Lordy! Lordy! DH is turning 40! Never too old for WDW! TR w/Pics 6/20/09-06/26/09

[TheTXTaylors5]

I will have to continue the Trip Report next week. I am getting Lasik surgery tomorrow. Good bye glasses!!! Compliments of my DH for my recent birthday. Thank you honey! I have to rest my eyes this weekend. So, no computer time for me. I'll be back online early next week.

Keep posted ...

Jennifer

 

[butiflfeet]

I wish you the best with your lasik surgery

And I have to say I'm a little jealous, I'd love get get my eyes fixed too!

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I wish you the best with your lasik surgery

And I have to say I'm a little jealous, I'd love get get my eyes fixed too!

Thank you for the well wishes. The Lasik went great! I can now see 20/15. What a difference. I still feel like I have phantom glasses on. It is weird. This will take some getting use to.

I am back online and ready to get this Trip Report finished up.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Geesh, I was all the way back on page 4. It was time to give this Trip Report a "bump"!

More to come ... (I promise! )

 

[sharonabe]

What are you doing up at 2:00 a.m.? What am I doing up at 4:30??? Reading your trip report, of course. Loved it so far and can't wait for more. BTW, I too am a lurker and yours is the first one I've decided to comment on.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

What are you doing up at 2:00 a.m.? What am I doing up at 4:30??? Reading your trip report, of course. Loved it so far and can't wait for more. BTW, I too am a lurker and yours is the first one I've decided to comment on.

Thank you for letting me know you are out there. The more, the merrier!

Not too long after I posted this morning, I had to get offline. My eyes were bothering me from my lasik. I hadn't been on the computer for almost a week. I was having the shakes from withdrawals. I missed my poor computer.

Today, I am better and ready to relive DH's birthday night.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

THURSDAY (June 25, 2009 ~ AKA DH's Birthday) Part 8

(I didn't bring my camera to Epcot this evening. So many of the pictures in this post are borrowed from wdwinfo or are from past WDW trips.)

This is the day that would never end and I was not complaining. We packed a lot into this day. Now, we were ready for an evening of "childless" fun at Epcot.

DH and I always have a little extra pep in our step when we leave the kids with a sitter. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with the children. But sometimes, a husband and wife need a date night every so often.

We arrived at Epcot and went straight to Soarin'. DH got FPs earlier in the day. So, we hopped into a relatively short FP line. We both love this ride and have experienced it separately numerous times with a Rider Swap. We did ride once as a family on our trip to DCA this past March. However, DS3 cried through the whole ride. Yes, we were "those parents" with a screaming kid on a ride. I felt so awful for DS3 and the people around us. So, he won't be going on for awhile.

Tonight, DH and I would get to ride for the first time "alone". I couldn't wait! If we could figure out how to have one of these simulators in our house we would. I never want to get off when the ride is through. I have only ridden Soarin' once in the top row. I have to tell you about that experience ...

This is one of my all time favorite memories at WDW. Last year, DH and I went on yet again another "Date Night". However, we put DS9 and DD6 into the Sandcastle Club at the Beach Club. It was a last minute thing. They don't take three year olds. So, DS3 came along with DH and I to Epcot for the evening. He's pretty low maintenance. We had a nice relaxing dinner of fish 'n chips from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop (Yum! Yum!). Then we casually walked around World Showcase with DS3 in the stroller. We had FPs for Soarin' from earlier in the day. So, we decided to ride Soarin' doing a Rider Swap. When we got to The Land, I noticed DS3 had fallen asleep in the stroller. As many of you know, strollers are not allowed inside The Land past the front entrance area (even with a sleeping child in it). So, I stayed upstairs and waited on a bench inside while DH went to ride Soarin' and then I would ride when he got back. I waited and waited and waited for DH. It was now getting close for the park to close. 9 PM came and went and still no sight of DH. I guess I don't get to ride this evening. Maybe, next trip. Then, I see DH running up the ramp and yelling at me to hurry and "Go!" But, the park is closed now. He said, there is a CM waiting for me downstairs. I hurried my little butt downstairs and there was a CM waiting for me at the entrance. He walked me to the exit of the ride and we waited for the last group of people to exit. Then, he walked me into an EMPTY Soarin' room. I got to ride Soarin' all by myself. It was amazing! I don't know what DH said to the CMs, but thank you baby!!!!!

Okay, back to this evening ... DH asked if we could be in the top row. So, the CM had us stand to the side and then she walked us to the next section when the first section was filled. Soarin' in the best from the top IMO. No feet hanging over you. It is so peaceful in there. It's the next best thing to being a bird.

After our first ride on Soarin', we decided to take a break in Sunshine Seasons and shared a drink. After our brief break, we hopped back into the FP line for Soarin'. We were riding it again! This was another great ride on Soarin' and this time we lucked out and got the top row. I could ride it over and over again, but we had dinner reservations.

DH didn't know where we were having dinner. He left all the planning to me. So, I chose Tutto Italia. He loves Italian food and we had never eaten there before. So, we headed off from The Land to the Italy Pavilion in World Showcase. At about Canada, it starts to lightly sprinkle. As soon as we are over the bridge and into France, the sky just fell and it started to pour. The rain was falling so hard I could hardly see. Then of course the thunder starts to roar. The sitter was not kidding, we were having a storm this evening. Once we passed Canada, DH said he knew where were we going. He was 50/50 on whether we were eating at Le Cellier or Tutto Italia. So, DH quickly led the way to Italy.

Tutto Italia - Italy Pavilion (World Showcase)

Once inside the shelter of Tutto Italia, I made a beeline for the restroom to freshen up while DH checked us in. When I came out, DH was waiting with a CM to seat us. We were seated in a sunroom-type area outside of the main dining room. We were seated at the very far table with a view of WS. It was very cozy and the perfect out of the way table for a romantic dinner for two. Within a minute of sitting down a cheerful CM filled our water glasses, took our drink order and brought us a basket full of breads and a plate of antipasto (peppers, cheeses, meats and olives). The servers were very attentive throughout our whole meal. Another CM came to take our food order. We decided on the Calamari appetizer. The sign of a good Italian restaurant to me is their calamari. Then, we ordered our entrees. I had read rave reviews on the lasagna (Lasagne al Forno). So, I ordered that and DH ordered a dish called Casarecci (small pasta, tossed in olive oil and herbs with italian sweet sausage). It sounded good, we'll see.

When the calamari arrived, it was cooked to perfection. Lightly coated and tender. We slowly enjoyed this appetizer and the servers were very good at not rushing us and letting us take our time with the meal. Some restaurants, the entree comes out within minutes of the appetizer. This was not the case.

Calamari

After we made pigs of ourselves eating most of the appetizer (It was just so good, we couldn't help it!), our main entrees arrived.

I am use to "Americanized" lasagna. What was presented to me looked like lasagna, but tasted very different to any lasagna I had eaten before. It was very light and meaty. It was good, but not something I would order again. I guess maybe it was the bechamel sauce. Now, DH's dish IS something I would order again. He saw me drooling over his plate and offered me a taste. It was goooooood! Cassareci is actually the name of the pasta. Not to sound gross, they looked like little maggots with a light olive oil sauce and very small pieces of sausage. (I'm looking for a picture of this dish.) All of the flavors complimented each other very well. It was a winner!

Lasagne al Forno

While eating our entrees, we saw the start of IllumiNations from our table. It was still lightly raining and overcast. But, I guess the show must go on. We've seen IllumiNations more times than I can count. It was nice to see parts of it from our table. But after a few minutes, DH and I turned our attention back to each other and this wonderful meal.

More to come ...

 

[jlovesee]

My husband had lasik (before it was called that) MANY years ago, before we meet or married. He still says it was the best money he ever spent. Me I am stuck with glasses, I have a rare eye deformity that makes laser eye surgery very dangerous for me.

I don't post often on trip reports but I LOVE reading them. You write very well it keeps me involved in the story. I also personally love the fact that you baked a cake for your husband's birthday that was so sweet!

My husband and I are going to be down to disney for my birthday end of August, and I was wondering how good a "its my birthday" shirt selection there was? I was thinking of making one, but I figured I could just buy one when I get down there.

Thanks and sounds like you had fun despite the heat!

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

My husband had lasik (before it was called that) MANY years ago, before we meet or married. He still says it was the best money he ever spent. Me I am stuck with glasses, I have a rare eye deformity that makes laser eye surgery very dangerous for me.

I don't post often on trip reports but I LOVE reading them. You write very well it keeps me involved in the story. I also personally love the fact that you baked a cake for your husband's birthday that was so sweet!

My husband and I are going to be down to disney for my birthday end of August, and I was wondering how good a "its my birthday" shirt selection there was? I was thinking of making one, but I figured I could just buy one when I get down there.

Thanks and sounds like you had fun despite the heat!

Jennifer

"Hi!" from one Jennifer to another! I'm glad you posted.

DH was the guinea pig for lasik in our family. He had it done a few years ago. He came out fine and can still see 20/15. So, it was finally my turn to see what all the hype was about. I will echo what DH said after his surgery, "I wish I had done it sooner!" Yes, my eyes are still itchy and I am putting eye drops in them like every ten minutes. But, on Saturday morning being able to wake up and see DS3 clearly standing by my bedside put tears in my eyes. I can see my children through my own eyes. It is priceless.

Yes, we had a great time! It wasn't one of our "best" WDW trips with the humidity and crowds. But just being at WDW was magical enough. It was better than sitting home twiddling our fingers. Personally, I just like being there and soaking in the atmosphere. It's weird ... we had a full kitchen, so I was cooking meals and we had a washer and dryer in the room, so I could do laundry. But, it still felt like a vacation. I don't know what it is? But, once we drive onto Disney property, I feel more relaxed and energetic. DH jokes he wishes he had the "Disney Jen" at home sometimes.

I found DH's "It's My Birthday!" shirt at World of Disney in Downtown Disney. To be honest, the selection stunk! I was surprised they didn't have more to choose from. If you can, I would make your own. I saw lots of people with personalized shirts this trip. Get creative. Also, there is a thread on the DISboards with a woman who can make you up a design if you like. She's very creative and has all kinds of neat graphics and fonts. Her name is Natalie. Click HERE for the link.

DD6 was very excited to make DH's birthday cake. She even helped DH a few weeks ago make my birthday cheesecake. We usually buy commercial cakes for the kids' birthday parties. I am no good at all the elaborate decorating required for a "themed" cake. But when it come to DH and myself, we like homemade birthday cakes. They just taste so much better when made with "love". I know that sounds cheesy. But, it is true.

Okay, I guess I'd better get working on the rest of this Trip Report. There's not too much more left to go ...

Thank you again for reading along.

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

THURSDAY (June 25, 2009 ~ AKA DH's Birthday) Part 8B

I didn't quite finish all my lasagna (The "weird" spelling on the menu of "lasagne" had me search bing and that is actually how they spell it in Italian. I learned something new today. ). We ate most of the appetizer and the antipasto before the entrees even arrived. So, I was already prepared with a "no thank you" for a dessert menu if our server asked. However, he never asked if we wanted dessert. I thought that was very odd until ... here comes our server and the other servers walking towards our table with a piece of cake with a candle on it. Now I have to tell you, we heard the servers sing "Happy Birthday" in Italian to about ten other patrons during our meal. Here comes number eleven ...

I almost spit out my water when I saw the servers approaching our table. DH had his back to them and I saw them making a beeline for our table. I actually thought it was funny. DH doesn't like attention. I think he thought he was getting away without the embarrassment of the restaurant birthday song. DH smiled and thanked them all graciously. Now, I was VERY full at this time. But, they set a chocolate torte with raspberry sauce in front of DH. I could make room for a small bite or two. I am a chocoholic. My favorite is dark chocolate, but any chocolate will do. Sometimes chocolate cakes or pastries looks so yummy, but when you take a bite they don't taste quite as good as they look. (We encountered that a lot on the midnight buffet on DCL a few times.). Now this was goooooood!!! It was rich and creamy and the raspberry sauce complimented the chocolate nicely. Yum! Yum! What a way to end a perfect meal. I can't tell you enough how much we loved Tutto Italia from the attentive staff (I never had an empty water glass) to the amazing food (I want my own plate of cassareci!). We definitely plan to return and maybe bring the kids next time. We saw a lot of families enjoying dinner together.

I am so glad I overlooked some negative reviews I read on this restaurant in my pre-trip planning. We came with an open mind and had an exceptional meal. Each person has a different palate. Sometimes, I browse the restaurant review threads to look at the different takes on the same restaurant. One person's favorite restaurant is another's worst. To each their own. Just like some people might dine at Tutto Italia and say that Jennifer is crazy if she liked this food. To DH and I the food was "delizioso"!

Our Meal
Appetizer: Calamari $13.00
Entree: Lasagne al Forno $24.00
Entree: Casarecci $25.00
Dessert: Chocolate Torte (gratis)

We try and eat at one new WDW restaurant a trip. World Showcase is a great place to try out authentic cuisine. Some are hits (Tutto Italia) and some are a miss (Restaurant Marrakesh). But, at least we give them a try. Eventually, we will have eaten our way "around the world". For our next WDW trip, I want to try and get one of those coveted Le Cellier ADRs for our Anniversary. We'll see how that goes now that they just extended free dining into November and December. We aren't eligible for Free Dining with DVC. Boooooo!

After dinner, we exited into a damp evening. We still had FPs for Soarin' and Test Track (Thanks to DH's Birthday FastPasses). Also, Epcot had EMH this evening. However, we really didn't feel like riding. We had already ridden Soarin' twice and had an amazing dinner. We wanted to end the evening on a high note and not waiting in hot lines with other guests, So, we casually walked around World Showcase just enjoying each other and the sites. The earlier storm cleared World Showcase out a bit. It was nice to have it "almost" to ourselves.

After our stroll around WS, we headed back to SSR. As expected, we came back to the room to three sleeping children. Thank you Kid's Nite Out!!!! We plan to use them again during our upcoming November trip for our Anniversary dinner. This will be the fourth year in a row being at WDW for our actual Anniversary!!!

Here's the Kid's Nite Out link in case anyone is looking for a reputable in-room babysitting service at WDW: Kid's Nite Out

This was a fun-filled day from beginning to end. This was the only day we were at a park during the day for a long period of time. I'm glad we played it safe earlier in the week and visited the parks only at night. When DH's big day arrived, we were all still full of energy and ready to have a full day in the park. I love when a plan comes together.

When DH and I finally laid down around 1 AM, we passed out. The heat and humidity and then getting caught in the storm really zapped all my energy. However, I didn't realize this until I laid my head on the pillow that night. I was fast asleep before I knew it, I didn't even make it past one rotation of Must Do Disney (we usuallly put on Stacey to put us asleep while at WDW).

Okay, I need to rant about the new Must Do Disney show. We have been going to WDW for years and the first thing we do when we enter the room is put on Stacey (the host for the WDW information channel). She is always full of energy, spunk and a little cooky and that's what we liked about her. This new promo just isn't up to par with the past promo. It is missing "something". Also, I was really surprised they didn't highlight Toy Story Mania that much or actually at all now that I am thinking about it. I know the American Idol Experience is the newest attraction, but TSM deserves something.

I hope they come up with a new promo for next year. The promo Year of a Million Dreams was fantastic and very creative. We had a few magical moments last year during YOMD. We won Dreams Ears on Buzz, Special YOMD pin, numerous special Tinker Bell pins, free plush animals at DAK, free cotton candy, free ice cream, I got to ride Soarin' alone like previously mentioned, DS3 got to ride Dumbo WITH with Donald Duck and more. Yes, we were very lucky last year. But, that was over four trips to WDW last year. I sure hope they do something like that again next year. It was fun and very random. You never knew where the Dream Team was going to pop up.

Back to the Must Do Disney show (I can get sidetracked at times talking about all our past WDW fun and magic.) We miss the "old" Stacey and all her Stacyisms (ie: Summitt Plummit with the hand gesture, Triple Mountain Whammy, Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!, etc ...) If you've been to WDW before, you know exactly what I am talking about. Stacey has like a cult following among some Disney fans. If you haven't been to WDW before, you can check out the older version on youtube. DH loaded it onto his Zune so we can watch it while at WDW from now on until they change the current promo show.

Old Promo: Walt Disney World Top 7 Must Sees (from youtube)

Must Do Disney

The current Must Do Disney link on youtube: Must Do Disney

Coming Up: We plan to hit one more park tomorrow before bidding WDW a tearful farewell. However, Mother Nature might have other plans ...

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I found all the receipts for our table service meals. I'm going back and adding the prices of the meals to those sections. In case y'all are interested in the prices. Disney is not cheap. You do pay to eat on-property and for a Disney experience.

Also, I have added links to my other Trip Reports in my signature in case you wanted a little more "Disney Magic" to tie you over until your trip. Our recent May trip to WDW was truly magical and our first trip to Disneyland California in March left us wanting more. Every Disney fan MUST visit DLR at least once in their lifetime. IMO. Seeing the lit lamp in the fire station window made DH and I take a moment of silence to thank Walt for his vision. DH and I were both born after Walt's passing. DH and I never went to WDW as children. We've had so many great family memories with our children at WDW and now at DLR too. We can't thank Walt enough!

Jennifer

 

[MelanieC]

Great trip report so far

 

[dd50]

Wow, lucky you. A date night at Disney. I would love to go through WS without children. Sounds like you had a great time.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

FRIDAY (June 26, 2009)

I can't believe I am already on Friday.

We depart our beloved WDW today. (AKA - The saddest day of the trip.) There is a saying ... "times flies when you're having fun." That is so true at WDW. Just when you get into a vacation routine and know the lay of the land, it is time to pack up and a new crop of guests take over the resorts and parks.

We planned to visit one last park today for one last bit of Disney magic and pixie dust. However, we awoke to an overcast sky. It didn't look like a great park day. So, we wanted to end the trip on a high note and decided to sleep in a little longer and then just hit the road after breakfast.

We got all the bags packed and kitchen items boxed up and were ready to start loading the car. DH took the kids down with him, each with an item to carry like a pillow or their backpack for the car. I stayed up in the room to finish placing all our bags by the front door as to not forget anything. As soon as DH got downstairs, it started to pour. Not a little rain, but a heavy rain. So, DH ran to get the car and the kids waited under the protection of the overhanging. As soon as I heard it start to rain, I had to pop my head out the door to see their progress. So, I was upstairs on the upper walk-way watching the whole scene. I had never seen my family move so fast.

Here I thought we'd be crying when leaving WDW. It turns out that WDW was crying that we were leaving.

Here's a view from our room of the gloomy day. (behind all of those trees is a great view of DTD)

After the last bag was loaded, we knew we couldn't stall any longer. We had to close our SSR room door for the last time and get on the road to

We noticed some construction on I-10 while in Louisiana on the other side of the highway on the trip down and didn't want to get stuck in that traffic. So, we decided to take another route going home.

Our new route:
Lake Buena Vista, Florida to Dallas/Fort Worth Texas - 1,121 mi - 17.5 hrs

We ventured off of I-10 somewhere near Mobile, AL and started heading north on US-98 towards Jackson, MS. This was a whole new route to us. The GPS kept telling us "recalculating" over and over again and she kept instructing us to make a u-turn. So, we had to turn her off for awhile until we were far anough off I-10 for her to give us directions for our new route. We made twists and turns through little towns along the way. It was nice to have a change of scenery. We've made the other drive so many times, I can only get so excited to see swamp after swamp for so long.

Crossing from Florida to Alabama. Such a sad sign to see.

We made it past Jackson, MS and found a Holiday Inn Express for the night "somewhere" in Mississippi. If you have a family of five or even six and don't want to get two rooms, some of the HIE have rooms with two queen beds and a sofa sleeper. It was a great "family" hotel and of course we could expect our usual hot breakfast in the morning compliments of Holiday Inn Express. We all passed out for the night. One more push on tomorrow and we would finally be home. I can't wait for my king bed!!!!! I know a queen bed isn't small. But, when you're use to a king they seem tiny.

When we crossed into Mississippi from Alabama it was on a rural highway. Usually, I have a hard time taking the state signs. The above AL sign was a fluke. Usually, I take the picture too early to too late. But, DH was actually able to slow down for me to take the MS sign. There wasn't a person behind us and only one pick-up truck in front of us. It was nice to be off the beaten path.

Entering Mississippi from Alabama.

Tomorrow, we will finally pull into our driveway and call this trip complete. Until then ...

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

SATURDAY (June 27, 2009)

We awoke around 7 am and had our usual Holiday Inn Express hot breakfast. It was nice to sit down as a family and have breakfast together. On past trips, DH and DS9 would go down and scope out the breakfast and bring muffins back to the room for a quick in-room breakfast. We don't do too many buffets at home. So, the kids always think it is neat to pick-out what they want to eat.

After breakfast, we re-packed up the car and were on our way. With all our traveling, I have become a better planner/packer. I packed one smallish suitcase with our toiletries, one pair of pajamas and a set of clothing for each family member. Thay way, I am not opening five suitcases while in a hotel for one quick night. It works out great.

The trip home was uneventful. When we crossed the Mississippi/Louisiana border, we knew the next state would be Texas. The excitement was building up! We entered and exited Louisiana pretty quickly compared to the trip down. Once over the Louisiana/Texas border we all let out a cheer. We were finally back in the good old state of Texas. It was nice to see all the Texas license plates. Normally, we arrive home around 8/9 pm on our WDW roadtrips. With the alternative route, surprisingly we pulled into our driveway around 3 pm. The sun was still shining. That was a nice change from our usual night arrivals. When we left Florida, even with the rain, it was hot and humid. When we exited the minivan at home, the air was hot (it is summer in Texas afterall), but it was very bearable. We could actually move five feet without sweating. It was nice to be home.

After unloading the car, DH collapsed onto the bed and the children ran upstairs to their rooms and playroom. Even though we were at WDW all week having an amazing time, they still missed their XBOX 360, Wii and their toys. Kids will be kids. Life was back to normal.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Coming Up: A trip recap and some random pictures I couldn't work into the trip report.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Shame on me, I thought I finished this Trip Report. Once school started for the kids, I have been busy, busy, busy. I will get a recap of the trip on here soon ...

Jennifer

 

[elizablake]

I love your trip report. You did such a great job explaining each ride in detail. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Wow, lucky you. A date night at Disney. I would love to go through WS without children. Sounds like you had a great time.

For those traveling to WDW with children, visiting the parks and eating in the restaurants is such a different experience with just your spouse. That is why we try and book at least one "date night" while at WDW. DH and I never visited WDW as children. So, our first time was with our children back in 2004. We want to experience the "magic" too without pushing a stroller or riding Buzz Lightyear a million times in a row to make the kids happy. I felt naked the first time we stepped foot into a park without the kids. I had no stroller, no bag, nothing but holding DH's hand. It was liberating.

I can't say enough good things about the in-room childcare service Kid's Nite Out (even though I think they should rename the company Parent's Nite Out ). We've used them for three years now five times and had no problems.

To check out the Kid's Nite Out website click HERE

Jennifer

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

I love your trip report. You did such a great job explaining each ride in detail. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

My pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed my rambling. It was fun to relive our WDW trip.

Jennifer