Grand Duo Birthday Trip: COMPLETE 2/5/09 About This Page:

[chezp]

Great updates Dawn! What a shame about the dinner show, but I'm glad you were able to get into Whispering Canyon. And what a fun time at Winter Summerland.

[disneydani]

You guys sure covered alot of ground at DHS! Sorry to hear the weather canceled SoA...guess you'll just have to book another trip to make it happen!

Sorry to hear of the ugliness at breakfast but nice to see you and Chuck enjoyed your time with the princesses.

Great shots of mini-golf!

danielle

[KMB733]

I hope that rude family didn't ruin your breakfast with the Princesses. I playing the mini golf courses. Like you said its a great break from the parks. Great pictures too!

[DyanKJ130]

Great updates, Dawn! Sounds like you're having a wonderful time (well, other than the Temple family ) the daily 'happy naps' Looking forward to more

[DawnDenise]

Another Fantastic Meal and It’s Time to Go Shopping!!!!

After waking up from our happy naps, we both grabbed a shower and got ready for the evening ahead of us. We had a dinner ADR at Narcoossees’s. This was one of the signature restaurants that Chuck was looking forward to most. After getting all beautified, we headed down and walked toward the boat dock to the restaurant. We were a little early so we checked in and waited. After about 10 minutes, our names were called and we were led to a table for four near the windows. If we would have had a later seating, we would have had a great view of the Castle and fireworks.



We were given our menus and the server came by to get our drink orders. Chuck just went with a Coke while I went with the infamous Blue Glow Martini. Our server arrived with our drinks and bread basket and left us to decide on our meal for the evening. Chuck and I just sat and chatted about the rest of the trip and what was on the list for shopping tonight. We had to tell the server to come back twice as we were talking too much. After the second time, we concentrated on the menu. It didn’t take long for us to decide on what we wanted. I went with the Caesar salad for my appetizer while Chuck chose the calamari (yuck!). We both went with the surf and turf for our entrée.





I will admit that I had never eaten lobster before this meal except in lobster bisque or a dip that had lobster in it, so it was a new experience to say the least. I will also admit that it wasn’t bad at all. I didn’t eat all of it, but I didn’t eat all my steak either as I got full quickly. Chuck did finish off my lobster as he loves seafood. After the table was cleared, our server came by and gave us our dessert menus. I was so full, but I was craving something sweet so I HAD to order something. Chuck went with the Key Lime Crème Brulee, and I chose the Apple tart thing. I can’t find my menu at the moment so we’ll go with that. Chuck said his dessert was to die for and I enjoyed the couple of bites I had of mine.



We settled our bill and asked our server to take a picture of the two of us. We thanked her, and we both went to the restroom.



Chuck was a sweetie and ran the menus back up to the room so we wouldn’t have to carry them in DTD. While he was doing that, I called Amy and told her we would be heading to the bus stop and would be on our way. We agreed to meet by the Christmas shop. Chuck showed up and we took the short walk to the bus stops. We waited about 15 minutes and then proceeded to take the longest bus ride to DTD. This is the second time I have taken this bus ride and it always seems to take forever. Not complaining, just trying to figure out exactly why. I sent a text to Amy to let her know that we were on our way and she said she was looking for a parking space so not to worry. We finally arrived and made our way over to the Christmas shop. I saw Amy immediately and went to give her a huge hug. I introduced her to Chuck and we headed into the Christmas store as it was time for the shopping to begin.

Now let me preface this shopping experience and explain I was finally going to get to do some shopping. Of the three previous trips this year, I didn’t buy anything besides gifts for others or nothing at all due to it being a budget trip or falling ill. So, I had the shopping bug and so did Chuck. Helps when the hubby is in the mood too. I initially had planned to buy a lot of the Storybook ornaments I didn’t have to help complete my Disney Christmas tree but changed my mind. Chuck and I found our Christmas hats for MVMCP and I fell in love with some garland that I wanted for the tree. Chuck went and made those purchases while Amy and I went to sit on a bench, aka brick wall, and chatted. Amy is just a doll and I love being around her. Chuck showed up about ten minutes later. Apparently he had chosen the wrong line. We headed over to the Art of Disney store to google at all the cool stuff. I did pick up two 11x14 prints that were going to flank each side of the “Vision” poster I had hanging over the mantle.

Next on the agenda was Team Mickey for Chuck. I had told him about the Disney golf polos I had found on my solo trip and I knew he was headed for those. Amy and I parked it again while he went shopping. The chatting began again. I would say it was probably about 20 minutes before Chuck surfaced again. He came out and handed me the bag so I could see what he purchased: 3 new polos and a hat. He offered to go get us something to drink so I asked for a coke for me and a Sprite for Amy. Once again, Amy and I began chatting. Chuck returned with our drinks and we made our way to the World of Disney. I have to give some props to Amy as she stuck with us on our little spree. I knew that Chuck wanted the Grumpy sweatshirt so I headed over to that section while he went elsewhere. I grabbed his size and then found a Mickey polo for me. Next on the agenda was to get some items to complete my Mickey kitchen. Amy had gotten me a basket to gather all the stuff. Chuck found us and told me to get the salt and pepper shakers as he didn’t like the ones we had as they were too small. I added those to the basket and then just took a spin through the store to see if there was anything else. We made our way up to the counter. Amy handed me her AP in hopes that we could get the discount. The CM wasn’t going to give it to us since I didn’t have ID but she gave it to us anyway. After all of our purchases were made, we got out the chaos. Here are a couple of pictures of the stuff we got taken after we got home.





Amy being the dear that she is offered to drive us back to our resort. We piled our purchases in the trunk and we headed back to the GF. She took the back to avoid the interstate, and we invited her back up to the room so she could see our view. She pulled up to valet so they would park the car as we unloaded the trunk. We made our way to our room. Amy and I immediately went out to the balcony while Chuck grabbed the mugs and went to get refills. As we were looking at the view, we noticed some oddities over at the boat dock at the MK. The ferry was sideways, there were alarms or something going off, and we could see some smoke coming up behind MK. Amy called her mom to check the news to see if anything was going on, but nothing was being reported. The other weird thing is that the ELP started and then suddenly stopped. It was just weird. Chuck returned and I asked him to grab a picture of Amy and me.



We walked Amy back down to valet and waited with her as they retrieved her car. We exchanged some more hugs and then secured plans for meeting at Jellyrolls on Friday around 9:30pm. We watched her drive off and we headed back to our room. We organized our purchases and then got changed into our pajamas. We were both wide awake due to our extra long happy nap, so we turned the TV on and took out the deck of cards we always bring. We played some Gin Rummy until about midnight and then turned in for the evening. We didn’t set the alarm as we didn’t have to be anywhere first thing in the morning.

Coming Up: Our Morning Tour of Future World and Wow, I Missed That Big Time.

[DyanKJ130]

Great update! Sounds like a wonderful meal! Glad you were able to share some time with Amy! Looking forward to more

[KMB733]

Your meal looked wonderful! Congrats on all your purchases.

[chezp]

What an awesome meal and it sounds like you got some great shopping in as well.

[elisa1006]

What a fantastic evening!

[disneydani]

Glad you enjoyed dinner! Love the purchases.

danielle

[Colexis Mom]

What a great meal and a great shopping adventure!! More please!!

[iamgrumpy]

I had a great time Dawn and I can always talk and shop and Well I happened to find a little photo from our "christmas hat" shopping



Thanks again for letting me check out your view from your room! the GF

[DyanKJ130]

Great hat!

[DawnDenise]

Originally Posted by iamgrumpy

I had a great time Dawn and I can always talk and shop and Well I happened to find a little photo from our "christmas hat" shopping



Thanks again for letting me check out your view from your room! the GF

OMG...I totally forgot I tried that hat on. I know I was having issues trying to get it to stay on my head. Thank you for sticking with us during shopping and for the ride back!

[DawnDenise]

Our Morning Tour of Future World and Wow, I Missed That Big Time.

I woke up around 8:00am on my own. I went ahead and got ready so Chuck could get an additional 30 minutes. After I finished, I gently jostled him awake. It only took one swing of a pillow on his behind to get him moving. He got up and ready within about 15 minutes. We were kind of hungry so we headed over to grab a bagel/croissant to tie us over until our lunch ADR. We ate outside again and enjoyed the sunshine. Once finished, we were once again making our way to the main building to grab the monorail to the TTC then switch to the one for EPCOT. We were up at the waiting area and realized that we truly liked going about 15 minutes after park opening. The crowds were never there when we arrived. The ride to get to get to EPCOT was easy as always. We headed through security and the turnstiles then straight to the Land to get FPs for Soarin’. Chuck was once again a sweetie and climbed Mt. EPCOT to go grab the FPs while I just took it all in and took some pictures. He got back and showed that we only had about 40 minutes before our time opened up. I was not expecting it to be so soon. I guess the crowds still weren’t arriving just yet.



To pass the time and stay in the area, we headed over to the Living Seas. Chuck hadn’t experienced the new Nemo ride so we did that first. We zigged and we zagged through the queue and finally made it to loading area. We were in a clam-mobile heading into the sea. Still enjoyable and I just love Peach at the end. “find a happy place”. Hee! Now we decided to spend some time actually looking around the pavilion at all the fishes. And for the first time EVER, I found Bruce. Yep, I got Chuck to be my model with Bruce. What that man does for me.



After joking around, we actually spent some time looking at the fish, dolphins, etc. I got some decent pictures.





Our time was opening up for Soarin’ so we started to make our way back to the Land. We got a little distracted in the gift shop. I really wanted the t-shirt with the seagulls on it with “Mine, Mine, Mine” on it. Then they also had to shot glass to match that Chuck wanted. We held off though. I will be picking up the shot glass for him on my upcoming trip. We headed back over to Land and before heading down the stairs, I ran for a quick break. We still had about 5 minutes so we grabbed a ride on Living with the Land. There was no wait so we just went through the line and got on a boat. I still prefer it with the CMs doing the narration but that’s just me. We hopped off our boat and headed into the FP line. As we were walking up, we noticed that the stand-by line said 10 minutes. We were still amazed that the crowds were as low as they were. I think the walk back to the loading lines took up the majority of the 10 minutes. Anywho, we were in group B, 1st row, almost in the middle. Almost PERFECT! I get such a joy out of this ride. I the smell of the orange groves, the forest, and the ocean. And the last scene at DL, truly magical.

After we finished with Soarin’ we headed over to the other side to get a FP for TT and for Chuck to ride Mission: Space. I was opting out this trip because he wanted the orange side and I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it. Yes, I could have done the green side but I chose to sit in the sunshine and take pictures. There was really no need for a FP to TT but we went ahead and grabbed one. It was only a 10 minute wait for Mission Space so Chuck went right on in.



Chuck returned to me after a successful trip to Mars and we headed over to TT for our ride. Enjoyable as always but the photo didn’t get scanned onto my card. Afterwards, we headed over toward the Imagination Pavilion before heading into the WS for our lunch ADR. We always get a picture in front of the fountain in front of the pavilion. As we headed across the area, we stopped and watch the Jammitors then finally headed over to grab a picture. There was no one around to grab one of the two of us so Chuck settled for one of just me.



Now here is where my big whoops comes in. I was positive our lunch ADR was at 12:30pm. So we headed through Canada and the UK and finally over the bridge into France. It was 12:25 so in my mind, we were right on time for our ADR at Les Chefs de France. Chuck went to check us in as I longingly looked at the AFB booth. Chuck called my name and asked what time our ADR was for. I confidently said 12:30 as I made my way over to the desk. The CM asked my name, and she started going through the list. She looked up, smiled as nicely as she could, and said my ADR was for noon. Whoops! I apologized profusely and she said it wasn’t a problem. She gave us a buzzer and we took a seat on the benches. Chuck loved this and continued to give me a hard time throughout the rest of the trip, questioning all of our ADR times. (Just an FYI, according to my PP, I tried to get an ADR for 12:30 but could only get one for noon. I wasn’t completely out of my mind. )

The buzzer went off about five minutes later. I apologized again to the same CM when we handed over the buzzer. The other hostess led us to our table and handed our menus to us. Our server, Emilie, came over and took our drink orders and explained what we could get for the dining plan. She left us to look over our choices and It didn’t take me long to figure it out. I wasn’t stretching myself much but I went with something I knew I would like. I started with the Soupe a l' oignon gratinee (Onion soup topped with Gruyere cheese) and had the Croque monsieur et sa salade verte (classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich with a green salad) for my main course. Chuck went with the Champignons sauvages et quatre fromages (wild mushrooms and four cheeses flatbread) for his appetizer and the Plat de Cote de boeuf au cabernet avec pates (beef short ribs briased in cabernet with pasta, pearl onions and mushrooms) for his entrée. I have to say my sandwich was a glorified grilled cheese but it was perfect. I enjoyed both my choices and Chuck loved the flatbread and thought the ribs were okay.

I was skipping dessert as my dessert was waiting for me out on the AFB booth. While Chuck made his decision, I took a restroom break. By the time I returned, Chuck was already enjoying his Crepe a la pomme et cannelle, glace vanille, caramel jus de pommes (Crepes filled with cinnamon, apple, vanilla ice cream and apple caramel sauce). I did take a taste and it was really good. Once Chuck finished up, we settled the bill and headed out.





I headed directly toward the booth to grab a Grey Goose Lemon Slushie. I assumed incorrectly that Chuck didn’t want anything and when I returned to his side, he asked where his was. So I handed him the first one and went back and got another. The CM gave me a hard time and thought I was contributing to the underaged. I had Chuck wave and then he said I definitely was not. I couldn’t help but giggle. I was given my drink and we headed through the rest of the WS slowly on our way out of the park. With a drink in one hand a camera in the other, we headed toward Morocco. The rest of the pictures from EPCOT are all one handed.





As I was taking pictures in Italy, Chuck asked if I wanted an Italian Margarita. I looked at my GGS and finished it off quickly. I handed him my empty glass to dispose of and said yes please with a smile. Once he returned with our second adult beverage, we continued on our way.



After China I concentrated on my drink and walking the rest of the way through the WS. I figured I had a lot of pictures of Norway/ Mexico from the other morning. At least that was my reasoning. We had to skip a margarita in Mexico as we weren’t going through the Italian version as quick. We headed back into Future World and made it through the rest of the drink before we hit the gates to leave. We did grab a couple of Photopass pictures on our way out. We made our way up the ramps to the monorail and back to the GF.


Coming Up: Some Dining at LTT & Chuck’s First MVMCP!