Tim and Lesley Year of Million Compromises/TONS pics- 8/5 help me pg. 164!!!

[prncess674]

If you'd like to resize your photos on your computer, here is a link to the world's easiest picture resizer by Microsoft. Click on it, then select run, and it will install. Once installed, all you have to do is right click on any pic file on your computer, select "Resize Pictures" and it will give you several size options - it's that easy!
(http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/ImageResizerPowertoySetup.exe)

Usually what I do is make a copy of my photos and put them in a temporary folder on my desktop, then use the resizer, then upload those resized to photobucket. The other benefit is it takes a lot less time to upload photos and people with slow dial up connections will be appreciative too!

 

[timandlesley]

I love the pics from the time the kids got up till they got to Disney! My family calls that perma-smile, and your kids had definately had it. Love, love, love your trip report so far. We love Kona too, my kids will be disappointed that they can't have the kiddie cone this year.

Glad you are enjoying it, the kids pretty much had prema smile the entire trip except for before nap time for Lauren or before dinner for a hungry Lauren You can always order the kiddie cone and give it/share it with them like I did with Luke, it's still on the adult menu.
Lesley

Lesley - You made my morning! Got up to unload the dishwasher and after the PC booted, onto the Dis to find part 1

What a great first installment! The kids look like they are having the time of their life! I love Lauren's curls! I've always been a curly girl so I'm partial to curls! What a doll!!!!

Yeah! glad I could make your morning. I love her curls too, wish I had them when I was little.
Lesley

Welcome back Lesley and Tim. Your first intallments were awesome. I felt like I was there! Thanks for posting so soon.

Your kids are just so cute. Got all choked up reading about your soaking up main street (and seeing the picture of the kids sleeping). No place like it.

You are quite welcome, it's fun writing this!
Lesley

After reading your first installment I was instantly even more excited about our trip. I cant wait to read more. I hope I get some of those Dream Team tips.

Glad you are excited, hope to keep that excitement alive for you.
Lesley

Wow What a great start. First I'd like to thank you for posting so quickly that was great to read the 1st day of your trip report this morning!!!

Even the pics of the tram ride in the aiport gave me chills and got me excited!! Also thanks so much for the pics of the MGM parade, we have never seen it before, but it is the one day parade we plan on hitting next month!!!!!

Glad you are enjoying it, you are welcome. I know there were people excited about us going and anxiously awaiting our arrival. I know when I read a pre trip report and then am awaiting their arrival I want to know how it went because I was excited right along with them, the excitement fades if they don't post forever so I try my best to get it up soon so everyone can feel the excitement and know all about the trip they were so anxiously waiting for. Have fun in Disney NEXT MONTH!!!
Lesley

Glad you had a great trip. Can't wait to hear about Coral Reef! We will be back to Disney very soon.

Coral Reef was AWESOME, have some GREAT pics to share soon.
Lesley

What a fun trip report. I love all the detailed planning. I cant wait to read more. I remember seeing your pics from being the flag family at WL. Now we are headed there this trip from your recommendations. I am eagerly awaiting day 2!!!!

Thanks! Oh yes, flag family and WL is the best, I highly recommend trying at check in, you will love WL!
Lesley

Welcome back home and I am enjoying your Day 1 installment and pics! I love that your DH is so into Disney with you! It makes the trip fun when you know the other person is enjoying it right along side of you! Great pics and details...keep it up! Can't wait for more....but get some rest first

Thank you. It is great having a DH who loves Disney as much as I do, sure does make it more magical. I am well rested, had good nights sleep last night, even got some laundry done today, AMAZING!
Lesley

I am a Disney geek joining in on this ride, if it's okay. The pictures are great, and made me smile...but the one of those precious babies asleep brought a tear to my eye. That's just what life is all about. They gave the day all they had, and then it was time to close their eyes and let all the world go while they enjoyed their sweet dreams. Looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing lots of great pictures.

Anyone who loves Disney isn't a geek in my book, glad you are joining us for the ride.
Lesley

Lesley, you had me in tears with the conversation between you and Tim walking down Main Street. I am looking forward to the rest of this TR.

I know, that was the best memory, glad you enjoyed it.
Lesley

So glad you had a wonderful vacation...can't wait to read more!

Thanks!

Lesley,

Reading first day TR like yours makes me feel like I was right there. Just Awesome... It's also the reason I think there is no place else like Disney to vacation. My 2 peanuts are now reading with me...although we haven't told them we're going yet, and it's a good thing because we've changed our dates so much.

Can't wait for the next installment!!

Btw - have you started planning your next trip yet? hahaha (wait, it's probably not a joke right?)

Glad I could make you feel as if you were with us, that is my goal. Don't know when the next trip will be planned, deciding on if it's a family trip or a just Tim and I trip for our anniversary, regardless we won't go back until next summer due to being a teacher.
Lesley

Loving the TR already!! Can't wait for all the rest.

Thanks!
Lesley

 

[jms25]

Lesley,
Just wanted to let you know that I have been following this trip report from the beginning. So glad you guys have a fantastic trip. My DH and I stayed at POFQ back in 2000. We really loved that resort. This year when we head back in Sept. for our daughter's first trip we will be staying at OKW.

Our DD will be 2yrs and 4mths when we go. We too are flying on Airtran and was wondering if you took a car seat for the trip? Any advice you might have on flying with a toddler would be appreciated.

Can't wait for more of your trip report!

 

[timandlesley]

Yay! Another TR from you, wonderful!

Thanks, glad you came back for another round.

What a wonderful first day! I think it's great that you and Tim compromised like that.

It continues the entire trip, it's our first trip were we had enough time to get everything in, compromise and have a GREAT time.
Lesley

Both chills and tears when reading your TR. The pics
are great and your kids just adorable! It makes me want
to go back sooo bad. Just seeing the disney world sign
on arrival brought back so many wonderful memories. Thanks
for being so on the ball in bringing your magical trip to we
disers. It is so much fun reading about others disney
experiences. Can't wait to hear more!!!

Glad you are enjoying it. Hey, what can I say about the kids, it's in the genes Just kidding. Thanks though.
Lesley

BACK LEsley!!!

Already enjoying your trip. I always love your kid's pic. You can see how much fun they are having!!!!!

Thank you! Glad you are enjoying it.
Lesley

I can't wait to hear about your birthday. I love the pic of the kiddos sleeping. They are adorable!

Glad you are enjoying it, the b-day dinner was out of this world, can't wait to share it with you.
Lesley

Your trip report sure puts me in the mood to go back to Disney.

Lucky for me, the other, day, when I got on the computer, my DH had been looking at DVC info online. That's always a good sign!

How cool, we want DVC just can't afford it right now, although if we would have put all our money on recent trips towards DVC we could have had it paid off by now. Oh well.
Lesley

Really enjoyed your report on the first day! Everyone's excitement really comes through. We have reservations at Kona for our first night and I'm glad to hear about your great meal.

Glad you are enjoying it, you are gonna LOVE Kona!
Lesley

What a great first day - cannot wait for the rest!!

Thanks

great start! im begging for more!!!

Don't have to beg, more will come!
Lesley

Well I must admit I couldn't resist to wait till tonight with reading.
Just read about the first day. Wow so much magic on your first day and this romantic walk down Main Street. Awwww. Just like in a Disney movie. A perfect scene to end a day. And I love the pic of your adorable little angels sleeping and Luke dancing... BTW great parade pics, too!!
It's very bad weather here and I have to work and learn for the next two weeks very hard for my last exams. So I'm looking forward to have (hopefully) a few of such nice breaks reading your report....

need to add: Great to hear another good review of the Kona Cafe. We will eat there in October...

Glad you came back to read. I know, that was an awesome stroll down Main Street that night. Glad you are enjoying the report, Kona is AWESOME!
Lesley

Awesome first day! Can't wait for more and for December to get here so we can live it again ourselves.

Red Robin was delicious. Thanks for planting the seed. I love a good juicy burger and what can beat bottomless french fries.

We are trying Kona for the first time in December. Glad to hear what a wonderful time you had. And I have got to have one of those Kona Cones. WOW!!!

I know what you speak of with the balcony and young ones. It's exactly what convinced us to buy into DVC. This last trip (our first with two) Alyssa (our 3-yr-old) would not go to bed unless we went "pretend" sleep too. Of course, after a full day at the World "pretend" sleep wasn't very "pretend."

Looking forward to your coming days. And this is so much fun, you may have got me to finally start writing a TR from our February trip.

Oh yes, those balconies came in handy for us at WL for the same reasons you are explaining. Glad you enjoyed Red robin
Lesley

what a great first day!!! good move on choosing the parade over the great movie ride....trust me! we kinda forgot about the parade on our MGM day and when we got out of the great movie ride the parade was almost over. that ride just didn't do it for me - i would've much rather seen the parade!!! and wow....a life-size kermit.....so cool!!!! we ate at kona and it was really good. glad you guys enjoyed it, too! aren't those lapu lapus sooooo good???? can't wait for more!

We ended up going on the Great Movie Ride again, more on that later. I did love the parade though, so good!!!! LOVED Kona, awesome meal!
Lesley

Lesley,

Your children are SO cute!!

Your trip already sounds AWESOME and you’re only on day one! Thank you for such a wonderful TR! I am so excited to hear more about POFQ, I would really like to stay there sometime next year!!

Jenna

Thank you! I have much more pics of POFQ to come, it is such a beautiful resort.
Lesley

Enjoyed reading about the first day of your trip. Seeing your pictures took me back to when we were there in March...(sigh...)

We didn't get a chance to see the parade at MGM, but after seeing the wonderful pictures that you took - it is making it a must for when we go back...hopefully, next year...

I have a quick question - was Kona 1 or 2 table credits? It looks so yummy...

Dottie

Oh yes, check out the MGM parade when you return. Kona is only ONE CREDIT, can you believe it!!!!
Lesley

I haven't read a trip report in a while and now I have a good one! We'll be staying 3 nights at the POFQ on the end of our trip in August. I booked it for its size and it does look very pretty. Im happy to hear you weren't disappointed afetr staying at the WL. We stayed at the POly last year and I loved it. It was just too much $ this year for us to spend. I'm looking forward to more days and pics! I

Glad you found us and are enjoying it so far, you will love POFQ. We would love to stay at the Poly just can't afford it for as long as we like to stay.
Lesley

Great Installment! Luke and Lauren's faces are just beaming with excitement! Too cute! Glad you tried Kona it was one of our faves too I was the one that asked about PAL MICKEY. Did it ever become cumbersome or annoying to drag around? Did you use it every time you went to the parks? So glad to hear you liked POFQ! I know you were worried. I have a question though, you posted that you don't think you could have done POP for 10 days but POFQ was great. I was just curious as to why? We are currently planning a 10 day stay at the end of April beginning of May 2008 and are considering POFQ or POP depending on finances and was just waying in on your thoughts. My boys are about the same ages as Luke and Lauren so I thought your point of view would more or less be ours too. The pic. of the kids sleeping is PRECIOUS! Looking forward to more!

With the stroller Pal Mickey wasn't bad because we could put them in there, without a stroller it would get to be a pain. We only took him to each park one time so it wasn't bad. As for POP, if it is what you can afford it is a great hotel. I personally felt the rooms were bigger and nicer at POFQ, transportation was a little better, the pool was nicer, loved the water slide. I thought the food at the food court was a little better at POFQ, loved the hot tub and being on the water, the overall scenery was just a bit more relaxed and a tiny bit more upscale, hard to explain.
Lesley

Lesley, I am loving this! Your kids are adorable! Can't wait to read more! I am officially hooked!

Thanks!
Lesley

Hi Lesley!

I just found your TR and have to admit, the 90+ pages of your PTR are little intimidating, so I'll just start at your trip report. I must say I'm really looking forward to reading, as we'll be at POFQ for 10 days in August and have been a little hesitant about it. You pics look lovely!

Awwww... and your DH! Your intimate moment on Main Street was adorably sweet! What a beautiful family you have!

Looking forward, along with everyone else for the next installment.

T.

Glad you got over the intimidation and located the TR and are enjoying it. You will have a blast at POFQ.
Lesley

I am loving your TR already! I can't believe you posted so quickly! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I love the MGM parade pictures! You know we have never seen the MGM parade! I don't know why, bu now we have to make a point of seeing it this trip! Your kids are absolutely beautiful! I wouldn;t be surprised if that is what attacted the Dream Team to you!!!

I am so looking forward to the rest of your TR!!!

You are quite welcome for the quick post, I hate to leave people waiting. Dream team unfortunately has nothing to do with attracting them, I sure wish that was the case!!!! More to come on that.
Lesley

 

[KathyRN137]

Lesley,

Now, this is what trip reporting is all about!! I felt all the excitement, magic, and wonder of your family's first day! Can't wait to read about the rest...

Your pics are great!

We haven't seen the Stars & Motor Cars parade in almost four years; after enjoying your pics so much I think I'll make time for it next time!!

Kathy

 

[ericafny]

Seems like you had a great first day! You guys must have been exhausted, but happy! I too like the parade at MGM, it is one of my favs

Great pics! I hope you have more of POFQ. I also want to hear more of your thoughts on the resort! I can't wait to read your next installment

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks for your prompt reply. I love promptness in others
When you mentioned giving the kids some of your food, did you mean that their choices weren't great so you shared some of what you had, or did you mean that you were able to only use your credit (and not theirs) and just share food that way and save a child credit for later?

And...as for next year, where do you think you'll stay, now that you've done POFQ? Will you try a different moderate so your stay could be longer, or will you want to go back to WL since it will have been two years by then? I'm curious to know your answer. We have a 4 night cruise booked next May and were planning on doing 3 days at WDW afterwards, but honestly I think I'd rather stay 8 or 9 nights at a moderate on the dining plan. It would actually cost us less too.

You are welcome for the promptness, I appreciate it in others as well As for the kids meals, no it was just if they were sick of having the same thing or didn't like what they ordered they would have some of my food. As for next year it depends. If we do a Tim and I only trip for our 1 year anniversary we were thinking Poly, GF or Contemporary Tower MK view, if it is a family trip then WL or POFQ, probably POFQ to save some mone and since we loved it so much!
Lesley

I was ready for some serious trip report reading, I went and got a salad at Mcd's (southwest grilled chicken) and an ice coffee brought it home and set myself at the computer to read your report. I loved it. And I was choking back tears from the very beginning. Luke and Laurens excitement was so radiant on their faces, it shown in their eyes and everything. I think Disney should consider making you all the poster family for them. Any one reading your trip report would want to book a trip right then and there.
I am going in Dec, but without Jim (DS) and Kent (DH) just Reese and friends, but now I am wanting a family trip again because you report shows such a bonded family.
Thanks for the pics, looking forward to more TR.

Glad you are into it so far! Hey, I wouldn't mind the poster family deal
Lesley

Awesome start! Welcome back! I hope you guys had the best time I can't wait to read all about it. I need to get moving on my tr but reading everyone else's is so much easier! LOL! Your kiddos are just ADORABLE!!!! And by the way we celebrated my 31st birthday is Disneyland! How funny is that? Which day is your birthday exactly? Anyways happy tr writing!

Thank you, we did have a great time as you will see. My b-day is June 15th.
Lesley

I LOVED hearing about your first day and LOVE the pictures! I know there is a lot of talk about the dining plan and our family loves the dining plan too! It is well worth the money and you get plenty of food. The bad news is one of my friend's just got back from Disney a couple weeks ago and a cast member told her that next year they are taking out the gratuity and raising the price of the plan for adults and children. Now this is what she heard from a cast member so I'm not sure if its 100% true but if it is I will be very upset because then I'm not sure that it will be worth it.
I can't wait to hear more of your trip and see lots more pictures!! AND THE SURPRISE B-DAY GIFT!

It is WELL worth the money on the Dining plan, hope that doesn't go up like your friend said, but I wouldn't doubt it honestly. Oh, I have pics of my b-day gift, dont worry!
Lesley

Lesley-
I loved your first installment! It sounds like your first day was awesome! Your kids look sooooo excited to be at Disney! I cannot to read about the rest of your trip.

Thanks for getting started on your TR so soon after getting back!

Glad you are enjoying it, you are welcome!
Lesley

Love your 1st installment! Glad to hear you had good weather too (that always is a plus).

Thanks for the pics of the parade at MGM - DH and DD were able to see all of it, but I was busy trying to grab all of our orders at Backlot Express so I only caught bits and pieces. I'll definitely have to try and catch it next time.

"You are welcome, glad you are enjoying it, yes catch the parade, it is a good one!
Lesley

Great installment. Is there anyway you could make the photos a little smaller in the next installment? Even with my monitor 1280x768 setting it is diffiicult to see the photo all in one screen.

Thanks for the suggestions. To be quite honest I just don't have the time, I'm teaching for University of Phoenix right now, trying to upload our millions of pics to photobucket so many at a time, uploading them to Ofoto to share with friends and family, do laundry, unpack, get ready for a camping trip this weekend and take care of the two kids so unfortunately I need to use what I have in photobucket in order to get it out in a timely fashion, I hope this is o.k. with everyone. Sorry if it makes it harder to read.
Lesley

Loved your last TR and loving the start of this one. Now I have to get reading your Pre TR. I know what I am doing tonight once the kiddos are in bed.

Glad you are enjoying it!
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Lesley,
Just wanted to let you know that I have been following this trip report from the beginning. So glad you guys have a fantastic trip. My DH and I stayed at POFQ back in 2000. We really loved that resort. This year when we head back in Sept. for our daughter's first trip we will be staying at OKW.

Our DD will be 2yrs and 4mths when we go. We too are flying on Airtran and was wondering if you took a car seat for the trip? Any advice you might have on flying with a toddler would be appreciated.

Can't wait for more of your trip report!

We shared our magical express bus back to the airport with OKW and were amazed at how pretty it was, the transportation all week for it seemed awesome, never had lines! I bet you will love it. As for airtran we didn't have carseats, always put our kids on our laps, with the 2 year old right next to you. Be sure to check in 24 hours before on Airtrans website to get seats together, this was a problem for us on the way home, they had us all over the place but I was able to get them to fix it at the gate. For your 2 year old do you have a portable DVD player? If so, bring that. If not, bring lots of activity books, chewing gum and snacks, that kept Lauren busy.
Lesley

Lesley,

Now, this is what trip reporting is all about!! I felt all the excitement, magic, and wonder of your family's first day! Can't wait to read about the rest...

Your pics are great!

We haven't seen the Stars & Motor Cars parade in almost four years; after enjoying your pics so much I think I'll make time for it next time!!

Kathy

Glad you are enjoying it! The Stars and Motor Cars parade is great, enjoy!
Lesley

Seems like you had a great first day! You guys must have been exhausted, but happy! I too like the parade at MGM, it is one of my favs

Great pics! I hope you have more of POFQ. I also want to hear more of your thoughts on the resort! I can't wait to read your next installment

We were exhausted but adreneline was pumping so we didn't care. I do have more of POFQ pics to come!
Lesley

 

[CHEK]

Great 1st Day, you arrived as we left after a wonderful 2 week holiday , we visited with my parent's and our 2 DD's. Now hopefully to book for Feb

 

[PittypatBR]

Hi, Lesley. The TR is fantastic so far, not that I expected anything else. Your kids are absolutely adorable, and you and Tim aren't bad either! I'm so glad you loved Kona as much as we did. You should have tried the kilauea torte if you wanted a fantastic dessert!! Those steaks are out of this world, though! What a fun first day, but I know you were exhausted by day's end! You know, I haven't found a BAD room at Disney yet! Some are definitely better than others, but hey, it's Disney!! (I think I would stay in a kennel if it meant more days at WDW!!) Glad you liked POFQ though. I can't wait to hear more.

 

[30ishmom]

I've been lurking for a looooong time but I wanted to post because I am loving reading this trip report--what an awesome vacation you guys had!

We are planning our next Disney trip for April or May 2008--our daughter will be 4 then and we'll have a 6 or 7-month old baby by then! We're thinking of staying at POFQ or POR so I can't wait to see your photos of POFQ!

I had a question for you about the Costco water...how does that work/how much does it cost? Do you just send it c/o yourself to your resort?

Thanks for such a great report! I can't wait until the next installment!

PS Looks like we share the same bday--6/15. I turned 32 this year (ugh!)

 

[lovemy3girls]

Hi Lesley, I have been a lurker of your TR from last year, your PTR, and now your TR. Your family is adorable (reminds me a lot of mine ). My DH and I love Disney almost as much as you guys! Looking forward to reading the rest of your TR. We will be there in 3 months!!!!! Looking forward to hearing about Coral Reef, we are doing that one for the first time this trip. And by the way, take the anniversary trip w/out kids! We did it Aug. 2006 for our 10 year, with some hesitation, but it was the best time hubby and I have ever had. The kids didn't mind, because they go enough, and were actually excited for mommy and daddy to go alone! We stayed at the WL thanks to your trip report! Wow is all I can say. We fell in love with it. We can't wait to stay there with the kids. Our trip coming up includes others and we needed 3 rooms, so WL was out of our price range. We're trying Pop, followed by POR for 3 nights, but next time WL it is! Glad to hear you enjoyed POFQ- we're gonna check it out while we are at POR. Anyway, can't wait to hear more about your trip- you've even got my 3 DD's waiting!

 

[pooksma]

And the great story telling continues! what a fabulous first day! We are flying out at 6am and I was wondering how DS will fair going non stop all day. Your Day 1 gives me hope that things will go well.

Great pics, the kids look so excited. I really like your parade shots. We haven't caught that one yet-maybe this time.

Looking forward to more (like everyone else )

 

[Tanya90210]

wow Lesley... and Tim...

GREAT START!!!! I am loving it already... even better than last years already... and last years was awesome!!!

 

[timandlesley]

If you'd like to resize your photos on your computer, here is a link to the world's easiest picture resizer by Microsoft. Click on it, then select run, and it will install. Once installed, all you have to do is right click on any pic file on your computer, select "Resize Pictures" and it will give you several size options - it's that easy!
(http://download.microsoft.com/download/whistler/Install/2/WXP/EN-US/ImageResizerPowertoySetup.exe)

Usually what I do is make a copy of my photos and put them in a temporary folder on my desktop, then use the resizer, then upload those resized to photobucket. The other benefit is it takes a lot less time to upload photos

Thanks! I put Tim on the project and we are working on resizing them right now.
Lesley

 

[jwwi]

Wow, what a great start to your TR. I loved the early sequence of pictures from home to airport to ME to POFQ. It is a great way to transition into your disney adventure.

Oh no, building 7? I don't want to spoil your report, but I hope your room did not face the parking lot. I have stayed in bldg 6, 5 both water view, and twice in bldg 4. We absolutely loved the POFQ, even though POR usually gets my top vote. Please consider POR if you and Tim go for an aniversary trip. I love the AB section, it is so beautifully landscaped and has a nice walkway by the river. WL is wonderful, but for the price you can not beat the moderates.

Your pictures of the MGM parade are so great, I loved the picture of Mary Poppins and Burt. My absolute favorite park.

We try to go to Kona every trip, mostly breakfast. We just really like the restaraunt, and it gives us an excuse to go into the POLY and ride the monorail.

You have alot of fans for your TR, we're all in for a great ride.............

 

[srandsr76]

I am hooked!!
Love all the pictures! Makes me feel like I am right there with you!!

 

[jblb1020]

We love the Kona Too! My husband and I had a long weekend the beginning of June and we had dinner there and the food was out of this world! Unexpectedly my husband and I are going back again just the two of us for another long weekend in Aug and I booked Kona again today!! I am hooked! I want that drink that Tim Had! What was in it?

 

[timandlesley]

Princess 674 - I owe you a HUGE thank you, Tim re sized our photos and we are uploading to Photobucket right now and it saves a TON of time, THANK YOU!!!!!
Lesley

 

[Nicole786]

Princess 674 - I owe you a HUGE thank you, Tim re sized our photos and we are uploading to Photobucket right now and it saves a TON of time, THANK YOU!!!!!
Lesley

YAAAAAAY Does that mean another chapter tonight!!??