Our First Anniversary @Sports, Old Key West AND Pop! TR finished, new TR started!!

[A's Princess]

Sounds like a great last day so far!

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

We decided that it would be a good time to find a place to watch the Christmas parade. I typically despise having to line up early for the parade, there is just so much other stuff I'd rather be doing, BUT, seeing the Christmas parade during the day was one of the main reasons why we came to MK that day, and it was SO CROWDED, so I knew we had to find a spot if we wanted to see it.

We really wanted to find somewhere to sit too, and eat some lunch, but of course there were no benches to be found along the route. We walked around in Liberty Square, and even over an hour before the parade it was nuts. We found a space along the wall in front of the fence near the Riverboat, right by a water fountain where we could sit. So we sat down and relaxed for a little bit, and had our sandwiches and chips we'd packed. I really hated waiting that long, but I'm glad we did get a good view, decent at least, even though it was insanely crowded around us. We just hung out and talked, at one point closer to the parade time I walked up near Peter Pan to use the restroom, and the line was just ridiculous, out the door. And there were huge groups of people just hanging out right outside the bathroom in that little area there, it was just crazy. It was getting to the point where I just didn't want to be there. I HATE. HATE. HATE. crowds like that. Thus why we rarely visit Disney in the summer and other crowded times. I can't take it.

Anyway. I went back and sat down, and we waited a little bit longer for the parade to start! We ended up standing up on top of the wall to see. The little walkway that they kept open until the parade was right next to us, and once it started it was this mad rush of people and they just crowded right around us, it was this sea of people and we could NOT move. I had people climbing up on the wall behind me, and people were pushing, etc, ugh. I get crazy thinking about it. DH stood where he could kind of keep people off me and make sure I didn't fall but it was just nuts. The parade was awesome though and I took a million pictures...

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[Hillary12.8.07]

The parade was awesome and I was really glad that we had gotten to see it. By the time it was over I was so HOT. I was right in the sun and since I couldn’t move and was surrounded by people it made it worse. It was just this sea of people, and it just wasn’t moving because there were so many, and everyone going different ways. We stood up on the wall out of the way to just let some of it pass. I took a picture just to show how many people were there…

Yuck.

By this time we knew everything would have long waits, and we were just ready to get out of there. We wanted to go back to Pop and just swim and hang out the rest of the day, and relax at the hotel. I was sad to be leaving the park for the last time this trip, but I really was looking forward to just relaxing at Pop.

Finally we made it back to the front, and decided to ride the train around the park, since we hadn’t done it yet. The parade was just making it’s way up front down Main Street, so we had to wait for it to go around, and naturally the crowds were all up here as well. We got up to the train station and the line was really long, but we figured it wouldn’t take too long. Within a minute or so one was there and filled up, but we made it up to the outside. I took a few pictures from up there…

About 20 minutes later another train came along. Problem was, NO one was getting off hardly, and they had already let way too many through. We couldn’t find a seat, and it was mass pandemonium up there, people trying to get back in the gate to wait again, and were just decided to forget it. We were tired and hot and it was just a mess. So we were out of there. Sometimes you just know when you’ve had enough, and its time to go. This was ours. We’d had a wonderful day at the Magic Kingdom, and this just reiterated why we go during the OFF season.

We made our way out to the bus, didn’t have to wait long and I think we even got a seat. We were very excited to get back to Pop and have some fun!

We stopped in the gift shop on the way back. I had been eyeing a few tshirts and we decided to go ahead and get them so we could take them back to the room. I got the monorail tshirt, because hello, I LOVE IT. DH knew I needed to have it. I also got this green one that has Belle on the front and it says “I’m With Beast”. DH found it hilarious as well. We headed back to the room to get our bathing suits on and go swim! I took this along the way..

We went on to the pool right near our room instead of the main pool since it was less crowded. It was much warmer this day so the water wasn’t so cold. I also called while we were in the room to get an ADR for Trails End at Ft. Wilderness for the next morning. It’s kind of a tradittion, and we LOVE Ft. Wilderness, it’s like home to us (hint hint..) We swam for awhile, just floated around and hung out. Talked about how great of a trip we’d had, and while I was sad it was coming to an end, we knew that we would NOT have enjoyed being there that coming week with all the huge Christmas crowds. I was excited for Christmas with our family and knowing we’d be back so soon really helped of course!

We started getting hungry so we decided to go back to the room and change and head to the Food Court for dinner. We put some dry and warm clothes on and grabbed our mug, and my camera and headed that way. When we got there we again debated over what to get. Really, just I did because DH knew he wanted a hamburger again. I finally decided on the Mom’s Night out special….

YUM. SO good. We got a table over on the far left side under a tv playing Hannah Montana. We had the most fun that night. We just sat and talked for awhile, and hung out. I love the atmosphere at Pop, its just fun and laid back. I love it. We might be visiting there this next trip, if just to eat one day! We also got dessert…back a few years ago when I stayed there with a friend I’d had this most awesome dessert, and I’d been waiting to try it again…

SO good. Tie-Dye Cheesecake.

DH had this.

I love that picture of him.

After we ate we decided to go play in the arcade for awhile. This was the BEST. We had so much fun that night. Funny how on our trips the most random, non planned, non park things end up being some of my favorite times. We stayed in there forever, playing Ski-Ball and air hockey, and a few other things. SO much fun.

There were these kids in there, who had thousands of tickets. It was insane. We went to the little machine to count our tickets and they seriously had thousands. They were getting like the big nice toy prizes. Crazy. We took forever to decide what to get with ours, I don’t even remember how many we had. We finally decided on a small deck of playing cards, a few pieces of candy with the leftovers, BUT, this was my favorite…

We thought it was hilarious.

Afterwards we went and got some hot chocolate in our mug and went and laid in some chairs by the main pool. Again, it was just so much fun and relaxing, I have such awesome memories of just hanging out together this night. We laid out there for awhile just talking and stuff. I took pictures of course.

Eventually we were getting tired and decided to head on back to the room and get ready for bed. We had a long day of driving the next day.

We past another one of these on the way back to the room…

We got our stuff together, the little bit we had since we just brought in enough for 2 nights, and put what we could in the car. I took down my window decorations so I wouldn’t have to do it in the morning, even though it made me sad, and made me realize our trip was really almost over. We took showers and got ready for bed, our last night in Disney.

Up next-our final breakfast at one of our favorite places.






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[IluvXU]

Thanks for sharing the parade with us. Great pictures. Excited to hear all about the next trip-- this week!

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Ugh, the last night is always so sad, but it sounds like you guys had a wonderful time. I love all the parade pics, you had a great view-even with the masses crowding you. I can't get over all the people! We were there the same time, although not at MK that day and I guess I forgot that it was that crazy at times. Definitely a great time of year to go, but more for the atmosphere and less for the rides. Its too bad you guys didn't get the train ride, but when you've had enough...that's it.

 

[A's Princess]

Great update!

Your bling ring is very glamourous!

 

[DisneyLaura]

Ahhhhhhh the last day always sad, but at least you're going back soon and we get another TR right?

 

[tinkgurl]

Aw Hill, you know I HATE the last day stuff! And all those crowds would've just made me more frustrated and sad.

I hate when hardly anybody gets off the train when you're trying to get on!

How was the tie-dye cheesecake? I've never even heard of it before until on here! What does it taste like? Well obviously cheesecake, but you know what I mean!

 

[Philadisney]

Wow those crowds were crazy! But you got some amazing pictures of the parade. I don't think I have ever seen that one. I want whatever that ginormous candy vehicle is that Goofy is on!
I love the arcades too. Jack & I adore air hockey so we had fun checking out all the arcades. Yay for unplanned excitement!
And that fried chicken looks SO GOOD right now.

ETA: I love your $ ring too!!

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Thanks for sharing the parade with us. Great pictures. Excited to hear all about the next trip-- this week!

Thanks! I can't believe a week from today I will be there!!! crazy.

Ugh, the last night is always so sad, but it sounds like you guys had a wonderful time. I love all the parade pics, you had a great view-even with the masses crowding you. I can't get over all the people! We were there the same time, although not at MK that day and I guess I forgot that it was that crazy at times. Definitely a great time of year to go, but more for the atmosphere and less for the rides. Its too bad you guys didn't get the train ride, but when you've had enough...that's it.

It was very sad, but we did have such a good time. And you're exactly right, when you've had enough, you just need to get out! I wish more people realized that at Disney, instead of going and going and being tired and angry! Thanks for reading!

Great update!

Your bling ring is very glamourous!

lol, thanks! It was hilarious.

Ahhhhhhh the last day always sad, but at least you're going back soon and we get another TR right?

Yes, this trip has completely snuck up on us, I haven't had time to think about it much! I'm planning on doing a TR, it just might take me a while since there is so much going on!

Aw Hill, you know I HATE the last day stuff! And all those crowds would've just made me more frustrated and sad.

I hate when hardly anybody gets off the train when you're trying to get on!

How was the tie-dye cheesecake? I've never even heard of it before until on here! What does it taste like? Well obviously cheesecake, but you know what I mean!

It was frustrating, but we'd had a long week and done everything we wanted to, and by that point we were ready to just hang out at the hotel and relax.

The cheesecake was YUM. Cheesecake is my favorite dessert, ever. It has some red velvet mixed in, maybe just on the bottom. It tastes like cheesecake, obviously, but different too. Kind of hard to explain? You MUST try it if you like cheesecake!!!

Wow those crowds were crazy! But you got some amazing pictures of the parade. I don't think I have ever seen that one. I want whatever that ginormous candy vehicle is that Goofy is on!
I love the arcades too. Jack & I adore air hockey so we had fun checking out all the arcades. Yay for unplanned excitement!
And that fried chicken looks SO GOOD right now.

ETA: I love your $ ring too!!

Arcades are so much fun, we love some air hockey!!! Yes, my ring was fabulous. Thanks for reading!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

I hope you and your hubby had a wonderful Valentines day!

Let me first just say...I love the bling!

The parade looks so different during the day. I know it's the same thing but it almost looks like a whole new parade. Hopefully that makes sense. lol

I'm so sad it's your last day but I'm excited to read all about this trip...NEXT WEEK! Eek!

Ohhh and you know all the times I've been to Pop I've never tried the Tye dye cheese cake?! You have one up on me!

Just incase I don't catch you before you go on this trip...have a WONDERFUL time!!! And take lots of pictures !

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

I hope you and your hubby had a wonderful Valentines day!

Let me first just say...I love the bling!

The parade looks so different during the day. I know it's the same thing but it almost looks like a whole new parade. Hopefully that makes sense. lol

I'm so sad it's your last day but I'm excited to read all about this trip...NEXT WEEK! Eek!

Ohhh and you know all the times I've been to Pop I've never tried the Tye dye cheese cake?! You have one up on me!

Just incase I don't catch you before you go on this trip...have a WONDERFUL time!!! And take lots of pictures !

Thanks Cheryl!! I hope you had a great Valentines Day and weekend too! And I'm glad you like my bling!

That totally makes sense about the parade, I've heard other people say that too.

And I can't believe you've never tried the cheesecake in ALL the times you've stayed at Pop!! what the heck! Next time, you MUST!

And thanks for the well wishes, I'm sure we'll have a blast and I have a new camera so you know I'm going to be all about taking pictures!!!!

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Our last day. As always, I was sad when I woke up and realized that this was it, we were packing up and heading home. But we'd had a nice long week, this was the longest trip we'd had in Disney ever. And Christmas was just 3 days away so I really was excited to get home and see our families and celebrate the holidays. That made it MUCH easier leaving. Also knowing we'd be back so SOON, didn't hurt.

We got our few last things together, DH loaded up the car and then ran with our mug to the food court to get one last mug of hot chocolate before we left. I was finishing up getting ready, and decided to take a few pitiful pictures to entertain myself while I waited on him to get back...

SUCH a nerd.

We got in the car and drove out, and I had to be annoyingly whiny and say goodbye to everything...

Byebye Pop. We really had such a great time those last two nights, I really look forward to staying there again. For the price and the atmosphere, it is a fantastic deal. We actually had a reservation to stay there this weekend, but decided not to...details on that coming up soon.

anyway, we found our way out of Pop and drove over through the Magic Kingdom gates to get to our breakfast ADR at Trail's End!

Snowman Mickey and Minnie! I LOVED this, and needed a picture!

We got into Fort Wilderness and parked out front, and walked over to the bus stop to get on a bus headed to Pioneer Hall. There were a few busses sitting and waiting, and one of the drivers was standing there and asked where we were going, and told us what bus to get on.

As we rode through the campground we could see all the awesome Christmas lights and decorations that people had, and we really wished then that we'd taken the time one night to come over and walk around to see it all. We'd talked about it a few times but just never got around to do it. boo. If you read my October TR you might remember how much we loved all the Halloween decorations at the Fort, people really go all out. Have I mentioned how much we LOVE Fort Wilderness?! I got a few blurry pics...

and one of us

We got back to Trail's End, and gave them our name and had to wait maybe five minutes. I took the chance of course to take pictures...

I just love it there. It feels like home.

Breakfast was YUM, I didn't take pictures but its so so good. Bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, fruit...we love it all. DH LOVES the breakfast pizza they have, me not so much. But its so good.

After stuffing ourselves we paid and headed out. Before we ate, we briefly talked about maybe riding the boat over to MK and going on a few rides before we left. It was still early and even though we had an 8 hr drive ahead of us, we still had some time. But after we ate we were so full, and just ready to get going and get on home. But it would have been cool-we just love having those APs!!!

We rode the bus back to the front, and headed back to the car to start our journey back home. The drive back was uneventful, and we were happy to come back to our house and our kitty and spend the holidays with the family. We'd celebrated our first year of marriage in our favorite (ok MY favorite) place, and you know I already had ideas floating around in my head for our NEXT trip!

Up next-some random and final thoughts, and then plans for our next trip.....leaving THIS FRIDAY!!!!


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[IluvXU]

Sad that it is over... but glad you will have another report soon! How long are you going for and I have a guess that you just showed where you are staying this trip... back to Ft Wilderness perhaps?

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Sad that it is over... but glad you will have another report soon! How long are you going for and I have a guess that you just showed where you are staying this trip... back to Ft Wilderness perhaps?

BINGO! I'm glad someone got it right! Details coming shortly...

 

[Hillary12.8.07]

Final Thoughts!!!

I don't think I have to say it over and over here, because I think it's obvious what an amazing trip we had. Our Disneymoon was awesome, and this trip was just as good, in different ways. These are just some of my random thoughts about this trip, so take them for whatever they're worth.

Dining
We did enjoy having the DDP on our honeymoon, but as I've said before, it's just not for us, and this trip proved it. We were so proud of ourselves for being able to stick to a budget. I haven't added it all up, but I know it was ridiculously cheap compared to our honeymoon, even having the discounted package we got then. I know lots of people go to Disney to eat, and don't get me wrong, we obviously enjoy trying new places and eating good food. But we don't have to eat at a special place three times a day, and spend lots of money to enjoy it!! We packed peanut butter sandwiches for at least one meal most days, but were still able to enjoy and have treats as well. Some of our favorites:

Earl of Sandwich!! -This was one of our best finds of this trip. I can't believe we've never been here before!! SUCH a great deal, seriously the best deal on property I believe. We ate there twice after realizing how great it was. Especially for us, staying at OKW and being only a boat ride away. We will definitely be going back!

Sci-Fi- We loved this too! I know it gets some mixed reviews but for lunch, and sticking with burgers, we loved it. It's nice to be able to go and sit down for a meal and not spend a fortune, and the atmosphere just can't be beat. We would def. go back.

Pop Century food court-love it too!! Lots of variety, fun and laid back atmosphere, very cool.

Trail's End-I think I've made it clear how much we love this place. We have had dinner here too a few times but I think breakfast is our favorite. It reminds us both of home cooked meals like our grandmothers make and obviously, being at Fort Wilderness, what's not to love there? Yes, we will be back.

Kona-we really enjoyed this on our honeymoon, but this time, not so much. It wasn't bad, just not worth the money. On our honeymoon though we had the DDP like I said, and the appetizers and dessert were our favorite part, so that obviously made a difference. I think its just overpriced, as many Disney restaurants probably are, and I dont think we'll make a point to go back anytime soon. But, you never know.

Like I said, we had some good food, but I really was proud of how well we were able to stick to a budget and not feel deprived or like we were missing out. Just my opinions, no flames please. But I think lots of people tend to go nuts and spend far too much money, more than necessary. And that's all I have to say about that.

Resorts

Old Key West- I absolutely fell in love, I've gone on and on about that in this TR. It is amazing, it's one of Disney's best kept secrets, and I WILL have DVC one day so we can stay there again and again. If you remember how much I loved WL after our honeymoon, it might surprise you to hear that I might love OKW more. I dont know....the jury is still out. I love that WL is all under one roof, and how cozy it is. And it will always hold a special place in my heart because we honeymooned there. But seriously, OKW is a little gem, and I miss it.

Pop-I'm going to run out of good things to say, but we had SO much fun here. Yes the room is small, and there is far less space and the bathroom is tiny. But its FUN. We don't tend to spend a whole lot of time in the room, and its just the two of us so we don't care anyway. With a few kids, I could see how it might be cramped, but the atmosphere is so great for families, I don't know if I'd even care. It was clean and well kept, we loved staying there. I could have probably stayed there comfortably for a week.

All Star Sports-not a fan. The rooms were obviously the same size, but from the minute we stepped in I just felt weird. Our room was wayyyy down a hallway, and it was kind of run down, and just kind of creepy. I really can't explain it. But I was so ready to get out of there. I dont know what it was...we were tired, and I was still sick, so maybe I don't have the best judgement to offer. But, we did not like it. I would never stay there again, when Pop is so much better, IMO.

Other random thoughts from Hillary

I think I said this quite alot after our honeymoon, but seriously, some of our best and most memorable moments were not rushing around the parks and doing all of our favorite attractions. Those were fun of course, but looking back, the days when we just laid by the pool, or played in the arcade, or just said outside and talked and relaxed were some of the most fun I had. I think because we're so busy at home and don't get to spend alot of quiet time with each other during the week especially, it's just awesome for us to get away. I think more people should remember to do this. I know it's hard when you have kids but I see all these people on here who are so caught up in sticking to a "plan", and following itineraries that I think they miss out on alot, that the tour book doesn't tell you about. My favorite things about Disney are just those moments you stop and enjoy just BEING there, and the magic and just being a kid again and having no worries, just enjoying the time there with your family. There's something about it that words can't describe and I think people sometimes miss that.

I thought I had more I wanted to say, but I'm drawing a blank. I might go back and add to it later. But now, here are our plans for this next trip, that we leave for in just 48 hours!!!!!!

New Trip Plans!!!!

So as Laura guessed, we are staying at Fort Wilderness!!!!We are going with my parents, staying in their camper with them again. If you read my October TR you might be familiar with them, and the resort on wheels that is their camper. This will be going with us as well...

it is the Mickey head lamp that DH made for my parents for Christmas. They haven't gotten to use it yet obviously, I cannot wait to set it up at the camper!! Tons of people in the campground have them, and I can't wait to show off ours! I will take tons of pictures you can be sure!

We decided on this trip way back in like October, right after that trip. It's been planned, and we talked about not going, just because they just went at Thanksgiving, and then we went in December, but we decided to go ahead, because with me graduating in May with my Masters I'll hopefully be working this summer and we may not get back again, so on with the trip!!

We are staying for a WEEK, crazy, I know. DH had already taken it off though, and they're off, and I didn't have a problem missing next week at school so it's a go. Our reservations are from Saturday to Saturday, but we are leaving Friday afternoon/night as soon as my dad and DH get off work, and driving halfway, to Jacksonville, FL. There is a campground right off the highway there that we stayed at during DH's first trip in May 2007. So we'll be there sometime Saturday, and leave the next Saturday. We don't have a whole lot of plans, we want to spend time at the campground, ride our bikes, walk around, and just hang out. We'll do parks, but not all day everyday. I have gotten to where I like to go later in the afternoon and stay until nighttime, because the parks are just all so beautiful at night. But like I said, we do have a few things planned including:

ADR at Biergarten on Monday. DH and I went to a local German restaurant awhile back with a group of friends and ended up loving it, which was very surprising. So we're interested to try this.

Keys to the Kingdom!!!! I have ALWAYS wanted to do this. And now with our APs we have the discount, so we decided to do it. We've done everything so many times, this will be something totally new. I'm so excited. We will be doing this on Tuesday.

OHana!! We just loved in for my mom's bday in October, and it was the one place we really wanted to go back to. So we are. I think that is Wednesday night.

So we don't have alot of things planned, but just enough. One completely non-Disney thing I'd like to do is go check out the IKEA. lol. Hey, we are buying a house! I've always heard about how wonderful the place is, and the closest one to us is Atlanta and we don't go there. So what perfect time to go right?! There is one in Orlando and we should have plenty of time to go check it out one day next week. DH is in, so we'll see how that goes.

So, those are the plans. This trip completely snuck up on us though, with all that has been going on with the house (we close on the 9th, if I haven't mentioned that already), and school and work and just life, we really haven't thought much about it at all! I don't think it's hit me yet that in two days we'll be on our way, and this time next week I'll be there! I'm starting to get really excited though, I'm finishing up laundry tonight and will be packing tommorow.

I think that's all the updates I have for now, if I dont get a chance to post again, I will post a link to a TR whenever I get started!!

Thanks SO much for everyone who has read along with me, especially those of you who have been around through the past few TR's I've written! I have so much fun writing knowing that you guys are reading, and I love talking to all of you!!! Thanks again!







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[tinkgurl]

OMG I can't wait to hear how Keys to the Kingdom goes!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

I've been neglecting my subscriptions and I caught up just in time for your last day and your next trip!!

It sounds like you had a great time! You and DH seem like such a great, fun couple!!

I can't wait to read about the next trip! I love IKEA! They have so much fun stuff!

 

[A's Princess]

Thanks for the fabulous TR - I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next one!

 

[tinkerbell87512]

Great report girl!!! You guys really had a blast. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Your plans for your next trip sound great! You are really going to love the Keys tour. There is a lot of information and each tour is a bit different depending on the guides.

Can't wait to hear all about that trip!