Magical Grand Gathering Trip with Pics. Completed

[kaysmommie]

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

Hi Sara,
I don't think they changed the breakfast at CRT since we ate there in 2003 and 2006. It is really good though, even if it's overpriced. Thanks for your nice comments. I hope you have a long time until your girls get like Kaylee because she has her moments. Yes that Cinderella had no personality. I'm no Cinderella but she doesn't fit the part either . I looks at it has more of a photo op. the ones are Toontown are always so sweet and fit the part better IMO. I hope the kids are feeling better BTW.

 

[kaysmommie]

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?

Hi Monica,
I always make the reservation as far in advance as I can. I do try to make it 180 days out if possible. You can always try to switch it later when your sure what your plans are. This trip I kind of had to work my plans around CRT because we wanted our ADR first thing in the morning. The breakfast is really good IMO. I liked Pepper Market for lunch, very good for counter service. I should have 2-3 more updates before I'm done. But then I'll have more time to read more reports. When is your next family trip??

 

[kaysmommie]

DAY 8 PART 2: Afternoon at the Pool, Crystal Palace and MK.


When we got back to CBR afterl unch we changed inot our swimsuits to hit the pool one last time. Thomas didn't get much pool time this trip since he was sick. Kaylee at least got there a couple times throughout the trip. They loved the new pool at CBR, if I haven't said that already.

The kids on the smaller slide.

When we left the pool I needed to stop in the shop at OPR to get a CBR picture for my friend. She has these painting type pictures of all the resorts she has stayed at on her trips. They look really nice on her wall too. The only one she didn't have was CBR because they stayed there on their very first family trip when they only had her DD. So I was on a mission to find it so I could give it to her at breakfast the next day.

I was able to find the picture she wanted and decided to get a smaller version for us to take home and frame as well. I really liked the giftshop at CBR but then again I never met a giftshop at Disney didn't like . After that we all went back to the room to shower and change for dinner. I spent too much time at the pool so I didn't get anything packed up to leave in the morning. Of course our Crystal Palalce reservation was for like 4:55 which is earlier than I really wanted.


The kids and Tommy decided to head to MK before I was ready to get us checked in for dinner. I was still drying my hair since I got side tracked packing up a few of our things at least. Their bus left right as I was walking out of the room. So I had to wait for the next one which didn't arrive for 25 minutes.

Scary bus ride Story: When a bus finally arrived a man getting off the bus told me good luck as I was walking up to the bus whatever that means. Well I soon learned what that meant . the bus driver had trouble gettting us out of CBR and did several turn around in the parking lot because he didn't go in order and couldn't seem to remember which stops he picked up already!! Also he was on and off the gas and giving us all whiplash. I was glad my kids weren't on the bus with me. When we were finally were on our way the driver was still on and off the gas as we were driving on world drive. He even drove on the grass a few times . Most of us on the bus were horrified and wondered if we would live to see MK. We pretty much kissed the dirty ground when we finally arrived. I made sure to get the number of the bus though. I called Tom on the way there and told him what was going on but CP wouldn't seat then unitl I arrived.

I was running to CP at this point hoping they would still seat us 40 minutes late for our ADR, thanks bus driver. guess I should have allowed and entire hour just for the drive to MK, not including wait time of course. The CM at CP knew what happened and she gave me the number to guest services so I could call from my cell. I hated to do this but I didn''t know if that bus driver was very drunk or just sick or something. When I called they told me they were contacting transportation Dept ASAP. I just wanted to let them know so they could make sure everything okay with the driver. If he crashed that bus with families on it and I didn't make this call I would feel like trash for not reporting it.

Anyway on to dinner. I love the atmosphere at CP, it's a really pretty restaurant and it did not dissapoint. Well I have to tell my hubby hates this place and thinks the food sucks. The three of us like it though. The food is pretty good and the dessert bar is yummy too. I have no food pics since I was a little frazzled and also seemed to have chills and a fever coming on.

Next up the characters

Continued in next post since Photobucket is really slow and messing up.

 

[mom2mek]

The pool looks like a lot of fun Nichole!

That is one scary bus story! Was it a fairly young driver, just trained, maybe? Did he ever say anything to the passengers? I hope they removed him from his position and put him somewhere safer - like trash collection or something!

I'm glad the CP held your ADR for you! I really enjoyed CP for both lunch and breakfast (Never had dinner there before - but I'm assuming the lunch menu is similar). MK was crazy that day though, wasn't it? I probably didn't miss you by much as I was leaving the MK to go to dinner at 1900 PF, you were probably coming in. Well, maybe. I probably was leaving closer to when Tom and the kids were getting there...it was a little before 5:00.

Sara

 

[kaysmommie]

Continued: Crystal Palace Dinner

Thomas was so excited to see Piglet, but Piglet tried to give each kid half a hug and not sign their books . I made sure that pig signed those books .

We waited and extra 15 minutes to see Tigger after we were done eating.
But he made his rounds slowly because he really interacted with each family. It was worth the wait because he was so fun, just look at the kids faces in the pics. He was a little rough with his hugs though . Also he teased Tom that he was going to steal me.

After dinner we got some castle pics taken for our photopass. Finally I got a picture with all four of us. Not everyone is smiling but I'll take it!

The CM made us do this goofy pose! the kids look thrilled..

I was started to feel like I was definately coming done with something. I asked the family to vote on what they wanted to do. Either get a spot for Spectro and get snacks or go ride a few rides and miss Spectromagic. The kids wanted more rides of course, Tom didn't care either way just wanted to make me happy and I of course wanted to see Spectro because I love it. We didn't see it in March or on this trip but I was willing to compromise. So rides it was.



The first thing we did was ride BTMRR since we missed it earlier. It was dark out so the ride was even more fun. Then Kaylee wanted to ride Space Mountain, so Tom and her went to ride while Thomas and I rode Buzz with FP's. We were done really quick so then Thomas and I rode TTA. I thought it was really fun at night too! Of course we got stuck for a bit. We looked for Tom and Kaylee when we went through SM but we didn't see them. Guess what Thomas is saying when I took this picture??

We were outside still on TTA, but he his saying "no flash photography" .


After TTA we met with the others. I had two more FP's for Buzz for whom ever wanted to ride. Kaylee wanted to ride Astro Orbitter again so Tom had no choice but to ride with her since I wasn't ever riding that again. Thomas was all for riding Buzz again, so we did. He was so very tired when we came out of the ride but he still asked about riding TTA again. It took us 15 minutes to even find our stroller and I was begining to think it was stolen. Luckily I finally found it. Thomas fell asleep the minute he sat down. So the next thing I did was grab a cream cheese pretzel from the stand there in TL. I was stuffed from dinner but we had snack credits to use and I have always wanted to try one of these since reading how good it was on DIS. I found a seat at the tables there and enjoyed my pretzel while Thomas napped. It was excellent BTW. I waited quite a while for Tom & Kaylee but was enjoying my last few minutes taking in the sights and smells of MK. I was it was our last time here for at least a year. Tom said no way to 2009 and said it will be 2010 for we get back . But we all know that as long as m checkbook agress well be back in 2009 .


Finally I see Tom and Kaylee getting off the elevator at AO. We were all tired and decided to call it night. But on the way out of MK we stopped in the Jewelry shop on Main St to look at the watches. Tom and I both picked one since we never buy anything for us on our trips. He picked one that suits him perfectly, Grumpy and I got the one that I had loved at GF when I tried it on. My friend also has this watch and loves it!

After that we quickly made our way to the CBR bus stop since Wishes was starting. I did not want to be caught in that crowd and was willing to miss Wishes. When we got back to CBR the kids went straight to bed while Tom and I finished packing .



Next: Breakfast at Cape May Cafe with friends...

 

[kaysmommie]

The pool looks like a lot of fun Nichole!

That is one scary bus story! Was it a fairly young driver, just trained, maybe? Did he ever say anything to the passengers? I hope they removed him from his position and put him somewhere safer - like trash collection or something!

I'm glad the CP held your ADR for you! I really enjoyed CP for both lunch and breakfast (Never had dinner there before - but I'm assuming the lunch menu is similar). MK was crazy that day though, wasn't it? I probably didn't miss you by much as I was leaving the MK to go to dinner at 1900 PF, you were probably coming in. Well, maybe. I probably was leaving closer to when Tom and the kids were getting there...it was a little before 5:00.

Sara

I"m sure you didn't pass me because I was way late after that not fun bus ride. If you did see me I was running and out of breath on the way to CP. The bus driver, how to say this PC . He was older like 45-50 maybe and middle eastern. He never spoke a word to any of us. At first we were laughing about what a bad driver he was when we were getting whiplash in the resort area. Then it got kind of scary as he is driving over grass on World Drive. Yes I think trash pick up might be a better for him

Dinner at Crystal Palce is the same as lunch. I guess I ahve to look for your next update to see if you liked 1900 Park Fare and if you watched Spectromagic. Sorry I missed you but I had your number in my phone for when we got seats for Spectro. Figured we would spread out in Frontierland and save extra seats for your group. Seemed this trip was all about rides and not about shows since we saw 2 total the whole trip.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update! Wow that was a scary bus ride though.

Love the CBR pool pics! Do you have any pictures of the larger slide? Is it an enclosed/tube slide?

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update! Wow that was a scary bus ride though.

Love the CBR pool pics! Do you have any pictures of the larger slide? Is it an enclosed/tube slide?

Thanks.I hope that guy is not still driving when you go next month. Wish I had a picture to PM you . I don't think I have any pics of the other slide except for the outside of it. Yes it's enclosed and fast, your boys will love it! It was a little quick for Thomas but Kaylee had a blast on it. This is about the best pictures I have of the outside of the slide. The slide goes through the fortress. Is that how it used to be with the old pool? I think the bigger slide is the new one, but you would know better than me.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thanks.I hope that guy is not still driving when you go next month. Wish I had a picture to PM you . I don't think I have any pics of the other slide except for the outside of it. Yes it's enclosed and fast, your boys will love it! It was a little quick for Thomas but Kaylee had a blast on it. This is about the best pictures I have of the outside of the slide. The slide goes through the fortress. Is that how it used to be with the old pool? I think the bigger slide is the new one, but you would know better than me.

Thanks!

Yeah I am pretty sure the longer enclosed one is the new one too. It has been over 3 years though, but I don't remember it being enclosed before. So the shorter one must be the old one. I'm sure the kids will love them both! I just hope it's warm enough for swimming!

 

[mansionterror]

Another great update Nichole! I love the theming of the CBR pool since it's update, very nice.

Funny how hard it is to get everyone to look decent in a photopass picture...Colby is ALWAYS squinting and James always had the deer in the headlights look going on.

I am glad you got to keep your ADR at CP...I hope that driver was alright and they got him off the road pretty quick after your experience.

 

[29apr00]

Wow scary bus ride!! Good for you for calling it in!!

OH and I love your watch!! I have one like that but the Mickey heads are a bigger around the band. It's my favorite of my 3 disney watches!

 

[ariel2007]

I love your watches, they are so cute. I have never seen one like yours before, I love it.

I definitely think you did the right thing calling in about the bus driver. I mean if he cant decide for himself not to drive the bus for whatever reason was effecting him, and therefore puts other people in danger, then someone else has to do it for him.

The CBR pool looks so nice, I definitely want to stay there soon. And it all looks so tropical. And I love your pictures from CP, your tops are so cute, where did you get them from? I love Tigger at CP and 1900 PF, he is always so much fun and so interactive.

So have you got any plans to go back for next year yet then?

 

[kaysmommie]

Another great update Nichole! I love the theming of the CBR pool since it's update, very nice.

Funny how hard it is to get everyone to look decent in a photopass picture...Colby is ALWAYS squinting and James always had the deer in the headlights look going on.

I am glad you got to keep your ADR at CP...I hope that driver was alright and they got him off the road pretty quick after your experience.

I agree someone is always making a face in every picture . I hope so too!

Wow scary bus ride!! Good for you for calling it in!!

OH and I love your watch!! I have one like that but the Mickey heads are a bigger around the band. It's my favorite of my 3 disney watches!

I want to see pics of your Disney watches. I love mine because it's small and looks like a tennis bracelet sort of. Tom was going to get a Mickey one too but he already has 2 other watches and needed one with a tan strap.

I love your watches, they are so cute. I have never seen one like yours before, I love it.

I definitely think you did the right thing calling in about the bus driver. I mean if he cant decide for himself not to drive the bus for whatever reason was effecting him, and therefore puts other people in danger, then someone else has to do it for him.

The CBR pool looks so nice, I definitely want to stay there soon. And it all looks so tropical. And I love your pictures from CP, your tops are so cute, where did you get them from? I love Tigger at CP and 1900 PF, he is always so much fun and so interactive.

So have you got any plans to go back for next year yet then?

Thanks. You should get a watch like mine. It wasn't that expensive either, like $75. All of us ladies on the Grand gathering chose that one. Not at the same time but we all ended up with that one which was kind of funny.
I have never been on a bus ride quite like that in my entire life.

We got our shirts from Disney Shopping.com. Tigger was very funny and we liked CBR alot. I do have something booked for next year but not sure 100% of those dates and the resort. Right now it's WL but if money is tight might have to go with CBR again. I would rather not stay at a value resort unless I absolutely have to. I just like a more relaxing theme and a quieter resort to rest at.

 

[earthfaries]

Sounds like you guys had a nice last day at the World. Sorry Tom didn't like CP. I don't care for their food too much either, but the atmosphere is nice
I'll have to try one of those pretzels, they sound yummy! Don't worry about what Tom said about not going to Disney in 2009, everyone says that while they're still at Disney. I have a feeling you'll be going next year
Love your watches, they are nice.

 

[kaysmommie]

Sounds like you guys had a nice last day at the World. Sorry Tom didn't like CP. I don't care for their food too much either, but the atmosphere is nice
I'll have to try one of those pretzels, they sound yummy! Don't worry about what Tom said about not going to Disney in 2009, everyone says that while they're still at Disney. I have a feeling you'll be going next year
Love your watches, they are nice.

Hi earthfairies,
We did have a great last day except for that bus ride. I certainly wasn't feeling my best by this point in the trip. Yes try one of those cream cheese pretzels, yum. Hoping we are able to go in 2009 . I know if our checkbook says yes than more then likley we will go.

 

[WDW Fan]

Great update Nichole! Loved the pictures of the Caribbean Beach Resort. It looks so tropical and the pool has such a great slide for the kids. Sounds like you had a fun last night at the MK. I hope you didn't get the virus that Thomas had. Sorry that your TR is coming to an end. You must talk Tom into a trip for 2009!

 

[kaysmommie]

Great update Nichole! Loved the pictures of the Caribbean Beach Resort. It looks so tropical and the pool has such a great slide for the kids. Sounds like you had a fun last night at the MK. I hope you didn't get the virus that Thomas had. Sorry that your TR is coming to an end. You must talk Tom into a trip for 2009!

Thanks we loved CBR. The theme was appealing to us and the pool was great. Turned out I had a sinus infection. We still don't know what Thomas had besides the mystery fever the DR. at the ER couldn't find anything wrong. So I'm guessing something viral, like you said. He just wasn't himself most of the trip because of it. I'm working on Tom for next year. But this morning he was saying how he wished we went to DIsney for Christmas and he definately wants to go see the all the christmas there. Now were talking. Maybe next year instead of buying the kids a million gifts we can do that instead. I just worry because I know how many people are in DIsney right now vomited with Norwalk virus . Maybe Thanksgiving would be a nice time though and a week before our 10th Anniversary.

 

[kaysmommie]

Departure day & our last breakfast at Cape May Cafe...

I apologize in advance for any type O's

This morning we woke up early since I had to pack up last minute items and Tom had to finish packing up the car. I just left comfortable clothes out for the kids since we had a 10 hour ride home after breakfast. There was no need to go the Customs House to check out since everything was correct with our bill.

We sadly left CBR and drove to Beach Club for our farewell character meal. This meal was very convenient when I booked it because we were also supposed to stay at BC. Anway we met our friends in the lobby and checked in for breakfast. I think we only waited maybe 2 minutes before we were seated. Then I made sure to give DF her picture of CBR for her house. I took a picture of mine which is the same except smaller than hers. She was happy to be able to finally have her complete collection to date.

When we were seated I noticed Chip & dale were not there . I had Thomas very excited to see Chip & Dale this morning. But apparently they switched to Donald Duck. Thomas asked me were they were, but luckily he was just a little dissapointed but that was it.

The food was excellent at this buffet. Definately a favorite breakfast all around. The first character we saw was Donald. Minor rant coming: Thomas unfortunately never even got a picture with him at all. The reason being is my friends kids got probably 10 pictures each seperately and then together so I was lucky if my kids even got to see the character at all. If my kids were about to even get their picture taken then the little 2 year old would run into my photo and hug the character. Mind you they all already had like 5 hugs each and many high fives with every one of them. There was no taking turns at all. It was all about DF kids and then the characters would be ready to move on. My brother's kids have some manners at least and their parents would never be so rude. Even my brother who is major PIA. Even Tom thought the situation was ridiculous and frustrating since Thomas did not even get to hug one character. Rant over I know not to do character meals with the entitled family again.

Pluto was there but I wasn't able to even get a picture of him with either of my kids. But as long as DF gets her 100 pictures that is all that matters. To top it off i wasn't feeling well at all this morning and this situation wasn't making me feel better.

After breakfast we took a walk outside of Beach Club and let all the kids play for a little bit before the long drive home. We took a few more pics. I think these are very cute of all of them together.

And of course one of the girls...

It was about 9:30 and we really needed to head home before it got any later. So we all said our goodbyes, which kind of stunk since we won't see them again until summer or next year. They were planning the rest of their day at Epcot or hanging by the pool. I think we were tempted to see if BC if had a room available for the night since it's just gorgeous there . Kaylee would have loved to have a day to hang out with her friend. But I wasn't so sad to leave since I was feeling sick, I just dreaded the ride home . We did make a quick stop in BC marketplace to get some drinks and snacks for the ride with the rest of our snack credits.


After we left Beach Club we pulled into the gas station . Tom should have got gas the day before when he was supposed to. We waited in a 45 minute line to get gas because of the gas shortage. Thomas was starting to cry and wanted to go back to CBR and not go home. He wasn't ready for the trip to be over yet. I know that sounds really spoiled to some but he did have lots of time in the room when he had a fever. Also he didn't get to swim much at the resort.

We drove out of Disney and couldn't wait to be home already. the further we got the harder Thomas cried . It was really annoying us all but nothing we said was making him feel better. He cried for over and hour and begged us to rutn the car around. Here is a happy little picture of him ...

He did finally calm down with bouts of crying here and there. Maybe I should cry on the way home too since I hate leaving Disney and make the kids put up with me. I brought along the bounceback flyer from our hotel room. I had never had a chance to call while we were there. So I asked Tommy what he thought he about it. He said to call and put a deposit on it but it's not a sure thing with work being slow. Also we weren't sure if we wanted to come back again in October. I made the call and did book something for what will probably be the kids fall break. In case we want to go during those dates offered. It's a great with free dining even though we really want to go in December. We just need to upgrade our 1 day tickets from this years trip. I booked us for 7 nights at Wilderness Lodge.

It was a very long ride home. I felt like I had the flu and had chills and high fever. Not fun being in a car for 10 hoursshivering. We had snacks and drinks but did stop for and early dinner at 4 PM. Of course there was nothing around except McDonald's. It seemed quite filthy to me but I was too sick and tired to argue with Tom. I just ordered a sweet tea since there was no way I could eat. The kids got happy meals, chicken for Thomas and cheese burger for Kaylee.

Thomas and Kaylee both fell asleep after dinner. Kaylee woke up at 7:30 with 1.5 hours drive to go. She was very grumpy now. Next thing I know she vomits all over herself and her seat and the floor of the car . Seriously I thought I must be hearing things. I handed her a bag which helped some after she got sick once. We had to stop for a quick clean up. But there was no getting rid of the smell until we could get home and scrub everything. I was worried we would all be getting the stoamch virus now. but she didn't sick get sick again at all. Must have been that nasty cheeseburger that didn't agree with her.

Finally we arrived home and got Kaylee in the shower and the laundry done. We also cleaned the car. Kaylee would be staying home from school the next day just in case. That was the worst drive ever! The only thing that could be worse if we had a flat tire or car accident.


Up next: Final Thoughts and future trip plans..

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Loved the entire TR! I'm so sorry you all ended up getting sick. I have already packed lysol wipes and plan to wipe down the room upon arrival! I have been reading too many stories of people getting the stomach bug at WDW.

Glad you had a wonderful trip otherwise! And that you and your family loved CBR so much. I would have felt bad if you hadn't!

 

[ariel2007]

Ah I can't believe its over, thats 2 of my favorite reports finished in the same week . Sorry to hear you felt so bad, maybe post Disney blues. I am feeling pretty rough like that at the moment and just hope it goes by Christmas else it will not be fun

Cape May looks great for breakfast, another one I will have to try in the future. That sucks that Thomas didn't get any hugs with the characters, but at least you know for next time. And that is so cute he was so upset. I mean I know it must have been hard work being stuck in the car with the crying but to know he cares that much about Disney, thats got to be a good thing . I hope you get to stay at WL next year, can't wait for the next report.