What are you celebrating? Absolutely nothing! TR writing has commenced!

[starlight_003]

Looks like a fun day. It's nice that your kids can warm up to the character's before your trip to WDW. The pictures of your kids with the character's are so cute. My ds was 4 yr's old when he first got to meet the character's and it was so neat to watch and I couldn't help but to snap away on my camera.

 

[ariel2007]

I love the charms from DD and DS, they are so, so cute. Looks like you had a great time in NY. WoD looks so great, a million times better than any of the Disney Store's over here. And they sell so much cool stuff, I love the NY Mr Potato Head, and the Disney Tradition's carousel pieces, I so want them but can't find them anywhere over here. Sounds like your kids loved the characters, and had great fun. And the Stardust Diner looks so cool, I will definitely have to check it out when I am there.

 

[xoktenox]

Aww definitely looks like you guys had a great day!! I love all the zoo pictures, I have lived on LI my whole life and never been there...weird, I need to get on that haha

Ellen's diner is a place I've never been either but looks so cool...where exactly is it? Probably farther uptown than we usually go.

p.s. you're kids are absolutely beautiful.!!

 

[autumnpalm]

Oh my gosh, I've eaten at Ellen's!!! Back in... 2006 I think? I went to NYC with a friend and we ate there before catching Hairspray. Such a fun place!

I just LOVE your pictures, I can't get over how adorable your kids are with the characters. I never realized they had characters at WOD in New York! That looks like so much fun. Your son's facial expressions are priceless.

The zoo looks like fun, too! Ahhhh I want to go back to New York!

 

[Villainess]

Aww definitely looks like you guys had a great day!! I love all the zoo pictures, I have lived on LI my whole life and never been there...weird, I need to get on that haha

Ellen's diner is a place I've never been either but looks so cool...where exactly is it? Probably farther uptown than we usually go.

p.s. you're kids are absolutely beautiful.!!

It is on Broadway and 51st right next to the Wintergarden Theater. Across the street from Mars 2112.

It is nice little zoo - they have a children's zoo but we didn't make it over there. We'll probably check it out in the spring.

I love the charms from DD and DS, they are so, so cute. Looks like you had a great time in NY. WoD looks so great, a million times better than any of the Disney Store's over here. And they sell so much cool stuff, I love the NY Mr Potato Head, and the Disney Tradition's carousel pieces, I so want them but can't find them anywhere over here. Sounds like your kids loved the characters, and had great fun. And the Stardust Diner looks so cool, I will definitely have to check it out when I am there.

Thank you! If I remember the carousel pieces were $35 each. I thought that was very reasonable. You definately have to check out the Stardust Diner!

Looks like a fun day. It's nice that your kids can warm up to the character's before your trip to WDW. The pictures of your kids with the character's are so cute. My ds was 4 yr's old when he first got to meet the character's and it was so neat to watch and I couldn't help but to snap away on my camera.

Last Oct. I had DD screened for autism. The dr's said there was nothing in her 'story' that sparked any further testing. However, he did say she has anxiety. I never knew a 2 yr old could have anxiety, but I guess with the divorce, etc? Anyway, I try to help her warm up to new environments as much as possible. This way I can help her enjoy her vacation and not get overly upset.

 

[Villainess]

Oh my gosh, I've eaten at Ellen's!!! Back in... 2006 I think? I went to NYC with a friend and we ate there before catching Hairspray. Such a fun place!

I just LOVE your pictures, I can't get over how adorable your kids are with the characters. I never realized they had characters at WOD in New York! That looks like so much fun. Your son's facial expressions are priceless.

The zoo looks like fun, too! Ahhhh I want to go back to New York!

Ellen's is great! You definately need another trip to NYC!

 

[dolfinjuls]

Another awesome trip to NYC! I never knew what Ellen's was about, we'll definitely have to check it out soon!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Hi! I saw some of your pictures on Onetreehilladdicts TR and came on over. I hope I'm not asking something that you've already answered (I haven't read your report yet b/c I just found it), but what kind of camera do you use? I think your pictures are great. Are you a professional? How did you learn to take such good pics? I am always looking for ways to take better pictures and I am thinking of taking some classes to see if I can learn something new. I was just curious about your equipment and how you learned (classes, just practice, etc.) Thanks!

 

[BridetobeDisney]

Happy Valentine's Day!!

 

[Villainess]

Another awesome trip to NYC! I never knew what Ellen's was about, we'll definitely have to check it out soon!

Thanks! Yes! You have to check it out!

Hi! I saw some of your pictures on Onetreehilladdicts TR and came on over. I hope I'm not asking something that you've already answered (I haven't read your report yet b/c I just found it), but what kind of camera do you use? I think your pictures are great. Are you a professional? How did you learn to take such good pics? I am always looking for ways to take better pictures and I am thinking of taking some classes to see if I can learn something new. I was just curious about your equipment and how you learned (classes, just practice, etc.) Thanks!

Welcome!!!!! I have a Canon Rebel Xti and 5 lenses; the kit lens, a 50mm f/1.8, a 70-300mm, a 28-70mm, and a 24 - 250mm. I'm hoping that I will be able to upgrade my cameras and a few lenses soon. I guess I'm a serious amateur with still lots to learn but would love to start shooting professionally. I'm trying to build a portfolio and get some gigs - anyone in the NJ area who wants pics? I have learned soooo much from the Photography board here. They are super nice and very knowledgable. I've also read "The Moment it clicks" "Understanding Exposure" and one by Scott Kelby - can't remember the title of that one, but he also writes books on Lightroom and Photoshop that are fantastic! I haven't taken a class and while I'm sure a basic course would be good for me to make sure I have essentials down pat, I'm in between classes I see offered at the community college. And yes, go out there and practice!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Happy belated Valentine's Day!

 

[Villainess]

Sanaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ​

Sunday night, I made sure that Nonna knew that she needed to wake me up at 6:45am so I could be ready to call WDW-DINE promptly at 7am. Since the kids were spending the night at their dad's I knew I wouldn't be waking up this early on my own. Nonna woke me up on time. I got out their DVC card, cell phone, calendar to write the confirm number, sat down, and waited. Dialed in at 6:58am just to check - still closed. Dialed in just as the clock chimed 7 and woo hoo I'm in! I was immediately connected, probably one of the first calls to get through.

I tell the CM I would like Sanaa on 5/4 for a table of 5, and have my DVC number. She replied, "Ma'am, you are calling Disney. That's in Universal." Lovely! I explain that it is a new restaurant, blah, blah, blah, blah. She then tells me to hold and yells out to the call center, "Anyone heard of Sauna?"

During this time, Pop Pop informs me that I probably need to call DVC Member Services to make the ADR. OK, well he is probably right, but they don't open until 9 so I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Sure enough the CM comes back and confirms what Pop Pop thought. I thank her and hang up, shaking my head that this CM hadn't even heard of the new restaurant. Did she miss the memo?

Back to bed, and I set my cell phone alarm for 8:50am. I never fell back to sleep. I just layed in bed staring at the wall.

At 8:50, I get up, sit back down at the kitchen table and watch the clock. I call in and get through just at 9am and spoke with a very cheerful CM, Calvin. I told him what I wanted and after verifying all the DVC details, I get a confirmation for a table of 5 at 6:45 on 5/4! Can you see, I'm just a tiny bit excited about this?

After doing my little happy dance in the kitchen, I call Nonna at work and share the good news. Then I trek back upstairs to the kids' room where Pop Pop is painting the last corner on the 'Aurora pink' side of the room.

The rest of my President's Day was spent taping walls, priming, and painting DS's Cars theme half of the room! We are still working on it. I have to tape and paint the harlequin diamonds on DD's main wall, and the racing flag portion of DS's wall. Pics to come!!!!!!!!



Question of the day! How did you spend your Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend? exDH had the kids, but he brought flowers and candy to me from the kids and invited me to have dinner with them that night which I did. When I got home, I popped Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp version of course!) on the DVD player and swooned over Johnny!

 

[tinkgurl]

Oooh, I can't wait to hear about this restaurant!! That picture they have for it looks so good.

What did I do for Valentine's Day? B/F and I went out to eat a this nice restaurant on Friday night, then Saturday the little guy came over, and then that night B/F and I went out to eat and a movie with his family since we hadn't seen them in awhile.

What did I do for President's Day? Yeah, about that...Wisconsin I guess doesn't believe in holidays because I had school!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

At 8:50, I get up, sit back down at the kitchen table and watch the clock. I call in and get through just at 9am and spoke with a very cheerful CM, Calvin. I told him what I wanted and after verifying all the DVC details, I get a confirmation for a table of 5 at 6:45 on 5/4! Can you see, I'm just a tiny bit excited about this?

Congratulations on your ADR!! How exciting....a NEW restaurant! Enjoy and bring back a full report!

The rest of my President's Day was spent taping walls, priming, and painting DS's Cars theme half of the room! We are still working on it. I have to tape and paint the harlequin diamonds on DD's main wall, and the racing flag portion of DS's wall. Pics to come!!!!!!!!

You are a better woman than I! I LOATHE painting and avoid it like the plague!

Question of the day! How did you spend your Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend? exDH had the kids, but he brought flowers and candy to me from the kids and invited me to have dinner with them that night which I did. When I got home, I popped Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp version of course!) on the DVD player and swooned over Johnny!

Valentine's Day was quiet here. DH woke me with chocolates (DARK, yum) and a beautiful card. We spent the day with the boys doing family stuff...it was nice. President's Day is the beginning of a LONG week for me....my boys are off school for the week, so it's crazy 'round here!

Glad you had a nice weekend!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Welcome!!!!! I have a Canon Rebel Xti and 5 lenses; the kit lens, a 50mm f/1.8, a 70-300mm, a 28-70mm, and a 24 - 250mm. I'm hoping that I will be able to upgrade my cameras and a few lenses soon. I guess I'm a serious amateur with still lots to learn but would love to start shooting professionally. I'm trying to build a portfolio and get some gigs - anyone in the NJ area who wants pics? I have learned soooo much from the Photography board here. They are super nice and very knowledgable. I've also read "The Moment it clicks" "Understanding Exposure" and one by Scott Kelby - can't remember the title of that one, but he also writes books on Lightroom and Photoshop that are fantastic! I haven't taken a class and while I'm sure a basic course would be good for me to make sure I have essentials down pat, I'm in between classes I see offered at the community college. And yes, go out there and practice!

Thanks for the response. I am starting a class today at the community college. Most of them were "beginners" classes and they just seemed too "beginner" for me (like learning how to turn the camera on and off ). Then some others were for pros and I knew I wasn't ready for that. But I found one class that was perfect. It's called secrets of great photography and it covers 3 areas: photographing people, travel and wildlife photography, which are the areas that I am most interested in. I hope it is a good class. It seemed more advanced than the others but not pro level either. I'll let you know if I learn anything good! I've been serious about taking pictures for years, but I am ready to take it a bit further. And my recent Disney trip just got the photography juices REALLY flowing for me. And I will definatley check out that photography board. I didn't know there was one!

 

[Villainess]

Oooh, I can't wait to hear about this restaurant!! That picture they have for it looks so good.

What did I do for Valentine's Day? B/F and I went out to eat a this nice restaurant on Friday night, then Saturday the little guy came over, and then that night B/F and I went out to eat and a movie with his family since we hadn't seen them in awhile.

What did I do for President's Day? Yeah, about that...Wisconsin I guess doesn't believe in holidays because I had school!

My mom (works at a university) had work, classes were in session as well.

Congratulations on your ADR!! How exciting....a NEW restaurant! Enjoy and bring back a full report!




You are a better woman than I! I LOATHE painting and avoid it like the plague!



Valentine's Day was quiet here. DH woke me with chocolates (DARK, yum) and a beautiful card. We spent the day with the boys doing family stuff...it was nice. President's Day is the beginning of a LONG week for me....my boys are off school for the week, so it's crazy 'round here!

Glad you had a nice weekend!

Oh I definately will be doing a full report on Sanaa! I'm hoping to be able to do a dining report on all the restaurants w/ pics - at least that is my intention!

Dark chocolate for me too! I'm the only one in the family who likes it, so that means I get all of it!

Thanks for the response. I am starting a class today at the community college. Most of them were "beginners" classes and they just seemed too "beginner" for me (like learning how to turn the camera on and off ). Then some others were for pros and I knew I wasn't ready for that. But I found one class that was perfect. It's called secrets of great photography and it covers 3 areas: photographing people, travel and wildlife photography, which are the areas that I am most interested in. I hope it is a good class. It seemed more advanced than the others but not pro level either. I'll let you know if I learn anything good! I've been serious about taking pictures for years, but I am ready to take it a bit further. And my recent Disney trip just got the photography juices REALLY flowing for me. And I will definatley check out that photography board. I didn't know there was one!

Yes, please do tell me about the class. There is a weekly Disney photography contest over there too! Definitely check it out!

 

[autumnpalm]

Ahhh I hate getting the CMs on the phone who don't know anything. It's so frustrating. But I'm glad you got your ADR at Sanaa! I can't wait to hear all about it. It sounds so neat! AKL is getting better and better... Jiko, Boma, Sanaa...

I can't wait to see the pics of your kids' rooms. They sound awesome!

I had a pretty quiet Valentine's. I was sick and had no Valentine... so I watched TV, hung out on the DIS and stayed home. Hoping for a better one next year! We don't have President's Day in Canada, we have Family Day, and I saw a movie and then we had a big family dinner with cousins, grandparents and everything. It was fun!

 

[Villainess]

Ahhh I hate getting the CMs on the phone who don't know anything. It's so frustrating. But I'm glad you got your ADR at Sanaa! I can't wait to hear all about it. It sounds so neat! AKL is getting better and better... Jiko, Boma, Sanaa...

I can't wait to see the pics of your kids' rooms. They sound awesome!

I had a pretty quiet Valentine's. I was sick and had no Valentine... so I watched TV, hung out on the DIS and stayed home. Hoping for a better one next year! We don't have President's Day in Canada, we have Family Day, and I saw a movie and then we had a big family dinner with cousins, grandparents and everything. It was fun!

I couldn't believe she told me the restaurant was at Universal! I don't know lots of the restaurants there, but I would think Disney wouldn't name one of their places similar to the competition's.

Getting pics of the room in progress - hopefully will be up later tonight!

 

[xoktenox]

for Sanaa!! I can't believe the CM had no idea what you were talking about

The themes for your kids' rooms sounds so cool! I cant wait to see it when you post the pictures.

That was also nice of your exDH to invite you to dinner that night with them and buy you flowers and candy from them too. My valentine's day was TERRIBLE...BF and I both worked all day and then we couldnt get into any restaurants that night without a 2 hour wait which caused an argument So Monday (president's day) we went to breakfast in the morning, he washed my car for me and we made dinner at my house at night. Then tonight we went shopping and out to Friday's for dinner. So I think he made up for the bad vday

 

[Goofy22]

Sounds like you had a very nice Valentines Day! That was very nice of the EXDH! So what kind of food is Sanaa suppose to have ? I'm out of the loop although I have heard about it! LOL!

 

[dolfinjuls]

Congrats about the Sanaa ressies! I'm very interested in the restaurant since it's our dvc home, but wonder if we'll like anything on the menu b/c we're very picky eaters!

Our V-Day was nice. We both worked during the day, but did go out for an early dinner at Filomena's, a nice Italian place, and then to the movies to see Taken. Very good movie! We don't get out very often alone, so it was really nice! And President's Day was no different then a normal day. I worked like usual!