Me and my DF as a bridesmaid and best man at a DFTW! A Jan 2013 TR :) - Complete!!!!!

[laurenvic1312959]

Our first full day at Disney part 1 - Magic kingdom!

So our first full day started bright and early. I was up at 6:30am to get ready to go to Magic kingdom There was extra magic hours that morning so the park opened at 8am and i really wanted to be there for rope drop as I had never got to a park early enough for one before So we got ready and headed straight for the bus and got to Magic kingdom just before 8 and we managed to see the firework go off that opens the park. Whilst we didn't fully see the rope drop I was still happy that we were there for part of it

When we got in the park a nice lady offered to take a picture of us
We then went for breakfast at main street bakery, We decided to share a snack of a Apple turnover and apple juice and we had an early lunch reservation that day. We then had a look around the shops and bought some presents for people back home

We heard music coming from main street USA so we walked out of the and realised some of morning festivities were still happening, I was pleased

We then went for our first look at the new fantasy land, I was excited!

The beast's castle is beautiful

When then had a sneaky look inside Be our guest but unfortunately we wasn't eating there that day

Then it was onto the little mermaid section and the ride, Uder the sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid. We only waited for 10 minutes to go on it as it was still early

Next we checked out the new Storybook circus area where we went into the Big top souvenirs shop. They have two pin 'boards' here which are pin cushions that look like trays of popcorn. It was really nice to see something other than a standard pin book or board

After this we backtracked past the castle on the way to the pin shop.

I love the castle

Before we reached the shop we came a cross a caricature artist and Adam decided he wanted to get one done of the two of us. It was quite pricey but as we were on holiday i agreed as it would be one of his main souvenirs of the trip (or so i thought)
So we sat whilst the man drew us both, we were there over an hour but i definitely have to say it was worth it.
This was the finished caricature, we asked for an engagement theme and this is what he came up with:

We love it, after we got home my Dad scanned it and had it copied onto a canvas so even if it fades or gets dirty (which it has already) we'll always have a copy of it to keep forever

After this we ran straight out of Magic kingdom and rushed to Epcot as we were running late for our first ADR of the trip, Coral reef!

Coming soon...Our first day in disney part 2 - Epcot

 

[FairytaleBelle]

The caricature was such a nice idea, I like that they could theme it for you - and very good idea on your dads part!

It's cool I feel I'm reliving my dec trip somewhat through your report! I'm never early enough for the rope drop its something I definitely should do! (Our jet lag days so crazy wake up time tend to be universal days as we do universal first)

Cute ears, I got the standard mini ones...next trip we get to wear the bridal ones yay

Anyway, looking forward to reading more x

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Yeah my Dad got it us as a surprise as well which was nice. Eeek, I can't wait to wear the bride ears Adam is gonna wear the groom ears too. Thanks, I'm having a good time writing it x

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Sorry about the lack of attention paid to this the past few days
I started back at my old job and have just been offered an interview for a new job too
I plan to post an update tomorrow and finish off the first day before my job interivew on tuesday, wish me luck everyone x

 

[FairytaleBelle]

Ahh good luck with the interview !!

Im Looking forward to reading more yay x

 

[laurenvic1312959]

So I had my job interview and I reckon it went well, got to wait a couple of days though to see if i've got it or not. It's only for a small part time job but that money could be the difference between 2014 being a disney free year for us or not
I already have my heart set on a visit to DLP next summer so fingers crossed

Anyways where were we?

Our first day in Disney part 2 - Epcot

So after our morning in Magic kingdom we rushed over to Epcot for our first ADR of the trip, 11am at Coral Reef. I really really wanted to eat there on my last disney trip but we just didn't have time so I was definitely a must do this time around. Before this meal I had never actually been inside the restaurant but i'm so glad I have now, It is amazing. We didn't get to sit next to the tank but our view was still good.

This was our first table service meal using the Disney Dining plan and we really enjoyed it. IMO the Dining plan if definitely worth the money
To start I had the Coral Reef Lobster Orecchiette Pasta. I have always preffered creamy pasta sauces to tomato sauces but this pasta sauce was really creamy, all in all though it was still enjoyable.

Adam had the Seared Chicken Breast as orginially he wasn't a fan of fish, I have since converted him though tbh I was jealous of his choice. There will always be next time though!

For desert I had the Coral Reef's main desert 'The chocolate wave' with Raspberry gelato. It was as yummy as it looks. It came complete with an congratulations banner for our engagement

Adam chose the Orange Cheesecake. He ate it all but i'm not sure he really enjoyed it, I think he was jealous of my choice. Oh well, you win some and you loose some i guess

After our meal we went for a walk aroung the world showcase. The main part of our walk around was a kind cast member presenting us with an engagement certificate in the American section and then we looked at the shop in Japan and Adam then watched the drummers whilst I spoke to my Dad on Facetime I was bad I didn't take anypictures of the world showcase, sorry!

So we were set to leave Epcot at about 3pm but before we left we went into a gift shop on the end of the world showcase where Adam decided he wanted to buy his first vinylmation (cue the rest of his many souvenirs this trip ).
So we decided to buy one from the pixar set as we both love all the films. We did this with the intention to trade the vinylmation we got as we were already into the habbit of looking around the shops for pin trading so we thought why not start vinylmation trading too! Although the friendly cast member behind the till asked us which one we were looking for and Adam said he liked the look of Chuckles the clown from Toy story 3.
So we bought one and I documented Adam's first ever vinylmation opening. These have to be my favourite pictures of him ever, the expressions on his face are so cute.

It was Chuckles!!! So after all that anticipation Adam actually got the one he was after so of course we had to buy another one to trade with. This turned out to be Flick from A bug's life which we then traded on our way out of the park. We headed back to the resort to rest a bit before deciding what to do that evening

Coming soon...Our first day in disney part 3 - The Art Of Animation Resort

 

[izzie-wizzie]

Great Start - can't wait to read more (especially about your friends wedding - it's lovely hearing it from a guest perspective rather than bride/groom!).

My and my fiance always judge who 'wins' on menu choices when were out at restaurants too! It's always fun until you get major food envy!!

 

[Disneybuckeye]

Congratulations on your engagement and yeah for a Disney wedding. Thanks for sharing your report. Sounds like you are off to a great start and score on the vinylmation.

We have not eaten at the Coral Reef in several years. So many restaurants and so few meals. It is always so hard to choose.

Looking forward to reading more.

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Great Start - can't wait to read more (especially about your friends wedding - it's lovely hearing it from a guest perspective rather than bride/groom!).

My and my fiance always judge who 'wins' on menu choices when were out at restaurants too! It's always fun until you get major food envy!!

Thanks for reading
Yeah haha, there was some food I chose on the trip that afterwards I wish I chose something else but tbh all the food was really nice, I guess it was just me being picky haha. I have a whole list of resaurants I can't wait to try when we do back there

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Congratulations on your engagement and yeah for a Disney wedding. Thanks for sharing your report. Sounds like you are off to a great start and score on the vinylmation.

We have not eaten at the Coral Reef in several years. So many restaurants and so few meals. It is always so hard to choose.

Looking forward to reading more.

Thank you and thanks for reading too
We got so addicted to vinylmations on the trip, we just love them
I have some restaurants I really want to try but as you said there's just so many of them and so little time. I'm determined to try all of them eventually!

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Our first day in Disney part 3 - The Art Of Animation Resort

So at about half 5 we decided we wanted to go and explore something I had been very excited about ever since I knew about it, The Art Of Animation Resort!! We thought we could eat at landscape of flavours for quick service token while we were there.
When we got to the resort we went straight into the gift shop where the pin board was out We traded some good pins ans that's where we decided that we were going to collect some of the 2011 hidden mickey pin sets on our trip
After trading we went to get some food. Having come from the small and quiet resort that is POFQ we were shocked at the ques for the food so we decided to both get a burger, I han a brownie for desert which we took away with us and Adam had a muffin. This is where we decided though as much as we love the resort we could only stay there if we had children with us. I think it's a bit too manic for us otherwise.
So after our food we went exploring. We only managed to walk around the Finding Nemo and the Lion king sections as we were still so tired and my feet were hurting.

We had a little sit down on a bench by the bridge that leads to Pop where we could see the resort. It was a very nice view. We went then into the lobby to check out all of the concept art in there. Adam loves concept art so it was the perfect place for him

So when we got back to our room we got a text from Danni, Jason and Calvin asking us if we wanted to go to Downtown disney for drink. It was about half 9 at this point so we agreed to go. On the way there I regreted going out again as my feet were really painfull as the shoes I had with me weren't very good. But then I had an idea, So as soon we got to DTD I went straight to the shop that sells Toms shoes and bought myself a new pair and put them on straight away and my feet felt much better, I love Toms
Even though my feet felt better I decided to head back to POFQ by myself on the boat, on that trip the driver was lovely and really friendly and spoke to us whole the trip which made it even more enjoyable . Adam reluctantly let me go back to the room (he doesn't like leaving me unless he has to) and he stayed out with everyone, had a couple of drinks and got back to the room at about 1am when i was fast asleep.

Coming soon.... Day 2 - Pre wedding pamering and an evening in Hollywood Studios

 

[FairytaleBelle]

Oh my goshh, your pudding at the coral reef looked so yummy, I want it now!

As always, nice to read along! I've been curious about art of animation so its nice to see and hear about!
Looking forward to the bits about being part of a disney wedding as a wedding guest

 

[arbolita]

Hope you hear good news soon about the job interview!

You caricature is so cute! And wow, that's so awesome and lucky that Adam got the Vinylmation he wanted on the first try! I usually look at the box and know the ones I DON'T want, and that's what I wind up with, lol.

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

Congratulations on your engagement. I look forward to hearing all about the trip.

 

[tinawv]

Your dates are the exact dates we were in WDW. We stayed at the Coronado Springs, and I agree the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. Excited to read more about your trip.

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Oh my goshh, your pudding at the coral reef looked so yummy, I want it now!

As always, nice to read along! I've been curious about art of animation so its nice to see and hear about!
Looking forward to the bits about being part of a disney wedding as a wedding guest

It was indeed very yummy Thanks again for reading! That bit of the trip is getting closer I promise haha x

Hope you hear good news soon about the job interview!

You caricature is so cute! And wow, that's so awesome and lucky that Adam got the Vinylmation he wanted on the first try! I usually look at the box and know the ones I DON'T want, and that's what I wind up with, lol.

Thanks, I hope I do too still haven't heard anything back yet
Yeah he was really lucky with his first try, we went to a disney store in England to buy one from the mytical creatures collection and we got the exact one I said I didn't want. It just made Adam love it even more though as he found it funny that we ended up with that one.

Congratulations on your engagement. I look forward to hearing all about the trip.

Thank you and welcome

Your dates are the exact dates we were in WDW. We stayed at the Coronado Springs, and I agree the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. Excited to read more about your trip.

ohh wow that's really cool. I've never been to Coronado springs but it looks really nice did you enjoy your trip? and thanks

 

[laurenvic1312959]

So i've just found out that I won't hear back about the job untill monday I need to know if i'll be going to Disney next year!!!! Oh well I guess i'll know soon enough

 

[Marsheliz]

Love the TR so far...

Congrats on the engagement! I got engaged in MK in December 2005 It is totally my happy place!

Cant wait to read more about the Disney wedding

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Love the TR so far...

Congrats on the engagement! I got engaged in MK in December 2005 It is totally my happy place!

Cant wait to read more about the Disney wedding

Thanks Disney is our happy place too since we're planning on getting married there too
Just got my first look at the wedding pics today so I'll be able to post about it soon x

 

[laurenvic1312959]

Day 2 - Pre wedding pampering and dinner at Les Chefs de France

So this day was our 2nd full day in Disney and me and Danni were booked in at the new Grand Floridian Senses spa for 11am and all the lads had agreed to go Disney quest in DTD. So me and Adam could of had a bit of a lie in this morning but instead we decided to go for a little swim which was lovely. We then met the others in the lobby to get on with our activities for the day

Me and Danni got the Grand Floridian just on time to find out where the spa was and then we made our way there (sorry no pics ) It was the first time either of us had been to a spa and we both really enjoyed it. We both had the Express package which consisted of a Massage for 25min, a Facial for 25min and a Manicure. To be honest, as most spas are it was quite expensive for what it was but we both found it very relaxing and ended up with preety pink nails ready for the wedding . After this we decided to make our way to DTD to meet the guys. We ended up going the long way (monorail, then a bus, then another bus) which took an age and then we were then disheartened to learn that we could have caught a bus straight from the Gran Floridian, oh well you live and learn.

Meanwhile the lads spent the morning in Disney quest

And then Adam decided he wanted to take them for a bit of shopping. The money he had that day was to have a good time with and his response to that was to buy a Star Wars vinylmation and two pictures from the art shop, one of the Disney railroad for him and one of the princesses for me, awwww isnt he just lovely
These pictures are of him opening his third ever vinylmation. Unfortunately he wasnt as impressed with this one...

We then took to reffering to this vinylamtion as Bum face haha, we traded it on quite quickly.... still love the photos though

So once we met up with the lads we decided to head back to the resort which we did. As a group we then thought we could go to the Florida Mall for a bit of shopping, but as the only thing me and Adam wanted from the mall was mini M and Ms for my sister we decided that we would skip the mall and book an ADR for dinner as we had a spare table service dining token. We arranged with the others to meet them at Hollywood studios for EMH and in the end it turned out that they didnt go to the mall either but rested for a bit, got a bite to eat and then headed to the park ready from the 8pm showing of Fantasmic .

So the ADR we booked up last minute was for Les Chefs de France in Epcot. I ate there on my last trip to Disney and loved it so I thought it would be nice to go again . So after a little rest we headed to Epcot, had a quick stop in Mouse Gears to do some trading and then straight to the restaurant.

We were seated and served straight away with no problem. We both ate off the Prix fixe 3 course menu which was included on the dining plan. We both had exactly the same for all 3 courses:

The Bisque de homard - Lobster bisque

The Demi poulet fermier rôti, Pommes rissolées et broccoli - Half of an all natural roasted chicken, rissole potatoes and broccoli

Picture pinched from goggle

And Crème brulée for desert

We both enjoyed all three courses but our least favourite had to be the main course as it wasnt anything special imho. One big development of this meal was that Adam successfully ate and enjoyed Lobster, this was amazing as when I first met him he would have even entertained the idea, success
During the meal we also got a glimpse of Remy but he was rushed through so fast that the photo I got wasnt the best

So by now it was about 7pm so we headed out of International gateway to catch the boat to HWS ready to watch Fantasmic!

Coming soon.... Day 2 continued - An evening in Hollywood studios