Strike yer colors, you brazen wench, no need to expose yer superstructure! New p. 16

[Native NYer]

Absolutely! Aside from building our home, DVC and the boat are the best *things* we've purchased. This next trip to WDW will push us well over the break even point for what we paid for DVC. We have 30+ years left to use it. I wish we would have bought sooner.

I know DVC is pushing the world wide destinations but from what I have read, they are difficult to get into. We got into a great resort in Cabo but that was when you could have more than 2 wait lists. I waited 6 possible weeks we could go and I think after 3 weeks, a match came through. I'd love to go to Spain or Italy but can't tell enough about the resorts with the photos that RCI provides.

I wish I would have bought DVC sooner as well. I want to add on at GFV (whenever that is done and officially announced) and GCV (gotta own a piece of the Mouse on the other coast).

Did you see they ended their plans to build in Maryland? I don't know if I'd use RCI for other destinations or just book and pay cash. My brother and SIL own a timeshare through Sheraton on Paradise Island. It's right by Atlantis. They've used their "points" for tons of other resorts and the W. I the W. And while I'd like to try Aulani, I'm far more interested in the Four Seasons Maui. I love Disney, but have a hard time imagining what a Disney resort stay with no prospects of visiting a park would be like. Silly, I know! LOL.

Are you planning on trying Vero or HHI in the future?

 

[podsnel]

Ok- I cheated- I read just the updates and not the in-between DAZZLING rhetoric of the author- I apologize, all of NJ is sharing a cold/cough/laryngitis at the moment and I am an unwilling participant who needs to get to bed!

Plus I spent like a year writing my last response on your other tr-

TTYS- and WOW am I jealous- DL on MY birthday!! My dream come true- well, kinda. Through you. Thanks!

E

 

[rentayenta]

Great updates! I totally agree with you that the portions are way too big. We never plan to eat two entrees between the two of us unless it's a Cobb Salad and Chicken Dinner at the Plaza Inn and then we split them both. I've never had breakfast in the parks just because we always talk ourselves out of MM since we live so close and decide we'd rather sleep in and then eat yogurt or a bagel in the room.

We generally don't do a full breakfast in the parks either but this trip we did. Twice. We ate more on this trip then I ever remember.

We move much slower than your family. If we knock off five attractions in one day, we're doing pretty good. It's nice you have a triathete to send for all your FPs!

We all walk to the general area and then he sprints for the FPs. I think he likes to show off. We cheer for him. It's pretty funny! You hear the kids yelling: go daddy go!

We do move quickly but with 2 teens and a 10 y/o there is no other choice. They were good sports though and stopped so I could take photos. This trip held a lot of compromise for sure. No pouting and everyone knew they'd get their favorites in but they might have to wait a little. They did well and I am very proud of the way they behaved and expressed their thankfulness.

I succumbed to addonitis BIGTIME this year, so we're done. I keep thinking we might have a problem using up our points, but so far I have them all allocated through my 2012 UY, and possibly 2013. If they bring F&W back to DCA, I will have absolutely no problem using them all up!

I have GCV addonitis BIG time right. You can always rent them or bank them if you can't use them. F&W at DCA would be really fun! Next year we'll finally be at WDW during F&W. Are DCA's and Epcot's festivals similar?

Very nice update on your TR. You really did a lot of attractions that morning and it is good to have a person who can collect FPs so quickly. I always like to go on the monorail all the time even if I am staying on site.

Can't wait to hear more of your adventures.

and We did do a ton that morning and really without feeling rushed. Your photos are amazing; I'm a little sheepish about posting mine. I have a high energy family so I got most of them on the go.

I wish I would have bought DVC sooner as well. I want to add on at GFV (whenever that is done and officially announced) and GCV (gotta own a piece of the Mouse on the other coast).

I've read a ton of rumors and I bet GFV will be VERY popular. I know how you love your GF.

Did you see they ended their plans to build in Maryland? I don't know if I'd use RCI for other destinations or just book and pay cash. My brother and SIL own a timeshare through Sheraton on Paradise Island. It's right by Atlantis. They've used their "points" for tons of other resorts and the W. I the W. And while I'd like to try Aulani, I'm far more interested in the Four Seasons Maui. I love Disney, but have a hard time imagining what a Disney resort stay with no prospects of visiting a park would be like. Silly, I know! LOL.

I have read that Aulani is amazing but also very expensive, more so than the other resorts. The upside would be to use points instead of forking out more cash. I think there are characters too like Lilo and Stitch, Mickey etc...

Are you planning on trying Vero or HHI in the future?

I'd love to but not in near furture. Are you? I'd love to one day.

Ok- I cheated- I read just the updates and not the in-between DAZZLING rhetoric of the author- I apologize, all of NJ is sharing a cold/cough/laryngitis at the moment and I am an unwilling participant who needs to get to bed!

Plus I spent like a year writing my last response on your other tr-

TTYS- and WOW am I jealous- DL on MY birthday!! My dream come true- well, kinda. Through you. Thanks!

E

You are so cute my friend. No worries about missing the rhetoric. I hope you're feeling better. I'll go check my ptr for your looooong post.



I have an update coming, it's the finale of Day 1.

 

[Native NYer]

Aulani is on my radar for the future. Vero is a maybe and HHI is most likely a no. Since my brother and SIL have a timeshare on Paradise Island (Harborside at Atlantis), those beach resorts don't have as much appeal. There is nothing like the Caribbean. I love crystal clear water and super super clean beaches. Actually, I love the So Cal beaches. The California coast is amazing. I'm a beach snob. If I were to ever leave NYC, I'd have to move to Cali.

 

[rentayenta]

Aulani is on my radar for the future. Vero is a maybe and HHI is most likely a no. Since my brother and SIL have a timeshare on Paradise Island (Harborside at Atlantis), those beach resorts don't have as much appeal. There is nothing like the Caribbean. I love crystal clear water and super super clean beaches. Actually, I love the So Cal beaches. The California coast is amazing. I'm a beach snob. If I were to ever leave NYC, I'd have to move to Cali.

I love the west coast beaches too. The sand on Newport Beach was so smooth. Seal was a little dirty, more course.

I haven't been to the Caribbean but my friend says the same thing- amazing beaches.

I vacilate on someday going to Atlantis. I am afraid if we don't go soon, the kids will be too big. It doesn't seem like a couple's only destination but I could be wrong.

 

[rentayenta]

I reserve the right to randomly insert photos that I forgot about. Here's a pic of BTMRR from my cell from earlier in the day:

And Splash, again from my cell. America Sings was so much better than Innoventions.

When I left you we were heading out of Disneyland and back to the GCV to see if our villa was ready. It was about 1:00, the park got noticeably more crowded, and it was warm. We had been awake since about 6 am and we all were looking forward to some downtime. I warned everyone though that because of our request, it would be closer to 4:00 before we'd be able to check in. I offered to ask for any available room but no one was interested in that. We had been blessed last the trip with a killer view of DCA so the kids knew it would be worth the wait.


On the way to the GCV, DH suggested we go through DCA. I agreed as I had no idea how much the construction walls would kill any magic DCA held. I had seen threads here on the DIS but never really paid much attention; I wish I had. I would have much rather gone through the GCV entrance for the first visit of the trip to DCA. I don't mean to be a DCA downer but honestly, with all of the walls it lost some of it's charm. Even DH, who claims to like DCA more than Disneyland thought all of the walls diminished it's appeal. The pier area is great but that area between Monsters Inc. and ToT simply stated: sucks. It's so bland and deserted. Bug's Land is darling especially during the holidays. But back to where we were…...

I took these while DH grabbed FPs for Soarin':

Once we arrived at the GCV, I went to registration while the kids grabbed a seat. They look beat:

As suspected our villa was not ready. I wasn't expecting it to be. We came prepared. DH got our swimsuit/sunscreen/snack bags from bell services and we headed to the pool. Gabby fell asleep just minutes after changing her clothes and sitting down. Chloe opted for a snack:

The boys decided to check out the Raider game at the Hearthstone Lounge. Joshua's virgin Pina Colada had yet to arrive:

By this time Chloe has passed out too and I was doing just fine The quiet warm was nice.

After a little reading and while the boys watched the game I took a few pics. I love the pool area at the GCV and was happy we got to spend some time there. If the room had been ready, they all would have slept inside.

Once the boys came back out and the girls woke up, I went to WWS to grab some lunch. I ordered:

(1) Chicken or Shredded Beef Nachos - with guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos and salsa. $9.99

(2) Personal Pizza - with mozzarella or pepperoni, served with a fresh garden salad. $7.49

The menu:

Tree at WWS:

We all shared as usual. Chloe wasn't too hungry and ate an apple and chips we had with us.

The best nachos ever. Seriously. With chicken:

Cont in next post....

 

[rentayenta]

At 4:03 on the dot we got a text saying our villa was ready. It was the perfect blend of park and pool time.

Now I apologize in advance for not taking more room photos. I was so enthralled with the view.

Originally the plan was to be back to Disneyland by 5:00 for a 5:10 reservation at Carnation Cafe. That didn't happen Remember me telling you I love to plan but they always change? Prime example. Earlier that day I had received a call from my cousin who I hadn't seen in years and she wanted to meet us for dinner in DTD. I had read so many good things about the Jazz Kitchen so I called Disney Dining at about 12:30 and scored a reservation for the 8 of us at 5:30. Perfect timing. We had almost an hour in the room to clean up and get ready for the night at Disneyland.

We had sweatshirts in the locker at Disneyland so we just had to change pants and shoes. We packed a few water bottles.

Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of the food but this is what we ordered. Everyone enjoyed their meals but DH. He hated the gumbo and the crab cake, said both were terribly bland. We were all too full for beignets.

(1) Louisiana Crab Cakes - fire roasted corn-black bean salsa, horseradish cream, chili oil. $14

(1) Gumbo Ya-Ya - Chicken, andouille sausage, dark roux, Creole seasoning, rice. $8

(1) Black & Blue Filet Mignon - Blackened, blue cheese dauphinoise potatoes, butter poached asparagus, blueberry-Merlot demi glace. $33

(1) Pasta Jambalaya - Gulf shrimp, andouille sausage, roasted chicken, spinach fettuccine, Creole seasoning. $26

(1) Penne Pasta & Meatballs - Penne pasta with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese- kids' meal

DH had a beer and I opted for water. Loser, I know but I am such a light weight that even a glass of wine would have done me in especially with 5 more possible park hours remaining.

A pic of part of our group:

Dinner lasted about an hour. It really was a lovely, unexpected time. I was so close with my cousin as child and being back in contact makes me very happy.


Cont. in next post.....

 

[rentayenta]

We headed back into Disneyland. It was dark now and the holiday energy was vibrant. I really need a camera that takes better night shots. I also need an underwater camera and am asking for both for my birthday.

The elevator at Indy. I had never noticed this:

That night we rode Space, Indy, and BTMRR twice during the fireworks:

And one photo of IASW even though we didn't ride it I cannot remember the last time I went to Disneyland and didn't ride IAWS the first day. My body and psyche are still in shock.

Our plans to make it until midnight did not come to fruition. The best laid plans, right?! Nor did we see the 10:30 F! that Chloe had requested multiple times during the planning stages. We had a great day and felt totally satisfied. We made it back to the villa in time to watch the WoC from our balcony. From my iPhone:

From the camera:

If I told you we were all asleep just after 10:30, would you believe me? No really we were. It was a magical first day. again for continuing to read and post.



We didn't end up riding Soarin'. I told DH we wouldn't. When will he learn?

 

[kaoden39]

They do have the best nachos. I did try the nachos at the Taqueria at Tortilla Jo's. They were good but not as good as the ones at WWS. I think it is the chips that make all of the difference to me.

 

[rentayenta]

They do have the best nachos. I did try the nachos at the Taqueria at Tortilla Jo's. They were good but not as good as the ones at WWS. I think it is the chips that make all of the difference to me.

They were unreal. I ate them again during the trip but didn't share as much. I love WWS. The pizzas all came with a salad too.

 

[kaoden39]

They were unreal. I ate them again during the trip but didn't share as much. I love WWS. The pizzas all came with a salad too.

WWS is such a nice little place. I had heard so much about it that I had to try it. Once I did I was so glad that I had.

 

[glennbo123]

Great job of getting a lot done on your first park day. You got a lot of rides in, some pool time, dinner with a cuz....even though you didn't do a couple of things you hoped to do, it looked like a fun and productive day.

 

[rentayenta]

WWS is such a nice little place. I had heard so much about it that I had to try it. Once I did I was so glad that I had.

Their breakfast burritos are so good too. And I don't find it expensive.

Great job of getting a lot done on your first park day. You got a lot of rides in, some pool time, dinner with a cuz....even though you didn't do a couple of things you hoped to do, it looked like a fun and productive day.

It really was an awesome first day. I tend to overplan and nix half of it. Carnation Cafe will be there next trip and we'll watch F! at WDW where it's a much more organized process. None of the things we planned on were first time things. Just gives us more to look forward to next time.

I really learned to compromise this trip. My only-child tendencies tend to pop out at the oddest times. The kids and DH were very pleased with this day as well.

 

[mvf-m11c]

and We did do a ton that morning and really without feeling rushed. Your photos are amazing; I'm a little sheepish about posting mine. I have a high energy family so I got most of them on the go.

Its good to hear that you did a lot that morning and didn't felt rush getting all those different FPs. Glad that you enjoy my pictures on my TR. It is always nice to see all the pictures during any trip. I got so much to do these next few days until I head to WDW for my Holiday trip which is on Friday. All your family photos look energetic and exciting to see.

Your balcony view from your GCV room looks so azaming from that view of PP and WoC. I also like your picture of the fireworks from BTMRR.

 

[Native NYer]

I love the west coast beaches too. The sand on Newport Beach was so smooth. Seal was a little dirty, more course.

I haven't been to the Caribbean but my friend says the same thing- amazing beaches.

I vacilate on someday going to Atlantis. I am afraid if we don't go soon, the kids will be too big. It doesn't seem like a couple's only destination but I could be wrong.

Atlantis is definitely a great couples only place. The casino is awesome. And there are nightclubs. My brother and SIL have been there numerous times without kids.

I love love love all of your photos! It looks like you had an amazing first day.

 

[rentayenta]

Its good to hear that you did a lot that morning and didn't felt rush getting all those different FPs. Glad that you enjoy my pictures on my TR. It is always nice to see all the pictures during any trip. I got so much to do these next few days until I head to WDW for my Holiday trip which is on Friday. All your family photos look energetic and exciting to see.

Your balcony view from your GCV room looks so azaming from that view of PP and WoC. I also like your picture of the fireworks from BTMRR.

Have a magical trip. Can't wait to see your photos. The Osbourne Lights look amazing!

Atlantis is definitely a great couples only place. The casino is awesome. And there are nightclubs. My brother and SIL have been there numerous times without kids.

I love love love all of your photos! It looks like you had an amazing first day.

Really? Good to know. I'll add that to my ever growing bucket list. I'm going to need to live until 150.


It really was a terrific first day. The pics make me smile. Glad you are enjoying them.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

I am loving reading along. Your DH sounds so like my husband. I just laugh out loud reading along. Monorail for the first entrance I don't know if I could cope. You deserve a huge medal for that one. I told DH and he promised to not do that to me.

You seemed to have wonderful family time together. I am SOOOOO looking forward to ours. We will have to check out the White Water Snacks. Nachos sound and look so good. Even though I wont be in DL for 2 weeks we actually leave in four days to be on our way. Very exciting.

Your trip report is building the excitement...

 

[rentayenta]

I am loving reading along. Your DH sounds so like my husband. I just laugh out loud reading along. Monorail for the first entrance I don't know if I could cope. You deserve a huge medal for that one. I told DH and he promised to not do that to me.

You seemed to have wonderful family time together. I am SOOOOO looking forward to ours. We will have to check out the White Water Snacks. Nachos sound and look so good. Even though I wont be in DL for 2 weeks we actually leave in four days to be on our way. Very exciting.

Your trip report is building the excitement...

I'm glad your DH promised he wouldn't do that. They caught me so off guard by even suggesting it. It would never occur to me to not walk on Main St.

We really do travel well together. We are a normal family who gets on each other's nerves for sure, kids bicker, etc....but for some reason the kids really behave when we travel. It wasn't always that way. We've mellowed and they've matured.

I'm excited for you and can't wait to read ALL about it. Will you post at all from vacation? I generally don't but did this trip.

 

[areweindisneyyet]

I'm glad your DH promised he wouldn't do that. They caught me so off guard by even suggesting it. It would never occur to me to not walk on Main St.

We really do travel well together. We are a normal family who gets on each other's nerves for sure, kids bicker, etc....but for some reason the kids really behave when we travel. It wasn't always that way. We've mellowed and they've matured.

I'm excited for you and can't wait to read ALL about it. Will you post at all from vacation? I generally don't but did this trip.

Sounds like our girls, they get along most of the time, and when they don't, they seem to get over it before we do. I will be doing a trip report and I do plan to do some on the road. So I shall check in. I am planning to journal in a way on here rather than sit and write one each day. I think I type faster than I write these days.

There is something about walking on Main Street that just reminds you that you are back. It usually brings a tear to my eye. I shall start brainwashing them now so that the option of monorail is never ever suggested.

Looking forward to the next installments. And I hope your mouth is feeling better.

Mia

 

[mvf-m11c]

Have a magical trip. Can't wait to see your photos. The Osbourne Lights look amazing!

Thank you. I'm hoping that all the pictures and videos will be very nice this coming week. The Osborne Family Lights are so amazing.