That's the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up; A Feb. '21 birthday TR with a little "extra" thrown in *LINK TO NEW TR! 10/9!*

[buzzrelly]

found this to our pleasant surprise:

Great for the boys' first time! Not a real popular opinion but they felt the same way Steve and I did; cute, no need to ever ride again,

Aw, I love this ride! I've been on like 4-5 times and I still think it's super adorable! So did my mom and Ava but Allie was decidedly, "meh," about it. On our second DHS day she ditched us in favor of rope dropping RnRC instead.

everyone agreed to pictures:

Very nice! Love that Chris wouldn't stand with you all!

ABC Commissary which on previous occasions made me barf but they'd recently introduced a new menu I heard good things about. Happy to say for HS QS food it was REALLY good!

That all looks pretty good! But I'm REALLY sad Rosie's FGT sammie is gone, and hoping it's just temporary. I guess if it doesn't come back, this will be a good option.

time for all of us to experience the phenomenon together:

YES! Like millions before us we finally rode ROTR!

Finally! It's kind of nice that you got to ride for the first time with the boys!

This was a red velvet whoopie pie with cream cheese filling and OMG was it worth the calories. I did only eat about a third but with the cute container I was able to bring it to the room and eat it slowly over the rest of our trip.

Yum!

And an interesting birthday treat I'd never gotten in Disney before:

It was a chocolate chip muffin with frosting and sprinkles

Well that's…interesting. Leave it to Disney!

we also had friends waiting there to send us off!

So cute!

 

[suse66]

Since my last update was all about what a great day we had in HS last November, I thought I'd share some throwback HS pics. They aren't TOO throwback as they're from 2017 and 2018 but alas they are photos that you no longer would be able to recreate.

Look how little Chris was there!

Ah those were the days!

Love the Citizens of Hollywood!

After that amazing dinner at Bull and Bear we had what was supposed to be our last nights' sleep in Disney-until the snow started falling in NY! The day before our flight had been cancelled so we booked an extra bonus night at a different resort and planned our bonus day. That bonus day started with breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno and a mimosa:

I can't wait to try out Trattoria Al Forno for breakfast!

Saratoga Springs! We hadn't stayed here in YEARS; since 2011 to be exact. We wanted to move from GDT just for a change and since our plan for our bonus day didn't involve parks, SSR was perfect to try again. Plus it was a preferred room and they'd all recently been refurbed; and they're adorable! Also the grounds really are pretty:

I would love to stay at Saratoga one day. They have that fabulous spa and the grounds are SO pretty.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Aww, the Great Movie Ride. Still sad that it's gone, as it was Jimmy's first favorite! Also, even though MMRR is sort of cute, (and I'm sure Jimmy will love it when he finally gets to ride in December), it seriously makes no sense to me in the Chinese theater!

Citizens of Hollywood, too!! So sad. I was red-carpet interviewed by them on my way into DHS the day I ran the 10K for marathon weekend. Of course, Rob didn't think to take a picture, but I will always remember it!

If there is anywhere to be "snowed in" I'd take WDW!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I totally agree about M&M Railway, it is cute but no where near as enjoyable as our beloved GMR! I thought it was disjointed and not a very cohesive story line. Do you think the Wild West area is a tribute to the GMR? Miss that ride so much
We ate at ABC in early 2020 and our food was quite good. Your taco’s look really good.
I have thought about staying at SSR in a preferred studio on one of these trips, looks nice and so much better with the Murphy beds instead of the couch.
What an awesome place to ride out a snowstorm back home.

 

[CruellaNY]

Aw, I love this ride! I've been on like 4-5 times and I still think it's super adorable! So did my mom and Ava but Allie was decidedly, "meh," about it. On our second DHS day she ditched us in favor of rope dropping RnRC instead.

It is cute and I definitely see kids liking it! And I definitely understand why Allie rop dropped RnRC instead lol. I hate that it "does" nothing; just a ride through whereas GMR was a STORY.

That all looks pretty good! But I'm REALLY sad Rosie's FGT sammie is gone,

Me too I never got to try that but I also miss the FGT sandwich at the Plaza!

Look how little Chris was there!

I know I can't believe it was just 4 years, he's almost 5'10" now and in NO way looks little

I would love to stay at Saratoga one day. They have that fabulous spa and the grounds are SO pretty.

And so relaxing too Just not as convenient as WL or other resorts unless you're going to DS and that's why it worked perfect for us. And if you aren't overly worried about travel time and getting to parks super quick it's a great option. I think their quick service is just about the best resort qs on property and the only one I haven't eaten at is the Riviera's!

Also, even though MMRR is sort of cute, (and I'm sure Jimmy will love it when he finally gets to ride in December), it seriously makes no sense to me in the Chinese theater!

I'm sure he will love it! But yeah they could have done a building or just outside area that was themed more directly to it. And left GMR alone!

Citizens of Hollywood, too!! So sad. I was red-carpet interviewed by them on my way into DHS the day I ran the 10K for marathon weekend. Of course, Rob didn't think to take a picture, but I will always remember it!

That's awesome! See now if Mr. Selfie had been there you'd have a shot of the event-with his head peeking in the corner
Over the years we had so many interactions with them including both boys being picked for their skits. I always stopped to watch when we saw them!

I thought it was disjointed and not a very cohesive story line. Do you think the Wild West area is a tribute to the GMR? Miss that ride so much

I agree; not sure what the storyline is although I know there is one. And you know I hadn't thought of that but maybe? Now I want to ride next month just to see that again and decide lol

I have thought about staying at SSR in a preferred studio on one of these trips, looks nice and so much better with the Murphy beds instead of the couch.

And they're cute! I think you'd like the resort although as I said to Sue it's definitely not as convenient to the parks as others. But very pretty and peaceful and makes it easy to spend time in DS!

 

[missjackiemcg]

That's awesome! See now if Mr. Selfie had been there you'd have a shot of the event-with his head peeking in the corner

Now THAT would've been perfect! Rob needs to take some lessons from Mr. Selfie!

 

[CruellaNY]

Now THAT would've been perfect! Rob needs to take some lessons from Mr. Selfie!

I would LOVE to see Steve teaching someone lmao!

 

[CruellaNY]

So we were all checked in at SSR but needed some drinks for the room. And by drinks I mean I needed to get this Bullseye cupcake and send a picture to Ricky because Bullseye (and Sorcerer Mickey) have been his favorite characters for years:



He even got a horse from Build a Bear when he got potty trained and named him Bullseye! The cupcake was chocolate and peanut butter and it was delicious:



Florida hair, don't care! Here are a few more pics of the renovated studio at SSR







I loved that table that lifted up because the first 2 hours here I spent doing work It had to be done! Steve went for a walk to check out the grounds while I did some stuff and then we walked around together. Since this was a "free" day so to speak I didn't mind doing the work but I felt bad Steve was on his own, so we didn't wait too long to hit DS. But here's the pool:



Which by the way was at capacity this day! It was Thursday of Presidents Week and the main pool at CSR had hit capacity almost every day but I was surprised the pool here did; it was hot though! Even the couple quiet pools we walked by were busy.

The walk to DS is really nice. along the water and only takes like 10 minutes. We did some hopping; we got there around 4 and it was very uncrowded! We had no dinner plans since we were supposed to be on a plane so last minute grabbed a 5pm reservation at a new to us spot, CityWorks Eatery and Pour House.



It was pretty empty that early and we started with drinks; Steve got a dark beer and I got the cranberry mojito which I really didn't like. But whatever! We had time and I liked my next drink better which was a cucumber mint martini.

This is a real relaxed place, like a brewery with tons of beers:




We got apps as well as entrees and while the food was nothing special we enjoyed it. I wouldn't rush to go back and probably would only return if there was like no other availability down there just because there are more interesting options in DS but there's nothing wrong with it! If you like non fancy food or get tired of eating fancy food during your trip this is the place to go and FYI they have outdoor seating.

We got pretzel bites and cheese curds for apps and then Steve had a salad while I got filet mignon sliders:





CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

 

[CruellaNY]

Finishing up the food pics-






By the time we left dinner at just 6pm DS was packed!! And it was a Thursday! So we didn't do any more shopping but did need to get dessert:





I honestly don't remember what it was that Steve got but I got a little Key Lime dessert and it was heavenly! Speaking of Key Lime, last month I had another amazing Key Lime dessert at the Flower and Garden Festival and I will be getting it again in less than 2 weeks. Here's Amorette's



And here's the one from F&G along with a yummy watermelon salad:



And with our desserts in hand we went back to our resort! It was dark on the walk back but here's a shot from our walk over:



And that's it! The next morning we got breakfast from the SSR QS and I must have been over taking pictures; then I worked awhile and Steve relaxed on the balcony until it was time to leave for our 12:00 flight. Although we didn't do much our last day it was so nice to NOT do much and still be in Disney!

Thanks for lasting through the February part of this TR! I think I'll still add a little from Thanksgiving and I'll definitely be back to talk about our upcoming trip in 10 days!!!

 

[suse66]

So we were all checked in at SSR but needed some drinks for the room. And by drinks I mean I needed to get this Bullseye cupcake and send a picture to Ricky because Bullseye (and Sorcerer Mickey) have been his favorite characters for years:

That cupcake looks delish!

Florida hair, don't care! Here are a few more pics of the renovated studio at SSR

You look so cute! I love the renoed rooms at Saratoga, they are so pretty!

The walk to DS is really nice. along the water and only takes like 10 minutes. We did some hopping; we got there around 4 and it was very uncrowded! We had no dinner plans since we were supposed to be on a plane so last minute grabbed a 5pm reservation at a new to us spot, CityWorks Eatery and Pour House.

Nothing better than an extra Disney Day!

We got apps as well as entrees and while the food was nothing special we enjoyed it. I wouldn't rush to go back and probably would only return if there was like no other availability down there just because there are more interesting options in DS but there's nothing wrong with it! If you like non fancy food or get tired of eating fancy food during your trip this is the place to go and FYI they have outdoor seating.

I could see it being an option for Jack and I this summer as he has never met a burger he didn't like. His palate has improved a lot but he isn't always into fancy food.

And that's it! The next morning we got breakfast from the SSR QS and I must have been over taking pictures; then I worked awhile and Steve relaxed on the balcony until it was time to leave for our 12:00 flight. Although we didn't do much our last day it was so nice to NOT do much and still be in Disney!

I love a relaxing Disney morning!

Thanks for lasting through the February part of this TR! I think I'll still add a little from Thanksgiving and I'll definitely be back to talk about our upcoming trip in 10 days!!!

I really enjoyed following along! Where are you staying on your next trip? In happy news, Jack got his first shot on Saturday and I am due for my second the end of June! Things are looking up for travel this summer!!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Sounds like a perfect leisurely day at Disney....not that I know firsthand because I'm usually running my family ragged every single day of our trips

I LOVE coffee tables that rise up like that! I sit at my coffee table on the floor doing lesson plans every week and this would totally save my back!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I loved that table that lifted up because the first 2 hours here I spent doing work

The Murphy bed and that table are two of the best additions to a DVC studio. It looks more comfortable than the standard sofa bed. I wish they had done that for Copper Creek.

The walk to DS is really nice. along the water and only takes like 10 minutes.

Were you in the Congress Park section?

yummy watermelon salad:

I love that salad.

 

[pkondz]

needed some drinks for the room. And by drinks I mean I needed to get this Bullseye cupcake

Normally, that is not what you mean when you say you need drinks!

Florida hair, don't care!

I like it, actually!

I loved that table that lifted up

That really stood out when I was looking at the photos. I've seen them before, but still think they're a great idea.

because the first 2 hours here I spent doing work

Not okay!

It was Thursday of Presidents Week and the main pool at CSR had hit capacity almost every day but I was surprised the pool here did; it was hot though!

Whoa! Why aren't these people at the parks???

The walk to DS is really nice. along the water and only takes like 10 minutes.

That's not bad.

last minute grabbed a 5pm reservation at a new to us spot, CityWorks Eatery and Pour House.

Never even heard of this place!

I got the cranberry mojito which I really didn't like

Well... shoot.

I wouldn't rush to go back and probably would only return if there was like no other availability

Okay, thanks for the tip. Mind you, those sliders look pretty good.

So we didn't do any more shopping but did need to get dessert:

One must get dessert.

it was so nice to NOT do much and still be in Disney!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

this Bullseye cupcake

I saw this and wanted it soooo bad!!!!

I got a little Key Lime dessert and it was heavenly!

I've had this and it's one of my favorites. I'm a sucker for Key Lime!!!

 

[CruellaNY]

I could see it being an option for Jack and I this summer as he has never met a burger he didn't like. His palate has improved a lot but he isn't always into fancy food.

Yes definitely good if you aren't looking for anything fancy! My boys would love it as well.

I really enjoyed following along! Where are you staying on your next trip?

Next Saturday when we arrive we're staying at CSR in a preferred room We haven't stayed in that part of the resort in years but we really love Three Bridges so looking forward to that!

In happy news, Jack got his first shot on Saturday and I am due for my second the end of June! Things are looking up for travel this summer!!

I do hope you guys can leave Canada soon!! No more rescheduled trips!!

not that I know firsthand because I'm usually running my family ragged every single day of our trips

LOL, I used to be like that but even when the kids are with us we can't go that fast anymore or they get pissed We still do some fast paced mornings occasionally and I like it but I gotta say I love being more relaxed!

Were you in the Congress Park section?

We were in the Springs so close enough! Then last month we were not in a preferred room and I will definitely only stay in a preferred room from now on.

I love that salad.

That was the first time I had it but I'll be having it again for sure next week!

 

[CruellaNY]

That really stood out when I was looking at the photos. I've seen them before, but still think they're a great idea.

It was super convenient at that time and again last month!

Whoa! Why aren't these people at the parks???

That's a very good question and one I may be asking next week if there are too many people at the CSR pool!

Okay, thanks for the tip. Mind you, those sliders look pretty good.

They were delicious!

I saw this and wanted it soooo bad!!!!

I almost got it again last month!

 

[pkondz]

That's a very good question and one I may be asking next week if there are too many people at the CSR pool!

Bring a megaphone.
"Please leave the pool area. Return to the parks."

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

That room looks so nice and perfect for a non park stay.
I was going to say that your buns looked lovely but now I'm doubting my use of language and wondering if that means something else entirely in American English so I will say that your pastries looked pretty tasty instead

 

[CruellaNY]

That room looks so nice and perfect for a non park stay.
I was going to say that your buns looked lovely but now I'm doubting my use of language and wondering if that means something else entirely in American English so I will say that your pastries looked pretty tasty instead

It's the perfect resort if you're not doing the parks-spending lots of time at DS-or even if you're doing a little time at the parks but not hitting them heavy. And I definitely recommend paying the upcharge for a room in a preferred location!

LMAO listen at 50, if anyone wants to compliment my buns I am absolutely fine with that

 

[luvpoohandcompany]

LMAO listen at 50, if anyone wants to compliment my buns I am absolutely fine with that

You and me both!!!