Disney Fantasy June 22-29th 2013: Boardwalk, Boat, and Boston! 2nd Wedding Annivesary

[disneybarbie]

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After lunch, we decided to go to the New England Aquarium..





We were trying to find the bench from the movie Ted.. where he and John sit.. but it didn't seem to exist! I think this window was part of the scene though...



The seals were very cute..



The Aquarium was impressive and had a lot of great animal displays – unfortunately, as it was July 4th week, it was very busy when we visited!


We wandered back to the hotel and had a rest before going out for some dinner – I'd had my iPod pedometer on for the day... and was pretty amazed by our step count!



We got showered and changed, and went back out to find somewhere for a light dinner. We found a Sports bar, Champions, in a nearby hotel – they were showing the Red Sox game which DH wanted to watch.



Our server there was really nice, let us take our time (she knew we were watching the game) – we shared some nachos, then DH had a pulled pork burger and I had a salad (both were huge... luckily our server suggested getting a half size portion of the nachos!).

 

[disneybarbie]

Thursday 4th July 2013


So as you can see by today's date.. it was a pretty special day!

We'd deliberately chosen to stay in Boston for 6 nights, so that we could get to experience the Fourth of July in the USA (for our honeymoon, we'd flown home on the 3rd.. just missing the amazing fireworks and celebrations at WDW!).






We wandered to the Old State House, where we'd learned a few days before was where the Declaration of Independence was re-read every July 4th.
There was quite a crowd gathering already, so DH found a spot for us to stand – and I walked to a nearby Starbucks for some coffees and breakfast!
The server there was really friendly, he recognised my accent and was asking me lots about the UK.

I walked back to the Old State House, the crowd had got so much bigger – I actually couldn't stand next to DH for the reading!



It was a really memorable experience, full of emotion – after the reading a singer performed “America – the Beautiful”.

Lots of confetti was sprayed everywhere at the end..


The crowd started to disperse, we started to walk towards the Charles river so that we could watch the US Constitution ship make its one annual voyage.
After a few steps, the ground shook and there was a huge explosion... everyone gasped and screamed... (after what happened in April) … but very quickly we realised it was part of the celebration; men in period costume had fired muscats!



It was pretty scary though.. a man nearby me said “I think you need to drink that coffee!” (I must have turned very pale after the noise).

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[disneybarbie]

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4th July Starbucks...


We made our way to the river, it was such a beautiful day.






Loved the red, white & blue water jets that were sprayed from a boat in front of the ship..






After seeing the ship, we went in search of another Boston food item... icecream!



It was only 11am, but it was a national holiday.. so it was ok



We walked back to our hotel to freshen up, and also pack our bag for the afternoon... we were going to camp out by the river and wait for the fireworks show, however no bags were allowed so we had to put everything in clear plastic bag.

Our hotel..


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[disneybarbie]

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We made our way to the water front, there was a lot of security – as we'd expected – but it didn't take long to get through. There were plenty of places to sit, we found a shady spot and laid out our blanket.. it was about 1pm – so we had 8 hours to go until the fireworks!
We got some lunch at one of the food stands, burgers, and spent the afternoon talking and reading... with a few walks along the path.



I was impressed with the decorations many families had brought along with them.







We got some large fruit smoothie drinks from one of the stands...



I read nearly a whole book that afternoon, but otherwise the time flew by – and soon the sun was setting and the Boston Pops Orchestra concert in the Hatch Shell was underway – the music was piped out all along the riverside so we could hear it.



We had been given a programme on the way in, which had the lyrics for the songs played... everyone stood up for this part of the concert and sang along!





The Prudential building had red, white & blue lights for the day..











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[disneybarbie]

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The fireworks were amazing – the show seemed to go on forever!









There was a memorial section for the Boston Marathon victims which was very moving, the fireworks were all in blue & gold, the BAA colours...





After the fireworks, we made our way back towards out hotel – it was very crowded, but there were lots of police and volunteers around making sure we were all safe.
We stopped for a late dinner at Bolocos – a 'Boston local' burrito cafe, we really enjoyed it!

It had been a wonderful day, I'm so glad we got to experience 4th of July in Boston.

 

[disneybarbie]

Friday 5th July

Sadly, this was the last day of our vacation.

We packed our suitcases, and left them at reception in the hotel – then went for one last walk around the city.

We got some breakfast at Au Bon Pain on Newbury Street – I had a smoked salmon and wasabi bagel that was delicious!





We walked to Bolyston Street and to the Prudential building – and decided to go up to the sky line viewing area.

We spent about an hour up there, it was fantastic to see the city from above after spending the last few days walking around it!







The Boston Marathon finish line..



The Ducks..


Fenway Park...





We were given handsets to listen to, and there were also displays in the centre to read...




I'd really recommend this for a first or last day of a trip to Boston.




After this, we weren't sure what to do as we only had a couple of hours until we were due at the airport.




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[disneybarbie]

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We walked back to the Common and sat for a while, then made our way back to the hotel.





Still with an hour until we needed to get to the airport, we decided to try out the hotel bar – Cuffs!



They were showing Wimbledon tennis in the bar, it looked like nice weather back home in England

At 3pm, we got a taxi to Logan airport – check in was quick and soon we were through security. It was a pretty small terminal, unlike Orlando, so we did a little duty free shopping and then got an early dinner at Durgin Park – a version of a famous Boston restaurant that one of the trolley tour guides had recommended.

We had a really nice meal there, after we got a coffee at Starbucks and sat watching the planes take off and land.

Then it was time to head home!


Overall, this was one of the best holidays I've ever had. Getting to spend a few days at WDW, then an amazing cruise.. and then visiting an incredible city... perfect!

Thank you for reading along and commenting!


Emma x

 

[Dugette]

You really got to know Boston on this trip. That Freedom Trail walk sounds like a great way to see things (except for having to walk all the way back!) And what a cool July 4th you had! Something you'll always remember, I'm sure. Very patriotic and moving. Loved hearing about it.

 

[Dugette]

Ah, you added the final post as I was commenting!

Great trip! I've enjoyed re-living it along with you.

 

[jedijill]

What an incredible last couple of days! I always watch the Boston Pops celebration on TV on the 4th but it must have been awesome to see it live!

Jill in CO

 

[Linda67]

Bravo - great TR
Loved all the photos from Boston

 

[cindianne320]

What a fabulous way to end your trips to the states. I'm glad you got to enjoy such a fabulous 4th of July here in America!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! I can't wait to hear about the next trip you'll plan!

 

[klacey1]

I love all of the quintessential "American" things you guys did in Boston! I've never been there over the 4th, but I've heard the fireworks are amazing!
And I love your outfit for the Red Sox game-- very spirited!

 

[Leshaface]

Emma how in the world did I miss your last update!?!

What an amazing view of Boston from up there. I really wish we had more than one full day when we went. So much to do and see. But it looks like you guys had such a great trip. Thanks for sharing!

Okay...now is there going to be a TR from your Marathon trip??

 

[Dream426]

Love your pictures of Boston. It is a great place to visit. You really got to see it well. Glad you had a great time.

 

[Disneydreaming85]

Hi Emma, it's Catherine, Patrick's (from The AA) fiancée! Just came across your trip report, small world!! Have loved reading it

We're going to WDW and the disney fantasy at end of August, so excited!

We've randomly picked our cabin in pretty much the same location as you stayed in, 8082, so the other side of the ship. Would you recommend this area? Good/bad points?

Thanks!

 

[NOKA06]

I have really enjoyed your TR. Beautiful photos and great journal! Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your trip.

 

[disneybarbie]

You really got to know Boston on this trip. That Freedom Trail walk sounds like a great way to see things (except for having to walk all the way back!) And what a cool July 4th you had! Something you'll always remember, I'm sure. Very patriotic and moving. Loved hearing about it.

Ah, you added the final post as I was commenting!

Great trip! I've enjoyed re-living it along with you.

What an incredible last couple of days! I always watch the Boston Pops celebration on TV on the 4th but it must have been awesome to see it live!

Jill in CO

Bravo - great TR
Loved all the photos from Boston

What a fabulous way to end your trips to the states. I'm glad you got to enjoy such a fabulous 4th of July here in America!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! I can't wait to hear about the next trip you'll plan!

I love all of the quintessential "American" things you guys did in Boston! I've never been there over the 4th, but I've heard the fireworks are amazing!
And I love your outfit for the Red Sox game-- very spirited!

Love your pictures of Boston. It is a great place to visit. You really got to see it well. Glad you had a great time.

I have really enjoyed your TR. Beautiful photos and great journal! Thank you so much for letting us enjoy your trip.

Thank you all for reading along and commenting, it was fun to write about this trip and relive it!

Emma how in the world did I miss your last update!?!

What an amazing view of Boston from up there. I really wish we had more than one full day when we went. So much to do and see. But it looks like you guys had such a great trip. Thanks for sharing!

Okay...now is there going to be a TR from your Marathon trip??

Thanks Lesha - the view from the Prudential was so good, it was nice to be able to piece together all the places we'd visited in the days before!

Last couple of months have flown by but I will try to get on to a January 2014 TR soon!

Hi Emma, it's Catherine, Patrick's (from The AA) fiancée! Just came across your trip report, small world!! Have loved reading it

We're going to WDW and the disney fantasy at end of August, so excited!

We've randomly picked our cabin in pretty much the same location as you stayed in, 8082, so the other side of the ship. Would you recommend this area? Good/bad points?

Thanks!

Hi! Wow that is a 'small world' - nice to hear from you

We really liked having a stateroom on deck 8 - only a few staircases up to the restaurant/pool areas (sometimes the lifts are busy, so we found it easier to walk) ... for our honeymoon, we were on deck 10 and actually found it a bit noisy some nights as we could hear the crew cleaning the restaurant Cabanas above us on deck 11!
I think being that side of the ship won't make very much difference... it's nice to be able to see the docks as you arrive at the ports from your balcony

I hope all is going well with your wedding/honeymoon plans! Which cruise itinerary did you pick?



Emma x

 

[disneybarbie]

Link to new TR if anyone would like to read about the January half marathon trip!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3256814


Emma x