Happy Birthday, Dear Dude - A Sept 2010 PTR - 9/22 Trip Report Started p34

[swwake]

Just caught up! I'm relaxing after a night of homework for my online classes by catching up on my subscriptions! Sounds like things are coming together nicely! Glad you got it figured out! We won't be doing Jiko this year and I am bummed about that. I really liked it.

Aww why won't you do Jiko? Just not enough time? We had a reservation last trip and ended up changing to Boma at the last minute. So I am really looking forward to it.

 

[swwake]

Last May (2009), for our anniversary, we went to the Florida Keys. It was my first time there. We visited Key West for 2 nights and had a wonderful time. We stayed at the Ocean Key Resort, which is on the West end of the island right near the cruise port. We had a balcony room overlooking Mallory Square and the docks. It was amazing! Here is a view of one of the magnificent sunsets from our balcony:

One day, Chris was off doing something, and I walked out on to sunset pier and just looked around. I was making friends with this little pelican...

when I looked out onto the horizon and saw this:

Now, mind you, we had seen a couple of Carnival ships and I think maybe a RC ship come in, but I got very exited about getting to see a Disney ship up close and personal. And, compared to the others (which may or may not have been bigger), this one looked HUMONGOUS!

Zooming in...

Chris and I met back up, and we walked out to the docks to watch the ship come in and tie off. Some closer pics:

The Disney Magic - isn't she beautiful!?

I have been on several cruises, and I have to say that, from the outside, this was the cleanest ship I have ever seen. We loved just hanging out watching the dock workers and ship guys (I don't know the official name) getting the ship all tied down so the passengers could disembark.

After that, I have to admit, we stayed close to our hotel until the ship left a little before sunset. We found that Key West is an entirely different town when the cruise ships are out. We preferred the quaint solitude when there were fewer pedestrians on Duval.

And just for giggles, a little food porn...

Frozen, chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick! This little slice of heaven alone is reason enough to visit Key West. Forget the sunsets, great food, parties, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square....well, maybe not. It was a fantastic anniversary and I highly recommend anybody visiting!

 

[2_Eagle_Mom]

Oh Susan - I love the pic of the Frozen Key Lime Pie!!!

We were on the Magic in May (16 - 24) for our 25th anniversary and my goal in Key West was to get me as much of that pie as possible. Unfortunately it was muggy and raining when we were there and I only was able to get one sampling. Why they don't serve it on the cruise is beyond me.

 

[swwake]

Oh Susan - I love the pic of the Frozen Key Lime Pie!!!

We were on the Magic in May (16 - 24) for our 25th anniversary and my goal in Key West was to get me as much of that pie as possible. Unfortunately it was muggy and raining when we were there and I only was able to get one sampling. Why they don't serve it on the cruise is beyond me.

That was your cruise! We were in Key West May 16-18. I believe the Magic was there on the 17th. Small world! (there I go with the Disney references)

 

[Charleston Princess]

Seeing the Disney Magic must have been so neat! I don't even dare show Charles the key lime pie on a stick because I just know we would suddenly find ourselves contemplating a Key West trip instead! Key Lime pie is his favorite dessert in the entire world, and he would be in heaven!

 

[Native NYer]

The Disney Magic looks is so beautiful!
And frozen Key Lime pie on a stick sounds like a great dessert. Wish I had some now

 

[dddisrunner]

WOW! Susan, you have been busy! How very cool that you are taking Katie to Athens for graduation...AWESOME! I would LOVE to go there! I LOVED the pics. of the Disney Magic...it looks beautiful! I have never been to KEy West but holy cow that choc. covered key lime pie looks outrageous!!!! So glad you are reading about our 15 day trip, it was such a GREAT trip!!!

 

[swwake]

Seeing the Disney Magic must have been so neat! I don't even dare show Charles the key lime pie on a stick because I just know we would suddenly find ourselves contemplating a Key West trip instead! Key Lime pie is his favorite dessert in the entire world, and he would be in heaven!

It was really cool to see that ship. It looked monstrous! I can't imagine how cool it would be to be on the ship for a week! You should try Key West sometime. Everyone should go once. It's great to rent a car in Miami and drive through the keys to Key West.

The Disney Magic looks is so beautiful!
And frozen Key Lime pie on a stick sounds like a great dessert. Wish I had some now

Haven't found anything at WDW to compare to that key lime pie on a stick. So refreshing! And I don't think it has any calories at all!

WOW! Susan, you have been busy! How very cool that you are taking Katie to Athens for graduation...AWESOME! I would LOVE to go there! I LOVED the pics. of the Disney Magic...it looks beautiful! I have never been to KEy West but holy cow that choc. covered key lime pie looks outrageous!!!! So glad you are reading about our 15 day trip, it was such a GREAT trip!!!

I finished that trip report - it was so fun to read. Such a leisurely trip. I think it's nice that y'all fit in a lot of things that you don't normally have time to do. Those boys are so cute! I have to ask you about the Memphis connection. I saw the Tigers shirts in the Aruba Mini-TR. That is my alma mater. How did y'all become fans?

 

[swwake]

Today I'm brainstorming on what to do on my Solo Day. As of right now, this will be Thursday, September 16th - the day after we arrive. We will take the Sunrise Safari that morning (at 6:30 or 7:30, depending on park opening time). I figure breakfast will be finished around 9 or 9:30.

Then Chris will head over to the S/D to rent a car and head out to visit motorcycle shops and potential clients. I could leave at the same time he does and head to another park, or I could just hang out at AK for the morning.

I am planning to get a massage at AKL that afternoon - maybe around 2pm (maybe I could make it 3, now that I think about it). Then Chris should be getting back around 5ish and we will have an early dinner (around 6?) at Jiko for his birthday.

So I have polled my Facebook friends on what they would do with an open morning at WDW. Rope drop is obviously out. Of course everyone has an opinion and I'm getting more confused!

Here are some thoughts:

• Pick a park and try the UG's touring plan. See how many attractions I can get in on "their" schedule. I have always wanted to do a tour plan, but never have gone with anyone willing to stick to it.
• AK - someone suggested checking to see if they are doing any vet procedures at Rafiki's. I wanted to be a vet until I graduated from high school, so this would be very interesting to me. I'd also like to see the Lion King and Chris has already mentioned that we've seen it twice and he doesn't want to spend the time.
• DHS - I know I'm gonna want to see American Idol and I know Chris won't want to see it. Also, I'd love to see Beauty and the Beast, and I'm not sure Chris will want to see that one. (Noticing a theme here? Experience the things that he won't likely do with me.)
• Epcot - I could try a few (or all) of the KimPossible missions. I could explore Innoventions, but Chris has already mentioned that he wants to spend some time there on this trip, so I'll save that for him.
• Downtown Disney - SHOPPING!
• Grand Floridian - I could just go explore this resort. I've never been inside, and we probably won't ever want to stay there. Unless we go to Narcoossee's, I doubt Chris will have any desire to see this hotel.
• Pool - I could just hang out at the pool at AKL, but I think I'd feel like I was missing something else I could be doing.

Does anyone have any other ideas or comments on my ideas above? As of now, I really can't decide. If I don't make a decision before we go, I think I'll probably just hang out at AK for the morning.

 

[AuroraRose]

Aww why won't you do Jiko? Just not enough time? We had a reservation last trip and ended up changing to Boma at the last minute. So I am really looking forward to it.

It was hard coordinating with so many people going on this trip, and 6 of the 8 adults going with us wanted to go to all the meals together, so coordinating the places everyone agreed to go to has been fun! I am thinking that if we manage to go in October for the 2nd half of our honeymoon I will definitely try to make it back to Jiko, though!

Seeing the Disney Magic up close, how cool is that? I really want to go on a Disney cruise, and our friends that we take annual Disney trips with have mentioned maybe going on one next year, so that would be really cool!

Re: Your free day- If it were me, I would probably pick something that my fiance didn't want to do with me. Though, he's been good so far, he even went to American Idol last May, ! Otherwise, trying the KimPossible missions or shopping sounds like lots of fun to me!

 

[Native NYer]

I like the first and third one.

Have you considered booking a tour? That may be a fun way to spend some solo time.

 

[swwake]

It was hard coordinating with so many people going on this trip, and 6 of the 8 adults going with us wanted to go to all the meals together, so coordinating the places everyone agreed to go to has been fun! I am thinking that if we manage to go in October for the 2nd half of our honeymoon I will definitely try to make it back to Jiko, though!

Seeing the Disney Magic up close, how cool is that? I really want to go on a Disney cruise, and our friends that we take annual Disney trips with have mentioned maybe going on one next year, so that would be really cool!

Re: Your free day- If it were me, I would probably pick something that my fiance didn't want to do with me. Though, he's been good so far, he even went to American Idol last May, ! Otherwise, trying the KimPossible missions or shopping sounds like lots of fun to me!

That really stinks about Jiko but maybe it will be just the right amount of lure to get you back for the honeymoon! I guess I didn't think about what a big deal it was to see that ship until I am just thinking about it now. How likely is it that I would be at the same port as that ship and not be on it? I know I was REALLY excited seeing it pull in, but I thought that was just the Disney Geek in me. It was amazing.

Thanks for the tip on the free day. Did you like AI? I'm not a big shopper, so I don't think that will be my choice. I may decide to amble around the MK doing some of my favorite things and...people-watching.

I like the first and third one.

Have you considered booking a tour? That may be a fun way to spend some solo time.

That's 2 votes for AI (sort of)! We took the Keys to the Kingdom tour last time and loved it. Chris is enough of a Disney fan that he might kill me if I do a tour without him. I actually did think about doing the Segway tour at Epcot, but decided against it.

 

[swwake]

I just found out today that one of my good friends has been lurking on my PTR. So here's a Shout Out to Summer!

I guess I never think about the fact that there might be lurkers out there. I don't know why, because I sure do my share of lurking myself! But it's great to know I have a lurker who's also a friend!

So, if there are any other lurkers out there - speak up! I'd love to hear from you.

Summer - I'd love to hear some trip planning from you!

 

[AuroraRose]

That really stinks about Jiko but maybe it will be just the right amount of lure to get you back for the honeymoon! I guess I didn't think about what a big deal it was to see that ship until I am just thinking about it now. How likely is it that I would be at the same port as that ship and not be on it? I know I was REALLY excited seeing it pull in, but I thought that was just the Disney Geek in me. It was amazing.

Thanks for the tip on the free day. Did you like AI? I'm not a big shopper, so I don't think that will be my choice. I may decide to amble around the MK doing some of my favorite things and...people-watching.

At the moment we're trying to figure out where we stand with DVC points and figure out if we want to stay at our home resort or try something new. I'm pretty sure we're good with points, so hopefully! Seeing the ship is definitely awesome! I would have been excited as well! I liked AI, it was fun watching and voting, I only wished I that I was able to go back later and watch the finale to see who would win for the day! We had dinner ADRs at that time, though! I mostly window shop, I like wandering around all the stores and I was really excited to find the Villains store when I was there as well! I want to try and catch the Beauty and the Beast show during this trip as well.

 

[Dancegrl624]

Jumping over from my PTR. You sure do a lot of traveling! How awesome! What a great graduation trip...Greece!!! I would love to do a Meditterranean cruise someday and see Greece and Italy.

 

[SummerInTennessee]

I just found out today that one of my good friends has been lurking on my PTR. So here's a Shout Out to Summer!

I guess I never think about the fact that there might be lurkers out there. I don't know why, because I sure do my share of lurking myself! But it's great to know I have a lurker who's also a friend!

So, if there are any other lurkers out there - speak up! I'd love to hear from you.

Summer - I'd love to hear some trip planning from you!

YAY!! I love shout outs!! I haven't started a PTR... all I can say is I'm trying to be patient waiting for a 40% discount!! Received a 20% PIN, but not good enough I've read several posts from those who have been able to apply discounts to club level, so I'll be giving it a try. If I can't apply, may not go the CL route. Anyway, hoping Disney will release more promos within the next couple of weeks to cover thru the end of the year.

Summer

 

[Marshay]

Today I'm brainstorming on what to do on my Solo Day.
I am planning to get a massage at AKL that afternoon - :

Here are some thoughts:

• DHS - I know I'm gonna want to see American Idol and I know Chris won't want to see it. Also, I'd love to see Beauty and the Beast, and I'm not sure Chris will want to see that one.
  

I agree with others about doing things that Chris would not want to do. Sounds like going to DHS in the morning and a massage in the afternoon sounds lovely.

But I would definitely hit some shows or shopping.

Obviously check show times since you have an afternoon massage scheduled. I think B&B doesn't start until the afternoon??

 

[tanithnmoore]

HI Susan! This is great! Thanks for sending me the link,

 

[Circusgirl]

Hey Susan! I've just arrived and have some catching up to do, but I'm super happy to be reading one of your PTRs again!

 

[swwake]

I have very exciting news. But I am crazy busy at work, so I will have to tell you later. How's that for a cliffhanger? Y'all are gonna FLIP!