Holy Crap! Just the 5 of us?

[bunkkinsmom]

Hey Y'all!:flower3:

Welcome to the Family Force Five Trip Report. This will be our fourth trip in four years, and our first with just the five of us. In 2009 we journeyed to The World with my MIL, FIL, and SIL and stayed in a FANTASTIC Grand Villa at OKW. Then in 2010 we traveled with our friends John and Ryan, this time in a 2BR at OKW. Finally, last year it was back with the inlaws in 2 separate OKW rooms, a 1BR and a studio.

This year, it's Port Orleans Riverside for Free Dining. This will be our first Free Dining trip and my DH is a little concerned about the crowds.

So let me introduce the cast of players:

Me: I'm 41 and fluffy. I don't wanna be fluffy, but I am. My New Year's resolution is to lose some of this padding and drop about 60 pounds to get back to my fighting weight.

DH: He's 36 and fluffy too! He just signed up for a 24 hour gym, and I think that's great! We have a family Y membership but he never goes because of the hours. I never go because I am very good at making excuses ;). DH owns his own small production company, so he has lots of very late hours. This 24 hour thing will really fit his lifestyle.

DD9: Mama's little actress. DD9 has pledged to be more active with me this year. She is not officially fluffy, but she definitely is fluffier than her friends. We don't talk about weight, as I don't think that would be positive for her. But we do talk about being more active.

DS7: My Boy! He's very into Transformers and XBOX360. That's pretty much all there is to say about him. He's a boy's boy, know what I mean?

DD5: Dora the Destroyer. She is my little Taz. She is fearless and knows no limits. When she walks into the room, she OWNS IT. At our church we have a cell group with the young adults (15-23). There are several of them that prefer to hang out with her all night then the rest of the group, she's hysterical!

And that's the who's who of our trip. Now for logistics:

We are leaving in less than 3 weeks and the kids have NO IDEA! I've already told them that since I lost my job we cannot afford to go this year. We are going to pick them up from school and have their bags already packed to begin driving from there. THIS WILL ALSO BE OUR FIRST TIME DRIVING! :scared1: Normally we take the train as it is an overnight and the kids love it. We will stop halfway and stay in a hotel somewhere, then we will spend the first night in Orlando having dinner at the Pirate Adventure. We will check in to our resort the next morning and be ready to hit the parks!

I will try to post dining reviews, resort reviews, and hopefully some decent stories from the trip. I really want this to be a LIVE report!

So I hate to ask for help right from the beginning, but do any of you have ideas about how to surprise the kiddos??

[shoney]

Looking forward to your report and about POR...we'll be there in 42 days!

[Venomhatch]

DD5: Dora the Destroyer. She is my little Taz. She is fearless and knows no limits. When she walks into the room, she OWNS IT.

That part made me laugh. Followed over here from your POR Refurb Post. Good luck and hope you have fun. We will be getting the Royal Welcome there a little after shoney.

[bunkkinsmom]

Looking forward to your report and about POR...we'll be there in 42 days!

Thanks! I am really looking forward to this trip. We usually check in at OKW on our first day and then take the boat to DTD to have lunch at Puck Express. With POR, we can still have our first day tradition!

That part made me laugh. Followed over here from your POR Refurb Post. Good luck and hope you have fun. We will be getting the Royal Welcome there a little after shoney.

Thanks Venom! You have been such a help with all of your posts, I am excited to report back for you!

[Venomhatch]

Thanks! I am really looking forward to this trip. We usually check in at OKW on our first day and then take the boat to DTD to have lunch at Puck Express. With POR, we can still have our first day tradition!



Thanks Venom! You have been such a help with all of your posts, I am excited to report back for you!

Well thank you also if you notice construction on the oak building feel free to investigate for us. I'd love to know the progress and see anything if there is time of course.

[Goldeelox9]

We will be there the same time...We check in on the 20th! I can't wait to read your trip report!

[bunkkinsmom]

Well thank you also if you notice construction on the oak building feel free to investigate for us. I'd love to know the progress and see anything if there is time of course.

OOOOH! I love a good investigating job! Consider me on the case!

We will be there the same time...We check in on the 20th! I can't wait to read your trip report!

That's awesome, I will be on the lookout for you! I am going to try to head to Home Depot before we leave to snag some lime green Mickey Heads for my park purse, so if you see one dangling from a denim blue Baggalini hipster, say HI! :hippie:

[Venomhatch]

OOOOH! I love a good investigating job! Consider me on the case!

Ok I have an update, they called us yesterday from reservations, and sadly the RGR rooms will not be ready in time for people until the 10th of march. So I know the forum will definitely want pics of the RGR construction. But they upgraded everyone who had RGR rooms to Deluxes. We got the POLY theme park view 3rd floor. So we are sad but rolling in excitement. Because if it wasn't for the push-back in dates, we would have been a long time down the road from being able to stay at the POLY.

So we would still want pics if you find the time and energy, those parks can take it out of you. lol.

[bunkkinsmom]

Hey Ya'll! Quick update, looks like the kids actually have NO IDEA!!!! I wasn't sure that we had them fooled, but my dad overheard a conversation yesterday between DD9 and DS7, and sure enough they are clueless! I can't wait to spring it on them!

The plan is to just keep driving south until they figure it out, I will try to have video of their faces when they do! I know we are going to the Pirate adventure Friday night and checking into POR on Saturday. I am thinking of looking for a room only discount for Friday and checking in a day early.

So only 4 more school days and then we are off! I can't wait!!!

[bunkkinsmom]

I am a freaking genius!!!!

So I've been wondering how I was going to get packed for this surprise trip and I finally figured it out. The girls are getting new bedroom furniture and carpet for all of the bedrooms while we are on vacation, so I used that to my advantage. Last night I had them pull all of their clothes out of their drawers and bring me their suitcases. I told them that we needed all of the space we could get since the dressers were going away, so I wanted summer clothes and all but 3 or 4 pairs of underwear in their suitcases to save room, and THEY BOUGHT IT!!!!!

So they have now packed themselves! :thumbsup2

3 more sleeps................

[Venomhatch]

I am a freaking genius!!!!

So I've been wondering how I was going to get packed for this surprise trip and I finally figured it out. The girls are getting new bedroom furniture and carpet for all of the bedrooms while we are on vacation, so I used that to my advantage. Last night I had them pull all of their clothes out of their drawers and bring me their suitcases. I told them that we needed all of the space we could get since the dressers were going away, so I wanted summer clothes and all but 3 or 4 pairs of underwear in their suitcases to save room, and THEY BOUGHT IT!!!!!

So they have now packed themselves! :thumbsup2

3 more sleeps................

Wow you sly one. That is devious lol. Our lil one might have caught on to that.

[andrewilley]

I gather from another thread you've just arrived - wow! How did the kids react? Does it sound like you went straight to POR rather than one-night elsewhere first?

Andre

[hunmcbunny]

how exciting....glad you made the trip safely. Cant wait to hear about your kids reactions.

We are going March 23. This is our first disney trip ever with our 5 yr old. We plan on picking her up from school on March 22 with a HUGE gift wrapped box sitting next to her carseat. Iniside has one of the welcome to disney packages from disney floral. Its gonna drive her bonkers because we dont plan on letting her open it until we get to her favorite restaurant (pizza hut...dont ask, I have a junk food junkie for a kid lol) She will get to open it then. We will explain that we are eating dinner super early because we have to go to bed super early....we have to be at the airport by 4:30am.

[lfeikert]

I've been reading your posts on the POR thread and I'm subscribing because I want to find out how the kids reacted to waking up at Disney!popcorn::

[stinkerbellsmommy]

Jumping on board from the POR thread--congrats keeping it a surprise! I can't wait to hear how the kids woke up and figured it out :surfweb:

[bunkkinsmom]

Good Morning Ya'll and WELCOME FROM RIVERSIDE!!!!!!:woohoo:

Here is a link to the 4:45 am sleepy wake up surprise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhIhiHjxBxk

You hear my son wake up and say "Moneyball!!" My DH had the IPAD mounted on the windshield for movies and we had "Moneyball" playing, my son loves that flick. Even though DD9 figured it out first, you can tell by the size of her eyes when she notices the bus sign that it is just sinking in :lmao:

So now you have met my DD9, DD5, and my DS7!
I will be posting lots of video, I hope ya'll enjoy!

OH!!! Here's video of the new murphy bed too:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=papSe9gfjgg

You can subscribe to my YouTube channel for more vids as I post them, see ya'll soon!
:yay:

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Looks like the Murphy bed is small child size. Much smaller then the trundle. No more 5 adults. Thanks for showing!

Nice reaction from the children. Your good parents.

Have fun and keep us posted.

[bunkkinsmom]

Looks like the Murphy bed is small child size. Much smaller then the trundle. No more 5 adults. Thanks for showing!

Nice reaction from the children. Your good parents.

Have fun and keep us posted.

I cannot imagine an adult on this bed, they would have to be much less fluffy than I, that's for sure!

[HiHoOffWeGo]

What building are you in and do you have WiFi or direct connect?

Now that you added one more day by driving straight through go out and enjoy.

You are not there until you get the bottomless mug. LOL

[mouselovenfamily]

Joining in and looking forward to your report! We arrive March 23rd!!! Surprising the kids...how wonderful! The closest we came to a surprise was telling them ( then 11 and 15yr olds) we were staying at POP and we were booked at CBR. We arrived late and told them they only ran one ME bus that late at night. We we got off the bus at CBR they were happy but my DD 15 was a bummed she didn't get to research the resort before we left. A future planner in the works!!

Have fun!

[mickeydotcom]

The reaction of your children in the video is wonderful. Your family is similar to mine...girl, boy, girl. I hope you have a wonderful time. We are set to arrive at POR March 29!

[CJK]

What wonderful videos! You must be wonderful parents to have raised such special kids! Can't wait for more. We're staying at POR for the first time next month (weekend getaway only), so I loved seeing your room. Have a great week!!

[crazyboutdisny]

Love the video!! And LOVE the room! We arrive March 28th and I would really love a refurb room but am doubting we will get it.
Have a great time!!!!

[DisneyDreamerMom]

Love the videos! I can't wait to read more. Have a great trip!

[sharon_wv]

Good Morning Ya'll and WELCOME FROM RIVERSIDE!!!!!!:woohoo:

Here is a link to the 4:45 am sleepy wake up surprise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhIhiHjxBxk

You hear my son wake up and say "Moneyball!!" My DH had the IPAD mounted on the windshield for movies and we had "Moneyball" playing, my son loves that flick. Even though DD9 figured it out first, you can tell by the size of her eyes when she notices the bus sign that it is just sinking in :lmao:

So now you have met my DD9, DD5, and my DS7!
I will be posting lots of video, I hope ya'll enjoy!

OH!!! Here's video of the new murphy bed too:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=papSe9gfjgg

You can subscribe to my YouTube channel for more vids as I post them, see ya'll soon!
:yay:

What an awesome video!!! Made my day watching that surprise!

[Payjackco]

Great video!! This makes me so excited for my own children. We aren't going until April but I can't wait to tell them. Enjoy your vacation!

[Moira222]

HI! I just saw your TR and have to sub. I love the video of your kids waking up at WDW. Your DD looks like the cat that ate the canary when she realized where you were. so sweet!!! Love the "I'm delighted" from your little Taz -:thumbsup2:rotfl2:

Have fun, I'll be looking forward to more of your fun trip!

[andrewilley]

Love the surprise reveal!

Looking forward to seeing more of your exploration and fun!

(the old trundle beds were 70" x 30" mattress dimensions by the way, if you get a chance to measure the new one at all)

Andre

[eeyorefamily]

Love both the videos' thanks for sharing...wish we were coming down but we just got back in October and are planning another trip in November or December time frame...Hope the kids are having a blast...ENJOY!

[disney*mom*82]

DD4 and I just watched your videos, love them. She kept saying you guys are in our room, because we have looked at the refurb rooms for our upcomming trip. Awesome suprise, we suprised her this summer, but she knows about us going in March! Enjoy!

[sjs314]

Thanks for shareing the videos. Your kids are adorable

[bunkkinsmom]

The reaction of your children in the video is wonderful. Your family is similar to mine...girl, boy, girl. I hope you have a wonderful time. We are set to arrive at POR March 29!

You'll have a blast!

What wonderful videos! You must be wonderful parents to have raised such special kids! Can't wait for more. We're staying at POR for the first time next month (weekend getaway only), so I loved seeing your room. Have a great week!!

Awwwww! Thanks! :love:

Love the video!! And LOVE the room! We arrive March 28th and I would really love a refurb room but am doubting we will get it.
Have a great time!!!!

You never know! We didn't ask, we just got assigned.

Love the videos! I can't wait to read more. Have a great trip!

Thanks!

What an awesome video!!! Made my day watching that surprise!

That makes my day to know it made your day!

Great video!! This makes me so excited for my own children. We aren't going until April but I can't wait to tell them. Enjoy your vacation!

Have a great time!

HI! I just saw your TR and have to sub. I love the video of your kids waking up at WDW. Your DD looks like the cat that ate the canary when she realized where you were. so sweet!!! Love the "I'm delighted" from your little Taz -:thumbsup2:rotfl2:

Have fun, I'll be looking forward to more of your fun trip!

Yeah those eyes get big! LOL!

Love the surprise reveal!

Looking forward to seeing more of your exploration and fun!

(the old trundle beds were 70" x 30" mattress dimensions by the way, if you get a chance to measure the new one at all)

Andre

I will try to get that done for everyone.

Love both the videos' thanks for sharing...wish we were coming down but we just got back in October and are planning another trip in November or December time frame...Hope the kids are having a blast...ENJOY!

We are!

DD4 and I just watched your videos, love them. She kept saying you guys are in our room, because we have looked at the refurb rooms for our upcomming trip. Awesome suprise, we suprised her this summer, but she knows about us going in March! Enjoy!

HAHAH! That would be great if you end up getting the same room.

[bunkkinsmom]

WOW I'm tired!

We got up around 1130 and took our time getting ready. Then off to the outlets for a little shopping and dinner at the Pirate Adventure Theater.

Too tired to write much more tonight, I will elaborate in the morning!

[shoney]

Wow! great video and beautiful family!!!! Have a great time!

How's POR? Is it swimming weather?

Your dining idea is so unique looking forward to more! Thank you for sharing your trip with us!

[Diamondintheruff]

My kids loved seeing the video of the murphy bed. They were a bit sad to lose the trundle but now are looking forward to the new murphy.

[bunkkinsmom]

Good Morning all!

We had a great day yesterday at Epcot. It seemed that the crowds were maybe just a little up from what we are used to. Free Dining Maybe?

We got a late start and only rode Spaceship Earth, so the kids are losing it to go ride some rides today.

I have started a live dining thread if any of you are interested. Here is my first installment:

Hi All!

I didn't get any review requests before my reservation, so I just sort of ordered what I wanted to! ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEBDtVD_T1k&context=C32364baADOEgsToPDskKphubfUnHPm1EzqMs0MbCT

Tonight...... 50's Prime Time!!! Get your requests in early and I will check my IPhone from the table!!!!

A couple of things to note: All 3 kids got the kids fish with mashed potato, and my DS ate 2 portions! Evidently they loved it ;)
The boy has never been a fish fan, so it must've been pretty good. The chicken was really outstanding, I would order it again for sure. We had the chocolate mousse for desert which is not on the video because I just about shoved my entire face in it after the first bite. It was chocolate heaven, and I am totally not exaggerating.

For lunch we ate at Puck Express and I had the salmon. The CM at the register said that it came with potato. It did, underneath a huge bed of greens. I was skeptical to say the least, however like everything else I've ever had there, it was divine! The dressing, or sauce, or whatever was on those greens was the perfect compliment in the perfect amount. DIVINE! DH had the bacon wrapped meatloaf and he is ready to go back just for that! I'm trying to talk him into Floatworks for lunch, just to try something different.

Please feel free to send suggestions for CS meals as well, as we are pretty much open to where we eat lunch!

SEE YOU REAL SOON!!!

Feel free to come on over and sub!

More details later tonight or tomorrow, I promise! Keeping up with 3 threads at once is a challenge!

[summerlady]

Moved over here from the POR thread.

Joining in the fun! Great video! :yay:

50's Prime Time. I say the sampler with chicken, pot roast and meatloaf, it's delish.

[momtolots]

Hopping over from the POR thread. Love the Video:happytv:

[HiHoOffWeGo]

Love the Pot Roast! How about Meat Loaf.

Do you have a link to your food thread?

What building are you in?

[vamassey1]

I followed you over from the POR thread too.

I loved the surprise video! We surprised my youngest in 2010 and she said that was the best trip ever.

We'll be there 2/18 so I'm loving anything you can post.

[bunkkinsmom]

Today I showed my ignorance. I made a critical error in planning, and boy did we pay for it! I thought in my tiny little mind that the buildings I saw near my room, The Mansions, were in the French Quarter. So in my tiny little mid I figured we couldn't be that far from Floatworks! I really wanted to try the Muffaletta, so I told the fam it was just right around the corner and we headed out. Well, let's just say we earned that Muffaletta! Turns out that "The Mansions" are in Riverside. :lmao:

Once we made it to Floatworks, we ordered our lunches and quickly found a table. I will tell you that the Muffaletta was A....MAZING!!!! Truly. We split a couple of late night sandwiches from Earl of Sandwich, and frankly I would choose the Muffaletta over those any day.

But we did get on the road to Hollywood Studios, and we had a blast! After the obligatory Tower of Tower journey:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73w8orUmFbw

I waited patiently for my beloved Dorma Nesmond, but alas, it was not to be today. I will have to stalk her before our week is over, as she is one of the reasons that we love Hollywood so much!

We took a little break at The Brown Derby for a snack and it was quite good, check out the dining review thread for more details! After that was the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. During the stunt show I noticed that there was an interpreter signing for the audience. With 2 deaf Grandparents and a father who has always been high up in State Government with Deaf Services, I was interested in the process for this. After the show I got the attention of the interpreter and he was kind enough to answer some questions for me regarding their services, and he was really informative! Needless to say I will be suggesting this for my now retired dad in case he wants to move down here as part of his retirement!

After that we headed over to the new Star Tours, and let me just say that I was REALLY REALLY IMPRESSED! I am not a fan of 3D, and neither is DH, so he stayed outside and I went in with the kids. It was awesome! and I can't wait to go again. Apparently there are several different scenarios......

By this time it was time for dinner, and it was off to 50's Prime Time. The entree that got the most votes for us to review was Fried Chicken, and DH said it was excellent (Stay tuned for the actual video review over on the dining thread!)

We promised the kids yesterday that we would go to Goofy's tonight, so we loaded the Saratoga Springs bus to hop the boat. But the good man driving took us over to Downtown!!!!! YAY!!! Afterwards we took our first boat ride back over to Riverside. I have to tell you that I love this boat ride! So relaxing...... It has always been one of my favorite parts of our OKW stay, and I enjoy it to POR as well.

So that's all for tonight, see you all tomorrow!!!

[HiHoOffWeGo]

To much fun - where you off to today? On the dinning thread could you tell us all meals for the day + snacks?

[mouselovenfamily]

Today I showed my ignorance. I made a critical error in planning, and boy did we pay for it! I thought in my tiny little mind that the buildings I saw near my room, The Mansions, were in the French Quarter. So in my tiny little mid I figured we couldn't be that far from Floatworks! I really wanted to try the Muffaletta, so I told the fam it was just right around the corner and we headed out. Well, let's just say we earned that Muffaletta! Turns out that "The Mansions" are in Riverside. :lmao:

Once we made it to Floatworks, we ordered our lunches and quickly found a table. I will tell you that the Muffaletta was A....MAZING!!!! Truly. We split a couple of late night sandwiches from Earl of Sandwich, and frankly I would choose the Muffaletta over those any day.

But we did get on the road to Hollywood Studios, and we had a blast! After the obligatory Tower of Tower journey:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73w8orUmFbw

I waited patiently for my beloved Dorma Nesmond, but alas, it was not to be today. I will have to stalk her before our week is over, as she is one of the reasons that we love Hollywood so much!

We took a little break at The Brown Derby for a snack and it was quite good, check out the dining review thread for more details! After that was the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. During the stunt show I noticed that there was an interpreter signing for the audience. With 2 deaf Grandparents and a father who has always been high up in State Government with Deaf Services, I was interested in the process for this. After the show I got the attention of the interpreter and he was kind enough to answer some questions for me regarding their services, and he was really informative! Needless to say I will be suggesting this for my now retired dad in case he wants to move down here as part of his retirement!

After that we headed over to the new Star Tours, and let me just say that I was REALLY REALLY IMPRESSED! I am not a fan of 3D, and neither is DH, so he stayed outside and I went in with the kids. It was awesome! and I can't wait to go again. Apparently there are several different scenarios......

By this time it was time for dinner, and it was off to 50's Prime Time. The entree that got the most votes for us to review was Fried Chicken, and DH said it was excellent (Stay tuned for the actual video review over on the dining thread!)

We promised the kids yesterday that we would go to Goofy's tonight, so we loaded the Saratoga Springs bus to hop the boat. But the good man driving took us over to Downtown!!!!! YAY!!! Afterwards we took our first boat ride back over to Riverside. I have to tell you that I love this boat ride! So relaxing...... It has always been one of my favorite parts of our OKW stay, and I enjoy it to POR as well.

So that's all for tonight, see you all tomorrow!!!

What a great and fun LIVE report you are doing! Thanks so much for allowing everyone along with our trip! You are giving up time on your vacation to bring us along, very nice of you! Getting to ride the TOT, from Missouri while drinking my morning coffee through your links...:thumbsup2

Can't wait for more and can't wait to be there soon!!

[bunkkinsmom]

Awwww thanks! C'mon over to my Dining Thread and vote for what we should order tonight!!!! It's Grand Floridian Cafe night!

[mouselovenfamily]

Awwww thanks! C'mon over to my Dining Thread and vote for what we should order tonight!!!! It's Grand Floridian Cafe night!

I've been watching! I'm a confessed food snob:sad2: and I really don't like to eat out. We have a ressie for GFC in March so I will vote for sure!!!

Have a great Disney Day!!!!!!

[goddesserika18]

how are the buses/ on time? crowded?

[bunkkinsmom]

I've been watching! I'm a confessed food snob:sad2: and I really don't like to eat out. We have a ressie for GFC in March so I will vote for sure!!!

Have a great Disney Day!!!!!!

I really like the GFC! The food and service are always really good, and it's never crowded.

how are the buses/ on time? crowded?

We've only ridden the buses a couple of times, we drove down for the first time. But the times we've ridden have not been crowded at all.

[bunkkinsmom]

Two parks in one day? NOOO, it's not possible! Don't start till noon?? I say NAY!

Yup, we did it!

We had lunch here today and it was good. I ordered the Muffuletta, and it was good but I had to ask them to heat it as they served it to me cold. Nothing out of the ordinary, so..... moving on......

We started our day at Animal Kingdom because Kali closes tomorrow for refurb. I changed my dinner reservations to 530 because AK closes at 5, so the plan was to go swimming after dinner. That didn't quite happen.....

Today we found out for sure that DD5 is tall enough for Expedition Everest!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYP2r5tyHXs

She was beyond excited!!!!!!! So she rode it 4 times. Yeah, I was a bit queazy after twice. We got nice and soaked on the Kali River Rapids (video to come soon!!) and my DH got to use his new Go Pro waterproof camera. Afterwards the kids and I decided to take a little safari while dad watched the Gorillas. This is DH's favorite thing to do in AK. Honest, he could sit there for HOURS!

The safari was FANTASTIC, I swear I think we saw everything out there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcDMFz5RkLw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JH3sn8NJkQ

After the Safari we grabbed a quick snack and then we thought it best to head to the resort for a bit before dinner. Yeah it didn't quite go that way. By the time we got to our resort it was after 5, so we just headed over to our reservation at the Grand Floridian. We handed the valet our keys and headed inside. Dinner was Grand, check out that thread for details!

Afterwards, we decided to wrap up the night at the Magic Kingdom. After all, there really are only a few rides we like there, and if we could knock them all out tonight then no need to go back! So that was the goal. The park closed at 10, it was after 7, and we were on a mission!!! So beginning at 7-ish with leaving the restaurant and ending at 10 with leaving Main Street, we rode Space Mountain twice, Splash Mountain (got stuck for about 10 minutes on that on), Buzz Lightyear, Magic Carpets, and finally, finally, finally rode the Jungle Cruise at night!!! So I can check that off my bucket list. Oh, we rode the PeopleMover too! I thought that was pretty good time, we were moving. FYI, I've been in 2 parks before tonight that were almost empty. Once was Animal Kingdom when a rain storm kicked up right before the parade. The park emptied into all of the stores, and I love the rain. So I took off my shoes and started strolling through the park. I went through Asia, over the bridge and into Africa, and took a right at Tusker House before I saw a single person. It was amazing, like I had it to myself. Then at Epcot we had an early dinner at Akershus before the park opened, and that was very very nice. Well it happened again tonight. Just a tip, if you want to walk on a ride, ride it during Wishes. We walked through half of adventure land and up the hill in frontier land before seeing anyone. We walked into Splash Mountain and right into a log for the ride. Same with Buzz Lightyear. Actually, come to think of it, the longest wait all day was less than 15 minutes!

**YAWN*** Tomorrow, well who knows, we will just have to see how we feel!

[bunkkinsmom]

After a very very late night we decided to sleep in a little. You know, because starting at noon is just too early! :lmao: It was off to Ol Man Island for a dip in the pool around 11. DH and the kids walked over and I drove over to Fulton's to try and find a swimsuit. Nope. No sizes over a medium. Don't even ask about the 2 piece suits, I didn't look :rotfl2:

So I thought, self, why not just get some shorts? Nope. No shorts. Hmmmmmm. What's a girl to do? BOXERS! YES!!! A new pair of red mickey boxers.... perfect! DH was a bit embarrassed by my pasty whiteness in a black tshirt and red boxers jumping in the pool, but really, like I'm ever gonna see these people again? I mean Jimmy Crack Corn!

The baby went down the waterslide after much coaxing, and then wouldn't get off the waterslide. Seriously, I had to kick (I mean softly nudge her with my foot ;)) down the first time, then it was on like Donkey Kong.

After a couple of hours of that we rinsed off, changed, and headed to Epcot. SUNSHINE SEASONS!!!!! We were starving! I had my usual Tuna Noodle salad and it was delish! A quick ride on Mission Space and the traditional spin on Nemo and it was already time to head to Downtown for dinner. Tonight's dinner was Raglan Road..... Interesting.... check out the dining review thread in my siggy for more details ;)

We walked to the West Side for a bit, back to Goofy's for bring home desserts, and tonight I really am going to bed early...... I swear...... I am hoping that tomorrow is a big day and I get to see what I've been waiting a whole year for!!!

What could that possibly be?

[vamassey1]

Are you hoping to catch the opening show at MK?

[bunkkinsmom]

Are you hoping to catch the opening show at MK?

Maybe........ you'll have to wait and see! ...... or read rather.....

[Backstage_Gal]

Hi, jumping over from POR too and enjoying your reports and videos.

I love that your idea of going to bed early works out about as well as mine, LOL.

[andrewilley]

I love that your idea of going to bed early works out about as well as mine, LOL.

LOL, as I'm in the UK I'm sometimes just getting up for work when you folks finally turn in for the night. :)

Andre

[andrewilley]

I thought in my tiny little mind that the buildings I saw near my room, The Mansions, were in the French Quarter.

I forgot to ask, while you were exploring those 'French Quarter' mansion buildings :) did you happen to notice if Oak Manor was already closed and its refurbishment had started? No one has confirmed that as yet, although I assume it must be ny now.

Andre

[Moira222]

Did you love the Jungle cruise at night? Don't know why the jokes are just funnier...maybe the CMs are a little slap happy delivering them all day so they just roll them out or something. but DD and I just cracked ourselves up silly on the night cruise.

Your TR is a fun read...sort of feel like I'm there with you (or is that wishful thinking?)

are the mardi gras masks & clowns all over the resort?

[HiHoOffWeGo]

A whole week - a whole whole week - sweat mamas! was said by a young man just a week ago and I believe everyone has enjoyed tagging along. I look forward to the pictures of your stay and realize that won't come till after you get home but if I may ask a favor? Could you tel us what meal and venue did you enjoy the most.

[andrewilley]

I meant to say and clean forgot... if you want something fun for the kids to try on your last day or two (the adults are welcome to have a go too of course!) I created a Port Orleans Photo Scavenger Hunt a while ago. It's viewable at http://www.portorleans.org/scavenger-hunt.php, where there's also a downloadable PDF version if anyone wants to print one out before they go.

Andre

[oopsiDAISY]

I feel like I have missed out on so much fun! I just discovered the POR thread yesterday and your videos and threads today. :sad2:

We are very similar in a lot of ways. I am 40 and my DH is 35. We have three kids, two girls and one boy..."a boy's boy" as you described yours. We too have chosen to surprise our kids this time. When we were there last March we told them it would probably be about 3 or 4 yrs before we could go back...but VOILA, free dining changed everything! :banana: We will be staying in a room for 5, so hopefully we can get one of the refurbed rooms too. :wizard:

I have LOVED your videos, dining reviews, and now your TR. I actually changed an ADR from Boatwright's to Ragland Road because of your fabuous video of it! :rotfl2:

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Enjoying your report - we're finally able to book our vacation, now that our school calendar is out, and we have decided to try POR. We're also a family of five. Thanks so much for the video of the Murphy bed - we were wondering how that would work! Though, only the (will be then) 4 year old will be able to sleep in it and we're going to have to ask for a bedrail to keep him in it!

Looking forward to more!

[dmoore718]

Love it!! We are another family of 5, torn between POR and AOA for our Jan. 2013 trip...good thing I have a year to obsess over it. We always go the end of Jan. and love it. Enjoy!!!!!

[shoney]

I meant to say and clean forgot... if you want something fun for the kids to try on your last day or two (the adults are welcome to have a go too of course!) I created a Port Orleans Photo Scavenger Hunt a while ago. It's viewable at http://www.portorleans.org/scavenger-hunt.php, where there's also a downloadable PDF version if anyone wants to print one out before they go.

Andre

Andre, Thanks for the link! My kids love to do scavenger hunts...I am printing this one out!!!!

[bunkkinsmom]

HI EVERYONE!!! :thumbsup2

We are back home, and I will be going into detail about some things during our trip, as well as FINALLY posting some pix! Today we have a funeral we are working so I will be more in depth soon. Just wanted to pop over and say hi!

[Mrs. Sojourner]

Can't wait to hear more and see pics! :thumbsup2

[andrewilley]

Looking forward to seeing those Port Orleans room pics when you get a chance to upload them. I've PMd you by the way.

Andre

[bunkkinsmom]

Thanks Andre!

I've been off the boards for a few days, but I'm back now! We have some close friends with 4 teenage kids, and the parents had to leave for a family emergency and are not sure how long they will be out of state. So we have moved our 3 kids in with their 4 kids and are taking care of them until they return.....

WHEW! Talk about a welcome home from vacation!