There's A Human in the Human Tank: A November 2011 Trip Report

So here we are, it’s June, and I’m just now getting around to posting our Thanksgiving trip report. Sigh.

I was MIA on the boards for the first few months of the year mostly due to chaos and craziness at work. Don’t those people know that’s when I get most of my trip reporting done?! While work has slowed down quite a bit since the first of April, we have remained crazy busy at home. We bought and moved into our house in mid-December so quite a bit of time has went into all that that entails, from painting, to making curtains, decorating, purchasing new furniture, etc. But that’s not the only thing that’s kept us busy…

Because, you see, there’s a human in the human tank!


IMG_2559.jpg



And well, we’ve been doing our best to prepare for the little one over the course of the last few months. So, please forgive me, my time has been spent nesting, buying every adorable baby item I see, and designing/pinning the cutest nursery on the planet.

The details...
- The little monkey is a boy, and we’re keeping his name a secret for now. But rest assured, he does have one!
- I’m at the end of my 37th week… ACK! That means, full-term. So really, he’ll be here any day now.
- He’s due to arrive on July 2nd and he’ll likely be introduced to the world via Instagram! Brett’s account, or mine, you never know.

We’re already planning his first Disney trip. You know, because that’s the first thing you do when you find out you’re having a baby! Granted, after doing the math, it became apparent that he actually came home with us at the conclusion of our Food & Wine Festival trip last fall. And he’s returned twice since, which leads us to this particular trip report – so let’s get to it.

This time around it’s not just Mr. and Mrs. Hollybelle, but Mama and Papa Hollybelle, as well! Also known as Kim and Rick! Here we all are, on one of our previous vacations, at the famed Maho Beach in St. Maarten:

IMG_3676.jpg


We planned this trip around Thanksgiving because it gave us some vacation days to work with. With Brett’s current job, he gets next to no time off, so we’ve begun to find ourselves at the mercy of ridiculous holiday pricing when it comes to booking vacations. Initially, we had made our reservations for Port Orleans French Quarter, but without an AP rate, the price was a little tough to swallow. So when my mom came across a rock bottom deal for the Dolphin, we jumped on it and switched resorts.

As has been the case with a few of my last reports, this one is going to be heavy on the photos and light on text. Heck, I’m doing good to remember which parks we went to on which days.

So, as the anticipation over upcoming summer vacays mounts, is everyone ready for a healthy dose of holiday spirit and Christmas decoration?! :cool:
 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
It was a gorgeous evening for a stroll to Epcot…

IMG_0220.jpg


15f9a12216e811e19896123138142014_7.jpg


IMG_0223.jpg


Ooh hey, bag check!

IMG_0224.jpg


Once inside the park, we headed towards Future World via England. Brett indulged in a Boddington’s and we spent a little time enjoying the countryside before moving along.

IMG_0226.jpg


IMG_0228.jpg


IMG_0230.jpg


7aabfd7416eb11e19896123138142014_7.jpg


IMG_6820.jpg
 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
World Showcase was rather packed out that night, which probably shouldn’t be too much of a surprise seeing as how it was Thanksgiving and all. We moved along through Canada, with our efforts set on getting to dinner. There was a Thanksgiving feast awaiting us at the Land.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but removing the presents from beneath the Epcot tree really takes away from its overall magnificence.

IMG_6822.jpg


IMG_0235.jpg


Before giving thanks with the chipmunks, we lived with the land…

IMG_0238.jpg


IMG_0239.jpg


IMG_0241.jpg


We checked in around 6:15 for our 6:30pm reservations and were seated within ten minutes or so. Unfortunately, we ended up at one of the tables on the upper tier, which I felt lacked a little of the ambiance. And it definitely felt crowded up there, compared with the booths facing outward on the lower tier.

IMG_0249.jpg


IMG_0252.jpg


IMG_0254.jpg

 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Let’s talk about the food first. The Garden Grill has seen its share of so-so reviews, for sure. Mine among them at one time. Even though it’s not our favorite restaurant, I booked this ADR because I was looking for something, anything, that felt even the slightest bit “thanksgiving-y” for our Thanksgiving Day meal. My first choice, Ohana, was booked solid and there weren’t any close seconds in my book. So I thought the Garden Grill would be a decent choice because meals there are served family-style and are traditionally American. It’s a harvest feast, right? What more can you ask for on Thanksgiving Day?

I don’t know if it was because I went in with low expectations or what, but our meal was absolutely fabulous. And this was the consensus all around the table. Everything came out fresh and hot and service was timed perfectly.

A look at the deliciousness…

Just an FYI... the maple butter that came with the bread was to die for.

IMG_0256.jpg


Farmer’s salad… nom nom nom

IMG_0257.jpg


The entrée platter included, from left, mahi mahi with tomato and pepper compote served over wild rice, char-grilled filet with red wine butter served over roasted veggies, and roasted turkey breast with lemon caper sauce served over smashed potatoes. And in the spirit of the American holiday, they included cranberry sauce and stuffing.

IMG_0279.jpg


I appreciated that the portion size wasn’t crazy big, and instead, our server just brought out a second platter when we demolished the first. They have to waste less food this way. Platter #2 appeared a bit less messy when it arrived…

IMG_0282.jpg


Dessert was a fruit cobbler with whip cream, and some individually portioned pumpkin pies on the side. Dessert was probably the biggest disappointment of the meal for me. The Garden Grill used to have a delicious apple crunch/caramel cobbler that was heavenly. The multi-fruit version wasn’t nearly as good as its predecessor.

IMG_0285.jpg
 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Now let’s talk about the character interactions at the Garden Grill! In our experience, this seems to be one of the best meals when it comes to quality interactions with the characters. I don’t know if it is due to the logistics and layout of the restaurant or what, but I don’t know that we’ve ever had a meal here where the characters didn’t pass through more than once. And they tend to spend a good bit of time with you, as well. As opposed to places like the Crystal Palace where we’re often done eating, bill paid, and still waiting for Eeyore to come and see us.

Happy Thanksgiving, gang!

IMG_0259.jpg


IMG_0262.jpg


IMG_0267.jpg


IMG_0268.jpg


IMG_0271.jpg


IMG_0277.jpg


I don’t even remember what was going on here, but I love the legite laugh I captured between Pluto and my dad.

IMG_0295.jpg


Love the hidden mickey in the mural at the Garden Grill – the profile mickey’s are just the coolest.

IMG_0283.jpg


IMG_0284.jpg
 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
After dinner, I snuck away from the group so that I could stop by Guest Relations and confirm our tour time for the next morning. As an early Christmas present for my dad, my mom thought it would be fun to surprise him with a Segway tour of World Showcase. We were all in on it but him… so it wasn’t hard to sneak away!

IMG_0300.jpg


I got the information I needed and then met back up with them in Mouse Gear… where there was some Vinylmation trading happening. And then we started making our way to World Showcase to snag a good spot for Illuminations.

IMG_0310.jpg


We found a great spot on the bridge between France and England and settled in to wait for Illuminations. Two things you can garner from the photo below… clearly, we had a bit of time on our hands and it had gotten a bit chilly out:

IMG_0312.jpg


I think this is my new favorite place to watch Illuminations from… no doubt, because we experienced the show from just below this very same bridge on the evening of our wedding.

IMG_0322.jpg


IMG_6857.jpg


I was totally psyched for the “Peace on Earth” explosion, but it turns out they don’t add the holiday tag until the day after Thanksgiving. Now we know.

On our way back to the Dolphin, we stopped in at a few of the resorts to check out their Christmas decorations. The Beach Club carousel remains my favorite.

IMG_0340.jpg


There was even a Holly horse… the last time they included a Holly horse was in 2008 I believe.

IMG_0345.jpg


IMG_0347.jpg


Next up… an early wake up call for our Segway tour of the World!
 

Ariel484

Well-Known Member
SQUEEEE! Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you guys...you are going to be wonderful parents. I thought about you yesterday and was all set to send you an email to check in. Sounds like you have been super busy. I love how you told your parents...that is totally what I would do. Just blurt it out. :)

Anyhoo, that excitement aside...

There is never a wrong time for Disney Christmas pictures. Love them!

Wow, the Dolphin looks super nice. We always toy with staying there or the Swan, but we need the transportation from the airport (I.e. Magical Express). That's what always kills it for us. Maybe some day...I am looking forward to hearing how you liked it over the rest of your trip.

Hooray for a surprise Segway tour! Can't beat it. AND, hooray for a meet-up with non-axe-murderer Karen! ;)

Looking forward to more!!

EDITED TO ADD: the report title = genius...and you look fabulous in the first picture of the report!
 

clee687

Member
When I read that you were about to make the big announcement to your parents I was so excited to see how you told them. Then I was laughing hysterically that you just blurted it out! I did that too! We tried to get pregnant for 17 years before it finally happened so I had tons of time to think of cute and creative ways to tell people but when the time came I was blank! Even when I knew I couldn't manage clever and just had to say it...it just didn't come out. I blame hormones! I also felt your exhaustion! Pregnancy kicked my butt! I could've slept the whole 9 months!

We saw Flights of Wonder for the first time in 2010.On our previous trips I just wasn't interested in birds for some reason and thought it would be boring. I took that trip with my Mom and she wanted to see it so we did and it was great! Now my rule is to try everything once!

Again, I love the Christmas decor pics! I can't wait to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights up close and see my son's reaction. I saw them in 1996 but it's changed so much since then! We were there Dec. 2007...trying to remember why we missed them on that trip...hmmmm...not sure. Oh well! Getting so excited!
 

PolynesianPrincess

Well-Known Member
Ok first off, the Swan and Dolphin.... they are two really pretty places! My Mom owns a timeshare with RCI and if she converts over to points (she has a week now) those are two places I believe she can use her points. Your photos are definitely winning me over on staying there.

Second, we saw Flights of Wonder for the first time last month and we LOVED it. We had a CM friend with us who works at Cape May Cafe and he told us it was really good. So we saw that and Finding Nemo, both of which I had no interest in before. They were both fabulous though! So glad we did it.

The way you told your parents you were pregnant... too funny. Sounds like something I would do! lol I bet they were not expecting that one huh? :)

We've always been super iffy about trying Garden Grill. We went for breakfast back in 1998 or 99 and it was really good. We're doing the free dining in Sept and right now we have Narcoossee's booked taking up 2 of our credits. We're TRYING to get into Ohana and if we can manage that, we're going to switch Narcoossee's to 'Ohana and then use the other credit for Garden Grill... I think. lol

Can't wait to read more! So glad you're back here on the boards. We missed ya!! :)
 

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Holly! I keep trying to think of something witty to pair with the word "it" so I can sing my little neener-neener sorta like Agnes in 'Meet Me in St.Louis' when she said something to the tune of "Esther loves John Pruitt and we always knew it!" I love old movies... But alas, I'm drawing a blank here. Crap. But I kneeeeew.....neener neener neeeeeee-ner!!! Even my boys periodically ask how Miss Holly is doing. LOL! So you're out of the closet...so glad your pregnancy has been so smooth. Here's to an on-time arrival, easy delivery, and speedy recovery. I am sooo with Chris on this one. Being a parent is the most wonderful pain in the tookus ever. That's spot-on.

I've so wanted to stay at the Swan or Dolphin for a while. Which has the Starbucks? That's the one for me! I love the decor, the nice-level all right there in a fabulous location. My hang up is always the cost to park. It's like paying for luggage when flying. Just charge me more and don't nickel-n-dime me. Maybe I'll swallow the parking fee and give it a whirl next May. I'm hoping to hit TL again & try BB pre-cruise. Woot!

Didn't know Brett's an engineer. How cool is that???? Tracey is a Sr. Piping Designer and is currently working for Mustang Engineering. He's lead on the Valero project he's on but he doesn't like the jump up from designing so much. Basically, he does engineering in refineries and facilities but doesn't have the degree to be "Engineer". And your dad, too! All of Tracey's family is in Engineering! Aaaand we're moving to an Engineer's paradise directly across the street from Johnson Space Center. Too cool!

Agree with you that the best way to hook a first timer is to gear towards their likes. Make it appeal.

Love all your gorgeous pics. November is a wonderful time at WDW. One of my favorite times of year in The World. Um, yes, I agree removing the gifts from all nations from beneath the Epcot tree was a big step backward. The Osbourne Lights has to be the single most festive thing in the world. If you ever feel a little Grinch going on just go stand on the Streets of America for the light show. You'll be singing Christmas carols in no time. Right?

I love how you delivered your preggy news. When you think about it, one would expect you to have a plan of attack, something witty and thought-out. To blurt it out is far more un-you which is its brilliance. That's what makes it perfect. I love the unexpected. So in my book, you nailed it! Yay! Gotta know, what does your mom & dad have the grands call them??? My mom is Nana. Tracey's mom is Mimi. My dad is Grandpaw while Tracey's dad is Poppa. I love those little details. Can ya tell????

Um, went to Garden Grill years ago and what we were served was not that fab. I recall it being more akin to Liberty Tree which I was equally blah enough on not to want to return. I love when Disney eateries reinvent themselves. The beef you had makes me huuuuungry. They can keep the fishies! LOL!

Can't wait for more! I'll work double-hard packing so I can make time for reading!
 

mamamouse

Well-Known Member
OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!! Congrats :) I am so excited for you,I'm almost at a loss for words and thats not like me :) i can't wait for you to see Disney through the eyes of your little angel,it is the most amazing feeling .My girls are 9 n 7 and I still cry,with their reactions to Disney Magic!! When you're there and you feel it thats one thing but when you see your child feel and experience the same magic its a whole new world.i know it'll be a bit yet but still i can't wait to be here reading that report,in the meantime I'm gonna soak this one up.HUGS N SQUISHES n Congrats again!!!!
 

PartOfYourWorld

Well-Known Member
Hi Holly!!!! ::insert old waving smiley here:: SO happy to see that you posted a trip report!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see the little guy!!! Congrats again to you and Brett! So glad me and mum got to see you you and Brett in February! You both are so great and you will be the BEST parents!

Thanks for the Christmas pictures! Makes me excited to go for our trip in November! Right after Thanksgiving! :) And we haven't been for Christmas since 2002! Thats waaaaay too many years!

Glad you had a good time at the Dolphin! I've never seen the insides of those rooms before so thanks for the pictures!

Can't wait to read more! and say hi to Brett for me!
 

foreverbelle

Well-Known Member
OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!

So here I have been stalking the boards like crazy because surely you had been MIA for so long that I was beginning to worry there. I mean I really was sitting there thinking what had happened!!!

And here I come back to find THIS WONDERFUL NEWS as you can see I am clearly excited for you guys. How incredible of a time and no wonder you have not been around.

In fact I am so excited I just had to post more about this news than your trip. Which I will now have to go back and reread thank you very much...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
 

meganw1985

Active Member
Holly! Congrats! So exciting! We as well have a human in the human tank! A boy as well. He is due September 6. We are currently in the house hunting process, and hoping to be settled by the time he arrives. We also are in the early planning stages for his first Disney trip, we are planning next June. (It will be my husband's first trip too) and my parents and sister are going. I don't know what instagram is (I'm not horribly on the up and up with technology, really) so I probably won't get to see him until he makes a trip report debut. Maybe he will be born on my birthday! (June 27). So exciting for you guys, I can't stand it!!!
 

HouCuseChickie

Well-Known Member
First off....CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!:) It's funn y, at first I was guestimating how far along you were at the time of this trip and thinking "man, that 1st trimester exhaustion would have sidelined me by now." Major kudos for being able to tour the parks and not curl up into bed every couple of hours for nap time. And hey, at least with an early July due date...you won't have to go through the full heat of the summer. You look GREAT! and congrats again to you and Brett!

I'm also really glad to see a Nov trip report as we're planning on heading back in Nov. It may be June, but your photos of Osborne Lights (which I totally agree- has a childhood nostalgia kind of impact on me) and all of the other decor is getting me all happy for trip time. Also glad to see a good review on Garden Grill. DH had to hear me go back and forth about 2 weeks ago on Garden Grill vs. the updates at Tutto. It was mind blowing. :rolleyes: Well, he asked me to stick with Garden Grill, so it's nice to see the majority of your food was delish. It also makes me happy I went for the earlier time b/c I was considering waiting on a lower level table.

You're also now really making me want to consider the Dolphin. Not that I really want to have to reconfigure all of my plans, but I'm thinking about a few back up plans to save some $...and I think Dolphin is going to be back up plan A after seeing your pics. I mean- not the most ideal thing for 2 MK loving kids like the Contemporary would be, but your pics show a pretty spacious room.

Can't wait to read more!:D
 

fractal

Well-Known Member
thanks for the review of the Dolphin. I love that area and have considered S&D. Nice strategy with your Dad! Did he enjoy LMAC? Looking forward to your report on the
Segway tour!
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom