WDW 2008, just us and the weans - NOW WITH PICS!!!

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Aaahh, the weekend! Time to lie back and relax!
Well, maybe slightly!
On the Saturday we will have a bit of a lie in. Who am I kidding - no we won't - DS is pre-programmed to wake up at 730. 8 if we're lucky.

Anyway, we'll have a relaxed morning...have an ADR for breakfast at Cape May Cafe at 1005. My favourite hotel I think! DH would pick AKL, but I think my first choice would be Yacht or Beach Club - either, I'm not fussy! (This is in our if we won the lottery/previously unknown rich relative dies and leaves us everything and we could stay anywhere dream)

We had breakfast at Cape May before and it was great - very relaxed and fairly quiet, the characters spent loads of time with us. The tables are covered in paper so the kids can draw on it! Goofy came up to us and spent ages interacting with the kids! : He wrote on the table 'Are you from Manchester?' and when we said 'No, Scotland', he wrote 'Isn't there a monster there?' The kids loved it and still talk about it!
And here's the photos! You can see what he's written - if you sort of squint...

And with Minnie too...

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I also want to hit Beach Club Marketplace in the hotel to check out the swimwear - I fancy a Disney swimsuit! Maybe something pink with princesses

After that we hit Typhoon Lagoon until our fingers prune! DS and DD want to do Crusher Gusher - so do we!!

Back to the hotel and tidy up and then onto Epcot for our 7.20 pm ADR at Garden Grill. Again one of our favs. It seemed quite relaxed before and quieter than other character meals - maybe because you're in a big circle you only see the few tables in front and behind you! Last time we were there the characters spent loads of time with us - they just kept on coming back! At one point we were like 'Enough, we need to eat now!' And our server was sooo nice, she was great with the kids and chatted away to us - all in all I think that was our favourite character meal of the trip. After dinner will maybe take in some rides then back to the hotel.

Mickey at Garden Grill

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Sunday:
Hopefully another lie in (DS you listening?) Grab a breakfast in the hotel and then hit the shops. Will probably go to Premium Outlets and spend spend spend! But not too long: DS and DD do not do shopping for too long without going psycho grumpy!

After a CS lunch will head out to try some Miniature Golf. Probably Winter Summerland as I've been reading UG and it said it's better for younger children.

Then back to the hotel, will probably hit the pool for a while and then back to Epcot for our 6.30 ADR at Biergarten. DH can't wait for this! I'll definately be driving this night as he's looking forward to his steins of beer! He's planning on buying two steins while he's there - 1 for good and 1 for everyday use. He's been researching this fully and checking out photos of steins on DIS It's the simple things!

After this we should be fully recharged and ready for the next week of fun!

Bye for now,

Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi! You will LOVE MNSSHP!!! Be careful though, the one time we did a park during the day/afternoon then went to the party we were exhausted! I highly recommend only doing MNSSHP on that day.

And yes, LOTS of adults dress up for the party ~ this is WDW remember

Hi there,
We're really looking forward to it. But AK is reasonably relaxed for a park so we won't too tired. But we've been planning this trip for 2 years so we don't want to waste a minute! Our motto for this trip is 'You fall behind...You're left behind'. harsh but fair I think. (My other motto is 'Get'cha Head In the Game', but enough of that just now)

Plus, we have a quiet weekend planned after to recover, so we'll be ok!

Still not convinced about the dressing up - but will probably grab some outfits when we're there. Either that or I'll end up wearing princess boppers and a stupid grin


Bye
Di x

 

[crmscotland]

I've really enjoyed reading this latest instalment too. I like your sense of humour/take on things. You seem to know WDW really well and have a good idea of what you are planning to do. I've got a lot of reading up on it to do before we go ( probably not till 2010!) and here on the DIS is a great place for that with the benefit of everyones experience.

I think it's good to have a plan/rough idea of what you want to do and especially for dinner at WDW. Rides wise do you tend to keep to what you planned or just see you how you feel each day?

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Mary-Ellen,
Thank you! I just love WDW and we've always had a great time its difficult not to make it happy!
It probably sounds as if we've been really anal and planned the enjoyment out of this trip, but we've really not!
We've planned the ADRs because we want to make the most of free DDP this time. Last time we went we didn't really know how it worked and Susan (our friend who went with the last time - see first post) spent nearly 60mins the first morning down at reception trying to get ADRs, and we didn't always get what we wanted.
Susan recommended the Unofficial Guide to WDW (UG) so DH got me one for my Christmas (so romantic!) and it's fab! You definately need to get one for yourself! The put out a new one every year so it's always current.
It has reviews of all the restaurants in WDW so I just went through it and picked what ones we fancied Even phoning back in May I didn't always get what I wanted!
Other than that, we've just tried to plan what parks to go to around the ADRs, so we didn't have too far to travel to them.
Once we get to the parks we pretty much just do what we fancy - we know what rides we want to do (like at MK we want to do all the mountains), but if we don't do a ride we know we'll probably get it the next time (the joy of visiting parks twice in a trip ) You tube is great as we can show the rides to the kids to let them know what they're like and if they want to try them.
Not that WDW is always fun fun fun! As our friend Michael says 'It may be the happiest place on earth but it's a place of tears!' Unusually wise words from him. It can be such an intense holiday and the kids get tired and cranky, after a very stressful couple of days during our first trip with the kids in 2004, we've learned its best to just go with the flow with them, if they want to ride - we ride, if not - we don't. Keep them fed and watered and rest whenever they get tired.
Now I'm going to bed,
Keep posting
Di x

 

[crmscotland]

Keep them fed and watered and rest whenever they get tired.

When we've been at DLRP that's always worked for both my kids and husband - keeps any of them from getting cranky.

Glad you've been able to add photos now - your twins look like they are having a great time.

 

[crmscotland]

Hope you don't mind me asking - re your trip next month where are you flying from - is it direct from Glasgow? What airline are you going with?

 

[MomofCKJ]

Hi!
I just found your PTR off a post you made on someone else's PTR. The fact that you were from Scotland caught my eye! My great grandparents came over from Scotland, my maiden name is MacKay and I hope to *someday* get over there and see your country!

So it sounds like you have a wonderful trip coming up! I love reading your plans and you have got the picture thing down now I see! LOL! I do hope check in is a better process for you this time around, eeek on the last trip!

What is the time difference from FL to where you are? Is it something like 5 or 6 hours?

Allyson

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hope you don't mind me asking - re your trip next month where are you flying from - is it direct from Glasgow? What airline are you going with?

Hi,
Yes we're flying from Glasgow, I think it's with XL air(?), we booked through travelcitydirect.com and its their airline. That's who we flew with before and they were ok, not as good as Virgin, but they're upgrading their fleet next year to all brand new planes!
Flying from Glasgow is so much easier - we flew from Manchester in 2004 - it was ok going down, but the drive back up was a killer!
Di x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi!
I just found your PTR off a post you made on someone else's PTR. The fact that you were from Scotland caught my eye! My great grandparents came over from Scotland, my maiden name is MacKay and I hope to *someday* get over there and see your country!

So it sounds like you have a wonderful trip coming up! I love reading your plans and you have got the picture thing down now I see! LOL! I do hope check in is a better process for you this time around, eeek on the last trip!

What is the time difference from FL to where you are? Is it something like 5 or 6 hours?

Allyson

Hi, Thanks for coming over!
I'm glad you're enjoying it - writing about it seems to help me stop getting over excited!
Scotland is a beautiful country and I'm sure you would love seeing where your great-grandparents came from. Just bring waterproofs - it rains...a lot!
it's been great finally being able to post my photos - DH spent hours last night finally sorting it out - he was definately Grumpy at the end, and kept muttering 'have lost the will to live', though he perked up after I made him a cuppa!
I think it's a 5 hour time difference we have, so not too bad - the Disney magic counteracts any jet-lag! Keep posting!
Di x

 

[kathleen27]

Conrats on the CRT ADR!
I have not done that yet, and would love to try it sometime.

World Showcase in daylight is on my list too!
We always end up there after dark.

Harry Potter World will be open by then as well - I'm really looking forward to that. We're BIG HP fans here

My son and I are huge Harry Potter fans. We can’t wait for HP world to open!!! Will definitely go that year!!!!

And yes, LOTS of adults dress up for the party ~ this is WDW remember

Good to hear!!! As my son said I need to dress up too!



Cape May Sounds like so much fun! I’d never heard of those tablecloths. My kids would have that covered!!!!

Great photos! Sorry they are giving you so much trouble.
Love the BBB photo!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Originally posted by Kathleen27
Congrats on the CRT ADR!

Thanks Kathleen,
To be honest I was really surprised we got it - I'd kept hearing it was practically impossible to get! DD is really looking forward to it, DS not quite so much! I'm sure I read somewhere (though I can't find it again!) that the kids get a small gift there - a tiara thingie for the girls and the boys get a sword. No doubt he'll be pleased with that!
What date have you got booked for MNSSHP? We've tickets for 19 Sep, will need to decide about the costumes!
Di x

 

[earthfaries]

Great pics!!! Your kids are so cute!!! They were having lots of fun in those pictures I saw dad too, is the fairy godmother in training you?

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Great pics!!! Your kids are so cute!!! They were having lots of fun in those pictures I saw dad too, is the fairy godmother in training you?

No! I'm the one sitting next to DD on the bus, next photo I think. DD's Fairy-Godmother-In-Training was Katie, she was great and much better at doing her hair than I am!

 

[kathleen27]

What date have you got booked for MNSSHP? We've tickets for 19 Sep, will need to decide about the costumes!

We are going two nights. Friday the 26th & Sunday the 28th.
We can't wait!!!

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Onward with the plan!
Monday is back to MK - plan to just have fun and do any rides we missed out on before. Will just get a CS lunch.
This trip we aren't going to CP - we've been twice before! The 2nd time much better than the first visit.
We were very nearly late for it as DD and myself got stuck on BTMRR when it broke down! Eventually we were all led off through the mountain by a CM. We were at the head of the queue and when another guy asked what had happened he said 'Stitch got into the control box', I don't think the guy was too impressed...some people have no sense of humour!
However, the CM was chatting to us and said he was wanting to learn how to say 'Hello and Goodbye' in lots of different languages, and how did we say it in Scotch?
Umm - 'Hello and goodbye!?' Not what he was looking for I'm sure, I don't think he realised English is our first language, and I don't know any Gaelic (except for "Slainte" -"Cheers")
It reminded me of when DH and I went on our honeymoon to New York - we were on the bus going from the airport to the hotel and were chatting to people on the bus. A woman said she was a schoolteacher from Texas and one of her pupils was doing an assignment on Scotland so she asked us some questions.
"What's the weather like?" Easy, beautiful country but it rains a lot. Then, "Do you have religion there?" and "Do you have a capital city?" I think she thought Scotland was maybe a lot more exotic than it actually is Luckily we arrived at the hotel and DH dragged me off the bus as I had started talking about how we have a Loch Ness Monster (Nessie to her friends!) but how you can only see her if you're Scottish...I was very jet-lagged!

Anyway, on with the tale.
The first time we had lunch at CP was in 2004 and it was a special treat for DS & DD as it was their 4th birthday Luckily we didn't miss our ADR, despite Stitch's best effort! The staff were really great and gave them cards signed by the characters and brought out wee cupcakes for them and sang Happy Birthday!
However, when it came to meeting Piglet it was a different story. They had seen all the other characters, no probs. Piglet totally ignored them - walked past them despite seeing them. Okay...maybe they were in his blind spot
Then, while I was up at the buffet, he did it again - hand/paw out in their face and turned and walked away! DH/Grumpy was mad - no pig is blanking his kids on their birthday Fortunately a server saw what had happened and quickly came to the rescue "I don't know what's wrong with Piglet today - he might have swine fever". Not too long after Piglet duly arrived back, accompanied by 2 servers who kept a very close eye on him! ::cop:
Fortunately, our next ADR at CP in 2006 was much smoother- no problems just a great meal and really good character interaction - though DH/Grumpy kept a very close eye on Piglet

Us at CP 2006

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After that we head to WL for our 5pm ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe - I can't wait to try the cactus margharitas, all the reviews have said it's great for kids! Think we might get the boat there and back and catch Spectro magic at 8 and Wishes at 9.

Then back to the hotel and crash!

Bye for now

Di x

 

[earthfaries]

The picture I thought was you was the one on the bus. I don't know what I was thinking

Glad CP was better for you the second time. We have enjoyed it there

I just made ressies at Whispering Canyon too, I saw a pic of the skillet in another TR and it looked good! We've been there before, very fun, but never had the canyon skillet.

Sounds like a great day at MK ~ can't wait to hear more!!!

 

[crmscotland]

I'm enjoying your PTR - l was really pleased when l saw you had posted more tonight.

Eventually we were all led off through the mountain by a CM.

Certainly made for a different experience.

the CM was chatting to us and said he was wanting to learn how to say 'Hello and Goodbye' in lots of different languages, and how did we say it in Scotch?

Och aye the noo.

"What's the weather like?" Easy, beautiful country but it rains a lot.

It certainly does!!

how we have a Loch Ness Monster (Nessie to her friends!) but how you can only see her if you're Scottish

Oh yes!

Glad Piglet (under escort!) came by.

I've heard of Whispering Canyon Cafe, it sounds great. You'll have to tell us abut the cactus margharitas when you get back.

Think we might get the boat there and back and catch Spectro magic at 8 and Wishes at 9.

Sounds like you'll have had another great day.

 

[Alysa]

I LOVE your trip report so far. My Mum's family is Scottish and it's fun to listen to. You and your friends should check out DVC since you go so often, especially since you have little ones. You could split the dues and everything. It would be great!
You have a lovely family - what beautiful kids! Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

I LOVE your trip report so far. My Mum's family is Scottish and it's fun to listen to. You and your friends should check out DVC since you go so often, especially since you have little ones. You could split the dues and everything. It would be great!
You have a lovely family - what beautiful kids! Looking forward to hearing more.

Hi Alysa,
Thanks for coming over, I'm glad you're enjoying it - will need to check out your PTR!
We thought about DVC - I had a nosy round one of the sales offices last visit, but we don't come that often that it would be affordable. Not yet anyway, soon as i marry a millionaire I'll be right in!
Diane x

 

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Mary-Ellen,
Glad you're enjoying it! I'm now feeling under pressure - I'm running out of funny stories, will just have to start making them up!

Och aye the noo.

Gonnae no dae that...Jist - gonnae no!

Will definately let you know about the cactus margharitas - I'll have a few, just to taste test of course

Di x