eandesmom
I'm with Beast
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2009
Well, I seem to have lost a lot of folks along the way but for those of you still hanging on, one last update. Its was a fun, albeit exhausting weekend for me. We start VERY late for school this year, at least the Es do. They just started today! Among the back to school craziness, Evan was kidnapped by the church youth group. As an official middle schooler as of tomorrow, he moves up to the Jr High group. He had NO clue it was coming, it was a riot! 30 teens stomping though my house grabbing and Evan looking at me saying what IS this?
LOL.
Ok, back to the update. I really should make it a photo update.
Highlights
Things for next time
Dining
Honestly, I dont know. We had some plans for a giant xmas of 2012 trip with my entire side of the family but that doesnt appear likely for a couple of reasons. We do want the next trip to be with that side so if it isnt holiday 2012 it could end up being another August trip which no one really wants. Compared to no trip, I guess its better than the alternative but not our ideal by a long shot. We would also like do to a cruise but have Kendall with us. However, Jeff doesnt want the family WDW trip and the cruise in the same year (which I totally get) and with the Es and K on totally different break schedules, its making planning a challenge. Its a little frustrating but Im hoping that over the next few months, by Christmas maybe, some things will settle to where we can agree on plans all around.
Despite the expanded itineraries, our August issues hold true and the Dream offerings just dont do anything for us. Plus honestly, that July and August heat on and off a boat its appealing nor is the hurricane possibility. The fact that the Dream sailed right into Irene while basically telling people everything was fine and reading those TRs give us pause. As we get out late (June 22) and early August is the best time for K, it makes vacationing a challenge.
The one we like the best in 2012 is an April offering that includes Key West (which Jeff and I adore) and would work for the Es spring break, but not for K. Her break is Easter week so a 7 day instead of a 5 and at Easter break prices, basically TWICE as much as the 5 day, 2 weeks later. We did book it to get our on board rebooking discount, but Im sure Ill need to move it as she cant miss school. So we may hold out for the Med which hopefully they will offer in 2013. Im ok waiting till then, if its for the Med!
Still financially that might be out of reach. Well have to see what October brings with 2013 itineraries.
In a nutshell, nothing is officially planned for the clan. I do have a plan to go for F&W in Oct of 2012 with the East West Girls but sadly thats still over a year away! Thankfully that isnt stopping some of us for starting to plan already or I might have withdrawal!
Thank you ALL for joining along and if you haven't stopped by the cruise TR yet, please do so, I'd love to see you there
LOL.
Ok, back to the update. I really should make it a photo update.
Highlights
- DME rockstar
- MSB. ALWAYS! I wish I had a picture but oh well.
- Being upgraded to a Pool view at WL
- Sanaa
- Raglan Road
- Seeing my friend Julie
- Photo session at WL
- Rooms being ready at check in at the YC, and a killer location
- Spending time with Sandie and Paul
- Grey Goose Slushies
- BC Concierge
- Fireworks cruise
- Pizza and wine on the fireworks cruise
- The Yacht Club bedding, room, EVERYTHING!
- Date night at the WS
- Tea at the GF
- Almost being locked IN at the WS
- TSI
- Swiss family Robinson treehouse
- Tiki Room
- Frozen Butterbeer
- The Lone Palm Airport
- WWOHP and the FJ
- Beetlejuice graveyard review
- Hulk
- Dragon Challenge
- Mama and the Es alone time
- Stolen kids clothing from the dirty clothes hamper
- Disneys response to the theft
- Getting stuck on Splash
- The weather
- Missing pool time due to lightening
- Grandparents and teens wasting dining plan credits
- Teens sleeping the mornings away and grandparents indulging them
- Political diatribe from cab driver
Things for next time
- Tiki room after remodel
- New fantasyland!
- Riding Dumbo
- Not going in August
- Stay DVC even if we dont own yet (rent points). After the laundry fiasco, much as I could move into the YC, I need a washer and dryer in the unit. So well be looking at OKW, AKL, BWV and BCV as our contenders depending on the size of the group and the time of year.
Dining
I know I did a dining review already, just thought I'd put it all in one place tool.- Sanaa would do again in a heartbeat
- Raglan Road same as above
- Tusker too loud, long wait, crowded for a buffet. No rush to do again
- 1900 Park Fare great character interaction but meh on the décor. Food was ok but no rush to do again
- Cape May Breakfast great character interaction. Food was fine, incredible service. Would do again if kids wanted.
- WCC Breakfast- food was fine, service ok. Overall wouldnt go out of my way to eat there again.
- Tutto great food, service and ambiance. Would go again if on DDP, not for OOP.
- YC Room Service Pizza. Two thumbs up. On your balcony or on a baot, a great option when short on time (and options)
- Ohana enjoyed it very much, kids LOVED it. Would do again if they want. Not a must do for me but would be happy to do it again.
- Jakes American Grill would definitely go again
- Margaritaville I think everyone knows the answer to that one
- Hard Rock Café Im sure we will go tot eh Seattle one again, or another one somewhere but its definitely not a must do for me
- The Kitchen would definitely go again, want to try breakfast there
- The Beach Club (at HRH) would go again, great lunch spot!
- Three Broomsticks. Would go again, maybe try it for dinner (seems a bit too much food for lunch)
- Mythos. Would go again but not a must do. Gorgeous though!
Honestly, I dont know. We had some plans for a giant xmas of 2012 trip with my entire side of the family but that doesnt appear likely for a couple of reasons. We do want the next trip to be with that side so if it isnt holiday 2012 it could end up being another August trip which no one really wants. Compared to no trip, I guess its better than the alternative but not our ideal by a long shot. We would also like do to a cruise but have Kendall with us. However, Jeff doesnt want the family WDW trip and the cruise in the same year (which I totally get) and with the Es and K on totally different break schedules, its making planning a challenge. Its a little frustrating but Im hoping that over the next few months, by Christmas maybe, some things will settle to where we can agree on plans all around.
Despite the expanded itineraries, our August issues hold true and the Dream offerings just dont do anything for us. Plus honestly, that July and August heat on and off a boat its appealing nor is the hurricane possibility. The fact that the Dream sailed right into Irene while basically telling people everything was fine and reading those TRs give us pause. As we get out late (June 22) and early August is the best time for K, it makes vacationing a challenge.
The one we like the best in 2012 is an April offering that includes Key West (which Jeff and I adore) and would work for the Es spring break, but not for K. Her break is Easter week so a 7 day instead of a 5 and at Easter break prices, basically TWICE as much as the 5 day, 2 weeks later. We did book it to get our on board rebooking discount, but Im sure Ill need to move it as she cant miss school. So we may hold out for the Med which hopefully they will offer in 2013. Im ok waiting till then, if its for the Med!
Still financially that might be out of reach. Well have to see what October brings with 2013 itineraries.
In a nutshell, nothing is officially planned for the clan. I do have a plan to go for F&W in Oct of 2012 with the East West Girls but sadly thats still over a year away! Thankfully that isnt stopping some of us for starting to plan already or I might have withdrawal!
Thank you ALL for joining along and if you haven't stopped by the cruise TR yet, please do so, I'd love to see you there