"Now That's What I'm Talkin' 'Bout!"- Our 1st DVC stay-May 2010-Wrap Up 9/23

[leamom2princesses]

Hi there and welcome to my TR!! We just returned from a fantastic trip to WDW May 22-29, 2010. My family has visited WDW approximately seven times previous to this trip (once a year since 2006 and a few sporadic trips previous to that), but this trip was full of firsts for us. In April, we bought into Disney Vacation Club. Luckily, we were fortunate enough to enjoy our first DVC stay in a 1bdrm at AKL-KV- our second “home”.

Other firsts to be included in my report are: our first Segway tour, our first family trip to Sea World, our first time using the Deluxe Dining Plan, our first Grand Gathering, our first annual passes, and our youngest DD was finally tall enough to ride the 40” rides. It was an awesome trip!!

You can expect lots of pics, a few videos, a sarcastic remark or two, a title explanation and lots of fun. Stay tuned DISers; this is going to be wild! :

The space below is reserved for TR links-to skip the chit chat just use the links below.:

The cast
The trip begins!
Our first introduction to our new "home"

Getting AP's & the Spirit of Aloha Luau!
Day 2: AK Day Part 1
AK day Part 2
AK Day Part 3 - Safari Celebration GG
MK Day 3 Part 1
MK Day 3 Part 2
MK Day 3 Part 3
MK Day 3 Part 4
DHS Day 4 Part 1
DHS Day 4 Part 2
Day 5 MK & EPCOT
Sea World Part 1
Sea World Part 2
EPCOT, Segway Tour & A DIS meet - Day 7
Our Last Day at Disney - DTD, DIS Meet
The Trip Report Wrap Up

 

[leamom2princesses]

You can’t start a TR without introducing the cast, so here we go!

First is me, Leanne, and in a few days I will be 36. I was the master planner of this adventure. I am a working mom to two princesses (hence the username) and wife to a loving, hardworking man. In my spare time, I enjoy playing volleyball, leading my daughters Girl Scout troop, planning future trips, and cake decorating. You will probably see an unrelated cake or two…just something I like to do and share. : Here’s a pic of me and DH from the first day of this trip….the sun really makes my freckles pop out.

Pictured above is my DH, Joe, he just turned 39. He is my best friend and is a great Dad and husband. He enjoys rock crawling in his Jeep, fishing, and camping, so in general outdoorsy stuff. He is becoming a bigger Disney fan every trip. I was so thrilled when he agreed to buy DVC in April. He likes to make me happy.

Up next are the princesses, Lindsey & Josie.

Lindsey is a 9 year old princess who is rapidly becoming a tween. She is really smart and sweet. Her favorite characters are the princesses but she is more interested in Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, & Miley Cyrus on the Disney Channel. Here is a pic of her riding the bus over to MK on our first day of this trip.

Josie is a 4 year old princess. She is small but mighty. Josie is sassy and smart and has a personality a mile long. She doesn’t miss a trick. Her favorite character is Minnie Mouse. Her favorite show is Phineas & Ferb. Here’s a pic of Josie during the same bus ride over to MK.

We were joined on this trip part of the time by our good friends the McFarland’s. You might hear something from them every now and then. They are our best buddies and we’ve done lots of stuff together over the last couple of years. We all get along great and have similar interests so our trips are always a blast.

Up Next: The Trip Gets Started!

 

[leamom2princesses]

We started our adventure at 6am on May 22nd when this beast pulled up in my driveway to take us to the airport. (We aren’t rich or anything….the McFarland’s split the cost; it worked out to be cheaper than parking and gas!)

The kids were super excited…look at these smiling faces!

After about an hour long trip, we arrived at the airport. Check in was fast and easy. Before we knew it, we were on the plane headed to Orlando. The flight was nice and uneventful-just how I like it since I absolutely HATE to fly.

After landing and a quick potty break we were on the Mini-Monorail. Our friends were headed to Magical Express and we headed to pick up our baggage and the rental car. The baggage was waiting for us when we got down to baggage claim and there was a Porter right there waiting to help us. We got to Alamo, paid for the car and I was headed out of the airport and toward my favorite place on Earth. The whole process took less than 30 minutes. Gotta love that!

As soon as we got out of the airport, we made our obligatory calls to let family know we made it safely. The first call was to Granny (my Mom). Here’s Lindsey calling her…doesn’t she look happy?

Josie was quite grouchy. Here’s the pic Joe was able to capture as soon as we hit the toll road.

We figured out pretty quickly what the issue was…check this out. I swear this girl can sleep anywhere and anyway. I guess the excitement had finally caught up to her.

Shortly after we headed down the toll road, we saw this most beautiful, magnificent site! Isn’t it the best feeling to see that sign????

Next we saw this…

And then…

Keep in mind that I was driving so Joe was the photographer. For his first TR supporting role, I think he did pretty well. Was our room ready when we checked in? Did we get our room requests? Well you will have to wait to see on that.
Up Next: Details on AKV-Kidani!

 

[Brave teacher]

YAY you started! What a great start! Great introductions!

How fun for the kids to have the limo for the ride! They must have been thrilled. I'm glad to hear that the flight was uneventful and that you got on the road so quickly.

Looking forward to more!

 

[Brave teacher]

And I was first!!!!!

 

[MaryAz]

Dang it Megan, I was trying to be first-oh well, 2nd is good!! Now to go back and read. Great start. The limo looked really fun. Poor sleepy Josie.

 

[ladybugmom]

I'm here!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

 

[BippityBoo]

SO excited to read all about it! The girls are just adorable! What an amazing resort Loved following your trip on facebook!

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I'm here! Great start so far! I love the SUNNY skies!

 

[leamom2princesses]

YAY you started! What a great start! Great introductions!

How fun for the kids to have the limo for the ride! They must have been thrilled. I'm glad to hear that the flight was uneventful and that you got on the road so quickly.

Looking forward to more!

Thanks for stopping by Megan!!

The kids thought it was so cool to ride in the limo. The flight out was a breeze but the flight back... Can't wait to tell you more about it.

 

[leamom2princesses]

And I was first!!!!!

Yay for being first!!! That deserves some special smilies right!

 

[leamom2princesses]

Dang it Megan, I was trying to be first-oh well, 2nd is good!! Now to go back and read. Great start. The limo looked really fun. Poor sleepy Josie.

Yay Mary made it!!! The limo was fun. Would totally do that again, if Joe can talk me into another flight. Josie is a sleepy girl at WDW no doubt.

 

[leamom2princesses]

I'm here!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

Thanks for coming over Becky!! Have you started your TR yet? Can't wait to follow your trip as well.

 

[leamom2princesses]

SO excited to read all about it! The girls are just adorable! What an amazing resort Loved following your trip on facebook!

Thanks for joining in Katie! Thanks on the kind words about the girls. I think they are pretty cute myself. I might be a little biased though. The resort was more than we could have ever dreamed it would be. I will be sharing lots of pics in my next update.

It's fun to update as you go on facebook. We are heading back in July for a few days and I will be sure to update on FB again. I can't wait for everyone to go at Christmas and post pics on FB. It's going to be so neat to see everyone's take.

 

[leamom2princesses]

I'm here! Great start so far! I love the SUNNY skies!

Yay Lessa is here!! The SUNNY skies were indeed appreciated. There were plenty of them this time too!!

 

[bouncycat]

YAAAY you started it!!! Ya'll are sooo cute....so are the girls!! Anxiously awaiting more!! Happy friday!!

 

[IluvXU]

AKL is our new home too, so I am excited to hear all about it! Darling girls!

 

[dvcminnie]

Great start can't wait for more

 

[longing2Batdisney]

I'm here! Great start Leanne; love the intros...can't believe how big the girls are getting since last year. I loved following along with you guys on FB and now can't wait to hear all about your "new home" and your list of firsts!
Connie

 

[leamom2princesses]

YAAAY you started it!!! Ya'll are sooo cute....so are the girls!! Anxiously awaiting more!! Happy friday!!

Hi Christie!! Thanks for stopping by! This TR is going to move quickly as we are heading back in July for a few days. I don't want to leave with the TR open. Happy Friday to you my friend!!!