Plus we are planning an east coast trip sometime or another... One that's a driving trip with lots of time to do lots of things. Maybe by then you'd have your shop open! Cause I totally need some of Zoey's Cupcakes!!

LJD2143

01-10-2012, 07:26 AM

Last I left you we were at the bus stop at HS park closing. We were in the VERY long bus line for the TTC. After waiting quite awhile and seeing bus after bus for other resorts go by we decided if the bus for the Contemporary came by we would get out of the TTC line and get in that line.

The Contemporary bus came and we headed over there, the bus was pretty empty. We got off the bus and started walking to the MK. What a nice walk that is, it's even better when fire works are going off. Man do those fire works echo off of BLT though! I wonder if you have a theme park view how loud that is? It seemed like the whole building shook.

This is one of our very favorite reasons for staying at the monorail resorts.....you can grab any bus, including the Poly, GF, CR, and TTC - to get back to your resort. You may have to walk or transfer to a monorail - but it sure beats a long wait in the bus line or an overcrowded bus!:thumbsup2

We headed over to SM I think which is where they were by. Mariah wanted to ride, but no one else did. I think next we headed to BTMR, the later it got the more the park cleared out. I can't remember what exactly we all rode, I know we did BTMR, PotC, Aladdin's Carpets for sure. There was supposed to be a Dismeet at 10:00, but when I looked at Facebook it looked like everyone had cancelled, so we didn't go there. I ended up finding out later that a couple people did go and I felt bad.
I missed that DisMeet too:guilty:

Dawn and Dan on the carpets

Without the picture - that's just a funny statement!:rotfl2:
BTW - haven't seen her here yet?

We were supposed to meet Brent and the girls someplace but ended up changing that because of the bag issue. On the way back to Main Street we ran into Dawn and Dan at Casey's. We then all headed out the gates to go our separate ways, but we would meet again. We hit the bus back to AKV and they went to their car to head back to BC. It was a little later than we had planned on and we had an early morning meeting for something fun with Laurie and the gang!

What did we do???

Yum - Caseys! A family fave!

As for what you did the next morning....ask me! I know, I know!!;)

tlenzendorf

01-10-2012, 08:34 AM

This is one of our very favorite reasons for staying at the monorail resorts.....you can grab any bus, including the Poly, GF, CR, and TTC - to get back to your resort. You may have to walk or transfer to a monorail - but it sure beats a long wait in the bus line or an overcrowded bus!:thumbsup2

Staying on a monorail resort was high on my list until they changed the hours. Although I still want to stay at one just for the ambience of being that close to the MK!

I missed that DisMeet too:guilty:

It was a long day! Plus with everyone saying they weren't going on FB I didn't think anyone was going to be there.

Without the picture - that's just a funny statement!:rotfl2:
BTW - haven't seen her here yet?

Did I forget to post the picture?? :confused3 I can't see pics at work so I'll have to check when I get home!! :lmao:

Yum - Caseys! A family fave!

As for what you did the next morning....ask me! I know, I know!!;)

You can start off the next segment if you want to :) I have got to get this TR rolling faster. Otherwise we'll be going again and I'll get the trips confused!

LJD2143

01-10-2012, 07:43 PM

Don't worry - you posted the pic of Dan and Dawn -I just deleted it in my reply - and your description just struck me as funny!:goodvibes

tlenzendorf

01-10-2012, 07:43 PM

When my alarm went off this morning I was really regretting the late night the night before. The girls were hard to get up and a little cranky, but we had a class to get to!

A class you say?! Who the heck takes a class when you're in DW? We do! We got our park tickets with the great Youth Educational Services deal. You take a class and you get discounted park tickets. Perfect!

Our class was at 8:30 and we had to meet at the flag pole outside the gates at AK. We were doing the Wild by Design class. At about 8:20 I got a text from Laurie asking if we were coming, they had thought ahead and asked to be put in the same class as us. Yay! We were just getting there. We walked up and got checked in, got our ear pieces and name card things and we were off! To the gate... and then stopped right away for the opening ceremony...

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011240.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011242.jpg

Finally we got moving for the class. The lady who was in charge of our group taught us about animals and asked questions. Every time you answered a question correctly you got a clip, the person with the most clips got a special prize. We walked around the front of the park, did the Maharaja Jungle Trek, rode the safari, played a game and finished up our class.

Safari Photos:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011246.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011247.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011250.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011254.jpg

The scariest animal! :rotfl:

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011259.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011262.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011263.jpg

Ellie and the Twins, Laurie and Nolan in the background

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011275.jpg

After that we decided that all 10 of us would ride Kali River Rapids. Our past 2 trips we hadn't rode it. Ellie was kind of scared so we told her we would ride the easy side... She was still a little freaked out, but we got her strapped in and away we went! Mariah got SOAKED!!! :rotfl: After that Ellie said she wanted to ride the hard side :laughing: She didn't get that we tricked her at first. From there Laurie and Darren had reservations and Yak and Yeti and we were going to go grab some lunch as well so we parted ways.

All the kids and their buffs

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011279.jpg

We decided that we would try out Pizzafari. Not horrible.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011280.jpg

After lunch headed back to the resort for some swimming.

tlenzendorf

01-10-2012, 07:56 PM

When we got back to AKV Brent and the kids swam while I started some laundry and folded what had been washed so far. I thought this was vacation! After that I headed downstairs with the intention of swimming and ended up taking a nap on one of the chairs :lmao:

Eventually we all headed back upstairs to get ready, tonight was our DTD night! I was feeling very much refreshed. We had 7:00 House of Blues reservations tonight. We had a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate to use that I had bought earlier in the year for $2.

Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and veggies

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos095.jpg

Kids Mac n Cheese

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos096.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos098.jpg

Brent's Burger

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos097.jpg

Mariah's Kid Burger

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/ElliesDisneyphotos100.jpg

The food was pretty good I think. The bill I think was around $40 with our coupon.

Then we went shopping! I thought these were cute. I am planning on getting one this coming trip. I try to get souvenirs that aren't the usual t-shirts and is something I can tie into everyday life so I can look back and smile.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011289.jpg

And THEN! Goofy's Candy Company!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011290.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011291.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011292.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011293.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011294.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011295.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011296.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011297.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011298.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011299.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011300.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011301.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011302.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011303.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011304.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011305.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011306.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011307.jpg

tlenzendorf

01-10-2012, 07:59 PM

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011308.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011309.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011310.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011311.jpg

Ellie with my pre-made choice on the left and her fresh made marshmallows

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011314.jpg

Mariah and Alyssa with their Rice Krispies

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011315.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011316.jpg

Brent's Apple

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011317.jpg

I thought this was cute

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011319.jpg

After several hours at a BUSY DTD I was tired and ready to go! I think maybe it was extra busy since it was a party night at MK. It was around 10:30 I believe when we went back to the car. We headed back to the resort and hit the hay hard again!

LJD2143

01-10-2012, 09:34 PM

We arrived about 30 minutes early for the YES class because we took a taxi from BLT....there was no way we were going to rely on the bus to get us there on time.:sad2:

Originally they assigned us to another group, but that one (gorillas, I think) filled up and was ready to go but you guys weren't even there yet. So we asked to be reassigned to a group that had room for all 10 of us (giraffes, right?). Right about then, you guys arrived!:yay:

Don't you just love this tree?
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c066.jpg

The instructor is demonstrating animal behaviors with jelly beans.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c069-1.jpg

Counting up the clips:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c077-1.jpg

The kids got along great! I love this one of Drew & Ellie with the same expressions :cutie:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c084-1.jpg

Nolan and I just had to laugh at your yummy treats from Goofys....Nolan and Mariah got the same exact, custom-made, rice krispie treat!:rotfl:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c166.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c168.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c169.jpg

Jack and Drew prefer these - PURE SUGAR!:eek:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c180.jpg

And here's a little teaser for our February trip....:rolleyes1
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c053.jpg

LJD2143

01-10-2012, 09:50 PM

Looking back on the Wild by Nature class, it was such an awesome deal for basically a private, guided tour and Park tickets. My favorite parts were the wireless headsets and front-of-the-line access to the Safari. I would do it again in a heartbeat!:thumbsup2

The only negative aspect I can think of, is that our older kids - ages 12 and up - seemed somewhat bored. I think the instructor could have been more "dynamic" or "engaging" - especially to try and "pull-in" the tweens and adults. If we are able to do another YES class, I hope to find one for ages 10 and up.:idea:

tlenzendorf

01-10-2012, 09:51 PM

We arrived about 30 minutes early for the YES class because we took a taxi from BLT....there was no way we were going to rely on the bus to get us there on time.:sad2:

I think we drove that day cause there was no way I was relying on bus transpo that day, either!

Originally they assigned us to another group, but that one (gorillas, I think) filled up and was ready to go but you guys weren't even there yet. So we asked to be reassigned to a group that had room for all 10 of us (giraffes, right?). Right about then, you guys arrived!:yay:

I'm so glad you asked to be in another group! I think you are right, we were giraffes.

Don't you just love this tree?
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c066.jpg

The instructor is demonstrating animal behaviors with jelly beans.
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c069-1.jpg

Counting up the clips:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c077-1.jpg

The kids got along great! I love this one of Drew & Ellie with the same expressions :cutie:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c084-1.jpg

That is a good shot!

Nolan and I just had to laugh at your yummy treats from Goofys....Nolan and Mariah got the same exact, custom-made, rice krispie treat!:rotfl:

That is really funny about the treats! Especially since they are both the oldest! Mariah said that is really ackward and laughed kinda funny. Hmm.

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c166.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c168.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c169.jpg

Jack and Drew prefer these - PURE SUGAR!:eek:
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c180.jpg

So they like to be wired? lol

And here's a little teaser for our February trip....:rolleyes1
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk78/ljd2143/c053.jpg

Yay!!! I am SO excited about the upgrade to BW view! Everything is really coming together perfectly. Now we just need that ADR for 4 for Ohana at 5:00 and everything is perfect!

solana131

01-11-2012, 09:11 AM

Wow! Goofy's Candy Co.....how do you decide?! I want one of everything :)

tlenzendorf

01-11-2012, 09:24 AM

Wow! Goofy's Candy Co.....how do you decide?! I want one of everything :)

It was a hard decision! I think we were in there around an hour!! Which is how I got so many photos... :laughing:

exwdwcm

01-11-2012, 09:42 AM

Great updates!!! We love 50s too- glad you had such a good experience, as the server can make it or break it. Our last experience wasn't great in 2010. Our server was okay, but it took forever to get our checks- we were a party of 14 and had free dining, but were in 5 separate rooms, every meal was a nightmare to handle. I swear we were there for 2 hours. It took almost 30 minutes to get and process our checks. ugh. I need to go back though, i do love their food!

Looks like a successful three park day and wow on hitting TSM with such short waits!

How was the YES program- how long did it last?

ZehnJahren

01-11-2012, 10:27 AM

Nice DTD update! I went to DTD two trips ago, but I don't think we even SAW Goofy's Candy Co.! Maybe I'll get to go on my next trip... next week.

Also, those YES program classes are pretty cool - I wish they'd have had those when I was younger, because I would have been BEGGING to go!! I can imagine them kind of dumbing down the classes a little so that there are no complaints that it was "too hard" - but then you do end up with kids who are a little bored.

tlenzendorf

01-13-2012, 08:29 AM

Darn you Photobucket :mad: You email me Wednesday saying I'm approaching my limit, I haven't uploaded any photos since then and today I get an email that I've gone over. What the crap?

I will either upgrade to Pro today, move some photos to a different photo place or wait until the 16th when the account resets.

Oy.

tlenzendorf

01-31-2012, 09:36 PM

We slept in a little bit this morning since we were having breakfast at Boma at 9:35. I really like having breakfast there, and it was EXCELLENT that it was in our hotel!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011320.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011321.jpg

Quinoa

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011322.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011323.jpg

After breakfast some of the girls headed back to the room to go to the bathroom and I think to grab forgotten sunglasses. After that we headed over to Animal Kingdom!

We did the safari.

Brent suntanning

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011325.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011330.jpg

The so cute baby elephant!

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011336.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011338.jpg

Then Brent and I took turns with the older 2 girls riding EE with Ellie since she is a ride chicken.

Ellie's snack while she waited

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011341.jpg

Then the older girls got a snack

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011340.jpg

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011342.jpg

We saw this cute guy while we ate

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011343.jpg

Then we rode KRR again.
And finally we headed for the exit.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/Disney2011344.jpg

We were going to swim a bit and then head over to a different park for another DIS meet!

tlenzendorf

01-31-2012, 09:42 PM

From our KRR ride with Laurie, Darren, Nolen, Jack and Drew from Tuesday! Click to watch the video.

http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/th_SoccerandDisney025.jpg (http://s840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tlenzendorf/?action=view&current=SoccerandDisney025.mp4)

lmc318

02-01-2012, 10:21 AM

Hey! Didn't you miss a DISmeet from AK on the 26th????

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn128/lmc318/Disney2011/photo1.jpg

tlenzendorf

02-01-2012, 11:19 AM

Hey! Didn't you miss a DISmeet from AK on the 26th????

I did!! I was rereading my schedule after that and was just coming to post that photo and you had it :) I was getting confused as to which day that happened, the 25th or the 26th so I was trying to figure that out. Good thing you were on it!

I think it was the 25th after our class. The class had stopped to see ITTBAB but Ellie wasn't interested-AKA scared. We all went on KRR(see video :laughing:@Mariah) and then Laurie et al had ressies at Y&Y. We went to Pizzafari and were debating what to do. I remembered that you were there and I think I text you. Brent and the other girls went to watch ITTBAB and I came to meet you, your husband and too cute Kat with her charm bracelet. I wish we had had more time, but I felt bad imposing on your lunch time and my kids were ready to do some swimming.

lmc318

02-01-2012, 12:24 PM

I did!! I was rereading my schedule after that and was just coming to post that photo and you had it :) I was getting confused as to which day that happened, the 25th or the 26th so I was trying to figure that out. Good thing you were on it!

I think it was the 25th after our class. The class had stopped to see ITTBAB but Ellie wasn't interested-AKA scared. We all went on KRR(see video :laughing:@Mariah) and then Laurie et al had ressies at Y&Y. We went to Pizzafari and were debating what to do. I remembered that you were there and I think I text you. Brent and the other girls went to watch ITTBAB and I came to meet you, your husband and too cute Kat with her charm bracelet. I wish we had had more time, but I felt bad imposing on your lunch time and my kids were ready to do some swimming.

Nope, it was the 26th. That as our AK day and I remember you were coming from Boma and we had our Tusker House breakfast that day. Regardless, I was happy we got to meet and I wish we had more time! :goodvibes