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

[WDisneyMom]

I know how much Mark loves Dumbo from reading your TR's so I'm glad he loved his birthday wish!!

Tsk, tsk...lost kids!!

Another great update! Love all of your pictures and I love that you always take a foot shot on Peoplemover!! Ok, Todd reminds me of my husband...that man can nap ANYWHERE!

Love the angry face Nicki picture...too cute, actually!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Since the boys asked so nicely Nicki texted me and said to post the picture. This is while we were waiting on the lost lovebirds who couldn't find Dumbo.

Totally worth it!

 

[pas130]

Ask Todd, I make that face alot...especially when he is running late and I want to get my butt to DISNEY! Kathy totally lost it when I leaned over Todd and stuck this mug in her face! We were waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R for the kids and the park was getting super busy super fast and I was very impatient...but once she started laughing it was all over lol!

I do believe I make a similar face I see ya trying not to crack up Nicki Thanks for letting Kathy post it!

KathyI am so upset I missed Dumbo now,,,,ugh...this year one of the kiddos HAS to want to go right???

 

[Pluto0809]

Love all the hat pictures! Awesome that the CM dressed you guys and took pictures.

Those cupcakes look good! I will get something at that Bakery in March.

I love the whole Circus area, they did such a good job. And having double Dumbos and fast passes for them is great. I got to ride the Dumbos for the first time since I was little when we were there in November.

I always get a good laugh out of the Buzz Lightyear pictures. Everyone always looks like they are concentrating so hard!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

All caught up!!!! Glad I hadn't fallen too far behind.
So sorry I have been absent. My sister's husband (who has been ill for many years) was in the hospital and passed away this week, and we have been very busy with family.

Thankful that your friends child is recovering and hoping the recovery continues to go well-will send continued prayers and keeping good thoughts going.

Fun updates!!! I think those "kids" were off exploring not lost!
Is the LM ride the same as the one in CA? We rode that last summer during an EMH morning available for on-site guests only with entry via the Grand Californian. I was very grateful that we did not have a long line to wait in because we were a little disappointed. Reminded me of the Nemo ride with LM theme.

Mark and the Dumbos..... Very cute photo. You all really did have a great time with photopass photogs and CM interactions. Sometimes I think they are just too busy. That is why I love going off season.

Looking forward to hearing where you all go for dinner!

 

[that's nice]

Thank you for all the prayers for Dominic...it is truly appreciated.

God works in mysterious ways. Dominic's liver is starting to "repair" itself. A quote from his mother that she posted in a special group set up on FB about her son: "top liver transplant surgeon in the country…who happens to be one of Dominic’s doctors, said that in 35 years of doing liver transplants, he has never seen a failed/dead liver come back like this."

Dominic has a long road ahead of him, but it seems that he is on the right road. Thank you again for all your prayers.

Wow.. that is amazing! Has there been any news.. is he still doing better?

The first picture is a puzzle that Alisha put together for me that we had framed and hung today. The second is a new frame I bought and put up today.

We have the same puzzle.. Juliana and I do it all the time.

Since the boys asked so nicely Nicki texted me and said to post the picture. This is while we were waiting on the lost lovebirds who couldn't find Dumbo.

'Where are those stinking kids?????'
HAHAHAHHAHAHHAAAAAAA

Love all the pictures you took... Melody & I didn't take many pictures this trip since we were just there and we didn't have the kids to take pictures of.

 

[KatMark]

I'm glad there's some good news there and I hope it continues!

Me too.

Don't worry. It isn't like I was sitting in front of my computer eagerly awaiting updates.

Nope, I guess you weren't...you were out of town.

Great pictures. Really kicking myself now for not taking the time to ride it standby at least once so I could see the whole queue.

You really must on your next visit...so well done.

You sure do a lot of texting. Ok, now I can see how you and Nicki pulled off the surprise after all those texts.

I take after my youngest son, I guess. That kid hates talking on the phone, but he will text 24/7 and he is so fast too.

Squirrel!!!

I love the picture of Mark with all of the Dumbos! How great is that "new look" for him lol And what a great CM interaction you had in there as well - I love those wonderful CM's.

We truly had some of the best CM's in years...they were all great. And Mark would NEVER turn down a request from Nicki, especially if it involved Dumbo.

Kathy your posts are making me so excited to see all of the new Fantasyland/Storybook Circus stuff! When we were there in the spring, only one new Dumbo, Barnstormer, and the Trainstation were open. Maddie is just going to flip when she sees it all!

Those crazy kids. Sorry you had to wait so long for them.

Can't wait to hear what happened next.

Oh, I truly believe that Maddie is going to want to spend a lot of time in the new Fantasyland/Storybook Circus area. And somehow I missed the fact that there were meet and greets in Storybook Circus (Goofy, Donald, Minnie & Daisy) and will have to rectify that in June with the girls.

By the way, happy belated birthday to Mark, and since you posted while I was catching up...

Mark thanks you.

And an interesting look it is.

My husband...after almost 30 years, I still haven't completely figured him out.

Ok, yeah, that was a nice CM interaction!

Very nice!

There's that texting thing again.

How do you know it was texting that time? We could have been checking wait times.

Ok, now you have to post it! Come on Nicki, let her do it!!!!

As you saw, Nicki gave us permission.

Well, you've read my TR. My wife, parents and sisters all did the same thing. So yeah, I believe it.

But did they ask sooner than these two clowns did?

Well if they'd decided that a few minutes earlier, you wouldn't have had to do all that waiting!

Seriously; we could have just made it an "alone" all day until dinner.

Now he really seems to be enjoying the ride.

Todd cracked me up every time he decided he needed a nap...which was often.

Great CM interaction with the dressing up for the picture in hats!

Don't you love the new interactive ques, like Dumbo and HM? Much nicer now to wait in lines!

They were so much fun...I love CM's who really enjoy their job.

I love the new ques...it makes the waiting much more fun (I like the Pooh one too!).

 

[KatMark]

Nice! The CM's seem to have been stepping up their game lately.

I've noticed that too...good to see them "coming back"


Post it! Post it!

Your wish was granted by the Queen.



It's like that guy thing in never asking for directions.

Next did they ask you what time is the 3:00 parade?

Not that I'm aware, but I almost bought him the t-shirt after the Dumbo fiasco.

All that waiting, and they did one ride on Dumbo with you?

Such brats; we could have done our ride and moved on if that had been there plan.

Well, it makes me feel better about my Buzz ride photo.

Yep, I think this one beats yours.

Nicki and I rode together while Todd and Mark went together. Doesn't Todd just look thrilled???

Silly Girl! Dont you know my husband's OVERJOYED FACE? Its a bit different from the one by Dumbo

Oh, is that what that was?

And this would be Todd doing you know what:

His favorite ride in all of WDW...well any ride he can nap on is his favorite ride

I think that man could fall asleep on a bench with kids screaming all around him.

None of us were up to Space Mountain (Mark won't do it after his neck surgery and Nicki hits her head because she is on the shorter side), so we decided to go visit some ghosts.

I have the same problem on RnR...my head bangs of the shoulder harness and I have a headache the rest of the day

I get a headache too...and that's why I choose NOT to ride it anymore.

Ask Todd, I make that face alot...especially when he is running late and I want to get my butt to DISNEY! Kathy totally lost it when I leaned over Todd and stuck this mug in her face! We were waiting F-O-R-E-V-E-R for the kids and the park was getting super busy super fast and I was very impatient...but once she started laughing it was all over lol!

You, sweet Nicki, make that face a lot? I can't believe it. I couldn't help but laugh...you looked so cute.

 

[KatMark]

Oh my goodness. Lost trying to find Dumbo. That is hysterical!

Seriously, I think they were necking somewhere in the castle.

And I'm sure at the time, supremely annoying. Especially since they ditched you again right after the ride! Darn 20 somethings!

I told them next time I was leaving them at home...that ought to teach them.

Love that Des wore the Tiara, those are some darn cute pics. I'm not sure mark had enough Dumbo's going on in that pic and if nothing else it did make for some great Kodak moments.

She did look cute with her tiara (just don't tell her I said so). If we could have found another way to get a Dumbo on him, we would have. It is a great Kodak moment...I agree.

I like those DTD topiaries with all the Mickey Santa hats, cute

I missed them when we went to DTD later in the trip.

He must love Ellen's Energy Adventure then.

As long as there are no stinky diapers from kids on it...I bet he does.

I think I'd have been making a similar face if I had to use up that much valuable Disney time on a Saturday morning waiting on someone.

I can't say that I blame her after they made us wait and then had the nerve to ditch us.

wouldn't want to mess with her

Trust me, you definitely don't want to mess with Nicki when she goes off.

the photo of Mark with Dumbo's OMG I lost it was laughing so hard

That's my silly Mark.

so guess Todd can sleep anywhere
love the graphics in the Dumbo area...so bright and cheery! so want one of those cupcakes

Yep, Todd can sleep anywhere I've found out as we've gotten to know them. I almost got that Dumbo cupcake except I was still full from Kona.

 

[KatMark]

Hi Kathy, Just checking in enjoying all the updates. The kids are so cute love, love the tiara!! Both your boys sure have picked such pretty girls oh and Mark did too!! Elaine

Thank you, Elaine. They have done rather well for themselves. Hope you are doing well.

I totally missed the play area at Dumbo. (did I really go to WDW in the fall? cause I sure seemed to have missed a lot!)

The question is were you awake during the trip.

I can imagine the young ones getting lost was pretty frustrating! Glad they made it briefly.

Frustrating for us, dumb for them. Hello, ask someone if you don't see it where it used to be.

Love the picture of Nikki, btw! She always looks so perky and sweet... but wow... she looks Ang... GRY!

She might look mean, but she wouldn't hurt a fly. Well, she might hurt me if I keep picking on her size.

LOVE the Dumbo pic, and the hat pics!! Poor Nikki, yea, wouldn't want to make her mad either!! LOL

Can't wait to see what the special dinner is!!!

Thanks, Christie. We had fun with the Dumbo pic (had to take it a couple of times because the lighting wasn't right).

I know how much Mark loves Dumbo from reading your TR's so I'm glad he loved his birthday wish!!

Trust me, it meant a lot to him that you sent a "Dumbo" greeting.

Tsk, tsk...lost kids!!

Lost or not telling me really what time they got there.

Another great update! Love all of your pictures and I love that you always take a foot shot on Peoplemover!! Ok, Todd reminds me of my husband...that man can nap ANYWHERE!

Sometimes I forget the foot shot, but I'm getting better at it. Mark can too depending on how tired he is.

Love the angry face Nicki picture...too cute, actually!

Yeah, it's really hard to say she is angry when she looks so darn cute.

Totally worth it!

Figured you'd enjoy that.

I do believe I make a similar face I see ya trying not to crack up Nicki Thanks for letting Kathy post it!

She had a very hard time NOT laughing once I started laughing.

KathyI am so upset I missed Dumbo now,,,,ugh...this year one of the kiddos HAS to want to go right???

Here's an idea: TELL THE GIRLS you want to ride Dumbo and you get to pick too.

Love all the hat pictures! Awesome that the CM dressed you guys and took pictures.

We really had the best of luck with CM's.

Those cupcakes look good! I will get something at that Bakery in March.

I want to try one too...but I'll wait and see what you think of yours.

I love the whole Circus area, they did such a good job. And having double Dumbos and fast passes for them is great. I got to ride the Dumbos for the first time since I was little when we were there in November.

The first time since you were little? Obviously you should travel with my husband as it is the first ride we hit almost every trip at the MK!

I always get a good laugh out of the Buzz Lightyear pictures. Everyone always looks like they are concentrating so hard!

They do, don't they? I just wish my score would show it once in awhile.

 

[KatMark]

All caught up!!!! Glad I hadn't fallen too far behind.
So sorry I have been absent. My sister's husband (who has been ill for many years) was in the hospital and passed away this week, and we have been very busy with family.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife's husband/your brother-in-law. I will keep all in my thoughts.

Thankful that your friends child is recovering and hoping the recovery continues to go well-will send continued prayers and keeping good thoughts going.

Thank you; I'm so happy things are looking up.

Fun updates!!! I think those "kids" were off exploring not lost!
Is the LM ride the same as the one in CA? We rode that last summer during an EMH morning available for on-site guests only with entry via the Grand Californian. I was very grateful that we did not have a long line to wait in because we were a little disappointed. Reminded me of the Nemo ride with LM theme.

I think they were exploring something I don't want to know about. I've never been to California or Disneyland so I can't answer that question.

Mark and the Dumbos..... Very cute photo. You all really did have a great time with photopass photogs and CM interactions. Sometimes I think they are just too busy. That is why I love going off season.

What can I say? The man loves his Dumbo...thinks he has cute ears. I'm with you...off season seems the best time to get good interaction.

Looking forward to hearing where you all go for dinner!

It probably won't be for a couple of updates yet...still lot to cover of our morning/afternoon.

Wow.. that is amazing! Has there been any news.. is he still doing better?

Off the breathing tube and weaning him off the dialysis was the last I heard. Thanks for the prayers.

We have the same puzzle.. Juliana and I do it all the time.

That is so sweet. It's a great puzzle.

'Where are those stinking kids?????'
HAHAHAHHAHAHHAAAAAAA

I'd love to know where they really were. Well, then again, maybe I don't.

Love all the pictures you took... Melody & I didn't take many pictures this trip since we were just there and we didn't have the kids to take pictures of.

This was the time you SHOULD have gotten lots of pictures so you'd have some alone pictures. See, I should have gone and I could have been the photogrpaher.

 

[afwdwfan]

I forgot... Up isn't one of your favorite movies, is it?

Squirrel... as in the line used in the movie when Dug spots a squirrel. Basically just my way of saying they were easily distracted on their way to Dumbo.

 

[dizneeat]

Finally caught up again, Kathy. Didn't have much time to get on the DIS for the last two days and I was 4!!!! pages behind.

May I just say that I love all the photos - hat photos, priceless! The ride photos crack me up, but that one photo of Nicki really tops it all.

 

[KatMark]

I forgot... Up isn't one of your favorite movies, is it?

Squirrel... as in the line used in the movie when Dug spots a squirrel. Basically just my way of saying they were easily distracted on their way to Dumbo.

It's not that it wasn't a favorite. We only saw it once and it was awhile ago. I remember that now. Thanks for clarifying for me.

Finally caught up again, Kathy. Didn't have much time to get on the DIS for the last two days and I was 4!!!! pages behind.

May I just say that I love all the photos - hat photos, priceless! The ride photos crack me up, but that one photo of Nicki really tops it all.

Thanks, Karin. I'm glad you enjoyed the photos. Nicki cracked me up that day...trust me.

 

[petals]

luvin the update. I need one of those Dumbo cupcakes

 

[KatMark]

I can definitely tell I'm getting old. This trip was just about six weeks ago and I'm already forgetting things. I guess if I'm going to continue TR's, I better start taking better notes.

So after riding with the ghosts and Nicki taking a call from her mechanic, I believe the boys wanted some egg rolls and to ride Pirates. We got the egg rolls, but didn't ride pirates. The boys enjoyed their egg rolls, but pirates was down. We walked over to Big Thunder, I believe, but the line was too long and we didn't want to get fastpasses because we would be leaving soon.

We stopped at a couple of stores so that Mark and I could continue our modeling:

Everyone decided they were hungry and we should probably get some food before it got too crowded. I know Nicki got a hot dog at the vendor without the bun and we then walked to Pecos Bills.

Pictures on the way:

The onion rings were awesome; the burger no better than any other we've had at Disney and not nearly as good as the one at The Plaza or Beaches & Cream.

From there, we decided to head out to do our monorail resorts tour. We stopped in the Emporium on the way as Nic was still looking for something for her niece. And, as you all know, we cannot go into a store without at least one hat picture:

Mark and Todd were in very playful moods now that their bellies were full:

Todd's not smiling because he got yelled at for playing too rough.


Nicki purchased a postcard for Max (tinacaplan's son) and we walked towards the exit and I got some pictures of the decorated windows:

Don't worry....we'll be back

We stopped at the store right outside the gate so Nicki could get a stamp and mail Max's postcard. Guess what we did?

Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

Waiting for the monorail (I think we all needed a little break):

First stop...

We walked through the shops:

And then went back to get our pictures taken:

After looking at the decorations, Nicki needed her cupcake and Mark needed a muffin and we shared a water.

We sat outside this little bar:

While Nicki and I charged our phones, the boys proceeded to do this:

Overall, I was rather disappointed with the decorations at the Contemporary. For being the first resort, they didn't seem to go out of their way with the decorations.

Up next, the Grand Floridian and WOW!

 

[PhoenixStrength]

I really love how many pictures you guys take in the shops! I've never had a burger at Pecos Bills, but I really love their Taco Salad, mostly because of the toppings bar!

I remember seeing you post the pics of the boys sleeping on Nicki's TR!

 

[mommy2mrb]

love all the window decorations!

wow those boys can sleep anywhere looks like they needed a time out after "playing" in the store

 

[KatMark]

NOW we are talking decorations. Although I would never stay at the Grand Floridian (too "stuffy" for me, too for Mark), I must say they do a knock out job with the decorations.

Enjoy the photos...they speak for themselves:

We went outside so Todd and Nicki could get some chestnuts which they were passing out for free. Some outside pictures:

We went back inside to get pictures by the gorgeous tree:

Continued in the next post