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

[Pinkocto]

What a fabulous day! Love that you all were comfortable splitting up and fun was had by all

How nice Pat was able to join you for dinner and the missing people weren't an issue.

 

[rentayenta]

'Ohana is one of my favorite large party meals. Looks like you all had a great time. Glad your cute mom chilled with her drink in a pineapple. Who couldn't be happy with that?

 

[KatMark]

Smart move on getting mom the drink at Ohana in a pineapple.

It looks like everyone was having a grand time at dinner. And Jeff certainly looked like he was into that caramel.

Splendid idea to watch Wishes from the beach (you wouldn't want to do that now...in fact, you probably can't).

I'm glad you got to see part of the EP from the monorail. When we used to ride the monorail we were able to catch it from there every once in awhile.

LOVE the photopass pictures...you guys (and gal) all look like you are having a blast.

Nice. sneak in to the Ditch and then catching Illuminations. We never got to see the special Illuminations show for Christmas even though we had special seating.

Kolby was right...looked like the best Disney Day ever.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I'm glad your day turned out so well! Alot of variety in activities, but it all came together great! I love hearing your nephew expressed how fun it was - that's what all the planning is about, right? We were at said bowl game - your DB is a great fan, to miss a Ohana dinner to try to get the game in! GO DUCKS!

 

[emmysmommy]

I'm glad to hear that you have a diagnosis that you can try conservative treatment on. Sounds like time will tell how successful that is. However, knowing what it is must be some relief.

Relaxing on the balcony without cocktails and snacks is awesome but you made it even better with your mini party for two on the balcony! Bummer that you weren't able to tote as much of the cocktails to go but great solution nonetheless!

Ha ha! Jeff finally satisfied his craving for fries. And.... thirst ensued! Sounds like you HAD to go to the lounge for a drink. How nice to spend some time relaxing.

Good call for the cocktail for your mom. Surely it is medicinal for any cranky mood! Sounds like dinner was everything you anticipated it to be. And getting to spend time with Pat as well!

 

[eandesmom]

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.

I really wouldn't wish it on anyone, I have a new appreciation for shoulder issues that is for sure!

What an awesome day! Mango and coconut rum you say? Sounds good to me!

Yes, mango and coconut! YUM!!

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.

Yep, all my fault. In all fairness...I have packed them in the past. I didn't as I figured we might buy one and well, they take up space but I wasn't really thinking of Jeff's needs at the time, more overall kids and soda and not really needing them this trip. I didn't expect drama over it

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.

Tough even at 11m? or tough because it's a small contract?

Two fireworks shows in one night? AWESOME!

Very unexpected and as a result, absolutely magical!

What a great ending with your family too.

It was. We had a ton of fun and everyone got to do what they wanted, it was perfect.

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.

It's so funny, so often you think of Ohana as a long dining experience but boy, it really wasn't! Biggest bummer of that was not enough time to really chat with you The timing was very off for both you and Melissa, frustrating.

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

It would have been quite the long wait and I have a feeling the crowds at MK were beyond ugly so probably the right call!

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

See, there was a reason I passed on the pineapple at dinner, saving myself for the Ditch! I loved the holiday tag!!!!!!!!!!! LOVED it

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

It really was

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

It was never enough! And crazy how many times over the next couple of days we were in the same places but never really connected again other than via text. Even though I realized it at the time, looking at the pics on the PP share reminded me just how close...and so far...we were a couple of days

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.

I really don't know what more anyone can ask for! It was a great night, just unfolded beautifully and everyone was able to things that made them happy

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!!

I can honestly say that was our only rushed meal of the entire trip, or at least the only rushed one that I remember. For the most part we had amazing service. At least at Disney. It is good food and honestly even though it was rushed, everyone was quite hungry and with the kids too old to be really into the interactive stuff parading around the room it was probably just as well it was as fast as it was. At the time we had been concerned about seeing Wishes on time and as it was, we had some time to kill before it. Which worked out well all around. I have had the pineapple drink before, it is good albeit overpriced. Having had my afternoon rum/mango concoction though I was pretty good on the rum drinks and didn't want to go "back" after that late afternoon berry margarita, it just seemed like a bad mixing choice and a break sounded perfect.

Enjoying a rita while watching Illuminations, sounds perfect!

Not to mention validating my call to skip the Lapu Lapu!

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!

It really was. After that first day where there was a fair amount scheduled, the bulk of the trip was pretty flexible. Other than dinner and FP's we generally went with the flow, often checking the night before to confirm that the FP's still worked (which I neglected to mention we had done this night as well when we split up) but there was a lot of leeway in things. It really was nice that the kids were old enough to go on their own. We never let them actually to go a park without an adult at all but once in, they were cut loose quite often.

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

I know! We suck!!!!! I was checking the pics of Kolby on the beach to see if she made it in as a shadow or anything but nope.

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!

According to my time stamps, it looks like Wishes was at 8:30 (earlier due to the special pre NYE showing at 11:50) and Illuminations was at 10:30. We hadn't remotely checked Epcot evening hours, not expecting to be there so it was a pleasant surprise. Of course later in the trip we had a bit of a reverse surprise in that area but on this night it worked out perfectly.

I hope park hours get extended for our dates, right now everything looks fairly early. BOO

 

[Chilly]

I'm glad your trip is going so well, I know there was a lot of planning involved with so many people, so I'm happy its all going great and your creating lots of family memories.

I love Ohana and watching the fireworks from the beach, I've got some lovely memories of that.

30th Dec is of course also my best Disney day as that's our wedding anniversary.

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow... that was definitely a fantastic day! You can't ask for a better experience at dinner than to get seated and served so quickly. And it looks like everyone, especially the boys, had a great time just playing around and enjoying each others' company.

Your evening stroll through EPCOT was definitely the icing on the cake though. Sneaking in an extra ride, watching Illuminations and having a drink from the Ditch... that's almost like an extra bonus park evening!

 

[GoofyFan1515]

Looks like a great time at The Poly, and dinner at Ohana! It was nice of you and your sister to both think of your Mom and get her the pineapple drink, although your sister doesn't look very disappointed that she got "stuck" with the one she bought.

Amazing that you got seated so quickly, especially during such a busy time of the year! I guess they knew how busy they were going to be, so maybe everyone was getting the express food delivery service to move the crowds along more quickly???

Too funny about Jeff eating the caramel sauce right out of the pitcher! I bet that is a quite a sight for someone sitting nearby who doesn't know how he is!

Nice that you had another special DISmeet and Pat was able to join you for dinner, and you got to spend some time together during dinner and out on Poly Beach. Can't beat special moments with friends during vacation! And cool that you got to make it over to Epcot and get your ride on!!!

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

Really nice picture! glad everyone "decided" that is what they wanted to do!

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

Wow, that is strange!


So nice to end the evening with IllumiNations, and you even got to do it with your Ditch 'Rita in hand!!!

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!

How special is THAT!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

So, in my attempt to jump back into the Dis, I'm just picking up TRs where it seems somewhat prudent to do so...

Love your BWV pictures. While my heart belongs to the Beach Club, you cannot deny the beauty of that entire area.

It must be kind of cool that your'e able to let the boys go do their own thing a little, while you can do yours, especially if it means a little time to chill with all that other stuff happening.

Oh, to have a lapu lapu... I'm really sad that they'll already have done significant work on the GCH ahead of our summer trip. It is once of my favorite places on property. I love Kona and would've gone back there in a second. I mean, who can resist a rum drink served in a pineapple?

Wow...you're after my own heart...a stroll through EPCOT and hitting it just right Illuminations? It just so happens to be my favorite, too.

Your days sounds incredible! To pull all of that off sans stress...super impressive!

 

[jedijill]

Playing catch up after being in KC all weekend.

What a great day! Your mom looks like she is really enjoying the pineapple drink.

Jill in CO

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Yay for a great day with family!

Sounds like you had a nice evening and great start to your trip.

 

[mickeystoontown]

It certainly sounds and looks like this really was the best Disney day ever! I absolutely love making memories like the ones that ya'll made that day.

 

[eandesmom]

I'm glad your trip is going so well, I know there was a lot of planning involved with so many people, so I'm happy its all going great and your creating lots of family memories.

it was a wonderful day, and trip!

I love Ohana and watching the fireworks from the beach, I've got some lovely memories of that.

30th Dec is of course also my best Disney day as that's our wedding anniversary.

I love having anniversaries near a holiday like that, makes it easy to make the celebration that much more special! We've seen fireworks from the GF before, and TOWL but this was our first time at the Poly. It was a fun spot.

Wow... that was definitely a fantastic day! You can't ask for a better experience at dinner than to get seated and served so quickly. And it looks like everyone, especially the boys, had a great time just playing around and enjoying each others' company.

They have so much fun together those boys, it's pretty wonderful. They see each other weekly and never seem to get sick of each other. They fight of course but if given the choice, would rather be together than not.

Your evening stroll through EPCOT was definitely the icing on the cake though. Sneaking in an extra ride, watching Illuminations and having a drink from the Ditch... that's almost like an extra bonus park evening!

it was totally a bonus park evening, a completely unplanned one! Major score and bonus prizes

Looks like a great time at The Poly, and dinner at Ohana! It was nice of you and your sister to both think of your Mom and get her the pineapple drink, although your sister doesn't look very disappointed that she got "stuck" with the one she bought.

She hated it, can't you tell?

Amazing that you got seated so quickly, especially during such a busy time of the year! I guess they knew how busy they were going to be, so maybe everyone was getting the express food delivery service to move the crowds along more quickly???

Maybe...I mean we checked in on time, perhaps even 5min early and the drinks weren't even ready yet. Has to be a record. It's a churn and burn place for sure but it always is so it surprised me to have it actually be running fast and on time.

Too funny about Jeff eating the caramel sauce right out of the pitcher! I bet that is a quite a sight for someone sitting nearby who doesn't know how he is!

I am sure! Pat should have asked him where he got his table manners from! Clearly didn't bother Jeff to do it in front of anyone...although my family has seen it before to be sure. There is a reason my mom doesn't make caramel apples at the Halloween party anymore.

Nice that you had another special DISmeet and Pat was able to join you for dinner, and you got to spend some time together during dinner and out on Poly Beach. Can't beat special moments with friends during vacation! And cool that you got to make it over to Epcot and get your ride on!!!

You can't beat special time with friends and family. I know my folks enjoyed watching the fireworks with her too!

Epcot was serious bonus prizes, as was "seeing" the EWP

Really nice picture! glad everyone "decided" that is what they wanted to do!

Wow, that is strange!

There was no arm twisting involved. Love the difference between the 12 and 13 year old in that respect versus the "big" boys.

So nice to end the evening with IllumiNations, and you even got to do it with your Ditch 'Rita in hand!!!

How special is THAT!!!

The ultimate nightcap

So, in my attempt to jump back into the Dis, I'm just picking up TRs where it seems somewhat prudent to do so...

Love your BWV pictures. While my heart belongs to the Beach Club, you cannot deny the beauty of that entire area.

YAY Tina!!!

Not to mention Max is at such a perfect age for the Beach Club!

It must be kind of cool that your'e able to let the boys go do their own thing a little, while you can do yours, especially if it means a little time to chill with all that other stuff happening.

It's a win win for everyone at that age! Our first time really with it at the parks so it was wierd, and cool, exciting and a little scary all at once

Oh, to have a lapu lapu... I'm really sad that they'll already have done significant work on the GCH ahead of our summer trip. It is once of my favorite places on property. I love Kona and would've gone back there in a second. I mean, who can resist a rum drink served in a pineapple?

Exactly! Everything tastes better served out of a pineapple

Wow...you're after my own heart...a stroll through EPCOT and hitting it just right Illuminations? It just so happens to be my favorite, too.

there is just something about Illuminations that gets me every time and nothing more magical than a stroll around the WS at night with loved ones

Your days sounds incredible! To pull all of that off sans stress...super impressive!

Very stress free day

Playing catch up after being in KC all weekend.

What a great day! Your mom looks like she is really enjoying the pineapple drink.

Jill in CO

She did! It was a wonderful day.

 

[KatMark]

I had to go back as I thought I responded. I did...I think you just missed a couple of us in the "middle of the pack."

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Tough even at 11m? or tough because it's a small contract?

Well, I suppose a little of both. Depends on the time of year and how many nights we're shooting for. We did check and we can get days between Christmas and NY, but we don't have enough points to book as many nights as we want yet. It's too expensive at that time of year for our tiny contract! But I think we will do a couple nights there, and/or AKV or OKW. then cruise on the 3 day 1/2/15. I'd love to do a couple nights close to MK though. That's our tentative plan today, subject to change...

 

[Poolrat]

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

I know right?!?!?!?! I looked back at my pictures and have one of Bou-Tiki and then .......



the fireworks on the beach.




I barely had time to get a drink, if I even did, then we were seated and the food fest began.

 

[MEK]

I know right?!?!?!?! I looked back at my pictures and have one of Bou-Tiki and then .......



the fireworks on the beach.




I barely had time to get a drink, if I even did, then we were seated and the food fest began.

I'll give you a pass this time, but I hope it doesn't happen again!

 

[eandesmom]

Yay for a great day with family!

Sounds like you had a nice evening and great start to your trip.

it was!

It certainly sounds and looks like this really was the best Disney day ever! I absolutely love making memories like the ones that ya'll made that day.

It was a wonderful day all aorund

I had to go back as I thought I responded. I did...I think you just missed a couple of us in the "middle of the pack."

Well, I didn't actually. I responded to all of them but it appears that post didn't "take" and when I hit the next batch, I didn't notice those responded hadn't posted. Grr.

Well, I suppose a little of both. Depends on the time of year and how many nights we're shooting for. We did check and we can get days between Christmas and NY, but we don't have enough points to book as many nights as we want yet. It's too expensive at that time of year for our tiny contract! But I think we will do a couple nights there, and/or AKV or OKW. then cruise on the 3 day 1/2/15. I'd love to do a couple nights close to MK though. That's our tentative plan today, subject to change...

If those are the nights you want I really would suggest booking anything you can now and then trying to move things at 7m so at least you know you have a room.

If you waitlist it a night or 2 at a time too, chances are better.

I know right?!?!?!?! I looked back at my pictures and have one of Bou-Tiki and then .......

Hey that's better than I did!

the fireworks on the beach.




I barely had time to get a drink, if I even did, then we were seated and the food fest began.

Well hey, if Kolby is in your picture, that is proof! You did get a drink, what though I have no idea.

I'll give you a pass this time, but I hope it doesn't happen again!

Seriously, major fail.

 

[eandesmom]

since the DIS ate my first go at these responses, here I go again!

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

we have a strong surrvival instinct

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.

It was perfect, food everyone liked, fun and for boys that age, fast was good!

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.

SO funny, I have stayed at WL twice and FW once and never, despite having it on my "to do" list, have I seen it.

This trip, staying no where near MK..I saw it 3 times. Go figure!

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.

MS is fun, do you think you could handle green or not interested in trying at all?

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!!!

I don't get the tree thing. Double fireworks was a bonus I'd never even remotely contemplated as an option! Once we realized that the pre-NYE fireworks would literally be at midnight I suspected it was Wishes only if anything at all.

What a fabulous day! Love that you all were comfortable splitting up and fun was had by all

How nice Pat was able to join you for dinner and the missing people weren't an issue.

It was so much fun and really met everyones needs. Loved being able to spend more time with Pat.

'Ohana is one of my favorite large party meals. Looks like you all had a great time. Glad your cute mom chilled with her drink in a pineapple. Who couldn't be happy with that?

Exactly. Rum. Pineapple. It's the little things! What more does anyone really need? It just wasn't all that appealing after my Berry Merry Maragrita. Not the best mix despite the fact I did have rum earlier.

Dinner was very yummy!

Smart move on getting mom the drink at Ohana in a pineapple.

It was critical to everyone's survival and enjoyment of the remainder of the evening

It looks like everyone was having a grand time at dinner. And Jeff certainly looked like he was into that caramel.

Jeff clearly wasn't worried what Pat would think

It was a very fun meal

Splendid idea to watch Wishes from the beach (you wouldn't want to do that now...in fact, you probably can't).

Oh my goodness, I didn't even think of that. You are right, probably not next year either huh?

I'm glad you got to see part of the EP from the monorail. When we used to ride the monorail we were able to catch it from there every once in awhile.

It was a lovely, magical unexpected suprise!

LOVE the photopass pictures...you guys (and gal) all look like you are having a blast.

That one makes me smile for sure, we were having a blast!

Nice. sneak in to the Ditch and then catching Illuminations. We never got to see the special Illuminations show for Christmas even though we had special seating.

Mom and I had special seating the night before, but didn't make it so this was a treat. I knew from Pat, that there was a holiday "tag" but all that meant at the time was an extra finale that had kept Jeff up the night before. I had no idea what it included and it was SOOOOO cool!

Kolby was right...looked like the best Disney Day ever.

It really was. Though many days of this trip may have tied it!

I'm glad your day turned out so well! Alot of variety in activities, but it all came together great! I love hearing your nephew expressed how fun it was - that's what all the planning is about, right? We were at said bowl game - your DB is a great fan, to miss a Ohana dinner to try to get the game in! GO DUCKS!

How cool that you were at the game!!! I am sad they had a lousy dinner but part of me was like, what did you expect? Sports bars never have the sound on, unless it's the super bowl. But he got the game, and his sound and their room had a lovely view so...that's something. Plus neither of them were feeling well so it was probably for the best.

It was a great day, something for everyone.

I'm glad to hear that you have a diagnosis that you can try conservative treatment on. Sounds like time will tell how successful that is. However, knowing what it is must be some relief.

Yeah, not a quick fix unfortunately. Really kind of one day at a time at the moment

Relaxing on the balcony without cocktails and snacks is awesome but you made it even better with your mini party for two on the balcony! Bummer that you weren't able to tote as much of the cocktails to go but great solution nonetheless!

it was such a fun little unexpected afternoon respite! I loved it.

Ha ha! Jeff finally satisfied his craving for fries. And.... thirst ensued! Sounds like you HAD to go to the lounge for a drink. How nice to spend some time relaxing.

He was killing me over those fries! Human garbage can that man.

Good call for the cocktail for your mom. Surely it is medicinal for any cranky mood! Sounds like dinner was everything you anticipated it to be. And getting to spend time with Pat as well!

Definitely medicinal and needed. Dinner was wonderful and as always, so was hanging out with Pat.