Heigh Ho! Heigh Ho! It's Off to Celebrate We Go!--LAST UPDATE!!! PG 62 ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

[trixiequilts]

Announcement, please! Some of us are very impatient!

 

[MegansMom]

Well folks, when last we left our vacation rememberings, we had just found a very pleasant spot right in front of LTT to watch Spectromagic!!! Megan had so much fun dressing up for dinner the night we went to Chef Mickey's, that she had asked me to pack a dress for this dinner too. Luckily, it was a simple sundress my Mom had made for her, so it folded up nicely and fit very well inside my Vera so it was nothing to carry around all day. We went and changed, and then settled in for the parade magic. I immediately brought out my stash of neon bracelets/necklaces to light up and have fun with.

Once Megan was all "lit up" with her neon gear, a little girl sitting near us started to look her way and eye her necklaces. Megan noticed it right away, and without hesitating, turned and asked me if she could give the little girl some of our extras. (VERY PROUD MOMMY MOMENT!!!) I of course handed some over to her right away, and they quickly became friends while sharing the neon "jewelry" and sharing their little girl thoughts about their day at MK. I really was blown away by this. I know Tom and I try to teach her to share and think of others, but I could not believe she was so perceptive and open to sharing with a complete stranger. It warmed my heart!!!! ANOTHER MOMENT OF MAGIC that I want to store in the pocket in my heart forever!!!

Then the parade began........................

The fairies from Sleeping Beauty

We watched the entire parade and sang along to that beloved music.......I often find myself singing it throughout the day even now!!! Don't you!??!!

Once the parade was finished, we were all set to go into our 8:40pm ressie at Liberty Tree Tavern.....I know that probably sounds late, but we had late snacks to hold us over, and we had a plan for picking that time...you will see!!!

Our dinner was good---we always enjoy the food here!!! It is nothing new or out of this world, but just is good comfort food! Megan was quite disappointed though that the characters were no longer there---she loved seeing the LTT gang last time we went there. BUT, she did not get too bummed about it---ate a great meal!!! We sat, stuffed our faces , and talked about what a fantastic day we had!!!!! And that my dear friends, was when Megan called it...........Tom asked her what she thought of the day, and her response............................................(I think you probably already know)................................................................................................................. "It's a DOOZIE Daddy!!!!!" Luckily, we knew she meant that in a good way, but probably no better way to put it!!! It was indeed a DOOZIE!!!! I think we hit every ride and attraction in MK except for maybe two---the Riverboat (which was closed) and the Presidents. We really spent the entire day there---from open to close, and enjoyed everything SO much!!!!! We accomplished so much on that day, but didn't feel tired or rushed or bothered at all by the flow of the day!!!! It is by far our favorite place in the whole world to be, and we really experienced it that day!

When our yummy feast was finished, it was time to head out-----to one of our favorite parts of the day that we were looking so forward to---out to an EMPTY MAGIC KINGDOM!!!!!!!! SO what would you do with the whole park practically to yourself?!?!?!! YEP, PICTURE TIME BABY!!!!

Seriously LOVED those pumpkins.....especially when they would flicker as you left!

Yep, walking out and getting Main Street all to yourself is something you just can't put into words......it is so MAGICAL and WONDERFUL and something you have to do at least ONCE in your lifetime.....we are lucky enough that we have gotten to do this twice now, and I am sure we will do it again sometime!!!! Megan loves leaving after closing---waves by to the castle and blows it a kiss before we leave!!! We didn't have to wait long for a bus, as you can imagine, and were "home," showered, and tucked into bed before long.......dreaming sweet dreams of the day we just had.....WHAT A DOOZIE!!!!!!


Favorite Moments from this day:

---Megan dancing to each country's dance in IASW
---Spinning silly and giggling the entire time we were on the Tea Cups
---Doing the Speedway for the first time with Megan!
---Enjoying all the flying rides with our Driver Megan!!! (So cute!)
---Riding along with my loves on TTA
---Megan singing and clapping in CofP
---Watching her wave to each character in the afternoon parade! She was SO excited!
---Taking a break in the rocking chairs on Tom Sawyer's Island
---Spectromagic.................AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!
---Megan sharing her bracelets at Spectromagic!!!!!!!!!!!
---Walking down Main Street--alone with my crew--having MK to "ourselves!"


ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have tortured you all long enough, so it is time for my announcement(s)!!!!!!!!!!!


-----We just booked a trip to the Outer Banks with three of our closest groups of friends (there will be 8 adults and 9 kids under 6!) We are staying at a big beach house in the Cape Hatteras area with all of them in June. Tom and I love the OBX, but it will be quite the experience enjoying it with all our friends and their kiddos!!!!!




THAT'S IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TA DA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

















What? That's not the kind of announcement you thought I was making?!?!?!?!?!?! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............................


























Well, how about this.............in addition to our June OBX trip, we also scheduled a trip out to San Diego, CA with our good friends from Kansas City sometime this summer---depending on availability at the Hilton Villas that they usually stay in while out there. TA DA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


















Wait, that STILL isn't the announcement you have been waiting for?!?!?!?! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............................................................................................................................



















































Oh yeah, we are TOTALLY going to DISNEYLAND while we are there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's right, while out in San Diego, we are venturing over to DISNEYLAND, because Megan "needs to see MICKEY!" When we told her about booking the first trip, she said, "That is fine, but when do we go back to Mickey's House!??!!?!" Gotta love that girl!!!! SO, even though I doubt there will be a trip south to WDW this year, we are getting our Mickey fix by venturing West to visit Disneyland!!!!! I am so excited!!!! I need as much info about DL as you all have, so lay it on me!!!!!!! When I get the dates, there will be a ticker for sure!

 

[trixiequilts]

WOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Disneyland!!!

I know nothing about it, so I'm absolutely zero help. It will be fun learning along with you!

 

[MegansMom]

Thanks Trixie!!!!! I too know ABSOLUTELY nothing about it either, but think I will be popping in the Disney DVD to view the Disneyland portion of it this afternoon!!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!! Do you think it will be as insanely busy and crowded as WDW is in the summer?!?!?!

 

[lmillercrew]

What a fun filled summer you have planned! So, just where are the Outer Banks? (shh. don't tell anyone that I don't know)

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'll admit I cheated and scrolled down to the big announcement first. That is so exciting, you are going to have a wonderful time!

 

[moparop]

What a wonderful end to a Doozie of a day! We've enjoyed the meals at Liberty Tree Tavern too. It tastes enough like home that my kids aren't looking for hot dogs, nuggets or cheeseburgers.

I've never been to DL, but that sounds like an awesome vacation! Also liking the idea of an Outer Banks trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I scrolled to the bottom for the announcement first, too! Your summer trips sound fantastic -- you will have a great time at the beach with all of your friends and a wonderful time in San Diego with a jaunt to Disneyland! So much fun to look forward to!

Megan is such a sweet girl to share with the girl beside her. You have done a fabulous job with her, Jen!

A doozie of a day is right -- Megan pegged that one right!

The empty MK is so beautiful!

 

[jenjolt]

WOOT! What a great announcement!! Disneyland is going to be so much fun for you guys! I can't wait to hear all about your plans! I definitely want to make it out to Disneyland someday!!

Loved the end of your evening! Spectro is one of my most favorite nighttime activities at Disney World and I can't wait to be watching it again!

 

[MeMom]

You have every right to be proud of your sweet girl for wanting to share!

Congratulations on the Disneyland visit. That will be a whole different and very neat experience, I'm sure.

And as for the Spectro singing,
let's do it:

On this magic night,
a million stars will play beside us...

When it comes to the 'we've cast a spell that can't be broken' part...
I think maybe they were talking about me.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am criminally far behind and promise to go back and catch up. But your announcement tease reeled me in. I adore OBX (I'm a Rodanthe girl) and think you'll have SO much fun in Disneyland. I've only been once and very briefly (less than a full day) but it was super duper fun.

Yippee!!!!!!!!!

Oh and heart totally melting that Megs wanted to share her glow jewelry. That's a good kid you're raising... but I know you knew that.

 

[IluvXU]

I too scrolled to the bottom... I waited patiently 24 hours for the news. I think Megs is a great age to go to Disneyland... she will be able to ride everything. I hope to DVC it there someday, Doug normally has a conference every few years there too.


As for Meg's sharing... that warms a parents heart--- good mommy moment for sure.

Love the empy MK pics..

and most of all I love spectro. I think of anything in WDW that is what I love the most. I can close my eyes, sing along and put myself there in Frontierland in an instant. I just want to see that in June, anything else is an added bonus.

 

[redsox721]

Great update. LOVE the pictures of Megan. She is simply adorable.

As for Disneyland, my DH and I went there last May. We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn. Amazing place. You can walk to Disneyland or take their free shuttle. The hotel was spotless and very roomy (we booked a deluxe room). They have a nice pool area, breakfast every morning and everyone was very friendly.

Here is the link to my review. There will be another link there for some pictures.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2174300

Have fun planning.

 

[ampc3]

awesome!!!!

 

[MegansMom]

What a fun filled summer you have planned! So, just where are the Outer Banks? (shh. don't tell anyone that I don't know)

It will definitely be BUSY but very fun!!!! I am already looking so forward to it....it doesn't help either that all I see is snow around me right now....how can I NOT think of summer right now!!!!!

The Outer Banks is an AMAZING little set of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. (Have you ever heard of Kitty Hawk or Nags Head? They are among them!) They are a great little place to get away to the beach, without feeling like you brought the whole world with you!!! Very quiet---especially at the ends---and VERY relaxing!!!

I'll admit I cheated and scrolled down to the big announcement first. That is so exciting, you are going to have a wonderful time!

Yeah.....kind of thought you would!!! I am very excited, but feeling VERY nervous that I don't know a THING about that place!!!! Going from a "DIS vet" to a "DIS virgin!" I know that sounds bad, but you know what I mean!!!! I am very lost on where to begin!!!

What a wonderful end to a Doozie of a day! We've enjoyed the meals at Liberty Tree Tavern too. It tastes enough like home that my kids aren't looking for hot dogs, nuggets or cheeseburgers.

I've never been to DL, but that sounds like an awesome vacation! Also liking the idea of an Outer Banks trip!

I think it actually might be Tom's favorite place just because it does taste so much like home-cooked food. Megan enjoys the food alot as well!!! The only complaint I have about that place is that they need BIGGER BATHROOMS!!!!!! YIKES, it is tight in there!

We are looking forward to CA....never been that far West, and the relaxation (hopefully) of the beach trip too!!! OF COURSE, Megan doesn't quite get why we are NOT going to Mickey's House (aka WDW), I am hoping that our trip to DL will suffice!!!!

I scrolled to the bottom for the announcement first, too! Your summer trips sound fantastic -- you will have a great time at the beach with all of your friends and a wonderful time in San Diego with a jaunt to Disneyland! So much fun to look forward to!

Megan is such a sweet girl to share with the girl beside her. You have done a fabulous job with her, Jen!

A doozie of a day is right -- Megan pegged that one right!

The empty MK is so beautiful!

I knew you would sneak a peek too!!!! As you can imagine, I am so looking forward to both of them!!!

Thanks for the pat on the back for Megs---I was so proud of her. I hope she always keeps that sweet heart of hers!!!! I will definitely miss it during those "yucky" teenage years!!! Oh, I can't think about that now, getting a headache just imagining.....................................

It was a doozie, but so enjoyable!!!! Have you guys ever done a late night at MK when the park is empty???? Maybe a good idea for the special mission bash in J-U-L-Y!!!!!!! (My attempt to "whisper" while typing!!!) It is so much fun, and you never feel rushed to get the heck out of there.....they just let you meander!!!!

WOOT! What a great announcement!! Disneyland is going to be so much fun for you guys! I can't wait to hear all about your plans! I definitely want to make it out to Disneyland someday!!

Loved the end of your evening! Spectro is one of my most favorite nighttime activities at Disney World and I can't wait to be watching it again!

I have always wanted to go there, and I am so excited about it actually happening!!!

I have no idea where to begin though.....when I started looking at info, I felt immediately lost and confused!!!! OVERWHELMED EVEN!!!!

Spectro is so one of my favorites, and I think it is the one thing about WDW I always go back to in my mind!!! You are going to be watching it again SO SOON!!!!! Sing along for Megs and I while you are there!!!!

You have every right to be proud of your sweet girl for wanting to share!

Congratulations on the Disneyland visit. That will be a whole different and very neat experience, I'm sure.

And as for the Spectro singing,
let's do it:

On this magic night,
a million stars will play beside us...

When it comes to the 'we've cast a spell that can't be broken' part...
I think maybe they were talking about me.

Oh thank you MeMom for indulging me in singing along with me to Spectro!!!! I just love it so much, and no matter how many times I see it, I wait for it expectantly just as I did for the very first time!!!! SO much wonderfulness in that "little" nighttime parade!!!! I tried one time to convert my ringtone on my phone to Spectro, but it never worked. That would probably be a bad thing though......I wouldn't want to answer my phone just so I could hear more of the song!!!!

And I would agree, they definitely were talking about you!!!!

I am criminally far behind and promise to go back and catch up. But your announcement tease reeled me in. I adore OBX (I'm a Rodanthe girl) and think you'll have SO much fun in Disneyland. I've only been once and very briefly (less than a full day) but it was super duper fun.

Yippee!!!!!!!!!

Oh and heart totally melting that Megs wanted to share her glow jewelry. That's a good kid you're raising... but I know you knew that.

Don't worry about it dearie---I've got links if you need them on the first page!!! I'm glad I reeled you in though, hope the announcement was worth it!

Rodanthe is beautiful!!!! Tom and I have stayed in Nags Head and Corolla(Loved Corolla) and now are down in the Hatteras Seashore area---I think Salvo?!?! The house is super huge---6000sqft! SO will be ample space for all of our crew!!! I will be sure to post pics for you!!!!

I know you haven't been there much, but do you have any advice or tips about what to do!?!?!? I'm so lost!

Wasn't that sweet what Megs did!?!?! Didn't know some of the most magic we would be finding down there would be coming from Megs herself!!!

I too scrolled to the bottom... I waited patiently 24 hours for the news. I think Megs is a great age to go to Disneyland... she will be able to ride everything. I hope to DVC it there someday, Doug normally has a conference every few years there too.


As for Meg's sharing... that warms a parents heart--- good mommy moment for sure.

Love the empy MK pics..

and most of all I love spectro. I think of anything in WDW that is what I love the most. I can close my eyes, sing along and put myself there in Frontierland in an instant. I just want to see that in June, anything else is an added bonus.

I am excited about DL....has Doug ever been there? Would love any info or tips I can get! I hope you all make it out there soon!!!!

I loved that moment at Spectro---love SPECTRO---it was such a magical night indeed!!!! I am hoping you get to at least see that my dear!!!! What a way to end a night at Mickey's House!

Great update. LOVE the pictures of Megan. She is simply adorable.

As for Disneyland, my DH and I went there last May. We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn. Amazing place. You can walk to Disneyland or take their free shuttle. The hotel was spotless and very roomy (we booked a deluxe room). They have a nice pool area, breakfast every morning and everyone was very friendly.

Here is the link to my review. There will be another link there for some pictures.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2174300

Have fun planning.

Thanks for the info!!!! I will definitely check out the review!!!!!! Did you get my PM!?!?!

awesome!!!!

I am so excited I can't WAIT!!!!

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Great pictures! Great update!

I'm sure you'll love your trip to the Outer Banks. We rented a large house in VA Beach two summers ago with a lot of family, and it was great. Everyone could be as busy or as laid-back as they wanted to. Very relaxing!! It sounds like you have a great group - it would have been nice to have other kids there to keep mine busy! That's something we'd like to do with friends someday.

And for the Disneyland trip!! My brother lives 45 minutes away...we're going to make it out there some day...I'll look forward to your take on it!

 

[minniecarousel]

You must venture over to the Disneyland Board and do some searches. You don't need to stay on property. Some of the motels on Harbor Blvd are as close, or closer to Disneyland's main gate than the Disneyland Hotel! Visiting from San Diego, you'd probably still want to stay overnight in Anaheim.

As for crowds, just like WDW, get there early, use fastpasses and if you can take a break in the afternoon, go back in the evening & you'll maximize your time there. Weekends are more crowded than weekdays.

What a terrific summer you have planned!

 

[redsox721]

Yes I got your PM. I am so excited that Megan liked what I sent. It was more than my pleasure to put alittle magic in her day. She is a special little girl with special parents. I enjoy reading about your family and all the love you share. (reminds me of my family) I was blessed with a wonderful, loving husband and two amazing children.

BTW---I have grat news to share, if I can steal some space here. My daughter got engaged to her longtime boyfriend on New Year's Eve. WE are so excited and can't wait for the wedding. Tentative date June 11, 2011.

Enjoy your special angel and do all you can now. They grow up so fast.

 

[MegansMom]

Great pictures! Great update!

I'm sure you'll love your trip to the Outer Banks. We rented a large house in VA Beach two summers ago with a lot of family, and it was great. Everyone could be as busy or as laid-back as they wanted to. Very relaxing!! It sounds like you have a great group - it would have been nice to have other kids there to keep mine busy! That's something we'd like to do with friends someday.

And for the Disneyland trip!! My brother lives 45 minutes away...we're going to make it out there some day...I'll look forward to your take on it!

We are very excited about going with other kids----that is always something we wanted for Megan, to have other kids to play with too! We rented a beachhouse with my parents a few years back in Corolla (OBX), and had a BLAST!!! I am hoping to have the same amount of fun and good times!!!

Does your brother have any good tips/ideas?!?!?! I will definitely be happy to share when we get back!

You must venture over to the Disneyland Board and do some searches. You don't need to stay on property. Some of the motels on Harbor Blvd are as close, or closer to Disneyland's main gate than the Disneyland Hotel! Visiting from San Diego, you'd probably still want to stay overnight in Anaheim.

As for crowds, just like WDW, get there early, use fastpasses and if you can take a break in the afternoon, go back in the evening & you'll maximize your time there. Weekends are more crowded than weekdays.

What a terrific summer you have planned!

Thanks for the tips....I will definitely head over to the DL boards for more!!! I think we will definitely try for a weekday then!!! Sounds like GREAT advice!!

Yes I got your PM. I am so excited that Megan liked what I sent. It was more than my pleasure to put alittle magic in her day. She is a special little girl with special parents. I enjoy reading about your family and all the love you share. (reminds me of my family) I was blessed with a wonderful, loving husband and two amazing children.

BTW---I have grat news to share, if I can steal some space here. My daughter got engaged to her longtime boyfriend on New Year's Eve. WE are so excited and can't wait for the wedding. Tentative date June 11, 2011.

Enjoy your special angel and do all you can now. They grow up so fast.

Well I am so glad you got the message!!! We just can't thank you enough! YOU ARE TOO SWEET! I am so glad we remind you of your family too!!!!! That means I have so many more years of love and happiness to look forward to!!!

Congratulations on your daughter's engagement!!!!! THAT IS WONDERFUL!!!! Enjoy all the special moments as you prepare for the wedding---such a special time!!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

I was gazing through trip reports as I am back in the planning mode and came across yours. I read it all this morning. What a great family plus you are from my home state of KY----go Wildcats!!!! (I hope you are a fan as this season has been great!). I live in southern Ohio now, about 30 minutes from Cincy.

We were at Disney the beginning of Sept and fall at Disney is absolutely beautiful. The Magic Kingdom was so beautifully deocorated. After reading your report, I definitely have to try a late dinner ressie. An almost empty MK at night looked wonderful!

Glad to hear your reviews of POFQ. I have wanted to stay there as I think we would enjoy. We love the New Orleans theme as that is one of our favorite towns to visit.

I loved reading about your Christmas activities. We did Southern Lights the week of Christmas. I take my DS7 Jeremy to the dentist in Lexington (I know it sounds crazy to drive over an hour to the dentist but the atmosphere is so worth it for him) and we did the lights after the appointment. It seemed like they had more than in years past. My son still loves trains so we spent a lot of time in the display. I am going to have to add the train ride in Lebanon to our list along with the Krohn Conservatory. I have never been to the Conservatory and it looks beautiful. My DH Tom grew up in Cincy and has been but we have never gone as a family.

Looking forward to your next update!

Erika