Our Own Fab Five..December 2009

[Disney Mommy 3]

I need more detail about what you thought of Tony's. We tried to get in there for our Sunday before MVMCP, but couldn't. I was so surprised!

Bummer that the kids didn't get to swim much. I bet it was nice to just hang out and relax though. Did it rain most of the day? That's the day we got on the ship and it was pretty dreary and windy for most of the day.

It was nice to just do what we wanted--look in the stores and candy shop as long as we wanted!!! Ha!! The weather was colder for sure---the wind with that drizzle made it pretty yucky. Not freezing, but you just could not shake the chill.

Yes PLEASE more detail about Tony's!!!! I really want to try that one on our next trip! Details Please!!!!!

TONYS:We always enjoy it. The panninis and Minestrone soup is always great! I never get anything with sausage... I veer to chicken or whatever..Mike gets the sausage-y stuff and loves it!! The kids like their menu selections too. The desserts are good...kinda the same as what most TS desserts are offered..tiramusu (SP?) chocolate, and even a pistachio something..can't remember. We did get the calzone once and it was great. I totally forgot we had all got this trip--thought I journaled it but i didnt. I would say to try it at least once...plus the kids can sit and watch Lady & the Tramp in the little foyer while you are waiting.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Day 7 Sat Dec 12

It's our last full day and it's also....MOVING DAY!! My hunny fell in love with the Wilderness Lodge!! Kim.. I thought of you and Ken!! First we had breakfast scheduled at Chef Mickeys. Then we finished packing and headed over to check into WL. We had to fork out a bit extra and do a larger room, but we looooooved it!! We have never stayed here because they don't allow 5 in standard room like the other deluxes, but for one night we were willing!

We were gonna do the bounceback...but, alas we didn't. And now we kick ourselves in the behind. Here is the stupid reason why we didn't. We have been considering taking other vacation...GASP!!!! We really want to take the kids to some of the other great places in our country, and even a European vacation. We have considered Colorado this March,,, then New York in Late April. But....since we got back, we have went back and forth. Really, you don't get your $$$$ worth like you do at Disney! Not with the guarantee that your ENTIRE family is gonna enjoy the trip. I for one am not sure me and the little 2 would like NY,and they said they do NOT want to go to Europe at this point. I think they are a little young, but if we decide to do it, they would like it!! But, there isn't the excitement like there would be centered around a Disney trip. So....I am looking at ....NOVEMBER!!! The CM at one of the things Mike went to this time told him the slowest time now is the week before Thanksgiving..has been for the last few years...so that is our consideration...and either a split at BC and WL or just WL...depends on how good of a discount we could get. I haven't gotten any pin codes since we got home.
Okay...breakfast was ok...the kids love all the hoopla, so that was good..I am not a big morning eater so it felt like a waste for me(just my part..every one else ate great!). After we got to the WL we took the bus to DTD...now you may know that I was sooooo looking forward to this:

But they were closed due to the weather. What weather? It was a great day!!! Sooo disappointed...I had kept that a secret since July!!!!!Bummer. So, we went to eat at Wolf Gang Pucks...and it was pretty good. Not super fab...but pretty good..for some reason I was getting quite a headache so I think that made my opinion a little shaded. Mike and the kids liked theirs, so ignore my opinion!!!Next we had to take my little Kipper to:

Legoland! Does that little face not just scream " I am in Heaven"!!? So...he got the biiiig train and was thrilled!! Me and Gracie found the Little MisMatch store!! TOOO cute! Next we all go to the Big Toy store...the World of Disney. I think.. I never seem to get that name right!LOL!! Anyhoo...Saylor got some POTC stuff, and large Mickey Mouse houseshoes!! Love 'em!
Gracie got her Lady doggie and a collar for her,a Marie journal and a pen. I found some Mickey measuring spoons and cups. Then I found me and Gracie a set of aprons!! Mines green with Minnies that says Queen of the Castle and hers is pink and says domestic princess!! I will try to take a picture later and repost it. They are sooo cute! Mike got a cap and a new coffee mug with Goofy. then various stuff for the family and friends back home. Now we head back to the fabulous WL...we had used up our CS credits and for dinner we had the food set out in the Concierge lounge.Boy, was that a treat!! Veggies, dips, cheeses, soft drinks....later they brought out cookies and milk!!! the kids checked out some dvds and brought them to the room. We laid out clothes for the last half day and repacked....at this point --after all the concierge treatment, Mike decides we really should stay longer!! Ha!! I was alll for that, but we had to leave...but I know we will be back quicker than what he said when we left for this trip!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Wow! What fun! We're thinking WL is on our list now too! As I read the update about "leaving early" I wanted to shout "I KNOW WHY!!!"
Great pictures!
I'm sorry you didn't get to do the balloon ride. I think you should go back at the end of July with us! you could do BC then and then in November go for WL! Aren't I nice and helpful, spending your money for you, planning your trips to coincide with mine? I'm pretty sure we won't be going in November. Although if I had my way, I'd go in November and February every year.

You mentioned NYC and Colorado, but I didn't see anything about Minnesota???? What's up with that??? Girl - I've got plans for us!

I can't wait to hear what you decide to do next!

 

[KidaniMom]

I'm enjoying your TR. We are also a family of five - two boys 11, 5 and a daughter 8 yrs old. We will be there in August. We can't wait. We have been there the last two years in a row and we are getting truly addicted. I agree with you that it is hard to find a better vacation spot that DW - where you know the whole family will have fun.

Thanks for you reports and pictures!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Wow! What fun! We're thinking WL is on our list now too! As I read the update about "leaving early" I wanted to shout "I KNOW WHY!!!"
Great pictures!
I'm sorry you didn't get to do the balloon ride. I think you should go back at the end of July with us! you could do BC then and then in November go for WL! Aren't I nice and helpful, spending your money for you, planning your trips to coincide with mine? I'm pretty sure we won't be going in November. Although if I had my way, I'd go in November and February every year.

You mentioned NYC and Colorado, but I didn't see anything about Minnesota???? What's up with that??? Girl - I've got plans for us!

I can't wait to hear what you decide to do next!

Well,..you know I can't do disney in the summer!! got that humidity problem! Ha!! If I come see you I want to come in the summertime!!!! Gracie wants to also! My little shopper--we want to do the AG thing..and Kipper of course wants the Lego store. So...Minn. would definitely be a summer trip- I personally would rather go do that than NYC. I don't know if we will even do Colorado----we say we are going every year and never do!

I'm enjoying your TR. We are also a family of five - two boys 11, 5 and a daughter 8 yrs old. We will be there in August. We can't wait. We have been there the last two years in a row and we are getting truly addicted. I agree with you that it is hard to find a better vacation spot that DW - where you know the whole family will have fun.

Thanks for you reports and pictures!

Your Welcome! It is addicting! They know what they are doing! Glad you found me--hope your trip in August is wonderful!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Well,..you know I can't do disney in the summer!! got that humidity problem! Ha!! If I come see you I want to come in the summertime!!!! Gracie wants to also! My little shopper--we want to do the AG thing..and Kipper of course wants the Lego store. So...Minn. would definitely be a summer trip- I personally would rather go do that than NYC. I don't know if we will even do Colorado----we say we are going every year and never do!

Buffalo is always a great place to visit too. Niagara Falls is only 20 minutes from my house!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well,..you know I can't do disney in the summer!! got that humidity problem! Ha!! If I come see you I want to come in the summertime!!!! Gracie wants to also! My little shopper--we want to do the AG thing..and Kipper of course wants the Lego store. So...Minn. would definitely be a summer trip- I personally would rather go do that than NYC. I don't know if we will even do Colorado----we say we are going every year and never do!

Buffalo is always a great place to visit too. Niagara Falls is only 20 minutes from my house!

Well, not to start a big competition, but I think you both and Kim (Northern Disney Girl) should all come to MN!! It's probably the same distance for both of you, we all have girls the same ages, (Sorry Kipper/Saylor, you're out of luck!), we would have so much fun!!!
Niagara Falls is great though! We stopped there in July 2007 on our way to Albany NY.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

OOOHHHH Kim!! they are fighting over us!! ha!!! Well...I would rather go to Niagra Falls than NYC!!! I just am not a crowd/big city girl....I would like to see the Statue of Liberty...but I don't want to do a whole vacation just for that! I guess I am weird!!!!

 

[Dancegrl624]

Well, not to start a big competition, but I think you both and Kim (Northern Disney Girl) should all come to MN!! It's probably the same distance for both of you, we all have girls the same ages, (Sorry Kipper/Saylor, you're out of luck!), we would have so much fun!!!
Niagara Falls is great though! We stopped there in July 2007 on our way to Albany NY.

We would love to come to MN! However, with 4 weddings this year (and hopefully a trip to Disney) I don't think it's possible. I think that all of our girls would have a blast!!

OOOHHHH Kim!! they are fighting over us!! ha!!! Well...I would rather go to Niagra Falls than NYC!!! I just am not a crowd/big city girl....I would like to see the Statue of Liberty...but I don't want to do a whole vacation just for that! I guess I am weird!!!!

I went to NYC on a school trip when I was 15 yrs old. I'd love to go back, but it's pretty pricey. I'd rather spend my money somewhere else. It's a very cool city, but it moves at a very fast pace. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is WAY better than the American side. Much more to do and many more places to stay.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Last Day...Sunday Dec 13

Well, we ate breakfast at the concierge lounge....They had breads, fruits , muffins, juices...it was all we needed to get going.After we ate, we went back and finished up the luggage/backpacks...took it down to the bell hop and said goodbye to the WL We really enjoyed our one night there and want to go back. We went to MK--TGM had forecasted low crowds---BUSY!! We were shocked! But, we had some rides we really wanted to do again and we went over to Tom Sawyers Island. I tell you what..it was hot! We had run the gammot of weather this week and it was definitely warm while we were on that island...all we could think about was getting a drink! It was time for lunch, so we wandered around to see what TS places were not crowded. The answer...TONYS!!! We got to eat there one last time! We had a wonderful little waitress...I think her name was Stephanie and she was originally from New York.
We had to buy a few more things! Gracie finally got one of those parasols with her name painted on it!! It really turned out pretty..Saylor got a POTC t shirt..can't remember what all we got..some rice krispie mickeys!!!!
We hopped on the ME bus and headed out. How depressing. That is always when I get antsy...trying not to cry!!! We were dropped off an hour and 40 minutes before our plane was due----then we see the board that says:
DELAYED. We were scheduled to be in Houston at 7:30...we didn't board til after that time...then we had to sit on the plane while they went over a log. Something had malfunctioned that morning in Alaska...and they were still checking it!!!!! We should have just been put on another plane...they gave us food vouchers to use while we waited at the airport. Got to Houston at 9 and COULD NOT find the car!!! We didn't realize the level we parked on was actually #rd for two levels!!!! It was kind of a split level thing...real weird...only on the level we parked at!! And it was freezing in Houston..and we had shorts on!!!! We didn't get back home til almost 1 a.m. We were sooooo tired!!!!! But,,, we sure had a good time~!!! It's sooo hard getting back to the real world after all that!!!!
We really need to sit down and decide what we really want to do for vacation time this year.....I really feel like we will take Saylor to NYC....I am up for Disney when the weather is good. Summer trips are not for me. Can't handle that heat or the crowds. So...I think we are looking most assuredly to the week before Thanksgiving(or there abouts) ....If we stay at WL we have to get a good room discount..if not, we may start there and after 2 or 3 days, move to the BC. Neither place is to complain about!!!!!
Thanks for hanging with me...it took me waaayyy longer than I intended---but we had some glitches!!! Feel free to ask me anything about our resorts or food or whatever!!!!! Hopefully by this summer I will be starting a PTR!!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update! How fun that you got to experience a new resort!

I have to agree with you about other vacation destinations not being as great a deal as Disney is. I have researched and priced out things (because like you I want the kids to experience new things), but in the end Disney is always the winner! It's too risky to spend all that money to go somewhere else and possibly be disappointed (and wishing you were at Disney). I do plan to do NYC and to get out west at some point, but for now we are a Disney family!!

And yes, November is an excellent time to go!! The only thing wrong with it is that it is not Value season! Not sure why. We went the 2nd week in November last year and it was so awesome that we are doing it again this year!!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

We would love to come to MN! However, with 4 weddings this year (and hopefully a trip to Disney) I don't think it's possible. I think that all of our girls would have a blast!!



I went to NYC on a school trip when I was 15 yrs old. I'd love to go back, but it's pretty pricey. I'd rather spend my money somewhere else. It's a very cool city, but it moves at a very fast pace. The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is WAY better than the American side. Much more to do and many more places to stay.

I have heard that about the Canadian side from everyone I know who has been! I agree with you totally about the NYC thing...I really thought about sending Mike & Saylor together for a Father-Son weekend. Wouldn't that be awesome!! He is 14 and he is SUCH a great kid!! He reeeaaaally craves time with just Mike---he's at that age where he needs to be with his Dad..makes me sad for all the little boys that don't have it. I am blessed with such a good guy!!! He is a wonderful Christian man setting a fantastic example for our kids....so I think they would both benefit from it. Saylors birthday is in Dec(you might remember!), so them doing something like that for his birthday sounds good..but prices go up for Holiday rates and the weather is usually nasty. I thought mid-Spring would be perfect...before the public schools and colleges let out....then when Kipper gets older they can go somewhere that he would enjoy. I know lots of families that do this and it's one of the greatest memories the kids have. Each kid is sooo different that I always try to do little 'date nights' with each one so they can do just what they want. I will be glad when we all get over this sickness that has been going around....we are all due for a mommy date!!!! TTFN my friends!!!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Okay, my last post was about the previous update. You snuck another update in there on me in the meantime!!

Sorry about the plane delay and troubles finding your car.

It sounds like you had a wonderful vacation ~ Thanks so much for sharing it with us! Looking forward to hearing what you decide about your next trip!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Shelly...I agree...the idea of taking a trip and one of us not enjoying it is sickening!! For us (being 5)..it's sooo much money for a really good vacation. Most deals are offered for a family of 4....I know Saylor is getting to the age he wants different travel..but the other 2 could care less...they just want Disney! I think I have created a Disney Monster! I know our plans aren't definite..but I am gonna go ahead and make a 'wishful thinking' ticker! I will tweak it when we are sure..but it looks soooo bare without one!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I have heard that about the Canadian side from everyone I know who has been! I agree with you totally about the NYC thing...I really thought about sending Mike & Saylor together for a Father-Son weekend. Wouldn't that be awesome!! He is 14 and he is SUCH a great kid!! He reeeaaaally craves time with just Mike---he's at that age where he needs to be with his Dad..makes me sad for all the little boys that don't have it. I am blessed with such a good guy!!! He is a wonderful Christian man setting a fantastic example for our kids....so I think they would both benefit from it. Saylors birthday is in Dec(you might remember!), so them doing something like that for his birthday sounds good..but prices go up for Holiday rates and the weather is usually nasty. I thought mid-Spring would be perfect...before the public schools and colleges let out....then when Kipper gets older they can go somewhere that he would enjoy. I know lots of families that do this and it's one of the greatest memories the kids have. Each kid is sooo different that I always try to do little 'date nights' with each one so they can do just what they want. I will be glad when we all get over this sickness that has been going around....we are all due for a mommy date!!!! TTFN my friends!!!

That sounds wonderful! I think a father/son trip is an excellent idea. I used to love going little places separately with my mom or my dad when I was little. I think a mid Spring trip sounds like a good time to go to NYC. It definately will be cheaper and less crowded than the holidays.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

You took longer than expected???? What about me? Girl, I'm still going on my TR. Dragging it out and neglecting it for a week at a time! LOL

Hopefully tonight or tomorrow I'll at least get another update up. I still have 2 1/2 days of cruise left to do!

I'm not crazy about going to WDW in summer either, but the trip to the beach was basically given to us, we just have to get there. It was our choice to sneak over to WDW too. I'm going to pack a super size box of sudafed! My sinuses will be nuts. But I was not going to say no to DH when he said let's come back!

I think the trip for Mike and Saylor sounds awesome! I'm hoping as my girls grow, I will take them each to do some special things. Right now they want to do a lot together (mostly out of not wanting to be left out rather than wanting to be with each other), but I'm trying to encourage them to follow their own paths.

Seriously though, anytime other than our FL trip you are more than welcome to come up to MN. We will show you a great time!!!

I can't believe your trip is done -- bummer about your flight delays and losing the car!!! I'll be keeping an eye for a new PTR from you !!

 

[tbenny]

Thank you for a great trip report
I have a 10 yo ds and a 6 yo dd! My dd will be 7 the end of April the day we come home how about your dd for 7?
We are going to BLT in April so i really liked reading your report.
My kids have never been I can't wait to see their reaction

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Thank you for a great trip report
I have a 10 yo ds and a 6 yo dd! My dd will be 7 the end of April the day we come home how about your dd for 7?
We are going to BLT in April so i really liked reading your report.
My kids have never been I can't wait to see their reaction

You should come read my TR - we just stayed at BLT (same time they were at CR) and there's a bunch of pictures. The link is in my sig.
I hope you have an awesome trip - the pool is great!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sheree~ I just felt that my updates were sooooo behind!! Ha!! I was glad to find that suburban let me tell you!! We were so cold we were shaking! It was soo windy up in that parking garage! YOW!!! I can see where your girls would want to go on trips together..they are still young and enjoy the same things still...I am trying to decide if I need to talk Mike into a Disney cruise..so keep it up!
Tbenny..my ds10 will be 11 in May and dd is 7 on April 4th..so they are very close!! How funny!!! You are gonna have a wonderful time~ Is the flower thing gonna be going on at Epcot while you are there? We were there one year in May, kinda toward the end of it and it was beautiful!

 

[ladybugmom]

Hi Shawna!! Sorry I've been MIA--things have been soo busy around here! I hate that your TR is ending. It's been great getting to know you and your family.

I think it's great that you got to stay at the WL your last night at WDW!!! That is where we're plannning on staying when we go in Nov/Dec. We're looking at going the week after Thanksgiving! I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay there!!