Hands down... BEST vacation of my life (ps: tons of pictures)

[mermaid86]

So... I just returned from Disney World, and could not be any more depressed that I had to leave such a wonderful place. I will openly admit up front that I shed a tear when having to leave but.... the entire Disney experience was well worth it.

The trip consisted of me, Nicole, and my DBF, Geoff. We stayed at Coronado Springs, (Ranchos 7B).

Without any further delay, here goes my fabulous trip!!

For those of you who read my pre-trip report, know I was going to be taking the LSAT the day before I left for Disney, but I backed out to wait til September due to not feeling ready. Which ended up being a good thing... turns out I got a bad UTI right before leaving and had to go to the doctor With all the crazyness of packing and getting ready, not to mention having to wake up at 4am to be at the airport on time... I was overly releived I didn't take it.

Day 1: Arrival and Epcot
After waking up at the crack of dawn, Geoffs mom drove us to the airport. We were flying out of Philly and had a 7am flight. Airport check in was fine and we awaited to board the magical plane that would take us to disneyyy!

Plane ride was good until "something" happened which made it feel like we were about to crash, but eh, we got over the bad turbelnce and landed our way into Orlando.

Found our way to the Magical Express and hopped right on to make our way to Coronado Springs.

One thing we found odd, was they were showing Happy Feet on the bus... uhhh.. why no Disney movie??

After we got dropped off at the resort, they checked our carry on and gave us our passes to get into the parks. (Our room wouldnt be ready until after 3 and it was only around 10) So we were on our way to Epcot!

We bopped around for a bit, trying to get a grasp of where everything was and just kind of hung around until our reservation at Coral Reef. Little did Geoff know, but I had arranged a personalized menu and diver for him, so I was way excited to see how everything turned out.

We checked in at Coral Reef and were seating almost immediatly right against the tank. The hostess was a little confused as to who to give the special menu to, but it was no biggie.

Geoff loved it and was totally surprised. Our waiter was absolutly fabulous and was on top of everything. We were on the DDP, so Geoff started out with some crab claws

and I had the shrimp cocktail. We both had the steaks as our entree, and they were incredible, possibly best meal I had there... during that time the diver came swimming around. She disappeared for a little, but came back with the sign. Originally she had it upside down and I had to tell her to turn it around

it was so cute, people started clapping and say awwww. hahaha. at first I thought Geoff would be embarrassed but he loved it and didn't expect it at all.

When lunch was over, we headed over to Figment. I felt really bad that there was no one in line to see him

So I made it a point to go see him later in the trip

By that time, we were able to see if our room was ready, so we called and alas! we were able to go settle in. When we got to the room, Geoff has a basket waiting for him

It had two Mickey wine glasses, sparkling juice, two Mickey rice krispies, and Mickey ear hats with our names stitched on. The ears were the one thing we said we had to come home with, and the entire morning in Epcot, Geoff kept bugging me about getting the ears, but I casually told him I wanted to get them at the Magic Kingdom

We headed back to Epcot to see Illuminations, but caught Nemo first. OMG... turtle talk with Crush was soooo cute. Most addorable attraction there.
Here are some pictures from Illuminations and night time at Epcot

And thats day 1... day 2 brings us to Typhoon Lagoon and MGM
I'll add on ASAP!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Psyched to be your first post-can't wait to read more!

 

[IluvXU]

Thanks so much for sharing! We are going to the Coral Reef and having a special dive for our dd birthday! Glad to know it was great for you. Keep it coming!

 

[heaven2dc]

I'm hooked!!! Great pics and report - you are a beautiful couple. How did you learn about the personalized menu and diver? I would love to surprise my son (with Coral Reef lunch and the basket, what a great way to start your trip!)

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

Yeah! I love trippies with lots of pics!

I look forward to reading more!

 

[KathyRN137]

Nicole,

You're such an old-fashioned romantic!! Geoff's a lucky guy! (You tell him the DIS said so!)

I'm looking forward to more...

Kathy

 

[Lan]

You are so sweet

 

[OhMari]

I can see you are a DIS planner. Do you want me to link your pre-trip to this thread?

 

[Credit Man]

Great start! Can't wait for more.

 

[mermaid86]

I'm hooked!!! Great pics and report - you are a beautiful couple. How did you learn about the personalized menu and diver? I would love to surprise my son (with Coral Reef lunch and the basket, what a great way to start your trip!)

aww thank you! For the menu and diver I just contacted Coral Reef and they set everything up. When I called to set up the diver, they took care of everything on the phone, and then she gave me an email address to send all my pictures and text I wanted in the menu. The basket I had done through Memories by Sarah.
http://www.memoriesbysarah.com/ If you go to the site she has examples of baskets she can do, but after sending emails back and forth she will totally customize anything you want... she went and had my ears stitched for me and everthing!

Nicole,

You're such an old-fashioned romantic!! Geoff's a lucky guy! (You tell him the DIS said so!)

I'm looking forward to more...

Kathy

haha awww, thanks after he told his dad everything, he said that geoffrey sure has some stuff to live up to now

I can see you are a DIS planner. Do you want me to link your pre-trip to this thread?

Surely I dont really know how any of that works. haha

 

[Avivasmom]

What a cute couple you make. Loved the pics....and how sweet and romantic you are. Cannot wait to read and see more.

 

[mermaid86]

Day 2: Typhoon Lagoon and MGM Studios

Now according to my pre set Disney schedule hand guide, we were originally set to go to Animal Kingdom in the morning, but after deciding we didnt want to wake up too too early.. we decided to switch up the days a little and head over to Typhoon Lagoon.

I'm cheesy, I know...

We pretty much knew where we were headed... Laaaazy River.

...that last picture there, I'm told I look naked, but be assured parents of young children... there was no naked-ness anywhere in Disney. Although I was a little sadden when we realized that there was no way I could do any water slides in that top

The park wasnt too crowded, but it was in the morning and not incredibly hot out yet. One thing I definitly liked about Typhoon of Blizzard Beach was it was more shaded and walking barefoot wasnt a problem. We tried going out with no shoes at Blizzard but ran right back to the locker right after our little feeties burned on the pavement

After the lazy river we walked around a bit, found this:

We were going to do the thing where you swim around the pool with the mask on and get to look at all the coral stuff under water, but after seeing the line, we passed and went looking for some tube rides.

ps: i forget who suggested bringing a water camera, but it was the best idea ever. I was so glad I got pictures from the water parks!!

After a bit we went to grab something to eat... and let me tell you.... I LOVED all the food at disney EXCEPT my meal at Typhoon Lagoon. I had chicken and french fries, with one of those ice pops. The first thing that I didn't like was the fact that the wouldnt give you a straw for your drink. I know it sounds silly, but I cant drink something with ice cubes without a straw... it hits my teeth and I never get any of the drink. I'm weird. Then, my chicken tasted like rubber. And by the time I got through like, 1 piece (I couldnt eat anymore) the popsicle was completly melting all over me. Not the best experience I had at Disney, but if that was as bad as it was gonna get, I was willing to have food at Typhoon be it.

Here's a couple more pictures at the wave pool before heading back to get ready for MGM-

Now, after arriving at MGM, the skies started to look icky. We walked around a bit got our picture by the hat-

and ran right into a High School Musical pep rally. We headed for the Great Movie Ride. hahah. I can be a MAJOR baby when it comes to rides, and if I know there is the slighest possibility of something scary on a ride, I freak out. Example-- the alien part of the movie ride. I didnt even see a thing in that room. I had my nails dug into Geoffs hand and my head squeezed in his shoulder that you would have thought I was about to be killed. I'm sad. haha.

Then the rain started to come. It didnt last long, but the hot muggy cloudyness was dampering my Disney mood. We did Star Tours, a ride which, again, I thought I would be scared of... but I absolutly loved it! There was no line, so it was well worth it. We also did the back lot tour, where we found this display at the end:

Geoff is a HUGGGGGE Batman fan. For every ounce of me that loves the Little Mermaid, he loves Batman just as much. So he was excited to see the Penguin. And I was just as equally excited to see this!

(We went back later during Magic Hours to see the show)

We then went back to Coronado Springs, had our first of FIVE meals there... totally worth counter services... definitly go there if you can.. and after much contemplation went back to MGM to catch the later showing of Fantasmic!

We originally had reservations that day at Hollywood and Vine with the Fantasmic! package, but we cancelled that and Tonys Town Square to do California Grill. At first I thought that meant we wouldnt have good seats at all for the show, but I actually think we made out better. We got there when the last showing let out, so, it was at least over 45 min we had to go and the mob was already there. It was kind of annoying to see everything "knew" someone at the front of the crowd so they could move up. But it turned out we walked in at and front and center seats... definily couldnt have asked for anything better. Show was amazing. I actually saw it at Magic Kingdom in California about 5 years ago and loved it. A definite must see if you are going anytime soon. Sadly none of the pictures turned out so good from the show though

After it let out, we saw THE LITTLE MERMAID!! One of my highlights! Walked into the Playhouse Disney set to see an insane little kids dance party with Goofy and Rolie Polie Olie getting down, and then headed out to get some sleep for the next day back at Epcot and Downtown Disney!

 

[KathyRN137]

... there was no naked-ness anywhere in Disney. Although I was a little sadden when we realized that there was no way I could do any water slides in that top

Nicole, I took one look at your picture and my first thought was, Oh No! I hope she didn't lose her top on one of the slides!!

I'm glad you played it safe!

Kathy

 

[AlyssinWonderland]

Your trip sounds fantastic so far! What was the name of the place you had the chicken at at Typhoon Lagoon? Just curious If you don't remember no biggie! You guys are really cute together and you are so sweet! The personalized menu is really awesome. I didn't know they did them that way cool! Anyhoo! Glad you trip has been good so far! Loved Geoff's "I love my Girlfriend" Shirt if you didn't buy it for him I hope you gave him mighty big brownie points!

 

[mermaid86]

Your trip sounds fantastic so far! What was the name of the place you had the chicken at at Typhoon Lagoon? Just curious If you don't remember no biggie! You guys are really cute together and you are so sweet! The personalized menu is really awesome. I didn't know they did them that way cool! Anyhoo! Glad you trip has been good so far! Loved Geoff's "I love my Girlfriend" Shirt if you didn't buy it for him I hope you gave him mighty big brownie points!

The food was at Typhoon Tilly's. Geoff had some sort of pork sandwich, and he said his was pretty good. Maybe I just got a bad batch, it tasted like it was reheated a couple times or something. The "I love my Girlfriend" shirt was sadly bought by me, BUT, he does have the option of turning it inside out where it says "I hate my Girlfriend". At least he knows what side to use..

 

[IATink]

I love your trip report! We have never been to Typhoon Lagoon, but it looked like so much fun! Now, I'm thinking we might add it on to our trip. Can't wait to read more!

 

[MRNsMommy]

Great TR so far! Can't wait to read the rest! My DH and I are taking our DD2 in Dec. and have ADRs at Coral Reef...so, I will have to check into the special menu and diver!

 

[The Master]

Great Trippy, and I just love Cheese

 

[mermaid86]

Day 3: Epcot and Downtown Disney

Thursday morning rolls around and we have a 9:50 ADR for the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway.

There were obviously other people going there because the rest of World Showcase was still closed at the time and there was a lady trying to beat us there and was literally running with her kid in a stroller. Sadly for her, she forgot to realize that she has to PARK the stroller before going in anyways. lol-- it was funny. Some people are vicious when it comes to Disney meals and attractions.

Anyways, we go in, Belle is waiting in the front for pictures. She asks me if Geoff was my "Beast", I reply yes, not knowing if calling Geoff a beast was offensive or not.. hahaha

(Geoff looks a little high, but it was the only picture we got)

Our waiter here was so-so. I don't think he really understood us, nor could we understand him. We would say thank you for something, and he would say, "OK". I asked for a glass of water to take medicine before I ate and it took him about 10 minutes before it got to me. I think he was one of those waiters who didnt seem to care when they found out we were on the DDP. He explained there was a buffet and go up as we wanted... and when we went up there was only danish and fruit. We thought it weird that for a table service like this they would only serve strawberries and muffins, but then a lady brought out a plate with eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. It was ok, nothing to rave about, but the experience was the Princess part. I was incredibly saddened when we found out that there was no Ariel. As we were awaing the princesses to come around we kept looking around to see who was there.. we expected Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, and when I saw Jasmine I was even OK with that... but as we spotted Mulan as the last one making rounds, I wanted to ask for a trade in....

Sleeping Beauty came first, and she began the 1 of 4 "Is this YOUR Prince Charming??" I refrained from wanting to tell her it was my brother just to see her reaction Her face kind of reminded me of Paris Hilton... which kinda creeped me out knowing she was in jail the time I was in Disney World, haha.

Next was Snow White, whose very high pitched voice we could hear from the other room. She was very cute, but the pose she asked me to do looked kind of dumb on me.. hah

I was excited to tell my Grandpop I met her, since hes had a crush on her since he was little..

Jasmine was probably my favorite. She seemed like the most down to earth. After I had my picture with her, she was the only one who asked Geoff if he wanted one too, I thought that was cute

Mulan was last, and told me that it was nice to meet a "tall princess". I don't know if she was trying to tell me I was tall, or that it was nice meeting someone other than a little kid. I didnt know what to say... so I think I just gave a little chuckel...

After the breakfast, World Showcase was just staring to open, so we waited for Maelstrom to start up.

Before exploring the other countries, we went to grab a fastpass for Soarin'. I was on it at California Adventure and loved it, but after getting it at about 10:30 am and seeing it wasnt good until after 6pm we knew we probably wernt going to made the ride that day. Word to the wise... either get on that ride IMMEDIATLY when the park opens, or grab a fast pass first thing in the morning.

While we were in the area, I wanted to go back and visit Figment since no one was around last time we went, and sadly no one was there again. Poor little guy was standing there all alone, not even a photopass person with him this time

Next we started making our way around the countries. Starting in Canada, we were happy to find lots of moose stuff. Geoff and I have a moose thing, that since apparently moose are hard to find and neither of us have seen a real one, when we see our first moose he is going to propose to me. So we have a large moose collection since that is our animal

We bought a cute little moose eskimo, who we call moosekimo, and went on our way

We stopped in France.. where I was PRAYING to find Marie from Aristocats. For those who dont know, we have 3 cats, one of them being all white (cleverly her name is Whitey, the all black one is Blackie, and the chubby one we adopted last because she was in the shelter so long and was sick is dubbed Tubby Lumpkins) Annnnyway... my one and only goal was to find this white cat. I promised Whitey that I would find her and heard she was usually only found in France, and wasnt out that much. We hung around for a little bit, hopeing she would come out, but no one was around. We did get these pictures though..

I thought this was so cool..

Next was Japan... the store there was really nice. We walked through it the night we had been there before and I was excited to buy some stuff.

I liked that they had lots of kitty stuff, so of couse thats what I mainly walked out with

By that time, it was getting hot out, our feet were hurting and we were getting hungry again. We made our way through everywhere else....
Africa

China

Mexico

I was sad here because the Three Caballeros were out and we JUST missed them. I wanted to get them since our resort had them

After that we headed back, went to the Pepper Market again and got ready for downtown.

We went to DisneyQuest first. I have never been, Geoff has. It was OK. We did 4 different things... the magic carpet ride, the river ride, ride the comix, and invasion. it was a good time, but if your short on time, I would skip this... unless you have someone in your family whos way into virtual reality and arcades. Maybe I'm just being a girl.. haha

With Geoff being a massive comic book fan (he wants to write them as a career), he was really pumped for the comic thing

Although he was mad when I had a higher score than him...

When we were done there, we walked around the stores.. and I was excited to see this in the jewerly section of the World of Disney store

The toy store that has all the potatoe heads had different disney add ons and I though the mermaid gear was sooo cute!!

The art store there was amazing. If you dont buy anything, take a picture of it... the memory of it is just as nice.

After buying an Incredibles orniment from the Christmas store, we hopped back on the bus to get a good nights sleep for our first day at the Magic Kingdom!!!

 

[KathyRN137]

Now there's a Christmas card photo if I ever saw one!!

Yay! We're going to the Magic Kingdom next!!

Kathy