3rd Annual We are "NEVER" going to Disney in the summer again"

[mickeystoontown]

Too bad the girl wouldn't budge from the Sci-Fi car outside the restaurant. Some people just don't realize that they are keeping other guests from taking really cool pictures.

I have to agree with you about the Sci-Fit. It's more about the atmosphere and not the food. Although, we have eaten some really good burgers there.

Too bad Ben decided not to ride Tower of Terror. I can understand his thoughts though. I didn't ride it until two years ago and I'm 44!

 

[natebenma]

Too bad the girl wouldn't budge from the Sci-Fi car outside the restaurant. Some people just don't realize that they are keeping other guests from taking really cool pictures.

I have to agree with you about the Sci-Fit. It's more about the atmosphere and not the food. Although, we have eaten some really good burgers there.

Too bad Ben decided not to ride Tower of Terror. I can understand his thoughts though. I didn't ride it until two years ago and I'm 44!

At least Ben did try it earlier that day. He protests and then really has fun. That is what is frustrating! He was smiling right after, but then the next time we suggest riding, he protests. Refer to my description of Ben in the intro. He argues about EVERYTHING!!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Hi Dee! I just stumbled upon your TR yesterday! I LOVE the way you write and I am really enjoying hearing about your trips! The Beach Club is beautiful and all your pictures REALLY show it off well! We have only been over there to eat at Beaches n' Cream and we only have gotten a glimpse of Stormalong Bay! What a pretty resort!

Thanks for all the food porn pics too, everything looks super yummy!!! My DH was reading over my shoulder yesterday and I think he was drooling a bit, it never hurts to sway a man for another trip with food!!! I love the way your family tours the parks too, you sure do plan VERY well for your trips!!!

Looking forward to hearing more!!!
~Beth

 

[natebenma]

Hi Dee! I just stumbled upon your TR yesterday! I LOVE the way you write and I am really enjoying hearing about your trips! The Beach Club is beautiful and all your pictures REALLY show it off well! We have only been over there to eat at Beaches n' Cream and we only have gotten a glimpse of Stormalong Bay! What a pretty resort!

Thanks for all the food porn pics too, everything looks super yummy!!! My DH was reading over my shoulder yesterday and I think he was drooling a bit, it never hurts to sway a man for another trip with food!!! I love the way your family tours the parks too, you sure do plan VERY well for your trips!!!

Looking forward to hearing more!!!
~Beth

Beth

Thanks for joining in!

I'm so glad you are enjoying my report! I'm having a lot of fun writing it, when I have the time.

There will be more pictures of the Beach Club, and Stormalong Bay, coming very soon (a little hint). It truly is a great resort!

I also promise a LOT more food porn! In fact, as I have commented on other people's TRs, if and when I write another TR, I already have the title:

"Is it wrong that I have more pictures of my meals than of my kids?"

More strategy coming too, including Double Triple Mountain Whammy and TSM 4 times by noon.

 

[natebenma]

When I left off, it was 5:30 and my family had regrouped in our room to decide what we would do for the rest of the day. I decided that a swim sounded good, but nobody wanted to join me.

The guys wanted to head into EPCOT. So we split up, with plans to meet at 6:30 in France, conveniently in front of the Grand Marnier/Grey Goose slushie stand.

I changed and took the elevator down to the lobby. Oh, oh- The lifeguards were manning the door. This is not a good sign! The Stormalong Bay was closed! I think there was lightning in the area. But the guards were optimistic that the pool would be open soon. The pool did indeed open in about 15 minutes, so I was able to swim, but I didn’t have much time.

There was a Photopass photographer at the pool taking pictures of families. I rarely pass up an opportunity to add photos to my prepaid CD, so I asked him to take a few pictures. I hoped to have some nice background shots of the pool or Beach Club, but they were mostly of me. No, I won’t be posting these here.

I looked at the time- it was around 6:10. Time to head back to the room and change to meet up with my family. At 6:20, I left my room, commented to Vilma at the Concierge desk “I have to be in France in 10 minutes!” and I was off. I was walking very briskly, but there was no way I would make our meeting time, so I called Mark to let him know I would be late.

As it turns out, they were actually in China. Ben was doing a Kim Possible Mission.

So I slowed down, caught my breath, and strolled at a better pace to: The Grand Marnier stand!

They gave it to me in a Martini glass. I should have asked for a regular cup with a lid. It was hard to keep the slushie from sloshing as I walked, sipping and snapping photos. It was HOT, the drink was strong, and I hoped that I would have a little left in the glass to share with Mark when I found him.

Late breaking tip from pixarmom: Use your refillable mug for the slushie. Pop on the lid. Insert straw. Enjoy!

There was enough for him to have a taste.

The boys filled me in on their afternoon. They had gone to Innoventions to check out Sum of all Thrills. They liked it.

Ben completed his KP mission, and it was time to start our journey back to the Beach Club, figuring out what we would eat along the way. As we were passing the American pavilion, we checked out the time and realized a show would be starting in about 15 minutes. The boys had never seen the American Adventure before, and it had been well over 15 years since Mark and I had gone. Ben really likes history and is intrigued by the Civil War, so we figured we should do this. Show was ok, I think everyone was too tired and hungry to truly appreciate it.


After the show let out, we went next door to the Liberty Pavilion to order chicken nuggets for Ben.

At Morocco, we got a Vegetarian Platter for Mark and I to split.

Nate wanted crepes from France.

Food procured, we headed back to our room at the Beach Club.

We stopped off at the lounge to scout out the dessert offerings. Raspberry Cheesecake, PB & Chocolate Mousse tonight.

I watched Illuminations from the balcony while I ate, and then watched the Nightastic fireworks before heading to bed.

 

[natebenma]

I'll be gone for a couple of days. We are off to Washington DC. Everyone have a great weekend!!!

Dee

 

[momof3cuteboys]

I'll be gone for a couple of days. We are off to Washington DC. Everyone have a great weekend!!!

Dee

Have a great time in DC Dee!

BTW, I so want to tag along on your next family vacation to WDW, do you think your family would mind You seem to fill your days with so much fun and you all like to tour the same way. I realized after my trip last week that my hubby and I have different ideas of the perfect WDW vacation. I will fill you in soon, I promise.

 

[hill6]

Great review. I think I just decided not to have the shrimp pasta at Sci Fi based on your review. Looks like it will be Chicken Bruscetta for me.

 

[dtr_angel]

great update, enjoy your time in DC! The weather is gorgeous here this weekend

 

[jmskinner]

OK, you got me back! Now I am here at the computer eating Chex Mix because of YOUR post!!! I love (hate) that it is so simple to consume it now that you can buy it premade at the store. But mine is semi-homemade. I add peanuts to the bowl!

They have a one now that has M&M's and I think peanuts already in it. Hmmm, may have to go dig it out of the pantry.

I'll be gone for a couple of days. We are off to Washington DC. Everyone have a great weekend!!!

Dee

Hope you had a wonderful trip. Would love to hear about it. We moved away 7 years ago and I would love to go back.

Ok, need to comment on your true TR. I agree with you on SciFi. I don't even care for the burgers. It's funny how we all turn into sheep while at WDW.

LMA is incredibly hot in the summer.

Got to love bribing the kids for photos. I have to do that sometimes.

And the food at the Club looks great.

 

[DrMomof3]

I finally got caught up on your DHS day. What a busy day!!!
Yum on the drink in France. Those are SO good!!!
Loving your pictures, as usual.

Amanda

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Great update!!!I hope you are having a fantastic time in DC!!!!

 

[natebenma]

Thanks, everyone for the well wishes on our trip. I'm trying to think of what the DC equivalent of "pixie-dust" is, maybe "Democracy Dust"? Whatever you call it, we had a FANTASTIC time. Awesome weather, low crowds, miles and miles and miles of walking, and we saw so much!

Probably not a surprise to anyone, but we toured pretty agressively.

Friday: 6 AM flight, arrived at 7:30. Checked into JW Marriott, room ready, drop luggage, breakfast in concierge lounge (AMAZING view!)

10 AM- walk to White House, see Bo, the Obama's dog from the front gate (no pictures, I didn't have my camera because we had a White House tour)
11 AM- White House Tour
Noon- walk back to hotel to get camera
1 PM- we had reserved tickets for Washington Monument
2 PM-4PM American History Museum, Natural History Museum
Walk back to hotel, eat supper, take walk to White House

Saturday:
7:30 Wait in line for Washington Monument tickets (3 PM)
Morning- WWII Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Korean Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial
Noon- lunch at Native American Museum (thanks for the tip Pixarmom!)
1 PM Air & Space Museum
3 PM Washington Monument
Back to hotel, supper, walk to Ford's Theater (couldn't tour, they had a show this weekend)

Sunday:
International Spy Museum
Lunch & Tour of Clock Tour at Old Post Office Building- this is a nice alternative to Washington Monument view if you can't get tickets
Public Vaults at Archives, line to Rotunda (Declaration, Constitution, Bill of Rights) was too long so we bailed until Monday
Returned to favorite exhibits at Natural History and American History museums
Back to hotel for supper
Walk to White House, Vietnam Memorial, Lincoln Monument at sunset
President Obama's helicopters flew over us and landed at White House as we were approaching the Washington Monument
Back to hotel for night

Monday:
9 AM: Smithsonian Castle, assorted exhibits
10 AM: Archives Rotunda (no waiting, we were 40th in line). Saw our country's founding documents
Revisited favorite exhibits at Air & Space
Return to hotel, check out, ride to airport for 3 PM flight.

PHEW!

Oh, our only complaint- nothing opens until 10 AM!!! We are up and out early in the morning, and wish that some of the museums opened earlier.

 

[natebenma]

Great review. I think I just decided not to have the shrimp pasta at Sci Fi based on your review. Looks like it will be Chicken Bruscetta for me.

Good choice to avoid this! I have heard from others who did not like the shrimp pasta. Hope the Bruscetta is yummy. In any case, Sci Fi's hot fudge sundae can erase a lot of food mistakes.

Have a great time in DC Dee!

BTW, I so want to tag along on your next family vacation to WDW, do you think your family would mind You seem to fill your days with so much fun and you all like to tour the same way. I realized after my trip last week that my hubby and I have different ideas of the perfect WDW vacation. I will fill you in soon, I promise.

Mark and I are definitely take no prisoner tourers, and fortunately the boys have keep us with us pretty well, with minimal whining. You are welcome to join us next time! I don't know when next will be though

Thanks for the first part of the review of your trip, glad to have some details!

great update, enjoy your time in DC! The weather is gorgeous here this weekend

We had a great time, and as you know, the weather this weekend was stupendous! October was a great time to visit DC, and the boys had a 4 day weekend, so no school missed!

They have a one now that has M&M's and I think peanuts already in it. Hmmm, may have to go dig it out of the pantry.

OMG, Turtle Chex Mix and the Dark Chocolate Chex Mix. I try to avoid buying those because I will finish the bag myself!


Hope you had a wonderful trip. Would love to hear about it. We moved away 7 years ago and I would love to go back.

What a great city! We loved it!

Ok, need to comment on your true TR. I agree with you on SciFi. I don't even care for the burgers. It's funny how we all turn into sheep while at WDW.

LMA is incredibly hot in the summer.

Got to love bribing the kids for photos. I have to do that sometimes.

And the food at the Club looks great.

Yeah, Sci Fi is not one of my favorites, but the boys enjoy it.

I guess bribing the kids for photos is better than threatening them. Oh yeah, I do that too!!!

I finally got caught up on your DHS day. What a busy day!!!
Yum on the drink in France. Those are SO good!!!
Loving your pictures, as usual.

Amanda

My husband and I don't drink very often (we are too cheap!), but we did enjoy the Grand Marnier slushie. It hit the spot during the hot walk!

Thanks for the kind words about the photos!

Great update!!!I hope you are having a fantastic time in DC!!!!

Thanks for your comment! We did have a great time in DC!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

I'm all caught up! Glad to hear you enjoyed the Sci-Fi meal better this year, I have to say in all honesty I think the presentation of your sandwich was a little on the obscene side but that's just me, I should probably get my head out of the potty Have you ever tried one of the shakes with a little kalua in it, yum, a vanilla shake with kalua is sooo good!

We liked the Lights, Motor, Action too but I agree with you, it's not a show you feel like you need to see every year. Even though I'm sure it was a bummer Ben wasn't up to riding TOT, it's nice you had a little mother/son time with Nate I've come to enjoy the one on one time I get with my DS at the parks when DH doesn't want to ride.

I like that everyone was able to eat what they wanted in EPCOT. ALthough the sit down meals are great, sometimes it's just as fun to eat a little bite here & there in each country. It's what makes EPCOT fun IMO. I think I've got DH convensed to go back some day for a late anniversary celebration in OCT so we can try out the EPCOT food & wine celebration.

Had your boys ever seen the White House? We went a couple years ago with my mom & were able to get my DS into the White HOuse. Growing up, when we'd go to DC you just showed up, got in line & could go into the White House or Capital bldg. It's sad that you can't do that anymore ANyway, it sounds like you had a great weekend I love touring DC, so much to do!

 

[westcoastsunshine]

We were at DW at the end of July.
It was hot alright. We retreated
to the air conditioned comfort
of our rooms many times.
Also, was hit with a thunder and
rain storm. We bought rain
ponchos and headed to House of
Blues retaurant for our favourite
Voodoo Shrimp. After a few
glasses of wine the rain didn`t
bother us at all.

S

 

[debf]

I'm all caught up! Glad to hear you enjoyed the Sci-Fi meal better this year, I have to say in all honesty I think the presentation of your sandwich was a little on the obscene side

After reading this I had to go back and look at the picture. That's so funny.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Glad to hear that you guys enjoyed your D.C. trip. My daughter spent a few days in D.C. this Summer and enjoyed it as well.

 

[natebenma]

So sorry it is taking so long for me to update my report!!! Still catching up from the DC trip and all of my worlds collide in the fall. Big projects for the PTA and middle school parent's group, the boys have football and are practicing for their production of School House Rock (I am the prop master and treasurer of the group) and I am chairing a dance in a few weeks- 2010: A Mother-Son space Odyssey.

I haven't even gone through and edited my DC photos yet (there are over 1,000 of them from a 4 day trip!)

I'll try to get a new installment of our MK morning in the next day or so.

Thanks for hanging in there!

 

[natebenma]

I'm all caught up! Glad to hear you enjoyed the Sci-Fi meal better this year, I have to say in all honesty I think the presentation of your sandwich was a little on the obscene side but that's just me, I should probably get my head out of the potty Have you ever tried one of the shakes with a little kalua in it, yum, a vanilla shake with kalua is sooo good!

We liked the Lights, Motor, Action too but I agree with you, it's not a show you feel like you need to see every year. Even though I'm sure it was a bummer Ben wasn't up to riding TOT, it's nice you had a little mother/son time with Nate I've come to enjoy the one on one time I get with my DS at the parks when DH doesn't want to ride.

I like that everyone was able to eat what they wanted in EPCOT. ALthough the sit down meals are great, sometimes it's just as fun to eat a little bite here & there in each country. It's what makes EPCOT fun IMO. I think I've got DH convensed to go back some day for a late anniversary celebration in OCT so we can try out the EPCOT food & wine celebration.

Had your boys ever seen the White House? We went a couple years ago with my mom & were able to get my DS into the White HOuse. Growing up, when we'd go to DC you just showed up, got in line & could go into the White House or Capital bldg. It's sad that you can't do that anymore ANyway, it sounds like you had a great weekend I love touring DC, so much to do!

Yeah, I kind of noticed that when I posted the pastrami sandwich photo. OOPS! I guess that's a great example of "Food Porn"

Have not tried a shake with kahlua, but it sounds wonderful!

One on one time with the kids is nice, but solo time is good sometimes, too (I think you discovered that a couple of times during your trip.)

Love the food in the World Showcase! Eating is one of my favorite pastimes and I love trying the different offerings in the countries. Nate is a fussy eater, so it is good to be able to branch out at different places. Hope you make it to the Food & Wine- I have never been, but I hear good things. Take lots of pictures!

This was the boys' first time to DC. My first trip was when I was 12, then Mark and I visited around 20 years ago. It was a great trip!!!