Dear Holly,
I've been reading your trip reports for a while, the most I read, the most I feel I know you both! You are a beautiful couple!! Living in Mexico makes me difficult to go to WDW as much as I want to, but I try to go once a year for like 10 days at least. I have so much tips for my october trip thanks to you!
Also, I have never thought of taking a cruise before (I get dizzy even in a rocking chair!) but your TR and photos makes me want to take a chance!!
You are an amazing photographer!
Since my english vocabulary is limited I'm feeling a little frustrated for not expressing myself the way I'd like to! Anyway, just wanted to say Thanks! and can't wait to read more!
Thank you so much, Miriam. I’m glad our personalities come through in my reports. Your English is very good... and I really appreciate you taking the time to post and for being so kind. I’m also happy to hear that you’ve found some of the things in my report to be helpful in planning your October trip.
A cruise is definitely worth it, if you ever get the chance. 3 and 4 day sailings are perfect for finding out whether or not it’s suitable to you vacation style. I can get motion sick pretty easily, but that definitely doesn’t keep me from cruising!
Holly - your report gets better with each post!! I'm having such a great time reading it...I can't begin to imagine how amazing it was living it!! I love how you sandwhiched the cruise between resort stays...because I'm sure whatever sadness you had about leaving the Dream was relieved just a bit by knowing you were heading to Wilderness Lodge! I echo spingal's sentiments...THANKS for taking the time to share your amazing wedding and disneymoon!!
Thanks so much! It really was like living a dream! And you’re so right about staying at WDW on either end of the Dream. It was like we were slowly coming down off the high. First the wedding which was obviously the most anticipated part of our trip, then the Dream which was a new experience, and then a few more fabulous days at the World. I think they would’ve had to tear me outta our room at the Poly if I weren’t being enticed by the Dream. :lookaroun
I just read the latest installment(s). Ugh! Sooooo amazing! I'm glad to hear about your debarkation and taking your own luggage off with you. That's the direction I'm leaning. Heck, ideally I'd like to take our luggage on with us but I think that'll be pretty impossible. We'll see. I'm super-excited for the WL now! Great to hear that Roaring Forks has some good stuff to offer! Yay! I haven't even looked at any menus. I suppose I should.
Dawa Bar is on my list now! I need to at least have a beer! Mmmm...beeeeeeer! Aw, wish y'all had scored a ride in the parade but the character pics were pretty sweet. I suppose I should see some of the other daytime parades so I can figure out which I like more. If only they had them before my nap time. Getting old is so hard.... LOL!
We really need to savor these trips where we’re only packing for two and we can carry everything off with us. I have a feeling it won’t be so easy one day. :lol:
You’ve absolutely got to check out the Dawa Bar... it was perfect, and the Safari Amber was delish!
I’m so with you on “nap time!” We never catch the afternoon parades, unless we make specific plans for them. And the only one we’re ever willing to make specific plans for is MJJP. I adore that parade! So, yeah... build in an afternoon break (with beer) and enjoy the Dawa Bar before the parade.
Okay. Ready to go on vacation. Well, okay, if my bags can be packed for me and I don't have to do any of that stuff. Otherwise, if vacation was tomorrow I'd be utterly paniced!
I owe you some PMs! I know! I'll get on that soon. I juuuust typed out the responses to Melanee that I owed her. Gonna get on yours. And I still owe Newfiefan an email. I'm so behind!
I’m sooooo totally behind. You did way better than me. Eventually though, I will get to those replies. :lookaroun Hopefully before you leave on vacation!
Ah thank you for making my work day go by that much quicker. Bill and I may have another trip in the works as he has a medical conference in orlando at the end of october. End of October would get 3 things off my Disney check list 1) Bill's birthday is the 30th 2) Never been at Halloween 3)Never been to F&W festival. So needless to say I'm really REALLY trying to make it happen. You're report is not helping with the wanting to go. I don't even like bananas but I want that bananas foster french toast.
On our next trip we had AK marked as a no go. We just aren't big fans of the place. But now that I've seen the Dawa Bar...the tides may be changin! Also -did they get rid of all pizza at Rainforest Cafe? I still want to try the regular one with pepperoni...the name escapes me now but I know it's a Holly and Brett regular order!
I'm loving the Disney World portion of the TR. I'm partial to it instead of the Dream because I've never been cruising....so I guess I should change that!!
And I'll have you know that I am currently finishing up the text for my TR today at work (workin' hard for the money) and I will hopefully post my first post by tonight or tomorrow.
Jess, my friend, where is this trip report you keep speaking of?! Don’t you just love work days that allow you to catch up on your writing?! I feel lucky to be able to do that. Obviously, I haven’t had enough of those days lately. :lol:
They do still have the pepperoni pizza at the Rainforest... it’s called the Flying Dragon. And while it’s delicious, we’ve been making some pretty tasty homemade pizzas as of late, so I think that’s another reason why we’re trying to branch out from the Rainforest pies.
I’m so excited you might do a fall trip. Those three things are huge on the checklist... of course, the Food and Wine Festival is my very favorite time of year for Disney!
Oh I so want to stay at the WL one day! So here's the thing, before the cruise in April we are staying in WDW for a few days and things of rents DVC points. Right now we are debating between the BWI and WLV. BWI is our 1st choice, but if we can't get in there, we are thinking WLV. What are your thoughts on the WL Villas since you stayed there before?
Hmmm... honestly, I’d have to say that the room décor and design at the WLV is my least favorite of all the DVC rooms we’ve stayed in. That list includes the Beach Club Villas, Saratoga, Old Key West, and Kidani. The best thing it has going for it is location (boat to MK). In fairness to WLV we had the very last room at the end of an extremely long corridor, and we were in a studio vs. the two bedroom dedicated units we usually stay in with Brett’s family, so that has got to factor in, as well. Check out my July 2009 trip report (the link is in the first post of this thread) for pictures, and more of my thoughts on the villas.
If you can’t get the Boardwalk, I would probably make the Beach Club a secondary option.
I started reading your trip report only a couple of days ago and have taken the little spare time I have (three kids) to read it all. All I can say is !!!!!!!!!!Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!! can't wait to read the rest.
Aww, thanks Cbum! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying it.
I'm still here...hanging on your every word!
A few comments about your latest posts: love, love, love your shots of FOTLK. Of course, I don't have a DSLR (yet....want one SOOOOOOO bad!), just a point-n-shoot but my pics always come out so horrible because of the lighting and the action. I feel like I totally need to take a course in photography so I can understand the aspects of lighting and action. Thinking that should be AFTER I buy my first DSLR. Nikon D3000 is what you recommend for a newbie, huh?
Oooh, you’re back! I hope you had an amazing trip.
I shoot with a Canon, so I would probably recommend one of the Rebel models, like the T2i or T3i. That being said, I don’t think you can go wrong with Canon or Nikon... I would suggest looking at the entry level DSLRs for each, compare some of the features (like ISO capabilities, whether or not you want video, etc.) and then go to a brick and mortar store and handle each of them. See which one feels best in your hands. Then go buy online!
After seeing/reading your info about WL, I'm leaning toward that one for our '12 trip. Trying to decide which resort to book for that trip. My two brothers and maybe my sister (none of whom are major Disney fans like I am) are going with us for the first time. I want to make sure our resort experience is extra magical! Since one item on my bucket list is to stay at every resort on property, AKL, POR, and THV are off the list of possibilities. We're thinking this might be a 2-week trip and I'm thinking that a deluxe might not be a possibility either. We might just have to make it work since WL looks so great! (Am I repeating myself? )
Now why in the world haven't I thought to do that before? What a great idea!
Oh, you've totally gotten me in the mood to get started on my trip report from June 17-21! Coming very soon!
If this is going to be a two week trip, you may want to look into annual passes. And then, while there aren’t any guarantees that they will release passholder rates, it would be a nice bonus it they do. Just a thought.
I agree that the Wilderness Lodge would be a great way for folks who may not be as “in to Disney” to enjoy the whole experience, as well. The resort really can make a difference in the trip!
Can’t wait to read your report!
Wow those waffles did look amazing!! It's crazy how one thing can be served so differently all over The World! I'm pretty sure we'll have to make a jaunt over there next time we're there. They looked so good!
Ok, I'm so lost!! Can you clue me in??
If you look closely at the picture, the rock formation forms Jafar’s head (with the majority of the rock making up his turban). I believe we first saw this mentioned in one of the Hidden Mickey guidebooks. It’s become a bit grown over since then, but you can still kind of make him out.
Seriously... the waffles at Roaring Fork are so worth the trip!
Thanks for the tip on the Dawa bar. I'm not sure why we've never really figured this one out! It is so great to know it is there. DH and I LOVE World Showcase so this would be right up our alley!!
Flying Fish! On our next trip, this will so be the signature dining experience that we choose, even if we only choose one! I remember all that you have said about it and the fact that it is on the Boardwalk, etc. Yes, we must do it.
Yeah, the Dawa Bar sits back in beside the entrance to Tusker House and the ambiance really can’t be beat.
Hoooray for the Flying Fish... it’s totally worth every penny!
Holly, I am absolutely loving your review, as always! Your pictures from the Dream are beautiful, and your review has me convinced that that needs to be our next cruise. The virtual porthole looks like so much fun!
And OMG, your wedding was AMAZING!!! So beautiful, the dress, the hair and makeup, the day, the pictures, everything was perfect! Did the slightly used "pixie dust" come out of the hem of your dress?
Looking forward to the rest of your review!
You totally need to bust the piggy bank and book the Dream. Being a fan of both cruises and Disney, it’s totally worth the extra money that you have to spend.
Thank you for all the kind words about the wedding, it really was the most perfect day. I’ve been back to Sunset Pointe a couple of times since then and every time I feel so lucky to have gotten the wedding of my dreams. As for the pixie dust, would you believe I haven’t had her cleaned yet?!
I know, right. I was seriously contemplating a “trash the dress” type session (honestly, because I needed an excuse to wear it again :animwink
, so that’s why it hasn’t been cleaned yet. But now I’m wondering if it isn’t better to *always* want to wear it again, and leave well enough alone, if that makes any sense. Either way, I really need to get her to the cleaners.
Between moving across the country and the lack of good internet here and there, I can't remember what I've commented on!
Let me just sum everything up by saying I am still in love with this trip report.
Thanks, Tammy. You get a pass, seeing as how you’re in the middle of yet another move!
I know! First Sea World in Aurora, now a gymnastics history (although I was hardly good enough to warrant practicing 15-20 hours per week)...what will be next???
Really, you’re right. What is next!?
Holly, I have a question. I heard on another message board that you aren't allowed to take pictures of the shows on the Dream. Do you know if that's true?
You know, not once did I hear a spiel about “no photography” prior to the shows. And I usually pay attention to those things. Now, they may have mentioned “no flash photography,” but that’s a whole other beast entirely. I think you’ll be just fine to take photos. There were plenty of people around me with DSLRs and none of us were asked to stop.
Wahoo!!! Wilderness...love it. Its fabulous.
Ok so I am going to have to add Flying Fish to list of restaurants that we must try apparently. Sounds and looks delicious..Yum...
Everest is sad to see without the full effects but I still think its a great ride!
I cant wait to hear about what your thoughts on V&A....and for the rest.
You are soooo totally at Disney World right now! Spoiler alert: LOVED Vicky’s.
Okay, I'm all caught up now! I must say, although I was so ready to get home to my pets and my bed and my house in general, I am a little jealous that you got to straight to the Wilderness Lodge from the Dream!
Loving all of your photos of Animal Kingdom. In a way I can't wait for more, but in a way, I don't want the end of this Trip Report to ever come!
Not me, Erin... I
really can’t wait to wrap this trip report up! :sohappy: I feel bad for dragging it out for what seems like an eternity! I figure I’ll finish within three months of the first post. That’s just ridiculous!
Phew! just read all of your trip report in one sitting! Only took 3 hours lol great report/ great pics! cant wait to see the rest!
Three hours?! I’m impressed... it took me that long just to post the wedding ceremony portion if you go back and look at my posting times.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Eric. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it.
I just got a new computer as the last one finally went kaput. So as soon as I can get all my pics uploaded, I'm going to start my report on CC so I'll let ya know.
Started my honeymoon report!
Woohoooo... I’m off to check it out as soon as I get a chance! I’ll be sure to post!
Oh my gosh Holly, I have MIA for the last few months and boy have I missed a lot. We finally moved in to our house so I now have no excuses and I have stayed up late many nights catching up on your review.....Amazing job !!!! Congratulations on your wedding, you looked absolutely stunning and what a perfect day, so glad that everything turned out like a dream
I loved the cruise review, I am still working on the hubby to do a 7-day on the Magic in the fall with the little man. What a great way to celebrate our 5-year anniversary and although I am certain Oliver (our baby boy) would be thrilled with any vacation, this mama really needs a Disney fix. What is your opinion on spending the extra for Disney to take a 1-year old.....are we nuts, should we wait?
Thank you, Angie. I still marvel over how lucky we were to have the “perfect” wedding. You also get a pass, what with a new house and a busy little one running around!
Okay, I think everyone else was better equipped to answer your question seeing as how I don’t have kids yet, but I agree with them. I would probably do it. Even if Oliver doesn’t have strong memories of the vacation, you and Trevor will and those will last forever. I say go for it!
ok now back to this AWESOME trip report, but I think Holly fell asleep at the computer.......HOLLY! HOLLY! HEY HOLLY! WAKE UP! We want MORE! really can't wait for a new update.
If I'm correct...I believe Holly is again adventuring in the World! Lucky thing! So she'll owe us another TR soon! ha ha!
Yes I think you are right. I think I read that in another thread! So does this mean that we will get to have some awesome back-to-back Trip Reports??!!
OH NO SHE DIDN'T!!!! I just might have to drive the 6 hours to Orlando, and tell her "bad bad girl" for leaving us hanging like that! Oh wait I can just stay and play too!! Oh how I wish!
Yep... you’ve got it right! I’ve been lucky enough to go back to Disney three times since the Wedding/Disneymoon trip. Two of those were work-related trips and one was for the Pixar Pals weekend at Epcot.
I love that u take pics of tyhe stoaways ,it actually gave me an idea of something to do on my solo trip as a surprise to my girls
I think this is a fabulous idea... my head’s just swimming with all kinds of thoughts on what you might do!
Holly, you're going to be writing trip reports for the next few years!! Hope you had a good time!!
Yep. I’m thinking a couple of them will be abbreviated a bit. Otherwise, I’ll never catch up.
Um, I think this actually makes 2 or 3 TRs in addition to finishing this one. Must be nice!
Seriously. Holly, I think maybe there's a point in your 'year of Disney' that you should start combining & abbreviating or maybe just hitting the highlights if you bother posting the adventures at all. Maybe you should just put your books together for you first. Of course, that's after you finish this report. I just don't want to see you get burned out or so behind that you feel so discouraged that we never see any reports ever again. Ya know?
Honestly, I can't think of a better people to have a 'year of Disney'. Y'all are the sweetest and totally appreciate every moment. And just think how many more characters will be swarming your character tree this Christmas! Wow!
I’m in total agreement with you, Kelly. I don’t want writing the trips to feel like a chore. Therefore, I think I’m going to do mostly “photo reports” of both my work-related trip and do a more traditional full out report for my and Brett’s Pixar weekend trip. Regardless, they’ll all be short, seeing as how each trip was only three full days in length. In comparison, this one spanned ten days and involved a lot of thought and effort in transferring my emotions to text. I just can’t see not writing them at all, more for myself/family than for anyone else. I know you totally get that!
Oh yeah... the character tree is getting rather full. It’s definitely time to buy a bigger one! As I can’t seem to stop buying plush!!
So it's been, like, 7 months since I've been on WDWmagic. And what's one of the first things I see? This awesome, stupendous, tremendous trip report. It really made me smile. Congrats, Holly and Bret! May your future hold nothing but happiness.
Todd!! :wave: So glad you dropped in and posted. Thanks for all the kind words and I hope the last 7 months have kept you busy with all sorts of great things!
Waiting patiently.....somewhat
I am also waiting patiently!!!
Jamie
It’s coming, ladies! While I didn’t make the deadline I set for myself of having a post up by the end of the weekend, I did at least get the next full day finished! And I'm posting shortly.
Waiting impatiently... I'm bored and I can't remember what we ate at Vicky's!
Sure, now that I'm not embarrassing you with the camera, I bet you're glad I took all those pictures of your food!
LOL!! Ok so does this mean that you guys are back? I hope you had a great trip!
My stowaway post from Friday morning was actually taken as we (my mom and I) were returning from Disney. I guess it was hard to see how sad Chip and Dale actually were! :lol:
She hasn't been taking me on all these trips! Less vacations (without me) and more trip reporting, please!
Yeah, yeah, yeah. At least I’ve been bringing new plush home with me every trip!
With the park having opened at 8am, we really felt like we were missing something out there. You know, cause it’s not like we’ve done it all before or won’t have an opportunity to do it all again. 
