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

[CreightonsMomma]

Henry looks like he is have a blast in the sand. I hate sand. I live less than 2 miles from the beach and I just took my DS for the first time about a month ago. Its just such a big mess. Someone told me to take baby powder with me because it gets the sand off easier and it worked like a charm!

Your views were beautiful. The palm trees, water, and of course there is nothing better than watching your two boys play together.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yeah, Brook!! You found your "motivation"!! Did someone on FB find it for you?

Nothing could be finer than the sand, sun, and a few palm trees. Not to mention a happy little boy and a happy hubby. I do get the whole, "it's hard for me to sit still and relax without anything to do" feeling. But it was probably good for you. And truthfully, you didn't do "nothing". You were taking pictures!

LOL! I had wanted to get back here for soooo long, but I really want to get caught up on everyone else's threads too-it's always so hard to find the balance!

And you are very right-it's good for me to just sit and relax, or at least TRY to relax. I got better at it as our trip went on and remember 2 specific points I enjoyed just doing nothing.

SAB is the one pool that can make me want to put on a swimsuit!! I'm not much for swimming especially since I burn so easy, but that pool is so wonderful!!!! I'm looking forward to having more time to spend there!!!!

Loved all the pictures of Henry playing in the sand! You could tell that little boy was having the best time ever!!! I can't wait to hear more!!!

BTW in case you haven't been counting...26 days until first ride on HM EVER with the world's most obsessed fan of HM LOL!!!

I'm with ya! SAB makes me want to put on a swimsuit as well! It's truly awesome. And the weather coming up will be PERFECT SAB weather! You will have a blast.

I cannot believe our trips are so close! As we mentioned to each other tonight-SO much to do!!!

Aw..looks like it was a fun time at SAB! You got me wanting to stay there sometime now!

He was in pure little boy heaven digging, digging, digging in that sand! It was a lot of fun. Little Guy would love it there I bet!

I'm all caught up! What an adorable little boy! I'm glad I'm not the only creeped out by the clown slide at BW.

Thank you!!!! And thank you for reading! And oh, no, you aren't alone in being freaked at the slide. He doesn't bother me much, but there are MANY people who avoid him!

Great update, Brook. SAB looks like so much fun (we hope to stay there next year). Henry sure is having a blast in the sand and the water.

You and Mark will surely enjoy SAB! It's a beautiful pool.

Great update Brook! Henry looks like such a big boy, playing in the sand and having a blast. Sounds like it was a really fun afternoon. Toes in sand sounds like bliss right about now. SAB looks so fun! Maybe we can rent points there someday.

He could have spent the entire vacation right there in the sand. Your kiddos (and you!) would truly enjoy SAB if you stay there sometime!

My kids (though 6 and nearly 8) are also sand freaks. I can totally see them LOVING SAB just for the sand play alone.

Whenever we go to AK they want to park it in the Boneyard pit and stay there so long they go extinct in there themselves...we have to drag them out so we can go on rides! That's just nuts!!

CBR doesn't really appeal to us and the Poly is out of our price range but we could totally afford to rent points and stay at the BC and hang out in the sand at SAB for the entire DAY if we wanted and not worry about wasting valuable park time.

Yet again Brook, your TR has given me vital information for planning my future trips!

THANKS!!

I'm glad to hear your kids still enjoy the sand! I was wondering if Henry would grow out of it or not...and when that would happen. Maybe we've got a few more years. Henry is the exact same way at the Boneyard! We have to literally pull him out. LOL

If we ever do a "no-parks trip" during the summer we'd definitely try to get in at SAB since you could EASILY spend a whole day there. It's wonderful!

I'm glad my TR has helped!!!

What a lovely afternoon, Brook!! SAB does indeed look absolutely perfect, except that even it has potential to make things go missing- like stuff and strollers. Sneaky cliffhanger there, girl!

It was a great afternoon-a perfect way to spend the time away from the parks. And lookee there...a cliffhanger....

(even though I didn't even mean to...LOL!)

I agree with you in that I am not a big fan of the water slides though we are visiting the water parks on our September trip. I plan to lounge in a chair and read during most of the day!

I love the pics of SAB - it looks amazing! How great is the view you got from your lounger - that looks soo relaxing!

One waterslide I do look forward to at the water parks is the Crush'n Gusher. I've been on something similar at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells and even though I was SHAKING at the top as I climbed into the raft-certain I was about to die - I LOVED it! It was so much fun! Other than that, I'll suck it up for the family. I used to really enjoy waterslides when I was younger. I have no idea why, or when, I suddenly became frightened of them.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I am drooling looking at those pictures. And, servers that bring you food and drinks. Now we are talking

We usually stay at Bonnet Creek or a Moderate. Every time I say we are going to go Deluxe, but then when that quote comes back I get dizzy

I was so surprised when a waiter came over and asked me if I wanted anything! What a nice little service-it's like a beach, but it's a pool!

I so understand that dizzy feeling with the quotes...I'm thankful for DVC! (and that the dues just come out of our account, I don't even miss the money...LOL)

That first photo seized me. Gorgeous. I think I actually gasped. Then I sighed & just stared, for what must have been a minute at least. Quite possibly, I drooled a tiny bit. But I'm glad I pressed on, bcz those shots of Henry digging in the sand were so sweet. I was sad for him when I noticed the shadows getting longer. I knew it would be getting cooler out. And hungrier. And there must be an end to this idyllic moment. Ah, well, no to worry. There will be more visits!

Oh-so-exciting to have your first client heading off soon! Congratulations! It must feel amazing to help others experience the Magic, especially for the first time. And I'm sure you've thanked Joe already for his invaluable help. What help? Well, he has enlightened you about a different way to enjoy WDW. So you can be aware of & sensitive to clients' particular needs and preferences, and plan for THEM and not just for us go-go-go types. Anywho ... I'm sure it's lots of work, but extremely gratifying, I hope.

Isn't it perfect? Sand, water, palm trees, blue sky, fluffy clouds. It really was a great afternoon!

I'm excited and very nervous about my first client, a first-timer going off soon. I keep going over her stuff, making sure I have addressed everything and have her ready-I've given her a lot of info...but not too much to overwhelm her. There is something about just going without knowing it all and letting the magic unfold! And you are VERY right about Joe helping me in the job!!!!! That is very, very true. I've learned a lot about non-park activities too because of him.

And yes, the work is very gratifying!

What a nice time at SAB! Oh, I would like to be there right now!

Me too!!!

Looks like a beautiful day at SAB. I agree, you need to bring a book and put your feet in the sand. Therapy at it'S best.

You are right! A book + sand...ahhhhh! And speaking of that, I think I need to pick up a new book for my upcoming trip!

i kow i am so excited i can't wait to hear about your trip to

I need to get planning-I really haven't done much. I've got a lot of it done in my head, but nothing settled!

SAB looks fab and Henry looks delighted to be playing in the sand

It really is wonderful! Such a unique and fun pool.

Every time I see a picture of SAB or the Boardwalk in general I just take a deep breath, hold it a little and then let it out slowly trying to "sniff up" the area.

I so understand that! I get that way when I see that area in Epcot Future World, looking at the fountain and the pavement area there. Just something about it....

Henry looks like he is have a blast in the sand. I hate sand. I live less than 2 miles from the beach and I just took my DS for the first time about a month ago. Its just such a big mess. Someone told me to take baby powder with me because it gets the sand off easier and it worked like a charm!

Your views were beautiful. The palm trees, water, and of course there is nothing better than watching your two boys play together.

That is a GREAT tip! I had no idea! I will keep that in mind for this summer's trips to the beach - of which we plan to do OFTEN. I didn't think I would like the beach as much as I do, but I absolutely loved it last time. However, you are right-it can be a mess!

 

[OhMari]

Your little guy sure does enjoy himself.
He seems so easy going-which is rare for a red head-but then again, maybe the boys are more even tempered, just not the girls.

Me and my sisters planed a whole day at SAB...
and they made me leave, they hated it.
We had to go sit by the quiet pool.
I told them, about the CM bring drinks and food-they still hated it.

Smart choice with the slide-it literally eats you up and spits you out-and you thought the clown pool pukes you out. The clown pool doesn't hold a candle to that torture slide.

 

[brookelizabeth]

After we pulled Henry out of the sand, we made our way back over to the Boardwalk, cleaned up and got ready for our evening--we were headed back to MK!

Close to 7 pm we were at the bus stop and juuuuuust missed a MK bus. Sigh. It's always a bit of a bummer when that happens. However, we weren't too upset about this one leaving because it was standing-room-only and we weren't in a rush. Just minutes later another MK bus arrived..and there were only a few of us that needed to board.

By the time we got to the Swan, we were stuck behind the really full MK bus and it was taking longer than average for some reason. But, as we sat there, we had a rockin' bus driver-he sang for us to pass the time! Love those drivers who love their jobs!

Within 30 minutes we were at MK

and we were on the hunt for some food! We thought we'd check out the new Tortuga Tavern; however, it was closed when we arrived and we never did end up trying it.

Joe wanted to try one of the CS we haven't eaten at much, and pizza was calling to him-so we were off to Pinocchio's Village Haus as our second option.

When we arrived we parked the stroller right outside the doors, near a bunch of other strollers, <--foreshadowing

and we made our way in.

Somewhere between the stroller and the counter where you order food Henry decided to melt down and act out. Getting the answer of "What do you want to eat?" from him was a chore...plus he was completely distracted with a CM, who had great-intentions entertaining him with a Pinocchio puppet. It just made getting him to respond to me even harder. The whole moment frustrated me. But eventually, we made it through. Henry and I went to find a table near the Small World waterway

which was no problem because the entire restaurant was practically deserted!

Joe returns with our food.

No straws. No silverware. No napkins.

My frustration of the evening escalated.

He could tell I was not feelin' the magic and volunteered to run out to the stroller to grab the hand sanitizer.

Okay, sounds good. I'll snap some food pics!

Mine-cheese pizza and salad

Joe's pepperoni pizza - he also had a side of fries with his. You can pick either salad or fries when on the dining plan.

Henry's Mac & Cheese, Applesauce and Cookie

Joe and I both had Strawberry Cheesecake for dessert

Well...Joe comes in...empty handed. And he declares he cannot find the stroller.

Say what?

Okay. The man is legally blind. He sees pretty well in the dark, it's the bright light that gives him problems, but he might have missed it.

Was I gracious in this moment?

No. I was annoyed. I got up and walked out, just KNOWING that the stroller would be right where we left it. <stomp, stomp, stomp>

Until I got outside...and it wasn't.

It was gone.

I grabbed a CM who started to look around with me. We looked EVERYWHERE in Fantasyland. Back and forth, through the crowds of people watching Wishes exploding in the sky. I was totally panicked. This was our first full day-what would we do without a stroller? I had memories of the time we ended up swapping strollers (accidentally) after Fantasmic with a couple-and that worked out and became great TR fodder, this would too...right?!?! But what if it didn't!?! Okay, breathe, Brook...we could rent. It wouldn't be the end of the world. It would be a hit to the budget, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nice CM enlisted the help of another CM and was calling on the radio because we just could not find it. We were looking the entire length of Wishes!

And then Wishes ends.

And the crowd thins.

And there is my little brown Maclaren, sitting the middle of the walkway.

Odd....

But all well! Who cares where it was! We found it! I almost hugged that CM!

I finally made my way back to PVH with the hand sanitizer and a humble grin on my face. There was good reason why my dear husband could not find the stroller!

The boys had thrown caution to the wind and chose to eat with germ-ridden hands (daredevils! ), and I settled into enjoy the meh food. It wasn't bad, but it was just alright. It have been better hot! Though, H didn't like his mac & cheese AT ALL (if you go back and look at the pic, it does look awful!) and we all ended up sharing our food. Which was fine, it worked out. And I do remember the cheesecake being quite tasty.

After we relaxed a bit and laughed off the stroller ordeal, we made our way out and into Fantasyland. I spotted Mr. Nice CM and walked right up to him and got his name, Stephen, who works custodial in Fantasyland. That man rules. He went way above and beyond duty to help me. I told him so...and he gave me Fastpasses on top of all that!!

I have since sent off an email raving about his service. It's CMs like these that make Disney known for it's customer service.

So Fastpasses in hand, no true agenda on deck, standing with this as our beautiful view

we asked Henry what he would like to do...his instant response?

"The flying blankies!"



So off to Adventureland we went.

 

[pinkxray]

Yay two updates!

We are doing a split stay next week, finishing off the week at BCV. That means two weeks from today I will be at SAB!

I loved seeing all the pictures of the pool. Henry looks so happy playing in the sand. I can't wait to see SAB in person.


Your reaction when your DH told you about the missing stroller is exactly how I would handle it. Stomp outside, find the stroller and do a little I told you it was right HERE! Then, of course I would feel terrrible when it actually wasn't there.

Glad you ended up finding the stroller. I'm sure someone just grabbed it by mistake and brought it back when they realized.

 

[glennbo123]

for Stephen! It's great when you get above-and-beyond assistance like that.

Oh, and my wife would have stomped out just like you did, if I came back saying that I couldn't find it. Some things are just universal! (Wait, can I say that on a Disney TR?)

 

[Charleston Princess]

The Stormalong Bay pics are gorgeous!!! I could easily spend all day there, I have no doubt!

Yeay for the awesome CM helping to find your stroller!

Flying Blankies??? Love it!!!

 

[MeMom]

Was I gracious in this moment?

No. I was annoyed. I got up and walked out, just KNOWING that the stroller would be right where we left it. <stomp, stomp, stomp>Until I got outside...and it wasn't.

It was gone.

I know I am being an evil friend here, but I would love to have some video of this.

 

[chicagoshannon]

I love that he calls the carpets the flying blankies! Glad you found the stroller. Such an odd place for it to be though. I wonder if someone borrowed it for their child to sit in during the show and then just left it there.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

SAB... One day I will have my toes in that sand too! Beautiful! Did you guys walk over to the BC from the Boardwalk? If so, about how long did it take. We have an ADR at Cape May, and I would like to see the Boardwalk area after that and am wondering how long the walk is.

As for the stroller... those things are a real pain, aren't they? I have to say that I will be glad when we can just go without one. It takes so much time parking and finding them. And then there are always the times when a CM moves them on you and you can't find it or someone else walks off with it. They are just annoying! It must be so liberating on that first trip where you don't need it anymore and can just walk off of a ride and head on to the next. But your stomping episode cracked me up. I would have done the same thing, fully expecting my husband to have looked RIGHT at it and not see it!

 

[tiggrbaby]

I know they move the strollers to make more room, but it does lead to mistakes when grabbing in a rush!

Flying blankies...

 

[brookelizabeth]

Yay two updates!

We are doing a split stay next week, finishing off the week at BCV. That means two weeks from today I will be at SAB!

I loved seeing all the pictures of the pool. Henry looks so happy playing in the sand. I can't wait to see SAB in person.


Your reaction when your DH told you about the missing stroller is exactly how I would handle it. Stomp outside, find the stroller and do a little I told you it was right HERE! Then, of course I would feel terrrible when it actually wasn't there.

Glad you ended up finding the stroller. I'm sure someone just grabbed it by mistake and brought it back when they realized.

You will love SAB I'm sure! There is nothing not to love! It really is a great pool....so beautiful!

LOL! I was a bit nervous putting my attitude that I had into the report-but after reading just these few responses, I realize I react like a typical wife! I already had the response to Joe in my head, "It was EXACTLY where we left it....ugh!" But...ya...I felt awful for having an attitude. Humble pie doesn't taste so good!

for Stephen! It's great when you get above-and-beyond assistance like that.

Oh, and my wife would have stomped out just like you did, if I came back saying that I couldn't find it. Some things are just universal! (Wait, can I say that on a Disney TR?)

I think it's allowed. I think. But, you are right-it was the typical woman/wife response!

The Stormalong Bay pics are gorgeous!!! I could easily spend all day there, I have no doubt!

Yeay for the awesome CM helping to find your stroller!

Flying Blankies??? Love it!!!

And soon you will be at the REAL beach. I love your ticker! You will be writing a TR on the Community Boards or something, right?

Joe and I laughed so hard about the "Flying Blankies" it's so cute! We never even corrected him on the name...

I know I am being an evil friend here, but I would love to have some video of this.

This comment almost made me spit my coffee out!

I love that he calls the carpets the flying blankies! Glad you found the stroller. Such an odd place for it to be though. I wonder if someone borrowed it for their child to sit in during the show and then just left it there.

I didn't even think about that! But I wouldn't doubt you being correct! Or perhaps stand in....it wouldn't be the first time someone took our stroller so their kid could stand in it at Disney World!

SAB... One day I will have my toes in that sand too! Beautiful! Did you guys walk over to the BC from the Boardwalk? If so, about how long did it take. We have an ADR at Cape May, and I would like to see the Boardwalk area after that and am wondering how long the walk is.

As for the stroller... those things are a real pain, aren't they? I have to say that I will be glad when we can just go without one. It takes so much time parking and finding them. And then there are always the times when a CM moves them on you and you can't find it or someone else walks off with it. They are just annoying! It must be so liberating on that first trip where you don't need it anymore and can just walk off of a ride and head on to the next. But your stomping episode cracked me up. I would have done the same thing, fully expecting my husband to have looked RIGHT at it and not see it!

Yes, we did walk-and the walk is very short. It's just on the other side of the lake...door to door, with a child/slightly distracted, I'd say 10 minutes tops. And it's a very pretty, enjoyable walk!

I cannot wait for our first no stroller trip! I know we've got years of it left though. Here at home we have started to go without quite often, and we walk a LOT. He's doing well. But, Disney is a whole different animal!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I know they move the strollers to make more room, but it does lead to mistakes when grabbing in a rush!

Flying blankies...

The moving strollers thing at Disney drives me bonkers! I get why they do it, but it makes it sooooo much harder for the guests sometimes. But all well!

Isn't that adorable? Joe and I thought it was so cute we never corrected him on it. It was called the Flying Blankies for the rest of the trip!

Your little guy sure does enjoy himself.
He seems so easy going-which is rare for a red head-but then again, maybe the boys are more even tempered, just not the girls.

Me and my sisters planed a whole day at SAB...
and they made me leave, they hated it.
We had to go sit by the quiet pool.
I told them, about the CM bring drinks and food-they still hated it.

Smart choice with the slide-it literally eats you up and spits you out-and you thought the clown pool pukes you out. The clown pool doesn't hold a candle to that torture slide.

I almost missed your comment!

Henry really is very easy going (usually). He has his moments where that age 3 shines through...but in all, he's quite chill. And always has been. I honestly specifically prayed for that while he was in the womb!

They hated SAB?!?!?! I don't get it! Why?!?! It's beautiful!! Was it really crowded?

I've heard that SAB slide is FAST. It looks so scary to me! The clown slide I did once, and it was alright. It went a bit fast for me, but it was kinda fun once I convinced myself I would NOT fly out the side.

Hmmm...maybe I would like the SAB slide though-since it's a tube and I know I can't fall out? That's my fear...that I will flip out. Ridiculous I know! But, even just the thought of that fast SAB slide gives me a bit of a stomach ache!

 

[blessedby3]

I am SO glad you found your stroller!! That is my biggest nightmare...that mine will go missing. I know it doesnt happen much, but that is our kind of luck Cant wait to read more....I love getting my Disney Fix.....
25 DAYS!!!!!!!!

 

[PopArtGal]

If you need bokk suggestions..you know who to ask

 

[PopArtGal]

I agree about Pinocchios. The food isn't great. But we love the restaurant. We love the atmosphere...and we normally eat in the attic when my mom and I are alone. Or where you ate when my dad's with us.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I love this picture!!! I wish that was my view right now!

Oh man I would have been freaking out too about the stroller! I'm happy you found it! How awful would that have been if it had been stolen!

"The flying blankies" - Henry is too adorable!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Ahhhh, SAB looks heavenly It seems as though I am going to have a chance to check it out for myself the day before our cruise, and I WILL be hitting up that slide!

So sorry about the stoller ordeal. I can totally picture the scene too, frustrated wife, has to do everything herself.......uggggg, men! Only to be followed by, oh no, he was right.....bummer! I hate it when that happens

 

[onelilspark]

My luggage is bright pink. You cannot mistake it for anyone elses...so I know when it comes off the carousel at baggage claim that it's mine. Everyone makes fun of me for it, but it works.

I think when/if I have kids, I will also employ this same strategy with strollers.