Wasn't the weather just gorgeous. You guys had a great week to go. Believe me I know it was hard to go back..
I think a day to just unwind after the wedding actually works out great. When we went on the honeymoon, we didn't leave until the following day late at night. I always debated since I was anxious to go right away, but looking back I agree it was nice to sleep....and then enjoy.
Love the honeymoon thus far...I want more!!
It really was an amazing week... we checked the weather the day after we returned and apparently it rained that whole day. We didn’t see rain at all. I take that back, it did start to rain a little bit as we cruised out of Port Canaveral, but not a single one of our Disney days included rain. Crazy lucky.
Don't hate. I think you're just jealous that they got to wear their dresses in the parks and you didn't!
Green with envy.... this is true!
I'm glad to hear you liked La Hacienda's counter service. We ate there in October and loved it! It's a shame about Via Napoli, the pizzas looked tasty but a tasty meal can be soured by poor service.
I really liked your shot of the balloons in The Land. It's one of my favorite pavilions and I always like seeing more pictures of it at night.
Yeah, we were really happy with La Hacienda. There was an authenticity to the tacos that I don’t usually find at counter service restaurants, if that makes any sense.
If we do Via Napoli again, I might try something other than pizza. But after two go’s at it with lukewarm results, it’ll probably be a while before we head back.
I will definitely go to bed happy tonight... can´t wait for your Dream honeymoon
Thanks, Sara. My apologies it’s taking so long.
Dang! I'm gonna be late for my run which means it's gonna be mega-hot but it'll be worth it!
Wow! Okay, well, just to be an eensy-weensy voice of reason my brother's youngest daughter just turned 12 but she's almost as tall as me. She's been really tall for a couple years. Sometimes it's hard because she *looks* so much older than she is so you have to stop yourself from thinking she's acting childish or immature in some ways because she *is* just a child. And, bless her heart, it's terrible when she wants to participate in things that she's sorta too big for but all the other girls her age are into. However, that being said...I think if she'd wanted to do BBB my brother would've searched to the ends of the earth for a longer costume or made her wear visible shorts and/or leggings underneath. You know, because **his** daughters won't be dating until they're 30. I love when he tells me about bathing suit shopping with his daughters. Total and utter hilarity! I'm such an awful sister...
BTW, I almost took a pic of a chick in Walmart last night (which I also never do because I think it's sorta mean). Tracey couldn't look at her without giggling. He walked past her once really close and he was almost doubled over openly laughing. The man had no control over himself. Like it's soooooo funny for a chick to get her groceries in a little-bitty black spandex dress and patent stilettos. You never know when you're gonna happen across the gazillionaire of your dreams...it's best to be prepared at all times...
Now that's funny.
Awesome update! Nooooo, it can't hold a candle to the day before but it still was a fantastic day! The best part is that we're now closer to the DREAM!!!!!
I don’t know... the way those girls were prancing around, I didn’t get the feeling that they were into the innocent “princess” theme so much as the “sexy” Halloween costume theme that Shelley referred to.
We’re definitely about to board the Dream... I’ve been working diligently on the boarding process for you! :animwink: Hopefully, things won’t have completely changed by the time you actually board in September. But I have heard that they started enforcing the sign up times, whether or not that is true (or will remain the case) is yet to be determined.
Holly,
Thanks for the updates. I've been able to catch up today and I've loved every minute of it! Everyone who knows us swears that our daughter will end up marrying at WDW. You've given us alot of food for thought. (Though she is just 16 and it will be many, many, many (did I mention many) years down the road!!!
Our daughter will celebrate her 17th birthday when we are at Disney in Sept and I would love to do the Illuminations cruise as a birthday surprise for her! Can you give me some contact information? Thanks!
Loving everything about your report. Wedding looks absolutely wonderful and love all your narration. Can't wait for the Dream report.
Tena
Thanks, Tena. Your daughter is a smart cookie!
The basic price is $345 and from what I understand, it’s important to call ahead (180 day mark) to get a reservation. The number is 407-WDW-PLAY. More information can be found here:
http://allears.net/btp/illum.htm It’s a bit pricey, but I highly recommend it. Honestly, it’s something we’ll probably do again one day, that’s how much we all enjoyed it.
I almost feel ashamed that we haven't eaten at Ohana yet...oops! And I am intrigued to hear the huki lau...we haven't eaten at the Flying Fish because, unfortunately, we don't like sea food. I so, SO wish we did, because I know Flying Fish and other places at Disney get great reviews.
Nope, not at all. I also had to help my friend out a few years back...that's one of the perks of being a bridesmaid that they don't tell you about!
My first experience with the huki lau came after I’d had a couple of drinks. I decided to get up and participate because I wanted a lei. When I told this to the elderly lady beside me she suggested that there was an easier way to get lei’d.
The Flying Fish has at least one or two options that aren’t seafood, but it’s one of those restaurants that consistently changes its menu (one of the reasons I love it!) so it would suck if you showed up and those one or two items aren’t to your liking.
Okay, thanks. I still feel like such a noob when it comes to photography! I just ordered my first prime lens last week...the cheap-o 50mm/1.8 from Canon. I was debating between that and the 50mm/1.4 but I think I'm going to see how I like the 1.8 version first before I shell out an addtional $300 for the 1.4 version. How do you like your flash?
SO CUTE! As you say, you guys didn't miss any details. Very nice!
Love the pile of pins...so funny. Are you going to do something with the flowers? Add them to your shadow box (which I think you said you were going to make with the printed stuff)?
I still totally feel like a noob, too, with photography so no worries there. Like you, the first lens I purchased was the cheap 50 1.8. I don’t use it as much now that I have the Sigma 30 mm 1.4. The 30 just seems like a more usable focal length for me. With the 50 I often felt like I wanted to back up when I couldn’t. I did use it for almost all the pictures you’ll see coming up of the shows on the Disney Dream. It definitely came to my rescue there (and made me want to purchase the 85 1.8). Honestly, for the price difference, I think the 1.8 was the better choice. Rather than spend a bunch more on the 1.4 for your next lens, you might find that you’d rather have a different focal length to use in addition to your 50.
I love my flash... I bought the 430 EX II. I still don’t really know what I’m doing with it, but I do know that it has saved me in many situations. I even use it some during the day for fill flash... usually for character pictures and stuff like that.
I hadn’t thought about doing anything with my flowers. But that’s a good idea. Of course, I got them for the bargain price of $5 apiece at Kohl’s after the bridal shop tried to sell me a silk flower for $200+.
Yeah, no thanks, lady.
Great update! Yay!
I agree with you that it would be SO stressful to leave for the honeymoon the day after the wedding. We did the same as you - took a day in between - and it was so much more relaxed.
Hooray for your dad's first character meet! Is he hooked??
I don’t know if I’d say dad is hooked on character meet and greets. I think it was more a case of him humoring me. :lol: I’m going to work on it though... baby steps.
I love the pics that your mom took - specifically the one of you and Brett holding hands (awww), the one of you taking the picture on TTA, the one of you taking the picture of the family...very cute.
So sorry for your dress...the poor thing. But at least you had cake to make you feel better! Yum!
I love those pictures, too. The one of us holding hands walking into Tomorrowland is one of my favorites. It’s so much fun to travel around with someone else who is also toting a camera. It makes it so much easier to get shots, especially when we each have a different lens on the camera. It’s all about compromise with the lenses and I’m always finding myself in a moment when I wish I had a different lens mounted than the current one. Having two cameras helps with this.
I'm bummed to hear your second less-than-stellar review of Via Napoli. We have a lunch ADR there in a couple of weeks (!). That stinks that it didn't work out for you.
I'm so glad that you guys got to Soarin' in time! Sounds like a fun, hilarious time was had by all. Your poor mom though...
Can't wait to read about your time aboard the Dream! Yay!
Being seated inside at Via Napoli makes a HUGE difference, in my opinion. I actually enjoyed our first experience much more than the second one. We got an app that was delicious (the fried risotto balls), and a pizza with non-traditional toppings. Even though the flavor profile of the pizza was a little off for us, it was unique. And I really appreciated that.
I love all of your flower and garden pictures - I haven't been there in the spring since high school - I forgot how beautiful Epcot is during that time. Definitely thinking our next trip will have to be during the festival.
I totally agree with you on the pool situation at the Poly. We never use the main pool b/c its always so crowded even in September when we usually go. I can imagine how crowded it was with the quiet pool closed...definitely not relaxing.
The topiaries and flowers really do liven up Epcot. I have a feeling I’m going to be shocked the next time I see it because I ended up visiting three times during this year’s festival (March, April and May). I’ve forgotten what it normally looks like.
YAY!!! I can not wait to hear all about your cruise! We have just alittle over 10 months till we set sail on the Dream!
You are going to have so much fun!! I know I’m dragging my feet a bit, but I promise to have it completely posted before you go. :lol: No, really.
HollyBelle, I'm another lurker, and had to say that I love your updates, and I look forward to more. On those "Princesses" that is just too funny!
Brett, I would say the exact same thing to my wife if she had taken those pictures...
Sweetpee, if you have a blast looking at your local walmart people, check out people of Walmart (peopleofwalmart dot com). If I ever need a good laugh I go there!
Thanks so much, dragwit! I’m totally with you... peopleofwalmart = utter hilarity. So is, awkwardfamilyphotos dot com. If you haven’t checked that one out, it’s worth a look.
Can't wait to hear about the Dream!
Also, in regards to the girls in costume- I want to say if you are over 10 (or is it 12), you are not allowed to wear costumes to the parks outside of special events (MNSSHP, SWW, ect).
The Dream, or at least the boarding process, is coming up next!
Holly, great update! Seems like it was definitely a good idea for you guys to rest up after the wedding!
I have to agree with you about both La Hacienda and Via Napoli, La Hacienda is great! And meh about Via Napoli, when me and my mom tried it this past January we sat in the same area all of you did and it just felt away from everything and not part of the restaurant at all.
Can't wait to hear about your trip on the dream!
Yeah, the newer area of Via Napoli is a perfect example of how ambience can make or break a meal. That’s something else La Hacienda’s counter service has... great ambience, whether you eat indoors or out.
Ohhhhh Sugar, this is why I loooove your TRs.. CLASSY OUTFITS. Love your skirt and shirt, legit.
That picture of your momma is great.. she's a good sport to ride it again - and it seems like your dad had a solid trip, which brings me joy. There's just something about dads loving Disney.. I think it should be a requirement.
SHOW ME MY DREAM (ASAP.. 93 days until our trip, wordword).
Thanks, Kenzie. Style comments from you always make me proud! I’m glad you approve. I love that skirt. In fact, I want to buy a bunch of different fabric prints and make some more like it. Sooo comfy.
PS: No shout out while in Canada? The nerve of some people.
I know right... also, can you believe it when people *say* they’ll photograph an important event (such as a wedding) from a searaycer and then lose the pictures?!
Yay I'm back and all caught up!
Your pics in front of the MK are stunning. I LOVE your pose. Totally couture! I might have to rip off your idea because we're unsure if we will be able to afford the MK portrait session. It would be nice to do but we have the option of doing it at a later date so we might just do that instead.
Steal away, sister!! I, too, am glad that we have the option of going back and doing the park shoots at a later date. I’ve considered it myself. I’d probably be all over it if I could ensure quality images, but I’m not really feeling the style of a lot of the Disney photogs. I don’t think I’d have a problem paying the price, if I knew the images would be to my liking in the end.
I’m even considering a “trash the dress” session... something I thought I’d never do. But she’s already trashed, and it would give me the opportunity to put her on again. :lookaroun
Your pics of the "princesses" had me ROTFLOL-ing. I think if they had the regular long dresses it would have been fine. I HATE how Halloween has become too sexy. Whenever I search for Halloween costumes, I always get a page of "sexy" options. Those costumes are horrible. Period. The tinkerbell one is fine because that's how she normally looks but the Cindy and Belle make me want to vomit :hurl:
I can't wait to blow off work and read the rest LOL. It's my last week here anyway, the new job starts next Tuesday :sohappy:
Ugghhh... sexy Halloween costumes, say no more. HATE.
I'm so far behind, I'm going to catch up now, but I wanted to say how beautiful you looked why I had the chance! Ahhh, I'm so happy for you guys!
Thanks so much, Corey! I really appreciate it.
