WDW/DCL Western Caribbean Honeymoon Extravaganza!! DONE!!! - PG 51!!

[tinkerbell60]

I'm always interested to hear when someone has the opposite opinion!

One thing that we try to keep in mind, and many a fellow park guest has told us, is that our WDW experience will be completely different when we have kids. This will also come into play when Nik gets to the cruise. There are many elements that we love right now and many that we don't really appreciate - and they may very well switch places once we have a family in tow. Who knows, maybe we'll love DHS when the kids are leading the way.
But if the kids don't like EPCOT we will sell them on Ebay.

That is why you indoctrinate your kids!! Seriously, I can vouch for that. We loved WL in the beginning (still do) BUT it does not work as well for us anymore - as the kids get older and no longer fit in the bunk beds and the rooms are smaller. The Poly worked great because of the bigger rooms and the daybed. We also do 2 rooms at Pop - everyone gets their own bed and that can be a real hit.


I have to say that the general tone on this board is MUCH more polite and respectful than the other message board I frequent (non-Disney). It's refreshing.



Okay. I'm not sure if this came from a CM or from a podcast and it's impossible to see it from the low perspective (Toad is placed high up the hill, to the left). Supposedly the inscription reads, "Here lies Toad, Sad but true, He just wasn't as profitable as Pooh."
I think that says it all. But I do love that silly old bear...

That is so neat! I can't wait to look for that next trip.

Rose and Crown is....oh wait, I'm getting into SPOILER territory...

Sounds interesting......

 

[PopArtGal]

Great update!

I think it's great if that's what the stone says.

 

[WLfamily]

We still love you, Jeana! Don't worry -- you didn't ruffle my feathers!

Thank you Stephanie, your sweet!!

It's ok. We'll still let you hang out with us!

Thanks Nikki, I can't think of any other people I would rather hang out with!

I'm always interested to hear when someone has the opposite opinion!

One thing that we try to keep in mind, and many a fellow park guest has told us, is that our WDW experience will be completely different when we have kids. This will also come into play when Nik gets to the cruise. There are many elements that we love right now and many that we don't really appreciate - and they may very well switch places once we have a family in tow. Who knows, maybe we'll love DHS when the kids are leading the way.
But if the kids don't like EPCOT we will sell them on Ebay.

I have to say that the general tone on this board is MUCH more polite and respectful than the other message board I frequent (non-Disney). It's refreshing.

Thanks Tom! It's true, kids change the way you look at everything. Don't rush it though, we waited eight years to have children. You may not know this but, once you have them they don't ever leave.

 

[Born 2B a Princess]

One thing that we try to keep in mind, and many a fellow park guest has told us, is that our WDW experience will be completely different when we have kids. This will also come into play when Nik gets to the cruise. There are many elements that we love right now and many that we don't really appreciate - and they may very well switch places once we have a family in tow. Who knows, maybe we'll love DHS when the kids are leading the way.
But if the kids don't like EPCOT we will sell them on Ebay.

Okay. I'm not sure if this came from a CM or from a podcast and it's impossible to see it from the low perspective (Toad is placed high up the hill, to the left). Supposedly the inscription reads, "Here lies Toad, Sad but true, He just wasn't as profitable as Pooh."
I think that says it all. But I do love that silly old bear...

We never experienced WDW without kids, so I keep trying to convince DH that he and I need to go without the kids sometime. Of course, the kids don't like that idea at all! LOL about your comment about selling the kids on Ebay if they don't like Epcot. My kids love Epcot -- if you want to borrow them and take them there (you know, kind of like a "test drive" before you have kids of your own) -- you're welcome to!
On our first trip, Epcot and MK were our kids' favorite parks...but after our trip last month, DHS is now their favorite park (all because of RnRC). Go figure!

I love that inscription on Toad's tombstone (even if it is "supposed") -- too funny!

Day 4 ~ July 22, 2009
I had to get my favorite frozen rasberry lemonade!

We made our way back to Liberty Square for lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. Our ADR for was 11:30, which is when the restaurant opens. We definitely could've gotten in without a reservation, it was pretty empty, even when we left.

We had to wait a little since we got there early so I went upstairs to the bathroom and Tom took this picture of me, apparently doing some sort of Baby, from Dirty Dancing pose.

The main reason for this ADR was for the Tavern Fried Cheese, I had seen on Food Porn. I HAD to have it. It did NOT disappoint!

After Splash, we decided to leave and head back to the Poly. On the way out, we stopped in Exposition hall to see if we can find Mr. Toad's ride vehicle again. Here's me when I found the ride vehicle behind a random curtain in 2006.

Well, imagine my surprise when this time, I found THIS behind the curtain...NOTHING!!

​

I love the frozen raspberry lemonade -- so yummy! I could go for one of those right now. The food looks so good! Can you believe I still haven't ridden SM? My girls think it's "boring" and so they didn't want to ride it last month -- so we didn't. On our trip before that, I wasn't feeling well the day when they rode it so I didn't ride. On the next trip, they're riding it with me, whether they like it or not!​

 

[jasliv]

Yes, Disney without kids is totally different! You know those pics you just came over with, the ones with the empty glasses - replace those with baby bottles and binkys, and a bunch of advil for you!

No, really Disney is a magical place whomever you are with, especially great when you get to see the magic on the expressions of your own children, it melts your heart.
Can't wait for you to have kids to share that with!!

Jill
Ps I love my Disney gifts! Thanks so much!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yes, Disney without kids is totally different! You know those pics you just came over with, the ones with the empty glasses - replace those with baby bottles and binkys, and a bunch of advil for you!

No, really Disney is a magical place whomever you are with, especially great when you get to see the magic on the expressions of your own children, it melts your heart.
Can't wait for you to have kids to share that with!!

Jill
Ps I love my Disney gifts! Thanks so much!!

Shhhh! Don't tell anyone you got a sneak peak of the rest of Food Porn AND the cruise pics!!

 

[jasliv]

ok, i won't tell, just keep that TR going quick! i am bored!

 

[disneybarbie]

sounds like a great morning at MK!

I think SM is quickly becoming my favourite ride too, like you say... there's so much to it!

I was upset about TTA being closed too in July .. last Oct, DBF and I went on it during morning EMH... there was absolutely no line or anyone else on it.. the CM kinda look surprised we wanted to ride it, but we love it!!
I especially loved it when you hear "paging Mr Morrow.... Mr Tom Morrow".. because DBF's surname sounds alot like 'Morrow' and it always makes him jump!!

Emma x x

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Yaaay! So many updates, its so much fun!! Funny thing is you have done our exact morning plan for when we go in Jan.!! We are headed straight to FL to FP Splash, ride Thunder and HM! So happy it worked out well for you guys

I am so sad about TTA! That was the only "ride" my father in law could talk my daughter into riding! Hope it is back soon!!

Also, your lunch looks great!

The pics of you looking for Toad's car is sooo funny!!I especially like the one when the car is not there anymore!!

Interested in seeing Rose and Crown! Heard that was a great place too--especially because DH loves beer!

Glad we were able to test run your MK morning for you! Definitely eat at the Rose and Crown. Or at least stop in for a drink!

Sounds interesting......

Unfortunately, you can't find Toad's car anymore OR actually SEE the plaque in the pet cemetary.

Great update!

I think it's great if that's what the stone says.

We never experienced WDW without kids, so I keep trying to convince DH that he and I need to go without the kids sometime. Of course, the kids don't like that idea at all! LOL about your comment about selling the kids on Ebay if they don't like Epcot. My kids love Epcot -- if you want to borrow them and take them there (you know, kind of like a "test drive" before you have kids of your own) -- you're welcome to!
On our first trip, Epcot and MK were our kids' favorite parks...but after our trip last month, DHS is now their favorite park (all because of RnRC). Go figure!

I love that inscription on Toad's tombstone (even if it is "supposed") -- too funny!



I love the frozen raspberry lemonade -- so yummy! I could go for one of those right now. The food looks so good! Can you believe I still haven't ridden SM? My girls think it's "boring" and so they didn't want to ride it last month -- so we didn't. On our trip before that, I wasn't feeling well the day when they rode it so I didn't ride. On the next trip, they're riding it with me, whether they like it or not!

You HAVE to ride it! It is SO much fun!

sounds like a great morning at MK!

I think SM is quickly becoming my favourite ride too, like you say... there's so much to it!

I was upset about TTA being closed too in July .. last Oct, DBF and I went on it during morning EMH... there was absolutely no line or anyone else on it.. the CM kinda look surprised we wanted to ride it, but we love it!!
I especially loved it when you hear "paging Mr Morrow.... Mr Tom Morrow".. because DBF's surname sounds alot like 'Morrow' and it always makes him jump!!

Emma x x

Ugh, I know, I was so upset when I heard it wasn't going to be opened. Good news for us, though, we're going again in Oct and it's supposed to be open by then!

 

[anetnmike]

sell the kids on ebay Nikki, your DH is killing me! ( Tom, you will make a great Dad!)
I have to say that I have more fun when my kids are not with me because I love WDW so much. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that they enjoy it and I love being with them there. But the real selfish truth is that it is MY happy place. It was stressful when they were little. They are older now and that makes a big difference too.
In regards to the TTA- in my mind it will always be the People Mover It is one of my favs too. In Feb it was a very bumpy ride so hopefully it will be smoothed out now- more like it used to be. Do you also like the Carosel of Progress?

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

sell the kids on ebay Nikki, your DH is killing me! ( Tom, you will make a great Dad!)
I have to say that I have more fun when my kids are not with me because I love WDW so much. Don't get me wrong, I am glad that they enjoy it and I love being with them there. But the real selfish truth is that it is MY happy place. It was stressful when they were little. They are older now and that makes a big difference too.
In regards to the TTA- in my mind it will always be the People Mover It is one of my favs too. In Feb it was a very bumpy ride so hopefully it will be smoothed out now- more like it used to be. Do you also like the Carosel of Progress?

I know! It took me a long time to stop calling it the PeopleMover and I was like 13 when they redid Tomorrowland! Besides, I like saying TTA. Funnily enough, I pretty much speak in abbreviations so it didn't take me long to catch onto what everything meant here on the DIS!

Yes, we like the carousel of progress but we didn't get to it this time.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 4 ~ July 22, 2009 CONT.
PM at DTD and World Showcase​

So where was I? We left the MK, hopped the monorail back to the Poly and right on a bus to DTD to do a little shopping.

Tom LOVES this store. I, on the other hand, DO NOT!

In fact, I really hate shopping altogether unless there is something I know I need to get. Then I look for it, find it, buy it and leave. I am not a browser and I usually just hover around DH when he's looking so I decided to let him go in on his own and I took a seat down by the water, near the margarita stand...although I did NOT get one because I knew there would be plenty of drinking at dinner tonight!

While I was waiting there, I got some nice pics of the balloon that I will never go in.

While I was waiting there, in my bride ears, soaking up some sun a couple walked by me and the man said (jokingly), "He left you already?!" I said, "Funnily enough, he's the shopper! I'd rather sit outside." The woman kind of pointed to herself and mouthed, "Me too." It was a simple, passerby, comversation but I remembered it because I felt like those interactions happend a lot on this trip. Not only CMs, but just visitors like we were, were congratulating us and striking up conversations. It was really nice.

The bus ride back was BRUTAL!! It was the only bad bus experience we had this trip. We left the marketplace, stopped at PI, stopped at Typhoon Lagoon, stopped at the Contemp then finally stopped at the Poly. And I think the AC must have broken because about halfway through that trip, I realized it was so hot, it was hard to breathe! They really should have the buses only stop at ONE resort when they come from DTD, because it already makes so many stops as it is. It probably took an hour in total.

We came back to our room to find that our large elephant had given birth to a baby elephant!

We got ready for dinner, and walked to the TTC to hop a monorail to Epcot. We got there super quick!

Tom on the monorail platform.

I was happy to see the old school Epcot symbols on the gates!

I think this pictures is self-explanatory!

We went STRAIGHT back to World Showcase and got a margarita!! We ran into a random Photopass photographer and I was so glad she didn't say anything about putting down our margaritas for the picture!! I think they must only do that when you take pics with characters.

We actually ran into quite a few random Photopass photographers and I was so happy about that!! You'll hear more about those other shots, FOR SURE! In fact, there's on in particular that thrilled me beyond belief and I will most likely write A LOT about it!

Our next stop was in China. I had read in a book recently that there is a basin in the store that makes noise when you rub it, sort of like a wine glass. Well that was my mission...to find that basin and make some noise!! Well, I found it but didn't know how to work it so I asked two CMs behind a counter. First the girl came out but she couldn't get it to work!! She was getting os mad! Then the older man came over, very much like, "Let me show you how it's done," but he couldn't get it to work either!! I think this picture is hilarious! The man is trying to do it, the girl is listening intently and I'm giggling about the whole thing because I'm probably on my second margarita by then...

We were slowly making our way to the UK and, of course, stopped to take some pics along the way.

This is the exact spot where we got engaged.

We watched the candy lady in Japan for a few minutes.

Let's play "Where's Nikki?"

That's right! I'm upstairs!

Now, "Where's Tom?" He's not really hiding...

We arrived at the Rose and Crown at around 7:20 for our 7:35 ADR. There were a lot of people around the booth, either checking in for their ADRs or trying to get a walk-in so I was reeeally nervous that we wouldn't get patio seating. When we checked in, I DID request it, but of course, the woman told it it wasn't a guaruntee and gave us a pager. It went off in a couple of minutes and we were seated.......

Up Next: Did we get to sit outside???? And our meal at Rose and Crown!

 

[anetnmike]

You got engaged at Epcot?! I LOVE that!!!!

 

[daveyc150]

Keep the updates coming, i'm loving your trip report!!!! You're getting me all excited for our wedding/wdw/cruise holiday that begins in just 5 WEEKS!!!!

Check out the link below if you're interested!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Keep the updates coming, i'm loving your trip report!!!! You're getting me all excited for our wedding/wdw/cruise holiday that begins in just 5 WEEKS!!!!

Check out the link below if you're interested!

Welcome!! So glad you're enjoying the TR. I just read the first couple of pages for yours and I LOVE it already! How cool that you met working at the Rose and Crown! What are the chances?! How far away were you from each other at home? I LOVE that you guys are putting lots of pics because, as you can tell, I love pictures!

I bet you're excited for the next installment......

 

[daveyc150]

Welcome!! So glad you're enjoying the TR. I just read the first couple of pages for yours and I LOVE it already! How cool that you met working at the Rose and Crown! What are the chances?! How far away were you from each other at home? I LOVE that you guys are putting lots of pics because, as you can tell, I love pictures!

I bet you're excited for the next installment......

We only lived about 90 mins from each other so when we got back there was a bit of commuting but then we found jobs in the same area so we could move in together. And they all lived happily ever after. lol

I can't wait for you next installment, I hope you got a patio table, I always tried to make sure that honeymooners, anniversaries etc got that treat! Can't wait to hear what you ate either!

 

[PopArtGal]

Awe. so sweet you took a pic at the exact place you were engaged!

 

[tinkerbell60]

Day 4 ~ July 22, 2009 CONT.
PM at DTD and World Showcase​

So where was I? We left the MK, hopped the monorail back to the Poly and right on a bus to DTD to do a little shopping.

Tom LOVES this store. I, on the other hand, DO NOT!

In fact, I really hate shopping altogether unless there is something I know I need to get. Then I look for it, find it, buy it and leave. I am not a browser and I usually just hover around DH when he's looking so I decided to let him go in on his own and I took a seat down by the water, near the margarita stand...although I did NOT get one because I knew there would be plenty of drinking at dinner tonight!

While I was waiting there, I got some nice pics of the balloon that I will never go in.

While I was waiting there, in my bride ears, soaking up some sun a couple walked by me and the man said (jokingly), "He left you already?!" I said, "Funnily enough, he's the shopper! I'd rather sit outside." The woman kind of pointed to herself and mouthed, "Me too." It was a simple, passerby, comversation but I remembered it because I felt like those interactions happend a lot on this trip. Not only CMs, but just visitors like we were, were congratulating us and striking up conversations. It was really nice.

The bus ride back was BRUTAL!! It was the only bad bus experience we had this trip. We left the marketplace, stopped at PI, stopped at Typhoon Lagoon, stopped at the Contemp then finally stopped at the Poly. And I think the AC must have broken because about halfway through that trip, I realized it was so hot, it was hard to breathe! They really should have the buses only stop at ONE resort when they come from DTD, because it already makes so many stops as it is. It probably took an hour in total.

We came back to our room to find that our large elephant had given birth to a baby elephant!

We got ready for dinner, and walked to the TTC to hop a monorail to Epcot. We got there super quick!

Tom on the monorail platform.

I was happy to see the old school Epcot symbols on the gates!

I think this pictures is self-explanatory!

We went STRAIGHT back to World Showcase and got a margarita!! We ran into a random Photopass photographer and I was so glad she didn't say anything about putting down our margaritas for the picture!! I think they must only do that when you take pics with characters.

We actually ran into quite a few random Photopass photographers and I was so happy about that!! You'll hear more about those other shots, FOR SURE! In fact, there's on in particular that thrilled me beyond belief and I will most likely write A LOT about it!

Our next stop was in China. I had read in a book recently that there is a basin in the store that makes noise when you rub it, sort of like a wine glass. Well that was my mission...to find that basin and make some noise!! Well, I found it but didn't know how to work it so I asked two CMs behind a counter. First the girl came out but she couldn't get it to work!! She was getting os mad! Then the older man came over, very much like, "Let me show you how it's done," but he couldn't get it to work either!! I think this picture is hilarious! The man is trying to do it, the girl is listening intently and I'm giggling about the whole thing because I'm probably on my second margarita by then...

We were slowly making our way to the UK and, of course, stopped to take some pics along the way.

This is the exact spot where we got engaged.

We watched the candy lady in Japan for a few minutes.

Let's play "Where's Nikki?"

That's right! I'm upstairs!

Now, "Where's Tom?" He's not really hiding...

We arrived at the Rose and Crown at around 7:20 for our 7:35 ADR. There were a lot of people around the booth, either checking in for their ADRs or trying to get a walk-in so I was reeeally nervous that we wouldn't get patio seating. When we checked in, I DID request it, but of course, the woman told it it wasn't a guaruntee and gave us a pager. It went off in a couple of minutes and we were seated.......

Up Next: Did we get to sit outside???? And our meal at Rose and Crown!

I do not like to shop either Nikki - go in, get it, and leave!

I LOVE the towel animals - that baby elephant is so cute!!

The bus ride from DTD has been a nightmare every single time we do it!

I could not get the basin in China to work either!!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

We only lived about 90 mins from each other so when we got back there was a bit of commuting but then we found jobs in the same area so we could move in together. And they all lived happily ever after. lol

I can't wait for you next installment, I hope you got a patio table, I always tried to make sure that honeymooners, anniversaries etc got that treat! Can't wait to hear what you ate either!

Oh, there will be food porn!

Awe. so sweet you took a pic at the exact place you were engaged!

I do not like to shop either Nikki - go in, get it, and leave!

I LOVE the towel animals - that baby elephant is so cute!!

The bus ride from DTD has been a nightmare every single time we do it!

I could not get the basin in China to work either!!

What is up with that basin? Believe me, I went back and tried again!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Day 4 - July 22, 2009 Cont.
Dinner and Rose and Crown​

So when I checked in and asked for a patio seat, the woman at the check-in booth barely looked up at me when she told me it wasn't guaranteed. "Helloooooo...Look at my bride eeeears!!"

Well after a few mintues, our buzzer went off and we were told to "follow me" right around the side and in the back!! WOOOOO HOOOOOO!!! I was thinking I hope they don't mind if we stay until the show and as I was thinking that, the nice man who sat us, commented on the great seat we had for the fireworks! Thanks you, kind sir!!!

Some pics from our seat.

We started off with some bread.

Then we ordered drinks. Tom ordered his favorite British beer, Boddington's. I got a drink recommended by our waitress. I don't remember what it was but it was fruity and STRONG! Ya know those drinks that the first sip tastes so strong, you have to say "Woah, that's strong!" but once you drink it a while, it just tastes like punch? Yeah, that was this. OH and the best part was that it came in a souvenier cup!

I got the steak because I am not adventurous when it comes to food at all! It was delicious!

Tom got the Bangers and Mash and he's STILL talking about it!

For his next drink, Tom got a Black and Tan. I got another of the same.

It's starting to get dark!

Just to make it clear just how excited I was at this moment, I have to say, Illuminations is my FAVORITE nighttime show! I love the music, I love the fireworks, I love the globe, I even love the lasers! I love Epcot so much, that in my classroom every morning, I play Epcot Entrance Music while the kids come in, unpack and get started on their morning work. After that, Illuminations plays and when it's done, we can start the day.

So I was super excited to have such a great spot to watch from! They put down the umbrellas on the level below us so we had a clear view. Now I know you can see Illuminations from anywhere around the lagoon but this is the closest I ever felt to the action! Like it was a show just for those of us lucky enough to have this spot!

This is my FAVORITE part! When the spooky voice comes on and it gets all serious then he blows out all the torches and it starts almost with a SCREEEEEAM and a single firework....

Now you know how we are with pictures, the camera is in our hands and on most of the day. So I started taking a few pics but after a minute or two I said, SCREW IT! I shut the camera off and just enjoyed the show!

So after the show we were on . So happy to be in our favorite place, so happy to have eaten a fantastic meal, so happy to have just seen our favorite show from the best view we've ever seen it from....and a little drunk.

Now as you know Epcot closes when Illuminations is over and any normal person would have left the UK and gone to the right, past Canada and through Future World out with the rest of the masses exiting at the same time. Well, not us!!

Me: "Let's go the long way!!"
Tom: "Ok. But look at the sky! Those clouds don't look good. Are you SURE you want to go the long way?"
Me: "YES!"
Tom: "Okay, them I'm going to get another drink TO GO!"


And so started our walk around World Showcase in the dark, with nothing opened and hardly anyone around...just the way I like it!

By the time we hit Japan, it started raining. By the time we hit Italy, it started pouring.

It was fun! At one point we were standing under a tree to try to stay dry and it just started raining so hard, the tree was not helping at all. Finally, we decided we just had to stop and wait for it to let up because we were going to get soaked. We stopped under a roof by the bathroom in Germany. Of course, I still had my drink. Who cares if a little rain water got in there! The good thing about a souvenier cup is that I can take it with!

Where are my shoes, you might be wondering? Well, my favorite flip flops are Reefs and I wear them, exclusively, in WDW. Well, if you know anything about Reefs, you know that, over time, they mold to your feet. And if they get wet, the mold NOW. Well, I already had ONE ruined pair of Reefs that I purposely wore to the parks Monday when I knew it was raining, and I was not about to ruin another! So I took them off and put them in my backpack...and walked all the way around WS, all the way through FW, all the way to the monorail and all the way back to our room at the Poly barefoot. The drinks made it easier not to care so much about the rain OR my feet.

Up Next: Giving DHS another try....