A Sister & Brother Return! The Trip Report! Updated 10/31--Page 23!

[DizSibs]

At the time, it actually felt like I was her human "Stress Ball." She literally just grabbed me and started squeezing my head, I had no idea what was happening.

So I wonder if this is how my DSis truly feels too!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I enjoyed your TR about Universal, but I am super, super, super excited to hear all about WDW!!!

 

[Nicole786]

Now yer talkin' my language!!!

Another great update and pictures. I really think we need to take the girls there. Looking forward to the next part.

Cathy

Yes you should! Its a fun place

great update and pics.

I agree about Spiderman.

I don't understand why they don't allow bags on? is there no room? or they don't want pics out there of them?

Disney is coming.

Maybe theres no room for them or people just lose too much stuff on these rides?

Ohh you poor baby! Ouchie knee on vacation doesn't sound fun or comfortable. But that chicken parm looked awesome! I want some now!

DISNEY!!!! YIPPEE!!!! It is here!

The chicken parm was delish! Yaaaaay for disney!

I'm glad you expressed your concern to the HRH staff. I'm sorry it was at your expense but hopefully they'll learn from the incident.

I absolutely love the picture of you with your arm across David. Big Sis protecting her little Bro. That's just like something I do with my DSis.

Great update. Can't wait to hear about all your Disney fun!

I hope they use the incident as a way to deal with these things in the future. It's true what David said about the ride photo, he had no idea what was going on! lol!

Hmm....Superheroes Character Breakfast you say...good for litle boys you say...hmmm...

Haha if your DS saw Marvel Super Hero Island he would be beside himself!

Universal looks like fun! Can't wait to read your WDW report.

Thanks Universal is fun, but here comes disney!!

I enjoyed your TR about Universal, but I am super, super, super excited to hear all about WDW!!!

Here we go!

 

[Nicole786]

Here we go, it's Disney time!

So we gathered into the car and drove over to Downtown Disney! We had to stop here so I could renew our Annual Passes, but anytime you cross over to Disney soil, your spirits are high and you are excited, thats exactly how we were feeling!!

After that was said and done, It was time for me to reveal the truth to David. The truth being that we were staying at the AKL! With MeMom's help, I had an AKL hat for David (which by the way you will see him wearing it in almost every picture, he loved that hat) and while his reaction was typical 16 year old, once the camera was off he just couldn't believe it and he was super excited! But without further ado, here is the video of the reveal! And a thank you to MeMom once I told him who got it for him

Click Here for Video!

I was really surprised, Nicole is awesome for doing all of this for me. I have the best sister in the world.

So now we were on our way to Coronado Springs!! Well almost. I decided to use the GPS to find out the best way to get to CSR from DD which was dumb because I could have just used the in property signs, but thought it would help. It didn't. It took us out of the property back on the highway just to take a different exit. One wrong turn which took us in the opposite direction, the two very anxious heroes made it to CSR at around 3:40pm.

Right off the bat we were very impressed with the colors and motif of CSR, I was loving it. I love that first step on to Disney property that signifies the start of a great vacation!

We checked in (No wait) with a very nice CM, very cheerful and just what you would want from a Disney hotel! I had requested Casitas but since every disney hotel was booked up solid (no joke!) I wasn't too optimistic, so imagine my surprise when she told us that was where our room was! Hooray for vacation pixie dust! Since it was after 3, our room was ready...even the CM, still on auto mode from this morning went "lets see if your room is ready" but than corrected herself and went "it better be since its 4pm" My thoughts exactly

We drove over to the Casitas section, but our navigation had us quickly turned around once we were walking with our luggage. It just seemed that there was no order to the placement of buildings and it took us a while to find our room But I think thats to be expected at your first arrival It got slightly better as the days wore on, but we were only here for 2 days. I'm sure had we gotten unpacked and situated for a week, CSR would have been a breeze to navigate, but it just wasn't enough time for us to figure out what was going on. I think by the last day David had figured it out, I just followed him blindly.

It was like 2, 4, 1, 3...no wait, it was 4, 2, 1, 3 [the casitas buildings] Or wait--I don't even remember, whatever.

We didn't have much time for relaxing because we had ADRs for Le Cellier and we had to jump on that bus for Epcot-

Oh i remember it now! It was 1, 3, 2, 4. And 5 fit in there somewhere but I really don't remember. We were building 2.

Thanks for that David, now back to the bus. One thing I didn't like was how the bus stops at CSR made you walk accross the parking lot to get to, at least the one by our building. This is just a tiny thing, but it was kind of weird.

One of the reasons I requested Casitas was because the bus order at CSR goes, 2, 3, 4, 1...1 being the lobby bus stop. We were the first to pick up and the first to drop off--pretty sweet huh? The buses at CSR were really great, and we were off to Epcot in no time!

 

[Nicole786]

Our ADR time was 5:20pm and we arrived at Epcot around 4:50, just enough time to get Mission Space FP, the only that were left David has been looking forward to this ride for months. I was confused because David hates thrill rides and won't touch a lot of them with a 10ft pole, but he was eager for this, and who was I to question? I was just happy he was willing to try something intense!

With FP in hand we head over to Le Cellier! Neither of us have ever eaten here, so I was really excited and couldn't wait!

We checked in and waited about 10 minutes before being called in. My first thoughts were how beautiful the restaurant was! We sat down and were helped by Travis, the most awesome waiter ever! This vacation, this dining plan, this restaurant was off to a great start!!

The bread came and we enjoyed it.

PRETZEL BREAD!!!!

I ordered a cup of the infamous Cheddar Cheese Soup, Travis brought me a bowl, I thought it was good, but not outrageous, I would get it again if I had someone to share with it.

Now for the main course I was nervous for David and his inability to try things that are new in the culinary world, but he had promised that he was going to venture out this trip, and he stared at Le Cellier with the Mushroom Filet. I had the NY Strip.

David's steak:

I loved my steak, and those potatoes were just awesome! Le Cellier lived up to my expectations!

My steak was really good! I don't even like mashed potatoes, but I ate some of the potatoes that came with my steak, it was good.

For dessert, I ordered the chocolate moose and david wanted to venture out and try the maple creme brulee. Neither he nor I have ever had creme brulee, so this was really venturing out! I'll let the pictures do the talking:

He loved it! He doesn't stop talking about it to this day!

My Moose:

Once Dinner was over and I took a look at the bill I didn't to pay we walked through and the hosts were playing "trivia" we answered a question right and got a sticker! Yay! They didn't do that with us while we were waiting.

 

[Nicole786]

Our FP time was for 8pm so we decided to walk around world showcase, stopping at norway for one of our favorites: maelstrom! There was a 30 minute wait, but we didn't have any other ideas so we waited.

I love the World Showcase!

Twittering in line:

After that we occupied our time by playing around in some gift shops,

OMG Nicole and her gift shops, just wait people it gets worse

And then walking over to MS and playing in the mission control area which was FUN!! I love when the sun starts to set and you start to see the lights of epcot.

David's favorite disney movie, this comes up a LOT

Time for MS! We got all the way up to the front of the line, and than we stopped and waited. And waited. And waited. Meanwhile, I knew we had to get our spot for illuminations! They announced the unexpected delay so unfortunately we had to get out of line and high-tail it to France where we get our pastries and watch Illuminations. David was upset, would he ever get to ride Mission Space?

We took the long way because my judgment was off, and this just made us tired and cranky once we got there. What made it worse is our usual "spot" had people in it!

The horror!

And I didn't have time to wait in the usual atrocious line for the france bakery! So sad But how sad can you be when in 10 minutes, this is what we saw:

We walked around leisurely, back to the buses, boy was I glad i was in line for CSR when I looked over and saw the line for Port Orleans!!

We waited for the second bus to come which took about 10 minutes. One thing I can say for CSR is the great bus transportation!! Port Orleans was on top of their game too, because they had about 4 buses lined up for their guests, I was impressed!

Funny how when we stayed at POFQ this wasn't the case

We made it back with snack credits burning in our pockets from not using them in France, so we had our first adventure at Pepper Market. I thought it was a fun layout, and very unique. I didn't get anything to eat but I got a drink, David got a cinnamon bun.

that thing was huge, the size of a frisbee!

We walked back to the room, attempting not to get lost. We weren't far from the lobby (another advantage of Casitas) but Magellan and Christopher Columbus took a long time to get back because we couldn't figure out where we were going What was the building order again, Dave?

Oh shut up.

 

[scottny]

great update and pics

the video was great

the food looked yummy

sorry about MS, hope he got on it before u left.

nice Illumniations pics.

that is how the line was for us when we stayed at POR, but we were the 3rd people online so it was ok and they also busses lined up

 

[MeMom]

You are certainly off to a great start!

David got his surprise, you've checked in to a beautiful resort, eaten at LeCellier, and seen Illuminations. I'd say that is a pretty good day!

David, no problem on the hat. We loved being a part of the surprise! Maybe one day I can see you wearing it in person. If Nicole is able to come up at Thanksgiving, are you coming with her? If not, or if she doesn't get to come because of work, we will manage to meet sometime in the future. I have a feeling that between your Disney-crazy sister and Disney-crazy us, we'll eventually have trips that overlap!

I agree about the cheese soup. I thought it was okay - good for dipping that pretzel bread in, that's for sure - but I have had better. I wanted to try a steak there so badly, but I couldn't eat but a few bites of what little I did get, so that would have been a waste of money. Your NY strip looks awesome! The potatoes were delicious, and they gave us a massive portion. I wanted creme brulee, too, but there was no way I could have eaten more than two bites. I decided to hold off, and maybe I can get a sampler sometime if we're there again during the Food and Wine Festival.

And as for Nicole and her gift shops, thatta girl!!! You do me proud! Sorry, David, but it's pretty much a girl thing that you'll probably never understand. We just love to shop...or at least look. And when you are at Disney World, where there are some things you can only find there and you have only rare opportunities to be there, it's just a given that a girl's gotta do some intense looking.

I am looking forward to more. You guys have a great Sunday!

 

[CanadianWDWfan]

I love "Davids thoughts", he is quite funny. Too bad you didn't get to ride MS or get your pastry. You did have a great meal. Of course it was good it was Canada ! I have never eaten there but its on my list, it was booked solid last time. Illuminations is a great topper for your evening. Does David get to space ... I can't wait to find out. Glad to hear the knee is better.

 

[adsrtw]

Great report! Le Cellier looks awesome!

 

[declansdad]

Great update! We have looked at CSR before, we may have to look again.

I think David was just shocked in the video, that's the way it looked to me.

Le Cellier is great and you have to love the pretzel bread and that mouse.

Maybe the delay at MS was due to a proton spill.

 

[stagemomx3]

Great update. I think you are right about CSR. When we first got there everything seemed so spread out and confusing, but by the end of our time, it didn't feel like that anymore. David's reaction video is funny, he appears to be slightly in shock!

 

[WDWBetsy]

Oh, this is so fun to read!! That reveal video was great. I also watched the one of your parents & the cruise treasure hunt - too funny!!

Can't wait to read more...

 

[Grybo]

You are certainly off to a great start!

David got his surprise, you've checked in to a beautiful resort, eaten at LeCellier, and seen Illuminations. I'd say that is a pretty good day!

David, no problem on the hat. We loved being a part of the surprise! Maybe one day I can see you wearing it in person. If Nicole is able to come up at Thanksgiving, are you coming with her? If not, or if she doesn't get to come because of work, we will manage to meet sometime in the future. I have a feeling that between your Disney-crazy sister and Disney-crazy us, we'll eventually have trips that overlap!

I agree about the cheese soup. I thought it was okay - good for dipping that pretzel bread in, that's for sure - but I have had better. I wanted to try a steak there so badly, but I couldn't eat but a few bites of what little I did get, so that would have been a waste of money. Your NY strip looks awesome! The potatoes were delicious, and they gave us a massive portion. I wanted creme brulee, too, but there was no way I could have eaten more than two bites. I decided to hold off, and maybe I can get a sampler sometime if we're there again during the Food and Wine Festival.

And as for Nicole and her gift shops, thatta girl!!! You do me proud! Sorry, David, but it's pretty much a girl thing that you'll probably never understand. We just love to shop...or at least look. And when you are at Disney World, where there are some things you can only find there and you have only rare opportunities to be there, it's just a given that a girl's gotta do some intense looking.

I am looking forward to more. You guys have a great Sunday!

Well, I don't think we're going in Thanksgiving, but I think it would be cool if we met up sometime.

Oh, this is so fun to read!! That reveal video was great. I also watched the one of your parents & the cruise treasure hunt - too funny!!

Can't wait to read more...

The scavenger hunt for our parents was very fun to make. It took a bit of planning, but in the end it was definitely worth it. I came up with most of the clues because I love PotC so I'm pretty fluent in Pirate. Arghhh.

 

[LaNina72]

What a great trip report. It is great to see sibs who get along so well. My DB (32) and I will be going to WDW next month, our DM is coming too. She doesn't want to miss out on all the fun!

Loved the video of your parents treasure hunt... very, very cool.

Looking forward to more!

 

[Nicole786]

great update and pics

the video was great

the food looked yummy

sorry about MS, hope he got on it before u left.

nice Illumniations pics.

that is how the line was for us when we stayed at POR, but we were the 3rd people online so it was ok and they also busses lined up

Yeah I was really pleasantly surprised with the buses, they had their stuff together!

You are certainly off to a great start!

David got his surprise, you've checked in to a beautiful resort, eaten at LeCellier, and seen Illuminations. I'd say that is a pretty good day!

David, no problem on the hat. We loved being a part of the surprise! Maybe one day I can see you wearing it in person. If Nicole is able to come up at Thanksgiving, are you coming with her? If not, or if she doesn't get to come because of work, we will manage to meet sometime in the future. I have a feeling that between your Disney-crazy sister and Disney-crazy us, we'll eventually have trips that overlap!

I agree about the cheese soup. I thought it was okay - good for dipping that pretzel bread in, that's for sure - but I have had better. I wanted to try a steak there so badly, but I couldn't eat but a few bites of what little I did get, so that would have been a waste of money. Your NY strip looks awesome! The potatoes were delicious, and they gave us a massive portion. I wanted creme brulee, too, but there was no way I could have eaten more than two bites. I decided to hold off, and maybe I can get a sampler sometime if we're there again during the Food and Wine Festival.

And as for Nicole and her gift shops, thatta girl!!! You do me proud! Sorry, David, but it's pretty much a girl thing that you'll probably never understand. We just love to shop...or at least look. And when you are at Disney World, where there are some things you can only find there and you have only rare opportunities to be there, it's just a given that a girl's gotta do some intense looking.

I am looking forward to more. You guys have a great Sunday!

It was all about looking this trip, and taking photos! David won't be coming if I make it up for the day, i'm looking forward to flying solo. I'll have to have your number in case I win the castle suite

I love "Davids thoughts", he is quite funny. Too bad you didn't get to ride MS or get your pastry. You did have a great meal. Of course it was good it was Canada ! I have never eaten there but its on my list, it was booked solid last time. Illuminations is a great topper for your evening. Does David get to space ... I can't wait to find out. Glad to hear the knee is better.

All things canadian are awesome, right? Well I would have to say that if they are like Le Cellier! Tough reservation to get, I know, but so worth it!

Great report! Le Cellier looks awesome!

It was, thanks for reading!

Great update! We have looked at CSR before, we may have to look again.

I think David was just shocked in the video, that's the way it looked to me.

Le Cellier is great and you have to love the pretzel bread and that mouse.

Maybe the delay at MS was due to a proton spill.

CSR was just okay for us, we'll give our reviews once we move ahead in the TR..David wasn't impressed as you may have heard at the meet, I think he mentioned it.

Great update. I think you are right about CSR. When we first got there everything seemed so spread out and confusing, but by the end of our time, it didn't feel like that anymore. David's reaction video is funny, he appears to be slightly in shock!

Its just a matter of getting situated finding anything at a new hotel takes some time. He was definitely in shock. I cut the beginning in post-editing where I explain it to him, he just had no idea

Oh, this is so fun to read!! That reveal video was great. I also watched the one of your parents & the cruise treasure hunt - too funny!!

Can't wait to read more...

Thanks for checking out the videos! We had fun setting that up

What a great trip report. It is great to see sibs who get along so well. My DB (32) and I will be going to WDW next month, our DM is coming too. She doesn't want to miss out on all the fun!

Loved the video of your parents treasure hunt... very, very cool.

Looking forward to more!

Its fun to go with your sibling to Disney World. David and I would do things at the exact same time and look at eachother and go "Wow are we cut from the same cloth or what?" Thanks for reading!

 

[jake&samsmom]

You and David are having so much fun!

I like the fun CSR colors and landscaping.

Oh the beauty of Illuminations!

I hate how you had to miss MS! I hope you get to ride it later on....

Keep the updates comin'

 

[Charleston Princess]

I have sat down three times to respond to your update and my family keeps interrupting me!

Hurray for reaching CSR! We really enjoyed our stay there and loved the food at the Pepper Market!

Le Cellier looks delicious! I would want to try that mousse if only because it is so cute!

I love gift shops, too. In fact, for me, part of the fun of vacations is browsing through all the gift shops.

That's a shame about Mission Space! I hope David gets to ride it later in the trip.

Beautiful pics from Illuminations!

 

[troobabiee7]

Great updates! I'm so glad you had a good time at Universal. I love it there and we always have a great time. Spiderman's the best! I'm also glad that you made it to Disney without any problems and that your knee was starting to feel better. What a pain! You handled it really well though. How was CSR?! We've only ever visited and I loved it, it was so festive and colorful!

Looking forward to more!

 

[AGPrincess]

Yay!! Wonderful Disney update! I LOVE all the Coronado Springs pics...SO pretty! And the Illuminations pics are pretty awesome! Were you using a tripod?