Bill and Tracy’s Kinda Excellent Adventure 5/7 M & M Day 2 Cinderella Castle Suite [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

mrsksomeday

01-18-2012, 08:29 PM

Hello again and welcome to our trip report!! For those of you who know us thanks for being here and welcome back and for those of you who don’t know us here are the details:

WHO:

Tracy and Bill, we been together over 7 years. He has Cerebral Palsy and uses a power wheelchair. He has 3 college degrees and a Masters. He is a web designer. I am an overweight (super “pooh” sized) worry wart that is obsessed with all things Disney. Here we are on our favorite ride:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/5384613245_706094cd57_z.jpg

WHAT:

10th WDW trip since February 2006.

WHEN:

December 1st – December 13th.

Our adventure was lengthy but I am not dragging out the report. We have two trips to WDW planned: May for Flower and Garden and Star Wars Weekend and one up in the air, we aren’t sure when we are going this fall/winter.

Did I take notes… No.

Did I take as many pictures as previous trips… No.

Did we have a great time… Yes!

Nov. 30th, 2011: We always drive to the city we are flying out of the day before the trip and spend the night, but on this night we almost didn’t make it. I had been sick this fall and was also having an issue with my right lower leg, we had debated cancelling the trip several times. We didn’t get to St. Louis until late in the evening, neither one of us slept well that night.

Dec. 1st, 2011: We crawled out of bed and took the airport shuttle to the SouthWest terminal. We were taking the first flight out on a Thursday so the lines weren’t too bad. We were both so tired. I was still thinking that maybe I had made a mistake and we should have stayed at home. We both slept on the flight. I just had no energy this day, it went beyond being slow because of my weight. We took the little monorail and I asked if we could sit for a minute because I still had a cold and couldn’t breathe very well even though I was taking a pharmacy of medications.

As we sat there, we were people watching. People looking for the elevators for the Magical Express, children with Disney stuffed animals with their families on the way home. Then someone caught my eye, I looked at Bill, he looked at me, we had seen the same person, Chaz Bono was standing there looking around. I said to Bill “is that who I think it is?” Bill shook his head yes. I said “are you sure?” He said “yes”. Airports seem to be the place for us to see celebrities. We went towards him and I said “are you Chaz Bono?” He smiled that great smile and said “yes”. We said we had watched him on Dancing with the Stars and the documentaries on the OWN channel. He was very nice and personable. I didn’t ask for a picture because I didn’t want to bring a lot of attention to him. Bill loves to get pictures with people but we do it in an environment of an autograph session. Chaz like Richie McDonald of Lonestar that we meet last year was minding his own business just flying out of the airport. After that we made our way to the Magical Express.

It was so odd saying that we were staying at the Boardwalk Villas, we had stayed at Pop Century numerous times, but this time we had decided to rent DVC points from David’s Vacation Club Rentals. It would be my first time at a Deluxe.

Here is our experience with renting points: When you rent from David’s, you pay a refundable fee to see if they have points available for you to stay where you requested. If points are available that fee is subtracted from the total cost that is due right then. If no points are available you are refunded your fee. There were numerous emails involved. After you agree, you and the Member send emails to David’s confirming the reservation. David’s gives you the reservation number which you can look up on the DVC site. You can add dining, which we did. When I called to book ADR’s (you can’t do them online at 180 days + 10 online when you rent points) it took the Cast Member a little bit to find my reservation even with the reservation number. It made me feel a bit uneasy, I don’t like it when I don’t have total control over our plans.

Then the Candlelight Processional narrators list came out, I was on the phone the morning you could book, the Cast Member mentioned someone else’s name besides the member associated with our reservation. She said our name was there too, I immediately emailed the rental company and they looked into it and emailed me back. Apparently the member had booked our stay and another renters stay on the some phone call. Our dates were the same, both staying at Boardwalk Villas, so they had linked our reservations somehow. I was told everything was corrected and our reservation number would stay the same, the other renters got a new reservation number.

Fast forward to us walking into the Boardwalk, it was so pretty there. We were greeted before we walked into the lobby, asked about our stay and when I said DVC we were escorted to the DVC check in desk. I had a print out of our email about the mix up, our reservation number, the members name etc. The Boardwalk CM could NOT find our reservation. He excused himself and went to get a manager, the manager couldn’t find our reservation. The manager said they couldn’t talk to member services because I was not the person that owned the points. At this time I was starting to get upset, had I messed up our entire trip by suggesting we rent points? What do you mean you can’t find our reservation, I can pull it up on my phone on the member site? I told the CM that I would be calling the rental company and excused myself from the front desk.

I was looking for a place to sit and saw this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/IMAG0272.jpg

I didn’t remember seeing this last year so in the middle of all this mess I snapped a cell phone picture. I called David’s Vacation Club Rentals and she said she would contact the member immediately. Some back and forth phone calls happened and come to find out the Cast Member who had taken the reservation from the member had assumed we were traveling with the other renters and made the primary people on the reservation and Bill and I were secondary people. They got it straightened out in member services and the person from David’s called me back to say it was corrected. I went back to the front desk, as the Boardwalk CM was looking up the reservation again my cell rang, it was David the owner of David’s Vacation Club Rentals calling to make sure everything was corrected. He apologized many times and when I told him everything was ok he told me to call if there were any more issues. Their customer service was all over it when they were informed of the issue. They were professional and got the issue taken care of very quickly.

We had asked for a high floor, close to an elevator. We had a “normal” room, no accessible rooms were available. We took the elevator up to the 5th floor went down a hallway to the 3rd door on the left. We were “home”. It looked huge to us, Bill had all sorts of room to drive around in. I am a horrible DISer, I didn’t take room pictures. We were both just so tired and wanted to talk about what we were going to do from here. I did take a couple pictures from the balcony though:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03910.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03912.jpg

We had gotten the deluxe dining plan so decided we would just order room service and rest. We had Dining with an Imagineer the next day.

Next installment… DHS & meeting a Focker

JolllyHoliday

01-18-2012, 08:42 PM

Wow!!! Can't believe I am first to sign on to your excellent adventure!! Can't wait to read more.

okw19

01-18-2012, 08:47 PM

I'm so glad you started your TR! :) I always enjoy reading about you and Bill's adventures.
I'm glad the reservations got straightened out. That would have scared me to death!
Room service sounds good right about now. Can't wait to read about Dining with an Imagineer. I'd love to do that one day.

ddstratton

01-18-2012, 09:09 PM

You guys have some celebrity airport mojo, huh? How cool!

A little scary - them not finding your reservation. I'm so glad it was straightened out quickly, though.

Disneyland_Mama

01-18-2012, 09:11 PM

I'm in! Hoping for some inspiration.;)

I would have flipped out at the front desk!:eek: I hear so much about missing reservations even for members. Glad to hear everything was fine, but yikes!

mrsksomeday

01-18-2012, 11:25 PM

Wow!!! Can't believe I am first to sign on to your excellent adventure!! Can't wait to read more.

Thank you so much for following along, I am very appreciative :goodvibes.

I'm so glad you started your TR! :) I always enjoy reading about you and Bill's adventures.
I'm glad the reservations got straightened out. That would have scared me to death!
Room service sounds good right about now. Can't wait to read about Dining with an Imagineer. I'd love to do that one day.

I was a wreck at the front desk, I knew we had a reservation I could see it on the site on my phone, I just wish check in would have went better.

You guys have some celebrity airport mojo, huh? How cool!

A little scary - them not finding your reservation. I'm so glad it was straightened out quickly, though.

It is crazy how we just bump into people isn't it? I was happy when we had the keys to the world cards in my hand.

I'm in! Hoping for some inspiration.;)

I would have flipped out at the front desk!:eek: I hear so much about missing reservations even for members. Glad to hear everything was fine, but yikes!

Tracy, you have Waldo to write about why do you need inspiration :lmao:? I kept my cool on the outside on the inside I was fipping out.

Tinker_Tam

01-19-2012, 06:04 AM

KatMark

01-19-2012, 06:42 AM

Got your link for your TR from FB. Glad to hear Dave's straightened all out (we are planning to use him for September trip). Look forward to more

jenseib

01-19-2012, 07:26 AM

Yay!! I'm in

MRYPPNS

01-19-2012, 07:29 AM

You must have been so relived to get in that room and close the door!

newtexan

01-19-2012, 08:08 AM

I owuld have been toast at that point at the front desk. I wouldn't have known who to call or anything. Great work getting that resolved and into the room to rest!

jcc0621

01-19-2012, 10:45 AM

Hello again and welcome to our trip report!! For those of you who know us thanks for being here and welcome back and for those of you who don’t know us here are the details:

:wave2:

Our adventure was lengthy but I am not dragging out the report.

:cool1:

We have two trips to WDW planned: May for Flower and Garden and Star Wars Weekend and one up in the air, we aren’t sure when we are going this fall/winter.

You could always do August, just sayin:rolleyes1

Did I take notes… No.

I never do:confused3

Did I take as many pictures as previous trips… No.

Sometimes that is okay ::yes::

Did we have a great time… Yes!

:yay:

Nov. 30th, 2011: We always drive to the city we are flying out of the day before the trip and spend the night, but on this night we almost didn’t make it. I had been sick this fall and was also having an issue with my right lower leg, we had debated cancelling the trip several times. We didn’t get to St. Louis until late in the evening, neither one of us slept well that night.

Oh no.

As we sat there, we were people watching. People looking for the elevators for the Magical Express, children with Disney stuffed animals with their families on the way home. Then someone caught my eye, I looked at Bill, he looked at me, we had seen the same person, Chaz Bono was standing there looking around. I said to Bill “is that who I think it is?” Bill shook his head yes. I said “are you sure?” He said “yes”. Airports seem to be the place for us to see celebrities. We went towards him and I said “are you Chaz Bono?” He smiled that great smile and said “yes”. We said we had watched him on Dancing with the Stars and the documentaries on the OWN channel. He was very nice and personable. I didn’t ask for a picture because I didn’t want to bring a lot of attention to him. Bill loves to get pictures with people but we do it in an environment of an autograph session. Chaz like Richie McDonald of Lonestar that we meet last year was minding his own business just flying out of the airport. After that we made our way to the Magical Express.

You guys are celebrity magnets:thumbsup2

[
We had gotten the deluxe dining plan so decided we would just order room service and rest. We had Dining with an Imagineer the next day.

Sounds like a good plan:thumbsup2

Next installment… DHS & meeting a Focker

Who'd ya meetpopcorn::

I'm in! Hoping for some inspiration.;)

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

KathyRN137

01-19-2012, 03:14 PM

Here! :wave:

I remember you saying how awful you felt because of your cold... terrible to be sick on travel day, I know!

Kathy

katiebelle21

01-19-2012, 06:53 PM

Yay! Another Tracy and Bill trip report!

I'm so glad everything worked out with your reservation. Your view from the room was spectacular!

Rozz

01-19-2012, 07:44 PM

Found you! I'll go back now and read. Wanted to go ahead and post and say, glad to see the report started! :goodvibes

DisMomAmy

01-19-2012, 08:09 PM

I'm here!!

I'm sorry you had trouble checking in! I was nervous about renting too, but everything went smoothly for us. Luckily they were able to take care of the problem quickly for you.

We didn't have any trouble making ADRs online at 180+10. :confused3

Hopefully you had a more relaxing trip since you weren't so distracted with taking pictures for a TR!

mrsksomeday

01-19-2012, 10:10 PM

Oh My! I would have been freaking out when they couldn't find my reservation! It would have brought back memories of our add on night when we went! :lmao:

Gonna try to stay up to date with you but you know how life is! :rotfl:

I pray for your family and Gavin every night, I hope he is feeling better :hug:.

Got your link for your TR from FB. Glad to hear Dave's straightened all out (we are planning to use him for September trip). Look forward to more

Dave and his employees took care of us :goodvibes.

Yay!! I'm in

Hello!!

You must have been so relived to get in that room and close the door!

That mess completely wore me out, I made use of the couch in the room as soon as we get in the room :rotfl:.

I owuld have been toast at that point at the front desk. I wouldn't have known who to call or anything. Great work getting that resolved and into the room to rest!

I had my print out of the emails between Dave's and me where they told me about the name mix up and I had his phone number in my phone :thumbsup2.

You could always do August, just sayin:rolleyes1

You guys are celebrity magnets:thumbsup2

Who'd ya meetpopcorn::

Tracy would pass out and DIE from the heat in August :rotfl2:. I know I am going to regret saying yes to May :sad2:.

I hope our celebrity sightings continue :goodvibes.

I will tell soon about who I met.

Here! :wave:

I remember you saying how awful you felt because of your cold... terrible to be sick on travel day, I know!

Kathy

I hate being sick on travel day... BOO!!!

Yay! Another Tracy and Bill trip report!

I'm so glad everything worked out with your reservation. Your view from the room was spectacular!

Thanks for joining us. We loved the view, although since it was not an accessible room Bill could not get out on the balcony :sad2:.

Found you! I'll go back now and read. Wanted to go ahead and post and say, glad to see the report started! :goodvibes

Hi!!! Thanks for reading.

I'm here!!

I'm sorry you had trouble checking in! I was nervous about renting too, but everything went smoothly for us. Luckily they were able to take care of the problem quickly for you.

We didn't have any trouble making ADRs online at 180+10. :confused3

Hopefully you had a more relaxing trip since you weren't so distracted with taking pictures for a TR!

We are trying another rental company for the May trip and I will report on that when we get back.

Our problem with the ADR situation was the way Member Services input our names, we weren't the lead on the reservation so it wouldn't recognize us on the dining site.

The trip was relaxing :):).

oregonmommyof2

01-19-2012, 10:10 PM

Can't wait to hear about the trip!!

Hope to make it back to WDW with you guys real soon!!

mrsksomeday

01-19-2012, 11:28 PM

Can't wait to hear about the trip!!

Hope to make it back to WDW with you guys real soon!!

Hi Toni! We hope you make it to WDW with us too.

--------------------------

A neat little fact......

In 2010 we were with Toni and Terry on Dec. 1st, Toni's birthday. In 2011 we were all on Disney property again, although the "Oregon's" we're in Disneyland while we were in WDW.

luvfigment

01-20-2012, 08:28 PM

Great start...You guy always meet famous people! Y'all have great luck. I am going to try my best to stay updated. Looking forward to reading more and then hearing about your upcoming trips.

KatGarcia

01-21-2012, 05:05 PM

Holy smokes I would have gone crazy at the desk! The one time I rented points it was through a member here and we almost didnt have our ressie either, thank god we did, and you did as well! Looking fwd to reading all about it!

BTW I think we are going up for one of the star wars weekends too...can you smell a dis meet????

RunningGirl

01-23-2012, 06:16 AM

So glad I found a Mrs K tr!

All that business at check in would have had me hyperventilating! And with all the people who get accessible rooms that don't want them, I can't believe you didn't get one!

Hope you felt better as the trip went along; I'm ready for more!

Mrs. Sojourner

01-23-2012, 03:44 PM

I can't wait to hear about your trip. I hope to stay at Boardwalk someday too! I'm interested to hear how well you liked staying there. :)

mrsksomeday

01-24-2012, 02:35 AM

Great start...You guy always meet famous people! Y'all have great luck. I am going to try my best to stay updated. Looking forward to reading more and then hearing about your upcoming trips.

We have been lucky the past couple airport trips :rotfl:.

Holy smokes I would have gone crazy at the desk! The one time I rented points it was through a member here and we almost didnt have our ressie either, thank god we did, and you did as well! Looking fwd to reading all about it!

BTW I think we are going up for one of the star wars weekends too...can you smell a dis meet????

I knew that the reservation was there I was just frustrated that they couldn't see it like I could :confused3. We will be there May 16th - 22nd and heck might add a day or two.

So glad I found a Mrs K tr!

All that business at check in would have had me hyperventilating! And with all the people who get accessible rooms that don't want them, I can't believe you didn't get one!

Hope you felt better as the trip went along; I'm ready for more!

Thanks for joining in!! From what I understand there aren't very many accessible rooms at BWV. For the upcoming trip I am going to have the member ask again about an accessible room and if they can't guarantee one I will ask at check in as well.

I can't wait to hear about your trip. I hope to stay at Boardwalk someday too! I'm interested to hear how well you liked staying there. :)

The Boardwalk is gorgeous and we never would have stayed there if we weren't renting points, makes it more affordable.

mrsksomeday

01-28-2012, 03:52 PM

Although the size of the Boardwalk Villas room was large, the layout was a bit of a quandary for us. If you are laying down Bill is always on the left side of the bed. The bed in this room was very close to the wall on that side and there was no way I could carry him and lay him down with that small of an opening. We both decided we were not going to go ask for another room. We were both just done in that day. I am set in my ways to it took a little getting used to helping him dress when everything was backwards. We had slept in hoping to shake the blah feeling we both had.

We woke up both feeling much better. After I got us ready, we took the elevator to the first floor and I realized just how close we were to the boat dock, we had a fantastic room assignment. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a friendship boat from the Boardwalk the entire time we were there. We were already in love with the place. The atmosphere was wonderful and it is just a beautiful area.

We purchased annual passes at DHS and walked in. We love this park, it is so accessible for Bill we really enjoy it. I was starting to feel better about our decision to go on the trip.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03976.jpg

Before long it was time to check into the Hollywood Brown Derby for our reservation. They gave us Dine with an Imagineer Disney name tags. Mine as usual was spelled incorrectly, Disney loves to add an “e” to my name for some reason.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/tnametag.jpg

No worries. The restaurant wasn’t officially open yet so we went outside, Bill wanted to check something on his phone:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03978.jpg

We were there when the restaurant opened, I didn’t know but the Hollywood Brown Derby has an opening ceremony. They choose a family then pick a family member to be “Celebrity of the day”. It is so cute, they take them outside and have them enter the restaurant taking pictures of them and have the “celebrity” cut a red ribbon and escort them into the restaurant. It was a delightful ceremony and the family really seemed to enjoy it.

Dine with an Imagineer is usually for 10 people but for some reason our lunch had 12 people. The lunch was held in the Bamboo Room:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03988.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03989.jpg

Usually you would just walk through the restaurant to get to the room. They decided to take all of us outside and around the side because of Bill’s wheelchair so he wouldn’t have to maneuver around the guests in the tight area in the dining room. We were seated and Alex Caruthers, Art Director of DHS, was our Imagineer. He was fantastic!! He had worked at Magic Kingdom as well and was a fountain of information. He had actually worked on the Jungle Cruise accessible boats, he was happy that Bill liked the way they worked. The time flew by. You could tell he really loved his job, he was so enthusiastic and informative.

When he was at Magic Kingdom he had asked one of the bosses if he could put a statue of Mr. Toad in the cemetery at Haunted Mansion after the ride was gone. The boss said yes but didn’t really give him a budget. He talked to some of his people and they said there was a Mr. Toad statue they had been selling in the parks and they had one at one of the Disney stores for CM’s only for $18. They prepared him to be in the elements and the concrete was poured for him. Alex went out very early one morning to place Mr. Toad and hadn’t told anyone he was doing it. After he was done one of the Keys to the Kingdom tours came through. The CM had been with the company for many years and was very knowledgeable. She was pointing out various things in the cemetery and someone said “there’s Mr. Toad” and she turned around wanting to know where. She was perplexed as to when and how he came to be there. Alex had sent in some Disney photographers to document Mr. Toad’s placement. They do this for everything to make sure if something gets broken, needs painted, etc. they will know exactly where it should be and what it looks like. The Haunted Mansion castmembers were worried about the photographers, they thought someone had placed Mr. Toad there as a joke and the photographers were documenting evidence to get someone in trouble. Finally Alex went down there and explained to them that he was the one that put Mr. Toad there and everything was ok.

Bill and I are not adventurous eaters at all. He also doesn’t really do appetizers, I had the Cobb salad. For dinner Bill had the Grilled Filet Mignon with Boniato Mash, Crisp Peppered Onions and Chimichurri Aioli and Rich Cabernet Reduction. I had the Thai Noodle Bowl with Barbecue Breast of Chicken, Sugar Peas, Bok Choy and Shiitake Mushrooms in a Red Curry Broth. I was more interested in the conversation than the food.

For dessert we tried the Grapefruit cake, we were not fans but it was pretty:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03983.jpg

We got a personalized menu, a picture of all of us together and autographed collector plates.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/browndcover.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/brownd1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/brownd2.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/dwiplate.jpg

The experience was so great that Bill and I booked another Dine with the Imagineer experience for our May trip as soon as we got back to the room that night. The server let us back out the side door.

I got my phone out to text Angela, from the Focker thread here on the DIS. They are a group of DIS’ers that have been posting to each other for years and many have met in person. I am very fortunate to have gotten to know those lovely ladies online. They are such a great support system to one another. I looked up as I was getting ready to type and there she was at one of the benches outside the entrance to the Hollywood Brown Derby. After meeting her, the first thing I will say is she is as beautiful inside as she is outside, such a lovely person, funny, and great to talk with. We walked around, went through One Man’s Dream together and ended up sitting and talking at the Studio Catering Company. Bill was a great sport letting me ramble on and on to Angela. I talked her ear off. I hope we get to meet up with her again when we are in WDW. In true Focker fashion, no pictures were taken. (I am an idiot, I would have loved to have gotten a picture with her.)

After she left the park, Bill and I talked about what we were going to do. He wanted to go to the Muppets store to see how much new merchandise they had since the movie had been recently released. We were so disappointed, they had nothing that was really new and we thought they would have more stuff.

We ended up at the Great Movie Ride, getting the Gangster side once again, I really didn’t think we would never see the Cowboy version:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC03993.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04005.jpg

We checked in at 50’s Prime Time Café for dinner and watched at the hostess turn several people away that didn’t have reservations. They really should have a sign for these occasions that says “Not accepting walk ups at this time” or something like that. It took a bunch of time out of her day to say “reservations only” over and over again.

They sat us at the “Tracy and Bill table”, I swear this is the 3rd time we have gotten the same table, I am going to suggest a plaque or something so people know it is ours!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04024.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04025.jpg

No trip to 50’s is complete without drinks, a Mowie Wowie for Bill and Grandma’s Picnic Punch (Grandma must have been a LUSH!!) for me:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04027.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04028.jpg

We had a yummy dinner, the sampler for Bill, chicken for me, and made our way out of the park taking a Friendship boat back to the Boardwalk. I liked how they posted the Life Vest instructions:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04034.jpg

One of the many things Bill and I enjoy on the Boardwalk is the performers, they always have people laughing and having fun. This guy was great:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04035.jpg

I will admit he didn’t have my full attention once Illuminations started, I mean come on all I had to do was turn my head and see some great fireworks, I tried to keep an eye on the performer but the fireworks won out. It was a great way to end the day.

On the way to our room I took one last picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%202%2012%202%202011/DSC04038.jpg

Next installment… Storytelling around the World

jcc0621

01-28-2012, 04:16 PM

We woke up both feeling much better. After I got us ready, we took the elevator to the first floor and I realized just how close we were to the boat dock, we had a fantastic room assignment. We never waited more than 5 minutes for a friendship boat from the Boardwalk the entire time we were there. We were already in love with the place. The atmosphere was wonderful and it is just a beautiful area.

Great!

. We were seated and [/SIZE]Alex[/COLOR][/FONT] Caruthers, Art Director of DHS, was our Imagineer. He was fantastic!! He had worked at Magic Kingdom as well and was a fountain of information. He had actually worked on the Jungle Cruise accessible boats, he was happy that Bill liked the way they worked. The time flew by. You could tell he really loved his job, he was so enthusiastic and informative.

Sounds like a lot of fun!

The experience was so great that Bill and I booked another Dine with the Imagineer experience for our May trip as soon as we got back to the room that night. The server let us back out the side door.

Do you get to pick or do they just have someone show up and you don't know ahead of time?

I got my phone out to text Angela, from the Focker thread here on the DIS. They are a group of DIS’ers that have been posting to each other for years and many have met in person. I am very fortunate to have gotten to know those lovely ladies online. They are such a great support system to one another.

::yes:: :hug:

. After meeting her, the first thing I will say is she is as beautiful inside as she is outside, such a lovely person, funny, and great to talk with.

Angela is awesome:yay:

In true Focker fashion, no pictures were taken. (I am an idiot, I would have loved to have gotten a picture with her.)

And this should surprise me why:confused3:rotfl:

we thought they would have more stuff.

Well poo...I was looking forward to new stuff in August:sad2:

“Not accepting walk ups at this time” or something like that. It took a bunch of time out of her day to say “reservations only” over and over again.

If I remember correctly they ised to do this. I also remember boards at the entrance to each park (i.e new City Hall) telling you which restaurants had seating available. Don't know why they stopped it!

[COLOR=#222222][SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]They sat us at the “Tracy and Bill table”, I swear this is the 3rd time we have gotten the same table, I am going to suggest a plaque or something so people know it is ours!

I;m a bit disappointed becasue we aren't going there in August. Jimmy REALLY wants to go to Sci-Fi and I figure that the trip is really for him...right? :rolleyes1

(Grandma must have been a LUSH!!) for me:

:rotfl2:

[FONT=Calibri]Next installment… Epcot we have a problem

Uh ohpopcorn::

mrsksomeday

01-28-2012, 04:44 PM

Great!

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Do you get to pick or do they just have someone show up and you don't know ahead of time?

::yes:: :hug:

Angela is awesome:yay:

And this should surprise me why:confused3:rotfl:

Well poo...I was looking forward to new stuff in August:sad2:

If I remember correctly they ised to do this. I also remember boards at the entrance to each park (i.e new City Hall) telling you which restaurants had seating available. Don't know why they stopped it!

I;m a bit disappointed becasue we aren't going there in August. Jimmy REALLY wants to go to Sci-Fi and I figure that the trip is really for him...right? :rolleyes1

:rotfl2:

Uh ohpopcorn::

It was a lot of fun, we really enjoyed it. They have a list of Imagineers and they take turns doing the lunch and there is a Dine with an Imagineer dinner at the Flying Fish, but that one is more expensive and if you want a collecter plate from that meal it is $75 :eek:

Angela is an amazing lady :goodvibes

I was really disappointed in the Muppets merchandise.

We love 50's, I think we have eaten there almost every trip.

I went back and edited our "next installment" name. Epcot we have a problem is a couple days later, I went brain dead for a minute :sad2:

jenseib

01-28-2012, 05:46 PM

What an exciting day. 2 great meals. I really want to do Prime Time, we had an ADR for my last trip, but it didn't work out and we ended up not going.

RunningGirl

01-28-2012, 07:53 PM

Lunch with an imagineer - what an awesome experience! That really sounds like something I'd love to do with DH sometime. But I don't understand how they mess your name up like that - to me adding an "e" is much more uncommon! :confused3

I love taking the boats from DHS to Boardwalk or Epcot. So relaxing! Driving those boats would be a great job.

oregonmommyof2

01-28-2012, 11:51 PM

Great update, I think Terry and I would really enjoy Dine with an Imagineer...

I've only seen the gangster side of Great Movie Ride too...

I'm glad you are liking Boardwalk, it's one I am dying to try someday!!

Mrs. Sojourner

01-29-2012, 03:40 AM

What a great location! You are really selling me on the BWV! How far in advance did you rent points?

How cool that the Brown Derby has an opening ceremony and family of the day. The dining with an Imagineer sounds really neat. I am going to have to check that out, too. ;)

DisMomAmy

01-29-2012, 01:06 PM

What a fun lunch!! :thumbsup2 And so cool that you had a DISmeet!

I'm glad you were feeling better & enjoyed the day. Illuminations from the Boardwalk area is amazing!

mrsksomeday

01-29-2012, 03:30 PM

What an exciting day. 2 great meals. I really want to do Prime Time, we had an ADR for my last trip, but it didn't work out and we ended up not going.

We love Prime Time, it is a must do for us. We just really enjoy the atmosphere.

Lunch with an imagineer - what an awesome experience! That really sounds like something I'd love to do with DH sometime. But I don't understand how they mess your name up like that - to me adding an "e" is much more uncommon! :confused3

I love taking the boats from DHS to Boardwalk or Epcot. So relaxing! Driving those boats would be a great job.

I think most people think the "e" is standard for some reason. Using the boats is wonderful for us. It is so much easier than the busses. They can only take 2 mobility devices at once, so we did have to wait twice for another boat, but the wait was very short.

Great update, I think Terry and I would really enjoy Dine with an Imagineer...

I've only seen the gangster side of Great Movie Ride too...

I'm glad you are liking Boardwalk, it's one I am dying to try someday!!

I think you guys would love it. For the longest time I thought there was only one side to the GMR :confused3. The Boardwalk is the BOMB!!

What a great location! You are really selling me on the BWV! How far in advance did you rent points?

How cool that the Brown Derby has an opening ceremony and family of the day. The dining with an Imagineer sounds really neat. I am going to have to check that out, too. ;)

For the December time period we went in booked 7 months out, for the trip we have in May we booked 9 months out. We can't wait to do Dine with an Imagineer again.

What a fun lunch!! :thumbsup2 And so cool that you had a DISmeet!

I'm glad you were feeling better & enjoyed the day. Illuminations from the Boardwalk area is amazing!

I loved meeting Angela, she was a fantastic person!! Every DISer I have ever met has been amazing. I love the Boardwalk :goodvibes.

okw19

01-30-2012, 08:32 AM

What an awesome lunch! I would love to do that one day. Sounds like you had a great room location too!

mrsksomeday

01-31-2012, 03:03 PM

What an awesome lunch! I would love to do that one day. Sounds like you had a great room location too!

The room location was amazing and the dining experience was fantastic. We had so much fun.

mrsksomeday

02-01-2012, 07:12 PM

I was so happy, we were going to Epcot today. We decided to check out the Boardwalk a bit first. I saw this and immediately thought of Toni, aka oregonmommyof2:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04043.jpg

She is a funnel cake freak, in a good way.

We grabbed lunch on the Boardwalk, then took a boat to Epcot. We didn’t walk, one to conserve the wheelchair battery and two my right leg was still not 100%. After we made it to Epcot about 5 minutes later (how I loved this ) I got a times guide, we were looking for Holiday Storytellers, especially ones we missed the previous year.

We had perfect timing for Pere Noel (Father Christmas). I always try to take pictures of the scrolls that tell you about the storyteller:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04049.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04052.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04055.jpg

We just love seeing the storytellers, if you are ever in WDW during the Christmas season, please go see them, they are wonderful. Next up
Japan and the Daruma (doll) seller:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04056.jpg

As you can see, not many people in the park that day:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04061.jpg

She was very animated:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04063.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04065.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04071.jpg

Can you believe in all the times we have been to Epcot we never looked at the Koi pond?
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04076.jpg

It was time to start walking to the Italy Pavilion for our dinner reservation, but there was time to see La Befana the storyteller beforehand. This is our favorite pavilion and we could spend a ton of time here.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04080.jpg

The Ziti Sisters were finishing up as we got there, I have to make sure we see the whole skit the next time we are there, it was really funny.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04083.jpg

La Befana was one of the storytellers we had seen last year but I am so happy we saw her again, such a great story.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04093.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04095.jpg

We checked in at Tutto Italia and were seated very quickly. The meal and the service were amazing as usual. I headed to the ladies room after dinner while Bill waited for me. When I came out we saw Zendaya Coleman from the Disney show Shake It Up checking into the restaurant. She was in WDW for the Christmas parade taping.

We decided to call it a night and hopped a boat back to the Boardwalk, knowing we would be back at Epcot on the 5th.

Next installment… DHS entertainment!!

eandesmom

02-01-2012, 08:03 PM

GeminiAngel

02-01-2012, 11:19 PM

:cool1::cool1: All caught up! Really sucks about the web page Bill worked on. So glad I found your link. :cool1::cool1:

Mrs. Sojourner

02-02-2012, 03:45 AM

I am really looking forward to enjoying the Epcot storytellers during the holidays while we are in Orlando. I think my girls will really love it. You got some really great pictures!

KatGarcia

02-02-2012, 02:36 PM

I am so wanting to do the dining with an imagineer, it sounded so awesome!

I def cant wait to get back to WDW at Christmas time and do all the storytellers, i've only seen a few.

RunningGirl

02-02-2012, 05:27 PM

The koi pond is one of those quiet spots in world showcase that we love to explore. We love to step out of the crowds and soak in the atmosphere; Disney did a good job of creating spots that make that possible all around Epcot!

jenseib

02-02-2012, 05:55 PM

Another celebrity sighting. You attract them like magnets!!!

Disneyland_Mama

02-02-2012, 11:11 PM

I think the Storytellers were my favorite part of Epcots holiday happenings. And you hit our 3 favorite! :thumbsup2

piglet50

02-03-2012, 05:57 AM

Great updates! I just found the thread for this report and I'm so glad I did. I'm glad you both were feeling better after you arrived. Thank you for sharing your trips with us. I always enjoy them.

AMVmom

02-03-2012, 01:38 PM

Subscribing to your thread! I've never heard of Dining with an Imagineer before! Maybe if I can ditch the kids one day I can go! Can't wait to hear more about your trip report!

KatMark

02-03-2012, 01:52 PM

Back from my mini-trip to Florida and trying to play catch up.

Sounds like a great lunch with an Imagineer (I think this is something I might surprise my husband with for our 30th wedding anniversary).

Loved the update on the Storytellers; we've never been at Christmas and, if we do, we will, as you suggested, be sure to catch them.

mrsksomeday

02-04-2012, 06:00 PM

Oh Tracy, what a stressful start to the trip. Wiped out, no sleep and then the room mess up. I would have been SO stressed out over that. renting makes me nervous. I know lots of people have fabulous luck with it, I always assumed Davids would be a little more secure/double checking oriented than maybe a straight rental from an individual but it doesn't really sound like it.

Very glad everything worked out. Does DVC, in general, have less HA rooms? That's really not cool, I had no idea. I'm glad the room location overall seemed to work out and your view is just lovely, and that a nights sleep seemed to help a bit. The lunch looks like so much fun, I had no idea BD had a family of the day and an opening ceremony, that's really neat!

Thanks for joining us!! I think the issue with the rental was the way the member made the reservation rather then a problem with David's Vacation Rentals. It seems the member booked our reservation and another renters reservation on the same call. We were both staying at BWV's with the same exact dates. Members services combined the rentals and made the other renter the lead on our reservation and that caused a lot of confustion.

:cool1::cool1: All caught up! Really sucks about the web page Bill worked on. So glad I found your link. :cool1::cool1:

Hi!! So happy to see you here. Thanks for posting.

I am really looking forward to enjoying the Epcot storytellers during the holidays while we are in Orlando. I think my girls will really love it. You got some really great pictures!

The Storytellers are amazing and wonderful telling the stories, I think your girls will really enjoy it.

I am so wanting to do the dining with an imagineer, it sounded so awesome!

I def cant wait to get back to WDW at Christmas time and do all the storytellers, i've only seen a few.

We loved it!

The koi pond is one of those quiet spots in world showcase that we love to explore. We love to step out of the crowds and soak in the atmosphere; Disney did a good job of creating spots that make that possible all around Epcot!

I love all the little quit spots in WDW, the koi pond was great.

Another celebrity sighting. You attract them like magnets!!!

I know, it is crazy isn't it?

I think the Storytellers were my favorite part of Epcots holiday happenings. And you hit our 3 favorite! :thumbsup2

We just love the storytellers.

Great updates! I just found the thread for this report and I'm so glad I did. I'm glad you both were feeling better after you arrived. Thank you for sharing your trips with us. I always enjoy them.

Thanks for being here. I enjoy writing about our trips :goodvibes.

Subscribing to your thread! I've never heard of Dining with an Imagineer before! Maybe if I can ditch the kids one day I can go! Can't wait to hear more about your trip report!

Dine with an imagineer was amazing. I hope we get a great CM in May.

Back from my mini-trip to Florida and trying to play catch up.

Sounds like a great lunch with an Imagineer (I think this is something I might surprise my husband with for our 30th wedding anniversary).

Loved the update on the Storytellers; we've never been at Christmas and, if we do, we will, as you suggested, be sure to catch them.

Hope you had fun in FL. I think you would enjoy the lunch. Oh WDW with the Christmas decorations is just amazing. We really love it.

PittypatBR

02-05-2012, 12:18 AM

Hi, Tracy. Nice to see you and Bill again. I haven't been on the boards much lately but just had to join your trip.

mrsksomeday

02-05-2012, 09:57 PM

Hi, Tracy. Nice to see you and Bill again. I haven't been on the boards much lately but just had to join your trip.

Hello! I am happy you joined us!

DisMomAmy

02-06-2012, 11:14 AM

The Storytellers look amazing! It's too bad they weren't out yet when we were there in November. For now, they'll have to stay on my "someday" list.

mrsksomeday

02-07-2012, 06:26 PM

The Storytellers look amazing! It's too bad they weren't out yet when we were there in November. For now, they'll have to stay on my "someday" list.

Oh I hope you get to see them "someday", we absolutely love them.

mrsksomeday

02-07-2012, 06:35 PM

Finally our first breakfast reservation, well the first one we made it to. Cape May Buffet!! Beach Club is so pretty:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03917.jpg

Loved their Christmas display:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03918.jpg

My first Mickey waffle and other assorted goodies:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03935.jpg

I know I have said it before, the characters are drawn to Bill, but here they were crazy for him:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03936.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03937.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03941.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03942.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03944.jpg

Even after they visited other tables they could come back and interact with him over and over, they had us smiling from ear to ear. We took a boat to DHS ready for the day.

We were going to meet a Cast Member friend of ours, I will call her “N”. Bill had asked her for help to see if we could get a quick meet and greet/picture with the Beauty and the Beast cast since he knows that is my favorite show at DHS. A funny thing about Bill and me, I had the same idea and had emailed her approximately 2 months after he had with the same question, because I knew it was his favorite show http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/smiley_omg.gif The next day after my email, Bill had asked me to look something up on his phone, his messages to “N” were right there. I thought “oh my goodness, poor “N” is caught in the middle of all this”. I talked to Toni, she calmed me down and said to not tell Bill, to not ruin his surprise to me if “N” could pull it off. So I emailed “N” back and told her I had changed my mind and did something else for him.

“N” worked on this for months, she had a friend in the entertainment department helping her. The actors at the BATB show are equity actors so they have different rules than regular castmembers. There is no real meet and greet for this show, there is a very small area it can be done in if the actors agree to it. What “N” and her friend didn’t know was the area they do the meet and greet in was being refurbed while we were there. So it couldn’t happen even thought “N’s” friend was told it was a go. She seemed so upset, we told her it was ok, we were happy to spend time with her and see our favorite show.

We walked back up the street after the show and sat down by the villains sweet shop just to talk to her about her life in Florida and how she liked working for Disney, well loved working for Disney. She had done the College Program last year, then went home graduated from college and came back to work for the Mouse. It is great that she has a friend that works at Universal so they can play at both parks for free.

I couldn’t get over how beautiful the sky always seems to be when we are there:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03951.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03952.jpg

All of the sudden the Citizens of Hollywood were driving up the street in front of us. I was SO HAPPY!! We love them so much! “N” hadn’t seen this skit and I was dying to see it again so we went over to watch it. They had a huge crowd watching and laughing.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03954.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03955.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03958.jpg

“N” works at the Great Movie Ride and at the American Idol Experience. She asked us if we ever got to see the cowboy version of GMR yet, we told her no and she said let’s see what I can do. We got there, she talked to her friends and they were running both versions that day so we finally got to see it. She also pointed out things to me, the R2D2 and C3P0 and the Mickey and Donald in the Indiana Jones room, she also showed me the hidden Minnie in the room where you get on and off the ride. It was so cool talking to her about things, you could tell she really loved her job. It was time for her to meet a friend and we said our goodbyes, but we would be seeing her again before our trip ended. We had something we were giving her later in the trip.

We rode Toy Story Mania and then watched Mulch, Sweat, and Shears on the stage in front of the Sorcerer Hat. They had a huge crowd too, DHS needs to really take note of this, the guests love the live shows and the streetmosphere people. There have been so many rumors about Disney talking about phasing these things out. Make sure you write to guest relations or fill out a compliment card in the parks for them. We did.

We took the boat to the Yacht Club for dinner at the Yachtsman’s Steakhouse. I don’t know if my cold was getting worse or the fact that they put Bill in a really awkward area, or the fact they had no tables available for me to sit next to him (even though I had it noted on the reservation) so every course I had to get up take his plate, sit down, cut things up, get up and give it back to him. I was just not feeling this restaurant at all. Maybe it was too fancy for me, I don’t know. Here are some pictures I took while we were at the resort:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03972.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%204%2012%204%202011/DSC03973.jpg

Next installment… Epcot we have a problem

Tinkermom76

02-07-2012, 07:28 PM

mike the canuck

02-08-2012, 05:40 AM

Following along :)

Tinker_Tam

02-08-2012, 06:02 AM

We were going to eat at Cape May while we were there but we changed it up and chose somewhere else. Now, I wish we would have stayed with that plan.

I am with you. Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE!!!! I would have been in 7th Heaven just to see it again! It is too bad that things didn't work out for to see them.

Great installment!!!

Lesprivate

02-08-2012, 09:48 AM

I didn't know you started your trip report, but I am all caught up.:thumbsup2

Mrs. Sojourner

02-08-2012, 02:01 PM

The Beach Club is also on my list of resprts I'd love to stay at...great pictures! So sorry it didn't work out for you guys to see the cast of Beauty & the Beast. That would have been really cool. It sounded really neat to get the inside perspective of GMR. Can't wait to hear more. :)

eandesmom

02-08-2012, 08:12 PM

What a fun dhs/yc/bc day! Breakfast and your time at DHS sound just perfect, what a great time with N and how fun about the movie ride. I've never seen a holiday streetmosphere, I didn't realize there were special ones. I would LOVE that!

Bummer about Yachtsman. Was the food good at least?

oregonmommyof2

02-08-2012, 09:04 PM

I am all caught up...

And all I can remember is funnel cake...

:tongue:

Kidding.. Kinda...

Get pics and seems like a great time.

Sorry the meet and greet didn't work out, hopefully Bill wasn't too upset I thought you should let him keep the surprise a surprise. I just didn't want to burst his bubble... Maybe next time!!

Hope you are feeling better! I miss you and can't wait to chat again! I have been a busy girl the last few days and have so much to tell ya! :hyper2:

GeminiAngel

02-08-2012, 09:07 PM

It all looks so beautiful during Christmas time!
Wow, bad service at the Yachtsman. :confused3

jenseib

02-09-2012, 09:12 AM

I love Cape May breakfast. Glad you had a great time! Too bad about yachtsman steakhouse.
Glad you got to spend some time with your friend.

KatMark

02-09-2012, 04:21 PM

I'm caught up again. I love Cape May breakfast (haven't been in about four years....need to get it back on the list). LOVE the characters with Bill.

What a nice day at Epcot and such beautiful pictures (the sky is always bluer at Disney World).

Sorry for the not so great service at Yachtsman. We've never done a signature and that one and Cali Grill are the only two we've even thought about, but we just never get there.

tazdev3225

02-10-2012, 01:31 PM

I love your TR's. I haven't seen the Beauty and the Beast show since the
90's. I have been going with my DGS and that would be a fate worse than death. I will finally get to see it again this August with my DGD's. We are sending the boys to RockNRoller coaster.

mrsksomeday

02-11-2012, 05:22 PM

I can't believe I didn't know you started a TR :scared1:

I may have to try dining with an imagineer it looked really cool. I think after my Oct trip this year I will be planning another Christmas Time trip cause nothing beats Disney Decorations!!!

The Imagineer experience was great. You are so right about nothing beating Disney decorations.

Following along :)

Thanks for following along :goodvibes.

We were going to eat at Cape May while we were there but we changed it up and chose somewhere else. Now, I wish we would have stayed with that plan.

I am with you. Beauty and the Beast is my FAVORITE!!!! I would have been in 7th Heaven just to see it again! It is too bad that things didn't work out for to see them.

Great installment!!!

We really enjoyed Cape May all the CM's were fantastic there.

I didn't know you started your trip report, but I am all caught up.:thumbsup2

Hello!! thanks for being here.

The Beach Club is also on my list of resprts I'd love to stay at...great pictures! So sorry it didn't work out for you guys to see the cast of Beauty & the Beast. That would have been really cool. It sounded really neat to get the inside perspective of GMR. Can't wait to hear more. :)

The Beach Club looks really pretty. We were happy to spend time with "N", the B&TB meet would have been a bonus.

What a fun dhs/yc/bc day! Breakfast and your time at DHS sound just perfect, what a great time with N and how fun about the movie ride. I've never seen a holiday streetmosphere, I didn't realize there were special ones. I would LOVE that!

Bummer about Yachtsman. Was the food good at least?

The holiday streetmosphere skit is so cute, we just love it. I liked the cheese appetizer, we thought the steaks were good, Bill did not like the mac and cheese but I don't remember why and we didn't order dessert.

I am all caught up...

And all I can remember is funnel cake...

:tongue:

Kidding.. Kinda...

Get pics and seems like a great time.

Sorry the meet and greet didn't work out, hopefully Bill wasn't too upset I thought you should let him keep the surprise a surprise. I just didn't want to burst his bubble... Maybe next time!!

Hope you are feeling better! I miss you and can't wait to chat again! I have been a busy girl the last few days and have so much to tell ya! :hyper2:

You are not kidding, you funnel cake freak!!!

Bill wasn't upset at all. I am finally feeling better, you know about the other issue that is heavy on my heart right now. Thank you for being such a great friend.

It all looks so beautiful during Christmas time!
Wow, bad service at the Yachtsman. :confused3

Love Christmas at Disney!!

I love Cape May breakfast. Glad you had a great time! Too bad about yachtsman steakhouse.
Glad you got to spend some time with your friend.

I am becoming a big fan of meeting friends at WDW. Such great surrounds to relax and chat.

I'm caught up again. I love Cape May breakfast (haven't been in about four years....need to get it back on the list). LOVE the characters with Bill.

What a nice day at Epcot and such beautiful pictures (the sky is always bluer at Disney World).

Sorry for the not so great service at Yachtsman. We've never done a signature and that one and Cali Grill are the only two we've even thought about, but we just never get there.

The characters were fantastic with both of us, we loved them. I know what you mean about the sky there, I can't get enough of it there, so blue.

I love your TR's. I haven't seen the Beauty and the Beast show since the
90's. I have been going with my DGS and that would be a fate worse than death. I will finally get to see it again this August with my DGD's. We are sending the boys to RockNRoller coaster.

Hi!! Oh I hope you get to see B&TB we just can't get enough of it. I am a sap and tear up.

mrsksomeday

02-11-2012, 05:31 PM

Sometimes we have issues that other families don’t have while being in Disney World. Today was one of those days. We woke up, I helped Bill get dressed, got him in his wheelchair, he turned it on and WHAT!?? http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/tons%20of%20smileys/panic.gif The joystick indicator showed the batteries had NOT charged overnight, even though it was plugged into the charger all night. I was in a tizzy, what were we going to do? We have never had this issue before. I messed with the connecter for 20 minutes and it showed it was charging. We were stuck, we couldn’t go anywhere until the wheelchair charged up.

We were on the deluxe dining plan and had a ton of credits so we just ordered room service for lunch and watched tv.

After what seemed like forever we left the room, I had to take a picture of the carpet in the hallway:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%203%2012%203%202011/DSC04039.jpg.

Here is a picture from MSN Bing maps showing our room location and how close to the boat dock we were. Loved the room location, yes I loved it, have I told you I loved it because if I didn’t tell you I will tell you now, I LOVED IT!!:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/boardwalkarial.jpg

We looked through the shops on the Boardwalk:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03976.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03977.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03975.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03978.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03980.jpg

We ended up eating dinner at ESPN Club, Bill had wanted to do this forever and we always ended up dropping the idea for one reason or another. Here is the view from the line we were waiting in because it was a Monday night and people were wanting to watch the football game:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03982.jpg

Doesn’t Bill look happy:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%205%2012%205%202011/DSC03985.jpg

We had a great dinner, the server was fantastic, and the environment was so fun. They had some guys doing sports trivia before the game started. Bill and I knew almost every answer. We decided we needed to go back to the room so I could pack us up, we were headed to Pop Century tomorrow.

Next installment… Split stay Pop here we come

CarolynK

02-11-2012, 08:34 PM

Just saying "hi" and I'm enjoying reading about your adventures!!

eandesmom

02-11-2012, 09:43 PM

Oh wow, how incredibly frustrating!

ESPN seems to be very popular with lots of folks but I've never heard anyone actually comment on the food or service so that's nice to hear.

POP after BWV... seems like reverse might have been easier but I know you guys adore POP so I hope it goes well!

GeminiAngel

02-12-2012, 08:23 AM

I could only imagine the things going thru your minds. Wondering if something was wrong with the battery or the charger. Maybe the outlet?

Sounds like you made the best of it though. A forced rest! :rotfl:

I like the food at ESPN, yum!

Lesprivate

02-12-2012, 08:59 AM

Aww that stinks, but glad you finally got out to enjoy the boardwalk and ESPN.

ljcrochet

02-12-2012, 01:51 PM

That sucks. Did you ever figure out why it didn't charge?

JolllyHoliday

02-12-2012, 08:45 PM

Beautiful pictures of the Boardwalk. So enjoying your report.

piglet50

02-13-2012, 02:46 AM

sorry about your delayed start to the day but it seemed to end up fine in the end. thanks again for sharing with us. that pic of bill was a good one.

mrsksomeday

02-13-2012, 02:59 AM

Just saying "hi" and I'm enjoying reading about your adventures!!

Hello, thanks for reading!

Oh wow, how incredibly frustrating!

ESPN seems to be very popular with lots of folks but I've never heard anyone actually comment on the food or service so that's nice to hear.

POP after BWV... seems like reverse might have been easier but I know you guys adore POP so I hope it goes well!

It was frustrating. Pop after BWV will be explained shortly :rotfl:.

I could only imagine the things going thru your minds. Wondering if something was wrong with the battery or the charger. Maybe the outlet?

Sounds like you made the best of it though. A forced rest! :rotfl:

I like the food at ESPN, yum!

I was a mess for a little bit.

Aww that stinks, but glad you finally got out to enjoy the boardwalk and ESPN.

We had a good time that day.

That sucks. Did you ever figure out why it didn't charge?

It was the older wheelchair we think the joystick charging outlet is going bad.

Beautiful pictures of the Boardwalk. So enjoying your report.

Thank you so much!

sorry about your delayed start to the day but it seemed to end up fine in the end. thanks again for sharing with us. that pic of bill was a good one.

Thanks for following along with the report.

jenseib

02-13-2012, 08:03 AM

Oh my. I would've been freaking out with the wheel chair not charged.

tazdev3225

02-13-2012, 11:45 PM

That ewas a very nice location for the room. My biggest fear when I go down to Disney is that there will be a problem with the scooter and it doesn't charge overnight so I can imagine what was going through your mind. My DH would make me wait til it charged before we left the room.
The boardwalk looks like fun. I have been there but in a pouring rain so I didn't check it out. Of course I am very spoiled living close to the Jersey shore and get to the boardwalk there all the time. The pic of Bill was great.
I'm looking forward to more on Pop. I have never stayed there.

PittypatBR

02-14-2012, 10:13 AM

That had to be real panic - to be in Disney and not able to enjoy because of the wheelchair would be totally frustrating, but y'all made the best of it. Glad the ESPN club was a good experience to end the day. Glad you were able to stay at the Boardwalk and had such a good room. I like Pop, though, so it is all good!! :banana:

mrsksomeday

02-14-2012, 08:40 PM

Oh my. I would've been freaking out with the wheel chair not charged.

I was a little.

That ewas a very nice location for the room. My biggest fear when I go down to Disney is that there will be a problem with the scooter and it doesn't charge overnight so I can imagine what was going through your mind. My DH would make me wait til it charged before we left the room.
The boardwalk looks like fun. I have been there but in a pouring rain so I didn't check it out. Of course I am very spoiled living close to the Jersey shore and get to the boardwalk there all the time. The pic of Bill was great.
I'm looking forward to more on Pop. I have never stayed there.

I had a couple of mobility places in my phone ready to call if it didn't take charge, but thank goodness it did. We love the Boardwalk. We also love Pop, I will be talking about it very soon.

That had to be real panic - to be in Disney and not able to enjoy because of the wheelchair would be totally frustrating, but y'all made the best of it. Glad the ESPN club was a good experience to end the day. Glad you were able to stay at the Boardwalk and had such a good room. I like Pop, though, so it is all good!! :banana:

We really enjoyed ESPN Club, I see the wheelchair issue as a sign from above telling us to take things more slowly.

DisMomAmy

02-15-2012, 06:22 AM

mrsksomeday

02-16-2012, 05:29 PM

Yikes! :scared1: I'm so glad Bill's chair charged up!

The boys were disappointed we didn't go to ESPN when we were staying at BWV in November. It's on the agenda for our resort day at the Beach Club in April. :thumbsup2

I am happy it charged up too :rotfl:. We are headed back to ESPN in May too. We really liked the atmosphere there.

mrsksomeday

02-16-2012, 05:54 PM

We woke up from our fairytale knowing today we would be moving to Pop Century. Now don’t get me wrong, we have stayed at Pop Century seven times. I love Pop, I love the colors, the music, the atmosphere, but come on you can’t compare the Boardwalk Resort to Pop Century, it would be a totally unfair comparison. I didn’t mind us moving to Pop, I am comfortable there, there is no stress when we stay there because I know what to expect.

Now many of you might be asking, why the heck did you go to BWV’s then split stay going to Pop Century, wouldn’t it be smarter to go to Pop first then “upgrade”? Well a little thing called D23 is the culprit. If you have followed any of our trip reports in the last two years you would know I have mentioned D23 so much they should give me a free renewal membership for all the advertisement I give them. We love going to the events they have at WDW, they are unique and fun experiences. We had the BWV portion of the trip booked, we were happy with that time frame, and then the D23 Magic and Merriment announcement came out. Oh no, Bill would want to go, especially when the ending dinner was after closing at Animal Kingdom. We had never been to AK after dark and knew it would be gorgeous. I didn’t even fight him this time, I knew he would get his way, but I insisted we needed to save money somewhere and that somewhere was POP.

Before we said goodbye to the BWV, I took a picture of the light fixture above the vanity. Why? Because of a Mickey head that is why:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%206%2012%206%202011/DSC03991.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%206%2012%206%202011/DSC03994.jpg

I called Bell services to transfer our bags to Pop Century and no kidding there was a knock at our door within 3 minutes. A very sweet gentleman explained the procedure to me, they would be sending our stuff to Pop between 3 and 4pm. He gave me a receipt for our bags and he was on his way. It was time to leave our newest happy place, but we already knew we would be back because we had rented points (from another DVC rental company) for our May 2012 trip. We took a friendship boat to DHS and went to hop the bus to Pop Century to check in. DHS has changed the bus stops, Pop Century used to be #9 right outside the park, now it was #14 (I think) all the way at the end BOO HISS!!! Oh well, I can actually understand why they did it, it would get pretty crowded right there outside the park with all the Pop guests waiting for the bus. We were pulling up to Pop within 10 minutes, gotta love how close it is to DHS.

Check in was fine, she was Ms. I.wish.I.was.anywhere.else. She just had no personality, come on I want you to WELCOME US!!! I had asked if our request for a shower chair was granted and if there was a fridge in the room. She said the fridge was noted and she didn’t think they had any shower chairs with arms, she called housekeeping and they tried to tell her they didn’t have any either. Well every other trip we have gotten a shower chair with arms because of Bill’s balance. I told her I would handle it if they didn’t give us the right thing when we got to the room. She had no clue and I wasn’t going to argue with her.

It totally cracks me up how some of these CM’s tell you how to get to your room. I don’t think they have ever walked the grounds of the resorts at all. The room was ready, we were in the 50’s section, the 3rd door away from the Lady statue. The bowling pin pool was on the other side of Lady. She told me the best way to get there would be to go out in front of Pop Century, go past where you check your luggage and go that way. HELLO what if I wanted to go eat something?? Yes, technically it is fine going that way but kinda inconvenient when you want to do things at the gift shop or the food court. I just smiled at her politely, took my folder and we were off to have some grub.

Pop holds a bunch of great memories for us. We took my son and his then girlfriend and her kids there. We met Tammy and her family there, we also met the Oregon’s… Toni and Terry there. So we had to honor them by the lunch offerings we chose:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%206%2012%206%202011/DSC03998.jpg

Chocolate Milk in honor of our sweet Princess Hannah, who we miss so very much.

Nachos because Terry said they were good.

Chicken Penne Alfredo because well Bill loves it but so does Toni.

Most of all the CARROT CAKE. Every time we see carrot cake it reminds us of the sweetest little boy EVER named Gavin that we met in Dec. 2010. He went off with his Dad while Bill and I were talking to Tammy and came back all excited, eyes bright, cheeks flushed and said very loudly in the happiest voice… “THEY HAVE CARROT CAKE” and then he went back to his Dad. Bill just loved it and now it is mandatory to say that every time we see carrot cake.

We got to the room and decided to wait for the luggage, I like to have the room organized and taken care of right when we get to a hotel room. They brought a shower chair with no arms, I explained that wouldn’t work, we needed one with a back and arms. They stated they didn’t think they had any like that. I said I would call. I called housekeeping and they were snippy with me, I explained that this was our 8th trip to Pop with the last stay being in May 2011 and we have had one every other trip. Well guess what, we got a shower chair with arms. A horrible plastic, flimsy one with no support, we are going to be buying a travel shower chair and taking it with us from now on. Then another knock with the fridge, there is one thing I don’t understand. In the deluxe resorts, they have a place for the fridge and it is usually hidden by a door. At Pop when they did the refurb they put in a dresser with a hole for the fridge, but when they bring one they will NOT put it in the hole. The only thing I can think of is that the fridge gets too hot for that pressed wood or whatever it is that is used for the dressers. I asked the guy to just put it in the hole and he looked horrified and told me he couldn’t.

About five minutes after he left the luggage arrived, I sorted everything out and we were off to Downtown Disney. I had to take a couple pictures first. See our pretty door??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%206%2012%206%202011/DSC04000.jpg

See how scratched up it is? Yes I know wheelchairs can do that and we are in a wheelchair accessible room, but I thought come on slap some paint on it. I know I was being witchy, but we were in Disney, things are supposed to look perfect aren’t they?

See how close we were to Lady:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%206%2012%206%202011/DSC03999.jpg

Lady was looking at bit odd don’t you think?? That is because this beautiful puppy was getting a makeover, a freshen up, well actually she was getting a paint job. Hey buddies, be a doll before you leave bring a paint brush over to our door, ok?

We walked up to the bus stop and saw this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%206%2012%206%202011/DSC03996.jpg

YAY finally, look at it and read people (not DISers, you guys are nice) I mean the not so nice people that glare when Bill is allowed on the bus first. I like how this is written out about groups of 6 or less will be allowed to enter through the back with the disabled person. Now this should cut down on the threads here where people complain about granny in the wheelchair and 27 people boarding the bus with her, well if the CM’s enforce the rules that is, we will see. We hadn’t been in line for 2 minutes when the DTD bus pulled up. We always have bus mojo at Pop Century, although I probably just jinxed us forever by saying that oh well.

I was on a mission. A friend had asked if I could do her a favor while we were in WDW. Her daughter had a My Disney Doll and she had requested some outfits for Christmas. The CM’s on the phone were clueless when my friend talked to them on the phone. She wanted to know if I could find the sku numbers for her. NO PROBLEM!!! Being in that store really had me missing Hannah and Christian, Josh had broken up with Abbey this summer and the thought of not seeing them anymore was weighing heavily on me as well as the fact that it had been Hannah’s birthday the day before. Being around all the princesses stuff made me sad and happy at the same time if that makes any sense. Well when we found the outfits I was blown away, they were freaking adorable. Her daughter had asked for Snow White and Tinkerbell. Ummm, I wanted to spread some pixie dust so got the idea that we would buy the Tink one for her. Well Bill wanted to pick out something for my friends son. This made us so happy because we didn’t have any little kids to buy for. After we completed our purchases, I called my friend because I my worry gene kicked in, I was hoping I hadn’t overstepped my boundary by buying that for her daughter without asking. I told her to be expecting a package from Disney. We talked and she reassured me that is was ok and thanked me. We just adore their kids and at Christmas I got the cutest video text ever with daughter saying “thank Mrs. Tracy and Mr. Bill”. I cried when I got it.

After World of Disney we made the mistake of going to the pin shop. Why must we go there? Why do we like these little things so much?? Well here is the loot, please forgive the crappy pictures, I took these after we got home with my new Iphone and I am just getting used to the flash:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/a.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/b.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/g.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/h.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/j.jpg

We were hungry by that time, spending money at WDW does that to a person so we did a walk up at the Rainforest Café. Then it was time for the Christmas store. We were in search of more Victorian ornaments. We have slowly been gathering them because Christmas 2013 is when our tree is going to get Disneyfied. We got the Minnie topper and the Mickey and Minnie tree skirt along with assorted ornaments. Normally I would balk at the price but Bill loves this stuff so much that he has made me love it too.
We headed for the bus and back to Pop, again with hardly no wait.

Next intstallment… To MVMCP or to not MVMCP??

mike the canuck

02-17-2012, 04:01 AM

I really like The Ellie Badge pin

RunningGirl

02-17-2012, 05:54 AM

Bittersweet - moving from BW to Pop. I'm with you - we've stayed at Pop many many times and so it's very comfortable. I love the food court; the bus service is usually very good - but after a deluxe it's just ... a little letdown. I really can't believe how many unpleasant CM's you encountered there - usually everyone there is full of pixie dust!

I also love the Up pin. I really regret not picking one up the last time we were there. Hopefully they'll still have them when we go back.

GeminiAngel

02-17-2012, 08:13 AM

I totally know what you mean about directions to your room!
Nova and me were in the 80's. the directions were to go all the way thru the main building and take the winding pathways all the way around.

All we did was go out the front by the bus stops and cut thru the 90's parking lot area. So much quicker and less confusing.

ddstratton

02-17-2012, 09:21 AM

Awww.... What a sweet thing to do for your friends' children! How strange that the CMs at Pop can't get it straight about the shower chair, especially since you have had them before. Love the new pins, by the way.

jcc0621

02-17-2012, 09:23 AM

Yay being at POP. Makes me really want to go now instead of waiting until August. Pffft, we should give the CM's directions;)

Love the pins.

And the Christmas Store - Jim always says to me if Disney bought the rights to Christmas we'd be bankrupt. Have no idea what he means:rotfl2:

okw19

02-17-2012, 10:20 AM

Whew, I am all caught up after being sick for a while.
The storytellers in Epcot sound awesome, and you are making me want to plan a Christmas trip!
Cape May is definitely on my "to try" list. I think we might try that instead of the traditional Chef Mickey's brunch next time.
I would have freaked out if I woke up only to realize that it hadn't charged! Thankfully it wasn't a technical problem and that it did charge that morning.
Moving to Pop! must have been kind of sad, but at least you were saving money to use for the d23 event!
Downtown Disney is so fun, and that was so sweet of you guys to get the Tink outfit for her! :)

Lesprivate

02-17-2012, 10:26 AM

I love your pin loot - especially the Walt Disney pin. Too bad the front desk and housekeeping can't get it right on the first try:confused3.

okw19

02-17-2012, 10:57 AM

Double post

DisMomAmy

02-17-2012, 11:00 AM

I'm so sorry to hear Josh & Abbey broke up! :sad1: That must be so hard for all of you. :hug:

We are doing the same thing with our split stay coming up in April... We are starting at BC, then moving offsite. :headache: Yes, we'll have more room, but we'll miss SAB & the awesome location! We had already reserved our timeshare condo, expecting to visit DBIL first, then we decided not to & booked Hard Rock at Universal to fill those three nights... then we changed to BC!! :banana: I'm so excited to finally stay there, but yes, it will be tough to leave!

Love all the pins! And I hope we'll get to see a picture of that Disney Christmas tree!!

jenseib

02-20-2012, 06:09 AM

I love your pin purchases. I actually bought my very first pin of my own in August...and now I want more. I don't want to trade, but I just kind of like having a few. I might have to look for one from each resort we have stayed at now. LOL

mrsksomeday

02-20-2012, 09:57 PM

I really like The Ellie Badge pin

I love that pin, Up is one of my very favorite movies. I love how Pixar can say so much without a word.

Bittersweet - moving from BW to Pop. I'm with you - we've stayed at Pop many many times and so it's very comfortable. I love the food court; the bus service is usually very good - but after a deluxe it's just ... a little letdown. I really can't believe how many unpleasant CM's you encountered there - usually everyone there is full of pixie dust!

I also love the Up pin. I really regret not picking one up the last time we were there. Hopefully they'll still have them when we go back.

We love the food court too and the bus service. The CM's just were not in a good mood that day, but I got what we needed, well the only thing they had close to what we needed. We will be bringing a travel shower chair with us from now on. I would think that pin would still be there, it seemed to be popular.

I totally know what you mean about directions to your room!
Nova and me were in the 80's. the directions were to go all the way thru the main building and take the winding pathways all the way around.

All we did was go out the front by the bus stops and cut thru the 90's parking lot area. So much quicker and less confusing.

We had the same thing happen to us when we were in the 80's section, we made our own way :rotfl:.

Awww.... What a sweet thing to do for your friends' children! How strange that the CMs at Pop can't get it straight about the shower chair, especially since you have had them before. Love the new pins, by the way.

Bill and I adore those kids and would do anything for them. I really believe the CM's are not trained that well when it comes to mobility issues. They have a little knowledge but not nearly enough. They need to give Bill a job to train them :goodvibes.

Yay being at POP. Makes me really want to go now instead of waiting until August. Pffft, we should give the CM's directions;)

Love the pins.

And the Christmas Store - Jim always says to me if Disney bought the rights to Christmas we'd be bankrupt. Have no idea what he means:rotfl2:

We do love Pop, I think you will have a great time there. The other day Bill and I were having a very bad day and I said, "why don't we just move the trip up to tomorrow?" He said "if you were serious I would do it in a minute". That Christmas store is dangerous, we could go crazy in there.

Whew, I am all caught up after being sick for a while.
The storytellers in Epcot sound awesome, and you are making me want to plan a Christmas trip!
Cape May is definitely on my "to try" list. I think we might try that instead of the traditional Chef Mickey's brunch next time.
I would have freaked out if I woke up only to realize that it hadn't charged! Thankfully it wasn't a technical problem and that it did charge that morning.
Moving to Pop! must have been kind of sad, but at least you were saving money to use for the d23 event!
Downtown Disney is so fun, and that was so sweet of you guys to get the Tink outfit for her! :)

We loved Cape May breakfast, we have it booked for May. I am happy we could do the D23 event and it takes up so much time we are rarely in the room so why not Pop?

I love your pin loot - especially the Walt Disney pin. Too bad the front desk and housekeeping can't get it right on the first try:confused3.

I love pins that feature Walt, I seek them out.

I'm so sorry to hear Josh & Abbey broke up! :sad1: That must be so hard for all of you. :hug:

We are doing the same thing with our split stay coming up in April... We are starting at BC, then moving offsite. :headache: Yes, we'll have more room, but we'll miss SAB & the awesome location! We had already reserved our timeshare condo, expecting to visit DBIL first, then we decided not to & booked Hard Rock at Universal to fill those three nights... then we changed to BC!! :banana: I'm so excited to finally stay there, but yes, it will be tough to leave!

Love all the pins! And I hope we'll get to see a picture of that Disney Christmas tree!!

I am still so sad about Josh and Abbey but they both need to grow up. I can't wait to read your report about your stay at BC!!

I love your pin purchases. I actually bought my very first pin of my own in August...and now I want more. I don't want to trade, but I just kind of like having a few. I might have to look for one from each resort we have stayed at now. LOL

We don't trade anymore, we just buy :rotfl2:.

mrsksomeday

02-20-2012, 10:25 PM

We were finally going to Magic Kingdom, we were both happy about this. There is nothing like walking “right down the middle of Main Street USA”. We decided to go in the afternoon since we were going to buy MVMCP tickets and stay for the party that night.

My heart always beats a little faster when I see the Castle. It just brings back so many fantastic memories for me with Bill, with Josh, Hannah and Christian, with Kathy and her family, and with Toni and Terry. It is my favorite thing in all of WDW.

We did a little shopping killing time before our late lunch at Cinderella’s Royal Table. This would be our first time. After checking in we got in line and Bill got his picture taken with Cindy. It comes in a pretty folder:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/d.jpg

Here is Bill and Cindy (after he saw this picture he was upset he had wanted to get his hair cut before we left on the trip and we never got around to it, he does NOT like this picture):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/billcindy.jpg

They wanted to sit us at a two topper with me across from him. I asked if I would be in the way if I moved my chair so I was next to him, they then asked if we would prefer a 4 topper and I said YES and thank you. It is so much easier.

I am crazy for Disney lighting fixtures, I have no idea why but I am, so here are some pictures of the fixtures and other things I noticed during our time in the Castle:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04001.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04004.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04011.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04012.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04014.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04019.jpg

Bill seemed to be happy at the bigger table, but I took this picture to show part of the CM’s outfits:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04009.jpg

We got the cheese platter for an appetizer:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04016.jpg

This is Bill’s dinner, for the life of me I can’t remember what I had:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04017.jpg

It was time for the Princesses and of course Bill got his pictures taken with them:

First up Snow White:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04021.jpg

Best Ariel ever, in character, funny, and very talkative:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04024.jpg

Sleeping Beauty:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04025.jpg

Finally Belle:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04027.jpg

After a good dinner we went to see Mickey’s Philharmagic. When we got out the weather had turned, it was cold, windy and misting rain. I knew Bill wanted to do MVMCP, at this point my cold had started getting worse but I wasn’t telling him about it. I wanted him to have a good trip. I had walked past this several times but never taken a picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04030.jpg

Oops, I had forgotten the flash, is this better:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%207%2012%207%202011/DSC04031.jpg

We turned the corner going toward Liberty Square from the Castle and I realized the lighting ceremony was going on. I had forgotten all about it, that proved to me this stupid cold was messing with me. The ceremony is one of my very favorite things, I am always right in front of the Castle at the hub for it if we are in MK. I was almost in tears, the wind was picking up and Bill said he didn’t want to stay it was getting cold. I was thanking God and told him I thought that would be a good idea. We made our way through the Emporium it was warmer that way, then Bill asked me to put his hat on:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/IMAG0294.jpg

I absolutely LOVE this picture, he loves this hat and it is very warm. I love that we can act like kids all we want in WDW. We made our way to the bus, there weren’t many people in line at all. I sat by Bill and a great family from New Jersey sat across from us, their little boy was so cute. I saw something that just had me cracking up and Bill was laughing too:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/IMAG0295.jpg

It looked like they had folded up the stroller with their toddler still in there. The Dad looked in the stroller and started laughing too. He said thank goodness I didn’t really do that.

We got back to the room and I was miserable, I couldn’t breathe at all. We decided to go to bed and watch tv and relax. I helped Bill into bed, spent 20 minutes getting the charger to work on his chair and took some Nyquil.

We woke up the next day and I was still feeling awful, Bill declared this a rest/DTD day. He wanted me better before my birthday the next day. He had major plans for it and I had to be well. We stayed in the room until about 1:30pm and checked on Lady’s progress before we left:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%208%2012%208%202011/DSC04106.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%208%2012%208%202011/DSC04108.jpg

We just wandered around DTD that day going into shops we don’t normally go to. Then we hopped a bus to the Polynesian Resort. Bill was going to get his Ohana dinner. He was really looking forward to this. I was looking forward to the booze hoping it might make me feel better. Did I take pictures? Not really… well I took two. One of Bill:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/2011-12-08_20-57-01_812.jpg

The other picture? Our empty drink glasses, the smaller two were mine, I had two Long Island Ice Teas and Bill had his Bahama Mama, Disney was driving so why not?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/2011-12-08_20-52-07_663.jpg

It was a good dinner, I was feeling FINE by the time we left LOL and we had a surprise when we got back to our room, Lady was mostly finished. Look how pretty she looked:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%208%2012%208%202011/DSC04112.jpg

Next installment… Tracy’s Birthday extravaganza!!

jenseib

02-21-2012, 09:17 AM

I hope you got to feeling better

GeminiAngel

02-21-2012, 09:59 AM

Bill and Cinderella: Looks more like Justin Bieber and Cinderella! :rotfl::rotfl:

Something just looks off about that Cinderella and that Snow White.

Bill's meal looks yummy. Was that the Major Domo's Pie?

20 mins on getting the charger to work? More panic for you on top of not feeling good. :sad2:

A day of rest was wise.

Yea for Ohana!!! I couldn't move after that place. I hope you were feeling much better by that time.

jcc0621

02-21-2012, 11:07 AM

[They wanted to sit us at a two topper with me across from him. I asked if I would be in the way if I moved my chair so I was next to him, they then asked if we would prefer a 4 topper and I said YES and thank you. It is so much easier. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Just love when they accomadate these little requests that make the trip so much more enjoyable!:goodvibes

We woke up the next day and I was still feeling awful, Bill declared this a rest/DTD day. He wanted me better before my birthday the next day. He had major plans for it and I had to be well. We stayed in the room until about 1:30pm and checked on Lady’s progress before we left:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

I hope the rest helps!

Lesprivate

02-21-2012, 11:07 AM

I hate not feeling well at Disney, too bad about it being so cold, it is so hard to have a good time when you are freezing. I love Ohana's, sadly my family is not a big fan with the exception of my soon to be son-in-law he loves it and will make my daughter take him there :thumbsup2.

Hopefully you are feeling better and can enjoy the rest of your trip.

Tinker_Tam

02-21-2012, 11:23 AM

How did I miss the last update?????

I smile every time I think of our visit at Pop with you and Bill. The kids still talk about playing with Bill's chair. I know you have made an impression on them too.

You also neglected to mention that you are now Brenda's hero! The outfit did save the day from a bad mommy moment. She still holds out faith, because of the Tinkerbell outfit from you and Bill, that we will get to go back to Disney.... and she is starting to drag Jon along with her. He thinks we are going back in June 2013. It won't be Christmas but I might get to enjoy my birthday there! In any case, Dana (Brenda's doll) wears her tink outfit AT LEAST 3 times a week. Brenda even made sure that Dana slept in the Tink outfit the other night for the tooth fairy's first visit. Brenda wanted the Tooth fairy to feel comfortable and know that she had a fairy friend at our house! It melted my heart! :lovestruc I can't thank you and Bill enough!

We LOVED CRT!!! I think if I were you would be keeping an eye on Bill with those princesses though! :lmao:

We really want to try Ohana for Dinner. We did breakfast there when we were on our trip and it was MY FAVORITE breakfast. I am betting dinner is over the top yummy too!

I was hoping it would be nice and warm the whole trip since it got downright bitter last December. Hoping this is a small bump and not an arctic blast!

tazdev3225

02-21-2012, 03:04 PM

I missed your last update. The pins were great. I am going to buy some for my trip in August with the grandkids. It will be their first trip and I have to get them started on pin trading. I was sorry to read about Josh and his girlfriend. I remember your TR with her kids and know how much you love them.

That was lousy with the CM's attitudes towards the shower chair.

I loved the pic of Bill with Cinderella - very handsome guy.

The pic with the fountain looks better without the flash. It looks good with it but without just seems to have more character. I have Ohana planned for breakfast in August. I have to pay OOP so I am going a little cheaper where I can. That and the kids will like the characters. Glad you felt a little better after eating there.

Tinkermom76

02-21-2012, 04:02 PM

Bills dinner was pork 3 ways and I did not like it on my last trip... did Bill like it?

Good idea to skip the party, you wouldn't have had fun and it would have been a waste of money

RunningGirl

02-21-2012, 04:54 PM

I'm just so sad that you were not feeling well at Disney. I really hope the day of rest got you feeling better.

And you two really do enjoy some awesome meals while there!

Rozz

02-21-2012, 09:56 PM

I just read your update where you had to transfer to POP Century. The whole posting was so good! I had to laugh about the clueless cast member at POP, the shower chair debacle, the room directions from someone who's apparently never walked the resort grounds, the fear of putting the refrigerator in the cabinet opening. You know just how to put the situation in words! I hope they finally slapped some paint on the room door and got Lady prettied up. I love the pins you bought! I lose control when pin buying!

Now to go back and read your latest update!

okw19

02-22-2012, 09:23 AM

Oh I am so sorry to read you weren't feeling well that night. You have such a good heart to try and stick it out for Bill's sake. I would've been thankful too when he suggested leaving. I love his hat! Beaker is my favorite.

Dinner at CRT looks good. Sounds like you really enjoyed O'Hana. ;)

mrsksomeday

02-22-2012, 07:26 PM

I hope you got to feeling better

Thanks, you will have to keep reading to find out :rotfl:.

Bill and Cinderella: Looks more like Justin Bieber and Cinderella! :rotfl::rotfl:

Something just looks off about that Cinderella and that Snow White.

Bill's meal looks yummy. Was that the Major Domo's Pie?

20 mins on getting the charger to work? More panic for you on top of not feeling good. :sad2:

A day of rest was wise.

Yea for Ohana!!! I couldn't move after that place. I hope you were feeling much better by that time.

Snow White was NOT very friendly, she seemed in a hurry too. I have been informed Bill's dinner was Pork 3 ways :goodvibes. I will let you know I had to mess with the charger every night for the rest of the trip at least 15 minutes a night to get it working :sad2:.

Just love when they accomadate these little requests that make the trip so much more enjoyable!:goodvibes

I hope the rest helps!

It is so much easier if I am sitting next to him.

I hate not feeling well at Disney, too bad about it being so cold, it is so hard to have a good time when you are freezing. I love Ohana's, sadly my family is not a big fan with the exception of my soon to be son-in-law he loves it and will make my daughter take him there :thumbsup2.

Hopefully you are feeling better and can enjoy the rest of your trip.

We LOVE Ohana. Your family needs to get on the Ohana train LOL.

How did I miss the last update?????

I smile every time I think of our visit at Pop with you and Bill. The kids still talk about playing with Bill's chair. I know you have made an impression on them too.

You also neglected to mention that you are now Brenda's hero! The outfit did save the day from a bad mommy moment. She still holds out faith, because of the Tinkerbell outfit from you and Bill, that we will get to go back to Disney.... and she is starting to drag Jon along with her. He thinks we are going back in June 2013. It won't be Christmas but I might get to enjoy my birthday there! In any case, Dana (Brenda's doll) wears her tink outfit AT LEAST 3 times a week. Brenda even made sure that Dana slept in the Tink outfit the other night for the tooth fairy's first visit. Brenda wanted the Tooth fairy to feel comfortable and know that she had a fairy friend at our house! It melted my heart! :lovestruc I can't thank you and Bill enough!

We LOVED CRT!!! I think if I were you would be keeping an eye on Bill with those princesses though! :lmao:

We really want to try Ohana for Dinner. We did breakfast there when we were on our trip and it was MY FAVORITE breakfast. I am betting dinner is over the top yummy too!

I was hoping it would be nice and warm the whole trip since it got downright bitter last December. Hoping this is a small bump and not an arctic blast!

I am so happy Brenda likes her Tink outfit!! You have to believe Tammy, it will happen someday, you will get back to WDW :hug:.

I missed your last update. The pins were great. I am going to buy some for my trip in August with the grandkids. It will be their first trip and I have to get them started on pin trading. I was sorry to read about Josh and his girlfriend. I remember your TR with her kids and know how much you love them.

That was lousy with the CM's attitudes towards the shower chair.

I loved the pic of Bill with Cinderella - very handsome guy.

The pic with the fountain looks better without the flash. It looks good with it but without just seems to have more character. I have Ohana planned for breakfast in August. I have to pay OOP so I am going a little cheaper where I can. That and the kids will like the characters. Glad you felt a little better after eating there.

Bill blushed when I told him what you said. I like the one without the flash better too.

Bills dinner was pork 3 ways and I did not like it on my last trip... did Bill like it?

Good idea to skip the party, you wouldn't have had fun and it would have been a waste of money

Thanks I couldn't remember what it was and Bill can't remember if he liked it or not :rotfl2:.

I'm just so sad that you were not feeling well at Disney. I really hope the day of rest got you feeling better.

And you two really do enjoy some awesome meals while there!

Bill is all about the food :thumbsup2.

I just read your update where you had to transfer to POP Century. The whole posting was so good! I had to laugh about the clueless cast member at POP, the shower chair debacle, the room directions from someone who's apparently never walked the resort grounds, the fear of putting the refrigerator in the cabinet opening. You know just how to put the situation in words! I hope they finally slapped some paint on the room door and got Lady prettied up. I love the pins you bought! I lose control when pin buying!

Now to go back and read your latest update!

Lady did get prettied up, I liked seeing the transformation. We lose control when pin buying :eek:.

Oh I am so sorry to read you weren't feeling well that night. You have such a good heart to try and stick it out for Bill's sake. I would've been thankful too when he suggested leaving. I love his hat! Beaker is my favorite.

Dinner at CRT looks good. Sounds like you really enjoyed O'Hana. ;)

I absolutely love that Beaker hat, it is very warm so it was so helpful for him. I always enjoy Ohana and the drinks ;).

KatGarcia

02-22-2012, 08:36 PM

LOVE the castle meal pics! I really have to get back there once Lily is old enough! And i LOVEEEEE Bills hat!

mrsksomeday

02-23-2012, 04:20 PM

LOVE the castle meal pics! I really have to get back there once Lily is old enough! And i LOVEEEEE Bills hat!

We enjoyed CRT and will probably do it again one day.

mrsksomeday

02-23-2012, 04:56 PM

Bill was ready to go, he wanted to get to the Grand Floridian. We were doing some things there and spending the night for my birthday. Again, I thought this was crazy, but he loves me and wanted to do this so I kept my mouth shut about how much money it was and just went with it. I packed an overnight bag, we were not checking out of Pop, we were just not staying there that night.

Here is Lady in the day time, isn’t she beautiful:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04113.jpg

Bill really was happy that day, you really can’t tell it by this picture though:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04115.jpg

I am not sure how we got to GF, I know we took the monorail from somewhere, just not sure if we went to Epcot or MK LOL. Here is the gorgeous tree:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04116.jpg

We had a lot of things on the agenda today, first off getting Bill’s haircut, he couldn’t take it anymore. So we had an appointment for him the Grand Floridian Salon. I can’t recall the young woman’s name but she was fast, efficient, and very nice. After the haircut we went downstairs to check in at the Garden View Lounge for Afternoon Tea. We waited in the lobby just people watching, this place is just so amazing. I could take a million pictures.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04130.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04131.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04138.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04146.jpg

Our buzzer went off and we were seated for tea. The Lounge is very small and there was no way for me to sit next to Bill but we dealt with it. It was noted on the reservation that it was my birthday, so the server gave me a pink rose:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04148.jpg

A close up of the china pattern, so pretty:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04147.jpg

We both got the Buckingham Palace - traditional tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts complemented by fresh strawberries and cream, or a selection of freshly baked pastries, along with your choice of tea. Bill got soda though.

Tea sandwiches:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04149.jpg

My tea:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04150.jpg

Jam Tart:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04151.jpg

I picked pastries:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04152.jpg

Bill picked the Strawberries and Cream:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04153.jpg

We enjoyed our time there, but don’t think we would do it again anytime soon. We went to check in for the night and the cast member was so friendly. All the GF cast members are fantastic. We couldn’t walk 10 feet without one of them welcoming us there and asking us if we were having a good day. Bill joked that he could get really used to this.

The check in CM gave me a birthday button and it was noted we were celebrating our 7th anniversary as well. She said the room wasn’t ready but to hold on a minute she was going to call someone, after she got off the phone she said she got us a room that was ready and handed us our keys to the world cards and a map as to where the room was. We were in Boca Chica room 8101:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/f.jpg

Before the trip I had been reading up on the GF, I knew that garden rooms were in Boca but I also knew there were other room types there as well. I wasn’t going to get my hopes up, I was just happy to be there. After we walked out the back I turned around and took a picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04156.jpg

You have to walk past the pool to go to our room:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04157.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04158.jpg

A nice sitting area in our building:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04159.jpg

Some pictures of the room:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04161.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04162.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04163.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04167.jpg

Continued in next installment Tracy's Birthday Extravaganza Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44117846&postcount=108)

mrsksomeday

02-23-2012, 05:02 PM

When we had walked down the hall I had seen which side the room was on and my heart was beating really fast, this is the view we had:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04170.jpg

That picture was a little hard to see, let’s zoom in some:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04171.jpg

O
M
G

YES!!! YES!!! That is Magic Kingdom ladies and gentleman. I about had a heart attack, we had a huge balcony and we were both so happy. We paid 40% off a garden view room, I think we got an upgrade don’t you?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04172.jpg

Looking left:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04173.jpg

Looking right, we could see the Poly:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04174.jpg

We could also see the Contemporary:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04175.jpg

Close up:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04176.jpg

Bill was happy with the room assignment (see the haircut):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/IMAG0300.jpg

Bill wanted to lay down for a bit before we needed to change for dinner and there was a knock at the door, it was a CM wanting to do turn down service. I told him we didn’t need it, then he gave me chocolates:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04186.jpg

It was fantastic being able to lay on the bed and see the Magic Kingdom, we could hear the train whistle and watched monorails go by. It was fantastic!! Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner. We went back towards the main building and again I had to take pictures:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04189.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04190.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04191.jpg

We were having an “Intimate dining experience”, a private dinner on the 3rd floor at the Grand Floridian. For those of you who didn’t read my PTR, Bill had enlisted Toni, then KathyRN137’s help in booking this as a surprise for me, then he needed to talk to me about the menu so he told me all about it, we are horrible at keeping secrets from each other anyway. He also got information from Lurkyloo's Disney Travel Babble (http://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/private-party/)Blog.

To book this you have to talk to Pat at the Grand Floridian private dining number than you do a lot of emailing back and forth. We were to wait in the lobby area by the piano for our private butler to come get us. There was a real snobby family sitting close to us, the kind that just look down their noses at people. The woman just kept staring at Bill and I was about to say something to her when our butler arrived, he said “Mr. and Mrs. K” and her mouth about hit the floor. I smiled and said yes and we followed him to the concierge elevator.

The butler’s name was Jack and he was from the Bronx, he was FANTASTIC!! I only got one blurry picture of him and am kicking myself:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04196.jpg

He let us know that even though Pat had told us that we would be eating inside he had decided that it was warm enough and moved our table outside. We were thrilled. As we sat down, I asked that we moved the table a little so that Bill would be next to me so I could help him with his food, cutting it etc. Jack said I would be doing none of that he would take care of all of it. I noticed this on the table:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04204.jpg

It is a Jim Shore figurine, Bill sent it to the GF to surprise me. Oh how I love that man!! Of course I cried, he always makes me cry.

The night was perfect, there was a full moon, they were playing Tangled at the pool and we could hear the music from it, and we could see the Poly on the right:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04205.jpg

Looking toward the pool:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04210.jpg

The balcony:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04212.jpg

I think Bill was happy:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04215.jpg

He had shrimp cocktail and I had a salad for an appetizer. Jack cut up Bill’s shrimp for him. It was great just being the girlfriend for a night.

We both had New York Strip steak and since Jack took care of Bill I got to eat my steak hot, YAY!!:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04218.jpg

As we were having dinner the Electrical Water Pageant came by (sorry the pictures are blurry):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04221.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04225.jpg

Bill and I had decided to get two things for dessert we were sharing:

Slipper:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04236.jpg

And a mini cake:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04237.jpg

Jack took a picture of us:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04238.jpg

Continued in next installment… Tracy's Birthday Extravaganza Part 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44117881&postcount=109)

mrsksomeday

02-23-2012, 05:04 PM

Part of our dining experience included getting to see the fireworks. It was a MVMCP night so we got to see Holiday Wishes from the balcony:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04231.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04239.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04244.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04258.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04267.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04270.jpg

Pictures cannot show you how spectacular this was, it was breathtaking and we weren’t fighting people on Main Street to see it, it was just us, watching it together. It was truly magical. Then Bill was smiling and pointed behind me. We could see the high fireworks from Illuminations behind the Polynesian too. Warning, horrible picture coming:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04280.jpg

The fireworks from all directions were finally over and it was time to leave our private balcony. I was so happy Bill had talked me into staying here for the night, could you imagine the let down having to take a bus back to Pop after this delightful night? Jack went to open the door for Bill then asked him to wait a minute, he bent down and hugged Bill and I almost started crying. He said he was honored to meet us and really enjoyed taking care of us. Throughout the night we had talked to him about Disney, his job, etc. He was an amazing man and an outstanding cast member. He hugged me too. He made the night even better. We got in the elevator and I had to take pictures, it isn’t like I would be using the concierge elevator ever:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04293.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04294.jpg

He told us goodnight and we headed straight for the lobby desk, I asked for a compliment card and wrote a book about how fantastic Jack was, that we wished we could take him home with us. I hope his manager got to see it, he was a wonderful person.

We went to go out the back door and I had to take pictures of the floor:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04295.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04296.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04297.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04298.jpg

Hidden Mickey’s on the way to our room:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04302.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04303.jpg

Goodnight Magic Kingdom:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04305.jpg

It was the BEST.DISNEY.DAY.EVER!!

Next installment… Epcot again (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44415701&postcount=147)?

Tinker_Tam

02-23-2012, 05:40 PM

IndianaHoosier

02-23-2012, 05:59 PM

WOW!!! What an amazing birthday! Bill is a gem!!! I got teary eyed when I read about yout dinner!!!! A truly magical experience!!!!!

GeminiAngel

02-23-2012, 06:43 PM

I'm sitting here with tears. lol.

:love::love::cloud9:

ortholablady

02-23-2012, 06:59 PM

Wow! What an amazing night! I didn't know you could do something like at the GF. Do you have to be staying there?

RunningGirl

02-23-2012, 07:01 PM

Well you made me cry. That is just so awesome! Truly the perfect Disney dinner. You really are quite lucky to have such a thoughtful man.

ddstratton

02-23-2012, 07:30 PM

Oh, WOW!!! What a wonderful birthday!!!! Room upgrade, wonderful dinner experience, and such a great time to spend together. :lovestruc :lovestruc

luvfigment

02-23-2012, 07:49 PM

What an amazing night plus an amazing upgrade of your room! I also really like the picture of you and Bill at dinner. You are truly one lucky lady! Can't wait to read more.

lurkyloo

02-23-2012, 08:34 PM

Oh, Tracy, like everyone else, I am sitting here just bawling at your wonderful surprise dinner. Bill is such a sweetheart to have planned it for you, and it makes me so happy that you got to enjoy every minute of it thanks to Jack. A belated happy happy happy anniversary to you both! :love:

eandesmom

02-23-2012, 09:01 PM

What an unbelievable night!!!!!!!!!!!!

And an amazing man, you are both incredibly blessed.

JolllyHoliday

02-23-2012, 09:19 PM

Wow!! Talk about making magical memories! What an awesome birthday surprise. Just over the top. The view from your room, the butler, and fireworks from the balconey. You must have felt like a disney princess! So glad you had such a wonderful birhday. Can't wait to read more about you trip. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

mike the canuck

02-23-2012, 10:19 PM

Wow! That dinner experience looks amazing!

piglet50

02-24-2012, 06:44 AM

What a wonderful birthday! You two are so special. It's really fun to read your trip reports. How neat to get to sit out on the balcony like that. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

DisneyGuy758

02-24-2012, 07:52 AM

Jimeny Christmas. You're gonna make ME cry. That was probably the best trip report entry I've ever read. Everything was perfect. Even the snobby family...who got theirs in the end.

On a side note, I've gone back and read every one of your TRs and they just keep getting better and better. I was delighted to find this new one yesterday at work, and said 'well doesn't look like I'm getting much done for the next hour or so' and tore through every chapter right then.

DisMomAmy

02-24-2012, 08:30 AM

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%209%2012%209%202011/DSC04238.jpg

I absolutely love this picture of you two! I know you don't like pictures of yourself but this one shows how happy you were that night.

What an AMAZING night! Every time I thought the surprises were over, there were more! The outside table, the butler who cut Bill's food, the gift from Bill, the desserts, the water pagent and then the fireworks! AMAZING!

Bill is the man! :worship:

tazdev3225

02-24-2012, 08:41 AM

What an amazing way to celebrate your birthday. I stayed at the Grand Floridian 10 years ago with my aubnt to celebrate her birthday. We were in a room with a similar view. I never wanted to leave.

The gift on the table was awesome. I collect Jim Shore Disney figurines. Mostly Grumpy right now but I am working towards others. my mom, who doesn't get Disney but she gets me, started my collection for my birthday.

The dinner was the best though. Not the fireworks which were beautiful, but that you had such an amazing CM waiting on you. How wonderful that for one night you got to be just a girlfriend. I know that you love taking care of Bill but every now and then it is nice to have someone else do it so that you can enjoy just being a couple. I hope you understand what I'm saying because I think you and Bill make an awesome and very nice looking couple.

Lesprivate

02-24-2012, 09:34 AM

What an amazing, spectacular Birthday/Anniversary celebration.

jcc0621

02-24-2012, 10:09 AM

Wow!

katiebelle21

02-24-2012, 12:24 PM

What an absolutely magical and wonderful evening Tracy! Bill is so thoughtful; he thought of everything, even the figurine on the table as an extra surprise.

Debbie24020

02-24-2012, 12:38 PM

Oh wow, this is brilliant, never read a trip report on here before. I've been wondering whether or not to book Dine with an Imagineer and now I think we may just do it. Right, i'm off to keep reading.

mrsksomeday

02-24-2012, 04:46 PM

Oh my Gosh!!! What an amazing birthday dinner!!! I do hate when people look down their noses at you... part of the reason I live WDW! We only had 1 person look down on us, and it was too in the GF. I am so glad that they got to see Jack take you off to your private dinner!!! :)

It was great that it was warm enough to eat outside. That had to have made the whole experience better... And all the help with cutting food! That Jack would be a keeper! :rotfl: But than again I think Bill is the real keeper here!

Jack was fantastic!! It was a wonderful experience.

WOW!!! What an amazing birthday! Bill is a gem!!! I got teary eyed when I read about yout dinner!!!! A truly magical experience!!!!!

Hi!! Bill is an amazing man.

I'm sitting here with tears. lol.

:love::love::cloud9:

I was crying when I was typing it up.

Wow! What an amazing night! I didn't know you could do something like at the GF. Do you have to be staying there?

You don't have to be staying at the GF to do the private dinner, Bill just wanted my birthday to be special :love:.

Well you made me cry. That is just so awesome! Truly the perfect Disney dinner. You really are quite lucky to have such a thoughtful man.

It truly was perfect, there was a full moon, we could hear the music from the Tangled movie, the butler was there when we needed him but gone so we had time alone, the fireworks were amazing, and for a December night the weather was amazing. I am very blessed to have Bill in my life.

Oh, WOW!!! What a wonderful birthday!!!! Room upgrade, wonderful dinner experience, and such a great time to spend together. :lovestruc :lovestruc

It was so great to feel like we were almost alone in WDW, usually there are people everywhere, it was a great experience.

What an amazing night plus an amazing upgrade of your room! I also really like the picture of you and Bill at dinner. You are truly one lucky lady! Can't wait to read more.

The room view was amazing to me, I loved hearing the train whistle. I am so very lucky :).

Oh, Tracy, like everyone else, I am sitting here just bawling at your wonderful surprise dinner. Bill is such a sweetheart to have planned it for you, and it makes me so happy that you got to enjoy every minute of it thanks to Jack. A belated happy happy happy anniversary to you both! :love:

Hi Carrie!! I was crying at the dinner as soon as we sat down. I now know how Patrick feels when you plan stuff for him. Patrick is very lucky to have you :goodvibes.

What an unbelievable night!!!!!!!!!!!!

And an amazing man, you are both incredibly blessed.

He is the sweetest man ever.

Wow!! Talk about making magical memories! What an awesome birthday surprise. Just over the top. The view from your room, the butler, and fireworks from the balconey. You must have felt like a disney princess! So glad you had such a wonderful birhday. Can't wait to read more about you trip. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

Bill loves to create memories, he is just a thoughtful guy and I am so happy to be with him.

Wow! That dinner experience looks amazing!

It was so fantastic we are doing it again in May.

mrsksomeday

02-24-2012, 04:55 PM

What a wonderful birthday! You two are so special. It's really fun to read your trip reports. How neat to get to sit out on the balcony like that. Thanks so much for sharing with us.

Thanks for reading and posting :goodvibes.

Jimeny Christmas. You're gonna make ME cry. That was probably the best trip report entry I've ever read. Everything was perfect. Even the snobby family...who got theirs in the end.

On a side note, I've gone back and read every one of your TRs and they just keep getting better and better. I was delighted to find this new one yesterday at work, and said 'well doesn't look like I'm getting much done for the next hour or so' and tore through every chapter right then.

Thanks so much for reading our reports. I never know when I write these if anyone will read them or be bored to death :rotfl:.

I absolutely love this picture of you two! I know you don't like pictures of yourself but this one shows how happy you were that night.

What an AMAZING night! Every time I thought the surprises were over, there were more! The outside table, the butler who cut Bill's food, the gift from Bill, the desserts, the water pagent and then the fireworks! AMAZING!

Bill is the man! :worship:

Bill wants more pictures of me, since I don't hardly have any pictures of my Mom I understand so I promised to do photopass with him in May. Bill is amazing, I don't know what else to say about him, he is very giving and wonderful.

What an amazing way to celebrate your birthday. I stayed at the Grand Floridian 10 years ago with my aubnt to celebrate her birthday. We were in a room with a similar view. I never wanted to leave.

The gift on the table was awesome. I collect Jim Shore Disney figurines. Mostly Grumpy right now but I am working towards others. my mom, who doesn't get Disney but she gets me, started my collection for my birthday.

The dinner was the best though. Not the fireworks which were beautiful, but that you had such an amazing CM waiting on you. How wonderful that for one night you got to be just a girlfriend. I know that you love taking care of Bill but every now and then it is nice to have someone else do it so that you can enjoy just being a couple. I hope you understand what I'm saying because I think you and Bill make an awesome and very nice looking couple.

I love my Jim Shore figurine, it was such a surprise. Jack, the butler LOVED his job, LOVED Disney, and was just wonderful to talk to. I loved just being a couple that night, I get what you meant :hug:.

What an amazing, spectacular Birthday/Anniversary celebration.

Thanks!

Wow!

Thanks what I was thinking :rotfl2:.

What an absolutely magical and wonderful evening Tracy! Bill is so thoughtful; he thought of everything, even the figurine on the table as an extra surprise.

It was a great surprise, I keep telling him I don't deserve all this stuff.

Oh wow, this is brilliant, never read a trip report on here before. I've been wondering whether or not to book Dine with an Imagineer and now I think we may just do it. Right, i'm off to keep reading.

We really enjoyed Dine with an Imagineer and will be doing it again in May, it was a great experience.

PittypatBR

02-25-2012, 01:06 AM

jenseib

02-26-2012, 06:46 AM

Bill looks very handsome with his haircut. What a fabulous day and night. You have a special guy you have there.

ericamcl

02-26-2012, 11:29 AM

What an amazing night at GF!
Your update gave me chills - you and Bill deserve all of the happiness in the world!!

oregonmommyof2

02-26-2012, 01:42 PM

Amazing updates!! I am in love with the pic of you two together, and I am so printing it for my wall...

So glad you enjoyed your birthday!!

:hug:

Belle83

02-26-2012, 06:10 PM

I am soo jealous! What an amazing birthday.

Mom&RN

02-26-2012, 09:11 PM

Just found your trip report and I'm all caught up. I've read an old trip report of yours on the completed trip report board so was so happy to find one in progress! It's more fun to follow along as it is being written. What a wonderful night at the GF, just reading your description brought tears to my eyes. What a great guy you have!

KatGarcia

02-27-2012, 07:57 PM

Well Bill did it again! I really hope I get to meet you guys in the world eventually because I want to hug you both! :)

SeptemberGirl

03-01-2012, 07:47 PM

Tracy! I just found this TR and read it up to today!

We just got back from WDW Tuesday night and I am having major re-entry blues and it makes me SO happy to read your TR. I remember your first one. I just adore you two and I especially love how kind you are to kids and families. So many couples have no patience for other people's kids, and who can blame them? But your kindness just blows me away every time.

I loved reading about your GF night and special butler dinner. It sounds lovely and I am so glad that's how you celebrated your birthday and anniversary.

I was in WDW with my family and then some DIS friends, and I always think about the TRs I've read and the people I have come to know from them, so to return home and read yours is a delight.

KathyRN137

03-01-2012, 10:11 PM

Tracy, I was so unbelievably honored when Bill asked me to play a small role in helping him plan your magical birthday dinner! He is a true romantic; an inspiration for boyfriends/husbands everywhere!! :lovestruc

Kathy

PryncessChrysty

03-02-2012, 02:01 AM

Here is a picture from MSN Bing maps showing our room location and how close to the boat dock we were. Loved the room location, yes I loved it, have I told you I loved it because if I didn’t tell you I will tell you now, I LOVED IT!!:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/boardwalkarial.jpg

Hi Tracy! My DH & I attended Magic & Merriment and we were on the same bus with you & Bill during the backstage tours - I'm not sure if you remember me, but I stopped to say hello because I recognized you from lurkyloo's TR's. :) We also spotted you at GF one day during the trip, but I wasn't able to say hello.

I just found your TR, and I'm really enjoying it so far! (I loved the story you shared from your lunch with Alex Caruthers!) I'm still reading through it, but I had to stop & chime in when I saw this pic, we were also on the 5th floor of BWV & our room was right across the hall from you! How funny is that?!? I'm surprised we never ran into each other there, especially when we were headed to the same events!

OK, going back to read some more... popcorn::

PryncessChrysty

03-02-2012, 02:48 AM

All caught up! Your birthday/anniversary extravaganza sounds AMAZING!!! :worship:

What a wonderful experience! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

CarolynK

03-02-2012, 01:35 PM

Enjoying your report, especially the description of your GF dinner! I love that WDW has experiences like these, for those of us that return again and again because it's something different. I'm sure it was expensive, but it sounds totally worth it and unforgettable.

smidgy

03-05-2012, 02:31 AM

ok, my bad..a lot of catching up to do!!!!! (even tho I'm still mad at Bill for meeting up with susan lucci and all. haarruumph!)

Mrs. Sojourner

03-07-2012, 08:55 AM

What an awesome birthday/anniverary celebration you had!!! And, Bill did a great job making it extra special! That is such a sweet picture of you two; it will be a special thing to have and always remember that wonderful night. :love:

Cameo818

03-14-2012, 11:41 AM

I've thoroughly enjoyed all of your reports, and this one takes the cake. Bill is an amazing man - what a spectacular evening he planned for you!

I absolutely love the photo of you and Bill at the Grand Floridian. You are a beautiful woman and your happiness just shines through. You two make a wonderful couple. :love:

mrsksomeday

03-18-2012, 06:25 PM

Oh, my! It was beyond FABULOUS! What a cute picture of you both - the happiness is just radiating from y'all. That is a night to remember for the rest of your life. Bill did great - good choices in everything!

Bill did an amazing job, he is always so thoughtful.

Bill looks very handsome with his haircut. What a fabulous day and night. You have a special guy you have there.

He says thank you. I am so blessed to have him in my life.

What an amazing night at GF!
Your update gave me chills - you and Bill deserve all of the happiness in the world!!

Thank you so much. The GF now holds a very special place in my heart.

Amazing updates!! I am in love with the pic of you two together, and I am so printing it for my wall...

So glad you enjoyed your birthday!!

:hug:

Thanks Toni, you are so sweet :hug:. The only thing that would have made that dinner better was if you and Terry would have been with us.

I am soo jealous! What an amazing birthday.

It was fantastic :goodvibes.

Just found your trip report and I'm all caught up. I've read an old trip report of yours on the completed trip report board so was so happy to find one in progress! It's more fun to follow along as it is being written. What a wonderful night at the GF, just reading your description brought tears to my eyes. What a great guy you have!

Thanks for posting. It was a magical night.

Well Bill did it again! I really hope I get to meet you guys in the world eventually because I want to hug you both! :)

We will be in WDW in May for 12 days so maybe we can meet up :).

Tracy! I just found this TR and read it up to today!

We just got back from WDW Tuesday night and I am having major re-entry blues and it makes me SO happy to read your TR. I remember your first one. I just adore you two and I especially love how kind you are to kids and families. So many couples have no patience for other people's kids, and who can blame them? But your kindness just blows me away every time.

I loved reading about your GF night and special butler dinner. It sounds lovely and I am so glad that's how you celebrated your birthday and anniversary.

I was in WDW with my family and then some DIS friends, and I always think about the TRs I've read and the people I have come to know from them, so to return home and read yours is a delight.

Thank you so much! We just adore the kids we have met on our trips and their parents aren't so bad either :rotfl:. The re-entry blues can get you down, some people stay away from the boards, I am reading on here constantly when I get back to keep up with my Disney fix.

Tracy, I was so unbelievably honored when Bill asked me to play a small role in helping him plan your magical birthday dinner! He is a true romantic; an inspiration for boyfriends/husbands everywhere!! :lovestruc

Kathy

Kathy, I can NEVER thank you enough for all your help. It was the best night.

Hi Tracy! My DH & I attended Magic & Merriment and we were on the same bus with you & Bill during the backstage tours - I'm not sure if you remember me, but I stopped to say hello because I recognized you from lurkyloo's TR's. :) We also spotted you at GF one day during the trip, but I wasn't able to say hello.

I just found your TR, and I'm really enjoying it so far! (I loved the story you shared from your lunch with Alex Caruthers!) I'm still reading through it, but I had to stop & chime in when I saw this pic, we were also on the 5th floor of BWV & our room was right across the hall from you! How funny is that?!? I'm surprised we never ran into each other there, especially when we were headed to the same events!

OK, going back to read some more... popcorn::

We remember you!! We had so much fun with Alex. We weren't at BWV's during Magic & Merriment, we were at Pop. We loved BWV's so much we are going to be there for 10 nights in May.

All caught up! Your birthday/anniversary extravaganza sounds AMAZING!!! :worship:

What a wonderful experience! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes

It was amazing because of Lurkyloo's wonderful blog. Are you the Chrysty from her new podcast? I am thinking she said Princess Chrysty from the DIS and I was like "BILL we met her". The podcast is great!!!

Enjoying your report, especially the description of your GF dinner! I love that WDW has experiences like these, for those of us that return again and again because it's something different. I'm sure it was expensive, but it sounds totally worth it and unforgettable.

It was expensive but we think it was worth every penny.

ok, my bad..a lot of catching up to do!!!!! (even tho I'm still mad at Bill for meeting up with susan lucci and all. haarruumph!)

:lmao:I met her too, I hope you aren't mad at me ;).

What an awesome birthday/anniverary celebration you had!!! And, Bill did a great job making it extra special! That is such a sweet picture of you two; it will be a special thing to have and always remember that wonderful night. :love:

I am usually allergic to the camera but so happy we had Jack take that picture.

I've thoroughly enjoyed all of your reports, and this one takes the cake. Bill is an amazing man - what a spectacular evening he planned for you!

I absolutely love the photo of you and Bill at the Grand Floridian. You are a beautiful woman and your happiness just shines through. You two make a wonderful couple. :love:

Thank you so much for reading our reports, also thank you for the kind words. He is a wonderful man and I am so happy to have him in my life.

mrsksomeday

03-24-2012, 06:40 PM

Waking up to the Magic Kingdom train whistle was something we could really get used to. I packed up our stuff and we headed out. There is a fountain that the Roots use a lot in their pictures, I thought I would get a shot of Bill there (the Roots pictures are so much better :rotfl:):

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04308.jpg

See the balcony up here? That is where we were the night before:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04309.jpg

The bus stop was busy but they have a cast member there keeping things in order, he is in the red jacket:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04310.jpg

The guests were amazed at how quickly Bill got on the bus, here he is getting strapped in:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04312.jpg

We went to DHS then hopped a Pop bus to drop off our stuff, then back to DHS to go in the back of Epcot to see more storytellers. That makes me tired reading that, but we really love the friendship boats:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04313.jpg

The ducks love Bill and always come up to him:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04315.jpg

We wandered around Epcot that afternoon then went to see Father Christmas in the United Kingdom:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04330.jpg

We looked at the schedule and found that we might be able to fit in the Mexico and Norway storytellers too. We walked past Epcot’s Christmas tree:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04333.jpg

There was a little wait until the 3 Kings started so I got a Margarita:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/IMAG0304.jpg

We went to line up at Mexico and I took pictures:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04337.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04338.jpg

We enjoyed their show and Bill got a picture with them:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04344.jpg

We made our way to Norway and went into the store that has the Laila perfume. Bill told me he wanted to buy me some more because I had run out recently, I tried to tell him he had done so much he didn’t need to do anymore, then I got the look that told me I was not going to win that fight, so I shut up. Then we saw the men’s cologne, Geir and smelled it. Oh my, I liked it, he liked it, so I bought it for him. We love wearing them it reminds us of Epcot. After our purchase, it was time for Sigrid and the mischievous Christmas Gnome, Julenissen. This was very cute.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04346.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04348.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04362.jpg

They didn’t pose for pictures, every other storyteller did so I don’t know why they didn’t?? After that we decided to get a counter service meal in China then head out of the park, but we had to go by Mouse Gears first. I got Bill to try on a hat:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04373.jpg

On our way out tucked in with the Christmas decorations were some friends of Bambi:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04378.jpg

Goofy and Donald:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04379.jpg

Since people were waiting to see Illuminations the bus stop was fairly empty and we went back to Pop early because tomorrow the D23 event Magic and Merriment would be starting.

Next installment… Magic and Merriment 2011 Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44805977&postcount=167)

jenseib

03-24-2012, 07:44 PM

Great day...that hat is hilarious in Bill!
So great you both smell good now! I need to get in there and smell some of those too. :goodvibes

DisMomAmy

03-24-2012, 07:45 PM

The story tellers look so cool! :thumbsup2 But all those buses made me tired... I would have just grabbed a cab from the GF to Pop, but I'm guessing that's not easy with Bill's chair?

Can't wait to read about another amazing D23 event! You should get a commission with all the D23 advertising you do! :laughing:

ericamcl

03-24-2012, 07:57 PM

YAY! so happy to see an update - keep them coming :cool1:

hedgehog2owl

03-24-2012, 08:29 PM

mrsksomeday

03-24-2012, 08:33 PM

Great day...that hat is hilarious in Bill!
So great you both smell good now! I need to get in there and smell some of those too. :goodvibes

I was laughing so hard with him in that hat:lmao:. I am loving our perfume/cologne, it reminds me of Epcot every time we wear them.

The story tellers look so cool! :thumbsup2 But all those buses made me tired... I would have just grabbed a cab from the GF to Pop, but I'm guessing that's not easy with Bill's chair?

Can't wait to read about another amazing D23 event! You should get a commission with all the D23 advertising you do! :laughing:

The busses really didn't take that long, we are going to try a cab this trip. We are staying at the GF again for one night and doing another private dinner :love:. The next day we will try to take a cab back to BWV.

YAY! so happy to see an update - keep them coming :cool1:

I have been a horrible slacker but promise to be better, there is only 2 1/2 days left in the trip but tons of pictures to deal with.

piglet50

03-24-2012, 08:33 PM

thank you for another great update. i loved the hat. looking forward to hearing more from your trip.

mrsksomeday

03-24-2012, 08:38 PM

I remember reading trip report from you! Last year, or two years ago? It was the one where you wanted to stay at the poly but changed to Pop (?) because a couple of your relatives came along ( and they were always grabbing a smoke, I remember thAt too :lmao: )
Looking forward to reading this one!

Hello, thanks for posting. As for a trip with people always grabbing a smoke, we have had two like that :sad2:. I am a serial trip report writer and posted about both trips. I can't seem to shut up about Disney :confused3 for some reason ;).

KathyRN137

03-24-2012, 09:13 PM

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2010%2012%2010%202011/DSC04373.jpg

I'm chuckling b/c Bill looks surprisingly good with long hair!! :rockband:

The Epcot Storytellers are a holiday MUST!

I've not yet smelled Geir... is it floral-based? I love that your fragrances now "match!"

Kathy

ortholablady

03-25-2012, 08:28 AM

Love the storytellers and all the amazing Christmas decorations.

I've done two split stays and both times I was told that Disney would transport me to the next resort. I didn't need it because my brother was with me with his car but I thought they told me there was a van or something to take you no charge between resorts.

Bill looks very cool in the hat, kind of rock star! :cool1: Maybe he should think about growing his hair out :rotfl:

tazdev3225

03-25-2012, 03:00 PM

Love the pic of Bill in the hat.

We saw the story tellers on a trip a few years ago. It was one of the highlights of the trip. We did miss one or two because we picked a week that rained constantly. It was actually warmer in the north than Florida that trip. I plan to go back for them in a year or two if I don't have any more trips with my kids. Went with one daughter last year and this year we are going with our other DD and her kids. It will be the grandkids first trip. Much better than decorations. You only get one first trip.

GeminiAngel

03-25-2012, 03:34 PM

Bill in that hat! :rotfl::rotfl:
What a great evening. I bet the stories are fantastic.

mrsksomeday

03-25-2012, 05:27 PM

thank you for another great update. i loved the hat. looking forward to hearing more from your trip.

Thanks so much for posting :goodvibes.

I'm chuckling b/c Bill looks surprisingly good with long hair!! :rockband:

The Epcot Storytellers are a holiday MUST!

I've not yet smelled Geir... is it floral-based? I love that your fragrances now "match!"

Kathy

That picture cracks me up. We just love the storytellers, they are absolutely a "must do" on our list. As for the smell of Geir? I am horrible at describing things. The description of it is....

"Experience the crisp Norwegian mountains with this sensual scent of exotic herbs and spices."

All I know is I LOVE the smell of it.

Love the storytellers and all the amazing Christmas decorations.

I've done two split stays and both times I was told that Disney would transport me to the next resort. I didn't need it because my brother was with me with his car but I thought they told me there was a van or something to take you no charge between resorts.

Bill looks very cool in the hat, kind of rock star! :cool1: Maybe he should think about growing his hair out :rotfl:

I had no idea about the transportation between resorts, if I can remember I will ask about that. Thanks for the tip :goodvibes. Oh no shouldn't let his hair grow out, I am the one that has to take care of it :rotfl:.

Love the pic of Bill in the hat.

We saw the story tellers on a trip a few years ago. It was one of the highlights of the trip. We did miss one or two because we picked a week that rained constantly. It was actually warmer in the north than Florida that trip. I plan to go back for them in a year or two if I don't have any more trips with my kids. Went with one daughter last year and this year we are going with our other DD and her kids. It will be the grandkids first trip. Much better than decorations. You only get one first trip.

Oh you will have so much fun with the grandkids, I love being with people that are on their first trip. Nothing like seeing WDW through the eyes of a newbie.

Bill in that hat! :rotfl::rotfl:
What a great evening. I bet the stories are fantastic.

That is my favorite hat picture ever!! The stories are amazing, the storytellers are amazing at bringing the stories to life.

Tinker_Tam

03-25-2012, 06:20 PM

PryncessChrysty

03-26-2012, 12:30 AM

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]We remember you!! We had so much fun with Alex. We weren't at BWV's during Magic & Merriment, we were at Pop. We loved BWV's so much we are going to be there for 10 nights in May.

10 nights sounds amazing! :cloud9:

It was amazing because of Lurkyloo's wonderful blog. Are you the Chrysty from her new podcast? I am thinking she said Princess Chrysty from the DIS and I was like "BILL we met her". The podcast is great!!!

Yep, that's me!! Thanks for the kind words! :goodvibes

brookelizabeth

04-16-2012, 09:05 PM

I'm reallyyyyyy late, but I'm here and caught up! WOW! Way to go Bill!!!! I had tears in my eyes reading about your amazing night! :lovestruc Wow, wow, wow!

piglet50

05-01-2012, 12:20 PM

just checking in to see if there's another update. i see you're going on another trip. have a great time.

Rozz

05-02-2012, 07:46 PM

Am I understanding correctly from your ticker thing that you are soon to be leaving on another trip to the World? and where does that leave us in this trip report?;) Maybe you can blend this one with the next one! :dance3:
I know you and Bill are very busy and I'd offer to write the next trip report for you only I can't on account of you haven't added me to your room and park ticket purchases yet.:rotfl:

oregonmommyof2

05-05-2012, 03:18 PM

You are being quite the slacker... Just sayin'... :surfweb:

:duck:

mrsksomeday

05-06-2012, 01:18 AM

I love the story tellers. I so wish we had taken more time to listen to them but with the kids that was impossible. Odd thought they only 1 group wouldn't do pictures.

When Bill's birthday rolls around, I think you should have that hat picture put on his birthday cake! :lmao: It is the best!!!

It bothered me that we didn't get a picture with the Norway storyteller, it will be a priority on the next trip, I will bother them until they smile with Bill ;).

10 nights sounds amazing! :cloud9:

Yep, that's me!! Thanks for the kind words! :goodvibes

We are trip changers, we changed the May trip to 5 nights at Pop Century then to Boardwalk Villas for 6 nights. Carrie's podcast is amazing, she has such a great voice and the two of you together are great. I ever got Bill to listen to the podcast with me :thumbsup2,

I'm reallyyyyyy late, but I'm here and caught up! WOW! Way to go Bill!!!! I had tears in my eyes reading about your amazing night! :lovestruc Wow, wow, wow!

Hi Brook!! I almost cry every time I think about that night, it was amazingly wonderful.

just checking in to see if there's another update. i see you're going on another trip. have a great time.

Thanks, updates coming very soon.

Am I understanding correctly from your ticker thing that you are soon to be leaving on another trip to the World? and where does that leave us in this trip report?;) Maybe you can blend this one with the next one! :dance3:
I know you and Bill are very busy and I'd offer to write the next trip report for you only I can't on account of you haven't added me to your room and park ticket purchases yet.:rotfl:

I am finishing this one before we leave. I am sorry we can't bring you along with us, there is a long list of people asking to go :rotfl:.

You are being quite the slacker... Just sayin'... :surfweb:

:duck:

EVERYONE thank Toni for kicking me back into trip report writing gear. I heard you loud and clear. Installments coming right up :goodvibes.

mrsksomeday

05-06-2012, 01:24 AM

I am so sorry for not posting lately. Life got in the way, I have been informed that I am “quite the slacker” so I figured I better get this report wrapped up. I am going to be posting mostly pictures, these days are just so involved it would take forever to explain it all.

The day started by going to Epcot so we could check in and get our lanyards, we saw several people we had met the previous year. We grabbed breakfast and made our way to the main room.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04389.jpg

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http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04401.jpg

The imagineer we had had lunch with at the Hollywood Brown Derby would be speaking that morning and came over to us as soon as he saw us. He is such a great guy. We also talked to Laura the D23 Cast Member that had helped us with accessibility issues back at the D23 event in May 2011. She was the first speaker of the day:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04045.jpg

For this installment it is going to be mostly pictures. First off we had more speakers:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04048.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04050.jpg

Lisa talked about how they came up with holiday designs for Aulani. Here are some fun facts:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04072.jpg

Next up was Steve Vagnini from the D23/Disney Archives.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04083.jpg

He talked about how the Candlelight Processional came to be. As he talked many pictures were shown:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04090.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04094.jpg

The Candlelight Processional used to be performed at Magic Kingdom in front of the castle:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04096.jpg

Human Christmas tree:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04098.jpg

In 1994 the Candlelight Processional moved to Epcot. He then played to tv special that showed Walt, I love old footage of him so I was happy.
Next up was:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04141.jpg

Why is this lady a Disney legend? She was the voice for Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Wendy in Peter Pan. She was completely delightful. She said the animators said it was harder to animate people so the voice actors were filmed as they did their lines. They acted the scenes out, from falling down the rabbit hole in Alice, to flying in Peter Pan. She said Mr. Disney was a lovely gentleman, that he would ask her how everything was going and if she was happy. She said he would come to the cafeteria, get in line like everyone else and sit with random people just to see how they were.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04134.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04161.jpg

In between presentations they would bring the members stuff. Each of us had a little Christmas gift bag at our seat so we would have a place to put everything. We got an ornament, cookies, a scarf that had Mickey and Minnie embroidered at one end the other end said Magic and Merriment, and a D23 patch.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04398.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04399.jpg

After the presentations were over Ms. Beaumont posed for pictures with the D23 members:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04404.jpg

After this we were free to do whatever until meeting up again for the Candlelight Processional. We came out and saw this:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04171.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04173.jpg

Off Kilter always puts a smile on my face.

I looked at the times guide and we had time before our lunch to see the Canadian storyteller. We hung out by his stage:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04182.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04190.jpg

Bill pulled up to get a front row seat:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04191.jpg

Continued in next installment Pt. 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44805995&postcount=168)

mrsksomeday

05-06-2012, 01:35 AM

Off Kilter kept us entertained while we waited:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04195.jpg

Before we knew it Papa Noel was walking towards us and took the stage:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04201.jpg

As he talked he changed his shoes and started putting on different clothing:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04208.jpg

Look who he looks like!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04210.jpg

After he was done he took a picture with Bill, poor Bill the sun was directly in his eyes:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04213.jpg

It was time for lunch in Canada, we love the beauty of this pavilion.

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This reservation was made before we decided to do Magic and Merriment, we were thrilled that Neil Patrick Harris was the narrator so we got the Candlelight Processional dining package. Seeing Neil was included in the D23 event, but we didn’t want to cancel our lunch. We came up with the idea to pixie dust our Candlelight badges to someone standing in the standby line. Then the day we met up with our CM friend “N” we talked about going to see Neil and she said she wished she could go but wasn’t waiting in the standby line all day. Bill and I looked at each other and knew what we were going to do. We pixie dusted her and she was thrilled. She was going to meet us after our lunch to get the badges. She came with a friend of hers and met us in-between Canada and the United Kingdom. We talked, laughed, then we saw the birds. Tons of birds flying all together and really close to guests in the park. “N” is completely afraid of birds and started panicking. She started walking toward Future World and her friend yelled for her to come back, she calmed down enough to turn around and started off towards France. Poor thing, she is so sweet and was so scared. I wish I could have helped her somehow that day.

We decided to make our way over to the American Pavilion to meet up with other D23 members. Along the way it seemed the birds followed us:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04232.jpg

We got there and saw the Kwanzaa storyteller:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04236.jpg

Looks a little ominous doesn’t it?

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04240.jpg

In 2010 the Magic and Merriment people were way down front on the right side of the theater, we were in the accessible section. This year they had us at the very top. I took a test shot to see how zoomed in I could get:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04241.jpg

When they went to seat us I saw jackets from D23 members on the bench and asked Laura if it was ok where they placed us because of Bill’s chair. She said we were absolutely fine. Next thing I know they sat Kathryn Beaumont right next to me. This woman knew Walt Disney. Bill and I were in awe of her. She chit chatted with us and I tweeted this picture:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/2011-12-11_16-23-36_411-1.jpg

I knew a friend/D23 member had purchased an Alice sketch in hopes of getting it signed. I also knew she was always on twitter and I was right. She was up from her seat and in front of us in no time getting her sketch signed. As soon as her sketch was signed it started raining. A D23 CM was right on it and had an umbrella over Kathryn. An Epcot CM said they couldn’t use an umbrella and sit in those seats. We were in the last row and she was KATHRYN BEAUMONT a Disney legend. She got up to move and didn’t sit by us the rest of the show L. Laura sent someone to get all of us, the 200 D23 members ponchos. Here is how we looked:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04243.jpg

Poor Bill:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/cell%20pictures/2011-12-11_17-25-04_214-1.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04244.jpg

He refused to leave. We stuck it out. The Candlelight Processional is something you shouldn’t miss. The Voices of Liberty give me goose bumps every time:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04249.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04252.jpg

The choir filed in:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04254.jpg

Then Neil Patrick Harris came out. He said “What’s crack-a-lackin?” The crowd laughed, he thanked us for sitting in the rain to listen to him.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04258.jpg

After the show was over we went to the store at the American Pavilion to see if they had Candlelight Processional CDs for sale. We were told they were sold at one of the carts outside. They were shut down because of the rain, but then it cleared a little and the guy reopened his cart. We got 2 CD’s, one for us and one for Bill’s Mom. (She LOVED it, we listened to it as we were opening presents, I hope this becomes a tradition.)

The D23 itinerary had the members going over to Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This was different in the previous year in two ways. The year before when they wanted us to go to another park they transported all of us. This time we were supposed to make our own way over and they had us going to MVMCP on the first night of the event. If you didn’t want to be dead tired for the events the next day, you didn’t stay until the end of the party. I didn’t like that L.

Bill’s feet were wet and we decided to just call it a day. It seemed MVMCP was not in our plans this trip. We decided to go back to the Boardwalk and the ESPN Club for a bit. We had a good time and I think this is our hang out now. I took some pictures in the lobby.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04410.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04414.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2011%2012%2011%202011/DSC04417.jpg

We took a bus to DTD then to Pop.

NEXT INSTALLMENT… Magic & Merriment Day 2 pt. 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44821522&postcount=176)

piglet50

05-06-2012, 05:59 AM

yay, you're back! thank you for the post. your reports are always so interesting. how neat to meet people who knew mr. disney.

laura74

05-06-2012, 09:18 AM

Enjoying your report. That dinner at the Grand Floridian was so special. I didn't know they did that!

Tinkermom76

05-06-2012, 11:10 AM

I can't wait to go back at Christmastime so I can see the Candlelight Processional again:cheer2:

mrsksomeday

05-06-2012, 06:41 PM

yay, you're back! thank you for the post. your reports are always so interesting. how neat to meet people who knew mr. disney.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I was in awe of Ms. Beaumont, she was so elegant, graceful, and kind.

Enjoying your report. That dinner at the Grand Floridian was so special. I didn't know they did that!

Thank you for reading. That dinner is one of my most precious Disney memories.

I can't wait to go back at Christmastime so I can see the Candlelight Processional again:cheer2:

We just might be going back this December, the CLP is one of my very favorite things.

GeminiAngel

05-06-2012, 06:59 PM

Very nice update. :thumbsup2
The rain wouldn't chase me away either.

mrsksomeday

05-06-2012, 11:29 PM

Very nice update. :thumbsup2
The rain wouldn't chase me away either.

The rain usually wouldn't chase us away from MVMCP either but Bill's feet were wet and we had another day to get through :goodvibes.

mrsksomeday

05-06-2012, 11:40 PM

I have a favor my wonderful readers. If you read my Dec. 2010 trip report you know about TnT aka oregonmommyof2 and oregondaddyof2. They are Disers that we had been talking to online and decided to meet in person. We specifically went to WDW at that time to meet them. We adore these wonderful people. Toni and I talk on yahoo almost every day.

They have started a PTR for their upcoming trip. Please go there, read it, and show them some love :goodvibes.

Operation "ShutYourMouth" has commenced... Dec 2012 is not far away.... (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44814200#post44814200)

mrsksomeday

05-07-2012, 06:06 PM

Magic Kingdom was the first park today. We were doing a backstage tour with D23 before our 2pm appointment with Cinderella’s Castle Suite. I am going to be posting a bunch of pictures again:

Hey where’s Bill??

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04429.jpg

(sorry we love Phineas and Ferb)

Boo, again look how gloomy, but we weren’t freezing so we were happy:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04432.jpg

We made our way over by Splash Mountain where we were supposed to meet up and I loved how there was nobody around:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04435.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04438.jpg

The backstage tour consisted of touring of Creative Services, Scenic Services, and the Parade Barn. No cameras could be used unless specified. They used Mears Busses like the Magical Express ones. The problem with this?? Bill has to be lifted up and down and strapped in every time we went to another location. He had to be taken on and off the bus 4 separate times. It was raining again, he did let me put the poncho on though. Everyone on the tour was really nice, they would let Bill get up front so he could see and hear what the CM’s were talking about. We did feel like we were always rushing because we were last off the bus.

The backstage service areas are amazing, everything organized for each resort and park. I love how huge some of the ornaments and decorations are. I have never seen so much glitter in all my life. They had an area that was for stripping older and broken ornaments. The guy from that department said he had glitter on him 365 days a year, you couldn’t help it.

One of my favorite parts was the parade barn, we got to see the floats up close, they explained to us how they were driven and how a CM had to start with an open parade float, one where you could see the CM drive it, to one where you couldn’t really see them, then if they were good enough drivers, one to where you couldn’t see them at all.

The best part for me was when I asked a CM manager about Spectromagic when we were leaving, in Dec. 2011 the floats were still there, he pointed to the barn they were in. I wanted to run to it and see the floats I have loved and missed. I hope someday to see them again.

After our tour it was time to go over and check in for our castle tour. We were fortunate enough to be going for the second time. I had my better camera this time and hoped the pictures would turn out like I wanted. We had to wait outside the door for another tour to come back down:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04445.jpg

I took a picture of one of the mosaics as we waited:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04449.jpg

I love the detailing here, it is everywhere you just have to stop and look:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04450.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04451.jpg

We were finally allowed in the door, there is a little room where a concierge person waits by a phone to wait on the person that is up in the suite.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04452.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04455.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04457.jpg

Elevator door and flooring:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04456.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04458.jpg

When you get off the elevator you are in a foyer:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04461.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04496.jpg

During the talks the day before at the start of Magic and Merriment there was a gentleman that had talked about all the work that had gone into designing the suite. It really enhanced the tour of it because we really noticed the details this time.

Real antique:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04462.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04463.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04467.jpg

There is an alarm clock in the box:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04466.jpg

Show ready = Do Not Sit!!!

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04468.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04470.jpg

The mirror turns into the television:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04473.jpg

The stained glass windows tell a story:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04475.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04476.jpg

continued Magic & Merriment Day 2 pt. 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44821535&postcount=177)

mrsksomeday

05-07-2012, 06:07 PM

Ceiling in the sitting room details:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04477.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04479.jpg

Copies of Mary Blair paintings:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04478.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04481.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04482.jpg

The bathroom:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04480.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04483.jpg

Ceiling above the tub:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04484.jpg

There are 3 mosaics above the tub:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04485.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04486.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04487.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04488.jpg

Shower and sinks:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04489.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04490.jpg

Lighting fixtures that look like crowns:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04491.jpg

Look!! Proof I was there too:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04493.jpg

After we left, I started taking pictures of the mosaics again, I love the way they tell the stories:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04498.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04499.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04501.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04502.jpg

After the tour we had lunch at Cosmic Rays and headed over to Animal Kingdom for some more D23 events.

We were making our way to the first aid location in the park to do personal care for Bill and I had completely forgotten that they changed the location of where they started the afternoon parade. They were getting ready to start it and I asked a CM if there was any way we could continue toward the first aid location. The CM said that we would have to wait because of the parade, another CM said to follow him. We walked very fast to the location and I thanked him over and over.

By the time we got things taken care of the parade was going past us, we walked right up to the roped off area. The wheelchair turned into a character/CM magnet again:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04507.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04508.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04510.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04517.jpg

Continued: Magic & Merriment Day 2 pt. 3 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=44821673&postcount=178)

mrsksomeday

05-07-2012, 06:20 PM

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04525.jpg

Mickey waving at Bill:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04526.jpg

We waited a couple minutes for people to clear out and started walking toward the fastpass line for the safari because that is where we were supposed to meet up with the D23 group. I turned around to look at Bill and all the sudden we were in the middle of D23 people, Bill thought it was hilarious that we had just blended right in with them.

There were some people in ECV’s and manual wheelchairs that were also at the event and ended up in the same safari truck. I have to enter the truck before Bill does and there are two rows of seats that are right by where Bill would park. When looking at it I couldn’t remember which row would be better to hold on to him and picked the wrong one, I need to be in the front one not the back. It was a not so fun safari since Bill’s balance is way off. I did manage to take a couple of pictures:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04534.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04540.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04542.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04557.jpg

I had never seen the male lion standing up:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04561.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04560.jpg

He was pacing and roaring, I think he knew it was time to go, D23 was the last group of the day. He was telling us to leave!!

After the safari we were walked across the park to a reception at Flame Tree Gardens. I love the details on lighting fixtures in WDW:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04569.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04574.jpg

When we first got there most of the seats were taken I just grabbed a chair and made Bill’s tray our table. A gentleman and his wife that was in a wheelchair were sitting close to us, he went to another area and found a table and invited us to join them, I thought it was so sweet of them.

After the reception we walked over to Camp Minnie Mickey for dinner.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04606.jpg

We were welcomed by a couple of D23 CM’s and a gentleman with a white beard. We found a table with a couple empty spots and had dinner. Gitar Dan showed up and serenaded a couple people at our table:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04585.jpg

Next came a D23 CM that introduced the surprise for the night, it was the white bearded gentleman we had seen a little earlier. People FLIPPED OUT at his name, he was the one and only Dreamfinder - Ron Schneider.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04589.jpg

They told us that he was going to be hanging out with us and we could ask him questions and get your picture taken with him.

DISer siting!! It was Lurkyloo talking to Mr. Schneider:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04595.jpg

Bill meets Dreamfinder:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04600.jpg

He also met Goofy Santa:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04601.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04602.jpg

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04604.jpg

We decided we had enough fun for the night and thanked the D23 team. It was odd being almost alone walking through Animal Kingdom at night it is gorgeous.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04610.jpg

The lights were on everywhere, the background music was playing it was just amazing. We did run into one odd thing though:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/mrskenchanted/WDW%20Dec%202011/Day%2012%2012%2012%202011/DSC04612.jpg

Imagineers we have a problem. I wouldn’t want to have to be the one checking to see which bulb caused that to go out. We got on a bus that had people from a couple different resorts and made our way back to Pop.

For some reason I didn’t take any pictures on the last day. We were both pretty tired. It was an uneventful flight and a safe drive home. Ace was so happy to see us the next day.

Next installment… Details for the next trip

JolllyHoliday

05-07-2012, 06:50 PM

Yeah!!! So glad to see you posting again!! Your trip reports are always so interesting. I really look forward to reading them.

PryncessChrysty

05-07-2012, 06:51 PM

We are trip changers, we changed the May trip to 5 nights at Pop Century then to Boardwalk Villas for 6 nights. Carrie's podcast is amazing, she has such a great voice and the two of you together are great. I ever got Bill to listen to the podcast with me :thumbsup2,

Oh my gosh, I totally hear you on the whole trip changer thing. We're right there with you!! :goodvibes

ITA - Carrie has a GREAT voice for broadcasting. I'm so excited & honored to be a part of her show whenever she invites me on. Of the shows I've done, the one she posted this past week (5/2) was definitely my favorite so far. The overviews are great, but on this episode we were able to have more of a discussion about the topic at hand - and it was one of my favorite topics to boot!

I think it's so sweet that Bill listens with you!! I send my DH out of the room when we record, otherwise I get too self-conscious. Although, he can still hear me so I always ask him for a critique afterward. :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

ETA: Just got all caught up with your update! All the fun memories of M&M came flooding back! It wasn't a perfect event, but we did have a lot of fun. I really need to get back on track with my TR - you've inspired me! Guitar Dan sang a WONDERFUL song for me that night, too! It was so sweet and absolutely perfect. I can't believe how quickly he can put it all together!

I also loved seeing your pic of Laura Sanchez from the D23 crew. She is seriously one of the most fabulous CM's we have ever come across. We go to a lot of D23 events and she always goes out of her way to say hello to DH & I. It's like she's welcoming us to a party in her own home every single time. I absolutely adore her!

DisMomAmy

05-07-2012, 08:12 PM

Wow - Lots of M&M updates! :thumbsup2 I love all the pictures you share from these events. Thanks for sharing another trip with us! I can't wait to hear the details of your next one.

brookelizabeth

05-07-2012, 09:23 PM

What a FUN event! I hope I am able to do some of these in the future years as Henry gets older and it's easier for me to sneak away for a few days.

mrsksomeday

05-08-2012, 05:50 PM

Yeah!!! So glad to see you posting again!! Your trip reports are always so interesting. I really look forward to reading them.

Thanks for posting, I really enjoy reliving our trips and sharing them.

Oh my gosh, I totally hear you on the whole trip changer thing. We're right there with you!! :goodvibes

ITA - Carrie has a GREAT voice for broadcasting. I'm so excited & honored to be a part of her show whenever she invites me on. Of the shows I've done, the one she posted this past week (5/2) was definitely my favorite so far. The overviews are great, but on this episode we were able to have more of a discussion about the topic at hand - and it was one of my favorite topics to boot!

I think it's so sweet that Bill listens with you!! I send my DH out of the room when we record, otherwise I get too self-conscious. Although, he can still hear me so I always ask him for a critique afterward. :rolleyes1 :rotfl:

ETA: Just got all caught up with your update! All the fun memories of M&M came flooding back! It wasn't a perfect event, but we did have a lot of fun. I really need to get back on track with my TR - you've inspired me! Guitar Dan sang a WONDERFUL song for me that night, too! It was so sweet and absolutely perfect. I can't believe how quickly he can put it all together!

I also loved seeing your pic of Laura Sanchez from the D23 crew. She is seriously one of the most fabulous CM's we have ever come across. We go to a lot of D23 events and she always goes out of her way to say hello to DH & I. It's like she's welcoming us to a party in her own home every single time. I absolutely adore her!

Laura is a fantstic D23 CM, if it wasn't for her we wouldn't have been able to do the Destination D event. She helped us with having an area for Bill's personal care where we wouldn't have to leave the Contemporary to do it. She is such a great person and I tell her how much we are grateful to her.

Wow - Lots of M&M updates! :thumbsup2 I love all the pictures you share from these events. Thanks for sharing another trip with us! I can't wait to hear the details of your next one.

Thanks for being here Amy!! We will be in our happy place on Friday :cloud9:.

What a FUN event! I hope I am able to do some of these in the future years as Henry gets older and it's easier for me to sneak away for a few days.

Oh Brook, you would LOVE it. It is such fun and being with people that truly love Disney makes it even better.