"You Are Really Going to Take A Picture of That!" A March 2012 TR *Update 6/11*

[gabzee]

First, I just wanted to welcome all of my new readers! Thanks for reading along!

After we finished our Vera Bradley shopping trip, we went back to the house. We got back around 5pm. I wanted to do some last minute packing but got a little bit distracted and instead watched reruns of Friends with DMom and DB. I love that show!

Before you knew it it was time for dinner. Since I was leaving Spring Break early to go up to Disney World, my grandparents wanted to see me one last time since I wouldn't be coming home for over a month. We decided to go to P.F. Changs for dinner. There was a bit of confusion regarding the transportation to dinner. We (me, DMom, and DBrother) thought that DDad was coming home before dinner so we could all go in one car; however, he just went straight to the restaurant. Therefore, we were a bit late. Oh well! We got there are were seated in a big booth. We were a party of 6 (Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Alex, Dad, and me). We had a great waiter who was very friendly and helpful!

We began by ordering some appetizers.


We got some vegetarian lettuce wraps.


Salt and Pepper Calamari


Northern Style Spareribs

All of our appetizers were very good. My two favorites were the vegetarian lettuce wraps and the salt & pepper calamari. However, I am not a big rib fan! (DDad is and he loves them!) Once we finished our appetizers, we ordered some soup for the table to share.


Wonton Soup

For entrees, we decided to order a bunch and then eat family style. All of the entrees came with white or brown rice (we got a little of both).


Ma Po Tofu


Mongolian Beef


Stir-Fried Eggplant


Ginger Chicken with Broccoli

Our meal was very good. Everything came out hot and delicious. My favorite two entrees were the eggplant and tofu dishes. The tofu was a bit spicy but I love spicy food!

It was really nice spending some time with my grandparents and the family. After dinner we said our goodbyes and headed home. When we got home I did some last minute packing and then brought everything downstairs.



My HUGE suitcase full of tons of stuff! Thank goodness this suitcase has wheels. If it didn't I would not have managed to carry all of my luggage.



My backpack with all of my lovely textbooks, computer, etc. Don't be fooled! It was definitely heavier than it looks!



This was my park bag for this trip. Normally I use a bag that is much smaller but since DMom wasn't coming and wouldn't have her huge bag, I figured this would be best! Can you tell that I love Vera Bradley!?! haha

After all of the last minute packing and organizing was finished, we decided to relax and watch some more reruns of Friends. By 12:30, we decided to go to bed or at least try to go to bed. Considering the fact that I was going to Disney World the next morning, I went to bed pretty quickly! I was beyond excited! I WAS GOING TO DISNEY WORLD THE NEXT DAY!!!

Let the magic begin!​

 

[KatMark]

This is just so weird. I started watching reruns of Friends last week when my DH went out of town on business (I love it too).

Your day before you leaves sound like you had some nice family time and fun. PF Changs is one of our favorites. That calamari looks good...I've never had it.

 

[MissPrice]

Hey! I'm joining in, enjoying the report so far. Your food pictures are making me hungry!! Can't wait to read more. -Amanda

 

[DMGeurts]

Great update!!! The food looks amazing! And there is nothing better than packed luggage to go to WDW! And I love my VB, as well - I have no idea how much I have, but DH would tell you it's too much. LOL

Can't wait to read more!

D~

 

[gabzee]

This is just so weird. I started watching reruns of Friends last week when my DH went out of town on business (I love it too).

Your day before you leaves sound like you had some nice family time and fun. PF Changs is one of our favorites. That calamari looks good...I've never had it.

Thats so funny! What coincidence! It was definitely a nice family day! The calamari was really yummy... worth a try the next time you go! ​

Hey! I'm joining in, enjoying the report so far. Your food pictures are making me hungry!! Can't wait to read more. -Amanda

and thanks for reading along! I was definitely craving some chinese food after writing that update as well! ​

Great update!!! The food looks amazing! And there is nothing better than packed luggage to go to WDW! And I love my VB, as well - I have no idea how much I have, but DH would tell you it's too much. LOL

Can't wait to read more!

D~

Thanks! haha My dad doesn't understand it either. He doesn't see why my mom and I need so many bags, computer cases, coin purses, etc. from one designer! Men will never understand! ​

 

[DerangedChipmunk]

Can't wait to hear about your trip I'm in!

 

[__disneygirl]

AHH PF Chang's and Panera, two of my faves! You are already making me sooo hungry and you haven't even gotten to Disney yet. haha

 

[gabzee]

Can't wait to hear about your trip I'm in!

and thanks for joining in! I can't wait to share more! ​

AHH PF Chang's and Panera, two of my faves! You are already making me sooo hungry and you haven't even gotten to Disney yet. haha

haha.... It only gets better from here! Stay tuned and thanks for following along!​

 

[Merida]

My first VB wallet was in your park bag's pattern! I loved that pattern. My favorite Vera collection is the Dockside Canvas one, if only because I can't keep up with all the new patterns they release now!

Mmm, Panera! I love their sandwiches and the chocolate chip muffins. SO good.

 

[gabzee]

My first VB wallet was in your park bag's pattern! I loved that pattern. My favorite Vera collection is the Dockside Canvas one, if only because I can't keep up with all the new patterns they release now!

Mmm, Panera! I love their sandwiches and the chocolate chip muffins. SO good.

It was such a nice pattern! Those totes are really nice. You are right... there are so many new patterns coming out recently! I love Panera! Such a nice option for a nice, quick meal!

Side story... In high school, I had a really close group of best friends (5 of us including me). We are all going to different colleges in different states and countries. Alexa is going to school in New York, Gabby (not me... confusing I know ) goes to school in Connecticut, Alex goes to school is Paris, and Naomi goes to in Israel. My mom is best friends with Naomi's mom and I have been best friends with Naomi since we were 4 yrs old. I saw Alexa, Gabby, and Alex over winter break but since Naomi is in Israel (she also didn't have the same break as us) she didn't come home. Colleges in Israel don't get out until late August which is when US school are about to begin so I didn't think I was going to be able to see her for over another year. I hadn't seen her since late July 2011. Also, due to the time difference (almost 10ish hours... i think) it is so hard to talk/ skype. I was talking to Sondra (Naomi's mom) on facebook tonight (she is like another mom in a way) and then she spilled the beans. She said I hope you have fun with Naomi! I was freaking out. I called Naomi and she said that she was in Atlanta waiting for her next flight to come and see me! I just found out that I get to see my best friend in less than 24 hours when I didn't think I was going to see her for another year! OMG!!! I am sooooo excited and I had to share it with you guys!

Anyways, I will try to do another update tomorrow or so! Thanks guys so much for reading and to all of my new readers!

​

 

[charliesmom86]

I'm following along We are going on our first trip to Disney World and staying at Coronado..hopefully you will have lots of good things to say about it. lol.

 

[DMGeurts]

It was such a nice pattern! Those totes are really nice. You are right... there are so many new patterns coming out recently! I love Panera! Such a nice option for a nice, quick meal!

Side story... In high school, I had a really close group of best friends (5 of us including me). We are all going to different colleges in different states and countries. Alexa is going to school in New York, Gabby (not me... confusing I know ) goes to school in Connecticut, Alex goes to school is Paris, and Naomi goes to in Israel. My mom is best friends with Naomi's mom and I have been best friends with Naomi since we were 4 yrs old. I saw Alexa, Gabby, and Alex over winter break but since Naomi is in Israel (she also didn't have the same break as us) she didn't come home. Colleges in Israel don't get out until late August which is when US school are about to begin so I didn't think I was going to be able to see her for over another year. I hadn't seen her since late July 2011. Also, due to the time difference (almost 10ish hours... i think) it is so hard to talk/ skype. I was talking to Sondra (Naomi's mom) on facebook tonight (she is like another mom in a way) and then she spilled the beans. She said I hope you have fun with Naomi! I was freaking out. I called Naomi and she said that she was in Atlanta waiting for her next flight to come and see me! I just found out that I get to see my best friend in less than 24 hours when I didn't think I was going to see her for another year! OMG!!! I am sooooo excited and I had to share it with you guys!

Anyways, I will try to do another update tomorrow or so! Thanks guys so much for reading and to all of my new readers!

​

That is so awesome!!! I hope you have a wonderful time! How long is Naomi staying?

For the record, my first VB pattern was Capri Blue - it was a hipster for our Disney trip in 2008. VB used to do very few releases, and about 2 years ago they decided to do more releases (paired with faster retirements) with less available in each pattern... Honestly - I am seeing the more releases, but I don't see the selection with in each pattern going down at all, and I don't see the sales coming any faster either. I haven't purchased a new bag in over a year - first because I make my own now, with a Disney twist - and second, I haven't liked the newer patterns as much.

D~

 

[gabzee]

I'm following along We are going on our first trip to Disney World and staying at Coronado..hopefully you will have lots of good things to say about it. lol.

Thanks for joining! We really enjoyed CSR.... Stay tuned!

That is so awesome!!! I hope you have a wonderful time! How long is Naomi staying?

For the record, my first VB pattern was Capri Blue - it was a hipster for our Disney trip in 2008. VB used to do very few releases, and about 2 years ago they decided to do more releases (paired with faster retirements) with less available in each pattern... Honestly - I am seeing the more releases, but I don't see the selection with in each pattern going down at all, and I don't see the sales coming any faster either. I haven't purchased a new bag in over a year - first because I make my own now, with a Disney twist - and second, I haven't liked the newer patterns as much.

D~

Thank you! Naomi is going to be here until Wednesday so it will be a fun, quick visit and then she is going back to FL to visit with her mom.

I know what you mean. They are definitely retiring patterns faster than they used to. My first Vera pattern was Java Blue. Your bags are definitely perfect for Disney! ​

 

[MinnieMO]

Joining in can't wait to read more

 

[gabzee]

Joining in can't wait to read more

and thanks for reading! I can't wait to write more! ​

 

[gabzee]

Hey everyone! So... Naomi left last night sad1. It so great seeing her! While she was here one of the things we did was we baked and decorated some cookies. We made some in the shape of Mickey but once we baked them it spread to basically create a circle. It was a major fail but definitely delicious!

Every year my dad has an legal convention in Orlando. Since sophomore year in high school we stopped going as a family since I couldn't afford to miss school. However, my finals are over May 1. Therefore, we can go as a family! The convention is only 3 days. Initially we were just going to go to US/IOA (I know, I know.... how can I even consider going there! ). We were booked for May 3-6. Last night I called my parents to say hi and see how they were doing. Then my dad asked me to find out how much it would be to extend our vacation and visit Disney. Now, my dad is not the biggest Disney fan out of the family (my mom and I are!) so I was shocked when he asked. Well, I went online and by the end of the night we were booked! WE ARE OFFICIALLY GOING TO DISNEY!! We will be staying at the Royal Pacific Resort from May 3-6, 2012 and then transfer to the Contemporary Resort in a MK Tower View room from May 6-10, 2012!! I can't wait! Even though I have barely started this TR, I can't wait to write another one for our May trip!

An another update will be coming your way very soon... I promise! ​

 

[DMGeurts]

Congratulations!!! That is so awesome! I am very excited for you!

D~

 

[Merida]

Congrats on your new trip! The Loews Pacific Resort looks absolutely gorgeous and, well, what can beat MK view at the Contemporary?!

Your friends went everywhere for college - that's so cool (and all of their new homes sound like AMAZING places to visit/live)! Pretty much everyone from my high school ends up at the same college, so it's just like high school all over again. Not quite as fun

 

[gabzee]

Congratulations!!! That is so awesome! I am very excited for you!

D~

Thank you! I'm very excited! Since I am far away at college, I am definitely looking forward to some much needed family time!

Congrats on your new trip! The Loews Pacific Resort looks absolutely gorgeous and, well, what can beat MK view at the Contemporary?!

Your friends went everywhere for college - that's so cool (and all of their new homes sound like AMAZING places to visit/live)! Pretty much everyone from my high school ends up at the same college, so it's just like high school all over again. Not quite as fun

Thank you! We have never stayed at the Royal Pacific but I am sure we will enjoy it and we love the Contemporary! Since I went to a high school in Florida, there are many kids that go to state schools. However, all of my close friends and I ventured out of state! I am definitely jealous my friend Alex posts a picture of her standing next to the Eiffel Tower like it is no big deal. It is fun to hear about all of the adventures! ​

 

[gabzee]

I hope you all had a fun weekend! I just landed and got back to my dorm from a quick weekend visit home. My aunt flew into Florida to visit for the holiday!

Anyways, lets get this show on the road! Let me first say that I will only willingly get up early for very few things and one of those things is Disney World Trips!!! My alarm clock (aka my father) woke me up at 6am (I know that is not that early but it was the earliest my dad was willing to get up! ). I got ready and was downstairs by 6:30! I had some breakfast so I wouldn't waste precious Disney time. My breakfast included Special K with red berries with blueberries and milk. Yum! By the time I got ready and was done with breakfast, my dad had already packed the car, had breakfast, walked the dog, got dressed and was waiting in the car to leave! I said my goodbyes to my mom, Alex, and Chloe (of course!) and off we went. We left our house at 7:03 (I know... very exact!) and began driving up north to Disney.

I didn't bring anything to entertain myself other than my phone. However, 20 minutes into the car ride, my dad started to discuss a possible May trip. What a great way to start off a vacation by planning another one! At this point he was only considering a Universal trip but we all know that this has now changed and is including Disney as well. I was using my phone basically the entire time to do research which is not that smart of an idea when you plan on going to a theme park for over 12 hours later that day. (remember this for later!) Anyways, time was going by quickly. It was a pretty uneventful car ride.

Before I knew it I saw



Side note: It has always been a tradition that we do a countdown (10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1-0!) until we officially enter Disney and then scream once we enter. Normally, when we go it is the four of us so I have Alex to countdown and scream. However, I was didn't have my partner in crime! Okay, back to the story!

We were almost there... the countdown begins, 10




9


8


7


6


5





4


3


2


1




We were here! I let out a big scream and my father gave me a look that said "Gaby, you are 19 yrs old. Aren't you too old to be screaming like a 5 yr old with so much excitement when you enter Disney?!?". Well, to be frank.... NO, I am not too old. In fact, I will probably be screaming like that when I take my future kids to Disney! I simply LOVE Disney!



We were getting closer to our initial destination!



We were finally here!










We continued to the registration area to drop off my bags and check-in.









Next up....
Check-in
Kind Guest and a Magical CM
And the First Park of the Trip... which will it be?

Stay Tuned!​