"Hello? I'm in the Carousel of Progress.."*UD 11/11 pg67 Laughing CMs and MK EMH!*

[mommytothreeboys]

I promise that I will explain the title later in my Trip Report, but for now, I'll just say it's one of several things that happened on this trip that will stick with all of us and we'll be joking about for years to come! :rotfl:

For those of you who did not read my PTR, the link is in my signature...feel free to read! I've provided links to the updates on the first post so you can just read those and not all the chit chat..although some of the best stuff is in the chit chat! Here's a quick overview of our trip plans and the cast of characters otherwise known as my family!

Our trip dates: April 19-28, 2009

Where we stayed: Port Orleans Riverside, Alligator Bayou room w/ trundle as we are a family of 5

Park Plans: April 19-Arrive and chill at pool and DTD
April 20-Animal Kingdom with morning EMH
April 21-Waterpark and DTD
April 22-Magic Kingdom
April 23-Disney's Hollywood Studios
April 24-Epcot with evening EMH
April 25-Epcot
April 26- Magic Kingdom with evening EMH
April 27-Park of choice
April 28-Go Home :sad1:

Cast of Characters: Me(Missy)-39: I am a stay at home mom to three awesome boys. I love all things Disney, but Snow White is my favorite princess and Tink is my favorite Disney character. I love to plan our trips and think the planning process is part of the fun!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/LocksofLovedonation20094.jpg

DH(Jeff)-38: Enjoys all things Disney almost as much as I do! Jeff is the telecommmunications and technology manager at our local cable company and works way too hard. He deserved this vacation. His favorite Disney character is Pinocchio.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/Saturday--Epcot-1-1.jpg

DS(Dan)-14: A planner like his mom, Dan likes to know the itinerary and to have a plan! Dan is in 8th grade and is quickly becoming the typical teenager, much to my dismay. His favorite Disney character has been Donald Duck, but recently he has taken to liking Eve from Wall-e.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/Disney--day10celebration3.jpg

DS(Isaiah)-11: This one is gonna put me in an early grave. Isaiah is in 6th grade and if he is given a line or a boundary, he'll figure out how to cross it! Not surprisingly, his favorite Disney character is Stitch!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/isaiah-1.jpg

DS(Jonah)-8: The baby of the family and it shows. He's a bit of a mama's boy, but that's okay! His favorite Disney character is hard to pin down, but he likes Buzz, Pluto, and all things Pirate.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/missingteeth.jpg

So there you have it. Our basic plan and our cast of travelers. I will post the first installment and get this party started soon...I promise. For those hopping over from my PTR...thanks for sticking around! For everyone else...Welcome! :goodvibes

LINKS TO UPDATES
Too Excited to Sleep! Departure Morning!
Non-Update Update (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31610079&postcount=24)
POR! We're HOME! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31661567&postcount=34)
Deep Fried Candy and Pirates of the Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31686123&postcount=54)
EMH Rocks! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31729405&postcount=75)
Let the Trading Begin! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31781845&postcount=96)
Guest Services, Kali, Rain, and FOTLK! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31787509&postcount=105)
Goofy, DinoLand and Protein Spills! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31788751&postcount=108)
“I Was About to Jump In and Save You!” (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31832439&postcount=134)
Shop and Eat--an evening at DTD! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31881510&postcount=150)
Bonus Post! Title Explained! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31913808&postcount=166)
A Magical 'Ohana Breakfast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31939982&postcount=178)
What? No Pixie Dust? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=31981677&postcount=204)
We Got Some Explorin' To Do! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32059368&postcount=234)
I Love a Parade! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32085189&postcount=253)
PhotoPass--Hooray!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32112026&postcount=281)
Shave and a Haircut....Ok, maybe just a haircut! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32187665&postcount=314)
Dole Whip, Singing Birds, and the Backside of Water (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32204592&postcount=341)
What a Way to End the Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32242767&postcount=386)
TSM and HSM!! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32281224&postcount=421)
An Incredible Meet and Greet (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32347373&postcount=454)
Car Chases and a Block Party (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32407466&postcount=486)
Two Happy Endings! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32486087&postcount=540)
There's No Crying at Disney (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32535714&postcount=572)
Where's the Update?! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32646540&postcount=599)
A Mini Camping TR (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=32922070&postcount=630)
Hoo-Ray it's EPCOT Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33055833&postcount=653)
Faces Only a Mother Could Love! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33116132&postcount=679)
Can we Save China? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33311283&postcount=704)
Viva Mexico! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33382727&postcount=737)
Soarin' Drama and Pool Time! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33446947&postcount=779)
Back to School! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33502930&postcount=794)
A Late Epcot Night (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33595924&postcount=815)
A Late Epcot Night II (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33596236&postcount=816)
Kowabunga! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33663576&postcount=842)
Back to Epcot! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33790740&postcount=864)
Speed, Space, and Glowsticks (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33848509&postcount=874)
A Magical Beginning (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33891983&postcount=888)
Fun with Stitch..and other Monsters! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33892192&postcount=889)
Spinning Teacups and Face Painting! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33944769&postcount=912)
Time for TINK! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34003160&postcount=934)
Buzz, Lunch and a Stroll through Fantasyland (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34150802&postcount=965)
Halloween FUN! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34237507&postcount=981)
Laughing CMs and MK EMH! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34298084&postcount=992)

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Whoa...Am I...FIRST???...A NEWBIE FIRST???

Oh I'm so excited!!!:lmao:

[lizet313]

Just want to say I'm in popcorn::

[starlight_003]

I am here!!

[carissanboys]

Here! Can't wait Missy!! :hug:

[luckylady]

I'm in. Welcome home.

[dryvithome]

I'm also in to hear about it.

[ladybugmom]

Yay!! I'm here, too Missy!!! Can't WAIT to hear all about it!! :surfweb:

[mommytothreeboys]

Before I begin this report let me start with a disclaimer. I tried to keep notes of each day’s activities, like what time we arrived, how long we stood in lines, etc. After 3 days of that I decided that for me, it was sucking the joy out of enjoying the moments. So....after that I just enjoyed each day and didn’t take notes. :) I say that to say this....I may not have detailed information about times, etc, but you will definitely get my impressions and feelings about this trip. Those are really the things that matter to me anyway, so it works out! I will do my best to give as much detail as I can regarding the other things, but forgive me if my memory is fuzzy at times! :confused3

Now we’re off!! Our flight was scheduled to leave the Buffalo Airport at 7:10 am on Sunday April 19th. We live about an hour from the airport and my DH likes to arrive early for a flight, so that meant an early morning for all of us. We went to bed early after enjoying a rousing game of Disney Scene-It and set the alarm for 3:15 am! YIKES!! :scared1: My DSIL was driving us to the airport and we were meeting her at her house at 4:00 am.

Of course, I had a hard time sleeping as did my boys. I heard them up several times during the night..we were all SO EXCITED! :banana: 3:15 came and after a snooze or two, we all got up and got dressed for our big departure day! All of the bags were packed and already in the van so all we needed to do was grab any last minute items for our carry-ons and head out the door. We were pulling up to DSIL’s door at exactly 4 am! :thumbsup2

We set the GPS for the airport and off we went! A flawless departure so far...no forgotten items, no major setbacks! Woo-Hoo! :woohoo: On the way to the airport DSIL informs us that she had been up all night because her house had been broken into that evening. UGH! My nephew’s brand new iPod and Playstation had been stolen. What a mess! She was a good sport though and still got up at 4 to take us to the airport!

We arrived at the airport around 5:15 and DSIL hugged us all, wished us a safe trip and headed back home. We headed into the airport to find the Southwest counter and check our bags. I had printed boarding passes the day before and we were in boarding group A. YAY! :yay: We had never flown SW before and I wanted to be sure we got seats together.

After checking our bags we headed through security which was quick and painless. We then headed to the gate and in search of some breakfast. Can you believe there is not a McDonald’s at the Buffalo airport?? :confused: We ended up eating at a little snack shop and got breakfast sandwiches that were pre-wrapped and positively YUCK! The danish was ok and the coffee was hot, so we just made the best of it! Here are a few pics of the boys at the airport EARLY in the morning!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/DepartureMorning--Disney2009.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/DepartureMorning--Disney20091.jpg

Trying to avoid the obvious "monkey on your back" comment!!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/DepartureMorning--Disney20093.jpg

Jammin' to some Disney tunes!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/DepartureMorning--Disney20092.jpg


We boarded the plane without incident and we all sat in the same row with the aisle between us. I sat with Dan and Jeff sat with the other two boys. Dan and Isaiah got the window seats. Jeff sat in the aisle seat and I sat in the middle seat. So far so good.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/DepartureMorning--Disney20095.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/DepartureMorning--Disney20094.jpg

After a smooth, direct flight to Orlando we arrived at MCO at 9:40 am....10 minutes earlier than scheduled arrival. Nice job SW! :thumbsup2

Next up.....Our Magical Express experience and arrival at POR! :goodvibes

[mickeystoontown]

Signing on for more! I often say that trip reports and pictures are what keep me sane until our next WDW vacation.

[mommytothreeboys]

Whoa...Am I...FIRST???...A NEWBIE FIRST???

Oh I'm so excited!!!:lmao:


Just want to say I'm in popcorn::

Hi and :welcome:

I am here!!

Hi there...thanks for coming over! :goodvibes

Here! Can't wait Missy!! :hug:

Yay! Carissa is here!! :hyper:
I'm in. Welcome home.

I'm also in to hear about it.

Thanks for joining in! Glad to have you along for the ride!


Yay!! I'm here, too Missy!!! Can't WAIT to hear all about it!! :surfweb:

Hi Becky! :wave:

[mom2mek]

Hi Missy! I followed you over from ladybugmom's pre-trip! :goodvibes

I'm very interested in how you like POR! We are also a family of 5 which narrows down the choices a bit for where to stay onsite. We have stayed offsite many times because we are always with a big group of family, so we rent really large houses a mile or two from Disney and it works out really well. But I'm always interested in hearing reviews of the onsite hotels with comparable size families! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to read more....boy that was an early morning....:scared1:

Sara

[Stacybaeasm]

I can't wait to hear the story behind the title. I'm in and enjoying it so far. Your boys look like a hoot! I love that all 3 were reading or doing some activity while waiting for the plane.

[Planning fanatic mom]

Yeah!! you're home !!!!!

Loved your PTR. Can't wait to read the TR!! Don't worry about all of the details. We'll like anything you can remember.

I like Dan's haircut.

[mommytothreeboys]

Signing on for more! I often say that trip reports and pictures are what keep me sane until our next WDW vacation.

I'm counting on that since I really don't know when we'll be going back. Trying to convince my DH that we need to do a 2nd honeymoon trip just the two of us!

Hi Missy! I followed you over from ladybugmom's pre-trip! :goodvibes

I'm very interested in how you like POR! We are also a family of 5 which narrows down the choices a bit for where to stay onsite. We have stayed offsite many times because we are always with a big group of family, so we rent really large houses a mile or two from Disney and it works out really well. But I'm always interested in hearing reviews of the onsite hotels with comparable size families! :thumbsup2

Can't wait to read more....boy that was an early morning....:scared1:

Sara

HI Sara and welcome! :goodvibes We have stayed at POR twice now and enjoy it. I will have more to say about specifics later in the report. We definitely are limited with a family of 5 though. I totally agree!

I can't wait to hear the story behind the title. I'm in and enjoying it so far. Your boys look like a hoot! I love that all 3 were reading or doing some activity while waiting for the plane.

My boys really are fun and spending the week with them was great. Now that we're home I miss them during the day. I'm sure that will wear off though! LOL! :rotfl:

Yeah!! you're home !!!!!

Loved your PTR. Can't wait to read the TR!! Don't worry about all of the details. We'll like anything you can remember.

I like Dan's haircut.

Hi! I was wondering if any of you observant readers from my PTR would notice Dan's haircut! Nice job! :thumbsup2

[snowbell]

I just came across your report. I am on board.

[mousescrapper]

I'm in Missy and I can't wait....

I barely recognized Dan in his new do...

I was equally impressed w/ SW as well and yes I admit I only took advid notes for the 1st day and a half and then played catch up the rest of the trip.

Looking forward to hearing more and your 1st day and how POR stacked up for you guys.

J-

[cjackearl]

Yea! You're back and writing your trip report! I'm so excited to hear all about your adventures.:hyper: Glad your flight was smooth.:thumbsup2

[MaryAz]

Not sure if I ever posted on your pre trippie but I am here for the TR!! Nice start.
Hey that was my 1000th post!!

[bellesBFF]

even though i'm one of the younger ones (like, super young), im gonna follow:)
it'll keep me from going insane until my trip!

[Happydog]

popcorn::
Hellooooooooooooooooo!

Glad you are back :goodvibes

Looking foward to hearing about your trip! :surfweb:

[carissanboys]

Woohoo! You got your first installment up quickly! :cool1:

How horrible about the break in at your SIL's house. :eek:

Love the picture of the three boys sitting at the airport - doing their thing. :goodvibes (I think it's being a mom of three boys - I love seeing that stuff.)

Did you have anyone sit next to you or did the seat remain empty??

I spot your lovely hipster! :yay:

Can't wait for more!!

[mommytothreeboys]

I just came across your report. I am on board.

Hi there and :welcome: Thanks for dropping in!

I'm in Missy and I can't wait....

I barely recognized Dan in his new do...

I was equally impressed w/ SW as well and yes I admit I only took advid notes for the 1st day and a half and then played catch up the rest of the trip.

Looking forward to hearing more and your 1st day and how POR stacked up for you guys.

J-

Hi Julie!

Yea! You're back and writing your trip report! I'm so excited to hear all about your adventures.:hyper: Glad your flight was smooth.:thumbsup2

Hi Christine!

Not sure if I ever posted on your pre trippie but I am here for the TR!! Nice start.
Hey that was my 1000th post!!

Woo-Hoo for your 1000th post! :cool1: Thanks for coming over to my TR!

even though i'm one of the younger ones (like, super young), im gonna follow:)
it'll keep me from going insane until my trip!

Glad I can help you with your sanity! Welcome! :goodvibes

popcorn::
Hellooooooooooooooooo!

Glad you are back :goodvibes

Looking foward to hearing about your trip! :surfweb:


Hi Happy!


Woohoo! You got your first installment up quickly! :cool1:

How horrible about the break in at your SIL's house. :eek:

Love the picture of the three boys sitting at the airport - doing their thing. :goodvibes (I think it's being a mom of three boys - I love seeing that stuff.)

Did you have anyone sit next to you or did the seat remain empty??

I spot your lovely hipster! :yay:

Can't wait for more!!

Yeah, that break-in was terrible. The worst thing is they kind of know who it was, but since the kid is at their house a lot, the police won't do much because his prints are in the house anyway. Can't prove it was from that night and not a time he was permitted in the house. Just feel bad that Josh lost the iPod he got for his 16th birthday...that really stinks for him.

I did have a young girl sit next to me on the flight. She read Twilight and listened to her iPod the whole trip! :music:

[mommytothreeboys]

I most likely will not get another installment up today. I have college friends in from NH and we haven't seen each other for 3 years. I'll be spending the weekend with them so won't have too much time to DIS.

I did want to leave you this picture and a few things to ponder....


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney2009.jpg

Did we find our way to the ME check-in without getting lost like last time?

Does online check-in really save time?

SO many food choices in DTD....where did we eat? :rolleyes1

Pirates of the Day??? Really?? pirate:

Thanks for reading! :goodvibes

[carissanboys]

Love that picture Missy! :goodvibes And I love your outfit. :thumbsup2

Have fun with your friends this weekend!!

I remembered something else I wanted to mention about the last installment.

I ended up just taking general notes at the end of each day to give me a timeline (which rides in which order, etc.) and to jot down anything special that happened. I find that I really forget a lot of things once I'm home!!

[mousescrapper]

Have a fun weekend too.

We're celebrating the twins 10th b-day tomorrow at the local bowling alley...should be fun...have just about everything ready to go, since it will be right after church.

Love the pic too.

Pirates of the Day, huh?

you got me thinking :scratchin

[lovegrumpy]

Can't wait for more.

[Happydog]

AWWWWWWWW!!!! What a great fam photo! I loved it! Wow. I can't wait to get the answers to those pondering questions!!!!! Wait. That wouldn't work, a question cant really "ponder" or at the very least that would be redundant and an oxymoron... UM, so WHOSE the English Major Moron?

Yeah, that' d be me. Just pondering away... :upsidedow

popcorn::

[mommytothreeboys]

Love that picture Missy! :goodvibes And I love your outfit. :thumbsup2

Have fun with your friends this weekend!!

I remembered something else I wanted to mention about the last installment.

I ended up just taking general notes at the end of each day to give me a timeline (which rides in which order, etc.) and to jot down anything special that happened. I find that I really forget a lot of things once I'm home!!

Thanks Carissa. It was a great weekend. We hadn't been together for almost 3 years so it was fun to catch up!

Have a fun weekend too.

We're celebrating the twins 10th b-day tomorrow at the local bowling alley...should be fun...have just about everything ready to go, since it will be right after church.

Love the pic too.

Pirates of the Day, huh?

you got me thinking :scratchin

10 years old! :cool1: Hope you had a great party!

Can't wait for more.

I hope to have another update up today. Welcome! :goodvibes

AWWWWWWWW!!!! What a great fam photo! I loved it! Wow. I can't wait to get the answers to those pondering questions!!!!! Wait. That wouldn't work, a question cant really "ponder" or at the very least that would be redundant and an oxymoron... UM, so WHOSE the English Major Moron?

Yeah, that' d be me. Just pondering away... :upsidedow

popcorn::

LOL! English Major....WOW! I will answer those questions soon I promise. My life still has not gotten back on track since our return. I have grocery shopping today, but hope to have an update posted later!

[3princesses+aprince]

Oh, man you left us with alot of questions that I would like to have answered, I'm especially interested to know if online checkin saves time. I just did that this morning. I'm down to 8 days to go.
I just came over here looking for your trip report, I miss talking with you on the PTR board.
Dan's haircut looks SUPER NICE!!!!

Glad to here that so far you arrival day went well!!

[cjackearl]

Hi Missy! Take your time. We all know what an adjustment getting back into the real world with all its responsibilities can be. We'll find some way to pass the time while we wait for your update.;)

[mommytothreeboys]

Oh, man you left us with alot of questions that I would like to have answered, I'm especially interested to know if online checkin saves time. I just did that this morning. I'm down to 8 days to go.
I just came over here looking for your trip report, I miss talking with you on the PTR board.
Dan's haircut looks SUPER NICE!!!!

Glad to here that so far you arrival day went well!!

Hopefully I can answer all your questions! Thanks for coming over to find me! ;)

Hi Missy! Take your time. We all know what an adjustment getting back into the real world with all its responsibilities can be. We'll find some way to pass the time while we wait for your update.;)

:hug: thanks Christine!! The real world kinda stinks...I wanna move into the castle! :rotfl:

[cnorth]

subbing- Can't wait to hear about your trip!

[mommytothreeboys]

When I left you, we had just arrived at MCO about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. The last time we went to WDW we got so lost in the airport trying to find the ME check-in desk! A nice security guard had to point us in the right direction! LOL! :rotfl2: This time we were determined to find our way without professional help! We got off the plane and stopped in one of the gift shops to get postcards. I found out last trip that the postcard selection in WDW is not great so it’s best to buy them at the airport. After my purchase, we looked at the map in the ME booklet and set off to find the desk....:confused3



YAY!! We did it without any problems! I don’t know what happened last time, but we had no issues this time! That was good, because DH hates to wander and not know where we are going..it stresses him out which, in turn, stresses me out. :scared: Not a great way to start a vacation so I’m glad we didn’t have that problem!

When we got to the desk, the check-in line seemed really long. I sent Jeff and the boys off to the chairs to wait while I hopped in line. I was through what looked like an endless line in 10 minutes!! They had about 15 CM’s working...each one had a window kind of like a bank. They were very efficient and I was surprised at how quickly we were on our way to the line for the bus to POR.

The line for the bus was MUCH shorter than what we experienced last trip. I had to use the little girl’s room and was afraid to get out of line and miss the bus! Here are a few pics of us waiting for the ME bus.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200912.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200910.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200911.jpg

We were on the DME bus by 10:30...only 50 minutes after we landed! NOT BAD! We got a yellow Mears bus this time...last trip it was a Disney Cruise Lines bus...no ME bus yet!! I didn’t care...as long as it took me to POR it could be the Partridge Family bus! :hippie: The driver announced when we would be passing the welcome sign so we could get a picture....this was the best I could do!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20099.jpg

We arrived at POR, the first stop, at 11:00 and headed to find the online check-in counter. It was a little hard to see, but I knew that from Carissa’s report. Thanks Carissa! I walked up to the counter and saw the little sign for online check-in. We bypassed the line (only about 5-6 other people in that line) and went right up to the counter to check in. Mary, our CM, was sweet and had our room packet ready to go. I was surprised to find that our room was even ready! We got our request of building 16 or 18 and were assigned to room 1664! YAY! We were completely checked in (including picking up the case of water we had delivered from Costco) by 11:10. From landing at MCO, it had taken only 90 minutes. Impressive! :thumbsup2

We headed to building 16 to check out the room situation. We had stayed in building 16 last time as well so we knew exactly where we were headed. Our room was on the back side of the building with a view of the parking lot. I hadn’t asked for a special view, but admit I was a bit disappointed. However, I noticed when we got in that we had an extra window because we were on the corner. :woohoo: Also, the resort is so beautifully landscaped that even though we could see the parking lot, it wasn’t just concrete and cars. There were lots of trees and shrubs to break up the view. And for the length of time I would actually be looking out the window, it was a NON-ISSUE!! It actually ended up working out perfectly because we could take the stairs just outside the door and head through the parking lot to the short-cut to the buses. SWEET! :yay:

Here are a few pictures of the room when we checked in. I mainly took pictures of the cute little “extra touches” that really make the room special.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20097.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20098.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20096.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20095.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20094.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20093.jpg


After ditching our carry-on bags, we grabbed our suits and headed to the pool. On our way we stopped in at the food court to pick up the mugs that came with the QSDP. The new design is too cute! And I love that we could all choose the color lid/handle we liked. :goodvibes

View of Riverside Mill from the bridge to Ol' Man Island.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20092.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney2009-1.jpg

We enjoyed the pool for an hour or so then got really hungry. We hadn’t eaten since those nasty breakfast sandwiches at the airport around 6:30. So we headed up to the room to see if our bags had arrived. They had (it was about 1:30) so we began to unpack and get settled in the room while changing our clothes to head to DTD. I hate to live out of a suitcase, so it’s important for me to unpack and organize the room. I used the shelf above the closet bar to hold all of our snacks. I gave Jonah one of the compartments under the TV for his clothes and also one to Dan. They shared the small top drawer as well. Isaiah and Dan shared the bottom drawer for their clothes, and Jeff and I each took a drawer. The drawers are deep and big, so they were perfect. I used the space beside the TV for my guidebook and binder as well as for our Pjs from each night and our dry swimsuits. All the luggage was stowed beside or under the bed and I put the 3 small baskets on the table for the boys’ misc. junk! We were all changed and off to DTD for lunch/dinner and shopping!

I just have to say that I love POR! The grounds are so beautiful and peaceful. I love the ducks and the rabbits and the occasional armadillo! The dock/marina area is beautiful. I can't say enough good things about this resort! It really does feel like home! :cloud9:

Wow this post is a bit lengthy and it only covers like 3 hours!! LOL! :lmao: Keep in mind that I was still taking notes at this point. By day 4 all you're going to get is "we went to MK, rode a few rides, it was fun!" :rotfl:

Up next...our first meal and we are PIRATES OF THE DAY! AARGGHH!!pirate:

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks for the new post. You can totally tell that your youngest one is proud of loosing those two front teeth.:rotfl: You've got a fine set of young men to be proud of.

[Planning fanatic mom]

Thank you so much for the update. We stayed in POR 2 years ago. We really liked it. We were in building 15. Very short walk to the buses.:cool1: Your pics brought tears to my eyes. I miss POR!!

So, I guess the on-line check in was worth it?:cheer2:

The magic has begun!!!!!

[ladybugmom]

YAY!! Arrival in WDW! This is getting me sooo excited about our trip!! BTW--I love your Vera Bradley!!

[mom2mek]

What a lovely start to your trip! Your room looks very nice! Gotta love towel animals! :goodvibes Great start....keep it coming....popcorn::popcorn::

Sara

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I think you and I may subscribe to some of the same boards! I've seen your name here and there. Cool to find your TR and put a face with the name. :goodvibes

Your boys are quite handsome and I know Mom is proud! Looking forward to hearing the rest of your story, sounds great so far! :thumbsup2

[carissanboys]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney20094.jpg

I never noticed this!!!!!!!! :rotfl:

Great pictures and update Missy! I'm amazed at how quickly it all went for you. :thumbsup2

POR is so awesome! :love:

[cjackearl]

Yea for smooth sailing so far.:thumbsup2 The picture of you and Jonah is so darling as is the one of the boys at the pool. POR does look beautiful and you got a ton of towel guys!

[Happydog]

That was a great "three hour" post :laughing: Impressive that your time to get checked in was soooo easy! Great news! That is nice after that early morning! Nice to have that.

Okay, now we are ready for the next 190 hours !!! popcorn::

[GreatBiscuit]

Your title drew me in. Great start so far. I'm definitely setting an alarm to be up bright and early the day befor our SW flight so I can get us in Boarding Group A.

[bellesBFF]

sounds like you had fun! :)
your oldest son looks like my friends cousin, kinda freaky, but i'll deal with it!
haha

[3princesses+aprince]

Yay for an update. We're on the QSDP also, so I can't wait to hear more about your experiences with it. Hint Hint.....I want an update:goodvibes
That is my plan also for the first day, to get to the resort, hopefully by Magical Express bus, check in, check out our room, go for swim, and eat lunch. Then it's off to the MK for us. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your first day.

[mousescrapper]

YAY!! Arrival in WDW! This is getting me sooo excited about our trip!! BTW--I love your Vera Bradley!!

Hi I just wanted to say to ladybugmom I love the little picture of your DD w/ all the princess dolls! that is sweet...w/ having 3 Princesses of my own we too have quite the collection of Princess dolls and plush...some of your I havn't seen. very special!


OK Missy....sorry for the temp highjack...


Wow that is great travel transitions you had...how nice...that is funny about the buses...we have rode in an actual DME all 3 times we used the DME even in 05 when they were just phasing it in w/ quests still taking their own luggage....something to come back for huh?

I remember taking the parking lot short-cut too to the bus stop when we stayed at POR...nice that you enjoyed the pool on your 1st day too.

looking forward to more...

[angela3676]

I just found your trip report. I'm all caught up. I've really enjoyed reading what you've written so far and the pictures are great. Since I'm waiting on an update I think I'm take a peak at your PTR.

Angela

[DiningPlanDevastator]

Long time lurker. On board now. Ready for the next installment.

THANKS :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

[mommytothreeboys]

Thanks for the new post. You can totally tell that your youngest one is proud of loosing those two front teeth.:rotfl: You've got a fine set of young men to be proud of.

Thank you so much! :hug: They're pretty cool boys...for the most part! I was as excited as he was about losing those teeth....my Disney pictures are so cute!

Thank you so much for the update. We stayed in POR 2 years ago. We really liked it. We were in building 15. Very short walk to the buses.:cool1: Your pics brought tears to my eyes. I miss POR!!

So, I guess the on-line check in was worth it?:cheer2:

The magic has begun!!!!!

I miss it too! Online check-in was totally worth it for us. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

YAY!! Arrival in WDW! This is getting me sooo excited about our trip!! BTW--I love your Vera Bradley!!

Thank you! I love it too....it was a little small for my park bag, sadly, but I did use it when we traveled light, aka, without autograph books! It's perfect for my summer bag though!

What a lovely start to your trip! Your room looks very nice! Gotta love towel animals! :goodvibes Great start....keep it coming....popcorn::popcorn::

Sara

We did get a lot of towel friends on that first day. Stay tuned to see if that was a regular thing!

I think you and I may subscribe to some of the same boards! I've seen your name here and there. Cool to find your TR and put a face with the name. :goodvibes

Your boys are quite handsome and I know Mom is proud! Looking forward to hearing the rest of your story, sounds great so far! :thumbsup2

HI and WELCOME!! I recognize your screen name too..we must hang in the same circles!! :laughing:

I never noticed this!!!!!!!! :rotfl:

Great pictures and update Missy! I'm amazed at how quickly it all went for you. :thumbsup2

POR is so awesome! :love:

I was amazed too, really. I expected it to be smooth, but arrival day was better than I could have hoped! Stay tuned...there are some bumps in the road!

Yea for smooth sailing so far.:thumbsup2 The picture of you and Jonah is so darling as is the one of the boys at the pool. POR does look beautiful and you got a ton of towel guys!

POR is absolutely beautiful. And thanks for the compliments on the pictures! I think the boys are pretty cute too! :love:

That was a great "three hour" post :laughing: Impressive that your time to get checked in was soooo easy! Great news! That is nice after that early morning! Nice to have that.

Okay, now we are ready for the next 190 hours !!! popcorn::

LOL! At this rate I should be done sometime in 2011! :rotfl:

Your title drew me in. Great start so far. I'm definitely setting an alarm to be up bright and early the day befor our SW flight so I can get us in Boarding Group A.

Hi there and welcome! Getting up early to check in to your flight is definitely worth it. You won't need an alarm though if you're anything like me...I was so excited and anxious about getting online on time that I woke up like every hour!

sounds like you had fun! :)
your oldest son looks like my friends cousin, kinda freaky, but i'll deal with it!
haha

We did have a great time! Thanks for hanging in!

Yay for an update. We're on the QSDP also, so I can't wait to hear more about your experiences with it. Hint Hint.....I want an update:goodvibes
That is my plan also for the first day, to get to the resort, hopefully by Magical Express bus, check in, check out our room, go for swim, and eat lunch. Then it's off to the MK for us. I can't wait to hear about the rest of your first day.

I PM'd you some details about QSDP so you don't have to wait! An update is coming soon...hopefully tonight, but Jonah and Dan have their first baseball practices tonight so it will be a crazy night of running around. We'll see how I feel after we get home!

Hi I just wanted to say to ladybugmom I love the little picture of your DD w/ all the princess dolls! that is sweet...w/ having 3 Princesses of my own we too have quite the collection of Princess dolls and plush...some of your I havn't seen. very special!


OK Missy....sorry for the temp highjack...


Wow that is great travel transitions you had...how nice...that is funny about the buses...we have rode in an actual DME all 3 times we used the DME even in 05 when they were just phasing it in w/ quests still taking their own luggage....something to come back for huh?

I remember taking the parking lot short-cut too to the bus stop when we stayed at POR...nice that you enjoyed the pool on your 1st day too.

looking forward to more...

Highjack anytime! :goodvibes

We did get an ME bus on the way back to the airport. But Jeff said it was the Disney's Miserable Express bus, cause we were all sad! :sad1:

I just found your trip report. I'm all caught up. I've really enjoyed reading what you've written so far and the pictures are great. Since I'm waiting on an update I think I'm take a peak at your PTR.

Angela

Hi Angela. Welcome to my TR! I have links on the first page of my PTR so you don't have to read all the chit chat...makes it go a little faster!

Long time lurker. On board now. Ready for the next installment.

THANKS :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Hi and thanks for coming out of lurkdom! :wave2:

[MagicKisses2]

It all sounds so fun, I wish I was there.

Your family is adorible and I can tell you are going to have a great trip! Can't wait to hear more.

:upsidedow

[DisMomAmy]

Hi!! Just checking in... I have to go back & read, but wanted to let you know I'm here! Sorry we missed each other - we weren't at Epcot very long on the 27th... we were there a few hours before dinner then headed to MK. Hope to hear your week was as good as ours. :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

Hi I just wanted to say to ladybugmom I love the little picture of your DD w/ all the princess dolls! that is sweet...w/ having 3 Princesses of my own we too have quite the collection of Princess dolls and plush...some of your I havn't seen. very special!

Hi!! :wave2: Thank you so much!! I actually have 2 princesses but my youngest wouldn't pose for the picture!! My girls LOVE their plush princesses. We got most of them last year from the Disney Store! princess:

[mommytothreeboys]

It all sounds so fun, I wish I was there.

Your family is adorible and I can tell you are going to have a great trip! Can't wait to hear more.

:upsidedow

Thank you and WELCOME!! :flower3:

Hi!! Just checking in... I have to go back & read, but wanted to let you know I'm here! Sorry we missed each other - we weren't at Epcot very long on the 27th... we were there a few hours before dinner then headed to MK. Hope to hear your week was as good as ours. :goodvibes

Hi Amy....we had a great week! I hope you did too..can't wait to swap stories! :woohoo:

[mommytothreeboys]

So after enjoying a beautiful Orlando afternoon by the pool, we headed to the POR marina to catch the water shuttle to Downtown Disney. This is my very FAVORITE thing about staying at POR. The boat is so relaxing and the trip down the river is just beautiful. :lovestruc The boat captain pointed out the new Treehouse Villas along the way. They are gorgeous and much bigger than I remembered them being 2 years ago. He later explained that the old tree houses that had been used to house foreign cast members had all been completely torn down and rebuilt. That would explain it! :thumbsup2 Anyway, they are set to open soon as part of the Saratoga Springs DVC resort. He also answered questions about alligators in the river....yes, he has seen them, but only a couple of times in his many years driving the boat. He told us about a family of river otters that live locally, but we didn’t see them on this particular trip. We stopped at the beautiful POFQ and then on to DTD. Here is a picture of two of my favorite boys on the boat!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200928.jpg



We had decided that there were two restaurants we wanted to try in DTD. Cooke’s of Dublin and Wolfgang Puck Express. For our first meal we decided to walk through the Marketplace and head to Cooke’s of Dublin to enjoy some Irish cuisine. My son Isaiah, 11, has recently had a fascination with Ireland and our Irish heritage. We knew he would enjoy this place! Since it was early afternoon...too late for lunch, too early for dinner...the place was empty so we got our food very quickly. All of the boys, Jeff included, decided on the Fish Fry basket. If you did not read my PTR you should know that I HATE fish so do not cook it at home. My poor family is deprived so they eat it when we go out every chance they get! I chose the Fried Sea Scallops. The scallops were HUGE and so sweet and delicious! I totally enjoyed them as well as the hand cut fries that came with them. You can judge from the picture what the boys thought of their meals!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200924.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200925.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200926.jpg


Dan chose the Dough Bar–a deep fried Snickers bar–for his dessert. That is just wrong! Deep fried chocolate!! Anyway...he completely enjoyed the gooey messiness of it and ate the whole thing before the rest of us even got our ice cream!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200923.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200921.jpg

The last time we were in WDW, we only went to DTD one time and we rushed to dinner reservations and then shopped for a short time before heading to DHS for Fantasmic. We did not at all get to enjoy all that DTD has to offer so this time we vowed to take our time and “stop to smell the roses” so to speak. We wandered through the Irish shop, strolled along the water and checked out the Characters in Flight balloon, spent some time in the novelty magnet shop, and just enjoyed taking in the sights.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200927.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200916.jpg



Then, on Dan's insistence, we headed to Disney Quest. We figured since we had no plans for the evening and it was still early, we could spend a few hours checking it out. We had never been before so this was totally new to us. If you have never been to Disney Quest, in a nutshell, it is 4-5 floors of both traditional video/arcade games and cool interactive 3-D games. I really was not looking forward to being there for 3 hours, but found that I really enjoyed myself! We entered the building and grabbed a map as we had NO CLUE how the place was set up. We boarded the elevator to head to the main floor as instructed by the CM’s. The elevator itself is an attraction with cool lights, effects, and a storyline. Leave it to Disney to never let you just ride the elevator! :rotfl: It has to be an “experience”!

As we got off the elevator I think we may have looked a little bewildered because a CM almost immediately approached us and asked if we needed help. We explained that it was our first time and made some small talk about where we were from, etc. He then asked if we had the chance to experience the Pirates of the Caribbean ride yet. We said no, we had just arrived, so he proceeded to tell us that we had been chosen as “Pirates of the Day” and we were going to bypass the line for their most popular attraction and go in the back entrance. :thumbsup2 We also got to dress up in cute pirate gear and they took our picture which we got as a free souvenir. We went right onto the ride and it was SO FUN! We wore 3-D goggles and went onto what looked like the deck of a pirate ship. One person, Dan in our case, was the captain and he was responsible for steering. The rest of us manned a cannon and we were to shoot at the enemy ships and sink them to get their treasure. We “shot” by pulling the string at the end of the cannon. We could move to any cannon on the deck as needed. It really was a great game and I totally enjoyed it as did the rest of the family! How cool to have such a great Magical Moment on our first day of vacation! Here is a picture of us as Pirates of the Day! pirate:

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/scan.jpg


We easily spent 3 hours in Disney Quest. We did Cyber Space Mountain, the magic carpet ride, played video games,rode the virtual Jungle Cruise, played the Buzz Lightyear Space Assault game, played human pinball, air hockey, and just completely enjoyed the entire experience. There were minimal lines for the bigger attractions, but we did almost everything with little or no wait. I would definitely go back...and I really am not a video game fan. These aren’t the best pictures, but here are a few inside Disney Quest.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200917.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200918.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200920.jpg


It was nearly 8:00 pm by the time we came out of Disney Quest and we had promised Isaiah some shopping time in World of Disney so we headed back to the marketplace. The store was very crowded, but we managed to get some cool souvenirs and I got my “$10 with $30 purchase” canvas tote bag. YAY!! :yay: Jonah got himself a Goofy hat which he wore for the rest of the trip.
Too cute!


Last stop was Goofy’s Candy Company to get some snacks. Jonah and Isaiah got the create-your-own pretzel rods, 3 for 1 snack credit. Jeff, Dan, and I got frozen slushies...they were SO tasty!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200913.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/ArrivalDayFun--Disney200914.jpg


We were doing early EMH at AK the next morning so we boarded the boat to head back to POR. It had been a long, but AWESOME day, and we were ready to go to bed. When we got back, Dan went to the food court to fill his mug. He returned as I was getting our lanyards with our Key to the World Cards ready for our first park day. I asked him for his card and he couldn’t find it....oh no! REALLY....Dan....it has charging privileges on it, you can’t lose it! Oh boy.....first bump in the road. :headache: Jeff, after a small freak out, headed to the lobby to cancel that card and get a new one printed. So much for an early night. We explained to Dan the importance of keeping track of his card as it is his key to the room, meal ticket, park ticket, AND (most importantly) has charging privileges so he can buy souvenirs without carrying cash. UGH! After that small crisis, we were now MORE than ready for bed and we gladly hit the pillows! Good night.....off to Animal Kingdom in the AM! :banana:

[cjackearl]

Pirates of the Day? That is so cool! My DH really likes Disney Quest and I can see liking it better myself if I didn't have to hold a baby the entire time I was in there. I did beat a bunch of teenagers at human pinball!:rotfl: Your Goofy's treats looks de-licious!

[carissanboys]

What a fun afternoon/evening you guys had at DTD!! :cool1: I love the pirate picture and how cool that you got to be Pirates of the Day! :thumbsup2

I'm with Dan on the fried snickers bar - yummmmmm!!!!

You got lots of great pictures - can't wait to see more. :goodvibes

[mom2mek]

What a great update! It sounds like a fantastic day at DTD! I love those Goofy's treats and I think I might have to try the slushie things next time!


Yay on the Pirates of the Day! Arghhhh! pirate:pirate:

Looking forward to AK! :banana:

Sara

[MICKEY4EVER!]

A FRIED Snickers Bar???? Okay, on a normal day, that might not sound so good. But today, I think I could actually go for one!!!! Yummy!

Sounds like a wonderful first day you all had. I've never been to Disney Quest, but after hearing your description of the place and looking at the very cool photos, I may just have to give it a go next time.

Loving that you were Pirates of the Day! What a nice memory! :cool1:

[mommytothreeboys]

Pirates of the Day? That is so cool! My DH really likes Disney Quest and I can see liking it better myself if I didn't have to hold a baby the entire time I was in there. I did beat a bunch of teenagers at human pinball!:rotfl: Your Goofy's treats looks de-licious!

I can see how the baby may be a bit of a problem! That human pinball looked fun! I sat it out to take pictures, but the boys enjoyed it!

We visited Goofy's more than once!

What a fun afternoon/evening you guys had at DTD!! :cool1: I love the pirate picture and how cool that you got to be Pirates of the Day! :thumbsup2

I'm with Dan on the fried snickers bar - yummmmmm!!!!

You got lots of great pictures - can't wait to see more. :goodvibes

It really was a great day except for the losing the card incident. Honestly, that fried snickers looked good, all gooey and chocolatey! :thumbsup2

What a great update! It sounds like a fantastic day at DTD! I love those Goofy's treats and I think I might have to try the slushie things next time!


Yay on the Pirates of the Day! Arghhhh! pirate:pirate:

Looking forward to AK! :banana:

Sara

We sampled all the slushie flavors before buying! YUM!

A FRIED Snickers Bar???? Okay, on a normal day, that might not sound so good. But today, I think I could actually go for one!!!! Yummy!

Sounds like a wonderful first day you all had. I've never been to Disney Quest, but after hearing your description of the place and looking at the very cool photos, I may just have to give it a go next time.

Loving that you were Pirates of the Day! What a nice memory! :cool1:

Disney Quest was a nice surprise. I really expected to just sit and take pictures and people-watch. Very cool place! Give it a try!

[carissanboys]

I had fried oreos once and they were one of the best things I have EVER eaten. TO DIE FOR!!! :thumbsup2

[mommytothreeboys]

I had fried oreos once and they were one of the best things I have EVER eaten. TO DIE FOR!!! :thumbsup2

Now there's a snack I can get behind! YUMMMMMM!!!! :love:

[bellesBFF]

looks like you guys had lots of fun in disney quest!
i didnt do much because i went with my little cousin, all he wanted to do was walk around, he didnt do anything in there! :confused3

[Planning fanatic mom]

Outstanding update. What a great first day.

Can't wait to hear about AK. MY FAVORITE PARK!!!:cool1:

[Happydog]

Just loved your update! I am glad to get a sneak peek into DQ, we will try that one out next trip or in a few years, I think our boys are too young yet to really appreciate it -- but your DTD afternoon sounds just awesome! Also, the fried candy bar is definitely the thing in the UK -- at least it was in Scotland when we were there... that and a fried Mars Bar... Right there along side the fish and chips! That is what killed it for me :crazy2: but I heard it was good! :laughing:

[mickeystoontown]

Thanks for the update. I am not a gamer at all and I found myself REALLY enjoying Disney Quest. We didn't get a chance to go to DQ in August, 2008 but are looking forward to going in August, 2009.

[3princesses+aprince]

Oooo, i'm looking forward to the boat ride from POR to DTD!!! It sounds like you had a wonderful time at DTD, I cannot wait to go to Goofy's candy company!!! We also set aside a day when we can have as much time as we need in DTD!!!!! We're renting the pontoon boats when we're down there also (or the canopy boats) we're a family of six and I was told we would fit in either one of them!

I like the pic of your youngest with no teeth trying to bite into that monstrosity of a snack!!!!:lmao:

[mommytothreeboys]

looks like you guys had lots of fun in disney quest!
i didnt do much because i went with my little cousin, all he wanted to do was walk around, he didnt do anything in there! :confused3

You should go back without your cousin and have a blast!!

Outstanding update. What a great first day.

Can't wait to hear about AK. MY FAVORITE PARK!!!:cool1:

I'm working on the AK pictures now...hoping to have an update posted later this evening.

Just loved your update! I am glad to get a sneak peek into DQ, we will try that one out next trip or in a few years, I think our boys are too young yet to really appreciate it -- but your DTD afternoon sounds just awesome! Also, the fried candy bar is definitely the thing in the UK -- at least it was in Scotland when we were there... that and a fried Mars Bar... Right there along side the fish and chips! That is what killed it for me :crazy2: but I heard it was good! :laughing:

Too funny about the fried candy bar in the UK. The only other place I've ever seen it is at the carnival!

Thanks for the update. I am not a gamer at all and I found myself REALLY enjoying Disney Quest. We didn't get a chance to go to DQ in August, 2008 but are looking forward to going in August, 2009.

I'd go back...there was a lot I would like to do again!

Oooo, i'm looking forward to the boat ride from POR to DTD!!! It sounds like you had a wonderful time at DTD, I cannot wait to go to Goofy's candy company!!! We also set aside a day when we can have as much time as we need in DTD!!!!! We're renting the pontoon boats when we're down there also (or the canopy boats) we're a family of six and I was told we would fit in either one of them!

I like the pic of your youngest with no teeth trying to bite into that monstrosity of a snack!!!!:lmao:

LOL!! I love that pic too!

DTD is awesome! The pontoon boat sounds fun! Can't wait to hear about it!

[DiningPlanDevastator]

Thanks for your latest trip update... Looking for more to come.

I never knew there was so much to do @ DTD...

[hjd0411]

What a lovely family you are! Thanks for taking us on your Disney vacation - sounds like you had heaps of fun! I look forward to reading more!! :surfweb:

[DisMomAmy]

Finally caught up!! Great start! (I HATE fish too... don't eat it, don't cook it.;))

POR looks great! :thumbsup2

Disney Quest looks like fun - we considered it for this trip, but weren't there height requirements for a lot of the "rides"? If I remember, Zachary was too short for most things and Alex was even too short for some of them. Maybe next time.

We had a similar lost card incident on our last day... :rolleyes1 (a little preview of my TR.)

[bellesBFF]

You should go back without your cousin and have a blast!!


haha, i'll pass with him! all he did was walk around the parks.. and i kept on going 'your so boring'.

im going again with a cousin, but a diffferent one, she's one year younger then me (and not two years yonger) and we are like, best friends!

[Br'erBriere]

Hi there! I just started reading and saw the picture of the Boys at the airport. I knew it looked like a familiar table/restraunt. Sure enough I keep reading and find out you were at the Buffalo Airport! Amherst here! Can't wait to read more!

[crzyeeyoreangel]

*waves* Hopping on board and starting my own. :) Sounds like your trip started off well. Cant wait to see more pictures.

[mommytothreeboys]

Thanks for your latest trip update... Looking for more to come.

I never knew there was so much to do @ DTD...

Yeah...we ended up going back for more on another evening!

What a lovely family you are! Thanks for taking us on your Disney vacation - sounds like you had heaps of fun! I look forward to reading more!! :surfweb:

Hi and welcome aboard! :goodvibes

Finally caught up!! Great start! (I HATE fish too... don't eat it, don't cook it.;))

POR looks great! :thumbsup2

Disney Quest looks like fun - we considered it for this trip, but weren't there height requirements for a lot of the "rides"? If I remember, Zachary was too short for most things and Alex was even too short for some of them. Maybe next time.

We had a similar lost card incident on our last day... :rolleyes1 (a little preview of my TR.)

Glad to have a fellow non-fish eater! I'm not sure about height requirements for rides...I think maybe for a couple of them, but Jonah is the shortest and he is tall enough to do everything so I don't notice them as much anymore.

Unfortunately, that would not be the last "lost card" incident. :sad2:

haha, i'll pass with him! all he did was walk around the parks.. and i kept on going 'your so boring'.

im going again with a cousin, but a diffferent one, she's one year younger then me (and not two years yonger) and we are like, best friends!

Yay! Sounds like fun!

Hi there! I just started reading and saw the picture of the Boys at the airport. I knew it looked like a familiar table/restraunt. Sure enough I keep reading and find out you were at the Buffalo Airport! Amherst here! Can't wait to read more!

Hi! Glad to have a fellow Upstate New Yorker! :yay:

*waves* Hopping on board and starting my own. :) Sounds like your trip started off well. Cant wait to see more pictures.

Welcome home! Thanks for stopping over! :cutie:

[mommytothreeboys]

Our first Park Day!! WOO-HOO!! :woohoo:

It was early EMH at Animal Kingdom, so the alarm was set for 6:00 am. I know that there are a lot of people who don’t like to get up early on vacation so that may sound crazy to some. Normally I am not an early riser myself, but at Disney I don’t mind getting up early to take advantage of EMH. We wanted to be at the bus stop by 6:45 so we all got up, ate a quick breakfast in the room, got dressed and took the short walk to the bus stop.

I had been watching the weather forecast and this was the only day on our entire trip that had rain in the forecast. It was a bit overcast, but no rain yet. I was hoping it would hold off and we could enjoy our day! :rolleyes1 I was also a little nervous about the crowd levels as today was a 9 on the UG crowd calendar. We had never done a 9 day so I had concerns!! :scared: But.....I had a good plan and we were excited so we trudged ahead!


Waiting at the POR bus stop on our first park day!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney2009.jpg


Before I get too far, I want to say that my family LOVES Animal Kingdom. :love: I know it’s a debated topic here on the DIS, but we spend an ENTIRE day, open to close, at AK and enjoy every minute! I think the theming at AK is second to none and the park itself is just so beautiful. I love the little touches like the bike tracks in the pavement in Asia, the way they make a water fountain fit seamlessly into an Asian village (see pic below), the authentic roofs in Harambe village, etc. If you slow down just a little, it’s easy to see the little things and I think Disney did the “little things” perfectly in AK. Ok...I’ll get off my Animal Kingdom soapbox now!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200920.jpg[

We arrived at Animal Kingdom around 7:30 for an EMH opening at 8:00. Our plan was to head to Everest and ride it, get a FP to ride it again later, then head to the Safari. I snapped this picture of the crowd waiting at the turnstiles when we arrived.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20092.jpg

A nice CM took this one for us!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20091.jpg

I don’t usually remember to take crowd pictures, so I was pretty proud of myself! My kids passed the time blowing bubbles in the line and lots of other kids joined in by trying to catch and pop them. It was very cute! About 7:45 they opened the turnstiles and let us in as far as the entry to Discovery Island.

We had never been to AK for a rope drop before so this was a treat! Minnie and Goofy came out on a Jeep-type vehicle and did a little opening show. Mickey made an appearance in the distance at the Tree of Life...he was high up on a scaffolding of sorts. The story was that Minnie and Goofy were going on an adventure and were going over their checklist before they left...camera, check...sunscreen, check....map, check! It was really cute and we enjoyed it. Then the rope dropped and we were off!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20093.jpg

We refused to be a part of the “let’s run” crowd, so we hung back and just took our time getting to Everest. We went through Asia instead of Dinoland and enjoyed the scenery of the early morning. I love this picture of Jeff and the boys looking at Everest in the distance. Dan has done a lot of reading about real expeditions to Everest and is very interested in the facts, etc about the mountain. He had stopped here to read a plaque explaining the different peaks and was sharing the information with his Dad.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20094.jpg

We arrived at the Fastpass machines for Expedition Everest and prepared to get our Fastpasses so we could enjoy the ride again later. (Insert sound of a screeching halt here.) OH NO.....Isaiah’s lanyard pouch has fallen off of his lanyard and that’s where his KTTW card is......AGAIN!!! The cards have charging privileges on them and that is our main concern. Jeff and Isaiah head off to find it (yeah, right) and Dan, Jonah and I get in the standby line to ride Everest. We figure we can get on and off by the time they get back. We only stand in line for a few minutes....the only sad part of that is that we miss all the cool stuff in the “Yeti Museum.” The ride was great! The Yeti was working and as creepy as ever! Upon getting off we called Jeff to see how he was making out with the KTTW situation. He was on his way back from Guest Services and, believe it or not, a CM had found Isaiah’s card and turned it in! WHEW! Another crisis averted! I’m not sure how many more we can handle, though! Jeff is worried about the security of the lanyard pouches being attached as they are. The little metal ring on which the pouch is hanging is what failed on Isaiah’s. So we take all of the KTTW cards and put them in my bag. We will try to figure out the lanyard situation later...for now we plan to enjoy the rest of the day without incident! Or so we hope!

We decided to ride Everest again since the standby line was only 10 minutes. By 8:30 we had been on Expedition Everest twice and got FP to ride again later in the day! Ya gotta love EMH!!! :thumbsup2

We get our FP for Everest and head off to the Kilimanjaro Safari. The standby line is 20 minutes so we hop in line. This safari ride was awesome! The last time we were at AK, we rode the safari in the afternoon. This time it was morning and I really think we saw more animals. Our driver was very funny and engaged us in the whole story line. Here are a few pics of some of the animals we saw. It’s so hard to get good ones in a moving vehicle!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20095.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20096.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20097.jpg


So....recap. By 9:10 we had ridden Everest twice, lost and found a KTTW card, and done the safari. NOT bad for an hour’s work!

After the safari, we walked the Pangani Forest Trail. I LOVE the gorillas and we saw a lot of them this time. One had a bucket on his head...too funny! We also so a young female climb a tree. My boys enjoy the fish pond and we spent quite a bit of time there.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20099.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney20098.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200921.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200922.jpg


We decided our next step was to head to Kali and get Fastpasses, then try to catch the 10:30 Flights of Wonder show. I was very skeptical about this because I really do NOT like birds, but the boys wanted to do it so I was willing to take one for the team! As we walked through Africa back to Asia, look who we ran into!!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200911.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200910.jpg

I had wanted to see DeVine this trip so the fact that we just happened upon her was a great treat!

We got our FP for Kali without incident and backtracked to the Flights of Wonder show. We got good seats despite it being very close to showtime.

I have to say the show was good! Guano Joe was very funny, and that kind of corny humor is right up my alley! I didn’t like the birds swooping over the audience, but managed to avoid them swooping over me...until close to the end of the show. Jeff casually put his arm around me and pulled me close. I thought he was just getting romantic! Little did I know that he had noticed that the next bird was going to fly from the back of the theater right over us on its way to the stage. YIKES! I’ll admit I did scream like a little girl and amused those around me. Oh well....I went to the show and didn’t hate it so I felt like it was a win all the way around! Don’t get me wrong. I think the birds are beautiful...from a distance. It’s only when they get close to me with the flapping wings, sharp beaks, and clawed feet that I start to freak out!!

Can you see the nervousness on my face as we wait for the show to start? I think I did a good job of covering up how scared I was!!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200912.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200913.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200914.jpg


Although it’s still early, we are all hungry since we had an early in-room breakfast so we decide to head to Pizzafari for lunch. On the way , we spot my DS11's favorite character, Stitch! The line is short so we ignore our growling stomachs and get in line. The interaction with Lilo and Stitch here was great! Stitch noticed the pins on my son’s new Safari hat and pointed them out. Lilo tried to plant a kiss on my 14 year old. Way too cute! I’m glad we paused to enjoy the moment instead of rushing to lunch to beat the crowd.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200915.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200916.jpg

Up next.... ANOTHER trip to Guest Services, Bug Eyes, will Kali deliver this time?, being bitten by the Pin Trading bug, and what to do when it rains!!

I am headed to New Hampshire to visit my DH’s sister for the weekend, so Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms reading! Enjoy your day!!

[cjackearl]

Great update Missy. Good for you for facing your bird fear. The show looks pretty good. We didn't do any of the animal trails last trip, but plan on doing them in June. Yea for seeing DeVine!:yay:

[carissanboys]

I feel the same way about Animal Kingdom. We just never do a park open to close because we can't make it. :rotfl:

I held on to everyone's cards/tickets. I'm sure they would have lost them! Glad a CM turned it in.

Woohoo - you got to see DeVine! :thumbsup2

What a good sport on seeing Flights of Wonder. :hug:

Love the pictures with Lilo and Stitch. :goodvibes

Have a great trip Missy and Happy Mother's Day to you too!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I am LOVING your TR! :wave2: Can't wait to hear about the next trip to Guest Relations. I'm nervous for ya! :bitelip:

Anyways: good job on this - I feel like I'm right there with you!

Your boys are so cute. Love the pics! :thumbsup2

[MagicShell]

I just found your report. I have really enjoyed it so far. I love the boat from POR to DTD as well. I don't think that a fried Snickers sounds very good myself.

I am looking forward to hearing more about your trip. We love to pin trade so I am excited to hear about your pin trading adventures.

[DiningPlanDevastator]

I guess my wife and I don't give AK enough credit. It always seems it is the hottest park... As Zzub would say, they seem to "pump heat" into the park. Even though Everest is pretty stinkin' awesome!

Enjoying your trip report:cool1:

[Planning fanatic mom]

Great Update. I love AK!!!

Flights of Wonder is one of my favorite shows at WDW.

I was wondering if you would talk about Pin Trading?? Can't wait.

Have a great Weekend.

[DisMomAmy]

We really enjoyed AK this year. We've had fun there in the past, but since Zach is bigger this year he got so much more out of it too. :thumbsup2

We skipped Flights of Wonder - we saw enough birds at Flame Tree BBQ! :scared1: It wasn't good!

Yay for DeVine!! :banana:

Glad you found the KKTW card - bad timing, but luckily it worked out well! :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more!! popcorn::

[Melknor]

Great trip report! I loved Animal Kingdom too and can't wait for another trip to explore it more. Keep the chapters coming!!

[mousescrapper]

We did get an ME bus on the way back to the airport. But Jeff said it was the Disney's Miserable Express bus, cause we were all sad! :sad1:





cute...;)

well being sick and keeping up on the boards hasn't been working that well for me, glad that DH could set me up today in my bed w/ his laptop so I can get back in the Dis mood :goodvibes

Love the 2 updates!

good for you and the last minute DisneyQuest trip...we haven't done it yet. My crew is still alittle too young plus I worry it'd be sensory overload for Michael...

DH & I several years ago went to Chicago's version (it has since shut down) on an anniversary weekend. We had fun. Someday I'd like to try it at WDW.

Very nice about the Pirate Magical surprise and all the fun you guys had...sounded like a great 1st day in the world!

YUM! for Goofy's Candy snacks...we missed going there again this time...I like candy pretzels too...good pick!

YIKES about losing the KTTW cards twice...glad no major issues though...good thinking for mom to just hold them now.

Never done an EMH at AK...looks like a great morning so far. Good for you w/ the FoW show...you are a brave Mom for your boys. Glad you liked it!

Love the expression on Dan w/ Lilo trying to kiss him...to cute!

Looking forward to more.

Have a lovely Mother's Day too!

J-

[bellesBFF]

ak is my favorite park too! :)
we once rode expedition everest like, 3 times because there was no line, at all!

[mpetti]

:cool1:I just found your trip report and it is great. You have a beautiful family and I just love all the great pics. :thumbsup2Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to read more.

Maryann:surfweb:

[mom2mek]

Great update! I feel EXACTLY the same way about the birds! Ick!

That's great that you were able to catch Devine! I have yet to see her in person - looks amazing!

Hope you had a nice Mom's Day! :goodvibes

Sara

[mommytothreeboys]

Great update Missy. Good for you for facing your bird fear. The show looks pretty good. We didn't do any of the animal trails last trip, but plan on doing them in June. Yea for seeing DeVine!

The animal trails are nice because you can just take your time..no lines, no rushing. My family loves the gorillas and tigers!

I feel the same way about Animal Kingdom. We just never do a park open to close because we can't make it.

I held on to everyone's cards/tickets. I'm sure they would have lost them! Glad a CM turned it in.

Woohoo - you got to see DeVine! :thumbsup2

What a good sport on seeing Flights of Wonder. :hug:

Love the pictures with Lilo and Stitch. :goodvibes

Have a great trip Missy and Happy Mother's Day to you too!

Thanks Carissa! Seeing DeVine was a real treat....she is really beautiful in an odd/strange sort of way!

I am LOVING your TR! :wave2: Can't wait to hear about the next trip to Guest Relations. I'm nervous for ya! :bitelip:

Anyways: good job on this - I feel like I'm right there with you!

Your boys are so cute. Love the pics! :thumbsup2

LOL...thanks for the sympathy nerves! :goodvibes

I just found your report. I have really enjoyed it so far. I love the boat from POR to DTD as well. I don't think that a fried Snickers sounds very good myself.

I am looking forward to hearing more about your trip. We love to pin trade so I am excited to hear about your pin trading adventures.

This was our first real experience with Pin Trading and without saying too much...my boys LOVED it!

I guess my wife and I don't give AK enough credit. It always seems it is the hottest park... As Zzub would say, they seem to "pump heat" into the park. Even though Everest is pretty stinkin' awesome!

Enjoying your trip report:cool1:

It is a hot park, but in April, the heat is not stifling. And coming from the frozen tundra of upstate NY we are ready for a little heat! And Everest is AWESOME!!

Great Update. I love AK!!!

Flights of Wonder is one of my favorite shows at WDW.

I was wondering if you would talk about Pin Trading?? Can't wait.

Have a great Weekend.

It was a good show...I was impressed and that's saying something! ;)

We really enjoyed AK this year. We've had fun there in the past, but since Zach is bigger this year he got so much more out of it too. :thumbsup2

We skipped Flights of Wonder - we saw enough birds at Flame Tree BBQ! :scared1: It wasn't good!

Yay for DeVine!! :banana:

Glad you found the KKTW card - bad timing, but luckily it worked out well! :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more!! popcorn::

Oooh..the birds at Flame Tree! YIKES! I know! :eek:

Great trip report! I loved Animal Kingdom too and can't wait for another trip to explore it more. Keep the chapters coming!!

Hi and :welcome:

cute...;)

well being sick and keeping up on the boards hasn't been working that well for me, glad that DH could set me up today in my bed w/ his laptop so I can get back in the Dis mood :goodvibes

Love the 2 updates!

good for you and the last minute DisneyQuest trip...we haven't done it yet. My crew is still alittle too young plus I worry it'd be sensory overload for Michael...

DH & I several years ago went to Chicago's version (it has since shut down) on an anniversary weekend. We had fun. Someday I'd like to try it at WDW.

Very nice about the Pirate Magical surprise and all the fun you guys had...sounded like a great 1st day in the world!

YUM! for Goofy's Candy snacks...we missed going there again this time...I like candy pretzels too...good pick!

YIKES about losing the KTTW cards twice...glad no major issues though...good thinking for mom to just hold them now.

Never done an EMH at AK...looks like a great morning so far. Good for you w/ the FoW show...you are a brave Mom for your boys. Glad you liked it!

Love the expression on Dan w/ Lilo trying to kiss him...to cute!

Looking forward to more.

Have a lovely Mother's Day too!

J-

I didn't even see the Lilo kissing incident...I was too busy snapping pics! I'm glad I caught it!

My boys were about the perfect age for Disney Quest..any younger and it may have been tough for Jonah to enjoy himself. It is very visually stimulating...and there are a lot of different noises, so not sure how Michael would do.

ak is my favorite park too! :)
we once rode expedition everest like, 3 times because there was no line, at all!

Yeah...believe it or not we rode several more times this day...on a 9 day, no less!

:cool1:I just found your trip report and it is great. You have a beautiful family and I just love all the great pics. :thumbsup2Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to read more.

Maryann:surfweb:

:welcome: Maryann! Glad to have you on board!

Great update! I feel EXACTLY the same way about the birds! Ick!

That's great that you were able to catch Devine! I have yet to see her in person - looks amazing!

Hope you had a nice Mom's Day! :goodvibes

Sara

I'd like a Mother's Day redo! I went to NH to celebrate my DH's sister's 40th birthday. DH had to stay home because he is working on a huge project at work so I was flying solo! 7 1/2 hours in the car with my boys on Mother's Day wasn't the best way to celebrate. And it was my DH's birthday as well, so I felt like I missed out on a lot. :sad2: Oh well!

[luckylady]

Another great day. we also spen the whole day at AK. To much stuff to do. I don't mind birds as long as they don't fly over my head.In all the 30+ trips to DW we have never seen that show.One day. Waiting for more. Does anothe key get lost?

[mommytothreeboys]

Another great day. we also spen the whole day at AK. To much stuff to do. I don't mind birds as long as they don't fly over my head.In all the 30+ trips to DW we have never seen that show.One day. Waiting for more. Does anothe key get lost?


Technically, no, another key does not get lost! Stay tuned! :rolleyes1

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Technically, no, another key does not get lost! Stay tuned! :rolleyes1

You know we have no patience!!!! :lmao::rotfl:

[mommytothreeboys]

I am working on the update about the rest of our Animal Kingdom day and hope to have that up sometime today. Until then, I just wanted to say thank you for the Mother's Day wishes! I did not spend the day like I would have really liked...it happened to be Jeff's birthday as well, so I really wanted to be home to celebrate with him and to enjoy the day myself. Alas...that was not to be. Jeff's sister Jill turned 40 on Saturday and had a big party in NH. Jeff is in the middle of a HUGE project at work that is nearing its deadline so he was unable to get away to join the boys and me. SO.....I spent Mother's Day and Jeff's Birthday traveling back from NH (7 1/2 hours) with the boys. NO breakfast in bed, no sleeping in, no baking Jeff's cake or making him his birthday dinner. :sad2:

On a happier note, Jeff made ME a special dinner (chicken on the grill, sweet potato fries, strawberry shortcake) and also got me a Wii Fit for Mother's Day. What a great guy! :love: I am making his cake and special dinner today...better late than never I guess!

Stay tuned....the rest of our Animal Kingdom Day is coming soon! How many times did we ride Everest? Was a 9 day anything to be freaked out about? Did it ever rain?? :confused3

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Sounds like your Mother's Day left a lot to be desired, but that meal by hubby most definitely made up for it! Not to mention the Wii fit. I WANT ONE!!! :yay:

And now you get to make it up to DH tonight. Fun! Lots of good eating!

Can't wait for the next installment. No, I really can't wait! :flower3: Until then...

[Peace Mickey Lovers]

Hi, really enjoying your trip report , can;t wait to read more!!!

[bhwhiz]

Enjoying the TR! :cool1:

[mommytothreeboys]

I've been debating where to fit this into the report and now seems as good a place as any!

:yay::yay: PIN TRADING! :yay::yay:

The boys each got a few pins for trading in their Easter baskets. Each boy got 8 pins. They were a "grab bag" so the pins were random and ranged from a Disneyland pin to Kermit the Frog, to Elvis Stitch. On our 2007 trip, we bought lanyards and each boy chose a pin or two to purchase as a souvenir, but we really didn't do any trading. Dan, who was 12 at the time, did trade once or twice, but that was the extent of it. They were excited to give it a try this trip and they had their pins on their lanyards ready to go! :thumbsup2

It started at DTD the night we arrived. Dan saw the new puzzle pin set and decided he would go for that. He got the hang of the trading pretty quickly! The other two boys were not far behind! By the time we hit AK on Monday, they all had the itch to trade. Isaiah, my Stitch fan, decided to try to find all Stitch pins. Jonah was on the lookout for the Pirate set with Mickey, Pluto, Chip, Dale, etc.

The Trading BEGAN! I think the boys stopped to look at pins on EVERY CM who had a pin lanyard! I wish I were exaggerating! It became a running joke if one of the boys was lagging behind..."oh, distracted by shiny objects!" They had a blast! :woohoo:

Unfortunately 8 pins was not nearly enough once they had been bitten by the pin trading bug! Dan completed his Puzzle set fairly quickly. Jonah took a little longer finishing his Pirate collection, but did complete it. Isaiah came home with a hat (he moved them to his safari hat) full of Stitch! By Wednesday morning all their "grab bag" pins had been traded and they no longer wanted to trade the pins they had! They continued to ask to see the CM's lanyards, but now only JUST IN CASE they came upon something great or just because they liked to look at pins!

The great thing about the pin trading for me, was to see the boys work together. Rarely does this happen, mind you! If one of the boys saw a pin that he knew one of his brothers was looking for, he would trade for it and give it to his brother. That happened several times on the trip. It was a great thing to see as their MOM! :cloud9:

We hit the Pin Trading Store in DTD one night and Dan bought a book to put his pins in for safekeeping. The boys could have spent hours in that store looking at pins, starter sets, talking to the CM's etc! In fact...I'm not sure we walked past a single pin station the entire trip without at least glancing in that direction! :rolleyes1

The boys learned a lot about pin trading and the pins themselves from the CM's they traded with. We also met several other guests who wanted to see the boys pins and talk about trading in general. It's a GREAT ice breaker! Several CM's talked to the boys about which pins are worth more than others, the strategies of trading, what kind of pins they've received, which go the fastest, etc. I am so glad the boys enjoyed this because it was an AWESOME experience.

The Easter Bunny will just have to bring more pins next time!

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the actual trading, but here are a few of the pins we ended up with as well as apicture of the pins we had to begin.


This is what we started our trading adventures with.


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_0980.jpg

This is what we came home with.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_2112.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_2114.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_2115.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_2116.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_2117.jpg

I PROMISE the rest of our Animal Kingdom day will be posted later today! Patience is a virtue, my friends!! :laughing:

[cjackearl]

I'm so glad that pin trading was a hit! I also got a grab bag of 25 pins to split between my kidos. I hope they like trading. Your boys' collections are great.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I think I've now been bitten by the pin trading bug!

[DisneyMomLiz]

Great TR so far, just finished reading up to this point. I followed you over from carissanboys TR...I'm reading both of your TRs in hopes of keeping myself sane until our trip. Thanks! :thumbsup2

I've been debating where to fit this into the report and now seems as good a place as any!

:yay::yay: PIN TRADING! :yay::yay:

The boys each got a few pins for trading in their Easter baskets. Each boy got 8 pins. They were a "grab bag" so the pins were random and ranged from a Disneyland pin to Kermit the Frog, to Elvis Stitch. On our 2007 trip, we bought lanyards and each boy chose a pin or two to purchase as a souvenir, but we really didn't do any trading. Dan, who was 12 at the time, did trade once or twice, but that was the extent of it. They were excited to give it a try this trip and they had their pins on their lanyards ready to go! :thumbsup2

Just had to comment about a couple of things, especially PIN TRADING...hoping to start that tradition this trip, for my DS, really for him :lmao: If you don't mind my asking, where did you get the "grab bag" of pins?

Love the POR too, we stayed their on our last trip, so beautiful and that boat trip to DTD...can't beat it!

Thanks again for the great TR...looking forward to more updates! :yay:

[PrincessV]

Hi Missy! Sorry I'm late. :blush: I really need to pay better attention to those signature links. :rolleyes:

Can you believe there is not a McDonald’s at the Buffalo airport?? :confused: We ended up eating at a little snack shop and got breakfast sandwiches that were pre-wrapped and positively YUCK!
What - no Suicide Wings to start the day?! :rotfl: I do't think I've ever been so happy as when I saw the new Anchor Bar going in. I have no idea what my DS will eat, but I'm snagging me some wings next time we head north!


However, I noticed when we got in that we had an extra window because we were on the corner.
Nice! :thumbsup2

Up next.... ANOTHER trip to Guest Services...
Uh-oh. :scared:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm also curious as to where you got the grab bag of pins...

[mommytothreeboys]

I'm so glad that pin trading was a hit! I also got a grab bag of 25 pins to split between my kidos. I hope they like trading. Your boys' collections are great.

I was surprised at how much they enjoyed it! I was a little concerned about all the rules/etiquette surrounding the whole thing, but it was really easy and all the CM's were very nice.

I think I've now been bitten by the pin trading bug!

It can be an expensive bug!! LOL!

Great TR so far, just finished reading up to this point. I followed you over from carissanboys TR...I'm reading both of your TRs in hopes of keeping myself sane until our trip. Thanks! :thumbsup2



Just had to comment about a couple of things, especially PIN TRADING...hoping to start that tradition this trip, for my DS, really for him :lmao: If you don't mind my asking, where did you get the "grab bag" of pins?

Love the POR too, we stayed their on our last trip, so beautiful and that boat trip to DTD...can't beat it!

Thanks again for the great TR...looking forward to more updates! :yay:

Hi there and :welcome:! Thanks for stopping by!

I got the pins online....not sure if I am allowed to post the link so I will try to PM you. I paid $50 for 25 pins. I've heard stuff about pins not being "real", but the boys had NO problem trading any of the pins we got.

Hi Missy! Sorry I'm late. :blush: I really need to pay better attention to those signature links. :rolleyes:

No problem V...glad you're here! I've been horrible about keeping up with the reports I've been following since I've been home, but I've been reading yours right along!


What - no Suicide Wings to start the day?! :rotfl: I do't think I've ever been so happy as when I saw the new Anchor Bar going in. I have no idea what my DS will eat, but I'm snagging me some wings next time we head north!

If it had not been 6 am I would have definitely had wings from the Anchor Bar....YUMMM!!!



Uh-oh. :scared:

Yeah...be afraid, be very afraid! LOL!



I'm also curious as to where you got the grab bag of pins...

I'm PMing you the link!

[mickeystoontown]

I buy a lot of the pins from a great seller on ebay. His pins start at 99 cents and he combines shipping.

[lizet313]

grab bag of pins:confused3

[mommytothreeboys]

Animal Kingdom–Continued!

When I left off, we were ignoring our growling stomachs in favor of a meet and greet with Lilo and Stitch. Once that was over, our stomachs could be silenced no more so we headed to Pizzafari for our lunch. The boys and Jeff all got pizzas, I got the Italian sandwich. Each entree included a salad which was very good. We all got chocolate cake for dessert. I enjoyed my sandwich and the boys liked their pizzas, but Jeff was not a big fan. I think part of it was because he had his mind on something else.....I’ll explain...

I am a little OCD about keeping track of our QSDP credits and I make sure that they are correct each time we get a receipt. The total number of credits you have left appears at the bottom of the receipt and I check it EVERY TIME! It’s a good thing I do because in this case we had a problem. :headache: We had 9 nights of QSDP with 10 QS meals each day (2 per person x5) so a total of 90 QS credits. We had used 5 at Cookes of Dublin the night before and just used 5 more at Pizzafari so our total should have been at 80. It said 76—UH-OH!

I knew better than to ask the cashiers at the restaurant so I figured I would just head over to Guest Services and deal with it after we ate. (Thus Jeff’s inability to enjoy his food!) I figured that when Dan had lost his card the other night, someone picked it up and charged 4 meals. He thought he had put his KTTW card down when he refilled his mug, which would have made it very easy for someone to pick up and use right there at the Riverside Food Court.

After a somewhat tense lunch :scared:, we all headed to the front of the park to sort this out with Guest Services. I approached the desk and a lovely CM named Jennifer proceeded to help us. I explained the situation...told her about Dan losing the card and having it re-issued....and asked if there was any way she could tell when or where the meals were charged to the card. She called POR right away and spent time on her computer trying to figure things out. She asked about what time he had lost the card and how long it was before it was re-issued. She could see what time a new card for him had been printed. Turns out that 4 meals were purchased at the Riverside Food Court at approximately 10:30. Man..that didn’t take long...we could only have been missing the card for about ½ hour! She was very surprised that it had been used...she said that in all the time she has been working there, no one had ever actually had a lost card used for purchases. Oh well...there are dishonest people everywhere...even at the Happiest Place on Earth! :sad2: They put the meals back on our card without question. Problem solved...another possible crisis averted!! We made sure that the lost card was now useless...it was...and went on to enjoy our day!

Our plan was to head to Kali to use our Fastpasses. On our way past the Tree of Life, we noticed that the standby time for It’s Tough to Be a Bug was only 10 minutes, so we detoured and headed into the Tree! Again, with such a short line, you don’t get to enjoy the beautiful carvings on the Tree itself...DH did manage to snap a few pics though.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200918.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200919.jpg

CLASSIC!!!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200917.jpg


We enjoyed the show, but the boy next to us so DID NOT!! He was maybe 10 or so and FREAKED out when the spiders came down from the ceiling. His mom spent the rest of the time trying to get him to stop crying! Poor kid....a little research to know what you’re getting into is always a good thing! :thumbsup2

On to KALI! Now, you should know that I was very disappointed in this ride on our last trip. We had visited AK on a VERY hot day and I was so looking forward to getting soaked as promised! I barely got sprinkled and was not pleased!! :mad: I told the boys that the ride better deliver this time or else.... Be careful what you wish for people! I got so wet this time it was like I had taken a shower with my clothes on! The only problem...the sun had now disappeared and the rain was truly threatening. I had no one to blame but myself so I endured the wetness with a smile on my face! ( I had worn an outfit made of that “quick-dry” material on this day for occasions such as this! :thumbsup2)

Our next stop was the Maharajah Jungle Trek and as we headed onto the trail......the RAIN came! Everyone was ducking for cover, but we were already wet! LOL!! Perfect timing! We walked along the trail in the rain enjoying the animals. We stopped in the Bat House and snapped a few pics. It was a little crowded in there because it was dry! By the time we headed back out the rain had stopped. We visited the tigers-our favorite- and I tortured the boys with some photo-ops.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200953-1.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200945.jpg

I tried to get Jeff to do this one...NO LUCK!! LOL!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200944.jpg


I want to take a moment to say that the crowds really seemed manageable. I was worried since UG had given the day a 9 on the crowd calendar, but we didn’t have any crowd related issues. Especially once the rain came..the park seemed to clear out pretty quickly after that. It rained intermittently through the afternoon, but never for a long period of time. I’d say the rain came around 1:30 or so and the park closed at 7 pm.

Our next order of business was to head to Camp Minnie Mickey to see the 2:30 Festival of the Lion King show. On the way the boys got ice cream cones and root beer floats. Jonah saw Pocahontas by what used to be the Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends show and wanted to get a pic and autograph. The other two boys weren’t interested, so Jeff went with Jonah while I got in line with the older two to get snacks.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200942.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200943.jpg


It was really close to show time, so we scarfed down the ice cream and headed into the theater. We were in the very back row, but the way the show is done, there really isn’t a bad seat. And it worked out great because Jonah could stand behind the bench if he needed to see over someone’s head. We love this show and I’m glad we decided to see it again this trip. I wish the pictures came out better, but here is what I was able to get.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200939.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200941.jpg


I am going to have to divide this post into two because I have too many pictures, so I’ll continue in the next post!

Thanks so much for reading! :)

[mommytothreeboys]

I buy a lot of the pins from a great seller on ebay. His pins start at 99 cents and he combines shipping.

Good advice!

grab bag of pins:confused3

It's 25 pins that you don't get to choose...you just get a random assortment. Is that what you were asking?

[DisneymoonJess07]

Just found my way over here - loooks like you guys had a great time! And you have made me so excited for going to POR!!

Can't wait for more!

[mommytothreeboys]

Animal Kingdom–Part 3

We left FOTLK and wanted to see if any of the lines to see the characters were manageable. The line to see Goofy was not too long so we got in. Dan and Jeff sat out and listened to a very funny street performer with a guitar. He would choose someone from the crowd and make up a song using their name. He was really good and very entertaining! Jonah, Isaiah and I waited to see Goofy for about 20 minutes. Jonah was very excited because he was wearing his Goofy hat and knew that Goofy would like it!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200937.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200938.jpg


I think I forgot to put this in earlier, but we rode Everest again with the FPs we had from earlier in the day. I think it was right after lunch between ITTBAB and Kali. Anyway...the important part of the story is that Jeff rode in a car alone. With 5 in the family, one person normally needs to ride solo. In this case it was Jeff. Upon exiting the ride, he noticed he did not have his wallet. Oh MAN!! :headache: What else could we lose today?? The nice CM running the ride assured him that they would search the train. Lo and Behold.....Jeff’s wallet!! :yay: All the money was there, everything was in place. WOW! So now we have lost 2 KTTW cards and a wallet. Things can only get better, right?? :rolleyes1

The good part of that story is that Jeff had been a little angry at the boys for losing their cards, but he said it was very humbling to lose his wallet. He didn’t mean to lose it and he wasn’t careless with it...it just happened. A good lesson for Dad, I guess! ;)

Ok...back on track!

We had decided to skip the parade this time. It was the same parade we had seen before and we hadn’t scoped out a spot so we just decided to skip it. Instead, we headed to DinoLand to ride Dinosaur. We love this ride and were excited to ride it again! We actually like DinoLand itself too. I know it’s campy and cheesy, but that is the point! And I am a sucker for cheesy! ;) We rode Dinosaur, laughed at Jeff screaming his head off in the ride pic, and then headed to the gift shop to do some window shopping and pin trading. The only other must-do for the day was Finding Nemo-The Musical and we had some time to kill before the show. After some shopping and fruitful pin trading, we headed to Primeval Whirl. It was not a must-do, but we had time, so WHY NOT? I’ll tell you why not...because I’m almost 40 and that ride really jerked my poor old body around!! :eek: We have a similar ride at our local amusement park that is far less jerky and spins a lot more....I was not impressed, but the boys enjoyed their ride!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200936.jpg

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With DinoLand behind us, we headed to the theater to get in line for Nemo. This was a show we had not seen on our last trip so I was very excited to see it. Funny story...while we were waiting in line, a little boy (maybe 2) in front of us vomited! YUCK!! The parents kind of just moved on and one of the CM’s got on her walkie and called for a clean up. The funny thing is WHAT the CM said. “We have a ‘protein spill’ in the front of the theater.” LOL....we laughed about that one all week and used it as often as we could! “Dan..don’t have a ‘protein spill’ on Mission Space!”, etc! :lmao:

I don’t have any pictures of the show, but I’ll say this. I really enjoyed it! I was a little concerned that I would be distracted by the puppeteers, but it was very well done. If you watched only the puppets, you got the story. But, if you watched only the puppeteers you got it as well. They were not just puppeteers but actors as well. I loved the way they used the entire theater. Two thumbs up! :thumbsup2:thumbsup2

Now we’re hungry so we head to Flame Tree Barbecue for our dinner. I got the ribs, Jeff got the ½ chicken, the boys each got pulled pork sandwiches. I can’t remember what the boys got for dessert, but Jeff and I had Key Lime Pie. The meals were delicious! I really like the beans, but missed the corn muffin that used to come with the entrees. Oh well...it was a very enjoyable meal. The park was nearly empty by now and we had the whole pavilion pretty much to ourselves. The only down side was the birds....they were everywhere and very bold!! I kept having to remind the boys not to feed them as they would never leave if they did!

Before leaving AK for the day, I wanted to walk through Africa again and get a few pictures. We decided to go by Everest and try to ride that one more time as well. The standby line was 10 minutes so we went on.....if you’re keeping count, we have now been on Everest 4 times! Not bad on a crowd level 9 day!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200932.jpg

We took a leisurely stroll through Africa on our way out of the park. The boys had wanted to play the African drums earlier, but it had been crowded so they had a chance to do that.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200931.jpg

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http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200929.jpg

HIDDEN MICKEY!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200928.jpg

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It had been a great day, even with the rain, but we were tired and the boys wanted to take a swim before heading to bed. On the way out of the park, Minnie and Goofy and Donald were doing a little farewell show. Very cute!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200923.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/MondayAK--Disney200924.jpg



Next up...beignets, summit plummet, turkey legs, and Wolfgang Puck!

[Planning fanatic mom]

Outstanding update. Thanks for the info on pin trading. We are trying this for the first time in June.

I love your pics of AK. I love this park especially later in the day and you seem to have the park to yourself. You did all of our favorites. EE 4 TIMES!! :worship:

This is the second TR today that mentioned a lost wallet.:scared1:

Can't wait to see what comes next.popcorn::

[nu2wdisneyw]

Hey Missy!
Thanks for bumping...made me realized I had not suscribed to you TR. I am late but I am here. I am all caught up. I cant believe someone actually used your KTTW card?!?! Luckily you kept track and caught it early. Animal Kingdom seem like a very enjoyable park. It seem leisurely and not quite as hectic. Now this is coming from someone who has never been before! I am glad that you all had a great day...even is the crowd level was "supposed" to be 9. Can't wait to read more!

[mommytothreeboys]

Outstanding update. Thanks for the info on pin trading. We are trying this for the first time in June.

I love your pics of AK. I love this park especially later in the day and you seem to have the park to yourself. You did all of our favorites. EE 4 TIMES!! :worship:

This is the second TR today that mentioned a lost wallet.:scared1:

Can't wait to see what comes next.popcorn::

Your girls will really enjoy pin trading!

We really love AK too! I was amazed at how fast the park cleared out when it started to rain!


Hey Missy!
Thanks for bumping...made me realized I had not suscribed to you TR. I am late but I am here. I am all caught up. I cant believe someone actually used your KTTW card?!?! Luckily you kept track and caught it early. Animal Kingdom seem like a very enjoyable park. It seem leisurely and not quite as hectic. Now this is coming from someone who has never been before! I am glad that you all had a great day...even is the crowd level was "supposed" to be 9. Can't wait to read more!


Hi!! I knew I was missing some of my PTR friends!

We were very fortunate that the missing card happened so early in the trip. It was easy to look back and know what meal credits we had used...later in the trip that would have been MUCH more difficult. The CM was genuinely surprised that someone used it too.

Not sure what the crowd level turned out to be in actuality, but we did fine. It was crowded in the main walkways, but a good plan makes all the difference! ;)

[mommytothreeboys]

Just found my way over here - loooks like you guys had a great time! And you have made me so excited for going to POR!!

Can't wait for more!

Almost missed you sandwiched in there between my two posts! Hi and welcome to my TR!! POR is gorgeous and you'll be glad you decided to stay there...it's a great choice for a romantic Disneymoon! :lovestruc

[Sue88]

Very fun photos!
Thanks for shareing.:goodvibes

[cjackearl]

Great AK pictures! It really amazes me how much you can get done when it rains and people leave the parks. EE 4 times! WOW! We saw it being built when we were there in '05 and my 2 coaster junkies can't wait to ride. Me? Um....no.

Lesson learned: Check those dining plan receipts carefully. Good job catching it so fast.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I'm loving the pictures, as usual, especially the ones where the boys are mimicking the figures on the wall behind them. Priceless!

Looks like everyone is having a wonderful time so far, and congrats on avoiding some potentially major catastrophies! Geez! :tinker: Your Disney Magic was seriously in play, wasn't it?

[DisMomAmy]

Great updates!! :thumbsup2

I love your post about pin trading - I bought a grab bag of pins on ebay before we left, plus the kids still had some pins to trade from the last trip. Alex didn't trade any in 2007, Zach only traded 1. They enjoyed it a bit more this year - no where near to the extent of your boys though. I'm glad they had fun with it!

I have the best memories of AK - I never would have said it was our favorite park, but the kids both loved it soooo much this year.

I had to ride Primevil Whirl 3 times with Alex this year - Yuck!! DH can't do spinning rides so I got stuck with it - way too jerky! And I love rollercoasters - but this isn't exactly a rollercoaster.

The lost wallet... I'm glad your DH's turned up faster than mine. :rolleyes1

We witnessed a "protein spill" on our trip too & that's exactly what the CM called it! :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more! popcorn::

[Happydog]

Your TR is just great! I really enjoy reading all of the details! And the photos are great, too! Sounds like you had the best time at AK -- and I am glad the dining credit situation was easily taken care of. :thumbsup2 I too was uber-soaked on Kali... the first time we rode it back in 2005. SOAKED. :)
Love how your boys ham it up for the camera. AND I did the same thing for Pin Trading for DS6 this past NOV, bought some pins on Ebay, only 10, and we traded most of them away. (He had three from the trip prior that his DGMa had bought for him. He didn't know what Pin Trading was, but it was fun to see him shyly approach the CMs! I think it is great that your guys really got into it!

Wonderful posts, fun to read! :surfweb:

[ladybugmom]

Oh Missy!! Great updates!! I really enjoyed reading about your day at AK!! Great pics!!

[jelloarms]

Just found your TR and am tuning in for more!

I had to smile at the pics of your boys at the airport when I noticed that your eldest was playing Sudoku. I absolutley LOVE LOVE LOVE Sudoku!

[carissanboys]

I had a bit to get caught up on! Loved the pictures of the pins - especially the ones of Stitch. :goodvibes We just never seem to end up doing much trading. How sweet that your boys traded pins for each other. :thumbsup2

Looks like a great day at AK! Can't believe you rode EE 4 times! That rain can really help keep the crowds down.

Glad the CM was able to help out with the CS meals so easily. Phew!

[dvc4life]

Loving your TR. It is great fun to read. Glad you avoided the catastrophe of losing the KTTW cards and DH's wallet, with only 4 CS credits being used, the nerve of some people. Your Disney angel was watching out for you! ;)

Your pictures are wonderful. Can't wait to see more and hear more about your trip. We will be there in about 3 weeks, actually it will be 3 weeks from Friday! Yay!

Thanks and keep up the great report. :thumbsup2

[tink771]

Great report!:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more.

[mousescrapper]

GREAT AK UPDATES!!!!!


I love all the pictures....the campy ones buy the stone wall, the kids in the car and Jonah w/ Goofy love it!


4 x on EE! Awesome.....

I agree about the body rocking issues of Primeval Whrill.....no for me and I LOVE coasters, but that body whipping stuff and I may do a "protien spill" :lmao:

great catch on the 4 charged meals, what a shame but glad it was figured out and quickly squared away.....makes me glad that we don't even carry wallets in the parks w/ us. I keep all the KTTW cards and Dh & I DL's in a ziplock bag in my purse.

We only did a little bit at AK on our trip this year, but after reading yours and a few other reports about AK I know I will plan some extra time there in 010.

Love all the pins too. Aldine loves Elvis Stitich too, and would love that one w/ him and the guitar...very cool!

and I like the MM country flags, I have an Ireland one.

as always looking forward to more and have fun on your Wii Fit, we have one too. My favorite is the arobic step workout and Aldine is crazy at the hula!

J-

[lizet313]

Waiting for more love the updates and your pics.

[mommytothreeboys]

Very fun photos!
Thanks for shareing.:goodvibes

You're welcome! Thanks for reading!

Great AK pictures! It really amazes me how much you can get done when it rains and people leave the parks. EE 4 times! WOW! We saw it being built when we were there in '05 and my 2 coaster junkies can't wait to ride. Me? Um....no.

Lesson learned: Check those dining plan receipts carefully. Good job catching it so fast.


Not a roller coaster girl, huh? I LOVE them!

Yeah...they do a GREAT job with the DDP, but I like to be on top of things!

I'm loving the pictures, as usual, especially the ones where the boys are mimicking the figures on the wall behind them. Priceless!

Looks like everyone is having a wonderful time so far, and congrats on avoiding some potentially major catastrophies! Geez! :tinker: Your Disney Magic was seriously in play, wasn't it?

I love those pics too. I took the same ones on our 2007 trip so it's fun to look back and compare. I know the boys don't necessarily LOVE to pose for me, but they indulge me! Good boys! :goodvibes

Great updates!! :thumbsup2

I love your post about pin trading - I bought a grab bag of pins on ebay before we left, plus the kids still had some pins to trade from the last trip. Alex didn't trade any in 2007, Zach only traded 1. They enjoyed it a bit more this year - no where near to the extent of your boys though. I'm glad they had fun with it!

I have the best memories of AK - I never would have said it was our favorite park, but the kids both loved it soooo much this year.

I had to ride Primevil Whirl 3 times with Alex this year - Yuck!! DH can't do spinning rides so I got stuck with it - way too jerky! And I love rollercoasters - but this isn't exactly a rollercoaster.

The lost wallet... I'm glad your DH's turned up faster than mine. :rolleyes1

We witnessed a "protein spill" on our trip too & that's exactly what the CM called it! :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear more! popcorn::

Wow...you get a ribbon for AWESOME MOM for riding that ride 3 times! I would have needed to see a chiropractor to realign my back! I actually wish it had spun more...I liked that part!

That "protein spill" thing still cracks me up! I am obviously a mom to boys because bodily function humor makes me giggle! :laughing:

Your TR is just great! I really enjoy reading all of the details! And the photos are great, too! Sounds like you had the best time at AK -- and I am glad the dining credit situation was easily taken care of. :thumbsup2 I too was uber-soaked on Kali... the first time we rode it back in 2005. SOAKED. :)
Love how your boys ham it up for the camera. AND I did the same thing for Pin Trading for DS6 this past NOV, bought some pins on Ebay, only 10, and we traded most of them away. (He had three from the trip prior that his DGMa had bought for him. He didn't know what Pin Trading was, but it was fun to see him shyly approach the CMs! I think it is great that your guys really got into it!

Wonderful posts, fun to read! :surfweb:

Hi Happy and thanks for the sweet compliments!

Oh Missy!! Great updates!! I really enjoyed reading about your day at AK!! Great pics!!

Thanks Becky! :hug:

Just found your TR and am tuning in for more!

I had to smile at the pics of your boys at the airport when I noticed that your eldest was playing Sudoku. I absolutley LOVE LOVE LOVE Sudoku!

He loves puzzles of all kinds so the book was perfect for the plane!

I had a bit to get caught up on! Loved the pictures of the pins - especially the ones of Stitch. :goodvibes We just never seem to end up doing much trading. How sweet that your boys traded pins for each other. :thumbsup2

Looks like a great day at AK! Can't believe you rode EE 4 times! That rain can really help keep the crowds down.

Glad the CM was able to help out with the CS meals so easily. Phew!

Yeah...really felt like we dodged a bullet there. If they had decided to charge up the card at the gift shop that could have been more complicated to straighten out. :headache:

Loving your TR. It is great fun to read. Glad you avoided the catastrophe of losing the KTTW cards and DH's wallet, with only 4 CS credits being used, the nerve of some people. Your Disney angel was watching out for you! ;)

Your pictures are wonderful. Can't wait to see more and hear more about your trip. We will be there in about 3 weeks, actually it will be 3 weeks from Friday! Yay!

Thanks and keep up the great report. :thumbsup2

3 weeks...WOO-HOO!!! :woohoo:

Great report!:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more.

Stay tuned! :surfweb:

GREAT AK UPDATES!!!!!


I love all the pictures....the campy ones buy the stone wall, the kids in the car and Jonah w/ Goofy love it!


4 x on EE! Awesome.....

I agree about the body rocking issues of Primeval Whrill.....no for me and I LOVE coasters, but that body whipping stuff and I may do a "protien spill" :lmao:

great catch on the 4 charged meals, what a shame but glad it was figured out and quickly squared away.....makes me glad that we don't even carry wallets in the parks w/ us. I keep all the KTTW cards and Dh & I DL's in a ziplock bag in my purse.

We only did a little bit at AK on our trip this year, but after reading yours and a few other reports about AK I know I will plan some extra time there in 010.

Love all the pins too. Aldine loves Elvis Stitich too, and would love that one w/ him and the guitar...very cool!

and I like the MM country flags, I have an Ireland one.

as always looking forward to more and have fun on your Wii Fit, we have one too. My favorite is the arobic step workout and Aldine is crazy at the hula!

J-

Isaiah looked for the Ireland flag pin...couldn't find it anywhere. He bought that Stitch guitar pin on our last day. I bought a similar one with Tink.

I like the stepping too, but Hula and Ski Jumping are my favorite! I work up a sweat with those Hula Hoops!

Waiting for more love the updates and your pics.

:):) Thank you! :):)

[shebaxric]

Hi Missy,
I just found your TR on the boards and have enjoyed all of your updates so far!:thumbsup2 I have to say that AK is my favorite park because I LOVE animals. I would've been a vet if I didn't have to do that awful thing that vets have to do.:sad2:

Your boys are fantastic! They aren't too old to be in that "Awww Mom!" mode. You can still get them to do things that are cute and funny without complaint! I can't wait to have a child of my own to enjoy these moments with.

P.S. I've subbed!:goodvibes

[MagicShell]

I am really enjoying your report. It sounds like our kind of trip. I have so much fun watching my kids pin trade. My DD is 13 and my DS is 6, and they both love pin trading. It is something they have in common at Disney World.

I know how you feel about losing stuff at DW. I lost my phone, tickets, and driver's license at the same time. Luckily, an honest person found mine and we were able to get it back with no problems after I panicked for about 2 hours. I an like your husband, I could not enjoy ANYTHING until we found my stuff.

[GreatBiscuit]

I finally got all caught up. Love all the details and photos. Can't wait to hear how the title came into being.

[*Seanaci*]

Loving your TR...been lurking mostly.

Have to say, I had the same issue with my lanyard while we were there in December. Luckily, it fell of in my hand. I'm going to see if I can figure out another way to keep it attached before we go again.

Glad a CM found it and turned it in.

[tiggerfan6]

Hi.... I am caught up reading your report. We also are flying out of Buffalo? Did they get rid of the Buger King that was there? I haven't been there in years so anything is possible.

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi Missy,
I just found your TR on the boards and have enjoyed all of your updates so far!:thumbsup2 I have to say that AK is my favorite park because I LOVE animals. I would've been a vet if I didn't have to do that awful thing that vets have to do.:sad2:

Your boys are fantastic! They aren't too old to be in that "Awww Mom!" mode. You can still get them to do things that are cute and funny without complaint! I can't wait to have a child of my own to enjoy these moments with.

P.S. I've subbed!:goodvibes

Thanks and WELCOME!! I don't know how much longer they'll indulge my picture taking antics, but I'm happy for as long as I get!

I am really enjoying your report. It sounds like our kind of trip. I have so much fun watching my kids pin trade. My DD is 13 and my DS is 6, and they both love pin trading. It is something they have in common at Disney World.

I know how you feel about losing stuff at DW. I lost my phone, tickets, and driver's license at the same time. Luckily, an honest person found mine and we were able to get it back with no problems after I panicked for about 2 hours. I an like your husband, I could not enjoy ANYTHING until we found my stuff.

Yikes...that must have been a nightmare. Glad things worked out! :goodvibes

I finally got all caught up. Love all the details and photos. Can't wait to hear how the title came into being.

Thank you! I'm having a hard time deciding when to share that title story...I had thought it was on our first MK day which was Wednesday, but my DH just reminded me that it was on our 2nd MK day which wasn't till Sunday! I may have to share it out of order in a special "bonus post"!


Loving your TR...been lurking mostly.

Have to say, I had the same issue with my lanyard while we were there in December. Luckily, it fell of in my hand. I'm going to see if I can figure out another way to keep it attached before we go again.

Glad a CM found it and turned it in.

Oh..I forgot to mention how we fixed them. We took the little metal ring off and attached the pouch directly to the large key ring at the end of the lanyard. That little metal ring was not a solid piece of metal and it tended to come apart, kind of like a link on a necklace sometimes does. We just put the pouch on the key ring through the little hole at the top like a key, and we didn't have any problems the rest of the week. We did do "ticket checks" very frequently each day. Every now and then one of us would shout out "ticket check" and we would all check to be sure we had our tickets! :)

Hi.... I am caught up reading your report. We also are flying out of Buffalo? Did they get rid of the Buger King that was there? I haven't been there in years so anything is possible.

If it's there we did not see it. We walked from one end of our terminal to the other. Was it BEFORE the security check? :confused3

[DisMomAmy]

Wow...you get a ribbon for AWESOME MOM for riding that ride 3 times! I would have needed to see a chiropractor to realign my back! I actually wish it had spun more...I liked that part!

That "protein spill" thing still cracks me up! I am obviously a mom to boys because bodily function humor makes me giggle! :laughing:




Funny you mention a chiropractor - the boys & I see one on a regular basis & about mid-week Alex asked if we could go see him when we get back!! :rotfl:

[mommytothreeboys]

Funny you mention a chiropractor - the boys & I see one on a regular basis & about mid-week Alex asked if we could go see him when we get back!! :rotfl:


:rotfl::rotfl: Smart boy!

[mommytothreeboys]

One of the things I knew that we wanted to do this trip was to spend more time enjoying the resort and all it had to offer. That included walking over to our sister resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, and trying the much talked about Beignets! :) Since we were not going to be hitting a park on this day, we decided it was a perfect day to head over there for breakfast.

We slept in a bit and then got dressed and headed to POFQ. We stopped at the food court so that Jeff and I could fill our mugs with coffee. Bad or not, I need my coffee in the morning! We had talked about taking the boat, but it didn’t start running until later in the morning, so we set out on foot. Jeff was concerned about how far it might be, but I knew from reading these boards that it was an easy walk. It really was....and BEAUTIFUL! The walkway is right along the river and takes you by the mansions on the other side, past the foot bridge over to the mansion section, and gives a great view of POFQ as you approach.

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We had no idea where the Sassagoula Floatworks was located, so we took the first path into the interior of the resort. What a beautiful place...and strikingly different than POR. I loved the feel of being on old New Orleans streets and the little landscaped areas throughout the resort were immaculate. We quickly found the food court, and headed in for breakfast.

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We ordered 2 orders of 3 beignets using snack credits and 2 very tasty looking cinnamon rolls also with snack credits. The beignets were made to order! YUMMMMM!! Dan was hungry...he’s a big breakfast eater, so he ordered a breakfast platter complete with eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuit and Mickey waffles.

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After thoroughly enjoying our sugar coated pillows of deliciousness known as beignets, we walked back along the river to POR and got our stuff ready to hit the water park. Now we had not done the water parks on our last trip, so this was new. We had asked the boys the night before whether they wanted to do Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach and the vote was Blizzard Beach so we headed off to catch the bus.

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I'm not sure why Isaiah was sleeping at 10:00 in the morning, but that boy can catch a nap ANYWHERE!!
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We arrived right around 10:30, about ½ hour after opening. We quickly changed into our suits, slathered our white Northerner bodies with sunscreen and hit the slopes, uh, the slides! :laughing: Oh..first we scoped out some nice chairs in a centrally located location to leave our towels, shoes, etc. We had decided we wanted to ride Teamboat Springs as our first ride. It’s a family tube ride that ALL of us can fit in so it was perfect to get our feet wet, so to speak! One thing I noted immediately about BB is that it is very well marked. The maps are easy to read and there are LOTS of signs letting you know where to find the different slides. We saw that in order to ride Teamboat Springs you literally have to go up the mountain...oh boy. There is a ski lift, but the line was rather long, so we decided to head up the path on foot. WOW....that was a climb! :scared: I am sorely out of shape and totally felt every step. The line was fairly short and we were in our family sized tube in no time. It was great ride and so fun that we could all do it together. Most rides at water parks are for one or two riders so this was a welcome change of pace! :thumbsup2

I don’t know exactly what order we did things here, but I think Dan and Jeff decided to ride Summit Plummet next. Isaiah is not a daredevil so he had no interest. I didn’t feel like I had anything to prove, so I too sat it out! Jonah, Isaiah and I decided to head to the viewing area at the bottom and wait for Jeff and Dan to come down so we could take pics. That slide is FAST and we enjoyed watching everyone fly down then pick their suits out of their teeth before exiting! About 20 minutes later, Jeff came down followed by Dan. I missed Jeff, but got this picture of Dan on his way down the mountain.

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Looking up waiting for the boys to come down...it really is a tall slide!
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We pretty much stuck together for the most part and rode the Toboggan Racers several times, rode the mat slides (Runoff Rapids) and enjoyed the wave pool. ( Isaiah fell and cut his foot at one point so he and Jeff also made a pit stop at the First Aid station. ) I am not a wave pool fan myself. The waves tend to make me sick :sick: so I played in the pool for a bit with the family, then headed out and sunned myself on a lounge chair while they enjoyed themselves. :cloud9:

I think it was around 2 or so, so we were getting hungry. We ate at one of the food stands at BB. We all got pulled pork sandwiches, except for Isaiah who got this.....

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They gave us our dessert with our meal, so we had to eat that first in order to keep it from melting. What a shame! LOL!

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Next stop was the lazy river, or Cross Country Creek. We all love this ride! Dan got off at one point and headed to enjoy some more slides on his own. He’s 14 so a little independence goes a long way. We had arranged a meeting place so we felt confident that he would enjoy his time and we would meet up later.

Jeff and the two younger boys and I decided to ride the Slush Gusher, not quite as high and scary as Summit Plummet, but close! This time I was NOT trudging up that mountain so we got in line for the ski lift. MUCH BETTER!! Slush Gusher was AWESOME and I truly believe that I was not at all touching water slide coming off that second hill! Gotta love catching air! So fun! Even Jonah loved it! :banana:

Again, fuzzy on details, but I know we rode Teamboat Springs again at some point. The lines for all of the attractions were 20 minutes or less so we didn’t stand in too many lines. It was a beautiful sunny Florida day and we were COMPLETELY enjoying ourselves! :cool1:

Lastly, Jeff headed off to meet up with Dan and I took Jonah and Isaiah into the Ski Patrol Training Camp area. There are lots of cool activities for the kids, like a zip line, mini slides, and an iceberg “obstacle course” of sorts as well as a pool.

You should know that my middle son Isaiah is a swimmer. He swims competitively and has for 4 years. At one point he was doing the “deadman’s float” in the pool. I was watching Jonah cross the icebergs so I was not really paying full attention to Isaiah. He’s a good swimmer and there were ample lifeguards. At one point I saw the lifeguard pull him over to talk to him....uh-oh! I overheard him tell Isaiah that he had been “about to jump in and save him!” Apparently Isaiah can hold his breath a long time (trained swimmer remember) and his deadman’s float had kind of freaked out the lifeguard! Too funny! :lmao:

It was getting very close to park closing time (5:00) so we headed to the changing rooms, changed back into our dry clothes, and joined the rest of the crowd on the way to the buses. It was our first experience with a Disney water park (since 1992, that is!) and we really had a great day! I wish I had taken more pictures, but it’s a little tough at a water park! I do have a few Photopass pics from Blizzard Beach, but I’m still deciding what to do with those....I’m running out of time so I need to decide quickly!

Up next...we head to DTD for dinner and a little shopping! Wolfgang Puck here we come! :thumbsup2

[lizet313]

Great update. :thumbsup2 never been to blizzard beach looks like fun. GREAT PICS.

[MICKEY4EVER!]

As usual, love the photos and the creative way you tell your stories!

Your boys are just adorable and you make a cute family.

[cjackearl]

It sounds like you guys had a great day! Thanks for the pictures of the resort. Those beignets look delicious. The jester kinda scares me though. Oh my, is that BBQ sauce or chocolate in Isaiah's eye?:rotfl2: He looks just like my Madeline after a meal.

[MagicShell]

It sounds like you all had a great day. I would NEVER be brave enough to go down Summit Plummet. I would not even be able to stand at the top of those steps!

[mpetti]

:cool1:Your BB day sounds great. Makes me wish I was there right now. Your boys are so good looking:). They remind me so much of my two boys. Can't wait to read more. Thanks.:banana:

Maryann :surfweb:

[mommytothreeboys]

Great update. :thumbsup2 never been to blizzard beach looks like fun. GREAT PICS.

It was a great day! Thank you! :thumbsup2

As usual, love the photos and the creative way you tell your stories!

Your boys are just adorable and you make a cute family.

:hug:

It sounds like you guys had a great day! Thanks for the pictures of the resort. Those beignets look delicious. The jester kinda scares me though. Oh my, is that BBQ sauce or chocolate in Isaiah's eye?:rotfl2: He looks just like my Madeline after a meal.

Too funny that you mention the scary jester! My boys were totally creeped out by him and the other Mardi Gras masks, etc! They said they could never stay there because the faces were creepy! :rotfl:

That is chocolate on Isaiah's face...he made a total mess with his Mickey bar before he started on his turkey leg. That boy is a total mess himself and we get a kick out of stuff like that! LOL! :lmao:

It sounds like you all had a great day. I would NEVER be brave enough to go down Summit Plummet. I would not even be able to stand at the top of those steps!

Honestly, my DH is afraid of heights and he said standing up at the top waiting for his turn was the scariest part!

:cool1:Your BB day sounds great. Makes me wish I was there right now. Your boys are so good looking:). They remind me so much of my two boys. Can't wait to read more. Thanks.:banana:

Maryann :surfweb:

I wish I was there too! :rolleyes1

[mousescrapper]

sounds like a fun day at BB...and a yummy breakfast to start!

I wonder what your grocery bill is like at home :laughing:

I love the picture of Isaiah trying to eat his melting Mickey bar :tongue:

we wnet to BB in 05 and I was the only one who braved the PLUMITT!

Oh yes that is pretty high! Did they happen to notice the hidden Mikcey in the stone formation as you are coming up the ski lift?

Sounds like a wonderful day at the Water Park.

looking forward to hearing about your dinner.

J-

[Planning fanatic mom]

We too checked out POFQ when we stayed at POR. My DH actually wants to stay there sometime because the paths are straight. The curvy paths at POR drove him crazy.:rotfl:

Ice Cream before lunch! Only at Disney:woohoo:

[mommytothreeboys]

sounds like a fun day at BB...and a yummy breakfast to start!

So delicious...I could go for one of those right now! YUMM!!

I wonder what your grocery bill is like at home :laughing:

I have a sinking feeling it's only going to get worse...at some point I'll have 3 teenaged boys to feed...YIKES!!

I love the picture of Isaiah trying to eat his melting Mickey bar :tongue:

we wnet to BB in 05 and I was the only one who braved the PLUMITT!

You GO!! :banana::banana:

Oh yes that is pretty high! Did they happen to notice the hidden Mikcey in the stone formation as you are coming up the ski lift?

No, but I wish we had known about it so we could look for it. We found several hidden Mickeys this trip...Dan enjoys hunting them down!

Sounds like a wonderful day at the Water Park.

looking forward to hearing about your dinner.

J-

I'm working on the next update...maybe tomorrow or Monday. Jeff is working all weekend..big 5 month project goes "live" so he's not been home except to sleep a few hours. That leaves all the running around to me!

We too checked out POFQ when we stayed at POR. My DH actually wants to stay there sometime because the paths are straight. The curvy paths at POR drove him crazy.:rotfl:

Ice Cream before lunch! Only at Disney:woohoo:

That curvy path thing is just too funny! :lmao: Is there a reason they bother him so much?? :confused3

[KathyRN137]

Wow, Missy, this is a great report so far... I'm glad I found it!! :thumbsup2

(I'm actually still back in the PTR, but I just wanted to say HI!)


Kathy

[Planning fanatic mom]

That curvy path thing is just too funny! :lmao: Is there a reason they bother him so much?? :confused3

I think because he felt that he couldn't get anywhere directly. Every time he would take a path in the direction that he intended, it would bend around another way, and he would not be going in the direction that he wanted. Of course, stopping and asking for directions is not an option.:lmao:

This is the same man that can get around any WDW park without a map including AK and DHS. However, POR was too much for him.:confused3 The girls and I loved POR because of all of the trees and the curvy paths.:love:

We are staying at WL in one month. I think he will really like the fact that everything is under one roof. ONE MONTH!!!!:banana:

Can't wait to hear more about your trip.:surfweb:

[MICKEY4EVER!]

IWe are staying at WL in one month. I think he will really like the fact that everything is under one roof. ONE MONTH!!!!:banana:


I totally liked WL! I've been there twice and Saratoga Springs once (this past March). I despised the fact that you had to take a bus just to get to the mercantile and restaraunt.

WL WILL TOTALLY SPOIL YOU!!!! Hope you have a great time (so jealous you get to go in a month! Hug Mickey for me! :hug:)

[mousescrapper]

I'll see if I have a picture of it and post it...

(hidden mm at BB)

[mommytothreeboys]

Wow, Missy, this is a great report so far... I'm glad I found it!! :thumbsup2

(I'm actually still back in the PTR, but I just wanted to say HI!)


Kathy

Hi Kathy..I've seen you around (maybe Carissa, Scrappie or Amy's PTRs?). Thanks for bouncing over! You've got a lot of reading to do if you intend to read my PTR first!! LOL! I ramble a lot!! :lmao:

I think because he felt that he couldn't get anywhere directly. Every time he would take a path in the direction that he intended, it would bend around another way, and he would not be going in the direction that he wanted. Of course, stopping and asking for directions is not an option.:lmao:

This is the same man that can get around any WDW park without a map including AK and DHS. However, POR was too much for him.:confused3 The girls and I loved POR because of all of the trees and the curvy paths.:love:

We are staying at WL in one month. I think he will really like the fact that everything is under one roof. ONE MONTH!!!!:banana:

Can't wait to hear more about your trip.:surfweb:

That actually makes sense...it didn't bother me, but I can see how it might be an issue! :laughing: I am so jealous that you are going in a month!! I can't wait to hear all about it! :goodvibes

I'll see if I have a picture of it and post it...

(hidden mm at BB)

I tried to look it up, but only got descriptions, no pics. If you have one, that would be awesome! Thanks! :thumbsup2

[KathyRN137]

Hi Kathy..I've seen you around (maybe Carissa, Scrappie or Amy's PTRs?). Thanks for bouncing over! You've got a lot of reading to do if you intend to read my PTR first!! LOL! I ramble a lot!! :lmao:



:rotfl: Three for three, Missy!!

I used your links... skipped a few PTR entries... but I like to read the PTRs too since they do have all the background info!! :thumbsup2

Kathy

[mommytothreeboys]

After a quick freshening up at POR, we boarded the boat to Downtown Disney once again.

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It was approximately 6:30, but we had eaten a late lunch so no one was starving. We decided to do some shopping before we ate dinner. The first store we visited was the Christmas shop, not sure of the actual name, but it is FILLED with all things Disney for Christmas. If I were a rich woman, I would have bought MANY, MANY things here! Christmas and Disney are my two FAVORITE things!! Put them together and I am way happy! :) BUT...I’m not a rich woman and therefore walked out with visions of a Disney Christmas dancing in my head, but my hands empty. **sigh**

We exited the back of the store and stumbled upon a store which did customized T-shirts, but also had scrapbooking supplies. I headed in as I wanted to busy some 2009 Disney stickers for my scrapbook. Again...could have spent WAY too much money in here, but walked out with only a 2009 scrapbook kit with paper, stickers, and 2009 die cuts. YAY! :yay:

The boys had been itching to hit the big Pin Trading store so we headed there next. They browsed pins and talked trading with the CM’s while I took some cute pictures of Jonah.

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We spent A LOT of time in the pin store and now we ARE starving! Jeff and I knew exactly where we wanted to eat so we headed to Wolfgang Puck Express. We had eaten at the TS restaurant on our 2007 trip and it was our favorite meal of the vacation, so we were excited about this one. :thumbsup2 Apparently everyone else was too as there was a line out the door! YIKES! Oh well, we stood in line and looked at the menus posted outside while we waited. Dan decided he was not hungry so he asked if he could go look in the World of Disney while we ate. He had his cell, so we agreed to let him go. Traveling with a 14 year old is very different than traveling with younger kids. It’s tough to adjust to and I admit I’m still working on it! We did not give him the run of DTD, but did let out the leash a bit and let him spread his wings. At least as far as WOD! :rolleyes1

It was finally our turn to order! YUMM! Both Jeff and I had gone back and forth on what we wanted to eat, but finally decided to get two different things and share so we could both try something new. I ordered a chicken pasta alfredo dish and Jeff ordered the Italian Sausage and Roasted Red Pepper wood-fired pizza. The boys both got chicken fingers. :rolleyes1 The food did not disappoint! The only thing I found disappointing was the wrapped brownies we got for dessert. We ate out on the patio and enjoyed a very relaxing meal. Not something that can always be said about a counter service experience. I would definitely eat at WPE again! ::yes::

We spent a little more time strolling through the shops and I got some cute pictures of the boys. Before boarding the boat back to POR, we went to Goofy’s Candy Company again. Dan got himself some of the dipped pretzel rods, Jeff got a GIANT rice krispy treat, and the two younger boys got slushies again. I was still full from dinner so passed on snack!

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The boat ride was very pleasant and I got a few pictures of DTD at night. The Characters in Flight balloon was up in the air and was all lit up. Very pretty. Unfortunately, the pics don't do it justice. We had great conversation with a few other guests on the boat mostly about pin trading. Those lanyards really are great conversation starters.

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Isaiah wasn't in the mood for conversation!
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It was probably about 10:00 by the time we got “home” and we had 7:50 ADRs at ‘Ohana the next morning, so we all hit the sheets. Our first MK day tomorrow! Woo-Hoo!!! :woohoo::woohoo:

[mickeystoontown]

All caught up again. Our 22 year old daughter got to come home from missionary college (haven't seen her since Christmas and she only gets to come home 2 x a year). I am glad to hear that you guys like Blizzard Beach. Although we really enjoyed Typhoon Lagoon, I think we are going to give Blizzard Beach a try this year.

[nu2wdisneyw]

Sounds like a fun day at BB and DTD! Can't wait to read about 'Ohana...that it one the the resturants I am looking forward to. :goodvibes

[cjackearl]

Isaiah really can sleep at the drop of a hat!:rotfl: WPE sounds good. I think we'll have one CS at DTD. I keep vascilating between WPE and Earl of Sandwich.:confused3 Guess we'll decide when we're there.

Can't wait to hear about your MK day!:yay:

[Planning fanatic mom]

I am not a big fan of DTD because of the crowds. However, after reading your update, maybe we could do it for a little while. We did eat at Earl of Sandwich 2 years ago and loved it.

I will give it another try.

Thanks,

[mousescrapper]

dinner at WPE...sounded yummy! I like pizza popcorn::

I completely understand the allure of the Disney Christmas store....I wasn't so lucky w/ coming away empty handed on my shopping adventure :rotfl:

I spy a Mickey Chicago Cub pin on Isiaiah's lanyard....:thumbsup2

GO CUBBIES!!!

[shebaxric]

Great update!!! I love the POFQ, it's the first resort DH and I stayed in at WDW. I will always have great memories of that resort! We've never gone to the water parks, there just is never enough time.:confused3 That, and we never go when it's really warm enough; it's always at Thanksgiving or Christmas!:rotfl: If I could sneak in one more day this trip, perhaps we could just do the relaxing day thing. Unfortunately, DH is a person that likes to go go go! He thinks that time spent outside the parks is wasted time, and I told him that this year, we are doing one day outside of the parks. His reaction was of course, shock and horror!:scared1: I'm sticking to it, though. When I write my first TR, I'll let you know how that goes!:goodvibes

[KathyRN137]

Oh, Missy, how I feel your "pain" at the Christmas store!! :grouphug:
It's so tempting to buy everything that it's sometimes best to buy nothing at all!!

What we should do is figure out some way to use all those pins as ornaments!

Hmmm. :scratchin

I'm so inspired by your ability to "let the leash out a little" with Dan. My DD(13) and DNiece(13) will want to go off by themselves a little, I'm sure. I suppose since they'll have each other it will be all right. Again, cell phones are such wonderful things!

Were you nervous?

Kathy

[carissanboys]

Hey Missy! I'm back and all caught up. :cool1:

Loved hearing about your visit to Blizzard Beach. One day we'll have to try out one of the waterparks there. :thumbsup2

No food porn from WPE?? :scared1: Glad you guys enjoyed it too. And they really need to work on their desserts. All they had when we were there were cookies.

[mommytothreeboys]

All caught up again. Our 22 year old daughter got to come home from missionary college (haven't seen her since Christmas and she only gets to come home 2 x a year). I am glad to hear that you guys like Blizzard Beach. Although we really enjoyed Typhoon Lagoon, I think we are going to give Blizzard Beach a try this year.

Missionary college? That sounds interesting! Hope you enjoyed your visit!

BB was a lot of fun..we ended up doing both BB and TL. Which did we like better?? :rolleyes1

Sounds like a fun day at BB and DTD! Can't wait to read about 'Ohana...that it one the the resturants I am looking forward to. :goodvibes

I really wanted to do 'Ohana for dinner because I'd heard really good things about the menu, but we wanted character so decided on breakfast. Stay tuned for that report! ;)

Isaiah really can sleep at the drop of a hat!:rotfl: WPE sounds good. I think we'll have one CS at DTD. I keep vascilating between WPE and Earl of Sandwich.:confused3 Guess we'll decide when we're there.

Can't wait to hear about your MK day!:yay:

He really can..it's kind of a running joke! If you go back and look at my PTR I have a whole post of "Isaiah sleeping" pics! Something about Disney transportation puts that boy right out! LOL! :rotfl:

I would have like to eat at Earl of Sandwich, but had enjoyed WP so much that I really wanted to try the CS. If we had gone to DTD another time for a meal we would have tried EofS. Next time! :thumbsup2

I am not a big fan of DTD because of the crowds. However, after reading your update, maybe we could do it for a little while. We did eat at Earl of Sandwich 2 years ago and loved it.

I will give it another try.

Thanks,

The crowds definitely seemed to pick up after dark. Try going during the day maybe. I see you started at PTR...I'm on my way over there! :yay:

dinner at WPE...sounded yummy! I like pizza popcorn::

I completely understand the allure of the Disney Christmas store....I wasn't so lucky w/ coming away empty handed on my shopping adventure :rotfl:

I spy a Mickey Chicago Cub pin on Isiaiah's lanyard....:thumbsup2

GO CUBBIES!!!

Yeah..Isaiah has been a Cubs fan since Sammy Sosa played for them. He got that pin on our last trip and refused to trade it away this time.

Great update!!! I love the POFQ, it's the first resort DH and I stayed in at WDW. I will always have great memories of that resort! We've never gone to the water parks, there just is never enough time.:confused3 That, and we never go when it's really warm enough; it's always at Thanksgiving or Christmas!:rotfl: If I could sneak in one more day this trip, perhaps we could just do the relaxing day thing. Unfortunately, DH is a person that likes to go go go! He thinks that time spent outside the parks is wasted time, and I told him that this year, we are doing one day outside of the parks. His reaction was of course, shock and horror!:scared1: I'm sticking to it, though. When I write my first TR, I'll let you know how that goes!:goodvibes

LOL! I hear ya....I'm a go-go-go'er too! I can relax at home..I'm on vacation! I wanna see and do!! LOL! It was nice to take some more down time this trip though. And we still kept busy....I'm just not a lounge-by-the-pool kind of girl!


Oh, Missy, how I feel your "pain" at the Christmas store!! :grouphug:
It's so tempting to buy everything that it's sometimes best to buy nothing at all!!

What we should do is figure out some way to use all those pins as ornaments!

Hmmm. :scratchin

I'm so inspired by your ability to "let the leash out a little" with Dan. My DD(13) and DNiece(13) will want to go off by themselves a little, I'm sure. I suppose since they'll have each other it will be all right. Again, cell phones are such wonderful things!

Were you nervous?

Kathy

That was exactly my point at the Christmas store. If I were going to do a Disney Christmas I'd want it all!! Better to just walk away! ;)

I have struggled with Dan getting more independent. It's something I have been working on! We have let him do more here at home to kind of test his level of responsibility as far as letting us know where he is and when he's coming home, calling when he needs to check in, etc. So it wasn't his first venture on his own. He's gone to the movies with friends, stayed home for a day while Jeff and I were out with the other boys, rode his bike to the local park, etc. I am not really the nervous/worrying type, but I do like to check in with him regularly to be sure he is ok and doesn't need anything. Knowing he's getting older and more independent from both us and his brothers, I think it did him a world of good to be able to take some "Dan" time and just be 14....he mentioned talking to a group of girls, etc which just isn't going to happen with Mom, Dad, and 2 brothers tagging along! :rolleyes1 I believe that every parent just needs to use his/her good judgment when it comes to how much independence to give and when. You know your DD better than anyone else, so just use your mommy sense and you'll be fine! :goodvibes

[mommytothreeboys]

Hey Missy! I'm back and all caught up. :cool1:

Loved hearing about your visit to Blizzard Beach. One day we'll have to try out one of the waterparks there. :thumbsup2

No food porn from WPE?? :scared1: Glad you guys enjoyed it too. And they really need to work on their desserts. All they had when we were there were cookies.

I'm glad we added the waterparks this trip. It was a nice change from the parks and my boys loved them!

I know, right? After reading your report I was kicking myself for not taking pictures...what was I thinking?? I think I was really hungry!! It was well after 8 when we ate and my tummy overruled my brain! :laughing:

[MagicShell]

Disney Christmas stuff is a weakness of mine as well. We bought several ornaments when we were there in Dec. because they were 50% off. I wish that I could have bought one of each!

[mom2mek]

Phew - I'm all caught up on your report now! What a great job you are doing - it sounds like such a fabulous trip! Your AK day was fabulous and I loved hearing about your day at Blizzard Beach - I'm not really a water park person, but I think I would love to go and just watch my kids some time! Lounging in a chair is a bit more my speed! :goodvibes

Can't wait to read about Ohana! We have had dinner there but not breakfast, but we just got back from our stay at the Poly and boy was I wishing I had made an ADR for breakfast there! I was just thinking that with two adults, an ADR for Kona made more sense! Now I wish I had seen Stitch! :laughing:

Sara

[Planning fanatic mom]

I see you started at PTR...I'm on my way over there! :yay:

Thanks

I have struggled with Dan getting more independent. It's something I have been working on! We have let him do more here at home to kind of test his level of responsibility as far as letting us know where he is and when he's coming home, calling when he needs to check in, etc. So it wasn't his first venture on his own. He's gone to the movies with friends, stayed home for a day while Jeff and I were out with the other boys, rode his bike to the local park, etc. I am not really the nervous/worrying type, but I do like to check in with him regularly to be sure he is ok and doesn't need anything. Knowing he's getting older and more independent from both us and his brothers, I think it did him a world of good to be able to take some "Dan" time and just be 14....he mentioned talking to a group of girls, etc which just isn't going to happen with Mom, Dad, and 2 brothers tagging along! :rolleyes1 I believe that every parent just needs to use his/her good judgment when it comes to how much independence to give and when. You know your DD better than anyone else, so just use your mommy sense and you'll be fine! :goodvibes

I know how you feel. This is very hard. My DD16 has her first Boyfriend. :scared1: He is a great boy. Up to this date, the girls have not asked to go anywhere at WDW themselves. I wish that they would when it was time to ride Stitch.:rotfl:

[PrincessV]

We had talked about taking the boat, but it didn’t start running until later in the morning, so we set out on foot. Jeff was concerned about how far it might be, but I knew from reading these boards that it was an easy walk. It really was....and BEAUTIFUL!
::yes:: I absolutely looove that walk! :cloud9:

There is a ski lift, but the line was rather long, so we decided to head up the path on foot.
:eek: :faint: OMG - I was in the best shape of my life when I climbed that and I swear, I nearly died halfway up, lol!

[mommytothreeboys]

Disney Christmas stuff is a weakness of mine as well. We bought several ornaments when we were there in Dec. because they were 50% off. I wish that I could have bought one of each!

Oohh..a sale may have been way too tempting! 50% off? Oh good, I can buy two!! LOL!

Phew - I'm all caught up on your report now! What a great job you are doing - it sounds like such a fabulous trip! Your AK day was fabulous and I loved hearing about your day at Blizzard Beach - I'm not really a water park person, but I think I would love to go and just watch my kids some time! Lounging in a chair is a bit more my speed! :goodvibes

I actually love the slides....but the wave pool is my lounging time!

Can't wait to read about Ohana! We have had dinner there but not breakfast, but we just got back from our stay at the Poly and boy was I wishing I had made an ADR for breakfast there! I was just thinking that with two adults, an ADR for Kona made more sense! Now I wish I had seen Stitch! :laughing:

Sara

We are big Stitch fans so this was a no-brainer!

::yes:: I absolutely looove that walk! :cloud9:


:eek: :faint: OMG - I was in the best shape of my life when I climbed that and I swear, I nearly died halfway up, lol!

I kinda felt like I might die too! Lesson learned..stand in line for the ski lift! :laughing:


__________________________________________________ _______________

I am working on my next post, hopefully will be ready to post this evening. If I hadn't spent my DIS time this morning reading a certain trip report, and you know who you are ;), maybe it would be up by now! LOL!! Anyway, can't wait to share our 'Ohana pics! Did someone say "magical moment"??? Stay tuned! :surfweb:

[mommytothreeboys]

I’m feeling a little guilty. :guilty: I would not have titled my TR as I did if I had remembered that the story behind it did not happen until the second to last day of our trip. That’s just torture! I, for one, am not the most patient person on the planet so I get it! I know there are some who read this TR just because the title drew them in.......so........I decided to throw in a BONUS POST to tell the story behind the title.

Before I begin, let me say that I KNOW that no one on this board would do anything like what I’m about to describe, but if you did...I apologize in advance! LOL! :lmao:

So..we are sitting in the Carousel of Progress. This is not something we had ever been on before so we were newbies. I knew it was a Walt original and, therefore, wanted to give it a try. Beside that, we had some time to kill and it was hot so we decided if nothing else we’d be able to cool off and relax. :rolleyes1 The “show” begins and we are enjoying it! Even the boys seem to be drawn in, not bored stiff like I had feared. We had just moved to the 1940's scene when IT happened.







***ring***, ***ring***, ***ring***.....the forbidden cell phone ringing! :scared1:

Here’s where it gets crazy. The man ANSWERS the phone! :eek::eek:

“Hello?”[[pause]] “Yeah, I’m in the Carousel of Progress.,” can be heard in the ENTIRE theater! Now...IF, and that’s a big IF, I felt the need to answer my phone in an attraction, I would at least do it quietly and then tell the caller that I couldn’t talk at the moment. OH NO...not this guy. He proceeds to have a full on conversation with whoever is on the other end of the line! They make lunch plans, discuss where to meet, etc. The look on my face would have been priceless had someone captured it. Too bad we are rule followers and didn’t take flash pictures! LOL! I did not hear a single thing that the character in the show said for the 1940's decade! I’m not sure if my jaw ever really got picked up off of the floor.

Needless to say, this episode was the focus of all of our jokes for the rest of the trip. If things got tense and we needed a tension reliever, or whenever we just needed a laugh, Jeff would pull out the fake cell phone...you know, the one you make with your thumb and pinky?...and proceed to go into the whole spiel. “Hello, I’m in the Carousel of Progress. I’ll be here for about 20 more minutes....where do you want to eat lunch?” It instantly dissolved all of us into giggles! Honestly...we are still doing it! (Yes, we are easily amused!) :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

So, there you have it! In the end, we all really enjoyed the ride in spite of the “episode”. Isaiah was too cute when the ride ended. He said, “Aw, it’s over?” So if you are wondering, yes, kids can enjoy the classics!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/SundayMK--Disney2009.jpg

Now back to our regularly scheduled Trip Report!

[cjackearl]

Arg, Rule Breakers!:headache: Glad that you got some giggles out of it though.:thumbsup2

[Planning fanatic mom]

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

We would have laughed too. Amazing what people do, isn't it?

[mousescrapper]

and here i was thinking it was one of you stuck in the carousel or something.....:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

cell phones good but bad yes!

[KathyRN137]

Kind of ironic....

Technology hasn't helped some folks make much progress in the area of consideration and curtesy! :confused3

Glad it was good for some giggles!

Kathy

[DisMomAmy]

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

[shebaxric]

:lmao::lmao:

Great explanation, great title! I swear, if I was on the ride with my DFIL, he would've yelled at the guy.....:rolleyes1 I haven't been on the Carousel of Progress in a very long time, perhaps it's time to check that one out again!

[MagicShell]

That is a great story. I would have found that very amusing.

[mickeystoontown]

Too funny! We usually have at least one of those funny stories to come back with too.

[DisneymoonJess07]

That's a great story!!

I am excited about teh Carousel of Progress - that was one that DH put on his must-do list too!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

I like how you guys made the little mishap an inside joke for your group. Too funny!!!!!!!!!!!! :lmao: I always like to amuse myself with stuff like that. Love it!

[mommytothreeboys]

Arg, Rule Breakers!:headache: Glad that you got some giggles out of it though.:thumbsup2

I was honestly blown away at how rude he was being and he didn't even seem to GET it! LOL....crazy! :confused3 :rotfl:


:lmao::lmao::lmao:

We would have laughed too. Amazing what people do, isn't it?

The funniest thing about it wasn't so much that he was breaking the rule....it was the BLATANT way in which he broke it! Go big or go home, I guess! :lmao:

and here i was thinking it was one of you stuck in the carousel or something.....:rotfl::rotfl:

cell phones good but bad yes!

Oh no...that would have been bad!

Kind of ironic....

Technology hasn't helped some folks make much progress in the area of consideration and curtesy! :confused3

Glad it was good for some giggles!

Kathy

Never thought of it that way, but you are completely right! We're still giggling! :rotfl:

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

;)

:lmao::lmao:

Great explanation, great title! I swear, if I was on the ride with my DFIL, he would've yelled at the guy.....:rolleyes1 I haven't been on the Carousel of Progress in a very long time, perhaps it's time to check that one out again!

You should check it out again...I dragged my feet a bit because I thought the boys would be bored, but they really enjoyed it. :thumbsup2

That is a great story. I would have found that very amusing.

:rotfl2:

Too funny! We usually have at least one of those funny stories to come back with too.

It's one of those memories from the trip that will always make us laugh!

That's a great story!!

I am excited about teh Carousel of Progress - that was one that DH put on his must-do list too!

I was surprised at how much we all liked it. :goodvibes

I like how you guys made the little mishap an inside joke for your group. Too funny!!!!!!!!!!!! :lmao: I always like to amuse myself with stuff like that. Love it!

We are an easily amused family and sometimes things just strike us as funny! This was one of those things! :lmao::lmao:

[mommytothreeboys]

For those of you keeping track, we are up to Wednesday April 22nd. Our 4th day of vacation and our first planned MK day!

I had heard a LOT on the DIS about the wake up calls at the resorts. We had never done one, but figured that since our plans were to have breakfast with Stitch, it would be perfect to get a wake up call from the little blue fella! I set it up for 6:15 am....and right on cue, the phone rang. I handed the phone to a very sleepy Isaiah as I knew he would get the biggest kick out of being woken up by Stitch! He did... and woke everyone else saying Stitch called and was waiting for us to join him for breakfast. Too cute! (Only at Disney would you hear me refer to a 6:15 wake up call as cute!)

We all got up, showered, dressed, and were ready to head out the door just before 7:00. (This was the day we all wore our “matchy- but not matchy” character shirts! YAY!) On our way to the bus stop we crossed paths with this little guy!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200920.jpg

Not an animal we see everyday and I think the first time the boys had ever seen one. Definitely photo-worthy!


The bus to the MK arrived quickly and we were off! Our plan was to take the monorail to the Poly. We had been on the monorail on our 2007 trip and the boys and I rode up front, but we did the Epcot loop. We were looking forward to the resort loop monorail ride! Oh...and Isaiah took another early morning bus ride catnap! LOL!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200919.jpg

After arriving at MK, we headed to the monorail and hopped on. After stops at the Contemporary and the Grand Floridian, we arrived at the Poly. The boys enjoyed the ride although I had to continually tell them to hold onto the rail. For some reason they find it hilarious to see if they can remain standing without holding on as the monorail stops and starts at each station. BOYS!

We got off the train, headed to the lobby of the Poly and began looking for ‘Ohana. We found it easily and checked in for our 7:50 ADR about 15 minutes early. We had decided early on that we would do the Quick Service plan this trip, but I LOVE the character meals and we knew we would be paying for one OOP. This one was a simple choice because we love Stitch so much! Also because we had only eaten at restaurants in the parks or at DTD on our last trip and we were looking forward to visiting another resort. I had originally wanted to eat dinner at ‘Ohana because the menu looks delicious, but our love for the characters....and Jeff’s love of breakfast food....won out!

We took our obligatory family picture with our beautiful yellow leis and as soon as we were done with that our buzzer lit up and we were shown to our table. ( We were in our seats by 7:40.) This is the view we had from our breakfast table.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200918.jpg

We were brought our juice, coffee, fruit, and bread right away. YUMMMM....that juice is so delicious. A little sweet and syrupy to drink too much, but totally awesome! The pineapple coconut bread was heavenly as well. Soon after, we had hot steaming plates of eggs, sausages and bacon, potatoes, and freshly made Mickey waffles. Isaiah LOVED the waffles and was constantly on the lookout for the “waffle guy” who was walking around refilling plates!

Some cute family pictures while we eat and wait for the main event...the characters!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200915.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200916.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200917.jpg

I hate it when Jeff grabs the camera!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200921.jpg

We weren’t seated for long when we spotted the reason we had come here in the first place. STITCH!! We had our autograph books ready and waiting for when he would arrive at our table.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200914.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200913.jpg





Next came Lilo. We took a few pics of her and the boys when a young girl from the table next to us offered to take a family picture for us. (I think they were cheerleaders or dancers as the World competition was taking place the weekend coming up.) How nice! We handed over the camera and she took an AWESOME picture of us with Lilo...possibly my favorite picture of the whole trip!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200912.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200922.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200911.jpg


The Big Cheese himself came out next all decked out in his hawaiian shirt! Too cute!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200910.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20099.jpg


We saw Pluto beginning to make his rounds, but before he got to our table, the characters began lining up all the kids for a parade around the restaurant. The kids all got maracas and followed Stitch around the dining room dancing and waving......WAY COOL!! My boys needed no coaxing and joined in right away! I love that even though they are not “little” any more they can still find the magic in the little moments....I’m tearing up as I write this.....goodness!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20098.jpg

I'm not sure why Jonah has that look on his face in this pic..he had fun, really!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20097.jpg


After the parade, the characters kind of disappeared and my boys were afraid Pluto would not come back out. I told them not to worry, that he had only been to ½ of the dining room and he would be back! While we waited, our waitress came to the table with a special gift! She told us that even though the Year of a Million Dreams was over, they had some special edition pins left over that they saved to give to guests who experienced a magical moment. She called over the girl who had taken our picture and told us that since she had made magic for our family, we both were going to receive a pin and we were to trade them with each other to express our thanks. SO COOL!!! This is the pin she gave me......TINK!! Woo-Hoo!!!!!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/IMG_2122.jpg


As promised, Pluto came back out to finish his rounds. My boys LOVE Pluto because he always plays with them. He licks the boys, lets them scratch behind his ear, etc. He is one of our favorite “meet and greets” for that reason. And our experience this time did not disappoint!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200923.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20095.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20096.jpg


After our visit with Pluto, Jeff paid the bill and we headed out. ‘Ohana was a great experience and we had an awesome time! We were out of the restaurant by about 8:25 and we decided to take a stroll around the lobby, poke around in the gift shop, and soak in some Poly!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20094.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20093.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20092.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney2009.jpg

There's GOT to be a Hidden Mickey in there somewhere!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney20091.jpg


The Poly is absolutely beautiful and someday I will get to stay there...SOMEDAY!



Off to the MK! Woo-Hoo!!!!


Uh-Oh....a surprising lack of Pixie Dust??? Will it derail our day?? Stay tuned!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

You are right, the family picture with Lilo was AWESOME! I can see that one in a frame, which if you're anything like me, it probably is!

How nice that the CM brought you and the young girl pins. I WANT ONE!!!!

Thanks for the update. I can already tell I'm going to be sad when your TR is over.

[mousescrapper]

wonderful O'Hana update!

it brought back great memories of our breakfast and character fun there last summer.

That is so great the boys just soaked up all the majic of the characters and maracca parade! No excuse for tears! They are happy tears!


I love al the pic's and the group shot w/ Lilo is so nice you are a beautiful family!

and how fun about the suprise gift pins!

We still have many of our POLY leis around the house, I love to keep some Disney magic in everyroom.

looking forward to more!

J-

[MagicShell]

What a fun update! I think it is great that your "big" boys are having so much fun. I hope my kids will always have fun at Disney, and not think they are too old for that. I love your matching shirts, very cute. You certainly did get a great family picture.

By the way we have had an armadillo under our van in the driveway before! We took pictures of it even though we see them all the time.

[KathyRN137]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200911.jpg




You say a cheerleader was taking the picture?? No wonder Dan and Isaiah are smiling so nicely for the camera!! :cheer2: :rotfl:

Wonderful update... we may have to try breakfast at 'Ohana!

Kathy

p.s. I think Dan looks a bit like my DH did when he was that age! Perhaps that's why I think he's so cute! :laughing:

[mommytothreeboys]

You are right, the family picture with Lilo was AWESOME! I can see that one in a frame, which if you're anything like me, it probably is!

Not yet, but I already bought the frame...just waiting to get it printed in the right size!

How nice that the CM brought you and the young girl pins. I WANT ONE!!!!

I know....it was very cool! And that it was Tink was just a nice bonus!

Thanks for the update. I can already tell I'm going to be sad when your TR is over.


I'll be sad too....I have NO clue when the next one might happen. :sad1:

wonderful O'Hana update!

it brought back great memories of our breakfast and character fun there last summer.

That is so great the boys just soaked up all the majic of the characters and maracca parade! No excuse for tears! They are happy tears!

Definitely happy, but they grow up SO fast! I just hope they are always "young at heart" enough to enjoy Disney as much as their old mom!


I love al the pic's and the group shot w/ Lilo is so nice you are a beautiful family!

and how fun about the suprise gift pins!

Woo-Hoo!! :woohoo:

We still have many of our POLY leis around the house, I love to keep some Disney magic in everyroom.

looking forward to more!

J-

My lei hangs in my bedroom where I can see it every day! :goodvibes

What a fun update! I think it is great that your "big" boys are having so much fun. I hope my kids will always have fun at Disney, and not think they are too old for that. I love your matching shirts, very cute. You certainly did get a great family picture.


Thanks! I really didn't think the family would buy into the whole matching shirt thing so I went with these that are similar, but not identical. Little did I know....stay tuned to see what we ended up wearing on our next MK day!

By the way we have had an armadillo under our van in the driveway before! We took pictures of it even though we see them all the time.

LOL! They are odd little creatures aren't they??

You say a cheerleader was taking the picture?? No wonder Dan and Isaiah are smiling so nicely for the camera!! :cheer2: :rotfl:

I'm telling you..those boys were in teen heaven! There were teenaged girls ALL OVER the place that weekend...even at our resort! LOL! They were all a little older than my boys, but still......! :rotfl:

Wonderful update... we may have to try breakfast at 'Ohana!

Kathy

p.s. I think Dan looks a bit like my DH did when he was that age! Perhaps that's why I think he's so cute! :laughing:

I'd recommend that breakfast at 'Ohana...it was a good time! :thumbsup2

Funny that Dan looks like your DH! Did he grow to be over 6 feet tall, cause Dan is worried he's gonna be short his whole life! LOL! :rolleyes:

[cjackearl]

Missy I think your shirts look great! Just the right amount of matchiness.:thumbsup2 I'm trying to coordinate some outfits for our trip. I love how the pictures come out when everyone is on the same color page.

The pins sound like a magical surprise. How fun.:goodvibes

We had dinner at Ohana. Yummy food and lots of fun, but the breakfast looks pretty great. Were you served family style?

[KathyRN137]

Funny that Dan looks like your DH! Did he grow to be over 6 feet tall, cause Dan is worried he's gonna be short his whole life! LOL! :rolleyes:


Sorry, but he never became a six-footer. But I'm more than happy with my 5'7" guy! :lovestruc

He did have his teen growth spurt a bit later than most, though.

He says that during the summer between freshman and sophomore year, he grew from 5' to 5'7" That's about age 15 I guess, right?

I was the opposite of Dan. I've been 5'8" since I was 13. I hated it! Had to wait for all the boys to "catch up!" :laughing: Unfortunately, it's all about appearances at that age... Even the 14 yr old boys who are tall have their own insecurities, I'm sure.

I wouldn't be a teenager again for all the tea in China!!




Kathy

[mom2mek]

Great update and wonderful pictures! :goodvibes I too, love those shirts - so cute! Can't wait to see what you wear on your other days! 'Ohana breakfast looks delicious - we have only been there for dinner, but I'm thinking breakfast will definitely be on the list for next time! :thumbsup2

Sara

[mommytothreeboys]

Missy I think your shirts look great! Just the right amount of matchiness.:thumbsup2 I'm trying to coordinate some outfits for our trip. I love how the pictures come out when everyone is on the same color page.

The pins sound like a magical surprise. How fun.:goodvibes

We had dinner at Ohana. Yummy food and lots of fun, but the breakfast looks pretty great. Were you served family style?

They do serve family style. The food comes out on big platters that they refill as needed. :goodvibes

Sorry, but he never became a six-footer. But I'm more than happy with my 5'7" guy! :lovestruc

He did have his teen growth spurt a bit later than most, though.

He says that during the summer between freshman and sophomore year, he grew from 5' to 5'7" That's about age 15 I guess, right?

I was the opposite of Dan. I've been 5'8" since I was 13. I hated it! Had to wait for all the boys to "catch up!" :laughing: Unfortunately, it's all about appearances at that age... Even the 14 yr old boys who are tall have their own insecurities, I'm sure.

I wouldn't be a teenager again for all the tea in China!!




Kathy

My DH is 6'2" and I'm 5'7" so I'm sure Dan has more growing to do. My brother who is also over 6', didn't hit his growth spurt until age 15 either. (And yes..that's about between freshman/sophomore year. Dan is 14 and in 8th grade.) I keep telling Dan all these things, but he's convinced he's not going to grow! However....I KNOW he's growing because all is jeans/pants are getting too short! I expect that infamous spurt any time now!

And you couldn't pay me enough to be a teenager again either. :scared1: I'd redo my 20's but not my JH/HS years....NO THANK YOU!

[mommytothreeboys]

Great update and wonderful pictures! :goodvibes I too, love those shirts - so cute! Can't wait to see what you wear on your other days! 'Ohana breakfast looks delicious - we have only been there for dinner, but I'm thinking breakfast will definitely be on the list for next time! :thumbsup2

Sara

Thanks for the compliments on the shirts..I was very excited about them! We only have one more "coordinated clothing" day...gotta start small and work your way up!

Now that we've done the character breakfast, I'd definitely like to try dinner. That menu looks amazing! :thumbsup2

[DisMomAmy]

I'll have to put Ohanas on our list for the next trip- it looks like you guys had a blast!

[KathyRN137]

Thanks... We only have one more "coordinated clothing" day...gotta start small and work your way up!


Especially with guys! :thumbsup2


Kathy

[Planning fanatic mom]

Great update and pics. It looks like you all had so much fun. Pluto lover here!:love:

We are going to O'Hana's for dinner. Will we get a lei too, or is that just for breakfast?

[3princesses+aprince]

Hello, i'm back now, just getting caught up on your report. I just got back a few days ago, so i'm still bummed out and just want to be back in Disney World. I'm gonna make an update on my TR today to finish up with the first day. I've just had so much to do and now i'm getting sick:scared:

But you're meal with Lilo and Stitch looked like a lot of fun, you got a lot of cute pics of the kids.

[transnet87]

This seems to be a lot of fun and I am definitely on board! Just gotta catch up some with my reading now...popcorn::

[mommytothreeboys]

I'll have to put Ohanas on our list for the next trip- it looks like you guys had a blast!

We really did! :banana:

Especially with guys! :thumbsup2


Kathy

You got that right, sister! :thumbsup2

Great update and pics. It looks like you all had so much fun. Pluto lover here!:love:

We are going to O'Hana's for dinner. Will we get a lei too, or is that just for breakfast?

I'm not sure about that, but several other readers say they've done dinner there so maybe one of them can answer that for you. I would guess you get one at dinner as well, but I really have no idea for sure!

Hello, i'm back now, just getting caught up on your report. I just got back a few days ago, so i'm still bummed out and just want to be back in Disney World. I'm gonna make an update on my TR today to finish up with the first day. I've just had so much to do and now i'm getting sick:scared:

But you're meal with Lilo and Stitch looked like a lot of fun, you got a lot of cute pics of the kids.

Welcome home Pam. I know how it feels to not want to be home! Stinks huh? :sad2: I'm glad your family had fun!



This seems to be a lot of fun and I am definitely on board! Just gotta catch up some with my reading now...popcorn::

Hi there and :welcome: ! Glad to have you here for the ride!

[ilovecupcakes]

Hi, Missy:wave: I am so glad that I coming home from vacation to your trip report! I didn't get the chance to read much of it tonight, but I definitely will this week. Sounds like you all had a great time. Can't wait to read it!

[Curious Yellow]

***ring***, ***ring***, ***ring***.....the forbidden cell phone ringing! :scared1:

Here’s where it gets crazy. The man ANSWERS the phone! :eek::eek:

“Hello?”[[pause]] “Yeah, I’m in the Carousel of Progress.,” can be heard in the ENTIRE theater!

oh my! this happened to us last week! A guy answered his loudly ringing phone and had a full on convo on his phone!! i could not believe it!! even his daughter who was about 3 years old looked embarrassed!! some people are obnoxious.

Lovin your Trip report :)

[nu2wdisneyw]

Hey Missy! Great Ohana update.I think that we are going to do both breakfast and dinner at Ohana. We will just pay for one OOP. I want to do breakfast for the character and dinner for the meal! I love the family picture with Lilo...definitely fram worthy. You guys received all kinds of little surprises on this trip...pirates of the day and a Tink pin. How lucky!!!

[ilovecupcakes]

Okay, I think I am all caught up! Loving it so far. Your pictures are great. You will definitely be able to relive your trip over and over again through those pictures.

I cannot believe someone really took your son's card and used it for meal credits! You'd think a place like Disney would be the very last place someone would have the nerve to do that. At least you had an attentive CM who took care of it immediately.

Everything looks great! Looking forward to more :)

[mpetti]

:cool1:Wow the Ohana pics are great. I am thinking of trying Ohana for my Aug trip thank's to your report. Also loved the Carousel of Progress story. Your title was the reason I started to read your report. After all The Carousel of Progress is my favorite. It's the first thing we do at MK. It starts our vacation off. I would have been so annoyed if that happened when I was there. Keep the report coming I am enjoying it. Thanks.

Maryann :surfweb:

[Baloo]

I love your TR!!! Your writing style makes me feel like I'm there! :thumbsup2

Port Orleans Riverside looks so amazing...we've never stayed there.It's on my to do list.Being able to take the boat to DTD is so cool.

You're a really cute family...I have 2 boys 15 and 16 and it makes my heart sing when they still do "little kid " stuff...Disney is good at bringing that out in even a teenager!! :laughing:

Looking forward to more!

[Sunset Cliffs]

Just wanted to say hi. I followed you over from Christine's PTR (cjackearl) and I am loving your TR so far. I have only gotten as far as the end of your first day at AK, but wanted to comment on a couple of things.

First of all, your family looks like you have so much fun together! Your boys are so cute and the pictures w/ the characters are great.

Second, it's always nice to hear about someone else who really likes AK. We love that park because of all of the details. Yes it's hot....yes it's spread out...yada, yada....it's still such a great place. Your pictures were great and your writing style makes you feel like you are there w/ you on vacation.

I will be reading fast to get caught up, but thought I should say hi!

[chocaholic110]

Hi from England! Loving your trip report so far. We're also big AK fans. Also as a new family of five we're very interested in places to stay once our little one isn't an infant any more.

[mommytothreeboys]

Hi, Missy:wave: I am so glad that I coming home from vacation to your trip report! I didn't get the chance to read much of it tonight, but I definitely will this week. Sounds like you all had a great time. Can't wait to read it!

Hi D! Welcome home from your soggy vacay! Glad you're here! :goodvibes

oh my! this happened to us last week! A guy answered his loudly ringing phone and had a full on convo on his phone!! i could not believe it!! even his daughter who was about 3 years old looked embarrassed!! some people are obnoxious.

Lovin your Trip report :)

No way! Do people not realize how RUDE that is?? :confused:
Oh...and :welcome:
Hey Missy! Great Ohana update.I think that we are going to do both breakfast and dinner at Ohana. We will just pay for one OOP. I want to do breakfast for the character and dinner for the meal! I love the family picture with Lilo...definitely fram worthy. You guys received all kinds of little surprises on this trip...pirates of the day and a Tink pin. How lucky!!!

Hi Stephanie! Dinner at 'Ohana is definitely on my list for next trip...whenever that may be!

Okay, I think I am all caught up! Loving it so far. Your pictures are great. You will definitely be able to relive your trip over and over again through those pictures.

I cannot believe someone really took your son's card and used it for meal credits! You'd think a place like Disney would be the very last place someone would have the nerve to do that. At least you had an attentive CM who took care of it immediately.

Everything looks great! Looking forward to more :)

Yeah..we were surprised too, but dishonest people are everywhere. :mad: We were just very blessed that it happened so early in the trip and that it wasn't worse! :)

:cool1:Wow the Ohana pics are great. I am thinking of trying Ohana for my Aug trip thank's to your report. Also loved the Carousel of Progress story. Your title was the reason I started to read your report. After all The Carousel of Progress is my favorite. It's the first thing we do at MK. It starts our vacation off. I would have been so annoyed if that happened when I was there. Keep the report coming I am enjoying it. Thanks.

Maryann :surfweb:

I really thought my kids would be bored to tears, but they really enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and sticking around for the title explanation! :cutie:

I love your TR!!! Your writing style makes me feel like I'm there! :thumbsup2

Port Orleans Riverside looks so amazing...we've never stayed there.It's on my to do list.Being able to take the boat to DTD is so cool.

You're a really cute family...I have 2 boys 15 and 16 and it makes my heart sing when they still do "little kid " stuff...Disney is good at bringing that out in even a teenager!! :laughing:

Looking forward to more!

Hi and WELCOME! :yay::yay: I love to see my boys really "getting" what Disney is all about. I'll take it for as long as I can get it!

Just wanted to say hi. I followed you over from Christine's PTR (cjackearl) and I am loving your TR so far. I have only gotten as far as the end of your first day at AK, but wanted to comment on a couple of things.

First of all, your family looks like you have so much fun together! Your boys are so cute and the pictures w/ the characters are great.

Second, it's always nice to hear about someone else who really likes AK. We love that park because of all of the details. Yes it's hot....yes it's spread out...yada, yada....it's still such a great place. Your pictures were great and your writing style makes you feel like you are there w/ you on vacation.

I will be reading fast to get caught up, but thought I should say hi!

Hi! :welcome: to my humble little TR! Gotta love a fellow AK lover! :thumbsup2

Hi from England! Loving your trip report so far. We're also big AK fans. Also as a new family of five we're very interested in places to stay once our little one isn't an infant any more.

Hi there! Lots of folks from England joining me on this TR! :welcome:

It's kind of a shame that the choices for a family of 5 are so limited. But..we love POR! :love:

[mommytothreeboys]

After a quick tour of the Poly lobby and gift shop we headed to the monorail to head to the Magic Kingdom. With a 7:50 breakfast ADR, I did not expect to make rope drop so we were not at all in a hurry. We arrived at the MK monorail station about 15 minutes after the park opened. As big and intimidating as the line for bag inspection looks, they manage to really get people through quickly. I’m always impressed! :thumbsup2 As the “pack mule” of the family, I am the only one who carries a bag so I go through the bag line as the rest of the boys breeze through the no-bag entrance.

By 9:20 we are on Main Street USA enjoying this view!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200936.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200935.jpg


That first walk down Main Street....ahhhh.....**sigh**......there’s nothing like it! :goodvibes

We go left at the hub and head into Frontierland to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments for our traditional Disney must-do Root Beer Float at breakfast time! My kids think it’s great that mom and dad allow ice cream for breakfast at Disney! It’s one of the things they most remember and talk about from our 2007 trip...so a tradition is born!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200933.jpg


Our plan is to hit Fantasyland and try to ride Peter Pan’s Flight first. Not arriving right at rope drop we decide to ride if the line is short or get FP’s for later if the standby line is long. We head behind the castle...

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200934.jpg

...and into Fantasyland. As we approach PPF, we immediately notice something is not right. There are 3-4 CM’s standing in front of the ride and NO LINE! Hmm....the one CM explains that TinkerBell has not arrived so there is no Pixie Dust, therefore no flying. :tinker: Closed until further notice...stink! :headache:

Oh well, we roll with it and head over to It’s A Small World which only has a 10 minute wait. Before long we are boarding our boat and singing along with the children of the world! Corny or not, I LOVE THIS RIDE! It just gives me the warm-fuzzies! :cloud9: It’s a good thing my boys like it too, cause this would not be the last time we ride it this trip!

As we exit IASW, we notice that PPF is now open. Apparently Tink has arrived and the Pixie Dust is doing its magic! :tinker: We get in the rather short line and take our magical flight. This time, Jeff and I scam riding in our own flying ship while the boys all ride together. Sweet! :love:

Our next stop is Mickey’s PhilharMagic. I think this is the very best of all the 3D shows at Disney. (Followed very closely by It’s Tough to Be a Bug!) That crazy Donald :donald: is always getting into trouble! Like some boys I know...always doing exactly what I say not to do! :rolleyes1 I love the dessert smell and the spraying water....just a good time! And....I found this Hidden Mickey.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200932.jpg

Off to visit the 999 ghosts who inhabit the Haunted Mansion. I think one of the boys’ favorite parts of the ride is the grave at the entrance that opens it’s eyes!

After escaping the happy haunts, we head to Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. On our stroll through Frontierland we find this guy!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200931.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200930.jpg

Donald moved Dan's lanyard out of the way to be sure you see that it's HIM on Dan's shirt!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200929.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200928.jpg


We decide to get a FP for BTMRR and then get in line for Splash Mountain. The standby time says 20 minutes....not bad. Is it always cold in the line for Splash Mountain or is it my imagination? I always seem to freeze in there!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200937.jpg

My favorite scene...even cartoons have laundry! LOL!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200938.jpg

We picked up FP's on our way out so we could ride later and then.....


Bring on that runaway railroad train! BTMRR here we come!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200927.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200925.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200924.jpg

This end of the park always seems jam-packed with people. UGH....we make it through the crowds and hit this penny machine.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200926.jpg

My boys LOVE the pressed pennies and we took a supply of pennies and quarters to the parks each day. They bought souvenir books on our last trip that we hope to complete with pennies from this trip. They especially like the ones you get to crank yourself!

With our Frontierland Must-Do’s under our belts, it’s time to head to one of our very favorite places in the MK. Here’s a sneak peek!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200939.jpg


Next up! Who’s Omar and why are we waving at all those people we don’t know?? Wait for it...wait for it........LOL!

[KathyRN137]

By 9:20 we are on Main Street USA enjoying this view!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200936.jpg


I am sighing right along with you!! :cloud9:


http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200924.jpg



Very nice! Mommy & Her Three Boys :love:

And I am jealous... I can never interest anyone in my family in where you seem to be going! ;)


Kathy

[Happydog]

Okay! I was quite a bit behind, but I am all caught up now! It is a blur of Benigets, DTD, Christmas ornament withdrawl, Blizzard Beach and "sledding" down some slopes, and then Ohanas and the MK!!!! :faint: Okay! I think I got most of that! Wow how much fun! And really your Ohana family photo was just lovely, and I think your matchy matchy shirts were delightful! We have that same Tink pin! Glad you got your ride on Peter Pan! Really enjoying your TR, great details! popcorn:: I am back on schedule for my daily read, so looking forward to more!!!

[ilovecupcakes]

Oh my goodness, I agree about Philharmagic. It's so awesome! You really feel like you're in the little show.

Also, I hear ya on the walking down Mainstreet for the first time during your trip. I think everyone who has been to Disney will agree it's a magical moment that never, ever gets old no matter how many times you do it!

[mom2mek]

Great update! I love the post-breakfast snack of root beer floats!!! Only in Disney, right? My kids flipped out one time when I told them they could have ice cream for dinner one night! :thumbsup2

Love that first walk down Main St! :cloud9:

Sara

[cjackearl]

Love it! What a beautiful day at the MK and you and your family appear to be loving every minute.:love:

Good eyes on the hidden Mickey, mom!

The pressed penny machines look like they could be fun. I've collected quarters and pennies for my kids to give them a try.

Looking forward to more.popcorn::

[mommytothreeboys]

Very nice! Mommy & Her Three Boys :love:

And I am jealous... I can never interest anyone in my family in where you seem to be going! ;)


Kathy

Thanks....I made a very conscious effort to be in more pictures this time. If you look at our scrapbook from last trip, I may as well not have even been there! :rolleyes1

Okay! I was quite a bit behind, but I am all caught up now! It is a blur of Benigets, DTD, Christmas ornament withdrawl, Blizzard Beach and "sledding" down some slopes, and then Ohanas and the MK!!!! :faint: Okay! I think I got most of that! Wow how much fun! And really your Ohana family photo was just lovely, and I think your matchy matchy shirts were delightful! We have that same Tink pin! Glad you got your ride on Peter Pan! Really enjoying your TR, great details! popcorn:: I am back on schedule for my daily read, so looking forward to more!!!

Glad you're caught up Happy! :thumbsup2

Oh my goodness, I agree about Philharmagic. It's so awesome! You really feel like you're in the little show.

Also, I hear ya on the walking down Mainstreet for the first time during your trip. I think everyone who has been to Disney will agree it's a magical moment that never, ever gets old no matter how many times you do it!

I agree...that first look at the castle is a feeling that just never changes! :cloud9:

Great update! I love the post-breakfast snack of root beer floats!!! Only in Disney, right? My kids flipped out one time when I told them they could have ice cream for dinner one night! :thumbsup2

Love that first walk down Main St! :cloud9:

Sara

I'm not sure how they had room for Root Beer Floats after that breakfast, but tradition is tradition! ;)

Love it! What a beautiful day at the MK and you and your family appear to be loving every minute.:love:

Good eyes on the hidden Mickey, mom!

The pressed penny machines look like they could be fun. I've collected quarters and pennies for my kids to give them a try.

Looking forward to more.popcorn::

We actually found quite a few Hidden Mickey's this trip. More pics to come!

The pressed pennies are a great souvenir. And only 51 cents....not bad! :rotfl:

[MagicShell]

I LOVE Magic Kingdom! Philharmagic is my favorite, I also love Donald Duck. You have some great pictures, do you scrapbook? I can't wait to see what is next.

[nu2wdisneyw]

YAY MK!! :cool1: I just love the sight of the castle...brings a smile to my face!

[MICKEY4EVER!]

Loved the update. Brings back some fond memories, especially the castle. :lovestruc

Again, loving the family photos. Everyone rolls their eyes at me when I try to get some good pics. Usually, they have their eyes rolled in the picture, which makes me :headache::headache::headache:!!!!!!!!!

[Sunset Cliffs]

I love the root beer float thing, and that it is one of the things that they talk about a lot from your last trip. What a great tradition to have!

[Planning fanatic mom]

I always get choked up when I see the castle for the first time.
Question: Did you see a difference in the lines of the other rides now that Space Mountain is closed? Does it make the other lines longer?

Just curious.

[mousescrapper]

Corny or not, I LOVE THIS RIDE! It just gives me the warm-fuzzies! :cloud9: It’s a good thing my boys like it too,

I agree....it is always on my TOP 5 I love it!


As we exit IASW, we notice that PPF is now open. Apparently Tink has arrived and the Pixie Dust is doing its magic! :tinker:

Glad she made it into work....


Bring on that runaway railroad train! BTMRR here we come!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200924.jpg



GREAT PICTURE!!!

This end of the park always seems jam-packed with people. UGH....we make it through the crowds and hit this penny machine.

I know why is that....:headache:

My boys LOVE the pressed pennies and we took a supply of pennies and quarters to the parks each day. They bought souvenir books on our last trip that we hope to complete with pennies from this trip. They especially like the ones you get to crank yourself!


I saved the $ we didn't use from this trip for next yr....Michael still has space in his book...and Mae wants to start a book too, so I told she could during the 010 trip.


With our Frontierland Must-Do’s under our belts, it’s time to head to one of our very favorite places in the MK. Here’s a sneak peek!

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200939.jpg

TSI looks like FUN!
Next up! Who’s Omar and why are we waving at all those people we don’t know?? Wait for it...wait for it........LOL!


Can't wait to find out who Omar is....:goodvibes

J-

[mommytothreeboys]

I LOVE Magic Kingdom! Philharmagic is my favorite, I also love Donald Duck. You have some great pictures, do you scrapbook? I can't wait to see what is next.

I do scrapbook and I love it! I am actually a consultant for a scrapbooking company...but right now it mostly just supports my habit! I have been contemplating doing a digital scrapbook for this trip. I did a traditional one for our last trip. I think I'd miss the traditional stuff, but I could do a small album to get my fix...like the ABC's of Disney or something. :confused3

YAY MK!! :cool1: I just love the sight of the castle...brings a smile to my face!

Me too.....smiling right now! :)

Loved the update. Brings back some fond memories, especially the castle. :lovestruc

Again, loving the family photos. Everyone rolls their eyes at me when I try to get some good pics. Usually, they have their eyes rolled in the picture, which makes me :headache::headache::headache:!!!!!!!!!


I have eye-rollers too, but they are pretty good about the picture taking. They humor me and I let them!

I love the root beer float thing, and that it is one of the things that they talk about a lot from your last trip. What a great tradition to have!

My boys are HUGE on tradition which I absolutely love! :lovestruc

I always get choked up when I see the castle for the first time.
Question: Did you see a difference in the lines of the other rides now that Space Mountain is closed? Does it make the other lines longer?

Just curious.

I really didn't notice that the lines were any longer at the other attractions. I just used the same strategy as always...hit the big attractions first, FP as often as possible. The ones that load slowly were long... Astro Orbiter, Dumbo....but they always are. Splash and BTMRR were no longer than I remember from last trip....Buzz was much shorter. We really did not stand in long lines at all. :thumbsup2

Can't wait to find out who Omar is....:goodvibes

J-

Hi Julie! You are so good saving your extra $ for your next trip...I wish I were 1/2 that disciplined! I usually use it to print photos! :rolleyes1

[MagicShell]

I have considered digital scrapbooking, and also felt like I would miss the traditional way. I wish I had time to do either one!

[clomahony]

I just read your story about the person who was talking on the phone and can tell you a story as well. Saddly the person on the phone was me but we were on the Haunted Mansion ride and my cell phone rang and I immediately popped into work mode and answered and proceeded to try and have a conversation with all the spooky noises. Finally, the person on the other end asks where on earth I am and I tell them I'm on the Haunted Mansion. At least I don't think I disturbed anyone else but I need to go on vacation when I'm on vacation.

Love your trip report - keep up the good work.

[3princesses+aprince]

Great Magic Kingdom update, we missed Big Thunder Mountain railroad. Our first MK day we were on the opposite side of the park and said we'd have plenty of time to do it. And our Big MK day Manny was at the hotel sick and Sam is not 40 inches, so me and the kids had to skip that. That's ok, it's on the to do list for next year.

And the pic with you and the boys is awesome.

[momjkm]

I am in the early reading stages of your trip report and enjoying it so much--- only went to AK once in July 2003--- doing it no matter what next month!! I too got soaked on the rapids and I remember enjoying the tarzan show (on rollerskates?)--- the worst was the underwear- I HATE wet underwear, TMI????
sorry... where did you find Lilo and Stitch at AK?
Jill

[momjkm]

BB was a lot of fun..we ended up doing both BB and TL. Which did we like better?? :rolleyes1

>>>> did you answer yet?? I am a few pages away--- we are thinking of trying BB but which one is for the less adventurous- ds would never do summit plummet or the other one you wrote about---


I have struggled with Dan getting more independent. It's something I have been working on! We have let him do more here at home to kind of test his level of responsibility as far as letting us know where he is and when he's coming home, calling when he needs to check in, etc. So it wasn't his first venture on his own. >>>>>

I know how you feel-- my dd is 15 going on 25--- the 1st is the hardest imo... she has always been miss independent... your sons look so nice- cooperative wiht your picture taking...just having genuine FUN!!!

Jill

[Girldreamer02]

Just found your trip report and sat here and read all of it so far. Very awesome! Love all the pics and it looks like you had a wonderful time! :thumbsup2:goodvibes

[DiningPlanDevastator]

Thanks for the updates.

Clever title... The nerve of some people on their phones!

[mommytothreeboys]

I have considered digital scrapbooking, and also felt like I would miss the traditional way. I wish I had time to do either one!

Yep.....I agree! If only all the other things I have to do didn't keep getting in the way! LOL! ;)


I just read your story about the person who was talking on the phone and can tell you a story as well. Saddly the person on the phone was me but we were on the Haunted Mansion ride and my cell phone rang and I immediately popped into work mode and answered and proceeded to try and have a conversation with all the spooky noises. Finally, the person on the other end asks where on earth I am and I tell them I'm on the Haunted Mansion. At least I don't think I disturbed anyone else but I need to go on vacation when I'm on vacation.

Love your trip report - keep up the good work.

Precisely the reason I made my DH leave his Blackberry at home! He can't "not work" either. :rolleyes:

Great Magic Kingdom update, we missed Big Thunder Mountain railroad. Our first MK day we were on the opposite side of the park and said we'd have plenty of time to do it. And our Big MK day Manny was at the hotel sick and Sam is not 40 inches, so me and the kids had to skip that. That's ok, it's on the to do list for next year.

And the pic with you and the boys is awesome.

Aww..that stinks that you missed BTMRR, but great that you have something to look forward to for next time! :thumbsup2

I am in the early reading stages of your trip report and enjoying it so much--- only went to AK once in July 2003--- doing it no matter what next month!! I too got soaked on the rapids and I remember enjoying the tarzan show (on rollerskates?)--- the worst was the underwear- I HATE wet underwear, TMI????
sorry... where did you find Lilo and Stitch at AK?
Jill

LOL! Wet underwear is definitely not fun! We found Lilo and Stitch right at the entrance to Discovery Island by the big gift shop....right before you head into Camp Minnie Mickey. There is a little covered area off the shop and they were right there.

BB was a lot of fun..we ended up doing both BB and TL. Which did we like better?? :rolleyes1

>>>> did you answer yet?? I am a few pages away--- we are thinking of trying BB but which one is for the less adventurous- ds would never do summit plummet or the other one you wrote about---


I have struggled with Dan getting more independent. It's something I have been working on! We have let him do more here at home to kind of test his level of responsibility as far as letting us know where he is and when he's coming home, calling when he needs to check in, etc. So it wasn't his first venture on his own. >>>>>

I know how you feel-- my dd is 15 going on 25--- the 1st is the hardest imo... she has always been miss independent... your sons look so nice- cooperative wiht your picture taking...just having genuine FUN!!!

Jill

We enjoyed both water parks....haven't gotten to the Typhoon Lagoon update yet, you didn't miss it!

My middle son Isaiah's birthday is today...he's 12..I am on the verge of having 2 teenagers. YIKES!! :scared1:

Just found your trip report and sat here and read all of it so far. Very awesome! Love all the pics and it looks like you had a wonderful time! :thumbsup2:goodvibes

Hi and :welcome: Glad you're along for the ride! Stop in and say HI anytime! :)

Thanks for the updates.

Clever title... The nerve of some people on their phones!

I know, right? What did we ever do without them! :rolleyes1

[mommytothreeboys]

I know I am way overdue for an update! My parents were visiting from PA for a few days, today is Isaiah's 12th birthday, and it's the weekend of our big yard sale at church so I've been a little distracted! :upsidedow

I ordered my Photopass CD so I'm looking forward to being able to post some of those pics soon.

I promise I'll get an update up sometime this weekend! ;) Thanks for hanging in there with me! :cool2:

[KathyRN137]

I ordered my Photopass CD so I'm looking forward to being able to post some of those pics soon.



Yay!! :woohoo:

Happy Birthday, Isaiah! :bday:


Kathy

[mom2mek]

Happy Birthday to your little guy! Wow! 12 years old!! :banana::banana:

Hope he has a great birthday! :goodvibes

Sara

[cjackearl]

Hi Missy! I can't wait to see your photopass pictures. And Happy Birthday! to Isaiah!

[DisMomAmy]

Don't you just love :lovestruc the first MK morning!! My next update is our first MK morning. :thumbsup2 When I get around to it... :rolleyes1 These TRs are harder to stay on top of than the PTRs were... :upsidedow

[ilovecupcakes]

:bday: to your son! Hope you and your family are enjoying his birthday weekend!

[mommytothreeboys]

Yay!! :woohoo:

Happy Birthday, Isaiah! :bday:


Kathy

Happy Birthday to your little guy! Wow! 12 years old!! :banana::banana:

Hope he has a great birthday! :goodvibes

Sara

Hi Missy! I can't wait to see your photopass pictures. And Happy Birthday! to Isaiah!



:bday: to your son! Hope you and your family are enjoying his birthday weekend!


Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Isaiah! We had a nice celebration. :goodvibes

I can't wait for my photopass CD either. I had been struggling over whether to buy the whole CD or just order a print or two. When all was said and done, there were enough pics on there that I wanted, that it made better financial sense to order the CD. Now I just can't wait to get it!! :woohoo:

Don't you just love :lovestruc the first MK morning!! My next update is our first MK morning. :thumbsup2 When I get around to it... :rolleyes1 These TRs are harder to stay on top of than the PTRs were... :upsidedow

I totally agree about keeping up with a TR! I think the anticipation of the trip keeps us on top of our PTR's, but with no trip to plan and life moving on as usual, the TR is a tough one! Thanks for your patience!! :thumbsup2

[teresajoy]

Missy, Hi! :wave: I just found your TR and am loving it!!! Your family is just so sweet and cute! You really write a great report, I can't wait to read more!

[mommytothreeboys]

After fighting the crowd at the BTMRR and Splash Mountain end of Frontierland it was time to head to one of the places Jeff had most been looking forward to on this trip.









Tom Sawyer Island!



A little background......we went to TSI on our last trip, but we squeezed it in between the parade and an early dinner ADR at Liberty Tree. Dan had started to not feel well :sick: and he really only wanted to sit on the rocking chairs and fan himself...here’s a picture of how he spent his time on TSI last trip.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/Thursday--MagicKingdom3-1-1.jpg

Anyway, Jeff and the other boys explored some while I sat with Dan. It was a rushed visit, and we were concerned about Dan, so we didn’t get to fully enjoy all the island has to offer. We made sure to set aside plenty of time this trip to explore as much as we wanted without feeling the pinch of an ADR or the worry of a sick child!

So...back to 2009! The dock to board the raft to TSI was pretty much empty and we got on the raft right away. Our raft driver’s name was Omar and he was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! We had to wait for the riverboat to pass before we could shove off, so he had us all wave to the people as they passed. He was so funny...he made jokes about how we should wave and smile because the people on the boat love it and will automatically wave and smile back...he called it INSTANT GRATIFICATION, people! :rotfl: Omar very obviously LOVED his job and you could totally tell. As we approached the dock on the other side, he said there would be a “little bump”...then told us to “wait for it, wait for it.” He made little sound effects...beeps, whistles, etc...as he docked the raft. It is hard to translate his humor and interaction into words, but we all got a real kick out of him. :lmao:

We all disembarked on TSI and headed to do some explorin’! Jeff led the way as we went through dark, twisty caves and over rope bridges. We found our way to Fort Langhorn and the boys LOVED the rifle roosts. They took the escape tunnel out of the fort and we hid from each other on the winding paths.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200954-1.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200953-1.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200952.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200951.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200950.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200949.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200947.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200948.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200944.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200946.jpg


TSI is great because it really brings out the “little boy” in ALL 4 of my boys! It’s so amazing to let them explore the caves, play in the fort,climb the windmill, and just be “all boy” and know that they are safe. The boys have to USE their imaginations to fully enjoy the attraction, which in this day and age, is fantastic! Not that the other Disney attractions aren't great, of course, but this one is really unique. TSI is totally laid back with no lines or crowds and LOTS of shady cool places to relax and enjoy all that is good about Disney! :love:

We found our way back to the dock and enjoyed some down time while we watched the river boat, felt the nice breeze and planned our next activity.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200940.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200941.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200943.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m1/missyp_02/WednesdayMK-Disney200942.jpg

When we were ready to head back to the “mainland” we boarded the raft and...woo-hoo!....Omar was our raft driver again! He again entertained us all the way across the river and we LOVED it! He bumped the dock as we parked and told everyone that “you should bump like you mean it!” What a bright spot he was! We did end up seeing him again later in the day....and his enthusiasm for his job just never let up! My boys talked about Omar all week and still bring him up in conversation. I wish I had taken his picture....drat. :confused3

All that explorin’ had left us hungry so we set off for Pecos Bill’s to have some lunch. This as a new CS place for us so we were excited to give it a try. First, Pecos Bill’s is a BIG place! There are several dining rooms and it can be confusing. :confused: Even though it was after 1:00 the place was very crowded and was unsettling for both Dan and Jeff who don’t handle the over-stimulation and sensory overload of a huge crowd very well. The good thing was, they had computerized ordering which was way cool. :thumbsup2 You just used the touch screen to place your order and it prompted you to order all the correct components of your meal and gave you all the available choices. NICE! More CS places should have these. Dan, Jeff, and Jonah got bacon cheeseburgers while I got a taco salad and Isaiah got a pulled pork sandwich. The other really nice thing about Pecos Bill’s is the fixings bar. It was well stocked with a variety of toppings for the burgers as well as my salad. YUM! The food was pretty good here, but it was really loud and crowded. :eek: The tables are very small also so a family of 5 like ours can’t all sit at one table. I would eat here again, but only if we did a very early or very late meal to avoid the crowds. It just makes for a better meal when you don’t have indigestion from the stress of eating!! LOL! :laughing:


So to recap....by 1:30, we have had breakfast at 'Ohana with Lilo and Stitch, ridden Haunted Mansion, PPF, IASW, seen PhilharMagic, rode BTMRR and Splash, explored TSI and eaten lunch. NOT BAD!! :woohoo:


Next up.....I LOVE A PARADE!!

[mommytothreeboys]

Missy, Hi! :wave: I just found your TR and am loving it!!! Your family is just so sweet and cute! You really write a great report, I can't wait to read more!

Hi there! Glad to have you join in and thanks for the compliments! :goodvibes

[ladybugmom]

All caught up Missy!! LOVED the story behind your TR title!! We rode the Carousel of Progress. We all really enjoyed it and Ally is STILL singing the song!! I also loved the pics from your O'hana breakfast. I got all teary reading it--I miss the Poly so much!!

[KathyRN137]

TSI is great because it really brings out the “little boy” in ALL 4 of my boys! It’s so amazing to let them explore the caves, play in the fort,climb the windmill, and just be “all boy” and know that they are safe. The boys have to USE their imaginations to fully enjoy the attraction, which in this day and age, is fantastic!



Walt would have loved to hear this, I'm sure! ;)

We feel the same way about Pecos Bill's... if only there were a few more large tables! Five is too many for one and not enough for two!

You have done a lot!


Kathy

[Girldreamer02]

We've never been to TSI...not to sure we'd really care for it since we have no children. Perhaps one time we'll check it out! Glad you got a chance to update...I'm enjoying reading your trip report! I'm trying to finish mine...I took a break, but I'm back on the ball now! :thumbsup2:goodvibes

[PrincessEeyore]

So I know it's really late in the TR but I'm subbing now!! You're family is so sweet and your TR is easily holding me over to my own vacation. Update soon!

[teresajoy]

I love that you appreciate the little things about Disney!!! Omar sounds like he was just great!!! We get a kick out of TSI too! My first memory of Disney was going across the barrell bridge (I was 2ish). I was scared to death at that time!

TSI is just a great place to have fun, I'm glad you enjoyed it!!!

We are thinking of staying at POR in October, so I really enjoy hearing what you think of it too!! :thumbsup2

[Planning fanatic mom]

Thanks for your thoughts about TSI. I have wanted my DDs to go on the last 2 trips. They always chose somewhere else. This time I am making them go.:rotfl2: I really think they will like it. I know I will.

We liked Pecos Bills as well. The computerized system sounds easy. Did you have to swipe your card or something, so that they knew you were on the DP?

[cjackearl]

Wow, you guys have been efficient! Sounds like you had a ball. I remember loving TSI as a kid and Ian saw a picture of a little boy with a gun in another TR the other day and said, "I want to go there!":rotfl: We'll definitely be checking it out.

[ilovecupcakes]

I love CM's like Omar! They remind me of old school CMs who were always like that. I noticed they seem to be a rare commodity these days, but seeing people like that just makes ya smile :)

Peco's Bill sounds like quite the adventure! Glad to hear the food was good.

Looking forward to your next installment!

[wide receiver]

Thanks for all the great pictures! My DD7 is reading along with me and says "please send us more writing about you and your family". We are enjoying your TR!:hippie:

[poegirl30]

I'm really enjoying your TR! :)

[mommytothreeboys]

All caught up Missy!! LOVED the story behind your TR title!! We rode the Carousel of Progress. We all really enjoyed it and Ally is STILL singing the song!! I also loved the pics from your O'hana breakfast. I got all teary reading it--I miss the Poly so much!!

Hi Becky! Thanks so much! We like to break out into "There's a great, big beautiful tomorrow....." on occasion as well! The Poly really was beautiful and maybe someday I'll be able to stay there. :)

Walt would have loved to hear this, I'm sure! ;)

We feel the same way about Pecos Bill's... if only there were a few more large tables! Five is too many for one and not enough for two!

You have done a lot!


Kathy

I think the biggest problem was the chaotic crowd.....just bad timing I think!

We've never been to TSI...not to sure we'd really care for it since we have no children. Perhaps one time we'll check it out! Glad you got a chance to update...I'm enjoying reading your trip report! I'm trying to finish mine...I took a break, but I'm back on the ball now! :thumbsup2:goodvibes

I'm not sure how it would be with no kids, but I KNOW my DH would still love it. He's just a little boy in a big boy's body! ;)

So I know it's really late in the TR but I'm subbing now!! You're family is so sweet and your TR is easily holding me over to my own vacation. Update soon!

Hi and WELCOME!!! :goodvibes:goodvibes It's never too late to join in!

I love that you appreciate the little things about Disney!!! Omar sounds like he was just great!!! We get a kick out of TSI too! My first memory of Disney was going across the barrell bridge (I was 2ish). I was scared to death at that time!

TSI is just a great place to have fun, I'm glad you enjoyed it!!!

We are thinking of staying at POR in October, so I really enjoy hearing what you think of it too!! :thumbsup2

We really enjoy POR....you can PM me if you have any specific questions!

Thanks for your thoughts about TSI. I have wanted my DDs to go on the last 2 trips. They always chose somewhere else. This time I am making them go.:rotfl2: I really think they will like it. I know I will.

We liked Pecos Bills as well. The computerized system sounds easy. Did you have to swipe your card or something, so that they knew you were on the DP?

I think the girls would like TSI. The great thing is you can stay as long or as little time as you want.

We did swipe the card to pay for the meals..then just picked them up at the counter in front when our number was called. I don't know if any other CS place has this option...this was the only place we saw it on our trip.

Wow, you guys have been efficient! Sounds like you had a ball. I remember loving TSI as a kid and Ian saw a picture of a little boy with a gun in another TR the other day and said, "I want to go there!":rotfl: We'll definitely be checking it out.

Ian will love it! The caves are so fun! (and nice and cool!)

I love CM's like Omar! They remind me of old school CMs who were always like that. I noticed they seem to be a rare commodity these days, but seeing people like that just makes ya smile :)

Peco's Bill sounds like quite the adventure! Glad to hear the food was good.

Looking forward to your next installment!

Bringing up Omar still makes us smile! :) WDW did good when they hired him! :thumbsup2

Thanks for all the great pictures! My DD7 is reading along with me and says "please send us more writing about you and your family". We are enjoying your TR!:hippie:

Welcome aboard! Nice to have you along! :goodvibes Stay tuned for more!

I'm really enjoying your TR! :)

Thank you and :welcome:

[DisMomAmy]

TSI is still on my to do list. We didn't make it there this time - even though I had really hoped we would. :sad2: Looks like all of the boys had fun!

[3princesses+aprince]

Great update, I am definitely going to Tom Sawyer Island on our next trip, I wanted to do it this trip, but you know, there is just so much to do!

[Sunset Cliffs]

Thanks for all of the great pics of TSI. We have never really visted before because we never had kids and didn't feel the need to check it out. Now, our little guy is probably too small to enjoy it, but I can't wait until he is older to watch him explore it.

[mommytothreeboys]

TSI is still on my to do list. We didn't make it there this time - even though I had really hoped we would. :sad2: Looks like all of the boys had fun!

There's always next time! I think your boys would really enjoy it! :thumbsup2

Great update, I am definitely going to Tom Sawyer Island on our next trip, I wanted to do it this trip, but you know, there is just so much to do!

I hear ya! That's why we keep going back, right?!! ;)

Thanks for all of the great pics of TSI. We have never really visted before because we never had kids and didn't feel the need to check it out. Now, our little guy is probably too small to enjoy it, but I can't wait until he is older to watch him explore it.

That's the fun of being a mom...seeing the world through their eyes. Be sure to take time to do that because they grow up so fast...believe me!