Lily Goes Live: A Princess' First Visit to her Kingdom

[TeenaS]

Just got home an hour ago and it was an incredible trip with my two girls. They worked me to death (Jeanne moved again) and of course I got the normal sinus infection two days after arriving. My sinuses do not like the desert.

We loved Huntingdon Beach and Bob and I are looking into flying out for 5-6 days and having Jeanne and Lily drive over and join us ... perhaps in August 2013.

As you know, I'm not a fan of Disneyland and California Adventure and nothing changed my opinion on this trip. In fact, after a few hours, Jeanne said, "Mom, do the CMs here have the same training as WDW ... everybody we stopped and asked a question to didn't know the answer." It was like that the entire time. And the baby centers there lack big time compared to WDW!!! But at one store we asked a question about vinylmation since one of Jeanne's best friends collects them. The CM was soooo helpful. After talking to him for ten minutes he mentioned he had just tranferred from WDW. Jeanne and I both cracked up.

Here's the best one of all: We were at California Adventure and wanted hotdogs or hamburgers and the place we stopped at only had real meals ... meatloaf dinners, etc. So there was a CM outside with menus and we asked him "where can you get a hamburger or hotdog and sit down with it and eat it?" He said "I don't know but I'll find out." Off he went inside to ask someone and a few minutes later came out and told us such and such grill. So I said, "And where might that be?" And he stared at me and said "I have no idea but I'll find out." Unbelievable!! Jeanne and I just laughed and said, "Please fly us back to Disney World NOW!!!"

Weather was wonderful. Lily loved going trick or treating and got the hang of it real fast. She had a mini meltdown when Jeanne tried to take some of her candy from her little bag and put it in Jeanne's larger bag. She screamed ... very unprincess like ... and stomped her feet. Her first real temper tantrum. Jeanne is really strict with what she eats and she has no idea what candy is so it was funny to see her so attached to it and so serious about taking it from people and putting it in her bag.

The memories we made this past trip were wonderful!!!!

[lucas]

Glad you had a good time!

[YCFAN]

So glad you enjoyed your time with your girls. These memories you will keep forever!! I agree with you Teena. You and the other CMs I come in contact with at WDW is what keeps me coming back again and again!

[pixarmom]

Originally Posted by TeenaS

We loved Huntingdon Beach and Bob and I are looking into flying out for 5-6 days and having Jeanne and Lily drive over and join us ... perhaps in August 2013.

Thanks, Dee! Great photos and report, Teena! Just love those photos of Lily and she's as cute as can be in her tink costume! We're all chuckling about your anti-DL perspective, but I get it. We prefer WDW too - cast members, overall Disney immersion, resort value and restaurants are some of the primary reasons. Especially the CMs and dining options - no comparison. I do prefer the overnight at DL over the day trip - the overnight on-site helps a lot!

So it was Huntington! So close to Newport - you were ALMOST there! I know, you were not in charge of planning this visit, but I'm going to lobby you and Bob for August of 2013! Here's my Newport thread again: http://www.www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2895078 You and Bob might also like Catalina Island - another one of my favorite SoCal destinations!

Teena, I prefer all the SoCal beaches in the off-season - I think you visited at the perfect time. Late winter/early spring is great, too. But with kids in school, August 2013 is our next Newport trip. We're meeting my parents there and just booked our favorite beach house rental for the last week in August! But I'm always watching those airfares to see if we can fit in another off-season visit!

[natebenma]

From November 2012:

Bob, you have a month to put this together.





Oh, no, we may have to cancel the cruise if you are still working on this!





Our Hero!






"Just got back from the best Christmas Eve I've ever spent. Watching Mickey's Christmas Parade at Magic Kingdom with Jeanne and Lily ... absolutely nothing beats it. Bob and I got teary-eyed while watching Lily get so excited. Now we have to get Lily to sleep so Santa can come. She actually seems to understand that Santa is bringing her presents here in Florida at Nanny and Pop-Pop's house but ONLY if she was a good girl."


Animal Kingdom Parade "Ok everyone, follow me!"




Waiting for the Magic Kingdom Parade






"This will go a lot quicker if I just tell you what I DON'T want"




Visions of Sugarplums

[ddluvsdisney]

loved the pics of Lily Dee!! She is so precious. What a great Christmas!

I'm sure she loved her Little Peoples Castle toy.

[AlohaAnnie]

Loved to see all Lily's Adventures! Thank You!

Teena you have an adorable family!

Love that Lily!

[natebenma]

Jan 12-Jan 26 Celebrity Equinox

I believe the ports were:

Aruba- rained during their entire excursion on this desert island!
Bonaire
Grendada
Barbados
St. Lucia (one of my favorite islands and contender for most beautiful island)
Antigua
St. Marteen
St. Thomas

Leaving Port:










Stateroom:










Ship:

Solarium and Pool






Bob's a Winner! (But we already knew that)



Teena and Bob found a Hidden Mickey. People who saw them taking this picture thought they were crazy!




Islands:

Bonaire- reminded them of Bermuda




Grenada- beautiful, but impoverished island
Teena and Bob were invited to watch the sailaway from the heliopad






St. Marten- Tight squeeze with 6 ships in port!





St. Lucia- Bob makes a new friend






Food Porn: Continued in Next Post

[natebenma]

Food Porn

View from Tuscan Grill



Tomato and Mozarella Salad



Lamb



Seafood Pasta



Veal Parmesan








After 8 Mousse



Chocolate Souffle

[natebenma]

Life is Good! Sitting with my pals at my new Tink desk watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse:




Lily with her love Duffy:





No! No! NO! I will not hear this Nanny is gone stuff!

[JanetMom]

Such a cutie! Thanks for sharing.

[DisneyMomx7]

Too cute!

[ddluvsdisney]

Lily is just to cute!!

[natebenma]

Hoop De Doo Revue





EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival





Dinner at Artist Pointe at the Wilderness Lodge













Food Porn:
















Fishing Trip:

[DisneyMomx7]

Jeanne looks fantastic!
Looks like you guys had a ball!

Who ordered the scallops - that's what I have my eye on. We are trying Artist Point for the first time this summer.