mouskadoer
07-19-2007, 02:06 PM
I would like to say HI to everyone first,;) I am new here. Although I am not new to disney mania, I feel my sister, mom and I have a sickness when it comes to our obsession for disney trips in recent years, my hubby has suggested Disneyholics Anonymous... I have been quite a few times.
Hello my name is Heather and yes I'm a Disneyaholic!!
We have a trip coming up August 11 thru 17, 2007. We were just there December 15 -23, 2006. This is the trip I'm writing about for two reasons my sister got married in Disney while we were there, it was my sons first trip (15months old), and it was the first time for most of my family to go during holiday season. We had a wonderful time despite the challenges traveling with such a large group creates.
So here goes, Here is who we traveled with:
Me (Heather), Hubby (Kenny), and Nathan (15 months old then)
My sister- The Bride (Hailey), The groom (Aaron)
Our parents Earl & Marsha (a.k.a. Mom & Dad)
The six, now seven with Nathan go all the time together.
Besides wedding stuff these are the main people we explored with so the rest of the group is just extra info. Aaron's Mom, Dad, sister, grandma, aunt, uncle, and small cousin. Aaron and Haileys closest friends, Dustin and Michelle, and Andrew. Also our aunt, uncle and cousin.
Friday
My parents, kenny, nathan and I left together flying out of STL on December 15, we would meet up the next day when they flew in. I was so excited to be taking Nathan for the first time I couldn't stand it. We arrived at the airport really early that mourning and waited at the gate for almost two hours, lol. I was ready to get to MCO. Nathan did great on the plane I was so proud of him. When we arrived we went straight to the Magical Express, we had never used it before and we were releaved that everything went very smoothly and later that day we did get our luggage. We arrived at Coronado Springs Resort and checked in smoothly. We had stayed at this resort before and I really enjoy it. My favorite moderate is PO French Quarter. FYI least fav is carribean. (The trip we have coming up in August we are staying at PO Riverside, not my choice but everyone wants to stay on the mansion side which will be the only section of any moderate we haven't stayed at, my hope is we get there and they made a mistake and send us to POFQ, but knowing disney that won't happen, lol.)
Our first night with just us five (mom, dad, kenny, me and nathan) we went to cinderella's castle for dinner! It was amazing!! We had only ever been able to get reservations for lunch. This time it would not only be dinner time but also close to time for wishes. Our food was amazing, Kenny had lamb, I had salmon, and my mom and dad had prime rib I believe, everthing was exceptional, and they even brought out noodles for nathan free of charge and gave him ice cream after with a little princes crown made of chocolate. We were able to see the fireworks out of the window, when they started, and when the fairy godmother came out to do her skit they worked in a proposal with it. A couple sitting next to the window got engaged, a surprise to the girl. He had it all coordinated with the staff. It was amazing to watch!!! Ofcourse this caused me to look at hubby and asked why I didn't get my ring in cinderellas castle, at which he rolled his eyes. One thing I would like to add, about cinderellas castle is we were on the dining plan and it was two credits (well worth it I thought) but included in that is a picture with cinderella down stairs. We didn't get our pic takin because we knew we didn't want to buy one but evidently we missed out because it included one pic with the dinner package. So get your pic taken anyway when they tell you downstairs you can always not buy whatever isn't included. When we left dinner we got a taste of the Very Merry Christmas party that we would be guest at later in the week. When we were leaving the snow had already started to fall on Main street and I was overwhelmed with the Disney spirit.
Saturday
The next day we went to Magic kingdom and it was pretty crowded, Nathan got to ride the CHOO CHOO so he was happy!! Also we wouldn't be getting much done to day because everyone else would be arriving throughout the day and we would be going back and forth to the resorts. We got to do quite a bit though, saw characters at the meet and greet spot, also rode Its a small world, saw mickeys philharmagic(sp?)
We went back in the afternoon to see everyone and rest before going to epcot. We had a reservation at Biergarten for dinner.
Biergarten was great although I have to warn you if you don't like german food you won't like this!! I love Brats and german potatoe salad so I was in heaven!!! The show is really cute too! The have the guys in hose dancing and singing, it reminded me of that Chevy Chase vacation movie when they are in Germany... halarious. We didn't spend much time in epcot this night but thats okay we'll be back.
Sunday
We choose to spend the biggest part of today in MGM, we would need to be at epcot at night for a private dessert party as it was the night before the wedding. Since my sister and Aaron were veterans and the rest of his family and friends weren't they traveled off with them and us five went seperate. We had lunch at Hollywood and Vine with JoJo, Goliath and the little Einstiens. This was great, the food was really good and Nathan was just beside himself seeing his favorite characters sitting down to eat with him. He hugged and kissed them like crazy. I thought because of his age he would be scared. once again mom is wrong!!! lucky kid because after august he will have been technically three times before his 2nd bday in sept., once was when I was pregnant with him, lol. By the way, anyone who puts off a trip because of being pregnant is missing out, theres nothing like having disney food when you are pg, I think I gained all my weight for the entire pregnancy at disney that week!!!!)
That night we went to Epcot for a private dessert party to watch illuminations. We had a private area near the rose and crown pub in England, it was spectacular!!! We had had good spots for the show before but never like this. And they served all kinds of goodies. White chocolate slippers filled with whipped cream, brownies, cookies, dipped strawberries, and they also had hot chocolate, coffee, juice, soda, tea, you name it. There were twenty of us and it could've held 40 or so. We got the best pics that look like they are setting off the fireworks just for us, or my sister and fiance, oops I forgot it was all about them, lol!!!!
Monday -WEDDING DAY!!!
I you are only interested in adventures at the park don't read this, however it does show the level of service in everthing disney!! The mourning of the wedding we started out by the girls having there hair done at our resort, by the way good point about Coronado, they have the salon and spa on-site!!!
All the girls spent the mourning chatting in the salon as the boys did who knows what. Well I do know one thing my Brother in law had his friend first bring us all snacks to the salon as he knows we can't be without food!!! Then later he shows up again with a huge arrangement of flowers, with a note, cant wait to see you, love aaron. aaaawwwww, and I start to cry!!! Wont be the first or last time that day!!!:crying:
After getting our hair done we go back to the room to change into dresses. We were transferred to wedding chapel by limo in groups. My sister, me , mom, dad, nathan, and my hubby went last! It was timed perfectly. When we got there the pavilion was beautiful. I cannot say enough about it. We stayed in Brides vestibule until GO time. The wedding went smoothly except for Nathans beeline down the aisle during which time he took off his tux coat while running. The ceremony was gorgeous with violin playing part of the music and piano accompanyment. After ceremony we were taken again in groups by limo to the Grand Floridian for a toast and cake. We were taken up to the 2nd or 3rd floor were a violinist was playin romantic disney songs and a beautiful table was set up with there cake and champagne for guests. We did our speaches and had our toast then the guest were taken back to Coronado for dinner. I would like to add here how smoothly this whole transition was no one waited or was rushed it was very relaxed, considering what was happening! We, the wedding party were taken down to the beach for a photo shot. Which ended up being the most beautiful wedding pics I had ever seen!!! After the whole group meet at the Maya Grill for dinner. It was wonderful, if you ever go to the mayan grill and you are a seafood lover get the seafood skillet!!! It is amazing, I still have dreams about the dish. Then after the servers served us all there wedding cake, and oh oh ohhhhh I couldn't believe cake could taste so good. It was a marble cake that was made by the disney bakery but oh oh oh did I say oh I couldn't believe how fabulous it was. We are going to order a cake when we go next time ( no occassion, just have to have that cake again!!!!)
Tuesday Back to the business at hand!!!
I know the trip is suppose to be all for Hailey getting married but I am releaved that its over so we can get back to disney, lol!!! We went to Animal Kingdom and had breakfast at Donald's Restuarantasaurus, this is a must do for us every trip. We will do it for the last time this coming august as it will move to Tusker house and be donalds safari, I think.:crying: Oh well I'm sure the other one will be a new tradition. (By the way with our upcoming trip we are doing two character breakfast the other at chef mickey's, could this be what replaces our old tradition restuarantasuarus, stayed tuned, lol)
We spent most the day exploring Animal Kingdon, doing the safari, and got our first ride on EE. I really liked it but it doesn't even compare to my fav - Aerosmith at MGM! We stopped at Flame tree BBQ for a snack actually we split a Counter Service meal because no one was hungry enough for a whole one!! ( By the way at this point it is just me, mom, dad, and Nathan. Kenny went to play golf with my uncle!) I have to say I wasn't really impressed with Flame tree, the portions were plenty to share and its wasn't bad by any means but I won't go out of my way to eat there again. The place wasn't as clean as I would've liked but it was a busy day at the park that day! Asa we were leaving we caught part of the parade and it was really cute, but it was time for nathans nap so we were headed back to the hotel to catch up with the others and rest. Although we did stop in Rainforest to see if the had any bargains!! If you like bargain shopping for soveniers thats the place we always find cute shirts and stuff there at 50-75% off!! Check there clearance and sale racks!
Wednesday
We are finally headed to epcot, for the day!!! We normally spend most of our time in epcot, I'm sure that will change now that we have a little one. I love epcot I could walk from country to country for days drinking and eating, lol!! Me and my brother in law really like getting a different drink at each place and sharing it or each getting our own. Can you tell who the drinkers in our family are??
I will finish out the trip later thanks for reading thus far, I know I'm not as good a trip reporter at Steve Russo (If you are reading this I thoroughly enjoy your writing!!) but I hope you enjoyed.
Hello my name is Heather and yes I'm a Disneyaholic!!
We have a trip coming up August 11 thru 17, 2007. We were just there December 15 -23, 2006. This is the trip I'm writing about for two reasons my sister got married in Disney while we were there, it was my sons first trip (15months old), and it was the first time for most of my family to go during holiday season. We had a wonderful time despite the challenges traveling with such a large group creates.
So here goes, Here is who we traveled with:
Me (Heather), Hubby (Kenny), and Nathan (15 months old then)
My sister- The Bride (Hailey), The groom (Aaron)
Our parents Earl & Marsha (a.k.a. Mom & Dad)
The six, now seven with Nathan go all the time together.
Besides wedding stuff these are the main people we explored with so the rest of the group is just extra info. Aaron's Mom, Dad, sister, grandma, aunt, uncle, and small cousin. Aaron and Haileys closest friends, Dustin and Michelle, and Andrew. Also our aunt, uncle and cousin.
Friday
My parents, kenny, nathan and I left together flying out of STL on December 15, we would meet up the next day when they flew in. I was so excited to be taking Nathan for the first time I couldn't stand it. We arrived at the airport really early that mourning and waited at the gate for almost two hours, lol. I was ready to get to MCO. Nathan did great on the plane I was so proud of him. When we arrived we went straight to the Magical Express, we had never used it before and we were releaved that everything went very smoothly and later that day we did get our luggage. We arrived at Coronado Springs Resort and checked in smoothly. We had stayed at this resort before and I really enjoy it. My favorite moderate is PO French Quarter. FYI least fav is carribean. (The trip we have coming up in August we are staying at PO Riverside, not my choice but everyone wants to stay on the mansion side which will be the only section of any moderate we haven't stayed at, my hope is we get there and they made a mistake and send us to POFQ, but knowing disney that won't happen, lol.)
Our first night with just us five (mom, dad, kenny, me and nathan) we went to cinderella's castle for dinner! It was amazing!! We had only ever been able to get reservations for lunch. This time it would not only be dinner time but also close to time for wishes. Our food was amazing, Kenny had lamb, I had salmon, and my mom and dad had prime rib I believe, everthing was exceptional, and they even brought out noodles for nathan free of charge and gave him ice cream after with a little princes crown made of chocolate. We were able to see the fireworks out of the window, when they started, and when the fairy godmother came out to do her skit they worked in a proposal with it. A couple sitting next to the window got engaged, a surprise to the girl. He had it all coordinated with the staff. It was amazing to watch!!! Ofcourse this caused me to look at hubby and asked why I didn't get my ring in cinderellas castle, at which he rolled his eyes. One thing I would like to add, about cinderellas castle is we were on the dining plan and it was two credits (well worth it I thought) but included in that is a picture with cinderella down stairs. We didn't get our pic takin because we knew we didn't want to buy one but evidently we missed out because it included one pic with the dinner package. So get your pic taken anyway when they tell you downstairs you can always not buy whatever isn't included. When we left dinner we got a taste of the Very Merry Christmas party that we would be guest at later in the week. When we were leaving the snow had already started to fall on Main street and I was overwhelmed with the Disney spirit.
Saturday
The next day we went to Magic kingdom and it was pretty crowded, Nathan got to ride the CHOO CHOO so he was happy!! Also we wouldn't be getting much done to day because everyone else would be arriving throughout the day and we would be going back and forth to the resorts. We got to do quite a bit though, saw characters at the meet and greet spot, also rode Its a small world, saw mickeys philharmagic(sp?)
We went back in the afternoon to see everyone and rest before going to epcot. We had a reservation at Biergarten for dinner.
Biergarten was great although I have to warn you if you don't like german food you won't like this!! I love Brats and german potatoe salad so I was in heaven!!! The show is really cute too! The have the guys in hose dancing and singing, it reminded me of that Chevy Chase vacation movie when they are in Germany... halarious. We didn't spend much time in epcot this night but thats okay we'll be back.
Sunday
We choose to spend the biggest part of today in MGM, we would need to be at epcot at night for a private dessert party as it was the night before the wedding. Since my sister and Aaron were veterans and the rest of his family and friends weren't they traveled off with them and us five went seperate. We had lunch at Hollywood and Vine with JoJo, Goliath and the little Einstiens. This was great, the food was really good and Nathan was just beside himself seeing his favorite characters sitting down to eat with him. He hugged and kissed them like crazy. I thought because of his age he would be scared. once again mom is wrong!!! lucky kid because after august he will have been technically three times before his 2nd bday in sept., once was when I was pregnant with him, lol. By the way, anyone who puts off a trip because of being pregnant is missing out, theres nothing like having disney food when you are pg, I think I gained all my weight for the entire pregnancy at disney that week!!!!)
That night we went to Epcot for a private dessert party to watch illuminations. We had a private area near the rose and crown pub in England, it was spectacular!!! We had had good spots for the show before but never like this. And they served all kinds of goodies. White chocolate slippers filled with whipped cream, brownies, cookies, dipped strawberries, and they also had hot chocolate, coffee, juice, soda, tea, you name it. There were twenty of us and it could've held 40 or so. We got the best pics that look like they are setting off the fireworks just for us, or my sister and fiance, oops I forgot it was all about them, lol!!!!
Monday -WEDDING DAY!!!
I you are only interested in adventures at the park don't read this, however it does show the level of service in everthing disney!! The mourning of the wedding we started out by the girls having there hair done at our resort, by the way good point about Coronado, they have the salon and spa on-site!!!
All the girls spent the mourning chatting in the salon as the boys did who knows what. Well I do know one thing my Brother in law had his friend first bring us all snacks to the salon as he knows we can't be without food!!! Then later he shows up again with a huge arrangement of flowers, with a note, cant wait to see you, love aaron. aaaawwwww, and I start to cry!!! Wont be the first or last time that day!!!:crying:
After getting our hair done we go back to the room to change into dresses. We were transferred to wedding chapel by limo in groups. My sister, me , mom, dad, nathan, and my hubby went last! It was timed perfectly. When we got there the pavilion was beautiful. I cannot say enough about it. We stayed in Brides vestibule until GO time. The wedding went smoothly except for Nathans beeline down the aisle during which time he took off his tux coat while running. The ceremony was gorgeous with violin playing part of the music and piano accompanyment. After ceremony we were taken again in groups by limo to the Grand Floridian for a toast and cake. We were taken up to the 2nd or 3rd floor were a violinist was playin romantic disney songs and a beautiful table was set up with there cake and champagne for guests. We did our speaches and had our toast then the guest were taken back to Coronado for dinner. I would like to add here how smoothly this whole transition was no one waited or was rushed it was very relaxed, considering what was happening! We, the wedding party were taken down to the beach for a photo shot. Which ended up being the most beautiful wedding pics I had ever seen!!! After the whole group meet at the Maya Grill for dinner. It was wonderful, if you ever go to the mayan grill and you are a seafood lover get the seafood skillet!!! It is amazing, I still have dreams about the dish. Then after the servers served us all there wedding cake, and oh oh ohhhhh I couldn't believe cake could taste so good. It was a marble cake that was made by the disney bakery but oh oh oh did I say oh I couldn't believe how fabulous it was. We are going to order a cake when we go next time ( no occassion, just have to have that cake again!!!!)
Tuesday Back to the business at hand!!!
I know the trip is suppose to be all for Hailey getting married but I am releaved that its over so we can get back to disney, lol!!! We went to Animal Kingdom and had breakfast at Donald's Restuarantasaurus, this is a must do for us every trip. We will do it for the last time this coming august as it will move to Tusker house and be donalds safari, I think.:crying: Oh well I'm sure the other one will be a new tradition. (By the way with our upcoming trip we are doing two character breakfast the other at chef mickey's, could this be what replaces our old tradition restuarantasuarus, stayed tuned, lol)
We spent most the day exploring Animal Kingdon, doing the safari, and got our first ride on EE. I really liked it but it doesn't even compare to my fav - Aerosmith at MGM! We stopped at Flame tree BBQ for a snack actually we split a Counter Service meal because no one was hungry enough for a whole one!! ( By the way at this point it is just me, mom, dad, and Nathan. Kenny went to play golf with my uncle!) I have to say I wasn't really impressed with Flame tree, the portions were plenty to share and its wasn't bad by any means but I won't go out of my way to eat there again. The place wasn't as clean as I would've liked but it was a busy day at the park that day! Asa we were leaving we caught part of the parade and it was really cute, but it was time for nathans nap so we were headed back to the hotel to catch up with the others and rest. Although we did stop in Rainforest to see if the had any bargains!! If you like bargain shopping for soveniers thats the place we always find cute shirts and stuff there at 50-75% off!! Check there clearance and sale racks!
Wednesday
We are finally headed to epcot, for the day!!! We normally spend most of our time in epcot, I'm sure that will change now that we have a little one. I love epcot I could walk from country to country for days drinking and eating, lol!! Me and my brother in law really like getting a different drink at each place and sharing it or each getting our own. Can you tell who the drinkers in our family are??
I will finish out the trip later thanks for reading thus far, I know I'm not as good a trip reporter at Steve Russo (If you are reading this I thoroughly enjoy your writing!!) but I hope you enjoyed.