Wishes 10/8/11 WP/GF-- Love's First Kiss-- Trip Report Complete

[One_Song]

I cannot wait to get a house so we can find cool stuff to decorate!

The salad looks delish!

And I LOVE surprises too! I can't wait to read about it!

That salad was really really good. I get kind of hungry just looking at the picture.

So I'm pretty sure that this is the third time I've commented on your PJ today, and that's probably embarrassing, but I have been unashamedly drooling over your PJ since I found it, so I'm choosing not to be embarrassed and to be unashamed instead.

Now that that's out of the way, the faces you are making in your spaceship earth picture are pretty phenomenal. Not gonna lie.

I cannot tell you how hard I laughed at your comment. I even made Brandon read it, I thought it was so funny. No shame at all!

...And those were some of our best faces to date! We're getting pretty good at looking bad.

Elephants are my favorite and I collect them too! I actually have that one from Animal Kingdom. I try to get a new one each time we go to WDW (I got a really cute See no evil, Hear no evil, speak now evil statue of 3 elephants in the China pavilion at Epcot once!)

Ohh that sounds so cool! I have a tiny jade elephant from the China pavilion that I love. Apparently China is the place for cute elephant stuff!

What a great surprise! Did Brandon know that the drink was going to be called Snow White or was that just an added bonus?

He did know about the Snow White drink. I think he looked through the Food & Wine website for ideas, then that one popped out at him!

That Food & Wine mixology seminar looked like a lot of fun! How sweet of hubby to surprise you.

It was great fun! I definitely want to go back to F&W this year or next. I had no idea it has so many fun activities & classes and things.

 

[One_Song]

We decided this night not to have a true dinner, but to eat lots of things from F&W instead.

We have another little video from our quick trips to Club Cool and the Hawaii stand at F&W:

Epcot Evening

Btw, I think Ronnie from Jersey Shore might be lurking in the back of our 2nd clip (listen after I pick up my fork)

 

[One_Song]

We started on the other side of F&W this time (heading toward the Canada pavilion, whereas last time we walked toward Mexico)

The first stop was the Hawaii stand, where we got (1) a Kalua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise, and (2) tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chip. Brandon also got a Mai Tai

At Greece, we tried the chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce (FABULOUS) and griddled greek cheese with pistachios and honey.

Next was Morocco, where we had a kefta pocket (ground seasoned beef in pita bread), a harissa chicken roll, and baklava.

It was getting really crowded by now... there was a really big concert going on. The singer was Billy Ocean. The name meant nothing to us, but we assumed that he must be somewhat famous, there were lots of people there specifically for the performance. It wouldn't have been much of an issue, except there was a F&W stand directly in front of the America Gardens Theater that had whole lobster claws (meat only, no shells) and little cups of melted butter. There was no way I was missing out on those, so I braved the throng!

My pretty new honeymoon shoes were giving me blisters, so we bought some band-aids at the Norway pavilion. And since we were in the area anyway, we went for a viking cruise!

On our first WDW trip together, we rode the Norway boat ride and stayed to watch the video after. Ever since, we have been obsessed with Norway, and we desperately want to take a trip there. We looked into it seriously one summer, but it was too expensive for us at the time. Maybe in a few years we'll make it happen! Brandon has already made me promise that if we ever own a boat, he can name it "Spirit of Norway".

For many trips, I had been wanting to try Beaches & Cream over at the Beach Club. I asked Brandon if he felt like a little dessert, and of course he was up for it. We walked over to the international gateway, then got on a Friendship Taxi.

The boat ride was so beautiful at night

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Yummy yummy! BTW Beaches & Cream is my FAVORITE. ;D

Can't wait to read more! I have never done the Friendship Boat.. I may have to do it next time.

 

[itsmebabygi]

I just had 2 unproductive days at work because of this DP

Thanks for sharing all of this! We just starting the process and we are estimating about 150 guests, so it was nice to see some info on a larger wedding.

Your honeymoon seems as amazing as the wedding! I can't wait for more updates.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-Just a quick note: we ALSO had a less than stellar experience at the Contemporary. But I don’t wanna spoil my TR!
-The hayride sounds awesome. We were going to do it, but didn’t end up there. Oh well, some other time!
-Ugh, this is where we differ about Disney! Chris and I also love animals; we love the theming of AK; and it’s a park Walt would have loved. But man, it’s just so hot and miserable there, no matter what time of year I go!
-Oh snap! You do NOT call Donald “Daffy!” And Chris would have done the same thing about the camera haha.
-Did Tusker House have that orange-colored juice? I love that stuff.
-You both look SO cute, by the way. Don’t know WHAT you’re talking about with no-makeup on..
-EEEK THE BABY ELEPHANT!!!!
-Totally thought that the baby gorilla had a hair dryer.
-LOL! That dinosaur scared him. I can’t go on Dinosaur. I know it’s not real, but I can’t handle it. It scares the crap out of me!!!
-mmm the salad looks good.
-A Snow White martini?!?! Oh he is so sweet.
-I wish I could make more comments on this wine seminar. I know nothing about wine (it puts me to sleep so I can’t drink it!), but it sounds like so much fun.
-That pork slider looks amazing. And I am already hungry!
-The Spirit of Narrrway is a fabulous name for a boat.
-We almost went to Beaches and Cream. That story coming later! Can’t wait to hear about your trip there ☺

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

That mixology seminar with the Snow White drinks... awesome! I am totally living vicariously through you with all your F&W festival reports, it sounds so fantastic. I love the Norway ride, but I don't think DF understands why I do ... but now that I think about it, it was probably the first ride he and I went on together at Disney. Huh. Well now it's even more special.

Can't wait to hear about dessert!

 

[One_Song]

Yummy yummy! BTW Beaches & Cream is my FAVORITE. ;D

Can't wait to read more! I have never done the Friendship Boat.. I may have to do it next time.

I had never been until the honeymoon! We loved it-- I absolutely can't wait to go back!!

I just had 2 unproductive days at work because of this DP

Thanks for sharing all of this! We just starting the process and we are estimating about 150 guests, so it was nice to see some info on a larger wedding.

Your honeymoon seems as amazing as the wedding! I can't wait for more updates.

Haha, thank you! I will be excited to follow along with your plans, you should definitely start a PJ. I think the only way large weddings are truly limited is that Disney has lots of really cool venues that won't accomodate your party. You still have several options for 100+, though, so there will certainly be something you like. Enjoy the planning!

-Just a quick note: we ALSO had a less than stellar experience at the Contemporary. But I don’t wanna spoil my TR!
-The hayride sounds awesome. We were going to do it, but didn’t end up there. Oh well, some other time!
-Ugh, this is where we differ about Disney! Chris and I also love animals; we love the theming of AK; and it’s a park Walt would have loved. But man, it’s just so hot and miserable there, no matter what time of year I go!
-Oh snap! You do NOT call Donald “Daffy!” And Chris would have done the same thing about the camera haha.
-Did Tusker House have that orange-colored juice? I love that stuff.
-You both look SO cute, by the way. Don’t know WHAT you’re talking about with no-makeup on..
-EEEK THE BABY ELEPHANT!!!!
-Totally thought that the baby gorilla had a hair dryer.
-LOL! That dinosaur scared him. I can’t go on Dinosaur. I know it’s not real, but I can’t handle it. It scares the crap out of me!!!
-mmm the salad looks good.
-A Snow White martini?!?! Oh he is so sweet.
-I wish I could make more comments on this wine seminar. I know nothing about wine (it puts me to sleep so I can’t drink it!), but it sounds like so much fun.
-That pork slider looks amazing. And I am already hungry!
-The Spirit of Narrrway is a fabulous name for a boat.
-We almost went to Beaches and Cream. That story coming later! Can’t wait to hear about your trip there ☺

I will be interested to see if we had similar problems with Contemporary. You're right, AK is crazy hot all the time. I guess all those plants trap in heat and humidity. I had forgotten about that juice until now, it was so good! GF CL lounge had it too, I loved it! We had such a fun time at the wine tasting, but I don't know anything about wine either! I'm pretty good with Champagne, that's my drink of choice, and I would love to learn more about wine. I certainly learned a bit on the honeymoon!

That mixology seminar with the Snow White drinks... awesome! I am totally living vicariously through you with all your F&W festival reports, it sounds so fantastic. I love the Norway ride, but I don't think DF understands why I do ... but now that I think about it, it was probably the first ride he and I went on together at Disney. Huh. Well now it's even more special.

Can't wait to hear about dessert!

Hmm, maybe Maelstrom has happy memories for you! I love both that one and the Mexico ride. They're both just kitschy fun! F&W is really amazing, I desperately want to go back this year or next. Thanks for reading!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I love your F&W pics and video! We're planning on going this year!

 

[virtuous girl]

The F&W fest is the best, i could go around all the country's TWICE 2 sample all the food!

 

[One_Song]

I love your F&W pics and video! We're planning on going this year!

You will love it, it's so much fun!

The F&W fest is the best, i could go around all the country's TWICE 2 sample all the food!

Haha, I think I could too! Maybe take in a patriotic film here and there to have some digestion time... We are very excited to go back!

 

[One_Song]

Just as we were getting off the Friendship taxi, Illuminations began. We hung around on the dock to watch.

It really was a decent view

We decided to walk around a bit. I stayed at Boardwalk once when I was a kid, but I don’t remember much of it. Other than our few trips to Jelly Rolls, we haven’t experienced the Epcot resorts. It was so pretty at night, and the perfect setting for a romantic stroll. I think the Polynesian is still my favorite in terms of nighttime ambiance, but the Epcot resorts would be a close second. Ever since that night, I have been wanting to stay at an Epcot resort on our next trip. I’m tentatively thinking about doing a BC trip in May, but nothing definite yet.

While we were walking, we came across the Yacht Club Gazebo.

It’s just as pretty in person. If I couldn’t have had the WP, I would have wanted our ceremony at the Yacht Club Gazebo. I’m always looking for gazebo TRs, but they seem few and far between. I think it would be so pretty for an evening, Princess & the Frog themed wedding. I love Princess & the Frog, I watch it all the time. One time I watched it and then figured out how to make gumbo because it seemed so good (and it is—my gumbo is awesome!) You could have little tea candles placed around to look like fireflies. Just like a pretty bayou.

We weren’t the only ones checking out the gazebo!

We also walked past that amazing YC/BC pool—I think we need to stay at BC just to get to play in that!

 

[One_Song]

We were ready for some ice cream now, so we made our way to Beaches & Cream. When I read about B&C, it seemed like a very casual place. So, I was a bit surprised when they asked (at 10:00 p.m.) if we had a reservation! The wait was half an hour, but Brandon said “Well, are we in a hurry?”

We took the buzzer and found a little lounge inside Beach Club (Martha’s Vineyard, I believe). It was pretty empty, I suppose being so late on a weekday. I love cocktail lounges, I think they may be the best perk to being an adult.

Notice that Brandon had his beer on the table and his wallet on the napkin….weird.

It wasn’t too long before our buzzer rang. We made our way back to B&C, and the host seated us at the counter. We actually love dining counters when they’re an option, but we were a little miffed. There were at least ten open seats at the counter, so why did we have to wait at all? Hmph.

Well, we put it aside and took in the adorable café.

[/IMG]

You can see Brandon’s reflection in that back mirror!

It’s so cool in there. I have a love for all things retro, and especially the 50s/early 60s. When I was in middle school, Happy Days was my favorite TV show. I thought Fonzie was the coolest guy ever. The only thing we didn’t like about B&C was when someone ordered the Kitchen Sink (8 scoops of ice cream with tons of toppings). Each time, the lights would dim, a disco ball would light up, and everyone would cheer LOUDLY. It was cute the first time, obnoxious the tenth time. Although I must admit, I’ve already thought about how fun it will be to go to B&C in ten years, with two or three kids, and share the Kitchen Sink as a family.

There are so many dessert options on the menu, it was hard to choose! After some deliberation, I decided on a chocolate and vanilla sundae with hot fudge and marshmallow sauce.

And Brandon got a Milky Way Sundae

And OH MY GOODNESS were they amazing! I can imagine if we get to stay at BC on a vacation, we would love popping down to Beaches & Cream a few times.

After B&C, we caught a taxi back to GF and packed our things. We had to get ready for our CRUISE tomorrow!!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

You made a little bunny friend! And B&C looks fabulous! I can't wait to hear about your cruise! I've never been on one (Disney or otherwise).

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

Those sundaes look absolutely amazing! Beaches & Cream is definitely going on the to-do list for our next trip! I wouldn't have thought the "Kitchen Sink" would have been such a popular option, but I suppose it would make for quite the fun family experience.

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Ah, it all looks so so so fabulous. I definitely need to head over there the next time we go. I want to stay at Boardwalk, I just can't justify the pricing when I just sleep in the room. lol. Perhaps once we get DVC. ;D

Love the bunny friend though! It all looks so fabulous and I cannot wait to read about your cruise!

 

[Lulu83]

Those sundaes look soo delicious. I've just added B&C to our "must do" list for our honeymoon!

 

[One_Song]

You made a little bunny friend! And B&C looks fabulous! I can't wait to hear about your cruise! I've never been on one (Disney or otherwise).

Oh the cruise was fantastic. This week we've been trying to decide if we want our 2012 vacation to be a trip somewhere or another Disney cruise It really is outstanding!

Those sundaes look absolutely amazing! Beaches & Cream is definitely going on the to-do list for our next trip! I wouldn't have thought the "Kitchen Sink" would have been such a popular option, but I suppose it would make for quite the fun family experience.

Yes, we were very surprised by how often the Kitchen Sink is ordered. But I guess, like you said, everyone wants to have the experience of it (just how I was imagining we would share it with our children one day). Even the regular sundaes were huge portions! They were so tasty though!

Ah, it all looks so so so fabulous. I definitely need to head over there the next time we go. I want to stay at Boardwalk, I just can't justify the pricing when I just sleep in the room. lol. Perhaps once we get DVC. ;D

Love the bunny friend though! It all looks so fabulous and I cannot wait to read about your cruise!

I agree. We were looking at BC because it's the cheapest of the three (for the weekend we were pricing), but my practical side is always thinking that it's like 3x the cost of an All Star. With the deluxes, we always consider that we're paying for the experience and not just accomodations. Some trips we go value, some we go deluxe (but you know, I've never been a moderate person... I feel like they're not "enough" nicer than the values). Now we're considering if we would rather our next vacation be a deluxe WDW trip or a porthole stateroom on a cruise... decisions, decisions!

Those sundaes look soo delicious. I've just added B&C to our "must do" list for our honeymoon!

You will have a great time! It's so cute and fun... it really reminds me of how I felt Disney World was when I was a kid. It has the whole, bright & happy 90's vibe

 

[One_Song]

Honeymoon, Day 5: CRUISE!!!

This morning we woke up pretty early to get ready for our cruise. Our bags had to be in the hallway, ready to go, by 7:00 A.M., so anything we didn't want to carry on had to be packed. Our bags were tagged and ready

Since we had to be up early, we enjoyed a little room service in bed (excellent decision, by the way).

It was a little overcast, but the sky was so pretty

A Disney shuttle was picking us up and taking us to Port Canaveral. We decided it would be more relaxing to take the bus rather than drive ourselves.

While we were getting dressed, Brandon noticed that a bride was taking pictures outside

This was the morning of October 13, 2011-- I wonder if she is a Disbride?

We put on our cruise outfits (I was very excited to buy tropical, flowy kind of dresses) and got ready to go. We had a carry on with our confirmation sheets, passports, bathing suits, sunscreen, and money. There really wasn't much to do; Disney makes getting from WDW to a cruise and bringing all your luggage so easy.

Then it was time to say goodbye to our room. We were a little sad to leave it; this was the first place we had lived as a married couple. It will always be very special to us, and I doubt we will ever splurge for that kind of room again. It was so wonderful, an absolutely perfect honeymoon suite, just what I had always dreamed it would be. I also had to leave my bouquet behind. I had kept it and treasured it every day since the wedding. But it wasn't sensible to take it with us, and I knew it would be wilted when we got back. I really did love my bouquet-- it made me feel like exactly the kind of bride I wanted to be. Brandon had to convince me not to cry. These are the times I am most grateful for Brandon. I know he couldn't begin to fathom why leaving a bunch of flowers would upset me, but he didn't make me feel silly or stupid for feeling the way I did. He is supportive even when he can't relate to it. It's a good quality to have in a partner.

So with one final look, we were on our way.

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

But, but THEN what happened?!?

I don't know why I'm so goofy on your PJ. Pardon my sass.

In all seriousness, I think it's certain items, especially certain scents, trigger particularly strong emotions within us, so I feel getting unexpectedly upset over flowers is completely reasonable.