10/30-11/8 - Alyssa's 1st Trip & my 1st Anniversary ASM/TreeHouseVillas/DisneyWonder

[Goldeelox9]

I should have an update in the next day or so!!! Didn't forget about this!!

 

[jaycns]

I know I am way behind...but too adorable! Did you end up doing the special treat we had talked about? Sorry I'm so late!

 

[Goldeelox9]

I did Jay and it was WONDERFUL! I need to finish this report up! I will work on it tonight! SO happy to see you back!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day 4 - November 2, 2009

So I am going to finish this...If only so alyssa has record of her first trip!

Today was out day at Epcot. We didn't rush to get up, we kinda took our time as we were getting more tired as the trip went on.

Alyssa loved the room with the bunk beds.

We got dressed and headed to the boat launch to head up to the main area for Breakfast.

Once we were at the boat launch we only had about a 6 or 7 minute wait for a boat. I loved having the boat option.

We were all hungry so we got in line and got some breakfast. Then we sat and ate. Alyssa loves her SaSa (Sausage) so that is what she had. I think I had a breakfast sandwich.

We hopped on a bus and were at Epcot in no time.

Our first stop was the Charater Conection. Alyssa was loving meeting the characters so much.

Hugs and Kisses all around.

.

This next picture is one of my favorites from the whole trip!

Look at her pirate smile....She did not like being asked to smile so much and started giving us this silly smile. LOL

Donald turned around too fast and banged her little lip with his nose. Poor thing...she was kinda scared of him after that. LOL

Once we were finally out of there an hour or so later...The line was nuts that day...we headed to the Seas with Nemo and Friends. "Dory" is one of ALyssa's favorite movies. So we knew she would like the ride.

She loved it! Pete and I had seen it on our Honeymoon, but it was a first for my sister and her family.

As soon as that ride was over we went to Turtle Talk and walked right in. It was great. So nice and dark and cool....you know the perfect Nap setting...Yup 3 minutes into Turtle Talk and Alyssa was OUT!

We headed over to the Land and my Sister and Brandon threw a fit when the guard told them they couldn't take the stroller in. They didn't understand why. LOL So I offered to sit with sleeping Alyssa and let them go ride soaring. It was like a 60 minute wait. We set up shop on the benches right inside the doors. Pete ran and got us a snack, some fruit and cheese. It was nice to sit and talk.

Alyssa woke up after about an hour or so. We stored the stroller and went down to get her something to eat.

She got Pasta Salad and fruit and a Drink.

When my sister and Brandon came they got a small salad and then we left the Land. We went to ride Figment! So cute.

Alyssa loved the play after the ride.

We stopped for a bathroom break and then hitched a ride on the boat to Moracco.

We saw the beast from afar...

We got snacks in France...Grey Goose and Orange Slushies and the boys got crapes. We got in line to see Aurora. She wasn't out jet, but she was on her way.

While we were waiting in line Laura and Alyssa did some counting...

and some snacking...

Then out came Sleeping Beauty and Alyssa was Beyond excited!!!!

Look the pirate smile is back...LOL Aurora spent atleast 7 or 8 minutes with Alyssa. They talked and had a good time. After it was done and the next kids finally got their turn Alyssa wouldn't let us leave. We had to stand there for 15 minutes and just watch and wave. It was sooo cute!

When we finally drug her away we got in line to meet Marie and while in line we ran into Jenna and Bobby! I was so excited one of my "Disney Birdes" got to meet Alyssa.

I never noticed before, but Marie is cross eyed...LOL

We said good bye to Jenna and Bobby and headed on to the international Gateway. Laura and Brandon and Alyssa had dinner at the Coral Reef while Pete and I were heading to the Yachtmans Steakhouse.

 

[Goldeelox9]

So Laura, Brandon and Alyssa headed back to the Seas with Nemo and Friends Pete and I headed to the Friendship boats.

This was my very first time on the boats in the Epcot area. We fell in love and can not wait to stay at the Boardwalk.

There was a wedding going on....

In the mean time Alyssa was enjoying what she slept through earlier in the day...

Laura and Brandon and ALyssa lucked out and got to sit right next to the glass.

Pete and I enjoyed a great boat ride. We were early so we rode all the way to MGM and then back to the Yacht Club.

We loved the Yacht Club. We wandered around a bit and took some pictures.

We Checked in an had a 5 minute wait for our table. Not bad at all and we were still a few minutes early.

They walk you past a disply of deserts on the way to your table...MMM...Deserts. LOL

Now much to Pete's horror I starting taking pictures at the table. I was very considerate and didn't use a flash. We also had an early reservation so the place was crawling with kids. I didn't feel bad. Pete on the other hand wanted to turn invisiable. LOL

I got Iced tea and this was the set up. I don't use sugar in my tea, but I thought it was cool to see the simple syrup.

The Butter..oh the sea salt made it so good.

The Bread selection was tasty too.

I got the Scallops and Pete got some soup. LOL The Scallops were sooo good. I want some right now.

About this time my sister and Brandon finished dinner and were heading back to the Treehouse.

It got a bit chilly.

Someone was getting sleepy.

 

[Goldeelox9]

Now it was dinner time....

Pete and I both got steak (duh! LOL) I think we both got the Rib Eye. Mine VERY VERY well done and his Medium (Bloody).

We shared an order of Mushroom Risotto. This was so so good!

They had personalized Menu's for us. I thought it was such a sweet touch. We also got some Anniversay Chocolates. MMM they were good!

For Desert I had a Triple chocolate thing....It was really good. The Peanut Butter one was the best. I got two Peanut Butter ones and left off the Coffee one.

Pete had some pie...blah.

We decided to take the boat over to the boardwalk.

We got off at the Swan and Dolphin and Walked over.

We Really fell in Love with the Boardwalk. I want to have pictures taken here next trip.

We stopped and talked to the DVC People. I want to buy in sooo bad. I am mad because if we didn't have bills to pay off and home improvements we could totally have bought in with our tax return and paid in FULL!

After that we went into the store and got some stuff....A shirt and Socks for Alyssa a Car Mickey for me and some pins for Pete.

Then we went to the Candy shop to use some snack credits. We got Alyssa the cutest Dory Cookie that stained her lips blue. We also got some fundge and an Ice Cream Cone to share.

We stopped by the Bakery, but didn't buy anything.

We then walked around inside the Boardwalk and Totally loved it!

Took a few pictures on our way out.

We headed out to get a bus to go to downtown Disney to get the Boat to the Treehouses, but we were too tired and took a cab! LOL

This is what we found when we got back to the cabin. I guess we were not the only ones tired!

 

[Goldeelox9]

I love the Magic Kingdom. It is my Happy Place. I love it as much as my friend Tracy Wui hates it...LOL It is just Magical. I woke up ready to go! Alyssa...Not so much!

We were all feeling lazy and called for a cab to take up to the Magic Kingdom. We should have gotten dropped off at the Poly or the Contemporary, but I wasn't thinking. Look at my Cutie waiting for the Van.

The boys each had a beer (!!!!) before the van got there.

The three Mouseketeers are ready to go!

We had Reservations to eat with a bunch of princesses at 8:00am so we were in the park pretty early!

Alyssa was so excited to see the Castle. She loves it as much as I do!

DOn't you just love when little kids do this...NOT! I hate it and you can't just drop them on the ground. LOL Alyssa knew she had a date with "Cindy" and she was not interested in Pictures.

So we headed to the Castle!

We checked in and realized that our reservations were under both my married and single names. We had to check both names when checking in everywhere.

We got in line to meet the "Main Event" Cinderella. Alyssa ran up and sat down so they could chat. LOL

Then she climbed on Cindy's lap. She was a happy girl.

We headed upstairs and Alyssa stuffed herself with Sausage.

Nw let me say here that we will not be having breakfast with the princesses for a few more trips. The menu has changed and it was no where near as good. It is ALOT of money for what you get, but great service, great breakfast and great princesses have always justified it. This time, not too much! Now don't get me wrong it is AMAZING to be in the castle and awesome for so much face time with the princesses. I can't wait until I have a princess to take.

The Princesses started the rounds.

"No White" was first

Jasmine was next. She mentioned Alyssa's bow so that is what she wanted to talk about. Alyssa was teething and her hands were in her mouth alot. Poor princesses got some drool. LOL

Aurora was here too. This one, not as pretty as Epcots. But she got some hugs!

Belle got a hug too!

After breakfast we headed out to see Dumbo. Alyssa was excited to the ride.

We waited two or three rounds then we were on! Alyssa wanted Pink so we headed that way.

I rode on the dumbo in front of them to take pictures.

Alyssa got a quick diaper change ont he bench and we headed to Peter Pan. The laine was about 5 minutes. Since this is Pete's favorite ride in all of WDW he wanted Alyssa to ride with us. LOL The Line went fast.

 

[Goldeelox9]

We went to Snow White next. Alyssa wasn't scared at all. She likes the witch. LOL

We were pushing right on through Fantasyland. Up Next Winnie the Pooh.

Pete had never ridden Pooh before. He liked it.

We headed over to the Tea Cups and there was no line at all.

It was right around 10am and toon town had just opened. We headed that way. The boys needed a bathroom break.

Since Alyssa is Gigantour and freakishly tall they went to Goofy's Barnstormer. LOL I set up the perfect place to try for a picture.

Alyssa liked it.

We went to Minnie's house. Alyssa had to check the mail first....This is one of my favorites.

I am really sad to hear they are closing Mickey & Minnie's houses. I hope they relocate them.

After that we went to see some princesses again! LOL Can you ever get enough princesses.

Alyssa told Sleeping Beauty all about her Cinderella Shoes..LOL

Isn't it sweet how she is holding Cinderella's hand?

Look at this sweet picture...>I love how she is laughing.

She led Belle to the bench so they could sit. LOL

Another shoe conversation

The boys had to play in the shop.

Look at Pete making fun of Alyssa's Pirate smile. LOL

Snack time. Alyssa had a piece of fudge that she kept calling cake.

Taking a rest on the train...

Then she got silly....

This is the location of one of our wedding pictures....I loved seeing it again and remembering the greatness from a year ago.

Last Year...

It was lunch time...Peco's Bills. This is when Pete informed me he never wants to do regular dining again. He said that it was like being cattle all jammed in. He hated it. LOL He said table services were the only way to go. We all had burgers and luckily got a table with out too much trouble.

 

[praisehisname]

Awesome update! Your pictures are so good; I really need a new camera...

 

[bumblebeeRN]

great trip report!
I get so emotional when I think about disney world, its just such a happy place to be to get away from everyday life.
I am so happy to be going again, and we had the same princesses when we went in nov. to the princess castle for lunch. the menu is yummy, but I agree, you do feel rush rush rush!

 

[Goldeelox9]

We woke up, but didn't rush too much. We were starting to get tired! Today was our Hollywood Studios day. We didn't have a lot planned to do this day as the heat was starting to get to us. I don't know how people do it in the summer or early fall. No Thank you!

We headed to breakfast ... Alyssa looks so tired!

Our little artist was more concerned with drawing pictures instead of eating.

I really enjoyed staying at Saratoga Springs. It was alot of fun! It sure as heack beat the beginning of the trip at the All Star Movies. LOL I am a hotel snob now. The All Stars just don't do it anymore. I really hated the Music when I went in December. That sealed it. From now on if I am in need of a filler night at a value resort it will be the Pop Centry for sure.

We got a bus and headed to the Studios. We arrived before 10 am, so not too bad!

I know there are "Hat Haters" out there, but I personally like it.

Brandon and a fellow Police Officer! So nice to know they are keeping the parks safe. LOL

We headed towards Tower of Terror.

The Christmas Decorations were slowly starting to show up.

Villains in Vouge. Love it. One of my favorite stores!

The Crowds were pretty low today.

Pete and I sat with Alyssa (ok ok we got her an ice cream...LOL) while her mom and dad went on the Tower of Terror.

After they were done we told them to head over to the Rockin Roller Coaster and we took Alyssa to the Beauty and the beat Show.

We got great seats. Alyssa played on the benches waiting for the show to start. I still miss 4 for a Dollar. But the wait wasn't long. Laura and Brandon made it back before the show started.

Alyssa loved the show!

We went to check in for lunch at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. Alyssa had a mini meltdown. She was hot and tired. She fell asleep by the time we made our way over to check in.

We were seated with in 15 minutes. Ahh so nice and cool inside.

We had a great lunch as usual...We love it here. Alyssa woke up while we were all eating so we got her some lunch too.

After Lunch Pete and I did a little shopping while Alyssa enjoyed the Playhouse Disney Show.

Pete and I headed for the bus. We had a special date! It was our 1st Wedding Anniversary and I had cooked up a great Surprise!!!

Alyssa and Laura and Brandon stayed for the parade.

Alyssa is a BIG Pixar Fan!

After the Parade Alyssa, Laura and Brandon headed back to the hotel too. It was just too hot for Alyssa. She was all red in the face. Plus they wanted to see us all dressed and ready to go!

They snapped a picture of the tree on the way out. It's November 4th and the tree was up!

Pete and I were showering and Alyssa came into our room with a sweet card! I love that my soster gets Alyssa to "Sign" all of her cards!

We gave our hugs and kisses and headed out to our taxi! Where were we going? What was the big surprise???

 

[praisehisname]

You can't leave us hanging like that! I wanna know where you're going!

 

[Goldeelox9]

So we were in the Cab (We used alot of Cabs staying at the Tree Houses, but it was soo worth it).....We pulled up to the Grand Floridian and Pete asked me if we were eating at Narcossee's? I told him Nope? He was still wondering.

We went into the Lobby. It is so pretty inside. I love it. We found a seat. Pete asked again what we were doing here and I told him that we were listening to the music.

Then a man in a tux walks up to us and asks if we are Mr. & Mrs. Reese. I told himm yes. He said follow me. Pete looks at me like I am nuts. We follow Howard to the elevator. He puts a key card in and we head upstairs. He leads us out to a balcony to this:

Pete was floored! We take our seats and I tell him all about our Private dinner that I had arranged. I got to hand pick each item on the menu.


Truffle French Toast with Shrimp & Wild Mushrooms

Pretzel Bread served with Soup and Salads

Cheddar Cheese Soup

French Onion Soup

Spinach Salad in Parmesan Bowl with Bacon & Hard Boiled Eggs, and Ranch Dressing

Field Greens Salad in a Parmesan Bowl with Feta Cheese, Cashews, & Citrus Vinaigrette

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast with Mushroom Veloute, Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans.

NY Strip with Red Wine Sauce, Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes, Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms & Asparagus

Special Wishes dessert from bakery & Mini Castle Cake in Cheesecake

Pete was in shock. He had no idea this was an option.

Now this was a TON of food. We ate maybe half and we were there for over 3 hours. We talked and laughed and remembered the wedding. The Butler took his time and was never in the way. He left us alone alot. We did talk to him about being on the private dining team. He has done it for over 20 years and loves it. He told us all about the rich people who stay at the Grand Floridian. He said after 30 days you have to check out and check back in. He also told us about the rich people who come with their nannys and stuff. He was a great guy!

As he brought out desert Wishes started. It was perfect! We had a great view and we snuggled up and enjoyed the show. I didn't tak emany pictures during Wishes at all. I wanted to enjoy my time with my boy!

Once that was over the butler brought me the bill! Holy COw! LOL It was so worth it! Then he gave me a guft from the Grand Floridian. It was a White Chocolate picture of the hotel!

We got him to snap a picture for us and then we headed down to the lobby.

They had just started work on the new marble floor. It is so pretty!

While we were wining and dining Alyssa was having some fun pool time!

Saratoga Springs has a great pool!

By the time we got home Alyssa was sleeping, so was her Mom and Dad. We packed up as much as we could since tomorrow we head to the ship! We were going to go to the pool, but instead I decided I needed one more bath in that amazing bathtub!

 

[not_Joanna_eggs]

Wow Lisa! Your anniversary surprise private dining looks amazing! What a great memory for the two of you! I'm trying to decide if I want to surprise DH with one for our anniversary next year... You may have sold me

Loving the TR!

 

[jaycns]

So happy that your surprise turned out so well! Do you remember your butlers name? How was your french toast with truffles and shrimp? What was your favorite dish?

PS You looked beautiful in your pretty white dress!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Jay, I had requested Howard per your recomendation. He was AMAZING! He told us about his boys and so much fun stuff about the Grand Floridian. He was personable, but not in our face! He remebered you and Stich's birthday! He said he was hoping to see you for your next Birthday Celebration. He was GREAT!

Oh the Truffle French toast was the BEST thing I have ever eaten in my life. It was almost garlic bread tasting, but with creamy sauce and shrimp and differant mushrooms. OMG I want more right now. It was soooo good! That was the one thing we finished every mouthful of!

Thank you again for your guidence! It was an unforgetable night!

Also tha nk you for the compliment on my dress. It was the sundress I wore to dinner the night of our wedding. I thought it was fitting to wear it on our first anniversary!

 

[tinkgurl]

In in! Alyssa is adorable!

Loved seeing pics from the treehouse!

 

[KathyRN137]

Hi Lisa!

I'm so loving your report! I think I'll go back and read your wedding one, too!

We were at Disney that same week... boy was it HOT! And we literally could've bumped into you at the last Villians show at MNSSHP... we were there meeting characters until the very end as well.

I'm looking forward to reading the next phase... your cruise!

Please come back and finish!


Kathy

 

[Goldeelox9]

We were so excited to start the cruise part of our vacation! I was up early and finished packing up any last minute items.

Our taxi was right on time at 9:15am and we headed off to Port Canaveral.

We got to the port around 10:30ish and went right to check in. It was smoth as usual. My sister and I got our rooms switched so that we could be next to each other. Since we booked Cat. 12 rooms we ended up with room assignements on differant ends of the ship. But once they switched us we were cneter ship and right next to each other! Perfect!

While I was taking care of that Alyssa met with some Characters.

She even made Captain Mickey get on his knees. LOL

Mickey left as soon as Alyssa was done her turn.

Someone was sooo sleepy! Must be nice to just nap anywhere huh?

We had to sit and wait maybe 15-20 minutes for our boarding number to be called. It was no where as nice as the No. 2 we got for being a wedding couple last year. I think we were in group 7 or 8.

In no time we were gettin gour pictures taken and heading onto the ship.

We had lunch in Parot Cay. I like it better then the buffet upstairs since they get you your drinks. One less thing to worry about carrying around.

After lunch we walked around a bit and then it was almost 1pm. We headed towards our rooms.

We would have unpacked some but we had no lugagge. Later that night we found our luggage in front of our old cabins. LOL

We had some Castaway Club goodies waiting for us.

Pete and I decided to go up to the deck and hang out for a while.

Pete got a iced coffee drink and we just relaxed. Laura and Brandon came up with Alyssa sleeping in the stroller and we were tossed out of the Cove area. Adults only. I love that Disney enforces this.

We got a table with some DIS cruisers that we met last year on our Disney Wedding Cruise. They are from Maryland too so we talked and visited for a while.

Then it was about time for the life boat drill....oh Joy...so Fun...NOT! It's my least favorite part of the cruise.

Look how much my princess has grown in a year.....

Look who got stuck in the infant life jacket.

LOL...Soo funny!

After the life boat drill Pete and Brandon took the life jackets back to the room and Laura and I went up to save us seats for the sail away show.

 

[Goldeelox9]

So Laura and I secured us seats for the sail away party on deck 10. We wanted Alyssa to be able to see. We got a table and chairs for us all right next to the railing.

We had a few Sail Away Drinks

We just sat and relaxed until the Party started! I LOVE the sail away party!

Alyssa sisn't know what she was waiting for, but kept wanting to look aver the railing.

My Dad adores her!

YAY...It's finally Party Time!!

Alyssa didn't move for like the whole party. She was so interested and captivated! It was so fun to watch her see it all!

The Party was over and we all headed to our Cabins to get ready for dinner.

I took a few pictures on the way!

My Dad and Alyssa loved playing on the top bunk. LOL

Once everyone was done playing and getting dressed we headed down to Dinner. It was in Animators Palate. On the way to dinner we saw Mickey coming up the stairs.

Alyssa ran in for a hug!

Mickey stopped for a second, but then needed to move on. he was heading to have dinner with Minnie. LOL

Dinner was great.

Mushroom Risotto. MMM

I hate that Alyssa has her darn pacifier in her mouth for all of these pictures. But she was so tired and we just wanted to keep her happy and quiet.

Laura's dinner was So tasty.

Until she found a hair in. She told the waiter who calle dthe head chef and the Head waiter over. It was a big ordeal! It cracked me up, Laura was so imbarassed!

Our waiter caught me taking a picture. LOL