VWL Groupies...yes, we love the Lodge!!

[Muushka]

And......

Happy Birthday Nicoal13!!

Where is lunch???? Can we take the Sassagoula river cruise somewhere????

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

So I was whining on Facebook about how badly I could use a trip to Disney right now and I got this response from one of my friends..."Thats what you think. Then you get here and wait in every line for 90 min with an 18 month old stinker."
She obviously doesn't know me very well! I would stand in line anytime with an 18 month old stinker as long as it is at Disney!

Happy birthday Nicoal13!

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Oh and Tom Morrow

 

[MiaSRN62]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOAL13 !!!​

 

[MiaSRN62]

I'm with ya DLI !!! ANY time in Disney is better than a regular day at home ! Will your FB friend allow us to hijack her trip and wait in those lines with her 18 month old ?!!!

 

[twokats]

Happy Birthday, Nicole
Hope it was the best.

 

[twokats]

Universe of Energy

 

[jimmytammy]

Villas at Wilderness Lodge

 

[horselover]

Whispering Canyon

Wilderness Lodge!

 

[horselover]

Granny! we're overlapping again! Maybe this time we can work out a meet? Just me this time so my schedule is very flexible. I'll PM you!

 

[bagsmom]

Happy Birthday Nicoal! (A day late!)

Regarding the 18 month old stinker. Are we talking "stinker" as in toddler behavior? Or literal stinkiness? It's been years since I've dealt with poopy pants and I'm not sure I'd be up for it!

So DH and I were talking budget. (Always so very fun.) The villa is virtually paid for at this point. Tax refund is partially going for park tickets. Now I have to come up with some creative ways to finance the extras. (Being able to eat out here and there, souvenirs, etc.) When you look at us on paper, we should NOT be going to WDW, but it is happening! Our kids are at just the right age to go again before becoming full-fledged teenagers. We are going!

So I'm thinking big garage sale. I have mostly junky stuff, but I do have a few antiques that I could part with. Even if I only got $200, I'd have cleared out some stuff and that's money to go out and eat with.

But garage sales are SOOOOOO much work.

Anyway, that's where we are, at 109 days from our vacation!

 

[bagsmom]

To all of you experts... care to weigh in on Illuminations? We are going in the summer, and the prospect of walking through big crowds after is scary to me!

Should we stake out a bench early, then just sit on it till the crowds have thinned out after?

Should I try for a res. at the Rose and Crown?

We will have our own car...

We will be done exploring the park between 7 and 7:30, so that should be just about the right time to stake out a spot. My kids are old enough that they will be fine with reading, playing cards, or playing with their electronics for a while.

What do you think? Any tips or fabulous strategies for me? Thanks!

 

[twinmom108]

Fishing EXcursions

 

[Muushka]

To all of you experts... care to weigh in on Illuminations? We are going in the summer, and the prospect of walking through big crowds after is scary to me!

Should we stake out a bench early, then just sit on it till the crowds have thinned out after?

Should I try for a res. at the Rose and Crown?

We will have our own car...

We will be done exploring the park between 7 and 7:30, so that should be just about the right time to stake out a spot. My kids are old enough that they will be fine with reading, playing cards, or playing with their electronics for a while.

What do you think? Any tips or fabulous strategies for me? Thanks!

We love viewing Illuminations from a nice dinner at R&C. That would be my first choice if I had never done that before.

Good luck!

Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

 

[jimmytammy]

Zebra Domes
with a whole lotta bold MMMMMMMMMMMMs!!!!

 

[jimmytammy]

To all of you experts... care to weigh in on Illuminations? We are going in the summer, and the prospect of walking through big crowds after is scary to me!

Should we stake out a bench early, then just sit on it till the crowds have thinned out after?

Should I try for a res. at the Rose and Crown?

We will have our own car...

We will be done exploring the park between 7 and 7:30, so that should be just about the right time to stake out a spot. My kids are old enough that they will be fine with reading, playing cards, or playing with their electronics for a while.

What do you think? Any tips or fabulous strategies for me? Thanks!

Keep this under your hat
We go to the bridge that crosses from France to UK, International Gateway bridge I believe it is called. Go closer to the UK side, get as close to the rail facing towards show as you can, maybe 15' in after bridge begins to cross water(to verify this, look over bridge where boats enter. This is where they park the boats to view during Illums. cruise. Thus it affords a very great view of the show. We have arrived with 10 mins to spare and been able to see very well, depends on time of year. Arrive 30 mins prior to set your nerves at ease, if you wish. After the show, you can mosey towards front or you can walk to BW area, depending on where you park(you didnt hear me say that either)

 

[jimmytammy]

To all of you experts... care to weigh in on Illuminations? We are going in the summer, and the prospect of walking through big crowds after is scary to me!

Should we stake out a bench early, then just sit on it till the crowds have thinned out after?

Should I try for a res. at the Rose and Crown?

We will have our own car...

We will be done exploring the park between 7 and 7:30, so that should be just about the right time to stake out a spot. My kids are old enough that they will be fine with reading, playing cards, or playing with their electronics for a while.

What do you think? Any tips or fabulous strategies for me? Thanks!

As they say, one mans junk, anothers treasure. DW has been able to sell stuff on Ebay with some success, also Craigs List is a good place as well. I say give that a try also.

 

[Nicoal13]

Thank you all for the sweet birthday wishes! Had a great lazy morning with my DS just hanging out at home. Watched a movie, did a craft with him. Then DH came home, surprised me with a lovely emerald necklace that DS helped pick out. Went to dinner with friends and for a few drinks. Got to sleep in today and headed to a dinner and a hockey game tonight.

Hmmm, for my birthday lunch....I like either WCC or 50s Prime time Anywhere in the world would be great, especially if I got to meet you wonderful Groupies!

Speaking of which, I am about 90% certain that DS and I will be headed to the world at the beginning of Dec. Need to get another trip in to use those DVC PAPs! Now to decided if I want to borrow my Feb 14 UY points for this trip or rent....I hate to borrow. Plus if I had to cancel we would have to use them before Feb 1st or lose them.

Bagsmom - I would stake out a spot if have a prime spot is important to you. I enjoy Illuminations, but you can see it pretty well from most spots around the WS lagoon. You can always get a bench, enjoy a snack and a beverage. Go to the caramel store in Germany. Delish!! We always wait to start walking until the crowds have thinned as well. Usually by the we can walk at our own pace and just enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[bagsmom]

Thanks, everyone!!!!!

 

[Linda67]

Hey everyone

Quick question for those that have ever been to Disneyland

I'm staying at the Disneyland Hotel but I was thinking of spending a little time at the Grand Californian, maybe for drinks or dinner

It looks kind of like the Lodge from pictures (although I don't think it seems as homely!)

Anyone visited there? Will it give me a little of the Lodge feeling that I am craving