Because I'm the Boss Of You That's Why! Last day, HOP ONBOARD!!! Updated 12/11

[pierresgirl]

OMG that was you on KRR, I told DD she needed a bra I can't believe the Dad pretended to look down her top

You've done so many updates, glad the WPE food was yummy

Naughty Jess! They were certainly a boisterous family but the whole shirt incident took the cake!

Hi, all. Just wanted to add in a couple of thoughts on our DTD experience:

And a great shot of Bella expressing how she really feels about being soaking wet (is anyone surprised?? )

Now, the part for which I'm at a loss for words.......the pretzels from Goofy Candy Co. All I can say is OH. MY. WORD. THEY. ARE. SO. YUMMY. I wish I could have brought some home, but they never would have made it. To me, getting one (especially a custom-made one created right before your eyes!) should be a must-do if you're in DTD. And, besides, it's a PRETZEL, so it's much healthier, right?? I said, RIGHT???? Well, healthier than other things I could have had, and soooo worth every bite!

Okay, as a finally note on DTD, here's a glass all margarita lovers should dream of......(disclaimer: This is in the kitchen retail shop, not in a bar). I'm a beer and wine drinker, but I still thought this was pretty impressive (check out the normal-sized martini glass next to it for perspective! ).

Hi E! Love that pic of Bella in the water, you need to send me a regular pic of that. Those pretzels were delish, I'm craving one right now.... and it's only 5:40 am don't ask Love the margarita glass, it was honkin' huge! I went to Tuscany the other night (we did Mon. instead of Wed since P and Ant were both off) and alot of their food reminded me of WP's. I can't believe Dominic is 1! That means this week last year I was in Disney Off to work on my next installment!

 

[Glendamax]

We pushed past and stood behind a Brit family to wait for our raft. I noticed them earlier in the day due to their tweenage dau ghter. Who needed a bra. But wasn't wearing one. Under her white tank top.We put on our ponchos (thanks for the tip Julie!) and gave each other knowing glances. Or maybe they were shocked glances.

Ok - Why is that GROWN women won't wear bras??? I am SOO confused by this! We saw alot of women who CLEARLY needed one. And didnt that young girl have PARENTS? Didn't they notice she needed one?

Kudos on wearing ponchos on Kali! That's exactly what I did. Too bad the ride isnt all that fun though. Seems like the purpose is to just get wet!

-Gmax

 

[pierresgirl]

We got back to the room and let Cooper whip that lightsaber around with the lights off for a little while. My brain can't handle that kind of stuff for too long though. He did a serious beat down on the beds, I'm glad I was outta range!

DAY 2!!!!!

I wake up VERY early, note my posting time for today, but I always have so no biggie. I wanted to buy a refillable mug and get some coffee since the coffee in the room was no good. I even brought coffemate creamers, the lttle ones, with me but they weren't cutting it. I got dressed and went for a wander around AKL and to find Mara. Pierre and the kids ate there the day before and said it was great. I went through the lobby and the Boma and Jiko areas. I was SO bummed I couldn't get a ressie at Boma Just about every review I've read about it says such wonderful things! Oh well.....

I found Mara, grabbed my coffee then headed back up to the room. I saw we got our paper and wanted to sit on the balcony to read it so I didn't bug anyone. The weather reports weren't looking good which was frustrating but we could deal. Cooper got up about an hour or so later and wanted to go to the pool so I got my suit on for the hot tub and we headed down.

This viewing area was on our floor so we stopped there first. How gorgeous is it??!! I'm just so thrilled that we stayed there and could look outside to see the animals

Okay so you can't actually see any animals here but you get the gist! The flamingo's were right next to the pool

I remember asking Julie (Swanslovedisney) if it smelled at all on the grounds. I didn't smell a thing the whole time so no worries if you are planning on visiting there. Cooper was dying to go in the water

My Nervous Nellie child had only taught himself how to swim very recently. Before he would spend 2 hours sitting on the top step with only his feet in the water and FREAK OUT if anyone came within 10 feet of him. One day I managed to bribe him with some Incredible Hulk hands and it worked. Now we can't get him OUT of the water I'm very proud of his progress. Next we need to work on his animal phobia

I got some great shots of the pool area and the bar. Pierre said the bartender made him some fabu drinks the day before and really hooked him up pricewise I was already drooling over the menu and planning my attack

I loved the fact that the pool had a zero entry since Cooper is still on the cautious side.

After he swam for a while I dragged him over so I could have a tubbie. It was a little cool out and my back was kinda achey so I thought it would feel good. Did it ever! I looked up and could see the suite balconies. I can only imagine! I think they are about 2 grand or so per night. I'll have to stick with my $215 room We stayed for a little longer and then headed back up to the room. Well, I had to drag him

I wanted to check out the fitness room and have a quick workout so Pierre took the kids back to the pool while I did that. I was impressed with how large it was in there! They also offered massage therapy so I got some prices for Ecogirl since she mentioned she might be interested. After my workout I used the steam room. For about 5 seconds. Sucker was HOT!!!!There was also a sauna in there and I thought it would be cool to come down later with E and hang out in there for some girl chatter.

I finished up and went back out to the pool. Me and the Peepster decided to go to DTD for a bit and let the kids spend some of their money. Ecogirl had some work to do on her laptop and could do with some peace and quiet. My kids can be kinda loud They are great around other people and I always get compliments on how well behaved and mannered they are but around family the buttons go off. And Ecogirl is definetly family She wanted to workout as well so it was cool.

Cooper shot!

There were hidden Mickey's everywhere!

Off to the bus stop and Downtown Disney babies!!! We were ponchofied, umbrella'ed and ready to go, ain't no Fay holding MY family back! Pierre had the coffee mug and threw a Bailey's nip in there. Breakfast of champions, P! We got off the bus and of course Pierre took off on us I can't remember what he was looking for (I've lost track of my TR notebook so I'm going off picture memory) but we had a little wander ourselves. I saw the guy doing the name woodcarvings and thought it was a great idea. I asked how long it would take to have one made up and he said about 1 hour but informed me about 100 times that if the weather turned bad he was leaving and couldn't promise to work on it the next day. Umm, okay. I'll risk it, the kids wanted one and so did I! Power of postive thinking was going to keep the weather good They picked out a hockey playing Mickey (shocker) and a golfing Goofy, so cool!

Here he is working on it

We had taken quite a while so I thought it would be best to look for Pierre. After I got myself a margarita from the drink booth near the water. Yummers!!! We did a few circles and finally found him about 15 minutes later, he'd been going nutty looking for us. Whoops. I brought him to the woodcarver so he could see what we had ordered and he loved it. Mr Woodcarver informed me again that he might not finish it. Heard ya the first 101 times dude. It was sprinkling a little bit by then so we put on out ponchos and headed over to the toy store. Cooper had convinced Bella she absolutley needed a lightsaber of her own. You know what that means.....

Here's 1 last picture

I need to find my notebook and get the kids ready for school but will do another installment today!

 

[pierresgirl]

Ok - Why is that GROWN women won't wear bras??? I am SOO confused by this! We saw alot of women who CLEARLY needed one. And didnt that young girl have PARENTS? Didn't they notice she needed one?

Kudos on wearing ponchos on Kali! That's exactly what I did. Too bad the ride isnt all that fun though. Seems like the purpose is to just get wet!

-Gmax

Hey Gmax! We saw MANY "oh no they didn't"s while we were there, quite entertaining except for that girl, that I was embarrased for her. I'm amazed her mom didn't make her wear a bra

 

[pierresgirl]

First stop was the Disney Sports store. They is loads of great stuff in there and you know how sporty Bella is. I musta heard “Oh MOM look!!!!! That’s so cool, I need it!!!” about a thousand times. Or Dad needs it. Or Cooper needs it. Or Dominic. Or Uncle Anthony That list went on!

It was hard getting most of that bat in the picture!

I can’t recall what he’s looking at but he’s just so dern cute!

We decided to go into the toy store so Bella could get her lightersaber. Now SHE wanted to make her own! I tried to get her to do the double ended saber but she had her own ideas so…. Gotta let her do what she wants to do!

I watched for about 5 seconds and decided I did NOT want to be asked how to do it, looks like it took too much concentration And I was 1 margarita in. I did my own wander and found the My Little Pony section. Cool Lauryn gift My niece was turning 5 while we were away and I knew she would LOVE something like this!

I stuffed that sucker like you would not believe I think I got 1 of everything and when I gave it to Lauryn she absolutely LOVED it! My sister probably didn’t because of all the pieces but it ain’t all about her! Lauryn has a lot of stuff (her grandparents buy her one of everything, much to my sis’s dismay!) and I was worried she’d be hard to impress but I scored! Cooper picked out a Star Wars figurine set that he was dying to have!

Cooper pretty much refused to wear his raincoat, oh well, he’s the one that will be cold when the a/c is blasting! Bella’s hat was from last year and about 2 sizes too small!

We was getting hungry so we decided to go to Earl of Sandwich. It’s always been a hit for us before so why not?! The kids shared a meatballs sub and Pierre and I shared a turkey club with chips. SO GOOD!!!!! They have a great selection and really is another must do if ya haven’t.

After we ate we took a chance and went to see if our plaque was ready. Jackpot babies! We love it and I wish I got it in a bigger size to put outside of our house.

After eating the most delicious pretzels last night we had to get more from Goofy’s Candy Co. Pierre wanted to order his own personal pretzel so order he did!

Ohhhh, Butterfingers….white chocolate…..hmmmmmmmm (said in my best Homer Simpson voice) It took the girl forever too make them which was annoying.

Yeah, they didn’t last too long! They were gone before we pulled into the AKL! My kids aren’t really chocolate kind of kids, they like Sour Skittles and that kind of stuff. These tubes were right up their ally.

A little funhouse mirror action

Apparently Cooper had this brush hiding under his hat. I didn’t know but Pierre did and told me to tell him he needed his hair tidied up. He took his hat off, whipped out the brush, brushed his hair and then laughed his butt off. Everyone in my family thinks they are a comedian

Time to upload more pics! Where is everyone? Helloooooooo! The Dis has been quiet lately.

Gotta scare off the woodpecker outside of my house. Yes, there really is one out there!

 

[scottny]

great update and pics.

I cannot wait to go to goofy's, oh wait I just dropped 6 lbs. oh well.

 

[pierresgirl]

great update and pics.

I cannot wait to go to goofy's, oh wait I just dropped 6 lbs. oh well.

Hey Scott, thanks! Goofy's has SO much good stuff. 6 lbs, good for you! Keep it up, t least you'll get some Goofy's leeway

 

[hlrababy]

Leyla!!! Great update!!! I swear, your kids are so frickin cute!!!!!!!!!

I sooooo want that margarita glass!

 

[pierresgirl]

Time to head back to AKL so off to the bus stop we went. I had seen a pretty necklace in the Lodge store that I wanted and it was only $12, good deal! The kids were both on the look out for shark tooth necklaces as well, they have some friends at home who have them and think they are wicked cool. Pierre and I totally dogged the last pretzel on the way back. I got every last morsel stuck to the bottom of the box. Absolutely yummers

Here’s the necklace I got, isn’t it cute?! I’m not big into the characters blaring off the jewelry so this was perfect with the dainty little Mickey head.

I had also explained to Bella about pin trading and she was on the prowl in the store. The first clerk didn’t have anything good, according the Bells, but the next one did. She chose a pirate Chip and was SO excited about doing it. This was going to be fun for her!

We head up to the room and got ready for the pool, I was in need of the hot tub again. Pierre hung in the room for bit so Ecogirl and I took the kids down. She was able to get some work done, had a good workout and also stopped in Boma to see if there was any availability. There just MIGHT be!!!!! Rock on rockadoodle!!!!!!! That would SO make our trip if there was! I had already decided that if we couldn’t get in I would still take them to Simba’s Cubhouse and we’d have a few drinks at the bar and just hang out so either way……

Bella ran off at the pool, she had a great time swimming and going down the waterslide. Cooper stayed with us in the hot tub for a bit but wanted to play in the play area right next to it. We could see him through the trees and it didn’t take long for him to make some friends. That’s what so cool about being that age. You can just go up to someone and say “Do you want to be my friend?” and it works right away. You can grab each others hands and happily skip along. So cute! It started to sprinkle a bit and a little while later I headed up to the room with the kids. I think Ecogirl took a quick steamie in the fitness center and was going to meet us upstairs. We passed by the kids club on the way so stopped in to see what it looked like. The employees were very nice and super friendly. Cooper had been a little on the fence about it but there were other kids in there and some Star Wars toys so that changed his mind pretty fast.

Back in the room we got ready, I made the kids ressie for about 6 pm and wanted to get our name down at Boma’s. I was ready first so I headed down to drop them off and Ecogirl and Pierre said they would meet me in the bar. Here’s a pic from Simba’s Cubhouse

Before I even left the room Bella was on the computer and Cooper was hootin’ and hollerin’ from the Sit ‘n’ Spin yelling about how much fun he was already having. Remember those? I loved them! Peace out dudes!

I went to Boma, put my name down and was given a buzzer. That sealed the deal and I knew we were in! I went up to Victoria Falls which is the bar that overlooks Boma. Here’s a picture of that view

and a pic of the bar

I ordered a Ruby Red martini hoping it would be as good as the one from last year that I had at Wolfgang’s. Mmmmmm, good but not quite. I think the WP one was sweeter so it must be from sweetened grapefruit juice. I still liked it though and didn’t have to wait to long for P and E to get there. They got some drinks and I got another one, we also decided to order an appy since we didn’t know how long it would take to get into Boma.

We got some fantastic crisp bread with different dips. I CANNOT recall what they were except for the fact that it was great! Maybe Ecogirl knows? We loved it though. A man and his son (I think they were French Canadien) came over to ask what it was and after our rave reviews they decided to order one. Right then our buzzer went off WOOHOO! We spread a little Disney magic and gave the rest of our crisp bread to the man and his son. Don’t worry- no one double dipped and they were pretty happy to get it!

We headed down the stairs and gave the lady our buzzer. It was getting pretty crowded in there so I was glad I gave our name when we did. We were seated and our server, Dilly, came over to take our drink order and explain how the buffet works. After we filled our plates and were seated again Dilly returned to give us our drinks. We showed him what we got and asked a few questions about what was in the dishes. Man, was he knowledgeable! We spent a few minutes talking and telling him about our trip like Ecogirl coming with us then moving and our cruise and anniversary. Nice guy. Some of the stuff we got: sweet potato, quinoa spinach salad, tami BBQ salmon, African fruit salad, the infamous Zebra Domes and some cheesecake thing.

No food pics but I got these other shots

Pierre and his pump

Pierre and the classic Jordan pose

It was about time to get the kids so I left P and E and went back to Simba's Cubhouse. The kids had a blast in there! Don't hesitate to send your kids if you want a nice quiet dinner. Or whatever

I brought them back to Boma and as soon as I sat down Dilly came over with this

How nice is that?! I was really surprised and touched by the extra Disney magic See, you spread it and it comes right back to you! The strawberries and chocolates were delish ! I took the kids up to the buffet so they could get a couple of cookies and some fruit.

What a great experience and I'm really happy we got in. The service was spectacular and the food- just as good! Put it on your list my friends, it does not disappoint! P and E were still eating and the kids were getting antsy so I took them out of the restaurant and up to the front desk. I had seen someone doing a rubbing earlier from one of the metal medallions on the lobby floor. I got some paper and crayons and the kids were excited to do it.

It was actually alot of fun and the rubbings looked great. Alot of people walking past commented and probably made mental notes to do it themselves. I'm glad we did! P and E met us in the lobby and Pierre took Cooper back to the room. The girls wanted to try out the night vision animal viewing.

We went out to the balcony where they were doing it and waited our turn. There weren't any animals out unfortunatley, they had been moved due to the storm (um, what storm)but it was still pretty cool looking through the binoculars.There was a rude family right in front of us but I can't remember exactly what happened. Do you, E?

Anyways, off to bed after this. We had our Epcot day up next!!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Boma is our favorite place -- I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

The medallion rubbings do look really cool -- I know I am making a mental note of that! Did you just ask at the front desk for paper and crayons?

Which balcony do they do the night vision? The one to the left of the lobby?

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

YUM!!! I love Boma!

I can't wait!

It's so sweet that they brought the strawberries and chocolates for your anniversary.

And the crayon rubbings are such a good idea.

Bummer about the night vision. No animals and a rude family. That's a bad combo.

 

[pierresgirl]

Leyla!!! Great update!!! I swear, your kids are so frickin cute!!!!!!!!!

I sooooo want that margarita glass!

Hi Heather, thanks! I'm drinking a margarita right now but out of a plain glass, that huge one would have to be on a partay night!

Boma is our favorite place -- I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

The medallion rubbings do look really cool -- I know I am making a mental note of that! Did you just ask at the front desk for paper and crayons?

Which balcony do they do the night vision? The one to the left of the lobby?

Yeppers, they gave me both so they must get asked frequently! I saw someone doing it but also noticed in their daily flyer that it's done as a craft so figured I'd ask the front desk. There are quite a few of the medallions so plenty of rubbings to choose from. The viewing was from the left balcony. Someone on the rightside balcony was making some crazy animal noises that were pretty funny!

YUM!!! I love Boma!

I can't wait!

It's so sweet that they brought the strawberries and chocolates for your anniversary.

And the crayon rubbings are such a good idea.

Bummer about the night vision. No animals and a rude family. That's a bad combo.

Hey girl! It was on your recommendation, didn't you eat there twice last time? I was bummed about the lack of animals at the night vision but it was still cool to look through the binoculars. I love the big rocking chairs trhat are all over the AKL.

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Hey girl! It was on your recommendation, didn't you eat there twice last time? I was bummed about the lack of animals at the night vision but it was still cool to look through the binoculars. I love the big rocking chairs trhat are all over the AKL.

Only ate there once, but we're going back this time! I can't wait!

I LOVE those rocking chairs. They're absolutely perfect after a day at the parks!

 

[scottny]

great update and pics.

on getting in there for dinner.

 

[pierresgirl]

Day 3 Epcot!!!!!!

Woohoo! I woke up early as per usual, got myself ready and snuck down to Mara to fill up the coffee mug. Anyone else put a little hot chocolate into their coffee if it’s around? It tastes so yummy! I did my wander around the grounds hoping to see some animals, I don’t think I did so maybe they were all still away from the day before. I got back to the room and did the crossword from USA Today before waking the rest of the crew up. I figured I’d let them sleep till 7 or so. I’m so nice….

When I got them all awake and after they got ready we headed down to Mara to refill the mug again and grab a bite to eat. My pack was also loaded up with some granola bars and other easy-to-tote snacks. Off to the bus stop and Epcot, me and Ecogirl were pretty eager to work on our schedule on the ride over. This is what we came up with

Soarin’
The Land
Nemo
Turtle Talk with Crush
FP Test Track
Mission Space
Do Test Track
Cranium Command
Body Wars
World Showcase
Innovations

This was our “plan” but whether or not we actually stuck to it is another story! Good plan though….

Cooper and the fingers

We walked into Epcot and saw that the rope drop show was about to happen. Cool!!!!! I’ve never seen it here and was psyched to! We made our way to the front and saw Mickey, Minnie and their gang shakin’ their thang! Then the rope dropped. We totally hot footed our way to Soarin’. Outta my way people, I’m on a mission and don’t mess wit me! Cooper and Pierre were behind me, Eco and Bella. They slowed down even more, I kept glancing back but was careful not to lose my place in the race. I was slightly frustrated at the thought of not even getting to the first ride before losing them., those are my boys….

We busted though the doors at the Land and made our way down the stairs and through the Soarin’ entrance. We were in line for about 5-10 minutes or so and I went back to look for P and C. I did find them and found out Cooper had a shoe blowout. Already???!!! We barely made it into the park! I brought them up to where we were in line and Pierre fixed C-man’s shoe. I think we were in the 3 ride of the day so not too shabby. The ride was great, how can you NOT love it? I’ll let my girl E give her description of it since it was her first time.

As soon as we got off we got FP’s for later and made our way over to The Land. I did this ride YEARS ago and found it very interesting. Cooper had a moment and was about 2 seconds away from a tantrum about not wanting to go on but kept reminding him that everytime he says that he absolutely LOVES the ride. We ended up getting him on it and of course, he loved it! Especially the eel and tiny alligators. I think these are the eels then some fish

I loved the Mickey Head pumpkins (earning our ears, LOL) and learning about how they grow a lot of the veggies that they sell on property. So interesting!

After we got off we grabbed some waters and I got a Smirnoff Ice that I poured into my water bottle (terrible, I know but I can’t do carbonated stuff fast) Me, E and Bells did Circle of Life while Cooper and Pierre took a break in the food area. I think this was kinda boring (which explains the no wait) but I’m glad I did it the 1 time. Coops was asleep when we got back. Ughh, nothing worse than waking up a kid who is out like a light! Well, he wasn’t too, too bad so we went over to Nemo. He loved this AND Turtle Talk with Crush last year. Of course we sailed through the rope lines and hopped straight on the clamshell. Such a cute ride, I know Ecogirl liked it. From here it’s only natural to go to Turtle Talk. This we had to wait a bit for but the fish keeps them busy

Crush took an instant liking to Cooper ‘the little dude in the red shell mahhnn’ He asked him where he was from and of course I’m thinking “please get it right, do me proud! But don’t rattle off our whole street address, phone number, social security numbers etc” He did a couple of umms but got it right. Phew! This show is really cute but it was my 3rd time so I know what to expect. Bella asked a question as well, I think it was how he sleeps or something like that.. Very cool that they were both chosen by Crush!


Test Track was Cooper’s #1 ride to do in Epcot so me and Ecogirl FP'ed it. We had about 1 ½ hours to kill so Club Cool it was! Pierre went off in search of socks or something for Cooper but he knew where we were so lets see if he makes it back.The kids love Club Cool! I don’t buy soda so this is a field day for them- sorry to anyone who they may have bumped into. Or pushed out of their way. They really do have manners. Most of the time. Cheers!

It had been raining enough for us to put on our ponchos so CC was totally freezing, I felt like I was really in a cooler and I think Ecogirl felt like she was in the deep freeze. We finally walked right outside to wait for Pierre and he was just walking up to us. We decided on WS next so we headed over to England first. Everyone needs to go in an English style phone box at least once in their life! Bella and Cooper offered the knight some cool libations

Ecogirl was in search of a hot cup of tea. This being England you think she would find it right? Mmmm, not quite. Bella, however found herself some Fruit Pastilles which she adores. Me too!

Stay tuned to see what happens next!

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

What a fun morning at Epcot! It sounds like you got a lot done so far.

Way to go getting to Soarin so quick, even with the shoe blowout!

It's awesome that Cooper and Bella both got chosen by Crush! Must be because they're so cute!

 

[scottny]

great update and pics

 

[DisneyJo]

Everyone needs to go in an English style phone box at least once in their life!

Bella, however found herself some Fruit Pastilles which she adores. Me too!

At last someone who calls a phone box a phone box I took all the focker meet kids fruit pastilles

So glad you got into Boma and the kids had fun at Simbas, the rubbings looked cool to do too

 

[pierresgirl]

What a fun morning at Epcot! It sounds like you got a lot done so far.

Way to go getting to Soarin so quick, even with the shoe blowout!

It's awesome that Cooper and Bella both got chosen by Crush! Must be because they're so cute!

Thanks Julie! They love Crush, it's such a cute show!

great update and pics

Thanks Scott, you're getting close to your trip! Hey- I saw Legally Blonde, The Musical last Thurs and it was fantastic, so funny!

At last someone who calls a phone box a phone box I took all the focker meet kids fruit pastilles

So glad you got into Boma and the kids had fun at Simbas, the rubbings looked cool to do too

Boma was delish! My cousin is coming here on the 20th so I placed my order yesterday I told Bella what I asked for and we got into it over who was getting the Fruit Pastilles

 

[scottny]

I leave in 2 weeks for aweekend trip.

I saw Legally Blonde on MTV so really not into seeing it again. I ams eeing "Gypsy" next week with Patti Lupone. I cannot wait.

In 2 or 3 weeks I am seeing "Mary Poppins".