Mike & Missy's Grand Adventure! A DCL & WDW Pre-TR w/ pics! Updated-09/18

[UGAFan0829]

The next day was probably one of the most magical ones. It was our anniversary, and we were spending the day in my favorite park-Magic Kingdom!
We started off the day with breakfast at my favorite restaurant, with my favorite characters-Crystal Palace with Pooh and the gang! When we arrived at our table, we had some pixie dust waiting for us:

At the end of the meal, we were presented with a Magical Moments certificate signed by the whole gang. It was sooo special to me, and I will always treasure it!!!

After breakfast, we made our way around the park, and met some characters that we've never met before...

We left shortly after the 3:00 parade to get get ready for our anniversary dinner at California Grill.
We requested a window seat when we checked in, and our wish was granted. It was a wonderful meal, and the timing was just perfect-we were able to catch Wishes!

Our anniversary turned out to be very special...I was so glad that we decided to visit MK on this day! Eating breakfast with Pooh started the day off right, and watching Wishes from atop the Contemporary was the perfect ending to a magical day!

 

[nokidz]

According to the little countdown clock that I have on my desk...

ONLY 100 MORE DAYS...Until we leave for Florida! Wow...It's amazing how fast time has flown by. Back when we booked the trip, I remember thinking that it would take forever for this trip to get here, and tomorrow we'll be in double digits!

awsome report! where did you get the count down clock??????? very cool!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Your GF photo session came out really well! Very nice pictures!

Thank you. I thought there were a couple good ones out of the bunch. We actually ended up using the hammock shot on our Christmas cards.

awsome report! where did you get the count down clock??????? very cool!!!

Thanks so much! I figure I must be boring everyone!! I actually got my little clock online from countdowntime dot com. They are really cool! I've had mine for a few years...the neat thing is that you can change the faces on them to match different occasions!

 

[UGAFan0829]

We spent our 5th day in Hollywood Studios. Unfortunately, even though this was a really nice enjoyable day, there really isn't a lot to talk about, so I'll just cover most of it in pictures.
We started out having some Photopass pics made...

We caught the Beauty and the Beast stage show. It was really cute, so I was glad that we took the time to check it out.

After Beauty and the Beast, we did the Backlot Tour which was neat to see. And after that Mike was dying to see Lights, Motors, Action. It was cool, but it was sooo hot outside, and we got stuck in one of the sections that wasn't covered from the sun. I was glad that we saw it though, because Mike really enjoyed it!

We caught the afternoon parade and really enjoyed it as well.
After the parade, we made our way over to Animation Academy. I had read so much about it in lots of other trip reports, so I was really excited to to try it out. I'm not artist by any means-I can't even draw a straight stick figure, but the class was a lot of fun. We drew Minnie...
Mine...

And Mike's...

We ended the day with the Rataouille guys. We had just seen the movie before our trip, and we LOVED it, so we were so excited to meet them!

We had actually done the Fantasmic package that day, so we planned on doing Fantasmic that evening. We got our seats and waited and waited and waited while it rained off and on. Finally after what seemed like forever, they cancelled the show due to the weather. We were sad, but there's nothing you can do about the weather. So we headed out and went back to the resort for the night.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Our next to the last day in Disney was one of the funnest! We had been waiting for a while to experience one of the Disney waterparks, and this was the day that it was going to happen!! It had been a really, really long time since Mike or I either one had been to a water park, so I really didn't know what to expect. Needless to say, we weren't let down in the least!
We started off the day by going to Typhoon Lagoon, and really that was the only park that we planned on visiting that day.

I'm sorry that I don't have any pictures of the slides or anything else in the park, so you'll just have to take my word on how much fun we had! We were there at park opening, and were able to ride everything that we wanted at least twice-including Crush N' Gusher which I think we did about 3 times!
We were done by lunch time, and since we had the Water Park and More option on our tickets, we decided to head on over to Blizzard Beach!

We had an awesome time there as well! We thought about braving Summit Plummit, but I just couldn't do it. We did do the smaller one beside it, and even that one was kinda scary! I'm somewhat afraid of heights, and I didn't want to get all the way to the top of Summit Plummit and then chicken out, cause there was only one way down. And if I was nervous just looking at it, I could only imagine how scared I would have been once I actually got up there and saw how high it was!!
We really, really enjoyed the day in the water parks. It's definitely something that we want to do again, but unfortunately, I don't think we'll have enough time this year. Not to mention, that we aren't budgeting to add the Water Park and more option this time either. But once again, it just gives us something to look forward to on the next trip!

 

[UGAFan0829]

As I've mentioned earlier, one of the things left on my to-do list is to order my Pirate costume. I had found one a while back that I really liked, and had planned on ordering. Which was this one:

At the time, it was the only one that I could find that had a longer skirt, and I thought that I would be somewhat comfortable in a longer skirt. However-a couple of days ago, I came across another costume that I thought I might like (minus the beer mug and cap-thingy)....

I know it's pretty plain compared to the first one, but it's not too bad in my opinion. What I like is that the skirt looks to be a little longer, so I may be able to get away with wearing a pair of flip flops instead of the boots that I had planned on wearing with the first one.
I really can't decide which one to pick. I like the first one because it's "prettier" to me. I like the shash that ties across the skirt. But it would be really nice to not have to worry about packing the boots that I planned to wear with it. Or do you think that I could get away with wearing flip flops with it as well? I never really thought of even wearing flip flops until I was checking out some of the pics of the pirate costumes on the main cruise board, and a few of the ladies there mentioned that they wore flip flops. I also think that the first one might match Mike's cotume a little better, but I guess either of them would be okay. Here's another picture of his just to give you an idea:

So, what I really need is everyone's opinion please...I really don't know which to chose! I know this probably isn't a big deal, but it's just another one of those details that I obsess over! I really would like to be able to get one soon, but of course I can't order anything until I decide which one I really want! Hellllp!

 

[Jennifer48]

Either of them will match your DH's outfit. I think whichever you think you'll be more comfortable in with the longer skirt or the shorter one. I wore flip flops that night and was very comfortable. Its just up to whether you want to be more comfortable or more dressy. Either will be great!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Either of them will match your DH's outfit. I think whichever you think you'll be more comfortable in with the longer skirt or the shorter one. I wore flip flops that night and was very comfortable. Its just up to whether you want to be more comfortable or more dressy. Either will be great!

Thanks for your input, Jennifer! You're so sweet to always reply when I ask a question! Thanks!
Also, I just went back an re-read your TR from your last cruise. It was an awesome report. Seeing all those pics of the Magic got me even more excited about the cruise! You did an awesome job. I sure hope you write another report after your next cruise!
Thanks again for reading!

And I do have a quick question for you, if you don't mind helping me with it. How can I post a link in my siggie to my trip report without posting the actual link? I want mine like you have yours, and I tried going by the instructions that I found on the Tech. board, but they didn't work for me. Just thought I would ask!

 

[Jennifer48]

Thanks for your input, Jennifer! You're so sweet to always reply when I ask a question! Thanks!
Also, I just went back an re-read your TR from your last cruise. It was an awesome report. Seeing all those pics of the Magic got me even more excited about the cruise! You did an awesome job. I sure hope you write another report after your next cruise!
Thanks again for reading!

And I do have a quick question for you, if you don't mind helping me with it. How can I post a link in my siggie to my trip report without posting the actual link? I want mine like you have yours, and I tried going by the instructions that I found on the Tech. board, but they didn't work for me. Just thought I would ask!

You're welcome
Thanks for reading my TR! I don't know yet if I'll do another one. I might only because its so much fun to relive those trips and you can always go back and read them when you want to relive it again! Plus this is my honeymoon trip so I might do one just to document it

For the URL, click on the world link. Enter the URL of your TR when prompted. You will then see the URL= message in your signature and in between the sets of [ ] [ ] you want to write the text of what you have the name as your TR as. heres an example: URL="www.disboards.com"]your TR title here[/URL] To get it to not make a link I just removed the first [. Hope that makes sense!

 

[UGAFan0829]

You're welcome
Thanks for reading my TR! I don't know yet if I'll do another one. I might only because its so much fun to relive those trips and you can always go back and read them when you want to relive it again! Plus this is my honeymoon trip so I might do one just to document it

For the URL, click on the world link. Enter the URL of your TR when prompted. You will then see the URL= message in your signature and in between the sets of [ ] [ ] you want to write the text of what you have the name as your TR as. heres an example: URL="www.disboards.com"]your TR title here[/URL] To get it to not make a link I just removed the first [. Hope that makes sense!

Well, if you decide to do one, then you know you already have one reader!!

Thanks so much for the info on fixing my link! It worked...you are my hero! You have no idea how long I've been trying to do that. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just think it looks so much neater!

 

[Jennifer48]

Well, if you decide to do one, then you know you already have one reader!!

Thanks so much for the info on fixing my link! It worked...you are my hero! You have no idea how long I've been trying to do that. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I just think it looks so much neater!

Thank you! I'll keep that in mind. I think I'll make one tho and you'll be the first one I tell when I post it!

YAY!! So glad it worked! I reread my post like 15 times hoping that it made sense to you. HOORAY! So glad I could be of help!

 

[UGAFan0829]

It's time to finish up with my "review" from last year. I think it actually turned into more of a mini-report than a review, so I hope y'all don't mind...(The whole 2 of you who are reading!)

Anyway...
So our very last day in Disney was spent in a park that we'd never been to before...Animal Kingdom!
We arrived at the park a few minutes after opening, and had some quick pics made at the entrance. These would have been some of my favorites from the whole trip, but with the sun being in our eyes, they didn't turn out so great. They were still okay considering though...

There was SO much of this park that we didn't see, but we were still able to see a lot. We ended up riding Everest 3 times in a row. We LOVED it, and it's now one of my favorite rides at Disney!
We did the Trails and the Safari ride. I won't bore you with a bunch of pics of all the animals, but this one is my favorite from the day...

WE had lunch at Flame Tree BBQ which was REALLY good. We'll definitely be eating there again this year!
Sadly, the only character that we met in AK was Flik...

We totally missed the character trails, so I hope to catch them this time around.
It seemed like it was 1,000 degrees that day, so after we saw Nemo, we decided to skip the afternoon parade and head out for the evening. We ended the night by heading over to DTD to finish up our shopping and had dinner at Earl of Sandwich. We were up early the next morning to head home....and that's it...Our 2007 trip in review!

 

[Jennifer48]

It's time to finish up with my "review" from last year. I think it actually turned into more of a mini-report than a review, so I hope y'all don't mind...(The whole 2 of you who are reading!)

Why would we mind?!

Thats a great photo!!

I love Flame Tree BBQ. Did you sit out back near the pond? Its so nice and quite down there with a fantastic view of Everest! You might also see Mickey drive by in his boat!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Why would we mind?!


Thats a great photo!!

I love Flame Tree BBQ. Did you sit out back near the pond? Its so nice and quite down there with a fantastic view of Everest! You might also see Mickey drive by in his boat!

Have I told you how awesome you are?!! Of course you don't mind cause you love Disney too!

I have to give Mike credit for that picture. I thought it was really cool!!

Flame Tree is REALLY good! One of the best CS in Disney, in my opinion! We saw out back, but I don't remember a pond, or a view of Everest. It seems like we really didn't have a view because there was a lot of trees and plants around...at least from what I can remember. We'll definitely have to make sure and look for the spot that you're talking about this time!

 

[Jennifer48]

Have I told you how awesome you are?!! Of course you don't mind cause you love Disney too!

I have to give Mike credit for that picture. I thought it was really cool!!

Flame Tree is REALLY good! One of the best CS in Disney, in my opinion! We saw out back, but I don't remember a pond, or a view of Everest. It seems like we really didn't have a view because there was a lot of trees and plants around...at least from what I can remember. We'll definitely have to make sure and look for the spot that you're talking about this time!

Awww and you're super too! Now stop it you are making me

Yes there are a lot of trees and if you walk through them to the back, you'll end up down by the pond. You know if you are standing at Everest to your back there is a lake/pond there? Thats the one. The further back you walk, the closer to the lake you'll be. I guess its more of a lake than a pond but I hope you get the idea! Sorry I don't have any photos, I'm at work. If I can find some on my home computer, I'll post them. Just keep walking.

 

[UGAFan0829]

Sooooo, there's been a little change in plans with our resort for the WDW portion of our trip.
As of this past Friday, the DH and I are now members of...

DISNEY VACATION CLUB!!!!
I am soooooo super excited! We've been wanting to join for a while now, and even took a tour of SSR back in 2006. And as bad as we wanted to join back then, the time just wasn't right for us financially! I really didn't expect it to happen this soon, but I guess you can say it was our anniversary present to one another! It still feels so surreal to know that we are actually members!
So, as part of the deal for buying in, our sales guide, who has been phenomenal, was able to get us last year's points. And, instead of staying in Pop as we had planned, we will now be spending our 5 nights in Disney in a preferred view 1BR room villa at the Boardwalk! ( I CANNOT wait to do down the Keister Coaster!!) I can't believe that we are actually getting to stay in a DELUXE resort! I know that joining DVC is the only way this would have ever happened for us...there's no way we could have ever afforded to stay deluxe any other way! Yea, we are losing out on free dining, but the good part is that even with paying for our own dining, we'll still actually end up saving $125! Can't beat that especially considering where we're staying! Our home resort is actually SSR, and I'm hoping that we get to make our first trip "home" in March for the Princess 1/2!

Since I've been focusing so much on DVC, I haven't really been able to accomplish anything else. Time is steadily ticking away though, so I hope to be able to get several things done in the next couple of weeks. The big thing on my list right now is settling on a pirate costume for me and finally getting it ordered!

 

[HappyGrumpy]

That is awesome! Congratulations! Happy Anniversary!!

My husband and I have been wanting to join for several years now but want to be financially wise when we do it! So when the time is right we will do it but in the mean time live through others who have taken the plunge before us!

 

[UGAFan0829]

That is awesome! Congratulations! Happy Anniversary!!

My husband and I have been wanting to join for several years now but want to be financially wise when we do it! So when the time is right we will do it but in the mean time live through others who have taken the plunge before us!

Thank you!

I understand how it feels to have to wait, but it will happen for you. It's smart to wait, and even though it's hard, it makes it a lot sweeter when you finally do get to join! You are definitely welcome to live through my reports!

 

[Jennifer48]

congrats on becoming a DVC member!! I hope to one day join you!

 

[Lilo's Mom]

Hi Missy! Just started reading you Pre-Trip report this afternoon...great job! I love to read other people's planning....LOL, makes me feel like I am not alone in questioning every decision I make.

Also wanted to say congratulations on joining DVC! WELCOME HOME! We just joined in March, it took us five really long years to finally find a way to make it work for us, and we were able to buy at Bay Lake Tower, which was a shock. When we first started looking that wasn't even a possibility, and now it's like a dream come true. It has always been my DH's favorite resort (although he never got to stay there), he just loves the look of it! We are cruising on the Wonder September 24th, and staying at Kidani Village after the cruise, September 27th - October 4th. This will be our first DVC stay...and I can't wait!