Magical Grand Gathering Trip with Pics. Completed

[ariel2007]

Hi and welcome . That might be hwy it's all over you tube with dates as far back as last year. I liked because it reminded me of being at MK. I see you have another trippie now. I'll be over to check it out.

Thanks, I did read your report before and just have to catch up with this one again. Oh and your kids are so cute . I get where your coming from with the whole dancing thing, my older sister and I used to both do various dance lessons so my Mum as always having to taxi us about and watch our classes. I think she thought she had got out of it after we grew up but now my little sister is in to it too. And its worse this time as not only does she dance she does iceskating lessons, swimming lessons and club, flute and violin lessons, specialist music club, drama club, horse riding... phew that tired me out just writing it

Yes it looks like it was exactly the same show as we saw in London last October. I woul have thought it would have been to the US first. Have you heard of Disney on Ice before or is it a new thing?

 

[kaysmommie]

Thanks, I did read your report before and just have to catch up with this one again. Oh and your kids are so cute . I get where your coming from with the whole dancing thing, my older sister and I used to both do various dance lessons so my Mum as always having to taxi us about and watch our classes. I think she thought she had got out of it after we grew up but now my little sister is in to it too. And its worse this time as not only does she dance she does iceskating lessons, swimming lessons and club, flute and violin lessons, specialist music club, drama club, horse riding... phew that tired me out just writing it

Yes it looks like it was exactly the same show as we saw in London last October. I woul have thought it would have been to the US first. Have you heard of Disney on Ice before or is it a new thing?

I read your last 2 trippies too. Your little sister is a doll, iremember her from one of your reports. Her schedule does sound very tiring . We have been to several Disney on Ice shows since Kaylee was 2. We saw 2 different Princess ones, Mickey & Minnie's magical Journey, High School Musical on Ice, and Nemo.

 

[ariel2007]

I read your last 2 trippies too. Your little sister is a doll, iremember her from one of your reports. Her schedule does sound very tiring . We have been to several Disney on Ice shows since Kaylee was 2. We saw 2 different Princess ones, Mickey & Minnie's magical Journey, High School Musical on Ice, and Nemo.

It must be an international thing then as we have had all those shows here at various times too. When we were at Disneyland Paris at Halloween we saw posters advertising the Finding Nemo one in France, it was quite strange seeing it there . I would love to see the Nemo one, but by the time I looked for tickets it had moved out of our area . I wonder what the next one will be

Oh and thanks for reading my trip reports . I hope you will join me on my new Adventure

 

[dddisrunner]

Hi Nichole! I LOVED all the pictures from Disney on Ice! That looks like a GREAT show! I have to see if it is coming around here? That would be a great present for the boys for X-mas! So funny that you took the kids alone without Tom! Hey, at least he agrees to go to the "real" Disney right!

 

[tmkinney]

Thanks for posting pics of Disney on Ice, it looks great! We are going to the same show in two weeks here in NC, Hunter won tickets off the radio doing "Jokes for Little Folks" and we have seats in the lower tier too, 4 rows back, that is always where we sit, it is great! We try to go every year, this year looks great! A couple of years ago we went (also won tickets and backstage passes to meet a character - it was Sully from Monsters Inc.) I was hoping to win backstage passes this year but no such luck.... Maybe going will help us recover from our post Disney blues! (Either that, or make us even more depressed that we aren't going back soon!)

 

[kaysmommie]

It must be an international thing then as we have had all those shows here at various times too. When we were at Disneyland Paris at Halloween we saw posters advertising the Finding Nemo one in France, it was quite strange seeing it there . I would love to see the Nemo one, but by the time I looked for tickets it had moved out of our area . I wonder what the next one will be

Oh and thanks for reading my trip reports . I hope you will join me on my new Adventure

Of course I have to come out check out your new trip report! Wow finding Nemo on ice was here over 4 years ago.

Hi Nichole! I LOVED all the pictures from Disney on Ice! That looks like a GREAT show! I have to see if it is coming around here? That would be a great present for the boys for X-mas! So funny that you took the kids alone without Tom! Hey, at least he agrees to go to the "real" Disney right!

He just wanted to stay home and watch football. But that is okay with me, then I can buy stuff without him complaining .

Thanks for posting pics of Disney on Ice, it looks great! We are going to the same show in two weeks here in NC, Hunter won tickets off the radio doing "Jokes for Little Folks" and we have seats in the lower tier too, 4 rows back, that is always where we sit, it is great! We try to go every year, this year looks great! A couple of years ago we went (also won tickets and backstage passes to meet a character - it was Sully from Monsters Inc.) I was hoping to win backstage passes this year but no such luck.... Maybe going will help us recover from our post Disney blues! (Either that, or make us even more depressed that we aren't going back soon!)

Not sure if Disney on Ice helped us with the post Disney blues. I'm ready to go back. I would love to go back just DH and I sometime because Icould use a break from trying to please everyone at DIsney. Way to go Hunter on winning the tickets Those will be great seats too!

 

[kaysmommie]

DAY 6 : 1900 Park Fare Breakfast.....



This morning was our sleep in morning. But because we had such and early night the night before we were still up by 7:30. Thomas fever was finally gone but he still wasn't himself at all. Tom and I had trouble deciding if Thomas would be okay to go to Breakfast. Of course when we asked he wanted to see Pooh and Tigger. So we got ready for our 9:10 ADR.


Kaylee and I had a little dissagreement about clothes that morning. When I was going to get rid of a one or two breakfast ADR's to book another dinner (this was 3 months before the trip) She said she wanted to keep Park fare with Alice & Mary Poppins because she really wanted to wear her Alice Dress to meet and get pics with Alice. I of course thought that is a good idea. Kaylee also really wanted to have breakfast in the castle too since we haven't done that since 2006. So that left Cape May Cafe which was our ADR with our friends before we left, so I had to keep that one. So we just paid for CRT OOP and we were still one ADR over, but I really wanted everyone to be happy so kept them all. I always ask for the families input when booking our ADR's so there are not complaints later. Well Kaylee didn't want to wear a costume now and was whining. After all this breakfast was for her as we would have happily skipped it and ate in the foodcourt this morning. I told her to get that dress on right this minute!! She did but she had a nasty attitude about it . Sorry but she is wearing it just like she said she would . She was happy she was wearing it once she got there. It was just time for her to be bratty about something I guess.


We drove to GF and parked since we were only having breakfast then coming right back to CBR. It was a really nice day out and would be a great day for the pool, well excpet I didn't want Thomas swimming just yet and wanted him to rest for MNSSHP tonight.


We checked in at the podium and were given a pager. We waited about 5 minutes to be seated. I think they gave one of the worst table ever. It was kind of squashed in right by the walkway to the buffet. So people walking on top of you on the way to & from the buffet practically breathing on your food. Also a horrible spot to meet characters . It was also quite noisy in this spot, really great with a sick kid .


The food was the best breakfast buffet we have ever had in Disney though! Everything was really good and fresh and they even had made to order omelets and desserts too. Tom says it was was definately the best breakfast! Thomas still wouldn't eat anything not even Mickey waffles or dessert items. He did drink some milk but that was all.

The characters were so fun, though there visits were very fast because of where our table was. Our first character was Pooh folowed by Tigger. Luckily Thomas wanted to see them and even was smiling in a few pics. you can see how bad our table location was in most of the pics. People with food squeezing behind characters .

Kaylee happily dressed in the Alice dress.

See how happy Kaylee looks in the pics . Lots of little girls called Kaylee Alice, it was very cute! Though Alice is way blonder than Kay.

We would definately eat here again for Breakfast but would want a better table. We had the worst waitress as well . Hopefully next time everyone will be feeling well.

Continued in next post...

 

[kaysmommie]

Continued...



After we finished breakfast it was time for a bit of shopping and some pics in the lobby. See Kaylee is holding her dress in every picture, I didn't tell her too she just did. But she hates costumes remember since she is 8 and wayyy too cool now . It was very cute!! thomas wanted to be in every picture ...

The first store we went to was Basin . I love this store. The boys went for a walk somehwere while Kaylee and I shopped there. I filled a canister with those wonderful bath bombs. The CM even helped me cram them in. The pink ones are the best smelling followed by the blue. I can't remember what they called. They are all gone already as I used them all . Kaylee made her own Lipgloss. It was $7 and you add the color and sparkles to it yourself. I think it was cotton candy flavored. That is all we bought here.

Then we went to the other giftshop that has everything. Tom tried on some watches there. He liked the Mickey ones and the one with Grumpy on it. But he couldn't decide which one to buy. I tried on a few Mickey ones and found one that I loved. The only problem was my DF has the same one but we live in different staes so doesn't matter. We decided to wait and look in the shop in MK. Kaylee picked out a charm bracelet but only had $10 left of her own money. With all the charms she picked out it came to $25 but I paid the difference for her even though she already got a hairwrap, pins and face paint (bribery for a ride). They were supposed to get one gift from us this trip and the rest use there spending money for. Thomas did pick out 2 more toys too even after he spent his money in DTD the first night. It was a very pretty bracelet though and I liked the charms she picked too. I have to take a picture of it.

We took a walk around outside to see the main pool.

The cabana's look great!

Thomas tried out water play area in his clothes' Luckily he didn't get really wet.

While GF is really pretty it's just not really a must do resort for me. Poly and BC are more my style I guess. Not that I wouldn't be happy to stay there but it wouldn't be on the top of my list. Kaylee loves it though and would love to stay there, along with CR and of course Poly her favorite. She loves the MK area and the monorail. The lobby is beautiful though.

It was almost 11AM and we headed back to CBR. I wanted the kids to have plenty of rest time so we could make it to MNSSHP with our friends tonight. I think I talked her twice since Thomas got sick. That is mostly why we didn't meet up more. They were pretty much park hopping all over and hitting all the EMH in the AM and PM . Which I don't really do as it's too much crowds and running for my family.

Thomas was now hungry so Tom took him to get a CS in the foodcourt and Kaylee and I snuck back to the room to change into swimsuits and have and hour swim. After a short swim we stoppped in the foodcourt and grabbed lunch. We ate outside since it was cold in the A/c after swimming. When we got back to the room Thomas was still not napping and also didn't really eat much except a couple bites of lunch. He got his bath and Kaylee a Shower and then they layed down for a nap. I got a shower and then took the muddy clothes to the laundry room to get washed whist they all rested up. By time I went there and back a few times I was pretty tired and could have used a nap too. Only it was already after 4 PM. The kids only slept for maybe and hour but rested for 2 while they watched TV and played with toys.

Tom and I helped get the kids in their costumes for MNSSHP and then we got our lovely matching Tshirts on. We were going to take the bus to MNSSHP since driving to MK isn't fun. It was getting close to 5PM and I wanted to be at MK by 5:30 so we could eat at CHH for dinner and I could have sweet tea and a Anchor's away sandwich. The kids also like the chicken here and it's nice and quiet in there usually. DF and her family were eating at Crystal Palace at 6PM. But I opted out of that ADR and rebooked for another night since I know how long it takes in there. Also Kaylee really wanted to have breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and this worked better with our schedule. We planned to meet after they were done with dinner.




Next update: MNSSHP!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

1900 Park Fare looks great!

Your DD looks just like Alice!

 

[kaysmommie]

1900 Park Fare looks great!

Your DD looks just like Alice!

Thanks , she had fun dressing up as a character most of the day today.

 

[wdwgirl03]

The pictures of Kaylee and Thomas are adorable. So cute how she's holding the dress...looks like she is practicing to be a CM some day...

 

[ariel2007]

Ok I need to catch up on your report in a minute but just had to ask you something first. I see you are from Knoxville and need to ask your opinion. We are planning another trip to the states next summer and will bestaying in Pigeon Forge. From there we are going to go to Nashville and thought about stopping in Knoxville on the way. However we need to know whether it is worth the visit as time is very limited, and what there is to do?

 

[earthfaries]

I'm glad Kaylee wore her Alice dress, it's so adorable! I love the pics of her and Thomas together...so cute

Sounds like a perfect, nice relaxing day ~ you guys should have been ready for some fun at MNSSHP!!!

I can't wait to hear all about my favorite thing at WDW!!!

 

[dddisrunner]

Great update Nichole! Too funny about Kaylee being to cool for the Alice costume! You would never know it by looking at the pictures! You took great pics. of the Grand Floridian, it looks beautiful but I am with you, it is not high on our list of places to stay either! Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Loving the Alice pics but I agree....that is a really bad seat! You should have asked for another area. Hope you had a fun weekend!

http://www.**************/id/12-13-2008_Our+Disney+Christmas+trip+with+FREE+dining_128-0-128_0.png
​

 

[kaysmommie]

That show looks very similar to a show we saw a couple of years ago. But it can't be the same one - I don't think they would keep a show that long. But it was similar with the whole "park" story and the Incredibles. IDK - maybe it is the same. Looks like the kids had a good time!

Love the menu - Tommy did good!

Sara

Thanks Sara,
Somehow I missed your comment the first time around .Anyway It could be the same show.

The pictures of Kaylee and Thomas are adorable. So cute how she's holding the dress...looks like she is practicing to be a CM some day...

Thanks. Let hope she wants to be a CM some day. I already told her all about the College program

Ok I need to catch up on your report in a minute but just had to ask you something first. I see you are from Knoxville and need to ask your opinion. We are planning another trip to the states next summer and will bestaying in Pigeon Forge. From there we are going to go to Nashville and thought about stopping in Knoxville on the way. However we need to know whether it is worth the visit as time is very limited, and what there is to do?

There is tons to do in Nashville and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg but not alot to do in Knoxville. They have the Knoxville Zoo which is very cute, but that is about it. If you have time then stop on the way but I wouldn't sy it's a must do. I have lived here 3 years and I think it's kind of boring compared to the Jersey SHore and being so close to NYC where I'm from. College Football and basketball is really big here though! Not sure that would interest you but the locals are very into it.

I'm glad Kaylee wore her Alice dress, it's so adorable! I love the pics of her and Thomas together...so cute

Sounds like a perfect, nice relaxing day ~ you guys should have been ready for some fun at MNSSHP!!!

I can't wait to hear all about my favorite thing at WDW!!!

Thanks . Yes we were ready to have fun, too bad that didn't happen .

Great update Nichole! Too funny about Kaylee being to cool for the Alice costume! You would never know it by looking at the pictures! You took great pics. of the Grand Floridian, it looks beautiful but I am with you, it is not high on our list of places to stay either! Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP!

Thanks, from the pics it looks like she loved being Alice.
I love MNSSHP! I will try to update Monday or Tuesday. We just got home from Nashville and I feel sick to my stomach after that long ride there and back. I hope Tom appreciates all I do for him and I don't even like football.

Loving the Alice pics but I agree....that is a really bad seat! You should have asked for another area. Hope you had a fun weekend!

http://www.**************/id/12-13-2008_Our+Disney+Christmas+trip+with+FREE+dining_128-0-128_0.png​

I probably should have asked for a different table but at the time we just wanted to eat breakfast so we dealt with it. Tom and I just got back from the Jets/ Titans game in Nashville. That is the most awful long winding ride ever I get so car sick. Unless I'm going to Disney . How was your weekend??

 

[ariel2007]

There is tons to do in Nashville and Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg but not alot to do in Knoxville. They have the Knoxville Zoo which is very cute, but that is about it. If you have time then stop on the way but I wouldn't sy it's a must do. I have lived here 3 years and I think it's kind of boring compared to the Jersey SHore and being so close to NYC where I'm from. College Football and basketball is really big here though! Not sure that would interest you but the locals are very into it.

Thanks for this, it really helps . When we decided to go back we planned to stop in Knoxville for a while since we are so close but when I looked in to it I couldn't really find anything to do (other than the zoo), so wasn't sure. I did put a post on the community board asking for things to do in Nashville and Knoxville and whilst I got lots of ideas for Nashville no-one could give any on Knoxville. So if you say theres not much I think we will give it a miss and have more time for Nashville, which looks fun. Is there anything you would recommend in Nashville?

As for the college football we would love to see a game. When we were in Atlanta last year there was a game going on between Al and Georgia (something like cubs, tigers, dogs ) and there was so much atmosphere everywhere it was so cool. And it was so much fun to be a part of it even though we didn't go to the game. College football is so big over there, its pretty amazing.

I am like you and have moved from somewhere I loved with loads to do to somewhere I find quite boring. Where I originally come from is right near the seaside with lots of lovely beaches nearby as well as gorgeous countryside and lovely moors. We have nice countryside here, infact we are right in the middle of it which is nice when we get deers in the garden etc, but I miss everything else . So I understand what its like for you. I hope you get to move back soon

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Great updates Nichole! I am finally caught up here - I've had a really busy few weeks that got in the way of my DISing!

I'm so impressed with Tommy and his surprise for you at Coral Reef! That was super sweet - I love the menu he had printed.

And how nice of the CM's at CBR to give the kids those gifts. Like you said, it is things like this that keep us coming back to Disney year after year.

Love the Disney on Ice pictures too - that looks like a great show! I thought about going to that show but we decided against it - now I wish we would have!

Love the pictures of Alice and Kaylee together. Kaylee looks adorable in her Alice dress even though it was a fight to get it on her!

Looking forward to MNSSHP!

 

[mom2mek]

I totally missed your last update again! Love Kaylee in her cute Alice dress! Can't wait to hear about MNSSHP! Wonder what happens...

Sara

 

[WDW Fan]

Kaylee looks so cute in her Alice dress. Glad Thomas was feeling better. Can't wait to hear about your time at MNSSHP!