Memories of the DREAM come true .. 08/09 All 30 days done!

[eandesmom]

somehow I didn't realize you had this going on at the same time as the cruise report. DOH! Off to catch up

Ok all caught up! A perfect thing to do on a solo night, Jeff went to a "boys" movie with Taylor! I did not realize one of your B2B's included a run in with Irene! We were on the Wonder in Alaska while it was going on and anxiously checking things from there, wondering how the Dream was doing. Wild stuff! What an amazing trip you had, I love how you really "live" in your villas and take advantage of the kitchen and verandah, I am so excited to do it.

Cute tour!

 

[dizneeat]

The tour sounds very nice. I have yet to do a tour... someday maybe... That is what I love about Disney...always a different trip filled with new experiences.

If you have not done a tour yet, Ann, you definitely should try to fit one in in the future. They are FUN and there are so many new things to learn about Disney and the parks.
And I could not agree with you more - even though it sometimes feels like we know every stone at Disney, there is ALWAYS something new to discover.

How does that queue work? I haven't tried it yet...but it seems like you would loose your place in line.

It is actually two queues. One is the "old" queue and then you can decide to go in the interactive one - I think they join again at the turnstiles as far as I can remember. (Like the "old regular" line becomes an unofficial kind of a FP line and the new one is the "standby line") It was fun to try out all the things in there - and while the interactive things at Winnie the Pooh are all geared towards kids - these are fun for kids of all ages.

I love the new line for HM !!!!

It's so much fun, isn't it?

somehow I didn't realize you had this going on at the same time as the cruise report. DOH! Off to catch up

Ok all caught up! A perfect thing to do on a solo night, Jeff went to a "boys" movie with Taylor! I did not realize one of your B2B's included a run in with Irene! We were on the Wonder in Alaska while it was going on and anxiously checking things from there, wondering how the Dream was doing. Wild stuff! What an amazing trip you had, I love how you really "live" in your villas and take advantage of the kitchen and verandah, I am so excited to do it.

Cute tour!

Cynthia, it was easy to miss my other ongoing threads, as when I started my February cruise review I still had
2 active trip reports
1 dining review
1 pre-trip report and
4 cruise meet threads!
It definitely was hard to keep up with. (And I still have the 4 cruise meet threads, the pre-trip report and this trip report going)

Well, Irene was our second brush with a hurricane at sea. The year before we had run into another hurricane but it did not interfere with plans as much as Irene.
It was pretty bad for the new cruisers, but Tom and I had found our sea-legs on the first cruise and it didn't bother us at all. The big downside was missing CC on the second cruise, but at least we made it there again on our third cruise.
And we are really looking forward to this summer's trip - if we are lucky we can squeeze in three CC days.
(Don't know if you follow my pre-trippie, if not and you are interested - here is the link: HELP!! More Disney Dreams to fulfill!)
You are going to LOVE "using" those villas. For us it is part of the vacation to spend time our on the balcony, just chilling with a nice cold beverage out of the fridge.

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, before the next update here is just a little countdown!

We are

6 weeks away from our summer vacation! ​

We are

33 weeks away from our February cruise and BLT stay! ​

And I love our ticker for next year's summer vacation -

1 year, 1 month, 1 week, 1 day! ​

​

​

​

 

[annmarieda]

I love your countdowns! The number of them is what I really love!!!! And yet, with that many...how is it that we never seem to synch up our plans?

 

[dizneeat]

Day 21, September 2

Marceline to Magic Kingdom - Part 3

Once we had gotten off we strolled over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and picked up another Fastpass before heading back to the hub.

We still had a Fastpass for Space Mountain, which we wanted to use before our lunch at The Plaza. By that time the line had grown considerably and we were happy to get into the Fastpass line and quickly made it to the loading dock.
There the line stopped as the ride was down. It took about 15 minutes to be up and running again and then we were seated in a ride vehicle pretty quickly. As old as this ride already is, it is still a lot of fun.
After we had gotten off and left the ride we quickly marched over to The Plaza to sign in for our reservation. We were told to wait with a buzzer in hand and when we turned around there were lots of people with buzzers, so we were afraid it would take long until we were seated.
But we were wrong, after about 5 minutes our buzzer went off and we were seated in the smaller room to the side. Our server was over quickly to introduce himself and take our order for Diet Cokes. She left us with the menus and when she returned with our drinks we were ready to order main courses. While we waited for them, the Mayor’s wife came by to congratulate a little boy on the next table for his birthday. To say he was embarrassed is an understatement. Soon after that our food arrived.
Tom had ordered the

Cheese Steak Sandwich, shaved beef, grilled with onions, mushrooms, red peppers, and white American cheese served on a hoagie roll with a side of French Fries. My choice was the

Tuna Salad Sandwich, tuna salad with lettuce and tomato on freshly baked croissant and I had opted for French Fries as my side dish as well. We both enjoyed our food and once we had settled the bill we decided to not return to Big Thunder, but to leave the park as the crowds had picked up considerably.
On the way out we asked a few people if they wanted our Fast Passes, but most looked like we wanted to sell them something strange. Finally when we said we would try one more time right at the exit we found a couple who was very happy and thankful to receive the passes, which were already good to ride.
We headed back to the Monorail and very quickly were back at the Ticket and Transportation center. Since we were parked so close to the Ticket and Transportion Center we walked back to our car, got in and drove back to Old Key West.


To be continued ..........

 

[dizneeat]

I love your countdowns! The number of them is what I really love!!!! And yet, with that many...how is it that we never seem to synch up our plans?

ah, how nice of you!
And I would lie to say that I don't love the number of them too!
I am really hoping we will be pulling it off and finally get to meet in 2014 when we are going back to California and DL!

 

[annmarieda]

ah, how nice of you!
And I would lie to say that I don't love the number of them too!
I am really hoping we will be pulling it off and finally get to meet in 2014 when we are going back to California and DL!

I hope 2014 will be our year too!!!

I just think it is so sad that each trip we just miss eachother..

 

[Sunstar]

Day 21, September 2

On the way out we asked a few people if they wanted our Fast Passes, but most looked like we wanted to sell them something strange. Finally when we said we would try one more time right at the exit we found a couple who was very happy and thankful to receive the passes, which were already good to ride.

We had the same problem trying to give away our Fantasmic! vouchers one day. First, we couldn't find a couple to give them to. Then once we did, people were looking at us like we were trying to do something illegal. My husband said he thinks it's because people are naturally suspicious in the real world.

 

[dizneeat]

I hope 2014 will be our year too!!!

I just think it is so sad that each trip we just miss eachother..

Keeping my fingers crossed for 2014, but yes, it is pretty sad that we always miss each other by a few days.

We had the same problem trying to give away our Fantasmic! vouchers one day. First, we couldn't find a couple to give them to. Then once we did, people were looking at us like we were trying to do something illegal. My husband said he thinks it's because people are naturally suspicious in the real world.

In the real world we would not even think about handing off our expensive cameras to a stranger either.
It was just funny, as we really approached a lot of couples and showed them our FPs and offered them to them and they would look at us as if we had two heads or something.

 

[pinkxray]

I have stopped trying to give away fastpasses or tickets we might get in the arcade. People always seem suspiscous so I usually just keep the fast passes to put in my scrapbook.

The Plaza looks yummy as always.

 

[englishrose47]

I have not yet eaten at the Plaza but really want to!! I have a feeling it will be on the agenda for our Grannie trip!!

 

[eandesmom]

It was pretty bad for the new cruisers, but Tom and I had found our sea-legs on the first cruise and it didn't bother us at all. The big downside was missing CC on the second cruise, but at least we made it there again on our third cruise.
And we are really looking forward to this summer's trip - if we are lucky we can squeeze in three CC days.
(Don't know if you follow my pre-trippie, if not and you are interested - here is the link: HELP!! More Disney Dreams to fulfill!)
You are going to LOVE "using" those villas. For us it is part of the vacation to spend time our on the balcony, just chilling with a nice cold beverage out of the fridge. [/COLOR][/FONT]

I need to get over and check out the PTR. I have tried doing multiples before and can't keep up...hence the no girls trip PTR and finishing the Alaska TR before I started the one up now. I wouldn't mind an Oct PTR though so maybe will attempt it...after we get back in August!

I have to tell you, your OKW pics influenced a change to our plans

 

[Self_resqing_princz]

Hello! This is the first time I've commented on your TR... however, I'm already on day 11- obviously not all the way caught up though. I have a few questions, I was hoping you could answer for me.

Day 9, August 21

Falling in love with the DREAM - Part 4

Everyone was cheering by then and it made our way out to sea extra special. Once we had made it out to sea we picked up the first of our Fish Extender gifts

and went on our merry way handing them out all over the ship.

To be continued ..........

WHAT ARE Fish Extender gifts?! How do you get those? I've never heard of anything like that... and you said you went all over the boat delivering them... who do you deliver them to?!

I'm really enjoying your TR. Must be nice to relax so much. Whenever we are in DW or on a cruise, I try to get as much done, go to as many shows and ride as many rides as possible... it seems you take your time and relax... maybe some day I'll get to experience Disney like that.... but, not likely. Loving the report! Can't wait to see how it finishes!
Rebecca- from Indiana (United States)

 

[dizneeat]

I have stopped trying to give away fastpasses or tickets we might get in the arcade. People always seem suspiscous so I usually just keep the fast passes to put in my scrapbook.

The Plaza looks yummy as always.

The first few years we went and handed out FPs, people took it as pixie dust and were most always willing to take them, but nowadays you really need to think about who to ask.
We really enjoy the Plaza and such a reasonably priced restaurant!

I have not yet eaten at the Plaza but really want to!! I have a feeling it will be on the agenda for our Grannie trip!!

Rosie, if you haven't eaten there yet - you really have to! It is such a neat little restaurant and the food is GREAT!!!

I need to get over and check out the PTR. I have tried doing multiples before and can't keep up...hence the no girls trip PTR and finishing the Alaska TR before I started the one up now. I wouldn't mind an Oct PTR though so maybe will attempt it...after we get back in August!

I have to tell you, your OKW pics influenced a change to our plans

I would really love it, if you visit my pre-trip report!
I am working on planning our summer vacation right now and I can use any input I can get!
And now that there are only two threads that need more attention (the cruise meet threads are easy to manage) it got MUCH easier to cope and update. And I definitely want to finish this one, before we go on vacation again.
Can't wait to read about your plans and how my pictures influenced them.

Hello! This is the first time I've commented on your TR... however, I'm already on day 11- obviously not all the way caught up though. I have a few questions, I was hoping you could answer for me.

WHAT ARE Fish Extender gifts?! How do you get those? I've never heard of anything like that... and you said you went all over the boat delivering them... who do you deliver them to?!

I'm really enjoying your TR. Must be nice to relax so much. Whenever we are in DW or on a cruise, I try to get as much done, go to as many shows and ride as many rides as possible... it seems you take your time and relax... maybe some day I'll get to experience Disney like that.... but, not likely. Loving the report! Can't wait to see how it finishes!
Rebecca- from Indiana (United States)

Welcome!
I am gladly answer your questions.
Fish Extender gifts .....
Fish Extender gift exchanges work like a Secret Santa. Many boards do them and if you go to the cruise meet threads here there is always someone hosting them. You sign up there and get a list of families who have signed up as well and who you will exchange gifts with. NO big gifts, just little things like the nametags in the picture, which we usually hand out the first day.
Now the Fish Extender itself is an organizer which you hang on the fish/seahorse outside your cabin. It usually has as many pockets as people in the stateroom and during your cruise, the other people will leave little presents for you, while you do the same for them. It is so much fun to walk all over the ship and deliver the gifts and so much fun to come back to your stateroom and find something in your extender.
Hope that answers your questions and if not, just let me know!

As for relaxing while at WDW. When we first went to WDW we only had 5 nights there and were there at rope drop and left when they closed. But nowadays we visit twice a year and during the summer we stay for 4 weeks, so there is no need to hurry.
We both have our favourite rides, which we always ride, and whatever else we can easily do we will do, otherwise there is always a next time.
I guess it would be different if we bought tickets for a few days only, but since we hold APs it does not matter if we just get into a park for a snack or a ride, or stay all day.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 21, September 2

Marceline to Magic Kingdom - Part 4

Since we were parked so close to the Ticket and Transportion Center we walked back to our car, got in and drove back to Old Key West.
We relaxed in the villa for a while, then put on our swimsuits and headed over to the Quiet Pool for a little dip and some fun in the sun. Around 4pm the skies got dark and we headed back to the villa to find shelter from the coming storm.
Tom retreated to the Jacuzzi and I did a little more laundry and caught up on my mail and the DISboards. By 6pm we needed to head out again and lucky for us the rain had stopped and we were soon on the way to the Boardwalk for our dinner at Kouzzina.
We were a little early and again were handed a buzzer and wandered outside to wait until our table was ready. It was a nice evening and it was fun watching the artists on the Boardwalk. After about 20 minutes our buzzer went off and we walked back inside the restaurant where a host was already waiting to take us to our table. We were seated at the far end of the restaurant at a rather small two top. Our server seemed pretty rushed and hurried off to get our order of two Diet Cokes.
We were still studying the menu when he brought out some

sesame bread, and a glass dish with

black and green olives and he filled two sections of the dish with different type olive oil. Once we had ordered our food we started to nibble the bread dipped into the oil and the olives. It did not take long and our food was delivered by a food runner. Tom had ordered

Macaronada, Saffron Pasta tossed with Lamb Ragu and Shaved Kefalograviera Cheese, which was a generous portion size and tasted wonderful, while I had ordered the

Kouzzina Trio, tasting size portions of

Greek Style Lasagne,

char grilled Lamb Burger and Cinnamon stewed Chicken with Orzo. I just had asked to leave off the Cinnamon stewed Chicken and instead they sent out two portions of the Greek Style Lasagne. The burger was very spicy and tasty and the lasagne was just wonderful, but two portions were just too much. Ever since our first visit there we always order the

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with a Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Caper, and Cheese. Tom was full and so he only wanted to have some

coffee for dessert, but there is one dish I really wanted to have for dessert, the

Loukoumades, freshly made Greek Doughnuts drizzled with Warm Honey. They are super tasty, warm, soft and taste so nice when dipped into the raspberry sauce. I didn’t finish them all and after using our Tables In Wonderland card for the discount we headed outside onto the Boardwalk again.
It had gotten dark while we had dined and we slowly walked towards Sea Breeze Point and enjoyed the view of the lights across Crescent Lake.

Since Epcot was still open, we slowly walked over, entered via the International Gateway and headed towards Futureworld. We walked over to the Land, but the line for Soarin was far too long for us, so we went on the Living With The Land ride.
It is such a peaceful ride and was especially so after dinner. Then we headed towards Journey into Imagination and voila, no line, so we went on.
After those two rides we walked over towards Mission Space and since we walked by we paid a visit to Mousegear. As always it took us much longer than we had thought to check out their merchandise and then we were finally on our way over to Mission Space.
The standby line for the Orange Team was only 20 minutes and so we hopped into line and it didn’t even take 20 minutes until we were on the ride and on our way to Mars. When we got off we thought about staying for a little longer, but we were both tired, so we slowly walked over to the International Gateway again and over to the Boardwalk.
We took our time and then drove back to Old Key West. Tom and I spent some time in front of the TV, enjoying a beverage or two until we finally went to bed.


To be continued ..........

 

[jenseib]

Is that place on the dining plan (too lazy to look it up). It's not really something I think we would like, but i do hear good things about it.

 

[dizneeat]

Is that place on the dining plan (too lazy to look it up). It's not really something I think we would like, but i do hear good things about it.

Yes, Kouzzina is most definitely on the DDP!
The food is really good, if you like that kind of thing (like we do! )

 

[annmarieda]

It sounds as though your evening just fell into place nicely! Not a huge rush to do anything, but enjoying quite a few things

Dinner at Kouzzina looks wonderful. I have always wanted to try there. Your dessert looks yummy! I love things like that. Via Napoli has the little doughnut balls too... but served with chocolate sauce? I think I might like raspberry better. However, never been to either... I can't say for sure.

 

[dizneeat]

It sounds as though your evening just fell into place nicely! Not a huge rush to do anything, but enjoying quite a few things

Dinner at Kouzzina looks wonderful. I have always wanted to try there. Your dessert looks yummy! I love things like that. Via Napoli has the little doughnut balls too... but served with chocolate sauce? I think I might like raspberry better. However, never been to either... I can't say for sure.

It was really a nice evening, just the way I like it.

We love Kouzzina. There are not many restaurants that offer some different food items and Kouzzina really is up our street.
As for the doughnut balls (forgot what they were called). The ones at Kouzzina are drizzled with honey, so quite sweet to begin with and the raspberry sauce cuts the sweetness a little.
The one at Via Napoli are not all that sweet to begin with, so the dark chocolate sauce (think Valhrona) really adds to it, without being too sweet. (if that makes sense. )

If you want to eat a bit more "out of the box" you really need to try both!

 

[annmarieda]

If you want to eat a bit more "out of the box" you really need to try both!

And yet I have never been to either.

I do have an ADR at Via Napoli... but I am going to have to cancel it. (it is for like a 6:30 dinner... that is too close to when the race is (I think) I know the other room booked an ADR there too... at a better time. However, dd is really now wanting to go to Kona and I don't have an ADR there...so she wants to drop Via Napoli entirely. After my trip next week is over I think I will be able to focus on getting plans for the fall trip in place better.