We "shipped" off our parents and we stayed in Disney! updated 7/18! The final chapter

I'm also reading your TR and I'm loving it!! How awesome you got your parents a cruise!!!! Can't wait to read more! You got to meet Mulan, I'm so jealous I hope to meet up with her in the fall!
 
Cute picture!
Maybe display this one at his wedding in the future, and for sure keep it to show his kids!

Yay for getting a Magical Moments certificate and for getting some one-on-one time with Mulan.

Oh i definitely have some great wedding photos for david!


Oh, I love your ears! Too cute, and they are in my favorite color! :thumbsup2

How did your parents' morning at AKL go???

It took me forever to find those ears! I saw one person wearing them and they were out of them at downtown disney! (they have that entire collection at world of disney)

I'm also reading your TR and I'm loving it!! How awesome you got your parents a cruise!!!! Can't wait to read more! You got to meet Mulan, I'm so jealous I hope to meet up with her in the fall!

Thanks for chiming in! I have never seen Mulan before. When are you going in the fall? I'll be there in Oct!

I have to step in and say I love David's shirt in the last few updates, great choice in bands by the way.

Oh he is a music nut, his favorites are classic rock bands from the 70s-80s. Thanks for joining us!
 
Moms Thoughts: When we checked in the animal kingdom lodge i was really excited. A girl helped us but seemed a bit rude especially when we asked questions. Nicole had requested a king size bed but when we asked her about it she abrasively just said they didn't have any. It was a less than great experience but we moved on because our kids were waiting for us at epcot. the room wasn't ready but david had mentioned that it might not be so we didn't care. We headed on our first bus to epcot and met up with the kids!

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We met up with mom and dad in England because we decided to grab some lunch at beaches and cream!! We headed over there and our parents just wouldn't stop bragging about all the fun they had! We were glad of course, we had our own stories to share! Picture like 4 really excited people all talking over eachother, it gets loud! There aren't that many pictures because we acted like we hadn't seen eachother in years! Here they are mid sentence in beaches and cream:

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Can't you see their excitement?? The shirts they are wearing say "We left the kids behind" and they got a lot of comments about that, they might have been talking about that in the photo haha!

It was so hot this day, so we walked back to Spaceship earth (moms favorite ride)

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and they decided to come back to our room at the WL because there room still wasn't ready and we had dinner ADRs at Chef Mickeys (and if I remember correctly I had something of dads I had to give him)

We relaxed in the room when we got back (of course they loved the location!) and when it was time to go, we grabbed the bus to MK and the monorail to the contemporary (so dad could ride his favorite ride -- the monorail lol)

It was a pretty long wait here but we had a decent time. The food wasn't that great but the characters made up for it (well for me, dad didn't like chef mickeys he prefers the breakfast)

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The original plan was to head straight for fantasmic from here but it was drizzling by this point and we werent sure if it would be canceled. Plus we still had a few hours before it. Mom and dad were eager to check out their rooms and we were STILL talking about their bad encounter at check in. Hold on a second and let me put my flame retardant suit on while I make my case about this situation:

I had spent a lot of money for mom and dad to have a great experience. This was their first deluxe hotel and they were super excited about staying here. I was excited for them! I have had nothing but good experiences with CMs at any Disney hotel! It really bothered me that this was the first impression they got here and it bothered us for a good part of the evening. If it was me, I would have asked for a manager, because as we all probably know from here on the DIS the minute someone complains here, the first person shouts out "did you do anything THEN?" and I asked my mom to talk to a manager. It took a lot for me to persuade her to do this I was almost at the point to talk to one myself! We weren't looking for anything, just a better introduction to the hotel. I think she finally decided to do it when she realized she didn't even get the welcome packet! They also wanted to know if they waited if they could get a king size bed.

So David and I roamed around AKL which would become our home the next day while they did this. We also went to check out their room which was on the level above the lobby facing the buses but really close to the lobby very convenient!

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We walked back just as the manager was there (and another CM who was helping them) and they were all laughing and smiling which made me very happy! The manager explained to them that they had one king size bed which would become available tomorrow and he would put it on 'hold' for them. If they wanted it, they would call the next morning, but if not just don't call. He apologized profusely for their rude encounter earlier. He mentioned that if he could upgrade them to savannah he would have loved to, but the hotel was booked solid. David and I looked at each other both thinking the same thing as we had a standard view room the next day "oh well"

He was super nice and apparently also credited the room $75!! (We didn't know this at the time) Wow! He didn't have to do that, and even without knowing that mom and dad walked away elated and excited, exactly how I wanted them to be in the first place.

So we all went upstairs to the room and the look on mom and dads faces when they walked in was pure shock and excitement I don't know how to explain it. They loved the room and I don't think they were expecting it to be so themed...? I don't know why they were so surprised. Long story short 5 minutes into the room they decided to leave it be they loved their room and the AKL and all was right.

Oh yeah, fantasmic! So it was raining and we decided we would just go to the second showing relaxing in the room until it was time to head out! We made it just in time and had plenty of time to get great seats, grab some nachos and enjoy a great night with fantasmic! After all David and I were switching to the AKL very early the next morning! How does our experience go?

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I am so glad that you were able to persuade your mom to say something to the manager at AKL -- the CM's behavior was inexcusable, and she could have been so much nicer! :headache:

I am glad they fell in love with their room! I can't wait to get back there!

Did you have a long wait at Beaches and Cream?
 
Booo to a CM being mean when they first arrived!! That is no way to start a vacation!!!!

I'm so glad you had your mom talk to a manager and things got fixed!!!

WOOOH...I want to hear more about Beaches and Cream too...how long did you have to wait for a table and how did you enjoy the food!
 
glad that they were now happy with the results and hte experience was a little better
 
We originally had the Fantasmic dinner package for the 30th, but after hearing that there seems to be no real advantage, we're planning to cancel it. We'll just see it another night and grab snack food and munch while we wait like all of the other commoners. :laughing:

I know your mom and dad were just bubbling over with stories. You should have had video going so we could hear their excitement.

I'm kind of sorry we aren't doing Chef Mickey's this trip. I like their food. We've done breakfast and dinner.
 
I am so glad that you were able to persuade your mom to say something to the manager at AKL -- the CM's behavior was inexcusable, and she could have been so much nicer! :headache:

I am glad they fell in love with their room! I can't wait to get back there!

Did you have a long wait at Beaches and Cream?

It was around 20-30 minutes at Beaches and Cream but so worth it! I love the food there and the milkshakes they have are awesome!

Booo to a CM being mean when they first arrived!! That is no way to start a vacation!!!!

I'm so glad you had your mom talk to a manager and things got fixed!!!

WOOOH...I want to hear more about Beaches and Cream too...how long did you have to wait for a table and how did you enjoy the food!

We waited about 20-30 minutes and we usually get burgers and fries which were awesome! I love this place!!

glad that they were now happy with the results and hte experience was a little better

Yeah they were so excited!

We originally had the Fantasmic dinner package for the 30th, but after hearing that there seems to be no real advantage, we're planning to cancel it. We'll just see it another night and grab snack food and munch while we wait like all of the other commoners. :laughing:

I know your mom and dad were just bubbling over with stories. You should have had video going so we could hear their excitement.

I'm kind of sorry we aren't doing Chef Mickey's this trip. I like their food. We've done breakfast and dinner.

I never used the F! dinner package and never had an issue. Just give yourself plenty of time to arrive!
 
Mom is joining us this morning, everyone say Hi Mom!




David and I started off this day very early. We woke up around 6:30, called for bell services to transfer our luggage to the AKL and by the time we were out the door it was around 7AM.

It didn't take long for us to drive to the AKL, maybe around 5 minutes. We chose to valet (a luxury I only sometimes splurge for) and we were hearing those wonderful words "welcome home!"

So early there was no line at check in, we just walked right up and had a wonderful CM checking us in. We weren't expecting the room to be ready since it was so early and because of yesterday, we knew we wouldn't be upgraded. We were silently hoping to be near the lobby. As we chatted with eachother about whether or not to call mom and dad yet (to wake them up) we were interupted by the CM who said

"Congratulations guys, you've been upgraded!"

Wait, what? David and I quickly exchanged glances and went "uh what? where to the pool? Okay thats cool because thats close to the--"

"No to savannah!"

Our first reaction was pure happiness and excitement, but it quickly turned to worry. What about Mom and Dad? We really wanted them to have the Savannah view! We decided between us that we would let them know and ask if they wanted to switch rooms. But we couldn't wait to see our room! So we quickly headed up there because it was ready! Wow talk about a completely different situation than mom and dads!

Mom's Thoughts: Thats ridiculous why would you think we'd be upset?

It was a long trek to our room from the lobby (not too bad though) We had to walk down the lobby floor passed our old room from last year, use the elevators over there to go up to the 5th floor. Down the hall, make a second left and down that hall a bit and there we were! phew! A few of these were taken later on in the trip, but just to give you an idea. Its good that there are these nice things to look at on the way! I really really really loved this room. The Savannah was amazing! Better than last time! I actually liked the location because of the artifacts!

Mom's Thoughts: Oh, whatever. Stop bragging. :P

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And here is what we saw when we walked in!

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And when we went on the balcony!


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The backdrop was the new Kidani Village lobby which gives you an idea of how far this room was from the lobby, but I loved it! I loved this room more than the one that was right off the lobby last year!

We were eager to get going, so we called mom and dad and headed over that way. They were on the same floor as us but on the other side of the lobby, grab your best walking shoes David and saddle up!

We walked over and told them the news. They were happy for us and we offered to switch rooms with them. They said they might, but later on when they saw how far it was from the lobby changed their minds. They actually said that we deserved it anyway for this wonderful trip we had given them and they were happy we got the Savannah upgrade.

We headed out to DHS right after rope drop and David and I bolted to Pixar Place to get FP. Look at this line! It took forever!!

Mom's Thoughts: We stayed behind and found a nice bench to sit on, it was like watching salmon swim upstream!

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We met back up with Mom & Dad and we walked back to Pixar Place after I realized we could get our picture taken with Woody! Mom's favorite character! She was so excited and we were first in line! Here we are in line waiting for Woody to show up playing with the sets.

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Dads favorite DHS attraction is Muppetvision 3D so thats where we went next.

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He still laughs at Statler & Waldorf!

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On our way back David and Dad decided to go on Star Tours which makes me dizzy so mom and I stayed back. The original plan was for them to do that later because we wanted to see Beauty and the Beast so we would have split, but there was no line. We told them we would meet them at American Idol. Mom and I enjoyed some alone time sharing an ice cream!

We frantically tried to call them when AI was about to start but they weren't picking up! We were bummed because we knew that this was our only opportunity to see it this trip! Just then they called and I saw them walking towards us. Phew, we made it! American idol is so much fun for anyone who is a fan of the show, I highly recommend it!!

Dad loves posing with gift shop shirts!

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Our FP were ready for TSM so we headed there. Dad and I faced off and Mom/David went on. We had a blast on this! I beat dad but not by much! We had a really great time, great family memory!

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Continued in next post...
 
We wanted to see Buzz so we went in line but Dad/David were itching to get back to AKL to go to the pool. Mom and I still hadn't seen Beauty and the Beast, and the 4 of us wanted to eat. So we grabbed lunch at Pizza Planet! While waiting for the food a CM asked me "how many eyes do the green aliens have?" I said "3" and she handed me a Pizza Planet souvenir cup! Wahoo!

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After our great lunch we went our seperate ways. Mom and I practically ran to Beauty and the Beast. Belle, as some of you may remember from our Christmas TR, is moms favorite princess. Beauty and the Beast is moms favorite Disney movie, and one of my all time faves, so this was a must do considering neither of us has ever seen it!

I literally skipped in to the theatre when we made it on time! We loved this!

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On the way out we caught the eye of a photopass photographer who took the stitch picture! I love these.

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Coming up, more AKL photos, family time at the pool, Epcot EMH!
 

I hope they still have these in a few weeks. We have some cups from here, but they are different. We like to get all kinds, of course, and use them at home to bring us Disney happiness between trips.

I'm glad you got to see Beauty and the Beast. :)

Thanks for so many pictures this morning. The AKL ones are awesome!

Tell mom hi from us, and we hope to meet her someday!
 
:wave: Hi Mom!!!

I have had the pleasure of meeting your kids in person and have to say you and Dad raised two fine people.:thumbsup2

Savannah view...upgrade...lucky you! Great balcony shots. Thanks for the TSM pics. DS loved them. (and since we can't show him ours...):rolleyes1
 
Hi, Mom! :yay:

What a super awesome room, Nicole!!! I love all the artifacts! I had no idea those were all there or I might have wandered farther afield! And you had zebras! We only saw the zebras the one time at night -- I don't know where they were all hiding. :sad2:

Looks like you had a great morning at DHS! I am so glad you and your mom got to see Beauty and the Beast -- it's a wonderful show, isn't it?
 
I hope they still have these in a few weeks. We have some cups from here, but they are different. We like to get all kinds, of course, and use them at home to bring us Disney happiness between trips.

I'm glad you got to see Beauty and the Beast. :)

Thanks for so many pictures this morning. The AKL ones are awesome!

Tell mom hi from us, and we hope to meet her someday!

Maybe this December we can have a DisMeet? I think our dates are going to be 3-7.

:wave: Hi Mom!!!

I have had the pleasure of meeting your kids in person and have to say you and Dad raised two fine people.:thumbsup2

Savannah view...upgrade...lucky you! Great balcony shots. Thanks for the TSM pics. DS loved them. (and since we can't show him ours...):rolleyes1

Aw I'll have to show this to Mom so she knows how great me and david are! He is going to have a blast on TSM! Will you show him yours when hes older?? lol

Hi, Mom! :yay:

What a super awesome room, Nicole!!! I love all the artifacts! I had no idea those were all there or I might have wandered farther afield! And you had zebras! We only saw the zebras the one time at night -- I don't know where they were all hiding. :sad2:

Looks like you had a great morning at DHS! I am so glad you and your mom got to see Beauty and the Beast -- it's a wonderful show, isn't it?

We loved Beauty and the Beast! I loved our room even though it was so far away it was so peaceful back there and that savannah was amazing!
 
Mom and I split up when we got to AKL on my way to my room I realized we never brought our luggage up from the morning. I was hoping David had known to do that (and tip!) Turns out he did, he says I have taught him well. But he was still in the room because it had literally just got there 30 seconds before I walked in the door. Apparently Dad was checking out the room before heading down to the pool and we were going to meet him there.

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And heres a video David was recording for me. he called the giraffes irvings because last time we were at the AKL we had one giraffe with us the entire stay and we named him Irving!



Dad really loved the room but not the walk!

So we got dressed and headed down to the pool where we tried to look for him. We found Mom, and than eventually found Dad. I didn't bring the camera down to the pool but we had an awesome time! I don't remember the last time we swam together as a family (and we have a pool!) We set our stuff right near the hot tub because it was so nice and quiet there. I'm not sure if people realized there was a public overlook over there!

We headed back to the room and got ready for Dinner, before heading out mom wanted to come see the room. She too was ready for a towel and a bottle of water by the time she got there!

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We were all so excited for Le Cellier since we have eaten here before we all knew what to expect and how great it is! This is David's favorite restaurant! We checked in and I made sure they knew it was Mom and Dads anniversary which they said was noted. We waited about 15 minutes and were seated.

As always I ordered the Mushroom Filet (without any trace of mushrooms, yuck!) same for David. I don't remember what mom and dad got (I should have taken pics, lesson learned) but I did take pictures of Dessert and mom and dad loved their special treats!

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It was close to illuminations and this was sure to be a busy night for EMH so we headed over to our spot in France. On the way mom and dad wanted to take some pictures.

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Illuminations is Davids favorite night show (mine too!) he even has the music on his iPod and knows every cue. He's a musician so he's trying to learn it so he can play it on the piano. But no matter how many times you've seen it nothing gives us chills like illuminations!

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EMH had started and since I know most of FW is untouchable during EMH we kind of just mosey'd around the WS.

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We went on Maelstrom and than finally headed up to FW. Mom loves space and has always wanted to go on MS but is too chicken. After explaining to her that the calm side would be no worse than Star Tours she decided to try it. So did Dad after they talked with a CM who said if they could do Soarin they could do this.

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Mom and dad loved this!!! I think it might be moms favorite ride now!!

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We stopped in Mouse Gears (because how could you resist??) and than headed to the exit. We had a great day and we had to rest up for our last full day in WDW!
 
i think i am going to try mission space on our next trip, we never have, is it real jerky like star wars?
 
I'm finally all caught up. Congrats on the upgrade! The view looks gorgeous. And I'm glad your parents had a great time on the cruise, that's still the ultimate gift! :gooodvibes:

I just want to remind you to update the links on the first page ;) I usually follow them and didn't realize that you'd made these last three updates. I'm loving your report!
 
I don't know as if I would have been able to budge from that AKL balcony! What a view! :thumbsup2

The pictures of your parents are so sweet! :lovestruc

I am PMing you with an off-topic question...
 












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