Life is too short for self-hatred and celery sticks: final update 12/29, p.98

[rentayenta]

Yes they did. No I didn't. She claimed she was ill when we were to meet. I think it was an excuse. Only kidding. We really didn't meet. We were going to see Air Supply but it didn't work out.
I did get one. Not sure if I would again we are not water park people and have never been to Disneyquest but we will try both now.
No DLR for us anytime soon. We are doing WDW twice or three times next year and our first cruise on the Dream.

I'm so jealous! I'd love to take a Disney Cruise. Where are you cruising to? And WDW 2-3 next year? If only. Next year is very iffy Disney wise for us. DS is having his bar mitzvah in October so he gets a trip to somewhere and I don;t think he'll choose WDW like Chloe did. It's also our 20th anniversary in August and DH is planning the trip. I gave him an extensive list of where I'd love to visit and a small list of no-ways.​

I hope you had a very Happy Hanukkah!!!

Amanda

You too. Last night we lit the candles as a reminder of the frailty and beauty of life. We didn't do any Hanukkah gifts this year. I drew the line. We always do Christmas gifts, I know bad Jews, so I decided we'd celebrate the religious aspects of Hanukkah and cultural/commercial aspects of Christmas. And ya know, it worked out really really well. Instead of everyone blurting the blessings, lighting, chowing down dinner, and asking for gifts we were able to sit and relax and enjoy the miracle. It was the best Hanukkah we've had. DH and Joshua are in SF for a Raiders game this weekend so the girls and I have had some nice time together.



Working on an update right now. ​

 

[rentayenta]

After taking nearly 90 minutes to get back to SSR we decided that we were going to skip the Turf Club and spend the night in DTD with our friends. The long day in the hot sun coupled with it being our 4th day of the trip left us happy but tired and not really really hungry. I quickly called and canceled our reservation. I have a thing with no showing for a reservation so I always make sure to cancel. Must be the years of serving.

When we finally arrived to SSR and hopped the bus for the THV, Gabbys favorite bus driver Dave was driving. He was the driver the day she and Kayla left Epcot after Kayla found out her puppy passed away. Dave dropped them right in front of our THV. Tonight would be no different. Gabby and Dave:

Gabby is very very close with Michael's dad and really is so kind to our elderly population. I haven't met a teenager who spends more time talking with and enjoying their grandparents' company. I hope she chooses an occupation with the geriatric community. Shes really so patient and *gets* them.


Jenna et al were supposed to come over before DTD and help us polish off some of those bags of groceries. Because we werent starving, I made some appetizers. Unfortunately I didnt get a photo but I made guacamole, quesadillas, fresh fruit, quarter cut sandwiches, and veggies with dip. We also had various chips and frozen stuff. I was expecting 5 more so I made a ton. We ended up stuffing ourselves. So much for not being hungry.

We made our way to the boat dock. Why bus it when you can boat it? I have to say, the bus to DTD is a very cool perk of SSR! It was nice and warm and just a beautiful night. Their is a dock just for the THV.

And look who we met at the SSR dock:

DTD was a zoo. It was so packed. We tried to shop some in the World of Disney. Kayla and Chloe got pixie dusted:

Believe it or not Im not a big crowds person. Love Disney and the lines dont bother me but wall to wall people is no bueno.

After the World of Disney, Jenna et al were hungry so we al went to Earl of Sandwich. My crew was still stuffed so we didnt eat but just joined them for some quality time. The down time was nice. The girls gave Nate (Jennas hubby) a crash course on One Direction. Hes now DBD or Directioner by Default. Jenna and I plotted a possible June trip to Disneyland which unfortunately the chances look slim now unless we don't stay at the GCV. I really really need an add on there.

After Earl my crew was pretty beat so we bid farwell and took the boat back to the THV.

Think they were sick of me taking their picture?

We arrived back to the villa, I threw in some laundry, and the kids crashed hard.



Up next: we finally get to visit Animal Kingdom. ​

 

[disneydancer86]

I am new to the Disboards and I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your TR!!!

We are leaving in 13 days for our first DVC stay at Kidani 2bdrm villa (I have been to WDW the past 4 summers but never stayed DVC) and I am looking for anything and everything to read to get tips for our trip. This trip will be the first time we are going during such a busy time (May 2009 for F&G festival we walked on to every ride with no waiting!) so I want to be prepared! I am a teacher now, so we have specific times that we can go now...

Your pictures are incredible (BTW - I need whatever camera you are using...) and I so appreciate you taking the time to share them. I am looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip. I can't wait to read!

 

[Goofyluver]

And here I was, really looking forward to that pic of guacamole!

We get that way with food while at Disney...it's like you finally get fooded out. I wish that happened to me at home.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Sounds like a great night at DTD.

Hope the boys are enjoying SF and I'm glad the location is working out for them.

 

[franandaj]

Looks like a great day! Between all the TRs that I'm reading/writing today, I'm working up quite and appetite!

 

[eandesmom]

Nice night, good to just read the crowd and cancel the ADR. The crowds at DTD are no bueno for sure, I did find daytime to be better, though it was very hot out when we were there. No purchases?

 

[MEK]

90 minutes back to SSR? That sounds familiar and was definitely a problem with my summer stay there. I got bell services to take me back to the treehouse one afternoon when I didn't want to spend another minute in the heat. It was great.

Sometimes dinner in the villa is just the way to go.

I agree - heavy crowds are "no bueno" in my book, too.

 

[catherines_mama]

Wow, so crazy - I'm caught up! Loving your TR and your family is just so cute and always happy! We love "the Disney effect". Cant wait to read more.

 

[rentayenta]

I am new to the Disboards and I just wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your TR!!!

We are leaving in 13 days for our first DVC stay at Kidani 2bdrm villa (I have been to WDW the past 4 summers but never stayed DVC) and I am looking for anything and everything to read to get tips for our trip. This trip will be the first time we are going during such a busy time (May 2009 for F&G festival we walked on to every ride with no waiting!) so I want to be prepared! I am a teacher now, so we have specific times that we can go now...

Your pictures are incredible (BTW - I need whatever camera you are using...) and I so appreciate you taking the time to share them. I am looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip. I can't wait to read!

You are going to love Kidani. It's by far our favorite while at WDW and ties with the GCV at Disneyland. It's so beautiful and there is so much to do at the resort. We were on the 2nd floor, near the lobby, and had a fabulous view of the animals and a short walk to the lobby. We loves Sanna too. And Boma as usual. Try to do both if you can. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.​

And here I was, really looking forward to that pic of guacamole!

We get that way with food while at Disney...it's like you finally get fooded out. I wish that happened to me at home.

Smart.***. I do like a good guac photo. I never feel fooded out. Ever. And now that we've got Trader Joe's, my simple lunches that used to consist of salad, still have salad but now have panang or curry or some other TJ's creation.​

Sounds like a great night at DTD.

Hope the boys are enjoying SF and I'm glad the location is working out for them.

They got home today and had an incredible time. I am so glad they didn't rent a car though. The Hyatt charges $57 a day to park. I assured Michael they didn't need a car and they didn't. I'll post a few pics here. I'm green with envy for sure.​

Looks like a great day! Between all the TRs that I'm reading/writing today, I'm working up quite and appetite!

I caught up on the cruise report but didn't see a D23 update.You really bought some beautiful jewelry in PV. Wow!​

Nice night, good to just read the crowd and cancel the ADR. The crowds at DTD are no bueno for sure, I did find daytime to be better, though it was very hot out when we were there. No purchases?

I think Gabby bought some things from the eclectic Disney store in DTD but the name escapes me. I'll have yo go on the website. The rest were saving up for AK and DHS, they were on a Yeti and Star Wars hunt. Gabby always goes for the stuff I do, jewelry and the like with small Disney themes. The necklace I'm wearing the next dat in AK was one Michael bought for me that night before in DTD. We never get out without at least a few purchases. ​

90 minutes back to SSR? That sounds familiar and was definitely a problem with my summer stay there. I got bell services to take me back to the treehouse one afternoon when I didn't want to spend another minute in the heat. It was great.

Sometimes dinner in the villa is just the way to go.

I agree - heavy crowds are "no bueno" in my book, too.

That elbow to elbow drives me nuts especially when I'm trying to shop. Dinner in the villa, while not fancy, hit the trick.

Bell services at SSR are pretty cool. I found the THV bus drivers to be the best of the bunch. They dropped us more often in front of our treehouse than not. I'd stay again in a heartbeat. We missed the Turf Club completely. I think I need a full two weeks; 8 park days, a day at each water park, and 2 resort days at each resort assuming we keep splitting our stays.​

Wow, so crazy - I'm caught up! Loving your TR and your family is just so cute and always happy! We love "the Disney effect". Cant wait to read more.

Thank you! I love the happy Disney effect. I wish I could bottle it and run it through the vent system here at home. ​

 

[franandaj]

I caught up on the cruise report but didn't see a D23 update.You really bought some beautiful jewelry in PV. Wow!​

I wrote up the D23 stuff on the cruise but the next segment didn't allow pictures. I saw some pics from the session in the most recent Disney Files or D23 magazine, so I thought before posting I would google the images and see if I could find a few to include in the report.

The jewelry they had was really nice. I tried to find something unique that I couldn't get anywhere else.

 

[rentayenta]

I wrote up the D23 stuff on the cruise but the next segment didn't allow pictures. I saw some pics from the session in the most recent Disney Files or D23 magazine, so I thought before posting I would google the images and see if I could find a few to include in the report.

The jewelry they had was really nice. I tried to find something unique that I couldn't get anywhere else.

The jewelry you posted was beautiful! And very unique. Do most ports sell a particular kind of jewelry? I'm on more of a buy-it-on-the-beach budget. ​

 

[rentayenta]

Hope everyone had a happy, healthy, and Merry Christmas!​

 

[midwife]

Subbing in late. Just wanted to thank you for a great trip report. I haven't taken the kiddos to the water parks yet, but your photos/descriptions are making me want to take that plunge.

We aren't DVC yet, but my goal for our DL and 2 WDW trips in 2013 are for scoping out the DVC resorts so I can hone in on which I want for home resort.

Anyways, I look forward to the rest of your TR.

 

[franandaj]

The jewelry you posted was beautiful! And very unique. Do most ports sell a particular kind of jewelry? I'm on more of a buy-it-on-the-beach budget. ​

I'm not sure that the various ports offer different types of jewelery. The "presentation" we went to was a total sales pitch for all the various jewelers in the areas, but she did tell us about where to go for various unique stones that we wouldn't find in the US. Meaning which shops and stuff. None of these were "buy it on the beach" budget shops!

I purposely looked for unique. They also had very tradtitional settings too, but I wanted something that I wouldn't find anywhere else. Today a Macy's we saw some Tanzanite and I got earrings to go with my other loot, but it was all very traditional looking, not a large variety at all.

 

[rentayenta]

Argh! I was almost finished with my update and one of the kids accidentally closed my window.

Before I move on to our first day at Animal Kingdom I need to add that sweet Emma spent the night with us a the THV the night before. Jenna et al came over after DTD to bring her things and stayed a while, listening to stories of Michaels travels in Africa and just general catching up. Ya know those friends you don't see for a couple of years but when you get together it all still clicks? Thats us. They are really such a great family.

Back to park day numero four.....

We wanted to make sure we made rope rope so we were up and gone by 8:15. Chloe and Kayla had been YouTubing videos of EE and they were so very excited for Kaylas first ride on it. Joshua had also worked up the courage to ride it again. On our last trip in 2009 he rode it once and didnt love it. His taste in coasters is bizarre to me but to each his own. I dont make them ride anything theyre uncomfortable with. Its so not worth it. I hate seeing parents do that to their children and unfortunately I see it often at Disney.

On our way:

We look tired in this picture:

And thats because we were tired. Because we visit WDW so infrequently, we really try to get the most out of each trip in terms of experiences. We arent park commandos but we try to really enjoy every minute whether it be at the park, resort, or pool. I dont think I watched even a minute of tv this trip. The boys watched a little ESPN but other than that, I dont think the bedroom tvs even got turned on.

First stop:

Its worth noting that Michael and I have been off caffeine for sometime now but we needed some this morning. I shouldnt have started with an expresso. I was shaky the entire first half of the day. My energy/anxiety levels are on the high side so that's why I originally went off caffeine, to naturally help with anxiety. The difference in how I feel is notable.

The park was open by the time we got our coffee so no one wanted to stop for a picture. Heres my drive by:

It was a little overcast but still very warm. Another two drive bys. We were on a mission to get to EE stat!

We arrived at EE and it was a walk on. Love that. I was able to get them to hold still long enough to take some photos.

Funny enough though that on the way to EE, Chloe and Joshua found hats they had to have. You'll see them a few pics down but I can report that not only did they wear them that day but they've worn them a lot since returning home. Thanks goodness for Utah winters, they make knit Yeti caps useful.

Chloe and Kayla are major Yeti/Sasquatch fans so I knew this would remain Chloes favorite ride and would become Kaylas. The group rode it 3x that morning....without FP. We did grab some FPs though for later. I sat out the 3rd time and chatted with Jenna. She is not a coaster lover. She grabbed a coffee and I snapped some photos.

Tacky ride shot:

Once they got back:

Nate is the funniest guy ever!

Group shot of the kids:

And of us mamas:

I took alot of photos today. AK is my favorite park as far as aesthetics go. MK holds the magic but AK has a great vibe.

Kids just got home, I'll continue the day soon.....











​

 

[eandesmom]

Those hats are adorable! Fun morning, you do look tired though! I've thought about going off caffeine. The caffeine part I don't think would be that bad but giving up the routine and the flavor of coffee...brutal. I'd become a decaf drinker I know it.

Still, straight espresso on an empty stomach will hit me hard though I think it's the sugar that hits me worse, I don't do sugar at all and can't handle it well.

EE is the boys favorite as well. Were you doing single rider line or just the normal line but no wait? It isn't worth it to force kids on rides. We have been known to coerce, only if we are darn sure they will like it. We've also been known to let it go even if we know they'd like it, or have loved it in the past. Not worth it.

 

[MEK]

I love those hats and the group shot of the kids!

Woohoo for Walk-on EE! That's the way to start the morning. That might wake you up better than the caffeine. And then again - probably not!

Sorry you had the shakes from expresso overload.

Fun Update!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Fantastic to walk-on to EE three times in a row! Love the hats. They are adorable.

 

[rentayenta]

Subbing in late. Just wanted to thank you for a great trip report. I haven't taken the kiddos to the water parks yet, but your photos/descriptions are making me want to take that plunge.

We aren't DVC yet, but my goal for our DL and 2 WDW trips in 2013 are for scoping out the DVC resorts so I can hone in on which I want for home resort.

Anyways, I look forward to the rest of your TR.

and Glad you are enjoying the report.

The water parks are really so much fun and a nice break from the parks but still very Disney, just a more relaxed Disney. Curbs the Disney craving and allows for some down time. I think they're brilliant. My kids have enjoyed most but overall and after this trip Typhoon Lagoon wins over Blizzard Beach.

Wow, a trip to Disneyland 2 to WDW in 2013? How exciting! Which DVC resorts are you leaning towards? We've stayed at AKV, OKW, SSR/THV, and GCV at Disneyland. Loved them all and each has it owns perks for sure. The villas at OKW are huge and I love the theme, it's very relaxed. SSR/THV are super cool. We stayed at the THV and they were amazing. They are so unique. Having the big deck and private grill made for some very fun family time. And who doesn't want to sleep in a Treehouse? I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. We didn't try the THV pool but really enjoyed the High Rock Springs pool at SSR. The staff too at SSR were awesome!

The GCV are at Disneyland their location is by far my favorite. Getting soaked on GRR and then running up to the villa to change is unreal. Both of our stays there we've had a DCA view that was amazing. But of all of them, this last trip to Kidani has solidified AKV has our family's favorite collectively. I cannot say enough good things about Kidani. And a SV is a must for us. It never gets old. The staff were the best ever, the pool, the atmosphere, loved it! It has such a peaceful vibe. Having now stayed at Jambo and Kidani, Kidani wins hands down. The 2 bedroom villa had 3 bathrooms which was fantastic with 3 teenage girls and a tween son plus DH and myself.

I'm sure whatever resort you choose, you'll be very happy with. ​

I'm not sure that the various ports offer different types of jewelery. The "presentation" we went to was a total sales pitch for all the various jewelers in the areas, but she did tell us about where to go for various unique stones that we wouldn't find in the US. Meaning which shops and stuff. None of these were "buy it on the beach" budget shops!

I purposely looked for unique. They also had very tradtitional settings too, but I wanted something that I wouldn't find anywhere else. Today a Macy's we saw some Tanzanite and I got earrings to go with my other loot, but it was all very traditional looking, not a large variety at all.

Oh yeah, they did look fancy shmancy and what you chose was just beautiful. If I could afford or keep track of more than simple stud earrings or have anywhere to wear them, I might be more of a jewelry connoisseur but for right now Kohl's $7.99's are fine for the carpool. You'd think with Michael's diamond adventures in Africa I;d have a big rock. Someday.....​

Those hats are adorable! Fun morning, you do look tired though! I've thought about going off caffeine. The caffeine part I don't think would be that bad but giving up the routine and the flavor of coffee...brutal. I'd become a decaf drinker I know it.

Still, straight espresso on an empty stomach will hit me hard though I think it's the sugar that hits me worse, I don't do sugar at all and can't handle it well.

EE is the boys favorite as well. Were you doing single rider line or just the normal line but no wait? It isn't worth it to force kids on rides. We have been known to coerce, only if we are darn sure they will like it. We've also been known to let it go even if we know they'd like it, or have loved it in the past. Not worth it.

I drink decaf. I love the morning ritual and once I realized that's where the joy came from, the no caffeine was easy. Still love my coffee mugs and Keurig but now my pods are decaf as is my Starbucks. My anxiety level has decreased. I was hoping for an increase in sleep but no such luck.

We do the normal line. I should elaborate. The first ride was a walk on, the next two had little waits but no more than 10 minutes. I actually prefer that because I like to enjoy the queue to be honest. I hate rushing through.

Love the hats too. They wore them yesterday to play in the snow. I have a feeling they will today too as it hasn't quit snowing since night before last. Michael isn't feeling well so thank G-d for neighbors with snowblowers.​

I love those hats and the group shot of the kids!

Woohoo for Walk-on EE! That's the way to start the morning. That might wake you up better than the caffeine. And then again - probably not!

Sorry you had the shakes from expresso overload.

Fun Update!

Thank you! It really was a super fun morning. I just love AK, we all do. Well except for Dinoland which aside from Dinosaur, is total crap. Its campy carnival which I guess is the point but it detracts from the beauty and vive of AK.​

Fantastic to walk-on to EE three times in a row! Love the hats. They are adorable.

I love them too. They're so funny. Between that hat and Chloe's Jedi robe she was Disney out the entire trip. I love how Disney allows kids to be kids and adults to be kids.

EE was walk on the first time and only a minimal wait the next two. Well worth it. Its such a great time.

​