U 2 hot to walk, run, get surprised?

[Deesknee]

Thanks D! On the phone this am, but I want to update today. It is such an exciting night!

 

[KatMark]

Lord, I hate when you lose an update or a long response to someone. It is so aggravating.

But we will be here when you get it done again.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Are posts being lost as they are being typed on the Dis ? Maybe if planning to post a long one do it in a word document program save it, then copy/paste to the "reply to thread" section here? I have done that before and than just added pictures before hitting " submit reply" I hope I am explaining this clearly ?

I usually do this when I know I want to do an update and know I won't have time to complete it This doesn't work for the quoting & answering part of the posts but everything after that....just a thought to ease the frustrations


Just take your time, we aren't going anywhere & will be here when you can be here

 

[Deesknee]

Thanks for the support friends.
Yes Ruthie, I used to do just that. But started cutting corners.

I am going to try this again, but I will do it in segments.

So, when last I updated (successfully), we were meeting the kids at Grand Floridian. And our two graduates posed with their Mickey ears / mortar board caps. Once in the resort we asked a cm for directions. A new dilemma came upon as as I realized I had forgotten the rain ponchos (yes, I know ...again). We hesitated whether or not we would need them as it had begun to sprinkle, but seemed to be slowing. Then it began to get heavy. WHY? oh, WHY would we need our rain ponchos for something at the GF, you might ask. Well you see we were headed to....

 

[Deesknee]

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp5436:>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=3945685:;432;nu0mrj

I had booked a wishes cruise. Weather permitting we knew. Well, as the rains started to get heavy again, this wonderful gentleman,
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp73475>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=3945685:;332;nu0mrj

Captain Kevin, suggested we get rain gear. He informed us he did put the cover up, but that only had so many seats, and if winds, etc. etc. DH ran to get ponchos. He decided to buy new ones, since we had valet parked, it was much quicker to just buy new ones. E decided he didn't want one, and we had 1 jacket with us.
The wishes cruise provides snacks & non alc beverages, and guests were given the option of bringing cold food on as well. DH & I thought about it. Would we have eaten by 8:30 pm and if so, would we be hungry enough that snacks just wouldn't cut it? We debated a long time. Finally we decided, since it costs us so much for a sit down meal in WDW for 6 people, we would just spring for cold cut subs (hoagie, whatever your part of the nation calls them). So, while we were waiting for DH to get back with the ponchos the food arrived. I signed for it & tipped. Capt. Kevin & co. got everything on the boat. Notice I said everything. Well, you must remember the dilemma I had about who/what to get on their celebration cake. no princess', castle didn't seem quite right. It was a dilemma. I emailed disney event catering back & forth trying to find out if it was possible to get K & DS favorite character on the cake in White chocolate. I was told they "used" to do that, but had recently stopped offering it. Then, they came back to me and said YES THEY CAN. Only in white chocolate, but I was fine with that! Then, there is something on Disney property I have always wanted to spring for, but couldn't justify. So, we got that too. AND NO REGRETS ON THE CAKE OR THE MYSTERY FOOD. Any guesses as to what it was?

 

[Deesknee]

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54398>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569539832;nu0mrj

It's tuxedo strawberries!! They were so so so so yummy! AND this is the character that was my kiddos favorite. So, rather than put him on the cake we opted to do it this way! I love it, BOTH kids loved it! Now, I have to confide something to you all. I messed up a bit planning this. Since DS (who's name you will soon see), had fun on his college booze cruise, I assumed he had gotten over his dislike of boats. uh... not so much. very sad Mom. I think he began to feel very much like this was a celebration for his sister & E. For the newly engaged couple. Let's face it a fireworks cruise could be very romantic. Then he saw Stitch! His very favorite since he was little. He was still nervous about getting sick on the boat, but he was so happy with the chocolate Stitch. They were putting their brains together to see how they are going to get it back to our home! I was so pleased.
You will notice in this picture where my priorities are... only got a picture of the main form of nourishment because it happened to get in with the picture of the yummies. The cold cut subs were very good. But, it was very dark & hard to see which kind you were getting. So, we all just took one & hoped it was good. No complaints. The cruise itself was mostly calm sailing. There was one large boat that came a little close to us & caused some waves. Capt. Kevin was wonderful pointing out tid bits of info. We consider ourselves to be pretty darn good at knowing little known facts about Disney World, but he had a couple we didn't know. Like for instance there was once planned a wave pool in the lake at the Poly for surfing lessons, but had to be stopped because the state of FLA put a law into affect not allowing swimming in the local lakes. There were a couple others also. It was very interesting and enjoyable. All the while he was pointing out the resorts

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543:4>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=3945698;3:32;nu0mrj

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543<2>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=39456953::32;nu0mrj

I have a lot of pictures from this cruise. I won't bore you all with many of them. But, I have to show a few.

 

[Deesknee]

Like this one of MK

http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543<;>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569973832;nu0mrj

Oh, forgot to mention. Miss M. got special clothes.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp734;3>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569977432;nu0mrj

a life jacket. lol Not sure why I didn't make the older kids wear one. Maybe I like her best?? jk of course.
The rains stopped as you can see, thank goodness too, K hates those ponchos!

poor baby, he just didn't feel well for awhile there.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543;7>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569978332;nu0mrj

while Capt. Kevin was finding us just the right place to view the fireworks the most amazing thing happened. Something I hadn't even thought about. Me, and this is one of my most favorite things in all of WDW. What could it be....
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The water parade! Right beside me!
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...:8=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:7;:<23:ot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...84=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:7<2323:ot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54394>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=39456953:632;nu0mrj
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp734::>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=39456953:732;nu0mrj

I know, I said I wouldn't bore you.... sorry, I guess I lied.

Up next, the main event of the evening. Would it start to rain again? Would they cancel them? Would DS get sick? I'll let you know tonight.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I don't even have words for all of this...and knowing me you know that says a LOT BUT I promise you ...whether you like it or not if I EVER have a surprise ANYTHING to plan I am going to give YOU the particulars and then just sit back WOW !!!!!

 

[KatMark]

What a great surprise and great pictures (I can't wait to see the main event). And love the "chocolate surprise" (even if I don't like the character ). I'm glad it all worked out.

 

[Deesknee]

I find myself apologizing again, but no real update tonight. Crazy homework, that she needs help with

 

[emmysmommy]

What an awesome surprise cruise. I can imagine that seeing the electric water pageant up close was pretty awesome! Was the sound track loud being out on the water?

What a great evening! And those tuxedo strawberries and Stitch were a very nice touch!

 

[DMGeurts]

Oh wow Dee!!! That was an amazing surprise! So happy that your chocolate Stitch worked out -a nd the tuxedo strawberries look absolutely amazing!!! I have never had them before - I am not a huge berry/chocolate person - but they look beautiful!

I am so glad everyone had a wonderful time. I have heard many people rave over the Wishes cruises - but we have never done one. I may have to look into it for our next trip!

Thanks for a great update!

D~

 

[BridgetR3]

LOVE LOVE LOVE those tuxedo strawberries!! They look amazing and delicious!!

Chocolate Stitch looks really good as well!

I do hope you get to see the fireworks and that DS doesn't get sick!

 

[Deesknee]

I don't even have words for all of this...and knowing me you know that says a LOT BUT I promise you ...whether you like it or not if I EVER have a surprise ANYTHING to plan I am going to give YOU the particulars and then just sit back WOW !!!!!

What a great surprise and great pictures (I can't wait to see the main event). And love the "chocolate surprise" (even if I don't like the character ). I'm glad it all worked out.

Aww! Thanks to both of you. But, honestly, if you open your wallet enough, all sorts of extra magic can happen.

Okay, here we go. The boat came to a drift & the music began. The wishes music was right in the boat with us. Now, I am sorry (again...still...not sure), but I forget who asked if we could hear the water parade music. No, we couldn't, but I don't think I have ever heard it before. We are usually in a hotel when we see it. If they did play it we were all chatting too much to hear it.
As we bobbed up and down in the water Capt. Kevin chatted more about who he was, how it came to be in this field, and of course little known facts about Disney. This is when we uncovered the cake.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543:5>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=3945685:7;32;nu0mrj
I am so so pleased with how this came out. I wish I had taken a picture of the inside too, but that was not what was on my mind. I was so happy the kids were so pleased with it.
If anyone wants to know the prices of any of this stuff just pm me. I don't think there is any need to announce it. Honestly, for a 1 time deal everythiing was very much worth the price. Well, except maybe the subs. They were very tasty,. but unneccessary with the cake & strawberries.
The sandwiches, the strawberries, the cake, music, the beverages, and this....
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp73496>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569536:32;nu0mrj
coupled with a great group of people, including our Captain, this was an almost perfect night. If only it had been a little warmer. And Douglas had not felt ill.

Next up our last day.

 

[KatMark]

The cake turned out great and love the pic of the MK lit up with the fireworks....awesome! What a great evening.

 

[Luvchefmic]

BEAUTIFUL !!

 

[nowellsl]

What a fantastic evening!! The food looks so good and the fireworks from the boat look awesome! Great surprise

 

[Chicago Mo]

Maybe you need to work for Disney and do their surprises!!!!

I am stealing a great deal of your ideas here.. So you know..

 

[Deesknee]

It happened again. When will I learn. Ruthie, this is it. I am going to always do it from document first, copy & paste. Atleast this time I was able to arrow back far enough to copy the update & will paste here now.
Since I had started writing it before your post Mo, I didn't comment on your comment. But, steal away.

Thank you everyone! It really was wonderful. I would do the cruise again. It would be nice if you had another family you could split the cost with. But still for a special occasion it was worth it.

I did video the fireworks. Which I debated on, but was so happy I did. When they change it to a different theme, I will always have my video version. Douglas was a little dissappointed the captain turned the music of as soon as the fireworks stopped, so we missed the very end.
Well, we all got off the boat, thanked our captain, and were on our way back to the resort for our last night sleeping at our BWV's. Well, atleast until next time.

The next morning we called Bell services to bring our luggage to the van. It was sad leaving, but at least we had some time to enjoy MK before we had to head to the airport.
I can't recall what we did for breakfast this day, but what ever it was we probably shouldn't have, since this was a day for doing what we had missed at MK. Eating was one of those things.
We had to remember to get Miss M's godmother the Mickey mint chocolate. She needs her fix every few months since we turned her onto them during our vow renewal trip. She is addicted. Don't want her to get all on us.
We had been looking for the box of them rather than the individual bars, (although they are actually individual squares wrapped as a bar). DH & I however had not gone to DTD so, we were unable to find the boxes in the park gift shops. But, today was hot, that purchase must wait for the end of the day.
We started doing some of the favorites, again. Rather uneventful. We were all looking forward to lunch. They all had to get their Casey hot dogs, and I had to get my Chocolate Chip cookie ice cream sandwich.
I have to tell a little side story. I am not a hot dog fan. Once maybe twice a year, and they have to be all beef. DH, loves hot dogs, as do the triplets. While we were visiting the Mk in about...2005, we stopped at Caseys for the first time. Hot dogs, they were so happy. Everyone but myself and Miss M. got a hot dog. I did not get Miss M one because, well she was 2, almost 3 years old. I was still attempting to keep her on a healthy diet. Notice I said I WAS ATTEMPTING to keep her on a healthy diet. Not so much DH. This was vacation, if she wanted candy, he thought that was part of the experience. So, he decided he would share his hot dog with her. She was in her stroller and he handed her the hot dog with 1 bite taken out of it. He never got it back. She couldn't even fit her mouth around the hot dog but somehow managed to devour the entire thing! She loved it! Well, it has been a tradition ever since. When we are home, they talk about cravings of Caseys' hot dogs. I just roll my eyes because, I know that is ridiculous. It is not even healthy for them. I happen to know that my cc ice cream cookie from across the street at the Main St. Bakery is much healthier. Well... it is nice to pretend. Anyway, the last couple of trips my hot dog eating family has noticed a dramatic downsizing of the size of the hot dogs. One of them even mentioned this time that they could taste the roll more than the hot dog. They were disappointed. I had decided to wait for them before I attempted to get my ice cream cookie heaven. I had much concern that they would not be the same now that it was a Starbucks. I am also aware some were wondering what the set up of the new Starbucks Main St. Bakery was like. Well I am disappointed to say, it was awful. Not even anywhere to sit. I took a few pictures:
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...:6=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:446723:ot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543<;>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=3945685:8:32;nu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...;<=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:446823:ot1lsi
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543;4>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569:24332;nu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp543;3>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569:24432;nu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp5439:>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569:24632;nu0mrj

Our family has memories sitting enjoying our ice cream cookie sandwiches, and other various pasteries. reflecting on the day, or looking forward to what was next. No sitting spending family moments in here. It is order, & go on with your day. Eating my
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54346>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569:24732;nu0mrj
was certainly a challenge, as it was melting & I had no table to sit & relax to eat it with a spoon. but, I did my best people, don't loose sleep.
I must admit it was very good. However, it didn't taste AS good to me as my previous indulges. Perhaps it was just the lack of atmosphere, but to me the cookie didn't seem as fresh. Also, not that I SHOULD complain about this, but, it was much smaller than when it was Main St. Bakery. Much smaller. I should be thankful, because generally, I am one of those people that has great difficulty stopping eating something I am enjoying. But, honestly, I actually threw some of this away. The cookie/ice cream ratio just wasn't right, much like Caseys hot dog/bun ratio. Someone has to realize it is not just profit, it is not a matter of they are hostage here, they will eat what we give them. And by give them I mean charge them outrageous amounts of money, then we hand it to them. Well, the icecream sandwich may have been disappointing, but I did enjoy my coffee. Not worth the trade off by any means, but that is over and done with.
Now, on with our day. By the time we worked our way over toward Space Mtn, it was another beautiful FlA day..
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...23=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:933;23:ot1lsi
It passed. Like I say, today was just a redo of the things we liked most and to eat what we had missed, but also... Ruthie had told me about a special thing going on as this was part of the dog days of summer. So, we thought we would check it out.. but first we needed to check out the new Dumbo.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp734;4>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394568;27432;nu0mrj
And since Miss M is...
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...;4>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=39456986<732;nu0mrj
trying to eat popcorn out of pictures it must be lunch time. So, where do we head?
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54435>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394568;27232;nu0mrj
sorry some of these pictures are rather odd views. After Dumbo I was in my chair again. We headed to Gaston's tavern. We were going to try BoG lunch, but they were already filled for lunch. O.K. it was 11:30 and the had not seating when they close for lunch at 2pm? YIKES! glad some of us had lunch there last time. That will be a must do for our next trip. Such a different experience than the dinner one. So, we settled for Gastons Tavern. looking at the menu.... hmmm... Well, we all knew we wanted Lafou's Brew...
hmm.... Did I mention Dh thinks when on vacation eat what you want when you want. (dh, I said, my icecream sandwich at 9 am was cream, flour, eggs, etc.) So, by the time we sat to eat lunch it was about 12ish. Back to what to order.... So, we all got...desserts.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54377>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394568;26:32;nu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...88=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:77;423:ot1lsi
and as previously mentioned Lafou's brew
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...47=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:77;523:ot1lsi
I actually wasn't hungry, so I passed here. But, everyone completely enjoyed their goodies. The Lafou Brew is sweet. It is refreshing, but in our opinions settles heavy. I would prefer it in the cooler months. Most couldn't complete theirs, but Miss M. helped. She finished her own then drank some of what big brother had not finished. I wonder why shortly after leaving here we found out what the "village" bathroom looked like. But, her tummy ache went away, and we went back to enjoying the day.
Miss M had been promised a face painting this trip. I had nearly forgotten about it. We had brought her to get one earlier in the week during one of our EMH, but they were closing and were unable to do one for her. She informed me today was the last day, that she HAD to get it today. not how I wanted to spend our last day in the park. We ALL tried to talk her out of it, there was so much else we can do. She could get her face painted at one of the fairs at home. But, she was determined. The time was getting close that we had to head to the airport. We still needed to try to experience the dog days of summer. Well, we headed to where we thought there was a face painting area when we came across some commotion. A voice was speaking to us, as if from the heavens themselves. What is that you say? It is a dogs life? OH, YEAH! SCORE!!
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54349>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394568;27832;nu0mrj
I was very happy the rains stopped long enough for us to enjoy this. Miss M. wasn't sure if she wanted to stop because she was so afraid she wouldn't be able to get her face painted. But, we stopped. I mean I didn't even know Stitch was a dog.. who knew?
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp73478>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569873732;nu0mrj
Well, that is of course until I saw his dog collar! Miss M. did the entire Macarana (sp?) with him!
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp7349:>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569873332;nu0mrj
http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...26=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:782723:ot1lsi
It was so cute, so incredible. Perhaps you remember that K & Douglas both love Stitch. So, of course they would participate in this right? ah... NO!! I couldn't believe them. Oh well. Atleast somebody beside Miss M. was joining in...

http://images2.snapfish.com/2323232...4:=ot>2395=344=44:=XROQDF>2:365:77;<23:ot1lsi
Oh Dh, you should have taken the rain poncho off. We actually have this on video as well as Miss M. dancing with Stitch, but I am not good at posting video.

This was such a great character interacton. EXCEPT Pluto was unattainable as others had his total time. That's okay, we got some dancing loving from Stitch and Bolt! Not too shabby!

Since spending so much time dancing we were really really running tight on time. But, Miss M. had her heart set on it. DH & I discussed as we walked, and decided we could make it. We may have to run at the airport if we run into traffic, but we should be able to make it without a problem. So, we went off to find the face painters. I had no idea they had such a large area set up so professionally for face painting. I guess next trip we will have to spend more time in this area! It took Miss M. a few minutes to decide on which art work she wanted. To my great relief she finally chose something delicate. Also, they didn't accept one of our forms of payment. I THINK it was debit/credit cards, I don't think we were trying to use gift cards, but I'm not positive. Anyway, we had another way. I do remember panicking a little though at first. After all this WAS our last day. Money only goes so far. Finally, Miss M. sat in the chair. Well, perhaps chair is not the correct word.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54362>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569873832;nu0mrj
Gesh, looks like a dentist chair doesn't it? I must say the detail he put into this was just amazing, simply amazing! The thing about details though, is that they take time. And in this case, much more time than we had anticipated!
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54396>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569873932;nu0mrj
Okay, must be just about done now.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54395>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569873:32;nu0mrj
nope just stepping back to evaluate.
Finally, the artist has completed his master piece. Both artist and canvas are happy.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp73493>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569873;32;nu0mrj

and why wouldn't they be. Truly a work of art.
http://images2.snapfish.com/232323232fp54355>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394568;28232;nu0mrj

We thanked our friendly, talented cm and were in a rush to get out of the park.
We remembered we had to get Miss M's godmother her candy, but, not before one more thing.
http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232fp7347;>nu=32:4>253>359>WSNRCG=394569874532;nu0mrj
I so so wish my other son was in this picture. His time with us on this vacation was way too short. Being home now, he so much regrets it. Live and learn. Next time he will stay the entire trip. Of course "next time" he be a college graduate himself, have a brother in-law, his baby sister will most likely be 12 years old. And this explains whey when asked, why do you go to Disney so often, why not romantic get aways by yourselves, etc., we can honestly say, because we realize time goes quickly. Spending it with our kids is something we will never regret. And romance can happen anywhere.... especially when ones hearts are filled with love and joy.

Thanks to everyone that has followed along. I am actually a little emotional ending this TR. Especially that it seems it will be 2 years until we are back. But, with this I find comfort in knowing I can live vicariously through others TR's. My list of must do's for next time has already been started & I know by reading other TR's I can add to the list. Always having a reason to return to our home away from home.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I have such mixed emotions here too ...wonderful TR....I don't want it to end I am SO glad you took my advice about Dog Days of Summer now get this...better be sitting down.....I NEVER GOT THERE FOR IT !! can you believe it ???? I really hope they bring it back some time Stitch well technically he's not a dog, he's some experiment alien right ? but with the Lilo & Stitch movies he kind of is a dog that becomes the pet Cracks me up when he's " Elvis " I never cared for him but he is kind of growing on me more time I see him

Face Painting- Miss M is a determined young lady isn't she ? It was worth it though she looks so happy & the CM did a fabulous job

Main St Bakery...you probably made Kathys day ( Kat/Mark ) with that sign picture I have not stepped foot in the place since the grand re-opening Starbucks coffee however weak I order makes my pulse race

Ice Cream & Hot Dogs...yep price goes up quality/quantity goes down Love your explanation of YOUR healthy choices though Not a hot dog eater normally either but I LOVE those corn dog nuggets there...yep healthy choices for me too

LeBrew...ewwww ! too sweet not a fan

So my dear dear friend, please post on my reports whenever you feel the creative writing bug hit you, until then there is email & phone I love you all