Basking in the Glow of the (not so) Creepy Clown -2/11-Pictures, Final Thoughts, PTR!

[A.Mickey]

Finally made it over here!

Looks like your room is practically where our room was! Love it! And some little boy missed his Daddy!

Love the Binoculars! At the Indy meet Aaron was eyeing the DVC binoculars and wanted them badly! We had to go to Wal-mart and get him a pair of "Gobbles" after the meet.

Haha! Love the alarm story sounds like me! Always afraid I will sleep in for those morning flights so end up waking up before the alarm!

 

[reelmom]

Okay I actually used "that's nice" in corect form today. I was in traffic and some wonderful person decided they wanted to be in front of me and well, cut me off. I say out loud, " NICE, THAT'S NICE" and then just laughed and made a mental note to make sure i let you know.


Brook- Is everyone Okay after those and I quote from the weather channel "swirlie winds" that came through your area. I immediately thought of you when I thought of that.

Now to go check on parents and friends on LI.

I did the same thing yesterday. I work at a preschool and this one little girl just wouldn't stop talking. Finally it got to the point that I needed her be quiet so I could give instructions to the other kids. She was in the middle of a crazy story when I told her, "THAT'S NICE." and then went on teaching the other kids. I immediately thought of my DISfriends after I told her that.

 

[Stasieki]

Glad you guys are OK - I thought of you, too, when I first saw the NYC storms this AM.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Just quickly reading comments before I'm off to bed....I only heard about that from a gal in the subway tonight! I don't even know where the tornado was...Jamaica, Queens maybe? All the trains were MESSED UP due to a fire on 5th Ave and then the LIRR was screwy I think too because of the tornado...I gotta Google and get the details.

At our house it was short and BIG storm, lots of lightening and thunder instantly after it, heavy rain, the sky looked a bit green - but it only lasted about 10 minutes.

Glad your guys are OK! Crazy, crazy stuff!

 

[KathyRN137]

Yay! I'm all caught up!

Loving all your pictures and videos... makes me want to jump on the bed myself next time I'm in Disney!


Kathy

 

[brookelizabeth]

I LOVE THIS!!!

Very Moulin Rouge.

And I love the story of Henry "looking" for Joe. SO SWEET!

The little roller coaster thing in there is very, very cool. It doesn't move, but is still fun to look at. There is also a carousel (I have a picture later in the TR) that DOES move and play music - it's incredible!

That is one amazing resort. In the words of Liz Lemon, "I want to go there."

It's on "the list" even for the next trip! I want to go back!

All hail Brook, picture taker extraordinare!!! I honestly feel like I'm right there with you. Man oh man, I have been wanting to stay here ever since we toured DVC back in 2003......sadly, we didn't buy in.

Thanks! I completely didn't realize how MANY pictures I had taken because we move really slowly when I'm just following Henry around...but now I'm glad I did. It really shows off the resort!

You can still buy in...resale! (I'm SO TEMPTED!)

Ok Brook, those clown pics give me the heebie jeebies! First, the Krusty clown slide has hair like Spaghettio's and eyes that seem to follow you! And second, that creepy clown chair was even more frightening! Seriously creepy man! Ugh, I cannot look at it again. Poor Henry, you made that sweet baby sit in it. I would've made the same face he did, like he couldn't wait to hop off!

Wow, that resort is really gorgeous. And the boardwalk area looks very inviting! I might have to rethink ever staying there, it looks really cool (minus the freaky clowns of course!) Was it a quick walk to Epcot?

Love the pics of Henry playing on the playground and arcade. He looks all sticky and sweaty! My middle DD used to get the cutest little beads of sweat across the bridge of her nose when she was a toddler. I'm sure you appreciated the air conditioning too! The close up pic of you and Henry on that ride at the arcade is precious. That's a keeper! And how heart warming to see Henry with Joe! He looked so happy that his Dad was finally there. So sweet! Great update!

The chair is hideous! Henry spotted him and was curious and when I suggested he sat in there he said, "Okay Mommy" really slowly.... I think you are right - he wanted NOTHING to do with it!

The walk to Epcot is maybe 10 minutes? Possibly less. And it's REALLY nice coming in through the International Gateway because there is very rarely a line! There is also a boat that is quick. We didn't walk to DHS, but there is a path - and a boat. The boat ride took maybe 15 minutes - if that. It's a GREAT benefit about the resort!

SOOOOOOOOOOOO beautiful!

I wanna go!

And bounce on the beds and have ice cream.

Are you adopting?

How adorable that you were able to meet the bus! I love it!

Killer update. And not so creepy.

yet.

Not so creepy! Wait until our last day and last swim in the pool.....

You really captured the beauty of the resort
Great update

Thanks!!! I didn't realize I had taken that many pictures when we were just ambling along, but I'm glad I did!

Joining in for the fun. I had followed along on your PTR,now you will help me pass the next week or so until it is my turn to go.
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your stay on the Boardwalk. We stayed there last spring for our trip to enjoy the Flower and Garden show and I'll be back for a couple of days in January.

One week!!! Have a WONDERFUL trip!!!! The BW area is perfect for the F&GF. We are planning a March trip here next, but hoping for BLT - so not too bad of a haul over to Epcot with the monorail. The BC and BW are 2nd and 3rd on the list for that trip!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Thanks for taking us on the beautiful stroll around the Boardwalk! I've always wanted to stay there, in spite of the creepy clown, oops, I mean George. Your pictures have made that desire even greater!

So fun that you were able to meet Joe's bus, I love that Henry could hear his voice and was looking for him

I hope you get to stay there! It truly is beautiful - and the location is incredible.

The meetup with Joe was very precious - the instant he heard Joe's voice he started calling out for him!

We were lucky enough to visit the Boardwalk just a little more than usual when we took the girls over to swim and play on the playground when Wigd and Shocker stayed there. Jill wants to stay there sometime, and wouldn't she be very happy with a view like you had?!?!?

Very nice pictures with lots of detail. Henry getting to run in the grass is just some pretty exciting stuff when you are in Disney World.

she would! It was an excellent location too - so close to the elevator. We appreciated that with having the little one.

And the grass is so NICE in Disney World! It's so thick and lush - Joe and I always have multiple conversations about how great it is.

I can see it now Brook, Yo uare going to go stand outside of NYU and offer students $5 if they will go in and get you CFA!

I see it sounds like you are trying to potty train Henry. With Michael and Paige, I can't remember much of the details, but I am sure they both were trained around the age of 2. Claire wanted nothing to do with it. I would try and try to set her on the potty and she would do NOTHING. Went a trickle once on accident. I tried rewards, etc, and she just didn't seem to get it. Then one day..a few months after she turned 3 she was in the tub and said, I have to go potty.. I was like right...but still I got her out and put her on...and low and behold she went! And within 2 weeks she wore underwear eveyday. We did og to Disney shortly afte that, and I did have her wear pull ups the whole trip, jsut to be safe. And once while her and Skip were alone together, she told him she had to go, and the lazy butt told her to just go in her pull up and I would change her when we met up! MEN! Claire still wears pull ups to bed though. She is a VERY heavy sleeper, though she is having less and less accidents, I rather her wear the pull up than get up at 3 AM and change sheet!

She is absolutely gorgeous!

That is a FANTASTIC idea about CFA!!!

I attempted with the potty training, but H has NO interest yet. So, I just keep asking him if he wants to sit on the potty. One day he'll say yes - it sounds like he's just like Claire - he has to decide WHEN.

Great update! My girls loved the playground over there as well. I would have spent the afternoon doing exactly what you did - exploring, eating ice cream, and just soaking it all in. So glad Joe arrived without incident. Can't wait to read more.

The playground is really neat! I love that it's right next to the pool area too.

It's such a beautiful resort to explore and enjoy. I was grateful for the time that we had to soak it all in!

Henry is just the cutest thing ever! He really loves jumping on that bed! Your pics of the Boardwalk are incredible. It's almost making me wish we were choosing there over the Beach Club Villas-it'd be cheaper, that's for sure! But we'd be booking a standard view, so no chance of the AMAZING view that you had. I actually just sent the link of all the pictures to my roommate's mom, because they are staying at the Boardwalk Inn in January, and I hope she appreciates them as much as I do.

Thank you!!! We hope to try the Beach Club soon - have you stayed there before? Do all those villas overlook the incredible pool?

I just watched that last video of you showing Joe the "view". And Joe asked Henry where his bed was...and Henry says "i'm not having a bed". I wonder what he thought he was going to do? LOL!

I forgot about that!!! Poor little dude! I pulled the bed out shortly after that and he just LOVED his bed.

WOW! Sooooo many beautiful, wonderful pictures of BW! I love all of them! It looks like you and Henry had a great time exploring! Of course, the pictures of Henry and Joe are too darn cute!

We really did have fun that afternoon. It was HOT over by the playground and I remember just melting - attempting to stay out of the sun, but still play with Henry. But other than that, it was such a fun and beautiful resort to explore!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oh my gosh, it's more beautiful that I imagined! The pics are fabulous! And Lucy the Elephant is representing the Jersey shore, wahoo! (Lucy is an historical landmark in Margate NJ, you can climb up inside and everything!!).

And I just love the story of Joe's arrival, how perfect!!!

Can't wait for more!!

That is very cool about Lucy! I have read a few stories about her - one that there was once a hotel that looked this this too. I'd love to see it in person sometime! A trip to the Jersey Shore is on the "local trips" list for someday.

The BW was so much more than I expected. I've been in the resort a few times, but didn't ever really soak it in...and as soon as I did, I was hooked! It really truly is a beautiful resort.

I would be thrilled to have a view like you did when we go next month, but we only have a garden view. So I'll be happy if we get to see George!
As much as we love Beach Club we always are very pleased with our stays at Boardwalk! Your pictures have me soooo excited!
I love your story about Henry and Joe! How sweet!

Ours was a garden view! We wanted BW, but the waitlist never came through. So there is hope! It was an awesome location.

Wow so many great pictures! So many details. These remind me of Memom's pictures. I really have to slow down and really look for now on.

I love that Henry wanted to try out all the different chairs. He really looked like he enjoyed those games. Did he get a chance to check out the ones in Espn? Boys do love their games.

Waiting for Joe is so cute! The pictures of their meeting is so touching.

Henry loves to climb in and out of chairs and couches - he always has a ball in Ikea.

We never did get over to ESPN! I meant to, but it just never happened. Do the games there work with the Disney card too? Are the games at ESPN mostly driving type ones for older kids/adults? Or is there a good mix?

Wow... you said you would take lots of Boardwalk pictures & you came through! Thanks for sharing them. I'm so excited to be checking in at the Inn two weeks from tomorrow!!

Henry is just so cute!!

I hope you LOVE it! The Inn rooms are so gorgeous!

This guy is above the fireplace.

Is it just my imagination or is that a hidden Goofy on the elephants ear?

It kinda does look like one, doesn't it?!

Loved all your pictures. But I loved the above picture the most. Just love our intensely Henry is checking out the roller coaster.

He really liked that and kept asking me "What is that guy doing?"

Ok, so I go away for 1 day and I'm 7 pages behind!!! Your TR just moves too fast!

First off, all this Chick-fil-a talk is making me hungry!! I think we will definitely have to eat there on our way home. I have had it a few times before and remember it being really good, but I haven't eaten there in at least 7 years!

I love the pictures and video of Henry jumping on the bed- so cute!! David would quote one of his favorite books - "no more monkeys jumping on the bed!"

The picture of him hugging Joe is just priceless. And his sweet little voice on the next video just kills me- "Um, I don't have my bed!" So stinkin cute!!!

Can't wait to read more!

We don't have the No More Monkeys book, but we do the rhyme! I think even at one point I sang it with him while he was jumping.

I had forgotten about the bed thing in the video! I pulled it out shortly after and he just LOVED it. He hoped right in bed and covered up!! I'm glad he liked a pull-out couch for a bed.

 

[NOLAdisneymom]

Great report so far! It's awesome to see how many people are following you!

You have a beautiful family! Can't wait to read more!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I figure if I have fallen in love with your pictures I'm going to fall completely in love with the resort!! This so makes me want to become a DVC member! We are going to do it one of these days, we keep putting it off but I think our day is coming closer and closer!!

It seems like you and Henry had a great time exploring the resort!!!! YAY for Joe arriving!! Can't wait to see more of your adventure!!1

Thank you so much for so many great pictures!!!

I hope you and LL both love it! It truly is a beautiful resort with a ton to offer. And I think the Inn side of the rooms are even BETTER than the DVC! They are stunning!

Believe it or not- I am here. Barely.

Pick me, pick me!! I know the answer to your latest pop quiz!

Glad you made it over! Yes, you do know! It was a good move for us - it was pretty magical and still very chill that night, which Joe needed!

Gosh what a great picture walk I took tonight around the Boardwalk! I do think is is so quaint and pretty there. I want to know about the eats there and just how easy it was to get counter service.... that was easy at the BC.

Those pics of Joe arriving and Henry are to perfect!

The eats are kinda slim for counter service at the BW. At least from what we experienced. There is the pizza window, and the Bakery (serves sandwiches for lunch/dinner and breakfast in the morning). There are various stands on the BW, but they aren't always open. Also in the morning there is a coffee stand and the Bellvue Lounge offers a continental breakfast. We ended up just going to Epcot instead! The BC is very close, and so are the Swoflin, so there area lot of choices not just RIGHT there all the time at the BW. It didn't really bother us at all - we never really missed the fact that there isn't a real "food court" area there, it was enough choices when we needed it.

Oh my, what beautiful pictures! I just stayed at the BWI for the first time in May, and your photos totally brought it back.

Your comment about Henry playing in the grass (so cute!) totally makes me want to move! I want a yard!

We're in Manhattan, in the Village...which was awesome when we were 25. Now that 35 is rapidly approaching, not so much. How do you like Astoria?

Did you enjoy the BW? I thought it was incredible!!!

That's funny about the yard! We just moved here (from MN) where we had a big 'ol yard and I don't miss it ONE IOTA! Soooooo glad not to have one. We do have a little garden space (that the landlady takes care of, woot!) though, so that helps feed the "I want green." need.

We really like Astoria. We live on Ditmars, so it's the last stop on the N/Q. It's a VERY quick ride into the City - like 15 minutes to midtown. There are lots of parks, it's quiet and safe, lots of great food choices and shopping. Everything we need is right here, yet the City is very close. It's a nice balance. The Village is a great area, but I can't imagine living there - like you said - it was cool when you were younger, but.....! And if you plan to have children, that area would be a tough one to raise kiddos in I think!! The UES seems awesome for kids - I'd like to live there if we ever do move into the City - maybe once I'm working again. Otherwise, Astoria it is!

Your TR is off to an awesome start. I love the resort. Wow...someday...

Thank you so much for Brenda's card. It came yesterday. I am going to post the pictures of her with it on my PTR. She was so happy to get the card. She kept telling me "these are the princesses and they are my friends I will see in Disney World." It was all too cute. She has carried the card around every minute and when she does put it down Gavin tries to grab it and carry it around! Thanks so much! You really brightened Brenda's day!

I already said this in the PM, but again - You are welcome!!! I'm so glad she enjoyed it so much!!

HOLY COW!!! Your TR move quick!!! I didn't even realize you had one up until tonight!

Well, I'm here! Gotta read now...

It has been cruising right along!

Oh! It's so beautiful there!!

I knew I would love your BW pictures, but did not expect so many so early on in the TR! It sounds like you had a lot of fun exploring with Henry. How great that it worked out so you could meet Joe when he arrived. In a way Earl did you a favour...

It really is a beautiful resort! I think it's actually my favorite so far! AKL will always be right up there, same with WL, but...ahhhhhhhh, just something about the BW!

Yes, Earl DID do me a favor now that you mention it!

Ahh, I remember being that old and being brought into an arcade for the first time... I can recall playing Donkey Kong and trying to figure out why I couldn't get the big gorilla to go anywhere. It was the first step to a life wasted on video games. Up until I moved to my current apartment and had no space for it, , I even owned an arcade game (well, a generic arcade cabinet with interchangable boards) for a number of years.

I remember trying to make Pacman move, but he wouldn't and then these pesky words kept showing up on the screen with numbers next to them!

That is very cool about the video game. When I was growing up in a suburb of Chicago our neighbor had two pinball machines and we thought they were coolest people EVER.

Yep, that's it! I am in love with the Boardwalk and must stay there some day! What gorgeous pictures you took! Although, I must agree, that chair is very creepy -- I don't think I would sit in it -- Henry must be braver than me.

Love the pictures of Henry and Joe reuniting! So sweet!!!

It is an awesome resort!! The location is excellent too - such an easy walk to Epcot and DHS. The bus ride wasn't bad to MK or AK either. DTD was a different story.

That chair is way creepy. They used to have 2 I know - I really wonder what happened to the other one...!

I can't believe you have already started and are up to 13 pages! Whoa!!

I'm here!

It's busy around here! We'll see if I can keep up.

I was smiling as I looked at your pictures and then I saw the ones of Joe's arrival and got teary eyed! So sweet! I love how Henry is just sooo happy to see his dad and give him the biggest hug ever!
You gave us all a good tour of the BW, I really enjoyed the pictures, they brought back very fun memories. We've got some very similar shots! We took a family picture on the couch with the boat on the table behind it. I think we might use it for our Christmas card photo this year.

It was a very sweet time with Joe! He is such a Daddy's boy!

That is a great idea about a family picture in the lobby! It's so beautiful there. I wish I had thought of something like that! Or perhaps...in front of George.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I loved all the videos you posted! And the pictures...wow! I had no idea how gorgeous the gardens were around the hotel.

I remember when Lee was that age and his hair would get all sweaty like that! It's adorable when they're 3, not so much when they're 16!

Very cool! Did the rollercoaster car move?

That would make a great "time out" chair! No kid would ever want to be put there!

So sweet seeing Henry and Joe meet up!

I didn't know about all the gardens at the BW either until I started exploring. I had seen a few pictures online, but not much. Mostly you just see the BW area - but there is a whole 'nother side that's just as beautiful!

about the sweaty hair!! SO TRUE!

The roller coaster car didn't move - but they had a carousel in the lobby that did - and made music. I have a picture of it later!

That is a great idea about the chair!

How in heck did I miss that you started this?

I have to get some work done (I came in at 7:15 this morning), but I'm now subscribed and will read later today or tonight for sure. I can't wait.

Glad to have you!!! You are off today for the World and Marco Island - ENJOY every second. I look forward to the TR!

Great, great, pictures Brook! I especially liked the ones in the lobby area of the Boardwalk, there are so many interesting things in there like the elephant and the creepy clown chair and the model rollercoaster.

I also like the new pictures you've put in your signature.

There are so many details in that lobby - I don't think any of the tables matched, yet it all flowed so beautifully. I meant to take pictures of more of them, but a certain 3 year old was keeping me busy!

Thank you about the siggy pics! I have to re-size them to be a tad larger/crop them, just haven't gotten around to doing it. They pretty much represent various aspects of the trip - all which I plan to cover in the TR.

Thanks so much for taking us on a fantastic walk around the resort. The resort grounds are absolutely beautiful as is the inside of the resort.

Your welcome! It was a lot of fun to explore. More BW pictures will trickle in through the TR too.

So pretty. I grew up at the Jersey shore and I miss it so much. I have so many fond memories of Asbury Park and Atlantic City. I would love to stay at BWI someday. Thanks for all of the pics.

Those places are on my "local vacations" list! I so much want to visit -and even more so now after staying at the BW and falling in love with it!!

What an awesome start! Your pictures are just fantastic. That is so neat that you had time to explore to explore with just Henry, but it is great that Joe was able to make it down EARLy.

It really was a great way to start off the vacation. By the time Joe arrived I understood the layout of the resort, which can be a tad confusing - the lobby is on the 2nd floor - the BW on the 1st. It was helpful! Plus, I never feel like I get to fully explore a resort, but I didn't feel that way this time. Throughout our days I saw more of the BW than I anticipated....

 

[brookelizabeth]

I have to go back and finish reading.

I just had to say that a Chic Fil A just openened in my area TODAY! I'm so happy. Also the one in Wisconsin is in Racine so quite the drive from MN!

I must have missed that you sold your house and moved to NY Congrats! (I think I missed one of your TR's)

And that CFA is even further now from where we are in New York City! But, I do know where Racine is, so if I'm ever close....! You are in Chicago? I have family there, so maybe I can snag some CFA while visiting them.

Thank you for the congrats on the house! My last TR was the December/NYE trip to WDW and New Orleans - I think I finished it in JUNE. We technically sold the house in April, but it only closed just the other day. FINALLY!

I have your PTR open, I will read and and catch up as soon as I can!

What a cute reaction to seeing his Daddy!! I love surprises like that

It was very, very sweet!!!

Thank you for the tour of the BW. It is such a beautiful resort and I look forward to staying there again someday George isn't so bad either
Adorable Henry pictures all around. Looks like he had a blast in the arcade and running through the grass. I love the grass too!!! Mine at home doesn't look quite as nice as Disney grass!
Loved the reunion of Daddy and son What an adorable story!
Thanks for all of the videos too! The last one of your balcony when you were pointing over to Epcot...it looked like you were poking SE!!!

Tracy

Disney grass is just nuts! I love it! It's so thick and lush. I have no clue how they do that, but it's beautiful. Joe and I always talk about it several times during the trip because we are so amazed by it.

I didn't notice that about poking SE ,but you are right!!!

Loving all your pictures of the BW. We explored a bit the first day we were there, but then not much after that...kept using DH's shortcuts so we missed alot. Seems we missed a bunch!

That resort is HUGE! I don't blame you for using your DH's short cuts! I ended up seeing quite a lot of the BW as the days went on...it's part of my Mommy Meltdown Story even.

Great start!!! We are having our first stay at the Boardwalk Villas next June. I'm curious.......there doesn't look like much drawer space.......is there any sort of closet in the studio room?

Can't wait to read about the rest of your trip.

Thank you! I hope you love the BW! Within 30 minutes of being there I was in love.

There isn't much drawer space at all - just 3 drawers. There is a closet though, it's directly across from the bathroom. I took a "room tour" video that I will upload to YouTube and post. It's not the best because I was distracted and then Henry fell down out on the balcony and I was even more distracted....! But, it will give you an idea.

I haven't seen the refurb pics, yet. I'll have to check them out.

You're pics of the resort are stunning. I felt like I was right back there again.

Thank you! I hadn't realized how many pictures I took, but I'm glad I took that many, they are fun to look back on.

Check out the refurb pictures - they are really, really beautiful rooms!

Thank you both for the info, we are going to check out the boardwalk for sure this year.

Your welcome! It's a neat area, especially at night with all the entertainment. The gift shop RULES too! It's huuuuuuuuge!

First..... Great Pics!

I just found out that there is a Chik-fil-A in the student center of our local college and it's open to the public! I haven't checked it out yet but I will! Usually we have to drive an hour to get some. The ice cream there is really good too. It's soft serve but it's kinda custard like..... maybe, I don't know but it is good!

Erica

I hope ours is open to the public at NYU! I doubt it though, NYC is big on security...which I understand why though! I will convince a college student to help me out.

OR WAIT. I just realized I have a friend who works at NYU!!! I am so excited and typing so fast I've made about 28 typos in this little sentence! I gotta find out if she can get me IN!

Somehow I 'overlooked' this last update..... (or updates)


Amazing. Simply amazing. The view. The resort. The pool area (except that dang clown... he is still creepy!). The boardwalk. What a beautiful resort.

I wouldn't sit in that clown chair in the lobby(?). NO WAY! The funny thing is I'm not even scared of clowns.

How cute of Henry calling out for Joe! Joe didn't make bad time either.. thank goodness for Earl!!!!!!

Okay, okay - George is a little creepy. It's the eyes. But, he's a nice guy! I promise!!

I'm not scared of clowns either, but that chair is creeeeeeeeeeeeepy. It's so bizarre. I wish I knew if it had some sort of significance behind it or where it came from.

It was great having Joe there early! At the end of our second day I mentioned, "You'd just be getting here now!" I was SO glad to have him. Earl was a good thing.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'll be back to catch up.....I think I have been living in a bubble the last few weeks to have missed this!

Thank you so much for the Mickey postcard. The kids' eyes light up everytime I show it to them.....priceless!

Glad you made it over!

So great to hear about the postcard too!

Not sure why I haven't joined you yet? Going back to catch up.

Happy to see you here!!!

Holy Cow----I just found your tr and its already 15 pages deep!!! Where have I been?? Heading to the front page to soak up the report

It has been moving quick over here! We'll see if the pace keeps up....!

Loved the update of exploring the resort!!! It is really beautiful inside & out! I'm not sure what my favorite picture was...they were all beautiful!

So glad you were able to find the playground area for Henry! I know Luke loved playing on the playground at CBR...I think they love the playgrounds & pools just as much as the parks!

I know what you mean about the arcades! We had our free card from Disney Destinations & then I think we purchased 2 others (maybe the $5 ones I'm not sure). I'm scared for when Luke gets older & wants to spend hours in the arcade! We'll be broke before even entering the parks!

That was perfect timing for you & Henry to meet Joe! Such a cute picture of the two of them!

They do! Henry didn't want to leave the playground despite the fact that we go to a park almost every single day. I'm glad the resorts have nice little playsets, it's a fun thing for the little ones, always a thrill!

I checked out that $25 card - I have a feeling that in our near future as well.... I guess by having boys we don't get bit with the clothing/hair do dads that little girls "need" but we do get hit with the arcades BIG TIME!

Great start. The BW is gorgeous. I would love to stay there one day. Henry is growing like a weed! I can't believe how fast he has grown.

I know! I can't believe it either. And he's getting so stinkin' smart - he goes to school next year which I can't even wrap my head around!

Oh, Brook, I so love your updates. You capture such great details! BW definitely looks like a contender for a place that could tear me away from the Beach Club.

H is just so cute. He cracks me up in the video with "I no have bed" and he's perfectly happy about it!

You guys really did luck out with that view. AMAZING.

Looking forward to more!

PS-clown chair totally creepy

The BW is BEAUTIFUL! Though, being in the BC lobby a couple times this trip brings it very close to the top of the list for me. Plus that location...I just loved being so close to Epcot.

I wish I could have recorded him after we pulled out the bed from the couch - he just loved that thing! I think he was thrilled that it was a big bed and not a toddler bed like at home.

completely creepy! I'm a mean mommy for making him sit in it!

Okay I actually used "that's nice" in corect form today. I was in traffic and some wonderful person decided they wanted to be in front of me and well, cut me off. I say out loud, " NICE, THAT'S NICE" and then just laughed and made a mental note to make sure i let you know.


Brook- Is everyone Okay after those and I quote from the weather channel "swirlie winds" that came through your area. I immediately thought of you when I thought of that.

Now to go check on parents and friends on LI.

That's awesome about using "That's nice!" LOVE IT! I gotta remember to start with it!

Thank you for the thoughts after last nights craZy weather! Astoria wasn't hit at all, but just a few miles away was!

Okay, I was able to catch up on all the pages before heading to bed for our trip tomorrow. Love the birthday photos. The pictures you took of the resort are simply beautiful (but that clown slide is still scary ). I love the "exploring photos" and Henry in the arcade. But the most special are when he found his daddy. I'll try to keep as up to date as I can while we are gone.

It was a very sweet moment with Joe and Henry! I'm glad I captured it!! No worries on keeping up to date - I'll have those links in the front to make it easier too. And who knows how much I'll get done.

Perfect!

That is too funny!

(not that you got cut off.... that you used my(really, my DW and her friends but now mine too) phrase!)

I gotta remember to start using it - I think it's hilarious!

Finally made it over here!

Looks like your room is practically where our room was! Love it! And some little boy missed his Daddy!

Love the Binoculars! At the Indy meet Aaron was eyeing the DVC binoculars and wanted them badly! We had to go to Wal-mart and get him a pair of "Gobbles" after the meet.

Haha! Love the alarm story sounds like me! Always afraid I will sleep in for those morning flights so end up waking up before the alarm!

Hey Shanan! That room was in an awesome location! Great view, close to the elevators and everything. I would stay there again in a second. Did you guys like the BW?

Henry has a pair of "nock nocks" (binoculars - I love the "gobbles" -that is cute!), but they weren't as nice as these, so I knew it would be a hit. The other cheapies have been toted away by Mr. Garbage Truck! I gotta get H more reels for the Viewmaster part. Though he is quite thrilled still with seeing Buzz, Hamm, Rex and friends in there.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I did the same thing yesterday. I work at a preschool and this one little girl just wouldn't stop talking. Finally it got to the point that I needed her be quiet so I could give instructions to the other kids. She was in the middle of a crazy story when I told her, "THAT'S NICE." and then went on teaching the other kids. I immediately thought of my DISfriends after I told her that.

I love how our little everyday things remind us of each other!

Glad you guys are OK - I thought of you, too, when I first saw the NYC storms this AM.

I didn't even realize it was a tornado until someone mentioned it on the train. Thankfully we weren't one of the 25,000 Queens residents that lost power either!

Glad your guys are OK! Crazy, crazy stuff!

Did you guys get anything out there? It totally came out of nowhere! Some of the images that were taken from Manhattan are incredible.

Yay! I'm all caught up!

Loving all your pictures and videos... makes me want to jump on the bed myself next time I'm in Disney!


Kathy

Go ahead, jump away!

Great report so far! It's awesome to see how many people are following you!

You have a beautiful family! Can't wait to read more!

Thank you!!! I've been doing PTRs/TRs for quite a while, so after a while you gather people and they follow you trip to trip, and you follow them, it's fun! I've got yours open now, I'll be catching up soon!

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

Aww thats so sweet him looking for daddy! I look forward to catching up on your TR when I get back from my own trip!

 

[norybell]

Did you enjoy the BW? I thought it was incredible!!!

That's funny about the yard! We just moved here (from MN) where we had a big 'ol yard and I don't miss it ONE IOTA! Soooooo glad not to have one. We do have a little garden space (that the landlady takes care of, woot!) though, so that helps feed the "I want green." need.

We really like Astoria. We live on Ditmars, so it's the last stop on the N/Q. It's a VERY quick ride into the City - like 15 minutes to midtown. There are lots of parks, it's quiet and safe, lots of great food choices and shopping. Everything we need is right here, yet the City is very close. It's a nice balance. The Village is a great area, but I can't imagine living there - like you said - it was cool when you were younger, but.....! And if you plan to have children, that area would be a tough one to raise kiddos in I think!! The UES seems awesome for kids - I'd like to live there if we ever do move into the City - maybe once I'm working again. Otherwise, Astoria it is!

I loved the BWI! Much more than I expected to, really. We were only there because we couldn't get YC or BC with our pin code, and I'm really happy it turned out that way!

Astoria sounds really nice. Even though we're sick to death of our neighborhood (I've been living here since '01), we do like our apartment and it's nice being so centrally located. But I'm sure once we have kids in the picture, we'll head out to a borough lickety-split!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I left off as Joe was checking out our room and view at the Boardwalk. He decompressed in the room a bit and we chatted about our plans for the night. He was hungry - and so was I. I had tentative plans with Liesa (All7OfUs) for a DIS meet over WDW Popcorn and Fantastmic over at DHS, but Joe was not really feeling it. He kinda wanted to eat dinner and to just chill, so I agreed - after all this trip WAS about not rushing, taking it easy and just enjoying the moment.

So we debated back and forth on what to do for dinner and Epcot won...we wanted Mexican.

Anyone see the problem here?

I didn't at the time.

We head on over to Epcot around 6:30...

Walk way to the International Gateway

And we get in line at Guest Services to buy our Annual Passes!

There was only one guy already at the window, but from the bit we overheard something had gone terribly wrong with his tickets...they got lost/stolen? Not sure, but something awful - and he took a looooooooooong time. Like 30 minutes. Henry fell asleep!

But it was alright, we didn't mind - Joe and I chatted and Henry snoozed.

What I did hear of the conversation made me smile. I heard the man say, "You are working magic here for me!" and the CM behind the window just smiled.

Yep, we are in Disney.

Anyway, eventually it was our turn and we got those beautiful little cards...

We saw the 3 characters we were given and tried to guess who got who...Joe guessed Pluto for Henry, Minnie for me and Mickey for himself. I guessed Minnie for him - just like last time. He he.

But he was right!

It was a little thrill - we were both happy with our card picture...like it matters that much.

Into the gates we went - ahhh, Epcot! Hello!

International Gateway area.

We started our hike around the WS. I was GIDDY. So happy to be here, soaking it all in!

When we got to Italy we suddenly I was craving PIZZA!

So we went to check out Via Napoli...

Outdoor seating

We gazed at the menu they have on a pole outside of the restaurant, but Joe wasn't craving pizza.

I'll say that again.

Joe wasn't craving pizza.



This is a rare event people. Joe had pizza today for lunch, yet when I suggested it for dinner he had no problems with it. And we are having it tomorrow at a picnic in the park...this man loves his pizza.

I was shocked...he really wanted Mexican! So we continued on out of Italy.

I'll take this moment to say we both really liked how much larger the Italy pavilion seems now! I think Via Napoli really makes it a much nicer area and will be a huge draw in for people to look around there and shop I'm sure. A great addition!

A huge crowd was gathered in China watching these guys - I've never seen them before, we stopped just for a few minutes...we were getting REALLY hungry by now!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

So, we got to Mexico and I had a big 'ol DUH moment.

The CS is closed.

OBVIOUSLY. What kind of DISer am I?!?!



I know this. Yet in my head I was thinking the old one was still open - but it's the TS that is open. We debated on doing a walk-up to San Angel, but now we were REALLY hungry, it was around 7:30 and Joe pretty much hadn't eaten all day. Then I remembered Sunshine Seasons! That was a winner! So off we went to the opposite side of Future World.

So we walked halfway around the WS for no reason. All well! Onward!

The lovely fountain. Ahhhh. The DVC Files magazine had an article about this fountain this past issue - and about other fountains the same designer has done (like the Bellagio in Vegas). It was very interesting! He actually designed one here in NYC that I gotta go check out sometime!

We made it to The Land and Henry was still crashed out - we figured he might just be done for the night, he's slept through dinner more than once!

We got inside and Henry woke up almost immediately. And he was ready to EAT!

I got

Spicy Cashew Chicken with Lo Mein Noodles

Joe got

Pork Chop dinner with crazy amazing good potatoes

Henry gobbled off both our plates.

Both were really, really good, but Joe out ordered me here!! Yummy!

We all three finished dinner with this

While we were sitting there enjoying dinner I suggested we go see if Henry was tall enough for Soarin'. I had shown him the ride on YouTube and explained it to him. He was interested....I was nervous! I thought he might freak out halfway through the ride, crying and ruin everyone's ride - and considering the wait time for the ride I didn't want that to happen!

But, how would we ever know unless we tried?

So we did!

And the verdict is...

HE'S TALL ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!! Just squeaked by!

He didn't have much of a reaction, but I was VERY excited! And you know what made me even MORE excited?

Yes. That says FIVE MINUTES.

The CM working the front said more people had come up to take a picture of the 5 minute wait time than had gotten in line!

Okay, so my little man is tall enough and we don't have to wait?! Magic I tell ya!

In we went!

NO LINE!

I had been explaining the ride to H AGAIN as we walked - I was so nervous. He was getting more and more excited.

Our first ride all together!!!

When the chairs lifted Henry let out a "Whooooo!"

HE LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was hooked on "the airplane ride"! Ooohing and awwwing with it all.

I think this scene was his favorite with all the helicopters

He shouted out "There's Tinkerbell!" during the last scene.

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Success!

I was ecstatic! I'm sooooooo glad he loved it! Both Joe and I were laughing and just grinning, riding it all together was wonderful. For the family, it was Disney magic at it's finest!

We had passed the Character Spot earlier on the way to The Land, but H was sound asleep, so we asked him if he wanted to go meet Mickey now.

Completely pointless question.

He's three.

YES he wants to meet Mickey!

And there were 3 people in front of us.



I don't have the Photopass CD back yet, and won't for a long while - so I'll show the ones from our camera and will do a Photopass update when I get it.

Mickey had about 30 stickers fall out of his sleeve. He gave them all to Henry. He was THRILLED!

He was most excited to see...

Dut-Dut!

Who is now, sadly, "Donald". No longer "Dut-Dut" in this household. But he still seems to be #1 from the Fab 5 in Henry's book!

It was a very fun time in the Character Spot, we'll be visiting that again and again!

We came out to an empty Future World.

This is one of my most favorite spots in all of Disney World. There is just something about it that makes me very happy...the music, the fountain, the design...everything! Same for Joe.

We took a few minutes to watch the fountain

And then realized it was just minutes before Illuminations! So we hoofed it into the WS to attempt find even a halfway decent spot. We ended up behind a tree, but we didn't care. We were on a Disney high after an awesome ride on Soarin' and meeting all the characters.

Here is a short video (1 minute, 2 seconds): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV4JmYqqTPw

We enjoyed about half the show when Henry was done - he was tired and just wanted to be in his stroller...so we just decided to go and watch what we could as we walked along the WS.

And yep, we were already lovin' that nice little walk!

Back on the Boardwalk some entertainment was out, we watched just for a minute or two

This guy had all sorts of stuff balancing and spinning on a piece that he held in his mouth

Back to the room

Henry loved doing this!

While Joe gave Henry a bath - which I might add was a highlight for Henry because we only have a shower in our apartment, he could have sat in there for hours with his toys - I worked on unpacking more and getting things ready for the next day.

Little boy, big bed! That he LOVED! I think he thought it was great having such a big bed instead of his regular toddler bed like at home.

Henry was soon fast asleep, pictures were downloaded, a bit of computer fun was done - Facebook, the DIS...and we were down for the night.

I believe it was on our walk back home to the Boardwalk that I looked at Joe and said, "I think this has been our best travel day yet." We often have a rough travel day, feeling exhausted, slightly crabby, and just off. I've learned the hard way to not make any concrete plans or ADRs. This turned out just right. It truly was a magical night for us!

 

[DisMomAmy]

What a GREAT start to your trip!! I love that same spot at Epcot too!