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

[timandlesley]

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!)

Good luck with the planning, always fun I highly recommend POFQ, we always got a seat on the bus since it was first on first off on the buses and with a little one the proximity of everything would be a benefit to you. AS for Costco I ordered it 7 days before we left, addressed it to the POFQ address c/o the front desk, put Tim's first and last name and said "hold until check in 6/14 on the address 2 line, it was there no problem. It was less than 20 dollars for 2 cases shipped, I think 15 something, GREAT DEAL!
Lesley

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!

Thanks for coming out of "lurkdom" and posting. I will be posting Coral Reef stuff soon, it was great. Tim and I both read your post about the anniversary trip and we are seriously considering it, we'll see how it turns out, of course you guys will be the first to know.
Lesley

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 )

Glad you are enjoying it. The kids did good without naps a few times this trip, I was amazed. Finding those cool spots on hot days or taking a pool break really helped. I let them play in those fountains every chance we got.
Lesley

wow Lesley... and Tim...

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

Glad you are enjoying it Tanya, better than last years. . . . well thank you!
Lesley

 

[Mkrop]

Was hooked with your last report, now you have got me again!

 

[bentleygirl22]

Lesley,
I'm loving your TR Can't wait to read more.. The food at Kona looks great I may have to see about getting adr's for that place
Amanda

 

[Wonders10]

Wonderful, just wonderful!

I was lucky enough to have 2 trips in May and another one just 3 weeks ago. And while I always have the Disney Bug, just reading about your first day makes me want to start planning another trip!

Can't wait for the rest!

 

[prncess674]

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

You can repay me with a new installment soon.

Just remember to use your original high res photos for anything you want to print, but for internet bulletin board trip reports the resized pics are perfect

 

[heidia]

omg I love your "reports".. your past reports.. your pre-trip... totally awesome!!! I can't wait for your next installment!!!! And your kids are way too cute!!!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

Once again you've got me hooked! Linda

 

[timandlesley]

Once again you've got me hooked! Linda

YEAH!!!! Welcome back!

Was hooked with your last report, now you have got me again!

YES!!! glad to have you back!
Lesley

Lesley,
I'm loving your TR Can't wait to read more.. The food at Kona looks great I may have to see about getting adr's for that place
Amanda

Glad you are enjoying it, definitely try Kona!
Lesley

Wonderful, just wonderful!

I was lucky enough to have 2 trips in May and another one just 3 weeks ago. And while I always have the Disney Bug, just reading about your first day makes me want to start planning another trip!

Can't wait for the rest!

you are SUPER lucky!!!! Can I join your family??
Lesley

You can repay me with a new installment soon.

Just remember to use your original high res photos for anything you want to print, but for internet bulletin board trip reports the resized pics are perfect

I'm working on it.
Lesley

 

[heartofdisney]

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your trip report. I read the one you wrote last year,but it is just recently that I decided to come out of lurkdom and thank those who write up trip reports to entertain us all.My family was at Disney this past January and I miss it so much already.Our next visit won't be until January 09 because we do the every other year thing so we can go to other places for vacation as well...it is our way to compromise with my husband since unfortunatly my hubby isn't like yours...he likes Disney,but his feeling is he's been there,done that.However my daughters and I,we would go back every 6 months if we could!
Anyway,I enjoyed reading about your first day and I think you and your husband are awesome together and your little ones are absolutely adorable! I am looking forward to all the future trip report updates and I am so glad to hear you all had a wonderful and magical vacation!

 

[MissDisney121]

Hey,
I am so glad you have started your TR, your last one was great and I have been looking forward to this one. I love that you include so many pics. Keep up the great job and I can't wait to read more.

 

[timandlesley]

Here is Day 2 in the parks, my b-day first installment:

Day 2 – My 31st birthday in Disney World- doesn’t get any better than that!!!
On this morning I woke up to 7:00 wake up call, looked up and Tim had turned on the laptop and put it on the table facing the bed and the screensaver said “Happy birthday Lesley from Tim and the kids” VERY SWEET way to wake up in the morning. Tim spung into action and was excited to give me the gifts. The kids had picked out a Port Orleans French Quarter hat for me, very cute and they were so excited watching me open up the bag. Tim handed me a small box, YES, always love small boxes right ladies !?! And inside was a beautiful necklace, here is a pic of me wearing it that day:

I was so excited and put it on right away, TIM DID GOOD!!!!! After that we rushed to the bus stop and headed to MK went to Crystal Palace for birthday breakfast (this was a last minute addition to make my b-day special and we were able to get a canceled ADR for an 8:00 time) We walked through the gates at around 8:00 and it was MAGICAL. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky on this day it was BEAUTIFUL and we had Main Street to ourselves, I am telling you guys, it just doesn’t get any better than this. I had to take a seat next to the man who made all of this possible and his wonderful mouse:

Then Tim wanted the same pic:

OF COURSE the kids wanted in on the action:

We then took turns taking pictures of one another with the kids on an empty Main Street. Here I am with the kids:

And here Tim is with the babies:

Then a WONDERFUL CM came running out of the Main Street bakery and said how she saw us taking turns and wanted to take our family photo. This one just turned out great, one of my favorite family pics of the trip and will definitely be framed and on our walls soon, probably in my Dis signature and maybe even a Christmas card:

We headed closer to the castle and a lovely family was there taking pics like we had been so we took a family shot of them and then they took this of us:

I turned around and took this shot of an EMPTY Main street, I just love this sight:

We then headed to our Crystal Palace Reservation, I am very sad to report that the batteries went dead during the meal BUMMER but I rushed to the gift shop after and we were back in business for the rest of the day.
We got to the rope under the castle right at 9:00, we were the only ones there. I have wanted the kids to have the opportunity to wake up Tinkerbell ever since I heard about it here on the Dis. I have NEVER told them about it because I knew Luke would be devastated if he knew and wasn’t able to do it. The past few years as we buzzed by after breakfast I would pop in and simply say “Is Tinkerbell awake” and they would always say “yes, sure is” and we would just continue on our merry way and the kids had no clue. Well, this year I am happy to report we were the first ones at the rope and here was our perfect view:

Another family came up before they were about to drop the rope and I heard them talking about waking her up too. Tim later told me they were also talking about how they had done it before so if they weren’t able to this time, no big deal. That upset me a bit because personally after my kids have done it, I won’t try again, time to let someone else have the magic. But ANYWAY.
Tim decided he wanted Luke to know because he could sprint in there. So. . ..we told Luke about it and told him that when the rope fell be sure to sprint to the store and say “Can I wake up Tinkerbell Please”. Well, Tim, being Tim was chatting with the CM at the rope drop, I think her name was Angie (Tim talks to EVERY CM, he just has this way about him, and can talk to anyone, put them at ease, tell a joke, etc. it really is fun to watch him with CM’s in the parks). Anyway, we turn around at 9:00 and see a SEA of people heading towards us and I was in a panic, hey what about our rope? Tim said “Hey Angie, can you drop it yet, look at all of those people?” She said she didn’t hear the announcement yet and she is supposed to wait, but since Tim had worked his Tim magic she dropped it (the announcement came on right after but BOY it was close). Luke want SPRINTING and I mean SPRINTING into Tinkerbells treasures and yelled “CAN I WAKE UP TINKERBELL PLEASE?!?” and the sweetest CM was there with a huge smile on her face and said “well sure, come on over”. YES!!!!!!!!! I couldn’t believe it, I got my b-day wish. The kids were THRILLED!!!! Here is a picture of them waking her up:

I just loved the CM there, can’t you just see her excitement with the kids, she was precious!! The kids woke her up, it was really cool and I’ll never forget their faces, it was pure magic. I had to get a picture of the sweet CM with the kids (she was flattered by this by the way and said no one ever asks her to be in a picture):

She made out a certificate for “Prince Luke” and “Princess Lauren” for waking up Tinkerbell, SO COOL!!!!!
After that wonderful moment we were in a Peter Pan kinda mood and headed to the Peter Pan ride. Walked on without any wait. Then we rode small world, Lauren’s favorite ride. Here is a pic of how uncrowded small world is first thing in the morning:

After Small World we headed towards Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, our plan was to ride it and get FP’s for Splash Mtn. On our way there we passed this couple. Tim and I died laughing because THIS WILL BE US YEARS FROM NOW, I guarantee it!!!

Well, we got over to the Thunder Mtn. area and were bummed because Splash was shut down. We ended up getting FP’s anyway because the CM’s said it may open later. We rode Big Thunder Mtn Railroad. They DID check Lauren’s height this time and she made the cut. YES!!! Lauren was so cute she said “Mommy, I’m big enough to ride!” and gave me a high five. She squeeled with delight the entire ride, it was great riding all four of us, no more parent swap for us. .. . .YEAH!!!!!!
As we exited the ride we saw the dream team heading toward the exit with huge black duffle bags. We were so bummed. Turned out they had dream ears for everyone who came out after us, we saw a ton of people with them, bummer! Our first dream team sighting. While I’m on the subject, they wear khaki pants and blue oxford cloth shirts. When they aren’t awarding dreams they are all over the parks as customer service CM’s (I learned this from Tim’s many conversations with them throughout the week). They are to give quality customer service, answer questions, etc. when not awarding dreams. When they get the call they put the white vests on, grab the black bags they put on their shoulders with the prizes and head to that location. We saw them all over the park and would see them get the call and disappear. They are fun to talk to and really love their job, Hey can I have that job please!!! Anyway, so we were bummed we had just missed the dream team, I so wanted a dream on my b-day.
After that we headed to Pirates. Last year it was closed due to refurbishment so it had been awhile since we had ridden it. We walked right on with no wait. The ride is awesome with the new additions. Here are some pics:

In the gift shop the kids were in a fightin’ mood:

And what is this pirate up to??????:

After the ride we saw Captain Hook coming out and forming a line, Luke was thrilled because there was no wait and we had never seen him before, Lauren was terrified so she’s not in this pic:

We then headed back to use our Splash Fast Passes and it was STILL closed, at this point Big Thunder Mtn. Railroad was ALSO closed, I don’t know what was going on that day, huge bummer, glad we got BTMR in when we did.

 

[timandlesley]

Here is installment 2 (having to break this up due to amt. of pictures):

Then, here comes another compromise, I was starving and wanted lunch, Tim wanted to explore Tom Sawyers Island, we had never been over there, I had heard about Aunt Polly’s snacks and hoped it was open and hopped on board the ferry over. Here is Luke on the boat ride over:

I asked about the paintbrushes and if any had been found and she said they had hidden them too well last time, none today. I looked all over for those stinkin’ things and couldn’t find a one. BUMMER!
We explored for a bit, here is Luke in the cave:

Lauren had to go potty so nice of them to have them over there. Here is how we found Tim when we surfaced:

By this time I was STARVING, Lesley isn’t too happy when I haven’t eaten. So I went towards Polly’s, man it was closed!!!! That stunk. So now it was a necessity to get off of the island. We headed towards a fun bridge path:

The kids loved that. All in all I am glad we COMPROMISED and went over there, it was a fun escape, I would have enjoyed it more if it had food though ; )
After we took the boat back we headed to lunch. We wanted to eat at El Pirate place with the yummy taco’s but they don’t open until noon, I couldn’t believe that, come on it’s June and people are hungry Disney!!! There were a few upset families there.
So then we headed to the closest location: Peco Bill’s, it was a good lunch. Here are some blurry pics of the food:

I had the chicken wrap, it was VERY VERY good. Tim had a burger and he enjoyed it. Here are the deserts, a yummy chocolate peanut butter fudgy cake, it was quite tasty:

One thing I have wanted to do in the Magic Kingdom in all of our trips but we have never gotten to do it was Story Time with Belle. This year I made sure we were there 30 minutes before the show. We had great seats in the front row on the left hand side in the SHADE, this was important because it was HOT. We had about 20 minutes before the show was to start so Tim ran off and got FP’s for he and Luke for Stitch’s great escape.
The Story Time with Belle really was such a cute show and the kids were into it, here is the star herself:

Luke was actually chosen by a very nice cast member to be Gaston, here he is waiting to get on stage:

Wish I had pics of him in the show but he chickened out, as soon as it was his turn to go up he turned to me, started to cry and got too shy to go up. He does that quite a bit, he gets nervous in unknown situations. OH WELL. It stunk that he was chosen and wasn’t able to do it, he regretted it later, but I wasn’t going to force him, we’re here to have fun RIGHT!?!
After the show was over Tim and Luke headed to Stitch and Lauren and I went to get Buzz Fast Passes for all of us. We waited for them to come out of Stitch and met in front of the Monsters Inc. Laugh Factory show. Can’t take pictures inside but I did take a pic over Tim’s shoulder as he was texting a joke before the show:

Unfortunately they didn’t pick Luke or Lauren’s jokes, oh well! I used advice here on the Dis and sat by a lamp but no such luck. In observing I think those who sit directly IN FRONT of the lamps are picked for the show, seemed that way to me! It was a cute show, didn’t laugh out loud like crazy, but very cute, kids loved it. It was neat to experience something new.
After the show was over it was time for our Buzz FP’s so we headed to ride that together, always a good time, Tim always kills us with the points.
By this point we were tired, it was close to 2:00 and it was HOT HOT HOT! We headed towards the exit and AIR CONDITIONING and went shopping at the stores on Main Sreet. Lauren spent some of her souvenier money and got a Polly Pocket Princess set and Luke was on cloud nine because he found some of the rare CARS Diecast cars that he didn’t have so he bought those and a few jibbitz for his CROCS. Tim also bought me a new Disney Visor (that you will see me wearing in this TR) and an anklet to wrap up his b-day purchases, such a great guy!!!
We headed to the Plaza for ice cream. I was wearing my b-day pin and the CM had everyone in line sing happy b-day to me, it was very sweet and the kids thought it was the most awesome thing ever.
After the ice cream we asked the kids if they wanted to go back to the hotel for a break of stay for the 3:00 parade, we expected them to say go back because they were tired and hot, but to our surprise they chose the parade.
We got a spot right there on Main Street where the parade wraps up. It was SO hot, we got some bottles of water to cool down, here is Luke having his way with a cold bottle of water:

Here are some pics of the parade:

Here is also the pic of the family who won the castle suite stay that day:

Man that is sOOOOOOOOOOOOO my dream. Tim, being Tim went up to them and talked to them as they exited. They had family there who kept saying how surreal it was to hear their name on the speakers. They were such a sweet family. Turns out they were on Goofy's Barnstormer that morning (man, could have been us!!!) and were awarded the stay. It was nice meeting them and we congratulated them and told them to have a magical night, etc.
It really was a great parade, I hadn’t seen the Magic Kingdom daytime parade since Tim and I went on our honeymoon in 1998, a lot had changed and it was great. Nice to be able to stay later at the parks now that the kids are older.
After the parade we headed to the POFQ bus stop, went to the hotel and the kids snacked and watched t.v. Tim and I showered and got cleaned up for my birthday dinner.

To be continued. . . . Stay tuned for my awesome b-day dinner at Coral Reef at Epcot packed with wonderful surprises from the best guy ever!

 

[rentayenta]

The picture of Luke waking up Tink is priceless! This is a really good report.

 

[timandlesley]

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your trip report. I read the one you wrote last year,but it is just recently that I decided to come out of lurkdom and thank those who write up trip reports to entertain us all.My family was at Disney this past January and I miss it so much already.Our next visit won't be until January 09 because we do the every other year thing so we can go to other places for vacation as well...it is our way to compromise with my husband since unfortunatly my hubby isn't like yours...he likes Disney,but his feeling is he's been there,done that.However my daughters and I,we would go back every 6 months if we could!
Anyway,I enjoyed reading about your first day and I think you and your husband are awesome together and your little ones are absolutely adorable! I am looking forward to all the future trip report updates and I am so glad to hear you all had a wonderful and magical vacation!

Thanks so much, I truly appreciate everything you have said, so nice of you!!!!! Thanks for coming out of lurkdom and posting.
Lesley

Hey,
I am so glad you have started your TR, your last one was great and I have been looking forward to this one. I love that you include so many pics. Keep up the great job and I can't wait to read more.

Glad you came back for more!
Lesley

The picture of Luke waking up Tink is priceless! This is a really good report.

I know, it was a wonderful memory. Glad you are enjoying the TR.
Lesley

 

[jwwi]

I was so happy to see you went to CP for breakfast, you were lucky to get the early time. I would say that is one of the top tips I have rec'd from the dis. Just love walking down Main St when it is so empty. The family picture is so cute, love your shirts. Your birthday sound great so far.

 

[IluvXU]

One last check before bed... and I get to read about my favorite park! So you were in and out of the Crystal Palace in less than an hour-- did you see all the characters?

That family picture of you all is wonderful, I would to come home with a picture like that of us in August. Waking up Tink... what a birthday treat. Smart not to tell the kids too. Can't wait for more, but this report is the best bedtime story I can possibly imagine.

Great job Tim on the Necklace- it is really cute!

Thanks for sharing... you are doing great at getting things out

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Lesley I'm loving it. I was too excited to finish 800flowers tonight and see that you had updated. WTG! Hope you didn't work too hard tonight. =o)

 

[shannon47142]

My daughter loves your new necklace!!! Great days you had!
Shannon

 

[Loafmastermom]

I am sitting at my computer in the middle of the night reading this TR and came across the pic of your babies sleeping. Now I have to stop reading and go upstairs and kiss my baby (DS 7)! Your killing me with the cuteness here!

p.s. I lived in Madeira during high school and my parents live in Mason. We are hoping to relocate to Cincy this year.

 

[disneymoon_0307]

I am so glad that your bday has gone well. I can't wait to hear about Coral Reef. I am eating there for the first time in September and can't wait. I love the pic of Luke waking up Tinkerbell. They have grown up so big. I can't wait to hear more.