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

[brookelizabeth]

I had a Genetics Dr. stop DH and I in an airport once. He keep staring at Jack's hair. He told us that red hair is unusual because you need to have the gene on both sides. We knew I had the gene(red head here) but didn't think DH did. Turns out it's recessive on his side too and goes back about 3 or 4 generations. It's the Italian side for both of us too. Not the Irish .

Michelle quoting your comment made me realize I forgot to respond to this one-even though I read it!

That is very cool about the red hair! We get asked ALL THE TIME where Henry's red came from since Joe and I are both dark-and yep, both sides. Makes total sense! I am German and Bohemian...Joe is Polish. Are any of those known for red hair? Maybe a touch of Irish is in there too though....Interesting!

 

[Flossbolna]

Michelle quoting your comment made me realize I forgot to respond to this one-even though I read it!

That is very cool about the red hair! We get asked ALL THE TIME where Henry's red came from since Joe and I are both dark-and yep, both sides. Makes total sense! I am German and Bohemian...Joe is Polish. Are any of those known for red hair? Maybe a touch of Irish is in there too though....Interesting!

I think red hair is not very common in Germany, but not unheard of, I know a few people with red hair. I guess it would be the same in Poland and Bohemia (i.e. Czech Republic today)

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yay you started!!!!
So excited to hear about your two week adventure!!!
Oh man...sorry you didn't get the blue chips!! They are a nice treat! I think I might book Jet Blue again for October. I'll see if anything better comes along in the meantime.
Bummer about the yellow Mears bus...I know it's not really a big deal but it's nice to have a fun ME bus
LOVE the picture of blurry Henry jumping on the bed!! Great action shot!!

Tracy

Snack selection on the return flight was much better.

I was really hoping for a Mickey bus for Henry - but even just seeing them was pretty darn exciting for him, and I reassured him, more than once, that the big yellow one went to Mickey's too! We had a Mears bus once before and it didn't have a video on it, but this one did.

I'm slow but I'm in!

The video of Henry finding out you were going to Disney TODAY was so cute!! And I like to jump jump jump on the beds too!

Mmmmmm Black and White Cookies are my favorite!

Ugh....the delay sucks but at least you made it. Yippee!! Can't wait for more!

Yay, glad to see you here!

I've been known to join Henry in jumping on the bed more than once...he he. It's for the kids...right, ya, that's it.

Loved the video of the reveal...seeing Henry sooo excited made my day!!

Wow that was one long wait for the flight...am glad you had gadgets to keep you occupied and on the upgrade! I have to say Henry's head just slightly takes the lead over the cookie...how big is that thing!

The view of your room looks gorgeous

I was VERY grateful for the free WiFi and gadgets inside the airport. I DISed a bit and looked up if we got a credit from our JetBlue flight.

That cookie was HUGE. Crazy huge! I've never seen one that big! It was fairly tasty too.

I still love the video of Henry finding out he's leaving "today". I mist up everytime I see it. I had my girls watch it too, they misted too.

So sorry for the delay. But so happy you're finally there.

I have decided that the next time we go we're all going to jump on the bed like Henry. I think that is a fabulous way to start a stay. Of course I'll take photos before we totally mess the covers up.


I'm hungry, what's for diner?

Aw! That's so cute about the girls. It makes me mist up too! All of those sort of videos too..they are so fun!

Jumping on the bed is a great way to start the trip, it "breaks in the hotel".

Mexican! Sound good?

YAY! You're there. Too bad about the delayed flight. No Chic Fil A huh?

Nope. We debated on stopped in the airport for food, but we just wanted to BE THERE by that point. Plus, we had the QSDP for that night and specific plans in Epcot.

Yay for the first installment!! Cant wait to read more and find out where you got dinner! I cant remember from facebook....I am SO old I cant even remember things that happened yesterday Your postings will seem all new....like I never even followed you on FB!

I probably wouldn't remember what we got for dinner most nights if it wasn't for pictures and notes! This night; however, I would remember....it was specifically planned. Yummmmmm

 

[pooh'smate]

I am sorry your trip was delayed, but at least it wasn't cancelled like ours was. We lost a whole day. I have always wanted a Black and White. They always look so good.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm here! So excited that the TR has started!

Henry is so gosh darn cute! Love that intro pic of him!

I can just feel your excitement when you guys FINALLY made it on the bus to your Resort aka "Mickey's house".

Glad you made it over here!!

We were so happy, excited and relieved to finally be at the resort! And I'm so ready to be back there already...

Great start!! I remember the video from FB-so cute!! Sorry for the delayed plane. Glad you did not have to wait for Mickey's Bus. Looks like a good arrival day overall!! No pics of the creepy slide YAY

Hey Mary!
It was a total relief that we didn't have to wait for the bus. I figured after the long delay we'd naturally have a wait for the bus too.

No pictures of the creepy slide....yet.

Great video of Henry finding out. We still haven't told are kids that we are going.

It's so fun to surprise them! Henry knew we were going, but doesn't really get the concept of a day yet-and we had purposely not spoken about it for about a day, and we made sure to be a day off on the countdown. I'm thinking he might get the concept of a day fairly soon, so we'll be pulling the day off on the countdown trick again!

I so love the video of Henry finding out that "TODAY IS THE DAY TO GO SEE MICKEY". He's so darn cute. Sorry about the delay at the airport...I hate those delays (could be my fear of flying helps me hate them more).

Can't wait to hear where you went for dinner.

Oh gosh, I couldn't imagine getting delayed for that long and having to deal with the fear of flying too. Ugh. It would be 2 hours of torture!

The videos of Henry put a smile on my face, he is so full of energy. He has the most wonderful smile.

Your view was great. Were you able to watch the boats along the waterway?

Did you ever ride the Haunted Mansion? When we left small world we rode the HM and I meant to invite you to come along, but everything was so crazy at the end with the rain.

We were able to watch the boats! It was so relaxing. I loved hearing their horns and just kicking back there. We spent a decent amount of time out there.

HM....well, uh...hehe...no! I didn't! I COMPLETELY meant to, but it just never happened. I didn't avoid it this trip, it just didn't happen (along with quite a few other things!). Right after Small World Henry was dead-set on Peter Pan, so it wouldn't have worked then anyway. You'd think with 2 weeks I'd have gotten everything done, but not even close!

Next trip, for SURE. I'm interested to see that new queue too-even though I won't know any different.

OMG.... subbing.... I have so much to catch up on !!! 8 pages!

I'm getting behind here....

YEAH.... I did it..... I uploaded my own avatar!! And it looks JUST like me!! tee heee!! Brooke and I had the same Avatar... so I thought it was time I learned how to upload one... next.... how to reduce the size of a real pic of me as Snow White... so it fits the 100x100 avatar image size. Although this one is slightly bigger... 112x114... but it worked!

Only two updates in those 8 pages though, no worries!

Glad you got the avatar thing figured out! I haven't ever changed mine...I always meant to, but this one has just stuck. Red fits my personality.

Late.....but present and looking forward to more!

Hey you!!! Glad you joined up over here too!

Too cute. Love the pictures and the videos!!!

-nat

Thanks Natale!

Great start! I watched that video of Henry the day you left...so cute! I love his little squeals of excitement. hehe

Can't wait for more.

He was so, so excited! It was fun to surprise him with that!

i like the minnie towel creation!

Isn't it cute? I think that might one of the VERY FEW room pictures I took at BWV. I didn't even realize we didn't take pics until the day we were packing up to move to BLT.

 

[goodmorningbelle]

So I'm sitting here in the breakroom at work, enjoying my lunch, and cracking up at Henry's enthusiasm. I think I would have had the same reaction! Thanks for sharing!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Love the video - Natalie and Kate just had to watch it a few times too while we're trying to enforce an early bedtime here at POP - got to get up for EMH at MK tomorrow morning!

How cool to watch from Pop!!!! I hope you are having a WONDERFUL trip (and that you were able to get up for EMH! )

I love the videos. Henry was so excited to go to Mickey Mouses House! Fab update but bummer bout the delayed flight... Delayed flight going home fine but going there NO WAY when ya want to see Disney ASAP lol

It's true! I hate being stranded at MCO though - all I can ever think of is, "I could have stayed at Disney World!"

Love seeing the video of Henry with his suitcase again. It is so cute!!

And the pic of him with the Ipad & Bose headphones We know who the boss is right??

And of course jumping on the bed.

Nice view from the room.

It NEVER fails. We try to give him the cheaper headphones so Joe can have the Bose...but they never stay in his ears. I think it was last trip I said we will just have to buy a couple more pairs of the Bose. They are SO nice.

I'm in

I loved your last TR and can't wait to follow along on this one.

Your son is adorable and the Boardwalk looks like such a beautiful resort, can't wait to hear all about your vacation!

Thank you!

The Boardwalk is just awesome. I love it there.

You have trained that boy quite well! What a cute video. His excitement is just contagious.

Sorry about the delay, but it looks like it didn't set you back too far. And it looks like you have a nice room location.

Looking forward to more.

I have Disney trained him! The kid has no choice but to love Mickey. LOL

sounds awesome so far!!! i am sorry your flight was so late though. if that happend to me i would have freaked, you handled that very well

That wasn't the worst delay I have experienced...once I was stuck on a PLANE for over 3 hours before we took off. That was before the law was introduced. That was miserable. But, I usually have the mindset of, there's nothing else I can do-getting upset or worried won't change it. It's easier said than done though when you are ready to go!

Magical Express was a ghost town because 30,000 people were waiting to get there at the same time as we did.

Love Henry's excitement. He's ready to go. Now.

There is a special feeling you get on arrival day. You can't really describe it adequately, but it is one of the best feelings in the world!

I saw that pic Jill posted and was nervous we would encounter the same.

You are very right about that special feeling! Full of excitement and wonder of what lays ahead...it's such a great feeling!

Sorry your flight was delayed! We've only flown 3 times (back & forth) and have got lucky *so far* with all flights being early or on time. We did have to sit on the plane for almost 30 minutes on the way home last trip & it was horrible! It got so hot on the plane & alot of people were complaining. I wouldn't mind as much being in the airport...at least you can walk around & eat!

Love all the pictures so far! Henry looks sooo excited!!! For me, that's always the best part of the trip! I just watch Luke's face the entire time & as long as he's happy, mommy is happy too!

Can't wait to hear more!!! Oh and I love the Minnie towel as well, I've never seen one of those before!

We have flown a lot, and dealt with several delays. Being stuck on a plane is awful. I don't mind as much when they explain why we are late, but this one just sat there forever! It was strange.

It seems like the Minnie towel is the default Boardwalk DVC room towel animal for arrival - we had it last time too - and I've seen it on a couple other TRs. I can't remember if we had something at BLT or not....hmmm...I guess we'll just have to wait for the pictures.

Great start!

You're warming me up to the idea of staying at Boardwalk. We own there, because it was the only property available at the time, but I've had no desire to stay there. Love Beach Club Villas for the proximity to EPCOT, but I'm loving your pictures and the way you talk about Boardwalk... It may be on the list now!

I would love to own at BWV! It's a beautiful resort. There are a few drawbacks, but the overall feel of the resort is wonderful. Though, BCV is calling to me after experiencing SAB. Next time we go when it's hot out, I'm going for BCV! If you decide to try for BWV I hope you love it!

Awwww, the video of Henry was adorable. You could almost see the Mickey-shaped light bulb go on over his head when he really "got" that you were leaving that day.

And the ipad and Bose headphones question (which I am sure was redundant but I'll answer it anyway): Henry gets them because you CANNOT put a price tag on the quiet contentment of a 3 y/o in the confines of an airplane. I think you got off cheap!

I like that, "Mickey shaped light bulb"!

And you are EXACTLY correct on the iPad and Bose headphones.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I love all your pictures... and I know there are going to be many more!

By the looks of the plane picture I thought you were flying AirTran. (The Jetblue blue chips are really good BTW!)

You must of been super anxious waiting to take off. I know I would have been, especially when flying with a kid.

I like your view from your room.. I think it is pretty good!


Can't wait to her more.

Oh yes, many, many more. Over 4,500 pictures this trip!

We actually weren't too anxious, but BORED. They, thankfully, have TVs in every seat, so I was watching HGTV, but after the first 2 shows were over I knew we had been sitting there for a loooooong stinkin' time. The iPad was worth every single cent too.

Aw Henry looks so excited

I really don't know how people could entertain themselves in airports and on airplanes before ipads, iphones and ipods

Oh Coke Zero good choice!

Aw the picture of Henry on the bus is adorable! I make that same exact face every time I get on the ME but I definitely don't look cute like him while making it

Boardwalk is so pretty at night!

Even though your flight was delayed it seemed like check in at the ME and at the hotel was quick and easy

Can't wait to find out where you eat dinner!

I remember once being stuck in an airplane before cell phones and all that for over an hour and it was MISERABLE. I read the airline magazine more than once!

We are Coke Zero addicts here. We ran out last night and I'm itchin' to get to the store for more.

I was so relieved to have an easy ME ride and check-in. Whew!

Hi Brook, I am finally here! But I have some excuse for being so late to subscribe, I was away in Disneyland Paris.

Sorry about the flight being so delayed, that's always annoying. But at least someone was really excited about all the travelling you had to do.

Actually, I think that your room was pretty much as far as you could get from the elevators from that room view and looking at a Boardwalk map? I guess those long hallways vary in length depending on everyone's own prception?

Ooooh! I can't wait to read about your trip!!! I hope you and your sister had a MAGICAL time! I'm sure you did!

You know, I never once looked at a map of the BWV while we were there to see where our room was. It seemed like there was another section of hallway after ours, but maybe not. Just looked at a map, there was one small section after ours. The walk was NOT that bad. I know people complain about the hallways, but honestly, it didn't even phase me - and we were almost at the end of our section too. That's a relief for our next stay there! (and perhaps that is partly due to the fact that we walk a LOT here...so it takes quite a bit to bother us)

Well boo to a delayed flight, but it sounds like it all went smoothly!! YAY for being at Disney!! Nothing beats that feeling when you drive under those signs and know you are "Home"!!!!!! BWV are so gorgeous!!!! LOVE THEM!!

Yes, it could have been much worse if we had to wait for the ME,or if something was crazy wrong with our room. After we took off it was smooth sailing!

I agree with that feeling - it's so wonderful!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I cannot believe that I went out of town on business for three days and I'm on page 10!!!!

Hooray for arrival day! Boo for delays. I'm glad that all was taken in stride and you made it there in one piece. I remember seeing the happy Henry video on F/B. I was overjoyed for him!

It's been cruising over here! But only 2 updates, so not too bad. Lots of chatter!

Any price or sacrifice on the plane if it means a quite and content 3 year old.

I love the video of Henry finding out today was the day! Ridiculously adorable!

I think, if my flight's ever (that) delayed on the way down to Disney, I'll probably cry in the airport! Good for you for taking it in stride.


This picture cracks me up. I kinda want to be like, um, Brook? it's not safe to actually stand on the monorail tracks!

Can't wait for more!

Thank you! He was so, so excited! It made us even giddier too!

Isn't that a funny picture? It does look like we are on the tracks!

I haven't been able to be on the Dis for the last few days and I missed that you had started your tr. I am off to catch up.

Glad you found me!

I think red hair is not very common in Germany, but not unheard of, I know a few people with red hair. I guess it would be the same in Poland and Bohemia (i.e. Czech Republic today)

Hmmmm....I do recall my Dad saying we may have a touch of Irish in the family (he wasn't sure - and he moved away from his parents at a young age, and they died fairly young, so he never really asked them). I'm curious! I wish I knew!

I am sorry your trip was delayed, but at least it wasn't cancelled like ours was. We lost a whole day. I have always wanted a Black and White. They always look so good.

Ugh! A canceled flight would drive me BONKERS. I would not have taken that in stride!

Black & Whites are sooooo good. Henry likes the chocolate part best, I like the white. Joe will take whatever we give him.

So I'm sitting here in the breakroom at work, enjoying my lunch, and cracking up at Henry's enthusiasm. I think I would have had the same reaction! Thanks for sharing!

Aw, thanks! Hope it brought a bit of sunshine to your workday!

 

[that's nice]

I
Black & Whites are sooooo good. Henry likes the chocolate part best, I like the white. Joe will take whatever we give him.

LOL Poor Joe!



I might PM you or write you on FB... I'm thinking of getting Mel an iPad since we are loosing our computer room due to the baby. I want to know what it can & can't do and some other questions... I won't clog up this thread though.

 

[PirateKate]

What a cute video, of Henry learning he was going to Disney World! It's cool that at that age, it can be a surprise, even with a countdown calender.

Too bad the flight was delayed, but at least you had a cookie to keep you company. I've never had a Black and White cookie before. Is that a northern thing?

The view from your room looks fabulous! I've never stayed at any of the Epcot resorts, but I think it would be so nice to be able to walk to Epcot or DHS.

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off after arriving at the BWV, jumping on the bed and then heading straight out for Epcot in search of food.

We had one mission.

MEXICO!



This night we had gotten the QSDP (DVC members can pick and choose their dining plan per night), we wanted the mugs right away in the trip and we wanted to try the new La Cantina, which is more expensive than your general CS, so the QSDP was a good move for this night. And we were more than ready to eat!

On our way to Epcot

Through the International Gateway and through the UK where we saw

I couldn't wait to see it in the daylight! And this was before the F&GF had actually started, so things weren't all out yet. Henry recognized Captain Hook from Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

And around to Mexico where we easily found the entrance

It was around 8:00 pm, Illuminations that night was at 9:00 pm and this place was packed!! It was unreal. Many people pile into this CS in hopes to snag a table on the waterfront for Illuminations. So if you ever want to do that, be sure to arrive early and eat sloooooowly.

None of the lines were short, so we just waited our turn. When it was finally my turn a random woman came up next to me and demanded the attention of the CM, speaking in Spanish, but obviously complaining about her drink. The conversation took another 5 minutes. The CM kept glancing at me with an apologizing look - but couldn't shake the woman.

It was a bit annoying, but it did give Joe and Henry the time to find and snag a table.

Yes, we snagged a table before we had our food. It would have been a mess trying to find a table if we had waited - I can only imagine us trying to push the stroller balancing a tray of food through that crowd. The CS isn't very big and with that number of people in there it was just chaos.

Mayhem! But, it's pretty, isn't it?

The food for some reason took quite some time to be done, but eventually it was and I found Joe and Henry easily.

Henry's choice. The kids picks are either a cheese epanada or chicken strips.

Joe's choice - Cheese epanadas. He said they were good-not great....but he also didn't leave a single bite behind.

Mine - beef tacos. HOLY MOLY. Love, love.

Yay! We are at Mickey's and we have food!

Dessert - deeeeeeeeeeeeeelish. They come with a caramel dipping sauce that is yummy too! And this is one serving - we had two baskets of these.

They also gave us one cup of nacho cheese sauce. It was just your average nacho cheese, nothing extra in it. But, standard is good.

That was a LOT of food. We all were having a great time, enjoying every bite. Henry kept eying those churros and soon it was time.

Of course, to a little boy that is not only a churro, but also a sword.

I guess it's a sword to a big boy too.

Our bellies were full. We were happy (did I mention it was 80 degrees out and BEAUTIFUL?!).

La Cantina was a hit. We really enjoyed it despite the very crowded status, it was worth dealing with the crowd for!

A few more pictures as we maneuvered our way out..

An awful picture, but you get the idea - this is the seating area over the water. It would be a wonderful spot for Illuminations! There is also that little cart on the right with napkins, straws and that sort of thing. Also has 2 types of salsa. Both were good!

No questions asked, we would eat here again.

And as a matter of a fact...we did!

Up Next: What will our first ride be?

 

[glennbo123]

Mmmm, looks good Brook. So is that place part of the new upscale restaurant that opened recently? I guess it must, since it's on the water.

 

[thegreggersmom]

Okay, you had me at the cheese sauce but churros, too?! This will be a mandatory stop for us in September. Added bonus that the churro doubles as a sword.

I was gonna guess Soarin' for your first ride but maybe it was Fast Passed out. Second choice: Test Track.

 

[thewesterberg]

Isn't it yummy?! And the churros... drool! I'm right there with ya! We ate there in December, outside. Well, a few of us braved the cold temps. My sister and her husband wimped out and went inside! I thought the same thing though, that it would be a great place to watch Illuminations from! (We had lunch... didn't think we better hold a table that long!! )

 

[hcmommy]

Gotta give wdw churros another try. Had them at MK and they were stale tasting and cold! The food looked good I hope we get a chance to try it.

 

[pinkxray]

La Cantina looks amazing. It is moving to the top of my World Showcase cs places to try.

 

[mermaid764]

I hadn't heard much about the new CS in Mexico but it looks amazing from your pics!

I love the pics of the boardwalk lit up at night, how long of a walk is it from there to epcot?

Can't wait for more

 

[PirateKate]

La Cantina looks really good! I hope we get to try it soon. Do you know if the pico de gallo usually come on the side?

I would love to pick and choose which nights I wanted which dining plan. DVC keeps looking better and better- pool hopping and dining plan options...

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Okay, you've convinced me. I have to fit this in somehow in April. Even if it's just the yummy churos. And some guacamole and chips.....