60 Candles, 30 Million Lights, Best Friends&Family at Disney--Priceless (New 5/23)

[KatMark]

Responses and update tomorrow. By just had to say my June vacation time was approved today, so my trip with MaryAZ and girls is official!!!! And I get the opportunity to meet MaryEllen (MEK) and Anita (DIS name slipping my mind....I'll post that when I get home.




****wigdoutdismom -- sorry Anita.

 

[mommy2mrb]

Responses and update tomorrow. By just had to say my June vacation time was approved today, so my trip with MaryAZ and girls is official!!!! And I get the opportunity to meet MaryEllen (MEK) and Anita (DIS name slipping my mind....I'll post that when I get home.

 

[englishrose47]

A young 13-year old boy that our youngest son used to coach in wrestling when Markie still came home during the summers, is in Children's Memorial Hospital in a coma and on life support. He needs a liver transplant immediately. Unfortunately, now his kidneys are failing and he is on dialysis 24/7. It is not looking good. But I have seen the power of prayer work before so I'm asking all of you to say a prayer for this young boy.

Thanks.

Prayers going up Kathy!!!They worked for my friends daughter so I have faith they will work for this young man!!

 

[bouncycat]

I got behind....like way behind!! Sorry Kat!!!! BUT, love the Osbourne lights, missed them like crazy this year!! Got pictures from our friend of the view from our bench....of course that didn't help!! LOL I've never been to Yachtsman, is it good for steaks? My guys LOVE steak!!

Love the Mickey pics, the Goofy pics, and the Monorail pics. And can you believe I've NEVER had Kona for breakfast either? Heard loads about the tonga toast, but we always eat dinner there. Go figure! LOL I guess that's gonna hafta change here soon!! Love the updates, can't believe it was sooo foggy!! That's crazy! Miss that castle sight and everything!!

Score on the airfare...I'm looking at airfare for June to go see a friend's daughter graduate. Makes me feel completely old, cause we've known this child since she went into Kindergarten. Crazy how fast time flies!! I hope I don't get so backed up again....no promises tho! LOL

 

[amandaw]

Keeping the young boy and his family in my prayers.

So happy for you that your time off got approved for June!

 

[blessedmom4]

Responses and update tomorrow. By just had to say my June vacation time was approved today, so my trip with MaryAZ and girls is official!!!! And I get the opportunity to meet MaryEllen (MEK) and Anita (DIS name slipping my mind....I'll post that when I get home.




****wigdoutdismom -- sorry Anita.

That is WONDERFUL!!!! How exciting!

 

[KatMark]

Love the Osborne lights pictures! Post as many as you want, they never get old. The black-and-white one was especially cool!

I really want to try Yachtsman sometime. Just never had the budget (or lack of little ones around) to try. Sounds like I need to make it happen sometime.

If I can ever get Des' photos uploaded to Photobucket, I will do a page of just her pictures...she has a much better camera than me.

You need to do Yachtsman some time...it is sooooooo good.

Glad to be back Kathy Her Memorial is tonight so I'll go before heading to work. LOVE the Santa Goofy and Osbourne pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A June trip!!! I am in the process of tweaking our Summer trip..who knows where it will end up

I hope the Memorial went well.

Thanks...glad you enjoyed those photos.

Yes, the June trip is all set. I arrive very late Thursday night, June 6, and I fly home on Wednesday, June 12. Cannot wait.

I am jealous you got to see the MK Christmas tree!!! It wasn't up yet when I was there, they had a huge stage there instead .

Love all of the PP shots, including the Mickey shot of you gals kissing him!

They didn't have the tree up when you were there? Were you there before the taping?

I am rather fond of that Mickey picture myself.

Congrats of the upcoming trip and on the good flight deal.

I was a little nervous booking without having been approved for the time off, but it all worked out.

The PTR can wait until this one’s done. I also tried to do two at once and that was not a good idea for me either. It would take too long to get the updates together so I also won’t be planning to do that again. The problem now though is without a new DisTrip on the horizon I don’t have one to write at all now. I miss that. We did travel in 2012, but not to Disney. I might have to do a Non-Disney TR just to keep in practice.

Yes, doing two at once is impossible I learned. Perhaps I should have you write mine to keep you in practice?

Youth is wasted on the young. I can out walk, out stand, out wait, out whatever my 17-year-old (especially where Disney is concerned).

It totally blows my mind how much more energy we have in Disney than they did. Although when we are here in cold, gloomy Chicago, I'm tired all the time.

The Polly!

Yes!

Ummm… still the Polly

Yes, yes!!!

Alex… I’ll take “The Polly” for $2000

And you get $2000; shall I send you the Monopoly money now or later?


And “there” is far and away the best breakfast On World (IMHO).
Certainly the best coffee.

Totally agree...best coffee in the world; and I'm still tied between Boma/Kona for best breakfast.

Those sleepy young’ens chose… poorly.

They most certainly did.



Thank you; the food was outstanding as always.

Problem now rectified…

Yes it was; but would we get anything done is the question.

Nice pictures with Mr. Mouse and along Main Street. Y’all have a knack for relaxing and getting into the magic of the Photopass pictures.

I’m always stiff in photos myelf. I’d rather take them then be in them (besides, nearly any scenery is better then my ugly mug ).

I have to have Mark say "just keep swimming" most of the time or I get stiff myself; when he says that I loosen up. Don't ask me why...I just do.

Great start… Bring on the rest of the Day at the MK!

I hope to get it going here soon.

If I didn't decide to sleep in on Saturday, I probably would have seen Mark sitting there by the fountain on my way in to Rix...

And you would have seen me too.

Is Kona coffee as good as Starbucks???

It's darn close, I'll tell you that.

Interested to see what plans are for the MK. We didnt' plan to go there on Saturday, but we might have just ended up there...

You ended up at the MK perhaps and did not let me know.

 

[afwdwfan]

And you would have seen me too.

Well, I did assume that you were the one standing there behind the camera.

You ended up at the MK perhaps and did not let me know.

We did end up there for a few hours after lunch... After I swore up and down I wouldn't go to the MK on the first Saturday after the FLE opening.

 

[KatMark]

Kona breakfast always sounds so good! We'll get there someday. Some more fantastic PP pics-I love how much fun all the Photographers seem to be having with you guys.

Great magic shots! They tried to to the wings with Maddie last trip, but it didn't turn out. Next trip I think I'll be more vocal about asking to have some taken. I usually feel bad asking, but I really missed getting some fun ones.

Shannon, I think you would really enjoy Kona.

I think because our group was big...six of us...and we were all acting like kids, that they went above and beyond for us.

The PP photograher wasn't sure which way I was supposed to face, so she had me to do it left and then right to be sure I got them.

I love your eeyore hoodie and the fairy wings so cool. I still have not found that Mickey head at Poly it must be the excitement over how close Stitch is in O'Hana that makes me blind

Thanks; I got that Eeyore hoodie on sale for $15 at the Disney store two years ago after Christmas. I like my fairy wings. It must be your excitement over Stitch that you miss that big Mickey head. (I promise to get back to your TR soon...work is killing me this week.)

Great updates!
Glad to hear that you still enjoy Kona so much, we have not been back in a while, maybe we should?

Your MK photos are fab! I love the ones with Mickey and your wings are awesome!

Kona is on the schedule again for August and I'm sure it will be on the schedule for December as well. We love it there.

Thanks; we had fun with Mickey.

Hi Kathy!
I just ran across your trippie today as I just booked CSR for our spring break trip! Great report! Awesome pictures!! The more I read the more I think I have read one of your reports in the past! AND I live in Bartlett! I have probably seen you at Stratford at one time or another, haha!! Anyway I am kind of a fair weather friend on the DIS boards...I am only here when I have a trip on the books! Otherwise it makes me sad and jealous to read about everybody else's trips! I am childish, I know!! Anyway we have never stayed at CSR (or any other moderate for that matter!) so I am anxiously reading through everything I can for tips! So HI!!! And thanks for the great report!!! :

Sorry I'm so slow in responding, but work has been kicking my butt all week.

You are a town or two over. We've spent a lot of time in Bartlett between our dentist, youth football, wrestling, baseball, etc. We probably have crossed paths at Stratford and don't even know it.

I, too, find it hard sometimes if I don't have a trip planned to read about everyone else's. But I've been lucky last year and this year with several trips planned.

I think (hope) you will love CSR...we sure do. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me a PM.

I hope you'll stick around for the rest of the resport.

Well there is the Weston Country Store, a Christmas Store, A Boat Ride on Lake Champlain , Ben & Jerry's factory, and the Teddy Bear Factory !! The scenery is awesome !!Oh I forgot The Covered Bridges Then of course there is the FOOD , 4 days of Free Dining

Sounds like fun, Rosie.

i meant disney ones silly. we got parker a pack of car ones and toy story ones for christmas...

enjoyed the updates.
the foggy castle shot is actually pretty cool, havent seen it like that before.

Oh, you meant the store-bought Disney ones. Yes, I've bought those for Tim's kids and Barry's kids.

It was pretty cool with the fog, but certainly not something we are used to seeing.

I'm so enjoying your TR

We are going to be in WDW the first two weeks of December and even though it's ages away your photos of all the holiday decorations are really building the excitement

Your photopass pictures are awesome

Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you are enjoying the holiday decoration photos. We will be back the first week of December this year and perhaps we will see one another.

Thanks...I'm very happy with the photopass pictures.

awe I love the pic with wings I've never seen that one before

That is the first time I had ever heard of or seen the wing picture; I'm glad I got it.

I didn't know they serve burgers there....

Now that was funny, Tim.

Looks like my pictures.... except it is dark in yours..

Obviously because I make rope drop and you don't.

::whoops:: that isn't a foggy CSR lake? I guess I picked the wrong picture. LOL :::

I think someone needed a nap the day you posted.

It could of been a keeper for much longer if you only listened to me sooner!!

Yes, boss. You are right, boss. I can't help it the urchins tired us out the first time we actually had an ADR.

That is cool! I need to do that this weekend!!!!

Can't wait to find out if you got your own wings this weekend.

 

[Moira222]

responses and update tomorrow. By just had to say my june vacation time was approved today, so my trip with maryaz and girls is official!!!! And i get the opportunity to meet maryellen (mek) and anita (dis name slipping my mind....i'll post that when i get home.




****wigdoutdismom -- sorry anita.

wahoo!!!

 

[KatMark]

Yes, lights were cancelled due to weather

Yay for 150 days until your trip with Mary and the girls and double yay for the airfare! That is awesome!!

Loved Kona when we ate there a couple of years ago.

Great pictures of everyone! Love your wings

That's a shame that you missed the lights.

I was so happy with that low fare; now if I could only find it for our August and December trips.

Kona rocks!

Thanks...I told Mark I need wings for at home.

My daughter loves Tink so I have to remember to get the wing picture of her....so cute

Be sure to ask for the wings...I find it is helpful to ask for the "magic" shots.

Wow, it was so foggy that morning!

Yes it was foggy.

I LOVE Kona for breakfast, it's so great to go there, eat, and then hop over to the MK for the day!

We always make Kona on our MK day (although we usually drive)

Are you on Instagram now, or did you just use Des' for the picture? If you are, let me know and i"ll follow you!

I haven't used it since the trip. If I ever use it more seriously, I'll let you know.

I love your pictures with Mickey and the ones in front of the castle! I think the fog makes it look really pretty in the background! And the wings! I didn't know they did that! I'm going to ask for that next time I get a photopass CD!

The fog sure gave it a different look.

It's a steak. It's a fancier version of a burger.

It is all beef now isn't it?

I love those wings !! You mean those aren't real ???

No, unfortunately, they weren't real.

I was going to say the same thing!

I'm trying to convince Mark I need real ones.

I love that morning mist picture of the lake. Very cool!

It was eerie, but pretty at the same time.

Was Todd still a little sleepy?

Todd is always a little sleepy.

You are really getting the most amazing PP pictures on this trip!

Thanks, MaryEllen.

Don't you know he is in heaven right here - all chilled back, sipping his coffee, riding the monorail after breakfast at Kona, on a surprise Disney trip instead of back at home... That picture just captured a really good feeling to me.

It certainly does, doesn't it? He was so relaxed on this trip...I was happy for that.

Kathy I missed th update!!!! The pix at Poly were great I Loved the PP pix especially the "Wings" pne that is a new one for me !!!

Thanks, Rosie. I said earlier that I'd never seen the wing one before; nice to know they have it.

Wow, it was really foggy that morning. Great Mickey pictures!

Thanks, Tink.

Kathy, I agree with the other posters, the wing photo is adorable and yours is the first I have seen of it's kind!
We had a great breakfast at Kona too. We booked it after reading Nikki's review!

I'm so glad you booked and enjoyed Kona; I have to thank Tim for pressuring us to go there.

Wow what a foggy morning. Kona looks yummy!

Love the pictures especially the wings, that is so cool!!!

Yes, it was very foggy that morning and very humid.

Kona's coffee is yummy. Yes, I am a coffee addict.

 

[KatMark]

That is a great rate! I hear you on the two reports, it is not easy. That's why Mary Ellen is the headliner on our report. That and her pictures are always better. I have a feeling Aulani will not be much or any of a PTR, just a TR at the rate I am going on my current one. We will see.

Nope, I'll never do two reports at the same time...too hard to keep up with everything. I think the way you and MEK are doing it is perfect.

Now, just because you CAN suck it up at those ages, doesn't mean you have any interest in doing so. I'll be honest. I wouldn't. There is no way on God's green earth I am getting up at 6 am on vacation to eat a sit down breakfast at 7:30. I'll get up in time to make RD and then grab a muffin after it's an hour in especially during EMH but I just can't enjoy a sit down meal like that, that early, I am just not that hungry that early so it wouldn't be as enjoyable as it should be. 8:30 would be the absolute earliest and that'd be pushing it. I like brunch! I'm up earlier than that everyday, vacation is for staying up late and sleeping in. A little. For me anyway.

I LOVE sleeping in, but I can't do it on vacation...no matter how much I try. So I like my breakfasts and making those rope drops and then going back to the resort for a nap. Now, it if were a work day, I could easily sleep past the 5:30 I have to get up every morning.

So...when I meet you one of these days, as I am sure it's an IF, not a WHEN, it will not be for a 7:30 breakfast.

Okay, we will settle for an afternoon Slush WHEN we meet.

See, that's my point. If it's still dark, YOU SHOULD BE IN BED! It's ok, I guess, to get up in the dark but by the time I leave the room it needs to be light or I'll feel like I'm at work (this is why I'll never do a WDW 5K or anything along those lines, 0-dark thirty is not my cup of tea. I can't believe the fog and humidity. I will be so very happy if it is warm on our trip next year.

I hope it is warm too for you in December. I would have settled for 70's,l but I really enjoyed the low 80's.

LOVE this pic!

Thank you!

Wow!! I got a little behind!!
Loved the photo of you two kissing Mickey and the boys covering their eyes! Also loved the photo of Mark relaxing on the monorail. Perfect picture of blissful happiness.

I'm behind again too...and I think your TR is the first one I need to get back too. Yes, he was blissfully happy.

Weren't Osborne Lights just amazing? I love the Carol of the Bells by TSO section of the music and the lights going. I remember my kids thinking they would try catching the "snow" on their tongues! I was laughing and telling them it was soap and they didn't want to believe me.
I don't remember ever seeing Santa Goofy out there. We did catch all the Fab 5 in their Christmas costumes (along with 2 michievous chipmunks) in Camp Minnie Mickey at AK.

Those lights were worth the price of the trip. I missed not getting to the AK to see the Christmas stuff; Mark and I hope to amend that this year.

Great updates!!

Thanks!

Awesome airfare you got for summer! Hoping to get something fairly decent for summer trips as well. Thinking 3rd week of June and then again end of August. Of course, we just miss out on the discount for summer. Nephew doesn't get out of school early enough.

I was very happy with that airfare; everything for August and December right now is right around $380 per person. I'm waiting to see what Southwest comes out with when they release those dates.

With the dates you mentioned, we will miss you either June or August.

Anxiously awaiting the next update!!

I was hoping to do one today, but I'm not going to get to it.

Catching up....again.

Looks like y'all had a fun night in DHS! Aren't the Osbourne Lights lovely? I'm really excited to see them again this year.

I have been saying that we will get to Kona for breakfast one of these years. Well, as of now, I have it on our tentative ADR list for this December. You always make me want to have breakfast there!

Love all of the Photopass pics! I think my fave is the one where you have wings.

Thanks, Amanda. It was a great evening at DHS, and the lights were fabulous. What are your dates in December?

I hope you keep it. Don't be like me and cancel it...you'll regret it.

Thanks...I thought my wings were pretty cool.

These kids now a days they have it too good. Geez, not only did we have to wake up every day for school at 5:00 am, but we had to walk up hill to and from school everyday in a foot of snow for two miles. And it didn't get any easier when we were in our 20's. Oh wait, I was still in high school at that age.
I can't even imagine not being able to get ones butt out of bed for WDW.


Kathy, you have got me so excited for my upcoming trip this year the last week of November-first week of December. Problem is this is only January.

I remember when we took Andy and his "then" girlfriend for his high school graduation trip and how tired they were. Really? What the heck is wrong with our youth.

I'm glad I am getting you excited for your trip. I'm hoping we get to meet up...I know you and Mark will hit it off.

Loved the MK update!

Kona is on our must do for this trip... Unfortunately, I think the girls vetoed me in favor of O'hana - sigh... I don't mind O'hana, it's good... but it doesn't seem that you can ever get in to your ADR time on time (or even close)... So, I guess we will go there with the mind set that we will be sitting there for an hour before we get seated. Grrr....

Can't believe all the humidity and fog... I could use some of that warm weather right now though.

And I think you look magnificant with wings!

D~

Thank you, D. Kona is out of this world...no matter what you order. You really ought to keep it. Tell the girls they can see Stitch at the parks.

I would like some sun...I'd settle for that. It's 50 here today, but very rainy.

I'm glad you enjoyed my wings too.

Wow! I've never seen foggy castle pictures before. Kinda cool. Kona is a must do for me too. Both breakfast and dinner. Yum!

It was kind of cool...felt like we were at the HM instead of by the castle. We've never done Kona for dinner...we'll have to try that one of these times.

Yay for airfare booked for your June trip! You got a great deal.

Loved the pictures of the MK tree! We missed seeng it by a few days because they didn't put it up till after the parade taping. I loved those Mickey shaped wreaths on Main Street. I really want one for my front door at home.

Great pictures with Mickey, I love the one of the girls kissing him and the guys hiding their eyes. And the photopass with the wings was so cute! I've never seen that one before.

I was shocked when I got that airfare. Now let's hope AirTran is on time and doesn't mess up.

Were you there for the parade taping? Or did you leave just before it. I have a wreath similar to that on my front door...I got it from the Disney store on the web a few years ago.

We had so much fun with Mickey that morning. The boys didn't seem to mind us kissing another man.

 

[KatMark]

Sorry I couldn't finish replies. It's been a hectic week at work. I'm off to get my hair cut and colored and will try to finish up replies tonight.

 

[eandesmom]

I LOVE sleeping in, but I can't do it on vacation...no matter how much I try. So I like my breakfasts and making those rope drops and then going back to the resort for a nap. Now, it if were a work day, I could easily sleep past the 5:30 I have to get up every morning.

I can't nap to save my soul, it's a source of great sadness to me. Dozing in a lounger in the sun, especially with no kids, occasionally but that's it.

 

[jenseib]

I am so jealous. I love your Holiday borders. you have some different ones than I had a choice of. you would think that late Nov would have all the holiday borders up!

I kind of like the foggy shots.

 

[englishrose47]

Just checking in Kathy !!Been a busy few days !!

 

[scottny]

What a nice surprise.
Love the Mickey head cookies. LOL
Nice arch photo.
Another great surprise very well done.
Beaches and Cream is a wonderful place. Small but wonderful.
Every France fountain photopass pic I see looks like the people are superimposed into it. Even ours are like this. Makes me laugh.
Sounds like a very good first day and night until the getting back to the resort part. That stinks about the noise and people. We stayed in Casitas 3it was a great location with a view of the lake outside the door. Bus stop # 2 loved it we always got a seat when we stayed there a few years ago.
Sorry Test Track was a bust. I have heard several people say that.
I have never seen Crush but it is on my list.
Chefs de France is always great when we go. Wish I had some escargot right now. Will look at the dining tr later on.
Ooh you saw Remy. Lucky you.
I love the boats at Disney. I watch a video I made every week because I miss them. LOL. Okay maybe every other week.
Happy belated Birthday.
Nice cm’s at Starring Rolls.
The holiday drinks sound so good.
It is strange when someone recognizes you from a trip report.
Great pics of the Osborne Lights.
Nice place for dinner. Looks like another great day and night at WDW.
I love early morning pics. I just never get up early enough to take them. LOL
Kona is so good.
Great pic with the fog and the castle.
I am now all caught up. I am really enjoying your report. We leave November 30th for our Christmas trip and I am wishing it was here already.

 

[bouncycat]

Hey Kathy!!!! Glad your time off got approved, and sorry we're gonna miss you guys this year!! Was starting my ptr and saw pics from when we met up with you guys, and made me smile!! hope you have a good weekend!!!

 

[annmarieda]

It is down right shameful how far behind I fell on you TR! Please forgive me....

Going way back....

How cool that Starring Rolls "reopened" for you gals!

The Yuletide Cheer is something I missed last year! I looked but never figured out where that snowball drink was. (I had read about it ahead of time...but obviously not enough to know where it was offered)

I love that someone recognized you all! You must feel like celebrities!

The tattoo was super cute and so exactly what I would imagine you to get.

Christmas of last year we spend close to 2 weeks there..and yet I missed SOOO much. Santa Goofy? I am seeing more and more reason to go back!!! I also missed the Osborne Family lights... well... mostly. We did a quickie sort of walk through since dh can't really handle things like that. next time... Im leaving him behind!


I am glad that the dinner went well. I have never been to the Yachsmen.

Yay for getting your airfare for June. You know that I too got mine..and I think that is what I paid for mine

I simply think this is too adorable!!! What a great shot!

Yay for getting your time off approved. That must be a relief. I still have to figure out what I am doing in 39 days regarding work...

 

[MeMom]

Responses and update tomorrow. By just had to say my June vacation time was approved today, so my trip with MaryAZ and girls is official!!!! And I get the opportunity to meet MaryEllen (MEK) and Anita (DIS name slipping my mind....I'll post that when I get home.




****wigdoutdismom -- sorry Anita.

Also fondly known as Miss Anita Wigd by a couple of little girls and some other assorted DIStown residents.

So glad you get to meet some new DIS friends!

What's the update on the boy? Keeping this family close in thought and prayer.