The Hill Family's Surprise Vac(PICS)*NEW*Final Thoughts,Tips & Pictures **4/25

[toony]

The tiaras are gorgeous!!! What a nice present!

Sounds (and looks) like a friendly bunch (or the more apt expression is surely friendly queens or princesses ) and a magical afternoon.
great installment!

 

[PrincessV]

The Tiara Tea sounds just heavenly! I've been loving reading each Tiara's story about it.

You know how all transportation at WDW takes longer than you ever imagine it might?

And that includes driving yourself, too! ALWAYS takes me twice as long to get anywhere in WDW as I think it should.

 

[Al and Kate's Mom]

Cherokeemama - you have such a touching viewpoint of things - your sincerity shines through, and I love that

Can't wait to hear the rest!

 

[DisneyObsession]

LOVED your report on the tea!

All of you ladies look soooo friendly & happy to be there! So nice you got to meet in person and spend time together at Disney!

Are you making plans to do it again next year?!? Can I come too?!? Maybe between Nov 11&14th, 2007! (just a thought)

 

[lazydazy8]

You guys are so cute! Although, I have to admit, I am having tiara envy...

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

You guys are so cute! Although, I have to admit, I am having tiara envy...

Me, too!

 

[UtahMama]

WOW!!! Cherokeemama! You are sooo sweet!

You made me sound so NICE!!
I still think of "What happens in Disney...STAYS in Disney!!"

I MISS that day! I put on a tiara and drink a nice chamomille tea with peppermint sometimes ((sigh))!

Did you photo-shop those wrinkles on me?????

 

[Lan]

Good Morning Cherokeemama!

I stay in Union City. I am enjoying your report and pictures.

 

[Scot-n-Michelle]

More, more - please. Your trip report is wonderful. I wish I was able to hold in the big surprise. I told my kids right away. I cannot keep a secret. I have read the other trip reports about the tea at the GF and it sounds like so much fun to meet other disers. Hope to see a new installment soon.

 

[redheaded mama]

I just read through your whole report. I love the pictures -- you are a great photographer. What adorable kids you have. I also love how you surprised your kids. We have not told our kids about our upcoming trip in six weeks. I've been working on different ways to tell them. The poem was an excellent way to end the treasure hunt. I am inspired by reading your trip.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

 

[cherokeemamma]

After the tea we looked around the GF for just a few minutes. I really wish we had more time to explore.
My mother would love it here. She loves Victorian antiques and there were certainly plenty here. I had to take a picture of this table…it is humongous.

We got on the monorail and headed to the TTC. Once there, we decided to ask if anyone was riding up front. The CM told us there wasn't and asked us to wait up at the front area of the loading zone. We had never rode up front on the monorail so my DD and DS were excited about it. When we started to board this older man and woman also started to get on. They had been standing in the same area we were told to stand in. I knew there would be trouble brewing. The CM told him we had already asked. He told him that you have to ask and it is available on a first come, first serve basis. Well that man was furious ...we heard some mean comments under his breath. Let's just say if looks could kill we wouldn't be here now.

We boarded the monorail and started our trip to Epcot. Unfortunately, we had a very dull driver. My children were asking him questions about his job and about the monorail. They were trying to interact with him but he gave them one word answers and never elaborated on anything. He was dull, dull, dull!
I was also under the impression that you rec'd a certificate of some sort...well no certificate for us. The certificate didn't matter but we were disappointed with the driver's lack of enthusiasm. We had fun regardless.

We had to walk very quickly to Italy for our ADR's. When we arrived there was a wait. Okay...thank goodness…we can rest for a few minutes. It was nice just to be able to sit and cool off a little. I was hoping the walking would help me build up an appetite. I thought about not eating…..then I thought….nah….I would just have to force myself.

Alfredo's is my son's favorite. He absolutely loved this place last year. He loved the alfredo. Both of my children love pasta…they take after their dad. My DS has talked about this restaurant ever since last October. I must agree that the fettuccine Alfredo is delicious. I have read so many mixed reviews that I was little concerned about booking it this trip. I didn’t want to disappoint Justin and I knew this was a must do for him. I hope he enjoys it as much as he remembers. After about 15 minutes or so we were seated. If you haven’t ever been here the dining room is huge but the tables are very close together.

Our waitress was Giada and she very cute. She was from Milan and had just the most adorable accent. I really enjoyed talking to her. We ordered our food. DS had the Caesar Salad (which he gave to DD), DH had the calamari, and I had the melon and prusuitto. DD did not order anything. She would have had to order off the child’s menu…I can’t remember if there was not a choice or if nothing appealed to her. Sorry, but I do not have a picture of the calamari.

The appetizers were fairly good…nothing outstanding. I would pick the calamari as the best of the three.

Our entrees arrived and DS was eager to dig in. Our waitress came by with an offering for some grated cheese…here is a picture of her doing her thing.

DH had the salmon dish, DD had the pasta dish (penne with Alfred sauce) and DS and I had the fettuccine Alfredo. Everyone enjoyed their dinner. DS thought it was the best and just as good as he remembered. My only complaint was I found the fettuccini to be rather dry. DD dish was saucier and I liked hers the best. That is it….the fettuccini needed more sauce. Overall, I will say it was very good.

Then we had to decide on dessert…..oh my. DH may need a wheel barrow to remove me from the property tonight. DD and DS had chocolate mousse, DH had tiramisu, and I had the cannoli. Yes, we all loved our desserts. We all tasted each others and it was a unanimous …YUMMY YUMMY!!!

Take a look at this...I bet it weighs 10 lbs...maybe next time. ; - )​

As we were about to leave when all of the CMs gathered and began singing something in Italian. Everyone twirled their napkins in the air…what fun! What did you think..of course, we had to participate!

We left the restaurant and wondered around just a little. The temperature had dropped quite a lot, there was a nice breeze blowing, and the crowd level was low. It was fantastic in the World Showcase. The time was quickly approaching 9pm and Illuminations would be starting soon.

A side note…There is a problem with TS dining at WDW…it takes up a tremendous amount of your time. I am sure we were at Alfredo’s for at least 2 ½ hours. It just takes a chunk out of your evening. There was no time to do anything else. Do you all think it is better to make early (5:30 or so) or late (after 8:00) ADRs? We always tried to go for the early but it seems to take so long to eat. Is that because they are busier at the earlier times or does it just simply take that long?

We made a very poor decision at this point and headed toward Future World to view Illuminations. While the crowd was low in the WS it was not in FW. All of the good viewing spots were taken and even the poor viewing spots were taken. We were just simply too tired to walk back to WS. We so picked a terrible viewing spot…I guess by that point we didn’t care; and stayed for Illuminations. There were several trees in our view so we left before it ended. I now regret settling for that spot but we will know better for next time.

We were one of the first in line so at least we got on an early bus. We were back at POP, cleaned up and in bed by 10:30. We were simply too pooped to party any more. It had been a wonderful day. A full and busy day. Even though the bed was hard it felt a little like heaven to my tired self. Now it was time for those magical dreams.

Our wake up call for 6 am We have ADRs 8:05 am at the Crystal Palace. We were all excited to finally have a full day in the MK. We would also be celebrating my B-Day!!!

TTFN

 

[PrincessV]

Another great installment! And may I say how cool and refreshed you all look in every pic? Listen, I was in WDW the same time and cool and refreshed I most certainly wasn't feeling, so way to go!

 

[Tortuga Joy]

We just got back on 9/30; had to come home early because DH and I got sick. Anyway, I'm loving reading about your trip, your family and the other gals you met.

Makes me want to go back as soon as possible. There was so much we didn't get to do so we'll save it for next time.

Love your report and can't wait to hear more!

 

[DisneyObsession]

Another great installment! And may I say how cool and refreshed you all look in every pic? Listen, I was in WDW the same time and cool and refreshed I most certainly wasn't feeling, so way to go!

I agree! You all don't look like you've had such an active day! I hope I look that good when I go!

 

[Disney_Mama]

Great trip report. I love the pictures. It really brings life to your report. Can't wait for the rest.

 

[DisneyFan06]

With all do respect to others, cherokeemamma I think your trip report has just won the Trip Report of the year! Something about it makes me wanting to keep coming back for me. I love it and look forward to it. I also loved your little side jokes and eating alot in one day!

 

[MomPlanner22]

Your pictures are wonderful! I could just squeeze your daughter's sweet cheeks! She has such an engaging smile! Your family looks like they are having such fun -- which is how it should be!!!

 

[Glendamax]

Loved your latest installment! My Mother and I cancelled our dinner reservations after the tea. We went to MGM to watch Fantasmic!

The pictures of your food made me soooo hungry! And of course, great shots of your beautiful kids! You and your husband should be so proud!

 

[cherokeemamma]

Another great installment! And may I say how cool and refreshed you all look in every pic? Listen, I was in WDW the same time and cool and refreshed I most certainly wasn't feeling, so way to go!

Hi PrincessV: Thanks for reading! You are very sweet but refreshed we weren't feeling either. It was more like sweaty and sticky from morning to night! I agree it was very warm and humid. My hair has some natural curl/wave and it drove me crazy...I would leave the hotel with my hair looking okay but within 30 minutes or so it would start frizzing and curling every which way. I hate that!!!
We went around the same time last year (Oct 4 - 14) and it seemed much hotter or maybe just more humid but whatever, it really seemed much worse to me last year.
I live outside of Atlanta and I was amazed at the difference in just 400 or so miles. Last year I was expecting warm but not 90 degress with 90% humidity everyday....I was really surprised at the heat. I guess I was mentally more prepared this time.
I would love to visit when it isn't hot and humid. I think it would be so much more fun not to be sweaty all day. Since you live so close...what do you suggest? How is early Dec? I would especially like to come and see the Christmas decorations. I was thinking sometime during the first 2 weeks of Dec. Have you ever been during that time? What are the crowds like?

 

[cherokeemamma]

Loved your latest installment! My Mother and I cancelled our dinner reservations after the tea. We went to MGM to watch Fantasmic!

The pictures of your food made me soooo hungry! And of course, great shots of your beautiful kids! You and your husband should be so proud!

Hi there Gmax:
Thanks for reading. You and your mama are smart women but I already knew that.
I would have cancelled as well, but DS was so excited about eating at Alfredo's again. I just couldn't disappoint him. I figured if I didn't eat what would I do with 1 TS...so you see I was actually forced into eating. Yes! That is it.