We braved the 4th!!! AND the rain...and the crowds??? 7/1-7/8 BOOKED NEXT TRIP!!!!

[photographymom517]

I read your entire trip report yesterday! I was so proud of myself for finishing all of it!!!

I absolutely all of your videos!!! I watched every single one of them! It was great to "see Disney" through your videos! I miss being there already...and we were just there in June! LOL

Thank you for the explanation of how to post pics through Shutterfly. That is very very helpful! I will quote your response on my TR because we were all trying to figure out how to do it. We all currently post pics through Photobucket, but have ALL our pics already on Shutterfly...so this will make things easier for all of us! I haven't tried it yet, but your instructions were super easy to understand! Thank you!!!

I also wanted to tell you that I had a similar issue with the Minnie ears on my trip! I saw someone with the black sequin Minnie ears & I just HAD to have them! I searched everywhere to find them! The silver ones are super cute too! (I ended up finding the black sequin ears at the hat shop on Main St at the MK.)

Great report!!! Oh, thanks also for telling me that you've stayed at POR since you were a teenager! If I have any questions for our trip next year, I will be sure to ask you or look at one of your TR's to get info!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I read your entire trip report yesterday! I was so proud of myself for finishing all of it!!!

I absolutely all of your videos!!! I watched every single one of them! It was great to "see Disney" through your videos! I miss being there already...and we were just there in June! LOL

Thank you for the explanation of how to post pics through Shutterfly. That is very very helpful! I will quote your response on my TR because we were all trying to figure out how to do it. We all currently post pics through Photobucket, but have ALL our pics already on Shutterfly...so this will make things easier for all of us! I haven't tried it yet, but your instructions were super easy to understand! Thank you!!!

I also wanted to tell you that I had a similar issue with the Minnie ears on my trip! I saw someone with the black sequin Minnie ears & I just HAD to have them! I searched everywhere to find them! The silver ones are super cute too! (I ended up finding the black sequin ears at the hat shop on Main St at the MK.)

Great report!!! Oh, thanks also for telling me that you've stayed at POR since you were a teenager! If I have any questions for our trip next year, I will be sure to ask you or look at one of your TR's to get info!

Wow, I can't believe you read the whole thing already!! So glad you liked it! Too bad the videos are all warped still. I'm kind of mad at shutterfly for that, especially considering that I paid to have them on there!

Glad I could help with your shutterfly...hopefully it works!

Isn't that funny about the ears?! There are some things that you get sick of because you see it so much in the stores and then some things that are like a needle in a haystack!

Definitely feel free to ask anything about POR! I'll be glad to try to help! This is the only TR that I have staying at POR. The last time I stayed there before this was 2006 and that was before my days of writing TRs!!

 

[PopArtGal]

Awesome montage Nikki! I love it! Plus I love Glee and BaTB hehe

 

[BippityBoo]

I love your videos!! Great music...LOVE GLEE!!! Especially found delight in your Test Track photo with the American flags.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Awesome montage Nikki! I love it! Plus I love Glee and BaTB hehe

Thanks Christy!

I love your videos!! Great music...LOVE GLEE!!! Especially found delight in your Test Track photo with the American flags.

Thank you! I had so much fun waving that American flag all over Epcot that day!

Glad you liked the videos!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Had a mini-dismeet today!

Met up with Ellen (podsnel) for lunch in the town right between my town and hers. Had Mexican (no margaritas, unfortunately! ) and walked around town for a little.

It was so nice to chat in person about our trips, our families and the people that we both know, being that I work in the school district her children attend. (I actually ran into her yesterday at the high school for the traditional opening day meeting for the district staff. (I was so excited when I spotter her, I literally pushed some coworkers out of my way so I could catch her to say hello before she walked by!) She was there because they introduced her as one of the PTA presidents who, if they are anything like the PTA at my school, are all saints! She seems like the perfect person for the job! )


It really is such a small world that we live so close to each other! I wish more of my DIS friends lived close-by, as I would love to meet up with so many of you!

We took a quick pic so hopefully Ellen will be along to share it!!

 

[Stefy]

Sounds like you had a great time with Ellen, it really is cool that you live so close and can meet up

 

[Tracy161]

I tried the recipe from Ohana for bread pudding that you had made a while ago and... it was delicious!!! It was a major hit at our Labor Day picnic yesterday, I'm glad that you planted the idea in my head!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Sounds like you had a great time with Ellen, it really is cool that you live so close and can meet up

It really is so cool!

I tried the recipe from Ohana for bread pudding that you had made a while ago and... it was delicious!!! It was a major hit at our Labor Day picnic yesterday, I'm glad that you planted the idea in my head!

Oh awesome!! Soooo good, right? My MIL is obsessed with it! She's been giving me the guilt trip for not making it for her birthday! Sorry, but I'm NOT having the oven on for an hour in my second floor apartment in the middle of August!!

 

[flipflopmom]

Nikki - GREAT TR! Loved the pics and vids! I love writing them, as it helps me relive the memories, but don't usually read others, unless it's my actual Disfriends! I am very nervous that we are going over the 4th, and I know your experience was probably one in a million with crowds. Great Pixie Dust!

I have some ?'s for you. I am in a funk, and when I am, planning trips always helps, even if they are forever away!

1. When you were researching, did it seem like a lot of people plan to be in Epcot for the 4th? I would think most want MK, but since I've never really planned to be there then, haven't paid too much attention.

2. I did read somewhere that MK was open until 3am on the 3rd. Is this protocol for the 3rd, or did it just happen to be their EMH night? Right now, we are thinking about watching 3rd fireworks from Top of the World Lounge at BLT, and going to Epcot on the 4th. Someone mentioned that MK was dead on the 4th am, so we were thinking about heading there for a few hours first before going to Epcot. But if lots of people go to Epcot, worry about capacity.

3. How did you like TIW? Can't remember if you have done DDP in the past. Since we are getting AP's for the first time for next year's trip, we are thinking about TIW instead...

Thanks!!!! Happy Labor Day!

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Nikki - GREAT TR! Loved the pics and vids! I love writing them, as it helps me relive the memories, but don't usually read others, unless it's my actual Disfriends! I am very nervous that we are going over the 4th, and I know your experience was probably one in a million with crowds. Great Pixie Dust!

I have some ?'s for you. I am in a funk, and when I am, planning trips always helps, even if they are forever away!

1. When you were researching, did it seem like a lot of people plan to be in Epcot for the 4th? I would think most want MK, but since I've never really planned to be there then, haven't paid too much attention.

2. I did read somewhere that MK was open until 3am on the 3rd. Is this protocol for the 3rd, or did it just happen to be their EMH night? Right now, we are thinking about watching 3rd fireworks from Top of the World Lounge at BLT, and going to Epcot on the 4th. Someone mentioned that MK was dead on the 4th am, so we were thinking about heading there for a few hours first before going to Epcot. But if lots of people go to Epcot, worry about capacity.

3. How did you like TIW? Can't remember if you have done DDP in the past. Since we are getting AP's for the first time for next year's trip, we are thinking about TIW instead...

Thanks!!!! Happy Labor Day!

Hey!!

Don't be scared!!! I told you, we really had planned for it to be crazy crowded and I think that was a good thing. It couldn't possibly have been worse than what we imagined! But you are right, we did get reeeeally lucky!

Okay, I'll try my best to help...

1. There was no question that we were avoiding MK at all costs on the 4th and going to Epcot. We wanted to be somewhere where we didn't have to go on any rides. For us, we could just stroll around WS for hours and be happy...not the case with MK, so that's why we picked it. Originally we planned to do MK on the 3rd to see the fireworks but then we lucked out with the cruise so avoided MK that day too.

2. I think am in MK on the 4th sounds like a good idea. I think it opens at 8am too. I was reeeeeally worried about capacity too at Epcot but it obviously didn't even come close on our trip! I think it's rare for Epcot anyway.

3. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the TIW card!! It saved us soooo much money! (20% off food and drinks, including alcohol!) In my opinion, it's a WAY better deal than the DDP! In fact, when we ate at Kouzzina, our waiter said the same thing.

Also, just so you know, the 4th is a TIW blackout date...

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

I got them BAD today. Not only is the first official day of school tomorrow, but my new master's class also started AND my sister, BIL and niece are on their was to WDW right now.

Remember my mini-trip last October? We went because it was Emma's first trip. Well, while we were there, my sister booked a bounceback but during the year, decided to cancel it because they really couldn't afford it. So a few weeks ago, instead of WDW, they took a trip to Bush Gardens in VA and did NOT have a good time. So when they got home, they convinced each other they could do a short trip to Disney! They literally booked and planned it 3 weeks in advance.

Emma LOVED the characters last year....

Hopefully, now that she's older, she won't be afraid of the characters or the rides, like Pirates or Haunted Mansion....

All Emma's been talking about is getting her "Mickey bah-loon" and seeing Donald Duck. Precious!

They are driving and left this morning at 2:30am! My sister texted me a picture of South of the Border around noon and they are in Georgia right now. GPS says they will be there in less than 5 hours. They had planned to stop for the night in Georgia but since they are making such great time, they are just going to motor through! They are going to stay at one of the DTD hotels tonight before checking into POFQ tomorrow morning.

Needless to say, I'm terribly jealous. While I was doing some reading for my master's course yesterday, I was on the verge of tears!! All I could say was, "I just want to be in World Showcase right now!"

 

[disneybarbie]

aww Nikki, the Disney blues suck!

It's so hard when my parents/sister/family are in WDW while I'm stuck at home.. I know how you feel! spend the whole time thinking "wonder what they're up to right now..."

I think the best cure for DB is.. put on some disney music, have a snack/drink that reminds you of wdw.. and start planning that next trip! hehe


Emma x

 

[chloe770]

I am soooo right with you. My last trip was a mini trip with my DS7 in May. Only 31/2 days at the World. We are not planning to go back until my DD in atleast 3 and can actually really enjoy Disney. She's 9 months old now. That means I have to wait another 2 1/2 years Not sure I'm gonna make it. I guess I just have to keep reading others trip reports and dream....

 

[Tracy161]

Oh, Nikki, I'm so sorry! But I completely understand what you're going through, I'm having the Disney blues big time myself! My DH is kinda going through what Tom is in the job department and this is the first time in YEARS that I don't have a trip planned anytime in the future!!! We both need a good dose of pixie dust! I'm sending you some! Good luck tomorrow at school, maybe the distraction of getting back into the swing of things will be helpful!

 

[ronnmel]

Haven't had time to respond to your TR in a while, but have been reading all of it.

Disney Blues suck. Have them all the time...

I just want to say I truly enjoyed reading your trip report. You have inspired me to try new things for my next trip, and have made the wait more bearable.

 

[knewton64]

...there is a silver lining.




cuz.....I am slowly putting together a trip of sorts into San Francisco area and Oahu Hawaii (October 2011).


Things 2 c in San Fran?
1) Walt Disney family museum.
2) Winchester house.
3) Alcatraz
4) Ghiradelli Square.
5) Napa Valley (Diane & Ron's Winery).



Things 2 c in Hawaii

1) Pearl Harbor
2) Sunset dinner cruise
3) tour of city.
4) THE BEACH!
5) Dole Plantation.


Just an idea 4 you 2 - mabey a quick trip nxt yr out to San Fran??



P.S. How far is it to POR from POFQ?? Reason why I ask is it sounds like you have a better selection of Disney style cajun food there than POFQ (where I will be in 5 weeks).

oh and YES - loved your you tube video.

and that & I cheated the other day.....I ordered off of the laughingplace.com some Disney dvd's:

1) Fantasmic.
2) all the Wishes fireworks shows.
3) and the MNSSHP dvd.

watching these videos always puts me in a great DISney mood


T.T.F.N.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Hi Nikki!! I absolutely LOVE your new video - it is like reliving my own trip too! I understand completely about the Disney Blues - I think I have had them all summer. It has been hard to even get on the Boards - for the first time in a really long time, we do not have a Disney trip planned. We talk about next summer, but we are still toying with trying Universal. The last discussion was 5 nights at Disney, 2-3 nights at Universal, then 5 more nights at Disney. Since we did a triple split this past summer, it seems reasonable...

Anyway - you take the BEST pictures!! I also thought you had some great character interaction - Bolt and the Penguins - wow. We forgot to go back to see Lotso Huggin Bear.....my bad.

I also wanted to ask you if you still wanted to Disney VHS tapes to transfer to DVD? I apologize, I should have gotten them sent before you were back in school. So, let me know if you still want them.

When you get the blues - just watch your videos - they sure bring a smile to MY face!!

P.S. Say hi to Tom!

 

[PopArtGal]

Awe Nikki! Stop it, you're gonna give me the blues The Disney blues aren't fun, but I think that in a way, they make our next visits better. Since we enjoy it even more.

 

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

aww Nikki, the Disney blues suck!

It's so hard when my parents/sister/family are in WDW while I'm stuck at home.. I know how you feel! spend the whole time thinking "wonder what they're up to right now..."

I think the best cure for DB is.. put on some disney music, have a snack/drink that reminds you of wdw.. and start planning that next trip! hehe


Emma x

It's the WORST when family is there without you! Disney music is ALWAYS playing but is it wrong that I cry when I listen to it?

I am soooo right with you. My last trip was a mini trip with my DS7 in May. Only 31/2 days at the World. We are not planning to go back until my DD in atleast 3 and can actually really enjoy Disney. She's 9 months old now. That means I have to wait another 2 1/2 years Not sure I'm gonna make it. I guess I just have to keep reading others trip reports and dream....

Oh that is a long time to wait. The longest I went since 1994 for 3 years between 2003 and 2006. That was a looooong wait! I specifically remember thinking, "I'm starting to forget where things are!" and that was REALLY depressing! That was before I was on the DISboards so I don't think forgetting would be possible nowadays!

Oh, Nikki, I'm so sorry! But I completely understand what you're going through, I'm having the Disney blues big time myself! My DH is kinda going through what Tom is in the job department and this is the first time in YEARS that I don't have a trip planned anytime in the future!!! We both need a good dose of pixie dust! I'm sending you some! Good luck tomorrow at school, maybe the distraction of getting back into the swing of things will be helpful!

Glad you can relate...both to the disney blues and to the job situation. Totally sucks! Here's some pixie dust for you too!

Haven't had time to respond to your TR in a while, but have been reading all of it.

Disney Blues suck. Have them all the time...

I just want to say I truly enjoyed reading your trip report. You have inspired me to try new things for my next trip, and have made the wait more bearable.

Glad you're still reading and thanks for the nice comments! Can't wait to read about the new things your going to do on your honeymoon!

...there is a silver lining.




cuz.....I am slowly putting together a trip of sorts into San Francisco area and Oahu Hawaii (October 2011).


Things 2 c in San Fran?
1) Walt Disney family museum.
2) Winchester house.
3) Alcatraz
4) Ghiradelli Square.
5) Napa Valley (Diane & Ron's Winery).



Things 2 c in Hawaii

1) Pearl Harbor
2) Sunset dinner cruise
3) tour of city.
4) THE BEACH!
5) Dole Plantation.


Just an idea 4 you 2 - mabey a quick trip nxt yr out to San Fran??



P.S. How far is it to POR from POFQ?? Reason why I ask is it sounds like you have a better selection of Disney style cajun food there than POFQ (where I will be in 5 weeks).

oh and YES - loved your you tube video.

and that & I cheated the other day.....I ordered off of the laughingplace.com some Disney dvd's:

1) Fantasmic.
2) all the Wishes fireworks shows.
3) and the MNSSHP dvd.

watching these videos always puts me in a great DISney mood


T.T.F.N.

Unfortunately, a trip to SF or Hawaii is not in the cards for me!

POR is walking distance to POFQ. They are "sister" resorts and share a bus.

Hi Nikki!! I absolutely LOVE your new video - it is like reliving my own trip too! I understand completely about the Disney Blues - I think I have had them all summer. It has been hard to even get on the Boards - for the first time in a really long time, we do not have a Disney trip planned. We talk about next summer, but we are still toying with trying Universal. The last discussion was 5 nights at Disney, 2-3 nights at Universal, then 5 more nights at Disney. Since we did a triple split this past summer, it seems reasonable...

Anyway - you take the BEST pictures!! I also thought you had some great character interaction - Bolt and the Penguins - wow. We forgot to go back to see Lotso Huggin Bear.....my bad.

I also wanted to ask you if you still wanted to Disney VHS tapes to transfer to DVD? I apologize, I should have gotten them sent before you were back in school. So, let me know if you still want them.

When you get the blues - just watch your videos - they sure bring a smile to MY face!!

P.S. Say hi to Tom!

So glad you understand the Disney Blues! Disney with Universal sandwiched in between sounds like the perfect way to do it! Hopefully we will both have trips planned fairly soon!

Yes, still send the tapes! I'd love to see them and transfer them for you.

Hope Ashley and Kyle are doing well in school!

Awe Nikki! Stop it, you're gonna give me the blues The Disney blues aren't fun, but I think that in a way, they make our next visits better. Since we enjoy it even more.

So sad! But I suppose you're right.....it just makes it that much better when we finally DO go again!