May 2008--Everything's Coming Up Roses -- COMPLETE

[Trentmom]

Yay, I did better this time

 

[Tat2ddisneymom]

Well, I'm 6' ... DH dated short women but said he preferred tall women. I've only dated guys 6' or taller. I HATED the thought of dating a guy shorter than me so never did...I know that wasn't too smart but just the way I felt.

Wow! I guess your DD is taking after you, too!

A few Photopass pics from last night in Epcot

The happy couple outside France

A Pic of the sign I made for our door. Even though we were tucked away in a corridor that didn't get high volume, we got about 8-10 people who signed the card. Sadly, no gifts of pins this time...

And here's that Test Track photo I mentioned earlier. Note DD's funny expression -- DH was holding her head to make sure it didn't bob all over the place. It's funny, b/c I never thought of TT as a wild ride...but then when you go on with your child who can't anticipate the curves and sudden stops and control her head for them, it does become a wild ride.

So we have about 20 minutes before our ADR and decide rather than rushing on another ride, we'll just go slow and head over to the restaurant. Which one do you ask? Where could we have a "shore good" meal in Epcot?

Now if you recall, this is one of the places that I was really nervous about. I heard that you eat here b/c of the view, not the food. However, I did some research and found what entrees and desserts most folks liked and hopefully we would, too.

Here are some shots of the interior. My DH didn't have the right film/settings to really capture these shots but I think you can get the idea. It was really cool!

The lights in the lobby.

The lobby walls -- note the lights look like shells

After being outside in the hot sun, this is a nice retreat -- cool, dark and relaxing.

Looking toward the tank from the tables. Some tables are right next to the glass and others are like 4-5 tiers away. We were somewhere in the middle.

A slight mishap upon getting DD in her chair. The "highchair" was one of those that slide onto the table. And well, we didn't realize that DD's fingers were in the way...and oh, yeah, she got her fingers pinched. Now remember we are hot and hungry and now add pain into the mix...Poor DD!

The waiter was kind enough to bring us a Tinkerbell light up figure (normally you have to buy the special drink to get one of these) so there was another little "dream" for us. DD settled down and we start to enjoy our meal.

As you can see in the pic above, you are all seated at a round booth so everyone can see the fish around you. This is really good -- unless you are a family of 5 like us -- you'll end up squooshed! DD enjoyed pointing out the sharks and sting rays.

Everyone ordered the much touted Mahi Mahi with Cashew Jasmine rice and Tropical Chutney (DELICIOUS!!!) and Chocolate Wave (molten lava cake with brandied cherries) -- YUMMY!! The bread was good here too -- nice and warm! We all ate everything on our plate -- nothing left over.

Which started a little "sore" point for me. Since DD isn't 3 yet, we didn't have to pay for her food and she could eat off of our plates. So I just assumed that DH and I would share our food with her. Next thing I look and DH's food is all gone and DD is still hungry. So I end up giving her 1/2 my meal.

I supposed the solution was to order food for her but since we were already spending $600 on food for DH and I for 8 days, I really didn't want to buy more food. I figured we each had a snack yet to help hold us over. But DH was thinking everything he orders was for him and not that he had to share it. So after a 'conversation' about it, DH and I both gave DD food from our plates and we ate a little more bread to make up the difference.

Next up was the Nemo ride -- one of DD's favorites and less than a 5 minute wait...basically by the time you got through all the queues you could get right on a clammobile.

Then my DF (father) decided to go off and do his own rides so DM (mom), DH, DD and I go to Turtle Talk with Crush (3 minute wait). DD liked Dory more than Crush.

Then we rode Soarin. DD a "little bit" scared and closed her eyes and buried her face into me. But I would tell her things like -- Oh, wave hello to the hikers or let's say hi to the boaters and then she liked it better. I think we ended up riding Soarin 3 times total the entire trip and each time was easier for DD.

Next was Living with the Land Boat Ride and DD rested on my lap and nearly fell asleep...except when she saw the fishes. Here are some photos from the ride.

I think these flowers are really cool. It's actually not a flower but the leaf.

This view is just really neat looking. I told my DH to get a photo about 10 feet back but by the time he took it we were already going inside. It's still a good shot.

DD liked the alligators.

Hard to see but the test tubes form a hidden mickey

Then we went back to the room to nap.

An observation on the dining plan. Last year we paid $1 more and got the appetizer and tips included in the plan. We were always very full last year.

This year, our DD is eating more and we had less food...and I swear the portions were smaller too. So we ended up filling up on more bread and butter. I miss not having the appetizer and am too cheap to pay for it!

My parents took DD tonight so DH and I could have a date night. We opted to try a new restaurant at the ...

... the Grand Floridian Cafe. This is the only non-signature dining restaurant at the GF. We had Surf and Turf (Langostinos, not real lobster but still really good) and New York Strip Steak, mashed potatoes that were yummy and broccolini that was good too. For dessert I chose the Chocolate Fondue which was fun but my DH chose the Key Lime Pie which was fantastic!!

Both the Coral Reef and GF Cafe would be on my do again list. They were good meals.

Then we went to watch the fireworks and electrical parade. Instead of going to the boat pier we chose a dark and quiet grassy spot next to the water behind the rooms. As soon as it started, we were joined by lots of parents and kids watching from their balconys and porches or next to us on the grass.

Although it wasn't "romantic", it was fun and we enjoyed watching away from all the lights and "high traffic" areas.

Off to Pleasure Island for some fun photos

The people outside the window had fun watching us

DH looks entirely too comfortable here

We wandered around PI and West Side but I was tired and wanted to call it a night. Tomorrow was our "get up early day" to go to Magic Kingdom so I knew we needed a good night's sleep.

We got back to the room and found DD asleep (yeah!). My mom said they ate at The Land and rode Soarin again. I was happily surprised that DD went on Soarin for her 2nd time, w/o Mommy and Daddy!

Tomorrow we go to Magic Kingdom -- QUIZ TIME

1. What character bubbles over at the Disney ABC book?

2. How many people do you need between you and your DH so that your DD can ride Dumbo once with your DH and then right again with yourself?
a. 12
b. 24
c. 36
d. Not allowed

3. DH gets in trouble at the Pirates of Caribbean. Why?
a. Rocks the boat
b. Splashes in the water
c. Takes photos in the back stage area
d. Takes photos during the ride

4. We wear our Tie Dye Shirts again and meet 3 new Dissers!!! What is the downside to wearing our shirts?

Great update, Marshay! I'm glad you liked the Coral Reef, but that stinks that you had to share your food and didn't get enough. I can't believe they would think that your daughter shouldn't have her own plate.

Look at you posing on the motorcycle! Sexy mama!

Okay, I see you've given the answers to your quiz except for #4. My guess is that your shirts attracted unwanted attention from some crazy people.

 

[Marshay]

Wow! I guess your DD is taking after you, too!

Great update, Marshay! I'm glad you liked the Coral Reef, but that stinks that you had to share your food and didn't get enough. I can't believe they would think that your daughter shouldn't have her own plate.

Look at you posing on the motorcycle! Sexy mama!

Okay, I see you've given the answers to your quiz except for #4. My guess is that your shirts attracted unwanted attention from some crazy people.

Don't get me wrong -- we definitely could have ordered food for DD...I just didn't want to spend even more $$$. I love the DDP b/c it "forces" you to eat at a TS everyday...but it gets really expensive when you are there for 8 nights like we were.

We had fun on the motorcycle.

Answer to #4 is partly correct...will supply a new update soon!

 

[bluedolph1n]

Now I'm curious about the answer of question 5 too!
Great update again, and I just love the pics!

 

[OrangeBlossom15]

Tomorrow we go to Magic Kingdom -- QUIZ TIME

1. What character bubbles over at the Disney ABC book?


2. How many people do you need between you and your DH so that your DD can ride Dumbo once with your DH and then right again with yourself?
a. 12
b. 24
c. 36
d. Not allowed

3. DH gets in trouble at the Pirates of Caribbean. Why?
a. Rocks the boat
b. Splashes in the water
c. Takes photos in the back stage area
d. Takes photos during the ride

4. We wear our Tie Dye Shirts again and meet 3 new Dissers!!! What is the downside to wearing our shirts?

#1 All ready answered -Ariel

#2 I wanted to say 12 but I see you said 36 is paritially right. So I say C (36) and (D) because someone gave you grief about it.

#3 All ready answered - C

#4 People come up to you wearing similar shirts?

 

[cherbear]

Off to Pleasure Island for some fun photos

The people outside the window had fun watching us

DH looks entirely too comfortable here

We wandered around PI and West Side but I was tired and wanted to call it a night. Tomorrow was our "get up early day" to go to Magic Kingdom so I knew we needed a good night's sleep.

We got back to the room and found DD asleep (yeah!). My mom said they ate at The Land and rode Soarin again. I was happily surprised that DD went on Soarin for her 2nd time, w/o Mommy and Daddy!

Tomorrow we go to Magic Kingdom -- QUIZ TIME

1. What character bubbles over at the Disney ABC book?

2. How many people do you need between you and your DH so that your DD can ride Dumbo once with your DH and then right again with yourself?
a. 12
b. 24
c. 36
d. Not allowed

3. DH gets in trouble at the Pirates of Caribbean. Why?
a. Rocks the boat
b. Splashes in the water
c. Takes photos in the back stage area
d. Takes photos during the ride

4. We wear our Tie Dye Shirts again and meet 3 new Dissers!!! What is the downside to wearing our shirts?

great update! Poor DD getting her fingers caught! How sweet of them to give you the light up Tinkerbell!

I am glad you liked the Coral Reef. That is a surprise!

Sexy Mama! Look at you on that bike! OWWW! WOOP WOOP! *whistles*

Okay, answers now:

1. already was answered - Ariel
2. I say you, DH, and your mom and dad all got in line, each 12 people apart. Then they "figured you out" by the 3rd time, and said it was not allowed. am I right?
3. already was answered - C
4. I think some crazy DISers came up to you asking about your shirts and kept you from running into the Dream Squad! You realize afterwards that you'd have gotten a dream had you not been stopped in your tracks

How'd I do this time?

 

[tink76]

I am taking my DD next year. She will be right around you daughters age now. I love your report so far and look forward to reading more. I also plan on having her eat off our plates, we will be on the dining plan. I am glad to read about you guys doing it and how it went.

 

[SmithFamily2003]

I just found your trip report and I am really enjoying it! Thanks for sharing with us. Good luck with the IVF!

 

[Trentmom]

Just checking in to see if anything is new and how things are going



oh and for an update

 

[Marshay]

Now I'm curious about the answer of question 5 too!
Great update again, and I just love the pics!

Thanks! Answers will come ... soon!

Tomorrow we go to Magic Kingdom -- QUIZ TIME

1. What character bubbles over at the Disney ABC book?


2. How many people do you need between you and your DH so that your DD can ride Dumbo once with your DH and then right again with yourself?
a. 12
b. 24
c. 36
d. Not allowed

3. DH gets in trouble at the Pirates of Caribbean. Why?
a. Rocks the boat
b. Splashes in the water
c. Takes photos in the back stage area
d. Takes photos during the ride

4. We wear our Tie Dye Shirts again and meet 3 new Dissers!!! What is the downside to wearing our shirts?

#1 All ready answered -Ariel

#2 I wanted to say 12 but I see you said 36 is paritially right. So I say C (36) and (D) because someone gave you grief about it.

#3 All ready answered - C

#4 People come up to you wearing similar shirts?

Good guesses but not exactly right. Answers will come ... soon!

great update! Poor DD getting her fingers caught! How sweet of them to give you the light up Tinkerbell!

I am glad you liked the Coral Reef. That is a surprise!

Sexy Mama! Look at you on that bike! OWWW! WOOP WOOP! *whistles*

Okay, answers now:

1. already was answered - Ariel
2. I say you, DH, and your mom and dad all got in line, each 12 people apart. Then they "figured you out" by the 3rd time, and said it was not allowed. am I right?
3. already was answered - C
4. I think some crazy DISers came up to you asking about your shirts and kept you from running into the Dream Squad! You realize afterwards that you'd have gotten a dream had you not been stopped in your tracks

How'd I do this time?

Oooh, that keeping me from the Dream Squad answer would be heart-breaking!! But it's not correct. Answers will come ... soon!

I am taking my DD next year. She will be right around you daughters age now. I love your report so far and look forward to reading more. I also plan on having her eat off our plates, we will be on the dining plan. I am glad to read about you guys doing it and how it went.

Welcome! I love the pic of your DD in the Tutu!! Awesome!! Your DD will love, love WDW. Mine did and we were really all ready for those terrible 2/3s tempers and tantrums and screaming on the floor not moving...but surprisingly, they really didn't happen.

I think the best thing we did was not try to push it. We only got up early one day (for MK) and always came back to the room in the afternoon for a nap or at least a rest. We only stayed out til after 11pm or later 2 times.

I just found your trip report and I am really enjoying it! Thanks for sharing with us. Good luck with the IVF!

Thanks! I'm not giving myself 3 shots a day. Wouldn't be so bad if they medicines were all ready in one shot but NOOOOO, I have to reconstitute them myself and then give three separate injections! My poor tummy is getting all black and blue and sore. I've started icing it before the shots.

My estrogen count is also low so they increased my stimulation medicines. I go tomorrow at 7am faint: ) to see if they are working. We don't want my body to go into hyperstimulation but it can't lag behind either. So every 2-3 days I get a bloodtest and ultrasound done.

Just checking in to see if anything is new and how things are going



oh and for an update

Thanks Sharky!! I gave my IVF update above. I'll work on my Disney update this weekend.

We still are fighting with the furniture people b/c there are 16 scratches on the all the pieces. They are telling me it's "distressed wood" and I'm saying these are problems. Then they said they could "repair" it but I just spent $$$ on brand new furniture, I don't expect to buy "repaired" stuff.

This is very stressful for us. There's a stamp on the receipt that says "No Refunds" so I'm fearful we'll be stuck with it.

Oh, and DD's potty training is . Today she got off her little potty to play and of course left a HUGE one all over our living room floor since she didn't have any pull-ups/clothes on. I had stepped away and came back to a nice "present" on the carpet...thankfully, my DH volunteered to clean it up.

Oh Tat -- How was Hersheypark??

 

[Trentmom]

Thanks! Answers will come ... soon!



Good guesses but not exactly right. Answers will come ... soon!



Oooh, that keeping me from the Dream Squad answer would be heart-breaking!! But it's not correct. Answers will come ... soon!



Welcome! I love the pic of your DD in the Tutu!! Awesome!! Your DD will love, love WDW. Mine did and we were really all ready for those terrible 2/3s tempers and tantrums and screaming on the floor not moving...but surprisingly, they really didn't happen.

I think the best thing we did was not try to push it. We only got up early one day (for MK) and always came back to the room in the afternoon for a nap or at least a rest. We only stayed out til after 11pm or later 2 times.



Thanks! I'm not giving myself 3 shots a day. Wouldn't be so bad if they medicines were all ready in one shot but NOOOOO, I have to reconstitute them myself and then give three separate injections! My poor tummy is getting all black and blue and sore. I've started icing it before the shots.

My estrogen count is also low so they increased my stimulation medicines. I go tomorrow at 7am faint: ) to see if they are working. We don't want my body to go into hyperstimulation but it can't lag behind either. So every 2-3 days I get a bloodtest and ultrasound done.



Thanks Sharky!! I gave my IVF update above. I'll work on my Disney update this weekend.

We still are fighting with the furniture people b/c there are 16 scratches on the all the pieces. They are telling me it's "distressed wood" and I'm saying these are problems. Then they said they could "repair" it but I just spent $$$ on brand new furniture, I don't expect to buy "repaired" stuff.

This is very stressful for us. There's a stamp on the receipt that says "No Refunds" so I'm fearful we'll be stuck with it.

Oh, and DD's potty training is . Today she got off her little potty to play and of course left a HUGE one all over our living room floor since she didn't have any pull-ups/clothes on. I had stepped away and came back to a nice "present" on the carpet...thankfully, my DH volunteered to clean it up.

Oh Tat -- How was Hersheypark??

Hope all loooks well tomorrow

Did you sign anything saying furniture was in fine condition when it was delivered?

your daughter, quite the little stinker....potty training, fun, isn.t it

Yay to your DH for cleaning it up...bet that scored him some points

Don't worry she will get hang of it

 

[Marshay]

Today is May 6th and we wake up at 7am and leave for MK by 8am. This was the one day that I had us scheduled to get up early. I really wanted to be in MK before the gates opened. I knew this would be the only morning we had to get to MK early.

We decided to drive to Epcot and take the monorail from Epcot to MK ... well, actually to the TTC. It was a nice scenic journey, probably not faster than driving ourselves but we'd get to ride the monorail both directions and my DD loves it.

We get to the park opening about 20 minutes before it opens, so wait around with everyone, putting on sunscreen, mapping out where we want to go, etc. And then the music begins for the opening show. Here are some pics:

This is for you Sharkey and Mommom

I thought today was really pretty crowded at MK. See all the people in front of us?

Now look behind us...

The Cinderella and her woodland friends fountain

So we immediately head to Dumbo -- DD's favorite ride. DD goes with my DH and I get in line 24 people or so behind him. I had read in the UG that you need to go 24 folks back to do a trade-off. Well, this would have worked fine, except since the line went from a 5 minute wait to over 45 minutes really quickly, they had to open up the 2nd queue area. Now in the 2nd queue area there is no really convenient spot to hand off DD. So I waited and let another 12 or so riders go past me -- enough to fill up the 2nd queue area. Then I get back in line to go into the 1st queue; DH lifts DD up and over the fencing and DD gets her 2nd ride on Dumbo in 15 minutes.

Why all the hassle? Well, I thought that if we got to MK before it opened, we'd easily be able to ride Dumbo like 3 or 4 times without waiting at all or too much. NOPE! Either everyone wanted to ride Dumbo that morning, or it was just a crowded park.

So if you answered 24 or 36 on the Dumbo quiz -- you are right!

 

[kaoden39]

placeholder

I'm so confused!

 

[Trentmom]

 

[Marshay]

I'm so confused!

Sorry Michelle, I was just working on the update and reserved a place for my comments so I would know what page # and post # to put in the title and very first TOC page!

 

[Trentmom]

Thanks for special pics for Myself and my Mom


I really need to see that opening ceremony at MK at least once. I just really like my sleep better


WOW, it did look super crowded.

Glad your Dd got to ride dumbo at least twice.


I love the picture of her looking though the gate

She is so cute

 

[Marshay]

So after riding Dumbo, I was going to head over to do Peter Pan or Snow White, but DH sees the short line for Ariel and says, want to see Ariel?

Now my parents came to MK with us but they didn't want to ride Dumbo, so we were going to meet up with them after Dumbo. I figured the line for Ariel looked short so it shouldn't take that long.

It ended up being a 15-20 minute wait --really not bad at all. While waiting in line, I get a phone call from my friend and former co-worker who lives in Tampa that he and his son are in MK and where am I?

Wow -- what a great blessing that he happened to be in WDW the same time as us and chose the same park. So we make plans to meet up at Jungle Cruise after Ariel.

At this point, I am excited b/c I hadn't broken out the Disney ABC book yet. Ariel would be the first victim, I mean character. I admit I was a bit nervous -- this was the big moment -- would she like it? would she just sign it and move on?

Well here are the pics -- you decide!

DD was excited in this one!

I love the animation on her face in this one. She had asked me if she could page through the rest of the book (OF COURSE ARIEL!!!)

and when she got to the "U" page, she was really animated...Ursula was on this page ... she told me that she "is not talking to Ursula much these days...ever since Ursula took her voice."

After about 5 minutes of Ariel just commenting on the book, we got the family pictures

Saying good bye!

I was so thrilled! We definitely got more "face time" with Ariel than anyone else in line. She was so excited about the book -- dare I say "Bubbly"?!

When we were done at Ariel, we looked at the waiting time -- 60 minutes!

Obviously I haven't done MK young children stuff before b/c I didn't realize how long the lines get -- it wasn't even 10am yet!

Then we went to ride on the Jungle Cruise with my parents and my friends Mike and Justin. Here is our captain. She was good and did all the standard jokes with flair.

DH and DD enjoying the ride -- I really like this photo

Then I asked if she would sign our ABC Book on the "J" page

And this started a new trend -- not only getting autographs from the main characters but asking the cast members for the rides for their autograph, too.

From JC, we went on Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride -- another autograph opportunity. She was from Latin America and I asked her to also write something in Spanish for the book.

Here we are on the ride

It was already getting hot so we decided to cool off with a Dole Float -- this was yummy!

Then DH again (good for DH!!) noticed that we were sitting right next to the spot where Jasmine and Aladdin would sign autographs. So we waited around and were the first in line. Although Jasmine and Aladdin did not comment on the book, the people in line behind me all looked through it and loved it.

And a picture of all of us!

Chap 5c and 5d will be done later -- I'm going to bed!

 

[kaoden39]

Marshay,
Your trip report is so great. The pictures of your daughter are so sweet. And Areil sounds like she was wonderful. And I know that the non character CM's had to enjoy being asked for autographs too. What a sweet idea.

 

[Marshay]

Marshay,
Your trip report is so great. The pictures of your daughter are so sweet. And Areil sounds like she was wonderful. And I know that the non character CM's had to enjoy being asked for autographs too. What a sweet idea.

Yeah, they really enjoyed it. A few of them even thanked me for asking them. One of the older guys on Spaceship Earth, was like, "whaddya want that for?" and his co-workers just said "sign it Earl!" It was pretty funny ... he just didn't get it.

 

[kaoden39]

Yeah, they really enjoyed it. A few of them even thanked me for asking them. One of the older guys on Spaceship Earth, was like, "whaddya want that for?" and his co-workers just said "sign it Earl!" It was pretty funny ... he just didn't get it.

That's so funny and so typically older male. My Dad would have acted like that but secretly enjoyed it.