A Family Affair-July 23rd-31

I suppose I should start by introducing the cast of family members. This has been a trip 2 yrs in the making. After we became DVC members, my husband and I decided it was time to bring my entire family back to the world...

This is us!

(from left to right)
Randin- my '6' year old nephew.-first timer
Jamie-My older sisters bf-first timer
My mom-hates flying, and only been to Disney once, 20 yrs ago.
Andy 32-My born again Disney fan
Me 30-Aleisha-the one in the green tank...I am a disney nut.
Dad-was so excited to be back after 15 yrs.
Hillary-sister27 Randins mom-white tank-skeptical of the whole Disney trip
Burgandy-sister-35-Jamies other half....we took her back in 08' when I was pregnant with...
Logan-18 months, his 2nd trip

and now.


Day 1 July 23rd

It was a very excited family that left Northern Virginia bright and early-and by early I mean we were at the airport at 5:30am on Saturday the 23rd. We were all a little tired, but excited at the same time to get the show on the road. Andy and I had talked about what to do with lil man, since we were still nervous about bringing a 1 and a half year old on a plane for the first time. We were sneaky and slipped him a little Dramamine in his bottle, as you can see it worked, and he conked out just before take off, we were able to snap a quick photo of his first time.

sleepy little Logan.

After a quick two hour flight, we made our way to Magical Express, boarded the bus and made our way to the Animal Kingdom Lodge were we would call home for the next week. Being a DVC member, as well as an avid Disney world fan we have stayed in numerous Disney hotels, ranging from moderate accommodations to the Deluxe Villas. And other than a quick two night stay back in February we had never before stayed in the Animal Kingdom. Mainly because Andy and I when we first saw the place, weren't exactly excited about the place and didn't think it was our cup of tea. After staying there, having the Savannah view, I can proudly say, we have dif. changed our mind. First off the service is incredible. From the moment we stepped foot on the grounds we were greeted by nothing but exceptional kindness. When we checked in, the cast member asked if it was my nephews birthday, apparently one of us had entered it in awhile ago, but didn't remember. And even though his birthday was earlier this year, I remembered the 6 months rule and said yes. They presented the little man with a Birthday button to which my sister had to explain why we were celebrating his birthday, even though it really wasn't.

I loved the African music that was piped into the lobby. We had saved our points-for non DVC members=money-to get a Savannah view figuring that this trip would be my nephews first trip we wanted to go all out for him. Though even without this I think we would have been extremely happy. The lobby itself, with the African artifacts and the views of the animals are breathtaking enough.

and this was the view we came to love. Yes this is a shot from our balcony. I swear there are animals there just not in this shot. We would often wake up grab a cup of caffeine-for some it was coffee while for others it was soda-and sit out here watching the animals do there thing in the morning.

Aww yes there is the animals!

Even my own parents who have never really understood my husbands and mines fascination, or gotten the whole Disney thing seemed quite impressed acting much like little kids running from room to room-we had a two room villa-just saying they couldn't believe the accommodations. And for the first time, it seemed as though they finally started to believe why we were smitten. Not only that but they actually said they could see why we invested the money that we have.

This made me a very happy person as you can see..and I was actually in the middle of the deck!

After dropping off our bags, We all went our separate ways for a bit, since Randin wasn't exactly willing to wait to go to a park Hillary took him off to the Magic Kingdom. Burg and Jamie went to the studio-which we also had since cramming everyone would be impossible not with two guys over 6'3. And Andy and I took my parents over to downtown to do a little shopping.

We headed to dinner at the Poly that evening, where my family got their first taste of what the Disney treatment is, mainly in the area with food. Since I have so many food allergies and my sister and my dad have a couple to add, I had told them repeatedly of the greatness and the care that Disney offers. Of course none of them expected what was to come. My dad was quite impressed with the salad raved about it in fact the rest of the trip. Throughout dinner Randin watched as the singer- I can't remember her name please forgive-kept wishing kids a Happy Birthday...and he naturally thought she would do the same for him. Unfortunately she was on her break. This of course did not stop my sister from asking the chef-since he was out about my dessert if she would make an exception and although he made no promises, five minutes later she was out wishing my nephew a very happy birthday.

I wish I would have gotten a picture of my fathers face at the whole magic Disney makes happen.After the meal, which was filling and left the group of 10 extremely happy, they began to see what has lured my husband back year after year.

And while we would have loved to enjoy the evening at the parks it had been a long day. So we decided to head back to the hotel to enjoy the evening and rest up knowing we would be hitting the parks full force the next day.

 

[disneygirl1]

Oh how awesome you saw someone get engaged!!! We saw a young couple who matter to fact is on the boards every now and again get engaged during MNSSHP last year! It was so cool!

 

[foreverbelle]

July 28, 2010

My parents offered to watch the kids this morning while the big kids once again got some time to go hit up the rides. This go around, we went to Animal Kingdom, my sisters wanted to Kali River Rapids, and I was dying to hit up my favorite ride of all four parks Everest. I know a lot of people complain about the Yeti not being in top shape, but I still love it none the less.

the girls waiting for the bus.

We headed right for Everest, where we were going to hit up fastpasses, but decided with a twenty minute wait, to just go ahead and wait. Tuned out it was truthfully closer to ten for we pretty much walked right through and on the ride. And while it may not have been as awesome as it would have been had the Yeti been working right, my sisters and Jamie all got a good kick out of it!!

Dinosaur however was another story and we had to fast pass, so we grabbed up the passes and headed to the Safari, where I have to say the new baby elephant is absolutely adorable! And we had plenty of time to check it out, since we were stuck on the ride for some time. Seemed an animal was in the middle of the road and they had to wait for it to move out of the way. It took so long they had to get an 'expert' to come out and coax the animal away from the road. Because of this, we pretty much sped through the rest of the ride and didn't see a whole lot. But the baby elephant, playing in the water made up for the whole thing. I mean at least we had a decent view while being stuck.

We returned to Dinosaur and since I hate this ride I spent the entire time with my head down and avoiding everything until the car was back in the dock and we were unloading. Thankfully, my lil Logan greeted me back at the resort, and erased the nasty thoughts I was sending to my husband, who loves the ride...ah the things we do for our significant others.

After some fun in the pool once again, were we ordered drinks and sat at the bar, I must say my sister-little-does not waste any time and flirted like the best of them. Still it was very enjoyable, the drinks delicious and time spend with sisters fabulous. So after the pool we went back to get ready for dinner in Japan as the entire group.

As always we enjoyed the dinner but this was the first time Logan started to act up and I decided to take him out and walk around. As I brought him up to the front one of the hostess-AI-pronounced 'I' came up to me, she just beamed at Logan and introduced herself explaining that she had seen us on a bus to downtown Disney, and he was making the most adorable faces.-I later remember this and his flirting-she of course said how adorable he was and in Japanese said she was glad to meet him and hoped we would see each other again. It was just amazing that out of all those customers, on a daily basis she remembered a little boy that she had seen earlier in the week on a bus the girls waiting for the bus.

 

[erstwo]

July 25, 2010

This is my mom-and me

And while I could sit here and do the typical trip report, I figured for day three I will tell a fabulous story about her, the trip and a side of Disney most have probably never considered.

Lets talk about my mom. After all my existence on this Earth wouldn't be possible without her. Four months ago my mom was on her way to work as a local county public school bus driver. She stopped to get some coffee at the 7-11 around the corner when she tripped on a mat and fell face first into a sports car. In doing so, she tore all but one of her ligaments in her rotatory cuff. She has yet to return to work, she had surgery Friday-as in Aug 6th-morning. We were kind of skeptical she would even come with us, because she has needless to say been pretty down and out of it. Between worrying about the surgery, and suffering through the pain I suppose I wouldn't have blamed her if she had changed her mind. But alas, she wanted to go. After two years of planning she said that this was the one thing in the past few months that had actually been keeping her going. This of course was exciting, and and wonderful but I have to be honest here. I think we were a bit nervous that she wouldn't have a good time. I feared she wouldn't find anything to do. That she would be cooped up in the hotel room while the rest of the gang went out. And that isn't the sort of Disney vacation I dreamt of for her, or for anyone really.

We knew we would have to take things a lot slower however. We knew we wouldn't exactly be hitting the parks every hour with her. Which is fine because my mom isn't exactly the ride type of person. So on that Monday my mom pulled out the activity guide at Animal Kingdom Lodge and found there were ceramics. She asked if we had even known about the activities at the resorts. Sure we knew about them but we had never participated in them. But we were willing to give it a try since we like to do different things with each trip.

Now if you have never done this, that is done any activities at the resorts I advise you to. Especially if you aren't the thrill/ride kind of person.

The Animal Kingdom Lodge offered both ceramics and jewelery making every other day. Monday was ceramics. Located in the Simba Club House, at Jumbo house we were greeted by two cordinators that supervised the ceramics. They offer anything from Mickey ornaments, to a Buzz Lightyear bank, to a Mickey Chip and Dip bowl. I must admit I was quite impressed not only with the selection of pieces but the prices. Up in Northern Virginia my husband and I have done ceramics but have stopped in recent due to the prices. But at Disney, all we had to pay for was the piece.

On this day my mom choose to do a mug.

The coordinators-Michele and Hillaree-I have to say were beyond impressive. Friendly and accommodating they made sure my mom was taken care of, even helping her get the colors and all so my mom wouldn't have to contentiously get up and down from her already painful state. By the end of the week we actually got to know them very well, but thats another story.

After the coordinators say the results of this mug, they asked her to create one for their showcase.


I know painting and doing ceramics isn't most peoples ideal Disney vacation, but as I watched my mom sitting there painting, it occurred to me. Maybe she wasn't doing the rides and spending hours in the park. But she was having a wonderful time. She was enjoying herself, and she was in her element. And while this may not be everyone's ideal Disney vacation, this was her ideal Disney vacation.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand..... I love this story. So much.

And I may have teared up. Just a little.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I love the story about your mom. That was super sweet. I'm so glad she found stuff that she enjoyed. I wish we had taken more time to do activities at the resort when we stayed at AKL in January. Lesson learned. And your mom's mug is totally fabulous. Love it!

Sounds like the trip was just heavenly! Can't wait for more!

 

[blackthidot]

I love the story about your mom. That was super sweet. I'm so glad she found stuff that she enjoyed. I wish we had taken more time to do activities at the resort when we stayed at AKL in January. Lesson learned. And your mom's mug is totally fabulous. Love it!

Sounds like the trip was just heavenly! Can't wait for more!

I agree...

 

[dixiegirl]

Great trip report, love all the pics along with it!!! And your little one, Oh my god his reactions in just the pics are priceless ( I miss that age)!!! Love the fact that you guys are also finally DVC members .... (cause we waited 10yrs before we made the jump) that after you do become members your like "why on earth did we wait so long"?

Keep it coming with the report and "Welcome Home"!!!!:ROFLOL:

 

[foreverbelle]

Great trip report, love all the pics along with it!!! And your little one, Oh my god his reactions in just the pics are priceless ( I miss that age)!!! Love the fact that you guys are also finally DVC members .... (cause we waited 10yrs before we made the jump) that after you do become members your like "why on earth did we wait so long"?

Keep it coming with the report and "Welcome Home"!!!!:ROFLOL:

Thank you...we've actually been members for three years. This is just the first time we brought the entire family. Who never understood before now.

 

[foreverbelle]

I agree...

I love the story about your mom. That was super sweet. I'm so glad she found stuff that she enjoyed. I wish we had taken more time to do activities at the resort when we stayed at AKL in January. Lesson learned. And your mom's mug is totally fabulous. Love it!

Sounds like the trip was just heavenly! Can't wait for more!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand..... I love this story. So much.

And I may have teared up. Just a little.

TY for the kind words about my mom...I know its different but I wanted to try to report other things that one can do at a trip, because I have to say these were my favorite moments on the trip.

 

[Ariel484]

TY for the kind words about my mom...I know its different but I wanted to try to report other things that one can do at a trip, because I have to say these were my favorite moments on the trip.

But I think that's one example of why WDW is so fabulous...you don't have to go to the parks to find the magic. I think I thought the resorts only had extra activities for children (beyond renting bikes, SeaRaycers, etc.), so you've opened my eyes to something different. Thank you! :wave:

 

[DecWDW]

The story of your mother is really touching and will be an absolute treasure for you one day. I wish I could have had a Disney memory with my mom. I also like the idea of doing the resort activities! My one complaint of DVC is that I find the coffee cups too small! I don't really want to buy another Disney mug, but making one at the resort is a great idea! I'll make sure to try it out this year!

 

[SaskDisneyGirl]

We were sneaky and slipped him a little Dramamine in his bottle

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:I like the way you think!!! We are taking our children this winter, my daughter will be 19 months... I may use the same trick!!

 

[foreverbelle]

:ROFLOL::ROFLOL::ROFLOL:I like the way you think!!! We are taking our children this winter, my daughter will be 19 months... I may use the same trick!!

It worked great, we put half a pill in his bottle just a bit before take off. He was out for the better part of the flight!

 

[foreverbelle]

The story of your mother is really touching and will be an absolute treasure for you one day. I wish I could have had a Disney memory with my mom. I also like the idea of doing the resort activities! My one complaint of DVC is that I find the coffee cups too small! I don't really want to buy another Disney mug, but making one at the resort is a great idea! I'll make sure to try it out this year!

Dif should! It was great, and it made the vacation seem a lot longer than it actually was..and the great thing is, you don't have to be staying at the resort to actually participate in it.

 

[foreverbelle]

July 29, 2010

Thursday morning brought the first of the departures. Jamie had to return to the real world to go back to work, so he left two days earlier than the rest, leaving one less in the party.

Andy and I had late dinner reservations at Le Cellier, my parents had agreed to watch Logan so we took our time hanging around the resort, taking my mom to Animal Kingdom where she finally allowed us to look up and get a guest assistance pass, she had been in a wheelchair since Monday. This also allowed for us to roam the parks a little more easily. I think it took her a lot to ask for this because we aren't the kind of people to take advantage of anything, especially the system. And I know she felt that there were people a lot worse off than her, even though she herself needed help.

Before you ask or think, let me say, I myself have a slight disability, cerebral palsy to the right side-very mild case. And I like my mom, have never used the system to get away with anything or to get freebies. etc. I suppose Im feel like I am able to do everything anyone else can do so I don't usually need any assistance. Anyway, getting the card while may not seem a big deal for some but it was a big deal for my family. Still it helped a lot and my mom didn't feel as much as a burden as she once did.

(you can see my right hand is effected not to horrible, but its there.)
So they got to ride the rapids again, while my husband I enjoyed the dancing. Or ok, I was picked to do some African dancing. I also played a game with a few cast members that they had brought from their country, a game my sister and I had as a kid. I ended up beating the girl easily. Needless to say, she was quite impressed...

We headed back to Kidani for lunch and some time at the pool before getting ready for dinner. My parents, and the rest of the family had reservations at Crystal Palace while my husband and I had reservations much later in Canada. We headed to MK to make sure they got in ok before headed to EPCOT ourselves.I had purposely saved my Brooks Laich-Washington Cap hockey player, and born and raised Canadian-t-shirt just for the evening. Maybe it was silly but I wanted to see if anyone would notice...and it worked, the very first cast member made note of it and my mission was successful! Now on with dinner, I know Le Cellier is a crowd pleaser, and we have in the past been very pleased ourselves. But I will say this was probably my least favorite meal of this vacation. So much so I don't even remember what it was. Mind you I have a lot of food allergies and usually have no qualms about anything I eat but this one just was not my cup of tea. Not to mention we had 8:10 reservations and did not get seated until 9:00.

We had plans of hanging out after dinner but with us getting seated so late, we decided to head back. Tomorrow was our last full day and we wanted to make sure we were rested

 

[blackthidot]

It's GREAT going to Canada because as soon as they find out we are from Pittsburgh it is all hockey talk! I love it!

 

[lisak09]

Looks like you all had an amazing trip. Great story about your mom, very touching. It just goes to show that WDW does have something for everyone. We're from Ireland and are leaving for Orlando on the 14th(can't wait!). This will be our 4th trip to Orlando and most of our friends and family don't understand why we want to keep going back as they seem to think once you've seen it why go back??!! This time my husbands sister and her son are coming with us and i bet they'll want to go again and again.

 

[foreverbelle]

It's GREAT going to Canada because as soon as they find out we are from Pittsburgh it is all hockey talk! I love it!

Probably one of the biggest reasons we love it as well! The cast member did say that he has never seen a Laich shirt, its usually for Caps its either Ovie, Green and Backstrom, of course Crosby gets a lot of rotation but we know why. So he thought it was cool I was wearing someone besides the big big time players.

 

[foreverbelle]

Looks like you all had an amazing trip. Great story about your mom, very touching. It just goes to show that WDW does have something for everyone. We're from Ireland and are leaving for Orlando on the 14th(can't wait!). This will be our 4th trip to Orlando and most of our friends and family don't understand why we want to keep going back as they seem to think once you've seen it why go back??!! This time my husbands sister and her son are coming with us and i bet they'll want to go again and again.

You are absolutely right. There is always something that brings us back. And for the most part it is hard to explain to anyone. I think my family understood just a bit more after this trip thankfully.

 

[blackthidot]

Probably one of the biggest reasons we love it as well! The cast member did say that he has never seen a Laich shirt, its usually for Caps its either Ovie, Green and Backstrom, of course Crosby gets a lot of rotation but we know why. So he thought it was cool I was wearing someone besides the big big time players.

Brooks is no slouch by any means.

 

[foreverbelle]

Ah Friday, the day we all were not looking forward to. This being the final full day. Tomorrow we would pack it in and call it a trip. But we still had one day of activities yet to do.

With pretty much everyone getting to do and see all that they wanted to see, we felt no rush to head back to the park, and since my mother ceramic experience went so well, we figured all of us would do something. My sister choosing her Nightmare Before Christmas plate set, my older sis a plate, my dad did his own Kidani inspired plate, my mom an ornament and I chip and dip bowl.There was no intention of this being an all day event but with nine of of us there, it turned into just that. Though I have to say, we are quite the creative family. And all our pieces turned out to be quite awesome.

Burgandy doing her plate.

Hillarys final piece..She is obsessed with Nightmare before Christmas, so this turned out to be quite fitting for her.

and my final piece. You may not be able to see them but there are mickey heads lining the bowl, I painted them in black. OK actually my husband helped but shh. I don't think he really wants the hockey community to know.

After the family activity was complete, Andy and I took my mom to downtown Disney for some last minute shopping before we headed over to Whispering Canyon for our final Disney meal. When we first set up our meals we were focusing on things that the family would like, some we picked because of food, others because of the experience and having been to Whispering Canyon before we knew we would be in for a treat, especially with six year old. We got seated, ordered making sure that Randin had ordered something needing ketchup. I also took all the blue crayons so he would have to ask for it if he needed. Sure enough both worked and as soon as his food came out he asked for the ketchup. Or rather the entire table asked for ketchup....we proceeded to get about 20 bottles as you can see...

And how did we spend our last night? At the Kingdom of course rocking out to the magic hours until the wee hours in the morning.

I hated to see it come to an end, but as always, all good things must come to an end...which means this also concludes my trip report.