MagicBands + Margaritas + Muggles + Minions = TRP. New TR link is up! 10/31

[rentayenta]

The burnt orange drink looks fun and the food looks delicious but where was dinner? I read it twice and don't see the name. In my defense I have been at a conference all day. Bo-ring!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Love the ride pictures from MK. Another fun day.

Your adult dinner looks good....and I'm with Jenny. Where did you go?

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Great day at MK - looks a little cold though. I see the castle shot probably wasn't your fav, but at least you got one.

Nice idea for dinner. Pulling off group plans can be hard with different tastes and budgets, etc. Nice job!

 

[franandaj]

I guess I'm late enough on commenting that you had a chance to go back and add where dinner was at. It looks really good. Someday. Sounds like overall it was a nice family day. You got in a few things with everyone, a few things with immediate family units, and while the kids were being kids you did pull off the DISmeet and had proof!

Loved all the ride and PP Photos. You're great with making use out of the value of the PP. We just never take enough pics to make it worth it. Maybe with our friends next year.

Looking forward to the rest and the treehouses!

 

[Flossbolna]

Nice update!! However, seeing how bundled up you all are, I am not sold on a NYE trip to WDW. I like it warm. If I want to freeze in a theme park, I can always just go to Paris...

Thanks for adding that it was bluezoo for your dinner. I read the update just after you posted it and just could not figure out where it was! Food looks delicious, but that drink looks even better! Still not sure, I need to try bluezoo since I am not a huge seafood lover and Michael does not eat anything out of the sea. Maybe if I get another sisters trip to WDW!

 

[KatMark]

I go that blue Mickey a couple times.

Fun photos of Space Mountain. I don't like seeing all of you bundled up in the coats though.

The photopass pictures of your parents with Gaston are great as are the ones by the castle.

Fun times on the Tea Cups and you can never go wrong with the People Mover.

It's too bad the photographers camera froze for your "final" group picture. But you all look great with whose ever camera you used.

An adult only evening? Heavenly! Your drinks look delightful and the food looks good too,

 

[eandesmom]

Hahaha, nice on Evan having ulterior motive on commandeering your bike. Those kids. So smart they are. That's awesome that they were able to ride together and that they enjoyed it.

That boy can work it for sure!

It really was a quality family day for you! Those are the best, aren't they?

They are! Sometimes the stars actually align like that.

You're going to be at the Princess yay!!!!! We'll have to get together! I'm so excited and yet terrified about the race at the same time.

I feel the same. Seriously there are days where I am like, what was I thinking to run that far? Yesterday being one of them.

We will definitely have to get together!

I love all the ride photos!

You can definitely tell that it was cooler out. You are all bundled up quite well.

It was chilly that day! Not the coldest day though....

Ok you posted as I was posting...

Ninja post!

The group photo is great... but again... you all look cold!

We were! and the kids were ansty at that point, not a great combo

for the dismeet. Those are always fun. I think it is hard on our families though. They don't often get why we have to carve out a time for someone we "know" from online not to mention having patience is not so easy a thing for kids.

My family, in general, is great about it. The group mentality of the teens though...they were ready to go. I was bummed, Jennifer is one of the DISers I've known the longest and feels like a IRL friend and I was really looking forward to spending some time with her and her family. I hope we have another chance to do so! Preferably sans kids, over crab nachos and flaming drinks at Blue Zoo.

her boys are adorable though!

Dinner looked amazing. Where was it?

Too funny, I didn't realize I'd left that out, guess I assumed everyone would know since we walked over the bridge from BW to get there. It was at Blue Zoo.

YUM! love that place

Hahaha, I totally posted in between your update before!

Ninja!

Yup. Get on Space Mountain, we know you're feeling okay.

Parents of the year, huh. Had he gotten sick again, had any kind of fever, anything, he'd have been grounded but we were really sure it was just a solid case of overdoing it.

Everyone is so serious on Buzz. I love it!

I SUCK at Buzz. Not horrible at TSM but wow, I'm an epic failure as a space ranger. The pictures are funny.

At least you were able to fit a DISmeet in. Even though some of them end up being brief, I just love being able to have them.

Me too! I was sad though, I adore Jen and was hoping to really spend some time...hopefully another trip.

Woah...that flaming drink looks awesome.

it was!!!!!!!!! we would not have tried it were it not for Jennifer and Matt's ringing endorsement. She is my go to gal for yummy drinks, I have 2 of her drink recipes that we make on a semi regular basis and I totally trusted their opinion. Which was good as I don't think we'd have ordered it on our own. I could definitely see us doing dinner just at the bar in Sept on the Thursday night and having those again.

Actually that sounds like a much better idea. Right now we were debating between hopeful soft opening of the F&W kiosks or RR but the idea of heading to DTD for RR after a red eye kind of gives me hives just thinking about it. I have a ressie for both nights but the next night is for sure F&W so....hmmn. Jeff really wants dinner at RR. Cramping my style there!

Glad you guys got in some MK action! Love the PP pics of your folks that a Gaston is a riot!

Aren't those pictures a riot? Talk about mugging for the camera!

Dinner sounds lovely and looks delicious. What fun drinks.

I love Blue Zoo, it definitely did not disappoint. Sometimes the 2nd visit to a place you loved just doesn't quite compare but this one did, and may have exceeded it for me.

How did the kids survive in the villa?

They did fine! Had pizza, lasagne, watched a movie and I'm sure played on all the devices that were in the villa at the time. I imagine they needed the down night as much as we did even if they didn't say so and I know they were looking forward to their own boys night in, without adults. I am glad it was cold, we didn't have to deal with anyone attempting to hit the pool or hot tub without us there.

 

[MEK]

I am cold just looking at your pictures. BRRRRR!

I remember you posted that drink on FB. What is actually lit on fire? What is that?

Dinner looks wonderful. So glad everyone enjoyed a last meal together. I really MUST try those crab nachos.

Yay for meeting Happydog! I loved getting to meet her and Michelle in October. And, of course, Denny probably still has a huge crush on her.

 

[annmarieda]

It was chilly that day! Not the coldest day though....

uh oh! That doesnt sound good.

Ninja post!

My family, in general, is great about it. The group mentality of the teens though...they were ready to go. I was bummed, Jennifer is one of the DISers I've known the longest and feels like a IRL friend and I was really looking forward to spending some time with her and her family. I hope we have another chance to do so! Preferably sans kids, over crab nachos and flaming drinks at Blue Zoo.

Hopefully you will get a chance for that!

Too funny, I didn't realize I'd left that out, guess I assumed everyone would know since we walked over the bridge from BW to get there. It was at Blue Zoo.

I didn't even think about the bridge part. I guess I thought bridge that crosses to BC or YC. I have such limited experience with the Swan or Dolphin...

 

[eandesmom]

The burnt orange drink looks fun and the food looks delicious but where was dinner? I read it twice and don't see the name. In my defense I have been at a conference all day. Bo-ring!

So funny, I didn't even realize I'd not put in that minor detail.

Blue Zoo!

Love the ride pictures from MK. Another fun day.

Your adult dinner looks good....and I'm with Jenny. Where did you go?

Yep, total fail on my part. I have edited it to add. Blue Zoo!

Great day at MK - looks a little cold though. I see the castle shot probably wasn't your fav, but at least you got one.

I'd have liked a nice PP one that had my dad in it too but it was better than nothing

Nice idea for dinner. Pulling off group plans can be hard with different tastes and budgets, etc. Nice job!

Dinner was a group decision and Blue Zoo won over Flying Fish. Everyone loved it.

I guess I'm late enough on commenting that you had a chance to go back and add where dinner was at. It looks really good. Someday. Sounds like overall it was a nice family day. You got in a few things with everyone, a few things with immediate family units, and while the kids were being kids you did pull off the DISmeet and had proof!

Total fail on the restaurant name, I didn't even realize. Apparently I assume everyone recalls the PTR plan or can guess by the strolling over the bridge comment. Or that they can read my mind.

It was a really good day, a nice down day, which we all needed.

Loved all the ride and PP Photos. You're great with making use out of the value of the PP. We just never take enough pics to make it worth it. Maybe with our friends next year.

With that many people the PP+ really paid off. The ride photos, which we'd never buy otherwise, are an absolute riot and I am so glad we have them. It is hard to make the pictures pay off really but if you can get at least 5 you'd buy anyway...at the prices they sell them at...then the pre-buy can really start to make sense. Still, being part of a share really really helps!

Looking forward to the rest and the treehouses!

Treehouses coming up soon!

Nice update!! However, seeing how bundled up you all are, I am not sold on a NYE trip to WDW. I like it warm. If I want to freeze in a theme park, I can always just go to Paris...

True enough. I'd do NYE in Paris versus flying that far too. That said, the holiday decorations, NYE itself, the Osborn lights....totally worth being cold for. However...FP+ made it bearable. Without it...it would have been a very very different trip.

Thanks for adding that it was bluezoo for your dinner. I read the update just after you posted it and just could not figure out where it was! Food looks delicious, but that drink looks even better! Still not sure, I need to try bluezoo since I am not a huge seafood lover and Michael does not eat anything out of the sea. Maybe if I get another sisters trip to WDW!

Total fail on my part there. They have non seafood too, I think our table was half seafood, a couple of chickens and one meat dish. Everyone was thrilled with their food. They have a lovely bar and a nice appetizer menu. Jeff and I were just discussing that eating at the bar on our first night in Sept, might be the perfect thing to do!

 

[eandesmom]

I go that blue Mickey a couple times.

In the big picture of issues, it was minor. Jeff had it a couple of times, the boys maybe once. I had it once in May. But it is annoying!

Fun photos of Space Mountain. I don't like seeing all of you bundled up in the coats though.

It was chilly! I was wishing I'd packed the parka.

The photopass pictures of your parents with Gaston are great as are the ones by the castle.

They were quite good at getting those PP pics all on their own, some super cute ones too!

Fun times on the Tea Cups and you can never go wrong with the People Mover.

Classics!

It's too bad the photographers camera froze for your "final" group picture. But you all look great with whose ever camera you used.

I think that was my phone!

An adult only evening? Heavenly! Your drinks look delightful and the food looks good too,

It was heavenly. It's a pretty special thing to be out with your family, by choice, and just truly enjoy being together. I always feel so blessed in those moments. It was a great evening.

I am cold just looking at your pictures. BRRRRR!

Yup

I remember you posted that drink on FB. What is actually lit on fire? What is that?

It's the orange. It's coated in sugar and who knows what and they light it up! Which then caramelizes the sugar on it, hence the "burnt orange"

Dinner looks wonderful. So glad everyone enjoyed a last meal together. I really MUST try those crab nachos.

They have a TON of crab on them. SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good

Yay for meeting Happydog! I loved getting to meet her and Michelle in October. And, of course, Denny probably still has a huge crush on her.

Well really, how could you not? Then again, Matt isn't exactly hard on the eyes...and he's got the park ranger turned professor thing going on...

Yeah, I just want to be them

uh oh! That doesnt sound good.

nope

I didn't even think about the bridge part. I guess I thought bridge that crosses to BC or YC. I have such limited experience with the Swan or Dolphin...

I need to quit expecting anyone to read my mind.

 

[natebenma]

Wow, you are not catching a break on the weather! Rainy or Cold.

Still some fun time in MK with the family. A nice variety of rides and experiences for everyone.

That was all you had to eat that day before dinner? Your skimpy breakfast and some cheese/cracker/deli meat appetizers. I can't even imagine what my state of mind or mood would have been with that little in my tummy!

Looks like you made up for it with a wonderful dinner! I have never been to Blue Zoo, but everything you showed and described sounds incredible. What a great drink to start out with!

Oh no! They couldn't get you onto something better that was closer to your original time? Will that make for a horrid layover?

Regarding the change from an 8 am flight to 6 am- no, nothing available until much much later in the day. The good news is that our layover is actually 4 days- we are breaking up the flight to Hawaii with a stay in Disneyland. And the other bright side is that with a 6 am flight, we will be landing in California at 9:30 am, so we will have all afternoon and evening (if we are not zombies) at the parks.

I have been trying to reread parts of your Aulani TR when I have a chance.

I need to quit expecting anyone to read my mind.

I knew you were going to say that!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Oh my goodness. Let’s get this TR back on track! I figured I'd get a REAL trip update up and then I can focus on all my threads, I feel like totally lame DISer! I've missed reports starting and ending I've been so nutty.

I feel like I go away for the weekend and suddenly everyone has posted 5 mega-chapters in their TR's.

But in short order we were in and just in time to meet folks for a calm little ride. You know, the kind good parents let their kids go on after they've had a middle of the night episode.

It's scientifically proven that kids recover 75% faster in Disney parks.

Mel and the boys did some spinning

As did Evan and I. I think. It's pretty clearly a photo taken from another teacup, not the side. LOL! Jeff definitely did not.

I can't blame Jeff in the least there.

That photo round goes to Quin and Jeff

Definitely some winners!

The hub, though you can't really tell in the pics, was crazy! And it was COLD. Everyone was ready to go. I however was trying to fit in a DISmeet! In the craziness we found each other and had a minute to say hi.

Proof!

Even fast DISmeets are better than none!

Presentation IS everything you know!

It's less important in my burger joints.

When packing for the trip, we'd all brought something cute for dinner (the girls that is) but the reality was it was COLD.

It's still striking to look at the pictures and see everyone bundled up. You just don't expect that from Florida.

It was a really fun evening. I love the kids, all of them. But it was really special to have a true adult only night out and just enjoy being together, wonderful food, wonderful wine and wonderful people.

Everybody needs a break from parenting responsibilities.

 

[jedijill]

Playing catch up again.

bluezoo looks awesome....I have to make it over there some of these days.

Jill in CO

 

[Leshaface]

I love the photo of the boys on Buzz with their tongues sticking out in concentration. I'm pretty sure I do the same thing!

Great idea on having an adult night. I'm sure you all needed that mid-trip. Too bad it was too cold to get all dressed up!

 

[eandesmom]

Wow, you are not catching a break on the weather! Rainy or Cold.

Nope! There is one coming though. At some point.

Still some fun time in MK with the family. A nice variety of rides and experiences for everyone.

That was all you had to eat that day before dinner? Your skimpy breakfast and some cheese/cracker/deli meat appetizers. I can't even imagine what my state of mind or mood would have been with that little in my tummy!

A greek yogurt and turkey sausage and a croissant is skimpy? I am pretty sure I had all of those...though it is possible it was just the croissant. I am pretty bad about skipping either breakfast or lunch, this really would be a pretty normal day for me for total intake. I generally don't eat until 11 at the earliest.

Looks like you made up for it with a wonderful dinner! I have never been to Blue Zoo, but everything you showed and described sounds incredible. What a great drink to start out with!

Yes, between the Crab Nacho's, Ahi, and whatever nibbles of dessert I had, I can promise I was not short on calories! And that's not including the flaming drink and wine!

Regarding the change from an 8 am flight to 6 am- no, nothing available until much much later in the day. The good news is that our layover is actually 4 days- we are breaking up the flight to Hawaii with a stay in Disneyland. And the other bright side is that with a 6 am flight, we will be landing in California at 9:30 am, so we will have all afternoon and evening (if we are not zombies) at the parks.

I have been trying to reread parts of your Aulani TR when I have a chance.

Feel free to PM or email me if you have any questions about either

I knew you were going to say that!

Should have made it a contest

I feel like I go away for the weekend and suddenly everyone has posted 5 mega-chapters in their TR's.

I know the feeling! I had great intentions to get caught up this weekend. Instead I think I caught up on 3 total??? Lame.

It's scientifically proven that kids recover 75% faster in Disney parks.

I bet it is. And then get sick again the minute they get home.

I can't blame Jeff in the least there.

No spinning for you?

Definitely some winners!

They are funny are'nt they?

Even fast DISmeets are better than none!

Very true!

It's less important in my burger joints.

It's still striking to look at the pictures and see everyone bundled up. You just don't expect that from Florida.

Honestly my family did NOT believe me that they'd need the layers. I had read enough Dec/Jan TR's and seen the pics myself, to know better. Jeff made fun of me for the scarves I gave to all the girls. We will see who had the last laugh on that one!

Everybody needs a break from parenting responsibilities.

Yes!!!!

Playing catch up again.

I am SO bummed I didn't think to PM you about the first mixology group, I mentioned you in a comment on the thread but then just saw that you'd been unsubbed somehow so probably missed it. Glad a second one is happening but bummed we won't be in the same one.

I just booked the craziest excursion for Jeff and I....

bluezoo looks awesome....I have to make it over there some of these days.

Jill in CO

BZ is outstanding, a really nice respite from Disney. Very adult, semi swanky but still casual.

I love the photo of the boys on Buzz with their tongues sticking out in concentration. I'm pretty sure I do the same thing!

Man it was like the battle to the death with some of us. Too funny!

Great idea on having an adult night. I'm sure you all needed that mid-trip. Too bad it was too cold to get all dressed up!

We did need it, it was such a fun and relaxing night. Great way to decompress.

 

[elphie101]

We're hoping to register for the TOT in 2015 (and make it our 1 year wedding anniversary trip, since our APs will be up in early October of next year). Plenty of time to start training (I figure I should probably try a 10k first!)

Ah, Space Mountain is the MK barometer for stomach bugs isn't it? Glad to seen everyone made it off ok though!

It's almost easy to forget how utterly awful this past winter was when you're reading this TR in almost-July but your pictures bring it right back. Being in Disney when it's cold is so odd - it really brings the real world back in.

I can't believe you went that long without eating - I can't imagine it with all those delicious treats lying around Bluezoo looks fantastic though, I feel like I can taste that fish now.

Great update!

 

[afwdwfan]

Yep, this is how positive we were that he was not sick.

That doesn't really tell us anything. I mean, if you were really positive about it, you'd be sitting right in front of him.

Gotta love the "deliberately bored" mug for the camera

Jeff kind of looks like he had the same thing going on.

The rest of us had FP's for BTMRR but…it was down. Again.

So frustrating...

That photo round goes to Quin and Jeff

Great, intense action shots.

Evan decided to get creative and make us a snack.

Presentation IS everything you know!

Well done, Evan. Some fine culinary skills.

It was a really fun evening. I love the kids, all of them. But it was really special to have a true adult only night out and just enjoy being together, wonderful food, wonderful wine and wonderful people. And yes, being away from all of them for 1 night. LOL! This would be our last dinner together. We had one more group meal planned but the next day Kerri and Eric would be doing their own kind of adult day and the rest of us had other, very busy, plans, so in some ways it was a close to the trip and it really couldn’t have been nicer.

Seems absolutely perfect. I mean, the boys can't get into too much trouble back in the room by themselves... can they?

I know that this dinner had to mean so much to you, your sisters and your parents. I'm glad you had a chance to let your guard down for a bit and just enjoy each others' company over a nice dinner.

 

[eandesmom]

We're hoping to register for the TOT in 2015 (and make it our 1 year wedding anniversary trip, since our APs will be up in early October of next year). Plenty of time to start training (I figure I should probably try a 10k first!)

How perfect would that be! And you've tons of time for a 10K. I'd do it for 2 reasons, 1 to have proof of time so you aren't in the last corral and 2 to just get the feel for that kind of race. I know you got some of it at EE.

Ah, Space Mountain is the MK barometer for stomach bugs isn't it? Glad to seen everyone made it off ok though!

Well RRC or EE could work as well. ToT for that matter too.

It's almost easy to forget how utterly awful this past winter was when you're reading this TR in almost-July but your pictures bring it right back. Being in Disney when it's cold is so odd - it really brings the real world back in.

it was odd!

I can't believe you went that long without eating - I can't imagine it with all those delicious treats lying around Bluezoo looks fantastic though, I feel like I can taste that fish now.

Well, I wasn't really around any treats in between when I did eat so I didn't feel like I missed anything. Honestly lunch around 11 and dinner at 8 is a pretty normal day for me. I am not a snacker.

That doesn't really tell us anything. I mean, if you were really positive about it, you'd be sitting right in front of him.

Yeah, I'm chopped liver, the kids want to ride with their cousins, not me!

Great, intense action shots.

Laser like focus!

Well done, Evan. Some fine culinary skills.

He cracked me up. I've never seen slices of deli ham on cheese and cracker platter like that before. It was deli salami too...kind of big but it worked.

Seems absolutely perfect. I mean, the boys can't get into too much trouble back in the room by themselves... can they?

Not without the wrath of mom! And Aunt Mel. And Jeff. You guess who they are the most scared of.



Seriously though, it was cold, they'd had virtually no TV or other electronics for days, we'd checked out a few movies for them...they were not going anywhere. It is a blessing when you can leave them at night. We ditch them at home all the time! LOL.

Just not overnight....to Evan's great disappointment. Nope buddy..not EVER.

I know that this dinner had to mean so much to you, your sisters and your parents. I'm glad you had a chance to let your guard down for a bit and just enjoy each others' company over a nice dinner.

It was an absolute blast.

 

[Chilly]

More trips planned, you'll never finish all your TRs

Adult time is always good, we went to Corfu last week for Freya's first holiday and we tried to have date night but it didn't really work sadly as Freya decided that was the night she'd be unhappy.