We love Donald Duck, oh yes we do! - Link to the PTR - COMPLETE

[IluvXU]

Love the update, sad this report is winding down. Another great evening, cannot wait to see what your last day at the World entails!

 

[CJsMom]

I have been so behind - baseball season has taken over our household and the schedule is crazy! I am so glad to hear that your Grandma is doing well. Great update! Must...get...chocolate...dipped...pretzels...!!!!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I think Goofy's Candy Company is pure bliss. Those pretzel rods are deeeelish! Yum. Great update Brook.

 

[moparop]

What a bummer on the Three Amigos! The "real" one is pretty funny and something we quote around here quite often. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pretzels from Goofy's! I get some every trip and will not share for anything. One of these days I am afraid the boys will realize what they are missing out on.

Looking forward to the last day of magic!

 

[Camster0307]

Awww Brook - your pix of Old Key West bought back memories. We spent our first two stays EVER with DVC there back in 1998 and 2000. It's pretty and the units are the largest, by far, of any of the other DVCs. I just hate being so far removed from everything. It is lovely over there though.

And thanks to your trip report, I'm now craving Brats............and candy!

 

[tiggrbaby]

I've been really behind, but glad to hear your grandmother is doing better!

Loved the pics and your relaxed evening. I never would have though of it!

 

[KathyRN137]

What a nice, relaxing evening.... At first, I was a bit sorry you didn't go to the MK, but I see from the "teaser" that you eventually did get that Zurg pic, so I feel much better now!

Kathy

 

[disneyfan61]

Another great update Brook. Cannot wait to try Goofy's in 26 days!! The pretzels look so good!! We've been in there before but never tried the make your own treats. Can't wait to hear about your trip home!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

I'm really looking for something sweet right now, thanks to you Brook!! Awesome candy shots...I hate to admit this, but do you know I've never been to Goofy's!!! I know, I know, how can I call myself a true Dis'er? LOL!! No worries...jotted it down for my next trip!! It's a MUST do!!!

Sounds like a nice way to have a quiet night for your last night....although I'm with you, I would have wanted to head over to MK, too. I can't wait for your next update though, sounds like your last day was memorable!! Looking forward to hearing all about it......

 

[SoonerGirl]

Mmmmmm, those pretzel rods looks delish! We've been to Goofy's several times, but never done the create your own - I gotta try 'em!

I stayed at OKW last summer, but since it was just DS8 and I and it was a short trip, we didn't explore the resort all that much. We did enjoy our stay there though, the rooms were really good sized and the area is really pretty.

 

[goin' goofy]

Ok, I admit it. I've been stalking your trips reports for months now! I've been stealthy and sly about it too. But I've finally broken down and set up an account for the Boards and thought that now that I can post instead of just read items that it was only fair to come out of hiding and let you know you've got a fan in me!

I thought your first trip report was hilarious, and the way you write about your incidents with Henry and Joe makes a reader feel like they are there with you. Add to this your amazing photo-taking abilities and you've put together one terrific and entertaining report! I wish you were going to be in Disney next May, I'd hire you to do my wedding photos!

Alright, I think that's enough "gushing". Keep up the great writing - it helps keep me entertained until my next trip (and makes my DBF ask what I'm laughing at on a regular basis! ) Great reports!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

WOW! Holy candy! We've never been to Goofy's Candy Shop! We keep saying we're going to and never make it! We really have to next trip! Your OKW pictures are beautiful!!!

I have that I'm with Goofy shirt!!! I saw it in another TR and thought it was so perfect!

To bad about the movie! You must have been shocked!

 

[troobabiee7]

Sorry I fell so far behind! I'm so glad to hear that your grandma's doing better : And your summer plans sound like a lot of fun!

Sounds like a nice, relaxing last night at Disney... love those! Funny about the DVD... when you hinted at not getting what you thought, I thought you had gotten the Disney version of the 3 Amigos I saw that Pablo Francisco was on the DVD and we LOVE him! He's hilarious and I don't remember him being all that dirty. Check out his stuff one time if you get a chance, he probably wasn't the one cursing in the beginning

Can't wait to read more!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Great update! Being able to take the boat to OKW is really a great plus for that resort! I love the pictures I have seen of OKW from the outside, but at the moment I think the decor is really ugly (just my personal taste) and therefore it really is the resort I would least like to stay at. I really hope they are going to update the rooms soon, because otherwise I think it looks like a great place!!

I am very much looking forward to the next installments, it sounds like you still have interesting events to report. Also, those short trips sound really interesting, I am looking forward to read about those in your PTR!

On the boat ride it cruises right through areas where the villas are, so many views are of the river, which would be so nice! From the pics I have seen, I'm not overly fond of the decor either though, but I wonder if it's better in person?

Our last day at Disney, and our trip home has some fun (and interesting!) memories to share!!

Mm, your pretzel rods looks yummy!! I need to get me some of those!!!

Love conehead henry too!!

The pretzel rods are AWESOME. The salty/sweet combo makes a perfect treat.

Great pictures! I think I've tried one of about everything you showed throughout the years. I'm so dorky that I save the wrappers, like the Mickey coconut bar, etc., and have them sitting with my Chef Mickey plushie in my kitchen hutch. It makes a cute display.

Here's what you missed in the daytime from that spot.

You will have to go back and see it in the daytime, for sure.

Jill, Brooklynn, and I ate a very good lunch there one afternoon a couple of summers ago. It is beautiful, and I would love to stay there sometime That's where tinkgurl stays, too, so she has good pictures that help you see it all better.

Here are a few more, in case you are interested.

The food.

Looking left toward the pool area.

At the pool.

Little round fatty baby showing cool photo ops.

There are bike rentals and a ping pong table in this area.

This is a really beautiful resort, in my opinion.
It definitely has a vacation feel to me. I loved it so much that my downstairs den is fixed up with that style decor in the spring and summer. It's Wilderness Lodge in the fall and winter.

As always, thanks for the great pictures. We look forward to gazing upon those goodies and just doing everything there is to do again in three months! It is time for us to make ADR's this weekend, so Jill has the list all ready to go.

Thanks for the Eeyore picture. I do think he's such a cutie!

I almost always bring Drew back food souvenirs, and I have gotten him colored and flavored hot chocolates and coffees in the cute cans before. He says they're okay, but not great. He always drinks them, though. I will say, I have never gotten him ones in Princess cans, though. I've gone for the ones with Mickey on them, and even that he still kind of makes fun of. He drinks it, but he makes fun of it, too!

I would love to be able to say I've tried one of all those treats at Goofy's! Someday!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR OKW PICS! Sooooooo pretty! Wow. It's a totally different resort during the day! And the pics of Brooklyn - oh my, how precious. Those of her in the "sand" at the pool are adorable. Her hat so sweet!

I recall your den being a WL theme-I didn't realize you made it into OKW during the summer though. That's so clever and gives you a clear direction on decorating....I've been trying to find some nice new pieces for our house being it's on the market-I have ZERO direction! I should have used Disney to inspire me too!

That is so GREAT about going again in 3 months! I thought this year was going to be slower with Disney? Didn't work out that way, huh?

I wonder what Drew would think of the Princess hot chocolate?

Okay, a Saturday morning update with a cup of coffee is good, too!

Mmmm, Goofy's Candy Co. is always such a great place -- your pretzel rods do look delicious!

Old Key West looks neat -- very tropical!

What a bummer about the movie -- I bet Joe looks more closely at the description next time!

DISing with a hot beverage is always a good thing-much of my own is done with coffee in hand too!

I love those pretzel rods - I just cannot skip over them, soooo tasty!

Ya, Joe was pretty irritated with himself for not looking closer. He said all the names are just listed in a binder with a short description. I'm still wondering if someone swapped the movies as a joke...

Good morning!

Thank you for the wonderful update. My DH and MIL/FIL will be staying in SSR this November for the first time and I'm sooo excited. Your TR has given me some great ideas. We struggled between OKW and SSR, but in the end it was SSR.

I'm excited that your report isn't quite over yet.... I hate to see trip reports end, knowing that they must. I wil patiently await your next update!

SSR was a very nice resort. The main pool is GREAT and the walk to DTD is excellent from Congress Park. Also the walkways along the river are beautiful. I didn't like that it was such a haul to the Carriage House, but if you plan accordingly it wouldn't be so bad. Are you guys requesting any certain area of SSR?

Whew I got caught up. I was horribly behind. It has been a rough month for the health of my family and I was having trouble getting back in the DIS. I know I know 20 lashings but your TR always brings me back!

First I was thrilled to read that your Grandmother is doing better and only needed her medication adjusted. What a huge relief! How awesome that you will be going to Rushmore! I cannot wait until we go there (no plans yet) Will this be your first time there?

I had to LOL @ the colored hot chocolate tins. I wonder what they are selling for. Last July they had them in the outlet shops for around $5 and my girls begged and begged. I was mean and would not let them get it. Looking back I don't remember why possibly because I was upset they wanted to spend their souvenir money on food products. Hopefully I won't be that mean this year lol. LOL @ poor Joe picking out the movie. This happened to us once I wanted to rent a movie I had seen advertised a lot and did not know there were two movies with the same title. The one I rented ended up being like a horror/porn type film. Not the murder mystery I thought I got. (Well porn to me it was just really sexed up) I turned it off and the store was nice enough to let me exchange it.

Anyway as usual loved the pics. I am sad this is coming to an end. I so wish you would be there during our trip I would love for Brooklyn and Henry to meet. He is so cute. Does he have any new words?

I'm so sorry to hear about the rough month! Is everyone healthy again? I know how it is sometimes to get caught up with life stuff, house stuff, let alone the DIS and all the "fun" things in life.

This will be my first time at Mt Rushmore. It's something I have always wanted to see, and I just kinda threw it out there one day that we should go camping there over the 4th of July weekend and it stuck! Now both Joe and I are really excited. Some good friends of ours might be coming too. Joe has been to Mt Rushmore, but not since he was about 12 years old!

I bet those hot chocolate tins were much more then $5 at Goofy's!! I wish we would of had time to hit the outlets while we had the rental car this past trip. All well!

That is awful about the horror/porn flick! Glad they let you exchange it at least!! I'm sure the DVC rentals would of had no problem with us returning it right away (considering its free!), but Joe just didn't want to hike back.

I hope our paths line up sometime too!!! Henry would have a ball meeting Brooklyn, he just loves other kids! He does have some new words...he FINALLY said "Da Da" and said it TO JOE! He still mostly calls him "Mommy" but you can tell he realizes that isn't the right word, so we remind him and he corrects himself. It's really cute. He's also said "cheese" the past few days, and "grape". He loves him some cheese and grapes, so it doesn't surprise me he's learned these!

i so didn't know there were mickey croc flip flops....those I might buy if it is subtle. If not then it is only Caleb in our family that is getting mickey crocs for our trip...it'll be cuter on him anyways!

Here is a close-up of the Mickey Croc...pretty subtle I think...and cute!

Another great report! Hmm, I'm surpirsed that you found that DVD. When I looked at BCV, I thought that all I saw were family movies.

I am wondering if someone swapped the movies as a joke maybe??

 

[brookelizabeth]

Looking forward to reading more.

More will be coming this week!!

Great update Brook. I know how you feel about the MK...we always try and hit it on the last day to get that "last" picture we wanted and that kind of stuff. I now pout of DH doesn't want to, but usually will give in.

I just couldn't deal with my last Disney day NOT be at a park. It was a big bummer to me - but this trip, since we booked it was "Joe's trip"...less rushing, less planning, etc. so I just went with it. Thankfully, the next day was at a park!

Fantastic update. Loved all the Goofy Candy Co pics. You think of the coolest things to take pictures of and really unique angles. I love them!

Another endorsement here on OKW. I loved it. It's very laid back and removed from the hustle and bustle. You know you're in Florida certainly but can forget you're in Disney. I thought the rooms were great. I have photos of a 2 BR if you're interested.

Hey- love your new ticker with all the different occasions you're counting down to-- where did you make it?

Thank you! I like to get pictures of things that hold memories to me. Like drooling over everything in the case - and I know if I just take a pic of the case-o-goodies at Goofy's, I wouldn't be able to go back and ENJOY/pretend I'm eating them all!

I would LOVE to see your OKW pics! Please feel free to share!

The ticker is from **************. You can do your own photos, like mine, or use theirs.

Love the update. Those candy shots are awesome. I should've taken some of those. When we went there we had to wait forever for our rods. But boy are they good!.

They are worth the wait, aren't they?!

Love the update, sad this report is winding down. Another great evening, cannot wait to see what your last day at the World entails!

I'm a bit sad this TR is almost done, but I'm REALLY looking forward to planning the December trip too.

I have been so behind - baseball season has taken over our household and the schedule is crazy! I am so glad to hear that your Grandma is doing well. Great update! Must...get...chocolate...dipped...pretzels...!!!!

I understand! I don't even have baseball season-just normal life taking over. Glad you could get caught up, and YES, YOU MUSTTTTT get the pretzels!

I think Goofy's Candy Company is pure bliss. Those pretzel rods are deeeelish! Yum. Great update Brook.

I think Goofy's is pure bliss too! I would be very bummed if we ever missed it on a trip. I can't wait to take Henry in there when he realizes what it all is.

What a bummer on the Three Amigos! The "real" one is pretty funny and something we quote around here quite often. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pretzels from Goofy's! I get some every trip and will not share for anything. One of these days I am afraid the boys will realize what they are missing out on.

Looking forward to the last day of magic!

Joe said the real one is funny too-it looks hilarious in a goofy/dumb sort of way. I should really add it to our Netflix queue!

That is so funny about not sharing. I'm with ya though, so glad Henry doesn't know better yet!

Awww Brook - your pix of Old Key West bought back memories. We spent our first two stays EVER with DVC there back in 1998 and 2000. It's pretty and the units are the largest, by far, of any of the other DVCs. I just hate being so far removed from everything. It is lovely over there though.

And thanks to your trip report, I'm now craving Brats............and candy!

Glad my OKW pics brought back memories!! In ways I really enjoy being far removed from the "action", but in other ways, being at WL in November and hearing the fireworks/seeing the light parade nightly was really neat.

I think I am ALWAYS craving candy!! A brat is rarely denied too...

I've been really behind, but glad to hear your grandmother is doing better!

Loved the pics and your relaxed evening. I never would have though of it!

Thanks! It's such a relief that my Grandma is alright - I really hope it works out so I get to see her for Mothers Day too.

I never would have thought of the relaxing evening either-it was all Joe! I would have been right in the middle of MK!

What a nice, relaxing evening.... At first, I was a bit sorry you didn't go to the MK, but I see from the "teaser" that you eventually did get that Zurg pic, so I feel much better now!

Kathy

YEP! MK was ours on the last day!!!! And it holds two of my favorite pics of the whole trip...

Another great update Brook. Cannot wait to try Goofy's in 26 days!! The pretzels look so good!! We've been in there before but never tried the make your own treats. Can't wait to hear about your trip home!!

The make your own treats are a lot of fun! Joe had tried the rice krispy in November and it was VERY sweet, but the pretzel rods have a great salty/sweet mix. Your trip is so so close!

I'm really looking for something sweet right now, thanks to you Brook!! Awesome candy shots...I hate to admit this, but do you know I've never been to Goofy's!!! I know, I know, how can I call myself a true Dis'er? LOL!! No worries...jotted it down for my next trip!! It's a MUST do!!!

Sounds like a nice way to have a quiet night for your last night....although I'm with you, I would have wanted to head over to MK, too. I can't wait for your next update though, sounds like your last day was memorable!! Looking forward to hearing all about it......

Yes! Goofy's is a must! You'll be HOOKED. It's so yummy in there!

It was a nice relaxing night, despite me being a bit bummed....but it was smart, we were well rested and really enjoyed our time just hanging out in our villa. Plus, I think it made the next day all the more exciting and special for me.

Mmmmmm, those pretzel rods looks delish! We've been to Goofy's several times, but never done the create your own - I gotta try 'em!

I stayed at OKW last summer, but since it was just DS8 and I and it was a short trip, we didn't explore the resort all that much. We did enjoy our stay there though, the rooms were really good sized and the area is really pretty.

The pretzels are awesome! I HIGHLY recommend them. I think I want to try a "make your own apple" too sometime.

Good to hear another positive review of OKW! How was the pool? It looks really great.

Ok, I admit it. I've been stalking your trips reports for months now! I've been stealthy and sly about it too. But I've finally broken down and set up an account for the Boards and thought that now that I can post instead of just read items that it was only fair to come out of hiding and let you know you've got a fan in me!

I thought your first trip report was hilarious, and the way you write about your incidents with Henry and Joe makes a reader feel like they are there with you. Add to this your amazing photo-taking abilities and you've put together one terrific and entertaining report! I wish you were going to be in Disney next May, I'd hire you to do my wedding photos!

Alright, I think that's enough "gushing". Keep up the great writing - it helps keep me entertained until my next trip (and makes my DBF ask what I'm laughing at on a regular basis! ) Great reports!!

WELCOME! Once you post you get hoooooooooked! Pretty soon you'll be doing PTRs and TRs! Thank you for "stalking" and finally commenting!

A Disney wedding, huh?!?! HOW EXCITING, CONGRATULATIONS!! I would be so stinkin' nervous to do your wedding photos. I love the Roots photography-have you seen their work?

Isn't it funny how when reading TRs you'll just suddenly bust our laughing and the SO looks at ya like you are crazy?! Happens all the time here too!

WOW! Holy candy! We've never been to Goofy's Candy Shop! We keep saying we're going to and never make it! We really have to next trip! Your OKW pictures are beautiful!!!

I have that I'm with Goofy shirt!!! I saw it in another TR and thought it was so perfect!

To bad about the movie! You must have been shocked!

You have to try Goofy's! That was a VERY small sampling of what is available there. It's incredible! There is lots of different things and several "make you own" type options. It's really fun!

I got a kick out of the "I'm with Goofy" shirt...if they had it in a mens style, I'm sure Joe would have wanted it!

I was a bit surprised at the movie, I'm sure I made some wise crack like "What kind of movie is this honey? Sure doesn't sound like Steve Martin!"

Sorry I fell so far behind! I'm so glad to hear that your grandma's doing better : And your summer plans sound like a lot of fun!

Sounds like a nice, relaxing last night at Disney... love those! Funny about the DVD... when you hinted at not getting what you thought, I thought you had gotten the Disney version of the 3 Amigos I saw that Pablo Francisco was on the DVD and we LOVE him! He's hilarious and I don't remember him being all that dirty. Check out his stuff one time if you get a chance, he probably wasn't the one cursing in the beginning

Can't wait to read more!

Hey there!! Glad you were able to catch up...no worries on falling behind-it happens, life gets in the way sometimes!

Maybe just the intro to that DVD was dirty...we didn't get much past the very beginning.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Good to hear another positive review of OKW! How was the pool? It looks really great.

It was a really short trip, we were only there 4 days, so we didn't have much pool time, and when we did, we hit up the pool by our building instead of the walking all the way up to the main pool. If there is one drawback about OKW it's the size, we were a long way from the main pool/building. The pool we used was really nice though.

 

[shebaxric]

SSR was a very nice resort. The main pool is GREAT and the walk to DTD is excellent from Congress Park. Also the walkways along the river are beautiful. I didn't like that it was such a haul to the Carriage House, but if you plan accordingly it wouldn't be so bad. Are you guys requesting any certain area of SSR?

I honestly wouldn't know where to request. I've never stayed there before and I tried to post a thread asking for opinions on where to request, but didn't get any feedback. Would you suggest Congress Park? We would really prefer to be close to the bus line, it doesn't matter if we are near the Carriage House or not.

 

[Lady Lallie]

I could have sworn I replied to this but I can't find my reply.

Anyhoo! Too funny about the 3 Amigos movie. I think I would have been pretty upset!

I love the Mickey Croc flip flops but I wish they came in better colors!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

We left off being in DTD eating our last Disney dinner at WPE. After dinner we went straight to Goofy's! We discovered the beauty of Goofy's Candy Co. last trip and I enjoyed those pretzel rods so much, I had to, had to get them again!

Loved the photos of this place. Now I know what to do on our “off day”.

He took a bite before I snapped a pic! He should know better by now!

Yeah…that’s a topic I haven’t quite figured out how to approach yet. How exactly does one go about explaining the concept of food porn to ones traveling companions?

We didn't have any set plans for the night, I kept hinting at going to MK so we could get that much sought after picture of Henry behind bars with Zurg and also ride a few things we missed earlier in the week, but Joe was not feeling it. He just wanted to explore and take it easy. Sooooooooo, I took one for the team and off we went to the boat launch to explore OKW. But really, doing anything at Disney is fun, so I didn't mind too much!

Hey, at least you picked up on those WDW spousal vibes!

On our ride we got to see the new Treehouse Villas from the river, but unfortunately it was getting too dark for any of the pictures to come out. From what we could see-they looked really neat! I think it would be a lot of fun to stay in the middle of the woods sometime in one of them.

I was totally bummed when the Disney Institute went caput. I TOTALLY wanted to do the video production workshop.

It kinda looks like that one dolphin is peeing, doesn't it?

If so, he must have had the SUPER-Big Gulp.

Joe called from the rental area and asked if I have ever seen "The 3 Amigos" and I hadn't. He said it was funny with Chevy Chase and Martin Short, it sounded good, so we went with it. Soon he was back in the room and we sprawled out on our bed and popped in the video expecting this: And instead we got this: Stand up comedy! As soon as we popped in the DVD, before there was even a picture, we heard 3 swear words and we kinda looked at each other like "Huh?" Needless to say, it was NOT what we were looking for, Joe just didn't pay that close of attention when he saw the title, and we ended up watching TV. Joe was a bit bummed, and so was I, and I was a bit surprised this type of non-family friendly movie was even available.

Yikes! 3 Amigos (the movie) is a riot. Oldie but a goodie.

However, all was not lost. These babies were still HIGHLY ENJOYED!

Night well spent right there.

But don't despair-there is more to come! This TR is NOT done!! Matter of a fact, some of my very favorite moments happened on our last day, and we have a "big" event even on the ride home!!

Holy cliffhangers!

 

[rustysfr56]

ok so everytime i see those pretzels in your trip report(which is really only about 2 times..but still haha) i start to droooollllllll...

the pretzel pics ..really just all food pics have to stop..its embarassing for me, drooling and whatnot hahahahaha


just kidding..keep em' coming-it gives me super ideas for my trip in october