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

[KatMark]

I am back and starting to try to catch up on TR's and yours is the first I came to.

What a fun update. I'm so glad you and Jeff got some free time and could enjoy a cocktail on the balcony before heading back.

Too funny with the glass you tried to put your "to go" drinks in the champagne glasses and you forgot the reusable mugs.

We have yet to make the walk from the Boardwalk to the Studios but will rectify that in September.

Glad you got to enjoy the Tune Lounge and catch part of the Indy show.

I can't wait to hear who all showed up to dinner.

 

[MEK]

Nice. Very nice indeed! And definitely worth the room stalking. I like how well you can see Spaceship Earth. Very cool!

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Yum - yeah - definitely not the right size for a cocktail, but they are cute. Did you get them at food & wine? I can't see the logo.

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Cute selfie!

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When I finally hit the Tune In lounge I had visions of your margarita. Unfortunately that is just a seasonal item and nothing on the menu came close so I settled for Dad's lemonade.

So a fun evening for sure, so far. Too bad you missed LMA, but at least you got to see part of Indy and you did get a few moments to yourself. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Enjoyed the update! It seems like you were running around like crazy, and yet managed to slow down, relax and enjoy some quality time, personal time, and calm vacation time!

It looks like a beautiful day indeed, and what an amazing view you had from your verandah, balcony, deck, patio............or whatever!

Can't wait to hear about your Ohana dinner! Hope you got lots of pictures. 13 on your reservation? Can't wait to see who made it.......and if you had any empty seats.

 

[CarolynK]

On the pesto, it really depends on how you want to use it as to how much oil, or how thick you want it. I tend to make it quite thick as almost a tapenade so that it can then be mixed with the other sauce. If you want it more as a stand alone sauce either add more oil, or, water from your pasta.

Thanks, once we're done with the Costco pesto that I've frozen, I'm gonna try it.

I am not a ground floor fan, high up as possible! It will be interesting to be in standard view come September and to see how much balcony, or not, time we spend as a result.

You can see Illuminations from standard view, and kind of hear the music, though a bit out of sync.

We ask for ground floor because std view is close-ish to the parking lot, and ground floor makes bringing in groceries a lot easier!

 

[Leshaface]

Hopefully the stretching and PT will help with no surgery needed!

Such a nice spread you have back at the villa! Mmm, your drink looks delicious. I like rum and cokes too, but yours sounds yummy

I love that you guys took your drinks to go!

Sounds like you two had a nice, although short, relaxing time with each other.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Great update! What a fabulous afternoon enjoying time with each other.

Love the views from the boardwalk! What an amesome view you had from your balcony.

You did pick a good resort to own at! Love staying there and being so close to Epcot and DHS.

Hope your shoulder gets better! I had tendonitis in my left one a few years ago. I eventually had the cortisone shot and 6 weeks of therapy. I got very weak after the shot and finally had to pull over on the drive home and get something to eat. Doctor later told me that the shot can effect your sugar levels. I think that was what happened with me. But other than that, no side effects.

 

[eandesmom]

I am back and starting to try to catch up on TR's and yours is the first I came to

Awww, thanks! I need to pop around and get caught up, should get a little bit of time tonight to do it

I
What a fun update. I'm so glad you and Jeff got some free time and could enjoy a cocktail on the balcony before heading back.

It was such an unexpected treat! We both were a bit giddy

I
Too funny with the glass you tried to put your "to go" drinks in the champagne glasses and you forgot the reusable mugs.

Well I didn't have the reusable mugs on the list. I knew they'd gone to the chip thing so didn't see the point in case we bought some, it would be just a mug overload and we already have that as it is. We bought in Aulani on day one and so it just never occurred to me to pack them. DOH!

I
We have yet to make the walk from the Boardwalk to the Studios but will rectify that in September.

I love that walk. It's a nice little run too!

I
Glad you got to enjoy the Tune Lounge and catch part of the Indy show.

Me too, it was perfect and arguably better than LMA. For us at that moment in time anyway

I
I can't wait to hear who all showed up to dinner.

Enjoyed the update! It seems like you were running around like crazy, and yet managed to slow down, relax and enjoy some quality time, personal time, and calm vacation time!

We did! I figure I earned all that laziness on the balcony anyway for getting all the groceries. It was SO much work you know.

It looks like a beautiful day indeed, and what an amazing view you had from your verandah, balcony, deck, patio............or whatever!

That thing hanging off the side of the building...

Can't wait to hear about your Ohana dinner! Hope you got lots of pictures. 13 on your reservation? Can't wait to see who made it.......and if you had any empty seats.

We shall see, huh!

Thanks, once we're done with the Costco pesto that I've frozen, I'm gonna try it.

I really need to get better about freezing stuff. It just doesn't last long enough to freeze!

You can see Illuminations from standard view, and kind of hear the music, though a bit out of sync.

Good to know! I did put in a room request, we will see but there are some decent options if I get lucky.

We ask for ground floor because std view is close-ish to the parking lot, and ground floor makes bringing in groceries a lot easier!

We have weird ground floor issues but I can definitely see that making sense

Hopefully the stretching and PT will help with no surgery needed!

I hope so! It's sore today but still, amazingly improved. PT later today

Such a nice spread you have back at the villa! Mmm, your drink looks delicious. I like rum and cokes too, but yours sounds yummy

Well we had chips at least! I do like rum and coke, especially with coconut rum but my body is much happier if I skip the soda entirely.

I love that you guys took your drinks to go!

Our mini drinks. You should have heard Jeff. The drama of the too small cup!

The cup drama is not over...

Sounds like you two had a nice, although short, relaxing time with each other.

We did, it was a lovely little respite

Great update! What a fabulous afternoon enjoying time with each other.

It was! When you plan a big trip like this you don't expect stolen moments like that. Unless you proactively steal them...which will happen on this trip too. LOL!

Love the views from the boardwalk! What an amesome view you had from your balcony.

It was!!! And honestly, other than fireworks I was not bothered by noise

You did pick a good resort to own at! Love staying there and being so close to Epcot and DHS.

I actually love all of my home resorts and am happy to say we (after May anyway) will have used the 11m advantage at each and that right there kind of validates each one. We've used each for the reason we bought there and that makes me very happy.

Hope your shoulder gets better! I had tendonitis in my left one a few years ago. I eventually had the cortisone shot and 6 weeks of therapy. I got very weak after the shot and finally had to pull over on the drive home and get something to eat. Doctor later told me that the shot can effect your sugar levels. I think that was what happened with me. But other than that, no side effects.

Honestly I would probably have surgery first if it came to that since all they are really doing is breaking up the calcium and the cortisone doesn't do that. I had one shot in my elbow once and it's so damaging that I really don't want another one in any part of my body if I can possibly avoid it. Not to mention it actually lightened my skin (which I was warned about but...) What I have is self limiting so honestly unless I become completely non functional I am better off waiting it out. So far it is a lot better, sore but I am pretty functional. I'm not exactly flexible normally anyway

 

[khertz]

Ditching the family for drinks sounds like a perfect way to prep for the big holiday crowds.

 

[natebenma]

I'm back at No Fries for You!

That was SUPER nice of Pat to take you grocery shopping. I know, and I'm sure she knows, how much you appreciated it!

That's a lot of food!

Not bad to get to HS when you did.

So glad you got a different ending on Star Tours. I think I have been 2-3 times since the refurb, and it seems like the same ending to me all the time- I'm not sure. I definitely haven't seen the underwater one.

The Jack Sparrow thing sounds like a decent time-killer if you are waiting for a FP to come due or something.

I LOVE your photopass pictures from RNR!!!

If you can't find fries, then adult bevvies as a Plan B is not a bad option.

Be back soon!

 

[eandesmom]

Ditching the family for drinks sounds like a perfect way to prep for the big holiday crowds.

It was!!!

I'm back at No Fries for You!

That was SUPER nice of Pat to take you grocery shopping. I know, and I'm sure she knows, how much you appreciated it!

It was an absolute godsend

That's a lot of food!

A normal week at the grocery store. Sigh. Well except there were WAY more adult beverages than you'd find in my cart for one week.

Not bad to get to HS when you did.

I was really pleased! I had deliberately done the FP's for a little later so kids could sleep in if they wanted and I could hit the store and it worked out perfectly.

So glad you got a different ending on Star Tours. I think I have been 2-3 times since the refurb, and it seems like the same ending to me all the time- I'm not sure. I definitely haven't seen the underwater one.

I swear the previous trip, 2-3 times as well, it was always the same ending. The underwater one is my favorite so far but I did get 3 different ones over the course of the trip which made me happy

The Jack Sparrow thing sounds like a decent time-killer if you are waiting for a FP to come due or something.

It was perfect! Well for most of us anyway.

I LOVE your photopass pictures from RNR!!!

I look miserable huh

If you can't find fries, then adult bevvies as a Plan B is not a bad option.

Be back soon!

It worked for us!

 

[annmarieda]

Of course! It must be on the balcony and it is such a lovely little walk.

It was. We are big on chips and salsa and Jeff will use any excuse to turn them into nachos so was happy I had cheese to allow him to do so.

A favorite of ours too!

It still kills me that I had to let go of those waitlist points but...10 months was longer than we could wait. If we ever do buy another contract it will be resale and it would be BWV. Or Vero but Vero is a good 10 years away before it would make sense for us to even think about those dues in the interim. I am glad I have the Aulani points even if I am sad about the BWV ones that weren't meant to be.

You have a BWV contract though, right? I think getting the Aulani points is super cool though. That will probably be our off in the distance one.... I can't even see us staying there for some time. (races are sucking up my points )

Yes, at least we think so. About as close as you can get really.

And for this reason, I really wanted to be there for the race. Oh well...

 

[eandesmom]

A favorite of ours too!

can't go wrong with chips and salsa, especially once you add the cheese!

You have a BWV contract though, right? I think getting the Aulani points is super cool though. That will probably be our off in the distance one.... I can't even see us staying there for some time. (races are sucking up my points )

Yes, we have 3 total. SSR, BWV and Aulani. Bought SSR for the THV advantage, BWV for obvious reasons and Aulani for 11m advantage. I think there are plenty of times at Aulani you don't need it but since we are likely to use it for holidays and spring breaks it could be handy to have that advantage though I don't imagine most time we really need it till 8-9 months out versus the 11. The plan is that at some point we can get in a rotation, esp once all kids are in college, that Jeff and I do Aulani every other year and then the other 2 contracts are our WDW "pool". We will see how that pans out. The reality is right now I am a bit short to book exactly what I want for spring break next year (while preserving some points for F&W 2015) so it will be interesting to see what we end up going with. I have 12 scenarios, 6 that seem best and will need to decide what to book at 11m. Or not. I need to see what Jeff thinks as I'm sure that will narrow down the scenarios quickly.

And for this reason, I really wanted to be there for the race. Oh well...

I would NOT give up hope. You just never know!

 

[eandesmom]

The bus gods were with us and in relatively short order, we were on our way to the Poly. We checked in and were given our pager.

There were nine of us.

My original reservation for 13 included my sister Kerri and her DH Eric. Aka Big Eric. While they had in fact arrived earlier that day, his beloved Oregon Ducks had a bowl game that would be going during dinner. Which meant we had yet to see them at all. I had known they would not be making it once the bowl and time was announced. It had also included my nephew Isaac and one of his parents as at the 6m window we really hoped and thought that they would be coming.

I had tried to bump it down to 11 once I knew we wouldn't have Isaac and either my brother or ex-SIL but they couldn't do it. I didn't want to lose the reservation so left it alone. I figured worst case, they charged me the no show fee for 2. And then it became 4. Given my previous experience attempting to reduce it, I didn't bother calling. However, my sister was willing to pay that if need be since they were bailing on us for football. Their exciting plan was to go to ESPN to watch the game. When we arrived, it was on in the bar. Go Ducks!

We had added one person to the reservation so in the end we were only 3 short. At check in, they didn't seem to care. YAY! Our additional guest was waiting at the bar for us. Which was good as we really needed to go to the bar.

No, not for Jeff and I. Well, at least not for me, Jeff did get something. I was taking a break! But....my mom. My mom was CRABBY. With a capital C. Or K. She had gotten really sick in the fall, had a pretty disastrous vacation (nightmare river cruise) and then came home to come down with shingles. On her face. OW!!!!! It had taken her a LONG time to recover. All the walking had been to much. She was wiped out. And her shingles were flaring. I was on a mission.

I told her

YOU NEED A DRINK IN A PINEAPPLE!


I am going to go get you a drink in a pineapple!

I didn't even let her say yes or no but she looked at me sort of surprised and said...okay?

And I ran to the bar to take care of my mom.

And just so happened to find our other guest there!

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

PAT was coming to dinner!!!!





I was very excited to be able to finally spend a little more time with her that wasn't a rushed ride through space or a grocery aisle dash!

While we were waiting for our drinks our pager went off. I have NEVER been seated that quickly at Ohana, it had to be a record. Apparently my sister had the same idea and had also bought one for my mom, ordering from a server in the bar.

She decided to keep hers



Mom looks MUCH happier now (and as you can see it is no longer full)



Cheers!



I absolutely bombed at taking pictures. It was just a fun, busy and FAST dinner. I swear Pat was there!!!! I've never seen the food come out that fast either! Both Melissa and Pat had special meetings with the staff about their various allergies and what they could, and couldn't eat. The rest of the food came so fast if memory serves, there were lags when they didn't have anything at all which was a little annoying. Still, at the end of the day they were well taken care of and I know my sister was quite happy with her meal.

Jeff was quite happy with the caramel sauce



Shocker I know.

I have no idea what was going on here, Pat had given the boys yet some more sorcerers cards but this sure doesn't look like trading!

More like I WIN!



Something.

Oh wait, Evan got in on it too.



Probably a clacker thingy from the parade the little kids do??? No clue and I was having water. LOL!

Ah, a maraca of sorts it appears



Quin was a bit less animated than the others





I guess Evan wanted to make sure Kolby ate enough after the previous evenings events?



After dinner we meandered down to the shops and the kids actually spent quite a bit of time in the art shop. I was busy chatting and honestly didn't track all that much but I know they all found art they really wanted, stuff they thought I should by for myself and watched an artist working out front. Some neat stuff in that place. A bit rich for my wallet to be sure and not much I’d actually put on my walls but very fun to look at. We also checked in with Kerri and Eric. Apparently they'd waited to get into ESPN (we had warned them!) and then had bailed back to their room when they realized that there was no sound for the game. If memory serves they'd had a really marginal meal either there or at Big River, or maybe it was both. Big River at lunch after they arrived and ESPN for dinner.

After our art walk the group conferred. And split up.

Melissa, Evan and Quin headed back to BWV via the monorail and walking through Epcot. The big boys REALLY wanted to swim and had zero interest in fireworks. The not quite as big boys REALLY wanted fireworks.
Mom, Dad, Jeff, Pat, Eric, Kolby and I headed down to the Poly beach to watch Wishes.

I attempted a couple of pics from my phone



Kolby was into it, he was "directing" the fireworks if I recall correctly









Eric enjoyed the sand as much as the fireworks



Our original plan had been to maybe head to MK and then see the pre-NYE fireworks, back from the beach or from inside the park but no one was all that into the idea. Pat planned to stay and watch the Electric Water Pageant. I had never seen it but Jeff and the boys weren't that into the idea. My folks were toast and they decided to take a bus to DHS and then boat to the Swan. At least I think that's what they did, they wanted to minimize walking. We decided to head back too, by way of Epcot. We took off for the monorail and I am not sure if my folks stayed to watch the EWP or not. Luckily for me, from the monorail, what did I see?

The EWP! We could even hear quite a bit of the music. It was actually a really cool view and made for a magical monorail ride. Soon enough, we were at Epcot.

And started walking.

But not straight to the resort. It was vacation! We couldn't walk towards the WS without checking some wait times. We weren't tired! And there wasn't much of a wait. Or maybe not even any if memory serves. It was crazy, we walked right in.

Go Green!







Jeff spotted some caramel candy he wanted in this shop but elected to wait given the fact that he'd drunk out of the pitcher at dinner.

Continued in next post

 

[eandesmom]

Continued from previous

We moved on, and decided (ok I made everyone) to get a picture!







The PP guys had some fun with us







For the life of my I can't figure out the tree seems to be over Jeff’s face on this one



As we headed out to the WS, debating which way to go and deciding to go the long way around, we noticed something.

Crowds!

Getting ready for illuminations!

"Can we watch?" asked the boys?

"Why sure, why not?" How cool is that on the timing!

Jeff and I looked at each other

And smiled

Great minds think alike!

"You guys wait here" we told them as we found a decent viewing spot in front of Mexico.

"We will be right back"

And to the Ditch we went! Making it in just under the wire before they closed up for the night.

SCORE!

We stood and enjoyed the magic of illuminations with our beloved ditch rita, the first ditch rita of the trip, and just soaked it all in.


















As always, the music, the entire show, the finale to me, is bar none my favorite. (In fact, it's my ringtone lol) But just when we thought it was over

Something new (to me)

















Magical. Just magical.

We took our time walking back, enjoying the goodnight messages from the World. As we entered the villa we found the big boys in bed watching TV, they'd had a lot of fun swimming and had braved the creepy clown slide. Melissa in the living room, in bed but awake, reading and enjoying a glass of wine. Kolby went up to his mom, gave her the biggest hug and said.

THAT WAS THE BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!


And it really was. So many magical moments. Unexpected alone time with Jeff, fun rides with the kids, a wonderful dinner, double fireworks and a water pageant and a very special DISmeet? Quality family time in spades? What more could anyone ever want out of a day. It was just FUN, pretty much all day. Surprisingly relaxing and relaxed for the time of year and just...FUN. Magical.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Okay - I'm all caught up! SO sorry about your shoulder problems - but I'm glad things seem to be improving. My boss has frozen shoulder and suffers often.

What an awesome day! Mango and coconut rum you say? Sounds good to me!
I was at Jeff's dilemma about the cups being too small and YOU forgot to pack travel mugs? OH MY! I forgot a couple things this trip too. But, it wasn't on the list! So I guess my list was not up to par.

I now understand the benefit of owning at Boardwalk. We were discussing our next trip tonight over dinner and saying how it would be nice to own there. We do have a small contract at Beach, but it seems tough to get rooms there.

Two fireworks shows in one night? AWESOME!

What a great ending with your family too.

 

[Poolrat]

Yes, Dinner was magical ...Fast but magical. You are right my salad and special chicken came out WAY after it was on the table but hey it was fine. I just felt bad not eating all the chicken when it arrive with or after the dessert.


I may make you wait but I ended up not staying after the EWP.

I am glad you got to see the holiday tag in person and even got a drink at the ditch.

Walking around the WS and out the back way is magical when the herd is heading for the entrance.

I am so glad we had some extended time together but it never seems like enough.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Glad you had a fun Disney day.

Dinner, fireworks, EWP, Mission Space, Illuminations and all that with quality time with family? That's icing on the cake for the night. Wonderful.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[CarolynK]

You guys did a lot in one day! We've never eaten at O'Hana, but we have had the pineapple drink at Kona Cafe. Your description of how fast the food came out reminded me that's one of the reasons we rarely eat at Disney restaurants anymore. It sounds like at least you enjoyed the food and especially the company, though!!

Enjoying a rita while watching Illuminations, sounds perfect!

 

[MEK]

THAT WAS THE BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!

How great!

And it sounds like it really was the best day ever. I really believe that spontaneity and just letting things happen can make the best day ever!

So, NO pictures of Pat? What? Between the two of you, no pictures? Pat?????

So fun to watch fireworks from the beach, see the EWP from the monorail, and still back to Epcot in time to see Illuminations. What time was Illuminations?

Very, very fun evening!

 

[annmarieda]

It was very nice of both you and your sister to think to take care of your mom with a drink in a pineapple.

I am glad there were not problems with checking in for dinner AND that you seated so soon!!

Looks like dinner was a lot of fun for all of you. I think Ohana is the perfect place for a big meal together.

Until we stayed at WL, I wasn't very familiar with anything about EWP. I don't know if I just never noticed it during times where, like you, I would have been able to see it from say the monorail or something.... but that stay (at WL)- we could not escape it each evening. (if we were back to the room and often we were) We could see and hear it. It is a fun little "extra". Love Disney and all the little extras.

How cool you got to sneak in a ride for the night. I have never been on MS... so it took me a second to figure that the picture was for that ride.

Photopass pictures are awesome!!! Although, I agree the one with the tree in place of part of Jeff's head is odd.

How cool you got to see both firework displays!!! This was indeed an excellent day! I love how you summed it up!!!