Thanks! They sure did...got my grades today and am very happy with them!
Fun at the Fort - Monday - last day - page 4
- Thread starter lklasing
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Thanks! They sure did...got my grades today and am very happy with them!
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
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Thanks for replying, everyone! It's nice to know you're still out there! Now, on with the report:
Saturday, November 27 – That darn wakeup call keeps on getting earlier each day. They called at 6:45 since we had 8:10 ADRs at CM. Since Disney wanted to make sure we didn’t miss our appointment with Mickey, they called twice, which was just what Ray needed as he had dozed back off to sleep. Jodi woke on up, but Danielle was much harder to get up today. Several days of charging so hard start taking their toll. But up she got, and we met up with Kevin’s family and all followed each other in our golf carts to the marina to catch the boat to the Contemporary.
[This is Lynn dumping sand from her tennis shoes after the tetherball game while waiting on the boat.]
You can tell from the kids’ clothes that it was definitely warmer this morning – very nice. We waited for the boat just long enough for me to wonder whether they were running yet, even though I knew from the Dis that they were. It finally arrived and we headed back to the CR.
[This is what a 14 year old boy looks like when his dad makes him get up on vacation instead of sleeping in.]
This is one of my favorite photo-ops in the World:
Chef Mickeys was great. Everyone had a lot of fun. The funniest part was how David (the 14 year old) wanted to have nothing to do with the characters. Therefore, he became Goofy’s target – trying to goad him into interacting, goosing him one time when he walked by him. While David didn’t enjoy it much, all the rest of us did.
Goofy giving David a hard time:
When Minnie came, Kevin took a wedding ring and proposed to her on bended knee. It was very cute and got lots of attention. She said yes through a note to him she wrote in Jodi’s autograph book. Mickey was duly disapproving, just as you would expect. It was a very cute and unexpected part of the meal.
After breakfast, we took the monorail to the TTC, and then to Epcot. Again, just hanging out together waiting on a monorail is fun at Disney whereas at home, just waiting on something to happen is not so memorable.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, November 27 – That darn wakeup call keeps on getting earlier each day. They called at 6:45 since we had 8:10 ADRs at CM. Since Disney wanted to make sure we didn’t miss our appointment with Mickey, they called twice, which was just what Ray needed as he had dozed back off to sleep. Jodi woke on up, but Danielle was much harder to get up today. Several days of charging so hard start taking their toll. But up she got, and we met up with Kevin’s family and all followed each other in our golf carts to the marina to catch the boat to the Contemporary.
[This is Lynn dumping sand from her tennis shoes after the tetherball game while waiting on the boat.]
You can tell from the kids’ clothes that it was definitely warmer this morning – very nice. We waited for the boat just long enough for me to wonder whether they were running yet, even though I knew from the Dis that they were. It finally arrived and we headed back to the CR.
[This is what a 14 year old boy looks like when his dad makes him get up on vacation instead of sleeping in.]
This is one of my favorite photo-ops in the World:
Chef Mickeys was great. Everyone had a lot of fun. The funniest part was how David (the 14 year old) wanted to have nothing to do with the characters. Therefore, he became Goofy’s target – trying to goad him into interacting, goosing him one time when he walked by him. While David didn’t enjoy it much, all the rest of us did.
Goofy giving David a hard time:
When Minnie came, Kevin took a wedding ring and proposed to her on bended knee. It was very cute and got lots of attention. She said yes through a note to him she wrote in Jodi’s autograph book. Mickey was duly disapproving, just as you would expect. It was a very cute and unexpected part of the meal.
After breakfast, we took the monorail to the TTC, and then to Epcot. Again, just hanging out together waiting on a monorail is fun at Disney whereas at home, just waiting on something to happen is not so memorable.
Stay tuned!
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
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- 1,658
Happily, we made it to
Epcot! Its so hard to say what my favorite park would be of the four big ones, but Epcot would definitely be in the running. It has my all time favorite ride, Soarin, so of course I took off as soon as we got there and got FPs for everyone and then caught them at TT. Ray waited outside for me while the rest had gone on in. Ray and I went in the single rider line and easily beat the rest of the group by 15 minutes, even though we entered the line about 10 minutes behind them. Lynn particularly liked TT, which was good as she had been hesitant to ride.
I love how Jodi has her fingers in her ears here. She hates loud noises and I guess was prepared for the worst!
Then, we all went to M:S, with Kevin, David, Danielle and Nick doing the orange (spinning) side while Ray, Jodi, Lynn and I rode the green (non-spinning) side. While Ive done the orange side several times before and made it through without too much trouble, I was pretty happy to do the green side. It was just as much fun as the orange side without the stress of worrying about the g-forces, which made it much more fun for both Ray and me.
Afterward, we still had some time to kill before Soarin, so we did Journey into Imagination, which I think the boys really hated. The girls liked it alright, but we were all happy to get out and grab a slushie before Soarin.
After our break, we headed to Soarin with our FPs, glad to not be waiting in the standby line which was 110 minutes by then. As Kevin hadnt been nearly as crazy about TSMM as I had told him he would be, I was anxious to see how he would feel about Soarin, which I had built up to an even bigger degree. To my delight, he loved it. He seemed to feel the same way about it as Ray and I do that we could stay in there for hours as opposed to just minutes.
By the time we got off there, we were all starving but for different things, so we split once again into the fairly usual groupings. Ray and I took all the girls (except Hope, who had gone to the spa at the GF after breakfast) to Mexico for $50 worth of CS lunch. I was surprised at how expensive it was but I will admit that it was good and most of it got eaten. Meanwhile, Kevin and the boys apparently were lucky enough to get into Tutto Italia, which they loved. After lunch, Ray and I wanted to walk around the WS but feared the girls might get tired and/or cranky before finishing the loop, so we did what any self respecting parent would do bribed them. After we told them they would be rewarded for good behavior (which they know includes smiling and being good subjects when I want to take a picture of them), this is what they looked like:
This was right after we unknowingly crossed paths with MeMom. I hate that we missed each other. I still cant believe you saw this picture being taken right outside Mexico:
Mexico, by the way, is Jodis favorite country at Epcot she is fascinated by it.
The only photographer we ran into in the WS was in China, but we had a lot of fun with him. He snapped at least a dozen pictures of us, most of which were definitely candid as we werent ready, but I really have enjoyed them.
I really love this one (above) its windy and were off center, but it shows how much fun we were having.
Germany:
What a view!
Obligatory tourist pic from Canada:
Can you tell that Ray is holding up Danielle?
One more Saturday installment coming up in a sec!
Epcot! Its so hard to say what my favorite park would be of the four big ones, but Epcot would definitely be in the running. It has my all time favorite ride, Soarin, so of course I took off as soon as we got there and got FPs for everyone and then caught them at TT. Ray waited outside for me while the rest had gone on in. Ray and I went in the single rider line and easily beat the rest of the group by 15 minutes, even though we entered the line about 10 minutes behind them. Lynn particularly liked TT, which was good as she had been hesitant to ride.
I love how Jodi has her fingers in her ears here. She hates loud noises and I guess was prepared for the worst!
Then, we all went to M:S, with Kevin, David, Danielle and Nick doing the orange (spinning) side while Ray, Jodi, Lynn and I rode the green (non-spinning) side. While Ive done the orange side several times before and made it through without too much trouble, I was pretty happy to do the green side. It was just as much fun as the orange side without the stress of worrying about the g-forces, which made it much more fun for both Ray and me.
Afterward, we still had some time to kill before Soarin, so we did Journey into Imagination, which I think the boys really hated. The girls liked it alright, but we were all happy to get out and grab a slushie before Soarin.
After our break, we headed to Soarin with our FPs, glad to not be waiting in the standby line which was 110 minutes by then. As Kevin hadnt been nearly as crazy about TSMM as I had told him he would be, I was anxious to see how he would feel about Soarin, which I had built up to an even bigger degree. To my delight, he loved it. He seemed to feel the same way about it as Ray and I do that we could stay in there for hours as opposed to just minutes.
By the time we got off there, we were all starving but for different things, so we split once again into the fairly usual groupings. Ray and I took all the girls (except Hope, who had gone to the spa at the GF after breakfast) to Mexico for $50 worth of CS lunch. I was surprised at how expensive it was but I will admit that it was good and most of it got eaten. Meanwhile, Kevin and the boys apparently were lucky enough to get into Tutto Italia, which they loved. After lunch, Ray and I wanted to walk around the WS but feared the girls might get tired and/or cranky before finishing the loop, so we did what any self respecting parent would do bribed them. After we told them they would be rewarded for good behavior (which they know includes smiling and being good subjects when I want to take a picture of them), this is what they looked like:
This was right after we unknowingly crossed paths with MeMom. I hate that we missed each other. I still cant believe you saw this picture being taken right outside Mexico:
Mexico, by the way, is Jodis favorite country at Epcot she is fascinated by it.
The only photographer we ran into in the WS was in China, but we had a lot of fun with him. He snapped at least a dozen pictures of us, most of which were definitely candid as we werent ready, but I really have enjoyed them.
I really love this one (above) its windy and were off center, but it shows how much fun we were having.
Germany:
What a view!
Obligatory tourist pic from Canada:
Can you tell that Ray is holding up Danielle?
One more Saturday installment coming up in a sec!
KeepSwimmingDory
DIS Veteran
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Anyone still out there?I'm working on my Saturday installment - should have it up probably tonight.
Also, has anyone tried making the "sausage things" yet? They're so easy - I hope someone tries them over the holidays.
Leslie
Just started reading tonight but I'm hoping for more! And as soon as I can get to the grocery store I'm trying your sausage things. My boys will love those!
We have many good memories from Ft. Wilderness with my 4 boys who were 12, 11, 5, 5 when we stayed there the first time in 2000. Our last trip in the cabins was last Christmas and they still love it. I think the campground kept us sane on vacation and returning year after year to WDW with a big family. DH and DS loved sitting out on the deck. And when the kids were rowdy I didn't feel like we were bothering our neighbors as much as we would be in a hotel.
We are traveling to WDW in March with the twin 13 yr. olds (who turn 14 on the first day of the trip actually) and will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge which I love. I'm sure we will ride the boat over at least once and enjoy the campground.
Can't wait to read the rest of your report.
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
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- 1,658
We had a nice time in all of the countries, especially Morocco, which had a great band playing. After we completed the loop, it was reward time. I think Ray and I had thought the reward would be something like ice cream or a piece of candy, but of course, somehow they managed to talk us into toys. Danielle and Lynn each got one of those balls you see everywhere in the world these days, while Jodi got an interesting little puppet from China. By then, Hope had arrived from the GF spa, only to get there in time for all of us to be ready to leave. 
When we left Epcot, all the girls went back to the Fort, while all the boys went to ESPN at the Boardwalk to watch football. Since they had figured out the bus system so well, I let Danielle, Jodi and Lynn bus it to the arcades again while I went on a run. I thought about running back to WL again, but decided to go looping again which included retrieving our GC from the marina parking. (I wont even tell you how long Hope and I looked for that darn thing at the outpost before finally remembering it was parked at the other end of the resort.
) On my way back from marina, I passed Donnie (Stacktester on the Dis), who had his Fort Fiends sign in his golf cart, as did I, so we both stopped and got to chat for a few minutes. He and his cute daughter were very nice, as were more Dissers, Lonestar and his wife, who also stopped by. Finally, knowing my family probably thought I had dropped off the face of the earth, I had to say goodbye and get back to the cabin before they called the Fort police on me.
After cleaning up, Ray and I took Danielle, Jodi and our-practically-adopted-by-now Lynn to HS with only one purpose in mind the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Having historically only come to the World in May, we had never seen it before and I was very excited about going. I think Ray was scared it was just going to be a big tree and a few other decorations, but it was obviously nothing like that. It was well worth the trip unlike anything I had ever seen. Even Ray, who by then was definitely getting worn out from a big day, was enthralled by the whole thing. Spectacle doesnt even begin to describe it. The synchronized songs were particularly mind-boggling.
While we were there, a lady standing near us bought the girls 3D glasses as she bought her own very sweet. We had lots of encounters like that throughout the trip, and they really make it special. We always try to do what we can for others on these trips, even if its just taking a groups picture together or giving away unused FPs, but it really makes a difference. As hokey as it sounds, its really more fun to be on the giving side of those events than the receiving side. (Having said that, it was very fun to receive the 3D glasses!)
Back to our day and night after the Osborne lights, we were supposed to go to Boma, but we were far too dead to do it. Really dead. Dead, dead, dead. So, we came on back to the cabin, handed out Uncrustables to the girls, made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for us, and broke open the wine. Its hard for me sometimes to pass up on going to a restaurant, especially on vacation, but even with my very strong preference to eating out, this is where staying at a FW cabin (or camper if you have one) really becomes worth its weight in gold. We were all tired and getting crankier by the minute if we had had to go sit in a restaurant, which we may or may not have been seated in on time, or if we had gone to yet another CS place, I may have lost my mind. I was just dead. (Did I say that already?) So instead, we came back to our place, ate food we knew we liked, watched football and let the kids play. It was truly perfect.
After supper, the girls thought a night swim would be a good idea, but once they got in the pool up to their knees, they thought the better of it. You just can't heat the whole area enough in late November to make it fun for us at night. We came straight back and everyone had a bath or shower (being able to get into Kevins cabin was very helpful in this process) and then pretty quickly everyone poured into bed.
I dont think I mentioned how beautiful today was we had a high of about 80 and bright sunshine. I actually had to sunscreen everyone while at Epcot for fear of burning. It was really perfect. Im afraid that going back home to dreary winter skies will be particularly depressing. But, it has really highlighted one of the perks of the World in the wintertime. Today I was cold early on in my shorts and light cotton short-sleeved shirt, but I sure was happy when the sun warmed everything up so much. Having only been to the World in May (at least since I have been an adult), avoiding the blazing-hot weather has been very nice.
Up next: Not so restful of a rest day, followed by MVMCP!
When we left Epcot, all the girls went back to the Fort, while all the boys went to ESPN at the Boardwalk to watch football. Since they had figured out the bus system so well, I let Danielle, Jodi and Lynn bus it to the arcades again while I went on a run. I thought about running back to WL again, but decided to go looping again which included retrieving our GC from the marina parking. (I wont even tell you how long Hope and I looked for that darn thing at the outpost before finally remembering it was parked at the other end of the resort.
) On my way back from marina, I passed Donnie (Stacktester on the Dis), who had his Fort Fiends sign in his golf cart, as did I, so we both stopped and got to chat for a few minutes. He and his cute daughter were very nice, as were more Dissers, Lonestar and his wife, who also stopped by. Finally, knowing my family probably thought I had dropped off the face of the earth, I had to say goodbye and get back to the cabin before they called the Fort police on me. After cleaning up, Ray and I took Danielle, Jodi and our-practically-adopted-by-now Lynn to HS with only one purpose in mind the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Having historically only come to the World in May, we had never seen it before and I was very excited about going. I think Ray was scared it was just going to be a big tree and a few other decorations, but it was obviously nothing like that. It was well worth the trip unlike anything I had ever seen. Even Ray, who by then was definitely getting worn out from a big day, was enthralled by the whole thing. Spectacle doesnt even begin to describe it. The synchronized songs were particularly mind-boggling.
While we were there, a lady standing near us bought the girls 3D glasses as she bought her own very sweet. We had lots of encounters like that throughout the trip, and they really make it special. We always try to do what we can for others on these trips, even if its just taking a groups picture together or giving away unused FPs, but it really makes a difference. As hokey as it sounds, its really more fun to be on the giving side of those events than the receiving side. (Having said that, it was very fun to receive the 3D glasses!)
Back to our day and night after the Osborne lights, we were supposed to go to Boma, but we were far too dead to do it. Really dead. Dead, dead, dead. So, we came on back to the cabin, handed out Uncrustables to the girls, made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for us, and broke open the wine. Its hard for me sometimes to pass up on going to a restaurant, especially on vacation, but even with my very strong preference to eating out, this is where staying at a FW cabin (or camper if you have one) really becomes worth its weight in gold. We were all tired and getting crankier by the minute if we had had to go sit in a restaurant, which we may or may not have been seated in on time, or if we had gone to yet another CS place, I may have lost my mind. I was just dead. (Did I say that already?) So instead, we came back to our place, ate food we knew we liked, watched football and let the kids play. It was truly perfect.
After supper, the girls thought a night swim would be a good idea, but once they got in the pool up to their knees, they thought the better of it. You just can't heat the whole area enough in late November to make it fun for us at night. We came straight back and everyone had a bath or shower (being able to get into Kevins cabin was very helpful in this process) and then pretty quickly everyone poured into bed.
I dont think I mentioned how beautiful today was we had a high of about 80 and bright sunshine. I actually had to sunscreen everyone while at Epcot for fear of burning. It was really perfect. Im afraid that going back home to dreary winter skies will be particularly depressing. But, it has really highlighted one of the perks of the World in the wintertime. Today I was cold early on in my shorts and light cotton short-sleeved shirt, but I sure was happy when the sun warmed everything up so much. Having only been to the World in May (at least since I have been an adult), avoiding the blazing-hot weather has been very nice.
Up next: Not so restful of a rest day, followed by MVMCP!
Great pictures!
Aren't teenagers fun? They march to the beat of a different drummer for a few years, but when they grow up and look back on things, they'll let you know they really did have fun doing some of those 'not so cool' family activities. I'm glad Goofy tried to get him in the Disney spirit. (We ate our Thanksgiving dinner at Chef Mickey's, by the way.)
Yep, I did indeed see you take that very picture! I was trying to work out in my mind if that was your girls or not, but I knew you had two, and there were three there, and I wasn't thinking about cousins, so by the time I rolled all of that around in my mind, you had taken the picture and were leaving. When I saw the LGMH on your purse, then I was satisfied that it was you. I wasn't going to chase you down to say, "Hey! How are you? You have no idea who I am!"
I didn't get to spend nearly enough time in Epcot. I like to walk through every gift shop, every pastry shop, every corner of every country and take zillions of pictures, but there wasn't time for that on this trip. I did get to hear several story tellers, but then we just moved on to the next place.
You know, even on ten day summer trips, I still come back saying I didn't have enough time. One day, I'm going to book us for a full two weeks and see if that is enough time to do it all.
Aren't teenagers fun? They march to the beat of a different drummer for a few years, but when they grow up and look back on things, they'll let you know they really did have fun doing some of those 'not so cool' family activities. I'm glad Goofy tried to get him in the Disney spirit. (We ate our Thanksgiving dinner at Chef Mickey's, by the way.)
Yep, I did indeed see you take that very picture! I was trying to work out in my mind if that was your girls or not, but I knew you had two, and there were three there, and I wasn't thinking about cousins, so by the time I rolled all of that around in my mind, you had taken the picture and were leaving. When I saw the LGMH on your purse, then I was satisfied that it was you. I wasn't going to chase you down to say, "Hey! How are you? You have no idea who I am!"
I didn't get to spend nearly enough time in Epcot. I like to walk through every gift shop, every pastry shop, every corner of every country and take zillions of pictures, but there wasn't time for that on this trip. I did get to hear several story tellers, but then we just moved on to the next place.
You know, even on ten day summer trips, I still come back saying I didn't have enough time. One day, I'm going to book us for a full two weeks and see if that is enough time to do it all.
KeepSwimmingDory
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 19, 2006
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The 14 yr. old boy picture made me laugh. That was my oldest when we dragged him to early breakfast. He would much rather sleep.
Love the pictures of them playing tetherball--that was always one of my boys' favorite things. Brings back good memories. Also enjoy the shots of the family just hanging out together waiting for things. Really shows how much fun it is to be there.
Love the pictures of them playing tetherball--that was always one of my boys' favorite things. Brings back good memories. Also enjoy the shots of the family just hanging out together waiting for things. Really shows how much fun it is to be there.
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
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- 1,658
Just started reading tonight but I'm hoping for more! And as soon as I can get to the grocery store I'm trying your sausage things. My boys will love those!
We have many good memories from Ft. Wilderness with my 4 boys who were 12, 11, 5, 5 when we stayed there the first time in 2000. Our last trip in the cabins was last Christmas and they still love it. I think the campground kept us sane on vacation and returning year after year to WDW with a big family. DH and DS loved sitting out on the deck. And when the kids were rowdy I didn't feel like we were bothering our neighbors as much as we would be in a hotel.
We are traveling to WDW in March with the twin 13 yr. olds (who turn 14 on the first day of the trip actually) and will be staying at the Wilderness Lodge which I love. I'm sure we will ride the boat over at least once and enjoy the campground.
Can't wait to read the rest of your report.
Glad you've joined us! I'm with you on FW being great in so many ways, including not disturbing or being disturbed by neighbors. Have a great trip to WL, though - I know it will be wonderful too. Oh, and report back about the sausage things after you make them!
Great pictures!
Aren't teenagers fun? They march to the beat of a different drummer for a few years, but when they grow up and look back on things, they'll let you know they really did have fun doing some of those 'not so cool' family activities. I'm glad Goofy tried to get him in the Disney spirit. (We ate our Thanksgiving dinner at Chef Mickey's, by the way.)
Yep, I did indeed see you take that very picture! I was trying to work out in my mind if that was your girls or not, but I knew you had two, and there were three there, and I wasn't thinking about cousins, so by the time I rolled all of that around in my mind, you had taken the picture and were leaving. When I saw the LGMH on your purse, then I was satisfied that it was you. I wasn't going to chase you down to say, "Hey! How are you? You have no idea who I am!"
I didn't get to spend nearly enough time in Epcot. I like to walk through every gift shop, every pastry shop, every corner of every country and take zillions of pictures, but there wasn't time for that on this trip. I did get to hear several story tellers, but then we just moved on to the next place.
You know, even on ten day summer trips, I still come back saying I didn't have enough time. One day, I'm going to book us for a full two weeks and see if that is enough time to do it all.
I still hate we didn't meet. Next time you see me in Epcot, make sure to say hey! I'm jealous of you having such long summer trips! The longest we've ever done are 5 night trips - much too short, but definitely better than not going at all.
Yes, the 14 year old boy cracked us up several times too. You could periodically just read his mind thinking about how he'd rather be anywhere than hanging around with his family at Disney.
When we first got to FW, we noticed that none of the tetherball poles had their balls attached. Happily, a few days later they were all returned.
It definitely helped pass the time while waiting on the launch to arrive.More soon! Thanks for reading!
Leslie
I'm here!!! I have been meaning to tell you how GREAT the sausage things are (but DS6 is sick again!! Good thing those tonsils are coming out in a week!) I bought the ingredients the day after you posted it and made them a few days ago. They are delicious!!!!! My other question, do you think you could freeze them? We ate a bunch and then I brought the others to work (they just reheated them in the microwave). I'm going to make another batch this weekend if you think they will freeze well, otherwise I guess I'll wait till next Tues or Wed. Thanks so much for the wonderful recipe. The guys at work think I'm a chef!! HA HA HA! 
And I am still LOVING your trip report. Your family seems so nice (isn't it weird the things you think you can tell from a picture!!). I don't know where you are from, but we live in Wyoming, so the Fort is a lot like most of our state and I was a little hesitant to stay there at first for that reason (when I get to go on vacation I want to feel like I'm somewhere other than home), but I doubt we will ever stay anywhere else, and if my husband has his way we won't even look at other resorts!!
Can't wait to read more!
Kari
And I am still LOVING your trip report. Your family seems so nice (isn't it weird the things you think you can tell from a picture!!). I don't know where you are from, but we live in Wyoming, so the Fort is a lot like most of our state and I was a little hesitant to stay there at first for that reason (when I get to go on vacation I want to feel like I'm somewhere other than home), but I doubt we will ever stay anywhere else, and if my husband has his way we won't even look at other resorts!!
Can't wait to read more!
Kari
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
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- Feb 10, 2005
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Hi Leslie! I just found your TR and I'm loving it! Thanks for sharing your trip with us!Looking forward to your next installment....
Glad you're along for the ride!
I'm here!!! I have been meaning to tell you how GREAT the sausage things are (but DS6 is sick again!! Good thing those tonsils are coming out in a week!) I bought the ingredients the day after you posted it and made them a few days ago. They are delicious!!!!! My other question, do you think you could freeze them? We ate a bunch and then I brought the others to work (they just reheated them in the microwave). I'm going to make another batch this weekend if you think they will freeze well, otherwise I guess I'll wait till next Tues or Wed. Thanks so much for the wonderful recipe. The guys at work think I'm a chef!! HA HA HA!
And I am still LOVING your trip report. Your family seems so nice (isn't it weird the things you think you can tell from a picture!!). I don't know where you are from, but we live in Wyoming, so the Fort is a lot like most of our state and I was a little hesitant to stay there at first for that reason (when I get to go on vacation I want to feel like I'm somewhere other than home), but I doubt we will ever stay anywhere else, and if my husband has his way we won't even look at other resorts!!
Can't wait to read more!
Kari
Yay! Finally someone made sausage things! I'm glad you liked them. They really are soo easy and fun. About freezing, I've never tried it, but I'd love to know how it goes for you if you do it!
I've always made them when there is a lot of family around, so we've never had to worry about not being able to eat them all before they go bad. We have eaten them for several days (this trip being the most recent example), and while they may not be as good on day 4 as they were on day 1, they're still worth having.You should try FW! It really is such a special place. You and DH will love it.
I hope your son's surgery and recovery go smoothly next week!
Leslie
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
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Sunday After being asleep by 10:00 for Ray and the girls, and 11:00 for me, I was happy to sleep all the way until 7:00. I snuck out for a run while everyone else kept on sleeping. This time saw a doe and two younger deer plus another doe and baby on the trail to WL. Amazing. They clearly are very used to being around people they weren't at all scared of me. On my next trip, Im just going to have to run with a camera. On my way back to the cabin, I turned right on a road that I knew would loop me back to the cabin area. What I didn't know is that I would pass right by the tee-pee area. I was totally taken by surprise. A whole village of tee-pees, right there around the corner from the rest of Fort Wilderness - something I never would have known was there if I hadnt decided to catch a run that morning. It was very fun to see. By the time I got back, everyone was up and ready for breakfast. Since we had already done all 4 parks once and had MVMCP that night, we had planned on not doing too much during the day. But, at breakfast at Trails End (a pretty good breakfast buffet), a plan of course was hatched to go back to one park for a few rides in the morning, and then have downtime until time for the party that night. So, we headed off to Epcot once again, since that seemed to be the spot that had the most attractions that we all wanted to see again, other than the MK which we would be going to that night.
More fun at the Outpost while waiting on the bus:
[My girls call Lynn Peanut given her petite and lightweight frame thus there was lots of carrying her around, whether she wanted it or not. ]
Once at Epcot, I once again did the Soarin FP dash, but noticed on my way that the crowds were appreciably lighter than they had been just the day before. That made sense, as it was now Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend and people appeared to finally be leaving to go back home. (That would be us tomorrow, but not quite yet thankfully!) Then I caught up with the gang (which consisted of Ray, Jodi, Danielle and Lynn as the others had chosen to sleep in) and we all rode TT together.
Then we were off to M:S (sound a lot like yesterday? It was, though the lines were shorter and the park was easier to navigate), where Ray and Jodi did the green side and Lynn and I decided to brave the orange side with Danielle this time. Somehow doing the green side yesterday seemed to make the orange side a little easier today. Lynn even loved it. Maybe next trip I can get Ray and Jodi back on the serious side, as my girls call it.
After M:S, we still had a little time to burn before our FP time started, so we went to the building to see Turtle Talk with Crush. We snuck in through the gift shop and had a few minutes of play time before going in to Crush.
None of us had ever been to Crush before, and it was lots of fun. Jodi even got to ask Crush a question, which she enjoyed. Then, we were delighted to head back to Soarin, which will always be our favorite ride, I think. I was so sad when it was over, knowing it will be a long while before I saw it again.
We then thought about going straight back to the Fort for lunch, as we could tell it was definitely going to start raining before too much longer, but we were all starving, so instead we stopped by the Electric Umbrella and ate. While we were there, the heavens opened up and it started pouring. When I say pouring, I mean Biblical kind of rain. There were actually tornado warnings around us somewhere, although we didnt know it at the time. Of course I had forgotten our ponchos , so we all got drenched - I mean really drenched - both going to the bus and in the golf cart coming back to the cabin. We looked like those people youre so glad youre not while we were running out of the park. But, it wasnt too cold, so we just had fun with it. We looked like wet rats by the time we got on the bus.
Even with the rain, I'd still rather be at the Fort (or, of course, anywhere at Disney!) than back at home.
Kevin and the rest of his family eventually made their way to Epcot that morning too, and somehow managed to avoid the drenching we received. After apparently running into Beauty and the Beast, they had lunch at Germany, which they really enjoyed.
Meanwhile, back to us returning to the Fort. After a quick bath for the girls to warm them up back in the cabin, I enforced some rest time for everyone. I think everyone slept, except Jodi and me. Of well, 3 out of 5 isnt too bad.
When everyone got up, the girls wanted to go (again) to the arcade. Their fascination for blowing money (some mine, some theirs) had been boggling my mind this entire trip. But, it filled a little time while I was waiting to be able to check in online with Southwest, so off they went. Right around the time I was checking in with SW, Donnie (Stacktester on the Dis we had met the day prior) called as we had talked about getting our daughters together some time today. It was too late to get together to just play, as we had MVMCP tickets, but luckily they were able to join us for dinner at Trails End. It was very fun to get to spend a little bit of real time with another Disser, and Donnie and his daughter were both very nice to spend some time with.
Me with Donnie
By the way, you may remember me complaining somewhat with the food offerings at Trails End on Thanksgiving. The dinner we had this night was much more the way I remembered TE being a much better selection, and much better food. And, happily for the kids, many more options for dessert too. So, dont let my relatively poor review on Thanksgiving Day be a deterrent to going to TE I really think its one of the better bargains on Disney property.
When we got to the MK for the Christmas party, it was already 7:00, so the entrance area all the way down Main Street was absolutely packed.
By the time we got to the hub, it started raining. Again.
This was no real surprise, as it had been raining on and off all afternoon, so we got ponchoed up and went on our way. Our first stop was the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor.
We had never been to this attraction prior to our last trip in May, but it immediately became a favorite for us. So, we were enjoying the show, when all the sudden my DH appeared on the screen as That Guy! They showed him over and over, and we were all dying of hysterics over it. The best part was when they flashed Jodis picture on the screen as the bravest kid in the room for sitting next to That Guy. She was thrilled, of course. It was cute at the end, too, as they gave DH a sticker that says something to the effect of, I was That Guy at Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Even after we left, the fun continued for the rest of the night as people would periodically see us walking around or in line and say to DH, Hey youre that guy! I think DH really enjoyed the attention.
After that, we did Buzz Lightyear with about a 10 minute wait longer than at the Pirate and Princess Party, but certainly shorter than during the day.
We were then off to Space Mountain with a posted 15 minute wait. I had been hoping Jodi would ride, but she has opted out of this ride for the past 2 trips, so I wasnt surprised when she opted out again. She and Ray waited while Danielle, Lynn and I rode. What was funny was how much Lynn loved it and the effect it had on Jodi she all the sudden wanted to ride. So, back in the line we went (still about 10 minutes, thankfully) and all rode it together. Jodi, much to my delight, loved it. Shes now a big Space Mountain fan, and has declared that the three mountains are collectively her favorite of all the rides at WDW.
When we got off Space Mountain that second time, I really was ready for a break as was DH, so we got some waters and forced the kids to ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (it will always be the People Mover to me). It was a great way to take a break and still be doing something, rather than just making the kids suffer by sitting at a table while Ray and I rested for a minute. After that, the girls rode Astro Orbiter a ride we never ride except during parties like this. Right as they were getting off, the fireworks started going off. We watched for a few minutes, then started making our way to Fantasyland. Since the fireworks were so long, they were still going even after we did the teacups (with no wait).
Just as we got to the Pooh ride, the finale of the fireworks went off and was incredible to see from that standpoint. We were literally surrounded by them. Some were being fired off from the castle area (behind the Pooh building), others were being fired off from what looked to be beyond Toontown, while others were exploding all around us. It was quite the spectacle and amazing fun. If you can ever make it there during the fireworks (or at least the MVMCP fireworks I dont know if the same would hold true for regular Wishes), do it. It was spectacular.
I had hoped to go on Peter Pan, but the line for that was 40 minutes, so we moved on to the HM, which had only about a 10 minute line. After grabbing some cookies and hot chocolate at Columbia Harbour House (which I was happy had no line at all, after some of the comments I have read about the wait for getting the cookies), we headed toward the other two mountains. We rode Thunder Mountain, which was walk on, and then went to Splash, which was so empty that many more logs went by without passengers than they did with passengers. When we got off, the girls wanted to go again, especially Lynn who had been a little apprehensive about that ride for some reason but of course loved it. That was fine, but I was not up for going with them (I had reached my limit not just for rides but for the day at that point), so Ray and I waited for them in the gift shop.
When they finally made it out (it seemed like about an hour but I think was only about 15 minutes), we headed to the front. It had been so crowded when we got there earlier that I hadnt insisted on a photopass pic, but I was regretting that decision now that my hair was totally frizzed and flattened out (somehow both at the same time) from the rain. But, we found a photographer and I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out pretty well. The castle was, of course, stunning.
After not being with them all night, we managed to run into Kevin, Hope and the boys on the way out and all we enjoyed the boat ride back to the Fort with a fabulous comedian of a boat pilot. It was lots of fun, and just what I needed to not actually pass out on the way back. Once we were back in our cabin, the girls poured right into bed and Ray and I were not far behind them, after a big, exhausting, incredible day.
Up next: We dont want to leave! But, were going to have some fun before they kick us out of here!
More fun at the Outpost while waiting on the bus:
[My girls call Lynn Peanut given her petite and lightweight frame thus there was lots of carrying her around, whether she wanted it or not.
]Once at Epcot, I once again did the Soarin FP dash, but noticed on my way that the crowds were appreciably lighter than they had been just the day before. That made sense, as it was now Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend and people appeared to finally be leaving to go back home. (That would be us tomorrow, but not quite yet thankfully!) Then I caught up with the gang (which consisted of Ray, Jodi, Danielle and Lynn as the others had chosen to sleep in) and we all rode TT together.
Then we were off to M:S (sound a lot like yesterday? It was, though the lines were shorter and the park was easier to navigate), where Ray and Jodi did the green side and Lynn and I decided to brave the orange side with Danielle this time. Somehow doing the green side yesterday seemed to make the orange side a little easier today. Lynn even loved it. Maybe next trip I can get Ray and Jodi back on the serious side, as my girls call it.
After M:S, we still had a little time to burn before our FP time started, so we went to the building to see Turtle Talk with Crush. We snuck in through the gift shop and had a few minutes of play time before going in to Crush.
None of us had ever been to Crush before, and it was lots of fun. Jodi even got to ask Crush a question, which she enjoyed. Then, we were delighted to head back to Soarin, which will always be our favorite ride, I think. I was so sad when it was over, knowing it will be a long while before I saw it again.
We then thought about going straight back to the Fort for lunch, as we could tell it was definitely going to start raining before too much longer, but we were all starving, so instead we stopped by the Electric Umbrella and ate. While we were there, the heavens opened up and it started pouring. When I say pouring, I mean Biblical kind of rain. There were actually tornado warnings around us somewhere, although we didnt know it at the time. Of course I had forgotten our ponchos , so we all got drenched - I mean really drenched - both going to the bus and in the golf cart coming back to the cabin. We looked like those people youre so glad youre not while we were running out of the park. But, it wasnt too cold, so we just had fun with it. We looked like wet rats by the time we got on the bus.
Even with the rain, I'd still rather be at the Fort (or, of course, anywhere at Disney!) than back at home.
Kevin and the rest of his family eventually made their way to Epcot that morning too, and somehow managed to avoid the drenching we received. After apparently running into Beauty and the Beast, they had lunch at Germany, which they really enjoyed.
Meanwhile, back to us returning to the Fort. After a quick bath for the girls to warm them up back in the cabin, I enforced some rest time for everyone. I think everyone slept, except Jodi and me. Of well, 3 out of 5 isnt too bad.
When everyone got up, the girls wanted to go (again) to the arcade. Their fascination for blowing money (some mine, some theirs) had been boggling my mind this entire trip. But, it filled a little time while I was waiting to be able to check in online with Southwest, so off they went. Right around the time I was checking in with SW, Donnie (Stacktester on the Dis we had met the day prior) called as we had talked about getting our daughters together some time today. It was too late to get together to just play, as we had MVMCP tickets, but luckily they were able to join us for dinner at Trails End. It was very fun to get to spend a little bit of real time with another Disser, and Donnie and his daughter were both very nice to spend some time with.
Me with Donnie
By the way, you may remember me complaining somewhat with the food offerings at Trails End on Thanksgiving. The dinner we had this night was much more the way I remembered TE being a much better selection, and much better food. And, happily for the kids, many more options for dessert too. So, dont let my relatively poor review on Thanksgiving Day be a deterrent to going to TE I really think its one of the better bargains on Disney property.
When we got to the MK for the Christmas party, it was already 7:00, so the entrance area all the way down Main Street was absolutely packed.
By the time we got to the hub, it started raining. Again.
This was no real surprise, as it had been raining on and off all afternoon, so we got ponchoed up and went on our way. Our first stop was the Monsters Inc Laugh Floor.
We had never been to this attraction prior to our last trip in May, but it immediately became a favorite for us. So, we were enjoying the show, when all the sudden my DH appeared on the screen as That Guy! They showed him over and over, and we were all dying of hysterics over it. The best part was when they flashed Jodis picture on the screen as the bravest kid in the room for sitting next to That Guy. She was thrilled, of course. It was cute at the end, too, as they gave DH a sticker that says something to the effect of, I was That Guy at Monsters Inc Laugh Floor. Even after we left, the fun continued for the rest of the night as people would periodically see us walking around or in line and say to DH, Hey youre that guy! I think DH really enjoyed the attention.
After that, we did Buzz Lightyear with about a 10 minute wait longer than at the Pirate and Princess Party, but certainly shorter than during the day.
We were then off to Space Mountain with a posted 15 minute wait. I had been hoping Jodi would ride, but she has opted out of this ride for the past 2 trips, so I wasnt surprised when she opted out again. She and Ray waited while Danielle, Lynn and I rode. What was funny was how much Lynn loved it and the effect it had on Jodi she all the sudden wanted to ride. So, back in the line we went (still about 10 minutes, thankfully) and all rode it together. Jodi, much to my delight, loved it.
Shes now a big Space Mountain fan, and has declared that the three mountains are collectively her favorite of all the rides at WDW. When we got off Space Mountain that second time, I really was ready for a break as was DH, so we got some waters and forced the kids to ride the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (it will always be the People Mover to me). It was a great way to take a break and still be doing something, rather than just making the kids suffer by sitting at a table while Ray and I rested for a minute. After that, the girls rode Astro Orbiter a ride we never ride except during parties like this. Right as they were getting off, the fireworks started going off. We watched for a few minutes, then started making our way to Fantasyland. Since the fireworks were so long, they were still going even after we did the teacups (with no wait).
Just as we got to the Pooh ride, the finale of the fireworks went off and was incredible to see from that standpoint. We were literally surrounded by them. Some were being fired off from the castle area (behind the Pooh building), others were being fired off from what looked to be beyond Toontown, while others were exploding all around us. It was quite the spectacle and amazing fun. If you can ever make it there during the fireworks (or at least the MVMCP fireworks I dont know if the same would hold true for regular Wishes), do it. It was spectacular.
I had hoped to go on Peter Pan, but the line for that was 40 minutes, so we moved on to the HM, which had only about a 10 minute line. After grabbing some cookies and hot chocolate at Columbia Harbour House (which I was happy had no line at all, after some of the comments I have read about the wait for getting the cookies), we headed toward the other two mountains. We rode Thunder Mountain, which was walk on, and then went to Splash, which was so empty that many more logs went by without passengers than they did with passengers. When we got off, the girls wanted to go again, especially Lynn who had been a little apprehensive about that ride for some reason but of course loved it. That was fine, but I was not up for going with them (I had reached my limit not just for rides but for the day at that point), so Ray and I waited for them in the gift shop.
When they finally made it out (it seemed like about an hour but I think was only about 15 minutes), we headed to the front. It had been so crowded when we got there earlier that I hadnt insisted on a photopass pic, but I was regretting that decision now that my hair was totally frizzed and flattened out (somehow both at the same time) from the rain. But, we found a photographer and I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out pretty well. The castle was, of course, stunning.
After not being with them all night, we managed to run into Kevin, Hope and the boys on the way out and all we enjoyed the boat ride back to the Fort with a fabulous comedian of a boat pilot. It was lots of fun, and just what I needed to not actually pass out on the way back. Once we were back in our cabin, the girls poured right into bed and Ray and I were not far behind them, after a big, exhausting, incredible day.
Up next: We dont want to leave! But, were going to have some fun before they kick us out of here!
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
- Messages
- 1,658
Monday, December 1 Last day!
As always, I was first up again on our last day. I was so sad for us to be leaving what had once again become our home away from home. I played on my computer in bed while waiting on everyone to get up. Once Ray awakened, we started the sad process of packing up. It was amazing to me how much everything literally grew when packing for the return trip. I had brought an extra bag to check and even with that we barely got everything in. The girls finally woke up also, and we had breakfast in the cabin trying to eat as much of the leftover food as we could. As far as the groceries went, we really did pretty well. We had some things left over, of course, but not as much as I feared. And, the ability to have a few meals in the cabin was really a lifesaver at times, and not just financially. It is just so nice to be able to grab something easy sometimes without having to go out to eat, whether it be table or counter service.
Anyway, we finally got everything packed up and started to say our goodbyes to Kevin and his gang. Hope was even so sweet as to have bought coasters for Ray and me at France in Epcot with the label of one of Rays favorite French wines on them. The girls said goodbye to their cousins, especially Lynn who was practically their sister on this trip, and then we left our beloved cabin. After returning the golf cart and getting our boarding passes printed out by the concierge desk (in this way it was much easier now that the golf cart return is at the front of the Fort rather than at the bike barn, where it was on our last trip), we made our way to the marina and took our last boat ride to the MK.
I was surprised at how crowded it was that day. There were literally hoardes of people entering when we got there around 10:30.
But once we got in and made it to Tomorrowland, the crowds thinned nicely. Danielle and I went to the Laugh Floor one more time while Ray and Jodi rode Buzz. They had hoped to go on Space Mountain since Jodi decided she loved it the previous night at MVMCP, but unfortunately it was having some technical difficulty and was closed. For unknown reasons, we stopped in the gift shop outside Stitch. While we were there, a CM approached Jodi and asked her if she wanted to participate with her in a race of some sort.
It was very cute, and she even gave Jodi a certificate for participating.
After that, it became apparent the girls were more interested in shopping than riding (which was fine with us since we had had so much fun at the MK the night before), so we headed toward the Main Street shops. On our way there, though, we ran into our last Photopass photographer, who perhaps took the most interesting picture of us on the trip. First, we got the traditional pictures:
But, after that cute picture, he very meticulously positioned us for the next pic:
I honestly have no idea what the theory of this picture is. He seemed like he had a plan, but when another Photopass photographer who was with him asked what he was doing, he had no answer. I really think he was just messing with us, but I like it anyway!
Next, we hopped the monorail and went to the Contemporary to enjoy our last ADR at the Wave. Let me tell you, the Wave was just the ticket for us. It was comfortable, with a big booth they gave us, and the food was excellent. After so many theme park meals and buffets, it was really a delight to order real food that was very fresh and very artfully presented. The girls each ordered off the childrens menu, even though both are considered adults, but our waitress said that was fine. The kid meals were actually very appetizing and were devoured by both my girls, who can eat like birds at times. The biggest attraction, though, was the gelato sundae (the make it yourself kind) that Danielle had ordered. Jodi took one look at it and immediately regretted having ordered the yogurt parfait. But, our very sweet waitress told her she would be glad to switch Jodis parfait for another sundae, so everyone was happy once again.
As far as Ray and I went, he had a fabulous looking burger and I had a grilled chicken sandwich. Both were great.
So, with much more description of our food than I usually give, I hope you can tell how we felt about the Wave. It was such a nice, quiet respite in a world of crowds and craziness. And, at about $55 plus tip, it was only about $20 more than we probably would have spent on a counter service meal. Worth every dime.
Enough raving about the Wave. After a little more gift shopping, we took the launch from the Contemporary back to the Fort, where I was very disheartened to find that the Settlement Trading Post didnt have any Fort Wilderness Christmas ornaments. They have them at the Meadow Trading Post, but we didnt have enough time to get there before getting picked up. So, we took our final bus back to the Outpost to find that our towncar driver was waiting on us. We retrieved our bags from the bag check area, and with that, vacation was over. 
It was a very quiet trip back to the airport. The driver had some very pleasant Christmas music playing and we all just kept to our own thoughts about the trip, which had once again been wonderful.
Really, wonderful doesnt begin to describe how I felt about the trip. I have a hard time explaining to people who either havent been to Disney with their families, or who have but it didnt click with them the way it does with us, why I want to go to a place that is likely filled to capacity with people, stand in lines, eat sometimes mediocre food and spend an inordinate amount of money doing it. The only reason I can articulate is that it brings our family together in a way we dont get in regular life. The older my girls get, the more they have a life of their own. But at WDW, were all together almost all of the time, in a setting that has none of the stresses of normal life, so it just works. The problem now is that I dont know when we will be able to make it back. The economy just doesnt lend itself for another trip there very soon. But, hopefully no later than whenever my dad and step-mom decide to take grandkids again, well be back. The question is when will that be and whether Ill be able to wait that long.
So, thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane for our wonderful trip. For those of you with trips to the World coming up, Im very jealous and I know youll have an incredible time. That especially holds true for those of you returning to FW anytime soon.
For those of you who celebrate Christmas, have a wonderful Christmas with your families! For all others, have a great holiday season! For everyone, have a great trip to WDW, whenever your next trip may be!
Leslie
As always, I was first up again on our last day. I was so sad for us to be leaving what had once again become our home away from home. I played on my computer in bed while waiting on everyone to get up. Once Ray awakened, we started the sad process of packing up. It was amazing to me how much everything literally grew when packing for the return trip. I had brought an extra bag to check and even with that we barely got everything in. The girls finally woke up also, and we had breakfast in the cabin trying to eat as much of the leftover food as we could. As far as the groceries went, we really did pretty well. We had some things left over, of course, but not as much as I feared. And, the ability to have a few meals in the cabin was really a lifesaver at times, and not just financially. It is just so nice to be able to grab something easy sometimes without having to go out to eat, whether it be table or counter service.
Anyway, we finally got everything packed up and started to say our goodbyes to Kevin and his gang. Hope was even so sweet as to have bought coasters for Ray and me at France in Epcot with the label of one of Rays favorite French wines on them.
The girls said goodbye to their cousins, especially Lynn who was practically their sister on this trip, and then we left our beloved cabin. After returning the golf cart and getting our boarding passes printed out by the concierge desk (in this way it was much easier now that the golf cart return is at the front of the Fort rather than at the bike barn, where it was on our last trip), we made our way to the marina and took our last boat ride to the MK.
I was surprised at how crowded it was that day. There were literally hoardes of people entering when we got there around 10:30.
But once we got in and made it to Tomorrowland, the crowds thinned nicely. Danielle and I went to the Laugh Floor one more time while Ray and Jodi rode Buzz. They had hoped to go on Space Mountain since Jodi decided she loved it the previous night at MVMCP, but unfortunately it was having some technical difficulty and was closed. For unknown reasons, we stopped in the gift shop outside Stitch. While we were there, a CM approached Jodi and asked her if she wanted to participate with her in a race of some sort.
It was very cute, and she even gave Jodi a certificate for participating.
After that, it became apparent the girls were more interested in shopping than riding (which was fine with us since we had had so much fun at the MK the night before), so we headed toward the Main Street shops. On our way there, though, we ran into our last Photopass photographer, who perhaps took the most interesting picture of us on the trip. First, we got the traditional pictures:
But, after that cute picture, he very meticulously positioned us for the next pic:
I honestly have no idea what the theory of this picture is. He seemed like he had a plan, but when another Photopass photographer who was with him asked what he was doing, he had no answer. I really think he was just messing with us, but I like it anyway!
Next, we hopped the monorail and went to the Contemporary to enjoy our last ADR at the Wave. Let me tell you, the Wave was just the ticket for us. It was comfortable, with a big booth they gave us, and the food was excellent. After so many theme park meals and buffets, it was really a delight to order real food that was very fresh and very artfully presented. The girls each ordered off the childrens menu, even though both are considered adults, but our waitress said that was fine. The kid meals were actually very appetizing and were devoured by both my girls, who can eat like birds at times. The biggest attraction, though, was the gelato sundae (the make it yourself kind) that Danielle had ordered. Jodi took one look at it and immediately regretted having ordered the yogurt parfait. But, our very sweet waitress told her she would be glad to switch Jodis parfait for another sundae, so everyone was happy once again.
As far as Ray and I went, he had a fabulous looking burger and I had a grilled chicken sandwich. Both were great. So, with much more description of our food than I usually give, I hope you can tell how we felt about the Wave. It was such a nice, quiet respite in a world of crowds and craziness. And, at about $55 plus tip, it was only about $20 more than we probably would have spent on a counter service meal. Worth every dime.
Enough raving about the Wave. After a little more gift shopping, we took the launch from the Contemporary back to the Fort, where I was very disheartened to find that the Settlement Trading Post didnt have any Fort Wilderness Christmas ornaments.
They have them at the Meadow Trading Post, but we didnt have enough time to get there before getting picked up. So, we took our final bus back to the Outpost to find that our towncar driver was waiting on us. We retrieved our bags from the bag check area, and with that, vacation was over. It was a very quiet trip back to the airport. The driver had some very pleasant Christmas music playing and we all just kept to our own thoughts about the trip, which had once again been wonderful. Really, wonderful doesnt begin to describe how I felt about the trip. I have a hard time explaining to people who either havent been to Disney with their families, or who have but it didnt click with them the way it does with us, why I want to go to a place that is likely filled to capacity with people, stand in lines, eat sometimes mediocre food and spend an inordinate amount of money doing it. The only reason I can articulate is that it brings our family together in a way we dont get in regular life. The older my girls get, the more they have a life of their own. But at WDW, were all together almost all of the time, in a setting that has none of the stresses of normal life, so it just works. The problem now is that I dont know when we will be able to make it back. The economy just doesnt lend itself for another trip there very soon. But, hopefully no later than whenever my dad and step-mom decide to take grandkids again, well be back. The question is when will that be and whether Ill be able to wait that long.
So, thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane for our wonderful trip. For those of you with trips to the World coming up, Im very jealous and I know youll have an incredible time. That especially holds true for those of you returning to FW anytime soon.
For those of you who celebrate Christmas, have a wonderful Christmas with your families! For all others, have a great holiday season! For everyone, have a great trip to WDW, whenever your next trip may be!
Leslie
KeepSwimmingDory
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
- Messages
- 1,381
What a wonderful trip! I enjoyed all of your pictures and description of what you did. What lovely daughters you have!
I am making your sausage things for breakfast tomorrow, so thanks for posting the recipe.
I am making your sausage things for breakfast tomorrow, so thanks for posting the recipe.
Donna
Where Magic Lives
- Joined
- Aug 25, 1999
- Messages
- 3,595
Wow! This was just a fantastic trip report! i love all the pictures; now i want to take advantage of photopass more often. they really are priceless to have as the kids get older!
i think that pose you were wondering about is a "princess" pose. I think YOUR hand should be waist level and that is how the princesses pose alot of times. I know when we got some pictures with cinderella in the castle, they made us pose like that but my sister held her hand a little high and it looked like she was saying STOP! lol, we all had a good laugh when we got the picture back.
i hope you can get back to the fort sooner rather than later! it really does make for an ideal vacation at disney!
i think that pose you were wondering about is a "princess" pose. I think YOUR hand should be waist level and that is how the princesses pose alot of times. I know when we got some pictures with cinderella in the castle, they made us pose like that but my sister held her hand a little high and it looked like she was saying STOP! lol, we all had a good laugh when we got the picture back.
i hope you can get back to the fort sooner rather than later! it really does make for an ideal vacation at disney!
Minnie&Mickey
I want to live at the Fort!
- Joined
- May 15, 2000
- Messages
- 1,456
Your trip report is over??? No, say it isn't so! I really enjoyed it! Thanks so much for taking the time to write it!
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
- Messages
- 1,658
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. And, thanks to Donna for the info on the weird pose - I'm sure you're right, but like y'all experienced, I think it looks like I'm saying "Stop!" Thus, my confusion over what we were doing.
I'm hoping for another trip no later than May 2010, but I sure would love one earlier than that. Whenever the next trip happens, it will definitely be back to the Fort.
Have a wonderful Christmas week!
Leslie
I'm hoping for another trip no later than May 2010, but I sure would love one earlier than that. Whenever the next trip happens, it will definitely be back to the Fort.
Have a wonderful Christmas week!
Leslie
KeepSwimmingDory
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
- Messages
- 1,381
The sausage things were a yummy treat! I imagine they test even better at Ft. Wilderness. Everything does! So we may add that to our breakfast menu next time we are at the fort. I enjoyed your trip report and pictures so much. Thanks again.
lklasing
Told that I need DA meetings - Disney Anonymous
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2005
- Messages
- 1,658
I'm so glad the sausage things are working out for everyone! About tips for going next Thanksgiving, just plan for crowds and you'll be fine! I used all of UG, TGM and Ridemax, and think they can all help planning. Have a wonderful trip!
Leslie
Leslie
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