Up, down and all around...a trip we will NEVER forget - COMPLETE 1/19

[brookelizabeth]

Ummm...no TR yet.

I'm hoping to start it this afternoon. I spent most of yesterday uploading pics in prep...and I've got more to go!

I realized you hadn't started your TR after I clicked on the link in your siggy, started reading and though "Hmmm...this sounds familar..." then I noticed the date! Well, when your TR is started, I will be reading!

Feel free to ask questions if you get confused. I have had 4 DVC trips so far so I think that I know many of the ins and outs.

My trip was awesome! No I haven't posted too much about it yet. I have just been too buried at work since I got back. I was hoping to download my pictures this coming weekend, but it looks like I may have to work.

Yes, I guess that I will have 2 trip reports going at once since I haven't completed my November one yet.

I will keep it in mind to come your way if I get confused with the banking/borrowing etc. Thank you!

I know what you mean about work-that is why my TR has been lacking this week as well. Just when we had 2 calm days, the "fires" raged again today. Thankfully I don't have to work this weekend, that totally stinks!

I am so far behind on reading people's TRs. I'm subscribed to many, but can't keep in in reading and writing my own. Maybe after Christmas I'll have a whole Saturday that I can dedicate to DIS!

It's amazing how far those points will stretch!!! I was excited I got to make the ressie for my 1st trip "home" to Kidani in November We were going to go over Thanksgiving, but it was better for me and my brother to bump it up 2 weeks (we both have set work schedules that are 12hr shifts, so if you hit the "wrong week" the amt of vacay time neened is insane!!) But by moving it up 2 weeks, I saved almost 70 points!!

We're getting a 2BR dedicated Savanna... Yep it would be a lot less to get a standard, but its DBr and Family's first ever trip... and I'm so excited that we can do this for them

Paula

That is so fantastic about taking your DBr and his family! And I'm with ya on the 2 BR Savannah. When we take our friends that is what we are doing too - HANDS DOWN. It will be worth the points for their enjoyment! Your brother is very lucky to have a sister like you (and one with DVC! )

And total score on saving 70 points and PTO!

 

[ILuvCrush]

hI bROOK!!

We are both nite owls!!

I like the plans you have for Jan.. or lack thereof. I find I'm more willing to think in terms of 'winging it' now that I have DVC and I know I'll be back there often. That, of course, doesn't mean I actually won't plan

I think you did a good job w/ the DVC summary

Your DH is the sweetest! that's so nice that he remembered that AND went thru the hassle of getting it!!

Paula

 

[MeMom]

It is so nice to do the parks early, while everyone else is asleep. You pretty much just walk on to everything and go around again if you want. Then as the crowds build, you are leaving to go resort hopping or to DTD or back to your own resort to rest and swim. In the evenings, all refreshed, as the day crowd is filing out, you're going back in for a fun-filled evening under the stars.

But don't tell anyone the secret!

I hope you will love a Disney Christmas!
Starting today, I have two weeks out of school, and I'm wondering why in the world I don't have a trip planned.

Then I look at my bank account, and I am quickly and painfully reminded why.

 

[Flossbolna]

We also plan to have a DISMeet on our DHS day (Monday, the 26th) with Flossbolna (and her friend)! I’m very excited to meet her!!

That would me!! I am very excited to be featured in your report! And I am really looking forward to meeting you and Joe and Henry of course - I got your PM and will reply shortly.

I love your mug and it is so sweet of Joe to make all this effort to get it! The Minnie one is great, too, I got it for a good friend of mine.

I think it is a great idea to go in December to see the decorations! It will give you more time between trips, so you are spreading the Disney Magic over more time.

On and I absolutely agree with MeMom on how to best tour the parks: I love mornings at the parks because they are sooo peaceful!

 

[kschafer]

Joe wanted a “looser” trip. He really likes unplanned days.

boy am I glad you added that second sentence because I read the first one as "Joe wanted a LOSER trip" Yes, I was a bit confused about what that would look like

So exciting that you are planning a christmas trip! Also so sweet about joe getting you that mug!

 

[queenofthehill]

This TR is LOOOOOOOOOOOOOGGG. And I'm loving every second of it. This is one of the most entertaining ones I've read. Hotel,Dinig,Parks...what more can I ask for. Thanks for sharing.

 

[SoonerGirl]

How sweet was that of Joe to get you that mug?! My DH would NEVER go to all that trouble to get me something like that. He's thoughtful, but not that thoughtful, you're a lucky girl!

I think your January plans sound great! You know you'll be going back, so going with the flow seems like a great idea. I'm also so jealous that you are going around Christmastime next year. I want to see WDW all dressed up for the holiday so bad, I'm currently working on the Disney Grump for next year, but so far I'm striking out - I'm not giving up though!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Wow, what a thoughtful gift! And going for the holidays!!! How magical!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Your DH is soooo sweet!!! Your loose plan looks great!! I think with more frequent trips then once every 2 years or even once a year it's easier to take it easy! Plus, January should be less crowded so you'll be able to do more in a shorter amount of time!

Can't wait to read about ketchup

 

[disneydusted]

Thanks for explaining about the DVC... we still ponder it.
Your plans are starting to shape up. I am with you, I like to plan out my trip so you are very brave to be winging it but I think you will have some great surprises along the way. It's coming so quickly!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

That is so sweet that he got you that mug.

I am so glad that you are using your points too! What fun!! I think a Christmas trip would be lovely!

 

[brookelizabeth]

hI bROOK!!

We are both nite owls!!

I like the plans you have for Jan.. or lack thereof. I find I'm more willing to think in terms of 'winging it' now that I have DVC and I know I'll be back there often. That, of course, doesn't mean I actually won't plan

I think you did a good job w/ the DVC summary

Your DH is the sweetest! that's so nice that he remembered that AND went thru the hassle of getting it!!

Paula

I was up WAY too late last night/this morning, it took everything out of me to get up this morning for work. But sometimes, I just can't resist the DIS.

I am exactly the same way-after we bought DVC I relaxed so much, and as our plans continued to be completely detered, I found myself saying "All well, we'll be back soon!" I also found myself more relaxed and enjoying the trip more...but that could have been also due to the sickness finally letting up!

I couldn't stop hugging and smooching him when I unwrapped the mug, I was just in awe.

It is so nice to do the parks early, while everyone else is asleep. You pretty much just walk on to everything and go around again if you want. Then as the crowds build, you are leaving to go resort hopping or to DTD or back to your own resort to rest and swim. In the evenings, all refreshed, as the day crowd is filing out, you're going back in for a fun-filled evening under the stars.

But don't tell anyone the secret!

I hope you will love a Disney Christmas!
Starting today, I have two weeks out of school, and I'm wondering why in the world I don't have a trip planned.

Then I look at my bank account, and I am quickly and painfully reminded why.

I promise, I won't tell anyone your secret!

I wish we were morning people. We even tried to hit RD this trip and missed it everytime. I bet when Henry gets older and realizes he'll be up and raring to go earlier though.

Your next trip is after your new little Granddaughter will be born, right? It will come quickly!!

That would me!! I am very excited to be featured in your report! And I am really looking forward to meeting you and Joe and Henry of course - I got your PM and will reply shortly.

I love your mug and it is so sweet of Joe to make all this effort to get it! The Minnie one is great, too, I got it for a good friend of mine.

I think it is a great idea to go in December to see the decorations! It will give you more time between trips, so you are spreading the Disney Magic over more time.

On and I absolutely agree with MeMom on how to best tour the parks: I love mornings at the parks because they are sooo peaceful!

Where did you find the Minnie mug? I don't recall seeing it at the CR shop.

I thought about the same thing about the distance between the trips. This one is coming SO fast - for the one in December I will have more time to plan and will have that Disney Itch good and strong by then.

In ways, I wish we were morning people to experience the parks like that-maybe someday! But in other ways, I love the lazy slow mornings and late nights.

boy am I glad you added that second sentence because I read the first one as "Joe wanted a LOSER trip" Yes, I was a bit confused about what that would look like

So exciting that you are planning a christmas trip! Also so sweet about joe getting you that mug!

Hmmm...a LOSER trip might be hitting every bathroom at AK, using 9 giant Chef Mickey's napkins to wipe up baby vomit... Just kidding! We had a great time despite all that! (and it gets tamer here real soon, thankfully)

Joe is a keeper. Forever and ever!

This TR is LOOOOOOOOOOOOOGGG. And I'm loving every second of it. This is one of the most entertaining ones I've read. Hotel,Dinig,Parks...what more can I ask for. Thanks for sharing.

Don't read my PTR-it's even longer! Too many months to plan=one MASSIVE PTR. I'm glad you are enjoying though-welcome! A few days left!

How sweet was that of Joe to get you that mug?! My DH would NEVER go to all that trouble to get me something like that. He's thoughtful, but not that thoughtful, you're a lucky girl!

I think your January plans sound great! You know you'll be going back, so going with the flow seems like a great idea. I'm also so jealous that you are going around Christmastime next year. I want to see WDW all dressed up for the holiday so bad, I'm currently working on the Disney Grump for next year, but so far I'm striking out - I'm not giving up though!

I was SHOCKED by the mug. For most things I have to say: "I want THIS for Christmas." and point it out. For our anniversary I sent him a link to a restraurant I wanted to go to and said, "I want a jewelery box and to eat here for our anniversary." and that's exactly what I go. For him to remember how much I liked the mug, and to do all that...very unlike him! I hope he's turning over a new leaf though! But, even without all that, I am still a lucky girl!

Keep working on your Disney Grump...whittle away at him... Maybe make it into a Florida adventure, much like your California adventure?

Wow, what a thoughtful gift! And going for the holidays!!! How magical!

I am very excited about seeing all the beautiful decorations and the Osborne Lights!!!!!!

Your DH is soooo sweet!!! Your loose plan looks great!! I think with more frequent trips then once every 2 years or even once a year it's easier to take it easy! Plus, January should be less crowded so you'll be able to do more in a shorter amount of time!

Can't wait to read about ketchup

That is what I am seeing too-just the knowledge that we will be back on a regular basis makes the relaxed trips more appealing to this planner. I think it will make a nice balance for our trips. We plan to pretty much always go in the Value season only for the lower crowds....at least until Henry is older and out of a stroller.

Ketchup coming soon!

Thanks for explaining about the DVC... we still ponder it.
Your plans are starting to shape up. I am with you, I like to plan out my trip so you are very brave to be winging it but I think you will have some great surprises along the way. It's coming so quickly!!

You are welcome on the DVC info. The more I read and learn about it, the more happy I am that we are owners! I am looking forward to experiencing the rooms in 32 days too! It's coming up sooooo quickly. I think with the laid back trip we will find ourselves "stopping to smell the roses", and notice things we never have, which makes trips usually even more magical.

That is so sweet that he got you that mug.

I am so glad that you are using your points too! What fun!! I think a Christmas trip would be lovely!

Ya...I love my man! It really is one of the best gifts I've ever gotten, just because of all the legwork behind it!

You guys, along with MeMom's pictures just sucked me right into wanting to spend those points!! I know we'll be alright in points for the future as well, we will still have enough to bring our friends and family.

 

[Flossbolna]

I think I have seen the Minnie mug at so many places now. I still know that the first time we saw it was in Disneyland in 2005. I think I finally bought it at World of Disney in DTD this January. But I have seen it in many parks at WDW, too. There always seems to be one shop that specializes in mugs.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I think I have seen the Minnie mug at so many places now. I still know that the first time we saw it was in Disneyland in 2005. I think I finally bought it at World of Disney in DTD this January. But I have seen it in many parks at WDW, too. There always seems to be one shop that specializes in mugs.

Thanks for the info! I'll keep watch for it.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Right before I took the detour into DVC Dreamland, I had mentioned Joe and I were tearing through our new DVC materials when Henry snoozed away in the Pack n Play.

If you recall, our tour began after our late lunch, and went for three hours. By the time we made it back to WL I was pretty hungry, but didn’t want to spoil my dinner-we had ADRs that evening at Whispering Canyon Café right in our lovely hotel’s lobby.

I asked Joe if he wanted to split a CS.

Nope. He wasn’t all that hungry. His stomach was still a tad mixed up, but mine was figuring itself out again.

Off I went down to Roaring Fork to see what tempted my tastebuds. And back I came with

4 Cheese Flatbread, Itzakadoozie, Ice Caribou Coffee

“Pizza?” asked my loving dear husband.

“Yep!”

He was a bit amazed I went for pizza, and disappointed that he knew his stomach wouldn’t be able to handle it along with dinner so he couldn't share.

Also please note the BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING silver container in my picture. That is none other than Iced Caribou Coffee!!!!! Caribou Coffee is my favoritest coffee shop chain. I have no clue if they reach much beyond Minnesota, but they dot the landscape here more than Starbucks.

Anyway, MUCH, MUCH to my bliss I found these gems in the cooler case, bottom rack, kinda in the middle (in case you wanted to know ) at Roaring Fork. My eyes about popped out of my skull in amazement when I saw them and I seriously count this moment as a bit of Pixie Dust! I was that excited. (And even happier my stomach was going back to normal, so I could enjoy it!)

Joe was surprised and thrilled as well. He shares my Caribou Love.

I ate about half the pizza (yumm-o!), and had zero problem polishing off the Itzakadoozie and that lovely iced coffee.

After a while Henry woke up and played in the room and we enjoyed the view once again from our balcony.

We freshened up for dinner and headed down to the lobby to check-in at Whispering Canyon Café.

We had a short wait, took advantage of the time and explored the lobby a bit more.

The awesome WCC chandlier at check-in

In the entry area there is a bridge that goes across the 2nd or 3rd floor

Even this is themed!

Quickly we were called and taken to our table. As we followed the hostess through the main dining room we were confronted with dozens of children riding on stick ponies. We smushed ourselves to the side a bit and let the bucking broncos pass. Our table was not in the main dining area, but just off-just outside of the action. Which was okay with me, since we could still see and hear it.

Our waitress took our drink orders and we both ordered water and the smoothie of the day, which was Mango Colada.

Holy yumminess!

Our cornbread came – good stuff – and we placed our order.

While we munched and sipped we saw our first call for ketchup. There was a long table in our little area and their waitress called into the main dining hall…

“WE NEED KETCHUP! KEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-TCHUP! ANYONE GOT KETCHUP?”

And soon came a parade of small children, each bearing a smile and a bottle of ketchup.

They placed the ketchup on the table of laughing adults and soon a good portion was filled with ketchup bottles!

I had read about this, but it was very fun to see in person. I can’t wait to take Henry here when he is older and can participate in the pony rides and the ketchup parade!

Soon our meals came

Mine - Prime Rib, mashed potatoes and vegetables

Joe's - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables and one giant fried tomato!

Everything was fantastic. I was in awe of the size of my steak. I swear, it was bigger than my head. (Which if you knew me in real life, I measure quite a few things by the size of my head. Which, I'd say, is larger than average. Same with Joe’s. And Henry’s, geez louise! It’s been off the baby charts since 3 months old. It’s muy grande! Which was expected. Mom’s got a big head, Dad’s got a big head, big head’s certainly run on Dad’s size (the whole family knows it). Henry’s got a big head. The steak was close to the size of mine.)

One gigunda steak.

Alright, enough about head sizes.

Our waitress came by and noticed we had just picked at our food. When in reality, we hadn’t, but it sure looked like it! We were stuffed to the gills! Even though I was feeling overall better, between WW and our stomach illness, there was no way we could eat the entire plate. I just told her “Oh, the food was fantastic, we are just light eaters.” It was so much easier than explaining our earlier tour of the Animal Kingdom restrooms. She nodded and took our dessert orders, which we requested to-go. Joe got deep dish apple pie and I got a fruit plate. (no pictures at this time! )

The service, after this, slowed waaaaaaaaaay down. Where oh where did our waitress go? Henry became fussy, no waitress. Joe eventually took Henry out of the restaurant and I believe it must have been the manager, noticed, and came right away to deliver the desserts and settle the bill. He apologized and very soon our waitress showed up, also apologizing and holding about 10 of those little books that hold the bills. Seems all her tables decided they were done at once! Poor woman. Totally not her fault, and they handled it well, so I still tipped her nicely!

With our goodies in hand we made our way back to our room. It is here I want to note two things before I forget:

1) WL has MAD fast elevators! We literally counted 3 seconds max between when we pushed the button to call the elevator before it arrived. It was wonderful!
2) Every time we exited the elevators and faced the little bridge that goes over the steam in the lobby, Henry would shriek. He just loved it! (I have some pictures of us on the bridge later in the TR)

We relaxed in the room for a bit, talked, played and watched TV, and very soon it was Henry’s bedtime. He was more than ready to go to bed, despite his late afternoon nap. This night was the first night of our trip he actually went to bed at his normal bedtime of 8:30 pm.

Joe and I took our ritual balcony break until he was asleep and then I snuck off for a photography tour of the lodge. I used to do a lot of photography, but since the world has gone digital, I haven’t really dove back into it. Just before our trip we had purchased a very nice Digital SLR camera, so I was looking forward to learning how to use it and really find some time to experiment. Tonight was that night!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

I went straight outside to capture the lodge in all its beauty with the lights on.

And just as I was wrapped that up and thinking about heading inside, the Electrical Light Parade started. So I ran down to the beach and place the camera on a table next to some stranger and managed to get a couple decent pictures, which made me thrilled since it's not the easiest thing to capture.

I love the patriotic part at the end-I'm such a sap, I tear up!

After the parade, I decided to go back to the room-I didn’t want to leave Joe for too long. On my way, I took a picture of our room

and I found a cute little guy

And then got seriously distracted by the lobby. It’s breathtaking. I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures.

And then a few more.

Then some more.

Well, not the lobby, but taken on a balcony just off the lobby.

And more.

I found myself slowly climbing the stairs up and taking pictures from all angles.

One last lobby level picture-so pretty!

I eventually reached the Conceriage Gate and knew I could go no further. So back down to the floor 3 I went to find my room.

When I came inside Joe was asleep. I felt badly at first because I know he doesn’t like to go to bed without me, but, I shook that feeling off, he knew I was on a photography adventure and I knew he was fine with it. He woke up slightly and I gushed my excitement about the fun I had and the pictures I was able to capture!

I fell asleep that night with a smile on my face, glowing in the magic that is the Wilderness Lodge and Disney World. It really was a wonderful evening for me, stirring up my old photography skills and taking real time to capture some photographs I love.

Up next: A cookie, a Castle and a spin in a teacup

And a quick sidenote, Joe and Henry are watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse this Saturday morning. Henry is sitting on Joe's lap, enjoying his Mickey! It's so cute.

 

[kschafer]

Ooh, the wilderness lodge is so beautiful. I dream of being able to stay there someday.

WCC looks so fun. We had ADR's in June but ended up not going. This is on my must do list for the next trip! DS even promises to participate in the pony parade and ketchup ritual

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, your night time photography tour looks just lovely! I think I am going to have to steal that idea. The pictures are just beautiful.

WCC looks good, I think that is on the list for December 2009.

 

[Flossbolna]

great update! We will be dining at WCC in January - I love the skillet. It might not be the best barbecue, but when you come from a country that does not do barbecue, WCC is exciting ethnic food!!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Beautiful pics!