Dale's Not So Scary trip report 09/07-09/11
- Thread starter dstevens
- Start date
. Till i see the bills. 
disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
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Congratulations! She's adorable!
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
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Thanks Wendy, we think so, but we might be just a bit prejudice.
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
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Congratulations! She looks so tiny.
Corinna
Corinna
mymainmouse
DIS Veteran
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- Jun 6, 2007
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Aww! What a sweet pea! She's beautiful! Congratulations!
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
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We arrived back on the Wonder and took this chance to enjoy the Rain forest room ONE more time!!! It was soon time for our last dinner on the ship.
Our servers for the week
Look at the sunburn!!!! OUCH I hurt bad! My head was pounding and my migraine meds were not helping at all.
Sadly after dinner we had to go back to our room to pack (I had put it off, trying to avoid the inevitable.) Our room host had tried several times to come in and turn down our bed and get it ready for the evening, but I was feeling so poorly and had so much to do (and Im a madman (ok madwoman) when Im packing). At one point I asked our host for a bag of ice. NOT for my ice bucket to keep our stuff cool, but to put on my HEAD!!! It hurt so very bad!
Got all the packing done and out bags outside our stateroom before the 11pm deadline. I did not want to have to lug all our own bags out, thats for sure. We had soooo much carry-on stuff to drag around in the am before disembarking!
So we got to sleep at some hour (at almost five months after the fact, these little details are starting to fade, sorry).
We had to get up a bit earlier since we had early seating, we had to have breakfast early our last day, L. We met up with our friends Monica and Warren,
Then Dawn and her family
We said our goodbyes to everyone and headed out to the sadest day of our life (well really not that bad, but having to leave the ship was so depressing, lol).
We headed down the ramp to leave the ship and got all the way to the terminal and the line STOPPED! Ok, figured we were a few minutes early so we waited and waited and waited. Finally someone came out and told us that the thousands of people leaving the ship had to go through the SIX Federal agents (customs, I think). So finally we are let through with the next group of people. As soon as we got off, there were porters everywhere and luggage everywhere. Id read before the easiest thing to do was grab a porter and youll get through customs easier and usually quicker. So we found a porter and he was so helpful. We had FOUR suitcases, in addition to our carry on stuff and all the extras I was carrying off the ship (my flowers and my sand ceremony set). This is one of the biggest tips Id give anyone cruising. Unfortunately some dont want to spend the money to tip the porter. That was the best 10-12-15 dollars we spent, I dont recall how many bags we ended up with. He took all of our belongings to the stop for the Radisson shuttle.
After a short wait the shuttle arrived with the famous Bong driver. He took us to our car that had been parked at the hotel since our stay there Sat/Sun. That was also the best money spent. Parking at the port is a lot just to have your car close-by but honestly, we were delivered right to our vehicle with all our bags without the added expense.
We said goodbye to Monica and Warren and headed out towards Disney. Oh, but we had to make a pit stop first. I HAD to find something for my burn! I wanted some homeopathic stuff I use at home for sunburn and it works amazing. Well at 8:30 in the am, the specialty stores are NOT open at that hour. Finally ended at the CVS and got regular sunburn stuff.
We were NOW officially heading to Disney World! It was hard to believe after the most amazing trip of our life, we still had four days at Disney to look forward too. As we drove out of Port Canaveral, we saw one of the infamous DVC (Disneys best kept secret signs) and hubby asked about it. I told him what I knew, from a friend who recently bought into it. We figured financially this is something we just couldnt do at this time.
As we got closer towards Disney we past our dds previous home while she was part of the College Program at Disney. This is Vista (had to take a pic for her).
Then the most magical sign
We then arrived at Pop (sorry, after many stays here I dont take as many pics, lol). It was time to don our bride/groom hats! We got there probably shortly after 10am or so. Our room was not ready. But we got congrats from the CM and a number to call later to see when it was ready. I had not made any special request this time (I typically would request ground floor 60s building). That request will give you a view of the lake! I love that. Well this time, we were put in the 50s building with the giant juke box (the old kind on the table in the diner, lol).
We decided to get a quick drink then head to DHS for the afternoon. We were heading out towards the bus when we were congratulated by a cm who was the DVC rep at Pop that day. He asked if he could take 60 seconds to tell us about DVC. We looked at each other and said, why not. In those 60 seconds we had a general idea of DVC and how much it cost (which I had told hubby already). He was very informative. He asked if wed like to go on a tour. We thought about it and said, sure, why not. Wed were going to get free fast passes since we were missing time in the park. The DVC van would be over to pick us up in a few minutes. So hubby grabbed a bite to eat. In no time it was time to go see the brand new Animal Kingdom Villas.
Oh, but wait, Ive got my flowers with me and I cant leave them in the car or they would die (it was HOT) and our room wasnt ready so I was getting worried. I couldnt possibly carry them all over the park that day. So we asked our new friend Joe the DVC guy if there was somewhere they could be kept until we returned later (actually I asked him if he could keep them). Unfortunately, Joe wouldnt be on later and didnt want any thing to happen to our flowers so he went and found someone to keep them safe for me and in water! I was so excited.
Next up, our trip to DVC!
Our servers for the week
Look at the sunburn!!!! OUCH I hurt bad! My head was pounding and my migraine meds were not helping at all.
Sadly after dinner we had to go back to our room to pack (I had put it off, trying to avoid the inevitable.) Our room host had tried several times to come in and turn down our bed and get it ready for the evening, but I was feeling so poorly and had so much to do (and Im a madman (ok madwoman) when Im packing). At one point I asked our host for a bag of ice. NOT for my ice bucket to keep our stuff cool, but to put on my HEAD!!! It hurt so very bad!
Got all the packing done and out bags outside our stateroom before the 11pm deadline. I did not want to have to lug all our own bags out, thats for sure. We had soooo much carry-on stuff to drag around in the am before disembarking!
So we got to sleep at some hour (at almost five months after the fact, these little details are starting to fade, sorry).
We had to get up a bit earlier since we had early seating, we had to have breakfast early our last day, L. We met up with our friends Monica and Warren,
Then Dawn and her family
We said our goodbyes to everyone and headed out to the sadest day of our life (well really not that bad, but having to leave the ship was so depressing, lol).
We headed down the ramp to leave the ship and got all the way to the terminal and the line STOPPED! Ok, figured we were a few minutes early so we waited and waited and waited. Finally someone came out and told us that the thousands of people leaving the ship had to go through the SIX Federal agents (customs, I think). So finally we are let through with the next group of people. As soon as we got off, there were porters everywhere and luggage everywhere. Id read before the easiest thing to do was grab a porter and youll get through customs easier and usually quicker. So we found a porter and he was so helpful. We had FOUR suitcases, in addition to our carry on stuff and all the extras I was carrying off the ship (my flowers and my sand ceremony set). This is one of the biggest tips Id give anyone cruising. Unfortunately some dont want to spend the money to tip the porter. That was the best 10-12-15 dollars we spent, I dont recall how many bags we ended up with. He took all of our belongings to the stop for the Radisson shuttle.
After a short wait the shuttle arrived with the famous Bong driver. He took us to our car that had been parked at the hotel since our stay there Sat/Sun. That was also the best money spent. Parking at the port is a lot just to have your car close-by but honestly, we were delivered right to our vehicle with all our bags without the added expense.
We said goodbye to Monica and Warren and headed out towards Disney. Oh, but we had to make a pit stop first. I HAD to find something for my burn! I wanted some homeopathic stuff I use at home for sunburn and it works amazing. Well at 8:30 in the am, the specialty stores are NOT open at that hour. Finally ended at the CVS and got regular sunburn stuff.
We were NOW officially heading to Disney World! It was hard to believe after the most amazing trip of our life, we still had four days at Disney to look forward too. As we drove out of Port Canaveral, we saw one of the infamous DVC (Disneys best kept secret signs) and hubby asked about it. I told him what I knew, from a friend who recently bought into it. We figured financially this is something we just couldnt do at this time.
As we got closer towards Disney we past our dds previous home while she was part of the College Program at Disney. This is Vista (had to take a pic for her).
Then the most magical sign
We then arrived at Pop (sorry, after many stays here I dont take as many pics, lol). It was time to don our bride/groom hats! We got there probably shortly after 10am or so. Our room was not ready. But we got congrats from the CM and a number to call later to see when it was ready. I had not made any special request this time (I typically would request ground floor 60s building). That request will give you a view of the lake! I love that. Well this time, we were put in the 50s building with the giant juke box (the old kind on the table in the diner, lol).
We decided to get a quick drink then head to DHS for the afternoon. We were heading out towards the bus when we were congratulated by a cm who was the DVC rep at Pop that day. He asked if he could take 60 seconds to tell us about DVC. We looked at each other and said, why not. In those 60 seconds we had a general idea of DVC and how much it cost (which I had told hubby already). He was very informative. He asked if wed like to go on a tour. We thought about it and said, sure, why not. Wed were going to get free fast passes since we were missing time in the park. The DVC van would be over to pick us up in a few minutes. So hubby grabbed a bite to eat. In no time it was time to go see the brand new Animal Kingdom Villas.
Oh, but wait, Ive got my flowers with me and I cant leave them in the car or they would die (it was HOT) and our room wasnt ready so I was getting worried. I couldnt possibly carry them all over the park that day. So we asked our new friend Joe the DVC guy if there was somewhere they could be kept until we returned later (actually I asked him if he could keep them). Unfortunately, Joe wouldnt be on later and didnt want any thing to happen to our flowers so he went and found someone to keep them safe for me and in water! I was so excited.
Next up, our trip to DVC!
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,053
congrats!
Aww! What a sweet pea! She's beautiful! Congratulations!
Thanks for all the congrats. I can't believe Miss Isabella is four weeks old already. The time just flies by (imagine, why I haven't been here to even see these posts, sorry).
Can't wait to hear the rest
tinkerbell34
wishinguponastar
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 623
I like that you update your post every couple of months. I start reliving that special time all over again. 
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,053
I like that you update your post every couple of months. I start reliving that special time all over again.
Thanks Dawn. I like that too, lol.
tinkerbell34
wishinguponastar
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2008
- Messages
- 623
Hey, got this picture off my mom's camera of our last night dining at Parrot Cay:
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,053
Been busy enjoying our beautiful granddaughter (who is now three months old)
but Ive finally gotten around to an update (imagine that).
I dont know why I didnt think to take photos on our tour, but Ill give you the details. After our friend Joe found a home for my flowers, the DVC van picked us up and whisked us off to Saratoga Springs. Weve never been to any of the DVC resorts, well take that back, we took Disney transportation to Old Key West one time on our way to DTD. But other than sitting at the bus stop there, we didnt see anything.
So we arrived at SSR and were dropped right in front of the door. We entered, gave our names and were congratulated again. We were told we could go into the next room for some refreshments. There were some light snacks, cookies, coffee, lemonade (I think). We then had a seat on a big comfy sofa where we were congratulated a few more times. Then our guide came out and introduced herself. She sat and we chatted a few minutes. She asked about our vacation habits, (i.e. where do we go, how often, where do we stay, etc).
We were then taken to view the brand new AKV. We were shown the studio and the one-bedroom units (with the fake savanna view). And then told if we wanted a two bedroom it was literally the studio and one bedroom with a door between. WOW that was a lot of room! It was gorgeous. After viewing these, we went back to her office to discuss more about DVC, the cost of ownership, the finance options and the incentives that were being offered at that very point.
Our guide (who we later decided we didnt really like, but thats another story) made it sound like if we didnt buy right then and there that we wouldnt be eligible to receive these incentives. She left us alone to discuss this. I told hubby that we could indeed afford this and that I could make the payments. I had been putting money away for our cruise and vow renewal and it was pretty much the exact amount our payment would be. BUT . hubby is the logical one and really wanted to look at our finances (he takes care of all the bills and the headaches that go with them). When we told our guide this, she was ok but said if we made a decision before we left Disney we could still get the same incentives (imagine, the ones that we were told we could only get if we bought right then, lol). And there was something out DVC rep at Pop (Joe) told us He said you DO NOT MAKE A $15,000 DECISION IN AN HOUR!!!
We informed out guide we were not ready to buy and went and had our free ice cream sundaes. Hubby was a bit bummed, as he really wanted to do this, but just wasnt ready. I told him that what ever he decided, I would be fine with. And truly I was ok with not buying right then.
After we enjoyed our ice cream we were driven to Disney Hollywood Studios (will always be MGM to me, sorry) to enjoy our day (along with our fast passes that we were also given) and continue on with our honeymoon!
I dont know why I didnt think to take photos on our tour, but Ill give you the details. After our friend Joe found a home for my flowers, the DVC van picked us up and whisked us off to Saratoga Springs. Weve never been to any of the DVC resorts, well take that back, we took Disney transportation to Old Key West one time on our way to DTD. But other than sitting at the bus stop there, we didnt see anything.
So we arrived at SSR and were dropped right in front of the door. We entered, gave our names and were congratulated again. We were told we could go into the next room for some refreshments. There were some light snacks, cookies, coffee, lemonade (I think). We then had a seat on a big comfy sofa where we were congratulated a few more times. Then our guide came out and introduced herself. She sat and we chatted a few minutes. She asked about our vacation habits, (i.e. where do we go, how often, where do we stay, etc).
We were then taken to view the brand new AKV. We were shown the studio and the one-bedroom units (with the fake savanna view). And then told if we wanted a two bedroom it was literally the studio and one bedroom with a door between. WOW that was a lot of room! It was gorgeous. After viewing these, we went back to her office to discuss more about DVC, the cost of ownership, the finance options and the incentives that were being offered at that very point.
Our guide (who we later decided we didnt really like, but thats another story) made it sound like if we didnt buy right then and there that we wouldnt be eligible to receive these incentives. She left us alone to discuss this. I told hubby that we could indeed afford this and that I could make the payments. I had been putting money away for our cruise and vow renewal and it was pretty much the exact amount our payment would be. BUT . hubby is the logical one and really wanted to look at our finances (he takes care of all the bills and the headaches that go with them). When we told our guide this, she was ok but said if we made a decision before we left Disney we could still get the same incentives (imagine, the ones that we were told we could only get if we bought right then, lol). And there was something out DVC rep at Pop (Joe) told us He said you DO NOT MAKE A $15,000 DECISION IN AN HOUR!!!
We informed out guide we were not ready to buy and went and had our free ice cream sundaes. Hubby was a bit bummed, as he really wanted to do this, but just wasnt ready. I told him that what ever he decided, I would be fine with. And truly I was ok with not buying right then.
After we enjoyed our ice cream we were driven to Disney Hollywood Studios (will always be MGM to me, sorry) to enjoy our day (along with our fast passes that we were also given) and continue on with our honeymoon!
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,053
DHS
(well I did a couple updates but forgot to put them here, lol)...
I love THE HAT!!!
I had heard about Toy Story Mania from many online friends and was determined we were going to do that. (even telling hubby when we passed this billboard from the port)
We went straight there to use our special fast passes only to find out that all the fast passes for the day had been given out!! WHAT??? How could that be? The wait was more than an 75 minutes at that point. Ive done Tour Guide Mike for years and havent waited in a line more than 15 minutes in several years; I could NOT justify an hour or more for a ride.
So we decided to go see what else we could use our fast passes on. We stopped to watch Mulch, Sweat and Tears! I use to think they just lip synced the songs but had recently found out that they were REALLY real performers.
So we walked down and did Rock and Roller Coaster. (one of hubbys favs) but NOT Tower of Terror. Hubby wont ride it and I wont ride it alone, lol. (He has been stuck in too many elevators and just wont do it, so no problem I by-passed it this trip)
So we head back to Toy Story Mania and its still an hour wait, well at least it had come down a tiny bit. We walked by and hubby said if you really want to, lets go
so I bite the bullet and get into the very LONG line. This reminds me of Test Track in that you are in the air conditioning the entire time, so its NOT THAT BAD! And there are some awesome pics from this one.
This is on the ceilng
Mr. Potato Head actually talked to the audience
Of course hubby beat me
another self portrait (hubby looking a bit tired).
It was then time to head back to Pop, we were BEAT. (and I was exhausted from my sunburn the day before).
I love THE HAT!!!
I had heard about Toy Story Mania from many online friends and was determined we were going to do that. (even telling hubby when we passed this billboard from the port)
We went straight there to use our special fast passes only to find out that all the fast passes for the day had been given out!! WHAT??? How could that be? The wait was more than an 75 minutes at that point. Ive done Tour Guide Mike for years and havent waited in a line more than 15 minutes in several years; I could NOT justify an hour or more for a ride.
So we decided to go see what else we could use our fast passes on. We stopped to watch Mulch, Sweat and Tears! I use to think they just lip synced the songs but had recently found out that they were REALLY real performers.
So we walked down and did Rock and Roller Coaster. (one of hubbys favs) but NOT Tower of Terror. Hubby wont ride it and I wont ride it alone, lol. (He has been stuck in too many elevators and just wont do it, so no problem I by-passed it this trip)
This is on the ceilng
Of course hubby beat me
another self portrait (hubby looking a bit tired).
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,053
What day is this???? I forget what day of our trip this is, but it was our Magic Kingdom day!!! And a special dinner planned at Cali Grill!
We had driven to Magic Kingdom, since we had a car, we decided to take advantage of not having to wait for the bus (or having to stand after a long day. We were able to park really close and walk to the monorail (or boat).
I was a little disappointed that it was all decorated for MNSSHP already (being it was so early in September). But we love the fall decorations just the same.
Weve been touring WDW with the tips Ive learned from Tour Guide Mike. Id encourage anyone who would like to ride all the rides without waiting more than 15-20 minutes MAX to sign up for his touring plan! It works without a doubt. Thats why it killed me to wait an hour to do Toy Story Mania! (ok, plug for TGM is over)
Our first stop was Pirates of the Caribbean but it was closed temporarily. So off we went to Frontierland. One of our first rides was Splash Mountain (which we will only do if its pretty hot so we arent walking around soaked all day). Before getting on Splash Mountain we grabbed a fast pass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The wait time for both rides at that time was pretty much walk on! Luckily we didnt get too wet on Splash Mountain.
After Splash we went over to BTMR and the wait time was still like five minutes so we saved our fast pass and walked right on!
It was soon time to wonder around and we finally found someone who could take our pics (instead of all our self-portraits) You can see a few water spots (but nothing major).
We then walked around Liberty Square towards Fantasyland. On the way we had to stop by the Haunted Mansion. Some day I hope to get a photopass shot here with the ghosts, but never seems to be a photographer there when we are, L
We then enjoyed Fantasyland. We rode IASW (Its a Small World) and please dont get that song going in my head!!! We then rode Winnie the Pooh (hes my fav).
Then it was time for our lunch at Crystal Palace. We eat there just about every time, because, like I said, I LOVE POOH!!! When we got to our table it was decorated for us.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch with all the characters. Chatted with a Harley owner next to us (its a bond between them!) who took some pics for us (so wed have a few together).
We were then treated to a special celebration cupcake (so yummy)!
We were also treated with a celebration certificate signed by all the characters! (of course I dont have a pic of that).
After our lovely lunch we headed back towards POC. We stopped to enjoy the show
POC was now open so we head in to ride that. (no real wait either since it hadnt been opened long).
When we came out of the gift shop there was a photopass photographer there and I wanted a pic with Captain Hook The photographer had us switch hats??? What??? Well you can see why.
It was getting late and we have dinner plans so we decided to head out (not watching any parades or shows, lol). We had to stop by the Castle since we really hadnt gotten any pics there this day. Can you see how few people were there.
Up next our anniversary dinner at California Grill.
I was a little disappointed that it was all decorated for MNSSHP already (being it was so early in September). But we love the fall decorations just the same.
Weve been touring WDW with the tips Ive learned from Tour Guide Mike. Id encourage anyone who would like to ride all the rides without waiting more than 15-20 minutes MAX to sign up for his touring plan! It works without a doubt. Thats why it killed me to wait an hour to do Toy Story Mania! (ok, plug for TGM is over)
Our first stop was Pirates of the Caribbean but it was closed temporarily. So off we went to Frontierland. One of our first rides was Splash Mountain (which we will only do if its pretty hot so we arent walking around soaked all day). Before getting on Splash Mountain we grabbed a fast pass for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The wait time for both rides at that time was pretty much walk on! Luckily we didnt get too wet on Splash Mountain.
It was soon time to wonder around and we finally found someone who could take our pics (instead of all our self-portraits) You can see a few water spots (but nothing major).
We then walked around Liberty Square towards Fantasyland. On the way we had to stop by the Haunted Mansion. Some day I hope to get a photopass shot here with the ghosts, but never seems to be a photographer there when we are, L
Then it was time for our lunch at Crystal Palace. We eat there just about every time, because, like I said, I LOVE POOH!!! When we got to our table it was decorated for us.
We enjoyed a leisurely lunch with all the characters. Chatted with a Harley owner next to us (its a bond between them!) who took some pics for us (so wed have a few together).
We were then treated to a special celebration cupcake (so yummy)!
We were also treated with a celebration certificate signed by all the characters! (of course I dont have a pic of that).
After our lovely lunch we headed back towards POC. We stopped to enjoy the show
POC was now open so we head in to ride that. (no real wait either since it hadnt been opened long).
When we came out of the gift shop there was a photopass photographer there and I wanted a pic with Captain Hook The photographer had us switch hats??? What??? Well you can see why.
It was getting late and we have dinner plans so we decided to head out (not watching any parades or shows, lol). We had to stop by the Castle since we really hadnt gotten any pics there this day. Can you see how few people were there.
pjstevens
Had our DFTW Vow Renewal on the Wonder
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2005
- Messages
- 4,053
We have done this one before with our kids. If you see a photopass photographer just outside the Pirates gift shop, that's what he's shooting there (in addition to 'regular' pics). good luck on your quest.
btw, your siggie pic is beautiful.
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