A Week at the Boardwalk....WDW - January 2012

[Goldeelox9]

Day Seven - January 25, 2012 - Part 2

Since we were so close we went to ride Pirates of the Carinbbean. One of my favorites. Alyssa was a big nervous, but excited all at the same time.

The line was about 20 minutes. It was pretty crowded today at the Magic Kingdom. Not horrible, but the parade surely brought in the people. Well that and EMH. Usually we don't stay at the park with EMH, but we didn't all have park hoppers.

Of course we had a little dress up fun after the ride.

Everyone didn't make it. Sleepy little guy!

Since Austin fell asleep Pete and I offered to sit with him while he napped so Alyssa could ride Splash mountain with "Popeye" AKA my Dad!

I of course set up to get some pictures of them coming down the big drop!

She loved it. She was very worried about Splash Mountain. She was excited about Tower of Terror and worried about Splash Mountain. Not because of the drop, but because of the fox. "She don't like foxes, them eats bunnies". HAHA!

But all in all she loved it!

Austin was so good about sleeping anywhere on this trip!

After the ride we had to high tail it to the Castle. We has an appointment to make!

But on the way my Dad joined a Marching band. HAHA!

Then we got held up by the parade.

 

[JolllyHoliday]

Your dad looks like a hoot!!! How nice that your whole family gets to enjoy Disney together. Did you make all the tie dye Mickey shirts? So cool!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day Seven - January 25, 2012 - Part 3 - Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

We were about 10 minutes late as our last trip down Splash Mountain took longer then we planned. We checked in and they welcomed us. It was so pretty inside. It looked much different than it did the last time I was there when I had my wedding pictures taken in the Magic Kingdom.

We waited on the bench for about 5 minutes before Princess Alyssa was shown to the royal dressing room. They never batted an eye when we told them we had brought our own dress. Alyssa did not receive any different treatment at all and was allowed to change in the same place as the Princesses who were paying an upwards of $65 per dress at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

This was a birthday gift from Pete and I! I think it is one she will love forever!

The Make over was great! She enjoyed every single second.

The Fairy Godmother gave her a sprinkle of pixie dust and turned her around. She was very happy! She was even given a Birthday Sash and a new Birthday pin!

Then it was all over and time for the Princess’s Aunt (me & Uncle) to foot the bill. It cost $54.95 plus tax. It was well worth it! Even my sister who did not think it would be when Alyssa first expressed interest was now a believer.

Now when you get the big package that costs $189.95 to $249.95 it includes photographs. A little known fact though, you can go over to Castle Couture when you are done with your princess makeover and have the same photo shoot done for free. They will add the pictures to your Photopass card instead of allowing you to order prints!

I am pretty sure this will now be a permanent addition to our future visits to the Magic Kingdom. I cannot wait for my nephew to get old enough to give the Pirates League a try!

 

[ericamcl]

I'm a little late to the party, but I'm here!

Alyssa is adorable - I just love seeing pics of her!

Where did you get your Minnie shirt? The one with the Minnie head in the Zebra print? I think I need one for our December trip....

I think I'm inspired to start my own PTR and TR for our December trip from reading yours!!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day Seven - January 25, 2012 - Part 4

We had a great photo shoot so we thought we would test out luck with the Sword in the Stone.

It didn't move at all! But Alyssa must have loosened it because next went Brandon and look what happened!

Austin and my Dad were on the Carousel while we were pulling the Sword out of the Stone.

It was such a lovely day!

Pete was sitting here waiting and this lady sat down next to him. There was not really a spot there she was sitting on the very edge. HAHA!

We were all starving by this time so we went to Columbia Harbor house. It was just ok. Nothing great!

The kids were getting tired and so was I. It was pretty hot out. What better place to cool off....It's a Small World!

While walking we spotted the Beast Castle. I can not wait!!!

We needed a rest. Alyssa needed a nap! So we got a great seat near Cosmic Ray's and just rested with cool drinks. It didn't take long for the kids to fall asleep.

We sat for over an hour and let Alyssa nap. This was the best stroller! After her nap Pete and I took Austin towards the Castle while everyone else went to ride Buzz!

Isn't this a pretty girl???

We got to the Castle and checked in. We were ready for Dinner with some princesses!

Ariel is Popeye's favorite!

Tonight, not only did Alyssa get a great desert, but she got a card too!

What a great night! The kids were beat. So my sister and crew headed back to the hotel. Pete and I went to the Castle to see the night time shows and fireworks.

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day Seven - January 25, 2012 - Part 5

So the last installment of the longest day in trip report history! HAHA!

Pete and I got a good spot for the Castle show and Fireworks. There was no light parade since they are working on the street in Frontierland.

I love the lights of the Magic Kingdom at night!

My favorite place on earth!

The show started and it was as cute as ever.

Look at all of those people!!

Time for Wishes and Picture overload! I just can't pick! LOL

We tok our time leaving the park. There is no need to rush. I wish I would have had my Tripod. The park emptied fast!

We got back to the Boardwalk in no time at all. It is so pretty at night.

When we got in the room we put some laundry in. I love having the Washer and Dryer in the DVC units. When I went into our room Alyssa had put her Babies to sleep in the bed we made for them on the bench in our room. Pete and I watched them for her. Thank goodness they slept through the night!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Yay Readers!!!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Your dad looks like a hoot!!! How nice that your whole family gets to enjoy Disney together. Did you make all the tie dye Mickey shirts? So cool!

Thank you! He is a riot! He has always been a big kid, but since the kids were born he is totally a mess! HAHA!

I did make them. We all have two of them and wear them every trip!

I'm a little late to the party, but I'm here!

Alyssa is adorable - I just love seeing pics of her!

Where did you get your Minnie shirt? The one with the Minnie head in the Zebra print? I think I need one for our December trip....

I think I'm inspired to start my own PTR and TR for our December trip from reading yours!!

Isn't she the cutest! A total joy! I'll post on my Pixie and Pirate Page again about the lady who made my Minnie shirt! I have a code for 10% off!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

What amazing castle pictures!!! Beautiful!!! Mine never turn out that good...

Were you just holding the camera above your head??? Or were you at the train station and just have a really good zoom lens???

 

[Goldeelox9]

What amazing castle pictures!!! Beautiful!!! Mine never turn out that good...

Were you just holding the camera above your head??? Or were you at the train station and just have a really good zoom lens???

We were sitting on the Bench/wall thing around the Partners Statue. I wish I would have had my tripod!

Thank you, I have done tons of WDW firework research. I drive my husband nuts with it. HAHA!

 

[JolllyHoliday]

Your fireworks pictures are just stunning!!!

 

[jedijill]

Your fireworks pictures are just stunning!!!

Totally agree!

Jill in CO

 

[pld5]

I am really enjoying seeing another view of the fireworks from the same night we were watching from Tomorrowland Terrace.

But I really think this shot is great! Look how happy you both are and your shirts coordinate nicely with your favorite place on earth!

Day Seven - January 25, 2012 - Part 5

 

[Goldeelox9]

Your fireworks pictures are just stunning!!!

Thank you! Lots of practice and lots of reading about how to do it. LOL My poor husband...h listens so patiently while I ramble about it!

Totally agree!

Jill in CO

Thanks Jill!

I am really enjoying seeing another view of the fireworks from the same night we were watching from Tomorrowland Terrace.

But I really think this shot is great! Look how happy you both are and your shirts coordinate nicely with your favorite place on earth!

I never noticed how well the colors went together! Thanks!!

 

[heaven2dc]

I absolutely love your TR's!! Your pics are truly awesome - there are so many that are my favs that I've lost track I'm so glad that Alyssa loved Splash Mountain - she is such a cutie!

and my favorite pic of Austin is when he was showing you his teeth - it reminds me of my grandson when he was that age. If we asked him to smile, he wouldn't until we asked him to show us his teeth I can't believe he's now 4 1/2!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

The Castle pictures are just beautiful.

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day Eight - January 26, 2012

Today was the day my Dad was leaving. We started today by checking out then mack into the same rooms and dropping off the stroller to guest services.

After fighting with Alyssa to get dressed we were running late and headed to get a Taxi to the Polynesian for the Best Friends breakfast. Since becoming a travel agent I have a goal to eat at every restaurant on property and stay in every resort. I am about 3/4th finished on the dining locations and have 4 resorts to go.

We got to the Polynesian and took some pictures before heading to check in.

We were seating within minutes of checking in and the characters started right away! We love Lilo and Stitch around our house.

We were lucky enough to get a great Castle view table in the left hand corner of the restaurant. I just can not get enough castle. I love the Castle so much. I picked a seat that allowed me tolook at the castle the entire meal.

It was only a few minutes before our breakfast platter was placed in front of us. I love that it is served family style. It makes it nice and easy as the characters are coming back to back.

This little guy liked breakfast for sure!

Mickey came around once we started eating. Austin loves the characters as much as the rest of us.

LILO! Alyssa has been waiting to meet her the whole trip. Lilo was extremely excited to see Alyssa wore her dress to breakfast.

Austin & my Dad got in on the parade action. I love that 'Ohana keeps the kids entertained during the meals here. It is such a fun place to eat.

Stitch stopped by again to say "Hi" before we left.

We hopped on a bus to Hollywood Studios, but not before my Dad had a tropical picture taken.

Alyssa and I rode next to each other on the bus and talked about how much fun our trip had been. I am so lucky to have this little lady in my life. She loves Disney as much as I do. We were both sad it was our last day, but we made a promise with each other we would have "a Super Fun Day"!

Poor Austin had fallen asleep before we got into the park. It amazes me how little ones and drop into a deep sleep in Disney.

When we got to the park we split up since Pete and I really wanted to see the American Idol Show and Alyssa and my Dad really wanted to see the Little Mermaid. The show was great as always. I wish I could sing. I would be all over this!

We all met back up after the shows. We went to the muppets show next. It was still drizzling and er wanted out of the rain.

After that show, which always makes me laugh, we got in line to see "McQueen".

Pete and I ducked into the muppet store and bought the kids a few more gifts. We are horrible on vacation and spoil the heck out of them!

I wish we were eating here:

But instead we went to the backlot express to grab some lunch. Looks like Austin wishes we were eating at Mama Melrose too.

After lunch Alyssa needed to freshen up her make up before the rest of the day.

All Perfect again!

The kids went into the Honey I shrunk the kids play ground before we had to say good by to my Dad. His flight was this evening and the Magical Express would be picking him up.

Wouldn't Austin make a cute little girl?

Yeah I am pretty sure he will kill us for that one later! LOL

 

[ericamcl]

Great pics, Lisa!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day Eight - January 26, 2012 - Part 2

We started to head up the Streets of America. I am not sure what I enjoy more, the Streets of America or Sunset Blvd.

Think they will hire me??

Pete and I said goodbye to the hat on our way out. You never know when it will be gone. There are such "Hat Haters" out there. We are fans of it though.

My sister and family went for one last spin on Toy Story Mania and then Tower of Terror, but I wanted to shower since we had dinner plans!

Pete and I caught the boat back to the Boardwalk. We loved the Boardwalk so much.

Pete and I showered and then Shannon and Jon met us at out room. They were heading out on a Disney cruise the next day. Shannon brought me a great Make up Bag. She sells 31 bags and this one had my name on it. Loved it. We made our way to the Boat and headed a crossed to the Yacht & Beach Clubs. Can you guess where dinner was?

It was great to catch up with old friends in my favorite place. Oh and Dinner was at the Yachtsman Steak House.

The Boys had Oysters:

And the girls have Shrimp and Grits. Imagine my surprise when the shrimp had HEADS!

Best appetizer ever!

We all had steak for dinner.

My favorite desert in Disney.

Once dinner was over we made our way back to the Boardwalk and said our goodbyes. Shannon & Jon were heading to bed and Pete and I were heading to Extra Magic Hours at Epcot.

We were there on a mission. We had a lot of snack credits left and really wanted to use them in Germany! Off we went...

Illuminations was ready to start so Pete went into the store to use up the snack credits and I watched the show. I was far back since we didn't get there until it was starting, but it is pretty no matter where you are.

We slowly made our way out of the park. There were Extra Magic Hours we we just strolled around and took in Epcot at night. I love this park so much!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Day Nine - January 27, 2012

Our last day! It is always so bittersweet! We woke up and finished last minute packing. Pete and I stood on the balcony and looked at the Boardwalk. It was sad. We didn't want to go home.

We really did have the best room.

Before we knew it we had Company. We had one last gift for our girl.

She was excited.

We went and checked in for our flight and said goodbye to Shannon in the lobby. Then we headed to the boat and made our way over to Cape May for Breakfast. Our last Character meal.

Goofy brought Alyssa a Birthday cup cake and card.

Donald was around next.

They spaced out the characters well here. Alyssa has some "coffee" like her Uncle Petey.

Austin is just getting the hang of this smiling on command thing. He too enjoyed his breakfast.

We were happy to finally see Minnie Mouse.

We paid our bill and we headed back to the Boardwalk. We did some last minute shopping and walking around the boardwalk and before we knew it we were boarding the Magical Express. We had an uneventful flight home!

Can't wait to head back!