Let's get this PAR-TAY started!!! *days 3 & 4* pg. 4

[princess@heart]

I decided to cut and paste my pre-trip report so that I can FINALLY get the ball rolling...

This is my first ever pre-trip report! Wooo-Hoooo!!!

And away we go...

CAST:

Me (Amber)- 29, preschool substitute teacher and college student working towards B.S. in Human Services Counseling.

DH (Vern)- 30, recent graduate with a M.S. in Counseling, just got a job as an investigator for Child Protective Services.

FACTS:

When- WDW January 19-25.....DCL January 25-28
Where- Carribean Beach Club.....Disney Wonder
Why- We are celebrating many things on this vacation, because it's a big one! We are celebrating DH just turning 30 and graduating with his M.S. in December. Then we are celebrating me turning 30 and our 10-year anniversary!!!


OUR DAILY PLAN:

Friday, 19th- Downtown Disney, Disney Quest, and Pleasure Island!

Saturday, 20th- Magic Kingdom

Sunday, 21st- EPCOT

Monday, 22nd- Animal Kingdom and the first-ever Pirate & Princess Party!

Tuesday, 23rd- Disney MGM

Wednesday, 24th- boat rentals, parasailing, recreation

Thursday, 25th- head to Port Canaveral, get on Wonder, set sail

Friday, 26th- Nassau

Saturday, 27th- Castaway Cay

Sunday, 28th- disembark and head for home

ADRs: (as you can see, we love TS restaurants)
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Crystal Palace
Cinderella's Royal Table
Tony's Town Square
Chef Mickey's
Coral Reef
Rose and Crown Dining Room
Kona Cafe
Boma
'Ohana
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hollywood Brown Derby
1900 Park Fare
Garden View Lounge for tea time
California Grill
Cape May Cafe (before heading to cruise)
Palo (on the Wonder)

Background:
Okay, so Vern and I didn't grow up going to WDW on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, Vern's first trip to Disney was with me in Novemeber-December 2005. Before that, I had only been to MK for a half day with my grandparents back in 1995 when I was still 17.

Vern's family never even took real vacations. I think he said they went to Nags Head, NC like twice in his life for 3 days each.

On the other hand, my grandparent took me everywhere when I'd visit them for the summer. We went to the mountains in NC at least for a week. Then they would take me and my cousins to all kinds of amusement parks and water parks. I don't ever remember them riding rollercoasters, but they loved taking us! One summer we even went to Lake Lure, NC where half of the movie Dirty Dancing was filmed! It was awesome!!!

So... on to my Disney obsession. Believe it or not, I didn't become a Disney fan until late 2003! I loved The Little Mermaid when it came out. My sister, who was 2, and I (at age 13) would watch it everyday. But other than that, I didn't really care for Disney stuff. As a matter of fact, I used to scoff at people like me! I would see people wearing lots of Mickey shirts and jewelry and I'd think, "How pathetic!" And look at me now!!! This will be my 3rd trip to WDW since Nov 2005. Just ask Vern how many Disney hoodies and t-shirts I have in my closet. It's ridiculous!


To be continued.....

 

[princess@heart]

So, day one...

We got up about 6am to take showers and pack last minute toiletries. I had ordered Disney Enchanted Calls for DH and I. At 6:01am he got a call from Mickey saying that he heard from someone special that Vern was going on a trip and he (Mickey) decided to go on a picnic with Pluto. It was cute. My call was from Aurora and she said that she heard I was taking a trip, and that she thought she had met me before "once upon a dream"! I loved it.

We finished getting ready, packed up the car, drove to Grandma's house, and she took us to the airport since she lives 4 miles from Norfolk International. We got through security, but they had a problem with the plastic baggies that we had put our travel size toiletries in. It had Hello Kitty on it and it's supposed to be completely clear. So they had to check all of our carry-ons. So, remember... if you have any liquids make sure it all fits into one CLEAR quart-size ziplock bag.

So we got to the gate with an hour and a half to spare. I went to go get muffins and juice for breakfast and we waited. I had loaded my iPod with Disney music to listen to. I absolutely love Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride from Lilo and Stitch and some people were staring at me as I bopped around and mouthed the words. DH just smiled at me! The plane coming in was late, so we boarded late. Luckily we had a direct flight to Orlando, so we didn't have any transfers to worry about.

We got to MCO with no problems. We went downstairs to get our luggage and met up with our towncar driver. He helped us with our luggage and went to go get the vehicle. To our disappointment, it wasn't a towncar. They had sent us a passenger van. How unromantic. I still need to send an e-mail to Murray Hill about that. So on our way to the resort, we had a grocery stop. We looked for my favorite Lipton Diet Green Tea, but could only find Arizona brand. I'm not a fan. We also bout some cookies and Cheetos for munchies. Then it was off to the Caribbean Beach Resort.

The resort is beautiful. We got out of the van and bell servises took our luggage so we could check in. Our desk assistant was super nice. I wish I had written her name down. At one point she said I have something for you. She disappeared and came back with an envelope addressed to us. I opened it and it was an anniversary card from reservations! It was so sweet. Then the check-in girl who overheard us talking about the card brought us 2 Happy Anniversary buttons. I felt so special!

From there, we got our luggage and a bell services person drove us and our luggage in a van to our room. The view from our room was absolutely beautiful! We had a corner room in Jamaica 42, second floor. The king bed was HUGE! I had wanted a preferred room location, but was happier to have gotten Jamaica because it was a very quiet village and we only had to walk across the bridge and (now renamed) Caribbean Cay to get to Old Port Royale.

We unpacked our bags and headed off for lunch at the food court. I love Old Port Royale. So festive and pretty. The food choices weren't great, though. I was wanting a turkey wrap, but couldn't find it. Basically there was pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches. It wasn't very crowded, though because it was about 3pm.

When we were done we headed off to the bus stop... TIME TO SHOP!!! We went to Downtown Disney and I bolted straight to Marketplace. The weather was nice and warm, so we just strolled through stores. My first purchase had to be my photo album. The girl behind the counter was on the college program from Virginia Tech, so I had to stop and talk. She was really nice.

So on to the pin store where I bougth 2 pins. I was still not yet a pin collector, but was really debating. I bought one for me and one for my awesome travel agent.

Then, the big purchase of the day (or maybe even of the whole trip). The past 2 trips I had been wimbling about getting a Mickey waffle iron. And each time I got home I kicked myself for not getting it. So when I got to Mickey's pantry, I kicked myself even more. The first 2 times I saw the iron it was $49.95. Now it was $80!!! I about died. DH was really supportive. He said, "I don't want you to get home and cry because you didn't buy it." So I asked how much to ship it home since it was bulky and heavy. Another $20! So I walked around the store trying to decide if the waffle iron (with one big Mickey head) was worth $100 to me. I finally bought it and had it shipped to me. On a side note, we got home 10 days later before it got to us. But I use it about 2 times a week now!

Okay, so this post is getting kinda long now, so I'll try to go a little quicker...

From Marketplace we walked over to Westside for our dinner ADRs at Wolfgang Puck Cafe. We got there a little early, but they were able to seat us in about 10 minutes. Vern had some kind of crusted Mahi, and I had my much lusted after Pumkin Ravioli. Yummm!!!

Just had to add this from the Virgin Megastore because U2 is my all-time favorite band!!! Wooo-Hoooo!

Then we went on to Disney Quest since we had the MYW Plus Water Park and Fun tickets. We had so much fun. Oddly enough, I loved playing the drums arcade game. DH won. Then we payed air hockey. DH won. Then we tried ski ball. No surprise here... DH won. I was determined to find a game that he couldn't beat me at, but two kids were hogging the Mario Kart! LOL So we went up to the Wonderland Cafe and split a brownie sundae while I e-mailed my sister a silly card. I tried to get on the DIS, but it wouldn't let me. I couldn't even check my AOL e-mail. Some internet cafe that is!

I started getting a little light-headed from all the sugar in the sundae, so we headed out for fresh air and to go to Pleasure Island.

We ended up at Adventurer's Club for a long time. It was hysterical!!! And the same French maid was there since our trip last April. She is so adorable.

Then we headed off to Rock 'n Roll Beach Club. I got a Paradise Punch to split with Vern. There seemed to be a wedding rehearsal party there, but not many others. R'nR Beach Club never seems to be very crowded. But I ended up really buzzed, so we went back to the hotel. It was a great day!

 

[ReneeDisney]

Great report so far! Thanks for sharing your memories--
Can't wait to read more--

 

[mdsouth]

I am enjoying your report.
It reminds me of the time my DH and I went to WDW before we had kids. That was back in March 1993. It was his first time, and my second time. Like you, I only went once while growing up age 13. I Loved it then and Love it still today.

I have now been three times. I wish we could go every year.
The last time was in 2005 when we took our kids for the first time. They were 2 1/2 and 8 at the time. We stayed in Jamaica 42 at CBR too! We were on the side that overlooked the parking lot. It was fine, because the lot was hidden for the most part with the beautiful scenery.

I am looking forward to reading more of your report.

 

[PaMom001]

Good report so far. With the weather we're having here it's nice to think about WDW.

 

[momofdbsdc]

Great report so far! Can't wait to read more!!!

Kim
momofdbsdca

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

Yay! Another FOCKER watcher report!

Great start, Amber!

 

[princess@heart]

Thanks to my new friends... Renee, mdsouth, PaMom, Kim, and DLmama!

Now that I got back into the swing of it, I should be getting day 2 up by Sunday night. I have to resize some more pics and I have an online test to take for school tomorrow. Then hopefully I can get through the trip report in less than a week. LOL

 

[DisneyJo]

Whooo hoooo it's started, great first day.

 

[TKDisneylover]

Great start on your TR Amber! And congrats to you & DH on your Anniversary & DH's M.S.!! (I work with great people like you & your DH at our local Human Services and love it!)

DH & I stayed at CBR, Aruba 54 when we went in 2004 and really enjoyed staying there. Next we're going to try AKL!

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip!!

 

[princess@heart]

Thanks for reading along Jo and Tammy!

 

[pumpkinfish]

Amber, just finished the begining of your trip report! I know you said it's your first but you are doing great! Congrats on your 10 year anniversary Nowadays that is a big deal! BTW, I see we are neighbors (I live in Newport News) .

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[punkin413]

subbing! i love reading about what other couples w/out kids do while at WDW. me and DH are going for our 5-year anniversary in may - first time for us together. great trip report so far!!!

 

[princess@heart]

Thanks, pumpkinfish and punkin413! I should be writing more tonight or tomorrow morning.

pumpkinfish, that's cool. On our 2nd trip to WDW, we sat together with a newlywed couple from Newport News at the Teppanyaki restaurant in Epcot. It sure is a "small world"! LOL

 

[KimAshton]

Just read.

Subscribbing love it.

 

[princess@heart]

Just read.

Subscribbing love it.

Thanks, Kim!

Working on day 2 now, as long as I don't have any DIS issues. Last 2 days the pages have been loading really slow or not loading at all.

 

[princess@heart]

Day 2- Magic Kingdom

We woke up with a Mickey and Stitch call to the room. I just adore Stitch, so it was cool! We then showered up and got dressed. Off to the buses!

We didn't have to wait too long for the bus, but as soon as we got to MK, there was already a line for people with breakfast ADRs. So we got in line, finally got through to Main Street, checked in at Crystal Palace, and waited some more. LOL We were the 4th party to get seated. The funny thing is, we got the EXACT same table we had last April! Too funny. Breakfast was great. I actually waited around to see Piglet this time. He was so adorable! Vern loved seeing Tigger. I had to beg him not to embarrass himself. He kept wanting to tell Tigger, "I know you're innocent". I thought it might make Tigger feel awkward. Surpirisingly, DH listened!

As soon as we could get out of breakfast we headed straight to Space Mountain. This is always our first ride of the day. We love it so much we rode it 2 times in a row! Then we did Buzz Lightyear, Tomorrowland Transit, and looked around Mickey Star Traders where I bought a MK Stitch doll. I'll post a pic of him later. We skipped Stitch's Great Escape because, while I do love Stitch, I cannot stand his chili dog burps! Kids probably think it's great but maybe he should eat ice cream instead and they can pump in the smell of vanilla and waffle cones! Yummm!!!

Then we went to the river boat, since the last 2 times we were there is was closed for refurb. We had to stand the whole time and I was getting cranky from PMS! We went over to Big Thunder since Splash Mtn is closed. We grabbed Fastpasses because the wait was 70 minutes!

From there we headed to Fantasyland and did Mickey's Philharmagic. Again, another "not-to-miss" attraction. By this time of day (still before lunch) the park started filling up. I happened to spot Alice and the Mad Hatter. They got on the teacups with 2 older girls. I talked to the CM and apparently they had won a Dream prize. She told me after the ride they would come out for autographs and pictures. Yaaayyy!

From there we took some pics in the Dumbo ride seat outside of the ride and then rode Cinderella's carousel! I loved it! That was another first for me. (And yes, in the pic I am wearing a 2005 hoodie. I thought it was cool at the time, but I now realize that it can make picture sorting a nightmare! LOL)

After getting off the carousel, Vern begged me to take a picture of him with the sword in the stone because it's one of his favorite movies.

It was getting close to lunch so we went to check in at CRT a little early and did some shopping at the place in the castle that sells artwork and stuff. I saw a Precious Moments figurine that I have to get on eBay now because I didn't buy it. It's the one with the boy and girl wearing Mickey ears, sharing a Mickey Premium, and holding a Mickey balloon. So adorable! But it was $75. And I only had about $100 more to spend after my shopping spree at Downtown Disney! So I bought a tiara from the girly store and decided to get the figurine another time.

Anyway, our lunch at CRT was great. They announced our anniversary to the tables near us! And the food was delicious as always. Here is my favorite meal in all of WDW.... the Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Carbernet Sauce and Mustard Cheese Grits! *drool*

Vern got a pic with Snow White, and this was my first time meeting the Fairy Godmother.

After luch we were stuffed! We sat down on a small stage and could hear the Dream Along with Mickey show going on. Too bad we missed it.

We then headed back to do Pirates and we intended later to do our BTMRR fastpass return time. We were in line for Pirates about 20 minutes when I had an emotional meltdown. It was getting really warm, there were throngs of people in the park (alot of locals coming in), and I was PMSing big time! I convinced Vern to get out of line and we could do Pirates on Monday at the Pirate & Princess Party. We went into the gift shop, got piratey hats for the party, gave our BTMRR Fastpasses to some older couple who love it, and went to find a bench in some shade. After a while of discussing what to do, Vern trodded of to get us a Dole Whip. I refused to miss that this time, since it was my first. When he got back we made the decision to leave the park and go for a dip in the hotel pool. On the way out we canceled out Tony's Town Square ADRs and I got a picture with Pinnocchio.

I hated leaving the park early, but I just felt like cr@p. So we got on the bus, headed back to the Caribbean Beach, stopped at Old Port Royale for early dinner and went back to the room. We had some visitors in the room to cheer us up...

After relaxing for a while, we went for a dip in the quite pool, went and layed in a hammock on the beach, and took a nice stroll after dark.

At the end of the day, I wish we had stayed at MK, but I think with the crowds, the heat, and my crankiness, it would not have been good. I probably would have snapped someone's head off. And poor Vern... he was so supportive, but I know he was really disappointed.

 

[meloneyb21]

Love your report . Can't wait to read more.

 

[DisneyJo]

Amber you got loads done at MK so it probably did you good to just relax, am I sounding like your mother or what! You met loads of characters too, nearly all I haven't met before!

 

[pumpkinfish]

Oh pretty pretty princess! Don't let PMS get you down! You did right by going shopping though! I hope your DH is a patient as mine is when it is cranky time. Lord knows we put up with enough of their stuff!
Keep the trip report coming! DH and I only have 5 more sleeps and are living through you right now!!