Tia, Squirt Face, and Grumpy-June 2017 PT Report

[Tia1977]

We slept our party off (And when I say "we" sleep in I really mean "they" sleep in. Bc I always get up and enjoy the resort with lazy coffee time ), then headed out to our 1st Epcot day.

This was the trip to get DH's feet wet for F&W (like coaxing a turtle out of its shell lol), bc I have my eye on a future couple's trip

Nothing adventurous for us. I purposely stuck to the basics of what a meat & potato kind of guy would like. Plus, I wanted to save room for our Biergarten dinner. So, after TT (DH's "must do") we hit Canada for cheese soup & beer, France for their well-meat & potatoes , beer, & my martini slush (or two lol) , ice cream for DD, then Germany for DH's brat. On paper it seemed light enough in theory, (small portions right?) but we were stuffed! (planning fowl for dinner).

A princess got her crown (while DH got more beer lol!), then she got her pearl (while I got my cucumber cocktail)-love not having to drive! lol

I had to take this pic, so cute! These "girls" were on a trip together sans family. And they giggled, squealed, and awed the whole time getting their pearls! I sent it to my TA friend telling her that's us one day

Then she got her crystal figurine in Mexico, (while DH got another beer and I got a jalapeño margarita ), we rode the boat with Donald, then went to check in for dinner.

Biergarten was everything we expected. Yummy food, tasty beer, adorable atmosphere, cute entertainment, and our bonus was the sweet family we were sat with. They were so nice! The dad even chatted up F&W to DH without me prodding him to do so (score!). Another great dinner experience!

After dinner, it was DH's turn to fan girl out to 38 Special. He's an old rocker at heart, and loves them! Someone must've stalked Eat To The Beat and known when to come


We then cuddled up for Illuminations and said goodnight to Epcot.

And it was DH's turn to sing "Hold On Loosely" on the bus

 

[Tia1977]

I let them sleep in longer than usual so they would be rested for our early Citricos dinner and MK EMH (knowing we'd close the place down). When they finally did wake up, we got a smidge fancier than usual and headed to the GF.

When we got to MK, we decided to take the over. It was beautiful out with a nice breeze. Set the tone for the relaxing dinner to come.

When we got to the lobby, DH left to get his spa on while DD and I shopped around; just enjoying the atmosphere. When he returned from his "oh yeah it was great!" massage, he was all like

Then we checked into the dinner I was personally looking forward to the most. And I gotta say...





Their reputation didn't disappoint! We loved everything! The atmosphere, drinks, dinner, and of course the desserts! Where else but Disney can you get a lil fancy smancy with your Mickey ears before hopping a monorail to amusement park fun

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Citricos and Jiko are the last 2 sigs I need to try and boy do your meals look delish.

 

[Tia1977]

We blissfully left Citricos and headed into MK for a relaxing EMH night.

We meandered our way to our FP's, played FP roulette until we cozied up for Wishes, strolled through a couple of EMH rides, then went to hang out with all the princesses until close. It was just "ahhhh" and so relaxing. No cares in the world, no park bags, no big plans (no ugly comfy shoes ). Life was darn good that night!

This is why I love memory maker! Sure, a lot of pictures are posed. They also tend to capture many natural moments we wouldn't otherwise. Out of all the princesses we saw, ours was my favorite


We said goodnight to "her" castle, looked around Main Street a bit, then headed back to the resort for some family chill time

 

[Tia1977]

The following day was set to be another "lazy day". (Well, all our days are lazy compared to most probably lol)-A repeat of the day prior, only with Epcot and Yachtsman. While my sleepy heads , I wanted to get some F&W shopping & solo WS time in. We were meeting up for Soarin later when they (finally) decided to wake up and join the world. (You know, bc we pay all that $$ to go and...sleep )

When I got there, I headed straight to the Festival Center. I got way too excited over knick knacks than one should. I'm normally not a souvenir person. Other than my gazillion (paparazzi) pictures and a new purse (the cheap kind ha) each time, I'm typically good. But, something about how adorable all the F&W specific stuff was. And our family presents we're going to be bottles of wine (which they'll probably never drink, but hey-the novelty), and shut up look at those precious beer mug ornaments! Even after the AP discount, I was super glad DH wasn't with me to (And score for charges being added to the room! I might've tucked the receipt deep in my purse not to mention unless specifically asked ). I sent the big bag(s) to the front for later, and innocently carried on.

While I live for family time, solo meandering around the WS was so much fun! I honestly did a whole bunch of nothing. Other than another jalapeño margarita and some (yummy) hummus fries, I didn't do any F&W or any more real shopping. I just "got lost" in all the countries, slowly taking it in. So slowly, those hours passed quickly and before long my sleepy heads arrived. Was I ready for Soarin yet? Heck no lol! I was just about to get my martini slush (priorities ). So, they rode without me while I sipped away at the fountain. Ha, my friend and I send each other "nananabooboo" pics while there. I got one of me and Ratatouille drinking my slush without her...in which I got the appropriate "I hate you" back

Then I met up with my sweeties for some F&W appetizers. Again, keeping it basic for DH. We all shared some mac & cheese and pork sliders. Those sliders were so dang good that I might or might not have even licked my fingers I also got some pineapple wine, which sounds way too sweet. But, in the small quantity it was actually delicious. And it was paired perfectly with the slider. We got our Mickey ears on, I got my France picture (without anyone's hair looking crazy or scowl eyes from the sun lol), DD met a princess, then we hoped a for DH's carnivore

 

[Tia1977]

Citricos was "for me" and Yachtsman was def a "for him" pick. Ha, driving home from our previous trip when I was modifying our ADR's, all I had to say was "It's just a good steak" (not being able to finish), when he interrupted to say "book it!" Lol. I thought about Shula's too, but not with already having the DDP. (I have my eye on that one for our 1st couples trip ).

When we walked in and he saw the carving display window, I think he saw light and heard . Bc while we waited to be seated, he kept lovingly staring in awe. I had to snap him out of it when they motioned for us lol. We sat down, and he was almost giddy when he opened the menu.

DD and I decided on the split cut "for two" option, I'm not exactly sure what DH decided on. But, I know it wasn't until after studying the menu forever torn (So many carnivore choices lol!)

With the DDP, they gave us a choice of dessert or a salad. DH and DD of course chose dessert. I on the other hand was craving a ceaser salad. Now let me tell you. I don't know how they make their homemade dressing (other than a lot of yummy lemon zest), but I'm convinced crack is somehow involved "Just a ceaser salad" right? Wrong, the best ceaser salad I've ever had! Seriously, it rivaled the delicious steak we devoured. And like a dork lol, it's what I'm looking forward to the most from there when we go back in June. I almost wanted to lick the remaining dressing off the stark empty plate I left

After the carnivore heaven was brought out, you could hear a pin drop at our table lol! All of us, DD and I included, dove in like a pack of wolves. (and I could live off of veggies alone) In between bites, DH was grinning from ear to ear lol! DD and I were even pinching meat off the bone When our server came to clear the table, I joked about taking it with us like a turkey leg. I'm going with dead pan humor when in seriousness, he asked if I wanted him to box it up





While they enjoyed their desserts, I enjoyed some delicious French press coffee. Man so good! (other than it kept me up til 4a laying in bed like ) When we were done, we all left fat and happy to head back for illuminations. On the boat, DH laid down the law about Yachtsman being a "must" from now on. Yes sir!

We got back in time to find an "ok but not great" (per DH)* spot for the show, rode Soarin 3x's during EMH, then went back to the resort still full and comfy from dinner. Another great experience for these WDW dining newbies!

*Live planning report for June. I didn't find out that Illuminations is DH's 2nd fave (after SW's of course) show until he recently mentioned that was his only tiny disappointed from that trip. On our 1st trip we were lucky enough to get a 4th FP for it, and he loved the viewing from there (we lined up early enough to sit down in the "front row" right behind the rope). This TT lover even said he'd go w/o that ride completely if I'd get us more FP's this time Dang he must be serious then lol! Not leaving it up to chance, we now have that FP for our June lazy Yachtsman night. And I scored wife points lol. Like any good parents, we fibbed to DD that by the time I booked them (ha, 4 mins after the window opened), both FEA and Soarin were gone But, we'd be willing to ride them standby with her even if she'd want to try before EMH. Ha, knowing she won't when she sees the lines But, I at least have a plan if she does

 

[Tia1977]

The next day, we went back to DH's favorite place. Kinda funny how SW's gets him up and out quicker lol! (Again, the new land is gonna be my golden WDW ticket )

Right after we got in, he realized he left something back at the resort (a lil bad habit). He said no worries and turned down my offer to go back for him; but looked awful disappointed. I really wanted him to enjoy his last SW's day. I kissed my sweeties, made them promise to get more daddy/daughter pics for me, and did an about face. With CBR being so close, how long could it take anyway? Well, Murphy's Law Those were the longest waits I've ever had! I was walking in almost 2hrs later! I let him know I was (finally) back by sending him this lol!

The guy behind me said I should've done Mickey Ears My efforts paid off though bc he was so appreciative, he had a new purse waiting for me when we met back up (score!)

We did our FP's, and in between we were hungry for a light lunch. DH wanted Rosie's due to the location and time. I kept arguing Starring Rolls, but I was out numbered (DD would turn into chicken nuggets if we were really what we ate lol). I was prepared for , but I was surprised (maybe more like shocked). I got a fried green tomato sandwich and a pale ale. With every bite and every drink, I kept waiting to find something wrong...until both were completely scarfed up lol! Like wow, I would even get them again

We had SW's fun, played FP roulette (against the odds, we lucked out with 3 additional good ones), relaxed a bit, and then it was time to check in for our PT ADR. We checked in right on the dot and waited...and waited...and waited lol The place was packed! At the 45min mark, we started to feel antsy about getting a good spot for the SW's fireworks (No amount of good fried chicken was worth getting a bad view, especially for DH lol). We took a vote, and decided to cancel our ADR. They were very understanding when we went up to tell them. We found a perfect fireworks spot to nest, and chowed down on for dinner. It actually turned out perfect!

Ha! Couldn't resist sneaking this pic. I dubbed it "paying homage to his SW's roots"

After the fireworks, we let the crowd disperse, finished our HS shopping, and said goodbye to DH's favorite park.

Since we made it back to the resort before 12 (a rare occurrence for us), we bee lined it to OPR for some fattening pasta to fill our bellies before

 

[Tia1977]

Here we are, 24 days from going back (yay! ), got our new MB's yesterday, and it's getting real again folks lol! Got me on such a Disney that I keep thinking about our last trip. One more day left to report....

With Wishes ending soon, and what it means to my family (what it means to a great deal of us I'm sure), forgive me in advance if this is filled with extra "mush". I'm feeling pretty sentimental right about now

I teared up again today talking to my TA friend about Wishes. I'll never forget the night (last night of our official 1st trip, but felt like 2nd trip bc split stay) my blended family stood there cuddled together , all of us with tears in our eyes. Talking about how finally being there with each other meant something to all of us...then our cuddle in the middle of Main Street as we watched the second Kiss Goodnight. Right after my adorable Squirt Face slipped a key chain in my hand that she bought with her own money: a stick girl wearing Mickey Ears reading" #1 Tia "

My family is what Disney means to me in general. And that night is what Wishes will always mean to me. It will forever be one of my all time favorite memories

 

[Tia1977]

We woke up with the customary mix of excitement and sadness that this was our official last day of the trip. Of course we spent it going back to MK. We slept in (Again, they slept in while I enjoyed one last morning of lazy resort coffee time lol), then got there in time for our initial 3 FP's, shopped around on Main Street, (We dubbed this Fueled By Starbucks & Disney),
then had one last CHH lunch. After, it was time for the FoF parade. No lie to tell, my favorite view was my lil family in front of me

Then we were off to enjoy FP roulette before our BOG dinner. For as busy as it was, we scored a nice handful of selections!

We were close to our BOG time after an additional Little Mermaid FP, so decided to check in about 15 minutes early. After we checked in, we waited, and waited lol (visions of PT danced in my head lol). But, we were finally called in a lil after the 40 minute mark of our ADR. Not too terrible for how busy of a day, we checked in early, and it's BOG lol.

Once inside, things took a turn for the better. We had the most delightful waitress! She was so prompt, attentive, and just amazing. While we waited for our food, she taught us how to do the rose folded napkins:

Our food was delicious! I couldn't finish all of my steak, but my husband was happy to help me lol!

I enjoyed an Earl Grey tea with our dessert. After we finished, it was time for the main highlight of the evening; my boyfriend! Lol

I fan girled out so hard! Like jumped up and down, DD hid her head in shame, and I was the 1st to get a solo pic (In my fever, I may or may not have told the Beast I'd marry him lol ). Afterwards, I reminded DH of the similarities (physical & personality wise ).

We were later leaving BOG than I originally hoped for, so we just cuddled up on their bridge waiting for Wishes (Rather than make a mad dash for a mediocre spot in front of the castle). It was neat to see the 360 fireworks perspective, and to differentiate the ones behind Beasts castle.

After Wishes, we made a mad dash to Splash for our customary "see how many x's we can ride before they close down". We rode 3x's in a row, the last we always make sure to lock hands together:

After our last Splash, we headed to Mainstreet to say goodbye "See Ya Real Soon June 2017:

I enjoyed once again walking out knowing my next trip was already booked...

But, it's currently sinking that's almost over!

DD wants to take next year off to go somewhere different. (In the back of my mind, I'm hoping she'll "come to her senses" lol!). We'll do anything to keep her WDW interest up, even if it means skipping a year. Bc she continues to want a senior trip with her parents split cruise/park stay vs "send me to a beach alone with my friends" lol

So for this coming trip, I'm keenly aware that this will be our last AP trip, last "consecutive booked" trip, and more than likely our last trip until 2019 Before we even check in, I'm fighting off the post trip blues

But, I'm also extra determined to soak in each moment like it's "our last". Right now, I'm super excited On the way back home, I'll probably be super depressed lol

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Hi Tia! I've really enjoyed reading about your Disney adventures! Like you, I will soon be back at Disney beginning June 2nd...CAN'T WAIT!!!

 

[Tia1977]

Hi Tia! I've really enjoyed reading about your Disney adventures! Like you, I will soon be back at Disney beginning June 2nd...CAN'T WAIT!!!

You're so sweet! I hope you guys have an awesome time! It's a double edged sword being so close...super excited, yet time starts crawling lol

 

[Jenny Sanders]

You're so sweet! I hope you guys have an awesome time! It's a double edged sword being so close...super excited, yet time starts crawling lol

I love the time leading up to a Disney vacation, because there's always so much fun stuff to do, like buying new clothes, scheduling mani and pedis and booking ADR's and FP's.
Then, it's time for the vacation itself, and we know how great that is...
Then, it's time to book another...

 

[Tia1977]

Something about Mother's Day and how we just broke into a double digit countdown starting with a "1" (19 days ) has me super excited!!!

Seeing as how we fell so in love with CBR, I couldn't wait to go back It was "home" now-done deal... Or so we thought The construction and total shutdown of OPR (although I just read about a makeshift buffet they're at least going to do now) was a deal breaker to DH And our budget was a total deal breaker on upgrading to deluxe While I was thankful our TA had us switched to POR Riverside Pref within the 1st day of the construction announcement (she's such an bc it required 2hrs on the phone), it was no lie a decision for me (Never say never, bc I always said it'd be one we'd never want. I got enough of LA growing up). I kept a brave face to my family, but truly wrestled with trip blues on the inside And continued to do so until honestly about a couple weeks ago.

When general trip countdown excitement started to set in, I was determined I'd find a way to put my big girl pants on and deal (come on silly, it's Disney after all)...After searching countless pictures, reviews, info, etc I started to find my groove again And now after Utubing several videos (what'd we ever do before the Internet! lol!), I totally have the Disney feels! Yep, it's back full force folks!

In 19 days from now, we'll be falling in the Alligator Bayou after a fun filled lazy resort day. And getting geared up to RD HS the next am

That's it, just had to for a minute before getting back to the "real world" lol

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Something about Mother's Day and how we just broke into a double digit countdown starting with a "1" (19 days ) has me super excited!!!

Seeing as how we fell so in love with CBR, I couldn't wait to go back It was "home" now-done deal... Or so we thought The construction and total shutdown of OPR (although I just read about a makeshift buffet they're at least going to do now) was a deal breaker to DH And our budget was a total deal breaker on upgrading to deluxe While I was thankful our TA had us switched to POR Riverside Pref within the 1st day of the construction announcement (she's such an bc it required 2hrs on the phone), it was no lie a decision for me (Never say never, bc I always said it'd be one we'd never want. I got enough of LA growing up). I kept a brave face to my family, but truly wrestled with trip blues on the inside And continued to do so until honestly about a couple weeks ago.

When general trip countdown excitement started to set in, I was determined I'd find a way to put my big girl pants on and deal (come on silly, it's Disney after all)...After searching countless pictures, reviews, info, etc I started to find my groove again And now after Utubing several videos (what'd we ever do before the Internet! lol!), I totally have the Disney feels! Yep, it's back full force folks!

In 19 days from now, we'll be falling in the Alligator Bayou after a fun filled lazy resort day. And getting geared up to RD HS the next am

That's it, just had to for a minute before getting back to the "real world" lol

Happy Mother's Day!
Honestly Tia, you will LOVE POR. I have stayed there twice now, the last time in 2015 in a River View/ Royal Room. Having a PREF room will keep you close to the food court, and pool, which will be nice...When will you be there???? I will be in WDW June 2-3 at Saratoga Springs. My 17 year old daughter, my sister, and her daughter, 18 mos are joining me for a girl's night. Then, I will be back July 2-6 at Coronado Springs. Both these resorts are new to me...If you want, you can click on the link below to read about some of my PT adventures...These trips will mark my 37th and 38th times at WDW...



https://www.disboards.com/threads/3-trips-in-4-months-woo-hoo-updated-5-12.3569901/

 

[Tia1977]

Happy Mother's Day!
Honestly Tia, you will LOVE POR. I have stayed there twice now, the last time in 2015 in a River View/ Royal Room. Having a PREF room will keep you close to the food court, and pool, which will be nice...When will you be there???? I will be in WDW June 2-3 at Saratoga Springs. My 17 year old daughter, my sister, and her daughter, 18 mos are joining me for a girl's night. Then, I will be back July 2-7 at Coronado Springs. Both these resorts are new to me...If you want, you can click on the link below to read about some of my PT adventures...These trips will mark my 37th and 38th times at WDW...



https://www.disboards.com/threads/3-trips-in-4-months-woo-hoo-updated-5-12.3569901/

Happy Mother's Day to you as well!I can't wait to read your report! Your girls night sounds super fun. That's so sweet you all getting to be together! I love our family trips. We'll be at POR 6/2-6/10, then an added Pop night til 6/11.

WOW...just...wow on your amount of trips!!! That HAS to be !!! Thank you so much on the POR feedback! It honestly took a bit, but I'm finally excited now. And Coronado Springs is on my bucket list bc of it's exotic theming. I hope you totally enjoy, and take lots of pics to report!

You my dear will now be my bedtime reading tonight

(Just thought about how that sounds... Where else except DIS does that not sound a lil creepy...)

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Happy Mother's Day to you as well!I can't wait to read your report! Your girls night sounds super fun. That's so sweet you all getting to be together! I love our family trips. We'll be at POR 6/2-6/10, then an added Pop night til 6/11.

WOW...just...wow on your amount of trips!!! That HAS to be !!! Thank you so much on the POR feedback! It honestly took a bit, but I'm finally excited now. And Coronado Springs is on my bucket list bc of it's exotic theming. I hope you totally enjoy, and take lots of pics to report!

You my dear will now be my bedtime reading tonight

(Just thought about how that sounds... Where else except DIS does that not sound a lil creepy...)

HAHA! That last part made me chuckle!!! My goal is to stay at all the resorts (although I'm not counting the DVC ones)...I was nervous about staying at SSR. But with the proximity to DS, it just made sense, since we will just be relaxing by the pool, eating, drinking and enjoying TONS of retail therapy...And, this way, we don't have to get my niece in and out of her car seat...Which, can be a pain...
CS made me a little nervous too, especially with the construction that will now be going on...At least it doesn't look like it's affecting the guests...