Where's My Free Cake? No Lines in August and Magical Dreams Come True *All Done!*

[ArmyWife3-4]

We're Back!!!! What an AMAZING trip! It was so incredible to be there all together, and it was so much fun to be there for S1 and S2's first trip!

If you want to get caught up on our plans, you can see my PTR here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1879401

First, I want to begin at the ending....If you haven't seen my post on the YOAMD forum, DH (who's 'over there') and I were blessed with one of the best dreams I could imagine from the DT in our last few hours at Epcot. If you head over here, you can read all about it. AMAZING!!! This is why WDW is truly a magical place to be...

Now for a re-cap of...
The Cast of Characters
DMom and DDad

DCousins
Peg, Tony, S1 and S2 - My cousin, her husband, and their two darling children who were rockstars on this trip!

Tony and S2 (she's a clone of me as a child!)

Peg, S1, and S2 after a very wet ride on Kali

DH

He went everywhere with us and even got his own 3-D glasses! S2 thought it was the funniest thing ever, and she was constantly taking him out of my purse to play with.

ME!

The Basics
Where we stayed: POFQ! Our favorite

When we were there: DCousins arrived in the afternoon on August 7. Mom, Dad, and I arrived late in the evening on August 9. We al left on August 14 in the afternoon.

 

[luvfigment]

I am looking forward to reading all about your trip. That was amazing surprise you received from the DT at EPCOT!

 

[reyasmommy]

Looking forward to reading more

 

[Blueeyes101817]

What a great surprise--cant wait to hear more!

 

[bellasmommy0]

Cant wait to hear more and see where DH pops up!!!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

As you can read on my PTR, there was a lot of anxiety with this trip since DH was deployed ONE YEAR! earlier than he was scheduled to be. We were so excited to spend our first anniversary in the World after such an amazing honeymoon there, but as it goes, the Army had other plans, and they weren't too concerned with the magic and awe of a Disney trip...

Thankfully, my family is amazing and they all rallied around me to join in on the trip. My parents were so excited about being at WDW with me as an adult, and we were all excited to be part of S1 and S2's first trip....

Since I wasn't there for the first few days of Peg, Tony, and the kids' trip, I'll start with Day One of my trip...

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL
My flight left good ol' Fayetteville, NC around 4:30 at night putting me in Orlando around 8:45 pm. My parents drove to Detroit and had a direct flight to Orlando from there....Well...my mom and I weren't thinking ahead about the Olympics when we booked our trip for 8/8/08. My Dad LOVES the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics. Well their flight was scheduled to fly right smack in the middle of them. My mom, being the quick thinker that she is, was able to get them stand-by on an earlier flight. Thankfully, they made it into MCO right as the Opening was beginning. This also put us into the hotel an hour or two earlier since I didn't have to wait around for them.

I took a few photos of my journey from FAY to ATL to MCO to share with DH just in case he missed the hassle of working your way through the airport systems:

I had a rockin' plane from ATL to MCO, and each person had a television of their own. You could watch NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and several other stations, play trivia games, or listen to music. This was PERFECT since the Opening Ceremonies were on during this flight. I was able to watch it almost the entire flight free of charge! I will definitely fly Delta as much as possible!

When I arrived at MCO, I was super stoked to see my parents again. My mom had just been down to visit three weeks earlier, but I hadn't seen my dad since May. It was so great to see their faces coming down the terminal.

After our lovely reunion, we headed downstairs through the maze of MCO to the ME check in. I really believe they need more signage in the airport for people.

We walked right up to the desk and right onto a bus to head to the hotel. Before hopping on the bus, Mom and i stopped for a photo:

We're so excited!!! Unfortunately, the very unhappy Mears employee wasn't too happy with us taking a photo and having to wait to speak with us. Oh well, WE'RE AT DISNEY WORLD now!!!

We made one stop at OKW (I think) before heading to POFQ. It took probably 45 minutes to get to the resort, but the little video definitely helps pass the time! We arrived and had no wait to check in. Unfortunately, we weren't able to be in Bldg 4 as we had hoped. They upgraded us to a water view, but we would much rather be close to the bus, pool, and food court than looking at the water. We were told we could move to Bldg 5, which was much better than 6 where we were placed, the following morning.

Once we arrived in our room, we headed to bed so we could be ready for an early day at MK!!!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Our Room at POFQ

I forgot to add photos of our room at POFQ. We love to stay at this resort. I think this was my 6th stay there and my parents 5th. I took photos of our room in Bldg 6.

There was a curtain across the sink area which is really nice when you're traveling with your parents or others. It made mornings much easier on us!

Andrew wanted to check out the bed...He was excited to be back at POFQ!

I also took a photo of the mural in the lobby.

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Day 2
Magic Kingdom and a wonderful dinner at Boma!

We woke up a bit groggy on Saturday morning, but we were super excited to get to the Magic Kingdom. There is nothing that compares to seeing that train coming down the tracks with Mickey and friends and then walking down Main Street towards the castle. This has to be one of my favorite feelings on Earth. You just can't beat it!

We woke up around 6:30 and DCousins dropped of the groceries they picked up on the way in a few days earlier. We enjoy having a quick breakfast in the room of cereal and/or oatmeal. It's quicker, easier, and much cheaper. We also got fruit and cheese and crackers for afternoon snacks. We ended up spending about $60 over all , but in the end, it was worth it. This morning we decided to have breakfast in the food court together since we were already up and about.

S1 and S2 wanted to share their breakfast with Andrew.

Once we were done with our breakfast we headed out to the bus stop! THe kids were so excited to get to MK! It was so fun to be there with them.

DH at the bus stop!

S2 waiting for the bus.

S1 being a goofball.

Here we go!!!

 

[Reedfamilyrulz]

Looking forward on hearing about your trip. Thank you for you and your husband's sacrifice. I read about your dream and was really touched.

 

[VroomVroomLightning]

I read your story on a YOAMD and cried that was such a touching moment and you are right that is what makes Disney World so magical I had to come over to the TR and it seems you are having fun so far! I can't wait to hear more!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Day 2
Magic Kingdom and a wonderful dinner at Boma!

Arriving at MK
Of course, the motto at Disney, as it is in the Army is 'Hurry Up and Wait!' It's the story of my life!

We arrrived at MK and were towards the front of the line waiting to get in. We were all so excited to head into the park and start the excitement of the day! I took a photo of the YOAMD poster because I think it is just such a great program!

After the little opening ceremony with the train, we threw our pixie dust and began heading towards Tomorrowland for our first ride of the morning. Space Mountain! As we were walking out onto Main Street, there was a vintage car just waiting for someone to get on. Everyone kept walking past as the driver asked them to hop on, so I thought, why not?! It was so cool to ride up Main Street to the CAstle!

As you can tell by S2's face, they were very excited about the ride!!! She thought she was pretty rockstar!

Once we got to the circle in front of the castle I had to snap a few photos of my favorite thing at MK!

Once we made it up Main Street, we headed to Tomorrowland to ride Space!! My Dad has major motion sickness issues, but he hopped on for a ride too. We walked right onto the ride, and of course, in true S2 fashion, she had to go potty. This became a running theme of our trip as her little muffin belly just got so nervous and excited! We all had a great ride and were thankful to be able to hop right on.

After SM, we headed over to Buzz. The kids loved it!

S1 had a great time, but he wasn't too happy that I beat him!

After Buzz, we made a potty stop and took some great photo. DH wanted to check out TL too!

Love him!!!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

After Tomorowland, we continued around MK over to Fantasyland. We began with a stop at Peter Pan, one of my favorite Fantasyland rides! Tinkerbell is my favorite character, and S2 found her everywhere! We rode together, and she was very excited to see Tink throughout Peter Pan's Flight

The much DIS-disputed Ariel look alike in Peter Pan's Flight.

Tiger Lily and Company

After Peter Pan we headed over to Mickey's PhilharMagic. I think this ride so perfectly captures the essence of Disney. I just love it! It is so well put together!

DH got his own glasses for this one

Next up: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

I love the Heffalumps and Woozles

Next: Snow White's Scary Adventure
My parents are too cute for words!

In true Disney form, the Prince saves the day....

A few photos of the back of the castle:

After Snow White, S1 and S2 tried to pull the sword from the stone. S1 was quite upset that he couldn't get it to budge!
Pullllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

After the sword detour, we headed over to the classic Disney ride, IASW. My Dad and IASW don't get along so well. Last time he was at WDW and we were riding IASW, it started downpouring! People had crowded into the ride exit area and we got stuck on the ride. We had to ride it 6 times!!! Yikes!!! Thankfully, the skies were clear today, and there was no wait time at all!

DH wanted to ride too!

Fleur de Lis for our baby, Violet. Since basset hounds are French, we joke that she loves them!

As we were walking up the back ramp, we got the surprise of a lifetime! We were granted Dream FP's for MK!!! WAHOO!!!!:cool1: They are right when they say, it happens when you least expect it!!
DH didn't get one, but we took a photo with him anyways!

What a wonderful way to start our trip. My mom put it so well when she said the Dream at the beginning of our trip was for all of us, and the Dream at the end was special for DH and me.

For us, this was the best FP we could have gotten. We're not much for thrill rides so the other parks wouldn't have been such a major advantage. At MK, there are so many rides for the entire family, and there are lots of rides on the FP.

Receving these also helped to open up some time later in the week in our touring plans since we were able to get ahead. We were able to ride the Adventureland and Frontierland.

 

[Wingedheart]

Finally made it to your trip report! Loving every minute! Awesome shots of the castle!!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

I am looking forward to reading all about your trip. That was amazing surprise you received from the DT at EPCOT!

That was by far the best part of the trip! I was so shocked, and what a blessing! DH will love it!

Looking forward to reading more

Glad you're here!

What a great surprise--cant wait to hear more!

It was a wonderful surprise! I'll be sure to tell you all what DH thinks when he gets the package!

Cant wait to hear more and see where DH pops up!!!

Welcome back! Your trip is coming up isn't it? You haven't gone yet, have you???

Looking forward on hearing about your trip. Thank you for you and your husband's sacrifice. I read about your dream and was really touched.

Thank you! It means so much that you are all so appreciative. It's brought tears to my eyes reading everyone's comments on the YOAMD post!

I read your story on a YOAMD and cried that was such a touching moment and you are right that is what makes Disney World so magical I had to come over to the TR and it seems you are having fun so far! I can't wait to hear more!

You're right, it definitely is what makes it so special. It was the epitome of everything Disney represents!

Finally made it to your trip report! Loving every minute! Awesome shots of the castle!!

I love, love, love the castle! I might be slightly obsessed with it, actually!

 

[bellasmommy0]

[
Welcome back! Your trip is coming up isn't it? You haven't gone yet, have you???


We dont go until December, we still have quite a wait!!! Still triple digits. almost to the double digits!!!

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

After getting the Dream FP's it kind of threw our day for a loop since it threw off our touring plans. We decided to ride the things not on the FP's earlier in the day and use the FP's when we returned after dinner.

After a family Pow-Wow of what to do next, we decided to head to my favorite ride Haunted Mansion!
I was still stoked about the FP's:

As were Mom and Dad

We took a leisurely ride on the Riverboat:

Next, we took the trek over to Adventureland to catch POTC before heading back to the hotel for an afternoon break. We headed out around noon, after lunch at Pecos Bill's, for a nap and swim before dinner at Boma.

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Day 2 Cont - Mid Day Break and Dinner at Boma

Before heading to our new room in Building 5, we had to stop for the best thing at POFQ, BEIGNETS!!! YUM!

DH wanted some too! Along with a much needed Coke after a busy, hot morning

After the kiddos took a nap and we caught a quick dip in the pool, it was off to a great dinner at Boma. We had 4:45 reservations which was a perfect time to make it back to MK to finish out the evening.

We arrived at AKL about 20 minutes before our reservations so we had a little time to check out the lobby. My dad is a huge fan of architecture and design being a landscape designer, so he really enjoyed checking it out.

I loved this piece of art in the lobby, and it had such an interesting story to go along with it.

When we were seated, it wasn't too terribly busy. We were seated quickly and got right down to the food. I was really excited to try Boma because I love to try new things.

Plate 1:

White Bean Hummus
Olive Hummus
Sun-dried tomato hummus
Tomato, Watermelon, and Blue cheese salad
Mixed Green Salad with Mango Vinagrette
Lentil and Tomato Salad
Melon Rind Salad

DH liked it too!

Plate 2:

Chicken Coconut Curry Soup - LOVED this!
Seafood Something...??? - Excellent! Mussles! Yum!

Plate 3:

Curried Rice with Raisins
Nut Crusted Salmon
BBQ Rib
Roasted Veggies
Cornbread (not sure of the actual name...)
Sweet potatoes...I think...but they were very good
Coconut Ride

Plate 4:

Banana Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce - To Die For!
Cherry Cobbler
Zebra Dome
Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake (DH would have LOVED this!)
Coconut Tarimisu
Not sure what else....

Our waitress was from my hometown in Michigan, and we even went to the same college. What a small world! She brought me a special anniversary dessert that S1 and S2 devoured!

Personally, I LOVED Boma! DH and I will be making a trip there in April when we return. I would go for the salads, soups, and desserts alone! YUM!!!

It's also a nice place to go if you have people with less adventerous tastes. There were plenty of things for the kiddos including spaghetti, chicken fingers, and lots of fresh fruit. For adults who are less adventerous, there were lots of options too such as roasted chicken and mixed greens with more mild dressing options. For our party, I think everyone was really happy with it!

 

[TatenEly]

Hello,

I just stumbled across your TR and I am hooked! I really love that Disney was helping to create special moments for you even though your DH could not be there.....just awesome.

I also have to compliment you and your mom on your VB hipsters....I have been thinking about the Raspberry Fizz and you may have sold me on it for my Sept trip....I heard those bags were EVERYWHERE...and now I know why, they are just too cute!

Looking forward to more!
Stephanie

 

[ArmyWife3-4]

Hello,
I also have to compliment you and your mom on your VB hipsters....I have been thinking about the Raspberry Fizz and you may have sold me on it for my Sept trip....I heard those bags were EVERYWHERE...and now I know why, they are just too cute!

Looking forward to more!
Stephanie

My Mom and I both thought they were perfect for the trip! I was able to fit a water bottle, DH's photo, camera, cell phone, wallet, poncho, pens, stamps, you name it! It was perfect!

It was also nice because on rides and going through security, you don't have to take it off you can just slide it around. Not only was that convenient, but it was nice to not have to worry about setting it down and losing it!

VB is running some great specials on their retiring patterns/styles right now too!

 

[dvc at last !]

I am enjoying your TR !

Happy Anniversary to the both of you !