Girls Trip Take 2 - Labor Day Weekend 2021, Christmas 2021 and July 2024 Trips

[vamassey1]

There's a pretty good museum there too, with artifacts from the Titanic.

Another good reason to go there.

 

[vamassey1]

Some Danish traditions are a lot of fun. It’s lovely the kids get to know them all.

And you're learning them too.

I’m so glad your aunt was able to be there for you at such a sad and confusing time. So sorry for the loss of your dad

Thank you. I'm glad I still have that memory.

 

[pkondz]

Another good reason to go there.

 

[vamassey1]

Well it's the night before we start the first leg of our drive. I'm mostly packed, just need to add those things I'll need in the morning. We aren't leaving super early like we normally do since we're taking 2 days to get there. Wish us luck traveling with 3 boys.

We're all real excited and can't wait for all 3 boys to experience Disney. Dennis kicked off our vacation with 2 large Margaritas at our local Tex-Mex restaurant. He is felling very relaxed.

I'll mostly post on Instagram and then share on Facebook. My Instagram is private but I will accept if you request. My Instagram is @vamassey1. I don't think Danielle is private but her Instagram is @elliexonline. Michelle is private too. I'm not going to share it since I didn't ask her first. She usually post more on Facebook. I'm sure we will be very busy trying to keep up with the boys so I don't know how much we will be able to post.

I hope everyone has a great week.

 

[pkondz]

Well it's the night before we start the first leg of our drive. I'm mostly packed, just need to add those things I'll need in the morning. We aren't leaving super early like we normally do since we're taking 2 days to get there.

Have a great time!

Wish us luck traveling with 3 boys.

Good luck!!!

Dennis kicked off our vacation with 2 large Margaritas at our local Tex-Mex restaurant. He is felling very relaxed.

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

Safe travels

 

[amazingact21]

I hope you all have a wonderful trip! I will keep my fingers crossed the switch to the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass goes smoothly!

 

[Paulaparm]

Safe travels and have a great time!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Loving the pics of your trip so far!! Your Disneybounds are always so great! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

 

[vamassey1]

Have a great time!

Thank you! We really made some great memories.

Good luck!!!

Thanks again!

Safe travels

Thank you! Travels went well.

I hope you all have a wonderful trip! I will keep my fingers crossed the switch to the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass goes smoothly!

Thank you! Multi Pass went pretty well. Danielle has the fastest fingers.

Safe travels and have a great time!

Thank you! Lots of great memories were made.

Loving the pics of your trip so far!! Your Disneybounds are always so great! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back!

Thank you! Michelle always raises the bar on the the Disneybounds.

 

[vamassey1]

We're back and still slowly recovering.

We made lots of great memories and the kids had a blast but also had some not so great moments. The good far outweighed the bad.

It was really hot and I never want to go back in July again. It really did a number on me. We did make the best of it and worked in as much ac time as we could. We did a good bit even with the limitations of heat and small children.

The kids really loved it.

 

[pkondz]

We made lots of great memories and the kids had a blast but also had some not so great moments. The good far outweighed the bad.

Sorry about the not so great moments, but... that's just going to happen sometimes.
But if the good outweighed the bad... then I'd say that was a success.

It was really hot and I never want to go back in July again.

I've heard this... and yet... I'd go back.

It really did a number on me.

The kids really loved it.

And that's what really matters.

 

[vamassey1]

Sorry about the not so great moments, but... that's just going to happen sometimes.
But if the good outweighed the bad... then I'd say that was a success.

No trip is ever perfect and that's okay. The memories and laughs we had far outweigh any of the bad.

I've heard this... and yet... I'd go back.

When?

And that's what really matters.

Yes it is!

 

[pkondz]

No trip is ever perfect and that's okay. The memories and laughs we had far outweigh any of the bad.

When?

 

[vamassey1]

We've been back for almost a week and I have finally recovered from the heat.

I'm really sorry I didn't post on IG or FB more of the trip as we went along, but the littles kept us really busy and the heat drained me.

I want to give a brief rundown of the trip.

Driving there and back.
We originally planned on driving 2 vehicles due to having too many people for one vehicle and we thought we would be bringing Danielle's stuff back with us. We didn't bring Danielle back but still needed the extra room for all the people and all our stuff. We split the drive down into two days to give the littles more time to get out and move around. We started out on Saturday morning a little before 10 am. The drive went well until we hit Mississippi when we started hitting some rain that was really heavy at times. We didn't make our first stop until we stopped for lunch at a Wendy's in Biloxi. That wasn't the best choice since they were in the middle of huge online order and wouldn't take any in store orders until they were done. We hit a major slow up while still in Mississippi and Waze directed us to get off the interstate and travel on a 2 lane road. We didn't get back on the interstate until after crossing into Alabama. Dominic got a big kick out of the tunnel in Mobile and called every overpass a tunnel after that. We made our next stop at Buc-ee's in Alabama which was another big mistake. We got caught up in the traffic of people coming and going from the beach since it's at the major road going and coming from Orange Beach. The littles did get to meet Buc-ee. Gabriel loved him but Dominic wasn't so thrilled. We felt this was a precursor to them meeting the characters at our meals. We made several rest area stops and finally made it to our hotel in Tallahassee about 2 hours later than if we had just driven straight with no stops. We visited with another family at our hotel that made the drive from Lafayette and their drive was longer than ours due to coming from a little further west and not getting off the interstate in Mississippi. Waze for the Win. The next morning we left a little later than planned but we weren't really in a rush. We only made gas and bathroom breaks and I found my new favorite Florida Rest Area. It was the first Rest Area after Gainesville and was just beautiful. The kids really enjoyed it too. I wish we had more time to explore, there was an overlook for the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. We drove to Danielle's in Davenport which was totally different from any trip we've ever taken before. She was able to let us in remotely. We unloaded Michelle's stuff, made a run to Publix, set up the queen size blow up bed and them headed to the Hilton. The drive back was done in one day and didn't have as many hurdles but we did have some times when the kids were just really ready for the drive to be over with. The adults were ready for that too. Overall it wasn't too bad and I was glad to have access to 2 cars when needed.

Hotels
We had 3 different hotel stays for this trip. We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express on the way down and we stayed 3 nights at Signa Hilton at Bonnet Creek and 3 nights at Art of Animation. Our stay at the Holiday Inn was adequate. We had stayed there in December with John Paul so we knew what to expect. The first thing he asked when we told him where we were staying was "You mean the place with the popcorn?". I had forgotten about that, but yes they do have a popcorn machine in the lobby and pass it out in the evenings. They also have a dog treat tin since they are a pet friendly hotel. We did see a dog several times and a couple with cat carriers. We never once smelled any pet odors. It's an older hotel that shows it's age but it's close to the interstate and has a free breakfast and popcorn so was great for us. We did share one room so sleeping didn't go well. We had brought a camp mat and sleeping bag for JP but he was just about he only person to not sleep there. He slept in the bed with Michelle and Dominic. We put Gabriel on the set up between the 2 beds. Michelle laid with him, Dennis laid with him and I did. It was a rough night, but I'm happy to say it was the only rough night we had with Gabriel for the rest of the trip. The breakfast the next morning was much better than the last time we stayed there and I made sure to tell the person taking care of the area.

Signa Hilton @ Bonnet Creek was the convention hotel that Dennis' employer provided. It was a true convention hotel with people always coming and going and the lobby was always busy. It was also very pretty. It's located at the Bonnet Creek area very close to the Rivera and Caribbean Beach. We found it was close to just about everything. We had to park in a parking garage and had to use the room key to get in and out. They do charge for parking, per day and per car but that ended up being covered by Dennis' employer. The room wasn't ready until right at 4 so we had to camp out in the lobby for a bit. I did request a pack n play for Gabriel that was brought to us not too long after we got in the room. The room itself was a really good size, I would say bigger than our room at the Wilderness Lodge. It didn't have any balconies but our view was pretty nice. We looked down into the pool area and out to the parks. Dennis did catch some fireworks from Epcot one night but I missed it since I was bathing. It was really nice to get our room cleaned everyday, but we were asked if we wanted everyday service, and of course we did. We were on the 12th floor. We really wanted to use the Lazy River but on the night we tried it was closed for lightning and didn't open until it was too late to take Gabriel. Michelle and the 2 older boys stayed with Danielle the first 3 nights and Gabriel stayed with us. We didn't see much of Dennis while he was attending the conference but he was a big help with Gabriel when he could be. He did come home with 3 bags of goodies. There was also a Sheriff conference going on. The parking garage was full of cop cars. We also visited with a really nice Golden Retriever Sheriff dog named Beau.

Art of Animation was our last hotel. We drove over from the Hilton. I got our room ready text right after we entered the gate and parked at 9:45 am. We didn't have time to go to the room since we had to be at the Rivera for Topolino's breakfast. Danielle, Michelle, JP and Dominic drove from Danielle's straight to Topolino's. We all headed to AOA after breakfast. I was amazed our room was ready. We used Bell services to get the luggage from all 3 cars to our room. It was worth tipping the CM not to have to deal with the heat. Our room was in Cars building 3 which was not anywhere near the parking. We learned to use the long hallways in the Cars buildings to take advantage of the AC when going to the parking lot, Skyliner or the front. Everyone LOVED having the Skyliner. Dennis wants to make sure we stay at a Skyliner resort for our next stay too. We loved having the extra space of the suite. The bedroom was a good size and plenty big enough for the pack in play for Gabriel. We gave this room to Michelle and the littles. Dennis and I had the sleeper sofa and Danielle and JP shared the Murphy bed. We did not like getting Mousekeeping every other day, this meant they only came once while we were there. We had way too much garbage with 7 people to only have it picked up once. I don't think anyone would appreciate us putting stinky diapers in the hallway. I did see several piles of garbage in the halls, mostly food stuff. I was sent a survey and made sure to mention this. It's a pain to have to call for towels too. We were hot, sweaty and stinky so everyone had more than one bath/shower a day. We finally used the pool. Michelle and I took the boys one night to play in the splash pad and the Big Blue Pool. They had a blast. I will say the pool was a little warm, but the Zero entry was great for the boys. We only ate in the food court one night and it was just ok. I wish they would go back to more interesting food choices. I think we can all say we would stay here again. We just need to stay in a Lion King Suite to have stayed in them all. The boys loved the Cars theming. We were on the 3rd flood and passed a window that looked out to Mater. Dominic said hello to him every time we passed it. He said he was going to miss Mater when we left.

I have more to share but will stop for now.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I enjoyed seeing Michelle's posts a few times during your trip! The heat really is no joke in July!! (We were feeling the same way in NOLA that week!!)

 

[vamassey1]

I enjoyed seeing Michelle's posts a few times during your trip! The heat really is no joke in July!! (We were feeling the same way in NOLA that week!!)

Michelle did a much better job of posting on Facebook than I did.

I bet you did feel the heat in New Orleans. Danielle always tells her fellow Cast Members that the heat and humidity is very close to home for her, but at home she can stay indoors. .

 

[pkondz]

We've been back for almost a week and I have finally recovered from the heat.

Whoa.
When someone from LA says that, you know it was hot!

I'm really sorry I didn't post on IG or FB more of the trip as we went along, but the littles kept us really busy and the heat drained me.

Totally understandable.

We didn't bring Danielle back

You abandoned your child??!?!?!?!?


(yes I'm kidding. )

We split the drive down into two days to give the littles more time to get out and move around.

Probably a good move.

Wendy's in Biloxi. That wasn't the best choice since they were in the middle of huge online order and wouldn't take any in store orders until they were done.

We hit a major slow up while still in Mississippi and Waze directed us to get off the interstate and travel on a 2 lane road. We didn't get back on the interstate until after crossing into Alabama.

I've done that... and most likely a wreck, I'd think?

Dominic got a big kick out of the tunnel in Mobile and called every overpass a tunnel after that.

We made several rest area stops and finally made it to our hotel in Tallahassee about 2 hours later than if we had just driven straight with no stops.

Not too shabby.

I found my new favorite Florida Rest Area. It was the first Rest Area after Gainesville and was just beautiful.

I'll have to look into making that a vacation destination.

The first thing he asked when we told him where we were staying was "You mean the place with the popcorn?". I had forgotten about that, but yes they do have a popcorn machine in the lobby and pass it out in the evenings.

I get that. When my kids were little, they never wanted to go to Home Depot... but loved going to a Home Depot-like store where there was free popcorn.

it's close to the interstate and has a free breakfast and popcorn so was great for us.

We put Gabriel on the set up between the 2 beds. Michelle laid with him, Dennis laid with him and I did. It was a rough night, but I'm happy to say it was the only rough night we had with Gabriel for the rest of the trip.

Only one bad night... I'd take that.

It was really nice to get our room cleaned everyday,

Funny how the things we used to take for granted...

We used Bell services to get the luggage from all 3 cars to our room. It was worth tipping the CM not to have to deal with the heat.

This is a good tip. I'd probably not think to do that.

We learned to use the long hallways in the Cars buildings to take advantage of the AC when going to the parking lot, Skyliner or the front.

Smart move.

Everyone LOVED having the Skyliner. Dennis wants to make sure we stay at a Skyliner resort for our next stay too.

It really is a game changer. I hope they expand it some more.

I don't think anyone would appreciate us putting stinky diapers in the hallway.

No
No one would.

 

[vamassey1]

Whoa.
When someone from LA says that, you know it was hot!

I live with the heat but I'm not in it for hours everyday.

You abandoned your child??!?!?!?!?

Yep, and we keep doing it again and again.

I've done that... and most likely a wreck, I'd think?

It was a wreck.

I'll have to look into making that a vacation destination.

If you drive you need to stop.

Only one bad night... I'd take that.

I think it was a WIN!

This is a good tip. I'd probably not think to do that.

We went to luggage services planning just to get a luggage cart but the CM there convinced us to let him do it. So worth it!

It really is a game changer. I hope they expand it some more.

That's what Dennis keeps saying. He would love to see it expanded.

 

[vamassey1]

The more I share of this trip the more I want to do a trip report but I still need to finish Christmas 2021 and Spring 2024. So many trips and memories. Michelle has been sharing more in IG and Facebook.

Next up is TS meals. We had made lots of ADRs but ended up settling on just 6 total meals. Our first meal was Dennis' choice TREX in Disney Springs. I know the foods not the best but he loves the atmosphere for the kids. They love it of course too, they're boys and all love Dinosaurs. Danielle meet us in Springs and actually got there before us, she was coming from work. We didn't have much time for shopping but Danielle got a Corkcicle water bottle bag she had been eying. I got one and Michelle used it on their Birthday trip so she wanted one too. I have the Mickey bag but she got the plain black one. I love my bag! I holds my water bottle and some essentials. We were seated in the corner inside a Triceratops. It was a huge table and kept us from disturbing others. I tried to get Danielle to split a meal with me but she wanted leftovers to bring back to her apartment. We all enjoyed our meals and the kids had pizza and spaghetti. They loved the meteor shower and just looking around at the Dinos. We finished the meal with our favorite the Chocolate Extinction and of course the kids loved the presentation. Our server wasn't the greatest but it wasn't terrible either.

I need to mention the boys limited palates. John Paul is the oldest and has the most limited palate. He basically just eats carbs and cheese. I'm pretty sure he had Cheese pizza for almost every TS and CS meal. He did have french fries too. Dominic is a little more expanded. He likes pepperoni and spaghetti with meatballs. Gabriel pretty much will eat anything you give him but really liked his blueberries and strawberry snacks. They all 3 like snacks and ice cream. Dominic prefers chocolate ice cream. We didn't use any discounts but I got credit for my Landry card and now have a $25 credit for our next visit.

Our next TS was Tusker House in AK for a late breakfast. We were once again seated in a corner area. This is a buffet so there was something for everyone. JP loves breakfast food so this was perfect for him. He had a plate of Mickey waffles and a plate of bacon (one of the few meats he'll eat). The characters were great and I think we saw them all twice. This was our first character meal so we were worried how the littles would react. Dominic was actually really excited and good and loved them, Gabriel wanted some distance but was ok if someone was holding him. Mickey got the best response from all 3 boys. Our server was Justin and he was fabulous. Tusker House was both JP's and Dominic's first character meals so Michelle wanted it to be Gabriel's 1st too. We used Danielle's 20% CM discount here.





Next up was Via Napoli and this was our most interesting meal. There is a really funny story but I think I might save it for now. We had an ADR for Garden Grill too but cancelled it and kept Via Napoli. I was the only one who had ever eaten there and the boys love their Italian. I had the Capricciosa Pizza and really loved it. Michelle had the Chicken Parmesan and Danielle had the Sea Bass. JP had Cheese Pizza and Dominic and Gabriel shared the Spaghetti and meatballs. Danielle gave them the nickname of "Marinara Monsters" for a reason.


This ended up being a very long meal but we really needed the time and AC to refresh. We had a great meal and our server was Italian and fabulous but not male. We used a 30% off coupon that Danielle had for 4 of our meals (coupon only covers 4 meals) and her CM 20% for the other 1 and we were not charged for Danielle's meal. Her free meal is part of our "interesting story".

We had 2 TSs meal on Wednesday our no park/moving resort day. We started with a late breakfast at Topolino's. This was the meal we were all looking forward to except Dennis. Danielle and I had been but no one else. I've said it before but Dennis doesn't like trying new things. He's not a big fan of character meals either. I kept telling him he was going to love it, he could get steak and eggs. His biggest complaint for the conference was the food. They were feed "rabbit food" and light meals he said. There was no bacon at breakfast and no steak at lunches or dinners. He was really looking forward to our Disney meals. We rode the Skyliner over from AOA which was already a bonus point for Rivera. We had a big round table right by where the characters stopped and danced during their walk around, they also entered and exited right by us. Having the pastries delivered right after we sat down was fabulous. The boys were able to start eating right away and of course we did too. JP put away 3 croissants with Nutella in them in no time flat. Dennis did get his steak and eggs and so did Danielle, what she didn't finish Dennis did. I had the Sour Cream waffles which I loved. I couldn't eat them all so Dennis helped me too. Michelle had the Smoked Salmon and JP had the waffle dippers. He was pretty full by the time they came out so Dennis helped him too. We loved this meal and it ended up being everyone's favorite. Dennis had to admit I was right. Danielle went on and on about the dinner there too so I'm pretty sure either breakfast or dinner will be added to our rotation. Michelle sent Jimmy pictures because she knows he would love it too. The characters were great and even better than Tusker House. Gabriel made a special bond with Donald Duck. He tried to escape and Donald caught him and held him. Donald kept coming back to the table to spend time with Gabriel even when the other characters were there.

We ended up only being able to use my little 10% AP discount, but this was worth it. I hope we do go back again. We did all go out to the terrace to enjoy the views and take pictures.

I have to stop here. We still have Beaches and Cream and Mama Melrose's but Michelle is on her way over with the kids. We have some errands to run.