Should I or Shouldn't I....post a trip report? Updated 11/2

[DisneyTiger]

I sure am going to miss you. I love this report.

 

[MEK]

Ok so I pulled out my handy little Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom to see if your mosaic was any where in it. Guess what? It was! I can only hope that this is what you are trying to remember. In it is says, "The tile mosaic in the Castle breezeway was designed by Dorothy Redmond. It features hundreds of thousands of tiles, including over 500 different colors plus 14K gold and real silver. There were even colors developed for the red rouge of the jealous stepsister and green for the envious one." In the bottom left hand corner there are the stepsisters.

I hope this is what you wanted remember. I always hate when that happens.

wdwnomad -

You rock! I'm sure this is what the tour guide told us, but I think I was suffering from postlunch lethargy at the time. wow - 500 different colors, that is so cool.

Thanks so much for the information!

 

[MEK]

Can't wait for the exciting conclusion and I am happy to know the secret of the tile mosaic!!

Suz

Thanks for pl'smama. I am just about reading to wrap this puppy up!

 

[MEK]

I sure am going to miss you. I love this report.

Disney Tiger:

Thanks. I'm so glad you like my report. I am a bit sorry that things are coming to a close, but you give me inspiration to write a new trip report when I do my "adults only" version on WDW in December! Plus I know exactly what type of pics I want to take for that report!

 

[fireworks fan]

No-its almost over More, More

 

[heaven2dc]

Oh man!!! It can't be over (well almost but still....) I've had such a great time reading (and relating) to your TR and love your pics. But at least there will be another TR from your next trip, right?

 

[MEK]

No-its almost over More, More

I'm trying to think of a creative way to drag this out!

 

[MEK]

Oh man!!! It can't be over (well almost but still....) I've had such a great time reading (and relating) to your TR and love your pics. But at least there will be another TR from your next trip, right?

Thanks heaven2dc. Having readers like you guys made writing this so much more fun! I'll definately do another trippie! In fact, I may start a pre trippie soon!

 

[MEK]

By the way - This is Max, my favorite cat. I think he is much prettier in real life. I adopted him from the SPCA. He was already a year old when I got him. He is probably the nicest cat I've ever had. He has a dog's personality.

So, after the rain, we headed out of America and bopped over to Morocco and then France. Since DH had never seen the France film, I coaxed him into it. He was really more interested in seeing the film from this country.....

Here are some more pics of the world showcase......

I do like that Canadian film, even with Martin short in it! I am surprised at how many famous Canadians there are (they show them at the end of the film, but there is no Sarah Maclachlin - who is my fav singer/songwriter even though I can't spell her name)

This pic was taken from China......

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008029.jpg[/IMG

[IMG]http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee279/mekopp/DisneyJan2008054.jpg

It's hard to believe that we spent the enitre afternoon in the world showcase watching the films, eating, and shopping, but now it was almost time to head back to the resort to pick up ME.

On our way out we did go through spaceship earth one more time. I like the refurbed version of this ride, although I still think its a bit stuffy in certain parts of the ride. Stuffy as in claustrophobic.

I like entering my hometown at the end of the ride, but this time I royally messed up and somehow entered that I was from Virginia Beach. How the heck did I do that????? Any way I noticed the largest precent of people were from the midatlantic region, where I live, or New York city area. I guess this is not surprising.

After SpE we hopped a bus back to the resort to get our luggage out of the car. We were just pulling up to the ME loading area when it arrived. Not much time for good byes - DS15, DSF and I headed back to MCO via ME. We got there soooooo early for an 8:30 pm flight. Did I mention I got a fabulous price on this flight and could not rebook it for an earlier flight at the same price.

When we got to the airport DS15 and friend decided that they needed to eat. They ordered their food and left with me with just enough cash for a slice of pizza and a drink. I was missing my magical room key/charge card already.

DH and DS13 went to DTD to pick up a last minute gift for another neighbor and his son. They did not arrive at the airport until a much more reasonable time.

Next up .....Did our flight leave on time????? What do you think???? Followed by a recap of the highlights of my trip!

 

[ILuvCrush]

Thanks heaven2dc. Having readers like you guys made writing this so much more fun! I'll definately do another trippie! In fact, I may start a pre trippie soon!

Yay!! a pretrippie!!! I'll need it to keep my #hours on DIS up above 5/day!!

Paula

 

[MEK]

Yay!! a pretrippie!!! I'll need it to keep my #hours on DIS up above 5/day!!

Paula

Yeah - me too!

 

[MEK]

So..... our flight did leave on time! But it almost didn't! When we arrived it was On Time, then it mysteriously got delayed to a 9:45pm depature. Not good - I was planning on working the next day and I was due at work at 7am. I knew if the flight got pushed back any further, we would be spending the night in Orlando. Not that I have a problem with that, mind you, but I would need to tell my coworkers.

So we sat in the terminal and I decided to kill time by checking my 200 plus emails that I had left unattended all week. I brought my computer with me with the intention of using the free internet service for DVC members, but I never did. I just never felt like taking the time. I guess if I had a 2 week trip planned I would eventually need to use my computer. But there was no need during this trip and I was sure a peek into my inbox would ruin the magic!

No sooner had I deleted the majority of my 250 emails, we got the announcement that our flight would be leaving on time afterall.....we were rescheduled for 8:40 which was only about 15 mins late. Yeah!!!!

The funny thing was....that earlier 6pm flight that I had coveted for so long and wanted to rebook for $59, but never could b/c I could never get all 5 flights for $59, ended up leaving right before us. So, I'm glad I saved the $100! (Phew - talk about a run on sentence).

Our flight home was uneventful. In fact, we actually ended up landing earlier than our posted arrival time. Gotta luv SWA they rock!

 

[MEK]

Now that I am done my trip report and it took me about a month to write it, I have decided to recap some of the highlights of my trip. I think I may even go back and do a little pictorial recap so I can throw in a few more of my 800 photos.


So here are some of the HIGHLIGHTS of my trip.......

1. Joining DVC - I am so glad I joined. The customer service, accomodations and ease of use are wonderful. I feel so connected to Disney just by knowing I belong to DVC and that I can, theoretically, plan a trip anytime I desire.

2. Vero Beach - I loved this resort. I definately think all Disney lovers should incorporate a VB stay into one of their trips. I look forward to returning. My idea of a great trip would be to spend 4 or 5 nights at Vero (let's say Sunday night to Friday am), leave and spend 2 nights (Sat/Sun) at the Contemporary MK view or the Poly, and then 4 or 5 nights in another 2 BR villa anywhere on property. Awesome - I hope I get to do that some day!

3. My DH purchasing an Annual Pass - that was a sweet moment! and a reason for my next trip!

4. Staying in a 2BR Villa - I don't care what anyone says, the 2BR villas are super sweet. They are so spacious and such a great, comfortable way to vacation. I will always stay 2BR from now on when I am with my kids. It gives me so much flexibility.

5. Bringing a friend for DS15 - priceless. Allowing my son to have his "freedom" while still under my thumb in my favorite place was great. I had no safety concerns and the text messaging communication worked great.

Now for some "Best Of" moments......

1. Best New Attraction ..... I like to try at least one new attraction in any park during each trip. My BEST new attraction should have been Toy Story Mania - but we all know what happened there. No standby line for me, so no TSM. So, the only new attraction I did this trip was Carousel of Progress. By default, CoP wins...."It's a great big beau......Ahhhhh, forget it!"

2. Best New Restaurant......Well, I was supposed to try 2 new TS's this trip, but since I canceled my ADR to Teppan Edo, Beirgarten wins by default. I did like Beirgarten, but I will probably try all the other TS in Epcot before I go back again, except for possibly the beer

3. Best Overall New Experience......Discovering late nights and EMH at the MK. Since I usually travel in late August I was never exposed to the late side of MK and the 11pm parade. I really had no problem with just doing MK by night. It was fun and I got to do all the rides I wanted (although I really wanted to ride Space a second time)

4. Best Old Restuarant .... Ohana's....this meal was great. My favorite was the chicken wing appetiziers and the shrimp! Super yummy!

5. Best Old Attraction..... ToT .....I think I enjoyed this ride alot because of the group factor and b/c I could see how amused DFK was when I captured his smile on the group photo.

6. Most Magical Moment.....for me it was when I made room for that little girl to sit in front of me during Illuminations. I know she never would have had such an unobstructed view of the show if I hadn't moved to make room for her. I felt pretty good about doing that, b/c I know there are a lot of adults who wouldn't.

7. Most Annoying Moment .... Probably was when I got into that near altercation with the women at Nemo, the musical. I don't know why I let that kind of stuff bother me, but I do.

8. Most Painful Moment.....when I gave myself whiplash on the slide at Vero Beach. Ouch!

9. Most Peaceful Moment.....lying on the beach chairs under the umbrella at VB vs. the quiet pool at saratoga springs

10. Most Hysterical Moment....When DFT and DS13 hopped the rope into a restricted area of Illuminations and DFT tripped and rolled down the hill into a CM.

11. Moment I Would Most Like to Forget.....Dressing up in biker tee shirts to embarass DS15 at the High Springs Pools.

Well, I think that is most of moments, although I am sure I will think of more. I will be back to post a few more pics and a few final thoughts including the prologue of my December mini trip!

 

[pl'smama]

Great, great TR!! I am sad it is over. Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful vacation. I can't wait to see the new PTR!!

Suz

 

[MEK]

Great, great TR!! I am sad it is over. Thanks for taking us along on your wonderful vacation. I can't wait to see the new PTR!!

Suz

Thanks pl'smama. I am really glad you stuck with me to the end. I am going to include a pre itinerary to the end of this report. I still want to post a few additional pics, but I got so tired last night I fell asleep holding my lap tap.

 

[pl'smama]

Thanks pl'smama. I am really glad you stuck with me to the end. I am going to include a pre itinerary to the end of this report. I still want to post a few additional pics, but I got so tired last night I fell asleep holding my lap tap.

I will be waiting and watching! Thanks for the heads up.

Suz

 

[MEK]

 

[MDMagicMom]

Sorry to join in at the end but for some reason, I love to read about the whole trip at once. Sounds like you had a great time. Makes me excited for my trip. 29 days!

 

[MEK]

Sorry to join in at the end but for some reason, I love to read about the whole trip at once. Sounds like you had a great time. Makes me excited for my trip. 29 days!

MDMagicMom ---- I hope you have a fantastic trip! I look forward to the time when I can go to the world during the Halloween festivities!

 

[MEK]

I can't help myself, but I have to tell you a little about my upcoming trip! I think it ties in with my June Trip report, because if it wasn't for my June trip, I wouldn't be planning a December trip! When my DH upgraded to an AP, that was all the extra incentive I needed to start planning. This trip was to be a bit different though, NO KIDS! NO KIDS for 2 Reasons.....Kids go to school in December and Kids sleep too freak'n late (as you well know if you have been reading my trip report).

Actually 3 reasons for no KIDS- KIDS are more points and since we already borrowed a bunch of 2009 points for our first trip, we literally could not "afford" more points for a December trip, especially if we want to return next summer for a 2BR stay. We will already be borrowing next years points for life.

I think I started calling member services about a week after I got home from the June trip. I really wanted to go back the week after Thanksgiving or the following week. I thought that would be best. Soccer season would be over and we wouldn't be leaving too close to Christmas.

Apparently every other DVC'r had the same idea, because when I called there was absolutely nothing available for 3 midweek nights during the first two weeks of December. The helpful CM told me that January was "wide open"! Boy that was tempting, except for one small problem - my AP expired 1/5/09. That would mean I would have to leave 1/3 in order to get 2 1/2 days on my AP. I wanted to come home on 1/7, which meant 1 1/2 days with no AP. Sure, I could renew, but I wasn't planning on getting another AP until summer. What was a girl to do?

Well I thought about it, then thought about it some more, then I called to check for openings again. Nothing during those first two weeks. So I said to the CM, "What about 12/14-17?" I fully expected a negative response, but lo and behold, those dates were available at SSR. I'll take it!

I really didn't want to leave so close to Christmas, but hey, I think I can make the sacrifice. Maybe I will just have to do a little less Christmas decorating around the house. Maybe I will only do music for one Christmas mass, instead of the usual three. I will make do!

So, that's the skinny - DH and I are flying to MCO on 12/13 and staying one night at POFQ at the AP rate and then 3 nights at SSR - hopefully with the requested DTD view! We have two special dinners planned - one at The Brown Derby and one at the California Grill! We also have one character breakfast planned at the Crystal Palace (one of my personal favs because I love the characters). We may also go the Christmas party, although we are still undecided. We also have one meal planned at the Plaza. I hope to see Illuminations and catch a showing of Fantasmic! I can't wait to ride TSM and make up for the few rides I missed in June. I may also take DH to see the Christmas parade at AK. It's one of my personal favs!

So, thanks folks for tuning in. I want to post a few more pictures tonight and then I am signing off.