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

[tinacaplan]

YAY Tina!!!

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

Hi! And I'm sorry....but you ARE STILL more interesting than Gaston!

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

It is really neat watching your babies grow up into slightly smaller, independent people, isn't it? Although, the more control we relinquish, it certainly gets a little scarier.

Exactly! Everything tastes better served out of a pineapple

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

I couldn't agree more...which makes staying at the EPCOT resorts so much more magical. We love just kind of hanging out at EPCOT, especially WS in the evenings. It is so easy to go back and forth between swimming and EPCOT...and wow... I'm getting so excited!

 

[eandesmom]

Hi! And I'm sorry....but you ARE STILL more interesting than Gaston!

YAY!

It is really neat watching your babies grow up into slightly smaller, independent people, isn't it? Although, the more control we relinquish, it certainly gets a little scarier.

Especially once they get bigger than you! I am officially the shortest in the house. One they weigh more, I'm toast. Tween/Teen stuff can be very hard.

I couldn't agree more...which makes staying at the EPCOT resorts so much more magical. We love just kind of hanging out at EPCOT, especially WS in the evenings. It is so easy to go back and forth between swimming and EPCOT...and wow... I'm getting so excited!

We love Epcot. Or really we love the WS. Future world is a place we visit to hit some key rides but it's more of a means to an end most of the time. Not much swimming on this trip, it just wasn't that warm but the ability to go back and forth is pretty darn priceless! Easy for quick little breaks which adds so much to the trip for us.

 

[Leshaface]

So glad your mom approved of the alcoholic pineapple! I had shingles when I was 19 and I remember it being pretty painful. And recently, my MIL had it around her stomach, waist and hips and it took her out for 2 months!

I sense that Jeff has a liking for Caramel since you mentioned it twice in one update! Whoda thought!?

I absolutely LOVE the music to Illuminations! I frequently listen to that song on my iTunes and get goosebumps when the finale is happening.

What an AMAZING day!

 

[natebenma]

Caught up with THE BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!

And it was!

I can't think of a lovelier afternoon than a solo stroll with your sweetie, a yummy snack and drinks and you KNOW I love that view! Your drink sounds amazing!

And on top of that, you got to miss Light, Motors, Action. Not a fan!

Drinks and Fries are definitely a better option!

Sounds like everything worked out at Ohana- a nice family meal, as it should be by definition, including your honorary family member Pat.

But no picture? You must go back and have a do-over to correct that!

I the fireworks from the Poly Beach!

Also, major score seeing the EWP from the monorail AND a bonus show of Illuminations.

And best of all- it looked fairly dry!

 

[eandesmom]

So glad your mom approved of the alcoholic pineapple! I had shingles when I was 19 and I remember it being pretty painful. And recently, my MIL had it around her stomach, waist and hips and it took her out for 2 months!

She needed that pineapple! I felt so bad for her, she was so frustrated with herself and I know that was making the flare up worse

I sense that Jeff has a liking for Caramel since you mentioned it twice in one update! Whoda thought!?

He is a junkie

I absolutely LOVE the music to Illuminations! I frequently listen to that song on my iTunes and get goosebumps when the finale is happening.

What an AMAZING day!

I have a couple different clips as various ringtones. LOVE it! Need to make a new running playlist that has it in it. Need a new playlist period anyway.

Caught up with THE BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!

And it was!

I can't think of a lovelier afternoon than a solo stroll with your sweetie, a yummy snack and drinks and you KNOW I love that view! Your drink sounds amazing!

Not that you are in your room long enough my commando friend to enjoy the view it was a lovely lovely afternoon all around!

And on top of that, you got to miss Light, Motors, Action. Not a fan!

Drinks and Fries are definitely a better option!

I was not displeased with how is shook out

Sounds like everything worked out at Ohana- a nice family meal, as it should be by definition, including your honorary family member Pat.

But no picture? You must go back and have a do-over to correct that!

Pathetic huh! Hopefully our paths will cross again soon and I can rectify that!

Ohana really is a great place for a large group. We had some truly wonderful dinners this trip, very happy with our selections overall.

I the fireworks from the Poly Beach!

Also, major score seeing the EWP from the monorail AND a bonus show of Illuminations.

And best of all- it looked fairly dry!

It was not only totally dry, it had moments of tank top warmness!!!!!!!!!!! It was a gorgeous day in every respect and a really magical evening.

 

[glennbo123]

All caught up Cynthia. I can relate to your BIL wanting to catch his favorite college football team in a bowl game. I'm glad that you got to have dinner with Pat at O'hana, finally a chance to . And hooray for catching Wishes from the Poly beach and IllumiNations on the same night, and for the Best Disney Day Ever!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

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!

Very succinct. I love it!

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

PAT was coming to dinner!!!!

I absolutely bombed at taking pictures. It was just a fun, busy and FAST dinner. I swear Pat was there!!!!

You know the rule...

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 love Wishes from there. Great spot.

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

Very cute.

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

Have you checked to see if the Haunted Mansion has 1,000 ghosts now?

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.

I love it when a plan comes together!

As always, the music, the entire show, the finale to me, is bar none my favorite.

I think we're in the minority on the boards here, but I agree!

THAT WAS THE BEST DISNEY DAY EVER!

Excellent!

 

[eandesmom]

All caught up Cynthia. I can relate to your BIL wanting to catch his favorite college football team in a bowl game. I'm glad that you got to have dinner with Pat at O'hana, finally a chance to . And hooray for catching Wishes from the Poly beach and IllumiNations on the same night, and for the Best Disney Day Ever!

Oh we would relate to it too on the game. It's kind of a bummer on the timing, had it been during our THV stay, that would have been an excellent place to watch and make dinner in, perfect game watching set up!

It was a great night, full of so many unplanned "extra's" that it was just magical

Very succinct. I love it!

The survival instinct is strong, what can I say.

You know the rule...

I know, total fail!

I love Wishes from there. Great spot.

it was!

Have you checked to see if the Haunted Mansion has 1,000 ghosts now?

For Jeff that might be a fate worse than death, he has HM issues.

I think we're in the minority on the boards here, but I agree!

Well, I think Illuminations has a huge following but I think also, unlike Wishes which most everyone at least likes, there are some folks who truly don't like Illuminations. My whole family feels the same (in terms of it being our favorite) so at least I am in good company there . It's the whole experience that gets us every time and certainly the Wishes experience is very different and it's own thing as well.

 

[englishrose47]

Hi Cynthia its Rosie , I didn't disappear completely!!Been so busy ! Our trip is getting closer !!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Well, I think Illuminations has a huge following but I think also, unlike Wishes which most everyone at least likes, there are some folks who truly don't like Illuminations. My whole family feels the same (in terms of it being our favorite) so at least I am in good company there . It's the whole experience that gets us every time and certainly the Wishes experience is very different and it's own thing as well.

I;'m not big on wishes either, to me it's just a fireworks show with Disney music. Where as Illuminations just seems to satisfy my inner pyromaniac more probably because of two words "inferno barge"

 

[Poolrat]

I thought it was hilarious that Jeff stole the caramel. We were going to call the waitress over and get him some more.


I looked hard at my pictures and if we were doing a Find Kolby contest, there may be some blurry body parts.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well, now I'm going to read your TR multiple times as we have booked a trip for the same time! Right now we only have two nights booked (not a lot of points for our 11 months) and we plan to be at WDW from 12/28 -1/2 and get on the Dream for a 3 night on 1/2! So excited, but nervous about crowds. I'll be looking for all your tips!

 

[Moira222]

What a great day! Dinner sounds like the best way to round it off. I laughed when I read that you & your sister both bought your mom the pineapple In my family, my sisters and I are accused of having a shared brain - we all come up with the same thing, same presents for kids, same food.... so I totally get the double pineapple.


and I laughed out loud (which is not good when you are sneaking the DIS in behind other windows at work!) when I saw that Jeff passed on the caramel dessert in Epcot because he had drank caramel out of the pitcher at Ohana.

what a great night - two fireworks in one? how did that ever happen anyway? pretty darn cool though!

BTW I am taking a note out of your big trip in '07 and booked an Illuminations Cruise for June. Once I read your review of it to Joe, that was it. done. Can't wait!!!

 

[franandaj]

I guess I read this on my phone and didn't comment!

A pineapple drink will cheer up anyone's day! 'Ohana is a fun and tasty place to eat and so nice that everyone enjoyed their day and got to end it with fireworks on the beach.

 

[eandesmom]

Hi Cynthia its Rosie , I didn't disappear completely!!Been so busy ! Our trip is getting closer !!

HI Rosie!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So glad to read Kyle has his cast off. Closer is

I;'m not big on wishes either, to me it's just a fireworks show with Disney music. Where as Illuminations just seems to satisfy my inner pyromaniac more probably because of two words "inferno barge"

I don't dislike Wishes but it doesn't give me the same kind of feeling and emotions that Illuminations does. A lot of is is the music but you combine that with the imagery and yes...the inferno barge and the lighting of the countries and it wins hands down. Not really a spoiler but I am SO glad it's where and what we chose for NYE.

I thought it was hilarious that Jeff stole the caramel. We were going to call the waitress over and get him some more.

He wouldn't have turned it down either! Clearly he felt comfortable with you, he definitely didn't show that side until AFTER we were married

I looked hard at my pictures and if we were doing a Find Kolby contest, there may be some blurry body parts.

Which may or may not be the child in question

Well, now I'm going to read your TR multiple times as we have booked a trip for the same time! Right now we only have two nights booked (not a lot of points for our 11 months) and we plan to be at WDW from 12/28 -1/2 and get on the Dream for a 3 night on 1/2! So excited, but nervous about crowds. I'll be looking for all your tips!

Is NYE one of the 2 nights you booked? As long as you are covered there your chances will be good at 7 to cobble the rest I think. What a fun trip that will be.

What a great day! Dinner sounds like the best way to round it off. I laughed when I read that you & your sister both bought your mom the pineapple In my family, my sisters and I are accused of having a shared brain - we all come up with the same thing, same presents for kids, same food.... so I totally get the double pineapple.

shared survival instinct

and I laughed out loud (which is not good when you are sneaking the DIS in behind other windows at work!) when I saw that Jeff passed on the caramel dessert in Epcot because he had drank caramel out of the pitcher at Ohana.

Well it was a candy purchase, one he assumed he could easily find elsewhere....

dum dum dum...

what a great night - two fireworks in one? how did that ever happen anyway? pretty darn cool though!

Can you believe that! It was so unreal that it just happened that way.

BTW I am taking a note out of your big trip in '07 and booked an Illuminations Cruise for June. Once I read your review of it to Joe, that was it. done. Can't wait!!!

Order pizza and a bottle of wine! Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess I read this on my phone and didn't comment!

I do that ALL the time!

A pineapple drink will cheer up anyone's day! 'Ohana is a fun and tasty place to eat and so nice that everyone enjoyed their day and got to end it with fireworks on the beach.

It is the perfect group dinner, couldn't have been better.

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Hi there! I'm finally checking in. I've read 3 updates so I thought I'd comment and then keep reading.

I'm loving your Christmas parade photos! We have not seen a parade in a while at WDW, just because we try to go with the flow while having a young child, and parade schedules don't always work for us. I haven't read a TR in a while, so yours is a perfect one to read. It makes me happy (& homesick) for WDW.

I just saw you have a couple of trips planned to DLR. We are going to be there too! We should see if our dates overlap.

 

[englishrose47]

In 46 days I will be in Disney!!! After Friday it can't come quick enough!! First I worked 8 - 3:30p at my ful;l time job went in to work 2nd job and had agreed to stay till midnight as my partner wanted to go home ( 4 hour drive) that night , WEEEELLLLL the overnight called in and I had to stay till 8:15 a , sooo I worked 24 hours straight. I am still feeling it Let me tell you I was one exhausted Momma yesterday. Slept from 6:30p till 7 a

 

[addictedtothemouse]

Holy looong first day! I think you are right about the beginning of the trip adrenalin and not sitting down to get you through. And food, lack of food tends to make some people, ahem me, quite grumpy.
Great second day. I love wishes, but Illuminations is quickly becoming my favorite. It just seems more meaningful.
I have a DVC question. I'm thinking of renting points for AKV for a fall trip next year. There will be five of us, my then 18 yo DD her 18 yo cousin, my DM, 3 yo DGD and myself. I was wondering if I would be better off with two studios or a one bedroom. I don't think I would use the kitchen very much if at all, but a washer and dryer would be great. Other than that just space wise which do you think would be better?
Oh and when DM and I stayed at AKL, we got to our room and had no bags, I called and they told me that at the deluxe resorts they don't deliver the bags until they are called, just in-case there is a problem they have someone right there to resolve it. Ummm that's not what you advertise.

 

[eandesmom]

Hi there! I'm finally checking in. I've read 3 updates so I thought I'd comment and then keep reading.

Allison!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm loving your Christmas parade photos! We have not seen a parade in a while at WDW, just because we try to go with the flow while having a young child, and parade schedules don't always work for us. I haven't read a TR in a while, so yours is a perfect one to read. It makes me happy (& homesick) for WDW.

We rarely see parades and the E's don't have much interest in them so I know exactly what you mean! As a general rule they aren't high on my list but the Christmas one was a fun surprise.

I just saw you have a couple of trips planned to DLR. We are going to be there too! We should see if our dates overlap.

So close!!!!!!!!! What a bummer, sounds like we will just miss you.

In 46 days I will be in Disney!!! After Friday it can't come quick enough!! First I worked 8 - 3:30p at my ful;l time job went in to work 2nd job and had agreed to stay till midnight as my partner wanted to go home ( 4 hour drive) that night , WEEEELLLLL the overnight called in and I had to stay till 8:15 a , sooo I worked 24 hours straight. I am still feeling it Let me tell you I was one exhausted Momma yesterday. Slept from 6:30p till 7 a

24 hours straight??? Oh Rosie! Glad you could then go sleep, you deserved it. Yikes. 45 days now!!!! 49 for me

 

[eandesmom]

Holy looong first day! I think you are right about the beginning of the trip adrenalin and not sitting down to get you through. And food, lack of food tends to make some people, ahem me, quite grumpy.

Exactly, as long as you keep moving, it works out really well!

Great second day. I love wishes, but Illuminations is quickly becoming my favorite. It just seems more meaningful.

I agree!

I have a DVC question. I'm thinking of renting points for AKV for a fall trip next year. There will be five of us, my then 18 yo DD her 18 yo cousin, my DM, 3 yo DGD and myself. I was wondering if I would be better off with two studios or a one bedroom. I don't think I would use the kitchen very much if at all, but a washer and dryer would be great. Other than that just space wise which do you think would be better?
Oh and when DM and I stayed at AKL, we got to our room and had no bags, I called and they told me that at the deluxe resorts they don't deliver the bags until they are called, just in-case there is a problem they have someone right there to resolve it. Ummm that's not what you advertise.

Well, it really depends on how much privacy you want. With the 1B, at AKV, you'd have 2 in the master bedroom sharing, 2 in the living room on the pull out sofa sharing and 1 in the sleeper chair. In a 2 studio situation, you have 4 double beds to work with so only 1 person has to share a bed. For me it would come down to how comfortable folks are with sharing beds (given your group I imagine that's not an issue) versus the shared space to hang out and relax, a larger balcony to share and the washer and dryer. If you will be in the room a lot, the 1B might be better but if it's just for sleeping, maybe the studios.

If you go for a 1B, you'll need to decide Jambo or Kidani. Really depends on what you are looking for. Pro to the Kidani 1B is it has 2 bathrooms, if you go for Jambo it's only 1. that said, if you are looking at standard view, I prefer Jambo as at least you'll get a pool view and if lucky, a reclassified Savannah, over at Kidani in the standard view...it's parking lot. BUT we use the balcony a lot and view is a big deal to us, it's not to a lot of other folks. If you are going for Savannah, then it's just personal preference. Jambo is closer to food and "action" so if that's a big deal, I'd factor that in too. We actually prefer the pool at Kidani (even though we didn't stay there) and didn't find the walk to be an issue at all. But with a 3 year old you may not want to walk as much and the counter service restaurant is at Jambo.

No matter what you do though it is a magical magical place!

I'd had DME deliver my bags many times without me there, both in deluxe, DVC and moderate. That's the "magical" part of it, right? If you need to call, that's fine but they should market it that way.