The Ingredients for Pixie Dust, a June 2010 TR - 10/2 DIsney Halloween PTR started!

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Happydog!!! We are back, and I am all caught up on your trip report! Now the key is to see if I can remember everything I wanted to comment on!

We had almost the exact same view at Yak and Yeti! LOL! What a bummer that the safari and Kali were down that day -- glad Guest Relations gave you FPs for another day! Thank goodness for those Lost on Safaris to help ease the pain.

Love the kite pictures! What a fun idea!

Weren't the fireworks neat? I didn't bother taking any pictures, but sure enjoyed watching them!

Hurray for getting to go to Disney and Universal in December!!!

 

[Native NYer]

Now that I'm out of my Moet coma, I'm ready to head to the BCV.
Will there be an update today?

 

[DisneyMom14]

Nice score on the AK fastpasses and a wonderful way to end the evening with supper and MK fireworks! Due to your VERY GOOD NEWS....We're going to have to change your username to "LuckyDog" instead of HappyDog!!! I LOVE Disney at Christmas time and I SOOO want to go to Universal to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We were planning a trip next October but since we finally sold our previous house ( a year after moving into our new one), we've got other bills to pay off first and I don't know how long that will take. Bummer, huh? So in the meantime, I am living vicariously through your trip reports!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Great update! What a fun afternoon and evening, well deserved after your hot and semi dissapointing morning! I think you got some great fireworks shots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Portofino is pricey! Heck they all are. I'd have been happy at RPH and have heard good things about it, rooms are a little small but that's ok.

OH you are making me wish I had a date night! Maybe we will sneak away for a date lunch...or drink!

Well thanks! Yes, it was a fun end to our day I will agree.

What is RPH??? Is that the other Universal property? Loews? We are staying at one of the Universal properties, because of the perks...

Well, Blue Zoo was amazing. I will say that is the reason why we are going back!

Hi, Happydog!!! We are back, and I am all caught up on your trip report! Now the key is to see if I can remember everything I wanted to comment on!

We had almost the exact same view at Yak and Yeti! LOL! What a bummer that the safari and Kali were down that day -- glad Guest Relations gave you FPs for another day! Thank goodness for those Lost on Safaris to help ease the pain.

Love the kite pictures! What a fun idea!

Weren't the fireworks neat? I didn't bother taking any pictures, but sure enjoyed watching them!

Hurray for getting to go to Disney and Universal in December!!!

Hi CP!!! SO glad you are here again! Well I am glad you had a super amazing time in WDW, but I missed you!!!

The fireworks were neat! I was excited to see them too, and I wanted to try out my camera for firework pics Yes! The December trip is an unexpected bit of fun!

Now that I'm out of my Moet coma, I'm ready to head to the BCV.
Will there be an update today?

HA HA!!!! Well, I am going to TRY and get it started tonight.... I am up!

 

[Happydog]

OKAY, BOOOO, but I did try to get my latest installment done. UnfortunatelyI lost it with an internet hiccup and so while I have most still, GRRRR, I am now going to start again tomorrow. So be on the look out! We also got our PHOTO PASS CD, from the Photo Pass Share, SO YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Michelle! I can get a few posted for sure!!!!

Look for a DOUBLE update tomorrow, then!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Boo to losing your update, but looking forward to the two updates tomorrow!

 

[MeMom]

OKAY, BOOOO, but I did try to get my latest installment done. UnfortunatelyI lost it with an internet hiccup and so while I have most still, GRRRR, I am now going to start again tomorrow. So be on the look out! We also got our PHOTO PASS CD, from the Photo Pass Share, SO YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Michelle! I can get a few posted for sure!!!!

Look for a DOUBLE update tomorrow, then!!!

I think we have all done the same thing before.
If you are like me, you said, "Nooooooooo!" out loud.

We will look forward to many good pictures today.

 

[Happydog]

Boo to losing your update, but looking forward to the two updates tomorrow!

I know!!! Ah well.

I think we have all done the same thing before.
If you are like me, you said, "Nooooooooo!" out loud.

We will look forward to many good pictures today.

Yes, that is exactly what happened and I was not amused.... Sometimes I am able to get them back if I hit "back" on the internet window, but not this time!!!!! Man!!!!!!!!!

More soon!!!

 

[Happydog]

Nice score on the AK fastpasses and a wonderful way to end the evening with supper and MK fireworks!

Yes! It really was a great final evening at the BLT and of course The Contemporary and MK! We enjoyed the evening and our AK morning, despite the bummer with the Fast Passes -- we were glad they made some magic for us.

Due to your VERY GOOD NEWS....We're going to have to change your username to "LuckyDog" instead of HappyDog!!! I LOVE Disney at Christmas time and I SOOO want to go to Universal to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We were planning a trip next October but since we finally sold our previous house ( a year after moving into our new one), we've got other bills to pay off first and I don't know how long that will take. Bummer, huh? So in the meantime, I am living vicariously through your trip reports!!!!

Oh Thanks!! I know the whole feeling about what takes priority - - we really wouldn't be going if it were not for this work trip, and we will not be going to the Disney parks, because we are only going to buy Universal park tickets. I may be able to swing a MCMCP ticket -- having never been.

I do feel like a lucky dog sometimes.

 

[eandesmom]

Well thanks! Yes, it was a fun end to our day I will agree.

What is RPH??? Is that the other Universal property? Loews? We are staying at one of the Universal properties, because of the perks...

yes, there are 3. Portofino, Hard Rock and then the Royal Pacific. All are lovely. RPH is the least expensive (though that's not saying much).

WAH for lost updates, that is the worst! I've taken to writing them in word first....

 

[Native NYer]

Oh sorry about losing your update. That really stinks!

How often do you use your car at Disney? I rented a car this morning to make life easier. Now, I'm wondering if it's really necessary.

 

[Happydog]

yes, there are 3. Portofino, Hard Rock and then the Royal Pacific. All are lovely. RPH is the least expensive (though that's not saying much).

WAH for lost updates, that is the worst! I've taken to writing them in word first....

BOO I know!!! I guess I am used to just getting a better deal for the room rate at Disney!!!!

I typically do write them in Word, and I did, most of it, but all the photos this time I added in when I was posting. So that was my fault. I better get working on it! BUT I have other house junk I am trying to get organized with... kids are gone for the day so it helps!!!

Dress came Friday, I had ordered on Sunday, so I was glad to have it! Wore it Sat night to a party! Perfect -- even in the hot and humid weather!!!

Oh sorry about losing your update. That really stinks!

How often do you use your car at Disney? I rented a car this morning to make life easier. Now, I'm wondering if it's really necessary.

It is fine, I have gotten over it

We drive to any park we can't get to on foot. DH isn't a snob, but he hates the bus transportation. He likes to be in control... parking is free, and we avoid the mass exodus in the evenings, and do pretty well. Sometimes we park at other resorts and monorail or walk...generally I schedule ADRs with this planning in mind so we can. Makes it better for traveling around, especially in the evening. We ALMOST went without a car in the fall, but he panicked and got one cheap last minute It does give you more flexibility and guarantee with time between places.

We are going to take the ME though, in February. We will stay a night in Disney the night before our cruise, and take the bus to the cruise terminal, I think....

 

[eandesmom]

BOO I know!!! I guess I am used to just getting a better deal for the room rate at Disney!!!!

I typically do write them in Word, and I did, most of it, but all the photos this time I added in when I was posting. So that was my fault. I better get working on it! BUT I have other house junk I am trying to get organized with... kids are gone for the day so it helps!!!

Dress came Friday, I had ordered on Sunday, so I was glad to have it! Wore it Sat night to a party! Perfect -- even in the hot and humid weather!!!

It's funny, we actually justified another night at HRH to get a bigger discount on the room. Do look for deals, they do offer them but if it you are just there 1-2 nights not sure there will be much. You might want to check AAA.

on the dress, that is a ton faster than mine. I ordered it on the 20th and it looks like it should arrive on the 29th.

 

[Native NYer]

It is fine, I have gotten over it

We drive to any park we can't get to on foot. DH isn't a snob, but he hates the bus transportation. He likes to be in control... parking is free, and we avoid the mass exodus in the evenings, and do pretty well. Sometimes we park at other resorts and monorail or walk...generally I schedule ADRs with this planning in mind so we can. Makes it better for traveling around, especially in the evening. We ALMOST went without a car in the fall, but he panicked and got one cheap last minute It does give you more flexibility and guarantee with time between places.

We are going to take the ME though, in February. We will stay a night in Disney the night before our cruise, and take the bus to the cruise terminal, I think....

The bus transportation and being able to go to the store for water, milk, etc. is the main reason I reserved a car. I don't mind ME at all, but I just don't think I can handle the buses in the heat, especially during the mass exodus in the evenings. I figure it'll be easier to get to DTD and the mini golf courses.

What Disney resort are you considering before your cruise?

 

[Happydog]

Well everyone welcome back to the transition point in our Disney Summer Trip!

As many of you know, we booked five nights at Bay Lake Towers and five nights at Beach Club Villas. We were thrilled to stay at Bay Lake, and after being at the Beach Club for our Christmas extravaganza (see link below), DH and I were REALLY excited to get to Beach Club again... We knew it would be the perfect place to hang out during the summer with our boys. BOY was it ever!!!!

As I have gone back and reviewed our trip, I see that about this time during the trip, I started having more luck with camera shots, taking photos more often, etc. I am not sure if this is because we were really just having so much fun when we first got there and I was just trying to be on vacation vs. being a photographer, but during this second leg of the trip I took more photos and I took more "opportunities" for photos. Whether they were silly or meaningful, it just came more naturally. Now, I didn't take them this way consistently... I still have to laugh when I see pictures, because I see what I missed!! LOL!! But I have some great stories coming up, SO I hope you enjoy the next five days with me!!!!

Here we go!!!!

This morning started the same way as the past few, we got up, we each exercised and showered, I packed the room up, and while DH dragged luggage out and packed the car, the boys and I headed over to the Contempo cafe for breakfast. I got two breakfast burrito QS meals (one to go) and two french toast QS meals -- the breakfast burritos came with two beverages (we opted for the Illy espresso mixes that come in the cans – they are perfect cold! ) Since we had our refillable mugs with us, we could get regular coffee that way, so I liked having the portable options for later. We ate quickly, then brought breakfast down to DH in the room. While he took a minute to eat, I sorted out the last of our things, and shortly after we headed out to the car, our first five nights at BLT now over , but a new adventure awaiting us at THE BEACH!

First on the daily plan, we drove directly to the Animal Kingdom. We wanted to make use of those FPasses!!!! So our day started with the Safari… DH went to Everest to get a set of FPs for all four of us and then met us there at the Safari entrance…. Needless to say, a MUCH better looking line!

A few animals...

Seems like the best place to be to beat the heat!!!!

I do remember thinking that this safari ride was one of the bumpiest I had been on, or I just kept missing good shots, but regardless, we enjoyed it, and actually saw a lot of animals -- the baby elephant included!

AFTER the Safari, we decide to head over to Kali river rapids, of course!!!, and cooled off. Since we, since we still had a little time to wait for the Everest FP, DH suggested that we just ride it twice, and that way we wouldn’t have to worry about being wet again… so…
Needless to say, one person in our family really had it coming to them…. And perhaps next time he will think twice about taking a turn down the rapids two times in a row!!!! HE got soaked. DS5 got soaked. And DS8 got soaked, because they switched seats next to “DADDY” – ah yes. I did get somewhat wet, but not nearly, nearly as wet as they… I realize that I didn't get a photo of DH, I can't remember why, but here are my drenched rats...

The MEAN button...

So wet, but cool, we ventured towards Everest… I had thought to put the boys in their swim trunks today, so that helped quite a bit. We stalled for a little, sharing pretzels and lemonade slushies. DH and I had the Jalepeno pretzel the boys shared a plain one. Then, drier, and thirst quenched, we made our way towards the snowy peaked mountain!

DS5 had never ridden Everest. JUST 44 inches, he was now able to get on. The more I looked at him and looked at the seats, I began to wonder if this was going to be too much for him. He ended up riding with DH… We got on, we rode, and then we exited the ride to find the two of them outside at the stroller… DS5 was not very talkative about the ride, he kinda gave a sidewise smile about it when asked, but here is the ultimate verdict…


Do you think he LIKED it?


Well...


See for yourself...

Yep!!!! That is a big thumbs down for him. DS8 kept telling him it was great fun, and he wasn’t complaining or ill or anything, but I could tell he wanted nothing more with that ride, thank you very much!


Continued in the NEXT POST!!!

 

[Happydog]

NOW in case you missed that one....

Don't worry, we didn't traumatize him. He was his normal talkative self when we strolled up to the Dig Yard, but clearly Everest is not high on his best rides ever list!!! So once there, DH grabbed one last set of FPs for Dinosaur… and I sat inside the play area on some sort of archeological wonder, and dried off!

After a short while in the Dig yard, we went to Flame Tree BBQ, ready for lunch! We ordered two QS meals, one with chicken and one with ribs, and we all shared these. I have to say I think that is one of the best QS deals in the parks! Here is our friend who wanted to spy on us while we were eating...

I went ahead and nosed around in the shops, while DH took both boys over to Dinosaur. We had one more FP to use, and I don’t care for that ride… I was glad I had time to just walk a bit! And I stopped in here...

Having had lunch, and anxious to get to the Beach Club, we decided to head out of the park and over to our new destination! Walking back, we did take some time to see the different animals that are around the Tree of Life, so here are a few shots of that area, mostly the birds!, it is such a nice area there!

I will leave you with one last silly AK story. On our way out of the park, we walked past this sign…

DS8 said quite loudly, “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEWWWW. THAT IS SO GROSS!” And we both turned around, and being surprised by his exclamation, we asked him what he was shouting about. He pointed to the sign and said WHY would anyone ever name a place Pizza FART??!!???!! DH and I looked at eachother and totally busted up laughing, DS8 was really put off by our laughing, and he demanded, “what is so funny?!?!” We pointed back to the sign, and said that is not a “T”… He swung his head back around and was totally laughing, because of course he had read PizzaFARI a little too quickly…

ANYhow, that got us out of the park with a good laugh between all of us … DS5 was having a heyday with that verbage… you know boys and bodily functions… or maybe you have not been graced with this knowledge because either you are NOT surrounded by little kids in your profession or do not happen to have boys in your family ... well, let me tell you, this was one of those moments when I acutely felt the outnumbered female in the family… Let’s just say we wouldn’t be going to a Grand Floridian Tea that afternoon…

SO NEXT up, the BEACH CLUB! OH YEAH!!!!!!!!

 

[stace208]

What a great AK morning! Good idea on the swim trunks!

My DD and DH give EE a thumbs down too but Ben and I love it!

Ah, the joys of having a boy...

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I think I am going to take your son's verdict on EE to heart. But to him for giving it a try. He's braver than I am!

Good call on having them wear their swim trunks. Perhaps DH should have too?

I am so intrigued by this jalapeno pretzel you've mentioned so many times. Will have to try it!

I will, for sure, never look at Pizzafari the same way again.

Beach Club!!?!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

EE is an intense ride for such a little guy! I personally love it but don't blame him a bit for that thumbs down.

Kali on the other hand? I'm not a fan of damp underwear....

Jalapeno pretzel, so tasty!

 

[jenseib]

That is so funny with your son. My son is 21 and he would stil lbe laughing about that too. Boys just love that kind of stuff