TimandLesley's When the Boat's a Rockin' Don't .... Trip of a Lifetime TR 2/4/1 pg.33

[timandlesley]

I was bummed that we were finally there in June, like you guys, and we just didn't think ahead enough to meet up. But your assumption is correct... bringing family members along on a trip adds a LOT to your plate!! (In a good way, of course!) We just had NO spare time. We even skipped our precious 'down time' at the resort each afternoon! There will be plenty more opportunities, I'm sure!

Speaking of... when is your next trip?

Well, we will be in that boat in March when we bring my entire family, can't wait though! As for next trip, girls trip in Nov., Tim has a guys trip for Disapalooza in Dec., 3 nights on the Dream using that incentive I won through my travel agency in Feb, and then with my family in March for my spring break, WHEW! That wears me out just thinking about it : )

Hi Lesley! Looking forward to reading about your vacation (have thoroughly enjoyed your past reports!!). Funny thing...I just started getting back to the DISboards after a couple of busy months. So this week I remembered you were taking your annual trip and cruising on the Dream too and looked for ya in the Trip Reports!

Our first (and so far only) cruise was three years ago (Royal Caribbean) and we loved it!! I have a friend who works at the Beach Club (met here first on the boards and then in person on our fantastic WDW vacation last year!) who said she has cruised on all of the cruise lines and says Disney cruises are the best! So that may be our next cruise! My family absolutely loved BC and the Epcot resort area last year.

Looking forward to more...you have a beautiful family.

Kerry

Hi Kerry, so glad you found us again. OMG, if you ever get a chance to cruise Disney I can't recommend it high enough, just wait until it gets to that part of my report : )

Yeah so excited you started your trip report ! Can't wait to hear all about it My family are pizza lovers too so we will have to try Flippers some time. Can't believe how grown up Luke and Lauren look. Off to a great start.

Thanks. Flippers is awesome, get the breadsticks!!! YUM! I know, my babies sure have grown quickly, it's fun sharing their lives here with you all.

Hey Lesley....We are staying at the Wilderness Lodge!!! I'll have to go back and take a look at your report from then!! LOL!!

Wilderness Lodge will be AMAZING! Yes, be sure to do that, I have a few from WL : )

Yippee! I have been checking and checking for this year's TR and was so excited to see you started. Can't wait to get your take on the Dream!! I have been working hard to convince DH to take a cruise. I won next month's trip to WDW with a sweepstakes so I am hoping to get to use the planned funds for a cruise in the spring.

So glad you found us, the Dream is AMAZING, have him read that part of my TR when it gets to it, he won't be able to say no. For Disney though, do it EARLY, we saved 3,000 by booking almost 2 years in advance and paying it off a little at a time, you save so much booking way in advance with Disney cruises.

Hmmmm... so the IPAD gets left.... seems vaguely like a WAVE phone if you ask me.


Looking forward to trying out Boardwalk sometime... really enjoy the feel of the Boardwalk area, I agree!

Hi Jen, Too Funny!!!!!!!! God me there!!! Thanks for joining us for the TR, so great to meet you guys!

So excited that you decided to do a TR! Can't wait to read another one of your amazing reports! The kids are getting so big and I love how they always take such great pictures together. Your first day look great despite the IPad incident and Tim not being able to ride Test Track.

Can't wait to read all about the cruise and AKL CL!

Glad you found us again and are enjoying things so far. LOTS to report on about the cruise and AKL CL so stay tuned

Hi Lesley! Long time lurker of your trip reports though I don't think I've ever posted. We were on the same Dream sailing as you all so I'm really looking forward to your take on the amazing ship and cruise.

(I'm pretty sure I saw your family in the box seats in the Walt Disney Theater for the "Believe" show, was that you guys?)

Well hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. Yes, that was us. Were you below us showing your daughter us? I thought we were being "pointed out", if so, how cool! Wish we could have said hi. Wasn't the cruise AMAZING!!!

I always love reading your reports since they are usually before we are going and it helps to get me excited. Looking forward to seeing your DC stuff as we are considering a surprise cruise trip for DS' birthday next March on the Magic. Maybe your report will sway us one way or another...no pressure

So glad you enjoy them and found us again. Yes, this will definitely sway him so stay tuned!!

Yay! Great start. Can't believe you drove the whole way in in one day. Wow! So, glad Buena Vista had your ipad. That would have been a terrible start. I love my ipad. Looking forward to reading more.

OMG, the drive was CRAZY but worth it. Welcome back, thanks for reading/posting!

 

[mkmommy]

I can't believe that it is time for another timandlesley report, I am so glad you are doing it and can't wait to hear about the Dream.


Sorry that you liked the Dream I find DCL much more addictive then the parks. Cruise 7 in 4 years is coming up and each one get better.

 

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!!

 

[basketlacey]

I'm hooked after Day 1! We just booked our first trip to AKL so I can't wait to hear how you liked it. My kids love Disney like yours look like they do!

And speaking of those kids, mine really want to do a Disney Cruise. I keep thinking I should look at booking one for next summer!

You have a gorgeous family - I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

 

[purplepeg]

such a great start...the only thing missing food pictures...I love my food porn you knowMy hubby wants to go to ESPN Club one of these times but it always seems to get pushed back for "next time". Glad Tim enjoyed it.I can't believe how much your kids have grown in a year. They look as happy as ever! Can't wait for more.

 

[DisneyDreamerMN]

Subscribing! I am so glad you are doing another TR! Thank goodness for honest people at the hotel who had your Ipad.

 

[MaryAz]

Hurray another one of ur great TR's. Kiddos are as cute as ever. Looks like you guys are off to a great start!!

 

[jwwi]

I was happy to find your trip report, and it will be interesting to read your DCL experiences. The kids are so cute. Sounds like a fun Father's day.

So glad you found the missing IPAD, what a scare. I lost a cell phone on a trip once. Had it on the airplane, but couldn't find it by the time we stopped for lunch. I ended up keeping the cheap replacement for 3 years, but at least I had something. Good thing AT&T is everywhere. I love my apple products, macbook pro, ipod touch and Iphone 3gs. My DH has an IPAD too.

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Yes! Yes! Yes!! I am so excited to see a TR. I have followed you for a while and I just love your TR's. I almost jumped up with excitement. lol.

The family looks great! The kids are getting big.

about the Ipad. So glad they resort had it.

I can't wait to read more.

 

[mkluvsmickey]

Well hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to post. Yes, that was us. Were you below us showing your daughter us? I thought we were being "pointed out", if so, how cool! Wish we could have said hi. Wasn't the cruise AMAZING!!!

No, that wasn't us. We were in the balcony sort of off to the side of the box seats. The cruise was even more amazing than I imagined. We have sailed twice before on the Wonder (great ship too!) but only the 3-night. It was nice to have a longer time on the ship for sure. We love, love, love our trips to Walt Disney World but there is something almost better about DCL, hard to explain but it's like Disney Plus! Now I just have to figure out how to do both trips each year.

 

[timandlesley]

I can't believe that it is time for another timandlesley report, I am so glad you are doing it and can't wait to hear about the Dream.


Sorry that you liked the Dream I find DCL much more addictive then the parks. Cruise 7 in 4 years is coming up and each one get better.

So glad you found us again. OMG, I could totally see that, we are officially HOOKED!

Count me in!!!

Welcome!

I'm hooked after Day 1! We just booked our first trip to AKL so I can't wait to hear how you liked it. My kids love Disney like yours look like they do!

And speaking of those kids, mine really want to do a Disney Cruise. I keep thinking I should look at booking one for next summer!

You have a gorgeous family - I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip!

You are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE AKL!!!! The Disney cruise is AMAZING. The rates for next summer are going up FAST though, so if you want to do it book soon : )

such a great start...the only thing missing food pictures...I love my food porn you knowMy hubby wants to go to ESPN Club one of these times but it always seems to get pushed back for "next time". Glad Tim enjoyed it.I can't believe how much your kids have grown in a year. They look as happy as ever! Can't wait for more.

Thanks, I do have some food pics, but not a ton this trip, took some on the ship for sure.

Subscribing! I am so glad you are doing another TR! Thank goodness for honest people at the hotel who had your Ipad.

I know, thank God for honest people! Welcome, thanks for reading/posting.

Hurray another one of ur great TR's. Kiddos are as cute as ever. Looks like you guys are off to a great start!!

Thanks!!

I was happy to find your trip report, and it will be interesting to read your DCL experiences. The kids are so cute. Sounds like a fun Father's day.

So glad you found the missing IPAD, what a scare. I lost a cell phone on a trip once. Had it on the airplane, but couldn't find it by the time we stopped for lunch. I ended up keeping the cheap replacement for 3 years, but at least I had something. Good thing AT&T is everywhere. I love my apple products, macbook pro, ipod touch and Iphone 3gs. My DH has an IPAD too.

Glad you found us again. Yes, gotta love AT&T

Yes! Yes! Yes!! I am so excited to see a TR. I have followed you for a while and I just love your TR's. I almost jumped up with excitement. lol.

The family looks great! The kids are getting big.

about the Ipad. So glad they resort had it.

I can't wait to read more.

Well, I am so glad I could excite you, thanks so much for reading/posting.

No, that wasn't us. We were in the balcony sort of off to the side of the box seats. The cruise was even more amazing than I imagined. We have sailed twice before on the Wonder (great ship too!) but only the 3-night. It was nice to have a longer time on the ship for sure. We love, love, love our trips to Walt Disney World but there is something almost better about DCL, hard to explain but it's like Disney Plus! Now I just have to figure out how to do both trips each year.

O.K, hope we get to say hi next time. We have a 3 night in Feb, and I worry it will seem SOOOOO fast!

 

[timandlesley]

Day 2 of our Trip of a Lifetime
So as I mentioned before, unfortunately we had to change rooms from a standard view to a boardwalk view. I went down super early (around 7:30) to do the switch and believe it or not the room was ready! Makes you think, hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm are you HONESTLY telling me that room wouldn’t have been available for us yesterday? Oh well. So, instead of calling Bell Services to hold our luggage while we headed to Hollywood Studios, we called them and they just switched our luggage from one room to another. As we followed the gentleman from Bell Services we were beginning to realize our room was FAR away from everything. I want to say the room # was 5005, it was ALL the way at the farthest point away from everything, the elevator was FOREVER away.
Now that we had our room we took the mile hike to the elevator and then had to backtrack to get to the path to walk to Hollywood Studios. It was a beautiful morning to walk to the parks.

We could see the park on the horizon:

The crowds were crazy at rope drop:

Our strategy was for Tim to get fast passes for Toy Story Mania and then to meet up at Star Tours to ride the new ride, we were excited to experience the brand new 3-D Star Tours experience.
The kids and I headed over there and we passed by the line of people signing their kids up for Jedi Training Academy, Luke started begging to do that but by this time the line was SUPER long and when I asked a cast member she said if we got in that line they would be in a late afternoon show. At this point I PROMISED Luke that on the first visit after the cruise we would do a bee-line to that sign up and get him in the show (stay tuned for how that goes down).
The kids and I arrived at Star Tours and there was no wait:

We waited what seemed like forever for Tim (it took him 20 minutes to get a fast pass for Toy Story Mania)

It was already a HOT one that morning:

Finally Tim met up with us and we headed inside, we got SUPER lucky because for some reason the cast member led us past other people and into the fast pass line even though we didn’t have fast passes and we literally walked RIGHT on the ride:

Tim and Luke excited to ride:

The ride is AWESOME! There are four different scenes that you can experience, for our first ride we went to Planet Hoth for that experience. I love how they randomly pick one “spy” from within your vehicle, that made it extra fun too. The 3-D is a nice touch. We all LOVED it!
After that we all were itching to ride Rockin’ Roller Coaster so we headed that way:

We went into the standby line and waited about 20 minutes to ride, the line went super fast.
I rode with my girl Lauren :

We waited for the first car, so did Luke and Tim. I’m surprised more people don’t do this.
We had an AWESOME ride as always!!!

As we left, we grabbed some of the fruit smoothies with snack credits at the cart outside the ride, they were YUMMY!!! We noticed they had set up a fun red carpet scene and were encouraging people to walk the carpet. We tried to encourage Lauren as that is her DREAM, but she got shy on us, so Luke stepped up to the plate to show her how it’s done : )
(Click on the picture below to play the video)

He WORKED it didn’t he !?! : )
I had heard that Lightning McQueen was making a debut as the “hero” in Lights Motor Action Stunt Show and we hadn’t seen that show in years, so we headed that way. On the way we ran into this guy:

We got a spot for Lights Motor Action and I can’t explain to you how hot it was in those seats. I felt like we were in a frying pan, there was no breeze, sun was bearing down and It was SOOOOO hot! I asked a Cast Member before the show started if Lightning McQueen was in it and she said that he was busy getting ready for his movie premiere. BUMMER!!! Well, we enjoyed the show:

It really is an AWESOME show. We made it about ½ way into it and just had to leave, the heat was getting to all of us. We made our exit and headed to Toy Story Mania to ride our family favorite in the AIR CONDITIONING!

I rode with Lauren and Tim rode with Luke. It was a fun ride as always, I didn’t do half bad (my score is on the left):

As we came out Tim and Luke were complaining that their guns didn’t work so the cast member let them ride again. As Lauren and I were waiting I looked at my times guide and the Disney Channel Rocks show was starting and Lauren REALLY wanted to see that, so we headed over to see that:

Lauren had fun being a part of the show (she’s in the purple) click on the picture to play the video:

After the boys met up with us and the show was over we decided to head back to the hotel and swim.
We took the boat back to the Boardwalk Area:

Off the boat we took the hike that seemed like it took FOREVER to our room (our feet were soooooo sore at this point), got changed into our suits and headed down to the pool:

Tim didn’t join us at the pool, he ran to the store to buy beer and wine for us to bring onto the cruise ship the next day (did you know you can CARRY ON your own beer/wine to save money)? We were thrilled to learn this and definitely took advantage of it.
The pool was a great way to cool off!

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST!

 

[timandlesley]

The kids were THRILLED because they were doing pool games, so they participated in those for over an hour:

We had brought our refillable mugs down and I got us drinks at the bar. It frustrates me to no end that at the Boardwalk they won’t refill your mugs but give you Styrofoam cups at the pool with your drinks, it seems SOOOOOO wasteful. Come on Disney, let us use the mugs, imagine how many cups they are going through in one day alone, I just don’t get it. Anyway, guess I’ll step off that soap box, sorry : )
The kids had fun just lounging in the pool together and so did I:

As we were sitting there I looked up and saw our travel buddies Diane, Bryan, Matthew and Eric (dddisrunner) here on the boards. They have become great friends of ours after meeting here on the Dis and traveling together as a result. They would be joining us on the Disney Dream and they had just arrived after a long day of traveling to Orlando. It was great to see them. We said our hello’s and they were headed to Epcot to eat at Chef’s De France, they were STARVING. The kids and I headed back up to the room to head to Epcot ourselves for dinner.
Here is the view from our room (beautiful!)

Happy Lesley on the balcony:

We made the LONG hike back out to the Boardwalk area (I know I keep mentioning this, but this location was just awful and our feet were SO tired by the time we left our two nights at the Boardwalk) and headed to Epcot. We had done the counterservice plan for these two pre-cruise nights so we had some counterservice credits to use. We were headed to the American Pavilion to eat dinner. On the way we ran into Diane, Bryan, Matthew and Eric as they were coming out of dinner so we visited them for a bit. They were headed to a hotel by the port so we said our goodbye’s (or our “see ya real soon’s”) and then we headed to dinner. As we passed by Japan Tim said “Man, I would give ANYTHING to eat in Teppan Edo Right now!!” I reminded him that was our first meal after the cruise but we all agreed that sounded good. We went in and ate at the counterservice place in Japan and it was pretty yummy too:

After dinner we just enjoyed a lovely evening in Epcot (my favorite place to be in Disney at night)

The drummers were performing and we loved that:

As we stood there the candy lady appeared and headed towards her stand, it was so funny, Lauren looked up and screamed “THE CANDY LADY!!!!!!” She looked at Lauren and smiled from ear to ear. We followed her over and enjoyed her show. She no longer gives out her candy but allows children to pick an animal and then will make it and pose for a picture allowing the child to hold it in the pic. Luckily both Lauren and Luke were selected for that. Luke picked a Lion and Lauren picked a dog:

The show was entertaining as always, I could listen to her all day. Here is a video I shot, again, click on the picture to see the video:

If you haven’t seen her show yet, I highly recommend checking her out next time you go, such fun!
We continued our stroll along World Showcase, we passed Mo Rockin’ and the belly dancer again, so Lauren had fun dancing:

Tim was disgusted by a lady who was smoking in the middle of the crowd and then proceeded to throw her cigarette on the ground. Tim can’t hold his tongue in situations like this so he told her to pick it up. It got kind of heated but suffice it to way she was an idiot. She actually defended her actions and said she was saving a custodian a job by throwing her trash on the ground because they get paid to do that, LOVELY LADY right!?!
We decided to hang out in France. I “had” to get Tim and I two Grey Goose Slushies and Tim and the kids went inside the bakery to use a few snack credits.

I could have sat there in that pretty area of the park all night, just love it there.
We decided we should head back because we had an EARLY morning ahead of us for the cruise in the morning.
Lauren was EXHAUSTED and wanted to take the boat back, so we took the boat and the boys walked back to the resort:

The beautiful Boardwalk Resort:

We headed up to the room:

We got our luggage all packed and ready for the morning and went to bed with visions of the Disney Dream in our heads

FOR DAY 3 (DISNEY DREAM DAY) CLICK HERE!! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41771085&posted=1#post41771085

 

[mefordis]

Such a great update! I"m so glad you decided to do a trip report for this trip! I am lovin' it!!

You made great time driving to Orlando, I must say! Would you stay at BWV again? I've read here on the Dis about other people having rooms really far away while staying there, too.

 

[3LittlePirates]

Love your trip report so far!! Can't wait to read all about your Cruise adventures!

 

[pooksma]

Enjoyed the update. Looking forward to riding the new Star Tours and finding out if Luke gets to do Jedi training as this is something Declan wants to try as well.

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Yay, I love a Tim and Lesley Trip Report!!! I think we may have been at AKL at the same time. We were there June 25-30th. We moved to BLT on the 30ths. Were you there then? We stayed in Jambo house. It was so much fun.

We live about 30 minutes from Cincy so I know what that drive to Disney is like. We drove it at night which made it a lot easier but coming home during the day time seemed to take forever.

Love your pictures of the Boardwalk. We are there the beginning of our Thanksgiving trip.

Love all the pictures of Epcot. I agree, the world showcase is so much fun at night.

Can't wait to hear about the Dream!

 

[reelmom]

Joining in just in time. Can't wait to read about your cruise.

 

[sharonW]

lovin it!!! Always wondered if you met diane from the Dis and you answered my question!! Can't get over Tim telling that lady off over the cigarette incident, disney rage!!! lol people can be so rude and inconsiderate, it never ceases to amaze!! Can't wait to hear all about the "Dream" magic!

 

[CreightonsMomma]

Great update. I really enjoyed riding Star Tours in June. My nephew was picked as the spy and he was just elated about it. Toy Story Mania is such an awesome ride. I wasn't much a fan of Hollywood Studios but it really has grown on me.

I can't wait to be in Epcot this weekend. Such a beautiful park. I cannot believe that lady and her cigarette. I hate it when people are smoking when there are children everywhere. They have area's for that. Ok, now i'll get off my soapbox.

Back to Epcot...I ate at Teppen Edo in March and I didn't think it was very good. We have a hibatchi place here in S.FL that is just incredible and I have yet to find a place that can compare. I don't think I would eat at Teppen Edo again, but I wouldn't discourage people from eating there because it is such a neat and fun experience.

I can't wait to read more about the cruise. I want to go on a cruise so bad but at the same time I am terrified of being stuck on a boat for however many days. I'm sure one day I will eventually give in.