Goofy's Great Birthday Bash NEW 6/2 page 34

[SoonerGirl]

The menu was varied. Although Mediterranean and Greek flavors influenced the menu it had a whole lot to offer!

And thanks on the pictures! Have you gotten all of your ADRs yet?

I do have my ADRs! We have a couple restaurants we've eaten at before, but mostly we are trying new places this time around. We've got:

Tutto Italia - DS9 & and I have been there, but DH and DS13 have not.
Yak & Yeti - new for us, this is one that I'm trying based upon your great reviews!
Teppan Edo - also new for us
Liberty Tree Tavern - another one that DS9 & I have eaten at, but not the rest of the family
Sci-Fi - for lunch, it's a tradition!
Nine Dragons - as part of the Candlelight Processional package on Christmas Eve
Tusker House - breakfast, another new one for us
Whispering Canyon Cafe - never tried
Le Cellier - a family favorite!
The Wave - another one we are trying thanks to you
Kona Cafe - for breakfast, we've been for dinner, but this will be our first time for breakfast

There you have it - I know you were probably just asking to be nice, but I'm so excited that I had to give you the run down!

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Jay. Love the pics of Illuminations. And you cracked me up with your craving Pepper Market food. Most people would not agree with you on that one.

 

[mymainmouse]

I am glad that you had such a wonderful evening. I am sure there will be many more to come.
I am glad to hear that children will hold their mom's hands until 13, although my oldest will be 13 this week. Hopefully it will last THROUGH 13.
Great update! Your pictures were all nice. I especially liked the one of Goofy as well.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love the picture of Henry with the Mickey ears (plates). SO CUTE! How on earth have you been? It's GREAT to see you!

We have been GOOD! Not sure if you lurk over on my TR, but I recently quit my job and now stay at home - I'm loving it!!! It's just wonderful to be home with my little dude.

Thank you for the compliment on the picture! I love that he's completely dead-pan in it.

Your Boardwalk sunset pictures are amazing!!!! Sooooo very pretty!

That is a big bummer about the arcade! I recall your boys are big arcade fans. But, thankfully you had other options very near by.

Illuminations from the balcony with chocolate covered strawberries and your sweet child. Nothing better!!!!

 

[praisehisname]

What a great way to end your first day!

Denise

 

[John's Mom]

Jay,

Found your TR this morning. All caught up. Great report and pictures! I always enjoy reading about your family's adventures at WDW.

Kathy

 

[lilpapsgirl]

Yea!! Another update..those treats look devine!! I am a big sweets eater! It looks like you had a great view of Illuminations from the balcony and Goof looked like he was having an amazing time. I really like the arcade at Pop Century...when my husband and I stayed here for 8 days back in 2008, we had an excellent time in there.

 

[29apr00]

Some of what was set out as far as adult goodies. They had wine and beer as well.

WOW, now those are my kinds of treats!! Yummy...and good drinks too!

What a wonderful peaceful evening, even with the poor excuse for an arcade! I hope we have evenings like that...in just 39 days!!

 

[jaycns]

Day 1: A Swim Before Bed
Even though I was more than ready to hit the sheets by the time Illuminations was through, Goofy was not. And this being his birthday trip, I allowed him to pick one final activity of the night. He chose a late night swim. I am glad he did. We both ended up having a lot of fun. Here's a picture of the cute little elephant that squirts water out over the kiddie pool. I think the elephants that decorate the BWI's pool area are simply adorable.

After snapping that picture we didn't waste a minute and jumped straight into the pool. We had the entire pool all to ourselves! If I had a real clown phobia I wouldn't have set foot in there. He looked a bit creepy with his glowing clown eyes peering out at you. Ha ha ha. These next pictures would also have given me a nightmare if I were a clown phobic. Ahhhh...the clown is trying to eat my son!

Oh no, it looks like the clown has taken over my Goof (look at his eyes). HA HA HA.

Phew, he was fine, he swam away just in time to save himself!

Another elephant.

And yet another elephant...this one looks a bit more familiar! It's also another example of the attention paid to the details. You can find these tiles patterned around the edge of the pool.

It's not just the kiddie pool that has the fun of an elephant enhanced shower!

Under water Goof!

Leaping Horse Libations closes a half hour before the lifeguards leave. The lifeguards left at 8:00 PM while we were there but the time varies throughout the year based on when the sun sets.

Speaking of leaping, I also found a leaping Goof.

This picture is a very poor one, but the 'awwww' factor is so big for me that I cannot leave it out. We paused in our fun long enough for me to snap a picture of the two of us holding hands. The flash didn't go off (my camera was in the process of breaking ) but I still love the blurry and dark image of his little hand in mine.

Shortly after my underwater camera went dark for the last time, we made our way back up to our room, dried off and crawled into our beds. I know that I fell asleep looking forward to all that our vacation was going to become. I am sure that we both drifted off with smiles on our faces. It was a great first day!

TO BE CONTINUED...

 

[KatMark]

Love the photos in the pool...and love the holding hands picture.

 

[CJsMom]

Fun times! Except that clown kinda creeps me out...

 

[SoonerGirl]

Yep - clown=creepy!

 

[Nicole786]

Here you go Jay, I was hoping I could restore it more for you, but this is the best I could do:

 

[praisehisname]

Awwww, what a sweet ending to your day! Looking forward to hearing about the next day!

Denise

 

[jmamom]

Hi Jay,
What a great first day! All your great pics of the Boardwalk were making me want to stay there - until the clown pool . That thing is creepy all lit up. Love the elephants though. The hotel itself looks beautiful. Don't you love when your sons get to stop being cool and just be mommy's boy for a little while? My guy loves his mommy time too, but he'd never let anyone else know it. What a bummer about your camera! My battery kept dying on me during our trip, but at least it didn't break completely. Hope you found a replacement quickly. Looking forward to hearing what the next day brings.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

You got some great pool pics, Jay. Yeah, that clown is very creepy! Too funny how Goofy's eyes were glowing along with the clown.

That holding hands picture is the sweetest! You always bring a tear to my eye.

And I love how pretty and festive the pool area is. Now I wanna go check out BWI!!!

 

[heaven2dc]

My DS31 has a clown phobia and that pic with the eyes glowing really would have freaked him out! One good thing is that as far as we know, it hasn't swallowed up any poor unsuspecting kids (yet )

Cute pic of holding hands

 

[jaycns]

Greek is to you like German is to me. My Dad's parents came from Switzerland and Germany in the early 1900's. So needless to say, they were very old country, as was my dad and his brothers and sisters. He was raised to always take care of your younger siblings and we were too. I'm glad I was the baby. But oh, that food my grandma made. She could slice a noodle faster and thinner than any machine I've ever seen. Such fun.

I have pictures of family all down my hall going to my bedroom. They are the last thing I see at night going to bed. I love it. On my post a few pages back from the end I have some of Austins Sr. pics posted. I'm anxious to get my big ones. I got a frame that holds 6 5x7's and then 2 8x10's. They are ready. Sheri just needs to come up with the other $600. Sr. picx are very expensive. You will see some day. You would think in this digital world they wouldn't have to be so expensive.

I will say that even Aust will still hold my hand sometimes at 18. It was sr. night at the football game Friday and he even held his mom and dad's hands and kissed them in front of everyone. It was magical.

How sweet about Austin holding hands with his mom and dad (and you!). I have my fingers crossed that my boys will always find at least some 'right' time to hold their mom's hand.

My Greek grandma was also German (her mom came over from Germany when she was a teenager). So, she was a German/Greek cooking machine. I have very few memories of her outside of a kitchen! She was always in there whipping up something. And it was usually something totally delicious! Funny thing is, I never learned how to make homemade noodles from her (although she did make them, it wasn't one of her 'specialties' just something she did every so often). After getting married, dh's grandma taught me. Noodles have long been one of dh's favorite comfort foods. I think they are a lot of work but I do make them at Thanksgiving (with the help of my sister-in-law). We make enough to feed twenty with left overs...I would say I have gotten fair at rolling out noodles myself.

Good to hear, since we decided this weekend to go with Flying Fish! Can't wait to hear those reviews!!

It was DELICIOUS! The fish there is incredible! Good picking!

I do have my ADRs! We have a couple restaurants we've eaten at before, but mostly we are trying new places this time around. We've got:

Tutto Italia - DS9 & and I have been there, but DH and DS13 have not.
Yak & Yeti - new for us, this is one that I'm trying based upon your great reviews!
Teppan Edo - also new for us
Liberty Tree Tavern - another one that DS9 & I have eaten at, but not the rest of the family
Sci-Fi - for lunch, it's a tradition!
Nine Dragons - as part of the Candlelight Processional package on Christmas Eve
Tusker House - breakfast, another new one for us
Whispering Canyon Cafe - never tried
Le Cellier - a family favorite!
The Wave - another one we are trying thanks to you
Kona Cafe - for breakfast, we've been for dinner, but this will be our first time for breakfast

There you have it - I know you were probably just asking to be nice, but I'm so excited that I had to give you the run down!

I would love to hear your reviews of the one's that I bolded. I have never had the pleasure of trying them out.

WOW, CP on Christmas Eve...what a VERY COOL way to celebrate Christmas! I bet it will be a very touching, beautiful show. I am excited about being able to see it earlier in December...but I think you have picked the perfect night to see it!

When you are at the WCC you should try the shakes. My boys give them two thumbs up (including dh) and they were included as a drink choice on the DDP. Make sure you ask for ketchup!

Great update, Jay. Love the pics of Illuminations. And you cracked me up with your craving Pepper Market food. Most people would not agree with you on that one.

Then most people must not have tried the shrimp pesto pizza! It was finger licking good! I am planning on dining there this December (I want to check out the Christmas decorations and eat some of that delicious pizza).

 

[jaycns]

I am glad that you had such a wonderful evening. I am sure there will be many more to come.
I am glad to hear that children will hold their mom's hands until 13, although my oldest will be 13 this week. Hopefully it will last THROUGH 13.
Great update! Your pictures were all nice. I especially liked the one of Goofy as well.

It was a great start to our trip. I had a lot of fun just relaxing and taking things at the pace that Goofy set. He was a lot more laid back than his brother, Stitch. That one kept me hoppin' the entire time!

We have been GOOD! Not sure if you lurk over on my TR, but I recently quit my job and now stay at home - I'm loving it!!! It's just wonderful to be home with my little dude.

Thank you for the compliment on the picture! I love that he's completely dead-pan in it.

Your Boardwalk sunset pictures are amazing!!!! Sooooo very pretty!

That is a big bummer about the arcade! I recall your boys are big arcade fans. But, thankfully you had other options very near by.

Illuminations from the balcony with chocolate covered strawberries and your sweet child. Nothing better!!!!

I do actually lurk over there! Congrats on getting to stay home with your little guy! I think I have the best job ever (getting to stay home with the boys). I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

I love your signature pictures...you always manage to pick such sweet ones and all showing different moods/sides of your sweetie. I miss the picture of Henry and Donald Duck (at the water play area). I thought that one was really adorable!

The arcade at the BWI is disappointing but with two other arcades so close it didn't really matter at all. We just used those instead. Hopefully my wasting some money in there will prevent someone else from doing the same.

What a great way to end your first day!

Denise

Illuminations, sweet treats and then swimming was a terrific way to end a day. Thanks for reading!

Yea!! Another update..those treats look devine!! I am a big sweets eater! It looks like you had a great view of Illuminations from the balcony and Goof looked like he was having an amazing time. I really like the arcade at Pop Century...when my husband and I stayed here for 8 days back in 2008, we had an excellent time in there.

Maybe I will have to plan a peek at the Pop Century arcade with the boys. I am sure they would appreciate it.

Jay,

Found your TR this morning. All caught up. Great report and pictures! I always enjoy reading about your family's adventures at WDW.

Kathy

Hiya Kathy! It's good to have you jump in. How have you been? I am happy you are here!

WOW, now those are my kinds of treats!! Yummy...and good drinks too!

What a wonderful peaceful evening, even with the poor excuse for an arcade! I hope we have evenings like that...in just 39 days!!

WOW...just over a month. Do you have the 'pre-vow renewal' jitters? I bet you will have the best trip of your life! I cannot wait to read all about it! Has everything come together?

Love the photos in the pool...and love the holding hands picture.

I really wish my camera had lasted for just that one more picture (the holding hands one) to come out okay. I suppose it could have been worse, it totally broke right after that picture. I could have missed out on that one too. So, I guess I should be thankful instead of wishing for more.

Yep - clown=creepy!

It did look creepy at night. Especially in a totally empty pool.

 

[jaycns]

Here you go Jay, I was hoping I could restore it more for you, but this is the best I could do:

THANK YOU! I am going to print that one out. You are so kind! I really appreciate that! THANK YOU!!!

Awwww, what a sweet ending to your day! Looking forward to hearing about the next day!

Denise

Thanks, Denise. I am working on the start of day 2 right now!

Hi Jay,
What a great first day! All your great pics of the Boardwalk were making me want to stay there - until the clown pool . That thing is creepy all lit up. Love the elephants though. The hotel itself looks beautiful. Don't you love when your sons get to stop being cool and just be mommy's boy for a little while? My guy loves his mommy time too, but he'd never let anyone else know it. What a bummer about your camera! My battery kept dying on me during our trip, but at least it didn't break completely. Hope you found a replacement quickly. Looking forward to hearing what the next day brings.

"until the clown pool" Ugh, batteries dying on you is no fun at all. I had to replace a camera because it drained the battery dry so quickly. It was always running out of juice at the worst times. And I was lucky to have had my other camera with me so it didn't stop me from getting pictures (except for pool ones) the reminder of our time there. I was very thankful for that!

You got some great pool pics, Jay. Yeah, that clown is very creepy! Too funny how Goofy's eyes were glowing along with the clown.

That holding hands picture is the sweetest! You always bring a tear to my eye.

And I love how pretty and festive the pool area is. Now I wanna go check out BWI!!!

I laughed pretty hard when I saw how the flash had made his eyes glow too. Usually I would be bummed about that happening in a picture but it made that particular one even funnier.

I am planning on taking another holding hands picture during my trip with Aladdin also. I am also planning on retaking my hand holding picture with Goofy so that it's a better quality photo and also taking one with Buzz and I holding hands. I will put those together with the one I have of Stitch and I from his special Disney trip and then I am going to frame the photos together. I am also going to snap some of dh and the boys and surprise him with them framed together for Father's Day. I am going to add some handwritten notes to his (from the boys) and I am sure we will cherish those more and more in the years to come.

My DS31 has a clown phobia and that pic with the eyes glowing really would have freaked him out! One good thing is that as far as we know, it hasn't swallowed up any poor unsuspecting kids (yet )

Cute pic of holding hands

You are right...as far as we know the clown has managed to control his appetite!