Since I consider myself to be a fairly seasoned visitor, I always enjoy making a list of my new trip experiences. It supports my theory that each trip is a new and exciting experience at Disney. No 2 trips can ever be the same!
So what did I do new on this trip????? Well, let's see......
Day 1: Dinner at Narcoosee's
Exploring the Grand Floridian (including that pesky self parking lot 
)
This was such a wonderful way to kick off the trip. The GF, in all its splendor, spoke to me and said .......WOW, this is going to be a GREAT trip! Interesting, the GF has never been on my list of "must try" resorts. I'm not sure wny. I guess its because I am "thrifty" (aka cheap) by nature, and I just can't see parting with that kind of $$$ unless I were to get a discount beyond belief. However, this visit to the GF made me realize that it might be nice to have a short stay there. It would nice for a visit when, say, I had no park tickets. Seems to be that the resort itself would keep me more than happy. Strictly adults only, though!
Day 2: Storm Struck
Grey Goose Slushie
Walk -On Soarin
Photographing the secret picture in SSE
Flying Fish
Exploring the Boardwalk Resort
Walking right on Soarin really was quite a feat for me. I am now officially "spoiled" for life. I know a Soarin walk-on is not likely to happen again for a long time, so I totally appreciate that experience.
Storm Struck was an enjoyable experience, but I probably won't be rushing to do that again real soon. Mostly because there is always so much else I want to do.
GGS - Yes - I know - it is hard to believe that was my first! It certainly lived up to all the hype and it, most certainly, will not be my last. I enjoyed it - right to the last drop!
Oh the secret picture in SSE - Thank you Jen for clueing me into that little surprise. I am so excited that the picture turned out, even though I broke the rules to get it.
Flying Fish - The best scallops I have ever tasted and, overall, a really enjoyable meal. Even though I wasn't crazy about the decor, I would not hesistate to eat there again.
Exploring the Boardwalk - I loved the Boardwalk. Just like GF, this was never tops on my list for resort choices, but that has changed. I think its right up there with the coveted beach club. For my next big DVC trip I really would like to try for BC or BWV. I will be happy with either one. I loved all the cool things in the lobby. This place really did take me back to my days as a kid at the Jersey shore. It made me think of my grandmother and my childhood visits to the Steele Peer.
Day 3: Exploring the trail on Discovery Island and exploring the Tree of Life upclose and personal
Front row of EE
Tusker House Lunch
MNSSHP
Visiting Minnie's House
Day 3 provided me with an opportunity to see the AK through the eye of a photographer. I had so much fun taking pictures at the AK. It was like looking at a whole new park. We also had a blast riding the front row of EE. And I am so excited that my DH was able to take those front row shots. I will treasure them forever.
TH was a very enjoyable meal. The food was excellent and the theming was great. I would have preferred breakfast, but I have that scheduled for my next trip and lunch really was super yummy!
And MNSSHP.......What can I say that hasn't already been said? This party was a total blast. I loved the parade, the music, the costumes, the lighting, the photopass opportunities. It really is a great party. I did enjoy it more than
MVMCP. Again, I think the reason for my preference were the decreased crowds and the theming.
And Minnie's House - Yep - another first. Minnie - I don't know why it took me so long to come visit you, but I promise to be back soon!
Day 4: The Magic of Disney Animation
TSM without a FP
Artist Point
Exploring the Wilderness Lodge
I finally drew my character. I have wanted to do that for several trips and Pluto is now mine. I really want to do this again in May and I hope that my GF will want to do this, too. I know Denny wont!
I was pretty psyched that we got to do the stand-by line for TSM. I never thought I would wait in that line due to the popularity of the ride. The queue was really cute and I loved the talking Mr Potato Head.
AP - As you know, this was my favorite dinner of the trip. It had all the key ingredients for an amazing night - great service, great wine, great food, special anniversary surprises, and a beautiful view. I feel in love with the WL and know I will be staying at one of my dream resorts in a few short months! I feel so lucky and it makes me so thankful that we joined DVC. Point challenged or not - I am happy to have a small piece of the DVC pie because of all the new experiences it has, and will, open up for me! The WL is just a great architectual feat and I look forward to exploring every nook and cranny.
Day 5: Taking Pictures of the Treehouse
The New Hall of Presidents
Lunch at LTT
The Ferry Ride
My first Dis meet
So, I have been in the tree house before, my I will call this a first because its the first time I focused and took pictures. In the past I have just breezed through. I am glad I have new pictures that remind me of all the great details in the treehouse.
The New HOP - good job! I will be back!
Lunch at LTT - I have had dinner there, but lunch was excellent. I may have to do a repeat in May because it really was yummy. That sandwich - YUM!
The Ferry Ride - OK - technically not a first. Our first ferry ride was in 2002. This was the first time our family set foot on Disney property together and it was our first magical trip to the MK. How could I have possibly waited 10 more trips to return on that ferry? So - to me - its was a "new" first. It was so beautiful traveling past the Poly, the GF, the Contemporary, and catching that first glimpse of the MK and the Castle. What a great feeling!
My first DIS meet - Again - such a great, positive experience and I look forward to many more upcoming Dis meets in May. Let's see - Katie is confirmed with a wonderful meal planned at Ohana's
. I am also hoping to meet Tracy (manntra) so we can try out our new cameras together
, and I can't forget Ellen and the Dismoms - the Cave and the Sake bar - hear I come!!!!!!!!
So -up next - My top 5 highlights of the trip (I bet you can guess them all), some final thoughts, and some photopass pics.
but thrilled you may be going in Jan to tide me over with pictures.
since returning last week, she hasn't been on the Dis, I can't wait to hear if she will be joining us!!
now I always keep it out and ready...even if I don't plan to take any pics!
I am really wanting another solo trip...which very well may coincide with the 'great gnomie F&W meet' in october. 
I just made the same photopass calendar- using pics from our November trip (and 1 or 2 from our September visit). I didn't have very good photopass pics, though. So I used alot of my own pics in it- so often my photos came out better than theirs- that's why I didn't buy the CD- but you're right, the calendar is a great alternative. 
I love all of the backgrounds on that one. Yours turned out great....look at all of those smiles! 
