How do a Princess & Pirates go from Wilderness Lodge to a Disney Cruise PTR

[2BoysMom]

A trip of FIRSTS.
It's interesting for me, b/c I have noticed that I will be experiencing several "firsts" on this trip. As I've mentioned earlier and by my signature, I have been able to make several trips to WDW, particularly once we moved to Florida.
Even though most times I have stayed at different resorts, there was always an element of "sameness" for me. Not boredom (OF COURSE), but something familiar and comfortable about being at my Happy Place, like a feeling of Welcome Home (where have I heard that before?).

This trip feels different, and I've been noticing all the Firsts. So I will share;
1. first trip that is a week long
2. first stay at WL (cue the music)
3. first time buying a "package"
4. first time doing a Half Marathon scared: )
5. first time getting every ADR that I requested (WHAT? IMPOSSIBLE!)
6. first time getting together for a Meet & Greet with fellow Dis-ers.

These next ones are associated with #5...every ADR is associated with a restaurant we have never eaten at, therefore

7. first time eating at 1900 Park Fare @ GF for character breakfast
8. first time eating pasta at POR
9. first time eating at Whispering Canyon Cafe, for breakfast & dinner
10. first time eating at Tusker House @ AK for character breakfast and early entry
11. first time GETTING INTO CHEF MICKEY'S @ CR
12. first time at Le Cellier (can't wait for the Cheddar Cheese soup!)
13. first time at Sci Fi Dine In Theater @ DHS

If I can think of any other Firsts, I will post more, but pretty interesting, don't you think for someone who has a good amount of Disney experience, to have all of these firsts for one trip??

Since I have reservations at 6 (not counting POR) at restaurants I have never tried, I would love to hear people's comments and suggestions on what I should know about a particular place, or menu items I should try!

I LOVE Tips and Tricks, so please share, and thank you for popping by.

 

[2BoysMom]

Well, I'm going to continue posting.
Being the mother of twin boys, I have always tried to make my life with them as easy as possible.
One of the ways that I have discovered to do that, particularly if we have to fly someplace with the boys, was to purchase a product called Ride On-Carry On.
It is a small chair that straps to your carry-on luggage, that transports your kids around in the airport. Keeps them close, safe and comfortable.
Instead of having two little boys running around in different directions, or not being able to keep up with a parent's pace, these chairs are a God send.
Once you board the plane, they fold flat on the luggage, and still fit in the overhead compartment.
If you are interested the website is: http://rideoncarryon.com/

Here are some pictures from this Christmas of the chairs in action.

Just getting past Security.

The four of us in action.

Believe me when I tell you that using these chairs in an airport makes one very popular! We get alot of attention, and people stop us all the time and ask about the chairs. They really are one of the greatest "inventions" that I have used as a mother of twins.

Maybe this post will help someone who is thinking about flying with small children, but doesn't know the best way to handle them.

I give this product 2 thumbs up!!

 

[2BoysMom]

To continue with my Pre-TR, I can't tell you how happy and excited I am to be staying at WL. I've been so happy, that I could practically twirl around and dance all day in a blue dress.
HEY! Just like right here..

In fact, Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee could be my DS & DS, with the Mad Hatter in the background as DH, and I'm the lovely blond, looking EXACTLY like Alice. Wow. What a coincedence, that someone took this photo of my family!

Yeah, I wish.
But I AM happy and excited. I don't know what it is about WL that I have such a strong desire to go there. I have always been drawn to the WL, and have gone to visit it and take the boat ride over from Ft. Wilderness. It seems so cool and relaxing and "quiet" (as quiet as a Disney resort can be I guess). It feels majestic and warm and inviting, with all of the usual Disney details those of us who are RDE's have come to know and expect.
This trip is a dream come true for other reasons beside staying at WL, and staying for a week!.

Being able to finish the Half Marathon will be a dream come true for me as well. Maybe that sounds like hyperbole to some of the other marathon participants who just enjoy a good race or competition. But for me, it will be a triumph over failing health that I have been experiencing the last couple of years, and for which I hit rock bottom this past summer. I've been seeing a Dr. for the last 6 months and she has brought me way back, to the point where I am able to exercise again without collapsing in exhaustion. This may be a cliche, but you never appreciate your Health more, than when it is taken away from you. I feel so blessed and lucky that the "ol' Donna" seems to be coming back, and my training for the Half, seems to be going rather well.
There is a part of me, when I am doing my miles, that say's "OK, is it here where you fatigue? Is it now that you collapse?" But instead I am able to tell that negative thought-monster, "No, I'm feeling good. No, I can totally do this."
I read something recently that has made a positive change in my life. It is the smallest gesture, really. I read somewhere, where it was recommended that instead of saying "I HAVE TO do laundry, or school work or I HAVE TO exercise, making everything feel like toil. To instead, exchange the word "GET" for the work "HAVE." So, now I GET To clean my house, and I GET to exercise, making these things seem happy and something to appreciate. Coming from someone who was unable to do some of the simplest things due to poor health, GETTING to do something makes it that more thrilling, that more appreciated.
I am so happy I GET to go to WL!
I am so happy I GET to stay there for a week.
And I'm so happy I GET to powerwalk the Princess Half Marathon and cross the finish line after 13.1 miles!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hi!! I'm joining in!

You are going to have a wonderful time at WL, we stayed there in September and it was so beautiful and relaxing. We also loved the boat to MK, it was so convenient.

Your boys are beautiful!

I can't wait to hear more about your plans.

 

[2BoysMom]

Hi Lallie, thank you so much for saying Hi!

Do you have any suggestions for me regarding WL or anything else that I have mentioned in my report so far? I would love to hear.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hi Lallie, thank you so much for saying Hi!

Do you have any suggestions for me regarding WL or anything else that I have mentioned in my report so far? I would love to hear.

Suggestions for WL....hmmm.

You can request turndown service when you check in. I forgot to do this and I am still bummed about it. But I know that you tell them a time to turn down your beds and they leave chocolates and I've also heard that they leave Native American proverbs on a little card. Just makes you feel even more special I would think.

Explore the resort, the grounds are really beautiful.

Do you know the Electrical Water Pageant goes past WL? You can watch it from the beach.

The pool is awesome, we really enjoyed it. While swimming you just look up at the lodge and you can't believe that you are in the middle of Disney, it's just so relaxing.

Well, I guess they aren't all suggestions. I'm sure I can think of more things. I have pictures too if you'd like to see them.

 

[carissanboys]

Good morning Donna

First - glad to hear your health has improved.

Yay to all of your firsts on this trip!

We have eaten at Sci Fi, WCC (for dinner), and Chef Mickey's (for breakfast). We'll be eating at both Sci and WCC again this trip. I suggest sticking to burgers and fries (and shakes!) at Sci Fi. Don't go for the fancier dishes. There are lots of mixed reviews about the food there, but most people who just eat the burger and fries are very happy.

We had the skillet at WCC and loved it.

I wasn't a huge fan of Chef Mickey's. Just thought the characters were too rushed through and the food was okay.

 

[2BoysMom]

Hi Guys-
Thanks for popping by.
Lallie- I will definitely do the turn down service. That alone would convince my boys that WL was the greatest place on Earth. "A place that leaves you CANDY every night before you go to sleep?!" No matter how great or wonderful WL is on other merits, my boys would just remember the candy.

Carissa- Thanks for mentioning my health, but you don't have to. I hesitated even mentioning it, b/c I like to be all positive with my posting. But b/c of my training for the PHM, it really is a factor for me. I'm not just triumphing over mileage, but over bad health. That's what I REALLY will be celebrating, ya know what I mean?

BTW, I had started reading your Camping PTR, and as it is true that I hadn't gotten all the way through it, I now see you guys are going to POR in MARCH in your signature? Where did that idea come from? Congrats! Clearly, I've been missing something....

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hi Guys-
Thanks for popping by.
Lallie- I will definitely do the turn down service. That alone would convince my boys that WL was the greatest place on Earth. "A place that leaves you CANDY every night before you go to sleep?!" No matter how great or wonderful WL is on other merits, my boys would just remember the candy.

I was so bummed when I got home and I realized that I forgot to request, I was so looking forward to it. Oh well, that just gives me reason to stay there again in the future!

 

[carissanboys]

BTW, I had started reading your Camping PTR, and as it is true that I hadn't gotten all the way through it, I now see you guys are going to POR in MARCH in your signature? Where did that idea come from? Congrats! Clearly, I've been missing something....

It's a bit confusing. When I started that PTR - the idea of camping at Fort Wilderness was kind of a pipe dream. As time went on, we realized it most likely wasn't going to happen due to our upcoming move, lack of money, etc. Then they offered some great deals to the military and I couldn't pass it up. So, now we're staying at POR in March.

 

[2BoysMom]

It's a bit confusing. When I started that PTR - the idea of camping at Fort Wilderness was kind of a pipe dream. As time went on, we realized it most likely wasn't going to happen due to our upcoming move, lack of money, etc. Then they offered some great deals to the military and I couldn't pass it up. So, now we're staying at POR in March.

Holy Moley! What a wonderful change of events! Talk about pixie dust coming your way.. So the military benefits, I gather, extended itself beyond SOG? I don't think I have ever heard of military benefits at the other resorts, have you? Are these details in your camping PTR? You are quite the popular lass on that PTR, that's why I hadn't gotten all the way through it.

 

[carissanboys]

You can click on the links of my PTR on the first page and that way you can skip all of the chit chat.

Yes, the details are in there, but basically military can get a free 5 day ticket as well as purchase up to 5 additional tickets for $99 each. So, for tickets for our family it'll cost $400 - more than half what it normally costs.

We also get 40% off of our rooms (at any Disney resort) and they let us add the dining plan even though we're not purchasing tickets with our room package. We feel very lucky that they're offering such great deals to us this year.

 

[2BoysMom]

Wow, wow, wow. GREAT deals. And how smart you are to recognize the great deals. Wow. I'm so happy for your family. Now you get to accumulate your continuing education credits for your RDE certification!

 

[2BoysMom]

Hi!! I'm joining in!

You are going to have a wonderful time at WL, we stayed there in September and it was so beautiful and relaxing. We also loved the boat to MK, it was so convenient.

Your boys are beautiful!

I can't wait to hear more about your plans.

Lallie- I haven't read any of your TR's yet... was it just you and your husband on the trip to WL? or were there kids, too?

 

[2BoysMom]

This is my Top 10 list of all things I am really looking forward to regarding WL.

1. I'm really looking forward to walking into the lobby and having my breath taken away by all its grandeur.
2. I can't wait to walk up to Check-In and meet a really nice CM who gives me an upgrade in my room, maybe with a MK view! (Hey, one can always dream, right?)
3. I can't wait to rub Humphrey's nose for good luck on our trip. (Although there is a dilemma here. I have seen two different pictures on who Humphrey actually is. Is he the bear in the totem pole with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, or the tall bear standing by himself? If you know the answer to this please respond. CLEARLY, this is URGENT information that needs to be shared with all of us WL visitors! )
4. I can't wait to take the boat from WL to MK. What a great way to travel! (We have stayed at FW, POR & POFQ a few times, so we are definitely a family into the boat transportation at WDW.)
5. My husband is quiet and a bit reserved, so I like to play tricks on him as often as I can. Yeah, that's how I roll. Anyway, within that idea...I can't wait to set him up, to ask the waiter at WCC for ketchup. (Bouuuhahaha...... ) Knowing my sense of humor, I will probably roar with laughter over that one. He'll just shake his head at me, like this .
6. The CUB's DEN. I love my rascals, but my DH and I are looking forward to some private time and having the boys taken care of in the Cub's Den. My boys are very social, and are going to love that feature.
7. Soaking in the hot tub after the PHM! (What are the real chances of this happening with two little boys puling on my arms to go in different directions.... probably not high, but I can still hope.)
8. Watching the EWP at night on the beach. Something low key, but still fun for all.
9. Seeing the joy on my DS's faces over every little thing: the slide in the big pool, the arcade, taking a Disney bus to.. anywhere, the character meals, etc.
10 . Sitting on the balcony and relaxing, taking it all in, and counting all of our blessings at what a wonderful year 2009 has turned into.

 

[DISNEYDUET]

Hi ya Donna! Just stopping in to lend my support to your PTR! Can't wait to meet you in March!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Lallie- I haven't read any of your TR's yet... was it just you and your husband on the trip to WL? or were there kids, too?

Just my husband and I. No kids yet.

This is my Top 10 list of all things I am really looking forward to regarding WL.

1. I'm really looking forward to walking into the lobby and having my breath taken away by all its grandeur.
2. I can't wait to walk up to Check-In and meet a really nice CM who gives me an upgrade in my room, maybe with a MK view! (Hey, one can always dream, right?)
3. I can't wait to rub Humphrey's nose for good luck on our trip. (Although there is a dilemma here. I have seen two different pictures on who Humphrey actually is. Is he the bear in the totem pole with Mickey, Donald and Goofy, or the tall bear standing by himself? If you know the answer to this please respond. CLEARLY, this is URGENT information that needs to be shared with all of us WL visitors! )
4. I can't wait to take the boat from WL to MK. What a great way to travel! (We have stayed at FW, POR & POFQ a few times, so we are definitely a family into the boat transportation at WDW.)
5. My husband is quiet and a bit reserved, so I like to play tricks on him as often as I can. Yeah, that's how I roll. Anyway, within that idea...I can't wait to set him up, to ask the waiter at WCC for ketchup. (Bouuuhahaha...... ) Knowing my sense of humor, I will probably roar with laughter over that one. He'll just shake his head at me, like this .
6. The CUB's DEN. I love my rascals, but my DH and I are looking forward to some private time and having the boys taken care of in the Cub's Den. My boys are very social, and are going to love that feature.
7. Soaking in the hot tub after the PHM! (What are the real chances of this happening with two little boys puling on my arms to go in different directions.... probably not high, but I can still hope.)
8. Watching the EWP at night on the beach. Something low key, but still fun for all.
9. Seeing the joy on my DS's faces over every little thing: the slide in the big pool, the arcade, taking a Disney bus to.. anywhere, the character meals, etc.
10 . Sitting on the balcony and relaxing, taking it all in, and counting all of our blessings at what a wonderful year 2009 has turned into.

Ahhh, just reading this post made me remember all the wonderful things about WL. Humphrey is the bear in the totem pole.

 

[2BoysMom]

Hi ya Donna! Just stopping in to lend my support to your PTR! Can't wait to meet you in March!

YAY! DisneyDuet has joined my PTR! She's one of the other athletes in the PHM. Thanks for coming over.

Speaking of Half Marathon, I said I would use this PTR to also keep track of my training and I did 6 miles today!!
6 miles.. 6 miles.. 6 miles.. 6 miles..

Can you tell I'm happy? Now granted these are powerwalking and not running miles, but I am still very happy. My original goal for this weekend (and yes, I am pretending this MLK holiday is still part of the weekend) was 5 1/2 miles, but instead I did 6 and I feel great!

I'm so grateful I get to do this, I feel so lucky!

 

[carissanboys]

Congrats Donna on the 6 miles! That's awesome! Six miles powerwalking or six miles running - doesn't matter! I'm a walker and walking 6 miles is still a lot! How long did it take you?

 

[2BoysMom]

Congrats Donna on the 6 miles! That's awesome! Six miles powerwalking or six miles running - doesn't matter! I'm a walker and walking 6 miles is still a lot! How long did it take you?

HI
Thanks for the cheerleader. I'm doing about a 15 min/15.5 min. mile. We need to average a 16 min. mile so as not to get "swept." So far, I'm doing pretty well in that dept.

My "game plan" is to try to run the first mile or so and then anytime there is an "incline" to try to run a little, but I'm really not a runner. I just hope to give myself a little cushion of time, as I push out the powerwalking.