I've fallen in love with the VGF - TR (pics from Jan. trip, 2/23, p.22)

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Sounds like a really fun day. We could never go from a water park to a park though, even if Fran napped at the water park, she would need to go back to the room and nap before going to a park! I really want to go at Christmastime and see the Osbourne lights. I heard a rumor that they might discontinue them and that would be a shame. I haven't seen them yet!

yes I read that too re Osbourne lights but all is not lost. I also read they are moving it to EPCOT we are planning a trip Dec 2015 now inspired by Pam's trip!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

How nice you got to BB or blister beach as I call it after one very hot day lol. Love the lazy river but agree I prefer the one at TL as it's less shaded. Sadly for some reason Jo and I always seem to be there the time they close it for refurb! I didn't know you could get a locker in another park if you already had paid so good tip!

Yum re sugar cookie! My scooter would have conveniently broken down at the funnel cake stand. I find hunger a very intolerable condition for which there is only one cure!

Your dinner looks nice at HS. I like that place. Had some nice food there too. Osbourne lights so pretty! You are brave to go on TOT that is one ride that sends my system in overdrive! Cool re Star Tours

Shame about that couple of DCL. The adults only areas are lovely. We love the day beds and of course Palo's! But then we don't mind children either so maybe we never noticed or it doesn't bother us. After all Disney is for everyone! Nice to see the delight on everybody's face no matter what age!

I think a lot of people want a casino but won't admit it!

 

[twinsouvenirs]

i really want to know how they make those apples!!!

 

[eandesmom]

These were absolutely amazing! Goat cheese and olives with some crispy things. We both agreed that we would go back just for these.



He did bring her the requested couscous



And also this fabulous veggie platter



I had salmon with mushrooms and hummus. Very tasty.

Everything looks REALLY yummy!

While I was playing around with MDE mom was looking at the weather.

For Orlando

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!

We watched a hermit crab make its way around the tank and then headed out. We both really enjoy watching animals so that was a nice little side trip. Then off to the Land where we found this great display.

That is so cool! I wasn't back in the Land really at all this trip, how neat!

And look what we were able to see from our balcony!









It made its way around the lagoon and I think repeated the show in front of each resort. It was a cute show. In about half an hour the fireworks started. No pictures, I’m absolutely terrible at fireworks pictures, but it was so cool to have a perfect view of the fireworks from our room. Mom loves fireworks, and I mean LOVES fireworks, so she was in heaven.

We had a light dinner of bagels and rolls while watching Modern Family on the television. It was another perfect day!

How fabulous is that!!!!!!!!!!

After the show we had a 6-7 FP+ for RnRC but we were both hungry so decided to skip it. We remembered the suggestion of the man we met at Pecos Bills that there is a great Greek salad somewhere in HS so I got on the phone to find which restaurant it was. It was called Studio Catering back by the Backlot Tour. We had always skipped it because I thought it only had burgers and chicken fingers, big mistake. So we headed that way.

Mom’s Greek Salad, she said it was fabulous, there were tons of ingredients under the lettuce, she hadn’t tossed it yet. Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onions, feta cheese, and greek dressing.

That looks good, so did your sandwich!

I think I am all caught up, what a wonderful wonderful trip so far!

 

[Leshaface]

Aw man, that couple didn't even give DCL a chance! I think if they would have done all the things that you had suggested, they would love it! I can't really picture myself cruising with anyone other than DCL.

Mmm, have never been into Sweet Spells (love that 'poisoned' candy apple!) or Studio Catering! Need to remember these.

Is it true that they have gotten, or will be, getting rid of Osborne lights?!?

 

[Pinkocto]

Sounds like a really fun day. We could never go from a water park to a park though, even if Fran napped at the water park, she would need to go back to the room and nap before going to a park!

I really want to go at Christmastime and see the Osbourne lights. I heard a rumor that they might discontinue them and that would be a shame. I haven't seen them yet!

I hope they don't get rid of the lights, the are amazing!!!

 

[Pinkocto]

I am so enjoying your trip report. Trying to remember all of the things I want to comment on. I love that you travel with your mom. Aren't moms the best? I love to do Disney with my older sister and Mom. Of course now we have four kids too. They are fun though but husbands can stay home. The pictures of the water pageant from your balcony brought tears to my eyes. I just love the lake and the Contemporary in the distance and all of the lights........if I could close my eyes and be somewhere that would be it. I loved your pictures of the VGF. We bought a small add-on there and I was kind of not sure but I think I will love it. If nothing else the location alone is worth it for me. So I am planning our summer trip and if things don't work out perfectly I may be cramming all 7 of us into a studio at VGF. Yes, I know the limit if 5 + an infant but we are 5 and 2 infants so I am thinking we can make it work. My sister is used to sleeping with both her kids, Mom and I can share a bed and then DS in the murphy and DD in the pack and play. Ideal no. Can we do it? Yes for 2 nights we can make it work until we move into a 2 BR and spread out. Anyway, love your report!!!

Congratulations on your add on!!!! The location really can't be beat, the monorail was so convenient. I think you'd be fine just to sleep, it'll be a tight fit but it would work, and you've got the two showers.

I hope you love VGF

Thanks so much for reading

 

[Pinkocto]

yes I read that too re Osbourne lights but all is not lost. I also read they are moving it to EPCOT we are planning a trip Dec 2015 now inspired by Pam's trip!

I hope they don't move them to Epcot, it's busy enough over there at Christmas.

 

[Pinkocto]

How nice you got to BB or blister beach as I call it after one very hot day lol. Love the lazy river but agree I prefer the one at TL as it's less shaded. Sadly for some reason Jo and I always seem to be there the time they close it for refurb!

It's just so shady! I guess that would be great on a super hot day but it would have been nice to laze around the river and get sun at the same time. Hopefully TL will be open for one of your upcoming trips

I didn't know you could get a locker in another park if you already had paid so good tip!

I had never heard that before either, it was great.

Yum re sugar cookie! My scooter would have conveniently broken down at the funnel cake stand. I find hunger a very intolerable condition for which there is only one cure!

I should learn by now to stop when I'm hungry, very often mom is not hungry at the same time.

Your dinner looks nice at HS. I like that place. Had some nice food there too. Osbourne lights so pretty! You are brave to go on TOT that is one ride that sends my system in overdrive! Cool re Star Tours

ToT is one of my favorites! I scream bloody murder, it's fantastic!!!

Shame about that couple of DCL. The adults only areas are lovely. We love the day beds and of course Palo's! But then we don't mind children either so maybe we never noticed or it doesn't bother us. After all Disney is for everyone! Nice to see the delight on everybody's face no matter what age!

I think a lot of people want a casino but won't admit it!

Exactly the same for us, it's heartwarming to see families of several generations of such fun together. I hope those people give it another chance.

 

[Pinkocto]

i really want to know how they make those apples!!!

I know, they were so cool.

 

[Pinkocto]

Everything looks REALLY yummy!

Marrakesh was a surprise delight, we'll definitely be back.

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!

The weather was just perfect that week

That is so cool! I wasn't back in the Land really at all this trip, how neat!

They are so creative, who would ever think to make mini gingerbread replicas!

How fabulous is that!!!!!!!!!!

It was so cool to see the parade and fireworks from the room

That looks good, so did your sandwich!

I think I am all caught up, what a wonderful wonderful trip so far!

It really was, and two more super fun days to come. Not a long trip but a fabulous one that's for sure!

 

[Pinkocto]

Aw man, that couple didn't even give DCL a chance! I think if they would have done all the things that you had suggested, they would love it! I can't really picture myself cruising with anyone other than DCL.

I know, I absolutely love DCL. The only time I'd try another line is if the destination was really important. With DCL the ship is my priority and the ports second.

I really hope those people give DCL another chance. We kept asking, 'did you try this, did you try this, did you try this? The answer to everything was no so I know they didn't see all there was to offer.

Mmm, have never been into Sweet Spells (love that 'poisoned' candy apple!) or Studio Catering! Need to remember these.

We always stop into Sweet Spells so mom can get a pecan caramel roll. They sell them other places but we like that place. I had never seen the poisoned apples before either, they were too cool.

Is it true that they have gotten, or will be, getting rid of Osborne lights?!?

I really hope not, they're such a big draw I can't believe they would. I don't know for sure though. Maybe it was when they were going to put in Carsland they needed the area the Streets of America takes up, but I think that project is on hold.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I read that the Osbourne lights is going to make room for Star Wars land but it's being moved to EPCOT instead. So they are going to extend the whole light show/Christmas theme in one park. Maybe all is not lost...but it isn't confirmed.

 

[Pinkocto]

I read that the Osbourne lights is going to make room for Star Wars land but it's being moved to EPCOT instead. So they are going to extend the whole light show/Christmas theme in one park. Maybe all is not lost...but it isn't confirmed.

Star Wars land? This is news to me. I had no idea there was any plans for a Star Wars land. That could be intriguing.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Star Wars land? This is news to me. I had no idea there was any plans for a Star Wars land. That could be intriguing.

I think it's still in rumour phase but...

http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201308/3598/

 

[Pinkocto]

I managed to unsubscribe to my own thread... Here comes an update.

 

[Pinkocto]

Day 4:

We continued our usual relaxing in the room this morning. I woke up at 8:00 and mom slept until 8:30. Even though it was a short trip I was in need of doing some laundry, and its always nice to go home with mostly clean clothes. Just as I was leaving to find the laundry room housekeeping knocked on the door for towel/trash service. I hadn’t realized we were there long enough to get this so I was surprised that she came by. We still had plenty of towels, and we had just taken down the trash the day before, so she just took the used towels and left us some new toiletries. When I came back from the laundry I saw how generous she had been!

We had started with two sets and she gave us two more complete sets.



We chatted about the day’s plans and mom decided she wanted to go to MK. I had been thinking AK but mom felt like we should enjoy MK to the max since we were right there. Good plan to me so we headed that way around 11:00. We had bagels and cream cheese again for breakfast, I didn’t take another picture.









As we headed to the monorail I had the brilliant idea to use the boat. Mom had expressed interest that first day and we still hadn’t gotten back there.







Some nice seats to lounge in while waiting



Narcooses





I thought this guy was cute lounging on the rope



Our craft arrived pretty quickly







We had to head to the Polynesian first and then would get to MK. You know I took pictures along the way.





Villas building





You can see where the wedding chapel is in this photo, on the left



Close up of our room, it’s the very top and leftmost one



Wedding chapel



Hello Polynesian



Makings of the villas. We heard form a little birdie that they will be over the water, well it’s quite obvious from this photo so I’m not sure why it would be a secret

 

[Pinkocto]

I think these big boats come from the TTC



Another one right behind



Were nearing our destination!



This little guy was too cute



It only took 25 minutes even with the Polynesian stop. I think the 40 minute estimate the CM gave us on the first day must be if the boat just left the GF and you had to wait for another one.



We first went to get some new Sorcerers cards and then headed up to Fantasyland to battle Ursula. We started chatting with a gentleman that was playing with his family and mentioned that we were new to this whole game. Well he whipped out his extra booklet of cards and gave us tons to add to our collection. He gave us some pointers and was very very nice. That was a major magical moment!

I decided to take photos of our adventure to show you guys. You place your playing card against the key at the bottom of the picture and it pulls up where you are next in the journey. I think its amazing how they can do this game, especially considering that everybody is at a different point, and theres several different games you can play.







At the end we successfully defeated the villain!





After all that battling we were in need of some refreshment. I had a perfect treat in mind that I wanted to share with mom. The chocolate chip cookie sundae was what I had in mind.



They managed to charge me for a second icecream, so while I was waiting for a manager mom went to buy some fresh kettle chips.



We had a FP+ at Splash Mountain to get to so we headed that way after eating our treats. When we got there we still had about 15 minutes to wait until our window opened so we took a nice calm ride on the train to take up the time.





Great ride as usual, I managed to get quite wet but thats the risk you take with Splash Mountain. Our next FP+ was for BTMR so we just enjoyed the environment while waiting.











I cant decide which one I like better so you have to see them all, sorry.



Well, we had a bit more time to wait until our window so we got some icecream. Its not like we had just eaten icecream or anything&&but oh was it delicious!

Moms first Mickey bar of the trip



I tried something new, a cookies and cream bar. It was good, I just should have let it melt a little more.



Doesnt this shirt get you in the Disney spirt? NOT!

 

[Pinkocto]

Then we were off to our ride







I think we went on the side we usually don’t, it felt like a new ride, very fun as usual.





Our next FP+ was for Dumbo so we headed that way. We stopped in a shop on the way and I saw a Pluto I’d never seen before



I liked the hat



We passed the sword in the stone and mom just had to test her strength







Yes, she is trying





Sorry, can’t help you mom!





Uh oh, she’s getting frustrated



She’s given up




She does this every couple trips, and it makes me laugh so hard!

 

[Pinkocto]

I'm going to leave you here for a week, I'm heading down to WDW for an impromptu trip. This was the week I'd be going on a cruise and I just had to do something instead of just staying home. I'll be at OKW for 2 nights and AKV for 2 nights, and back Friday. My plane leaves in 2 1/2 hours. I hope everyone is doing well