Michelle & Mark Making Magical Memories! About This Page:

[All Ears]

FINAL THOUGHTS: Looking back...

Well, I have finally finished this report, and hopefully it was 1/2 way enjoyable. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] It has taken me a great deal of time to complete -- but it has been a bit of a rough/rocky Spring for me. Now, my life is settling down a bit, so I feel I can kinda "think and ponder" about my last trip. Hopefully, I can provide some real highlights.
One of the things that made this trip so good for my DH and I is that we were both ready for fun. I am not sure if that makes any sense, but I feel we were totally open to every situation. We wanted to try to experience new things (restaurants, snacks, attractions, etc.), and we kept a "fresh, open mind."
We also took things in stride and tried to keep a positive attitude. (with the exception of the airline snafu, we really did not encounter any major "ordeals." And looking back, that really wasn't that terrible anyways -- as in the end, it all worked itself out. So hakuna matata, again! Right?!) I think this helped us to have an overall "better experience." Sure, we could have been totally bummed out about the crowds at MK on Saturday AM, but why bother?! Just hop on a bus and go elsewhere! Ya know?! Just be flexible to change your plans, and that tip alone will help make your trip more enjoyable.
Some of our "best experiences," were classic experiences like riding BTMRR, seeing the castle, etc. But then some of our favorite memories were the "unexpected little surprises." For us, this included stumbling across the photo sticker machine in the Expo Hall -- & then "commemorating" our experience on sticky photos! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Meeting 5 of the 7 dwarves, who were completely ALONE & ready to pose for NUMEROUS photos with us. WOW! That was really cute... And then how about those great CM's we seemed to encounter EVERYWHERE we went! BTW, I had to write a letter to WDW telling them about their wonderful staff. I made sure to mention the names of the even more remarkable standouts whenever possible. It is these people who go above and beyond to really make our vacations even more special. Kudos to them! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] (P.S. I did receive a wonderful phone call back from a WDW rep thanking me for the nice letter. She stated she would be sure each of these CM's as well as their supervisors received a copy!)
This vacation provided my DH and I a chance to "reconnect." Sometimes we get so involved in the day-to-day shuffle of life that we lose track of what is truly important. This vacation served as a reminder of those things... being with one another. (Not that I had ever really forgotten that, but it gave us a true opportunity to make "US" a big focus.) It is so nice to just be able to have fun & play for a few days, huh?!
Sorry, I am going on & on here... but this trip was truly special for us. WDW holds a special place in our hearts as we were married there & honeymooned there, so every trip is a bit like another honeymoon for us. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
So.... with all of that said: here are some of my recommendations for specific attractions, restaurant, snacks, etc. I will only include things that we had never experienced prior to this trip, as like I said -- this was a trip about "firsts."

SNACKS:
A Kaki-Gori in Japan
A Mickey Bar, of course!! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

RESTAURANTS:
The Plaza at MK
Garden Grill character breakfast at Epcot
The Cantina de San Angel in Mexico (WS) (esp. during Illuminations!)
Tusker House at AK

ATTRACTIONS/EVENTS:
Fantasia Mini-Golf
Fantasmic! at MGM (sit up high, to avoid getting wt from water screens)
MSEP at MK (now gone, and replaced with Spectro Magic -- but Spectro is also WONDERFUL!)
Town Square Expo Hall in MK (great photo opps & sticker machine!)
Goofy's Barnstormer in MK
VLM at MGM
FLK at AK (this is a MUST SEE!!!)
Ice Station Cool at Epcot

RESORTS:
Toured CBR, SWAN, DOLPHIN
Stayed at DXL (in Aligator Bayou section)

For our next trip, in November, we also have another list of "must see's, must do's, must eats." You would think after numerous trips, we would have "done it all." But I have quickly learned that may be impossible -- with so many new additions yearly. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Oh well, just another reason to go back, huh?!?
Thanks for reading! Take care, and until November.... that's it for this one! It's a wrap! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
All Ears (Michelle)

[Brant]

Michelle,
Thanks so much for a great trip report, it truly sounds like you had a lot of fun. If your next report is as fun and frivolous as this one, I can hardly wait for it !

-Brant

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: Joe Carioca ]

[allysonh]

Now see? There is something to be said for taking your time with your trip report! Your next trip is a mere 5 months away!!

I really loved reading your trip report!! I was with you (mentally) every step of the way and you have a great sense of humor and a great writing style!

I can't wait for the next one!

Have a great day!

[All Ears]

Thanks for the kind words, Allyson & Brant! (esp. about that Grand Slam Challenge, Brant!!) I am glad you enjoyed my report. I will be looking forward to reading your reports, as well. (Hint, Hint!!) [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
All Ears (Michelle)

[ 06-17-2001: Message edited by: All Ears ]