Joanne and Paul's VR - 4th May 2011

[pixie921]

The Craig fights back!!!

That is priceless!! Love it!

 

[Chilly]

Sounds like a great day.

 

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Joanne
I've just spent the last two days reading through the whole of this thread and have to say you are an inspiration. You have so many lovely ideas and I want to steal them all, in fact I want to steal your whole day

And it was worth staying late to see the posts with your photos. You looked so beautiful and so very happy, its very late but many congratulations to you and your family.

Love
Gertiesquidge x

 

[J.ThaddeusToad]

That would be lovely if our paths crossed at WDW someday! Random thought, have you been to Disneyland Paris? I went once when I was younger, but I don't remember much and I'm hoping to go in a couple of years.

I love your Re-established shirt! I had a shirt made with our wedding date, names and a pic of the birdies that are on our s-t-d, invites, etc and it came in the mail yesterday. I put it on for when my DF came home and he asked where's mine?! I only made one for myself because I didn't think he'd wear it! Who knew?!

Emily to the rescue! Thank goodness the tickets got worked out! I love the pics with Donald and co. What cute outfits they are wearing!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

That is priceless!! Love it!

Sounds like a great day.

Hi Joanne
I've just spent the last two days reading through the whole of this thread and have to say you are an inspiration. You have so many lovely ideas and I want to steal them all, in fact I want to steal your whole day

And it was worth staying late to see the posts with your photos. You looked so beautiful and so very happy, its very late but many congratulations to you and your family.

Love
Gertiesquidge x

That would be lovely if our paths crossed at WDW someday! Random thought, have you been to Disneyland Paris? I went once when I was younger, but I don't remember much and I'm hoping to go in a couple of years.

I love your Re-established shirt! I had a shirt made with our wedding date, names and a pic of the birdies that are on our s-t-d, invites, etc and it came in the mail yesterday. I put it on for when my DF came home and he asked where's mine?! I only made one for myself because I didn't think he'd wear it! Who knew?!

Emily to the rescue! Thank goodness the tickets got worked out! I love the pics with Donald and co. What cute outfits they are wearing!

Amy sweetie - I know!! I love this photo!!

Claire sweetie - It was a great day, but then aren't they all when we are in our happy place??

Sweet Gertiesquidge - Thank you for having the stamina to read through all the pages. I am honoured that you should stay up so late reading my ramblings!!

Catherine sweetie - Yep, been to DLRP 10 times!!! It was my first taste of Disney parks and is probably responsible, in part, for my obsession now!!! Emily and I are hoping for a little get-away to DLRP in the autumn!!!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Friday 6th May 2011

Today we were moving resorts from BLT/AKL to PORS, so we were all up and about early!! We packed up and called bell services to come and take care of the luggage. Breakfast was coffee and wedding cake (still delicious) in our room!! I was very impressed with bell services, they were so obliging and were even happy to transfer the vase of roses (from our in-room surprise), my bouquet and a box of wedding cake over to the new resort!!
We all traveled across in a succession of taxis. I carried my dress on it's hanger and under a sheet, as I was determined to have it crease as little as possible as we were doing our TTD session on Monday!!
We arrived at PORS at around 8.30 and the plan was just to check in and take off to the AK, as we were convinced that our rooms would not be ready!!
I had always wanted to stay at PORS, as I have a love for the American Ol' South ('Gone with the Wind' is probably my all time favourite film), so I was anxious to see it!! It didn't disappoint. I loved it from the moment that we stepped into the lobby!!

To our delight and surprise all our rooms were ready (with the exception of Emily, Craig and Henry's room), so we had a quick look at them. I was thrilled that we were all in the Mansions, and we were all in Partere Place which was gorgeous!!

We then caught the bus over to AK.
Day at AK, so here come the random photos of animals and birds!!!!

Here is a good picture of Paul looking very handsome!!! ( same old jokes eh!!)

The baby gorilla was so sweet!! She was being inquisitive with a rabbit who had found it's way into her enclosure, but when the rabbit stood it's ground, she ran away!!!

We had lunch at the 'Flame Tree BBQ' which was excellent as always.
The park was very busy (beginning of the 'Grad Night crowds) and so we got less done than we hoped!!! We didn't even manage Everest this time due to the volume of people traffic!!
We did do the safari, which was the one ride I thought DMIL would love, but nope 'It was too bumpy'

We ate, that night, at 'Raglan Road' which was absolutely amazing!!! We had a lovely leisurely dinner (and a few drinks), outside in the evening sunshine!! Perfect!!
I can't remember what I had for dinner, but loved the bread and butter pudding I had for dessert (not quite as good as my Mum's though!!)

After dinner, Alfie posed with the statue outside 'Raglan Road'

When we returned to the resort, we had a night cap in the bar and went to our rooms to discover all our luggage had been transferred without a hitch, and was all in the correct bedrooms!!! We were very impressed!!!

 

[roxysmum123]

Cake for breakfast!! Love the photos, the meerkat one is poster-worthy!

 

[v_misses_epcot]

Okay! I have only 5 words to say!

TOP OF THE WORLD LOUNGE!! We got to see it when they did Cast member previews for Bay Lake Tower and you are so freaking lucky!! Unless you stay at BLT, you can't just randomly go up there. I really fell in love with the monorail stained glass behind the bar and the private area with tomorrow land pictures where you can close the curtains! UGH LUCKY LUCKY!

I've been enjoying all your pictures as well and love Donald all snazzy over at MGM. Your cake was just adorable with the little swans on top. Can't wait to see the rest!

Ok, I had more then 5 words to say haha

 

[dolphingirl47]

Oh what a pain about the issue with the tickets. They just don't seem to understand that other countries offer different kinds of tickets. I have had fun and games with the 14 day ultimate ticket before now. Well done to Emily for sorting it out.

The private character meet and greet was an amazing surprise. I have never seen those particular costumes on the characters either.

Port Orleans looks amazing. I have never been over there, but Graham has been for a few walkarounds and he really loves it. We own at Old Key West, which is of course very close. I do the parks and he tends to spend a lot of time visiting the other resorts, walking around and making the best of the pool hoping privileges that we get as DVC members.

Corinna

 

[ladyemz]

Ladyemz (are you Emma or Emily maybe???) - Thank you so much!! Next installment coming up soon. Of course, the photos are no where near as good as we had lost our gorgeous Randy by the time we started the meal!!

I am Emma

Perfect end to your VR day, we celebrated our engagement at the TOTW lounge and it really was magical Love the sunset photos.

Wow Disney magic at DHS for you all, fab photos!!!!

We stayed at POR in May and it was beautiful

 

[Chilly]

some excellent animal photos

 

[J.ThaddeusToad]

Joanne, I may be turning to you for DLRP advice in the future if we do make a plan to go! Gone with the Wind is my favorite movie as well! I grew up in the Northeast and always felt drawn to the South and now I call it home. We are staying at POR for the first time as part of our stay after the wedding and your pics have gotten me so excited (okay, I was pretty excited anyway, but now even more!)! And cake for breakfast sounds amazing!

 

[disneybarbie]

lovely few days of updates Joanne! sorry to hear about the ticket problem at DHS, it's funny how we still get 7/14 day ultimate tickets in the UK - such a different ticket system to the ones sold at Disney - but loved the character meet & greet moment! amazing.

Port Orleans looks like a beautiful resort, I really want to go there one day for a look around - the theming looks wonderful!

Btw are you featured on a podcast soon? (I saw a tweet by Carrie (lurkyloo) earlier today!


Emma x

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Cake for breakfast!! Love the photos, the meerkat one is poster-worthy!

Okay! I have only 5 words to say!

TOP OF THE WORLD LOUNGE!! We got to see it when they did Cast member previews for Bay Lake Tower and you are so freaking lucky!! Unless you stay at BLT, you can't just randomly go up there. I really fell in love with the monorail stained glass behind the bar and the private area with tomorrow land pictures where you can close the curtains! UGH LUCKY LUCKY!

I've been enjoying all your pictures as well and love Donald all snazzy over at MGM. Your cake was just adorable with the little swans on top. Can't wait to see the rest!

Ok, I had more then 5 words to say haha

Oh what a pain about the issue with the tickets. They just don't seem to understand that other countries offer different kinds of tickets. I have had fun and games with the 14 day ultimate ticket before now. Well done to Emily for sorting it out.

The private character meet and greet was an amazing surprise. I have never seen those particular costumes on the characters either.

Port Orleans looks amazing. I have never been over there, but Graham has been for a few walkarounds and he really loves it. We own at Old Key West, which is of course very close. I do the parks and he tends to spend a lot of time visiting the other resorts, walking around and making the best of the pool hoping privileges that we get as DVC members.

Corinna

I am Emma

Perfect end to your VR day, we celebrated our engagement at the TOTW lounge and it really was magical Love the sunset photos.

Wow Disney magic at DHS for you all, fab photos!!!!

We stayed at POR in May and it was beautiful

some excellent animal photos

Joanne, I may be turning to you for DLRP advice in the future if we do make a plan to go! Gone with the Wind is my favorite movie as well! I grew up in the Northeast and always felt drawn to the South and now I call it home. We are staying at POR for the first time as part of our stay after the wedding and your pics have gotten me so excited (okay, I was pretty excited anyway, but now even more!)! And cake for breakfast sounds amazing!

lovely few days of updates Joanne! sorry to hear about the ticket problem at DHS, it's funny how we still get 7/14 day ultimate tickets in the UK - such a different ticket system to the ones sold at Disney - but loved the character meet & greet moment! amazing.

Port Orleans looks like a beautiful resort, I really want to go there one day for a look around - the theming looks wonderful!

Btw are you featured on a podcast soon? (I saw a tweet by Carrie (lurkyloo) earlier today!


Emma x

Roxysmum - Got to love cake for breakfast!!

v_misses_epcot - Yeah we were very lucky to be able to go up to the TOTWL on our special day!!! It is a truly amazing and magical place!! I think you not only have to be staying at BLT to access the lounge, but I think you need to be staying at BLT on points (I think rack-rate guests cannot use it). Whilst I appreciate the exclusivity of the Lounge, I think it is a shame that more people cannot make use of it. It is not used to it's full potential, and I am concerned that it may wind up just being used for functions and conferences (somewhat like the Attic).
Thank you for your kind words - I loved our cake!!

Corinna sweetie - I know, the 14 day ticket seems to cause it's fair share of administration issues!! It was almost worth it, though, to get the meet and greet!!
I really loved PORS. I don't use our pool-hopping privileges as much as I should. I am a parks girl too, and seem to have little time for much else during our trips!!

Sweet Emma - TOTWL is amazing isn't it? Perfect place to celebrate an engagement!!! We were staying at PORS in May too!!! What dates were you staying there?

Claire sweetie - Thank you. I cannot take the credit for the photos as they were taken by Emily's boyfriend, Craig!!

Catherine sweetie - Just ask if you want to know anything about DLRP. I know the place pretty well!! You will love PORS!! It really is a beautiful and peaceful resort. Cake for breakfast - it's the future!!!

Emma sweetie - The ticket mix-up was very frustrating but they made up for it with the meet and greet!!! You must pop over to PORS sometime. It's gorgeous.
Yep, I have made a fool of myself on the podcast again!! Anybody who is bored enough to want to listen to my ramblings, can do so here

http://www.insidedisneyweddings.com/2011/08/swan-dolphin-vow-renewal-spotlight-joanne-paul/

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Saturday 7th May 2011

After a quick breakfast at resort, today was MK day!! DMIL had decided that, under no circumstances, was she going to a park today!!! All the persuading in the world was not going to budge her!! I felt very sorry for Jim, her partner, as he was very much looking forward to seeing 'the proper Disney park with the castle', but felt honour-bound to stay in the resort with her!! It was the only day we had planned in MK this trip too.
Pretty standard day at MK (rides, shows, lunch at Columbia Harbour House). Here are a couple of random photos

Craig getting ready in the morning and clearly wondering why Emily has 'Playhouse Disney' on the TV!!

Peter Pan and a couple of friends

Henry and I reveling in the wonders of IASW!!! I don't like this photo of me, but love the expressions on our faces!!! You don't get much more exciting than IASW eh!!! I love it though!!!

Tonight we split for dinner. Some went to Sanaa at Kidani Village, but the young at heart went to 1900 to meet up with the Ugly Sisters!!
I had never had dinner at 1900 before, only breakfast, and I loved dinner here. The Sisters are so entertaining!!

The sensible (boring??) group went to the beautiful Kidani Village

They really loved Sanaa and raved about the food. As you can see DMIL managed to make it to dinner!!

Those who wanted to, met up afterwards at the Studios to enjoy 'Fantasmic' and ride a few rides in the park!!! Lovely!!

Sunday 8th May 2011

Today was 'Future World' day. Breakfast at the food court in the Land after securing FPs for 'Soarin' (my favourite ride)!! Pretty standard FW day. DMIL's persistent moaning and groaning was starting to irritate a little now, so I tried to keep away from her as much as possible

Random F & G Festival photos

Alfie loves 'Test Track' and is a bit of a super car enthusiast, so he likes to linger in the pavillion after the ride

Here he is getting eaten by Bruce in the 'Living Seas with Nemo and friends'

We ate dinner at 'Coral Reef' which was our only dining disappointment of the whole trip. We have eaten here many times before, and always loved it, but this time, although the food was okay, the service was terrible (they were very busy)

Doesn't my Mum look enthralled in this one??!!

Early(ish) night as tomorrow we were doing our TTD session!!!!

Next up:- TTD part 1!!

 

[disneybarbie]

lovely update and photos Joanne!

Lol sometimes Steve will turn our tv on at home and find that the last channel 'someone' was watching was Disney Channel/Playhouse Disney - so your first picture made me laugh!

It's a nice idea that you split into groups for dinners, it is hard going with a larger group sometimes as people want to do different things - but looks like your family found a great balance I'm looking forward to trying 1900 Park Fare one time for dinner one time, we've had two great breakfasts there but I'd like to meet the Stepsisters! I like the hidden mickey on the wall in your picture of Sanaa too



Emma x

 

[One_Song]

Oh I love the pictures with the ugly stepsisters! That looks like really good casting. And that picture of your mom at Coral Reef You'd never guess she was in the happiest place on earth! I can't wait to see TTD!!

 

[Chilly]

Yeah TTD time!

 

[Jilian]

I love the pictures you've shared! I've never heard of TOTW as a place to watch wishes, what exactly is it? I haven't seen the monorail thread either, hopefully it has been deleted by now. I can't wait to see how the TTD photos came out, I'll bet they are beautiful! Your pics really make me want to take a trip to Disney soon, it looks like you all had a fabulous time.

 

[belle2211]

Great pictures! It looks like you guys had such fun and I love the pics with the stepsisters! And I can't wait to see TTD pics!!