Snow, Savannah, and NO School! A Feb 2010 TR! UPDATE marathon! New TR! Souvies! 3/6

[Happydog]

I'm really enjoying this TR!

Have a great cruise! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Awww I am so glad! I am having fun cranking it out for you all! Gotta get back to it next week -- I have my cruise all lined up to share!

Great update! It's so much fun to do a little resort exploration on your own...
especially when you are staying at such a beautiful resort!

Bon Voyage!! Take lots of pictures for us!



Kathy

I really did enjoy checking out the AKL -- such a beautiful place. Lots to share with the cruise now! Not to worry!

Yay for your DS getting his first ride on RNRC!!! Glad he liked it - we do too!

I still haven't seen Fantasmic @ WDW, just DL, one of these days I'll remedy that.

We finally saw it this trip, and hadn't before! So I understand about Fantasmic! BUT I am glad we finally saw it! he was awfully excited to ride it. I think DH is thrilled he can! I have not been on it yet, so that will be the new news this summer!

I hope you're leaving before the next storm hits- have fun and say hi to the mouse for me!

We made it without trouble! Mickey was definitely on the boat!

Have fun!!!

Thanks! We sure did!

You are gone, hope you get to check-in with us before you board the ship...
Awesome that the little guy got to ride RNR! It really is a great ride! I'll bet he was beaming!

Oh yes, he was so very thrilled! I tried to email a few times! Too hard to send a proper update!

Yes, well that photo was pretty funny! My fingers don't look like that though!!!

 

[Happydog]

Have fun!!!!!

Thanks! We sure did!

I just read your TR and I would just love to pick up and go like you did! We've have 5 blizzards and untold inches of snow, and Florida sounds great right now.

Have fun on your cruise!

Yes, that is about how we felt with the snow! We ran! And it was a great place to be!

Have a fabulous cruise!!!

Thank you!! We really did have a lovely time!

Have a wonderful cruise!

Thank you! We did and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

I missed the send off but I hope you are having a FABULOUS cruise, your new Vera is treating you well and you are enjoying some well deserved adult only time.

Fun update and lovely resort pics! AKL is such a different world, it is breathtaking.

Oh that is okay! I missed it too! But we had so much fun and it was fabulous, and my weekender was PERFECT for this trip! We had a wonderful time being adults!

Have a great time!

Thank you thank you! We had a great time with lots of fun and I can't wait to share!

Hope you are having a fabulous first night on board the ship! Just had a chance to read and enjoy your last update! Your pictures capture so perfectly the beauty of AKL! Makes me want to book a stay there right now! We have never seen Fantasmic! Can you believe it? One of these days! Your boys look so entranced by it!

Oh thank you CP! Our trip and the ship was delightful. Excelent weather! Thanks so much, the AKL was truly beautiful. I was taken with it! I hope you stay there again soon, CP! I finally got why you like it so much! I am not surprised you haven't seen Fantasmic, we hadn't either! They really enjoyed it. We all did

 

[Happydog]

Sorry I missed your bon voyage send off. Have a great time. Can't wait to hear all about the cruise!!

Oh you didn't miss anything! Thanks for the well wishes! I have lots to tell!

Can't wait to hear about it!

Well you have come to the right place!!

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures!

Thanks! You know I have plenty to tell you all!

What a coincidence -- I just got back from Walmart -- oh, wait, that's not the same thing at all! Welcome back! Can't wait to hear all about the cruise and Hilton Head!

BWAAAAAHA HA HA HA . Yeah, um, NO. Not the same thing... No matter how hard you imagine!

Can't wait to hear about it!

Great! I have lots to tell!

Welcome back. Looking forward to all the stories!

I have plenty! Don't worry!

I am really excited to hear the rest...usually a lurker...don't know what prevoked me post! LOL...

We live in Central TX(Fort Hood) and got like a whole 3 inches of FREAK snow(we were wearing shorts the day before) last week. AND it was gone in about 14 hours... So today I looked at my husband and said, "Next time it snows, we're going to Disney!"

Oh gee! Well WELCOME over, and thanks for saying "HI!"

It's what you make of it, Jackie! (actually, no - I don't think there is any way a trip to WM can compare)


Glad you had a great cruise HD! Can't wait to hear all about it (after you finish this TR, of course)!

I was trying to break that to CP gently... We had a great cruise, and I am looking forward to finishing this TR and starting my spring PTR with Cruise included!

 

[Happydog]

Can't wait to hear about it!

Well keep reading, in the next week or two! I have one to finish, one to start, and one to share!

 

[Happydog]

Hi ya everyone! WE are back!!! (again!!! ) I have so much to share and fun news about our cruise that we have just returned from , but I want to finish my dang snow escape TR, first!!! So I am going to give that a shot this week!

So I last left you with our night at DHS. It was a great evening because of course as I mentioned none of us had really sat through Fantasmic, and the lateness of the event often prevented us from seeing it as a family. However, the park hours worked well for us, and we were very happy to get it in this trip! We really liked it!

So the next morning was our Epcot day. We knew that rain was in the forcast, but we were not sure exactly when it would impact our day, so we got up, got ready and headed to Epcot. We got there just as the park was opening, and ran our typical game play, DH and DS7 head for Mission Space, and DS4 and I head for FPs to Soarin and to The Seas to see Nemo... With FPs in hand we headed over to "Sea" what was in store for us! Sorry... BAD PUN This was one of the first times I actually really noticed all the amazing details in this attraction. I just love how Disney thinks of every detail. From the way you feel "under the water" with the lighting and the bottoms of boats suspended from the ceiling, to the barnicles encrusted on the doorways... this is one of DS4's favorite rides, so we always enjoy it together So here are a few photos of our little adventure, which was hardly busy with guests at this early hour... We were the only one in our line of clam shells, hence I took a few photos!

OF course our favorite part of this attraction -- okay, let me clarify, my DS4's FAVORITE part of this attraction, is the starfish at the end... last trip when we went to ride Nemo, the starfish was not "on" -- the CM said he must still be asleep (it was again the first few minutes of park opening). So DS, when we rode it this time, excitedly told me, "Momma! He is awake this time!!!! I guess he was woken up!" Of course this was one of those heart-melting, why I love Disney with my kids, moments... and put the best smile on my face. I gave him a massive squeeze and we laughed, and he imitated the starfish's silly comments about turning his stomach inside out... and then we braved the sprinkles to meet up with DH and DS7 at the coffee stand over by Mouse Gears. We all geared up with Hot Chocolate and Coffee, and headed over for another never been done attraction: Ellen's Energy Adventure. Okay, so it was a little bit of a snore, but even still, we all thought it was tolerable and the boys liked it, and for us it kepts us indoors and warm! So after we learned all we could possibly want to know about fossil fuel, we made it over to the "cotton ball" for a quick turn, and thought we would try our luck at lunch... so we walked up to the R & C -- no openings that they could commit too, so we kept walking over the bridge to France. We walked in, and they said fifteen minutes. That was music to our ears. So for a few minutes we waited outside, and then were ushered in to eat lunch. Remy came by to say hello, and in the meantime we ordered french onion soup and quiche, and a nice glass of chardonnay. The boys had the brioche croquette de boeuf (aka a hamburger on buttered brioche rolls) and fries... It was a delightful lunch, and we watched the rain fall outside. It reminded me of many lunches I have had in France with similar window views and weather!

Well after a lovely lunch, we knew we had to make a break for it, so we ran out of the restaurant and straight over to an umbrella near the best location in France... Here are two views from under the umbrella... GUESS which was my favorite??!!

Ah yes, even on a cold wet day, I can drink a grey goose slushie!!!!

So we decided to cut our losses that day, and head back to the resort. We took the boat across the lagoon, enjoying a dry spot for a few minutes, and then ran across to mouse gears to dry off for a few minutes. Where DS4 secured his beloved "Bruce" and I bought a few trinkets. We then braved the rain one more time, all the way to the car, and made it back to the resort, wet, but happy!

Something we noticed when we got back was that the animals were more alert in the rain, they all came out and were eating and just walking about in the rain. We watched them from the balcony for a while, then DH took the boys to the arcade (something they had been dying to do) We had Simba's club reservation for them that evening -- for two hours -- so we could have dinner at Jiko's. I met them down at the arcade about an hour after they had left the room, and found out that the entire arcade had been put on "free games" for the afternoon on account of the rain! The main pool was open again, and some people were in it, but I guess they figured since the day was a wash, they would make the guests happy -- and boy was that arcade humming! All THREE of my boys were having a great time...

We all headed back to the room for everyone to get cleaned up a little, and we took them down to Simba's and headed to Jiko for dinner.

Okay, HANDS down, this was the BEST meal I had this trip, and ONE of the BEST meals I have had at Disney. GREAT food, GREAT service, WONDERFUL winelist, and really unique yet amazing dishes. We had the mussels as an appetizer, along with "Tibs Watt in Panekoeke" -- holy cow these were amazing. The mussels AWESOME. If that wasn't enough, he gave us a nice sample of a soup, and then we had our entrees... We ordered a nice sparkling wine to start, then followed up with wine with dinner. I had the lamb loin, and my DH the shrimp. BOTH were wonderfully prepared, the flavors and spices really well matched, and we were pleased with our choices. We had dessert but I don't recognize it from the menu on AllEars. But at anyrate, it was a fantastic evening, and I highly recommend Jiko to everyone!

We collected the boys from Simbas, and headed back to the room. Here are the boys and a few evening photos...

With the boys tucked in, I took off to do some shopping at DTD and Epcot.

Here is my evening photo of spaceship earth... I ran into mousegears to get a few items, then headed over to DTD... Where I did more shopping, including a visit to this place!

Where, as many of you knew, I wanted a Christmas ornament I had neglected to grab over Christmas! With a big smile, I proceeded to Tren-D, and to World of Disney. I made some more purchases with that great AP holiday discount, and then headed back to the resort. It was late, but I was thrilled that I got my shopping in. It was our final night at the resort, but we still had a great day planned at the MK, so I thanked my amazing DH for letting us take this special trip, and with a smile on my face, fell asleep.

More tomorrow! Coming up -- the Magic Kingdom, part two!

 

[eandesmom]

sorry about the rain but it really sounds like a lovely lovely day! Had the boys seen Remy before?

I really wanted to eat there this summer but boy did it bomb in my menu rating exercise!

Lovely date night and review of Jiko, I do want to try it one of these trips.

What room configuration did you have with the bunk beds? The boys look so cute in them!

 

[Happydog]

sorry about the rain but it really sounds like a lovely lovely day! Had the boys seen Remy before?

I really wanted to eat there this summer but boy did it bomb in my menu rating exercise!

Lovely date night and review of Jiko, I do want to try it one of these trips.

What room configuration did you have with the bunk beds? The boys look so cute in them!

Hi ya! Well, that was a standard room with bunkbeds -- not anything else (like at the WL the bunkbeds are "more"... ) they were farther from the wall than I would have liked... so about a foot of the room was taken up on the side that was against the wall -- so no one would get stuck between bed and wall I suspect. they probably didn't take up more room than another regular bed would have, but because they are upright and taller than a bed, it may have felt smaller. However for us and them (two little boys) it worked out well. This isn't what I had booked, but this was the room that they could give me at 4am, and well, that was fine by us!

They had met Remy, yes, last summer. So it was kinda fun to see him and his "handler" again! Yes, we enjoyed our dinner at Jiko. It was the kind of place where you want to hold a conversation and not be concerned about the kid's menu!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

A great update! I've said this before but your little stinkers are just so freakin cute.... and your grey goose slushie view.... I would love to try Jiko... very nice you got to try it just the two of you.

Ahh, solo shopping time.

 

[IluvXU]

Sorry about the rain at EPCOT.... I love the starfish too at The Living Seas.

Shopping night again.. .I want to see pictures.

Love the AK pics. I am really thinking we need a stay there soon!

 

[MeMom]

Free arcade games - very nice treat for guests on a rainy day.

It's nice that you got to do some shopping on your own with the boys safely snuggled away in bed.

We have those 'starfish moments', too. Brooklynn once told me that we couldn't go into Snow White's Scary Adventures because "She might be sleeping". I suspect it was about the time she was getting old enough to be a little afraid of certain attractions.

Nemo, Chefs, watching the animals form the balcony, free arcade games, Jiko, and alone shopping time - yeah, I'd classify that as a pretty good day.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

What a great day despite the rain! There is something about Chefs that is just cozy. I bet it was great to be warm and dry with a glass of wine and a bowl of that yummy soup and just watch the rain fall! And hurrah for not letting a little rain get in the way of the grey goose!

You were a dedicated shopper on this trip!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I must confess I melted a little bit when I read DS4's comment about the starfish being awake. How precious!!!

A cozy lunch in France while watching the rain sounds lovely! It's raining here today (so much for the threat of snow), and French Onion soup with wine sounds divine!

I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that the picture of DH with the slushie was the view you liked better!

You did do a lot of shopping on this trip! I am with Laura -- I want to see pics of all the purchases!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

It looks like that even with the rain you had a magical day!

Your boys are just adorable! The remarks about the starfish were precious.

So glad you and DH had a nice evening at Jiko.

I have definitely got to try they Grey Goose Slushie this trip. It gets so many rave remarks on the boards.

AKL looks wonderful. I can't wait to go there this summer.

Look forward to your next update and I am anxiously awaiting the cruise report. We are doing our first cruise next year so I am reading every report I can find to learn more!

Erika

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a fabulous day! From your DSs super cute comment about the starfish all the way to your solo shopping trip!

Love Remy, that is so cute! Do you know if he is out often or is it hit or miss? I'd like to meet him

OK, on your favorite view - was it the slushie or the man carrying the slushie?

So glad to hear how much you enjoyed Jiko, I'm really looking forward to that meal - less than 2 months now!!

What did ya buy on your shopping trip - we want pics!

 

[KathyRN137]

Welcome Back!

A damp but wonderful day!

I like how you planned a little family time, a little couple time, and a little me time...
the best of everything at WDW!


Kathy

 

[Happydog]

A great update! I've said this before but your little stinkers are just so freakin cute.... and your grey goose slushie view.... I would love to try Jiko... very nice you got to try it just the two of you.

Ahh, solo shopping time.

Ah gee, thanks! They are cuties - but that comes with a price Yes, Grey Goose Slushie was lovely! AND Jiko too! It was a good restaurant for the two of us.

Sorry about the rain at EPCOT.... I love the starfish too at The Living Seas.

Shopping night again.. .I want to see pictures.

Love the AK pics. I am really thinking we need a stay there soon!

Hi! The rain only got bad around 2pm, but even still we had fun. Yes, the starfish is funny! Okay I have photos! Going to post everything at the end! So two posts from now!

I totally loved the AK. I didn't realize how much I was going to love it myself. It really was beautiful. Isn't that where you own your points?

Free arcade games - very nice treat for guests on a rainy day.

It's nice that you got to do some shopping on your own with the boys safely snuggled away in bed.

We have those 'starfish moments', too. Brooklynn once told me that we couldn't go into Snow White's Scary Adventures because "She might be sleeping". I suspect it was about the time she was getting old enough to be a little afraid of certain attractions.

Nemo, Chefs, watching the animals form the balcony, free arcade games, Jiko, and alone shopping time - yeah, I'd classify that as a pretty good day.

It really was a nice treat, I was impressed that they did that. We did have a wonderful time and despite the rain it was a great day! Brooklynn's story is too cute! It is funny what they hold on to!

What a great day despite the rain! There is something about Chefs that is just cozy. I bet it was great to be warm and dry with a glass of wine and a bowl of that yummy soup and just watch the rain fall! And hurrah for not letting a little rain get in the way of the grey goose!

You were a dedicated shopper on this trip!

It was a great day, and yes, it was a perfect place to be! I would have lingered there all day if I could! Oh no no no no... rain will NEVER get in the way of my slushie!!!!

Yes, lots of shopping to share!

 

[Happydog]

I must confess I melted a little bit when I read DS4's comment about the starfish being awake. How precious!!!

A cozy lunch in France while watching the rain sounds lovely! It's raining here today (so much for the threat of snow), and French Onion soup with wine sounds divine!

I am going to go out on a limb here and guess that the picture of DH with the slushie was the view you liked better!

You did do a lot of shopping on this trip! I am with Laura -- I want to see pics of all the purchases!

Thanks CP! It was really adorable, he says "WOKEN" with such a serious voice! AND yes, Chefs was a great place for a rainy day!

YOU are very sharp in your guessing... Of course I had to tell him DON'T you drink that whole thing mister!!!

I have pics, DONT worry!!! I will post them at the end!

It looks like that even with the rain you had a magical day!

Your boys are just adorable! The remarks about the starfish were precious.

So glad you and DH had a nice evening at Jiko.

I have definitely got to try they Grey Goose Slushie this trip. It gets so many rave remarks on the boards.

AKL looks wonderful. I can't wait to go there this summer.

Look forward to your next update and I am anxiously awaiting the cruise report. We are doing our first cruise next year so I am reading every report I can find to learn more!

Erika

Oh I think you are going to love the AKL and you are going to love the cruise! Lots to say about that, dont worry!

YES a must for the slushie, and yes Jiko was great. I hope you get to enjoy these too!!

What a fabulous day! From your DSs super cute comment about the starfish all the way to your solo shopping trip!

Thanks!!! IT was a fabulous day.

Love Remy, that is so cute! Do you know if he is out often or is it hit or miss? I'd like to meet him

YES! He is very cute. I think he is there daily still... they probably can tell you on the dining line... I think they have info that is still current on AllEars, too!

OK, on your favorite view - was it the slushie or the man carrying the slushie?

So glad to hear how much you enjoyed Jiko, I'm really looking forward to that meal - less than 2 months now!!

What did ya buy on your shopping trip - we want pics!

Pics coming Pics coming I promise!

Yes, it was a hard decision to make, but I think I would take the slushie first, because the guy won't melt!! OH you will really enjoy it I am sure! Jiko's was great.

Welcome Back!

A damp but wonderful day!

I like how you planned a little family time, a little couple time, and a little me time...
the best of everything at WDW!

Kathy

Yes, it was the best of everything, I agree! We had a wonderful time and I am glad we were able to go.

 

[manntra]

Welcome back! Again!
What a great day at Epcot despite the rain. GGS can make all your worries go away!
Awwww your starfish story is adorable! What a cutie!!
That was so great of the resort to open up all of the games in the arcade!!
I am so glad you liked Jiko! Isn't it so cozy and wonderfully delish?!! My niece had the mussels when we went and what an odd combination with the cinnamon raisin baguette but it worked and was sooo good! I thought she was going to tip up the gigantic bowl and drink the rest!!
Looking forward to those pictures!!

Tracy

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh my Jennifer.....
There is a certain picture,
of a certain guy....
I don't mean one of the little guys....
holding a Grey Goose Slushie,
on a gloomy day at Disney,
That needs to be framed on your desk...
Facing you!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Morning, Jennifer! Are you settling back into the routine of regular life?