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!

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:

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?!

 

[lisak09]

Wow, what fantastic news, Congratulations to you both. Delighted for you. How Disney spoilt will that baby be!

 

[Dianarella]

Congratulations Holly & Brett! So very, very happy for you both. I've followed your trip experiences from Cruise Critic to Disney....from Senor Frogs w/Mom & margaritas... marathons to engagement and your beautiful wedding. This news is like coming full circle. Being a parent truly is the hardest job you will ever love. Your little munchkin is one lucky boy. Best wishes to your lovely family.

 

[erstwo]

Congratulations Holly! Having a boy first is my personal favorite.

 

[HollyBelle]

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!

Shannon! Thank you so much. How's Will? I hope he's getting to feeling better. So tell me... are you training for the full marathon this year? I'm seriously contemplating it. I know it would make more sense to do the half six months post baby as opposed to the full, but I really want in on the commemorative run and I'm super curious about the character palooza that may take place at the WWS during the race. Your thoughts?! Either way, hopefully, we're both there that weekend so we can meet up. Cruise roomies unite!

Ahh... I knew there was a reason the S&D weren't popular - I used to think they didn't get EMH, but it's the DME that they don't get. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I can see why it would be an issue for a lot of people.

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!

I was the most awkward person EVER every single time I shared the news. No joke. And I don't really know why, it was weird. But hey, the news was exciting enough that I think I was forgiven for not making an event out of the telling!

I feel pretty lucky that the tough part of this pregnancy for me has been the exhaustion and overwhelming desire to sleep. I'll take that any day over morning sickness and puking for 9 months straight.

Ahh yes, Flights of Wonder is so fun, isn't it?!

You will love the Osborne Lights... there is just something so magical and awe-inspiring about them.

Congratulations

Thank you!!!

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!!

I think the Swan and Dolphin would be a great place for you girls to use your mom's points. They really do offer so much convenience and if you can use points then that is going to make it all the better.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Flights of Wonder and I think we'll definitely go see it more often now.

Mmm... Ohana! That is by far my favorite, and I think the Garden Grill offers a good character experience. I prefer it to places like Chef Mickey's and the Crystal Palace where you have to get up and go server yourself at a buffet.

Hopefully, I'm back and will still have time to post once the little one gets here. I've read the first bit of your trip report (the road trip part) and can't wait to read more!

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!

Kelly!! The funny thing is that one of the big things on my pre-baby must do list was to get this trip report posted. At the rate I'm going with these trip reports, I'm doing good to get the news out here before we take the kid on his first trip. So sweet that the boys ask about me. Isn't it funny how we all start to "know" one another after awhile on the boards together?!

I know what you mean about the parking charge and other "nickel and dime" charges. And even though it is annoying to pay for that upon arrival, we at least educated ourselves on all the 'hidden" costs and knew that we were still coming out on top in comparison to what we would've paid at Port Orleans.

There's a small Mustang Engineering design outfit in our area that we've had a couple of students co-op with in the past. You know what's really wild though... my dad also works with piping design. Very similar, indeed!

My mom is known by my nieces as Grandma and my dad goes by Pa. Pronounced Paw. It's funny because my oldest niece pretty much named him. I don't know how it stuck but we all call him Pa now.

Good luck with the packing and all the stuff on your to-do list!

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!!!!

Thank you so much! We're super excited to take the little guy to Disney World. Seriously. 3 1/2 months? 6 months? or both 3 1/2 months and 6 months?! That's what we're trying to decide. I definitely can't wait for the new pace with which we will approach upcoming trips. Of course I love the way Brett and I do Disney now, but we've been doing it this way for so long that I think we're both really going to welcome the change and new dynamic on so many levels.

 

[PirateTink]

Congrats HollyBelle and Brett!! I love hearing about good people getting good things!! I haven't been on here in ages also, and when I saw your post I was so excited and told Steve---it was appropriate too because I ran a 10-mile race today, and you've done the WDW races, on my bucket list! My best wishes for an amazing delivery, and yay for your son already being to WDW 3 times We're hoping to get pg too, and I've started stashing all my $5's and an occasional 20---I want a Land and Sea package for our "babymoon"! First time cruising, crossing fingers for all of it! Xoxoxoxo!

 

[HollyBelle]

Baby's first character greeting!!

YES! And somewhat appropriate considering at the time I had no clue Louie and Baloo would end up making an appearance in his nursery.

Congrats, Holly! So happy you started your TR- love reading them! Good luck with everything

Thanks, Elizabeth!

Was so excited to see you posting again! Congratulations to both you and Brett!

Thanks, Krista! I saw a cruise report of yours floating around here - can't wait to check it out.

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!

Hi, Jess! Oooh, you're someone who can totally attest to my awkwardness in blurting out pregnancy news. Seeing as how I did the same thing to you and your mom, too.

I don't think I knew you had a November trip coming up... you're gonna love Christmas at Disney - it's high time you get back... 10 years since your last Christmas trip.

Ahhh...loving the pictures, as always

Thanks, Joanna!

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!!!

Congratulations, Megan! I didn't know you were preggers, too. So fun that you and Brett will be taking your hubby and Brett's little brother on their first trip soon. That is going to be so much fun. Good luck with house hunting. At times it was stressful for us, but so worth it when we found our little dream home! I'll keep my fingers crossed that you find a place and close before the little man arrives.

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. 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!

Thank you so much, Sandy! Yeah... daily naps and a much slower pace kept me from getting too worn out on this trip. You know, the heat hasn't bothered me too much yet, and with only two weeks left to go I think we'll be just fine. That picture was taken last weekend at the beginning of my 37th week and I'm just incredibly thankful that the pregnancy gods have spared me seven additional chins. Although, I have gained 30 pounds to date! ACK. Thank you.

I think with the girls, you'll really enjoy the Garden Grill and I would definitely suggest requesting/waiting for a lower tier table. The pictures will be better (the pictures tend to have the murals and Living with the Land greenery in the background).

The S&D are great Plan B's if your current first choice doesn't work out. Even though you have MK loving kids, I think you'll still be able to enjoy the convenient location to the Studios and Epcot. Who knows, maybe they'll find some new stuff to love in those parks. And the rooms really are great - we stayed at the Swan back in 2007 and our room over there was just as nice as our Dolphin room.

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!

I definitely think my strategy/approach worked with my dad. He's pretty laid back so I knew he'd be game for anything, but I wanted him to really enjoy it. He liked LMA a lot. But I think his favorite attraction so far is Soarin'. It's unfortunate because he used to be one to seek out thrills (like parachuting out of planes) but ever since he lost his vision in one eye, g forces and thrill rides really aren't worth the risk of all that pressure on his good eye, so many of the things he would've loved (like RNR and ToT) were out.

 

[HollyBelle]

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!!!

Arrrggghh! I almost missed your post, Aleisha! Oh no! I'm having trouble getting used to scrolling back up for replies. Anywho... thank you so much. Didn't mean for my hiatus to cause alarm, although, I'd say this has been my longest time away since I joined so long ago. We're super excited for the little man to arrive - I may need to go back and reread some of your early trip reports with Logan. Seeing as how with our next trip, we'll be embarking on a whole new Disney journey.

 

[HollyBelle]

Wow, what fantastic news, Congratulations to you both. Delighted for you. How Disney spoilt will that baby be!

Thanks, Lisa. Yeah... he'll be a Disney baby for sure!

Congratulations Holly & Brett! So very, very happy for you both. I've followed your trip experiences from Cruise Critic to Disney....from Senor Frogs w/Mom & margaritas... marathons to engagement and your beautiful wedding. This news is like coming full circle. Being a parent truly is the hardest job you will ever love. Your little munchkin is one lucky boy. Best wishes to your lovely family.

Thanks, Diana! Thanks for coming along with us on all our adventures. We're feeling pretty lucky ourselves these days.

Congratulations Holly! Having a boy first is my personal favorite.

Not gonna lie, I've got my fingers crossed our little family makeup will look a lot like yours one day. Thank you, Erin!

 

[HollyBelle]

Congrats HollyBelle and Brett!! I love hearing about good people getting good things!! I haven't been on here in ages also, and when I saw your post I was so excited and told Steve---it was appropriate too because I ran a 10-mile race today, and you've done the WDW races, on my bucket list! My best wishes for an amazing delivery, and yay for your son already being to WDW 3 times We're hoping to get pg too, and I've started stashing all my $5's and an occasional 20---I want a Land and Sea package for our "babymoon"! First time cruising, crossing fingers for all of it! Xoxoxoxo!

Awww, thanks, Nicole! And good luck with getting preggers. The Babymoon sounds pretty fabulous. We currently have a May 2013 cruise booked for the Fantasy - hopefully we'll be keeping that and not pushing it out into the future yet again, but we'll see. Unlike at Disney, babies aren't free on DCL so it definitely adds to the expense of an already expensive vacation.

Big congrats on your 10 miler!!! I did well to walk around the block today. Hah! Which race do you think you'll check off the bucket list first?

 

[HollyBelle]

Day 3 – Friday, November 25: Epcot

We met my parents in the lobby shortly after 7am and took off for Epcot. I don’t know whether or not we confirmed this, but I was pretty sure we wouldn’t be able to get in through the International Gateway before park opening, so we opted to hop in the car instead.

Now, this, was a beautiful sight… there was absolutely no one around when we first arrived.

Shortly before letting us into the park, a quick look around and it appeared that it was just us and the princesses headed to Akershus. Could it be? Were we the only ones signed up for the first Segway tour of the morning? No way…

Yes way!

 

[HollyBelle]

When we arrived at Guest Relations we were informed that we were, indeed, the only family on the schedule that morning. How cool?! Private Segway tour for us. So, we signed our lives away and then followed our guide, Charles, over to Innoventions to get started.

Joining Charles was another guide, Sarah. When we were marveling over the fact that it was just us, they mentioned that this actually happens a good bit in the early tour. I guess most people just aren’t interested in getting up a little earlier. But it’s really no different than getting up early for breakfast, which is something we’re very accustomed to. They also mentioned that the results from their satisfaction survey clearly indicate to them that the individuals who attend the first section have the highest satisfaction rating, followed by those in the second, and then those in the third. Apparently, the folks in the third section get cut off on the back end of World Showcase sometimes, because by that point, the area is open and operational to guests, so the guides have to rush things along.

Anyhow… all of this to say, I highly recommend booking the earliest tour. When we participated in this tour in 2008, we booked the middle time and it was close to capacity. It was still great, but I this one was better and more personalized.

The format for this tour was exactly as it was when we participated in 2008… we spent 45 minutes or so in “training” and then we headed out for World Showcase. We chatted with our guides as we went and they shared stories in all the different countries. Some of these we had heard before, and some we had not. While we were out there we saw a bride and groom frolicking around Italy having portraits taken! Much love for my fellow Disney bride! Woohoo!

We zoomed back to Future World… where we were met with a crazy amount of people running towards The Land. Seriously, our guides had to stop traffic in the race for Soarin’ and one foolish kid decided not to mind and ran out in front of my dad, almost getting clipped. The guide got on him for it and his parents just laughed. I swear.

If you’d like a more detailed account of the tour, you can check out this post in my December 2008 trip report. The format is still exactly the same, and I still highly recommend it.

We, sadly, returned our Segways to Segway Central and went on our merry way. It was closing in on 10am and we decided to go see what the fastpass distribution was looking like for Soarin’. The park was so busy I was half expecting them to be gone for the day already. Lucky for us, they weren’t. We picked up passes with a 1:15pm return time and then grabbed some breakfast at Sunshine Seasons because we were all so hungry.

See that French toast and sausage… totally a kid’s meal. And the water came with it. I’m all about the value you can get form ordering a kid’s meal off some of these quick service menus. Sure, it wasn’t nearly as tasty as those nom-rific specialty Mickey waffles at Roaring Fork, but not too bad either.

After our quick breakfast, we weren’t sure what to do. The park was crazy and there wasn’t much we could do by way of rides. Plus, we’d just “toured” World Showcase, and weren’t ready to head back over there yet, so we decided we should head over to the Magic Kingdom via monorail. Although, we did get sidetracked a few times on the way out.

 

[HollyBelle]

First… Vinylmations for everyone, well, almost everyone!

Now, let’s talk about Brett. Brett got a bit hooked on the Vinylmation Park Stars. Mostly because he saw the Robot Butler from Horizons and geeked out over it. So now he’s on a mission - a somewhat expensive mission to find the Robot Butler. Luckily, when we asked at one of the trading stops, they said that the Park Stars could also be traded, so we figured if he didn’t get the butler than we could still trade whatever he ended up with.

As you can see in that shot above… Brett ended up with Honest Abe. Who, let’s face it, isn’t too exciting!

Also stopping us in our tracks as we exited the park was a certain blue guy…

Again… I don’t know what it is about the characters, but like Pluto the night before, Stitch wasn’t letting dad get away without a little personal attention. He pretty much chased him down for a handshake!

On our way up the monorail platform, some family got Brett’s attention and asked if he’d take their picture. No problem, right. Well, as Brett was taking their picture the rest of us were trying to figure out which family member was being held hostage!

Likely the young lady holding up the dated newspaper. Hah! Proof of life right there, buddy!

 

[HollyBelle]

Finally… we made it to the monorail platform.

And soon enough we were on our way to the MK!

Let’s talk about the leggings, shall we? I totally debated over whether or not it was appropriate for me to buy these. I mean, they’re certainly cute. That can’t be denied. But how cute is it for an old pregnant married chic to be wearing them?! Sure, put them on a 5 year old, or even 12 or 16 year old and they’re super cute. But on me? I don’t know. Disney is for kids of all ages though, right? And that is when I decided to take the plunge and spend a whole $6 on them. I don’t wear them out in public here at home though. Don’t worry.

Bag check!

Now, who in their right mind would expect that the Magic Kingdom would be any less of a cluster**** than Epcot that day?! Clearly we needed our heads examined because it was INSANE. Yeah, I think I even overheard that they were in the midst of phased closings when we arrived. Not the best decision on our part. We fought the crowds to get up Main Street and veered left towards Adventureland, thinking our best bet for an attraction would be the Enchanted Tiki Room. Plus, Brett and I had somehow skipped this post-refurb when we were last at the World.

 

[HollyBelle]

Hey-yo! No one was in line when we got there. I think it had been down for a while and they’d just reopened it – worked for us! I enjoyed the reboot, as this was my first time seeing it. And Brett was certainly excited to see the attraction return to its roots.

 

[HollyBelle]

With that, we decided to get out of the Magic Kingdom. I know… we’d worked hard to get there, but we just weren’t interested in dealing with the crowds. That and I was trying my best to take it easy. I was pretty exhausted during most of this trip and had to keep reminding myself as to why… first trimester woes and all. So we decided to take a boat to the Polynesian and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Kona Café.

Impromptu photo shoot with Cinderella Castle on the way out…

iPhoneography?

It was a gorgeous day for a boat ride on Seven Seas Lagoon… and especially nice to leave the crowds behind.

Tuvalu!

 

[HollyBelle]

It was around 1:30pm when we arrived at the Polynesian and Kona was empty by this time.

Mom and I split the Kona club for lunch and Brett and dad both had a burger.

Lunch was delicious, as per usual for Kona! Afterward we headed back to Epcot via the TTC. We wanted to utilize our Soarin’ fastpasses before taking a little afternoon break.

 

[HollyBelle]

Bag check!

On our way to the Land we stopped to meet a certain someone. I think it’s an unspoken requirement that we stop anytime a character is hanging out without a line.

Soarin’ with my mom is always a trip! In fact, it is my favorite way to ride… so much more entertaining when she’s freaking out beside me. Love you, mom!

Something to note... standby was at 140 minutes when we showed up with our fastpasses in hand. Yikes!

 

[HollyBelle]

We got back to the resort around 4pm and I snuggled in for a nap. I think Brett might’ve gone to check out the gym and I have no clue what my parents did. We all met back up around 6:30pm and headed off to Epcot via boat launch. Where we spent the evening wandering around World Showcase.

We grabbed some dinner at the La Hacienda counter service. Mmmm... nachos! We were like vultures trying to find a table, swooping down in on our prey before they’d taken their last bite. Of course, the same happened to us when we were finished – there’s just not enough seating there at night.

 

[HollyBelle]

We backtracked a little to catch the next showing of Reflections of China. Where I preceded to get insanely nauseous. Who knew? Apparently, Circlevision doesn’t get along well with human-growing!

We debated between watching Illuminations again and making our way to DHS to take some better pictures at the Osborne Lights (I had my flash, unlike the first night). Illuminations and a pastry from France won out in the end because we didn’t think we could make it over to the Studios in time. At least we got to see the holiday tag this time!

A word about the pastry… I had a cream puff from France and it wasn’t too tasty. It was actually kinda bitter, and not sweet at all. It looked much better than it tasted.

After Epcot proceeded to blow up the night sky, we turned in for the night.

Up next... some Studios lovin'!

 

[foreverbelle]

Arrrggghh! I almost missed your post, Aleisha! Oh no! I'm having trouble getting used to scrolling back up for replies. Anywho... thank you so much. Didn't mean for my hiatus to cause alarm, although, I'd say this has been my longest time away since I joined so long ago. We're super excited for the little man to arrive - I may need to go back and reread some of your early trip reports with Logan. Seeing as how with our next trip, we'll be embarking on a whole new Disney journey.

You are going to have a fabulous time, I have been documenting on here about my trips for so long I totally understand....and I am honored that you would go back and read, and I am glad to help. We are 31 days away from our next adventure down there....so super excited...