2 For The Price of 1: One Trip Done; One More to Plan!

[Camster0307]

We got word from Amanda's nurse - she had arrived and was heading over to meet us in England - just in time for dinner.

Now I try to book ADRs to allow me to be dining during Illuminations. I have always been successfull in securing an outdoor table. Tonight, I was not so lucky. And I was not so happy about it! The staff did promise me, though, that once Illuminations started, we could go out to a special viewing area, but I was skeptical. I was concerned that Amanda would not get a good viewing spot. Boy, was I wrong!

First off, we were seated and promptly put in an order for the assorted cheeses appetizer. (sorry, no food porn here) As we were placing our dinner order, our CM suggesting holding off on it until Illuminations was over; she was concerned the food would come out and we would have to leave it to go outside. She was right. And this is another reason why I love the Rose & Crown. The food is always good, but the staff here, I think, is just wonderful. I've always had very attentive service and they are all just so friendly and personable. Anyway, on to Illuminations.......

I was very pleased with our viewing location - right up on the water, no one else around us. This worked out perfectly! (sorry the photos are so blurry; I really need to get a tripod so I can utilize the "fireworks" setting on my camera!)

This viewing spot was fabulous! From now on, I will not be so uptight about being inside. Regardless of whether you're in or out, dining at the Rose and Crown ensures you a good viewing spot.

We finished with dinner around 10pm and Amanda was asleep. Her nurse, who name is Kami,btw, decided to take her back to the room and tuck her into bed. It was EMH at Epcot and Lauren and I had plans to stay out late. We headed over to Soarin' and got on with a minimal wait time. We then rode Nemo and Figment, then went over to TestTrack. At this point now, though, it was raining pretty hard and TT was not running. We got in line anyway - surely the rain would let up. Ummmm - NO! The good news though - they gave all of us waiting on line FastPasses to use within 24 hours. YEAH! These would definitely come in handy the next night. At this point, it was reallly pouring. There was nothing left to do but head back to the room. I had hope the rain would let up a little bit to allow us a dry walk back to the BW, but no go. Lauren and I walked in the absolute pouring rain! In white pants. Not good! Thank goodness it was still relatively warm out so we were no worse for the wear. We were back in the room by 111:30 and in bed by midnight.

Next day - Amanda gets to sleep in while Mom and Lauren hit MK early!

 

[babytrees]

Cammie if you go to the top where it says Submit Tools you can share this link on facebook....

you mean Cammie is on Facebook too????

 

[babytrees]

Poor Amanda looks so tuckered with Pooh and friends.

Once again a great segment. Our server at Rose & Crown was less than stellar....I think that's why I don't really want to go back.

 

[TigerKat]

you mean Cammie is on Facebook too????

Cammie, if you are on facebook PM me so we can be friends!

 

[MiaBella05]

getting closer

 

[jenjolt]

I hate that I found this PTR so late!! I hope you and Lauren have a great trip!!! I'm going to send pixie dust your way!!!

Sounds like you have great plans and I cant' wait to see how it all turns out for you!! Only a couple more weeks!!! YAY!!!

 

[Camster0307]

you mean Cammie is on Facebook too????

Cammie, if you are on facebook PM me so we can be friends!

I am! And I've pm'd you both!

 

[punkin413]

Ate some healthy food for lunch: onion rings and french fries with cheese sauce:

i do believe i see a beer there too. another healthy choice!

Shot of handsome man, running shirtless on the BW:

why, hello there! oh, and check out the poor girl in the cast at disney world. that would really stink!

Yeah - we're all dressed alike. We're goobers!

i think it's cute, especially because you guys are meeting pooh in your pooh shirts.

glad you go to see illuminations at rose and crown. when ray and i ate there last may we got a seat out on the water and it was so nice! but it was for lunch so no illuminations. our server was also very attentive and VERY knowledgable on the menu. great place!

rain and white pants is definitely not a good combo! but at least you were heading straight back to the room.

 

[babytrees]

I am! And I've pm'd you both!

woohoo!!

 

[poohbearluver]

I'm baaack! Our trip was so amazing! For me, atleast. My dad's shoulder hurt so bad he couldn't lift his arms, my mom had tons of blisters, and my brother ALMOST lost some of his stuff, but got it back. I took tons of notes I hope to start a TR soon!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Can I ask what time you made your ADR for Rose & Crown?? I want to try and do this and was thinking around 8PM. I just don't know if I should try for a different time or not.

I can't believe your next trip is in 2 weeks! The time has flown by!

 

[xoktenox]

Heyy! Super Bowl is today, not too excited though because its not our Giants!

Anyway, another great update! The Rose and Crown sounds sooo good thats great how they get you a good viewing spot for Illuminations even if you're inside for dinner. Just goes to show that Disney is out to please their guests. Too cute that you guys all dressed up alike too!!

 

[Camster0307]

i do believe i see a beer there too. another healthy choice!

why, hello there! oh, and check out the poor girl in the cast at disney world. that would really stink!

Girl in a cast? What girl in a cast? I'm still looking at the half-naked man!

I'm baaack! Our trip was so amazing! For me, atleast. My dad's shoulder hurt so bad he couldn't lift his arms, my mom had tons of blisters, and my brother ALMOST lost some of his stuff, but got it back. I took tons of notes I hope to start a TR soon!

Welcome back! I'm glad you had a great trip. If you do write a TR, please post the link here so we can subscribe!

Can I ask what time you made your ADR for Rose & Crown?? I want to try and do this and was thinking around 8PM. I just don't know if I should try for a different time or not.

I can't believe your next trip is in 2 weeks! The time has flown by!

My ADRs were for 8:05. But I've gotten them as early as 7:15-7:20 and was still able to hang around for Illuminations. I think if you get something after 8pm, you might want to have them hold your dinner until after the fireworks so your food is sitting there when they start. And they seriously don't rush you out of there. I remember one year, we were still sitting at our table after 10pm. Our CM sat down and hung out with us for awhile; he was going to NYC for a vacation and he wanted to pick our brain. I could listen to their English accents all day!

Heyy! Super Bowl is today, not too excited though because its not our Giants!

Anyway, another great update! The Rose and Crown sounds sooo good thats great how they get you a good viewing spot for Illuminations even if you're inside for dinner. Just goes to show that Disney is out to please their guests. Too cute that you guys all dressed up alike too!!

I know - I'm very bored today! What a change from just a year ago!



Ok - since I have no interest in the Super Bowl and will just be killing time until Springsteen comes on at halftime, I'll probably put up the next installment this afternoon. Stay tuned!

 

[Camster0307]

So Saturday morning arrived, and I decided to let Amanda sleep in a bit while Lauren and I headed out to MK. I was so grateful to have the nurse to look after Amanda; Lauren and I could now catch up and do the things we had missed doing together.

First stop at MK - the Main Street Bakery. On my "Must-Try" list: the French Toast loaf. It did not disappoint! Lauren got her favorite - the gigantic chocolate chip muffin:

After breakfast, I let Lauren decide what direction we should head. To no surprise, she picked Frontierland. More specifically, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad:

We rode it once. Got off, put in for the fastpass, then headed over to Splash Mountain. Now, I freak out on SM but I still think it loads of fun. Lauren, on the other hand, is still traumatized from the last time we rode it and got stuck on it for 15 minutes. She did not want to ride but I was hearing none of it - we were going on!

I'm still not comfortable enough to not hold for dear life and take pictures so this is the only photo I got on the ride:

While I am scared of this ride going on, I do love it once it's over. Lauren - not so much. She REALLY hates it. So, of course, since there was a minimal wait, I made her ride again. Not happy! After that, we headed over to POTC; and then caught the pirate tutorial for a little bit:

Disappointing -- not the "hot" Jack!

We went over to HM..............

This tombstone creeps me out; I swear, the eyes move!

After HM, it was time to cash in our FP for BTMRR. At this point, I was also in communication with my good DISbuddy karajeboo(Kara) - we were hoping to meet for lunch. Lauren and I rode BTMRR again, then hit the Jungle Cruise. Once done, we had plans to meet Kara and her daughter at Pecos Bill's.

Lauren and I got our lunch and awaited their arrival:

Mmmmm......so good!

Kara and her daughter finally arrived, along with her hubby (who I'm thinking was glad to see I was not a weirdo - Kara, back me up on this please!) I had talked to Kara so many times before on the phone but this was the first time actually meeting in person! And, can I just say - I just LOVED her! God, Kara, I so wish we lived closer to one another! And her daughter Ally and hubby Jeff were such delights also. Lauren was disappointed to not be able to spend more time with Ally; Jeff - prepare yourself: I WILL be vacationing at your house someday. Anyway, this is the only photo I got of this momentous mtg. of the minds:

You know how it is at Disney - so much to do; so little time. Jeff had left to take Ally on a ride and Kara had to meet up with them. We bid farewell; hopefully we will be meeting again.

After our DISmeet, Lauren and I made our way over towards Adventureland. We rode Alladin's Carpets and the Jungle Cruise again. At this point, it was time for dessert. Another item on my "Must Try" list - the Dole Whip!

This was my very first Dole Whip and it was very good; but I must admit - Lauren had the RootBeer Float and man, was that delicious! I think I'll stick with that the next time!

We were heading over to ToonTown to ride Goofy's Barnstormer. Along the way, we stopped for some pix in front of the castle:

We rode the Barnstormer twice; then heard from Amanda's nurse. They had spent the day in Epcot and were heading back to the room. Lauren and I decided to head out and meet them there. We had ADRs at LeCellier for 7:15 that night and wanted to make sure we had time to freshen up. On the way out, I took a few shots of Main Street"

Up next.........our last night at WDW!

 

[poohbearluver]

Oh still SO pretty!

I am totally with you on Splash. I haven't ridden it since like, our first trip, so on our trip I got all freaked out when there was no seatbelt. And those vultures are disturbing.

Also, on BTM, whenever we ride that, I get all scared, and my stomach hurts. I love the ride to death, but I always get scared.

That HM statue does really move. It opens it's eyes, moves them, moves it's head and stuff. It freaked me out too.


Mmm! Le Cellier! I absolutely LOVE that place! We went there, and it was so good! I got a kids meal, the meaty macaroni, which was totally huge. Yummy. I can't wait to see what you guys ordered.

Sorry for the long speech. Writing TR as we speak!

 

[Nora03]

I'm loving your report Cam. I'm not sure if I've stopped by before, but wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading about your lovely family and your WDW trips. I'm caught up now.

You three girls looked so cute in your matching pink Ts and white capris!

We'll be watching for the last installments and for your next report. How many days left? We've got 41 days until our next trip.

Nora

 

[alan_renfroe]

Hi Cammie! Terrific update! Gosh, you've made me get all excited about going back to the MK! I've never had the Dole Whip either, but I did like the sound of that root beer float.

I swear, maybe it is just me, but it looks like Lauren is growing every single day of your report! You've got to be proud, being the mom of two such beautiful daughters.

I'm proud of you girls for going back on Splash Mountain and putting that whole last trip experience behind you. I know Lauren wasn't enjoying it, but by facing it again she will eventually start to love it again.

Congrats on the DIS meet with Kara! On our upcoming trip in May, I am hoping to meet Rosie (englishrose), Ellen (podsnel), and Kara (kgle). Maybe our paths will cross one day as well.

 

[xoktenox]

Awww so glad to see you got a day with Lauren so you guys could catch up on some things. You seem to have gotten alot done even though those crowds at the end seemed pretty bad Cool that you got to have a DIS meet too, how fun! Can't wait to hear how you enjoyed Le Cellier.

 

[podsnel]

I can NOT believe you made Lauren ride SM TWICE IN A ROW!! You are a very baaaad Mommy! And I'm glad you love Kara so much- I can't wait to meet her in May!!

I also wanted to add- the pic in the pooh installment where you and Lauren and Pooh, etc are all looking at Amanda- WOW. That has to be one of the best photopass pics ever. Just beautiful, the expression on all the faces- so much love.

By the way...my friend Evie (on facebook) adores you- we spent a while talking about how awesome you are on Sunday when we weren't watching the game- were your ears burning?

 

[Camster0307]

Oh still SO pretty!

I am totally with you on Splash. I haven't ridden it since like, our first trip, so on our trip I got all freaked out when there was no seatbelt. And those vultures are disturbing.

Also, on BTM, whenever we ride that, I get all scared, and my stomach hurts. I love the ride to death, but I always get scared.

That HM statue does really move. It opens it's eyes, moves them, moves it's head and stuff. It freaked me out too.


Mmm! Le Cellier! I absolutely LOVE that place! We went there, and it was so good! I got a kids meal, the meaty macaroni, which was totally huge. Yummy. I can't wait to see what you guys ordered.

Sorry for the long speech. Writing TR as we speak!

Still waiting for that TR link, poohbearlover!

Glad to hear you enjoyed LeCellier; it one of our faves! Lauren has now outgrown the kids meals - they don't seem to fill her up anymore! So yeah, now she gets to enjoy those adult-sized steaks - and I get to pay the adult-sized prices for her!

I'm loving your report Cam. I'm not sure if I've stopped by before, but wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed reading about your lovely family and your WDW trips. I'm caught up now.

You three girls looked so cute in your matching pink Ts and white capris!

We'll be watching for the last installments and for your next report. How many days left? We've got 41 days until our next trip.

Nora

Thanks for checking in Nora - glad to hear you're enjoying my TR; I'll be wrapping this one up just in time to start my new one for our Feb. trip. It's snowing right now and all I'm thinking is that I have only 12 more days until Disney!

Hi Cammie! Terrific update! Gosh, you've made me get all excited about going back to the MK! I've never had the Dole Whip either, but I did like the sound of that root beer float.

I swear, maybe it is just me, but it looks like Lauren is growing every single day of your report! You've got to be proud, being the mom of two such beautiful daughters.

I'm proud of you girls for going back on Splash Mountain and putting that whole last trip experience behind you. I know Lauren wasn't enjoying it, but by facing it again she will eventually start to love it again.

Congrats on the DIS meet with Kara! On our upcoming trip in May, I am hoping to meet Rosie (englishrose), Ellen (podsnel), and Kara (kgle). Maybe our paths will cross one day as well.

My advice - should try the Dole Whip once; but then go with the Root Beer float. It was sooooo good!

Thanks for the kind comments - I am a proud mom. (and yes, Lauren is growing at remarkable speed!)

Yay for DISmeets! I don't think I'll have any with this next trip though.

And, btw - there's a rumor you're on FB. Is this true?

Awww so glad to see you got a day with Lauren so you guys could catch up on some things. You seem to have gotten alot done even though those crowds at the end seemed pretty bad Cool that you got to have a DIS meet too, how fun! Can't wait to hear how you enjoyed Le Cellier.

Yes, Lauren and I were quite productive that morning - we were two girls on a mission. Probably what our Feb.trip is going to be like also!

I can NOT believe you made Lauren ride SM TWICE IN A ROW!! You are a very baaaad Mommy! And I'm glad you love Kara so much- I can't wait to meet her in May!!

I also wanted to add- the pic in the pooh installment where you and Lauren and Pooh, etc are all looking at Amanda- WOW. That has to be one of the best photopass pics ever. Just beautiful, the expression on all the faces- so much love.

By the way...my friend Evie (on facebook) adores you- we spent a while talking about how awesome you are on Sunday when we weren't watching the game- were your ears burning?

Lauren was NOT happy about going on SM again - and she couldn't believe I was making her. But hey - it's my vacation too; and as anxious as I am before I ride it, I just love it. I enjoy getting really wet though - that hasn't happened in awhile.

Now for your friend Evie - what tall stories are you telling her that is warranting this adoration? She's your friend who's an Office fan, right? I just may have to put that seafood shinding of yours on my calendar so I can meet your fabulous group of friends.