Dreams come true...WDW 8/30-9/16

[MouseTriper]

Aw, you definitely have some prayers coming your way!! Bless your little guys hearts for talking such good care of you and your DH. They are such sweet little boys. I sure hope you both start to feel better soon!!! I will be praying for your new little guy too.

Oh and I love the pictures of you guys at the Contemporary eating dinner. It looks like you had a wonderful time and a yummy meal!!!! I love the look of the crispy rice sushi...I may just have to try making some of those for my little one!!! She would love it!!! I personally hate sushi bit I think I could swallow a few of those...hahahahaha!!

Now seeing that your feet are up...your feet ARE up, right Jay????? GET BUSY POSTING the next part of your awesome TR. Hahahahahahaha....you have readers here who are anxiously awaiting many more pictures (and more video clips too...hehe) and the stories that surround them! I have my popcorn all ready......so come on!!!

(Okay, okay, I guess I can cut you a little tiny slack seeing as though you have so much going on)!!!

 

[kjh73]

I just found your trip report, and was reading the part about what happened before the parade at MGM...wow some people...how RUDE. We also had a bad experience at the MGM parade this past Sept. We really wanted to see this parade so went nice and early to get a bench, I went shopping while my hubby and son "saved the bench" about 15 minutes before the parade was to start I decided to go join them, our bench, right in front of the bench, and right behind our bench had been completely over taken by this very RUDE huge family. I said to my husband what is going on here, my hubby didn't say much, but looked extremely mad. I had to step over a bunch of kids to squeeze onto the bench (that we had went nice and early to claim) between my son and a RUDE women. when the parade started the kids in front kept standing up and when the characters came over to shake hands or give a high five, it ended up my 6 year old kept missing out because of the RUDE family...I felt so bad for my son, I could tell he was disappointed. This family was every where, they were leaning over the back of the bench right over top of us. They were just way too much in our space. When the parade ended my husband told me what had happened, the lady asked if she could share the bench...my hubby said that his wife was coming back, so she just sat down anyway, and then the rest of the family, surrounded the bench, a kid about 12 or so even sat on the armrest of the bench..pretty much on my hubby's lap. I just can't believe how rude some people are!!

 

[jaycns]

Hey, I thought I'd chime in on the being pregnant and hubby having back surgery. I've been following your trips but have never posted. We're staying at AKL next month.

Anyway, my husband had back surgery four weeks before our third child was born. It really turned out nice as we got to spend two weeks together after she was born. But, anyway, he had to have it because of two ruptured disks and he has done excellent!!! I have to get onto him constantly about lifting way too much!! It was actually very stressful for me before he had it as he was in so much pain and couldn't walk. You should've seen me painting the baby's room when I was 8 months pregnant. Oh, and another pretty sight was us walking in the neurosurgeon's office. Picture me really big and him in so much pain!!! Instead of late 30s, we looked like 70 year olds. My husband had an MRI on Monday, seen the surgeon on Tuesday, and had the surgery on Wednesday!!! He was really bad off, had to have the surgery, but also we were trying to get him better so he could drive me home from the hospital. Thanks for writing such great reports. I feel like we're really going to enjoy AKL!!!

Picture us looking much the same on Monday afternoon when we go to see dh's neurosurgeon. Thanks for sharing your story. I felt better...sometimes misery really does love company!

Jay, I'm so happy to see you back! Being a mom, I can't turn off the mom-worry button even when it is an internet friend. Great to hear that the Little Prince is growing. I remember those non-stress tests well!! Hope you Dad does much better and that DH's back gets on the mend. Good boys you have!!

Thanks for the good thoughts. They really help!! Not long now and you will be at WDW!!

Exactly! Makes me want to hop a plane and fly right out to play grandma for a few weeks. You poor DEARS!

We sure could use a grandma right about now! Thanks for the sweet thought!!

Your dinner at California Grill looks like it was amazing! I am seriously wishing that I had it booked for our December ADR's. I guess it's now on my "to-do" list......the list keeps growing!

That is wonderful that the CM was so kind to give your family a ride back to the GF. Only in Disney!

Looking forward to your next post...

My list is always growing...the problem with that is that my "must re-do" list grows even faster. To fit it all in I would need a few months at WDW...not a bad idea if I do say so myself!!

Jay, I thought I'd chime in here with my families experience with bad backs. Several years ago I had a bulging disc that fragmented and was pushing on my sciatic nerve as well - I had a lovely pain that ran from tailbone down my left leg Me, being the stubburn person that I am, put off surgery for months until I just couldn't stand it anymore - truth be told, I was terrified of surgery - anyway, I finally had it done and couldn't be happier with the results. It took about a week before it felt better, mostly because the nerve was so irritated, but once the pain went away it was gone. I haven't had any troubles since.

DH had a bulging disc in his neck so his pain was in his shoulder and down his arm. He had a single level fusion after the steriod shots didn't work, that was 2 years ago and he hasn't had any more problems.

Good luck to your DH, hope he gets to feeling better soon and doesn't need surgery, but if he does just know that both DH and I have had great results from ours!

I read your post to dh. He doesn't want to hear about good results though...only bad ones which back up his paranoia right now. But I think it did do him some good to hear that it DOES work out!

Sorry to hear thing's have been a bit rough lately though it sound as if it's not taken the bounce out of you (maybe you should change your name to TiggerJay), your still sounding realy positive. I'll keep saying little prayers for the wee one, hopefully he'll soon be the big one (though not TOO big... ). With all that feet up time that the doc has advised for you and your DH you could start planning you next trip , maybe a wee pre trip report. I know that when things are getting a bit mental in our family I retreat for an hour or so of surfing and vacation planning and it helps cheer me up, it's kind of like the Dis is free therapy .

Anyway stay well and chin up .

THANK YOU for the prayers. The DIS is my therapy! I love planning and reliving. So, I am back to post another installment tonight!!

Aw, you definitely have some prayers coming your way!! Bless your little guys hearts for talking such good care of you and your DH. They are such sweet little boys. I sure hope you both start to feel better soon!!! I will be praying for your new little guy too.

Oh and I love the pictures of you guys at the Contemporary eating dinner. It looks like you had a wonderful time and a yummy meal!!!! I love the look of the crispy rice sushi...I may just have to try making some of those for my little one!!! She would love it!!! I personally hate sushi bit I think I could swallow a few of those...hahahahaha!!

Now seeing that your feet are up...your feet ARE up, right Jay????? GET BUSY POSTING the next part of your awesome TR. Hahahahahahaha....you have readers here who are anxiously awaiting many more pictures (and more video clips too...hehe) and the stories that surround them! I have my popcorn all ready......so come on!!!

(Okay, okay, I guess I can cut you a little tiny slack seeing as though you have so much going on)!!!

The crispy rice sushi was so much fun! I bet she would love it!! I promise to stop being such a slacker!!

I just found your trip report, and was reading the part about what happened before the parade at MGM...wow some people...how RUDE. We also had a bad experience at the MGM parade this past Sept. We really wanted to see this parade so went nice and early to get a bench, I went shopping while my hubby and son "saved the bench" about 15 minutes before the parade was to start I decided to go join them, our bench, right in front of the bench, and right behind our bench had been completely over taken by this very RUDE huge family. I said to my husband what is going on here, my hubby didn't say much, but looked extremely mad. I had to step over a bunch of kids to squeeze onto the bench (that we had went nice and early to claim) between my son and a RUDE women. when the parade started the kids in front kept standing up and when the characters came over to shake hands or give a high five, it ended up my 6 year old kept missing out because of the RUDE family...I felt so bad for my son, I could tell he was disappointed. This family was every where, they were leaning over the back of the bench right over top of us. They were just way too much in our space. When the parade ended my husband told me what had happened, the lady asked if she could share the bench...my hubby said that his wife was coming back, so she just sat down anyway, and then the rest of the family, surrounded the bench, a kid about 12 or so even sat on the armrest of the bench..pretty much on my hubby's lap. I just can't believe how rude some people are!!

I feel sorry for the kids...imagine the entitlements they grow up thinking they are owed!!

 

[jaycns]

Day 13...Another day at the GF.

My morning started very early (at least by our vacation clock). I was out the door by about 7:40 AM. Even at this early hour, the grounds were bustling. I was amazed at how quiet it had been in our room while things were so loud once I stepped outside of the lodge. Amazing soundproofing!


I made my way to the monorail platform and after a few minutes of waiting, jumped on to the first one that rolled by. I was on my way to the Contemporary for the marketing research group I had been roped into the night before (oh yeah, I was kicking and screaming TO do this one!!). Imagine my happy surprise when I heard that someone was willing to pay me (in Disney gift cards none the less) for me to think/talk about Disney?! Ummm...can you say SUCKERS?! They were paying me to do what I would have paid them for a chance to do!!

Now, according to the confidentiality agreement I signed...I cannot openly talk about anything they told me or showed me...but I can tell you what I guessed. Since they never confirmed this (or even mentioned the letters DVC) I don't feel badly saying that I GUESS that is what the focus group was all about. I had so much fun seeing drawings, plans and hearing tidbits about what might be. It was a great way to spend a morning and I seriously would have given them two hours of my time for free. When we got there they let us pick out coffee, juice, water or soda and they had pastries sitting out as well. After grabbing a few tidbits we sat around and were asked tons of questions and shown some artistic renderings of what might be and then asked for our opinions. It was a whole lot of fun. And at the end when they gave me an envelope with $150 worth of Disney gift cards in it?! I was almost about ready to start dancing.

The first thing that went through my head was "How much more Basin stuff will this buy". NOT that I have an obsession. The second thing I thought was "Hmmm...maybe I should let this be applied to our room balance" but the third thing that passed through my head was what I ended up doing "Maybe I should save this and try and find something I wouldn't normally splurge on for myself". As evidenced by my out of control spending spree at Basin the previous day, this was not something I wouldn't already shell out money on. It's a sickness, I know.

So I made my hot little hands tuck those gift cards into my purse and walk out without skipping (which was what I felt like doing). The group had met for a bit shorter then planned (so I only ended up "working" for an hour and forty minutes) so I was able to get back to the room and catch my boys before the next surprise.

When I walked in I found my boys flip flopped and swimming trunked and ready to take on the day...what they didn't know was we weren't just going swimming, I had set up a cabana rental for the day!!!! I was really excited about it.

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

The focus groups sounds like it was quick and painless. Way to make money on vacation!

 

[MouseTriper]

Day 13...
Imagine my happy surprise when I heard that someone was willing to pay me (in Disney gift cards none the less) for me to think/talk about Disney?! Ummm...can you say SUCKERS?!

HAHAHA

And at the end when they gave me an envelope with $150 worth of Disney gift cards in it?! I was almost about ready to start dancing.

I can just picture you there doing the happy crazy dance...

When I walked in I found my boys flip flopped and swimming trunked and ready to take on the day...what they didn't know was we weren't just going swimming, I had set up a cabana rental for the day!!!! I was really excited about it.

Wow...sounds exciting....hurry and post....!!!

TO BE CONTINUED...

...

 

[jaycns]

Day 13...on to the splash!

So over to the main GF pool we walked. When we got there we saw our "home" for the next 4 hours. A wonderful pool cabana with two VERY padded loungers, a table and chairs, an ice bucket and cups, a tv, DVD player, satellite radio, a fan *this a genius must have thought of adding*, fluffier towels then the regular pool towels, a mini fridge stocked with soda, juice and water and a big basket of fruit. It felt so decadent!!

This surprise went over really well with dh (surprise, surprise...he didn't mind that I planned something that cost money ). And the boys were pretty happy too. I think the Grand Floridian is the only WDW resort where you can reserve a cabana for an afternoon...but I wish this was available property wide.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a very nice CM who showed us how to work everything and then pointed out the phone where we could call private dining or for help should we have any questions or concerns. Then they introduced us to a couple of the lifeguards who were working at the pool that day.

While dh fiddled around with arranging the chairs, etc. the way they would suit us best the boys and I made our way over to the splash fountains.

After that the boys made a bee line to the pool and I made a bee line to the padded chaise lounge under the shade of the cabana, an ice cold cup of water, the breezes of the fan, the satellite radio kicking out the songs of the 90s and a good book I had picked up in the sundries shop the day before. AHHHH...PURE BLISS!!

Dh alternated between jumping in and out of the water with the boys and spending a few minutes here and there sitting with me.

Along with splashing the boys did a good bit of sliding and smiling!

After a bit, the hunger bug bit and it was time to order lunch. My little hot dog lovers did not venture outside of their comfort zone so both of the younger boys chose hot dogs. "Aladdin" and I both chose burgers and fries while dh went for a cheeseburger. OMGosh...those were either the best burgers ever made or we were hungrier then ever. BOY they were TASTY!! The cookies that came with the kid's meals were amazingly chewy on the inside but crunchy on the outside and the chocolate chips sort of oozed when you bit into one. This meal sitting in our cabana was one of the best we had at WDW. Who would have guessed!

After filing up, I headed out to bob for a bit and cool down while dh and "Aladdin" found another father son duo and paired up for an all out battle royal with the little water football we had. It was fathers against sons...and I think the fathers almost forgot to let the boys win. "Goofy" and "Stitch" just kept on having fun sliding and splashing the day away.

Pretty soon, it was back to the cabana for dh and I to listen to some music while kicking up our feet and just spending some quality time together, watching our little men enjoy the water. *Side note, I found satellite radio to be so addictive (no commercials, endless GOOD music to fit any taste or mood) that when we bought a new vehicle this fall I made sure we found one with XM radio).

As we sat watching we noticed how awesome of a spot this really was! The monorail would pass right behind us and the boats would glide by right in front of us!

On this day the pool was practically empty! Nobody had rented the other reserved cabana or was even using the free ones (same as the pay ones without the fancy chairs, fans, fridges and other extras). During a few periods we were the only ones using the pool area! It was so slow that when the CM came to ask us how things were going she let us know that it was okay for us to stay a bit longer then we had reserved the cabana for as nobody else was scheduled to use it for the remainder of the day. We ended up spending an extra two hours there and still loving every minute of it.

At about 2:00 PM, the lifeguards gathered all of the kids who were in the pool and played games with them. Our boys had a lot of fun. "Goofy's" favorite activity was the cannonball contest. For a little guy, he sure did make a great big splash.

And after the game period the pool seemed to clear out once again...we just couldn't tear ourselves away. The boys were able to remove themselves from the pool long enough to enjoy the cabana from time to time. Here are a few shots of "Stitch" kicking back and enjoying the good life.

All in all it was a great day. One I would never have taken the time to plan without knowing I "had" to plan more down time into this trip...but it added so much to our WDW vacation! It was great to feel so pampered and to be able to focus on each other. I think it was the most relaxing few hours we spent as a family all year long. Now more then ever, I find myself going back to our day at the pool and wishing I was there again!

Here is the final pool picture of our three sweet fish (notice how empty the pool is and how beautiful the view).

 

[jaycns]

UP NEXT:

A romantic dinner for dh and I while the boys enjoy yet another evening at a WDW kid's club.

 

[MouseTriper]

Wow that cabana surprise sounds so relaxing. The boys look like they were having a blast playing the water. I think I could definitely get used to some of that kind of "down time" at WDW. I have to ask though...when you have this "down time" do you ever think to yourself..."I should be at one of the parks"???

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

What a blissful day I bet you wished it would never end

 

[PrincessAlways]

Day 13...Another day at the GF.
I was on my way to the Contemporary for the marketing research group I had been roped into the night before (oh yeah, I was kicking and screaming TO do this one!!). Imagine my happy surprise when I heard that someone was willing to pay me (in Disney gift cards none the less) for me to think/talk about Disney?! Ummm...can you say SUCKERS?! They were paying me to do what I would have paid them for a chance to do!!

It was a whole lot of fun. And at the end when they gave me an envelope with $150 worth of Disney gift cards in it?! I was almost about ready to start dancing.

The first thing that went through my head was "How much more Basin stuff will this buy". NOT that I have an obsession. The second thing I thought was "Hmmm...maybe I should let this be applied to our room balance" but the third thing that passed through my head was what I ended up doing "Maybe I should save this and try and find something I wouldn't normally splurge on for myself". ..

Paid to discuss Disney!!! Apply to your room balance??? Splurge??? YES!!!

Day 13...on to the splash!

So over to the main GF pool we walked. When we got there we saw our "home" for the next 4 hours. A wonderful pool cabana with two VERY padded loungers, a table and chairs, an ice bucket and cups, a tv, DVD player, satellite radio, a fan *this a genius must have thought of adding*, fluffier towels then the regular pool towels, a mini fridge stocked with soda, juice and water and a big basket of fruit. It felt so decadent!!

This surprise went over really well with dh (surprise, surprise...he didn't mind that I planned something that cost money ). And the boys were pretty happy too. I think the Grand Floridian is the only WDW resort where you can reserve a cabana for an afternoon...but I wish this was available property wide.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a very nice CM who showed us how to work everything and then pointed out the phone where we could call private dining or for help should we have any questions or concerns. Then they introduced us to a couple of the lifeguards who were working at the pool that day.

That sound like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon!!!

 

[SkyGirl]

First up, gift cards!! Whoo Hooo!! I have such a passion for gift cards -- it almost feels like you aren't spending money!!

The cabana looked wonderful and so relaxing. Sometimes the days where we do "nothing" (as if you can do nothing in Disney!) are the best ones.

We are so ready for our trip!! Finally in the single digits!!

 

[momoftriplets]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!!

Count your blessings

Be safe

Eat lots



Barb

 

[pixe*dst]

What an awesome, magical trip. I think I'm caught up so far.

What type of underwater digital camera did you use? Your pictures are great.

 

[kaysmommie]

ALl caught up again on your trippie. The Cabana rental sounds great and relaxing. If we ever decide to stay there it would be a must do for me. We always enjoy our down time when we are at the Poly pool but unfortunately they don't have cabana's. Love the pool pics too.

 

[MouseTriper]

Hi Jay....hope all is well with you and with your DH. Just thinking about you and saying some prayers that you are all doing alright!!! Take care and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

 

[SkyGirl]

I hope that everyone had a wonderful, safe, and filling Thanksgiving!

Jay, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm sending tons of good vibes your way!! Miss you!

 

[IloveDMB]

Hmmm, free gift cards? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. And at least the presentation was interesting, right?

The cabanas look very cool and a great way to spend the day at the pool. I love that you guys don't go to the parks every day. While I am not commando, I have not figured out how to enjoy DW without going to the parks. Perhaps one day when I upgrade out of the values, and I get a themed pool with a pool bar, I'll be able to.

I hope your DH is feeling better and you and your family had a very happy thanksgiving.

 

[LindaBabe]

Oh, what a great surprise to come home to another installment!

How are you feeling and how is the dear man's back?

 

[jaycns]

The focus groups sounds like it was quick and painless. Way to make money on vacation!

I was so excited!! Disney gift cards for hearing Disney secrets...does it get any better then that?!

Wow that cabana surprise sounds so relaxing. The boys look like they were having a blast playing the water. I think I could definitely get used to some of that kind of "down time" at WDW. I have to ask though...when you have this "down time" do you ever think to yourself..."I should be at one of the parks"???

NO!! I thought I would! I was prepared to have to give myself mini pep talks throughout our down time...BUT the downtime itself was so wonderful, relaxing and fun that I never once wished to be at a park! Now, I will admit that this is most likely much easier for me because I know it won't be "that long" before I get back to WDW. For a once in a lifetime trip or an every ten years trip I bet the parks would have been screaming for my attention!

What a blissful day I bet you wished it would never end

I did!! And the night that followed was very nice too! I will be posting an update on that shortly.

Paid to discuss Disney!!! Apply to your room balance??? Splurge??? YES!!!

I am glad you understand my madness! I couldn't help myself...it just felt like it needed to be spent!

First up, gift cards!! Whoo Hooo!! I have such a passion for gift cards -- it almost feels like you aren't spending money!!

The cabana looked wonderful and so relaxing. Sometimes the days where we do "nothing" (as if you can do nothing in Disney!) are the best ones.

We are so ready for our trip!! Finally in the single digits!!

That is the problem/beauty of gift cards...you don't feel like you are really spending money. I could go through those things faster then a kid with a Tootsie Roll Pop! YOU ARE ONE YOUR TRIP! I am hoping this is the most magical of times for you and your daughter!! SOAK UP THE MAGIC!! And bring it back to share with us!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!!
Count your blessings

Be safe

Eat lots



Barb

HAPPY THANKSGIVING (a bit late) to you too, Barb!! On the whole eating lots thing...I think I did you proud!

What an awesome, magical trip. I think I'm caught up so far.

What type of underwater digital camera did you use? Your pictures are great.

It was just a point and shoot Pentax camera. Nothing fancy or expensive. It was the 7 pixel Pentax Optio W20 (I had to look... ). When I was looking to get one, my guidelines were nothing expensive, easy to use, small, point and shoot, water proof, digital. This was the only waterproof camera (that I could find at least)which fit into those guidelines...it's not the best camera ever, but it does work wonders for the reason we wanted it...underwater shots!!

ALl caught up again on your trippie. The Cabana rental sounds great and relaxing. If we ever decide to stay there it would be a must do for me. We always enjoy our down time when we are at the Poly pool but unfortunately they don't have cabana's. Love the pool pics too.

The Poly pool IS lots of fun! They should have island tiki huts for rent!

Hi Jay....hope all is well with you and with your DH. Just thinking about you and saying some prayers that you are all doing alright!!! Take care and have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

We are still plugging along. Dh is still in lots of pain. I am still on bed rest but things are going well enough. It's just not the most fun time right now.

Hmmm, free gift cards? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me. And at least the presentation was interesting, right?

The cabanas look very cool and a great way to spend the day at the pool. I love that you guys don't go to the parks every day. While I am not commando, I have not figured out how to enjoy DW without going to the parks. Perhaps one day when I upgrade out of the values, and I get a themed pool with a pool bar, I'll be able to.

I hope your DH is feeling better and you and your family had a very happy thanksgiving.

When we stayed at ASMovies I spent a day having fun there too. Admittedly it was not a "full day" but on arrival day we spent hours taking pictures, swimming and exploring all of the neat/fun things around the resort. I love the bright colors and fun atmosphere at the value resorts! Although, I must admit, unless the kids beg us to stay at one again, I am more likely to be found at a deluxe (being as I also enjoy the pampering ).

Oh, what a great surprise to come home to another installment!

How are you feeling and how is the dear man's back?

Same ol', same ol' here, Grandma Linda! I think my father-in-law will be coming to visit either this week or next week to help us put together some baby furniture (we are too gimpy in our current states to get that done ourselves. ), help us get our Christmas decorations out, and a host of other "small projects" that have been adding up for the past month now. I am so excited to get our Christmas decorations up!

Another update coming soon within the next 48 hours!! Thanks for sticking with me!!