What Are You Celebrating?? Air Conditioning!! A July 2010 TR UPDATE 12/11 p24

[Mndisneygirl]

Thanks for the pictures of the pool at the resort. It looks like a fantastic place to stay- amazing pool, the ocean, the activities. My boys, especially Ben, would LOVE the wildlife show. He is into spiders and snakes and all that.

Vero Beach looks wonderful, too. Thanks for sharing the pictures and information with us!

I'm glad to hear there is more fun coming up!

Oh, thanks! We had a lot of fun there.
Someday we will stay at Vero too. I think it would be a nice relaxing place.

One more WDW day to come... but first...

It's time for a little bit of dancing...



DOUBLE DIGIT DANCING!!!!






In 99 days we will be checking in to AKV! DH wanted to do the countdown to when we actually leave, which is 5 days before, but I said no - this is a Disney countdown. I suppose I could do two...

I had hoped to get an update up today - may still, but I've been baking and working on Christmas cards. My address list (in word form on labels) was lost when my old PC crashed last Christmas. So I am reconstructing the list and writing them by hand this year. I never got around to having someone recover stuff from the hard drive (yet) and can't figure out how to do it on the mac yet. Sheesh, technology = good and evil!

 

[miprender]

Spiders and Snakes... not my favorite things.

But Vero beach looks amazing. That is the first time I have really seen pictures from there. How far is that from Disney?

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hurray for double-digit dancing!!!

 

[MEK]

I'm so glad your TR bumped up to the first page when I finally have time to read it and get all caught up. I really got pretty far behind.

Cool condo and water park. I love how you could see all the ships leaving dock. That is very neat. You are very brave to hold that tarantula. I don't think I could do it!

I also really like KSC and I really want to get back there for a visit. I missed so much on my first trip there and it looks like a few things have changed.

LOVE Vero. It's the first place I stayed at a DVC member and I look forward to going back. Its such a cool place. We had a 1BR that had the most spectacular ocean views. I could definitely use a week there right now!

Congrats on double digit dancing!

 

[Native NYer]

I'm loving your report!
Vero looks amazing. The beach after Disney sounds so relaxing.

 

[2kids2luv]

OMG...I can't believe you held a tarantula and snake! You are a brave woman.

Sounds like everyone had a fun beach getaway. It looks beautiful. With the cold weather here, I really want to be on that cruise ship.

 

[Monny2AE]

Vero Beach looks AMAZING!!!

That tarantula on the other hand...not so much!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Spiders and Snakes... not my favorite things.

But Vero beach looks amazing. That is the first time I have really seen pictures from there. How far is that from Disney?

According to Mapquest, it's a little over 100 miles. I know it's less than an hour from WDW to Cocoa Beach, and about an hour from Cocoa to Vero.

Hurray for double-digit dancing!!!

Yay! Thanks for joining me!

I'm so glad your TR bumped up to the first page when I finally have time to read it and get all caught up. I really got pretty far behind.

Cool condo and water park. I love how you could see all the ships leaving dock. That is very neat. You are very brave to hold that tarantula. I don't think I could do it!

I also really like KSC and I really want to get back there for a visit. I missed so much on my first trip there and it looks like a few things have changed.

LOVE Vero. It's the first place I stayed at a DVC member and I look forward to going back. Its such a cool place. We had a 1BR that had the most spectacular ocean views. I could definitely use a week there right now!

Congrats on double digit dancing!

Welcome back!! KSC was cool. We hadn't been since 2004 I think, so it was fun to see some different things and stuff we skipped over.
Oh, I can't wait to stay at Vero!! I desperately need more points!! Must save my money!!!

I'm loving your report!
Vero looks amazing. The beach after Disney sounds so relaxing.

Thanks!! It was the perfect way to do it. Disney then beach. I had a big schedule at WDW and NONE at the beach. Loved it like that!!

OMG...I can't believe you held a tarantula and snake! You are a brave woman.

Sounds like everyone had a fun beach getaway. It looks beautiful. With the cold weather here, I really want to be on that cruise ship.

Brave - a little crazy that night!! I was living on the edge! I'm normally quite risk averse!
I wish I could be on the cruise ship now too. I don't know where in WI you are, but in the Twin Cities, it's about 18 degrees today. For the high.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

So, another non trip update.

Look at what came to my house today!

I ordered the tan bag and got the cosmetic bag for $15! big sale!! Plus I got some more ornaments and a topper for our Disney tree!

My DH got me these for an early Christmas present. The Tinkerbell ornament was one of my new ones, but I dropped it (right after I got it!) and broke her head off! I superglued it back on, but I'm afraid to hang it on the real tree with its weak branches!

I'm going to grab my trip journal and try to work on an update!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Thursday we got up and were heading back to my happy place for the day!! We didn't leave as early as I had hoped, but that was no surprise! It took a bit over an hour. We missed the turn for MK, and ended up at AK.

We quickly corrected that problem - this is better:

Getting Closer...

That's better!!! We parked at the TTC. I made a point to remember where we parked.
Next question is do we go to the monorail or the boat???

It's been a while since we took the boat, so...

SO, the boat it is!!
We made our way, S L O W L Y across the lagoon.
We got into the park about 9:30 or so. It seemed really crowded, but the lines weren't too bad.

We got FPs for BTMRR and rode Jungle Cruise after a 20 min. wait.
We rode POTC after a 15 minute wait and then rode BTMRR. By the end I felt a little queasy, but it was so fun!! We might have stopped here for a treat - I took a picture for some reason - not sure!

We went to Haunted Maneion after a potty break. DH went and got FPs for Peter Pan. We had lunch at Columbia Harbour House. I didn't take any food pics today! It was a bit freeing!

We rode Peter Pan and got FPs for Pooh, saw Philharmagic, the kids and DH rode the carousel and the tea cups (not me!). We rode Pooh with our FPs.
We headed to Tomorrowland and rode the TTA! I always enjoy taking a spin through Space Mountain (since I don't ride it!).
We got some drinks and a sweet cream cheese pretzel. You know, I know a lot of people love them, and I do enjoy a sweet cream cheese pretzel, however...the ones I get from the Schwan's man are better. Maybe it was just not cooked right.

We were thinking about leaving (well, I really wasn't!) butthe 3:00 parade had started. Gosh, it really is cute, but it was all of 10 minutes that we watched.

We don't see Pinocchio much!

(cont. in next post)

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Here's a few more parade pictures

Does Snow White's prince have a name?

Everyone's favorite Nanny and Chimney Sweep!

You can kind of get a look at Peter Pan, Wendy, Alice and Mad Hatter. We really weren't that close I guess!

I really was trying to Celebrate today - I didn't want to end my last day at MK!

Not the best shot of the princess float, but oh well!

I did a little secret shopping while DH took the girls away to the Main Street Confectioners! I wanted to get Paige some Mickey Birthstone earrings for "someday" when she gets her ears pierced. At the time, I didn't know A) when we'd be going back to WDW and B) that you can order them online and sometimes find them in stores.

Then it was time. A very sad time. If it weren't so blasted hot and steamy, I would have fought to stay longer. But we did everything we really wanted to do, and had no dinner reservations anywhere. So we got on the monorail to head back to the TTC - had to have one last monorail ride. It was one of the few times I was to get on the monorail.

We found our car with little trouble and headed back to the beach.

I have a bit more to tell you about before heading home, and we shall wrap this TR up!! I have to work on my planning binder for my next trip! Oh, and there's all this Christmas stuff to do too!

 

[Pluto_fan]

Love the new bags, Sheree!

Aw, it's always so sad to leave for the last time on any trip. BUT...you know you'll be back!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Love the Dooney and Bourke bags -- especially the new Mickey balloon one!

What a nice day at the Magic Kingdom. I wish I was there right now in the 90-degree heat -- oh, how I hate the cold!

So, I had to look up the prince's name in Snow White -- it is supposedly Prince Charming. So, that made me wonder what Cinderella's prince's name is -- it is also supposedly Prince Charming. That didn't sound right to have two princes with the same name, so I went to Wikipedia. The prince in Snow White is actually just The Prince. (Can you tell I am avoiding real work right now?)

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Guess I had a lot to get caught up on!!

I can't believe you held a snake!! Not me. No way. No how. I have the shivers just looking at your picture!


I LOVE your brown Dooney and Bourke bag. I almost got that one when we were at WDW!

Looks like your last day was fun. As fun as it could be anyway. The last day is always so sad.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Looking forward to hearing the rest.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Love all your Disney goodies...great parade pics!!!! I am always moody and sad the last day at MK...it's just so depressing knowing you can't just come right back over there!!! Oh,,...I am missing it already!!!!!

 

[natebenma]

Great trip report, Sheree! What a wonderful trip your family had!!! Lots of fun activities. I loved your beach diversion.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Love the new bags, Sheree!

Aw, it's always so sad to leave for the last time on any trip. BUT...you know you'll be back!

Thanks! DH said he likes the balloon pattern, so maybe I'll get to expand my collection!
When we left, I had no intention of going back for at least a year or more likely two. We were supposed to be heading over the pond to Europe! Oh how things change!

Love the Dooney and Bourke bags -- especially the new Mickey balloon one!

What a nice day at the Magic Kingdom. I wish I was there right now in the 90-degree heat -- oh, how I hate the cold!

So, I had to look up the prince's name in Snow White -- it is supposedly Prince Charming. So, that made me wonder what Cinderella's prince's name is -- it is also supposedly Prince Charming. That didn't sound right to have two princes with the same name, so I went to Wikipedia. The prince in Snow White is actually just The Prince. (Can you tell I am avoiding real work right now?)

I'd take the 90 degrees right now. It's bitter cold, snowing and windy here. We're in the middle of a BLIZZARD!!! You'd definitely hate it!
Charming, - aren't they all??? The Prince. Hmmm. Wonder if he has any identity crisis issues? Disney provides me with a lot of work avoidance strategies. Good thing I have to have internet for my job and they don't block things!

Guess I had a lot to get caught up on!!

I can't believe you held a snake!! Not me. No way. No how. I have the shivers just looking at your picture!


I LOVE your brown Dooney and Bourke bag. I almost got that one when we were at WDW!

Looks like your last day was fun. As fun as it could be anyway. The last day is always so sad.

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Looking forward to hearing the rest.

I really don't know what came over me that night. I think in my old age (ahem) I am becoming a bit more adventurous - I still won't ride certain rides, but I'm trying to live life and have fun!!!

I enjoy sharing - it's so fun to get people's comments and reactions. We had a fun day - just doing what we wanted. I never thought I'd enjoy a summer trip to Florida that much.

Love all your Disney goodies...great parade pics!!!! I am always moody and sad the last day at MK...it's just so depressing knowing you can't just come right back over there!!! Oh,,...I am missing it already!!!!!

I've been missing WDW this week a lot - since we were there last year and I've been reading your and Shelly's TRs! I can't wait to get back!!!

Great trip report, Sheree! What a wonderful trip your family had!!! Lots of fun activities. I loved your beach diversion.

Thanks Dee! We had such a great time! The beach proved to be a great addition to the trip. Of course, that's what started the whole thing anyway!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Well, we headed back to the resort at the beach. The girls had some sandwiches for dinner and went to swim at the pool with DH. I sat and watched with my SIL. We played mini - golf, the girls' new favorite activity! Sarah got two holes in one!! She's ready for the pro tour!

I can't remember if I posted these pictures before. These were taken in the lobby.

We had no official plans for Friday. I was wishing I could go back to WDW of course! I figured I'd get some more beach time in and get the laundry done.
We had a lazy morning Friday. We went back to do some more putt-putt after breakfast and the girls played in the play area for a while. We just hung out. My nephew skinned his shark that he caught while deep-sea fishing and marinated it in Teriyaki.
We were heading to the beach, and it started RAINING!!!
So we stayed back at the condo. I sat and read for a while until the rain passed. Eventually about 3 p.m we went down to the beach. We watched yet another cruise ship go out -
Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas. About 5 we headed back to clean up for dinner. We enjoyed a taste of the teryiaki shark - even the girls liked it!!! It was good - meaty tasting, with yummy teryiaki flavor. Not really fishy.
We all went to dinner up at the main building and treated my SIL's family as a thank you for inviting us to their condo.

After dinner, Sarah and Paige played Putt-Putt AGAIN with my nephews and the one nephew's fiance'. DH and I headed back to the condo, finished reading one book and started a second one!!! I hadn't read this much in months!

Did a little packing and laundry (not necessarily in that order). Tomorrow would be the last day! What do we do?
We get up and go to IHOP! OOPS, it's Saturday!! Do you know how busy an IHOP is on the weekend? It was a little nuts. The food and service were just okay. Sure wasn't worth taking pictures of anything!
We spent some more time at the pool until around 1, when a storm was rolling in. Spent more time reading in our room while it rained. We all headed down the road to a restaurant called FishLips around 4. It is right on the canal where the ships go in and out of Port Canaveral. Unfortunately, we couldn't sit outside because of the recent rain, but we got to see the Carnival Dream set sail and go down the canal out to sea. We also saw some dolphins swimming in the area. DH saw a manatee too.
Again, no good restaurant review here. The food was "eh". I tried a lobster roll. I like lobster, but the seasoning did not appeal to me. The girls' chicken nuggets were among the worst ever I think! The best thing about this place, is the location and the name!! They did have a live band too.

So our last night - we had to get in another round of putt-putt (did you guess that it's free?) and some play time in the kids' area again! Back at the room, we borrowed a nephew's computer and checked in for our crack of dawn flight out the next morning. We said our goodbyes as they were going to get on the road by 5 a.m. We would not be far behind!!

As it turned out, we were loading up the cars at the same time the next morning. We managed to make our way to MCO and get all checked in for our flight in plenty of time. It was an uneventful flight back home, and my brother picked us up at the airport in our car. It's always nice to be back home, but always sad to end a WDW trip!!!

I never thought I'd go to Florida again in the summer after my very first trip in 1999. But we did, we survived the heat and humidity (thanks to some awesome tips from my DIS friends) and we had a blast!!!! I think combining it with a trip to the beach really helped. Having a great pool at Beach Club didn't hurt either!

I would stay at Beach Club again in a NY minute (in a villa now that we're DVC members!!!). But I hope I can enjoy winter trips instead of summer in the future. Like, March 2011!!!!

I don't have any plans officially to do a PTR, but you never know, I might change my mind. We have most of our plans in place and it is fun keeping it a secret from the girls.

In case anyone missed it - Here's the mini PTR:
We are staying for four nights (3/14- 3/18) Animal Kingdom in a savannah view studio at Jambo house. First we're going down to Ft. Myers to visit my SIL and hopefully catch a Twins spring training game. The girls don't know anything yet.
We had planned to go to Europe for spring break, and told them it was too expensive, so we cancelled. We haven't said what we'll do instead. I've been going on and on about how expensive WDW is, and maybe we should just go to WI Dells to a waterpark or something closer. The plan is to tell them we've decided to go to FL to visit relatives when it gets closer to March. Then while we're there, we'll just drive up to WDW.

I keep thinking Sarah would figure it out because we just can't go to FL without going to WDW. We shall see! I'll have to do some secret packing of Disney stuff!

We have our ADRs and have to buy tickets yet. Looking for the best deal! Because we know a lot of our meals are set price buffets, we figured out that even with Sarah as an adult (HA!) it would maybe be a difference of $30 to do the DDP. So we probably will, just for the convenience. We have to pay as soon as we add it, so we're waiting until at least February when Christmas is paid for!

Want to know where we're going to eat?

Boma dinner
Tusker House breakfast
Princess Storybook dinner
Tony's dinner
Boma breakfast

That's it. Thank you all for reading along and re-living my trip with me. It was a great trip and fun to remember it - especially now that it's SO cold here!!!

I hope you all have a blessed and joyous holiday season!!!

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Looks like you found a great way to weather the blizzard today - finishing up a trip report with lots of WARM memories!! Thanks for sharing your vacation with all of us!

I have the same brown Mickey D&B bag - maybe we'll fun into each other some day around Maplewood Mall or at Target Field

DH and I are headed to WDW tomorrow for an Anniversary trip. Hoping Delta doesn't cancel our 7am flight!

 

[Native NYer]

What a great report!
Have a wonderful holiday