A sprinkle of Pixie Dust and some Disney Christmas Magic! A December TR

[Monny2AE]

:santa: WELCOME TO MY TRIP REPORT! :santa:


For those that don’t know me allow me to introduce myself. I’m Kim, wife, mother of two and obviously a huge Disney fan.

MY FAMILY…
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/Photo0113FourBySix.jpg

DH- Not as huge of a fan as I am but he has learned to love Disney ever since his first visit in 2001- our honeymoon. He becomes a big kid as soon as we pass under the arch at the entrance to Disney World.

DS- He is 7 and a HUGE Disney fan! He loves Pirates of the Caribbean, although he’s never actually seen the movies yet. He also loves Toy Story, Cars 2 and his all time fave is Duffy Bear. There’s a story about Duffy that I’ll get to later.

DD- She is 4 and is my little princess. She’s more of a Mulan than a Cinderella though- she’s got some spunk and is always daring.

TRIP DETAILS…

Our official Disney vacation dates were Dec. 10-17, 2011. This was our very first time seeing Disney and all of the Christmas magic that I’ve longed to see for many years now. It was also a budget trip so we were booked at All Star Movies with the free QSDDP. We also decided to save money on airfare and drive- there’s a story there too that I will get to shortly.

HERE WE GO!!!!!

[Monny2AE]

LET THE ROADTRIP BEGIN!
Thursday, Dec. 8th through Friday, Dec. 9th

My kids knew we were going to Disney but what they didn’t know was the actual day we were going to be leaving. DH and I told the kids that we were leaving on Saturday Dec. 10th Instead we surprised them and left Thursday after work. I loaded up the van while DS was in school and while DD was distracted watching a movie for rest time. In the afternoon, I had them both get showers and put on PJ’s since we were going to “look at Christmas lights” and might get back home late. They didn’t question a thing! They didn’t even notice that the two rear seats of our 12 passenger van were removed and in it’s place was all our stuff packed for Disney World. The surprise went well- they didn’t get it for quite a while! Here’s a little video of it:

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/th_DSCN4642.jpg (http://s224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/?action=view&current=DSCN4642.mp4)

Once the kids knew where we were really headed we hit the road at 5:30pm! Our plan was to drive until about 10 or 11pm, hopefully make it as far south as the border between Virginia and North Carolina before stopping for the night and continue the drive on Friday. That didn’t happen. We didn’t even make it to Richmond, VA before we hit this:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4643.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4645.jpg

From about 8:30 until almost 2am we SAT. :headache: I won’t even say we crawled because for most of it we literally just sat still keeping the van running for heat. It took us almost 6 hours to go 9 miles. It was more awful than you can imagine. We were in the left lane and couldn’t get over to the right and even if we could we only ever saw one exit the entire time. When it did finally clear it was about 2am and DH said why not just keep driving. At this point it was kind of silly to stop at a hotel while we only 3 hours from home. The kids were sleeping so we drove. We made it through Virginia and part of North Carolina when DH started struggling to stay awake. In fact he started feeling ill from the lack of sleep- he worked a full day before we left so he was exhausted. We stopped for a break and rested for an hour or so. The kids woke up and I got myself and the kids some breakfast, DH took some Dramamine, I bought one of those 5 hour energy drinks for the first time ever and took over driving. I drove through the rest of North Carolina, South Carolina and made it into Georgia before I couldn’t stay awake any longer. DH took over in Georgia and we finally saw this beauty looming in the distance at around 7:30 pm. It was like seeing water in the desert!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4649.jpg
It took us a full 26 hours to get from Maryland to Florida! That’s 10 hours longer than it should have!

No matter! We were finally in Disney! We pulled into the All Start Complex and were immediately worried about where we were staying. There was a police car at All Star Sports dealing with a group of teenagers when we drove by. Nothing says welcome to Disney like an unruly group of teens and a cop car! We needed this trip to be a budget trip and I reminded DH that Pop Warner week was almost over and hopefully it won’t be too loud or crazy. We checked in at All Star Movies and headed right for the food court to get some dinner- we were starving. After we ate we went to find our room. The kids loved all the Toy Story stuff along the way!

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4663.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4660.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4659.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4658.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4653.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4650.jpg

This was our first time staying at a value resort and while it was a nice resort, I found myself comparing it to CBR- rooms were smaller, beds were smaller with only two pillows on each bed, no fridge. I knew it would be this way so I reminded myself not to complain. We needed a place to sleep each night and this was just that.

All seemed fine until DD went to go use the bathroom. The toilet was broken. It wasn’t fastened to the floor and you could move it around the bathroom! :eek: Uh that’s not right???? They apologized at the check in desk and told us that they were all booked with no other rooms at ASMo. They could put us in Sports for the week

OR





get ready for a pixie dust moment!!!!!!
pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust: pixiedust:






UPGRADE us at no charge to a moderate! :banana:


I learned that we are resort snobs and that you can’t downgrade resorts once you’ve stayed at a nicer resort. :snooty: I know I sound like a snot but it’s true.

Finally at about 8:30pm we checked in at our upgraded resort, Coronado Springs, exhausted but excited! We carried in most of our stuff, got some much needed showers and went right to bed! :faint:


Up Next…DAY ONE IN DISNEY!

[ChefDisneyLu]

Wow! Nice upgrade!!!!!

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Thanks for sharing!

Lisa

[jc040404]

Oh my! Cops, a broken toilet...What a start after such a drive! :eek: Yay for an upgrade! Love the pic of your kiddos in RC. Too cute!

Excited to follow along! :thumbsup2

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm here Kim!! :yay:


Wow what a start your trip was off to. :scared1: I can't believe how long it took you to get to WDW. You don't have the best of luck with road trips, do you? :headache:

But hey, at least you made it there safe and sound and yay for a broken toilet and an upgrade!! :cool1: Can't wait to hear what you thought of CSR after staying at CBR so many times. Did you get to pick your moderate or was CSR the only one they offered?

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip! popcorn::

[Moodyzblu]

Joining in ! Will be back to read it all later. :thumbsup2

:banana:

[RexIsaTurtle]

Wow if that had happened to my boyfriend and I he probably would have just started walking and left the car to be impounded! I can't believe how patient you both were in that traffic.

Subscribing now. :goodvibes

[Peace Mickey Lovers]

Great start can't wait to hear more:)

[Monny2AE]

Wow! Nice upgrade!!!!!

I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Thanks for sharing!

Lisa
It was a complete shock to be upgraded! I remember I turned to DH when the CM went into the back and told him this is a rare event! I was beaming!!!
Oh my! Cops, a broken toilet...What a start after such a drive! :eek: Yay for an upgrade! Love the pic of your kiddos in RC. Too cute!

Excited to follow along! :thumbsup2
The trip definitely didn't start out too well but thankfully it got better after the road trip!
I'm here Kim!! :yay:


Wow what a start your trip was off to. :scared1: I can't believe how long it took you to get to WDW. You don't have the best of luck with road trips, do you? :headache:

But hey, at least you made it there safe and sound and yay for a broken toilet and an upgrade!! :cool1: Can't wait to hear what you thought of CSR after staying at CBR so many times. Did you get to pick your moderate or was CSR the only one they offered?

Looking forward to hearing all about your trip! popcorn::
No, road trips definitely have something against me that's for sure. :headache: I turned to DH at one point and told him this one would be the last time we ever drive to Disney. And. I. Meant. It. He talked me into driving instead of flying this time but never again and I am holding to it.
We didn't get to pick- CSR was all they had with rooms for the week. I did ask if CBR was available. :rolleyes1 The CM said he even checked Beach Club...that would have been a dream upgrade! DH joked that asking for Poly was pushing it. The CM smiled but didn't find it as funny as we did. :confused3
Joining in ! Will be back to read it all later. :thumbsup2

:banana:
Thanks for stopping by! :goodvibes
Wow if that had happened to my boyfriend and I he probably would have just started walking and left the car to be impounded! I can't believe how patient you both were in that traffic.

Subscribing now. :goodvibes
I think we were in a state of delirium by the time it was over. Every so often we would say "it has to clear up soon" Hours later we were still waiting. There was nothing to do. People were turning the shoulder into makeshift bathrooms and many pulled over turned their cars off and slept. I was just thankful we had a roomy back to our van and some disposable cups for the kids to use as makeshift toilets. It was getting pretty desperate.
Great start can't wait to hear more:)
Thanks for subbing!

[JoBird]

Hi Kim, checking in!!!
:goodvibes

Holy cow what an ordeal!! That is an insane trip down you had!! :scared1:But so cool, an upgrade! I can't wait to hear what you thought about CSR-- it's a mod I think I'd like to try sometime.

Your kids have gotten so big-- I can't believe it! Too cute.

We may have a trip in the works for next year at the same time, so I can't wait to hear how yours ended up!

[Moodyzblu]

Wow .. so sorry about the traffic mess ! I would have been SO upset .. I don't do well in the car as it is. BUT glad it all worked out in the end with the upgrade ! I've heard of it happening .. but I know it's rare.

Loved the pics ! ASMo is our "home" resort (yeah, I know its a crummy value .. but it gives us a place to sleep ;)) Seeing the pics made me homesick for WDW !

Can't wait to read more ! :banana:

[mickeystoontown]

Joining in on the fun. Well, I am hoping it gets fun from here on out. The driving part, the cop car and the loose toilet surely wasn't a great start.:scared1:

[jenjolt]

I'm definitely going to join in Kim!!!

WOW what an eventful start to your trip...but what a nice upgrade!! YAY for CSR...can't wait to hear what you thought about that resort!!

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Hey Kim! What an eventful start to your vacation. But upgrade to CSR - that's awesome! I love the excitment on your little ones' faces! Can't wait to read more.

[seacrestpromo]

Hey Kim! I made it here!!!

Great start on your report - OMG that traffic was AWEFUL!

26 hours of driving - you guys are road warriors!

Sea :cool1:

[crzyred]

I'm here too!

Ok I think I'd break down and just start crying if I was stuck in traffic like that.

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm here!!!
Your kids are too funny! "you're surprising us?"

So sorry about your traffic problems. Having been there (but not to THAT extreme), I feel your pain. It's a risk we take every time we make that awfully long road trip! I guess it's good you built in extra time! So glad you made it safe and sound. And an upgrade - well, heck, you deserved it after that driving fiasco!!!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Happy New Year Kim! :goodvibes

[Pluto_fan]

I'm here, Kim! Wow, what an adventure so far. :upsidedow Your video of the kids made me tear up a little! Can't wait for the rest!

[BellaSoleil]

Wow! You guys are real troopers! You deserved that upgrade!

Can't wait to read along.

[TinkerbellinNY6]

I'm Here and following along! I couldn't miss it after following your PTR!:goodvibes We always seem to hit a delay in that same area when we travel. What great pixie dust! THat is my family's favorite moderate hotel! I can't wait to see what you thought about it compared to CBR as we have not stayed there yet. I also love how excited your kids were about going to Disney!

[seacrestpromo]

OMG - I totally missed the part about your upgrade to CSR! My mind must of been in some kind of holiday fog.

OK - When is the next update! popcorn::

Sea :cool1:

[ScotsMinnie]

What a horrendous drive - well done for getting through that with such little rest. What good luck to get an upgrade!!! Can't wait to hear about your trip!

[archdandy]

Wow! An upgrade to a moderate! :goodvibes I bet that helped make the crappy start to your vacation better! I can't wait to read the rest of your report.

[Monny2AE]

Hi Kim, checking in!!!
:goodvibes

Holy cow what an ordeal!! That is an insane trip down you had!! :scared1:But so cool, an upgrade! I can't wait to hear what you thought about CSR-- it's a mod I think I'd like to try sometime.

Your kids have gotten so big-- I can't believe it! Too cute.

We may have a trip in the works for next year at the same time, so I can't wait to hear how yours ended up!
Hi Jo! Thankfully the trip ended up much better than it started out! You'll love it in December!
Wow .. so sorry about the traffic mess ! I would have been SO upset .. I don't do well in the car as it is. BUT glad it all worked out in the end with the upgrade ! I've heard of it happening .. but I know it's rare.

Loved the pics ! ASMo is our "home" resort (yeah, I know its a crummy value .. but it gives us a place to sleep ;)) Seeing the pics made me homesick for WDW !

Can't wait to read more ! :banana:
I couldn't believe we got an upgrade either! I wasn't too disappointed in ASMo. All our family needs is a place to sleep but I immediately found myself comparing to a moderate. What really failed to impress me was the Pop Warner crowds. Just the little we encountered in the food court and parking lot was enough for me.
Joining in on the fun. Well, I am hoping it gets fun from here on out. The driving part, the cop car and the loose toilet surely wasn't a great start.:scared1:
It gets better! ;)
I'm definitely going to join in Kim!!!

WOW what an eventful start to your trip...but what a nice upgrade!! YAY for CSR...can't wait to hear what you thought about that resort!!
Hi Jen thanks for joining in and following along!
Hey Kim! What an eventful start to your vacation. But upgrade to CSR - that's awesome! I love the excitment on your little ones' faces! Can't wait to read more.
My kids were excited...once the initial shock wore off! It was fun surprising them!
Hey Kim! I made it here!!!

Great start on your report - OMG that traffic was AWEFUL!

26 hours of driving - you guys are road warriors!

Sea :cool1:
We felt and looked like road warriors! By the time we arrived we hadn't showered in over 24 hours and looked like we had been to war! Maybe that's why they gave us an upgrade. We must have looked pathetic.

[Monny2AE]

I'm here too!

Ok I think I'd break down and just start crying if I was stuck in traffic like that.
I think at one point I almost did break down and want to cry. :laughing:
I'm here!!!
Your kids are too funny! "you're surprising us?"

So sorry about your traffic problems. Having been there (but not to THAT extreme), I feel your pain. It's a risk we take every time we make that awfully long road trip! I guess it's good you built in extra time! So glad you made it safe and sound. And an upgrade - well, heck, you deserved it after that driving fiasco!!!
It was hilarious that they didn't get it at first! We always expect a little traffic but never expected it to be that bad. No worries, when we FLY next time we won't get stuck in traffic! ;)
Happy New Year Kim! :goodvibes
Thanks Shelly! Happy New Year to you and your family!
I'm here, Kim! Wow, what an adventure so far. :upsidedow Your video of the kids made me tear up a little! Can't wait for the rest!
I'm glad I got it on camera. It's one of those memories I will cherish!
Wow! You guys are real troopers! You deserved that upgrade!

Can't wait to read along.
Hi! Glad you're along for the TR! I was definitely feeling like we had been sprinkled with some pixie dust when the CM offered us the upgrade! It was fantastic news after that road trip.
I'm Here and following along! I couldn't miss it after following your PTR!:goodvibes We always seem to hit a delay in that same area when we travel. What great pixie dust! THat is my family's favorite moderate hotel! I can't wait to see what you thought about it compared to CBR as we have not stayed there yet. I also love how excited your kids were about going to Disney!
Thanks for joining me again! I still prefer CBR but I think sometimes our opinions of resorts can be biased. I have such great memories at CBR. We stayed there for our honeymoon and for both my kids first trips so it holds a personal connection for me. CSR was a nice resort but CBR will always be my favorite.
OMG - I totally missed the part about your upgrade to CSR! My mind must of been in some kind of holiday fog.

OK - When is the next update! popcorn::

Sea :cool1:
I'm working on an update soon! Thanks for your patience!
What a horrendous drive - well done for getting through that with such little rest. What good luck to get an upgrade!!! Can't wait to hear about your trip!
I think by the time we got to WDW both DH and I looked at each other and wondered how we actually made it. To be honest neither of us should have been behind the wheel at certain points of the trip. We were on autopilot for a good portion of it...just stay on 95 South kept repeating in my head.
Wow! An upgrade to a moderate! :goodvibes I bet that helped make the crappy start to your vacation better! I can't wait to read the rest of your report.
Getting an upgrade was fantastic! It made up for the terrible drive!

[Monny2AE]

DAY ONE IN DISNEY!
Saturday, Dec. 10th

We woke after a much needed great night of sleep and immediately headed for Magic Kingdom! MK is always our first park. I’m never “officially” at Disney until I walk down Main Street and see the castle in the distance!

We drove to the Epcot parking lot since we planned to go to Epcot later in the day then hopped on board the monorail to get to the TTC.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4667.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4668.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2180-2.jpg

I tried to get a picture of DH…he was being uncooperative.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4669.jpg

Hopped off the monorail and onto a boat.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4673.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2187.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2189.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4672.jpg

Finally we arrived at MK!
I got a little teary eyed when we came out from under the railroad platform and I got my first glimpse of Main Street! The marching band was playing Gloria in excelsis Deo and I looked up to see this enormous Christmas tree. It was an amazing first moment finally experiencing MK at Christmas!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4676.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2197.jpg

The kids voted that our first attraction should be Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin so we started off in Tomorrowland admiring the castle along the way!

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2200.jpg

Practiced being Space Rangers with Buzz! Zurg didn’t stand a chance.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2205.jpg

Next we headed over to Tomorrowland Speedway. The car that DD and I were in was slow as molasses. It actually stopped moving at all as we were heading into the pits. Turned out they forgot to take off the brake when they sent us off in the beginning. The CM kicked some sort of lever on the side and we got a quick spurt at the end before we were done.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4682.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4683.jpg

[Monny2AE]

Took a spin on the Teacups
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4686.jpg

Saw the White Rabbit! No one felt like waiting in line to meet him.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4691.jpg

DH got on Prince Charming’s Royal Carousel with the kids
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4701.jpg

DS pulled the sword from a stone. We watched this movie on the long car ride so he was super excited to try. DD gave it a try but it wouldn’t budge. We’ve never had it actually come up before and I honestly didn’t know it still worked!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4706.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4708.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4710.jpg

Put on some fun glasses for Philharmagic
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4711.jpg

Next up was one of our all time favorites- Haunted Mansion! We did it twice since the lines were so short. The first time we went through the new interactive graveyard- it was “way cool” according to DS. I agreed!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4696.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4697.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4699.jpg

We caught some fugitives in Frontierland
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4700.jpg

DD started to go downhill after that. Bring on the meltdown!!!! It was getting to be lunch time and I think being hungry, tired and overwhelmed with being at MK started to get to her. DH of course caught every meltdown of the trip on camera for future use.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2220.jpg

We stopped for a couple hot dogs and with the help of some silly faces from her brother all was well again.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2221.jpg

Up Next: The rest of the afternoon at MK and a park hop to Epcot!

[cic]

I love the meltdown picture. I have a few of my little one too!

[seacrestpromo]

What a great park to start your WDW trip! What did you think about the decorations and atmosphere? Those pics are so much fun!

[Mndisneygirl]

YAY! You're at MK!!!
Did anything happen when he pulled the sword out of the stone?

LOVE your sweet DD's crying picture! Is that wrong? It's just so sweet to see you trying to help her...

Your son looks so much like a boy in Paige's class. Every time I see him, it reminds me of your son and vice versa.

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update!! :cool1: Love all the pics! Even the crying one! :rotfl: Looks like you got a lot done, the lines must have been short! :thumbsup2

I can't believe Andrew pulled the sword up!! The boys want to know what time of day it was, now that they can see that it actually does come up they think it's on a timer!! :laughing:

[Moodyzblu]

Yeah .. does anything happen when you pull the sword up ?? :confused3

Love the pics of the kids meltdowns AND silly faces ! lol

I have a few meltdown pics too .. :thumbsup2

I get teary eyed when I first see the Castle and Main St too .. Disney dork here. :rolleyes:

[Pluto_fan]

Great pictures, Kim! :goodvibes Your kids are just darling.

And I have to say...the words "interactive graveyard" just crack me up! :lmao:

[Lil'Mermaid75]

We where in MK during the magic moments promotion a few years ago. DS was determined he was going to pull that sword out. One of the CMs came out and talked with us. She had a little remote control that she used to activate the sword coming out. DS was so excited he pulled that thing out! He received a certificate and a prince for a day sticker. Of course, now he thinks he should be able to pull it out every time we go!! :lmao:

Great photos! Love the one of your DS's funny face! That would definately make me smile if I was having a rough day!

[mommyof3princess27]

Ha! I have to comment on the resort snob thing. Our first trip we stayed at the Poly and the last short trip we stayed at POR but only after upgrading from POP....I cant do a value....not once I have stayed higher! Nothing wrong with it but I too am a resort snob lol. I loved POR though, we are staying there again this year! Love the TR!

[Monny2AE]

I love the meltdown picture. I have a few of my little one too!
Unfortunately that one wasn't the only meltdown picture of the trip. All in all she did well. She naps on occasion at home and never napped at Disney so I'm actually surprised she did so well being so exhausted.

What a great park to start your WDW trip! What did you think about the decorations and atmosphere? Those pics are so much fun!
Disney at Christmas is even more magical than Disney any other time I've seen it! I love how detailed and over the top the decorations were. There's no way you couldn't be in a Christmassy mood while surrounded by that!

YAY! You're at MK!!!
Did anything happen when he pulled the sword out of the stone?

LOVE your sweet DD's crying picture! Is that wrong? It's just so sweet to see you trying to help her...

Your son looks so much like a boy in Paige's class. Every time I see him, it reminds me of your son and vice versa.
Strangely nothing happened. It got heavy after a few seconds and DS had to let it go back down. We were never able to get it back out again. The poor kids after us were so excited to do it and it didn't work for them. I felt bad. I wish I knew what triggered it to come out.
DD responds really well to soft words when she's upset. She's your typical girl- she just wants to know someone understands her. ;)

Great update!! :cool1: Love all the pics! Even the crying one! :rotfl: Looks like you got a lot done, the lines must have been short! :thumbsup2

I can't believe Andrew pulled the sword up!! The boys want to know what time of day it was, now that they can see that it actually does come up they think it's on a timer!! :laughing:
The lines were pretty short! I was surprised. MK was supposed to be a park to avoid on the 10th. It did start getting a bit more crowded as the afternoon went on. That's when we decided to hop on the monorail and go to Epcot.
Yeah .. does anything happen when you pull the sword up ?? :confused3

Love the pics of the kids meltdowns AND silly faces ! lol

I have a few meltdown pics too .. :thumbsup2

I get teary eyed when I first see the Castle and Main St too .. Disney dork here. :rolleyes:
I haven't had a trip yet that didn't involve my eyes welling up with tears when seeing the castle for the first time!

Great pictures, Kim! :goodvibes Your kids are just darling.

And I have to say...the words "interactive graveyard" just crack me up! :lmao:
:rotfl: Those words do sound weird together!
We where in MK during the magic moments promotion a few years ago. DS was determined he was going to pull that sword out. One of the CMs came out and talked with us. She had a little remote control that she used to activate the sword coming out. DS was so excited he pulled that thing out! He received a certificate and a prince for a day sticker. Of course, now he thinks he should be able to pull it out every time we go!! :lmao:

Great photos! Love the one of your DS's funny face! That would definately make me smile if I was having a rough day!
How fun! We didn't have any of the extras but DS was excited enough just that he was able to do it!
DS does a great job of making her smile. He gets his silly gene from his dad. Humor is the best medicine!
Ha! I have to comment on the resort snob thing. Our first trip we stayed at the Poly and the last short trip we stayed at POR but only after upgrading from POP....I cant do a value....not once I have stayed higher! Nothing wrong with it but I too am a resort snob lol. I loved POR though, we are staying there again this year! Love the TR!
Hey stranger! ;) Hope your quick trip with DH was fun! I agree. Values are fine if you just want a place to crash but at Disney I want to be spoiled a bit more than that!

[Monny2AE]

It's Saturday night and we are relaxing watching Tangled...no better time to update a TR!

DAY ONE (continued)

We finished lunch, recovered from a meltdown and took a picture of a hidden Mickey that DS spotted. He was on a mission this trip to find as many Hidden Mickey's as possible. Next trip I am getting him a book to help him since he had so much fun looking for them this trip!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2227.jpg

Then we made our way towards the castle to see this...
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2229.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2241.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2239.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2244.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2246.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2257.jpg

continued next post...

[Monny2AE]

Then we grabbed a spot along Main Street to enjoy the parade.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4722.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2268.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2265.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2262.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4733.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2288.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2284.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2282.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2280.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2274.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2273.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4736.jpg


MK was starting to get a little crowded so we decided to head to Epcot for the evening. MK and Epcot are our two favorite parks so it was wonderful to see them both on our first day!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2298.jpg

On our way out DS asked if we could stop and take a picture of them in front of the toy soldier. How could I resist a photo opportunity? :goodvibes
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4738.jpg

UP NEXT: The end of Day One- an evening at Epcot!

[jecskc]

Loving your TR. Looking forward to reading more. popcorn::

[cic]

Love the parade pictures! The stepsisters are hilarious!

[seacrestpromo]

Kim - Very cute pictures! Liked the one of the kiddos in front of the toy soldier. Can't wait for the next update. - Sea

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great update Kim! :goodvibes That parade is so cute. On the last 2 trips we didn't plan on seeing it, but always happened to get caught up in it while leaving the park and ended up getting some awesome pics! :thumbsup2

Cute pic with the Toy Soldier! :santa:

Looking forward to your evening at Epcot!

[Monny2AE]

Sorry for being such a slacker! I've been forcing myself to take a break form the laptop and get some long overdue things done around my house. Promise to get an update up in the next few days! :goodvibes

Loving your TR. Looking forward to reading more. popcorn::
Thanks for joining in!

Love the parade pictures! The stepsisters are hilarious!
The stepsisters were fantastic! They played the part really WELL!
Kim - Very cute pictures! Liked the one of the kiddos in front of the toy soldier. Can't wait for the next update. - Sea
Andrew's favorite decorations were the toy soldiers! I'll be getting to that update soon...promise!
Great update Kim! :goodvibes That parade is so cute. On the last 2 trips we didn't plan on seeing it, but always happened to get caught up in it while leaving the park and ended up getting some awesome pics! :thumbsup2

Cute pic with the Toy Soldier! :santa:

Looking forward to your evening at Epcot!
That's what happened to us. We caught it on the way out too and I'm so glad we did!

[Momto2PrncChrmgs]

Hi Kim!! Just getting caught up on your TR. I can't believe how big your kids are now!!! So cute.

What a horrible start to your trip. I know I would've been in tears sitting there that long. But what a nice upgrade!!! I'm sure that helped to dull some of the pain and get the trip going on a positive note! :thumbsup2

[Monny2AE]

Hi Kim!! Just getting caught up on your TR. I can't believe how big your kids are now!!! So cute.

What a horrible start to your trip. I know I would've been in tears sitting there that long. But what a nice upgrade!!! I'm sure that helped to dull some of the pain and get the trip going on a positive note! :thumbsup2

:welcome: So glad you stopped by! It WAS a horrible road trip and getting upgraded to CSR certainly helped make it all better!

[Monny2AE]

Saturday 12/10 continued

We left MK, hopped aboard the monorail and headed over to Epcot for a bit. We took some time to admire the Christmas décor and gardening in the front of the park. :santa:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2306.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2302.jpg

We took a few pictures of the kids in front of some of the displays.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2304.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4739.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4741.jpg

After a few pictures DS had enough and said he didn’t want to be in any more…then he changed his mind and wiggled his way into the picture! He was in a bit of a silly mood apparently.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2307.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2308.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2309.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2310.jpg

I then had two very silly kids on my hands! :joker:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4742.jpg

After the impromptu photo shoot in front of the gardens we headed to Spaceship Earth and then made our way over to The Seas to see DD’s favorite- NEMO!!!! :fish:
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2322.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4767.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4762.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4765.jpg

We worked up a thirst exploring the aquariums so we headed over to Cool Club. The kids had never been before so they were really excited to taste all the sodas!
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/IMG_2317.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4754.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4753.jpg
I was disappointed that they were out of the Beverly. DH and the kids have never tried it and I was looking forward to seeing their reactions.

The sun was starting to set as we came out of Cool Club and we were feeling hungry. We headed over to The Land for some dinner and talked over whether or not we should stay for Illuminations. We decided we were all starting to get a little tired and that perhaps it was a good idea to come back to explore Epcot some more tomorrow after a good night‘s sleep. We took a few pictures on the way out and headed back to CSR for the night.
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4772.jpg
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/DSCN4776.jpg


Up Next: DAY TWO- Epcot

[Monny2AE]

I have one more picture to add from our magical first day! Photopass pictures have arrived!

This was our first PP picture we had taken at MK!

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd263/KGMonny/Disney%202011/Photo0113FourBySix.jpg

[Momof2Disneyboys]

What a great first day. You got so much done. Love all the pics, especially the PP pic in front of the castle! :goodvibes

[mommy2mb]

Joining in!! Just found your report. What a great 1st day loved all the pics! We are driving for the 1st time from Illinois in March with 7,5 and 1 year old it should be a adventure!

[seacrestpromo]

MK and Epcot in one day? Wow -Awesome!

Funny pictures of the kiddies - and that is very nice picture of the whole family in front of Cinderella's Castle.

Great update today!

Sea :cool1:

[Monny2AE]

I'm so far behind! I'll do my best to get day two of our trip posted this week! :crazy2:

What a great first day. You got so much done. Love all the pics, especially the PP pic in front of the castle! :goodvibes
It was a wonderful first day! It was fun not to have any set plans and just bounce around and take it all in!

Joining in!! Just found your report. What a great 1st day loved all the pics! We are driving for the 1st time from Illinois in March with 7,5 and 1 year old it should be a adventure!
We've driven 4 times now and every time I come home and say we're never driving again LOL. I hope your road trip goes smoothly for you! Are you splitting it into a couple of days?
MK and Epcot in one day? Wow -Awesome!

Funny pictures of the kiddies - and that is very nice picture of the whole family in front of Cinderella's Castle.

Great update today!

Sea :cool1:
Thanks Sea! We love being able to park hop. When one park starts to get crowded we go to another one!

[mommy2mb]

I'm so far behind! I'll do my best to get day two of our trip posted this week! :crazy2:


It was a wonderful first day! It was fun not to have any set plans and just bounce around and take it all in!


We've driven 4 times now and every time I come home and say we're never driving again LOL. I hope your road trip goes smoothly for you! Are you splitting it into a couple of days?

Thanks Sea! We love being able to park hop. When one park starts to get crowded we go to another one!

We are splitting the drive into 2 days. We are going to stop a little over halfway the 1st night and finish the next day.