Magical Grand Gathering Trip with Pics. Completed

[kaysmommie]

Thanks for the mini update Your tree is beautiful ! I love it Looks like a fun night you guys had looking at the trees and visiting with santa. Too bad Kaylee doesn't believe anymore ​

I'm looking forward to your last day at MK, I am sad though it's almost over ​

Thanks . I'm sad Kaylee deosn't believe anymore. But she is such a noisy kid it was only a matter of time. At least whe nI'm done I will have more time to read everyone else's trippies.

All caught up again here! I'm so glad Kaylee rode RnRC and loved it. That is Sam's favorite ride in all of WDW also.

WCC looks like fun! We are actually eating there for the first time tomorrow night! I'm excited to see the resort all dressed up for Christmas.

So glad you got to enjoy the MNSSHP this time!

Love your haircut and your tree is gorgeous!

Next time you'll have to join our girls trip - we had so much fun!

Thanks for all of the above . Glad you had a good time. I definately want to go next time.

That's a good looking tree ya got there! Why does she not believe in Santa??? Mine totally do...everything they hear from other kids I have a come back for. They know all about the fake Santa's that sit in the malls....and these kids who don't believe....they are like that because they're mean and don't get presents...

You know I don't like my tree at all. I think I complained about it on your trippie, LOL. It's hard to even make it look good. I guess you were more prepared with the Santa questions than me. She said the handwriting on the gifts was ours. Two Different girls told her. She had so many questions, I just said whatever and confessed. Last week she asked me were babies come from. I guess the Stork wasn't a good answer . If you have a good answer to this one let me know please. So next time ican be prepared. Otherwise I'll keep it very medical, KWIM?

 

[kaysmommie]

DAY 8: Magic Kingdom and CRT

We woke up later than I planned this morning and we had breakfast ressies at 8:10. Tom figured driving to GF and parking there woudl be a good idea . No big deal since we weren't staying long at MK. Well it definately wasn't a good idea. A bus for MK came just as we were getting in the car. We arrived at GF and the monorail was broke down. We sat and waited about 20 minutes for them to get it working again. Then we were on our way to MK.

We got to Cinderalla's Royal Table as quick as possible to check in for breakfast. We waited just a few minutes for our photo with Cinderella. Thomas didn't want to be in the picture. Then we on our way to Kaylee's favorite breakfast. Actually we all like eating here.

After we were seated they took our food orders and brought out our drinks. The food here is excellent even if it's preplated. The atmosphere is second to none. Even Thomas ate all his French toast sticks. He was feeling 100 % better today. They gave the kids the plastic wand and sword and wishing stars for later in the meal.

A self potrait lol....

Tom and I had the stuffed french toast, I think that is what it is .

The kids both had french toast sticks, and bacon.

Anyway the food was very good and we would eat here again on a future trip for sure. Next the Princess came out. Thomas watched them for a minute and said no Princesses and didn't want them to sign his book either. But when Jasmine came to our table, he decided he liked her.

He didn't want anything to do with Snow White though. I guess she wears too much clothes JK.

After we met all the Princesses they brought our Cinderalla photo to us. It was simply awful, Kaylee had her closed and I wasn't even looking. The picture at the top gives you some idea. The CM said we could just retake it after breakfast.

Then it was time for the wishing ceremony. They give out plastic wishing stars to all the kids. They used to be small yellow magnets that twinkled, I liked those better. But anyway they have everyone hold the star, close thier eyes and make a wish. Then the ceiling sparkles with pixie dust. I did try to take a picture of it but it didn't come out good.

Kaylee wishing...

We finished up and then went downstairs for the retake photo. This time we all got in it and it still ended up being a bad picture but of well. We had to come back and pick it after 11 AM.

Kaylee who begged me for this Marie outfit wanted to go change because she was too hot . Her and her clothes dramam were starting to bug me. So went to the restroom to change while the boys waited in the lobby.

The park was open when we came out of CRT. I promised Kaylee we would ride the Speedway. So we did that first. I also grabbed some FP's for Buzz. Then we stopped for the tea cups again.

Continued in next post

 

[kaysmommie]

Continued....


After that Kaylee really wanted to see Ariel in her grotto. It was 9:40 and it was already open and had a line a mile long. But we waited while the boys waited to ride Dumbo . Something I don't like to do is wait for Dumbo. The Ariel line was over 30 minutes long already. The boys rode Dumbo, the Carousel, Snow White and were on Peter Pan when we came out.

Kaylee hit her head on the rocks by the grotto. I think she really hit it hard but still wanted to see Ariel, though she complained alot how much her head hurt .

We met the boys outside Peter Pan. Next we went to ride BTMRR which is a favorite of all of us. But it was closed down. So we rode Splash Mountain instead. Tom told Kaylee he would buy her another pin. She would have rode again regardless but he didn't know that. The line was about 10 minutes. The kids wanted to ride again so we did. We went to get FP's for BTMRR for later since it was going but now had a line.

We stopped for pictures by POC. I was so happy we finally found this photo op.

Tom took Kaylee to the big pin store in FL to pick her pin while Thomas and I picked up the picture from CRT. Kaylee got a MNSSHP pin. Tom also picked me a much needed sweet tea from CHH. Then we met up on Main St. We took the monorail back to GF so we could get our car. It was getting close to lunch.

I took a few pics of the kids while I waited for Tom to get the car.

It was getting close to lunchtime and we didn't fell like eating at the resort. I wanted to go try the Pepper Market at CSR for lunch. So we drove over to CSR. We left the camera in the car unfortunately. When we pulled up you couldn't help but notice how huge and pretty this resort was. the lobby was very pretty too.

We were sat right away at the PM. The kids got pizza and chicken nuggets. Thomas didn't like the pizza. I have no idea what Tom got but he liked it. I ordered a wet Burrito of course. It was excellent. For dessert the kids got ice cream and Tom and I got Strawberry shortcake and a cookie to share. We had to wait for someone from the bakery to come and help us and it took forever. this would get to me after a few days I think. The service in PM overall was really good though. My kids like the coloring pages and crayons they give you. I liked eating with real silverware but am happy to fill my own drink. I thought for a CS it was great!


We didn't see many conventioner, but it still felt kind of conventiony there to me. Tom said I made the right choice picking CBR because he liked it way better there. He thought CSR felt kind of cold and not Disney enough. I agree 100% with that.

After lunch we took a walk around the grounds to work off all that eating we did this day. The grounds are gorgeous and there was a small alligator sitting on the grass by the lake, but darn I didn't have my camera. Lots of people were taking pics though. We walked over to see the pool. It liked nice and the slide looked fun but I still liked CBR's better. CSR is just more adult oriented to me. I would consider staying there if it were just Tom and Me for a weekend. Tom of course says no way to staying there but I think those new rooms look nice. There weren't as many families in CSR foodcourt & pool area as at CBR. After our walk my kids couldn't wait to get back to CBR to swim and I needed to start packing up.

Up next: packing , pool time and Crystal Palace....

 

[cdotla]

Wow - I am finally all caught up!

You sure got a lot accomplished in one morning!

Interesting comments about CSR. I have never been, but I think overall like you I wld probably prefer CBR. However, I sure do like the look of the redone rooms at CSR. I *hate* the theming of the rooms at CBR. Not into the new Nemo or Pirates theme either. I wish the more toned down theming and plain white duvet-looking bedspreads from CSR were available at CBR - then I wld be all set! The bedspreads and decor at CBR is my only complaint about the resort - way too busy for my taste.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[kaysmommie]

Wow - I am finally all caught up!

You sure got a lot accomplished in one morning!

Interesting comments about CSR. I have never been, but I think overall like you I wld probably prefer CBR. However, I sure do like the look of the redone rooms at CSR. I *hate* the theming of the rooms at CBR. Not into the new Nemo or Pirates theme either. I wish the more toned down theming and plain white duvet-looking bedspreads from CSR were available at CBR - then I wld be all set! The bedspreads and decor at CBR is my only complaint about the resort - way too busy for my taste.

Can't wait to read more!

I agree the new rooms at CSR look really nice. But I don't think it's enough to sway from CBR if I need to stay at a moderate. Have you seen the newer rooms at Beach Club? They are really nice and I think you would like them. I agree about the CBR rooms. The theme is cute for the kids. But Ifeel like I'm sleeping in my kids bedroom.

 

[ariel2007]

I would love to try CRT one day, especially for breakfast it looks so yummy. But Nick's not so keen on the idea . Thats so funny about Thomas and Jasmine, your going to have to keep your eye on him I think

I love the picture of Kaleigh in her Little Mermaid dress with Ariel, I wonder if that was why she was 'hot' and wanted to change? Ariel is my favorite character but I have still yet to meet her, the queues for the grotto are always so damn long and Nick doesn't fancy waiting 60-90 minutes to meet her. Maybe next time though The picture of Thomas and Captain Hook is so cute, did he have any idea why he had to stand like that?

We stayed at CSR in May and although it is a very beautiful resort we weren't amazed by it. Nick doesn't particularly want to stay there again, perhaps because it was always so crowded with conventioneers, especially the bar. I'm glad we tried it once though as it is pretty.

 

[kaysmommie]

I would love to try CRT one day, especially for breakfast it looks so yummy. But Nick's not so keen on the idea . Thats so funny about Thomas and Jasmine, your going to have to keep your eye on him I think

I love the picture of Kaleigh in her Little Mermaid dress with Ariel, I wonder if that was why she was 'hot' and wanted to change? Ariel is my favorite character but I have still yet to meet her, the queues for the grotto are always so damn long and Nick doesn't fancy waiting 60-90 minutes to meet her. Maybe next time though The picture of Thomas and Captain Hook is so cute, did he have any idea why he had to stand like that?

We stayed at CSR in May and although it is a very beautiful resort we weren't amazed by it. Nick doesn't particularly want to stay there again, perhaps because it was always so crowded with conventioneers, especially the bar. I'm glad we tried it once though as it is pretty.

As for CSR I would rather stay deluxe but would maybe consider it for DH and I. But CBR was more my realxing and fun and had a Disney feel to it.
Thomas loves the Aladdin movie , he thinks Aladdin is cool, lol. It was funny though when he saw Jasmine he kind of looked her over and then got out of his seat and gave her the book to sign. He wanted nothing to do with the rest of them. Tell Nick he just has to eat at CRT just once .

If you want to see Ariel in her Grotto then try to get there around 9:30 and wait for them to open it. It says 10 AM usually on the Times Guide but sometimes it's much earlier. Then you won't have to wait long . That is usually what we do but it didn't work out this time.

 

[ariel2007]

As for CSR I would rather stay deluxe but would maybe consider it for DH and I. But CBR was more my realxing and fun and had a Disney feel to it.
Thomas loves the Aladdin movie , he thinks Aladdin is cool, lol. It was funny though when he saw Jasmine he kind of looked her over and then got out of his seat and gave her the book to sign. He wanted nothing to do with the rest of them. Tell Nick he just has to eat at CRT just once .

If you want to see Ariel in her Grotto then try to get there around 9:30 and wait for them to open it. It says 10 AM usually on the Times Guide but sometimes it's much earlier. Then you won't have to wait long . That is usually what we do but it didn't work out this time.

I have heard rumours that they may make CSR a deluxe because of the new club level they are doing and the upgraded facilities. Personally I wouldn't pay any more for it, I would either opt for another moderate or go for another deluxe.

Next time we go with Mum, Dad and Sophie we will definitely be eating there. Even if Sophie is too old I am sure I will be able to convince her, its not as if she is in any hurry to grow up now. For this trip I have tried to do ADR's that we both really want to do, so CRT will have to wait a bit longer.

 

[kaysmommie]

I have heard rumours that they may make CSR a deluxe because of the new club level they are doing and the upgraded facilities. Personally I wouldn't pay any more for it, I would either opt for another moderate or go for another deluxe.

Next time we go with Mum, Dad and Sophie we will definitely be eating there. Even if Sophie is too old I am sure I will be able to convince her, its not as if she is in any hurry to grow up now. For this trip I have tried to do ADR's that we both really want to do, so CRT will have to wait a bit longer.

I just finally got all caught up with your pretrippie and I want to take a nice long trip like yours . Maybe Nick can propose at CRT .

I would save CRT for when Sophie goes with you. You are never too old to eat at CRT. Even Thomas liked eating in the castle, he just doesn't like princesses .

 

[ariel2007]

I just finally got all caught up with your pretrippie and I want to take a nice long trip like yours . Maybe Nick can propose at CRT .

He he that is so funny. I think I would die if he did that, I would be so embarrassed

I would save CRT for when Sophie goes with you. You are never too old to eat at CRT. Even Thomas liked eating in the castle, he just doesn't like princesses .

Yes I think we will. I am sure I could convince my Mum and Dad too anyway, they would love it as we have been quite a few times and still never have eaten then. Sophie would just have to do as she was told

 

[kaysmommie]

He he that is so funny. I think I would die if he did that, I would be so embarrassed



Yes I think we will. I am sure I could convince my Mum and Dad too anyway, they would love it as we have been quite a few times and still never have eaten then. Sophie would just have to do as she was told

That would embaress me too but it would too cute! Anyway I can't imagine a girl of any age not wanting to eat in the castle. I have only done the breakfast but have always been happy with it.

 

[ariel2007]

That would embaress me too but it would too cute! Anyway I can't imagine a girl of any age not wanting to eat in the castle. I have only done the breakfast but have always been happy with it.

I think the breakfast looks the best and I have heard so many mixed reviews about the food at other times. The breakfast looks so yummy though but I have heard it is very hard to get an ADR for.

 

[dddisrunner]

Hey Nichole! sorry I haven't been around much lately, it has been CRAZY here! Your hair looks great! The pictures with all the Christmas trees are great, how cute that Thomas' school had one there! It is so nice to hear a good review of CRT....never hear too many good ones! Kaylee looked adorable in her Marie outfit! I wouldn't stand in line for Dumbo either! I am glad to hear Thomas was finally feeling better! Kaylee looked so cute with Ariel in her Ariel dress! Sorry to hear she doesn't "believe" anymore! I will be so sad when Matthew figures it all out! I hope you guys are having nice weather down there!

 

[kaysmommie]

I think the breakfast looks the best and I have heard so many mixed reviews about the food at other times. The breakfast looks so yummy though but I have heard it is very hard to get an ADR for.

I never had a problem getting and ADR at 180 days before. I even was able to get and ADR 4 moths before our trip.

Hey Nichole! sorry I haven't been around much lately, it has been CRAZY here! Your hair looks great! The pictures with all the Christmas trees are great, how cute that Thomas' school had one there! It is so nice to hear a good review of CRT....never hear too many good ones! Kaylee looked adorable in her Marie outfit! I wouldn't stand in line for Dumbo either! I am glad to hear Thomas was finally feeling better! Kaylee looked so cute with Ariel in her Ariel dress! Sorry to hear she doesn't "believe" anymore! I will be so sad when Matthew figures it all out! I hope you guys are having nice weather down there!

Hi Diane,
I know how you feel it's been extra hectic this year with th regular stuff plus all the extra holiday things to get done. Things will quiet down after Friday for us because the kids will be out of school and Kay will be done with Dance for 2 weeks too. Aren't you teaching this year too? That doesn't leave much time.

Thanks for all your nice comments. I love CRT for breakfast. Everyone should eat in the castle at least once. I was relieved Thomas felt better but sad it was our last day in the parks. It really sucks that Kaylee doesn't believe in Santa anymore it ruins the fun for me too. The weather has been really cold here lately too.

 

[hlrababy]

Great update Nichole!! I swear, Kaylee cracks me up with her changing of the clothes!!! lol!! They are both so cute!!!!

 

[29apr00]

I stayed at CSR back in 2001 and it does have a very conventiony feel. I love the pool area, and the grounds are just beautiful! I rented a big and rode around the lake area for like an hour! It was so nice and peaceful. Of course, it was a solo trip and we ddint' have kids yet. But i don't think i'd take the kids there, your DH is right, it's just not Disney enought for some.

And wow on your 2nd CRT pic! Was Cinderella snarling?!?!?!?

 

[Disneychix]

Nichole love the new haircut! I keep mine short for blow-drying reasons too!

The picture of Thomas wishing on his star is very cute.

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update Nichole!! I swear, Kaylee cracks me up with her changing of the clothes!!! lol!! They are both so cute!!!!

Thanks Heather .

I stayed at CSR back in 2001 and it does have a very conventiony feel. I love the pool area, and the grounds are just beautiful! I rented a big and rode around the lake area for like an hour! It was so nice and peaceful. Of course, it was a solo trip and we ddint' have kids yet. But i don't think i'd take the kids there, your DH is right, it's just not Disney enought for some.

And wow on your 2nd CRT pic! Was Cinderella snarling?!?!?!?

She wasn't the best girl for the part of Cinderella was she . I agree 100% with your CSR thought. It's pretty but not really Disney of family oriented enough for me.

Nichole love the new haircut! I keep mine short for blow-drying reasons too!

The picture of Thomas wishing on his star is very cute.

Thanks for the sweet comments. I was just so tired of drying my hair for 30 minutes everyday . Maybe now with the faster drying mid length haircut I will find more time to exercise .

 

[mom2mek]

Great update Nichole!

I enjoyed the food for breakfast at CRT when we did it back in Jan of 2006. I don't know if it's changed or not, but if I remember correctly, it looked very similar to what you had! Good stuff right there! Yum!

The picture with Cinderella is good - even if she is snarling a little!

I love the picture of Thomas with his sword standing by the knight! So cute!

That is hilarious that Kaylee had to change her clothes! I am sure I will be dealing with that soon with my girls! But both outfits are adorable, so it's nice that she got to wear both of them and get some pics in them too!

I can't believe your report is almost over!

Sara

 

[Poohtigeey]

Wow Nichole, you always seem to get ADRs for the castle. How do you do it? I think I'd like to try breakfast there next time. Maybe I'll have you get my ADRs for me! Good thinking trying Pepper Market for lunch. I've heard it's very good. So your reports almost over?