Fireworks, DVC, and a whole lot less of me!!!-our 6th trip to disney!-update 7/6 pg14

[jeremysdisneymom]

It was still early after our exploration of the AKL so we decided to head back to the WL. On the way, we stopped and got some pictures at the entrance.

Jeremy doing his best goose impression!

Oh no, there are bears in these parts!!! Jeremy and his best bear impression!

It was still early evening. We walked around the resort for a little while. We were supposed to meet Martinolich from the dis boards later that evening but our plans changed. The more we set around, the more we wanted to go to the parks. So, we headed to MK to see this...

the Main Street Electric Parade! I was soooo excited to see this as there had been so much buzz about this parade. If it was at Disney when I was a child, I just don't remember it. Well, it did not disappoint. It quickly became a new family favorite Disney parade for us. I will finish this post with pictures from the parade.

There will be more parade pictures later on as we made several visits to see this parade again and again.

Up Next:

Pre-Trip Planning: ADRs and Why is there Less of Me?

 

[SoonerGirl]

So many great pictures in this update!

The ducks wouldn't have bothered me either, I'm more worried about diaperless toddlers

We saw the MSEP at DCA and really liked it. I am going to miss Spectro though....

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

So many great pictures in this update!

The ducks wouldn't have bothered me either, I'm more worried about diaperless toddlers

We saw the MSEP at DCA and really liked it. I am going to miss Spectro though....

Totally agree with you. If I really thought about it, I would never let him in the pool!

I miss Spectro as well, but we really like MSEP. I can't wait to see it again this summer. I wish I could find a CD with the music on it. You can't help but feel so happy when it starts playing.

 

[Sooze]

Can you believe I have NEVER stepped foot in Wilderness Lodge?! Every time I read a trip report with Wilderness Lodge in it, I just get more and more antsy to stay there. They even have DVC, so I'm not sure what our problem is! We are creatures of habit, I guess...

Love the pictures of the Electric Parade. I have lots of childhood memories of it, so I always enjoy seeing pictures!!

 

[MeMom]

.

I do love this place! It is an experience in itself. I love the 'feel' of it, the great gift shop, the educational things in the lobby, the fireplace inside and the firepit outside, the big rocking chairs, the animals, the wonderful aroma over by the steps going down to Boma, and the food!

 

[teachermommy78]

Awesome pictures! I love the ducks. That's so cute! Boma is a restaurant that I never wanted to go to before finding Dis. Now I am kicking myself for not getting and ADR! Next trip, for sure.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Can you believe I have NEVER stepped foot in Wilderness Lodge?! Every time I read a trip report with Wilderness Lodge in it, I just get more and more antsy to stay there. They even have DVC, so I'm not sure what our problem is! We are creatures of habit, I guess...

Love the pictures of the Electric Parade. I have lots of childhood memories of it, so I always enjoy seeing pictures!!

You definitely have to go there!!! It is stunning. Christmas at the lodge is even more magnificent. I think it will feel weird not being there this time but I know we will have fun at the other parades. You should also try Whispering Canyon Cafe---yum!!!

I do love this place! It is an experience in itself. I love the 'feel' of it, the great gift shop, the educational things in the lobby, the fireplace inside and the firepit outside, the big rocking chairs, the animals, the wonderful aroma over by the steps going down to Boma, and the food!

I can hardly wait to stay here this summer. I am going to pull a MeMom and get up early morning and go exploring! I think Jeremy will really like it here as well.

Awesome pictures! I love the ducks. That's so cute! Boma is a restaurant that I never wanted to go to before finding Dis. Now I am kicking myself for not getting and ADR! Next trip, for sure.

You definitely need to put Boma on your list for the future! It is really good! I have heard that breakfast is good as well but we have not done that.

 

[disneyfan61]

Boma is a favorite of this family as well!!! LOVE it there. I wish we were going there next month but there is only so much time!

We cannot wait to see the EP when we are there. We have only seen Spectro so I am anxious to see it.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Day 2-Summer 2010 Trip

My next update was going to be about ADRs and why there is a lot less of me. Well, change in plans! I had some pictures I wanted to upload which did not happen last night. Jeremy is on Spring Break this week and spent a few nights at my mom's. Tom is having to work nights so I got all the laundry caught up last night while I had the house to myself.

So, let's move on to Day 2 of Summer 2010.........

We usually begin our first full day of Disney vacations at a park. It doesn't matter which one, as long as we are at Disney World. However, this trip was going to be a little different. The boys really wanted to try the water parks. We had found a love of water parks the summer before while on vacation in Myrtle Beach. So, we added the water park and more option to our tickets this time. I knew if we did not go early on in the trip to at least one of the parks, Jeremy would bug us to death until we did. So, we began our vacation at Typhoon Lagoon.

The theming of Disney water parks is amazing! Both parks are absolutely unique in their own way.

These are the only pictures I have from Typhoon Lagoon. We rented a locker and put all of our belongings (including the camera) in it.

We liked Typhoon Lagoon but prefer Blizzard Beach (more on that later in the trip.) The Shark Reef (where you snorkel with sharks) was the most enjoyable part of the day. I was worried about Jeremy snorkeling over but he did great. He doesn't like to snorkel at home and I was afraid he would try to dive down. It was neat swimming with the fish and I would like to do it again. The water was really cold though.

Crush n Gusher was lots of fun. I think we rode all three slides on that. I know we did some of the raft rides but I really thought they were sort of short in nature. The lazy river was nice.

The worst part of the entire day was the wave pool----never and I do mean never again would I do that at TL. The waves are strong. Jeremy was in there one minute and he was gone. He would have no part of it. I went and sat at the shore line after struggling with the first few waves. Even Tom (who is a much better swimmer than I) thought it was rough. It took him under some and he is 6' 5".

We stayed there until about noon and headed back to WL. We had lunch at Roaring Fork and then went for a nap.

These were waiting for us in the room when we arrived.

We had only been there 2 days and had 3 towel animals!

Continued in next post....

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

We typically do not take afternoon naps at Disney. Well, at least Jeremy and I do not. We prefer to spend our time at the pool. However, this day was different. It was July 3rd and we had a special family event planned for the evening.

Rested, we headed to Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge. As usual, there is no food porn. We had never eaten here before and was really looking forward to it. Jeremy and I both ordered a shake as our drink. I think mine was orange and Jeremy's was bubble gum. (Remember these shakes!!!!)

Now, the waitress tried to get into the antics with Jeremy but he was having nothing of it this night. He was sooooooo embarassed by it. She quickly caught on and started with Tom who was loving it. Go figure, the child hates it and DH is having a blast!!! The salad was wonderful and we all had the skillet for dinner. Tom loved the ribs and even asked for more. He loves BBQ so the man was in heaven!

It was when the second order of ribs came that I started feeling weird. I sat there for a while and it kept getting worse. Finally, I told Tom I had to go back to the room and left. I was glad because I started throwing up when I got there! (I know....probably too much info!!).

It wasn't long Tom called and said Jeremy was on his way to the room sick and yes, he gets there throwing up!!!

I was in panic mode as we had to be somewhere later and I was afraid that we were all sick now. Tom shows up LATER (yes, the man sat down there and finished his ribs!!!) with dessert to go and the waitress was kind enough that she had room service send us some Sprite to help with the sickness. Tom never got sick so I really think it was the milkshakes!!! So, note to self----never order the milkshake again!

Feeling better, we start to leave and I realize my backpack is still in the restaurant with everything in it. Luckily, our great waitress had found it and was waiting to see if we came back before she had them send it up to the room.

I know this was a long narrative but there will be more sick spells in this trip so I had to give you the preface to it!

We boarded a boat and headed to the Contemporary Resort to ...................

the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage!!!! I had read about this and thought it would be something new for us to do and what a great way to see the pre-4th of July Fireworks!

You start the voyage in one of the ballrooms at the CR.

They give you bandanas to wear to identify that you are with the group for when you board the boats.

There are tons of snacks set out for you and drinks. You can eat them there, take them with you on the boat, and they actually encourage you to take as much as you want for later.

After a short bit, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee come out for a meet and greet.

Our pirate captain, Patch and his cousin Patch come out and quickly got us in line to go to the boats. We were with cousin Patch and Captain Hook. I thought I had loaded a picture of the captain but can't find it. He goes on the boat with you but Capt Hook is just there to see you off.

We had assigned seats. We were second row back on the right. Remember this if you ever do this as you do not want on this side!

As you head out, Patch tells stories and does trivia. He mainly asks the children on board and they get a prize from his loot.

Up until this point, we were having an enjoyable time. The electric water parade went by and it was soon time for the fireworks. I could hardly wait. Now, when the fireworks started, they were to the left side of the boat. You could hardly see anything on our side. Jeremy moved to the center aisle and was able to see some but it was really a disappointment. I would have had a much better view on the Poly Beach or even fighting the crowds in MK.

We headed back in once the fireworks were over. Patch told us the story of Peter Pan and Hook and guess who was waiting for us when we docked......

All in all, it was fun night with a minor setback.

Up next....
ADR planning and Why is there a lot less of me?

​

 

[disneyfan61]

Great update!! We have never been to Typhoon Lagoon but we have been to Blizzard Beach. It was fun but so much climbing. I do love the lazy river!!

That's too bad that you were both sick from the milkshakes. I guess if we eat there we will not be ordering those.

Also too bad you did not get a great look at the fireworks.

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[micandminforever]

Sorry, I am late. Thanks for the tip about your report. Now I need to go back and catch up. I look forward to your fun report and pre-trip report.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I had some major deja vu while reading this update! We had a very similar experience on our December 2009 trip. I had a Wishes cruise scheduled for our last night and Justin got sick at dinner after drinking a milkshake, then Jared got sick too. I was so afraid that I had just wasted nearly $300 on a cruise we wouldn't be able to take, thankfully after some fresh air and a little bit of downtime they felt better!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Erika!
Thanks for sending up the bat signal!
I'm all caught up and subbing!
So glad you both were able to recover and go on your fireworks cruise...
Sorry about the seats.

Looking forward to the next update!

 

[MommyMcQueen]

Hi Erika!

Thanks for the PM! So glad to see you back on the DIS and excited to read about your trip from last summer and you plans for this year! Congrats on the DVC! You must be so excited!

Sorry to hear you had a rough patch there after your trip last year, hope things are going better now. Very anxious to see your updates and read your post regarding there being less of you...I recall this too from your last PTR!!!

Karen

 

[jenjolt]

Hey!! I made it over WOOT WOOT!! Going back to get all caught up!! Thanks for the PM!

 

[MeMom]

I can hardly wait to stay here this summer. I am going to pull a MeMom and get up early morning and go exploring! I think Jeremy will really like it here as well.

You'll have to send me phone pictures as you walk along.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Here, Erika!!! Thanks for the PM! I am headed back to read and catch up now!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Great update!! We have never been to Typhoon Lagoon but we have been to Blizzard Beach. It was fun but so much climbing. I do love the lazy river!!

That's too bad that you were both sick from the milkshakes. I guess if we eat there we will not be ordering those.

Also too bad you did not get a great look at the fireworks.

Can't wait for the next update!

I agree---You do a lot of climbing stairs at Blizzard Beach. We rode the ski lift a lot to Teamboat Springs but by late morning the line for that was horrible.

We get to see the fireworks again this year so I guess I am lucky that we do get to go back. We are hoping to watch this year from Top of the World Lounge at BLT so I know that will be phenomenal.

Sorry, I am late. Thanks for the tip about your report. Now I need to go back and catch up. I look forward to your fun report and pre-trip report.

Glad you are here!

I had some major deja vu while reading this update! We had a very similar experience on our December 2009 trip. I had a Wishes cruise scheduled for our last night and Justin got sick at dinner after drinking a milkshake, then Jared got sick too. I was so afraid that I had just wasted nearly $300 on a cruise we wouldn't be able to take, thankfully after some fresh air and a little bit of downtime they felt better!

Oh no! What is it with cruises and milkshakes! I am so glad they felt better and you were able to go.

Hi Erika!
Thanks for sending up the bat signal!
I'm all caught up and subbing!
So glad you both were able to recover and go on your fireworks cruise...
Sorry about the seats.

Looking forward to the next update!

I am glad you are here. We didn't let the seats ruin the night. Jeremy had a good time and it was something fun to do. Not sure we would ever do it again. It would have been nice on nights that they know the weather is fine to take a boat with no cover. That would have eliminated the whole viewing issue.

Hi Erika!

Thanks for the PM! So glad to see you back on the DIS and excited to read about your trip from last summer and you plans for this year! Congrats on the DVC! You must be so excited!

Sorry to hear you had a rough patch there after your trip last year, hope things are going better now. Very anxious to see your updates and read your post regarding there being less of you...I recall this too from your last PTR!!!

Karen

Karen, It is so good to see that you are still on the DIS. Things are much better now! Thanks for remembering about there being less of me. It has been a great journey that I am glad I took. Are you still running? I had started but my doctor has switched my exercise for a while. I still want to be able to run a 5K some day. That would be a great accomplishment.

We are excited about DVC. I just wish we had done it sooner looking back now.

I see you started a trip from last year. I am going over to check it out today.

Hey!! I made it over WOOT WOOT!! Going back to get all caught up!! Thanks for the PM!

Glad you are here.

You'll have to send me phone pictures as you walk along.

Will do. However, I am not very phone tech savvy so if you get some weird texts from me---please understand!

Here, Erika!!! Thanks for the PM! I am headed back to read and catch up now!

Glad you are here.

 

[MommyMcQueen]

Karen, It is so good to see that you are still on the DIS. Things are much better now! Thanks for remembering about there being less of me. It has been a great journey that I am glad I took. Are you still running? I had started but my doctor has switched my exercise for a while. I still want to be able to run a 5K some day. That would be a great accomplishment.

We are excited about DVC. I just wish we had done it sooner looking back now.

I see you started a trip from last year. I am going over to check it out today.

Glad you are here.

Hi Erika!

Yes, I'm still running. Last year was an amazing year - over summer I trained for a half marathon and did one in fall. It was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had! I totally beat my goal time and had so much fun at the event. Winter was long here and I didn't run at all, but I've been back out some since February. I have another Half that I'm training for - it is in 5 weeks and I have a long ways to go until I'll be ready, but I'm still going to go for it.

Can't wait to read your next update!
Karen