Photo Trip Report: My 6 and 4 year-old park commandos -- How we conquered the World! [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 03:12 PM

Originally, our trip was supposed to be scheduled for the first week of January, 2008.

However, I decided that since the boys have a few days of fall break, why not go during October, to coincide it with Jake's Birthday?!:cool1: Low crowds (or so I thought), great weather (did we escape the humidity? find out later). And a possible discount code! October is a go!:yay:

It was June of this year that I started making plans.

ADR's....Daily park schedule....Touring plans.....DDP or not?....Hotel choices....Airline bookings.....MNSSHP or not?.....Who knew it would be such hard work? :rotfl:

Wanted to stay at the POP because of all the great things about it on this board. However, got a discount code for Music or Sports only. Decided on Music because of recent renovation. Looking back, I am so glad that we chose Music. Would definitely stay there again next time. Read on and you'll see what I mean.

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 03:23 PM

No one could sleep. Mom and Dad were doing the last minute packing. Ponchos - check.
Umbrellas - check.
Tickets - check.
Kids asleep - negative on that.

After begging, bribing, discussing, debating...finally.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3894.jpg

Here's a photo of their lanyards with pins I bought off ebay and on dispins (or was it dizpins? can't recall)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3895.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 03:49 PM

The next morning, the boys got up early without any complaints. Our flight leaves at 10:30 am from IAH which is about an hour drive from our home in Southwest Houston. We always fly Continental because my husband works for them :) We didn't use our buddy passes though, because I wanted to be 100% certain that we had seats on that plane to Orlando! (side note: I hate the standby/buddy pass passenger status. It makes me feel like a second class citizen...but on the other hand, the cost is nearly negligible, it's almost like flying for free, and who can beat that?)

Here's the boys all dressed up and ready to go

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3900.jpg

Our exit to get to the airport

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3904.jpg

The boys on the shuttle bus to the Continental terminal, all smiles...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3905.jpg

Jake at window seat beside Mom.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3906.jpg

Sam across the aisle, also in a window seat beside Dad.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3907.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 03:59 PM

It was an uneventful, smooth flight. In the plane, Jake completed all the homework assigned by Mrs. M. for the 2 days he'd be out. He also wrote in his journal about how the clouds looked like icebergs up close.

We ate Turkey sandwiches for lunch. I tried to nap, but Jake kept nudging me and asking help with his journal/spelling homework.

I hear DH snoring across the aisle.:upsidedow

Sam looks out the window frequently. I made sure he had a window seat this time. The last time we flew (to LAX in January of this year to go to Disneyland) he and Jake fought bitterly over who would get the window seat - I still am writing letters of apology to the other passengers of that flight.:rolleyes1

We finally land, and head to this place

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3910.jpg

There wasn't much of a line, it moved along very quickly as you can see...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3911.jpg

THE HAT

11-04-2007, 04:05 PM

Loving the report so far, can't wait for more!!:)

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 04:08 PM

Here's our bus (sorry, the pic's a bit dark)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3912.jpg

All aboard! Next stop, Walt Disney World!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3914.jpg

Welcome to the happiest place on earth...where dreams come true....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3918.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 04:10 PM

Loving the report so far, can't wait for more!!:)

Thank you...you are so nice! My first poster! :goodvibes

Avivasmom

11-04-2007, 04:24 PM

What a great report so far....I LOVE the pics...your boys are just adorable.

Was it chilly out...I see sweatshirts and long pants.

We leave 3 weeks from tomorrow.

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 04:26 PM

Check in at All Star Music was a breeze. No lines. Jake got a Birthday card from the reservation center CMs signed by Mickey and pals.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3919.jpg

Very helpful CM at the front desk. Jake got a Birthday button while Sam got a 1st Visit button. The boys also received welcome balloons and lots of Mickey stickers. I'd say the customer service was A+!:yay:

Do you know what song is depicted by the notes on the front desk at ASMu?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3920.jpg

When you wish upon a star........:goodvibes

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 04:33 PM

What a great report so far....I LOVE the pics...your boys are just adorable.

Was it chilly out...I see sweatshirts and long pants.

We leave 3 weeks from tomorrow.

Howdy fellow Mom! :wave:

It was cold in Houston, but it was generally shorts weather in Orlando. Except at night, when I would recommend a lightweight jacket with a hood, and jeans. It was cool, and I am a little paranoid that the boys would catch a chill/cold (you know how us Mommies are!;)

Check accuweather.com, I did daily for the two weeks before our trip (OCD!?!:rotfl:) it helped. Also, it was cold enough in the early mornings there that we didn't get to swim at the ASMu pool. They say it's heated, but I was like, heated to what temperature? It's freezing! :)

Avivasmom

11-04-2007, 04:36 PM

Check accuweather.com

I definitely will..we are 210 miles south of Disney so usually in the winter months it is chillier by more then 10 or so degrees.

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 04:45 PM

We proceeded to our room in the Calypso building 10, room 602 on the third floor facing the guitar pool. It is a preferred room, and at least for this resort, I highly recommend it. (It is a loooong walk to the back, especialy for two tired sleepy children at 1 am:rolleyes1)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3914-1.jpg

I immediately noticed the name that tune contest, limbo rock game, and the upbeat but not loud pop music playing by the poolside.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3918-1.jpg

Avivasmom

11-04-2007, 04:49 PM

They are just to cute...do they get along?

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:02 PM

Here are some pictures of our room

Surprise Mickey Head on our bed

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3921.jpg

The two double beds

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3922.jpg

Artwork on the wall

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3924.jpg

Flat screen TV

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3923.jpg

They have hair driers (somebody asked me if they did)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3928.jpg

The shower curtain was new, bathroom smelled fresh and clean. Also, the shower curtain rod curved outwards, giving the bather more space.:thumbsup2

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3929.jpg

The bed linens were crisp and clean, like they just came out of the washer/drier.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3925.jpg

Here's the boys playing pirates with their swords that they just purchased from Maestro Mickey's, the gift shop downstairs

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3927.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:07 PM

They are just to cute...do they get along?

They are best buddies, but have this sibling rivalry going on.....This is a typical conversation between them: "I have a better robot"...."I have more pins than you"...."My pins are nicer"...."I want to go first"...."I want the umbrella" -- that kind of thing. Drives me nuts sometimes!:rotfl:

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:16 PM

We then proceeded to decorate our window, Halloween-Mickey style. I bought some window gel cling-ons from Home Depot, liberated some LGMH's from the same place :rolleyes1 , and bought some Jack-o-lantern lights from Target. I also brought along a 9 foot extension cord for the lights.

I was getting upset at the boys because the kept rearranging the cling-ons and not putting them on straight (OCD again! :rotfl: ) I had to remind myself that this was their window too, and they could "contribute" to it! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3913.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3915.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3916.jpg

Notice the lights aren't up at this point, because they were in our checked-in luggage which hadn't made it in yet.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3917.jpg

Donald is #1

11-04-2007, 05:17 PM

Great report so far!

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:19 PM

Coming up next, off to EPCOT we go. More pictures to come! :dance3:
(In other words, time to make Dinner!)

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-04-2007, 05:23 PM

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:25 PM

Great report so far!

Thank you! I have over 700 plus pics on my digital camera, and over 150 on our photopass :) I promise I won't make y'all fall asleep by posting all of them!:rotfl:

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:30 PM

LOVE your report and all the pics!!! Went for our boys' first trip in September...it's fun to read a report with kids around the same age! My boys will be 5.5 next Sept. when we return...that is if we don't get prego before that ;)..that's a whole nother story! Can't wait to see EPCOT pics!! That was one of our favorite parks along with MK of course :)...and we never even made it to one country!..oh well..save something for next trip! How was dinner :) :)???;)

Thanks! Dinner at EPCOT was at Coral Reef...Tonight, though, its only PB and J sandwiches because Mom has to complete at least the first day's trip report! :rotfl2: Btw, we also never made it to any one country at EPCOT, we just stayed at Future World! :) That's right, we too are saving World Showcase for our next trip :)

snowwhite325

11-04-2007, 05:32 PM

I love your TR, it is getting me so excited for my upcoming trip in 3 weeks :cool1: I love pictures so I hope you post them all:goodvibes

Skyw

11-04-2007, 05:37 PM

Love the PIC's. The more the better. We leave in 5 nights and a wake up!!!! I have a 4 year old too!!

Donald is #1

11-04-2007, 05:39 PM

Thank you! I have over 700 plus pics on my digital camera, and over 150 on our photopass :) I promise I won't make y'all fall asleep by posting all of them!:rotfl:

Keep the pictures coming! I love looking at pictures. :)

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 05:45 PM

Thank you all for reading along. I am going to post more as soon as photobucket hurries up and loads my pics! :)

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 06:58 PM

We ride the Disney Bus Transportation to Epcot park. I didn't get any pics at this point because: a) there was no line at the bus stop so we immediately had to hop on to the bus, and b) the bus was SRO and we were packed in snugly, I didn't have much space to point and focus the camera.

We got to EPCOT, and it was a long walk to the front of the park from the bus stop. It also started to rain, well, really just a light drizzle. But enough for Mom to make the boys use their umbrellas.

Here they are in front of Spaceship Earth (closed for refurbishment!)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3921-1.jpg

Here's another one with just the "giant golfball" as the boys call it :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3923-1.jpg

The boys were amazed at the twirling thingies that looked like DNA strands, so I decided to take a picture of it

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3924-1.jpg

Light crowds at around 5:30 p.m., perhaps due to the light drizzle.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3925-1.jpg

The boys by the upstream waterfall

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3927-1.jpg

The clear, clean waters of the fountain - so clean you can see the rocks at the bottom of the pool

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3928-1.jpg

We had time before our 6:30 ADR for Coral Reef, so we went on Figment's ride. Here's the boys in line, actually, no line...practically walked on

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3931-1.jpg

After the ride, the boys ran around a little bit in the play area...see how hard to catch them on camera? :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3932.jpg

A photo of the skyline on our way to the Seas Pavillion. I thought it looked pretty especially the pink flowers by the monorail line :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3933.jpg

We still had a few minutes before our Coral Reef ressie, and the Finding Nemo ride was only a 5 minute wait so...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3934.jpg

The jellyfish looked so real!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3935.jpg

We get to Coral Reef finally, and while waiting for our table, Mom wanted more pictures, to which Sam does this...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3937.jpg

I had arranged for a personalized menu for Jake as part of the surprise for his 7th Birthday. (Only I knew about it, not even DH knew about the surprise.) It was so beautifully made! Debbi, the Coral Reef Manager did such an awesome job. Here it is...

Cover

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3938.jpg

Second page

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3941.jpg

Third page

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3939.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 07:37 PM

The drinks came, and look at the cool dolphin that swam along with Sam's drink!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3944.jpg

One nice thing about the Coral Reef is that they give you a little booklet with pictures and names of the different sea creatures in their tank. We had fun searching for them and looking up their their names. Here's some pics of the tank/aquarium from our tier one table. See if you can name some of the animals swimming around :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3946.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3948.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3949.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3950.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3951.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3952.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 07:43 PM

Dad and the boys at our table

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3953.jpg

A view of the restaurant from my seat

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3954.jpg

The food's here! DH and I ordered the same thing, NY strip steak! Yummy!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3959.jpg

Sam got the grilled chicken.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3960.jpg

Jake got the mac and cheese, but asked me to please not take a picture of it because "mac and cheese looks the same everywhere, Mom!" :rolleyes1

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 07:50 PM

All of a sudden, a diver appears out of nowhere at Jake's side of the tank! :cool1: She beckons to Jake to come up closer to the glass...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3955.jpg

Then, she surprises him with a sign that says....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3956.jpg

Jake comes up closer to the glass to read the sign....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3957.jpg

The diver then gets a handfull of seashells from her pocket, and pretending its confetti, proceeds to shower it all around her and around the sign....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3958.jpg

She then does some backflips in the water, which I didn't get to photograph as I was getting teary-eyed and happy that the surprise worked out so well. Everyone around us cheered! :)

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 07:59 PM

Several other divers swim by and wave at us....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3966.jpg

After dinner, we pass by the Nemo ride again and resist the temptation to go in. Instead, we take pictures by the birds that go "mine! mine! mine!"

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3969.jpg

Jakob does his first pin trade.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3970.jpg

The boys and Dad really got into pin trading this trip! The CM's are very nice, and the pins we traded for were all excellent in quality!

jake&samsmom

11-04-2007, 08:04 PM

We really wanted to ride Soarin' but the wait was over 55 minutes! At that rate, we would miss Illuminations, and this night was our only scheduled night to be at EPCOT for this trip! What to do? At this point, DH comes up with a surprise, Fastpasses for all of us for Soarin'! Here are the boys in line for Soarin'...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3971.jpg

We fall in love with this ride, and will ride on it twice more this trip! :)

Now we head to the north end of Future World for Illuminations. It is now almost time for the show so there are hundreds of people taking up the preferred viewing spot(s). Luckily, we find a passable viewing place, but have to carry the kids in our arms so that they have a good view of the show. Hence, no pics at this moment - Jake is almost 50 lbs. and required the support of both my arms!:upsidedow

We purchase some pins from a giftshop after the show. Sam asks to buy a small Stitch toy. I buy a beach towel for Jake to use during swim competitions. Off Topic: I want to shamelessly promote the swimming skills of my son:cheer2: Jake has been swimming since he was 18 months old. He is a highly accomplished swimmer, and swims for our local recreational swim team. He has a wall full of swimming awards, ribbons, trophies etc. Shameless proud Mom! :rotfl:

On the way out of EPCOT (sorry, not as glamorous as I would like to look, but the humidity was really something!)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3973.jpg

This was taken on the bus ride home to ASMU at around 10:35 p.m. There were only around ten people on the bus. Little did we know that this would be the earliest time we would ever be returning "home" for the duration of our trip!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3930-2.jpg

Coming soon....Our first full day -- at Animal Kingdom!

eyenjeff

11-04-2007, 11:43 PM

What a great report so far!!! Your boys are sooo cute!! I love all the pictures! We leave in 1day and Im so excited I can't sleep! Keep the report coming it is helping with my excitement!

KYCruiseCrazy

11-05-2007, 05:45 AM

wow great TR so far. looks like some very happy people:goodvibes

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-05-2007, 06:25 AM

Love the TR so far! Coral Reef looks like fun! WE'll have to try that next time...we did GG at Epcot for fear of CR after all the bad reviews :(

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 02:37 PM

The boys got up early and we went to the ASMu food court to get some milk for our cereal.

DH was still asleep, tired from EPCOT last night, so the boys and I decided to shower and get dressed (the boys in their camo t-shirts in homage to the AK theme). We head to Animal Kingdom without Derrick ("call us when you get there, Dad") :)

This was taken while we were waiting for the elevators in the Calypso building.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3976.jpg

Jake inside the elevator. Notice his growing pin collection :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3977.jpg

This is Sam in the elevator. He didn't want to wear his pins/lanyard. Mom kept them safely in her purse :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3978.jpg

By the poolside on the way to the bus stop

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3979.jpg

We were at the bus stop by 9am, and got on the bus almost immediately. Again it was SRO, but we loved riding the bus as we do not regularly experience that here in Houston. Everyone around us comments on how nice Jake's pins are :)

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 02:39 PM

Love the TR so far! Coral Reef looks like fun! WE'll have to try that next time...we did GG at Epcot for fear of CR after all the bad reviews :(

I too was initially wary about the bad reviews it had been getting. But I am happy to report that it was the best and most memorable meal we had at WDW :) The food was great, service excellent and it was clean, clean, clean :)

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 02:41 PM

What a great report so far!!! Your boys are sooo cute!! I love all the pictures! We leave in 1day and Im so excited I can't sleep! Keep the report coming it is helping with my excitement!

I know the feeling of sleepless anticipation! :) Have fun on your trip, Eileen! Please tell me/us all about it when you get back. And, oh, give Mickey a big hug from all of us! :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 02:45 PM

wow great TR so far. looks like some very happy people:goodvibes

We try to be happy, but believe me, we have our moments just like everyone else. ;) At one point, my DH told the boys, "look guys, we didn't have to spend all this money to fight with each other -- we could have done that for free at home!" :rotfl2:

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 03:02 PM

We arrive at AK, and Jake wants to trade pins ASAP. Luckily, there was this nice CM at the front of the entry who actually gave Jake a Buzz and Woody pin without a trade, all because it was Jake's Birthday!:goodvibes - now that is what I call Magic!

We walk on further around the Oasis...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3981.jpg

We see these two lovely royal blue birds, macaws perhaps?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3982.jpg

Then we get our first glimpse of the Tree of Life -- what a sight to behold.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3984.jpg

More pics of the Tree of Life...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3985.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3986.jpg

Here's one with Sam by himself. Jake was off to the side, pin trading with a CM! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3987.jpg

We head towards Asia....our mission: Expedition Everest!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3988.jpg

Will we chicken out? Or will we conquer Everest?

Stay tuned!

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 07:06 PM

Here is the foreboding path towards Mount Everest...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3989.jpg

We trek to the entrance to Expedition Everest. Darn! There is only a 15 minute wait! No! I thought I'd have more time to contemplate riding on it or not. The boys plead with me to ride with them -- I have no choice but to go. (insert dramatic music here).

My anxiety building, I was not able to take pictures of the queue. I thought it was beautiful and well thought out. My boys rang the giant bell that hangs along the path.

Now we reach the loading area, but I see that each car seats two people side by side. The boys decide to sit with each other. Wait! How about me? You mean I'm sitting all alone in the back?! :scared1:

The ride begins, slowly at first, then gradually gains speed. I actually start believing that it wasn't going to be as scary as I thought, but then we reach the "end" of the tracks where the Yeti has destroyed it....

The rest of the ride is a blur to me.....All I remember is my two boys pulling me out of the giftshop selling "I Conquered Everest T-shirts"....Jake saying "that was cool Mom!".....

I reach for two Dramamine tablets from my purse.....We sit on a bench by the fastpass machines....my greenish-sick looking expression warns the folks in line about the dangers of angering the Yeti.....

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-05-2007, 07:35 PM

Yeah! I'm glad to made it! It gave me a bit of a headache too...but it was worth it!:rotfl:

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 07:37 PM

After I rest a few minutes, I feel up to walking again. We head to Kilimanjaro Safaris in Africa. We are a little disappointed when we get there because the standby line is already at a 45 minute wait this early in the morning! We get fastpasses fo it, and race down to Camp Minnie/Mickey to catch the next showing of Festival of The Lion King.

We get VIP seats! Second row, right behind the people who actually paid for a VIP tour guide. Here are the happy guys waiting for the show to start:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3990.jpg

We are seated in the Giraffe section, and this beautiful lady is our "leader". She teaches our group how to make a loud Giraffe sound (which kinda sounds a bit like a bleating goat:) ). We beat the other sections in the loudness scale! :banana:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3992.jpg

The show begins...Here are some images of it.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3998.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3991.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4000.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3999.jpg

The melody of "Circle of Life" brings me to tears.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3993.jpg

This is a fantastic show! I have this on the must-do list for our next trip!:) (O.T.: The boys and I have seen the Lion King on Broadway. It is also an awesome show and I highly recommend it to all!)

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 07:44 PM

Yeah! I'm glad to made it! It gave me a bit of a headache too...but it was worth it!:rotfl:

:rotfl2:

(btw, did your babies get on Everest too? Or did y'all do the child swap?)

jake&samsmom

11-05-2007, 08:19 PM

After the show, Jake wants his picture taken beside Pumba...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4003.jpg

DH surprises us all by jumping out from the crowds, he was at FOTLK show too! :)

We see these guys fishing as we walk away from Camp Minnie/Mickey...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4004.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4006.jpg

We decided not to do the character greeting trails, because we would meet with the characters later on during our dinner date with Chef Mickey (another Birthday Surprise for Jake!) :)

We absolutely could not pass on Lilo and Stitch though. Sam is in love with Stitch! :love: So, we line up and say hello. Stitch plays with Sam's hood, and pulls it over his head :joker:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3931-2.jpg

Up next -- our wild safari ride!

Stay tuned! :)

jake&samsmom

11-06-2007, 01:03 AM

After posing with Lilo and Stitch, we head north on Discovery Island towards Africa. We chance upon the Discovery Island trails, and a little alcove with a downward set of stairs that lead underground to this aquarium:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4007.jpg

This big fishy guy decides to pose for the camera

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4008.jpg

After spending a few minutes there, we get back on track. DH doesn't have a fastpass for the safari, (he came to the park about an hour and a half after the boys and I did) and he decides to skip the safari for now. He goes off to ride Expedition Everest via the single rider line.

The fastpass line at the Safari still took at least 15 minutes. Here's the boys waiting for our safari vehicle.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4012.jpg

We ask to sit in the front row, and here's the view from it

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4013.jpg

The animals were out in full force....

Hippos:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4017.jpg

Crocodiles:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4018.jpg

Bambi ?!:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4022.jpg

Antelopes and buffaloes:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4025.jpg

Giraffes:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4028.jpg

More Giraffes:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4030.jpg

Rafiki's home: a huge Baobab tree. :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4020.jpg

Btw, the Baobab is occasionally known colloquially as "upside-down tree". This is likely derived from older African lore. The story goes that after creation, each of the animals was given a tree to plant and the hyena planted the baobab upside-down. Those darned hyenas -- they're nothing but trouble! :rotfl:

A giant termite hill. Acording to our safari guide, the elephants use it to scratch their behinds

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4021.jpg

Here's one right now that just did

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4035.jpg

More elephants

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4037.jpg

Some light pink flamingoes

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4038.jpg

Rhinos

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4041.jpg

Ostritches and rhinos

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4042.jpg

Ostritch eggs

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4039.jpg

We come upon the rickety bridge...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4032.jpg

Will we make it over the bridge?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4033.jpg

Of course we do! :banana: This is Disney, y'all, not "real" Africa :)

My son Sam was having a hard time telling apart the "real" animals from the animatronic ones. He kept asking me, "Mom, is that one real or is Mickey just joking us?" I thought it was sooo cute! :)

Next up -- a Tribesman hunting a Tiger!

Stay tuned!

Nicole786

11-06-2007, 08:16 AM

Fantastic TR! I want to stay at the ASMu next trip, it looks like the best value!

kaysmommie

11-06-2007, 09:01 AM

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-06-2007, 02:21 PM

Great Safari pics! ...and yes...my boys and DH and I all rode Everest...2 times in a row! No swaping...didn't even think of it! They just took turn riding wiht a stranger :)...can't wait for more!!

jake&samsmom

11-06-2007, 03:29 PM

Subbing to your trippie. Your boys are adorable! Looks like you all had a wonderful time. Coral Reef is one of my Favorite restaurants in Disney. Love your safari pics. Did you love ASMU? I'm decoding between POP and ASMU for my DD's BDay trip. I'm leaning towards ASMU since I have heard it's quieter there. Where the beds comfortable and how was housekeeping? I just don't want to book POP and have it be really crazy busy and noisy. Thanks.

Fantastic TR! I want to stay at the ASMu next trip, it looks like the best value!

We loved ASMu! The beds were super comfortable. The staff provided bedrails for the boys' bed because they roll around too much in their sleep :)

Housekeeping was excellent! Clean fresh towels daily and we even got a couple of towel animals.

Room was meticulously cleaned; soaps and shampoos replenished every single day.

There was little to no noise from the widely discussed "turbo toilets", and little to no noise from folks walking outside our door. :thumbsup2

And there was even a privacy curtain separating the vanity from the sleeping area, creating a small changing room.

We found the space adequate for our family of four. Enough space to store all our suitcases; enough hanging room for our clothes; and plenty of shelves for the boys' toys.

Pool had sparkling blue water. Food court had very short to no lines. Tables were wiped clean. (btw, there is a big screen TV in the food court showing the Disney channel :) )

jake&samsmom

11-06-2007, 03:32 PM

Great Safari pics! ...and yes...my boys and DH and I all rode Everest...2 times in a row! No swaping...didn't even think of it! They just took turn riding wiht a stranger :)...can't wait for more!!

Thanks for reading along :) Will post more later tonight after Jake's baseball game -- their team is in the playoffs! :yay:

cruiserkaren

11-06-2007, 03:54 PM

We loved ASMu! The beds were super comfortable. The staff provided bedrails for the boys' bed because they roll around too much in their sleep :)

Housekeeping was excellent! Clean fresh towels daily and we even got a couple of towel animals.

Room was meticulously cleaned; soaps and shampoos replenished every single day.

There was little to no noise from the widely discussed "turbo toilets", and little to no noise from folks walking outside our door. :thumbsup2

And there was even a privacy curtain separating the vanity from the sleeping area, creating a small changing room.

We found the space adequate for our family of four. Enough space to store all our suitcases; enough hanging room for our clothes; and plenty of shelves for the boys' toys.

Pool had sparkling blue water. Food court had very short to no lines. Tables were wiped clean. (btw, there is a big screen TV in the food court showing the Disney channel :) )

Sounds good! We'll be staying at ASMu next time too. (hopefully May 08!)

Your trip report is a fun read. Thanks for sharing.

KimAshton

11-06-2007, 04:07 PM

I just read your whole trip report. You have handsome boys. I love AMu but when I go at the end of the month I am trying Pop since I stayed at AMu in March.

jake&samsmom

11-06-2007, 09:01 PM

I just read your whole trip report. You have handsome boys. I love AMu but when I go at the end of the month I am trying Pop since I stayed at AMu in March.

I heard that Pop is loads of fun! :thumbsup2 Y'all have a good time, and let us hear/read all about it. :)

Sounds good! We'll be staying at ASMu next time too. (hopefully May 08!)

Your trip report is a fun read. Thanks for sharing.

And thank you for your kind words :goodvibes

jake&samsmom

11-06-2007, 09:37 PM

After we exit the Safari ride, we notice a long line of people forming by some type of attraction close to the Safari entrance. (I say to myself, hmmm :confused: I didn't see that ride on my touring plan map....)

Upon closer inspection, the boys realize that it is not a queue for a ride, but rather a face painting station! They quickly get in line.

Jake chooses a full tiger face design...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4043.jpg

Sam decides on a Tribal look...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4045.jpg

Here is the Tiger with the Tribesman:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4048.jpg

The boys experiment with African drums

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4050.jpg

Jake pounds on the biggest one

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4049.jpg

Then we get a phone call from Derrick. He is finished riding Expedition Everest, and is now super hungry for lunch. I want to eat at Flame Tree BBQ because of all the great reviews about it on this board. However, he picks Mr. Kamal's. I am a little disappointed, but I let Derrick have his way as Mr. Kamal's is a closer walk to where we were, and my feet were starting to complain! :)

No wonder Derrick insisted to eat here. Look at the view from our table...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4053.jpg

The carvings on the Tree never cease to amaze me...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4054.jpg

Here's another one with the boys in it....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4051.jpg

In the shadow of the mighty Tree of Life, we eat delicious chicken strips and huge turkey sandwiches. I drink from a Dasani water bottle decorated with Tinkerbell and Cinderella's Castle. My kids are all smiles, and so is my DH. I say to myself, life is good! :cloud9:

Up next -- a wet river ride, and a journey back in time....

Stay tuned! :thumbsup2

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-07-2007, 06:43 AM

Wow! I wish I would have know to eat there and get that view! Amazing! And I just LOVE the face painting...how cool!

jake&samsmom

11-07-2007, 07:45 AM

After lunch, the family heads to the northeast section of AK. We see that the wait time for Kali River Rapids is only 15 minutes, so we park our stroller and head on in.

We come back for ponchos, to protect our video camera and new digital camera that are strapped on to the adults ;) . I offer the kids ponchos too but they say "No! We want to get wet!" :rolleyes1 You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them wear their ponchos! :rotfl:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/kali1.jpg

You see? "You will get wet!" I tell the kids. They still reject the ponchos...oh well...

We proceed to the rafts...(No pics of this because I decide its too expensive a risk to pull out my camera from inside my poncho :guilty: ) In place of pics, here's a really cool description of the ride :idea: :

The story behind the ride is that you are a part of an eco-tourist expedition, but a logging company has been illegally clearing part of the jungle, and has created dangerous rapids as a result.

During the course of the ride guests are loaded into a 12 seater raft, in which everyone sits in a circle facing inwards, and each other. After loading the raft is hoisted up the 33-foot lift hill, disappearing into a bamboo tunnel filled with jasmine and ginger scented mists.

The raft then passes through a rain forest (and you just know what rain means to a water ride), followed by a bamboo thicket rife with the smells of burning wood. Immediately after this section the raft plunges along a 230-foot section of white water, at the end of which it passes under a rock bridge with 40 ceiling drippers built in. On top of the bridge, park guests have the chance to activate 'Elephant Guns' that shoot jets of water at the Kali riders.

A view from the top of the bridge...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/kali2.jpg

And, no, we didn't try to shoot the riders passing by with the Elephant water guns :)

Jake got a little wet, Sam wasn't wet at all except for some spashes on his face which somewhat smudged his face painting.

DH and I, with the ponchos, got the most water hits, but we were fine (and so were the camera equipment:) )

One lady approached us as we were exiting the ride and asks where we bought our ponchos. I tell her sorry, it came from Walmart in Houston :sad1: . I guess she didn't want to buy an 8 dollar Disney poncho just for that ride (ours was 80 cents). She looked so forlorn that I felt bad for her, but I couldn't give her the boys' ponchos, right?

So, with the ponchos now hanging off the stroller arms, we proceed to the Finding Nemo Theater. We are so excited because the show is to start in 5 minutes, and there's hardly anyone in line! :yay: As we enter the theater, we find out why...everyone has taken their seats inside, and the only seats remaining are in the nosebleed section in the waaay back. :sad1:

We sit in the cheap seats ;) , and the show begins.... After 5 minutes into the show, I tell DH, we need to go. This is awful. We are too far behind, and two tall persons are blocking the boys' view. We can come back later. DH agrees.

We come upon this huge Dinosaur footprint which catches the boys' fancy...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4056.jpg

They ask me if it's a real Dino footprint, and I have to tell them "Yes of course it is!" ;) (In the same spirit as the Toothfairy and Santa, you know what I mean :thumbsup2 )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4055.jpg

So, at this point, our touring plan says go ride Dinosaur. Of course it also said that by this time we should have had fastpasses for it! :rolleyes1 We skipped getting fastpasses because we were too far from Dinoland and stubbornly/lazily refused to make the long trek back and forth.

We sure paid for that error, because the standby wait time said 50 minutes and there were no fastpasses left!:eek:

We did get some pictures while in line...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3932-1.jpg

This guy was too big to fit in a whole camera frame!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4058.jpg

Reminded me of Crush and Squirt...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4059.jpg

Stay tuned for my review of Dinosaur the ride! :thumbsup2
Gotta get the kids to school now. (And me, to work! :) )

jake&samsmom

11-07-2007, 09:01 AM

Wow! I wish I would have know to eat there and get that view! Amazing! And I just LOVE the face painting...how cool!

The ladies doing the face painting were such pros, it only took a few minutes to do (and that is about as much time as the boys could tolerate sitting very still :) )

My only complaint was the price $$$ :eek: (shhh...don't tell DH!...I think he thought it was free :rotfl: )

Now I really need to get to work....

jake&samsmom

11-07-2007, 06:32 PM

It did take 50 or so minutes to get on Dinosaur. The boys sat in between myself and DH. The ride was dark, bumpy and quite frightening (even for an old theme park-goin' gal like me! :)

This is the first time we had been on this ride, and those dinosaurs that jump out from the darkness just scared the beejezuz out of me! :eek:

Of course the boys loved it :rolleyes

The vehicle we rode on is much similar to the jeep that you ride on the Indiana Jones ride in Disneyland. The motion/bumpiness level is also pretty much the same. I love the theming of Indiana Jones -- it is my favorite Disney Park ride of all! :love:

Dinosaur, on the other hand, I give a B+ grade (sorry to the Dino fans out there) ;)

On our way out, we stop and watch the balancing/juggling show by Smear, Splat and Dip...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/ssd.jpg

They are actually pretty funny!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/ssd2.jpg

Derrick then heads to the Dino arcade, while I bring the boys to play in the Boneyard, but I haven't even started to warm up the camera when Jake says he really needs to go to the bathroom! :headache: Meanwhile, Sam is somewhere up there in the maze of slides/rocks/steps! I start calling out for Sam to come down while Jake does his hilarious pee-pee dance :rotfl:

Thankfully, Sam hears me, and slides down to where we were. We ask a CM where the closest bathroom is, and literally fly in that direction. I call DH on the cell phone to meet us there, and he and the boys make it to the men's room just in the nick of time! I wait for them outside on a bench, and guess who walks by.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4062.jpg

I give him a big hug.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4063.jpg

In the meantime, the boys have snuck out of the restroom, and are playing arcade games! They win one green turtle, one purple turtle, and one green spotted dinosaur! :banana:

jake&samsmom

11-07-2007, 06:33 PM

Mickeys Jammin' Jungle Parade is about to start, so we race to Discovery Island and reserve our viewing spot right across from the Beastly Bazaar gift shop.

Here comes the parade! :yay:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4064.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4065.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4066.jpg

Rafiki looking straight at us....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4067.jpg

What a cool Giraffe!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4068.jpg

Anyone up for a Hippo ride?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4069.jpg

Is that Chip or Dale?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4070.jpg

Here comes Miss Minnie!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4071.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4072.jpg

Sam says this is a camel...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4073.jpg

We all know this is a monkey...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4074.jpg

Those are some tall stilts!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4075.jpg

Here's Goofy guffawing! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4077.jpg

Our old grill used to look like this :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4078.jpg

Watch out, Sam! That tiger might get you!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4079.jpg

Timon gives us all a meerkat hug...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4080.jpg

Donald waves to his fans...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4081.jpg

Sam is excited to see Donald up close

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4082.jpg

Mickeys JJ Parade is most unique. It brings back memories of the animal costumes/puppets/masks/statues that were used in Lion King on Broadway.
It is a must-see in my book! :thumbsup2

Coming soon -- Nemo vs. Flik?
Who will get the Family's vote??

melsmom12

11-07-2007, 07:30 PM

Oh my word, your boys are ADORABLE! Your family is just too cute. I'm loving your trip report so far, can't wait to read more!

jake&samsmom

11-07-2007, 08:29 PM

Oh my word, your boys are ADORABLE! Your family is just too cute. I'm loving your trip report so far, can't wait to read more!

Thanks for reading my trippie :) It's nice to "meet" fellow die-hard Disney fans like me! :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-08-2007, 08:52 AM

After the parade, our family sits down to decide what final attraction to go to, since it was almost closing time.

Sam and I vote for Finding Nemo the Musical. Dad is definitely seeing It's Tough To Be A Bug. Poor Jake is torn between the two.

Jake then decides to come with us to Nemo, but makes a turn-around at the last minute just as DH is walking away. I'm going with Dad, he says. Nemo is for babies he whispers. ;)

Here's some pics of Jake and the Tree of Life which houses ITTBAB (DH's behind the camera):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3933-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3937-1.jpg

Here's Jake just about to enter the theater

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3934-1.jpg

This one was taken after the show

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3938-1.jpg

Meanwhile, Sam and I head to the Nemo theater. We are crossing our fingers, hoping for good seats this time :)

We get in, and secure awesome seats about 6 rows from the front of the stage. :yay: We sit right beside the platform/walkway that extends from the front! :)

I play with my digital camera, trying out different settings, but didn't really like the results....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4086.jpg

This one's a little better, but you can't see the Nemo curtain background :)
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4087.jpg

The show then begins...Now I can't get that song out of my head... "In the big blue world...."

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4089.jpg

This show is perfect for children my Sam's age (4 and below). The story is sweet, the music soothing, and just lovely overall...:thumbsup2 I think I'm going to purchase the soundtrack CD for Sam (and myself) for Christmas.

After the show, we get a call on the cell phone from Jake, ordering us to hurry up and rush to the front exit of the park because I have his autograph book, and Mickey and Donald are waiting for him! :woohoo:

Here's Jake patiently waiting for us outside the gates...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3940-1.jpg

I put Sam in the stroller, and push/walk/run as fast as I can to meet them at the gates....

Will we make it?
Or do we miss out on meeting the Big Cheese?
Stay tuned! :thumbsup2

kaysmommie

11-08-2007, 10:36 AM

Great update and aweseom pics. I love the boys with thier face paint, so cute. My DD wants to have that done next time. I have never seen the AK parade in 6 trips :guilty: , after seeing your pics I will put it on the list.

jake&samsmom

11-08-2007, 02:48 PM

jake&samsmom

11-08-2007, 09:09 PM

Sometimes, long lines work to one's advantage. ;)

When Sam and I exited the AK, we were met by looong lines of children waiting to meet Mickey. My DH and Jake were already in line, and Sam was able to join them.

In the meantime, I was rummaging thru the backpack for the Autograph book and the retractable Sharpie marker (they are great for character autographs, btw).

After a few minutes, the boys get to the front of the line....:yay:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4092.jpg

The boys get their very first character autograph...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4093.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4094.jpg

The boys pose with their favorite mouse....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4095.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4096.jpg

Then we all line up to meet Donald (per Sam's request). Jake asks to have his face paint wiped off, he sees himself in the camera's sceen and knows that his tiger face is half erased :) The paint is water - based and comes off easily with baby wipes.

It's our turn to meet Donald now...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4097.jpg

There is a photopass photographer present, and takes lots of pics of the boys. I'll post them here when I get our CD ;)

I then notice that one of our photpass cards is missing! :headache: I ask the photographer if there is a way to find our "lost" pictures, and he says to ask the photopass desk in any park, and they can search for them.

Btw, I never got a chance to go to any photopass desk because of our "commado" ways, but I filled up a lost photpass card report online.

True to the Disney tradition of superb customer service, they emailed me back and found my lost pics in less than 48 hours! :woohoo:

We say goodbye to Animal Kingdom....No, not goodbye, but rather "see ya real soon!" (fingers crossed)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4098.jpg

I ask the boys to take their caps off to get a better view of their faces (OCD!)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4099.jpg

We ride the bus to ASMu after a fun-filled day at AK.

melsmom12

11-08-2007, 09:19 PM

Nicole786

11-08-2007, 09:26 PM

Great day at AK!! I love your parade pics i've never seen that one! Last time we got rained out!

jake&samsmom

11-08-2007, 09:27 PM

When we get back to our room, Mickey has left a big surprise for my Birthday boy Jake....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4100.jpg

It is a personally autographed Birthday card from Mickey Mouse along with a Birthday balloon! This was a surprise to all of us, including myself :yay: I mean, I know they did this occassionally for some, but I didn't request nor expect it from them. Thanks, ASMu staff! :thumbsup2

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4102.jpg

They also leave a surprise for me on the table (cough-cough)...Ya know, I found these little guys in my luggage as I was unpacking a few days ago! :rolleyes1 I think they followed me all the way to Texas! ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4104.jpg

The day doesn't end there for us commandos, because Mom has another surprise for Jake up her sleeve -- Birthday dinner at Chef Mickey's! :cheer2:

But we run into transportation issues -- DH wants to take the bus to MK, then monorail it to the Contemporary. But it is almost 7:00 pm, and our ADR is at 7:20. :scared:

I say get a taxi or we'll lose our ressie!......

Do we make it on time?
Will we get to twirl our napkins in the air?
Find out in the next installment! ;)

jake&samsmom

11-08-2007, 09:35 PM

Yay, they got their first autograph from the Big Guy himself! Your boys are just so adorable. :)

By any chance are you all Filipino? One of my best friends is and I just got to go to my first Filipino wedding, it was magical!

My DH and I are of Filipino ancestry :flower3: My sons were born here in Houston, but have visited Grandad and Grandma in the "real" Asia twice. :)

It's funny that you mentioned Filipino weddings, we have one to go to here in Houston and another one in Manila, both in January! How'd ya like the food? :)

jake&samsmom

11-08-2007, 09:39 PM

Great day at AK!! I love your parade pics i've never seen that one! Last time we got rained out!

We also got rained out at a parade on this trip too. :sad2: I'll let you know more about it in the coming posts :) Thanks for reading along! :)

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-09-2007, 06:37 AM

How FUN!! Can't wait to see what's next!:thumbsup2

melsmom12

11-09-2007, 07:52 AM

My DH and I are of Filipino ancestry My sons were born here in Houston, but have visited Grandad and Grandma in the "real" Asia twice.

It's funny that you mentioned Filipino weddings, we have one to go to here in Houston and another one in Manila, both in January! How'd ya like the food?

Oh my word, the food was incredible. They had 2 seperate buffets, one with "American" food that the country club catered, and then they had an entirely Filipino buffet that they had specially brought in. There was a WHOLE PIG! I would say about 1/2 the "American" buffet was gone by the end, but the Filipino buffet was stripped bare!

It was a beautiful wedding, they had a Filipino folkloric troupe from James Madison (??) come and perform. It really made everything so special. And after the ceremony, all of the groomsmen and the groom changed into these really beautiful shirts that the bride had her relatives bring with them from the Philippines. Very cool. :)

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 08:26 AM

After we all clean up and change, we have 20 minutes left to make the drive to the Contemporary Resort from ASMu.

There is no way we could have made it if we didn't take a taxi. So reluctantly, DH agrees to have the valet call for one -- and off we go to meet Chef Mickey and the gang! :yay:

We arrive at the arrive at the CR via Mears taxi at 7:19 pm, one minute left before our ADR! We get on the elevators to the 4th floor, and.....surprise! There is a line about 20 people long, all waiting to check in at Chef Mickey's podium! :rolleyes1

So, the boys decide to take a look around, while Mom stays in line. They finally give us a pager, and we wait for them to call us.

We browse around the shops in the meantime. Also, we check out the fireworks viewing area on the same floor. I found out from the DIS that there is actually a little outdoor viewing area on the 4th floor with a good view of the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom. :thumbsup2

The spot is located at the north end of the fourth floor, past the gift shops. Exterior doors there lead to an area with views of Cinderella's Castle and the Magic Kingdom. There is a bench where you can actually sit on, and it's open to everyone, not just CR-staying guests.

Our pager buzzes, and just in time too because we are famished at this point :)

Up next, lots (and I do mean lots) of character pics!
Please stay tuned! :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 08:46 AM

Oh my word, the food was incredible. They had 2 seperate buffets, one with "American" food that the country club catered, and then they had an entirely Filipino buffet that they had specially brought in. There was a WHOLE PIG! I would say about 1/2 the "American" buffet was gone by the end, but the Filipino buffet was stripped bare!

It was a beautiful wedding, they had a Filipino folkloric troupe from James Madison (??) come and perform. It really made everything so special. And after the ceremony, all of the groomsmen and the groom changed into these really beautiful shirts that the bride had her relatives bring with them from the Philippines. Very cool. :)

When we had our house warming party years ago, we ordered the whole roast pig too! :thumbsup2 It is a Filipino tradition to serve that for important events.....Imagine the surprised looks on my American friends' faces when they saw it laying on the table -- and with an apple in its mouth! :rotfl: It was sooo yummy, and by the end of the party, it was all gone :)

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 01:56 PM

Chef Mickey's food was very good! I think it's because it was a busy night, so they kept replenishing the food at the buffet. The prime rib was excellent, cooked just right. I loved the salmon with some type of pesto sauce on top (and I'm not much of a fish eater). My kids ate loads of chicken nuggets and plates full of mac and cheese. We were so stuffed that we hardly ate any dessert!

Of course, one does not go to Chef Mickey's for the food....we want to meet the fab 5 without having to stand in looong lines. :thumbsup2

Here's Chef Goofy meeting the boys for the first time:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4105.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4106.jpg

Chef Pluto signing the boys' autograph book:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4107.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4108.jpg

Say Woof-Woof guys!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4109.jpg

Oooooohhhh! Now it's time for some napkin twirling action -- the boys really get into it :dance3:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4111.jpg

Miss Minnie leads our section...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4110.jpg

Jake takes a little break, napkin twirling is a tiring job!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4112.jpg

Chef Donald comes to greet the other table while Sam stares at his ducky tail :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4113.jpg

Sam gets a hug from his favorite Duck (sweet!)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4114.jpg

Chef Donald on his way to greet Jake...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4115.jpg

Chef Donald signing our autograph book...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4116.jpg

Say Quack-Quack boys!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4117.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4118.jpg

The Head Chef comes to our table.....:yay:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4119.jpg

He greets Sam and Jake:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4120.jpg

We ask for his autograph...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4121.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4122.jpg

Say Cheese!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4123.jpg

Here's one with the Birthday Boy:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4124.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 02:26 PM

I loved the section we were seated in...:love: ....the folks around us were fun, happy and loud (in a good way).

They would start chanting "Mi-ckey! Mi-ckey! Mi-ckey!" to get his attention, prompting Mickey to come over.

Then Donald would pretend to get jealous, and follow behind Mickey. They then would switch and chant "Do-nald! Do-nald! Do-nald!"

Then Goofy would come over, wanting to know what all the chanting and cheering was about :) Then they'd switch again and chant "Goo-fy! Goo-fy! Goo-fy!" It was hilarious! :rotfl:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4126.jpg

Chef Goofy giving a "pound" greeting to my husband (see the small hand on the right side of this photo):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4125.jpg

Ever since Derrick was small, whenever he'd go to DL or WDW, he never misses to take a picture with Goofy (see page one of this trippie for Derrick's Goofy pic from DL this year). This is his own little tradition. Here's this trip's Goofy photo:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4127.jpg

It is now time for Jakob to blow the candle on his Birthday cake! Our server calls on Miss Minnie to join in our celebration....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4137.jpg

Here's Jake looking all embarrassed because Minnie's been fawning all over him ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3941-1.jpg

Jake about to blow his 7th Birthday candle:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4129.jpg

A close-up view of the cake...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4131.jpg

"No more pictures, Mom! I want to make my wish!"

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4128.jpg

:bday: I love ya Jake! Happy Birthday from your first best friend :hug:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4130.jpg

We've been at Chef Mickey's for a while now that Chef Goofy and Chef Pluto make a second table meet and greet:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4132.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4133.jpg

The boys clown around with their chairs :)

Sam first...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4134.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4135.jpg

Then Jake next...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4138.jpg

We forgot to ask Miss Minnie for her autograph on her first visit to our table, but she comes over after a little while....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4136.jpg

Daddy has a new Girlfriend: :rotfl:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4142.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 02:59 PM

They do another round of napkin twirling, and this time the boys really get into it!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4143.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4144.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4145.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4146.jpg

Our friends at the other table are about to leave, but they want to have one last encounter with the charcters, so they again chant "Do-nald! Do-nald! Do-nald" :laughing:

Donald comes right over....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4147.jpg

Minnie pretending to be jealous of all the attention Donald is getting: ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4148.jpg

"Do-nald! Do-nald! Don-nald!"

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4149.jpg

Uh-oh, Mickey hears the cheering for Donald, so he comes right up to our area again; we all start chanting "Mick-ey! Mick-ey! Mick-ey!" :laughing:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4150.jpg

A cute moment between Mickey and his gal....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4151.jpg

Here's the family with Chef Donald:

Just the boys:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4152.jpg

Now with Mom:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4141.jpg

And with Chef Mickey:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4139.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4140-1.jpg

By this time it is almost 9:30 pm, and the boys then leave to view the Hallowishes fireworks from the 4th floor observation deck.

I stay behind to take care of the bill (we were on the DDP :yay:)

As I was diging thru my purse for my KTTW card, Chef Goofy sneaks up to my left, and when I turn around he is staring right at me, one inch from my face! :rotfl2: Of course I let out a small scream! :laughing: We all start laughing out loud, including the people in the tables surrounding ours! :rotfl: That Chef Goofy is really naughty -- this one was a magical moment for me ;)

Is the night over for the Park Commandos?
Or is it just starting?
Stay tuned for more!

P.S. My son Jake's baseball team is having a party tonight.

And tomorrow they play in the championship game of our little league division.

Please send some pixie dust his way. They are facing a very good team that beat them twice before (but not by very much ;) ).

Thanks everyone! :goodvibes

kaysmommie

11-09-2007, 05:03 PM

Hope your sons team wins pixiedust: and have fun at your party tonight too.
Great update, we love Chef Mickey's, it's very noisy but my kids love it.

Mrs.viv07

11-09-2007, 08:03 PM

I had arranged for a personalized menu for Jake as part of the surprise for his 7th Birthday. (Only I knew about it, not even DH knew about the surprise.) It was so beautifully made! Debbi, the Coral Reef Manager did such an awesome job. Here it is...

Cover

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3938.jpg

Second page

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3941.jpg

Third page

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3939.jpg

wow that is great my DS got one for his 6th bday but only with his name, how did you get them to add your pics?

All of a sudden, a diver appears out of nowhere at Jake's side of the tank! :cool1: She beckons to Jake to come up
closer to the glass...

Then, she surprises him with a sign that says....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3956.jpg

and how did you arrange for this as well? any help you can give me i would really appreciate since we go back for DS 7th bday and then who knows when we go back! 2 yrs in a row with a blown budget finally caught up to us and it may be a couple of years before we do this again:guilty:

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 08:48 PM

Hope your sons team wins pixiedust: and have fun at your party tonight too.
Great update, we love Chef Mickey's, it's very noisy but my kids love it.

Thanks for the pixie dust :goodvibes ...We are turning in early tonight in preparation for the game tomorrow morning....But I am uploading plenty of pictures to photobucket for my next installment. :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-09-2007, 09:05 PM

wow that is great my DS got one for his 6th bday but only with his name, how did you get them to add your pics?

and how did you arrange for this as well? any help you can give me i would really appreciate since we go back for DS 7th bday and then who knows when we go back! 2 yrs in a row with a blown budget finally caught up to us and it may be a couple of years before we do this again:guilty:

I learned about it from the DIS on the Restaurants thread :thumbsup2

What I did was call the Coral Reef restaurant directly. You can get the phone number from the official Disney website. It is posted there for the general public. If you have a hard time looking for it, let me know, and I'll try to find it in my Disney trip planning folder (while before the trip it was so organized, it is a big mess now! :rotfl: )

Ok, so you call Coral Reef and ask to speak to Debbi the manager, or if she's not there, ask who you can speak with regarding a birthday greeting from a diver, and also ask about how you can get a personalized menu made for your DS. Debbi asked me to email her with pictures of Jake, and she did the rest of the Magic as you can see ;)

The only thing is, I recently read on the Restaurants thread that they are halting this service (not sure if temporarily or permanently) after December 2007. I've had friends on that thread who tried to arrange a diver/menu surprise for their 2008 trip, only to be told to call back at a later date to check on the status of this program :confused3

People are guessing that because it has been so successful and popular, Disney might start charging for the diver/menu surprise. That's all speculation at this point though.

I say it doesn't hurt to try to call them anyhow. See what happens....

Thanks for reading along, and if you have any other questions, please ask here, or PM me :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-10-2007, 07:20 AM

After paying, I meet up with the boys at the 4th floor gift shop of the Contemporary.

They had just finished seeing Hallowishes, and are now pin trading from the cork board at the gift shop.

DH trades for a Yoda pin (Did I mention we love Star Wars? I have over 500 action figures, and about 50 vehicles/space ships. Notice I said "I have" -- not "we have" :) reason being is that all my Star Wars collection is mint in their boxes, and are not to be played with :laughing:. They used to "live" with use here at home, but too much risk of the boys getting their hands on them caused me to move them to an air-conditioned storage space! :laughing: I told the boys they will own them once they turn 21 :rolleyes1

Sorry, I digress. ;)

My son Jake cannot find a pin on the cork board that he likes, so he looks at the ones for sale. He asks me to buy a Soarin' pin with a gliding Mickey, Donald and Goofy. We make a deal that we can only buy one pin per day, or else we won't be able to afford to come back ;)

Then we ride the monorail to the Magic Kingdom, because while he agreed to get a taxi to get here, DH doesn't want to pay to taxi it back to ASMu :upsidedow

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4153.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4154.jpg

We get a nice surprise while riding the monorail -- we are just in time to see the electric water pageant! :yay: It is sooo beautiful, and knowing that it is one of Walt's original ideas makes it even more special.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/ewp2.jpg http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/ewp6.jpg

It's interesting to note, that the Electric Water Pageant was the "light bulb" that led to the creation of the original Main Street Electrical Parade at Disneyland...and eventually to Spectromagic at the Magic Kingdom. :thumbsup2

We get off the monorail at the Magic Kingdom. It is a MNSSHP night, and spooky music greets us as we walk by the front entrance.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4157.jpg

Also by the front, we are given loads of Hersheys Kissable chocolates by some very nice CM's :thumbsup2 We are attending the party later on in the week, and have already started getting treats!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4158.jpg

We take pictures of the boys by the pumpkin patch....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4155.jpg

And by the scarecrows...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4156.jpg

We finally board the ASMu bus from the Magic Kingdom and head "home."

When we get there, the boys are surprised by a Mickey puzzle for Jake, and a Buzz puzzle for Sam (I left them on their beds earlier in the evening, before leaving for the Contemporary :) )

Here they are putting the Buzz puzzle together on the floor (Mickey was finished a few minutes before this picture was taken, see chair on the right):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4159.jpg

It is almost midnight now, and all of us need to sleep. The boys reluctantly do, while DH immediately does, and I fall asleep watching the Disney Parks information channel....

Up next -- A full day at the Magic Kingdom!

P.S. We are off to the baseball game! Go Jake!

kaysmommie

11-10-2007, 07:32 AM

Deleted

snowwhite325

11-10-2007, 07:34 AM

Good luck Jake :banana:

jake&samsmom

11-10-2007, 07:41 AM

To kaysmommie:

We got two days of towel animals. And one of those days I left a tip, and the other time DH forgot to tip :rolleyes1

The other days, what they did was arrange/position the growing stuffed animal collection on the boys' bed.

We saw lots of towel animals on the windows of other folks. One was a cute pumpkin, I almost knocked on their door to ask to see it up close :laughing:

I hope y'all get lots....pixiedust:

jake&samsmom

11-10-2007, 07:41 AM

Good luck Jake :banana:

Thanks! I'm getting the boys dressed while typing! :rotfl:

anne0866

11-10-2007, 08:00 AM

Great trip Report - I can't wait to read and see more!
You have a beautiful family!!

Your report is really building the excitement for our December trip. Thanks,

tinawv

11-10-2007, 08:38 AM

I am really enjoying your trip report, and I absolutely love looking at all your pictures. You boys are so handsome, and they look so much alike that they could be twins.

Looking forward to more. :)

Nicole786

11-10-2007, 09:56 AM

Great chapter(s) i never had CM but its one of my favorites even for breakfast!!

jake&samsmom

11-10-2007, 12:46 PM

Great chapter(s) i never had CM but its one of my favorites even for breakfast!!

I am really enjoying your trip report, and I absolutely love looking at all your pictures. You boys are so handsome, and they look so much alike that they could be twins.

Looking forward to more. :)

Great trip Report - I can't wait to read and see more!
You have a beautiful family!!

Your report is really building the excitement for our December trip. Thanks,

Thanks for "joining us on our trip!" The boys do look alike, we always get asked if they are twins :) :)

Btw, Jake's baseball team came in second place. The score was 15 - 16 in two extra innings! I am so proud of our team, they played very hard and had so much heart! :love:

More updates to come.....:snail: (tee-hee)

jake&samsmom

11-12-2007, 07:56 AM

The boys and I wake up early, but DH is still asleep (he is not normally an early riser as you have perhaps noticed in this trippie). The boys want to try the pool, so I say OK, but when we get in, man is it freezing! The life guard says the pool is heated, but I don't think enough. So, after 5 to 10 minutes in the pool, the boys reluctantly go back upstairs with me, and we dress up to go to the Magic Kingdom! :yay:

Our touring plan for today calls for us to go to the Magic Kingdom on a Saturday! :eek: The reason being is, we wanted to see the Spectromagic Parade and Wishes, and they were on only during Sat. and Mon. while we were here (MNSSHP nights on the other nights). People on the DIS say Mondays are pretty busy at the MK, plus it was also a EMH night, so we chose Saturday instead.

DH is still sleepy after the boys and I get dressed, so he decides to just follow us on later.

When we get to the MK, it is already 9:45 am, and it is packed! :upsidedow It is OK though because the weather was nice and breezy, no humidity whatsoever. I watched a Travel Channel Show that said Walt Used to live in an apartment built for him above the fire Station, so I take the boys' picture there.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4160.jpg

Only later did I realize, it was in Disneyland, not Disney World that the show was referring to (duh!) Information overload! ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4161.jpg

We walk further down on Main Street, and we pose at all the Photopass stations :) By the time we reach the castle, we have taken 6 or so Photopass pics, and the boys are getting cranky at me! :) Btw, I'll post those photos as soon as we get our CD. :flower3:

A horse-drawn wagon:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4162.jpg

Street dancers:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4163.jpg

We finally make it to the front of the Castle....I get teary eyed because this is the boys' first time to see it!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4164.jpg

The boys decide they want to ride Pirates of the Carribean first. On the way there, we pass by this...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/ALoha.jpg

I've always wanted to try a Dole Pineapple float -- everyone here on the DIS raves about it! But the boys are pulling me to POTC, so I decide to do that later. :idea:

When we get there, the standby wait time was only 5 minutes! I expected more because the park appeared packed, this was really a good start to our day!:)

I didn't take pictures on the ride because all of a sudden, Sam got scared of the darkness, and clung on to my arm the whole time. I dunno why, he didn't get scared the last time a few months ago at Disneyland :confused3 The kid in front of us even told him "it's OK, it's not scary." Jake teased him about being a "baby" ;)

It seemed to me that POTC at DL is longer and has more "story" to it. Although I may have read somewhere that the POTC ride at WDW is on a longer route. Hmmm....

After we ride Pirates, we try to get on Jungle Cruise, but the wait time is 40 or so minutes, and we have a reservation at Crystal Palace in 25 Minutes! So we get fastpasses for the cruise instead.

With 25 minutes left, I decide to get one of these and chill out while waitng for our ADR time.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/dolwhip.jpg

We walk over the bridge to get to Crystal Palace. I call DH on the phone to tell him to hurry up so we can get our table. We watch the Dream along with Mickey show from the steps of the Crystal Palace. Sam wants to get a closer look, but we are being called to be seated....

Check back later to see our Crystal Palace adventure :)

snowwhite325

11-12-2007, 10:24 AM

I can't wait to hear about your experience at Crystal Palace!! I am eating there for the first time when I go in two weeks :goodvibes

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-12-2007, 11:00 AM

Can't wait to see your CP pics! We had lunch there too and it was GREAT! So beautiful and great character interaction..as I'm sure you know!:thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-13-2007, 03:44 PM

We now walk to our table which is by windows towards Main street. My boys get excited because they see Pooh making his rounds in our area. :)

After we get seated the greeter asks who's birthday is it, to which Jake replies "me!".

He then proceeds to shower our table with a bunch of confetti and paper ribbons, while saying "Happy Birthday from Pooh and the Crystal Palace!".....the kids loved it, it was such a sweet gesture, more so because I didn't mention Jake's Birthday when I made the ADR for CP. :)

Here's a picture of our table...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4168.jpg

And the boys (Dad finally caught up with us:) )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4167.jpg

The Birthday celebrant....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4165.jpg

Another one with Dad...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4166.jpg

They also give Jakob a blue pinwheel/flower to celebrate with :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4170.jpg

I ask him to hold it up closer for a better look...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4169.jpg

The first Character to visit our table was Tigger...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4171.jpg

I love how Tigger has his right paw over Jake's head (cute) :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4172.jpg

Here comes Piglet :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4173.jpg

Sam is smiling ear to ear on this one....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4174.jpg

Jake asking Piglet for an autograph....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4175.jpg

Here comes the big guy himself -- Pooh! :yay:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4176.jpg

This one's a candidate for our annual Christmas card picture. What do y'all think? ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4177.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-13-2007, 03:44 PM

Joke time Question: Why doesn't anyone want to play with Eeyore?
Joke time Answer: Because he always plays with Poo(h)! :rotfl:

Here's Eeyore --

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4187.jpg

Gray is my favorite color, so we all know who my favorite character at Crystal Palace is! ;)
(Notice Jake staring up at Eeyore's jaw! :rotfl: )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4188.jpg

While Eeyore walks to the next table, Sam notices this....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4189.jpg

He says to me, "Eeyore has a funny tail, Mom!" (Btw, before this moment, I never noticed the cute pink ribbon Eeyore has on his tail! :) )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4190.jpg

Sam borrows Jake's flower pinwheel....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4181.jpg

The waitress brings a Disney Birthday card for Jake -- signed by Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet...Another magical moment for our family -- Thank you, Crystal Palace!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4178.jpg

We all sing "Happy Birthday" to Jake.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4179.jpg

Make a wish, sweet boy....:hug: May all your dreams and wishes come true....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4180.jpg

Btw, they also had a 15 minute or so children's parade around the restaurant led by the characters. Everyone was invited to join in. I noticed that one or two adults did! :thumbsup2 Since the boys were eating at that point (did I mention we were hungry?:)), they did not participate.

The food at the lunch buffet was good, similar to Chef Mickey's. DH and I mostly took turns getting food at the buffet line by ourselves, because the boys didn't want to get up from their seats so as not to miss any "visitors" to our table.:rolleyes1

Sam must have ate at least 9 to 10 Chicken fingers with the balsamic rice, and Jake ate plenty of mac and cheese. My favorites were the chicken pasta with the cream sauce, the grilled flank steak (juicy and tender -- yum!), and the garlic mashed potatoes were tdf! (this is making me hungry now). My DH ate a portion of everything! :rolleyes:

We were all so stuffed that we hardly ate any dessert. I regret that now, but I'll know to save some room for dessert on our next trip here! :thumbsup2

Coming up....Parade tips and pics!
Check again soon.....:)

(P.S. So sorry I've been so slow with the updates :upsidedow I've been busy with :laundy: , my Sister's Baby Shower, and one final 7th Birthday party for Jakob ("Whadda ya mean another Birthday Party?! I thought that's what we went to Disneyworld for!" -- DH)

eyenjeff

11-14-2007, 08:57 AM

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 06:45 AM

We ended up at the Crystal Palace twice this trip. Once was a planned ADR and one was a spur of the moment dinner and we got very lucky with the standby line. We love it too! Plus Pooh is my favorite!pooh: More about it when I post the TR!

Hi Eileen! You're back! :yay: How was it? I cannot wait to read your TR! :goodvibes Let me know when it's up :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 07:09 AM

After our very filling lunch at Crystal Palce, we remember that we had fastpasses for Jungle Cruise which would be expiring in 5 minutes! Goodness, we run to Adventureland again! :)

When we get there, we realize that DH doesn't have a fastpass for JC because he slept in! :rolleyes1 The standby wait time was more than 40 minutes! So we ask the CM processing the FP's if he could please, please board the boat with us?

In another example of true Disney magic, the very gracious CM allowed him to ride with us :goodvibes He said though that next time he wouldn't allow it.

I didn't take pics on this ride, I wanted to concentrate on analyzing the difference between JC at WDW and DL :rolleyes1 (I'm funny like that sometimes)

One thing I noticed was that at the JC at WDW, there were no piranhas! What?! They were my most fun animals on JC! I loved it when the captain of the boat would ask the passengers to look over the side of the boat, only to be surprised by the piranhas jumping out of the water :rotfl: I miss that. :sad2:

Btw, they chose a young boy about 11 years old or so, to steer the ship while the real captain talked to us passengers. At the end of the ride, he received a little JC driver's license card. I though that was cute :)

After the Jungle Cruise, we went nextdoor to climb the Swiss Family Treehouse.

(Sorry I have to stop it right here because Sam is awake now and has to be fed breakfast and dressed for school!)

More to come soon! :)

Iowaswete

11-15-2007, 09:54 AM

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3973.jpg

Coming soon....Our first full day -- at Animal Kingdom!

Totally off topic but where did you get that bag??? Hehe I want one!!!!

disneyfanforlife

11-15-2007, 10:40 AM

I loved the report. Everyone looks like they are having fun. Can't wait to read more.

ILuvWishes!

11-15-2007, 11:11 AM

eyenjeff

11-15-2007, 11:25 AM

Hi Eileen! You're back! :yay: How was it? I cannot wait to read your TR! :goodvibes Let me know when it's up :thumbsup2

Day 1 is up, boy did it take forever to do! Hopefully now that I have an idea of how to copy, paste, post, write, photobucket, paste etc.... the rest of the days will go faster! LOL! Day 2 later today!

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 02:58 PM

Totally off topic but where did you get that bag??? Hehe I want one!!!!

Hi! I sent you a PM :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 03:00 PM

I loved the report. Everyone looks like they are having fun. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for reading my trippie. :thumbsup2 There's more to come......:)

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 03:05 PM

Hi! I just found your TR. Your kids are cute. They look like twins. I love looking at the pictures. We were at WDW the same time!! We were there Thursday, Oct 25 - Monday, Oct 29. I am searching your pictures for any sign of us.

We flew out of Hobby with Southwest. Our next trip will be out of Bush with Continental. We are also from Houston (we live just outside of Houston - southwest side). We are transplants though, originally from Massachusetts. We love living here. The humidity is the hardest thing to get use to.

We went to MNSSHP on Sunday night (Oct 28).

Can't wait for more updates!

Howdy fellow Texan! :cool1: We also live in the southwest suburbs of Houston, and how cool is it that we also went to MNSSHP on the 28th? :)

How long have y'all been in Texas? I've lived here for 15 + years now, and still can't get used to the humidity! ;)

Thanks for reading along! :)

kaysmommie

11-15-2007, 07:48 PM

Great update and pics. I love CP and I have to tell Kaylee that joke tomorrow since she loves telling jokes :) , I think that pic of the boys would make a great Christmas card picture.

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 09:22 PM

Before we went to the Treehouse, we passed by Aladdin's carpets, and I ask the boys if they want to ride.

To my dismay, Jake says no, it's bo-ring, and Sam copies his brother. Boy am I bummed because I have never rode this one before, and was looking forward to it. They also didn't want to ride similar rides like Dumbo and Triceratop spin :sad2:

It makes me think that maybe we waited too long to bring them on their first trip to WDW. I was telling my sister earlier how she should bring her baby (coming soon in late Jan./early Feb.) when the baby turns two or three, so she could enjoy the "baby" rides (as my sons term them).

Anyway, we get to the Treehouse....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/treehouse1.jpg

One word of caution... if you have weak thigh muscles, this exhibit will challenge you! ;) Most of it is climbing up and down flights of stairs -- a fairly good workout for someone like me :)

On the other hand, it is very pretty to look at, and well worth the exercise :thumbsup2

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/tree5.jpg

Jake asked me how the family used the toilet. I told him obviously there wasn't a potty, and that they answered the call of nature while sitting in the river (I suppose that's how). He just shook his head and muttered something like "eeeewwww!". :rotfl:

Speaking of potties, after we exit the exhibit, the boys suddenly needed to use one. Now. ASAP. So, we run (again) to the restrooms by Aloha Isle. We call out to DH to line up for the Tiki Room, and we'd meet up with him there.

Of course, when we get to the Tiki Room, DH is nowhere in sight. The show then starts. We have never seen this one before but it was on my "try this time" list.

Sorry to say, I don't think we'll be seeing this show again. :upsidedow Now I know why it doesn't get good reviews. It is uhmm, I guess...uhmmm....a little on the dry side. (I ask for forgiveness from all the Tiki fans out there) The jokes weren't funny, the premise/backstory was weak for me. We thought the singing totem poles were cute, though.

When the show finishes, we head out, and DH is waiting for us at the exit. He is peeved that he waited outside for us instead of seeing the show inside (miscommunication!) -- but I told him he didn't miss much. ;)

By this time it is about an hour before the 3pm parade starts. I learned from the DIS that if we wanted to get good spots, we need to stake them out now.

So, we walk briskly to the wooden platform in front of the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade. This is an excellent spot to view the parade from. You get to sit on the platform while waiting, and there isn't much space between you and the cord that ropes off the street.

Here's what I mean...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4191.jpg

The boys with Dad...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4192.jpg

They start pin trading between themselves :laughing:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4193.jpg

They get a bit tired of waiting for the parade to start, so they go to the shootin' arcade to pass the time. DH said that one gun wasn't working right, and gave them 100 plus shots for the price of one! Wow!

Now the crowd is really building up, so they come back and take up their viewing spots....

Here it comes! :yay:

Mickey leads the way...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4194.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4195.jpg

Notice how this float shows how Mickey evolved throughout the years! Way cool!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4196.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4197.jpg

The magic brooms from Fantasia....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4198.jpg

Pinnochio's float...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4201.jpg

Jiminy Cricket up close....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4202.jpg

Surprise! Snow White is in the back, along with a cart full of Jewels! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4203.jpg

This is how I'm feeling now....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4204.jpg

More parade photos to come :thumbsup2
(high-ho, high-ho, it's off to bed I go....)

jake&samsmom

11-15-2007, 09:23 PM

Great update and pics. I love CP and I have to tell Kaylee that joke tomorrow since she loves telling jokes :) , I think that pic of the boys would make a great Christmas card picture.

Btw, I got that joke from the radio the day before we left for Disney :laughing:

ILuvWishes!

11-16-2007, 08:26 AM

Howdy fellow Texan! :cool1: We also live in the southwest suburbs of Houston, and how cool is it that we also went to MNSSHP on the 28th? :)

How long have y'all been in Texas? I've lived here for 15 + years now, and still can't get used to the humidity! ;)

Thanks for reading along! :)

Howdy!!
We moved to Texas in April 2006 and moved into our newly built house 6 months ago. So there is no hope of getting use to the humidity, oh well. Well, I am enjoying the weather lately, we have all of our windows open (except this morning, too cold).

We have been bringing our 2 kiddos to Disney since they were born. DD was 5 months old on her 1st trip and DS was 7 months old on his 1st trip. When we told our DD that we were going to Disney for MNSSHP she asked "how many weeks will we be there?" Not weeks dear, only days this time. DD has been to WDW 10 times (with trips 11 & 12 already scheduled) and she is only 5.

I am still looking for us in your pictures.....I will let you know if I see us.

jake&samsmom

11-16-2007, 05:12 PM

The parade continues....

Alice in Wonderland characters:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4205.jpg

The bunch from the Crystal Palace:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4206.jpg

Gotta love those kites :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4207.jpg

Aladdin's float:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4208.jpg

Dumbo flying beside Aladdin's carpet :) :

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4209.jpg

Mary Poppins:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4210.jpg

Captain Hook and his merry band of Pirates!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4211.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4213.jpg

Here come the Villains! (my favorite float :yay: ) The Chernabog looks way creepy! And so does the Evil Queen! ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4215.jpg

Beware -- Jafar is trying to hypnotize us! ;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4216.jpg

Cruella booing the crowd:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4217.jpg

Side view of the float:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4218.jpg

My favorite Villain -- Ursula!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4220.jpg

The Magic Mirror says buh-bye :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4221.jpg

Here are Peter and Wendy!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4223.jpg

Peter says hi to the boys....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4224.jpg http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4225.jpg

Coming up, the Parade of Princesses :)
Stay tuned!

jake&samsmom

11-16-2007, 08:13 PM

The parade continues....

Before Princesses, the handmaidens come and dance in their pretty dresses...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4226.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4227.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4228.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4229.jpg

Here is Cinderella's float...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4230.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4231.jpg

Belle and the Beast follow closely behind....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4232.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4233.jpg

".....who could ever learn to love a Beast?"......

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4234.jpg

Now Ariel floats by.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4236.jpg

Prince Eric waves to us....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4237.jpg

The three fairies from Sleeping Beauty....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4238.jpg

The final parade float approaches...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4239.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4240.jpg

Close up of Donald (for Sam :thumbsup2 )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4241.jpg

See ya real soon.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4243.jpg

A teaser for the next installment.....(insert scary/creepy music here)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4244.jpg

Check back soon....... :)

eyenjeff

11-16-2007, 10:44 PM

By this time it is about an hour before the 3pm parade starts. I learned from the DIS that if we wanted to get good spots, we need to stake them out now.

So, we walk briskly to the wooden platform in front of the Frontierland Shootin' Arcade. This is an excellent spot to view the parade from. You get to sit on the platform while waiting, and there isn't much space between you and the cord that ropes off the street.

We discovered this same spot when we were there for SPectromagic! We will try to use this spot more in the future!:banana:

eyenjeff

11-16-2007, 10:47 PM

jake&samsmom

11-17-2007, 02:12 PM

Really enjoying your report! Feels like we are right back there! I miss it so much! A week ago today we were at MK for our comando park day and night! That is upcoming in the TR, if I can ever shake this flu :sad2: :sad1:

Get well soon, Eileen! :hug:

I too get sentimental whenever I read other trip reports and see the places we were just at two and a half weeks ago :(

Writing this trip report is helping, though :) My kids enjoy passing by my computer desk and looking at the pictures I've been (slowly) uploading on photobucket :thumbsup2

Hope ya feel better....I just read the updates on your trippie -- I love that glowing Captain Hook on the drink! :)

jake&samsmom

11-17-2007, 05:15 PM

After the final float passes by, one is greeted by a multitude of people following behind :eek: I quickly grab the boys hands and lead the way through the crowd towards the Haunted Mansion.

It then starts to rain, so I pull out the umbrellas. But the boys don't want to use them. They say their hoods will protect them from the drizzle. :)

Here we are at the gates of HM:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4245.jpg

The standby sign reads 25 minutes, so we get in line. Looking at the crowd, you would think it would be longer than 25 minutes, but it wasn't :thumbsup2 ....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4247.jpg

As you can see, I'm the only one with an umbrella....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4248.jpg

We pose by the spooky funeral carriage...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4249.jpg

(I won't post any indoor shots as I was totally immersed in the ride. ;) )

We got into the stretch room, and I was blown away by the effects, especially the "hangman" at the end of the presentation. I made my family stand beneath the portarait of the lady with the pink parasol, because I was told by the DIS that this is where the wall opens. :thumbsup2

We ride the doombuggies in pairs -- Jake with his Dad, and Sam with me. The ride begins.....I love the footprints in the attic, Madame Leota's room, and the graveyard scene. The boys loved the hitchhiking ghosts at the end of the ride. I also love the part when the buggies do a 180 degree turn and transport you backwards.

IMHO, the HM at WDW is far superior than the one at DL :)

As we exit, I tell the boys that I really want to ride it again. (Will I? Find out in my MNSSHP installment, due later. Much later :) )

jake&samsmom

11-17-2007, 05:42 PM

Now we walk towards Fantasyland and a real downpour starts :umbrella:

We half-walk, half-run to It's a Small World, and jump in line. Most of the line is covered, so we are relaxed at this point. The wait was around 15 minutes only, and the line moved fast in spite of its long length.

However, looking across the street, I got :headache: because the next ride we were going to get on -- Peter Pan -- had a wait of 60 minutes! We considered getting a Fastpass, but the return time was the same time as Spectromagic! :sad2: So, no go on the FP.

Anyway, we got to the end of the line, and we were directed to sit in the first row :yay:

Here we are about to get on the boat (pardon the messed-up hair, it was raining remeber? :) )...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4250.jpg

The boys are at the age where IASM still appeals to them :) We all enjoy the ride. I think the most beautiful dolls were the ones dancing by the Taj Mahal in India :cutie:

At the end, we try to pronounce the different translations of the word "goodbye" written on the signs...;)

We now cross the road towards Peter Pan. The wait time is now 50 minutes, a little less than earlier, but still.... :headache:

We get in a friendly conversation with a very nice family from Atlanta, Georgia. They were in Florida for a weekend-long vacation, and decided to spend their final afternoon/evening at WDW :) They got to the MK at 1pm, and had been on a few rides at this point.

I tried to give them a mini-touring plan (based on hundreds of hours on the DIS :rolleyes1 ), but DH whispered to me that "some people just want to relax while on vacation, and not plan activities for every waking moment" :rolleyes1 Ok. Point well taken :)

Well, it did take 50 minutes to get to the end of the line, but it was all worth it.

Peter Pan retains the #1 spot of favorite WDW rides. Followed closely by HM, of course :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

11-17-2007, 06:27 PM

Originally, the plan was for us to play at Ariel's Grotto after Peter Pan. But because it was still raining lightly, we head to Mickey's Philharmagic instead.

None of us had ever seen it previously. It was a new experience for all of us. We were so excited to see that there was hardly a line to get into the show.

Here are the boys in the queue area....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4251.jpg

One with Dad...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4252.jpg

We get our 3D glasses, and walk to our seats. (One tip for next time is to try not to sit behind tall people. This is hard to do especially if it's a full house, but it is very hard for small kids to see the screen with a tall head obstructing it.)

The show is fabulous! Sam and I try to touch the jewels that Ariel scatters around. We laugh as we get wet by the bucketful of water. I get a little motion-sick when Donald goes on the carpet ride with Aladdin. We sing along with Zazu and Simba. We were all relieved when Mickey caught the hat and saved the day :)

But we laughed most when Donald flew over us and crash-landed in the wall behind us :laughing:

Sam decides that we should all see the show again :thumbsup2 Like, right now. So we get in line for the second time and see Philharmagic once more :)

The show's exit ushers guests directly to -- surprise -- a gift shop, and the boys (and Mom) cannot resist the cuteness of it all! :) We pick up a medium sized Mickey for Jake, and a small YOAMD Donald for Sam :thumbsup2 Y'all will see them later....

It has now stopped raining, and we decide to catch the last performance of Dream along with Mickey in front of the castle. Sam has to make a pit stop at the closest restroom.

Jake and DH go ahead to stake out our spot for the show.

Sam and I walk to the front of the castle to meet up with Jake and DH. Sam decides to change clothes to feel "fresher" (believe me, ya don't want to know ;) ) OT: Lucky us Moms bring all sorts of junk in the kids' backpack. Ours had tons of baby wipes, wet ones, hand sanitizer, a complete change of clothes for the boys, an assortment of over the counter meds, tide spot remover, first aid kit, and our autograph book. :thumbsup2

(Btw, we sat on a bench on the left side of the hub while waiting for the show.)

After Sam freshens up, we take pics in front of the castle (note the Mickey and the Donald "adopted" from the Philharmagic store)...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4253.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4254.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4255.jpg

We now notice that it's getting dark, and the show has not started as scheduled.....

Will "the show go on?"
Will we have a chance to Dream Along With Mickey?
Stay tuned :)

jake&samsmom

11-18-2007, 09:05 PM

As we anxiously wait for the show to start, we hear the announcement, "We regret to inform you that tonight's performance of Dream...." -- What?!!!

They cancelled Dream Along with Mickey due to safety concerns regarding the water/ moisture on the stage, and that it may cause the dancers to slip/fall! :sad:

Sam was the most disappointed of all because he had wanted to see it earlier in the day while we were watching from the steps of Crystal Palace :( And I reassured him that we'd have time later in the evening :guilty:

As consolation, the characters and some of the dancers came down to meet and greet with the crowd....

Sam wanted to see Donald, so....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3945-1.jpg

DH took the next picture -- notice how Donald's hat is out of the frame :laughing:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3946-1.jpg

The boys also met with Sleeping beauty and the Prince....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3943-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3944-1.jpg

And Sam said hi to some of the dancers in the show...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3947-1.jpg

DH chanced upon a private chat between Mickey and Minnie (cute!):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3942-1.jpg

After the meet-n'-greet, we decide to sit it out where we were (at the hub) for the Spectromagic parade. DH went to Casey's to bring us some much needed food. He brought us footlong hotdogs, corndogs and yummy hot fries. Not to mention ice cold lemonade. :thumbsup2

I took plenty of Castle pics while night was falling...here's the best one....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4259.jpg

Up next, our Spectromagic experience...
And Wishes (up close and personal) :)

eyenjeff

11-19-2007, 12:30 AM

Can't wait to read more especially about my two most favorite parts of MK! Spectromagic and WISHES! I love to read about others feelings and ideas of everything. It is really cool to see how there are alot of the same things we all feel and how some are different or just a different view. Love the report, keep it coming!

bettyann29

11-19-2007, 04:20 AM

What a wonderful report!!:goodvibes

I love love love all the pictures.. Your kiddos look so happy in all those pictures.. I love the reports with bunches of pictures..I feel like I was right there with you..

I especially loved the ones of Chef Mickey's.. we are planning our first time there in January.. Cant wait!

Blessed_wth_Triplets

11-19-2007, 06:37 AM

Love it! Can't wait to see Spectromagic and Wishes! I LOVED LOVED wishes...but we didn't have a chance to see Spectromagic :(

jake&samsmom

11-19-2007, 08:28 AM

Love it! Can't wait to see Spectromagic and Wishes! I LOVED LOVED wishes...but we didn't have a chance to see Spectromagic :(

What a wonderful report!!:goodvibes

I love love love all the pictures.. Your kiddos look so happy in all those pictures.. I love the reports with bunches of pictures..I feel like I was right there with you..

I especially loved the ones of Chef Mickey's.. we are planning our first time there in January.. Cant wait!

Can't wait to read more especially about my two most favorite parts of MK! Spectromagic and WISHES! I love to read about others feelings and ideas of everything. It is really cool to see how there are alot of the same things we all feel and how some are different or just a different view. Love the report, keep it coming!

Thanks for coming along with us on our trip :)

Wishes teaser....;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/castle1.jpg

ILuvWishes!

11-19-2007, 03:55 PM

Wishes teaser....;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/castle1.jpg

Now, this is why I LUV WISHES!!!!!! WOW!!:thumbsup2

Did you use a tripod for this picture? It is great!

Still looking for us in your photos.....

Nicole786

11-19-2007, 10:14 PM

All caught up again! I love all of your pics! That meet and greet looks like fun, and that pic your DH caught is too cute!! Kind of a weird request but would it be possible to send me the original picture so I can use it as a desktop backgroud?

jake&samsmom

11-20-2007, 04:24 AM

would it be possible to send me the original picture so I can use it as a desktop backgroud?

No problem :thumbsup2 I sent it to you via PM :)

jake&samsmom

11-20-2007, 04:29 AM

Did you use a tripod for this picture? It is great! Still looking for us in your photos.....

We had lugged a tripod all the way from Houston, but it never left our hotel room :laughing:

jake&samsmom

11-20-2007, 04:54 AM

The Spectromagic parade begins...:yay:

The family decides to sit/stand on the benches by the hub. Here's our view of some of the floats.

Here's Mickey leading the way (please pardon some of the blurry images -- trying to make sure the boys don't fall off the bench we were standing on, while taking photos :laughing: ) ...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4263.jpg

I love the Magic singing harp from Mickey and the beanstalk...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4269.jpg

More of the band...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4271.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4273.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4276.jpg

Sam's favorite villain -- The Chernabog (he pronounces it "chernabob" :laughing: )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4279.jpg

My favorite Spectromagic float of all --- Cinderella!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4280.jpg

I love how it changes colors. I also love how her dress has all those sparkly lights! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4282.jpg

Up next, Wishes!

eyenjeff

11-20-2007, 03:00 PM

Great pics! Can't wait for your wishes photos! If they are anything like the teaser, they will be great! What kind of camera do you have? The pic is sooo clear!:thumbsup2

kaysmommie

11-21-2007, 08:36 AM

Wow you had a full day at MK! Love all your parde pics and the one with Donald Duck is so cute too. That Wishes pic is awesome too.

LBelle

11-24-2007, 01:26 AM

LOVE this report! :banana: Just starting page 4 now, but as you can see...it's time for bed! Can't wait to get to the rest! Makes me feel like we were there all over again!!! :love:

Your family is beautiful!! :)

Monica20039

11-27-2007, 01:22 PM

Your trip report is so awesome! I spent my whole lunch hour and then some (don't tell my boss) just trying to catch up. I'm hooked.

What kind of camera do you have? It takes wonderful pictures.

jake&samsmom

11-27-2007, 04:55 PM

Your trip report is so awesome! I spent my whole lunch hour and then some (don't tell my boss) just trying to catch up. I'm hooked.

What kind of camera do you have? It takes wonderful pictures.

Hi Monica!:wave2: I have a Canon 850 IS Elph. It is Pocket-sized, really awesome! My bro has a high tech SLR Nikon something :), and I think the picture quality is very much similar (I'm no pro, though :) )

I've been slacking at work the past weeks while posting our trip report :laughing:. So last week and this week is catch up time for paperwork here. ;)

My goal is to post the Wishes pics and finish our MK day by tomorrow evening (fingers crossed).

LOVE this report! :banana: Just starting page 4 now, but as you can see...it's time for bed! Can't wait to get to the rest! Makes me feel like we were there all over again!!! :love:

Your family is beautiful!! :)

Thanks for joining us on our journey :wizard:. More to come tomorrow, I promise :)

Wow you had a full day at MK! Love all your parde pics and the one with Donald Duck is so cute too. That Wishes pic is awesome too.

Thanks for your very kind words. Love your trippie too! :)

Great pics! Can't wait for your wishes photos! If they are anything like the teaser, they will be great! What kind of camera do you have? The pic is sooo clear!:thumbsup2

HI Eileen! Are you feeling better? I hope you are. :flower3: I got a Canon 850 IS Elph from DH before we left from Houston on this trip. (I hope it's not an advanced Christmas present this year -- one year he got me a pots & pans set and a toaster oven, and boy was I mad :rotfl: )

jake&samsmom

11-29-2007, 04:06 AM

After Spectromagic, we decide to just sit around the hub as we were quite tired, plus we had finished the rides we had scheduled for today.

While hanging out at the hub, I took some castle pics again....love the way the castle changes colors.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4286.jpg http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4283.jpg http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4284.jpg

jake&samsmom

11-29-2007, 04:51 AM

Now we hear the announcement that Wishes is about to start. There are hundreds of people seated all around us. Some dare to stand in front of others, but quickly sit down in response to (ahem) gentle persuation.

We focus our eyes on Tinkerbelle as she gingerly steps out the castle window and soars magically above us.

My hand wants to take pictures, but I take one with my heart instead. There are just some moments that leave you astounded.

The fireworks begin.

I present...Wishes....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/wishes6.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/wishes4.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/wishes5.jpg

Every year on July 4th, our family drives to DH's downtown office and parks in a tall garage to see the largest fireworks display in Texas. It is beautiful. But I think nothing compares to a Disney fireworks display. Especially with Cinderella's Castle being part of the whole picture.

I notice that no one else is taking pictures. Everyone around us is mesmerized by the almost-overwhelming spectacle that is unfolding.

I turn to watch my children's faces to watch their spellbound expressions, and to see their eyes wide open in wonder. I try not to blink in order to savor this moment. I smile when I think of how beautiful Wishes is, and how I appreciate it more because my boys were right beside me to experience it.

I said it before, and I'll say it again: My joy is complete because of you, Jake and Sam. Because of you.

While I truly adored Wishes, I will always be in love with Disneyland's Dreams Fireworks Show. If you haven't had a chance to see it, I highly recommend y'all to go.

I think that DL's fireworks show has a more sentimental feel to it. IMHO, the fireworks are more brightly colored, with more laser light effects, better light projections, and the soundtrack to me is more nostalgic, bringing fond memories of my childhood.

But I bet the boys would say the same thing about Wishes thirty years from now (when the oldest one gets to be my age ;) )

Have a Good Day everyone....

More posts to come later. :goodvibes

eyenjeff

11-29-2007, 10:53 AM

What awesome fireworks pics!!!

Mrs.viv07

11-29-2007, 01:51 PM

After Spectromagic, we decide to just sit around the hub

would you mind sharing where this is exactly? i'm looking for spots to use my new camera !
:goodvibes thanks

jake&samsmom

11-29-2007, 09:06 PM

would you mind sharing where this is exactly? i'm looking for spots to use my new camera !
:goodvibes thanks

The hub where the benches are located. Right by Walt and Mickey's statue. There are some benches where you get a great view of the facade of the castle. Also, Tink appears to be flying right above you to your right (when facing the castle.) :)

jake&samsmom

11-29-2007, 09:58 PM

After Wishes, we are all famished again. DH and Sam want to eat hotdogs and fries, so we head to Casey's. Jake is getting really sleepy, and by the time we get our yummy, fresh, hot fries, hotdogs and corndogs, Jake is asleep on Sam's stroller :)

We also did not want to join in the mad rush to get to the buses, so we take our sweet time eating, people-watching and talking to each other about how lovely our day had turned out to be (in spite of the occassional rain).

After he finishes a whole hotdog sandwich, Sam plays by the "stadium bleacher seats" inside Casey's. It is right in front of a TV playing vintage Disney cartoons. DH and I sit and eat contentedly, while Jake continues to snooze in the stroller, oblivious to all the noise around him.

With DH still finishing up dinner, I tell him I want to browse around the Main Street Emporium connected to Casey's. I leave Sam in his care, while I push Jake around in the stroller.

There were so many things I wanted to buy, but by this time, I had used up all my Disney Rewards points. :guilty: So I was getting acutely aware of the price tag of every item I thought would go home with us. ;)

I decide on some jibbitz for my Crocs, but called DH to come to the register to pay for them. :upsidedow

While DH is paying, Sam lets out a shrill cry --- his YOAMD Donald is missing! :sad: (Check a few pages back, we adopted Donald from the Philharmagic store)

Leaving Jake (still asleep in the stroller) with DH, Sam and I scour every single inch of Casey's, and search in every nook and corner of the Main Street Emporium :crazy2:

Sam is inconsolable.

Will Donald stay lost?
Or will he find his way home?
Stay tuned!

princessreilly

11-29-2007, 10:19 PM

:thumbsup2 Great pictures! THanks for sharing!:thumbsup2

eyenjeff

11-30-2007, 10:33 PM

:thumbsup2 Great pictures! THanks for sharing!:thumbsup2

Have a great trip!!!:santa:

eyenjeff

11-30-2007, 10:35 PM

Oh I hope he finds his Donald!! You leave us hanging feeling sorry for a small boy who lost his friend???!!!:confused3

How cruel!!!:guilty:

Awaiting the next post!:surfweb: popcorn::

jake&samsmom

12-02-2007, 09:08 AM

Sam and I must have searched for Donald for at least 45 minutes. But nary a sign of the Duck. :(

DH was getting impatient as it was almost 11pm, so he calls me on the cell phone to tell me that he and Jake (still asleep on the stroller) were heading to the bus stop, and that we should just meet at the hotel.

OK, I say. Sam and I are not leaving Main Street until we find Donald. Sam continues his anxiety/crying spell. :sad: I repeatedly ask him, "When was the last time you saw Donald?" He repeatedly answers, "I dunno Mom!" :sad1:

Finally, a nice CM comes up to us and asks what the problem is. After I explain the missing Donald situation, he tells us to wait where we were.....and comes back with a brand new YOAMD Donald! He tells Sam to take care of him, and to make sure he doesn't get lost again. When I offer to pay, he smiles and shakes his head, and tells us to have a Magical evening....

I read a lot of complaints on the DIS about how the "magic is gone" from WDW. Well folks, I have witnessed first-hand, and I can positively confirm that the Magic is still very much alive at Disneyworld! pixiedust:

When we got home to ASMu, it didn't take long for this......

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4291.jpg

I had time to take pictures of our (finally) completed window display....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4292.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4293.jpg

Here are all the Birthday cards Jake received from WDW so far.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4294.jpg

Btw, I found one more Wishes pic I wanted to share. See how cool the stars on the castle look :) This picture is dedicated to my friends out there who view Wishes from Main Street and beyond, and aren't able to clearly see the detail on the castle during Wishes. :flower3:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4290.jpg

I think that is a befitting end to our day at the Magic Kingdom. ;)

Up soon --- Day Four: an EPCOT encounter with the Dream Team :cheer2:
And...... MNSSHP (commando-style!)

Please Stay Tuned!

jake&samsmom

12-02-2007, 09:10 AM

Oh I hope he finds his Donald!! You leave us hanging feeling sorry for a small boy who lost his friend???!!!:confused3

How cruel!!!:guilty:

Awaiting the next post!:surfweb: popcorn::

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Nicole786

12-02-2007, 03:09 PM

Great wishes photos! i'll have to youtube the DL fireworks.....

Awesome CM interaction!

foodrocksluver

12-03-2007, 12:43 PM

Subbing.

You have two of the most beautiful little boys I have ever seen!

jake&samsmom

12-03-2007, 02:53 PM

Subbing.
You have two of the most beautiful little boys I have ever seen!

Great wishes photos! i'll have to youtube the DL fireworks.....Awesome CM interaction!

:thumbsup2 Great pictures! THanks for sharing!:thumbsup2

Thanks for reading and for your very kind comments :) More to come later.....

kaysmommie

12-05-2007, 08:09 PM

Love the wishes pics! Awesome CM for replacing Sam's Donald :goodvibes .

earthfaries

12-21-2007, 12:24 PM

I started reading your TR today, and I have to say it's great! I love all the wonderful pictures, and the details. This has to be the best trip report I've read, you guys just look like you had such a fun and magical time!!!:wizard:
By the way, your boys are so adorable!!!

I am about to start on page 7, I can't wait! I feel like I'm on vacation already!!!

earthfaries

12-22-2007, 10:30 AM

I just caught up on your TR and clicked on the next page for day 4 and my favorite thing...MNSSHP which I missed this year for the first time and I see you haven't gotten that far yet:sad1:
Can't wait to read more of your wonderful trip report!!!:)

BTW, your pictures are incredible, esp. the castle pics with the purple castle and fireworks and the last one you posted with the pink smokey background...incredible:goodvibes

mikeymyles

12-22-2007, 06:19 PM

I love your trip report. Can't get enough of the wonderful pictures. My son and I are going in June '08. He will be 17 by then but I rememeber thee first time we went and the magic as his eyes lit up.

earthfaries

12-31-2007, 06:14 PM

pixiedust: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!pixiedust:

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Firstly, I would like to apologize for not updating my trippie as promised. :guilty:

It had been a very busy few months for me. Work is a killer! And since I had been "goofing" off for weeks/months after our trip, I had an enormous backlog of paperwork :scared: which had to be completed ASAP or else :eek: my company would not fund my next Disney Trip, er, I mean convention in Orlando in late July/early August of this year! :banana:

So let me greet all of my friends here a (drumroll please)....Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentines, Happy Easter and all the other important Holidays I've missed while away from the Dis. :grouphug:

Also, another reason why I've been away was that our family went out of the country to attend my BIL's wedding in the tropical Isand of Boracay, Philippines in Asia. We flew to LA, stayed overnight, then flew to Honolulu, then weht to Guam, then flew into Manila. Stayed there a few days then flew to Boracay, and enjoyed the beach life for a whole week.

Then Jake and I flew to Tokyo, Japan (but not to Tokyo Disney :( )then from there we took a direct flight home to Houston.

Here are a few pics of my BIL's church wedding and reception on the beach....

View from our timeshare at the Fairways and Bluewater resort in Boracay:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/viewfrroom.jpg

Sam on the beach:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/sambeach.jpg

Jake on the beach:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/jakebeach.jpg

The boys were ringbearers in the wedding:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/ringbearers.jpg

DH's family (L to R) BIL, SIL, new SIL, BIL, MIL, the boys in front of myself and DH:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/beachfamily.jpg

Another beautiful day on the island ends.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/sunset.jpg

earthfaries

04-03-2008, 03:08 PM

I am so excited you're back!!!:banana:

I really enjoyed your TR, and was so sad it seemed I'd never get to see it end.

Wow, what a wonderful time you've had! The island is absolutely beautiful and amazing! I bet the boys had a fun time:goodvibes

Too bad you didn't get to go to Tokoyo Disney though:sad2: I'd love for us to go there one of these days.

I am so excited, I can't wait to hear more of your wonderful TR!!!

~Amy

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 03:19 PM

When I last left y'all, we had just fallen asleep after a long day at the MK...

Of course, being park commandos as we are, and I, being the chief of staff of my "army," woke up bright and early the next day, and proceeded to wake the boys. The biggest boy (DH) was out of comission and begged off an early park day. The two little boys, though still sleepy and tired from last night, agreed to shower, change, eat breakfast and to get on the EPCOT bus (all within 30 mins!)

While on the bus, I could sense some discord among my soldiers/commandos...they were bugging each other and were basically getting on each other's nerves. By the time we got off the bus at EPCOT, the boys were full on their way to a massive meltdown!:scared:

I blame myself for thinking I could drag them 4 days in a row without any downtime at the resort/pool. :rolleyes1

We get to the giant EPCOT golfball (as the boys call it), and pass by a PP. I ask if they could take a picture of the boys in front of Spaceship Earth, which they smilingly do attempt, but lo and behold, there were no smiles from Jake and Sam! They were grouchy and frowning and complaining about everything and nothing! :headache:

So I take a solo Photopass photo instead while the boys fight/argue on the side (out of the photographer's lens! :lmao: )

We then walk some more until we reach the Character spot. We line up, but the wait is too long, plus we were having a major cranky crisis. So I decide to cool off at Innoventions West, and regroup the troops! :)

As soon as we enter the building, we were greeted by a member of the Dream Team! (I thought to myself, please let it be a stay at Cinderella's Castle;) ) He handed each of the boys a pair of YOAMD Mickey Ears! :yay:
The look on the boys' faces was priceless :lovestruc And with that, the crisis was averted. Meltdown over. :cool1:

Here we are lining up for The Land Boat ride:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4297-1-1.jpg

Actually, there was no wait at all, so we walked up to the boat in less than a minute:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4298.jpg

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 03:20 PM

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 03:51 PM

We got to sit in front of the living with the land boat, and it was nice. The boys were still happy about winning their dream ears, so every sight was "cool!" and "awesome!" to them. We especially liked the Cinderella pumpkins in the greenhouse area. I didn't take photos here, but I did take a few later on (we rode it again on our last day!)

The boat ride in itself was not all that exciting, but it was a nice respite from the heat outside, and it was slow and calming. A good place to rest/cool off.

We then rode the escalators up to the upper floor where we watched the Circle of Life "documentary" (for lack of a better word :) ) The boys found it interesting enough, but personally, I think its on last breath, what with very few people in the audience...

We went to Soarin' thinking we were early enough to get on via the standby line, but no, it was a 60 mins wait already!!! :sad2: So we get Fastpasses to it, and walk to The Seas pavillion to ride Nemo again! :)

There is no wait, so we walk briskly to the clamshells, Sam in between me and Jake. Sam got scared of the Lightning fish the last time, so no way was he gonna sit on the sides. BTW, I got dizzy during the part where we go through the East Australian Current (you remember the part when the walls turn to spinning water?) :rotfl2: I had to close my eyes there :)

We got off the Nemo ride, and walked straight to Turtle talk with Crush:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4308.jpg

We hung out by Mr. Ray's lagoon:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4300.jpg

We were in front of the line, so we sat down beside Mr. Ray:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4299.jpg

Sam pointing to Mr. Ray and friends:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4302.jpg

We were ushered in. The boys were seated in the front and center of the room:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4305.jpg

We all thought it was sooo hilarious! This is a must-see in my book! :) Too bad DH was still asleep at ASmu at this time, so he missed it. I recommend this show to anyone, with or without kids! Loved Crush's "beach dude" accent -- like totally! :rotfl:

Gotta pick up Sam from school now. I'll be back later today (yes, today! :) with lots of pictures of our Garden Grill adventure (aka "I need my dramamine, or else!")

See y'all real soon! :)

dopeyfanatic

04-03-2008, 04:11 PM

Just found your TR. Really enjoying it. Your boys are adorable and those wedding pics look beautiful. Very tropical! I'm sure that was a fun trip!

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 05:04 PM

Just found your TR. Really enjoying it. Your boys are adorable and those wedding pics look beautiful. Very tropical! I'm sure that was a fun trip!

Thanks for reading along!
Jen :)

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 05:33 PM

When we left Turtle Talk, DH rang me on the cell phone and asked what all men frequently ask their wives, "Where/when do we eat?" I told him our lunch ADR was for Garden Grill in thirty minutes! I assumed he was still at ASMu, so I was positive he was going to be late for lunch :(

The boys and I got to GG early, so they had time to color at one of the Kidcot stations located right outside GG. In a few minutes, DH showed up! Wow, that was fast! Here they are coloring some pyramid shaped things:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4309.jpg

They call to seat us in a little while. I had a preconcieved notion that GG's rotation would be very subtle and unnoticeable. I was wrong! :eek: I got dizzy the first 5 minutes we were there! :sick: I had to run out to our stroller parked outside the Land pavillion to get my dramamine in the backpack! I didn't complain much about it though, because I didn't want to spoil things for the boys...

Here are photos of the boys with the GG characters:

Is it Chip or Dale? (see bottom for answer:))

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4310.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4311.jpg

Chip is the (slightly) more intelligent one with the brown-black nose, and Dale is the one with the red nose and gapped teeth and is prone to smart-aleckness. :thumbsup2

Chip waves goodbye! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4312.jpg

Here's Dale.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4314.jpg

Pluto and the boys:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4315.jpg

Can we get your autograph please?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4317.jpg

I LOVE this next picture because it shows Jake so happy to see Mickey, and his arms are up and ready to embrace him :) So sweet :flower3:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4318.jpg

Mickey gestures to Jake that he likes the YOAMD Mickey ears Jake has on:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4319.jpg

Posing with Mickey:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4320.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4321.jpg

Chip comes over again, and DH gets in the photo:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4322.jpg

In spite of the motion sickness, I loved GG. The food was good. :thumbsup2 They had yummy flank steak, the potato casserole was delicious, turkey was a little on the dry side (not a turkey lover anyhow), fish was cooked well, green beans were OK.

Character interaction was awesome - less tables, less diners and more time with the characters.

More to come soon!

Nicole786

04-03-2008, 06:56 PM

Yay! Im so happy you updated!

I'm 21 and my brothers 16 and we both LOVED turtle talk! haha its not just for kids!

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 09:38 PM

Yay! Im so happy you updated!

I'm 21 and my brothers 16 and we both LOVED turtle talk! haha its not just for kids!

Hi Nicole! Glad to see ya back here! :wave2:

jake&samsmom

04-03-2008, 10:05 PM

We quickly finished our lunch because it was almost time for our Fastpass return to Soarin'....

We had one small problem though, since DH came to EPCOT later in the day, he did not have a FP!:crazy2:

We got to the entrance of Soarin' and show our 3 FP's to the CM. She hears me telling DH to "wait there, we'll be looking for you after the ride" She asks why he wasn't riding with us, and I reply because we only have 3 FP's :sad2:

Another great Disney moment: the CM tells my DH to come back (he had started to walk away) and hands him a Soarin' FP so he can ride with the family! :hug: She tells us this is the only time she's going to do this for us, because this is Disney afterall, and families should stay together. I don't know her name, but if you are out there reading this, thank you again for your kindness.

We ride Soarin' - this time we sat on the topmost row of seats! I took my crocs off, which seemed to embarrass the kids :confused: Also, the boys loudly ask, "Mom, can you not scream this time?":rolleyes1

I now definitely believe the people here on the DIS when they say the top row is the best row in Soarin'...its a whole new experience to ride it without feet dangling overhead ;) No pics here (not allowed)....

Ater Soarin' we go up the escalators once more and pose by the Sunshine Seasons' hot air balloons:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3948-2.jpg

DH and Jake now plan to ride Mission Space! Sam and I beg off because we are scared of the spinning. Well, at least I am. :scared: Sam just kinda follows my lead.

I decide that Sam and I are going to head to Mousegears while Jake and DH go make themselves sick on Mission Space:upsidedow

On the way to Mousegears, we chance upon a CM with this giant bouncing ball toy, and Sam joins in on the fun:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4323.jpg

MousekaMaddi

04-03-2008, 10:15 PM

nice job, keep it coming!:goodvibes

Lucky'sMom

04-03-2008, 10:45 PM

I just found your report today, and I have enjoyed it so much. Your family is beautiful, your boys are adorable, and I am so impressed with the amount of photos and captions you have put into this!:goodvibes

kath1210

04-03-2008, 11:12 PM

Welcome back!!:goodvibes

jake&samsmom

04-04-2008, 08:08 AM

Thanks for tuning in, MouskaMaddie, Lucky'sMom, and Kathy! :wave2:

jake&samsmom

04-04-2008, 08:35 AM

DH and Jake head off to MS, while Sam and I peruse through Mousegears. This is one of the nicest stores in EPCOT, and their selection of Disney clothing, home items, and toys is :thumbsup2

We meet up with the MS riders by the door (Jake says, that wasn't scary at all! - they rode the milder version, though :)), and head to the bus stop to go back and rest a little bit in the resort prior to attending MNNSHP. See, I planned one resort rest break! :rotfl2: (Although I had a wee voice in my head saying "you shoudda packed the boys' costumes with you and monorailed it from EPCOT to MK :rolleyes1 )

ASMu busses were excellent, very little wait times. The only disadvantage was that the stop for the all-stars are located awaaaaaay from the front gates of all 4 parks. It was always a long walk to get to the entrance, and the anticipation just killed 'ya.;)

While the boys rest on the beds, I neatly folded their costumes to place in the backpack. Jake was black spiderman (he has been a spidey fan since 2 y/o), and Sam chose a Transformers Optimus Prime costume. I didn't want them to get sweaty on the way to MK. Their costumes were long-sleeved and it was so humid outside, so I decided they would costume-up when we get to MK.

DH and I wore matching Jack Skellington and Sally T-shirts :lovestruc

On the way to the bus stop, and as the bus is pulling up, I remembered that I had brought matching trick or treat baggies for them to use! I forgot them upstairs in the suitcase !:eek: I ask DH to get them, and me and the boys proceed to get on the bus. I tell DH to meet us at the hub in front of the castle. Thankfully, my DH is a sweet guy, and doesn't complain. Not much anyhow. ;)

Next installment: MNSSHP! :yay:

jake&samsmom

04-04-2008, 08:36 PM

We ride the bus to the MK at around 4:45pm, I learned on the DIS that you will be allowed to get in earlier than 6pm which is the official start time of the party.

A family of 2 preteen girls, their Mom and Dad were riding the bus with us. The Dad was dressed as Jack Sparrow, and the girls were ribbing him about wearing too much eyeliner!:rotfl: I thought it was cute...

So the boys and I get off the bus at the MK around 5:15pm, get our purple wristbands from the CM's waiting in front. We are also handed 3 small trick or treat bags, and we are told that stroller rentals were free for all MNSSHP attendees :thumbsup2

We get our strollers fom underneath the main street train station. We proceed to the hub in front of the castle and wait for DH. While waiting, the boys layer their costumes over their shorts and thin shirts.

We notice the multitude of people making a mass exodus towards the exit. They were very strict about only having people with MNSSHP tickets/wristbands present in the park.

DH finally arrives with the trick or treat bags I brought from Houston ;)

Jake and DH pair off to ride Space Mountain. Sam and I decide we want to stay in front of the castle to watch Dream Along with Mickey (the show that was cancelled yesterday because of the rain).

While waiting for the show to start, Sam poses by the statues around the hub:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4324.jpg

And in front of the castle:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4325.jpg

Some pictures of Dream Along with Mickey:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4326.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4327.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4328.jpg

Nicole786

04-04-2008, 08:47 PM

Cute!! Can't wait to hear about the party...that costume is too cute!!

jake&samsmom

04-04-2008, 08:51 PM

DH and Jake ride Space Mountain. Jake says there was a long line, but it went fast.

Here's Jake in the preshow area:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3949-1.jpg

Getting settled in his seat:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3955-1.jpg

Notice how tiny the leg room appears to be...(Jake is 47 inches tall):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3954-1.jpg

Jake loves this ride (I didn't let him ride it when we were at DL a few months before this trip, I thought it was too dangerous - but DH wanted Jake to experience it this time, so Mom was overruled:sad2: )

Jake exiting Space Mountain:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3956-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3957-1.jpg

jake&samsmom

04-04-2008, 09:36 PM

After Dream along with Mickey, DH calls me on the cell phone to tell me to meet him and Jake by the bridge from the hub to Tomorrowland. Sam and I walk briskly to meet up with them, and were stopped twice by CMs who were checking for purple wristbands.

(A confession now from the commando-in-chief: I was getting tired of running around at that point, and needed a little bit of rest ;) My knees had taken on more miles in the past 4 days than they had ever had in a whole month! :tiptoe:)

So, I tell DH to bond with the boys while I rest/watch the Villains Mix and Mingle show in front of the castle. ;)

Jake, Sam and DH go off to explore Tomorrowland. Since Stitch is Sam's favorite character, they ride Stitch's Great Escape:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3958-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3959-1.jpg

Then they see Monster's Inc, Laugh Floor:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3960-1.jpg

DH also says they went trick or treating around Tomorrowland for a little bit.

I, on the other hand got a great spot in front of the castle, and had an excellent view of the Villains' show:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4330.jpg

This is the only decent picture I took, because the show was dark and smoky, and the rest of the pics didn't turn out so well :(

After the show, I call DH and the boys on the cell and tell them to come claim their parade viewing spot because the crowd was starting to build up all around me.

I took a picture of the halloween balloons for sale (wanted to buy one but thought it impractical to take back home to Texas, so decided against it):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4331.jpg

Around 15 minutes before the parade starts, some CMs entertain the kids in the audience with limbo rock in the dark....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4332.jpg

Sam and Jake are 4th and 5th from the left: (I love seeing cute costumes on the little children :) )

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4333.jpg

Almost their turn:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4334.jpg

Jake has had plenty of Limbo rock practice from the Carribean cruise we had just recently been on prior to this trip :thumbsup2

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4338.jpg

Up next: Mickey's Boo to You Halloween Parade!

jake&samsmom

04-04-2008, 09:37 PM

Cute!! Can't wait to hear about the party...that costume is too cute!!

Hi Nicole! Glad you're here :)

foodrocksluver

04-05-2008, 09:49 AM

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 02:40 PM

I'm so glad you're back with all your fantastic pictures!!

I noticed in your siggy that you're going to be staying at OKW in July. I am too and was wondering what days you would be there. Maybe we would end up being neighbors!

Oh my, that would be so cool! :) We are staying at OKW from July 29 to 31, then off to the Omni Orlando for a company-sponsored conference from August 1 to 4 :thumbsup2

When are y'all going? Did you have a specific room location request? (btw, we requested a main pool view studio at OKW, but ya never know what you'll get ;)

Thanks for keeping up with my trippie! :)

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 03:18 PM

(The headless horseman on his steed preceeds the parade. No photos are allowed, flash photography frightens the horse.)

In the beginning.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4341.jpg

Dopey, Snow White and Alice:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4343.jpg

Here come Mickey and the gang in the gazebo:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4344.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4345.jpg

Mickey in a harlequinn costume:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4346.jpg

Daisy as a Princess:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4347.jpg

Super sleuth Pooh bear:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4348.jpg

Pooh and pals tree float:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4349.jpg

Peter, Wendy and the lost boys:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4350.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4351.jpg

Captain Hook and his pirates follow Peter closely:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4352.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4353.jpg

Look at the detail on Captain Hook's ship:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4354.jpg

A blurry Captain Hook: :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4355.jpg

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4356.jpg

So long, Neverland Pirates!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4357.jpg

Now come Captain Jack and the Caribbean Pirates:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4358.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4359.jpg

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 03:19 PM

The Groundskeeper of the Haunted Mansion and his bloodhound:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4360.jpg

The Haunted Mansion ghosts come out to socialize:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4361.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4362.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4363.jpg

(I wasn't able to take a picture of the grave diggers' shovel dance...I was mesmerized by the sparks created when they'd scrape the ground with the tips of their shovels -- one of the highlights of the parade! If someone out there has a photo of it, can you please post it as a reply here? Please? :) )

Jack o' lantern on his spinning spectromagic-type ball:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4365.jpg

Here come the Villains!:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4367.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4368.jpg

I love how the evil queen did her make-up: :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4369.jpg

Jafar with the mean stare:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4370.jpg

Goodbye magic mirror...

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4372.jpg

Hello hyenas!

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4371.jpg

Pluto in Goofy's car:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4373.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4374.jpg

Goofy at the end of the parade (his assistants hand out candy to the kids lining the streets):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4375.jpg

What a unique parade! :thumbsup2

Nicole786

04-05-2008, 03:27 PM

Awesome pics! I want to go to the halloween party now, no fair!!

Donald is #1

04-05-2008, 03:27 PM

I wasn't able to take a picture of the grave diggers' shovel dance...I was mesmerized by the sparks created when they'd scrape the ground with the tips of their shovels -- one of the highlights of the parade!

How did your boys like this part of the parade? When I went in Oct '06, my nephew (9 at the time) was really freaked out by them. I wasn't with him when he saw the parade (they were just getting into the park at the time of the parade), but my sister said that they really disturbed him for some reason.:confused3

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 04:00 PM

After the parade, we decide to head to Splash Mountain. When we were in DL last January '07, Splash Mtn. was being rehabbed, so we weren't able to experience it then.

It was a walk-on, just like most of the rides on this MNSSHP night :thumbsup2 Jake and DH rode in front, while Sam and I were behind them. We all wore ponchos because the night air was chilly. I was scared of the drop at the end, but wanted to try it at least once this time :)

It was really fun, and you will get soaked even with a poncho on! :)

After Splash Mtn, we went around Frontierland to trick or treat (skipped BTMRR because the boys didn't want to ride it -- thank goodness! I am not a fan of any rollercoaster as you can probably guess by now ;) )

Then we went to Adventureland to trick or treat some more. Hallowishes began while we were in front of the Frontierland shooting arcade, and even from there, it was pretty spectacular! The boys sat inside their double stroller while DH and I stood behind it. There were no crowds around us at all. It wasn't the best spot for fireworks viewing, but it was beautiful nonetheless :)

What would Halloween at the MK be without a visit to the Haunted Mansion? I asked the boys if they's go with me, but all 3 refused!!:mad: Oh well, I guess this is where we'll have to split up and meet somewhere. :idea:

I wasn't missing the HM on a MNSSHP night!

The boys headed to Tomorrowland (again!) where they rode the TTA and Buzz Lightyear:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4376.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4377.jpg

I headed to the HM and walked right in....I love HM! :lovestruc. I love the "sweetness" of the ride -- the nostalgia of being in an old haunted home with peaceful ghosts, and nothing extremely macabre -- this appeals to me very much..... (and currently, I can't decide whether my #1 favorite ride is HM or Soarin'...;) )

I then head off to Fantasyland to ride IASW (a guilty pleasure! :)), and try to ride Peter Pan again, but DH and the boys are ringing me on the phone, instructing me to meet them in Toontown for more Trick or treating!:rolleyes:

Of course, I go where the boys say, and bid Peter Pan farewell...I'll be back next trip, I promise :)

We get the bulk of our candy at Toontown, and yes, even us antique kids were welcome to the candy! :thumbsup2 The boys play in Pooh's playful spot for a while, and then we walk on the Alice in Wonderland trick or treat trail on the way to Tomorrowland. On this trail, the candy-givers were dressed as playing cards, so cute! I dunno why I didn't take pictures, I guess I was in awe of the amount of sweets we were accumulating! :) Btw, we collected a total of 11.5 pounds of candy from the party! :eek:

We split up when we got to Tomorrowland because Sam wanted to ride the Astro Orbiter with Dad:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4378.jpg

While Jake and I drove on the Indy Speedway:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_3961.jpg

(btw, this is not the car we rode on, this was the display car outside the Ride)

We all meet up at Casey's (our fav. CS Restaurant in the MK) for a midnight snack of hotdogs, corndogs and fries! We were tired, but happy...and from where we sat on the outside tables, we caught one final presentation of the Villain's show! :yay:

We passed through the Main St. Emporium to buy MNSSHP t-shirts, but our all our sizes were sold out :( It's OK, we have plenty of memories to take home anyway.....:)

We ride the ASMu bus and head to our "home" for the past 4 days.....which means we have 2 more days in the "World" before going back to our real home in Houston.....

Up next, Day 5: Raindrops keep fallin' on our heads at the Disney-MGM Studios!

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 04:18 PM

How did your boys like this part of the parade? When I went in Oct '06, my nephew (9 at the time) was really freaked out by them. I wasn't with him when he saw the parade (they were just getting into the park at the time of the parade), but my sister said that they really disturbed him for some reason.:confused3

The boys tought they were cool, and even asked me, "How did the shovels make fire, Mom?" Later on, they tried to use the tips of their umbrellas (we brought one per family member) to scrape the ground to see if it works like the shovels!

Everybody's differerent. I saw some kids terrified of the HM ghosts/gravediggers, then on the other hand, other kids were smiling and waving to them.

Before the Party, I explained to the boys that anything scary there is just a joke from Mickey, so I think they understood. :)

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 04:24 PM

Awesome pics! I want to go to the halloween party now, no fair!!

If I could afford it, I'd go every year! :rotfl:

Unfortunately, I think it'll be a while 'til we go to another one, because we haven't been to a MVMCP nor to a Pirate and Princess Party, so we'd probably go to one of those before doing a MNSSHP again :(

snowwhite325

04-05-2008, 04:49 PM

I am so glad that you came back!! I really enjoyed your TR and was sad when you stopped updating. I can't wait to hear about your last two days :)

jake&samsmom

04-05-2008, 04:57 PM

I am so glad that you came back!! I really enjoyed your TR and was sad when you stopped updating. I can't wait to hear about your last two days :)

I'm glad you're back here! :thumbsup2 Two more days to share with my Dis pals :)......

solgent

04-05-2008, 11:25 PM

foodrocksluver

04-06-2008, 10:37 AM

Oh my, that would be so cool! :) We are staying at OKW from July 29 to 31, then off to the Omni Orlando for a company-sponsored conference from August 1 to 4 :thumbsup2

When are y'all going? Did you have a specific room location request? (btw, we requested a main pool view studio at OKW, but ya never know what you'll get ;)

Thanks for keeping up with my trippie! :)

We leave the 25th but it would have been wonderful to have been able to run into you!

We usually request building 45 or 46 (oddly enough with the DVC building 46 is the one we partly own).

kkwis2

04-06-2008, 11:39 AM

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 12:02 PM

I just found your trip report yesterday and have read through the whole thing! :surfweb: (I was actually a little miffed that I had to stop reading to go out to dinner with our neighbors, but what can you do?)

It sounds like you are all pretty flexible with one another which is the way to keep the family happy at Disney. You have really encouraged me to do the same when we go. :thumbsup2

Our trip is planned for about the same time of October, 2008. Our kids will be 7 & 5 when we travel. We are staying at ASMo.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of the trip. I love your sense of humor and your boys are beautiful!

Thank you for being so sweet :) Your kids are about the same ages as mine...Is your October trip your kids' first WDW vacation? I know for sure they will enjoy it, what with the nice weather, less crowds, and very short lines for rides. :thumbsup2

sidenote: I am also on photobucket right now, uploading the last batch of our pictures (about 60 plus :rotfl: ) It's a little bittersweet to see the final few of them.....;) I'll be back in a little while....:)

Rozz

04-06-2008, 01:17 PM

I just found your trip report today and read it through in one sitting! :goodvibes Actually, I had to get up a couple of times when the kids needed help with one of the rabbits. We have two indoor bunnies that we let out of their cage as often as we can to run around the living room. :eek: That is, after we get power cords and other things out of their bunny reach!

I can't wait for more of your report! We have been to WDW during Christmas but not during Halloween. I hope we will be able to go in October in the next couple of years. Your report just makes me want to get in the van and drive straight down to Disney World! ;)

The4bits

04-06-2008, 01:38 PM

KayleeUK

04-06-2008, 01:41 PM

Just found your trippie.

Love all of your piccies :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 01:55 PM

Since we arrived at ASMu very late at night (or was it early morning?) we all slept in and didn't wake up til 9am or so (remember, we are commandos, and commandos do not usually wake up later than park opening time :lmao: )

On the way out to the food court, I immediately noticed the Magical Express envelope hanging on the outside handle of our door :sad: I decide against taking a pic of it, and resolve not to dwell on the sadness, but instead focus on making this day a really great one for the family! :thumbsup2

We went to get breakfast at ASMu's Intermission food court - "We" meaning Jake, Sam and I - DH was left sleeping soundly in bed ;) We had Mickey Waffles, orange juice and bacon. We usually ate a cereal breakfast in our room, but since we had a lot of CS credits remaining, we decided to splurge a bit :)

On the way back to our room, the clouds open up, and it starts to drizzle. Uh-oh. We grab our umbrellas, ponchos and rainjackets and leave a note for DH to meet up with us at Disney-MGM Studios (he's still asleep/snoring inspite of all the noise we're making in the room!)

The rain starts to pour as we get on the DS-MGM bus. The boys are worried about the weather :scared: so I reassure the boys we'll be fine because we came prepared with all our raingear :hug: I also tell them that the rain will keep the crowd away, so we'll have the park to ourselves! :)

I strike up a converation with a nice couple from NY who swear never to ride TOT again! :) Now the boys are really looking forward to TOT, and I was too, but the wife's story about how terrified she was after the first drop began to chip away at my confidence :scared1:

We get to DS-MGM and hightail it to TOT :) The boys didn't use the stroller, so I put the backpack in it. When I parked it outside TOT, I put a poncho over it to keep the seat and its contents dry. I noticed a lot of soaking wet strollers littered all over. It was raining quite a bit.

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 01:55 PM

Here are the boys about to get in line:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4380.jpg

I love the theming of TOT, the hotel appears very decrepit:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4381.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4382.jpg

The line was short as you can see:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4383.jpg

I love how they purposely planted the heavy shrubbery to appear like an overgrown garden:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4384.jpg

We are now about to enter the Hotel lobby:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4385.jpg

Inside the TOT entry:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4388.jpg

The beautiful ceiling circa 1930:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4389.jpg

Cobwebs in the library: (quick, call Mousekeeping! :))

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4390.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4391.jpg

Waiting for our elevator in the basement boiler room:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4392.jpg

At this point, I really want to back out and let DH ride this with the boys instead. :scared:

But DH is still sleeping at ASMu, while I, who am scared silly, is trapped in a creepy basement, and has to pretend to be upbeat for her two sons' sake!

Why did we have to be the perfect number of riders to sit in the FRONT row?!!! :scared1: Why couldn't I have a less frightening seat in the middle or back row?!

We all hear a voice saying, "You are about to discover what lies beyond the fifth dimension, beyond the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination, in the Tower of Terror".

We fall........................and fall......................and fall..........................and fall some more...........................

:scared1: :scared1: :scared1:

With each drop I pray it would be the last - please God, no more! Please! :scared:

In the meantime, my kids seem to be enjoying it. I hear Jake say "wow" when the doors open to reveal a 13th floor view of the park! :eek:

Thankfully, the ride comes to a stop. (insert sigh of relief)

At the TOT exit area, the boys pose with a lady from the 30's era:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4393.jpg

We purchase a TOT Stitch pin for Sam and a Mickey ears pin for Jake at the TOT gift shop. The cashier CM tells us her son is finishing up med school. I don't remember how we got into that conversation, but she was nice nonetheless. :)

In summary: I promise you, I will never go on TOT again. Not unless they bribe me with an overnight stay at the Cinderella's Castle Suite -- for that, I'll gladly ride TOT all day (just pass me the Valium please!) :rotfl2:

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 02:14 PM

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 02:24 PM

I love reading your trip report, first one I ever subscribed too. My kids won't be as daring as yours probably and my poor 2 1/2 year old won't be able to ride anything cool. He's only 38' but that's okay, we'll make due. I am currently packing to leave on Tuesday and I am packing an extra suitcase to bring home everything I buy ;), can't wait to read more. You might inspire me to write my own.:worship:

Your kids will have plenty to do, and what's more is that there'll be plenty of "new" rides to do in future trips! :) What I like about the two year old age range is the fresh excitement about everything. When they get to the ripe old age of four and above, you'll hear comments like "that ride is for babies" (in reference to Alladin's Carpets/Dumbo/Triceratop spin) -- all those I wanted to try, but was overruled because they're not "big boy" rides. :rolleyes:

I would love to read about your trip! I am so jealous - y'all leave in a few days.:woohoo: Have lots of fun and take lots of pictures, please! :) Let us hear from you when you get back! :goodvibes

Btw, we too had an extra carry-on for our Halloween loot! ;)

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 02:31 PM

Just found your trippie.

Love all of your piccies :thumbsup2

Thank you Kaylee! :goodvibes

Sidebar: I have an auntie who lives there in the UK (in Kensington) and has been forever inviting us to come over. We would, but our travel funds seem to always get handed over to the Mouse! :rotfl2:

Glad you're reading along :thumbsup2

CHEK

04-06-2008, 02:42 PM

Great trip report and fantastic photo's:thumbsup2 , thankyou sooo much for sharing your experience's with us :goodvibes

The4bits

04-06-2008, 03:02 PM

Your kids will have plenty to do, and what's more is that there'll be plenty of "new" rides to do in future trips! :) What I like about the two year old age range is the fresh excitement about everything. When they get to the ripe old age of four and above, you'll hear comments like "that ride is for babies" (in reference to Alladin's Carpets/Dumbo/Triceratop spin) -- all those I wanted to try, but was overruled because they're not "big boy" rides. :rolleyes:

I would love to read about your trip! I am so jealous - y'all leave in a few days.:woohoo: Have lots of fun and take lots of pictures, please! :) Let us hear from you when you get back! :goodvibes

Btw, we too had an extra carry-on for our Halloween loot! ;)

Maybe I will do a TR when we get back, I'm not very good at this stuff but i will probably try. I know I am starting to get butterflies already and my DD4 is beside herself. The worst part: we're driving from St. Louis (15 1/2 hours).

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 03:21 PM

We grab our soggy stroller and walk towards VOTLM.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/Voyage1.jpg

Now you see, Ariel is my favorite princess for all the following reasons:
1) She is headstrong and stubborn (like me)
2) She has a beautiful singing voice that sounds like mine (though I can do a dead-on impersonation of Ursula when the mood strikes me :rotfl2: )
3) She is a water-lover (like me and my boys)

:offtopic: I first met Ariel in person at DL in 1996. I was the only big princess in the queue to meet Ariel. ;) When it was my turn I walked shyly up to her and told her, "I've been waiting all my life to meet you..." She gave me a dazzling smile, and we took a picture together. That will always be one of my fondest vacation memories, and gives me a lump in my throat everytime I remember it. All right, I confess, I am a very sentimental gal...as further proof, I saw Titanic 48 times, and cried at the end of each of them...but I digress....)

When we enter the theater, there are few open seats. I see two empty seats side by side on the end of the middle row. I seat the boys there, and I find a seat a few rows behind them.

Here are some of my favorite moments from the show:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/voyage2.jpg http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/voyage3.jpg http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/voyage4.jpg

I love how the laser lighting makes it appear as though the audience is underwater. I am amazed at how gently the rain falls on all of us inside the theater. I laugh at how clever the neon fishes "swim" under the sea. I love the show, and I tell the boys we'll come back later in the day to watch it (the boys groan, "again!?")

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 03:32 PM

Great trip report and fantastic photo's:thumbsup2 , thankyou sooo much for sharing your experience's with us :goodvibes

You are so welcome. I am getting sad that I only have 1 1/2 days more to report on :( But there's always the next trip! :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 03:38 PM

Maybe I will do a TR when we get back, I'm not very good at this stuff but i will probably try. I know I am starting to get butterflies already and my DD4 is beside herself. The worst part: we're driving from St. Louis (15 1/2 hours).

From Houston to WDW is roughly the same distance/time. I look at it this way, more time to bond with each other, and more sights to see ;) ....Are y'all taking a sleep break, or driving all the way? Make sure you bring lots of dvd's and snacks/drinks. Those are the top requirements of the boys. The longest we've driven as a family was to New Orleans for Mardi Gras in 2007. It took us 7 hours, I think. I enjoyed it, but I didn't drive, DH did. :)

The4bits

04-06-2008, 03:46 PM

From Houston to WDW is roughly the same distance/time. I look at it this way, more time to bond with each other, and more sights to see ;) ....Are y'all taking a sleep break, or driving all the way? Make sure you bring lots of dvd's and snacks/drinks. Those are the top requirements of the boys. The longest we've driven as a family was to New Orleans for Mardi Gras in 2007. It took us 7 hours, I think. I enjoyed it, but I didn't drive, DH did. :)

We are staying in Valdosta, GA - 3 hours outside of Orlando so we won't arrive in Disney world until Wednesday. We have a HUGE bag of snacks, a container full of movies for our dvd player in the van and two backpacks full of surprises. This will be the farthest we have ever driven too. I just can't wait to start the whole thing. It's funny I can't seem to get off the DIS boards today. Must be the excitement.

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 03:52 PM

We are staying in Valdosta, GA - 3 hours outside of Orlando so we won't arrive in Disney world until Wednesday. We have a HUGE bag of snacks, a container full of movies for our dvd player in the van and two backpacks full of surprises. This will be the farthest we have ever driven too. I just can't wait to start the whole thing. It's funny I can't seem to get off the DIS boards today. Must be the excitement.

The first trip is always the most exciting, and you will collect plenty of precious and unforgettable memories. I remember being such a DIS addict when I planned for this trip, DH joked about who my BF was online. I replied, "Mickey, who else!" :rotfl2:

Nicole786

04-06-2008, 04:35 PM

awww i love ToT!!! My brother doesn't do thrill rides...im going to attempt Expedition Everest this time but ToT would be reaaalllly pushing it

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 05:17 PM

We now walk towards The Great Movie Ride.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/greatmovie1.jpg

While waiting in line, DH rings me on the cell phone asking the same question again, where do we eat? I tell him to try to meet us at TGMR if he could make it. Meanwhile, as we approach the the ride vehicle, I hear a piercing crying sound coming from the pre-show area....

It sounded just like Sam! Turns out, it was him! :confused:

Sam had stayed in one spot, staring at the screen showing movie clips - so that when he turned to look for us, we were gone! He thought Jake and I had left him behind! The line moved very quickly, and with me on the phone with DH, I just assumed Sam was tagging along beside Jake.

I run to get Sam, and apologize to him for not paying better attention. I get some dirty stares from other parents who saw what just took place :scared:I try my best to be a good parent, honest! :upsidedow

Thankfully, the ride begins:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/greatmovie2.jpg

The children get scared during the "Aliens" part. I didn't like the part that had a lot of snakes :eek:

But overall, we liked the ride, especially when the gangster suffered the consequence of the "curse" ;)

After the ride, DH meets up with us by the Socerer's Hat. We walk together towards 50's Primetime Cafe for lunch.

snowwhite325

04-06-2008, 05:23 PM

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 05:29 PM

We are ushered to our table by "cousin" Monica. The boys are lent old-style viewmasters to "see" the dessert menu. We all order milkshakes. And funny enough, everyone ordered the meatloaf! :)

A tall glass of chocolate milkshake is enough to make one smile this big:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4394.jpg

Look at the old-school TV above Jake and DH:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4395.jpg

Jake busy coloring the children's menu:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4397.jpg

The meatloaf was yummy, and they gave huge portions. Everone finished their food quickly because we didn't want to be late for our favorite part of DS-MGM: the Jedi Training Academy! :woohoo:

We want to skip dessert, but our "cousin" insists that we take it to go. Jake and DH rush towards the Star Tours section of the park; Sam and I wait for our packed dessert, and run after them!

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 05:33 PM

You aren't the only one who cries at the end of Titanic :hug: Everytime I watch it by best friend makes fun of me...but when they end up together at the end...my heart melts just thinking about it :cloud9:

A confession: For a very long time after Titanic came out, I was madly in love with Leonardo DiCaprio! :lovestruc

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 05:53 PM

Because of the DIS, I came up with a few tricks to increase the probability of Jake and Sam being chosen for Jedi Training:

1) Wear a Star Wars Shirt (check)
2) Stand in the very front of the stage (check)
3) Bring a poster/sign to appeal to the Jedi Master's heart (check: Ours said, "Please choose me - I am strong with the Force!) I even decorated it with LGMH's from Home Depot! ;)

One thing we couldn't control was the rain, and oh did it rain while we waited in front of the stage! I overheard a few people say that the earlier shows were cancelled because of the downpour. We stay hopeful, though. :yoda: (btw, while waiting, Sam decides he doesn't want to hold up his sign, and that he doesn't want to be a Jedi afterall. I tell him it's OK.)

To better portray the next set of events, please read my entry to Disney's Favorite Vacation Moments Contest:

JAKE THE JEDI

"Nothing will ever top our first family vacation to Walt Disney World in 2007.

Several months earlier, we were in Disneyland watching kids onstage for the Jedi Training Academy. My son Jake was crestfallen that he was not called to be one of them.

Then we saved enough to go to Disney World for Jake's 7th Birthday -- my son would have another chance at Jedi Training! This time we came prepared. Jake wore his favorite Star Wars t-shirt and stood directly in front of the stage.

The "Master" then came out to survey the gathering of children aspiring to be Jedis....

Jake was the first one chosen! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4399.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4398.jpg

I will always remember the look of sheer delight in his eyes. He had the brightest smile of all as he brandished his lightsaber. Most unforgettable was his triumphant shout after he battled with and defeated the ultimate villain, Darth Vader.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4408.jpg

This is why we go on family vacations. To create enduring memories. To remind us how precious time spent together really is.

Disney World is in Florida, but it now also exists right here in Texas....indelibly etched in this one mother's heart."

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4407.jpg

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 06:07 PM

We are all giddy with happiness and pride at Jakob being chosen for the Jedi Training Academy. You see, I am a huge Star Wars fanatic! :woohoo: I am the one who leaves DH and the boys at home at midnight to see the final three Star Wars trilogy! I own hundreds of Star Wars vehicles/ships, and a thousand or so action figures (yep, you read right...my collection continues to multiply with time :upsidedow ) -- we actually had to rent a climate controlled storage space exclusively for my collection because were were running out of house (and also to keep them safe from the boys). :rotfl:

The boys frequently ask if I can share the collection with them. I reply, "When you turn 21, I will." :rotfl2:

So, Star Tours is a must-see for our family.

Here we are about to board:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4409.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4410.jpg

Cool ride, as usual! Plus, we got to sit in the very first row :thumbsup2

Up Next: More DS-MGM touring, broken umbrellas, and a Fantasmic show!

Nicole786

04-06-2008, 06:47 PM

So cool Jake got to be in the academy!! I definitely need to have children ASAP so I can take them disney :D

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 07:06 PM

So cool Jake got to be in the academy!! I definitely need to have children ASAP so I can take them disney :D

Hi Nicole!:wave2:
I swear, I was so excited that he got chosen, I felt like I was the one dueling with Vader!:crazy: I ducked when Jake ducked, I swung when he swung. It was funny when I realized how strange that must have looked to the others! LOL!

Seeing the World through the boys' eyes was a whole new experience -- I think everyone should go to Disney at least 4 times in a lifetime (note that I said "at least" ;) ) : the 1st time, as a child; the 2nd time, as a young adult; the 3rd time, with your own children; and if God wills it, a 4th time with your Grandkids :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 08:04 PM

We head to Muppets 3D, and walked on in. The theater was half-full so we could choose our seats:thumbsup2

It was a cute show, but I did not enjoy it as much as Philharmagic. The boys liked it enough, and were laughing throughout the show.

We were going to see the parade next, but I'm pretty sure they cancelled it that day because of the rain. At this point, the boys were all paraded-out anyhow. :upsidedow We decide to skip it.

So we walk to the Indiana Jones Stunt show which was about to start in 15 mins. The theater barely had any audience, the rain probably sent folks home :)

I ask the boys to pose while we wait for the show to start:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4412.jpg I try to get Jake to smile, but: http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4413.jpg

Jake is tired, and makes those "mad" faces. Sam is still holding up. :)

The show is abbreviated because of the wet ground. The performers' safety is priority of course, so they didn't do the really dangerous stunts.

On the way out, we try to catch the HSM pep rally, but hear an announcement that it is cancelled! :sad1: By this time we are too late to catch the Lights, Motors, Action show, so finally, I get to do another girlie thing today -- see Beauty and the Beast on stage :yay:

kath1210

04-06-2008, 08:18 PM

Wow! You are sure making up for lost time! I am really enjoying all of your posts!:goodvibes

I swear, those pictures of the boys in your last post look exactly alike!!

ETA: Oops! Now I see Jake in the background! LOL! I guess I'd better get to bed!!

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 09:00 PM

kkwis2

04-06-2008, 09:15 PM

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 09:36 PM

[QUOTE=jake&samsmom;24280158]Thank you for being so sweet :) Your kids are about the same ages as mine...Is your October trip your kids' first WDW vacation? I know for sure they will enjoy it, what with the nice weather, less crowds, and very short lines for rides. :thumbsup2

We took the kids to WDW in March of 2006. The kids were 2 and 4. We only went for 4 nights so it was a quick trip but we had a great time. How can you not, right?! I am really hoping for a magical trip this time since the kids will be older and we are going for a full week. I hope my kids will be daring enough to do some of the "big kid" rides. I am amazed that even your 4 year old will do it all! My son would never have done those the last time. I just love rides, though, so I hope we can talk them into at least some of them.

We are planning to do MNSSHP so I was glad to read your report about that. Everyone has such great things to say about it. I'm so excited! You found it to be not terribly crowded, right?

It looks like it rained more than I was expecting for that time of year. At least now I will know to plan for that with ponchos and umbrellas.

What night are you doing MNSSHP? We went on a night when the tickets were discounted (did they still offer a discount on a few select nights this year?) and I was apprehensive that it would be crowded. But it wasn't at all, except for the parade route. Make sure you stake your spot early (I would recommend an hour before the parade starts to get front row/curbside seating esp. for the little ones.

It was so hard to decide if we'd focus on trick or treating, rides, or on the parade and fireworks. But in the end, everything fell into place and we were able to compromise with each other and do a little of each.

One thing I wished we could have done was to attend the Dance Parties...Again, the boys were not very interested to do that, so we didn't.

Rain was not bad until the last day at DS-MGM. Other days it was just a very light intermittent drizzle. I budgeted 4 ponchos per day (the cheapie Walmart ones), and came back home to Texas with 11 left-over ponchos out of 20! :rotfl: On the other hand, we had 4 umbrellas, and came back with 2. :headache: More about that later..... :)

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 10:36 PM

I have seen BB on Broadway twice, and absolutely adore it! (Btw, one more "about me" fact: I am a big fan of Musicals! I have seen plenty of them (not just Disney) and love Lion King on Broadway the best! :thumbsup2 Wicked comes a close second. OK, I digress again....)

We get seats towards the back of the theater because this show is moderately full. It's a good view, however, plus it allowed DH to sneak away to get snacks without disturbing other people.

The costumes are so pretty, and the actors sing well. I love Chip and Mrs. Potts. The boys think Lumniere and Cogsworth are hilarious! :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4415.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4416.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4417.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4418.jpg

After the show, I tell the boys we're heading back to VOTLM. DH says nope, he's riding RnR coaster via the single rider line. :rolleyes1 I ask him to pose with the boys in front of Mickey's Sorcerer hat before we split up so I can get a good day shot of them together.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4419.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4420.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4421.jpg

The little boys protest about going to see Ariel again, but have no choice as they are a few inches short of the height requirement for RnR :sad1:

jake&samsmom

04-06-2008, 10:44 PM

I almost forgot, the boys ripped their respective umbrellas by playing lightsaber duels vs. each other after the Indiana Jones show :mad:

I told them, I would never give them their own umbrellas again, ever!

Of course, they now have new umbrellas for the upcoming Texas rainy season, purchased by myself two Sundays ago :rolleyes1

Coming Soon: Our Fantasmic Evening :thumbsup2

rainwatter

04-06-2008, 10:55 PM

I am loving your TR!! Your boys are super cute, and it looks like you had a blast.

jake&samsmom

04-07-2008, 05:03 PM

I am loving your TR!! Your boys are super cute, and it looks like you had a blast.

Thanks for reading along :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

04-07-2008, 05:28 PM

I told you I'm a big fan of Ariel. And since we had end-zone seats earlier in the morning, this time I was going to make sure we would be in the front row and center :thumbsup2

We arrive at VOTLM early, and we are first in line. Here are the boys in the pre-show area:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4422.jpg

Can you spot the difference between the picture above versus the picture below? :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4423.jpg

So, we DO get the front row/center seats. And it was as awesome as our first viewing. It took a lot of self-discipline on my part not to sing out loud with the actors onstage!:lmao:

Spoiler: Because we were seated so close to to the stage, I could make out the puppeteers clad in all-black who were manipulating the neon fishes in the "Under the sea" song number! Very clever! I was wondering how they did that!? :upsidedow

After the show, we take the loooong walk to the Fantasmic Ampitheater. I hear two boys whining about how their legs are tired, their feet hurt, they need to go to sit down.....Of course, those boys turned out to be mine :headache:

I make a comment that "this is why you won't come back for another trip here" (liar) :rolleyes1

When we get to the theater, the Mickey section is almost completely full, but we manage to get prime seats in this coveted section anyway, about 14 rows from the front. :yay:

Here's the view from our seats:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4425.jpg

I call DH on the cell phone to tell him where we were, and he comes to us with a bag full of RnR Coaster souvies! Caps, pins, etc. He said RnR was his new favorite coaster because of how smooth the ride was. He didn't have a fastpass, but rode via the single rider line. He missed out on TOT though, but he didn't seem that interested to go on it. :confused3

While waiting, the audience do the obligatory "wave" and the boys really get into it :) It was so cute to see them all smiling and happy.

Gotta go home now. Part 2 of our Fantasmic experience later.

Thank you to all my DIS friends for keeping up with my TR, and lurkers too :grouphug:

3princesses+aprince

04-07-2008, 05:38 PM

I just came across your TR today. It's one of the best ones i've ever read. I started it this morning and just finished. I love all of the pictures, and your boys are so cute.:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read the end of your TR.
And I can relate to you. I feel my dh is going to want to sleep in more than we are.:rolleyes:

jake&samsmom

04-07-2008, 09:06 PM

jake&samsmom

04-07-2008, 10:29 PM

Here's Jake posing in a more than half empty Fantasmic theater:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4426.jpg

However, do not be fooled by the empty seats, we were at Fantasmic more than an hour before the scheduled start!:scared: The theater filled up quickly, and at about 30 minutes before the show, it was SRO!

Here is Sam checking out the Park Map. He insists that there will be real Dragons in this show (he points out the illustration of the Dragon battling Socerer Mickey in the map). He is so cute.:love:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4427.jpg

The boys are getting tired of the "wave" by this time. I am a little bit worried that the show might get cancelled by rain. See the dark clouds hovering above:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4429.jpg

The boys are getting fidgety, and notice the light-up toys being sold by the CM's down in the front row (refer to cart in the lower left of this picture):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4428.jpg

Jake especially wants a light-up sword. I firmly say NO. We have too many light-up gadgets from various Disney on Ice shows that have been loved for one night, then forgotten the next. I brought them Dollar store glowstick necklaces from Houston, and I tell them that those would have to suffice.

Here's Jake buddying up with Dad after I put my foot down about those lighting toys (seriously, the Dollar diarrhea has to stop somewhere, right? :rolleyes: It was hard to keep my ground, but I did...... But I confess, I felt a little sorry for Jake - he looked longingly at the other kids who had them toys.....):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4432.jpg

jake&samsmom

04-07-2008, 10:31 PM

The show finally starts with nary a drop of rain :yay: Since this is the first time the boys will see it, I paid more attention to the expression on their faces whenever something amazing happened, rather than looking at the amazing scene on stage. They barely blink. They are completely mesmerized by Fantasmic.

I myself believe that Fantasmic in itself is worth the price of admission to DS-MGM Studios :lovestruc (When we were in Disneyland before this trip, we went on a day when Fantasmic wasn't scheduled :( so, Fantasmic was a top priority this time.)

Some Princess photos:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4433.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4436.jpg

I thought that the boys would be scared of the villains/snake/dragon. Sam snuggled closer to me at this point, but was never too scared to cover his eyes.;)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4437.jpg

I know, the next picture is dark, but it's approximately the time when Mickey says, "This is my dream!" So I have to put it here :)

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4439.jpg

After the show, the boys do their best Mickey impersonation of "This is my dream!" (over and over in a faux-Mickey high pitched tone of voice...kinda sounding like like David Beckham :rotfl: )

The CMs tell us to grab a stroller from the Fantasmic stroller lot...apparently, plenty of folks abandoned their strollers there on the way out of the Theater! :confused3

So, we get one and while I push our Maclaren stroller with the backpack passenger :), DH has the boys in a double stroller. No more whining about sore feet and tired legs! :yay:

The boys pose in front of this:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4443.jpg

I just noticed now that the "O" and the "e" are not lighted up (Duh Mom, it's supposed to look like that for a creepy effect!)

Here are the boys not wanting to leave the comfort of their double stroller:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4441.jpg

We walk towards the exit, and I notice that it hasn't rained for a good 3 hours now! :woohoo: We stop by one of the giftshops to purchase an acrylic Mickey head stretchy bracelet for my "little" sister (who is 29 years old and just graduated from Medical School! :cheer2: ). Jake picks out a nice big picture frame for his and Sam's GORGEOUS photo taken by a photopass photographer in front of Cinderella's Castle (the one that was unanimously chosen as our Family's 2007 Christmas card pic :lovestruc ) Btw, I will post some photopass pictures as soon DH locates it. He made CD copies for our relatives, then can't remember what shelf he placed the original in :mad: He'll find it eventually.....

We ride the bus to ASMu, and for the first time, we arrive before midnight! We didn't turn into mice or dogs this night!:lmao:

Toy Story is being played on a huge screen by the pool. :thumbsup2 We eat a late dinner of pasta with alfredo sauce and chicken for the adults, and marinara pasta for the boys (yum!)

While DH starts packing upstairs, the boys and I go to the back of the resort to take photos. We had never ventured beyond the Guitar pool, and wanted to see the Piano pool.

Here are the boys clowning around with Ariel and friends:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4444.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4446.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4445.jpg

We are all a little sad that this was our last night "home" :sad2:

We head back to our room, the boys go to bed, and Mom finishes up packing.

Up Next: Our Final Disney Day 2007

jake&samsmom

04-08-2008, 08:31 AM

Don't you just hate the last night of any vacation? Months and months of planning....then a glorious few days......why does it all end too soon?:sad1:

I almost cried when I took down our window decorations...I had loved coming "home" to our resort in the late evenings, and then seeing our brightly colored orange Halloween lights, welcoming us to our room.

I had this huge lump in my throat while I was taking down all the Disney Birthday cards Jakob received this whole week. I pack them carefully and lovingly into my Disney folder.

I hate goodbyes.

Nicole786

04-08-2008, 10:38 AM

I hate goodbyes as well :(

I love Hello's though! whens the next trip??

jake&samsmom

04-08-2008, 10:50 AM

I hate goodbyes as well :(

I love Hello's though! whens the next trip??

Nicole, you're such a :cutie:

112 more days! :yay: I already have ideas for a pre-treppie! :rolleyes1

Nicole786

04-08-2008, 10:53 AM

Nicole, you're such a :cutie:

112 more days! :yay: I already have ideas for a pre-treppie! :rolleyes1

Just wanted to remind you :goodvibes the next one isnt that far away! (I have to tell myself because if its a long time for you, than its a long time for me!)

dydo2424

04-08-2008, 12:50 PM

Thanks for the awesome TR. I read every page of it starting this morning. It's 1PM now, guess I better make DD lunch. Really enjoyed all the photos. Your kids are park commandos. What troopers they are!

Mic_n_Min

04-08-2008, 12:55 PM

I just found this TR just before lunch and couldn't stop reading and enjoying your wonderful pictures. You're family is so sweet! Can't wait to read the rest of this TR and read another in a couple of months!

bunnyscootles

04-08-2008, 03:17 PM

I just read your entire TR, you have such beautiful boys :goodvibes
I love all the pictures

klacey1

04-08-2008, 07:24 PM

This was wonderful to read-- sounds like a great trip was had by all.

jake&samsmom

04-08-2008, 08:48 PM

Just wanted to remind you :goodvibes the next one isnt that far away! (I have to tell myself because if its a long time for you, than its a long time for me!)

This was wonderful to read-- sounds like a great trip was had by all.

I just read your entire TR, you have such beautiful boys :goodvibes
I love all the pictures

I just found this TR just before lunch and couldn't stop reading and enjoying your wonderful pictures. You're family is so sweet! Can't wait to read the rest of this TR and read another in a couple of months!

Thanks for the awesome TR. I read every page of it starting this morning. It's 1PM now, guess I better make DD lunch. Really enjoyed all the photos. Your kids are park commandos. What troopers they are!

Thanks to all you for giving me the encouragement and motivation to keep on writing...It makes me so happy that you are "enjoying" our trip...

I am reminded of a quote I read recently:

"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly by embracing one another" :grouphug:

Thank you, DIS friends....

jake&samsmom

04-08-2008, 10:08 PM

I wake up very early and let the boys sleep in. I cancel our breakfast with Stitch - I wanted the little boys to sleep in so they won't be cranky on the plane ride home. A rest day for the commandos who are about to graduate from WDW boot camp. ;) As usual, DH sleeps soundly through all the noise. :sad2:

I call Bell Services to pick-up all our luggage to be brought to the ASMu airline check-in counter. I also make sure our All Star fridge is marked with the next swapper's name/reservation info, and stored with luggage services.

I love the convenience of being able to check-in at the resort and having our boarding passes in hand hours before we fly. :thumbsup2

I take a deep breath, and browse around Maestro Mickey's (the ASMu gift shop). I couldn't resist getting myself a pair of Mickey flip-flops :) I also buy the boys more jibbitz for their crocs.

I walk back upstairs, and the whole family is now awake. DH wants to have breakfast at EPCOT. I get the boys dressed, and make sure that all of our carry-on luggage is ready to go. We ride the bus to EPCOT.

We make a Kidcot stop at Innoventions West (where we won our Dream Ears a few days ago!):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4448.jpg

The boys trade pins with the nice CM manning the station:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4447.jpg

DH is getting hungry, so we proceed to Sunshine Seasons:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4449.jpg

The breakfast is yummy but not extraordinary: eggs, sausage, bacon. I don't have much of an appetite, though. I feel a little sad that we are leaving this Magical World soon. :(

This is the view of the ceiling from where I was seated (I thought the angle was interesting):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4450.jpg

After breakfast, we get fastpasses for our favorite ride at EPCOT: :thumbsup2

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4451.jpg

Since we had about two hours before our Soarin' FP return, we decide to mill around Future World. We walk onto the Living with the Land boat and sit in the front row. :)

The kids are always amazed to see the huge vegetables and plants. I take photos of my favorite veggie on display:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4452.jpg

Don't you just love the pumpkin Mickey head?: :goodvibes

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4453.jpg

We walk towards Test Track, and it is only a 25 minute wait, so we get in line. OK, this ride is not on my must-do list, but the boys insist we ride it. I have read on the DIS that this is the fastest ride in all of WDW, so I really hesitate to go with the boys on this one.

We almost reach the loading dock, and I get cold clammy hands. My heart starts to palpitate. I look around for the "chicken" exit, and tell the boys I'll meet them at the TT gift shop. The boys plead with me to ride with them....

Will I Test the Track?! :cool:
Or will I go all Chicken Little? :crazy2:
Stay tuned for the answer! :thumbsup2

jake&samsmom

04-09-2008, 09:35 PM

As I get ready to leave the TT queue, I notice this elderly lady walking onto the loading dock via the Fastpass line....She inspires me to go ahead and try the ride, I mean if she can tolerate it, I guess I could too! :thumbsup2

So I run to where the boys were standing, and I get in the car with them. We have the entire car all to ourselves. Jake and DH are in the front, Sam and I are in the back seats. We all sit on the sides, and the middle seats are empty. I question the safety of the middle seat, having only a lap belt and no diagonal chest seatbelt. Of course, I am a scaredy cat, and usually over-cautious, esp. when it involves kids. ;)

Did I enjoy this ride?

Yes! :yay: The whole family loved the speed of the car, and the smoothness of the track. DH buys a TT Mickey head pin at the TT gift shop to commemorate our first time riding :thumbsup2 (I can't believe I almost skipped this one....thanks, lady, wherever you are :)) When we go back to EPCOT in July, we are absolutely riding this one again! :woohoo:

We say farewell to Test Track:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/testtrack1.jpg

We head to Club Cool, not for the Beverly trick :), but rather for each of the boys to custom-build a character cup for themselves....

jake&samsmom

04-09-2008, 10:32 PM

We didn't have time to go to DTD on this trip, and I really wanted the boys to have a souvenir character cup. Luckily, I found out from the DIS that you can make your own cup at Club Cool! :)

Jake made a Mickey cup, and Sam built a Stitch one. I was tempted to make a Minnie one for myself, but decided against it for budgetary reasons. ;) Their cups are filled with an Ocean Blue Raspberry-flavored Icee, which the boys found to be so refreshing after a busy morning.

Here's the boys enjoying their Icee (this was taken later on in the day :)):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4463.jpg

Now we walk back to the Land to use our Fastpasses for Soarin'. However, DH thinks we are cutting it too close to our Magical Express pick-up time, and wants to go back to ASMu to shower and change instead. The little boys and I decide to stay in Epcot, while DH volunteers to settle the charges at the front desk, check out of our resort, and bring all our carry-on bags down to the ASMu lobby.

The boys and I ride Soarin' for one last time. We are lucky to ride in the middle column in the middle row. We secure the Mickey and Stitch cups in the underseat pocket, and they fit in snugly. I remove my shoes for the "flight" :)

After Soarin, Sam requests to ride Nemo again :) And since DH was not there to say "no", we head to the Seas Pavillion :thumbsup2

There is a short line. Several kids stare wistfully at the boys' cups. One parent asks where we got them from ;)

I try to figure out what the backstory of the Nemo queue is. Thankfully, there's an obvious clue (located high above on the ceiling):

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4456.jpg

I infer that the bottom of the boat hovering above the "audience" suggests that we are all in an underwater journey. ;)

Here are the boys a few minutes before boarding the clam-mobile:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4457.jpg

After we get out of the clam, we run towards Turtle Talk with Crush. We are just in time for the show's start. It is a whole different conversation between Crush and the audience, but is as funny as the last time we were there.

After Crush, we mill around the Nemo-Shark exhibit:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4459.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4460.jpg

We do not stay too long because DH calls us on the phone and reminds us that it is time to get back to ASMu!

We half walk, half run to EPCOT's front gate, and get to our bus stop in record time! :) It is around 2pm now, and we are the only ones waiting there for the bus to ASMu.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4462.jpg

The bus arrives a few minutes later.

As we turn away from the giant golfball, Sam whispers, "bye EPCOT...see 'ya later."

Up next: Buses, Planes and SUV's ;)

Bama mom to 3

04-10-2008, 07:11 AM

Awww, I have really enjoyed your trip report. I am gonna be sad to read the ending.

moparop

04-10-2008, 07:58 AM

The bus arrives a few minutes later.

As we turn away from the giant golfball, Sam whispers, "bye EPCOT...see 'ya later."

Awe!!!! That is so stinking sweet!

It sounds like you guys had a great vacation all in all! Are you gonna do another TR for the July trip?

foodrocksluver

04-10-2008, 02:41 PM

As we turn away from the giant golfball, Sam whispers, "bye EPCOT...see 'ya later."

Oh gosh, I just got tears in my eyes after reading this! I do the exact same thing, only I say it on the inside and cry on the outside. I am never too upset when leaving the other parks but saying good-bye to EPCOT is like saying good-bye to my best friend.

I could just hug cutie patootie Sam for saying that!:hug:

P.S. Looks like he know's he'll be back soon enough!!:rotfl:

myAAbatteries&aTD

04-10-2008, 02:50 PM

jake&samsmom

04-10-2008, 09:47 PM

How did I JUST now find this???? Great trip report - the boys are adorable and remind me a lot of my girls since mine look so much alike and are almost the same ages.... I could only read a little bit, so am subbing to finish later!

Hope you enjoy my trippie. Would love to hear about your girls' WDW adventure. :goodvibes Thanks for reading along! :)

Oh gosh, I just got tears in my eyes after reading this! I do the exact same thing, only I say it on the inside and cry on the outside. I am never too upset when leaving the other parks but saying good-bye to EPCOT is like saying good-bye to my best friend.

I could just hug cutie patootie Sam for saying that!:hug:

P.S. Looks like he know's he'll be back soon enough!!:rotfl:

I was tearing up when I was writing and reminiscing about that moment. I gave Sammie a hug on your behalf. Thanks for being here, and for your very tender-hearted words :hug:

Awe!!!! That is so stinking sweet!
It sounds like you guys had a great vacation all in all! Are you gonna do another TR for the July trip?

We still talk about our vacation as though we just came back yesterday :) Hopefully, July will bring us more wonderful memories that I can share here with all of you, my DIS friends. :grouphug:

Awww, I have really enjoyed your trip report. I am gonna be sad to read the ending.

It makes me sad too. :sad1: But it fills me heart to know that you are all here with me, accompanying me to the end of this "journey". :flower3:

jake&samsmom

04-10-2008, 10:39 PM

We arrive at ASMu and DH is waiting for us at the food court. We quickly eat a light (and late) lunch. We have around 7 snack credits left, and I use it to buy 7 Mickey rice crispy treats (yum!).

We get our carry-on luggage from bell services. As you can see, we had a lot:) :

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4465.jpg

I ask DH if he made sure that we didn't leave anything in our room. I cannot bear to go back upstairs to look at our now empty room - the bare window which was once filled with lights and cards and color. :sad1:

We have a few minutes left before the bus arrives, and the boys decide to watch vintage Mickey cartoons in the lobby:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4464.jpg

It seems as though it was just yesterday that we were checking in.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4466.jpg

I am a little envious of the bright smiling faces of the guests who are just arriving. Eager with anticipation. Excited about where their Disney adventure will take them. I know the feeling. :goodvibes

We follow the rest of the departing guests to the Magical Express outdoor waiting area.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4469.jpg

Notice DH in the back, making sure he has all his souvienirs in his shopping bag ;) :

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4467.jpg

I take a picture of the facade of ASMu, our first Disney "home":

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4470.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4472.jpg

The dreaded bus now arrives.

We get settled in our seats. I ask the boys to mug for the camera, Jake playfully pushes Sam out of the way. See how mad Sam is? :lmao:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4473.jpg

I tell them to play nice. I want to remember how blissful they were at this moment. No sad faces here. Only brilliant memories of a vacation of a lifetime.....

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff229/jakesamsmom/IMG_4474.jpg

And thus it was, our 2007 Walt Disney World Vacation ended. :wave2:

You mean there's more? ;): Mickey and Stitch on the way home...Houston Halloween...The Search for the PP CD....and some Final Thoughts......Please stay tuned..... :)