1st Trip (of many!) as Mr. & Mrs.--the TR-- UPDATE 9/9: Life Update--We're Moving!!

[LilAnn]

Another fantastic update! My hubby and I LovE Kona and plan on eating there again next time we go (which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!). We had to stop ourselves from eating too much of that bread and butter, but I think we still made it through 2 loaves! You have some wonderful pictures in your updates! Thanks so much for letting us along for the ride. It definitely makes me want to go back soon....we just have to decide on a resort.....

Happy Holidays to you and the hubby!

 

[tinkgurl]

Oh wow, this was a great update girl!

Love the pic of you guys in the lobby!

Ugh, I hate the stupid bag check lines. Some people don't have their bags ready to be checked when it's their turn and that's so annoying! Glad they didn't care you were a bit late at Kona!

Yay, you got a Lapu Lapu!

Yum, your food looks good too!

Love the pic of you guys on the dock!

Ahhh..isn't sunset at WDW just so nice?!

Yay, I'm so glad you liked the TTA (aka People Mover)!

Wow, I love that pic of Tink flying out during Wishes! What a great different view of her!

 

[Dancegrl624]

What a wonderful update! We were supposed to eat breakfast at Kona in June, but when CM had an opening, we switched it. I will try the tonga toast someday! It looks like you had a fantastic evening. Your pictures are always so beautiful. BTMRR is a blast at night and I'm so glad you got to ride it then. How awesome to be on Dumbo when Wishes started! That must have been spectacular! Dumbo was always a first thing in the morning ride for us, but I'd love to try it at night.

 

[princess_momma]

Staci!! What another great update!! Wow, Kona sounds delicious. I was actually leaning towards breakfast there, but now I'm torn between breakfast or dinner again! I may have to do both!! The Poly really is gorgeous!! I'd love to stay there someday!! The pictures you have with the tiki man are so cute!! I love how silly you guys are, its great!! You guys always have the best pictures.

I love all the pics of the sunset around MK!! How beautiful. You were really able to capture the light and make it look so beautiful!! I bet Dumbo was great and a whole other experience at night! It was the first one we went on in the morning. What a great technique to go on during Wishes!! I'll have to remember that!! I'll bet it was magical being on there during Wishes!!

I can't wait for more!! I hope you have a super, amazingly fantastic, insanely incredible magical Christmas!!

 

[blabbermouth]

Great update... that food looked really good!

Hope you two had a fabulous Christmas... and look forward to hearing more soon.

 

[Queila]

Wow... what a wonderful way to end a wonderful day. I had never thought how beautiful riding Dumbo at night could be. That is a great tip.

And talking about things I learn when I read your TR, I wanted to thank you for mentioning the DVC points in your first post. I had never heard about it and thanks to you now we switched from All Star Sports to .... guess what.... AKL!!!!

Never in a million years I thought I would ever be able to stay there and now we will so ... merci beaucoup!

Q

 

[stacikristine]

You guys are seriously the cutest couple! I love reading your trip report, I can tell how much fun you had and that you enjoyed everything, all the little things included.
I can't wait to hear the rest.

Aw--thank you so much!! We had an absolute blast together. We always do! I think that's what we love most--the little things--it seems like they really make the vacation! I'll have more soon!

I'm so excited to see another update from you. I totally missed reading about you guys. I had no clue you had to go through bag check to go on the monorail. I don't remember ever having to do that but I've just been totally out of it for the past couple days so I probably just forgot about it. It must have been so magical to be on Dumbo as Wishes was going on. Like Dumbo is such a fun little ride and it totally describes Disney so it must have been awesome to do that.

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Thanks! Sorry--I missed writing for yall too! Yeah, the bag check at Epcot thing was a huge waste of time--but we'll know for next time! It was so, so great to be on Dumbo then!!

Fabulous update!! I was missing reading yours. You & Michael are just too dang cute together!!

On our honeymoon, we watched Wishes from Fantasyland, and it's different not seeing it the way it's intended from in front of the castle, but great nonetheless.

Your pictures of the Poly are great!! Now I wish we had stopped at that resort to check it out. But I had seen people's pictures from the photopass photo sessions and didn't think it looked all that spectacular. They must do those photo sessions at a not so great spot.

As always, looking forward to the next update.

Thanks so much! I need to catch up on everyone else's now! I have a lot to keep me busy now! Aw--thank you! It's really different, but it's neat in it's own way. It's like you have your own little private show. You need to check out the Poly next time!! I don't know where they take the photopass ones...but the actual resort is gorgeous!! I'll have the next one in the next few days--hopefully today!!

Well I for one forgive you...that update was thoroughly worth the wait!

You really captured in both your photos and emotions the essence of so many of my favourites at the Poly and MK in this post - what a truly enjoyable read!

What a fantastic end to your day. I am so glad you loved Kona (you *must* try it for breakfast next time -it is my favourite breakfast spot in all of WDW!)

BTW - were the photos you got taken at the Poly part of the phoot shoot package that you pay for, or were these just some spontaneous regular photopass shots?

You got so many great shots of the 2 of you that nite! And my favourite (like you) is the b&w one that it looks like you took yourselves on the dock of the Poly.

Can't wait for more!

PS - I certainly hope that you will consider sharing the video your DH made at the end of your trip report. I would absolutely love to see it!

Thanks!! I hope I at least partially redeemed myself! Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading about/seeing so many of your favorites! I've heard Kona breakfast is out of this world--next time we might have to try it for breakfast and dinner! All of the Poly pictures were just ones we took ourselves. They weren't Photopass ones at all. I actually didn't even see the Photopass guy...I wish I would have, though! We took them ourselves or of each other (except for the man that offered to take one at the crazy guy statue). Thank you! I loved those pictures. I'll hopefully have more soon! I would absolutely love to share the video, but it's over an hour long--I don't think Photobucket could even upload that... Any suggestions?

LOVE IT!! Kona looks amazing. The food looked so delish! Especially the butter. How unique!? MK at night is really amazing. We have only been on Main Street at night, so I am dying to ride rides and walk around at night. Your pics captured how great it is I would love for my DH to get more into making camera CDs like yours! His Dad made us one of our last trip and we watch it all the time. I am going to tell him that your DH does it so maybe it will make him want to. Cant wait to hear about your TOUR!

Thanks Katie! Oh my goodness, Kona is incredible!! The butter was so different, but soooo good! Aw--you and your family will love MK at night. It's just a whole different feel. Now that your kiddos are older, they'll be able to enjoy it more, I'm sure. We watch ours all the time too! I just love it. Hopefully you can talk your DH into making one this year AAHH! The tour was SOOO great--one of our favorite things about the trip!!

I had a Lapu Lapu when we went to Ohana! Everybody was toasting and I had to use both hands to hold that sucker up! I thought it was really good. I thought it was rum though, not vodka? I don't remember!

I looooove BTMRR at night. So much fun! Maybe I was the one who told you to go on it at night! It's a different experience at night. Joe and I always make sure we ride it once during the day and again at night.

Awesome end to the day!

The Lapu Lapu is HUGE!!! I couldn't believe how heavy it was!! Maybe it was rum...I don't remember.... All I know was that it was way too strong for me! I think you were the one who was telling me to ride BTMRR at night and during the day! We loved it. It was such a different ride... Thanks--it was such a great day!

 

[stacikristine]

Your dinner/MK evening looked wonderful! Kona looks amazing! I'm sorry you didn't like your Lapu Lapu. I wanted one so badly but I got sick while we were there and had to take an antibiotic. I follow all rules while on antibiotics so no alcohol for me all trip! I can't wait to hear about the Keys to the Kingdom tour. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and New Years!!!!

Oh, my goodness--It was SO good! It's ok--I've just realized that there are very few drinks that I actually do like... Aw, sorry you couldn't even try one! Hopefully next time! The tour was FANTASTIC! Thank you so much! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and have an incredible New Years!!

Another fantastic update! My hubby and I LovE Kona and plan on eating there again next time we go (which will hopefully be sooner rather than later!). We had to stop ourselves from eating too much of that bread and butter, but I think we still made it through 2 loaves! You have some wonderful pictures in your updates! Thanks so much for letting us along for the ride. It definitely makes me want to go back soon....we just have to decide on a resort.....

Happy Holidays to you and the hubby!

Thank you so much! Isn't Kona just incredible?! We were so, so pleased! Haha--I think we completely finished one and started on the next! It was just too good! Woo-Hoo for hopefully going back soon!!! That's awesome. You're so welcome--Thank you for reading along. It's be so much fun writing for everyone. Thank you very much! I hope you and your family had/will have a wonderful holiday season as well!

Oh wow, this was a great update girl!

Love the pic of you guys in the lobby!

Ugh, I hate the stupid bag check lines. Some people don't have their bags ready to be checked when it's their turn and that's so annoying! Glad they didn't care you were a bit late at Kona!

Yay, you got a Lapu Lapu!

Yum, your food looks good too!

Love the pic of you guys on the dock!

Ahhh..isn't sunset at WDW just so nice?!

Yay, I'm so glad you liked the TTA (aka People Mover)!

Wow, I love that pic of Tink flying out during Wishes! What a great different view of her!

Thanks Tink! I'm so glad that he was in the lobby taking pictures--the ones we took another night were even better. I know--wouldn't everyone know that if they're in the bag check line, they should get their bag ready to be checked?! Oh well... I'm so glad they were ok with us being late! We could have missed out on our favorite meal! I'm so glad I tried a Lapu Lapu--even if it was strong for me. At least I can say I tried it! And the food was so, so good! Thank you--I really like that one too! I don't know what it is, but even the sunsets seem prettier at WDW. The TTA was a great, relaxing break! I loved seeing the MK from up there... I'm so glad she was flying that night--it was great seeing her from that angle!

What a wonderful update! We were supposed to eat breakfast at Kona in June, but when CM had an opening, we switched it. I will try the tonga toast someday! It looks like you had a fantastic evening. Your pictures are always so beautiful. BTMRR is a blast at night and I'm so glad you got to ride it then. How awesome to be on Dumbo when Wishes started! That must have been spectacular! Dumbo was always a first thing in the morning ride for us, but I'd love to try it at night.

Thanks Meghan! I still want to try Kona for breakfast... I'm sure Maddie liked CM more than she would have liked Kona--and there's always next time! Our evening was fantastic. We had such a great time! Thank you! I love taking pictures! We liked both rides on BTMRR--they were so different. It was!! We were so excited when we realized we'd still be on Dumbo when it started! You should try it--and I'd love to try it in the morning!!

Staci!! What another great update!! Wow, Kona sounds delicious. I was actually leaning towards breakfast there, but now I'm torn between breakfast or dinner again! I may have to do both!! The Poly really is gorgeous!! I'd love to stay there someday!! The pictures you have with the tiki man are so cute!! I love how silly you guys are, its great!! You guys always have the best pictures.

I love all the pics of the sunset around MK!! How beautiful. You were really able to capture the light and make it look so beautiful!! I bet Dumbo was great and a whole other experience at night! It was the first one we went on in the morning. What a great technique to go on during Wishes!! I'll have to remember that!! I'll bet it was magical being on there during Wishes!!

I can't wait for more!! I hope you have a super, amazingly fantastic, insanely incredible magical Christmas!!

Hey Kimmy! Thanks!! Oh, goodness. The dinner is fantastic. I think next time we're going to try to go for breakfast and dinner! I'd love to stay there too--too bad they don't have DVC. I think that'll be the only way we could swing it. Haha! Thanks--we're goofy! But it's fun! Thank you!! We like taking not-so-normal pics...they're more entertaining! Thank you! I like all of those pictures too. It was easy to capture it because it was just gorgeous! I want to try Dumbo during the day--we'll have to next time! It was so, so neat to be riding it during Wishes! It was like one of those TV things--riding the iconic ride, and watching the fireworks... I'll hopefully have more soon! Thank you!!! I'm so glad your Christmas was fantastic and WHITE (can't wait to hear all about it!!) and I hope you and your family have an INCREDIBLE New Year's!!

Great update... that food looked really good!

Hope you two had a fabulous Christmas... and look forward to hearing more soon.

Thank you!! It was fantastic! Thank you so much--we did! I hope you and yours did as well! I'll hopefully have more in the next couple of days!

Wow... what a wonderful way to end a wonderful day. I had never thought how beautiful riding Dumbo at night could be. That is a great tip.

And talking about things I learn when I read your TR, I wanted to thank you for mentioning the DVC points in your first post. I had never heard about it and thanks to you now we switched from All Star Sports to .... guess what.... AKL!!!!

Never in a million years I thought I would ever be able to stay there and now we will so ... merci beaucoup!

Q

Hi Queila! Thank you--it was a perfect ending! You're welcome--we weren't necessarily planning on riding it during Wishes--it just worked that way! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAAY!!!!!! I'm so glad you're going to be able to stay at AKL now!!! You're going to absolutely love it. There's no way we could have known about it either. It's seriously the best kept secret. I don't see us ever going back to WDW and not renting points. I'm so glad you're going to be able to experience it too!

 

[Bridora]

What a great update! I loved your pictures of the Polynesian.....it is so peaceful there. And Kona--Yum! You are making me want to get an ADR there for our May trip....Dumbo during Wishes sounds Magical. Too bad the Laugh Floor was closed--I like it. Can't wait for another update!!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I'm new and late to your TR . Whew! I just read the whole trip report so far and wanted to leave my comments

You guys are the cutest couple ever! What a fantastic trip and it makes me smile just reading it. I hope you and Michael have a very happy New Year and I can't wait to read more!!

 

[praisehisname]

Your photo session turned out some great shots!

Never had one of these yet...

I could go on and on and on and on (and Michael could too) about how great our meals were. It was just fantastic.

That's great that you loved your meal and were glad you kept the ressie!

So pretty!

It sure doesn't look like Michael is serious about the game!

Sounds like you two had an absolutely wonderful evening in Magic Kingdom!

 

[irishdancer86]

just came across the photo of the entrance to disney and got that warm fuzzy feeling!!! loving your trip report, hope our trip in july will be as funfilled!!!

 

[irishdancer86]

so started this morning and am now up to date with your really cool trip report!!! has definitely cheered me up and diverted me from my financial accounting case study! so on board for the next installment...

also from the UK, I would love to meet you and your hu8sband on holiday, you seem what the irish would call really good 'craic'!

 

[stacikristine]

What a great update! I loved your pictures of the Polynesian.....it is so peaceful there. And Kona--Yum! You are making me want to get an ADR there for our May trip....Dumbo during Wishes sounds Magical. Too bad the Laugh Floor was closed--I like it. Can't wait for another update!!

Thanks so much! Oh, the Poly was just gorgeous. We loved it there! If you get one, you won't regret it! I would go right now if I could!! We didn't plan to be on Dumbo during Wishes, but I'm so glad it worked out that way!! I'll post another update tomorrow hopefully!

I'm new and late to your TR . Whew! I just read the whole trip report so far and wanted to leave my comments

You guys are the cutest couple ever! What a fantastic trip and it makes me smile just reading it. I hope you and Michael have a very happy New Year and I can't wait to read more!!

Hi! Thank you so much for reading! Aw--thank you so much! That's so sweet. We have a ton of fun together. Thank you! We had a wonderful start to the New Year--I hope yours is wonderful too!

Your photo session turned out some great shots!

Never had one of these yet...

That's great that you loved your meal and were glad you kept the ressie!

So pretty!

It sure doesn't look like Michael is serious about the game!

Sounds like you two had an absolutely wonderful evening in Magic Kingdom!

Thanks for all the comments, Denise! I'm so glad that the Photopass Photographer was set up in the lobby! It made it easier to get non-humidity hair pics! You need to try a Lapu Lapu--I'm just a wimp--but most people love it!! It was by far our favorite meal of the trip! Thank you--the sun was just gorgeous on the buildings. haha--he was SO into it!! It was fantastic. We loved every minute of it!

just came across the photo of the entrance to disney and got that warm fuzzy feeling!!! loving your trip report, hope our trip in july will be as funfilled!!!

Hi! Thank you so much for reading! Isn't that entrance just so wonderful? You can just feel the excitement so much as you finally see it! Thank you--I'm having a lot of fun writing it and re-living everything. I'm sure your trip will be fantastic!!

so started this morning and am now up to date with your really cool trip report!!! has definitely cheered me up and diverted me from my financial accounting case study! so on board for the next installment...

also from the UK, I would love to meet you and your hu8sband on holiday, you seem what the irish would call really good 'craic'!

Wow! You read a lot! I'm glad it could help cheer you up! I'll hopefully have the next installment tomorrow. That's so neat that you're from the UK! We had a lot of fun meeting our new UK friends on the bus. Michael and I have always wanted to visit the UK. Hopefully someday! Haha--thanks!! I've never been called craic before!

 

[stacikristine]

First of all, I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Years!! It’s hard to believe that it’s already a week into 2010. Thank you again for reading along as I re-cap our Disney Trip! It means so much to me to know that I have friends here on the DIS who are excited about Disney, and who love to share in each other’s adventures. I really do consider you all friends!




Now, back to the trip! When I last left you, we had just finished a wonderful day at the Magic Kingdom. We’d accomplished more than we thought possible in just a few hours, rode SeaRaycers, at the most incredible meal of our trip, and rode Dumbo while Wishes was starting! It’d been a fabulous day!



This morning, Thursday, September 24, Day 5 of our trip, was perhaps the day we were most looking forward to. Why? Because we were going to take the Keys to the Kingdom Tour that morning!!!

As many of you know, this was a later addition to our trip. We knew we wanted to do something extra-special, but we didn’t have a clue what that could be. One evening, I was reading one of my Disney Planning Books, and I came to the tours. I mentioned them to Michael, and we decided that we definitely wanted to try one—the only question was which one… After reading about them in two different books, and reading up on the on the internet, we finally decided that the Keys to the Kingdom Tour was the one for us!

I went ahead and called to reserve our spot, and they had spots available for the exact day/time we wanted! If you were with me during my PTR, you know that we were originally planning on sleeping in and then heading to the World Showcase at 11:00 that day. Well, we were more than willing to sacrifice a little sleep for an amazing tour!

I showed him jenjolt’s TR where she talked about the KTTK tour, and we were both so excited! I think at one time we both said something to the effect of “I don’t want you to think I’m a complete nerd, but this might be the thing I’m most excited about!” You see, we’re both closet nerds—we really, really enjoy things like this (and One Man’s Dream, as you already know).



So needless to say, when our alarm went off at 7:13 to something from Snow White (Michael thought it’d be funny since I can’t stand her voice! ), I didn’t even care about the song! We were ready to get up and get going!!


Since Michael finished getting ready before me, he went down to the Mara to use an extra CS meal we had for a breakfast platter. It was very yummy, according to him. I had what became the usual: half of a bagel at the bus stop.


We were out of our room by 7:40, and when we got to the bus stop, there was a bus waiting for us! We arrived at the MK at 8:10, which worked out perfectly, since we needed to check in for the tour by 8:15. I’d been hoping that this would be a chance for us to get some empty Magic Kingdom shots, but since it was an EMH, we didn’t even bother getting there earlier for pictures. Besides, we were too excited for our tour!


When we got to City Hall, where we checked in, we were greeted cheerily, given nametags, lanyards, and water, and asked to fill out our lunch choices (Lunch at Columbia Harbor House is included in the price of the tour). Speaking of prices, we were also given a 15% discount at the time of our booking for being “DVC Members”—since we were renting points. The perks of renting we SO great!

PS. Can you see how tired we looked?? We didn’t feel tired because we were so excited, but we sure looked it!


Anyway, after we filled out what we wanted for lunch, we started visiting with a few people who were going to be on the tour with us. The man we hit it off with the most was there with his family, but he had decided to take the tour by himself. They’d been to Disney World countless times, and he wanted to try something new this time. It was fun meeting everyone and learning their different reasons for why they wanted to go on the KTTK tour.


Before long, we were given our headpieces (so that our tour guide could just speak in a normal voice, and we could all hear him) and introduced to our tour guide. Our tour guide was named Brick, and he was incredible!!

He had been a Cast Member for around 15 years, and he’d been in multiple roles as a Cast Member. He’d been “friends” with some characters, worked as a puppeteer, driven floats, and been a tour guide, among other things. If anyone knew about Disney World, it was Brick! He was also very witty, and we loved having him as our tour guide!



I don’t want to give anything away because 1) we promised we wouldn’t tell the “secrets”, and 2) I want you to experience this amazing tour for yourselves! But I will share different non-secret things about the tour and our experiences.



We started our tour on Main Street, USA, and he told us different things about the park and Main Street, in particular. As we walked down Main Street, we were taught different things (via our headsets and Brick stopping our group to point something out) that we never would have known had it not been for the tour. Little tidbits of information were given to us all during the tour. It was SO neat!


Sometimes we’d stop and sit somewhere so that he could tell us about Walt or Mickey or Disney World. Other times, we’d just walk around learning new things. Whatever we were doing, though, was very interesting! He took us to different buildings and told us different facts (like why it was built the way it was) or showed us a hidden tribute to Walt or Roy on the building. Brick was also very, very good about answering questions! Sometimes he’d answer it right away, and other times he’d make up something “kid friendly” and then tell us the real answer when we were “backstage”. It was amazing to be able to learn about the magic behind the magic.



During our tour, we went on the Jungle Cruise, but instead of the original Skipper showing us around, Brick told us some of the not-so-known facts about the ride and about Walt.

Here you can see on of the headsets:

I love all of the detail that goes into this ride! (Oh—and let me note here that no cameras were allowed during a lot of the tour, but we could take pictures of things like this)

So Jungle Book-esque!

Sorry this one is blurry, but I love this part of the ride!

Hehe. The water’s backside!

Bye, Mr. Name (Nah-Mee)!

Continued

 

[stacikristine]

Continued from previous




It seemed like everywhere we went, Brick was pointing out different things, and giving us more information. It really helped us to appreciate Walt and Roy Disney, and Walt Disney World even more!


We also went through the servant’s quarters of the Haunted Mansion and got to ride it with Brick explaining different things (via our headsets) during the ride. Talk about interesting!!



He pointed out the lamps hanging from the Liberty Tree and explained their meaning

And then we went into the Hall of the Presidents (we didn’t watch it, he just talked about it a little bit)

I love this part of the queue area! It reminds me of the Smithsonian—the Presidents’ wives’ dresses were one of my favorite displays there!

We also went “backstage” at different times during our tour. It was amazing to see how things really work at Disney World. I left with even more respect for the company, the parks, and the people behind the magic!



Before long, it was time to eat lunch—our tour was almost over!

We each had the Chicken and Fish basket

When we got there, these were pinned to our placeholders!

After a relaxing lunch and visiting with another couple that we were paired with at the table, it was time to finish our tour. Brick talked to us about a few more things “onstage” (and I snapped a few more pictures)

(Michael was SO intrigued by this man! He videoed him for a long time…)


And then it was time to go “backstage” again—but this time to the Underground Tunnels!!! It was amazing to be underneath the Magic Kingdom, and learn even more about the workings of Walt Disney World. Brick did such an amazing job, and we wouldn’t trade that time for anything! After Brick answered any other questions we had, it was time to hand over our headsets and lanyards—the tour was over. But we were so, so thankful that we were able to do this incredible tour! We left with a much greater knowledge of and appreciation for Walt Disney World and all of the people who were and are a part of making it so magical.





Up Next:

More at the Magic Kingdom
The Magic keeps on coming!!
The best drink of the trip

 

[jenjolt]

Oh I'm so glad you loved the KTTK tour!! It was the best part of my January solo trip! I had one of the most amazing tour guides and I learned so much and I would gladly go again!! Loved your pictures and I'm glad you and Michael had such a great time!!!

 

[jenny105]

Joe and I really have to do this tour the next time we are in Disney! Probably not the trip in Feb because it's so close but definitely the next time. I think it would be something we would both really enjoy, especially Joe. Did you see any characters without their heads in the underground tunnels??

 

[Queila]

As usual, great post.

The tour sounds amazing and I would love to be able to do it someday but I guess it will have to wait. Can't really do it with a two year old, can I?

And by the way, you guys did not look tired at all. I guess the adrenaline just kept you going. There is just too much to see and to do at WDW ... sleeping is simply not a priority.



Q

 

[praisehisname]

The KTTK tour sounds so cool! You did an amazing job of conveying how awesome it was without giving away any secrets!