17 Days of Wishes Come to Life- A Sept. 08 WDW and DCL Adventure 3/27 new link posted

[jaycns]

Jay!!!!!! After taking some time "off" from reading trip reports and the DIS in general, imagine my surprise when I popped over to the TR board and your report was first on the list!!!!! Yea!!!!!!!!!! I read your trip report last year post by post and it was awesome! Now I'm ready for some more!!!

Since I had been gone, I had no clue that you were even pregnant, let alone had another "prince" for this trip!!! He is adorable (LOVE the pics with Buzz Lightyear!) I also adore the pictures of Aladdin with him - you can tell he adores him!!!

So sorry to hear about all the issues with the room - I can imagine how unnerving that would be after you made completely clear to them the need for it...but I can't wait to hear more about the much more "pixie-dust" times of your trip!!!

So psyched for more chapters!!!!

Hi there!! It's been much too long! Welcome back. Have you seen any "Speed Hump" signs lately? I remember laughing so hard when you posted those last time.

 

[jaycns]

To everyone else...thanks for posting. YES, the room was disgusting (when you really looked) and I was especially worried about Aladdin but in end, I refused to keep my "angry eyes" on (my boys are always repeating the line from the Toy Story movie, "Say hello to Mr. Angry Eyes"). I was at Walt Disney World, I was with those I love most and anger had no productive outcome to be had...so I chose to let it go and embrace everything good about the trip (after it had been corrected). I will continue with the next pixie dust filled day shortly and I do promise to update when/if I hear back from guest relations.

PS Illini4ever, if you had the LONG walk I had had down to the front desk, it probably would have chilled you out to a non finger snapping level too. Something about walking through really LONG halls that look all the same had a calming effect. Sort of like the way looking at a monotonous road while driving seems to make my eyes tired.

 

[tommygirl79]

Hi there!! It's been much too long! Welcome back. Have you seen any "Speed Hump" signs lately? I remember laughing so hard when you posted those last time.

LOL!!!!

YES!!!! I see those signs everytime I head over to DH's office - they have like 20 of them around the complex and I think of you EVERYTIME I see one!!!!!

 

[jaycns]

Day 2...More Exploring!

The next day I went up to the club level and complained about our housekeeping issues there...that was after the head of housekeeping at the WL met me in our room and looked at what I had found with her own eyes. She had no excuse for that having happened and said it would be made right instantly. That as soon as I left they would come in and scour it from top to bottom, change out every fabric everything, and they needed to know when we would be back so they could use a special light that zaps the germs, mold and bacteria in the room (but you cannot be in the room while it is on). My guys had already made there way up to the club lounge for breakfast so I headed up there to meet them. After talking the issue over with the concierge manager, I just let it go. Like I have said before, WDW is no place to wear your angry eyes.

We all had a filling breakfast. Dh had coffee, fresh fruit and a croissant. Aladdin had a croissant, orange juice and cereal with milk. Goofy and Stitch both chose a donut, hot chocolate and cereal with milk. I chose a toasted bagel with cream cheese, a cherry turnover, fresh pineapple and water. I won't list our breakfast choices again but I wanted to include them to show the types of breakfast offerings available in the club lounge. Hopefully that information will help someone.

Sleep had, problems taken care of and stomachs filled we were now ready to get down to having some serious WDW fun!

We started off by once again exploring more of the beautiful WL. The attention they gave to the details scattered throughout the lodge was amazing. And it made checking out the different areas an activity in and of itself. The first pictures are taken on the little bridge over the spring that bubbles up at the rear of the lobby. What a pretty area that is!

On the railroad tracks near the middle of the WCC area of the lobby.

And then we headed outside and took in the wonders that were to be found there.

Then it was time to head for the boat launches and set sail for the Contemporary.

We actually saw that launch pulling away as we walked up, so we jumped on the one heading to the Magic Kingdom instead. We figured a monorail ride once we got to the MK to the CR would be a whole lot of fun. Turns out we were able to snap a few good pictures during our nice boat ride to MK.

Our little guy seemed to be having deep thoughts about something. He had such a studious look about him. It was almost like he was taking in all that WDW had to offer and contemplating it.

One of our family's favorite resorts! The CR!!

A view of the construction of the DVC tower at the CR.

A picture of Aladdin smiling sweetly and begging us to buy into it. If only he knew how badly his mom would like to and how much more badly his dad would not!

This is not a great picture, but it's the first picture of our Little Prince enjoying his first ride on the WDW monorail!

Upon arrival we headed up to our favorite arcade on property (or anywhere else for that matter) and started in on a flurry of gaming. The boys had a whole lot of fun and it was an entertaining way to pass the rest of the morning. Even our Little Prince got into hitting the buttons (he wasn't really playing, but that didn't seem to matter to him ).

After spending our arcade card balances down to zero, we headed over and took a peek in the shops at the CR. I was hoping to find another Disney Precious Moments figurine for our Little Prince like the ones I had purchased for his big brothers the year before. Sadly, I didn't see any that I didn't have already that weren't girls. I did however see a really cute Sorcerer Mickey Mouse with a little boy. I filed that item away into my "maybe buy" brain file and we headed down for our first ever meal at the CR's newest TS place, The Wave.

To be continued...

 

[disneydusted]

Jay, first I want to say that I think you are a wonderful mom! I would have believed the Disney cleaning crew had done their job too. I'm so glad that Aladdin didn't have a terrible reaction and you were able to get him taken care of.
On to Day 2... I love how you guys just take your time and absorb being in Disney (We haven't learned how to do this yet!!! ) Looking forward to your adventures and pictures!!!

 

[GOOFYsince71]

We stayed at the WL from Sept.15 th thru 22nd.We were also on
the 7th floor. Although we enjoyed the Old Faithful club a lot, it
was mainly because after sleeping there the first nite, I had a
severe allergic reaction to the sheets and pillowcases. They smelled
like they had been rinsed in a floral softener, but I didn't think it
would affect me that way. When I told them at the consierge
desk, they assured me that I would have a "special wash" each day
of my stay, and I also trusted them. I don't believe you should have
had to "double check" everything in the room.....You did what anyone
would have.
As for why we enjoyed the Club so much....I got a sinus infection
the 2nd nite we were there, and depended on the hot soup in the
Club Lounge each nite!

 

[hill6]

Let me clarify myself: As a person who suffers from allergies, my first thing to do in any hotel room is to make sure that is ok for me stay in. You as a parent of a child must take that responsibility for your child.

I have had the housekeeping staff in a hotel room on Christmas Eve changing out the entire bedding because of their being down in the bedding. I would have broken out in hives and not been able to breathe if that had not been done.

I am in your son's position and have to take the necessary precautions. I am just highly surprised that one did not take the five minutes to look (you or your husband). I never trust anyone to make sure the room is ok except me. My health, my vacation.

I do think what you found is gross and inexcusable as far as the bedding goes and would have immediately gotten a new bed spread/bedding.

 

[LindaBabe]

Let me clarify myself: As a person who suffers from allergies, my first thing to do in any hotel room is to make sure that is ok for me stay in. You as a parent of a child must take that responsibility for your child.

I have had the housekeeping staff in a hotel room on Christmas Eve changing out the entire bedding because of their being down in the bedding. I would have broken out in hives and not been able to breathe if that had not been done.

I am in your son's position and have to take the necessary precautions. I am just highly surprised that one did not take the five minutes to look (you or your husband). I never trust anyone to make sure the room is ok except me. My health, my vacation.

I do think what you found is gross and inexcusable as far as the bedding goes and would have immediately gotten a new bed spread/bedding.

Next time, Debbie, the old lady (me) suggests you comment a little more gently in the first place. You verbally slapped an exhausted woman who is a much loved around here, and well known to be a wonderful mother to her children. All the explanations in the world will not sooth the sting of your intial post.

 

[anbouk]

Let me clarify myself: As a person who suffers from allergies, my first thing to do in any hotel room is to make sure that is ok for me stay in. You as a parent of a child must take that responsibility for your child.

I have had the housekeeping staff in a hotel room on Christmas Eve changing out the entire bedding because of their being down in the bedding. I would have broken out in hives and not been able to breathe if that had not been done.

I am in your son's position and have to take the necessary precautions. I am just highly surprised that one did not take the five minutes to look (you or your husband). I never trust anyone to make sure the room is ok except me. My health, my vacation.

I do think what you found is gross and inexcusable as far as the bedding goes and would have immediately gotten a new bed spread/bedding.

Ouch!

 

[IluvXU]

After reading about your findings night one I totally agree with how the WL probably won't be your favorite place. I feel that way about O'Hana's now and probably won't be back after issues this summer there.

 

[hill6]

Next time, Debbie, the old lady (me) suggests you comment a little more gently in the first place. You verbally slapped an exhausted woman who is a much loved around here, and well known to be a wonderful mother to her children. All the explanations in the world will not sooth the sting of your intial post.

Sorry if you feel that way. I understand the way the poster feels. I spend half my year just trying to breathe with everyday allergans let alone when I travel somewhere. I have certain foods I cannot eat in the fall because they trigger worse breathing issues due to the molds that are present in the fall. I have been through approximately a dozen years of allergy testing and treatment and now am on a daily regimin to make it managable. If I ate a pickle between now and the first freeze I will turn beet red and practically lose my voice. The reason the molds that are now growing on the leaves that are falling and getting wet. (yes get grossed out that anything that is pickled is a form of mold.)

I trust no one but myself or my family to make sure the room is 100%. That is the number one priority when we travel. I once waited 2 hours to get non feather pillows brought to me at 3 am in the morning because I didn't look before I went out to have fun.

I understand she is a beloved poster but one's family health takes precidence above all else.

If you have to live with this issue, you have to be proactive in making sure you are protected.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I really wish that that everyone here on disboards would realize that this forum is supposed to be a place for sharing and fun. I have only been reading and posting here for a few months, but more and more I am seeing so much negativity that just isn't neccesary.

I recently posted a question asking if anyone knew if there are windows where you can view your children while at the wonderland tea party, because I wasn't thrilled at the thought of leaving my 4 year old. I couldn't believe some of the outrageous comments that I recieved about my judgement as a parent. I never asked for advice nor did I need any. I simply asked for a small bit of info about a lobby window.

When someone posts a trip report, it is for the reading enjoyment of others. I don't think the people who post trip reports or other comments are looking for advice or judgment. They just want to share their experiences with fellow Disney enthusiasts. I really hate to see comments that just shouldn't be posted. Sometimes, it is best to think it and not speak it and just enjoy the ride without feeling the need to express your own opinions. I wish people would go back to the days when we all knew when it was best to hold our tongues.

BTW, I am enjoying reading your trip report so far! Thank you for taking the time to share your vacation!!

 

[tinkermamaof2]

Hill6,
Do you have four children, one of them being an infant? Are you a mother? Are you a mother who has spent months trying to plan the perfect vacation while caring for your rather large family? As a mother I do not always trust everyone, but when I go on holiday and am assured that my special requests will be met I tend to believe management, especially for the high price that a person may be paying, not that someone who pays more should get better service. Disney is a VERY busy holiday, especially with children, mothers tend to get caught up in the excitement of their children. With that being said, Jay was assured that precautions were made, she went on to a busy day with her family, returning to a room, tired, thinking that it had been cleaned specifically for her needs gave her every right to tuck her family into bed and get some much needed rest herself. Do Not Blame Her. If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all. Let this TR go on as it should, we all love it and can't wait to hear more.

Patti

 

[jaycns]

Let me clarify myself: As a person who suffers from allergies, my first thing to do in any hotel room is to make sure that is ok for me stay in. You as a parent of a child must take that responsibility for your child.

I tried to answer your initial post in a tolerant way even though I found it lacking of respect and ill placed. I myself posted that I was the one responsible for my own children in all ways period. You trying to "tell" me that after I posted it is just plain pointless.

I am in your son's position and have to take the necessary precautions. I am just highly surprised that one did not take the five minutes to look (you or your husband). I never trust anyone to make sure the room is ok except me. My health, my vacation.

If you were truly in my son's position two things would be true. First, you would have hidden allergens for the most part and be unable to see them in a five or even fifty minute "looking" period. Second, you would have more tact and respect for others.

I understand she is a beloved poster but one's family health takes precidence above all else.

If you have to live with this issue, you have to be proactive in making sure you are protected.

You are now insinuating that my family's health doesn't come above all else to me and continuing to act as if I am so remiss in my parenting that a stranger on the internet needs to inform me of how to do it correctly. I will not tolerate that in the middle of my own trip report. I find it personally insulting. I invite you to share your judgments of me and my dh in any other forum you like. Talk to your spouse, kids, neighbors and/or second cousins. If you feel the need to discuss it on the internet, start your own thread here on the DIS in an appropriate area. However, please refrain from doing your judging in the middle of my trip report. And if you should so happen to have any further parenting advice you feel my children will be at risk without you sharing with me, please take it to my PM box. I think that a trip report thread is not the right place to discuss perceived parenting deficiencies.

ETA: If everyone could just ignore any further comments on my parenting (myself included) we can continue on our journey through my trip together. I am excited to be able to share all of the happy moments and magic that we encountered while on our last trip. All of this "other" stuff is just a distraction. I hope that nobody is offended by my comments, I promise that this trip report will go forward without any more drama (if I have anything to say about it). Again, I am sorry for stooping instead of rising and I promise to get back to the reason you clicked on this thread to begin with.

 

[tinkermamaof2]

Good for you Jay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patti

 

[momrek06]

Ahhh....JAY JAY...moving on forward!!!!

Kar is awaiting more.....

 

[jaycns]

This was one meal I was a bit nervous about. I hadn't ever seen the restaurant, nor had I read many reviews of it. But, we are a family who likes to try out new things...so we added it to our plans...what a greatchoice that turned out to be! The Wave is one of our new family favorites...it will be a must do from now on. So...with that accolade out of the way, let me tell you a bit about our meal. Oh and let me apologize in advance, my meal pictures from this meal seem to have disappeared. I wonder if dh deleted them in shame. Really, I probably just erased them myself without realizing what I was doing. I have memory lapses sometimes. I plead motherhood as my excuse.

To start with, the Wave is decorated in a very "wavy" fashion. Literally there are waves on the carpet, the walls, even the ceilings. I know it won't be everyone's favorite style, but I totally appreciated it and really liked it.

Aladdin and I chose the same appetizer. We both went with the lump crab cake (pan seared with crispy papaya slaw and balsamic glaze). For the love of all that is good to eat...TRY THESE!

Dh had the avocado & citrus salad, made with local greens and orange vinaigrette. He loved every bite. I could tell that because he didn't leave even one bite on his plate.

Goofy had the yogurt parfait to start and Stitch chose the green apple slices.

We were all happy with our selections. Our main courses were just as pleasing.

Dh and Aladdin had the Angus chuck bacon cheeseburger which was served on a multi grain roll with roasted potato wedges.

Goofy was allowed to order off of the menu and have a child size portion of their fish of the day (wild caught salmon).

Stitch had the chicken pizza (without the chicken).

I chose the Mediterranean tuna salad - herb-crusted seared ahi tuna with green beans, potatoes, roasted red peppers, and olive toast. It was great!! DELISH!!

And dessert. OH MY the desserts!! What do you think people would have thought of an entire family licking there plates?! That thought crossed each of our minds. Too bad they don't have a plate licking smilie for me to post.

The entire family (except for me) had the vanilla gellato. It was absolutely a bowl of frozen vanilla perfection! I admit, I stole a bite from each of them.

I chose the Crispy and Crunchy - Vanilla-braised Pineapple spears, Almond-pineapple-raisin "Baklava", or Zucchini-carrot cake with vanilla panna cotta. I really think this dessert hits all of my favorite flavor notes and then some. Especially the baklava. It was light and crispy and rich and just melted in my mouth!

After lunch we sat at the table talking and came to the decision that we would *gasp* cancel our California Grill reservation for later in the week and replace it with a dinner at the Wave! It was that good!

As we left the CR we stopped to take some pictures.

I especially adore this one. It's one of my favorite shots of all of my guys.

And here are the two middle boys. You can see the Mickey Mouse stuffed animal the boys combined their tickets to get at the arcade shoved down in between the two of them.

And back to the WL!

At this point we went back up to our room and Aladdin and Stitch had a big surprise. We had ordered a Mickey head unbirthday cake for them. We have always celebrated Goofy's birthday at WDW (even his very first was on a Disney cruise) so I wanted to bring a little bit of that special feeling to the other boys. The reason our Little Prince didn't get to join in is that he hasn't yet had a birthday and I want his first birthday celebration of any sort to be his first birthday. That sure is a mouthful! Anyway, the concierge set it up in our room while we were gone (they had to pick it up from another resort) and it was such a welcome surprise. It is now I have some sad news, I seem to have misplaced the pictures from that moment. I don't know what I did with them. I remember taking them. I cannot even blame dh this time, I didn't let him do anything with the pictures this trip because he had erased so many by accident last trip. The boys were SO happy! All of them. I am still hopeful that I will find the memory card with the photos on it (maybe that's where the Wave's pictures have gone as well)and when I do, I will post them.

Following our private party in our now clean and sanitized room we headed down to the WL pool.

Up next...POOL TIME!

To be continued...

 

[Figment's Friend]

Loved reading (and seeing!) your morning exploration at the Wilderness Lodge! Your kids are darling I don't blame Aladdin for trying to 'sweeten-up' you guys for buying into DVC.....

I didn't realize your family dined at The Wave this trip, looking forward to hearing about it because I know nothing!

Oops, looks like we posted at the same time! Going back and reading your next installment....

I know The Wave must have been amazing for you to have canceled a reservation at California Grill! The photo of all of your guys on the Mickey sign is perfect! That one should definitely go in a picture frame!

 

[LindaBabe]

Oh how YUMMY sounding! I guess we do have to try the WAVE. If you'd give up the Cali grill for it, it must have been truly special.

That photo of the boys around the Mickey is wonderful! If only you were in it, too, I'd print it off and add it to my 'gallery' of family photos. Can't WAIT for your next installment!

 

[disneydusted]

Wow!! Another installment! You are fast!
I hope you can find those pictures of the Wave and the unbirthday party.
The picture of all your guys at the Mickey head looks familiar. Did you do this pose last time? It would be fun to pose there each time you go to see the changes. But now thinking about it I'll bet this is what you are doing!