Oh It's A Jolly Holiday With Katie! - Beach Club / Grand Floridian

[ach222]

This is such a fun trip report! Just found it and am all caught up - even followed you on Instagram haha! Great job!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Hollywood Studios??? I'm sorry Katie, I only answer to MGM

I drove myself completely nuts regarding the "Dolphin" at the Swolphin resort (aka Swan and Dolphin), before finding out it was Mahi Mahi. I'm with you, why not make it an actual dolphin. They rule! Best animal ever.

"A senior gentleman Cast Member". I love how you worded that. It sounds so much better than "old dude". What a lovely keepsake too. I've always belived that it's not the item... It's the story behind the item that's special.

WOW, you got the cowboy without even trying!!! The Gangster is absolutely way more common.

Oh Katie, NOT STEAMBOAT WILLE!!!

I never made the connection before until your chapter title, but "Love in an Elevator" should be played on Tower of Terror.

Haha, Jamie should not dismiss the importance of Rap battle ability. bday: Jamie by the way.)

Ha, oh yes, I had a viewfinder. AND a local store is selling them again.

"Why didn’t she move around a bit to get both of us in the shot?!" She knows what she's doing. Perhaps she's friends with Mulan. (Only makes sense if you watch Once Upon a Time).

WHAT???!!!! I know the building you were in, but I didn't see THAT!!!!

 

[ursalita]

Amazing pictures as always, Katie. I'm sorry if this has already been asked and answered but what camera do you shoot with?

Your pics of the Epcot resort area are making me so thrilled to be staying there in April. I can't wait!!

I'm sorry you lost your Steamboat Willie pin. I bought a bunch of pins for my boys to trade with. I think if they get some pins they really like I'll make sure to put them in my bag, I'd hate for them to lose them. Yay Jamie for getting you a replacement. We love the vintage Disney stuff, Oswald is their fave. I hope they find an Oswald pin to trade for.

That pic of you guys in front of the hat - that's a keeper.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

I've been a lurker the past couple days (I only just found your TR) and just wanted to say I absolutely love reading it! I'm so excited to follow along with your PTR as well!

Just some advice, if you go to Star Tours and there's not a lot of people there, and there aren't many CMs working, try talking to the CM who lets you into the ride once the doors open! They're the ones who pick the rebel spy most of time, and I'm pretty sure that's why I was chosen on my last trip.

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[STLMickeyMom]

so first off, happy birthday to Jamie! you do know that people with January birthdays are amazingly awesome....and yes, I do have a January birthday, how did you know? I have to admit though, when I saw how old he is, I just thought "awww, they're just babies!"

anywho.....your picture in front of the hat makes me happy. I just love the hat and am pretty bummed out that they are supposed to be getting rid of it.

i'm so sad that you lost your steamboat willie pin! i'm glad you found a replacement--so cute!

we have got to take the girls on the great movie ride still. I think they'd like it a lot, but the wait is always so long, we end up skipping it. maybe next time....

I love your pics on RnR. the little boy behind you looks so calm, it's funny to hear he was screaming. we haven't ridden that in forever, but our oldest claims she wants to try it next time! i'm so excited!

can't wait to hear more about your HS day!

 

[Guatemommy]

Love your report Katie - I just found it and read the whole thing thus far in one sitting!

HB to Jamie - I have a January guy too - aren't they the best? We will be celebrating belatedly at Disney in about 5 weeks.

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

This is such a fun trip report! Just found it and am all caught up - even followed you on Instagram haha! Great job!

Hey Amy! Thank you, and Yes I've seen! I hope you'll be posting some photos on Instagram of your trip! I've read your PTR, you have some great plans Thanks for joining in!

Hollywood Studios??? I'm sorry Katie, I only answer to MGM

I drove myself completely nuts regarding the "Dolphin" at the Swolphin resort (aka Swan and Dolphin), before finding out it was Mahi Mahi. I'm with you, why not make it an actual dolphin. They rule! Best animal ever.

"A senior gentleman Cast Member". I love how you worded that. It sounds so much better than "old dude". What a lovely keepsake too. I've always belived that it's not the item... It's the story behind the item that's special.

WOW, you got the cowboy without even trying!!! The Gangster is absolutely way more common.

Oh Katie, NOT STEAMBOAT WILLE!!!

I never made the connection before until your chapter title, but "Love in an Elevator" should be played on Tower of Terror.

Haha, Jamie should not dismiss the importance of Rap battle ability. bday: Jamie by the way.)

Ha, oh yes, I had a viewfinder. AND a local store is selling them again.

"Why didn’t she move around a bit to get both of us in the shot?!" She knows what she's doing. Perhaps she's friends with Mulan. (Only makes sense if you watch Once Upon a Time).

WHAT???!!!! I know the building you were in, but I didn't see THAT!!!!

My whole family still calls it MGM, so I understand Rob! It will always be MGM in our hearts

Aww yay you like Dolphins?! They are the best! Ever since Flipper saved Elijah Wood from that shark in the movie (I hope you know the movie..) I have loved dolphins! (I am BEYOND terrified of sharks..) Have you been to see them at SeaWorld / Discovery Cove yet? In 2012 I booked Jamie and I a dolphin swim at DC, and I kept it a secret until the day!!! He was sooo excited and we had such lovely day

Hahah well I didn't want to be rude and call him an "old dude" He was just some guy going out of his way to make a stranger smile.. seriously, Disney World has the BEST people! I love that pin, I'll never trade it

I knowwww I was so sad about Steamboat Willie!!! Why couldn't it have been a less iconic one like Flounder (Sorry Flounder). At least there were plenty of options to replace it though

Love in an Elevator should definitely be played around the ToT / RnRC area, such an appropriate way to link the two. Although I looove the creepy ToT music.. I think hearing Steven Tyler suddenly start screeching might ruin the ToT ambience a little..

I've recently started watching Once Upon a Time on Netflix! I'm still on the first series though, I just watched the one where Grumpy is Dreamy - so I'm afraid I don't get the Mulan reference... YET

Amazing pictures as always, Katie. I'm sorry if this has already been asked and answered but what camera do you shoot with?

Your pics of the Epcot resort area are making me so thrilled to be staying there in April. I can't wait!!

I'm sorry you lost your Steamboat Willie pin. I bought a bunch of pins for my boys to trade with. I think if they get some pins they really like I'll make sure to put them in my bag, I'd hate for them to lose them. Yay Jamie for getting you a replacement. We love the vintage Disney stuff, Oswald is their fave. I hope they find an Oswald pin to trade for.

That pic of you guys in front of the hat - that's a keeper.

Yay I'm glad you liked the photos!! My camera is just a point and shoot, but I'm really impressed with it! It's a Sony DSC-HX30V

I bet you're so excited for your trip, It's not too far away now! Do you think you'll be writing a TR?! I'd love to read it and re-live the Epcot resort area vicariously through you

Aww yeah it sucks.. I think it was maybe the way it was positioned on my bag and my arm, it might have been knocked off. Yes i saw them on your PTR! That's such a fun idea for your boys I loooved pin trading when I was a kid, I bet they have a great time

I love the vintage stuff too! * High five * to your kids / you guys for being Oswald fans Oswald is making a come-back in the parks, we saw some Oswald ears being worn, which were a fun Mickey alternative!! I also bought an Oswald soft toy from the airport (because I'm 5 years old..), he's just so cute!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

I've been a lurker the past couple days (I only just found your TR) and just wanted to say I absolutely love reading it! I'm so excited to follow along with your PTR as well!

Just some advice, if you go to Star Tours and there's not a lot of people there, and there aren't many CMs working, try talking to the CM who lets you into the ride once the doors open! They're the ones who pick the rebel spy most of time, and I'm pretty sure that's why I was chosen on my last trip.

Can't wait for the next update!

Hey! and thank you so much! That's so nice

Oh brilliant, we will definitely try that or maybe I'll let Jamie try that.. I think he'd be devastated if I was chosen as the Rebel Spy and not him Thanks for the advice!

so first off, happy birthday to Jamie! you do know that people with January birthdays are amazingly awesome....and yes, I do have a January birthday, how did you know? I have to admit though, when I saw how old he is, I just thought "awww, they're just babies!"

anywho.....your picture in front of the hat makes me happy. I just love the hat and am pretty bummed out that they are supposed to be getting rid of it.

i'm so sad that you lost your steamboat willie pin! i'm glad you found a replacement--so cute!

we have got to take the girls on the great movie ride still. I think they'd like it a lot, but the wait is always so long, we end up skipping it. maybe next time....

I love your pics on RnR. the little boy behind you looks so calm, it's funny to hear he was screaming. we haven't ridden that in forever, but our oldest claims she wants to try it next time! i'm so excited!

can't wait to hear more about your HS day!

Haha, people with January birthdays MUST be amazing!! Although, you are SO difficult to buy for, so close to Christmas! But if that is the only flaw I can find with you guys then that's OK

I think we might be in the minority here on DISboards.. but I'm kinda bummed about the hat too?! I was always pretty much indifferent to it, but since they announced they were removing it I felt kind of sad! And it's where I got my replacement Steamboat Willie, so I guess I have something to remember the hat by too!

Yes you should definitely take Hannah on Rock n Roller Coaster!!! I've found that kids tend to be terrified of how it shoots off at the beginning, but they love it once they've done it..! I first did it when I was around 7 or 8, and when I told my friends, I felt like the coolest kid in school

Love your report Katie - I just found it and read the whole thing thus far in one sitting!

HB to Jamie - I have a January guy too - aren't they the best? We will be celebrating belatedly at Disney in about 5 weeks.

Looking forward to the rest of your report!

Hey Maxine! and thank you!!

Hahah yes January-birthday-folk are pretty awesome!! But like i just said above, they are a bit too difficult (/impossible) to buy birthday presents for so close to Christmas

I've been reading the PTR from 2010 in your signature, you guys seem like a wonderful family! Your story about meeting your DH was so beautiful! I'm a sucker for a great romance story and your little Mayan Princess looks so adorable!

Your trip is so soon, I hope you have a great time! Let me know if you decide to write a trip report, I'd love to read it

 

[SimplyGoofy]

A few comments as I was a bit behind...

VIA NAPOLI! I LOVE that place - their pizza is to die for. It's a must-do for us on every trip, and we always get the pepperoni, too! I am super impressed you attempted to eat a large - we get an individual to share along with something else and that's plenty!

I love Cinnabon, too! I may have to stop there for (a sugar-fueled) breakfast one day at Universal this May.

Your pictures around Diagon Alley are GREAT! I'm especially impressed with your photo of Knockturn Alley - it looks awesome, and most other photos I've seen are very dark. I do plan to hit up Florean's at least once as that Butterbeer ice cream is calling my name.

I don't have issues with hills or ascents, so hopefully I will like Rip Ride Rockit. We missed it last time due to the wait time, but it should be easier this time as we're staying on property (so we'll have Express Pass).

I'm thrilled you liked the Krusty Burger! I look forward to trying one in May!

Forbidden Journey is so fabulous - I love that walk through Hogwarts castle and seeing all the important things from the books and the movies.

What a great picture in front of the train station at MK! NO PEOPLE!

That Sleepy Hollow sandwich looks delish! I know many folks are intrigued by the chicken and waffle sandwich, but I think I'd get the waffle with Nutella and fruit, too.

You were so successful at Hollywood Studios! It's a shame about your pin, but I'm glad Jamie got a replacement for you. The food at the Studios is rather sub-par (especially the quick service), but they do have Carrot Cake Cookies there, so it's not all bad!

 

[courtneybelle]

I'm so behind there's no way I'll be able to comment on everything, but I wanted to let you know that I started reading tonight and I love this TR!!! You and your boyfriend are absolutely adorable and I love your enthusiasm!!!

 

[ursalita]

Yay I'm glad you liked the photos!! My camera is just a point and shoot, but I'm really impressed with it! It's a Sony DSC-HX30V

I bet you're so excited for your trip, It's not too far away now! Do you think you'll be writing a TR?! I'd love to read it and re-live the Epcot resort area vicariously through you

Aww yeah it sucks.. I think it was maybe the way it was positioned on my bag and my arm, it might have been knocked off. Yes i saw them on your PTR! That's such a fun idea for your boys I loooved pin trading when I was a kid, I bet they have a great time

I love the vintage stuff too! * High five * to your kids / you guys for being Oswald fans Oswald is making a come-back in the parks, we saw some Oswald ears being worn, which were a fun Mickey alternative!! I also bought an Oswald soft toy from the airport (because I'm 5 years old..), he's just so cute!

It's a great camera, I thought for sure you had a DSLR.

I will definitely do a TR and will love for you to read along and live vicariously through me. It will be returning the favor.

I will try to get those locking pin backs for the boys when we go to try to avoid losing any.

I think they heard about Oswald from my FIL, he's big into vintage cartoons. But they really fell in love with Oswald when we visited Walt Disney: One Man's Dream at HS last trip. Aidan (DS9) got some Oswald ears and proceeded to impress the CMs with his knowledge about him. I think he's wearing them in my PTR pic of us.

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

I love how Step-Brothers is bringing me closer to DIS-ers!! There are a few of us who seem to love it! If we're ever in WDW at the same time, we'll have to have a Step-Brothers slumber party..!

If this doesn't happen someday I am going to be one very sad panda

Hahah you guys! I don't use Facebook very often, but feel free to add me at www.facebook.com/katie1991
Veronica I had a quick look for you under that name, but there are a lot of you..!!

Yeah there are a lot of me on FB I sent you a friend request!

Happy belated birthday to Jamie! Hope he had a great day

Loved this update! I know a lot of people don't care for Hollywood Studios but it's one of my favorites! Tower of Terror & Rock N Roller Coaster are the bomb diggity

And I am sorry but I have to side with Jamie on the Gaston argument - I definitely think HS Gaston is better than MK Gaston. He makes me swoon! Plus he uses antlers in all of his decorating and that is legit

I am so using the tip that DISer told you about asking a CM about being the rebel spy - I have always wanted to be the rebel spy too & it has yet to happen. One day!

 

[Guatemommy]

Hey Maxine! and thank you!!

Hahah yes January-birthday-folk are pretty awesome!! But like i just said above, they are a bit too difficult (/impossible) to buy birthday presents for so close to Christmas

I've been reading the PTR from 2010 in your signature, you guys seem like a wonderful family! Your story about meeting your DH was so beautiful! I'm a sucker for a great romance story and your little Mayan Princess looks so adorable!

Your trip is so soon, I hope you have a great time! Let me know if you decide to write a trip report, I'd love to read it

I am certain I will write a TR - the last time it ended uo being more of a food review but this time I may take on the challenge of a regular TR. DD is now 9 and big enough for every coaster - last time she was way too small so we skipped those. She is excited to try every one out and since I am the only one who will go with her (DH and BFF wont dare do coasters or spinny things), she and I will be bonding for that!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Have you been to see them at SeaWorld / Discovery Cove yet? In 2012 I booked Jamie and I a dolphin swim at DC, and I kept it a secret until the day!!! He was sooo excited and we had such lovely day

I ADORE dolphins!! Oh yes, I have seen them many times at SeaWorld. Blue Horizons is one of my favourite shows and I could spend a day (and have spent a LOOOOOOOOONG time) watching them at the Dolphin Nursery. I want one. Sadly, I have not been to Discovery Cove, but swimming with a dolphin is on the bucket list.

I've recently started watching Once Upon a Time on Netflix! I'm still on the first series though, I just watched the one where Grumpy is Dreamy - so I'm afraid I don't get the Mulan reference... YET

Season 3 (or as you Brits say, Series 3).

 

[disneyguy4life]

I can't wait to hear more. Keep it coming.

 

[TheLittleKatie]

A few comments as I was a bit behind...

VIA NAPOLI! I LOVE that place - their pizza is to die for. It's a must-do for us on every trip, and we always get the pepperoni, too! I am super impressed you attempted to eat a large - we get an individual to share along with something else and that's plenty!

I love Cinnabon, too! I may have to stop there for (a sugar-fueled) breakfast one day at Universal this May.

Your pictures around Diagon Alley are GREAT! I'm especially impressed with your photo of Knockturn Alley - it looks awesome, and most other photos I've seen are very dark. I do plan to hit up Florean's at least once as that Butterbeer ice cream is calling my name.

I don't have issues with hills or ascents, so hopefully I will like Rip Ride Rockit. We missed it last time due to the wait time, but it should be easier this time as we're staying on property (so we'll have Express Pass).

I'm thrilled you liked the Krusty Burger! I look forward to trying one in May!

Forbidden Journey is so fabulous - I love that walk through Hogwarts castle and seeing all the important things from the books and the movies.

What a great picture in front of the train station at MK! NO PEOPLE!

That Sleepy Hollow sandwich looks delish! I know many folks are intrigued by the chicken and waffle sandwich, but I think I'd get the waffle with Nutella and fruit, too.

You were so successful at Hollywood Studios! It's a shame about your pin, but I'm glad Jamie got a replacement for you. The food at the Studios is rather sub-par (especially the quick service), but they do have Carrot Cake Cookies there, so it's not all bad!

Hey Jenny!

Can I start off by saying, the picture of Rizzo the Rat you have as your avatar makes me smile SO much! It literally almost makes me laugh out loud. Part of the time I was reading your message, I actually pictured it being said by Rizzo the Rat

You get an INDIVIDUAL to SHARE at Via Napoli?!! OK, I officially feel guilty/greedy calories don't count when you're at WDW though, right?!

Oh man, Cinnabon does sound like a not-so-nutritious but great way to start the day I may stop by next time too. But the cinnamon bun at Gaston's Tavern is definitely higher on my to-do list! I can't believe I missed it. It's the size of my head!

You should definitely go to Florean's on your next trip in May! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ice cream if you're planning on writing a TR And I'm also eager to hear about what it's like to stay onsite at Universal Where will you be staying? I always consider spending our first 2 nights at Universal, and the rest of the trip at Disney, but we haven't done that yet. From what I've seen, all the Universal hotels look great!

I'm with you on that one, Forbidden Journey is definitely my favourite attraction at Islands of Adventure, and possibly my favourite in the whole of Universal (although The Mummy is a contender.) The line is so immersive, even if I didn't do the ride, I'd be happy!

And I haven't tried these carrot cake cookies!! Where do you find them? That is definitely something I'd want to try!!

I'm so behind there's no way I'll be able to comment on everything, but I wanted to let you know that I started reading tonight and I love this TR!!! You and your boyfriend are absolutely adorable and I love your enthusiasm!!!

Hey Courtney! and thanks for joining in, and thank you so much for the kind words! I've just seen your TR too, it looks so much fun! I'm pretty far behind so it might take me a while, but I'll definitely be giving it a read

It's a great camera, I thought for sure you had a DSLR.

I will definitely do a TR and will love for you to read along and live vicariously through me. It will be returning the favor.

I will try to get those locking pin backs for the boys when we go to try to avoid losing any.

I think they heard about Oswald from my FIL, he's big into vintage cartoons. But they really fell in love with Oswald when we visited Walt Disney: One Man's Dream at HS last trip. Aidan (DS9) got some Oswald ears and proceeded to impress the CMs with his knowledge about him. I think he's wearing them in my PTR pic of us.

Nooo, I don't know the first thing about photography, I couldn't own a DSLR!! It was a great deal too because it was the 'display camera' in the store, so it didn't have a box, and we had to buy a charger off amazon, but it was like half price! Although it is a very good camera, I think I have to give a bit of credit to photobucket.com too, that's where I upload to and link to, and it's gives me bigger, good quality pictures You have to pay a little for it, only like $30 for the year, but I think it's worth it

I'm glad you're doing a TR, your family seems so sweet. I've just noticed that Aidan is wearing Oswald ears in that photo!! What cool kids you have it's great that they're into the history of the Walt Disney Company rather than just the characters who are hot right now There's nothing wrong with only liking what's hot right now of course, I'm just impressed that they're into Oswald at a young age

 

[SimplyGoofy]

Can I start off by saying, the picture of Rizzo the Rat you have as your avatar makes me smile SO much! It literally almost makes me laugh out loud. Part of the time I was reading your message, I actually pictured it being said by Rizzo the Rat

Thanks! Sometimes I consider changing it, but the Muppet fan in me just can't do it!

You get an INDIVIDUAL to SHARE at Via Napoli?!! OK, I officially feel guilty/greedy calories don't count when you're at WDW though, right?!

To be fair, the last time we were there we split the individual pizza AND got an order of spaghetti, so it was technically two meals. However, it was nice to have a mix of pizza and pasta - we did a horrible job of finishing our individual pizzas when we each ordered one! (If you've never had the spaghetti, by the way, I highly recommend it!)

You should definitely go to Florean's on your next trip in May! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the ice cream if you're planning on writing a TR And I'm also eager to hear about what it's like to stay onsite at Universal Where will you be staying? I always consider spending our first 2 nights at Universal, and the rest of the trip at Disney, but we haven't done that yet. From what I've seen, all the Universal hotels look great!

Yes, a trip report is definitely in the plan! I do hope it was go a lot faster than the current one... but I have so many great plans that I think writing a report would be super fun. We are booked at the Royal Pacific Resort for three nights and I am SUPER EXCITED to stay there. We booked there as (1) the hotel looks beautiful and tropical, and (2) I wanted those darn Express Passes! We'll be there during and just after Memorial Day weekend so I'm guessing the passes and the early entry will come in handy.

And I haven't tried these carrot cake cookies!! Where do you find them? That is definitely something I'd want to try!!

The Carrot Cake Cookies can be found at the Writer's Stop - a small spot just around the corner from the Sci-Fi Dine In and near the beginning of the Streets of America. They're very sweet but SUPER tasty. The Writer's Stop is great as it's somewhat off the beaten path - most people tend to walk right past it as no one notices it's there! It's definitely worth a visit for some coffee and treats during your next visit!

 

[TheLittleKatie]

If this doesn't happen someday I am going to be one very sad panda

Yeah there are a lot of me on FB I sent you a friend request!

Happy belated birthday to Jamie! Hope he had a great day

Loved this update! I know a lot of people don't care for Hollywood Studios but it's one of my favorites! Tower of Terror & Rock N Roller Coaster are the bomb diggity

And I am sorry but I have to side with Jamie on the Gaston argument - I definitely think HS Gaston is better than MK Gaston. He makes me swoon! Plus he uses antlers in all of his decorating and that is legit

I am so using the tip that DISer told you about asking a CM about being the rebel spy - I have always wanted to be the rebel spy too & it has yet to happen. One day!

It would be so much fun! I think we should go to Epcot for a couple of drinks, and get Disney rice krispy treats and stuff, then watch Step Brothers ONE DAY!

You're officially my first DIS facebook friend! Woo!

Jamie has been getting some sun in Barbados over his birthday!! While I'm stuck here in England But it's safe to say, he had a great day!

Bomb diggity!!!! I'm SO using that saying
I looove Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster, I could ride them both all day! And as for Gaston, that photo of him flexing is VERY impressive! But I swooned harder on how spontaneously obnoxious MK Gaston was.... but I'm not sure why..

I am certain I will write a TR - the last time it ended uo being more of a food review but this time I may take on the challenge of a regular TR. DD is now 9 and big enough for every coaster - last time she was way too small so we skipped those. She is excited to try every one out and since I am the only one who will go with her (DH and BFF wont dare do coasters or spinny things), she and I will be bonding for that!

I'm glad you're planning on writing a TR! And i'm glad to hear your DD wants to do all the scary rides! Sounds like a great way to bond together. I wonder if she'll manage to guilt her Dad into riding a coaster with you guys too

I ADORE dolphins!! Oh yes, I have seen them many times at SeaWorld. Blue Horizons is one of my favourite shows and I could spend a day (and have spent a LOOOOOOOOONG time) watching them at the Dolphin Nursery. I want one. Sadly, I have not been to Discovery Cove, but swimming with a dolphin is on the bucket list.

Season 3 (or as you Brits say, Series 3).

That's awesome, I'm actually thinking about visiting SeaWorld on our next trip, a dolphin show sounds like something we'd love!

Ahh OK, I'll keep an eye out for your reference!

I can't wait to hear more. Keep it coming.

Hey thanks! And More to come soon

 

[Blissikins]

I'm late but I'm subbing in!

Thanks for the tip about the Manchester airport Fastpass, I'll be signing us up for that when I find out what terminal we fly from!

 

[blklotus]

JUST finished catching up with your TR -- LOVE this! You and your boyfriend are super adorable and seem like so much fun! Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventures.