Our Family's 1st Trip to the "World"!

[rosedolph]

It seems like everyone else is doing it, and it looks like fun, and I want a way to really remember my family’s first trip to Disney so - why not – let’s write a trip report (and a Pre-Trip report)! I will have to think of a really catchy TR name, and I will try and be witty so that everyone will be entertained. (but there are no promises!)

So let’s begin! Here we are –
Melissa, the mom (that’s me - and yes that is a big, plastic, orange dog I am sitting on.),
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/mel.jpg

Randy, the dad ( and my best friend),
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/randy.jpg

Hannah, the 4 yr old (not Hannah Montana but Hannah Banana), and Emma, the 2 yr old (don’t let her cuteness fool you).
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/ehDance.jpg

Yep that is us – my wonderful family! We also have a beagle named Snickers, a parakeet named Kitty-Bob, and some fish – just in case you were wondering.

This is our first “family” trip to Disney – and did I mention that we also have 10 other family members going? Yes, I know – CRAZY!

You see it all started 6 years ago…

Having grown up in north Florida I went to DW a lot when I was younger – you know school trips, church youth groups, family outings. Randy had also gone a few times when he was younger, but neither of us had stayed in a Disney Resort. So we went for 8 days/ 7 nights and we stayed at All-Star Movies. It was a very special trip (We celebrated our 4th anniversary) and we had a great time. We knew that we wanted to share Disney with our children and decided that when our kid was 5 we would go back to Disney. At this point in our life we had no children and we had no idea who that “kid” would be – but we knew we wanted to come back for their 5th birthday! And guess what? 1 year after our Disney trip we had our first daughter – Hannah, and she will be celebrating her 5th birthday at Disney!

We started planning and saving for our trip 3 years ago. I guess really the only planning we did was pick which week to go, there is not really a lot of planning you can do 3 years out. We also told all of our extended family that we were going and invited them along. Well, 2 years and 11 months later we have our trip totally planned and paid for, as well as 10 other family members joining is. The extended crew is – Grace (my mother), Melody (my sister), Michelle (my sister) – they will be at Disney for 3 days. And then Randy’s entire family is coming for the whole trip. There will be – Janice (his mom), David (his dad), Kisha (his sister), Brent (his brother in law), Ashlee (niece), Brittney (niece), and Bridget (his sister).

So here is our trip info:
Trip Dates: May 9 – 16 2009
Resort- Coronado Springs
Celebrating – Hannah’s 5th birthday and our 10th anniversary

Up Next – How many ways can you celebrate a Disney trip?

PTR 2 - Count Down Links, Jelly Fish, and Dog Food? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31419483#post31419483

PTR 3 - My Husband is my HERO!http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31442690#post31442690

PTR 4 - To Infinity and Beyond!http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31460978#post31460978

PTR 5 - Where is my Hot Glue Gun?http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31466103#post31466103

PTR 6 - Bring on the Disney Plans Already! http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31524573#post31524573

PTR 7 - 10 Days to go - lets have a tea party!http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31603421#post31603421

PTR 8 - On a Side Note... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31650698#post31650698

Trip Report - Day 0 - Arrival and a little bit of MK http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31871153#post31871153

Trip Report - Day 1 - Mother's Day at Epcothttp://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31920715&posted=1#post31920715

Trip Report - Day 1 Part 2http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31939589#post31939589

Trip Report - Day 2 - Sick Day and Magic Kingdomhttp://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2153658&page=4

[rosedolph]

Hey! Thanks for coming back! :goodvibes
So are you ready for our next installment of our PTR? Here it goes -

At 60 days out we decided to start our count down links, and we would have a special night every 10 days.

So here is a quick review of our fun Disney nights so far:

60 Days – Disney Breakfast
We had yummy Mickey Pancakes.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/empancake.jpghttp://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/hanpancake.jpg

We also made our Trip Links Count and watched a Disney Classic - Cinderella
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/links.jpg

50 Days – Nemo
We ate fish sticks, mac & cheese seashells, and veggies.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/nemofood.jpg

We played with the jellyfish balloons and watched Nemo
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/jellyfish.jpg

40 Days – UnBirthday (it was the day after my birthday so it was fitting)
We had a crazy tea party with funky colored tea (white grape juice and food coloring), and unbirthday cake.
*Oh No! I some how deleted the pictures of the food! I hope you aren't too disappointed. Sorry - I know everyone wanted to see our Funky Tea!

We played un-birthday party games (un-pin the tale on the donkey and goose, goose, duck) and watched Alice in Wonder Land.
Here is Hannah taking the tail OFF the donkey (Eeyore was drawn by Randy)
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/game1.jpg

When it was my turn to play I couldn't find the tail - it wasn't on Eeyore. Where is that tail? (my sister Michelle/Aunt Mimi is in the background. She will be joining us for 3 days in Disney)
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/game2.jpg

30 Days – Lady and the Tramp
We ate Spaghetti and Meatballs (of course!) and watched Lady and the tramp.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/Speg.jpg

Then we gathered all our doggie friends and watched Lady and the Tramp – while eating “Dog Food”.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/dogchow.jpg





Day 20 – What Disney magic will we come up with next?

[rosedolph]

We have been looking and looking for Mini M&M in the tubes. Well we couldn't find them anywhere! And every store person we asked told us that they were no longer selling them. The only place we could find them was on ebay!

Well this evening Randy stopped by a small drug store on his way home and he found them! I am so happy that we have our pressed pennies containers! I am sure our trip would not have been the same with out them. :)

I have been busy today making bows and finishing up shirts. Now I can start on the pressed pennies containers. I will post pictures tomorrow! Woo-Hoo only 19 days to go!

[my2disneyboys]

Your girls are adorable! We do Disney Nights too!!! I cant wait to hear about your plans!!

[chicagoshannon]

I love your TR! I have a 2 year old too and will be at Disney while you're there!

I've seen those mini M&M tubes at Factory Card Outlet in case you need more and have one of those stores near you.

I love your countdown rings. Where did you find those? I have some but they aren't as cute as yours!

[wlwilliams9]

Great PTR! I love the Disney Nights! Your girls are adorable! We have a 2yo too and will be at Disney 5/7-5/17 so we'll see you there!

[longing2Batdisney]

I love that you are able to do Disney nights... I also love your count down rings, I will have to remember that for our next trip...when DS turns 5 I dream to stay at AKL.
We do Disney movies everyday for nap time, but no theme dinners. I don't know if DS2 gets it or not. He was just introduced to Woody & Buzz and yesterday we did Bolt.

Your family is adorable;)
Can't wait to hear more... ya'll sound like you will have a great time with all the family...

[rosedolph]

Your girls are adorable! We do Disney Nights too!!! I cant wait to hear about your plans!!
Thanks! Disney nights are so fun I think we will have to continue after our trip! You know - so the magic never stops! :wizard:
I love your TR! I have a 2 year old too and will be at Disney while you're there!

I've seen those mini M&M tubes at Factory Card Outlet in case you need more and have one of those stores near you.

I love your countdown rings. Where did you find those? I have some but they aren't as cute as yours!

We should have a 2 yr old get together! wlwilliams also has a 2 yr old, maybe we can all do Dumbo! :laughing:

We don't have a Factory Card Outlet, but with as big as Nashville TN is I thought they would be easier to find. :confused3

I found the countdown rings right here on Disboards! Let me find the DISigner who made them and I will give you the link.

Great PTR! I love the Disney Nights! Your girls are adorable! We have a 2yo too and will be at Disney 5/7-5/17 so we'll see you there!

Thanks! Disney nights are the bomb! :cool1:
We should have a 2 yr old get together! Chicagoshannon also has a 2 yr old, maybe we can all do Dumbo! :laughing:

[my2disneyboys]

Thanks! Disney nights are so fun I think we will have to continue after our trip! You know - so the magic never stops! :wizard:


We should have a 2 yr old get together! wlwilliams also has a 2 yr old, maybe we can all do Dumbo! :laughing:

We don't have a Factory Card Outlet, but with as big as Nashville TN is I thought they would be easier to find. :confused3

I found the countdown rings right here on Disboards! Let me find the DISigner who made them and I will give you the link.



Thanks! Disney nights are the bomb! :cool1:
We should have a 2 yr old get together! Chicagoshannon also has a 2 yr old, maybe we can all do Dumbo! :laughing:

I like the 2 year old get together! Can Owen come! ? :lmao: He is almost 2!!

[chicagoshannon]

The 2 year old get together would be fun. Unfortunately I'll be with family that don't really get the whole dis thing so meets aren't going to happen this time. :(

[longing2Batdisney]

We have a Party City here...they always have a stand of the M&M tubes by the registers. What about other hobby stores I have also seen them at Michael's. Probably Hobby Lobby, too!

Too, bad I go a few weeks behind, DS2 would have loved that (the Dumbo ride).

[shordiebecka]

So exciting, your first trip!!!! Can't wait to hear more. It's so close! Any exciting Disney nights before you leave?

[rosedolph]

I love that you are able to do Disney nights... I also love your count down rings, I will have to remember that for our next trip...when DS turns 5 I dream to stay at AKL.
We do Disney movies everyday for nap time, but no theme dinners. I don't know if DS2 gets it or not. He was just introduced to Woody & Buzz and yesterday we did Bolt.
The AKL looks really neat, and I hear there are some rooms with views of the animals! Don't worry - pretty soon you DS will be all about things like Disney shows. My 4 yr old is the reason why my 2 yr old is so up to date on Disney. :)
Your family is adorable;)
Can't wait to hear more... ya'll sound like you will have a great time with all the family...
More is on the way! We do have a great time - it is not hard for me to think like a kid! :upsidedow
The 2 year old get together would be fun. Unfortunately I'll be with family that don't really get the whole dis thing so meets aren't going to happen this time. :(
I know how that is to travel with non-believers. :sad2:
But I am sure you will have a great time anyway!
We have a Party City here...they always have a stand of the M&M tubes by the registers. What about other hobby stores I have also seen them at Michael's. Probably Hobby Lobby, too!
I did not think about Party City, but we tried the others. I couldn't believe that when ever I didn't want to buy them my kids would find them EVERYWHERE, but the moment I needed (yes - NEEDED) them, they disappeared.:headache: Thankfully I don't have to worry about it anymore - we have 12! (well 11 I gave one away to Hannah's friend)

Too, bad I go a few weeks behind, DS2 would have loved that (the Dumbo ride).
The Dumbo ride is all Emma (my 2 yr old) talks about. It must be a 2 yr old thing?
So exciting, your first trip!!!! Can't wait to hear more. It's so close! Any exciting Disney nights before you leave?
It's a surprise, so you will have to wait and see!:rolleyes1 (we have 1 more and then something special the night we leave. The funny thing is that it does still surprise the girls every time! It is great to be 2 and 4 yrs old!)

[chicagoshannon]

We watch Dumbo here at least twice a week. It will be the first ride we go on. I can't wait to see Madeline's face!

[rosedolph]

Sunday was our day 20 on our countdown to Disney Bliss. We celebrated Toy Story style with pizza -
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/Pizza-2.jpg

And we had yummy Mickey Mouse rice crispy treats! (I know this is not from Toy Story - but I couldn't think of anything else. :))
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/ricemickey-1.jpg

Of course we enjoyed our feast picnic style while watching Toy Story. :happytv:

A lot of people have commented on the Disney Nights so I thought I would share the link that got us started. Randy was actually the one who found it and started us with Disney Nights way back at our 60 days mark.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1707141

Our Count Down Rings/Links also came from the Disboards. We have always had count down rings to help the kids see how many days are left. But when it came to our Disney trip I wanted something different than our average construction paper links. I hadn't decided on what I wanted to make when I came across this post -
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2018621&highlight=countdown+links

If your not looking for Christmas designs than just skip a few pages.

My girls love the links and they hate to throw them away when we pull them off. In fact there have been a couple of times that I have had to sneak the links into the trash after bed time. :rolleyes1

So today I have been very busy with my magic Disney glue gun, creating things for our trip. I have lots of pictures but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Until then I will leave you with these pictures. They don't have anything to do with our trip but I thought they were cute. :cutie:

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/EmmaFish.jpghttp://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/Hannahfish.jpg

My dad just sent us pictures of a huge fish he caught on a fishing trip, so Hannah and Emma wanted to show him the fish they caught while visiting Randy's parents. :rotfl:

PTR - 5 Where is my hot glue gun?

[rosedolph]

So I would like to think of myself as being creative. At least I like to think that – weather I am or not is totally subjective. :goodvibes At least at their age my DDs don’t mind my “creativeness.” For this trip my creativeness was on over-drive. And I blame it all on the Disboard!:headache: They have pages and pages of ideas for shirts, journals, activity pages, and even hair bows! So I could not help myself. ( DH -:sad2:)
It all started with shirts – just 1 family shirt for our group (remember we have 14 people), and how about 1 for just my family, and 1 special one for each girl, but wait – the girls would really love that one too, and I found a Mother’s day design for me, and oh my goodness is that a Green Bay Packer Mickey for Randy… You see where this is going. (again DH - :sad2:)
After it was all done I have over 30 shirts I wanted to make – I am not joking! My wonderful husband, lovingly and kindly sat me down and explained to me how much money it would cost to make all those shirts (ink, transfer paper, shirts):scared1:. I realized then that I would rather GO to Disney than just wear a shirt about Disney – so I cut back. I picked 2 shirts for DH and me, 4 shirts for the girls, and 1 family shirt for us. So I was able to go from 30 shirts to 7 shirts (ok I cheated a little, I also made my Mom a shirt for mother’s day, and my sister a shirt for her birthday – but they don’t count because their presents.) Once again DH - :sad2: He said that denial is the first sign of a problem - I have no idea what he is talking about.
I also found that the awesome DISignsers will customize a design for you so those 7 shirts look so much better than the shirts I came up with.

I started making the shirts this week – and I was really nervous!!! The first shirts I made were actually b-day presents (I cheated again :rolleyes1) for my nephews and niece – they are going to DW in July, and one shirt for Emma. I read everything I could about the transfers and followed all the advice and well…
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/shirts1.jpg

I think they came out GREAT! They only thing I would do differently would be to make design a little larger on the white shirt, but beside that no problems.(I did turn my kitchen table a little brown in one spot. Oops!) Hopefully I can finish the rest of the shirts this weekend.

So the next thing I wanted to make was hair bows for the girls. I NEVER thought I could do this but I found some free instructions on hair bows and it looked easy enough. (HaHa!:lmao:) I made 2 for Easter and 1 for my niece and I think I am getting it down. You can definitely tell they are improving the more I make. The little Minnie Clips are truly the easiest ones to make – and they look soooo cute!
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/minniebows.jpg

Here is the shirt and bow I made for my niece. I am actually thinking about taking the bow apart and remaking it - I am afraid it is too long for her little head.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/emilys.jpg

I also have some “Travel Journals” and Disney Activity booklets (for the plane trip) to print off and get into folders. Again – all thanks to Disboards. :love:What would I have done with out this website?

Up Next – Bring on the Disney Plans already!

[chicagoshannon]

Very cute stuff! I love the star wars shirts and the bows!

Are you from WI? I was born and raised there! Now I'm stuck in yucky IL!

[my2disneyboys]

Those Minnie clips are so cute. You are so talented!!

[longing2Batdisney]

I love the minnie clips, soooo cute, and I love all three t-shirts types. I have not lurked enough on this blog, heard people mention the t-shirt's did not put in my mind what they were talking about. I had hit the Disney outlet on line and bought t-shirts galore. DS2's closet is full of disney t-shirts. I bought DH (2), DD (1), & DDbf (1). giving dd one of mine that I ordered too tight. I do not really wear t-shirts out, so that is our for me, and DS16 only wears t-shirts from abercrombie, hollister, and some times american eagle --uugghh--did not go through that with DD.

But, I do love what you did! great ideas and I love the pink henley style shirts

[Myhappythought5]

Awesome ideas. What a great start to Vacation. :goodvibes

[rosedolph]

Very cute stuff! I love the star wars shirts and the bows!
Are you from WI? I was born and raised there! Now I'm stuck in yucky IL!

Thanks! We are not from WI, but Randy is a HUGE GBP's fan. He has been ever since he was a kid, and then of course there was Brett Favre. It was a sad day in our house when he went to the Jets. :sad:

Those Minnie clips are so cute. You are so talented!!

Thanks! I wouldn't say I am talented- just good at following directions. ;)

I love the minnie clips, soooo cute, and I love all three t-shirts types. I have not lurked enough on this blog, heard people mention the t-shirt's did not put in my mind what they were talking about. I had hit the Disney outlet on line and bought t-shirts galore. DS2's closet is full of disney t-shirts. I bought DH (2), DD (1), & DDbf (1). giving dd one of mine that I ordered too tight. I do not really wear t-shirts out, so that is our for me, and DS16 only wears t-shirts from abercrombie, hollister, and some times american eagle --uugghh--did not go through that with DD.

But, I do love what you did! great ideas and I love the pink henley style shirts

Well I am sure if my girls were older they would not be so happy with matching shirts made by mom. :)

Awesome ideas. What a great start to Vacation. :goodvibes
Thanks for reading! :goodvibes

[rosedolph]

Ok so I have to admit that today I had a little panic attack when I saw my countdown ticker. Oh my goodness guys, we are TWO weeks away! That's right you heard me T W O weeks, like as in not next Saturday but the one after! :scared1: So lets get serious -

This our plan for seeing the ”World!”

Sat – May 9th : flight at 8:30am (be at the airport at 6:30) Arrive in Orlando at 11:20
Check in and try to make it to MK for 3pm parade. Eat supper at MK, early night

Sun-May 10: Epcot all day with ADR at Arkerhus (for Hannah’s b-day) early night

Mon-May 11: MK all day (break for naps) ADR at Crystal Palace, Spectro and Wishes – Late night

Tue-May 12: Day off – sleep in, pool, DTD – Capt’n Jack for Lunch, early night

Wed-May 13: AK all day, ADR Tusker House, Flaming Tree BBQ for supper, early night

Thurs-May 14: HS all day (break for naps), Lunch ADR Sci-Fi, Dinner ADR Hollywood & Vine, Fantasmic, late night

Fri-May 15: EP or MK in morning (break for nap), girls stay at resort with Gparents while Randy and I go to EP & LeCellier for our anniversary dinner.

Sat-May 16: Open Morning, maybe HS? Packed and ready to go to the airport by 3pm.

So what do you think - too much, not enough? There is so much I want to show the girls, it is sometimes hard for me to remember that we will be back and we don’t have to do it all on this trip.

So we had a very productive day today, cleaning out closets, the playroom, and the girls bedroom. Randy also had the nasty job of cleaning out the gutters, and he did a wonderful job! (that just needed to be done – it had nothing to do with our trip)
See let me explain something about myself. I like my house clean before I go on a trip, so that way if something where to happen while I was gone and someone had to get into my house I wouldn’t be embarrassed. I know – I can imagine you rolling your eyes:rolleyes2 , but it is also really nice to come home to a clean house. So it is beneficial either way!

I also started packing the girls clothes in their baggies and getting together all their stuff for the air plane ride. I need to finish up shopping for all the little extra things we need. Here is my list – feel free to make suggestions.

Shopping List:
- ear plugs (for loud shows/fireworks)
- rain ponchos
- shower curtain & metal clips (to cover stroller in case of rain)
- antibacterial hand wipes
- big fat sharpie (for sigs)
- small clip board (for sigs)
- mole skin (for blisters)
- glow sticks
- pop up hampers
- neck strap for sun glasses
- gum
- little fans?
- Pool toys?

List of things I already have:
- little first aid kit
- pain meds ( kids and adults)
- sippie cups
- sun block
- night light
- lanyards/trading pins
- small fan for room (we can’t sleep with out a fan)
- power strip (to plug in all our stuff)
- rechargeable batteries, and charger
- quart size baggies (snacks for the park and left overs)


(And of course we will take all of our clothes and toiletries.)We will be getting grocery items delivered to us at the resort so I don’t need to worry about packing food/water. Well except a small snack for the plane and getting water at the air port. It just seems like I am forgetting a lot! So if you have any suggestions please share.

Wednesday is our next Disney Party Night! We will be having a Princess Tea Party – with real china. Hannah has been asking me to do this for a while (and I wanted to save it for last) so I know she will be excited. Our count down chain is getting shorter and shorter - Woo-Hoo! :rainbow:

[longing2Batdisney]

Ok so I have to admit that today I had a little panic attack when I saw my countdown ticker. Oh my goodness guys, we are TWO weeks away! That's right you heard me T W O weeks, like as in not next Saturday but the one after! :scared1: So lets get serious -

This our plan for seeing the ”World!”

Sat – May 9th : flight at 8:30am (be at the airport at 6:30) Arrive in Orlando at 11:20
Check in and try to make it to MK for 3pm parade. Eat supper at MK, early night

Sun-May 10: Epcot all day with ADR at Arkerhus (for Hannah’s b-day) early night

Mon-May 11: MK all day (break for naps) ADR at Crystal Palace, Spectro and Wishes – Late night

Tue-May 12: Day off – sleep in, pool, DTD – Capt’n Jack for Lunch, early night

Wed-May 13: AK all day, ADR Tusker House, Flaming Tree BBQ for supper, early night

Thurs-May 14: HS all day (break for naps), Lunch ADR Sci-Fi, Dinner ADR Hollywood & Vine, Fantasmic, late night

Fri-May 15: EP or MK in morning (break for nap), girls stay at resort with Gparents while Randy and I go to EP & LeCellier for our anniversary dinner.

Sat-May 16: Open Morning, maybe HS? Packed and ready to go to the airport by 3pm.

So what do you think - too much, not enough? There is so much I want to show the girls, it is sometimes hard for me to remember that we will be back and we don’t have to do it all on this trip.

So we had a very productive day today, cleaning out closets, the playroom, and the girls bedroom. Randy also had the nasty job of cleaning out the gutters, and he did a wonderful job! (that just needed to be done – it had nothing to do with our trip)
See let me explain something about myself. I like my house clean before I go on a trip, so that way if something where to happen while I was gone and someone had to get into my house I wouldn’t be embarrassed. I know – I can imagine you rolling your eyes:rolleyes2 , but it is also really nice to come home to a clean house. So it is beneficial either way!

I also started packing the girls clothes in their baggies and getting together all their stuff for the air plane ride. I need to finish up shopping for all the little extra things we need. Here is my list – feel free to make suggestions.

Shopping List:
- ear plugs (for loud shows/fireworks)
- rain ponchos
- shower curtain & metal clips (to cover stroller in case of rain)
- antibacterial hand wipes
- big fat sharpie (for sigs)
- small clip board (for sigs)
- mole skin (for blisters)
- glow sticks
- pop up hampers
- neck strap for sun glasses
- gum
- little fans?
- Pool toys?

List of things I already have:
- little first aid kit
- pain meds ( kids and adults)
- sippie cups
- sun block
- night light
- lanyards/trading pins
- small fan for room (we can’t sleep with out a fan)
- power strip (to plug in all our stuff)
- rechargeable batteries, and charger
- quart size baggies (snacks for the park and left overs)


(And of course we will take all of our clothes and toiletries.)We will be getting grocery items delivered to us at the resort so I don’t need to worry about packing food/water. Well except a small snack for the plane and getting water at the air port. It just seems like I am forgetting a lot! So if you have any suggestions please share.

Wednesday is our next Disney Party Night! We will be having a Princess Tea Party – with real china. Hannah has been asking me to do this for a while (and I wanted to save it for last) so I know she will be excited. Our count down chain is getting shorter and shorter - Woo-Hoo! :rainbow:
So, I really love that I am not the only one who has that fear of a clean house and something happening. DH always teases when the closed gets messy that we are either going out of town or he is throwing a party (that always draws out the major house cleaning). I forgot about the night light, thanks! The only thing you did not list that I like to have is itch cream for bug bites, and I like to have Bendryl for any allergy reactions (just never know). Love the princess tea party...

[my2disneyboys]

We love a really clean house before we go away too! Last weekend we did a major spring clean. Closets - under the beds you name it- It feels great!! It will be nice to come home to a clean house!!

I cant wait to hear about your tea party with the real china!

[chicagoshannon]

We'll be in the Magic Kingdom the same day as you! We have a before park opening ADR for Crystal Palace that day!

I like a clean house to come home to too. That's what I"ll be doing all week this week.

[wlwilliams9]

We'll be at AK on the same day. There are several of us DISers who are meeting at the Safari ride at noon if you're interested!

I have to have a fan to sleep too!!!

[mickeystoontown]

Subscribing until I can get back and read more!

[mickeystoontown]

Okay, all caught up. I, too, like to have my house sparkling clean before we leave. That way, when we get home (from a long 14 to 16 hour drive---depends on weather and traffic), all I have to do is start washing clothes and unpacking.

[rosedolph]

SO with only 10 days to go we had our last Disney Party last night. I wanted it to be special since it was our last one so we decided to have a Tea Party. The girls got dressed up with painted finger nails and pretty hair. (Hannah calls it ballerina hair) We used the real china and had yummy finger food. I know I kind of cheated a little because there is no Disney theme to go with it, but Hannah has wanted to have a “real” tea party for a really long time. And we had a lot of fun!

Hannah and Emma loved getting their hair done – and of course we had to add a little sparkle to it.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/hair.jpg

Next came painting their finger nails. (I had to skip 2 fingers on Emma’s left hand because she sucks on them.)
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/nails.jpg

While we were doing this I didn’t tell Hannah what our Disney party was going to be, just that we had to get ready for it. So when she saw the table and saw that we were having a tea party, she got really excited.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/table.jpg

Everyone used their best Tea Party manners… pinkies up!
Emma worked really hard to get her pinky up.
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/empinkies.jpg

Hannah gave 2 pinkies up!
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/hanpink.jpg

Even Randy got into it (but he wouldn’t let the girls paint his finger nails :upsidedow)
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/ranspink.jpg

So we had a great time - and no china got broken! :yay:

Up next - Will the Swine Flu rain on our Disney Parade? :scared:

[longing2Batdisney]

they are soooooo cute...your Randy is GREAT!!! Danny would NEVER let me get the photo. He might play along but that is where he would draw the line...
looks like the tea party was a success!!!!
I hope the swine flu or any other virus doesn't ruin anyone's vacation keeping the fingers crossed...

[rosedolph]

Okay, all caught up. I, too, like to have my house sparkling clean before we leave. That way, when we get home (from a long 14 to 16 hour drive---depends on weather and traffic), all I have to do is start washing clothes and unpacking.

Randy and I learned that trick early in our marriage. We came home from our honey moon to a really messy apartment. It was such a bummer! So we promised ourselves we would not do that again. Unpacking and laundry is enough to work! :laundy: (I have always wanted to use that smiley :laughing:)



We'll be at AK on the same day. There are several of us DISers who are meeting at the Safari ride at noon if you're interested!

I have to have a fan to sleep too!!!
Cool! - but I don't know if that will work I think we have ADR for 11:30. If not we will be there.

We'll be in the Magic Kingdom the same day as you! We have a before park opening ADR for Crystal Palace that day!

I like a clean house to come home to too. That's what I"ll be doing all week this week.

I wish I had known about the early breakfast at CP. I don't know how I missed that info - oh well. It will be really neat to get a peek at MK before the crowds! Have fun!

We love a really clean house before we go away too! Last weekend we did a major spring clean. Closets - under the beds you name it- It feels great!! It will be nice to come home to a clean house!!

I cant wait to hear about your tea party with the real china!

I think I need to plan a trip every spring - helps motivate me to clean! :rotfl:

So, I really love that I am not the only one who has that fear of a clean house and something happening. DH always teases when the closed gets messy that we are either going out of town or he is throwing a party (that always draws out the major house cleaning). I forgot about the night light, thanks! The only thing you did not list that I like to have is itch cream for bug bites, and I like to have Bendryl for any allergy reactions (just never know). Love the princess tea party...

There have been times when I am cleaning that Hannah has asked me - "is company coming?" I promise I do clean even if we are not going on a trip or having company over! :)
I didn't think about the itch cream or Bendryl - they are now added to the list. Thanks!

[chicagoshannon]

I'm leaving tomorrow so might not get another chance to get on here so

HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!!

[rosedolph]

I'm leaving tomorrow so might not get another chance to get on here so

HAVE A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!!


You have a wonderfully delicious time - Wave as you pass by/through TN! :rotfl:

[rosedolph]

Oh my goodness guys, we are 6 days away! That's right you heard me S I X days, like as in Saturday!!! :cool1: I can't believe it - I am so excited but also a little sad. Is that weird?

I almost feel like time is going too fast. We are going to Disney to celebrate Hannah's 5th birthday. My baby is turning 5! I can remember the first time I heard her heart beat, the first time I felt her move. Seeing her for the first time, first steps, first words. This all seems like it happened a few months ago, not 5 years ago! I have always wanted to be a mommy and Hannah made that dream come true. I love that I get to be there with her on her first trip to Disney World, but it is a little sad to me because it means she is growing up. I know I can't stop it (and really don't want to) so I will just have to make sure and hold on to every moment, live the right now to the fullest, find the magic in the everyday things. :wizard:

I am not sure where that fits into the Pre-Trip Report, but there you have it.

So anyway – back to our trip planning. Did I mention that we are at 6 days!!! Here is a picture way back at 9 days. Hannah and Emma are doing the Happy Single Digits Dance. :dance3:


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/10days-1.jpg

Up Next - Shirts are all finished!

[MaryAz]

Have a great trip! We arrive the day you leave. My DD just turned 5 in April and I also have a 2.5 yr old DD. Your Disney nights were very cute!

[rosedolph]

Have a great trip! We arrive the day you leave. My DD just turned 5 in April and I also have a 2.5 yr old DD. Your Disney nights were very cute!

Thanks! Our girls are about the same age! Is this there first trip to DW?

[longing2Batdisney]

WOW!!!! three days to go... ya'll must be going crazy with EXCITEMENT!!!!
party:

[rosedolph]

Whew! Have we busy! Things are about ready for our trip. The shirts are all done, the girls clothes are all packed, snacks are bought, order placed with garden grocer, hmm what else?

Oh yeah - we got our trading pins! We ordered some from ebay, and we just got them in the mail a couple of days age. It was really exciting to see all the different pins (we let the girl keep 2). We also got our custom made maps from Disney.com. I didn't think they would make it here in time because I just ordered them about 2 weeks ago. If you don't know about the maps checkout Disney.com. You can make your own custom maps of the parks and best of ... it's free!

So we are down to 3 days! I am still trying to find a couple of elusive items like an door shoe organizer (for organizing toiletries and such), and it seems like everyone is out of little bottles of hand sanitizers. So it looks like I will have to buy a big bottle and get some 3 oz travel bottles to put it in. But besides these few little things - we are ready!

Woo-Hoo! 3 days to go! :yay:

[longing2Batdisney]

T W O !!!!! days to go. Are you completely packed yet???
Have a great trip!!! sending magic your way pixiedust:

[rosedolph]

T W O !!!!! days to go. Are you completely packed yet???
Have a great trip!!! sending magic your way pixiedust:

We are almost packed! The girls and all that other stuff is packed - all we need to do is get our clothes packed.

And we are so excited we can hardly sleep! (Ok I guess that would be just me - no one else here seems to have that problem :))

[longing2Batdisney]

We are almost packed! The girls and all that other stuff is packed - all we need to do is get our clothes packed.

And we are so excited we can hardly sleep! (Ok I guess that would be just me - no one else here seems to have that problem :))
You better get it together you are leaving tomorrow!:woohoo:
Well, I decided to pack Ashton's stuff today, I had pulled it all out and shot pics for my PTR, but, now I need to pack it. I have most of his busy stuff packed. I think I'm going to clean my closet (which I was suppose to do last weekend, today and start packing my stuff that I can get away with not using for the next 13 days).

Try and get some sleep tonite so you will be fresh for the mouse!!:lmao:
I know starting next weekend I won't be able to sleep.:dance3:

Have a safe trip! and have great time party:

[rosedolph]

You better get it together you are leaving tomorrow!:woohoo:
Well, I decided to pack Ashton's stuff today, I had pulled it all out and shot pics for my PTR, but, now I need to pack it. I have most of his busy stuff packed. I think I'm going to clean my closet (which I was suppose to do last weekend, today and start packing my stuff that I can get away with not using for the next 13 days).

Try and get some sleep tonite so you will be fresh for the mouse!!:lmao:
I know starting next weekend I won't be able to sleep.:dance3:

Have a safe trip! and have great time party:

Thanks! The nest time you hear from us - we will be in Disney!

[rosedolph]

Day 0 – Arrival So we were up early this morning (at 4:30am) and for once it was not hard getting everyone up. The girls we so excited they had no problems quickly getting dressed. The only problem was as soon as we were ready to walk out the door – it started to rain. Not a gentle spring rain but a huge, build an ark - down pour! Poor Randy got the wettest as he took the rest of the bags out and got the girls in the car.

Randy dropped the girls and I off at the air port and then he took our bird and dog over to his parents house. (He had a cousin who was house/dog/bird sitting for our whole group at his parents house.) And he got a ride back to the airport with a family member so that we would not have to park at the air port. We met up at our gate, so it was a little stressful getting the girls and I checked in and through security by myself, but it saved us $80!

Getting through the airport went smoothly and the girls were so excited about the airplane ride and seeing their cousins (Ashley 15 and Brittney 13). The plane ride was great the girls enjoyed all the little surprises that were in their back backs – it went by really fast. So a great start to our Disney vacation!

Hannah at the airport.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_6982.jpg

Emma at the airport.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_6986.jpg


Once we landed it was a little tricky getting our bags and then getting over to the Magical Express. After getting our bags we had to go back up to the 3rd floor and over to the other side of the airport and down again to another baggage area to the Magical Express. (remember there are 10 of us traveling together, with 50 million bags, and 1 double stroller) Then we found out that we were supposed to have a ticket for the magical express and for some reason we didn’t have one (even though we had signed up for this a couple of months a ago). So we had to wait in another line to get tickets so we could go wait in another line to get on the bus. It seemed like everyone was arriving at the same time – the place was packed! The magical express was not looking very magical at the moment.

Once we got to our line the wait was not that long and soon we were on the bus and on our way. As soon as the little Disney informational show came on the bus tvs – it was magical! Everyone was transformed – you could almost see the pixie dust in the air!

Ok, so now let me explain in a little side note what was going on with my mom, sister Melody and my other sister Michelle.


So Michelle left from TN the night before and se was safely waiting for us at Coronado Springs. But Mom and Melody had left the week before and flew into Miami to visit with my aunt. Mom and Melody were supposed to take a bus early Saturday morning from Miami to the Orlando airport and then a taxi to the resort. They were supposed to be at the resort before we got there.

As soon as we landed I called Michelle and she had not heard from Mom, and I could not get her on her cell phone. Once I got on the magical express I was able to get a hold of my brother and he had talked to my Mom and she was still waiting for a bus! They had been at the bus depot since very early that morning and still had not been able to get a bus. (I have not heard the whole story yet – but Mom found out that just because you have a ticket does not mean you have a seat on the bus.)

I could go into the whole story about all the phone calls and waiting and calls and waiting but I won’t! Let’s just get back to our part of the story.


As soon as we pulled into Coronado Springs I knew we were in for a great stay! The resort was fabulous! It was beautiful with lush greenery and fountains. We had a water view and it was awesome! Plus our room was very close to a quite pool and a bus stop. The room itself was ok - it had a really strong musty smell, but once the bathroom door and outside door were opened it aired out. We didn't want to move rooms because we were in the middle room of our group and the location and view were great. BTW - no one else’s room had a musty smell. They are in the process of refurbishing all the rooms - we just didn't get one of those. But like I said we weren't complaining because everything else was perfect.


View from our window.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7346.jpg

View of the front building from our room area.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7348.jpg

The 3 Caballeros.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7349.jpg

Pretty flowers like this all over.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7350.jpg


We all grabbed a bite to eat at the resort’s Pepper Market – it was a really neat place, lots of food choices. After lunch Randy’s family decide to go to MK while we wait for my Mom.

So we wanted to eat supper at MK and get back to the room early because we had a rope drop in the morning. But Mom and Melody still had not made it in and I didn't want to not be here when she got here. So we used the time to unpack. I am so glad that I brought the shoe organizer - it worked out great in keeping all the little things organized and in easy reach. All the snack up on the TV/ Dresser cabinet, clothes in the draws, and we are all unpacked. Our room already felt like home!



We had to go back to the font desk to ask about our pack-n-play and our grocery order. They cast members at the resort are super nice! (Oh - I forgot, when we checked in we all got our "celebration" buttons - Hannah for her birthday, Emma for her first visit, and Randy and I for our anniversary.)


When we got back to the room the Pack-n-play was already there and the groceries were on the way. After they are delivered we decided that we needed to go ahead and eat dinner with out Mom but leave her a note to call us. Just as we headed out to the bus stop Michelle got a call from Mom that she was checking in! I was so excited!

We are finally all together - and we are off to Magic Kingdom!

Bus stop was easy to find and a Mk bus came right away. Once we got into MK we had to stop by guest services and get Melody a GAC card. She has down syndrome and due to some physical disabilities she needed a wheel chair. Once that was obtained we were off for pictures and dinner.

The girls were so excited to see the castle and it was so pretty at night changing colors. They got so excited because it was a different color each time they looked at it. (I will post the photo pass pictures as soon as I can) We ate at Cosmic Rays and had a castle view. (I would recommend this to anyone. Don’t eat in the front room, but keeping walking to the right – as you are facing the counters. Lots of tables in the back with a great view of the castle. And don't forget if you are eating on a budget order the double burger with an extra bun, then you can add all the toppings you want for both burgers at the topping bar.)

Emma at Cosmic Rays - you can see a little of the castle behind her.


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_6996.jpg


Now originally our plans were to leave right after dinner and have an early night, but with Mom getting there so late and they only have tomorrow and half of the next day so we decided to stay. We walked on to Mickey's Philharmagic, and then waited about 10 minutes for Dumbo.

Ready for Phillharmagic!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_6997.jpg

I didn't realize it was so late and while we were in line for Dumbo the fireworks warning came on. So we were on Dumbo when the fire works started. It was pretty cool for the adults but the girls and Melody did not like it. Melody was crying, Emma had her head buried in my lap, and Hannah was riding with her fingers in her ears. As soon as we got off we ran into a store to wait it out. It was very loud with fireworks going off on both sides. We left right after the fireworks - it was craziness!

Melody was not happy with the fireworks.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_6999.jpg

Emma looks happy in this picture - not sure how I got her head out of my lap.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7001.jpg

Hannah was fine as long as her fingers were in her ears.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_6998.jpg


We made it to our bus stop - #1 so not too far to walk. Back to our room - poor Emma fell asleep on the bus, and we all crashed!

I felt like such a bad mommy!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7003.jpg


Will we be able to make Epcot rope drop after a late night?

[mickeystoontown]

Yah! Everybody has arrived safely and it looks like the trip is off to a nice start.

[longing2Batdisney]

Great start to your trip!!:thumbsup2 sounds like fun was had by all; but, your poor mom.:upsidedow
I love how you started w/a smiling Emma:) and finished w/a tuckered out Emma:angel:. Looking forward to more... fueling the excitement:woohoo::yay:

[mickeystoontown]

Yah! Everybody has arrived safely and it looks like the trip is off to a nice start.

[rosedolph]

Ok, so I'm back and I promise not to wait that long again between updates. :-)

We left off with all of us exhausted from our day of travel and MK magic - with some of us not being able to wait for a bed. So now it is our fist official day and we are off to Epcot!

Ok so today is Mother’s Day and I get to be at Epcot (my favorite park) with my girls and husband (my favorite people) – how cool is that! Plus my own mother is with us – and I haven’t spent a Mother’s Day with her in a long time! I knew it was going to be a very special day – and it was!



We got up at 6:30 and were at the bus stop at 7:30. I had no idea how long it would take us to get to Epcot and we really wanted to be there for rope drop. We had never been to a rope drop, never even heard of “rope drop” – so we wanted to give ourselves plenty of time. And we did – we were at Epcot’s turnstiles before 8am!



While we were waiting we played with bubbles and had a good time visiting with cast member Wanda. Hannah had on her birthday button so Wanda had Goofy call Hannah to wish her a happy birthday, and all the ladies got a carnation for mother’s day. At about 8:30 came our first special moment of the day.



Wanda asked us if we would like to help her open the park! It was a neat moment for us! We got to walk around the front area – and no one else was around. We took pictures and let the girls run around. Then we helped “open” the park by counting down from 10 to 0 then people started coming through the turnstiles. Wanda looked at us and said – "Now run!" She had given us a certificate stating that we opened the park and a fast pass good for our whole party for any ride. How cool!



This is a picture Wanda took before the park opened - notice no one else is around!
http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7012.jpg



So we were off – and our first stop was Space Ship Earth. The original plan was for Randy to run to Soarin’ while the rest of us rode SSE- but since we had the really neat fast pass we didn’t need to split up. So we all got to ride together! This is the first time I had been on it since the changed it – and we all loved it! We were not excepting the little video on the trip down and we all got a kick out of our future selves.


Randy and the girls playing the area where you exit SSE. This is were we loaded because of Melody's wheel chair. Since we were the first in line NO ONE else was in here.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7014.jpg


Getting ready to go up! (Melody, Michelle, and Grace)

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7019.jpg




Hannah's first ride at Epcot!


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7020.jpg


We then walked over to the Sea and walked into Turtle Talk. Of course the girls we enthralled with Crush – and it was really fun for the adults to watch too. It was a really good show - and we are still wondering - How do they do it?!?!

We went straight from TT to Nemo ride – and walked right on. I was a little disappointed because I thought we would get to see more real fish – like at the end of the ride. Plus Hannah was terrified of the big scary fish with the light in it’s mouth. I had NO idea that was in there and I couldn’t even prepare her for it. That really freaked her out and it ruined another ride for her – but I will tell you about that in a little bit. Emma just looked board – we found out that she did that on most rides.



So after Nemo we said hi to Bruce and looked at some fish.


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7021.jpg


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7023.jpg


Emma was not very excited about sticking her head in a shark's mouth!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7024.jpg



I just realized that I did not get a picture with Bruce! Oh, well - another reason to go back!


Emma and Daddy checking out the fish. You can't see it in the picture but there was a Dory fish that was playing in the bubbles. Emma though the fish was very funny.


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7025.jpg


Grandma Grace and Hannah "finding Nemo"

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7026.jpg






We then headed over to see Figment and I was so excited because he is my favorite! I couldn’t wait to introduce him to Hannah and Emma. When the ride first started I told Hannah that there was one place that it would get a little dark and a train sound would come, but nothing would be there it was just sound. Well she freaked out – because of that fish! She screamed at the train part and then cried almost the entire ride. She finally calmed down at the end once I convinced nothing else would happen – it was just a fun song playing with Figment being silly. Well then guess what happened – the big blast of air “blows out” the wall in front of us! Thankfully I was leaning over her so she did not get scared and she though it was funny that Randy and I jumped. At least we had fun playing at Imagination Works.



Hannah and Aunt Mimi (Michelle) making music.


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7029.jpg


Emma and Mommy making music.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7032.jpg



It is lunch time so we head over to The Land to try out the Sunshine Season Food Fair. I didn't get any pictures of our food. To be honest I was always so hungry that I would forget - and I didn't think anyone wanted to look at half eaten food. But the food here was great! There was a large selection to choose from so everyone was happy. Also if you have a dinning plan don't think you have to get the pre-packaged cakes - we made that mistake our first day. Then a wonderful cast member told us that we could get dessert from the bakery or even a fruit bowl.Yummy!





Up next - Break time and then PRINCESSES!

[rosedolph]

So before we left for nap time we had to try out Soarin'! Everyone was talking about it – would it really be all that great, and would Hannah like it?


We had to leave Emma with Randy’s parents (they met up with us for lunch) and they rode the Land while we went to Soarin’. Now looking back I realized that I should have taken Emma and asked for a Parent Swap – and then let them take her. That way we could have rode on it twice with one fast pass. Oh well – you learn as you go.


Hannah was a little nervous but did great! And she loved it! She had so much fun kicking the waves and she said that she thinks she kicked a golfer. :rotfl: After Soarin’ we all rode The Land – yes we made Emma and Randy’s parents ride it again. Then we were off to our resort and down for a nap!


We had ADR’s at Akershus for dinner (to celebrate Hannah’s Birthday) and Hannah was so excited to see the princesses! We all meet (all 14 of us) at Akershus for our dinner at 5:30. We had never been there so I didn’t know what to expect, but I had heard good things. Well it was GREAT! The food was fabulous and the Princesses where so wonderful. We saw 5 – Bell, Cinderella, Snow White, Arial, and Aurora. When we first entered to be seated we were taken through a room that Bell was waiting in and had a “private audience” with her. We were able to talk to her and get pictures taken – it was really nice. (BTW – everyone did this, it wasn’t just because we were special :)) Later in the meal we were given 4 poses, each pose had 1 - 8x10 & 4 – 3x5 (or something small like that). And the pictures were included in the price of the meal.


The food was very yummy! There were appetizers at a buffet then you ordered your entree from a menu. Dessert was served family style, and all 4 types came to your table. It was so good! But of course the best parts were the Princesses! They came around and talked, signed autographs and posed for pictures. Each of them spent time with the girls talking to them and making them feel special and the even spent time with Melody. It was so neat to watch Hannah meet her “friends”!


Meeting Bell before we are seated.


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7037.jpg


Bell and Snow White are Emma's favorite - and they are the only ones she hugs.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7038.jpg


Melody talking to Bell.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7039.jpg

Cinderella came our table first - she is Hannah's favorite. She spent a lot of time talking to the girls (and Melody) and we took a lot of pictures. But after she left we realized that for some reason none of the pictures had come out. But Cinderella was so nice to come back over quickly to snap a couple of pictures.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7050.jpg


Arial came over and told Hannah she loved the pretty "sea weed" Hannah had in her hair. Hannah got a kick out of that (and she still talks about it).

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7048.jpg

Aroura was my least favorite - it was still neat but just not a lot of interaction with the girls.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7045.jpg

Emma kept waiting and waiting for Snow White - we could see her at other tables and Emma would get so excited. Finially it was our turn! Snow White was perfect - just like in the movies, and Emma loved it!

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7047.jpg

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7046.jpg


So after we ate we thought we would do a Kim Impossible mission (I had picked up a ticket on our way out earlier that day). We were assigned to China and for the most part it was fun and interesting. But Hannah got a little caught up in the story, and at one point was scared because she thought the Monkey Ninjas were coming to get her. Of course it didn’t help that I was telling her to “run before they come” and the gong we activated was making monkey noises. So we stopped and explained it to her – it is all pretend, just a little tv on the phone, nothing is really going to come. And she settled down, but we didn’t do any more missions with her.


Getting our mission.



http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv51/rosedolph/100_7034.jpg



We then met back up with my Mom and Melody – they were looking at other lands, and headed back to the resort. Michelle and Randy’s family stayed for a little while. On the way to the busses Randy starts feeling bad – like bad, bad. Thankfully he makes it back to the room before he got sick. And he did get sick, many times, all night. The poor guy had a rough night – and I was so tired that I slept through it (in bed with Hannah). I did ask him if he needed anything before I went to sleep and told him to wake me up if he needed too. Needless to say I knew that rope drop at MK in the morning was not going to happen.



Up next – Was Randy’s fling with the toilet just a one night stand? Would the rest of us get sick? Would we ever hear the “Good Morning” song?!?!

[Myhappythought5]

What a great start to the trip. What a Special memory to get to help open the park. You guys will talk about that for a long time to come.:goodvibes
Great TR :goodvibes

[my2disneyboys]

Great start to your report!! I love that you got to open the park at Epcot. Wasnt it just so beautiful with all the plants and floral displays!? I loved it!!!

We met snow white at Askerhaus, she was my favorite too.

[dismagiclover]

Great report so far! The first family trip is so magical:goodvibes I hope your DH feels better and it really is only a one night stand.
Can't wait for more:goodvibes

[rosedolph]

So today we were supposed to make rope drop at MK, and this was my Mom, Melody, and Michelle’s last day. :guilty:(they had to leave for the airport late afternoon). BUT Randy had been sick all night! Poor Randy!


So I quickly came up with another plan – I would take Emma with me (because she woke up early) and let Hannah and Randy sleep. Emma and I would join my Mom and sisters and go to MK. Our room had a joining door with Randy’s parents’ room so Hannah could go over there when she woke up. I would be back for lunch and hopefully Randy would be doing better and we could continue our day. (we had dinner ADRs at the Crystal Palace and they did not have any for the next day so I didn’t want to cancel).


It worked out great – except for the part where my mom and sisters had to pack and get their bags out of the room, so we didn’t get to MK until between 9:30 and 10:00. I really do not like getting there at that time because it was already crowded – and it was really hot this morning! Mom and Melody only wanted to ride It’s a Small World and the Monorail so our plan was to walk around MK for a little bit and then to take the Monorail over to Epcot so they could eat lunch in Japan.


As we made our way to It’s a Small World (or Small, Small World as Melody called it) we got Emma’s profile made and looked in a few stores. Then on to IaSW – it was actually a walk on. They had the front closed off because they are remodeling or something so I think people thought it was closed. It was so nice to sit for a while and of course everyone loved the ride!


Mom and Melody. Check out Melody's new Hannah Montana hat!



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Emma and Michelle

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When we got off we headed over to Ms. Potts for some ice cream –I normally do not eat ice cream for a morning snack, but it was so hot! Then it was time to get to the monorail for Epcot. While we were walking around the castle we saw what we thought was a parade coming down main street so we hurried to see it. We stopped in the middle of the circle in front of the castle and had a great view. It was really hot but I knew that the parade would pass and we would be one our way. But guess what –it wasn’t a parade! It was the Block Party and it circled the circle and stopped! :headache: So we were trapped inside the circle until it was over!!! Did I mention that it was hot! It was the hottest day of our trip – I think like 97, and there is no shade where we were.



But no matter the temperature, fun was to be had by all! The cast members were great! Michelle and Melody had a great time dancing and even mom got in on it!


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Minnie sending Emma some love.

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This cast member was great! I never did catch his name, in fact I don't think he had on a name tag. He danced with Melody and got her involved the whole time. He really made her feel special. As he walked away her blew her a kiss!

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We walked with the Block Party back down main street on out of the park – I think that was a great way for Mom, Melody and Michelle to say goodbye to MK. I left the ladies at Epcot to enjoy their lunch and Emma and I caught the bus back to CS.



On the Monorail!


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When we got back to the room Randy was feeling much better – not yet 100% but well enough to join Emma and I for lunch. I guess I should mention that Randy’s parents had taken Hannah to Epcot for lunch, and we would pick her up on the way to MK.

After lunch we had a nap, and then we would be off to MK to see Pooh Bear!


During nap my Mom and sisters stopped by. Mom and Melody were on their way to the ME Buss so we hugged and said our goodbyes. They told me that they were not able to get into Epcot because their tickets would not work. WHOOPS! I complete forgot that I only got them single park tickets to save them money. I felt really bad but they said it worked out best because they would not have had time to eat at Japan and make the ME bus. They really enjoyed the Pepper Market and were very impressed by all the food choices.


Michelle and I sat out by the pool and visited until time for us to leave for MK and she had to catch the ME Bus.


We picked up Hannah at the Monorail stop at Epcot and rode the monorail and ferry to MK.


On the Monorail!


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First time on the Ferry.

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We walked right to CP and got seated at 6:15 The place was already packed with A LOT of people waiting out side.



The food was good, but a little boring – traditional buffet style. But we didn’t care about the food, we were there for POOH BEAR! And we weren’t disappointed! Emma was so excited that once she saw the characters coming she couldn’t eat any more. (it was a good thing that they came at the end of our meal) She was so cute with each of them, hugging and kissing them. Hannah would try to talk to them and got a little frustrated that they didn’t talk back.


The table was decorated for Hannah's birthday!


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Our server was a lady named Tracy and she was from our home town! Hannah ended the meal with a birthday cupcake and birthday card signed by Pooh and friends.


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After the meal we rode Winnie the Pooh (I had gotten FP earlier that day with Mom and Michelle’s cards) and then we walked around looking for press penny machines and balloons. They had been saving their money for the balloons, and good thing because they cost $9 - a piece! :scared1:

We decided not to stay for Spectro but to get to bed early because we would do our MK RD morning tomorrow.


Up Next - Will we finally get to see the Mouse?