Marriage: The Trip Report - Update 2/28 - Final Thoughts & Link to Disneyland TR!

[brookelizabeth]

Isn't Henry smart for thinking to use his own money! And I love how happy he looks!

England in the Florida sunshine looks better than it does right now - I'm looking out at grey-ish skies, so yes, I would like to be in Epcot right now

And any ideas on dates for that August trip? I'm hoping to add a DisMeet to my planning notes...

Sunny England in Florida is much better than the gray skies! Though...I'd still prefer to visit the REAL one someday-gray skies or not!

Yes, I do have dates...August 15-19, possibly a weekend on one end, or both. It's not certain yet...I am going to post a personal update before I go and I'll include info on it.

Add me to list of people that want to be in Epcot. It looks so nice and warm and sunny. You might be going in August. Lucky you.

I will be really surprised if the August trip works out, but Joe really wants it to. Hopefully.... and hopefully I don't MELT during it either!

Yay, and update and I'm caught up too!
Love Henry's cars. Claire had A LOT of money to spend, and she did well, She came home with more than half, but has since spent most of that.

You got some great Epcot shots too. I haven't really looked through mine yet, so I don't know how well mine turned out, but I think I didn't take as many as I wanted to. It was such a busy day and drizzled to start out with.

I hope you go in August!

That is great!!! Wow, more than half, smart spender!

I got your PM about August-I'll keep you posted!

What a great breakfast and way to start the day!

Love the empty WS pics! Also on Henry getting his cars - he seems so happy with them.

And you know what he requested for me to bring back for him from my solo trip? A car! Not just any car though, a Parking Tram. We saw it once and we didn't buy it, and he's asked for it since! He also wants me to ride it and take video for him.

So speaking of shopping...have you seen that the Disney Store online is having a sale? I saw this and thought of Henry http://www.disneystore.com/personalized-lightning-mcqueen-duffel-bag/mp/1284151/1005801/

That bag is SO cute! I did see that Disney Store was having a sale (love Twitter!) I opened the link and promptly closed it - I cannot justify buying anything right now! I must resist! But that bag...and SO CHEAP. Wow. Is there a free shipping code out there?

Hey BE!

Just got cuaght back up. LOVE all the posts since my last visit. Great job on the photos and the story telling. Have a great solo trip!

Thank you GB! I'm really looking forward to this solo trip as it creeps closer I'm starting to get the excited butterflies in my stomach. The week is flying by too!

 

[KathyRN137]

Okay, who wants to be in Epcot RIGHT NOW?!?!




Me! Me! Me!

Could he be any happier?!?!

Henry looks ecstatic!


Ah, the beauty of a nice, long trip! Taking it easy and not having to rush!



Kathy

 

[eandesmom]

Shopping IS an attraction! Well Done Henry, well done!

Sigh...I'd like to be there right now too.

And YOU almost are

 

[brookelizabeth]

Henry looks ecstatic!


Ah, the beauty of a nice, long trip! Taking it easy and not having to rush!



Kathy

It was veryyyy nice having that chill attitude throughout the trip--though, IMO we took it a bit TOO chill, as you'll see as we get closer to the end of hte trip! Joe says, "Yep, it was about perfect."

Shopping IS an attraction! Well Done Henry, well done!

Sigh...I'd like to be there right now too.

And YOU almost are

I KNOW! I can't believe it!!!!

 

[Softballgirl27]

That's hilarious! What perfect timing!!!!! Oh too funny!!!!

Kim Possible. Oh, Kim. It might be a tad "too fun" for the kids--dragging their parents through the WS! But, it really is cute. More on all that soon! (and I better get there before your trip! )



You will LOVE it! It completely spoils you! For this trip I already discovered I had a hard time making resort ADRs since I don't like the idea of having to transfer. S-p-o-i-l-e-d!

If you get a KP FP at the IG (whoa, acronyms!) it will be for one of the countries near it, France or the UK. Sometimes they have FPs for the other locations though - you can just ask too, they are good about giving you what you want!



That boy LOVES his gift shops! I very much remember him asking to go into one and me asking, "Why? We are going to a ride!" "No, I don't want to ride, it's fun in THERE!"



Most every day for us is sleep-in day at Disney. As you'll find out as this trip unfolds. My goal was to make it to at least ONE RD.



I'll join you!!! That store is so much fun!



And me taking 2 weeks between updates!



The empty World Showcase is WONDERFUL! It's so quiet and calm. Ahhhhh...I will miss staying in that area this trip!



And many more like that to come. I really dig that style of FP pic!

about the wheels! He told me the other day when he gets big he's going to get a pick-up and a boat and drive to Minnesota!

it is ok. r u pumped for your solo trip

 

[petals]

luvin the early morning Epcot pics. Looking at your pic of the 40th Anniversary stuff and knowing what my wish list is already. I'm going to need to bring nothing in my suitcase and loads more monies!

More importantly than that 3 DAYS TIL DISNEY FOR YOU!!! How exciting!!

 

[merbobear]

We left off wrapping up our first full day with Henry flirting with the It's a Small World CM and scoring us a back-to-back ride on the Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed.

Up next: Can you swim really fast?

I love his happy face after purchasing his car! He's so excited.
Also, I want to say thank you for your updates. My own trip planning was helped a lot by the Dis in general, but your TR's in particular really gave me a ton of insight into WDW with a toddler. I appreciate all the time you take to chronicle your vacations

 

[LookinUp]

Before I forget again, I must say that while I agree you are crazzzzzzzy to add another person to your rabbit hole, you are absolutely right. Gotta help family, of course. Plus it's so great for H to have another loving adult family member around. Despite the inevitable stepping on toes (both literally & figuratively), I do hope you all enjoy each other & this special aunt-nephew bonding time.

Mmmm, another gorgeous shot of ... breakfast! Now I will always think of you when I see those beautiful chocolate croissants. *drool* Esp yummy and indulgent enjoyed slowly with coffee.

Never noticed before: H's car has Lightyear tires. Too cute! And bully for him for using his "own very" money (as DD used to say) and shopping so wisely. DD rarely has any money left in her WDW wallet.

Maybe I really am nuts, but my World vacay goal is the opposite of yours. I always aim for at least one sleeping-in, relaxed morning, while you hoped for at least one Rope Drop. Maybe I should take a page from your book!

And hurray for being back in 2 days!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

it is ok. r u pumped for your solo trip

I am!!! And getting more excited by the hour. It's been hitting me all day, "I'm leaving for Disney in two days!" then I freak out about how much I have to do, then get excited.

luvin the early morning Epcot pics. Looking at your pic of the 40th Anniversary stuff and knowing what my wish list is already. I'm going to need to bring nothing in my suitcase and loads more monies!

More importantly than that 3 DAYS TIL DISNEY FOR YOU!!! How exciting!!

The 40th stuff is GREAT. I am really wanting one of those t-shirts, we'll see if I'll be willing to fork over the $$ for it this trip.

Yes, I can't believe it's here!!!

I love his happy face after purchasing his car! He's so excited.
Also, I want to say thank you for your updates. My own trip planning was helped a lot by the Dis in general, but your TR's in particular really gave me a ton of insight into WDW with a toddler. I appreciate all the time you take to chronicle your vacations

Your welcome!!! I'm honestly THRILLED to hear that. I remember when we first took Henry, I searched all over the DIS for tips for traveling with a baby-they helped immensely! I'm happy to share the tips and our experiences! If you think of any questions too, don't hesitate to ask!

Before I forget again, I must say that while I agree you are crazzzzzzzy to add another person to your rabbit hole, you are absolutely right. Gotta help family, of course. Plus it's so great for H to have another loving adult family member around. Despite the inevitable stepping on toes (both literally & figuratively), I do hope you all enjoy each other & this special aunt-nephew bonding time.

Mmmm, another gorgeous shot of ... breakfast! Now I will always think of you when I see those beautiful chocolate croissants. *drool* Esp yummy and indulgent enjoyed slowly with coffee.

Never noticed before: H's car has Lightyear tires. Too cute! And bully for him for using his "own very" money (as DD used to say) and shopping so wisely. DD rarely has any money left in her WDW wallet.

Maybe I really am nuts, but my World vacay goal is the opposite of yours. I always aim for at least one sleeping-in, relaxed morning, while you hoped for at least one Rope Drop. Maybe I should take a page from your book!

And hurray for being back in 2 days!!!

So far having Auntie KK here has been good! But, this is only her 2nd full day. Henry LOVES having her here. He woke up this morning and instantly went out to where she sleeps to give her kisses. Hopefully we are able to get a new apartment this summer if Katie decides to live with us all during school. 3 bedrooms will be fantastic!

YES, that is just the way I like to enjoy those chocolate croissants. Slowly chewing and sipping. I am already planning on having one next week...of course if I'm in the park, I'll be sipping ICED coffee with 90 degree weather!

about having a goal of one sleep in morning! That's a more typical DISer! Joe really likes the laid back approach - and I do too really...but it's difficult when the crowds are high and I KNOW we could have gotten so much more done if we had made RD!

 

[jenjolt]

Welcome Foolish Mortals....can you hardly believe you'll be hearing those words soon!!! I don't think you understand how happy I am to be with you on your first ride!!! I of course adore HM but to share that with others LOL!! Of course I hope you like it...if not...hmmmmmmmmm....LOL!!!!!

So are you packed yet??? Cuz I'm not LOL!

 

[petals]

Yes, I can't believe it's here!!!

Wish I was going as well!! lol only 182 days to wait for me!

I'm hoping the 40th anniversary stuff might be onsale when I get there.... wishful thinking

 

[brookelizabeth]

Look at that ticker.

TWO DAYS!

In the words of the Little Einstein's, "I can-not be-lieve it!"

Time has been flyyyyying right by, much faster than any previous Disney trip!

I have knocked out a few details and plans for the trip, so I thought I'd share those with you!

Saturday, May 28
Arrival.
My flight lands at 7:45 pm. Boo! I might be trying to fly stand-by for an earlier flight. Sarah's flight lands around 5:00 pm, so that would be more ideal for me too!
We won't be able to go to a park this evening due to Sarah's tickets; however, I might hop over to MK to meet up with disneyfan61 (Doreen), if time and plans allow.

Sunday, May 29
AM - Animal Kingdom
PM - Magic Kingdom, staying late! PM EMH until 2 am!
--I kinda want to hit DHS for the Hyperspace Hoopla at SWW. It looks like SO much fun, gets fantastic reviews and is at the Hat stage this year, so we won't be completely crammed in like sardines. We'll see if it happens...
--we scrapped the Ultimate Touring Plan through MK for a number of reasons. Besides, this gives Magdalene and I something to look forward to when our trips cross again!

Monday, May 30
AM - Hollywood Studios
PM - Epcot, late dinner ADR at La Hacidena. Hopefully we get a good table for Illuminations!
--we may also do the spa this day, undecided as of yet...we'll probably just play it by ear!

Tuesday, May 31
Sarah leaves before the crack of dawn.
AM - Animal Kingdom
PM - Hollywood Studios
--late dinner ADR at Cape May Cafe with wigdoutdismom, shocker and jenjolt! I am soooo looking forward to this awesome meet and dinner! I am not a big seafood person, but the buffet looks like it will have plenty of other choices, and maybe I'll be adventurous.

OR.....

4 Parks 1 Day, ending at Cape May for dinner.

My plan would be:
RD at MK
AK
Epcot
DHS

Rules are 3 rides, plus one food item at each park. And I would see if DTD could possibly fit in there as well. I will be a MESS by the time I meet up at Cape May though!! I'm just going to roll with whatever I'm feeling that day. Who knows, I might end up in Epcot!

Regardless of what I do, after our Cape May dinner we'll all be heading over to Epcot for PM EMH until 12 am. Jen and I already have plans to chow down on some caramel corn! There also might be some leg wrestling involved...

Wednesday, June 1
Departure day. But! ME won't be until around 4 pm! WOOT!
So that means RD at MK for me!
Lunch ADR with the same crew from the night before at Liberty Tree Tavern! I've never been here, I'm very excited to experience it!
And TR Spoiler: I will also save my first Haunted Mansion ride to happen this day with Jen!!!! She's the biggest HM fan I know, so it will be especially awesome to ride it with her!

Now for some of the fun stuff on my "To Do" list:

• Henry has requested I buy him a parking tram toy. We saw the trams often from the buses or the monorail and he once saw the toy on this two week trip and I told him we weren't buying it at the time, and he's asked for it many times since then. We even watched YouTube videos of the trams the other day - he was grinning ear to ear. He also wants me to ride one and video it. So, I'm on a mission to get the toy! He also requested Legos. I bought a kit here from Target to give to him upon my return!
• Purchase some pirate themed gear for Joe and I for Pirate Night next year on our cruise!
• Explore All Star Movies, the resort I am staying at.
• Walk through the stand-by queue of TSMM.
• See Baby Lilly at AK!!!
• Get some Fantasyland construction pictures.
• I will be on the hunt for Coconut Mickey Head Patties for Joe. We had a VERY hard time finding them in Feb/March - they better be back!

And, a few purchases made last night!

A traveler's haven!

I will just be taking a carry-on

FINALLY! A new swim suit! Not a great picture of it, but you get the idea. My current one is from HIGH SCHOOL. No joke! I was long overdue. I bought two bottoms, I think I like how the stripe looks better, so I'll return the polka-dot...maybe.

And, a big, slightly-scary purchase:

A point & shoot.

I did not want to have to lug around the big honkin' SLR this trip. I wanted something simple and that could slide in my pocket and hopefully I will be bag free. So far, I'm pleased with this. It's not fantastic, but it will do. I will be limited to about 1200 pictures though since we only have a 4GB card for it. We'll see how it goes, hopefully I come back with some good shots for you all!!

Now, before I update this TR, I am going to respond to PMs...FINALLY! Thank you for your patience!!!! I will be back at some point today with an update too!

If anyone wants me to send themselves or a child a postcard, please PM me with your address. I'm happy to do so!

 

[KatMark]

Brook, I love the plans for your Girls only trip...they sound awesome (and I'm jealous).

You could download your photos to a CD at one of the camera shops if you are worried about not being able to take "enough pictures."

Can't wait for the next update.

 

[KristiMc]

I love your plans! Sounds like a great trip.

I saw the coconut mickey patties at Goofy's when we were at DTD in April.

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

I absolutely ADORE the picture of Henry holding up his purchase! That smile is priceless!

We'll just be missing you at Disney World! We arrive on the 4th! You'll love All Star Movies... it's so lively and fun!

Can I PM you our addy to send Jake a postcard? I think he'll be SO excited to get one right before we leave

 

[eandesmom]

High School???????????????????

oh my. Cute new suit (s)

Bag free is a lovely thing, I highly recommend it. You can also buy another card while there if you really need to.

Everything looks fabuulous!!!!!!

 

[CJsMom]

2 days - so exciting - have a fantastic trip!!!!

 

[jenjolt]

LOL...I have to laugh because you mentioned leg wrestling and I might have just mentioned leg wrestling over on my PTR...great minds my friend great minds!!

WHY yes we will be sharing caramel pocorn won't we!! I'm so looking forward to that...oh and I might have already commented on the whole HM thing!!! I'm so excited, I'm so excited!!

 

[PirateKate]

I'd love to be at Epcot right now. Those pictures are so beautiful. I remember how wonderful the Flower and Garden Festival smelled last time.

Your solo trip plans sound like so much fun. Two more days!! Good move buying Henry's Lego set from Target.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Two days?? Two days?!?! Lucky lucky lucky!

Your plans look soooo fun, really! But again, I see a glaring error...you mention Sarah but you really meant Molly. It's ok, I can totally see how that happened, I forgive you. Just swing by and pick me up.

I am extremely eager to see how your 4 parks 1 day plan pans out! I hope it works! It sounds fun but definitely a solo tour kind of thing.

Cute new bathing suit, though I'm partial to polka dots myself. High School?? Really?? Oh, I'd be kissing the ground if my High School bathing suit still fit me!!! That would be a happy, happy day.

Nice new P&S too! I can totally understand not wanting to lug around your DSLR. I'm looking to get one myself because sometimes I want something lighter and more compact. I hope yours works well for you!