Eighteen Again! - Final thoughts added 7/24 COMPLETE!! About This Page:

[christiejay]

It's been 10 years since my last F&GF, I know what you mean - it adds so much to the World Showcase! Thanks for the great pictures.

[Tink and co.]

Wow! The F&G Festival is beautiful! I loved the pictures...anxiously awaiting your ramblings! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] They always make me laugh!

[ilovedisney0_0]

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] This has been such a fun TR! I just [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] all of your pictures. I am just sorry to see it end. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zcry.gif[/img]

[img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] Amy

[Colexis Mom]

Fantastic pictures of the F&GF [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] I'm sorry it's all come to an end [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] But that must mean there's another one in the works [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Looking forward to your final thoughts [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[zacksmom_1993]

OK- I just read your whole report in one sitting since I knew I'd catch H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks from someone (not naming names, but her initials are Eileen Lloyd) if I posted to your report before posting to ours. But, holy fantasy trip, girl! I agree with you, your trip was far too short as this trip report ended much too quickly. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/pout.gif[/img]

A couple of things though - If I can have a (probably illegal) crush on Jesse McCartney, you can check out the NCAA eye candy, especially on an Eighteen Again trip! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] You showed amazing restraint with the booby / goofy kid, although I think we should all rename him the goofy booby kid. Whaddya think? [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img] Finally, thanks for letting us get a sneak peak at the Disney Fastpass and parade watching brain trust. Can't wait to learn directly at the feet of the master next February. I'll be looking anxiously for your final thoughts, and then waiting for the next Fab Princess Sharon report. Can't wait!

[DyanKJ130]

Your TR is great!! Don't know how I have been missing it all this time!! Love your ride poses [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/rofl2.gif[/img]

[mattnkatsmum]

Thoroughly enjoyed your trip report Sharon. It was over all too soon. Can't wait for the next report [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Luv2golf]

The pics of the F&GF were great! Thanks for sharing. I hope you get a chance to return to see the F&GF show since you enjoyed it so much!

[luvnwdwgal]

Any trip to WDW is too short! I've really enjoyed your trip report and pics! So sorry it's coming to an end! Looking forward to your final thoughts! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[simbarel]

Great stuff as usual, Sharon. Your beautiful shots show every petal, leaf, blade of grass and I am IN LOVE with the Cindy/Prince Charming one. I'm at work and wasn't able to see your postcard, I'll have to check it out when I'm at home. Sorry your trip had to come to an end, looking forward to your final thoughts. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zread.gif[/img]

[Grammy Grumpy]

Loved this TR! Thanks for an enjoyable read!!

[SHEANA1226]

Sharon I am just getting caught up and as usual great report! I loved the Cape May Pics and the chipmunk bathing suits were hilarious!!!! Sorry to see your report coming to an end.

[PrincessSharon]

Final Thoughts and Ramblings

This was a fun trip and I really enjoyed acting like a kid again (or at least having an excuse to act like a kid again ). It was a new experience for me in that I let Erica call the shots and I am always the one calling the shots when I travel with my family. They have learned that I know best, so they just let me lead. I don’t even get much input from them about what they want to do. When I ask, they usually just say, “whatever you think is best.” I have them well trained, I guess! Also, they never complain or say they didn’t like anything, so I guess I’m good at it and will be the official tour guide for my family forever.

Having said that, it surprised me how easy I found it to let Erica dictate what and when we’d do things (for the most part), but we actually have many of the same favorites, so I really enjoyed the time we spent and of course Erica did too. I even got a thank you note from her, saying how much fun she had (a real-live honest-to-goodness note that came via snail mail).

After I got home, DM asked me how it went (if Erica and I had any disagreements) and until that moment, I hadn’t even thought about it. We had so much fun and were completely compatible the entire time. It was a Disney love fest! It was also a shorter Disney trip than I like, but I can’t say I won’t ever take such a short trip again. Any time with the mouse is time well spent, dontcha think?

Transportation:

Southwest Airlines – I say this after every trip, but Southwest rocks! They are consistently the cheapest option for me, and my area airport is small and comfortable. As a bonus, it’s also closer to my home than the other airports.

Dollar – I chose Dollar this time for two reasons, they are onsite at both TPA and MCO, and they were the cheapest of the rental agencies that were onsite at both TPA and MCO. We were given a free upgrade to a Lincoln Towncar (which my parents enjoyed more than I did – I was constantly being led to parking areas for car services ). The only complaint I would have with them is I had no customer service when I picked up my car. I just showed my license and credit card and was handed keys. I don’t think she said more than five words to me. I didn't even know we'd been upgraded until I got to the car. I guess that’s better than being upsold, but I wanted to prepay for gas and I forgot to ask for it myself. I would use Dollar again, but not as a first choice.

Disney Transportation – This was my first stay at an Epcot resort, and now I know why this location is so popular. I really enjoyed being able to walk to a park, and having the option to take a boat was very nice as well. The bus situation left a bit to be desired. I think it’s awful that five resorts (and higher-end deluxe resorts at that) share one bus route. The route should be split up into at least two routes, and possibly three. We were lucky in that we didn’t have long to wait for a bus except that one night after EMH at AK. However, it always took a long time to get anywhere because there were so many freakin’ stops on the bus!

The Resorts:

Embassy Suites Tampa-USF – This was my first experience with Embassy Suites, but it won’t be my last. The room was clean and comfortable and I enjoyed having my own “room” with the door that closes between the bedroom and the rest of the suite. We also had a free hot breakfast each morning, which was a nice benefit. There was a shuttle that would take you anywhere you wanted to go within 5 miles of the hotel, including Walgreens or Walmart. This will be my hotel of choice on future visits to Tampa.

Yacht Club Resort – The Yacht Club was beautiful and not at all as stuffy as it seems from the lobby. The rooms are bright and cheerful and Erica and I enjoyed our upgrade. Our location was fabulous and I wish we’d stayed long enough to check out the view of Illuminations from our balcony. We loved every minute of our time at Stormalong Bay and my only complaint is that it isn’t open long enough (it’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. if I recall). I would stay at YCR again in a heartbeat, but my goal is to stay at every WDW resort at least once, so it’ll be a while before I’m at YCR again.

The Food:

This was a trip of a lifetime for Erica, and we certainly ate like it was. I chose restaurants that I knew Erica would like, and I also wanted to get in a few that I hadn’t tried before. We had a table service meal every day and I have learned that one TS per day is perfect (more than that and it’s too much food, less than that and I spend too much time waiting on lines to eat). I had to renew my DDE for this trip, but I didn’t hesitate in doing so. It’s one of the best benefits to AP holders and offers great savings, even for someone like me, who often dines alone.

‘Ohana – ‘Ohana is an old favorite of mine (and my whole family’s actually). I liked it better the old way, but I always enjoy the food and the changes made are all yummy. There are just a few things we miss about the old meal. I probably will return to ‘Ohana again, but mainly for a pina colada.

Beaches and Cream – When I decided on the YCR, B&C became a must-do. Every time I visit the World, I try and stop for ice cream at B&C (but am not always successful ). This was Erica’s first visit to B&C and she is hooked as well. I wanted to try the Kitchen Sink on this trip, but we chickened out at the last minute (especially since we’d just finished the burgers). Many visits to B&C are in my future, and I will get a Kitchen Sink one day.

Cape May Café Clam Bake – This was a first for both of us. Erica, a seafood lover, really enjoyed this meal. I enjoy seafood and loved all that was offered, but also loved the fact that there were other non-seafood things I could try. Even though I have no complaints whatsoever, I probably won’t return for this buffet any time soon, only because there are so many others I’d like to try.

Cape May Café Character Breakfast – This was our hands-down favorite meal of the trip. There is a level of intimacy here that isn’t present in most other character meals, which I think is at least partly because it’s at a resort rather than in a park, making it less crowded and rushed. The character interaction was stellar, and the food was quite tasty as well! This was great as our final meal together because it summed up perfectly just how much fun this trip was. I will definitely eat here again.

Disney Dining Experience – Having just renewed my card, I have to start my savings total over. There were just two of us, and we only had four days, but I still managed to save a bit of money!

‘Ohana – $10.40
Flame Tree Barbecue – $2.81
Beaches and Cream – $8.07
Cape May Café Clam Bake - $ 10.40
Cape May Café Character Breakfast – $7.60

So my savings so far this year comes to $39.28. Not bad for one trip with only two of us! My next trip we’ll be on the DDP, so I’ll have to wait until December to rack up any more savings.

The Parks:

I think we got lucky this trip and missed most of the crowds. We really didn’t wait long for anything and were able to use FPs to see everything we wanted to see. The parks were definitely crowded, though, and we needed to use FP on the more popular attractions.

We only stayed for Extra Magic Hours once this trip, during evening EMH at AK. I’ve said this before, but I am just as likely to avoid the EMH park as attend. It tends to make the park more crowded and only certain rides are open. The worst of the 4 parks I think is AK, because none of the animal attractions are open (during evening EMH), leaving only basically Asia, Dinoland, and It’s Tough to Be a Bug to do, and lots of people wanting to do them. I did enjoy the chance to see the park at night, but I probably won’t do evening EMH at AK again.

So that’s it. I’ve had quite a few TRs recently, but my next trip isn’t until the end of September, so you’ll just have to find a way to do without my reports. Actually, with so many other great reports to read, I know I won’t even be missed!

Thanks for reading, and I’ll “see” you in September!

Up Next: Girls Trip, September 2006

[lauren-roxy]

Great final thoughts Sharon!!! I always look forward to reading your trip reports, you always have such a fun time!! You could be my guide anytime!!!! Glad that I will have another trip to look forward to reading!! Thanks again for sharing your trip!!!

[Colexis Mom]

Great job Sharon [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us, and your pictures as well! First class as usual [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

Looking forward to September [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]