Party of 5's First family trip to WDW! Just back from POR 6/16 *update 8/13 thoughts [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

ampc3

05-15-2008, 08:14 PM

**6/17 Just back :) to skip the PTR, go to page 10 post #141***

Well I have finally found the courage to try and write my own PTR. :goodvibes I have just loved the Dis for some time now and always enjoy others TR. So here goes my try at one! Please be kind, since I am winging this whole thing.

First I have to do a shout out:cheer2: to a few who have given me the courage to go for it! Thank you to Lesley of timandlesley, Jenn of Megansmom and Nichole of kays mommie . I have really enjoyed reading all of your Trs past and present!

Right now we are at 24 DAYS and counting!!!!:woohoo: :woohoo:

Here is the crew from “party of 5”:cloud9:

Me- stay at home mom, lover of Disney and planner of the family! I don’t do well with change and have really high expectations of things which then tend to disappoint me. I am working on that one. I can be a bit sarcastic to those that know me:rolleyes1 ,. My DH sarcasm has definitely rubbed off on me over the years. I grew up going to Disney many times as a kid, and a few as an adult. Last trip was a commando style day at MK with the older kids in 2005 for one night.

DH-”R” aka “grumpy”- doesn’t get the dis at all, really doesn’t care one way or the other about Disney.:scared1: So NOT a planner, invented sarcasm. Trying to “prepare” me that things might not go as “planned” on our trip.He can be a bit paranoid sometimes. This will be his 5th trip.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/100_1431.jpg

DD-9- Lauren :tinker: typical first born child. She has reached that “tween” stage with a lot of attitude these days. She is obsessed right now with Tink HSM, and Hannah Montanna:love: .Also loves to read and has a love hate relationship with her brother. She is not overly sensitive. She has been one time, one day commando style to Mk back in 2005.

DS-7- Joey :goofy: typical middle child, but he is the sweetest little boy and very sensitive.:hug: He can be a bit of a crier at times but doesn’t have a mean bone in his body (unless of course trying to get back at sisters). He is very inquisitive and wants to know the hows and whys of everything, he has a very old soul.. Looks up to his big sister. Also been one time, one day back in 05.

DD-4- Emma ::MinnieMo She is our little wildcard!:eek: She is the best and worst of all of us. She has her daddy wrapped around her finger, actually most adults for that matter. She has the most beautiful eyes. She can be sassy(tips from her older sister I'm sure) but oh soo sweet and such a love bug! According to her preschool teachers it is very obvious she has older siblings. She has never been to WDW before.. She is most excited to see Mickey and meet the princesses.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/disney%20ptr/b92c995f.jpg

I should also mention that my kids are usually somewhat uncooperative when it comes to taking their pictures together or as a family. I am usually a raving lunatic screaming to smile or else.:scared: . And “E” is just a crap chute all together if she will even look towards the camera.

I went thru my pictures and realized I really have nothing good of them together that is recent:flower3: . So the one of the 3 of them is from 2007.. I think it’s time for a nice WDW picture!!:thumbsup2

Well I hope to have a few readers and that you'll enjoy it!
I'll be back with the "How it all began" story of our trip later.

ampc3

05-15-2008, 09:14 PM

:wave2: Hi again..

Well sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward, so let me start by giving a little background info on "how it all began"

In the end of 2004 I received one of those cute little postcards, that have the pin on the back that was a discount for WDW. So I called to find out what it was all about exactly. I have been dreaming of the day when we would take our kids to disney :cloud9:

But my hubby always thought the kids needed to be "older" to appreciate it and blah, blah, blah... My youngest was just over a year at the time, so I knew we wouldn't be going with her anytime soon. My mom lives in florida and we used to always go visit in February. So I thought this would be prefect we will go there, like we always do, leave the little one with her, and take the older kids to disney..

We decided to stay for 2nights b/c it was still about a 4hour drive from my moms, and go to the magic kingdom for one day :lovestruc

Hey at this point, getting my hubby to agree to this was sortof a miracle in itself so I would have agreed to ANY amount of time there!

So we decided to go in Feb of 05, and that is when I discovered the Dis and all the little extras that go with it:cool1: I planned the best I could on such short notice, I didn't stress to much b/c it was only one day. I pretty much knew we would do commando style b/c I had no idea WHEN we would ever get back!

We stayed at ASMu in the dalmation section.. the kids where newly 6 and almost 4.. perfect age... Honestly I missed my little one, but couldn't imagine going with someone that young, and I knew she was in good hands with grandma who was in heaven to have her to herself!

So we got there at rope drop and stayed all day... the kids did great, they fell asleep right after wishes (which we really didn't get to see b/c of the crowds and not really having any clue) it was an amazing day and I could not WAIT for the time we would return with my whole family :grouphug:

so after we returned I was obssessed with the Dis and reading everyone else's TR and living thru them . I was determined to make this trip happen sooner than later, however I did agree (don't tell him tho)with hubby that I wanted to wait until our little one was older..

So fast forward to 2006 when I found out about free dining! What , what is THAT all about?? My kids always got a fall break in september that would work perfectly with those dates... I started planning, and planning and planning...joined TGM and did more planning. Well even with free dining it just sadly wasn't in our budget, being a stay at home mom with 3 kids has it's perks, but also has it's cons and money is one of them:sad2:
so I realized that we would have to push it back another year, and we would definitly go during the fall break of 2007! Let's hope for free dining again, and that would just be so awsome!!!

So did we get Free dining or did something else come up again??

MegansMom

05-16-2008, 07:07 AM

:banana: :yay: :woohoo: :cheer2: :dance3: :cool1: :rotfl2: :cutie: :goodvibes popcorn:: :cloud9: :laughing: :love: :worship:

YEAH!!! YOU DID IT!! I am so glad you did!!! Above was a BIG hello from all the smiley guys!! They are so happy for you too!!!

Great pictures--you guys are a great looking family! The kids are too cute!

You have me hook, line, and sinker---you KNOW I will be along for the ride!

Thanks so much for the shout out!! I think we all have been prompted and inspired to do this from someone else--for me, it also was Lesley--HEY LESLEY!--and I am so glad I did it!! It has been so fun to write, and a blessing to help stay organized!!

I put the instructions on my PTR for you about setting up the link in your siggie--hope it helps!

I know we overlap a bit on our trips, and I keep thinking, there are so many of us that I "know" from here that will be there at the same time, so we are BOUND to run into each other!!! Won't our hubbies look at us so funny when we stop each other to say "hi!" REMEMBER--please stop me if you see me--I will do the same too!

Great start---can't wait to see how it all ended up!

ampc3

05-16-2008, 07:46 AM

:yay: Thanks Jenn, for being my first reader :goodvibes I knew I could count on you! Thanks again for all your help in getting me set up and started:thumbsup2
Glad you are along for the ride so to speak!

ampc3

05-16-2008, 11:08 AM

Thank you to those that are reading this!

Ok, where did I leave off.. oh yes, the Free Dining promo!

I need to do alittle flashback here as well.. (We had been talking about moving out of our neighborhood to get in a better school district etc...)

So I had booked the trip for Sep 2007 in the beggining of 07 (keeping fingers crossed about Free dining) We booked POR and did base day tickets for 6 days.. I figured we really didn't need hoppers b/c the park hours just aren't as long at the time of year..then Free dining came out!!:worship: All was set this was so cool to be getting free dining and finally getting to take the family to disney :cloud9: I booked all my ADR's as soon as I could, got everything I wanted...:banana:

So during all of this, we decided after alot of thinking, that we REALLY needed to try and sell our house. We had NO IDEA how long this whole process could take if we could even sell it at all. So the spring of 07 we listed our house, said ALOT of prayers to St. Joseph and guess what??

We had an offer and contract on our house in ONE WEEK!!!!:cool1:

But wait, we didnt' have ANY idea where we were actually relocating too (minor problem I'd say) we'll we did have some ideas, I had been doing a TON of research on line for schools and communities etc. We did have a general idea to the area, we had decided to move about an hour north west of where we were at.. Long story short we ended up finding a great house in a wonderful neighborhood with great schools!

Now during all this moving, at some point it occured to me that it would probably be unrealistic to still think we where going to disney in the fall afterall :sad2: I was still hoping, but then when I found out our new school district doesn't do the fall break in September, that was the deal breaker for my hubby. He is really against taking the kids out of school, and that is one battle I just can't seem to win, lord knows I tried!:headache:

So I had to call and cancel everything :sad: it sooo broke my heart!

Well since I knew I could forgot about the Free dining program working for us, and I knew my hubby wouldn't go for them missing school. It didn't leave a whole alot of choices to pick from.... So I guess it will be summer 08!

I Knew I wanted to try and go in June for a few reasons, so we where looking at the week of June 8.

Now something really good did come from all this....

pooh'smate

05-16-2008, 11:14 AM

Great start on your pretrip report so far. Looking forward to reading more.:thumbsup2

ampc3

05-16-2008, 12:56 PM

thanks Pooh'smate for coming along!!

ampc3

05-16-2008, 01:05 PM

So I guess having to postpone our trip , wasn’t such a bad thing after all. Why, you ask??

Well I was able to get a room only discount thru my hubby’s job!:cool1: However, the bad part is that b/c it is considered a room only rate, we are unable to add the dining package to it.:guilty: But we still saved over $600 off the room!! Now the interesting part will be when this is all said and done if we did end up saving any money?:teacher: We like to go out to eat when we are on vacation, b/c at home that hardly ever happens.

So where did we book????:rolleyes1

Although my dream would be to stay at the Poly or the Beach club,:cloud9: we choose POR :goodvibes
Mainly b/c we couldn’t afford a deluxe and it was cheaper to do POR than 2 rooms or the family suit at a value…plus I had stayed there when it was Dixielandings and thought it was neat.

So POR for 8 nights!!! :yay: Again since we aren’t on a package, I got our tickets thru undercover tourist thru the mouse savers link. We ended up getting hoppers b/c I figured with the later hours and how hot I expect it to be we will be taking afternoon breaks and going back in the pm, some days we will hop some we won’t.. This too will be interesting to see if we use our hoppers more than 2x??:teacher:

We only got 7 day passes , I figured on our travel days we wouldn’t be going to the park anyway.

So YEAH!! Got everything booked and taken care before the end of the year, waiting patiently for December to get here to make our ADR’s!!!

Now I have to say, that I did get a little carried away making the ADR’s and kept forgetting that “oh , that’s right we aren’t on the DDP” I was hoping my hubby wouldn’t figure it out… :laughing:

Ok back to reality, we do have to PAY for all these meals ya know!:confused3

Once TGM came out with his dates, I called and got everything I wanted!!
I even doubled booked (sshhh don’t tell anyone ) I surprisingly didn’t change that much around being so far away and all. Once I figured out where we were going to eat I canceled all those double bookings I promise! :flower3:

Now thru out this whole time I kept asking DH, if he was SURE he wanted to go in the summer time?

If he was sure the kids couldn’t miss school?:headache: ( I know can’t blame a girl for trying) b/c it was going to cost us so much more $$$ to go in the summer..:scared: Thru out this whole process I was like, oh guess what Disney did today? They raised the rate on the rooms for week day and weekend rates… oh guess what Disney did today? They raised the prices on almost all the restaurants and made the ENTIRE month of JUNE a HOLIDAY period with a surcharge!! Oh guess what Disney did today? They raised the cost of the stroller!
Oh guess what Disney did today?? They are closing POTC when we will be there!! WHAT… that was really his only response thus far and a lot of head shaking!:sad2:

Ok so June it is!!!!:cheer2: Fingers crossed for no early hurricanes or out of control wild fires…. Did I happen to mention that I don’t have very good luck??

I had soo much fun trying to figure out where to eat, and what we would want to eat. I looked over and over the menus on allears… calculating costs etc, asking the kids what characters they wanted to see. Tried to get Hubby involved but he just looked at me like I was from another planet when I asked him where he wanted to eat in 6months? So onward I planned with out his help (I really don’t want his input if it is different from mine anyway hehe):lmao:

So after I made all our ADR’s and made him sit and look at them with me! Guess what he did?:confused:

Hayloburger

05-16-2008, 01:20 PM

i'm on board with you....what'd he do? what'd he do?? tell us!

MegansMom

05-16-2008, 01:31 PM

This is going great!!! So happy for you for your discount!! I know it would be hard to go back to paying for the meals without DDP--I applaud your valiant work on planning all those meals within cost perimeters!! WAY TO GO!

Okay-------I'm guessing that he COMPLAINED about not getting to eat where he wants to eat even though he didn't want to help plan! AM I RIGHT? AM I RIGHT?

hurleysweety

05-16-2008, 01:33 PM

DisneyVeteran

05-16-2008, 01:54 PM

Enjoying reading your pre-trip report so far!

We are going to be there the same time and staying at SSR. Hope you have a great trip!

ampc3

05-16-2008, 02:29 PM

Enjoying reading your pre-trip report so far!

We are going to be there the same time and staying at SSR. Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks for joining.. working on next update

Cool about being there at the same time.. I think we all need a Dis Meet for sure! There seems to be so many of us going at that time :)

ampc3

05-16-2008, 03:26 PM

Oh I just love the non-planner significant others and the looks they give you when you ask if they would like Italian food such as spaghetti or a bowl of clam chowder, two months from today at MK....:rotfl2: (Yes, I speak from experience. The look is priceless.)

Yep , that is a priceless look!! :laughing:

This is going great!!! So happy for you for your discount!! I know it would be hard to go back to paying for the meals without DDP--I applaud your valiant work on planning all those meals within cost perimeters!! WAY TO GO!

Okay-------I'm guessing that he COMPLAINED about not getting to eat where he wants to eat even though he didn't want to help plan! AM I RIGHT? AM I RIGHT?

Yea, it was hard to keep reminding myself that we aren't on the DDP :confused3 , Your getting warmer!! :rolleyes1
Stay tuned... My mom is coming later today for a visit, so don't know how much more I'll get done right now.

Thanks sooo much Jenn, once again for helping me!!!

Also thank you to whoever is reading this! (who hasn't posted)

ampc3

05-16-2008, 04:43 PM

i'm on board with you....what'd he do? what'd he do?? tell us!

Welcome to the Dis :cheer2: thanks for coming along :goodvibes

nts4wdw

05-16-2008, 06:36 PM

kaysmommie

05-17-2008, 08:23 AM

I'm here, found your link on my trippie. Love what you wrote so far. Is your DH is a long lost brother to my DH. My DH gets so annoyed with all my planning and the spending too :rolleyes1 . You know how it is when your a SAHM. You have a beautiful family. Your trip will finally be here soon :yay: and I can't wait to hear all about it. Can't wait to hear what your DH did :rolleyes1 .

ampc3

05-17-2008, 08:36 AM

Your family is precious!!

We will be there at the same time, too. That making June a holiday is killing us , but it just causes too much stress to take the children out of school. It was easier when they were younger.

Looking forward to more! You are doing great!

Thanks for the kind words, Cool another Diser that will be there at the same time! There are soo many of us going at the same time it seems.:goodvibes

I'm here, found your link on my trippie. Love what you wrote so far. Is your DH is a long lost brother to my DH. My DH gets so annoyed with all my planning and the spending too :rolleyes1 . You know how it is when your a SAHM. You have a beautiful family. Your trip will finally be here soon :yay: and I can't wait to hear all about it. Can't wait to hear what your DH did :rolleyes1 .

Thank you for the comment on my family, I guess I'll keep them :goodvibes
Yes maybe they are long lost cousins or something! I was always cracking up reading your trippie when you would talk about your hubbie too :rotfl:
Thanks again for joining:)

Charleston Princess

05-17-2008, 09:05 PM

ampc3

05-18-2008, 07:57 AM

Hurray! You started a pre-trippie! :banana:

Are you as excited as we are??? I just keep thinking things like -- in three weeks we will be checking into POFQ! :yay:

Your children are too cute for words! :goodvibes

Thanks for checking us out :) yes we are sooo excited :cool1: Infact first thing this morning I was like 3 weeks today we will be at disney!!! but then my hubby was quick to say yeah, but in 4 weeks we'll be back home :sad2:

Can't wait to read more on your trippie too:goodvibes

Charleston Princess

05-18-2008, 08:06 AM

Thanks for checking us out :) yes we are sooo excited :cool1: Infact first thing this morning I was like 3 weeks today we will be at disney!!! but then my hubby was quick to say yeah, but in 4 weeks we'll be back home :sad2:

Can't wait to read more on your trippie too:goodvibes

Are you guys driving down?

I woke up this morning and thought, "This time in three weeks we will be on our way!" :banana:

ampc3

05-18-2008, 08:54 AM

Are you guys driving down?

I woke up this morning and thought, "This time in three weeks we will be on our way!" :banana:

I know yeah!!! You know, that is our current problem... We usually drive everywhere just b/c it is easier with 3 kids and all.. so that was our plan, but now with the cost of gas, I am not sure anymore?? We'll have to wait and see what the flighs look like alittle closer (hubbie works for the big airline here)

Are you all driving??

MomofCKJ

05-18-2008, 09:08 AM

Lady Lallie

05-18-2008, 09:27 AM

I can't wait to hear where your ADR's are. I have an obsession with ADR's, I just can't help obsessing over mine and everyone elses. :lmao:
I'm looking forward to more. :thumbsup2

Charleston Princess

05-18-2008, 09:33 AM

I know yeah!!! You know, that is our current problem... We usually drive everywhere just b/c it is easier with 3 kids and all.. so that was our plan, but now with the cost of gas, I am not sure anymore?? We'll have to wait and see what the flighs look like alittle closer (hubbie works for the big airline here)

Are you all driving??

I had looked into flying, but it would be more expensive for us to fly right now then drive. So, I budgeted about twice what I budgeted last year for gas. If the gas prices will just hold for right now, I think we will be okay. I am almost afraid to look at the gas stations when I drive by these days, because it always seems to be about ten cents more than last time. :eek: Then, I find myself doing math in my head to see what it will cost to get to WDW!

I don't mind driving too much except for that stretch between Macon and the Florida line where it seems like it goes on FOREVER!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you to find good ticket prices. :wizard:

ampc3

05-18-2008, 12:44 PM

Holy Guacamole! I think we are related!

I have a Grumpy DH, a 10ydd who is a drama queen/tween, a shy sensitive 8ydd and a wild and crazy and quite hysterical 5y ds. So the genders are off but man when I read your descriptions I thought "Hey, I know these people!".

Only 3 weeks away, WOO HOO for you!

Looking forward to reading along!

Allyson

Thanks Allyson for joining us :) I know, as I was writing "their' description I felt bad that it seemed more negative than positive but they are good kids, they just have "some" issues here and there :laughing:
I'll have to hop on over and check out your PTR next :banana:

I can't wait to hear where your ADR's are. I have an obsession with ADR's, I just can't help obsessing over mine and everyone elses. :lmao:
I'm looking forward to more. :thumbsup2

I know I had sooo much fun making the ADR's and am obsessed with the food porn thread :laughing:
Thanks for stopping over, I'll have to check your out next too!

Getting next installment up soon....

IluvXU

05-18-2008, 01:09 PM

Joining in too! Less than three weeks to WDW!

ampc3

05-18-2008, 01:12 PM

For those of you reading this, thanks for following along :goodvibes

So what did HE do??:rolleyes1

Yes you are all right about the non involved party, now suddenly having an opinion about everything!!!:confused3

Every so often he will ask, “now what are we doing in Disney?” Where are we going on such such day or “Do we have hoppers ?” or my all time favorite “ tell me again, the plan?” Hello… honey learn the plan, live it , love it and KNOW it!!! :teacher:

Ok so after he decided to take an interest suddenly on where we would be eating, I showed him the menus and told him all our options. I of course was soo excited to have scored all the favorites such as 50’s PTC, WCC, Ohana dinner and Bk,, Chef Mickey’s, Kona , Coral Reef and Le Cellier!!! Did he not know how lucky we were??? :cheer2:

So buzz kill number one, he really had no interest in going to 50’s or WCC didn’t like the menu and doesn’t like attention drawn to him…( He would die if he knew I was writing this PTR…)ssshh:flower3:

Ok, I wasn’t crazy about the menus either, but thought the kids would have fun. I gave in to that one and agreed to cancel those two.. Again I knew I had way to many ADR’s for our time frame and budget, so I was prepared to cancel a few. But not the ones that everyone talks about, not the ones I was excited about trying. So I also knew I had wayyy to many character meals, and when they added that lovely “holiday surcharge” Chef Mickey’s was more than the others so xlnd that too.

Now, my hubby’s bday is right before we leave, and we will also be there over Father’s day . So my plan was to celebrate his bday on arrival at Ohana’s for dinner. Then to celebrate Father’s day with a Lunch at Coral Reef or Le Cellier the day before and dinner on Father’s day at Kona .. Sounds like a great plan right?? ;)

Well again after looking at the menu’s he just wasn’t into Ohana’s or Coral Reef!:scared1: What are you kidding me? Look again please!!! Nope, doesn’t like them but did say Le Cellier caught his eye and he was fine with Kona. He was not and is not thrilled with Ohana’s b/c of how much $$ it will be , and Emma will probably eat bread and take one bite of something and be done. So hard to justify paying those prices when you just know they aren’t going to eat anything! Since we aren’t on the DDP , we do have to be cost conscious of what things cost etc..:rolleyes1

I have had my heart set on ohana’s,, I think the food looks amazing and I think the kids will love it! Since we aren’t’ doing the other fun things like WCC, or 50’s I decided I am not giving this one up! So Happy Birthday we are keeping it!:goodvibes

Now I was a little disappointed about him not liking Coral Reef, again I thought the kids would love it. But I also like the menu better at Le Cellier (I think) so agreed to xlnd Coral Reef and we will do lunch the day before at Le Cellier.. :love:

I have been asking everyone what characters they wanted to eat with? My hubby’s choice was Goofy, but silly me kept getting Pluto and Goofy mixed up! I know** gasp**… I had breakfast planned for him at Ohanas with Sticth since that was also my son’s request, thinking that goofy would be there. Once I figured out the mistake I made I xlnd and rebooked Tusker House for him.. We are all very excited to eat with “The Ducks” and DH gets his goofy…

Now Emma wants to eat with all of them! So cute, but we all know that can’t happen. So of course she wants the princesses!!! Now I am confident (although I didn’t try) that we could have eaten in the castle, I settled on the Storybook Lunch at Epcot. Now if we HAD been on the DDP , you can bet we would be eating at the castle! At first I booked it for all of us, then I decieded to cut some costs and asked my son and DH if they “really” wanted to eat with the princesees too?? Of course Joey was like “ No way mom, not if we don’t have to” ok problem solved. It would be me and the girls and the boys will do there own thing for lunch.

Now last time we went, we ate at CP which was so nice. Since Lauren and Joey remembered that and loved it, that is what they picked. Great b/c that is my choice as well…:woohoo:

What else did we/I decide to add and try??:rolleyes1

nts4wdw

05-18-2008, 01:18 PM

Am I first? My head is spinning!!
Can't wait to see what else you try!

Jules3Kids

05-18-2008, 09:55 PM

Charleston Princess

05-18-2008, 09:58 PM

My DH usually throws a wrench into my carefully laid plans, too -- I think he thinks he is showing an interest or something! ;)

What days are your ressies for Tusker House and Crystal Palace? We are doing those also.

We ate at the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway in 2004 and loved it! Great interaction with all the princesses!

MegansMom

05-19-2008, 08:10 AM

OOOHHH!!! I love all the suspense!! Your PTR is going GREAT!!! Can't wait to hear more! Jen

ampc3

05-19-2008, 01:07 PM

Your PTR has been fun to read! Thanks for the post on my PTR and hope you keep following along. Your kids are so adorable! I know what you mean about a current pic of them all together...I had to really look for one so now I am inspired to take more!
Quick question for you....How long is the drive from Atlanta to WDW? I haven't got to this yet in my PTR, but after our week in WDW, just me, DH and the kids are driving to Marietta, GA from WDW to spend a week there with DH's family. What kind of drive are we looking at?
Can't wait to hear more about your trip!:goodvibes

I posted over on your PTR about the drive time :)

My DH usually throws a wrench into my carefully laid plans, too -- I think he thinks he is showing an interest or something! ;)

What days are your ressies for Tusker House and Crystal Palace? We are doing those also.

We ate at the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway in 2004 and loved it! Great interaction with all the princesses!

Friday for Tusker house and Wednesday for CP lunch..

Emma is soo excited to eat with the princesses. I just hope we get the big timers and no offense, but I think we will be dissappointed if it is Mulan or Mary poppins , Alice instead of Sleeping beauty etc...:guilty:

OOOHHH!!! I love all the suspense!! Your PTR is going GREAT!!! Can't wait to hear more! Jen

Thanks Jenn, It has been fun to write even if only a few are reading /joining in :goodvibes

Joining in too! Less than three weeks to WDW!

Thanks for jumping in :cool1: Yes our count day today is 20 days!!!!:thumbsup2

ampc3

05-19-2008, 08:05 PM

Ok , just being a proud mom here :goodvibes but had to share !

My son just finished his little league season with a playoff of tournament out of 16 teams, my sons' team finish 2nd place!!:cheer2:

His team had some amazing players at this age already, it was such a great game! Just wanted to share:)

hopefully I'll have another installment soon.

MomofCKJ

05-19-2008, 08:26 PM

Whoo Hoo on the Little League! Way to go!

Allyson

Charleston Princess

05-19-2008, 09:22 PM

Hurray for 2nd place in the league! That's great! :goodvibes

We have Tusker House Tuesday and CP Wednesday night.

When we ate at the Princess thing we had Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Snow White, and Jasmine. I'll throw some pixie dust your way for the big ones! :wizard:

lmillercrew

05-20-2008, 08:31 AM

Just read your pre-trippie and your plans sound like mine. (as far as rescheduling) I was wanting to take my DD8 down to the World in Sept also, to take advantage of free dining. But, with a trip to Mexico in July, and two other kids that I would be leaving at home, there was no way. Thank goodness I didn't tell DD about "the plan". Can't wait to hear more. You will love POR. We stayed there during our last trip and will probably end up there in June 2009. We are a family of 5 also, and POR seems to have the best set up for that size a family. Unless you can afford Deluxe. Still, my middle child is a DS also, 14 yr old, and 6'4! Last time he slept on the trundle bed. This time I'm not sure where we'll put him.:confused3 :laughing:

ampc3

05-20-2008, 09:39 AM

Jules3Kids

05-20-2008, 09:43 AM

Thanks for the post on my PTR about the drive to Atlanta area. :)
This is all so much fun....I can't wait to be in WDW! Enjoying reading your PTR...can't wait to read more!

ampc3

05-20-2008, 09:47 AM

We are in the teens... 19 days baby!:cheer2: :cheer2:

Thanks again to those following along, this really is alot of fun!:goodvibes

So I had so much fun reading the menus and looking over all the food porn :laughing:
And deciding where we would like to try and eat!

It was so hard to narrow it all down, b/c I did get lucky with all the orginal ADR’s that I had made.:cheer2:

So here is what the final ADR's looks like

June 8 Sunday arrival day= Ohana’s for dinner celebrate hubbies bday

Monday= BBB for the girls,and lunch at PSB

Tuesday = lunch at SCI-Fi

Wednesday= lunch at Crystal Palace

Thursday= nothing planned probably do DTD or try and do beaches and cream

Friday= Tusker House breakfast , can do lunch at Yak and Yati if we decide also

Saturday= lunch at Le Cellier early father’s day celebration can do dinner at Plaza if like

Sunday= can do lunch at plaza if like, Dinner at Kona for Father’s day

So that about sums it all up for the ADR portion!

I am a big foodie and very excited to try all of these, I have only ever been to crystal palace and sci fi before.

So what do you think? Did we do good?:banana:

up next will be our park schedule..

Marthonica

05-20-2008, 02:09 PM

MegansMom

05-20-2008, 02:22 PM

ADRs look good!!! I know what you mean about the food porn!! I have to make sure I am looking on a full stomach, otherwise I will go crazy with hunger and food lust!

Are you doing BBB at the castle on the 9th? We are too!!! Maddie and Megan are going at 12:40pm--will our paths cross? We have them both booked for the Crown package--but I think I might not even need that for Megan. All she wants is her hair, makeup done, and nails painted. I think the crown package is some type of fake nails applied. She won't like that--to much sensory overload for her. Do you know OR ANYONE ELSE if I have described it correctly?

Charleston Princess

05-20-2008, 07:10 PM

Good looking ADRs! I love looking at the menus and food porn -- it's amazing how good food looks when you know it is WDW food! :lmao:

Let me dance with you, because, you know, if you are at 19 days, that must mean I am at 19 days, too! :banana: :yay: :banana: :yay:

MomofCKJ

05-20-2008, 08:55 PM

Whoo Hoo to you doing the Teen Countdown! That is great!

Your ADRs look delish! I love Le Cellier and have always wanted to try Kona. We loved CP for breakfast and enjoyed Ohana in the past too. I think they sound wonderful!

Allyson

IluvXU

05-20-2008, 09:59 PM

What yummy meals... here are my comments:

June 8 Sunday arrival day= Ohana’s see you there!

Monday= BBB for the girls,and lunch at PSB- we always enjoy the princesses.... it is such a fun place!

Tuesday = lunch at SCI-Fi- been a long time, fun for kids your age.

Wednesday= lunch at Crystal Palace- I loved our dinner there last trip! Best buffet by far!

Friday= Tusker House breakfast , can do lunch at Yak and Yati if we decide also- we did the Donald's breakfast in old location... really enjoyed the food and characters, fun to eat at AK

Saturday= lunch at Le Cellier early father’s day celebration can do dinner at Plaza if like - LeCellier was an awesome meal.... and the Plaza is a gem!

Sunday= can do lunch at plaza if like, Dinner at Kona for Father’s day

ampc3

05-21-2008, 02:35 PM

Just found your PTR - loving it! It's always so nice to find others with DH's who think all the planning and obsessing is just crazy! They just don't get it:confused3

You are a better woman than me when it comes to ADR's - I just talked about the various restaurant options so much that DH finally said I should just pick the places I wanted to go:banana: :banana: He's actually not all that picky but I had my heart set on some places and I didn't want him to say he didn't think he'd really like those places:guilty: i would afterall have then been feeling guilty if I still made him go or disappointed and unhappy if I changed to someplace else. Luckily, it all seems to have worked out in my favor:woohoo:

Hope you are considering a Trip Report - DS is 4 and I always like to hear about other trips with the same age children.

Thanks for finding my PTR:goodvibes Yes, I wish I never would have said anything to hubbie about the ADR's , but then I did start to feel alittle guilty, and wanted his input.. if only it matched mine!:rotfl: anyhow... I am still very happy with what we decided on..

ADRs look good!!! I know what you mean about the food porn!! I have to make sure I am looking on a full stomach, otherwise I will go crazy with hunger and food lust!

Are you doing BBB at the castle on the 9th? We are too!!! Maddie and Megan are going at 12:40pm--will our paths cross? We have them both booked for the Crown package--but I think I might not even need that for Megan. All she wants is her hair, makeup done, and nails painted. I think the crown package is some type of fake nails applied. She won't like that--to much sensory overload for her. Do you know OR ANYONE ELSE if I have described it correctly?

Yes we have BBB on the 9th but I made the appointment for the first one @8, everyone talked about how amazing walking down main street is before park opens and knew we wouldn't be doing a breakfast there so thought this would be perfect...

Just have to figure out if I should make them wear there dresses and change or keep them on??

we are doing the middle package I think too, with the nails.. hoping they just paint them I don't want press ons!

Good looking ADRs! I love looking at the menus and food porn -- it's amazing how good food looks when you know it is WDW food! :lmao:

Let me dance with you, because, you know, if you are at 19 days, that must mean I am at 19 days, too! :banana: :yay: :banana: :yay:

:cheer2: :cheer2: you know it Jackie!

Whoo Hoo to you doing the Teen Countdown! That is great!

Your ADRs look delish! I love Le Cellier and have always wanted to try Kona. We loved CP for breakfast and enjoyed Ohana in the past too. I think they sound wonderful!

Allyson

Thanks! just finished reading your TR.. kids are soo cute! our DD's would be best buds for sure! I am soo excited to try those restaurants!

What yummy meals... here are my comments:

June 8 Sunday arrival day= Ohana’s see you there!

Monday= BBB for the girls,and lunch at PSB- we always enjoy the princesses.... it is such a fun place!

Tuesday = lunch at SCI-Fi- been a long time, fun for kids your age.

Wednesday= lunch at Crystal Palace- I loved our dinner there last trip! Best buffet by far!

Friday= Tusker House breakfast , can do lunch at Yak and Yati if we decide also- we did the Donald's breakfast in old location... really enjoyed the food and characters, fun to eat at AK

Saturday= lunch at Le Cellier early father’s day celebration can do dinner at Plaza if like - LeCellier was an awesome meal.... and the Plaza is a gem!

Sunday= can do lunch at plaza if like, Dinner at Kona for Father’s day

yes I think our Ohana's is around the same time, I will be on the "Dis" look out! please say hi, if you see us first:goodvibes I am hoping to eat at the Plaza once because my hubbie is definitly a sandwich type of guy too.

ampc3

05-21-2008, 02:44 PM

ok so here are some pictures I took of our "matching family" shirts...

I told my hubbie he HAS to wear this at least once with the family to match! Should have seen the look on his face another one of "those" priceless looks:laughing: The kids are excited to match anyway:rolleyes1

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/64fe5a8c.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/e3b55807.jpg

The kids got these at xmas , still planning on getting the mister fan thing, but figured this was better than nothing.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/1df6acc3.jpg

Since we STILL aren't sure what we are doing flying or driving.. I never set up the magical express until last week.. and this came today!! so we are all set now if we decide to fly:)

nts4wdw

05-21-2008, 03:18 PM

Cool shirts! Did you get them from the Disney store? Ours closed and it's good for my budget, but bad for my heart!!:love:

Jules3Kids

05-21-2008, 04:55 PM

Those shirts are really cute! I can only imagine what my DH would say if I did that for us....Probably a lot of this: :rolleyes:

I'm sure my teenager wouldn't like it much either :)

But maybe I should do it anyway :lmao:

Charleston Princess

05-21-2008, 06:13 PM

Cute shirts!

I have yet to get up the nerve to attempt to get my family to match -- I am pretty sure there would be a full-scale riot.

Hurray for Magical Express! You may need it all yet since the AJC said that Atlanta gas stations are now topping the $4.00 mark! :scared:

I do believe we are at 18 days and counting! :)

ampc3

05-22-2008, 10:24 AM

Cool shirts! Did you get them from the Disney store? Ours closed and it's good for my budget, but bad for my heart!!:love:

Yes I forgot actually , that I bought them last summer and put them away!

Those shirts are really cute! I can only imagine what my DH would say if I did that for us....Probably a lot of this: :rolleyes:

I'm sure my teenager wouldn't like it much either :)

But maybe I should do it anyway :lmao:

Yes you should do it! ONLY in disney tho:laughing: My hubbie will be doing alot of things that week, that I am sure will require an "eyeroll" :lmao:

Cute shirts!

I have yet to get up the nerve to attempt to get my family to match -- I am pretty sure there would be a full-scale riot.

Hurray for Magical Express! You may need it all yet since the AJC said that Atlanta gas stations are now topping the $4.00 mark! :scared:

I do believe we are at 18 days and counting! :)

Yes you MUST all match at least once in WDW!:laughing: isn't it a rule or something??:lmao: today is 17 days!!:cheer2:

ampc3

05-22-2008, 10:34 AM

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/000_0022.jpg

I forgot to post this last week... but today we are at 17 days!!!:cheer2:

The kids take turns every morning putting a sticker over the number... I am sure once we get down to the end , there will be a fight over who gets to do that last sticker!:laughing: but so far they have loved doing it!:goodvibes

Tomorrow is our last day of school for the older kids:thumbsup2

Happy Thursday everyone :goodvibes

Jules3Kids

05-22-2008, 10:43 AM

Did you make that great calendar or buy it somewhere? I feel like such a newbie! I should have had one of those a lot time ago....:)

ampc3

05-22-2008, 11:04 AM

Charleston Princess

05-22-2008, 01:17 PM

Great looking calendar!!!

Yeay for 17 Days and the Last Day of School!!! We are celebrating those two milestones, also! :banana:

MegansMom

05-22-2008, 04:47 PM

Great looking calendar!!!

Yeay for 17 Days and the Last Day of School!!! We are celebrating those two milestones, also! :banana:

YEAH FOR BOTH OF YOU!!! I am so glad you are both getting finished with the school stuff and we all are SO close to our trips!!! 15 Days for us! WOOHOO!!! Guess what guys, now you will be able to TOTALLY focus on the trip!! NO HOLDS BARRED PLANNING!!!

I know what you mean about the calendar--Megan's first priority every morning is to get up and take the next number off of the calendar--underneath is a new Disney sticker each day. SHE IS OBSESSED!!! I can't imagine what we would do if I had to share that duty with another child in the house!!!

MomofCKJ

05-22-2008, 09:36 PM

Jules3Kids

05-22-2008, 10:54 PM

of course I "borrowed" that idea from so many on here!!:goodvibes

Super easy, just get a big poster board and make a few trips to Home Depot to the paint dept and "borrow" some mickey heads :goodvibes

Your little girl will love to help and put a sticker on or cross off what ever you decide to do..

Since my DH has tomorrow off, and he will be out doing errands, I wonder what his reaction would be if I asked him to go to Home Depot and bring me back those Mickey heads...maybe :confused: !
But then again, any excuse to go to that store...I just might convince him!
And you're right, my DD would love to help me make it and get it all set up!
Thanks for the idea! :goodvibes

MegansMom

05-23-2008, 08:02 AM

nts4wdw

05-23-2008, 03:11 PM

ampc3

05-25-2008, 08:30 AM

Love your shirts! My DH would never do the matchy matchy thing. Unless he was bribed big time.

And cute countdown calendar too! Do you think the Home Depot folks are on to the DIS folks? They must just scratch their heads when they have to keep replacing Mickey Heads all the time, esp lime!

Getting closer! When will you figure out if you are flying?

Allyson :)

Hey if bribery works for ya:laughing: what ever works!!!:rotfl: Yes I often wonder if Home depot is on to us?? I honestly still don't know our plans to drive or fly... since we fly standby the decision could be made that morning :scared1:

Since my DH has tomorrow off, and he will be out doing errands, I wonder what his reaction would be if I asked him to go to Home Depot and bring me back those Mickey heads...maybe :confused: !
But then again, any excuse to go to that store...I just might convince him!
And you're right, my DD would love to help me make it and get it all set up!
Thanks for the idea! :goodvibes

How did the mickey heads go? did you DH get you some:laughing:

When I went to go get my Mickey heads, I needed 30 for my calendar. I figured out that it would look more inconspicuous if I just picked a few colors, and then pull out like 5-6 of them at a time. I felt like I was STEALING something!! I know they are free paint chips, but I felt like I was carrying out this covert operation to get these chips--like I was being watched by the HD people and they would follow me out to my car and say something like, "HEY, turn over the Mickey Heads and no one will get hurt!" Once I had enough, I wrapped them up in one of the paint brochures and scampered out of there---once I got back to my car, I quickly jumped in and stuffed the chips into my purse!! WHEW!!! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

:goodvibes :lmao: :rotfl: I am SUCH a Disney Goofball!!!

That is too funny:laughing:

Cute calender! We do a chain along the mantle. I need to take a picture of that.......

I saw your chain on your PTR great job!:goodvibes

ampc3

05-25-2008, 08:40 AM

Guess What today is......14 days!!!! :cheer2: :cheer2:

2 weeks today we will be on our way to POR..... STILL don't know if we are driving or flying.. I think our plan is to fly,but since we fly stand by we won't know until the day of :scared1:

Makes planning a bit of a challenge for me to pack etc...

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend.. We decided at the last minute to have a cook out with some of our friends in the neighborhood today..

and last night I went out to celebrate my neighbors 30th bday (she is the baby of our group) tomorrow (fingers crossed) our pool opens:goodvibes so we have a pretty busy weekend...

Next update I'll post our park plans...

Jules3Kids

05-25-2008, 08:46 PM

MegansMom

05-26-2008, 06:51 AM

Hey Annette--I just wanted to say "hi!" Can you believe how close we are getting?!?!?! I am hitting that point where I am seriously starting to worry if I will get it all done--I know I can do it!!! I can't believe it is almost here!!! I don't want to wish the time away, because I want to enjoy every single moment of our time there!!! I hope our trip doesn't fly by as quickly as our countdown!!!!

ampc3

05-26-2008, 09:34 AM

So here is what we or should I say …. What I have come up with for our park days..

I was really on the fence about whether we really needed park hoppers or not?:confused3
I was there with my sisters family (before I had kids) in July and it was sooo HOT!

We definitely took breaks in the afternoons. So I pretty much knew we couldn’t do commando style and would need to do breaks, plus I know the kids will want to get in that pool everyday I am sure!

So after looking over all the park hours , calendars and TGM this is what I have come up with (it was harder than I thought to pick the “right” park)

June 8 Sunday = ARRIVAL If we drive we won’t be arriving until close to check in I imagine, if we fly then we should be there late morning. I didn’t schedule a park day thought we would explore the hotel and the kids could swim or maybe even go to DTD… We have Adr’s @ ohana’s

Monday= BBB @8 MK we will stay there until 10:45 then head over to Epcot for our Lunch @ PSB the boys will be on their own for a few hours.
Stay at Epcot until mid afternoon, then go to hotel and rest (mean mom won’t let them go swimming b/c of the $ just spent at BBB) then most likely head back to Epcot that pm for illuminations

Tuesday = RD for HS lunch @ sci fi again stay until mid afternoon or even for the parade we’ll see how we feel no set plans here for pm… Pm will either be back to HS or maybe we will go to AK , hotel or DTD

Wednesday= RD for MK Lunch @ CP stay until mid afternoon, come back PM for parade and wishes etc

Thursday= our sleep in day and hang out at hotel/pool afternoon also maybe do DTD
Pm we will go to HS for Fantasmic

Friday= Tusker House @ ak 8am, then do AK until we don’t want to be there anymore, again no set plan for that pm either come back to AK , hotel, DTD or another park can also do Yak and Yati at some point this day if like

Saturday= RD Epcot early father’s day lunch @ Le Cellier
Pm= either Mk or back to Epcot

Sunday= Rd either MK or HS for star wars weekend can do lunch at Plaza if like
Father’s day dinner @ Kona
Pm= MK last night and EMH I didn’t plan any red days so we’ll see how this goes. It is our last night tho, so it can be a late night if everyone is up for it..

Monday= Come home

I have a “plan” for everyday but I also have left for flexibility within the day. I think that will work best for our family . I am open for change when it is possibly scheduled in:laughing: …. This way hopefully I won’t be disappointed or upset if something has to change..:rolleyes1

I really only have a “tour plan” for MK and a little for Epcot.. AK and HS are sortof going to be” we’ll see as we go along,” Emma isn’t going to be able to still ride so many of the cool rides,:( we’ll have to figure out that child swap pretty quick! She was just measured last week and is only 38 inches

I am aware of the top attractions that need to either be FP or get to first etc.. It is just to overwhelming to me to actually have a ride plan any where else but MK..:scared1:

So that is it in a nutshell… what do you think and I forgetting anything VIP?

Charleston Princess

05-26-2008, 02:59 PM

Sounds like a good plan!

Just think in two weeks, our families will both be at Epcot! :banana:

IluvXU

05-26-2008, 07:42 PM

Great plan! Can you believe it is crunch time.... soon we will be in WDW!

ampc3

05-27-2008, 12:55 PM

Well I haven't got my Mickey heads YET, but I will! I did however get my customized maps and they are Awesome! Everyone was really excited to see them and they are all more in the spirit now...:yay:
Good luck on the rest of your planning....getting close now!:)
Yes those maps are pretty cool.
Hey Annette--I just wanted to say "hi!" Can you believe how close we are getting?!?!?! I am hitting that point where I am seriously starting to worry if I will get it all done--I know I can do it!!! I can't believe it is almost here!!! I don't want to wish the time away, because I want to enjoy every single moment of our time there!!! I hope our trip doesn't fly by as quickly as our countdown!!!!

I think you will be fine , you seem really on top of it all! :) I am soo worried about it ALL being over so soon too :(
Sounds like a good plan!

Just think in two weeks, our families will both be at Epcot! :banana:
I know Yeah!!!
Great plan! Can you believe it is crunch time.... soon we will be in WDW!

Yeah for us!!!

MegansMom

05-27-2008, 01:19 PM

Your plans look great!!! I DEFINITELY think breaks are a necessity in the summer. Tom and I are used to going all day because we usually go during the offtimes, but I told him this year, we are going to HAVE to find time for breaks, pool, and then come back for more in the evening! Since we just went in November, I don't feel like there is anything we HAVE to do--everything and anything is a bonus!

nts4wdw

05-27-2008, 03:31 PM

Great plan! Breaks are a must in the summer! Riverside has an awesome slide in their pool! We've walked over from French Quarter to swim there. Of course, we've stayed there to swim there too!!

5 crazy kids

05-28-2008, 11:11 AM

I'm really looking forward to reading your post - trip report! I hope you will write one!
Your plan looks really good and I want to hear how it actually plays out. If you feel like you needed more planning or if it was just right. Also if you do go back and forth and do the rests, etc.
Thanks for sharing your plan!

Marthonica

05-28-2008, 12:03 PM

Plan looks good. It's enough of a set plan that you won't feel lost, but it does offer lots of flexibility.

Can't wait to see a photo of the family in matching shirts! My DH would NEVER agree to wear a Disney shirt, let alone matching one:( I have to live through others on this!

ampc3

05-29-2008, 12:39 PM

Great plan! Breaks are a must in the summer! Riverside has an awesome slide in their pool! We've walked over from French Quarter to swim there. Of course, we've stayed there to swim there too!!

My kids have seen the pictures and are VERY excited about the slide, I hope my little one will try it with her vest on.

I'm really looking forward to reading your post - trip report! I hope you will write one!
Your plan looks really good and I want to hear how it actually plays out. If you feel like you needed more planning or if it was just right. Also if you do go back and forth and do the rests, etc.
Thanks for sharing your plan!

Yes I hope to write one as long as there is still interest in reading it:laughing:
It will be interesting to me also to see what worked and what we should have done differently etc..

Plan looks good. It's enough of a set plan that you won't feel lost, but it does offer lots of flexibility.

Can't wait to see a photo of the family in matching shirts! My DH would NEVER agree to wear a Disney shirt, let alone matching one:( I have to live through others on this!

well my hubby isn't exactly thrilled with the idea either that is for sure :rotfl2: so well see if he'll try and boycot once we are there or something :confused3 I hope our plan works, it really was more overwhelming then I expected. All I know for sure is we will be at the Rope drops and stay until mid afternoon, the rest not so sure about..

Thanks again for those reading and following along!

some of you are going a few days before us (Jen and Lynn) some the same time (Jackie) and some after ( Lesley) so that means we are at

10 days:cheer2: :cheer2:

Lady Lallie

05-29-2008, 12:59 PM

Woo Hoo! 10 Days!! :dance3: :dance3: :dance3:

Charleston Princess

05-29-2008, 01:19 PM

Oh, I have been on Cloud 9 :cloud9: all day thinking about being at 10 days!!! :banana:

Whatever will we do to make those ten days go faster??? Especially now that we are out of school???

And can I just say, "What is up with the weather today???" I was all set to take the kids to the pool today to help pass the time, and it's downright cool out there! So, instead, we have played Monopoly since lunch. I finally had to declare a break!

ampc3

05-29-2008, 02:46 PM

MegansMom

05-29-2008, 02:49 PM

Isn't it such a wonderful feeling to be getting so close!!! I just can hardly wait! At this point, I can't tell who is more excited--Megan or me!!!! ;o)

nts4wdw

05-29-2008, 06:27 PM

:cool1: Ten days!!:cool1:

Charleston Princess

05-29-2008, 06:34 PM

I know... I was going to go to the pool today and realized how yucky it was and COLD, I was freezing at the mall! I am suppose to watch my friends kids tomorrow and the plan is to go to the pool all afternoon.. Lord help me if that plan doesn't work! I think it is suppose to warm up

We are planning on going to the pool tomorrow as well -- I don't think I can take anymore Monopoly (which we resumed after dinner tonight). That is truly the game that never ends.

jrico

05-30-2008, 10:09 AM

I saw your link on Lynns PTR and came over to check it out. I just finished, I wanted to catch up before I posted. anyway great job:thumbsup2 It was fun to read others going through same things I am. ADR's , touring plans ect.
I got my planner out( I take to work with me everyday) to see if we might cross paths , we will be down around the same time. Soooo Happy to be in the single digits:cool1:

ampc3

05-30-2008, 10:54 AM

We are planning on going to the pool tomorrow as well -- I don't think I can take anymore Monopoly (which we resumed after dinner tonight). That is truly the game that never ends.

ok what is up with the weather!?!?!?!? again we were suppose to go to the pool and it is cold and couldy :( does mother nature NOT know our kids are out of school :laughing:

We are planning on going to an outdoor concert tomorrow night in town , hoping the weather is nice for that!

I saw your link on Lynns PTR and came over to check it out. I just finished, I wanted to catch up before I posted. anyway great job:thumbsup2 It was fun to read others going through same things I am. ADR's , touring plans ect.
I got my planner out( I take to work with me everyday) to see if we might cross paths , we will be down around the same time. Soooo Happy to be in the single digits:cool1:

Thanks for joining us:cool1: I am soo jealous that you are staying at the POLY, that is my dream... So are our paths going to cross at all?? It is always fun to see what everyone else comes up with doing there plans etc..

ampc3

05-30-2008, 11:12 AM

:cool1: :cool1: Guess what today is???

yep just started the single digit dance!!!

9 days:dance3: :dance3: :yay: :yay: :cool1: :cool1: :love: :woohoo: :worship:

So yesterday I took the kids to our Disney store and got them their gift cards for the trip... They each have $80 on them, plus some cash... Do you think that is wayy to much for a child?? (B/c My DH of course did at first, but I think now he knows in reality that really won't buy a whole lot all week, depending on what it is they pick out.)

They wanted to buy everything in the store yesterday! I kept saying we are NOT buying anything here today, wait for DISNEY TRUST ME....

so I also went shopping this morning and bought the rest of our snacks and breakfast foods for the week... This is killing me not knowing whether we are driving or flying.. with the cost of gas it would seem like a no brainer, but unfortunatly since we have to fly stand by and at least 2 of us have to sit together that causes some problems and stress when the flights are full... Which of course they are now... so it really will come down to the wire.

I hope the weather is nice in Orlando ? it has been crazy here all over the place again....

Next week will be all the last minute things and for me to REALLY start my packing ... I still have some things I need to get at walmart/target..

I can't believe how close it is now... and how LONG I have waited and planned for this!! it seems like years and years....

Happy countdown to the rest of you too!!! :)

jrico

05-30-2008, 12:08 PM

Charleston Princess

05-30-2008, 01:41 PM

Happy Single Digit Dance!!! party:

I think $80 is a good amount -- that is about what we are planning for Chelsea and Connor, plus they, too, have some cash saved up.

If they think the Disney store at Town Center is cool -- wait until they see what WDW has to offer!!!

I'm with you about the weather -- doesn't Mother Nature know we have bored kids??? Thank goodness the sun finally came out today!

When will you know for sure whether you are driving or flying? Do you have to wait until the day of?

lmillercrew

05-30-2008, 07:04 PM

Yeah for your countdown! I'm sooo excited for you. I went to the florist today and found out the lady behind the counter is going to the WDW this Sat!!!! How jealous am I?! As far as the weather, I'm in Ohio, and one day it's 75 and the next it's 55-60 and you want to turn on the furnace. Thankfully my kids are still in school and not wanting to swim, because I know that my pool is freezing.
$80 sounds about right. I think for our first time we gave them $60 and grandma and grandpa gave them $20. We just let them know that that's it, they have to work within their budget. It's a good learning experience. If they spend all their money on the first day, then that's their choice.
Keep us updated on the flight thing. That would make me lose sleep not knowing.

MomofCKJ

05-30-2008, 08:00 PM

Whoo Hoooo Single Digits! That is so awesome, you are almost there!

I think that sounds good, the gift cards. My kids had their own $$$ last trip, mostly from gifts of Disney Dollars they had gotton and saved up money from birthdays and allowance. They had to use their own money for souvies. It was good for them, they were really more selective in their purchases. I get them each one nice pin when we are there but for the stuffed animals, jewelry, etc they were on their own and it worked out well.

We are still in school here, ho hum. Will be till June 18th.

Allyson

MegansMom

05-30-2008, 09:03 PM

Annette--I just wanted to tell you really quickly NOT to buy the Target mister fan--I put the batteries in, and NOTHING!!! Tom couldn't even get it to work--so skip it and look for the one at Walmart that Lesley was telling us about.

YEAH for the single digit dance!!!!! Good luck with the rest of the shopping!!

I think $80 is a great amount for the kiddos!!! Have a good Saturday! Talk soon, Jen

ampc3

06-01-2008, 07:55 AM

My DH and feel like this going to be our dream trip. We have always wanted to stay at a monorail resort, this will be our first time. I know we will be at Fantasmic on thurs 6/12 because we did Fantasmic Dinner Package, i will look back at your post to see if there are any others. 7 days till we fly to tampa:cool1: 9 days till we are in the World:woohoo:

Ok, see you Thursday at Fantasmic!:thumbsup2 (we'll be the only ones there right??) :)
Happy Single Digit Dance!!! party:

I think $80 is a good amount -- that is about what we are planning for Chelsea and Connor, plus they, too, have some cash saved up.

If they think the Disney store at Town Center is cool -- wait until they see what WDW has to offer!!!

I'm with you about the weather -- doesn't Mother Nature know we have bored kids??? Thank goodness the sun finally came out today!

When will you know for sure whether you are driving or flying? Do you have to wait until the day of?

Thank goodness we ended up with some nice weather this weekend! Yes it might come down to the day before to decide weather flying or driving.. I need to pull up the flights today and see where they are at.. it is DRIVING ME CRAZY not to know this yet..

Yeah for your countdown! I'm sooo excited for you. I went to the florist today and found out the lady behind the counter is going to the WDW this Sat!!!! How jealous am I?! As far as the weather, I'm in Ohio, and one day it's 75 and the next it's 55-60 and you want to turn on the furnace. Thankfully my kids are still in school and not wanting to swim, because I know that my pool is freezing.
$80 sounds about right. I think for our first time we gave them $60 and grandma and grandpa gave them $20. We just let them know that that's it, they have to work within their budget. It's a good learning experience. If they spend all their money on the first day, then that's their choice.
Keep us updated on the flight thing. That would make me lose sleep not knowing.

Yes it is making me sleep :bitelip: We are soo excited too! Thanks

Whoo Hoooo Single Digits! That is so awesome, you are almost there!

I think that sounds good, the gift cards. My kids had their own $$$ last trip, mostly from gifts of Disney Dollars they had gotton and saved up money from birthdays and allowance. They had to use their own money for souvies. It was good for them, they were really more selective in their purchases. I get them each one nice pin when we are there but for the stuffed animals, jewelry, etc they were on their own and it worked out well.

We are still in school here, ho hum. Will be till June 18th.

Allyson

wow what a bummer to be in school until the 18th, but you must start ALOT later then us... You'll still be enjoying your summer when we have to go back in the beg of Aug...uhg..

Annette--I just wanted to tell you really quickly NOT to buy the Target mister fan--I put the batteries in, and NOTHING!!! Tom couldn't even get it to work--so skip it and look for the one at Walmart that Lesley was telling us about.

YEAH for the single digit dance!!!!! Good luck with the rest of the shopping!!

I think $80 is a great amount for the kiddos!!! Have a good Saturday! Talk soon, Jen

Thanks for the fan update.. I'll need to go look at walmart this week.

7 days one week from today people!!!!!

we will be checking into POR!!! Can't wait....
Everytime I'll tell my DH our countdown, he comes back with a yeah but in two weeks it will be our last day ! :(:(

I hope it doesn't go by too fast. This is the week girls!!!

MomofCKJ

06-01-2008, 01:23 PM

Charleston Princess

06-01-2008, 01:55 PM

Hurray for 7 Days!!!

This time in 7 days, I hope that we are on our way to DHS!!! :banana:

ampc3

06-02-2008, 10:55 AM

7 days! Yahoo! That is exciting and tell your DH to be a little half full instead of half empty! LOL!

We don't go back to school till August 28th and we have a week off in Feb and a week in April so that probably factors in too.

Allyson :)

6 days today!!!! I know, do you think my DH could just go along with the program for awhile....:confused3
Our old school district use to give us breaks like that too, but we still got out earlier.. You only start about 2 weeks later but we don't get the whole week of Feb anymore..

Hurray for 7 Days!!!

This time in 7 days, I hope that we are on our way to DHS!!! :banana:

SOOO close!!! I know I keep saying today next week we will bel doing this or that, this time next week we will be having lunch @ Epcot with the princesses...

Charleston Princess

06-02-2008, 10:58 AM

SOOO close!!! I know I keep saying today next week we will bel doing this or that, this time next week we will be having lunch @ Epcot with the princesses...

I have been doing that all day long -- this time next week we will be at Epcot, too. I want to eat lunch at Cantina de San Angel before heading back to the hotel for our afternoon break. Hopefully, we will have ridden Soarin', Living with the Land, Test Track, Mission: Space, and Spaceship Earth.

ampc3

06-02-2008, 03:02 PM

Charleston Princess

06-02-2008, 03:05 PM

I just posted over on your TR, I can't believe I missed the whole day early thing!! Don't know where I have been.... jeez..

We just got back from Costco looking for new luggage... but no luck tho..

I told DH that by Wednesday I would like to have an idea of WHAT we will be trying to attempt, either to forgot the whole flying idea and drive or try our luck with the flights!!!
There are pros and cons to both for sure! it would be soo much easier to just drive, but it would be sooo nice to get there about 4 -5 hours earlier too..

What time are you leaving @ Sunday??

That's okay -- we have put the idea of leaving a day early on the back burner for now.

Gas seems to be holding pretty steady (knock on wood).

We are hoping to be out of the house by 6:00 -- knowing Charles he will have us out even earlier. That will put us at POFQ around 2:00 if all goes according to plan.

ampc3

06-02-2008, 03:24 PM

so are we thinking it is about a 6-7 hour drive?? We have never made the drive from our new house yet.. ( I think we might be in the same county or maybe the one next to us) :)

Charleston Princess

06-02-2008, 03:29 PM

so are we thinking it is about a 6-7 hour drive?? We have never made the drive from our new house yet.. ( I think we might be in the same county or maybe the one next to us) :)

According to mapquest, it is a 7 and a half hour drive from door to door. We usually add an extra half hour since we tend to stop a couple of times for food and gas.

You do know that there is a new exit off the Florida Turnpike which eliminates the I-4 mess, don't you? If not, I can give you those exits if you end up driving.

It's really a very easy drive except for the time factor of it.

ampc3

06-02-2008, 04:07 PM

If you already have handy that info I would love it... I would have eventually done mapquest etc.. I did think I read something about the turnpike..
Thanks! :)

MomofCKJ

06-02-2008, 04:09 PM

Boy I wish I was only 7 hours away by car. *sniff sniff* It would take us something insane like 24 hours to drive.

Are you two planning a little DIS meet while you are there?

Allyson

Charleston Princess

06-02-2008, 04:22 PM

If you already have handy that info I would love it... I would have eventually done mapquest etc.. I did think I read something about the turnpike..
Thanks! :)

Here you go:

75 South

In Macon merge onto 475 towards Valdosta (exit 177) -- it will then turn back into 75 South after about 16 miles.

Take the Florida Turnpike (exit 328) on the left towards Orlando. (About 300 miles after you merge back onto 75 South outside of Macon).

On the turnpike take exit 267A towards Tampa (there are lots of signs for Walt Disney World also). This is 429.

Take exit 8 for Western Way -- it's kind of the back entrance onto the property, but the big Welcome to Disney World sign is there.

You will then take a left onto Buena Vista Drive.

After a few lights (I want to say it will be the ninth light) you will take a left onto Bonnet Creek Pkwy. There will be a DVC lighthouse on the left. You will pass the entrance for Old Key West, then Port Orleans French Quarter, and then finally Port Orleans Riverside (all on the right). :banana:

Hope this helps if you are driving down.

Charleston Princess

06-02-2008, 04:23 PM

ampc3

06-03-2008, 10:42 AM

Boy I wish I was only 7 hours away by car. *sniff sniff* It would take us something insane like 24 hours to drive.

Are you two planning a little DIS meet while you are there?

Allyson

It's quite dangerous being so close.

We are definitely hoping to run into each other! :goodvibes

Yes of course we will see each other, after all it's JUST going to be our families, Lesleys, Lynn's, ILUVXU, and Jenn's families there!:rotfl2: :laughing:

Sorry that you are 24 hour car ride away.... that stinks!! :(

Lovemy3babes

06-03-2008, 11:15 AM

Hey there! I stumbled upon your PTR and wanted to say hello. You have a really lovely family. :) 5 days...wow!

MegansMom

06-03-2008, 12:25 PM

Yes of course we will see each other, after all it's JUST going to be our families, Lesleys, Lynn's, ILUVXU, and Jenn's families there!:rotfl2: :laughing:

I thought everyone already knew that!!! :rotfl2: :rotfl: Now THAT would be a FABULOUS trip! ;)

nts4wdw

06-03-2008, 12:50 PM

Okay, Chuck will be packing up the laptop tonight so have a wonderful trip filled with plenty of pixie dust! We'll be looking forward to hearing all about it!!!!

ampc3

06-03-2008, 07:03 PM

Hey there! I stumbled upon your PTR and wanted to say hello. You have a really lovely family. :) 5 days...wow!

Thank you for the sweet words :goodvibes ... It looks like our kids are the exact same ages except your boy is your youngest... Are you planning on doing a PTR or TR? I would love to hear about the family suites... :)

I thought everyone already knew that!!! :rotfl2: :rotfl: Now THAT would be a FABULOUS trip! ;)

Yes That would be a fab trip!!!

Okay, Chuck will be packing up the laptop tonight so have a wonderful trip filled with plenty of pixie dust! We'll be looking forward to hearing all about it!!!!
thanks our trips will be filled with pixie dust for sure! :)

Thanks Jackie for the directions....

ampc3

06-03-2008, 07:11 PM

So today I finished up my shopping I got our sunscreen, ponchos and the very LAST MISTER FAN at walmart!! I have most of our snacks but still need to get water and some chips b/c guess what we FINALLY decided our mode of transportation!!!........

Which way will we be traveling to Disney you ask??

The car...... as much as we would love to fly and get there earlier. It just isn't worth the S-T-R-E-S-S involved with flying standy on full flights.

Plus the whole packing thing is a problem with what we would like to bring and need to bring.. this just makes it soo easier to throw everything in the car and go! plus we can now drive to the parks if we decide the buses stink!
( I am very worried about our@ 8am adr)

The gas is going to kill us, but we never would have even considered flying if the cost of gas was what it used to be to begin with... so we'll just have to suck it up!

So our plan is to leave Sunday am by 7, we'll see if that works or not... it should be. MY Dh is used to getting up in the middle of the night for work anyway.

This time next week we will either be back at HS or checking our AK in the pm...

There is my update for today!!!:)

lmillercrew

06-04-2008, 06:42 AM

Charleston Princess

06-04-2008, 06:52 AM

I'm glad that you have your travel plans finalized -- that must be a relief!

4 Days! We only have 4 Days! :yay:

ampc3

06-04-2008, 10:24 AM

Whew! I'm glad you finally decided. I wouldn't mind driving either, but DH said his time is more valuable. I wanted my kids to see different states like I did when I traveled as a kid. He told me they can see them from the air.:rotfl:
Hopefully we'll still be able to afford to fly next year with the way things are going. And now my cheap airfare out of Detroit is going bye bye. Spirit is closing their hub in Detroit.:( :( :(

I know, I think airfare is going to keep going up, the way Americans travel is going to change big time over the next few years I think.

I'm glad that you have your travel plans finalized -- that must be a relief!

4 Days! We only have 4 Days! :yay:

Yes it is a huge relief now, I can actually start to pack! and do all my lists!

I just tried out the new mister fan and it appears to work pretty darn good! I am sure we will be using that alot! :)

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

This time next week..... Mk and lunch at CP! wishes parade at night.

Charleston Princess

06-04-2008, 11:29 AM

Yes it is a huge relief now, I can actually start to pack! and do all my lists!

I just tried out the new mister fan and it appears to work pretty darn good! I am sure we will be using that alot! :)

Happy Wednesday everyone!!!

This time next week..... Mk and lunch at CP! wishes parade at night.

It's funny to me that next Wednesday Tim and Lesley are doing breakfast at CP, you guys are doing lunch, and we are doing dinner.

We are also planning on the parade and wishes -- too bad there isn't a special DIS section for us all to sit in!

Judging by the blast of heat I just encountered when I walked to the mailbox just now, that mister fan will come in handy!

Lovemy3babes

06-04-2008, 12:09 PM

Aw, thank you! Our trip is really far away but I'll definitely be doing a TR. In the meantime, I'll stay entertained with you guys here on the Dis. Can't wait to read more. :)

TwinmomPlusOne

06-04-2008, 01:10 PM

Looks like June 8 is a great day to go to Disney :goodvibes
Hope to see lots of Lime green there!

IluvXU

06-04-2008, 04:02 PM

Wednesday is a big day at MK.... we are there too!

Glad you finally know how you are going!

ampc3

06-05-2008, 06:51 AM

Aw, thank you! Our trip is really far away but I'll definitely be doing a TR. In the meantime, I'll stay entertained with you guys here on the Dis. Can't wait to read more. :)

oh good, can't wait to read about your TR :)

Looks like June 8 is a great day to go to Disney :goodvibes
Hope to see lots of Lime green there!

yes yay to lime green!!! Have a magical trip also!

Wednesday is a big day at MK.... we are there too!

Glad you finally know how you are going!

Great more diser's to look for :) yes such a relief to finally know!
one day for you :)

ampc3

06-05-2008, 06:58 AM

MegansMom

06-05-2008, 07:50 AM

It's funny to me that next Wednesday Tim and Lesley are doing breakfast at CP, you guys are doing lunch, and we are doing dinner.

We are also planning on the parade and wishes -- too bad there isn't a special DIS section for us all to sit in!

Okay, now I am just jealous--you all are partying at the CP without me!!! ;) ;) :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: But it is funny how all of us are going to be in MK that day!!! Someone is BOUND to run into someone else!! Look forward to seeing who sees whom in our TRs!!!!

Love the idea of a special section just for us DISers!!! I'll tell you how to find me though at the parade and Wishes---I'll be the one all choked up and crying---DOES THAT HELP?!?!?!? :rotfl: :lmao: ::yes:: :rotfl2:

Charleston Princess

06-05-2008, 08:30 AM

3 days!!!!! :cheer2:

ok here is my latest problem... and I don't know how long this info has been posted, but I JUST FOUND out last night...:confused3 I was double checking stuff on TGM then came across this post about Ak adding another EMH day while we are there... So I went and double checked WDW calendar and sure enough yep they added another EMH am on Friday the 13th..

(after just typing that I also just realized Friday the 13th.. yikes) anyhoo...

This is our only am RD day and we also have an 8 am adr @ tusker house...
TGM has updated anything so it still shows it as a green am... so know I don't know WHAT to do!!

Do I leave it alone and just hope the crowds aren't to crazy and accept the fact that we will miss out on "ride time" for the first hour.. or do I try and change our ressie for later in the am... which will then possibly screw up our afternoon lunch plans.... I am soo confused ... any input advice??

If we leave it alone does anyone know if we will be able to get some FP right away??

To be honest, I would leave well enough alone -- you could call and check on a later ADR for Tusker House, but to be honest, I bet there isn't anything anymore. Do you have any other AK days planned?

I don't know about fast passes. :confused3

Okay, now I am just jealous--you all are partying at the CP without me!!! ;) ;) :lmao: :rotfl: :rotfl2: But it is funny how all of us are going to be in MK that day!!! Someone is BOUND to run into someone else!! Look forward to seeing who sees whom in our TRs!!!!

Love the idea of a special section just for us DISers!!! I'll tell you how to find me though at the parade and Wishes---I'll be the one all choked up and crying---DOES THAT HELP?!?!?!? :rotfl: :lmao: ::yes:: :rotfl2:

:lmao: Except I may not be able to see you through my own sentimental tears!

I say we all meet in Frontierland/Liberty Square to watch the parade! ::yes:: That's our usual spot.

ampc3

06-05-2008, 08:36 AM

To be honest, I would leave well enough alone -- you could call and check on a later ADR for Tusker House, but to be honest, I bet there isn't anything anymore. Do you have any other AK days planned?

I don't know about fast passes. :confused3

:lmao: Except I may not be able to see you through my own sentimental tears!

I say we all meet in Frontierland/Liberty Square to watch the parade! ::yes:: That's our usual spot.

yep that is where we will probably watch too..

I think I am going to just leave the Tusker house alone.. I could try, I have been starring at the phone all morning... but after I went and looked at what was actually opened for EMH anyway.. it didn't really wow me b/c Emma can't do the big ticket items anyway so well try and get FP as soon as we get in and right after TH and just hope the crowds are already to crowded
It is really our only planned day there.. so well just have to see what happens.

ampc3

06-06-2008, 07:05 AM

Well I am not sure who is still left reading this PTR , as I know most of the ones already left for Disney...Have a great Trip everyone!!! :)

so today will be spent doing more laundry, organizing and packing!! I still need to get to the store and get our chips and water. I went to Home Depot yesterday and got some Lime green mickey heads to put in our hotel window,and attach to my bag.. so if anyone passes us, please say " hi"

This time next week.... we will be getting up early and going to Tusker house for our early ADR ( I decided to just leave it alone) we will spend how ever long we can take AK for.. then go back to hotel for swim and rest and the night is open for whatever we want...

I can't believe in 2 days we will be at Disney!!!!

Lovemy3babes

06-06-2008, 11:15 AM

I think you made the right decision to leave the Tusker House ressie alone. I wouldn't stress about it at all. 2 days....yay! :)

DisneyVeteran

06-06-2008, 11:19 AM

We leave on Sunday and I'm finishing up packing myself!

Have a safe drive - and I'll be sure to look for the green mickey on your bags!

Charleston Princess

06-06-2008, 11:23 AM

2 Day Dance for you!!! party:

I hope you get lots and lots done today!

ampc3

06-06-2008, 12:34 PM

I think you made the right decision to leave the Tusker House ressie alone. I wouldn't stress about it at all. 2 days....yay! :)

I think so too, after all it is just one day.. funny tho b/c TGM still doesnt' have anything updated on that...

We leave on Sunday and I'm finishing up packing myself!
Have a safe drive - and I'll be sure to look for the green mickey on your bags!

Yea for Sunday!!! I am packing and dissing alittle here and there today..
Have a magical trip and see you around the parks!! :)

2 Day Dance for you!!! party:

I hope you get lots and lots done today!

I am trying to get everything together.. the kids keep bugging me to go to the pool, so I am sure I'll have to do that soon.. You must be super excited for tomorrow.... I can't wait !!! yeah!!!

pooh'smate

06-06-2008, 01:29 PM

Just caught up on your ptr. I haven't been able to Dis the past couple of weeks:eek:. I hope you have a great trip and looking forward to reading about your trip when you return.

lmillercrew

06-06-2008, 03:50 PM

siestakeys04

06-06-2008, 06:46 PM

I'm still here and wishing I was going this year. It's very hard sometimes not to get jealous of all the fellow disers going to WDW this year. Have a great time while you are there, take lots of pictures and lots of good notes so you can have a great TR when you return. Stay cool, it looks HOT down there right now.:) :) :)
See you when you get back! (not really see you, but you know...)

I do feel the same way but as quick as the years have gone bye we will be there soon too.:hug: :yay: Have a great time and we will live through your trip to get to ours!!!:dance3: :banana:

Charleston Princess

06-06-2008, 07:51 PM

We are outta here first thing in the morning, so I wanted to wish you a wonderfully fabulous magical vacation with lots of pixie dust!

I just know we will run into each other somewhere in the World -- probably somewhere around Port Orleans! :goodvibes

Safe travels and have a great time!

Jackie

ampc3

06-07-2008, 01:05 PM

Just caught up on your ptr. I haven't been able to Dis the past couple of weeks:eek:. I hope you have a great trip and looking forward to reading about your trip when you return.

Glad to you have you back! :)

I'm still here and wishing I was going this year. It's very hard sometimes not to get jealous of all the fellow disers going to WDW this year. Have a great time while you are there, take lots of pictures and lots of good notes so you can have a great TR when you return. Stay cool, it looks HOT down there right now.:) :) :)
See you when you get back! (not really see you, but you know...)

Thanks, I plan on taking lots of pics I joined a photoshare group so hopefully it will all work out! I totally understand what you are saying about feeling jealous! I have annually followed a few TR;s and so jealous they get to go every year! I have no idea when we will be back! Hoping DH loves this trip and will want to do a repeat sooner than later.

I do feel the same way but as quick as the years have gone bye we will be there soon too.:hug: :yay: Have a great time and we will live through your trip to get to ours!!!:dance3: :banana:

Thanks , totally understand! Next year you will have a magical trip also! :)

We are outta here first thing in the morning, so I wanted to wish you a wonderfully fabulous magical vacation with lots of pixie dust!

I just know we will run into each other somewhere in the World -- probably somewhere around Port Orleans! :goodvibes

Safe travels and have a great time!

Jackie

Thanks Jackie, I know you already left...:)

ampc3

06-07-2008, 01:19 PM

Hi everyone!! I can't believe tomorrow is the day for us to FINALLY take our trip!:cool1: I can't wait..:banana: . I have been packing all day, Thank goodness we aren't flying after all, I have wayyy to much stuff!

Thank you all for reading and following along,;) it has been fun.. Hope you all pick back up when we get back next week!!

Here are some things I am most looking forward to with my family....:love:

To see Emma's face when she first see's the castle
BBB with the girls and our princess lunch
hoping Lauren can "wake up tink" one day or at least see her..
trying a Dole whip for the first time
our dinner at Ohana's
dinner at Kona's
Breakfast at Tusker House
watching the kids go down the slide at POR
doing it's a small world together (that was one of my favs as a kid)
doing space mountain with Lauren and Joey
doing soaring and Test Track for the first time
trying EE, RnR , ToT (maybe still alittle chicken)
wishes and seeing tink fly overhead
getting a "dream"

There is just soo much I am looking forward to. It will also be interesting to see how much we really use the hoppers, if we really feel like eating at table service meals, if we end up keeping all our ADR. How much $$$ we really end up spending in the end!

I'll try and check back in one more time... otherwise we are off early in the am hoping by 7 at the latest... Thanks again :)

Here's hoping for a magical trip with lots of Pixie dust thrown our way :thumbsup2

I also had a little family talk with the kids about what is expected from them on this trip and there behavior etc.:teacher: .. Hopefully we won't need super nanny after all!:laughing:
Annette

MomofCKJ

06-07-2008, 01:33 PM

Oh Annette, have a wonderful magical week! We'll be here when you get back!

Allyson

MeMom

06-07-2008, 01:44 PM

Here are some things I am most looking forward to with my family....:love:

To see Emma's face when she first see's the castle
doing soaring and Test Track for the first time
trying EE

I hope you have the most incredible time with your family! I know you are filled with excitement and anticipation right now.

As for your list, watching the kids' faces is what you'll find yourself doing a lot. I love to watch Brooklynn taking it all in. She loves Small World (she can only say "Mall Word" at this point) so much!

You'll have a blast on the thrill rides, but hang on to your hat on Expedition Everest! It starts out mild, but then it really takes you for a wild ride!

Soarin' is awesome! You'll probably want to do it more than once.

Have a great time! We look forward to hearing all about it when you return. At this point, we're just counting down until it's time for us to leave on the 28th.

I hope you do get to meet up with some of your readers, too! We met really nice Disers last year at Pop, and it's fun to talk to other people who understand your passion for Disney World.

mindyd

06-07-2008, 07:11 PM

I hope you have a magical trip:wizard:

Lady Lallie

06-07-2008, 08:14 PM

:tink: Have a Magical Trip!

Lovemy3babes

06-08-2008, 01:09 PM

I hope you're having a wonderful, magical day right as I type! Can't wait to read all about it. :)

pooh'smate

06-08-2008, 03:12 PM

I hope you have a magical trip:wizard:

:tink: Have a Magical Trip!

I hope you're having a wonderful, magical day right as I type! Can't wait to read all about it. :)

Ditto!!!

Charleston Princess

06-16-2008, 02:54 PM

You should be coming back sometime today!!!

Welcome home!!! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!!!

nts4wdw

06-16-2008, 03:40 PM

Welcome Home! Hope it was magical!

Lovemy3babes

06-16-2008, 03:42 PM

I can't wait to hear all about it! :)

lmillercrew

06-16-2008, 04:09 PM

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear about all the fun that was had.

MegansMom

06-17-2008, 12:53 PM

Can't wait to see if you have any "guest appearances" in your TR?!?!?! ;o)

ampc3

06-17-2008, 03:43 PM

Hi everyone we are back and feeling very sad at the moment.. WE had a GREAT time, best vacation ever!!!! I am trying to get caught up on laundry etc... and get my photopass pics added to the group..

It will probably be another day or two before I can start the TR... How do I get this moved over to the TR board, I noticed that some of you already had that done?

Yes Jenn, I wonder if there will be any surprise "guests" in my TR???? you'll have to wait and see....

I hope everyone else who recently went had a great time as well.... All the tips I learned in my planning etc, REALLY paid out in more ways than one! TGM was right on also....

stay tuned.....:)

Charleston Princess

06-17-2008, 04:38 PM

Welcome home! I am so jealous that apparently some of you managed to run into each other :(. I'm sad that I didn't see anyone :(.

So glad that you guys had a great time!!! Can't wait to read all about it!!!

Charleston Princess

06-17-2008, 04:42 PM

Oh, and to answer your question, I PMed OhMari to ask her to move mine. I think she noticed that others had become TRs and just moved them.

nts4wdw

06-17-2008, 05:18 PM

Hi everyone we are back and feeling very sad at the moment.. WE had a GREAT time, best vacation ever!!!! I am trying to get caught up on laundry etc... and get my photopass pics added to the group..

It will probably be another day or two before I can start the TR... How do I get this moved over to the TR board, I noticed that some of you already had that done?

Yes Jenn, I wonder if there will be any surprise "guests" in my TR???? you'll have to wait and see....

I hope everyone else who recently went had a great time as well.... All the tips I learned in my planning etc, REALLY payed out in more ways than one! TGM was right on also....

stay tuned.....:)

Looking forward to it! I'll be jealous if you ran into anyone. I was really looking for all you guys. (Of course, I probably would have been to shy to say anything.)

MegansMom

06-17-2008, 07:11 PM

Welcome Back Annette!!! So glad you all had a GREAT time!!! I knew you would! I just pm'd Marla Hellwig to have mine moved--hope that helps!!! Looking forward to the TR!!! Jen

MomofCKJ

06-17-2008, 07:53 PM

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear about your trip! I know the sadness stinks when you come home but sometimes writing that trippie is good medicine for that!

Allyson

Lovemy3babes

06-17-2008, 08:13 PM

Welcome back!!!! :)

cjhinch

06-17-2008, 09:13 PM

I enjoyed getting caught up on your PTR, and I really can't wait to read all about your trip!!

lmillercrew

06-18-2008, 07:25 AM

Welcome back! Can't wait to join you on your trip journey

ampc3

06-18-2008, 06:57 PM

So the day finally arrived!!! Today is the day we drive to Disney :goodvibes Yeah!!!
We woke up about 4:45 and started getting ready, we opened the kids doors and turned on the hall light to start to wake them. Joey came out on his own completely dressed and ready to go little after 5.:thumbsup2 I told him to go grab something to eat. I started to wake the girls and got Emma dressed, Lauren did the last sticker on the countdown calendar ,they had some pop tarts and we were ready to go! We pulled out of our drive way at 6:00 am.:cool1:

It was a pretty uneventful drive down, except it took longer than I had planned and thought it would.:confused3 We stopped for Lunch at a Bob Evans which was a mistake the food was horrible and it took forever, that added an extra hour to the trip!:mad: I don’t know why I agreed to stop there, we never stop at sit down places when we travel it is always in and out super quick. I think my DH was worried that our room wouldn’t be ready anyway so what was the hurry… The hurry was I wanted to get there ASAP!!!! Plus I knew the kids would want to go swimming etc..

So we finally made there , it took almost 9 hours! Like I said, whyyyy longer then I had planned. I was doing the driving on the final leg so I was alittle worried that I wouldn’t get the pictures I wanted when we pulled in. I was telling DH to get the camera ready…

We were soo excited when we started spotting the signs and boy was I smiling when we drove under this!!!!:woohoo:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1640.jpg

And then when we pulled into this.. The guard man said the infamous words everyone is waiting to hear “ welcome home”:goodvibes

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1641.jpg

We told the kids to go sit over by the little TV they had showing the old cartoons:happytv: and we got in line to check in. They started to give us bldg 26, but I said I had requested bldg14 or 18... So they did a double check and gave us bld 18 room 1834 second level courtyard view.:thumbsup2 The girl checking us in was as sweet as could be, gave us our 1st time buttons etc.. but had NO clue how the bus system worked etc.. she started to tell me that the buses don’t start running until 45 min before park opening…. Umm.. No sweetie that isn’t correct but thanks anyway..

We went over to the concierge and got our undercover tourist tickets added to our room keys, got our print outs for our ADR!:thumbsup2 Then off to drive our car around to bldg 18 and unload.. The kids were soo excited to see the hotel and get their swimsuits on!:goodvibes

It was a nice room, I loved that the sinks were outside of the “potty” area and the kids loved the curtain to separate the room and make their own private dressing room. We didn’t really unpack yet b/c the kids were ready to go check out the pool and slide!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1642.jpg

So we put our suits on and tried to find the pool, the signs took us way out of our way to the pool, on our return from the pool we quickly found a short cut tho.

We had ADR’s @ 6:20 that night, so we told the kids we only had about an hour or so before we had to get ready and we weren’t sure yet if we were going to drive or take the bus to the MK and do the monorail to the Poly.

Here are some pictures of the pool, and kids enjoying the slide.. The line was pretty long that afternoon so they only did it a few times and Emma wasn’t ready to try it out just yet.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1645.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1648.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1651.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1644.jpg

It was pretty crowded but we managed to get lucky and get a chair right up front by the stairs so I could watch Emma when I wasn’t in the pool.

After about an hour we went back up to the room to get ready for our Dinner @ Ohana’s….

How did we decide to travel to Ohana’s? Did we have any Dis spottings?? Did we enjoy the food? What surprise do I have in store for DH??
Stay tuned….

momtotanmanandraerae

06-18-2008, 07:10 PM

I found your TR on timandlesley! Your kids are so cute!! Just adorable! I wish it took 9 hours to get to Disney.....it takes us 12. It is worth every minute of the drive though!!

Charleston Princess

06-18-2008, 07:15 PM

Yeay! You started your TR and reached Disney! :yay:

Good job on the room!

The pool was soooo crowded when we ventured over there!

IluvXU

06-18-2008, 08:16 PM

Spotting???? That was a rough night for me, wonder if you experienced the problem I had. Great start... I miss WDW already!

MegansMom

06-18-2008, 10:42 PM

Love the first installment!!! Way to go on getting your room! I did NOT know we could have added our UT tickets to our KTTW cards!!! WOW!! Where have I been!?!?!? Can't wait until the next installment!! BTW, again--YOUR KIDS ARE TOO CUTE!!! :o) Jen

ampc3

06-19-2008, 01:12 PM

I found your TR on timandlesley! Your kids are so cute!! Just adorable! I wish it took 9 hours to get to Disney.....it takes us 12. It is worth every minute of the drive though!!

Thanks for the kind words and joining us! :)

Yeay! You started your TR and reached Disney! :yay:

Good job on the room!

The pool was soooo crowded when we ventured over there!

My kids were soo mad at me that we never made it over to FQ, they REALLY wanted to check out that slide!

Spotting???? That was a rough night for me, wonder if you experienced the problem I had. Great start... I miss WDW already!

You have me really curious what the problems were at Ohana's that night?? As far as the spottings go... I was the one that came up to you on your way out I think?? I wasn't sure if you thought I was crazy or not for asking~lol, OR if you had any idea who I was?? I know MY Dh thought I was crazy!!

Love the first installment!!! Way to go on getting your room! I did NOT know we could have added our UT tickets to our KTTW cards!!! WOW!! Where have I been!?!?!? Can't wait until the next installment!! BTW, again--YOUR KIDS ARE TOO CUTE!!! :o) Jen

YES I read somewhere about adding the UT tickets b/c they are paper and such a pain to keep carrying around.. Thanks for the sweet comments on the kids, Megan is a doll also! :)

Working on getting more pics uploaded and next installment...

MegansMom

06-19-2008, 02:03 PM

You have me really curious what the problems were at Ohana's that night?? As far as the spottings go... I was the one that came up to you on your way out I think?? I wasn't sure if you thought I was crazy or not for asking~lol, OR if you had any idea who I was?? I know MY Dh thought I was crazy!!
Working on getting more pics uploaded and next installment...

Oooooohhhhhh!!! The suspense is KILLING me!! What happened?!?!?!?!? Can't wait for the next installment!!!

You are too sweet about your kind words for Megs--you saw us before their BBB makeovers, and I SO wish you could have seen them afterwards--too cute!!! I bet your girls had a blast!!! They were SO beautiful!

momsavealot

06-19-2008, 03:07 PM

nts4wdw

06-19-2008, 04:09 PM

Cute Pictures!! Riverside has such a cool pool! Looking forward to hearing about Ohana!

HonnyDipp

06-19-2008, 04:25 PM

Cute pics, thanks for posting!

MomofCKJ

06-19-2008, 04:40 PM

Oh welcome back! Your kids are so so so cute! Eeek on the 9 hour drive but glad you got there with time to relax and swim!

Can't wait to hear about Ohana, we love it there!

Allyson :)

lmillercrew

06-20-2008, 07:15 AM

Yes! a post!:yay:

cjhinch

06-20-2008, 08:28 AM

I am so happy that you have started your TR!! I can't wait to read all about your trip......your kids look so happy to be there!

ampc3

06-20-2008, 02:22 PM

Yeah! I'm finally getting in on a TR as it starts. Keep up the good work. Your pretrip report is great and I think I need to take a trip to the Home Depot for those Mickey heads! Looking forward to your next installment! I also got us matching shirts but DH doesn't know yet!!!;)

Yes Home depot must often wonder where all there mickey heads go?? I am soo jealous you get to stay at the POLY!!

Cute Pictures!! Riverside has such a cool pool! Looking forward to hearing about Ohana!
The kids really enjoyed the pool and Ohana's was yummy!!

Cute pics, thanks for posting!

Thanks!:)

Oh welcome back! Your kids are so so so cute! Eeek on the 9 hour drive but glad you got there with time to relax and swim!

Can't wait to hear about Ohana, we love it there!

Allyson :)

Thanks! I don't know where we went wrong on the time frame, but DH didn't want to drive over 70 to save on gas...

Yes! a post!:yay:

Thanks! :)

I am so happy that you have started your TR!! I can't wait to read all about your trip......your kids look so happy to be there!

Thanks , the kids were soo excited to be there!! Being in a hotel is a huge treat for them, let alone DISNEY :)

ampc3

06-20-2008, 02:50 PM

So were did I leave off?? Oh yes, we went and swam for about an hour then came back to our room in bldg 18.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1925.jpg

We started to unpack and get the room situated and put our food away etc.. At this point we discovered 2 things. #1 we weren’t sure the fridge was working right, nothing seemed cold so we called for maintance to come take a look.:confused3

#2 This is a funny story… When we were driving down I kept thinking I know I am forgetting something …:rolleyes1 Then I remembered what I thought I forgot to do…. I asked DH who put Joey’s clothes, that I packed, in his suitcase.. “Honey do you remember packing any underwear for Joey?” Dh “umm.. I think a saw a pair”… ok that’s it, that is WHAT I FORGOT to do…. Pack Joey underwear!!!:rotfl2: I did laundry and meant to go back in his room to get the underwear and NEVER did…. Oops…:rolleyes1 Now Joey over hears this, and is panicking that he only has one pair (well really 2 pairs) So I said well I guess tomorrow we will be going to Walmart after all to get some underwear! It was pretty funny.:lmao:

So after we unpacked and got ready we decided to drive to the Poly b/c time was running short it was 5:45 and I knew we wouldn’t have enough time to catch a bus and do the transfer.. So off we go to the Poly… I had every intention of getting pictures when we first got there outside, but never did:confused3

So we go to check in @ Ohana’s and the line to do so is pretty long. I remember that ILUVXU and her family had ressies around the same time. I remembered what her kiddos looked like from her PTR, and knew she was pregnant. I spotted them right away on the couches waiting for their table to be called..
When I tried to explain to my DH that I “knew” her he looked at me like I had 3 heads, A look I got several more times through out the trip until he finally understood the whole “dis world”….:love:

Anyway by the time I got done checking in at the podium, they must have already been called for there table b/c I didn’t see her/them again until almost leaving.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1654.jpg
This was us being silly waiting for our table!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1655.jpg

So we waited about 15min for our table to be called, our host showed us around and explained the menu etc.. showed us to our table a nice window view… again don’t know why I didn’t do pictures… This will be a trend through out my trip thinking now why I didn’t get a picture of this or that. (we did get some tho)

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1656.jpg

Our server was very nice and attentive (can’t remember her name now)We ordered drinks, I tried the Mai Tai which was just ok. I also ordered the chicken nugget plate for Emma thinking she would only eat the bread that came out. I really thought Lauren and Joey would love the food, they love salad and wings and Shrimp.. But not so much… They ALL loved the bread and ate a lot of that, they didn’t care for the salad dressing , they hated the sauce on the wings. They thought the Shrimp were too spicy.. So it killed me to pay what we did (remember we weren’t on the DDP) b/c all they really ate was the bread, they didn’t even really like the dessert..:eek:

Now DH and I on the other hand really liked the food, I am not going to say I loved it, but I did enjoy it and would probably go back. I think DH enjoyed it more than me b/c he actually got to “enjoy” his meal! I was VERY busy cutting up everyone else’s food and peeling everyone’s shrimp!!! :mad: I didn’t care for the wings either but really liked the pot stickers. We all liked the noodles and even had some green veggies.. We LOVED the shrimp (although A LOT of work to eat them) and the steak was very good as was the pork. I loved the dessert also yummy!!!:cloud9:

The kids enjoyed doing the hula and the coconut races but had to help Emma, it was harder than it looked…

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1667.jpg

After finishing the coconut races I literally ran into ILUVXU said hello, as they were on there way out I believe… I was the strange women asking you your name~hehe :wave2:

When we got back to the table we did dessert and then I had a little something special set up for DH for his bday since it was the day before.:goodvibes
HE HATES to have ANY type of attention :rotfl2: but they sang to him and another person behind us and brought him out a birthday cupcake…:wizard:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1661.jpg

Then after dinner we went out to check out the pool and the beach area. The pool was very neat, I would LOVE to stay at the POLY some time, it seems really beautiful.:cloud9: The kids played on the sand for awhile then as we were getting ready to leave we noticed they were getting ready for the Electrical water parade so we stayed for that. Was cute and quick, again don’t know why I didn’t get any pictures…:confused3

Here is a picture of the kids on the beach… This is a fav of mine even though it is kindof blurry.:goodvibes

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1672.jpg

We drove back to our hotel, we must have taken a wrong turn somewhere b/c we ended up driving around for awhile before we found our way back to POR… We had a very early morning planned the next day so off to bed I think it was about 10:30.

Next up: our First Full day at the parks…. Special wishes, a Dis spotting ???maybe?? and a little detour…

Charleston Princess

06-20-2008, 03:08 PM

MegansMom

06-20-2008, 03:41 PM

Another great installment!! The pictures of you all are SO great!! What a beautiful family you have!! I love the cupcake pic w/your DH--you can see the little kid in him coming out!!! ;o) I can't WAIT to read all about your next day!!! ;o)

nts4wdw

06-20-2008, 05:12 PM

So sorry about the underwear!! I am always afraid I'll forget something like that! My kids would never let me hear the end of it.
Looks like you had fun at Ohana! We love the Poly! Great pictures all around.

IluvXU

06-20-2008, 09:27 PM

Yes a sighting of me and my bulging belly. So funny that your kids did not like the food, my picky one Hannah ate the entire plate of potstickers.... I was shocked. Emily literally picked up the loaf of bread and started in on that. We ordered a kid's plate for Hannah... thinking she wouldn't touch the regular food, but she ate it!

Love the beach pictures... we were all done after that meal. Let's just say I should have napped before dinner and well I found an unpleasant odor again in a bathroom that is why I was such a mess when I saw you... dazed and had to get out of there!

princesslily

06-20-2008, 10:20 PM

more please:goodvibes

ampc3

06-21-2008, 07:01 PM

Oh, no about Joey's underwear!!! A couple of years ago we went to Hilton Head with family and SIL found out she forgot to pack underwear for herself. After much joking by my BIL, he went to unpack and found he forgot his too! Needless to say, there was a trip to Walmart that night! :rotfl:

What a wonderfully relaxing start to your vacation!!! We love the Polynesian!!! You guys look like you are having a blast!

Can't wait to hear about Epcot and compare notes!

That is soo funny,, It was pretty funny to us (not so much Joey) when we discovered what I forgot to do :lmao: Yes I loved the Poly also, it was alot of fun great way to start the trip I think.

Epcot was another hard park for me to plan, we didn't get to do half of what I had hoped.. Next time will set more time aside for sure ::yes::

Another great installment!! The pictures of you all are SO great!! What a beautiful family you have!! I love the cupcake pic w/your DH--you can see the little kid in him coming out!!! ;o) I can't WAIT to read all about your next day!!! ;o)

Thanks so much! Yes DH did really enjoy the trip and his little bday surprise

So sorry about the underwear!! I am always afraid I'll forget something like that! My kids would never let me hear the end of it.
Looks like you had fun at Ohana! We love the Poly! Great pictures all around.

Well Joey wasn't to thrilled about it believe me, he didn't find the humor like we did.. We did have fun at Ohana.

Yes a sighting of me and my bulging belly. So funny that your kids did not like the food, my picky one Hannah ate the entire plate of potstickers.... I was shocked. Emily literally picked up the loaf of bread and started in on that. We ordered a kid's plate for Hannah... thinking she wouldn't touch the regular food, but she ate it!

Love the beach pictures... we were all done after that meal. Let's just say I should have napped before dinner and well I found an unpleasant odor again in a bathroom that is why I was such a mess when I saw you... dazed and had to get out of there!

I was surprised they didn't like it too, I really thought they would. Yes they could have just eaten that bread all week and been very happy! Sorry to hear you had another unpleasant experience in the bathroom.. I never did go in there that night.. Glad we "ran" into each other tho.. your kids are soo cute!

more please:goodvibes

Thanks for joining!:goodvibes

SmithFamily2003

06-21-2008, 09:15 PM

Just found your trip report! Can't wait for the next installment!

timandlesley

06-21-2008, 09:22 PM

Hey, I made it over! Sorry things have been so crazy. What a great TR so far, I'm enjoying it. Kids are adorable. The POR pool looks like fun. Glad you guys liked OHana's. That's funny you ran into ILUVXU, she lives right by me and has come over to the house before, very nice family! Looking forward to more.
Lesley

IlovemythreeC's

06-22-2008, 08:20 AM

Oh my goodness- ya'll have the most darling children! We are loving this!:banana:

ampc3

06-22-2008, 08:23 AM

Just found your trip report! Can't wait for the next installment!

:welcome: Thanks for coming along!

Hey, I made it over! Sorry things have been so crazy. What a great TR so far, I'm enjoying it. Kids are adorable. The POR pool looks like fun. Glad you guys liked OHana's. That's funny you ran into ILUVXU, she lives right by me and has come over to the house before, very nice family! Looking forward to more.
Lesley

Hey Lesley thanks for stopping over :goodvibes Your TR is probably a full time job :laughing: That is so neat you two personally know each other :) We did enjoy Ohana's..

ampc3

06-22-2008, 08:25 AM

Oh my goodness- ya'll have the most darling children! We are loving this!:banana:

Thanks so much! We think they are cute too, but they definitly have there moments...:laughing:

ampc3

06-22-2008, 09:03 AM

Monday, June 9, Day 2 First full day:

I scheduled the wake up call for 6:40, and that time came around wayy to quick! When the phone rang no one moved to get it, So I climbed over Emma to push the speaker button so they could all hear the joys of stitch!

Needless to say no one was very happy with stitch and his early morning wake up…:confused3 but we had places to go people, shake a leg .. The girls had an early ADR @ BBB for 8:oo am. My plan was to be out at the bus stop by 7:15 figuring it took about 20 min or so to get there. Keep in mind this was our first day using the buses , I had no idea what to expect and POR doesn’t get the best bus reviews!

I got everyone up and had the girls put their dress up outfits on . They had some snacks , pop tarts etc . I got the backpack packed with all our gear. We were out at the stop @7:20 There was bus after bus for HS, but no MK bus to been seen. I was getting alittle panicked at 7:30 when there was STILL no bus!:scared1: This wasn’t starting my first day plan out well. Finally at about 7:40 our bus came and it was already full (they stop at FQ first) but we were able to get a seat.

We rushed off the bus and ran to the bag check and quickly went thru the character breakfast line into the park. I didn’t even stop to get a stroller, we figured Emma could manage the first part of the day just fine. I wanted to take it all in and see Emma’s face seeing the castle and all, but I was so worried about our ADR since we were already 5 min late.

However I did manage to take a photo of them in front of the castle with hardly anyone around, that is the nicest thing about those early ARD’s.. I regret that I was in such a hurry I missed some of the “magic” with my kids then.:(

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1673.jpg

When we got to BBB to check in there were a few a head of me, but it went pretty fast. I asked for the girls to be able to sit together and since we were the first appointment it wasn’t a problem. I had shown pictures to the girls of what the hairdos look like etc, but they were in awe of the castle itself and just taking it all in, I don’t think they really knew what to expect.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1678.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1679.jpg

It really is neat in there, and quite the set up!

The FGIT were great with the girls and told them they could pick out what they wanted. I knew I wanted Emma to have the Fairy Tale Princess , and Lauren said she wanted the Disney Diva but was secretly hoping she would have chosen the Fairy tale look also. Lauren started to pick out the blond hair extensions and her FGIT was saying what a great choice since it was her day , she could be whatever she wanted etc… I don’t know if I should have done this or not, I felt alittle bad afterwards (but quickly got over it) I talked her out of the blond hair extensions and convinced her to get her same hair color.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1683.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1681.jpg

They each had 2 fgit working on them at some point, it took about 35 min and they took a lot of pictures. I wanted to make sure we were done and out for Rope Drop b/c I had a surprise for Lauren when we were done.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1682.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1684.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1685.jpg

They loved the experience and although it was a lot of $$$ I think everyone with a little girl should experience it at least once. They really loved it and all the attention they got.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1686.jpg

Here are the final looks:

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1688.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1690.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1692.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1693.jpg

So after we paid, we were right out front for the RD into fantasyland! SCORE.. The little girl next to us and her mom got chosen for the family of the day to open up Fantasyland and ride Dumbo first! I don’t think my kids had any clue tho what was happening. We also got to see the fairy godmother.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1694.jpg

Here is were my surprise takes place….Lauren is obsessed right now with Tinkerbell and the whole fairy thing. So I knew my only chance of getting to “wake up tink” would be if we were upfront for RD and this would have been our only chance.

I didn’t say a word to the kids b/c I didn’t want to disappoint them if it didn’t work, but I probably should have said something to Lauren b/c it all happened so fast and she didn’t have a clue what was going on…:confused3

Anyway so when they dropped the rope I told Lauren and family to follow me (my DH didn’t have a clue either what I was doing) I made a beeline for Tinks Treasure . Here is were it could have gotten really ugly!!!

Lauren and I were the first ones in the store with out question (yes we practically ran there) I found the CM and asked if “tink was awake yet” The CM looked at me like I again, had 3 heads…. At this point now another little girl is in the store without her mom and 3 other families are behind me asking if they can wake up tink!!! I am trying to keep my cool b/c I know we were the first ones and I am all for sharing but my little girl better get picked! So another CM comes out of no where (b/c the first CM still seems to have no clue) and ask who was first? I said we were I believe , then the little girl who came in at first with out her mom said she was… Of course Lauren is just standing there not having any clue what we are doing there in the first place. So the first CM who had no clue (or maybe she did) spoke up that no, we were in fact first. So I said that I was sure they could all share and do it together. So they picked Lauren to come up front and gave her a wand and had the other little girls do the same including Emma.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1696.jpg

And they got to Wake UP TINK!!! It was really cute.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1697.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1700.jpg

Only Lauren and Emma got Magical Moment Certificates b/c the other families left the store right away. Again don’t know what was wrong with me, didn’t think to take a picture of THEM actually holding the certificate!:confused3
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1725.jpg

It was a very strange disorganized set up to say the least, but it all worked out in the end. They totally believed it was Tink until … (more on that in a later post)

So one goal/dream accomplished mark that off my list… off to Dumbo, the line wasn’t too bad yet. We spent about 15 min in tinks treasure.
continued in next post:

ampc3

06-22-2008, 09:19 AM

So as we are waiting in line I see this little girl that is just so cute, and think to myself I know, I know that little girl! I am trying to figure out who she is etc.. then I look around at the family she is with and it finally clicks!!

IT’s MEGAN’SMOM!!! It was Jen and her family.. Jen your family was awesome! It was soo funny how your mom kept saying she can’t believe we are running into you… So I took a picture of Jen and her niece Maddie aren’t they soo cute!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1702.jpg

I wish we could have actually “talked” but we were in a moving line…

So that was Dis Spotting number 2 in 2 days… Will we keep up the spotting??? You’ll have to wait and see…..

So it was finally our turn for Dumbo Rick rode with Lauren. Joey and Emma with me.. Another self portrait..

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1703.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1704.jpg

Of Course the ride was great.. I mean who doesn’t love Dumbo

So after Dumbo is when I realized I left back at the hotel our “plan” for the day.. I wrote down on index cards the order of things and tips from TGM etc.. I thought I remember Fantasyland enough. So off we went.. To ride Pooh , Peter, Snow white , IASW, Mickey’s 3d All with out ANY wait…. Gotta love the morning rope drops~ I wanted to get over to Toon Town before it opened but that didn’t happen. We ended up stuck on IASW for about 10min they must have stopped the ride to load all the wheelchairs we saw waiting.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1705.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1706.jpg

We had an ADR @ PSB for 12 for me and the girls, so I knew we needed to leave MK by 10:45 so we started making our way out of the park. My plan was to take the monorail over to Epcot… For some reason the Monorail line wasn’t working then, they had the whole area roped off… Yikes what do we do.. So we asked a CM how to get to Epcot, they said we would have to take the ferry over to the TTC and then the monorail from there into Epcot…

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1708-1.jpg

So I am starting to panic again with our time frame… Luckily there was a ferry that just pulled in so we got on right away.. The kids thought that was fun sort of like a ride itself… When we pulled up to the TTC I couldn’t believe my eyes!!! There were crowds of crowds of people waiting to get through TTC for MK.. DH was like were are ALL those people from… Those are the people that drove here…. So people if ever you are thinking that driving to MK is faster than the bus… after what I saw late morning there is no way I would drive to MK.. YIKES

So we switch to the monorail line and get to Epcot at about 11:50. Again no time to rent a stroller, Emma is doing great but we can tell she is hot and getting tired especially in her dress up outfit.. So DH carries her most of the way.. We get into Epcot and make our way quickly over to WS to Norway, I think we were a few minuets late no one else was checking in. So we walked right up.

The plan was for DH and Joey to go get something to eat on their own and check and see if there were any FP’ left for Soarin.. I wanted to do that as soon as we walked in, but didn’t have time. Then we would meet back up and get out of there so we could rest up for the evening, I really wanted to see Illuminations.

So after we checked in, they brought the girls over to Belle for pictures and autographs… They were really excited she was very sweet.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1710.jpg

Then they brought us to our table and said our server would be with us shortly to take our drink orders and explain everything.

Well I swear we didn’t see our server for almost 15min! (She was beautiful and sweet but this was the worst service we had all week for a sit down) Having never been there before I didn’t know if we should just go up to the buffet part, plus the girls didn’t want to miss any princess. So I figured we better wait….. As we were waiting the girls are looking around the restaurant and smiling so big and telling me who they see…. Now I was a little worried that Emma would be disappointed if Mulan, Mary Poppins, Pocahontas etc would have been there instead of one of the “Fab 5”

So after waiting FOREVER for our server ANNETTE (nice name) to come along, she explained everything and took our drink orders … We went up to the cold buffet which IMHO wasn’t anything special, the kids got some fruit and cheese that was about it.

After we got back the Princesses started coming really fast one after another!

But we got sooo lucky!!! They were in princess heaven. That was the highlight of who we got to see!!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1713.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1715.jpg
Emma loved that they "matched"
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1716.jpg
They both were soo excited to see Ariel with LEGS
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1719.jpg
Jasmine was really funny with Lauren also since they "matched" She kept asking her if she was sure she wasn't in her closet this morning.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1722.jpg
Wow did we luck out with the princesses... Cinderella too!!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1723.jpg

I was not to sure I was going to like the menu, and had heard some pretty mixed reviews. There were many choices on the menu but nothing that really stood out for me. I decided to get the meatloaf thing that starts with the K, but almost got the open face salmon sandwich, wish I would have.

The meatloaf was ok, again nothing special it was edible.. The highlight for me was the dessert tray they brought out, we really liked it.
Sorry no pictures.

On a side note I discovered once we got home that in addition to the “holiday surcharge” which I was well aware of. They also charged me an extra $10??? I was wondering why my bill was so much more than I figured out at home and pulled up the menu at home etc, and looked at the bill. It should have been $15.99 for the kids, (that is including the surcharge) but they charged me $20.99 .. Unless Allears is incorrect , which I guess it is?? They charged me wrong.?? Oh well…

So after paying the bill, I was to call DH and meet back up.. I changed the girls back into normal clothes and we headed over to FW to meet.

DH said he was able to get FP for soarin but the return time wasn’t until 7:30 pm…. That’s ok we were planning on coming back in the pm anyway… So SCORE…We decided to head out to take a rest and make our little detour trip to Walmart for the Underwear and TRY and make it back by 5:30!!!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1724.jpg
Emma was done!
Are we able to stick to our plan? Do we get to see Illuminations? Where do we eat? Stay tuned…….

Lovemy3babes

06-22-2008, 09:30 AM

IlovemythreeC's

06-22-2008, 01:48 PM

Your daughters look so beautiful ~ I really LOVE that Jasmine costume, I have not seen that one before.

I am glad that waking up Tinkerbelle worked out.

momsavealot

06-22-2008, 02:05 PM

Wow! Looks like all your planning paid off - what a productive start to the day! I can't believe how much you were able to get done in such a short amount of time! Can I ask a question? What time would you recommend we get to the Rope Drop if we don't have ADR's inside the park? 8:30am for a 9am opening?

TigerKat

06-22-2008, 02:10 PM

Just found your report, great job so far! Your daughters looked so beautiful.princess: Lucky you, running into so many DISers !!!!!

DisneyJo

06-22-2008, 02:36 PM

Great TR, your kids are gorgeous and the girls looked lovely after BBB, I can't believe how crowded the MK bus was though especially as the park didn't open for over another hour!!!!

How funny you forgot DS's underwear :rotfl:

BeautyNBeast

06-22-2008, 03:18 PM

Love your TR so far. Your kids are beautiful. They look gorgeous after BBB. Cannot wait to read more.

Disneyvirg

06-22-2008, 04:21 PM

Your TR is wonderful so far. Your family is beautiful. I love the pics of the girls at BBB. We're hoping to do that too.

I have a question...what does PSB stand for? I couldn't find it in the list of abbreviations. Looks like you got a lot of bang for your buck as far as princesses go. =)

Can't wait to read more!

DisneyDadNY

06-22-2008, 04:38 PM

Really enjoying your report! :thumbsup2

Hayloburger

06-22-2008, 04:55 PM

I am loving this trip report....we will be going in Dec and DD's will be 4 yrs old and 8 yrs old...I am taking notes.

We have reservations at BBB 8:00am....your older daughter got Disney Diva...and your youngest got Fairy Tale Princess? Is that correct?...I gotta know because my girls love the pics of your girls! May I ask how much each one cost and what it included (the BBB packages confuse me!)? We are planning on wearing our own dresses too.

Thanks and keep writing!!

rentayenta

06-22-2008, 05:18 PM

:goodvibes What a fun report and cute family! Keep it coming!!! Isn't waking Tink a hoot? My DD got to do it, even though it was like 4 pm during our marathon Dream, and it was one of her favorite moments! :thumbsup2

nateryan

06-22-2008, 07:48 PM

:wave: Another one that just found your TR. Great Job! Looking forward to more. You have me thinking about your comment about all those people at the TTC for MK. We always drive to the parks because I HATE carrying the stroller onto the bus...maybe I can tough it out for one trip to MK. I guess I never realized all the time we are wasting.:scared1:

IluvXU

06-22-2008, 07:58 PM

timandlesley

06-22-2008, 07:59 PM

Great installment. Loved the BBB pics, your girls looked adorable. Very cool they got to wake up Tink, I was expecting more of a "tink" too when our kids did it but they were so young they thought it was the coolest thing ever. We told a girl and her family about it at rope drop this year and they got to do it which was cool, they had never heard of it before. Awesome you ran into Megans mom, wonder who you'll run into next???
Lesley

LilMommyBug

06-22-2008, 08:12 PM

Love it! Can't wait to read more!

kaysmommie

06-22-2008, 08:55 PM

Loved your girls BBB makeovers, so pretty. Glad you were able to get to Tink's treasures in time. My DD got to Wake Tink back in 2006. SHe has asked to do it again but I don't think it's worth rushing to more than once. great pics from PSB Lunch.

Charleston Princess

06-22-2008, 09:00 PM

Great installment! What a fun first day at the parks!!!

Your girls are too cute with their princess make-overs!!! BBB was one of the highlights of our 2007 trip!

Too fun about waking up Tinker Bell -- can't wait to find out why one of your girls doubted it later in the trip!

Hurray for meeting Jen!!! :banana:

What a great lunch with the princesses!

Keep it coming -- it's wonderful!!! popcorn::

lmillercrew

06-23-2008, 07:09 AM

I have never heard of waking up Tink! How fun would that be. Love your installments and can't wait to read more

ampc3

06-23-2008, 07:09 AM

You've started your report! I've been offline for a few days so was excited to come and see a few installments this morning! You've kept me entertained while I've been drinking my morning coffee. Great, great report so far. *giggle* at forgetting the undies! LOL! It could have been worse I guess. The girls look beautiful at BBB!

Thanks so much! We thought it was kindof funny about the undies, at least we had our car to go out and get more. I don't know what we would have done w/out the car... I guess he would have been going commando a few days :scared1:

Your daughters look so beautiful ~ I really LOVE that Jasmine costume, I have not seen that one before.

I am glad that waking up Tinkerbelle worked out.

Thanks for the kind words, I am glad the Tinkerbell thing all worked out too, I can see how it can get ugly tho with trying to figure out who was first etc...

Wow! Looks like all your planning paid off - what a productive start to the day! I can't believe how much you were able to get done in such a short amount of time! Can I ask a question? What time would you recommend we get to the Rope Drop if we don't have ADR's inside the park? 8:30am for a 9am opening?

Yes 8:30 is pretty much always what we aimed for, the early the better. If you want to "try" and be picked for family of the day, I have read several TR's of them being at the gate around 7:30?? We never tried that tho.

ampc3

06-23-2008, 07:22 AM

Just found your report, great job so far! Your daughters looked so beautiful.princess: Lucky you, running into so many DISers !!!!!

Thanks for joining and the kind words! I know it was sureal to run into so many DISers, very fun !

Great TR, your kids are gorgeous and the girls looked lovely after BBB, I can't believe how crowded the MK bus was though especially as the park didn't open for over another hour!!!!

How funny you forgot DS's underwear :rotfl:

I don't think we ever rode the bus with out it being completely full. Thank you for your kind words:goodvibes Thanks for joining!

Love your TR so far. Your kids are beautiful. They look gorgeous after BBB. Cannot wait to read more.

Thanks! stick around:goodvibes

Your TR is wonderful so far. Your family is beautiful. I love the pics of the girls at BBB. We're hoping to do that too.

I have a question...what does PSB stand for? I couldn't find it in the list of abbreviations. Looks like you got a lot of bang for your buck as far as princesses go. =)

Can't wait to read more!

Thank you so much! PSB stands for the "princess story book " meal at Epcot/Norway I can never spell what it is actually called Akershuous or whatever it is called.... BBB is alot of fun, definitely try and do it!

Really enjoying your report! :thumbsup2

Thanks for coming along!:goodvibes
I am loving this trip report....we will be going in Dec and DD's will be 4 yrs old and 8 yrs old...I am taking notes.

We have reservations at BBB 8:00am....your older daughter got Disney Diva...and your youngest got Fairy Tale Princess? Is that correct?...I gotta know because my girls love the pics of your girls! May I ask how much each one cost and what it included (the BBB packages confuse me!)? We are planning on wearing our own dresses too.

Thanks and keep writing!!

That is a great time for BBB, Yes Disney Diva and Fairy Tale... it was 54.95 plus tax pp... it included the crown, hair clips, sash and make up kit with nail polish and the hair extensions for the Diva.

:goodvibes What a fun report and cute family! Keep it coming!!! Isn't waking Tink a hoot? My DD got to do it, even though it was like 4 pm during our marathon Dream, and it was one of her favorite moments! :thumbsup2

Thank you so much, They enjoyed waking Tink, but think they would have better if they understood what it was they were doing!:laughing:

:wave: Another one that just found your TR. Great Job! Looking forward to more. You have me thinking about your comment about all those people at the TTC for MK. We always drive to the parks because I HATE carrying the stroller onto the bus...maybe I can tough it out for one trip to MK. I guess I never realized all the time we are wasting.:scared1:

Thanks for joining and coming along:goodvibes .. I don't know maybe it isn't always like that at the TTC.. But I think MK is the only park that busing it is probably better.. However with a stroller that is a tough call.

ampc3

06-23-2008, 07:31 AM

First of all... the buses did get so full I am sure if you were picked up at Riverside. Glad though you got a seat! Love love love the BBB pictures at the Castle... I so will have to take the girls someday to do it there. The girls look so cute, and I would have been a mean mom like you about the extensions too.

Great princesses at Norway! You all sure did a lot in a short amount of time! Meeting Jen- how fun too! You sure ran into a lot of DISers!

Yes the buses were ALWAYS full, that was the only downside of being picked up last etc, but at least our stop was first.. Half the time the buses just went by the other stops at POR b/c the bus was already so full... NOW THAT would have made me crazy... Yes you will for sure have to do BBB someday.

I know I think I must have "met" the whole Ohio CRew!!:laughing:

Great installment. Loved the BBB pics, your girls looked adorable. Very cool they got to wake up Tink, I was expecting more of a "tink" too when our kids did it but they were so young they thought it was the coolest thing ever. We told a girl and her family about it at rope drop this year and they got to do it which was cool, they had never heard of it before. Awesome you ran into Megans mom, wonder who you'll run into next???
Lesley

Thanks!:goodvibes yes I wonder who I run into next:rolleyes1 Stay tuned...

Love it! Can't wait to read more!

Thanks so much!
Loved your girls BBB makeovers, so pretty. Glad you were able to get to Tink's treasures in time. My DD got to Wake Tink back in 2006. SHe has asked to do it again but I don't think it's worth rushing to more than once. great pics from PSB Lunch.

Thank you for the kind words! I agree waking Tink is a one time thing, I would maybe try it again for Emma tho.

Great installment! What a fun first day at the parks!!!

Your girls are too cute with their princess make-overs!!! BBB was one of the highlights of our 2007 trip!

Too fun about waking up Tinker Bell -- can't wait to find out why one of your girls doubted it later in the trip!

Hurray for meeting Jen!!! :banana:

What a great lunch with the princesses!

Keep it coming -- it's wonderful!!! popcorn::

I know I was so lucky with running into DISer's some of them, more than once! They loved BBB.. The whole Tinker Bell thing has to do with Wishes, Actually it was the topic of conversation alot through out the trip of who they thought was "real" etc...

I have never heard of waking up Tink! How fun would that be. Love your installments and can't wait to read more

I had never heard of waking Tink either until I read about it in someone's TR.

MegansMom

06-23-2008, 08:15 AM

Annette,

Oh what a lovely installment!!! I was SO excited to run into you, and I SO wish we could have stopped to chat!!! I wanted to just pull back in line so we chitty chat, but I knew how excited the kids were to get on Dumbo--it was our first ride of the day too!! Imagine--a Dumbo line that was ACTUALLY moving--what are the odds!!!! Your family was so sweet, my family was so excited that I ran into you--wish you could have met the whole crew--Tom and my Dad were around the bend taking pictures and videoing for us. It was so funny because we felt so rushed through Dumbo's line because it was moving so fast, that we were all trying to hurry up and figure out who was going to sit with whom when we ran into you!!! I am so glad you all had a good morning in MK--Fantasyland is the place to be in the morning!!! Talk soon, Jen

ampc3

06-23-2008, 10:43 AM

Monday Day 2, part 2

So I left us leaving Epcot in the afternoon, I think it was around 1:45 or so.

We went back to the hotel and got lucky with the bus, didn’t wait long at all.
We all took naps, the kids said they weren’t tired but I made them all lay down and within 20min they were all sleeping.. Actually we all were.

It was close to 4:30 when we woke and decided we had to get up and get to Wal-Mart (to get Joey some underwear) I really wanted to get back to Epcot ASAP..

It only took about 15min to get to Wal-Mart, we got some groceries and the underwear. I really wish I would have held out some $ of the kids. B/c they had a WHOLE Disney section of things, that they don’t sell in the regular stores. But all their money was on the Disney gift cards… oh well maybe next time..

So by the time we got back to our room and out to the bus stop it was close to 6... Again we got pretty lucky with the bus, coming right away however they were always full, so I felt like we stood most of the time.

When we walked into Epcot I knew we wanted to go try Soarin (another first) I thought we could get something to eat over at the WS while we were waiting for Illuminations.

So off to Soarin we go, we had the FP from early and the timing worked out perfect it was our time anyway.. I asked for the child swap for Emma.. He measured her b/c he thought she was tall enough, but nope didn’t make it, close though. So Dh and Joey went on Soarin while I took the girls on the land which was a walk on, it was almost closing time for it I guess.

We then switched and I took Lauren on Soarin…Oh my gosh… that is the coolest ride!!! We all loved it! It was well after 7 by this time, so we decided to go to Nemo and the Living Seas. Again complete walk on there was hardly anyone in the Living seas. Emma really enjoyed Nemo, it was very cute.. I loved that little song they sang about the big blue sea.

After that we looked around the tanks, and of course took the infamous “Bruce photo”

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1728.jpg

We then decided to head over to Test Track and MS and see if there were any FP left and what the wait time was.

Well of course TT FP were all gone and I believe the wait was like 60 or 70 min. However MS green side was only like a 10min wait.. So DH took the kids on that and again I got the child swap, just a quick note about the child swaps they were new to us, but I believe there was a time that they could be used on any day during your stay. Well they now have a “valid only date” which is the current day, like a FP. I guess to many people were selling them on Ebay??

I had wanted to be over in the WS by now or at the latest 8:30,it was now after 8... No one seemed in a hurry to leave FW. Emma and I hung out while they rode MS. Then they came off and wanted to ride again. So I used the Child swap for my turn with them. DH ended up taking Emma back over to Nemo for one last ride. So by now after all this it is almost 9 and I accept the fact that Illuminations isn’t going to happen tonight. We start to work our way out, and stop at Mouse Gear to do a little souvenir shopping, that Gift card the kids have is burning a whole in their pockets!! They each pick out a little something a stuffed animal I think.

It is at this point I also realize oh my goodness we NEVER ate dinner!!! They are starving, but nothing is open that I can see. So we start heading out of the park and get over to our lovely bus stop. I about fell over when I saw the line. This woman must have seen the look on my face b/c she came up to me and reconfirmed that is in fact the line! Let me tell you, I have never seen a line like this! It was the entire line corral plus the ENTIRE length of the whole sidewalk, POR and FQ share a bus here.. I am telling you that was a 2 hour line… I told DH I am NOT waiting in that line, no way.. I told him my plan and told him it can’t be any worse than this (or can it?) I remembered what Lesley from timandlesley (I think it was you) did last year, they took a bus to an EMH park and switched there..

So that is what we did, we took the bus to AK (which a bus came right away) and planned to switch there.. DH was alittle leery but I told him it had to be better than this and if worse comes to worse we’ll take a cab.

We got to AK and walked over to the POR/FQ bus line and only waited a few minutes the line wasn’t bad at all, but we did have to stand again! We were back at our hotel in almost an hours time, not bad considering. I’m convinced we would still be waiting for that bus at Epcot today!

When we got back to the hotel it was about 10:30 we were all starving but didn’t want real heavy food. We went to the food court and split a bunch of stuff, we got a little pizza, a milkshake, and some chicken nuggets.

We were all in bed by 11:30.. We could sleep in alittle longer tomorrow.

Sorry I didn't take more pictures today... I just realized I hardly have any of Epcot, don't even have the SSE ball!!!:scared1:
Up next : HS… Do we have ANOTHER Dis spotting?? How long do we last there?? Are our late nights catching up to us??

rentayenta

06-23-2008, 10:59 AM

:thumbsup2 The kids look too adorable in Bruce's mouth!

:headache: The bus service at the POR is the #1 thing I didn't like about staying there. It was always the longest line by far!

DisneyJo

06-23-2008, 02:10 PM

When we stayed at POR in August 2005 we never had a problem with the buses and we never shared with POFQ either, we're back there this August I hope we have the same bus luck as it sounds horrible what you've had :eek:

It sounds like a wonderful Epcot evening :goodvibes

Charleston Princess

06-23-2008, 05:40 PM

Good installment! Soarin' is just too fun, isn't it? My fave Epcot ride EVER! There isn't one part that I don't just adore! :goodvibes

Too bad about Illuminations and the buses!!! I don't know why they don't have separate POFQ and POR buses for all the parks -- not just MK -- especially during the summer months.

nateryan

06-23-2008, 06:00 PM

Great installment. I never realized that there are buses to other parks...I thought it was just resorts. Is it only the EMH park or can you take the bus to any park during the day?
I love the Bruce photo!:thumbsup2

IluvXU

06-23-2008, 09:53 PM

MegansMom

06-24-2008, 08:00 AM

Annette,

I love, love, LOVE the Bruce photo!!! Too cute indeed! So sorry about how long it took you to get "home." Can't wait for more!!! :thumbsup2

kaysmommie

06-24-2008, 08:24 AM

Loved the update and your Bruce pic is adorable.

cjhinch

06-24-2008, 08:39 AM

Cute pics! I'm sorry you missed Illuminations, but I don't blame you, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

Lovemy3babes

06-24-2008, 12:03 PM

Oh my word! That line sounds horrendous! Smart idea about taking a bus to the EMH park and switching there. I guess I forgot or maybe didn't even know that they have bus stops for the other parks, along with busses for the hotels.

ampc3

06-24-2008, 04:07 PM

:thumbsup2 The kids look too adorable in Bruce's mouth!

:headache: The bus service at the POR is the #1 thing I didn't like about staying there. It was always the longest line by far!

That is one of my favorite pictures of them! There was noone around so they were acting really silly!! Yes I think our stop and the All Stars always had the longest lines, I think i would think twice now at staying at one of the All Stars.

When we stayed at POR in August 2005 we never had a problem with the buses and we never shared with POFQ either, we're back there this August I hope we have the same bus luck as it sounds horrible what you've had :eek:

It sounds like a wonderful Epcot evening :goodvibes

We shared the entire time with FQ except at MK, where we had our own line. It wasn't that bad in the morning, but the evenings left something to be desired.

Good installment! Soarin' is just too fun, isn't it? My fave Epcot ride EVER! There isn't one part that I don't just adore! :goodvibes

Too bad about Illuminations and the buses!!! I don't know why they don't have separate POFQ and POR buses for all the parks -- not just MK -- especially during the summer months.

Yes we LOVED Soarin' there were just soo many first for us! I sure wish they would have had seperate buses too!

Great installment. I never realized that there are buses to other parks...I thought it was just resorts. Is it only the EMH park or can you take the bus to any park during the day?
I love the Bruce photo!:thumbsup2

No, every park has buses that go to the other parks, I think they just come around faster when it is an EMH. Well from Mk to Epcot you would have to take the monorail, there isn't a bus.

ampc3

06-24-2008, 04:12 PM

[QUOTE=ampc3;25830763]Monday Day 2, part 2

B/c they had a WHOLE Disney section of things, that they don’t sell in the regular stores. But all their money was on the Disney gift cards… oh well maybe next time..

Good to know!

So off to Soarin we go, we had the FP from early and the timing worked out perfect it was our time anyway.. I asked for the child swap for Emma.. He measured her b/c he thought she was tall enough, but nope didn’t make it, close though. So Dh and Joey went on Soarin while I took the girls on the land which was a walk on, it was almost closing time for it I guess.

We must have just missed you... we were at Soarin and then the Land and Nemo that night too around that time!

To funny, another close call!

Your Bruce picture is great!

Thanks!

It is at this point I also realize oh my goodness we NEVER ate dinner!!! They are starving, but nothing is open that I can see. So we start heading out of the park and get over to our lovely bus stop. I about fell over when I saw the line. This woman must have seen the look on my face b/c she came up to me and reconfirmed that is in fact the line! Let me tell you, I have never seen a line like this! It was the entire line corral plus the ENTIRE length of the whole sidewalk, POR and FQ share a bus here.. I am telling you that was a 2 hour line… I told DH I am NOT waiting in that line, no way.. I told him my plan and told him it can’t be any worse than this (or can it?) I remembered what Lesley from timandlesley (I think it was you) did last year, they took a bus to an EMH park and switched there..

We got to the bus and in line right before 9- Illuminations started during our wait... so we were in the front of the madness and got on, seats and all... but I wondered how bad it got! So so sorry.

Yes , it was bad.. be glad you missed it for sure!

Annette,

I love, love, LOVE the Bruce photo!!! Too cute indeed! So sorry about how long it took you to get "home." Can't wait for more!!! :thumbsup2

Thanks so much Jen! :)

Loved the update and your Bruce pic is adorable.

Thanks, they had a blast doing that.

Cute pics! I'm sorry you missed Illuminations, but I don't blame you, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

Yes, I couldn't get them out of FW....
Oh my word! That line sounds horrendous! Smart idea about taking a bus to the EMH park and switching there. I guess I forgot or maybe didn't even know that they have bus stops for the other parks, along with busses for the hotels.

Yes , it was a great idea, I wouldn't have done it if it was close to closing time there, but they still had another hour or so..

ampc3

06-24-2008, 05:47 PM

Up next : HS… Do we have ANOTHER Dis spotting?? How long do we last there?? Are our late nights catching up to us??

Tuesday June 10:Day3

We awoke again to the sounds of Stitch @ 7:20 this morning. I pushed speaker again for everyone to “enjoy” I really wish they would come up with different characters to wake to!!

Our plan today was to be at Hollywood Studios for Rope Drop by 8:40.
We all got ready, the kids had their breakfast snacks etc, packed up the backpack, and remembered my index cards today with the plan of attack with the shows, rides etc..

We got out to the bus stop and a HS bus came around pretty quick, (our bus problems were always leaving the parks it seemed) We pulled up to HS, was a quick ride ,and got thru the turnstiles by 8:45.

We knew today we would have to break down and get the stroller for Emma. I ran into the stroller rental place and got a single for 5 days, figured she wouldn’t need one for our off day, since we would only be coming back at night for fantasmic… got everyone sun screened up! It was already sooo hot!! It was pretty crowded .

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1729.jpg

Our plan of attack was to get to TSM get FP and get in the standby line. Ok Lesley, here is where we must have gotten behind you. On our way to TSM , I spotted the High School Musical photo set up with the photo pass guy, thought Lauren would enjoy that. I just wanted one picture, well the guy would have posed her and taken her picture for an hour if I would have let him!

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I finally had to say enough we got places to go! Then when we got over to TSM the standby line was out the door and the FP machines all had huge lines. I should have sent DH ahead in line, but was scared I would have taken longer at the FP machine and wouldn’t have been able to catch up to them, so they all waited for me to get the FP’s , then we ALL got in line. So that is my guess in how you all got ahead of us.

This was our longest wait all week, I think it took us about 30 min in the standby line. The wait wasn’t bad b/c you are doing your waiting inside and there are so many cute decorations everywhere.
While we were waiting in line I spotted another DISer…

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I met the famous Tim and Lesley crew!!!! Again my DH was looking at me crazy when I said I “knew” her and had to explain the whole “dis thing” AGAIN. I had showed him past TR’s of their’s , so he referrers to them as the “famous Disney family” (which I think a lot of people do of course) Again wish we could have “chatted” but in a moving line… Luke and Lauren are just as cute in person~ What a lovely family.

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This ride is so awesome! We all loved it! We were so excited to be able to use our FP’s for later. On our Way out we ran into the HSM2 production. We pulled up on the side and listened for awhile.

So after that we decided to head over to RnR and ToT to get FP’s. Since Emma can’t ride we decided to split how we got the FP’s . I got 2 for RnR and got 3 for Tot plus I knew we would get the child swaps also. Doing it this way gave us 2 sets of FP’s at the same time SCORE! The kids would get 2 rides each out of them for later. I can’t remember the return time but think it was right after lunch. We then decided to head over the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, there was a showing starting in about 15 min. So we got in line, DH realized he had to go “potty” we weren’t sure he would be able to catch back up to us, so he just decided to met us after the show.

This was such a cute show! Emma kept asking me if she was real, I got that A LOT during the trip. We all met back up and it was getting close to our lunch ADR @ Sci Fi for 11:40.

We headed over there and checked in. We waited a few minutes and brought us in to our very own car. The kids thought this was so cool! We had the kids up front and we were behind them. Soon after Emma wanted to move in the back row by herself.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1740.jpg

We all ordered Hamburgers. I also ordered a chocolate shake and wanted to try the onion rings that I heard so much about. I can’t remember her name, but our server was the best server we had all week! She was so attentive. The food came out pretty quick the onion rings were good! My chocolate shake was good, but I like to be able to drink my shakes not eat them, it was way to thick to drink. I think Emma had most of it. Of course then she barely ate her burger. The food was good and the portions were huge. I would for sure come back to this place! I think this is another one of those places that you have to try and least once.

After lunch we decided to head over to the other part of the park that we haven’t seen yet, by Star Tours.

We needed to decide what our plan was going to be, we could A)plan on heading out by 2ish and come back tonight
B) head out soon and check out AK tonight or C) stay as long as we can take it, and do DTD tonight and hang at the hotel.

Which one did we choose???

We went with C. We were having such a good time here, there is just so much to see and do. DH and the kids had never been there before. This was probably his favorite park. So we said let’s just see how long we can make it (this decision will come back to bite us)

Onward, then I went and got FP’s for Star Tours and while we were waiting I noticed the JedI Training was going to start in about 20 min. So we decided to wait, got right up front. There were only a few people waiting with us for the first 5 to 10 min.. Then it started to get crowded. After our little Tinkerbell experience I thought it was best to explain to the kids what is happening and asked if they wanted to get picked. I explained that they might not get picked or that only one of them would etc, they seemed ok with all that.

So when the “training” started and he came out and started picking the kids, I had them raise their hands. All the kids he was picking were right up front, he sort of went from side to side. Then guess what?

Yep he picked Joey AND Lauren!!!

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I was thrilled that Joey got picked… Let me just say even though they said they were fine if they didn’t get picked , there would have been major problems and drama if only one of them got picked especially if Lauren got picked over Joey! So thank goodness it all worked out! They were loving this, so cute!

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They all really got into it very cute!
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Joey was the only one who got this added bonus of fighting these guys!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1754.jpg

He LOVED IT!!!!

There is so much in the parks with all the princess stuff etc, this is so nice for the boys (and girls) I know this has been said a million times, but they really need to do some type of character meal that’s geared for boys or something.

So after their “training” we did Star Tours, this was the only ride that Emma came through the line with us to do the Child Swap. I liked the ride enough, but after the ride I got a headache and scratched that off my list for a repeat ride.

I really wanted to see the Indiana Jones show or LMA show, but we kept missing the time and didn’t want to wait to long for it to start. So we decided to head through the streets of America and came across some friends.

As we were waiting in line, it was soo hot! Let me backtrack for a minute I bought one of those water mister fans at Wal-Mart before we left, even tested it at home with the batteries and everything. Well it never worked once we got to Orlando tried different batteries and everything. We kept seeing all the Disney water fans everywhere. Well I couldn’t stand it anymore I broke down and spent the $17 on the Disney fan! That was the best money spent though! I am sure we will use it at home too.

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So after our encounter we decided to head back over to ToT, and RnR before heading out for the day. We were all starting to get crabby and VERY tired.!

We also wanted to use our FP's for TSM, so we did that on our way over to
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1739.jpg
Joey pretending to be scared...

on our way to ToT we noticed there was the Beauty and the Beast showing, it was to start in about 15 min.. so we found great seat in the middle towards the front.. Let me just say that the act before, 4 for a dollar or whatever it is called. Was fabulous!! We enjoyed that so much. BatB was great too, the kids really liked it.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1768.jpg

After the show DH took Lauren and Joey on ToT, while I got the child Swap for later. Well we were waiting, the 3:00 parade was starting, I asked Emma if she wanted to see it, but she didn't want to go all the down there, we could hear it, but not really see it. It looked really cute.

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The kids came back from Tot and said how awesome it was!!! DH said it was fun, but wasn’t sure I would like it or not.. So that scared me and I decided we better go do RnR next instead of doing this again. THIS IS WHERE WE SHOULD HAVE LEFT FOR THE DAY!

Ok so now the sky is starting to get a little dark and that smell is in the air of rain coming.. Anyone else know what I am talking about with the “smell”? But I think we have time for RnR!

It is decided that I go with Lauren first, again we get the child swap. DH says he’ll wait over by the wall with Joey and Emma.

OK so here is our BIGGEST mistake~! We never ever had a PLAN of what to do if we got separated or if the rain comes!!!! He has the backpack with all our ponchos etc. It takes us about 15 min to get through the line. Shortly after we got in line, we started to hear the rain come down. Oh no, should we get out of line now? I tried to call him to find out where they are taking cover, but he doesn’t answer his phone. We decided we are already here, there is nothing we can do now. So lets enjoy the ride although we did feel bad they were stuck outside.

This ride was a first for me, and this ride ROCKS!!! This was my favorite ride! It is sooo cool! Lauren loved it too… I tried taking pictures through out the trip of the monitor pictures but they never turned out. So after we exit through the gift shop I notice how crowded it is and realize there are tons of people just hanging out b/c it is STILL raining REALLY HARD! I look around to see if they came in here to wait, and can’t find them. That long hallway to exit the building is packed wall to wall with people, try to look for them there, nope not there… I then try to call again, he isn’t answering his phone!! We wait for a few minutes, I don’t know what to do. Do I stay dry inside and wait? Do we make a run for it and try and find them? They can’t STILL be waiting outside for us can they??

I tried several more times to call him and kept checking my phone to see if he called and left a message for me. Well this hallway was soo crowded every time more people got off the ride , you would sort of be pushed down further in the hallway. So after a few minutes we were pretty close to the door way. It was just pouring rain and loud thunder!

This was probably not the smartest thing to do, nor the best mom moment. But I told Lauren we needed to make a run for it towards ToT . I was thinking they were probably waiting over there in the gift shops or something.

So we make a run for it, the puddles are up to our ankles and as soon as we start running I see the lighting every where! Like I said , not the smartest thing we did. We make it over to ToT area and those gift shops that are on the corner. We take cover under the awning . I realize I have my camera bag so I am so worried about that getting wet, I stick the whole bag in my shirt, which we are both drowned rats at this point! Now I am MAD, where are they , why isn’t he answering his phone, and HE has ALL our rain ponchos!
I try and call him again! No luck it just rings and goes to voice mail. We start running again down the street , I don’t even know where it is we are running to! We finally stop and go into a bathroom to wipe off. Can I just say FREEZING COLD inside!! So now I am almost killing my child with being struck by lightning , now I am going to give her pneumonia! Again try and call DH, this time I leave a not so friendly message! This time frame is probably close to an hour now since we have come off the ride. I am soo mad.

I have NO IDEA where they are! I then realize I have the room keys, so I guess we might as well leave, this rain doesn’t look like it is going to stop anytime soon. So we make a run in and out of cover when we can to the exit! Did I mention that we were drowned rats!

So we get out to the exit and get in the bus line.. It was funny b/c everyone was under the cover (the entire line isn’t covered) we all were huddled together. Lauren is shivering I have nothing for her, I feel like the worst mother ever! This really nice grandmother who was next to us with her poncho took Lauren under her poncho with her, to keep her warm. That was soo sweet, thank you whoever you were.

Then Lauren says mommy your phone is ringing, I answer it and can you guess who it is???
DH yelling at me where I am at?? I explained how I having been trying to call him for the past hour etc.. I said we gave up and are waiting for the bus to come! “what!” He says he is STILL waiting by RnR! I say we are drowned rats, you have all the rain ponchos, he says they have them on, but isn’t doing much good, and says Emma is sleeping on his shoulder! What the girl is sleeping through this! He says his phone never rang, I said well this is the first time my phone rang too. We were both miffed at each other, but there was no way I was going back into the park. I told him to just head for the exit. It was still raining, but nothing like it was.

Looking back we should have had a plan for what to do if it rained and all. So the bus finally pulled up, thank goodness the driver had the sense to turn off his A/C! We made it back home and got changed into dry clothes. About 20 min after us, DH comes in. We talked about “what happened” They were waiting on the wall when it started to rain by RnR and then went under some cart that had a small roof cover, but the cart itself was mostly metal. He said a CM brought them over the another area that was sort of covered near RnR. I asked him how could he not see me and Lauren make a run for it down the street??? We were the only crazy ones out there! So I guess we both thought the other one had it so much better so to speak! After we “moved on “ from that episode we decide to just do DTD for dinner and let the kids do some shopping.

Up Next DTD….

ProudMommyof2

06-24-2008, 07:52 PM

wow- sorry about the "rain incident" but it sounds like an amazing day!

IluvXU

06-24-2008, 08:03 PM

No other way to say it... that is terrible. When I was probably in HS that same type of thing happened at MK (before cell phone days) and my parents were not too happy with each other. Dad had us kids in line for Splash Mountain and mom was well not with us... it does dampen the mood- no pun intended.

As for choice C- HS is so hard to do if you take a break in one day.... so many shows, things only in the PM. I would have chosen C too.

Glad you liked your lunch and all the stuff you did though!

nateryan

06-24-2008, 08:10 PM

Sorry about the rain issue. It could happen to any family that has to split up. You would think that you would be fine with cell phones, huh? That was so cool that your kids got picked for Jedi Training. I wanted my DS to do it but he didn't want to even try to get picked. :(

Charleston Princess

06-24-2008, 08:15 PM

Well, the day started off well, didn't it? :lmao:

I love the HSM pic of Lauren! That is too cute!

Hurray for riding TSM, and Joey and Lauren getting picked for the Jedi Training Academy! :banana:

We loved eating at Sci-Fi last June -- those clips always crack us up -- we did the same thing, put the kids up front and we sat in the back.

That rain storm was horrendous, wasn't it? Glad you were able to meet back up eventually!

I read somewhere the big hat got struck by lightning -- did you hear anything about that?

momsavealot

06-24-2008, 08:29 PM

TigerKat

06-25-2008, 06:21 AM

You can't have a plan for everything, you did the best you could with a rotten situation.:thumbsup2 The park looked packed, sounds like y'all had a great time until the rain....;)

Goofy's_Biggest_Fan

06-25-2008, 06:57 AM

Hi! Just checking in and enjoying your TR. We are going to WDW in August, so we're living vicariously through you folks while we wait. :hyper:

Looking forward to more report updates! :surfweb:

samiet620

06-25-2008, 07:35 AM

Hi, I'm LOVING your report. I'm subscribing so as not to miss a thing!popcorn:: I tried to do a PTR myself but it didn't seem to catch on so I deleted it!:rolleyes1
Well, happy writing...your fans await!!!
P.S. thanks for answereing my PM so fast, I will check it out for my next trip.;)

lmillercrew

06-25-2008, 07:42 AM

Too funny about the rain and separation. It's only funny to me because it sounds like our family. DH is always giving me grief about not answering my phone, so that would be me, and DH would be you leaving the not so nice message about "where are YOU!"
Great installment. And you are not a bad mommy for taking your kid in the rain and lightning. It just gives her a great story. "remember that time..."

cjhinch

06-25-2008, 08:51 AM

Well, I sure feel silly! I had no idea I had missed so many updates! You move fast, and I LOVE it! LOL I went back and got caught up, and I am pretty sure that Lauren had on of the same FGIT that Allie had back in September. Not the one who was doing her hair, but the one that does the makeup/nails! I prefer the fairytale princess hairdo as well, and Allie says that is what she wants again next time we go (which is not next year like she thinks! ;))

I can totally relate to how you and dh were feeling when you couldn't find/reach each other at MGM. You are both mad at each other, but it is really noone's fault.

Now you have got me nervous about the PSB Lunch. I haven't even looked at the menus.....I guess I should be doing that!

Again, I love seeing pics of your kids. They have such great smiles, and it sounds like they must get along well because you haven't had any complaints of bickering! Mine bicker WAY too much.....the 10 year old with the 4 year old the most! Very frustrating! LOL

ampc3

06-25-2008, 09:22 AM

wow- sorry about the "rain incident" but it sounds like an amazing day!

It was a great day until the rain... at least that was the only really bad rain all week! WE loved HS.

No other way to say it... that is terrible. When I was probably in HS that same type of thing happened at MK (before cell phone days) and my parents were not too happy with each other. Dad had us kids in line for Splash Mountain and mom was well not with us... it does dampen the mood- no pun intended.

As for choice C- HS is so hard to do if you take a break in one day.... so many shows, things only in the PM. I would have chosen C too.

Glad you liked your lunch and all the stuff you did though!

Thanks! We did have a great day, there is just soo much to see there with all the shows, that is another hard park to really plan for!

Sorry about the rain issue. It could happen to any family that has to split up. You would think that you would be fine with cell phones, huh? That was so cool that your kids got picked for Jedi Training. I wanted my DS to do it but he didn't want to even try to get picked. :(

WE had problems with our cells alot throught out the trip never showing missed calls etc.. My Ds loved the Jedi training, it is alot of fun for them!

Well, the day started off well, didn't it? :lmao:

I love the HSM pic of Lauren! That is too cute!

Hurray for riding TSM, and Joey and Lauren getting picked for the Jedi Training Academy! :banana:

We loved eating at Sci-Fi last June -- those clips always crack us up -- we did the same thing, put the kids up front and we sat in the back.

That rain storm was horrendous, wasn't it? Glad you were able to meet back up eventually!

I read somewhere the big hat got struck by lightning -- did you hear anything about that?

I wouldn't doubt it about the hat, there was thunder and lighting everywhere! Thank goodness that was the only bad storm all week.. We would have totally missed it, if we would have left right after ToT...

You can't have a plan for everything, you did the best you could with a rotten situation.:thumbsup2 The park looked packed, sounds like y'all had a great time until the rain....;)

We just love HS, yes even best thought out plans don't always work out in the end..

Hi! Just checking in and enjoying your TR. We are going to WDW in August, so we're living vicariously through you folks while we wait. :hyper:

Looking forward to more report updates! :surfweb:

You will have soo much fun in August!!! Thanks for joining us!

Hi, I'm LOVING your report. I'm subscribing so as not to miss a thing!popcorn:: I tried to do a PTR myself but it didn't seem to catch on so I deleted it!:rolleyes1
Well, happy writing...your fans await!!!
P.S. thanks for answereing my PM so fast, I will check it out for my next trip.;)

Thanks for the kind words and coming along :) You should do a TR when you get back, it is alot of fun and helps getting over the PDD... Post Disney Depression...

Too funny about the rain and separation. It's only funny to me because it sounds like our family. DH is always giving me grief about not answering my phone, so that would be me, and DH would be you leaving the not so nice message about "where are YOU!"
Great installment. And you are not a bad mommy for taking your kid in the rain and lightning. It just gives her a great story. "remember that time..."

Our phones totally didn't work right! Thanks, and that is true she will have some memories of that for sure!!

Well, I sure feel silly! I had no idea I had missed so many updates! You move fast, and I LOVE it! LOL I went back and got caught up, and I am pretty sure that Lauren had on of the same FGIT that Allie had back in September. Not the one who was doing her hair, but the one that does the makeup/nails! I prefer the fairytale princess hairdo as well, and Allie says that is what she wants again next time we go (which is not next year like she thinks! ;))

I can totally relate to how you and dh were feeling when you couldn't find/reach each other at MGM. You are both mad at each other, but it is really noone's fault.

Now you have got me nervous about the PSB Lunch. I haven't even looked at the menus.....I guess I should be doing that!

Again, I love seeing pics of your kids. They have such great smiles, and it sounds like they must get along well because you haven't had any complaints of bickering! Mine bicker WAY too much.....the 10 year old with the 4 year old the most! Very frustrating! LOL

Thanks for joining and coming along!! That is neat about the FGIT, they all seemed soo nice. I didn't realize there would be more than one working on them.
I'll have to come by and check out your PTR...

so true about no one's fault. We were just really frustrated with the whole thing and not thinking ahead.. We knew the rain was coming.. Live and Learn.

oh no, believe me my kids fight! They were great the first part of the trip, but little by little after day 4 they started going back to their "old ways"
We had to have some "talks" along the way....

ampc3

06-25-2008, 11:10 AM

wow! You had me on the edge of my seat with that installment!! I just wrote down on a pad I have near the computer - have a PLAN in case of separating or rain!!! I imagine you weren't the only family to get separated by the rain storm. Glad to hear you survived! I'm still in awe of your planning skills and all the rides you get done. I"m not sure I understand the whole child swap thing yet and I know we'll be doing that with our 2 year old. How does it work? YOu stand in line as a family and then you get a child swap pass while your DH goes on with the other kids and you step aside with the young one. Do you wait there until he gets off or come back later wtih your child swap pass?:confused:

Yes have a plan~:laughing: We did have a great time!

The child swap is a great perk for those with smaller kids. Most (not all) of the rides you receive your swap pass at the Fast Past return line, where you "show" your younger child. Then the first parent and older kids( if there are any) go through the FP line with there FP's.. The other parent can wait outside with the younger child. Some of the places have playgrounds or other stuff to do near by while you wait. OR you can just come back ANY time LATER in the same day to use your child swap which will then be used like a Fast Pass, and you can bring up to 2 extra people on your pass for a total of 3!
We figured out that the time it takes you to do the Land, is pretty much the same for Soarin. The time it takes to do TTA works out well for Space Mt.
The time it takes to take the train around for Splash Mt. (but there is a playground near by also) We didn't wait around for both of us to get our turns usually, b/c it was just to long for Emma to sit and wait, we usually came back later.. Good luck with it :)

jojo0612

06-25-2008, 11:21 AM

Blessed_wth_Triplets

06-25-2008, 12:20 PM

Just joining in...LOVE it! So happy your kids were picked for ST...my boys would flip!!!

nts4wdw

06-25-2008, 03:47 PM

Great pictures! I Love Scifi! Sorry about the rain incident! That Florida rain is something! Looking forward to DTD.

mayan mama

06-25-2008, 04:50 PM

Great TR! We are going for our first trip in Sept.......we can't wait! You all look like your having a great time! How do you get 1st trip pins?

goofy4themouse

06-25-2008, 05:20 PM

I am enjoying your trip report. Getting separated from the rest of the group is terrifying in my opinion. I am so thankful for cell phones. But you can't count on those if the other person isn't answering.

I look forward to reading more about your trip.

Ms Sleepy

06-26-2008, 05:42 AM

:)

Hi I am really enjoying you trip report, and The picture of your DS with the HSM stuff was really lovely, my DD 8 would really love it she is HSM mad, and really loves Sharpay :love: . We are going to POR next May and are all really excited about it, it is our DD's first trip to WDW in Florida has been to the one in Paris, but from experience I know it's not the same doesn't have the same magic about it. She is already planning on the BBB and the pictures of your 2 DD's looked gorgeous can't wait to show her when she comes home from school.

What did you think about POR and the food they served there? Do you know it they offer cereal's in the foodcourt for breakfast? Sorry to be asking all these questions but as you've just come back it is all still fresh in your mind.

Thanks:cool1:

ampc3

06-26-2008, 12:52 PM

and I'm loving it! Your children are adorable and looks like they are having a great time!:goodvibes

Can I ask what time your dinner was at O'hanna's? We are eating there for the first time in September and was trying to catch the water parade too, but wasn't sure what time it started!

Can't wait to read the next installment!::yes::

Thank you so much for the comments. Our dinner ressie was for 6:20 we waited about 15-20 min. The kids played on the beach for awhile before the parade started, I think it started around 9ish.

Just joining in...LOVE it! So happy your kids were picked for ST...my boys would flip!!!

Thanks for finding us! Yes my DS loved the star wars thing

Great pictures! I Love Scifi! Sorry about the rain incident! That Florida rain is something! Looking forward to DTD.
Thanks, yes the food at Sci-Fi was good too.

Great TR! We are going for our first trip in Sept.......we can't wait! You all look like your having a great time! How do you get 1st trip pins?

You will LOVE your first trip! They gave us the pins on checking in, if they don't just ask for them at check in. They are the big metal type pins tho, not for your lanyard.

I am enjoying your trip report. Getting separated from the rest of the group is terrifying in my opinion. I am so thankful for cell phones. But you can't count on those if the other person isn't answering.

I look forward to reading more about your trip.

Yes it does cause a problem when the Cell phones aren't working right that is for sure!

:)

Hi I am really enjoying you trip report, and The picture of your DS with the HSM stuff was really lovely, my DD 8 would really love it she is HSM mad, and really loves Sharpay :love: . We are going to POR next May and are all really excited about it, it is our DD's first trip to WDW in Florida has been to the one in Paris, but from experience I know it's not the same doesn't have the same magic about it. She is already planning on the BBB and the pictures of your 2 DD's looked gorgeous can't wait to show her when she comes home from school.

What did you think about POR and the food they served there? Do you know it they offer cereal's in the foodcourt for breakfast? Sorry to be asking all these questions but as you've just come back it is all still fresh in your mind.

Thanks:cool1:

Wow disney in Paris how cool! Your DD will love the little dancing singing show they do at HS for HSM2 also.... BBB is soo much fun! she will love it.

POR is very pretty, lots of trees etc.. it is very big tho, very spread out. If you want to be in the AB section, I would definitly request either building 14 or 18 upon checking in. The food was just ok, in my book. But to be honest we didnt' eat a whole lot there. They did have a pasta and salad bar station, that you customize your self that looked good.
They did also have a yogart and cereal bar that you could pick your own toppings and cereal etc.. HTH

Thanks for joining us from so far away :)

DisneyJo

06-26-2008, 03:08 PM

Maria_O

06-26-2008, 04:07 PM

Love your trip report! Ouch about the rain and getting separated!
We're staying at POR during our first trip next January, have requested either building 14 or 18, let's see what we'll get.

ampc3

06-27-2008, 11:18 AM

How cool your kids got chosen for the Jedi Training, it looks lots of fun.

I can't wait to ride TSM but wow it sounds as though that queue gets long fast :eek:

OMG the rain sounded terrible and getting seperated too!

Yes, you do need to get to TSM asap for FP,s and the stand by line, it is such a great ride. Thankfully that was the only really bad rain the whole week.

Love your trip report! Ouch about the rain and getting separated!
We're staying at POR during our first trip next January, have requested either building 14 or 18, let's see what we'll get.

Good luck with your room requests, just double check also when you check in. You will love the resort it is really beautiful. Thanks for joining us!

ampc3

06-28-2008, 07:44 AM

Hi everyone, sorry I have been slow this week to get my updates going. I am working on the next installments, but have a busy weekend so don't know how much I will get done.

My neighborhood is having a 80's party tonight should be fun! I'll try and take some pictures to post.

ta2edgoofy

06-28-2008, 03:27 PM

wow, im sorry about the rain, wind breakers are really good for that, they are lightweight and if you get a good one the rain will bead off and keep you pretty dry underneath

MegansMom

06-28-2008, 03:31 PM

Annette--how awful that you got stuck in that horrible storm!! I know you know this now, but there was a tornado warning out at that time, and the Sorcerer's Hat at HS was struck by lightning that day! I don't know if that makes you feel better that you made it through all of that, or worse that you were out in that!!! Great update!!! Jen

ampc3

06-30-2008, 05:06 PM

Tuesday June 10:Day3 part 2

So I believe we left off coming back from that horrible storm to dry off and change clothes.:sick: We decided to just take an easy this evening and go to Downtown Disney for dinner and some shopping. We also decided we didn’t want to deal with the bus tonight, so we drove ourselves.

I knew that I really wanted to try Earl of Sandwich after reading others TR’s about it.:goodvibes DH loves sandwiches so this is right up his alley. The kids weren’t so crazy about their choices, they aren’t really big sandwich eaters. I am sorry no pictures to share, I am starting to notice a trend that as each day goes by I seem to take less and less pictures.:confused3

So I ordered the original earl sandwich, Dh ordered some Italian type sandwich, the kids got the pizza sandwich to split. It was all really good, prefect for what we were looking for something fast and not super heavy.

After we ate, the kids gift cards were burning in their hands to spend!
We went to Once Upon a Toy Store, Joey knew right away he wanted to make your own light saber. So Dh helped him do that, it was very cute.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1769.jpg

The girls and I went to the other part of the store, and Emma said she wanted the make your own little pony box thing.. Ok so I ended up spending a good 25min trying to figure out the best way to fit everything in etc, I finally figured it out and got 3 ponies , the bed and ALL the little outfits and most of the accessions!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1770.jpg

We are in line to check out and for whatever reason Emma changes her mind, and doesn’t want it!:sad2: In hind sight I did keep asking her if she was sure, b/c I knew she would play with it now but not so sure once she got home. I guess I put enough doubt in her mind. She said she didn’t want it anymore.. So back in the bins it went.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1771.jpg
Joey's finished product!

We then went over to the Lego store, it was getting late , no one had naps today so attitudes were getting cranky by all. The Lego store was soo crowded, I just didn’t want to deal with it.:scared1: The girls had to go to the bathroom, and we couldn’t find one close. We didn’t realize there was one right next door at the world of Disney until a few days later..
We decided to call it a night and drive back to the hotel. The kids played with some of the things they got and then went to bed. It was probably around 10:30.

Next up: our full day @ MK

Charleston Princess

06-30-2008, 05:45 PM

timandlesley

06-30-2008, 10:13 PM

Great update, thanks for the nice things you said about my family:goodvibes It was great meeting you as well. I am so happy you got to experience RNR, it is such an awesome ride, so sorry for the rain incident and not being able to reach your DH on the cell phone, we had those moments and I know how frustrating that is. So cool both of your kids were picked for Jedi Training! Can't wait to see what happens next.
Lesley

DisneyJo

07-01-2008, 01:22 PM

I can't believe she changed her mind about the pony stuff :rotfl2: At least you now know how to fill the box with everything :lmao:

ampc3

07-01-2008, 07:39 PM

I can totally understand the indecision of children -- wait until you hear about our DtD morning! :rotfl:

We loved Earl of Sandwich for breakfast -- I can't wait to try it for lunch or dinner sometime!!! Your choices sound soooo good!

Joey's lightsaber is VERY cool! :thumbsup2

Great update and you know, I can't wait for more! popcorn::

Thanks Jackie so sweet!

Great update, thanks for the nice things you said about my family:goodvibes It was great meeting you as well. I am so happy you got to experience RNR, it is such an awesome ride, so sorry for the rain incident and not being able to reach your DH on the cell phone, we had those moments and I know how frustrating that is. So cool both of your kids were picked for Jedi Training! Can't wait to see what happens next.
Lesley

OMG, I LOVED RNR that was my favorite!
Yes, the rain incident was no fun, but at least that was the worst of it, we did get caught one more time later in the week, but nothing like that afternoon!

I can't believe she changed her mind about the pony stuff :rotfl2: At least you now know how to fill the box with everything :lmao:

Yes, I do know how to fill the box now, I asked her again when we went back a few days later if she wanted it now, and she still said no...

dddisrunner

07-01-2008, 08:02 PM

Hi! I followed you here from my TR! What a beautiful family you have! So cool that you met other Diser's:thumbsup2 That rain and storm sounds very scary! Looking forward to more!:goodvibes

ampc3

07-01-2008, 09:27 PM

Hi! I followed you here from my TR! What a beautiful family you have! So cool that you met other Diser's:thumbsup2 That rain and storm sounds very scary! Looking forward to more!:goodvibes

Thanks for joining in! I remember your TR... Family of the day! You had such a magical trip! We never did meet the dream team, but we had our own "dreams" given... It was very cool to meet other Diser's especially the ones I did see, I felt like I already "knew " them..

ampc3

07-01-2008, 09:46 PM

Wednesday June 11:Day 4

Our plan today was to be at rope drop and stay until right after lunch, take a break and come back in the evening and do Spectro and Wishes!

Once again, stitch wakes us up around 7. We wake do the usual routine of getting ready and eating some breakfast snacks in the room.
This was our matching shirt day! DH wasn’t thrilled about this idea when I initially told him and showed him the shirts awhile back. However, today he didn’t seem to mind must be the Disney magic getting to him! I really wanted a cute picture of us in front of the castle.

I wanted to be out at the bus stop around 7:45. I think it was closer to 8 by the time we got out there. We had some time to kill before our bus came so we took some silly pictures.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1775.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1776.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1779.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1781.jpg

The bus finally came and we got to the entrance about 8:30. We got a spot up front near the tunnel and the Rental scooters. We waited for the Pre-Show to start, sorry no pictures. My promise to myself next time we go back is to take MORE pictures!!! It was cute, the kids seemed to enjoy it.

Our plan was to get the stroller and head to Tomorrow Land. Since we already did Dumbo and Fantasy Land on Monday morning I thought we should start some where else today.

We got the stroller ,DH took the kids to Astro Orbiter, which they rode twice. I went and got 2 FP for Buzz and 3 FP’s for Space Mt to use later.

I got our FP’s and we headed back over to Buzz, which was still a walk on. We liked this a lot, but compared to TSM @HS it wasn’t as fun. The laser gun was very hard to shoot and actually know where you are shooting at. The best part of that ride is the spinning part.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1783.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1784.jpg
trying to take a picture of the screen , these never did turn out..

I talked the kids out of Speed way, plus it wouldn’t have worked out anyway b/c they are still to little to ride alone and we have and uneven number. So next trip.

We headed over to Fantasy Land and rode Peter Pan also pretty much a walk on. Then DH took the kids on the Tea Cups ( I can’t do spinning rides in circles)While we were there we saw Alice and the Mad Hatter take a spin, again sorry no pictures.

I ran over to Pooh and got FP’s while they were waiting to ride.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1786.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1787.jpg

After the Tea Cups we headed over to Toon Town, I had wanted to make the opening but that didn’t happen again, oh well. Emma was VERY excited to get to ride a roller coaster just for her!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1788.jpg

She LOVED IT, even put her arms up and everything! After that we checked out Mickey and Minnie’s houses. The line to meet them was just to long already and didn’t want to wait. I know mean mom, we said we would try and come back.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1789.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1790.jpg

We decided to take the train over to Frontier Land. The last time we came with Lauren and Joey I had no idea about the whole leave your stroller thing and grab another. So that was so nice to be able to do that.

We took the train over and grabbed our new stroller and headed for BTMR and splash. The standby line wasn’t bad at all for BTMR so DH took Lauren and Joey.

Emma and I went and got 2 FP for BTMR , this and Splash were the only rides that you are able to get your Child Swap passes at the Fast Pass Machines.
The CM asked me if I was sure she wasn’t tall enough, I said no I don’t think so, she seemed to think she was , so she had her get out and measure her she was very excited for us and said she thought she was tall enough, but then when she called over another CM, she said no b/c she could pass her finger through still..

I knew she wasn’t tall enough, but thought no harm in checking. Luckily Emma really had no clue, so she never got upset that it never worked out. So she happily gave us a child swap. Then went to Splash and got 3 FP and our child swap.

Went back over to BTMR just in time for these pictures…

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1791.jpg

They loved the ride! We decided to go check out Aladdin since it is just to much for Emma to wait for 2 ride cycles. Aladdin was a ride we never rode the last time. It was about a 20 min wait or so, not bad.

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1792.jpg

We had lunch ADR’s for Crystal Place @ 11:40 so we were doing a time check about now. We decided to head over there , on the way we ran into this lovely show.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1794.jpg

Emma was loving this, and I just love this picture of her on DH shoulders.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1795.jpg

Then it was time to check in, and only waited about 5 min for them to call us. We were seated in the left hand side by the window towards the back. Our server was great and explained everything, said we had time to go get our food etc.

The line wasn’t that bad, moved pretty quick. The kids enjoyed be able to get their own food so to speak. The food was good , I had some pasta dish that was really good and the meat was very tender and moist. I have to say though that overall our best meals certainly were not character buffets. My expectations aren’t to high at these, it was good but not great.

Well once the characters started to come, that was the end of eating for the kids especially Emma. They came around fast, but I think they spent a fair amount of time considering. Also compared to our Breakfast later in the week, I think Crystal Palace has much better interaction IMHO.

These are my favorite characters… All my kids had the same POOH themed nursery, the pooh with the red shirt!

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1802.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1804.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1805.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1806.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1810.jpg
Tigger was the best! He was soo silly with Joey, he loved it!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1811.jpg

They joined in with the parade and the napkin twirling.

It was about 1:00 when we were done with lunch, time for another set of Fast Passes.. We decided to check out Haunted mansion and get FP’s for Peter Pan. The line for HM said was about 45 min we decided to pass and try our luck later tonight.

Joey and Lauren really wanted to try Splash, so I decided since DH took them on BTMR it would be my turn to do Splash first. Lauren was alittle freaked out that there wasn’t a seat belt, which considering the drop I am alittle surprised by that as well, but Joey was quick to point out that none of the water log rides at Six Flags have seat belts either …

I sat in the middle and tried to put my arm around Lauren to keep her close. This is such a cute ride, they loved it! And luckily we didn’t get to wet at all. .

After this we decided to call it a day, the kids really wanted to get back in the pool and thought we should try and rest since I wanted this to be a late night.. Tomorrow was a sleep in day with no day plans…

On our way out, I REALLY wanted that cute picture of all of us in our matching shirts in front of the castle!! Well Emma is hit or miss when it comes to pictures and if she isn't in the mood, well see for yourself, how my lovely picture turned out,
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1814.jpg
Actually almost ALL of our family pictures look like this!

up next Mk evening ....

IluvXU

07-01-2008, 11:12 PM

WOW! You got a lot done that morning! I thought that MK was super crowded that morning too. Interested to see how long you all made it that night!

MegansMom

07-02-2008, 07:21 AM

Great morning--I'm sure we were all buzzing around each other thinking back to what we did that morning as well--headed to Tomorrowland first as well! Still love the family pic---even if Emma didn't have one of her big gorgeous smiles!!! I love the action pictures of DH and the kids riding the teacups--who was having the MOST fun in that picture???? HMMMMMMM!!!!

cjhinch

07-02-2008, 09:00 AM

What a great update! I just love how when you are taking pictures of your kids, your son tilts his head over to be close to his sisters......it looks so sweet!!

My Allie was a bit too short last year as well. We tried, even with some sandals that had a little heel, but no luck. I had marked on the wall last year to measure her, so I could see if she was close or not, and we just measured her again last week and she has grown 4 inches since September!! So, she will be tall enough this trip!:banana:

I really like that backpack your dh is carrying! What kind is it? We always carry this big backpack that dh used when he was in school.....holds a lot but gets a little bulky!

Oh, and my dh sounds just like yours with the matching t-shirts. He always acts like he wouldn't do it, but when you get there, it is a different story! LOL

Charleston Princess

07-02-2008, 09:34 AM

Oh your pics and update make me want to be back at the Magic Kingdom RIGHT NOW!!! The matching t-shirts are great!!! Did you find them at the Disney Store? I love the silly pictures at the bus stop -- we do things like that when we are waiting, too!

ampc3

07-02-2008, 12:35 PM

WOW! You got a lot done that morning! I thought that MK was super crowded that morning too. Interested to see how long you all made it that night!

It was a green day, so would hate to see a RED morning! (we see a red pm later in the trip tho) WE did get alot done, and this was one of our best days!
stay tuned for how long we lasted...:)

Great morning--I'm sure we were all buzzing around each other thinking back to what we did that morning as well--headed to Tomorrowland first as well! Still love the family pic---even if Emma didn't have one of her big gorgeous smiles!!! I love the action pictures of DH and the kids riding the teacups--who was having the MOST fun in that picture???? HMMMMMMM!!!!

I know, I knew alot of us would be there that day, but I only saw ILUVXU again. Yes aren't the teacups pictures great. Do you think he had a good time? :rotfl: He loves Disney, but won't admit it... I think I have some good family pictures at AK on Photopass, but none at MK :(

What a great update! I just love how when you are taking pictures of your kids, your son tilts his head over to be close to his sisters......it looks so sweet!!

It is just for show believe me :laughing:

My Allie was a bit too short last year as well. We tried, even with some sandals that had a little heel, but no luck. I had marked on the wall last year to measure her, so I could see if she was close or not, and we just measured her again last week and she has grown 4 inches since September!! So, she will be tall enough this trip!:banana:

That is awesome that she can ride now!

I really like that backpack your dh is carrying! What kind is it? We always carry this big backpack that dh used when he was in school.....holds a lot but gets a little bulky!

Actually it was Joey's from school, it did hold alot and it wasn't to bad, I wanted something that I knew DH would and could carry. My dd had a pink super girl one, that I didn't think he would enjoy carrying around :rotfl:

Oh, and my dh sounds just like yours with the matching t-shirts. He always acts like he wouldn't do it, but when you get there, it is a different story! LOL

I don't know if he would want to match around here, but Disney seemed ok..

Oh your pics and update make me want to be back at the Magic Kingdom RIGHT NOW!!! The matching t-shirts are great!!! Did you find them at the Disney Store? I love the silly pictures at the bus stop -- we do things like that when we are waiting, too!

I know as I write the TR I want to hurry back!!! Trying to figure out when we can go again, as it took us almost 2 years to save for this..
yep got the shirts last summer at the Disney Store.

Love your new photo siggy thing Jackie.. very cool:thumbsup2

ampc3

07-02-2008, 03:02 PM

Wednesday MK evening part 2:

So after we left the park and caught a bus back to the hotel, we changed and headed down to the pool for about an hours swim. I wanted to make sure we could “rest” for about an hour and try and get back to the park around 6ish.

Emma didn’t want to wear her matching shirt anymore, so she changed and the rest of us changed back into our same clothes from earlier. We all felt refreshed after swimming and getting alittle rest. My plan was to just get some Counter Service somewhere for dinner once we got in the park.

We caught a bus and walked back into the park alittle after 6 I believe it was. Now I had a whole stack of Fast Passes from earlier plus the child swaps, so we were set! But I still needed some Jungle Cruise FP’s b/c I heard how much fun that is at night. So that is where we headed first and grabbed some FP’s.

We decided to go to BTMR and use our FP from earlier. I went this time since DH went this afternoon. So much fun!! Then DH took them on Splash, the stand by line was like 60 minutes, but not for us… Got out the child swaps and they were on there way.

Emma and I decided to go and get some Popcorn, her all time favorite snack!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1816.jpg

We had a prime waiting spot for Splash,
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1817.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc319/ampc3/Disney%2008/100_1818.jpg

We then decided to check out the Haunted Mansion which was only like a 15 min wait!… I love this ride! And Emma wasn’t scared at all, actually my kids are never scared of things like this, I don’t know if that is good or bad? But they eat this stuff up!!

It was kind of funny and alittle sad too b/c there were a lot of older kids that were really scared or crying, and I could hear the parents point at Emma and say stuff like, look that little girl is half your age, and she isn’t scared etc.. Now if my kids DIDN’T want to ride something, I would NEVER make them just b/c I did… I witnessed that a lot this trip on all the scarier rides. After HM we decided to head back over to Toontown (we also grabbed another set of FP for PP) On our way over to Toontown we stopped for potty breaks , then our mission was Goofy’s Barnstormer!

As we were walking I passed ILUVXU and her crew again, I smiled and waved but not sure you saw us? (There is one more time I saw you but again wasn’t sure you saw us)

The line was only like 15 min, yeah! Emma absolutely loves this ride. DH rode with her this time since I got to earlier. We ended up getting back in line again b/c she loves it so much! We went thru the houses again, and checked out the line for meeting them. She soo wanted to meet Minnie. Nope still to long of a line, I know I know, I told you I was mean mom when it came to stuff like this. But they would rather ride rides than wait in lines for pictures and autographs for sure! After ToonTown we took the secret red path (I think that is what TGM calls it?)over to TomorrowLand. NO ONE was on it! The kids thought that was pretty neat, and ran down it like crazy wild children.

DH , Lauren and Joey were ready to try out Space Mt! The FP line was sortof backed up, but once we made our way up, we realized it was just a big group of people waiting for their return time! OK people, move aside please, you don’t have to stand in FRONT of the entrance. This part was kindof of a pain, b/c Emma always had to come with me to get the swaps etc.. So she saw Emma and clearly knew she wasn’t tall enough, so handed me the Swap. The plan was for DH to take L, &J on Space while I used the FP from this morning on Buzz then we would swap out, since I really wanted to ride this tonight! I wanted to see Spectro and Wishes also!
We picked our meeting spot, and went on our way.

Buzz didn’t take to long to do, and afterwards we went and waited in our spot, but I overheard the lady next to me who just came off the ride say, even the FP line right now was alittle backed up. So I decided to take Emma on TTA since we have never done that before and it was a walk on. They ended up calling me to say they were done just before we got off. So the timing would have been perfect if we didn’t try and wait alittle first.

We did a time check and I realized it was way to close to the parade time now, to even try and get a seat. Since this was planned to be a late night, we decided to plan on the last Spectro show @11:00. We’ll see if they make it??

Well since we decided to skip the parade now, I took Lauren and Joey back on Space with the swap and Dh took Emma back to Buzz, the stand by line wasn’t bad. Picked our meeting place again, and were off!

The standby line for Space was something like 70 minutes, it felt liked we just walked and walked past everyone right up to the front (which we sortof did) It also feels like everyone is starring at you trying to figure out how you got past them all? At this point my kids had become FP experts as well, and would say “mommy why would anyone wait in those LONG lines when they can do a FP?” I would say “ I don’t know, but aren’t you glad you don’t have too!” of course it is more complicated than that for many different reasons, but WE never waited in ANY long lines!!!!

This ride is soo awesome, it jerks you around a lot but still very cool! It’s a classic. When we met back up Emma was grumpy b/c DH took her back on TTA, and she didn’t want to do it again! Oh well… So I thought we better try and find a spot for wishes now, the crowds were all coming back into the park area since the parade was over.

The last time we were here with the older kids, we really didn’t get to see Wishes we were in the other side of the park and just couldn’t find a good spot. So this time I was determined to find the perfect spot, and knew I wanted to be on the Tomorrowland bridge under Tinks wire facing the Castle. We got lucky right up front near the railing… There are soo many good spots on the bridge.

I broke out all my little special surprises for the kids, glow sticks, necklaces and those spinning things that I had been saving for years! We even gave a glow stick this little girl that was behind us. The kids loved it~!

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It was also at this point that I realized, oops we did it again…we never ate dinner! So we still have like 20 min until wishes. I run over to something in Tommorowland to the right, it just closed like 10 min ago! The line at the launching pad was wayy to long, and I wasn’t going to try to get to Cosmic Ray’s and miss Wishes, so I brought out the snacks I had packed and said sorry.
I was trying to explain the whole Tinks wire thing above us, and how Tink will fly over us. (Remember how I said a few days ago, when Lauren woke up tink she would have doubts later…) Well they were soo excited to see Tink fly.

I had never seen this before either and didn’t know what to expect, wow that is soo amazing, what a cool job! So when she flies over, Lauren just looks at me and says that it isn’t Tink… I woke her up, and she is little like a fairy, THAT Tink is big like a lady.. Joey and Emma are just looking at me to say whether she is real or not!! THE PRESSURE….

I didn’t know what to say, b/c I don’t want to ruin any of the magic for others etc, I said well that yes I think Tink is real, and she is being carried by the Tink lady helper since she is so little! I am not sure they bought it or not but they didn’t ask again.

Wishes is the most amazing show ever, with the music and the castle changing colors the whole time, just breathtaking… I did get alittle weepy like everyone else I am sure. Just taking it all in with my family and seeing their smiles!
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After it was over we, and thousands of our closest friends made our way back over to Fantasyland to use our FP for Winnie and PP, again loonngg lines but not for us! (I think ILUVXU I saw you and Hannah in one of these lines behind us?)

It was getting close to 11 and I really wanted to do the Jungle cruise at night, so we walked very fast over to JC and got the last boat for the night. We were the last people to board everyone else was already on board. They tried to embarrass us and asked us some questions, but we weren’t really paying attention since it all happened to quick to get on.

Emma kept asking if everything was real, I would just ask her what she thought and left it alone. Sometimes she would say it was real and others times she would say it was fake. It was very cute and fun at night, I really recommend doing this at night!

When we were done and working our way over to Liberty Square to watch Spectro, we passed Aloha Isle which was still opened! I have never had a dole float before. I got the Dole Whip and Float for us to all share. I enjoyed the Whip but loved the Float! The kids surprisingly didn’t like it, said it was to much pineapple. We found a spot ( we at this time there were A LOT of spots)across from Sleepy Hollow. We should have gotten a funnel cake but the line looked to long, but boy did those look good! At this point the kids were starting to run out of steam! They were doing great but could tell they were ready to call it a night!

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Emma would get really tired than a burst of energy would come through, I guess the prime traits of “over tired” We stayed for the parade which is so cute! Don’t know why I didn’t get any pictures of this either!?!?

The bus wasn’t that bad when we left b/c at MK POR has there own bus~yea!! can’t remember if we were able to sit down or not but made is home and snacked some more in the room and promised the kids a good breakfast! Over all this was just a GREAT day we accomplished soo much and we even had a few swaps left over from splash and BTMR that we didn’t get to use. I completely get the whole theory behind TGM not park hopping now! It was so great to be able to use our FP from the day and not worrying about getting more and what time etc…

Up next our sleep in day.. Do we actually sleep in? And more plans for HS!