Jumping, Dancing & Jamming Our Way Through Walt Disney World! I'm With the Band Now!

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I need to do a bit more research on Castaway Cay and what's available to see and do.

As far as Castaway Cay is concerned DCL's website will probobly be your best friend Castaway Cay info

also the islands history is a good read to as it was home to everything from farmers to smugglers and various things in between before Disney leased it for 99 years staring in about 1997 I think. Castaway Cay history

 

[racefanof88]

Looks like your down day was pretty busy. We have never been to Cirque, but I will talk Dale into it one day. Amanda and Matt saw it on their honeymoon and they loved it. When we stayed a SSR last year I had made an ADR for The Turf Club for our last night, but canceled it. Dale wanted to eat at Tony's.

 

[jenseib]

I was a couple updates behind...and I have to say....I am sooo glad that the CBR store has trojans and tampons!!!

You did a heck of a lot on your "down" day.

And I have to say, I have never heard of the Turf Club.....I know thats bad, isn't it? Is it on the dining plan? It must not be that great if I haven't read about it somewhere....now I'm off to research it more.

I've only read one other TR that included CDS so it was very interesting to read your opinion of it. The other TR I read was Jenseib's and she said she thought it was weird. So know I have one who loved it and one who didn't. Isn't that the way opinions usually go? I've been interested in going for a while but don't want to spend the money unless I am sure we will like it. Hmmm, maybe I should watch some youtube videos and see what I think. Surely someone out there has taped the show? I don't even have a clue what it is about. Is it an acrobatic show or am I way off?

Yay for nice CMs letting you use the evelvator. I know that was a lifesaver.

Sorry your meal wasn't wonderful. It's always nice to try new places, but that is the risk you take with it. We always try lots of new places on each trip and sometimes it works out and sometimes not so much. But you never know until you go. I just hate spending money on food that I don't like though.

Do see if you can find it on youtube. Most everyone I know loves it...I just found it really weird, but I went in not knowing what to expect at all. Parts of it were fabulous, parts were weird, and parts were slow. and then some parts just killed my neck looking stright up.

The very weirdest part to me is when they start the show and everyone enters.....I was not expecting that at all. It was just different.

 

[MissLiz]

What a great day!

We haven't done Cirque yet since I haven't been too sure how the little ones would enjoy it. I think we may have to add that in the next couple of years. My youngest will be 3 scared1 in April, so she's getting to where she may enjoy it.

So, since we are almost to the last day of your trip, does that mean you will be starting a PTR soon? I'm curious to see how your planning has been going for May. I know that we keep changing and adding things. We are super excited that the Great Goofini is supposed to be open then so that the little one can try out a roller coaster. She missed out on the Barnstormer because she was too little, but we think she should be big enough in May.

 

[TinksThree]

Looks like a fun night! I plan to do Cirque one day but it may have to be when Keith is not around....I just don't know if I could talk him into trying it with an open mind! So sad that the last day is coming up!

 

[francis6306]

I'd love to see Cirque! But I will wait until the girls are older.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

The Turf Club sounds really nice! Your desserts sound especially good!

I've never seen the Cirque show, but it sounds awesome! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it!

 

[::Snow_White::]

Whew! After a couple of hours I finally made it through your trip report, at least till here! I am so excited to be staying at CBR, looks like we'll be there around the same time, maybe we'll run into each other.

I was about the surrey bike. It sure would be an experience, we'll probably end up doing it!

Love all your pictures. I've been wanting to do Cirque but decided not to. We will definitely look into that on our next trip!

 

[ronnmel]

I love Cirque du Soleil! Glad you guys had a great time and that they let you use the elevator for Mama.

 

[MEK]

First - your dress is so pretty! That is the perfect color for your skin tone! (Can you tell I watch too much "what not to wear"? throwing around terms like skin tone. )

Interesting to read about the turf club. I eventually want to eat there because SSR is my home resort.

I saw Cirque in 2010 and I absolutely loved it. I agree - it was money will spent. It was 90 minutes where time stood still. There was so much going on at every possible minute. So glad you enjoyed it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Catching up again! I was a bazillion pages back!

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! I laughed so loud I got tears in my eyes! What a great shot!

Enjoying all of your TR too, of course. Too many things to comment on! I had the opportunity to see Cirque in August and I too REALLY enjoyed it (even though my seat wasn't that great), such a unique and incredible show!

 

[rndmr2]

Great couple of updates! Those Surrey bikes are fun but a lot of work! We rented one a few years ago when we were at the Boardwalk on a resort hopping day. It was my parents and me along with my 2 neices and the younger one sat in the front on a little bench (she was about 8) . The older one (I think she was 15) and I were in front and my parents were in back, I don't think my Mom did any pedaling (She was on 24 hour Oxygen at the time) So it was 3 pedaling for 5.

We went to Turf club this past May (we were staying at SSR) It was good but I wouldn't be in a rush to go back unless we were staying there again. I saw La Nouba back in I think it was 1998. It really is an awesome show, we tried to see it this year but they were dark the week we were there.

That was a nice pic of you and John outside your room.

 

[shan23877]

Too bad that the Turf Club was a disappointment, but the rest of evening sounded great! I've never seen any of the Cirque shows, but I'd love to. We'll have to wait until DD gets a little older.

That's so nice that he CMs helped you guys out so that Mama didn't have to climb the stairs

I can't believe that we're up to the last day, I've really enjoyed your TR and don't want it to end!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Catching up again! I was a bazillion pages back!

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! I laughed so loud I got tears in my eyes! What a great shot!



Enjoying all of your TR too, of course. Too many things to comment on! I had the opportunity to see Cirque in August and I too REALLY enjoyed it (even though my seat wasn't that great), such a unique and incredible show!

We had so much fun planning the picture for Dinosaur! We can't take just a plain old/same old picture....we're the McBride family.

Didn't Jen say you had a seat down in the front row or close to it at Cirque? I would not like sitting that close to the action. Too much takes place higher up and I know my neck would be tired.

Great couple of updates! Those Surrey bikes are fun but a lot of work! We rented one a few years ago when we were at the Boardwalk on a resort hopping day. It was my parents and me along with my 2 neices and the younger one sat in the front on a little bench (she was about 8) . The older one (I think she was 15) and I were in front and my parents were in back, I don't think my Mom did any pedaling (She was on 24 hour Oxygen at the time) So it was 3 pedaling for 5.

We went to Turf club this past May (we were staying at SSR) It was good but I wouldn't be in a rush to go back unless we were staying there again. I saw La Nouba back in I think it was 1998. It really is an awesome show, we tried to see it this year but they were dark the week we were there.

That was a nice pic of you and John outside your room.

The surrey bikes were a little bit of work in the beginning but it got easier. I don't see how you pedaled for 5 people on a surrey bike! You must have some super strong calf muscles.

I feel the same way about The Turf Club. I wouldn't tell anybody not to try it but I'd tell them that it wouldn't be my first choice.

I planned our park days around Cirque this year because it wasn't taking place during the first part of the trip. I knew that Mama would love it.

Too bad that the Turf Club was a disappointment, but the rest of evening sounded great! I've never seen any of the Cirque shows, but I'd love to. We'll have to wait until DD gets a little older.

That's so nice that he CMs helped you guys out so that Mama didn't have to climb the stairs

I can't believe that we're up to the last day, I've really enjoyed your TR and don't want it to end!

Definiitely go see Cirque when your daughter gets older. It's such a fantastic show and we love it!

I hate for the trip report to end as well but at least I have a pre-trip report starting up soon.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

I think I was about 13 pages behind

first off congrats for getting the price you wanted on POR!

Those troll pictures from Norway have very creepy eyes That pic of mama in the viking hat was too funny you should have bought it for her and had her wear it for the rest of the day

The tinkerbell man was great where else can a grown man show his love of tink like that and not get carted off to the loony bin I've always wanted to eat at San Angel but I don't think we would like the food. We like Taco Bell. I know I wouldn't want to sit that close to people. I just want a table next to the water so we can watch the ride. I can't believe you had to wait that long with a reservation.

No I can't believe you didn't get a picture with tinksthree. It sounds like you had a very nice meet.

I also can't believe that mom didn't get out of the way of your bike. Didn't she even think of her daughters safety?

I'm so glad you enjoyed Cirque so much and mama didn't have to walk the stairs

Ok I THINK thats everything I wanted to comment on

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Whew! All caught up. I didn't realize how far behind I had fallen.Loved your tour of CBR. When we stayed in 1996 we were in the Barbados section. I'd never realized we were as far from the food area as we were. Didn't seem so bad of a walk. We enjoyed our stay there. May need to try it again now with the kids. I think they would like it there, too. Every time we are in a surrey rental resort we always say we are going to try that.It is still a reason to return.

 

[mommytothreeboys]

I love that boat ride to DTD. Staying at POR, we take it several times during our trips...so beautiful!

Great pic of you and John! What a cute couple!

 

[natebenma]

If that was your "down" day, I don't want to see what an "up" day looks like. Well, actually you have shared some of those with us.

I have never considered the Turf Club- don't really know much about it and since it is off the beaten path, I don't know that we will ever make it there. But I am going to check out the menu cuz your review has me curious.

We have done the boat ride in reverse (from DTD to Saratoga Springs)- that's how we get back to the Beach Club when we visit DTD. We take the boat to whatever resort it is going to, then take a bus to EPCOT before we return to the resort. The boat ride is really pretty and very relaxing.

I'm so glad you all really enjoyed the Cirque show. What a great way to start winding down your trip.

 

[mickeystoontown]

If that was your "down" day, I don't want to see what an "up" day looks like. Well, actually you have shared some of those with us.

I have never considered the Turf Club- don't really know much about it and since it is off the beaten path, I don't know that we will ever make it there. But I am going to check out the menu cuz your review has me curious.

We have done the boat ride in reverse (from DTD to Saratoga Springs)- that's how we get back to the Beach Club when we visit DTD. We take the boat to whatever resort it is going to, then take a bus to EPCOT before we return to the resort. The boat ride is really pretty and very relaxing.

I'm so glad you all really enjoyed the Cirque show. What a great way to start winding down your trip.

Even our down days are semi-busy but we do take it at a slower pace than our park days.

I had never considered The Turf Club either. One day, when looking at menus, I thought "hum, let's see what they have to eat there." and then I realized it was close to DTD and booked it. It definitely wasn't a bad meal but it wasn't the greatest either.

The Cirque du Soliel is the best money I have ever spent at Disney besides our park tickets. It's fantastic!

I love that boat ride to DTD. Staying at POR, we take it several times during our trips...so beautiful!

Great pic of you and John! What a cute couple!

Every time I read about POR, I think of you and TinksThree since it's ya'll's favorite resort.

Aww, thanks for the compliment.

Whew! All caught up. I didn't realize how far behind I had fallen.Loved your tour of CBR. When we stayed in 1996 we were in the Barbados section. I'd never realized we were as far from the food area as we were. Didn't seem so bad of a walk. We enjoyed our stay there. May need to try it again now with the kids. I think they would like it there, too. Every time we are in a surrey rental resort we always say we are going to try that.It is still a reason to return.

I get behind on all my subscribed threads so I feel ya. I've walked from Barbados around to OPR and I didn't think it was such a bad walk. I think because the resort grounds are so pretty, I forget about the walk.

I think I was about 13 pages behind

first off congrats for getting the price you wanted on POR!

Those troll pictures from Norway have very creepy eyes That pic of mama in the viking hat was too funny you should have bought it for her and had her wear it for the rest of the day

The tinkerbell man was great where else can a grown man show his love of tink like that and not get carted off to the loony bin I've always wanted to eat at San Angel but I don't think we would like the food. We like Taco Bell. I know I wouldn't want to sit that close to people. I just want a table next to the water so we can watch the ride. I can't believe you had to wait that long with a reservation.

No I can't believe you didn't get a picture with tinksthree. It sounds like you had a very nice meet.

I also can't believe that mom didn't get out of the way of your bike. Didn't she even think of her daughters safety?

I'm so glad you enjoyed Cirque so much and mama didn't have to walk the stairs

Ok I THINK thats everything I wanted to comment on

At least you're all caught up! San Angel Inn won't be on our ADR list again any time soon. It was one of those "hey we tried it, let's try something else" restaurants for us.

The Mama walking along the CBR path looked right at us and still didn't move. A surrey bike with four people on it wasn't the easiest thing to stop.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Howdy all! I have a confession to make and when ya'll read my story, you'll never believe that I was able to keep the secret from everybody. My niece, Ashly, is just 2 1/2 months younger than Lacey and the two of them are like sisters. Ashly was in Lacey's wedding and Ashly's mother (my sister, Lois) is the one who helped so much with planning and decorating Lacey's wedding. Lacey has done a little job searching since moving to Knoxville but hasn't started full-on yet because she knew that she was going to be in Ashly's wedding in March.

Ashly's been a little bummed that Lacey wouldn't be here to attend her bridal showers and may not even get to be at the rehearsal if Jesse's work schedule didn't work out that they would be here early enough. Well, sweet wonderful loving husband and son-in-law that Jesse is, he asked Lacey if she wanted to come to Louisiana for the bridal shower and stay until the wedding. That's two whole weeks. Jesse said that he knew that Lacey would be missing out on the showers and helping Ashly get ready for the wedding and that's why he suggested it. (God bless his soul for being so loving and compassionate.)

Lacey drove home this past Friday and we didn't tell anybody but Mama. My older sister came over Friday night to pick up some decorations for the bridal shower and saw Lacey's Jeep and immediately came running over for hugs and kisses. We told her that she couldn't tell a soul because it was a surprise for Ashly and our other sister. She was sworn to secrecy.

Saturday morning, Lois called and we talked about the shower that was starting at 11:00 a.m. She said that she wished Lacey could be there because Ashly missed her. I told her that at least Lacey and Jesse would be there for the wedding, etc.

Around 10:00 a.m., we went to the venue for the bridal shower and set things up. Ashly walked in and saw Lacey and immediately started crying which made me, my older sister and Mama start crying. It was so sweet because my niece is not an emotional person. Ashly just kept saying that she couldn't believe that Lacey was there and how great it was.

About 10 minutes later, Lois came in and Lacey walked over and asked her if she needed some help. Lois just said yes and handed her two bags to carry and that was it. Lois walked into the kitchen area and I said "that was a surprise wasn't it?" She said "what was a surprise?". I said "that girl in the yellow jacket?" She said "who?" and walked over to Lacey who had her back turned and when she saw who it was, she started crying too. She hadn't even realized that it was Lacey because she was too busy unloading her gifts. When she asked Lacey when she had to go back to Tennessee, Lacey told her not until after the wedding and my sister, literally, started clapping and hopped up and down.

Lacey's homecoming was a very exciting surprise and made the bridal shower all the more special.

I can't believe that I kept my tongue this whole time and didn't tell anybody. I was afraid to post it here because every once in a while my sister will come on and read my posts. I knew that I couldn't put it on Facebook because then the cat would be let out of the bag for sure.

Jesse will be coming down right before the wedding but we aren't sure when yet. They don't give him his work schedule until right before a new week starts which sucks when trying to make plans. His parents are working on getting him an airline ticket using their miles. I told him that I'm giving him a big old hug when I see him because he is sharing my baby/his wife with us for two whole weeks.

Saturday night, we went to the Monster Truck Winter Nationals and Tractor Pulls. I knew that I had to take my camera and take pictures because Jensieb's husband participates in tractor pulls. I tried to take pictures of each of the tractors and modified trucks just in case Jen's husband had competed against any of these guys.

We had great seats....second row (they don't sell the first row as a safety factor) reserved, right where the trucks jumped the dirt ramps and the tractors hooked up. Very few of these pictures are zoomed in because of our location. I did zoom in on a few just because I was trying to take pictures of the details. Some look smoky or dusty because, well, it was either smoky or dusty or both since we were so close to the action. We even had a few chunks of dirt thrown on us, we were so close.

For those of you who aren't interested in monster trucks or tractor pulls, the following posts will be completely and utterly boring to you so go ahead, I don't mind if you skip the pictures.

This truck was outfitted with seats in the back so that people could go on rides. Of course, it was extra money to do it but plenty of folks were shelling out the bucks for two rounds around the arena.

This truck was Straitjacket. The driver had his helmet hanging from the door.

The guy with the red hair in this next picture was just 16 years old. His step-dad was one of the other drivers.

The first competition was the wheelie competition:

**Continued in next post