1st Trip Ever - Over 2000 Pictures!!!

[budafam]

No, I'm not posting all 2000 pictures but there will be a good chunk of them... Welcome to our first trip report on our first trip EVER! We had originally planned on a trip in September 2010 but had to cancel when my mom unexpectadly passed away in November 2009. I just knew I wouldn't enjoy myself. We rebooked for May 15-20th 2011 at Pop Century. We had originally planned to drive straight through but later on decided to add another day onto our vacation (the 14th) and be able to stop the day before on our way down. This worked out perfectly.

Weather was looking awful prior to our trip. It showed rain everyday but slowly started looking better. We ended up with no rain during our park days and low temps/humidity for May. Perfect.

Here are our introductions:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0317.jpg
Mommy (Kristy). I'm 28 years old (as of yesterday actually) and a SAHM to my 2 beautiful children & 3 puppies. I LOVE to plan things, coupon, rummage, scrapbook & decorate cakes. My favorite thing to do is create memories with my family. I've been married to my wonderful husband for almost 6 years now. More about him below :)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0042-1.jpg
Daddy (Nick). He is 28 years old as well and works at a mobility company installing handicapped lifts & other aides for driving. He is absolutely amazing and can do anything he puts his mind to. He loves to remodel our home and work on his fast car (also drive it of course). He is a great daddy & loves to spend time with us. He is also the pickiest eater you will ever meet. No fruit, veggies or meat. He literally lives on cheese pizza, mac & cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, cereal, french fries, pancakes & french toast. This made for a challenge with booking ADR's at WDW.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0483.jpg
DS4 (Dominic). This awesome little guy is full of energy and very goofy. He loves to play with dinosaurs, cars, blocks and crayons. He has quite the Disney movie collection and knows every one by heart. His favorite characters are Woody & Buzz (and Mickey).

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0455.jpg
DD2 (Lucy). This cutey pie of a girl loves to smile & laugh. She loves dolls, jewelry, stuffed animals & books. She loves to watch Playhouse Disney & anything with Tinkerbell. Her favorite character is Tinkerbell.

Now, let's get on with the show! Feel free to comment, I will try my best to keep up with this and finish as quickly as possible but please understand there are LOTS of pictures. I am a bit camera happy which is a good thing, right? Thank you for reading!!! :wizard:

-A collection of pictures from our Disney Movie Nights prior to the big trip! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41227578&postcount=4)

Friday, May 13th - Departure Day

-Countdown to Disney is at ZERO!!! Here we go! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41228556&postcount=10)

Saturday, May 14th - Arrival Day

-Florida, the sunshine state? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41231269&postcount=14)
-Pop Century exploration (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41231303&postcount=15)

Sunday, May 15th - Magic Kingdom Day

-Pixie Dust to start off the day (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41234638&postcount=22)
-I've been waiting my whole life for this... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41239389&postcount=30)
-Let's make the kids cry on their first ride (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41239715&postcount=31)
-BOO! DS4's favorite ride. (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41239805&postcount=33)
-Off to Neverland & then to the Mountain (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41240015&postcount=36)
-mmm... honey... mmm... (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41240015&postcount=37)
-Tinkerbell's best friend & the Fairy Godmother (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41240223&postcount=39)
-lunch at Crystal Palace with Pooh & Friends (food pics) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41240375&postcount=41)
-Celebrate a Dream Come True parade (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41240841&postcount=42)
-Buzz Lightyear & some "other" characters (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41234638&postcount=47)
-Intermission & then the BIG show & a surprise from DH that I will never forget (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41234638&postcount=49)
-End of first day & Mickey gifts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41234638&postcount=51)

Monday, May 16th - Epcot Day

-launch morning & the Soarin' dash (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41257378&postcount=61)
-Nemo & Friends (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41257378&postcount=62)
-Soarin' & then a greenhouse tour (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41257378&postcount=63)
-zoom zoom (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41259688&postcount=64)
-thirsty? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=69)
-Figment (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=70)
-walk around the world (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=83)
-Pixie Hollow - DD2's dream come true (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=95)
-Fab Five (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=97)
-time to swim & freeze (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=98)

Tuesday, May 17th - Animal Kingdom Day (Epcot at night)

-Welcome to rope drop! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=99)
-it's safari time (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=100)
-Stitch was hungry for pineapple (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=101)
-time for bugs (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=102)
-rawr dinosaurs (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=103)
-lunch at restaurantasaurus & pizzafari (food pics) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=109)
-timon gave me five! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=110)
-let's take a walk to see everest (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=117)
-find a tree to take pics by... this one will do (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=118)
-Intermission back at Pop (food pics) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=125)
-$350 for a ball!?!? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=126)
-Illuminations (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=128)
-more Mickey gifts (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=129)

Wednesday, May 18th - Hollywood Studios Day

-first in line for the TSM dash! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=130)
-let's ride this thing (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=133)
-random characters (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=135)
-Miss Piggy & that green frog (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=136)
-hot diggity dog - showtime (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=137)
-back to TSM to use FP's (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=138)
-more character meeting (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=139)
-Sci Fi Dine In Theater (food pics) (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=140)
-The Great Movie Ride was not so great & a little rollercoaster that rocks (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=144)
-Pixar Parade (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=145)
-Intermission back at Pop (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=146)
-Fantasmic (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=147)
-the studios at night (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41271267&postcount=148)

Thursday, May 19th Contemporary & Magic Kingdom

-Chef Mickey's (food pics)
-back to Magic Kingdom to find pirates
-get some princess autographs
-dancing in the streets with Woody & Jessie
-Jungle Cruise & Dole Whip time (food pics)
-Country Bears & a little Fantasyland time
-statue posers
-Richard Petty experience
-Pop pics & the arcade
-Mickey was here AGAIN?!?

Friday, May 20th Grand Floridian & Time to Leave :(

-Fancy, fancy - 1900 Park Fare breakfast with Alice, Mad Hatter & more
-See You Real Soon!

Saturday, May 21st The Drive Home

-White Castle
-Mickey was here!

[DizFan101]

Hello.
I am sorry to hear about your mom. Even though it has been a few years, she is in our prayers.
I am looking forward to your trip report. :). First times are always amazing since everything is
new.I think in my opinion, Pop Century is the best (value) resort on property. :)

[catinthehat35]

Loving your trip report!! I hope you had a simply magical vacation!! I can't wait to hear (and see) more! Bring on the pictures! I am such a picture junkie- I guess that's the scrapbooker in me! LOL!

[budafam]

Here is a hodge podge of our movie nights we did leading up to the big vacay :)

Finding Nemo:
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0377.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0373.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0384.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0383.jpg


The Lion King:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0836.jpg

Peter Pan:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0530.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0532.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0536.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0540.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0545.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0558.jpg

Dinosaur:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0649.jpg

A Bug's Life:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0981.jpg

[budafam]

Hello.
I am sorry to hear about your mom. Even though it has been a few years, she is in our prayers.
I am looking forward to your trip report. :). First times are always amazing since everything is
new.I think in my opinion, Pop Century is the best (value) resort on property. :)

Thank you! Pop Century was fantastic. I was leary of the value resort but pretty sure we would return again and stay there. The kids loved it.

[budafam]

Loving your trip report!! I hope you had a simply magical vacation!! I can't wait to hear (and see) more! Bring on the pictures! I am such a picture junkie- I guess that's the scrapbooker in me! LOL!

Thank you!!! I try to do scrapbooking but I am sooo behind. Luckily I got both my kids' books done before their first birthdays but since then I've been slacking. Now I want to do a Disney one more than ever.. lol!

[Minnie824]

Great start! Looking forward to your 2000 pictures and hearing more about your trip!

[ChattaAlley]

What a fun and cool idea! Can't wait to read your report. Your kids are so cute.

[Antigua08]

Wow your son does have quite the collection! And what a great idea for movie night. My DD currently doesn't sit still long enough to watch any of the films but l'm hoping that'll change before our trip.

I too am very camera happy so l say it's never a bad thing, although my DH tends to disagree! :confused3

Looking forward to your trip :)

[budafam]

Before we get to the day we leave... here are a few pics of shirts I made (eh, first time - I learned a lot) and Mickey surprises awaiting the children:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0005-1.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0011.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/DSC_0978.jpg

Dominic had to bring a treat to school the day before we left so naturally, it had to be Mickey cookies!!!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0026.jpg

I also let them decorate their own:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0027.jpg

And now, WE LEAVE! The morning we left it was around 50 degrees and FOGGY. Ew, glad to be going! I had everything packed for weeks already (everyone thought I was crazy but I still ended up forgetting a few things - go figure!)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0006.jpg

We brought along our mini fridge and even though DH had tested it in the van prior, it refused to work the morning we left soooo we had to stop to get some bags of ice and used it as a giant cooler on the way down. Here's a pic of how loaded our minivan was:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0041.jpg

Our final countdown:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0039.jpg

Getting in the van... Mickey has been here already? What!?!? They got goodie totes full of stuff to do for the trip... travel bingo, fans, bibs, crayons, coloring books, Leapster games & more. It kept them busy even though the crayon boxes got dumped numerous times.. lol. They also got new blankets (Toy Story & Tinkerbell) to keep them warm.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0043.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0053.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0058.jpg

We took off around 7:30 hoping to miss rush hour in Chicago (3 hours away). It worked out perfectly. We did lunch in the van with sandwiches & lunchables and then we stopped at Denny's in Tennessee for dinner and a nice truck driver playing the claw machine won both of the kids stuffed animals. People you would never think of being nice are sometimes the sweetest ever! The kids were amazing the whole drive. I thought they would have issues but thankgoodness for that Leapster & the dvd player. I even played the Leapster for awhile... it was quite fun! Here are a few pictures from the road:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0073.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0086.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0078.jpg

We stopped at a Super 8 right before Chattanooga, TN for the night at 9pm. Free wi-fi & a mini fridge in the room sounded good to us. It stormed a little bit that night but all in all, we had a good sleep. I was up by 5am knowing that would be the day we got to Disney World. I was too excited to sleep!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0090.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0093.jpg

Next stop, ummm.. oh yeah, DISNEY WORLD!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1:

[budafam]

Wow your son does have quite the collection! And what a great idea for movie night. My DD currently doesn't sit still long enough to watch any of the films but l'm hoping that'll change before our trip.

I too am very camera happy so l say it's never a bad thing, although my DH tends to disagree! :confused3

Looking forward to your trip :)

haha.. my DH is the same way! We've had a few people over since returning home to see pictures (we put them up on our big screen tv) and it literally takes us 90 minutes just to flip through all the pics (not including the 3 hours of video we also have) :rolleyes1

[budafam]

Great start! Looking forward to your 2000 pictures and hearing more about your trip!

Welcome! :goodvibes

[budafam]

What a fun and cool idea! Can't wait to read your report. Your kids are so cute.

Thank you!!! :yay:

[budafam]

We left our hotel around 7am. I was very worried about going though Atlanta's traffic but it really wasn't too bad. We saw some tornado damage along the way and passed a giant airplane being transported.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0107.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0115.jpg

Then we finally got to Florida! Where's the sun Florida? All we saw were DARK skies and then the rain started. We have never seen rain that hard... the roads got hard to drive in so we pulled off once. Eventually it stopped, then it started again, then it stopped just long enough for us to pull into Pop Century and once we got out of the car, it started down pouring AGAIN.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0155.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0164.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0173.jpg

Next up, Pop Century Explorers.

[budafam]

Once we checked in, we never saw another drop of rain for the ENTIRE time. We were so lucky! We spent the rest of the night exploring Pop Century and all it has to offer. I loved this resort. Everyone was very friendly and the room was always clean & quiet. We had a request in for a ground floor & the 50's building (as well as a preferred room). We ended up getting put in the 60's building but we were happy. It was wonderful. Here are some pics from the hotel:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0180.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0179.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0191.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0194.jpg

Nachos (absolutely delicious!):
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0185.jpg

DH's pizza & breadsticks:
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0187.jpg

Tie Dye Cheesecake (I had to try it! I was not very impressed however):
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0189.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0186.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0196.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0199.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0208.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0216.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0220.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0238.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0244.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0248.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0273.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0295.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0298.jpg

Next up, first day at the parks - Magic Kingdom - Castle here we come!

[caitty13]

Can't wait to read your trip report, we were there the some time. We stayed over in the 80's building though. The weather was perfect, we had a flight delay due to the rain on the 14th. Thought it was funny that they said they were hving a cold front. :rotfl2:

[Meetmeinmontauk]

Just came in to say that I just took my first trip: May 16-May 23 & we stayed at the Pop Century as well :)

[Bethislucy]

Sounds like a great trip. I can't wait to hear all about it.

[Tinkergurl20]

Hey, just found your report and I'm in!!! We are going in July, and taking my 2 cousins who are the same ages as your children (Solomon is 4 and Abigail is 2). Love your pictures and detail so far!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

[mickeymouse108]

Hi joining in to hear all about your trip, so sorry to hear about your mom I lost my mom when I was in my twenties also so I know how hard that is. Gland to see it looks like your first trip looks like you and your lovely family had fun.

[jpmandan]

popcorn:: I like POP too. Love the TR. Looks like Y'all had fun. :thumbsup2 We will be at POFQ 5/29 till 6/5 CAN't WAIT! I'm going to do a live TR from my phone, hope it turnes out good.

[budafam]

I remember hearing thunder and seeing lots of lightening right around 3am. I was so worried about the weather, I hardly slept that night. We all got up at 5:30am that Sunday morning. Mickey had visited and left the kids a welcome note under the door. They were so excited!

We all wore our matching shirts that day until later on when we changed. We also had our 1st time visitor pins and my birthday pin. I want to comment on that as well... I must've had 300 people say Happy Birthday to me while I was there. It was fun but somewhat annoying after awhile. Although I do recommend wearing a pin like that when you go to eat. We got extra perks because of that (good views, yummy cupcakes and souvenirs).

Anyways, back to that morning. We ate breakfast in our room & headed out by 6:45. We took the monorail over to MK. The whole trip over was so surreal to me. I just couldn't believe this was it! There were workers sweeping water everywhere. I just LOVE how Disney takes care of everything (even mother nature) as much as they can.

Within a minute of arriving to the park, they chose the family of the day and they were literally about 5 feet away from us (argh!) I was so hoping to get chosen. Oh well, maybe another day. We had a CM come over by us and he gave the kids pixie dust (little Mickey confetti). It was great! They loved it and put it in their pockets to keep safe. He took our family picture and then we waited. When the music came on, I almost cried. I said *almost*. I was so worried about crying during this whole trip that I never once shed a tear. I had watched the youtube videos at home of all the shows and bawled my eyes out then (DH thinks I'm crazy) but I was just so excited to see what my kids thought of it all. The park officially opened at 9am with fireworks and all. Here are some pictures from the morning:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0005.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0009.jpg

Lucy's first monorail ride.
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0018.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0020.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0022.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0026.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0029.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0030.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0032.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0035.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0039.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0042.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0057.jpg

Next up: Seeing the castle for the first time!!! :love:

[budafam]

Can't wait to read your trip report, we were there the some time. We stayed over in the 80's building though. The weather was perfect, we had a flight delay due to the rain on the 14th. Thought it was funny that they said they were hving a cold front. :rotfl2:

We really loved the 80's building too.. a lot of neat stuff over there. That rain was crazy. We got so lucky with the weather being good!

[budafam]

Just came in to say that I just took my first trip: May 16-May 23 & we stayed at the Pop Century as well :)

Yay! Welcome :)

[budafam]

Sounds like a great trip. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Thanks! I hope I can get it done quickly before I forget too much... so far so good.

[budafam]

Hey, just found your report and I'm in!!! We are going in July, and taking my 2 cousins who are the same ages as your children (Solomon is 4 and Abigail is 2). Love your pictures and detail so far!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

Thank you :) I think it's a great age to take the kids. We're planning on waiting a few more years till the next time but I think every child should experience it young. It's so magical then!

[budafam]

Hi joining in to hear all about your trip, so sorry to hear about your mom I lost my mom when I was in my twenties also so I know how hard that is. Gland to see it looks like your first trip looks like you and your lovely family had fun.

Thank you so much. It has been hard. Disney really made me feel happy again. She would be so excited to hear that we did finally get to go.

[budafam]

popcorn:: I like POP too. Love the TR. Looks like Y'all had fun. :thumbsup2 We will be at POFQ 5/29 till 6/5 CAN't WAIT! I'm going to do a live TR from my phone, hope it turnes out good.

Ooo, I sooo need to get a fancier phone so I can do all that kinda stuff. Thanks for reading :)

[heaven2dc]

Fun trip so far! You have a beautiful family! Perfect ages to take to WDW - I can't wait to take my DS again one day (he was 14 mos old the first visit) and can't wait to introduce Disney to my new granddaughter :)

I loved that you got the Walt Disney World sign without any other vehicles :thumbsup2

[budafam]

So we finally get through the crowd and turn the corner onto Mainstreet. It took my breath away. The kids on the other hand, acted like they were looking at an old, run down building... no reaction whatsoever! lol... I loved how the CM's were all out giving big Mickey hand high fives. It was just the happiest place ever, immediately. Awesome. Here are pics:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0065.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0066.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0072.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0082.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0083.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0084.jpg

Next up... let's scare the kiddos right off the bat! Oy...

[budafam]

So here we are, Fantasyland and what's the first ride we see? Snow White's Scary Adventure. Okay, we'll try it out. I knew it was supposed to be scary but wow. Once going through the doors, it was dark and eerie. Both DS & DD were crying... lol... they quickly got over it once they saw the dwarfs but ugh, what a way to start off, huh?

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0088.jpg

We followed with It's a Small World. That made everyone a lot happier.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0100.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0110.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0115.jpg

Next up: Haunted Mansion - DS's favorite ride.

[emma212010]

Great start!!! Yay for your first trip!!! It sounds like you had a blast! You're kids are too cute!! I love all of your movie nights and countdowns! To cool! :thumbsup2 Looking forward to more!! :goodvibes Oh and GREAT pics!!! What kind of camera do you have?

[budafam]

So ever since we started planning this vacation, Dominic has been DEAD set on riding the Haunted Mansion ride and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0122.jpg

Lucy was scared before we even got up to it.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0125.jpg

We loved everything in the line... too bad it was pretty much a walk on, we would've liked to have spent more time playing!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0127.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0133.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0141.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0142.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0151.jpg

After the first room stretched out, the guy was standing right near us and he scared both of the kids when he started talking... too funny. I tried to record some of the ride. Pictures were a no go in there but it was very neat to see all of the special effects. Dominic loved it and Lucy never got scared once she was riding. We took a walk back to Fantasyland to use up our Peter Pan FP's.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0174.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0175.jpg

Up next: Off to Never Never Land!

[budafam]

Fun trip so far! You have a beautiful family! Perfect ages to take to WDW - I can't wait to take my DS again one day (he was 14 mos old the first visit) and can't wait to introduce Disney to my new granddaughter :)

I loved that you got the Walt Disney World sign without any other vehicles :thumbsup2

Thank you! Yes, there was hardly any traffic when we arrived. We thought we were in the wrong place! lol..

[budafam]

Great start!!! Yay for your first trip!!! It sounds like you had a blast! You're kids are too cute!! I love all of your movie nights and countdowns! To cool! :thumbsup2 Looking forward to more!! :goodvibes Oh and GREAT pics!!! What kind of camera do you have?

Thank you! I have a Nikon D5000 and absolutely LOVE that thing. I've had it for a year now and could never be without it again. I don't know much about it but we play around with settings and somehow manage. I really should learn more and probably purchase another lens sometime soon.

[budafam]

Peter Pan's Flight was a really neat ride. I was impressed with such detail as the moving cars below (DH pointed them out as I was busy trying to get a decent picture). I had not expected the boats to fly either but duh... Peter Pan's FLIGHT. lol...

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0181.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0183.jpg

Afterwards we went over to Philharmagic. We had received bonus FP's for this but there was no need to use them since it was a walk on. I loved this show. I thought it was one of the coolest things we did there. As we were leaving the theater, I noticed one of Lucy's minnie bows were missing. DH tried to go back and find it but it was no where to be seen :( Good thing that her outfit change was coming up! We headed over to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I knew Dominic was not going to like this (we had taken him on the Whizzer at Six Flags about a year ago and he hated that). But we told him to just give everything a try once while we're here so he did. Of course, he hated it, hid his head the entire time and refused to ride with daddy afterwards so daddy had to do it by himself. Here we are getting off the of the ride:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0191.jpg

Then daddy is on it by himself:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0200.jpg

On our way over to the Pooh ride, we stopped to try out the sword.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0209.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0211.jpg

No such luck.

Next up: Winnie the Pooh

[budafam]

We had FP's for Pooh so we got to skip the 30 min. line (which looked like a lot of fun actually) and get on it within about 5 minutes of waiting.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0221.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0224.jpg

After getting off the ride we were approached by a guy to do a short survey. The short survey took us about 5 minutes and I thought maybe we'd get something in return, nope. That was the last "short" survey I did while we were there. I mean really... we're at Disney and we're helping you by answering these questions... couldn't we get a FP out of it or something? Argh...

Next up: Peter Pan is the man & some Bibbity Bobbity Boo!

[mermaid764]

Joining in:goodvibes

Your kiddos are adorable and it looks like you guys had a great first vacation, we love staying at POP:goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more

[budafam]

After we got off of Pooh and did the survey, we ventured back towards Peter Pan's Flight where we saw Peter Pan earlier and sure enough, he was still there. We got some quick pics with him and our first autograph!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0232.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0241.jpg

Then we were headed towards the Crystal Palace when we saw the Fairy Godmother getting ready to take pictures. We were 2nd in line. She also said Happy Birthday to me. Bibbity, bobbity, boo!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0244.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0248.jpg

We did a quick wardrobe change for Lucy and caught a part of the Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It parade... there were people in front of us so we didn't take too many pics... we knew we'd have to catch that parade again later on.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0251.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0267.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0282.jpg

Lucy's Winnie the Pooh dress that I made:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0287.jpg

Both kids together in front of the castle:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0297.jpg

Next up: Crystal Palace Lunch

[budafam]

Joining in:goodvibes

Your kiddos are adorable and it looks like you guys had a great first vacation, we love staying at POP:goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more

Welcome :)

[budafam]

We checked in and got our pager. As we were walking down the stairs, Lucy failed to see they were stairs and she fell right down and came THISCLOSE to smacking the back of her head on the cement. She cried of course and people were all around us immediately freaking out but she was okay. We sat for about 15 minutes before finally having our beeper go off. Luckily there were some nearby rabbits that kept us entertained. I was amazed at how friendly all the animals were. I suppose they don't have to worry about anyone shooting them like they do back at home in Wisconsin.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0312.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0314.jpg

We were able to go get plates of food before the characters came through. For some reason, Eyeore was only meeting people at the front of the restaurant and not actually walking around. Does anyone know why?

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0318.jpg

Tigger gave Lucy a kiss!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0322.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0327.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0339.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0350.jpg

And now some food pictures!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0341.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0342.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0344.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0346.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0351.jpg

I thought the food was "okay". I wasn't terribly impressed by any of it. The steak had no flavor whatsoever. The salmon & chicken were probably my favorite. We felt a bit rushed here for some reason. The parade that the characters did was a joke. There was a family taking pictures with them when the announcement was made and the music started playing but the family just kept on taking pics with them. By the time Pooh started walking around with the kids, the music was done and it was over. DS was disappointed in that. Before leaving I got a cupcake and a card signed by all the characters. I wasn't expecting anything like that so that was kinda neat. The kids were wondering how everyone knew it was my birthday (and how they knew our names... lol... they were on our shirts!) Overall, I'm not sure if I would return to this place again.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0348.jpg

Next up: Celebrate a Dream Come True!

[budafam]

After lunch we got a nice spot and sat down on the curb. Of course there were people filing in last minute who tried to go in front of us... seriously? Then we got stuck to a VERY loud little girl... my goodness. I swear the whole park could hear her yelling! lol... but here are the pics:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0376.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0383.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0387.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0391.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0394.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0397.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0403.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0405.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0409.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0410.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0412.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0418.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0419.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0421.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0428.jpg

The entire time Cinderella was going by, the little girl behind us was SCREAMING at the top of her lungs "CINDERELLA!!! CINDERELLA!!!" it was so loud, I couldn't even think!
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0432.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0437.jpg

Ariel was pointing at Lucy and her cute hair :)
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0442.jpg

Next up Buzzzzzzzz!!!

[disbride555]

I love the trip report and all your crafts. Awesome :) Can't wait to read more.

[budafam]

I love the trip report and all your crafts. Awesome :) Can't wait to read more.

Thank you so much!

[emma212010]

Great updates!! I love DD's Winnie the Pooh dress!! Nicely done! :thumbsup2

Sorry you didn't love CP! It's usually one of our favorites! I do think breakfast is the best meal they serve, though!

Great pics of the parade! Sorry about that girl, though! I feel your pain! That's happened so many times to us but most of the time it's the parents that are so loud! :rotfl: :rotfl:

Looking forward to more!

[budafam]

Great updates!! I love DD's Winnie the Pooh dress!! Nicely done! :thumbsup2

Sorry you didn't love CP! It's usually one of our favorites! I do think breakfast is the best meal they serve, though!

Great pics of the parade! Sorry about that girl, though! I feel your pain! That's happened so many times to us but most of the time it's the parents that are so loud! :rotfl: :rotfl:

Looking forward to more!

Thank you! I do think we would like breakfast a lot more... we're more breakfast people, not so much lunch. DH was hard to please of course with his picky habits but he did have mac & cheese & cheese pizza there.

[budafam]

Before the parade had began, I ran quickly over to Buzz to get some FP's for afterwards. We had a little extra time to kill and went to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. We loved it. The kids didn't really understand what was going on till the end but DH wanted to do it again later on he liked it so much. I wish he would've gotten chosen for "that guy" though! lol... then it was time for Buzz. I really liked the ride but wasn't too impressed by the game aspect of it. How are you supposed to aim? DH totally schooled me in it.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0448.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0453.jpg

After the ride we found a talking Buzz doll in the giftshop for $25. This had been the best price I've seen yet for one of these things so we bought it and had it sent back to our room. When we walked outside Buzz was there taking pictures with kids. The line was a mile long and I was not having that. I knew they would see him again at HS later on in the week. We took a ride on the People Mover and really enjoyed that. It was a nice break and we got to look around a bit. Then we headed over to meet some famous mice & princesses. The princess wait was 25 minutes so we got FP's and got in line for the famous duo. It went quick and we really enjoyed that.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0454.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0456.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0458.jpg

Afterwards, DH had been bugging me all day about having to go back to the van for something he forgot but he wouldn't tell me what. So we were planning on taking the buses back to our hotel after meeting the princesses for a little break so that we wouldn't lose our front row parking spot. DH headed off to the van and I went with the kids to meet the princesses. They had a blast!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0459.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0462.jpg

For some reason, it looks like Cinderella has cross eyes in almost every picture we have of her... next was Belle and she gave Dominic a kiss on the cheek!!!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0472.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0471.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0478.jpg

He was all worried afterwards about seeing the Beast in the parks. He thought he might get mad at him! lol...

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0475.jpg

Next up: Intermission, Wishes & Surprise!

[nejjie]

Your trip report ROCKS! :) I love seeing all the pics. Keep them coming :cool1:

[budafam]

DH met us after the princesses and we got on the bus to go back to Pop. Both kids fell asleep on there but only Lucy stayed out till we got back to the room.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0481.jpg

DH & I took quick showers and everyone changed clothes quick. We were back on the bus within an hour of getting dropped off. We were going to see Wishes and I couldn't be more excited!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0003.jpg

We bought some popcorn and took our seats in the red circle (where the famous statue is located) right in front of the castle. It was only 90 minutes before showtime!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0005-1.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0008.jpg

So 5 minutes before the Magic, Memories and You show starts, DS claims that he must poop NOW. Wonderful. Great timing. So DH runs with him fast and I just pray no one takes his spot. I put Lucy over where he was sitting and spread out all of our stuff. This didn't work of course.

Here comes a family who asked the people behind us if anyone was sitting there. I piped up (normally I'm really shy but geez, come on!) and said my DH would be back any minute with my son and they were sitting there. The lady behind me told her if they would sit there, her family wouldn't be able to see. So what does the lady do? Sits down of course. Awesome. Then she starts talking to her husband in another language. The lady behind me said something but the other one just ignored her. Then another 2 people sat right in front of us on the road. CM's came around and warned everyone that they would have to move after Wishes was over for the parade to come through. So then I see DH trying to find where we were and he just rolled his eyes when he saw how many people had crowded in around us.

Personally, I would NEVER have the guts to cut into a crowd like that last minute with my whole family. Who do these people think they are? That really irked me but what could we do. We still had a great view. I wasn't going to let it ruin my night. There was a very nice lady next to me that had been sitting there before us and she offered room for DD to come sit if she couldn't see where we had her.

The first show started and it was amazing.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0016.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0018-1.jpg

Then Wishes started. Absolutely the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. Just perfect.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0048.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0068.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0081.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0092.jpg

When the show was over we stood up (we weren't planning to stay for the parade) and DH gave something to Dominic. Dominic handed me a box. I opened it and saw a beautiful ring inside. DH said "that's the match to your wedding band". My wedding ring consists of my engagement ring which has a big rock on it and then the wedding band on the bottom. I've always said how someday I'd love to get another wedding ring on top of it so it would be even. Here it was and he had kept it a complete surprise from me. I can't believe he had actually done this because DH is not the most romantic guy in the world. He never keeps a secret from me either. I usually know his every move but he did a good job on this one. I just started shaking. We hugged, we kissed and all that good stuff. I'm pretty sure everyone around us thought he just proposed to me. Lol... then we started making our way out.

Next up: End of 1st Day & Mickey gifts!

[DisneyStoryMania]

WOW:banana: You Planned very well it seems , I am so in for this TR....You Have a great start My DW and I were reading together,

Sorry to hear about your Mother.

Your Family looks wonderful, and the things you done leading up to your trip were awesome.:thumbsup2 I can not wait to read more and see what the surprise was from your DH(well I had to edit this,I thought there was no more since your link was not up for these last couple but now I have seen what the surprise was and that was awesome of him big ^5 to your DH).....<-----My DW read it with a glare in her eyes saying"awww isn't that so sweet" tell your DH I said Thanks...lol Where are you guys from?

We Drove straight through our first trip and I made an attempt at a TR but I am still working on it and we have been two more times since...lol... OTW back in June.....This is going to be a great TR....popcorn::

[budafam]

We got back to the hotel and I took a few pics of everything lit up.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0105.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0108.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0109.jpg

and that silly mouse had been in our room again!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0111.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Sunday%203rd%20Day/DSC_0112.jpg

And that's it for our first day. Now I need to upload more pictures before I can get started on our next day (Epcot!) So it may be awhile... thanks for reading so far!

[budafam]

Your trip report ROCKS! :) I love seeing all the pics. Keep them coming :cool1:

Thank you!!!

[budafam]

WOW:banana: You Planned very well it seems , I am so in for this TR....You Have a great start My DW and I were reading together,

Sorry to hear about your Mother.

Your Family looks wonderful, and the things you done leading up to your trip were awesome.:thumbsup2 I can not wait to read more and see what the surprise was from your DH.....Where are you guys from?

We Drove straight through our first trip and I made an attempt at a TR but I am still working on it and we have been two more times since...lol... OTW back in June.....This is going to be a great TR....popcorn::

Thank you very much! I was a bit OCD on the planning aspect but I think it completely paid off. Everyone thought I was nuts packing so early... lol... we are from Wisconsin. It was a long haul to Florida but I would do it again tomorrow if given the chance! I want to be able to finish off the TR quickly so that I don't forget anything. This trip was so important to me and everyone told me to not have high expectations for it. I must admit that I did but I was not let down in the least bit. Everything met or exceeded my expectations and we cannot wait to go back! Welcome :)

[Antigua08]

What a great first day! Loving all of your pics, this being my favourite so far! It's fab :thumbsup2

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Saturday%202nd%20Day/DSC_0199.jpg

And what a lovely surprise from your DH. I may have to get my hubby to read this in the hope that he learns a few things! :rotfl2:

Looking forward to day 2 :)

[MommaMouse411]

I love picture filled TRS!!!!

keep it coming.

[mermaid764]

What an awesome first day you guys had!

How amazing that your husband surprised you with that ring.

Looking forward to day 2:goodvibes

[Bethislucy]

Sounds like a great first day.

[sahm2two]

great start! I love tons of pictures :goodvibes Your DD's Pooh dress is so cute!

[xDisneyAngelx]

Wonderful pictures :lovestruc Such a beautiful family. I love the castle picture during the Magic, Memories, and You show......makes me teary eyed cause it is so beautiful. I can't wait to go back :cool1:

**HAVE A MAGICAL DAY**

[rachel09985]

Great trip report!! Can I ask what kind of camera you use? Your pictures are awesome!!

[budafam]

Sooo, here we are, Epcot. At first we planned to do a super long day here but we ended up cutting it short. Epcot can be so tiring. That walking around the world will get to you! lol.. we did make it there for rope drop though. I remember walking in and they still had up the Toy Story flower sculptures. Lotso smelled like strawberries when we walked by him. Amazing. The clouds were horrendous that morning. We could not see the shuttle at all. Everyone still looked towards that way anyways. The CM's were talking about it as well.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0003.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0006.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0009.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0013.jpg

I was about third row in line for the rope towards Soarin'. I think that was the worst FP run of all... it was just so long!

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0015.jpg

Our return time was only an hour so we headed over to see Nemo next.

Up Next: Nemo & Friends

[budafam]

I thought Nemo was well... neat. The queue was hard to navigate in the dark but the effects were awesome. I loved the beach & the sounds. Very cool. The ride was a bit disappointing but kinda fun for the kids. Once we got done, I figured that was it but there was sooo much more. We checked out all the aquariums (DH's favorite were the dolphins) and the kids got eaten by a shark! We weren't planning on doing Turtle Talk with Crush but they had a group going in so we figured why not? The kids loved it. Dominic had his hand raised before everyone each time they asked for a question but unfortunately, Crush seemed to have a thing for kids wearing red shirts that day :( It wasn't too long and very entertaining. I'd recommend it to anyone with kids ages 4 & up.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0023.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0026.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0030.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0033.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0034.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0035.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0039.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0041.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0046.jpg

Hidden Mickey:
http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0050.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0051.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0053.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0057.jpg

Next Up: Time to Fly!!! Soarin' :)

[budafam]

We got our rider switch passes and I got in line with Dominic for Soarin'. We were pretty far back in line and they were looking for 2 more people so we got to go up quicker. We got put in line C. I learned that line C kinda stinks... anyways, we watched the end of the safety video and proceeded into the room. I was a bit worried about Dominic on this one. I wasn't sure how he was going to like the flying sensation but he absolutely LOVED it. He couldn't wait to ride again with daddy. I didn't like row C because we were so close to the bottom of the screen that it just seemed like it was an Imax movie. It was quite impressive but not as much as I hoped it would have been.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0059.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0062.jpg

While Nick & Dominic went on, I went with Lucy to the cafeteria located in the Soarin' building (not sure if they had a name for it). I purchased a mac & cheese meal for Nick & some fruit for the kids.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0063.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0064.jpg

After they got done we headed over to Living with the Land. FP machines were down so we waited in line and it took about 10 minutes. This was a really neat ride and I'm glad we did it. We took a lot of video for my mother in law who has a hobby farm. They even just started raising tilapia so we took lots of pictures as well for her. I was impressed by the ways they grow everything and the tomato tree. Really neat stuff.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0067.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0068.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0070.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0072.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0075.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0076.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0081.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0082.jpg

Next Up: Test Track! zoom zoom!

[budafam]

After Living with the Land, we headed over to Test Track (which we had already gotten FP's for earlier). We did the rider switch and I let Nick go first with Dominic. I was worried Dominic wouldn't like the speed of this ride. He hates rollercoasters but he LOVED Test Track. He couldn't wait to ride it again. Lucy was very irritable by this time. She's not really into cars so I tried to keep her occupied as much as possible. Nick really loved the whole thing. He is very into cars both as a hobby & his job.

Then it was my turn to ride with Dominic. I thought this ride was pretty neat. I got more of a thrill inside when they sped up rather than outside. We were really impressed with the queue and afterwards.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0085.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0086.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0090.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0094.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0095.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0096.jpg

Then we went shopping at Mouse Gears and found Lucy a Tinkerbell doll. We had her shipped back to the room.

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0099.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0098.jpg

Then we checked out some scenery before heading over for some drink samples :)

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0103.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0104.jpg

Next up: Coca-Cola :)

[GGOOFY1]

popcorn:: Great TR...love all the pictures!!!

[Orbitron]

Great trip report and pictures! I enjoy reading it very much, our first trip to Walt Disney World will be in September and now I'm even more excited to go! :) I'm looking forward to the rest of your trip report!

[Katie Mae's Mom]

Great trip report!! Can I ask what kind of camera you use? Your pictures are awesome!!

I second the awesome pictures and am really interested in finding out about your camera!!

[kthshh]

Enjoying reading your report.

[budafam]

I was excited for this place :) I am a recovering Coke addict (Coca Cola I mean!) I had been on a bit of a Coke break until WDW. We did have to buy ourselves a refillable mug while there so I've had my fill now but I was excited to try different flavors. I did do my research and knew all about Beverly. DH actually started trying them all (which I could not believe since he's so picky!) I saved Beverly for last... lol... I so should've taken a picture of that face but I didn't want to give it away. It was priceless and no drink afterwards would take away the taste. Poor DH. hehe...

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0106.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0107.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0108.jpg

I would love to know how much soda they go through each day here. I'm amazed that it's free to try. It was a nice break :)

Up Next: Figment!

[budafam]

I wasn't sure what to expect with this but I was pleasantly surprised. The ride was a bit dull but the building offered lots for the kids to play with. We had fun and I would return to this place on our next vacation.

First a few scenery pics:

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0113.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0114.jpg

And then the ride (pics didn't turn out the greatest):

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0115.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0118.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0120.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0123.jpg

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Monday%204th%20Day/DSC_0124.jpg

Next Up: Our Trip Around the World!!! (this will be a long one!)

[ctink23]

I just joined the boards because I have been dying to go back to disney. And then, I found your trip report, and I feel like I am there!:goodvibes Thanks for taking so many pictures and sharing them!

Your children are adorable! Looks like you had fun!

Looking forward to reading more!

[budafam]

I just joined the boards because I have been dying to go back to disney. And then, I found your trip report, and I feel like I am there!:goodvibes Thanks for taking so many pictures and sharing them!

Your children are adorable! Looks like you had fun!

Looking forward to reading more!

Thank you so much!!! It's only been a week and I want to go back so badly already. Not sure how I'm going to last 2 more years!

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I am really enjoying your TR! I love reports that have great pictures and yours definitely fits in that category!

[drinkme]

I'm really enjoying your TR, especially the pics! :)

Your kids are just adorable.

How did you like the drive? We're from Chicago and we've done the drive twice, and said never again. It's just so easy to fly now that the kids are bigger.

I can't wait to read the rest of your TR.

[budafam]

I'm really enjoying your TR, especially the pics! :)

Your kids are just adorable.

How did you like the drive? We're from Chicago and we've done the drive twice, and said never again. It's just so easy to fly now that the kids are bigger.

I can't wait to read the rest of your TR.


Thank you! We actually were expecting it to be a lot worse. The kids were awesome with the drive (thank goodness for dvd players). I'm not a fan of flying at all otherwise we probably would have taken that route (since it saves so much time!)

Hopefully I can get some time to do a few more chapters tomorrow. Today was extremely hectic with my mother in law visiting and I had to babysit a friend's baby. At least my MIL planted my whole garden for me (YAY!)

[Villainess]

Joining in - your kids are so cute and I love DD's pooh dress you made!

[melissaehrlich]

I am loving your trip report. Your picture's are amazing!!! Wondering too what type of camera you are using. I want to get a new one for our trip (hopefully next year).

We stayed at POP for our 1st Family Trip and loved it. My parents went with us, and they agreed, it was a great place to stay.

Your kids are adorable, love the Winnie the Pooh dress!!!

Can't wait for more of your TR!

[budafam]

I am loving your trip report. Your picture's are amazing!!! Wondering too what type of camera you are using. I want to get a new one for our trip (hopefully next year).

We stayed at POP for our 1st Family Trip and loved it. My parents went with us, and they agreed, it was a great place to stay.

Your kids are adorable, love the Winnie the Pooh dress!!!

Can't wait for more of your TR!

Thank you! I have a Nikon D5000 and absolutely love it. It was the best purchase I have ever made. I had to invest in an external hard drive because I tend to take a TON more pics now though :( lol...

[budafam]

I feel really dumb but anyone know of a good place to upload pics? Photobucket is telling me that I'm getting close to my bandwith limit ??? Yikes! I hope these pictures don't all of a sudden go all :goofy: on everyone!

[asea86]

Loving your TR..... I just love hearing how other people's vacations went.... that doesnt make me weird right?:confused3

Anyhow.... enjoying your post!!:thumbsup2

[jc040404]

Subbing to follow along! Spotted your TR today and just got caught up. I'm loving all the pics you post, especially that Lady pic that a PP quoted. It's so much fun seeing the parks through a first time trip and really seems like you're all having a great time! :thumbsup2

[budafam]

Hey everyone! No, I haven't forgotten about you... my Photobucket reached it's bandwith today. The pictures will be out till the 26th :( I am SO sorry! I didn't realize this could happen but I really don't have the time to redo it all so I'm just going to start a new account to upload more pics. I'm very busy this week with putting together a garage sale. I'm hoping I'll have a little down time while the sale is running on Friday/Saturday.

Thanks for reading and sticking with me!

[budafam]

Again, I apologize for all of my pictures being down temporarily... apparently we have to wait till the 26th before they all come back up ??? Yikes. Well, I started another account so I can continue my story from where I left off.

Here we go around the world:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0126.jpg

We had one sleeping and the other was blinded by the sun (my son & husband seem to have this issue because they have blue eyes... does anyone else have this problem?)

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0127.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0140.jpg

We stumbled upon Sleeping Beauty and needed her autograph since we had forgotten the book the first time we met all the princesses. So just Dominic got some one on one time with her.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0147.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0154.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0155.jpg

The beast was just finishing up meeting guests... Dominic got a little scared because of his kiss from Belle the day before but the beast let him get away *(this time)*.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0156.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0158.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0160.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0170.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0173.jpg

And then this happened!
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0176.jpg
BOTH of the kids were asleep... yay! The only mommy/daddy time we had the entire vacation... it was wonderful & peaceful :)

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0177.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0179.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0180.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0181.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0183.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0184.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0185.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0186.jpg

I was starving by this time so we stopped in Mexico for some tacos de carne & a margarita... yum.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0187.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0188.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0189.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0191.jpg

Next up: Tinkerbell!

[ctink23]

Too bad that you have to wait to post more pictures, but very creative to start another account!

Great pictures from around the world.

The margarita looks delicious. Does it have several different flavors?

Excited to hear about tinkerbell!

[Belle83]

That margarita looks great, can't wait to see more pics when they are back up!

[Corrine 1973]

I just finished reading your TR up do this point, will have to check out pics later:guilty:, oh well gives me something to look foward to. We also stayed at Pop ,though at the end of May, and were in the 60's section right by the pool on the ground floor.

We are from Northern Illinois so it seems that we are not that far from each other. My DS doesn't like the Wizzer either but I asked him to try BTMRR and believe it or not he LOVED it!!!

Can't wait to read more of your TR and see some more of those Pics.

[emma.rodz]

Excited to see DW through another person's eyes since I just went this past week!!!

[emma212010]

Great WS pics!! Too funny about the two sleepyheads! :rotfl: Glad you got some quiet time though! :thumbsup2 Looking forward to more! :goodvibes

[clayfolks]

Just read your TR. Please come back and post some more. It is really good. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Sue

[tommayer01]

I hope I will have the chance to visit there also. It would be a great time for my kids for sure. Nice pictures anyways.

[lucy0558]

Just finished reading your TR today and what an awesome first trip for your family. You obviously did a wonderful job planning! All your photos are great but the Lady photo...well, it is just priceless isn't it? Hope to read about the rest of your journey! Thanks for sharing!

[punkin1763]

I'm in!!

[MelMel11]

Count me in!!! Glad to hear you liked Pop we leave on Saturday we are staying at Pop this is our 3rd trip but first at Pop..

[tehSAC]

just started reading, but....

we all know the best team plays here. :D

http://i1009.photobucket.com/albums/af215/budafam/Friday%201st%20Day/DSC_0073.jpg

looking forward to reading the rest.

[budafam]

I am BACK! Woohoo! Let the TR resume :)

After our walk around the world we rushed over to get in line for Tinkerbell. It was a 45 minute wait (the longest we waited for a character throughout the whole trip) but totally worth it. Tink was by far the best character we met. I was a bit woozy from drinking 7/10's of my margarita (just couldn't finish the mango flavor - yuck!) and once we got the stroller in line, we had to wake up the kiddos from their deep slumber. It literally took them the full 45 minutes to get in a good mood and realize who they were about to meet.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0195.jpg

very neat set up with little fairy houses mixed in with the plants...
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0196.jpg

dominic made a friend while waiting in line:
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0200.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0203.jpg

tinkerbell made a big deal out of the whole family wearing green... that means we're all tinker fairies :)
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0210.jpg

lucy tried talking but wasn't making much sense so tinkerbell was making funny faces trying to decipher her lucyisms
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0212.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0216.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0218.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0228.jpg

next up: the fab five

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Loving your TR!!! Your pictures are Amazing!! What kind of camera do you have??

[budafam]

We decided to go over and try to meet the Fab Five. I know there was a Visa meetngreet but we couldn't find it so we went into the line for everyone else... ended up waiting about 20 minutes which seemed to go by pretty quickly (the line was indoors with tv's playing cartoons). I felt pretty rushed going through it but then again, there were a lot of people in line. The only one we had a problem with was Goofy. Lucy was terrified of him. Not sure why. Maybe his big hat? Right when we got to Donald, they had to close the line because he had to go call Daisy and get a drink of lemonade. The lady behind us really thought he was calling Daisy. She got kinda mad about it and asked why he couldn't just wait to call her till later. Geez, some people!

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0245.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0263.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0251.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0274.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0279.jpg

Next up: Swimming... brrrrrr...

[budafam]

So after meeting the Fab Five, we decided to head back to the hotel. We were beat! Epcot takes a lot out of a person. We got back to the room and of course... someone had been there again. The kids got little gifts, we did a quick little snack in the room and then headed out to the pool where we froze! It was so cold out there. I think we got a pizza that night in our room (from Dominoes) and made it an early night.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0285.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0287.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0290.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0292.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0293.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0303.jpg

Next up: Animal Kingdom Rope Drop!

[budafam]

Tuesday, May 17, 2011: Animal Kingdom Day
We woke up early and headed out for rope drop :) We had a small breakfast in our room and got on our way. I made Lucy a brown and white zebra print dress for that day along with matching bows for her hair. Here are some pics from rope drop (we were right up against the rope):

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0305.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0307.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0311.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0317.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0321.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0328.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0332.jpg

Next up: Time for a Safari!

[budafam]

After rope drop we made our way straight to Kilimanjaro Safari where we waited about 10 minutes to board our vehicle. DH absolutely LOVED this ride. It was very educational and I swear he remembers everything our tour guide said. While watching the videos at home, he keeps blurting out little known facts about each animal. I'm glad to know he was listening! I found the ride to be a bit rough and was kinda disappointed that the giraffes were so far away :( other than that, it was a neat experience. Here are some pictures:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0334.jpg
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0335.jpg
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0338.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0403.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0342.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0346.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0349.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0363.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0371.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0377.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0394.jpg

Next up: Lilo & Stitch

[budafam]

After the safari we decided to head over to "It's Tough to be a Bug" and get that out of the way. On our way we saw a line formed to meet Lilo & Stitch. It seemed relatively short so we got in line. We waited about 10 minutes and then they needed to take a break. The CM told everyone that Stitch needed to eat some pineapple. The lady behind us seemed mad that they had left the meetngreet and didn't quite get what the lady meant by "eating pineapple". Ugh... so then they came back out and we waited another 15 minutes before getting our turn. Stitch was great... very funny with Dominic and Lucy just LOVED Lilo. As we were leaving the meetngreet, a CM made a comment that I still had a pricetag hanging from my shirt. Oops! haha... that shows you how much DH pays attention to me... lol. Here are some pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0413.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0415.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0417.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0422.jpg

Right next to Lilo & Stitch were some photo opportunities. DH had to go behind the cutouts and hold the kids up so they would be tall enough. Hence his back problems later on in the day :(

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0428.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0433.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0443.jpg

Next up: BUGS!

[budafam]

I loved walking to this attraction. Going under the tree was amazing. All of the carvings... just awesome. We spent some time checking them all out and seeing what the kids could all spot with their own eyes. I must say, I was a bit disappointed with this show. Maybe it's because of where we were seated... but we really didn't feel a lot of the "effects". DH didn't feel anything crawling under his seat, never got sprayed with anything nor did he get stung. He was on the last seat in our row towards the exit doors. The kids weren't scared but I think it's because we were so far away from the big scary bug... if we had been closer, it would be a different story.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0446.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0447.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0449.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0451.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0453.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0454.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0456.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0457.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0458.jpg

Next up: Dino Time!

[budafam]

After it's Tough to be a Bug we headed over to Dinosaur to grab a FP. Afterwards we were hoping to grab lunch but we couldn't find anything that was open until after 11:00 so we headed over to Dinoland to check that out. There really wasn't much to do there but the kids HAD to ride the Triceratops Spin. Afterwards our time was almost up for Dinosaur so we headed back. Dominic LOVES dinosaurs... he was excited about this ride but knew it was going to be pretty scary. I went first with him. We bribed him to go a second time with DH (offered to buy him a dinosaur at one of the gift shops) but he refused. So DH rode alone.. I loved this ride and thought it was worth all of the hype. I can't wait to go back and ride again :)
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0459.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0462.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0464.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0465.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0469.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0470.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0472.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0474.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0477.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0481.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0498.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0499.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0500.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0501.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0506.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0507.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0508.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0509.jpg

Next up: Time to Eat!

[TGaines107]

Just superb! Thanks so much for sharing! Reminds me so much of the excitement I feel in going back. What a great mom!

[sue_88]

Enjoying the photos!

[ctink23]

Yay for more updates!

Great interaction with Tink! The little houses in the line are adorable. Seems like it was well worth the 45 minute wait.

Oh no! Too bad Lucy was scared of Goofy! I can see how he would be scary if you were small. He is so much taller than the others!

I agree, Epcot does take a lot out of you. It is so big and there is so much walking!

I LOVE the dress you made for Lucy on AK day. I kinda want one for myself! It is a really cute pattern and shape!

Rope drop doesn't seem that crowded. Were there just not a lot of people, or did you get there very early? I am not really a rope drop person, but I want to be because it seems like you can get so much more done if you get there first thing!

It seems like you encountered a lot of people who took the CMs very literally when they said the characters had to go somewhere.:rotfl: Glad you waited for Stitch to eat that pineapple to get some cute pics!:goodvibes

I have never been so close to the tree. Probably because I have never done It's Tough to be a Bug. I always skip it, but maybe not next time!

I probably would have refused to go on Dinosaur a second time, too! I was SO terrified the first time I went on it (and I was in my 20s :rotfl:).

Great day at the AK!

[MagicShell]

I have been reading along and enjoying your reports. It is so much fun to here about a family's first trip. So exciting.

[leslie826]

[CENTER]

We had one sleeping and the other was blinded by the sun (my son & husband seem to have this issue because they have blue eyes... does anyone else have this problem?)



We do! In fact I just found out that DS and I have ocular albinism (where there's not enough pigment on the back of our eyes to filter light correctly) and it's pretty common in people with blue eyes!

Enjoying your TR!

[budafam]

By this point, everyone was VERY hungry and the kids were getting cranky. Sooo we stopped off at what I believe is Restaurantasaurus... I could be wrong though! I could not for the life of me, find a sign that said the name of the place. While waiting for our food, a worker behind the counter that was putting together orders yelled "Happy Birthday" to me because of the pin I had on... I loved the attention that pin brought on... it was so much fun! I ordered the kids a hotdog in a sand bucket to share (of course with sides & milk) and I got a shrimp po' boy which was absolutely delish! In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm craving one! While eating, somehow Lucy managed to dump her milk all over her chair and the floor... then a small hissy fit ensued. Ugh, kids. There was nothing for DH at that stop so we made our way to Pizzafari and got in line just in time before the rush hour. DH got a pizza w/ breadsticks & a salad that I got to eat. I loved the colors in this place but it was a bit noisy.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0513.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0510.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0511.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0512.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0516.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0519.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0520.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0521.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0522.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0523.jpg

Up next: Festival of the Lion King

[budafam]

After eating we headed straight over for the Lion King... it was quite the long wait (at least 30 minutes) in the sweltering sun. The kids were getting crabby. The one good thing was that we were towards the front of the crowd when they did open the doors (despite the line jumpers who pushed ahead of us, argh!) We got front row (behind the handicapped people) in the Lion section! We were sooo excited! The show was great. DH and I saw the broadway show a few years ago and this was sooo much better. The kids stayed happy during it and Timon came over by us and gave Dominic a high five. He only did it to Dominic so he was pretty excited about that. I was glad we took the time to do this show since they were both pretty familiar with all of the music.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0527.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0535.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0541.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0552.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0556.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0561.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0562.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0569.jpg

Up next: Everest

[budafam]

The margarita looks delicious. Does it have several different flavors?

It was lime, strawberry & mango I believe. Very yummy... not too fond of the mango though.

[budafam]

I just finished reading your TR up do this point, will have to check out pics later:guilty:, oh well gives me something to look foward to. We also stayed at Pop ,though at the end of May, and were in the 60's section right by the pool on the ground floor.

We are from Northern Illinois so it seems that we are not that far from each other. My DS doesn't like the Wizzer either but I asked him to try BTMRR and believe it or not he LOVED it!!!

Can't wait to read more of your TR and see some more of those Pics.

Aww, we should carpool next time! lol... I feel a bit spoiled now and have absolutely no desire whatsoever to visit Six Flags. I just want to go back to Disney :(

[budafam]

Just finished reading your TR today and what an awesome first trip for your family. You obviously did a wonderful job planning! All your photos are great but the Lady photo...well, it is just priceless isn't it? Hope to read about the rest of your journey! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the wonderful comments :)

[budafam]

Yay for more updates!

Great interaction with Tink! The little houses in the line are adorable. Seems like it was well worth the 45 minute wait.

Oh no! Too bad Lucy was scared of Goofy! I can see how he would be scary if you were small. He is so much taller than the others!

I agree, Epcot does take a lot out of you. It is so big and there is so much walking!

I LOVE the dress you made for Lucy on AK day. I kinda want one for myself! It is a really cute pattern and shape!

Rope drop doesn't seem that crowded. Were there just not a lot of people, or did you get there very early? I am not really a rope drop person, but I want to be because it seems like you can get so much more done if you get there first thing!

It seems like you encountered a lot of people who took the CMs very literally when they said the characters had to go somewhere.:rotfl: Glad you waited for Stitch to eat that pineapple to get some cute pics!:goodvibes

I have never been so close to the tree. Probably because I have never done It's Tough to be a Bug. I always skip it, but maybe not next time!

I probably would have refused to go on Dinosaur a second time, too! I was SO terrified the first time I went on it (and I was in my 20s :rotfl:).

Great day at the AK!

Thank you for all the compliments! We did get to the parks pretty early most days but by the time the rope dropped, there were quite a few behind us. I liked walking in and having no one in front of us... that was always a neat feeling.

[budafam]

We do! In fact I just found out that DS and I have ocular albinism (where there's not enough pigment on the back of our eyes to filter light correctly) and it's pretty common in people with blue eyes!

Enjoying your TR!

Ahh, I'll have to tell him! Thanks for posting this! I'm so lucky to have hazel eyes... lol..

[budafam]

Looks like I'm approaching my bandwith limit already :( That means another 20 days before my pictures are viewable... argh! This stinks!

[budafam]

After the Festival of the Lion King we wanted to take a walk over to see Mt. Everest. Our little ones can't quite ride it yet (nor do they want to) so we were just going on a sight seeing tour. It was a nice relaxing walk through the park. We enjoyed the monkeys' house... they are very entertaining.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0577.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0579.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0586.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0591.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0584.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0589.jpg

Next up: Where's that tree?

[budafam]

Well, it wasn't even 2:30 and we were headed out of AK for the day. On our way out we stopped by the Tree of Life to take some pictures. Lucy was zonked out and we got some great photopass pics (I'll add all of those on at the end of the trip report). Of course, we found a photographer that does the magic tink shot but with Lucy asleep, we just had Dominic hold her in his hand... he was thrilled! We also stopped by the Rainforest Cafe to check out the scenery and snap a few pics.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0595.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0596.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0602.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0614.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0619.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0622.jpg

Next up: Relaxing at Pop for a bit...

[baseballfairy]

I am really enjoying your TR! We are going for our family's second trip at the end of August so I am in full Disney spirit, lol. I am also doing family Disney movie nights to get the kids ready for the trip and my kids are the same age as yours, DS4 and DD2!

[MadilynnsMomma]

Just finished reading through your report! Your pictures are great and I am loving the fun you and your family had! Can't wait for me!

[ctink23]

Great day at AK! So cool that Timon gave Dominic a high five!

And now I am craving a shrimp po' boy!

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Hi :) Just finished reading all 9 pages, and I am loving your TR so far!

Your son is adorable, and your daughter is too cute! I love the outfits you made for her- you're so crafty! I also might have to steal your idea of matching family shirts for our first trip! :thumbsup2

Your pictures are wonderful. The ones of your kids exploring POP are my favorites so far. I also have the Nikon D5000, so I guess I should brush up on it before we go!

I can't wait to read more about your trip! :goodvibes

[plgrn]

Thank you for taking the time for a TR. I loved all the things you did for the family leading up to the trip

[budafam]

Thank you everyone! Just wanted to post to say that I haven't forgotten... I was just waiting for the photobucket to reset (stinkin bandwith!)

DH just gave me the go ahead to start planning next year's trip!!! We're going in May and my MIL is tagging along this time (wish me luck on this one!) We're also doing the Deluxe Dining Plan (oh man! I need to start a diet!) I've already got all my ADR's in line and movie night planning has begun. I feel like 290 days is not enough time to get ready! lol...

[budafam]

After a half day at Animal Kingdom, we took a mid-day break back at Pop. When we got back to the hotel, DH went to check to see if Tinkerbell had been delivered from Epcot the previous day and sure enough, she was there. Lucy was so excited!

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0636.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0639.jpg

We took a short little break out by the pool while we called the grandma's and grandpa's.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0646.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0652.jpg

Then we headed to the cafeteria to get some yummies in our tummies. Here's a good pic of the mac & cheese (DH convinced them to do an adult portion for himself) with breadsticks. DH got sick of the mac & cheese by the end of the vacation (it was very pasty tasting) but I loved it. The kids got grilled cheeses and I believe I ended up with fettucini & chicken. I thought it was weird how they gave you the piece of chicken whole and not mixed in with the fettucine. It was okay but I'll probably never order that again.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0657.jpg
Up next: The BIG Ball at Epcot!

[budafam]

So after our little break at Pop, we returned to Epcot (yay for park hoppers). We wanted to see Illuminations and we were there plenty early so we took a walk around. First off, we saw that gigantic bouncy ball and asked how much that was... I thought maybe $100... no, not at Disney of course! $350!!! Craziness!

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0660.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0664.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0667.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0669.jpg

The only Lightning & Mater we got to see while we were there :(

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0678.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0673.jpg

Next up: Illuminations :)

[DMMarla07860]

great trip report so far:cool1:

[budafam]

We found a spot to watch Illuminations from and had to wait an hour for the show to start. The kids started getting restless so I pulled out the light sticks I had purchased back at home for them. Before we knew it, the flames were burning and the show started. I'm sooo glad we hadn't walked over to Mexico to watch it. They got bombarded by smoke... we couldn't even see the buildings over there. Here are pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0685.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0687.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0693.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0697.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0709.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0715.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0717.jpg

I thought the fireworks were amazing. The whole Earth opening thing was a big slow though. Pretty sure we'll plan on skipping this show next time we're there (and take advantage of the Test Track/Soarin' rides)

Next up: More Mickey Gifts

[budafam]

So we headed out of Epcot. The kids were both out by the time we reached the van. They woke up in time to walk to our room and find out that Mickey had been there again. They were excited to find Toy Story Operation and a princess painting book with stamps. Yay!!! Time for bed!!!

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0731.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0732.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0735.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0736.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0738.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0742.jpg

Next up: Hollywood Studios & the big TSM FP run!

[budafam]

After a late night at Epcot, we were up early for DHS the following morning. I was very excited for the big TSM run that I've heard so much about. It did not disappoint! We arrived about an hour before "rope drop" and they opened the gates about 20 minutes early to take us all down to in front of the big hat with a rope holding everyone back. About 5 minutes before opening time, the CM's started walking everyone toward TSM. I snapped a bunch of pictures of an empty DHS as we were walking. DH was farther back with the stroller but he said there were grown men jumping over flower planters to get closer up to the front in line. This "run" is no joke. I was first to reach a FP machine and then I quickly went over to the main entrance to watch for DH & the kids.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0748.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0749.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0752.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0756.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0758.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0761.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0765.jpg

Next up: Let's ride it!

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

Enjoying your TR! Your daughter is absolutely adorable!! Love her outfits!! With three trips under our belt now, we still have yet to see Illuminations...and honestly....I'm not sure we'll do it on our upcoming trip. I just don't like to keep the kids up that late since we get up so early....but of course we always have two late nights...one for Wishes and last trip for Fantasmic!:thumbsup2 Can't wait to see how your kids enjoyed TSM and what you chose to do at DHS!!

[heaven2dc]

Wow - first to get a Fastpass - I'm impressed! You are hereby invited to all of my future trips ;)

How do you get presents in the room for the kids when you return? Does housekeeping do that or do you sneak them in? Love how excited your kids get with these little surprises :love:

[budafam]

As soon as grabbing some FP's, we got in line to ride the legendary TSM. The line leading up to the ride was amazing. One of the best at WDW, IMO. We loved the talking Mr. Potato Head and really wish we had more time to spend there but "fortunately" the line was moving very fast :) I was ready for this ride... I couldn't wait to try to beat DH.. and I did :) I highly recommend getting up early and riding this ride. No one else that we know has been on this ride but they all gush at how great Buzz Lightyear was... IMO TSM was soo much better! Here are some pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0768.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0812.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0773.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0779.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0781.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0789.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0799.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0802.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0806.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0810.jpg

Next Up: Some characters...

[Bethislucy]

Great pics. I just love TSM. :)

[budafam]

After riding TSM, we saw some characters out and short lines so we quickly met them, got their autographs and some pictures...

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0817.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0824.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0830.jpg

Next up: Kermie & Miss Piggy!

[budafam]

So after walking around HS for awhile, we finally found an attraction that was open. Muppet Vision. I was excited for this since I grew up with the muppets. My kids had no idea who these animals were but they loved it. As soon as we got home, we got them some muppet movies and now they are huge fans!

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0836.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0838.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0840.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0843.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0846-1.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0847.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0848.jpg

Afterwards we walked around a bit more... you can see how dead the park was this early in the morning with these pictures:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0851.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0852.jpg

Next up: Playhouse Disney

[budafam]

We got in line for the Playhouse Disney show. We were about middle in the line. It was a long wait (about 30 minutes) before we finally got let in. During the wait, there was something being written about God in the skies above... not sure what it ended up saying because we went inside. We got a seat close to the front and right on the edge of the aisle. The show seemed to take forever to start and with a bunch of young kids in there, it got kinda loud. I wasn't overly impressed by this show. The girl that does it has a VERY high pitched voice and I could only handle it for so long. I thought they would have a few "real" actors or characters out there but it was all puppets that stayed on stage. The kids really enjoyed the parts where confetti fell from the sky. This is not a show I would repeat though.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0856.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0858.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0863.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0864.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0865.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0867.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0870.jpg

Stroller parking was insane afterwards... I thought this was bad but it's nothing compared to Fantasmic later on... lol...

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0877.jpg

Up next: 2nd time on TSM!

[budafam]

After the show we headed back over to TSM to use our FP's. It was only 11:00 and you can see the wait time below for FP's :( Since we had to take the FP lane, we missed all the cool stuff (including Mr. Potato Head) but boy, were we happy to bypass that long line! I noticed that someone had thrown up right before the entry way to TSM... I didn't think that ride was that scary :confused3 lol... I also schooled DH this time again. He was not too thrilled :)

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0879.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0880.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0883.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0886.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0889.jpg

Up next: A bunch of character meetings...

[budafam]

After stepping out of TSM we saw this guy and got some autographs & pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0890.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0894.jpg

Then we headed out to go monster hunting. The Monsters Inc. meetngreet was really hard to find. We had to ask a CM where it was. We got in line and they weren't even out yet. I think we waited about 20 min. before they even came out. There was an unruley child behind us with 2 women (mother & daughter). The boy must've been about 8 years old. He was awful, punching his grandma in the stomach and running around. I couldn't wait to be out of the line so we didn't have to deal with him. I don't know how many times he knocked into each of us on "accident". This was my favorite character meet of all. They seemed to spend a lot of time with us and even though they didn't talk, they interacted so well with the kids. Here are pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0899.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0904.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0919.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0921.jpg

Next we headed back over near TSM to find Woody & Buzz. The wait was 30 minutes which we didn't think was too bad. We had about an hour before our ADR so this sounded perfect. I loved the window they had for the kids to see inside. Our kids got really excited. Then there was the wait. It ended up being closer to 45 minutes. The building was very deceiving. There are photo ops throughout the line to keep the kids busy and entertained but still, there were so many kids that were misbehaving... ugh, we were so close to telling one lady off. Her kids were just running around and she was sitting on her phone the whole time not caring at all. Anyways, here are some pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0931.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0934.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0941.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0952.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0958.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0965.jpg

Next up: Sci Fi

[budafam]

Finally it was time for our 2nd ADR of the trip. Sci-Fi Dine In Theater. I was really excited about this one. I thought the atmosphere looked sooo neat. I grew up listening to 50's & 60's music and going to car shows with my dad's 1951 Ford Convertible so I felt right at home in this place. The kids loved it too. Dominic sat in the drivers seat and was given a temporary drivers license by our waitress. Unfortunately, my picky DH had a hard time finding food on the menu. They were unable to make a regular grilled cheese (they could've made one with rye bread & swiss cheese) so he ended up ordering a kid's pizza and it was awful. I even thought it was bad and I'll eat pretty much anything. We should've complained but for once in our life, we kept quiet. I ordered a reuben sandwich with the cucumber salad and a strawberry milkshake. It was amazing. All of it. Very yummy. The kids shared a pizza and got ice cream sundaes for dessert. Those were yummy too. Here are some pictures:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0967.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0969.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0970.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0975.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0973.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0974.jpg

Next up: The Great Movie Ride

[DisneyRunner2009]

We are from WI, also. About a half hour west of Milwaukee. We have a trip planned for POP in a few weeks. Since going to Disney, my husband doesn't like Great America either. Six Flags can't hold a candle to Disney's cleanliness.

[PrincessAmongPrinces]

Wow!! You weren't kidding about the stroller parking being insane after the Disney Junior show! :scared1: That is a LOT of strollers!

I love the family shots with Sully and Mike, and Buzz and Woody! SO cute!! The one of Woody hugging your kids is so precious :goodvibes

[Bethislucy]

Great pics looks like a fun time.

[budafam]

We had a little time to waste before the Pixar parade started so we decided to check out the Great Movie Ride. It was a walk on. Our hostess was awful. She talked in the most monotone voice I've ever heard. Even when she was getting shot at in the gangster scene. DH hated the ride because of the hostess. I must admit, the only part I really enjoyed was the Wizard of Oz. I really didn't know many of the other movies :confused3

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0980.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0984.jpg

After the ride we found a nice spot to watch the parade (right next to American Idol). There was still a good 1/2 hour to go so DH wanted to run over to Rock N Rollercoaster to get a FP for later. He called me from the line to say that it was pretty much a walk on and he was just going to ride it quick by himself. Here's some pics he took (he's in the blue):

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0987.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0996.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0995.jpg

Next up: The Pixar Parade

[budafam]

The parade was great! Very fun music and so colorful. We really enjoyed it... it just seemed to move way too fast :( Here are pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0999.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1002.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1003.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1006.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1009.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1011.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1016.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1021.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1026.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1027.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1029.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1032.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1033.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1042.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1048.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1063.jpg

After the parade, we started making our way out of HS... since the parade goes towards the exit, it took us awhile. The kids were hot and we took shelter in one of the shops.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1074.jpg

Next up: Intermission at Pop

[budafam]

So, of course, we had a visitor while we were gone. Tinkerbell popped in and left the kids some surprises...

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1082.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1080.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1081.jpg

We quickly ate at the food court and headed back to HS for Fantasmic!

Up next: Fantasmic!!!

[budafam]

We headed straight for the line up. The crowd was crazy huge! We had to ditch our stroller about halfway through and hoof the rest. We found seats smack dab in the middle of it all in Scar's section. I bought a beer ($5) and prepared for the show. About 5 minutes before it started, I took out the dvd camcorder and set it on my lap. Lucy decided to throw a minor tantrum shortly thereafter, hitting the camcorder and it went flying onto the concrete floor beneath me :( So then the show started and I couldn't get the thing to work. We spent the first 5 minutes fussing over it and finally getting it to work. Turns out somehow in the fall to the concrete, everything on one side of the disc was erased. We had Illuminations on there from the night before as well as meeting the Monsters Inc. guys, Toy Story guys & the Pixar parade :( Here are some pics from the show:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1088.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1101.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1114.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1121.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1131.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1143.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1147.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1149.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1151.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1159.jpg

We really enjoyed the show. It had everything and I recommend it to anyone. We can't wait to go back again :) Here was a picture of the stroller parking afterwards (sorry about the blurriness, we still had it set to night time photos):

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1164.jpg

Up Next: Hollywood Studios at Night

[budafam]

After getting out of the Fantasmic crowd, we decided to take a walk through some shops and buy some souvenirs. The kids were in a good mood so we took advantage of it :) We also did a few photopass pics... here are some pictures of the Studios at night:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1168.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1176.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_1172.jpg

Up Next: Chef Mickey's!

[L-Harper]

I just found your trip report and read the whole thing. Awesome! We are going on our first ever trip in September and I also have a 2 and 4 year old.... mine are both boys. We are also staying at Pop! Your trip report has helped me in many ways to know what to expect in September. I cannot wait to read the rest of it! :goodvibes

[budafam]

We had reservations at Chef Mickey's for 7:30. The monorail was late getting going and we didn't leave the TTC till 7:35. When we got to Chef Mickey's, we got seated right away (after getting that wonderful picture taken, of course!) They seated us near the window and gave me a yellow napkin so that the characters would know we were celebrating my birthday. The food was great here. We really enjoyed it and will return next time for sure. Here are some pics:
http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a4.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a7.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a203.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a7a.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a7b.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a7c.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a8.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a9.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a10.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a11.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a13.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a16.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a19.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a23.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a24.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a25.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a33.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a76.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a185.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a196.jpg

Next up: back to MK for our last day

[budafam]

After breakfast we headed back to MK for our last day in the parks. We headed straight for Adventureland to ride Pirates. Dominic was so excited for this! The kids loved it. We weren't quite ready for that big drop in the ride but all in all, it was a great ride and lots of fun. I can't wait for next time when we do Pirates League for Dominic. He's gonna love it! Here are pics:

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a207.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a211.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a214.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a215.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a217.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a218.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a222.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a224.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a226.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a228.jpg

Next up: Meeting the princesses again...

[budafam]

We had FP's for Jungle Cruise but we had a bit of time to waste so we headed back over to the princesses to get their autographs (which we forgot to do the first day). The princesses were great again... the kids loved talking to them and they all loved Lucy's princess dress.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a238.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a240.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a245.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a249.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a260.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a265.jpg

Next up: Dancing in the Streets

[budafam]

After meeting the princesses, we got in position for the parade. This was a great parade, very energetic and even got me & DH to dance along with them :) Lucy was a bit scared of all the commotion but Dominic got right in there and danced with Jessie & Woody. Woody was being silly with him which he loved.

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a270.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a274.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/a286.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0016.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0025.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0029.jpg

Next up: Jungle Cruise

[budafam]

It was time for Jungle Cruise next. While standing in line the little cage jumped up and scared me... we waited for it to happen again but it didn't. The cruise was a lot of fun, we all enjoyed it. It was now time for a Dole Whip. I decided to get the kids a spear of pineapple. The pineapple "spear" was more expensive than the Dole Whip and I thought it would come peeled and on a stick... nope, it was just a chunk of pineapple. I couldn't give that to my kids to eat so we kept it wrapped up and put it in our cooler to take back to the room. The Dole Whip was amazing. I loved it. I've been craving one ever since. On our way out of Adventureland we saw Aladdin & Jasmine but they were just about to take a break so we decided to skip meeting them. Maybe next time :)

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0036.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0038.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0049.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0052.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0058.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0059.jpg

http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j469/nick97gst/DSC_0062.jpg

Next up: Country Bears & Fantasyland

[budafam]

After our snack we headed towards Fantasyland and made a pit stop at Country Bears... I was excited for this and it was air conditioned (the temp was starting to get pretty high out there!) Once the show began, DH just rolled his eyes... he hated it. I thought it was a cute show and would see it again but DH wouldn't. The kids fell asleep while walking back to Fantasyland. I woke up DS to try the sword in the stone... lol... no such luck! We stopped at Sir Mickey's to find some souvenirs. DH and DS tried on a Mad Hatter hat... silly boys! I bought a sweatshirt for $55 :rolleyes1 Normally I don't spend that much but DH said I did a good job planning so I deserved it... awww... :love:

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0065.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0067.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0069.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0072.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0080.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0087.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0089.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0090.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0093-1.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0094-1.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0096-1.jpg

Up Next: Posers!

[budafam]

On our way out, we stopped by some well known landmarks to take some pictures. The kids fell asleep as we walked down Main Street. They had been wanting to see Daisy... of course, we saw her on our way out the door (and there's a picture to prove it).

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0105.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0117-1.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0120.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0123.jpg

We opted for the boat this time since the kids had never been on a real boat. There was a wonderful family that talked with us all the way across. They were interested in purchasing a new camera and asked a bunch about ours.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0131.jpg

This was the hottest day yet. We had perfect weather for this vacation. It couldn't have been better.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0133.jpg

Next up: Richard Petty Driving Experience (just a drive through)

[budafam]

On our way out, DH spotted the Richard Petty Driving Experience. DH is a huge fan of Nascar and driving fast. I originally looked into purchasing a package for him but it seemed kinda silly to spend money on something that he does everyday for free (well, one of these days I'm sure he'll have to pay a hefty ticket!) Anyways, he asked the guy at the gate if we could just go peak inside to check it out and he said sure.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0135.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0149.jpg

Next up: Pop Pics & the Arcade

[budafam]

We spent some time at the hotel. Took some pictures, ate dinner (sorry no pics of that)... they did play Hanson's MMMBop as we were eating though (my favorite band!) Then we took the kids to the arcade. They played a bunch of games and got some super cheap prizes that broke before we even got home.. lol.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0310.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0315.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0319.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0325.jpg

Next Up: Mickey Was Here AGAIN!?!

[budafam]

Mickey struck again when we got back to the room! The kids got mini coloring books with stickers for the ride home.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0333.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0340.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0343-1.jpg

Next Up: 1900 Park Fare Breakfast!

[budafam]

At last, the day we leave :sad2: DH loaded up the van and we checked out. We headed to Grand Floridian for our final meal in WDW at 1900 Park Fare with the Mad Hatter, Alice, Mary Poppins, Pooh & Tigger. We arrived VERY early but they seated us anyways (after taking our picture of course). This place was extremely loud but the food was excellent. I especially loved the lobster benedict and strawberry soup. The kids were excited to see gummy bears on the buffet & DH enjoyed his usuals. The juice they serve was also really yummy. I got a special placemat because of my birthday. When we left, we took some time taking pictures outside of the hotel with some antique cars/vehicles.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0344.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0361.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0362.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0377.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0383.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0401.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0402.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0403.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0406.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0414.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0417.jpg


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0420.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0422.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0424.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0426.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0433.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0445.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0446.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0453.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0463.jpg

Next Up: See Ya Real Soon!

[budafam]

It took us awhile to find our way out... lol... DH made a few wrong turns but eventually we saw the dreaded sign :( We were on our way...

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0481.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0485.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0501.jpg

We stopped in Murfreesboro, TN for the night.

Next Up: White Castle

[budafam]

The place we stayed at offered a free continental breakfast and it was DELISH! There was so much to choose from... bagels, donuts, eggs, sausage, bacon, toast, coffee, juice, milk, cereal, waffles & more... it really was a fantastic start to our day. We stopped for lunch at fast food restaurants. DH picked Arby's and I chose White Castle having never been there before. I was not very impressed... I suppose they would be really yummy after a drunken binge though...

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0002.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0009.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0010.jpg

Up Next: Home Sweet Home!

[budafam]

Everything went great on the way home. We made excellent time. We would've been home much earlier but we accidentally drove through Chicago instead of around it. Dominic had a meltdown right after Chicago over Kung Fu Panda. I think we pulled in our driveway around 6pm that night. The kids had a surprise from Mickey waiting for them. A Toy Story slip & slide!

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0025.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0014.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0026.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0028.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0033.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n535/budasboutique/DSC_0034.jpg

AAAAND... That's All Folks!!!

Hopefully I can get around to uploading some of the Photopass Pix eventually. DH just "okayed" a surprise trip for me and DS at the end of the month! That means, Disney World, Hanson, Food & Halloween all at the same time... the planets have aligned! :scared1: It will be only my 2nd time flying ever and of course my first time flying to Disney. I'm scared out of my mind but sooo excited! DS doesn't know about it yet and I think we're going to wait till that morning to wake him up with the surprise. He LOVES Halloween and I think he's going to be very excited for a just mommy & him trip. Plus free dining! WOOHOO! We upgraded to the Deluxe so expect many of food pictures to come. I LOVE DISNEY WORLD!!! :banana::banana::banana: Thank you all for reading this trip report and all of the wonderful comments :)

[Katie Mae's Mom]

Your pictures are fabulous:worship:What kind of camera? The Mickey cookies at the beginning of the TR looked darling :lovestruc. What kind of icing and dough did you use?

TR for the Halloween trip? :) I hope so:surfweb:

[budafam]

Your pictures are fabulous:worship:What kind of camera? The Mickey cookies at the beginning of the TR looked darling :lovestruc. What kind of icing and dough did you use?

TR for the Halloween trip? :) I hope so:surfweb:

Thank you! It's a Nikon D5000, absolutely LOVE that camera! The cookies were just a simple sugar dough and royal icing thinned out. They were so yummy. I will definitely be doing a TR along with a Dining Report... I'm really excited about free dining and the F&W Festival!

[WDWlover717]

WOW! I absolutely loved reading your trip report! Your children are darling! You and your husband make a sweet looking couple! Love your tan too! I'm from FL and can never get that tan! What's your secret?!?!?! Also, what kind of camera do you use? Your pictures are amazing! I noticed you wore Croc sandals in the parks. Had you worn them any before your trip? I am wanting to try Crocs for our trip in May, but am worried they might rub blisters on my feet!