Now a Trip Report!!! Will We Stay or Will We Go? A Thanksgiving Pre-Trip/Trip Report

[Poolrat]

I tried to get this picture, but when I was at the Poly it was dark already.
Have to remember to get there in the daylight.

 

[jillyb]

I tried to get this picture, but when I was at the Poly it was dark already.
Have to remember to get there in the daylight.

This made me laugh when I saw it so I had to take a picture!

 

[MeMom]

I was on the phone with Jill when I was looking at your pictures. I told her I was ready to jump onto that beach and sit in the swing. What a great bunch of updates and pictures - Pop, Poly, and Kona!

 

[jillyb]

I was on the phone with Jill when I was looking at your pictures. I told her I was ready to jump onto that beach and sit in the swing. What a great bunch of updates and pictures - Pop, Poly, and Kona!

It does look inviting doesn't it? The weather that day was definitely nicer than what we've been having.

You'll be there soon!

 

[jillyb]

This question elicited an irritated “Are you kidding me??!!” from Clay and a whiny “I don’t know!!” from Hannah. I knew she had it when we were in Philharmagic so that’s where it had to be. I was just hoping that it would still be there and/or that someone had turned it in. I told Clay and Alison to go on ahead while Hannah and I made like salmon swimming upstream to go back to Philharmagic.

I told the CM at the exit about the missing backpack and was told to wait until the next show lets out and we could go in to look for Hannah’s bag. We made our way to the aisle where we were sitting and….no bag. Hannah is despairing that her bag is gone for good. I have to admit I was a little worried too. We go back out and I tell another CM about the bag and that we didn’t find it inside. She told me to check in the gift shop so off to the gift shop we go. I ask the CM there if anyone may have turned in a backpack. She asked me to describe it and I gave her a very detailed description of the bag. With a big smile she reached down and pulled up Hannah’s backpack. Hannah and I were both very happy girls! With the backpack restored, off we went to join up with Clay and Alison in Liberty Square.

This is as close to Tom Sawyer Island as I could get this trip!

We were all now feeling quite warm and decided it was time to get a drink and snack. I told Clay we should go get a Dole Whip so off we go to Aloha Isle. It was a very long line...in the sun. It seemed to move quickly and we were in the shade in no time but we were definitely feeling the heat. As we got to where we could see the menu, Clay, Alison and Hannah declared they didn’t want anything there. What???!! Ya’ll aren’t going to try a Dole Whip??!!! Nope. Clay and Alison decided they were going to go somewhere else for a snack. Hannah said she wanted to stay with me. She got a Sprite and a bag of chips and I got a Dole Whip. Then, we found a seat in the shade across from Aloha Isle and enjoyed our treats. I liked the Dole Whip but I hate to admit I don’t see what all the fuss is about. It’s pineapple ice cream. I like pineapple ice cream. It just wasn’t all that. Maybe I should have gotten the float?

Clay called and asked where we were. He and Alison were at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor so I told him we’d just meet them there. Hannah and I finished up then walked to Main Street. We grabbed a table just outside the Plaza Restaurant while Clay and Alison finished up their snacks. Clay had a Coke float and Alison had a rootbeer float.

It was after 3:00 and we had a 4:30 dinner at Whispering Canyon Café. We were taking a water taxi from the Magic Kingdom over to the Wilderness Lodge. I wanted to explore the Wilderness Lodge some before our dinner and I didn’t know how long of a wait and/or ride it would be for the water taxi. It was a little after 3:00 so after Clay and Alison were done with their floats, we headed to the ferry landing to catch the water taxi. There were a lot of people waiting when we got there but we didn’t have to wait too long.

My pictures on the way to the Wilderness Lodge:

Alison’s pictures on the way to the Wilderness Lodge:

(continued in next post)

 

[jillyb]

(continued from previous post)

As we walked up, I thought to myself “This is where we’ll be staying next time!”

Alison’s pictures at the Wilderness Lodge:

This resort again got the “Why aren’t we staying here?!” remark from Hannah. I think Alison might have even chimed in with “Yeah…why aren’t we staying here?!” Even Clay seemed more impressed with Wilderness Lodge than he was with the Poly. Hannah wanted to check out the gift shop so, once again, Hannah and I went off on our own while Clay and Alison did their thing. I think they may have found a comfortable seat in the lobby.

Shopping pictures!

For some reason, Hannah was really in to Chip and Dale on this trip. She really wanted to buy this but I told her “no”. Up until then I hadn’t stopped her when she wanted to use her spending money to buy something. She’d already bought quite a bit and her funds were getting low. If she’d bought Chip and Dale that would have been it and we still had 4 more days to go! We told both girls that once the money on their gift cards was gone, that was it. She wasn’t very happy about it but she didn’t want to spend up all her money either so she reluctantly put Chip and Dale back on the shelf.

We joined Clay and Alison in the lobby. As we were sitting there waiting for the time when we could check in, I started feeling really tired and thought it would be so nice to just sit there and take a nap! Eventually, it was time for us to check in.

Once again, the seating gods weren’t with us. We were given the second table on the left, against the wall, right as you walk in to the dining area. We might as well have been eating in the waiting area. Our server was Smokin’ Sam (and yes he was! LOL) and he did a very good job. Clay and Alison got the pork spring roll for their appetizers and I got the western chips. I could have just had those for my meal! LOL For our entrees, Clay and I ordered the Canyon Skillet, Alison ordered the meatloaf and Hannah got the chicken strip meal. Both girls also got a chocolate milkshake.

The food was really good but it was just too much. I think Hannah may have finished her chicken strips but Clay, Alison and I couldn’t finish our plates. We were so full we skipped dessert. When the girls saw what happened when someone asked for ketchup they both said “Do NOT ask for ketchup!” even though there was no reason for us to ask for it. LOL I learned my lesson after the pick-a-pearl experience. I had originally thought that we would miss the Castle Lighting tonight but because we more or less ate and ran, it wasn’t going to be a problem. A water taxi was at the dock when we got there and we were back on our way to an evening at the Magic Kingdom.


To be continued.....

 

[Poolrat]

Imagine standing here during a violent thunderstorm.
We were and there was not a dry spot, not even under the shelter. It was raining sideways and not lets talk about the lightning.



Glad you had a great but filling meal at WCC.

 

[MeMom]

One of the simple pleasures of a Disney trip (for me) is going up this walkway toward the Lodge. It probably sounds silly, but getting off the boat and being immediately drawn into the rustic atmosphere by the wooden walkway is just cool to me.

The boat ride over to Wilderness Lodge is so enjoyable. I love to hear the water lapping up at the boat, and the view along the way is beautiful.

And Wilderness Lodge itself - one of our favorite places on property. It's a good fit for us. Not a good fit for my pocketbook, unfortunately, or we would stay there more.

Christmas Chip and Dale live with me. Maybe you shouldn't tell a certain person in your family, though. They sit on top of my DVD case all through December and just look cute and festive as they guard the movies.

 

[jillyb]

Imagine standing here during a violent thunderstorm.
We were and there was not a dry spot, not even under the shelter. It was raining sideways and not lets talk about the lightning.

Glad you had a great but filling meal at WCC.

No thanks! I'm TERRIFIED of lightning!

One of the simple pleasures of a Disney trip (for me) is going up this walkway toward the Lodge. It probably sounds silly, but getting off the boat and being immediately drawn into the rustic atmosphere by the wooden walkway is just cool to me.

The boat ride over to Wilderness Lodge is so enjoyable. I love to hear the water lapping up at the boat, and the view along the way is beautiful.

And Wilderness Lodge itself - one of our favorite places on property. It's a good fit for us. Not a good fit for my pocketbook, unfortunately, or we would stay there more.

Christmas Chip and Dale live with me. Maybe you shouldn't tell a certain person in your family, though. They sit on top of my DVD case all through December and just look cute and festive as they guard the movies.

It know what you mean. It's like I could feel all the tension running out of my body as I walked up that wooden walkway. AKL is my dream resort but the WL felt more like "home" to me.

I won't tell a certain family member that Christmas Chip and Dale live with you. Although, that person might want to come visit if this information was divulged!

Hmmmm...with all the people going in December maybe I could put in a request for a special purchase.

 

[Charleston Princess]

All caught up! Cute pictures around Pop especially of Hannah with Tramp!

Love the Poly, but poor Hannah getting lost.

Oh, I am craving Tonga Toast now! Or a rootbeer float! Or a Dole Whip! Your updates were full of yummies!

Wow to those MK crowds! I guess it was Thanksgiving week, but still!

Too funny that Clay got picked at Monsters, Inc. I always secretly hope one of us is picked!

Connor would agree with your girls that Stitch is a lot of fun! Me, not so much.

 

[Poolrat]

No thanks! I'm TERRIFIED of lightning!

I am not too fond of it either.

Hmmmm...with all the people going in December maybe I could put in a request for a special purchase.

I think you need to come with us

 

[MeMom]

Hmmmm...with all the people going in December maybe I could put in a request for a special purchase.

I think you need to come with us

I agree. Why don't you come down and buy it yourself?!?!?

 

[jillyb]

All caught up! Cute pictures around Pop especially of Hannah with Tramp!

Love the Poly, but poor Hannah getting lost.

Oh, I am craving Tonga Toast now! Or a rootbeer float! Or a Dole Whip! Your updates were full of yummies!

Wow to those MK crowds! I guess it was Thanksgiving week, but still!

Too funny that Clay got picked at Monsters, Inc. I always secretly hope one of us is picked!

Connor would agree with your girls that Stitch is a lot of fun! Me, not so much.

I love those pictures of Hannah with Tramp too. She looks so tiny in front of that humongous Tramp!

Tonga Toast and/or a Dole Whip would be good right now!

TourGuideMike had Magic Kingdom rated as a "green" park that day, although it was so close to Thanksgiving. Makes me wonder what his "red" park was like that day. Even with the crowds, we still had a pretty good day. I knew going in that we'd probably only be able to do the "filler" type attractions while we were there. Collecting FPs for later helped with the more popular attractions. This trip my mantra was "Thank goodness for GAD FPs!"

I was hoping Clay would get picked! The girls and I thought it was hilarious!

Maybe one of these days Connor and the girls can ride Stitch together while we eat Mickey Bars or Dole Whips!

I think you need to come with us

I agree. Why don't you come down and buy it yourself?!?!?

Oh if only I could!

Now ya'll have got me thinking and plotting. Bad influence! Must.......resist.......temptation!

 

[mousescrapper]

Hey Jill...caught up w/ your TR here...you have been busy...w/ all those restaurants and MK rides...

sorry you had mixed reviews about Kona and WCC...but the resorts are impressive huh? this was the Wed before T-giving then? we were at Epcot and it was crowded there too....

 

[Charleston Princess]

Maybe one of these days Connor and the girls can ride Stitch together while we eat Mickey Bars or Dole Whips!

I like your way of thinking, Jill!

 

[jillyb]

Hey Jill...caught up w/ your TR here...you have been busy...w/ all those restaurants and MK rides...

sorry you had mixed reviews about Kona and WCC...but the resorts are impressive huh? this was the Wed before T-giving then? we were at Epcot and it was crowded there too....

The resorts are very impressive! This day was the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The day before Thanksgiving we were at Hollywood Studios.

I like your way of thinking, Jill!

 

[Poolrat]

Now ya'll have got me thinking and plotting. Bad influence! Must.......resist.......temptation!

She has been know to enable.
A long weekend- It can be done!

 

[MeMom]

She has been know to enable.
A long weekend- It can be done!

What?
I'm just saying if we all refuse to get her purchase request, she'll be forced to come down and get it herself.

What better way to end a year and start a new one than in Disney World?!?!?

A long weekend sounds awesome. We will do a tiny Christmas, as in just for the girls, at home, and then have a fun family week in Disney World.

 

[jillyb]

She has been know to enable.
A long weekend- It can be done!

Hello pot...meet kettle!

What?
I'm just saying if we all refuse to get her purchase request, she'll be forced to come down and get it herself.

What better way to end a year and start a new one than in Disney World?!?!?

A long weekend sounds awesome. We will do a tiny Christmas, as in just for the girls, at home, and then have a fun family week in Disney World.

I would love nothing better than to end a year and start a new one in Disney World. My bank account has other ideas though!

OK...I'll admit it...I did look and see how much it would cost for just me for 4 days/3 nights. OK....OK...I was seriously tempted! But I've got to be a grown up and resist the temptation! We have Alison for Christmas this year and I know 2 young ladies that might not be happy about me going to Disney without them. Clay might not be too thrilled about me leaving him at home to deal with the girls. LOL PLUS...I'd want to ring in the new year with Clay and Hannah (Alison will be at her Mom's for that)...sooooo...I.must.resist!

 

[jillyb]

Sorry that it's taken me so long to post the rest of this day. Every time I thought I'd have time to finish it something else demanded my attention.

Katie enrolled Madison in Hannah's school on Friday and today was her first day. She was a bit nervous but she had a good day.

If ya'll would, please pray for Clay's safety. He left for Venezuela this morning on a business trip. I'm not real thrilled with him being there and he's not too happy about it either but, when a customer needs help with a machine, he's got to go. I was worried this evening because I hadn't hear anything from him. He finally called a little after 8:30 and was at his hotel. He scheduled to come home on Thursday. I'll be a nervous wreck until I know he's back on U.S. soil.

Now, on to more enjoyable things!

My main goal for tonight was to see the Castle Lighting. After that, I didn’t care what we did! I don’t remember taking these pictures but apparently I did!

Doesn’t she look thrilled?! LOL

The time stamp on the first picture is 6:06 so it was getting very close for the time for the stage show and Castle Lighting. I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to get a good spot but I shouldn’t have. The crowds were no where near as bad tonight as they had been earlier in the day. We originally had a spot right at the partners statue where I talked briefly to a lady from Ohio who was there with her daughter for a band competition. We had met another lady earlier in the day, also from Ohio, whose daughter was there for a band competition. Clay went scouting and found another spot but Hannah was complaining she couldn’t see and I was wishing we’d stayed where we had been. She found a spot where she could see and all was well.

I’m disappointed some these came out so blurry

Video of the Castle Lighting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qh4ojn6Yik

The Castle Lighting was just beautiful! After it was over, I was struggling not to bawl like a baby. I was trying to get myself together before turning around but was being urged to “Come on!” so I turned around, trying not to let Clay and the girls see the tears running down my face, but it was no use. Hannah asked me if I was OK and, unable to speak, I just nodded my head “yes”. Clay said “Are you crying?!” and, again, all I could do was not my head “yes”. He laughed and then opened his arms to give me a hug and a chance to get myself together. I think Hannah even came up and was hugging me. OK…enough of that…we’ve got places to go!

Next stop was Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse. I have no idea if we were supposed to be there. There was no rope closing it off and no CM standing there telling people it was closed so up we went! It was cool seeing this at night but next time I’d like to go in the daytime like Clay and Alison did earlier.

After that, it was off to our first ride on Pirates of the Caribbean! It was being refurbed on our 2008 trip so we were looking forward to this ride.

We all loved this ride! Next trip we’ll have to make sure to get more than one ride!

(continued in next post)