The most perfect trip ever!

[praline3001]

By far not the best dressed

The skorts come from different places ..some Lands end some penny's. Penny's had a really big sale on skorts and I love how their skorts fit..... I hate the skirt in the front the shorts in the back look
the skorts I got look like skirts all the way around but have shorts underneath... I added a matching t shirt and was good to go

 

[Joie29]

Brook,

What a great report so far! I am very excited to keep reading all about it as we are staying at the GF in January 09. What a special trip for you two.

Savannah is darling in those dresses! I know my DD would love the Alice dress and the "safari" one!

I have read about your VIP day--fun--we are considering doing this for one day on our trip but not sure it is worth the cost... Would you do this again, even without needing some extra help because of your toe (that hurts, I have done it)? Any other benefits that you can point out from your experience? Thanks!

can't wait to read more...

 

[Jeanine3kids]

Gotta love kids. Hey how did you get a vip tour guide I thought you had to be a celebrity to do that?

Jeanine

 

[tammy]

Brook,

I am really enjoying your trip report. I am looking forward to the next installment. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Kristineamb]

Enjoying your trip report and pictures!
Did you make all your daughter's dresses?
I want to know about your shoes...and how your toe is now?

 

[praline3001]

Brook,

What a great report so far! I am very excited to keep reading all about it as we are staying at the GF in January 09. What a special trip for you two.

Savannah is darling in those dresses! I know my DD would love the Alice dress and the "safari" one!

I have read about your VIP day--fun--we are considering doing this for one day on our trip but not sure it is worth the cost... Would you do this again, even without needing some extra help because of your toe (that hurts, I have done it)? Any other benefits that you can point out from your experience? Thanks!

can't wait to read more...

I would do the guide in a NY minute for MK and DHS.... Epcot maybe not again.... you will see later in my report that there is more you use the guide for at MK and DHS than at Epcot... also remember that the guide was my daughter's birthday gift so the guide did what my 7 year old wanted to do haha not me!
whatever Savannah wanted to do that moment she was able to do it.

I will have you SOLD on the guide come our MK day with her I PROMISE

 

[praline3001]

Gotta love kids. Hey how did you get a vip tour guide I thought you had to be a celebrity to do that?

Jeanine

nope, anyone can do it... you just have to pay for it.

Enjoying your trip report and pictures!
Did you make all your daughter's dresses?
I want to know about your shoes...and how your toe is now?

No, I bought them on ebay. If you would like I could send you the sellers' names.
My shoes? Since my toe was swollen I could only wear my slides... I got me a pair of new balance slides. They have the bottom of a sneaker, lots of cushion and my toe wasn't squished in sneakers.

 

[Jack'sGirl5]

This is the first trip report that I have ever read and I can't believe what I have been missing. Your pictures and play-by-play are so great --- almost as good as being there!

I used to think that I was super coordinated on our Disney trips but after seeing your daughter in all of her cute coordinated outfits, well, I bow to the queen!

How did she like EE by the way? She looks maybe a bit younger than my dd (Katie is 9) and I am wondering if she will be up for EE when we go in December. Was it super scary or did your daughter like it?

 

[praline3001]

my DD rode it 8 times during the week

Very cool coaster and she LOVED it!!! Of course she did TOT several times too. She turned 7 years old. Dinosaur scared the pants off of her but that was the only ride that REALLY scared her


Just wait... you havent even seen her CUTE dresses yet~! haha

 

[praline3001]

Tuesday June 17

Today was an easy day for us. We took our time getting ready in the morning due to our late night. We had ressies for Kona Cafe but we skipped them in order to sleep longer.We ate breakfast at the Grill as she wanted to eat outside. It was a decent CS breakfast. As I was eating a bird flew down and stole my biscuit right off of my plate!!!!!!!!!! I was done eating after that haha Savannah thought it was the funniest thing EVER and would not stop laughing!

After breakfast, we took the monorail over to the Poly to look around. Man that place is looking so run down. Its in serious need of a refurb IMO

As we were eating dinner at Ohana's that night I bought Savannah and my niece matching floral sundresses. We walked around sightseeing at the resort but I just felt so sad for it. I stayed there as a child and just felt they let the place run down…

After we did our shopping, we went back to the GF and I got my bathing suit on and we hit the pool (the waterfall one) and Savannah did the water slide about a million times haha

I relaxed in the lounge chair while she did the slide. I swam a few times but really wanted to rest my toe and didn't want to take chances of a kid stepping on it while swimming. We went to the poolside bar and ordered drinks and chips to snack on. Savannah got a kick out of sitting at a bar hahaha she got a non alcoholic fancy drink and felt like a queen.

After we were done swimming, we went back to the room to clean up for dinner…. Sort of. I cleaned her up and said oh well I look better dressed than 80% of the peeps in the park with my jean shorts and t shirt hahahahah I threw some bare minerals on my face and was good to go.

I took a few pics of Savannah on the grounds with her pretty little sundress. I saw a photopass guy with his camera just standing there so I had him take a few pics of us …even though we didn't do the photo session. The pics of savannah came out great and I was kicking myself for not getting dressed up for dinner that night like I had planned to do!!!

I just wished I would have dressed up for dinner as I had planned... those pics would have come out much better I was beat tired and didnt feel like dressing for dinner. I also saw enough hoochie mama's to not worry about how I LOOKED
We then went for tea and scones in the lounge. While we were having our (as savannah says) Tea and crumpets my brother called to let us know he was on the grounds. We met him in the main lobby and Savannah fussed him for interrupting her tea and crumpets time… the look my brother gave her was priceless!!!! He was like… I think you have been at the GF a little too long deary!!!!

We went up to our room to change my niece into her new dress. My brother had to take a peek at the offerings in our lobby. He of course grabbed a beer and some cookies for the kids

While in the room Savannah had her uncle unwrap his gift from her (the birthday hat) he was NOT going to wear it but then she cried and was heartbroken… so being the good uncle my 6'2" brother wore the foot tall hat the rest of the time. It was hysterical as you could pick him out of ANY crowd!!!!!

Here is my nephew and SIL on the monorail

We went over to the poly for dinner at Ohana's. We waited about 20 minutes to be seated. The food was really good. They called my brother up to the front and sang happy birthday. We embarrassed him a few times during his birthday meal but he is a good sport. I took my little niece out to do the hula so he wasn't the only one with embarrassing pics haha

The shrimp was really good! We are Cajun and like our shrimp. When the waiter came by, my SIL told him she was pregnant and with child so BRING ON THE SHRIMP. He asked her how many as he had the skewer over her plate… she took the skewer from him hahahahahhahah she told him "you don't get between a pregnant Cajun and her food" haha it was done all in good fun and the waiter was laughing as hard as we were!!!! After dinner, they brought out a cake for my brother and we all loudly sang Happy birthday AGAIN.

 

[praline3001]

After dinner, I took my family on a tour of the poly and the GF and let the kids run and play. My nephew was so wore out he passed out with savannah on the bed!!!! Savannah and my nephew get along REALLY well (like best friends) and so they were snuggling in their sleep. I thought it was adorable!

They went on home and were going to meet up with us early tomorrow morning for our MK day with the VIP tour guide!

 

[praline3001]

oh here is one of the dessert trays from SL

there was TONS of food ... but i only snuck this 1 shot

I feel stupid taking pics of food in public

 

[AlienBrain]

I am loving your TR. That is a shame about how dirty the MK was that evening. When I went there for New Years Eve (something that you must be insane to do), the cleanliness of the park reminded me of what it looks like after a Mardi Gras parade (that is, before SDT came in town to actually clean up the streets). The bathrooms were dirty too. It definitely takes away from the magic. Oh yeah, and the infamous stroller/ECV problem. I swear, if I get bumped by one of those on my upcoming trip, I will kick back.

I also have to agree with you 100% on the lack of upkeep over at the Poly. My fiance and I were going to go there for our honeymoon until we toured the resort and saw how unkept it seemed. Not to mention the fact that all their rooms (besides the honeymoon suite, which I can't afford) come with two queens; no option for a king. I also think that the Poly seems really dark for a tropical paradise. They have to do something about the lighting around there.

Looking forward to your future updates ..

 

[mmmears]

Brook,

I am really enjoying your trip report -- you're putting so many photos and so much detail in it that I almost feel like I was there!

Your DD is so cute in all those dresses -- the Cinderella dress was so pretty but also looked so much more comfortable and cooler than those hot, itchy princess costumes that we have.

I'm looking forward to reading more about the VIP touring! One question -- if you dont skip the lines, then if there is not FP line do you have to wait with the guide in hour long lines? (I'd be thinking ... and I'm paying how much for this line ). I'm curious since we're thinking of trying this out next time.

I'm sorry about your terrible time during the parade at the MK. My DH refuses to watch any parades anymore because of the stroller people and others who pushed us so hard last time. He was told he didn't have the Disney spirit because, after waiting for 2 hours in the sun, he wouldn't let people push their kids in front of our toddler! This is the only time I've ever thought he might actually get into a fight with someone! It's sad, but no more parades and waiting for fireworks for us.

Thank you for your review of the Poly grounds. After we all decided to go back to the GF next time, now my DD says she really wants to try the Poly! I'm telling her the rooms are already reserved, but sometimes my resistance is low. So reading this really helps me stand firm!

Thanks for sharing your special vacation. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip!

 

[praline3001]

I am loving your TR. That is a shame about how dirty the MK was that evening. When I went there for New Years Eve (something that you must be insane to do), the cleanliness of the park reminded me of what it looks like after a Mardi Gras parade (that is, before SDT came in town to actually clean up the streets). The bathrooms were dirty too. It definitely takes away from the magic. Oh yeah, and the infamous stroller/ECV problem. I swear, if I get bumped by one of those on my upcoming trip, I will kick back.

I also have to agree with you 100% on the lack of upkeep over at the Poly. My fiance and I were going to go there for our honeymoon until we toured the resort and saw how unkept it seemed. Not to mention the fact that all their rooms (besides the honeymoon suite, which I can't afford) come with two queens; no option for a king. I also think that the Poly seems really dark for a tropical paradise. They have to do something about the lighting around there.

Looking forward to your future updates ..

It was sad about the Poly. Of course I didn't stay there so I didn't see if the rooms were just as run down but the lobby was just ewwwwww
It really looked more like a mod than a deluxe resort. I know its old but sheesh .... they should close it for a total refurb. The dark wood is so 70s and even the carpets were worn and had tears.
Ohana's had great food and we had a blast but the entire resort was just worn down looking.

 

[praline3001]

Brook,

I am really enjoying your trip report -- you're putting so many photos and so much detail in it that I almost feel like I was there!

Your DD is so cute in all those dresses -- the Cinderella dress was so pretty but also looked so much more comfortable and cooler than those hot, itchy princess costumes that we have.

I'm looking forward to reading more about the VIP touring! One question -- if you dont skip the lines, then if there is not FP line do you have to wait with the guide in hour long lines? (I'd be thinking ... and I'm paying how much for this line ). I'm curious since we're thinking of trying this out next time.

I'm sorry about your terrible time during the parade at the MK. My DH refuses to watch any parades anymore because of the stroller people and others who pushed us so hard last time. He was told he didn't have the Disney spirit because, after waiting for 2 hours in the sun, he wouldn't let people push their kids in front of our toddler! This is the only time I've ever thought he might actually get into a fight with someone! It's sad, but no more parades and waiting for fireworks for us.

Thank you for your review of the Poly grounds. After we all decided to go back to the GF next time, now my DD says she really wants to try the Poly! I'm telling her the rooms are already reserved, but sometimes my resistance is low. So reading this really helps me stand firm!

Thanks for sharing your special vacation. I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip!

The rides that do not have FP we do early in the day before the crowds. As you will see, we were the first on dumbo on MK day wooohoo... but that will come when I write it all up

It sounds like you are like me when it comes to the parades! Wait until you see where we sat for the MK parade on our VIP day wooohooooo that alone will have you sold
I dont think I ever could do MK without a VIP guide again!

 

[krismom]

I think you are on my Dream Trip! I would love to take my daughter and stay at the GF! Hmmm- they are only little a short time, maybe I should do it soon.
Was the guide a Tour Guide Mike one or through Disney? It's per hour right, or is it per day? I only ask because we were thinking of using one and trying to compare. Did she get you fastpasses to use the fastpass line- or were you just let in since she was with you?
Congrats on winning 2 dreams! You really are in the right place ant the right time!

 

[praline3001]

I think you are on my Dream Trip! I would love to take my daughter and stay at the GF! Hmmm- they are only little a short time, maybe I should do it soon.
Was the guide a Tour Guide Mike one or through Disney? It's per hour right, or is it per day? I only ask because we were thinking of using one and trying to compare. Did she get you fastpasses to use the fastpass line- or were you just let in since she was with you?
Congrats on winning 2 dreams! You really are in the right place ant the right time!

It was through Disney. I looked into both tours and the Disney one was 120 an hour and tour guide mike was 99 an hour but the disney ones are not allowed to accept tips and tour guide mike has an automatic 20% tip on top of the 99 an hour.... so it ends up being the same cost. I went with the Disney one because they are the only official Disney tour guide company. We were able to go backstage, park and get through the backstage gates away from the crowds. They were able to set up things that tour guide mike's guides could never pull off not being Disney employees.

I am really not sure how she did the ride thing as I never asked. I know she had FP's in her hand but I dont think I ever saw her actually hand them over... she just showed them and we went through? I could be wrong but there is no way we rode as many times as we did if she did get the fps LOL
I liked the magic part of just being able to go so I didnt bug her about it! I wanted to just be a kid too and not figure out how everything was done

 

[praline3001]

June 18 MK day with VIP... THE BIG DAY!!!!!

This was one busy day for us!!! We had some bad things happen that were not anyone's control and had to go back to the resort earlier than expected. Even with that we did more than most peeps do in 3 days at mk haha

The plan was for our guide (Carolyn) to meet my brother at guest relations at the front of the park. She then walked his family back to the castle while Savannah and I were having our breakfast. I was worried as there were too many varients that could get screwed up but suprisingly it went off without a hitch!!!

We started our day with Savannah waking up on the wrong side of the bed. She was really grumpy.. she is usually smiles all the time so I figured she was just tired and wanted to sleep longer (our breakfast was for 8am so we had to get up EARLY) this should have tipped me off to something not being right but hindsight is 20/20
Here she is being grumpy lol

They let us into the park at 7:45 and we were one of the first down main street. Here are a few pics of our walk

Notice... there are NOOOOO crowds for our walk to the castle!!! woohoo
AS you can see she was cheering up a little so I was relieved..... while waiting for our breakfast she fell and broke a strap on her dress. As I didn't want to go back to the resort and miss the morning, the cm at the podium had a birthday pin and we pinned the strap! If you notice pics of her from behind she has a birthday pin on backwards LOL

Breakfast was suprisingly good! We ate lunch here in Feb and I was really disapointed. The only reason we kept this ressies is we got into MK before anyone and Savannah got to see the princesses. Last time the princesses were just plain rude.... this time they were super sweet and spent a long time with us. We got a nice window table so we got to look out onto fantasy land while we ate!
The princesses start with the window seats first so we were in a good spot to get finished up early before the park opened! They knew it was Savannah's birthday so they had a certificate at the table which all the princesses signed along with her book wishing her a happy birthday. They also brought out a cupcake for her.

 

[praline3001]

Here are some pics of her cupcake and of her with the princesses!