Who would have thought!? A Boo to YOU! Sept 09 TR! 2 for 1 on 10/24 - GREAT FUN!

[cjackearl]

I'm here! Looks like a great start to your mini surprise trip. Your boys look thrilled with the pirate pool and your AK day seems like it was very laid back and fun. Glad you enjoyed a second yummy meal at Sanaa. I wish I had some of that bread course appetized myself. Can't wait to hear more!

 

[nts4wdw]

We were having an ice cream sundae at our food court during that deluge! Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures!

 

[Happydog]

Stuck on EE ?!? Yikes. Your boys are still dang cute... love the slide pics.

I was considering CBR for our keep-your-fingers-crossed Dec 2010 trip. (It might just be Ariana, Demetri and I.) Would you think it is a great resort to spend time at... or more so a place to sleep while you spend more time in the parks?

Hello! So glad you came over!!!! Yeah, no fun stuck up there! RE the resort, you know I think it was a fine place to hang out. We went to the pool two different afternoons, and there are beach areas, play areas, the big patio area outside the pool deck and chairs proper, and the Island in the middle of the lake (I can't remember what it is called, also has hide-away walks and hammocks...) I thought it was a nice place! I would enjoy going back there, but I really think if we do another Mod, I would want to just try another, you know? The pool made a big difference for my boys, but neither are strong swimmers yet, so the kid area, for 48 inches and under, allowed my DH and I to hang out and just watch them play, vs. be right there like a hawk. However in the main pool, which is a walk in "zero entry" style, they had life vests, so the kids wore those and had a good time too with DH and I in the water. I don't think the Mods have "activities" like they do at the Deluxe resorts... so I think if I were going to spend a good amount of time at the Resort, I would go deluxe (like WL or AK) to take advantage of these activities...

Woo Hoo!

Just subbing, now going back to read

YAY! Glad you came over!

LOVE this picture. Your boys are so stinkin' cute and they look like they're having such a good time.

It sounds like such a lovely leisurely day at AK. That's one of the things that I think is cool about going often -- you are able to be leisurely. We tend to tour commando because we go every 3 years!! (trying to convince my DH that we need to go more!)

I think you are right -- that really is the benefit. I have noticed it for certain. Now I have to remind myself .... isn't this fall trip as a family, and Christmas only you and you friend?

 

[Happydog]

I'm here! I'm here!

OH YAY!!! I was hoping you'd hop over!!!!

I have to say...no one looks disgruntled or cranky in the least!

I love the pool shots it makes me want to stay there. The E's would love that pool. A mango margarita wouldn't hurt either

WHY can't there be options for a family of 6 at the mods (beside FW of course)! gggrrrrr.

Hey there! You know I think it was a great place. and the AP discount really made it an easy decision... That really is surprising that the MOD's don't have a better option. I think I had read they were designing a hotel that was strictly "family suites" for larger families... Something near POP but it would be a moderate? Maybe I misread this some time ago... Still I understand your frustration! I agree it would be.

That is just wild about being stuck on EE, definitely a buzz kill, I probably wouldn't want to go on it again either. Your DH cracks me up about the pretzel...I think mine feels the same way about they Y&Y egg rolls!

I may have to try that drink next time. It will depend on TK's review of my missed Yak Attack!

But then again I want CP's drink from the BD. Oh wait, we aren't going to the BD.

Boy that's a lot of talk about drinks. I sound like a lush. After effects from a gourmet club girls trip followed by a concert I guess.

It sounds like a LOVELY first day! And a fortuitous choice to head back to the resort.

"wild" isn't how he described it!!! That pretzel is one of those you know you shouldn't snacks, but you do it anyway??!! They are actually pretty good... especially with the African Margarita!!!

Nah, no Lushes here. Afterall it was the F & W festival, and if a park is going to serve drinks to its patrons, well, who are we to judge??!! Keep em' coming, that's what I say!

I love the light fixtures, just beautiful!

Sometimes you just gotta change up your plans depending on how you are feeling!

YES they are, really beautiful, LL!!! SO I hope you will make it over there to see them in person (if you have not already? I believe you can walk between both Resort "lodges" so even if you don't eat at Sanaa, you can still enjoy the Kidani Village lobby area... reallly pretty. And yes I am very glad I had a hunch!!!

I'm amazed you kidlets held out so long. Mine would have been puddles of their former happy selves. I thought they would have more gusto as they got older but apparently they take after Dh and not me. I still have hopes for DD8. I think she may turn into my commando touring partner.

It's always great to have your second thoughts validated like that. If there hadn't been a rain storm you might have always wondered what if we had gone. Now you can be confident you made the right decision.

Oh they did hold up well, I was mildly impressed and 100% relieved. I think they were excited to be at Disney again. It was clear they were tired about dinner time, though, which is why I decided it best that we just went back to the resort... it could have been a mess otherwise, so I am glad I trusted my instinct. They seem to do pretty well on our trips, the only stressful times tend to be when we exit through the gift shops... especially the Toy Story and Starwars inspired rides!

 

[Happydog]

Just have to comment on the missing teeth! One of my favorite things about teaching second grade are the kiddos with missing teeth. Just so darn cute!
The boys look so comfortable in the parks, that's the best thing about going so often.

It looks like you all had a wonderful day one! I'm thinking that the cream cheese jalepeno pretzel sounds tasty! Are they very spicy?

Were they up at the top when they got stuck on EE? The part where the tracks are broken???

One more thing, I went to bed too early last night....can't believe I didn't make it until page 2....

Oh WigD not to worry, you are still one of the first to find my TR!!

That is so funny you teacher 2nd grade -- I bet you are an awesome 2nd grade teacher!!! That toothless grin is goofy, just cute. I told DS7 that I would be pulling the second one out if it didn't come out before his class pictures!!!

It WAS a fun day, and we enjoyed it very much. YES, the jalepeno pretzels are good! They have a little spice, not much, but they are cheesey goey in the middle... Great junk food

They were stuck on the incline the big hill UP, before they go into the mountain... At least that is how he described it... They were outside with the sun beating down for 10 - 15 minutes... hence the sunburn on DS7's nose!

I'm here! Looks like a great start to your mini surprise trip. Your boys look thrilled with the pirate pool and your AK day seems like it was very laid back and fun. Glad you enjoyed a second yummy meal at Sanaa. I wish I had some of that bread course appetized myself. Can't wait to hear more!

Oh yay! Hello! Thanks! Yes, we did enjoy that meal at Sanaa! I know the bread appetizer is really tasty!!! I wish they gave you more bread, though, b/c there was extra dipping sauce once the bread was finished and the sauces were VERY good!

We were having an ice cream sundae at our food court during that deluge! Looking forward to hearing more of your adventures!

OH yeah I heard that rain and saw it! I walked through some of it, holding my refillable mugs on my way back from Port Royale!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Hi, Happydog! I will be back later to read about all of your fun but wanted to let you know that I was here!

 

[MomofCKJ]

Your boys are too cute!

CBR looks nice. I have heard it is soooo big, did you find that a problem? Or was Aruba a close location to things? I'd like to try it sometime, pool looks fun!

Your DH likes those pretzels huh? My fave are the sweet cream cheese ones! Mmmm!

Sounds like a lovely first afternoon!

Allyson

 

[jenjolt]

YAY Happydog!! You have the cutest boys ever!!! Even cuter in person!!!! I love the pictures of them at the pool they look like they were having a blast and that is what its all about!!!! Having a great time!!!

Hmmm...I might have to try that pretzel...sounds very very yummy!!!

Okay I have to completely agree with you...Sanaa is amazing! One of the best dinners we had was there and I would go back in a SECOND!!! The bread service is so yummy and...well you know you've been there but I would gladly have a meal there again!!

 

[Happydog]

Hi, Happydog! I will be back later to read about all of your fun but wanted to let you know that I was here!

OH YAY!!! CP has returned! CP made it back! CP have you booked again??!!

Your boys are too cute!

CBR looks nice. I have heard it is soooo big, did you find that a problem? Or was Aruba a close location to things? I'd like to try it sometime, pool looks fun!

Your DH likes those pretzels huh? My fave are the sweet cream cheese ones! Mmmm!

Sounds like a lovely first afternoon!

Allyson

OH Yes those Cream Cheese pretzels, you and LL must have a similar calling with those!!! I have tried them, too, equally edible! But DH really likes them!

CBR IS nice. I didn't really have an issue with size I think b/c we were close to the walk across the lake... the island in the middle is a nice place to stroll... it took a few minutes to get over to the food court, etc. but I didn't mind it.... the walk was shorter than from the Grandstand area of SSR to the mainpool/food court, so I did't find it a problem... If you look at a map of CBR you will see that Port Royale is on ONE side of the lake and two sets of buildings are on either side of it the food court and main pool (but the same side of the lake). These rooms are considered upgraded rooms, I am assuming b/c they are closest to Port Royale. However, two areas, Aruba and I think Martinique? are directly across from this area by the footbridge/islad, and if you get a certain building 44, for example, it is pretty close. The pool was really worth it IMO...

YAY Happydog!! You have the cutest boys ever!!! Even cuter in person!!!! I love the pictures of them at the pool they look like they were having a blast and that is what its all about!!!! Having a great time!!!

Hmmm...I might have to try that pretzel...sounds very very yummy!!!

Okay I have to completely agree with you...Sanaa is amazing! One of the best dinners we had was there and I would go back in a SECOND!!! The bread service is so yummy and...well you know you've been there but I would gladly have a meal there again!!

OH HI JEN!!!!!!! Well, let me say I hope the little darlings were being welll behaved enough that they didn't scare you all off! I still can't believe DS7 fished coins out of the fountain LOL (At least he threw them back!!!)

The cheese pretzels ARE very good, really junk food good.

And I am so glad you tried and liked Sanaa -- make sure LL at least goes to the resort to see the lights!!!

 

[MouseTriper]

Yeaah, I am here!!! How exciting!!! You sure are lucky to have a dear husband who "talked" you into this quick trip in the middle of your other two. Can we clone him??? LMAO!!! Ok, ok...JK!

I am loving your leisurely trip so far!!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I am all caught up now!

CBR was lovely, wasn't it? I wish I had tried the mango margarita (like I didn't drink enough on this trip ), but I can attest to the yumminess of the pina coladas there.

We never made it over to the island -- it looks like fun!

Ha ha! I told you the Lost on Safari had a kick to it!

Love the Kidani photos! I want to stay there someday! Good call on not heading to MK and avoiding the rainstorm!

By the way, I haven't quite booked for next summer yet (trying to hold out for a definite Harry Potter theme park release date), but Disney did send me a pin code today -- they miss me already.

 

[shannn]

YAY! Glad you came over!

I think you are right -- that really is the benefit. I have noticed it for certain. Now I have to remind myself .... isn't this fall trip as a family, and Christmas only you and you friend?

Yep, our Oct trip (in One Week!) is my family - grandmothers, us & kids. My Christmas trip is a surprise weekend for my best friend's 40th birthday.

 

[Happydog]

Yeaah, I am here!!! How exciting!!! You sure are lucky to have a dear husband who "talked" you into this quick trip in the middle of your other two. Can we clone him??? LMAO!!! Ok, ok...JK!

I am loving your leisurely trip so far!!! Can't wait to read more!!!!

Hello! Thanks for coming over!!!! Yeah he is a keeper... We are setting up one final trip this summer in June... so then we will see how "dear" he is -- if he is willing to go again after the APs expire!!!

BUT for now we are having a great time... Clone away -- though he does have his drama queen moments, too!!!

It was a great start to our trip and I am going to post day two tonight!! So stay tuned!

I am all caught up now!

CBR was lovely, wasn't it? I wish I had tried the mango margarita (like I didn't drink enough on this trip ), but I can attest to the yumminess of the pina coladas there.

We never made it over to the island -- it looks like fun!

Ha ha! I told you the Lost on Safari had a kick to it!

Love the Kidani photos! I want to stay there someday! Good call on not heading to MK and avoiding the rainstorm!

By the way, I haven't quite booked for next summer yet (trying to hold out for a definite Harry Potter theme park release date), but Disney did send me a pin code today -- they miss me already.

I am glad you liked CBR too! I really thought it was nice, and big was not a problem IMO.

Yes that drink definitely came with a kick!!!

YOU got a pin code ??!! HEY... where is mine!!! You know I will be looking!!!

Yep, our Oct trip (in One Week!) is my family - grandmothers, us & kids. My Christmas trip is a surprise weekend for my best friend's 40th birthday.

YAY! Great fun! I am sure you are soooo excited for it!

 

[Happydog]

Well this post is the first half of the day... I will post our Epcot evening separately... SO on Sunday morning, well rested, we were ready to head to the MK and Chef Mickey's for an early breakfast. We have become fond of a late breakfast at CP in the MK but this time I thought I would branch out and try a different character breakfast... I was able to get an 8am at Chef Mickey's so I grabbed it. With trying to make ADRs less than 30 days from our trip I thought this ADR was good luck! The park opened at 9am and there were not any EMH, so I figured we'd miss rope drop, but get there pretty close to the opening.

We checked in, got our picture taken, then sat down. The restaurant was FREEZING cold. Both DS's were a little distracted by the temperature and I neglected to bring a sweatshirt for them, so we had to contend with this from the start. I went to fill plates and DS7 came with me. He was disappointed that the French toast was not the same as at the Crystal Palace, so he go waffles instead. I enjoyed the layered veggie lasagna or strata or whatever it was, and the cheesy potatoes!

We got the hang of that spinning napkin thing and then JUST as the characters started to enter our room, DS4 said he had to go “potty” soooooo… I took him. DH took pics of DS7 and all the characters. Which is a good thing, because when we returned DS4 still wouldn’t have anything to do with Mickey, Donald, etc… He did smile and flirt with Minnie, who played peekaboo with him, and she got a laugh out of him. He gave Pluto a “high five” but that was it. I was surprised because he loved Pooh and friends at CP this summer, so I am not sure if it was just because they were new, or what… Here are some photos from the CM breakfast...

No matter, we finished up breakfast and headed down to the MK. I love the proximity to the MK. I think the walk is nice.

On Chef Mickey's I have this to say -- I am GLAD we went. However, we agreed that CP is going to be hard to beat... Mainly because we like the make your own omlette station, and of course the French toast!!! I also believe because we are not big early morning breakfast eaters, the early morning breakfast experience isn't really that great of a plan for our family... we fared better when we went to the park, had fun, then took a break and had breakfast as brunch – around 10:30. So we will be doing that in December. I want to try other character meal options, but so far CP is our favorite!!!! We love breakfast food, just not at 8am… I think an OUT of park breakfast later in the am would be harder to work around, simply because of the time lost going there and back -- if we started at a park. SO I guess this would have to be something we chose on a day we could go to AK in the afternoon, for instance, and that might be a good plan for next summer. This Christmas we have a reservation for Cape May at 9:00... this is on Xmas Eve, but we are going to Epcot right after. We'll see how it works out.

So after breakfast, we headed over to the MK and here are a few shots from that morning. We spent most of the day there, enjoying the day until around lunch time, when we headed off for swimming and relaxing until our plan to head to Epcot about 6pm.

I had never stopped by Excalibur…. In fact, I don’t know that I ever consciously knew where it was… so low and behold outside Philharmagic I spied it! So of course we had to try it…

Another first on this trip was Philharmagic itself! WOW our kids totally LOVED this!! So did we!!!! I thought it was hilarious that Donald was chasing the “Jasmine/Aladdin” duo and crashing their moment… but that is my sense of humor for ya. I wish they had spoofed it a bit more!!! I really was impressed with this, laughing and totally enjoying it – the boys were giggling the whole time.

Another fun first at the MK on this trip was….. PUSH. The talking trash can! Now we saw Push twice – however on this first sighting I also found this individual.. Meet Push’s “friend”…

He looks like a CM!!!

We had a great time riding all our favorites, and made it on the Tea Cups a few times as well, rather wet, because I think we had just been to Donald’s Boat…

And a random Hunny Pot picture!

We headed back to frontier land for a ride on BTMRR and Splash, took the railroad around to the main entrance, then scooted back to CBR, where we spent the afternoon at the pool….

To be continued!!!

 

[shannn]

Yay!!

We are not big breakfast people either. I really wanted to go to Chef Mickey's this time. I tried to fit it in for dinner, but it didn't seem to fit anywhere. So, we're actually having a 10am lunch. It's on our last day so I figured we'd pack, go to lunch, and then revisit whichever park we wanted to try again. We'll see how it works. It's totally different for us, but my kids' favorites are Minnie & Goofy so I wanted to make sure we'd see those two.

I love the Pluto picture and the teacup picture.

Philharmagic is my favorite attraction. I just love it, and I giggle like a little kid!! I'm so glad you "discovered" it this trip.

Sounds like a great day. I really want to get more pool time in this trip. I guess we'll see how it goes.

 

[Mickey_Mom]

Yeah we're not breakfast eaters either. Usually because we're still sleeping... Ohana is still our fav for late breakfasts but Crystal Palace is a very close second.

Yay for firsts and very cute random honey pot picture.

 

[Happydog]

Yay!!

We are not big breakfast people either. I really wanted to go to Chef Mickey's this time. I tried to fit it in for dinner, but it didn't seem to fit anywhere. So, we're actually having a 10am lunch. It's on our last day so I figured we'd pack, go to lunch, and then revisit whichever park we wanted to try again. We'll see how it works. It's totally different for us, but my kids' favorites are Minnie & Goofy so I wanted to make sure we'd see those two.

I love the Pluto picture and the teacup picture.

Philharmagic is my favorite attraction. I just love it, and I giggle like a little kid!! I'm so glad you "discovered" it this trip.

Sounds like a great day. I really want to get more pool time in this trip. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Thanks!It is hard to get everything in!!! I love the character breakfast though!!! Well your plan sounds good, I like the late times, but I have always wanted one of those empty park pics!

It was a fun morning, and afternoon. Epcot that night was very cool... will share that tomorrow. Too late to get it posted tonight

YES Philharmagic was totally worth it! Funny, but we received a "bonus" fast pass for this ride when we got FPs for another ride... so that was what got us over there!

Yeah we're not breakfast eaters either. Usually because we're still sleeping... Ohana is still our fav for late breakfasts but Crystal Palace is a very close second.

Yay for firsts and very cute random honey pot picture.

I would like to try Ohana's for breakfast too! We have dinner in December -- I am looking forward to it!

 

[eandesmom]

I breakfast food, we all do. But not at 8am. Anywhere

Which is why we've yet to do breakfast on a trip to the world but I hope to this summer. It will likely be along the brunch lines though...10 am ish!

Cute wet little teapot spinners you have!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I almost hate to admit it here but we are a breakfast family. We can eat it at 7am, 10am or even 6pm. We have done the early morning breakfast thing a few times but I do admit that the 10:30 or even the 10:45 breakfast thing works even better for us.

 

[praisehisname]

Sounds like you've had an awesome time so far! Your boys are sooo cute!

Denise