Our 2006 Disney Adventures ~ NEW, 1/20 pg 13!

[lillygator]

~Still Easter Sunday~

We got our camp set up and put the towels down - we brought our own from home...nice bright Gator blue, not to be missed!

As we were settling in and deciding what to do over walks Goofy - decked out in his Gator finest! We actually couldn't get rid of him - don't get me wrong, I like characters as much as the next guy but we had some slides to get to. There were other kids waiting around and Samantha wanted to go but he kept hanging around her and interacting with her. What can I say - our girls are gorgeous and always seem to attract attention!! Ended up we saw him all day and it must have been the "same" Goofy because he kept coming over to us no matter what we were doing. A little sprinkling of Pixie Dust I guess!

We didn’t really know what to do first so we went over to the main kiddie pool and how cute - ride on Gators that are water guns, perfect for squirting unknowing Seminoles. And several slides and a raft ride. Samantha loved it. I have to admit, from a parent's standpoint it was set up wonderfully. Had we walked around before choosing our coveted spot - there were seats right by this area which would have been a much wiser option. Perfect for babies and toddlers...there was something for everyone it seemed, including Charming. He went down one of the slides and got "whistled" at by the lifeguard...and not a good "whistle" either.

They had a lifeguard at the end of this slide getting the children out of the floats. It was great. I was still very nervous. I didn't do it on purpose but I had tied a large white ribbon in Samantha's ponytail, it made it very easy to spot her although next time I am going to make it some neon color!

At the edge of the kiddie pool they had small fountains perfect for Haley. She loved them!

Samantha was having such a blast we could barely tear her away from there. Charming wanted to go on the family ride so he took Samantha on the lift – the wait was about 5 min to get on – they were so cute…not sure who the lady is though.

Charming said he rode with 3 other people since you have to have 5 or so in a boat/raft. They both enjoyed it. Then I went on some toboggin thing which was fun then Charming had a turn. We headed back to our camp to lay out.


It was now around 11 or so and the park was starting to get crowded…people were coming looking for chairs and taking stray ones here and there. I am glad we got there early I would not want to be wandering around in the heat at the moment. Now I really didn’t realize about the sand – but had I known I would have brought one of the millions of beach toys we have at home with us. I caved and went and bought the girls a Minnie shovel $3.99, a basket of sand toys $4. and two buckets with tiny shovels $0.94 each. Turns out was the best $$ spent! Samantha and I also stopped at Lottawatta Lodge and got an order of fries, a water, a Coke, small pizza and fruit. CM had never heard of DDE even though I thought they are supposed to accept it here. For the minimal amount off I decided not to worry about it. I stopped at the beer stand on the way back and got a Bud Light for myself. (upon returning home I read the the water parks do not accept the DDE card)



The pizza was tiny 4 small pieces, Samantha ate 2 and ½, Haley had ½ and Charming had 1. It looked like your typical high school cafeteria pizza and Charming said it tasted about as good. The fries were nice and hot and crispy….I ate most of them. Charming was dismayed with his Coke over my Bud Light but we make up for that later. The beer was ok but there is something about beer in a plastic bottle that just isn’t right…same thing goes for cans.

It was a gorgeous day and our spot had a great breeze. It was warm but very bearable. We had come up here to be with and Co for his birthday and they had ditched us to go on Soarin' and Typhoon Lagoon. No matter. We were being lazy and having a great time as our little family together.

We all kicked back relaxed and Charming left to go in the lazy river with Samantha. Haley was perfectly content to lounge in the sand and chairs with me, every now and then playing with her bucket. At one point she had it on her head and it slid down around her neck!! Crazy girl, she does take after me!


It as very relaxing, it was warm but there was a great breeze and we had plenty of shade for the girls but I could also get plenty of sun, which I don’t really like doing. Being a redhead - I burn and freckle very easily. If all my freckles would smoosh together I would have a kick a$$ tan, but I welcome my creamy skin (well now that I am older, in high school it sucked!) I was enjoying people watching especially noticing there weren’t that many Bad Girl bods around, made me feel better – I am working on getting mine back…..J Or embracing it. Still to be determined.

Now before you read further, you do remember I am English right? Well my family is, English Super Mom and on back all still have Green Cards thus have to be careful about being a Bad Girl ~ it may get them deported but I found this - well…not what I am used to.



There was an English family sitting beside/behind us. They had two little girls probably 6 and 8 – could have been a tad older/younger ~ too sure. In the beginning of the morning the girls had on sunhats and body suits. Well once they got wet they stripped naked and hung their outfits on the wall to dry behind us. These girls stayed naked most of the day – not covered or anything. Now I am not a prude in the slightest and may even love to check out the Hedonism resorts if I won a free trip and I had my Bad Girl bod back and was really really toasted, but lounging around fully naked? Playing, laying on the sand and chairs…just out in the open. I don’t know about you but I guess I don’t consider English people “European”, you know in the naked sense. Or maybe my English family are prudes? I don’t know, it just caught me off guard I guess. I need to ask English Super Mom and Great Grandmother if I am just behind the times on this one. I think I would be petrified of pervs!! Now, my darling Samantha loves nothing more than taking her clothes off as soon as we walk in the door. I had a hard time explaining why it was ok for them but not for us... But they were extremely nice, quiet and the girls were very well behaved to which my Grandmother would tell you "that's an English thing, American's don't know how to discipline and teach manners to children".




At little later I started to get thirsty and I had seen some yummy looking concoctions traveling past me so I decided to go and check it out with Haley. Ummm…too many decisions. I opt for the Smuggler’s something I think or maybe it was pirate something. Anyway it was good…very good…I sipped and relaxed toes in the sand sort of wishing I was home on Siesta Key….also wishing that Disney would have the sense to hire CM’s to deliver drinks like on Castaway Cay – they’d be selling a lot more! Now there’s an idea….nothing screams Cabana Boy more than a "beach feeling" right?



Samantha and Charming are on the go all day having a blast together. As I sit enjoying this gorgeous day and watch them I think how great it is to see them having such fun and so happy. Had you told me 10 years ago this would be me I would have said “not in a million”. I was determined to never have children. Period. Now I don’t know what I would do without them. They truly brighten my day and I love seeing their little faces light up. As I sit and ponder the two blessings we have Samantha and Charming walk up. Samantha has a bulge on the backside of her swimsuit and a not so happy look on her face. What?



OMG…she pooped her pants! I couldn’t believe it. I have read about this kind of thing, but not my girl! I guess the look on my face said it all and Charming said it must have happened on the walk back to the chairs…luckily they weren’t in any pools. I could only imagine what would be posted on the DIS had the Royal Family shut down a pool at Blizzard Beach! My poor little girl, she looked horrified. I mean she’d never had an accident like this before.



I truly do have a Charming – without hesitation he scooped her up and off he went to the companion restroom. He came back and luckily was able to get everything off and soaped down and she was back in business so to speak. Charming felt he deserved a drink, I thought he should definitely be a candidate for Daddy of The Year as well as Charming of The Year! He ran off to the tropical drink shack for his reward while I sat making castles with the girls.

Charming’s “prize” was a Raspberry Chi Chi…all I can say is YUM! Go get one! He brings Samantha a virgin daiquiri that she willingly (ok I had to twist her arm) shares with Haley. We sit back and relax pondering life’s ponderables.

Anyway Charming loves the lazy river and wants us all to go on it. So we head on over, unfortunately for whatever reason they won’t let the floats in with no hole cut out…would have been great for Haley. So I climbed in and had Haley just sit on my tummy, Samantha and Charming had their own tubes and I held on to the handles of each to keep us together.



Now I don’t know about you, but I have a foot thing. I love my feet and the girls feet, Charmings – after he’s had a pedicure – but strange feet?

Not so much.

Picture it…you’re in an innertube…you feet are sort of stuck upwards over the side….the river is crowded – at some point your feet are going to touch someone else’s….YUCK! Kind of grosses me out but luckily Charming is pretty much pushing us through the river! He helps us to avoid the waterfalls as well…nice guy. Samantha informs me the house that sneezes is coming up….yippe just what I want some house snot blown all over me!


Now in case you’ve never been to one of the lazy rivers, be prepared for your photo to be taken. They have a CM standing under a bridge taken photos and giving you a bracelet with your number on. Just what I have been dreaming of, being caught on camera with not a stitch of.....makeup! (actually the picture turned out great and it's unusual to have one of all four of us!) Also be prepared for long lines to see said photo on your way out of the park.



We go all the way around and make it back to Tike’s Peak…Haley and I get out and Samantha and Charming keep going around. I try DQ and Co – get a hold of them and they are getting ready to head to Fulton’s for dinner. Very interesting. For someone who has no job they sure are living the high life, don't worry - she has no credit card either. A lightbulb goes on...her income tax refund....well, that will be gone quick!



It was getting pretty late in the day and BB closed at 5. When Charming and Samantha found their way back to our spot we decided to pack it in and head out. I then tell him that DQ and Co are over at Fulton’s – he suggest we head out to DTD and go eat…yippee!! But wait….I haven’t had a shower and it’s been a “beach” day…oh dear.

 

[cynderella]

I've been enjoying your TR these last few weeks, lillygator. You guys know how to have fun. Have a great time on your upcoming trip! Looking forward to your updates.

 

[lillygator]

I've been enjoying your TR these last few weeks, lillygator. You guys know how to have fun. Have a great time on your upcoming trip! Looking forward to your updates.

Thanks - I'm so worried/excited about all our "upcoming" itinerary that I am having a hard time concentrating to write!

 

[averill94]

What a fun report. Cant believe that English family I had to keep going back to read the ages of the kids. Call me a prude but I wouldnt let my 2 1/2 yr old run around like that! (also there are too many creeps out there)

Why did you have to go and give such a great report of BB? Been there once and loved it but didnt even work a water park into our itinerary but now......

Keep posting. Thanks for the laughs.
Happy Mothers Day!

 

[lillygator]

What a fun report. Cant believe that English family I had to keep going back to read the ages of the kids. Call me a prude but I wouldnt let my 2 1/2 yr old run around like that! (also there are too many creeps out there)

Why did you have to go and give such a great report of BB? Been there once and loved it but didnt even work a water park into our itinerary but now......

Keep posting. Thanks for the laughs.
Happy Mothers Day!

Blizzard Beach was fabulous!! We've never been to TL but my sis has been to both and likes the layout of BB much better. We were planning on TL on our last day before coming home in May, but wouldn't you know it closes for rehad that Sunday! So we'll probably hit BB again.

It really was fun, relaxing and a great way to "end" before coming home. Of course providing you don't get too much sun. That always drains me!!

Hope you get to try it sometime!

 

[fizz13]

Right...being english and all I would have to say that the situation you witnessd at Blizzard Beach is....wrong and unusual I have seen naked kids or topless little girls on the beaches in Europe (Spain, France) but not at the ages of 6 and 8, more like under 2. My kids never have or will be going naked in a public place

1. because its not safe anymore, anyone could snap a picture
2. I don't really want them burning all over

The true UK sin with water and nudity is our feeble attempts to get changed in front of everybody but under a towel draped around us or held up like a screen, seen this many times Quite funny when the towel drops accidentally actually. And yes, your mother is right, our manners are in our breeding you know. Sadly, too many are bred to be thoroughly abusive at the saturday soccer these days, hope your mum doesn't witness that

Great reporting as always, girls very cute sharing their drink together, will keep reading,
Claire xx

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

enjoying your trip report(especially the pictures)...minus the evil references to the always amazing seminoles



go 'noles! that is all.

 

[lillygator]

Well, I've got good news and I've got bad news...what do you want first?

Good news....we're leaving for WDW in a few hours and I'll have new adventures to write about!!!

Bad news....I won't be adding anymore until we return!















oh - and go Gators!

 

[lillygator]

I couldn't leave you hanging...besides - I am not getting any work done this morning might as well entertain!

Still Easter Sunday ~

All of us head to the companion bathroom to change in to dry goods…mainly underwear – I can’t stand sitting around in a wet bathing suit. Drives me nuts. Samantha informs me this is the one they came to "to get the poop off me mom". Of course she said it loud enough that anyone in a 2 mile radius could hear. Lovely.

Finish up and head over to the store to view our photo. There is a huge line but we finally make it to the front and of course end up buying two photos and a frame. Before leaving the park we take advantage of some photo opportunities. Fun stuff.

Being a native Floridian - what the heck is this thing for?

Yeah - Gators Rule, 'Noles Drool!


We get to the car and oh boy, chocolate Nemo’s and hot cars mix about as well as Gator and a 'Nole or Bulldawwwwg for that matter. What was I thinking leaving all the Easter candy in the car? Oh well, none of us need that candy anyway. Luckily nothing melted onto the car. The girls are asleep before we leave BB parking lot. Go figure. We get to DTD and are trying to call DQ but no one is answering. I am kind of getting a complex....am I, the fun Bad Girl sister being "dumped"? I think they are on to us. They already ditched us today by going to Epcot and Typhoon Lagoon and now they want to dine without us!

It's now that I realize that I can’t walk into DTD in my shorts and t shirt that I have on. Well, I could but then I may end up in that thread about "what not to wear to DTD". Luckily our bags are still in the back! I wanted the girls to sleep a bit longer so we decided to hang in the parking lot, tailgatin' here we come!

I fished around for jeans, heels and a top. Much to Charming’s dismay I got dressed right there. I didn’t care. This was not a scheduled stop on the intinerary so there were no rules. I envy men – they can throw on whatever and look fine. Since I wore no makeup to BB and was starting to have lipstick withdrawls - I had to spruce up a tad – threw on some mascara and lipstick and was good to go. We somehow managed to get both girls in the stroller without waking them up. High fives all around.


Going on the fact that we knew DQ was at Fulton’s we head that way. We actually caught them as they were leaving. We walk around a bit and Charming and I decide we would like to eat at Raglan Road. We belly up to the hostess stand and could be seated right away but we want to have a drink at the bar first so the hostess tells us just come back up here whenever we are ready to be seated.



We push the stroller under the bar in front of me so no one will disturb the girls by bumping them or anything. Not that there is anyone around - hardly anyone is in the joint. I guess it is Easter and most people are probably enjoying a nice home cooked ham or somethng.

I order a wine, Charming orders a rum and coke and then and Co asks for a mixed drink menu. A WHAT?? OMG! I try crawling under the bar but get stuck on those damn purse hooks, no, just kidding they didn't have purse hooks - what kind of bar has no purse hooks? Charming and I were just shaking our heads. If they weren’t going to be carded before they sure are now. DQ gets a wine and Charming convinces and Co to get a rum and coke. DQ has had one too many I think and is quite giggly. And annoying.


We finish up and decide to be seated. Even though they just had dinner at Fulton’s they were still a bit hungry. Raglan Road has pretty décor, it was early in the evening so there were not many people there and no entertainment – except for us. Even if we don’t entertain others I KNOW we entertain ourselves. It was noisy in the restaurant. Very noisy. I would hate to have blaring music and tap dancing mixed with the present noise unless I had a very strong cocktail and a percocet. (why isn’t that listed on the spell check?) There were some nice stained glass windows that changed color as the light hit them. Kept DQ entertained for a while.



Samantha was still passed out in the stroller. Fresh air and kids work wonders when trying to get them to sleep. Haley must have sensed we were going to have some food and she immediately woke up. We put her in a high chair and left Samantha to sleep in the stroller. It was actually semi calm at our table for once. Our server came over and DQ informed him right off the bat that we were on separate checks…um, ok there went your chance for a free meal or drinks! She’ll never learn.



We put in our appetizer order, wine for me, Pint ‘O Prawns for Charming and Co had the Dalkey Duo. DQ was still harping on the separate check issue to notice or remember to order an appetizer. The prawns arrived in a glass pint and Charming scarfed them down like he’d been a Castaway and hadn’t eaten in a week. I guess we really didn’t have any lunch to speak of. I managed to have one and it was awesome - the sauces that came along were also EXCELLENT! And Co’s arrived on forks as other appetizer’s suggested and were basically fried weinie (isn't that a funny word, even at 31 I still giggle when I hear this, immature I know!) sausages. He loved them. Now remember this kid just had shrimp cocktail and a lobster dinner at Fulton’s!

Charming ordered a bowl of grass clippings as well....personally I am all about spring mix, it's good for you, tastes so delicious and I am sure has many other wonderful attributes. Charming actually ate it and thought it was quite good.

For dinner Charming and I both had the One and One – beer battered fish and chips. I did say anything with the word beer in it and Charming is all over it like white on rice. I didn’t take a picture because the server “dumped” it out so quick. It appeared in a black wire vase type thing standing in the middle of the plate. The fish was wrapped in paper to absorb the vat of grease that was still left on it. They must have issues with people swiping the fish holders – I was thinking about it myself, when they so rudely dumped it out over my plate and practically ran it back to the kitchen - they did the same to Charming’s.



The fries were soggy – fries should be crisp in my opinion and these were worse than a wet noodle. Charming, who like Mikey, eats anything, could not stomach the fries either. The beer battered fish did not have enough beer in it to make me forget how horrible it was. It was just too greasy – way too greasy. I could feel it lining my valves on the way down. Charming on the other hand, ate his and what was left of mine.



It was early in the evening so really the food should have been hot fresh and good right? Overall I would try this place again – especially now that I know they accept the DDE card but I was disappointed. The service was quick, not overly friendly but decent. The food needs some definite improvement. Or maybe I should lower my expecatations? No way - one should never lower expectations right?

Not sure the exact price but I know we spent $30 at the bar and around $80 on dinner. Would have saved some cash if we had just driven through McD's! This is the part where I start getting sad. Not hysterical but sad. We need to leave. DQ and Co are staying another night - must be nice when you don't work - tons of free time on your hands. We head back to our car and since DQ is tipsy we decide to drive them over to and Co's car so she doesn't have to walk. I squish in between two car seats and the two of them are in the front seat. We must have driven around the parking lot for 20 minutes and we could not find their car. Then DQ has to pee - Charming pulled them up to Mc Donald's drop off and practically shoved them out of the car.

We bid our farewell's and headed home. The girls slept the entire way, lucky us. I cried, well, not really just in my head. I hate leaving "my place". I know it's not long until we will return but I am still sad.

We make it back to Sarasota uneventfully and I race to the DIS to see what I have missed in the past few days and to finish planning for May.

 

[lillygator]

Monday April 24, 2006 ~ 22 days until May trip! 1950 Peter Pan opens at Imperial Theatre for 320 performances ~ 1972 Chipper Jones is born, such the Bad Boy ~ 1974 NFL grants franchise to Tampa Bay Buccaneers ~

Bad Girl Affirmation of the Day ~ With eyes like mine, who needs wine?


Well today I am going over my itinerary, ADR’s and shopping list needed for our upcoming May jaunt. If I don’t have something to agonize over, especially Disney related, well it just wouldn’t be a day would it?



In looking at my ADR’s I see that we are only trying ONE new restaurant….Kona Café. Oh, no wait, TWO I added the Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom one day for lunch. On our MGM day I have 50’s PT for lunch, well I don’t know…you guys are probably as sick of reading the reviews as I am of eating there. Maybe that would be a good time to check out Beaches and Cream? I know Charming loves his shakes and all but maybe I can convince him to check out B&C for their shakes….wait, no maybe about it, a few batted eyelashes from me and Charming turns into a “yes V, what ever you want darling”. Hmmm…I may want to start using that for more attractive purchases, such as say, a nice new 50 carat diamond? Why, yes, directing air traffic could become a new hobby.



Quite frankly I am not all that thrilled with having an MGM day to begin with. Don’t get me wrong I love TOT and RNR but I get “over” that park real easily. I am not sure why, the shows are good but maybe it’s because they take up such a chunk of your day. Know what I mean? Maybe I should change my schedule…oh, then I would have to change ADR’s for sure….wonder if they are still available? I don’t know what we would do that day…..as it stands now:



Tuesday ~ arrive, check in, eat dinner at resort (evening check in)

Wednesday ~ MGM morning, pool afternoon and 1900 PF for dinner

Thursday ~ Epcot morning (tour), pool afternoon Kona Café and Wishes cruise

Friday ~ MK morning (tour), pool afternoon Epcot evening

Saturday ~ MK morning, pool afternoon CG dinner

Sunday ~ either a water park or AK before going home



Thursday and Friday mornings can’t change because we have tours booked that have been paid for already and I don’t want the hassle of changing them. But maybe we should start off with MK on Wednesday, Epcot, MK and then something different on Saturday? I don’t know…all I know is I want to change that 50’s ADR….J But could we possibly eat counter service? Hmmm, something to ponder, I haven’t been to Columbia Harbor House in ages….I do remember liking it though. For now, we’ll leave MGM’s ADR’s and just have MK as the “alternate” for that day.

 

[kimwim8]

Hi V!

Thanks for finishing up the TR before leaving! I am SO jealous of how often you get to go to WDW!

Have a GREAT trip, and I look forward to reading your next report!

How about a Fantasmic Dinner package instead of 50's? I agree that you can get tired of that place quickly. We went to Hollywood & Vine & LOVED their buffet. Just something to think about. And we also LOVE Columbia Harbour House..so you can't go wrong their either (and you'll save money!!)

 

[KTSMOM]

Thanks so much for writing your trip reports! I really enjoy reading them and look forward to your next one.
I too have a ton of freckles and keep hoping for the day I will finally have a fantastic tan all year long!

 

[fizz13]

I was reading your review of Raglan Road and have to say that those fries sound about right. Over here they are chunky and soft, thats how we have them from the shop with very greasy fish, sorry to say but you got an authentic portion of fish and chips, and yes, obesity is definately on the increase in these parts Great report as always, have a great trip,
Claire xx

 

[lillygator]

We're back!

Was awesome, chatted with a celebrity, got an autograph from a never seen in the parks character who's not even on the "autograph list" and had a very very Bad Girl good time!


Now, I am catching up on the DIS while everyone is napping. I see the Maelstromer's have also been up to no good....hmmm...

 

[lillygator]

Thursday April 27, 2006 ~ Take our daughters and sons to work day (did anyone do that?) ~ Babe Ruth Day

19 days ‘til May trip and 181 days until October trip…which I must make ADR’s tomorrow! I am going nuts here!! I am trying to plan my days at which park and nothing seems to be going right. I do know MNSSHP is on the 26th and Samantha has requested her birthday dinner to be in the “castle” this year – so hopefully I can get that reservation! I do not have resort reservations yet but Charming gave the ok to make them ASAP and then hopefully apply a code. Either a mod or value….considering we’ve overstayed our values this year I am thinking mod, but the nice new Dooney bag in my closet is screaming “VALUE”!!

Friday April 28, 2006 ~ Arbor Day - plant that tree! ~ Hairstylist Appreciation Day (every BAD GIRL has one!) ~ National Hairball Awareness Day - what? ~

today is the day for October ADR’s! Now, I don’t have a resort reservation but the wonderful CM let me go ahead and make reservations. So skipping ahead to October I have:


Wednesday (arrive) Le Cellier

Thursday (MNSSHP) CRT ~ Samantha’s Birthday Dinner!

Friday - ???

Saturday – Chef Mickey



So I need to come up with a Friday plan. I was thinking of sleeping in and going to Epcot late for a later lunch and staying on for dinner. But I am sure I’ll change my mind 100 times before then. I suggested Marrakesh to Charming and he said he was fine with trying something new, I did get Le Cellier “Canada” for him so he should be happy! That has become is one request.

Thursday May 4, 2006 ~ International Respect for Chickens Day (should this be chics?) ~ 1929 Audrey Hepburn was born ~

Well today I was adding to my trip report and reviewing my upcoming May schedule. On our MGM day we were slated to dine at, guess where? Yep, 50’s Prime Time. I just had to call and cancel. I am Prime Time’d out! I was able to get an early lunch for 4 with no problem. I was quite surprised especially at this late date and knowing how booked the resorts are. Could it possibly be the parks won’t be as bad as I envision?

After arriving home Charming and I are settled on the couch having some lovely conversation. We decide we need (desperately) a night out on the town while on vacation. This means, alone, us, no babies, no kids, no diaper bags to tote, no strollers to haul, no sippy cups to fill, not having to worry where the knives are on the table.

I love my girls more than anything but we need a break every now and then. I suggest using the “Kids Nite Out” service which he immediately replies “No WAY”, can’t really blame him, I am not to thrilled on the idea of complete strangers come and baby-sit. I mean - leaving your kids in a hotel room alone with someone you don't know and have never met? That's a recipe for trouble. So we decide to ask English Super Mom or DQ.

I make the phone call, why is it always me asking for baby sitters? She is thrilled and excited to do it. After all she can now see the AKL!



Oh right – you didn’t know about Animal Kingdom Lodge did ya? Ya’ll thought we were staying at the Poly right? Well I better back track a little and post an entry I forgot to post simply because it has to do with changing our reservation in May!

~Monday March 20, 2006 ~




​

So I did the unthinkable today. I called WDW again to try for the Wilderness Lodge Woods or Standard View…nothing, BUT they do have an opening at AKL for a standard view (parking lot – how attractive) for almost half the rate of the Polynesian. This is where my profession and of course logic take over. The accountant in me hates to spend so much per night. $1500 - that’s a garage door, a couple new handbags or a semesters worth of books – ok maybe not in twenty years but you know what I am getting at! So I go back and forth….the Polynesian, so close to MK, the monorail, everywhere we want to eat, AKL – fun activities, animals, we haven’t stayed there in a while…but most importantly – CHEAP! Ok, not cheap but cheaper! It’s so much easier for me to swallow two nights at the Polynesian rather than five nights.



I ask about CSR, nothing. No balcony there anyway. I am sure the cast members love me, so undecisive and always asking them to check just once more. I take it upon myself to go for it since there are only what 139 standard rooms….I make the switch. I hung up the phone and burst into tears. Ok, not really. But I just saved us $700+! Kudos’ to me. And considering I put $300 deposit down – that’s only a little over $500 to go! Yippee!!!



So I go back to hawking candlesticks, Gator paraphernalia, Gymboree clothes and what ever else I can scrounge up around the house. Let’s see what do I need $$ for:



Wishes cruise $200 + tip (although I think we found a family!)

Behind the Seeds - paid

Family Magic Tour - paid

CRT – paid – may have to pay extra because Charming is determined he’ll get a sword. hopefully we have a waitress or waiter who thinks he’s as cute as I do and oblige! If not maybe we can trade in Haley’s Tiara for a sword. I am sure she won’t mind. But then I am absolutely positive if Charming gets a sword Samantha will forget about the tiara and request a sword. Kids.

Dinners lots of $$

Drinks lots more $$

Souvies $$



What else do we need money for….I mean I never budget our trips…gas….I would say $100 roundtrip. Hmm…maybe I should budget this one out? Nah, too much trouble - I know one thing that is certain about going to Disney - I always end up being sucked dry - of cash that is.

 

[lillygator]

May 9, 2006 ~ No Diet Day - that's one every Bad Girl can appreciate!



7 days and counting. I couldn’t sleep last night. I tossed and turned and finally got up around 2:30am, another ungodly hour. My mind just kept churning all night long. A few co-workers had uttered unthinkable things at work and now I was stewing about them. I’ve been walking around work kind of in a vacation trance. The vacation drug has taken over and it is slightly hard to concentrate on much else. Who am I kidding, I’m like this all the time! A couple people have noticed my name on the “vacation calendar” and while in the kitchen getting lunch they asked “where are you going on vacation”, to which another co-worker replied “oh I would bet Disney again” sort of in a real smug tone. I just said that’s where we were headed and then they proceeded to ambush me with the “boy your kids are going to be so sick of going there when they get older” “we know who makes all the money around here” “there are other places to visit you know” “the US has so much history and all you do is go to a theme park”



Now I realize these are those kind of people, the kind that think WDW is a people trap run by a mouse. Maybe it is but I guess no one really knows just how WDW touches me. I am doubtful Charming even knows. It all started way back when….when I was a little girl.



I lived with my grandparents until junior high. My Grandfather loved Disney (this was back when just Magic Kingdom and later Epcot were around). Every year for Christmas I knew I had two gifts from him that were constant. A new pair of figure skates (he also loved hockey and was a key starter of the Florida "Old"timer’s Association) and a year pass to Walt Disney World. I was in love with that pass. It had my picture on it – that meant it could only be used by me and no one else. We lived within driving distance so we had few overnight stays but we went often. Very often. More than I am able to go now.



My Grandfather loved nothing more than driving over to Epcot, bellying up to one of the reservations kiosks and making dinner reservations. I remember thinking how cool it was as well. His two favorites were Coral Reef and Chefs De France. I would say on average we went over four or so times a month just to eat, not counting the park days. This continued until my Grandfather was transferred to South Africa for his job. I was devastated. I was in junior high, I was already living with my mother and Disney was out of the question. I was fortunate enough to live with them in South Africa for a while before my senior year in high school. (take that catty co-workers – I have seen other parts of the world) It was amazing.



Before my senior year he was transferred to California, they moved right onto the same street the Rose Bowl Parade travels on. As luck would have it my squad in high school was traveling to California for Nationals and they would get to see me compete. During that visit I was able to spend time with them apart from my “group”. We went to Disneyland and hold the phone - what a difference. It certainly is no Disney World. It wasn’t until much later I found out that morning he had been diagnosed with cancer. Here my grandparents came to watch me perform, take me out and all the while “pretend” everything was fine. They later told me then did not want to ruin my trip, which I can understand their perspective. I was only 17 and I am absolutely positive I would have begged to stay.



They didn’t come back to Florida until I was in college (they always kept their home here) He was in and out of Moffitt for a while and was basically being used for testing. I couldn’t bear to see him. He was a huge man (tall 6’4” –6’5”) and overnight it seems he was just shrinking away.



I was also in college when he passed away. I was 19. I’ve never been more devastated in my life. I came home to the memorial and left just as quickly. On my way back to Gainesville I had to do it. I had to go to Epcot. I remember crying all the way over there but once inside I felt it. It was like a drug infusing into my blood that made me feel high. I was calm. I sat on a bench for what seemed like hours. Everything was going to be ok, I just knew it.



To this day, every time I set foot in Magic Kingdom or Epcot I feel as though someone or something is enveloping me with a huge hug almost a thank you bear hug. I well up on Main Street not because I think the castle is stunning (which I do) but of what the entire place means to me. To me, this is the best introduction to their great grandfather I can give my girls. I am sure my Grandfather would agree that as long as Charming likes Disney he is good people. The memories it holds, the magical times I have spent there. That is the feeling I would love my girls to have. They may be too young to understand how it makes me feel but what joy I get from seeing them light up upon seeing the castle or riding “Cinderella’s Horses”. The first time Samantha met Charming (not my Charming) she was standing on a chair at 1900 Park Fare in her full Cinderella costume including her tiara and her jaw had to be scraped off the floor. It is frozen into my memory, she was 2. My Grandmother then proceeds to adjust Charming’s sash as it seems to have become dislodged. The look on his face was priceless as well.



I am quite positive I could make happy memories anywhere. But I will never be fully able to express or convey how I feel while I am at Disney World. Yes, I worry all the time that we go too often, that my girls are spoiled, that one day – the magic will be bone dry. Until then I want to bask in that magic. I want to make new memories with my own little family as well as remember all the magical times I have spent there over the years.

Now how could my co-workers possibly understand this?









later that same day ~ one of those co-workers just came to me for advice on a trip to Magic Kingdom. I was happy to oblige, maybe I can help spread some magic as well.

 

[cynderella]

Nosy people. No one would bat an eyelash if you were going to the beach for the 100th time or something. Maybe next time you get the "disapproval treatment" you can tell them that when their vacation comes up, you'll expect to hear where they're going so you can let them know whether it meets with your approval or not! Besides, you DO see the world. Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, Germany, etc. You keep having fun where you like to be. It's none of their beeswax.

 

[burly]

From one redhead BadGirl to another, keep on writing with your bad self girl. Loving the trip report, and I relate to you in a redhead sort of way. Oh wait I meant Kim

 

[fizz13]

First time I went to WDW was with my grandfather....I get it Thankyou so much for sharing,
Claire xx

 

[lillygator]

Tuesday May 16, 2006 ~ 1952 Pierce Brosnan was born....hmm...Bad Girls love him in a James Bond sorta way ~ 1966 Janet Jackson was born - I memorized her moves from every video! ~ 1986 "Top Gun" premieres....oh Bad Girls loved Cruise before he turned psycho! ~

"I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond" ~ Mae West


Rainy icky awful traveling weather. Especially if you’re a bird. Last night I was up all hours, partly from the “too excited to sleep syndrome” and partly hysterically crying over Grey’s Anatomy. I have gotten way to attached to that show! Charming and I are part of the working folk though – so I am doing a half-day and he is doing a full day. Once my boss found out I was going on vacation (or remembered) he scheduled a meeting from 10:30-11:30am. I was planning on hightailing it out of here at noon. The meeting ran until 12:30 – which I wouldn’t have minded if we had all actually gotten something accomplished. No matter, I am out of here people!

The day before I had taken my memory card to Walgreen’s to have it all put onto a disc. Three discs actually. I stopped to pick it up then I headed out to get the princesses. They had kept Haley up and as soon as she saw me she started clapping…what can I say – she’s gorgeous and a genius! Samantha’s room had all just laid down to rest but luckily no one was asleep. As we left her room she yelled out “hey guys – we’re going to Disney!”, sorry Miss Katie if we caused an uproar! We stopped to gas up and get ice on the way home and upon reaching our first destination it was around 1:30.

Before Grey’s Anatomy last night I had packed the car of everything except my makeup and the snack box – simply because I needed the makeup to get ready and the snack box had chocolate in it. This turned out to be a blessing because it was raining out and I would have hated to be lugging stuff in the rain. I did have to pack the cooler, which I did rather quickly. I called Charming and he was nowhere close to leaving, drat. From now on we are going to take the entire day off and head out in the morning. Just imagine the agony of almost your entire party being ready to go and you have to wait, wait and wait some more for the main character. Pure agony I tell you.



At this point Haley was really tired so I laid her down for a nap. Samantha and I sat around and I kept sweeping through the house to see what else I could stuff in the already too full car. I hear a car door and rush outside – yippee Charming made it! He hurries and showers and changes into the clothes I laid out for him – what a great wife. We are on the road at 4:15pm, we hit the interstate – I-75 to be exact at 4:30.

We pull up to valet parking at the Animal Kingdom Lodge at exactly 6pm. The ride over was the most uneventful as far as traffic that we have ever encountered. Every so often we would both glance over at each other with the “are we in the twilight zone?” looks on our faces. It really was a very strange experience.


As we pull up I am anxiously looking at the standard view rooms that overlook the valet and parking area. My main question was do the ground floor rooms have balconies or patios – well, they have balconies. Phew – my children would not run directly into the parking lot, they would scale a balcony railing before doing so. Hopefully slowing them down enough in the interim that either Charming or I could get to them before being squished by Jo from South Dakota or a Meers van.



We always valet when at the Deluxe’s – just one of the many advantages (to us) of staying here. For once Charming doesn't have to overload the double stroller and hike it to the room! The porter took all our bags and he remembered us from 2004. He practically was our personal valet last time we stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. He was shocked to see our new addition to the family tree. We told him that she was in fact a souvenir from that very AKL visit! (or DCL it was 4 day AKL and 3 night DCL) I gathered up Haley and Charming took Samantha. We stepped into relaxation immediately. The Lodge was just as I remember and smelled just as wonderful. The rich colors surrounding you are so inviting. The chairs, loungers, televisions and table areas all are screaming “come and make yourself at home”. I really do love this place.



We were greeted with no line, which is a welcome change from the huge lines we have experienced at the value resorts this year. Any time you have no waiting with a child is certainly a blessing. George was our helpful cast member. He had just started at 6pm so he was refreshed and ready to spread some pixie dust. We booked a standard room for this trip – the price just couldn’t be beat. (I had tried previously to upgrade to a pool view.) He asked us if we had stayed here before and Charming said, “yes, although in a Savannah View room”. He said he would check to see if one was available. There were not. Well, only if we wanted to pay $75 per day, um no - that there be drinkin' money! He then asked us if bunk beds would be ok. It would be an upgrade to a pool view for no charge. Sweet. We’ll take it. Looking back I think if I had said no to the bunk beds we would have ended up in a Savannah View room because he kept going back and forth with a senior CM and it appeared there were no standard rooms available and probably no pool views that did not have bunk beds. We were happy with the pool view and really enjoyed it during our stay. And Samantha only fell off the ladder once, luckily she was an inch shy of cracking her head on the corner of the frig cabinet.



First things first – I wanted to get to the room to check it out. We had dinner plans at 8pm for Boma and I wanted to be settled by then. We were given room 2460, which was so close to the pool, the restaurants and steps away from a savannah overlook. It really was a good location. It was a bit of a walk to the main entrance but not that bad. It was now 6:45pm and our luggage was MIA. I called down to the valet desk and somehow our ticket was not “called in” or whatever the CM at the front desk does with it. No matter, they would send it up right away.



Charming decided to nap a bit while I unpacked everything. The room was delightful. It was fully equipped with a coffee maker, refrigerator, bunk beds, a queen bed, ceiling fan, iron, ironing board, pack and play, extra blankets and pillows as well as all the Mickey shampoo’s, soaps and ever fashionable shower cap. (does anyone actually use those?) I got everything “just so” and then decided it was time for drinks on the balcony. I opened my wine – thankfully I remembered my foil cutter and corkscrew this time – and grabbed a Bud for Charming (beer people) and juicy boxes for the girls and we all sipped and enjoyed the view and fresh air. We left the door open and I was amazed at how no bugs came into the room. This is Florida and I don’t think there is any square inch of land where you can leave a door opened unscreened and not have a mosquito or some other equally wonderful creature grace your presence.



The room – most everything I really loved. It was immaculate which is also a nice change from the values we’ve stayed at this year. There were only a few things that I actually “wrote” down….the TV stand bothered me. The doors that open up and slide in don’t go all the way back. They stick out a few inches. This doesn’t affect viewing but it bothers me. The TV could be pulled out if viewing was affected but I was afraid Samantha would be swinging off it and knock the whole thing over so it was better left “inside” the cabinet. Also the height of the stand was tall – I had to stand on my tippy toes to even think about seeing up there. These are my own issues though – nothing the resort can do but offer therapy for them. The refrigerator is like any dorm fridge. Put things towards the back and they freeze. Both blocks of cheese froze, as did a sippy with milk in it. But for the most part it kept things cold and basically did “its” job. I do have to mention the tub - I am a tub gal plain and simple. I love my tubs and while this certainly is space challenged I love the large wide "side" on the back of the tub. It's perfect for candles, wine glasses, magazines, beauty products and small bottoms to sit on. It really is nice. We'll definitely stay here again hopefully in October.

This was our view..... Much better than the parking lot!