Heat, Humidity, and Our Favorite Disney Dog Was a Thug! LINK TO NEW PTR!!

[emmysmommy]

One of them talked to Willow about how the yeti had gotten out and was playing somewhere in the park and they couldn’t open until they had found her.

I love that story! It could cause a fright for some kids though!

[/CENTER]

Adorable photo!!

This was the only time that we encountered a truly in-your-face line-cutter. This woman with her son (probably tween age) started winding her way past families - we’re talking during the inside portion of the queue here - saying she needed past because her other son was up ahead. Several of us pointed out that we would be MORE than happy to let her son come back to join her. She wasn’t interested in that solution to her dilemma, however.

I love your solution!!

Looks like you are a couple of EE fans!! Glad that you got the memo since all the ride photos are awesome!

On the Disneyland front, I noticed that the 25%-off resort rates had come out for winter. So I called to see if that rate would save me any money over the AP rate I had booked. I had tried to do the math myself , and it really didn't look like it would save much, but I figured it was worth calling. Well, it was totally worth calling! The nice CM said, "Sure I can look into that, but first let me check to see if there are any new AP discounts." Turns out there was a new AP discount!

So I am now paying less than I was, and we have been upgraded to a pool-view room and will be given two anytime FPs. Pretty cool! I'm glad I called.

How exciting!!! My DD turns 18 on the 24th and we are booked for dinner to celebrate at Napa Rose. I was going to surprise her with a night at the GC but they didn't have the AP discount for that night. I should call and see what discounts they have available at this late date. We just may run into you two!

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[Luvchefmic]

All caught up again....Its been a crazy few weeks so I send you a delayed Happy New Year Sorry Willow was sick over Christmas but glad her Grandpa saved the day with the great medical advice & the cousins were able to be together

Beautiful tree BTW

 

[mousetravel]

Just came across your TR! Subscribed so I go back and get started!

I read your 2011 TR, and am so looking forward to this one.

 

[hstrickland]

Once again you captured some GREAT shots!! And some great memories, too. Love the Pocahontas picture! Willow's dress looks fabulous...you did an excellent job.


And how about some banana dances for your upcoming trip How exciting for y'all! Willow is going to be beside herself for sure. Can't wait to see all the pictures ...basically you're gonna have to have a continuation of your TR.

Hope you have a great week!
Heather

 

[freckles04]

How weird about Pocahontas! I've actually never heard of a Disney character acting that way. Not cool. Glad your DD didn't notice.

Can't wait to see your next update... & have fun at Disneyland!!!

 

[STLMickeyMom]

dino-dumbo? that cracked me up!

how is Pocahontas worried about ant bites? that's weird....

love all the EE pic and willows poses in line. she is too cute! and so brave to go on all the scary rides! go, willow!

i'm so excited for you both that your Disneyland trip is so soon! and so excited to see pics from it. we've never been to Disneyland. and good for you for keeping the secret! I would have slipped long ago!

p.s. if you want to read my TR, just follow the new link in my signature! hope you'll follow along!

 

[Jackiemarie21]

The pics of Willow and Pocahontas are really cute but the ant thing that is weird. You guys just found all of the "off" characters!

I am not a bird person either! I hate them and I think that was one of the things contributing to AK not being my favorite park. The birds at that park are super bold!

 

[RGirl]

How funny that Pocahontas was scared of ant bites.

I know! I really found it amusing.

But the two Pocahontas girls look super cute together. And Chip and Dale are hilarious.

We have SO MUCH fun with Chip 'n' Dale - every time!

I do love the pics with Pocahontas. Willow thinks she may get to be Pocahontas when she does her college program.

To be honest I do not blame you one bit that you left AK. It is so hot there in the summer you are brave to stay as long as you did.

I was really glad that things worked out so that we were there early. We really had a lovely morning and early afternoon, and we didn't feel bad at all about leaving that early. We were beat, and I knew I had packing to do!

And packing is never fun, not even if your next stop is the Disney Fantasy.

Very true! But I definitely didn't mind the packing as much as I usually do after a WDW stay. We were SO EXCITED for the next day!!!

I love that story! It could cause a fright for some kids though!

I didn't really think of it that way. I think the CM told the story in such a way that it took all fear of the Yeti away - it made it sound like she was a sweet beast having a lot of fun in the park.

I love your solution!!

I thought it was quite reasonable.

Looks like you are a couple of EE fans!! Glad that you got the memo since all the ride photos are awesome!

We really did become HUGE EE fans on this trip - both of us. It's such a fun attraction! And, yes, made all the better by us both getting the ride photo memos!

How exciting!!! My DD turns 18 on the 24th and we are booked for dinner to celebrate at Napa Rose. I was going to surprise her with a night at the GC but they didn't have the AP discount for that night. I should call and see what discounts they have available at this late date. We just may run into you two!

Oh wow!!! Our DD's have such close birthdays! Napa Rose will be so special for an 18th birthday dinner. We are having dinner at Cafe Orleans that night in an attempt to ensure that we actually SEE SOME FIREWORKS on a Disney trip. I figure if we are IN the fireworks park, there is a chance that we might actually stay and see them. How fun it would be to run into you two when both DD's are celebrating. Awwww

You should definitely call! I was surprised that there was a new discount - I had no idea how sneaky they are with those things.

Great update!

Thanks!

 

[RGirl]

All caught up again....Its been a crazy few weeks so I send you a delayed Happy New Year Sorry Willow was sick over Christmas but glad her Grandpa saved the day with the great medical advice & the cousins were able to be together

Hi Ruthie!

Happy new year to you too! I am so behind with everything on the DIS right now. I promise I haven't abandoned your thread. I'll be popping in soon, I promise! Thanks for stopping by - I know you must be busy too.

Beautiful tree BTW

Thank you!

Just came across your TR! Subscribed so I go back and get started!

I read your 2011 TR, and am so looking forward to this one.

Hey there!!! I remember you from the 2011 report. I'm so glad you found this one, and thank you so much for joining in!! I hope you enjoy it.

Once again you captured some GREAT shots!! And some great memories, too. Love the Pocahontas picture! Willow's dress looks fabulous...you did an excellent job.

Thanks so much! My pictures are pretty hit or miss.

I totally bought the Pocahontas dress. I thought it was so cute though!

And how about some banana dances for your upcoming trip How exciting for y'all! Willow is going to be beside herself for sure. Can't wait to see all the pictures ...basically you're gonna have to have a continuation of your TR.

Thanks! I am so excited to tell her about the trip! I can't wait until Sunday so I can spill the beans.

I know - I can't quite figure out how to do the TRs. I'm tempted to just tack on the birthday trip to the TR if there is enough interest. I guess I'll have to move to the DL TR board for the July trip though.

Hope you have a great week!

You too, Heather! Thanks for continuing to read along.

 

[RGirl]

How weird about Pocahontas! I've actually never heard of a Disney character acting that way. Not cool. Glad your DD didn't notice.

It was funny. It was the first time I thought of a "character" as a cute college student instead of the actual character being portrayed.

Can't wait to see your next update... & have fun at Disneyland!!!

Thanks! I can't believe we both have trips coming up so soon!

dino-dumbo? that cracked me up!

I'm pretty sure that's the correct terminology.

how is Pocahontas worried about ant bites? that's weird....

It was funny. She was a nice girl, just not very Pocahontas-y.

love all the EE pic and willows poses in line. she is too cute! and so brave to go on all the scary rides! go, willow!

We really fell in love with that attraction. If there hadn't been other people in the park, I'm pretty sure we would have ridden it all day long.

i'm so excited for you both that your Disneyland trip is so soon! and so excited to see pics from it. we've never been to Disneyland. and good for you for keeping the secret! I would have slipped long ago!

I have come SO close to slipping a couple of times recently. I will be so happy when Sunday rolls around and she finds out.

p.s. if you want to read my TR, just follow the new link in my signature! hope you'll follow along!

Ha! Already found it! I'm looking forward to reading all about your trip!

The pics of Willow and Pocahontas are really cute but the ant thing that is weird. You guys just found all of the "off" characters!

Yeah, Pocahontas was a little 21st Century, but she was nice. Honestly, I hope I don't sound like a big character complainer. The vast majority of our character interactions were fantastic. Only one was really not good; this one was mostly funny and a little puzzling.

I am not a bird person either! I hate them and I think that was one of the things contributing to AK not being my favorite park. The birds at that park are super bold!

Yeah, I can get super-freaked-out by birds if I let myself. I was quite proud of myself for keeping my cool while eating my french fries next to Crazy-Eyes-Bird-McGee there. Yeesh….

 

[RGirl]

A Final Royal Dining Experience​

For our last WDW evening, we had a 5:00 ADR - I wanted an early ADR tonight because I knew I was going to have a lot of packing and such to do before we turned in for the night. Willow had been napping, so I woke her at about 4:00. She got ready quickly and was pretty excited for this meal.

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Yep - we were headed to 1900 Park Fare to have dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Step Family. I think Willow did end up leaving the veil behind, however.

We made a quick stop in the Boardwalk lobby to pick up a DTD map (having never been there before!). At this point, last night of the trip, we still had 22 Snack Credits left! So I thought we’d head to DTD after dinner and get some treats to take on the cruise with us.

We were at the bus stop just before 4.

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And on a bus by 4:10. So our great transportation luck really did hold out for the whole trip. What a blessing that was! However, as we were pulling into the MK at about 4:30, a torrential downpour with thunder and lightening began.

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I was a bit concerned that the monorail would stop running, and the CMs in the area thought that might happen too. So we kind of hung out for a bit under the cover of the bus stop area. Pretty soon, the rain started letting up a little, and we saw a monorail go past, confirming they were still moving. So we donned our ponchos and headed out to the monorail station. One pulled up before 4:45, and we were pulling into the Grand Floridian Resort just before 5:00. Phew!

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We had never been to the GF before. Wow! We were very impressed!

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We headed down to the first floor right away as it was our ADR time. We checked in and had our picture taken and then were shown to our table pretty quickly thereafter.

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This is a pretty jam-packed space!

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Up Next: A Final Royal Dining Experience Cont.

 

[RGirl]

A Final Royal Dining Experience Cont.​

Our server was okay - nothing to complain about and nothing memorable. The chef came out and was very nice, but he didn’t walk the buffet with us and didn’t really seem to know what gluten was. He basically brought out a list of foods with allergy items check-marked and kind of went over them (again - he seemed quite confused about gluten since he said the pasta was not safe because of the sauce and didn’t even give thought to the fact that it was PASTA. ). He was very nice though. There was very, very little that was okay for me to eat - not even the salmon was safe because of the sauce. So the chef did offer to make me a piece of salmon and a caesar salad, which I thought was quite kind of him. He did also offer a gluten-free brownie and ice cream for dessert and said to just let the server know when I wanted it. Our server was rarely around, however, and I truly didn’t need another dessert , so I just let that go.

Of course, we weren’t here for the food anyway! First to visit Princess Willow was Prince Charming. And he was indeed very charming!

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Cinderella was also very sweet.

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The Step Family was very funny as well. Lady Tremaine tried to get Willow to dance with her, but Willow was a little intimidated. Lady T was QUITE offended. Failing to take Lady T up on this opportunity is Willow’s biggest regret from the trip, I think. She was just talking about it this week.

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Over all, the food here was probably the worst of the trip. And the character interaction, while definitely fun and unique, was very, very rushed. We had fun, but it wasn’t anywhere near the best character meal of the trip - probably ranks near the bottom, actually. But again, it’s all relative - it was still a very fun time. The worst character meal is better than almost any average every-day restaurant experience for us.

Up Next: Some Last WDW Shopping

 

[STLMickeyMom]

oh my gosh! how beautiful is willow in her dress?!? love it!

isn't the Grand Floridian so gorgeous? we were seriously impressed when we went. i wonder what the rooms are like. maybe just once i'd like to stay there for a night.....

lady tremaine and the step sisters look fun. drizella's face is hilarious!

 

[shan23877]

The Pocahontas pics are adorable! I'm fairly certain that Pocahontas is into nature and such and wouldn't be afraid of a few ant bites. We've been 50/50 with our Pocahontas experiences.

Yay Chip and Dale! They make everything better.

I'd have given up too, AK is the hottest place on the planet.

Oh 1900 Park Fare. The food is just not good. We've had fun at dinner there, but I'm not too sad about sticking to breakfast these days. Willow looks adorable in her wedding dress though. And your meal pic is great! Love the sassy hands on hips poses.

I'm on pins and needles to hear if you enjoyed your trip to DTD! If you ever actually made it.....

 

[dizneeat]

You have one cute little girl on your hands! No matter what she wears!

Okay, so we know that Willow will make a beautiful bride. I don't blame her for leaving the veal behind, it sure was too hot for it.
And the character interaction in the photos looks so fun. Sorry they were so rushed and sorry about the chef who was a bit stunned by the word gluten.

22 snack credits left? I wonder what all you got at DTD.

 

[jedijill]

Willow's dress is just right for the GF! Sorry that the food was so awful but the characters look really fun!

Jill in CO

 

[Tiggerrn2]

All caught up again! You did a lot in your AK morning. Pocahontas worried about ants?!

Too bad your last character meal had to be disappointing. We have never done a meal at GF. Guessing that isn't a bad thing. Though I have found the Stepsisters to be highly entertaining in the MK.

Looking forward to hearing about your cruise portion of this trip, and to your DL getaway!

 

[Luvchefmic]

In Pocahontas' defense ( not that she should break character ) we had AWFUL fire ants during that time period when you were here Any experience with that ?? They're called Fire Ants for a reason no matter how hard I tried every time I went outside with the dogs or the horse I ended up with bites you don't even feel them until too late ...SO glad you did not encounter them


1900 Park Of course she did look just like a bride, so gorgeous Nice pics of the 2 of you

I think you had the same server I did in Sept It was so bad Anastasia ( I think ) went over to him and got him to come back to my table I did have a blast with the characters, food not the best not the worse, ( or should that be worst ? I always get that confused ) probably a " one and done" dinner experience for me

Don't feel like you abandoned my thread when you get there you'll see I have been lax myself

Now tell us about all those snack credits and next time you are here and find yourselves in that position again just give me a shout and I will help you use them up......hey what are friends for ?????

 

[chattadisser]

How odd about Pochahontas, she even looks a little off? She seems like she’s maybe used to being a friend of someone else? You can never go wrong with Chip N’ Dale, they are always so entertaining.

Glad Willow liked EE so much. We didn’t even make it over to AK this past trip. We had scheduled it for the afternoon after the kids races but it was hot and we decided to scrap it and stay at the hotel and swim. It was definitely the better choice, it was wonderful to sit by the pool and enjoy the warm sunshine. I feel like I had forgotten what the sun felt like!

How exciting that you are going to DL in a week. I hope Willow is surprised; the surprise is almost as much fun as the trip. I would love to go to DL, I think I need to spend some time on the DL board for “research purposes”.

You’re funny about the birds! My husband hates birds too and we always tease him about it.

Wow! That was some black sky over the GF. I love the step family. I think it would be so much fun to be one of them. I could do them so much easier than being one of the princesses and having to be nice and sweet all the time! I will agree that the food at 1900 is nothing to write home about, it’s all about the characters here.

Christine