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

[MEK]

I think I want to be a TA. When I retire from this job I definitely think I will persue it. Cool conferences at a great price, plus family time. That's awesome. Plus, I would love to stay at the YC and since its not DVC my chance of doing so is very slim.

Read the rest of your updates and they are so great, even though I am reading at work and can't see a single picture. I am looking forward to returning to see more of Henry. What a fun afternoon at SAB and lunch in France sounds fabulous!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Somehow I was 3 updates behind! So now that I have read through 5 pages, I can't remember all I wanted to say! I'll do my best though!

I will have to try that sandwich in France. It looked yummy.

I agree with you on the Disney boats... best way to get around. Peaceful, quiet, scenic, uncrowded, all good things!

You can add me to the palm tree addicts club!

SAB!!! Awesome! One day I WILL stay there even if just for one night. Sounds like you had a PERFECT day there. Digging, floating, napping... that's good stuff!

And as usual, your pictures are terrific! There were several ones as I went through that were absolutely frame worthy! The monorail shot and several from WS were just extra gorgeous! Good job!

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

Wow, 9-13 people! It sounds like it's going to be an AWESOME trip. And yes, there are some fantastic deals off-site. We will stay off-site at some point and rent a car for the week to experience it. I think it will be nice experience, we'll also do some of the other Orlando attractions on that trip. I'm looking forward to seeing SeaWorld and Universal sometime! Are you going to do anything offsite?

Sounds good on the plans! I hope to sit down this week and figure ours out too. I'll post here and Facebook you on them.

I know it's normal in your life to be able to "catch a train to France"...but seriously, that just sounds cool from my perspective! I suppose France in Epcot isn't quite the same...!

We're definitely doing a day at Sea World as Toby will love it! Some of the group will be going to Universal but I am likely to skip it this time as there are a LOT of thrill rides at Universal / IOA which I can't do when pregnant, so it seems a waste of money for a ticket really. We'll have a couple of free days - chilling out, shopping etc. but I hope to spend most of my time at Disney!!!

We have the Euro Tunnel and you drive your car on a train and 35-mins later you're in France! Its good fun - but always ends up being an expensive trip. It IS cool - but nowhere near as cool as living in New York!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xxx

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a glorious afternoon at SAB But, I'm wondering, did Henry get a chance to dig in the sand?

Your Sunshine Seasons pics are making me hungry this morning!

 

[KatMark]

This time we decided to tackle the lazy river and we rented a tube. If I recall correctly, the tubes are $10/day, or $3/hour. We rented for an hour, and the woman was very Leninist and told us to just return it whenever.

Joe and Henry went around the river first

GREAT PICTURE!

A quick PhotoPass on the bridge

Brook, this is a wonderful family picture!

It's a bit of a gross picture with all the trash, but...I was still proud! Look at that Mickey with the plates!

Way to go Henry!

 

[mickeystoontown]

You were on an updating roll and I promptly forgot half of the stuff that I wanted to comment on. Stormalong Bay seems like a nice place to relax and chill out for a bit. I remember how Henry liked playing in the sand so I wasn't surprised when you said that he was digging and digging and digging and diggin.

You can tell by Henry's face in the pictures that he was super excited to be riding Soarin'. Such a cutie pie!

I know exactly the sound you are talking about when the safety belt unclick. I said something about it this trip too!

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

Perhaps I can trick Henry with the Beverly....

I wasn't the only mean one - that is JOE'S arm in the pic!!

"It's yucky!!!!"

I want to do this: AND this at the same time!!

And this is where Momma made a mistake.

Henry kept saying "Hi!" to the fish as it swam near him, and would ask him various questions, so in return, I pretended I was the fish and spoke back to Henry.

"Hi Henry! I remember you! How are you? Are you having fun? Are you going to see Crush?"

And so on.

Cute, right?



Well....for the rest of the trip Henry expected EVERY animal to speak back to him. "Make him talk Mommy!" I cannot count how many times I (or Joe) was a duck, or a bunny, or a fish, or an animatronic animal! LOL! While it's fine the first few times, it does get old! Thankfully, he has passed this stage!!!!

If Disney t-shirts were closer to $15 instead of $30, I bet I'd have a closet full of 'em.

Yeah, I actually bought one of the "Mine Mine Mine" bibs for Madelyn in November 2009, but she never used it.....

I didn't buy anything, but Henry...

selected his stuffed animal of the trip!

I'm glad that he was coaxed to sit right in front of you two at Crush. Baby steps, right?

 

[wdwgirl03]

haha, I know what you mean about the seatbelts on Soarin. I always get a kick out of that. I also appreciate all the applause that usually comes at the end too.

 

[bellebookworm9]

This time we decided to tackle the lazy river and we rented a tube. If I recall correctly, the tubes are $10/day, or $3/hour. We rented for an hour, and the woman was very Leninist and told us to just return it whenever.

Drool. I love, love, love this dessert.

After this ride I think I discovered my favorite Disney sound. The click of the seat belts coming off after this ride. It's funny-they do the announcement of how to get out of the seat belt while everyone is pushing, pushing, pushing on the red button and then suddenly BOOM! we are released and the clicking fills the room. It's the end sound of an awesome ride. I have no idea, but it just strikes me as a fun noise. I'm weird like that.

Hmmm...we might end up renting one of those tubes for the lazy river. I don't know if Mom will go anywhere near that area though because it's over her head and she can't swim.

That strawberry shortcake is the stuff of dreams. I can't wait until I am tasting it again!

I'll listen for the seatbelt clicks when we come off of Soarin'-I didn't notice them the one time we rode it!

 

[hcmommy]

Cute family picture!

Can't wait to ride Soarin. I have never been on it.

 

[jenb1023]

You are on an updating roll!!!

Poor Henry - he hardly got to play in the sand at all! Lazy river looks awesome and you have me convinced we need to stay at Yacht Club just for SAB! I loved the wrinkled up nose grin Henry is sporting in the family photo - so cute! Love Sunshine Seasons (so many options) and Soarin! Great job Henry spotting the hidden Mickey - my DD is always on the lookout and spotted one in the grocery store yesterday.

 

[glennbo123]

What a nice afternoon! SAB sounded relaxing and fun. Great family picture on the bridge. And the food at Sunshine Seasons looked really good.

 

[Softballgirl27]

It makes Duffy sound like fair food, doesn't it? Popcorn, peanuts, Duffy on a stick!

I think Duffy is a great choice for something useless and fun! He's pretty darn cute and sooooo soft.



about knowing the Epcot map better than your work schedule! Love it!! This past trip with my friend Sarah, on our first day we were walking through AK, and she said, "So, you know where to go? Without a map?" Oh yes, my dear. However, I do still get lost in my own City...

LOVE that Dory, she's so cute and has that perfect clueless look!



Thank you!!!!



Henry just saw the pic Pat posted above and got very excited...we'll see if she finds her way home with us too!



The bathrooms in the WS hide a bit! I will NEVER forget the ones in Japan...a 2 staller! TWO! It's basically a closet!



You can just add to your Duffy as you travel around, and the CM working the KidCot station will also stamp a country stamp on Duffy's stick. Henry only added to his Duffy coloring a couple times...then later in the trip got a whole new one. He had a moment of insecurity about his Duffy looking good after he saw a young girl's colored very neatly. I told him his was already fantastic, but he insisted...you'll read all about it later in the trip! But, I said all that to say - the girls CAN get new ones, or as many as they want, if they would like!

Ooooh, I like your idea of a coffee and croissant there just as the WS is opening. I'm going to have to log that one in the memory bank for the next time we stay in the Epcot area.



I know so many people feel that same way!!! I've read dozens of raving reviews of it!



Yessssssss it is!



yes! You have to try the bakery! It's full of delicious choices! (even for those of us that don't like chocolate! LOL)



I think I have completely adopted that technique and no longer even think about how to take the FP picture, it's just instinct! And I too really like how it looks!



You like my geek-ed-ness there with the ® ? LOL!

I couldn't believe that price tag either, 3 sandwiches and 3 desserts, $30! It really is not that much food either. If the sandwiches came with chips or something it would be better.



Our time often gets sucked away in the Seas too. This time we skipped the tanks upstairs, but even still - we were probably in there for over an hour.



Wow, 9-13 people! It sounds like it's going to be an AWESOME trip. And yes, there are some fantastic deals off-site. We will stay off-site at some point and rent a car for the week to experience it. I think it will be nice experience, we'll also do some of the other Orlando attractions on that trip. I'm looking forward to seeing SeaWorld and Universal sometime! Are you going to do anything offsite?

Sounds good on the plans! I hope to sit down this week and figure ours out too. I'll post here and Facebook you on them.

I know it's normal in your life to be able to "catch a train to France"...but seriously, that just sounds cool from my perspective! I suppose France in Epcot isn't quite the same...!

yah it is finally getting warm outside!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

That picture of Henry and Joe on the tube is fantastic. What a great afternoon. How will we fit in everything I want to see while there in August?

Thank you! It was taken with Joe's phone!

I was just thinking about "Must Do's" for August, and thankfully I feel like I've gotten that out of my system this year with my most recent trip. I am feelin' a laid back sorta trip on the weekends with the family at this point.

All subject to change, of course.

I love Soarin. Great family picture on the bridge.

Me too. Henry was just giving me his list of what he wants to ride: Pirates (3 times), Dumbo, Dumbo, Dumbo ("Which one is Dumbo again?" ) and Soarin'!!!!! Yes, Soarin'! Zoooooooom!

I think I want to be a TA. When I retire from this job I definitely think I will persue it. Cool conferences at a great price, plus family time. That's awesome. Plus, I would love to stay at the YC and since its not DVC my chance of doing so is very slim.

Read the rest of your updates and they are so great, even though I am reading at work and can't see a single picture. I am looking forward to returning to see more of Henry. What a fun afternoon at SAB and lunch in France sounds fabulous!

You would be GREAT at it! You should definitely pursue it when you are able. It doesn't make much money, but a little bit of extra travel money is nice!

That stinks about not being able to see the pictures! Usually mine aren't blocked because I belong to SmugMug, which is a paid subscription and not as well known as Photobucket and FlickR. Bummer! Glad you enjoyed the updates anyway though!

Somehow I was 3 updates behind! So now that I have read through 5 pages, I can't remember all I wanted to say! I'll do my best though!

I will have to try that sandwich in France. It looked yummy.

I agree with you on the Disney boats... best way to get around. Peaceful, quiet, scenic, uncrowded, all good things!

You can add me to the palm tree addicts club!

SAB!!! Awesome! One day I WILL stay there even if just for one night. Sounds like you had a PERFECT day there. Digging, floating, napping... that's good stuff!

And as usual, your pictures are terrific! There were several ones as I went through that were absolutely frame worthy! The monorail shot and several from WS were just extra gorgeous! Good job!

I've updated a lot lately! I gotta get back on the ball, I'd like to finish this by August.

You will love SAB! We totally scored out on getting to use it because the BW slide was under refurb. We weren't too disappointed.

Thank you on the compliment on the pictures! The flowering trees at Disney during that time of year truly make for beautiful pictures. I loved seeing them...and oh goodness...during the F&GF...picture OVERLOAD!

 

[jenseib]

Dumbo, Dumbo, Dumbo...which one is Dumbo?

 

[brookelizabeth]

We're definitely doing a day at Sea World as Toby will love it! Some of the group will be going to Universal but I am likely to skip it this time as there are a LOT of thrill rides at Universal / IOA which I can't do when pregnant, so it seems a waste of money for a ticket really. We'll have a couple of free days - chilling out, shopping etc. but I hope to spend most of my time at Disney!!!

We have the Euro Tunnel and you drive your car on a train and 35-mins later you're in France! Its good fun - but always ends up being an expensive trip. It IS cool - but nowhere near as cool as living in New York!!!!!!!!!!!!!

xxx

Are you going to write a TR? I have been studying up a bit on SeaWorld, I'd love to read about your time there....and everything else of course! I really want to take Henry to SeaWorld too, I know he'd love it.

New York is like living in a dozen or more countries at once. I live in Greece - everyone around me speaks it, signs are in it in my neighborhood. Go down a few blocks and I'm in Egypt - everything is in Arabic! A bit further and we are in China! Kinda like the World Showcase...all these random countries mushed together!

What a glorious afternoon at SAB But, I'm wondering, did Henry get a chance to dig in the sand?

Your Sunshine Seasons pics are making me hungry this morning!

not nearly as much as he wanted to!! Seriously, that kid could dig all day if we let him!

I want that strawberry shortcake NOW!

Way to go Henry!

Thanks Kathy! The pool picture with Joe and Henry was taken with Joe's phone - pretty good job!

I was quite excited when he started to see Hidden Mickeys. He now points them out EVERYWHERE. It's cute!

You were on an updating roll and I promptly forgot half of the stuff that I wanted to comment on. Stormalong Bay seems like a nice place to relax and chill out for a bit. I remember how Henry liked playing in the sand so I wasn't surprised when you said that he was digging and digging and digging and diggin.

You can tell by Henry's face in the pictures that he was super excited to be riding Soarin'. Such a cutie pie!

I know exactly the sound you are talking about when the safety belt unclick. I said something about it this trip too!

LOL - that's okay! I have been on an updating roll lately! Hopefully I keep it up!

Henry LOVES Soarin'. Today he was talking about the ride, and how we zoom over Mickey's House and the fireworks and Tinkerbell, and, and, and!

I'm glad that he was coaxed to sit right in front of you two at Crush. Baby steps, right?

I know, I couldn't myself with the Beverly! Poor kid didn't trust me to try anything else that trip to Club Cool though!

haha, I know what you mean about the seatbelts on Soarin. I always get a kick out of that. I also appreciate all the applause that usually comes at the end too.

Me too! I always clap, and Henry now claps with me!

Hmmm...we might end up renting one of those tubes for the lazy river. I don't know if Mom will go anywhere near that area though because it's over her head and she can't swim.

That strawberry shortcake is the stuff of dreams. I can't wait until I am tasting it again!

I'll listen for the seatbelt clicks when we come off of Soarin'-I didn't notice them the one time we rode it!

That area is deep, 7 feet, but it's fairly narrow with steps and ladders every little bit, so she might feel okay with it. Getting in the tube is the hardest part - if she got in on the stairs that would be the best bet.

I agree with you on the strawberry shortcake! SOOOOO GOOD!!! We just can't not get it if we eat at Sunshine Seasons!

The seat belt click sound is fun...to me anyway. LOL I'm a bit of a Disney geek though!

Cute family picture!

Can't wait to ride Soarin. I have never been on it.

Thank you! I liked how that one turned out too!

Oh gosh-Soarin' is very cool!! You will enjoy it, I'm sure!!! There is nothing like it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

You are on an updating roll!!!

Poor Henry - he hardly got to play in the sand at all! Lazy river looks awesome and you have me convinced we need to stay at Yacht Club just for SAB! I loved the wrinkled up nose grin Henry is sporting in the family photo - so cute! Love Sunshine Seasons (so many options) and Soarin! Great job Henry spotting the hidden Mickey - my DD is always on the lookout and spotted one in the grocery store yesterday.

I know! I'm MAKING myself get up early in the AM to get stuff done - life has been getting busier and busier, and I'm becoming more and more behind. If I can keep getting up early in the AM, I have a couple hours before Henry wakes up and I can update (and do other stuff!)! I really hope to keep it up. I am not a morning person...so this isn't easy! LOL

I know, poor Henry, only 2 more hours in the sand. He seriously could stay there all day if we let him though!

I'm VERY much looking forward to staying at the Yacht Club. Joe and Henry already want me to get them into SAB while they are at Pop during the weekdays I'm there. I'm not sure on the exact rules, so I have to research that. I hope they can take advantage!

yah it is finally getting warm outside!!

Yes! It was so hot here the other day, then Saturday was COLD! Today is beautiful though...

What a nice afternoon! SAB sounded relaxing and fun. Great family picture on the bridge. And the food at Sunshine Seasons looked really good.

Sunshine Seasons is a big hit with this family. We've tried a few different things and everything has been pretty tasty. And that dessert....

Dumbo, Dumbo, Dumbo...which one is Dumbo?

I know, isn't that hilarious?! What a goof!!

 

[CandleontheWater]

Wonderful updates! I've never had a full lunch at the bakery, only desserts, but that ham sandwich looks really good! I have such a hard time passing up Tangerine cafe, but maybe someday I'll branch out and try something new!

It looks like you guys had a lovely afternoon at SAB! Am I the only one who thinks those tube rental prices are highway robbery? We stayed at the villas one vacation and I brought tubes (and I made sure to buy clear ones!) for the whole family. Well, they didn't last long because one of the lifeguards let us know in no uncertain terms that they were not allowed!

Glad you made it back to Epcot for the evening! I get antsy being at the pool for too long too. I know how this is going to go in the future "Sorry Everett, we have to leave, Mommy needs her ride fix"

Those sunshine season food pictures were bringing tears to my eyes! It all looks sooo yummy, why can't I just be there eating right now! I promise I'd share with you all!

 

[blessedby3]

Hey Brook! I am finally back on the computer and just read about 8 pages of updates from your TR
Your trip in August sounds like so much fun! TA and family time
I love the picture of you guys at Epcot. I have been editing my photopass pictures and I love that little Epcot border.
I cant wait to read more. I am still trying to get everything unpacked, washed and all the regular stuff done since we got back late Saturday evening.

 

[dolfinjuls]

Love the updates! Your Epcot day is sounding so perfect right about now! I just love that family photopass pic in Epcot!