Ten Sleeps in Disney World!! - An Aug Trip Report *5/9 Departure Day & Final Thoughts

[Mickey_Mom]

Hi everyone and happy belated Valentine's Day! I have my next update all typed up and ready to go, I'm just waiting for a video to finish uploading to photobucket. Man it's slow.

In the meantime, some news. George and I had a few heart to heart talks over the last few days regarding our finances. We have a very old Victorian home and it has a dirt basement. George has been itching for years to have it dug down (you have to crouch to go in it) and have it turned into liveable space. Alex is a growing teenager and there's no doubt it would be the perfect space for him to retreat to. Along with finishing the basement though, would be a revamp of our kitchen - right now access is in there through a trap door. Big job, so we needed to figure out if we were going to take the plunge on the renos and if that meant postponing the December trip.

Also to take into consideration was my promotion (I got another one, yay me! ), the pay raise that went with it, another pay raise I've been promised in the summer, and George's job security.

So, what do you think won out? The renos or the vacation?











Trick question ---- both!! We've decided to break the renos down into stages and for now, just dig out the basement. So December 2010 is a definate go and then we wouldn't go back again until the new Fantasyland is done in 2012. George is on board for that and says for the year in between we'll get annual passes for Canada's Wonderland, a huge theme and water park close to our home.

So my first decision after confirming once and for all the trip is on? Where to stay of course! Unless things change and it's just four of us going, we'll be staying at............. Port Orleans Riverside!

We've stayed at POR once before and it was absolutely beautiful. There's a lot we missed though so I'm anxious to see it again.

 

[ZeroToHero]

That's great! I'm glad you get to do both things, you're very lucky!

When are you going to book?

 

[Mickey_Mom]

When we started off this morning, our eighth day in the happiest place on Earth, we were headed off to a quick morning at Blizzard Beach to make up for the storm cutting our visit short the day before, and then off to our regularly scheduled programming of our second day at Epcot. We had early dinner reservations at Le Cellier for 4:10pm and were really looking forward to going!

Once again we had a respectably lazy start to our morning and caught the Blizzard Beach bus at 9:30am.

Our day at Blizzard Beach was once again a tremendous amount of fun. We did everything we wanted to do, there were no storms chasing us away, the weather was perfect and George and I spent the last hour before heading out sitting on lovely sun chairs with our feet lapping in the water watching the kids play in the water. Perfect! We gave ourselves plenty of time to gather our things together, wave goodbye to everything around us and slowly make our way out of the park to the bus area. I saw the Mine, Mine Mine! Nemo seagull t-shirt again – man, I still can’t believe I didn’t get that, but you will be mine t-shirt. Oh yes you will.

We headed back to Pop and quickly got ready for an afternoon and evening at Epcot. We had about an hour before our Le Cellier time as we headed back to the bus areas.

Our game plan when deciding when to leave Blizzard Beach was to arrive at Epcot and skip everything else to just go straight to dinner. Then we’d figure out the rest of the night as we went along. So we slowly strolled toward the World Showcase and stopped to say hello to a turtle before he ducked back underneath the bridge.

A few scenery shots along the way….

…and we stopped again to talk to the duckies.

We arrived at the Canada pavilion and still had plenty of time to explore. While we’ve been to Le Cellier before, we’d never looked at anything else before!

I was curious to see what was for sale in the Canadian shop – what was considered Canadian?

Ok, sure I guess.

NOW we're talking!

It was actually a quite small store and we had a hoot looking over everything. When we got to the cash register, there was a sign that was a “Canadian Quiz” and half extremely confident, half in fear we’d embarrass ourselves, decided to take the quiz. I’m proud to say we aced the quiz (whew!) and have the Certificate to prove it!

A bit more exploring…

… and it was time for one last obligatory picture!

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST....

 

[Mickey_Mom]

We checked in 5 minutes early….

… and were seated 10 minutes past our ressie time but were entertained while we were waiting by two things. The first were our park maps. The kids were kept busy deciding what we were going to do after dinner. It was really busy in the waiting area and there were no spots left to sit, so George and I tucked ourselves into a corner while the kids just plunked down in front of us.

The second thing that kept us entertained was a woman who was desperately trying to talk her way into a seating with the front desk. We tried not to overhear toooooo much, but it seems her trip was a last minute thing and although she was surprised when she called for dinner reservations two months ago that there was a time available, she reserved it. She said she confirmed it again a week before coming but left her confirmation numbers back in her room. Trouble was, they couldn’t find her in the reservation system and they had absolutely no room to seat her. George and I played a little game with ourselves if she was convincing or not, and if she was, would they actually seat her. Just before our name was called, she’d told her story again to the manager who was trying very politely to explain there were no reservations for her and they simply had no tables available for the rest of the evening. In the end, we were left with the impression that there was no reservation and she was just trying to talk her way in, but who knows? We looked for her periodically throughout dinner but never saw her.

Speaking of dinner…..

Check out all those empty tables!!! Isn’t the ambiance here just so cool? Love the effect of the candles in the mirror. It did fill up as we were eating dinner. They really need to expand Le Cellier. It must be at least four times the amount of people who can’t get a reservation to the lucky ones that do – everyday.

We had a kinda kiddy corner thing going on at our table, with George and I sharing one side while the kids were spaced out around us. I liked where we were though because the positioning of our table left a bit of room all around us. It can get crowded in there but we didn’t feel squished.

George, Alex and I all got the Mushroom Filet Mignon with the risotto, Ariana the cheese pizza and Demetri the beef macaroni. George kinda rolls his eyes at me when I take food pictures so I snuck this one of his as he’d stepped to the little boys room!

We had such a relaxing dinner and our server was absolutely wonderful. We didn’t feel rushed and she wasn’t the least bit irritated during any of Demetri’s chatter. She was quite entertained by him and took the time to answer all of his questions and ask him a few of her own. All finished up, we headed out for some more leisurely strolling.

The first ride the kids wanted to tackle after dinner was Test Track. Unfortunately, my Blizzard Beach injury was making it pretty tough to walk, it’d been getting pretty sore throughout dinner, so I sat this one out while George went with the kids. Quality Daddy time!

We headed back towards and around Spaceship Earth. I like this picture with the monorail just peaking out.

I didn’t take any pictures this time of our ride on Spaceship Earth. Just relaxed and enjoyed the ride. I did however, miss the postcard pic at the end, again!

We headed over to Soarin and saluted Puddy before gliding over California once again. Next was another round with Nemo…

… and we hurried over to see the Turtle Talk with Crush schedule. We’d missed it on our first Epcot day but this time we lucked out and a show was coming right up. We visited first with Mr. Ray and then settled ourselves into the room to visit with Crush.

We happened to be the last family in and Demetri got a nice corner seated spot, very close to the CM who assisted Crush talking with the kids. Not sure if that had anything to do with it but…. Crush talked to Demetri!! It was a very funny conversation and a little kid kept answering for Demetri sometimes but it was actually quite funny and Crush always came back to talk to Demetri. And then Crush asked who brought him, and he talked a teeny bit with me too…… (Demetri is wearing the green shirt)



So much fun! Demetri was pumped the rest of the night! After Crush, we headed over to visit with an old friend…

… and slowly made our way back towards the main gates. We opted to forgo Illuminations this time to avoid the crowds and while Ariana wasn’t pleased with this decision she didn’t protest too much so we knew she was tired too. We did pause to watch the fountains sing and dance…

….and once again Ariana played with the pixie dust.

One last picture on our way out….

….and it was time once again to head home to the Pop. An early night, it was only 9pm, but once again we’d had a fabulous day!

Our favorites and not-so-favorite moments of the day:

ALEX:
Le Cellier
Nothing!

ARIANA:
Le Cellier
Missing Illuminations

DEMETRI:
Test Track with Daddy!
Nothing!

Next up: Just how many times can you ride Toy Story Mania in one day??

 

[Mickey_Mom]

That's great! I'm glad you get to do both things, you're very lucky!

When are you going to book?

I'm hoping this week.

I feel lucky for sure. We waited so long before ever taking a vacation that it feels odd now not taking one. George and Alex still come out with the odd "where else can we go" question but always come back to Disney.

Oooo and Alex is really wanting to see Remy so it looks like Chefs de France is in.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Yay, Chefs! I really hope you're not disappointed... and Remy doesn't freak you out too much.

I loved your photos in this update - they're so gorgeous, and it makes me miss Disney!
(And the bunny was really cute).

That little kid in your video was hilarious, answering for you too.... oh man. Everyone was cracking up.

And that lady was very funny at Le Cellier - I wonder what happened to her?

 

[Stefy]

Great update and lovely pictures. Sounds like you had a great day. I must have that "Mine, Mine, Mine" t shirt, its awesome!

Congrats on deciding to go again and great choice for your resort. POR/FQ is getting really popular these days and its such a beautiful resort

 

[Hallowishes]

HOORAY for your next trip! POR is beautiful! im staying at POFQ on my september trip and cant wait! it will be my second stay there and cant wait to check it out more thoroughly!
i love le cellier my mom had the best steak of her life there she says! i dont think missing illuminations is that big of a deal i agree that the crowds leaving can be too intense!

 

[wdwgirl03]

Great update! You got some really nice pictures of the Canada pavilion. I'm telling you, watching the Olympics makes me want to go to the real Canada now. haha How fun you got to take the quiz at the gift shop.

Turtle Talk is always a blast even though we don't have any small kids in our family. But we've always enjoyed it. That's so exciting Demetri got to talk to Crush!

Don't you just love those lights outside Innoventions? It's just one of those little things that screams Disney to me. I don't really know why but I love them!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm still here and am all caught up again! I wanted to post a reply this weekend but was having log-in problems on the Dis.

Your pictures of Epcot are beautiful. I especially like the ones in Canada. We haven't eaten at LeCellier in a couple of years but have an ADR there in May. Glad to hear that it's still yummy as ever. Oh, and I'd have placed my bet that the lady didn't actually have an ADR to eat LeCellier. I think she was trying to sweet talk her way in too.

The video of Demetri at Turtle Talk was adorable. Those are the kinds of things that I just love about Disney trips.

Speaking of Disney trips, yea for deciding on both redoing the basement AND going to Disney.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Yay, Chefs! I really hope you're not disappointed... and Remy doesn't freak you out too much.

We'd considered Chefs for the August trip but it didn't make the final cut in the end. Hey, I can always look the other way when Remy comes if it gets too freaky!

I loved your photos in this update - they're so gorgeous, and it makes me miss Disney!
(And the bunny was really cute).

Thanks! There were so many cute bunnies hopping around there... Demetri was in heaven.

WHEN are you going to hear from the College Program?!

That little kid in your video was hilarious, answering for you too.... oh man. Everyone was cracking up.

And that lady was very funny at Le Cellier - I wonder what happened to her?

It was so funny hearing that little voice, I couldn't make out a single word which made it even more funny!

It's entirely possible she talked her way in ... but we never saw her and I was too timid to ask a CM on our way out what happened to her. I don't know why, I totally should have just asked.

Great update and lovely pictures. Sounds like you had a great day. I must have that "Mine, Mine, Mine" t shirt, its awesome!

Congrats on deciding to go again and great choice for your resort. POR/FQ is getting really popular these days and its such a beautiful resort

Hello Stefy! I really want to come check out your PTR but I'll do it from home so I can see your pictures. The Poly! Ahhhh, a dream resort. And you and Hallowishes are going at the same time!

I can't wait to get the Mine, Mine, Mine shirt! I can't believe I have almost no pictures from our stay at POR in 2008 other than the pool. I will correct that this time around!

HOORAY for your next trip! POR is beautiful! im staying at POFQ on my september trip and cant wait! it will be my second stay there and cant wait to check it out more thoroughly!
i love le cellier my mom had the best steak of her life there she says! i dont think missing illuminations is that big of a deal i agree that the crowds leaving can be too intense!

I'm in the same boat, I'll definately be checking out POR and FQ more closely this time, especially with their Christmas decorations. Oh and the carriage ride too! LL (LadyLallie) just detailed her carriage ride on her TR and it sounds perfect.

Le Cellier is definately a favorite of ours. We have so many new things we want to try, but I'm pretty sure it will still make the cut. Especially if George has any say.

Great update! You got some really nice pictures of the Canada pavilion. I'm telling you, watching the Olympics makes me want to go to the real Canada now. haha How fun you got to take the quiz at the gift shop.

Thank you! Absolutely come on up! I've never been to Vancouver although George has and a good buddy of mine is from there. My crazy sister-in-law lives there too and we almost went to go visit her but plans fell thru. One summer we'll eventually make it there!

Turtle Talk is always a blast even though we don't have any small kids in our family. But we've always enjoyed it. That's so exciting Demetri got to talk to Crush!

We've been lucky and Crush talked to Ariana thru Alex on another trip. I love it when Dory comes out!

Don't you just love those lights outside Innoventions? It's just one of those little things that screams Disney to me. I don't really know why but I love them!

Oh I agree! It's a magical little touch that is perfect! You can't help but smile when you see it.

I'm still here and am all caught up again! I wanted to post a reply this weekend but was having log-in problems on the Dis.

Your pictures of Epcot are beautiful. I especially like the ones in Canada. We haven't eaten at LeCellier in a couple of years but have an ADR there in May. Glad to hear that it's still yummy as ever. Oh, and I'd have placed my bet that the lady didn't actually have an ADR to eat LeCellier. I think she was trying to sweet talk her way in too.

That's funny, the DIS kept kicking me out once and a while... I was starting to take it personal.

Thank you! It really is a beautiful area... I'm glad after the fourth trip us Canadians actually took a look at it. The mushroom filet mignon is definately yummy.... I haven't tried anything else on the menu.

The video of Demetri at Turtle Talk was adorable. Those are the kinds of things that I just love about Disney trips.

Speaking of Disney trips, yea for deciding on both redoing the basement AND going to Disney.

Me too, I love those kinds of experiences. It's such a great attraction.... the kids (and parents!) always come out with a smile!

I really thought once George decided to go ahead with the basement that I'd have to do some hard convincing to keep the trip. Lo and behold no convincing was needed!

 

[ZeroToHero]

Nothing yet - I'm supposed to hear back between 4-6 weeks, and this Friday is week 4.

Other people have been hearing back, so I'm very anxious.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

I'm all caught up my computer crashed on the 3rd so I have alot of catching up to do. I'm loving your TR and can't wait to hear what happens next!
Congrats on getting to do your basement and keep your trip I know know your very happy about that!

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Nothing yet - I'm supposed to hear back between 4-6 weeks, and this Friday is week 4.

Other people have been hearing back, so I'm very anxious.

Oy! Are they calling, emailing? You must be jumping everytime the phone rings or you get a message! More pixie dust for you!

I'm all caught up my computer crashed on the 3rd so I have alot of catching up to do. I'm loving your TR and can't wait to hear what happens next!
Congrats on getting to do your basement and keep your trip I know know your very happy about that!

Oh crap, sorry about your computer but woot your back! Thank you! I'm very excited about both projects, but Disney does have a bit of an edge.

 

[Stefy]

Hello Stefy! I really want to come check out your PTR but I'll do it from home so I can see your pictures. The Poly! Ahhhh, a dream resort. And you and Hallowishes are going at the same time!

I can't wait to get the Mine, Mine, Mine shirt! I can't believe I have almost no pictures from our stay at POR in 2008 other than the pool. I will correct that this time around!

Defo come check it out, would love to hear your opinions on our plans. Have also done a recap of our first trip and will be doing a recap of our second trip soon too.

Maybe I will see Hallowishes around, have got some Green Mickey Head stickers that I am going to put on my bag when I am in the parks

So yours and my mission for our next trip is to get that t shirt

I am sure you will get loads of pictures of POR and you should do a carriage ride too, maybe just you and DF if Alex doesn't mind babysitting for an hour.

Looking forward to your next installment

 

[Angies1274]

How did I miss an update!!! (darn computer)

YAY!!! for renovations and vacation!!!! POR sounds like such a beautiful resort!! That's wonderful news!!!

Ahhh...another great update!! Love all the pictures around the Canada Pavilion...beautiful!!! I'm really hoping that we get to spend more time exploring the WS in April!!! Oh and Le Cellier looks very yummy!! Hopefully we will make it there someday. Love Arianna's hat--very cute!

for Turtle Talk with Crush!! That's so cool that Demetri was picked!!The video was adorable!!!

 

[lledman]

Great trip report, I can’t wait to read about your last couple of days. I love your scavenger hunt idea – can’t wait to use it when we return this November to Fort Wilderness.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Defo come check it out, would love to hear your opinions on our plans. Have also done a recap of our first trip and will be doing a recap of our second trip soon too.

Maybe I will see Hallowishes around, have got some Green Mickey Head stickers that I am going to put on my bag when I am in the parks

So yours and my mission for our next trip is to get that t shirt

I am sure you will get loads of pictures of POR and you should do a carriage ride too, maybe just you and DF if Alex doesn't mind babysitting for an hour.

Looking forward to your next installment

You know, I'll have to think of (or find on the DIS!) a novel way to explore POR on our first day like the scavenger hunt we did at the Pop.

Alex's friend Benny can't come with us after all (Alex is a bit bummed ) but I think he'd enjoy the carriage ride too. Ariana and Demetri will love it of course, especially Ariana pretending she's a princess off to the ball!

How did I miss an update!!! (darn computer)

YAY!!! for renovations and vacation!!!! POR sounds like such a beautiful resort!! That's wonderful news!!!

Hey Angie! I'm really glad this came up actually. I got to talk to George not only about the December trip but he was on board for 2012 too. A little part of me on each of our trips was always afraid it was my last time being there, finances being what they are, life being what it is. But now I have a peace of mind that was missing before.

Ahhh...another great update!! Love all the pictures around the Canada Pavilion...beautiful!!! I'm really hoping that we get to spend more time exploring the WS in April!!! Oh and Le Cellier looks very yummy!! Hopefully we will make it there someday. Love Arianna's hat--very cute!

for Turtle Talk with Crush!! That's so cool that Demetri was picked!!The video was adorable!!!

Thanks! It was very nice to spend as much time as we did at the Canada Pavilion. I think this next time we'll pick a pavilion each among us and really explore it. Trying to cover them all means we usually skip things. Definately put Le Cellier on your must try list -- its a beautiful little place with delicious selections!

Ariana loves that Tink hat... very stylish, yet practical. I loved how often Crush said Demetri's name. We're all guilty of shortening his name to "Metri" and Crush did it too until Demetri corrected him.... "Duh... mee...tree"

Great trip report, I can’t wait to read about your last couple of days. I love your scavenger hunt idea – can’t wait to use it when we return this November to Fort Wilderness.

Well hello there and to my TR! Thank you!

Fort Wilderness.... ahhhh, another dream place.

 

[Stefy]

Well you should defo do the carriage ride then Will be so much fun and I think you can feed the horse as well before or after.

I loved your POP Scavenger Hunt, wish there was a pre-made one for the Poly and other resorts.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Well you should defo do the carriage ride then Will be so much fun and I think you can feed the horse as well before or after.

I loved your POP Scavenger Hunt, wish there was a pre-made one for the Poly and other resorts.

The carriage ride is a definate, and they'd enjoy feeding the horse too.

I tried a search for a Poly or POR scavenger hunt but no luck yet. I did read a few times the Poly might have something at the front desk but couldn't find any details on it. I also found a website that was exclusive Port Orleans FQ and Riverside but nothing there either. I'll keep looking for ideas!