TimandLesley's "Keep Moving Forward" Trip Report with TONS of photos! update 7/8pg.11

[Native NYer]

Great update!
That's disappointing about the game.

 

[timandlesley]

Great update!
That's disappointing about the game.

Thanks! It was disappointing. I have been told it is on level 1 of 3 levels right now and it will get more challenging once they increase it but I fear that will just drive the locals who are obsessed with it out in droves : )

Another long time reader here (I rarely post anything ever however!). I just wanted to say how very impressed I was that after your accident you continued on and had a great time! I don't know if I'd have been able to do that. I also have two kids who are 3 yrs apart...they are younger than yours...7 and 4 currently so I love to read your reports and imagine my kids growing up and still loving Disney!

Welcome back and thanks so much for taking the time to post. Yes, it was horrific but we just had to keep moving forward : ) Yes, my kids love for Disney has never waned and I am so thankful forthat!

Hey girl! I can't wait to catch up on this one! I was speechless when I began reading....and then thanked God that you were all ok! I can't even begin to imagine what must have been racing thru your head during those moments!

I am going back to finish reading but just wanted to let you know that I am here

Hey! Glad you found us on here. It was definitely a speechless moment, very thankful we were o.k. Hope you are all caught up now, glad to "see" you again on here ; )

 

[timandlesley]

We woke up on a beautiful sunny morning and quickly packed our bags
[COLOR=purple}[FONT=Century Gothic]

We said goodbye to the beautiful Grand Floridian resort

We drove over to Animal Kingdom Lodge by about 9 a.m.

Ahhhhhhhhhh home sweet home!!!

when we walked into the beautiful lobby it was STRANGE because the lobby was PACKED full of people with suitcases, so many people in fact that we thought the hotel was being evacuated. We saw a manager and said “what is going on, is everything o.k.?” It turns out they were all there for the inaugural sailing of the Disney Fantasy and they were press from around the world, pretty cool! Then I looked closer and noticed they all were wearing Disney Fantasy press badges.
I made my way up to the counter and was told the room wasn’t ready but they circled on the map we were on the 5th floor overlooking the Sunrise Savannah, OH MY GOSH!!! I had only used points for a value 2 bedroom, this was a huge upgrade, I was so thrilled to be able to have a savannah view because I knew how much my mom would LOVE it!
We had them hold our bags and we got our room keys which now had the DINING PLAN ON IT which we were thrilled about and we headed out to Epcot for the morning.

It was a beautiful morning at Epcot.

We had fun taking in all of the amazing topiaries out for Flower and Garden Festival. The kids had never been here at this time of year for it and they were really into it.

Since we got there around 10:30 a.m. the lines for things were pretty long and we knew we’d be back to the park another day so to just take it laid back. The kids were dying to go to Club Cool, so we went there.

We had fun tasting all of the samples and I enjoyed my Mezzo Mix fix.

Tim and Luke decided (for some stupid reason) they wanted to do the Beverly challenge again :

It’s so funny, it’s like they think it’s magically going to start tasting better like an acquired taste or something

………not so much! : )

As we exited we took in more of the beautiful flowers and exhibits.
The Butterfly tent:

They were all just so pretty:

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST, SCROLL DOWN!

 

[timandlesley]

We were hungry and started talking about all of the yummy World Showcase options for lunch. I tossed out the idea of Mexico but we decided we wanted to give the Germany counterservice a try since we never had before. We made our way into the World Showcase starting in Mexico.

We took our time just taking it all in and enjoying the sights and sounds.

In Germany the counterservice was excellent.

We ordered hot dogs and Brattwursts and with it you got a pretzel, yummy desert (I got the amazing cheesecake) and a drink, we were in food heaven.

Tim and the kids began having fun with the pretzels:

Pretzel Phone:

I’m a REAL boy!

After lunch even though we were full we wanted to get a taste of that amazing Caramel Corn so got a bag to snack on and split as we walked around the World Showcase:

we had fun looking at all of the Flower and Garden merchandise. I LOVED this guy, so wish I would have gotten one now!

This t shirt was great too!

I wish they could leave the World Showcase like this all year long:

The lines were all pretty long so we decided to go into Innoventions. Here is the Habit Heroes area they had to close down to fix since it wasn’t getting good reviews. It looks like a great concept, I hope they get it up and running soon.

There wasn’t a line for Sum of All Thrills which I couldn’t believe so we jumped in line for that.

Tim can’t do this ride, it makes him sick, so I designed my own coaster and the kids designed theirs.

I did an intense one with tons of flips and turns, it was so fun.

When I was done, I came down and the kids were just getting into theirs. I took some pics.

After we noticed the kids weren’t coming down and couldn’t figure out why. Turns out Luke’s Croc fell down off the platform. They had to find a guy with a big claw on a stick to get his Croc out. Too funny!

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST, SCROLL DOWN!

 

[timandlesley]

At this point I got a call from my mom and dad saying they would be there in about a half an hour so we went towards the exit, enjoying the scenery along the way.

We hadn’t gotten a text yet saying our room was ready but as we boarded the bus the text came through saying the room was ready and gave us our room number so I was so excited to see my parents and check out the room. We had only stayed in a studio before this so we couldn’t wait to check out the enormous 2 bedroom.
We met up with mom and dad and we went up together to check out the room.
We went in and it was a STUDIO,

my mouth dropped and I was thinking, oh no, they made a mistake, there is no way we can stay in this studio together for the week. I called downstairs and it was a lock off 2 bedroom, so we went outside and opened the neighboring room and it was the 1 bedroom part of our 2 bedroom, AHHHHHHHHHHHHHh- we were instantly in love!!!!
Here are some pics of the sweet digs:
Tim and I had our OWN ROOM with a KING sized bed, t.v. and private balcony:

HUGE bathroom by our room:

Tub with jets:

Next to the tub is a toilet in it’s own door which is nice:

Tons of storage space in the bathroom:

Washer/Dryer:

Living room area with a pull out queen sized bed, flat screen t.v. and balcony which would be Luke and Lauren’s room for the week:
[COLOR=purple}[IMG]http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j133/timandlesley/Disney%202012/IMG_2086.jpg[/IMG]COLOR]
Full sized kitchen with FULLY stocked cabinets with pots, pans, dishes, silverware, glassware, etc.

My parents had their own studio that connected and a door that shut, it was so nice being able to give them their own space:

Sofa bed in their room:

Bathroom on their side:

Kitchenette area on their side with sink, mini fridge, microwave, etc.:

Double sinks outside their bathroom:

Gorgeous view off of their balcony:

Large balcony:

Our king sized bed:

View from our balcony:

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST SCROLL DOWN

 

[timandlesley]

This is another one of the many reasons I love Disney so much. Just yesterday we were at Grand Floidian resort and it was AMAZING in it’s own beautiful way, now we were in this bit of heaven where it was amazing in a totally different way. You can have different vacations each and every time you visit and each one is truly unique and fantastic in it’s own way. Gotta love it! My parents were in heaven and so excited about the room and resort (they had never stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge before). It was wonderful sharing it with them.
Our room numbers:

I was excited to head out to Epcot with my parents and to show mom the Flower and garden displays, we went down to catch a bus:

She was amazed and just loved the flowers and displays:

We explored the butterfly tent:

Mom and dad just loved the displays:

I want these in my backyard!

Sand sculpture for the Chimpanzee movie:

As we made our way over to Japan for dinner we went through Great Britian. Tim had read online that you could call the payphones and people would answer. So he was so excited to try it out. As we approached he started dialing and we watched someone pick up and he told her a Disney joke, such fun!

Then Luke got in and Tim called him:

This is such fun and now we can do it at any time to keep the Disney magic alive : )
As we got to Japan the candy lady was just wrapping up a show:

We went upstairs to dinner:

I put my camera away and enjoyed an amazing meal with my family- it was FANTASTIC as always! Such a great meal. I enjoyed my favorite drink the Tokyo Sunrise with dinner and it was fun sharing the experience with my parents who had never dined there before. After dinner we had fun looking at some more topiaries. They had Toy Story ones in the American Pavilion:

Snow White in Germany:

Dad was getting into the drums with the kids, such fun to see:

Look at the beautiful orchids growing in Mexico:

Stopped for a family photo:

As we went to the exit there wasn’t a line for Spaceship Earth mom , the kids and I jumped in line, Tim and dad stayed behind:
I rode with Lauren:

Lauren in the future:

We went back to the room and enjoyed hanging out with one another, some wine and snacks before bed and couldn’t wait for what tomorrow would bring!

 

[sharonW]

DISNEY HEAVEN for sure!!! The magic that only they can provide!! What gorgeous pics, without a doubt the flower/garden season is a not to be missed experience......oh how I wish I were there. Its fun living the dream through your fabulous TR's, next best thing to being there!!!

ps...Your AK rooms fantastic!

 

[micandminforever]

It is great that you were able to enjoy the flowers with your mother. Your rooms were beautiful, and the view could not have been better. I know opening up that door to the one bedroom part was exciting. Then to top it off the fact your parents were given their own space. This part of the trip was filled with pixie dust.

 

[ericamcl]

great update!
Looks like you've got a Vera Bradley backpack in your photos - I've been thinking about getting one to use as my "park bag" - do you find it to be large enough? what all do you put in it?

 

[Native NYer]

What an amazing villa!
Epcot looks so beautiful. I wish the flowers were there all year.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Great update! Looks like you had great weather and crowds! I would love to go that time of yearbto see those amazing topiaries! Can't wait for the next update....curious about the new dining favorite?!

 

[jacksmom]

Enjoying your reviews!

 

[peacelovemickey]

Long time reader, sometime poster here. I follow your trip reports because we have a lot in common and I love your writing style. You make me feel like weare right there with you! I am a school counselor and part time travel agent as well. My kids are close in age to yours as well.

What a scary start to the vacation!!! Praise be to God for keeping you safe!!! I think it is awesome how you went ahead and enjoyed your vacation. I love the title and I am keeping it in my head. I am sitting in the hospital waiting for my mom to be well enough to have surgery. She had a bad fall a couple nights ago and shattered her knee and part of her leg. It is a long road ahead for her, but I have been hearing "keep moving forward" in my head ever since I read your report. So thank you for helping me keep a positive outlook as we go through this!!!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Great update! Love the 2-bedroom at AKV, such great themeing.

We have been for the Flower & Garden show twice. Epcot seemed kind of barren when we there this past August.

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[timandlesley]

Great update! Love the 2-bedroom at AKV, such great themeing.

We have been for the Flower & Garden show twice. Epcot seemed kind of barren when we there this past August.

Can't wait to hear more!

The 2 bedroom was amazing. I agree, wish they could keep the flowers up year round : )

Long time reader, sometime poster here. I follow your trip reports because we have a lot in common and I love your writing style. You make me feel like weare right there with you! I am a school counselor and part time travel agent as well. My kids are close in age to yours as well.

What a scary start to the vacation!!! Praise be to God for keeping you safe!!! I think it is awesome how you went ahead and enjoyed your vacation. I love the title and I am keeping it in my head. I am sitting in the hospital waiting for my mom to be well enough to have surgery. She had a bad fall a couple nights ago and shattered her knee and part of her leg. It is a long road ahead for her, but I have been hearing "keep moving forward" in my head ever since I read your report. So thank you for helping me keep a positive outlook as we go through this!!!

Well thank you for reading and taking the time to post. Yes, we do have a lot in common!! Yes it was certainly a scary start. Wow, I am so sorry to hear about your mom, it gave Tim and I chills reading your post, certainly makes writing this worth it when we can help others in little ways like the "keep moving forward" message for you during this difficult time- hope everything continues positively for you and your mom.

Enjoying your reviews!

Thanks!

Great update! Looks like you had great weather and crowds! I would love to go that time of yearbto see those amazing topiaries! Can't wait for the next update....curious about the new dining favorite?!

Yes, the weather was great, crowds get pretty crazy coming up, they were just spread out in Epcot. Oh yes, stay tuned for the new dining favorite it's a biggie!

What an amazing villa!
Epcot looks so beautiful. I wish the flowers were there all year.

The villa is so amazing. I wish they were too!

great update!
Looks like you've got a Vera Bradley backpack in your photos - I've been thinking about getting one to use as my "park bag" - do you find it to be large enough? what all do you put in it?

I have always used the backpack in our park touring as my park bag, and I love it. I typically have hand sanitizer and wipes in my purse, 2 bottles of water, my iphone, bandaids and a small sunscreen- it all fits nicely in there. Some mornings I'll also throw a few granola bars or small snacks in for the kids too. They do make a larger size backpack too if you need to carry more, mine is the smaller one.

It is great that you were able to enjoy the flowers with your mother. Your rooms were beautiful, and the view could not have been better. I know opening up that door to the one bedroom part was exciting. Then to top it off the fact your parents were given their own space. This part of the trip was filled with pixie dust.

Yes, it was great showing her the flowers. The view was just amazing. Yes, it was filled with pixie dust for sure!

DISNEY HEAVEN for sure!!! The magic that only they can provide!! What gorgeous pics, without a doubt the flower/garden season is a not to be missed experience......oh how I wish I were there. Its fun living the dream through your fabulous TR's, next best thing to being there!!!

ps...Your AK rooms fantastic!

I agree. So glad you are enjoying the TR Sharon, thanks for reading/posting as always!

 

[partyof2]

What are the chances of this?! This morning I was thinking 'I'd love to read about someone staying at GF' but I was too lazy to search for it. Instead I just started reading the TR at the top of the page, what luck!

Praise the Lord you were all okay after your accident. You must have been so terrified, well done for carrying on and going to Disney regardless. I think I'd have just curled up in a ball and cried I wanted to go home!!

I think Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom looks really fun. I like that there is lots of different spell cards to collect. They seem similar to Top Trumps which is a card game series quite popular here in the UK, not sure if you guys have it though.

The Dine In theatre sounds AMAZING. Totally up my street.

Lauren's posing in pictures totally cracks me up, your girl has sass!

I adore AKL. Love all the shades of brown in the room.

 

[Kelliroo3]

Wow what an amazing upgrade! My mom and I will be at AKL villas (Jambo House) in May. Hoping we'll get pixie dust too. I'd love to have a safari view again! We booked standard, I believe.

The 2 bedroom villa looks nice! Great to have your own area.

 

[lmillercrew]

YAY!! Another Tim and Lesley TR!! I can't believe that you guys were in a car accident! How very scary! SO glad that everyone was ok and that no one was seriously hurt.
What a lucky family to stay at the GF! I can't wait to read more.

 

[jannel80]

Wow the Flower and Garden Fest. looks awesome! I have never been to DW for that! I will have to try it that time of year sometime!

I just finished reading 2 of your other TRs from your signature and loved them! I was addicted for a couple nights reading them. I am not going again until Feb. 2013 so reading your TR gives me a little Disney in my life until then.

 

[timandlesley]

What are the chances of this?! This morning I was thinking 'I'd love to read about someone staying at GF' but I was too lazy to search for it. Instead I just started reading the TR at the top of the page, what luck!

Praise the Lord you were all okay after your accident. You must have been so terrified, well done for carrying on and going to Disney regardless. I think I'd have just curled up in a ball and cried I wanted to go home!!

I think Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom looks really fun. I like that there is lots of different spell cards to collect. They seem similar to Top Trumps which is a card game series quite popular here in the UK, not sure if you guys have it though.

The Dine In theatre sounds AMAZING. Totally up my street.

Lauren's posing in pictures totally cracks me up, your girl has sass!

I adore AKL. Love all the shades of brown in the room.

Well that IS good luck, glad you found us and the review was helpful. Yes, she certainly DOES have sass : )

Wow what an amazing upgrade! My mom and I will be at AKL villas (Jambo House) in May. Hoping we'll get pixie dust too. I'd love to have a safari view again! We booked standard, I believe.

The 2 bedroom villa looks nice! Great to have your own area.

It was such an awesome upgrade, those rooms are just amazing.

YAY!! Another Tim and Lesley TR!! I can't believe that you guys were in a car accident! How very scary! SO glad that everyone was ok and that no one was seriously hurt.
What a lucky family to stay at the GF! I can't wait to read more.

Glad you found us again! Yes, it was quite scary. Thanks for reading/posting

Wow the Flower and Garden Fest. looks awesome! I have never been to DW for that! I will have to try it that time of year sometime!

I just finished reading 2 of your other TRs from your signature and loved them! I was addicted for a couple nights reading them. I am not going again until Feb. 2013 so reading your TR gives me a little Disney in my life until then.

It really is a pretty time of the year to go, Epcot just seems "naked " once you've been and make other trips. Happy you enjoyed the older TR's, I've been doing them on here for years and years. Thanks for reading/posting.
Lesley