Hakuna Kidani, What a Turtleful Phrase!

Getting wet sure looks good! The girls looked they enjoyed it.

I love that we get to see so many different places on your reports. I've never been to CBR and I doubt I could DH to go just to eat and look around. Every trip I try to do at least one TS meal at a resort so we can see a little, but it's like pulling teeth. DH is a creature of habit. He would eat at the same places every trip if I didn't put my foot down. That chicken and vegetables with cornbread sure looked good.

A taste of MK is just what was needed. I can't wait to see the Mine train open. If we make it in March I'm hoping it's in soft opening then. Danielle got to ring the Liberty Bell this year and last year when she went for the YES program.
 
I always love shopping with you. I'm excited to go to the Parks outlet tomorrow and eat Rainforest Cafe. I have't been to Disney in 8 months, so it'll be nice to have a little fix.

Eating at CBR is on my list. I went to get something off the Kids' Menu, so I can get it in bucket and eat it on the beach.

It's been cold in S. Florida. We've had so much rain. I was wearing a sweatshirt and pants earlier today.

I'm excited for the Mine Train. I hope it's not too 'intense' for me. I love Big Thunder, but hate Everest and Space Mt. I don't like going down.
 
Please and thank you! I love that you take us shopping with you; I agree, you find the best merchandise!

We have a kissing Mickey and Minnie that my mother in law got for our rehearsal dinner. I admit, I'm not quite sure what to do with it.... I like subtle Disney too or items I can use in the kitchen. Oh, and snow globes too. :blush:

Thanks for saying snowglobes quietly...and for not showing any pictures. I was already traumatized by the Alice in a Teapot ornaments, but I try to 'take one for Distown' when I can. ;)



That's what I thought about Rapunzel's restrooms (does that sound funny to anyone else?) They were not open in October yet. So I have an excuse for not knowing that for sure.

Now I don't know WHY I didn't ever notice the lanterns! I know I don't spend a lot of time in that area, but really? I've even taken pictures of the tree and the sign at the base. :sad2: Bad Disney Fan!:guilty: Where is a scolding smilie? Next time I will be sure to notice!

There is actually a lot of cool history in the Liberty Square area. You should listen to the Lou Mongello CD where he does a tour of it and tells a bunch of facts.



Finally here! Loving the trip so far. Makes me want to go back!

Me, too. Every time I put pictures on the reports, I want to jump back into them and be there again. :wizard:



That is seriously the cutest room ever! I know you had some hot water issues and not sure if there were others but oh, it is cute! I'm not 6 but I think that bed is cool too!

Glad you got to at least make it to MK even if everyone else pooped out. Long drives, pool time and dinner will do that sometimes.

Love the shopping as always and I just love the "feel" of CBR from the pictures.

For me personally, the water was not nearly hot enough. That, along with the 'no easy escape to fresh air' factor, makes me happier with a Little Mermaid room or Pop for my value choice.

I was glad to get to spend a little time in Magic Kingdom. I pretty much just made a loop around the outside of the hub taking pictures from a distance. I would love to have walked around more and gotten more pictures, but I really felt kind of guilty for being there when the others couldn't be.

I like CBR, too, but I have yet to stay there. I have visited, strolled, eaten, and played there, but never slept there. Gonna change that one of these days.



Long drive and you still manage to peek in at MK.

Even a non-Disney trip means you stop in even for a few hours. :lmao:

Love that the girls made the trip pretty easily.

Lovin' the Lion King suite.

I had been able to sleep off and on while we were on the road. I was the designated child care person for all backseat needs, and Jill and John switched off driving, but there were short spurts where we all go little doses of sleep. It would take a lot to keep me from a chance to get pictures and absorb some magic now that I was there.

The girls did great, really. Flying is still ten times easier, but they did very well. When Jill has to start buying five plane tickets, I'm guessing there might end up being more road trips and less frequent air trips.

The suite was nice. I wish they had small balconies - or even if the windows could open to get a breeze, that would be nice.



Getting wet sure looks good! The girls looked they enjoyed it.

I love that we get to see so many different places on your reports. I've never been to CBR and I doubt I could DH to go just to eat and look around. Every trip I try to do at least one TS meal at a resort so we can see a little, but it's like pulling teeth. DH is a creature of habit. He would eat at the same places every trip if I didn't put my foot down. That chicken and vegetables with cornbread sure looked good.

A taste of MK is just what was needed. I can't wait to see the Mine train open. If we make it in March I'm hoping it's in soft opening then. Danielle got to ring the Liberty Bell this year and last year when she went for the YES program.

He doesn't know what he is missing! I love resort hopping! Of course, maybe looking at pretty flowers, pictures, lighting fixtures, furniture, and such isn't really a guy thing. Maybe you can just keep enticing him with the food, and eventually you will see all the resorts. Food - that's a guy thing. ::yes::

Surely by March the Mine Train will be rolling!



I always love shopping with you. I'm excited to go to the Parks outlet tomorrow and eat Rainforest Cafe. I have't been to Disney in 8 months, so it'll be nice to have a little fix.

Eating at CBR is on my list. I went to get something off the Kids' Menu, so I can get it in bucket and eat it on the beach.

It's been cold in S. Florida. We've had so much rain. I was wearing a sweatshirt and pants earlier today.

I'm excited for the Mine Train. I hope it's not too 'intense' for me. I love Big Thunder, but hate Everest and Space Mt. I don't like going down.

Disney Outlet and Rainforest will be a nice Disney fix. :thumbsup2 We do the same thing here. Just window shopping in Rainforest and then going to get a pretzel or cookie with the girls gives me a little taste of Disneyness.

Brook W., a NY Disney friend, says it is already in the 80's there. Somebody must have turned the states upside down this morning! :eek:

The mine train is supposed to be somewhere between Big Thunder and Barnstormer, I have read. It will be perfect for me, I think. Everest is too much, but Big Thunder and under, I enjoy. :goodvibes
 
We are having the heat wave here in London too. We broke a record yesterday (and I heard on the radio that it was hotter here than in Bombay India!). So why not head more south right? I'm just about to leave for Indiana for a visit!:thumbsup2

But first I had to do one of my favourite things, shop with MeMom!:goodvibes. I want that black HM tee most of all! And the Disney scrabble!

As for the question, I think I would choose to stay at Pop (unless the family come too in which case it will be AoA). Just because its older and I've been wanting to try it longer! However, I do really have my eye on those Little Mermaid rooms! ;). Only time will tell at this point!
 

I LOVE the MK! How hard was it for Jill and the girls not being able to go into a park? We are considering a trip to Orlando staying in a time share trade from my parents. We can stay a week in a Marriott resort for less than $400. But, I don't think I can afford WDW tickets. :( My kids LOVE Harry Potter so I was thinking about Universal for a few days. (WAY cheaper) I just don't know how hard it would be not going to Disney parks.
 
I LOVE that patriotic Minnie! I have patriotic Mickey so I'll have to get her too. :)

The mine train ride is coming right along! That'll be fun.
 
I really enjoy your pictures! You take pictures of things I have never paid attention too! Makes me want to slow down and explore more!
 
We are having the heat wave here in London too. We broke a record yesterday (and I heard on the radio that it was hotter here than in Bombay India!). So why not head more south right? I'm just about to leave for Indiana for a visit!:thumbsup2

But first I had to do one of my favourite things, shop with MeMom!:goodvibes. I want that black HM tee most of all! And the Disney scrabble!

As for the question, I think I would choose to stay at Pop (unless the family come too in which case it will be AoA). Just because its older and I've been wanting to try it longer! However, I do really have my eye on those Little Mermaid rooms! ;). Only time will tell at this point!

I knew there were Haunted Mansion fans around here that would like that shirt. :hmghost:

Safe travels to Indiana!



I LOVE the MK! How hard was it for Jill and the girls not being able to go into a park? We are considering a trip to Orlando staying in a time share trade from my parents. We can stay a week in a Marriott resort for less than $400. But, I don't think I can afford WDW tickets. :( My kids LOVE Harry Potter so I was thinking about Universal for a few days. (WAY cheaper) I just don't know how hard it would be not going to Disney parks.

I will let Jill answer for herself. As for me, I got to go in Magic Kingdom twice for a short time, and I walked as far as France from International Gateway to get a picture of the new ice cream shop on the last day. We all went over to the gift shop outside Animal Kingdom one day, too, and shopped in Rainforest Cafe. So, the only park I didn't 'touch' was Hollywood Studios. Going to Sea World was nice enough. The girls enjoyed seeing some different sea animals than WDW offers. Also, staying at Kidani, we saw plenty of animals there, and they did a flamingo activity, so that was like being in Animal Kingdom. They loved swimming everywhere we went, of course. We had dinner with a bunch of Disney friends in DTD one evening. We did a character breakfast at Cape May. So, I guess I am saying, there was plenty to do w/o going into the parks. I would have been happy to do more resort-hopping, but there just wasn't time. If you can go for that cheap and just work in a little Disney, I think you will be absolutely fine! Any Disneyness is better than no Disneyness!
 
I LOVE that patriotic Minnie! I have patriotic Mickey so I'll have to get her too. :)

The mine train ride is coming right along! That'll be fun.

I thought Minnie was very cute. too. I just have to get my souvenir budget healthier, so I can buy things again. I am now buying much these days, but I look forward to being able to do so again one of these days. Just the rooms and flights are budget killers these days. :sad:



I really enjoy your pictures! You take pictures of things I have never paid attention too! Makes me want to slow down and explore more!

Glad you enjoy the pictures. I love taking them! It's funny, because when I am taking pictures, I think of Disney friends who would love certain things, so you guys 'come along' more than you know!
 
For me personally, the water was not nearly hot enough. That, along with the 'no easy escape to fresh air' factor, makes me happier with a Little Mermaid room or Pop for my value choice.

I could see the window not opening being an issue. I prefer the hallways to the other value outside entry but the no window opening would bother me a bit. Did the Little Mermaid rooms window's open?
 
I could see the window not opening being an issue. I prefer the hallways to the other value outside entry but the no window opening would bother me a bit. Did the Little Mermaid rooms window's open?

No, but with a LM room, the door can be propped open with a chair. Our Little Mermaid room was poolside, so it was nice to be able to see the pool and hear the fun pool noise with the door open. And it was nice to have the fresh air and nice breeze, of course. :thumbsup2
 
I will let Jill answer for herself. As for me, I got to go in Magic Kingdom twice for a short time, and I walked as far as France from International Gateway to get a picture of the new ice cream shop on the last day. We all went over to the gift shop outside Animal Kingdom one day, too, and shopped in Rainforest Cafe. So, the only park I didn't 'touch' was Hollywood Studios. Going to Sea World was nice enough. The girls enjoyed seeing some different sea animals than WDW offers. Also, staying at Kidani, we saw plenty of animals there, and they did a flamingo activity, so that was like being in Animal Kingdom. They loved swimming everywhere we went, of course. We had dinner with a bunch of Disney friends in DTD one evening. We did a character breakfast at Cape May. So, I guess I am saying, there was plenty to do w/o going into the parks. I would have been happy to do more resort-hopping, but there just wasn't time. If you can go for that cheap and just work in a little Disney, I think you will be absolutely fine! Any Disneyness is better than no Disneyness!

With my DD attending college near Disney, we have gone a couple of times and just enjoyed the activities that are not in the parks. We always had a great time and a touch of Disney is better than no Disney. ;) We'd take the buses or boats and go to different resorts and shop and just walk around. We also would go to DTD and shop and get something to eat. While it's not as good as being in a park, it's still fun.

I loved your updates Memom. Great shopping pics and I also enjoyed getting to see pics of the new Fantasyland. I can't wait to see it for real.
 
Aw, I'm so excited to see another TR from you! AOA looks so well done, and I just love the pics of the Lion King room. Oh, suite, sorry! :rotfl2:

Great shopping pics!
 
Loving the pictures so far, MeMom! It always is great fun getting to shop with you. I'm hoping they'll still have this much Monsters University merch when I am back down in the world. I would like to mention I managed to spot a glimpse of the elusive MeMom in one of the mirror pictures. I feel very accomplished. :teeth: And yeah, the Mine Train is going to be a big hit. I hope it's going to be opened when I'm next there! *crossing fingers*

Good to see you! Hope you had a great school year! What's coming up exciting for the new school year?

Thanks! Sadly, I can't say it was great, but I guess that's a recurring theme for junior years. I'm excited for senior year though. It seems there is a definite Disney trip in my future (especially since I finally have a job now!) and I'm doing something Disney-related for my senior project, which I'm going to start soon (Get a head start you know). Doing a lot of college visits and preparing for when I am going off to college. Will promise to keep all my DISpeeps updated on that :)
 
I agree that even a touch of Disney is better than nothing!
Just seeing Mickey or anything Disney can put a smile on my face here in the real world.
But I'll tell you while we were deciding what to do when our plans changed to an August trip, I did bring up going to Orlando and not going to the parks....Lexi was a definite "no way, that would be way too hard! You are kidding right, Mom!". :laughing:

That chicken dinner looked good at CBR....I never seem to eat enough veggies while I'm there except for salads. :)

Glad you got some MK time in. I loved shopping with you this morning. :thumbsup2

I'm now at 5 weekends til we are back...I think I need some dancing bananas! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
 
Just checking in. I'm off to a Common Core Training again today. I can't wait for it to be over so that I can come home and finish packing since we leave tomorrow for Disney! Woohoo! :cool1: I know the time is going to go by so slow in this training today. :faint:
 
With my DD attending college near Disney, we have gone a couple of times and just enjoyed the activities that are not in the parks. We always had a great time and a touch of Disney is better than no Disney. ;) We'd take the buses or boats and go to different resorts and shop and just walk around. We also would go to DTD and shop and get something to eat. While it's not as good as being in a park, it's still fun.

I loved your updates Memom. Great shopping pics and I also enjoyed getting to see pics of the new Fantasyland. I can't wait to see it for real.

Yes, there are many things to do outside the parks. Just riding a monorail or a boat is something that you don't normally do at home. Resort hopping is one of my favorite things to do, and having meals in resorts is a big dose of Disney! We had the big plans to go golfing, but it rained that night. :sad: We will put mini-golf back on our list - maybe at Christmas, if the parks get too crowded.



Aw, I'm so excited to see another TR from you! AOA looks so well done, and I just love the pics of the Lion King room. Oh, suite, sorry! :rotfl2:

Great shopping pics!

Glad to have you with us! :goodvibes There will be many more shopping pictures. ::yes::



Loving the pictures so far, MeMom! It always is great fun getting to shop with you. I'm hoping they'll still have this much Monsters University merch when I am back down in the world. I would like to mention I managed to spot a glimpse of the elusive MeMom in one of the mirror pictures. I feel very accomplished. :teeth: And yeah, the Mine Train is going to be a big hit. I hope it's going to be opened when I'm next there! *crossing fingers*

Thanks! Sadly, I can't say it was great, but I guess that's a recurring theme for junior years. I'm excited for senior year though. It seems there is a definite Disney trip in my future (especially since I finally have a job now!) and I'm doing something Disney-related for my senior project, which I'm going to start soon (Get a head start you know). Doing a lot of college visits and preparing for when I am going off to college. Will promise to keep all my DISpeeps updated on that :)

Such an exciting time in your life! :cool1: Your senior year will fly by. Yes, keep us posted on your plans!



I agree that even a touch of Disney is better than nothing!
Just seeing Mickey or anything Disney can put a smile on my face here in the real world.
But I'll tell you while we were deciding what to do when our plans changed to an August trip, I did bring up going to Orlando and not going to the parks....Lexi was a definite "no way, that would be way too hard! You are kidding right, Mom!". :laughing:

That chicken dinner looked good at CBR....I never seem to eat enough veggies while I'm there except for salads. :)

Glad you got some MK time in. I loved shopping with you this morning. :thumbsup2

I'm now at 5 weekends til we are back...I think I need some dancing bananas! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

It would be hard for older kids to be that close to the parks and not go in. Our girls are small enough, though, that they were plenty happy just to swim and not really pay much attention to the fact that they weren't in the parks. They just sort of followed wherever we led them and were quite happy. :goodvibes It did also help that we went to SeaWorld, so they got an 'amusement park' experience.

Sometimes it is nice to have vegetables and healthy foods among the pizza, burgers, and chicken strips you have in WDW.

Keep those bananas dancing! We're excited for you!





Just checking in. I'm off to a Common Core Training again today. I can't wait for it to be over so that I can come home and finish packing since we leave tomorrow for Disney! Woohoo! :cool1: I know the time is going to go by so slow in this training today. :faint:

I worked in my classroom yesterday just organizing things mostly. I will probably go today for a short while and try to get my bulletin boards done. If I can go several days for a short time, it won't be so overwhelming when I have to be there. When we start our in-service days, I will want to get out of the building as soon as those days are over! :scared:

Going to Disney World will be nice to think about all day as your mind wanders...

It's much better than having just come home from vacation and then have to go to training! :crazy2:
 
A new supply of paintbrush pens!



Thanks to MeMom and her wonderful memory, I will have one of these fabulous pens on my desk this year and thanks to our darling Bella right next to it will be a beeeeutiful Mingo pen. Brook's gift was not a pen so it can not be put into the cup with the pens, but it will have a place of honor on my desk as well! I don't plan to use it as a key chain, because I seem to be very hard on my keychains. I won't tell what that gift was until we come to a certain point in the trip report.
Oh my gosh. That was almost confusing. :dance3:
 
Happy Saturday, all! I hope everyone has a great day. I'm taking Caroline to the American Girl store in downtown Chicago for some shopping & lunch. Should be fun!

To all my teacher friends, it seems crazy that we're talking about another school year already. Where does the time go?!?! Summer is going FAST!!
 
A new supply of paintbrush pens!



Thanks to MeMom and her wonderful memory, I will have one of these fabulous pens on my desk this year and thanks to our darling Bella right next to it will be a beeeeutiful Mingo pen. Brook's gift was not a pen so it can not be put into the cup with the pens, but it will have a place of honor on my desk as well! I don't plan to use it as a key chain, because I seem to be very hard on my keychains. I won't tell what that gift was until we come to a certain point in the trip report.
Oh my gosh. That was almost confusing. :dance3:

I forgot to answer whoever asked earlier - I did buy one of these, but it was for Miss Anita Wigd, or Nita Wig, as Bella sometimes says. :laughing: I did not get one for myself. Maybe at Christmas. At the time, I was just thinking I really couldn't justify buying more pens, because I have plenty of them. Of course, now that I am away from them and about to start in-service meetings, I am thinking I need that little Disney touch as I am being bored out of my mind. ;)

Also, some Disney pens are not the best quality, and I didn't have any paper to test those on. We'll let Anita use hers a few times and give us a report about how good it is, and then we can decide if we want to make this the official writing utensil for Distown. :scratchin I mean, we have an official mug, so perhaps we need an official pen, as well. :)
 














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