Birthday Cakes, Trip on a Lake, DIS Meets&More-Christmas Time 09 TR! UPDATE 12/20!

[tinkgurl]

Can't wait to hear more. Especially the part where you don't get engaged on the Poly beach!

 

[punkin413]

you're there, you're there! i love seeing those purple signs everywhere.

ray and i had bad luck with our pre-disney hotel room in 2008...it was awful! and we had "noisy" neighbors if you know what i mean....it was soooooo gross!

don't you just love it when someone tries to give you advice on disney and they're completely wrong? i usually don't say anything either. my boss is going in 2 weeks and i planned her whole trip for her. she's eating at t-rex (her little boy LOVES dinosaurs), le cellier, whispering canyon cafe, mama melrose (with the fantasmic package) and kona cafe. some pretty good ADRs! well, a friend of hers who's supposedly a disney expert told her she HAD to eat at liberty tree tavern, that the dinner food was so good. she asked me about it and i just shook my head and said, "it's frozen stouffer's thanksgiving food." i mean, it's not BAD, but it's nothing that's a must-do, either. i guess that person just hasn't had anything better at disney, which is really very sad.

 

[tinkgurl]

I just realized something...is Chris wearing a Rob and Big t-shirt?!

 

[xoktenox]

I have to say, after staying at Disney hotels, I realize that we are spoiled. So when we go to regular hotels, we aren't as happy. But, some hotels are just disgusting. Icky about the shower!

Woo! I remember you texting me in line for ME. I was getting excited for you!

LOL, I remember my mom telling you to shoot down the balloon too! It's so cool seeing pics of things from when I was talking to you.

You're definitely right!! We're totally spoiled! Even the "value" resorts are great and nothing like offsite ones. I was texting you so much I hope I can remember all the times to write them in haha

I was laughing out loud when your mom said we should shoot the balloon down! lol

YAY!!!! I'm so excited that you've started your report!

Wow--You were up even earlier than us! Where did you go that opened so early? We were at our first store a little before 4:00 and I thought that was early!

Yuck. I'm glad you opted out of showering at that hotel. I just don't get it. LaQuintas are usually really nice, but then every once in a while you get some really trashy ones. Oh well... At least it was only one night!!

YAY for sitting in the front and for finally being on Disney Property! I'm so anxious to hear about your room!

Walmart was open all night! So we got there at like 3 and just went and went until like 11:30 when we got lunch and went over to the dress place. I was sooooo tired when I got home!!

We definitely looked at the shower and said uhhh no! You're right, the LaQuinta by us was soo nice so that's what I was expecting. Oh well, for $32 and one night I can't complain!

I was so happy to get the front seat and the good pics of the gates!

What a great start to your TR!
I was thinking of staying at the LaQuinta when I go in May.....hmmmmm maybe not! I too am flying in a day early so it would only be one night but maybe I can find a cheap AP room at Pop. Then again it's only one night!
LOVE the Welcome to Disney sign...I have a framed picture at home
Very excited to see what you thought of AKV.
Love all of your pictures documenting your night!

Tracy

There are two LaQuintas right near the airport, we stayed at West so I would look into the other one. Then again for just one night and if you're not going to shower, you could just stay there. That's so cute that you have a picture of the Disney welcome sign framed! I want to be a DVC member so bad, which I see you are. One day!

Ahhh, the pictures of that lovely hotel room I heard all about... where you couldn't even shower! Luckily yall were only there for one night!

Woooo hooo! Driving through the Disney gates for the first time is the BEST feeling in the world.

Can't wait to read more...

even though I know part of your night!

Thank goodness we were only there for one night, considering we didn't want to shower LOL Driving under those gates was amazing, I was freaking out! You know the best part of our whole night and one of the best moments of the trip!

The only time I like the Mears bus is going home...then I don't have to watch that depressing video. LOL. But onto more happier things...

Great start, can't wait for more! I'm excited to hear about Kidani.

Yeah, we had a Mears bus going back to the airport too and it was good to not have to watch the sad video! We loved Kidani so stay tuned....

You've arrived!!!!! Can't wait to hear more. Especially the part where you don't get engaged on the Poly beach!

It's still a really good story even though we didn't get engaged!!

Aw YAY!! You started!! I love your enthusiasm!! I really feel like I just got on Disney property! Lol!! Can't wait for more!

Thanks Kimmy! That's what I was going for LOL

you're there, you're there! i love seeing those purple signs everywhere.

I love driving under the sign! Last time we were sitting too far back to get a good shot!

ray and i had bad luck with our pre-disney hotel room in 2008...it was awful! and we had "noisy" neighbors if you know what i mean....it was soooooo gross!

OMG thats terrible!! Ickkkk! For one night and a really cheap price, I'd probably stay at the same hotel again but they're just NOT Disney!

don't you just love it when someone tries to give you advice on disney and they're completely wrong? i usually don't say anything either. my boss is going in 2 weeks and i planned her whole trip for her. she's eating at t-rex (her little boy LOVES dinosaurs), le cellier, whispering canyon cafe, mama melrose (with the fantasmic package) and kona cafe. some pretty good ADRs! well, a friend of hers who's supposedly a disney expert told her she HAD to eat at liberty tree tavern, that the dinner food was so good. she asked me about it and i just shook my head and said, "it's frozen stouffer's thanksgiving food." i mean, it's not BAD, but it's nothing that's a must-do, either. i guess that person just hasn't had anything better at disney, which is really very sad.

OMG, I'll get into this a little later in the TR but people who think they know about Disney and don't annoy me so much! Like you said, I usually don't say anything because I'm not going to get into like a heated argument with someone over it but it's frustrating!! Those are some amazing ADRs you got your boss, all better than LTT! I feel bad for the person who thinks that's the best food Disney has to offer when we all know better!

I just realized something...is Chris wearing a Rob and Big t-shirt?!

Yesssssss he was!

 

[that's nice]

Welcome home!

I can't believe you are back already! 1 week goes just WAY too fast huh?

Sounds like you had a great flight. Uneventful=great in my book!

Every time I eat McD (which isn't too often) I always feeling like vomiting after. The salads aren't too bad though. WOW I sound like a girl... no offense!

You got some great pics from the bus! Upgrade huh? I can't wait to hear what happened!

 

[tinkgurl]

I was texting you so much I hope I can remember all the times to write them in haha

Yesssssss he was!

I hope you'll remember! I know I do! How pathetic is that?!

Tell him that B/F and I LOVE Rob and Big and have a season on DVD!

 

[redlight]

Chris giving me the "you're already taking 834037438947 pictures?" face

I loved that picture.

Looking forward to more.

 

[TravelBug86]

Hey- I'm lookin forward to reading all about your trip I have many of the same dilemmas when I travel- wating til the last minute to pack, rushing to get your nails done the night before LOL Although I have pretty much mastered the luggage- when we went to Tahiti in Oct I got my suitcase to weigh 49. something lbs
Yeah, that shower sounded pretty gross... I don't think I could do it either

 

[praisehisname]

Yay, you've started! After Black Friday shopping and then working before leaving, you must be EXHAUSTED!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, I am so excited that you have started your TR, Kristen! I am ready for all the fun now that we have the slightly nasty hotel out of the way. Love the signs for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party -- did you go to that while you were there? Oh, and my favorite part -- seeing the Disney signs!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hey Kristen!
SO excited that you officially started!! You guys are SO cute, love all the getting there pics!!!! Too cute! Too bad about the hotel the night before hotel but youre finally on your way!! WOOHOO!! Can't wait to hear more!!!!

 

[Lynn5700]

Kristen I'm the same way!! Checking into a non disney resort, is eh. I totally understand lol!

I love how happy you are in all your pics. You and Chris are adorable.

OOh and you got a great picture of the Disney World sign. I have yet to get one, lol!

Looking forward to your next update.

 

[MeMom]

Finally we were on Disney property!! Woooo!! Purple street signs...

We were there, on Disney property finally!!! I felt like I was dreaming!! Chris and I were sooo happy and couldn't wait to finally get to AKV and check in!!

Next time:
Our gorgeous room
Upgrade?
Our first Disney day!

There is something so special about purple street signs.

No matter how often we go, there is something that just makes me giddy about approaching that magical Disney arch. I know I am leaving the real world behind for some period of time and just get to focus on having fun with people I love to be around!

I bet AKV was a nice reward after your less-than-wonderful other room. We're doing one night off-site on this trip. Crossing our fingers that it works out okay.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm signing on, too. We were there the week BEFORE you got there. Craziness. People everywhere. I hope that the week after was less crowded. We were there in 2006 AFTER Thanksgiving and it was PERFECT!

I have some catching up to do, but I'm definitely in.

 

[heath-and-javens-mom]

Great start Kristen...Dont you love the purple signs.

I liked the airport pics..I have never stepped foot in a airport. lol......I am going to try flying next year..I have always been to afraid but MAN its sooo much quicker, and that long drive about kills me

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Great start Kristen!!!

Don't ya just love MacArthur?! Ahhhh!!! Soooo much easier and nicer!!!

Yuck to the icky hotel and boo to bad McD service! You made me laugh with the comment about things being faster in NY! I can tell you've never been to the McD in Mattituck!! It can be painfully slow!!! Slow and then they mess up the order!!!

I LOVE your pictures of the gates!!! I meant to ask our limo drive in March to stop so I could take a picture but I forgot!!

Can't wait for pics of your room!!!They'll help hold me over for the next 32 days!

 

[xoktenox]

Welcome home!

I can't believe you are back already! 1 week goes just WAY too fast huh?

Sounds like you had a great flight. Uneventful=great in my book!

Every time I eat McD (which isn't too often) I always feeling like vomiting after. The salads aren't too bad though. WOW I sound like a girl... no offense!

You got some great pics from the bus! Upgrade huh? I can't wait to hear what happened!

Ugh, I can't believe we're back already either! One week is totally too short and I can't wait until the day when I can book like a 3 week trip Our flight was super uneventful so thats definitely good. Wait until you hear about our flight home though...different story haha

I feel the same way about McDonalds! I never eat there unless its literally the only option! And this night it was, unfortunately. You do sound kind of like a girl though

I hope you'll remember! I know I do! How pathetic is that?!

Tell him that B/F and I LOVE Rob and Big and have a season on DVD!

I think I will remember! You're not pathetic at all!

OMG Chris and I were so sad when they ended that show, those guys are hilarioussssss! I will tell Chris too since its something else that makes us so alike

I loved that picture.

Looking forward to more.

haha he tried to avoid most other pictures

Hey- I'm lookin forward to reading all about your trip I have many of the same dilemmas when I travel- wating til the last minute to pack, rushing to get your nails done the night before LOL Although I have pretty much mastered the luggage- when we went to Tahiti in Oct I got my suitcase to weigh 49. something lbs
Yeah, that shower sounded pretty gross... I don't think I could do it either

Thanks for joining in! I hope you enjoy I always have the same dilemmas when I travel because I wait until the last minute to do everything, always! That's pretty impressive on the luggage! That's about what mine weighed after some shifting. But going to Tahiti, idk if I'd be so lucky!

The shower was totally gross. I would have needed shower flip flops to go in there!

Yay, you've started! After Black Friday shopping and then working before leaving, you must be EXHAUSTED!!!

I finally started! LOL I'm going to actually try to update again tonight. I was sooooo exhausted after shopping and work but I was on a Disney rush at the same time so it made up for it

Oh, I am so excited that you have started your TR, Kristen! I am ready for all the fun now that we have the slightly nasty hotel out of the way. Love the signs for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party -- did you go to that while you were there? Oh, and my favorite part -- seeing the Disney signs!!!

Hey Jackie, thanks! After this *****ney hotel, things do definitely get MUCH better! Those signs on the Orlando airport monorail totally psyched us up because we did go to the MVMCP later in the week. The purple Disney signs make everything so much better there

Hey Kristen!
SO excited that you officially started!! You guys are SO cute, love all the getting there pics!!!! Too cute! Too bad about the hotel the night before hotel but youre finally on your way!! WOOHOO!! Can't wait to hear more!!!!

Kristen! Thank you for the compliments! That night before hotel was crap but good thing it was only one night! We're finally in FL but stay tuned because hopefully tonight I'll have the AKV pictures update!

Kristen I'm the same way!! Checking into a non disney resort, is eh. I totally understand lol!

I love how happy you are in all your pics. You and Chris are adorable.

OOh and you got a great picture of the Disney World sign. I have yet to get one, lol!

Looking forward to your next update.

Thanks Lynn, I'm glad someone else can relate! haha Disney hotels are just special and no others can compare We were so happy, it was impossible to hide it in pictures (for me at least LOL). Thanks for the compliment

I was very happy I could get the WDW sign as we pulled in! I didnt think we would be able to get the front seat since we got on the bus after a lot of other people but no one sat there, luckily. You can hopefully get one in less than a month!

 

[xoktenox]

There is something so special about purple street signs.

No matter how often we go, there is something that just makes me giddy about approaching that magical Disney arch. I know I am leaving the real world behind for some period of time and just get to focus on having fun with people I love to be around!

I bet AKV was a nice reward after your less-than-wonderful other room. We're doing one night off-site on this trip. Crossing our fingers that it works out okay.

The purple street signs just make life better. I think they would even make regular everyday life better And the arch does have a certain effect to just make people warm and fuzzy inside. Once you go under those gates, the real world is behind you and you can focus on relaxation (to an extent haha) and family

AKV was probably the best reward we could have gotten. The place was amazing but that will come in tonights update. You guys should be okay for your one night offsite. As bad as our hotel was, at $32 a night, for ONE night only, I'd stay there again!

I'm signing on, too. We were there the week BEFORE you got there. Craziness. People everywhere. I hope that the week after was less crowded. We were there in 2006 AFTER Thanksgiving and it was PERFECT!

I have some catching up to do, but I'm definitely in.

Hey, thanks for coming over to join in!! I'm sure the crowds were much worse the week before us because there was like no one there while we were! Stick around for more

Great start Kristen...Dont you love the purple signs.

I liked the airport pics..I have never stepped foot in a airport. lol......I am going to try flying next year..I have always been to afraid but MAN its sooo much quicker, and that long drive about kills me

I loveeee the purple signs! They just make me happy! Farrah, you need to try flying! Nothingggg will happen to you, there's more of a chance of you dying in a car than a plane LOL Once you fly, you'll never want to drive again

Great start Kristen!!!

Don't ya just love MacArthur?! Ahhhh!!! Soooo much easier and nicer!!!

Yuck to the icky hotel and boo to bad McD service! You made me laugh with the comment about things being faster in NY! I can tell you've never been to the McD in Mattituck!! It can be painfully slow!!! Slow and then they mess up the order!!!

I LOVE your pictures of the gates!!! I meant to ask our limo drive in March to stop so I could take a picture but I forgot!!

Can't wait for pics of your room!!!They'll help hold me over for the next 32 days!

Hey Melissa, thanks! MacArthur was great, sooooo much easier and emptier than JFK!

That's funny about the slow McDonalds in Mattituck! They're pretty good out here by me, most of the time. But in general, things just seem faster up here. Chris and I notice it a lot when we're in Disney!

Only 32 more days?!?! You're so lucky!!

 

[tinkgurl]

OMG Chris and I were so sad when they ended that show, those guys are hilarioussssss! I will tell Chris too since its something else that makes us so alike

We were sad it ended too! I want to see Big's baby!

 

[xoktenox]

I said I would update tonight but I'm really super tired right now. I worked all day and then had school at night and just finally got to sit down a little while ago. Anyway, I'll give a short update since I'm about to fall asleep!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We last left off with us pulling under those lovely WDW gates and seeing our first glimpse of Disney property and those purple street signs we all love ever so much. Soon we saw this...

Coronado Springs! I knew we were close. This was our first stop and we dropped off over half of the bus! I remember talking to tinkgurl and she told me I should yell at everyone to hurry up. Chris said he was going to go outside and start throwing luggage out of the bus to get people to move faster Finally we got moving again. The bus driver told us that unfortunately we were going to be the last ones off the bus. Boooooo to that but what can ya do? And, we were in Disney! Nothing was going to get us down! Within minutes, we saw this and I nearly jumped out of the seat in excitement...

Our resort sign!! Before I knew it we were pulling through here

and heading into the Jambo House area to drop some more people off. This was my reaction to getting to see AKL for the first time...

(P.S. In that picture, it looks like I'm missing a tooth on the bottom. I'm not, I just have a snaggletooth there and my lip is covering it. After 3.5 years of braces, my teeth thought it was a good idea to shift Just wanted to add that in there LOL)

ME drop off at Jambo House

There were about 10 people left on the bus now, Chris and I being two of them. Then we saw the sign I had been waiting for...

Kidani Village! That's our stop!!!

Chris and I practically ran off the bus to wait to get our luggage from underneath. After the driver unloaded the luggage, we handed him a small tip and we were off!

Entrance area to Kidani

When we walked into the lobby, our jaws almost dropped to the floor. Neither of us have ever stayed at a resort so amazingly beautiful. In my opinion, pictures don't even do it justice (especially not my craptastic pictures.) The place was GORGEOUSSSS!!! We both were in shock and couldn't believe we actually got to stay in such a place for the next 7 days! Chris literally said to me "Kristen, this place is out of this world, amazing." We were in love!

Please don't mind my HORRIBLE camera, it was so frustrating to not have a new camera before we left like I had hoped...ironically I'm getting one for Christmas which obviously didn't help while we were in WDW!

Johari Treasures, the gift shop

Seating area

This lady checked us in, she was semi-friendly

We got up to the desk and did all the formalities for checking in. Then I said to her, "It's his birthday, half a century." She kind of just stared at me for a second and then Chris pipes in, "She meant quarter of a century." I had a blonde moment there. The CM said, "Wow, I was gonna say, you look good for 50!" LOL whoops! Anyway, I asked her, since it was Chris's birthday trip and all, if there were any upgrades available....



Up next::
Did we get our upgrade?
Was our room ready so we could finally shower? LOL
What did we do for the rest of the day? it was only 11:15am at this point!