So Much to Celebrate. . a Disney Wedding, 30th Anniversary & Easter 2015 Updated 3/29

[ArielSRL]

We're in crunch time now.

Sounds like it!

On top of all of this Michelle is close to popping. She's not due until May 8th but she is already 3 cm dilated. The doctor seems to think in will be in the next week or so.

Oh my!

We normally drive to Disney but on Friday I made an executive decision and decided we would fly.

Sounds like a good plan. Because we are only 6 hours and 45 minutes away, i rarely ever fly. I've done it twice.

We fly out of New Orleans at 6:30 a.m. We arrive at 9:10 a.m.

Nice and early! We will leave at 6am, hoping to arrive between 1-3pm.

This give us a chance to spend more time in DHS and see the Star Wars night time show. Originally we only had one day at DHS and planned on doing Fantasmic.

Yay!

so we'll get to sleep a little after our long day at Animal Kingdom for the opening of Pandora.

Pandora and sleep...more yay!

I'll close this post with some Prom pictures.

Omg! Love, love that dress! Beautiful young lady! Handsome date!

 

[ArielSRL]

Are you ready for some more of World Showcase? Doesn't matter because you're getting some more.

It's hard to get Dennis to stop for certain entertainment.

I'm like this. Very go-go-go....

I tried to convince Dennis to pose facing the fountain and look over his shoulder but he wouldn't play along.

My DH is like this as well.

which meant we all dozed off. I'm truly sorry but it happens every trip.

Me, too! Usually CoP, even though it's one of my faves. Almost happened on SSE last trip but I was riding with Will and I was afraid he would jump out or something!

If you look close in the next picture you may find the hidden egg.

Am I the only one that thinks I do the most walking at Epcot?

It's HUGE to me, so no, not the only one. Though recently I've heard Ak is the biggest?

Along the way we enjoyed more of Flower and Garden.

I know it's way too many pictures but Epcot is just soooo pretty during Flower and Garden.

So nice! I really need to make a trip during this time.

We were meeting Jimmy and Michelle for steaks at Yachtsman Steakhouse.

This is on my list for the future...once my boys settle a little bit.

Dennis, Danielle and I were over by the tiaras, Danielle had her heart set on getting one.

I think I might like one, as well.

Tyler had found an Olaf he liked, and somehow it ended up falling and breaking.

Oh no!

Needless to say that phrase was repeated over and over for the rest of the trip.

Just shy of 38 weeks now, but I've been ready to rock and roll since about 35 weeks. So basically, I have a child inside me that's about a stubborn and comfy as his father.

My first was 4 days late...or right on his own time, as everyone says.

Sorry, mom. Fill in all the things your elephant brain remembers that I don't...

So it was decided, "no use to run, there will be another." Well there wasn't. We waited and waited and waited for the bus. Cue stress.

Ruh roh.

There was a lot of waiting and sitting in a bus line. *breathe*

This would drive me crazy.

I had a cocktail and all was right in the world again (are you seeing a recurring theme here).

I can relate!

This was the first dinner that we were ALL together, and it was probably my husband and I's favorite! I mean, EVERYONE enjoyed it.

Yay!

Sure enough, here comes Mickey and Goofy and it was like a fire lit up in her eyes and I can't tell you how quickly my heart melted and it made everything so worth it to see her that happy. THAT IS WHAT DISNEY IS ALL ABOUT!!!!

Agreed!

We were there late enough, too, to see the fireworks out the window.

Nice!

My husband is insistent now that we can never go to Disney and miss going to Chef Mickey's. I agree with him. He's sentimental like that.

This is Crystal Palace for me.

Then my dog chewed up my perfectly cute and comfortable, magical balance of a shoe.

Ugh!

OUR WEDDING!

And of course remind everyone of the VERY DETAILED itinerary for the next day.... one that included several means of transportation and direction to get to the wedding. YUP, I'm THAT GIRL.

Totally understandable!

 

[vamassey1]

Huh! So Yachtsman wasn't amazing. I didn't expect that! I also didn't expect the buses from DTD would be that big of an issue! Good to know!!! EEEK!

Yachtmans was really good just not fabulous. I'm really glad we did, but I won't be back for awhile. I think the buses know when you need to really get somewhere and you're stressed and just work against you on purpose.

I'd have been mortified if I'd dropped and broken something! I"m SO glad Disney knew just how to deal with it- accidents do happen, but oh man, I'd have probably cried.

I'm so glad it wasn't me. I was amazed at how nice they were about it. Tyler did offer to pay several times.

Love all the photos from Chef Mickeys! Just such a fun, happy time, even if you were late. I'd think it'd be less of a problem to get you in even if you were late that far into the evening. Much easier, I'd think, then say around 6:00. Then, I might not count on it.

Our ADR was for 7:30 and they were really great at working with us. We did have the majority of the party there on time.

Sorry, you had to deal with a few folks who don't quite get the transportation thing and understand how long it takes to get from place to place! That would majorly stress me out too if you had ADRs and that many people who are involved. Glad it did work out, but sadly, that's not always the case.

Wayne and Carolyn are usually the first people there when we meet up for things. They were just in the vacation frame of mind. We were very lucky it went they way it did.

 

[vamassey1]

Your Chef Mickey dinner sounds really special. How nice it must have been to have your whole family together. As an adult who hasn't been around both of my siblings at the same time since 2013, I can appreciate that.
Ugh, Disney transportation can be so stressful. DTD buses are the worst! Glad you didn't run into any problems showing up late.

This was our first meal all together with the family. It was very special. Everyone was feeling the Disney vibe. I hope you can get together with all your siblings soon.

The buses can conspire against you when you need them most. We usually drive and have a car for backup. Next month we won't have the car and I'm a little worried.

 

[vamassey1]

I need to figure this out with my dad, for sure!

It takes practice and I'm not always successful.

Oh my!

We're still waiting for a baby. She has her Dr. visit tomorrow so hopefully there will be some progress.

Sounds like a good plan. Because we are only 6 hours and 45 minutes away, i rarely ever fly. I've done it twice.

We're about 10.5 hours away without stops. We rarely fly due the expense as opposed to driving. I hurt my back in a car accident last April. I just know it would hurt too much to sit driving down there, play in the parks and have to sit that long on the way back.

Nice and early! We will leave at 6am, hoping to arrive between 1-3pm.

We were going to try and leave for 4 am or so when we were going to drive. Now we'll have to leave about that early to get to the airport in New Orleans for the flight but we'll get to Disney soooo much earlier. I wish our drive was as short as yours.

Pandora and sleep...more yay!

It's a win-win.

Omg! Love, love that dress! Beautiful young lady! Handsome date!

We had so much drama trying to find the right dress. I really liked this one and it suited her so much. Chris was pretty dapper too. We joke that he usually cares more for how he looks that Danielle does. He's going to be fun in Disney. They have a day planned where they are going to DisneyBound and dress like Mickey and Minnie.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm like this. Very go-go-go....

I have always been that way too but the last few trips I've made the effort to stop. I'm still working on Dennis

My DH is like this as well.

If he had had a few drinks he might have done it.

Me, too! Usually CoP, even though it's one of my faves. Almost happened on SSE last trip but I was riding with Will and I was afraid he would jump out or something!

CoP gets me every time too and I really love it too.

It's HUGE to me, so no, not the only one. Though recently I've heard Ak is the biggest?

I read that too but it just doesn't seem as big. After they open Pandora I may change my mind.

So nice! I really need to make a trip during this time.

Yes you should. Of course I still want to make Food and Wine, never been to that yet.

This is on my list for the future...once my boys settle a little bit.

It was good, just not great.

I think I might like one, as well.

They are nice but their price is not.

Oh no!

I'm so glad it wasn't me.

My first was 4 days late...or right on his own time, as everyone says.

She is starting to except this.

Ruh roh.

Yup!

This would drive me crazy.

Me too. Deep breath.

I can relate!

I knew you would understand.

 

[mFont23]

Love all the photos from Chef Mickeys! Just such a fun, happy time, even if you were late. I'd think it'd be less of a problem to get you in even if you were late that far into the evening. Much easier, I'd think, then say around 6:00. Then, I might not count on it.

You definitely have a point. I can't believe I've never even thought of that, and I worked in a restaurant for years! Note to self, make all reservations either early or later dinner times, just in case. And yes, it was a VERY happy time had by all. Really great way to kick off the wedding festivities. And while it was awesome to have everyone together for about 24 hours, I was pretty thankful that was it. Coordinating a lot of people, schedules, etc... not my idea of fun.

DTD buses are the worst!

I wish I had known that going into it. But I made the best decision I could. And HEY- it all worked out. THANK GOD. Had we lost the reservation, I'm not sure how forgiving or pleasant I would've been at that point.

This is Crystal Palace for me.

I love that this is a thing. A family staple. We've never been to Crystal Palace, but I have friends that never miss it for the same reason. Another family staple for us is Ohana!

My first was 4 days late...or right on his own time, as everyone says.

She is starting to except this.

I know in my head that the longer he's in there, the better off he is. But I mean, I am just so tired of being pregnant and super anxious to meet the little guy!

 

[ArielSRL]

Another family staple for us is Ohana!

Yay! I have wanted to try the breakfast for years and years and I am finally getting to this trip!!

I know in my head that the longer he's in there, the better off he is. But I mean, I am just so tired of being pregnant and super anxious to meet the little guy!

Totally understandable!

 

[Steppesister]

I'm so glad it wasn't me. I was amazed at how nice they were about it. Tyler did offer to pay several times.

I'm going to venture that this happens more frequently than we think. Loads of people, kids, bags, etc...

Wayne and Carolyn are usually the first people there when we meet up for things. They were just in the vacation frame of mind. We were very lucky it went they way it did.

I think people forget sometimes that while Disney is technically a vacation, it has to, at times, be done differently. Walk ups are a thing of the past, I'm afraid.

Coordinating a lot of people, schedules, etc... not my idea of fun.

Just no. The more the merrier... and stressful. LOL!

 

[vamassey1]

I'm going to venture that this happens more frequently than we think. Loads of people, kids, bags, etc...

I would image it happens a lot especially in that store. I would think its happens for young kids than adults. I'm clumsy enough and trilled it wasn't me.

I think people forget sometimes that while Disney is technically a vacation, it has to, at times, be done differently. Walk ups are a thing of the past, I'm afraid.

So true. You can't really fly by the seat of your pants much.

 

[vamassey1]

April 6th-Animal Kingdom

Michelle has already posted her Animal Kingdom day so I'm going to fill in some gaps. We also split up some. This was our first day in the parks with the others. Something we had all been looking forward to and planned. We had fastpasses for everyone but not all at the same time, but they did all overlap. The park was open from 8-8. We had EE for around 9, Safaris for 10:25 and Kali for 11:30 or so. We made it to the park about rope drop. Chelsea and Tyler beat us there. I think I trained her too well. They had to move resorts and she still got there before me. I have to admit she got to just about everywhere before everyone else. I wasn't too far behind because I took this at 8:08



Michelle and Jimmy weren't too far behind. We all meet up and headed to Dennis' favorite ride Dinosaur. A few sights along the way.







Michelle already posted our "scared" photo from Dinosaur. This was Jimmy's first thrill ride of the day and his last. He doesn't like rides but is a great purse holder. He kept telling us that before we went but I don't think we believed him until after this.

Where to next?




We has some time to kill before EE so we went to ITTBAB. We couldn't wait to see Tyler and Jimmy's reaction. When we took Chelsea for her first trip in 2012 she had us rolling. Danielle sat this one out. She hates the bugs. She grabbed a snack and waited for us. Tyler has never ridden rides so everything was new for him. He had made it through Dinosaur so this shouldn't be too bad. His reactions to all of the 3D was great. Jimmy was a hoot too. Am I terrible that I enjoy this? I can't be the only one?

It was finally time for our fastpasses for EE. Jimmy sat this one out but Tyler was up for the challenge.







We traveled through the Maharaja Jungle Trek. It was close and we had time to kill before before Kilimanjaro. I really enjoy the Jungle Trek and the forest trail. The details are fabulous. In the past we've spent a good bit of time watching the bats but this trip there weren't very many bats.



I have way too many pictures of this guy, but I still take more. It's not like he changes.



Some more of the animals of Asia.





As we exited we took a bio break and of course Danielle could not resist the allure of the fountain. She can't pass it without touching it. The guys grabbed some refreshment.



We started making our way to Africa on the path behind the Tree.



We stopped along the way for some photopass pictures.





I know I've said it before, but my family can't pass the drums without stopping.





We arrived in Africa but we were still waiting for Wayne, Carolyn and Gia to meet with us for our Safaris fastpasses. We all enjoyed relaxing in the Dawa Bar while we waited. It was just what was needed on a hot day.



I'm going to skip over the street dancing, I've already been embarrassed enough. But yes it was fun. After we were all together we enjoyed our ride through the savanna. We split up at this point. We went to ride Kali with Chelsea and Tyler and Michelle, Jimmy, Carolyn, Wayne and Gia went off to do something else. We all planned to meet back up for lunch. We headed to Restaurantosaurus to try and grab some tables. Danielle was the only person in our group to ever eat there. Michelle and her crew were going to make their way there too. It was really crowded and took a while to get in. Once we got in we had to search for tables and beg for space. As Michelle reported they were detained by the dancing but eventually made it there.





I didn't take many photos. I was more worried about finding a seat for everyone. After lunch we cut through Asia.



On our way to Rafiki's Planet Watch.





We had a nice visit with the animals here and spent a good bit of time. We listened to the talk that was given outside. I believe it was about a smart pig. Danielle went up at the end to pet the pig. Afterwards I think everyone left for a break before our dinner but we stayed to see Lion King. This is a must do for Danielle. She insisted she needed this special cup that plays music. Of course she hasn't touched it since we got back from the trip. We waited in line for quite a while. I'm a people watcher so that helps pass the time. As you can see we were giraffes this time around.



We left after the show so we could get some rest and cleaned up for dinner.

We did something we don't normally do in Disney, we drove to dinner. We wanted to scout out the area since we would need to drive to the Poly this next day for the wedding. Being at PORS put us pretty close to the MK area. We took a street that passed in front of Fort Wilderness and we were there in no time. We learned it wasn't going to take us very long at all the get there in the morning.




Michelle recapped our dinner very well. Yes we did have to wait a bit for them to get there, but in the end it was great. Of course Chelsea and Tyler beat everyone there and had time to relax at the bar before dinner. Luckily it's really close to the check in desk.

Afterwards Brent and Hannah rode back with us to visit at our resort. We showed them around and had some some fun playing games. I had several game cards saved from several trips. We went through all the cards I had and then some. I'm happy to report that after the bus fiasco, Wayne and Carolyn took a cab back to the resort.



Dennis drove Brent and Hannah back to POP and we all got ready for bed. Michelle was staying with us for the night. We had an early wake up in the morning. Wedding day is next.

 

[MeghanEmily]

Chelsea and Tyler beat us there. I think I trained her too well. They had to move resorts and she still got there before me. I have to admit she got to just about everywhere before everyone else. I wasn't too far behind because I took this at 8:08

I'm like this. I'm always so excited to get going. The earlier I can get to the park, the better.

Michelle already posted our "scared" photo from Dinosaur. This was Jimmy's first thrill ride of the day and his last. He doesn't like rides but is a great purse holder. He kept telling us that before we went but I don't think we believed him until after this.

I'm with Jimmy on this one! Can't handle Dinosaur! It's so jerky and wild! I'll be getting Nathan to go on it though because I think he'll like it and we didn't do it on our last trips.

His reactions to all of the 3D was great. Jimmy was a hoot too. Am I terrible that I enjoy this? I can't be the only one?

It's so mean, but I do the same thing! I always laugh at people in the theatre at ITTBAB. Though last time we went there was a little guy wailing because he was so scared, and that was a little sad.

Also, that poor terrified child in the front of your EE ride photo! Oh my goodness! That would absolutely be me.

As we exited we took a bio break and of course Danielle could not resist the allure of the fountain. She can't pass it without touching it.

Nathan as also mesmerized by this.

We had an early wake up in the morning. Wedding day is next.

So exciting!! Can't wait.

 

[amazingact21]

Great AK update! Dinosaur is a bit rough, so I don't blame Jimmy for opting out after it.

Watching other people's reactions in ITTBAB is the best! It can be the funniest part of your day if you get a good audience.

I don't blame you for sticking around to watch Festival of the Lion King...it's a fantastic show.

 

[ArielSRL]

Chelsea and Tyler beat us there. I think I trained her too well. They had to move resorts and she still got there before me.

Wow!

I wasn't too far behind because I took this at 8:08

Nice. You must be an early riser by nature?

This was Jimmy's first thrill ride of the day and his last.

His reactions to all of the 3D was great. Jimmy was a hoot too. Am I terrible that I enjoy this? I can't be the only one?

I was hoping to get a reaction out of my kids but they didn't even get it, I don't think?

of course Danielle could not resist the allure of the fountain. She can't pass it without touching it.

Where is this located? My boys would enjoy it.

I know I've said it before, but my family can't pass the drums without stopping.

Nice!

We all enjoyed relaxing in the Dawa Bar while we waited.

I have this stop on my list!

I'm going to skip over the street dancing, I've already been embarrassed enough.

I didn't take many photos. I was more worried about finding a seat for everyone.

Totally understandable.

She insisted she needed this special cup that plays music. Of course she hasn't touched it since we got back from the trip.

I'm so glad my boys are too young to know any of this stuff exists! Because they would do the EXACT same thing.

Being at PORS put us pretty close to the MK area. We took a street that passed in front of Fort Wilderness and we were there in no time.

I've done this before. Nice short cut. It goes close by WL, too, right?

Wedding day is next.

Wahoo!

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

All caught up now. I'm not sure how I missed so many updates.

I'm guessing the next update should be the wedding. I'm so excited for you all.

 

[vamassey1]

I'm like this. I'm always so excited to get going. The earlier I can get to the park, the better.

Me too, and I'm Lucky Dennis is the same way. Danielle is trained to get up early and get going while in Disney. Doesn't work when we're at home.

I'm with Jimmy on this one! Can't handle Dinosaur! It's so jerky and wild! I'll be getting Nathan to go on it though because I think he'll like it and we didn't do it on our last trips.

Jimmy doesn't like any thrill rides, just not his thing.

It's so mean, but I do the same thing! I always laugh at people in the theatre at ITTBAB. Though last time we went there was a little guy wailing because he was so scared, and that was a little sad.

I'm hoping we get Chris to do it, but kind of doubt it since Danielle won't do it.

Also, that poor terrified child in the front of your EE ride photo! Oh my goodness! That would absolutely be me.

I hadn't noticed that, I had to go back and look. I doubt she'll be riding that again.

Nathan as also mesmerized by this.

Many people are, just can't resist the pull.

So exciting!! Can't wait.

She has it written but it's on her work computer.

 

[vamassey1]

Great AK update! Dinosaur is a bit rough, so I don't blame Jimmy for opting out after it.

Looking back it's a really rough ride to start with. We should have built up to it a little. Dennis loves it.

Watching other people's reactions in ITTBAB is the best! It can be the funniest part of your day if you get a good audience.

I agree! I'm snickering the entire time I'm in there. I purposely sat next to Tyler just so I could catch his reactions.

I don't blame you for sticking around to watch Festival of the Lion King...it's a fantastic show.

We love it! I just had to see it in the new theater.

 

[vamassey1]

Nice. You must be an early riser by nature?

I am. But normally I like to rise early and have some quiet time before everyone else.

I was hoping to get a reaction out of my kids but they didn't even get it, I don't think?

Your boys are older they may get it more this time around. Have they watch "A Bug's Life"?

Where is this located? My boys would enjoy it.

There is a set of bathrooms by Kali and where the Jungle Trek starts. It by the bathrooms that everyone ends up at after you have gotten soaked.

I have this stop on my list!

It was a great resting area. I plan on stopping again next month.

I'm so glad my boys are too young to know any of this stuff exists! Because they would do the EXACT same thing.

I'm sure you'll get your fair share on stuff like this in June.

I've done this before. Nice short cut. It goes close by WL, too, right?

Correct! We used this short cut several times on this trip.

Wahoo!

I'm excited too!

 

[vamassey1]

All caught up now. I'm not sure how I missed so many updates.

I'm happy you're still with us. I got real busy and behind on posting. Michelle is breathing down my neck so she can post the wedding day.

I'm guessing the next update should be the wedding. I'm so excited for you all.

You're correct. Michelle has it all written out but it's on her work computer. Hopefully she'll get it on Monday.

 

[ArielSRL]

They have seen A Bug's Life but they probably forgot it. Maybe I'll add that one to the Disney movie night list!

We never ride Kali so I guess that's why I haven't seen it!