Two Weeks until Two Weeks! - Update 3/22 - NEW TR LINK!

[loritemp]

Ooooooh me likey the Keens!!! I just bought a pair of Chacos, last year's style so I got $95 shoes for $30. Have heard so many great things about them and so far, I love them, hope they can hold up to long days of walking!

I can't believe how many Disers will be down there at the same time, woot woot

 

[lovegrumpy]

Your so close. So Jealous!!!!

 

[wdwgirl03]

A Rapunzel tower?! I don't remember seeing anything about that! Well maybe I did. But that is awesome.

I think it'll be interesting for you guys since you'll be there when it first starts and then see what it looks like as the week progresses. You might be able to get some early festival shots. I guess I don't know though, maybe they do a good job of having everything out right away. Either way it'll be interesting!

 

[Poolrat]

2 day dance.


I so wish I could run away right now and join you.

I will have to settle for Oct and NYE!

Yup I book a room today.

Now will I keep it??? I will do what I can to make it happen.

 

[photographymom517]

(not my pic) I've heard way too many good things about this to not get it!

DELICIOUS!!!! It looks sooo good!

Let's see...what haven't we yet covered for the trip? How about Flower and Garden Festival? It starts on March 2.

I feel pretty stupid because in 2009 we were at Disney from March 30-April 3rd...does that mean that I was AT Flower & Garden and actually didn't know it??? That explains why Lady & the Tramp weren't in Italy in 2010 but they were there in 2009...LOL!!! And all of the Lion King topiaries & Alice in Wonderland were there in 2009 but not in 2010...wow, I'm amazed at myself now. Why am I just figuring this out now? I must look so stupid to everyone! At the time, we had NO idea about special events at Disney & I hadn't been there since 1998 so I guess I have a slight excuse

I did get to see the butterfly garden & we missed it so much on our 2010 trip!!! It was like something was missing!!! Luke loved watching them fly around!

During our trip both Genevieve Gorder and Lisa LaPorta from HGTV will be on property doing various demonstrations.

Wow! I am super, super, super jealous now!!!! Not only am I jealous that you are going to Disney for 2 weeks...but you might see Genevieve Gorder!!!! I love her!!!!

If you want a picture with Lisa & feel like you will be a giant, why not try to get a picture sitting on a ledge? There are plenty of pretty walls at Epcot especially during Flower & Garden!!!

There are several areas I want to see:

• Bambi's Butterfly House - Future World Imagination Walkway
• Toy Story topiaries - Spaceship Earth
• Cars topiaries - World Showcase Plaza
• Winnie the Pooh & Friends topiaries - between Future World and World Showcase
• Healthy Living Garden & Kids play area
• Rapunzel's Tower - between Germany and Italy
• Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden & play area

And of course, I want to walk around the World Showcase and just enjoy every single exhibit and topiary! I'm most excited about the tea cups with the herbs in them, I think those are adorable!

Those all sound amazing!!!!

I think that Henry will love the Toy Story & Cars topiaries!!!

For those of you who have gone to the F&GF, any tips or things that shouldn't be missed?

I've read alot of trip reports where people have bought alot of neat stuff at F&GF!!!

So, I'm going to say that "shopping" cannot be missed!!!

ETA: I got a new pair of Keens today! I really like 'em!

Those look great!

Replies are above in red!

Can I do the 2 day dance a little early since its almost Thursday now????

WOOHOO...2 DAYS!!!!!

​

 

[mrsksomeday]

How the heck did I not see this?? I feel so bad . I am going back to read everything. I hope you have a magical trip.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Caught up on the last few days!

First, Happy Two Days Until Disney!!!

Great souvenir list, and I can't wait to see all the gorgeous pictures you are sure to take at the Flower and Garden Festival!!! Yes, Charles does love his Teppan Edo. Hope you enjoy it there just as much!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I went to Flower and Garden last year with my son who was 6 at the time. The butterfly garden was the one thing he really enjoyed. Beautiful. I loved the topiaries. So well done. We really didn't tour it too much beyond those few things. Not a big "to do" for a 6yr old boy. Looking forward to seeing your pictures of what we missed.

Ya, I'm thinking H will get a bit antsy if we do too many of the workshop type things - maybe we can get away with the hands-on thing since he loves to "help" us still. (though, he does NOT like us helping him! ) And I will try to hit the exhibits near the play areas so we can "baby swap" if necessary.

I saw some pictures online last night of a few of the toipaires as they are already bringing them out. No new ones yet, but what is there is so exciting - I'm going to SEE them!

yah i will try but my nerves usually get the best of me what r your thoughts on Rockn' rollercoaster?

Looooooove it! I truly love thrill rides! The only roller coaster I haven't ever liked in my life was Kingda Ka from Six Flags NJ.

I can't wait to see what you think of F&G! We will be there in April, so it will be in full force by then. I am looking forward to the beautiful pictures I know will be coming!

Nice new Keens!

Oooh, it will be fun to compare the pictures from the start of the festival to April when it's right in the middle! I'll try to report back with good details for ya!

Can't wait to hear your Teppan Edo and Kona reviews. Those will both be first for us next trip!

Cute new shoes!

I hope I am able to say both were amazing since most every review I have read says they are! I'll be sure to take good notes!

Thanks! I really like the style, it's very different than anything I already own too.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I so wish I could jump in your suitcase!!!

Your plans look great- you are going to love the F&GF. My favorite part was just walking around seeing all the topiaries, they are so pretty! I remember David really liked the butterfly garden, and the fairy playground was neat too. The one thing that sticks out in my mind was how HOT it was, but I think we went end of March/early April, so you should be fine.

That's awesome that you can add the dining plan as you need it like that! How does it work that you can stretch it over 2 days? That dinner at Kona looks very yummy! I've only eaten breakfast there.

I've been meaning to post that we finally have the Shamrock Shakes! I had one today- I saw on FB that you did too! They are so good!

I don't know if it's too late to take a request for merchandise or not? I would love to get David that little bus set that Henry loves so much! If you can't do it, no problem.

3 more days!!!

Big Bessie Suitcase is pretty big - I think a few DISers could fit in there! And hopefully I will share enough of the magic via FB if will feel like you are right there with me!

Well, not really - nothing compares...but I'll try!

The weather for our trip is looking amazing! The first week, which is obviously more accurate, is all in the low 80s for highs, upper 60's for lows. The second week is in the 70's high/50's low. I'm so looking forward to not needing my winter jacket!

It works over 2 days because you get the credits on the day you check in through the day you check out since they are per night. So, I'm getting DxDDP for the night of the 8th, they are good from the start of the 8th, through 11:59 of the 9th. Does that make sense? Because they run the DDP for each night, this is a huge perk for the DVC'ers!

Yes! I had a SHAMROCK SHAKE! Henry was beggggggggggging to go to the mall and McDonalds yesterday, so I told him we'd go if we didn't take the stroller, a first. We stopped at McD's first and I ordered and was just standing there waiting and boom! I saw it! I was elated! And, Henry did AWESOME without the stroller. It's quite a bit of walking too! He also sucked down about half the shake.

Yes! I can do the bus set, no problem! It's not too late. I'll PM ya.

Happy 3 days!!!!!!!!

Now that looks really good!!!! We have always hit Kona for breakfast but I have read quite a few dinner reviews and they always sound so good!

I'm really looking forward to it! It does get great reviews. We are keeping a walk-up for breakfast in the back of our mind since we both love it too. We were just talking last night about the coffeeeeeeeeeeeee. I told Joe about you sitting there with a pressed pot - he loved that idea!

You are gonna leave us hanging like this? Then we are going to have to wait for a 2 week trip to be over before you start a TR to find out?

Wrong... just wrong.

I know, I know. I'm awful.

That is my idea of a great way to end a night!

We debated on going to DTD, but meh-that's boring!

We meant to stop in here last March but we ended up running out of time.

These are all really cool to see!

We usually just walk around and see all the topiaries and buy cool garden stuff like this...

You have somewhere to put this stuff in your apartment????

Oh! Look at that stuff! So cute. I have seen that Mickey gnome so many times, I had forgotten about him though! And strangly enough, we DO have outside space! 500 square feet inside, but! we have a garden! (that the landlord keeps up too, even better!)

I just might have to pick up a little something for the garden....

Look MA... no hair!!!!!


(Sorry Liesa... )

Oh too funny!!!! Poor Liesa will NEVER live that down despite posting numerous pictures of her feet!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Ooooooh me likey the Keens!!! I just bought a pair of Chacos, last year's style so I got $95 shoes for $30. Have heard so many great things about them and so far, I love them, hope they can hold up to long days of walking!

I can't believe how many Disers will be down there at the same time, woot woot

Nice deal on the Chacos! I haven't tried those yet, but I'd like to sometime! Perhaps when I have to replace my Crocs....

There are a ton of DISers down there, it's crazy! I keep "meeting" more and more people that will be there.

Your so close. So Jealous!!!!

It's incredibly hard to believe we are TWO days away. 2!

A Rapunzel tower?! I don't remember seeing anything about that! Well maybe I did. But that is awesome.

I think it'll be interesting for you guys since you'll be there when it first starts and then see what it looks like as the week progresses. You might be able to get some early festival shots. I guess I don't know though, maybe they do a good job of having everything out right away. Either way it'll be interesting!

I pulled all that F&GF info off AllEars...so hopefully it's accurate! I think the Rapunzel tower would be really cool too!

I saw pics online last night that they have already started to bring stuff out - a few of the toipaires, Beauty & the Beast, a couple Mickey/Minnie ones and a few others. We will probably end up in Epcot our first evening for dinner, so I'll take pics of what I see for sure!

 

[brookelizabeth]

2 day dance.


I so wish I could run away right now and join you.

I will have to settle for Oct and NYE!

Yup I book a room today.

Now will I keep it??? I will do what I can to make it happen.

Yay!!! Where did you book?

I really hope ours sticks. I almost want to go in late July with our church more because our APs will still be good, BUT, time-off/$$ wise, December works out better. I just hate forking over the moola for passes.

We shall see what happens. I need a job first.

DELICIOUS!!!! It looks sooo good!

I feel pretty stupid because in 2009 we were at Disney from March 30-April 3rd...does that mean that I was AT Flower & Garden and actually didn't know it??? That explains why Lady & the Tramp weren't in Italy in 2010 but they were there in 2009...LOL!!! And all of the Lion King topiaries & Alice in Wonderland were there in 2009 but not in 2010...wow, I'm amazed at myself now. Why am I just figuring this out now? I must look so stupid to everyone! At the time, we had NO idea about special events at Disney & I hadn't been there since 1998 so I guess I have a slight excuse

I did get to see the butterfly garden & we missed it so much on our 2010 trip!!! It was like something was missing!!! Luke loved watching them fly around!

Wow! I am super, super, super jealous now!!!! Not only am I jealous that you are going to Disney for 2 weeks...but you might see Genevieve Gorder!!!! I love her!!!!

If you want a picture with Lisa & feel like you will be a giant, why not try to get a picture sitting on a ledge? There are plenty of pretty walls at Epcot especially during Flower & Garden!!!

Those all sound amazing!!!!

I think that Henry will love the Toy Story & Cars topiaries!!!

I've read alot of trip reports where people have bought alot of neat stuff at F&GF!!!

So, I'm going to say that "shopping" cannot be missed!!!

Those look great!


Replies are above in red!

Can I do the 2 day dance a little early since its almost Thursday now????

WOOHOO...2 DAYS!!!!!

​

Yes! Do the 2 day jig!!!! Just thinking about "two days" sends me into a slightly panicky mode. I've got to seriously get some stuff DONE!

Don't feel stupid about not realizing you were at the F&GF! It totally makes sense if you didn't know anything about the festivals - I wouldn't have known either. On our first trip we did our MK day on a MNSSHP day - and when we were told we had to leave at 7pm I was so confused (and a bit MAD!). I had no idea what that was all about! If we had known, we probably just would have purchased tickets and kept going in the park! All well!

How bland Epcot must have looked when you returned in 2010 compared to what you thought was "normal"!

I think you are very right about shopping! I had forgotten about all the unique items they sell during the festival! We don't have much room, but we do have a garden, so I think a little something would be fun!

 

[brookelizabeth]

How the heck did I not see this?? I feel so bad . I am going back to read everything. I hope you have a magical trip.

Oh, don't feel bad! It hasn't been going for that long. No worries!

Caught up on the last few days!

First, Happy Two Days Until Disney!!!

Great souvenir list, and I can't wait to see all the gorgeous pictures you are sure to take at the Flower and Garden Festival!!! Yes, Charles does love his Teppan Edo. Hope you enjoy it there just as much!

I'm so looking forward to taking pictures of the F&GF and loving them all year long! It's going to be so refreshing to be around GREEN and FLOWERS since everything here is still gray.

I am thinkin' we will enjoy Charles' "country" quite a bit!! I haven't decided yet what I'll get - everything looks yummy!

 

[Avery&Todd]

ok, I have to say that all your excitement about your trip in 2 DAYS and all the fantastic lists you've made (I am a list lover!! ) and talking about all the great things you've got planned for those 2 wonderful weeks in WDW - while we're all stuck here waiting for you to get back..

has made me want to start planning MY next trip to WDW..

however, its not until June 2012....

*sigh*....

 

[brookelizabeth]

Two Weeks from Today...March 10.

Today...guess what?

Yep.

We don't have any solid plans.

One thing that will be a good fit for tonight will be the Chip & Dale Campfire over at Fort Wilderness. We will take the boat from the CR over. We will either go to the WL and eat dinner at Roaring Forks, or we will go straight to the Fort and eat at their "to go" place. Then we will play/walk around until the campfire starts. This looks like a lot of fun and it's pretty much a MUST DO! on my list. (and I've made that abundantly clear to Joe )

So one thing that I have wanted to share, but haven't yet is our list of activities we want to do around the resorts! Often times we don't totally feel like we've taken advantage of all the amazing amenities at the Disney resorts, so this trip we definitely want to do at least some of the things.

First up - the Boardwalk!
1) Rent Surrey Bike

Joe has wanted to do this since our first trip. I've always been able to avoid it... It's time though. PLUS, I know it will be good exercise! Taking the bike out around the BW/BC/Swolfin area will be beautiful --- and might even be fun.

2) Swim!
We have to swim if the weather cooperates (and so far it looks like it will!). George, the Glowtastic Clown, is under refurb while we are there...so, oh shucks...they are saying "if" we want a slide we can go use SAB.

Uh...okay!

We have told Henry about the sand that is part of the pool and he's SO excited. We tell him, "Remember the clown pool?" "Yes" "What will be different about it this time?" "It closed." "Right, we can use a different pool. What is special about that pool?" "SAND!"

3) Spend time in Community Hall
And...I know where it is!!!!!! (if you didn't read my last TR, let's just say Momma had a bit of a meltdown trying to find the stinkin' Community Hall at the BW and it was, quite literally, right around the corner....) The brief time we spent in here last trip was fun - Henry loved playing with all the toys. They have all sorts of activities and things for people of all ages.

4) Watch Boardwalk entertainment
We only spent a few minutes doing this last trip. I hope to watch at least one entire performance!

5) Arcade
2 boys. 'Nuff said.

6) Welcome Home Wednesday
We had a great time here last trip, so we will probably do it again while we are at the BW!

7) Play in the sand

This is very important. Henry remembers the BC beach quite clearly. We are even bringing some of his sand toys this time. I'll chill on a beach chair while he digs. Yep, sounds pretty good to me!


Now, onto BLT!
1) Swim

They have a great little splash area for little ones too.

2) Community Hall
I'll admit, I don't know where it is in BLT. This might get interesting...

3) BLT Tour
We did this last trip and enjoyed it. It's not high on the list since we have already done it, but it's fun - so if we are feelin' it, we'll do it again!

4) Grill out
We have grilled a meal out on a few of our DVC trips and it's always nice to have a yummy meal outside on a picnic table! Joe loves to grill too, and he didn't do it at all last summer.

5) Sea Raycers

This is going to be a surprise for Joe! He loves this kinda stuff...and I just tolerate it. So I'm going to send him and Henry out for a 30 minute adventure! Plus, if we go before Noon we get a 20% off with our DVC!

4) Watch one of the nightly movies poolside
Doesn't that just sound lovely? We might do this over at the BW/BC too/instead.

5) Arcade

6) Fireworks from the Top of the World Lounge
This is a MUST on Joe's list! And really, mine too - I'd be a bit disappointed if we didn't squeeze this in during our stay.


I can't imagine us getting all these things done, but I like to keep 'em all on the list!

What are your favorite things to do at the resorts?


As many of you know from Facebook, yesterday I happened to be at a McDonalds and got my beloved Shamrock Shake. I will probably still hunt one out during our trip while we have a rental car though!


TWO DAYS!!!!

 

[Native NYer]

I love your Keens!
My nephews always get a couple of pairs each summer. I think I may have to try them for me.

The Community Hall at BLT is on the first floor. When you enter BLT from the parking lot, go down the hallway on your right. It's down a little bit and will be on your left. It's on the CR resort side of the building.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

2 DAYS!!!!

Okay, more excitement is in order!


Your resort lists look completely doable. I would absolutely want to go back to Welcome Home Wednesday, too. Considering the super fantastic prize you won last time!! I never got to comment on your TR about the picture session with Henry. The pictures turned out absolutely wonderful!! I'm glad the photographer listened to you, it made the pictures awesome!

Well, I cannot really tell you what exactly I would do around the resorts because we really don't do much around there........ I swear it's all DH's fault due to his commando style touring. I know that in April we'll probably be doing the same thing, but in October, we're staying at AKV, and I really want to do some resort touring. Also, we'll have an 18 month old with us, 18 month old + Commando Touring= I'll have to get some extra tips from you since you've stayed at Kidani before and you've gone with a toddler.

Hooray for the SHAMROCK SHAKE!! I've never had the opportunity to get one, but I'm sure they are fantastic! I also read that Henry did a non-stroller trek to the mall! Way to go H!

So how are you going to sneak in the Sea Raycers? Just say one morning, "Hey Joe, I've got a surprise for ya!" How awesome is that going to be!!!

The closeness is palpable, can you feel it???

 

[glennbo123]

for 2 days!

6) Welcome Home Wednesday
We had a great time here last trip, so we will probably do it again while we are at the BW!

Hey, leave some of the prizes for the other people this time.

 

[that's nice]

The weather for our trip is looking amazing! The first week, which is obviously more accurate, is all in the low 80s for highs, upper 60's for lows. The second week is in the 70's high/50's low. I'm so looking forward to not needing my winter jacket!

I was thinking you better not waste all that nice weather the first week... you should save some of those warm temps for week two!

I know, I know. I'm awful.

We debated on going to DTD, but meh-that's boring!

Oh! Look at that stuff! So cute. I have seen that Mickey gnome so many times, I had forgotten about him though! And strangly enough, we DO have outside space! 500 square feet inside, but! we have a garden! (that the landlord keeps up too, even better!)

I forgot how much the gnome was.... I want to say $30?? WOW. I already forgot. Mel loves him. Every time someone comes over the house Mickey gnome gets to welcome them!

Oh too funny!!!! Poor Liesa will NEVER live that down despite posting numerous pictures of her feet!

NEVER!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I envy you getting to see the Flower & Garden Festival. It used to go all the way through the end of May and we were able to see it. Over the last few years, they've cut the days back drastically and we miss out on it.

I think you're resort "to do" lists are very doable, especially since you're going to be there for 2 weeks. We like renting the surrey bikes and taking them for a spin around the resort. We also like to rent the sea raycers but they don't go very fast at the CBR so we're thinking about maybe renting at another resort.

We have never been to the campfire but I bet Henry will love it! It sounds like fun for the little ones.

 

[bellebookworm9]

One thing that will be a good fit for tonight will be the Chip & Dale Campfire over at Fort Wilderness. We will take the boat from the CR over. We will either go to the WL and eat dinner at Roaring Forks, or we will go straight to the Fort and eat at their "to go" place. Then we will play/walk around until the campfire starts. This looks like a lot of fun and it's pretty much a MUST DO! on my list. (and I've made that abundantly clear to Joe )


First up - the Boardwalk!
1) Rent Surrey Bike

Joe has wanted to do this since our first trip. I've always been able to avoid it... It's time though. PLUS, I know it will be good exercise! Taking the bike out around the BW/BC/Swolfin area will be beautiful --- and might even be fun.

We have told Henry about the sand that is part of the pool and he's SO excited. We tell him, "Remember the clown pool?" "Yes" "What will be different about it this time?" "It closed." "Right, we can use a different pool. What is special about that pool?" "SAND!"


4) Watch Boardwalk entertainment
We only spent a few minutes doing this last trip. I hope to watch at least one entire performance!


As many of you know from Facebook, yesterday I happened to be at a McDonalds and got my beloved Shamrock Shake. I will probably still hunt one out during our trip while we have a rental car though!

The campfire sounds super fun! I'd love to stay at Ft. Wilderness someday.

I also want to rent a surrey bike from the Boardwalk & watch some entertainment. I'm thinking our first night there we can make it happen. Just a note-bring a license to rent the bike; my roommate and her brother rented one in January and she was asked for ID, so she had to go back to her room to get it. She also said they caught a bit of air time when they put on the brakes before a dip, I think near the Swolfin.

I'm really excited for the sand in Stormalong Bay too! And the lazy river! And the pirate ship slide! Really, what's not to be excited about?

I saw the picture of the Shamrock shake and laughed. My mom and grandma are coming to visit tomorrow and I think a trip to McDonald's may be requested. But of course, our McDonald's here in cow town isn't all that great and they might not have them.