OFFICIAL JULY 2009 THREAD!!! (Part 2) It's here!!

[disneybarbie]

[SIZE=3Did DHS this morning and did ToT, RnR, TSM, STours, and Muppets then lunch at Sci Fi. Sci Fi was great-much better than last year.Kids LOVED RnR and ToT!!!! Crowds still quite manageable by using UG Touring Plans best days calendar.We are on a pool and rest break right now. Tonight MK for some rides.[SIZE]

soooo incredibly jealous you are still there now!! i'm already ready to go back.. i swear, i could live in WDW if it were possible!!

Barbie x x

 

[jmskinner]

soooo incredibly jealous you are still there now!! i'm already ready to go back.. i swear, i could live in WDW if it were possible!!

Barbie x x

I'm with you! Just got back Tuesday and already trying to figure out when I can make just a daytrip. What an addiction!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Here it is....the moment you've all been waiting for....

...or at least the moment I've been waiting for...

it's.....

my lost post before starting my travels!!!!!

About 1/2 hour from now, I will begin my drive down to Long Beach, where I will catch the next plane East.

As I've said before, I will be posting live from WDW, here as well as on Facebook. I will be posting more often on Facebook, so if you're not my friend yet, feel free to friend me to follow my travels.

It's been a pleasure talking & planning with you all the last few months.

Talk to you all again soon....

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I made it to Long Beach right on time.....
But my flight is delayed by almost an hour.
Luckily I have an extra long layover in Washington DC.

 

[AshtonsMom99]

Got back from my trip yesterday....we ended up extending our stay by two days....that's how much fun we had... just a quick quuestion however..anyone know a discount code for the photopass CD...I missed it the last time...so I hope there is still one to be had.....not willing to pay 150 ta know?


Oh by the way I was brave enought to audition for the American Idol experience...I woulda made it if I wasn't so nervous....they liked me, but said I was to nervous...Ah well it was fun anyway!

 

[Grandma4ever]

I made it to Long Beach right on time.....
But my flight is delayed by almost an hour.
Luckily I have an extra long layover in Washington DC.

Tom have a great time!!! Lois

 

[Grandma4ever]

Oh by the way I was brave enought to audition for the American Idol experience...I woulda made it if I wasn't so nervous....they liked me, but said I was to nervous...Ah well it was fun anyway!

Something to work on for the next time or maybe get some Mother's little helpers from the doc to take the edge off. I think it is just awesome that you had the guts to even try out!! Way to go. Lois

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I'm having breakfast in Washington DC!!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I'm in Orlando, but still at the airport.

DW &DS's flight arrives soon. They're on a different airline, arriving at a different terminal. But I was able to avoid leaving the secured area and I'm meeting them at their gate.

They have on their matching shirts...I have mine with me, but I'm avoiding putting on until closer to their arrival. Matching shirts are cool, but not when you're sitting in the airport alone with no one to match.

 

[AshtonsMom99]

Something to work on for the next time or maybe get some Mother's little helpers from the doc to take the edge off. I think it is just awesome that you had the guts to even try out!! Way to go. Lois

thanks...I am obsessed with the show and even stayed for all of the shows one day....the CM's were even talking about it..lol

I have a very patient and wonderful hubby and son...

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

It's always good to get back home...but also so sad and depressing to leave WDW and go back to reality! We got home at 8:15 last night. We had originally planned to stay over last night at a friend's condo, sleep in, head to DTD or one of the resorts for a nice breakfast, and then drive home...but unfortunately something came up at church that forced a change in plans. Oh well....

I am planning to do a TR, if anyone will read it...I don't think my writing is very interesting, but I did take lots and lots of notes and tons of pictures.

The biggest highlight of the trip was meeting Nikki (NikkiLovesWDW), her new DH, and Christy (PopArtGal) -- they are so sweet and cute and it was fun to meet them and chat for a few minutes. I also met another DISer at Fantasmic on Tuesday night, but he isn't on this thread.

We loved CBR. We were surprised at how empty it was -- lots and lots of empty rooms. We were in Barbados 14. I had requested Jamaica 45 or Aruba 51 (or is that Jamaica 51 or Aruba 45?) but that didn't work out...and I had requested a room with a king size bed for my parents but that also didn't work out. I was going to request it again at check-in but my parents said not to worry about it and they were fine with two twin beds. We ended up loving Barbados. The walk to OPR wasn't bad at all (and when it was miserably hot I just got in the car and drove over), and we were close to our bus stop. It was very quiet and peaceful and we really liked it. Housekeeping was pretty good and we got three towel animals while we were there.

Buses were also pretty good -- I think we only had to wait more than 10 minutes once. We ended up driving more than we planned -- we drove to MK the morning of DD's BBB appointment (she had to be there at 8 am) and were the third car in the first row in the parking lot. I drove to DHS to meet Nikki and Christy, we drove to AK on Thursday (we got a bit of a late start and didn't want to waste time waiting for the bus), and we drove to DHS on Friday (again, got a bit of a late start and didn't want to waste time waiting on the bus) and also Blizzard Beach yesterday. DH preferred driving over waiting in the heat for the buses, even though the bus stops at CBR are all covered and have seats.

The weather was pretty good the entire trip -- it poured rain on our drive down, but it wasn't too bad after that. The first few days were hot and humid but definitely not unbearable. Thursday, Friday, and yesterday, though, were absolutely miserably hot and humid -- temps in the mid to high 90s plus horrible humidity. It was really, really bad. We ended up taking two resort breaks on Friday and ending the day in the parks early because we were so hot, exhausted, and just worn out. We only had to pull out the ponchos once, and by the time we pulled them out and put them on the rain was over. LOL We had light sprinkles a few times, and Monday morning at MK was overcast with light rain all morning but we didn't need our ponchos or umbrellas.

Lots of tour groups -- but the ones we encountered were much more polite than on our last trip. No big shouting matches between Brazil and Argentina and Fantasmic on this trip. We didn't have any problems with tour groups trying to cut in line or anything like that. We tried to stay ahead of them and that worked out well. I was surprised at how little clothing some of those teenage girls wear -- while waiting for Spectromagic one night, several of the girls in one tour group stripped down to their sports bras and what appeared to be spandex boy shorts (like would be worn under cheerleading skirts)...yeah, I didn't need to see all that. We did see one woman sunbathing nude at the quiet pool at our hotel. I didn't need to see that, either.

For the most part, the food was good. I was sad to have to cancel our ADR at Restaurant Marrakesh, and we ate at the food court at OPR more often than I had planned but it was pretty good.

Also, we pretty much followed the UOG touring plans almost every day except Thursday afternoon and Friday, and the plans definitely worked again on this trip. The only long waits we had on the entire trip were 35-40 minutes for Peter Pan and 40-45 minutes for Soarin' on EMH night (I didn't realize it was EMH night but that was the park the girls wanted to go back to Thursday night...I won't ever do late night EMH again -- it was insane!). We were at DHS for morning EMH on Friday and DH and the girls got to ride RNRR with a 30 minute wait. At 8:30 am, FP for TSMM were already for 10:50 am.

We liked both water parks...spent about 4 hours at BB and about 5 hours at TL. We're evenly split on which water park we preferred. There was much more shade at BB, which was nice. Neither water park was an all-day thing for us and if we're able to go back in October (just for a weekend water park trip), we may try to do both water parks on the same day. I was surprised at how many of the private cabanas were rented at both water parks...but there were still several available at both parks.

Drink LOTS of water...take breaks if you start to feel weak or woozy...use FP as much as possible...be at Rope Drop and get as much done in the mornings as you can (before it gets too hot) ...and ENJOY it all!

Wow...this got long. Sorry!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Hello from the Magic Kingdom. Yesterday afternoon/evening we were at Epcot. I'll give you a better update later.

I just wanted to post that I was able to sneak away and book the Wishes Dessert Buffet! They're gonna be so surprised.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

I'm so glad you were able to get that booked, Tom -- they'll love it!

I'm going to see if any tickets are still available for MNSSHP and try to talk my parents into going one of those weekends and we'll go with them.

 

[flipflopmom]

Tom, the last crusader. Kind of like Where's Waldo! Congrats on getting the dessert party, can't wait to hear about it!

Sorry I haven't been on here much lately guys. We did have a great week, truly the best of our lives. DH (and Lois can tell you, he is a BIG guy) was teary eyed looking at the photopass pics!

We have been doing a LOT of talking about making sure we go back every year. There is something in the air there, and even after the week of a Bazilian Brazilians and heat, we can't wait to get back. So, we are in the process of buying into DVC at the Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary. We'll have a contract that lasts until we are 80, so we are thinking about our kids, their college years, grandkids, etc. We'll also be able to do some long weekends at Hilton Head Island. It was a lot less than we thought, and in the long run will probably save us a lot. It's a huge step for us, but we are learning that life is short, do what you want while you can!

Dad's surgery is Wednesday. Please keep him in your thoughts. It's scheduled for 7:30 am. It's a scary process because of his bleeding issues, but he has THE BEST attitude of anyone I've ever met.

Lois, how is it that I didn't get a picture of us together????? I have some of you guys on the cruise, and even through the window at Y&Y, but you would think I could have had Brad take our picture! I'll try to post some we got from the cruise soon!

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

Just finished dinner at Ohana. Met Julie (dolfinjuls) and her family. More later.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

Tom, the last crusader. Kind of like Where's Waldo! Congrats on getting the dessert party, can't wait to hear about it!

Sorry I haven't been on here much lately guys. We did have a great week, truly the best of our lives. DH (and Lois can tell you, he is a BIG guy) was teary eyed looking at the photopass pics!

We have been doing a LOT of talking about making sure we go back every year. There is something in the air there, and even after the week of a Bazilian Brazilians and heat, we can't wait to get back. So, we are in the process of buying into DVC at the Bay Lake Towers at the Contemporary. We'll have a contract that lasts until we are 80, so we are thinking about our kids, their college years, grandkids, etc. We'll also be able to do some long weekends at Hilton Head Island. It was a lot less than we thought, and in the long run will probably save us a lot. It's a huge step for us, but we are learning that life is short, do what you want while you can!

Dad's surgery is Wednesday. Please keep him in your thoughts. It's scheduled for 7:30 am. It's a scary process because of his bleeding issues, but he has THE BEST attitude of anyone I've ever met.

Lois, how is it that I didn't get a picture of us together????? I have some of you guys on the cruise, and even through the window at Y&Y, but you would think I could have had Brad take our picture! I'll try to post some we got from the cruise soon!

How exciting on buying into DVC -- I'd love to do that but need to look more into the financial side of things. DH just isn't willing to make the financial comitment right now since we're actively trying to get rid of all of our debt. Would you mind PMing me some of the info (like the cost?). DH wouldn't let me even talk about it with any of the representatives.

Your Dad will be in my thoughts and prayers -- please let us know how things go.

Just finished dinner at Ohana. Met Julie (dolfinjuls) and her family. More later.

How fun! I love live updates, and I'm glad you were able to meet Julie. I hope someone took pictures. And isn't Ohana wonderful? My Mom made their honey lime salad dressing last night and it was yummy.

 

[CosmicGirl]

So... we got back yesterday from our 3 week monster trip to the Sunshine State! I'm caught up on part I of the thread, but then I noticed there are 51 more pages to catch up on in part II!

Looking at the time, it seems my biological clock hasn't quite beaten the jet lag yet and I'm still living on EDT rather than CET... But since it's my sister's birthday tomorrow (or today, actually), part II is gonna have to wait.

If some of you are interested I'll post a mini TR, but here's a sneak peak: we did have a great vacation, although many many things turned out differently than planned. We had quite a lot of bad weather (5 or 6 days almost completely filled with rain), as I'm sure many of you experienced yourselves. And unfortunately, I wasn't able to spot a single DISer! I bought a lime green rubber Mickey head keychain and wore it on my little backpack the whole trip, but no reaction .

Hope you all had/are having/will have amazing trips!
Will be back to the thread soon...

 

[WLfamily]

Hey guys, we're back too!! Got home around ten Sunday night and have spent all day today trying to make my way through this house that looks like it has been hit by a tornado. I have never seen so much laundry. Had a great trip, and like some have already stated, we had our hot and humid days. Really have to learn to pace yourself, get there at rope drop then head back to the resort around one or so. We would go back to the parks after dinner when the sun started going down and things cooled off a bit. Crowds were not too bad. Lots of tour groups but you just have to stay ahead of them. Met Nikki and her new husband Tom on Monday which was day three of my trip. I was sitting in Epcot waiting on DH and DS and I saw someone who looked like Nikki pass by with a drink in her hand, I then noticed the man she was with wearing the backpack she had posted a picture of on here. Well, there were way too may people between me and them and I would have had to have made a very large scene to get to them leaving my ten year old to fend for herself. That being said I sadly let them pass. About 15 minutes later my dd and I are standing waiting for dh and ds to get some water and I see them again! This time Nikki is wearing the backpack. Well, I yell out her name and she turns to look at me like "who are you and should I know you" when I tell her who I am. We were sooo excited and she is just as sweet in person as on the boards. We chatted awhile and Tom took a picture of us that Nikki will post on here when they get home. They are on their cruise now. Lucky.
My ds saw Jenny and her husband Vinnie but I wasn't with him when he saw them, and we stayed at the same resort.
I will post more about my trip later, my body hasn't caught up with the real world yet. We stopped at a Steak'n'Shake on the way home and ds asked if I thought they would take a counter service for our meal. I told him I wish but there is no magic in Georgia.
Glad everyone got home safe and I am sorry to hear about the loss of a pet, I know that is hard. I am also praying for those going into surgery. I am sure all will turn out just fine.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I just discovered this thread! We leave tomorrow!!!!!! July 29-August 4.

I have enjoyed reading the updates from everyone who is there or just returned.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

So... we got back yesterday from our 3 week monster trip to the Sunshine State! I'm caught up on part I of the thread, but then I noticed there are 51 more pages to catch up on in part II!

Looking at the time, it seems my biological clock hasn't quite beaten the jet lag yet and I'm still living on EDT rather than CET... But since it's my sister's birthday tomorrow (or today, actually), part II is gonna have to wait.

If some of you are interested I'll post a mini TR, but here's a sneak peak: we did have a great vacation, although many many things turned out differently than planned. We had quite a lot of bad weather (5 or 6 days almost completely filled with rain), as I'm sure many of you experienced yourselves. And unfortunately, I wasn't able to spot a single DISer! I bought a lime green rubber Mickey head keychain and wore it on my little backpack the whole trip, but no reaction .

Hope you all had/are having/will have amazing trips!
Will be back to the thread soon...

Welcome home! I was looking for DISers while we were there, too, but the only ones I saw were Nikki and Christy, and the man I met at Fantasmic! (and I totally forgot to ask for his DISname!).

Hey guys, we're back too!! Got home around ten Sunday night and have spent all day today trying to make my way through this house that looks like it has been hit by a tornado. I have never seen so much laundry. Had a great trip, and like some have already stated, we had our hot and humid days. Really have to learn to pace yourself, get there at rope drop then head back to the resort around one or so. We would go back to the parks after dinner when the sun started going down and things cooled off a bit. Crowds were not too bad. Lots of tour groups but you just have to stay ahead of them. Met Nikki and her new husband Tom on Monday which was day three of my trip. I was sitting in Epcot waiting on DH and DS and I saw someone who looked like Nikki pass by with a drink in her hand, I then noticed the man she was with wearing the backpack she had posted a picture of on here. Well, there were way too may people between me and them and I would have had to have made a very large scene to get to them leaving my ten year old to fend for herself. That being said I sadly let them pass. About 15 minutes later my dd and I are standing waiting for dh and ds to get some water and I see them again! This time Nikki is wearing the backpack. Well, I yell out her name and she turns to look at me like "who are you and should I know you" when I tell her who I am. We were sooo excited and she is just as sweet in person as on the boards. We chatted awhile and Tom took a picture of us that Nikki will post on here when they get home. They are on their cruise now. Lucky.
My ds saw Jenny and her husband Vinnie but I wasn't with him when he saw them, and we stayed at the same resort.
I will post more about my trip later, my body hasn't caught up with the real world yet. We stopped at a Steak'n'Shake on the way home and ds asked if I thought they would take a counter service for our meal. I told him I wish but there is no magic in Georgia.
Glad everyone got home safe and I am sorry to hear about the loss of a pet, I know that is hard. I am also praying for those going into surgery. I am sure all will turn out just fine.

Yeah, unfortunately there is no magic in Georgia. I can say that with great authority since I live here! LOL

I just discovered this thread! We leave tomorrow!!!!!! July 29-August 4.

I have enjoyed reading the updates from everyone who is there or just returned.

Have a great trip!