Remind Us Again Why We Live In New England?

It's about this time of year , every year, that we look at each other and ask " Why do we live in New England "? This month we finally asked that question again.

Between the 28 inches of snow, sleet, extreme cold temperatures and overall crappiness, we are always daydreaming of what it would be like to live in Disney World. Kind of like the college program, but for old ladies. We started reminiscing and found a video that sums it all up for us nicely.
The boat horn gets me every single time, and Stitch makes an appearance which always guarantees some unexpected moments.

And guess what...it's going to snow again this weekend.
sigh



~ Karen

A Review Of The Swan And Dolphin...Plus a Deep Thought By Stitch.

The Disney girls trip of choice is typically The Swan and Dolphin. I'm fortunate enough to have a bestie with a Disney vacation club membership AND a Westin timeshare. Family time is used by the DVC and girls time is Westin. Luckily don't you know that The Swan and Dolphin is a Westin owned hotel so it's a no brainer that that's where we stay. Close to Epcot and HS, walking distance to the Boardwalk, firework views and great food all in our grasp. Yes, we are deprived the magical express but we deal, then move on. Mears is our friend.

Our first trip we stayed in The Dolphin and had a fantastic view of Epcot similar to this



I wish I took this picture, but did not. I swear though..we had this view


The next trip we moved to The Swan , but we're fixin on asking for The Dolphin again next trip. It's bigger with more choices for food, but overall both buildings are great. Each has a conference feel to them but I can't imagine doing girls weekend anywhere else. The hotel also has a fabulous spa, Mandara and we both had killer massages. The inside of the Mandara itself is gorgeous and rivals any other around. It was peaceful and completely relaxing after a day spent hoofing around the parks





Spa time = yes please





Still a great view from The Swan .





courtyard view below..we tore it up there one night after dinner at California Grill



one of the advantages of walking to Epcot



The ladies enjoy pool time



Lil grotto behind us



Nana bought some gift shop glasses

 


Heavenly beds y'all...but wait . What's missing?




Oh damn..there you are Stitch!  Even he can't resist the powers of the heavenly bed.



Swan and Dolphin, The BF's are coming for you soon , so be ready. I'm pretty sure that our furry blue guru will also be there with us , divulging words of wisdom and looking for mai tais



~ Karen



Deep Thoughts...With Stitch

Lots of people have asked us..."BF's, you both seem so tight with Stitch. What's his favorite ride at Disney World"? Personally I can say that this is a tough question for me to answer. I know I have my favorites--Splash Mountain being one-- but he seems to avoid the water rides. Last time he took a shower cap out with Davina and they both covered their heads fearfully.

Rather than have me answer for him I went straight to the source, and of course once he reminded me, I knew exactly what his answer would be and why...

Waiting for the ferry after drinks, Stitch seemed at ease and a bit tipsy.

The Magic Kingdom was crowded and the Halloween decorations were a favorite of Stitch's

He did get upset when we realized we had left his costume behind

After a full night of rides-- he sat out Splash that night-- and trick-or-treating we decided we needed a break and went on what would be Stitch's favorite of the night

The People Mover... I was over served

Surprised by his answer? Well, like you, I figured for such a hyper and fast guy, he'd prefer something more like the teacups or Big Thunder Mountain. I can assure you he rode both of those, but he did get sick after the teacups. According to him it was an "off night". We know it was the multiple Mai Tais.

The People Mover... a respite from the chaos and great for hangovers.

~ Karen

Deep Thoughts....With Stitch

While we plan our next girls trip to Disney we thought we'd ask for a few suggestions on some new , fun things to do. Typically we go to our girls trip guru , Stitch, for suggestions

Stitch, what you think we should drink tonight?

He typically takes some time to reflect and gather his thoughts, not wanting to disappoint with a bad idea



Stitch ponders..

After  gathering his thoughts, he advises....and all is well



You alright Stitch...you are alllllright

He is repaid with a relaxing night and we all partake and make merry, under Stitch's watchful eye



Damn girl I know what's up

Obviously Stitch suggested some fabulous Lapu Lapu's at The Polynesian this night and of course we'll be revisiting there for more on our next trip. Anyone else have some other ideas for us? Stitch won't judge you if he disagrees.


~ Karen



Walt Disney World in 5

My girl Melissa wrote a great piece for FoxNews.com about some tips and tricks to navigate the house of mouse (see link below). Love the Epcot "back door" tip - that's been my choice entrance for years.  Karen and I stumbled upon this much overlooked entrance on our first girls trip. Now it's like our own VIP access.

http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/leisure/2010/06/03/walt-disney-world/#slide=1


~Davina

Is Disney World just for kids? Oh hellllllllll no!

When Davina got engaged and started her quest for the perfect, low key destination wedding I crossed my fingers, rubbed Buddhas belly for luck and prayed to the Mouse gods that Disney World would somehow end up on her short list of options. Well don't you know that her quest for a tropical setting would lead her , and me, right up to the doors of the Polynesian Resort. Buddha...many thanks.

Once her decision was made of where to have her wedding at the beautiful Poly this naturally called for a girls trip. When I say girls trip I don't mean a caravan of biddies trying to get their groove back, I mean just Davina and me..really you don't need more than just your bestie. Because the wedding was going to be miles from our Massachusetts homes we decided that of course we had to go check out the hotel rooms and possible restaurants for a reception dinner. We absolutely had to stand in the spot where the ceremony would be. While we're their why not check out the spas and salons too? And no trip would be complete without riding all the rides as well. This was right after Pirates of the Caribbean was refurbished and the animatronic Captain Jack was put in. Oh did we ride that more then just a few times..

So much planning so little time.

But really this first "girls only" trip to Disney would pave the way for more and create some memories that will last forever. There are a multitude of "grown up" activities at Disney World so don't write it off for your next girls trip. We of course did the parks and rode all of our favorites because really no trip is complete without it. We also checked out the Spa at the Swan and Dolphin. Ahhhh...massages and me time. Lounging by the pool with a few tropical drinks before getting ourselves ready for a FANTASTIC dinner at California Grill. Our server was phenomenal and I think just a wee bit happy to encounter 2 girls without kids who wanted to drink some fine wine. Is there really any better way to end your day than watching the fireworks from the observation deck there with a glass of champagne? The answer would be no.

California Grill would become the place for Davina's post-wedding dinner. Because of our wonderful experience there it's now our favorite restaurant to go to and we plan a visit each girls trip. Husbands are also allowed to tag along too.

The long and short of it is Disney World is not just for kids or families..but for friends looking to get together, reconnect, relax, revel in feeling like a kid again, and in our case plan what would be the best day of ones life. Thanks for letting me be a part of it all D. Girls trip 2011 coming soon!

Karen