Prelude to a WDW Dream...Sept. 08 *NEW 9/9 Post 350*

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Sounds like a great plan. Love the college job. That might top mine in a nursing home. I agree AK is so darn hot I wonder why that is? We had lunch at Yak and Yeti CS the first day they opened up and it was tasty. Rainforest was Ok with my son when he was really little but scared him when he was a little older. I imagine you would be safe since little prince is probably to young to be scared of the animals.

Maybe dinner at artist point since you will be at the lodge and want to watch wishes from the beach. The mac and cheese is awesome; I have the recipe and made it at home several times

I always love your plans. As many times as I have visited Disney you always find these neat little odd things to do that I never even knew existed. I cant wait to read more!!!

You will have a fantastic time at the lodge. I am sure all my stuff was not the norm because so many people love the place. We went just before Thanksgiving and they decked the place out for Christmas. Can I tell you that the tree in the lobby was just jaw dropping. There were also alot of little neat areas with couches for people to sit and look out. The hidden mickey hunt seemed really cool but we ran out of time. The gift shop was fantastic and had tons of christmasy/woodsy type things. You will love it!!! I spent way to much money in there. LOL.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Jay I just saw on another thread there will be a show on the travel channel about Luxury Celebrations in Disneyworld. April 25th at 9pm. They had a few neat ideas it seemed for celebrations.

 

[jaycns]

Sounds like a great plan. Love the college job. That might top mine in a nursing home. I agree AK is so darn hot I wonder why that is? We had lunch at Yak and Yeti CS the first day they opened up and it was tasty. Rainforest was Ok with my son when he was really little but scared him when he was a little older. I imagine you would be safe since little prince is probably to young to be scared of the animals. What did you have to eat at Yak & Yeti? I think we are going to stick with Y&Y after all since the Rain Forest Cafe is not on the dining plan.

Maybe dinner at artist point since you will be at the lodge and want to watch wishes from the beach. The mac and cheese is awesome; I have the recipe and made it at home several times Mac and cheese!! YUM! Did you ask them for the recipe? I am currently keeping our Artist Point reservations and have a request in for the IPO to make reservations when that reservation window opens up. I am also going to track down some information on the Blue Man Group show, the Grand Romantic Evening Spa, Victoria and Albert's and ???? I am still hoping for a few more ideas.
I always love your plans. As many times as I have visited Disney you always find these neat little odd things to do that I never even knew existed. I cant wait to read more!!! Neat little odd things. HA HA HA I guess I am a sucker for finding things are odd, a bit funky and different. It keeps everything fresh and new! Also, if I spent time trying to be normal, I would miss out on all of the fun!
You will have a fantastic time at the lodge. I am sure all my stuff was not the norm because so many people love the place. We went just before Thanksgiving and they decked the place out for Christmas. Can I tell you that the tree in the lobby was just jaw dropping. There were also alot of little neat areas with couches for people to sit and look out. The hidden mickey hunt seemed really cool but we ran out of time. The gift shop was fantastic and had tons of christmasy/woodsy type things. You will love it!!! I spent way to much money in there. LOL. I am really looking forward to the hidden Mickey hunt! I think that the big boys will love it! Hmmm...shopping. I cannot find anything I do not like about that!

Jay I just saw on another thread there will be a show on the travel channel about Luxury Celebrations in Disneyworld. April 25th at 9pm. They had a few neat ideas it seemed for celebrations. THANK YOU!!! I just added this to our calender! Hopefully something will sound wonderful (and cost less then two months income ).

My words in red!!

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

How long did the boat ride take back from MK? Anything special about WL you would happen to be willing to share? I am totally clueless when it comes to this resort. It's just I have read so many great reviews (both on this site and elsewhere on the internet) that I am hoping to experience some of the special magic it seems to hold.

/QUOTE]

The boat ride was about 10mins....a little longer on the night it stopped so that every one could watch the Electric Water Parade (I loved that ). I takes less time by bus but we loved how relaxing the boat trip was and the sight of WL from the water was . We loved to just walk about the grounds, even the walk up from the boat dock is stunning. The girls love lunch at WCC and we ended up booking breakfast there for our last day. We found the staff to be delightful but I might add we did not stay CL we were in a CV bunk bed room. This was fantastic, we had towel animals in the room practically every day and Niamh would love to stand on the balcony and watch the bunnies and the ducks for hours. Below are a few pics, sorry if they turn out huge but I'm not very good at resizing

I have others of the pool but I thought this would be enough for now.

PS I don't know if it's been mentioned but the boys would probably enjoy being the Flag Family for the day.

If I can think of any more I'll let you know...by the way the cinnamon rolls in Roaring Forks for b/fast are heavenly

 

[jaycns]

The boat ride was about 10mins....a little longer on the night it stopped so that every one could watch the Electric Water Parade (I loved that ). I takes less time by bus but we loved how relaxing the boat trip was and the sight of WL from the water was . We loved to just walk about the grounds, even the walk up from the boat dock is stunning. The girls love lunch at WCC and we ended up booking breakfast there for our last day. We found the staff to be delightful but I might add we did not stay CL we were in a CV bunk bed room. This was fantastic, we had towel animals in the room practically every day and Niamh would love to stand on the balcony and watch the bunnies and the ducks for hours. Below are a few pics, sorry if they turn out huge but I'm not very good at resizing
I have others of the pool but I thought this would be enough for now.

PS I don't know if it's been mentioned but the boys would probably enjoy being the Flag Family for the day.

If I can think of any more I'll let you know...by the way the cinnamon rolls in Roaring Forks for b/fast are heavenly

Thank you for sharing the pictures!! And the info about the relaxing boat ride. Bunnies and ducks...it might just remind us of AKL.

I have heard a little bit about Flag Family. Any info would be very welcome!!

Also, I would love to see your pool pictures if you are interested in posting them.

GOOD TO SEE YOU! *Did you work out a way to include a short jaunt down to Disney?*

 

[jaycns]

We plan to start off our day at EPCOT.

Lunch will be at the Garden Grill (I think).

For dinner we plan on heading over to the Boardwalk and dining at the Flying Fish. Any feedback on that one? Other suggestions for boardwalk area dining?

Then it will be time for the crusin' part of our day...an Illuminations cruise. After that we will return to the Boardwalk to enjoy a few of the activities there and then head for bed after what I am sure will be a very long day!

 

[disneydusted]

Hi Jay! I just discovered your new pre-trip report! I love to hear all of your thinking and planning, I'm a big planner too. I saw someone mention this Travel Channel series and I have copied the details from Allears.net.The Travel Channel has announced four new programs, hosted by Samantha Brown, under the umbrella "Season of Disney" to air at 9 p.m. on Fridays, starting April 11. The first program will be "Season of Disney: Samantha Brown's Favorites," in which she discusses what she likes best at Disney World and Disneyland. The remaining shows in the series are: "Season of Disney: On a Dime" on April 18; "Season of Disney: Splurge!" on April 25; and "Season of Disney: Royal Treatment" on May 2. Verify times and dates with your local listings.
I know it will be great fun to read about your ideas... I love the DISer's, they all "get it"!

 

[2ScottishPrincesses]

Thank you for sharing the pictures!! And the info about the relaxing boat ride. Bunnies and ducks...it might just remind us of AKL.

I have heard a little bit about Flag Family. Any info would be very welcome!!

Also, I would love to see your pool pictures if you are interested in posting them.

GOOD TO SEE YOU! *Did you work out a way to include a short jaunt down to Disney?*

No problem, but GIANT POOL PICTURE ALERT. The pool wasn't giant but I can't seem to resize at the moment so please excuse. I've also included a pic of Becci with one of the little visitors that appeared in our room on regular occassions through out our stay

Unfortunately we're not going to manage a Disney trip this year, we need to re do the bathroom and I'm saving hard for the 2009 40th Birthday Extraviganza Trip. We called off the NY trip that was to visit Donny's DB and his family due to a few different reasons but mostly because of the drama and politics that family's always seem to produce ....say no more

Anyway I'm so glad you're doing this pre trippie it let's me enjoy WDW vicariously

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Great update. We love FF for dinner. My favorite entree is the steak believe it or not. Best steak I have ever had. Illuminations cruises are so special. I am sure you will love it

 

[Spartangirl]

I am so excited that you have started a Pre-TR!!! I loved your other two reports!

Your boys look like they've grown quite a bit from the last pictures I've seen......wow! And.........the little prince is adorable!

My DH and I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in '05 and absolutely LOVED it! Here are a few pics of the resort...

The grand fireplace...

We actually got to stay in a corner room......you can check out some of the bedding/decor......

And this was our view!

We could even see the geyser!

Hope I didn't post too many pics for you! We just really loved the lodge! I hope you have a magical time there too!

I have heard a little bit about Flag Family. Any info would be very welcome!!

At check-in, ask if there are any spots available to be the Flag Family. (These are really hard to come by...)

If you are fortunate to get a spot, you'll meet a "Ranger" in the lobby around 8:15. You will then climb stairs to the rooftop. You'll be able to see all the parks from up top......don't forget your camera or videocamera!

Your family will then have a chance to raise 5 flags (I believe...)......the American flag, Florida flag, WDW flag, and 2 Wilderness Lodge flags. This is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

[Illini4ever]

Hi! When I was planning our trip last year, I lurked on this site for several months and stumbled upon your trip reports. Well, I have been hooked ever since and finally decided I better join. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed reading about all your adventures. I just wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful family, and I'm looking forward to reading about the upcoming trip. We're seriously contemplating staying at the Wilderness the next time we go, so all your information and input will be very valuable to me.

 

[CJsMom]

At check-in, ask if there are any spots available to be the Flag Family. (These are really hard to come by...)

If you are fortunate to get a spot, you'll meet a "Ranger" in the lobby around 8:15. You will then climb stairs to the rooftop. You'll be able to see all the parks from up top......don't forget your camera or videocamera!

Your family will then have a chance to raise 5 flags (I believe...)......the American flag, Florida flag, WDW flag, and 2 Wilderness Lodge flags. This is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

This sounds great (furiously taking notes for next trip... )! Nice pictures too!

 

[Spartangirl]

This sounds great (furiously taking notes for next trip... )! Nice pictures too!

Thanks!

 

[jaycns]

Hi Jay! I just discovered your new pre-trip report! I love to hear all of your thinking and planning, I'm a big planner too. I saw someone mention this Travel Channel series and I have copied the details from Allears.net.The Travel Channel has announced four new programs, hosted by Samantha Brown, under the umbrella "Season of Disney" to air at 9 p.m. on Fridays, starting April 11. The first program will be "Season of Disney: Samantha Brown's Favorites," in which she discusses what she likes best at Disney World and Disneyland. The remaining shows in the series are: "Season of Disney: On a Dime" on April 18; "Season of Disney: Splurge!" on April 25; and "Season of Disney: Royal Treatment" on May 2. Verify times and dates with your local listings.
I know it will be great fun to read about your ideas... I love the DISer's, they all "get it"!

wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow.... I am so excited to DVR these shows! I cannot wait to watch them all! I like Samantha Brown and I LOVE Disney so these shows are right up my alley!! And you are so right, DISers get it!! That's why I love it here!! I am glad you are here! DISers like you make planning WAY more fun!!

No problem, but GIANT POOL PICTURE ALERT. The pool wasn't giant but I can't seem to resize at the moment so please excuse. I've also included a pic of Becci with one of the little visitors that appeared in our room on regular occassions through out our stay
Unfortunately we're not going to manage a Disney trip this year, we need to re do the bathroom and I'm saving hard for the 2009 40th Birthday Extraviganza Trip. We called off the NY trip that was to visit Donny's DB and his family due to a few different reasons but mostly because of the drama and politics that family's always seem to produce ....say no more

Anyway I'm so glad you're doing this pre trippie it let's me enjoy WDW vicariously

The phrase "GIANT POOL PICTURE ALERT" made me laugh out loud for some reason.

I love the picture of Becci and the towel animal. That is one to put up in a frame for sure! She looks so happy and beautiful. Of course, who wouldn't be happy with such a cute little towel critter as your surprise visitor!

Sorry to hear you canceled the trip but glad to hear you will be avoiding the drama...that sort of "entertainment" is never fun

I love the birthday extravaganza name for your trip! It just oozes excitement and over the top fun!!

Great update. We love FF for dinner. My favorite entree is the steak believe it or not. Best steak I have ever had. Illuminations cruises are so special. I am sure you will love it

I am glad to hear good things about FF! Steak...dh's favorite!! Not too far down on my list either. We are a red meat lovin' family! Thanks for the input! Did you have dessert there? Was it good?

I am so excited that you have started a Pre-TR!!! I loved your other two reports!

Your boys look like they've grown quite a bit from the last pictures I've seen......wow! And.........the little prince is adorable!

My DH and I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge in '05 and absolutely LOVED it! Here are a few pics of the resort...

Hope I didn't post too many pics for you! We just really loved the lodge! I hope you have a magical time there too!

At check-in, ask if there are any spots available to be the Flag Family. (These are really hard to come by...)

If you are fortunate to get a spot, you'll meet a "Ranger" in the lobby around 8:15. You will then climb stairs to the rooftop. You'll be able to see all the parks from up top......don't forget your camera or videocamera!

Your family will then have a chance to raise 5 flags (I believe...)......the American flag, Florida flag, WDW flag, and 2 Wilderness Lodge flags. This is followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The boys have grown so much. I feel like I put them to bed wearing one size and they wake up wearing the next size larger. How fast time flies!! With the little prince, I don't even think that is an exaggeration...he is growing so fast his clothes don't fit by the time I get them washed sometimes!

What were some of your favorite things about the resort? WOW! The view from your room was beautiful! You did NOT post too many pictures. In fact, if you feel like going on a picture posting spree, feel free to do it on this thread.

So for flag family, I will have to ask at check in. Got it! I won't even clue the family in that their might be a special surprise. It's one of those cases where if you don't know about it will be all the sweeter if it happens and you cannot possibly feel disappointed if it does not. Being the Flag Family sounds like a really neat experience. But it's Disney, with or without that special time, I know we won't run short on magical times!!

This sounds great (furiously taking notes for next trip... )! Nice pictures too!

I totally agree, the info was super helpful! And I did love those pictures!!

 

[jaycns]

Hi! When I was planning our trip last year, I lurked on this site for several months and stumbled upon your trip reports. Well, I have been hooked ever since and finally decided I better join. I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed reading about all your adventures. I just wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful family, and I'm looking forward to reading about the upcoming trip. We're seriously contemplating staying at the Wilderness the next time we go, so all your information and input will be very valuable to me.

It's always nice to meet another DISer! Especially one with such a sweet looking family! The pictures in your signature are so sweet!! I love the princess after BBB!

My husband would love your user name. He is a huge Illini fan. And I love him despite that!


PS This was your first post!! WOW!!! Feel free to jump right in and thank you so much for posting!

 

[jaycns]

WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Okay, I just needed to get that out before I tried to type. I am so most excited about this day. Out of our entire trip, it is this day that really has me over the moon, toe tappin', finger snappin', smile havin' E-X-C-I-T-E-D!!!

Day number 5 will be a slow start. We will sleep in (at least as much as having four boys, one of them an infant, will allow) and have breakfast in the club lounge. After breakfast we might spend some time in the pool or just relaxing on the beach. After that it will be back to our room to get ready. Ready for what you might ask? Well, to be honest, it's only in the most dream like of states right now and I don't really know the final answer. BUT the closest I can come to a description is to live out my idea of the perfect day.

Instead of heading to a park, the pool, mini golf, a water park or any of the other myriad of things to do at WDW we are going to head over to the Grand Floridian. Hmmm...okay, you might think this sounds fun but be asking yourself (well, at least if you are me you are talking to yourself) how poking around another resort, no matter how beautiful that resort may be, equates to living out a perfect day. Well, to answer that question you have to imagine with me...

See yourself walking on to the beach at the Grand Floridian. Have a picture of your family around you. Your little ones beaming huge smiles as they see your dearest family friends approaching. Imagine your friends arriving hungry (as well as yourselves) and finding a grilled to order private meal out near the beach. Now, if you would imagine those foods to be your favorite ones. The conversation to be great (we love spending time with this family, they are our very dear to our hearts). The kids to be playing away happily with sand buckets on the beach. Imagine that the food is plentiful and always done "just right". Now, imagine that this is not a dream!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got done talking to an event planner at the Grand Floridian and although it will be pricey (think I am not going to spend this much money on any other meal at WDW or anywhere else ever sort of price range) it will truly be my idea of paradise. Good friends, the ones I love, favorite foods, beautiful setting, relaxed atmosphere and being at WDW...this is really the best afternoon I could ever imagine.

That was all I could imagine...let me just say that Disney planners have imaginations like you would not believe and my dreams grew *just a tad* when I spoke to her. Now we are talking my dreams are in the neighborhood of better-start-thinking-of-how-to-get-dh-distracted-enough-to-say-yes-to-anything before broaching the subject. They now include a character visit, dessert on a yacht and maybe an entertainer (or group) thrown in for good measure. That and a perfectly decked out area.


**Hallelujah Hallelujah...the light breaks through the clouds** I know I will not be able to "have it all" HOWEVER...I might just get a big enough chunk of paradise that even I might never know the difference! SO...at least until I get the hard price estimates, I am dreaming of the following:

1. An outdoor bbq. Thinking steaks, hot dogs (I will have my boys with me ), vegetable kabobs, corn on the cob, cole slaw, potato salad, buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad, some sort of pasta salad, baked beans, corn bread, peel and eat shrimp (or maybe shrimp to grill?), watermelon, fresh squeezed icy lemonade, iced tea, iced coffee and ice water. My mouth really is watering typing this!

2.A character visit OR an entertainment option. I want both. But I have to be realistic (that boat left long ago, I just have to be sure not to put us into the poorhouse at this point)...so it's going to be one or the other (hoping that even one will work out). But I think it might just work out. As far as characters, I am leaning toward a face character. That way the kids can talk to them and they can talk back. Since I was leaning toward that, I got this bright idea to have the character be easy on the eyes...I will give you one hint- . There ya go, that was your hint. See if you can guess who I think the perfect character to appear would be. As far as the entertainment option, she will be emailing me a list of what is available and the costs associated with them. If I cannot have ________ character there, then I might be interested in one of the other options. Or when I see the list, my dream might focus on one of those options instead. Like I said, it's very much in flux right now what the day will actually entail. I just know I will be living out "the perfect day".

3. A treasure map activity leading us to our dessert location. I wonder if I could set something up using a hand held GPS or a compass or even a set of clues one leading to the next or just a map...HMMM. An unknown on the how end of things...but I am really wanting to keep this part of the day. So, I will figure a way to get it done even if I have to create it myself (might not be a bad idea, it would surely be LOTS cheaper!!).

4. The treasure map would lead us to our dessert location..the GRAND 1!! This would be a secret from everyone but dh. The kids, our friends, they would all have no clue where we were headed. And to think of the looks on their faces when they saw where we ended up. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH We would have maybe another cake (I loved the one we got at the GF last year) and milk or some other themed dessert. I wouldn't want it to be something complicated. Just a simple one choice dessert (we would be so full from the bbq that it would be more the taste then the fill we would be after). Ahhh...sailing around, seeing the resorts and...DUH DUH DUH DUUUUNNNN....being dropped off at the Magic Kingdom!!

5. After arriving in a fashion I never even allowed myself to dream of before, we would then enjoy a wonderful MNSSHP with our great family friends. Hopefully it will not be rained out!! This would be the topper to an already out of this universe day. AHHHH. I love the parade, the decorations, the atmosphere, the characters in costume.

6.Return to our resort after a day full of wonders and fall blissfully asleep with plans to dream about my dream that came true!!

As of right now, those are my wishes/dreams/delusions rotfl: ). The event planner assured me that I was not way out of my price range (I may have to offer to sell a kidney to get dh to go along with that) when I described what I wanted but that I might have to make a few choices and prioritize a few things. However, I guess it will really come down to the hard numbers on the contract rather then our guesstimates while talking that determines what is really available and what is just a dream worth having!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

OMGosh!!!!! Jay!!!!! (That is me screaming ) Day 5 sounds absolutely amazing!!!

And, could it be???? The character you so wish for, could it be, none other than the sexy pirate himself, Captain Jack Sparrow???!!!

What a plan!!!

 

[John's Mom]

WOW Jay! That 5th day seems unbelievable! I can't imagine the looks on your boys' faces! The day seems more like a "Year of a Million Dreams" Prize. Good luck with your Most Perfect Day plans.

 

[jaycns]

OMGosh!!!!! Jay!!!!! (That is me screaming ) Day 5 sounds absolutely amazing!!!

And, could it be???? The character you so wish for, could it be, none other than the sexy pirate himself, Captain Jack Sparrow???!!!

What a plan!!!

YES!! That is who I am hoping for!! They have to check on availability and I cannot believe he comes as "cheaply" as say Daisy Duck or Pinnochio...BUT...if he is available and if I can figure a way to make the numbers work...he will be surprising our party goers! I cannot imagine a better surprise for six kids who love PoTC, two moms who think Jack is one swanky looking pirate and two dads who think Jack is a pretty good example of a fun guy to hang out with. I cannot think of anything cooler then having Capt. Jack himself crash our beach bbq! Other characters on the "short list" are Donald Duck, Stitch, Aladdin, Chip and Dale (most likely not these two for the added cost it would entail to have both), Pluto or Peter Pan. In my "highest of high" dreams I would love to have Mickey AND Donald, Chip AND Dale, Capt. Jack AND Will Turner, Peter Pan AND Capt. Hook, Stitch AND Lilo, Aladdin AND Abu, Pluto AND Mickey...well, my dream list could go on and on. But I am going to have to come in way under budget for some of the other elements to even make two characters at once a remote possibility.

I am just still so excited about the thought of the boys and our friends looking up and seeing a Disney character there to visit them!

Dh is being surprisingly positive about this expenditure. I don't know if he is just happy he won't have to spend the day at a theme park, if he has temporarily lost his mind, he feels so deep seeded guilt over the difficult pregnancy I just had or some other force is at play within his little head but whatever it is...I will not question it, I will just embrace his madness And my own.

WOW Jay! That 5th day seems unbelievable! I can't imagine the looks on your boys' faces! The day seems more like a "Year of a Million Dreams" Prize. Good luck with your Most Perfect Day plans.

It is like a dream! I wish I could win it!!

It all started when I read a trip report here on the DIS (Janet2K if anyone is looking for a peek at how decadent a WDW vacation can be!!) a few years ago. She has thrown some wonderful Disney parties. I saw a trip report about her hosting the most awesome vow renewal ever (at least that I have ever heard of) and I made a note to myself to read more of her postings when I had more time.

Fast forward to last year's vacation. We rented a cabana for the afternoon at the Grand Floridian. It was such a relaxing and wonderful time. Feeling so spoiled and relaxed and being able to focus on nothing other then our family having fun together was a priceless combination. I would book an afternoon there every time we went to WDW other then you have to be staying at the GF in order to do so...so I will save a repeat of that event for our next GF stay. Back to the point (sorry for getting a bit lost), I got to thinking about how marvelous private dining meal in our cabana was. Watching the sun glimmer off of the water of both the pool and the lake. It was a very special time.

Combine that with the suggestion I got for having the GF set up a private dinner for dh and myself and you have a crazy woman whose mind is starting to turn in very crazy directions.

Add to that crazy venture into out of this world fun ideas the fact that MouseTriper suggested doing a vow renewal to celebrate our anniversary. In checking that out, I ran across a post on the bridal boards that Janet2K posted.

This reminded me that I had wanted to go back and read about her other WDW parties (I had only read about her vow renewal up until this point). I thought I had seen her make mention of hosting several others over the years in one part of her vow renewal trip report...so I used the wonderful DIS search feature and found out.

In searching her posts for her party info, I found Brier Rose's posts about her GF private party for her daughter's sweet sixteen. Another WOW party. Another set of dangerous ideas for me to let float in my head.

Anyway, when I got this little kernel of an idea in my head, I read and read and dreamed and dreamed and finally came up with a day that truly fit the description of my idea of a perfect day. If I can pull this day off, it will be my day of a million dreams for sure!!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

WOW Jay that sound over the top fantastic. I hope you get that perfect day. I cant wait to see the pics and read all about it. You are such a great planner and mommy to do all this for your family.