DISBUG's Grand Adventures & pictures (Cont...from the SWAN/DOLPHIN FAQ thread)

[Disbug]

Wednesday, July 30, 2003: Continued from the "SWAN/DOLPHIN FAQ' thread....
SWAN epic: Day 1: We Arrive!
SWAN epic Day 2...
SWAN Epic Day 3: MGM Studios
SWAN epic Day 3: Dinner at OHANA's
SWAN epic Day 4: Animal Kingdom
SWAN epic: Day 4: Dinner at BOMA's
SWAN epic: LAST DAY *(Moving over to BWV)

Moving over from the SWAN to BWV this morning.... most everyone in our 17 member family group is either at Disney Quest or shopping at Downtown Disney. For the uninitiated here is the cast of players:
Me (Disbug) family trip planner and photographer, DH (doesn't yet "get it" but is along for the ride!), DD14, DD8, DD2 (who has CP and is a sweetie pie!), Disney Parents (mine), DSis, BIL, DNeph13, DSis, DNiece13, DB, SIL, DNeph9, DNiece9, and DNiece5.

After picking up our van from valet, DD14, DD2, and I drive over to Downtown Disney. I have coupons to use at the Rainforest cafe and they expire tomorrow! (Can't have that!) We explore all the offerings before settling on our choices and head back to the car to get our "nice" clothes we had brought to change into. The plan for lunch is the girls to gather at the GF for the Garden View Afternoon Tea at 2 PM (which is the earliest seating). DD14 is unhappy about "gussying up" so, I say "Hey, I WANT to look pretty and I'm not wearing shorts!" DD2 is changed into a dress at the DD bathroom which is near the parking lot and I change into nice slacks and shirt. Put on some make up and jewelry. VOILA! I am a new woman.... Meanwhile, DD14 left in the car with the AC on has been putting on lip gloss and touching up her face giving me an "I'm only doing this for you, Mom!" expression on her face. Ah, life is good!

Contact DH who is in Disney Quest with DD8, DB, DNeph9, and DNiece9. None of the girls wants to leave the fun they are having, so I say "Tootle Loo"! Keep having fun, we'll miss you!"

We arrive at the GF in plenty of time, DD14, DD2 and myself. SIL and DNiece5 will be joining us. We "ooh, and aah" our way through the lobby and find a cozy little seating area right next to the podium for the Garden View Tea room so, I decide this would be a good time to break out a bottle (for Phoebe, that is!)

SIL walks up right behind us and we enjoy taking in the scenery while we wait another few minutes for our 2:00 PS time. DD14 and niece begin a nice game of "Go Fish" while we chat.

People are going in so we jump up, too only to find that the next room goes up two steps and there doesn't appear to be another way in. Just as I was going to look for another way, the woman behind me gracious offers to help lift the wheelchair/stroller and I smile and thank her. Piece of cake! (Later when we are leaving we find there is a "hidden" passageway to the far left when you are exiting that is a ramp!)

We are greeted by our server, Dennis, as we are arranging ourselves around the table. He is most courteous and places a crisp white linen napkin on everyone's lap (including DD2)!

The menu has changed slightly and my SIL chooses the Buckingham Palace for $17.50 with Raspberry tea for herself, and for her DD5 the "Mrs. Potts Tea" - a variety of tea sandwiches, tuna salad, ham and cheese, peanut butter and jelly on white bread served with "magical" dark tea (chocolate milk), followed by a choice of 2 pastries (chocolate eclairs is what she chose) for $8.50. I order the Buckingham Palace also - traditional tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and jam tarts, followed by fresh strawberries and cream, along with my tea choice: the Garden View Bouquet, which is specially blended for the GF and is delicious! My DD14 decided on the assorted tea sandwiches for $8.50 and decided to brew her tea and pour it over ice! (I also shared my strawberries with her!)

Midway through our delightful tea, an afternoon thunderstorm blew in and Oh! the lightning and thunder did fly! We had a front row seat to nature's fury as we were right by the windows. (I wondered several times if lighning can travel through glass?) We finished our tea and were free to wander the grand lobby and THAT was probably the downfall of my poor DB! My SIL is now in love with this hotel and wants to stay here on their NEXT trip! OOPS! That tea party may have turned out to be more expensive if we factor in the "Gotta Stay Here Next Time" part! If you like charm and are enchanted by "Mary Poppins Old World Victorian style" you will love the Grand Floridian. DD14 compares the decor to the inside of the Titanic...!

We pause in front of the GF for one more picture before heading back to our respective hotels (BWV for us, WL for them).

We're off to check in! It's like starting a whole new vacation! See my next post for our evening adventures on the Boardwalk!

 

[Nanajo1]

What a great trip. We have a 15 member trip coming up and I like your style. Can't wait for the next installment. Thanks for all the time and effort you put in your reports.

 

[Disbug]

Wow! You read them all! That was quick! Thanks for your response, I will be continuing on here momentarily after putting DD2 down for nap.

 

[Disbug]

Well, it's past check-in time so we go to the front desk to receive our room assignment and pick up our luggage from bell services. (The Swan was to transfer it over with arrival scheduled for 3 PM.) This is our first experience with transferring luggage between hotels and I hold my breath while inquiring if it can be sent to our room. (We are staying in a lovely 1 BR complete with 2 bathrooms, a laundry, and kitchen... heaven!) The bell captain looks at me with a straight face and says they haven't received any luggage from the SWAN! Everyone starts getting on the phone at once! The Bell Captain, the Front Desk, Me! I have less than 2 hrs. to get everyone showered and changed for dinner, not to mention the diapers and formula! (Luckily I have one of each of those 2 necessary items left in her diaper bag!) We have our room key so we proceed to the elevators...
A special thank you to the CM who blocked this room for us. It is everything we asked for... close to the lobby, close to the pool, near the elevator, in a quiet area! Just Perfect!
From my room the phone is already ringing and of course, the SWAN does NOT have our luggage either, because they sent it to the BWV. In the end, they find it at the BWV, but since the SWAN driver (who they had to track down and send back over to the BWV) did not follow procedure, he was considered at fault... No matter! We now have our luggage and we're happy with that! I proceed to start nesting again and unpacking what we'll need for the next 3 days/2 nights while proceeding to do a load of laundry. (Why is it when you are on vacation, doing laundry in your room is such a luxury?)

The rest of the family gets back from Disney Quest and gets "clean and pretty" before we head out to SPOODLES which is on the BOARDWALK... not far at all. It is overcast, but the rain is supposedly done for the day and we do not bring umbrellas with.

Now, SPOODLES is a different animal than just normal PS reservations. These are the Real McCoy and if you made reservations for 17 people, you HAD better HAVE 17 people! We have 15 people! My mother and sister are shopping at DD and were supposed to arrive by bus, but are not here. We decide to be seated since we have a timeline... have to be at the YC/BC marina by 8:15 for our Illuminations Cruise. (Never been! Very much looking forward to!) We are seated in a nice section all the way to the far left of SPOODLES as you come in the door. There is only one other family in there and I am videotaping as I walk in. I have it on film saying, "Oh, you poor people! You probably asked for a nice quiet corner!" Luckily (for them) they were just finishing up their dinner and we ended up having the whole section to ourselves. Here are is a fuzzy picture of our gang sans two!

Mom and Sis show up and split an entree. It turns out they had returned to the WL from DD to put their packages in the room. They even saw family leaving the parking lot enroute to BW. They then found they would have to take a bus back to DD to pick up one for the BW! So better late than never, they got here!

I have glow necklaces for everyone and give them out while we proceed to make a run for the YC/BC marina. We are "borderline" on time! Our Captain proceeds to check us in, give us the low-down on life jackets (poor DD8 is the only one who has to wear one)... The pontoon boat can only accomodate 12 people with 10 adults max, so my DB, SIL, and their 3 kids decide to head back to the WL after a little fun time on the BW. My DH was going to do the same with DD2, but at the last minute decides to join us... We take off with our Captain who is the self proclaimed "Disney God of Trivia"!

We head over to MGM studios via Crescent Lake and learn all kinds of interesting things about the building of WDW. (Did you know the most expensive attraction built in WDW was the ToT at $183 million??) This little part of the cruise is a precursor to the main event of having a front row seat to "ILLUMINATIONS" at EPCOT. We are parked side by side with other pontoon boats underneath the little bridge between England and France.... Before we can get there, poor DD2 suffers meltdown and we have to make a quick UE to the International Gateway to let off one very unhappy passenger and a gracious DH who volunteers to stroll her back to the room!

We had to wait on a large boat that was already parked there and did not seem to want to leave! Our Captain did something to the jet propulsion (like reverse, maybe?) and we stopped so hard DD14 fell to the floor! If DD2 had not been strapped in with wheels locked, she would have had a swimming lesson! He was very apologetic and we were very understanding as he was dealing with a special situation! All turned out fine with us zooming into position just shortly after the show had started. Afterwards we all agreed it was well worth doing, and our captain agreed to drop us off at the BW marina as it was more convenient to everyone!

Another day of fun has come to an end and tomorrow is the much anticipated MAGIC KINGDOM EARLY ENTRY DAY! No sleeping in tomorrow. See you then!

 

[ozziewags]

Okay, Disbug....I followed you here...I am waiting for the next installment! One tip about picture taking that I learned from a fellow Dis-er is to look through the eye piece and not look at the lcd display....because it helps to hold the camera still. It is sort of snuggled up to your nose. I also found out that is the trick for night shots.....even a tripod! Please, do not be offended, because I love your photos too!

 

[Disbug]

Ozzie... I would not, COULD not be offended! I am so grateful for all of your input! I know for a fact my problem was not waiting for the picture to complete. In fact several times the picture did not take because I did not press the button far enough! If my Brother, Father, and BIL would hurry and forward me their photos I would be able to save myself the embarassment!

 

[Disbug]

Thursday, July 31st, 2003: 0600 hrs REVEILLEE!

Da, doo, doodaloo, da, doo, doodaloo, RISE AND SHINE!

"GOOOOD MOOORNING, FAMILLEE! It's early entry day at the Magic Kingdom and this is no time for wimping out. It's going to take BRAINS, it's going to take CUNNING, it's going to take GUTS AND STAMINA to go out there with 100,000 other people racing to be first in line for DUMBO! Now everybody up and at' em, let's get a move on, time's a wastin'... IT'S COMMANDO DAY IN THE PARK!"

Ah, the sweet smell of the troops before going into the field. Checking out our equipment and rations. Everyone in uniform? Moleskin on tootsies? Check. Thorlo socks and/or or Nike Straprunners? Check. Fanny pack filled with snacks, chapstick, hair brush, winto-green lifesavers? Check. Pin lanyards on straight with AP and Fastpass holder? Check. Visors? Sunscreen? Radios? Water bottles? Miracool neckscarves? Diaper bag packed? Bottle warmed? AYE AYE READY FOR ACTION, MOM! I AM SO, Proud! (Side note: DD14 falls out, promises to join us for lunch, rolls back over...sigh!)
My troops are well trained and prepared for the biggest challenge of our entire stay. How to successfully navigate the Magic Kingdom as if we were the only ones there. There are many strategies out there and I have tried a few. Personally, I am not a fan of the "criss-cross the park" plan, even though I have done it and it probably does save time. But, you lose it when you collapse from exhaustion... not having had Iron Man triathalon training experience under your belt. This is my favorite park, make no bones about it... because it IS the most challenging to navigate. It will make you or break you, because it is on every DISNEY CHILD's LIST OF MUST DO! People come to WDW and you hear of them skipping MGM Studios or EPCOT. Some even AK. But, if you ever hear of them skipping MK, they either don't have kids... or, well, I can't THINK of a good reason they wouldn't go!

Once again, we call valet and pick up the van! I can't help it! I LIKE driving, AND I know where I'm going! The plan is for everyone to arrive by 7:30 AM at the turnstiles. There is only one flaw with my plan and Disney itself screws it up... they are NOT letting people through the turnstiles, but HOLDING them there. NOT only is this INSANE. (Imagine boats, buses, and monorails continously off-loading people... where are they going to go? Forward? Not hardly, we are in the "sardine position" as it were...) I chuckle as a Security Guard comes up to those of us near the front of the turnstiles and says "Look down at your feet. If you can see pavement you have too much room. Now is that a politically incorrect thing to say or WHAT? I mean what about those people who look down and NEVER see the pavement even with no one in front of them? (Think about THAT!) "MOVE FORWARD?" I chuckle and pose to him, "Wouldn't it be easier to let us THROUGH THE TURNSTILES?" The lines are backed up all the way through the security checkpoints.

A NOTE TO ANY OF THE DISNEY "SUITS" WHO MAY READ THIS!! (Let me see if I can put this as nicely as I can... Jumping up on soapbox now!) I know for a fact this strategy LOST you money that day... By holding everyone outside, instead of setting up rope drops at the normal points before Cinderellla's castle and Tomorrowland, no one could get in early to rent strollers, get a locker, or Buy a Muffin and a cup of Coffee at the Main Street Bakery. (I was kind of looking forward to this as we had skipped breakfast to make it on time!) Instead you effectively robbed the early entry people of 15 to 20 minutes of our time for riding, created a mob mentality.... people were now intent on "getting to the rides" and weren't stopping for anything else! It was crazy and if I find it's your new policy I do not consider 30 to 45 mins of early entry worth my time to bother coming to the MK on these mornings!! Whatever happened to 90 min "SURPRISE MORNINGS"? NOW THAT was incentive to get out of bed! LOL!

Calming down ... Whew... feel better now.

Well, being as how we ARE a "DUMBO or DIE" family we are in the "Fantasyland Footrace"! Stop for pictures on Main Street? Sorry, NO CAN DO , (allright, just one of the castle)! We are on a mission...

By the time we reach FantasyLand we have 45 early entry minutes left and crowds are streaming in. I break out my 2-way radio and start leading my troops through the maze. DUMBO, as charming as it is slow, takes more time to listen to the instructions on "placing the plastic chip on Dumbo's right ear" than the actual duration of the ride, but it gives us time to feed the baby, buy film, take some photos and regroup. I grab Fastpasses for Winnie the Pooh, and after Dumbo lets our elementary set off, we head for Peter Pan. We get in line even though Peter Pan now offers Fastpasses (wish I'd known that before I got them for WTP, oh well!). DH has run off to change emergency diaper for DD2, but manages to make it back before we ride. The people behind us graciously insist on letting him in line so he may ride with me, otherwise I would have the ship all to myself!

While in line, we see more of our group who have found us with their 2-way radios triangulating our position! After the ride, we zip to the carousel horses, which are not to be missed, IMHO! There are other carousels to be sure.... but, none with the history, the music, the character, OR the LOCATION of this one! We ALL Ride!

Then it's off to SNOW WHITE and the TEA CUPS! I have the video cam going on this one as I ride in a teacup built for 3 toddler behinds with 4 1/2 adult behinds (I give myself a 1-1/2 to be fair!) We must all stand to close the little door! We are spinning hilariously, with me taping the episode! PRICELESS FOOTAGE! We have not laughed this much together since we were kids! Which is what we become when we return to this magical place! It's that "COCCOON" feeling... being young at heart!

We are approaching Tomorrowland and zip on over to BUZZ LIGHTYEAR. After riding, we send most onto the WEDWAY PEOPLE MOVER, while the diehard coaster riders go on SPACE MOUNTAIN! We regroup in time to use our Fast Passes for WTP... One of my favorite rides in FANTASYLAND! Afterwards, we hit it's a SMALL WORLD and go through the handicapped line due to DD2's wheelchair/stroller. The poor man running the ride definitely needed help and after making us wait a long while, but letting everyone who had come in behind us keep getting on.... he finally put us on a boat. (We were able to carry DD2 onto a regular boat. He even let one handicap accessible boat go without putting us on.)

I head to Frontierland for Fastpasses (SM or BTMRR) and send everyone else to the PLAZA for our PS Reservations at 11 AM. By the time I return, the entire group has joined us for lunch! I present all of the children with their "TEMPORARY RULER OF THE REALM" crowns (hand-made BK paper crowns, spray-painted and set with various jewels and pearls from broken costume jewelry and sprinkled with "pixie dust", of course! I even have a tiny austrian crystal "pageant crown" for DD2 which has a comb to keep it in place!

Now for the serious business of reviewing the PLAZA restaurant. We've got some SERIOUS attitude problems here folks! The host CM broke our group up, which was understandable due to the size, but placed my DB and SIL clear across the room when a table was available right next to us When I point this out, they refuse to move them. I moved over to the kids table to allow them to be seated with my parents. Our server, Tracey was EXCEPTIONAL. Kind, efficient courteous, the BEST! However, in a matter of 5 minutes the OTHER server who was taking care of my parents' table managed to offend every person at the table (except DD2)! I could see something was wrong and that they were not having fun, so I went over and sure enough, SIL whispered that their server was rude and making them feel he was "doing them a favor by waiting on them"!

I'll fix that... be right back

After engaging Tracey and explaining the situation we ask if she would mind handling both tables? She graciously agrees to do so. I then ask another waiter who is headed into the kitchen if he would ask the manager to step out for a sec. Upon spying the ex-waiter, I intercept him and quietly explain how he has blown his tip and that I don't know how he could manage to offend 5 perfectly nice "tippers", but that he has been relieved of his duties for that table. He proceeds over to their table and drops the ketchup, mustard, and mayo about an inch or so from the top of the table and turns on his heel to the kitchen!

About then the Manager appears and I explain how we are here to enjoy a fun day and the PLAZA was getting a reputation for CM attitudes. (I had read this several times on the boards and was a little concerned, but hoped we would not encounter this...) More than serving food, a CM's job involves being a part of the magic that is Disney and no more so, than at the MK for gosh sakes! The impatience of their waiter (he was not a CM, IMHO) was unacceptable to me. The manager promised to speak to him, but it is a concern that more than one of us that posts is having this happen. This suggests a general attitude amongst the staff and that comes from management. I am hoping, with the exception of the "Tracey's" out there, that a major shake-up occurs within the PLAZA staffing and a friendlier group is employed. I would rather have a friendlier staff and a little less efficiency if that is the trade-off!

Lunch is over, including the luscious banana split! (THANK GOODNESS!) and we can get back to riding. Let's go to Frontierland! Fastpasses for BTMRR for everyone! YAY!

One thing I have learned about Fastpasses... they don't do any good if the ride is broken down. Yes, the ride is broken down! Subsequently, SM is mobbed to the 90 minute mark. We are baking on the pavement, trying to decide if it's hot enough to fry an egg ~ when we decide to leave and go to Pirate's of the Carribean .

We collect our strollers and start to leave, BUT WAIT they are letting people in! Quick park the strollers, find Fastpasses! Get in Line! WOOHOO! LET'S GO! We ride twice since we know SM is out for the day.... Such a fun ride, especially with a group!

By now I've had it and so has DD2, for those who have been following my thread it is now, "_ _ _" time (nap time for the newbies!) I stroll out with DD2, DD8, and DNiece9 all of whom want to try out the Luna Park Pool before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in. So off we go, back to the BWV! See everybody later! Stay dry!

 

[#1hockeymom]

Disbug>> Thank you for giving me the link for the continuation of your story! I am glad that everything was handled at the Plaza. You did well! I LOVE the picture of your beautiful daughter and beautiful niece; will this be a trend in photos? If it isn't, you should consider it! My how they have grown! I will be watching this thread for updates! I am sure you will all continue having a wonderful time!

Debbie

 

[lonegungirl]

What great trip reports! I want to go with your family next time--I tried to organize a semi-family trip this last time, but it was something of a failure. The other half of our group was staying off-property so they couldn't get to the parks at the same time we did...and then they tried to do things in the same order we did, so we rarely ever met up and just left innumerous voice mail messages for each other. Plus they never wanted to eat out (they had a kitchen in their suite) so we never saw them for meals either. I had reserved a MK fireworks cruise for the party, and then a few days before, they said they didn't want to do it...and then called a few hours before (after they were assured they didn't have to pay) to join up.

Plus, I totally envy all of you with kids that are really into the "magic." I don't have any kids, but the ones in our family seem entirely jaded--the older one didn't even want to come back to the parks after about 3 days, preferring to sleep in the hotel. Next time I'm renting some enthusiastic kids to go with me...

 

[Mouseteacher]

Hi, Disbug - I walked all the waay over here from the S/D thread to follow your wonderful adventures in the World!

 

[Nanajo1]

Another great day! How did the manager react to your concerns? I'm so glad you spoke up. I want to go on your next trip.

 

[judirain]

Hi Disbug I'm here enjoying your reports. Thanks for the link. Your reports are so great I feel like I am experienceing everything right along side you.

 

[Disbug]

OH, THANK you all for following me over and reading! I wanted to capture what happened and the way I remember it before "Alzheimer's" sets in (probably in about another week when both girls are in school... DD14 started last Thursday (college-prep magnet), DD8 starts next Wednesday (parochial school)... and DD2 will start as well, in January. CP children start public school at the age of 3 in Florida.)

Your comments are SO appreciated. That day at the Magic Kingdom was a doozy! The hardest part sometimes is trying to regroup when something doesn't work, keeping your cool and realizing the ultimate goal is just to be together and have fun!

~nanajo 1: When we were at the PLAZA, I don't know if the servers were being pushed by management to "turn tables over" and to "pack em in like sardines" because the place is S-O-O Small, or what. The manager listened to my concerns, nodded her head a few times, asked for some specifics, then said she would "have a talk" with the server. (*I try to remember to only use CM's names when I have praise for them, because gosh we can ALL have an "OFF" day and I hope that is all it was for him.

~Mouseteacher! You walked! I would have given you a ride if I'd known! Thanks for taking the time. I know how busy you must be right about now!

~#1hockeymom! Thanks for the PM. Yes, I deliberately took that picture, but did not pose it, too funny. It is a lot like the first one! Their personalities show through on that picture and although a little dark, I'm fond of it! I am still new to linking and I changed the link to bring you directly to the beginning of the thread. I think the other one took you to a post? *Does anyone know how to link to a specific post? When I tried to do it for the SWAN epic links, seems like it just took you to the beginning of the page the post was on...

~judirain! HELLO and WELCOME!

~lonegungirl! Wow! Hi compliments for my kids and the trip. Thanks for both! Weren't we at the SWAN at the same time? For some reason I didn't get a message to you before you left. We were there July 26 - 30th...

 

[Disbug]

~lonegungirl! Thought about what you said of your last "semi-family" trip and had a similar experience the last time we all attempted this type of trip.

This type of trip can work with everyone at differerent hotels (look at me, we went from the SWAN to the BWV then on to WL). Everyone has to want to be with each other sometime in the trip, either for meals, activities, swimming, or going to the parks. Otherwise, what's the point of being there together?? Sounds like you had some inconsiderate people there who didn't appreciate your efforts and YOUR vacation suffered from it! My daughters worried that this would happen to me, but I had a plan for every day. Everyone had INPUT and had at least one thing they asked for (usually more)! There was too much fun for any one to want to miss! (Even my younger sister and BIL who are "do our own thing." late sleepers. etc.. were at everything on the schedule by the end of the week! "No pressure, no stress, come if you can, we'll miss you if you can't" type of week....

Since your group sounded like they were on a budget by eating all their meals in their suite/condo, it's too bad they couldn't compromise by being on time for the parks! *My group knew they would have to catch up if they were late. So, 2-way radios kept us in touch. They would just have to skip the rides we had already done if they wanted to tour with us.

I learned from last time that waiting around for the late comers only reinforces lateness the next time and makes everyone who was on time grumpy!

Have a good day!

 

[firstmickey]

Disbug,
I also followed you here and am enjoying your trip reports!

I want to know, how long did it take you to gather and make all those presents, hats, necklaces etc for everyone before you went.
I hope they all appreciated how much time and effort you put into it for them! What a great thing to do!!!!

Donna

 

[Mouseteacher]

To manage a large group can be challenging! The first thing that helps is that everyone should be Disneyphiles!!! Fortunately, when the 14 of us went a few years ago and last summer 8 of us, we all fall into that category. I agree with Disbug, you do not have to be joined at the hip but do agree to spend a part of the day together. We would start our mornings off with breakfast together (we all stayed at the same resort) and then went to the parks together doing a few attractions - then, usually branched off by lunch time. We usually met up for dinner or afterwards if not all wanted do dinner at at a sit down restauarant.

Patience and good humor is the key to extended family trips~ Looks like you accomplished that, Disbug!

 

[Disbug]

Isn't that so? HUMOR can solve so many things! I keep hearing stories back from the family on how much fun we had, the glow just keeps on going... just like we were still on vacation!

 

[Disbug]

Well, firstmickey... I'd have to say inspiration struck at different times. I would see some cool mardi gras type "star" necklaces in bright colors in my craft box and think.... stars..MGM studios! Click... one idea! I would be in Walmart and saw the bush of red silk hibiscus flowers and then voila! I would remember we were going to OHANA's. I really don't think about the time or the cost... It's kind of like a gift from me to them and I really don't equate it from anywhere but the heart. If I were to think about it differently I might go, "WOH! Wait a minute!"

I am really cost conscious and buy things on sale and on EBAY. Unless something is just perfect and I know I haven't seen it anywhere else... then I would be tempted to pay full price!

My daughters would say every time they saw me I was either hot-glueing, spray-painting, or doing something on the computer (especially the last month before we left)... Of course, this was in between work, cleaning the house, packing, the baby, church activites... I would usually get up early, or stay up late to work on projects. *My SIL invited my older sister and niece to come with us the week before we were leaving and I had to scramble to make them, "one of everything" also, so that is why they probably thought I looked so busy towards the start of our vacation. I started planning the itinerary and making PS reservations about 4 months in advance. Hope this doesn't scare you from doing the same!

Have a great Sunday!

 

[Disbug]

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2003

After leaving the MK from our early entry day, we arrive at the BWV and jump into our swim suits. DH has decided to come back as well and volunteers to watch DD2 take a nap (and maybe watch a Yankees game if nothing else is on...LOL!) We are SO close to the pool and run right out and jump in. Feels GREAT! So refreshing. I take pictures of DNiece9 and DD8 going down the Luna Park Coaster slide and do a little videotaping before settling down on my lounge chair to read another 5 words of the entire 2 paragraphs I read that entire week! The lifeguards are organizing a "cannon ball" contest and enlist my two little "energizer bunnies" to help round up contestants. Ah, so beautiful here... puffy clouds, blue skies, sounds of laughing children. Deep sigh, close my eyes... listen to the rumble of thunder! Ackk! Open eyes and the wind has picked up suddenly. There are whitecaps in the pool. Lifeguards are shouting "Get out of the Pool...NOW!" We take our cue and grab our things and head inside as the lightning starts its show!

Inside I put some bubble bath in the jacuzzi and voila! we have a giant bubble tub for 2 cold wet girls! They are so funny with just their faces sticking out of all those bubbles! (I have to make an emergency visit to the bathroom when the girls start shrieking that the bubbles are twice as high as the tub and heading for the floor!)

DD2 is now cooing and I open her curtains a little so she can see out. This always makes her smile. Me, too! Our view is of the front entrance, but it is beautiful and quiet so for us... perfect!

DD14 has agreed to stay and watch DD2 in the room while we take DD8 and the other cousins to the Cub's Den at WL on our way to the California Grill! We arrive and take all the little Cubs to their playhouse and we're off to the Contemporary via boat. One problem.. it's raining (still)! We have the group of 8 assembled in the WL lobby but everytime we turn around someone disappears to: a) get a jacket~ it might get cold. b) get an umbrella ~ it's raining c) get ponchos (see reason b).
Finally, enmasse to the Marina we go (giggling like a bunch of kids)! Wait until the last minute to don ponchos... my rhinestones looked particularly spiffy with the Animal Kingdom poncho! We ride the boat over feeling a little like we are on the sea of Galilee with the waves we encounter! When we dock, it takes longer for everyone to get off as we have to time our step with the boat swells! Outside the Contemporary we de-poncho ourselves. Thank goodness for good hairspray! You really can't tell we've been out in the weather !

We find an "UP" escalator and up we go. Seeing a bank of elevators, we get in and see a beautiful picture inside advertising the California Grill on the 15th floor. Everybody in? We go to press the button and there are only 14 buttons (and the 14th floor requires card key access!!) We go up to floor 6 or 9... get off and go across to another bank of elevators. Thank goodness this one has a "15" on it! When the doors open you are not prepared for the beauty of the place. A huge contemporary fresh flower arrangement is at the front check-in desk and the view is spectacular! We have reservations for 8 PM and are told they are running 30 to 40 minutes behind... but, you know what? We DON'T CARE! It's adults night out and we are having fun... We go to the lounge and order some adult beverages. Once again I order a house red wine, probably merlot. We are able to gather several comfy chairs around a coffee table and sofa near the windows and the time passes quickly as we admire the sunset from the top of the Contemporary Hotel!

After a few minutes, the automatic pleated sunshades start descending and I ask our server what is happening and she responds "someone must have complained about the glare from the sun.." WHAT?? We have a BEAUTIFUL sunset going here, who could complain about that? The manager is nearby and I go over and quietly ask, what's up with this. He confirms their policy is to leave the shades up until they receive the first complaint (usually from a patron without glare protection on their glasses). He said in about 10 minutes they would lift the shades and he promised me a most spectacular sunset! Well, true to his word that is what happened and we did enjoy the most perfect sunset and it just went on forever!

Our meal was spectacular! Delicious to the eye as well as the palette. My family is particularly fond of sushi so 2 of the deluxe sampler platters were ordered and was plenty for all 8 of us. I started with a caesar salad. (adventurous, huh?) We ordered 2 bottles of wine, the white a pinot grigiot, the red a charvez (sp?) from Australia. *I will have to check with him about that wine! It was very excellent and recommended by our waiter, Walter!

Oh, yes... at this point I MUST stop and commend our most excellent waiter Walter! He was the best waiter I have ever had in my 40 something years (you know what? today is my BD so I'll be honest once a year... today I am 45!) BACK TO WALTER... he was so gracious, unobtrusive, extremely knowledgeable about everything on the menu. Efficient, patient... I would definitely have to ask if he would be our server when we go back! The main course... my brother and I had the signature pork tenderloin. (At a restaurant that changes its selections daily... something "standard" on the menu would have to be outstanding, wouldn't it? And it was!) At the end of the meal the die hard creme brulee fans were delighted by a breme brulee sampler... YUM! We also mentioned we were celebrating my mom's BD so out comes...... a California Grill slice of chocolate cake in raspberry sauce.

Just as we are finishing up, the house lights dim, we hear music and VOILA! the fireworks over Cinderella's Castle! What an awe inspiring beautiful finish to our meal. We had been enjoying the "Kiss Goodnight".... (after it gets dark, the castle changes colors, like a rainbow). We have a great view of the castle and are enjoying this postlude to our dinner, when all of a sudden a gaggle of children run up to the windows and stand in front of everybody! Now, if these had been my children I would have run after them and brought them back to our own table. When no parents appear, I half stand up and nicely say, "Children, YOOHOO! Go back to your own tables. Thank you, we can't see! Yes, I'm talking to you!" The children look at me. I look at them smiling and say in my nicest voice "I'm not kidding!" The children leave.

Honestly! I am hoping those parents did not send their children up saying, "Go ahead! Those people won't mind. You are so cute I'm sure they would want you to join them." I must mention at this time there is an observation deck that our waiter pointed out to us for those people who don't have as much as a view so they may enjoy the fireworks also. Maybe their waiter did not give them that information??

We finish our coffee and conversation and start to head back to the WL. The boat is not running and we are approaching 11 PM, so a cab seems in order. As luck would have it there is one waiting... a van, perfect for 8! We all clamor in, when the driver says, "Sorry... can only transport 7 at a time!" Mom and Dad jump out... all the while my Sister (who is a savvy traveler and takes cabs a lot) tries to convince him we are not going far.. Pretty please?" Charm does not work and my parents are quite content to take the next cab. We have to get our children from the Cub's Den before they turn into pumpkins! Off we go... a $3 cab ride for the 7 of us~ not bad!

We decide to leave DD8 to spend the night with my brother's children since they have 2 rooms and we will be moving over to WL in the morning. Good night, all! "Sleep tight! Don't let the bed bugs bite!"

 

[marymrg]

I'm still enjoying the reports!

mg