Seasons Greetings Live from the Wilderness Lodge

[wdw_bound]

I'm currently sitting on my balcony listening to the water flowing in the spring below. In the distance, I can hear the boat horns announcing their arrival. It has been very warm, and at midnight, I am in short sleeves and am still very comfortable. DH and the kids are conked out in bed, so I thought I'd share a few moments with my Intercot friends.

We drove in early this afternoon, after a stop in St. Augustine at the Character Premiere outlet - they have some really great merchandise. I bought DS and DD each a sweatshirt and a pair of PJs, autograph books, pens, a pin collecting notebook, som pins, a lanyard for DS (DH and DD want to introduce him to their obsession this trip), all for $100.

We checked into the WL and our room (courtyard view) was ready, so we unloaded the van and I tried to get us unpacked and settled. DS2.9 was having none of it. He refused to believe we were at Disney because he didn't see any rides So, we walked down to the dock and hopped a boat for MK. The parade was starting just as we arrived, so we stayed to watch, something we haven't done in quite a while. I am sooooo glad we did - DS just stared in awe - those of you with little ones know the expression I'm talking about - the wonder that only comes at Disney.

After the parade, DS chose Dumbo, so off we went. Line was manageable, although there were more people than I thought there would be. After Dumbo (DS and DH rode a blue elephant, DD and I were in a purple one), we had time to do the teacups before we had to get back for our WCC ADR. Teacups were a walk-on for them. I'll ride almost anything, but those teacups are too much for me Watching DH laughing and grinning with the kids as they spun around, I fell even more in love with him - I actually got a bit teary-eyed!

We had a great dinner at WCC - DD and I were disappointed to learn that they had replaced the sausage with shrimp (totally against theme, IMHO), but DH ordered the sausage and cheese plate appetizer, so we each snitched some sausage. DD and I enjoyed the skillet, and DS was allowed to share (he's under 3, so no DDP for him) at no charge. DH had the roast chicken, which he said was very good. I had the tortilla for dessert - not quite as good as I remember, but still pretty tasty. DH had a milkshake. DD didn't see anything that thrilled her, so Half-Pint, our server, offered her a fruit plate (on the adult dessert menu, but not the kids), which she loved - blackberries, strawberrie, apple, banana, pineapple and yogurt dip. I wish I'd ordered it

After supper, we decided to go to MGM to get one chance to see VOTLM before it gets shut down for the week. Goodness, I think everyone else staying on property had the same idea! We were able to walk into the show at 7:30, but the theater was completely full. Then we went to see the lights - and were completely blown away by them! The dancing effect is incredible, and the "snow" adds a really nice touch. After the lights, we decided to head out as we'd had a long day and didn't want to push our luck... We did make a quick stop in the Mercantile on our way up to use 2 snack credits for a 1/2 gallon of milk and an 8 pack of Entermann's donuts for breakfast in the morning.

Tomorrow is AK, and the rest of the gang is talking about getting there for EMH, so I guess I'd better hit the sack...

[ElenitaB]

What a great first day! Thanks for sharing... Live reports are always so nice and yours was great!

Looking forward to hearing more from you!

P.S. Loved your descriptions of the kids' reactions and your feelings. (Do you scrapbook by any chance?)

[ChipnDaleGal]

Sitting here in Indiana with lots of freezing rain on the ground and more coming, it is hard not to feel pangs of jealousy at the thought of sitting on your balcony at the gorgeous Wilderness Lodge in short sleeves! But I can still be happy for your family while feeling sorry for myself. Sounds like a wonderful first day. Thank you for sharing!

[faline]

I've sat on a balcony at Wilderness Lodge a number of time! Thanks for being so descriptive. Even though I can't be there right now, I can definitely "see" and "hear" it!

You're off to a great start!

[mickeymousedabomb]

Wow it sounds like you're off to a great start! We went to visit WL and thought it was great! What a magnificent fireplace! We loved sitting in the big chairs to relax. Although AKL is my all time fav deluxe, WL is a close runner-up. Enjoy your stay and have fun swimming around the ducks and ducklings in the main pool!

[RedheadWriter]

What a great day! I am looking forward to reading more!

[dolphinmickey9170]

What a day! I love WCC too. The food is awesome! Thanks for sharing. Hope to read more soon. I'll be there with ya in three and a half days.

[AbeeNormal]

Thanks so much for taking the time while you were actually thereto write a report for us.

Your descriptions were amazing - looking forward to hearing more.

[baby minnie's mommy]

Sounds like you had quite the busy first day! Hope the rest of your trip is magical! (And that somewhere along the way you'll get some sleep...)

[shan-ash]

Wonderful first day!!!!

[pdrlkr]

Thanks for the report!

[disneydeb]

[vizsla]

Sounds like your off to a great start. Thanks for the report.

[pogo]

It sounds like a wonderful first day. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

[KylesMom]

Very nice setting of the scene - what a great start to your trip!

Watching DH laughing and grinning with the kids as they spun around, I fell even more in love with him - I actually got a bit teary-eyed!

And that's what it's all about, isn't it? Can't wait to read more!

[goofy for pluto]

Sounds lovely.
I am so happy that you are having such a great start to your vacation,
Wilderness Lodge is one of our favorite resorts too. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!