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

[jaycns]

Day 15...our last full day at WDW *sniff, sniff*

It was about 9:30 AM when I hopped (or hobbled) out the shower and sent dh down to bring a cup of caffeine free tea back from the lounge. By the time he got back to our room, he had a tray full of juices and my tea. The boys took turns in the shower/swigging down juice while dh and I sat sipping out on the balcony. It was another peaceful moment and as I sat there, I realized that on this vacation, I had learned something new about WDW *gasp* I had learned that downtime was possible to enjoy while at WDW. Who knew?! Not me. But, now that I know, it will be impossible to plan another WDW trip without planning for at least a few days of "doing absolutely nothing all day long". Some of my very best memories come from those long moments of downtime. As I sat sipping my Twinings caffeine free tea, I reflected on just how wonderful our vacation had turned out to be not just in spite of those down times, but because of them.

Dh and I sat sipping for about 45 minutes until we knew it was time to get up and head for our late O'hana breakfast. The sky was clear with big cotton ball clouds and the sunshine was so delightful that I didn't want to go inside, even to ride the monorail so we turned left upon exiting Sugarloaf and headed away from the monorail stop and toward the boat dock.

The day was beautiful! I felt compelled to snap a few photos as we waited for the boat.

And as we settled in for our short boat ride to the Poly, I had to snap a few more of the beautiful Grand Floridian as we pulled away.

Looking back at the waterfall pool...ahhh, sweet memories of our day spent in a cabana there!

Once we docked at the Poly we hopped out and quickly made our way up to O'hana. We were seated in a fairly empty O'hana. Breakfast ends at 11:00 AM and our ressie was for 10:50 AM. It was nice to have a more relaxed atmosphere of an uncrowded restaurant while still having all of the characters circulating and all of the food still hot and plentiful.

Here are some shots of the boys enjoying the character visits. Due to the uncrowded restaurant each of the characters spent a good deal of time playing with the boys, giving out hugs and some (like Stitch) even took the time to cause a bit of mischief.

Along with an uncrowded restaurant and lots of character interaction we found some pretty tasty food!

The meal is served family style (I really enjoy dining family style, you don't have to get up and serve yourself but it's all you care to eat of the things you like...a good mix between a buffet and regular meal). We had a skillet full of bacon, sausage patties and sausage links, a basket of breads, another skillet with fried potatoes, biscuts and scrambled eggs, a bowl of fresh fruit and then they came around with Mickey waffles. It was two thumbs WAY up from our family. Not a fancy meal, but a good down home cookin' kind of tasty that goes down smooth and definitely qualifies as comfort food (not a bad thing on your last full day at WDW *sniff sniff*).

Along with all of the other pluses of the meal, I was in great company!

And of course, every meal at O'hana has a bit of fun thrown in for good measure.

All in all it was a very relaxing and fun meal. More to come on our last full day at WDW *sniff sniff*.

Up next, an afternoon well spent, an evening full of MNSSHP (and rain clouds) and one final chance to fall asleep in the most magical of places.

 

[MouseTriper]

Awww Jay.....sure looks like you had a wonderful time at O'hana's for breakfast!!! Might have to try that on my next trip, whenever that might be!!!

Now, I am so glad to hear that you are being a GOOD patient by staying off your feet and in bed!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your soon to be youngest little guy!!!!

 

[jaycns]

Happy New Year to you and your family!!!

Thank you!! I hope you have had a fabulous start to the new year!

What an other wonderful magic filled day you had, you had pixie dust coming out of your ears this trips It's so good that you and Aladdin spent so much alone time, I know from my eldest daughter that with every day that goes by you see them getting more grown up and you want to snatch as much of their precious childhood as possible for you memory box

Hope you all have a wonderfull joy filled year in 2008....did I mention that I can now say "We're going to WDW next year BAYBEE!!!!! "
Sorry I couldn't help myself...Becci keeps reminding me we've got this years holiday to take first and that I should be getting excited about that (I am, kind of, but it's not Disney....you know what I mean? )

I'm feeling mixed emotions, I'm so looking forward to your next post but it's obvious that the TR is also reaching it's conclusion which makes me a little sad. You have to keep us all posted on the arrival of the Little Prince.

Where are you going on vacation this year? And YIPEE...next year you will be at WDW!!

I promise to keep you all posted on the little prince's arrival...in fact, I have a plan (insert evil laugh *hee heee heeee*). Once I finish up this trip report, I am going to start a planning thread for next year's vacation. I am truly addicted to planning and reliving trips!!

Happy New Year Jay and your boys great and small!

I think THIS was the best day ever - look how much fun you had and never even set foot in the parks!

Knowing the demanding nature of your dh's #1 employer, I was at this exchange


Remember to pm your "Basin" list - I leave next Tuesday. I think that would be a terrific 'baby' gift, don't you?

Hugs,
Linda

Linda, it was one of our very best days at WDW ever. Just being together was amazing. And even if you are not at the parks, it seems that Disney magic just spills over to every inch of the property.

HA HA HA as if he has a "demanding" enough employer to clear him from needing a second one to support my vacationing habits! Lucky for him (okay and me too! ) his employer is not only demanding but pays well enough that he hasn't had to go and submit applications for a second job...yet .

Hey Jay!! I'm still here...kinda lurking! Still enjoying your report.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!​

Glad you are still "with me". Hope you have a great 2008!

What a wonderful day I'm always so busy in the parks that I would never evem think of a down day, sounds wonderful

The downtime was not by choice this time...but I think I discovered a magical alternative to park time. One that I won't soon be giving up entirely!

What a wonderful relaxing day! I swear, your DH is right, you must have a sign on your back that states "looking for magic moments" - they always seem to find you! Maybe if I slowed down a little they'd find me too

Note to self: schedule down days into our next trip!!!!!

HA HA HA, he always teases me about that. He says I must either really sweet (awww thanks) or really desperate (awwww thanks...A LOT! ).

Oh Jay...I just love your trip reports and your family. Everyone is just soooo adorable!!! I think that is absolutely wonderful that you were able to spend some special time with just Aladdin. I bet he truly enjoyed it as well.

I had to laugh too when you told Dh very seriously, "that you would miss him, but good luck finding job #2 that you love"...hahahahahaha. That is just too funny. Of course you are a Disney addict but I think deep down your DH just adores that about you!!!! (smile)

Well only a couple days now and you will be adoring your new little prince!!! Prayers are definitly coming your way!!! Can't wait to hear how you are doing!!!!

Hmmm...you think he might like it?! Well, then he sure does hide it very well!! Thanks for the sweet words!

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

Where are you going on vacation this year? And YIPEE...next year you will be at WDW!!

I promise to keep you all posted on the little prince's arrival...in fact, I have a plan (insert evil laugh *hee heee heeee*). Once I finish up this trip report, I am going to start a planning thread for next year's vacation. I am truly addicted to planning and reliving trips!!

Now there in lies a tale. We are going to Long Island with DH's parents to visit DH's DB and family....for TWO WHOLE WEEKS . Don't get me wrong my inlaws are the best and I love them to bits but OMG two whole weeks of family togetherness is NOT my idea of a holiday.

I also have an cunning plan (Woo Ha Ha Ha). We've had a festive season full of coughs, colds, chest infections and vomiting viruses and I'm feeling a bit hacked off to say the least (enter the sympathy vote!!!). I have suggested to DH that two weeks with the family might be too much and that we should split it up with a family trip for just the four of us...I've checked out resorts in Long Island and they're pretty expensive....(do you see where I'm going with this?).....are you aware of how much cheaper it would be to stay at a value resort at Disney for a few days.....I wonder how much cheap flights from NY to ORL would be?

What did I hear you say? Sneaky, me? I don't know what you're talking about

 

[LindaBabe]

What did I hear you say? Sneaky, me? I don't know what you're talking about

And men THINK they're in control!

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

And men THINK they're in control!

You've got it sister!!!

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

And men THINK they're in control!

Aw, bless their little hearts, they just haven't got a clue have they

 

[CJsMom]

Once we docked at the Poly we hopped out and quickly made our way up to O'hana. We were seated in a fairly empty O'hana. Breakfast ends at 11:00 AM and our ressie was for 10:50 AM. It was nice to have a more relaxed atmosphere of an uncrowded restaurant while still having all of the characters circulating and all of the food still hot and plentiful.

Here are some shots of the boys enjoying the character visits. Due to the uncrowded restaurant each of the characters spent a good deal of time playing with the boys, giving out hugs and some (like Stitch) even took the time to cause a bit of mischief.

I'm curious - what day of the week was this? Because I wonder if going on a weekend makes a difference. We were there on our last day, which was a Saturday. Our ADR was for 10:40. I purposely made it late so that it wouldn't be crowded and we'd get a bit more time with the characters. But the restaurant was full and the time with the characters was very rushed. I was disappointed. I liked the food and the resort was beautiful so I'd like to give it another try on our next trip - but schedule it for a weekday rather than a weekend. I guess it probably made a difference that it was December 15th and the parks are getting more and more crowded at that time of year.

Anyway, it sounds like you guys had a great time there and I can see how having some downtime made your trip so special!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Love all your O'hana pictures, looks like a wonderful way to start your last full day in WDW (*snif, snif*)

 

[SkyGirl]

The pictures are sooo great!! The kids look so cute with the characters and like they are having the best time! We can't wait to try O'hana one day!!

But ........ but ......... but ....... it's almost the end and then what happens to the rest of my life?

Just call me Drama Queen!!

 

[kaysmommie]

Your GF pics are great!! It looks like the boys had a wonderful breakfast at 'Ohana with the characters. We always have a breakfast and a dinner at 'Ohana every trip.

 

[momoftriplets]

Hi Jay!!! Just checking in... We're getting close to that 10 day mark. Hope all is well!!!!

Blessings to everyone.
Barb

 

[PrincessAlways]

Hi Jay. I just checked in & read about your hospital admission. Hoping all is going well. Can't wait to hear that the new prince has arrived & both of you are well! I'll keep checking!

 

[Squidrific]

Well, well, well - look what I have stumbled upon - a trip report by my favorite soul sista Jaybat!

Love the family pics Jay. I especially LOVE all the pictures of my favorite son-in-law to-be Aladdin. I really think he and squidlet are going to make a beautiful pair. For those of you who don't know, Jay and I are chatter sisters and have made a pre-marriage contract for our two childen. Jay will be gifting me with a giraffe, a zebra, 2 emus, and a flock a flamingos for my dd and I will be gifting her with many stays at AKV concierge!

What do you think Jay - do these two look like they belong together or what?

Anyway, love the trip report. Now hurry up and have that he-bat so you can meet us in February. You are the one in charge of writing our trip report!

 

[jaycns]

As we left Ohana's we thought about stopping in at the Poly's arcade and spending our early afternoon there. HOWEVER, we had a better idea...instead of going to the Poly's arcade, our boys suggested hopping on the monorail and making our way over to the awesome arcade at the Contemporary.

The suggestion was right on!! So we took a quick ride on the monorail and spent the next two hours lost in happy game playing. I kid you not, my boys would have spent a full day in that arcade. Eat hot dogs at every meal, waste Disney days in the arcade? Well, they do have some of their dad in them too!

I spent a good deal of the arcade time sitting on a bench outside people watching or sitting on a couch by one of the big windows gazing out over the lake. It was a nice break for a pregnant mom who still had a slightly twisted ankle.

After our time in the arcade, we made our way back over to the GF and grabbed a few sweets and drinks from the lounge (which was crowded again) on the way up to our room. I took a quick catnap while the boys and dh watched a bit of tv. It was a lazy way to spend the middle of your last Disney day, but I knew we would need some downtime this afternoon in order to make our nighttime plans doable. We were going to our second MNSSHP!!

We had so much fun at last year's MNSSHP that we had booked our tickets as soon as we realized that a MNSSHP would take place while we were there this year. We had very high hopes of another repeat of a magical evening.

And this year thanks to a beyond wonderful dear DIS friend, MouseTriper, we had matching outfits for the party! Let me tell you, she is one talented custom shirt/outfit maker!! And I in turn, am one lucky little lady to have her as a friend and to have been graced by her sweetness and talent!!

Here are the boys once they are outfitted in her creations. "Aladdin" and "Goofy" wore super cute shirts with Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas on them. The backs of the shirts had little Jack Skellington heads. They were really adorable. "Stitch" was Jack Skellington himself...OH SO ADORABLE!! I loved his little outfit. It came complete with a shirt with a Jack Skellington head on it, striped shorts, a striped vest and last but not least (it was "Stitch's" favorite part of the costume, a floppy bat bow tie). He looked very adorable in that outfit, if I do say so myself! Both dh and myself each had a black t-shirt with a Jack Skellington head attached to the chest. I must say, we were one nightmarish family!

One of our own little Jack Skellington in the hall outside of our room.

And another of the three boys all dressed up...with somewhere to go.

And that is just what we were gonna do...GO to MNSSHP. As we headed from our room to the monorail we saw this little fellow enjoying a (what we were hoping was a) brief afternoon rain shower. He was really cute and waddled along next to us for a good portion of the path.

Up next...MNSSHP

**I will try and get that posted tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your patience!!**

 

[jaycns]

Now there in lies a tale. We are going to Long Island with DH's parents to visit DH's DB and family....for TWO WHOLE WEEKS . Don't get me wrong my inlaws are the best and I love them to bits but OMG two whole weeks of family togetherness is NOT my idea of a holiday.

I also have an cunning plan (Woo Ha Ha Ha). We've had a festive season full of coughs, colds, chest infections and vomiting viruses and I'm feeling a bit hacked off to say the least (enter the sympathy vote!!!). I have suggested to DH that two weeks with the family might be too much and that we should split it up with a family trip for just the four of us...I've checked out resorts in Long Island and they're pretty expensive....(do you see where I'm going with this?).....are you aware of how much cheaper it would be to stay at a value resort at Disney for a few days.....I wonder how much cheap flights from NY to ORL would be?

What did I hear you say? Sneaky, me? I don't know what you're talking about

Not sneaky, smart!! Or at least that's what I would call it! Make sure you keep us updated as to your SUCCESS!

And men THINK they're in control!

Hee hee hee...THINK being the important word.

Aw, bless their little hearts, they just haven't got a clue have they

Well, I think dh may be catching on, he is resigned to our WDW trips now...instead of even pretending we might not go, he just groans and tries to bargain for less days.

I'm curious - what day of the week was this? Because I wonder if going on a weekend makes a difference. We were there on our last day, which was a Saturday. Our ADR was for 10:40. I purposely made it late so that it wouldn't be crowded and we'd get a bit more time with the characters. But the restaurant was full and the time with the characters was very rushed. I was disappointed. I liked the food and the resort was beautiful so I'd like to give it another try on our next trip - but schedule it for a weekday rather than a weekend. I guess it probably made a difference that it was December 15th and the parks are getting more and more crowded at that time of year.

Anyway, it sounds like you guys had a great time there and I can see how having some downtime made your trip so special!

Well, we were there on a Thursday in mid September (the parks were pretty empty the entire time we were there) however, it was there during free dining so I would have expected it to be a bit busier. I would guess that the weekday vs. weekend did have a lot to do with it.

Love all your O'hana pictures, looks like a wonderful way to start your last full day in WDW (*snif, snif*)

I am hating to having to write about our last day. It's just way too sad! But still, the memories are great (and I have less then 24 hours to go before I am back in the hospital and I am bound and determined to get this wrapped up before then). Glad you liked the pictures.

The pictures are sooo great!! The kids look so cute with the characters and like they are having the best time! We can't wait to try O'hana one day!!

But ........ but ......... but ....... it's almost the end and then what happens to the rest of my life?

Just call me Drama Queen!!

HA HA HA Okay Drama Queen! Or is that me, I have sniffed each and every time I recall our last day. The characters did rock at this meal. It was one of our best interactions of the trip!

Your GF pics are great!! It looks like the boys had a wonderful breakfast at 'Ohana with the characters. We always have a breakfast and a dinner at 'Ohana every trip.

I think is turning into a tradition of our trips as well (for the past two trips at least). It's such a fun place for a family meal!

Hi Jay!!! Just checking in... We're getting close to that 10 day mark. Hope all is well!!!!

Blessings to everyone.
Barb

YES!!! We sure are! I cannot wait to meet our little prince in person!

Hi Jay. I just checked in & read about your hospital admission. Hoping all is going well. Can't wait to hear that the new prince has arrived & both of you are well! I'll keep checking!

I hope to have internet access from the hospital. I will be sure to post if I do!

Well, well, well - look what I have stumbled upon - a trip report by my favorite soul sista Jaybat!

Love the family pics Jay. I especially LOVE all the pictures of my favorite son-in-law to-be Aladdin. I really think he and squidlet are going to make a beautiful pair. For those of you who don't know, Jay and I are chatter sisters and have made a pre-marriage contract for our two childen. Jay will be gifting me with a giraffe, a zebra, 2 emus, and a flock a flamingos for my dd and I will be gifting her with many stays at AKV concierge!

What do you think Jay - do these two look like they belong together or what?



Anyway, love the trip report. Now hurry up and have that he-bat so you can meet us in February. You are the one in charge of writing our trip report!

SQUIDDY, you finally stopped by! It's great to see you! And yes, I still think they would make one cute soccer lovin' couple!

MNSSHP UPDATE COMING UP TOMORROW!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

MouseTriper did a GREAT job on those shirts! And Stitch could not be any cuter in his outfit!! Hope the rain stayed away for MNSSHP, can't wait to hear all about it.

On another note, just 24 more hours till you go back to the hospital? Keeping you in my prayers that all goes well for you and the new prince. Can't wait to "meet" him!

 

[SkyGirl]

Loved the outfits! The boys looked fabulous and your friend did an amazing job. I have never seen that movie and I keep meaning to -- now I'm just gonna have to!

So happy to see a post from you!!!

 

[Spartangirl]

Great updates! I love the outfits....too cute!!!

I love the "little things" at WDW......DH and I take time to appreciate these types of things too........this duck is so cute!


Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP!

 

[jaycns]

MNSSHP

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party had been a highlight from last year's trip. So we were all very excited to spend our last night at Disney the same way again this year. I remember a park that was full of spooky music, low crowds, decorations, family and friends (we met up with a family we had cruised with the week before).

Even though it was raining a bit, we headed out and arrived at MK at 4:10 PM. I knew that our tickets (well I hoped it was still true) would get us through the turnstiles at 4:00 PM even though the party did not officially begin until 7:00 PM. I was so happy when that was still the case.

The rain seemed to clear as we made our way down the monorail ramp and into the parks. It was still a bit overcast, but that just provided us a bit of relief from the heat of the sun. Our first MK picture of the night:

Some of the great decorations:

And a picture that shows the cute little Jack Skellington head on the back of "Aladdin's" shirt.

TO BE CONTINUED: I just got a phone call that "Aladdin's" indoor soccer team made it to the championship game with a win a few minutes ago. I have missed all of his other games this season on bedrest...but I figure, if I am going in tonight to be induced, then no harm can come from me inducing myself (if that should happen) by going to sit and watch his final game of the season. I know I "shouldn't"...but I have been SO GOOD and hearing his little excited voice on the other end of the phone line, well, I have to run and be the proud mommy that I am. Hopefully I will get back in time to finish this up before dinner tonight. Sorry for the interrupted installment. but I am OUTTA HERE!!