Sorry Gaston, They are MUCH More Interesting Than You!*6/8* NEW Trip Report Link p154

[Chilly]

Like the bar you've got going on there.

 

[eandesmom]

Sorry I'm late but I'm joining in now! Sounds like the trip was off to a great start for y'all!

It was a very fun first night

First I didn't realize you had eaten dinner at Les Chefs until I saw Cynthia's French Onion soup. the lasagne especially threw me till you described it as a ratatoulle lasagne. now I get it!

LOVE the goody bag on Cynthia's bed. that wine stopper is very cute. I rarely need a stopper ..... i just finish the bottle. (Though that has changed for me now. It takes a lot longer to finish a drink and I can only drink a few sips of an alcoholic beverage right now. )

Why has that changed for you now? Did I miss something?

The lasagna was confusing but the insides were definitely ratatoullie!

Recreating the turtle crawl explains all the different rum. That had me a bit perplexed. Its funny that you didn't have a can opener for the big juice can. Sounds like something I would (and have!) done. And yup, I've just taken the whole top off instead.

Did you catch the Water Parade? its one of my favorite parts of staying at WL

My brain was operating like we were in a 1B villa, not a studio but then again, our 1B in Vero did not have a bottle opener and Jeff had to go buy one! Actually he didn't but I told him too because we kind of needed one and I knew they had the big mickey head ones. LOL! Next time I'll get a carton or a jug. We could have skipped all that silver rum entirely. Neither of us are fans but we were trying to be faithful to the recipe.

You can never have too much rum!

If it's silver rum, yeah you can. Bleh.

I'd have had a hard time debating between taking the bus or the boat/monorail. I know the bus is the quicker way to go, but there's just something about riding the monorail into EPCOT through Future World that I absolutely love. I'm glad you had a nice evening and a few drinks to help you relax and adjust to the time difference.

I really like the boat/monorail option myself and I don't think it would have taken all that much more time but this was easier. The bus is right outside the villa entry so super quick versus walking down to the dock.

No Mary Ellen, frankly I don't think that that is enough liquor for 2 svelte ladies... really don't you think you needed to double that...?

Hey you know, it's like stocking the freezer before a storm. Just in case we got stranded at the villa with nothing to drink and all the bars were closed. It was pretty funny.

I love the Wilderness Lodge... and I get into all the back stories of everything so the decor makes sense in that context... and I really love the architecture and the common spaces... it is a little more isolated... but there is also something cool about that... (It's the way I feel about the AKL...but for different reasons...)

I think WL is great for MK visits and MK resort dining and I do enjoy the entire theme even if it does remind me a little too much of home. It is cozy and our pool view room in the main lodge was one of my favorite verandahs of all time. Great storm watching spot. With rum.

I do have to say the Boardwalk area hotels... just can't be beat for locations though...

We adore the YC, if there was DVC there we'd have already bought. I do like the BC but it's just a little too pastel y and feminine for my guys. Not to mention a lot of little kids. I'd stay there, especially in the villas (and love the villa pool!) in a heartbeat but the boys would be doing it soley for SAB but not loving the rooms. The location cannot be beat.

I agree about the ritas... I think next time I'm going to just graze when I have one of those... felt filling to me too before a meal...

I had an impossible time finishing my meal at LaHacienda on our Flower and Garden trip. If memory serves we'd had one rita at the Ditch and then ordered one with dinner. It was a TON of food.

Your food in Chefs looks really good...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Cynthia's bottle topper... I think I need one of those... Where pray tell did that come from???

I love Les Chefs, just something about it is very fun. I can't get the guys ever interested in it so it's perfect to do on a girls trip.

I'm a bit late with the Christmas wishes, but I hope you both had wonderful holidays with your families!!!

Loving the start to your trip!

Mary Ellen, great solution to the counter space problem. Really, a coffee table is just a tripping hazard, so you solved two problems.

What a thoughtful goody bag for Cynthia!

You too Dee!

Really a coffee table is just something you have to move to set up the bed...and then move back. A total pain. And it blocks access to all kinds of places when you do have to move it to set up the bed. Like verandahs!

IThe Wilderness Lodge looks beautiful! My DH and I have wanted to visit there just to look around, but the boys are not interested.

I think starting out your trip meeting a new friend at The Ditch is an appropriate start to a trip dedicated to having fun with the gals. I'm glad that Cynthia was able to meet up with you two in time for your dinner plans. The food looked good.

A nightcap by the beach was the perfect way to end your first day!

Oh that's too bad, it really is beautiful and it is decent counter service if you wanted to do it as a lunch break from MK just to check it out.

Like the bar you've got going on there.

Frightening isn't it?

 

[MEK]

Sorry I'm late but I'm joining in now! Sounds like the trip was off to a great start for y'all!

Amanda! Thanks for joining in. Hope you had a great Christmas!

What is inside the fountain decorating it? I can't tell.

I think its just the stones, but some of them do look "white". I didn't notice anything unusual about the fountain, so I'm honestly not sure.

For some reason, "multi quote" is not working for me today. sigh. Now I have to remember everything and I've not even had coffee yet!

Well, you did good because I am lucky if I can remember my second comment, even with coffee!

First I didn't realize you had eaten dinner at Les Chefs until I saw Cynthia's French Onion soup. the lasagne especially threw me till you described it as a ratatoulle lasagne. now I get it!

That french onion soups is SO good. I was too full from the rita for that, but ....yum!

LOVE the goody bag on Cynthia's bed. that wine stopper is very cute. I rarely need a stopper ..... i just finish the bottle. (Though that has changed for me now. It takes a lot longer to finish a drink and I can only drink a few sips of an alcoholic beverage right now. )

Yeah - I guess you wouldn't need a stopper if you finished the whole bottle.

Hmmm....going from a whole bottle to a few sips? That's a change, and not necessarily one for the better.

Recreating the turtle crawl explains all the different rum. That had me a bit perplexed. Its funny that you didn't have a can opener for the big juice can. Sounds like something I would (and have!) done. And yup, I've just taken the whole top off instead.

That was a little frustrating not having an opener, but our method worked. Thank goodness!

Tina -- your comment makes me very curious about this mysterious photo

What a great way to finish the night - drinks & chatting on the beach.
Did you catch the Water Parade? its one of my favorite parts of staying at WL

It is always so lovely sitting on the beach because no one is ever there.

Funny you should ask about the ELP. I guess the best answer would be - almost!

Mary Ellen hope you got some good post-Christmas deals. I was at the mall with Katie yesterday. UGH! We went to build a bear, Claire's, and the Deb shop. Guess this is why they call her age level the start of the "tween" years -- little girl and big girl all rolled into one. Starting with building a stuffed German shepherd plush and ending with strutting in 4 1/2" sparkling blue heels.

Too funny about Katie. Not having girls I must say I don't think I miss having that experience.

I did stop in Kohls to spend some of my Kohl's cash. I got a cute pair of boots. love the style, but they aren't leather, which bothers me. But, they were super cheap so if I only get a couple wears out of them its all good.

You can never have too much rum!

Exactly!

I'd have had a hard time debating between taking the bus or the boat/monorail. I know the bus is the quicker way to go, but there's just something about riding the monorail into EPCOT through Future World that I absolutely love. I'm glad you had a nice evening and a few drinks to help you relax and adjust to the time difference.

I agree - I love riding the monorail into Epcot, but I think for time purposes taking the bus really was the right choice. We did a lot of boat and monorail riding later on, so stayed tuned!

No Mary Ellen, frankly I don't think that that is enough liquor for 2 svelte ladies... really don't you think you needed to double that...?

Yeah, we ran out after the first couple days. Poor planning on our part!

I love the Wilderness Lodge... and I get into all the back stories of everything so the decor makes sense in that context... and I really love the architecture and the common spaces... it is a little more isolated... but there is also something cool about that... (It's the way I feel about the AKL...but for different reasons...)

Exactly - once I heard the back story I totally got it. Before I knew the story I wasn't really crazy about the decor. I wanted it to turn into cabin chic. I guess that won't work.

I do have to say the Boardwalk area hotels... just can't be beat for locations though...

I could not agree me. The location is fantastic.

I agree about the ritas... I think next time I'm going to just graze when I have one of those... felt filling to me too before a meal...

Either that or I need to wait about 2 hours to "digest" the rita.

Your food in Chefs looks really good...

It was a nice meal to start the trip and we had a very nice waiter.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Cynthia's bottle topper... I think I need one of those... Where pray tell did that come from???

I got it at the WL gift shop. There was only one, but they have tons of them at the F&W festival center.

 

[MEK]

I'm a bit late with the Christmas wishes, but I hope you both had wonderful holidays with your families!!!

Thanks Dee! I had a great Christmas! I hope you did, too!

Loving the start to your trip!

Is there any better to start a trip than with a visit to the Ditch for the best margarita on earth?

Mary Ellen, great solution to the counter space problem. Really, a coffee table is just a tripping hazard, so you solved two problems.

Especially with all the alcohol we had in that room! Good point!

What a thoughtful goody bag for Cynthia!

I had fun figuring out what to get her. The wine bottle stopper was pretty much a no brainer.

The Wilderness Lodge looks beautiful! My DH and I have wanted to visit there just to look around, but the boys are not interested.

Then you need to ditch those boys and go visit yourselves. You should take the lodge tour sometime. It is SO interesting. I think its one of the best "freebies" at the world.

I think starting out your trip meeting a new friend at The Ditch is an appropriate start to a trip dedicated to having fun with the gals. I'm glad that Cynthia was able to meet up with you two in time for your dinner plans. The food looked good.

I'm so glad the trip started off without a hitch. And it pretty much ran smooth right to the end. Just the way I like it.

A nightcap by the beach was the perfect way to end your first day!

it was. I am sure I was so tired by then I was half delirious, but it was still fun.

Like the bar you've got going on there.

Chilly! Thanks for joining in.

Yeah - we do look like a pair of lushes, don't we?

 

[annmarieda]

I hate that late night bag delivery. I have had that experience with late flights. Not fun! I am sure your West Coast travel day can not be fun, although I am surprised at how easy Cynthia rolls with it.

It isn't so bad. I think really, coming in it is hard to not be just so to be in WDW. I do have a couple days till I am caught back up on sleep but it is a small price....

Looks like Cynthia's arrival went pretty smoothly. Too bad that the seminar tickets couldn't be gathered all at once. The can of pineapple had me That had to be comical trying to get enough of an opening to pour out some juice!

 

[MEK]

It isn't so bad. I think really, coming in it is hard to not be just so to be in WDW. I do have a couple days till I am caught back up on sleep but it is a small price....

Yeah - definitely a small price for being in such a great place. I know when I travel west its always much harder for me to come back east, but maybe that's because I don't want to be home.

Looks like Cynthia's arrival went pretty smoothly. Too bad that the seminar tickets couldn't be gathered all at once. The can of pineapple had me That had to be comical trying to get enough of an opening to pour out some juice!

The seminar ticket thing was weird. They could only be picked up the day of. It forced us to go to the festival center a few extra times, but it was seriously not much of an incovenience.

It was pretty hard to get the juice out of the small hole. Actually a little frustrating because it took so long and you know I have the patience of a flea rotfl: haha - is that even a good analogy). Anyway, you catch my drift.

 

[eandesmom]

It isn't so bad. I think really, coming in it is hard to not be just so to be in WDW. I do have a couple days till I am caught back up on sleep but it is a small price....

Looks like Cynthia's arrival went pretty smoothly. Too bad that the seminar tickets couldn't be gathered all at once. The can of pineapple had me That had to be comical trying to get enough of an opening to pour out some juice!

Just think

glug


glug


glug

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Enjoyed the report so far, and im sure that much rum for two ladies could never end with good stories. looking forward to the rest.

 

[marDgreen88]

I love all your Wilderness Lodge pictures! I REALLY want to stay there. It's so gorgeous!

Hooray for your dismeet and for Cynthia arriving! Sounds fun! Dinner looks good!

 

[MEK]

Enjoyed the report so far, and im sure that much rum for two ladies could never end with good stories. looking forward to the rest.

Fauntleroy Fan! Thanks for joining in! Despite all the rum we had, we remained relatively calm. Hard to believe, but true!

I love all your Wilderness Lodge pictures! I REALLY want to stay there. It's so gorgeous!

You should try it some time. It really is a gorgeous building and the grounds are just lovely! And the boat ride to MK is really nice.

Hooray for your dismeet and for Cynthia arriving! Sounds fun! Dinner looks good!

My first evening started perfectly. It was so fun meeting Pat and Cynthia and I had a great dinner.

 

[annmarieda]

It was pretty hard to get the juice out of the small hole. Actually a little frustrating because it took so long and you know I have the patience of a flea rotfl: haha - is that even a good analogy). Anyway, you catch my drift.

I can't say I have every heard that analogy, but it seems to make sense. I mean... does a flea have any patience? Small... bitty jumpy little creature. I would assume in it's short life there is no time for patience..

Just think

glug


glug


glug

I am not sure I would have a. the patience for it... or b. the ability to handle how sticky I am sure it all was.

 

[teekathepony]

Ok, I'm all caught up!! I wasn't as far behind as I thought.
YAY for you all being there!! WL looks absolutely gorgeous, so peaceful!
MEK -- that France fountain pic is awesome! Very artsy, you should make a series of abstract Disney photography.
eandesmom - YUM that meal at Les Chefs looks delish!

 

[MEK]

I can't say I have every heard that analogy, but it seems to make sense. I mean... does a flea have any patience? Small... bitty jumpy little creature. I would assume in it's short life there is no time for patience..

Let's just put it this way - My ADD was kicking in BIG TIME on this trip. So yeah - it fits!

I am not sure I would have a. the patience for it... or b. the ability to handle how sticky I am sure it all was.

Ok, I'm all caught up!! I wasn't as far behind as I thought.
YAY for you all being there!! WL looks absolutely gorgeous, so peaceful!

Don't worry about being far behind. I am going slow on this right now. I have a couple other projects I'm working on which is slowing me down. But I do hope to update sometime in the next several days. Uploading new photos now.

WL is really a beautiful resort. So different.

MEK -- that France fountain pic is awesome! Very artsy, you should make a series of abstract Disney photography.
eandesmom - YUM that meal at Les Chefs looks delish!

Haha - that was a photobucket edit because the original picture was bad. It looks pretty cool. So yeah! My first full day of pictures were not good. I was not concentrating enough on settings and everything is dull and grey. I am somewhat disappointed in myself. So there will be MORE photobucket edits.

Les Chefs was yummy!

 

[tinacaplan]

The trip started well and ended well. You definitely have to get a rita from the Ditch. There is nothing like them! Amazing!

Meeting Pat was a blast! She is awesome and I hope we get to meet up again on a future trip.

Yum - Yes there ARE pictures of you meeting up with a certain someone. I just edited them today!



I did and I hope you and your family had a great day as well. You must be getting so excited for your upcoming trip. I am so JEALOUS, because the weather here is SO YUCKY! I would kill to be going to Florida now. Anywhere in Florida. It doesn't even have to be Disney!

I'm sure real Pat was much nicer than the imitation one I met in line at MK.

I have been sick since the 24th...actually, I think I felt it coming on at about 2:15 on the 21st, which was when we got out of school for the break. All too typical. But I did go to the walk-in two days ago...apparently its just sinusitis, but she gave me some pretty serious sounding syrup with codeine and I took her advice to sleep for the past two days. So much for this break being even remotely productive! But I gotta get better for Disney!

We're supposed to get more snow this afternoon, but Monday morning is all clear and we should be good for take-off! The weather down there just keeps looking better and better; I really want some pool time while we're there.

It really is yummy, I tried it for the first time this summer on MEK's recommendation and just loved it. Actually I just loved everything about OKW. I could move in there.

Funny, I feel pretty much the same way about OKW! And the Turtlekrawl was delicious.

 

[eandesmom]

Enjoyed the report so far, and im sure that much rum for two ladies could never end with good stories. looking forward to the rest.

Yay, Dan's here!



No stories of that nature, sorry to disappoint and no, we did not finish all that rum. There may be good stories, but they don't involve rum.

I don't think.

I love all your Wilderness Lodge pictures! I REALLY want to stay there. It's so gorgeous!

Hooray for your dismeet and for Cynthia arriving! Sounds fun! Dinner looks good!

Dinner was yummy!

I can't say I have every heard that analogy, but it seems to make sense. I mean... does a flea have any patience? Small... bitty jumpy little creature. I would assume in it's short life there is no time for patience..

We use the expression "the attention span of a flea" all the time when referring to the 2 youngest. Same dea

I am not sure I would have a. the patience for it... or b. the ability to handle how sticky I am sure it all was.

Yeah, it was that. Sticky. Pretty tasty though so the end result was worth it. Note though that this was just making a drink, not attempting the bad recipe.

Ok, I'm all caught up!! I wasn't as far behind as I thought.
YAY for you all being there!! WL looks absolutely gorgeous, so peaceful!
MEK -- that France fountain pic is awesome! Very artsy, you should make a series of abstract Disney photography.
eandesmom - YUM that meal at Les Chefs looks delish!

She takes some amazing pics doesn't she? It was delish.

I'm sure real Pat was much nicer than the imitation one I met in line at MK.
I have been sick since the 24th...actually, I think I felt it coming on at about 2:15 on the 21st, which was when we got out of school for the break. All too typical. But I did go to the walk-in two days ago...apparently its just sinusitis, but she gave me some pretty serious sounding syrup with codeine and I took her advice to sleep for the past two days. So much for this break being even remotely productive! But I gotta get better for Disney!

What is with you always getting sick before a trip? GET BETTER!

You must just run yourself into the ground with all the before break stuff and the minute you stop your body allows itself to get sick.

We're supposed to get more snow this afternoon, but Monday morning is all clear and we should be good for take-off! The weather down there just keeps looking better and better; I really want some pool time while we're there.

There have been some very nice temps on some of the days! Makes me rethink whether or not a water park is a possibility for next new years. I know the kids would love it.

Funny, I feel pretty much the same way about OKW! And the Turtlekrawl was delicious.

If we weren't going over New Years...and I didn't have my new fabulous Boardwalk Points, I might totally push for OKW. I loved it that much and we all adored Olivia's. It is a great resort and I'd gladly stay there again in a heartbeat.

 

[Moira222]

Why has that changed for you now? Did I miss something?

I had bariatric surgery in early December, reduced the size of my stomach considerably. As a result, I take in a LOT less, and def. a quarter of a glass of wine takes a lot longer to consume and effects me faster.

Hmmm....going from a whole bottle to a few sips? That's a change, and not necessarily one for the better. \


Funny you should ask about the ELP. I guess the best answer would be - almost!

Too funny about Katie. Not having girls I must say I don't think I miss having that experience.

I did stop in Kohls to spend some of my Kohl's cash. I got a cute pair of boots. love the style, but they aren't leather, which bothers me. But, they were super cheap so if I only get a couple wears out of them its all good.

Love getting stuff for "almost" free with Kohls cash. I have not even entered Kohls' since Christmas.

aaah the mall with Katie. fun.

 

[eandesmom]

I had bariatric surgery in early December, reduced the size of my stomach considerably. As a result, I take in a LOT less, and def. a quarter of a glass of wine takes a lot longer to consume and effects me faster.

I had a feeling that might be what you were alluding to but didn't want to assume. Congratulations, that is a huge step and really changes your life in so many ways I can't even imagine the challenges it poses but is still very exciting I'm sure. I hope it is going well and you are glad you did it, it's such a huge step.

 

[glennbo123]

Some fun updates! I'm glad MEK and Cynthia have both arrived safely. And you got to meet Pat! How awesome! And you talked like old friends -- I never woulda figured.

Enough rum for a week? It's close, but you could always hit a bar for the last night or 2.

 

[emmysmommy]

Your photos from WL are so very lovely! What a great resort! I love your resourcefulness of putting the table in the bathroom...women definitely need the space for their "stuff"

Thought I spotted a Vera Bradley wristlet in one of your photos??? I use those at Dis since they are so handy! Another similarity... I have photos of the date/time on the buses as well. I've even got a few photos of the time and weather reports from my phone... you never know when that little bit of information will come in handy!

Starting your trip with a drink and a Dismeet sounds perfect! I love the little bar in the room. And a bit of a "happy hour" before bed doesn't sound bad either!

I'm loving following along on your adventures.

 

[MEK]

I'm sure real Pat was much nicer than the imitation one I met in line at MK.

Undoubtedly! Can't believe you met the Pat Imposter and not the real Pat!

I have been sick since the 24th...actually, I think I felt it coming on at about 2:15 on the 21st, which was when we got out of school for the break. All too typical. But I did go to the walk-in two days ago...apparently its just sinusitis, but she gave me some pretty serious sounding syrup with codeine and I took her advice to sleep for the past two days. So much for this break being even remotely productive! But I gotta get better for Disney!

Oh Tina - that's a bummer. There are some many people sick right now. I really hope you get better soon and you are in perfect shape for Disney. Like I said before, I am so envious. Where are you guys staying - AOA?

We're supposed to get more snow this afternoon, but Monday morning is all clear and we should be good for take-off! The weather down there just keeps looking better and better; I really want some pool time while we're there.

I went one year in early January and it was fabulous. Sunny and warm every day and just perfect for the pool. I hope you have the same. Something about a pool in January is very invigorating.

Funny, I feel pretty much the same way about OKW! And the Turtlekrawl was delicious.

One of my favorite WDW drinks, that's for sure! Glad you liked OKW.

I had bariatric surgery in early December, reduced the size of my stomach considerably. As a result, I take in a LOT less, and def. a quarter of a glass of wine takes a lot longer to consume and effects me faster.

:

I did not know you had surgery. I hope you are feeling well and congratulations on making the decision and having the surgery. I know its a lot of work just to get prepared for it. I know several people at work who have had it and it really is life changing.

Love getting stuff for "almost" free with Kohls cash. I have not even entered Kohls' since Christmas.

I went the day after Christmas and got more summer clothes. I swear I am addicted to summer clothes. I still have $15 to use but I learned that they will take it post date as long as its not too far post date.

aaah the mall with Katie. fun.

Stories like that make me glad I have boys.

Some fun updates! I'm glad MEK and Cynthia have both arrived safely. And you got to meet Pat! How awesome! And you talked like old friends -- I never woulda figured.

Yup we pretty much did - and - who woulda figured?

Enough rum for a week? It's close, but you could always hit a bar for the last night or 2.

Well, we definitely made a dent in it, but I ended up giving the big bottle to Christine who has an owner's locker. I took the rest of the Myer's home and still haven't finished it.

Your photos from WL are so very lovely! What a great resort! I love your resourcefulness of putting the table in the bathroom...women definitely need the space for their "stuff"

Brenda! Thanks so much for joining in! Glad you like the WL pics. It really is such a pretty resort. It was a nice location for the start of the trip. Yes - I DO need space for my stuff. It shocks me that that BR was so lacking in storage space. It has like two tiny corner shelves. Really tiny. My stuff wouldn't even start to fit on those.

Thought I spotted a Vera Bradley wristlet in one of your photos??? I use those at Dis since they are so handy! Another similarity... I have photos of the date/time on the buses as well. I've even got a few photos of the time and weather reports from my phone... you never know when that little bit of information will come in handy!

I love that little vera wristlet. It does help me keep all my Disney cards organized - between room keys, park pass, TIW, gift cards, and my DVC card, I felt fairly organized. And that's saying a lot for me!

Starting your trip with a drink and a Dismeet sounds perfect! I love the little bar in the room. And a bit of a "happy hour" before bed doesn't sound bad either!

We had quite a few happy hours - shocking, I know!

I'm loving following along on your adventures.

Hoping to have another post up soon!