Happily Ever After Begins Here -- An Oct. 2012 TR Updated! 11/17!

[Missyrose]

One Month Out... January 30

One month from today is Franklin’s birthday! Yay! He’ll be 31 and we have quite the Disney day planned to celebrate.

I wanted to make the day really special so I booked something I know Franklin has been dying to do: the Keys to the Kingdom tour!

As Franklin has said, he likes to know how things work, so we’re both pretty excited to learn the ins and outs at one of our favorite parks.

Lunch is included with the tour (at Columbia Harbor House). And I’ve made exactly zero plans for that if afternoon. Maybe it will be warm enough for a swim? Otherwise it will be completely up to the birthday boy what we do that afternoon. Maybe a trip to AK to ride his favorite coaster?

Or maybe to Epcot to take a spin on the new Test Track?

Or perhaps he’ll just want to hang around MK and take more fabulous photos!

Whatever the birthday boy wants, he gets that day.

That night we’re trying another new restaurant for dinner: Bluezoo at the Dolphin! Franklin will definitely be gorging himself on lots of yummy seafood that night.

That’s it for the plans for that day. What do you think? Have any of you done the tour or eaten at Bluezoo? ​

 

[natebenma]

Jan 29-

A seriously perfect MK. By that, I mean I love where you are eating!

Mmmmmm... Kona is my favorite breakfast!!!

And of course I am seriously jealous of your lunch at Columbia Harbor House, my favorite MK CS.

Can't wait to hear (and see) your experience at Be Our Guest.

Oh, and you have some fun attractions planned as place-holders between meals!


Jan 30- What a fun birthday- Keys to the Kingdom will be awesome. Once you get Franklin past the camera withdrawal during the tour.

Back to CHH for lunch? You're killing me!

I am interested in seeing what Franklin picks to do on his special day.

 

[marDgreen88]

I'm glad you finally get to stay at a home resort! What an exciting trip! Great deal on the rental car! Can't believe it's so soon!

I like all your plans so far. Fun stuff! Franklin is a lucky guy to be able to celebrate his birthday at Disney! That's a huge dream of mine haha.

 

[Missyrose]

Jan 29-

A seriously perfect MK. By that, I mean I love where you are eating!

Mmmmmm... Kona is my favorite breakfast!!!

And of course I am seriously jealous of your lunch at Columbia Harbor House, my favorite MK CS.

Can't wait to hear (and see) your experience at Be Our Guest.

Oh, and you have some fun attractions planned as place-holders between meals!


Jan 30- What a fun birthday- Keys to the Kingdom will be awesome. Once you get Franklin past the camera withdrawal during the tour.

Back to CHH for lunch? You're killing me!

I am interested in seeing what Franklin picks to do on his special day.

I find it funny that we may end up eating more on our non-Food and Wine Festival trip. I like how you phrased that, that the attractions are placeholders between meals! So true!

The tour should be so much fun! I think Franklin has come around to the idea of just enjoying the tour since he can't take pictures.

I'm glad you finally get to stay at a home resort! What an exciting trip! Great deal on the rental car! Can't believe it's so soon!

I like all your plans so far. Fun stuff! Franklin is a lucky guy to be able to celebrate his birthday at Disney! That's a huge dream of mine haha.

It is soon! And yet it feels soooooooo far away. I'm actually kind of envious of Franklin getting to celebrate his birthday at Disney. My birthday is in late April, which is almost always spring break season, so it costs more to go then and it will always be crowded. Blech.

I'm excited to have the rental car. Disney transportation is great, but there's a delightful freedom that comes with having the car.​

 

[Missyrose]

Happy New Year’s everyone! We last left off with us hanging with Nemo, Marlin, Dory and the gang. But we had a pair of Fastpasses burning a hole in our pockets.

So back to The Land we trekked.

Before we got in line, however, I got a text from a fellow Diser, ELMC. He and I became friends over on the DVC boards because we both bought our first DVC contracts (both at Boardwalk) within a few days of each other. He was in Disney for a few days with his daughter and they had just arrived at Epcot. We hung out in Sunshine Seasons waiting for the two of them. It was so nice to finally meet him face to face and to meet his daughter! A lovely, impromptu Dismeet.

We parted ways as Franklin and I hopped into the FP line, while Dan and his DD grabbed a FP for later.

For anyone who hasn’t seen Franklin’s Soarin video, I highly recommend a quick viewing. It’s like being there! Well, minus the orange smell.

We landed after our successful flight and headed out of The Land. Where were we headed? The festival center for the Food and Wine Festival!

Isn’t Epcot just beautiful?

I had one item on my festival center to-do list: Buy my passholder festival pin. Imagine my excitement when the CM brought out the pin and it had Figment on it?!?!? I love me some Figment and wish Epcot would figure out how to restore him to his former glory in the park.

Moving right along. On our way back to the Chase Lounge, we stopped in the Godiva station for Franklin. He got a cup of the drinking chocolate. Franklin said it was like drinking a candy bar.

I, however, was mesmerized by these gorgeous Disney scenes constructed entirely from chocolate.

Seriously, I could have stared at them all day.

With our sweet tooth satisfied, we moseyed back to the Chase Lounge, flashed our Disney Visas and were escorted in. The Lounge was a very cool setup.



They had free sodas, tea and coffee for you to enjoy. They also had chargers for any number of phones and gadgets so you could recharge before heading back to the park. They also had iPads on hand to explore the details of Epcot and the F&W Festival. They also had these super-comfy white leather chairs. It was very hard to say goodbye to those chairs, oh my gosh they felt heavenly!

We toyed with the idea of getting Mission Space FPs, but ultimately decided it was time to hit up F&W. So off to the World Showcase we went!

Show of hands, who would rather be there RIGHT NOW? 25 more days...

We started at Australia, where I had the lamb chop and Franklin had the shrimp.

The lamb was just as tasty as last year (though they added some crumbled salt and vinegar chips on top, which felt a bit odd). And Franklin also enjoyed the shrimp.

We grabbed a spot on the water at the Mexico CS to enjoy our treats. I also called Disney Dining to see if we could make an ADR at Hollywood Brown Derby for dinner that night. We had originally thought we’d eat at one of the resorts, but figured since we’d probably be getting to DHS a little later than anticipated, we wouldn’t be in a rush to leave to get to dinner.

Franklin made his next stop at the Mexico kiosk where he thoroughly enjoyed the crispy shrimp taco with chipotle mayo.

Since it was starting to get pretty warm out, we decided to take an AC break in the Mexican pavillion.

Ah San Angel Inn, we’ll see you later in the trip!

We chose to stop someplace we’d never been -- La Cava de Tequila.

Who says there’s nothing at Disney for adults?!?! We’ll stop there for now. But I want you guys to guess what kind of margaritas we’d each order at La Cava.

I hope everyone had a happy and safe New Year’s! And just think, Franklin and I get to say we’re getting married THIS YEAR! So exciting!​

 

[Missyrose]

Thursday the 31 is another day that got a bit of a tweak once we decided to rent a car. Originally, we were going to try Yak and Yeti for lunch that day. But since having the car makes getting from resort to resort soooooo much easier, I asked Franklin if he wanted to eat lunch at Yak and Yeti or breakfast at Boma?
He didn’t even hesitate when he picked Boma.

So early that morning, we’ll scoot over to Animal Kingdom Lodge for breakfast!

We’re planning to spend the morning at Animal Kingdom, doing our few must-dos in that park. A trek up Everest.

Scoping out some of the wildlife.

And maybe visiting some under-the-sea friends.

We’ll either grab some lunch at Flame Tree Barbecue.

Or head back to the Boardwalk for a bite to eat.

Either way, lunch will be light because we have an early dinner (4:05 p.m.) at Le Cellier! One of our absolute favorites!

Mmmm, cheese soup and mushroom fillet, I’m drooling already.

Why are we eating so early? Because Franklin has big plans to shoot Wishes from his favorite spot on Main Street.

You see, during the fall months, Wishes isn’t shown that many times per week because of the Halloween and Christmas parties. So when you go back during the non-party season, it’s pretty easy to gorge yourself on Wishes because there are just so many chances to see it! It’s my favorite Disney show, so I can never really get enough of it.

Friday, February 1 is our last full day at Disney. And where better to spend our last full day than Magic Kingdom?!?!?

I want to be there in time to see the Welcome Show.

We’ll do anything we may have missed on our other MK days. Plus any of our must-do favorites. I personally have a rule that every day I’m at MK must include a spin on the Peoplemover.

This is another day that the plans have gone through a bit of an evolution. You see, we were originally going to do a late breakfast at 1900 Park Fare on this day. Then I realized we weren’t going to try Be Our Guest at lunch or have lunch at The Plaza. So I rejiggered some of the plans and we’re now eating at BOG on arrival day (which will let us see the Castle as soon as we arrive!), The Plaza midweek and we’ll eat at Earl of Sandwich on the 1st before we drop off the rental car.

We’ll head back to MK for the rest of the afternoon. Franklin has another spot he wants to try for Wishes (for those counting at home, this will be the third viewing this trip!) and then we’ll hop on the monorail to the Poly for dinner.

Where are we dining? Why ‘Ohana, of course!

Noodles and potstickers and bread pudding, oh my!

Nothing like eating at one of our favorite restaurants on our last night. What do you think of the plans for these two days?

More importantly, how was everyone’s New Years? Did you have lots of fun? It’s 2013, which means another new year of Disney -- so when are you planning to visit WDW this year? ​

 

[happenin2you]

How is Ohana? Is it family style? It interests me, but we haven't made it over there yet. We unfortunately won't be getting back to WDW until 2015 most likely. We are flying to Mexico in March to see my husbands dad's side of the family and next year we are planning to go to Europe to celebrate my finally having graduated from college. Both of those are pretty pricey trips, but it will allow us to save up three years worth of DVC points and have a super amazing vacation at WDW when the time comes. We might go with my husband's family and get them their own room, or we might go by ourselves and book a short cruise afterword. Either way, it will be amazing! Until then, I'll just keep dreaming...

 

[Splashboat]

You could make a book with your pictures - just beautiful.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I started to read your updates but I got totally distracted when I saw you have a Lunch with an Imagineer booked at Brown Derby...

I've always wanted to do this... but I haven't seen it listed on All Ears recently... and I couldn't find it on Disney's site...

How did you book this?

(I have to make ressies in the middle of this month... for July... & would love to do this...)

 

[natebenma]

What a great morning/afternoon in Epcot!

I love that you had a little DIS meet. I haven't had the opportunity to meet anyone from the DIS in person (except for Teena).

I'm not sure what is more beautiful, the Finding Nemo sculpture made of chocolate or the cup of liquid chocolate. It's nice that you didn't need to pick just one.

So far, the F&W treats look yummy. I'm a very adventurous and enthusiastic eater, so this would be right up my alley!

Awesome pictures inside the plaza of Mexico. I think I may have said earlier in the report that to me, this plaza is one of the most beautiful places in Epcot. And more so, with the addition of La Cava (The Ditch).

Margaritas- for you something fruity. If it was me, I would be going for the passionfruit (I think they have that). Franklin goes for the jalapeno?

 

[heaven2dc]

Isn't it cool that you can say you're getting married this year?!! I'm so happy for both of you

Loved Franklin's Soarin' video - really feels like you're there and makes me want to go back to WDW soon (probably not til 2014).

 

[marDgreen88]

Fun update! How cool that you got to have a DIS meet!

I'm sorry... drinking chocolate? That is blowing my mind right now.

Love the pin! Figment is adorable.

AHHHHHH, perfect last night dinner choice! 'Ohana is my absolute FAVORITE.

 

[natebenma]

Just read your plans for Thursday and Friday (last day). Wow, that was a quick trip!

Great start at Boma!

Love the pictures you posted from Animal Kingdom. I've noticed in many trip reports that the male lion is out and about a lot more than in the past. That is one fantastic picture of him!

for Le Cellier*

for more Wishes

And of course MK is the right place to wrap up a trip!

New Year's Eve- pretty boring in our household. I went to bed around 10, but I did wake up at 11:40, so I came downstairs, put on the tv. Ben had fallen asleep on the couch and with 20 seconds to go, I woke him to watch the ball drop. He didn't remember me waking him until I mentioned it this morning.

I would really love to visit Disney this summer, mid-July (after I win the Disney Times Sweepstake). Ideally, a week long trip with 2-3 days at Universal/IoA followed by several days at Disney.

****************************************************

* Speaking of Le Cellier

My family was out for lunch yesterday, we were seated behind two couples who were discussing their recent trip to Disney

"We ate at the steakhouse in France. We had to make reservations 2 months in advance and we still had to wait forever for our table"

"We didn't like our $30 plate of spaghetti in Italy"

My family gave me that "Don't you dare say anything" look

 

[Disney9.9.10]

I seriously cannot get enough of your pictures! SO gorgeous! I love the figment pin too. I have a picture of me with figment and the dreamfinder from when I was only 3 or 4 years old and I will always treasure it

 

[Belle83]

Drinking chocolate? Awesome

Yay for 2013 weddings! We're getting married 10/6/13.

 

[Missyrose]

How is Ohana? Is it family style? It interests me, but we haven't made it over there yet. We unfortunately won't be getting back to WDW until 2015 most likely. We are flying to Mexico in March to see my husbands dad's side of the family and next year we are planning to go to Europe to celebrate my finally having graduated from college. Both of those are pretty pricey trips, but it will allow us to save up three years worth of DVC points and have a super amazing vacation at WDW when the time comes. We might go with my husband's family and get them their own room, or we might go by ourselves and book a short cruise afterword. Either way, it will be amazing! Until then, I'll just keep dreaming...

'Ohana is so freaking good! Seriously, it's our must-do on every trip. They serve the salad, appetizers and dessert family style and then bring all the different meats around on a skewer and it's all you can eat. Everything is really yummy.

We have found that we enjoy 'Ohana when we have a later ADR. Earlier in the evening (at more normal dinner times), the restaurant is so busy that dinner can feel a bit rushed. So we now aim for post-fireworks ADRs there and we get to have a lovely, leisurely meal.

Your trips sound AWESOME! Where in Europe are you going to go? We went to Europe in 2011. We started in Prague, then went to London, Paris love and Amsterdam. It was an amazing trip and we can't wait to go back.

You could make a book with your pictures - just beautiful.

Thank you so, so much!

I started to read your updates but I got totally distracted when I saw you have a Lunch with an Imagineer booked at Brown Derby...

I've always wanted to do this... but I haven't seen it listed on All Ears recently... and I couldn't find it on Disney's site...

How did you book this?

(I have to make ressies in the middle of this month... for July... & would love to do this...)

I called the Disney Dining line (407-WDW-DINE) and booked it. We're both really excited to try this experience, and I can't wait to report back on it to all of you!

What a great morning/afternoon in Epcot!

I love that you had a little DIS meet. I haven't had the opportunity to meet anyone from the DIS in person (except for Teena).

I'm not sure what is more beautiful, the Finding Nemo sculpture made of chocolate or the cup of liquid chocolate. It's nice that you didn't need to pick just one.

Dis meets are so much fun! This one was great because we'd been messaging and emailing back and forth almost constantly for seven months. It was nice to put a real face to the online voice.

There was lots of chocolate fun to be had, it was an awesome addition to F&W this year.

So far, the F&W treats look yummy. I'm a very adventurous and enthusiastic eater, so this would be right up my alley!

Awesome pictures inside the plaza of Mexico. I think I may have said earlier in the report that to me, this plaza is one of the most beautiful places in Epcot. And more so, with the addition of La Cava (The Ditch).

Margaritas- for you something fruity. If it was me, I would be going for the passionfruit (I think they have that). Franklin goes for the jalapeno?

The funny thing is, I've only just become a more adventurous eater in the past couple of years. But F&W is perfect because it lets you try little bits of all these new things!

Our dirty little secret is that was our first time actually INSIDE the Mexican pavilion. We loved it in there, and there will definitely be a return visit this month!

Ding, ding, ding! You nailed Franklin's order. Mine wasn't fruity though, any other guesses everyone???

Isn't it cool that you can say you're getting married this year?!! I'm so happy for both of you

Loved Franklin's Soarin' video - really feels like you're there and makes me want to go back to WDW soon (probably not til 2014).

We're so excited too! Thank you so much! Franklin was pretty proud of how well the Soarin' video turned out.

2014 will come sooner than you think, it's just next year, after all.

Fun update! How cool that you got to have a DIS meet!

I'm sorry... drinking chocolate? That is blowing my mind right now.

Love the pin! Figment is adorable.

AHHHHHH, perfect last night dinner choice! 'Ohana is my absolute FAVORITE.

The drinking chocolate pretty much blew Franklin's mind too! I looooove my Figment pin, I practically squealed when I saw it!

'Ohana is totally perfect, I love it!

Just read your plans for Thursday and Friday (last day). Wow, that was a quick trip!

Great start at Boma!

Love the pictures you posted from Animal Kingdom. I've noticed in many trip reports that the male lion is out and about a lot more than in the past. That is one fantastic picture of him!

for Le Cellier*

for more Wishes

And of course MK is the right place to wrap up a trip!

That's my fear, that all trips shorter than 10 days will now feel way too short!

New Year's Eve- pretty boring in our household. I went to bed around 10, but I did wake up at 11:40, so I came downstairs, put on the tv. Ben had fallen asleep on the couch and with 20 seconds to go, I woke him to watch the ball drop. He didn't remember me waking him until I mentioned it this morning.

I would really love to visit Disney this summer, mid-July (after I win the Disney Times Sweepstake). Ideally, a week long trip with 2-3 days at Universal/IoA followed by several days at Disney.

We had a super-low key New Year's. We've reached that point in life where our friends have all started to have kids. And two of them couldn't find a babysitter, so we all just went to their house and hung out. Lots of champagne, wine and the best of friends. Basically it was the perfect night.

Yay! A possible summer trip (and a big sweepstakes victory, right?)! Sounds like the perfect mix of Disney and the Dark Side. And I give you credit for surviving Disney in the summertime, it's so hot! But you guys are total troopers.

****************************************************

* Speaking of Le Cellier

My family was out for lunch yesterday, we were seated behind two couples who were discussing their recent trip to Disney

"We ate at the steakhouse in France. We had to make reservations 2 months in advance and we still had to wait forever for our table"

"We didn't like our $30 plate of spaghetti in Italy"

My family gave me that "Don't you dare say anything" look

Hahahaha, it would have KILLED me not to say something.

I seriously cannot get enough of your pictures! SO gorgeous! I love the figment pin too. I have a picture of me with figment and the dreamfinder from when I was only 3 or 4 years old and I will always treasure it

Awwww, I found a couple of albums full of Disney photos from when I was a kid. Such wonderful memories!

Drinking chocolate? Awesome

Yay for 2013 weddings! We're getting married 10/6/13.

Awwww, congrats! I just stumbled on your TR yesterday! We're getting married on 10/19/2013, so just after you! ​

 

[SweetSerenity]

I'm joining in a bit late, but congratulations on your engagement! I hope you enjoy planning your wedding. Franklin's photos are stunning, and I look forward to both reading and seeing more!

 

[blabbermouth]

I've been reading along, but just found time to post now.

I love all of your cute themed disney outfits!

Food and wine looks so good and I always think about planning a trip for that time of year.

I vote that you got the avocado marg, that one seems super popular!

 

[JanetMom]

Just watched the Soarin' video. So great! Thanks for posting.

Watching it just made the stress of the day, melt away!

 

[teekathepony]

Picture me with my hand waving wildly in the air. I want to be in Epcot right now! Me! Me! Me!

I'm not sure I could drink a candy bar. I can barely eat them, too sweet for me!

Love the plans for AK day!