"Practically Perfect In Every Way!" Grand Floridian-Oct 2008*New 12/23 Our Last Day:(

[BippityBoo]

Great update! I'm so glad you liked Thunder Mountain - it is my favorite disney ride (that, and Peter Pan)!!! And you hit it on the head...it's all about the theming!

Those hats are precious! And the last picture with the balloon....and the ears.....and your little girl....ahhh...that's what it's all about, right?

Can't wait to hear about 'Ohana! We loved our dinner there!

Sara

I LOVE peter pan. It is so great! I know, the picture is precious to me. That IS what it is all about Ohana was great...I will try to update tonight

 

[BippityBoo]

What a wonderful update. So glad you rode BTMR. Now you know I don't consider it a real roller coaster so now that you are an adult you must move on up to the big ones. Hey, if I can do it you can do it. Love the children's hats. That picture of Abby is wonderful. You can see the joy of the day in her smile. Love the castle picture. Who doesn't love that first site of the castle? I love the outfits too. As I have told you before. I really enjoyed while we were there seeing all of the little one's in their special outfits that mom's had them dressed in. You could see in their eyes how they felt just being a part of what is Disney.

Ginny

Thank you so much! What a wonderful compliment Also, maybe if you keep reading, you will agree that I do end up riding some "real" roller coasters haha! Can't wait to catch up with your report tonight

 

[DWGal210]

I'm glad you liked Big Thunder! I am not a roller coaster person either (I about puked the time I was made to go on Tower of Terror, don't ask ) but I really like BTMR and Everest - they are 2 of my favorite rides!

I love the ears! I am seeing on quite a few TRs that people are doing those and what a fun idea!!

 

[BippityBoo]

I'm glad you liked Big Thunder! I am not a roller coaster person either (I about puked the time I was made to go on Tower of Terror, don't ask ) but I really like BTMR and Everest - they are 2 of my favorite rides!

I love the ears! I am seeing on quite a few TRs that people are doing those and what a fun idea!!

Thank you so much! We love the hats and I even have them sitting on shelves in their rooms displayed. We remember our vacation every time we look at them I had a funny experience with Tower of Terror...tune in to find out what happens (haha!) Let me just say there were tears involved

 

[ladybugmom]

Great update!! Big Thunder Mountain was Ally's 1st roller coaster, too!! She LOVED it!! Sooo fun! LOVE the ears and all the pics! Are you kidding me?! O'hana LOST your reservation?! That's not good! O'hana was one of our favorites!!

 

[BippityBoo]

Great update!! Big Thunder Mountain was Ally's 1st roller coaster, too!! She LOVED it!! Sooo fun! LOVE the ears and all the pics! Are you kidding me?! O'hana LOST your reservation?! That's not good! O'hana was one of our favorites!!

Wow! Happy to know Ally could handle it! We are putting Abby on it 1st thing (along w/Splash Mountain) when we go back. Stay tuned about Ohana..it ends up being one of our favorites too

 

[BippityBoo]

After an awesome first day in MK, we made our way down to the boat dock for our departure for the much anticipated O'hana! After reading so many wonderful things about this dinner, I was very excited! My in-laws were running late getting ready, so we decided to go secure our table and meet them there. Since we were staying at the Grand Floridian, we were merely a boat ride away.
The boat ride over to the Poly. was so great. It was just beautiful pulling up to the Resort. My DH had stayed there with his family when he was 11 and we looked at eachother and said "we are so staying here next trip!" We are beach people So, we made our way through the Resort taking in the tropical atmosphere. The Poly. was filled with kids running, adults having tropical drinks and laughing, the smells of fruit...it was great!

When we arrived at O'hana, I approached the CM to check in. She looked frantic and had a man yelling at her about a reservation. I started to look around and realized the whole place seemed very crowded. Thats because the computers were down and all the reservations were lost!!! I started to panic because I called SO early for my ADRs and requested a table in view of the fire grill...I was worried to say the least! Of course, my DH reminded me that if you had to be stuck somewhere for a while, it would be ideal to be stuck at the Poly. bar in a tropical paradise! Why do men always remain calm?! I really worried about Aiden and if he could handle the wait...

Of course, he fell asleep!

So, Chris and I enjoyed a drink while Abby played with other "stranded" kids My in-laws arrived, so we pulled together tables and had a great corner to ourselves. The CMs got the reservations pulled up and then we were called to our seats. As we were walking in, the sweet smells of the food were amazing. My heart was beating because I really wanted the table I requested and was worried about the computer messing it up. Well...We got an INCREDIBLE table. It was right in front of the grill and the best part...Magic Kingdom View clear as day! AWESOME! Here are some pics..

Our waitress was awesome (cant remember her name---keeping a journal next time!) and the food came out right away. Now, I don't know if I mentioned before but I am a vegetarian! BUT there was plenty for me to eat. The noodles were the best! My DH and family loved all of the pork and shrimp.

It was really amazing. The whole atmosphere was awesome. Then, this lady came out..

She was leading the kids in hula dancing, coconut racing, etc. She was awesome and so entertaining! Abby did great at the hula, but came in last during the coconut race...mainly because she was concentrating too hard!



At the end of the night, Wishes was beginning in the Magic Kingdom. I piled my kids on my lap and the lights dimmed in the restaurant. Everyone got quiet and they played the music for Wishes. It was such a magical moment,

The bread pudding came next, out-of-this-world! The entire night was fabulous and I can not say enough about how this was hands down one of the best dining experiences any of us ever had.


**UP NEXT: ANIMAL KINGDOM! Will I bite the bullet and ride one of the most thrilling rides at Disney...EVEREST!??

 

[ladybugmom]

Oh wow!! I got teary just reading your post--O'hana was one of our favorites as well!! Soooo glad that they found your ressie and that you were able to get such an INCREDIBLE view! WOW! Oh seeing that food just makes my mouth water--the best food we had all week!! YUMMY! Oooh--Ally will be jealous that Abby got to do the hula. For some reason they only did the coconut races with the kids when we were there. Ally was looking forward to the hula and was disappointed when they didn't do it. Looks like Abby and Ally are 2 peas in a pod! Both last at the coconut race!! Hee hee!! And you got to see Wishes, too?! That's AMAZING!! I just love the pic of you and your kiddos watching it from your table. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it! Can't wait to hear about AK!!!

 

[mom2mek]

Great update, Katie! We really loved 'Ohana too! One of the favorites of the whole trip! I'm glad to hear that you found it satisfying as a vegetarian - I tend to think of that place as a meat-lover's paradise! At least that's why my husband and son loved it so much! I absolutely LOVED the salad there - that dressing was so good - sweet and tangy and delicious!!! And don't get me started on the bread pudding - Oh my word! That was all kinds of deliciousness!!!

How wonderful that you were able to see Wishes during dinner! What a magical end to the night!

You should really try to stay at the Poly - I can't wait to stay there with my kids (the only time we have stayed there was our recent "couples" trip)! So fun, but also so relaxing, and tropical...it's like two vacations in one!

Oooo....Everest...another one of my faves! Can't wait!

Sara

 

[The Marsons]

I'm along for the ride. Great report and your little ones are beautiful

Can't wait for the next update

Sarah
x

 

[aaaateamsgrandma]

Wonderful update. I think Abby is your spittin image. Appeared moreso in these pictures than some of the others. She is adorable. We only did O'Hana for breakfast but I knew I really want to do dinner. We would all love it. How amazing to be in that wonderful Disney spirit at that magical time and place. All pictures are super.

Can't wait to see how you like EE.

 

[DWGal210]

Oh, fun update! OHana is our favorite place to eat - some trips we have been known to eat there twice!

Wishes makes me tear up too - the first parade/fireworks of any trip, I get a little misty!

 

[BippityBoo]

Oh wow!! I got teary just reading your post--O'hana was one of our favorites as well!! Soooo glad that they found your ressie and that you were able to get such an INCREDIBLE view! WOW! Oh seeing that food just makes my mouth water--the best food we had all week!! YUMMY! Oooh--Ally will be jealous that Abby got to do the hula. For some reason they only did the coconut races with the kids when we were there. Ally was looking forward to the hula and was disappointed when they didn't do it. Looks like Abby and Ally are 2 peas in a pod! Both last at the coconut race!! Hee hee!! And you got to see Wishes, too?! That's AMAZING!! I just love the pic of you and your kiddos watching it from your table. It gives me goose bumps just thinking about it! Can't wait to hear about AK!!!

Awww thanks! I know---the food was awesome! Chris and I have been raving about it for a year. We were sooo stuffed! I am so sad that Ally did not get to hula! I am sure if ya'll go again (which you know you will) she will get to hula. Didnt you love having the entertainment, though? It was like a built in babysitter while we ate! Talk to you soon

 

[BippityBoo]

Great update, Katie! We really loved 'Ohana too! One of the favorites of the whole trip! I'm glad to hear that you found it satisfying as a vegetarian - I tend to think of that place as a meat-lover's paradise! At least that's why my husband and son loved it so much! I absolutely LOVED the salad there - that dressing was so good - sweet and tangy and delicious!!! And don't get me started on the bread pudding - Oh my word! That was all kinds of deliciousness!!!

How wonderful that you were able to see Wishes during dinner! What a magical end to the night!

You should really try to stay at the Poly - I can't wait to stay there with my kids (the only time we have stayed there was our recent "couples" trip)! So fun, but also so relaxing, and tropical...it's like two vacations in one!

Oooo....Everest...another one of my faves! Can't wait!

Sara

Oohhh you will love the Everest update. It is ALMOST as funny as the Tower of Terror update haha!

I really want to stay at the Poly~!! We are going to try to go back in January of 2010, and so I asked my DH very nicely lastnight if we could stay there It is awesome! It would be a have to for a couples trip like you took!!! We are going to try to plan one of those too...just so we could park hop and eat at nice places and go on adult rides all day I know we would miss the kids...but it would be SO fun!

 

[BippityBoo]

I'm along for the ride. Great report and your little ones are beautiful

Can't wait for the next update

Sarah
x

Hey!! Thanks for reading along I LOVE that pic of your kids...too cute!! I will try to update tonight or tomorrow before I leave to go on vacation

 

[BippityBoo]

Wonderful update. I think Abby is your spittin image. Appeared moreso in these pictures than some of the others. She is adorable. We only did O'Hana for breakfast but I knew I really want to do dinner. We would all love it. How amazing to be in that wonderful Disney spirit at that magical time and place. All pictures are super.

Can't wait to see how you like EE.

Thanks Abby is a beautiful child! I think she has grown up so much since this trip now that I am looking back! I am going to start a PTR, so you can see the kids~! You WONT BELIEVE Aiden! haha he is so different and a true toddler

Ohana is so perfect for a fun family like yours! You MUST go I highly reccomend it!

 

[BippityBoo]

Oh, fun update! OHana is our favorite place to eat - some trips we have been known to eat there twice!

Wishes makes me tear up too - the first parade/fireworks of any trip, I get a little misty!

Eating there twice would be ok with me!! And I know what you mean about Wishes..the music alone makes me cry

 

[BippityBoo]

After a great day at MK and Ohana, we were really looking forward to what Animal Kingdom would bring! The kids were fresh and ready to go!

We were finally having to take the bus to the park (we had previously used the monorail to get to EPCOT and MK) so I was not sure how much time we needed. It ended up being fine..the bus pulled right up!

Abby was really excited to ride in the bus and had a lot of fun talking to the other kids! Soon enough, we were in AK!

After taking a look at some of the beautiful birds at the entrance, we made our way to the Tree of Life. WOW! What a wonderful thing to see in your lifetime! It was really breathtaking.

We ended up trying to see the "Bug" show inside the tree...
It was quite dark in there and quite scary for smaller children. I took Aiden out almost immediately and then the rest of the gang followed shortly! I had read about the show in a book and how it might upset children, but we still wanted to try!

We decided to head towards Camp Minnie/Mickey for the Lion King Show! We loved it! I was so impressed by the cast. My mother-in-law was nice enough to take Aiden high in the bleachers because the music was a little loud. Abby had her mouth open the whole time!

We then got to meet Chip and Dale along with Minnie, Mickey and Donald--all in their camp gear! There was no wait at all! We then got the kids some icecream to cool off on this hot day.


When we were leaving, we saw a woman with the most beautiful little owl. She was letting the kids look at her and ask questions. There was also a little gift cart with stuffed animals close by. My in-laws bought Aiden a "Simba" doll to remember the Lion King show. And also...because Abby had bought the Dumbo doll at the Poly. the night before (shown in the pictures---so adorable!) and Aiden wanted one too

We then made our way to Africa! Wow...what a great job Disney has done. I felt like I was really there! The music was great, there was even an African drum band performing in the town center.

We were headed towards the Safari and excited to see the animals! The wait was only 15 minutes, so we decided to go on in and wait. Well, 15 minutes later, we were about to board a safari vehicle and there was an announcement that the ride was shutting down due to animals on the loose! WHAT!? Lets get out of here Really what we ended up finding out was that an animal herd was blocking a vehicle and causing a back up. They had to wait for them to move


After we exited the Safari Ride, we saw that kids were getting their face painted. Abby LOVES face painting, so she chose the rainbow design and was excited about how it came out!


Cont on next post...

 

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! LOVE Abby & Aiden's shirts--too cute! We didn't even attempt the bug show b/c Ally HATES bugs--and I mean she FREAKS out!! It's crazy! Oh--the Lion King show was my FAVORITE!! Wasn't it amazing?! Did you get to ride the safari later that day? I hope so!! I can't wait to go back and see AK when it isn't raining! It looks so pretty!!

 

[BippityBoo]

We decided to make the walk back to the entrance to eat at Rainforest Cafe. On the way there, we were lucky enough to see D'Vine!!

For those of you who don't know who she is, she is a vine...that is really a lady on stilts! It is amazing and she walks so gracefully! I had seen her on the Travel Channel's special and I hear that you are pretty lucky to see her so, great moment for us!

Rainforest Cafe was a great lunch! The air conditioning was really appreciated at that point (it's EXTRA cold in there) and it was great how the animals made noises when it "rained". Even Aiden liked it!

It was hard to get good pics in there because it was really kind of dark! We all decided to try the safari ride again (they told us to come back after lunch time). Hopefully, the animals had gotten off the track! So our plan was to Safari, catch the parade and then...if time allowed...(gulp) Everest

**UP NEXT: Do the animals spoil our fun? Are we late for the parade? Does Katie have the ride of her life? Ok...well...I know you are dying to know so here is a teaser picture...try hard not to laugh outloud



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Hey...I can hear you laughing!!! [/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]