AMAZING Engagment trip w/LOTS of Disney magic & 2 CM's named Dean PARADE UPDATE 5/5!

[tiggersam00]

So here is the link to my PTR if you want a little background, but now ON WITH THE SHOW!

So I will start with some brief introductions.

Who are we anyways?? Well besides a couple of Disney nuts who are planning our Disney Fairy Tale Wedding (DFTW) for 2/8/10 at WDW.

Me: Samantha, 26 a Disney Bride to Be

DF: Dave, 26 a handsome (IMHO) newly converted disney addict

Why: Because I got a pin code and figured why the heck not!

When: March 29 - April 3 2009

Where: The POP Century Resort

Day 1 Part 1

Travel Day March 29th 2009

Dave and I woke up bright and early at 9am (lol); we had already packed the night before and had everything we needed for that day in our carry on luggage since we were using the ME for the 1st time. The morning at home was relatively uneventful, Dave picked up a bit of breakfast from Bruggers Bagel own the road from us while I showered and got dressed (What a guy!). So after a little breakfast and last minute getting ready we were ready to head to Logan airport. Dave’s mom picked us up in the minivan and offered to drive us in, so we loaded up the car and we were off. We were flying out on Airtran at 1:20PM so arriving at Logan at 11:50am gave us plenty of time to get checked in and through security. Check-in and Security was pretty uneventful, we waited a few minutes and made our way to our gate. We were a little delayed due to weather (it was raining a little in Boston, but I guess down south it was thunderstorms) so we had about an hour of extra wait time (oh-well!)

Our flight down was fine; I just wish they gave you a little something to eat on airtran besides a teeny tiny bag of pretzels, because by the time we hit Orlando I was starving!! I did get a chance to nap and read a bit of my book so all was not lost. When we arrived in Orlando we made our way to ME check in and I waited in line fro about 5 mins which I didn’t think was too bad at all. Then we headed over to the red carpet (cute touch btw) and waited to board our ME bus. I think we waited about 2 mins in that line before we were told we could board, how cool was this! For our first time using ME I must say I was very impressed, what a great perk! Not having to worry about a car or transport was a huge relief on this trip! And who doesn’t love skipping baggage claim and just getting to your hotel quicker!

We got to the POP in about 30 mins, but on the bus I did enjoy the little movie…and even teared up a little when I realized that we were actually going to WDW (I know, I know lame right?) When we pulled up to the POP I think I actually started jumping up and down in my seat a little, I was just way too excited to sit still! The big signs, the bright colors, all these things made the POP look so amazingly cool upon arrival. We disembarked our lovely ME bus and thanked our driver Cecil for an entertaining ride (he made some cute jokes) got our carry on bag from the bus and walked inside the POP lobby.

For those of you who haven’t seen the POP lobby, I have to say it is a great sight to see. I love all the pop culture boards and decorations on the walls, and the sparkly floors are a lot of fun. Now, I had tried the online check-in process fro the first time as well, so I went to queue up in the super short Online Check-In line… I was the only person in the line lol! So I got called over and was given my document folder, signed for my $500 gift card and got our DP info. So all I needed to know was where to go, so I asked the CM checking us in and I think he wasn’t sure where to send us so he just gave us a map… so I asked again and he finally drew a few lines on the map and sent us on our way… it’s a good thing Disney has clear signs lol!

Dave and I were on cloud 9 to finally be on our anxiously awaited vacation, so the walk to our room was full of pointing and talking about all the things we would see and do on our trip at the POP. We were assigned a room in the 60’s building with a view of spaceship earth which was pretty cool. And the room was neat and tidy upon arrival. Mickey Mouse stopped by and delivered the packages I had ordered and I was thrilled that they were sitting on the bed waiting to surprise Dave when we arrived! Now here is the before pic, and here is the after pic.. he tore into his package like a little kid on Christmas!

Up next a DisBride Meet and a little DTD action (with cameos from the dive-bombing disney bats)

 

[Jennifer48]

I'm super excited to hear about your trip!

I have to tell you though, I called Disney Photography and they don't do honeymoon shoots at the MK anymore. I was so bummed! I thought of you when I called so I can't wait to hear how yours went!

 

[MiaBella05]

joining in, cant wait to read all about it!!

 

[TeaForTulips]

Hooray for your TR!

I don't think tearing up a lil on the bus is lame at all! I am positive that I will be crying when we pull into Disney in a couple weeks! My mom, my sister, and I cry watching the planning DVD! Well... maybe it is lame. But I'm right there with ya!

I'm glad ME and the online check in went along smoothly. I have never used ME but Im gonna do the online check in and I hope to surpass a big ol line when we get there!

Those packages are too cute! I love the bride and groom.

I can't wait to read more about your trip! I hope you two hads lots of magic!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

WELCOME HOME!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip and see photos!

How far away was Spaceship Earth? I didn't know Pop was close to EPCOT!

Also, how's AirTran? I'm flying from Chicago to Boston next month and they keep changing my flight! I've also heard some not good things about them lately so I'm getting nervous.

 

[cjsteiger]

I'm subbing. Sounds like fun. Can't wait to read more.

Cheryl

 

[MAGGIED]

I am here also... can't believe your back already.... just updated my PTR.... it has been a struggle this week because of the baseball trip.... I can't wait to read all about your adventure.....

 

[tink774]

Subbing! I really enjoyed your PTR and I'm thrilled that you started your TR so quickly!!

 

[tiggersam00]

I'm super excited to hear about your trip!

I have to tell you though, I called Disney Photography and they don't do honeymoon shoots at the MK anymore. I was so bummed! I thought of you when I called so I can't wait to hear how yours went!

Aww thats a bummer! I will post the e-shoot story very soon I promise, but if you like Epcot WS at all I HIGHLY recommend it! It really was a great time

joining in, cant wait to read all about it!!

Yay for new readers I will do my best I promise lol!

WELCOME HOME!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip and see photos!

How far away was Spaceship Earth? I didn't know Pop was close to EPCOT!

Also, how's AirTran? I'm flying from Chicago to Boston next month and they keep changing my flight! I've also heard some not good things about them lately so I'm getting nervous.

It was pretty close, you can't see the whole thing, but the top half. I had no idea eithier until I read about it on the boards.
Airtran was nice, just bring a snack because those pretzels don't do much lol! And your coming to Boston?? I am the town next to Boston!

Hooray for your TR!

I don't think tearing up a lil on the bus is lame at all! I am positive that I will be crying when we pull into Disney in a couple weeks! My mom, my sister, and I cry watching the planning DVD! Well... maybe it is lame. But I'm right there with ya!

I'm glad ME and the online check in went along smoothly. I have never used ME but Im gonna do the online check in and I hope to surpass a big ol line when we get there!

Those packages are too cute! I love the bride and groom.

I can't wait to read more about your trip! I hope you two hads lots of magic!

Haha, glad I'm not alone! ME was very easy to do, I will do it again next trip for sure! And online check-in was a breeze, just make sure you put in any room requests ahead of time because your room key is already made up when you arrive. And bypassing the big line was AWESOME!!!
Thanks for reading, I have to catch up the PJ's tomorrow (which always makes me happy b/c I get to read a weeks worth of fun stuff lol!)

I'm subbing. Sounds like fun. Can't wait to read more.

Cheryl

Thanks Cheryl! I will try to keep up regularly!

I am here also... can't believe your back already.... just updated my PTR.... it has been a struggle this week because of the baseball trip.... I can't wait to read all about your adventure.....

Yes, we have a fun baseball story! Cannot wait to hear abotu your basebal trip. Actually while I was in WDW my brother called and gave us the good news that he got a summer contract near Boston so he will be home the summer!

Subbing! I really enjoyed your PTR and I'm thrilled that you started your TR so quickly!!

Ohh thanks for following along, I was too excited not to start it loL! This will have some crazy cool surprises I promise

 

[tiggersam00]

Day 1 Part 2: Dinner and a Dis Meet!

So we regrouped in the room and then headed out to DTD for dinner and a DisBride meet! Now this trip we decided to only use Disney transportation, so that meant everywhere we went was via bus… not usually my favorite form of transportation but I figured we would give it a shot… Well I must say I was very pleasantly surprised at the buses in WDW, they were always clean, we never waited more then 3 mins for a bus, and yes they did get a little crowded at the end of the day but come on it’s Disney! So I will most def be using WDW transport again over a rental car, so much easier!

Ok, so now onto the night… but first a quick apology… I am a bad Diser… I did not take any food porn pics while at WDW (GASP, HORROR). I was usually either too hungry to wait for a pic, or just plum forgetful! So I do have a pic of a Dole Whip but I am afraid that is about it… so I am very sorry to all wanting oodles of food pics, I have failed you

So the first night was met with intense HUNGER! We were starving by 7pm when we made it to DTD, remember the bagel at 10am and my micro mini bag of pretzels on AirTran were not the most helpful thing when you are hungry, so by 7pm I was ready to start chewing on my own arm. Dave was desperate for an EOS Cobb wrap and I was ready for a little WPE action! So we split up got our food and met up at one of the tables behind WPE, it was a great night, warm and relaxing. Now since we were on the DP I was going to make full use of my credits on this trip, so I chose the Rigatoni with Chicken Bolognese and a side Caesar Salad, Lemonade, and a Crème Brulee for dessert. I paid OOP for a glass of cold Riesling which was great too. DF had the Cobb wrap, chips and water (and paid OOP for a beer of some kind). Now I am not sure if it was the sheer hunger or the deliciousness of the food, but this was the best meal of the trip! Everything was gone off my plate and DF and I were happy as clams for the rest of the night.

Now, right at the end of dinner my cell rings and it is Linda (lpizzuro123) from the Boards. Her and her DH Sheldon just got to DTD and are waiting at Goofys for our Dis Meet! Dave and I finish up and head over to Goofys. Linda and Sheldon had a table for us to sit at and were dressed in some great Mickey Wear, Sheldon even has a Mickey Earring which I loved! So DF and I sit and chat and then we get a text from Becky (spacerangerqueen) saying she is parking and will be here in a minute. So we are sitting talking, laughing and just enjoying being in FL. Linda was awesome, she brought pics of her wedding from Misty and was telling us all about their DFTW. Then Becky came to join us, Becky was great too, she was full of great stories about working at WDW and was also in Mickey wear (well actually Donald wear that night). Gotta love the DIS Meet! So we all chatted and laughed for a few hours, DF was very quiet and when I asked him why on the way home he said “Well I tried to talk but between you 3 girls, Sheldon and I couldn’t get a word in” I guess the girls were too much for the poor guy’s lol! He thought it was a fun night watching the 3 girls get all excited about weddings and said it was a great first night! Here is a pic of the girls and then the whole group! (Note: I am able to wear the outfit I had originally chosen for our E-Pics because it was night and at night the skirt is no longer see-through)

After pictures Linda and Sheldon had to leave because the next day was Sheldon’s Birthday and Linda had some super fun secret plans in store for him! Of course we all knew the plans though lol! So we said our goodbyes (but not for the last time…) and Becky took me into Goofys for my very 1st experience creating a snack! I got marshmallows with milk chocolate, Oreos and caramel… words cannot describe how yummy this was… I was in heaven snacking on this all week! We walked over to the exit where Becky parked and almost got attacked by dive-bombing bats! These things were flying right in front of WOD about 7 feet off the ground… which was a little too close to DF’s head for comfort (he is 6’2) so we hightailed it out of DTD for the night and proceeded to crash into our beds at the POP, tomorrow was going to be an early morning starting with a makeup trial at 7am, so stay tuned for details!

 

[Jennifer48]

No food porn?! just kidding. Sometimes you forget, it happens. I either forget completely or my pics are of 1/2 eaten food!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Aw, your DIS meet sounds fun! DF is such a good sport!! I can't wait to read the next installment!!! PS How was POP? I just booked it for Memorial weekend..

And yes I'm going to Boston with two girls I interned with in the fall. One is a Boston fan and the Red Sox are playing my team so we are going to the game!!

 

[MAGGIED]

no food pictures.... thats okay... what a fun thing it is to have a DIS meet.... sounds like the first day was wonderful.... can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[HoneyLSU]

Sounds like y'all had a great first day! That is too funny that your DF couldn't get a word in. That's what happens around women though! My BF gets like that too. I'm glad y'all both had fun though.

Listening to you talk about how great the ME is has me kind of jealous because we don't get to take it. Maybe one day we'll fly and I'll get to take it. I'm relieved to hear that you thought the buses were great. That's one thing I'm kind of nervous about. If they're too bad in November I'll have my car, so I'm sure it won't be too bad.

Those gift baskets were really cute! What all did you have put in them? Plus, I had no idea that POP was so close to Epcot. That's cool you had somewhat of a view though.

I cannot wait to try Goofy's! I think it will be so fun just to "design" something! That's one of the things I'm most looking forward to.

 

[gemmybear83]

Loving your trip report Sam - those gift baskets are so cute!

 

[TeaForTulips]

I'm glad the buses were a good experience! You hear so many horrible stories that I'm sure everyone just prays they are not the next victim. We sometimes have really good direct flight prices to Orlando but I always feared the buses. Its nice to know it seems to not be a problem anymore!

We will forgive your DIS Blasphemy of lacking food porn... I am hoping I will remember myself in a couple weeks!

Oh how I long for a DIS Meet! I'm glad you all had fun! I can't wait for Goofys Candy Co!! I am allergic to caffeine so I cannot have chocolate.. I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to "create" something yummy with some non choco options!

Eek! about the bats! That would scare me! I have this weird things about large creatures that fly.

I can't wait to read more. I hope your make up trial went well!

 

[Girldreamer02]

subscribing...I'll be back to read this when I have some time

 

[allison_wonderland]

Just got caught up on your PTR and TR! I cant wait to keep reading more! Your baskets in the room were adorable!!

 

[tiggersam00]

No food porn?! just kidding. Sometimes you forget, it happens. I either forget completely or my pics are of 1/2 eaten food!

Haha yup! I have one lonely Dole Whip pic lol! I am not too good at the food pics because I am usually just so hungry I can't wait lol!

Aw, your DIS meet sounds fun! DF is such a good sport!! I can't wait to read the next installment!!! PS How was POP? I just booked it for Memorial weekend..

And yes I'm going to Boston with two girls I interned with in the fall. One is a Boston fan and the Red Sox are playing my team so we are going to the game!!

Ohh fun, you'll have to tell me which game, we share season tickets with a few people so I go to a lot of Sox games. Can you imagine a Dis meet at Fenway lol! I bet it would be the first one there

Yea your going Memorial Day! Thats awesome! Pop was fun, very lively and upbeat. And this will sound super cheesy but they play "pop" music from all the decades on the buses and waiting for the buses so I would find my self rockin out to songs like "St Elmo's Fire" and the theme song to Lavern and Shirley all the time... I must have been quiet a sight!

Oh and the pool bar makes a FANTASTIC Captains Mai Tai! Soooo Good! You need to try one

no food pictures.... thats okay... what a fun thing it is to have a DIS meet.... sounds like the first day was wonderful.... can't wait to hear more!!!

It was so much fun meeting other Disney Brides, we actually met up with Linda and Sheldon later in the trip as well

Sounds like y'all had a great first day! That is too funny that your DF couldn't get a word in. That's what happens around women though! My BF gets like that too. I'm glad y'all both had fun though.

Listening to you talk about how great the ME is has me kind of jealous because we don't get to take it. Maybe one day we'll fly and I'll get to take it. I'm relieved to hear that you thought the buses were great. That's one thing I'm kind of nervous about. If they're too bad in November I'll have my car, so I'm sure it won't be too bad.

Those gift baskets were really cute! What all did you have put in them? Plus, I had no idea that POP was so close to Epcot. That's cool you had somewhat of a view though.

I cannot wait to try Goofy's! I think it will be so fun just to "design" something! That's one of the things I'm most looking forward to.

Thanks! The buses were great honestly, we never seemed to wait more then a couple of minutes and yes they are crowded at night but it's such a quick ride that it really was ok.

I had the baskets made from memories by betsy band she did a great job! I had a Mickey Plush in each one, a Mickey Etched Wine glass in each, and refillable mug in each. Then in DF's I had a hidden mickey book, an espn trivia book, and his fave ginger ale soap from Basin in DTD. Then she put some Basin Bath Bombs in mine. She was so easy to work with, I highly recommend her service

Oh and goofy's is to die for! I am looking forward to it again in August

Loving your trip report Sam - those gift baskets are so cute!

Thanks Gem! They were a hit with DF

I'm glad the buses were a good experience! You hear so many horrible stories that I'm sure everyone just prays they are not the next victim. We sometimes have really good direct flight prices to Orlando but I always feared the buses. Its nice to know it seems to not be a problem anymore!

We will forgive your DIS Blasphemy of lacking food porn... I am hoping I will remember myself in a couple weeks!

Oh how I long for a DIS Meet! I'm glad you all had fun! I can't wait for Goofys Candy Co!! I am allergic to caffeine so I cannot have chocolate.. I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to "create" something yummy with some non choco options!

Eek! about the bats! That would scare me! I have this weird things about large creatures that fly.

I can't wait to read more. I hope your make up trial went well!

Thanks for following along Tarah! The buses were really efficient, actually we did wait a few minutes once while they loaded 2 wheelchairs but they had a 2nd bus behind it ready to go as well so it really wasn't an issue for us thank goodness

When I got home and realized I did not have food pics it was this kind of moment ! I was only hoping the Diser's would forgive my momentary lapse in photos lol!

The dis meet was a lot of fun, chatting is always fun in my book! And Goofy's was amazing, I bet they can accomodate you... and if not the cotton candy smelled amazing! I broke down and got some later in the week!

The bats were crazy!! They were a little too close for comfort, so we bypassed World of Disney and came back later in the week. They were right where Stitch sprays you... very bizarre, I have never seen bats like that at WDW before

subscribing...I'll be back to read this when I have some time

Welcome, I will do my best to update regualrly

Just got caught up on your PTR and TR! I cant wait to keep reading more! Your baskets in the room were adorable!!

Thanks Allison, we had a lot of fun this trip... I just wish it wasn't over

 

[tiggersam00]

Day 2 Part 1 – “No Sleeeeeeeping!!!”
After crashing into bed last night at the POP we woke bright and early… I’m talking before the sun was up early. Since we were in Disney, and it was our first day I had no trouble waking up that day! It was one of those days were I was awake and waiting for the alarm to go off so I could have an excuse to get up and get going. Well I had set the alarm for 6:15 since Ana was scheduled to come for a makeup trial at 7. I figured quick showed, flat iron my hair, put on my dress and I would be ready (I also laid everything out the night before lol…yup I was the kid who had her 1st day of school outfit ready to go the week before) so this was a piece of cake!

Well 6:15 rolled around and we met… the bells… I loathe the bells… I despise the bells…I missed my IPod alarm clock at home terribly. The bells were how we woke up each morning on this trip, and they got more and more annoying each passing day. They sounded like deep low church bells ringing all at once and really loud and the alarm also had a flashing light on the top of it, ya know, just in case the loud bells failed to do the job…

Anyways, so after the bell incident we got a phone call… now who could be calling this early… come on you know who… Stitch yelling “No Sleeeeeeeping!!” and then Mickey came on too and said something about Stitch escaping again and then Stitch told us to “Get Moving!”… so we did.

Dave went and got breakfast while I waited for Ana from Beaute Speciale to do my make up trial for the wedding, he did bring me back some breakfast potatoes and bacon though (whattaguy). So at 5 past 7 Ana arrived with a huge suitcase full of makeup, and got right to work. She asked me what kind of makeup I usually use and I showed her my basics and she came up with a make up plan for me. She used no foundation since I do not usually wear anything that heavy and used really light shimmery makeup on my face and cheeks. On my eyes she did a plum/lavender palette which really worked since I have hazel eyes. Also I did try the false lashes, I wasn’t sure at first but once she put them on I felt like I was in a mascara commercial so I had to keep them! She them put the sealant coat on, so I was now sweat and tear proof (def going to need that on my wedding day!) and I was good to go.

Ana, I thought was well worth it. The look she gave me was very natural and I still looked like me in the end (just a prettier me lol) which was important to me. Ana was very easygoing and had some fun stories about her celeb clients too, which being a celeb magazine junkie I really appreciated! All in all I was glad I did the trial and feel really good about having her do the wedding makeup.

So after Ana left it was 8am (time to head to Epcot!) so we headed to the bus and it was right there, awesome! So we hop on and take to 10 min ride to Epcot. Now at this point I have no clue how to get to the International Gateway without going through the park, which wasn’t open yet. Also we still had to activate our AP’s! So I head to guest relations, activate the AP’s and ask where to go. The CM at the desk calls the turnstile crew and they let us right in and tell us where to go. Now we still had about 15-20 minutes before our 8:45 shoot at World Showcase so we stroll through Epcot (without anybody else around!) and I snap a few pictures of the scenery from the Flower and Garden Festival.

Note the lack of people...

A nice CM at the Rope took this one... I heart Fantasia

An Empty Park... I think so! This is us on the other side of rope drop

This event is very pretty to see, all the topiaries are great and the whole place just looks so beautiful! I loved the Lion King display at the entrance to World Showcase, it was so detailed and intricate. I had no idea that many colors could be used.

(Dave loved playing Rafiki lol)

The real Rafiki

Timon and Pumba - love those guys!

Dave and I walk toward the International Gateway and I snap a few more pictures in Canada and UK before we get there too. My favorite is the one of me in the UK with absolutely no one else around, I will probably never get that type of picture again!

Me... All... Alone

I found these guys hanging out in Canada eh!

So right at 8:43am we make it to the IG (how’s that for timing?) and see a photographer with a huge camera bag. I go up and ask if he is Dean, he shakes our hand, introduces himself and asks us

Dean: “What countries do you want pictures in?”

Me: “Well UK and Morocco for sure, but whatever else you think is great too”

Dean: “Ok, well do them all.”

Me: Jaw dropping, shock setting in, realizing I do not have to pick and choose… THANK GOODNESS!!

Dean: “Ok give me your backpack; I am going to carry it for you so we can keep on time”

Me: “Are you sure?”

I honestly couldn’t believe he was not only going to get us to every country but also carry our stuff… I felt a little bad about it honestly but Dean would not let us touch the bag! He was a man on a mission, that mission being to make it around the world in an hour! So I release grip of my bag (even though Dave kept trying to carry it because he felt so bad too) and we were on our way.

I know I have posted these on the wedding board already but here are the pictures from the countries we visited. I will post the link to the ones Disney took when I get them too because these are the ones Dean was nice enough to take with my camera

In France

In Morocco

Japan

Italy

In China

Norway

Canada

And finally the UK

Well that is my update for now, I am working on part 2 for you all but this one is getting pretty lengthy so I will stop here and resume tonight. I promise you a new update today though!

Up Next... Can we Possibly Save the World Before Lunch??