~ A Year at WDW ~ Tinkerbelle_325's Trips of 2006 w/ LOTS OF PICS *UPDATED 03/15*

[TinkerBelle_325]

2006 was the most amazing year for me, because I was fortunate enough to travel to my favorite place in the world 4 times!

Some stats about my four trips.
I spent time at WDW in all 4 seasons
Spring (Mar 06)
Summer (Aug/Sept 06)
Fall (Oct/Nov 06)
Winter (Dec 06/Jan 07)

I spent 1 month TOTAL at Disney, that's right....30 days in the course of 1 year

In 2006, I was at WDW at least 1 day in each of the following months:
March
August
September
October
November
December
January

In Sept and in Dec/Jan I passed like ships in the night with one of my best friends, a fellow DISer, as she traveled to WDW within a few days of my departure.

Each member of my immediate family celebrated a birthday at WDW this year:
Me - March
Dad - August
Mom - Oct

We were also at WDW for the following Holidays:
Oct - Halloween (Celebrated at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party)
Dec/Jan - New Year's Eve (Celebrated at Epcot)

We stayed at the following Resorts:
Beach Club (March and Oct)
Polynesian (August)
Coronado Springs (Aug/Sept)
Boardwalk Inn (December)

This trip report will have numerous installments detailing the events of the 4 trips, with lots of pictures, dining reviews, resort reviews and special event reviews.

***

Cast of Characters

Myself, Tink - Age: 21 - I am a true Disney obsessive, planner of the family, slightly comando, snap happy food pic taker. Loves First Day at MK, Captain Jack Sparrow and Illuminations. In 2006 I made my 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th trips to WDW.

My Mom, DMom - Age: 52 - Organizer and packer of the family, our White Rabbit (think "we're late! we're late!") Loves Typhoon Lagoon, Popcorn on Main Street USA and Impressions de France. In 2006 she made her 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th trips to WDW.

My Dad, DDad - Age: 52 - Closet Disney obsessive, could people watch all day. Secretly wants to stay in Cinderella Castle, basically he's a kid at heart. Loves Soarin, Soup (think Cheese Soup at Le Cellier, French Onion Soup at Chefs de France, Potato and Leek Soup at Rose & Crown) and Pirates of the Caribbean. In 2006 he made his 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th trips to WDW.

My Life-long Best Friend, Winnie - Age: 22 (21 at time of trip) - Disney Novice compared to our family. Joined us for the Aug/Sept trip of 2006. Loves Winnie the Pooh, the Magic Kingdom and Wishes. In 2006 she made her 4th trip to WDW.

***

The Trips

March 23rd - 30th 2006: The One with my 21st Birthday
August 25th - Sept 3rd 2006: The One with Winnie
October 26th - November 2nd 2006: The One with the Food & Wine Festival
December 27th 2006 - January 3rd 2007: The One with the New Years Eve Festivities.

***

Up Next: The First Trip: March 2006 - The One with my 21st Birthday

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

Wow that's awesome. There can't be more than a handful of people who've spent that much time in Disney.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

The One with my 21st Birthday

Pre-Trip info

For my 21st birthday my parents couldn't think of anything to get for me that would be memorable. DDad came up with the idea of taking me to WDW. When you add in the fact that we were already planning a trip in Oct/Nov for the Food & Wine Festival and we decided that throwing Annual Passes in the mix was probably a good plan too. So started the joyful insanity of the year of Disney.

I won't be doing day by day reports of each trip, but rather highlights of special events and memories from each.

***

Event 1: My B-day Illuminations Cruise

Ok, so this didn't actually take place on the day of my 21st Birthday, it was two nights before on March 23rd

Because we were staying at the Beach Club, we decided to have our cruise pick us up at the Yacht & Beach Club Marnia. Our driver, Robert, was ready and waiting for us. My parents had also ordered a bottle of champagne for the cruise (shhh I know I wasn't 21 yet...but I'm from Canada and have been legal here since age 19 lol). Robert was very entertaining and took us on a little cruise around the lake past the Boardwalk, the Swan & Dolphin, and all the way down to MGM Studios before heading to Epcot. He docked us at an awesome spot beneath the International Gateway Bridge and we saw the best view of Illuminations EVER. I always cry during Illuminations and this time was no exception, especially because of the significance. It was easily the most magical thing I've ever experienced

A Picture of Me, DMom & DDad in front of the Boardwalk for a Champagne Toast

Event 2: Going to the Magic Kingdom on my Birthday

If you were in WDW for your birthday, where would you want to go that morning? Did I even need to finish the sentence before you all answered The Magic Kingdom.

Me on Main Street on my 21st Birthday (you can see my birthday button )

Various Special Items from my B-day Trip

B-day Dessert from Le Cellier

B-day Gift Basket from Yacht & Beach Club

B-day Dessert from Rose & Crown

Tinkerbell B-day Cake from Boardwalk Bakery

 

[MouseTriper]

Aww those birthday treats look scrumptious!!! Yummy!! Loving all your pics and TR so far....post more!!!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Yay I have readers! Thanks for tuning in to hear about my wonderful Disney year Montana Disney Fan and MouseTriper!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Trip Two: August 25th - Sept 3rd 2006: The One with Winnie

And now we proceed to August. Unfortunately I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked in my March Trip, but worry not I will make up for it with August!

In this 2nd trip my life-long best friend Winnie joins my parents and I.

This trip could also be called
The One with the Free Dining
or
The One where we ate WAY too much lol

But because of that wonderful dining plan, I bring you

*drumroll*

DINING REVIEWS!

~*Kona Cafe*~

We were staying at the Polynesian for the first time and without an ADR we walked up to Kona at about 7:30 and were seated within 10 minutes. We had never tried the Kona Cafe before, but I had read great reviews here on the DIS so I thought it would be a good bet for our first night.

This was a non DP meal

We all shared two appetizers

Winnie & I ordered the Sticky Wings to share and LOVED them

DDad & DMom got the crab cakes and said they were wonderful

Onto the Entrees

Winnie & I both had the Terriyaki Steak and proclaimed the mashed potatoes some of the best we had ever eaten

DMom's Coconut Almond Chicken, she said this was heavenly

DDad got the Panko Breaded Shrimp (requesting all shrimp and no scallops). While he said the shrimp were amazing, he was underwhelmed by the rice.

And...who can go to Kona without getting dessert?

Kilauea Torte (split between myself and DDad) - OMG - enough said LOL

Apple Brown Betty [sorry for the glare] (split between Winnie & DMom) - both love apple desserts and this was no exception

Overall, we were thrilled with the Kona Cafe and will defenitely be returning.

~*`Ohana*~

This meal was also non DP and was just Winnie and myself

I was trying to decide on a fun restaurant for her and I to try and after hearing the endless hype about `Ohana.

Because Winnie & I were both of legal age on this trip we decided it was appropriate to order....

The Infamous Lapu Lapu....man was this thing strong...but an awesome drink

Unfortunately we got a bit lazy with the picture taking, but I do have a few to show

Wontons

sticky wings

salad

sweet & sour shrimp

Those are all I have because everything else was so yummy that we gobbled it down nearly the second it hit the table

Conclusion: We `Ohana!

 

[MouseTriper]

Why oh why is it that all your posts make me hungry for some reason???? We ate at the Kona Cafe when we were there in December and absolutely LOVED it. If we ever go back, that is one of the first ADR's we are making. I second those crab cakes...Yummy!!!!

 

[KatGarcia]

What a fun trippie this is going to be! I admit, i'm jealous tho! We love Ohana too- so yummy! Looking fwd to more!!!

 

[Suzflee]

What a great idea to combine all your trips into one report...

I'm getting hungry...

I think I would have forgotten about taking pictures if I was drinking the fru fru drink too - looks yummy! Bet that was smooth going down.

thanks for the pics and looking forward to more!

 

[ILMICKEY]

I am having such a hard time making my mind up about where we (I) want to eat. Your pictures will help tremendously. Can't wait to read more!!

 

[mousiemom]

Love your report so far!! We have a lot in common!! I am a AP holder this yr. so I will be taking 5 trips to Disney this year. We went for our 9 night stay in Jan. and our next will be May 24th. There's no place like it!! Congratulations on your weight loss!!! I am currently 228 and I love food and love to eat! What are you doing? I lost 65 lbs. on WW before but gained it back over the years. It is so hard. Of course, my dh weighs 160. My 6yr dd weighs 50 lbs. and she has this thing now where she is always weighing herself and the other day she asked me how much I weighed? I said, "don't ever ask mama that again" We will be going to disney during the MNSSHP and the xmas party so I will be anxious to hear your report on those!
Enjoying your report!!
Pam

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Thank you all for reading my report

I'm going to continue with more Dining Reviews from August for right now

Up Next: Liberty Tree Tavern!

Winnie & Goofy!

Goofy & I

Rolls & Butter

Salad

Turkey, Beef, Ham & Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans & Gravy

Apple Cobbler & Ice Cream

This meal comes with a little story. Our ADR was for 5:30 and as usual Winnie & I were running late. We left our room at Coronado Springs at 4:45 and I was so sure we were going to be late. However, by some incredible stroke of luck we go to the bus stop at El Centro and the MK bus pulled up within minutes. We go to MK at 5:20 and the sun was shining brightly, but as soon as we got down to the end of Main Street the heavens opened up with the most torrential sun shower I've ever seen. We were stranded at the Crystal Palace terrace, able to SEE Liberty Square but unable to get there without getting drenched. The rain let up at bit at 5:25 and we ran like crazy to Liberty Tree, getting there exactly at 5:30. I was so impressed, from door to door it took us 45 minutes and that was with a sun shower LOL.

We were seated at a table for two and the character interaction was great. I have tons of pictures of us with the characters but the ones with Goofy are the most flattering of Winnie & I

The meal was delicious, nothing tasted processed or artificial to us. We especially loved the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans. I swear those were the yummiest green beans I've ever tasted!

By the time we were finished dinner it was about 7:00 and this was where I was getting nervous. You see, I had a Wishes Cruise booked that evening as a surprise for Winnie and we had to get ourselves over to Wilderness Lodge, meet up with my parents who were eating at Artist Point and get to the Marina at WL by 8pm. We were on board the boat to WL by 7:20, at Artist point by 7:45 and down to the dock in perfect time. Winnie had no idea what was going on at this point, so I clued her in and she was thrilled

Unfortunately my camera died just after we got to WL, so I dont have any pictures from the cruise, but the evening was perfect and our driver was amazing. He pulled our boat up next to the Grand 1 and beside another pontoon that had sound pumped in so we could get the full effect of Wishes. It was a magical end to the evening

~Chefs de France~

There is another entertaining story to go along with this review. Winnie and I decided to go to Chefs de France for lunch while my parents went to the San Angel Inn in Mexico. Before hand we grabbed Fastpasses for Soarin that were good from 1:15 to 2:15. We'd be cutting it a bit tight considering our Chefs de France reservation was 12:30, but we figured we'd make it back. Evidently we were wrong (talk about foreshadowing huh? )

Chefs de France was pretty calm when we got there at 12:30.

We had the yummy french rolls to start. I love these, crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. Mmmm

Then we both had the French Onion Soup. Yes I'm aware we are slightly insane - its August and about 95 degrees out and we both want...steaming hot soup, but neither of us can resist it, the cheese, the bread....I'm practically drooling just thinking about it.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid214/pc19e5b8e2a64222167dd54ff10c5125a/ed36f072.jpg[img]

I had the Croque Monsieur and let me tell you it was fabulous. I went to Paris in August 2005 and practically lived off of these so I know a good Croque Monsieur when I have one hehe

[img]http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid214/p00cbd5c28820ada643fa58f584590178/ed232c63.jpg

Winnie had the Quiche Lorraine which she said was "OK" and after having a bite of my Croque Monsieur she wished she had got that instead.

Because we were on the dining plan we got dessert as well. Winnie got the creme brule which she loved and I got the profiteroles which I have every time I go to Chefs de France.

The meal was wonderful and it was nice to be in the restaurant when it was so quiet.

By the time we had finished our meal it was almost 2. We had 15 minutes to get to Soarin, no problem at.....*thunderclap....and RAIN like you've never seen before*....ok...problem!

We dashed into the gift shop and purchased two ponchos (we have about seventy of these things at home now ) Shoved them on so we looked like prize idiots and by the time we left France it was....2:08
We literally RAN all the way to Soarin and got there at 2:14....it was incredible LOL...I think we managed to bend the time & space continum or something because 6 minutes from France to Soarin (not The Land, but Soarin proper...IN the building) has to be some kind of record.

We'll that's all for today

Some things to look forward to:
Alfredo's
Le Cellier
Rose & Crown
Chefs de France (again)
CSR Pics
And much much more...so stay tuned!

 

[Belle_373]

I love your trip report and yes I am biased because were best friends.

I cant wait till we have our trip next year. Im so excited.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Why oh why is it that all your posts make me hungry for some reason???? We ate at the Kona Cafe when we were there in December and absolutely LOVED it. If we ever go back, that is one of the first ADR's we are making. I second those crab cakes...Yummy!!!!

Hehe I'm a Disney Foodie, so my reports are bound to make everyone hungry. Kona is definitely on our favorites list now!

What a fun trippie this is going to be! I admit, i'm jealous tho! We love Ohana too- so yummy! Looking fwd to more!!!

Thanks for reading! We'll be making a second trip to Ohana in the Oct 2006 installment of this report!

What a great idea to combine all your trips into one report...

I'm getting hungry...

I think I would have forgotten about taking pictures if I was drinking the fru fru drink too - looks yummy! Bet that was smooth going down.

thanks for the pics and looking forward to more!

Haha! Thankfully Winnie & I were splitting the Lapu Lapu which made it a bit easier to remember to take pictures.

I am having such a hard time making my mind up about where we (I) want to eat. Your pictures will help tremendously. Can't wait to read more!!

Glad to be of help! I know that seeing others pictures have helped me in picking my restaurants each trip.

Love your report so far!! We have a lot in common!! I am a AP holder this yr. so I will be taking 5 trips to Disney this year. We went for our 9 night stay in Jan. and our next will be May 24th. There's no place like it!! Congratulations on your weight loss!!! I am currently 228 and I love food and love to eat! What are you doing? I lost 65 lbs. on WW before but gained it back over the years. It is so hard. Of course, my dh weighs 160. My 6yr dd weighs 50 lbs. and she has this thing now where she is always weighing herself and the other day she asked me how much I weighed? I said, "don't ever ask mama that again" We will be going to disney during the MNSSHP and the xmas party so I will be anxious to hear your report on those!
Enjoying your report!!
Pam

Thank you so much I'm hoping to reach my goal weight by our upcomming Aug 2007 trip. I dont actually follow any "plan" but instead use principles from several. I try to keep to WW points, while keeping in mind elements of South Beach (not NO carb...but GOOd carbs, high fibre, green veggies etc..) as well as working out 3 to 5 times per week. I adore my food but im moderation and will likely never do DDP again because it was simply too much.

I love your trip report and yes I am biased because were best friends.

I cant wait till we have our trip next year. Im so excited.

BELLE!! Hehe I pulled you out of lurking and made you post Yes you are slightly biased being my best friend and all. I can't wait for our trip either! We'll write a dual trip report!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Trip Two: August 25th - Sept 3rd 2006: The One with Winnie

In this installment I'll be showing off some pictures of the lovely Coronado Springs Resort & The Polynesian Resort

~Coronado Springs~

Winnie & I stayed in room 1268

Yes, I'm a nerd I took a picture of the number LOL

Here is the view from our room

And the room itself (please ignore the laptop bag and welcome info, but check out Mini-Winnie on the far bed hehe )

And now the pictures of our room at....

~The Polynesian~

We stayed in Fiji, 2nd floor, facing the Marina - Rm. 2316

Here is the view

The New Beds (lacking the new headboards lol)

The Couch/Daybed

The View towards the door

Closets, Coffe Maker and Fridge

The Bathroom

From the resorts we move to another dining review This time at Wolfgang Puck Cafe. This restaurant was a lat minute decision when we arrived at DTD absolutely starving!

I started with the Potato, Cheddar & Bacon Soup (yummy!)

Winnie started with a Caesar salad and dove into it before I could snap a pic...

For my entree I had the Original Veal Wienerschnitzel and subbed roasted garlic mashed potatoes instead of the potato salad.

Winnie had the Meatloaf with BBQ Glaze which was to die for

For Dessert I had the Apple Pie Creme Brule and it honestly tasted like Apple Pie, very cool

Winnie had the Chocolate Fondue

We loved this meal, one of the best of the trip. We will definitely be returning to Wolfgang Puck Cafe (actually, we return in the Dec installment hehe)

Later that night we went to Pleasure Island, spent some time in the Adventurers Club as well as the Comedy Club. We got awesome seats at the comedy club, munched on popcorn and enjoyed the improv. We hadn't seen the show in years but it was still as funny as we remembered.

Up Next:
Le Cellier
Rose & Crown
Alfredo's
Chefs de France
~Eating around the world~ (on 4 seperate evenings hehe)

 

[Belle_373]

I take pictures of the room number too so your not a nerd...unless I'm a nerd.

 

[DisneyJo]

Loving your TR and inbuilt Dining Reviews, I'm staying at CSR in August did you like it?

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Loving your TR and inbuilt Dining Reviews, I'm staying at CSR in August did you like it?

Thanks for reading Yes, we loved it. I've stayed at CSR almost more times than I can count I would recommend requesting the Casitas or Cabanas sections, they are the closest to El Centro and the Pepper Market Food Court. In my opinion they almost have the nicest theming of the areas at CSR.

 

[IkeandMike]

Loving your trip report so far. Can't wait for more.

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Love your report txs so much for sharing.