Discovering DVC timandlesley style-A PTR, 19 days TRIP REPORT LINK PG.119!!!!!

[sharonW]

Hi everyone, sorry we've been MIA, things here have been crazy.

Luke is now EIGHT YEARS OLD, I can't believe it, my baby is eight He had an awesome birthday but it was a lot of work so that kept us busy.
We are SUPER excited about leaving for Gatlinburg Friday afternoon. We got an incredible 3 bedroom cabin for the three nights and can't wait to get out of town.
My parents are in Disney for the week so I literally have been calling them 5+ times a day checking in on them. They were at Animal Kingdom yesterday and said it was super busy but they got to see Lion King and Nemo (LOVED Nemo) and ride Dinosaur and eat at Yak and Yeti (which they loved) and check out the parade before they called it a day.
Today they were at Magic Kingdom all day (they don't have hoppers), said it was o.k. there but super crowded in Fantasyland- they did Philarmagic and Small World but said return times for PEter Pan were ridiculous and the wait times were almost at 2 hours for it. They walked onto Pirates and then did Splash Mountain (my dad got soaked, my mom LOVED it - my favorite ride too ) and Thunder Mtn. Railroad. They ate lunch at Liberty Tree (I made all their ressies for them) and they called and said how much they loved the Pot Roast there and what a great meal they had. They spent the afternoon in Tomorrowland and did the transit authority, Buzz Light Year (dad beat mom), carosel of progress and Monsters Inc. They stayed and watched Spectro Magic and loved it. Mom said they had to wait forever for a bus for Pop and they had to load 2 scooters on which took awhile. Sounds like they are having a good time - it is killing me, I want to be down there with them SO BADLY!!!! Tomorrow they are at Hollywood Studios, Mama Melrose for dinner and Fantasmic after dinner - hope they have a good day, the forecast is 79 and sunny!!!
We are excited about the low airfare from CVG (Cincinnati International Airport) but after a long discussion we decided to stick to driving - we want to have the car and be able to bring stuff down with us. But we're thrilled with the new lower fares for our November trip.
Hope you guys all have a great week. My Disney shopping order should be in soon and when they are I'll post pics!!! March is quickly approaching and it will be ressie time for dining!
Lesley

Glad your folks are enjoying their diz experience
I'm surprised that its crowded, maybe because of the upcoming
presidents weekend??

 

[punkin413]

i know how you feel, lesley! when my sister and her boyfriend went last july i was texting her the whole time seeing what they were doing. when she called me from tower of terror, i got goose bumps and got all giddy! glad to hear they're having a good time.

yes, i got some good deals. i got 3 outfits for my soon-to-be niece (due in april but she'll probably be here next month since her mommy is already having contractions) for $15! i didn't get anything for me because i don't really need anything. but i saw a lot of cute stuff!

 

[IluvXU]

Can you book your Nov trip ... are the flights out? I am so sick... we could have flown super cheap this summer and my parents are driving, and could have brought the stuff for us, but the 142 round trip, direct were gone the days we needed by the time I got home. I saw it, put could not pull the trigger... oh well. Just hope the fairs stay decent.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Thanks for all the ideas for Gatlinburg! Hope you have a great time down there this weekend!

Happy Belated Birthday to Luke!!!

Sounds like your parents are having fun! I wonder why it is so busy down there right now??? I thought February was supposed to be slow.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Happy belated bday to Luke! They grow so fast, don't they?

Sounds like your parents are having a really nice time! I always bug my family and friends when they're down there. I barrage them with phone calls!

 

[DreaGirl]

Happy Birthday Luke!!

I think you are going to like having a car there. We have gotten a rental car all but once and we really like the freedom of having it.

 

[lmillercrew]

I'm a little behind in the TR, so I will finally say Congratulations on your FREE tickets! We never get so lucky around here.
We are driving too this year and I'm kinda excited about it. I can bring whatever I can fin into my car.
Your shirts are too cute! Good job on the bargain shopping. I love great deals

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh we love Gatlinburg! It is so beautiful and quaint. You'll have a blast. Can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[Sooze]

Isn't it funny. When people we know are having fun in Disney, we're SO jealous... yet we MUST find out EXACTLY what they are doing... even tho' it kills us that we aren't there with us?!?! Crazy!

Happy Birthday to your boy! Now our boys are the same age (Until July!)

 

[MegansMom]

I totally think driving for you guys this summer makes perfect sense----I loved how you included the food/drinks/and WINE in your explanation---that would TOTALLY be Tom and I!!! C'mon, he's Italian, the wine is usually not too far away!!! ;o) BUT, I'm with you that I am so excited about the actuality of them dropping their rates for good to remain competitive!!!! That will hopefully help out in trips to come! I have been hoping for their prices to change for so long since we literally live only 5 minutes from CVG!!! I haven't purchased anything from Disneyshopping just yet---still trying to figure out what size to get Megs. I have a feeling that I will probably be making one set of purchases now for things for her to wear for the summer, and if she continues to grow in height like she has been lately, I may have to also hit the "after summer" sales before we head down there in September. BTW---thanks for the tip on AKV, I think I will definitely shoot for Jambo House if we do decide to stay there in September---I will wait for Kidani until they have had time to iron out the kinks!!!

So glad to hear that your parents are having a great time---but I can't believe how long some of the waits are!!!! I wonder why it is so busy right now!?!?!?!?

Happy Belated birthday to Mr. Luke---my how quickly they grow, huh???

 

[ArielSRL]

Late to the party but subbing now!

 

[disneyfan61]

Enjoy your time away this weekend. My DS turned 16 yesterday He is my baby (he hates it when I say that) My oldest DS just turned 20 last week. I'm getting old!!! Post your disneyshopping loot when you get it.

 

[dddisrunner]

Hey Lesley and Tim! Glad your parents are having such a great time Lesley! I am glad Luke had a terrific birthday too! Have so much fun in Gatlinburg, nothing better then getting away from it all with your family!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Have a great weekend Tim and Lesley! Happy Birthday to Luke!

WARNING: Shameless PTR plug coming - I started my PTR - come on over! Linik is in my Siggie!

 

[Trentmom]

Hi everyone, sorry we've been MIA, things here have been crazy.

Luke is now EIGHT YEARS OLD, I can't believe it, my baby is eight He had an awesome birthday but it was a lot of work so that kept us busy.
We are SUPER excited about leaving for Gatlinburg Friday afternoon. We got an incredible 3 bedroom cabin for the three nights and can't wait to get out of town.
My parents are in Disney for the week so I literally have been calling them 5+ times a day checking in on them. They were at Animal Kingdom yesterday and said it was super busy but they got to see Lion King and Nemo (LOVED Nemo) and ride Dinosaur and eat at Yak and Yeti (which they loved) and check out the parade before they called it a day.
Today they were at Magic Kingdom all day (they don't have hoppers), said it was o.k. there but super crowded in Fantasyland- they did Philarmagic and Small World but said return times for PEter Pan were ridiculous and the wait times were almost at 2 hours for it. They walked onto Pirates and then did Splash Mountain (my dad got soaked, my mom LOVED it - my favorite ride too ) and Thunder Mtn. Railroad. They ate lunch at Liberty Tree (I made all their ressies for them) and they called and said how much they loved the Pot Roast there and what a great meal they had. They spent the afternoon in Tomorrowland and did the transit authority, Buzz Light Year (dad beat mom), carosel of progress and Monsters Inc. They stayed and watched Spectro Magic and loved it. Mom said they had to wait forever for a bus for Pop and they had to load 2 scooters on which took awhile. Sounds like they are having a good time - it is killing me, I want to be down there with them SO BADLY!!!! Tomorrow they are at Hollywood Studios, Mama Melrose for dinner and Fantasmic after dinner - hope they have a good day, the forecast is 79 and sunny!!!
We are excited about the low airfare from CVG (Cincinnati International Airport) but after a long discussion we decided to stick to driving - we want to have the car and be able to bring stuff down with us. But we're thrilled with the new lower fares for our November trip.
Hope you guys all have a great week. My Disney shopping order should be in soon and when they are I'll post pics!!! March is quickly approaching and it will be ressie time for dining!
Lesley

Happy Belated Bday to Luke

Enjoy ur weekend

 

[timandlesley]

Glad your folks are enjoying their diz experience
I'm surprised that its crowded, maybe because of the upcoming
presidents weekend??

Thanks, they are. I think the crowds died down after that initial Saturday and Sunday, they have had less crowds the past few days.

i know how you feel, lesley! when my sister and her boyfriend went last july i was texting her the whole time seeing what they were doing. when she called me from tower of terror, i got goose bumps and got all giddy! glad to hear they're having a good time.

yes, i got some good deals. i got 3 outfits for my soon-to-be niece (due in april but she'll probably be here next month since her mommy is already having contractions) for $15! i didn't get anything for me because i don't really need anything. but i saw a lot of cute stuff!

I know, I feel like a Disney stalker, I call them so many times a day : ) Glad you got some good deals!!!

Can you book your Nov trip ... are the flights out? I am so sick... we could have flown super cheap this summer and my parents are driving, and could have brought the stuff for us, but the 142 round trip, direct were gone the days we needed by the time I got home. I saw it, put could not pull the trigger... oh well. Just hope the fairs stay decent.

Yes, I think once our tax refund comes if the rates are still that low then we will definitely get them.
That stinks you lost the rates, oh well, they still are pretty low for most summer dates.

Thanks for all the ideas for Gatlinburg! Hope you have a great time down there this weekend!

Happy Belated Birthday to Luke!!!

Sounds like your parents are having fun! I wonder why it is so busy down there right now??? I thought February was supposed to be slow.

Sure, Gatlinburg is lots of fun!
My mom said there were some cheerleading groups this weekend that made it crowded and now there are some tour groups but crowds have died down.

Happy belated bday to Luke! They grow so fast, don't they?

Sounds like your parents are having a really nice time! I always bug my family and friends when they're down there. I barrage them with phone calls!

Thanks, yes, MUCH too fast! They are having a good time, I barrage them with phone calls daily : )

Happy Birthday Luke!!

I think you are going to like having a car there. We have gotten a rental car all but once and we really like the freedom of having it.

Thanks!!! I think we'll like having a car down there too : )

I'm a little behind in the TR, so I will finally say Congratulations on your FREE tickets! We never get so lucky around here.
We are driving too this year and I'm kinda excited about it. I can bring whatever I can fin into my car.
Your shirts are too cute! Good job on the bargain shopping. I love great deals

Thanks, we're so excited about the tickets. I agree, the bringing whatever we can fit in the car is a huge motivation to stick to driving. I'll post our new Disneyshopping stuff after Gatlinburg, kinda crazy busy around here right now.

Oh we love Gatlinburg! It is so beautiful and quaint. You'll have a blast. Can't wait to see the pictures!

I know, so pretty, don't worry, I'll take lots of pics!

Isn't it funny. When people we know are having fun in Disney, we're SO jealous... yet we MUST find out EXACTLY what they are doing... even tho' it kills us that we aren't there with us?!?! Crazy!

Happy Birthday to your boy! Now our boys are the same age (Until July!)

I know, why do we torture ourselves like that!
Both mom's to eight year olds, I feel old : (

I totally think driving for you guys this summer makes perfect sense----I loved how you included the food/drinks/and WINE in your explanation---that would TOTALLY be Tom and I!!! C'mon, he's Italian, the wine is usually not too far away!!! ;o) BUT, I'm with you that I am so excited about the actuality of them dropping their rates for good to remain competitive!!!! That will hopefully help out in trips to come! I have been hoping for their prices to change for so long since we literally live only 5 minutes from CVG!!! I haven't purchased anything from Disneyshopping just yet---still trying to figure out what size to get Megs. I have a feeling that I will probably be making one set of purchases now for things for her to wear for the summer, and if she continues to grow in height like she has been lately, I may have to also hit the "after summer" sales before we head down there in September. BTW---thanks for the tip on AKV, I think I will definitely shoot for Jambo House if we do decide to stay there in September---I will wait for Kidani until they have had time to iron out the kinks!!!

So glad to hear that your parents are having a great time---but I can't believe how long some of the waits are!!!! I wonder why it is so busy right now!?!?!?!?

Happy Belated birthday to Mr. Luke---my how quickly they grow, huh???

Oh yes, can't forget the wine : ) Isn't that awesome about CVG, I'm so thrilled, it's about time!!! Yes, I think Jambo house is a safe bet until Kadani is all done, can't wait to stay there when it is all done though. Thanks for the b-day wishes for Luke.

Late to the party but subbing now!

Well, welcome to the party!!!

Enjoy your time away this weekend. My DS turned 16 yesterday He is my baby (he hates it when I say that) My oldest DS just turned 20 last week. I'm getting old!!! Post your disneyshopping loot when you get it.

Happy b-day to your DS, I want them to freeze at this age forever, they still love cuddling with mom : )

Hey Lesley and Tim! Glad your parents are having such a great time Lesley! I am glad Luke had a terrific birthday too! Have so much fun in Gatlinburg, nothing better then getting away from it all with your family!

Hello back at ya Diane! Thanks, you guys have fun on your getaway this weekend too, can't wait to see your pics.

Have a great weekend Tim and Lesley! Happy Birthday to Luke!

WARNING: Shameless PTR plug coming - I started my PTR - come on over! Linik is in my Siggie!

Thanks!!!!!

Happy Belated Bday to Luke

Enjoy ur weekend

Thanks so much!!!
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Sorry, things have been CRAZY busy here. (my blog has more details and pics if you want to check that out).
I am room mom for Luke's school so had to plan and buy everything for his party tomorrow, so that is crazy busy. We leave tomorrow for Gatlinburg so lots of packing going on.
I've been stalking my parents daily in Disney. They had a great meal at Yak and Yeti at AK, they enjoyed Hollywood Studios, finally convinced them to try Tower of Terror and their elevator broke down, they were stuck in there for 20 min. and then declined when offered to ride again Bummer!!! They enjoyed Mama Melrose, thought it was o.k., not their favorite but o.k. They LOVED Toy Story Mania and said they can't wait to go back and ride it again
Yesterday they were in Epcot and did Soarin', and Mission Space (for the first time). They also enjoyed Honey I shrunk the audience and had an incredible meal at Coral Reef. My mom called and said "Tell Luke he was right about the Mahi Mahi, it was incredible!" Luke loved that.
They enjoyed wine tasting in France and Illuminations.
Today they chilled by the pool at pop (in EIGHTY degree weather, sooooo jealous) had lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express, dinner at OHana's (I was drooling through the phone) and they watched the fireworks from the Poly beach, they loved that. Mom said the bar on the beach made it PERFECT
Well, our Disneyshopping order came in so look for pictures this coming week. I need to hit they hay, BIG day tomorrow: work, Luke's party, then off to Gatlinburg!!! I'll take lots of pics of our trip for you.
Then when we return pretty soon it will be March, Tour Guide Mike should have our best days out soon and then it is hard core planning time.
Still hoping my tax refund is posted tomorrow so I can buy our annual passes this week too!!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Lesley

 

[mystikgarden]

Hope you have a fun Valentine's Day party and a fabulous weekend in Gatlinburg!! Wish we were there too!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Have fun in Gatlinburg! We did our taxes Saturday and our federal posted yesterday -- I was shocked by how quickly that happened!

 

[MegansMom]

Have fun at the party and on your trip to Gatlinburg!!!! Enjoy! Happy Valentine's Day to your whole family!