A TR..Surprises galore!MNSSHP,WishesDessertParty,Wishes Cruise -- Final Thoughts :(

[PopArtGal]

Awe. How fun about the cruise.

Yeah, don't tell him how much it cost lol My mom's been busting our butt a few times about how much her birthday cake cost

 

[PopArtGal]

ok, all caught up now lol

 

[HilJoy14]

Hi, and welcome to my TR! I nearly gave up on it thinking that no one was reading! Nice to see you joined me!

Definitely don't give up! I'm enjoying reading, and especially enjoying the dual perspectives of this TR!

DH is currently completely against a return trip to Disney, so I'm living vicariously.

 

[MouseKTeer]

Hi--I just now found your TR and am all caught up. Really enjoying all the photos, and the surprises as well! What a wonderful surprise the Wishes cruise was!

Glad to hear the good report on Kouzzina. Spanakopita is one of my faves! I am Greek also, but was not raised in the culture like you, and I have wondered what I missed. What is avgolemono soup made from? And the desserts loukoumathes and galakombouriko? I gave my DD (who is the cook in our family--you can see her in my TR) a Greek cookbook, but I think she lost it in a move. Anyway, I definitely want to go to Kouzzina next trip!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Ohh, great surprise with the Wishes cruise! That cake looks amazing too.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I first got the idea when going over mouseweddings (which is a v helpful site btw), I have checked out some more info on WDWinfo and there is a link to a Disunplugged review on it. From the pictures it looks pretty awesome.

You can have the basic which includes some snacks. The celebration package which I think means you can order private dining on the boat and then there is the Breathless which I think is a different boat (the other packages are pontoon boats) and you can also have private dining.

I would most prob go for the Celebrations package and get a few nibbles for my guests to enjoy.

You should go for this one next year and then you would have done two firework cruises

I'm thinking that you may have a great idea. I want to look into the Illuminations Cruise for next year. I'm not telling Joe though.

I really like your Halloween decorations!

I don't decorate anymore. I miss it.

Maybe you should do it again since you miss it?

Kayla has the cutest bikini!
Yeah, I don't wear bikinis lol

I love 3D movies (just went to see Toy Story in 3D), but I don't like ITTBAB hehe

How was Toy Story? I want to see it too. And yes, Kayla does have the cutest bikini!

Can you believe I've never done SSE?

The lines are always sooooooooooo long.

Wow! I think you are the first person I've met that has not done SSE!

The Emporium *sigh* how I miss it.

I love the Haunted Mansion!

And I love IASM. I wish they had a shop. It needs merchandise!

Philharmagic is my absolute FAVE!

As for your mom having soup on a hot day...apparently hot food or beverages help our bodies on hot days.., who knows lol


I love parades too. Well Disney parades. I wish I could own all the songs

I could shop in the Emporium for HOURS on end! I agree that iasw needs a shop. I think they should have merchandise from all of the countries.

I just love Philharmagic. I wish I could be there right now!

Yes, the soup............can you believe it????

Awe. How fun about the cruise.

Yeah, don't tell him how much it cost lol My mom's been busting our butt a few times about how much her birthday cake cost

I'm not going to tell him unless he asks me again. And those cakes are expensive...but I think they are worth it.

ok, all caught up now lol

Definitely don't give up! I'm enjoying reading, and especially enjoying the dual perspectives of this TR!

DH is currently completely against a return trip to Disney, so I'm living vicariously.

Thanks for reading. Maybe you can convince DH to go back?

Hi--I just now found your TR and am all caught up. Really enjoying all the photos, and the surprises as well! What a wonderful surprise the Wishes cruise was!

Glad to hear the good report on Kouzzina. Spanakopita is one of my faves! I am Greek also, but was not raised in the culture like you, and I have wondered what I missed. What is avgolemono soup made from? And the desserts loukoumathes and galakombouriko? I gave my DD (who is the cook in our family--you can see her in my TR) a Greek cookbook, but I think she lost it in a move. Anyway, I definitely want to go to Kouzzina next trip!

Thanks for reading.

I was raised eating only Greek food until around the 7th grade. I love it though. Kouzzina was definitely an authentic experience. I don't like going to places that say that they serve Greek food but when you order it, it's not. Avgolemono soup is made with chicken stock, eggs and lemons. There is rice in it too. It's not an easy soup to make. If you don't do it right, you have scrambled eggs in there and that's gross! lol.

Loukoumathes are like little donuts...sort of. They are a fried dough, rolled in a honey sauce and walnuts. Some people use cinnamon too and I have seen some even use Allspice in there. Galakombouriko is phyllo dough with a firm custard like filling....also with a honey like sauce. It's AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I have seen people from different regions of Greece making these deserts differently but they are delicious! I hope she finds her cook book!!

Kouzzina is a must do for us from now on.

Ohh, great surprise with the Wishes cruise! That cake looks amazing too.

The cake was scrumptious! I wish I had a piece right this minute! I had wanted to do the Cruise for so long. If I ever do it again I will leave the camera in the car and just sit back and watch the show in all it's glory. I fiddled with the camera and didn't get to see the entire show,

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

I'm going to try and get an update in tonight. Might be a short one, but an update none-the-less.

So we left off with our fabulous Wishes Cruise. A perfect end to a perfect day.

We had an ADR at Chef Mickey's with Jenn the following morning.

We went over to the Contemporary. They changed the parking over there and it took forever, or what seemed like forever to find a spot to park.

Joe and I stopped in the shops really quickly looking for the infamous sweatshirt for my sister. Strike out. They did not have it. They did though have this awesome purse that I was determined to get....but of course, I didn't want to carry it and said I'd get it at DTD instead. We also went in and found an awesome pin trading table thingy that had a zillion and fifty pins (yeah, I counted....just kidding!)

I like the new set up over there for pictures. We had our picture taken, which I had to have, by the way, and then were seated to wait for our table. I don't remember how long it took, but I did have time to take a few pictures.

I love Chef Mickey's. The character interaction is great and the food is good too.

I remember that we had to wait a bit for the characters to come around. There was this one kid whose parents were NOT watching him at all. He kept running to the characters, no matter what table they were at. It was sort of frustrating.

We took turns getting our food. At one point I remember Jack looking at us and then climbing out of his high chair. Joe asked him what he was doing and he said "I'll be right back" ... and then he was gone! Faster than a speeding bullet....in the blink of an eye. Took off like lightening. He wanted to go where Jenn was...at the buffet. It was so funny. He just pointed his little finger at us and said it. So dang cute actually. We are still laughing about it now!

I keep forgetting about the napkin celebration thing that they do. Everyone joined in the fun.

Here are a few character shots. I had the point and shoot because there was no way I was going to fiddle with the Rebel this morning. We were seated at a back table and it was a bit hard to move around.

After we ate we all made potty stops and then I went to the bank machine to get money...and had a complete melt down.......... get this......I could not, for the life of me, remember my pin code! Can you imagine? I finally figured it out after having a mini melt down. While this was going on everyone was browsing the shops.

We headed over to DTD and John and Jack went to EPCOT. John was determined to find a Fez for Jack's costume for MNSSHP.

I wrote in my notes that we went to Trend-D (I got the purse made from recycled candy bar wrappers), Basin (for bath bombs), the Christmas Store and World of Disney..well, because it's World of Disney. I remember that we all did a lot of damage in that store...and the Christmas Store too.

I want to say that we stopped at Earl too...for lunch, I think.

Jenn and Kayla were with us and they were going to go swimming for a bit. Joe and I had to stop at UPS and send a crap load of stuff home that we had purchased thus far. We sent home over 100 pounds of stuff! Yikes. It took FOREVER, or what felt like forever and poor Kayla was in the car with Jenn and wanted to swim SO BAD! I felt TERRIBLE. Stupid UPS..........

After the stupid UPS store we went back to the resort so that Kayla could swim.

Mom, Joe and I took a break and hung around our rooms. TOnight was MNSSHP so we wanted to last....as long as we could anyway.

So, how did it go? Did we make it through the party? Stay tuned.......

 

[MouseKTeer]

Glad you remembered your PIN -- and did some good shopping!

Don't you just love Chef Mickey's? We also enjoyed that so much. I can't help it--I just have to laugh every time I see Pluto signing books on his nose!

 

[Stefy]

I'm thinking that you may have a great idea. I want to look into the Illuminations Cruise for next year. I'm not telling Joe though.

Oooh yay and you must do another TR so we can read about it Btw, when are you going next year?

Great update, CM does look like alot of fun. Glad you remembered your pin in time. I hate it when that happens, its like your mind suddenly goes blank and the more you try to remember the more you can't

Looking forward to hearing about MNSSHP

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Glad you remembered your PIN -- and did some good shopping!

Don't you just love Chef Mickey's? We also enjoyed that so much. I can't help it--I just have to laugh every time I see Pluto signing books on his nose!

I've never forgotten my PIN before and I just freaked a bit. It was so strange.

We like Chef Mickey's too. It is funny to watch how Pluto signs his name.

Oooh yay and you must do another TR so we can read about it Btw, when are you going next year?

Great update, CM does look like alot of fun. Glad you remembered your pin in time. I hate it when that happens, its like your mind suddenly goes blank and the more you try to remember the more you can't

Looking forward to hearing about MNSSHP

We're going in September next year for our 10th anniversary. We're staying for 10 nights. Right now we're booked at WL but Joe has asked me to move us to the Poly. I will probably start my PTR after this TR is finished.

It was almost scary to not remember the PIN number.

MNSSHP is coming up next....hopefully tonight.

 

[praisehisname]

Glad you enjoyed your breakfast at Chef Mickey's! Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP!!!

Denise

 

[PopArtGal]

Maybe you should do it again since you miss it?

No one gives out candy in my street. It would just go to waste;

How was Toy Story? I want to see it too. And yes, Kayla does have the cutest bikini!


It was awesome. But I have to say that 2 3D movies, is hard on the eyes

Wow! I think you are the first person I've met that has not done SSE!


I probably am lol

I could shop in the Emporium for HOURS on end! I agree that iasw needs a shop. I think they should have merchandise from all of the countries.

I just love Philharmagic. I wish I could be there right now!

Yes, the soup............can you believe it????



I'm not going to tell him unless he asks me again. And those cakes are expensive...but I think they are worth it.






Yes, but sooooooooo good!

 

[inkedupmomma]

OMg, I totallly forgot about that kid! In all honesty, I think he may have been autistic. BUT, where were the parents? Autistic or not, itt is rude to let your kid ruin other peoples time! and I totally forgot about you forgetting your pin number.. I was like whaaaaaaa?? But then I called my bank, and John's boss didn't put his check in, so I freaked..luckily he did wind up getting paid, just the week later! I still can not believe he is brand new there and they paid him 2 full weeks vacation!

Damn I want some CM breakfast right now!!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

AWWW I'm so sorry that you had to have a mini-meltdown before you could remember your PIN code! I hate when that happens. Your pictures of CR look awesome and it looks like you guys had a good time at Chef Mickey's!

Can't wait to hear about the Halloween party!

 

[Stefy]

We're going in September next year for our 10th anniversary. We're staying for 10 nights. Right now we're booked at WL but Joe has asked me to move us to the Poly. I will probably start my PTR after this TR is finished.

It was almost scary to not remember the PIN number.

MNSSHP is coming up next....hopefully tonight.

Ooh we are going in September end of for 14 nights Maybe we might pass each other in the parks, or at Poly if DH decides to change to that resort

MNSSHP please

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Glad you enjoyed your breakfast at Chef Mickey's! Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP!!!

Denise

M<NSSHP was so much fun! I hope to post later tonight. I have a business meeting that I hope ends by 9 or so. Hopefully I can post then.

OMg, I totallly forgot about that kid! In all honesty, I think he may have been autistic. BUT, where were the parents? Autistic or not, itt is rude to let your kid ruin other peoples time! and I totally forgot about you forgetting your pin number.. I was like whaaaaaaa?? But then I called my bank, and John's boss didn't put his check in, so I freaked..luckily he did wind up getting paid, just the week later! I still can not believe he is brand new there and they paid him 2 full weeks vacation!

Damn I want some CM breakfast right now!!

Even if he was, his parents should have at least kept an eye on him. He was all over the place and I was just hoping no one would step on him by accident since he was under foot.

The pin thing scared the crap out of me. I thought I was having an early senior moment, as we say.

MMMMM, CM breakfast................

AWWW I'm so sorry that you had to have a mini-meltdown before you could remember your PIN code! I hate when that happens. Your pictures of CR look awesome and it looks like you guys had a good time at Chef Mickey's!

Can't wait to hear about the Halloween party!

Had a great time at CM! I was just bummed that it was close to the end of our trip.

Ooh we are going in September end of for 14 nights Maybe we might pass each other in the parks, or at Poly if DH decides to change to that resort

MNSSHP please

Ooh, maybe we will get to meet?

MNSSHP...hopefully tonight.

 

[Stefy]

Ooh, maybe we will get to meet?

MNSSHP...hopefully tonight.

That would be nice, never had a Dis meet before

 

[inkedupmomma]

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

It's finally the weekend! Yay! This means I can do an update!

So, last we met we were on our way to MNSSHP.

I debated all year if I wanted to dress up. It's just so freaking hot that I couldn't figure out what to wear...so I skipped it.......again. lol

We gathered all of our crap and headed to the car. There was a grand debate on where to park. Do we park at the Contempo? Do we park at MK? Yeah, well, my darling husband decided that this was the night to pick a fight with me....and proceeded to yell all the way there! I'm thinking in my head....what the he** are we fighting about? Where to freaking park? It's Disney...who cares.

We ended up parking at MK. We saw Jenn arrive, they were in the same row we were in, but the CM directed them down the other walk way. It was weird. We met though at the TTC and got on to the monorail together.

We had the magic carpet with us, and of course, Jasmine (Kayla) and Aladdin (Jack) and everyone commented on how cool it was. I wish I had a picture. I may go swipe one from Jenn's Photobucket account. HA HA!!!

We got off of the monorail and Jenn went to talk to security. They just happened to be at the end of the ramp.

They said it was a go with the carpet! Yay! So, probably 5 CM's later...still a go. Even through the bag check. And then it happened. We got to the turn stiles and THEY SAID NO! Stupid CM. He was a kid....obviously flexing his muscles. 5 or 6 CM's said yes INCLUDING security...and this dope said no way. A couple of big wigs come out and say that they will store it for Jenn and give her a free double stroller. Ok, but still, all that work and we could not take it in.

Jack and I spent some time looking at stuff in the train station while Jenn was working on getting the stroller, etc. He was ready to go and so I was trying to distract him a bit.

We made our way down Main Street, which was all decked out for the party.

My notes say that we were all hungry. Jenn canceled her ADR for that night and we didn't make one. We wanted flexibility since we knew it would be a long day/night. Get this....hardly ANYTHING at MK was open! I was bummed. We ended up at el Pirate or whatever the heck that place was. I really wanted Pecos Bills but they were not serving! Our food was disgusting at best. Mom didn't even eat. Given all the issues we had even getting her to Disney, she didn't want to get sick and end up at the local ER. Doctor said to watch everything she ate.

I think we all got the taco salad. OMG, it was disgusting!

After that, we all rode PotC. I have no clue how, but we got separated. Joe, mom and I walked right on. It was HILARIOUS. We were on with a family that obviously never rode before. The mom starts going nuts when it got totally dark and she could tell that we were going to drop. Joe and I lost it listening to her. So cute! I love it when we are riding with people that have no idea what to expect.

We exited the ride and then waited for Jenn and her family. In the meantime, we started to make glow necklaces and bracelets. I brought...get this....nearly 200 glow sticks with us! AAAAHHHHHHHHH..... We got a bunch together and put them on the kids. Kayla was going to give then out to kids that appeared to need "a magical moment."

Next we made a candy stop and I think Jenn's family rode The Magic Carpets.

The first Boo to You Parade was starting. We had already missed the headless horseman so we figured we'd catch the next one and just trick or treat and get some rides in instead while everyone was at the parade.

We then made our way over to HM, aka the smelly ride (thanks Mom) and aka Joe's favorite ride...period.

I think I went on with mom again...I can't remember. It too was a walk on. As we were exiting I was trying to take pictures. A photopass dude says..hey, are you trying to take night shots with that camera? I said yes and he said "do you mind" and put his arms out. I gave him the camera and he did some major Disney magic...hee hee....lookie..........

I am still clueless as to how to use this thing. I sometimes wish that we got the "consumer" model of the camera and not the professional model. It is also much heavier to carry around. Anywho..........I was happy that the CM helped me out.

My notes say that we rode iaswaa next. I just love this ride.

As you can see from the clock, it is nearly time for HalloWishes. We decided that we would just stop and watch them from wherever we were instead of finding a spot and standing there forever.

My notes say that after iaswaa we rode Peter Pan. Hmm, I'd say that Wendy Darling needs to wash her face once in a while!!

Next we went into Philharmagic. I was wondering if we'd miss HalloWishes or what. Turns out that just as we exited they were getting ready. I remember that Jenn asked a CM where the best spot was from this area of the park. She walked us over to Dumbo. Here are some of the pictures that I was able to get. It was freaky actually to have them right above our heads.

Continued on next post...............

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

While we were waiting I tried to get this:

Then it was time!

I like this one......

After HalloWishes we rode Snow White...again...walk on. They had the line going in a funny way but that was because they were hosing everything down and there was water all over the place.

Next we decided on the TTA. The boys rode together and the girls rode together. It was a nice little relaxing moment.

We decided to claim our spot for the Boo to You parade so that we could FINALLY try and get a shot of the headless horseman.

We took these while we waited.

Continued on next post....gotta upload more pics!!