Celebrating Legacies, Love, and Jalapeno Pretzels: Anniversary TR (Replies 6/12)

[jenneth79]

Chapter Twenty-One
In which our heroine gets twisted, and (almost) soaked.

So, after finishing our drinks, we still had something to accomplish:

That’s right, we still had one more EE ride left in us! Mike and I discussed potentially heading back to Camp Minnie Mickey to see if perhaps a certain fuzzy little raccoon was around. You see, dear reader, I have a bit of a crush on Meeko.

Ok, not really a crush, but there IS a story here. Back in the early- mid 90s, I went on a trip with my family to Disney, in which I was playing the role of babysitter to my three younger cousins. (all boys). It was around the time that Pocahontas came out, and Meeko was just about everywhere in the parks. One day I was in MK with the oldest of the three, it was our “big kid fun” day. So, did we go on Alien Encounter and Haunted Mansion? Did we ride Space Mountain? Well, yeah….but, because I was an evil little girl I ALSO dragged him about trying to get a picture of the elusive Meeko. Poor kid.

We decided to hold off on the Meeko Experience, and instead walked back over towards our dear Yeti. Yes, this means more pictures:

And, a bit of shopping:

(For the record, no, I didn’t buy these, but I really wish I had!!!)

Passing over towards the bridge into Asia, we spotted this little pretzel stand, and decided a snack might be nice. Looking at the menu, we thought a jalapeno pretzel would be just the thing:

So it’s no surprise (I mean, look at the title of my TR!) but, dear reader, this is perhaps my favorite Disney snack ever. EVER. Chewy twisted spicy cheesy goodness. Yum. It was hard to tear myself away from the cart (I wanted to order another one, but somehow forced myself to walk on…) and make our way back over to EE. As we snapped some shots, I noticed the clouds were looking less white, and a bit more grey…

Last ride with the Disco Yeti (Making 4 for the day!!!) And we decided we were probably done with out AK experience.

We decided to take just a few more PP photos before we left, and end up with my favorite from the whole day!

(I am going to frame this.)

Then we did the “baby Simba” shot. The surprised shot looked like Mike was going to eat the baby lion, and I looked like I was wondering how the heck it got there. But the other shot made me think:

Wouldn’t that be an awesome way to announce you’re expecting? (Not that we are, nor do I plan to be!) But it would be sooo cute to send those out as cards/announcements. Just a thought out there people, if you want to break it to your family, do it with a cute baby lion!

Yes, I also know Mike looks WAY too happy about the baby. Eep.

We looked up at the sky and noticed the dark clouds were taking up more and more of the blue sky. Probably time to leave, right? Well…. Remember that earlier comment about Meeko? Yeah, I decided I just HAD to see if we could find him over by Camp Minnie Mickey. So we started to walk over that way. I say started because as soon as we saw the lines, I got cranky and changed my mind, forcing Mike to walk all the way back…thereby making HIM grouchy.

It must have been obvious on his face, for as we were walking through the turnstiles, the CM looked at Mike and said “Have a good day, Grumpy!” We both looked at each other and laughed, deciding that we were probably experiencing TPO (Theme Park Overload) and needed to relax.

We made it to the bus JUST in time to beat the rain, and were soon on our way back to the Yacht Club.

 

[407-W-DISNEY]

Beautiful pictures of you both, especially the one your going to frame!

 

[natebenma]

Mmmm- the pretzel looks great! I haven't tried one, but putting it on my list of snacks to try.

I'm glad you were able to get out of there before the heavens opened up.

Based on what we have seen so far, looks like you have gotten your money's worth out of your photopass.

 

[disneyloverforchrist]

So stumbled upon your Feb. TR and followed the link back to this one!!! LOVE all the pictures and stories!

And can I tell you, we lost my dad in January of 09'. Reading your trip report brings me to tears...ok at one point donkey sobbing...because it reminds me so much of my relationship with my father. He LOVED Disney World and we were blessed enough to take a final trip with him 6 weeks before he passed away. That first trip back after loosing him was so difficult but I was determined, like you, to let his legacy live on through me and my little growing family. So happy to see someone else who is celebrating life the way we do in our family!!! Through the tears beautiful memories can be made.

Can't wait to read more!!!

 

[jenneth79]

Beautiful pictures of you both, especially the one your going to frame!

Thanks so much! I wish I could get rid of the shiny, but let's face it, Disney does that to you in September!

Mmmm- the pretzel looks great! I haven't tried one, but putting it on my list of snacks to try.

I'm glad you were able to get out of there before the heavens opened up.

Based on what we have seen so far, looks like you have gotten your money's worth out of your photopass.

You should add it! It's "allegedly" in the Fife and Drum at Epcot... but, as we found out on our last trip...that has yet to be proven.

I think some of the Photopass stalking might have been overkill, but yeah, we totally got our money's worth! Now I just have to DO something with them!

So stumbled upon your Feb. TR and followed the link back to this one!!! LOVE all the pictures and stories!

And can I tell you, we lost my dad in January of 09'. Reading your trip report brings me to tears...ok at one point donkey sobbing...because it reminds me so much of my relationship with my father. He LOVED Disney World and we were blessed enough to take a final trip with him 6 weeks before he passed away. That first trip back after loosing him was so difficult but I was determined, like you, to let his legacy live on through me and my little growing family. So happy to see someone else who is celebrating life the way we do in our family!!! Through the tears beautiful memories can be made.

Can't wait to read more!!!

These TRs have been so much fun to do, I'm meeting so many wonderful people on the DIS who share my "obsession".

Thank you so much for your kind words, and sharing your story! I'm so sorry for your loss (now you've brought ME to tears..) but it does help to know what a blessing they gave us, with all our memories?

I do regret not going on that trip with my dad, for all the times we spoke of doing it... but I know he was still there with us, smiling.

 

[jenneth79]

Chapter Twenty-Two
In which our heroine takes a dip, a sip, and a flip!

The rain came down down down on our ride from AK back to the Yacht Club, but once we arrived, the skies had cleared and the sun began to dry everything out. Great timing! Mike and I had decided we were going to check out the fabled Stormalong Bay if it was the last thing we did, so we threw on some suits and ran downstairs. Ok, so we walked quickly....

We found chairs without much trouble, though it was still pretty crowded down there, and immediately went for a swim! I had purchased a Kodak Easyshare Sport camera for this trip, so I was eager to take it for a spin!

We did the obligatory “underwater” pictures:

Then we were off to the Flying Jib, one of the best water slides outside of a water park! Perhaps better than some slides INSIDE a water park, for that matter! We had to get a little silly for the camera:

(...he’s so serious....)

You know those memes that do the “what I think I look like / what I actually look like”... here is my version of that meme:

What I think I look like steering the pirate ship:

What I actually look like:

So, yeah.

Then, it was off to the slide! I decided I wanted to give the video feature a go and record what it’s like to go down the slide! I kind of got it...but unfortunately I messed up and hit the stop button early. Perhaps next time, but at least you can get a bit of an idea how awesome the FJ is!



I also managed to let go of the camera as soon as I splashed down. Um. Whoops. Blue camera in blue water. I’m investing in a floaty strap for our next trip, for sure! Once the camera was located, we took a bit of time to relax and sip a drink by the water!

I ordered a Banana Cabana for us to share:

Yum.

Of course, our peace was only an hour and a half before the storms rolled right back in.

Ah well, that’s ok... we have a very special dinner to get ready for!!!

We headed back to the room and I took a few pictures while Mike hogged the shower...ahem... I mean when he took a leisurely.....yeah, no, he hogged the shower.

Then while *I* was getting ready (and hogging the entire bathroom area) Mike got ready and took a few pictures. I absolutely LOVE this picture:

Then, I guess I started following him around with the camera... here’s what he thought of it:

That’s my handsome hubby!

And, the dress I got from RTR:

We walked over to the lobby to catch the elevator downstairs and starting talking to a gentleman waiting with us, who said we must be heading to Victoria and Alberts dressed like that! We laughed and said yes, it was our anniversary dinner and we were going to be trying the Queen Victoria room!

We chatted some more and when we got to the bellhop and asked for a cab, he demanded he drive us.

Ok, so I’m going through the whole ‘serial killer’ routine in my head, but then all the bellhops are talking to him like they know him, and Mike, after talking to him a bit thanked him. I had the phone out, was memorizing license plates, etc... ok, so I’m a bit paranoid.

Turns out, he was an event producer who does a lot of stuff at Disney.... ALSO turns out he knows someone in my family in the entertainment industry. It truly is a small world, and it was such a kind gesture on his part, a great bit of pixie dust as well.

He was heading to the Contemporary, but dropped us off at the Grand Floridian (the guys at the gate THERE knew him as well...) and we thanked him profusely. Truly, I think magic is just more likely to happen at Disney.

We had a bit of time to kill, so we wandered around the Grand Floridian lobby and I just loved it. Didn’t feel a bit stuffy, and so beautiful. Heck, it even smelled nice! We wandered around and found some time outside to check out the beach and take a few pictures:

(look, I think that’s a person in front of the Poly!)

It was windy, but gorgeous out!

Soon it was time for our reservation... if you’d like to read all about our Victoria and Albert’s experience, you can see it HERE.

It was the end of a great night...and we were looking forward to the next day, when we were going to avoid the parks altogether and check into a spa for some R&R.

 

[disneybarbie]

Hi!

Sorry I've been reading along with all your updates but barely commenting.. it looks like a great trip overall .. love your dress for V&As! And that sounded fantastic about the CM offering to take you.. like you said, only at Disney!



Emma x

 

[jenneth79]

Hi!

Sorry I've been reading along with all your updates but barely commenting.. it looks like a great trip overall .. love your dress for V&As! And that sounded fantastic about the CM offering to take you.. like you said, only at Disney!



Emma x

I'm so glad you posted, Emma.... I didn't know you had started a PTR for a new trip...and what fun, both a vacation to Disney and a cruise! I'm desperately trying not to start my PTR just yet....but with the DR done....eek!

It's just so much fun to plan, isn't it?

 

[Nermel9]

OMG your pictures of SAB make me SO happy that we are staying at the Beach Club! I plan on spending a lot of time there on this trip, when we stayed there on our Disneymoon, we only went in the pool ONCE! And the slide was closed! It looks awesome! Is it weird going on it, being an adult? When I went down the slide at the WL, I was seriously the only adult going down the slide, and there were all these parents waiting for their kids at the bottom...it was really awkward...

I love your V&A dress!

 

[PixieMama]

All. Caught. Up.


Whew.


Love love love all your pics. Well... not the ones of the giant fruit bats. {shudder}

 

[TanzUnited99]

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing day followed by a great meal! Love the dinner outfits

 

[jenneth79]

OMG your pictures of SAB make me SO happy that we are staying at the Beach Club! I plan on spending a lot of time there on this trip, when we stayed there on our Disneymoon, we only went in the pool ONCE! And the slide was closed! It looks awesome! Is it weird going on it, being an adult? When I went down the slide at the WL, I was seriously the only adult going down the slide, and there were all these parents waiting for their kids at the bottom...it was really awkward...

I love your V&A dress!

You're going to love SAB! We did the same thing though, on our Sept trip we only made it to the pool txice, but when we did it was amazing!

As for the slide, I can't honestly say it even crossed my mind! We were just having fun and I think I remember seeing other adults around. Dunno. I start to think I'm a 15 year old when I'm there, so those things kind of skip my notice.

Except the Carrousel. Which is odd, but true. I feel like I'm way too old to get on it. My DH told me I was insane the other night when I mentioned it to him. I guess he thought I was scared by the horses.

Thanks for the dress comment! I loved it, but it was WAY too short for me!

All. Caught. Up.


Whew.


Love love love all your pics. Well... not the ones of the giant fruit bats. {shudder}

You know, I thought about you when I was posting that section. Shannon doesn't like bats too much, does she?

Sounds like you had a nice relaxing day followed by a great meal! Love the dinner outfits

Thanks so much! We had a lot of fun getting dressed up, though it was a bit stressful for me after 4 days of no makeup and no worry!

 

[jenneth79]

Just a quick heads up, I've gone and started my October 2012 PTR if you wanted to join in!:

I could get used to a view like this....Guys I want a castle!"

I'm still updating both this and the February trip...but I just couldn't keep all our plans to myself!

 

[purplepixiedust]

I am really enjoying your trip report and photos. I just started the dining review as well. You & your husband are so cute!!! Looks like you had a great time. Your idea for the baby announcemnet is definitely a cute idea. Gonna have to subscribe to the PTR too.

 

[photographymom517]

Great updates!!!

Your dress for V&A's is absolutely stunning!!! I'll have to go back & read your review of the restaurant!

What a difference in the weather that day!! The sky at GF looks beautiful in the background of your photos!!! I am completely in love with the GF and the Poly! I really, really hope to stay there someday!

Good job making it out of AK right in time! I wish we had! As I already told you, both of our AK days were rainy!

The weather in FL changes so quickly! The day we went to Stormalong Bay, it was later in the evening and the entire day had been gorgeous up to that point! Then about five minutes after we got there, the skies turned really dark & cloudy. The lifeguards even came around & said they might close the pool for awhile if they saw lightning but luckily they didn't have to! Sadly, that was our ONLY experience at SAB! If we ever stay at the BC again, I definitely want to spend more time just relaxing!

I forgot to mention this in my last reply! Your AKL photos of the animals are gorgeous! You captured so much detail! LOVE them!!!

I seriously wish I could just ship my DSLR to you so you could fix the settings for me! I have quite a bit to learn before our next Disney trip -- in September I just used "auto" for most photos. I want to learn more about Manual mode & how to take good fireworks photos. Last year, my pics of fireworks were so-so but I cheated! At the time I had my old Canon S3 IS and the guy who previously owned the camera was a photographer! So all the settings were perfect when I purchased it from him!

Slight spoiler (only two of my friends know this right now!) we're attending MVMCP next trip -- so I want to make sure my settings are right! I may have to ask you for some tips about photographing at night!

I can't wait to hear about your mini-trip! And I just subscribed to your PTR so going to read what you have there so far!!!

 

[PixieMama]

You know, I thought about you when I was posting that section. Shannon doesn't like bats too much, does she?

No. No she does not.

Bats. Birds. Moths. Anything with wings, really.

 

[photographymom517]

Oops! I accidentally posted the info here regarding check in/check out. I'll go post it on your PTR where its supposed to be now! Sorry about that! It's been a very long day! LOL!

 

[jenneth79]

I seriously wish I could just ship my DSLR to you so you could fix the settings for me! I have quite a bit to learn before our next Disney trip -- in September I just used "auto" for most photos. I want to learn more about Manual mode & how to take good fireworks photos. Last year, my pics of fireworks were so-so but I cheated! At the time I had my old Canon S3 IS and the guy who previously owned the camera was a photographer! So all the settings were perfect when I purchased it from him!

Slight spoiler (only two of my friends know this right now!) we're attending MVMCP next trip -- so I want to make sure my settings are right! I may have to ask you for some tips about photographing at night!

I can't wait to hear about your mini-trip! And I just subscribed to your PTR so going to read what you have there so far!!!

First off, I'm so happy that you are going back again, and for the Holidays....

I also realize that when I dropped off the face of the earth I completely MISSED THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE A NEW ADDITION TO THE HOUSE NOW! So... let me be the last to wish you congratulations.

As for the camera, I'm really not the expert, in fact I have a tendency to "Skim" the manuals.... however...if you have a local camera shop, you can always take the camera in and ask them about certain settings. I've done that in the past even when I didn't buy the camera there, and they have always been really willing to help.

Do you have a Canon or Nikon? There are also "cheat cards" you can purchase that give you a quick rundown of all the settings, and they fold up to go with your camera bag, so no lugging a heavy book around with you!

No. No she does not.

Bats. Birds. Moths. Anything with wings, really.

sowwy I will put warnings on future posts for you....

Oops! I accidentally posted the info here regarding check in/check out. I'll go post it on your PTR where its supposed to be now! Sorry about that! It's been a very long day! LOL!

Oh hon, you didn't have to do that! They were GREAT instructions, no matter where they are. I haven't had a chance to catch up on DIS in the past 48 hours as I was so busy with work and had no sleep. (Calls with Hong Kong at 11:30 at night are no fun at all!) I'm going to go comment on it wherever the info is now. Thanks again, you ROCK!

 

[Shannon84]

LOVE all of the awesome AK pictures, you guys look like you had a blast!!
DF is way better at the surprised look than myself, though sometimes he looks like he is seriously scared

Sounds like V and A was an amazing anniversary celebration and a ton of food!!

 

[natebenma]

Dear Jen- please excuse Dee for being behind on your trip reports. She was away with her husband celebrating 25 wonderful years of marriage in Puerto Rico. Without the boys.

OMG- it was awesome!

PS- please also excuse Dee for bragging.