2nd trip for Just Mom & 2 little boys 6/5-14, Star Wars, CBR, DxDP, Character Meals

[MJAJmom]

This is the second trip for just me and my 2 little boys, DS4 and DS6. We planned to be there for the last 2 Star Wars weekends. DH was at home working. We stayed at a pirate room at Carribbean Beach for 9 nights, June 5-14th, using the Buy 4, Get 3 Free deal and also tried out the Deluxe Dining Plan. We saw lots of characters, dined at almost every character meal, and tried out some new rides and shows.

For introductions, there’s me, a stay-at-home mom. I’m a mega planner and just love all the info here on DISboards. I think Disney is such a fun place to bring my boys. It’s so special to spend the visit with just. I’m looking forward to staying at CBR, want to find Daisy Duck, and see how we like the Deluxe Dining Plan.

MJ my DS6, just finished kindergarten, so I guess you could say that’s what we were celebrating. He wants to try Tower of Terror this trip, can’t wait to see the Star Wars characters, wants to swim in the pirate ship pool, and absolutely must see the UP characters. He’s pretty easy going and thankfully behaves very well.

AJ, my DS4, is very spirited, loving and high drama. He’s full of hugs/kisses, but then is hitting and stomping his feet. He wants to see Buzz/Woody, ride TSM and POTC. I’m hoping for not too many melt downs. We’ll plan to come back after lunch for swims and naps to let him rest.

Here we are from our trip last October to see MNSSHP. The link to that trip report is in my signature.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20Oct08%20Trip/image101.jpg

Here is our schedule of park touring:

Fri - arrive late, check-in and bed
Sat - DHS for Star Wars Weekend
Sun - DHS for Star Wars Weekend
Mon - Epcot
Tues – Animal Kingdom, DTD
Wed – Magic Kingdom
Thur – Magic Kingdom, early EMHs
Fri – DHS for Star Wars Weekends, early EMHs
Sat – GF pirate cruise, MK
Sun – check-out, a visit to the Orlando doctor’s office, fly home

With our Deluxe Dining Plan, we scheduled lots of TS and character meals:

Sat - H&V bfast, 50’s Prime Time lunch, Mama Melrose dinner
Sun - Cape May bfast, Sci-Fi lunch, Toy Story Planet Pizza dinner
Mon - Akershus bfast, Teppan Edo lunch, Garden Grill dinner
Tues – Tusker House bfast, Yak & Yeti lunch, Wolfgang Puck Express dinner
Wed – Ohana bfast, Liberty Tree Tavern lunch, 1900 Park Fare dinner
Thur – CBR OPR bfast, Crystal Palace lunch, CBR OPR dinner
Fri – CBR OPR bfast, Brown Derby lunch, CBR OPR dinner
Sat – 1900 Park Fare bfast, Plaza lunch, Chef Mickey dinner
Sun – Boma bfast, Captain’s Grill lunch


Wonderings – How will we feel about the heat/crowds in June?? What’s the CBR hotel like, it’s our first time in a moderate?? Will Star Wars Weekends be insane?? Can we do Tower of Terror?? Will the boys survive princess character meals??

Ready? Let’s begin…..

[jacksonfarms46147]

Can't wait to read your report..especially on CBR as we changed from Pop to there for the Pirate room for Sept.
:goodvibes
Jodi

[Angies1274]

My son just finished kindergarten as well and both my boys loved the UP movie (me too!;)) They can't wait to see the characters when we go back.I'm anxious to find out how you liked CBR as we are considering a moderate for next year's trip. Can't wait for more.......

[MJAJmom]

We flew out on JetBlue on Friday afternoon June 5th. There’s only one flight coming/going to Orlando out of Austin and that’s in the mid-afternoon. So we had the morning to pack up and get ready before heading to the airport. I love flying JetBlue because it’s a nonstop flight, they don’t charge for baggage, they have great snacks and each seat has their own TV screen. It keeps my boys occupied the entire flight. The only downside is that the flight arrives at 7:10pm, so by the time we get our luggage, get our rental car and drive to the hotel, it’s already 9pm, dark and time for bed.

Check-in at CBR: The Custom House was not busy at all. With all the talk about how far away the pirate rooms were in Trinidad South, I had requested Building 34, ground floor on my reservation. Unfortunately they assigned me Building 39 which is THE furthest building away from OPR and the main pool. Bummer!!! They said they were completely booked and could not switch me (the disadvantages of arriving late at night). So I asked if maybe they could switch me tomorrow. The CM checked and said a room was available in Bldg 34 on Sunday, so I said OK let’s set I up. Figured I could change my mind later if I thought it was going to be too much of a hassle to transfer. Since this was our first stay at CBR and our first try at a moderate hotel, I just wanted it to be perfect.

I also asked that my park tickets be put on a separate card from my room key/dining card. I was planning to upgrade my 4/3 tickets to an Annual Pass later in the week and read that this would make things easier. That took a while because I had to go over to the concierge to have them separate the tickets. I also picked up my double stroller at Bell Services which I rented from Orlando Stroller Rental. I rented one from them on our October trip last year and it was fabulous. This year I also rented a stroller cover from them for an extra $10.

CBR is a pretty big resort so you drive a while before you hit Trinidad South. And yes, Bldg 39 is way in the back, and our room was the 2nd to last room at the back, but right next to the parking lot for easy in/out.

Pirate Rooms – Wow!! The room is amazing with all the pirate decorations. The boys are thrilled !!! They love the pirate headboard and the pirate skull curtain that closes off the bathroom. It’s just an awesome room for 2 little boys who love Jack Sparrow. Everything in the room is themed. The night stand is a pirate barrel. The carpet is designed to look like wooden planks. The table has a compass on it. There’s a large wooden storage chest that has a pullout drawer for lots of storage. And 4 drawers in the wooden dresser that looks like 4 stacked boxes. Very well done. I’m so glad it’s such a nice room. The boys will love it here for 9 nights!! I’ll save my observations and comparisons about a Deluxe vs Moderate for later. Here are a few pictures of the room:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2334.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2335.jpg

Since the plan was to transfer rooms in another day, I didn’t unpack and just took out what we needed for the next day. So we are now off to bed and anxiously awaiting our first day at DHS and Star Wars Weekend. The day will start with a character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine at 8:10am. I’m so excited!!!

[MJAJmom]

Can't wait to read your report..especially on CBR as we changed from Pop to there for the Pirate room for Sept.
:goodvibes
Jodi

Hi Jodi, thanks for coming along!! I think you're really going to like the pirate rooms, especially if your kids are big pirate fan like mine are. The theming is amazing. Everything was fresh and new. My kids also loved the kiddie pirate ship pool that had some small water slides and lots of squirting water.

My son just finished kindergarten as well and both my boys loved the UP movie (me too!;)) They can't wait to see the characters when we go back.I'm anxious to find out how you liked CBR as we are considering a moderate for next year's trip. Can't wait for more.......

Welcome Angies!! Kindergarten was such a fun year for us, hope your son enjoyed it, too. We just went to the UP movie again yesterday. It's such a cute movie. My boys loved Russell and Dug. We bought a talking plush Dug dog at World of Disney. I've got a bunch of comments and observations about the hotel that I'll share later.

[MJAJmom]

It’s a partly cloudy morning and time to start our Star Wars day. The weather forecast says a quick rain shower will hit around lunchtime, otherwise party sunny and warm. One great thing about CBR is that it is SO close to DHS. It’s less than a 5 minute drive to get there. With an early ADR before the park opens, you can an up close parking spot!! There’s 5-6 people waiting in line already for early breakfast entry. There’s several Star Wars posters at the ticket entry. The Star Wars music is playing and lots of kids have light sabers and star wars shirts. The boys are excited about bringing their light sabers to the park. Here we are waiting in line to get into DHS.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2058.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2055.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2056.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2057.jpg

Once we get into the park, I took a picture of Mickey’s Hat while the park was empty.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2061.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2119.jpg

We check in at Hollywood and Vine and get seated very quickly. The place was not even as busy as it was during our last October visit. AJ loves Little Einsteins so this meal is really for him to see June and Leo. The buffet food is pretty good. All the hot foods, fruits, waffles and breads you expect. The characters circulate several times, plus they are very playful with the boys. First was Goliath, then Leo, JoJo and June.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2117.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2103.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2067.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2071.jpg

Leo is very interested in checking out MJ's fan. June tried to help me get AJ to smile more for his picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2110.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2085.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2092.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2096.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2080.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2084.jpg

Every time we are here, the characters circulate several times around. And because it was not busy, we got to see all the characters twice.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2063.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2088.jpg

I printed out autograph cards from several designs on the Creative DISsigns board, so I'll add those for each character meal.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3038.jpg

After breakfast, we are first at the ropes for rope drop. Our plan is to head straight to Toy Story Mania, ride it and then get a FastPass. Following the mob of people, we are practically first to ride TSM. It’s such a cool ride. I barely had time to snap a picture of Mr. Potato Head. The line to get a Fastpass is about 5 minutes long. With TSM out of the way, now we can work on finding Star Wars characters. We start with finding out were Jedi Mickey is….

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2120.jpg

[goofygal531]

I just love your TRs with your two little boys! :goodvibes

Our trips overlapped. We were there 6/12 to 6/19.

I spotted the orange double strollers everywhere and thought of you! :)

Count me in! popcorn::

Mare

[jana616]

I'm in! I read your last report and am excited for this one. I have two little boys as well!

[Angies1274]

We love Jetblue too!!! The snacks and the TV's are wonderful--especially to keep the boys occupied.:thumbsup2

The pictures of the pirate rooms are great--such detail!!

Your boys looked like they had a good time with the characters at Hollywood and Vine.:goodvibes

We loved Toy Story Mania!! It's such a fun ride--

[dd50]

Sounds like you are off to a great start.

[dspads]

I am so glad I found this! I had read your whole MNSSHP trip report a few weeks back (I am just starting to plan our trip for Oct) and was trying to find the thread to get some shirt ideas. I remembered your boys always had on dis designed shirts and I just found that forum.

Excited to read about your trip as you write the report, instead of all at once! My boys are the same age (6.5 and almost 5). My guys would love the pirate room! I am thinking of booking a cruise so I can't wait to hear about yours.

Is your stroller from Orlando Strollers? I am trying to figure out what to do for my guys in Oct. I only have a Mac Volo (single). Jason is barely 45lbs and the younger guy not even 40 so I guess they would do fine in this?

[MJAJmom]

After riding TSM, it was time to find the Star Wars characters. There are so many of them out and they rotate at different times. First we wanted to hit the Disney characters – Jedi Mickey, StormTrooper Donald, Darth Vader Goofy and Princess Leia Minnie. They switch off in 20 minute rotations starting at 9:50am between Great Movie Ride and American Idol.. Along the way we found Baloo near the Mickey Hat.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2123.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2125.jpg

After seeing Jedi Mickey, we hopped back in line to get Donald/Goofy. Minnie came next but the line was getting too long and the boys wanted to try Great Movie Ride, so we rode that next. Have to get Minnie later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2135.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2132.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2129.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2136.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2145.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2141.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image011.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image015.jpg

We got a popsicle and headed to get a spot for the Star Wars Parade. The crowds were very light for a Star Wars Weekend day. I was pretty shocked. I’d say it was maybe a level 6 or 7. Of course, TSM is crazy, but the rest of the park was pretty light. We got a great spot for the parade, between Mickey’s Hat and American Idol so that I could catch the characters as the turned the corner. The parade was amazing with all the characters marching by. I took a picture of everything!!

The parade started with Jedi Mickey in a star fighter followed by Minnie, Donald and Goofy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2148.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2151.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2153.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2154.jpg

The Evil Emperor’s Royal Guard, not sure who the guys are in the black suit (but they’re bad guys)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2157.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2158.jpg

I love the colored clone troopers better than the white ones
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2163.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2164.jpg

Tusken Raiders
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2167.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2170.jpg

Boba Fett and Star Fighter pilots
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2169.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2172.jpg

Ewok and Chewbacca
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2173.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2176.jpg

More parade pictures continued on next post….

[MJAJmom]

Shaak Ti and Mace Windu
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2179.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2180.jpg

Kit Fitso and R2D2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2181.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2186.jpg

The celebrity guests this weekend were David Prowse (Darth Vader) and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin in Clone Wars)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2188.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2189.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2195.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2191.jpg

Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex from Clone Wars and weekend host Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka in Clone Wars)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2196.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2199.jpg

Bouty hunters Zam Wessell and Aurra Sing
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2200.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2202.jpg

Jango Fett and the Star Wars Weekends host Jay Laga’aia
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2203.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2205.jpg

Lines of clones troopers marching by and Darth Vader
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2204.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2207.jpg

Darth Vader and the end of the parade
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2208.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2210.jpg

I read a tip that you should jump in line after the parade is over right behind the clone troopers and follow them down to the Star Tours stage to get a good view of the celebrity welcome where all the characters are up on stage. We tried it and it worked pretty well. Still, we were about 4 rows back and it was hard for my boys to see the stage since they were so little. I had to put my camera over my head and hope to get a decent shot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2213.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2218.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2220.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2221.jpg

Last to leave the stage was Chewbacca. Everyone cheered loudly for him!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2222.jpg

Thankfully the parade and celebrity welcome was finished without interruption. It must have been destiny, because about 5 minutes after the welcome show, it started POURING down rain!! We hid under a small roofing to get our stroller cover out and for me to put my poncho on. The rain only lasted about 10 minutes. And we made it into 50’s Prime Time to have lunch.

Next up – Lunch time at 50’s Prime Time. Our first real experience using appetizers and dessert on the Deluxe Dining Plan.

[MJAJmom]

I just love your TRs with your two little boys! :goodvibes

Our trips overlapped. We were there 6/12 to 6/19.

I spotted the orange double strollers everywhere and thought of you! :)

Count me in! popcorn::

Mare

Hi Mare!! You're right, there were lots more orange strollers around this time versus last October. I think the word is out that Orlando Stroller Rentals has awesome strollers!!


I'm in! I read your last report and am excited for this one. I have two little boys as well!

Thanks for coming back again. This trip was even better than last trip alone with the boys. Better because we knew our way around the parks and the boys could voice their preferences of what rides/shows they wanted to see again.


We love Jetblue too!!! The snacks and the TV's are wonderful--especially to keep the boys occupied.:thumbsup2

The pictures of the pirate rooms are great--such detail!!

Your boys looked like they had a good time with the characters at Hollywood and Vine.:goodvibes

We loved Toy Story Mania!! It's such a fun ride--

I'll have to admit that TSM is probably my favorite ride. It's just so cool all the 3D interaction. Just wish it wasn't so crazy to get on it.


Sounds like you are off to a great start.

Welcome aboard!! I've got so many pictures to post and things to write about. I kinda feel behind schedule already!!


I am so glad I found this! I had read your whole MNSSHP trip report a few weeks back (I am just starting to plan our trip for Oct) and was trying to find the thread to get some shirt ideas. I remembered your boys always had on dis designed shirts and I just found that forum.

Excited to read about your trip as you write the report, instead of all at once! My boys are the same age (6.5 and almost 5). My guys would love the pirate room! I am thinking of booking a cruise so I can't wait to hear about yours.

Is your stroller from Orlando Strollers? I am trying to figure out what to do for my guys in Oct. I only have a Mac Volo (single). Jason is barely 45lbs and the younger guy not even 40 so I guess they would do fine in this?

Our boys are exactly the same ages - how cool!!! Now what little boy wouldn't be thrilled to death to stay in a pirate room??? My 2 loved playing with all their action figures on the pirate headboard.

Yes, the stroller is from Orlando Stroller Rentals. It's awesome, this is our 2nd time using them. MJ is 48inches and 48lbs and AJ is 42inches and 43lbs, and they fit just fine in the stroller. It pushes so easily and turns well, even with all that weight inside. Since it was just me, I really wanted to stroller in case they got tired and also to keep them confined. I pushed them all day long, so I was pretty hungry for lunch and dinner!!!

[MJAJmom]

I just love your TRs with your two little boys! :goodvibes

Our trips overlapped. We were there 6/12 to 6/19.

I spotted the orange double strollers everywhere and thought of you! :)

Count me in! popcorn::

Mare

Hi Mare!! You're right, there were lots more orange strollers around this time versus last October. I think the word is out that Orlando Stroller Rentals has awesome strollers!!


I'm in! I read your last report and am excited for this one. I have two little boys as well!

Thanks for coming back again. This trip was even better than last trip alone with the boys. Better because we knew our way around the parks and the boys could voice their preferences of what rides/shows they wanted to see again.


We love Jetblue too!!! The snacks and the TV's are wonderful--especially to keep the boys occupied.:thumbsup2

The pictures of the pirate rooms are great--such detail!!

Your boys looked like they had a good time with the characters at Hollywood and Vine.:goodvibes

We loved Toy Story Mania!! It's such a fun ride--

I'll have to admit that TSM is probably my favorite ride. It's just so cool all the 3D interaction. Just wish it wasn't so crazy to get on it.


Sounds like you are off to a great start.

Welcome aboard!! I've got so many pictures to post and things to write about. I kinda feel behind schedule already!!


I am so glad I found this! I had read your whole MNSSHP trip report a few weeks back (I am just starting to plan our trip for Oct) and was trying to find the thread to get some shirt ideas. I remembered your boys always had on dis designed shirts and I just found that forum.

Excited to read about your trip as you write the report, instead of all at once! My boys are the same age (6.5 and almost 5). My guys would love the pirate room! I am thinking of booking a cruise so I can't wait to hear about yours.

Is your stroller from Orlando Strollers? I am trying to figure out what to do for my guys in Oct. I only have a Mac Volo (single). Jason is barely 45lbs and the younger guy not even 40 so I guess they would do fine in this?

Our boys are exactly the same ages - how cool!!! Now what little boy wouldn't be thrilled to death to stay in a pirate room??? My 2 loved playing with all their action figures on the pirate headboard.

Yes, the stroller is from Orlando Stroller Rentals. It's awesome, this is our 2nd time using them. MJ is 48inches and 48lbs and AJ is 42inches and 43lbs, and they fit just fine in the stroller. It pushes so easily and turns well, even with all that weight inside. Since it was just me, I really wanted to stroller in case they got tired and also to keep them confined. I pushed them all day long, so I was pretty hungry for lunch and dinner!!!

[MJAJmom]

This was our first time at 50’s Prime Time. We got in quickly and our server was very helpful. I ordered chicken noodle soup which was pretty bland, had the pot roast which was just OK, and the ice cream brownie for dessert which was HUGE. I had a chocolate milkshake for my drink which was awesome! The boys ate a hot dog and chicken nuggets which was just fine for the. Overall, I’d say the place was OK, not really good and not really bad.

After lunch, we used our FP to ride TSM again. Wicket’s Warehouse was right beside TSM so we checked out all the Star Wars merchandise. Since it rained, they moved Darth Maul and Darth Vader meet/greet inside to the back of Wickets, so we jumped in the very short line to see Darth Maul. I’ll have to admit that Darth Maul is my favorite Star Wars character.

This was across from Wickets, MJ could barely fit his head over hand cuffs.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2223.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2225.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2224.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2226.jpg

After taking our picture, I tried to shake Darth Maul’s hand, but he wouldn’t and made a mean face. Then we paced around each other making mean faces. I love how they stay in character!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image027.jpg

I told the boys they could pick out 1 Star Wars toy in Wicket’s. Of course, they picked this long clonetrooper gun. Sorry boys, but I had to turn that one down, just too big to fit in the suitcase. After much whining, they picked out some action figures instead. So now we need to make our way home so they can play with them.

In the area in Wickets where they take pictures of the bounty hunters, there’s a huge statue of Han Solo in carbon freeze. It’s funny to see how AJ hasn’t learned how to cross his arms yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2235.jpg

Making our way around the park, there’s a Darth Vader’s picture area, they have the medical table background where Darth Vader is created. The boys loved making their mean faces.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2229.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2231.jpg

There were lots of cutouts and places to take pictures along the Streets of America. Plus we found the photographer with the special add-in of Darth Vader.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2233.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image029.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image030.jpg

We grab a Fastpass for Tower of Terror before we leave so we can try it later tonight. It’s time to head home because AJ is tired. At CBR, we pick up our refillable mugs and get a drink. The boys played in the room for a little bit before I made them take a nap. After naptime, we went back to DHS for dinner at Mama Melrose at 5:30pm.

First time to Mama Melrose, it was a pretty place. The boys got cheese pizza and ice cream. I got calamari, fra diavolo and tiramisu. The fra diavolo just wasn’t a good pick for me, too spicy. The shrimp in it was good. Next time I’ll have to try something else.

We went to see Buzz and Woody, which AJ loves. They did a great job in queue area with all the background and cutouts so you can take pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2238.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2239.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2242.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2243.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2244.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2248.jpg

Then we saw Sorcerer Mickey
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2252.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2255.jpg

Finally, it was time to try Tower of Terror for the first time. I told the boys the story about the hotel, how lightning strikes and turns the people into ghosts, and how the elevator goes up and down. Poor AJ was just clueless going in. We all screamed our heads off!!! It went up and down 5 times. AJ was scared and didn’t like it, he was grabbing onto me. MJ screamed but then thought it was sorta fun. Glad we tried it once, but we certainly won’t be doing it again this trip.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image044.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image048.jpg

We rode Star Tours to make sure we had a “good ride” for AJ after ToT. By now, it was 8pm and time to leave for bed. It was a great first day at Disney.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image049.jpg

Next up – switching rooms to Bldg 34 and another day of Star Wars, starting with breakfast at Cape May Cafe

[dspads]

Yes, the stroller is from Orlando Stroller Rentals. It's awesome, this is our 2nd time using them. MJ is 48inches and 48lbs and AJ is 42inches and 43lbs, and they fit just fine in the stroller. It pushes so easily and turns well, even with all that weight inside. Since it was just me, I really wanted to stroller in case they got tired and also to keep them confined. I pushed them all day long, so I was pretty hungry for lunch and dinner!!!

I think this seals the deal, I'll be using Orlando Stroller Rentals in Oct. My boys are a bit smaller so they should be fine. How was dealing with the stroller on the buses, it looks so big when folded?

Wow, all the Star Wars stuff is so cool. My boys would be in heaven, and they aren't even true Star Wars fans (yet). Do they have many characters around the rest of the year?

Your little guys are so cute! I give you so much credit for doing WDW alone with them. I don't think I could manage it. Was Star Tours scary for them at all? Thats one I am not sure about. I was thinking ToT would be a safer bet then Star Tours. I haven't been on either for YEARS so my memory is fuzy.

[MJAJmom]

Thought I would add in all the autographs we got from the star wars characters. A wonderful designer named Chaoscent made all these. They really made our trip special when we were hunting down characters for autographs. My boys love to go through all the cards and talk about them. I cannot thank these designers enough for all their hard work in making autographs cards, t-shirt designs and other special treats for us to use on our trips. They blow my mind with their awesome creativity!!! Where else but with Disney can you find such generous people! :thumbsup2

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3043.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3045.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3050.jpg

[mickeystoontown]

Glad to see that you liked the pirate rooms at the CBR. We've stayed at the CBR three years in a row but haven't tried the pirate rooms yet. They do look cool though.

It looks like your Disney trip is off to a great start. Looking forward to reading more.

[eandesmom]

LOVING your TR so far! Your boys are just adorable and what great Star Wars pics! I haven't seen much at all and you've got some great great shots. I'd love to take the gang there during it but the timing just doesn't work for us, we are still in school.

Try TOT again in a few years, you might be surprised. I swore we traumatized DS8 for life on it, when he was 4. He was the ONLY one dying to go on it this time and loved it (insanely so).

[Allboysandme]

We were at CBR 6/6-6/13, too. I have three boys 6, 3 1/2, and 16 months. We may have seen you! I wish we would have rented a car. We never had to wait long at the bus stop, but it is hard to hold the stroller, bags, and kids. Speaking of stroller, I remember your last trip report and you were saying how much you liked the one you rented. We ended up renting the same one. It was easy to push and the kids were comfortable. My older ones are 51" and 55 lbs. and 41" and 35 lbs. Yes, they are big! But, the baby liked it, too. I was a little nervous about the pirate rooms being so far away, too. We ended up getting a nemo room in Jamaica. It was a great location and the boys suprised me by saying they wanted the nemo room. Of course, when we got there they asked where our pirate room was.:headache: It looks like we were at Crystal Palace the same time. I'll have to check out our pics to see if you or your boys are in the background. And, I love the Star Wars pics. Can't wait to see more!:)

[MJAJmom]

Last night, I confirmed with the front desk that we would be transferring rooms on Sunday. So I had to pack up everything this morning and give the bags to the bellman that came to the room at 6:45am. Thankfully I didn’t unpack at all yesterday. When we come back after lunch, we have to pick up new hotel keys and our bags at the Custom House and check into our new room in Bldg 34. I thought it was worth it to change because I really wanted experience CBR to it’s fullest and walk back/forth to the pools and OPR. So it was worth the hassle to me.

Cape May Café is a great place – just love it. The buffet is very good with lots of breads, pastries, fruits and hot foods. Plus I love the characters in their beach clothes. Our ADR was for 7:40am and we were the first to check in. When they were ready to open, they called us and we were Family of The Day!! Cool!! MJ got to ring the bell to wake up the characters, they gave us a certificate, and we sat at a special table with a lighthouse on it and they had some Celebrate buttons. That was a great way to start the day!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2261.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2263.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2267.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2268.jpg

Every Minnie I’ve seen is played so well. Minnie is so sweet and loving and interactive with the boys. Always a good time seeing Minnie.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2270.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2272.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2279.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2281.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2285.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3035.jpg

After breakfast, we drive to DHS and line up for 9am rope drop. The clone troopers are on the roof and talking to the crowd. They’re very funny. It keeps everyone entertained while waiting. Today we’ll follow the same start as yesterday. Speed walk to TSM, ride it and then get a FP. The ride is just so cool, wish we could ride it more!!! We’ll try to get more Star Wars characters this morning, starting first with Darth Vader because his line can get really long. He’s a pretty scary guy!! He makes everyone put their autograph book and pen right in his hand, he won’t reach for it. AJ won’t get too close to him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2287.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2289.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2293.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image053.jpg

Next is Ashoka Tano, she alternates with Captain Rex. She’s a young gal so she’s not “in character” at all. She’s very bubbly and the boys like here.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image059.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2298.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image058.jpg

While waiting in line, 2 clone troopers pass by, then they stand in line at the snack concession cart. Everyone is laughing because they’re pointing to snacks they want.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2300.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2301.jpg

Continued in next post....

[MJAJmom]

Next we move over to see the Jedi Counsel with Kit Fitso, Mace Windu and Shaak Ti. But as we got closer, their rotation was over and it switched to Anakin Skywalker. Anakin was really great. He talked to the boys for a long time. He asked MJ if he was teaching his little brother the ways of the force. He asked AJ to draw his lightsaber and show him it. When I got in the picture, he asked the boys if I was their queen (AAAwwww!!). He asked if the boys were tempted by the dark side and we talked about sensing much anger in little AJ. He did a good job being Anakin!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2302.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image066.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image067.jpg

The boys wanted to ride Great Movie Ride again. Then we went to lunch at the Sci-Fi. We got in fairly quickly, but were seated in the back at table instead of the car, which made MJ very upset. He liked watching the movie but not sitting in a car was enough to make him cry. They boys had pizza and a hamburger. I had the spinach dip, a reuben and a chocolate milkshake. It was all pretty good. Seeing the UP characters was next up for MJ. He was very excited. When we got there, it was only Carl and Dug. We waited in line and saw them, but vowed that we had to come back again to try to get Russell.

The waiting queue had lots of big pictures from the UP movie.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2310.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2311.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2316.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image076.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image077.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image079.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image082.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3042.jpg

Walking up the steps, we saw Frozone who had only a few people in line for him. The CM announced that Mr and Mrs Incredible were coming out in 2 minutes, so we’d be able to see both. We got Frozone and then were first in line to see the Incredibles. They were pretty fun.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2320.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2322.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2324.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2325.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2327.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2330.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3041.jpg

Now it was time to go back to get Minnie Leia before leaving to head back for the hotel. The timing would work out great. Goofy/Donald were just finishing up and Minnie was next. We’re about 4 people away from Minnie and AJ says “I need to go to the bathroom”. Oh man, what bad timing!!! Can you hold it sweetie, we’re almost there. He shakes his head no. While I debate 1 minute about waiting verses leaving the line, I look over and AJ’s pants are wet and pee is steaming down his leg. Oh no!!! So now we quickly leave the line and head to the bathroom by American Idol. Thankfully I have a pair of undies in my bag and we strip off his pants, socks and shoes and change the undies. We’ve got no choice but to leave him in his undies and barefoot, put him in the stroller, and head out the park to go home.

So, the closest we got to Minnie was when they walked beside the line to switch out characters. We’ll have to try again on Friday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2331.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2332.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2333.jpg

Continued on next post....

[MJAJmom]

We stopped at the Custom House for our new key, got our baggage, and into our new room we went, room #3411. A much closer building with the same great pirate room. So now I could unpack while the boys played. I felt like now I could relax and enjoy the resort. After some playing and some resting, we went back to DHS and saw Queen Amidala. She was very regal and very good talking to the boys. Her headdress was just amazing. Chewbacca and an Ewok were across from Star Tours. Chewy is so tall but acted like a sweet puppy. The boys loved him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2337.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2340.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image091.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image093.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2346.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image097.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2347.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image108.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2351.jpg

For dinner, we tried out Toy Story Planet Pizza. We all got a cheese pizza and some cookies for dessert and ate outside. It was pretty good for pizza. We used our FastPass to ride TSM again. Then decided to go home and swim, since we hadn’t gone to the pool yet. The pirate ship pool is an awesome place!!! They have a twisty tube water slide and 2 smaller slides and lots of squirty water. They boys were in heaven. So I let them play for a while, and finally it was time to go to bed. Another great day at Star Wars Weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2835.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2837.jpg

Tomorrow we’ll go to Epcot, starting with a breakfast with Princesses at Akershus.

[MJAJmom]

I think this seals the deal, I'll be using Orlando Stroller Rentals in Oct. My boys are a bit smaller so they should be fine. How was dealing with the stroller on the buses, it looks so big when folded?

Wow, all the Star Wars stuff is so cool. My boys would be in heaven, and they aren't even true Star Wars fans (yet). Do they have many characters around the rest of the year?

Your little guys are so cute! I give you so much credit for doing WDW alone with them. I don't think I could manage it. Was Star Tours scary for them at all? Thats one I am not sure about. I was thinking ToT would be a safer bet then Star Tours. I haven't been on either for YEARS so my memory is fuzy.

You'll love the stroller. I wrote a stroller review in October, here's the link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1995724 The stroller fold up very easily but it is bulky. I had a rental car, so don't know about loading on/off the buses. It's like lugging a big lawn chair around. The star wars characters don't come out during the year, they save them all for SWW. The Star Tours ride isn't scary, if they like the Star Wars movies, they'll love it. It's just like flying in a star fighter. A few mild bumps, but my boys just love it. I think ToT was ten times scarier!! :scared1:

Glad to see that you liked the pirate rooms at the CBR. We've stayed at the CBR three years in a row but haven't tried the pirate rooms yet. They do look cool though.

It looks like your Disney trip is off to a great start. Looking forward to reading more.

Wow, you must really like CBR!!! I liked it too. I'll certainly stay there again, just need to decide if we'd do a pirate room or a preferred room.

LOVING your TR so far! Your boys are just adorable and what great Star Wars pics! I haven't seen much at all and you've got some great great shots. I'd love to take the gang there during it but the timing just doesn't work for us, we are still in school.

Try TOT again in a few years, you might be surprised. I swore we traumatized DS8 for life on it, when he was 4. He was the ONLY one dying to go on it this time and loved it (insanely so).

I'm glad we got to go to SWW, the boys love Star Wars!!! The timing worked out great for us since school ended on June 3rd. I'd love to do Pirate and Princess party next, but I doubt it will come back next year. MJ wants to do ToT again, he's been talking about it a lot since we've been home. Poor AJ wants nothing to do with it again!! But you're right, in a few years, all that will change.

We were at CBR 6/6-6/13, too. I have three boys 6, 3 1/2, and 16 months. We may have seen you! I wish we would have rented a car. We never had to wait long at the bus stop, but it is hard to hold the stroller, bags, and kids. Speaking of stroller, I remember your last trip report and you were saying how much you liked the one you rented. We ended up renting the same one. It was easy to push and the kids were comfortable. My older ones are 51" and 55 lbs. and 41" and 35 lbs. Yes, they are big! But, the baby liked it, too. I was a little nervous about the pirate rooms being so far away, too. We ended up getting a nemo room in Jamaica. It was a great location and the boys suprised me by saying they wanted the nemo room. Of course, when we got there they asked where our pirate room was.:headache: It looks like we were at Crystal Palace the same time. I'll have to check out our pics to see if you or your boys are in the background. And, I love the Star Wars pics. Can't wait to see more!:)

I bet we did see you around!!! I'm so glad you liked the stroller rental, it really is awesome! Did your boys like the Nemo room?? I'll have to decide pirate or preferred for next trip. Wouldn't it be fun if you sat right next to us at Crystal Palace?? Our boys are almost the same ages, they would have loved to play together!!

[dismagiclover]

I just found this TR and wanted to hop in. We were at SWW the last weekend (6/12-13) and I love hearing about others experiences there. It sounds like it was way less crowded the weekend before. You picked a good time to go. I also love the Pirates rooms:goodvibes If I ever do a trip with just my boys (they are 7 & 4) we are definitely staying there! I don't think my DD9 would like that idea though:rotfl: Can't wait for more!

[dspads]

More great pics! And I love the clone trooper mickey shirts! The pool looks awesome! My boys would love it. We are staying at Saratoga Springs -my parents are DVCers and I can't pass up a free room!

You trip seems so fun and relaxing. I guess having less adults in some ways makes it easier. We usually have various combinations of extended family with us -it is nice for the extra hands and fun for the kids, but gets pretty hectic at times.

Can't wait to read more!

[MJAJmom]

Today is our day for Epcot. We have an 8am ADR at Akershus, our first princess breakfast. Since we had 9 days, I thought we could check out all the character meals. MJ is pretty nervous because he does not like the characters that talk. And what would the boys think of girly princesses?? We got into Epcot early and strolled into The World to Norway. First was the photographers picture with Bell in her beautiful yellow gown. She really was pretty. AJ would not go near her!!! No way!!! I held him, but he was didn’t want to get too close. She was very nice chatting with MJ.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2353.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3054.jpg

Our server was very nice and very attentive. I explained to the boys that we’d see 4 princesses. First was Aurora. She asked the boys if they had been slaying any dragons today. Oh, now the boys really liked this girl!!! She asked if they were brave and strong.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2356.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2357.jpg

Next was Cinderella. Her dress was beautiful! She called them Prince AJ and Prince MJ. So now MJ thinks these girls are pretty cool.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2358.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2360.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2361.jpg

Snow White saw the boys had apples on their plates and she freaked out. She asked them if they ate the apples, were they feeling OK, was there poison in the apple. I tried to retell the boys the Snow White story, but they didn’t remember and didn’t get why she didn’t like the apple.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2365.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2366.jpg

Last was Ariel. She was very bubbly and nice. So MJ thought this whole princess breakfast wasn’t too bad after all. He said he’d go again next time. The food is just OK.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2370.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2372.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2374.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3032.jpg

We walked over to get in line for rope drop so we could make it over to ride Soarin. I love Soarin, it’s just such a neat ride with great scenery. MJ loves the part where they hit a golf ball right at you, and then you fly into the fireworks over the castle. We got a Fastpass to ride it again later. Next was TestTrack, another favorite of the boys. They love the outdoor part where you go super fast – how thrilling is that!! Getting over to Character Spot was next, a must-do for Epcot. Seeing all the characters in their classic clothes with colorful backgrounds. Donald was especially playful today.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image111.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image112.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image114.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2385.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image125.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image132.jpg

Looks like the boys took turns pinching Minnie's nose!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image134.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2393.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2395.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2401.jpg


Continued on next post…..

[MJAJmom]

More pictures from Character Spot...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2402.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2404.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image144.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image146.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3048.jpg

I was excited to hear that Daisy Duck was out so we went to find here. I really wanted to get my picture with her so I couldn’t wait. When we found her, she didn’t have a Photopass photographer with her – I was crushed!!! Her CM wasn’t close by so I couldn’t ask her to snap our picture. Daisy was fabulous, very animated and girly!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2413.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2416.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2418.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2419.jpg

Today our lunch as at Teppan Edo. We started to make our way up to the countires in the World. We rode Gran Tour ride in Mexico for the first time. AJ loved it. He loved Donald and his Mexican friends. We’ll have to catch Mexico Donald on our way back from lunch. We were seated with 2 other families for lunch. Our chef really put on a great show, the boys were fascinated. He made a volcano out of the onions and then put water/oil inside to make it steam – that was huge crowd pleaser. He played tic-tac-toe with the zucchini and onions with MJ and another girl. I had the steak and shrimp combo, it was delicious!! I gobbled up all the noodles and veggies. This was a wonderful place, I’m so glad we tried it. I’ll have to add it to my list of favorite dining spots!!!

Heading out of the World, we stopped to take pictures with Mexico Donald. He was very silly!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2426.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2428.jpg

At the exit, we stopped to take several PhotoPass shots of the Epcot ball, plus a few special shots. AJ was tired and cranky, so he just sat in the stroller while MJ and I took pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image155.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image161.jpg

We had Tinkerbell added into the picture, but you can hardly see it because of the design on MJ's shirt (important tip to remember for next time, either wear a solid colored shirt or move your hands away so you can see Tink!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image164.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image171.jpg

And here's a picture from riding Test Track. Love AJ's face!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image110.jpg

Then it was home to swim and nap.

Continued on next post....

[MJAJmom]

Dinner tonight was a Garden Grill – never been there either. I loved the way the restaurant rotated around. That was really fun, especially when you got around to see the Livin With the Land scenery. The food was just OK, but the characters were amazing. They came around several times and played with the boys. Chip and Dale are my favorites. You just cannot take a bad picture with them!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2482.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2436.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2484.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2488.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2450.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2472.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2454.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2495.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2479.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2442.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2463.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2475.jpg

Dale was great. He took the boys by the hand and walked them down to the railing that overlooked the Livin With Land prairie. He pointed to different animals down there and giggled with the boys. They watched together for 5 minutes!! It was awesome!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2469.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2470.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2474.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3030.jpg

We rode Livin With the Land after dinner. I never knew that had all the vegetable gardens back there. I’ve never seen such huge veggies!!! We used our FP to ride Soarin again, then checked out Turtle Talk with Crush. MJ loved how Crush called everybody ‘Little Dude”. Then we used our FP to ride Test Track. I love how you can just swipe your Photopass card at the ride picture - wished they did that with the other rides/meals.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image173.jpg

I had wanted to see Illuminations but the boys said they wanted to go home instead, so we’ll do it another trip. Today was a great day at Epcot. We tried 3 new places to eat and several new rides/shows.

[dismagiclover]

Awesome updates! I'm very impressed with how much your boys interacted with the princesses. My boys won't even go near them anymore. We didn't do a princess meal this past trip, but I imagine if we did they would have crawled under the table:confused3 We love the Epcot character meet too:goodvibes We visited 3 times this past trip. We also seemed to go to lots of the same restaraunts. We ate at Teppan Edo and Garden Grill. We liked them both too. Anything you can do to entertain little boys is helpful. If they get bored trouble usually ensues:scared:
Can't wait for morepopcorn::

[MJAJmom]

I love starting the day with a character breakfast, and Tusker House is one of my favorites. The food is usually good and the characters are great in their safari clothes. Plus, getting in before the park opens, you are first to ride Safari – can’t beat that!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2497.jpg

We were seated in a side room and went through the buffet before the characters started coming out since they just opened up. First came Donald, then Mickey, Daisy and Goofy. Not sure who was inside Goofy today, but they were a riot!! He was banging on tables, jumping around, lying on the floor. He came into our room with his ears covering his eyes, holding out his arms like he was blind, banging into the walls. It was all very funny!!! Breakfast was great as usual.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2500.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2501.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2503.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2505.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2516.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2513.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2511.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2524.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2519.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2523.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3033.jpg

We waited at the ropes by Safari until it was opening time. We walked right onto the Safari ride, the first jeep out!! It’s a beautiful ride, but this morning didn’t have many animals out. We saw the rhinos, giraffes and elephants, but the lions weren’t around, the hippos were all under water, no zebras, and the antelopes were hiding deep in the trees. Just must have been a sleepy morning for the animals.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2530.jpg

After the ride, we walked down to Camp Mickey Minnie. We saw Pocahontas before heading in to see Festival of the Lion King. MJ wanted to see that show again. He loves Timon. We saw Goofy in the character trails and then moved out to DinoLand.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2542-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2544.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2546.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image178.jpg

In DinoLand, we rode Triceratops Spin, played in the Boneyard for a while, and then found Goofy and Pluto.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2549.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2552.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image180.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2553.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2557.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3046.jpg

We strolled into Asia and wandered into Maharajah Trek to see the tigers. There were 2 tigers pacing right by the observation window so we had a pretty good look at them. Those giant bats are just creepy!! Finally it was time for lunch at Yak & Yeti. Another new place for us. I tried the pork pot stickers, the steak & shrimp which was very tasty. For dessert, I tried the sorbet which was 3 flavors – raspberry, mango and lemon. A nice alternative to chocolate and ice creams. Overall, I thought the food was very good, so we’ll try it again next trip.

Continued on next post

[MJAJmom]

After lunch, we got some pictures in front of the Tree of Life. Again, AJ was cranky so he didn't join in, but the photographer snapped a great picture of him poking his head out of the stroller. This photographer could do the Baby Simba add-ins, so we did get AJ out of the stroller for that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image183.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image184.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image186.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image189.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image190.jpg

The boys wanted to go back to CBR and swim. I planned on upgrading our tickets to an Annual Pass, so I stopped by Guest Relations on the way out. I’d heard lots of stories about people having problems upgrading their 4/3 tickets. I also had a 10% savings card that a fellow DISer mailed me. With pixie dust on my side, I got a very knowledgeable CM named Claudia from Brazil. She bridged my ticket to the current price, applied the 10% savings card and the final price to upgrade 1 adult and 2 child 9day NE tickets was a whopping $27!!! That’s incredible!!! No problems at all. I got lucky!!!

We swam for a while and then took a nap. Tonight was our evening at Downtown Disney. Something the boys have been waiting for – tonight we get to build a lightsaber and pick out one toy at World of Disney. But first, we have to eat. I had an ADR at Capn Jack’s, but cancelled it because the boys were napping longer. So instead, we ate at Wolfgang Puck Express. And I’m so glad we did – it was excellent. You order at the counter, find a table, then they bring the food out to you. Like a mini table service. I got rosemary chicken with garlic mashed potatoes. Very delicious!!! The boys had pizza, and dough/crust was awesome. We got brownies and chocolate chip cookies for dessert, which were homemade delicious, I really did like this place!!!!

Outside Once Upon a Toy, they had some statues of Buzz and Mr Potato Head that were cute. We found the lightsaber display, the boys were very excited. The directions were printed on the display, but it wasn’t very easy. I had to get a CM to help out. The boys made blue lightsabers. I heard that you got a star wars pin with it, but the CM told me they stopped doing that – bummer!! Now, the boys got what we came to Disney for – yet another lightsaber!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2558.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2560.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2564-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2562.jpg

Next shopping place was World of Disney. MJ found a plush yellow Dug from the UP movie and AJ got a Buzz Lightyear laser sounding gun. I bought a princess baseball hat, something more stylish to wear this week in the hot sun. Our last stop was Goofy’s Candy store. I picked up several yummy snacks to munch on later – some chocolate covered pretzel sticks, an oreo brownie, some cookies the boys picked out, and few bags of pretzels. Plenty to snack!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2565.jpg

Our day at Animal Kingdom and DTD was another great day. The boys got their lightsabers and toys, so everyone went to bed with a smile!!!

[MJAJmom]

I just found this TR and wanted to hop in. We were at SWW the last weekend (6/12-13) and I love hearing about others experiences there. It sounds like it was way less crowded the weekend before. You picked a good time to go. I also love the Pirates rooms:goodvibes If I ever do a trip with just my boys (they are 7 & 4) we are definitely staying there! I don't think my DD9 would like that idea though:rotfl: Can't wait for more!

We had lots of fun at SWW, I'm so glad we tried it this year!! I thought weekend 3 wasn't that crowded. We went again on Friday on weekend #4 and thought it was a bit more crowded. I guess I was expecting elbow to elbow people, but it wasn't like that at all. Your 4 and 7yo boys would love playing in the CBR pirate room and pirate ship pool. Are they jack sparrow fans like my 2 boys are??


More great pics! And I love the clone trooper mickey shirts! The pool looks awesome! My boys would love it. We are staying at Saratoga Springs -my parents are DVCers and I can't pass up a free room!

You trip seems so fun and relaxing. I guess having less adults in some ways makes it easier. We usually have various combinations of extended family with us -it is nice for the extra hands and fun for the kids, but gets pretty hectic at times.

You can't pass up a free room!!! How nice!! It's a very different trip for us when DH comes, we have more flexibility with the boys. I loved the special time with them. If it's go to Disney without DH or don't go at all, that's an easy question to answer for me!!


Awesome updates! I'm very impressed with how much your boys interacted with the princesses. My boys won't even go near them anymore. We didn't do a princess meal this past trip, but I imagine if we did they would have crawled under the table:confused3 We love the Epcot character meet too:goodvibes We visited 3 times this past trip. We also seemed to go to lots of the same restaraunts. We ate at Teppan Edo and Garden Grill. We liked them both too. Anything you can do to entertain little boys is helpful. If they get bored trouble usually ensues:scared:

For our last Oct trip, I avoided all the princess meals because I thought my boys wouldn't like them. But since we had 9 days this trip, I figured we might as well try them. Their reaction surprised me, I'm glad my boys didn't throw a fit or whine/moan. You are so right about keeping boys entertained, they do get into trouble very quickly!!! Thanks for reading along.

[dd50]

great trip report. Sounds like the three of you had a great time.

[dspads]

How do you manage with the loose autograph pages in the park? Were they in a book? Are they printed on cardstock? My older DS was very into collecting autographs last time around so this may be a good idea to make it extra special.

Again, so many great pics. Your boys really enjoy the characters. On our last trip my little one stayed away from them 80% of the time (he was 3.5).

[dismagiclover]

We did the Safari breakfast on our 2008 trip and loved it! You can't beat that first safari ride! Hopefully we'll go back next trip!


I didn't know Goofy and Pluto hung around Dinoland and in such cute costumes! What time was this?

Wow! What a deal on your ticket upgrade! Wish I would have thought of that!


Making those lightsabers is much trickier than it seems like it should be. A boy can never have too many lightsabers (at least that's what my boys think!)

[mickeystoontown]

Two more great updates! My son who was 11 at the time, couldn't quite figure out how to build the lightsabers either. There were two castmembers standing around to help the guests out.

[MJAJmom]

Today is Magic Kingdom day, starting with another character breakfast at Ohana’s at 7:30am so we can make rope drop at 9am. We park in the TTC and take the monorail to the Polynesian. MJ has really missed riding the monorail this trip. We get our picture taken. AJ refused to wear his flower lei and really didn’t even want to be in the picture. It turned out OK, so I bought it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3051.jpg

We were seated at the table closest to the kitchen door where the characters come out, so we’d be first to see them. That worked out great when you’re on the dine and dash plan! We got our coffee and milk, then our breakfast platter. The kids had waffles, bacon and fruit so they were happy. I’m no too crazy about the food here – I prefer a buffet with lots of choices. First out the door was Stitch who is always pretty fun. Then came Lilo who was pretty rushed to meet us, and we were first. Happened last time too, Lilo was pretty quick to say hello, barely giving the boys time for a hug or high-five.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2567.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2569.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2578.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2575.jpg

Next came Mickey and then Pluto. Pluto always clowns around with the boys, plus MJ loves how he has to put the autograph book over his nose right close to his eyes to sign it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2583.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2587.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2592.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2593.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2596.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3036.jpg

Ohana’s is just OK for me, it’s convenient to MK and MJ seems to like it. So now we hop on the monorail to watch the opening show and enter at rope drop. Someday, I’d love to be family of the day!! The opening song and show is always so motivating and happy. MJ was thrilled to get sprayed with confetti at the end of the show. It was the colorful mouse ear confetti – he called it pixie dust and held onto it for quite a while.

Normally at rope drop, we head straight to FantasyLand. Today we are trying out Big Thunder Mountain for the first time. So that’s were we head, to ride it first, then get a FP for later. MJ loved it and AJ said it made him dizzy – he wasn’t sure he wanted to ride it again, but later said he loved it. AJ had been talking all week about the Jungle Cruise, he likes the crocodiles and the temple you go into. So we rode Jungle cruise and he was thrilled for the day. Next was POTC, we are all Jack Sparrow fans so this one is great. Make sure you take the path on the left when you enter, it’s so much shorter. We walked on the ride while everyone on the opposite side was waiting. We rode POTC again and had the boat all to ourselves!!.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2598.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2602.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2601.jpg

I found a new favorite drink this week – the raspberry lemonade slush!! It was so cold, tangy and refreshing, I think I had 4 or 5 of them this week!! I mostly got them at the snack stand behind Aladdin’s Magic Carpet ride. Delicious!!!

Captain Hook was scheduled to come out at 10:15, so we waited a few minutes and were first in line. He’s pretty creepy looking!! Mr Smee is lots of fun. There was no Photopass photographer with Hook, last October there was one. We tried to find one around POTC to take our picture in front of the ride and also to do the special add-in fighting with Capt Hook, but we never found him in the 3 days at MK. Must be part of the cut backs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2604.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2609.jpg

The pin lanyard that MJ was wearing had some black mickey mouse ears on it. With the hot weather, they started melting off and was turning his neck black. So I went to the emporium shop on Main Street to find another one, one without any design that looked ironed-on. I told the CM what was happening, and she said that she would swap it out for free for us, saying the other one was defective. I thought that was very generous, because I bought that lanyard on our trip last October. So that was some pixie dust our way.

I wanted to see the Move It, Shake It parade down Main Street at 11:00. We caught the end of the Dreams show at the castle and found a place around the inside circle for the parade. A CM told us that the floats would come around the circle and stop, letting the characters out to dance in the streets. The parade music was upbeat and the floats were very colorful. Donald and Goofy came off the float at the end and danced with everyone. So we watched, danced and played for a while. It’s a short parade and people didn’t seem to line up too early to stake out a seat. We’ve yet to see the 3:00pm parade because we’re back at the hotel napping or swimming.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2612.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2624.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2614.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2626.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2615.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2616.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2617.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2619.jpg

Continued on the next post….

[MJAJmom]

More parade pictures
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2620.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2621.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2622.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2625.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2628.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2630.jpg

Since we had some time before lunch, we rode the Buzz Lightyear ride. AJ loves the waiting queue with the talking Buzz and big picture of Zurg. Exiting the ride, the boys want their picture taken with Zurg behind bars. No smiles, just mean faces.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2632.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2631.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2633.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2634.jpg

On our way to lunch, we found a photopass photographer who could take a balloons special add-in photo.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image194.jpg

Our ADR at Liberty Tree Tavern was for 11:45am and we got right in. I heard the pot roast was good so that’s what I ordered. Clam chowder to start and strawberry shortcake for dessert. The chowder wasn’t great, next time I’ll try the crab cakes. Pot roast was decent, but the dessert was wonderful. I gobbled it up.

After lunch, we grabbed a FastPass for Jungle Cruise. Then saw Frontier Donald and Rafiki before heading out of the park back to CBR.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image197.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2637.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image201.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2639.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2642.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2644.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3039.jpg

I just couldn’t pass up the Photopass photographers at Main Street. Once again, AJ was hot, tired and cranky, so that’s how he looked in the picture. At least for the Stitch picture, he could rest on my lap.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image205.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image214.jpg

So finally we left the park to nap. Tonight is dinner at 1900 Park Fare and more MK.

[Angies1274]

Great updates!:thumbsup2 Your boys are so cute! I love all the character pictures, especially the ones w/ Stitch and Pluto at Ohana's.:goodvibes

The Move it! Shake it! Parade is so fun! We really enjoyed it in April and the music is so catchy--you can't help but sing and dance along.;)

Great photopass pictures!! Love the one with the balloons and Stitch eating an ice cream--very cute!!!

[MJAJmom]

great trip report. Sounds like the three of you had a great time.

We really did have fun!! Now I need to figure out when to go again. Either December for MVMCP for a short trip or end of April for a longer trip. Decisions, decisions!!


How do you manage with the loose autograph pages in the park? Were they in a book? Are they printed on cardstock? My older DS was very into collecting autographs last time around so this may be a good idea to make it extra special.

Again, so many great pics. Your boys really enjoy the characters. On our last trip my little one stayed away from them 80% of the time (he was 3.5).

The 4x6 autograph cards are beautiful and I love them. But I'll admit they're a bit of a hassle. Last trip, I just had a stack on cards, separated by parks, and then had to sort through them when we found a character. This trip I loaded them into a thin photo album that had 4 photos per page. It was much easier to sort through them. When the trip is done, I put all the signed pages in a photo album for the boys to look at.

My boys really do love the characters, so we'll enjoy the character hunting while they are still young.


We did the Safari breakfast on our 2008 trip and loved it! You can't beat that first safari ride! Hopefully we'll go back next trip!

I didn't know Goofy and Pluto hung around Dinoland and in such cute costumes! What time was this?

Making those lightsabers is much trickier than it seems like it should be. A boy can never have too many lightsabers (at least that's what my boys think!)

I read on this forum that Goofy and Pluto were the characters at DinoLand. They had them listed on the Times Guide as 11:20-2:10 and 3:00-6:50. I was waiting for them at 11:20, so we were first in line.

[QUO
TE=mickeystoontown;32445135]Two more great updates! My son who was 11 at the time, couldn't quite figure out how to build the lightsabers either. There were two castmembers standing around to help the guests out.[/QUOTE]

Those lightsabers were not a "build it yourself" toy. I'm glad we had some help!!!


Great updates!:thumbsup2 Your boys are so cute! I love all the character pictures, especially the ones w/ Stitch and Pluto at Ohana's.:goodvibes

The Move it! Shake it! Parade is so fun! We really enjoyed it in April and the music is so catchy--you can't help but sing and dance along.;)

Great photopass pictures!! Love the one with the balloons and Stitch eating an ice cream--very cute!!!

My goal this trip was to try all the photopass add-in shots. We got Tinkerbell, baby simba, stitch, balloons, darth vader. We really wanted the fighting with Captain Hook shot, but we kept looking near POTC but they weren't around anymore. No photopass photographer with the captain hook meet and greet either. Darn those cutbacks!!!

[MJAJmom]

We had a 5:40pm ADR at 1900 Park Fare. I was looking forward to seeing the step sisters. I’d heard so much about how funny they are. We checked in 10min early, then ended up having to wait 45 minutes to get in. Nobody in the wait area was happy waiting around. Inside didn’t seem very busy, so not sure why they are always so far behind schedule. We got something to eat first before the characters hit our table. The buffet seemed pretty basic, nothing fancy on the menu. Again, the food was just OK. The first character that came by was Prince Charming. Nice guy, but honestly kind of boring. I watched him as the night went on, he just seemed so uncomfortable and awkward, maybe he was a newer guy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2648.jpg

Then Drizella came by. She was very funny. She commented on our autograph cards about how ugly Anastasia was. She was very bratty!! AJ was a very shy around her. He would not speak to her and looked down the whole time.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2650.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2651.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2652.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2653.jpg

Cinderella was very pretty and sweet. Since the boys had seen her at Akershus, they felt like they knew her already. AJ smiled and chatted with her.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2654.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2657.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2656.jpg

Lady Tremaine asked the boys if they were behaving, using their good manners and eating well. MJ thought she had funny hair.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2666.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2662.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2663.jpg

Now, the star of the show was Anastaia. The boys just loved her. She asked the boys why they were dressed alike, who did this to you?? She told them to tell their mother to let them make their own decision. She chatted and teased them, and the boys were laughing. She was clearly their favorite. Later, she was screaming “Mother, Drizella put a dust bunny under my bed!!”. When they announced Cinderella, she yelled “She’s really not that pretty, you know!!”.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2668.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2671.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2672.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2675.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3037.jpg

Seeing the step sisters was the best part of dinner. I think we’ll plan on coming back here next time! With dinner over, we jump on the monorail to MK for some rides. First is Jungle Cruise, which was fun because it was at night. Then we rode Big Thunder Mountain, made our way over to Buzz Lightyear and ended up in with It’s A Small World. I didn’t want to wait in long lines for Pooh/Peter Pan since we were coming back tomorrow morning. The boys tried to pull the sword out of the stone for a while, their favorite thing to do last trip.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2680.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2683.jpg

On our way out, I got a picture of the castle at night. So pretty!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2684.jpg

Our night at MK has ended, and it’s home to bed. Tomorrow we come back to MK for early morning EMHs.

[goofygal531]

I found a new favorite drink this week – the raspberry lemonade slush!! It was so cold, tangy and refreshing, I think I had 4 or 5 of them this week!! I mostly got them at the snack stand behind Aladdin’s Magic Carpet ride. Delicious!!!



OMG! I had no idea they sold the lemonade in Adventureland!!! :headache:

I thought it was only sold in The Enchanted Grove in FantasyLand, right next to the tea cups!

That was my favorite drink of the trip too! I couldn't get enough of it. Perfect on a sweltering hot day!!

[LovingDisny]

I just got all caught up on your trip report. It looks like you had a great vacation with your boys. I also have two boys. DS3 and DS11. Our trip is planned for 6/5-6/12 2010. So far it does not seem like you had much touble with crowds. Your photopass pictures are adorable. We have not been since 2004, so I am very excited to try that. keep the report coming!

[thegreggersmom]

Your boys are so cute! Subscribing.

[tiggerfan6]

Your boys are so cute! I love your TR. I love the pictures! I have to make a note of the add ins( love the balloons)>
We also are planning on renting from Orlando strollers, did you tie anything around yours to make it your "own"??? and did the cover work, I may have to get that too( we are going in November.

[dd50]

Sounds like you all had a great and stress free time. I hope that ours goes smoothly.

[heaven2dc]

Loved the interaction with Anastasia! How cute (I think she should join you for the rest of the trip - she really could keep AJ smiling ;))

Your boys are adorable - you are all having such a great time and no meltdowns - great kids (and mom!):thumbsup2

[02AggieGirl]

Hi! I just finished reading your TR. What a fun trip!! I was telling my DH how you took your boys by yourself....I told him I could take our 3 girls when the baby (10 months) gets older!!! Your boys are so adorable and handsome :) Looking forward to more.

[MJAJmom]

For our 3 Disney trips, I’ve stayed twice at Grand Floridian and once at Carribbean Beach. While I was excited about the pirate themed room and the lower cost, I had several concerns before we left about staying at a moderate hotel:

- was it going to be a step down in quality? Were the rooms noticeably smaller where we’d feel cramped? Was it noisy?
- would housekeeping be horrible, I’d read lots of bad stories?
- was Trinidad South too far away from OPR and the main pool?
- would we miss riding the monorail to MK and Epcot? Would the extra driving be a hassle, and parking at TTC a nightmare?
- how would I feel about the resort being so spread out?

Overall, I was very pleased with our hotel. For the money spent, it was a good deal. Our room was very fresh and clean. We requested early cleaning each day, and every day when we returned after lunch, it was cleaned up. We didn’t get any towel animals, and I wasn’t expecting any. We’ve never gotten a towel animal yet, and I think this forum sets some bad expectation about receiving them. The pirate rooms were a huge hit with the boys, Disney did a great job in tending to the details. The main pool was heated to a comfortable temperature and the 2 slides were fun for the boys. The pirate boat splash area was fabulous. The food court had basic cafeteria offerings, I thought the food was average quality. The grab and go section had lots of breakfast, lunch and snack offerings. We never tried Shutters, so I can’t comment on them.

We walked several times to OPR to swim in the main pool. From Bldg 34, it took us about 6 minutes. A nice walk along the lake side. But being in that “luxury, deluxe mindset”, I did wish it was closer. Mostly for using the refillable mugs for a quick drink, or grabbing a quick snack. Next time, I’d probably skip the pirate room and go for a preferred room.

I’m glad we tried out CBR. I liked it and would certainly recommend it to other families. It made me think more about how much to spend on hotel rooms, and what’s important in a resort. If I had to change something, I’d like a few more selections on their food court menu (other than pizza, hamburger, sandwich).

Sharing some other thoughts…

There were several noticeable differences between a deluxe and a moderate to point out. None of these are a big deal, but it’s just different, so I thought I’d mention it.
- a floor A/C unit instead of central A/C with a programmable thermostat. This was really the only thing that bugged me because the A/C was very loud. After a while, you just got used to it.
- An enclosed closet with doors versus an open closet rod in the bathroom. It is nice to store your clothes and suitcases away and not have to look at them every day.
- A double bed verses a queen bed. The beds were very comfortable and not a problem since it was me in one bed and the little boys sharing the other bed. But if my 6 foot 2 DH was with us, he’d want a queen bed.
- A private balcony verses no balcony. It is nice to relax at night at the GF balcony while the kids are sleeping, so I did miss that. I think paying extra for a “CBR water view” is a waste of money – mainly because people walk by your window and can stare inside your room. I kept the shades closed the entire trip for privacy.
- External doors verses rooms connected by an inside hallway. Just a minor thing that makes you realize you’ve stepped down a notch in hotel luxury.
- A smaller room. It could tell it was a little bit smaller, but not by much and certainly nothing that makes you feel cramped.
- No room service. For us, we’ve only used it for early breakfast. It’s just a nice to have thing.

Now, the things I gained by being in a moderate hotel.
- a huge price savings. Grand Floridian is $449 per night and CBR pirate room is $210 per night for June rack rates. So you have to ask yourself if the deluxe quality is worth $239 more per night??? Hmmmm
- free parking right near the room. Each day we parked so close to our room and just zipped in and out quickly and easily. That made our frequent travels much less of a hassle.
- Pirate themed rooms. Fabulous for little boys. And worth the extra $25 per night to try it out at least once. Along with the pirate ship pool – cool for little ones.
- Excellent location, so close to DHS and Epcot. Since we spent 3 days for Star Wars Weekends, I liked being next door to DHS.

So there you have it, my thoughts about Caribbean Beach Resort.

[MJAJmom]

Thursday was our day for early morning EMHs at Magic Kingdom. I love going early because we can do so many rides with little crowds, so I was hoping for the same success today. We went to OPR at 6:45am to find some breakfast. There was only 1 counter service open, the others would open at 7am. I wanted pancakes for the boys, but that counter was not open yet, and they said they didn’t start making pancakes until 8am (made no sense to me!!). So, the boys had to get French toast and I got a breakfast platter with scrambled eggs. Not great, but just fine for a quickie breakfast.

We zipped off to TTC and took the monorail into MK. We arrived about 7:30am for the 8am opening. I was SHOCKED at how many people were already there!! Today we were heading straight to FantasyLand, maybe EMHs in summer would be more crowded. At rope drop, we hit Dumbo first since that one is so slow loading. Then did Peter Pan which already had a 15 minute wait, then went on Pooh ride which also had a 15 minute wait. Last we did Snow White. FantasyLand was pretty crowded so early in the morning.

We went into Tomorrowland and saw that Buzz Lightyear was out, so we got our picture with him before riding the Buzz ride and then got a FastPass for later. MJ and I took our picture in front of the castle, AJ didn’t want to participate again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2894.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2893.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2688.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image216.jpg

We watched the 9:35am Dream Along With Mickey show at the castle. Last trip, MJ really wanted to see this show, but we only saw little portions of it. So today, I made sure we could watch the entire show. It’s really cute. Not very crowded around the castle either.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2691.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2692.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2694.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2695.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2699.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2700.jpg

We got in line for Big Thunder Mountain. The line for this was only 10 minutes, shorter than Peter Pan during EMHs – how weird is that!!! So we are at the bottom of the loading area, next to get on the train cars and AJ says “I need to go potty!!!” AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I can’t believe this is happening again!!!! Given our recent experience peeing his pants waiting in line for Minnie at DHS, I knew we had to leave. MJ was so upset that his brother made us leave the ride. So we have to fight our way against all the people waiting to load, then ask the ride operator how to get out to the bathroom. Luckily, he gave us a fastpass to get back inside. So, off we run to the bathrooms near Splash Mountain. Then back into line again. My my, the things we have to do for our children!! The boys love BTM, and that made us all forget about AJ's pee-pee adventure.

On our way to AdventureLand, we saw Goofy. I’d never seen him in these clothes before.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2703.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2704.jpg

We tried to ride POTC but they said it was broken. So instead we did the Enchanted Tiki Room. The bird show is pretty funny. We watched the end of the Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial. MJ got picked at the end when they ask for extra volunteers to pledge to become pirates. He got a pirate certificate which he was thrilled to receive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2891.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2712.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2708.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2717.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2713.jpg

Continued on next post

[MJAJmom]

Our lunch ADR was at Crystal Palace at 11:45am. We waited about 20 minutes to get in, so we watched a little of the Dreams show from afar. We’ve been to Crystal Palace for both lunch and breakfast, and the characters are always wonderful. Somehow they seem to circulate around quickly and you see them twice. The food is pretty decent too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2744.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2730.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2747.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2734.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2738.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2740.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2752.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2754.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2727.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2753.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3029.jpg

We got to see Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet twice, and Pooh Bear just once. Since we started out early today, the boys were tired, so we went home for naps. I let them sleep for a long time and then we swam. We played in the main pool for a while and the boys went down the slides over and over again. Tonight we were just going to kick back and play – no touring. So we had a quick dinner at OPR. I had rotisserie chicken and the boys had cheese pizza. The boys played with their toys in the room and were very happy doing just that. I gave them a bath and we all went to bed early.

Tomorrow we are back to DHS for Weekend #4 of Star Wars Weekends.

[MJAJmom]

OMG! I had no idea they sold the lemonade in Adventureland!!! :headache:

I thought it was only sold in The Enchanted Grove in FantasyLand, right next to the tea cups!

That was my favorite drink of the trip too! I couldn't get enough of it. Perfect on a sweltering hot day!!

Wasn't it wonderful!!! :dance3:
Some people love the Dole Whips.... I found the raspberry lemonade slush!!! I was in heaven!! They sell it at Sunshine Tree Terrace, behind Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride. Since we were at Junge Cruise and POTC so many times, I got to stop by the snack place lots of times!!!

[MJAJmom]

Our trip is planned for 6/5-6/12 2010. So far it does not seem like you had much touble with crowds. Your photopass pictures are adorable. We have not been since 2004, so I am very excited to try that. keep the report coming!

You must be so excited to be planning your trip!!! The crowds got a little bigger by the second weekend of June. Still, not as horrible as I imagined. I'd say the it was about a level 6-7 the first weekend and 7-8 the second weekend. For me, it was the heat that made it less bearable than the crowds. Hopefully, you'll be there for Star Wars weekends.

Your boys are so cute! Subscribing.

Thank you!! So glad that you're reading along!


Your boys are so cute! I love your TR. I love the pictures! I have to make a note of the add ins( love the balloons)>
We also are planning on renting from Orlando strollers, did you tie anything around yours to make it your "own"??? and did the cover work, I may have to get that too( we are going in November.

Thanks! We made sure to ask about all the add-on pictures. I made a stroller tag and attached it to the middle bar of the stroller. Plus I brought along 2 cup holders that I attached, so it made our stroller stand out. The cover was fabulous - it was custom fit to the stroller so it fit like a glove. And on the nights that the rain looked threatening, I put on the cover and then rolled it up onto the handle, in case I needed to pull it down in a hurry.


Sounds like you all had a great and stress free time. I hope that ours goes smoothly.

This second solo trip with the boys went better than the first. I think because AJ was 6months older and that can make a huge difference in temperment for a 4yo.


Loved the interaction with Anastasia! How cute (I think she should join you for the rest of the trip - she really could keep AJ smiling ;))

Your boys are adorable - you are all having such a great time and no meltdowns - great kids (and mom!):thumbsup2

I thought the stepsisters were a riot!! I'm so glad we tried our that character dinner. MJ still talks about how silly Anastasia was. And you're right, she could have gotten AJ to not be so grumpy with the photopass pictures!!!


Hi! I just finished reading your TR. What a fun trip!! I was telling my DH how you took your boys by yourself....I told him I could take our 3 girls when the baby (10 months) gets older!!! Your boys are so adorable and handsome :) Looking forward to more.

I would certainly recommend taking your girls by yourself!!! How I would love some princesses in my house... but with 2 boys, there will be no pink frilly things for us!!! Just think about how sweet that would be, mom and all her little princesses doing all the girly things!!! I'm jealous already!!! :cloud9:

[goofygal531]

I planned on upgrading our tickets to an Annual Pass, so I stopped by Guest Relations on the way out. I’d heard lots of stories about people having problems upgrading their 4/3 tickets. I also had a 10% savings card that a fellow DISer mailed me. With pixie dust on my side, I got a very knowledgeable CM named Claudia from Brazil. She bridged my ticket to the current price, applied the 10% savings card and the final price to upgrade 1 adult and 2 child 9day NE tickets was a whopping $27!!! That’s incredible!!! No problems at all. I got lucky!!!

I NEVER thought of doing this!!! What a wonderful idea! :idea: How did you figure out what the price difference would be?

I was just telling my DH that you did this and he's now interested. There's been rumors Disney might be offering the 4/3 package again this winter, that would be perfect for me if they did!

Thanks for the tip about Sunshine Tree in Adventure Land! We really got addicted to those raspberry slushies! So much so I didn't have one Dole Whip the entire time!

[MJAJmom]

I NEVER thought of doing this!!! What a wonderful idea! :idea: How did you figure out what the price difference would be?

I was just telling my DH that you did this and he's now interested. There's been rumors Disney might be offering the 4/3 package again this winter, that would be perfect for me if they did!

If you go to the Disney website and look at the ticket prices, you can see how much each MYW ticket costs. We had 1 adult and 2 child MYW tickets with 9 day No Expiration. Here is the math for upgrading:

Cost of Adult 9day NE tix = $404
Cost of Child 9day NE tix = $369

Cost of Adult AP = $469 Less the 10% discount is $422.10
Cost of Child AP = $414 Less the 10% discount is $372.60

Cost of Adult AP less MYW tix = $422.10 - $404 = $18.10
Cost of Child AP less MYW tix = $372.60 - $369 = $3.60

Total Cost plus tax = ($18.10 + $3.60 + $3.60) X 1.065 tax = $26.94

The 10% AP savings card expires this summer, either July or August. You can play with the number of days on your ticket, and the PH or NE options. I'm glad I got the 3 days free on the ticket, because that saved some money. Plus the 10% savings card saved some money too. So I just couldn't pass on the that discount!!!

[jana616]

Great report-your boys are so cute! I love all of your autograph pages. I assume you got them from the Creative DISigns board. Was their one particular person who did all of them? I get so overwhelmed over there, I can't even find auto. pages! Any direction would be great!

[MJAJmom]

Great report-your boys are so cute! I love all of your autograph pages. I assume you got them from the Creative DISigns board. Was their one particular person who did all of them? I get so overwhelmed over there, I can't even find auto. pages! Any direction would be great!

Thank you!! I did get the autograph cards from Creative DISigns board. There is so much fun stuff on that board, but the volume can be pretty overwhelming. Here are 3 of my favorite designers photobuckets - Donatalie, Chaos1Cent and AreYouThereYet. You can browse through all the designs and then save them to your PC for printing. Have fun browsing:

http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/donatalie/
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd181/Chaos1Cent/
http://s345.photobucket.com/albums/p379/ljcollins_2008/

I love just looking at their pictures!!! So pretty!! Beware -- it can become very addicting! Excess browsing will cause you to create matching shirts!!

[Allboysandme]

I'm in your picture! Actually, the last three. You can see me in the background in your last Eeyore picture at CP. I'm sitting at a table with my chin on my hand. It looks like I'm looking right at you. The baby is sitting next to me. I think we had just gotten seated because it was pretty empty inside and we didn't have any plates in front of us. My dh must have taken the boys to the buffet. I looked through my pictures and I can see your boys and your hat in one of them. I'm trying to post it, but having a little trouble. Let's see if this works...



http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/jjdra5/disney326.jpg

[MJAJmom]

I'm in your picture! Actually, the last three. You can see me in the background in your last Eeyore picture at CP. I'm sitting at a table with my chin on my hand. It looks like I'm looking right at you. The baby is sitting next to me. I think we had just gotten seated because it was pretty empty inside and we didn't have any plates in front of us. My dh must have taken the boys to the buffet. I looked through my pictures and I can see your boys and your hat in one of them. I'm trying to post it, but having a little trouble. Let's see if this works...



http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/jjdra5/disney326.jpg

OMG!! How fun is that!!! I can see you!! CP was not very crowded when we came in. That Eeyore picture was our first picture. I think we waited for the Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger to come by before we went to the buffet since they were right near our table and didn't want to miss them. Isn't that such a neat place?? We were probably in the buffet line together!!! Thank you for sharing your picture. I can see AJ and me!!!

[dspads]

Just catching up. Love the daytime MK parade and show pics. We have never seen them yet. Love the boys shirts on MK day 2. I downloaded Star Wars name DISigns frm Dom but I have yet to try to transfer them to a shirt. I think my boys will love having some special shirts to wear.

How do you find going to early EMHs? Oct hours just came out and I am torn about what to do. Any advice?

[MJAJmom]

Just catching up. Love the daytime MK parade and show pics. We have never seen them yet. Love the boys shirts on MK day 2. I downloaded Star Wars name DISigns frm Dom but I have yet to try to transfer them to a shirt. I think my boys will love having some special shirts to wear.

How do you find going to early EMHs? Oct hours just came out and I am torn about what to do. Any advice?

Dom made some great Star Wars names and designs. I got lots of compliments on the Star Wars shirts at DHS. I'm glad I made them for the boys. I'm sure your boys will just love them!!

For your October trip, I would recommend the early EMHs. The crowds were much lighter overall, and then even lighter for early EMHs. Our Oct trip last year was 10/19-25. The weather was beautiful and the crowds were a level 5-6. We did early EMHs for MK and Epcot. The MK EMHs were awesome. We could ride Peter Pan and Pooh over and over again with no waiting. At Epcot, we did Soarin and then Test Track twice, maybe a 5 minute wait.

Oct EMHs was very different than doing EMHs in June because June was just more crowded. We're early risers so they're great for us. You can get your "headliner" rides out of the way early (like Soarin, TSM, Dumbo, Safari).

For our future trips, we'll always plan on early EMHs at MK, then either Epcot or DHS. Probably 2 early EMHs per trip, because I like to schedule the character breakfasts before 9am rope drops.

Have fun planning!

[LovingDisny]

It's been a busy week, I am just catching up. Thanks for the info on the crowds. I am having so much fun planning the trip! It will be DS3's first trip. He will be 4 1/2 when we go. I hope we catch Star Wars Weekends. That would be a blast for us. My sister bought me the Passporter Walt Disney's planner/guide. I love it! It has place to plan out everything. It even has fold out color maps of all the parks. I am not looking forward to the heat either, but I did not want to take DS11 out of school eary, so 6/5 is the earliest we can leave:sad2: I am just determined to have great touring plans:yay:

[dismagiclover]

Just had a chance to read your most recent update. I can totally relate to the bathroom story. On one trip I'd scheduled Rose & Crown for 8:15 so we'd be able to watch Illuminations. We had a great seat the show was just starting. And my daughter needs the bathroom. All that planning foiled by the call of nature:rotfl: We made it back, but missed half the show. That's the life of parenthood:goodvibes
Can't wait to hear about SWW #4. That is when we were there.

[MJAJmom]

It’s Friday and time to go back to DHS for Star Wars Weekend. Friday has early EMHs so we will start off early at the parks today. We eat a quick breakfast at OPR. The boys had some Fruit Loops and I had French Toast. We got to DHS at 7:30am and there were quite a few people lined up already. We’d do the same thing at rope drop – ride TSM and then get a FP. It’s so crazy the amount of people rushing to TSM at rope drop!!! After riding TSM, MJ wanted to see the Muppets show. He liked the 3D show last year and wanted to make sure we could see it again. It’s a cute show!

Today, we needed to find more Star Wars characters, especially Minnie Leia, as well as finding Russell from UP! First we started with the Jedi Counsel – Mace Windu and Shaak Ti. They were very polite.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2756.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2758.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image231.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image238.jpg

Ahsoka and Captain Rex were not out yet, so we got to take a picture in the action figure package. The boys pretended that they were Jedi’s in the box.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2763.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2764.jpg

Here is a close-up so that you can see the lightsabers that they built at DTD. They were very excited to be carrying them around inside the park.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2764-Copy-1.jpg

Next we went to find Minnie Leia. Last weekend, AJ had to pee and we had to leave the line, so I’m hoping for better success today. Waiting in line, we had to let a few people go ahead of us while we waited for the switch off of Goofy/Donald to Minnie. We got it timed right and finally got to see her!!! I just love Minnie, her smiling face is just so friendly and inviting!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2772.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2768.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image222.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image228.jpg

And now a kiss goodbye from Minnie
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image221.jpg

We were next door to the Great Movie Ride so we got in line, which unfortunately was a lot longer and we probably waited 30 minutes. Both boys love this ride now and constantly are taking about it.

Our lunch today was at Brown Derby. We’ve never tried a signature restaurant. This meal would be 2 dining credits. Inside looks like a fine dining place. Our waiter was very attentive and nice. Unfortunately, everything took forever to get!!! About 10 minutes to get our drinks, 20 minutes waiting for an appetizer, another 15 minutes waiting for our food, 10 more minutes for dessert. Not something good for kids – we just wanted to have a nice meal and then leave!! I had the coconut shrimp appetizer, grouper for lunch. The best part was dessert – Banana White Chocolate Toffee Tower. It was so delicious, I ate the whole thing and wanted to lick the plate!!! While I thought the food was good, I didn’t think it deserved 2 dining credits. Nice place, but we probably won’t be dining here again.

The UP characters were coming out at 2:10 so we arrived 10 minutes early to wait in line. MJ desperately wanted to see Russell, so I hoped that he would come out and we’d get lucky. Outside in the animation courtyard, they had lots of banners advertising the UP movie, so I took a few photos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2773.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2774.jpg

Once again, AJ was not too happy to be in this second picture…
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2775.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2776.jpg

The UP characters started to come out and YEAH!!!!! There’s all 3 – Russell is here!!! OMG, we are just so thrilled. MJ has an ear to ear grin!!! The little girl in front of us had a yellow Dug stuffed animal. They put it on the floor and the Dug character went wild, getting on the floor sniffing at it. That was fun to see.

MJ is just all smiles as it’s now his turn to meet Russell, Dug and Carl.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2778.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image240.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image241.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image242.jpg

The wall background was beautiful. It had Kevin the big bird and the house with all the balloons. So awesome for taking pictures. Look at Russell doing the crossed hands Wilderness call!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2785.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image243.jpg

I was so happy that all 3 characters were out. Meeting them was the highlight of MJ’s trip. All week, they have been reciting the lines when Russell meets Carl (Good afternoon, my name is Russell and I am a Wilderness Explorer……)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image247.jpg

I was 2:45pm, and had to decide if we should leave the park to go home and swim, or stay to see the parade since it was so close. The boys seemed to be OK, so I thought we’d give the parade a try.

So, next up, pictures of the Block Party Bash parade.

[dismagiclover]

Your pictures of the UP characters are so adorable! My kids had no interest in meeting them (probably because we haven't seen the movie yet.) All they wanted to do in Animation is play on the computers:rotfl: Loving your report.

[MJAJmom]

It's been a busy week, I am just catching up. Thanks for the info on the crowds. I am having so much fun planning the trip! It will be DS3's first trip. He will be 4 1/2 when we go. I hope we catch Star Wars Weekends. That would be a blast for us. My sister bought me the Passporter Walt Disney's planner/guide. I love it! It has place to plan out everything. It even has fold out color maps of all the parks. I am not looking forward to the heat either, but I did not want to take DS11 out of school eary, so 6/5 is the earliest we can leave:sad2: I am just determined to have great touring plans:yay:

I think planning the trip is just as fun as being there!!! I think you'll be OK getting there on 6/5 like we did. The crowds that first weekend in June weren't as bad as I thought. A good touring plan is a must!! :thumbsup2


Just had a chance to read your most recent update. I can totally relate to the bathroom story. On one trip I'd scheduled Rose & Crown for 8:15 so we'd be able to watch Illuminations. We had a great seat the show was just starting. And my daughter needs the bathroom. All that planning foiled by the call of nature:rotfl: We made it back, but missed half the show. That's the life of parenthood:goodvibes

FOILED - that is such a good word! :goodvibes You just know that at some point, you'll hear those word... "Mom, I have to pee!!" And your plans are now foiled.


Your pictures of the UP characters are so adorable! My kids had no interest in meeting them (probably because we haven't seen the movie yet.) All they wanted to do in Animation is play on the computers:rotfl: Loving your report.

Those computers are awesome, both boys loved to color in the pictures. If we hadn't just seen the UP movie, my kids wouldn't have bothered with them either. We ended up seeing the movie again a few days after we got home from Disney. I was surpised by how much they loved these characters and how they act out scenes from the movie at home. I just love their imaginations.

[MJAJmom]

In our last 2 trips, we have yet to see an afternoon parade. We always go back to the hotel for naps. Now that the boys are a little bit older, we’ve been able to stay out longer this week. So today will be our first afternoon parade, sorta by accident. I had read that the Block Party Bash parade made 3 stops and that a spot near the sorcerer hat was a good one. Getting a spot was pretty easy. The boys played lightsaber fighting with some boys nearby while we waited.

So the parade starts, and unfortunately it stops well before the hat down Hollywood Blvd closer to the entrance. Our spot should have been down there (or a little past American Idol for the second stop). The boys were confused as to why the parade stopped and why we couldn’t see them dancing. Finally the parade starts moving again, and the last float with Atta/Flick is now right in front of us.

The spot we had was great for taking picture, because I got to see everything as it came around the corner at the Hat, so not all was lost. The parade was very colorful and the music was upbeat and good for dancing in the streets. They had lots of performers that jumped on the trampoline, danced, rode bikes/scooters, jumped rope, threw beach ball out to the crowd, and lots of other fun things.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2788.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2791.jpg

The first set of floats was the Incredibles. Frozone pops up out of the box.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2790.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2792.jpg

Next set is Toy Story, showing Woody and Jessie.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2793.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2796.jpg

Next set was from Monsters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2798.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2799.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2800.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2805.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2820.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2806.jpg

Last was A Bug’s Life. This was the float that stopped to dance in front of us.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2808.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2812.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2813.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2814.jpg

We saw them raise up Mrs. Incredible on the float that had already passed.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2825.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2818.jpg

The dancers grabbed lots of kids and had them dancing in the street to the song “Shout”. MJ and AJ got to boogie down!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2822.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2824.jpg

The green army man on the floats would lead the crowds singing and dancing. They were fun to watch. And finally, there is Flick saying goodbye as the parade moved on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2829.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2828.jpg

It was a fun, high energy parade. Good to see once, but I think we can probably skip it from now on. Unlike MNSSHP Boo To You parade, that I could watch 10 times a day and love it every time!!

This was our last day at DHS and we had not even seen the Indiana Jones show. One of AJs favorites. Since there was a show at 4:15pm, I figured we might as well stay for that. We’d blown our shot at taking afternoon naps now, so we might as well just stay. So we got a drink and a snack. Another chance for me to get a raspberry lemonade slush – yummy!!! So we got to see the Indy show which made AJ so happy.

Now we can head back to the hotel to swim and eat. The boys got to play with their toys in the room for a while, so that seemed to make them very happy. Sometimes you forget how much they just want to play with their stuff - touring can be so mentally draining. We swam in the big pool, went down the slide multiple times. Got something quick to eat at OPR for dinner. Then to bed at a decent hour.

I got a few shots inside the room in front of the POTC curtain. What a cool curtain!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2831.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2832.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2833.jpg

Tomorrow was our last day at the parks, and then it would only be a half day. I scheduled the pirate cruise at Grand Floridian at 9:30am. But first up, was breakfast at 1900 Park Fare. We didn't have a character meal at all today - that seemed too strange.

[dismagiclover]

Great parade pics. We've never seen that parade. We also like mid day breaks so we miss out on the parades. Can't wait to hear about the Pirate Cruise. I seriously considered sending my kids this past trip.

[meeko_33785]

Enojying the trip report. The autograph cards are really cute. I'd never seen anything like those before (but, then again, I don't really go looking on the Creative DISsign board either though). What a fun idea for the kids.

Enjoying all the character meal reviews too. I've only done a couple (breakfast at 1900, lunch at Garden Grill, maybe a few others), but I'm really wanting to try one on one of my next trips. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare looks like a lot of fun, but I'm really leaning towards Cape May right now. It sounds good and the characters look great in their beachwear.

[PracPerfPatricia]

Your boys are so cute...what a special trip for you and the two of them...:thumbsup2

I have a little guy, 6 3/4 (and a dd 14)-it was so funny when I found out I was having a little boy-I wasn't sure what is would be like-there is a 7 year difference between my children...but it has been great...little boys are so much fun...:rotfl:

the big things he much do on our August trip (besides riding all the "mountains" are go to Goofy's for Candy and make a light saber...he's just gotten into Star Wars and would go nuts for the Star Wars Weekend...

hmmm...next time I plan a dis trip (haven't even finished the upcoming one...lol-I want to go for either the Halloween Party or Star Wars Weekend...

Can't wait to keep reading...:surfweb:

[MJAJmom]

Today is our last full day at the parks and this morning we had the pirate cruise scheduled. So lots to do today!!! Up early again, we had an 8am ADR at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast. Since we had the pirate cruise at 9:30am, seemed like a good idea to have breakfast at the GF too. I had prepared the boys for the Mad Hatter and told them he’d be pretty funny, so I was looking forward to checking out this character meal for the first time.

Once again, AJ didn’t want to have his picture taken at the check in, so we decided not to have YET another meal picture taken. We went through the buffet line and got some food. The boys have their usual – waffles, bacon, watermelon and dry fruit loops. Maybe they got in a bite of banana or yogurt occasionally. For me, it seemed like the buffet didn’t have as many offerings (Tusker House and Cape May have a wonderful selection of food offerings). Finally the characters come out, with Tigger being first.

Now Tigger always is friendly and frisky. And he takes a great picture with his bold coloring.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2873.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2848.jpg

Next was Winnie the Pooh. Very shy and gentle, but he gives the best hugs!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2839.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2842.jpg

Alice came by next. I had to explain to the boys about her wonderful adventure. They’ve never seen the movie. We don’t have any princess or girly movies in my house. So we asked Alice questions about her adventure and the purple cat. She was wonderful with her proper English accent. MJ thought she was very interesting.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2856.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2853.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2855.jpg

Now with Mary Poppins, AJ was not sure what to think of her. He kept his distance and would not speak to her. But he pointed. She asked who made his pretty shirt, and AJ pointed to me. Then I told AJ if he could ask Mary Poppins to please sign our autograph book. But AJ just kept pointing to it. Mary asked if he might use his manners, but nope, just more pointing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2862.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2858.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2860.jpg

Last but not least, the man we’d been waiting for – the Mad Hatter. Oh my, he has a big hat! Our table was in a corner near the buffet, so when he came over to us, he shouted “Have you been bad? Why did they stick you in the corner? What have you done??” He loved looking at his picture on our autograph card. Then he grabbed a fruit loop with the spoon and shot it across to the next table yelling at them “Stop staring at me!!!” He was very funny.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2863.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2864.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2868.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2865.jpg

Finally, I told the boys to give him a big hug. Mad Hatter started whining “Ewww, I don’t do hugs, yucky!!!!”. This picture is just priceless!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2869.jpg

Here are the autograph cards. Now when people ask if the pen they use for autographs makes a difference, you can say YES it really does. We started the week with a black retractable Sharpie – THE best in my opinion for autographs. However, it dried out and I did not have a spare. I did have a regular blue Sharpie, but as you can see, it’s very thick and it bleeds through the back of the paper. Then we bought a regular thick ballpoint pen at the gift shop (because Disney does not sell Sharpies in the parks). And I think it’s just not bold enough. Well, enough about the pens….I just need to ease off my perfectionist campaign!! UUUgh!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3031-1.jpg

Heading out of the breakfast is a nice topiary of Mary Poppins. Of course, AJ did not want to have his picture taken.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2875.jpg

With breakfast done, we had about 15 minutes to walk around before checking in for the pirate cruise. We made some pressed pennies and watched TV in the lobby. Finally it was time to walk to the marina and check in. So next up will be the Grand Floridian Pirate Cruise. AAArrrrgh!!!

[MJAJmom]

Great parade pics. We've never seen that parade. We also like mid day breaks so we miss out on the parades. Can't wait to hear about the Pirate Cruise. I seriously considered sending my kids this past trip.

We always take breaks too, and have missed all the parade the last 2 trips. So I was happy to see at least 1 this trip. Someday we'll catch the MK and AK afternoon parade.


Enjoying all the character meal reviews too. I've only done a couple (breakfast at 1900, lunch at Garden Grill, maybe a few others), but I'm really wanting to try one on one of my next trips. Dinner at 1900 Park Fare looks like a lot of fun, but I'm really leaning towards Cape May right now. It sounds good and the characters look great in their beachwear.

Cape May Cafe is a wonderful meal. Great place, good food and fun characters. Their buffet is plentiful!! I know you'll love it!


Your boys are so cute...what a special trip for you and the two of them...:thumbsup2

I have a little guy, 6 3/4 (and a dd 14)-it was so funny when I found out I was having a little boy-I wasn't sure what is would be like-there is a 7 year difference between my children...but it has been great...little boys are so much fun...:rotfl:

the big things he much do on our August trip (besides riding all the "mountains" are go to Goofy's for Candy and make a light saber...he's just gotten into Star Wars and would go nuts for the Star Wars Weekend...

hmmm...next time I plan a dis trip (haven't even finished the upcoming one...lol-I want to go for either the Halloween Party or Star Wars Weekend...

Can't wait to keep reading...:surfweb:

Well thank you! Boys can be fun, and nothing beats a big hug from your little man!! My boys absolutely love their lightsabers, so make sure to do it at either DTD at the Once Upon a Toy store or at the DHS Tatooine Traders shop near Star Tours. You can also have their picture taken where they insert their face into a Star Wars character. They do this at the gift shop as well. They are really neat and my boys loved their picture!!

So far, between going last October for MNSSHP and now June for SWW, my favorite is MNSSHP. The weather is better, the crowds are lower, and the decorations are very festive.

But you can't wait until August gets here, you'll be in Disney pretty soon!!! :cool1:

[dismagiclover]

You are so right about the Mad Hatter picture. It is priceless:thumbsup2 That looks like a fun breakfast. I agree with you about Cape May and Tusker House breakfasts. Those are my favorites:thumbsup2

[goofygal531]

You have got to tell me where you found Raspberry Lemonade in DHS!! :eek: I really thought this was only available at the Enchanted Grove in Fantasy Land!!!! Is it anywhere else??? Did you also find it in Epcot and AK??? This was my favorite drink!! I'm so jealous that you found it in other places!!! :goodvibes

I agree with you about 1900 Park Fare! It was fun to meet the Mad Hatter, but I thought the food was very limited. I also didn't like the "flow" of the buffet, just an odd line. Our Mad Hatter asked my son where we were from then starting to sing "New York, New York" He yelled "Start spreading.....the cream cheese!" :rotfl: He was so funny!

Looking forward to hearing about the Pirate Cruise! pirate: I have another two years to go before my boys can do it together :rotfl2:

One more thing, Sharpie is the sponser for the KidCot Stations in Epcot. They have the minis. You could have "borrowed" a pen from one of the stations ;) Have your boys made the Masks in Epcot? My DS5 loves to do that.

[MJAJmom]

AJ was finally 4 years old, old enough to go on the pirate cruise now! I booked the cruise when I book all the dining ADRs, total cost with tax for 2 kids was $63.90 for a 2 hour cruise. They got the kids ready by putting on a black life vest, a black pirate bandana on their head, and a name tag. They all looked adorable!

They marched them down the ramp and into the boat. The captain was wearing the purple shirt. There was 20 kids cruising today from 9:30 to 11:30am.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2876.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2880.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image250.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2881.jpg

The boat was pretty simple, it had a rows of benches on each side for the kids to sit on. Once everyone was in the boat, they sailed away!!! A Photopass photographer went with them to take pictures. I didn’t know that, so it was a wonderful surprise knowing I’d get some cute pictures of them on their treasure hunts.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2905.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2888.jpg

The kids were gone!!! I now had 2 hours to myself. I’d been thinking about what to do with myself all week. We’d already eaten breakfast so I didn’t need any food. Didn’t feel like trying out the spa. So the only reasonable thing to do –-- was to shop!!! Alone, with nobody to watch over, nobody pestering you. How wonderful!!

I headed straight to the monorail to MK and planned to shop on main street and to take some pictures. On main street at the railroad station, I went on the second floor and took a picture of the castle. The Dreams show was playing at the castle so it looked a little crowded down there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2889.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2890.jpg

I stopped at 2 photopass photographers and did the Tinkerbell and the balloons add-ins.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image268.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image277.jpg

I was trying to think ahead, so I went to Big Thunder Mtn to get fastpasses for us to use later. But I couldn’t get one for the boys since they did not use their tickets to enter the park – Duh!!! But a CM was standing right there with me, and he gave me the 2 FP anyways – that was very nice!!

I walked through AdventureLand so I could get my favorite drink – a raspberry lemonade slush!! How yummy on such a hot day!! I browsed through all the stores on main street, taking my time. Didn’t find anything I desperately had to buy, but I did buy 2 star wars mickey mouse figures for the boys as a surprise when I picked them up. Then it was time to head back to GF to get the boys. I went to take the monorail, but they said they it was delayed, they were changing one of the trains to an express train for TTC. So 8 minutes go by, and we’re still sitting in the train. I did not want to miss the boys, so I jumped off and ran down to take the ferry to GF. This ended up being much quicker!!

From the end of the boat ramp at Grand Floridian marina, I took a few pictures of MK.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2898.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2897.jpg

Right on time, the pirate ship comes sailing back to the dock.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2899.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2900.jpg

They gave me a claim tag to get our Photopass pictures added to our card. It takes about 20 minutes after the cruise ends before they are ready, so we added them to our card after our lunch.

continued on next post pirate:

[MJAJmom]

Here are all the photopass pictures from their adventure. They made 4 stops to search for treasure and to eat lunch. One stop was at the Polynesian hotel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image255-1.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image256.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image253.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image252.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image270.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image273.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image274.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image279.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image280.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image288.jpg

They provided lunch. It was a peanut butter crustables sandwich, goldfish, rice krispie treat and a juice box. Plenty of water was provided, too.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image282.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image283.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image269.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image292.jpg

When the boat pulled up, you couldn’t see any of the kids looking out, it was very strange! They told the kids to play a trick on the parents, told them to lay down in the boat and then when they got at the dock, to jump up and shout “Arrrrrhhhh!!!!”. Very funny, MJ thought it was hilarious that they tricked us.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image289.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image290.jpg

As they got off the ship, they were given a goody bag. It contained a pirate eye patch, a pirate parrot toy, a black rubbery pirate ball, a treasure chest with coins/beads, 2 colorful rings and a little telescope (all from Oriental Trading Company). They boys loved their bags and played with them all day.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image291.jpg

The boys said they liked the pirate cruise, that it was fun. I’m glad we did it. If we do it again, I’d like to do the pirate cruise at another hotel, just for something different. I sure liked having 2 hours to myself!!!

With that done, we got back on the monorail to MK. MJ wanted to try to get selected to fight Jack Sparrow in the Pirate Tutorial.

[MJAJmom]

Yesterday at MK, MJ watched the Jack Sparrow Pirate Tutorial. He did NOT want to get picked to sword fight. Today was a new day, and today he said he DEFINITELY wants to try to get picked. Maybe the pirate cruise got him in the right spirits. We watched the Dreams show at the castle for a few minutes before heading to the Pirate Tutorial at 12:25. I wanted to make sure we got there early to get a good spot. It’s not at all like Jedi Training Academy with kids/parents going wild to get their kid picked. This is much more tame and a ton less crowded (not really sure why).

I staked out the very first spot, right in front center. They only pick 4 kids, and 2 of them are usually girls. They also pick a bigger boy to fight Jack Sparrow in the end. Finally it was time for the show to start. Mack came out to lay down the rope on the ground as the border for crowd control. Then he started the pirate music – Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life For Me!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2910.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2912.jpg

How can you not love this guy???
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2913.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2915.jpg

Now it’s time for Jack Sparrow to select his trainees. MJ has his hand up!! He selects a girl first, then picks MJ (Yeah!!!!), then selects another girl. Then he walks around, eyeing the crowd, trying to find the last boy. He ended up asking a boy who didn’t even have his hand raised, he was an older boy. And now a very lucky boy because he’ll now be the one to fight Jack Sparrow!!! I was secretly hoping it would be MJ (yes, I know I’m being greedy!!!)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2916.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2920.jpg

Sparrow tells them how they are going to fight Mack. He explains where to hit the sword and then how to distract your opponent and get away if you can’t win. They’ll do 3 sword strikes, and then you shout “Look, it’s the governor’s daughter” and point off in the distance. The tall gal went first, then it was MJs turn. He was very excited to be sword fighting!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2921.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2922.jpg

Then it’s “Look, it’s the governor’s daughter”. Mack turns around to look and MJ runs away!! Bravo!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2923.jpg

Next, they take their pirate oath and pledge to become a pirate and follow the pirate code. Then they invite several other kids to join them and pledge to become pirates. AJ got picked here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2927.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2935.jpg

Mack hands out scrolls for everyone. It’s a pirate certificate!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2929.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2938.jpg

They finish up the show and my boys are both thrilled!! Lots of pirate stuff today. We’re running a few minutes late for our 12:50 ADR at Plaza. I was pretty hungry by now! Thankfully, we got in right away for lunch. I had the tuna sandwich and thought it was really yummy. I got the brownie sundae for dessert. The boys had a peanut butter sandwich and chicken strips. The PBJs are excellent here for kids!! They cut them in the shape of Mickey ears. The Plaza is a pretty good place to grab a sandwich for lunch!!

Since we had a busy morning already, the boys wanted to go home to play and swim. On our way out, I spotted Pinocchio near the camera/photo shot at Town Square. He is very tiny!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2896.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2950.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2953.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2955.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2957.jpg

Back at CBR, the boys enjoy playing with their toys in the hotel room and we swim for a little bit. It’s been wonderful coming home to the hotel and having the room already cleaned for us. I only had to call housekeeping that first time to request early cleaning, and it’s been done well every day. I’d heard rumors about poor housekeeping, but that was just the opposite for us. So far, I’ve really liked our stay at CBR.

Tonight is our traditional last supper at Chef Mickeys!!

[dismagiclover]

Oooh I love the treasure cruise report and pictures. That is so cool that they took a photopass guy with thme so you have pictures of what they actually did. Where else do they offer the treasure cruise? And I love the pictures of the Pirate Tutorial. We've never seen that and I didn't even realize they pick kids to sword fight. Sounds like a great day for your boys:thumbsup2

I may end up taking a trip with just me and my boys next summer and your report has given me tons of awesome ideas! :goodvibes

I'm sad to see your report coming to an end.

[meeko_33785]

1900 Park Fare is so fun for breakfast. I was there a few years back and had all the same characters you did except instead of Tigger, Rabbit was there which was cool because I'd never seen him anywhere before or since. The Mad Hatter's a real hoot. The last picture of them giving him a hig is priceless!

Great shots of the Pirate Tutorial. How fun that the kids got to be a part of it!

[MJAJmom]

You are so right about the Mad Hatter picture. It is priceless:thumbsup2 That looks like a fun breakfast. I agree with you about Cape May and Tusker House breakfasts. Those are my favorites:thumbsup2

Yup, Cape May and Tusker have such a great selection of breakfast food. More yogarts, pastries, fruits and cereals. Yummy!!


You have got to tell me where you found Raspberry Lemonade in DHS!! :eek: I really thought this was only available at the Enchanted Grove in Fantasy Land!!!! Is it anywhere else??? Did you also find it in Epcot and AK??? This was my favorite drink!! I'm so jealous that you found it in other places!!! :goodvibes

One more thing, Sharpie is the sponser for the KidCot Stations in Epcot. They have the minis. You could have "borrowed" a pen from one of the stations ;) Have your boys made the Masks in Epcot? My DS5 loves to do that.

I'm just hooked on those raspberry lemonades!!! At DHS, I found them at Min & Bill's Dockside, right by the lake. Ohh, so good!

I cannot believe that Sharpie is an Epcot sponsor!! Our retractable sharpie pen stopped working the day after our Epcot day (maybe it was voodoo!!). I searched our hotel and MK shops, but all they have is ballpoint pens. I will know next time to bring a spare, then use Epcot as my backup plan! Thanks for the tip!

Oooh I love the treasure cruise report and pictures. That is so cool that they took a photopass guy with thme so you have pictures of what they actually did. Where else do they offer the treasure cruise? And I love the pictures of the Pirate Tutorial. We've never seen that and I didn't even realize they pick kids to sword fight. Sounds like a great day for your boys:thumbsup2

I may end up taking a trip with just me and my boys next summer and your report has given me tons of awesome ideas! :goodvibes

I'm sad to see your report coming to an end.

I was so excited that a photopass photographer was going on the cruise. I really wanted to see what they did out there!! There is also a pirate cruise at the Yacht Club and Carribbean Beach Resort, so that's what we'll try next time.

I sure hope you take your boys by yourself!! It's such a different trip, such great memories!!


1900 Park Fare is so fun for breakfast. I was there a few years back and had all the same characters you did except instead of Tigger, Rabbit was there which was cool because I'd never seen him anywhere before or since. The Mad Hatter's a real hoot. The last picture of them giving him a hig is priceless!

Great shots of the Pirate Tutorial. How fun that the kids got to be a part of it!


Rabbit would be so cool to see, he's so rare now!! I was just thinking how Pooh and Tigger just don't belong with the Alice characters. They could swap them with Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dum/Dee, White Rabbit, Mr Walrus. That would be different!

[MJAJmom]

We’ve done dinner at Chef Mickey’s for our last 2 trip, so I guess now that will be our traditional “Last Supper”. The food is pretty good, the desserts are very yummy. The boys love the ice cream with all the toppings. The characters are fabulous, how can you beat the Fab 5??? I packed the dream ears that I won last Fall, but have not pulled them out to wear this week. So I had the boys wear them for Chef Mickey’s dinner.

We had our picture taken at check-in, not a great one, but always a cute background.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3058.jpg

The characters were all around us and coming quickly. We got Pluto, Donald and Minnie before we even made it to the buffet line.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2965.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2973.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2975.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2980.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2983.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2990.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_2995.jpg

The characters all came around twice, so we got pictures with our Mickey hats on and without the hats. The place was fairly full, but the characters did a great job circulating around. We never felt rushed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3009.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3018.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3040.jpg

You just can’t beat Chef Mickey’s as one of the better character meals!! After dinner, we planned to go over to MK for some rides. The line at Contemporary to get onto the monorail was VERY long. So instead, I took the walkway over to MK. It was a nice walk, probably about 7 minutes. MJ was not thrilled because he wanted to take the monorail. We headed first to Big Thunder Mountain, our favorite thrill ride now. We got stuck on it at the top of the second big climb. We were stuck for about 2 minutes. Not sure what happened. Then we rode POTC twice. Again, going in the left side where nobody was, we had no waiting.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3021.jpg

We rode Jungle Cruise now that it was a little bit darker. That was lots of fun. AJ loved it because it was dark and scary inside the Asian temple ruins where the tigers and snakes are. After getting my LAST raspberry lemonade slush for the trip, we went to ride Buzz Lightyear. We took our usual pictures inside the jail bars with Zurg.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3023.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3022.jpg

I got the boys a smoothie at the tomorrowland ice cream shop, and MJ spotted the Star Wars pictures were you can have your faces inserted. We did this last year and MJ loved it, insisting we had to do it again this year. We tried to take a picture while at DHS earlier in the week, but AJ was not in the picture taking mood (what a surpise!!).

MJ picked out a jedi one with 2 faces on it – Anakin Sykwalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. I’ll have to admit, this picture is a little scary!!! These don’t even look like my little boys!!! MJ loved it!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3055.jpg

On our way out of tomorrowland, we had our last photopass picture taken in front of the castle!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/Image296.jpg

It was time to go home to bed. Sad that this was our final day at the parks!! Tomorrow we have a half day, needing to leave for the airport at 1:30pm.

Next up – a medical problem that resulted in a trip to the Orlando doctor in the morning!!

[dismagiclover]

Chef Mickey's is such a fun place! Great last night tradition.
And then a MK evening. Not much better than that:goodvibes
Love the SW picture. They really do a great job making it look as realistic as possible.
I'm sad it's your last full day and oh no about the Dr's visit. That doesn't sound good.

[meeko_33785]

Sad to hear that the trip is almost over, and definitely not liking the sound of the doctor's visit. Hope that everything is alright. :(

[goofy's_gurl]

i read your whole trip report this afternoon. i loved it. your boys are cute. sounds like you had a great vacation. nice relaxing no meltdowns. uh oh the dr. visit dont sound good.

[dd50]

Loved your TR but a Drs. visit doesn't sound good.

[MJAJmom]

Well, I had big plans for our last half day…. I wanted to do the Winter/SummerLand miniature golf course and check out the other resort like All Star Movies. But instead, we spent majority of the morning in the Orlando Care Now medical center.

Last night while getting MJ changed for bed, I noticed a large bulge in his lower groin area. Oh great!! I know what that is and I can’t believe my son has a HERNIA at DisneyWorld!!! Good grief. So last night, I’m trying to figure out what to do. Do we need to go to the hospital right now?? Do we try to find a doctor at this late hour? Do I just wait until we fly home tomorrow afternoon to get it checked?? Since he wasn’t in any pain and had no pains all day peeing or pooping, maybe we could wait out the night.

I called the front desk to ask where the closest doctor office was. It’s called Care Now and it’s just further past Downtown Disney. They open at 8am on Sunday. So I get our suitcases packed up so we’ll be prepared for anything in the morning.

I had an 8am ADR at Boma for breakfast, so I figured we might as well eat a quick breakfast first in case we have a long morning. I probably wasn’t in best frame of mind for breakfast, but I wasn’t that impressed with the Boma breakfast buffet. I’d heard raving comments about it – I just thought it was an average buffet. Glad we went there once, but no need to go back again.

At the doctor office, there is only 1 woman doctor working there, and she is horribly SLOW. We waited in the waiting room for 1 hour, then back at the exam room we waited another 25 minutes to see her, then another 20 minutes just to get her paperwork to check out. Made me want to hit somebody!!! In the end, MJ has an inguinal hernia, something that is very common in boys. Needs to be fixed but certainly no rush to fix it today. OK, that was good news, stand down from RED alert status!!

So, we’ve blown the whole morning. I had an 12:00 ADR at the Yacht Club at Captain’s Grill, so we drive other there. We’re 30 minutes early, so I let the boys play around in the lobby with all their pirate toys from the cruise yesterday. Our lunch at Captain’s Grill was amazingly delicious!!! I had crab cake appetizers, lobster salad roll, and the chocolate cake for dessert. All was so yummy. Service was great too!! So that was a nice end to our dining experience on the Deluxe Dining Plan.

I only took 1 picture today, at the entrance to Captain’s Grill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/LindaMom/Disney%20June09%20Trip/IMG_3024.jpg

After lunch, it was off to Hertz to return the rental car and back onto JetBlue to fly home. So sad that the trip was over!!!

To update you currently about MJ, we saw a pediatric surgeon at home and then he had surgery last Tuesday July 7th. The incision was maybe ¾ inch wide and he was walking around and playing later that afternoon. By the next morning, he had no pain and was quite normal. Just really needed to keep the bandage dry (no bathing or swimming). Today we had our follow-up checkup with the surgeon, and he’s healing just fine. Got the green light to go swimming now!! No problems, all is well!! So glad to have that little incident taken care of!! :cool1:

Next up – lots of reflections about this trip. Thoughts about June weather, crowds, the dining plan, the resort, Star Wars weekends. And of course, when do we plan to come back??

[dismagiclover]

Well that is certainly not the last day we all dream of, but I'm glad MJ is OK and it sounds like recovery from the surgery has been good as well. At least you had a great lunch at Captain's Grille. Looking forward to your last thoughts.

[dspads]

Just catching up.

The cruise and pirate tutorial look great! I know my older DS would love to get picked for that. How do you find out about them? Is there one every day? I can just picture staking them out several times just so DS's can participate...

Sorry about your last day incident. Glad all turned out OK for MJ. Probably best it happened at the end so you had less time to worry. And thank god you had your rental car!

Looking forward to your summary!

[dd50]

Sorry to hear about MJ but glad he is on the mend and allowed to swim. I am sure that wasn't what you had planned for your last 1/2 day.

[thegreggersmom]

Whew! Glad to hear everything turned out okay with MJ. And congrats to you for remaining so calm during everything!

[MJAJmom]

I'm sad it's your last full day and oh no about the Dr's visit. That doesn't sound good.

i read your whole trip report this afternoon. i loved it. your boys are cute. sounds like you had a great vacation. nice relaxing no meltdowns. uh oh the dr. visit dont sound good.

Loved your TR but a Drs. visit doesn't sound good.

Well that is certainly not the last day we all dream of, but I'm glad MJ is OK and it sounds like recovery from the surgery has been good as well. At least you had a great lunch at Captain's Grille. Looking forward to your last thoughts.


Sorry about your last day incident. Glad all turned out OK for MJ. Probably best it happened at the end so you had less time to worry. And thank god you had your rental car!

Sorry to hear about MJ but glad he is on the mend and allowed to swim. I am sure that wasn't what you had planned for your last 1/2 day.

Whew! Glad to hear everything turned out okay with MJ. And congrats to you for remaining so calm during everything!

Thank you for all the kind words about my son. The DISboard folks are always so sweet and so supportive when you need a hug or a pick-me-up. :lovestruc

MJ has been swimming like a crazy fish for the last 2 days since he got the OK to play freely, hang like a monkey and swim like a fish!!! :woohoo:

[MJAJmom]

Have you ever felt like you hit the JACKPOT when you've stumbled upon something and then it's this HUGE thing that you just have to explore. And then it consumes you for days???

Let me give you an example...
1. Discovering DISBoards - in planning my first trip to Disney, I was reading several books and websites. Then I discovered DISboards. OMG - I couldn't believe how much great stuff was on here!!
2. Discovering Creative DISsigns - in planning my second trip, I innocently stumbled onto the Creative DISsigns forum where there were tons of awesome designers that creatived cool tshirt designs, amazing custom autograph cards, invitations, journal pages. Another OMG moment!!

And now this week, I fell upon digital scrapbooking. I was thinking I should try this instead of all the paper stuff. There are hundreds of cool websites with tons of free papers, stickers, frames, borders, pictures. Holy cow. I've been totally absorbed for the last 3 days!! :surfweb:

OK, so now I'm taking a much needed mental overload break, and I will return to writing up my thoughts and reflections about my Disney trip. Thank you for your patience!!

[MJAJmom]

June weather and crowds – I was prepared for the worst – horrible heat and humidity and elbow to elbow crowds. Since we went very early in June, I was pleasantly surprised. For the first 4 days, the heat wasn’t that bad. Then the last 5 days, it got pretty hot. Meaning that it was very warm starting at 9am. We were truly fortunate that it only rained for 10 minutes the very first day, then no rain after that. I’ll take the no rain instead of high heat any day!!! Because we napped and swam mid-day, we missed most of the unbearable heat. The crowds the first weekend were pretty tame. It did get much busier by the second weekend of June. All in all, I can’t complain because the heat/crowds were better than I expected. Now, will I do it again??? Probably not, given the choice. My next trips will be in the Spring or Fall, and then I’d like to try early December for MVMCP. So for a while, I’ll pass on the summer heat/crowds.

Star Wars Weekends – This was awesome!! There was so much to do – tons of characters to meet and lots more walking around. Lots of scenery, cut-outs and backgrounds to take pictures of. The parade was fabulous!! A huge shop at Wicket’s Warehouse. It really was worth the trip!! The boys absolutely loved it. I highly suggest coming, especially if you have boys. You really need 2 days to get it all in, meaning you’ve dedicated most of the day to seeing the shows/events and finding characters.

Caribbean Beach Resort – Loved the pirate rooms and the pirate ship kiddie pool. Again, something that’s awesome for little boys!! It took me a few days to “adjust” my expectations of a deluxe vs moderate hotel, then I felt very comfortable. I loved the cheaper price of a moderate. Frankly, I’m having a hard time convincing myself to pay an extra $150-$250 more per night to go back to a deluxe. The only thing I really would like is a queen size bed instead of their double bed – fix that and I’ll never go back!!! I will certainly stay at CBR again, but next time will stay in a preferred room closer to OPR.

PhotoPass Add-in Pictures – We tried out lots of the add-in pictures – Baby Simba, balloons, fighting with Darth Vader, Stitch eating ice cream, tinkerbell. They really were lots of fun. Now I wish we did even more photopass shots!!! I highly suggest taking the same picture over multiple days, especially in front of the castle. Each trip I take more pictures than last trip, but still say that I need MORE pictures. I just never take enough pictures of the resort and hardly take any pictures on the rides. I prepurchased the Photo CD, so that saved some money.

Deluxe Dining Plan – I’m really glad we tried this for the first time. I did lots of preplanning to figure out if it was worth the money or not. And it certainly was!! You need to eat at more TS places than CS to make it worthwhile. And the more kids you have on it, the better. The additional summer surcharge that gets added to the buffets certainly makes the DDP cheaper. I found that I experimented more with food choices. I ordered more expensive entrees than I normally would have. It really did give you more freedom to enjoy your dining experience each time. I felt the refillable mugs were a waste for us. Mainly because we were not close to OPR to “hop”over for a quick refill. Maybe if DH was with me on this trip, I could have been more flexible. I made sure we did nothing OOP for eating. I would have liked to have done TRex, Rainforest Café and Fulton’s Crab House, but since they were not on the DDP, I had to pass this time.

I read that many people ended up not using up all their snack credits, so from day 1, I made sure we were very generous in getting any and all snacks and drinks throughout the parks. We used all our snack credits and all our meal credits! Because we were on the DxDP, I bought lots of goodies that I would not have purchased at Goofy’s Candy Shoppe. For drinks, we had water, soda, smoothies, Gatorade and my slushes. Again, it was nice not to think about how much everything cost. Also because it was so hot, we drank a lot. If it was October, I’m not sure we’d have used that many drinks.

It was a LOT of food, having an appetizer/dessert with every lunch and dinner. I made sure not to eat everything if I was feeling full. The little boys started getting bored with ice cream at every meal – the kids desserts were very limited (ice cream or pudding). It was nice having a buffet for lunch/dinner where you could pick at whatever pleased you, and the boys could have more variety as well. I also needed to make our dinner ADRs at a later time. I had dinners scheduled from 5:00 to 5:45pm. AJ was napping later so that was pushing us too close to dinner time. I’ll need to make dinner at 6:00 to 6:30pm next time.

Dining Review – We ate at every character meal except CRT (which I will plan for next trip!!!). My favorites are Chef Mickey’s, Cape May Café, Tusker House and Crystal Palace. Least favorite is Ohana because I don’t thing the food is very good. It was fun doing the princess breakfast at Akershus, but with the boys, we’ll only do that once. We’ll probably do 1900 Park Fare again since the boys loved the step sisters and Mad Hatter.

For regular dining, I loved Teppan Edo, Captain’s Grill and Wolfgang Puck Express. I won’t be doing Brown Derby or Boma breakfast again. Sci-Fi is MJ’s favorite and just a cool place. If DH comes next time, we’ll try out more CS places. But if it’s just me solo again, we’ll probably stay with more TS meals. I’ll certainly do the dining plan again!!

Staying 9 nights – With our airplane schedule, we had a total of 8.5 days of touring time. We did 3 days at DHS, 2.5 days at MK, 1 at Epcot and 1 at AK. The our off day was spent at ½ day at doctor and ½ day at GF pirate cruise. The trip seemed pretty long to me. We were all getting tired by the last 2 days. So next trip will probably be 7 days of touring time. I can’t ever see us taking a 10 day trip or 2 weeks. That’s just too long to be away from home with the little boys. Maybe I might look into Universal Studios and spending a day there for something different to explore.

Orlando Stroller Rentals – Once again, it was a fabulous double stroller that made our trip much easier!! The stroller was waiting for me at the luggage desk as expected, and I just dropped it off on our way out. Very quick and easy. Very affordable. I feel so lucky that I found this place and highly recommend them!!!

Final thoughts – Taking a solo trip with the boys was much easier the second time around. I felt more relaxed and comfortable with the parks and dining places, I just loved sharing Disney with them. It just constantly makes you smile!!

Next trip - I’m still thinking about that one. It’s either going to be early December or the last week of April/first week of May. I’ll have to take MJ out of school for that trip. I’d love the do both, but don’t think DH will let me. He already thinks we’ve done Disney enough!! I’m waiting to see what special rates and promotions come out for December. Most likely we’ll do the late April/early May week. I’d like to try out Beach/Yacht Club if we can get a discount, otherwise we’ll do CBR again. Can’t wait to start planning again!!

So, I think that’s it. Hard to believe it’s the end of my trip report!! I hope you had fun reading about our little adventure and that you enjoyed all the pictures. We certainly had a wonderful trip!! Thanks to such a great DISboards forum – just a wonderful place to talk and share!! So, as the CMs say….

:goodvibes Have a magical day!!! :goodvibes

[dismagiclover]

So sad that it's over:sad: I really appreciate your final thoughts. I will definitely be referencing this report if I do a solo trip with my 2 boys next summer. Love all of your ideas and your thoughts on Deluxe Dining. It does seem like lots of food, but you make a good point that CS would be hard alone. And the boys never seem to tire of character buffets. I guess we shall see. I think we will stay in the Pirate rooms. They look fun even though they are far away from the main part of the resort. Good luck in your future trip planning and I hope I see you around the boards:goodvibes

[dd50]

So glad that you had a great trip and I do agree about 10 days or 2 weeks being to long. When my kids were little we would do 7 days away but only 4 or 5 days in the park and that was long enough.

We are going to do mostly all character dining this time. Hopefully my kids will like it and not feel like it is cutting into park time. I know that my grandkids will love it.

I do love that you all took your time and got every thing done but still went back for a rest in the afternoon.

[goofy's_gurl]

ooh doesnt sound like how you would want to spend your last half day. but at least MJ is fine. Most important part. whoo!! he swimming now!!

[cdotla]

Wow! I just found your TR tonite and read it start to finish. I didn't know you had taken another trip, let alone written up a TR!

Once again loved your Report from start to finish. I actually see a lot of similarities in our touring styles with the kids. And like you, I also have a husband who has stayed home and doesn't get the constant trips to Disney!:rotfl:

I echo all of your comments on CBR. WHoleheartedly agree with everything you said! I love the resort and will stay there again for sure. That said, there are reasons I will continue to pay for deluxe too!;)

BTW - for future reference Jamaica is an awesome building. Very close to OPR and the most beautiful 4 min walk across the bridge and island. The walk was the highlight of each morning for us. And it is not a preferred so no additional charge!;) Plus, I think it is hands down the most beautiful section!

Question about your FP strategy with TSM: if you are arriving at the front of the crowd, why do you go straight on the ride and then get a FP afterwards? I have never been at the front of ropedrop and by the time I make it there the standby lines are at least 25 mins so I always FP and come back. But...if I was at the front of the crowd, my plan would be to FP first then hop on the ride. Is there a reason it would work better to ride first? Do the crowds back up that quick, even if you are one of the 1st people to arrive at the FP machine?

Finally - can you share who made your autograph pages. I really liked them from your last TR and again this time too. I think I will have to do those on our next trip.

And one last thing: as luck would have it I am going to be back in WDW with my family including DD6 and DS4 at the end of April/ first of May and will also be staying at the Beach Club! If you end up going drop me a line!:goodvibes

[meeko_33785]

Enjoyed the trip report. Thanks for all the great reviews. :thumbsup2

[MJAJmom]

So sad that it's over:sad: I really appreciate your final thoughts. I will definitely be referencing this report if I do a solo trip with my 2 boys next summer. Love all of your ideas and your thoughts on Deluxe Dining. It does seem like lots of food, but you make a good point that CS would be hard alone. And the boys never seem to tire of character buffets. I guess we shall see. I think we will stay in the Pirate rooms. They look fun even though they are far away from the main part of the resort. Good luck in your future trip planning and I hope I see you around the boards:goodvibes

If you stay in a pirate room, then I would recommend that you request bldg 34 or 35. They are the closest to OPR. I think it makes a "mental" difference in how close you feel to things!!! My boys really loved the room, they enjoyed coming back to the room just to play with the headboard and the pirate curtain. The pirate theming made it "more than just a room".


So glad that you had a great trip and I do agree about 10 days or 2 weeks being to long. When my kids were little we would do 7 days away but only 4 or 5 days in the park and that was long enough.

We are going to do mostly all character dining this time. Hopefully my kids will like it and not feel like it is cutting into park time. I know that my grandkids will love it.

I do love that you all took your time and got every thing done but still went back for a rest in the afternoon.

Call me a character meal junkie, but I can't see how you wouldn't like doing character meals!! I think it adds to the Disney experience. Sometimes the food isn't always the best, but we're going more for the character interaction than for the fine dining. We never spent more than an hour on a character meal. It's just a nice break for us. Have a wonderful trip!


ooh doesnt sound like how you would want to spend your last half day. but at least MJ is fine. Most important part. whoo!! he swimming now!!

All is fine now!! So glad to have that behind us now. At least I know where the doctor's office is now. I don't plan on being a repeat customer for them if I can help it!! :rotfl:

[MJAJmom]

Wow! I just found your TR tonite and read it start to finish. I didn't know you had taken another trip, let alone written up a TR!

Once again loved your Report from start to finish. I actually see a lot of similarities in our touring styles with the kids. And like you, I also have a husband who has stayed home and doesn't get the constant trips to Disney!:rotfl:

I echo all of your comments on CBR. WHoleheartedly agree with everything you said! I love the resort and will stay there again for sure. That said, there are reasons I will continue to pay for deluxe too!;)

BTW - for future reference Jamaica is an awesome building. Very close to OPR and the most beautiful 4 min walk across the bridge and island. The walk was the highlight of each morning for us. And it is not a preferred so no additional charge!;) Plus, I think it is hands down the most beautiful section!

Question about your FP strategy with TSM: if you are arriving at the front of the crowd, why do you go straight on the ride and then get a FP afterwards? I have never been at the front of ropedrop and by the time I make it there the standby lines are at least 25 mins so I always FP and come back. But...if I was at the front of the crowd, my plan would be to FP first then hop on the ride. Is there a reason it would work better to ride first? Do the crowds back up that quick, even if you are one of the 1st people to arrive at the FP machine?

Finally - can you share who made your autograph pages. I really liked them from your last TR and again this time too. I think I will have to do those on our next trip.

And one last thing: as luck would have it I am going to be back in WDW with my family including DD6 and DS4 at the end of April/ first of May and will also be staying at the Beach Club! If you end up going drop me a line!:goodvibes

You found me!! Hey there, SO glad to hear from you again!! Good tip on Jamaica, I'll keep that in mind for next time, maybe then I'll save even more money by not paying for a preferred room.

About riding TSM or getting a FP at rope drop.... Here is my thinking.... We get to rope drop early to get in the front of the line. I always will head straight to TSM and ride it first, then immediately get a FP for later. I'm a fast walker with the kids in a stroller, so we make it there pretty fast and get right on. We can be done riding by 9:15 or 9:20am, by then, the standby wait line. The FP line will be pretty long too, but it never took us more than 5-8 minutes to get the FP. This way, I feel like we've done the big hitter ride first thing in the morning with minimal wait. With the little guys, we're not doing R&RR or ToT yet, so TSM is our highlight. Then with the FP, we can ride it again. This way, we get to ride it twice. We've done this several times now, and it has always worked out great for us.

The autograph pages were mostly created by 3 designers: Donatalie, Chaos1Cent and AreWeThereYet in the Creative DISigns forum. Here are the links to their photobuckets to browse their designs. Then you can search their design threads on Creative DISsigns for any custom covers you want.

http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/dd181/Chaos1Cent/
http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r132/donatalie/
http://s345.photobucket.com/albums/p379/ljcollins_2008/

Wow - that would be so fun if we were going at the same time next year!!! Would love to hook us somehow!!! I know you gave me some advice about BC/YC on the last trip report. I really do want to stay there, but want to find a good deal to make it a little more affordable!! I think my boys would love StormAlongBay pool!!! Do you have your dates planned already? I would pick either the week of April 25th or May 2nd.

[MJAJmom]

Enjoyed the trip report. Thanks for all the great reviews. :thumbsup2

Well thank you for following along to the very end!! I really loved your character journal. I've showed the boys some of the character pictures, some that we haven't seen yet. Gosh, I just love those Disney characters!!!

[PracPerfPatricia]

I am very glad that everything worked out with MJ -that must have been really distressing-I'm so glad it worked out for the best...

I really enjoyed reading your trip report-I definately would like to take DS and DH...:lmao: to one of the Star Wars weekends-you described the events of the weekends very well-I loved the all of your photos and summary of the experience...well done...

[MJAJmom]

I am very glad that everything worked out with MJ -that must have been really distressing-I'm so glad it worked out for the best...

I really enjoyed reading your trip report-I definately would like to take DS and DH...:lmao: to one of the Star Wars weekends-you described the events of the weekends very well-I loved the all of your photos and summary of the experience...well done...

Well thank you for following along. We really did have a great time at Star Wars Weekends. MJ still talks about all the SW characters we met. And of course, they ask that question "Mom, when can we go back to Disney?"

I would highly recommend SWW to anyone, especially for boys or for anyone who is a big SW fan. It's just a whole lot of fun!! Now I'm just trying to decide if we should go in late April when the weather is nice and the crowds are smaller. Or should we try again for SWW? Ahhh, decisions, decisions!!

[lisalisalisa]

What a great trip report. The Star Wars Weekends looked great - my big boys would love them. I am hoping to do the princess breakfast when we go and I can just imagine my boys faces.

I look forward to your next report :)

[ScrappyRN]

June weather and crowds – I was prepared for the worst – horrible heat and humidity and elbow to elbow crowds. Since we went very early in June, I was pleasantly surprised. For the first 4 days, the heat wasn’t that bad. Then the last 5 days, it got pretty hot. Meaning that it was very warm starting at 9am. We were truly fortunate that it only rained for 10 minutes the very first day, then no rain after that. I’ll take the no rain instead of high heat any day!!! Because we napped and swam mid-day, we missed most of the unbearable heat. The crowds the first weekend were pretty tame. It did get much busier by the second weekend of June. All in all, I can’t complain because the heat/crowds were better than I expected. Now, will I do it again??? Probably not, given the choice. My next trips will be in the Spring or Fall, and then I’d like to try early December for MVMCP. So for a while, I’ll pass on the summer heat/crowds.

Star Wars Weekends – This was awesome!! There was so much to do – tons of characters to meet and lots more walking around. Lots of scenery, cut-outs and backgrounds to take pictures of. The parade was fabulous!! A huge shop at Wicket’s Warehouse. It really was worth the trip!! The boys absolutely loved it. I highly suggest coming, especially if you have boys. You really need 2 days to get it all in, meaning you’ve dedicated most of the day to seeing the shows/events and finding characters.

Caribbean Beach Resort – Loved the pirate rooms and the pirate ship kiddie pool. Again, something that’s awesome for little boys!! It took me a few days to “adjust” my expectations of a deluxe vs moderate hotel, then I felt very comfortable. I loved the cheaper price of a moderate. Frankly, I’m having a hard time convincing myself to pay an extra $150-$250 more per night to go back to a deluxe. The only thing I really would like is a queen size bed instead of their double bed – fix that and I’ll never go back!!! I will certainly stay at CBR again, but next time will stay in a preferred room closer to OPR.

PhotoPass Add-in Pictures – We tried out lots of the add-in pictures – Baby Simba, balloons, fighting with Darth Vader, Stitch eating ice cream, tinkerbell. They really were lots of fun. Now I wish we did even more photopass shots!!! I highly suggest taking the same picture over multiple days, especially in front of the castle. Each trip I take more pictures than last trip, but still say that I need MORE pictures. I just never take enough pictures of the resort and hardly take any pictures on the rides. I prepurchased the Photo CD, so that saved some money.

Deluxe Dining Plan – I’m really glad we tried this for the first time. I did lots of preplanning to figure out if it was worth the money or not. And it certainly was!! You need to eat at more TS places than CS to make it worthwhile. And the more kids you have on it, the better. The additional summer surcharge that gets added to the buffets certainly makes the DDP cheaper. I found that I experimented more with food choices. I ordered more expensive entrees than I normally would have. It really did give you more freedom to enjoy your dining experience each time. I felt the refillable mugs were a waste for us. Mainly because we were not close to OPR to “hop”over for a quick refill. Maybe if DH was with me on this trip, I could have been more flexible. I made sure we did nothing OOP for eating. I would have liked to have done TRex, Rainforest Café and Fulton’s Crab House, but since they were not on the DDP, I had to pass this time.

I read that many people ended up not using up all their snack credits, so from day 1, I made sure we were very generous in getting any and all snacks and drinks throughout the parks. We used all our snack credits and all our meal credits! Because we were on the DxDP, I bought lots of goodies that I would not have purchased at Goofy’s Candy Shoppe. For drinks, we had water, soda, smoothies, Gatorade and my slushes. Again, it was nice not to think about how much everything cost. Also because it was so hot, we drank a lot. If it was October, I’m not sure we’d have used that many drinks.

It was a LOT of food, having an appetizer/dessert with every lunch and dinner. I made sure not to eat everything if I was feeling full. The little boys started getting bored with ice cream at every meal – the kids desserts were very limited (ice cream or pudding). It was nice having a buffet for lunch/dinner where you could pick at whatever pleased you, and the boys could have more variety as well. I also needed to make our dinner ADRs at a later time. I had dinners scheduled from 5:00 to 5:45pm. AJ was napping later so that was pushing us too close to dinner time. I’ll need to make dinner at 6:00 to 6:30pm next time.

Dining Review – We ate at every character meal except CRT (which I will plan for next trip!!!). My favorites are Chef Mickey’s, Cape May Café, Tusker House and Crystal Palace. Least favorite is Ohana because I don’t thing the food is very good. It was fun doing the princess breakfast at Akershus, but with the boys, we’ll only do that once. We’ll probably do 1900 Park Fare again since the boys loved the step sisters and Mad Hatter.

For regular dining, I loved Teppan Edo, Captain’s Grill and Wolfgang Puck Express. I won’t be doing Brown Derby or Boma breakfast again. Sci-Fi is MJ’s favorite and just a cool place. If DH comes next time, we’ll try out more CS places. But if it’s just me solo again, we’ll probably stay with more TS meals. I’ll certainly do the dining plan again!!

Staying 9 nights – With our airplane schedule, we had a total of 8.5 days of touring time. We did 3 days at DHS, 2.5 days at MK, 1 at Epcot and 1 at AK. The our off day was spent at ½ day at doctor and ½ day at GF pirate cruise. The trip seemed pretty long to me. We were all getting tired by the last 2 days. So next trip will probably be 7 days of touring time. I can’t ever see us taking a 10 day trip or 2 weeks. That’s just too long to be away from home with the little boys. Maybe I might look into Universal Studios and spending a day there for something different to explore.

Orlando Stroller Rentals – Once again, it was a fabulous double stroller that made our trip much easier!! The stroller was waiting for me at the luggage desk as expected, and I just dropped it off on our way out. Very quick and easy. Very affordable. I feel so lucky that I found this place and highly recommend them!!!

Final thoughts – Taking a solo trip with the boys was much easier the second time around. I felt more relaxed and comfortable with the parks and dining places, I just loved sharing Disney with them. It just constantly makes you smile!!

Next trip - I’m still thinking about that one. It’s either going to be early December or the last week of April/first week of May. I’ll have to take MJ out of school for that trip. I’d love the do both, but don’t think DH will let me. He already thinks we’ve done Disney enough!! I’m waiting to see what special rates and promotions come out for December. Most likely we’ll do the late April/early May week. I’d like to try out Beach/Yacht Club if we can get a discount, otherwise we’ll do CBR again. Can’t wait to start planning again!!

So, I think that’s it. Hard to believe it’s the end of my trip report!! I hope you had fun reading about our little adventure and that you enjoyed all the pictures. We certainly had a wonderful trip!! Thanks to such a great DISboards forum – just a wonderful place to talk and share!! So, as the CMs say….

:goodvibes Have a magical day!!! :goodvibes

Great trip report. My DS(8) loved your Star Wars photos, we are going in Oct. this year, but told him I'd save my money to do the SWW next year. The boys are so cute and I give you alot of credit for taking them alone.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

They gave me a claim tag to get our Photopass pictures added to our card. It takes about 20 minutes after the cruise ends before they are ready, so we added them to our card after our lunch.


can you do this at any place or only at the GF? we were going to leave the GF and head to downtown disney....can we still do this??

[MJAJmom]

can you do this at any place or only at the GF? we were going to leave the GF and head to downtown disney....can we still do this??

Hmmm, good question. I was told to go to the 2nd floor photopass station at GF. It would seem that you could have them added at any photopass center, but I'm not really sure. I would call them to find out for certain.

They had pictures of everyone on the cruise. We sorted through the pictures and only added the ones that were general pictures and pictures with my boys.

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

ok, fair enough! Thanks for the info and for sharing the cruise photos :O)