If your heart is in your DREAM a Aug/Sept 2011, NEW - links to dining/trip report

[dizneeat]

Hummm few more days before cruise then the cruise then back to the food I feel i just cannot win here disney food so so good but so so bad

Jeff, Disney food is the ONLY food with NO calories - remember it's all sprinkled with calorie dissolving pixie dust!

Thanks! I had read that the wind can cause it to slow and that it happens often. It would be a neat thing for the guys to do, so I too will be keeping my fingers crossed.

It is good to know that I am not the only one to feel a bit outside my comfort level with the height thing. I did, finally, after all the visits to DL and WDW attempt ToT last spring. I was so scared I barely remember getting in the ride. Then... I actually bit my poor dh. I didn't have anything else to wrap around him... so I sunk in my teeth.

OMG! don't tell me that! What a discount. I guess Disney has to entice you more since you have such a long distance to travel to get to FL... plus customs.. ect.

How awesome! I know what I am going to want to be getting.

The wind can be a huge problem with the balloon. We had to change our plans more than once because of it, but if the wind is right it is a fantastic experience - the view they'll have is just wonderful.

I just had to when you told me your ToT story! So fun!!!!!! I don't mind ToT any more, you sit down, you have a seat belt and it is FUN!!!!!

Yes, I love my discounts and the fact that the Brits give more than one. We would not be able to afford 3 cruises and 17 nights in a one bedroom villa at OKW if we had to pay full price!

Isn't that Fantasmic dessert tray awesome. We'll have an early dinner and I hope to indulge in that while waiting for Fantasmic!

Day 4 sounds like a jam packed day, lots of fun to be had. I love that you are doing three parks in a day

We often do several parks in a day. No problem, we'll have a car to get around!

 

[dizneeat]

Real life update!

So every day when I get on the way to drive home, I call Tom to let him know I am on my way. Today he told me that I had a surprise waiting! I then hurried home and found an envelope from our friend Tina waiting on the table.

Needless to say that I didn't waste any time and opened it right away. Inside the package there was a card and a present with lots of ribbons.
I opened the card first and this is what we found.

A card, letting me know that Tina had thought of me and got me a birthday present!

And there is this photo of the most adorable little man! Isn't he just such a sweetheart?

We you Max!! (And you too, Tina! )

Then I opened my package, and this is what I found!

I love everything and anything Vera Bradley, so I am over the moon happy!

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU, Tina!!!!!!

Aren't DISfriends just the best, always good for a wonderful surprise! Hope to see you again real soon, Tina, Max and Mark!

 

[dizneeat]

Trip planning:

Day 5, August 17

It is going to be hard to drag ourselves out of bed early after arriving back home at the villa late after Evening Extra Magic Hours at Epcot.

BUT, we are determined to make it to Typhoon Lagoon for Morning Extra Magic Hours.
We will most likely just grab a bite to eat out of the fridge for breakfast,

before heading to the car and driving over to Typhoon Lagoon

which is literally across the road from Old Key West.
Once inside we will find a nice lounge chair to relax in,

then head for Crush’n’Gusher and some other slides and rides before grabbing a snack. Pretzel comes to mind and even ice-cream!

We will stay at Typhoon Lagoon until around midday when the park usually gets really busy.

Then we will head back to the villa to shower and change.

Should we be hungry we could just head over to Port Orleans Riverside to either share a CS credit or have one each.

We will spend our afternoon back at Old Key West, preferably at and in the Quiet Pool.

By late afternoon we will get ready to go out again. Dinner is supposed to be offsite today, so Steak and Shake, Miller’s Ale House, the Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s are equal contenders for having dinner.

Once we have indulged in more calories (since this is offsite, there ARE calories in it!) we will then drive over to the Magic Kingdom to hopefully catch the 9pm Main Street Electrical Parade.

After that we hope to be able to do the Preferred Fireworks viewing for Wishes

and will then stay until the park closes at 11pm. Since this has been a long day and we have another long one ahead of us we will just crawl into bed and catch some sleep.

 

[Teri1]

I love Typhoon Lagoon! The lazy river is so relaxing.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

We always do more than one park in a day. I get the park hoppers as I want to be flexible. We usually eat in Epcot, but don't want to hang out there everyday, although we seem to.

Our flight will get in at 8:30am & will hit WPE for lunch, can
t wait to try it.

 

[englishrose47]

Great Plans for the 17th !!You need to get your rest though Karin cuz you have a Big Dis Meet coming up !!!

 

[annmarieda]

I love those pictures of the electrical parade!!!!

Your plans, as usual, are great!!!

I have never been to either of the water parks... someday mabye... course.. me and water... almost as bad as me and heights.

 

[cbg1027]

What a thoughtful little gift from Tina! That was so sweet.

I've still NEVER been to TL or BB! I need to change that soon!

 

[disney67]

First Max is soo adorable and that was such a nice birthday gift from both of them enjoy

as for Typhoon Lagoon the last 3-4 years we went we have never had time but besides that 2 years we went in Dec and and they were referbushing so we could not try crush and gusher. fingers crossed we can plan a half day this year .

Here you go again alaways talking food first
out of these choices
Steak and Shake, Miller’s Ale House, the Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s
and they are great choices i would have to pick Millers ale house I have herd alot of good things of there food because we have one where I drive in Levittown NY. and the funny part is i have never eat there and so want to .
after many customers have reccomanded them .

next would be a place I eat once and sad we do not have one near me at all
Steak and Shake burgers are delicous and i so love the atmosphere reminds me of the old car hop days .

Outback great food love this place and Denny's is and Icon
I always make the suggestion to all my friends if you use coupons you might be able to find some in the orlando area or some of them have you can sign up for e-mails and they send you sometimes really good discounts .

great up date cannot wait for more FOOD

 

[jenseib]

I don't think I ever told you yet...as I haven't gotten to it in my TR yet, but I did end up watching the MSEP....and if you remember I had doubts about it...well I liked it. I still like Spetro better, but his was still very good. Claire and I watched the late showing and we had a space all to ourselves and it was very magical.

 

[dizneeat]

I love Typhoon Lagoon! The lazy river is so relaxing.

We just discovered the water parks! Last year was our first time visiting them and we LOVED it. That lazy river is wonderful! We did several laps last time!

We always do more than one park in a day. I get the park hoppers as I want to be flexible. We usually eat in Epcot, but don't want to hang out there everyday, although we seem to.

Our flight will get in at 8:30am & will hit WPE for lunch, can
t wait to try it.

I cannot imagine going with a base ticket. We often hit a park, then after a few rides the crowds pick up and we "flee" and go to another park. I am so thankful we get the APs now.

When are you arriving? I forgot - I am old, you know! And I am sure you are going to love WPE!

Great Plans for the 17th !!You need to get your rest though Karin cuz you have a Big Dis Meet coming up !!!

Thanks for approving my plans for the 17th. I am working on the rest of my itinerary, Rosie, but with the end of the school year only a week away, I didn't get much DIStime! Hope that by this time next week, things will be much easier and my main focus will be on posting here!

I love those pictures of the electrical parade!!!!

Your plans, as usual, are great!!!

I have never been to either of the water parks... someday mabye... course.. me and water... almost as bad as me and heights.

The MSEP is one of our all time favourites. It goes back to Disneyland, where this was the first evening parade we ever experienced. And we have fond memories of watching it with our mum.

You have not been to the water parks? What about the rest of your family? We only discovered the water parks last summer too. We always thought that we were not made for them, but loved the experience.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Hi Karin,

I am finally back on the DIS and catching up! I love all of your plans. I am exhausted just reading about 3 parks in one day!

Your pictures are awesome!

I am sad that we are going to miss you and Tom this year.

 

[Stefy]

Day 5 looks lovely and relaxing and ending the day at MK, there's so better way

 

[englishrose47]

Karin I agree about the Hoppers but Judy does not like Park hopping , so last time I got them it was really a waste as she wants to do 1 park a day!!But when I go alone or with the Dev Disabled we always have the Hopper !!

 

[annmarieda]

The MSEP is one of our all time favourites. It goes back to Disneyland, where this was the first evening parade we ever experienced. And we have fond memories of watching it with our mum.

You have not been to the water parks? What about the rest of your family? We only discovered the water parks last summer too. We always thought that we were not made for them, but loved the experience.

It was one of the first parades we saw in DL. Special memories cause my older kids were all young then.


As for the waterparks ... Since I do the planning..... Nope the family has not gone either

 

[Wicket's Mom]

We went to Blizzard Beach in 2002, but have not been to a waterpark since. I did enjoy it, but don't want to pay the extra cost. When we went on that trip there was a special, the waterparks were included in the package. That was through the old Magic Kingdom Club. I really do miss that club, had some great deals.

We will arrive on Sept.6, leaving Sept 12.

 

[dizneeat]

What a thoughtful little gift from Tina! That was so sweet.

I've still NEVER been to TL or BB! I need to change that soon!

I was so surprised to find Tina's gift. She is a sweetheart and so is little Max!

We always thought that TL and BB were not for us either. But the British tickets we have to buy in order to get the discounted OKW villa and Free Dining include the water parks as well, so we thought, what the heck why not and we had such a fun time! Can't wait to go there again. You need to go there too!

First Max is soo adorable and that was such a nice birthday gift from both of them enjoy

as for Typhoon Lagoon the last 3-4 years we went we have never had time but besides that 2 years we went in Dec and and they were referbushing so we could not try crush and gusher. fingers crossed we can plan a half day this year .

Here you go again alaways talking food first
out of these choices
Steak and Shake, Miller’s Ale House, the Outback Steakhouse and Denny’s
and they are great choices i would have to pick Millers ale house I have herd alot of good things of there food because we have one where I drive in Levittown NY. and the funny part is i have never eat there and so want to .
after many customers have reccomanded them .

next would be a place I eat once and sad we do not have one near me at all
Steak and Shake burgers are delicous and i so love the atmosphere reminds me of the old car hop days .

Outback great food love this place and Denny's is and Icon
I always make the suggestion to all my friends if you use coupons you might be able to find some in the orlando area or some of them have you can sign up for e-mails and they send you sometimes really good discounts .

great up date cannot wait for more FOOD

Yes, Max truely is a sweetie! Such a cute and fun kid!

I can only recommend the water parks. We went when they had morning extra magic hours and it was perfect. Not too many people and we "fled" right around midday when it got really packed. You should go too, your kids would have so much fun!

Thanks for giving me the rundown of the restaurants. Denny's was our first US dining experience and we just love to go back to relive those moments. We went to Outback Steakhouse in 2009 when we stayed at Key West for a few days before going to Orlando and we enjoyed Miller's Ale House on our February trip. We love to try the restaurants we see on TV. So I guess we will hit Steak 'n' Shake some time during our summer trip.

Oh, and BTW, I have more food to post in my planning of the missing 25 days!

I don't think I ever told you yet...as I haven't gotten to it in my TR yet, but I did end up watching the MSEP....and if you remember I had doubts about it...well I liked it. I still like Spetro better, but his was still very good. Claire and I watched the late showing and we had a space all to ourselves and it was very magical.

No, you never told me that you watched MSEP. I am so glad you liked it. It holds a special place in our hearts as it was the first Disney parade we saw and we all loved it so much!

Hi Karin,

I am finally back on the DIS and catching up! I love all of your plans. I am exhausted just reading about 3 parks in one day!

Your pictures are awesome!

I am sad that we are going to miss you and Tom this year.

Hi Sophia,

Glad you are back. Oh, do I know how it feels to have to catch up! I fall behind ever so often! But I hope that will all change once our summer vacation starts!
Actually I love visiting several parks in a day. Once year we managed all 4 parks and DTD in a day!

Tom and I would have LOVED to see you and Tom again too, but maybe another year we will be able to spend some time with each other again.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5 looks lovely and relaxing and ending the day at MK, there's so better way

Thanks for approving, Stefy!

Karin I agree about the Hoppers but Judy does not like Park hopping , so last time I got them it was really a waste as she wants to do 1 park a day!!But when I go alone or with the Dev Disabled we always have the Hopper !!

I just love the thought of being able to go to another park IF I want to. We sometimes have days where we only go to one park and sometimes we hit 3 of them. Now, for the last few years we have always had APs and they work best for us.

It was one of the first parades we saw in DL. Special memories cause my older kids were all young then.


As for the waterparks ... Since I do the planning..... Nope the family has not gone either

It's all in those magical memories, isn't it? ........ and you should try to make some water park memories as well.

We went to Blizzard Beach in 2002, but have not been to a waterpark since. I did enjoy it, but don't want to pay the extra cost. When we went on that trip there was a special, the waterparks were included in the package. That was through the old Magic Kingdom Club. I really do miss that club, had some great deals.

We will arrive on Sept.6, leaving Sept 12.

You NEED to try Typhoon Lagoon. I enjoyed it even more than Blizzard Beach.
Since you mention the old Magic Kingdom Club - I am a member of D23 and I got a present from them yesterday! No special deals on tickets though!
We'll leave Orlando on Sept 10 - so there will be plenty of time to meet. I am sure we can work something out.

 

[dizneeat]

Update time! Real life one, this time.

I do apologize for neglecting all the threads I am subscribed to and my own threads but last week was a bit hectic and I just didn't get around to have much DIStime.
Why you ask?

Well, part of it was due to the end of the school year. There were lots of things to do, some pupils wanted to improve their marks, which requires a HUGE test and lots of prep work on my side as well. And there usually is a really long teachers' meeting that week. Then the report cards had to be written and I had to fill in for some missing teachers who were on a week long project trip.

And the other part had to do with our summer trip and was really unexpected!
I guess you all remember our little princess

Miss Pixie. Now up until this summer she has always stayed in our house, as our father was living there as well and she wasn't on her own. In May of this year our father moved to a retirement home. Since we don't want to leave her on her own in the house, Tom asked a friend if she would take Pixie in, since she did that a long time ago too. (If you wonder why we didn't ask our usual cat sitters, Raimund and Christa, well, their flat is far too small to take Pixie in.) But back to Tom's friend. She agreed, even though she said she wouldn't be there all the time, but had a friend who would look after her. Fast forward to last Sunday when Tom called her and asked if everything was still okay and NO it was not. Her friend could not look after Pixie and Tom's friend would only be available for two of our four week vacation. We were SHOCKED!!!!!!!! With only 7 weeks to go this was a HUGE bump in the road to vacation. Now, we had to find a solution and that was a "cat hotel" where we could leave her in good hands. So most of the time we checked on the internet, Tom asked at a petshop he delivers mail too and we finally got a recommendation of a "cat hotel". We called, they have a room (she actually has her own room! ) for her BUT she needs to get ALL the shots. So next call is the vet and she agreed to do it last Thursday. Now Pixie has got all her shots and her "cat/vet pass" is all updated. She needs some more shots in 3 weeks, but she did VERY well, no hissing, being a really good cat. But all the worry about where to leave her really took up most of the time NOT taken up by school work.

But I hope to be back to post some more updates tomorrow and then stay on the ball until we leave!
Can you imagine that in exactly 6 weeks from now, we will be on a plane to Orlando!

 

[Stefy]

Hi Karin

Glad you have everything sorted for Pixie and that you can relax knowing she will be well taken care of whilst you guys are ok