The “Don’t Lick That!” trip report – WL in January - Updated 2/1 with pics!

[distherapy]

Welcome to my second trip report. I gotta relive the fun...:cool1:

Who:
Me – 34, Disney obsessed planner. Disboard lurker extraordinaire. Fan of good food, good (and not-so-good) wine and all that yummy stuff.

DH – 36, thought I was crazy last year at our first trip to Disney. Quickly grew to appreciate the hours upon hours (upon hours) I spent on the disboards. In fact, on this trip, he actually dreamt about the dis… impressive.

And the twins - :hyper2:
DD, 4.5 – Was terrified of mostly every ride last year, especially Peter Pan. Yet she loved Soarin’. Go figure.

DS, 4.5 – Says he wants to go FAST (but does he, really?). Rode BTMRR last year at 3.5 and wasn’t scared of anything.

Where:

Wilderness Lodge. Our first time here – last time we stayed at the GF, thinking it was a once in many years trip. I was excited for the theming, thinking DH would enjoy it as much as the kids, but I was nervous about the lack of monorail – we’d been so spoiled last time.

When:

January 22-27 – Last year we went in February and were thrilled with the low crowds. Hoped for the same thing this year (and I think you probably already know where I’m going with this… :crowded:)

What & Why:

This part y’all all know already – fabulous family vacation because WDW is fabulous. DH was happy last year with the food (and booze), as was I. I was a crazy dining planner again and made ADRs at:

CRT (twice – it was the only place my son wanted to repeat, so we made breakfast and lunch reservations here)
CP – love their breakfasts
The Wave:wave:
Artist Point
Biergarten
WCC
California Grill
Mama Melrose’s
Hoop De Doo
Tusker House breakfast

Yeah, we did the Deluxe Dining Plan. It was DH’s only request from our previous trip. That and he wanted to repeat the drinking around the world at Epcot. He was so jealous this year when he saw people with special “Drink Around the World” T-shirts…

Well –that’s the start! Be back soon with our arrival day, the DME, and our first Disney parade (the new one at MK!)

[trixiequilts]

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

Did he get a shirt???

[distherapy]

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

Did he get a shirt???

Ha! If he'd had the big beer at Biergarten he may have asked for one... It was hysterical watching the group. DH kept keeping track of them (for some reason, we did an absurd amount of backtracking the World Showcase - oh yeah, I remember - we wanted more margaritas!:rotfl: ) and would comment that they didn't seem to be progressing very far... Of course, anything we said to them made us feel like comedy superstars. Those guys were mostly drunk so they would laugh at anything.:rotfl2:

[trixiequilts]

Ha! If he'd had the big beer at Biergarten he may have asked for one... It was hysterical watching the group. DH kept keeping track of them (for some reason, we did an absurd amount of backtracking the World Showcase - oh yeah, I remember - we wanted more margaritas!:rotfl: ) and would comment that they didn't seem to be progressing very far... Of course, anything we said to them made us feel like comedy superstars. Those guys were mostly drunk so they would laugh at anything.:rotfl2:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
It's always an ego boost to talk to drunks...they always think you're so cool (and pretty)!

[distherapy]

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:
It's always an ego boost to talk to drunks...they always think you're so cool (and pretty)!

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[distherapy]

Pics are coming! I feel like I need a warning - Next update brought to you by Wordy McWorderson. I am looooong-winded...even online.

[distherapy]

So finally, the day was here – the countdown chain was finished, the dogs were off to “camp”, and we were loaded up for the airport. Last year, our plane was filled with cheerleaders and dance teams, this year it was full of businesspeople. I have to say, I think I liked the cheerleaders better – at least it made for an entertaining flight…:cheer2:

The flight was uneventful and soon we landed in Orlando (I was watching Mad Men episodes on my iPod – that made time go quickly!). We took the mini-monorail and soon were in line at DME. The line was fairly long (our first clue that the parks wouldn’t be as empty as we’d hoped) and as this was our first line of the vacation, it was also the first time an interesting phenomenon would happen – one that followed us the whole trip. We’d enter a long line and wait and wait and then turn around to see no one got in line behind us. Seriously, you want a short line? Enter one 20 minutes behind us. It will be empty. We are Line Killers.:confused3

Finally made it through and went to the teeny red carpet, only to be swarmed and surrounded by… could it be? Yes, yes, it was. A Brazilian tour group. Already.

Whee.

We got in line for the WL/GF/Poly bus and watched as bus after bus from the bigger resorts went off and we waited. A kid started screaming hysterically a few feet away and I heard the woman behind me whisper to her traveling companion, “There is no crying in Disney World.” I really wanted to ask her if she was a DISer:wave2: , but I’m afraid I would have freaked her out.

Anyway, we continued to wait and the kid continued to scream. Seeing as I had two potential screamers at my feet, I knew better than to judge out loud… but man, it was something. The dad was standing over the kid, watching, obviously determined to not give in. I respect that, but dude – let him have the fit somewhere else, please! The kid was screaming so loud it made my teeth hurt. I wanted some Disney magic, not a migraine.:scared:

Finally we had a busload, so we filed onto the bus and grabbed our seats. The kids wanted to sit together, so we sat across the aisle, shared some sandwiches (it was around noon) and did the crazy parenting stare – making sure they didn’t kick the seats in front or otherwise disturb the other people on the bus. Before long, we pulled up to the Poly (which DH teased me about because I only call it the “Poly” and forget it really has a longer name. Oops) and then the GF. Molly, my DD, calls it “Hotel” and was a little sad we weren’t staying there again. A few minutes later, we arrived at the WL. It was beautiful pulling up and I hurried in to check in.

My CM seemed a little nervous – I’m guessing he was new, although I don’t remember if he had a training badge on. He handed over the gift card (I signed for it) and the boxes of water and snacks we ordered from Costco a few days before. He showed me our room on a map (upgrade from Woods view to inner courtyard view). I thanked him enthusiastically, even though I didn’t mind a Woods view, and he was all excited to be thanked. It was cute.
DH picked up our double rental stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals (it was AWESOME. Way better than our stroller at home and cheaper than renting in the parks). We quickly peeked into our room – 4015 – GREAT location for us. Near Roaring Forks and the boat dock. We loaded up, threw the water in the fridge and got ready to head for the boat dock.

I realized then that I had packed Lysol in the checked luggage and I had wanted to spray the room down because I was terrified of the dreaded stomach bug. I knew people in WDW were getting it (the scary threads made me paranoid) and people here at home were getting it, too. I am not a germaphobe generally - in fact, I'm probably the opposite of one - I believe life is full of "immunity building" experiences. Anyway, that attitude didn't help when the first thing my son did was walk to the sliding glass door and lick it. Yes, he licked it. The boy is not a licker, a sucker, or chewer, but for some reason, he walked into what I thought was a petri dish and LICKED the door.:crazy2:

I freaked.

"DON'T LICK THAT!!!" and tried not to notice the giant wet mark across the whole door.

So with that, we left the room and grabbed a boat to the MK.

[crzyred]

:rotfl2: HE LICKED THE DOOR?!?! :scared: :rotfl2:

Oh boy...

I think it's funny that you talk about booze so much! Thats great. I made my brother a shirt for our EPCOT day saying "Conquering The World, One Beer At A Time". He loved it!

Great start, can't wait to hear more!:goodvibes

[distherapy]

:rotfl2: HE LICKED THE DOOR?!?! :scared: :rotfl2:

Oh boy...

I think it's funny that you talk about booze so much! Thats great. I made my brother a shirt for our EPCOT day saying "Conquering The World, One Beer At A Time". He loved it!

Great start, can't wait to hear more!:goodvibes

Yes - he licked the door! Now you know why I talk about booze so much!:sad2:

[jana616]

I am subbing, can't wait to read more of your report! Your family sounds just like mine (I have a 4 yo DS and 18 month old DS, planning our first trip with them for Sept.). I laughed out loud at the "don't lick that"-we've all been there!

[jenjolt]

I love it!!! Great update!! I'm sorry you had to deal with crowds and the brazilian tour groups!!

Okay I don't mean to laugh but it is hilarious that your son walked right up and liked the screen door LOL...I could just imagine the look of horror on your face!! Well I am definitely subscribing!! Can't wait to hear more!

[distherapy]

I am subbing, can't wait to read more of your report! Your family sounds just like mine (I have a 4 yo DS and 18 month old DS, planning our first trip with them for Sept.). I laughed out loud at the "don't lick that"-we've all been there!

Thanks! I'm so excited for you and your trip. You're going to have a great time!:cheer2:

I love it!!! Great update!! I'm sorry you had to deal with crowds and the brazilian tour groups!!

Okay I don't mean to laugh but it is hilarious that your son walked right up and liked the screen door LOL...I could just imagine the look of horror on your face!! Well I am definitely subscribing!! Can't wait to hear more!

Ha! I know - I couldn't help but laugh even when it happened. I still can't believe we didn't all get sick...

[trixiequilts]

Ha! I know - I couldn't help but laugh even when it happened. I still can't believe we didn't all get sick...

How unfair. He goes around licking things at the most popular tourist destination in the world and doesn't get sick...I was constantly washing and sanitizing my hands, and got sick the third day we were there. :sad2: :rotfl2:

[mom2meiko]

lol. sounds like you were off to a great start! can't wait for the next installment! :)

[coffeehousemom]

Way too funny can't wait for more.:rotfl2:

[Beep]

I'm settling down with my popcorn:: for this TR - can't wait for the updates! i love your syle of writing :goodvibes

[Northern Disney Girl]

I'm here! :flower3: I so totally need me some DISTHERAPY! :cheer2: bring it on! :cool1: I tried to watch out for you a few times at the WL, but no luck! :)

[distherapy]

Whee! Y'all are giving me quite the ego boost! I'll do my next update in the morning!

And Kimberly - I looked for you too! I was bummed I never saw anyone I "knew"!

[dvc at last !]

When I read your son " licked the door "
I knew I must read your TR !
If he does not get sick it may become the " In " thing to do !
Forget that Lysol !

:cool1:

[Vexorg]

Hmmm... This sounds like it's about to get a whole lot more unfortunate.

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I'm in! Sounds Hilarious - and I'm not even drinking ;) (much) :lmao:

[MindyLuvsMickey]

OMG! That is too funny . . . grabbing an adult bevvie (at 7 am on a Sunday morning) and waiting for more!

[distherapy]

When I read your son " licked the door "
I knew I must read your TR !
If he does not get sick it may become the " In " thing to do !
Forget that Lysol !

:cool1:

ha! Woohoo - I told you - I'm all about immunity building...:rotfl:

Hmmm... This sounds like it's about to get a whole lot more unfortunate.

Ohh there will be some good times, and some crazy times...:angel:

I'm in! Sounds Hilarious - and I'm not even drinking ;) (much) :lmao:

Ha! Welcome!;)

OMG! That is too funny . . . grabbing an adult bevvie (at 7 am on a Sunday morning) and waiting for more!

Awesome! Mimosa maybe? Bloody Mary? You gotta celebrate SuperBowl Sunday! :rotfl:

[distherapy]

Okay, so we checked in, found the room –

Saw Hidden Mickey in towels on bed – check

Potty break – check

Lick door – check

Load up the stroller – check

It was now 2:25 and I really wanted the kids to see a parade, so we found our way to the boat dock (lovely) and a boat was already approaching. I did a quick prayer that the transportation karma would continue…pirate:

We’d never entered the MK in the middle of the afternoon before, so it was pleasant to not have to have a strategy for bag check and the turnstiles, but it also was a little unnerving. We walked in and everyone was sitting for the parade, so we didn’t know what to do. Try for a ride first? Find a spot? They were TONS by the train station and entrance to Main Street, so of course, we didn’t stay there. (Don’t ask me why, I was obviously delusional). We headed down until we got in front of Main Street Bakery (hmm, maybe I did have a plan…) and found some empty curb. And waited. And waited. And waited.

It was probably 2:45 when we entered the park, and it was just bizarre to go into the MK and immediately sit down and not do anything. I don’t recommend it. I do, however, recommend a snack.

To pass the time, I picked up some chocolate covered Mickey head rice krispie treats. The kids loved them…for about 5 bites. Oh well, it did pass some time.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/distherapy/Disney%202009/IMG_0708.jpg


Then we waited some more. I knew the parade was the new one and involved stops and starts like the DHS parade, but it seemed extra sloooooooooow making its way down the street. So slow, in fact, that well after 3 (I knew we were at the end of the route, but beginning of the trip impatience and the stop and start parade are not a good mix), we gave up and decided to ride some rides while everyone else waited.

We caught up with the parade at the Hub (maybe 3:20ish?) and realized our mistake. It’s hard to show your kids their first MK parade while you run away from it:sad2: . We parked the stroller and put them on our shoulders, but the crowd was about 10 people deep. They saw some and were fine when we made a break for Buzz Lightyear just before the parade ended.

We grabbed FPs for Buzz – the standby line was long (40 minutes, maybe?) and asked the kids what they wanted to ride. Molly asked for the Teacups (yeesh – I didn’t want to barf from the stomach bug and I didn’t want to barf from the teacups) and Alex quickly agreed. I knew the wait wouldn’t be awful, so we headed to Fantasyland.

As I hoped, the line was short and moved quickly. Watching the ride, I remembered that last year I had this master plan to sit in one of the “inner” teacups because they wouldn’t spin as fast as the “outer” teacups. In fact, I even shared this genius plan on my trip report. This time I looked more closely – there is no “inner” and “outer” – the cups spin over the whole ride.:lmao:

I am an idiot. (and about to be a dizzy idiot):faint:

DH wanted to spin that cup like no one has ever spun a cup. I wanted to hold it still. He won.

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/distherapy/Disney%202009/IMG_0719.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/distherapy/Disney%202009/IMG_0712.jpg

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj81/distherapy/Disney%202009/IMG_0717.jpg
Amazingly enough, I felt less sick than last year when I tried to hold it still. Crazy.

Up next – can we terrify some 4 year olds?:scared1:

[AshClan]

Well, your title pulled me in! What adorable pictures! Those looks of joy on the kids faces above are what it's all about.:thumbsup2

And the chocolate covered mickey heads were a good idea. I can't think of a better way to rid oneself of that "door" taste!!;)

[sss]

1. i'm subscribing
2. I have twin girls, age 6..we took them to wdw for the first time at 14 months...in October we are going back for our fifth trip as a family (we now have a 3rd DD age 4 but i'll mention her in point #3, lol) and we can't think of a better place to take our gang.
3. Our DD #3, age 4 hates rides too....she could meet characters all day but hates rides except for small world and maybe dumbo on a good day...lol...it took a while, but i've grown to respect it, not fight it, with very few exceptions, lol. Oh, and after much protest, she LOVED Turtle Time with Crush.
Can't wait to read more.
Thanks.
sss

[figment52]

I can't wait for more. Keep the updates coming.

Next time you are on the teacups - as they start to spin focus on one spot within your cup and do not change your focus for the duration of the ride. That way you don't notice the spinning because the spot you are looking at never changes. Ok easier said than done with kids but you get the idea. The more your try to take in, the more you notice the motion.

Can't wait for the trip around EPCOT. Thanks for writing.

[jenjolt]

Great update!! Love it!! I never did get to see an afternoon parade, I'm glad your kids were able to see a bit of it!!!

Teacups are a no go for me...but you guys looked like you had so much fun on them!!

Update more soon!!

[vassar36]

great start!!:thumbsup2

can't wait to hear some more:)

[MindyLuvsMickey]

Loved the teacup pics! Glad you made it off alive.

[distherapy]

Hey y'all! Thanks so much for reading! I have a house full of sick people, so I'm being a little slow with the updates. Hope to have something new soon!

[trixiequilts]

You poor thing! :hug: I hope everyone feels better soon!