I finally saw the lights! Our super special anniversary trip! NEW 2/2 pg.18

[mommytothreeboys]

LOVE the photopass pic with you two smooching and the boys hiding their eyes. Adorable!

 

[Happydog]

Your party pictures look great! How much fun! ALL of you look so festive!!!! Talking Mickey! Cool!!!!

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Too funny about the sales person basically talking you out of DVC.

Wow those crowds look like our last park day spring break, looking forward to your special night out and how the childcare works out

and for starting your PTR

 

[MEK]

I am shocked that the sales person actually discouraged you from buying DVC. I didn't realize you did already have a time share. Do you ever use it in Orlando? It does seem much more fun to stay Disney.

I have to say that they are very low key on the tours. I've taken two and I've never felt like they were pushy at all. I ended up buying both my contracts through resale.

Your pics in the MK remind me a lot of mine. I think we actually have some of the same pics on BTMRR, minus the faces of your two smiling boys. What a great morning in the MK. Loved it!

 

[DisMomAmy]

How fun to get the DVC tour Amy, even if you decided to not buy. I think I'd love to purchase points if someday we ever win the lottery.

Sorry MK was so packed that day. That's a bummer. Alex reminds me of my son Dimitri. He can really be a sore loser, which is no fun for the rest of the family.

Great pictures at the end of your day!!! The one of you and Tim kissing is really cute.

Thanks!! The DVC tour was fun & we may end up buying at some point - even if it's just enough for a few days each year to supplement our timeshare options.

Both of my boys are so competitive & have a really hard time losing!

I have to say it's really nice having friends at Disney when you are there too!

I was in the Hall of Presidents when I got a text from Amy saying that she had a surprise gift for me. (I immediately thought is was something she found for my kids who weren't traveling with me this trip). The next text was meet me at the hub so I can give it to you.

My two friends must have thought it the oddest thing to rush off to meet a friend in the middle of Disney World at a moments notice and then get Ultimate Immediate FastPasses.

Those FastPasses were a huge trip saver for me! I can't thank Amy enough for thinking of me when she got them.

The crowds that weekend were insane for November. Later that afternoon we went to DHS and used them for TOT and RNRC. We used them Saturday night at MK for Big Thunder. And Sunday for Soarin'

I remember how concerned you were about the crowd predictions for that day so I was happy to spread a little pixiedust!

How funny about that salesperson! Funny, prices are going up at 3 of the resorts on the 18th including BLT so you'd think they'd have been pushing things.

Those crowds look UGH, I can only imagine how helpful the GAC was on a day like that and what a wonderful gift for Heidi. Evan really wanted a bigger Lotso on our cruise and I confess, we talked him out of it, it would have been a huge chunk of his money. I have a feeling he will get him the next trip, he still keeps bringing it up. I guess I figured at 12 he might regret spending that much later on but apparently he regrets not getting it. And Santa spaced on getting it for his stocking.

Sweet about the stickers.

It was funny! I don't know why he was like that...

It was so crowded that day - the GAC was helpful but the best thing we could do that day was get out of there!

It's so funny what kids want to spend their money on... you never know! We've definitely talked the kids out of buying things that we end up having to go back for.

Okay, I am FINALLY caught up and not as far behind as I thought I was.

I loved your Animal Kingdom day. It really has become my third favorite park (over DHS) and I loved all the animal shots; and that giraffe....that is why I love Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I am determined that we will get to Disney ONCE during the holiday season just to see the Osborne Lights; thanks for sharing the photos and the video--I enjoyed.

Love the photopass pictures of you guys at the Magic Kingdom!

We had a great safari at AK! The giraffes were so cool! I'd love to take the family to AKL... I wish it was within walking distance of one of the parks. Too bad they didn't build it closer to AK. So far (since CBR) I've only been able to convince Tim to stay onsite at resorts that are close to parks. (BWV & BC)

You have to see those lights!

LOVE the photopass pic with you two smooching and the boys hiding their eyes. Adorable!

You can see that the kids were squinting in the first PP picture. I think that's whyt he PP CM had us do that shot!

Your party pictures look great! How much fun! ALL of you look so festive!!!! Talking Mickey! Cool!!!!

We had a blast! Talking Mickey was the coolest! Definitely a highlight of the trip.

Too funny about the sales person basically talking you out of DVC.

Wow those crowds look like our last park day spring break, looking forward to your special night out and how the childcare works out

and for starting your PTR

It was strange. And those crowds were crazy! I was glad we didn't have a park planned for that night.

I am shocked that the sales person actually discouraged you from buying DVC. I didn't realize you did already have a time share. Do you ever use it in Orlando? It does seem much more fun to stay Disney.

I have to say that they are very low key on the tours. I've taken two and I've never felt like they were pushy at all. I ended up buying both my contracts through resale.

Your pics in the MK remind me a lot of mine. I think we actually have some of the same pics on BTMRR, minus the faces of your two smiling boys. What a great morning in the MK. Loved it!

The DVC tour was a bit strange! Yes - we own a week at a resort in Maine. It's actually not too far from where we live & we've never stayed there. My parents bought it, probably 15-20 years ago with the intention of using it to trade elsewhere. They gave it to us when we got married. It's fully paid for so we just have to pay annual maintenance fees. We haven't had the best luck trading it outside of Florida, but we always do well in Orlando. We've used it in Orlando 7-8 times.

I love BTMRR pictures - I'm so sad it's going to be closed when we are there in April!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I was a couple of updates behind, but I am all caught up now.

I like those Boardwalk souvenirs you bought -- very cute!

How cool that you got to see a preview of the Osborne lights from Tower of Terror, and of course, the actual lights are gorgeous.

I really can't wait to try Star Tours a couple of times to see some of the differences! I am very jealous that you scored the first row on the GMR! What a neat experience!

It looks like the new Fantasyland expansion is moving right along! Very exciting!!!

 

[Happydog]

Great photos of MK and AK! (I have FINALLY made it to the front of the line!! LOL!!!) THEN you go and start a PTR

I will make sure that I get over there, too!

Your ride photos look like everyone is having so much fun!!!! I can never get photos on BTMRR, you got some great ones!

WE are in the same dilemma about DVC, too. We rent points often, and having another timeshare, it doesn't make sense, since we can trade them too... so in our case, DVC isn't really a good strategy. But I envy all who have DVC outright, if only because they have great flexibility.

Your anniversary photos are awfully, cute, our boys would be doing the same thing covering their eyes... too fun!!!

 

[irish dancer]

Hmm, thought I had posted after your last update but can't find one so I'm thinking since for some reason I have to sign into Firefox to post I must have spaced.

I'm not too surprised the DVC rep was laid back. They have never been high pressure although I've read some are getting more pushy. I'm glad you had a good one. No need to rush into buying, there's lots to know/learn before you take the plunge. At least you got ice cream out of it and the bonus fastpasses. How sweet to gift them to Heidi, that must have been a great surprise!

Love the photopass pics, esp. the one with you two kissing and the boys covering their eyes.

Have to confess that I love Tiki Room. It was closed for our last trip and now they've gone back to the old story so I'm looking forward to it on our next trip. I know it is poorly attended but I'm hoping it'll stick around. It's even better in DL because you can get a Dole Whip in the waiting area and bring it in for the show.

Can't wait to hear about Mom & Dad's night out and the kids' club. Daniel loved them, they had his favorite things Playstation and food.

 

[DisMomAmy]

I was a couple of updates behind, but I am all caught up now.

I like those Boardwalk souvenirs you bought -- very cute!

How cool that you got to see a preview of the Osborne lights from Tower of Terror, and of course, the actual lights are gorgeous.

I really can't wait to try Star Tours a couple of times to see some of the differences! I am very jealous that you scored the first row on the GMR! What a neat experience!

It looks like the new Fantasyland expansion is moving right along! Very exciting!!!

O-lights from the ToT was awesome!

You will love the new Star Tours - I know that's a favorite for your gang!

I'm excited to see how Fantasyland is coming along in April!

Great photos of MK and AK! (I have FINALLY made it to the front of the line!! LOL!!!) THEN you go and start a PTR

I will make sure that I get over there, too!

Your ride photos look like everyone is having so much fun!!!! I can never get photos on BTMRR, you got some great ones!

WE are in the same dilemma about DVC, too. We rent points often, and having another timeshare, it doesn't make sense, since we can trade them too... so in our case, DVC isn't really a good strategy. But I envy all who have DVC outright, if only because they have great flexibility.

Your anniversary photos are awfully, cute, our boys would be doing the same thing covering their eyes... too fun!!!

My favorite BTMRR pictures are night pictures but my camera was acting up on this trip & most of my night pictures came out awful. I need to get my camera figured out before the April trip... I don't want a repeat!

I know what you mean about DVC envy... I would so love to own a whole bunch of points! But like you, it doesn't exactly make sense.

Hmm, thought I had posted after your last update but can't find one so I'm thinking since for some reason I have to sign into Firefox to post I must have spaced.

I'm not too surprised the DVC rep was laid back. They have never been high pressure although I've read some are getting more pushy. I'm glad you had a good one. No need to rush into buying, there's lots to know/learn before you take the plunge. At least you got ice cream out of it and the bonus fastpasses. How sweet to gift them to Heidi, that must have been a great surprise!

Love the photopass pics, esp. the one with you two kissing and the boys covering their eyes.

Have to confess that I love Tiki Room. It was closed for our last trip and now they've gone back to the old story so I'm looking forward to it on our next trip. I know it is poorly attended but I'm hoping it'll stick around. It's even better in DL because you can get a Dole Whip in the waiting area and bring it in for the show.

Can't wait to hear about Mom & Dad's night out and the kids' club. Daniel loved them, they had his favorite things Playstation and food.

The Tiki Room was cute & I'm glad we saw it, but I hadn't seen it since I was 9 so my memories were much grander than the actual attraction turned out. The rest of the family thought I was crazy for dragging them in there. I love that you can have a Dole Whip in the show at DL! There was one family with little kids eating ice cream & took it in with them, even though they heard the announcement & saw the signs. Maybe they were confused & thought they were really at DL!

Night out coming right up!

 

[DisMomAmy]

When we got back to BWI we took the boys for a swim then went back to the villa to get ready for our anniversary dinner. We left around 4:40 to get to the Sandcastle club for 5:00. We were really nervous about leaving them at the kids club. I’d done a lot of research & knew that plenty of children with high functioning autism had done well at the clubs but every kid is different… I was worried Alex would get too mouthy & upset one of the other kids. I worried Zach would think nobody liked him & sit in the corner by himself. But we had a dinner reservation to get to so filled out their dinner menu sheets, said good-bye and headed off to the Dolphin.

The walk was longer than we expected as the sidewalks weave in & out along the sides of the Dolphin. I tried to take pictures as we walked:

Continued...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Continued...

As always, we had a great dinner! It was pretty relaxing but we still wondered how the boys were doing. After dinner we actually had to walk back quickly to pick them up by 7pm. (And I’m glad we did because I heard you get hit with a big late fee if you are late.) More pictures from the walk back… Tim kept walking and I would stop for pictures, then run to catch up with him! I didn’t want to be late, but I wanted to take pictures & knew I had to stop if they were going to come out OK. Unfortunately most of them came out fuzzy… I don’t know if it’s me or my camera. I think it’s my camera because I don’t ever remember having this much trouble before. I’m hoping to get a new one before our April trip. Here are the non-fuzzy shots:

We got there just in time & the kids had a blast and were disappointed it was time to leave!

The only complaint was from Zach that he was supposed to have milk with his dinner but he said I circled water on his sheet. It’s quite possible that I did since we were nervous & trying to get them settled as I filled out the form. I asked him what he wanted and he did say milk. So I’m not sure… but we stopped at the gift shop in the BC to get Zach a drink since he was DYING of thirst because he hates drinking water. Powerade in hand, we moved on. We were tired but decided to head into Epcot for a dessert & a couple rides. It was busy here tonight too!

First up we went to Soarin’ and Alex asked for the front row because he knew how much Zach liked it. We noticed that the screen was really messed up. It’s due for a rehab! We decided to ride SSE next.

Continued...

 

[DisMomAmy]

Continued...

Zach wanted a Kaki Gori but Tim’s feet were killing him so he & Alex left. Zach & I walked to Japan via Mexico. We stopped for a PP picture in front of the tree.

It was really crowded here tonight too – Friday night, the last weekend of F&W! We squeezed our way through the crowds & made it to Japan. I was going to pick up some chocolate mousse at La Patisserie but the line was really long so we moved on toward the International Gateway.

I took a bunch of pictures on the way back but again, most of them are fuzzy!

When we made it back to the room, Alex had a present for Zach. Apparently Tim & Alex stopped at the ESPN store & bought Zach a Red Sox Mickey Mouse pin. (Alex already had a Yankees MM pin from last year.) The kids got right into bed & were asleep in no time. Illuminations wasn’t until 10:00 tonight so Tim & I enjoyed it after the kids were in bed.

Up next: Our last park day!

 

[skier_pete]

...Hey there. Just getting caught up. Funny that you blew off our rope drop meeting for a DVC presentation! I feel so special. (I kid, I kid!)

What's funny is that you mentioned how crowded you thought it was there that day. I thought our experience was the opposite, or at least it was in the morning, since that was our first day and we only stayed in the park until around 2 PM. Even my mom was commenting how empty it was, and she only remembers it from back in the '70s and '80s.

What time did you arrive at MK? I find that on hard-ticket nights the parks are super empty in the morning, but then crowds build all day.

The other question I had, maybe a stupid one, what was the restaurant you ate at for your anniversary dinner? Perhaps for some reason I am just blanking out on where you mention the name, I know it was at the Dolphin, but just couldn't find it after two quick read-throughs!

Wasn't that a chilly evening, though? I see everyone had their sweatshirts on.

SkierPete

 

[DisMomAmy]

...Hey there. Just getting caught up. Funny that you blew off our rope drop meeting for a DVC presentation! I feel so special. (I kid, I kid!)

What's funny is that you mentioned how crowded you thought it was there that day. I thought our experience was the opposite, or at least it was in the morning, since that was our first day and we only stayed in the park until around 2 PM. Even my mom was commenting how empty it was, and she only remembers it from back in the '70s and '80s.

What time did you arrive at MK? I find that on hard-ticket nights the parks are super empty in the morning, but then crowds build all day.

The other question I had, maybe a stupid one, what was the restaurant you ate at for your anniversary dinner? Perhaps for some reason I am just blanking out on where you mention the name, I know it was at the Dolphin, but just couldn't find it after two quick read-throughs!

Wasn't that a chilly evening, though? I see everyone had their sweatshirts on.

SkierPete

I was looking forward to my DISmeets that morning too.

We probably got there close to 11:00? But then we hit some rides & ate lunch a little late which made us hit the lunch lines. We always eat early to avoid the crowds but it didn't work out that way today. It just goes to show that you have to make rope drop!

Maybe I never said where we ate? Oops! We ate at Shula's! This was our third visit & loved it! It's expensive but so good!!

Definitely the coldest day of our trip!

 

[MeMom]

It's great that the boys enjoyed their time at the kids' club. Hopefully that eases your mind for future mom and dad only dinners. I would enjoy working in one of the kids' clubs down there, not only just hanging out with the kids doing crafts and playing games, but knowing that parents were getting some good quality time to themselves.

I have heard only good, good things about Shula's. I bet they have mouth-watering steaks!

The Boardwalk area is so pretty at night with the lights shining on the water.

Brooklynn would like the kaki gori. I meant to get her one on the October trip, but never did.

 

[JPFamilyMom]

Glad you had a nice evening. Boys look like they had fun, glad it was a good experience in the kids club, and makes me feel better if we ever contemplate using one.

Love the pictures from your room at night of Illuminations.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow, what a great view for Illuminations! Wow, what a busy MK day.

That is odd about the DVC guy. We never did the tour but bought actually through email. I would have liked to seen the Aulani room. Like you, we have another time share. I would love to get rid of it but I think we are stuck with it for life. We haven't used it for a couple of years but are going to this summer.

Wow, I can't believe you are on your last day and I still haven't even started!

 

[exwdwcm]

What an amazing view of Illuminations!

We are going to try out the Kids Club this year too. I've used the off site sitters before and they were awesome! We used Kids Nite Out and my son and his two cousins loved them so much, we used them a second time in the trip when we hadn't planned on it. I think the age min on Kids Club was 4 and my son was 2 at the time, so Kids Nite Out was a nice option- they stayed in our room the whole time (we had two connecting rooms at WL). We ordered in room service and the sitter came with a suitcase full of activities and toys.

Excited to try the Kids Club though, I think my DS would really enjoy it!

Sorry you missed your chocolate mousse, that is one of my favorites too- i stop there every trip!

 

[irish dancer]

I'm so glad the boys liked the kids club. We have used the ones at the Poly, BC and AK. They all liked different ones for different reasons. Deirdre liked Poly best, Daniel liked BC and Mairead's fav was AK. They NEVER wanted to leave when we arrived, even the night they were there for four hours while DH and I did a Candlelight Processional dinner pkg. One time they even had us leave and come back later because one of the CMs had just gone to get warm choc chip cookies for them and they didn't want to miss out.

I love the pics from the BWI area at night, it is so pretty with the lights reflecting off the water. That is a GREAT view of the fireworks, was that from your balcony?

 

[eandesmom]

I was cracking up at your comment on the sidewalks weaving in and out, they really do! We were late to dinner on our girls trip and booked it over there and snuck in through a side door which amazingly took us into the back part of BlueZoo, where we were eating! I think we saved 5 minutes with that accidental shortcut.

Very glad the kids enjoyed the kids club. We've never done it and now they are too old. Boo!