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

[LilAnn]

Hi Staci! That was a great update - you were so honest on all of your opinions. As always, you had some great PP shots.

We are trying Boma for the first time this trip. We debated for a long time about that ADR but it was more a debate between Boma and Sanaa. We figured that the buffet would offer more choices for all of us, particularly good for the little munchkin. I do have to say that the food pics look good, though. However, we love ginger, probably since we're asian so I hope we'll like the food. The environment looks awesome though.

I agree with you about Fantastmic. We loved the show when we saw it, but I don't feel the need to see it every trip like I do with Wishes. I always get so emotional - just so happy, when I see Wishes. Plus I hate that you have to sit there for an hour before the show during peak times. But it was great to see once and we'll see it again when Lily gets older.

Sad to see that your trip is coming to an end. I'll go into Staci pic withdrawal!

 

[pinkpixie0920]

Hey Stacy! Sorry you had a frustrating end to your last night. I think the buses should run for at least an hour after the parks close. I think you would love the Beach Clubs! Honestly after staying there I don't want to stay anywhere else and was very upset when they were booked for our up coming trip. I loved all of your pictures from OMD, that is one of my favorite things in all of Disney World. I could learn about Walt Disney all day. We didn't see Fantasmic this trip but did in Oct 2006. I liked the show but hated the crowds especially leaving. This was all pre Disboards so I had no clue to sit at the top. So it took forever to get out of there. I can't wait to read about your last day but am also said this is almost over

 

[stacikristine]

Awesome update!
I'm so sorry Boma wasn't that good. We were supposed to eat there but ending up canceling, so maybe next trip...
And I totally know what you mean about feeling like cattle at some of the rides/shows! Just go ahead and brand us while you're at it!
The Boardwalk is a really cool place, but after 10 may have been a little late. Once it gets dark, there are tons of games, performers, etc and really a lot of fun! I enjoyed staying there cause of the theme and the location. So tell Michael it really is nice!
Can't wait to read more!!

Thanks Amanda! Yeah, we were disappointed too. I mean, the atmosphere was wonderful, and all of the variety was great. It just didn't click with us like it does with a lot of people. I think you should try it at least once, since so many people LOVE it. Who knows, you might really like it! Haha--YES. I was just waiting to be stuck with a cattle poker thing! I should have researched when to go better. I just assumed it'd be like DTD and have tons of stuff well into the night. I want to at least give it another visiting chance! I'll tell Michael that you really enjoy it!

Yum! Zebra domes! I'm so glad you had a fun waiter. It's rare to find some good CM's there these days.

One Man's Dream! I always take forever in there. Okay, I'm glad you cried during the movie too. Now I don't feel alone.

I know lots of people probably don't agree with us, but I've never really liked the Boardwalk either.

Ugh, that stinks you just missed the bus!

Those things were RICH! But the little bite I had was good. Yes, our waiter was really good. We were really lucky to get great waiters at every restaurant during our trip! I think we could have spent half a day in there just looking at everything! Yay--I feel better that you cried too! I want to give it one more try (earlier in the evening), but what we saw didn't impress us. I know! It was soooo frustrating. But it all worked out in the end. And we got back quicker than if the bus would have still been running.

Awww!! Great update! I do have to say though I think you're the twin I never knew I had! I tried Boma a few years ago (being a super non-picky, try anything once kind of person) and I couldn't find anything I really liked . I ended up eating mainly off of the kid's buffet. There was something I didn't like in most of the dishes (almost like a strange sweetness or something). Just wasn't my cup of tea.

One Man's Dream is one of my favorite things in all of WDW. I could spend hours in there. My fear is they may take it away someday as when I go in there's hardly anyone else in there. I always watch the video and it always makes me cry! There's just something so inspirational and endearing about Walt. I've read a few biographies on him and I love that almost everything he did was to learn and grow and to be better and use (and improve) his talents, it was like he was never concerned with making huge profits or getting money out of people.

I do like the Great Movie Ride though, just something so cheesy about it .

I could take or leave Fantasmic too. I've seen it a couple of times and I find it just very oddly put together and am turned off by the HUGE crowds going in and out. But different strokes

I also agree about the Boardwalk. We had allotted a night to go and check it out and after about 15 minutes we were done. I think they could do so much more with this area. (Although I did find one of my favorite things that night as we walked around to the Beach Club and got ice cream from the to-go window at Beaches and Cream [they stay open pretty late] and sat at tables and chairs next to the water )

Yikes about having to get a cab! I'm glad it worked out though.

Aw, thanks so much! Haha--it sounds like we are Disney twins! Yeah, maybe it was the strange spicy sweetness that I didn't like. All I know is that there was something in almost all of the dishes. I LOVED the hummus and couscous though. And the pineapple cheesecake!

I hope that they never, ever get rid of OMD either! I don't think they will, though, since it's practically the only thing in all of the parks that is completely dedicated to Walt. I know--I love that it was never about the money. It was about learning more and sharing his gifts with others. Michael and I were talking this morning about him. I told him that when we go to CA (who knows when that will be...), I want to go to the Walt Disney museum. It's like OMD on steroids!

I think I could have handled the Great Movie Ride if it wasn't so long. Yeah, that's a good way to put it--Fantasmic is oddly put together. We might see it again if we ever go on a big family trip and our parents want to see it or something, but it's not something we really want to do again.

Oh wow. I wish now that we'd walked over to the Beach Club. I'll add it to my ever-growing "next time" list! That sounds so great. Especially since we would have had to call a cab anyway!

The Boardwalk is great to go to earlier in the evening. On my 2002 and 2006 trips, we went to the Boardwalk our first night of the trip. There were tons of performers out and about and it was fun to just stop and watch. The ice cream parlour there is great too! Sorry that it wasn't what you expected! I love all of your nighttime pics of DHS. So pretty! That line for Fantasmic does look a wee bit scary. It's on our to-do list for Sept, but if it looks that crazy, we'll probably pass.

I'm so sad you've come to the end of your trip. I've had so much fun following along!

Good to know! I had a feeling that we were just there too late. I want to give it one more try (earlier) and see if it's more of what we expected then. All of the pictures look so great--so we were shocked when it wasn't like that at all. Thanks! DHS is so great at night. I love all of the vintage lights. I think that if you want to see Fantasmic, Sept will be the time to do so. The crowds are SO much less than any other time of the year. I know--I'm so sad too! Thanks so much for reading along!!

Wonderful update!! DBF has said multiple times that he really has no desire to see Fantasmic-- to me, it sounds okay, but probably a one time thing.
The Boardwalk is also on our to-do list, definitely, but we'd probably go a bit earlier than you guys. I bet the atmosphere is totally different around 8:30!

Thanks so much! Well, if you hate crowds, I'd say skip it. But then again, it's a lot of people's very favorite thing. So if you have time, you might give it a try. It just wasn't our thing. Let me know how it is earlier at night! I know that we just went too late... I want to try it again earlier in the evening.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

So I just decided to take a trip to WDW again this year (even though we weren't supposed to go again until we went with my family in 12/11 but I really want to run the first ever Wine and Dine half marathon in Epcot) and I have rented points and we are staying at AKV Kidani. I'm so excited (especially since it's half the cost of what paying to stay at AKL would be [although I do have to say it's kind of nerveracking renting points from someone you never met!])! Then I realized we're leaving only a couple of days after your trip last year so now I have to go re-read your TR to concentrate on crowd levels instead of just solely for entertainment .

 

[stacikristine]

Staci--

First of all, thank you SO much for giving me something to read during my 30 minute wait in car line at Abby's school. Read your update from my iPhone-- much appreciated

I am seriously shocked that you two did not like the Movie Ride!! I have to say that I really am not fond of the end when you have to watch the long movie clip. At that point, I am usually ready to get off of the ride. But never going on it again? I guess that it shows how you really can not know what you like until you ride it. Everyone has so many different "ride personalities" I find it so interesting! I will not fault you for it, though. You are still my friend! I am not a ride snob (HA!)

We had a ressie at Boma on our 08 trip that we canceled. I am happy we did because I had a feeling that it would not be that good. I am sure the atmosphere was awesome, but I totally agree with you. I can not stand ginger (or anything LIKE it). It seems like if you don't like that one spice, it kind of ruins it because they like to use it over and over obvisouly. Your 2nd plate actually looks like everything that I would pick! Thanks for the truthful comments because I always felt guilty about canceling that dinner.

I totally agree with you about Fantasmic as well. We did not go to DHS on a day that it was playing this trip because we got lower crowds and we did not feel that it was a "must do". There were parts of the show that had me scared, and I was shocked that my kids were ok with it! (Aiden was 10 months at the time ). I agree that when the nice characters come out at the end, you almost breathe a sigh of relief. I just remember my DH looking at me like "Is this serious?" We thought it was a little much.

I REALLY REALLY want to go see OMD now that you have posted about it! Maybe when my in-laws are with us and they can watch the kids while we walk through.

Great update!! Always love to read them

Haha--You're SO welcome! Glad I could help pass the time! I know. I was surprised that we disliked it that much. And I was surprised that we liked some of the others (like Stitch) so much! I agree--it's so funny hearing about everyone's likes and dislikes. That's why you pretty much just have to try it for yourself! Haha. Thanks. I'm glad that my dislike for the GMR didn't cause you to un-friend me!

Yeah, it was probably a good call for your family if you don't like ginger. My cousin has two little girls, and when they were 2 and 8, Boma became their very favorite restaurant. So I guess it's just for different people. There are just SOOO many restaurants at Disney World--it would take a lifetime to try them all. So if it's something your fam probably wouldn't like, it's probably good you skipped it.

Ok. Good. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought it was a little much. There were parts that were really scary! I was so relieved when it got happy again. If it was just a little wait for it, we might see it again, but there is no way that the crowds are worth it.

I think that you would LOVE One Man's Dream! Abby might like it. But Aiden is probably to little still. If your in-laws could keep the kiddos, it would be awesome! I just know you'll like it. Thanks--I love doing these updates! Thanks for reading.

PS: Don't listen to me! There is no Toy Story Mania for Xbox! I had searched it on my phone when we were in the store, and I may have gotten it confused with another Toy Story Game Just checked it online at Best Buy and it says Wii. Sorry

Haha! Thanks for letting me know before I told Michael about it! He would have been crushed. Maybe someday they'll come out for it on the Xbox! No worries, though!

Aww, sorry you didn't enjoy Boma! I hate getting all excited to eat somewhere and it ends up not at all what you expected. That place would just NOT be for DH & I...we are the most unadventurous eaters you'd find anywhere. The only things you posted pics of that looked appealing to me were the fruit & desserts! But I'm glad you had a good server. It sucks worse when the food is decent but the service is terrible.

LOVE One Man's Dream!!

And I love the Great Movie Ride...how could you not?! Just kidding, I won't give you too hard of a time. It's not one of my favorites, but I have to do it at least once every trip.

I totally agree on Fantasmic! It's an ok show, but not something I need to plan into my trip. We saw it EVERY trip since it started when I was going with my parents, so DH & I were more than happy to skip it on our honeymoon. We did it again this time because I thought maybe I was too harsh on it, but I still think it's not at all worth all of the time and aggravation it takes to see it!

Again, bummer on the Boardwalk disappointment and transportation drama! We had wanted to get over to the Boardwalk at least once this trip, but never made it. I'd at least wanted to hit up the bakery or Beaches & Cream. But Jellyrolls didn't interest anyone, and it doesn't seem like there is much else but shopping. Reading your experience, I don't feel so bad for missing out on it.

Another GREAT update!!

Yeah, it was disappointing since we were SO excited about eating there. Yep--it sounds like you and Dustin would not like it at all! But the few things that I liked were really, really good. It just isn't something we'll do again. And it was a great thing that our waiter was so good!

I love OMD too--obviously! I could spend hours in there. In fact, I'm pretty sure that all of our time there added up to multiple hours! Haha--thanks for not holding it against me! I don't know why we disliked it so much, we just did. I know a lot of people love it.

I'm glad to know that there are so many people who feel the same way about Fantasmic. I thought that everyone just loved it. Yeah, that's a good way to put it. It's an OK show, but it's not worth the crowds and aggravation!

I think we'll give the Boardwalk one more chance--and just go lots earlier. I wish now that we would have at least gone into the bakery or shared some ice cream! Now I've heard that all of the performers and things are out earlier in the night. I should have researched it before we went. Thanks so much!! And thanks for reading!

I really liked Great Movie Ride, maybe I was just in the right mood for it. Isn't there a few different scenes you can see every time? Maybe it could get boring if you always see the same thing. We liked Fantasmic too, and had pretty good luck with not fighting crowds when we saw it. But I don't know that we loved it. Guess you shoulda just spent all that time on RNRC and TOT!

TONS of people love the Great Movie Ride. I think that maybe we were just in the wrong mood for it. Um, I think that most of the scenes are the same, it's just a few (gangster/western) that change. It was just way too long for us. When did you see Fantasmic? Not fighting the crowds would have probably made us like it a little more. It just wasn't worth the fight to see it. Haha--SO TRUE. We still hadn't even been on RnRC by this point!!

Haha, my 8th graders laugh at the "do do" thing. I have learned to stop myself before saying it. However, there are students who pay attention really well and interject with, "You were going to say 'do do,' right?"

BTW, I love your side stories! Don't keep them to yourself!

My comments are brief today because I'm actually heading back to bed! I'm home from work today (blech to nausea), but I had to sign on to email my lesson plans. I just stopped by to read and have my mood lifted!

Haha. They're just so funny. We've tried to stop saying "do do" too! Oh, kids. Aw, thanks! I'm glad you like them. I was re-reading what I wrote and I realized that I'd gotten SOO side-tracked while I was writing this last update! Oh, no. FEEL BETTER!!! Nausea is the absolute worst. I hope that you're feeling 100% soon. I'm glad I helped to lift your mood!

Hi Staci! That was a great update - you were so honest on all of your opinions. As always, you had some great PP shots.

We are trying Boma for the first time this trip. We debated for a long time about that ADR but it was more a debate between Boma and Sanaa. We figured that the buffet would offer more choices for all of us, particularly good for the little munchkin. I do have to say that the food pics look good, though. However, we love ginger, probably since we're asian so I hope we'll like the food. The environment looks awesome though.

I agree with you about Fantastmic. We loved the show when we saw it, but I don't feel the need to see it every trip like I do with Wishes. I always get so emotional - just so happy, when I see Wishes. Plus I hate that you have to sit there for an hour before the show during peak times. But it was great to see once and we'll see it again when Lily gets older.

Sad to see that your trip is coming to an end. I'll go into Staci pic withdrawal!

Hi Ann! Thanks so much. I was wondering if I was a little too negative. It just happened that all of the not-great stuff happened on the same night. But I promise that the next one will be much more positive! Thanks--we really lucked out with PP!

If you like ginger, you'll probably love it! So many people think it's amazing. It just didn't settle well with us. But the desserts are amazing--and so is the hummus, rice, and couscous! I agree that Boma would be better for your fam than Sanaa just because the buffet has something for everyone. The environment is beautiful! Even if you don't like the food much, you'll love the atmosphere.

I completely agree with you about Wishes!! We'd much rather see that twice in a vacation from now on than see it once and Fantasmic once. But that's just us. We'll probably take our kids when they get older too (if it's even still playing by then). It's just not a must-do for us. Aw, thanks. I'm sad that it's coming to a close too!! I've loved writing for yall. Thanks so much for reading along!

Hey Stacy! Sorry you had a frustrating end to your last night. I think the buses should run for at least an hour after the parks close. I think you would love the Beach Clubs! Honestly after staying there I don't want to stay anywhere else and was very upset when they were booked for our up coming trip. I loved all of your pictures from OMD, that is one of my favorite things in all of Disney World. I could learn about Walt Disney all day. We didn't see Fantasmic this trip but did in Oct 2006. I liked the show but hated the crowds especially leaving. This was all pre Disboards so I had no clue to sit at the top. So it took forever to get out of there. I can't wait to read about your last day but am also said this is almost over

Hey Nancy! That's ok. It was super frustrating at the time, but if that's the worst that happened, we got off pretty well! I agree. Or they should at least make it more public knowledge. We had no clue that they stopped running so soon, or we would have skipped the Boardwalk. The BC looks gorgeous--and super relaxing! I'm sure we'll make an effort to at least go and visit next time. If we were going to choose any of the Epcot Resorts, BC would be our top choice!

Thanks! I just love OMD too. Walt was such an incredible man. Yeah, I think that the crowds are definitely the biggest negative about Fantasmic. I think we might like the show a little more if getting there and leaving wasn't so horrible. Oh wow! I bet that was awful! I'm glad that we at least sat at the top! Our last day was great. But I'm so sad it's coming to a close too. I've loved sharing this with yall! thank you for reading along!

 

[stacikristine]

So I just decided to take a trip to WDW again this year (even though we weren't supposed to go again until we went with my family in 12/11 but I really want to run the first ever Wine and Dine half marathon in Epcot) and I have rented points and we are staying at AKV Kidani. I'm so excited (especially since it's half the cost of what paying to stay at AKL would be [although I do have to say it's kind of nerveracking renting points from someone you never met!])! Then I realized we're leaving only a couple of days after your trip last year so now I have to go re-read your TR to concentrate on crowd levels instead of just solely for entertainment .

YAY!! Congrats on going back so soon!! That's so exciting! Oh, wow. I would love to run a half at Disney World. Running a half is one of my life goals (I was training for one back in 07, but I quit after Michael and I started dating--who has time for running when they have a new boyfriend?! ). Michael and I have decided that we're going to train for one in the next few years (don't know when yet), and it'd be awesome if we could run at Disney! Please let me know how it goes! Are you going to do a TR?

And WOO-HOO for renting points!! You will absolutely love it. Remember that you're treated as a DVC owner even though you're just renting. It comes with all kinds of perks. I know what you mean about it being nerve-wracking though. I was sooo nervous that we'd get there and we wouldn't have a ressie. But being able to use your confirmation number to book dining is a great indication that it's legit. I fully recommend buying a TourGuide Mike subscription (it's less than $30) because his tips and crowd levels are outstanding!! There is no way we would have gotten everything accomplished that we did without his tips. If you have any Sept q's just PM me!

 

[bmb3]

I have truly enjoyed reading your trip report! You and your DH remind me of me and my DH And how did you convince him to take so many PhotoPass pictures? It's like pulling teeth with my hubby!

We are renting points for the first time over spring break! It's only for one night - but a good 'trial' of it. Which leads me to my question for you - did it still come out cheaper for you to rent points, then add on park tickets and dining? With some of the discounts Disney has - we've wondered which is actually cheaper. Although, if you can get one of those gorgeous 1-BR cheaper - who would complain?!

We've thought about buying DVC as well - but it will be WAY down the road. Gotta get the house paid down first! And we (like you) have a list of other places to visit - although, I know I'll throw in a Disney trip here and there between them all!

 

[stacikristine]

I have truly enjoyed reading your trip report! You and your DH remind me of me and my DH And how did you convince him to take so many PhotoPass pictures? It's like pulling teeth with my hubby!

We are renting points for the first time over spring break! It's only for one night - but a good 'trial' of it. Which leads me to my question for you - did it still come out cheaper for you to rent points, then add on park tickets and dining? With some of the discounts Disney has - we've wondered which is actually cheaper. Although, if you can get one of those gorgeous 1-BR cheaper - who would complain?!

We've thought about buying DVC as well - but it will be WAY down the road. Gotta get the house paid down first! And we (like you) have a list of other places to visit - although, I know I'll throw in a Disney trip here and there between them all!

Aw, thanks! I'm so glad that you've enjoyed reading this report! I've loved writing it. Haha--we both love taking pictures. He's actually the one that scoped out most of the PP photographers. He also knew that if we were going to buy it, we'd better get the most use out of it that we could! Maybe you'll have better luck this time!

Oh, yay. That's so exciting that you're renting points! Um, it would have been cheaper for us to stay at POP and take advantage of free dining. But there is no way it could even compare to staying at AKL and doing free dining. Does that make sense? But without any Disney discounts, renting a studio and adding on dining and tickets is actually quite a bit cheaper than saying at a Value. My cousin and her girls are going in a few weeks, and she called Disney to see what it would cost them to book at POP, and they were saving quite a bit by renting for AKV instead. It really just depends on if you want to stay in a cheap place and get the Disney discount, which would save you money, or stay in a Deluxe for what it would cost you to go through Disney without discounts. We chose the Deluxe. Oh--and we bought our park tickets through mapleleaf.com. Just fyi.

We looked into DVC, but the yearly fees (plus the actual buying) are really high once you add them up. We decided that since we want to go other places as well as to Disney, we'd be better off just renting. But if you love Disney and go all the time, then I'm sure DVC would be great!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

I've always wanted to try Boma! Your server seems like he was such a funny guy!

And oh my gosh! Your pictures of the Boardwalk at night are absolutely GORGEOUS!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

YAY!! Congrats on going back so soon!! That's so exciting! Oh, wow. I would love to run a half at Disney World. Running a half is one of my life goals (I was training for one back in 07, but I quit after Michael and I started dating--who has time for running when they have a new boyfriend?! ). Michael and I have decided that we're going to train for one in the next few years (don't know when yet), and it'd be awesome if we could run at Disney! Please let me know how it goes! Are you going to do a TR?

And WOO-HOO for renting points!! You will absolutely love it. Remember that you're treated as a DVC owner even though you're just renting. It comes with all kinds of perks. I know what you mean about it being nerve-wracking though. I was sooo nervous that we'd get there and we wouldn't have a ressie. But being able to use your confirmation number to book dining is a great indication that it's legit. I fully recommend buying a TourGuide Mike subscription (it's less than $30) because his tips and crowd levels are outstanding!! There is no way we would have gotten everything accomplished that we did without his tips. If you have any Sept q's just PM me!

I'm so excited!! I'm nervous about the running part but right now I'm training for the 10k (6.2 miles) I'm doing next month and then I'll be in training mode for the half. Running a half was one of my life goals too! I ran my first half last November. Now my new life goal is to eventually run a full. Believe me, I totally understand about a new boyfriend getting in the way of training . I had put doing a half on my yearly "to-do" list for about 5 years before it ever actually happened. There's just something about finishing one that is so satisfying, it's hard to explain. Most WDW half and full marathons start REALLY early in the morning, this one starts at 10 p.m. at night but I think it will be so cool to run through some of the parks at night . I will definitely write a TR and I will let you know all about it!!

Thanks for the tips and I will definitely look into all of them! One of the things I'm most excited about with the DVC rental is that you can add the dining plan without having to buy tickets (I already have tickets from a previous trip). I knew I wanted to stay at a deluxe resort and even with the 35-40% room only codes they normally offer it was much cheaper renting points (I think it averages out to $160 a night for a Savannah View room as opposed to $380 a night rack rate for a Savannah View room at AKL [which would still be $228 a night if they do offer a 40% off discount code]). I will certainly PM you if I have any questions! Thanks for the offer!

 

[praisehisname]

Transportation issues aside, it sounds like you had a fun evening! The cheesecake from Boma looked and sounded so good that I googled it and found a recipe that looks pretty easy. Do you like to bake? I'll post it below in case you're interested.


Disneys Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Recipe

from Disney's "Boma" restaurant at animal kingdom

Ingredients
•2 pounds Cream Cheese
•1 cup Sugar
•1/2 cup Whole Eggs
•1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
•1/2 t.sp Lemon Juice
•1/4 cup Heavy Cream
•1/4 cup Sour Cream
•1 quarter of a Fresh Pineapple (peeled and cut into tidbits)
•1/4 cup Brown Sugar
•1/2 cup Brown Sugar for bottom
•Bottom Crust
•1 cup White Chocolate (melted)
•1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs

Directions
1.. Cook diced pineapples in ¼ cup brown sugar in a saucepot until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2.Prepare miniature muffin molds by spraying them with pan release. Place a small amount of brown sugar (from the ½ cup) in the bottom of each mold. Place some cooked pineapples to cover the bottom of each mold.
3.. Prepare the cheesecake filling by creaming the sugar and cream cheese.
4..Add the eggs and vanilla extract, making sure you scrape the bottom of the bowl always, to avoid lumps.
5.. Add the lemon juice, heavy cream, and sour cream.
6.Pour mixture into the molds over the pineapples, almost to the top.
7.. Place the muffin mold on a sheet pan. Pour water halfway up the sheet pan to cook the cheesecakes in a water bath.
8.Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes in a 300o oven until the cheesecake is set.
9.. Remove from the oven and pour out the water. Set aside to cool.
10.. Melt the white chocolate slowly in the microwave and blend in the graham cracker crumbs completely. Spoon or pipe on top of each cheesecake. Place mold in cooler overnight.
11.. Once the chocolate crumbs and the cheesecake have set, place mold upside down to release the cheesecakes with the pineapples on top.
12.Yield: 12 servings

 

[jenny105]

Trying to read your updates but the pictures won't load Stupid work blocking new things everyday.

 

[SlippinFalls]

Oh no your TR's almost over! I have really enjoyed reading along.

I'm on the fence about the Great Movie Ride. DH doesn't want to ride it again, but I don't mind it. It's a nice break from the walking and I've seen people sleeping on it before. I think they need to change/add some movies, and make it a little more exciting. For example: 3D is all the rage right now, they could do some 3D updates

 

[stacikristine]

I've always wanted to try Boma! Your server seems like he was such a funny guy!

And oh my gosh! Your pictures of the Boardwalk at night are absolutely GORGEOUS!

You should try it--a lot of people love it! He was great! Thank you so much--it really was a pretty resort. I especially loved the dock all lit up!

I'm so excited!! I'm nervous about the running part but right now I'm training for the 10k (6.2 miles) I'm doing next month and then I'll be in training mode for the half. Running a half was one of my life goals too! I ran my first half last November. Now my new life goal is to eventually run a full. Believe me, I totally understand about a new boyfriend getting in the way of training . I had put doing a half on my yearly "to-do" list for about 5 years before it ever actually happened. There's just something about finishing one that is so satisfying, it's hard to explain. Most WDW half and full marathons start REALLY early in the morning, this one starts at 10 p.m. at night but I think it will be so cool to run through some of the parks at night . I will definitely write a TR and I will let you know all about it!!

Thanks for the tips and I will definitely look into all of them! One of the things I'm most excited about with the DVC rental is that you can add the dining plan without having to buy tickets (I already have tickets from a previous trip). I knew I wanted to stay at a deluxe resort and even with the 35-40% room only codes they normally offer it was much cheaper renting points (I think it averages out to $160 a night for a Savannah View room as opposed to $380 a night rack rate for a Savannah View room at AKL [which would still be $228 a night if they do offer a 40% off discount code]). I will certainly PM you if I have any questions! Thanks for the offer!

Oh, wow. That's awesome that you've already run a half! Was it hard to train for your first one? The most I got up to was 75 minutes without stopping (I'm guessing it was around 10 minute miles, maybe 9). But I haven't seriously ran in a few years. Michael and I run every once in a while, but I'm no where near ready to run ANY race. Good luck on your 10k! I don't think I could run late at night. I'm usually about to fall asleep by 10:30! But if you're a night person, you'll probably love it. I can't wait to hear all about it. Do you use a specific training program or site? I was using Nikerunner.com. But I don't know if that's what we'll use next time. We've started biking, and hopefully that'll help us with running too.

You'll LOVE renting! I know--it was an awesome perk to be able to get dining without buying tickets through Disney. It's perfect for you since you already have tickets. Yeah, if you want to stay in a deluxe, it DEFINITELY saves money!!

Transportation issues aside, it sounds like you had a fun evening! The cheesecake from Boma looked and sounded so good that I googled it and found a recipe that looks pretty easy. Do you like to bake? I'll post it below in case you're interested.


Disneys Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake Recipe

from Disney's "Boma" restaurant at animal kingdom

Ingredients
•2 pounds Cream Cheese
•1 cup Sugar
•1/2 cup Whole Eggs
•1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
•1/2 t.sp Lemon Juice
•1/4 cup Heavy Cream
•1/4 cup Sour Cream
•1 quarter of a Fresh Pineapple (peeled and cut into tidbits)
•1/4 cup Brown Sugar
•1/2 cup Brown Sugar for bottom
•Bottom Crust
•1 cup White Chocolate (melted)
•1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs

Directions
1.. Cook diced pineapples in ¼ cup brown sugar in a saucepot until slightly translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2.Prepare miniature muffin molds by spraying them with pan release. Place a small amount of brown sugar (from the ½ cup) in the bottom of each mold. Place some cooked pineapples to cover the bottom of each mold.
3.. Prepare the cheesecake filling by creaming the sugar and cream cheese.
4..Add the eggs and vanilla extract, making sure you scrape the bottom of the bowl always, to avoid lumps.
5.. Add the lemon juice, heavy cream, and sour cream.
6.Pour mixture into the molds over the pineapples, almost to the top.
7.. Place the muffin mold on a sheet pan. Pour water halfway up the sheet pan to cook the cheesecakes in a water bath.
8.Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes in a 300o oven until the cheesecake is set.
9.. Remove from the oven and pour out the water. Set aside to cool.
10.. Melt the white chocolate slowly in the microwave and blend in the graham cracker crumbs completely. Spoon or pipe on top of each cheesecake. Place mold in cooler overnight.
11.. Once the chocolate crumbs and the cheesecake have set, place mold upside down to release the cheesecakes with the pineapples on top.
12.Yield: 12 servings

It was still a really good night! It was great just being there. Oh my goodness gracious--THANK YOU!!!! I'm SO excited to try this! We both loved it. Hopefully it'll turn out even close to being as good. YUM! Thanks!

Trying to read your updates but the pictures won't load Stupid work blocking new things everyday.

Aw, stink!! I'm sorry. I know--ours blocks tons of stuff too.

Oh no your TR's almost over! I have really enjoyed reading along.

I'm on the fence about the Great Movie Ride. DH doesn't want to ride it again, but I don't mind it. It's a nice break from the walking and I've seen people sleeping on it before. I think they need to change/add some movies, and make it a little more exciting. For example: 3D is all the rage right now, they could do some 3D updates

Aw, thank you so, so much for reading! I've loved sharing it! Maybe I would have liked it more if I fell asleep! And it probably would have been a nicer "break" if we'd been at the park all day. But we'd just had a great break at the pool and dinner and stuff, so I think we were wanting some more excitement. Yeah, updating it would be really great!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Oh, wow. That's awesome that you've already run a half! Was it hard to train for your first one? The most I got up to was 75 minutes without stopping (I'm guessing it was around 10 minute miles, maybe 9). But I haven't seriously ran in a few years. Michael and I run every once in a while, but I'm no where near ready to run ANY race. Good luck on your 10k! I don't think I could run late at night. I'm usually about to fall asleep by 10:30! But if you're a night person, you'll probably love it. I can't wait to hear all about it. Do you use a specific training program or site? I was using Nikerunner.com. But I don't know if that's what we'll use next time. We've started biking, and hopefully that'll help us with running too.

It was hard and I don't think I was fully prepared because my sticking with training was sporadic. The best tool I used was the book titled Marathoning for Mortals. It's a super easy read and gets you really motivated and there are training programs in the back (like what days to take off, how far to go on certain days, etc.). The longest run you'll ever do on the half marathon program is 10 miles, you'll never go the full 13.1 until the day of the race. I run (ok, more like jog) a 12 minute mile but my goal is just not to stop or walk. Hopefully the time will increase the further I go with my training this time. I am a night person but my steam usually runs out about 11 p.m. I think I'll have so much adrenaline that I won't be able to sleep even when it's over though . The alternative is to wait for the other half marathons at WDW which would have me getting up at 4 a.m. I started biking too on my off days (very leisurely riding though). When I first started running I could barely run 10 minutes without stopping. You can definitely do it! Running races is the only sport where complete amateurs can compete with the best runner's in the world. And one of the only sports where so many people enter knowing (and most not caring) that they're not going to "win". It is truly one of the greatest feelings crossing the finish line and knowing all of your hard work paid off. I saw so many people cross and just burst into tears (of happiness and accomplishment from the looks on their faces). Good luck and if you want to do it, you can!! I'll probably be starting a PTR in the next month or so.

 

[Dancegrl624]

My older sis is a runner (picked it up almost 2 years ago) and she is currently training for a 1/2 marathon in May. She's done tons of 5K's and even a few 10K's. She thinks it would be so much fun to run the Princess 1/2 marathon at Disney, but it's pretty pricey. I would SO go and cheer her on if she ever decided to run it.

 

[stacikristine]

It was hard and I don't think I was fully prepared because my sticking with training was sporadic. The best tool I used was the book titled Marathoning for Mortals. It's a super easy read and gets you really motivated and there are training programs in the back (like what days to take off, how far to go on certain days, etc.). The longest run you'll ever do on the half marathon program is 10 miles, you'll never go the full 13.1 until the day of the race. I run (ok, more like jog) a 12 minute mile but my goal is just not to stop or walk. Hopefully the time will increase the further I go with my training this time. I am a night person but my steam usually runs out about 11 p.m. I think I'll have so much adrenaline that I won't be able to sleep even when it's over though . The alternative is to wait for the other half marathons at WDW which would have me getting up at 4 a.m. I started biking too on my off days (very leisurely riding though). When I first started running I could barely run 10 minutes without stopping. You can definitely do it! Running races is the only sport where complete amateurs can compete with the best runner's in the world. And one of the only sports where so many people enter knowing (and most not caring) that they're not going to "win". It is truly one of the greatest feelings crossing the finish line and knowing all of your hard work paid off. I saw so many people cross and just burst into tears (of happiness and accomplishment from the looks on their faces). Good luck and if you want to do it, you can!! I'll probably be starting a PTR in the next month or so.

Gosh--you make me want to go and start training right away again! I think I'm going to tell Michael that we just need to do this! How many months did you train before the race? Ok--I just bought that book! I can't wait to get it in! It looks really good. We run more like an 11 or 12 minute mile now too. I don't ever see myself being back in the shape I was in earlier. My dad actually read some research that says you should walk 10 seconds every mile. The guy said that it makes you WAY less likely to have in injury. So when I was training, my old running partner and I would run 10 minutes, walk 10 seconds. It's crazy what just a 10 second walk can do to rejuvenate you! I used to run CC in HS, and I had some pretty tough injuries, so I'm scared of re-injuring myself. Was it bad on your legs/back while you were training? I can't wait to actually run a half! You've re-inspired me. Thanks! I agree--I love that running is such an individual sport. I bet the emotions after a big race are just so overwhelming. Thanks so much--and GOOD LUCK to you as you actually run one soon! Let me know when you start your PTR!

 

[stacikristine]

My older sis is a runner (picked it up almost 2 years ago) and she is currently training for a 1/2 marathon in May. She's done tons of 5K's and even a few 10K's. She thinks it would be so much fun to run the Princess 1/2 marathon at Disney, but it's pretty pricey. I would SO go and cheer her on if she ever decided to run it.

That's so awesome! Kimmy (princess_momma) wants to run the half at the Princess run. I know a girl who ran at Disney, and then she came up to OKC and ran in the Bombing Memorial Run (and some others), and she said that the one in OK was by far the best. So I'm going to aim for that one next year or the next. It's in April every year... Do you want to ever run one?

 

[Dancegrl624]

That's so awesome! Kimmy (princess_momma) wants to run the half at the Princess run. I know a girl who ran at Disney, and then she came up to OKC and ran in the Bombing Memorial Run (and some others), and she said that the one in OK was by far the best. So I'm going to aim for that one next year or the next. It's in April every year... Do you want to ever run one?

The only time you'll ever see me running is if someone is chasing me. I HATE running! Both of my sisters run (younger one plays field hockey) and my dad just started running. I have the worst shin splints and I can't even walk on a treadmill. My sisters and my mom ran a 5K on my birthday last year (while I was arriving at wonderful WDW) and I talked to my dad that night. He said that next year, we should join them. I said yeah right!!! I'll go and watch and be supportive, but I'll never run. So I guess the simple answer is no!!

 

[stacikristine]

The only time you'll ever see me running is if someone is chasing me. I HATE running! Both of my sisters run (younger one plays field hockey) and my dad just started running. I have the worst shin splints and I can't even walk on a treadmill. My sisters and my mom ran a 5K on my birthday last year (while I was arriving at wonderful WDW) and I talked to my dad that night. He said that next year, we should join them. I said yeah right!!! I'll go and watch and be supportive, but I'll never run. So I guess the simple answer is no!!

Haha! You're too funny. Well, there are lots of races that have walking races too. The one in OKC has running races (5K, 10K, 1/2 and full), walking races, and even kids races! The kids can keep a log of their miles over the period of a few months, and then they come the day of the race and run the last two or something like that. And then they get a medal and shirt for "running a marathon". I think that when Michael and I finally run ours, we'll try to get my family to each do something at the same race. Maybe they have something like that at the ones your fam is doing...