I can't believe he said yes! We conquered June! the end...9.10.10

[TinksThree]

Now that is something I didn't realize they had in Orlando. My Mom and her sister visited the Titanic Museum in New York City and loved it! It looks like a lot of fun and educational for the kids.



That would have happened to us I'm sure.

My mom is a historian and just about walked out of Titanic the movie. Why oh why did they spend so much time following two fictional characters acting so atypically for the early 1900's?

It looks like you really enjoyed the last few days of your trip! Too bad it is all wrapping up.

Kids! They argue over the silliest things!!

The whole storyline was why I do not watch the movie that much...I never was that big of a fan of the whole Jack/Rose saga!!

The closer to the end it gets, the sadder I become! I find it hard to believe it has only been 2 1/2 months...it feels so much longer since the trip actually ended!!

 

[TinksThree]

We left the Titanic Museum and headed to

I was wanting one more trip to

I wanted ice cream!! This trip was our 5th trip to DTD yet we had not really duplicated anything aside from T-Rex, Ghiradelli's and World of Disney!

We manage to survive the parking lot....literally! The drivers in those parking lots are maniacs!!! They are crazy!!! I think I will stick to the Disney transportation from now on!! We made a brief stop by The World of Disney.

We then wandered aimlessly around just taking in the sights. I love this guy! I have so many pictures of him! He just makes me smile!!

And then, we head inside!!

I got a chocolate milkshake so no pictures...just a cup with a lid and straw on top! But it was so good!!!

As we ate our cold treats under the shade of a tree, we people watched

Or is that person watched???? It was not crowded AT ALL! This is definitely the time to go if you are not wanting a lot of crowds!! At least on this Friday afternoon it was!!

We then wandered into a few stores....Madison loved Tren-D. We found several cool vintage Mickey items. And then it was off to our next big goal!!

We wanted some candy from Goofy!!!

I thought these were too cute!!!!

From there we wandered into the Christmas store, The Art of Disney where we watched an animator do his thing, and then we began making our way to where Keith wanted to return!!

First, though, we stopped to talk with a few birds in front of Rainforest Cafe!

And then it was off to the boat dock....so no suspense here about where Keith was wanting to return to! As we departed on the boat, I snapped a few pictures of DTD:

And as we approach our destination:

Yep, that is correct! Keith wanted to take a spin around POR one more time! This boat trip was somewhat sad though knowing it was our definite last ride....for this trip anyway! Keith really, really fell in love with the resort and the boat ride!! I still am so happy that I nailed that one....I knew he would like it!!

We walked around a bit. And decided it was hot, so we headed into the lobby area. I took this picture because I had yet to take a picture in this area!!

The kids went shopping and then we got a refreshment at the River Roost Lounge.

And after a while, we decide it is time to go back to the car. We decide to ride the bus since it is a little faster. A few pictures I also had not previously taken:

At the bus stop....do we look tired??

It has been a long week! We were really beginning to feel the effects of vacation!! We load onto the bus:

and make our way back to the car. We head straight for the resort to prepare for our final night in Orlando!!

I am really getting sad now! It is really almost over this time...no extended days...

So that concludes the last day of our trip (night still to come). It wasn't over the top exciting, but we had a blast!!!

 

[wlake]

We stayed at POR last week -- your pictures were a great reminder!

We wanted some candy from Goofy!!!

I thought these were too cute!!!!

I took that same picture of my boys in front of the jellybean sign! They loved the rice krispie cakes, too. My DH didn't see them (he was getting a chocolate milkshake while we were getting dipped marshmellows from Goofy's -- boy did we have the same visit! ), and I didn't think to get a picture, so thanks!

 

[mermaid764]

Shopping at downtown disney and visiting POR sounds like a great way to spend your last afternoon.

You got some great pics of Downtown Disney and it's sad that your report is almost over, but I"m glad I got to almost finish it before we leave Tonight

 

[kate_wdw]

I'm sorry your TR is almost over. I've loved seeing your kids get into the Disney magic and hearing about your husband's "conversion." I hope you get to return to WDW sooner rather than later

 

[SurfinTX]

We manage to survive the parking lot....literally! The drivers in those parking lots are maniacs!!! They are crazy!!! I think I will stick to the Disney transportation from now on!!

I didn't notice anything like that the prior Saturday coming in from offsite. Maybe everyone was in a rush?

We then wandered aimlessly around just taking in the sights. I love this guy! I have so many pictures of him! He just makes me smile!!

It looks so relaxing to wander without a plan.

And then, we head inside!!

I got a chocolate milkshake so no pictures...just a cup with a lid and straw on top! But it was so good!!!

I had it on the list of things to do if we headed back to DTD later but we never did. The chocolate pipe gave me a laugh!

As we ate our cold treats under the shade of a tree, we people watched.

Or is that person watched???? It was not crowded AT ALL! This is definitely the time to go if you are not wanting a lot of crowds!! At least on this Friday afternoon it was!!

Try going at 10:00 am on a Sunday like we did in 2007. Ghost town.

And then it was off to our next big goal!!

We wanted some candy from Goofy!!!

We were collecting our candy from the Confectionary at MK around this time as well!

And then it was off to the boat dock....so no suspense here about where Keith was wanting to return to!

Now that is so nice! Keith is already getting nostalgic and you have not even left yet!

We walked around a bit. And decided it was hot, so we headed into the lobby area. I took this picture because I had yet to take a picture in this area!!

And after a while, we decide it is time to go back to the car. We decide to ride the bus since it is a little faster. A few pictures I also had not previously taken:

Thanks for the pictures. I have a few of the resort but never took any out front. It is a great place to stay even if the busses are a bit hit or miss.

At the bus stop....do we look tired??

Only like average Disney vacationers.

Now you look tired!

I am really getting sad now! It is really almost over this time...no extended days...

So that concludes the last day of our trip (night still to come). It wasn't over the top exciting, but we had a blast!!!

Hey! You covered a lot and probably had more money to spend on swag so all in all a great last day!

 

[jmskinner]

I got a little behind, yet again. I had wondered about the Titanic Experience, we might have to do that sometime.

And I have to say, you were so nice about that McDonalds. I HATED that place. Maybe it was just because I couldn't find a parking space because everyone had parked so crazy, then the noise inside the place. Maybe it just wasn't what I expected.

And those last pics of POR so make me want to go back. Just love that resort, or as I call it, "home".

 

[TinksThree]

We stayed at POR last week -- your pictures were a great reminder!




I took that same picture of my boys in front of the jellybean sign! They loved the rice krispie cakes, too. My DH didn't see them (he was getting a chocolate milkshake while we were getting dipped marshmellows from Goofy's -- boy did we have the same visit! ), and I didn't think to get a picture, so thanks!

We loved POR!! I am so tempted to try POFQ next time but I am scared I will miss POR too much!

That is too funny how our visits mirrored...great minds think alike!! Madison said she wants those rice krispie cakes for her birthday....I wonder if they ship?!

Shopping at downtown disney and visiting POR sounds like a great way to spend your last afternoon.

You got some great pics of Downtown Disney and it's sad that your report is almost over, but I"m glad I got to almost finish it before we leave Tonight

I am so sad the report is almost over! It has really extended the trip and kept the memories alive....but it has also made me want to go back...NOW!!

I suppose you are there now! So unfair!

I'm sorry your TR is almost over. I've loved seeing your kids get into the Disney magic and hearing about your husband's "conversion." I hope you get to return to WDW sooner rather than later

My kids are so into the Disney magic now! Chris says even if he is working on the next trip, he will quit to go back!! Madison would go back weekly!! And best of all, Keith doesn't totally reject Disney anymore! I can actually mention it and not get mean looks! I am really hoping for a trip back next year!!

I didn't notice anything like that the prior Saturday coming in from offsite. Maybe everyone was in a rush?

This was my one and only time to drive to DTD, so it may have just been an odd occurance, but it reminded me of the scene from Fried Green Tomatoes...."TAWANDA!!!!"


It looks so relaxing to wander without a plan.

It was so awesome...I definitely want down days on my next trip, with no plans. Even if we wind up in a park....just to go planless!!

I had it on the list of things to do if we headed back to DTD later but we never did. The chocolate pipe gave me a laugh!

That pipe trips me out....so funny! You really need to make it a must-do next time if you like chocolate and/or ice cream!! I am just glad I do not live near one!!

Try going at 10:00 am on a Sunday like we did in 2007. Ghost town.

That is so cool! I like being there with no crowds. You see so many little things that you do not notice ten people deep!!


Now that is so nice! Keith is already getting nostalgic and you have not even left yet!

I LOVED it!! But i was good and tried not to gloat...too much!!

Thanks for the pictures. I have a few of the resort but never took any out front. It is a great place to stay even if the busses are a bit hit or miss.

I always forget to get pictures of the front of resorts, so I was glad for the chance to to so! I am always to worried with getting checked in and to our room so the fun can begin!!!

Only like average Disney vacationers.

Yes...I seem to remember a tired picture or two on your report as well! It wouldn't be a Disney vacation (or any vacation) without exhaustion pics at the end!

Now you look tired!

The beginning of crashing

Hey! You covered a lot and probably had more money to spend on swag so all in all a great last day!

This was the great part of what we did....we got to go shopping!! More money to spend, but still not as much spent if we had followed our other ideas!!

I got a little behind, yet again. I had wondered about the Titanic Experience, we might have to do that sometime.

And I have to say, you were so nice about that McDonalds. I HATED that place. Maybe it was just because I couldn't find a parking space because everyone had parked so crazy, then the noise inside the place. Maybe it just wasn't what I expected.

And those last pics of POR so make me want to go back. Just love that resort, or as I call it, "home".

You should try the Titanic especially with being so close!!

I was kind about that McDonald's....thankfully it was early so the noise level was not too bad. And it was typical fast food, except for mine from the Bistro. But it definitely is not a place I would ever seek out! That parking lot is awful!!

I agree....I now think of that as home. And the longer I am away the fonder my heart grows!!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Your ending is making me SAD!!! Why is it that all good things must come to an end? What's bad is, I have a tendency to keep in the back of my mind "this is the last time...blah, blah" while doing something like your boat trip back to the resort -- and that RUINS the feeling of just being in the moment!!

Conversely...

I believe there is also a turning point in my family dynamics that I suddenly realize is saying, "we have had enough." They are tired, and not even "home resort bed" is as good as "home bed." The excited smiles are gone, and sighs are more often.

So, I guess it's good that all good things come to an end...so we can come back later and enjoy them more.

 

[TinksThree]

Your ending is making me SAD!!! Why is it that all good things must come to an end? What's bad is, I have a tendency to keep in the back of my mind "this is the last time...blah, blah" while doing something like your boat trip back to the resort -- and that RUINS the feeling of just being in the moment!!

Conversely...

I believe there is also a turning point in my family dynamics that I suddenly realize is saying, "we have had enough." They are tired, and not even "home resort bed" is as good as "home bed." The excited smiles are gone, and sighs are more often.

So, I guess it's good that all good things come to an end...so we can come back later and enjoy them more.

It is making me sad too! Which (I suppose) is one reason I am procrastinating on the final installment or two! But I guess, all good things do have to end! I am already fully on the "next time" hunt!!

I am bad about saying "this is the last time..." and then a year later "this time last year..."! This trip, I think I was able to focus more ont eh moment until the very end and I realized....this really is it!!

I never want it to end....but I am the same way with my family and can just tell when the excitement is gone or diminished!

 

[TinksThree]

It was our last night at Disney World. The week had really gone wonderfully aside from Keith's foot bothering him and the motion sickness from Soarin'! The kids had not gotten into any arguments...I know anyone that has teens (or children in general) will find that hard to believe! I feel blessed that Madison and Chris really get along great together and work out their issues on their own! Keith had opened his eyes some and realized that we didn't really go to the Evil Empire and had a good time!

The weather had basically been on our side as well. It was hot but we were in Central Florida in June! We only had two rain episodes so that was a plus as well!

So how do you wrap up a week at the most magical place on earth when you had already done so much? Is there a way to top DH suggesting you actually stay at a WDW Resort for the remainder of your trip? Is there anything that can top riding EE 4 times and virtually no waits!? Is there a way to top getting awesome one-on-one time with Snow White? Is there a way to get the energy worked up for just one more fun evening out before going back to the real world??

Well, we considered 1) Kona Cafe and fireworks on the beach, 2) going to WCC--I could get an ADR, 3)ESPN and the Boardwalk Resort or 4) we were really worn out so maybe going swimming and eating at the pool bar.

Yeah, we were tired....remember those pictures? They can not lie! So we got back to the resort, changed into our swimsuits and headed out. Along the way, Keith mentioned going to the Pepper Market for supper, so we turned back and put appropriate clothing on over our suits and began walking...again!

The sun was beginning to set not only on our vacation but the day as well...but it provided such a beautiful glow to our surroundings:

We made our way towards the Cabana section:

And before we knew it we were at the main building! On our way in we stopped to take this picture:

And met someone from our hometown that we did not know! My t-shirt caught her attention and she commented on the school which led to us talking only to discover we were from the same town! Small world! This resulted in a 40 minute conversation, but we did not mind!

We then went inside and found Pepper Market:

We were seated and they explained how the card worked. This is a CS but (for those that do not know) the food is more upscale and you do have a server. There are also different food sections and you receive a card, carry it around, choose what you want and they stamp the card. It really isn't too complicated once you do it...but the explanation makes it sound kind of confusing!! First some pictures of the restaurant and then I will comment!

I had read a lot of negative reviews about Pepper Market so I wasn't too keen on going but I loved it! First, no it is not a regular CS restaurant. We were paying OOP, but the prices were along the lines of an Applebees, Chili's and so forth. People complain about the pricing and I suppose if you go thinking you will be paying $8 for a hamburger or chicken strip combo...you will be disappointed. The food is better quality than most CS places in my honest opinion.

I wasn't thrilled with our server, she seemd very unenthusiastic but maybe she was tired too! She was prompt and we never wanted for anything so I will not complain too much about her demeanor! We loved our meal. Keith and Chris got a steak of some sort that was good, but I did not get a picture.

I got a special Mahi Mahi dish....so good:

And Madison got a massive plate of nachos....

We eat, pay and make our way to the pool. First the sun is really beginning to go down...

Sniff Sniff Sniff Sniff Sniff.....

We saw a lot of cute bunnies!!!!

And then we went for one last swim! We got to the pool around 8pm - 8:15pm and realized we were glad we did not plan to grab a burger at the pool bar...it closed at 8pm!! We swam for around 2 hours under the glow of the Mayan Temple:

Madison and Chris were very kind to one another wrestling in the pool:

After swimming, we headed back to the room to prepare for the long drive home! Along the way I took a (bad) picture of the close of our trip....the sun has set.....

So that is our trip....almost....I plan to do a very brief drive home day and then a wrap up so please stay tuned as the final curtain falls....and I still can't believe he said yes!!!

 

[Bookstamper]

What a lovely, relaxing last evening of your trip! I think you all look to be having such a great time still, I always get really down when we have just a few hours left of Disney!

Really looking forward to your round-up...and any plans for future trips?? Great update!

 

[heaven2dc]

I'm sad to see your TR ending - we had a great time reading and are so glad your DH said yes!! Those pics of CSR are beautiful - I'm thinking of adding one more night at the end of our trip and staying there. Five nights is just not enough!!

 

[TinksThree]

What a lovely, relaxing last evening of your trip! I think you all look to be having such a great time still, I always get really down when we have just a few hours left of Disney!

Really looking forward to your round-up...and any plans for future trips?? Great update!

The whole day was easy and relaxing....it was really great!! I get down on the last day....I am unlike most that can't wait to go home. I could travel all the days of my life!! As long as I have a comfortable bed and a clean room at the end of the day!!

I am planning, planning, planning but I am unsure when....just that I will be going in 2011....I hope!!

I'm sad to see your TR ending - we had a great time reading and are so glad your DH said yes!! Those pics of CSR are beautiful - I'm thinking of adding one more night at the end of our trip and staying there. Five nights is just not enough!!

I am so glad you have enjoyed reading along....I appreciate you staying for the duration!! I am sad too...I don't want it to end!! LOL

CSR is beautiful! I am so happy we had the opportunity to stay there because I may have not chosen it on my own! The evenings were especially beautiful, but that may be because the sun wasn't glaring and it wasn't so hot! And you are correct...five days is not enough so maybe you can get the extra night!!!!

 

[jc040404]

Oh no! I'm actually really sad that your TR is coming to an end! I didn't post on all of it, but I've been following along! Hope you can pick out dates for 2011 soon.

It was wonderful to read about your hubby coming around and actually starting to love WDW, too. It is tough to believe that your kiddos didn't fight the entire time! Wow!! I don't think my little guys can make it an hour before they're trying to beat each other up! CSR is so pretty. I love some of these pics you got. We didn't really care for that one, even though it's nice to look at. I think we might've picked a bad time of year maybe. Too cold for swimming and too full of convention people. That pool is too awesome not to get to play in it. I think it's wonderful that you chose to stay at the resort and swim that last night. Great TR!

 

[SimmerBaggins]

Everything about your final day says "peace" -- from the pictures, to the relaxing pool time, to the CS meal (ignoring the waitress' demeanor), and the quiet serenity of the pictures you took in the evening...and then you tell us your kids were easy-going!!

Wow. I would say this is a great ending to a vacation. May all your vacations end on such a note (and mine, too!!).

 

[TinksThree]

Oh no! I'm actually really sad that your TR is coming to an end! I didn't post on all of it, but I've been following along! Hope you can pick out dates for 2011 soon.

It was wonderful to read about your hubby coming around and actually starting to love WDW, too. It is tough to believe that your kiddos didn't fight the entire time! Wow!! I don't think my little guys can make it an hour before they're trying to beat each other up! CSR is so pretty. I love some of these pics you got. We didn't really care for that one, even though it's nice to look at. I think we might've picked a bad time of year maybe. Too cold for swimming and too full of convention people. That pool is too awesome not to get to play in it. I think it's wonderful that you chose to stay at the resort and swim that last night. Great TR!

I understand, I have several TRs that I follow but do not necessarily post a lot. I am so glad you stuck with me!!

It is hard to believe that the kids did not get into it and I have tried thinking back to see if I could recall anything. Now, they do make little sarcastic remarks to one another but as far as really arguing and making everyone else notice and get in the middle of it...we were very lucky! They even get along at home for the most part. Maybe that additive in the baby milk helped... NO! I am kidding!! But they do get along very well!

I wasn't excited about CSR because of the reviews I had heard. We hardly saw any conventioners so that helped. There was a nursing convention going on (we learned in talkign with attendees by the pool) so maybe that was why...nurses are more laid back than the average convention goer! I also think I would return to CSR in the spring or fall, but not winter or summer. POR was the one we really enjoyed!

Everything about your final day says "peace" -- from the pictures, to the relaxing pool time, to the CS meal (ignoring the waitress' demeanor), and the quiet serenity of the pictures you took in the evening...and then you tell us your kids were easy-going!!

Wow. I would say this is a great ending to a vacation. May all your vacations end on such a note (and mine, too!!).

My kids tend to thrive on vacations so maybe that is why there is no arguing...I am just so thankful! We did have a very peaceful ending and since we weren't rushing, I think it stretched the time just a little!

I agree on the ending on a great note! And I hope your girls trip in a few months goes great !!

 

[ksl5f123]

Your last day sounds so wonderful! I agree 100% about driving to DTD. I have never been in that parking lot when it wasn't absolutely insane!

I am jealous that you got to return to Ghiradelli. I really have to skip a meal or something so I am hungry when we are there!

I LOVE that Keith wanted to return to POR. It really is a beautiful resort!

Your food at Pepper Market looked really good. I am glad to hear that the selection was pretty good. I had read the negative reviews too.

I think CSR has one of the very best themed pools on all of Disney property. I would stay there just for that!

 

[SurfinTX]

Again, I'm loving the pictures of CSR. I noticed in your pictures that your kids managed to find the only water feature at the poola nd are trying to push each other under it!

Everything looks so nice at night. Very peaceful. I guess only the drive back remains.

 

[TinksThree]

I promise I haven't abandoned the ending of this TR! Between school beginning, soccer, football games and band practices plus the holiday this weekend I have been swamped but I hope to finish this TR up in a day or so!!

Your last day sounds so wonderful! I agree 100% about driving to DTD. I have never been in that parking lot when it wasn't absolutely insane!

I am jealous that you got to return to Ghiradelli. I really have to skip a meal or something so I am hungry when we are there!

I LOVE that Keith wanted to return to POR. It really is a beautiful resort!

Your food at Pepper Market looked really good. I am glad to hear that the selection was pretty good. I had read the negative reviews too.

I think CSR has one of the very best themed pools on all of Disney property. I would stay there just for that!

The parking lot was a mad house! I seriously felt like we would get run over if we didn't watch out!!

Keith loved POR! I think he would go stay there and never enter a park...and still be perfectly happy!!

The food at Pepper Market was good, which was a relief after those reviews!

I seriously agree about that pool! To me it is nicer than some of the Deluxe pools!

Again, I'm loving the pictures of CSR. I noticed in your pictures that your kids managed to find the only water feature at the poola nd are trying to push each other under it!

Everything looks so nice at night. Very peaceful. I guess only the drive back remains.

Yep, they found the one water feature...and that thing shot water out good and hard!! It was like a serious massage!

CSR was very peaceful at night and I think that was what made me really like this resort in the end!!