Lisa & Pete's DCL PJ & Trip Report - WEDDING VIDEO POSTED!!!

[Goldeelox9]

This morning was bittersweet. Our cruise was coming to an end, but a whole vacation still awaits! We got up and got dressed in the clothes I had laid out the night before and we packed our carry on bags and off we headed to breakfast!

You have breakfast in the restaurant that you had dinner in the night before, so we showed up at Animators Palate. We had a tasty breakfast and then said our goodbyes and that was it, it was over!

We made our way out to the terminal where we grabbed a bag guy and collected our bags and headed out to meet our private vans for the trip to the airport and our after cruise hotels. Pete's parents took on of Laura's bags by mistake which caused a whole mess of Laura looking for her bag and us needed to get back inside to let her know we had it outside. UGH! It was a mess!

The vans were here and we split up, those going to the airport on one van and the people staying in Florida in the other. We got to ride with Ryleah and Dakoda and their families. It was nice. We dropped everyone off at the airport, but they were so early they couldn't check in. They had a long day waiting at the airport. It was not fun and I really feel bad for them!

We headed to Pop Century to drop Nikki, Ryleah & Jason off. Crystal and her family got off at the airport and rented car so they could visit their family in Florida. I hugged and kissed Ryleah and told her I would see her for her special dinner!

When they got out of the van it was quiet, weird quiet. We had not had quiet the whole trip. errie. We got to the beautiful Animal Kingdom Lodge and checked in and paid for our meal plan. $850 dollars poorer we went to get something to eat. The food court was tiny, we are Value Resort people with it's big bustling food court and here it was small. Don't get me wrong it had EVERYTHING you needed, just on a smaller scale. Pete tried some Zebra Domes. He liked them alot. I am not a cake girl so I skipped them.

We were tired but since our room wasn't yet ready we went to lay on some pool loungers near one of the hot tubs. It was great. We relaxed and talked and enjoyed being together and married.

I even fell asleep for a bit. Our plan for the day was originally to head to Epcot, but since the room wasn't ready we just hung out at the hotel. I called the card they gave us and YAY our room was ready. We headed to it. Now they were doing construction on the main building at the AKL and it was a pain to navigate all around it everyday. The hotel was nice, but I doubt I would want to stay there again. It was the nicest hotel I have ever stayed it, but it was missing something.

We entered out room to find a Mickey Towel Animal. So cute. We had an awesome room. Big bed, sofa, flat screen, mini kitchen and a great bathroom.

We popped in the video that Jason did from the wedding and snuggled up in bed to watch it.

Around 3:00 or so we got up and got dressed. We had dinner with a prince tonight, the Boss of all the princesses according to Ryleah. We made the long trek to the buses, but then realized it was getting late so we took a cab to the Grand Floridian. It was breathtaking and amazing. One day I want to stay there! Ryleah met us in the lobby and had a Christmas Ornament for us. It was so sweet. It said Just married on it and was topped with Bride Minnie and Groom Mickey.

We checked in for dinner and had about a 20 minute wait until 1900 Park Fare opened for the evening. We were excited to eat with Cinderella, Prince Charming, Anastasia and Drusilla, and the Evil Step Mother! We were led to the No. 2 table (the second table that the characters visit) and gave our drink order. We headed to the buffet. OMG was it so good. It was the best buffet I have ever been to. I usually hate buffets, food sitting around waiting to be scooped up, germs, etc. YUK. But in WDW the buffets are small and they are refreshing constantly. Ryleah got a plate and we told her she needed to eat before the characters came out. She started eating and then we heard music and an announcement and out came Prince Charming. He was good and came to talk to her. She asked him where Cinderella was...Cindy is the only one she really cared about! LOL

After the Prince moved on we made her eat some more so Cinderella would come. Out Came Cinderella then every ten minutes or so someone new came out.

We finished up just around desert. OMG the Chocolate mouse was to die for. Yummy!

Pete and I got crowns for just being married (mine said Happy Birthday...LOL). Ryleah snatched mine up for a while. She also enjoyed our cup cake. The best part was Cinderella danced with Ryleah. Ahhh she was in heaven!

We headed to the gift shop to look around after dinner, what the guys and Ryleah didn't know was that we were killing time until our surprise (We couldn't check in for the surprise until 7:15pm). Ryleah had a potty break and Pete and I convinced Jason that pin trading would be fun. He bought his lanyard and a pin and was all set. Nikki came back and the boys went upstairs to look in another store and Ryleah, Nikki and I had a seat in the lobby and listened to the piano player or the big band. They alternate every 15 minutes. Ryleah made each one of us get up and slow dance with her. It was so cute. The guys still had no idea why we were just hanging out in the lobby! LOL

It was starting to get dark so I suggested a walk around the resort with a stop at the Marina to see if we could see the fireworks. ekk! As we walked up to the marina Jason jokingly said "Oh boats, wanna take that one out?" I looked at him and replied "Yeah, lets go on a boat ride!" Well at this time we saw TJ and family from our cruise and we walked over to say Hi. Pete shook hands with her husband and said "Weird seeing you here." Still no clue! Then the boat captain walked up to me for me to sign off on the bill for our FIREWORKS CRUISE! Finally the guys got it. We got a life vest for Ryleah and headed to the pontoon boat. I had arranged for TJ and Peggy from the DisBoards and their families to share the Fireworks cruise. We all got onboard and were given blankets and snacks and drinks. I was so happy to meet these people I had been chatting with for months!

It was so wonderful. We had about a 45 minute tour of Bay Lake and we Hunted Gators and checked out the old River Country. We had a great tour guide. We found a good spot and tuned the radio so we could hear the music. We had the best seat to enjoy the fireworks. The pictures didn't come out to good because we were on a floating boat, but I hope the video is better. It was magical.

After the fireworks we went on another tour and then got to see the Water Parade. So Awesome. Ryleah fell asleep before we docked.

After the cruise we made way to the monorail. We took it to the Magic Kingdom and then transferred to buses back to our hotels. We had a big day tomorrow!

When we got back to our room I went right to sleep while Pete went down to get a drink. He ran into a Fraturnity Brother of his that he had not seen since college. I just slept! LOL It was a great 1st Day to our Walt Disney World Vacation.

You can see all of our Pictures from Day 6 HERE!

Go on to DAY SEVEN

 

[jaycns]

Great update! I love the picture of your dh relaxing when you first got to AKL. I bet that was a great moment for you guys, just lounging around the hot tubs and thinking about your lives together.

 

[Me&3]

What Beautiful pictures

 

[lpizzuro123]

Morning Lisa - another great update. As far as our trip down next November - we are not sure of the dates yet but I will keep yours in mind and if we are down there at the same time we will definately get together.

You said your birthday is in May also - mine is May 23. When we are in Disney next May The 5th Dimension will be performing at the Flower & Garden Festival - can't wait to see them.

Between Saratoga Springs and The Beach Club - I would definately choose the Beach Club if you can get it. We stayed in SS for a week while we were down in Disney for our wedding and while we liked it alot (although we had some major problems with our room - which they corrected) it was just so large - we never got a chance to really enjoy it. We are staying at The Beach Club when we are down in May.

I also finally figured out how to post pictures - yeah. There are two of our MK shoot on the thread about having the lights on for December brides. Now that I have finally figured out how to post pictures I will have to start a trip report.

Linda

 

[kmab00]

We also took a fireworks cruise when we went last December and absoultely LOVED it!! It's amazing! I'm glad y'all had fun!! I haven't eaten at 1900 PF in AGES! The food looks really good!!!

 

[Goldeelox9]

This is the day the trip switched from a Wedding Trip to a Honeymoon Trip. It is also one of the most anticipated days of the trip. Ryleah was going to see the Castle! I was going to see Ryleah see the Magic Kingdom! YAY! I love Ryleahso much. When my Best Friend told me she was pregnant I answered her with "I know it's a girl". It was andshe is one of the sweetest little girls ever. We have a close bond and seeing her love Cinderella and the Castle as much as I do makes be beyond happy!

Pete and I woke up early and Nikki called us before we had even left our hotel. She wanted to tell me they were already at the Magic Kingdom! She was pretty excited. It was sooo early, like before 8am. The park didn't open until 9am. The plan was to meet at 8:30ish in front of the train station. Pete and I were finishing our breakfast when she called so we hurried up to get tothe bus. We ate at the Mara in our hotel and I had a bagel and Pete had the breakfast platter. It was pretty good.

We headed to the bus and caught the first one to the Magic Kingdom. We waited no longer then 10 minutes for a bus during this whole trip. Soon as we got to the gates Ryleah needed a bathroom stop. Nikki took her and then we all stood in front of the train station. Ryleah collected Mickey confetti and we waited for the Opening Show.

We got a Disney Photo Pass Photographer to take some group. It was great as always and then at rope drop we headed in under the train station. We made our way up main street. Of course we needed to stop for a few pictures with the Castle (love the castle!).

We hurried though since we had a tour plan. The breeze way through the castle was closed so we needed to go around. Ugh, 5 minutes waisted. LOL We headed to the right and went up the side ramp near Belle's Story Time.

We got in line for Dumbo right away. Here is where we had the longest wait of the day, about 15-20 minutes. Ryleah was excited and so was I. As you all know I love Disney, not so much for the stuff or atractions as for the feelings it brings. I was so excited to see Ryleahseeing it all for the first time. We boarded Dumbo and I sat in the Elephant directly in front of their ride car. I wanted to take pictures of their first ride. It was a hit!

After Dumbo we headed to Pete's favorite ride, Peter Pan. It is so amazing! Ryleah enjoyed it as did the rest of us. After Peter Pan we rode Snow White and then It's a Small World. All fun rides. We got so many rides done in the first hour. YAY our touring plan was working!

After Small world we took another potty break, who knew a 3 year old pee'd so much! LOL Next up was the Haunted Mansion. I love the new updates. Ryleah was a bit nervous and afterwards told us she didn't like that ride at all! LOL

Pete and Jason wanted to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad so we headed that way. Ryleah was too short to ride so while Nikki went to the bathroom I bought Ryleah her first Mickey Bar. It is a Disney Classic. I got a water and the Mickey bar and used two snack credits. Ryleah enjoyed it so much, who wouldn't....a yummy Mickey Bar. I enjoyed her eating it. I took tons of Pictures.

By now it was about 11:40am and Pete and I had lunch reservations at the Plaza Restaurant for noon. We told Nikki and Jason we would meet them after we ate and we parted ways. Nikki, Jason and Ryleah went to Pirates of the Caribbean and Pete and I walked to the Plaza Restaurant. It was nice to stroll through the Magic Kingdom hand in hand.

Ryleah fell asleep as soon as they were done Pirates so Nikki and Jason grabbed lunch at Pecos Bills. They ate while Ryleah napped. It worked out perfectly. Ryleah got a much needed nap. She still had a long day in front of her.

Our lunch was great. I had never eaten at the Plaza Restaurant before, but I will surely return. We had burgers and salads and free desert for being on our honeymoon. We also met the Mayor! LOL It is so small in there. I had no idea.

I gave Nikki a call after we were done (what did we all do before cell phones) and Pete and I headed over to Adventureland to meet up with them. Ryleah had just awoke so I used some snack credits to get her a Corn dog and a drink. We went to the Jungle Cruise, but the line was about an hour. We didn't want to wait that long so we left and went to Tomorrowland.

Ryleah was finishing her lunch and Nikki ran to get fast passes for Space Mountain, then we went to The Laugh Floor Comedy show. It was pretty funny. It was a first time attraction for all of us. I loved the inside. The theming is great. Buzz is right next to the Monsters Inc. show so of course that was or next stop. Pete beat me, his score was about twice the amount of mine.

I was really excited now because it was time for my favorite Disney attraction ever - The Carousel of Progress - Yay! It was great! Nikki loves it as much as I do so we knew we weren't going to miss it. Ryleah, not as much. She sat on my lap and we played with the previously collected Mickey confetti to pass the time.

Ryleah loves grapes and wasn't eating much of anything so Nikki got a bowl for her to eat while we rested. We all enjoyed them. I love that Disney has healthy snacks all over the park.

Stitch was outside of the Carousel of Progress so of course we got pictures taken.

I love the one of Ryleah kissing his nose. About a year before our trip I started telling Ryleahabout kissing Mickey on the nose. I wanted her to get that picture. Well she did. She got the nose kiss down good. She loves nose kisses now. I still get them. I guess she missed the part about how they were for characters with big fake noses. LOL

Pete, Ryleah and I went on the People Mover for two rounds (they let us stay on a 2nd time - there is never a line for this ride) so Nikki and Jason could go ride Space Mountain. We had fun talking about our day with Ryleah. She loved the part where you go in the building and it is all dark. Doesn't Pete look cute with Mickey Confetti stuck on his face?

After the people mover we found the stroller and went to look for Nikki and Jason. We didn't get far before a bathroom break was needed. Ryleah and I went in search of a potty while Pete hit up the Merchant of Venus andStar Traders, boy loves some gift shops. Then Nikki found us and we lost Jason. Ugh...LOL! Finally we were all together and we headed to Toontown by the secret path next to the train tracks. We went in Minnie's house and Mickey's House. They were kinda crowded so we went through pretty fast. Pete and I got a drink while Ryleah, Nikki & Jason went on Goofy's Barnstormer. I called my sister and caught up on things. I hate being out of contact with my family, that is why we vacation so much together.

After the roller coaster we rode the train to the front of the park. We had reservations for Tony's Town Square for dinner, it's a must do each trip for us. They just don't have enough sit down restaurants in the Magic Kingdom. In the camera shop Jason found the DVD's he needed for their video camera. He ran out in the morning. He didn't want to miss the parade or fireworks. Dinner was so good. I love eating at Tony's. Pete and I had the Steak, Nikki and Ryleah had spaghetti and Jason had Chicken Parm. Ryleah didn't care about eating very much, but we all enjoyed a break. I think a sit down meal while touring a the park is so great, you get to eat a good meal and rest. It is so relaxing after going full force all day.

When we came out of Tony's it was dark. That meant parade time! Pete and I went to save seats and Nikki and Jason went to look in some stores. Jason joined us and Nikki took Ryleah for yet another potty break. The bathroom in Tomorrowland was closed for cleaning so Nikki had to hussle all the way over to the bathrooms near Casey's. They made it back in time to wait for about 10 minutes for the parade. Ryleah wanted to hula hoop in the street with the kids so bad. There wasn't a free hula hoop, but she was so excited just watching and waiting for one to open up. Well once a little girl got hurt a hula hoop opened up and I rushed her out to it. LOL She tried her best to pick it up with both hands.

We got a good laugh out of this. Then she dropped it and some one else snatched it up. Ryleah likes sharing and went up to a little girl and asked if they could take turns. The little girl said sure (even kids are nice in WDW). Ryleah only got a quick turn then it was parade time!

We heard the music change and got into position. YAY the parade was starting. I love the Spectomagic so much. Alot of the princesses pointed out my ears. Little congratulations were given to us all day long. It was wonderful! Ryleah loved the parade and waved until I thought her arm was going to fall off.

After the parade we moved over towards the middle to get a spot for the fireworks. Poor Ryleah was so tired she fell asleep before they even started. I am so glad we went to see the fireworks on the boat the night before, atleast she got to see Wishes once! The fireworks were delayed for almost a half hour. Nikki and I sat on the ground to wait. A medic helicopter went over the castle once, then again 15-20 minutes later. I guess that was the hold up.

Then Wishes started. It was magical. I tried to get some pictures, but I didn't have my tripod so most are pretty shaky. It was pretty great though. I was seeing one of my favorite things with some of my favorite people.

After the fireworks Pete and I went to take some pictures of the castle and Nikki and Jason and sleeping Ryleah headed to the exit by way of a store or two.

We ran into them again near the exit and we all walked out together. They headed to the bus for the Pop and us to the Animal Kingdom.

Today was one of my favorite days ever. Ryleah LOVED it and the whole day was pretty perfect!

When we got back to the hotel I crashed and Pete went to get a drink. Again I didn't see him until the next morning!

To See all of our Pictures from Day 7 CLICK HERE!!

DAY EIGHT

 

[Goldeelox9]

I finally added links on the first page to get to each day of the trip report, I thought it would help the newbies out!

 

[PrincessShea]

Those are great pictures. What kind of camera do you have?

 

[Goldeelox9]

Thank you! We have a Nikon D60 . We went big and bought it about 6 months before the wedding so I would know how to use it by the time of our trip! It is the best investment I have bought, I Love it!

 

[PrincessShea]

Thank you! We have a Nikon D60 . We went big and bought it about 6 months before the wedding so I would know how to use it by the time of our trip! It is the best investment I have bought, I Love it!

LoL, curses! Every time I see great pictures they always come from one of those big fancy cameras. One of these days someone will reply to that question and the answer will be a $200 snapshot cam ::crosses fingers::

 

[Goldeelox9]

We just bought a Nikon S610 because my old point and shoot died and I always need a "purse camera". It takes really really good pictures. This is the cheapest I could find it. CLICK HERE It was $300 at Best Buy and Circuit City.

It takes really great pictures.

 

[kmab00]

I have a Nikon D40X which is no longer being made anymore (I think it's more like the D60) and I agree..it's the BEST camera ever! I love it!!! It takes amazing pictures!!

Great update! Your pictures of the fireworks are not shaky at all, by the way! They came out great!!

 

[Goldeelox9]

My BFF has a D40x and it is very much the same. I think I have a few extra MP's. Mine also came with a vibration reduction lens.

I took pictures of the fireworks later in the trip using a tripod and they turned out good too. These I just lucked out. I was sitting on the ground in front of the castle!

 

[shannn]

It was so magical seeing those pictures of Ryleigh's first visit!!

And...I LOVE your new signature line too. What a gorgeous couple you are!!

 

[figmentfan814]

Lisa, I love all the detail in your trip report so far!

I must try the zebra domes; I've always heard about them, but have never seen a picture until now. The fireworks cruise looked like a lot of fun! We have done that before with family and we loved it!

All the shots of Ryleah are so cute It sounds like your day in the Magic Kingdom was such a perfect day. I love the Plaza restaurant; its such a nice little place tucked away from most the hustle and bustle.

 

[Goldeelox9]

It was so magical seeing those pictures of Ryleigh's first visit!!

And...I LOVE your new signature line too. What a gorgeous couple you are!!

Thank you so much. Ryleah is a doll baby! She got so upset when she found out they were going hom saturday.

Nikki woke up and started packing and Ryleah got up and said "Hey Mama, are we going to the Kingdom again to day?" Nikki told her no we are going home today. Ryleah broke down in tears and sobbed "But I thought this was our home now!!!!"

How Funny is that!

Lisa, I love all the detail in your trip report so far!

I must try the zebra domes; I've always heard about them, but have never seen a picture until now. The fireworks cruise looked like a lot of fun! We have done that before with family and we loved it!

All the shots of Ryleah are so cute It sounds like your day in the Magic Kingdom was such a perfect day. I love the Plaza restaurant; its such a nice little place tucked away from most the hustle and bustle.

Thank you I am trying to rember every little detail I do not want to forget a thing. I plan on printing it all out and saving it when I am done!

I don't like cake so I didn't like them, butu Pete got some daily! LOL

We did have a perfect day. I am so looking forward to our trip in November. Alyssa, my niece will be almost 2 years old. It is going to be so fun!!!

 

[DisneyBrideToni]

Your day in the Magic Kingdom looked like a lot of fun!!!!!!!!!!

Your pics of Wishes are beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You make me want to go out and get a new camera!!!

 

[PixyDusted]

I'm SO jealous you guys all went on the fireworks cruise.

Your pics are ADORABLE. The one of the back of Ryleah's (sp?) mouse ears is awesome! And you'll have to tell me what setting your camera was on to get those awesome fireworks shots. My sister and I saw Holiday Wishes Tuesday night and it was the first time I had my new camera for the pictures! I wasn't great at figuring out the proper setting though and of course I couldn't predict when the more impressive fireworks were coming up since I don't really know the Holiday Wishes like "the back of my hand" like I do w/the regular Wishes!

Anyway enough about me...

Can't wait to read more! Nice signature update, btw. Ali's Handwriting font?

 

[Goldeelox9]

Mikkel! Oh never mind, I will email you!!!!

 

[ElenitaB]

Can't wait to read more! Nice signature update, btw. Ali's Handwriting font?

Mikkel, I agree with you about Lisa's great pics... and I had to laugh. I adore Ali's handwriting font... even more since I actually met her Oct 07 at the Crocs display in the Emporium (she was in Orlando for CKU and was buying a pair for her DS)! She's really sweet and down-to-earth. Only makes me appreciate her that much more!

Back to Lisa's thread!