The Darling Family's Endless Summer Vacation: August 2013 New 1/24

[RGirl]

Great updates!

You got some awesome PP pics at AK!! WOW!

The ONE time that DD and I did Kali, we were those two people who got soaked as well - luckily, we had donned ponchos before entering the raft. Had we not, I would probably vow to never ride that dang thing again!

Love the Camp M/M pics too. Character meets are the best!

Looking forward to more … as usual!

 

[Buntington]

Great report! I hate getting soaked too--but the kids obviously don't mind too much!

 

[chattadisser]

In all the times that I have been to AK, I have never done the trail. I always want to and get vetoed.

I’m with you on the wet underwear! Ick! That is probably the reason that I have never rode Kali, I just know I will be one of those people that gets soaked.

Even with wet underwear I would have given in too for a character stop. Who turns down the chance to see another character??

Christine

 

[dismagiclover]

Great updates!

You got some awesome PP pics at AK!! WOW!

The ONE time that DD and I did Kali, we were those two people who got soaked as well - luckily, we had donned ponchos before entering the raft. Had we not, I would probably vow to never ride that dang thing again!

Love the Camp M/M pics too. Character meets are the best!

Looking forward to more … as usual!

Ponchos would have been nice to have. I guess I figured it was warm enough that we would dry quickly, but in that Florida humidity drying takes a looong time. I love character meets! I hope my kids don't ever want to give them up!

Great report! I hate getting soaked too--but the kids obviously don't mind too much!

Being soaking wet didn't even seem to phase the boys.

In all the times that I have been to AK, I have never done the trail. I always want to and get vetoed.

I’m with you on the wet underwear! Ick! That is probably the reason that I have never rode Kali, I just know I will be one of those people that gets soaked.

Even with wet underwear I would have given in too for a character stop. Who turns down the chance to see another character??

Christine

The trail is nice if it isn't crowded. I've been on it when it's crowded and it really isn't fun. You can't see much and you feel like you are in just another slow moving line. You are wise to have never ridden Kali. It is a tad bit fun, but not worth getting soaked like that!

 

[dismagiclover]

We made the short drive over to our destination. Bay Lake Tower



Now I’d stayed here a couple of times for marathon weekends, but the kids had never stayed here so they were excited. We headed into the lobby for check in.



It was barely 11:00 so I wasn’t counting on our room being ready. Imagine my happy surprise when it was. We had reserved a standard room so I also had no expectations of a view. We headed to the room. Here is a room picture.



So what about the view? Here is what we could see looking straight out.



Here is looking to my left.



And here is what we could see with a slight turn of our heads to the right.



That doesn’t look real standard does it? Yay! I have stayed in this resort three times. I have never reserved a Magic Kingdom view. It has always been a lake view or this time a standard view. Every single time I have had what I would consider a Magic Kingdom view. If you can watch the fireworks from your room that is Magic Kingdom to me. Anyway we were all excited. However, we had an ADR to get to. So after hauling in the luggage (which was way easier here because the parking is way more convenient than the Boardwalk parking) we headed over to the Magic Kingdom. The best thing about Bay Lake Towers? We could walk to the Magic Kingdom. We arrived and headed straight for lunch. Wendy had been asking for pasta for several days so I’d made this reservation the day before so she could have some. It was another new restaurant for the Darling Family. Tony’s Town Square.



Before we knew it we had our lunch in front of us. While we were eating Wendy noticed that the place was themed after Lady and the Tramp. So she decided we should take a special picture in honor of Lady and the Tramp. Somehow she got John to go along with the idea. So we have this beauty.



Pretty funny. I didn’t point out to them that it is rather strange because they are siblings. Don’t worry their mouths never got any closer than that. Anyway we enjoyed our lunch here. It wasn’t anything way out of the ordinary, but it was definitely good enough for the Darlings. We wouldn’t hesitate to eat here again. We settled the bill and headed out of the restaurant. Once again we had no plans, so where to next?

 

[RGirl]

I love the Lady & the Tramp picture!

I am always tempted to try Tony's, and then don't for some reason.

I would LOVE to stay at the Contemporary - I can't wait to hear all about it.

 

[dismagiclover]

I love the Lady & the Tramp picture!

I am always tempted to try Tony's, and then don't for some reason.

I would LOVE to stay at the Contemporary - I can't wait to hear all about it.

You should give Tony's a try. It wasn't anything fancy, but we'd go again. Plus it is usually pretty easy to get an ADR. The Contemporary has a great location! The BLT rooms are just OK, but the location and the views make it fabulous!

 

[dismagiclover]

I'm going to start really moving on this trip report! I want it done before we head out for our next Disney adventure and I still have lots to go! So get ready for daily updates!

After our lunch we decided to ride a few rides. We walked up Main Street and spotted a Photopass guy so he took some photos, of course.





As always, I wanted one with just the kids.





Then we headed up towards Fantasyland to get our ride on. However, it was hot and all the lines were at least 30 minutes. None of the kids really had any interest in getting their ride on. They would rather be in the pool. So pool it was. We headed back and spent the afternoon at the Bay Lake Tower pool.



It was a fun afternoon at the pool. The pool staff was great and Michael especially enjoyed playing the games they organized. I distinctly remember a rousing game of water basketball. The only thing we were impressed with at this pool, however, was the pool staff. The pool itself was pretty small and this made it feel crowded. Plus the kids said the slide was a bit of a dud. That could be because they had just come from the Boardwalk which actually has a pretty good slide. (I’d put it only 2nd to Beach Club on property.) It was hot though so the kids were happy to spend the afternoon and early evening here instead of slogging around the parks. After a few hours in the pool we headed back to the room. We had a late dinner scheduled for this evening, but it was really close by. Around 8:00 we headed over to the Contemporary for a meal at Chef Mickey’s.



This was a request from Michael and it was fun as always. The food here isn’t anything memorable, but it is always fun to meet Mickey and the gang. Before any characters even came by we were doing the napkin swing.



Then Pluto came by.





Michael always has an extra big hug for Pluto.



We had a short break to enjoy our dinner.



The Chef stopped by.





Then this lovely mouse.



Look, the boys took a picture with a “girl one.”



Then Donald.







And finally Goofy.



It was pretty late by the time we finished dinner, but luckily we didn’t have to go far to get back to our room. Here is what was waiting for us when we got there.



Pretty nice way to watch Wishes. After the fireworks we all settled into bed. Tomorrow was a very exciting day for the boys!

 

[RGirl]

Ugh - those crowds and that heat!!! Good call to head to the pool. I have always thought that the pics of the CR pool looked a little underwhelming - I'm sorry it wasn't the best but likely still better than the park crowds.

Chef Mickey's is so fun! I am just about to post our Chef Mickey's update as well.

 

[DisneyJo]

How great to be able to watch Wishes from your balcony!

Love the Spaghetti shot that's one to bring out when they're older

 

[dismom9761]

Love the pictures of the kids at Chef Mickeys.

 

[DisneyMagicMomma]

Following along on my first Darling TR. I LOVE the view of Wishes! Can't wait to read more.

 

[chattadisser]

The Lady and the Tramp picture is too cute and sure to mortify them when they are older! Then they will get old enough that they like it!

Nice view from BLT, can't beat that for a standard view.

Christine

 

[mickeystoontown]

It's too bad that the lines and the heat were so bad. At least they were able to cool off in the pool. I've got to admit but the pool looks pretty small and a bit blah. But, it did it's job and that's what matters.

Looks like ya'll had a great time at Chef Mickeys. It's been quite some time since we've been there.

 

[dismagiclover]

Ugh - those crowds and that heat!!! Good call to head to the pool. I have always thought that the pics of the CR pool looked a little underwhelming - I'm sorry it wasn't the best but likely still better than the park crowds.

Chef Mickey's is so fun! I am just about to post our Chef Mickey's update as well.

You know that heat well! Summer afternoons at Disney are best at the pools. So even though it wasn't the greatest pool we still had a great time!

How great to be able to watch Wishes from your balcony!

Love the Spaghetti shot that's one to bring out when they're older

Wishes from the balcony is one of the biggest perks of BLT. (I think walking to the MK is the biggest perk.) The Spaghetti shot is pretty funny. It embarrases John even now. I can't imagine how much he will hate it in a few years.

Love the pictures of the kids at Chef Mickeys.

Thanks! Chef Mickey's is always a great time!

Following along on my first Darling TR. I LOVE the view of Wishes! Can't wait to read more.

Glad to have you along! There is plenty more to come!

The Lady and the Tramp picture is too cute and sure to mortify them when they are older! Then they will get old enough that they like it!

Nice view from BLT, can't beat that for a standard view.

Christine

I think it may be a while before John is old enough to like that picture. That view from a standard room was amazing! It was lucky that we even got the standard view because we don't own at BLT and standard studios are usually gone at 7 months. Then to get that view too. Some serious pixie dust for us.

It's too bad that the lines and the heat were so bad. At least they were able to cool off in the pool. I've got to admit but the pool looks pretty small and a bit blah. But, it did it's job and that's what matters.

Looks like ya'll had a great time at Chef Mickeys. It's been quite some time since we've been there.

The lines and heat are summer at Disney. We knew that going in and this trip was so long that we got in plenty of rides. I think we rode Little Mermaid and Pooh both 6 times over the course of the trip. (For a while we had a tally going.) So we enjoyed the afternoon at the pool. Chef Mickey's is still one of Michael's favorites. We're actually eating brunch there on Christmas day this year. I'm hoping the characters have some Christmas extras on their outfits just for something different, but that is probably wishful thinking.

 

[dismagiclover]

Today began bright and early for me. I was up for a run and today I had new ground to explore. There was a short running trail around Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary. Most of this was basically around the Garden Wing of the Contemporary. This wasn’t bad. Here are a few pictures. (I didn't take these on the run, but you get the idea.)







There were some nice views of the lake, but it was really short. So I decided to head over to the Magic Kingdom to explore an area I’d noticed from the monorail and been a bit curious about. Here are a few pictures from the path to the Magic Kingdom. As you approach the Magic Kingdom on the resort monorail there is a nicely groomed and landscaped trail along the water heading toward the Grand Floridian. The trail, however, basically goes to nowhere because there is no bridge over the canal that separates the Grand Floridian from the Magic Kingdom area. Here is a picture I found of the trail taken from the monorail.



Anyway, I’d always wanted to explore that path and now was the perfect chance. So I ran over to the Magic Kingdom and looked around for the start of the path. I didn’t see it so I asked a Cast Member and they directed me by the dock where the Grand Floridian and Polynesian boats dock. So I ran over there, past the boat dock, and I was on the trail. This was a lovely place to run. It was paved with bricks, had gorgeous views of the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian, and was quiet. At the end of the trail there were actually three lovely benches where I sat down for a bit and just enjoyed being in my happy place. I didn’t have a camera so I have no pictures, but trust me it was lovely. I didn’t sit too long though because I was supposed to be running. (Though if you’ve read my race reports you know that a little detail like running has never stopped me from smelling the roses along the way.) Mostly at this point I just was wishing soooo bad that Disney would build a bridge over the canal. Then this would be a fabulous place to run. There would be running along the Seven Seas Lagoon from the Polynesian to the Magic Kingdom and over to the Contemporary. And while I am dreaming they could put a resort on the Seven Seas Lagoon between the TTC and the Contemporary and make the running trail a complete loop. A girl can dream. Anyway, eventually I headed back. Here are a few shots of the path between Magic Kingdom and Bay Lake Tower.







When I made it back to the room everyone was still snoozing. So I went for a refreshing dip in the pool. I brought my book down and read a chapter or two as I recovered from my run. This is my favorite way to recover from a run. I wish I could do it every run. After my quiet dip in the pool, I headed back upstairs to try and get the kids moving. Today was the day John and Michael were headed for a cruise on the Dream. My parents took Wendy on a Disney cruise a few years back and now it was the boys’ turn. My parents had flown into Orlando the night before and stayed at a hotel by the airport. So we packed up the boys and hopped into the car. We picked up my parents and made the drive east. It wasn’t too long until we saw this lovely sight.



Everyone broke into cheers. It’s just so exciting to be going on a Disney cruise. My parents were also taking my nephew so we met up with him at the dock. I insisted on a picture before they all embarked on their adventure.



We all exchanged hugs and said goodbye. We’d meet up again at the beach in a few days. Then they headed onto the ship. Now my parents were derelict in their picture taking duties while they were on the cruise. And the camera I sent with John never even made it out of his luggage. So I don’t really have too many pictures from the cruise, but here are a few.









They all had a great time. Even though it would have been awesome to go on the cruise too, Wendy and I were pretty excited ourselves. Guess what was ahead for us? A weekend of Disney full of everything girlie! Wendy was grinning ear to ear as we headed back towards Orlando. Girl Time!

 

[momabbate]

How exciting for both the boys and you girls. It is so nice your kids have grandparents that spend one on one time with the them. I loved my girl trip with my DD back in 2011. I can't wait to hear what you and Wendy do.

 

[dismagiclover]

How exciting for both the boys and you girls. It is so nice your kids have grandparents that spend one on one time with the them. I loved my girl trip with my DD back in 2011. I can't wait to hear what you and Wendy do.

It is great that my parents take my kids on a special trip. This was the first time my parents took boys on the grandkid trip and I think it tired them out a bit. They had a great time though!

 

[dismagiclover]

The boys were gone and Wendy was in charge. So what did she want to do first? Go shopping, of course. So we headed to Downtown Disney. I’m actually not a very big Downtown Disney fan. Parking is usually a pain and the resort buses are even worse with all of the stops they seem to make. The only transportation option I’ve ever enjoyed taking to Downtown Disney is the boat. However, to take the boat you have to stay at Old Key West, Saratoga Springs or one of the Port Orleans resorts. So we were stuck driving and looking for parking. Luckily we found a spot and headed in to get our shopping on. I don’t remember in what order we did things, but I think I remember pretty much what we bought. I remember stopping in Basin and Wendy loved it. She still talks about it and asks when one is opening near us. We also went into the Cooking Store. I made a purchase there.





It’s a little bit of Disney in my kitchen. We also went to TrendD where Wendy talked me into buying this dress.



She didn’t have to talk too hard. I really like it. Only Disney lovers see the Mickey’s. Here is a close up of the pattern.



We also stopped in the Christmas store. I was planning on getting ornaments for our Disney tree. They had lots of these mouse ear ornaments.



I thought they were a bit strange. I didn’t end up getting anything in here. Then we stopped by the Design a Tee store. We had fun in here designing tee shirts. I’d been looking all over for Dopey merchandise this trip because I’m running the Dopey in January. I’d had no luck finding anything. So I decided to make my own t-shirt. Here it is.



Then to go along with it I made DH a t-shirt.



Kind of funny, isn’t it? At this point we decided we needed a snack. We browsed through Goofy’s Candy Company, but I don’t think we got anything. Instead we headed over to Ghiradelli’s where we enjoyed this lovely treat.



Yum! Last stop was the World of Disney. We picked up a few things here.







Sweet Wendy wanted to get her brothers a present so she bought a pin for John.



And a mini Pluto for Michael.



You might have noticed Wendy hadn’t bought anything for herself. She really wanted this shirt.



They didn’t have her size. However, Wendy agreed her shopping itch had been satisfied for the moment. So we headed back to Bay Lake Tower. We had some evening plans ahead.

 

[chattadisser]

I wish that path went all the way around the lagoon as well. It would make for a great run/walk loop as well as give another transportation option when you stay on the monorail loop.

How nice that your parents take the kids on a cruise. That will be a great memory for the boys. I guess if the camera never came out of the suitcase then it just means that they were too busy having fun!

How fun for you and Wendy, a few days of girl time!

Christine