7 Days at Disney & the MANY Lessons We Learned Along the Way! My Jan 2010 TR

[Mndisneygirl]

I was just typing on your TR while you were on mine! Great minds think alike!

Share pics of those cupcakes- they sound really neat! Happy almost bday to DD!!!

I agree!
I will definitely post pics on my TR or on snowbirds thread. It is her "golden" birthday, 9 on the 9th. I have been told that some people don't "do" that in some parts of the country. I'm planning to do lots of stuff in gold - plates, napkins, decorations and gift wrap.

 

[Dancegrl624]

How did I not know about your TR?!?! So, I went back and read the whole thing! My fav pic is from the first "real" night of your 2 kiddos in bed. I love that Em's arm is on Andrew's head. So adorable! I absolutely loved going to WDW in January (except for the tour groups). Can't wait to read more!

 

[Monny2AE]

Promise to get an update up at some point soon. ​

I agree!
I will definitely post pics on my TR or on snowbirds thread. It is her "golden" birthday, 9 on the 9th. I have been told that some people don't "do" that in some parts of the country. I'm planning to do lots of stuff in gold - plates, napkins, decorations and gift wrap.

Happy almost birthday to DD!!! That's fun that you're celebrating that way. I've heard it called the star birthday. Andrew was born on the 1st so his has already past. Em's won't be until she turns 27 so I have lots of time to plan that one. Can't wait to see pics!

How did I not know about your TR?!?! So, I went back and read the whole thing! My fav pic is from the first "real" night of your 2 kiddos in bed. I love that Em's arm is on Andrew's head. So adorable! I absolutely loved going to WDW in January (except for the tour groups). Can't wait to read more!

Meghan!!!

Yeah he's going to hate me in a few years for that pic. For right now they are best buddies and I will enjoy it as long as it lasts.

 

[drakes]

I wish I could have the top 3 things you listed- tea cups, cupcake at MK and parade all over again! I'm really missing my Disney!

Me too - you're doing great with your Trip Reporting though. I can't get out of the funk
I thought the TR would help.
I think if I was more organized while on my trip, then it would be easier to come home. But by the end of a touring day I don't want to journal or sort through my photos etc. So the sorting happens at the end of the trip!
As well I don't journal too much during the trip... not sure how you ladies do?

Today the sun is shining so it will be a better day!

 

[Monny2AE]

DAY SIX
Wednesday, January 27th



Today was DH’s birthday!!! Happy Birthday Jason!

We started off with breakfast at Ohana’s! This was our first time at Ohana’s and we were very excited. We’ve been to Chef Mickey’s and Crystal Palace before and thought it might be fun to try something new. We were not disappointed. The food was delicious, the CM’s were wonderful and the characters were in rare form! And the juice…heavenly! Oh and Poly is beautiful…I’d love to stay there someday.

Stitch was the first to visit our table. I had no idea he was coming. He gave the signal to my kids to stay quiet, snuck up behind me and put the hood of my sweatshirt up over my head. The kids were laughing hysterically! Good ole Stitch! No wonder they warned us not to give him coffee.

Then came Lilo, or Yilo as Em calls her.

Followed by the Mouse himself! He pointed to DH’s birthday button and then to me to get his pic with DH.

Last, but not least of course, was our favorite dog Pluto! If we had a dog Andrew swears he’d name him Pluto.

Then our fabulous CM brought out a yummy cupcake…the vultures (aka, my kids) moved in a little closer to make sure they got a taste.

A parade saved the day! As soon as we finished singing Happy Birthday, the parade began and the kids ran off to get some maracas and join in. DH enjoyed his birthday cupcake alone! He did save a bite or two for when the vultures returned.

Apparently this lady did NOT want me snapping any more pictures.

After filling our tummies at Ohana’s we headed over to TTC and caught the monorail to MK. We pretty much had to take the monorail the entire trip. For some reason the ferry boats were never running while we were there. It was kind of disappointing.

 

[Monny2AE]

We arrived just as the Move It Shake It Celebrate It parade was beginning. Em got her groove on. Andrew refused to dance and stayed on the side with Jason. Party poopers!
We were having a blast dancing with Goofy when all of a sudden he grabs Em’s hand and another little girl and they start a little parade! I was all teary eyed of course! It was so magical!

From there we headed to…

First stop was POTC. We got stuck on this for about 20 minutes. Yo Ho A Pirate’s Life for Me was embedded in our brains by the time we got off. Oh and of course Em decided she had to go potty as soon as we were stopped. At least we had a nice view while we were stuck.

Had some time to spare so I took a pic of Andrew in his POTC t-shirt while riding POTC.

Finally we were let off and headed straight to the potty. Then we tried on some pirate hats.

Headed over to climb a tree house.

Got to the top and Em proclaimed she had to go potty AGAIN! Did I mention her bladder is the size of a grape. I said excuse me a million times to get past everyone on the way down and took her potty.

After that Mama needed something refreshing…

I have no pics of my actual Dole Whip because I learned my kids love them too. If I would have put my spoon down long enough to take a pic, I wouldn’t have had any left. Next time they get their own!

Since it was DH’s birthday we let him make the plans today. He decided we’d had enough of MK for today so we put our Park Hoppers to good use and headed to Epcot a little early! No surprise since Epcot is his favorite!

Back on the monorail…

This is his biggest complaint about going to Disney- transportation and lugging a darn stroller around. Last trip, we had 2 separate strollers- talk about frustrating! This trip we brought a double but it’s still a pain. Next trip our kids will be a little older and we will fork over the extra money to rent from Disney.

We toured the countries and the kids had lots of fun making their masks.

Met Jasmine in Morocco!
The photo pass has some great pics of meeting Jasmine- I’ll share them when I get it. This is the only one I snapped.

Crammed in a phone booth in England.

Made Jason get a picture with the Celebrate sign on his birthday in his birthday shirt and birthday button. I married such a patient man.

 

[Dancegrl624]

'Ohana looks like so much fun!!! I have a little vulture of my own. I got plenty of birthday cupcakes in June and Madison's eyes got huge every single time! I always shared with her. Those cupcakes are huge and I can't handle that much sugar that early in the morning! 'Ohana is definately on my list for Sept. I've never heard anything bad about it.

 

[Monny2AE]

We went through the Nemo attraction one more time. By then it was almost time for our dinner ressie’s at Coral Reef. Since breakfast, we had eaten a Dole Whip and soft pretzel from Germany. Our tummies were rumbling!

Our ressies were for 4:30. We were seated at a table on the highest tier and yet the restaurant was nearly empty! I politely asked if we could possibly sit closer. Our CM was very nice and moved us to one of the FIVE tables that were open next to the tank. Why they originally put us way up in the back I'll never know. Maybe we looked like we were going to be trouble or something. The kids loved watching the fish and the divers!

Jason and I both got steak and the kids split a pizza. After we finished our meals, our CM brought out a huge cake! I asked for a 6” but apparently was given (and charged for) an 8”. Oh well you only turn 35 at Disney once!

We were stuffed and walked out to a beautiful sun setting over Epcot.

Took a little ride on Spaceship Earth- probably the millionth time but we love it!

We explored a little more of the countries before securing a spot for Illuminations outside of Norway.
While waiting the kids and I shared the most delicious fresh fruit tart from Kringla and I got a nice cup of hot tea. YUM!!! This is the spot we will watch Illuminations from now on! Great view and delicious food nearby! (And a bathroom for Em!)

I didn’t take any pics of Illuminations. It is by far my most favorite part of Disney and I wanted to enjoy it without taking pictures. Plus pictures of nighttime fireworks never turn out well for me. As always Illuminations made my eyes teary and I left humming the music.

What a wonderful day at Disney!!!!

Lessons Learned from DAY SIX:

• Ohana’s is a great place to dine! We’ll definitely be going back.
• My children like Dole Whips just as much as I do. Next time we get one for each of us.
• Coral Reef is expensive but the atmosphere was amazing. The food was pretty good too. Not sure we’d go back again because of the cost though unless it was during free dining.
• No two rides on Spaceship Earth are the same. It’s so much fun to answer differently each time on the little quiz and see what happens!
• Epcot at sunset is magnificent.
• Illuminations is still breathtaking each and every time I experience it. If Disney ever changes or removes it, I will be one upset lady.
• I cry lots at Disney. DD dances with Goofy, I cry. Illuminations, I cry. the list goes on and on! Good thing I had tissues with me (darn sinus infection) at all times.

 

[Monny2AE]

Me too - you're doing great with your Trip Reporting though. I can't get out of the funk
I thought the TR would help.
I think if I was more organized while on my trip, then it would be easier to come home. But by the end of a touring day I don't want to journal or sort through my photos etc. So the sorting happens at the end of the trip!
As well I don't journal too much during the trip... not sure how you ladies do?

Today the sun is shining so it will be a better day!

I'm still stuck in the funk too but am forcing myself to do the TR. I think if I knew another trip was in my near future and not 2 or so years away I would be a little happier. I don't take notes or do anything while on vacation. When I get home I organize the pics according to what day they were taken and just try to remember as best as I can while I type up the TR.
Hang in there, we'll get back to Disney someday!

'Ohana looks like so much fun!!! I have a little vulture of my own. I got plenty of birthday cupcakes in June and Madison's eyes got huge every single time! I always shared with her. Those cupcakes are huge and I can't handle that much sugar that early in the morning! 'Ohana is definately on my list for Sept. I've never heard anything bad about it.

You'll love Ohana! It was a wonderful experience! Everything about it was great- food, atmosphere, and service. Are you going for breakfast or dinner?

 

[lexmas]

I love Ohana. It's so much fun and the food is great. Glad DH got to eat most of his cupcake himself....it's almost like before you had kids, right? (Can you tell I haven't enjoyed a cupcake to myself in 3+ years...)

How cute that Goofy took Emily on her own little parade. I bet she loved that!

I hope my kids like dole whips...they don't do so great with dairy and these are pretty much dairy free! (They have caesin, but that's it.)

DS has a tiny bladder too. Always at inconvenient times, those tiny bladders!

That's great that you got a good table at coral reef. I haven't been there since I was 5, but I remember it! That's a shame that you got charged for the bigger cake. It is very pretty, if that's any consolation!

Spaceship Earth is just fun every time. That computer thing is a great addition.

Love the pictures of Epcot at dusk, beautiful!

Such a cute picture of DH holding the kids hands leaving Epcot. I love pictures like that!

Great update!

 

[seacrestpromo]

Great update Kim! Love the Coral Reef pictures and story. Have to try that place next time we are there. - Sea

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great updates! Beautiful cake too! We're booked for Coral Reef in July so I'm glad to hear a good review!
I hope we can sit by the tank!

I love how excited Emily looks in the pictures with the characters at Ohana! So cute!

 

[drakes]

Great Update ! That was one fabulous Birthday Day!

From the sounds of it you fit in alot yet took a relaxing pace!
Your Kids faces at Ohana with the characters are my favourite, brought A smile to my face wondering what Em was thinking

Glad you liked Coral Reef as well, I am surprised they didn't sit you up front, you were obviously celebrating! Good thing you spoke up

P.S. Thanks for sharing you don;t take notes, takes the pressure off me remembering too much, I really rely on my photos too, but some things I didn;t take photos of, other things I took 1-15 to just get the right image -LOL

 

[bunkkinsmom]

You are doing so great with your report!!

I was just glad mine wasn't closed after so long, glad I finally got back to it.

I love O'Hana for dinner, but you may have convinced me to try breakfast there!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Great update!!! Love all the pics and that Jason got to have a 35th there!! We are the same age!!! For a few more months at least!!!! Your kids are sooo dang cute!! And I too cry constantly at Disney world...maybe that's why I go so often....pent up emotion floods out and I can blame on the atmosphere! LOL!!!!! My kids feel the emotion too...so it's not just me!

 

[Pluto_fan]

What great updates!

Happy birthday Jason! Just two days (and several years ) after mine. What a great place to celebrate.

Last, but not least of course, was our favorite dog Pluto! If we had a dog Andrew swears he’d name him Pluto.

Yea for Pluto! What great pictures from your breakfast!
My DD has the EXACT same hair as Em...except that I can't keep a barette in it to save my life

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update Kim!

We went to Ohana for breakfast a few years ago. It was very good and so much fun!!

You really got a lot done that day. MK & Epcot, you are very energetic!!

Good for you asking to be moved at the Coral Reef! Sometimes you wonder why the CM's do what they do. I'm glad the kids got to sit next to the tank!

Great pictures as always, thanks for sharing!

 

[Dancegrl624]

You'll love Ohana! It was a wonderful experience! Everything about it was great- food, atmosphere, and service. Are you going for breakfast or dinner?

I think we're leaning towards breakfast. We are HUGE bfast people!

I too LOVE Epcot when the sun is setting. It is just gorgeous. I think every nighttime thing at WDW makes me cry. I sob like a baby at Wishes and get huge goosebumps during IllumiNations. I have the cds for both of those and I recently starting listening to them again. After our June trip, I listened for awhile, but I just started missing Disney too much so I put them in my glovebox. IllumiNations is so inspiring to me (being a dance teacher and all)! Every time I hear the music, I instantly start choreographing in my head!

 

[Monny2AE]

I love Ohana. It's so much fun and the food is great. Glad DH got to eat most of his cupcake himself....it's almost like before you had kids, right? (Can you tell I haven't enjoyed a cupcake to myself in 3+ years...)

How cute that Goofy took Emily on her own little parade. I bet she loved that!

I hope my kids like dole whips...they don't do so great with dairy and these are pretty much dairy free! (They have caesin, but that's it.)

DS has a tiny bladder too. Always at inconvenient times, those tiny bladders!

That's great that you got a good table at coral reef. I haven't been there since I was 5, but I remember it! That's a shame that you got charged for the bigger cake. It is very pretty, if that's any consolation!

Spaceship Earth is just fun every time. That computer thing is a great addition.

Love the pictures of Epcot at dusk, beautiful!

Such a cute picture of DH holding the kids hands leaving Epcot. I love pictures like that!

Great update!

Having kids is definitely a great way to diet.
Amazing that you remember Coral Reef!

Great update Kim! Love the Coral Reef pictures and story. Have to try that place next time we are there. - Sea

It was a fascinating place to eat. The food was good but not worth the high cost IMO. I mean it was a good steak and all but not any better than some that I've had here at home for half the cost. I guess they add a few $$$ to sit next to the fishes while eating.

Great updates! Beautiful cake too! We're booked for Coral Reef in July so I'm glad to hear a good review!
I hope we can sit by the tank!

I love how excited Emily looks in the pictures with the characters at Ohana! So cute!

I was nervous eating at CR before our trip. DH picked it and I had to stop myself from reading negative reviews so I wouldn't worry. You should enjoy it!

Great Update ! That was one fabulous Birthday Day!

From the sounds of it you fit in alot yet took a relaxing pace!
Your Kids faces at Ohana with the characters are my favourite, brought A smile to my face wondering what Em was thinking

Glad you liked Coral Reef as well, I am surprised they didn't sit you up front, you were obviously celebrating! Good thing you spoke up

P.S. Thanks for sharing you don;t take notes, takes the pressure off me remembering too much, I really rely on my photos too, but some things I didn;t take photos of, other things I took 1-15 to just get the right image -LOL

I do the same thing! I took about 50 pictures of the exact same things just to be sure I had one that would look good.

You are doing so great with your report!!

I was just glad mine wasn't closed after so long, glad I finally got back to it.

I love O'Hana for dinner, but you may have convinced me to try breakfast there!!

I have to stop by and see your updates! Glad they didn't close it on you!

Great update!!! Love all the pics and that Jason got to have a 35th there!! We are the same age!!! For a few more months at least!!!! Your kids are sooo dang cute!! And I too cry constantly at Disney world...maybe that's why I go so often....pent up emotion floods out and I can blame on the atmosphere! LOL!!!!! My kids feel the emotion too...so it's not just me!

I don't know what it is about Disney that makes me get all emotional. It's such an amazing place and it always reminds me of how much I have to be thankful for in this life.

What great updates!

Happy birthday Jason! Just two days (and several years ) after mine. What a great place to celebrate.




Yea for Pluto! What great pictures from your breakfast!
My DD has the EXACT same hair as Em...except that I can't keep a barette in it to save my life

Her hair drives me crazy. It's so fine and thin and always in her face and is so sloooow to grow. A friend of mine made her a Mickey barrette for the trip and she wore that for a while because it was something special.

Great update Kim!

We went to Ohana for breakfast a few years ago. It was very good and so much fun!!

You really got a lot done that day. MK & Epcot, you are very energetic!!

Good for you asking to be moved at the Coral Reef! Sometimes you wonder why the CM's do what they do. I'm glad the kids got to sit next to the tank!

Great pictures as always, thanks for sharing!

I usually don't like to ask to be moved and I wouldn't have if the place wasn't more than half empty. I'm glad I did though. It made for a wonderful dinner!

I think we're leaning towards breakfast. We are HUGE bfast people!

I too LOVE Epcot when the sun is setting. It is just gorgeous. I think every nighttime thing at WDW makes me cry. I sob like a baby at Wishes and get huge goosebumps during IllumiNations. I have the cds for both of those and I recently starting listening to them again. After our June trip, I listened for awhile, but I just started missing Disney too much so I put them in my glovebox. IllumiNations is so inspiring to me (being a dance teacher and all)! Every time I hear the music, I instantly start choreographing in my head!

We tend to be more of a breakfast family too. We make breakfast for dinner at least once a week and they know us well at Bob Evans. The Ohana juice alone is enough to make me want to go for breakfast again!

You should choreograph something to Illuminations- what amazing music to dance to!

 

[Northern Disney Girl]

WOW!!! What a full day you had! I kept looking for you that day at Epcot thinking that we might bump into each other! Glad you enjoyed 'Ohana! That was my favourite meal of our trip! It is definitely a repeat for us! Glad Jason had a good birthday! Can't wait to hear about your next day!!!