A Tale of [family madness in] Two Cities - Final Thoughts & PTR Link!

[Panotchr]

Loving this! Love the pictures of Kidani. We will be there this summer! Thanks so much for those.
Glad Henry seems to be feeling pretty "tip top" once he hit the magic!
Kelly

 

[A.Mickey]

I am here! Finally! I saw your signature had changed and noticed the link for the new TR!

Don't you just love the rooms! We are lucky enough to live 2.14 miles from Woodfield mall where DVC has a Doorway to Dreams store, with model mockups, that look exactly like the real thing at Disney World. We went to a DISmeet back in 08 when they still had the AKV rooms and I loved all the details around The Lion King! Now the models are BLT rooms, wonder what they will be next!

Can't wait to hear about Magic Kingdom without a bag! Isn't it the best!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Are we sure that Disney didn't move the Magical Express counter? Your TR is about the third one I read where someone couldn't remember where it was located. I think Disney switched it around.

Every set of pictures I see of the Kidani rooms makes me want to buy DVC immediately. They are so pretty!!!

You went to a park without a bag??? Is that even possible???

 

[MeMom]

I really enjoyed those details as well, there were many I didn't capture that I wish I had too. I do hope you guys have a DVC stay in your near future! What resort would you pick first?

It was very fun with Henry so excited and running around - he was so happy to be FREE after a long travel day.

And yep, Joe and I were ready to run around too!

Anywhere! I am not particular.
I want to stay at Kidani and Beach Club, and Jill wants to stay at Boardwalk. We both think one night in BLT would be nice to see fireworks from the balcony. We'll be happy anywhere!

Bella was the same way. She was ready to be free from her carseat.

Henry wanted to post an update.







I showed him the smilies under the "More" link....he found the motorcycle in about 2.4 seconds!

He REALLY likes that "corn guy" - and was thrilled when he saw him in my siggy. He just hugged my laptop...!

Good morning, Henry!
Thanks for starting my morning out with a smile.

 

[jenjolt]

OY!!! So I've been looking for days under your ticker of Henry for the link for your next TR and it turns out it has been on top this whole time....DOH!!!! Oh well at least I have made it and as usual I'm fashionably late!!

Love the updates so far and GOOD MORNING Henry! Love his smilies...too cute!!!!!!!

NO park bag...that is a huge feat to behold...can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Charlefours]

Yay! I missed that you started this but I am so glad to have found it!

The picture of Henry and GG melted my heart--so precious!! I am glad to hear MIL and FIL survived the trip down. LOVE the room!! Gorgeous and so big.

No park bag? By accident or was this planned? Hmm...waiting to hear more

 

[Kara]

[SIZE="3Brook, so glad I found your new report!!! I love seeing Henry grow! Your room was WOW!! amazing!!!

 

[ClaireW]

I'm here and glad I found you , now I'm headed back to read

Oh, and I too keep meaning to PM, sorry you keep slipping down my to-do list

 

[ClaireW]

Caught up just about thanks to the wonders of nap-time and Toy Story

Something for Henry

And one more chosen by DD (who is a similar age)

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was two pages behind on my own TR! Thank you everyone for your replies!!!!

After this last trip I don't think I'll ever forget again - it is most definitely on the 'B' side

I always tell Brooklynn to look for the B and that takes us to the Mickey bus. She has known what a B looks like forever. So if I ever have a brain lapse Brooklynn will remind me and lead the way!

That is SUCH a good idea! Since I'm also a Brook, and Henry knows "my letter" - that will work slick for years to come.

OMG - no bag? No way!!
I'm so glad your flight got out on time...can't wait to read more!!

Yep! NO BAG!

Y'all's room looks amazing!!


Maybe I should try to switch our reservation 2 days out to DVC at AKL.






Kidding!! I've done my share of last minute upgrades, lately, TYVM!



I can't believe Henry called 9-1-1. That's hilarious. Thankfully Jack-Jack hasn't managed that one yet.


On a related note... kinda....


I was talking to my mom the other day and she had to go because she had call waiting. She's still not great with the whole clicking over and clicking back thing, and she won't pay for call waiting caller id.

So I didn't think anything of it, just said sure, call me back whenever and I hang up the phone.
About 20 secs later, I hear my mother's voice. Thinking I've lost it, I make sure that I had indeed hung the phone up. I had.

She was talking to Jack-Jack on the cell phone. He had called her from my cell while I was on the house phone with her. He had been her call waiting!






What would we do without 2 yr old entertainment eh?


Can't wait to hear about your late night MK adventures with no toddler and NO PARK BAG! Oh the horror!

That is ADORABLE!!!!! So so cute! He just wanted to call his Grammy!

You are in our Happy Place now!!!! I've seen you on Facebook a few times already - so glad the crowds are low! 20 minutes for Soarin'!?!?!

Ah, caught this one only six pages in. I was watching the Twitter feed, but look forward to seeing the full TR on this one. Just try not to take a year to finish it, unlike SOME people around here...

Or just never finish like my Honeymoon TR?! Ya...never finished. The whole "having a baby" thing got in my way. Glad to see you here!!

Hi Brook!! I just found your TR and have enjoyed reading it so far!! Your room is beautiful!! I can't wait to read more!!

Thank you for reading!!! The room was awesome. We loved it! Joe mentioned later in the week about how it seemed more plain, but I personally like that. Usually hotel rooms have borders along the top and all that - Kidani does not. Just painted walls with beautiful artwork. Me like!

Wonderful Kidani pictures!

I can understand how wonderful it must be to go to a prak without a bag!! And I guess you did not bring the stroller either?

EXACTLY! We love our little boy, and really don't mind pushing him around, but ooooooh, only having ME to think about was a dream!

More replies soon....gotta figure out something for dinner!

 

[DisGirlAllie]

Oh man. Miss brookelizabeth you may be my only saving grace until August! Keep up the great work! Henry sure is a cutie!

 

[MEK]

Great 1/10 update. Can't believe I am reading it 3 days late! That is so NOT cool! Anyway - I am glad you arrived safely Kidani. It's so funny to read about everyone's arrival, because the reaction is the same. Everyone LOVES it. It's cool to see the studio because we had a dedicated 2BR, which worked out better for the teens.

I'm so glad you got such a great location for your room and you were able to hit the MK. Can't wait to see how long you last until you crash! I have a feeling you are really running on adrenaline by this point!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Or just never finish like my Honeymoon TR?! Ya...never finished. The whole "having a baby" thing got in my way.

Excuses, excuses.....

 

[lovegrumpy]

Yea another trip report. I love reading them.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yup, this is how far behind I am already. But I'm sitting down with my (3rd) cup of coffee now, to do some serious catching up. My DH was off work for 2 weeks for a "stay-cation" and my 'puter time was SERIOUSLY hampered!!! I'm back for reals now. Watch out.

That's alright! I get behind all the time - no worries. I have those handy links on the front page too that will help when real life interrupts us of DISing.

And speaking of that...still not caught up on yours!

2 hours to get to Kidani?!! That's as frightening as it gets! I'd have been a basket case by then. But I will say, watching Henry jump on the bed to start off your Kidani time, would more than make up for it!! Nice!

The room itself looks AMAZING! Simply stunning!

My neice called the cops once too. Funny now; not so much when it happened.

So glad they could give you a room that was close by! I'm sure that really helped make the trip more enjoyable for your FIL.

It was annoying that the driver was soooooo slow. I was itchin' to get off that bus. Henry was very well behaved thankfully, and he also had 5 different laps to sit on/entertain him, so that helped!

My FIL was worn by the time we got to the room, the walking at the airport did him in - and we even took the moving walkway to avoid more walking. Poor guy! I was VERY happy with our room - design wise and location!

Great first day and it's not over yet!! I'm so glad you and Joe had time to go exploring by yourselves... so nice to have grandparents to watch Henry, then you can relax knowing he is in good hands. Was it strange to change gears and do adult things rather than small child things?

It was very, very nice to have the grandparents with-who were more than eager to spend time with their little grandbaby!

It wasn't too strange to change gears for the parks, what was hard was my MIL being there and taking care of Henry sometimes when I was still present. I totally don't mind her taking over and feeding/changing when necessary, but it was awkward for the first few days..."Oh, I can do that..." I kept interrupting - then I learned that she WANTED to do it. She loved it! So...I certainly didn't mind the break. It was hard to not get to do some of the things we love to do with Henry due to the large/slow moving touring party and the crowds....more on all that as the TR progresses too.

It was very crowded, but ok....we managed just fine.

That would be funny if we saw each other in our photos. BTW, I think it's hilarious that you and your DH took nearly the same pic of the bathroom. Like I always tell my hubby, "Great minds think alike." and I think it's great that the two of you could run off to MK and leave little Henry sleeping with the grandparents. My kids are older, and DH and I are about to celebrate 20 yrs, but we still love to have a little night, (or weekend, if we get so lucky) to ourselves.

Well now, that's just too strange. When we drove onto Yacht Club property and stoped at the security check in, the guard gave us our parking pass. I didn't even pay attention to it until we were unloaded and parked. But it had us checking out the next day! Luckily, we got that matter cleared up as well.

Don't leave us waiting very long...I can't wait to hear about you and your DH's couple visit to MK!

I think we will have to do NYE again when Henry (and any future child(ren)) are older. It sounded like a great time!!!!

It was a great treat to have the grandparents along for those late night runs to the park. They don't end with this night....

That is very strange about the parking pass!! Did you have more than one reservation number? We had four (which made the CM's eyes pop! ) due to the rooms not being readily available when we booked--in January. I was wait listed and it took a bit of arranging and fast CM work to secure it!

Hi, I am here!! And it only took me 6 pages.

Henry is just too cute - what a doll face!

Stay warm up there in MN! IA is not much better.....we are supposed to have warmer temps this week. Warmer as in 30 degrees instead of minus 5.....it just kills me that they are talking about "warmer" and it's still freezing....welcome to the Midwest!

Hey Katie!!! Thank you for the compliment on Henry. I was really hoping everyone would have met him on NYE! All well...a good excuse to meet up again!

about the weather! Today it's 25 and it feels WONDERFUL out there!!! We are really loving the warmer temps today. 30 would be a dream!

Good Morning Henry - Thanks for the update!!!

And just cause you like him so much

I'll have to show him the 3 "corn guys" in a row tomorrow morning, he'll love it!

Yayyy!!! I'm glad you got out on time with no delays or anything! I was nervous flying out of NY on the 23rd but we didn't get delayed either- can't get any better than that!
WOW no vacation in 10 years???? I would go CRAZY! LOL Oh, and I always get confused when it comes to looking for the ME... it's sad isn't it?!
Kidani looks AWESOME I definitely love the bathroom layout better at the AKL than any other!
No bag?!! How Liberating!!!

I was so surprised that we flew out on time, I've had delays from Mpls for "weather" with NO snow.

I know, I would go nuts without a vacation in 10 years too! They are just homebodies, and their dog is like a child to them, so that was hard for them to be away. I think my MIL got bit by the "travel bug" though...!

Okay, as I was typing "travel bug" I thought, "I'm typing this reply to TravelBug, aren't I?!"

That bathroom at Kidani is amazing. Seriously breathtaking! It's HUGE!!!!! I even suggested we put Henry's pack & play in there, there was so much room! We didn't but we could have!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Holy cow. I had no clue you started a TR! I just stumbled accross it! Now I got to start reading!!!

Oh! I'm glad you found me! My other reports got closed while we were gone so I couldn't "announce" it like I usually do. I was going to PM people, but I felt weird about doing that!

OK, all caught up!
Please tell that even though you went with no bag, you still took a camera!!!! We NEED pictures!

YES! Camera doesn't leave my neck. Seriously, I don't even know why we bother with a bag. It's even on the table at meals.

great update Henry!!

I am pretty good at getting off the plane and knowing right where ME is but between you and Wigd getting turned around I better write on my hand! I am playing tour guide in May so I am supposed to know everything!!
Phew that was a long trip to Kidani...even with all the stops.
Don't you just love the rooms? I really love those ostrich lamps too!
So cute with Henry jumping on the bed and loving the balconies!! I could do the same!!!
for going to the park with no bag!!

Tracy

Henry gets excited when he sees the smilies now and always points out a few! It's very cute.

Ah, playing tour guide. That was exactly me this trip. I can't say I loved every minute of it. More on that later.

I love those lamps! They are so neat! I think Kidani is decorated just beautifully overall. I love the huge hallway windows too, it always had me stopping in my tracks...as you will all soon find out with many, many, many pictures of animals!

While I didn't jump on the bed with Henry, I did fling myself across it in a running leap!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook...

so sorry about Henry not feeling well but he looks pretty happy moving around in you Kidani room...

Good for you for having your reservation #s at the front desk...you go girl...


This is a lovely tradition......I think I'm going to have to start implementing some "Schnapszahl" around here...

He was feeling better at that point, much to my relief! His fever had broken in the morning and he was just left with a little sniffle/runny nose.

I was VERY glad I had been organized and filled out the Passporter! I am sure they could have found me regardless, but those numbers made it a lot quicker and less stressful.

I really like that tradition too, Henry's golden birthday was when he turned ONE, so that's kinda out the window already! Maybe when he's 11 I'll go all out!

Yes, they supposedly used the Ultimate Touring Plan, but who knows which insider knowledge these two guys had (like exact start times for continuous shows like the Tiki Room etc.). Will be looking forward to hear about plans!

Regarding Schnapszahl: we like our compound words in German, nothing more natural to us to put a few words after each other and give them a new meaning! Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rinderkennzeichnungs-_und_Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz

It can be a lot of fun. Actually my mother had one of the best Schnapszahl birthdays (in German Schnapszahlgeburtstag, see above regarding compound words! ) ever: she was born on 2/2/44, so she turned 44 on 2/2 in 88! She had a big party for that!

Actually it comes from card games: If at the end of an evening of playing cards your final result was a number with identical digits, you would have to pay a round of drinks for the other players.

That is very true about the "insider information" they might of had, or someone else in the parks texting them wait time info, etc. But still, very impressive!

That article you linked to makes me laugh! Whoa...what a word! And that is considered the SHORT title of the law.

Page 7-really Subbing.

This TR is moving pretty good!! Handy links in post 2 to skip the chit-chat though!

You always have such great trip reports! I enjoyed following you on Twitter! The villas at AK look so amazing, I can't wait to stay there! We are thinking about going back either next January or April 2011 and staying at AKV.

Oh, thank you!!! I'm glad to "see" you again. We all really loved AKV, its beautiful! I have more pictures coming up too.

I know! Brook TRs move quickly don't they??

I'm always surprised and flattered by how many people enjoy these TRs! It's a lot of fun for me to write and share the memories, and I'm thrilled to share our experiences with everyone!

Hey Brook!
I was MIA for a while, so I didn't get caught up on your previous TR until after it was closed so I couldn't comment. I loved it right to the very end and I was just thrilled to find you again today. I'm all caught up and ready for more! Very fun update. I can feel the excitement and anticipation!

Thank you for finding me and joining up again! More coming soon...tonight or tomorrow!

Subbing. And YAY - I'm not too far behind!

I love the pix you take, Brook. You pay attention to detail and it really helps to give a good idea of what it's like to be where you are. The rooms in AKL look beautiful. We were just in studio last spring, but I love the styling of that one bedroom.

So glad you got to get out to MK on your first night.

And BAGLESS?????? I went to the parks bagless once - a long, long time ago. It was glorious.

Hey Cammie! I feel like this trip I didn't have as much time to take in those details...I was so busy with everyone and the crowds...but hopefully we still did capture enough to grab that essence of it all!

Bagless!!!

Glad everything was OK with your ressie! And your room/villa is gorgeous!!!


Thankfully they were understanding!

Can't wait to hear about MK with no bag!

The room really was beautiful, I loved everything about it. There are more/better pictures coming throughout the week too!

 

[Huck Sawyer]

I just started following your TR just a few days ago. I'm currently 6 months pregnant and on bed rest so my days are long. I have been speed reading your past TR's and you always have me laughing.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Loving this! Love the pictures of Kidani. We will be there this summer! Thanks so much for those.
Glad Henry seems to be feeling pretty "tip top" once he hit the magic!
Kelly

I hope you love Kidani! There will be lots more pictures coming up throughout the TR, so stay tuned.

Yes, Henry was feeling much better by the time we arrived--and I think he was very happy to get out and run around after being on the plane and a long bus ride!

I am here! Finally! I saw your signature had changed and noticed the link for the new TR!

Don't you just love the rooms! We are lucky enough to live 2.14 miles from Woodfield mall where DVC has a Doorway to Dreams store, with model mockups, that look exactly like the real thing at Disney World. We went to a DISmeet back in 08 when they still had the AKV rooms and I loved all the details around The Lion King! Now the models are BLT rooms, wonder what they will be next!

Can't wait to hear about Magic Kingdom without a bag! Isn't it the best!

Hey there! Thanks for coming over!

If I lived where you did I would be a regular at the Woodfield Mall. I would need my little Disney fix... I remember seeing pics of a DIS meet there - and Todd in the spa tub....and a few people under the covers!

Bagless is amazing....aaaaaaaah.

Are we sure that Disney didn't move the Magical Express counter? Your TR is about the third one I read where someone couldn't remember where it was located. I think Disney switched it around.

Every set of pictures I see of the Kidani rooms makes me want to buy DVC immediately. They are so pretty!!!

You went to a park without a bag??? Is that even possible???

I know! It's funny how a few of us that went recently got disoriented! What's the deal? Were they pumping something into the air?! (I'm glad I wasn't alone though!)

I noticed on your PTR about your future DVC purchase....! They really are VERY pretty, and more/better pictures will be coming throughout the TR to help tide ya over.

I thought of LL when I was going bagless!

Anywhere! I am not particular.
I want to stay at Kidani and Beach Club, and Jill wants to stay at Boardwalk. We both think one night in BLT would be nice to see fireworks from the balcony. We'll be happy anywhere!

Bella was the same way. She was ready to be free from her carseat.


Good morning, Henry!
Thanks for starting my morning out with a smile.

I'm with ya. I want to try ALL the DVC resorts, so I generally let Joe pick. His #1 is the Boardwalk. I would really like to try the Beach Club too. And I want to go back to the WL because I just loved it so so much...but want to try a few other places first. They all have their special perks!

OY!!! So I've been looking for days under your ticker of Henry for the link for your next TR and it turns out it has been on top this whole time....DOH!!!! Oh well at least I have made it and as usual I'm fashionably late!!

Love the updates so far and GOOD MORNING Henry! Love his smilies...too cute!!!!!!!

NO park bag...that is a huge feat to behold...can't wait to hear all about it!

I'm glad you found me Jen! Maybe I should have made the font a bit bigger on the link!

Yay! I missed that you started this but I am so glad to have found it!

The picture of Henry and GG melted my heart--so precious!! I am glad to hear MIL and FIL survived the trip down. LOVE the room!! Gorgeous and so big.

No park bag? By accident or was this planned? Hmm...waiting to hear more

thank you for reading!

Isn't that picture of Henry and GG adorable? The whole family was melting and I think every camera came out!

The 2 bedroom seemed just enormous. It went on and on! And the extra bathroom was a very nice bonus, we didn't use it too often, but when we did need it, it was handy.

Planned!!!

[SIZE="3Brook, so glad I found your new report!!! I love seeing Henry grow! Your room was WOW!! amazing!!![/quote]

Hey there!!! Thank you for finding me! It's fun to look back at old reports and pictures and see the differences in Henry. I can't even imagine years from now....

[quote="ClaireW, post: 34989473"]I'm here and glad I found you , now I'm headed back to read

Oh, and I too keep meaning to PM, sorry you keep slipping down my to-do list

I keep meaning to PM you as well! Every time I think about it, I'm doing something else...I should really make myself a GIANT note!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Caught up just about thanks to the wonders of nap-time and Toy Story

Something for Henry

And one more chosen by DD (who is a similar age)

Mommy loves nap time.

A girl chooses a bride, a boy chooses food. Nothing changes when they get bigger, does it?!

Oh man. Miss brookelizabeth you may be my only saving grace until August! Keep up the great work! Henry sure is a cutie!

Thank you! I hope to provide that "need" to tide you over! Thank you for reading!

Great 1/10 update. Can't believe I am reading it 3 days late! That is so NOT cool! Anyway - I am glad you arrived safely Kidani. It's so funny to read about everyone's arrival, because the reaction is the same. Everyone LOVES it. It's cool to see the studio because we had a dedicated 2BR, which worked out better for the teens.

I'm so glad you got such a great location for your room and you were able to hit the MK. Can't wait to see how long you last until you crash! I have a feeling you are really running on adrenaline by this point!

No worries on being a bit behind! I've been much further behind than 3 days. It happens!

I think I might have a few more pics of the Studio...especially once I get a hold of my FIL and SIL pictures. I'll be sure to post them once I get them! I was hoping for a dedicated, but we ended up with a lock-off, which did work out just fine, we didn't use much of the kitchenette, except the fridge for a few things.

The location of the room was superb. I was thrilled the CMs met my request even on such a busy week.

And you are very, very right about running on adrenaline. I was EXHAUSTED, but I just had to get to the Castle!

Excuses, excuses.....

I do hope to finish that TR at some point. I was thinking as part of a PTR...some of my favorite pics are from the day I never covered!

Yea another trip report. I love reading them.

thank you for reading!!

I just started following your TR just a few days ago. I'm currently 6 months pregnant and on bed rest so my days are long. I have been speed reading your past TR's and you always have me laughing.

Oh man! Bed rest! Thank you so much for reading and I'm glad my TRs have kept you smiling and laughing! Hopefully this one will help make the next few months go a little quicker for you too!