I Can! I Can Stink at 9am! A January TR - 3/8 New TR Link!

[NMW]

subscribing

 

[Dugette]

Whew, finally had time to catch up on my comments (I read this the other day, but just made it back now).

Yay for a meet with Danielle!!! I look forward to meeting her in May. Though, being Minnesotans, we are not exactly Packers fans. But my mom is, so there’s that. Haha, love that your DH was swooning over her.

Glad that your meet with your aunt went well!

Ooh, random thing, but I just noticed that you are using the caribiner on the handle of the stroller to carry shopping bags! I do that too! Handy.

Ha, poor DS – Mommy makes him run through a fountain and then takes pictures of him doing his business.

Looks like he managed okay with the fruit rollup!

Are those ducks in a tree? Weird.

This is really making me want to go back to Raglan Road…it’s been too long! Must resist another ADR… Dug would love those scallops, though. And I think Izzy would enjoy the entertainment.

Haha, awesome stuffed French fry! Way to think outside of the box, mom!

Can't wait to see your room!

 

[Leshaface]

I am not going in May for Alison's Bday. I have a basketball tournament that weekend. It was tough not going but work comes first.

Yep, totally understand!

Okay, I totally subscribed a while ago, but just hadn't had the chance to say anything up until this point.

I thought NY's day was exactly for nurturing your liver back to health? No?

Hahahaha, Calvin's "I'm on my way" face is "I'm picking my nose." That's awesome.

OMG, that's something my Pop would do! Completely drive past where he's supposed to go and cover it up!

I'm so sorry to hear about DH's grandfather.

Is that a West Side Story gif?

I would say that the reason you pulled in and out of AKL so quickly is that as soon as the ME driver got up to the stop at AKL, he goes SHOOT! in his head, realizes he's a doofus that went the wrong way, and then tries to cover it up by exiting quickly.

The resort looks beautiful! I can't wait to stay there.

Dude, that girl so busted him trying to get in on the shot.

I'm totally down with the slow motion version of that video. You are entitled to laugh at him whenever you want.

I was so happy to meet you guys too! Talking with you was so easy, which is always an amazing sign right?! I'm so glad that we overlapped, and I'm still really hoping you guys come out to Green Bay for a game! I would love to do that. For real.

We won't discuss the sad state of affairs that was the Seahawks game. Although I still love them. They just broke my heart a bit.

Hahahaha, I'm just a plethora of useless knowledge. Tell DH I very much enjoyed talking to him too. Next time, you'll definitely get to meet Popadon.

You did get a great table at Raglan! Last time we were there we were not even close to the stage area.

I want that dipping sauce for bread right now though. So good!

Look at you stuffing food inside food. Surefire way to get them to eat.

Rubbernecking is a straight up art!

Yay Danielle!

Sounds like your Pop and my DH should hang out!...but then they would both be lost together. Probably not the best idea!

The bus driver...sigh..I know it's not a huge deal, but I just wanted to be there already!

We LOVED talking to you and your mom! So much fun and thanks so much for your gifts. We used (and are still using!) the coasters for the playoff game for our friends that are not fans (Cowboys and Niner fans ) I"m so hoping we could get to a game this season. We currently have a cruise booked, but may cancel it, so we'll see what happens! But i'll definitely hit you up

That looked like a very nice day. I'm glad you got to meet up with your Aunt, even it was a little uncomfortable for your Mom, it's important to keep up with family.

I loved Raglan Road, we got the same things as you did and loved them all. The scallop forest was great. We sat outside, so I didn't see the Dancers. Too funny that your DH falls for every woman! Should I be insulted that he's never fallen for me? I guess since I'm not into sports or any of his other interests, I won't worry.

Still wondering when someone will stink at 9AM, seems like Calvin already stank in the afternoon.

I died laughing at your comment! The minute you become interested in sports (or dancing in tap shoes in short dresses) watch out for that rubbernecking!

Checking in to your TR! Can't wait to read more about the trip! Also, can't wait to see pictures of GF rooms, its such a beautiful resort!

HI and thank you! That is coming right up!

Yay DIS meet!

Danielle is AWESOME!

I know it's big, but I think it really feels big when the crowds pick up. Otherwise, it seems manageable.

Definitely. When it was just DH and me back in 2010, we arrived to an empty DTD. I mean, deserted. It was marvelous being able to walk into the T-Rex bar and grab a drink without tons of people around us.

Poop Face?

I know you know what i'm talking about

That looks fun. Never been a huge scallops fan, though. Why couldn't they be chicken tenders?

I guess they could stick chicken tenders on forks, but they better not charge $15 for them!

It's all about peripheral vision. Er, I mean, no, I'm not sure how to help him.

 

[Leshaface]

Wait! You did that slo-mo on your iphone!? I need to try that immediately!!!

I would have been really upset too about those wasted 10-15 minutes. Every second is gold when you're about to start your trip!

Yes, there's a WPE at LAX! I couldn't tell you where exactly but we ate there 2 out of 3 times we were at the airport. The first time I discovered it by accident and since I had read about it being in DTD in other people's TRs I knew we must eat there. And the second time I made it a priority to eat there One of those times we were laying over on our way home from Hawaii and it was 6am so we got breakfast pizza. Holy cow was it amazing. By far the best meal I'd ever eaten in an airport, and maybe one of my best breakfasts anywhere!

That's wonderful that you had two great meets in DTD. Especially for your DM and your aunt to get to see each other after so long. I'm really happy everyone had a great time.

LMAO at DS doing his thing. Between your description of the photo and the actual picture I'm hysterical.

Wow you got amazing seats at Raglan Road. When we ate here we were stuck in the back room so we had to get up and walk away from our table in order to see the stage. I like how the step dancers were wearing Christmas hats

You are a genius with that french fry becoming a meat and vegetable smuggler! I'm going to keep that in my back pocket for later

LOL at the video of the "stripper" climbing the stairs.

I can't believe they sold out of Pandora charms immediately after they received them! That's nuts!

I can't wait to see your room at the VGF!

Yes! Do you have the iPhone 6?! It has a slow motion setting and a time lapse setting! So much fun to play with.

DS makes the funniest faces when he's trying to poop, I just have to share them with everyone!

Then we really lucked out with our table at RR then!

Phew, your back pocket is gonna get full!

GF room coming up

I'm glad you got to meet them! And that your DH enjoyed talking to Danielle so much.

He just loves the ladies!

I'm glad that you were able to get together with your aunt and put the family drama behind you. At least your DM went along and tolerated it all.

I was so nervous not knowing if she was going to bring things up or not, but it worked out great.

You really are a mean parent, aren't you?

This could be a good blackmail photo yes??

Whenever we try to sneak something in on our kids we always get this look like we're the stupidest parents ever for even thinking we could get away with it. I'm glad it worked for you.

I'm SURE we'll be getting that look when he wises up to our antics. But for now, we'll take his naiveness

I can't even see your videos... but that is hilarious.

Are my videos not working?

Now Andy, don't tell me you've never Rubbernecked before

2 words. Peripheral vision.

Thanks for admitting

Joining!!! I have a couple of comments from your pre-report and than the bottom two for the TR. I'm excited to be joining in the beginning of your trip!

GO BLUE!!! I'm living in Phoenix now but I gotta love my Dodgers!!

Oooo.. what app do you use for your countdown?

Love your phone case!!

Oooo.. I love your shirt from the first pic you posted? You must be a Dr Who fan, right?!

LOL, I love the gif you had about your mom asking for a drink.

Hi and Welcome!

Now goodbye, can't have 'Doyers' on my thread

Of course, i'm kidding glad to have you!

The app is 'WDW Countdown'. I believe when I bought it, it was .99 but I love it! One of my friends here told me about it! I love that it notifies each morning how many days left till vacation. Makes the day go by quicker!

Thank you! The phone case came from Red Bubble, they have AWESOME cases. In fact, if I wanted to waste money, I would purchase all the cases they have to offer and switch them out daily. Check them out!

I'm shocked you're the first one to notice! Is it bad that I didn't even realized the shirt had a Dr. Who reference on there until the day after I purchased it! But i've always wanted to watch it. I've been told its great and that I would really enjoy it!

Great updates! I still need to watch all the videos.

The bus arrival time thing sounds like a fabulous invention. I don't think it's gotten around to all the resorts yet.

Your aunt not only looks quite young, but very tall too!

I'm totally jealous of the view from your table at Raglan Road, we were put in a totally seperate room and three dancers came and danced on a board for us. I missed seeing the musicians.

Nice that you had a good visit with your aunt and had fun meeting Danielle

Hi Pam!

They need to implement this bus schedule at every resort. And add it to the app, that would be perfect!

She's very tall. Well, tall to me and you! I think she's 5'8"?? Maybe 5'7", but she looks taller than DH who is 5'7".

It seems that everyone that has commented has not gotten the main dining room! We really must have lucked out. I didn't request anything either!

 

[Leshaface]

subscribing

Hi and Welcome!

Whew, finally had time to catch up on my comments (I read this the other day, but just made it back now).

Yay for a meet with Danielle!!! I look forward to meeting her in May. Though, being Minnesotans, we are not exactly Packers fans. But my mom is, so there’s that. Haha, love that your DH was swooning over her.

Glad that your meet with your aunt went well!

Ooh, random thing, but I just noticed that you are using the caribiner on the handle of the stroller to carry shopping bags! I do that too! Handy.

Ha, poor DS – Mommy makes him run through a fountain and then takes pictures of him doing his business.

Looks like he managed okay with the fruit rollup!

Are those ducks in a tree? Weird.

This is really making me want to go back to Raglan Road…it’s been too long! Must resist another ADR… Dug would love those scallops, though. And I think Izzy would enjoy the entertainment.

Haha, awesome stuffed French fry! Way to think outside of the box, mom!

Can't wait to see your room!

That is great that you're going to meet Danielle! You're going to love her, she's awesome!

Yes! Had you not told us about the carabiner, we would have been stuffing tons of stuff under a sleeping DS...And I know you know about that So thank you!

But if I didn't have those fun things to take pictures of, I wouldn't have a good TR, right?!

And again, thank you for the fruit roll up tip! Seriously, never would have even considered picking them up in the snack aisle had you not told me.

That is exactly what I thought they were, ducks. My aunt and her husband kept rattling off different names of what kind of bird they could have been. They even tried asking a couple workers who were around, and of course they had no idea. Odd that those huge birds were being supported by small-ish branches.

 

[afwdwfan]

Are my videos not working?

No... it is on my end. I was able to see them from another computer, just not with the one I have at work.

 

[Leshaface]

We had just left DTD from a great dinner at Raglan Road, almost rammed the stroller into an old guy from DH's non-peripheral vision and boarded a bus almost immediately!


And in no time, we made it to the GF





DM wanted to go check out the shops first, so of course that’s where we went



Why do little kids at the GF have nicer furniture than I do at home? For reals!?





Because we already had our room number assigned to us, DM, DS and I had headed back downstairs and headed to the room, while DH went to Bell Services to collect our bags and groceries that had been delivered the night before.



This is a really pretty fountain right outside the Villa building



We were located on the 5th floor, which BTW, DS started loving these elevators. I think it may have been because of the mirrors? He’d always laugh and smile! Phew!

Our room number



Welcome to our ‘Happiness Hotel’

Looking in from the door





Entering the kitchen to the right



Table to the left



The living room (DM’s room)



TV with Murphy bed underneath



Someone’s already getting comfortable



Our room







Our bathroom with a TV in the mirror!



Oh my gosh the tub





There is a sliding door that separates the two bathroom areas






“We’ll fit right in, to Happiness Hotel!” ← Great Muppet Caper, anyone?

Seriously, I couldn’t believe we were living here for 7 nights! It was gorgeous and DM was completely in awe of the place.

DH showed up with a CM helping with the luggage and groceries about 10 minutes later and the look on his face was priceless. Wish I had thought to take a picture, but he was stoked.

Side Note: We ordered groceries through WeGoShop per Alison’s recommendation and they were fabulous! They had delivered our stuff the night before and Bell Services held all the groceries in refrigeration the entire time. All of our items were accounted for and got exactly what I asked for. In case anyone is interested in having groceries delivered, we had ordered right under $50 in groceries and the total bill with tip, fuel surcharge and delivery fee, was under $80. And those groceries included 2 cases of water, 24 count eggs, 2 packages of bacon, sliced white bread, 6 bakery muffins, 1 gallon of milk, ½ gallon of milk, orange juice, tortillas, 2 bottles of creamer, bananas and apples and that fed us for 5 mornings. I brought a squeeze bottle of jelly and my own ground coffee with filters because those were easy to pack and I had them on hand. Super convenient and completely cut down the cost on meals. Thanks Alison!

After DH got to look around, he took a video to send to one of his coworkers who enjoys going to WDW, so I stole it.

Tour of 1 Bedroom

I immediately went right to work unpacking all my clothes. Because really, I had never totally unpacked before at WDW. This was our first trip (with DM and DS) where we wouldn’t be leaving for another resort halfway through the trip and it felt wonderful to put the suitcase away and not see if for days.

Towards the end of the night, DM asked what the plan was tomorrow and I told her. Minutes later DH asked what was happening tomorrow. Sigh. So I pulled out my plan and tried to find a home for it for them to look at everyday. AND THEN! I remembered that Danielle had given me a gift from our meet.



Awesome magnets! (and Packer coasters too!) How perfect did that work out?! Too bad our fridge wasn’t more accommodating in holding my plan, but the microwave worked.

I have better views from the balcony in future updates, including a surprise show!

As you could tell from the time on the microwave, we were up late and didn’t get to bed until after midnight. DS did not want to go into the Pack n Play that DH had set up next to our bed, so we let him fall asleep in our bed and move him when he was dead asleep. But this night, DS slept terrible. Every once in a while, he’ll have night terrors, where he’ll wake up screaming and crying with his eyes closed and we can’t get him to open his eyes. This happened around 3:30am and lasted for 20 minutes. It doesn’t sound long, but waking up from a deep sleep by a screaming child, trying to keep him quiet to not wake up the neighbors, it felt like hours. Not fun, but he settled down and I let him sleep in our bed the rest of the night.

I tried to not let it bother me too much, because tomorrow was our first park day at Animal Kingdom!​

 

[Leshaface]

No... it is on my end. I was able to see them from another computer, just not with the one I have at work.

Oh good, I was just going to check on them now, thanks!

 

[KatMark]

Yay...an update (I'm wrapping up my TR so it's easier to keep up everywhere else).

That villa is stunning!!! I think it's the first time I've seen pictures of a one-bedroom there.

Nice to have a second resource for groceries (we usually used Garden Grocer, but this trip we be driving in from Marco so we will just stop).

on DH asking plans right after DM. The gift from Danielle sure came in handy.

I'm sorry to hear about DS's night terrors. Those must be frightening to wake up to when you've been sound asleep.

 

[Pinkocto]

Too cool about the bus pulling right up.

That room is GORGEOUS!!!!!!

Poor DS, that sounds terrible

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Well, if you have to slum it I guess that room is ok. I mean, only 1 television in the bathroom : rotfl2:

Those split bathrooms are one of the best New things they have started doing (i think they first did it on the cruise ships)

That is one downside to the stainless steel frig - magnets don't stick. Definitely should have asked for a refund

 

[mvf-m11c]

Your room at the VGF looks so big and very nice. It will be a long time since I will stay on-site at WDW since I mostly stay off-site. It is nice to see what the rooms are like.

I will have to look at wegoshop as a place to get groceries.

Great update.

 

[princessbelle2015]

The villa looks great. I could easily live there.

My DM and I are always talking about what are plans and right after the conversation is over my DD ask what are plans are.

I hope your DS night terror get better. That can't be good for your DS and your family.

 

[heathsf]

Oh my gosh that room...



GORGEOUS!!! I'm incredibly jealous.

My brother used to have night terrors when he was younger and I vividly remember how horrific they were. I hope the rest of the nights were easier for him.

 

[TeamSy]

Your son is so adorable!!! Loving your trip report! We stayed at VGF last year and agree, it's so beautiful!!

 

[MEK]

Awesome room! I bet the 1BR is just fantastic. I know the studio was awesome!

Poor DS - not sleeping well - that is totally the worst! I'm glad he was eventually able to go back to sleep, but 20 minutes is an eternity when it's the middle of the night.

I loved that outside fountain. It was so pretty! Can't wait to stay there again, except I have no idea when it will be. Boo!

 

[MEK]

I missed your Reglan update. The scallops look yummy. So the fish and chips were just eh? Great trick you developed on the fly for your picky eater. What kid is NOT a picky eater? You certainly got a great view of the dancers.

 

[Marsheliz]

Oh my!!! That room though!!! For heavens sake, I wouldn't even care about going to the parks... Lol!!

Ph man, keeping a child quiet in a hotel room does seem like hours, even if just a few minutes!

 

[dizneeat]

So sorry to hear that Calvin didn't sleep well.

Your villa looks absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!!!! We stayed in a studio last February and we were in awe - I can only imagine how it must have been in a 1 BR.

 

[franandaj]

Your one bedroom had the exact same layout as ours with the exception of the bathroom. Isn't it just a beautiful Villa? You really feel like you are living in luxury!

I'm glad that We Go Shop worked out for you! You must have really made a lot of breakfasts in the Villa to get that much bacon and eggs. Good for you! It really does save on food costs, when you don't have to rush out to breakfast.

So cute that your little man made himself right at home.

That is so scary to have him wake up in the middle of the night like that especially since you are probably used to him sleeping through the night now. I hope that doesn't happen again for you on this trip!

So glad you liked the VGF, I thought it was a really wonderful place to stay as well!