Scrufsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2003
- Messages
- 246
What will you celebrate? Well, for the last four months I have been researching, planning, scheming to get my DH 40th Birthday surprise in order. At the same time it was our dear friends 14th Anniversay as well. I text my girlfriends husband and asked if he wanted to go to Disney for a weekend getaway. Like YEAH he proclaimed. So my travel agent mode went into high gear. I found all the great promotions, booked the rooms and decided what else could we do. If my husband didn't find out and my friends wife didn't find out could we pull this off? For months our spouses wondered what was going on was I having an affair and vice versa? This review is going to offer some laughs and basically tell you how a perfect weekend celebration was executed.
On 4/22/09, at the very last minute I decided that the excitement of going the next day to WDW was just too much. So I packed our things, packed the car and took off. I told my husband that my parents were coming to meet us in Orlando to spend his birthday with us. He had no idea that our friends were coming for this surprise. All he knew was Mom/Dad were coming and he was not happy at all! I have to laugh at the entire process of lieing to him because he didn't want to spend it with MY parents. Well, our friends were on our heals checking into the hotel outside Downtown Disney. In fact, their room was right next door to ours. I pretended to go next door to get my parents then come back into the room saying to my husband they weren't answering. I knew our friends were coming up to check into their room so I waited a few minutes. At that point I told my DH to go get my parents so he left room, went next door then proceeded to pound on the door. He didn't knock, but actually pounded yelling for my mother to answer. The funny part is that my girlfriend answered the door stunned saying what was my DH doing here? Then my DH stood there in shock saying "your not my MIL"! We all stood around laughing about the wonderful start to our fabulous weekend.
On 4/23/09 we all checked out of hotel and decided to go to our resorts on Disney property. DH and I checked into the Contemporary while our friends checked into the Wilderness Lodge. I booked our room on the 10th floor, Magic Kingdom view. The room was clean, spacious and wonderful. At that point we decided to meet our friends at the Hollywood Studios to start off our fun. We took in the new ride Toy Story Mania which was absolutely so cute, nostalgic and fun. Then off to the American Idol experience. That is incredible and it really felt like we were really at the TV show. I think I might be able to sing....NOT!! LOL Of course, we didn't forget any of the other highlights of the park as well. Our dinner was going to be at the 50's Prime Time that evening. Oh my what a fun time it was. You know your "mother" can either make or break the experience there. If you ever go you must ask for Mom Janice. What a hoot she was! She was all over our friend...he is a big guy, but she was constantly yelling at him, dropping her tray, running back/fourth to get him drinks, ketchup etc. I was afraid to ask for a refill! LOL When we stood up to leave she yelled in the restaurant "Sparky! did you get that gut from dinner?" I've never laughed so hard in my life. Ask for her if you go it is an experience. Our day was pretty busy so we all decided after dinner to head back to our resorts to relax. In our case when we got back we took advantage of sitting on our balcany watchcing the Wishes Fireworks end our day.
4/24/09. This is the day I've spent researching, planning my DH 40th Birthday Surprise. Our friends were finally in on the festivities I had planned in the morning, but the evening had surprises instore for my girlfriend and my DH. Just want to let everyone know that some years ago my family was choosen to be the Grand Marshall of the Disney Parade. It is an honor to have been choosen. We always make it a mission to find the man who makes that day possible. It is hard, but we did run into him and said our hellos. After speaking to him we went to the bakery on mainstreet to get our traditional cupcake. No more cupcakes are being served there. That was a complete disappointment as we have done this for years! Well, we got a pastry and found some seats over by the Plaza restaurant. While we were sitting and talking a man pulled up a chair next to us. He then asked what our friends were doing in the afternoon. They were just choosen to be the days Grand Marshal! DH and I were buzzing! What an unexpected surprise to a day that hasn't even started off yet. After that what could top that? Well, we headed to Cinderella's castle where I told my husband a part of the Birthday celebration he needed to make a wish by the wishing well behind the castle. So off to the well we go, well when we got there there was no one around, but a note addressed to my husband. He was so surprised and shocked. This was a scavenger hunt designed for my DH by Gifts of a Lifetime. If you haven't heard of them I 100% recommend them to you. Check out their website. We had my DH all over the MK park searching for clues. Since my DH is disabled they worked perfectly to make sure everything was at his level. The two hour event had us searching by rides, outside/inside shops, going on rides and taking us everywhere. No one felt like they were't part of the fun. In the end he discovered some gifts especially for him in celebration of his big day. After that we took in some great rides, had some lunch and shopped. When the day was nearing the 3 o'clock hour our friends had to rush to get ready for their Grand Marshall event while we waited across the park in a VIP section for them to come around with the parade. I have to say that no matter what age you are it is always still overwhelming watching those parades. I actually get all choked up and teary eyed. It just can't be helped. Watching them in that car waving to strangers was so much fun. Our friends were grinning from ear to ear. It was like a dream they said, no one will believe them! Oh yes they had a Disney photographer who took photos of them from start to finish. This was really just a bonus to what our day was going to be like.
When we finsihed with the parade we had to hustle back to our rooms to get ready for dinner. Our dinner reservations were at the California Grill. Although, DH thought my parents were still coming and a big celebration was being held in the convention center on the 2nd floor. HUH! Sneaky is my middle name. he he I actually checked us in for dinner. What an incredible dinner as we ate sushi, salad and steak. The food seemed to melt in our mouths. My girlfriend couldn't wait to sink her teeth into a creme brulee, but I discouraged her. She wasn't too happy. I suggested we all go back to their resort via the water transportation to play cards. Of course my girlfriend was complaining about how tired she was, she wanted to go back to her room to relax, shower, go to sleep. I kept telling her to she needed to enjoy the fun. When we got onto the dock of the Contemporary to wait for the water transportation there was no one there. Within a couple of minutes about 40 people showed up, the water transport showed up and they all piled in. We sat there complaining how we should have had first dibs getting into the boat. My girlfriends DH and myself decided to say we should wait for the next boat. Well, while waiting a big boat started to head towards the dock. Everyone stated how it looked like a fishing boat...all agreed. Next thing you know that boat was a yacht, backing up to the dock. A guy came off, said hello to us, then asked if we were "the Cheryl party". This was a priceless moment! A visa commercial coming to life! DH, girlfriend sat stunned, mouths dropped to ground, certain words yelled out (I can't repeat in G rated areas) and just plain amazement. They were almost jumping over the gates to board the boat. It was beautifully decorated, spacious, clean and all ours for the evening. There was a customized cake onboard for my DH to celebrate the occasion. We were able to sit up top with the Capt Rick & Capt Ron or sit down below. It was our choice. As we toured Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon the evening was perfect. A breeze was in the air, we watched the water parade up close and personal. We also had front view of the Wishes Fireworks show above the MK. The music was piped in loud and clear. What a delight to spend such a day with great friends! If you ever want to make the most of any special event I suggest you take advantage of this cruise. In the end the Capt's were happy to drop each of us off at our resorts. We felt like celebrities in the end.
4/25/09 Today was the Epcot day in which we all could relax. Nothing was planned so that made it somuch more as there was no rushing to get anywhere. The Epcot Flower/Garden Show was being held. Boy that park was packed! Not only was it full of gardeners, but also there was either a cheerleading competetion or a dance competition. So many people it was hard to walk around. This day wasn't as enjoyable as yesterday, but we had lunch and dinner plans. Our dinner plans took us to Teppen Edo. That place was out of control. People everywhere, it was hard to even move. I know for a fact that if you are late for a reservation the restaurant can hold your time for 15 minutes past. They wouldn't even place our reservation on hold. I was so afraid I would lose my place. Our friends got stranded on a bus and took them almost 45 minutes to go from their resort to the park. AFter dinner we tried to take photos of all the topiaries around the park, but people where so rude this day stepping in front of us while we were snapping shots. It really was very overwhelming and we decided to leave. What we found out later on was that the Hollywood Studios closed early Fri/Sat nite for Grad nites at 6pm. So I assumed that all the guests piled into either the MK or Epcot so that was why it was so crowded. So next time check the events guide during this time.
4/26/09 We checked out this day and headed home.
What I would say about the overall experience is this: We checked in with perfect ease. I did experience a problem with my itinerary. While I tried to explain to the lobby concierge supervisor she put her hand up in my face, yelled "alright, alright, I heard you once, be quiet!" This didn't digest too well with me by how she spoke to me, but I decided not to allow this to upset me. I had asked to have a signed autographed card for my DH, but it never came on his birthday. When I called I spoke to the front desk who said "request aren't guarenteed and they had up till 9pm to deliever it". Our room wasn't cleaned for two days, we complained to but got no service. Staying in the Contemporary Tower should have some perks and I thought that was one. We noticed that the monorail system is now making the drivers perform all the duties like loading/unloading guests. So with all the layoffs they are making cast members perform double duty.
No matter what our weekend was perfection personified! I wouldn't change one thing at all. I hope you all enjoyed the readings and if you wish to ask any questions about the scavenger hunt please ask. I will be happy to explain in more detail. Sorry for this being so lengthy, but I wanted to share with my fellow Dismembers!
On 4/22/09, at the very last minute I decided that the excitement of going the next day to WDW was just too much. So I packed our things, packed the car and took off. I told my husband that my parents were coming to meet us in Orlando to spend his birthday with us. He had no idea that our friends were coming for this surprise. All he knew was Mom/Dad were coming and he was not happy at all! I have to laugh at the entire process of lieing to him because he didn't want to spend it with MY parents. Well, our friends were on our heals checking into the hotel outside Downtown Disney. In fact, their room was right next door to ours. I pretended to go next door to get my parents then come back into the room saying to my husband they weren't answering. I knew our friends were coming up to check into their room so I waited a few minutes. At that point I told my DH to go get my parents so he left room, went next door then proceeded to pound on the door. He didn't knock, but actually pounded yelling for my mother to answer. The funny part is that my girlfriend answered the door stunned saying what was my DH doing here? Then my DH stood there in shock saying "your not my MIL"! We all stood around laughing about the wonderful start to our fabulous weekend.
On 4/23/09 we all checked out of hotel and decided to go to our resorts on Disney property. DH and I checked into the Contemporary while our friends checked into the Wilderness Lodge. I booked our room on the 10th floor, Magic Kingdom view. The room was clean, spacious and wonderful. At that point we decided to meet our friends at the Hollywood Studios to start off our fun. We took in the new ride Toy Story Mania which was absolutely so cute, nostalgic and fun. Then off to the American Idol experience. That is incredible and it really felt like we were really at the TV show. I think I might be able to sing....NOT!! LOL Of course, we didn't forget any of the other highlights of the park as well. Our dinner was going to be at the 50's Prime Time that evening. Oh my what a fun time it was. You know your "mother" can either make or break the experience there. If you ever go you must ask for Mom Janice. What a hoot she was! She was all over our friend...he is a big guy, but she was constantly yelling at him, dropping her tray, running back/fourth to get him drinks, ketchup etc. I was afraid to ask for a refill! LOL When we stood up to leave she yelled in the restaurant "Sparky! did you get that gut from dinner?" I've never laughed so hard in my life. Ask for her if you go it is an experience. Our day was pretty busy so we all decided after dinner to head back to our resorts to relax. In our case when we got back we took advantage of sitting on our balcany watchcing the Wishes Fireworks end our day.
4/24/09. This is the day I've spent researching, planning my DH 40th Birthday Surprise. Our friends were finally in on the festivities I had planned in the morning, but the evening had surprises instore for my girlfriend and my DH. Just want to let everyone know that some years ago my family was choosen to be the Grand Marshall of the Disney Parade. It is an honor to have been choosen. We always make it a mission to find the man who makes that day possible. It is hard, but we did run into him and said our hellos. After speaking to him we went to the bakery on mainstreet to get our traditional cupcake. No more cupcakes are being served there. That was a complete disappointment as we have done this for years! Well, we got a pastry and found some seats over by the Plaza restaurant. While we were sitting and talking a man pulled up a chair next to us. He then asked what our friends were doing in the afternoon. They were just choosen to be the days Grand Marshal! DH and I were buzzing! What an unexpected surprise to a day that hasn't even started off yet. After that what could top that? Well, we headed to Cinderella's castle where I told my husband a part of the Birthday celebration he needed to make a wish by the wishing well behind the castle. So off to the well we go, well when we got there there was no one around, but a note addressed to my husband. He was so surprised and shocked. This was a scavenger hunt designed for my DH by Gifts of a Lifetime. If you haven't heard of them I 100% recommend them to you. Check out their website. We had my DH all over the MK park searching for clues. Since my DH is disabled they worked perfectly to make sure everything was at his level. The two hour event had us searching by rides, outside/inside shops, going on rides and taking us everywhere. No one felt like they were't part of the fun. In the end he discovered some gifts especially for him in celebration of his big day. After that we took in some great rides, had some lunch and shopped. When the day was nearing the 3 o'clock hour our friends had to rush to get ready for their Grand Marshall event while we waited across the park in a VIP section for them to come around with the parade. I have to say that no matter what age you are it is always still overwhelming watching those parades. I actually get all choked up and teary eyed. It just can't be helped. Watching them in that car waving to strangers was so much fun. Our friends were grinning from ear to ear. It was like a dream they said, no one will believe them! Oh yes they had a Disney photographer who took photos of them from start to finish. This was really just a bonus to what our day was going to be like.
When we finsihed with the parade we had to hustle back to our rooms to get ready for dinner. Our dinner reservations were at the California Grill. Although, DH thought my parents were still coming and a big celebration was being held in the convention center on the 2nd floor. HUH! Sneaky is my middle name. he he I actually checked us in for dinner. What an incredible dinner as we ate sushi, salad and steak. The food seemed to melt in our mouths. My girlfriend couldn't wait to sink her teeth into a creme brulee, but I discouraged her. She wasn't too happy. I suggested we all go back to their resort via the water transportation to play cards. Of course my girlfriend was complaining about how tired she was, she wanted to go back to her room to relax, shower, go to sleep. I kept telling her to she needed to enjoy the fun. When we got onto the dock of the Contemporary to wait for the water transportation there was no one there. Within a couple of minutes about 40 people showed up, the water transport showed up and they all piled in. We sat there complaining how we should have had first dibs getting into the boat. My girlfriends DH and myself decided to say we should wait for the next boat. Well, while waiting a big boat started to head towards the dock. Everyone stated how it looked like a fishing boat...all agreed. Next thing you know that boat was a yacht, backing up to the dock. A guy came off, said hello to us, then asked if we were "the Cheryl party". This was a priceless moment! A visa commercial coming to life! DH, girlfriend sat stunned, mouths dropped to ground, certain words yelled out (I can't repeat in G rated areas) and just plain amazement. They were almost jumping over the gates to board the boat. It was beautifully decorated, spacious, clean and all ours for the evening. There was a customized cake onboard for my DH to celebrate the occasion. We were able to sit up top with the Capt Rick & Capt Ron or sit down below. It was our choice. As we toured Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon the evening was perfect. A breeze was in the air, we watched the water parade up close and personal. We also had front view of the Wishes Fireworks show above the MK. The music was piped in loud and clear. What a delight to spend such a day with great friends! If you ever want to make the most of any special event I suggest you take advantage of this cruise. In the end the Capt's were happy to drop each of us off at our resorts. We felt like celebrities in the end.
4/25/09 Today was the Epcot day in which we all could relax. Nothing was planned so that made it somuch more as there was no rushing to get anywhere. The Epcot Flower/Garden Show was being held. Boy that park was packed! Not only was it full of gardeners, but also there was either a cheerleading competetion or a dance competition. So many people it was hard to walk around. This day wasn't as enjoyable as yesterday, but we had lunch and dinner plans. Our dinner plans took us to Teppen Edo. That place was out of control. People everywhere, it was hard to even move. I know for a fact that if you are late for a reservation the restaurant can hold your time for 15 minutes past. They wouldn't even place our reservation on hold. I was so afraid I would lose my place. Our friends got stranded on a bus and took them almost 45 minutes to go from their resort to the park. AFter dinner we tried to take photos of all the topiaries around the park, but people where so rude this day stepping in front of us while we were snapping shots. It really was very overwhelming and we decided to leave. What we found out later on was that the Hollywood Studios closed early Fri/Sat nite for Grad nites at 6pm. So I assumed that all the guests piled into either the MK or Epcot so that was why it was so crowded. So next time check the events guide during this time.
4/26/09 We checked out this day and headed home.
What I would say about the overall experience is this: We checked in with perfect ease. I did experience a problem with my itinerary. While I tried to explain to the lobby concierge supervisor she put her hand up in my face, yelled "alright, alright, I heard you once, be quiet!" This didn't digest too well with me by how she spoke to me, but I decided not to allow this to upset me. I had asked to have a signed autographed card for my DH, but it never came on his birthday. When I called I spoke to the front desk who said "request aren't guarenteed and they had up till 9pm to deliever it". Our room wasn't cleaned for two days, we complained to but got no service. Staying in the Contemporary Tower should have some perks and I thought that was one. We noticed that the monorail system is now making the drivers perform all the duties like loading/unloading guests. So with all the layoffs they are making cast members perform double duty.
No matter what our weekend was perfection personified! I wouldn't change one thing at all. I hope you all enjoyed the readings and if you wish to ask any questions about the scavenger hunt please ask. I will be happy to explain in more detail. Sorry for this being so lengthy, but I wanted to share with my fellow Dismembers!
