rentayenta
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2007
Tomorrow!
See ya real soon!
See ya real soon!
Sharing the Disney Magic with Family & Friends-DL Diamond Anniversary-DCA F&W Fest Kiosks & The End!
- Thread starter franandaj
- Start date
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
Leshaface
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2008
Okay so I enjoyed all the pictures of the fireworks but this one is my absolute FAVORITE!!! Seriously, got the Mickey head fireworks, 60th dead center of the castle, just perfect
Ugh, this happened to us in Vegas. Very annoying that I had to use a different card that we never use instead of building up air miles.
I always forget about this place! Have eaten here twice I think, but both times have been excellent. Need to keep this open as an option more often.
Yep, love those glasses.
That is cool!
I can't get over them either! And oh my gosh, is there a trick to ever getting a room at the VGC because I can never get anything!
These views never get old.
That sounds super relaxing. That would be an ideal day - wine and DIS'ing.
franandaj
I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
Thanks! Jenny and her crew are so much fun! I just love the Grand Californian, my favorite DVC property, and the 6th floor is the best view you can possibly get!
HiI just found this thread and have a lot of catching up to do! The pictures of your suite/room at the Grand Calif. Villas is my idea of what heaven will look like
Hope Fran is feeling better!
Denise! I'm glad you made it over here. Fran is doing much better than the last time we saw each other.Sorry to hear that your ankle is still giving you problems. Her ankle and leg have healed all the way up and she is doing much better now. I'm looking forward to getting back to doing some fun plans. I can't wait to get on the Wonder!
Yes, it's about time!
Certainly not!
I know but it makes a great story!
And it was very good chocolate too! I think I want some more boxes.
Happy to do it!
I'm sure you would really enjoy them.
Awww thanks!
I'm counting the hours now and waiting for your text!
Okay so I enjoyed all the pictures of the fireworks but this one is my absolute FAVORITE!!! Seriously, got the Mickey head fireworks, 60th dead center of the castle, just perfect
I never even noticed it was a Mickey!
Ugh, this happened to us in Vegas. Very annoying that I had to use a different card that we never use instead of building up air miles.
Right now we're building up Capital One purchase eraser miles, and really want to get as much on that card as we can so I'm glad they worked it out.
That was our first time and we really liked it.
Now I need to unpack them!
Owning there and booking at 11 months!
Love the sixth floor!
That sounds super relaxing. That would be an ideal day - wine and DIS'ing.
Well, I only got about an hour of it as you will see soon.
franandaj
I'm so happy, I could BOUNCE!
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2009
So I thought I would give you another trip update. Last week my 90 day booking window for the Cruises opened up. For those not addicted to Disney cruises, this means that Silver Cruise passengers can schedule port arrival time and book onboard activities and port adventures. I also reserved our parking at the Wyndam Hotel across from the Port.
For our 2 night cruise to nowhere I’m trying to convince Fran to dress up for Pirate night the first night of the cruise. Since we’re driving to the port, we can bring as much luggage as we won’t and don’t have to worry about the airplane. After lunch in Parrot Cay, we’ll get settled into our room for the next week. I’ll probably have a sail away party in my room before we check out the merchandise in the stores. Then we’ll get dressed up for pictures, and go out for dinner. For the next day at sea, I booked Palo Brunch at 10:30AM. In the afternoon we will probably do a liquor tasting and just enjoy the ship, maybe catch a movie. Again our dinner will be in one of the main dining rooms.
Since we’re doing B2B cruises when the other passengers are disembarking the following day, we will be exiting the ship, only to return within an hour or two. I’m not sure if we’ll do the lunch in Parrot Cay again, we might choose one of the upper deck options instead because we won’t be lugging around our carry ons. I may even check out the pool if Fran wants to take a nap. After the muster drill, I am going to the spa for Alone Time which will be my second sail away party!
The second day of the cruise we dock in Ensenada at 7:45AM and we didn’t find any Port Excursions that interested us, so we may or may not even get off the ship, All abord is at 2:45, so that’s not a very long day. The third day of the cruise is at sea, and we have absolutely no plans for that day, so we’ll see what they offer for drink tastings when we board. The fourth day is in Cabo, because this is a tendering port, Fran can not bring her scooter. We’ll see if we get off the ship. All Abord is at 3:30PM. Our focus is not visiting the ports, but being pampered on the ship. It’s Pirate night and we have a 6PM reservation at Palo. Maybe we’ll have room for the Pirate buffet, but I doubt it. The fifth day is our last and another day at sea. I’ve got another Palo Brunch booked for 10:00AM that day, and I’m sure we’ll have a tasting or two.
There are a few other things I hope to do on the cruises that are unscheduled as of yet. There will be a Halloween dress up night and so far we only know that it isn’t the fourth night. Our FB group has organized a Mixology class, and that will be on one of the sea days. I want to have lunch at Triton’s at least once if not twice, and I’d also like to have breakfast there at least once. Plus I like to eat breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet because I can have eggs over easy. Not that I can’t have them at home, but they’re better when someone else makes them for you!
One other thing. We paid for the cruises with our Capital One Credit card and they offer a "purchase eraser". I had Fran pay in $100 & $200 increments, so as we build up our miles, I am "erasing" a few of those charges here and there. I have three months to do so. This week I erased half the cost of the 2 night cruise, we'll see how far we can get before the charges expire. So far that’s the plan for the cruise, not much more left to plan, just to do it!
Back to the 60th Anniversary Celebration report: We finally got notification that our room was ready and headed over there and had the bags brought up by the Bellman. While Fran napped, I responded to some of the posts on my thread on the DIS, checked some other things on the computer and then decided to check out Happy Hour at the lounge. They usually have a hot appetizer, today was sausage calzones and peperoni rolls. I didn’t try the pepperoni item, but I did get a sausage calzone. It was not very good. There was hardly any filling so I only ate the side of the crust that had filling on it. In addition to grabbing a coke for Fran I got myself a glass of wine.
After her nap, Fran was refreshed and ready to go out to eat. Neither of us was ravenous since we had snacked our way through the park and lounge after lunch. We headed over to Tortilla Jo’s and were seated after a brief wait. I sat underneath this wall of Tequila.
The room.
We were brought chips and Salsa.
And we both ordered margaritas.
The tableside Guacamole is fantastic here.
We asked for mild (no jalapenos) and no cilantro and our prep cook got to work. We watched her scoop out the Avocados, serve up the onions, add the tomatoes, and put in the leafy green stuff.
“Uh, what is that leafy green stuff that you just put into our bowl?” I asked.
“Oh, you asked for no cilantro, didn’t you? Sorry.”
OK let’s start this over.
Scoop out the Avocado.
Squeeze out the lemon juice.
Add the tomatoes
Add the onions and salt
And Stir
Our Guacamole
We decided to split the Enchiladas Suizas. I had already removed my serving when this picture was taken, but it worked out perfect for us. We were both plenty full after the guac and enchiladas.
This was my plate, and as I said it was just enough to completely fill me up.
Now the next event was among the most strange events for Fran and myself. Normally it’s just the two of us at the parks. If we meet someone, it’s usually a DISer, but tonight was different. We had met up with our friends earlier in the day and said if we wanted to get a drink later they would be happy to buy us one, so we texted and agreed to meet up after dinner. While Fran was napping another friend from our band sent me a FB message asking if we were in the park. We had just checked into the room, but we kept messaging back and forth throughout the evening. She was with her parents (Mom plays in the band too) and we all agreed to meet up the whole group of us and have some drinks! Not only were we meeting up with 3D (or as the kids say nowadays IRL) friends, but we had a group of eight of us! Party on Fran and Alison! I didn’t get pictures of all of us and not sure if they would want me to post their pics online, but here are our drinks and us. Hurricaine
Diamond Vodka Martini
US!
We had a great time sitting around chatting. We were seated near a window that had a view of F! and then the fireworks were also visible out the window as well. My friend from band and her parents were so stoked about being able to see the fireworks and just hanging out having drinks that she even posted on FB the next day that we “made her day”. She leaves for her second round of college in a couple weeks (just completed her Jr College degree in music and moving on to a 4 year university).
I took a couple photos of the treats that we had picked up that day. Fran purchased them while I was ordering our ice cream bar.
I ate the Smores treat before I went out on the balcony to take pictures.
By the time we got back to the room, it was pretty late and we missed World of Color, but I did take these long exposure shots off the balcony.
And we crawled into bed because we were going to have an early morning for the actual 60th Anniversary!
For our 2 night cruise to nowhere I’m trying to convince Fran to dress up for Pirate night the first night of the cruise. Since we’re driving to the port, we can bring as much luggage as we won’t and don’t have to worry about the airplane. After lunch in Parrot Cay, we’ll get settled into our room for the next week. I’ll probably have a sail away party in my room before we check out the merchandise in the stores. Then we’ll get dressed up for pictures, and go out for dinner. For the next day at sea, I booked Palo Brunch at 10:30AM. In the afternoon we will probably do a liquor tasting and just enjoy the ship, maybe catch a movie. Again our dinner will be in one of the main dining rooms.
Since we’re doing B2B cruises when the other passengers are disembarking the following day, we will be exiting the ship, only to return within an hour or two. I’m not sure if we’ll do the lunch in Parrot Cay again, we might choose one of the upper deck options instead because we won’t be lugging around our carry ons. I may even check out the pool if Fran wants to take a nap. After the muster drill, I am going to the spa for Alone Time which will be my second sail away party!
The second day of the cruise we dock in Ensenada at 7:45AM and we didn’t find any Port Excursions that interested us, so we may or may not even get off the ship, All abord is at 2:45, so that’s not a very long day. The third day of the cruise is at sea, and we have absolutely no plans for that day, so we’ll see what they offer for drink tastings when we board. The fourth day is in Cabo, because this is a tendering port, Fran can not bring her scooter. We’ll see if we get off the ship. All Abord is at 3:30PM. Our focus is not visiting the ports, but being pampered on the ship. It’s Pirate night and we have a 6PM reservation at Palo. Maybe we’ll have room for the Pirate buffet, but I doubt it. The fifth day is our last and another day at sea. I’ve got another Palo Brunch booked for 10:00AM that day, and I’m sure we’ll have a tasting or two.
There are a few other things I hope to do on the cruises that are unscheduled as of yet. There will be a Halloween dress up night and so far we only know that it isn’t the fourth night. Our FB group has organized a Mixology class, and that will be on one of the sea days. I want to have lunch at Triton’s at least once if not twice, and I’d also like to have breakfast there at least once. Plus I like to eat breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet because I can have eggs over easy. Not that I can’t have them at home, but they’re better when someone else makes them for you!
One other thing. We paid for the cruises with our Capital One Credit card and they offer a "purchase eraser". I had Fran pay in $100 & $200 increments, so as we build up our miles, I am "erasing" a few of those charges here and there. I have three months to do so. This week I erased half the cost of the 2 night cruise, we'll see how far we can get before the charges expire. So far that’s the plan for the cruise, not much more left to plan, just to do it!
Back to the 60th Anniversary Celebration report: We finally got notification that our room was ready and headed over there and had the bags brought up by the Bellman. While Fran napped, I responded to some of the posts on my thread on the DIS, checked some other things on the computer and then decided to check out Happy Hour at the lounge. They usually have a hot appetizer, today was sausage calzones and peperoni rolls. I didn’t try the pepperoni item, but I did get a sausage calzone. It was not very good. There was hardly any filling so I only ate the side of the crust that had filling on it. In addition to grabbing a coke for Fran I got myself a glass of wine.
After her nap, Fran was refreshed and ready to go out to eat. Neither of us was ravenous since we had snacked our way through the park and lounge after lunch. We headed over to Tortilla Jo’s and were seated after a brief wait. I sat underneath this wall of Tequila.
The room.
We were brought chips and Salsa.
And we both ordered margaritas.
The tableside Guacamole is fantastic here.
We asked for mild (no jalapenos) and no cilantro and our prep cook got to work. We watched her scoop out the Avocados, serve up the onions, add the tomatoes, and put in the leafy green stuff.
“Uh, what is that leafy green stuff that you just put into our bowl?” I asked.
“Oh, you asked for no cilantro, didn’t you? Sorry.”
OK let’s start this over.
Scoop out the Avocado.
Squeeze out the lemon juice.
Add the tomatoes
Add the onions and salt
And Stir
Our Guacamole
We decided to split the Enchiladas Suizas. I had already removed my serving when this picture was taken, but it worked out perfect for us. We were both plenty full after the guac and enchiladas.
This was my plate, and as I said it was just enough to completely fill me up.
Now the next event was among the most strange events for Fran and myself. Normally it’s just the two of us at the parks. If we meet someone, it’s usually a DISer, but tonight was different. We had met up with our friends earlier in the day and said if we wanted to get a drink later they would be happy to buy us one, so we texted and agreed to meet up after dinner. While Fran was napping another friend from our band sent me a FB message asking if we were in the park. We had just checked into the room, but we kept messaging back and forth throughout the evening. She was with her parents (Mom plays in the band too) and we all agreed to meet up the whole group of us and have some drinks! Not only were we meeting up with 3D (or as the kids say nowadays IRL) friends, but we had a group of eight of us! Party on Fran and Alison! I didn’t get pictures of all of us and not sure if they would want me to post their pics online, but here are our drinks and us. Hurricaine
Diamond Vodka Martini
US!
We had a great time sitting around chatting. We were seated near a window that had a view of F! and then the fireworks were also visible out the window as well. My friend from band and her parents were so stoked about being able to see the fireworks and just hanging out having drinks that she even posted on FB the next day that we “made her day”. She leaves for her second round of college in a couple weeks (just completed her Jr College degree in music and moving on to a 4 year university).
I took a couple photos of the treats that we had picked up that day. Fran purchased them while I was ordering our ice cream bar.
I ate the Smores treat before I went out on the balcony to take pictures.
By the time we got back to the room, it was pretty late and we missed World of Color, but I did take these long exposure shots off the balcony.
And we crawled into bed because we were going to have an early morning for the actual 60th Anniversary!
dhorner233
Disneyophile
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2011
Love your update! Your pictures are great! That guacamole is incredible and so is the view from your balcony!!! And you guys look great too! 
mvf-m11c
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2009
You have a nice plan for your DCL trip.
Very nice meal at Tortilla Jo's. I have enjoyed eating at Tortilla Jo's that this is DAW favorite restaurant at the DLR since she like Mexican food. I know that she will want to go there again in the near future. The treats always look very nice especially with the Diamond Celebration one's. Your view of DCA is very nice. I can always enjoy getting up every morning and going outside and see DCA.
Very nice meal at Tortilla Jo's. I have enjoyed eating at Tortilla Jo's that this is DAW favorite restaurant at the DLR since she like Mexican food. I know that she will want to go there again in the near future. The treats always look very nice especially with the Diamond Celebration one's. Your view of DCA is very nice. I can always enjoy getting up every morning and going outside and see DCA.
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Your plans for your cruises sound great. Do they no longer over the wine country tour in Ensenada. That was hands down the best port adventure I ever did and it was dirt cheap to boot.
Tortilla Joe's was never really on my radar, but having seen the photos, this may have to change. It looks like you had a really nice evening.
Corinna
Tortilla Joe's was never really on my radar, but having seen the photos, this may have to change. It looks like you had a really nice evening.
Corinna
Paula Sedley-Burke
Proud to believe in Rainbows and Unicorns...
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2008
Wohhooo I am with you there on the excitment of your cruise and a B2B in the offering! How neat. Have you done one before? They seem ideal. We are less interested these days in getting off the ship what with my mobility and all the ships have to offer. Jo keeps saying might as well do the transatlantic!
Your mexican supper looked nice. I just adore salsa. Just hand over the bowl right!
DL stay looks super. How nice to meet up with your friends. I love your anniversary sweet treats Fran got. I always marvel over the photos of DL I think the big Mickey wheel looks so fabulous. So iconic. Not having one at WDW it really sets the parks at a difference which I like. It's such a pretty big wheel. That's what we call them here in England. We use to have them a lot on seaside piers and funfairs.
I am so excited for you for your cruise! You must dress up for Pirate Night! No 'swag' restrictions me hearties why not! They should have a Pirates League on the ships!
Your mexican supper looked nice. I just adore salsa. Just hand over the bowl right!
DL stay looks super. How nice to meet up with your friends. I love your anniversary sweet treats Fran got. I always marvel over the photos of DL I think the big Mickey wheel looks so fabulous. So iconic. Not having one at WDW it really sets the parks at a difference which I like. It's such a pretty big wheel. That's what we call them here in England. We use to have them a lot on seaside piers and funfairs.
I am so excited for you for your cruise! You must dress up for Pirate Night! No 'swag' restrictions me hearties why not! They should have a Pirates League on the ships!
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2008
Your plans for your B2B cruise sound great and relaxing! Its always great how much luggage you can get away with when you are driving - my husband & I are totally spoiled with that on this coast. Luckily his new car gives me a ton more room to overpack.
skier_pete
DIsney-holics Anon
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2006
Ugh - you're room picture of the 1-bedroom makes me so depressed that I wasn't able to snag one at 7-months for our trip. I really, really, hope my waitlist comes through - even for only 2 nights. I would take one that looked out on a brick wall - but THAT VIEW! Too cool.
Captain_Oblivious
DIS Dad #257, Galactic Salad Dodger
- Joined
- Nov 10, 2008
I remember how much you enjoyed being in the spa for that previously!
Excellent work!
Mmmm...Tortilla Jo's...
Sounds like a fun impromptu get-together.
Gorgeous shots!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Yeah, it's always a good day when it is time to book excursions and dining for a cruise!
Is your cruise sailing out of San Diego? I just looked up the Wyndham Bayside as a potential overnight hotel before our PC cruise. Thanks for the hint.
Before you book anything .... keep in mind that usually on the first sea day there is the Castaway Club reception. It will not be advertised anywhere, but you will find a letter with the information the first night of the cruise. Since this is your 6th cruise you should be invited! Free drinks and lovely snacks!
Laughing because I thought if we had a 6pm dinner we would be able to go to the pirate buffet .... NO way. 
I am sure you could order eggs over easy at Triton's as well, but I am so with you - ALL food tastes so much better if you do not have to make it yourself.
WOW!!!!!!! What an awesome view. I guess I would not leave the room for quite some time if I had view like this.
rentayenta
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2007
Love your cruise plans and still bummed we're not going but it'll be great to see you and Pam!
No cilantro? Blasphemy!
No cilantro? Blasphemy!
Leshaface
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2008
Especially with those stops, I'd rather stay on the ship too!
That's cool! Like a private class?
Absolutely
Can you imagine if there was an earthquake and that was your seat?!
The tableside Guacamole is fantastic here.
OH my gosh it is the best! This and just margaritas would be perfect for me
Ugh, yes.
What a pretty glass.
What is in the packaging? It looks like a broken up s'more.
I absolutely love seeing RSR backdrop at night from the rooms. So gorgeous and different!
MEK
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 8, 2005
Your cruise plans sounds so fun! Doing a Back2Back must be really fun! Too bad you actually have to get off the boat and get back on. There needs to be a way to eliminate that step.
What a fun dinner - tableside guac and sitting below all the cool tequila bottles. Fun!
How nice that you got to spend the evening with some of your band friends. Perfect ending to the day!
What a fun dinner - tableside guac and sitting below all the cool tequila bottles. Fun!
How nice that you got to spend the evening with some of your band friends. Perfect ending to the day!
dvc at last !
DVC Member 2006!
- Joined
- May 27, 2006
I had many pages to read to catch up on things in your busy and exciting life. I did like the pics of the fireworks and the Paint the Night Parade.
(Saw those on a Disney site.)
Interesting 33 menu - sorry it was not very enjoyable.
Love the 60th merchandise and all the purchases made - nice jewelry.
Glad Fan is doing great with the meds.
The cruise will be here before you know it -love your planning skills.
(Saw those on a Disney site.)
Interesting 33 menu - sorry it was not very enjoyable.
Love the 60th merchandise and all the purchases made - nice jewelry.
Glad Fan is doing great with the meds.
The cruise will be here before you know it -love your planning skills.
PrincessInOz
Thanks for my avatar, Mary Jo!
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
Keep building those miles! I might actually see the two of you here in Australia!!!
Cilantro??? She gave you cilantro????
Glad she made you a new batch!!
Cilantro??? She gave you cilantro????
Glad she made you a new batch!!
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