How I Survived 11 Days at WDW with a Disney-Resistant Husband **2/20 THE END **

[3prettyprincesses]

That is too funny about your daughters' reaction at midnite! Believe it or not, Chris also let Katie stay outside with him until midnite as well. It was a wonderfully warm nite, no wind or breeze to speak of even though we are right on the ocean, which was perfect for our fireworks. We had a little fire going during the fireworks and Chris kept it up even after most of the guests left. Most everyone left by 10:30, after we celebrated our pretend midnite at about 9:30pm. Then Declan and I headed to bed, (I was beat!) but Katie and Chris stayed outside until midnite. It was a big treat for her.

They thought it was very cool to stay up that late but were pretty disappointed that once midnight hit, they had to go to bed! I was exhausted myself anyway.

Your party sounds fabulous and what a good idea to have a mock midnight so that you wouldn't have to stay up so late! I just might steal that idea for next year!

DH said the sweetest words to me the other night. Want to know what they were?? He said 'honey, I can't wait till we get to Disney!' Ah, music to my ears! I just know your DH will come around too!

 

[cdotla]

I think you made the right move enjoying the pool instead of LMA, those stands are soooooooo HOT! I remember just melting up there one time in September. Ugh. And then there is a fire in the show, which just makes it hotter. Cool show, but not nearly as enjoyable on a hot day. Sounds like a lovely time poolside! I love all the pics of your DD jumping in over and over again.

Hmmm....I have heard about the heat in those stands from a number of people now. I hope the kids (and Chris!) will be able to tolerate it on our next trip.

Chris and I actually saw the show back in 1998, but I haven't been back since. I don't really remember how hot it was to be honest. Oh well... we will just have to hope for the best, as I really think Declan will like the show. He is a hot wheels and car fanatic, so this wld be right up his alley!

Day 10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 10??? I still have to finish Day 9!

I really do try to post as often as I can. However, as anyone who has ever written a TR knows, it takes a LOT longer to write them than it does to read them. That is why I try to never read someone else's trip report without posting feedback for them.

I love writing my TRs. It is great creative outlet and form of relaxation. Plus, it is the perfect way to relive a trip and preserve your memories. But sometimes life interferes with how often I can post. And other days I simply don't feel like posting, or I am not feeling any creative juices. I try not to put pressure on myself to write so that it never starts feeling like a chore as opposed to a pleasure.

That said, I "should" have an update up this weekend.

 

[Kellyh123]

I have really enjoyed your trip report. I loved your family pictures.
I am very lucky my husband is good sport about Disney. My son really doesn't get into Disney but my daughter loves it like I do. Right after college she did the college program. She worked on Space Mountain. Now she is in law school and goes back seasonally to work. So I have someone who shares that love of Disney.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip!

 

[pinkle]

I really do try to post as often as I can. However, as anyone who has ever written a TR knows, it takes a LOT longer to write them than it does to read them. That is why I try to never read someone else's trip report without posting feedback for them.

I love writing my TRs. It is great creative outlet and form of relaxation. Plus, it is the perfect way to relive a trip and preserve your memories. But sometimes life interferes with how often I can post. And other days I simply don't feel like posting, or I am not feeling any creative juices. I try not to put pressure on myself to write so that it never starts feeling like a chore as opposed to a pleasure.

That said, I "should" have an update up this weekend.

Take your time! I just love reading your reports!!!!!

 

[DrMomof3]

Love the pool pictures! It's fun to see kids being kids!!!

Amanda

 

[cdotla]

I have really enjoyed your trip report. I loved your family pictures.
I am very lucky my husband is good sport about Disney. My son really doesn't get into Disney but my daughter loves it like I do. Right after college she did the college program. She worked on Space Mountain. Now she is in law school and goes back seasonally to work. So I have someone who shares that love of Disney.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip!

Hey there...thanks for posting! And you are right - you *are* lucky. It is so great when you can share your Disney enthusiasm with others who "get it", and if they happen to live in the same house as you, well that really is fantastic!

I so wish I had done the Disney college program way back when. It wld have been such a great opportunity! I really hope both my kids do it and become Canadian pavillion CMs.

Take your time! I just love reading your reports!!!!!

Thank you! I should have an update this weekend, and I should get to Day 10 by next weekend. Thanks for hanging in there with me and understanding!

Love the pool pictures! It's fun to see kids being kids!!!

Amanda

Thanks Amanda! It was hysterical seeing how the pool just completely brought my daughter "back to life".

 

[cdotla]

Dinner at Narcoossees

After soaking up every possible ray of sunshine we could, it was finally time to drag ourselves upstairs to our room and start getting ready for dinner.

Tonite we were dining at Narcoossee's - the Grand Floridian's signature dining restaurant. I had heard many great reviews, and even better, none of us had ever been, so this was a completely new experience.

Chris dropped us off at the front entrance and went to park the car. I had only done valet here in the past using our Tables in Wonderland card, but since it expired I figured we would self-park. Now if Chris had any idea how far away he would have to go to park, he likely would have shelled out the $12 for valet parking!

While we were waiting, I took the opportunity to take some photos of the kids. The entrance to the GF, with the carriage and old-fashioned car is always a favorite place to hang out for the kids.

Then, we made our way into the gorgeous lobby, and out through the sidedoor to the pool area and surrounding gardens.

Finally Chris caught up with us and we started to make our way to the restaurant. Narcoossee's is located in a separate small and elegant building right on the water at the end of the Grand Floridian resort. It is a beautiful building, especially at dusk when it is lit up so nicely.

(Photo:wdwinfo.com)

We were promptly shown to our table when we arrived and took our seats. This was our view:

As the trip was coming to an end quickly, this was such a nice way to spend our second last night. Our service here was absolutely impeccable. Throughout the meal we had the honor and privilege of being served by not only an outstanding Cast Member, but an original opening day Cast Member. Yes, you heard right. Our amazing server has been a Cast Member since opening day at the Magic Kingdom in 1971!!! As there are only a handful of original Cast Members left on property, it was an absolute thrill to meet him.

Over the course of our meal Harvey filled us in on many of the jobs he has held at Walt Disney World since opening day. His story was absolutely incredible. Even his wife at one point was a long-term Cast Member (she is now retired). Harvey advised us that out of all of his jobs, he has most enjoyed working at Narcoossee's and will likely stay here until he retires. Apparently it is a highly sought-after position, so if you dine here, you are likely going to be served by some of Disney's finest Cast Members.

The hardest part of our evening that night was deciding what to order. For starters, I was thrilled to discover that the restaurant featured a wine from the Silverado winery operated by Diane Disney Miller and Ron Miller.

Unfortunately, they didn't sell this by the glass, and I couldn't quite bring myself to purchase the $85 bottle. Instead, I contented myself with the Fess Parker Reisling. (Incidentally, you can purchase the Silverado Fantasia wine directly from the winery for $50: http://www.silveradovineyards.com/wines/unique_bottlings)

After our orders were placed, it was time to sit back and relax. Fortunately the kids were just excellent this meal, and since we had an early reservation, at least half the other tables were also filled with children.

For appetizers, each of the kids had a fruit plate. And although the entree selections included filet mignon, or freshly grilled fish, what do they each order but macaroni and cheese and a cheeseburger!

For our appetizers, Chris went with the artisanal cheese plate, which was fantastic and I choose the Prince Edward Island mussels - a little something from back home. Just fabulous!

But wait...it gets even better. For entrees, I chose the grilled salmon and asparagus, topped with caviar. Divine!

Chris had the surf and turf - two twin medallions of filet mignon and a butter-poached lobster tail. (And at $59 for his entree alone, anyone who doesn't believe the deluxe dining plan is worth it should check out our receipts!)

(Continued next post)

 

[cdotla]

(Continued from last post)

After our fabulous meals, it was soon time for coffee and dessert.

The kids were in for a real treat as the restaurant served amazing Nemo cupcakes. Not only did they look great, but they tasted good too!

Chris chose the chocolate mousse and quite enjoyed it.

It was a tough call for me, but I ended up following Harvey's advise and ordered the strawberry shortcake. I was glad that I did.

After our thoroughly enjoyable meal, we bid farewell to Harvey and started walking back through the resort. It was at this point that I actually heard my husband discussing a future return trip. I believe his exact words were something along the lines of "Yeah, I'd stay here".

After we established that the Grand Floridian was good enough for Chris, I wanted to ensure that we preserved the memories of that evening, so we stopped to take some more photos before it got too dark.

By this point it was getting kind of dark outside, but the kids still wanted to stay outside and play. Chris, being the great Dad that he is, offered to hold Katie's doll.

Finally, we went into the Main Lobby area and stopped for a bit to enjoy the band that was playing from the balcony.

I shopped for a bit in some of my favorite stores, and then it was time to head back home to the Beach Club. As soon as we returned, the kids were begging for one last swim in Stormalong Bay before we left the next morning. While I had hoped to walk over to Epcot to see Illuminations and to stay for the Extra Magic Hours evening, we decided to do exactly what the kids wanted. So for the third time that day, we changed into our swimsuits and made our way over to the Pool.

Without a doubt, the kids had the best idea of the day. We ended up swimming in the lazy river portion of Stormalong Bay around one of the bridges for the boardwalk. The four of us had a complete blast in the water, playing games, relaxing in the warm water, and feeling the sand bottom beneath our feet. To plus the experience even more, from where we were positioned in the pool, we were able to see the screening of The Princess and the Frog from the beach, and we started singing and dancing in the pool to the music, which we love.

There was a steady stream of traffic walking over us on the bridge, including a number of people pedalling by on surrey bikes, and we exchanged pleasantries with many of them. I also observed quite a few onlookers looking at us rather enviously as they saw us splashing around in the pool having the time of our lives.

Just when I thought our final night at the Beach Club couldn't get much better, Illuminations started going off. From our position in the pool we were able to observe not only the fireworks, but also The Princess and the Frog movie playing on the Beach at the same time!!!

It was the happiest, most content feeling I have ever experienced at Disney, and I owe it all to my kids.


[URL="http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=39659972&postcount=1684]UP NEXT: Goodbye Beach Club....Hello Poly! [/URL]

 

[Kellyh123]

We ate at Narcoossee's on Christmas Eve on our last trip. It was a very good meal and I loved the view from the restaurant. Sounds like your evening was awesome.

 

[eandesmom]

It was the happiest, most content feeling I have ever experienced at Disney, and I owe it all to my kids.


UP NEXT: Goodbye Beach Club....Hello Poly!

Oh Trish! What a great update and magical night all around, it sounds like just a perfect moment in time, all of it. The kind that gets you through.

Love the pictures.

WTG Katie and Declan and WTG Trish and Chris for listening to them.

 

[PrincessInOz]

It is such a plus to read about what a great day you had! Despite the Disney resistant husband, I'm glad that you had some fabulous memories to counter the bad.

And those pictures of your kids? Priceless! Love the black and white versions!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What a perfect night!!! It all sounds positively perfect. I have never eaten at Narcoossee's but it's definitely on my someday list. And I would love the opportunity to talk with an opening day CM... how cool is that?!?

All the food looks fabulous!!

How exciting Chris mentioned the idea of a return visit! That is a very good sign!

Sounds like the kids had a great idea. I will have to keep those special views from SAB in mind for future trips!

 

[DrMomof3]

What an amazing end to a great day!!!!

Amanda

 

[LilAnn]

Wow, after reading that last update, I am now wondering if I should have booked Narcosee's. The food looks amazing! I was so worried about bringing our little 3yo DD to a nice 2TS restuarant, that I was afraid to book it. We decided on Flying Fish because that menu looks amazing as well. I may have decided differently if I had read an update like yours before.

love the description of the end to your day. Sometimes the happiest times on vacations are the unplanned ones.

 

[dismagiclover]

Oh the Grand Floridian looks lovely, of course! I hope to stay there one day in the not too distant future! And I know just how you felt in Stormalong Bay. That pool is the best! Beach Club is really the best resort in the summer!

 

[Native NYer]

What a perfect night at Disney!
SAB is awesome. It's so hard to pull yourself away and go to the parks.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, I am here albeit 111 pages behind. LOL! I look forward to catching up!

 

[SoonerGirl]

How awesome that you got to meet an opening day CM! I think I would have wanted to invite him to dine with us just to hear all of his stories!

Katie looks beautiful in her dress

You know, sometimes you just need a day to chill and relax. I think your last day at BC was perfect! I've decided that next time we go to WDW I want it to be for a minimum of 10 nights, that way we can have some down time and still have enough park time that we don't feel like we miss out on our favorites

 

[3prettyprincesses]

What a fabulous update! I loved this one. First off, we are eating at Narcoossee's for our upcoming trip too. Thanks again for the great review! Honestly, we must have the same ADR taste because you ate at nearly all the places we are planning to eat in 2 weeks! And we're staying at the GF too! It's seriously my favorite resort, not at all stuffy and snobby like people think.

I am so happy that your last day at the BC was so darn magical! And it was because you were swimming in the pool yet again! I laughed at that because that would be like heaven for my kids! How special though that the Princess and the Frog was playing (we loved that movie) and then Illuminations. Sometimes it isn't all about running around the parks, right? What a darling memory Katie and Declan gave you!

This picture is adorable, I love her sweet outfit and that she has her American Girl with her! DD7 is debating which one she wants to bring to Disney. You captured some really great pics of your kids at the GF!

And maybe you could make this one your Christmas card next year, I'm sure Chris would love that, lol!

 

[Wicket's Mom]

You have given me another idea for dinner ADRs. I added two more days to my trip just so I could try more places to eat. Shh, I really wanted a couple of days to recover from the GDs.