WHAT A DIFFERENCE 6 MOS. MAKES (or how I learned to love MK) COMPLETE-WRAP-UP 12/29

[lbuzz52]

Joining in!

what a beautiful resort! i'm not sure i would be able to get my kids out of that pool, even with the promis of a mickey bar. Your ds sure had a lot of energy for already having a long day!

 

[dizneeat]

I have been neglectful in my Dis duties, it seems. I've been back at school for training and planning since August 1 and I've been super busy with that. I'm usually so tired by the evening, that I can't even keep up with replies on my own thread, let alone write thoughtful comments on anyone else's, though I have been reading.

I'm hoping to get an update up at some point over the weekend. I wrote a LOT of the report while we were there, as we took the laptop, but uploading and sorting through pictures can be a time consuming task.

I'm sorry if I haven't been keeping up with your threads, either. My crazy schedule should slow down after September 1st and I should be settling into a more regular schedule. Hopefully!

In the meantime, thanks to everyone for sticking around.

Hi Tina!

It's unbellievable that you are already back to school!

How fun to read that my friend Max learned to love the water and used the kiddie slide a lot!
Stormalong Bay is wonderful, isn't it! We loved our stay at the Yacht Club in 2006.
I had to LOL when you said you bribed Max with a Mickey bar - great idea! Can't wait to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't been on the DIS myself much lately (check my pre-trip report for reason please) but I can only tell you .............


we leave for WDW tomorrow and we are going to MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Missyrose]

I have been neglectful in my Dis duties, it seems. I've been back at school for training and planning since August 1 and I've been super busy with that. I'm usually so tired by the evening, that I can't even keep up with replies on my own thread, let alone write thoughtful comments on anyone else's, though I have been reading.

I'm hoping to get an update up at some point over the weekend. I wrote a LOT of the report while we were there, as we took the laptop, but uploading and sorting through pictures can be a time consuming task.

I'm sorry if I haven't been keeping up with your threads, either. My crazy schedule should slow down after September 1st and I should be settling into a more regular schedule. Hopefully!

In the meantime, thanks to everyone for sticking around.

Take care of what you need! Us faithful readers will still be here when you get back.

 

[tinacaplan]

Some of you may remember that on the very day of Max’s birthday party, Mark ended up in the ER with a kidney stone; his first ever. Needless to say, it was super painful for him and he and I spent the better part of the day hanging around the local ER. My mom graciously stepped in and purchased Max an ice cream cake, as I hadn’t been able to bake him the one I had promised. Bad mommy.

I had a fair amount of guilt building up as I paced around Mark’s private room. (Yep; small-ish hospital and it has private rooms in the ER) So I did what any (in)sane Dismom would do in a similar situation; I called the Disney florist to ensure that Max’s first day at Disney would be as magical as possible.

Mark and I were really excited to come back the room from SAB and see whether or not the Disney florist fairy had visited...and in fact...they had!

Max ran to check out his special, suprise birthday gift.

Look at this precious face:

I wish I had taken more pictures, particularly of what was wrapped up in there, but I was too busy enjoying the moment of pure joy that was unfolding in front of me. Max was thrilled and completely convinced that Lightening and Mater had come all the way from Radiator Springs to deliver his birthday gift. It was so wonderful. I should add that the woman I spoke with at the Disney florist was awesome and super helpful in helping me put together a gift tailor made for Max.

Once we had unwrapped the gift, though, Mark and I realized that we had a problem. A noisy one. Remember the balcony guy? Well, he had moved off of our balcony onto an adjacent one and it was really noisy. Noisy enough that I was fairly certain we’d have a hard time getting Max down for an oh-so-necessary nap. Now, if it had been me, I probably would not have said anything, but Mark was not having it. He wasn’t upset, particularly, but he wanted to know when the construction would end. So he called the front desk.

And, in the end, Mark had them give us a new room. A new room with a new view and an entirely new location. While Mark was at the front desk (thanks to whomever -- and Kathy -- I’m pretty sure it was you -- who pointed out that if you really want something accomplished at the resorts, your best bet is to go down to front desk), I started packing us back up again and Max amused himself with his new cars.

Eventually, bell services showed up to move us to our new digs. Max couldn’t stop talking to the bellman, which I’m sure he just loved, but he was quite happy to talk to Max and listen to his four year old, nonsensical ramblings. We made our way down to our new room and a new location that was truly not to be believed.

We were on the third floor, just to the left of the lobby. We had a direct waterview of the lake and Boardwalk. A-MAZING! But..a couple of things...we only had a standing balcony and no dresser! All in all, it was a huge upgrade; the view was beautiful, and we were super close to the elevator and the Marketplace. I got great use out of my resort mug on this trip because of that.

I unpacked us for the second time, we rested, and then it was time for our first ADR of the trip...Via Napoli! Would we like it?

 

[tinacaplan]

We will still be here when the dust settles, Tina! Just take care of what you need to

Thanks, Tammie. I appreciate that.

I agree with Tammie, we will be here...

Joining in!

what a beautiful resort! i'm not sure i would be able to get my kids out of that pool, even with the promis of a mickey bar. Your ds sure had a lot of energy for already having a long day!

The BC is gorgeous, truly. He had a TON of energy that day.

I know the tired feeling so I can relate to barely being able to get caught up. You will. I'm waiting for your updates. No rush!

Thanks, Mary Ellen.

Hi Tina!

It's unbellievable that you are already back to school!

How fun to read that my friend Max learned to love the water and used the kiddie slide a lot!
Stormalong Bay is wonderful, isn't it! We loved our stay at the Yacht Club in 2006.
I had to LOL when you said you bribed Max with a Mickey bar - great idea! Can't wait to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't been on the DIS myself much lately (check my pre-trip report for reason please) but I can only tell you .............


we leave for WDW tomorrow and we are going to MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, Karin! I checked in on your PTR, several times now, and am really enjoying your live updates. So much fun and you and Tom look so genuinely happy.

Take care of what you need! Us faithful readers will still be here when you get back.

Thank you!

 

[KatMark]

Way to go, Mom. Neat surprise for Max for his birthday.

And Mark did awesome (and, yes, it is ALWAYS best to go to the front desk because when you call, you are NOT getting the front desk at the resort).

Glad they were accommodating and moved you.

 

[tinacaplan]

Way to go, Mom. Neat surprise for Max for his birthday.

And Mark did awesome (and, yes, it is ALWAYS best to go to the front desk because when you call, you are NOT getting the front desk at the resort).

Glad they were accommodating and moved you.

Thanks! It was really neat. Another serious benefit of reading the Dis!

I was happy, too. Mark was not pleased and I have to admit that when I thought about what we were paying...

 

[MickeyNicki]

Love Max's little face! What a great mom and dad you are to have Mater and McQueen visit just for his special day!

Congrats on the upgrade....nothing like noise to ruin a vacation....my big kid (Todd) would have been upset too, he can never miss a nap ya know

 

[amandaw]

Awww, Max is so cute opening his birthday surprise!

And good for y'all getting another room! Disney trips are not cheap (especially the deluxes) and you should get what you pay for!

Can't wait to read about Via Napoli. We were going to have dinner there one night on our last trip but we decided to try Rose & Crown instead.

 

[shan23877]

Great report so far. Huge on the upgrade! On our last trip we told DD4 that Cinderella's fairy godmother had hand delivered her "invitation" to BBB while she was sleeping, and now she tells everyone that! I bet that people will be hearing about Mater and McQueens road trip too Priceless!

 

[natebenma]

What a great surprise for Max! I'm glad that you were able to get a room that was better suited to you. Sounds like a really nice view and location!

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip when you have time to write.

 

[MEK]

I really wish I could see your pictures now because I am sure they are absolutely adorable! Be back later for that. Wonderful surprise for Max!

I was kind-of wondering what you were going to do about the guy on the balcony. I am so glad you were able to change rooms and get at upgrade at that.

Great Mojo!

 

[annmarieda]

Oh the look on Max's face is priceless! How fun.

And the move.. how awesome is that. Course, I have to ask... you had no dresser? And what is a standing balcony? I assume it didn't have room for chairs? Do we get to see pictures of your view??

 

[denise4disney]

Joining in. Sounds like lots of fun so far.

 

[dizneeat]

Hi Tina!

Tom and I had discussed your "man on the balcony" and hoped that he would "go away" soon, but the new room sounds amazing! A water view is always nice, isn't it!
And well done on the Disney Florist gift! Max looks soooooooooooo happy with his gifts!

Missing you here at the wonderful world of Disney!

 

[PirateKate]

Max looks absolutely thrilled with his gift. What a great idea!

Your new room sounds really cool, even if it isn't exactly perfect. I'm sure there are pictures of the new view coming up, right?

 

[eandesmom]

I love it! What a wonderful wonderful surprise for Max...and a lovely new room to boot!

 

[Missyrose]

Some of you may remember that on the very day of Max’s birthday party, Mark ended up in the ER with a kidney stone; his first ever. Needless to say, it was super painful for him and he and I spent the better part of the day hanging around the local ER. My mom graciously stepped in and purchased Max an ice cream cake, as I hadn’t been able to bake him the one I had promised. Bad mommy.

I had a fair amount of guilt building up as I paced around Mark’s private room. (Yep; small-ish hospital and it has private rooms in the ER) So I did what any (in)sane Dismom would do in a similar situation; I called the Disney florist to ensure that Max’s first day at Disney would be as magical as possible.

Mark and I were really excited to come back the room from SAB and see whether or not the Disney florist fairy had visited...and in fact...they had!

Max ran to check out his special, suprise birthday gift.

Look at this precious face:

I wish I had taken more pictures, particularly of what was wrapped up in there, but I was too busy enjoying the moment of pure joy that was unfolding in front of me. Max was thrilled and completely convinced that Lightening and Mater had come all the way from Radiator Springs to deliver his birthday gift. It was so wonderful. I should add that the woman I spoke with at the Disney florist was awesome and super helpful in helping me put together a gift tailor made for Max.

Once we had unwrapped the gift, though, Mark and I realized that we had a problem. A noisy one. Remember the balcony guy? Well, he had moved off of our balcony onto an adjacent one and it was really noisy. Noisy enough that I was fairly certain we’d have a hard time getting Max down for an oh-so-necessary nap. Now, if it had been me, I probably would not have said anything, but Mark was not having it. He wasn’t upset, particularly, but he wanted to know when the construction would end. So he called the front desk.

And, in the end, Mark had them give us a new room. A new room with a new view and an entirely new location. While Mark was at the front desk (thanks to whomever -- and Kathy -- I’m pretty sure it was you -- who pointed out that if you really want something accomplished at the resorts, your best bet is to go down to front desk), I started packing us back up again and Max amused himself with his new cars.

Eventually, bell services showed up to move us to our new digs. Max couldn’t stop talking to the bellman, which I’m sure he just loved, but he was quite happy to talk to Max and listen to his four year old, nonsensical ramblings. We made our way down to our new room and a new location that was truly not to be believed.

We were on the third floor, just to the left of the lobby. We had a direct waterview of the lake and Boardwalk. A-MAZING! But..a couple of things...we only had a standing balcony and no dresser! All in all, it was a huge upgrade; the view was beautiful, and we were super close to the elevator and the Marketplace. I got great use out of my resort mug on this trip because of that.

I unpacked us for the second time, we rested, and then it was time for our first ADR of the trip...Via Napoli! Would we like it?

A little kindness when you have to complain can go a long way, yay for the fab new room!

 

[pinkxray]

Aw, Max looks so happy.

Your new view must have been fabulous. The whole Bc/Bw area is so pretty, especially at night.Who needs a dresser when you have a great view anyway?

 

[tinacaplan]

Love Max's little face! What a great mom and dad you are to have Mater and McQueen visit just for his special day!

Congrats on the upgrade....nothing like noise to ruin a vacation....my big kid (Todd) would have been upset too, he can never miss a nap ya know

Naps while on vacation are imperative!

Awww, Max is so cute opening his birthday surprise!

And good for y'all getting another room! Disney trips are not cheap (especially the deluxes) and you should get what you pay for!

Can't wait to read about Via Napoli. We were going to have dinner there one night on our last trip but we decided to try Rose & Crown instead.

Thanks...I was happy that they were able to move us and did so without a problem.

Great report so far. Huge on the upgrade! On our last trip we told DD4 that Cinderella's fairy godmother had hand delivered her "invitation" to BBB while she was sleeping, and now she tells everyone that! I bet that people will be hearing about Mater and McQueens road trip too Priceless!

Thanks....I'm trying, albeit soooooo slowly. Oh, Max totally believes that they came to see him! Oh, to be that young!

What a great surprise for Max! I'm glad that you were able to get a room that was better suited to you. Sounds like a really nice view and location!

Looking forward to hearing more about your trip when you have time to write.

Thanks! It was an absolutely prime location.

I really wish I could see your pictures now because I am sure they are absolutely adorable! Be back later for that. Wonderful surprise for Max!

I was kind-of wondering what you were going to do about the guy on the balcony. I am so glad you were able to change rooms and get at upgrade at that.

Great Mojo!

Yup...we were having a pretty great first day.

Oh the look on Max's face is priceless! How fun.

And the move.. how awesome is that. Course, I have to ask... you had no dresser? And what is a standing balcony? I assume it didn't have room for chairs? Do we get to see pictures of your view??

We had plenty of storage, as it turned out, just no dresser. There is a large piece of furniture that the t.v. is on that has a ton of storage, though.

A standing balcony is one that you can only stand on, you can't fit chairs out there. Oh well. And amazingly...I'm not sure I got a single pic of our view!

Joining in. Sounds like lots of fun so far.

Thanks for joining!

Hi Tina!

Tom and I had discussed your "man on the balcony" and hoped that he would "go away" soon, but the new room sounds amazing! A water view is always nice, isn't it!
And well done on the Disney Florist gift! Max looks soooooooooooo happy with his gifts!

Missing you here at the wonderful world of Disney!

Thanks...Max loved it! Hope you guys are having an absolute blast!

Max looks absolutely thrilled with his gift. What a great idea!

Your new room sounds really cool, even if it isn't exactly perfect. I'm sure there are pictures of the new view coming up, right?

Yeah...um...about those pictures... How did I not take any? Not sure.

I love it! What a wonderful wonderful surprise for Max...and a lovely new room to boot!

It was fabulous. Truly. I am a total BC convert. I also wouldn't mind staying at the YC, either. Equally as beautiful, if in a different way. Love that whole area, actually!

A little kindness when you have to complain can go a long way, yay for the fab new room!

Yes, it did!

Aw, Max looks so happy.

Your new view must have been fabulous. The whole Bc/Bw area is so pretty, especially at night.Who needs a dresser when you have a great view anyway?

I love the BW area. It is AMAZING. So amazing that I often consider the Swan or Dolphin...and then think I'd miss Magical Express too much! Is that crazy, or what???