Disneymoon 10/8-10/18 w/pics *UPDATED 2/7* Days 10 and 11 - Final day!!!

[silverangel879]

Cute Xmas Tree!!!
Happy Holidays!....Great Report

 

[Mary626]

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the great trip report! It looks like you guys had an awesome time, loved the pictures of you and Tracy, you guys photograph really well together!! That picture of you in front of the castle where everyone else is blurry is so cool!! I really want to get a picture like that next time I'm at WDW. It was a lot of fun reading your TR, brought back a lot of fond memories of my disneymoon. You both looked really happy and adorable together! Congratulations on your wedding!!

 

[Stallion]

Sorry to all the faithful readers, the holidays are a busy time! Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday!!!! I know Santa was good to us

Day 7 – 10/14/06

We awake bright and early at 7am and get ready to head back to MGM for the morning. The Party for the Senses isn’t until the evening so we’ve got plenty of time. We had just missed the boat on our dock and take a walk over to the Boardwalk to catch that boat.
Some morning pics

We had wanted to get there for the opening but missed it by just a half hour but we knew there was plenty of time to ride as much as we wanted. We get to the security gate and the guard asks us our names and where we’re from, then all of sudden he grabs both of us and announces to the entire front entrance “This is Tracy and Steve from New Jersey and they just got married!” It was a little embarrassing but we loved the attention 
Since it was early we headed to RNR to grab some fastpasses, and by that time it was for around 11 but that gave us time to do some other things.
Star Tours winds up being our first ride, there was no wait.

Here’s where another surprise happens. While moving through the line we finally come to a stop just before you enter the loading area. A CM yells for 2 people, and everyone in front of us was more and we stepped up. We walked all the way to the right and filled in the rest of the row. That’s when I we notice two of the dream squad hanging around our area. Tracy keeps looking at me asking what’s happening and I say I don’t know, maybe they’re just walking through, I didn’t know. Once we board and everyone is seated, one of the dream squad ladies announces to everyone that we’ve won dream fastpasses for the day!

We were very excited, we didn’t think that we’d win something!! The pass is only good for that day, and it has RNR, Star Tours, Lights Motors Action, Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones and Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

StormTrooper and I
Shortly after all the excitement, and another bathroom break from me, we head towards RNR and use the original fastpass. We got the front car!!! As soon as the lady pointed us toward row 1 my stomach dropped a little. It was exciting and I just remember telling Tracy to make sure she keeps her head back and off we go! I forgot that you go upside down immediately! After the ride and adrenaline rush, we make our way to
the Studio Backlot tour, in which I always seem to get the end seat closest to water in the earthquake scene.

This was the bone ball that Jack was stuck in for Pirates 2

Dooms Dip machine from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Herbie in 2! This is from Lights, Motors Action. The next show time was too late so we opted not to see it. We did see it last March when it was still in preview mode.

Demolition Herbie from Fully Loaded
After the tour, we didn’t have to walk too far until the Cars characters came out again!

That girl was from Bel Air and we went to the same high school! Albeit, she graduated 5 years after me.
Shortly after, our camera started acting funny. We’d turn it on, and then it would shut right off. After several failed attempts, we ran into a CM who said it might be the batteries. It couldn’t be the ultra expensive, long lasting batteries we just bought on Monday, could it? Yep, it was. Luckily Tracy carried the spares with her and it was fixed right away. He took a nice picture of us.

Me and Herbie!!
We ran back over to the Cars to get more pictures

This is one of my favorite pics:

It’s turkey leg time! What a great lunch. It’s funny to see people’s reaction to the leg. Meat on a stick! Tracy got a hot dog and then we were off just to walk and do some shopping. I was out of diet Coke and took my cup to the next station and the woman said they didn’t have fountain, but I can just take a bottle. Take a bottle, that means it’s free! We finally got a freebie!!! Sure, it was a regular bottle of diet coke, but free nonetheless. Thank you counter working girl!

 

[Stallion]

Walked around the park some and took pictures:

After walking into several stores and buying little things, we walk out to see a street performance starting. This one had about 6 or 7 players, and the bit was someone shaved this poor woman’s dog bald. The “cop” walked up to each person and they had to give him an alibi, in which they grabbed a person out of the crowd and made them act out something. Well this one woman had to come up with one, and she saw Tracy’s ears and said she was in her wedding. “Oh yeah, then show me how you walked down the aisle!” She then took her by the hand and walked behind her holding up the veil.

It was really funny, and we all had a good laugh. For those we haven’t seen the skit, I won’t ruin the ending for you.
Another bathroom break for me and our day at MGM was over. We never used our dream fastpasses since we wanted to relax at the pool before the Party for the Senses.

Some parting shots of MGM. It was a great day of fun and surprises and were sad to leave.
And of course, our PhotoPass pictures from the day

We hopped on the boat back to the Beach club and got changed for the pool. We decided to try the quiet pool since it was right outside our room, and there was no one there. We had the pool to ourselves for a little while! We were going to try Stormalong bay the next day, so this was nice.

After an hour or so by the pool, we head back to the room for a shower, shave and some TV before the big party! Since it was within walking distance, we had plenty of time!

Stay tuned for Part 2! Sorry this was such a long delay.

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

Hope you had a good holiday! Thanks for the new installments! You got a cameo on our trip report. After reading the first part of yours before we left, we ended up at table 13 for the HDDR! And, having read your TR, we knew we were in for something special.

 

[luvfigment]

Looking forward to the next installment...

You moved too didn't you? Weren't you living in MD at the begining of this report and now you are in Arlington?

 

[Stallion]

Hope you had a good holiday! Thanks for the new installments! You got a cameo on our trip report. After reading the first part of yours before we left, we ended up at table 13 for the HDDR! And, having read your TR, we knew we were in for something special.

Thanks for the shout out! Our holiday was a lot of fun, sad it's all over. Hope yours was good too!

Looking forward to the next installment...

You moved too didn't you? Weren't you living in MD at the begining of this report and now you are in Arlington?

When I first signed up in 03 I was living in MD, but I just didn't update my profile until later. Can't wait to move

Sorry to everyone for the lateness again, we just found the menu from the Party for the Senses and can now tell you exactly what we tried!! Sadly though, the report is not yet ready I should get to finish it tomorrow. Writing trip reports are tougher than they look Thanks to everyone for reading!!!!!

 

[Stallion]

Day 7 part 2

We had to be at the World Showcase Pavilion by 6:30 and since the walk was short we left a little after 6. Since it’s Saturday night, the park is pretty crowded. We had no idea what we were in for when we got to the big double doors to the entrance with the mob of people waiting to get it. It’s pretty much first come first serve so regardless of where you were standing, someone would always come to your left and right and make their in front of you. We weren’t in a hurry, but I was concerned about getting a table. Once the doors opened at 7, we were all shifted to the right, waiting again. There were some people with wristbands walking past on the left, making their way in. Apparently, you could check in at the stage where the band was playing, but since we decided to skip that part we had to wait with everyone else. Get to the front, they check our ID’s and give us menus and wine glasses.

Now here is the ENTIRE menu:

If you look closely you can see items that are checked off
Once we’re inside we quickly make our way to find a table. There aren’t a lot of people in, but still enough that all the tables with chairs are gone. We make our way to a standing only table right next to the Cirque Du Soleil stage. We had done our homework on the disboards and took the advice of many: One stays at the table while the other goes to get food.
For those who haven’t attended and are interested in going, here’s the deal. There are 6 stations, all a different color: Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Green and Pink. Each offer different foods, but are mainly highlighted by the chef. There are a couple entrees, desserts and then wines. It was A LOT of food.

During the course of the evening we’d get different couples here and there asking if they could stand at our table and we didn’t mind at all. Every time one would finish their meals, they’d pack up and leave. Eventually a woman and several of her family members arrived at our table. After talking with her, we found out she’s a conceirege at the Grand Flordian. When we told her our hotel story, she said that’s not the way it should have been handled and to make sure we call when we get back to complain.
Now I can’t tell you the exact order of what we ate, but can tell you what we ate. We didn’t have any wine, as we’re not really drinkers.
Red
Tanglewood Farms Chicken with Vegatable Spring Roll, Edamane, Bok Choy Salad and a Soy-Sake Glaze
Wild Autumn Mushroom Polenta with Onion Jam and Sweet Corn Fondue
Fleur de Sel-coated Wild Salmon and Snapper with Hearts of Palm, Conch and Crab

Blue
Medaghioni di Vitello all’Albese con Rapini al Brucciolo
(apparently that’s all we ate in blue!)

Purple – Nothing there either!

Yellow
Talas Borek, Puff Pastry with Lamb
Goat Cheese-filled Black-Eyed Pea Cake with Wilted Greens, Olives and Spicy Tomato Sauce

Green
Pan-seared Coriander Halibut with Noodles and a Ginger-Green Tea Broth
Pan-Seared Scallops with a Coconut-Chili-Lime Glaze
Bison Tenderloin with Feta, Rosemary Flatbread and Tomato Salata
Pan-seared Wild American Shrimp over Fennel Mousseline with Currant Tomato and Tarragon Cream
Pastries – Chocolate cubed - This is from Keegan Gerhard from the food network, I met him!
Lemoncella Ravioli over Chocolate Mascarpone Cream with Orange-Raspberry Sauce

Pink
Applewood-smoked Duck Breast with Mascarpone Polenta Mushroom Ragout and Coriander Citrus
Pan-seared Hudson Valley Duck Breast with Savory Cranberry Cheesecake, Micro Chard and a Cranberry-Orange Reduction

We might have had other items, but don’t remember. I just remember all of it was really good and filling. If you go, make sure you pace yourself. There’s plenty of food to go around. If a line is long, move onto another station and get something else because you can go back as much as you want.
Over dinner, we saw 2 La Nouba shows which were good. Wouldn’t pay to see it normally, but they were good.
A note to the men – if you’re leaving the restroom, open the door SLOWLY. There are pay phones on the right and I knocked into some guy holding a drink. He was cool with it, but just be careful!
We had been there just about 2 hours and were too full to continue.

On the way out, the Cirque people were doing face painting and Tracy wanted hers done. There are only a few people in front of us and after some time, she gets her done.

Isn’t she pretty It came off easily but it was fun for her to do.
Since it was only 9:15 and we were already back in the room on a Saturday night, we decide to stay in  We’ve got an early breakfast at Kona Café at 9:30 and there we no plans for Sunday except dinner at Boma so relaxing was our best bet. I set the alarm and watch the NASCAR race while playing DS and she will read until she falls asleep.

Next up – Day 8 – MK for the day, a No Way Jose, a lazy river and Boma.

 

[mlill]

I've been waiting for your Party for the Senses review! We've never been to one, and it's high up on our list of things to do in WDW! I had heard about the rush to get in and get a table. I'm glad you guys survied it! The menus looked very interesting. What were your favorite items? I'm glad you saw the PFTS Cirque' show, but don't let that make your decision on whether or not you ever see a live show. They really are great. We've seen several and they have all been outstanding. Thanks for the review!

-Michelle

 

[CampbellScot]

great pictures!!! I had my disneymoon just this past August. We're planning a trip this coming August too!!

I have to say...I'm a bit disturbed that a lizard was killed in the making of this trip report...what if he had a familY?! What if YOU were in THEIR room?! Poor lizard...

fun report!!

 

[Stallion]

Day 8 – 10/15/06

Received the usual 7am wake up call from Mickey and Stitch and got ready for our breakfast and Kona café in the Polynesian Resort. Tracy really wanted to give the Tonga toast a try and we’d heard good things about it.
We boarded the bus over to the MK and monorailed to the Polynesian and checked in.
Waiting for the table

We were seated at a little booth off to the side. It’s not a very big restaurant, and there’s really no atmosphere at all. The waitress came out and took our drink order and then said she was going to talk to the chef about what has bananas in it. She came back and said the Tonga toast was the only thing, so I was good to go. I hate having that allergy.
Tracy ordered the Tonga Toast and I got the Big Kahuna, which came with pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon and sausage.
Tracy and her Tonga toast

Our meals were good, but not good enough to warrant another return to the restaurant. At least we tried it and can check it off our list.
After breakfast, we monorail back to the MK to hang out for the morning. Since it was still early, the park wasn’t all that crowded. Started off with a train ride.

We ride through one and a half times before deciding on BTMRR. I love this ride.

We walk over the bridge and watch Splash. There looks like something is wrong as there are no people in boats. I didn’t want to ride and a CM tried to get me to ride it to no avail.

Head over to Adventure Land and look who we run into!

Tracy wanted her picture with Mr. Smee since her dad had a run-in with him years ago. He kept trying to pull her rings off and it hurt! We turn around and we’re just in time for Captain Jack Sparrow’s Captain tutorial! This was a great and funny show. I have a 20 minute clip of it if anyone wants to see it. I don’t know if they’re still doing this but it’s funny and the guy doing Johnny Depp was great.
Mack

 

[Stallion]

We grab some drinks and leisurely stroll through the park.

For the past few days, we’d been meaning to make a trip to Beaches and Cream in our resort, but each time we’d get sidetracked and not make it, but today was the day I was finally going to try my No Way Jose. We leave MK by bus and eventually find the entrance to Beaches and Cream, which is tricky since it’s only accessible from the outside. It wasn’t all that crowded and we were sat right away at a table in the middle. It’s not very big at all, in fact it’s very tiny. Only a total of about 15 tables along with counter seats.
We order cheeseburgers and I get fries and she has the fruit. This place isn’t about their lunch though, it’s all about dessert. The cheeseburgers are Disney standard, which are still pretty tasty. While we’re eating we notice another honeymoon couple at the next table over. We congratulate each other and chat for a few minutes. They had just arrived and were getting ready to spend the week. We remember that feeling! We order our dessert, and of course get the No Way Jose. It’s peanut butter and hot fudge delight with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, peanut butter and chocolate chips, whipped cream and a cherry on top.

We split it and I wind up finishing it off, cause it’s that good and hey, it’s still the honeymoon.
After the heavy lunch, we were both full and decided to walk around the boardwalk to work off lunch.

We stop in a couple stores along the way, nothing too exciting. I’ve noticed the resort stores aren’t all the appealing.
Our next stop is ESPNZone where I wanted to stop in and see the Ravens/Panthers game. We mill around a swarm of Eagles fans and find a tv with the game, only to see Kyle Boller in and throw an INT. That was all I needed to see and we left to head back to the room. Dinner wasn’t until 9 so we get changed into our bathing suits and make our way to Stormalong Bay. We’ve heard so many good things about it and finally wanted to try it out. We found a nice quiet spot over near the lazy river and just relax. I notice a lot of innertubes floating around and I make my way over to the little cubby with the tubes and it’s only $3 for an hour rental, so I grab two seater and float my way back to the wife.

After making my way around, I slowly convince Tracy to get in with me. We’re slowly but surely going around and around and around and it was nice and relaxing. At first she didn’t want to get in, now I couldn’t get her out! On one of our times around, a man shouts, “Hey, it’s the honeymooners!” We laughed, said thanks and then tried to remember if we knew him. The sun was setting and the temperature was dropping and our dinner was soon, so with some help from the nice lifeguard to hold the raft while Tracy gets out, we head back to the room to shower and get ready for our Boma night!
Now in order to get to Boma which is in Animal Kingdom Lodge, we have to take a bus to downtown Disney, then wait for a bus to take us to AKL. You always get nervous when you’re dependant on the Disney transportation system, but it wasn’t all that long before the next bus arrived.
I think we might have been the only ones on the bus, and when we got to AKL, it was eerily quiet and dark. We’d never been to AKL and wanted to check it out and now were getting a good look. It was a very good looking resort. I don’t think we’d ever stay there being so far away from everything else.
We check the map and make our way to Boma downstairs, where a crowd of people await. Check in, get our buzzer and walk around the resort.

We walked outside to check out the animals but since it was dark, we couldn’t see anything except a giraffe. It’s close to our time so we make our way back to the lounge and wait. Once we’re called, Tracy is handed a card. The seating is a little close together and the restaurant is starting to empty out since it’s late. We’re sat next to another young couple towards the back and eventually open the card. It a congratulations card from some of the staff! It has all the different African languages hand written on the card. That was very nice of them!

 

[Stallion]

We start with a waitress and she hands us off to a waiter early on, both were very nice. She checks with the chef about the banana thing and tells what I can’t have. The buffet was a good size, they had a variety of things from meats, to cous cous , to soups. The menu on allearsnet is from when we were there: http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menu_bomadin.htm
I skipped the fruits and salads and we started with soup. I don’t remember what they were and they’re not on the menu, so I’ll have to ask Tracy. **UPDATE** I have been informed that Tracy had the carrot ginger soup.
We then dove into the rest, with me making several trips. All in all the food was pretty good, not all that great but it was a good change of pace from the basic cheeseburgers. Tracy really wanted to try the Zebra domes and really liked them, but I’m not a coffee fan so I didn’t. We were then met with a surprise, a dessert dish with Happy Honeymoon written on it!

How awesome was this! Take that California Grill!
The couple next to us notices that and says that they are spending their anniversary, he had proposed to her at Boma! They were living in Orlando after moving down from NC. They were both Disney fans and wanted to be closer to the action, but now are moving back to NC. As they explained, it’s a lot different once you live near Disney, some of the magic goes away. We talked about moving down there during the trip a lot, but know that if we do, it won’t be as special.
After our awesome dessert platter, I tried to write Thank You in little Mickey heads.

It was a great dining experience and we’d definitely go there again. Since neither of us were tired and the MK had extra magic hours, we hope on the bus for a little late night fun.
At the gate, Tracy has trouble with her card, saying it’s not working. They let her in without it and we meander around the MK.

A blurry picture of Tracy in front of the castle

It’s a small world after all!

We hadn’t done Buzz yet and it was the perfect time, and just as we’re walking up, the CM turns and points her gun at me and scares me! I had to have a picture with her.

I outscored Tracy
The park was closing soon and we looked briefly in the stores, I bought a Halloween shirt for the next MNSSHP on Tuesday.
Hop on the bus and head back to the room tired and ready for some sleep.
Monday is our Backstage magic tour and dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse, so we had to get up early for the tour which started in Epcot. Set the alarm for 7 and went to sleep.

Next up – Day 9 – Backstage magic tour(sorry, no pictures), the start of a cold and a nice dinner.

 

[DisneyObsession]

Keep it coming...you're doing great!!!

Sounds like you are having an excellent honeymoon!
Wish DH & I thought of that 23 years ago when we were married!
(We went to The Poconos instead! THE honeymoon spot in the 80's!)

Waiting patiently for more!!!

 

[Blaynexox]

I love all your posts! Great pictures!!

 

[katieroo]

Thanks for the next installment! Eventhough I have heard the stories and seen the pics, I am enjoying your TR! I'll have one in April when Katie and I get back from our "The Invasion of the Katies" trip!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Finally got back to your report. Glad you are stil writing. Can't wait to read about Backstage Magic.

 

[luvfigment]

Great installment!!! That No Way Jose if HUGE but looks very yummy! Glad you enjoyed Boma's it is one of my must do's. Can't wait to read more!

 

[Becky521]

First of all congratulations on your wedding!!

Wow, you guys were very busy. Sounds like you had a great trip. We honeymooned in WDW also. 20 years ago - only MK And EPCOT

Thanks for sharing. Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you would be sharing your honeymoon with hundreds of strangers?

 

[serendipity]

thank you for yet another great installment. That no way jose looks awesome!