Trip Report The Happy/Merry Birthday/UnBirthday Wishes Come True TR

We've only been home for four days, but we did so much on this trip, I'm sure I'll forget something if i don't get started!
Let's do this!

Who:
Party of 10
That's me (Ali), my husband Jim, our son Ethan, daughter Gwen, Jim's parents (Mutie and Papa), Jim's sister, her husband and their two daughters

What:
Our very first whole family vacation

Where:
5 bedroom vacation home at Windsor Hills Resort. Because there's 10 of us

When:
July 20th - 28th

Why:
Mutie's 70th Birthday celebration!

Disclaimer: This trip report includes two days of non-Disney events. If that's not your cup of tea, I'll see you at Day 3

Day 1
Wednesday July 20th
I was up like a Pop Tart at 3:30 am for no reason other than the butterflies in my stomach. We had a 9:40 am flight out of O'Hare, and we live about ten minutes away.
TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!

Our cab came around 7:30, and we were checked in, through security and at our gate by 8:30.
Because my husband is an absolute sweetheart, he ventured off to find breakfast for all of us. He returned with banana chocolate chip muffins and juice for the kids and Intelligentsia coffee for me! For you coffee snobs out there, if you find yourself in Chicago, this is my favorite local coffee. It's pretty easy to find in the city, but out here in the burbs, Starbucks dominates.

Our flight boarded on time, but departure was delayed almost 30 minutes due to the ground crew. It was a very hot morning, and they were moving a bit slow. No matter, both of my kids were happy reading or coloring, and I was passing the time listening to HAMILTON.

Despite the delay, our flight landed on time, and we were picking up our rental car in no time! We reserved a mid-sized vehicle, but were upgraded to a minivan at no extra charge! Score!
This is the part where I thank God for smart phones and GPS. I just looked up the Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, hit navigate, and we were there in less than an hour! I can't imagine the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads with hungry kids in tow without it!

Upon check in, we were told our reservation had been cancelled. WHAT!?!?!? Excuse me? No. Where's my room?
So, I'm trying not to freak out, and trying to keep the kids in line. Failing at both.
I turn to Jim, and he doesn't even bat an eye! He was so cool and calm! He was zen like Buddah. He spoke with the desk clerk and had keys in his hand in just a few minutes. Whew!
It turns out the booking site we used went out of business and cancelled all reservations the day before! Insane! They posted a notice online that basically said "It sucks to be you! Don't call us, there's nobody to answer your call"
Luckily, the Hilton had a room available, and they honored our original rate. Jim called our credit card company and got the original charge refunded in less than 10 minutes. Crisis averted!

After the potential drama in the lobby, this was a welcome sight!

We all jumped into our suites as quickly as we could, and headed for the waves!
The water was perfect! I'm used to Lake Michigan, which never seems to get warm. The Atlantic felt like bath water.
We strolled along the shore, Gwen collected shells and Ethan ran through the surf.
NOW we were on vacation!

We eventually went back for showers and headed out to find dinner. We ended up at a beach front restaurant where I enjoyed some very simple but fresh mahi mahi tacos. Perfect!

After a long day of travel, we were all ready for bed early. Seriously early. I think it was like 8:30!

Up next: Kennedy Space Center and Orlando at last!

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 8 continued:

After saying goodbye, we made a U-turn back into the park. We had a couple of hours till dinner, wait times were high all over the park, and it was sweltering hot.
We all needed to cool down and rest for a few, and we happened to be right outside of Innoventions, so in we went.
Jim took the kids into the Storm Struck exhibit while I planned myself on a bench.
If I weren't a lady, I might have taken a nap.

I wanted to check out Colortopia, but there was too much standing involved, and we had just walked 3/4 of World Showcase. I needed to be off my feet.
I know the kids would've loved The Sum of All Thrills, but Ethan wasn't tall enough, so we skipped that entire side of the building.
It's an even bigger disappointment now that we know it's all going to be shut down

Feeling refreshed, we crossed the plaza to Fountain View Cafe to buy a little B-day souvineer for SIL

She collects three "You Are Here" mugs from Starbucks, so we thought she needed this one.

We strolled towards World Showcase and our dinner destination. My favorite: Chefs de France!
We arrived a little early for our ADR, buy they were able to seat us almost immediately.

I know this place isn't super popular, but I think the food is delicious, and I love the atmosphere! It's like a sidewalk cafe, but with air conditioning

I ordered the pan seared salmon

It was perfectly cooked and delicious! The lemon verblanc sauce was a bit rich on such a hot evening, but I still enjoyed it.

Jim had the roasted chicken, which I was not permitted to photograph, and the kids had their usual burger and chicken which were not photo worthy.
The kids had fancy French lemonade that I felt needed to be photographed.
This is the only beverage I took a picture of the entire trip. Why?

I'm trying to remember what dessert was called. The plating was very elaborate

Yes, that is a swan filled with chocolate mousse.

After dinner, we did a little shopping. Jim bought me some lemon verbena hand lotion on our first trip, and I was hoping to find another bottle. No such luck

Jim ran back to Las Halle's for yet another baguette while the kids and I continued to browse. Ethan chose a plush Remy, and I found the perfect magnet for Jim. A baguette!

We stopped for a quick photo before leaving France

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 8 conclusion:

As we left France and made our way through the UK, I was feeling torn. I was having so much fun at Disney, but I was so kinda ready to go home.
The only solution I could come up with was to move to Orlando. Hahaha!

The kids had to stop to call Grammy

I can't wait to bring my mom back to Disney! We brought her on her first trip last year, and she totally feel in love! Epcot is her favorite park, so I though of her a lot.

On our way through Canada, we ran into this fantastic performing troupe!
Les Parfaits Inconnus

They were a combined comedy, tumbling, music and balancing act. Very impressive and so much fun!

How am I supposed to go home now?!?

We stopped for one last PhotoPass, and he asked if we'd had any magic shots. I told him we'd had bad luck in that department all week, and said "I'm going to bless you"

He took one more with Pascal on my arm, but I looked stoned, so I'll spare you.

Goodbye Epcot! We'll miss you!

I really REALLY wanted to stay for Illuminations, but the kids were fried.
I'm not in a hurry for them to grow up, but I'm looking forward to them having the endurance to stay into the night.
Anyway, Jim had plans for an early morning.
We headed home for our last sleep at Disney

 

[Tuvalu]

The pic of Gwen with Tink is frame-worthy!

 

[MerMom1981]

The pic of Gwen with Tink is frame-worthy!

Awe! Thank you!
Of course she had to spill her fancy French dessert on her shirt in time for pictures!

 

[Tuvalu]

Awe! Thank you!
Of course she had to spill her fancy French dessert on her shirt in time for pictures!

I didn't even notice!

 

[MySmallWorldof4]

Awwwww.. I love that picture of your 2 kids hugging. So darn sweet!

 

[Doc Disney]

We can't resist the puppets either @DocDisney

Love it!!! Those puppets are so cute! PS I love all your outfits! So cute!!!!

 

[LisaBelle]

I love Chefs de France! My husband and I had our 25th anniversary dinner there! Love all the Epcot magic shots. Sad you are coming to the end of your report.

 

[MerMom1981]

Awwwww.. I love that picture of your 2 kids hugging. So darn sweet!

Thanks! I thought is was a sweet one too!
That picture pretty much captures their entire relationship. Ethan adores his big sister, and she tries not to be annoyed! Lol

 

[MerMom1981]

Love it!!! Those puppets are so cute! PS I love all your outfits! So cute!!!!

Thank you! That means a lot coming from you! You always look cute and coordinated!
I know you won't judge me when I tell you I had everything laid out on my bed in order by day!

 

[MerMom1981]

I love Chefs de France! My husband and I had our 25th anniversary dinner there! Love all the Epcot magic shots. Sad you are coming to the end of your report.

I think I read you anniversary report! Glad I'm not the only member of the fan club!
The photographer really took his time with us. It was a great way to say goodbye!
I only have our departure day left, and I don't want to post, because then it'll be over!

 

[LisaBelle]

I think I read you anniversary report! Glad I'm not the only member of the fan club!
The photographer really took his time with us. It was a great way to say goodbye!
I only have our departure day left, and I don't want to post, because then it'll be over!

I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to post departure day. It's almost as bad as actually leaving Disney because then it's over for the second time and the Disney blues try to settle in again !

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 9
Thursday July 28th:

Departure day was upon us

We had to be out of the rental house by 10 am, so Jim and I had planned a farewell breakfast for the four of us at Kona Cafe. Well, it didn't go quite that way.

Jim had always wanted to see a rocket launch, and Space-X had potential launch dates during our trip. We had an understanding that if the launch was a go, he'd go. He had been watching the schedule all week, and this was the day! Being the awesome uncle that he is, he even offered to take our 12y/o niece along.
They were gone long before the kids and I woke up.

Thankfully, Mutie agreed to join me and the kids for breakfast, so we were still able to keep our ADR.

Off we went for one last first of the trip

I have read countless reports which sing the praises of Tonga Toast. Could it live up to the hype?

Totally.
It's an epic breakfast that you can only eat on vacation, although I think the bacon to bread ratio is a little off. 4" of sugar-coated French toast calls for three slices of bacon, don't you think?

The kids both ordered Mickey pancakes and POG juice.

I have no idea what Mutie ordered. I may have succumb to a Tonga Toast induced trance.
I ate more of that tower than Is probably intended.

I absolutely loved our farewell breakfast! I want this to be a new family tradition!

We did a little browsing and explored the lobby for a little white. Before long, Jim called! He was on his way to meet us at Disney Springs.

One more snuggle for the road!

 

[LisaBelle]

Day 9
Thursday July 28th:

Departure day was upon us

We had to be out of the rental house by 10 am, so Jim and I had planned a farewell breakfast for the four of us at Kona Cafe. Well, it didn't go quite that way.

Jim had always wanted to see a rocket launch, and Space-X had potential launch dates during our trip. We had an understanding that if the launch was a go, he'd go. He had been watching the schedule all week, and this was the day! Being the awesome uncle that he is, he even offered to take our 12y/o niece along.
They were gone long before the kids and I woke up.

Thankfully, Mutie agreed to join me and the kids for breakfast, so we were still able to keep our ADR.

Off we went for one last first of the trip
View attachment 182469

I have read countless reports which sing the praises of Tonga Toast. Could it live up to the hype?
View attachment 182470
Totally.
It's an epic breakfast that you can only eat on vacation, although I think the bacon to bread ratio is a little off. 4" of sugar-coated French toast calls for three slices of bacon, don't you think?

The kids both ordered Mickey pancakes and POG juice.
View attachment 182471
I have no idea what Mutie ordered. I may have succumb to a Tonga Toast induced trance.
I ate more of that tower than Is probably intended.

I absolutely loved our farewell breakfast! I want this to be a new family tradition!

We did a little browsing and explored the lobby for a little white. Before long, Jim called! He was on his way to meet us at Disney Springs.

One more snuggle for the road!
View attachment 182475

Tonga Toast! I want some right now! You and @prfctlyximprct are making me hungry with photos of some of my favorite Disney foods. I don't even like bananas but I LOVE Tonga Toast! My sister and I had our farewell to Disney breakfast at Kona Cafe last February.

 

[MerMom1981]

I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to post departure day. It's almost as bad as actually leaving Disney because then it's over for the second time and the Disney blues try to settle in again !

Exactly!
I won't be back at Disney until spring of 2018, so I don't want to let go!

 

[MerMom1981]

Tonga Toast! I want some right now! You and @prfctlyximprct are making me hungry with photos of some of my favorite Disney foods. I don't even like bananas but I LOVE Tonga Toast! My sister and I had our farewell to Disney breakfast at Kona Cafe last February.

There is something about that toast! I wish they shipped it!

I don't know what I'm having for breakfast tomorrow, but it won't compare

 

[Doc Disney]

Thank you! That means a lot coming from you! You always look cute and coordinated!
I know you won't judge me when I tell you I had everything laid out on my bed in order by day!

Thanks! And definitely not! I write it down in a word document so I'm one stage past crazy . Sad your trip is coming to an end

 

[MerMom1981]

Thanks! And definitely not! I write it down in a word document so I'm one stage past crazy . Sad your trip is coming to an end

You're not crazy, you're prepared!
I wriie out a packing list for myself and the kids for every vacation... OK, maybe you're crazy, but then I'm crazy too!
I'm so sad to be posting the last day!
I'll just have to read everyone else's TR's as therapy
Isn't @Tuvalu going again next week? Please? I need another TR to follow!

 

[Tuvalu]

Isn't @Tuvalu going again next week? Please? I need another TR to follow!

Not next week....but I have two December trip reports to finish (okay, one to finish and one to start!)

 

[MerMom1981]

Day 9 conclusion:

We arrived at Disney Springs quickly, and were able to park in the Lime Garage. We spend most of our time in the Marketplace, so this is really the ideal place to park.

Jim had dropped our niece off with her parents they were already on the road home. All the way to N/W Indiana!

There was no question where our first stop would be. World of Disney!
It was so different inside! Way more space, but it seemed like less merchandise. Is it just me?

I was after an Ariel T-shirt. Just a simple shilouette. No to be found

I spent some quality time with my nose pressed against the Alex & Anni bracelet case. I just couldn't choose!

In the end, Gwen chose a couple of charms for her necklace

and I came away with some fun knee socks

We wandered around Once Upon a Toy, where I was sad to discover they had removed the back room and rear entrance. The books and movies are now gone. I found a great book of character concept sketches here last year, and now that room was gone.
When we left, I saw that they used the space to make way for the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location. Makeovers bring in more money than books. Makes sense.

From there, Gwen and I hit her favorite shop.

I always buy her a few pairs of smelly socks

They smell like maple syrup and coffee!
She also found this crazy neck pillow that she had to have!

And it's reverseable

Since we were right next door, we had to stop in at Goody's Candy Co!

From there we headed to Days of Christmas in search of an ornament.
While we didn't find a blown glass one, we agreed on a set of four mini ornaments featuring mouse ears, a glove, a shoe and Mickey's shorts.
I didn't take a picture, and now they're packed away in the attic

It was getting too hot to enjoy being outside, so we decided to call it a day and head for the airport.

We had an uneventful drive, an unremarkable airport lunch and a smooth flight home.

I'll be back with final thoughts, but that's our Big-Fat-Family-Vacation in the books!