Our 1st trip as a family of three!----Update 11/3 Our Favorites/Trip Wrap-Up

[LilAnn]

What a fun way to end your wonderful vacation! Your little one is such a cutie and just looks like she was having so much fun! What wonderful memories you must have from your trip!

Looking forward to your final thoughts

Thanks, she definitely had a fantastic time on the trip. I hope our next trip is just as great. She loved meeting the characters and to this day, still talks about eating with them. Looks like we have to plan a lot more character meals in Feb.

Aw..I had a smile throughout this whole update! I just felt the excitement of DD meeting each character as they came to the table. You caught some good memories on camera!

Boooo...I don't want you guys to leave!!

And...happy b-day to your girl!

She really was so excited to see them all. Even Pluto and Goofy, who she had met many times already. I don't want to leave either! Thanks for the bday wishes.

First of all Happy Belated Birthday to your DD!

Now, for the update, I never knew there was a character meal at the Swan! And it looked like you nearly had the place to yourselves too, how awesome is that?

I feel just like your DD when it's time to leave, such a sad little face!

Don't feel bad about taking awhile between updates - I've been finished with my actual report for over a month and still haven't posted my final thoughts, I just hate for it to be over, but I've GOT to get it done!

I thought the Garden Grove was a fantastic find. Since it wasn't that crowded, we got some great time with the characters. And the food was good too.

I hope to have the last update done by the end of the month so that I can just focus on other people's TRs.

Happy birthday to your DD!!

I'm so sad this was your last day. It's always hard to go home, but at least you got a great last meal. I've never even heard of that restaurant before. You are right about the decor. It is beautiful!

The character pictures are so cute. And even though she is crying in that one picture, she is still cute.

Thanks for the birthday wishes. We had her first official kids birthday this year and it was so much fun to see her with all of her little playmates. Thank goodness they weren't at our hosue, though!

My DH loves crying pics of her, he loves the face. Plus she can pull those tears out at a second's notice. She's a pro.

We got lucky with our meals. They were all pretty good.

 

[pinkxray]

I am so glad you did the post on Garden Grove. I was just reading about it on Allears and when I saw Chip and Dale were there I tried finding some reviews but they are hard to find. DD loves Pluto so she will be happy and I can see Chip and Dale(love them). I didn't realize that you can't make reservations. That's weird.

Your daughter is so cute with all of the characters. She looks so said to leave

 

[LilAnn]

I am so glad you did the post on Garden Grove. I was just reading about it on Allears and when I saw Chip and Dale were there I tried finding some reviews but they are hard to find. DD loves Pluto so she will be happy and I can see Chip and Dale(love them). I didn't realize that you can't make reservations. That's weird.

Your daughter is so cute with all of the characters. She looks so said to leave

I didn't know what to expect from Garden Grove myself since we hadn't read any reviews on it. But I was really pleasantly surprised by it. It was perfect since we were staying at the Dolphin and had finished with our park days. I don't remember if they take reservations for the dinner character meals (sometimes it's Rafikki and changes around at dinner), but I remember the Sunday brunch was first come first serve. We payed OOP and it wasn't too bad at all, in comparison to Disney prices. As you can see, we didn't have a crowded restaurant, but there was a line to get in when we left. I really enjoyed it!

 

[lexmas]

Happy Birthday to your DD! I really felt like 3 was the year that DS stopped being a baby and started to really be a little boy. It's a big year!

I loved your character meal! I've never heard of it before, but it seems great! I love that there is a tree in the restaurant. That's amazing!

What completely adorable pictures of your DD with the characters. Oh my goodness, she is just so cute! All those little expressions!

Chocolate Chip. That is brilliant. BRILLIANT. I am going to be using that one in just a few days! Thank you!

Aww, I am so sad that this was your last day. I loved reading every minute of your TR! I'm glad you're going to do a favorites post!

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Ann!! I just finished catching up on your TR!! I LOVED reading every bit of it and seeing the pictures of Lily so happy!! Happy 3rd Birthday to Lily!!

 

[LilAnn]

Happy Birthday to your DD! I really felt like 3 was the year that DS stopped being a baby and started to really be a little boy. It's a big year!

I loved your character meal! I've never heard of it before, but it seems great! I love that there is a tree in the restaurant. That's amazing!

What completely adorable pictures of your DD with the characters. Oh my goodness, she is just so cute! All those little expressions!

Chocolate Chip. That is brilliant. BRILLIANT. I am going to be using that one in just a few days! Thank you!

Aww, I am so sad that this was your last day. I loved reading every minute of your TR! I'm glad you're going to do a favorites post!

Thanks! Already I feel like she isn't a little toddler anymore, but growing more into a little girl every day. Time really does fly when they are little.

We really enjoyed the character meal at Garden Grove. It was so pretty inside and since it wasn't as crowded, we had a nice relaxing last meal.

Her face is so expressive! She really says it all with her face.

Hi Ann!! I just finished catching up on your TR!! I LOVED reading every bit of it and seeing the pictures of Lily so happy!! Happy 3rd Birthday to Lily!!

Hi Becky! It's good to see you back on the boards. I'm glad you've enjoyed it. She was pretty much insanely happy the whole trip. Happy birthday to Claire too!

 

[RachelNinja]

WHOA, how is it possible that the last time I commented and read was 9/11/10? Being a teacher is just so time-consuming! Oh well, I can't imagine ever doing anything else!

I also love the "Where Dreams Come True" border. It just seems to fit perfectly on like, 99% of the pictures! Whoever designed that one is a genius!

The PDA shot is funny! Haha, I think that if a PP photographer asked Howard and me to do it, we'd be embarrassed as well! Maybe it's an Asian thing ... PDA is just not as widely accepted! I never understand people who are just in a public place making out. Um, hello? Do you really need to do that RIGHT THERE? Haha. The kissing for a picture is going to be odd for our wedding!!! Aghhh, that's why I want an Asian photographer. I think they'd be more understanding!

We have the same issue with lots of snacks on trips. My mom and I figure out what we might possibly want to eat on the trip (salty or sweet). Then we also break it up into things we could eat in the car without making a mess or things that are small enough to bring with us into the parks. We want to cover all contingencies so that we don't actually buy snacks in the parks (other than dole whip floats!). Of course, we don't eat all of it so we have to bring it home! I, however, am learning to spend a little more. If there's a Disney specific snack that I want, I'm going to get it! No use denying myself! Might as well enjoy the moment if I know I REALLY want it! Haha, so basically, Main Street Bakery, here I come!

Awww, I love the proposal story, and I wasn't even there!!! I love the ones where they catch the girl by surprise. I wasn't surprised like that, and I think I'm the kind of person that CAN'T be surprised like that ever (Howard knows that I don't like it). But during our April trip, I admit there were times when I kept thinking, "Could he possibly propose here?"

I don't think that parade thing was insignificant. I don't like ANY sort of rudeness especially at Disney! Thankfully, the husband was apologetic. I mean, I would understand if you yelled in their faces and they yelled back, but you said it calmly. The woman had no reason to give you attitude especially since there was a stroller there. I mean, what if your DH took DD to the bathroom? And it wasn't even like they were off somewhere on a ride, they were visible right there! Some people ...

I love that you took the time out to get that extra special gift (and message) from Tink for your patient! How sweet!!!

Ahhhh, the picture you captured of Pluto coming up to you guys is classic bc of DD's face! Those are the greatest pictures. Way better than the posed ones, I think! Awww, even the sad face DD gave is a great capture despite the fact that it meant having to leave WDW.

At least now you know you've got February!

 

[LilAnn]

I'm going to have to try to answer you throughout your post because I'll forget things otherwise. My comments will be in this purply color.

WHOA, how is it possible that the last time I commented and read was 9/11/10? Being a teacher is just so time-consuming! Oh well, I can't imagine ever doing anything else!

But being a teacher is awesome! My best friend was a teacher, but she is now more in the administrative role, and I was always so proud of her and the difference she is making in people's lives. Yay for great teachers!

I also love the "Where Dreams Come True" border. It just seems to fit perfectly on like, 99% of the pictures! Whoever designed that one is a genius!

I know! I feel like it's perfect for so many photos because they really are magical moments! At least for us, since that was a really great trip.

The PDA shot is funny! Haha, I think that if a PP photographer asked Howard and me to do it, we'd be embarrassed as well! Maybe it's an Asian thing ... PDA is just not as widely accepted! I never understand people who are just in a public place making out. Um, hello? Do you really need to do that RIGHT THERE? Haha. The kissing for a picture is going to be odd for our wedding!!! Aghhh, that's why I want an Asian photographer. I think they'd be more understanding!

I was okay doing it for our wedding photos. I think because I was expecting us to do a lot of "lovey dovey" shots. I have to say that some of our favorites from the wedding day are shots that were taken in Central Park or Grand Central station. Although the kiss and dipping shot in the middle of Grand Central has to be my absolute fave (although I was so embarassed to be doing it at the time). I just was not prepared to do a kiss shot at Disney! I think it is partially an asian thing.

We have the same issue with lots of snacks on trips. My mom and I figure out what we might possibly want to eat on the trip (salty or sweet). Then we also break it up into things we could eat in the car without making a mess or things that are small enough to bring with us into the parks. We want to cover all contingencies so that we don't actually buy snacks in the parks (other than dole whip floats!). Of course, we don't eat all of it so we have to bring it home! I, however, am learning to spend a little more. If there's a Disney specific snack that I want, I'm going to get it! No use denying myself! Might as well enjoy the moment if I know I REALLY want it! Haha, so basically, Main Street Bakery, here I come!

Um that's how I felt with those cupcakes at Starring Rolls. I HAD to have one. It was on my list.

Awww, I love the proposal story, and I wasn't even there!!! I love the ones where they catch the girl by surprise. I wasn't surprised like that, and I think I'm the kind of person that CAN'T be surprised like that ever (Howard knows that I don't like it). But during our April trip, I admit there were times when I kept thinking, "Could he possibly propose here?"

I was beyond happy to witness a proposal! I loved it! I was squealing all by myself watching it!

I don't think that parade thing was insignificant. I don't like ANY sort of rudeness especially at Disney! Thankfully, the husband was apologetic. I mean, I would understand if you yelled in their faces and they yelled back, but you said it calmly. The woman had no reason to give you attitude especially since there was a stroller there. I mean, what if your DH took DD to the bathroom? And it wasn't even like they were off somewhere on a ride, they were visible right there! Some people ...

I usually let many things just kind of slide by during the trip, because we are in Disney! Like if people would cut in line in front of us at a food cart or something, I just brushed it off. But I just couldn't let this one slide.

I love that you took the time out to get that extra special gift (and message) from Tink for your patient! How sweet!!!

Thanks! It really meant a lot to me too to be able to get it for her.

Ahhhh, the picture you captured of Pluto coming up to you guys is classic bc of DD's face! Those are the greatest pictures. Way better than the posed ones, I think! Awww, even the sad face DD gave is a great capture despite the fact that it meant having to leave WDW.

I know! I had debating doing the TR for a while because I wasn't sure if i wanted to have that much of DD out there, but really, she is the star of the trip and she is most expressive in her face. So really, I HAD to show how excited she was throughout the trip.

At least now you know you've got February!

Yay! I am so excited for that! We'll be back in three months!

 

[LilAnn]

Some of my favorite TRs have ended with a list of their favorite moments or a nice summary wrapping up the entire vacation. I decided to do something along the same lines and list out some of my favorite moments from the trip, and add in how they are still with us in our daily lives today. I’m so glad that the trip has not faded into a distant memory and that our little girl still talks and dreams about Disney. I can only hope that this obsession continues for years to come.

First up, the best souvenir from the entire trip.

We didn’t just bring home a souvenir, we brought home a new friend – Annie.

Our little girl still sleeps with her and plays with her on a very frequent basis. She has come out to dinner with us and joined us for multiple tea parties. She is part of her “inner circle” of stuffed animals, only recently being edged out by Hello Kitty for bedtime, but still gets a highly coveted spot on her bed.

In August, her favorite character was Donald Duck. In fact, that was her souvenir that trip, a little Donald from Mexico. She still loves the feathered friend, but she definitely has a new favorite character – Jessie.

I don’t know if the turning point was meeting her with Woody

or dancing with her in the parade,

either way, she has become a favorite at home. She even brought her to see Toy Story 3 in the movie theater (her first movie experience).

For those of you who are friends with me on FB, you already know she was the inspiration for her Halloween costume. There was no changing her mind.

By the way, that is her Jessie pose. I told her to pose for the camera and that’s what she came up with.

Of course, it was the one costume that was not on sale and sold out like hot cakes near us. I even saw some on ebay selling for over $100! Crazy!

Her love for Lightening McQueen and Mater has not waned one bit over the past year. Cars has always been a favorite movie of hers, so visiting the two cars was never a question.

In August 2009….

This trip

She continues to love Cars so much that we had to turn her Toy Story birthday party into an overall theme of Disney since she was set on having a Cars cake, complete with toy cars.

And a huge Lightening McQueen helium balloon that is still inflated and flying strong in our living room.

This trip was the first time any of us got a chance to meet Tinkerbell and her friends. It was not only just a memorable moment for me, since I was able to get a special gift for a special girl,

but meeting some fairies made an impact on our sleepy girl.

Case in point? The current movie in our DVD rotation is Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue. Plus Tinkerbell and Silvermist were heavy contenders for the Halloween costume (until I mentioned that we would have to return Jessie).

We also discovered that surprisingly enough, she was not afraid of Stitch.

He is now one of her top requests for the next trip. She can’t wait to have breakfast with Lilo and Stitch and talks about it nonstop. Almost as much as she talks about how she failed to meet Jasmine and Aladdin together. Needless to say, we have made an ADR for breakfast at Ohana.

Next up are the rides. As you are all aware, most of the rides were a no-go. Dumbo was no exception.

While she would not ride it at Disney, she found the courage to try out a local version over the summer.

It helped that she had a pint sized friend to try it out with her. She didn’t realize that she was the one making the elephant fly, so she was definitely freaked out by how high it went.

Keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll try it out in Feb. She was however, willing to test drive the cars on the Indy Speedway.

Again, we went for a drive at the local amusement park.

Can you tell that it was just as hot on that speedway?

She also loved seeing Wishes

and continued to think that every time we mentioned fireworks over the summer, we were headed to Disney world to see them. If only it were that easy.

And finally what can I say about her pool time? She loves her pool time and swimming in her little tube.

cont. in next post

 

[LilAnn]

Last but not least, here are a two pictures to recap some of my personal favorite moments from our trip.

This moment brought tears to my eyes. I still smile just looking at it.

Her first haircut. Loved that it was at Disney World.

So there you have it. A little sampling of some of my favorite moments from our April/May trip. Thank you so much for all those that have read along. You’ve made writing this TR worthwhile. Sorry it took so long to finish it. Once again, can I just say how fantastic this trip was for us? I know that not every Disney trip can be magical and wonderful, but this one truly was extraordinary for us. Maybe because it was just the three of us. A fabulous family trip!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Great final thoughts! Thanks so much for writing this report, I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know your beautiful family. We were at the same parks so many times, I'm sure we must of crossed paths a few times, too bad we didn't know each other before our trips!

Are you writing a PTR for your February trip? I'd love to read about your plans.

 

[Dancegrl624]

What a great wrap-up! I have truly enjoyed reading your TR. Your little girl is just so cute!

 

[tinkgurl]

Okay..I just got goosebumps reading that wrap up! I am so sad to see your TR end. I looked forward to your updates. With having a little guy, I have a soft spot for TR's with kids. Your DD is adorable. I felt her excitement right along with you.

LOVE her Halloween pics. Her poses are so cute. And how cute Toy Story 3 was her first movie experience.

Again, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I hope you will continue reading my TR so we can stay in touch!

 

[dawnbu40]

What a great finish to a wonderful trip report!

Your little one is such a cutie and those Halloween pictures are adorable

Thanks for sharing your trip with us

 

[RachelNinja]

Absolutely love your closing update! I like how you talked about how it relates to your current life now. I'm so glad that you guys are going back soon because I'm upset that your TR is over! Looking forward to seeing more pics of you 3 in Disney!

 

[LilAnn]

Great final thoughts! Thanks so much for writing this report, I really enjoyed reading it and getting to know your beautiful family. We were at the same parks so many times, I'm sure we must of crossed paths a few times, too bad we didn't know each other before our trips!

Are you writing a PTR for your February trip? I'd love to read about your plans.

Aw, thanks for reading along. I know, I kept searching the background of your TR to see if I could find myself in them. I know we were in the same area at the same time for the Dismeet. For some reason I thought the meet was later in the day around 5pm or something, but I was definitely in WS during the actual meet. Bummer to have missed it.

I am not sure about writing a PTR. It's only a few months away now, but we are already hitting some snags for our trip. Our big stimulus for the trip is that my best friend is getting married next year and her MOH is throwing a shower for her in Miami. So after some debate, we thought, why not turn it into a family vacation and do Disney and Miami and then we can go to the shower! However, I just found out that the date of the shower may be changed and we have already booked our tickets, POR, ADRs, etc. So I don't know where we go from here.

By the way, any advice or comments? We have never gone in Feb. before or stayed in a moderate. We decided on POR after much debate.

What a great wrap-up! I have truly enjoyed reading your TR. Your little girl is just so cute!

Thanks! I'm glad this will now free up more time to read more TRs and stay caught up. I have loved getting to know people here. Everyone is so nice!

Okay..I just got goosebumps reading that wrap up! I am so sad to see your TR end. I looked forward to your updates. With having a little guy, I have a soft spot for TR's with kids. Your DD is adorable. I felt her excitement right along with you.

LOVE her Halloween pics. Her poses are so cute. And how cute Toy Story 3 was her first movie experience.

Again, thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I hope you will continue reading my TR so we can stay in touch!

Aww, thanks Tink. I will definitely keep reading your TR. I'm excited to have more time to devote to reading and planning now. Like I mentioned, I have loved getting to know people here and everyone is so nice! Plus, it gave me an excuse to post all teh Disney pics somewhere. I didn't think people on Facebook would want to see hundreds of pics of Disney.

What was the little guy for Halloween? I love hearing your updates on him too and you already know I love all the pics of him and Fi. You guys are too cute.

What a great finish to a wonderful trip report!

Your little one is such a cutie and those Halloween pictures are adorable

Thanks for sharing your trip with us

Thanks for encouraging me to write one! Now I have more time to read your TR!

I have to say, she was too cute as Jessie on Halloween. Too bad it was freezing out over here.

Absolutely love your closing update! I like how you talked about how it relates to your current life now. I'm so glad that you guys are going back soon because I'm upset that your TR is over! Looking forward to seeing more pics of you 3 in Disney!

Thanks! Our Disney trip really has crept into all aspects of our life at home. But now I can read all of your reports that you have going on and start planning more! I'm so glad that we were able to "meet" here on the Dis. By the way, are you excited about the new Disney store opening up in Times Square? I already told my husband that we need to go there when we are in NYC next month. I can't wait to see it!

 

[tinkgurl]

What was the little guy for Halloween? I love hearing your updates on him too and you already know I love all the pics of him and Fi. You guys are too cute.

He was Batman! Hey you should message me sometime..I have FB now! If I can trust you with knowing my real name and stuff..

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Awww, I'm so sad your TR is ending. I just love reading about your family, and I love reading about all of the things that your daughter likes & doesn't like. Your summary was fantastic. The pose that she is striking in her Halloween costume is hilarious. I wonder where that came from!

Please let me know if you end up writing a PTR for your next trip. I want to be able to follow along. Thank you so much for writing your TR. It was very fun to read.

 

[LilAnn]

He was Batman! Hey you should message me sometime..I have FB now! If I can trust you with knowing my real name and stuff..

I can't wait to see pics of him as Batman! I can't believe you succumbed and are now on FB! I messaged you

Awww, I'm so sad your TR is ending. I just love reading about your family, and I love reading about all of the things that your daughter likes & doesn't like. Your summary was fantastic. The pose that she is striking in her Halloween costume is hilarious. I wonder where that came from!

Please let me know if you end up writing a PTR for your next trip. I want to be able to follow along. Thank you so much for writing your TR. It was very fun to read.

Well, your encouragement definitely helped me decide on writing the TR. I got so much out of your first TR that I wanted to do the same for others if I could. Plus, like you said, it was a great way to catalog the trip.

Who knows how she came up with that Jessie pose since we barely watch the Toy Story movies at home. She just happens to love Jessie and I think picked up on the pose from pictures. Little kids are just so observant.

Thanks so much for reading along!

 

[lexmas]

Great wrap up! It's so nice to see all the things you loved about your trip, I definately want to do a trip wrap up on my TR!

I've enjoyed reading every update that you've had! Such a great TR, and it is just so cute how much your DD loves disney. It makes it all so very worthwhile!