3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[hstrickland]

Hi Heather - all caught up - whew - when did life get so busy that my 'dis' time had to take the back burner! LOVED the pics of 1983 retro - we are the same age, I had a perm and mullet in the day as well, LOL!!! I showed my kids your pics of River County and the current ones, still amazing! The rest of your updates are bringing me a little 'magic' this evening, thanks!

Glad to know someone else looked just as silly!! Still can't believe my mom did that I have some more pics to scan of 1983....I think they are of the MK.


My DS and I had a great mom-son trip in August for a week at Coronado. Super hot, but we took a little break each day to cool down. We liked the resort, very quiet and convenient, however we are spoiled with deluxes. Seriously considering tower view at CR for next trip, but not sure if I can get the family away from the Poly!

Glad y'all had a nice time together I know what you mean! Once you stay deluxe, it's hard to do anything else. My mom still prefers Poly over CR, but the Tower view is awesome...and the beds are the best!! Y'all should try it at least once


Just booked 2 nights for the end of March while we are arriving in FL at MCO for a week at Ft. Myers beach. Staying on property for 2 nights at Port Orleans Riverside and doing Blizzard Beach. Dinner at Ohana one night so we can pig out and watch fireworks too!

Sounds like a nice stop-over before the beach!! POR is the resort we were going to do for the Princess Half...unfortunately I can't run it, so no WDW in February We've never done Blizzard Beach...once the 2 little ones are a bit older, we'll do the water parks.

Have you been getting into the cruise boards? It's time to start thinking cruise for both of us!
Have a great week at school - time to get ready for tomorrow!
Erin

Can you believe I haven't??!! I've got to finish this TR before I can start planning anything else. Work seriously cuts into my Dis time

Heather

 

[hstrickland]

Citricos – Part 1
Reservation time 7:45pm
Day 9​

After the extended photo shoot , we headed upstairs to see if our table was ready.

When we were dining at Victoria & Albert’s, we struck up a conversation with Israel, the maître d. While chatting, we told him we would be back to try Citricos. He kindly told the Citricos hostess to put 2 specific tables on our reservation…he said they were the best seats in the restaurant. So….once we checked in, there was a wait, but we were in no hurry at all.

We had a beautiful view while waiting….and believe it or not, the kids were fairly well behaved.

Of course when we peered over to the left and saw these doors…..

….we started reminiscing about our V&A’s dining experience. Stephen informed me that he would like to go….he’ll have to wait a few years!

Stephen was already tired….it’s been a week of Go! Go! Go! But I promised him that he would enjoy this meal….I was hoping I wouldn’t live to regret those words

Faith reminds me each time she sees pictures of the GF that it’s the prettiest resort at WDW! I would really like to take her to the Tea Party down stairs before she gets too old.

I’m already liking the décor of this restaurant!! Very clean lines…a very bright look….very inviting! And NOT loud at all!

We were finally called to our table…excellent location by the window…not in the middle of the restaurant…great place for 3 kids!

The decorations were simple yet elegant….I’m loving this place!!! Did I say that already???

When the host seated us, he politely handed us this menu…. “Welcome Strickland Family”. Another special touch by WDW! It’s the small things that make us smile….

So far….so good! The wait staff is EXTREMELY courteous and very well poised....not noisy, not crowded...great atomosphere!



Up next…..Part 2 - THE FOOD!!!!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Yum, can't wait for the food pictures!!! I can't believe how bright it is in there, I wasn't expecting that!

The tea at the GF is on the 'to do' list for me as well, maybe next trip that would be a good way to get Faith into the dolls - they have that tea with the dolls experience, pricey, but I've heard it's great.

Have a great night! Off to watch my guilty pleasure, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - very non-Disney!

 

[amandaw]

Citricos is very pretty! Hopefully, we'll get there one day. Can't wait to hear how dinner was.

 

[tinkgurl]

I can't wait to see how dinner went! I'm thinking about eating here on our honeymoon.

 

[onelilspark]

If Faith gets too old for the Pretty Princess Tea (or whatever it's called) you can always have a girls day and take her for tea! Me, my Mom & Nana did that the other year, it was so much fun! ...of course I'm in my 20s and not a little girl anymore!

 

[RGirl]

Citricos looks beautiful. Can't wait to hear more about your evening.

Man, I guess we're going to have to keep going back - so many new things to try.

 

[shan23877]

Can't wait to hear about Citricos! It looks beautiful.

 

[chattadisser]

Heather,

Can't wait to hear about the food at Citricos. My husband and I ate there last September and it was one of our favorite places. did you try the crab cake? Yummy! How come no Princess 1/2? So disappointed for you. That will be my first 1/2 and we are staying at POR, which will be a first as well. I am completely paranoid that I will do something between now and then to injure myself.

I know what you mean about taking Faith to the Princess Tea at the GF. I want to take my oldest but keeping going back and forth between it being a good mother/daughter activity or waiting until the youngest is a little older and then doing a mother/daughter's activity. Has anyone gone and can give any advice on the perfect age to go vs. too old to believe?

Christine

 

[pas130]

Time to throw my 2 cents in.....NEVER too old for Princesses. OK, that might be just me Can't wait for the food review heather...and to add ANOTHER ADR for my trip

Faith is right, GF is the prettiest resort...that's why I loved it so. And everyone is SO nice there. IMHO

 

[hstrickland]

Yum, can't wait for the food pictures!!! I can't believe how bright it is in there, I wasn't expecting that!

The tea at the GF is on the 'to do' list for me as well, maybe next trip that would be a good way to get Faith into the dolls - they have that tea with the dolls experience, pricey, but I've heard it's great.

Have a great night! Off to watch my guilty pleasure, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - very non-Disney!

I know about that price....but then it's Disney....all about the experience, right?! My husband hears that line quite often when we are there And all too often, I hear him repeating that same line to other people when they question his sanity about spending money at Disney I've got him trained well Gotta love a man who adores WDW!!!

....and my guilty pleasure....Big Brother and Survivor And maybe Y&R...thank heavens for a DVR!!!

Citricos is very pretty! Hopefully, we'll get there one day. Can't wait to hear how dinner was.

You'll get there....I suspect y'all will be making yearly trips

I can't wait to see how dinner went! I'm thinking about eating here on our honeymoon.

Absolutely...you should!! It's a great place, and not too many children. Unless you're the unfortunate couple who gets to sit by a family like ours

If Faith gets too old for the Pretty Princess Tea (or whatever it's called) you can always have a girls day and take her for tea! Me, my Mom & Nana did that the other year, it was so much fun! ...of course I'm in my 20s and not a little girl anymore!

You're quite smart! Great idea I've even thought about taking my mom and Faith to the GF spa. They have a mommy and me, but I think Faith is still too young.

Citricos looks beautiful. Can't wait to hear more about your evening.

Man, I guess we're going to have to keep going back - so many new things to try.

Just like I told Amanda, I have a sneaky feeling that you'll be back....numerous times!!! Am I right????!!

Can't wait to hear about Citricos! It looks beautiful.

Hopefully I'll get this next installment done a little quicker...over the summer I was trying to get 1 done every other day....I'm lucky to get 1 done in a week now

Heather,

Can't wait to hear about the food at Citricos. My husband and I ate there last September and it was one of our favorite places. did you try the crab cake? Yummy! How come no Princess 1/2? So disappointed for you. That will be my first 1/2 and we are staying at POR, which will be a first as well. I am completely paranoid that I will do something between now and then to injure myself.

Well....long story short (won't bore you)...I started having discomfort in my knees, went to the doctor, had xrays made, they sent me to an orthopedic, found out the cartilage is wearing thin in one knee and also developing arthritis. So...basically he said my long distance running is a thing of the past I can run on a treadmill or grass but short distances. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but what do ya do? My goal of running a half won't come to fruition, but I still have my health....all is good Thanks for asking...and hey....don't worry about injuring yourself! Keep going at a steady pace, don't over do it, and you'll be fine. Please PM me before the Princess Half and let me know how it's going...want to hear from you afterward, too!!! Good Luck!!


I know what you mean about taking Faith to the Princess Tea at the GF. I want to take my oldest but keeping going back and forth between it being a good mother/daughter activity or waiting until the youngest is a little older and then doing a mother/daughter's activity. Has anyone gone and can give any advice on the perfect age to go vs. too old to believe?

Would love to hear the answer to this, also!! If you find out, let me know!!

Christine

Time to throw my 2 cents in.....NEVER too old for Princesses. OK, that might be just me Can't wait for the food review heather...and to add ANOTHER ADR for my trip

Faith is right, GF is the prettiest resort...that's why I loved it so. And everyone is SO nice there. IMHO

Thanks for your 2 cents!!! And you know...you're right. The GF gets a bad rap sometimes for being. I don't get that...you'll find rude CMs at all resorts, parks, restaurants, etc.

Okay...I'm seeing a change in tickers, Pas! What in the world? Cha cha changes AGAIN??! I'm shocked.....

 

[amandaw]

You'll get there....I suspect y'all will be making yearly trips

I sure hope you're right. Unfortunately, we got some very bad news yesterday morning regarding Ed's job. Long story short....it looks like he has until October 30th to find something else. It's just a bad situation & has us very upset. He was helping someone (very close to us) start up a business. The concept of the business was terrific. Problem was that the owner wouldn't invest the time or do the things that needed to be done to help get it going. They had discussed timelines of how long it would take, etc., to really get it going. Well, let's just say as of yesterday morning, that timeline was cut in half...with only a 5 week notice! And the person wasn't going to tell Ed yet....thankfully I heard thru the grapevine that he planning on shutting it down come Oct 30th & had Ed ask him. And what really makes me mad is that Ed left a stable job with benefits to help this person. He promised Ed benefits but never came thru on any promises. We had to get individual insurance that we pay out of pocket, no 401K, etc. Anyway, we are consumed with job searches over here; looking anywhere from Texas to North Carolina - we just want to stay in the south. I told Ed to get something in Florida. Then, we could get AP's or maybe I could go work for Disney!

Anyway, it's just very stressful over here. Ed told me that whatever happens, he will make my Oct. 2012 trip come to fruition. I love my husband!

Okay, I'm sorry to go on a tirade. It's just been a very tiring & emotional 2 days. Please send prayers and/or pixie dust our way (whichever you prefer). We really need it. Okay, thanks for listening.

 

[sjs314]

Good Morning Heather - I finally got back over here to catch up on my reading

Looking forward to seeing your review and pics (more pics) of Citricos. This is one place that is on my list of signature places to try as I have seen some pics of the food here in other reviews and it just looked yummy.

Hope all is going well with you and your family, haven't heard much from you since school started, but with 3 kids I imagine you do not have much time at all these days.

Take care

 

[DisneyDoc5]

I sure hope you're right. Unfortunately, we got some very bad news yesterday morning regarding Ed's job. Long story short....it looks like he has until October 30th to find something else. It's just a bad situation & has us very upset. He was helping someone (very close to us) start up a business. The concept of the business was terrific. Problem was that the owner wouldn't invest the time or do the things that needed to be done to help get it going. They had discussed timelines of how long it would take, etc., to really get it going. Well, let's just say as of yesterday morning, that timeline was cut in half...with only a 5 week notice! And the person wasn't going to tell Ed yet....thankfully I heard thru the grapevine that he planning on shutting it down come Oct 30th & had Ed ask him. And what really makes me mad is that Ed left a stable job with benefits to help this person. He promised Ed benefits but never came thru on any promises. We had to get individual insurance that we pay out of pocket, no 401K, etc. Anyway, we are consumed with job searches over here; looking anywhere from Texas to North Carolina - we just want to stay in the south. I told Ed to get something in Florida. Then, we could get AP's or maybe I could go work for Disney!

Anyway, it's just very stressful over here. Ed told me that whatever happens, he will make my Oct. 2012 trip come to fruition. I love my husband!

Okay, I'm sorry to go on a tirade. It's just been a very tiring & emotional 2 days. Please send prayers and/or pixie dust our way (whichever you prefer). We really need it. Okay, thanks for listening.

Thinking of you Amandaw, we will say a prayer for you all

 

[pas130]

Thanks for your 2 cents!!! And you know...you're right. The GF gets a bad rap sometimes for being. I don't get that...you'll find rude CMs at all resorts, parks, restaurants, etc.

Okay...I'm seeing a change in tickers, Pas! What in the world? Cha cha changes AGAIN??! I'm shocked.....

Changed to Pop only. Saving $$$ Some expenses came up.......

And HRH keeps changing the 2012 birthday trip....with help of course

 

[amandaw]

Thinking of you Amandaw, we will say a prayer for you all

Thank you so much! That truly means so much to me.

 

[Missyrose]

Citricos looks beautiful! Can't wait to see if the food lives up to the gorgeous decor.

 

[hstrickland]

I sure hope you're right. Unfortunately, we got some very bad news yesterday morning regarding Ed's job. Long story short....it looks like he has until October 30th to find something else. It's just a bad situation & has us very upset. He was helping someone (very close to us) start up a business. The concept of the business was terrific. Problem was that the owner wouldn't invest the time or do the things that needed to be done to help get it going. They had discussed timelines of how long it would take, etc., to really get it going. Well, let's just say as of yesterday morning, that timeline was cut in half...with only a 5 week notice! And the person wasn't going to tell Ed yet....thankfully I heard thru the grapevine that he planning on shutting it down come Oct 30th & had Ed ask him. And what really makes me mad is that Ed left a stable job with benefits to help this person. He promised Ed benefits but never came thru on any promises. We had to get individual insurance that we pay out of pocket, no 401K, etc. Anyway, we are consumed with job searches over here; looking anywhere from Texas to North Carolina - we just want to stay in the south. I told Ed to get something in Florida. Then, we could get AP's or maybe I could go work for Disney!

Anyway, it's just very stressful over here. Ed told me that whatever happens, he will make my Oct. 2012 trip come to fruition. I love my husband!

Okay, I'm sorry to go on a tirade. It's just been a very tiring & emotional 2 days. Please send prayers and/or pixie dust our way (whichever you prefer). We really need it. Okay, thanks for listening.

Wow, Amanda! That's really terrible! I can only imagine the stress your family is having. At least y'all are willing to relocate...that should open up more opportunities for you. Please know that we will be praying for your family...and just think....FL could be your new home! I hear APs calling your name

Good Morning Heather - I finally got back over here to catch up on my reading

Looking forward to seeing your review and pics (more pics) of Citricos. This is one place that is on my list of signature places to try as I have seen some pics of the food here in other reviews and it just looked yummy.

Hope all is going well with you and your family, haven't heard much from you since school started, but with 3 kids I imagine you do not have much time at all these days.

Take care

Hi Shelia! We're all busy as ever! Wish I had more time to chat on the Dis...I feel like I'm always a step behind when I turn on the computer Was hoping to get the 2nd installment of Citricos done tonight, but most likely that will not happen

You definitely need to give Citricos a try Keep it on your to-do list.

Changed to Pop only. Saving $$$ Some expenses came up.......

And HRH keeps changing the 2012 birthday trip....with help of course

As long as you're at WDW with your hubby, it will be great Did y'all request a specific location? A lady that works with me went to MNSSHP a couple of weekends ago and stayed at Pop. She said her family loved it!!!

Also....I'm going to go out on a limb and say your ticker will change again....just sayin'

Citricos looks beautiful! Can't wait to see if the food lives up to the gorgeous decor.

Citricos is now one of our favorites!!!! Certainly a place that we'll return to for dinner.

 

[amandaw]

Wow, Amanda! That's really terrible! I can only imagine the stress your family is having.

Yeah, needless to say, we're not a barrel of laughs over here right now. The good thing is that Ed & I are a pretty good team. So far, we haven't directed our stress at each other.

At least y'all are willing to relocate...that should open up more opportunities for you.

That's what we're hoping. We'd love to stay in Louisiana but we don't want to close the door on other opportunities either. We've lived in South Carolina & Georgia as well, so we're definitely used to moving around.

Please know that we will be praying for your family...

Thank you so much! They are very much needed right now by us and I truly appreciate it.

and just think....FL could be your new home! I hear APs calling your name

You never know! It is our 2nd choice to staying in Louisiana. I asked Ed last night that if we move to Florida if he would promise to get us AP's. He just hugged me & said "Of course, I will." Love my husband!

 

[pas130]

I sure hope you're right. Unfortunately, we got some very bad news yesterday morning regarding Ed's job. Long story short....it looks like he has until October 30th to find something else. It's just a bad situation & has us very upset. He was helping someone (very close to us) start up a business. The concept of the business was terrific. Problem was that the owner wouldn't invest the time or do the things that needed to be done to help get it going. They had discussed timelines of how long it would take, etc., to really get it going. Well, let's just say as of yesterday morning, that timeline was cut in half...with only a 5 week notice! And the person wasn't going to tell Ed yet....thankfully I heard thru the grapevine that he planning on shutting it down come Oct 30th & had Ed ask him. And what really makes me mad is that Ed left a stable job with benefits to help this person. He promised Ed benefits but never came thru on any promises. We had to get individual insurance that we pay out of pocket, no 401K, etc. Anyway, we are consumed with job searches over here; looking anywhere from Texas to North Carolina - we just want to stay in the south. I told Ed to get something in Florida. Then, we could get AP's or maybe I could go work for Disney!

Anyway, it's just very stressful over here. Ed told me that whatever happens, he will make my Oct. 2012 trip come to fruition. I love my husband!

Okay, I'm sorry to go on a tirade. It's just been a very tiring & emotional 2 days. Please send prayers and/or pixie dust our way (whichever you prefer). We really need it. Okay, thanks for listening.

Amanda, I am soooo sorry. IDK how I missed your post yesterday How funny if you guys moved to Florida. Thank goodness he found out now, how horrible that he was n't upfront... So much can happen in a year, and prayers to your family you all will be in a better place by then....

As long as you're at WDW with your hubby, it will be great Did y'all request a specific location? A lady that works with me went to MNSSHP a couple of weekends ago and stayed at Pop. She said her family loved it!!!

Also....I'm going to go out on a limb and say your ticker will change again....just sayin'

I have a whole 36 days, or 37 have to check We requested a King room. All good!