This (DISNEY)land Was Made For You and Me - July 2016 Weight Loss and Lifestyle Change Challenge

[Dr Gunnie]

Checking in for the first time this weekend - I'll try and get caught up:

July 16 - Fantasmic!

Imagination... dream a fantastic dream

Well folks, we've completed the left side of the park. Congratulations on making it through half the month and half the park!
As we take a stroll towards Frontierland, we're going to pause for a minute at the Rivers of America and watch... FANTASMIC!

Fantasmic! originally premiered at Disneyland in 1992 along the Rivers of America. It is a little different from its Hollywood Studios
counterpart in that it is a wee bit shorter in duration and you literally sit around the Rivers of America instead of in an auditorium.

In Fantasmic, you follow Mickey's dream as he eventually becomes Sorcerer Mickey and - watch video clips with water and music.

July 16 - Question of the Day
Fantasmic is about Mickey's dreams - so take a moment to think about your dreams/ambitions with your life style change.
What is your end goal / dream at the end of this process? Do you have a specific target in mind,
or are you still trying to figure out and it's all about the journey?

bonus question - have you seen fantasmic? what did you think? have you seen it on both coasts?​

My goal was to feel better about myself - to live a longer, healthier life. I didn't want my weight to be an excuse for anything - not having energy or not being able to do something because I was too big. I didn't want to just barely fit into narrow chairs, barely be able to buckle the seatbelt on an airplane, or be crunched when I get on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train!

I hit my goal last Friday. I've now lost 100 lbs. I'm not sure how I thought I would feel when I hit it (or really thought I ever would 7 months ago), but what I'm starting to realize is I'm not done - it was really just the beginning. I still feel the inner pressure to work out every day (even though I know my body needs to rest right now - I'm feeling the effects of pushing myself over the past week!!!). I still feel the hesitation of eating something that isn't considered healthy - like having a half piece of cake yesterday for my brother's birthday.

While my focus won't be so much about losing a large amount of weight like it was (although my new goal is to lose 20 more lbs over the second half of 2016), I created habits now over the past 7 months that are going to be much harder to break than I thought... and that's a good thing... I think.

July 17 - Disneyland Celebrates its 61st Anniversary

Woah - she's another year older!

Today marks the 61st birthday of Disneyland - can you believe she's another year older?
Last year marked the launch of the Diamond Celebration which will continue until Labor Day weekend.
Did anyone get to participate in the activities? One such activity was the Paint the Night parade!

Paint the Night is the next phase of the Electrical Parade - featuring LED lights and HD screens and costumed characters.
It's a wonder to behold and participate in with the color changing ear hats and paint brush / wands.
And if you're a fan of Wreck it Ralph, the song "When Can I See You Again" is the soundtrack.

You'll see floats featuring Monster's INC, Little Mermaid, Belle, Toy Story, and other Disney creative from the last 20 years.


July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think? ​

It's like I told my wife who isn't as much of a Disney fan as I am. It's not that I love Disney because I love the rides or love the characters (although I do enjoy those things). I love Disney because growing up, WDW was our vacation spot every year from 1980 to 1986 where I got to relax and spend time with my family - both immediate and extended. That's where everything else was put aside and we just had fun. It's the same place where now I can bring my kids to share that same experience. I can see the happiness on their faces and we can all enjoy ourselves even though our interests are so different back home.

The best part is, for me, being on the parent side of it and seeing the joy from my kids. It's 100 times better than it ever was as a kid!

Now, hopefully, getting healthy and losing weight will allow me to do it all again with my grandkids someday.

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Sorry I've been MIA for a couple days. I haven't been on my computer much for some reason. I like this question a lot, probably because I don't have an answer. Part of me is a little afraid of the "end" because I've never reached the end before. The first time I ever really dieted was about a year after I got married when I had gained some newlywed pounds (I was probably technically overweight at my wedding - or very close to it. I've never been truly thin). I was happy with my progress, but then I got pregnant and everything went out the window. I have spent the last 14 years being dissatisfied with my weight and never reaching any substantial goal.

Now, I've been making great progress for the past year. Unbelievable progress really. I have a few things in my closet from "back in the day" and while they don't fit properly - they all zip. It's strange to think that in 20-30ish pounds, I'll be as thin as I was when I got married.

I do have an overriding feeling of "then what"? I feel I've gotten good at losing weight, but it's going to be another whole thing when I need to just stay at a weight. I think I will have to have a new goal. Maybe a fitness goal - something to work towards. If I don't have that, I fear going backwards.

So, I guess the short answer is, I'm still figuring things out.

You have a lot of the same thoughts/feelings that I'm going through right now. I didn't think this whole thing would be so mentally challenging as it is! You work so hard at something for so long... being one of your main focuses everyday and all of the sudden it's like, now what? I TOTALLY get it!

My dreams / ambitions...good question. As far as my lifestyle change is that as I get older, I just want to be able to wear cute, comfortable clothes and not always feel like the "fat one" in the room. I know it's terrible to say, but I often feel that way.

I'm still not sure of my end goal. So far, I've lost 30 pounds since I started in February. The last month has basically been a wash and I have to get back on track. We left on vacation exactly one month ago today and I"m exactly the same weight I was when we left. Overall, I'm happy with that since we were gone 2 weeks with my family, my sisters family and my mom and one week of that was a cruise (ie unlimited food) and the other time I didn't track or count calories. I definitely noticed a change in my eating habits though and I know that helped in not gaining on vacation which I had always done in the past.

Anyway, I've never really put this in writing, but I'm 45, about 5'8" and when I started in the middle of February, I weighed 273.5. I'm currently at 243.5. I really think I'd be thrilled if I lost 100 pounds from my starting point and ended up around 170-175. The smallest I've been in my adult life was about 145 and I really don't think I'd ever get down to that weight again and not really sure I'd want to. At that weight for my build, I was skinny. I just want to be fit and comfortable. But, the thought of losing 100 pounds seems very un-achievable at this point, even though we have some very inspirational people in our group who have done just that , but I just don't know that I can do it. At this point, I'm just focusing on losing and we'll see where that takes me. My initial goal is to get under 200 and then we'll go from there.


I have only seen Fantasmic at DW. We were at DL one time, but weren't able to fit it in.

BTW, I'm absolutely loving our trip around the park. If I ever get to come back, I'm definitely referring to this thread before we go! So much fun!!

You can totally do 100 lbs if you keep it up. I know you hear it from people all the time, but if I can do it, anyone can do it. I truly believe that. I failed so many times before. I was addicted to over eating and fast food. I hated exercise and specifically, running. I never thought in a million years that I would be able to change those things. You can do this!!!!

 

[Dr Gunnie]

Weekly Check-In:

Started the month at 229 and the goal was to lose 10 lbs before July 29th.

Weighed in today at 220.25 - lost 5.75 lbs this week. I'm at 88% toward my July goal.

(I actually lost 6 lbs from Sunday to Friday to meet my 100 lbs goal, but I didn't do it the right way. I was eating under 1000 calories a day and running 6 miles a day - not the healthiest way to do it and not something I would recommend. I had a little bounce back the last two days which is fine.)

 

[mamattorney]

July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think? ​

I did not visit DisneyWorld as a child, but the movies were impactful. I was born before VHS and Blockbuster, so I would see the classic movies in the theater when they would re-release them. I grew up in the times of non-princess movies like The Rescuers and the Fox and the Hound.

I went to WDW for the first time in 2001 and it was awesome, I just loved it. We take our kids on average every 18 months - seems to be more annually now. I think what we enjoy most is not nostalgia, but more just the togetherness. Our other favorite vacation is cruising, but we spend much more time apart on a crusie - with kids' club, teen club, etc. Theme parks (I include Disney and Universal in this) are ALL family time ALL the time. It's such a treat to have that time. This year was the first year my daughter had a smartphone with her and I felt her absence from the trip as she was pulled between two worlds (friends and family). She must have felt it too because after the second day, she pretty much just put her phone away - blaming it on battery-life, but we had external batteries, so I knew better. She just wanted to spend time with us. That makes the cost worth it in my opinion!

CHECKING IN: STILL GOING STRONG! 16/31 DAYS- 52%

 

[MochaDrinker]

Weekly checkin in: 95% Cause I came short a couple days.

 

[MommaoffherRocker]

Today is also DD5's bday!! I just realized that last year when the 60th started, I think that's pretty cool for her to share her bday with DL.

The biggest positive thing Disney has done for me has been getting me into running. runDisney has given me motivation to stick to a plan and exercise for fun not because I have to. It truly has changed my life. Disney also gives my family something to bond over, a place to go where we can get away from life and just enjoy each other. We also watch all the movies together, my kids love to hear stories of me watching the movies when I was little.

I have not seen Paint the Night but it is at the top of my list for my September trip!

As of this morning I am at 100% of my goal for the month.

 

[Lady Marie]

Quick check-in: 50%

(Actually I doubled my goal this week-- 4 hours of exercise rather than 2!) Something is clicking this month (maybe confessing my laziness haha or Pokemon go with DH or giving up my excuses) so I'm excited even if the scale isn't moving yet. I remain hopeful that will fall into place in the next month or so staying active!

Will be back tomorrow to chat

 

[courtneybeth]

Hi everyone - question of the day will go up at 9am PST tomorrow.

Currently driving home from a very long flight and just want to hit my bed when I get home.

Will read through the posts tomorrow too.


Remember to post your results if you haven't yet.

 

[4Mickeys]

July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Like many of you my earliest memories are of the Sunday night Disney movie - there has just always been something about that music and Tinkerbelle. Then of course Saturday Disney cartoons. I remember having Golden Books of the movies Snow White, Cinderella, 101 Dalmations and I think a Mickey Christmas one are the ones that stand out the most. I think I must have seen some of the movies at cinema re-runs or on TV as I also most grew up pre VHS days. I can clearly remember asking my parents as a kid to take me to Disneyland - it was a long held desire to go there. I was so excited in my early 20s when a Disney Store opened at my usual shopping centre! I remember buying a gorgeous Winnie the Pooh bathrobe and PB and Tigger coffee mugs that I still have.

How I have passed the love of Disney onto my kids - well they kind of didn't have a choice lol - When my oldest was born his nursery was Pooh Bear and friends themed (they were everywhere!) - then he loved Toy Story from about 2 so his room was done out in Toy Story theme. The twins had a more neutral nursery ( I really don't know why lol) but when it was time for them to move into their own rooms and get beds DD got the total Disney Princess makeover and DS got Cars. DD's name is Ella (partly for my grandmother whose name was Ellen and party well because of that Disney Princess ). There were dress ups - Princess dresses, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Captain Jack etc. Movie time together with the kids is something I just love - even now that they are getting older we still enjoy a Disney/Pixar movie together - I just loved it during Finding Dory a few weeks ago when my DS15 beside said "oh baby Dory is so cute". My DS15 has a lot more Disney knowledge than I realised lol it comes out when we are watching Once Upon A Time together at the moment and at other random times.

Has it had a positive effect on my life - a big definite yes - it helps me escape for an hour or two to a movie with my kids, it has helped me spend time with and bond with my kids and I don't want this to sound silly but our TRIP to DISNEYLAND in 2014 really saved me from a very bad emotional place. When I came home people commented in the difference in me. Like many of you have said being at Disneyland is such a family centric place where you are free of everyday worries to just BE together - I just wish I could afford to get there more often.

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think?

No have not seen Paint the Night in person.

5K went well - PR'd at 39:08!

Congrats well done - were you doing 2 races? If so I hope the other one went well also

I hit my goal last Friday. I've now lost 100 lbs. I'm not sure how I thought I would feel when I hit it (or really thought I ever would 7 months ago), but what I'm starting to realize is I'm not done - it was really just the beginning.

A big CONGRATULATIONS for achieving your longer term goal - you have worked really hard you should be proud of yourself. What a great example for your kids.

The best part is, for me, being on the parent side of it and seeing the joy from my kids. It's 100 times better than it ever was as a kid!

Now, hopefully, getting healthy and losing weight will allow me to do it all again with my grandkids someday.

I totally agree - its just wonderful - I too am looking to those future days of Disneyfying the grandkids lol - that's not even a word.

 

[4Mickeys]

REPORTING IN: I am at 50% of my walking goal which is to do 30 minutes 20 days for the month of July. I have't got much wiggle room for the rest of the month so I will just have to get walking.

 

[ski_mom]

Reporting in: I'm at 44% - 3.5 out of 8 pounds for the month. If I get myself fully back on track, I think I can do it!

 

[Oneanne]

Weekly Checkin... Not good

Weight loss 0%
Doing new physical activities 50%
Average 25%

Yesterday I was thinking of something new and creative to do, possibly doing stairs or walking to the closest park, but got pinged from work around 3pm and was stuck working till 11pm. I'll try two new things this week to get back on track.

 

[courtneybeth]

July 18 - Off to FrontierLand We Go!

Adjacent to Adventureland, Frontierland is the last "land" on the left side of the park and resembles the Ol' West.
We're looking at the entrance from the hub - sort of resembles a fort! On your immediate right is Westward Ho, the pin
trading location. And on your left are the merchandise stores. While Adventureland has the Dole Whip as
the signature snack item, Frontierland has something else: The Turkey Leg.

Question of the Day - July 18
The Disneyland Turkey leg has garnered quite the following and is one of the signature staple items in the park.
(Along with the Churro and Dole Whip). So let's talk Disney Park Snacks today and what your favorites are.

What treats and snacks are a "must eat" when you're at a Disney Park?
Now that you're making a lifestyle change, how will this affect your consumption of said treats?

Bonus: Opinions on Turkey Legs: Love 'em or hate 'em?​

 

[Lady Marie]

July 17 - Question of the Day
Disney creative has been around for about 90 years, with the parks for more than 60 years.
How as Disney positively affected your life? What are you earliest memories of Disney movies, parks, etc
and how have you passed that on to your kids (or plan to if you're not there yet)?

Bonus: Have you seen the Paint the Night parade in person? What did you think?

I have always, always loved Disney movies. I think Beauty and the Beast was the first movie I was taken to as a child and I fell in love. Everything I had had to be BatB. So that began the obsession.

I vaguely remember some things from my DL visit, but I was just 4. It wasn't until I was 10 that I was invited to go with my cousin to WDW. It was awkward, because I was a little too old for the magic, but I desperately wanted the magic-- and my group was more like a "ride all the rides" group and not a "soak up the atmosphere" group.

It wasn't until I graduated college and moved to Florida that I really started to fall in love with the parks. I went once with my family and the next year I was all over DH (then fiance) to take me back for a long weekend. His direct quote was, "I don't wanna go see *bleeping* Mickey!" RUDE! I was crushed. He grew up in FL, went every year to MVMCP, and was soooo jaded. But he eventually caved and we went for Labor Day. I was in a very bad place at that time-- I hated my job SOOOOOO much. But I needed the money to save up for our wedding. I guess he saw how much I needed the break and to be in the magic for a few days, because we left that trip passholders.

The rest had been a whirlwind of Disney magic-- 4 years as passholders, 2 international parks, and planning to hit the China parks in the next couple of years. His attitude has changed immensely and his eyes have definitely been opened to the magic that is there beyond just trying to ride all the rides.

I don't think it's a stretch to say WDW has created an incredibly strong foundation to our marriage. We have SO much FUN together on our weekend trips. It doesn't matter if we are staying at a $39 a night groupon hotel or splurging on site-- eating popcorn at the parks for dinner or doing a signature restaurant-- whatever. We are always having a good time. We've had some of the best conversations about life and plans for our life and possibly kids while sipping margaritas and people watching in the Mexico pavilion.

All our family is within a 30 minute drive of where we live (with the exception of my mother), so while it is a blessing, it can also feel like we are being pulled in 20 directions at once with all the life events and things to do and obligations to fulfill. If it's getting close to being 2 months since our last trip, we can feel it and will say to each other, it's time to go to Disney. It's us time, it's fun time, it's magic time. And it helps us be the best us we can be for each other and for ourselves.

TL;DR version: Yeah-- I drank the kool-aid

Wow -- I've been a rambler these past few days!

I don't want this to sound silly but our TRIP to DISNEYLAND in 2014 really saved me from a very bad emotional place.

Trust me-- that does not sound silly at all! This rings so true for me as well. To the people that "get it," there is a restorative nature to being at a Disney park-- and sometimes it's just what you need to find that little extra magic within yourself to keep on keeping on.

 

[courtneybeth]

h well, my wife asked me if I was interested in an Apple Watch for my 100lb reward, maybe I should do it... problem is I was thinking of upgrading our resort to the Contemporary for our March trip to Disney as a reward - maybe I can pull off both?!?!

Where are you presently scheduled to stay?

We stayed at the Contemporary Resort Dec 2015 and it was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! If you can swing it, book the Garden Wing Deluxe Room. It features a king-size bed and a pull-out sofa queen bed. The way the room is angled, it's like having a mini-suite with one toilet and two showers, plus lots of room to hang out. (For four adults it was PERFECT! You could easily fit a roll-away bed in the room if you needed to). We preferred having the Garden Wing over the Tower because it was quieter and less hectic with people. Chef Mickey's is in the lobby so it can get pretty wild when the kids are excited and the monorail is regularly loading people -- Garden Wing is just a little bit outside and to the back -right, next to the pool and it's so so so so so so awesome.

I do have an overriding feeling of "then what"? I feel I've gotten good at losing weight, but it's going to be another whole thing when I need to just stay at a weight. I think I will have to have a new goal. Maybe a fitness goal - something to work towards. If I don't have that, I fear going backwards.

This was me back in December 2015. I reached the goal and said "now what?" Now I'm running half marathons and love it! The secret is that there isn't any real end goal and it's always the end of a phase. You just keep moving forward.

My end goal... Optimal health. I want a minimum of 20 more years of healthy active life. I also want to be a size where I can wear fun fashions.

Are you me? That was my exact reason. It's great when you can find a designer that is consistent in sizing and then buy things lightly loved off eBay. It's how I've purchased most of my new clothes.

ETA: Found the PERFECT recipe for sugar-free pickles..... but wouldn't you know it, I used the very last of my white vinegar in the laundry today. Guess these will wait tomorrow's shopping trip!

Let us know how these turned out and share the recipe

My dream for the end of this journey is to be able to walk into any store and fit into whatever I want. It is so depressing to walk through a mall and know you can't shop at most of the stores. I know that my happiest is more than what size I am but I feel like it would be one less thing to bring me down.

::hugs::

You will get there and get to shop in the "cute clothes section" soon!

We were lucky enough to be at Disneyland the week of the actual 50th anniversary!

YEAH! I loved how they decorated the castle... gorgeous, huh?

Weighed in today at 220.25 - lost 5.75 lbs this week. I'm at 88% toward my July goal.

You've got the 219 coming this week. You ready!?

 

[courtneybeth]

Please remember to post your results. I am missing quite a few.
You'll have until tomorrow at 9am PST to get them posted or PM'd to me. ​

 

[Dr Gunnie]

July 18 - Off to FrontierLand We Go!

Adjacent to Adventureland, Frontierland is the last "land" on the left side of the park and resembles the Ol' West.
We're looking at the entrance from the hub - sort of resembles a fort! On your immediate right is Westward Ho, the pin
trading location. And on your left are the merchandise stores. While Adventureland has the Dole Whip as
the signature snack item, Frontierland has something else: The Turkey Leg.

Question of the Day - July 18
The Disneyland Turkey leg has garnered quite the following and is one of the signature staple items in the park.
(Along with the Churro and Dole Whip). So let's talk Disney Park Snacks today and what your favorites are.

What treats and snacks are a "must eat" when you're at a Disney Park?
Now that you're making a lifestyle change, how will this affect your consumption of said treats?

Bonus: Opinions on Turkey Legs: Love 'em or hate 'em?​

I don't really have a must eat treat at any of the parks. As weird as it is (because food was a big part of me in many facets of my life), the food was never a big part of the experience for our Disney trips. Our last trip was really the first time that we incorporated the restaurants into our plans.

Don't get me wrong, I would definitely get a lobster roll again if I was on the boardwalk, or pizza at Via Napoli at Epcot... but as a kid I couldn't even tell you what we ate when we were at the parks. I guess my plan for the next trip is similar to what I've been doing now, plan everything out and if I'm going to indulge, go light on the other meals that day.

I've never had the turkey leg.

I have always, always loved Disney movies. I think Beauty and the Beast was the first movie I was taken to as a child and I fell in love. Everything I had had to be BatB. So that began the obsession.

I vaguely remember some things from my DL visit, but I was just 4. It wasn't until I was 10 that I was invited to go with my cousin to WDW. It was awkward, because I was a little too old for the magic, but I desperately wanted the magic-- and my group was more like a "ride all the rides" group and not a "soak up the atmosphere" group.

It wasn't until I graduated college and moved to Florida that I really started to fall in love with the parks. I went once with my family and the next year I was all over DH (then fiance) to take me back for a long weekend. His direct quote was, "I don't wanna go see *bleeping* Mickey!" RUDE! I was crushed. He grew up in FL, went every year to MVMCP, and was soooo jaded. But he eventually caved and we went for Labor Day. I was in a very bad place at that time-- I hated my job SOOOOOO much. But I needed the money to save up for our wedding. I guess he saw how much I needed the break and to be in the magic for a few days, because we left that trip passholders.

The rest had been a whirlwind of Disney magic-- 4 years as passholders, 2 international parks, and planning to hit the China parks in the next couple of years. His attitude has changed immensely and his eyes have definitely been opened to the magic that is there beyond just trying to ride all the rides.

I don't think it's a stretch to say WDW has created an incredibly strong foundation to our marriage. We have SO much FUN together on our weekend trips. It doesn't matter if we are staying at a $39 a night groupon hotel or splurging on site-- eating popcorn at the parks for dinner or doing a signature restaurant-- whatever. We are always having a good time. We've had some of the best conversations about life and plans for our life and possibly kids while sipping margaritas and people watching in the Mexico pavilion.

All our family is within a 30 minute drive of where we live (with the exception of my mother), so while it is a blessing, it can also feel like we are being pulled in 20 directions at once with all the life events and things to do and obligations to fulfill. If it's getting close to being 2 months since our last trip, we can feel it and will say to each other, it's time to go to Disney. It's us time, it's fun time, it's magic time. And it helps us be the best us we can be for each other and for ourselves.

TL;DR version: Yeah-- I drank the kool-aid

Wow -- I've been a rambler these past few days!



Trust me-- that does not sound silly at all! This rings so true for me as well. To the people that "get it," there is a restorative nature to being at a Disney park-- and sometimes it's just what you need to find that little extra magic within yourself to keep on keeping on.

I love reading stories like this. It's always interesting to hear how people got hooked in!

Where are you presently scheduled to stay?

We stayed at the Contemporary Resort Dec 2015 and it was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!! If you can swing it, book the Garden Wing Deluxe Room. It features a king-size bed and a pull-out sofa queen bed. The way the room is angled, it's like having a mini-suite with one toilet and two showers, plus lots of room to hang out. (For four adults it was PERFECT! You could easily fit a roll-away bed in the room if you needed to). We preferred having the Garden Wing over the Tower because it was quieter and less hectic with people. Chef Mickey's is in the lobby so it can get pretty wild when the kids are excited and the monorail is regularly loading people -- Garden Wing is just a little bit outside and to the back -right, next to the pool and it's so so so so so so awesome.


This was me back in December 2015. I reached the goal and said "now what?" Now I'm running half marathons and love it! The secret is that there isn't any real end goal and it's always the end of a phase. You just keep moving forward.



Are you me? That was my exact reason. It's great when you can find a designer that is consistent in sizing and then buy things lightly loved off eBay. It's how I've purchased most of my new clothes.



Let us know how these turned out and share the recipe



::hugs::

You will get there and get to shop in the "cute clothes section" soon!




YEAH! I loved how they decorated the castle... gorgeous, huh?



You've got the 219 coming this week. You ready!?

Right now we have a room booked for Caribbean Beach. We always stayed at a family time share until a few years ago. Our first time staying on site was at POR and we loved staying on site. Last year we did the Beach Club, and again, loved it - specifically being so close to Epcot... thus the reason why we are thinking upgrading to the Contemporary this trip.

My wife and I talked about it. She did end up getting me the watch as a reward gift (and I love it)! When I brought up the Contemporary idea we figured as long as we can get a discount on it (which is normally available in March - at minimum 20% off), we will do it. I've been getting a lot of pin codes recently and we are Disney Visa members, so we should get something when they normally start coming out at the end of September. The cruse leaves the day after my birthday so we will chalk up the resort upgrade after the cruise to my birthday gift.

 

[courtneybeth]

My wife and I talked about it. She did end up getting me the watch as a reward gift (and I love it)! When I brought up the Contemporary idea we figured as long as we can get a discount on it (which is normally available in March - at minimum 20% off), we will do it. I've been getting a lot of pin codes recently and we are Disney Visa members, so we should get something when they normally start coming out at the end of September. The cruse leaves the day after my birthday so we will chalk up the resort upgrade after the cruise to my birthday gift.

DO IT. DO IT. Being right next to MK and just a monorail trip away from EPCOT is amazing.

 

[donac]

We got to stay in Bay Lake Towers with my sister and her family. It was a trip of a lifetime for us.

Here is the view from our balcony on the 13th or 14th floor. We were in a 3 bedroom villa which is 2 floors tall.



It was only a 10 minute walk to MK and it was lovely. DH and I spent several evenings there just watching the parade.

 

[donac]

July 18 - Off to FrontierLand We Go!

Adjacent to Adventureland, Frontierland is the last "land" on the left side of the park and resembles the Ol' West.
We're looking at the entrance from the hub - sort of resembles a fort! On your immediate right is Westward Ho, the pin
trading location. And on your left are the merchandise stores. While Adventureland has the Dole Whip as
the signature snack item, Frontierland has something else: The Turkey Leg.

Question of the Day - July 18
The Disneyland Turkey leg has garnered quite the following and is one of the signature staple items in the park.
(Along with the Churro and Dole Whip). So let's talk Disney Park Snacks today and what your favorites are.

What treats and snacks are a "must eat" when you're at a Disney Park?
Now that you're making a lifestyle change, how will this affect your consumption of said treats?

Bonus: Opinions on Turkey Legs: Love 'em or hate 'em?​

My must do snacks at DW are Mickey Bars and chocolate covered banana. I don't think I would change much since I will be on vacation. When I am at home I try to keep ice cream away from the house. I do allow in the all fruit pops which we had for the first time at DHS. I got a pineapple and dh got a strawberry and we switched halfway through. I can now find those same bars in my local grocery store. The nice thing they are under 90 calories a piece.

When we are AK dh loves to get pineapple spears (do you notice a theme here. He also loves dole whip floats). We were on the dining plan for a few days on our last trip. We had three more days to go and I got sick and stayed in the room. He went out to AK with our friends. The next morning dh had to tell me that he gotten a few pineapple spears when they were in AK and don't look for any more snack credits because he had used them all up.

Turkey Legs I could take them or leave them. I am not a big fan.

I have spent the last couple of days sorting old pictures and scanning pictures to give to ds1 as a wedding present.

We have decided that we are going to dance to You'll be in My Heart from Tarzan. He has always loved animals especially monkeys so I thought it was appropriate. The song that really explains ds1 is Duck Tales but that is a little hard to dance to. Ds2 and I are still deciding. I wanted to be something from Beauty and the Beast. It was the first movie we ever took him to. It was the first Broadway show he ever went to and it was the last show we worked on in his high school together. There was nothing from the movie that I could think of but I think I saw something from the Broadway show that the father sings to Belle. It might work. If not then we have decided on You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story

Off to sort more pictures.

Have a happy and healthy day.