Jeni and Carl's Sea Breeze Point Wedding TR - August 2009

[Guest]

Day 5 - Friday 14th August

Today was Rowena's birthday and she had said that she would like to eat at IHOP for breakfast. The night before we booked a taxi to pick us up at 7.20am. When we got to the front of the resort we asked a taxi driver who was there if he was waiting for us and he didn't seem sure but said he would take us. After driving for less than ten minutes he pulled into an IHOP, and we were convinced it wasn't the right one, as we hadn't driven far enough. He insisted it was, and wouldn't take us anywhere else. We found a payphone and tried to call the villa, but it seemed the others had already left. Robin returned my call on my mobile at 7.45, and came to pick us up ince we worked out where we were. We finally got to the correct IHOP at 8.10, when we were planning to meet at 7.45!

We all had a good breakfast, and Row said she liked her birthday presents. I had spinach and mushroom omelette with fresh fruit, but the omelette was huge and I could only eat half of it. Having planned to be at Animal Kingdom for 9am, we left IHOP at 9.05. Luckily we were right by the Sherberth Road shortcut, and were parking at 9.15. Once inside the plan was for me to stay with Rob and Row and the kids and get FPs for Expedition Everest, using the centralised FP area. Carl was to go with mum and dad to order the Picnic in the Park, then we would all meet at Kilimanjaro Safaris.

The first problem happened when Row went to get her birthday gift card - I thought she had to go to guest services at AK, when she actually had to go to Will Call, and we were held up by nearly half an hour in the queues. Eventually it is all sorted out, we quickly get our FPs (loved that we didn't have to go all the way over to Asia!) and got to the entrance of KS at 10am. When we got there we found the others had been having a god old chat with a wonderful CM named Joseph, and had told him all about Row's birthday and the wedding. He then took us through the FP entrance as a special gift because mum, dad and Carl had been there the length of the queue time! When we came off the ride, Carl and I gave him a postcard from our local area to say thank you.

Rowena with her birthday badge


On the Safari vehicle




Giraffes - my favourites on the safari - including a baby




After the safari the kids were in need of a nap, and it tied in with our FP return time for EE. Carl, dad, Rob and I all rode, which left us with 3 FPs over for later. Betti was definitely in B mode on this day, you could barely see her at all on the final descent. After the ride, Carl and I walked to get FPs for Kali River Rapids, then met the others back in Dinoland USA. Amelia was still asleep but Joshua had woken up. While dad, Carl, Rob and I queue for Primeval Whirl, Row takes Josh in the Boneyard. Queue time stated 20 minutes but waited just under 15.



The next plan was to ride Kali River Rapids but Amelia was awake, so Rob, Row and the kids ride Triceratop Spin. Mum goes to play on the sideshow games, and wins a soft toy. After this we walk to the Bakery and pick up our lunch. There was more than enough food between us all, having got the meal for 5 people between 6 adults and two kids!

Pictures of our food

[Guest]

Day 5 - part 2

After lunch we doubled back to Camp Minnie Mickey so the kids could meet some characters and we could watch Festival of the Lion King - this is my favourite show in all of Disney World. Before the show we meet Chip n Dale, and the kids meet Donald - Joshua immediately seems to love all the fur characters! For the show we are seated in the front of the Warthog section, and really enjoy it.

The next stop is meeting more characters - Minnie and Mickey themselves! Carl and I go to get ourselves a frozen drink and, on the way back, sit and watch Geetar Dan. We tell him that we are getting married in a couple of days, and he sings a song about us, having asked a few questions, and we are able to video it. Terk appeared right after our song finished, and had no queue, so Carl and I had another character meeting. We then caught up with the others in the queue for Goofy (second in line and no-one behind them). Had great fun here, as Goofy gets excited about the prospect of our wedding and tries to escort us through Camp Minnie Mickey!

Meeting some of the characters:




We decide then that we will go over to Kali River Rapids to use the FPs, but haven't realised the time - we get caught up watching the parade twice but the kids are thrilled with this. As it came back into Africa we managed to get a great spot, without having to do any waiting ahead of time.

When we got to Kali, Rob and Row said they would need to take the kids home soon. As a result, it was decided that mum, Carl and I would take the kids to Finding Nemo the musical, and Rob, Row and dad would ride Kali then meet us afterwards. For the show we sit in the disabled section in the row just behind the centre aisle, so we had a great view. Josh almost falls asleep again, but is wide awake as soon as Crush comes on!

After the show, the others head back to their villa, so Carl and I decide to make use of the spare FPs for Everest - we are lucky enough to get to ride in the front row, which was a new experience and amazing! By this time we dont feel like getting wet and, although we will be going to Magic Kingdom the next day, decide to check out EMH there tonight. So we got the bust to the TTC, then on to the monorail. We savour walking up Main Street for the first time on this trip!

Our first stop is Exposition Hall where we take some funny photos:



We follow this up by visiting the hat shop, looking for the tuxedo Mickey ears for Carl, as he doesn't want the top hat. I had got my ears at DTD on the first night (the hat rather than the headband). They didn't have them, but we did pick up the phone and listen to the conversations on the other end, which made us laugh.



We then look in some of the shops along Main Street, and watch the giant Mickey shaped rice krispie treats being moulded. Carl also does one of his favourite things, which is to watch the glass moulding being done. By this time Carl has a craving for funnel cake, as we haven't eaten since lunch, so we cross to Sleepy Hollow. While in the Liberty Square are we watch Hall of Presiedents. This was an interesting experience as neither of us have ever done it before, and it was quite eerie seeing the Obama anamatronic.

As we had last ridden POTC on its final night in its original form at an evening EMH we decide that should be next on the list. We wait for about 5 minutes before getting on. We enjoyed seeing the new additions.

Having spoken to a Photopass CM on Main Street, she advised us to try County Bounty for the tuxedo hat, so we then got the train from Frontierland to Toontown Fair. We didn't find the hat so we walked through to Tomorrowland to try out the Laugh Floor, which really did make us laugh. AFter this it was 9.30, so we decided to head off as we would be back again the next day. We were able to use the shortcut around the back of the Main Street shops to avoid the crowds from SPectromagic, which was very helpful.

Day 6: Magic Kingdom and UK DIS meet at Captain Cook's

[Guest]

Day 6 - Saturday 15th August

Today we were heading for our first full day at the Magic Kingdom. Due to a bit of dithering on the part of my brother and SIL over the past couple of days, we said that we'd meet them in front of the Railroad Station if they arrived before 9am, or else we would be in Fantasyland.

Well, we arrived at about 8.25, and got a spot centrally placed for the opening ceremony. I love being at MK for rope drop and, personally, I can never see that show too many times - it always makes me cry! This time was no different, and while waiting we also got speaking to a couple of lovely families who were both celebrating birthdays. One of the mums even took a photo for us.

Crowds (or not!) at 8.25




One of Carl's favourite sights at Disney


After the first crowds had cleared we checked around us and couldn't see the family so we went through to Fantasyland.



As we came through the castle the Fairy Godmother was signing autographs so we stopped to meet her as we never have before.



Peter Pan's flight had a 5 minute wait so we got in the stanby queue, and followed up with Cinderella's carousel, which we walked right on. Unfortunately there was one group right in front of us, and they were also looking to ride Cinderella's horse, so I didn't get to do that!

[Guest]

Day 6 - part 2

While on the carousel we spotted the others coming through the castle. We caught their attention and decided to go straight on It's A Small World, which was also a walk on. We had to wait a little bit, though, as my mum was taken down to the disabled entrance. We thought Robin wouldn't be impressed by this ride, and Carl loathes it due to the song, so we were really surprised when he came off saying he loved it! He really enjoyed explaining the different countries to the kids. This we followed up with Peter Pan's flight. The standby queue was about 20 minutes by this time but we were able to use the disabled entrance so didn't have to wait too long.

Next stop for me and Carl was to head into Frontierland and pick up FPs. We decided to go for Big Thunder Mountain first. The others were riding the carousel at this point, although when we got back we found out Amelia had refused to get on, so the others rode while she stayed with my mum. Rob and Row were, by this time, in the queue for Dumbo, which said 15 mins standby - it was now 10.30am. As we didn't want to wait in the sun, Carl and I went to investigate the queue for Snow White's scary adventures - the sign said 15 minutes but we only waited about 5, which was great. By the time we came off the others were just about to get on Dumbo- they had actually waited about 15 minutes in the end.

Our final stop in Fantasyland was Philharmagic, and my dad later said this was one of his favourite things in the whole trip! I think it was slightly different at the beginning from our trip in 2006 - I'm sure that time Mickey told Donald not to go into his vault, but Donald did, and that's how he ended up in the movies? Anyway, I'm not sure but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.



We then made our way (slowly, which was painful for me and Carl!) to Frontierland. By this time we were able to get FPs for Splash Mountain, and then rode BTMRR. Again, this was me, Carl, dad and Robin. After the ride we needed food so headed to Pecos Bill. Most of us had taco salads, which I actually haven't had at Disney since our first trip in 1996! After lunch we used our FPs for Splash, where we didn't get too wet - on our last trip we got caught by the extra blast of water and wound up getting soaked at the very start of the ride.

Carl and I then said we would go our own way, as it was after 1pm and we had the UK DIS meet at 3pm. We walked back into Liberty Square to check the standby time for Haunted Mansion. It was 15 minutes so we joined the queue. As usual we got a couple of dirty looks for following the instruction to fill in all available space In the end we actually waited about 10 minutes.

The plan was then to watch the Dream ALong with Mickey stage show , then to head out of the park at 2.30. And this was exactly what we did! We got the monorail over to the Poly, and arrived at about 2.50. We found Captain Cook's, and immediately spotted WayneG with his family. We spent a very enjoyable two hours with everyone there, and had a lovely surprise as Wayne and Karen gave us a beautiful Christmas decoration to celebrate our wedding.

This was the photo taken on my camera, which was about the sixth one we asked the CM cleaning tables to take - luckily he was very friendly!


Just after 5 o'Clock we got the monorail back to Magic Kingdom and arrived through the gates at 5.30.

Balloons on Main Street - I like the buildings in the reflection


We went through to Tomorrowland, where we picked up FPs for Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. As we were hungry we decided to try out Columbia Harbour House, having never been there before. We split a tuna sandwich, with a side order of grapes, and a portion of chicken nuggets, and it was delicious. This has become our second favourite Counter Service location in the parks, just behind Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT. After tea we went back and Rode Buzz - this is one of Carl's favourite rides!

We then did the rest of the railroad loop that we started the night before, by riding from Toontown to Frontierland. When we got there we used the spare FPs from earlier to ride BTMRR again, and gave away the 3 spare Splash Mountain FPs to a family we heard talking about getting into a 50 minute standby line. They were very pleased!

Our next job was to meet up with mum and dad again on the bridge by Sleepy Hollow. We were about 5 minutes late for our 7pm meeting time and found, to our surprise, that they hadn't gone back to the villa with the others for a rest, but had been at MK the whole time! As they hadn't eaten, we recommended Columbia Harbour House, and sat with them while they ate. We resisted the temptation to eat again! During the meal, mum and dad mentioned that in all three previous trips they had never ridden Haunted Mansion, so this was where we went next. Once again we waited less than ten minutes. By this time it was about 8.10 so we went to the disabled parade viewing area opposite the Hall of Presidents. Dad and I went to get Mickey ice cream bars for everyone while mum and Carl waited and chatted. Spectromagic was wonderful and we had a really good view.





We then thought that it would be a good idea to remain in Liberty Square to watch Wishes, rather than fight the crowds in front of the castle with mum in an ECV. At about 8.45 there was a torrential rainstorm. We put on ponchos and tried to sit it out, but ended up sheltering by the entrance to Hall of Presidents. The rain eased, and eventually stopped, but then the thunder and lightning came. At 9pm Jiminy Cricket's voice came on and announced that Wishes would be delayed, but would start shortly. We heard the message again at 9.05, and Wishes finally began at about 9.15pm. After Wishes we went to Casey's and got hot chocolate/coffee. We sat and enjoyed our drinks, listening to the music and waiting for the kiss goodnight while the crowds dispersed. Funnily, we realised we were sat right next to one of the families we had chatted to at the opening ceremony, so we asked the little girl if she had had a lovely birthday, and they wished us all the best for the wedding.

We walked sown Main Street just before 11pm. Mum and dad went to the car park, while we went to the bus stop. There was next to no queue by this time, and we waited about 5 minutes for the bus. We finally got back to Pop Century for our last night there at about 11.45.

Tomorrow: switching resorts, Boma, and the day before the wedding!

[Guest]

Day 7 - Sunday August 16th

Today was the day we were transferring from Pop Century to POFQ. We got up just after 7 and packed up the few bits and pieces that we had unpacked - toiletries etc - and at 9am we went to check out as we had no credit card attached. Well, the queue was horrendous as about a million people seemed to be checking in! We'd completely missed the fact that free dining started today. We had arranged for mum and dad to pick us up at 9.30 so Carl stayed in the queue to check out, and I went back to the room and moved the cases outside to wait for them. They arrived shortly after 9.30, and as dad took the cases to the car Carl arrived - he'd had a lucky break as a CM with a laptop was prowling the queues to find any people simply trying to check out.

We arrived at POFQ just before 10am and went straight to check in, where there was no queue. Luckily enough our room was ready for us, and the duty manager upgraded us to a King room on the corner with a courtyard view - we couldn't believe our luck! It was such a lovely view, not far from the pool or the main building, and it was wonderful having the natural light from two windows. We took our bags over, and then went to get a drink in the food court, where we bought a new refillable mug.






Our view:


Our next plan was to go to the Florida Mall so Row and I could get manicures (plus a pedicure for me). We arrived at bout 12pm and had lunch at the food court. Carl and I shared a delicious Chinese meal. After lunch we got our nails done at Nails Ave. while the other browsed the shops. After my nails Carl and i browsed the shops briefly, and then we headed back, arriving at POFQ at 3pm. The gift baskets by Betsy had arrived and, to our surprise, as well as the four for the children, there was one for us! Carl and I got etched Mickey wine glasses, some golf bits for him including a baseball cap, and some bath bits for me from Basin. And best of all was bride and groom ears - this time it was the headband for me, and the tuxedo ears for Carl! For the rest of the holiday grooms would ask him where he got his ears, as they were out of stock in all the stores.

The gift baskets


Our gift basket:


The contents of our basket (minus ears!)

[Leanne1977]

Oooo the excitement is building, your special day is nearly here!

Many thanks for posting here Jen, I think it will be very helpful to future Disney brides particularly those wishing to get married at SBP.

Can't wait for the rest.

[Guest]

Day 7 - part 2

We then got ready for our meal at Boma and were picked up at 4.45 (wearing our ears!). Our reservation was at 5.10, and we checked in almost dead on this time. We only had to wait three minutes for our table but Rob and Row hadn't arrived, so we waited another ten minutes until they were there, then we were seated. I had a delicious passion fruit mojito for a drink, and Rowena had a glowtini (I think that's what it was called!). We had a delicious meal, and were also given a special congratulations dessert platter to share. We got lots of comments from other diners too, who were lovely.





A glowtini


Passion Fruit Mojito


Some of my dinner!


Kids eating



Mum


Dessert


Millie with the Minnie from her gift basket


Wearing my ears!


At about 7.15 we went out to the Savannah to look at the animals - Josh dropped his dummy down the bank, so we let a CM know and she fished it out! Millie then wanted to listen to the storytelling around the firepit, and followed that by joining in with the musical instrument parade. She got a lovely certificate for doing that. Carl and I relaxed in the rocking chairs and enjoyed watching the animals. Before returning to POFQ we shopped, and I finally bought the Wishes CD - I never bought it on our last trip and regretted that ever since! We eventually arrived at FQ at 8.50, and headed straight for bed as we knew we had a big day ahead...






Tomorrow - wedding day!

[Guest]

Day 8 - Monday August 17th

OK, as we had so much going on on the actual wedding day, plus many photos that I want to share, I'm going to post this in sections!

SO we started the day after our first night in the King bed at POFQ - that was wierd, simply because the bed was so big! Plus, I didn't sleep that well - I kept running over things in my mind. We woke up at about 7am, and started to get showered etc. We killed time by eating a bit of breakfast, and watching TV - found some highly amusing infomercials, which kept us entertained! I also surfed the internet briefly as I had logged on the night before and was still within my 24 hours' access.

Mum and Row were due to arrive with my dress at 10.15 so Carl went off to the arcade. It felt wierd knowing the next time I saw him I would be in a wedding dress and walking down the aisle to get married! Shortly after, dad and Rowena arrived carrying my wedding dress, and other bits and pieces. Mum went to tell Carl he could go out and wait by the car. I unpacked the rest of the items from my carry-on suitcase, including the veil and the jewellery. I then opened the jewellery that was a gift from Carl, and it was beautiful - it went perfectly with my dress!

Now I'm going to tell you a bit about the boys getting ready at the villa, as Carl is here with me! He arrived back at the villa at about 10.50, where Robin made some lunch for everyone. At this point it was dad, Carl, Robin, Joshua and Amelia, as dad would be bringing Amelia to POFQ in a taxi later on. They killed time by watching TV, chatting, and playing with the kids.

Dad and Amelia left at 11.40, and Randy Chapman arrived at midday, right on schedule. This was the time that Robin and Carl started to get ready. It's a lot easier for the men to get sorted than the women!






They dressed Joshua up for the photos but undressed him again as he dribbles so much!



Before Randy left, the limousine had turned up, so some shots were taken out there. Randy also took the opportunity to get some photos of Carl with his own car, as he said he had never got photos of a groom with his car before.



Shortly after this they headed off for the Boardwalk.

[Guest]

OK, so we've left the boys at the Boardwalk, so now I'll go back to what I know about first hand - what was happening over at POFQ!

At 10.35 Patricia Lejeune arrived. Immediately I could tell we were all going to get along well - Patricia is just so much fun, and really made me feel at ease. She started off by prepping my hair, which involved tonging it - by the time she was done I looked like Shirley Temple, lol After this she started on mum's hair and make-up. While waiting I watched some TV and chatted, before Row and I headed to the food court to pick up some snacks and refill the mugs. It was quite amusing going over with my hair like that - it would have been better if I had been wearing my "Bride" tracksuit bottoms but mum had forgotten to bring them over, so I'd have to wait until dad got there.

Dad and Amelia then arrived just before midday, and they had a wander around the resort so that Millie didn't get bored. Meanwhile Patricia applied most of my make-up, and started to finish my hair.



At this point Randy arrived and got straight to work taking photos of just about everything! Next for me was putting on my dress. Mum was trying hard to lace it up but having a little trouble, so Randy stepped in and helped her! Bizarrely my dress had a lace up inside, then a zip, then decorative buttons! But we got there in the end.





Once my dress was on, and I'd put on my jewellery and shoes, Patricia finished doing Rowena's hair and put the finishing touches to my hair and make-up.




Finally she put the comb in my hair so that my mum could attach my veil. Finally I felt properly like a bride and I couldn't have been happier with my look - Patricia did an absolutely amazing job, and I can't recommend her highly enough.




After this it was time for Patricia to finish off mum's hair by putting in her fastenator, while I went outside to pose for lots and lots of photos! Luckily we had the beautiful fountain and the courtyard view that the manager had thoughtfully given us the day before - I'm so glad we came back to POFQ - I knew three years ago that it would create a beautiful backdrop and now I know I was right!







We also had fun trying to get photos of Amelia during all this time - at some points she didn't want her photo taken at all, at other times she came creeping out and started posing for Randy! Luckily he was really good with both the kids, and knew exactly when to get the best shots of them and when to leave them alone.





I'll leave it here for now - leaving you in antici... pation! But my next post will update with the journey in the car, and the arrival at the Boardwalk.

[Alyson]

You look AMAZING, your dress is beautiful! Congratulations