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

[SoonerGirl]

Are you going to be there during the launch? Joe made sure our December dates covered the launch date so he would catch it this time because we TOTALLY forgot about the launch this time. Plus, it was POURING RAIN, I forgot to mention that in this last update. See what not taking notes on the last day does for me!

Anyway, if we love KSC, we'll probably go back in December to experience the launch.

Unfortunatly we won't be there for the launch. Since DS12 started Jr. High, we can't take him out of school, he would just miss too much and I wouldn't want him to have the stress of trying to get all that work made up right before the end of the semester. Not to mention, he would miss basketball, and if we told that child that he was going to have to miss a basketball game (or two) he would come UNGLUED! As it is, he will be missing some practices over Christmas break, but hopefully he'll have a coach that is understanding and won't penalize him for it.

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Awww, your trip is over! Your dinner at Le Cellier sounds yummy!! DH and I are having dinner there in March for the first time! Coffee rubbed steak sounds delicious!!

I sure you can't wait to get out of sub-zero and back into the Florida warmth! I was kind of hoping we'd bring some warmth back home. it was 80 most of the week last week and tomorrow it's supposed to be 15 here. Not a nice difference!

 

[julezdisney]

Ok, Brooke! After, like, two weeks of reading. I'M ALL CAUGHT UP! You have written a most superb TR. I have loved re-living your memories with you!

 

[kkayluvsdis]

Hi There! I just started reading your TR (only at page 5) and I'm really enjoying it so far! My DD ended up bringing these dwarfs home from our trip in November. She loves taking them in the tub with her I find it funny that a very girlie 2 year old would be taken with 7 funny looking little men

Your son is sweet. I'm sorry about him getting sick at Chef Mickey's but it sounds like you handled it well and that the characters really made up for it-see, you won't only have memories of vomit! Ahh..the joys of being a Mommy! When we were in Disney last April my DD (20 months at the time) ended up getting a stomach bug--you know throwing up on the Disney buses is not such a magical thing! Okay, sorry, enough vomit talk! I'm going to keep reading. -Kelly

 

[brookelizabeth]

Unfortunatly we won't be there for the launch. Since DS12 started Jr. High, we can't take him out of school, he would just miss too much and I wouldn't want him to have the stress of trying to get all that work made up right before the end of the semester. Not to mention, he would miss basketball, and if we told that child that he was going to have to miss a basketball game (or two) he would come UNGLUED! As it is, he will be missing some practices over Christmas break, but hopefully he'll have a coach that is understanding and won't penalize him for it.

I hope he does have a coach that is understanding, I know I hear stories of some coaches that if you miss any practices you are cut from the games. I understand that, but also think it makes it really hard on the family, should they want to vacation or should a family event pop up.

I will report back on how KSC is - I was a bit surprised at the cost of admission, I hope it's worth it!

Awww, your trip is over! Your dinner at Le Cellier sounds yummy!! DH and I are having dinner there in March for the first time! Coffee rubbed steak sounds delicious!!

I sure you can't wait to get out of sub-zero and back into the Florida warmth! I was kind of hoping we'd bring some warmth back home. it was 80 most of the week last week and tomorrow it's supposed to be 15 here. Not a nice difference!

LeCellier was fantastic! I loved that steak! And Joe loved his as well. I hope you enjoy it just as much as we did.

I REALLY hope it gets back into the 80s down there! That would be wonderful. It's been in the 60s this week, which isn't bad, but I would love to be strutting around WDW in January in shorts!

I think we are supposed to be above 0 FINALLY tomrorow.

Ok, Brooke! After, like, two weeks of reading. I'M ALL CAUGHT UP! You have written a most superb TR. I have loved re-living your memories with you!

Thank you! I'm so glad you have enjoyed it! Just a half day and some wrap-up stuff left. I'm bummed to be almost done, but excited to write a new one very shortly!

Hi There! I just started reading your TR (only at page 5) and I'm really enjoying it so far! My DD ended up bringing these dwarfs home from our trip in November. She loves taking them in the tub with her I find it funny that a very girlie 2 year old would be taken with 7 funny looking little men

Your son is sweet. I'm sorry about him getting sick at Chef Mickey's but it sounds like you handled it well and that the characters really made up for it-see, you won't only have memories of vomit! Ahh..the joys of being a Mommy! When we were in Disney last April my DD (20 months at the time) ended up getting a stomach bug--you know throwing up on the Disney buses is not such a magical thing! Okay, sorry, enough vomit talk! I'm going to keep reading. -Kelly

Welcome! Glad you are enjoying the TR! Those dwarfs would make excellent bath toys!! That is funny about a girlie girl wanting to bring home the funny looking men!

Chef Mickey's was an ordeal - but turned out to be one of the best memories of the trip. And makes for a HILARIOUS story to re-tell. Completely unforgettable. But just wait, there is more of that coming shortly!!!!!!

I am SO glad nothing ever happened on the Disney busses. Oh my, that is NOT magical at alllllllllll. Oh man. You poor woman!

 

[brookelizabeth]

If at all humanly possible, it was colder today than the other day.

Here was my Google homepage this morning, around 8:00 am.

High of -6 my foot! The warmest I saw it all day was -14.
Tomrrow is supposed to be above 0! Break out the flip flops!



And then Joe called me into the foyer to show me this:

Yes, that is SNOW in our 70 degree home.



And check this out:

ICE INSIDE OUR HOUSE!




Five days,
Five days,
Five days,
Five days,
Five days,
Five days,
Five days,
Five days!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Ice IN your home!!! That's insanity!!! Thank goodness for five days!

 

[brookelizabeth]

We left off with the whole family falling asleep after our delish meal at LeCellier.

The next morning was check-out day. Our Disney vacation was coming to an end, just as we really felt like it had finally started.

Henry woke us up that morning, and got ready in our traveling garb, and we finished packing our bags, I took a ton more pictures of our room and the WL.

I think there is something just wondeful about Disney hallways.

Taken from a window down the hall and around the corner from our room

A view out of one of the hallway windows.

This was near a set of the elevators close to our room.

In case anyone wants to know - the clocks have a dock for your iPod.

The very comfy chair I spent a couple evenings in writing in my trip journal.

"My" chair

A balcony close to ours - I wanted to get this picture so you could see how big the balconies were. Not too big, but big enough for 2 people comfortably.

I LOVE this picture. He looks so cute and little, yet grown up with his haircut. And sooooo happy!

Eventually we were all packed and ready to go. We called to have our luggage picked up and then headed out the door, aiming for Roaring Fork for our last breakfast in Disney World.

I don't recall if I told you all about the "Incredible Magical Bubbling Fountain" in the lobby of the WL - I believe I might have mentioned it - but each time the elevators would open, we would be face to face with the little stream and bridge in the lobby, along with the bubbling fountain, and each time Henry would let out a little shriek of joy. He that fountain!

So this morning, since we weren't headed to the parks and had some time to just be slow, we took Henry out of the stroller and we explored the lobby area a bit, which he had a blast doing!

His little face all lit up and excited!

The next series of pictures I find myself looking at more than any others from our vacation. Henry wasn't quite walking yet while we were there, he actually learned how to stand up in the middle of the room on his own (without needing something to balance on) while we were at WDW. VERY soon after we got home he turned into a walking pro. In these pictures he still needed my hand for balance...okay, Momma is gonna start crying now...

Look at his face, so joyful and beautiful! Ooooh.......Holding onto Mommy for balance...

He even has bigger feet now, he can't wear those shoes anymore!

I am excited about him growing up, I am!! But, oh geez, it's exciting and SO hard at the same time.



Alright, alright, back to the TR.

We soon made it over to Roaring Fork. That morning I opted for the oatmeal, mixed with berries and a bit of brown sugar and raisins. And I can't remember what Joe had at all because I didn't take pictures!

The oatmeal was AWESOME. I couldn't believe oatmeal could be that good! I have no idea how they make it, but man. So so good. Maybe it was the fruit and brown sugar? Or me just being super hungry? Or maybe just because it's in WDW it tastes better.

Henry had his normal yogurt, YoBaby! (ordered from GardenGrocer.com) and we had 1 yogurt left over from the week. I noticed another baby in the dining room, so I approached the Mom with the 1 yogurt we had left (it was still sealed), and asked if her little one liked them. The Mom was SO grateful, and exclaimed her little girl LOVED YoBaby! I was happy to pass it on and not see it go to waste. Plus, I know, with a whole week of park food/desserts galore, it's nice to feed your child something healthy that they love.

After breakfast we decided to explore the grounds since we really hadn't had a chance so far....

Continued in next post

 

[jaycns]

Alright missy, I just got choked up over Henry's sweet little walk with you on the bridge. Thanks for sharing that great memory with us. YES, they do grow up WAY too fast! That's what pictures and trip reports are for...to capture them. They are like min time capsules for when your baby is no longer a baby.

And WE LOVE YOBABY here too! Very nice of you to pass one on!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

Henry would not, for anything, look at me or smile. I tried making noises, dancing, anything to get his attention. I have no idea what he was staring at with that look!

The awesome Disney details

The hoof prints came from the forest area

Surrey bikes

Henry's BFFs

The play area Henry never got to play with...sorry babes!


And then we noticed the time, the geyser was about to go off, so we hurried over to that area and waited.

Very soon the geyser erupted!

After a bit we found ourselves curious about the Villas...so we headed that way, we were now owners, so we didn't feel strange about exploring and being curious!

Their pool was much smaller, but quiet. There are little bubbling fountains in it.

I loved the front porch area with the benches and rocking chairs

The lobby area of the Villas was very nice - it was separated into a few different cozy rooms, each with chairs, couches, etc. It was very inviting and relaxing...made me want to come back with a book and spend several hours curled up in one of the chairs or couches...

I did curl up for a few moments!

Continued in next post

 

[brookelizabeth]

Continued from previous post

After a bit of exploring we noticed the time.

It was THAT time.

Very soon, it would be time for ME to pick us up.



We slowly walked toward the front of WL, taking a few pictures along the way, attempting to make the trip last just a bit longer...

I saw the DVC sign and had to get my picture!

Almost to the pick-up point...

And finally, we were there. Waiting for ME.

And I found the buffalo! I had seen many pictures of these two on the DIS, but hadn't noticed them all week until this moment!

Far too soon that white bus rolled up and the small crowd that had gathered filed onto the bus. I was happy to see it was a Disney bus this time, stretching that Disney magic with the farewell video just a bit more!!

We arrived at the airport without any problems. I know there are many people that don't like ME, but I LOVE it. I love that I don't have to concern myself with rushing to the gate or being on time. Or driving to the airport. Or getting lost. Or ANY of that. I don't mind being 3 hours early - though, I do mind leaving WDW early - so if I could somehow have the best of both worlds...

Joe, Henry and I decided we would explore the lunch options at MCO before going through security. By looking at a map, I realized they have a Ramono's Macaroni Grill. YUM! We love this place, so it was an easy choice!!

The service was "eh", but the food was GREAT. Here are our meals...

Guess who got the pizza?



WRONG! It wasn't Joe - it was ME! Joe was floored when I said I was going to get the pizza. And I was surprised he didn't!

And Henry got

He loved his as well.

Our meal came to an end and we ventured through security without an issue, and I made a quick bathroom stop. I looked around in the restroom, and after spending quite a bit of time in Disney bathrooms I truly realized I was not in Disney World anymore. This bathroom was normal public. Not Disney public. Sigh. Double sigh.

After my bathroom break, and realization, we found our gate for Continental Airlines.

We were only sitting there a few moments when they announced a delay on our flight. I quickly made my way to the counter to inquire about our connecting flight - the attendant assured me it would only be a short delay (due to a problem with a window) and we would have no problem getting to our connection. Whew!

Back to my seat.

About 20 minutes later they make another announcement, the plane would be delayed longer. MUCH longer.

So back to the counter I go.

The attendant, who was fabulous, assisted me in switching flights. We would be flying Continental to a different connection point, then we would have to switch airlines to Northwest to get us home.

No problem, right?

But, what about our luggage?

Oh, that won't be a problem, they haven't even gotten the luggage in order for the current flight. The attendant called down and spoke directly to a baggage handler, I could hear his response of getting the bag and moving it to a different flight.

All was good. (right?)

So, Joe, Henry and I moved down a few gates to the other Continental flight. I walked to the desk, as instructed, and explained what happened, and the VERY VERY unfriendly attendant informed me there would be absolutely zero way we would get to sit together.

I explained that we have a 1 year old. It would be very difficult with just one of us dealing with the baby.

She snottily replied that many families were split up due to the other delayed flight, etc, etc, etc.

I took my papers and walked away. I was done with that woman.

I understand, I get it. I do. But really, could you tell me in a somewhat relatively nice tone?! Is it that hard?!

We really aren't in Disney World anymore, are we?

I sat down and waited with Joe and Henry.

About 3 minutes later the rude woman called me up to the desk, shouting my name (incorrectly) over the intercom.

Oh, low and behold, they found seats for us together!!

I thanked her and went back to Joe to finish out our wait, which was only a matter of moments until they called something over the intercom that made near the entire crowd waiting, laugh out loud.

"We will now begin boarding. Any families with children under the age of 4 are now allowed to board."

As you can imagine, the line of families with children under 4 stretched to Guam! I think near the entire waiting area lined up!

We made our way onto the plane - and found that not only had they found us seats together, but we got our own row. We were VERY grateful for that. It makes things much easier with a squirmy 1 year old.

The flight was painless....until we landed....

Up next: I hate Northwest Airlines

 

[brookelizabeth]

Ice IN your home!!! That's insanity!!! Thank goodness for five days!

I know it! Thankfully the snow melted, and the ice is gone on one window, but not on the other. Our temperature guage is giving us an error again, which means it's colder than -21.

(The DIS went down for a few minutes while I was posting my update - now suddenly when I went to post that little "No" smiley it threw me off because he's in a different spot! )

Alright missy, I just got choked up over Henry's sweet little walk with you on the bridge. Thanks for sharing that great memory with us. YES, they do grow up WAY too fast! That's what pictures and trip reports are for...to capture them. They are like min time capsules for when your baby is no longer a baby.

And WE LOVE YOBABY here too! Very nice of you to pass one on!

You so know how it is right now, don't you?! You are right about pictures (and video). I love writing down tiny things he does too on our calendar so we can look back and say "remember when...."

YoBaby is a STANDARD around here. Henry LOVES LOVES LOVES his yogurt. We have to sneak it into the cart when shopping otherwise he would want one RIGHT then in the middle of the grocery store if he saw the little containers. I love that it's healthy, organic and made with whole milk too.

 

[Mocharilla]

Aw, your TR is almost done.

But, your trip is so soooon!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Aw, your TR is almost done.

But, your trip is so soooon!!!

Soooooo soon!!!!!!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I couldn't resist in making another countdown calendar for our upcoming trip. Thanks to Cammie I had PLENTY of leftover Mickey Heads, even after making a 60 day countdown for the November trip.

Here is my wee little countdown:

Not nearly as well done or exciting as the last one. Matter of a fact this one is done on the back of a legal pad. But, hey, it works!

And Henry still loves pulling the Mickey's off!

And one last picture - one I love...last Saturday morning, watching the Imaginiation Movers. He was also all ready for Handy Manny with his tool box!

Check out that hairdo too...

 

[ILuvCrush]

I'm so sad that your TR is about done!!!

What a wonderful last morning though!! I'm so glad you wandered over and took some pics at the Villas! I'm adding that to my DVC plan it'll have to wait a bit...cause I'm already 'planned' well into 2010

I hope that you're gonna do a TR for the trip in 4 days!!! I can't imagine how excited I'll be for my 1st trip home in july!! I wanna live it thru you 1st...and get all the tips and tricks to SSR!!!

paula

 

[Vexorg]

I'm a bit late to the proverbial party here, but I finally made it through the whole thing (not in one sitting though...) Talk about thorough! Wilderness Lodge looks like a great place too, and Henry sure is cute in these pictures.

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love Henry's looks of sheer delight and happiness as you explored WL!

Maybe Disney should have their own airline -- that way the Disney friendliness can extend to your departure -- sorry, about the snarky lady.

I am so sad that your TR is almost over .

 

[RachelTori]

Great use of Home Depot Mickey Heads!!

Sounds like quite an adventure getting home. And now you're just about ready for your "new" adventure heading back!!!

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm so sad that your TR is about done!!!

What a wonderful last morning though!! I'm so glad you wandered over and took some pics at the Villas! I'm adding that to my DVC plan it'll have to wait a bit...cause I'm already 'planned' well into 2010

I hope that you're gonna do a TR for the trip in 4 days!!! I can't imagine how excited I'll be for my 1st trip home in july!! I wanna live it thru you 1st...and get all the tips and tricks to SSR!!!

paula

I am well planned into 2010 too.... The Villas at WL look very peaceful. I LOVED the hotel, so I can imagine having a villa there would be even more magical.

I will be doing a TR for our trip! I am so excited to have a 1 bedroom villa with a kitchen and laundry! Not that we will be doing much cooking OR laundry, but just to have those extra ammentities right at our fingertips will really make things easier, smoother and more relaxed. I am really looking forward to our nights-in that we have planned. A night-IN at Disney World?!!

I have more Villas pics too if you are interested, I will post them all.

I'm a bit late to the proverbial party here, but I finally made it through the whole thing (not in one sitting though...) Talk about thorough! Wilderness Lodge looks like a great place too, and Henry sure is cute in these pictures.

Welcome! Never too late - or fashionably late - whichever you prefer. Believe it or not, there are things I COMPLETELY forgot that I will correct/add in my wrap-up. It was quite a trip! This next trip (FOUR DAYS!) will be a bit more calm, so I expect a few less adventures, but more chill-time with the family, of which, I am very excited about!

The WL was awesome, very, very awesome. It's beautiful. You forget you are just across the lake from MK because it feels remote.

Thank you for the compliement on Henry!

I love Henry's looks of sheer delight and happiness as you explored WL!

Maybe Disney should have their own airline -- that way the Disney friendliness can extend to your departure -- sorry, about the snarky lady.

I am so sad that your TR is almost over .

We had a really good time exploring the resort and regretted we hadn't done it earlier in the week - thus prompting Joe's desire for a much slower calmer trip this time around, less park time, more resort time.

I love your Disney Airline idea! I would gladly fork over extra money to Disney if we got that kind of service. Along with a selection from CHH, Caseys, and various Epcot CS for food to be served on the plane....too bad they are a really smart company and would probably never go into airlines because they all go bankrupt!

I'm sad that my TR is almost over too - BUT, that means we are headed back!

Great use of Home Depot Mickey Heads!!

Sounds like quite an adventure getting home. And now you're just about ready for your "new" adventure heading back!!!

Thanks! I still have some left over too - she sent me over 100!!!!

Oh, and the adventure back home has just begun...