9/12 great article ! Who am I to say no to going to WDW?

[IluvXU]

Yay for Disney on Ice! We're going to see Celebrations in October, so if we don't get to go to Disney World as we are hoping, then at least we have that to look forward to.

Definitely looking forward to The Princess and the Frog here, as well. No Mary Poppins for us, but that would be awesome and will be for you!

I hope Luke feels better very soon for his sake and yours. You are way lucky that this is your first time with ear infections. Mine all had them - Drew the worst (constantly) until he had adenoids removed, bone cut out of his nose that was obstructing breathing, and tubes in ears. After that, he did so much better. I hope Luke's meds work very quickly so he can get comfort and rest and so that Mommy can, too!

The problem is Luke sleeps the morning away now, but his sisters don't

And those back to school thoughts that swirl around your head are filling me currently.... next Friday comes too soon.

Hope Luke begins to feel better soon -- being up at 3:40 in the morning (even if you are DISing) is not any fun!

I am very excited about the return to 180 days! I liked having my ADRs six months in advance so much better!

The only good thing about the 90 days was I was more firm about where I wanted to eat and go, at 180 it is more of a guess. Although the 180 benefits the switchers and planners a bit more, both things I like to do.

Poor Luke. I hope he feels better fast!

He seems fine, I had no idea, he just looked yucky. He has the same energy, and well since he has never slept good I figured oh boy!

 

[lmillercrew]

I hope that Luke feels better soon and that you're able to get some rest.

 

[IluvXU]

Photopass pictures from earlier-- oops!

We arrived at the Castle a bit early, we had princesses to dress. The girls wanted to put on their princess gowns, and we did it. We had an Ariel and Cinderella, two new princesses for us (Hannah has always worn Snow White). We changed in the restroom in the lobby of the restaurant again- a great location, and cool!

We had our picture with Cinderella. Since we were a party of seven we got two "free" photos....

Can you see the mice in the picture below... something I did not notice last year!

Headed up the stairs. My dad had never ate at the castle, my mom had but over twenty years ago.... this was fun for them to see!

We were far from the windows, in the upper bowl of the restaurant, but that was okay. We had lots of room, and Luke had room to see around. I was thrilled we had a table big enough, they do not guarantee that for big parties here!
We ordered, Salmon for my mom and I, DH got the pork, my dad the sandwich. We enjoyed the platter before hand, and appreciated the pasta (buttered noodles) they brought for Luke!

They began announcing the princesses, and we saw them pretty quickly! First out....

I really felt that the princesses were not in a hurry this time again. They were super sweet!

Then...

Remember I was disappointed with Snow White at EPCOT, she seemed hurried and did not give the girls the attention the others did that day. This one was fantastic!

and even our little prince got some love!

Time for wishes....

But what we had been most excited about was this girl...

We have never seen Ariel outside of the grotto, and we had missed her this morning! I was shocked when they announced her, I expected Jasmine!
Hannah was thrilled she decided to be Ariel this day, she had debated a lot... and of course Emily was thrilled to see her Ariel!

and Belle!

Dessert was again fantastic here, I think my favorite by far!

We enjoyed the nice air conditioning and headed back out to do a few last rides: Splash Mountain, Peter Pan, It's A Small World, Big Thunder... and we left, saying goodbye to MK. We had decided not to risk or battle the night buses at MK again. My dad was soured to say the least on attempting a night bus again with the kids, and so we decided to swim, start the terrible task of packing and have dinner at CSR. Looking back I am sad we only had one MK night, but I know there will be more! At the time I remember not really being that bothered, I was tired and still wrestling with DVC decisions. We knew we could sign and seal the deal that next morning before flying out, we just had to decide that night-

On the way out I had my CRT pics added to our photopass (it took forever!... don't do this in MK if you can avoid it)

and my tired princesses....

We headed back via bus to CSR, swam, packed and decided no DVC- ha ha! I just did not want to make a rash decision and figure out everything and spend our last morning signing papers. We had dinner at the Pepper Market late. This is where I saw why some people are not fans... I waited forever, literally for my dinner. I decided on the hot wing special at the grille. By the time I got my food my kids, parents and husband were done eating- I have no idea why it took forever!

We packed a lot, watched our last night of Disney tv and slept our last disney dreams....and I was somewhat ready to come home. It was a lot to travel with an infant AND two other kids, and seven park days in a row like we did is exhausting!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh you have some great pictures of the kids with the princesses! I loved Luke's kiss from Snow White, I remember Em's from last year, do you have one of Hannah?

The picture of both girls with Ariel was fantastic!
I don't blame you a bit for not wanting to spend your last morning signing paperwork. Just packing is enough, especially when you have three children!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Another wonderful update, Laura! My favorite pictures from this one are Em holding Tinker Bell, Hannah wishing on her star, and Luke's kiss from Snow White! All are just precious!

I don't blame you for waiting until you got home to make the DVC decision (and I am so glad you decided to buy)!

 

[MeMom]

I think this will be the cutest thing I see all day!

Poor, tired little princesses. They look wiped out!

Another great set of pictures.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Awww, the girls look so cute all dressed up for CRT. How awesome that you were able to see Ariel too!

Luke looks so freaking cute with his lipstick kiss.

 

[cjackearl]

What a sweet update! Your girls are so cute in their princess dresses and I so love the pictures of Luke with Snow White and the lipstick kiss. The one of he and Belle is awfully sweet also. He looks like he's enjoying the princess attention.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

So glad that this princess experience was much better, the pictures are adorable. I love when the princesses give the little boys a kiss and leave their mark on them, priceless!

 

[BigEeyore]

That is so ridiculously cute of Luke with the big kiss on his head!
Looks like your girls loved eating at CRT. We are trying Akershus on our next trip - maybe we'll splurge on CRT another time. I had never heard of Ariel being at CRT - how lucky that you guys got her!

 

[DreaGirl]

I'm sorry Luke is sick! Poor little guy. B. is also sick with what I thought was an EI but turned out to be a virus. I'm a walking zombie right since I've been up the past 2 nights.

The picture of Luke with that kiss on his head is SO CUTE!!! OMGosh, I love it.

So no on DVC, huh? What changed your mind?

 

[jenjolt]

I just adored your photopass pictures your girls are just adorable!!!! I'm so glad you had a great meal at CRT and that your girls were able to meet up with Ariel...that is wonderful!!

Loved Snow White's interaction with Luke...what a gorgeous picture!!!!

 

[Happy Elf]

Loved your pics from CRT. Luke looked happy to get a big kiss!

Hope Luke is feeling better!

 

[TinkerbellBaby]

Luke is so cute! I let out a huge "Awwww!" when I saw his picture! Your other two daughters are too cute! I wish you the best with your children!
~TinkerbellBaby

 

[punkin413]

great picture! i love it.

Once we got off that we saw Peter Pan-

my favorite!

glad emily got to see daisy!

Did everyone see that park hours are coming back out at 180 days along with dining reservations starting October 27th- now that is exciting news!

yes, i saw that! i wish they'd make up their mind....they're driving me nuts. i kinda was wishing they would put park hours out at 180 days and then keep ADRs at 90 days....that way you have plenty of time to plan. but no such luck!

that is AWESOME!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Oooh, the pic of Luke with Snow White's lipstick kiss is just adorable!

Great update-I love that you pretty much wrapped up the day with CRT! What a perfect ending.

The DVC decision is a big one, isn't it? We knew before we went down that we were pretty sure we wanted to buy, otherwise, there is no way I could have made that kind of decision on the spot either.

 

[IluvXU]

Oh you have some great pictures of the kids with the princesses! I loved Luke's kiss from Snow White, I remember Em's from last year, do you have one of Hannah?

The picture of both girls with Ariel was fantastic!
I don't blame you a bit for not wanting to spend your last morning signing paperwork. Just packing is enough, especially when you have three children!

Hannah has no princess kiss, poor thing. She has only been to WDW 6 times before she turns 6.
I just could not part with all that money.... I still am not thrilled at that thought, but I am sure when we do a trip I will be thrilled about our decision.

We had to pack almost everything to go home with my parents who left before we got moving... so that was a lot of packing Wednesday night.

Another wonderful update, Laura! My favorite pictures from this one are Em holding Tinker Bell, Hannah wishing on her star, and Luke's kiss from Snow White! All are just precious!

I don't blame you for waiting until you got home to make the DVC decision (and I am so glad you decided to buy)!

Luke's kiss is in our collage from the trip. It is one of my favorites, I was glad to finally share it.

I think this will be the cutest thing I see all day!

Poor, tired little princesses. They look wiped out!

Another great set of pictures.

He is the cutest thing I see all day... even when he is covered in food.

Today he stood up and let go ... multiple times, he is a crazy character!

Awww, the girls look so cute all dressed up for CRT. How awesome that you were able to see Ariel too!

Luke looks so freaking cute with his lipstick kiss.

I know that CRT will lose its luster sooner than I can imagine. Therefore I will haul the dresses to FL. I hope next trip we do BBB for Emily. I think she will be ready!

What a sweet update! Your girls are so cute in their princess dresses and I so love the pictures of Luke with Snow White and the lipstick kiss. The one of he and Belle is awfully sweet also. He looks like he's enjoying the princess attention.

He loved all the action that meal, and the wishing star.... he enjoyed playing with it!

So glad that this princess experience was much better, the pictures are adorable. I love when the princesses give the little boys a kiss and leave their mark on them, priceless!

It was a great meal, I think the food is good and the setting is beautiful! I would like to eat there at night someday to see the lights of Fantasyland.

That is so ridiculously cute of Luke with the big kiss on his head!
Looks like your girls loved eating at CRT. We are trying Akershus on our next trip - maybe we'll splurge on CRT another time. I had never heard of Ariel being at CRT - how lucky that you guys got her!

Akershus is great. I love that they now include the picture with your meal. I am ready to go there again next trip, we did it twice in a row, and wanted to try something else.

I'm sorry Luke is sick! Poor little guy. B. is also sick with what I thought was an EI but turned out to be a virus. I'm a walking zombie right since I've been up the past 2 nights.

The picture of Luke with that kiss on his head is SO CUTE!!! OMGosh, I love it.

So no on DVC, huh? What changed your mind?

Luke is acting fine. He is up right now, no idea why. I am trying to ignore the fussy baby.

Oh the DVC drama. We said no and I was said, but cheap. Literally once we arrived home the sales guy called us and said we could have a few more days to keep the deal. I talked to a friend who bought three years ago at SSR and just the price was so much better. I worried that we would see a much bigger $$$ in a few years. Plus I for sure wanted AKL or BLT since their one bedroom fits us. We just decided to go ahead and start enjoying it, rather than waiting till it would cost us more.

I just adored your photopass pictures your girls are just adorable!!!! I'm so glad you had a great meal at CRT and that your girls were able to meet up with Ariel...that is wonderful!!

Loved Snow White's interaction with Luke...what a gorgeous picture!!!!

Ariel was a big surprise.... and I was glad that Snow White was more fun than the one at EPCOT.

Loved your pics from CRT. Luke looked happy to get a big kiss!

Hope Luke is feeling better!

He acts fine during the day and had been better at night.... but not tonight!

Luke is so cute! I let out a huge "Awwww!" when I saw his picture! Your other two daughters are too cute! I wish you the best with your children!
~TinkerbellBaby

Thank you for your kind words... we are so blessed!

great picture! i love it.



my favorite!

glad emily got to see daisy!



yes, i saw that! i wish they'd make up their mind....they're driving me nuts. i kinda was wishing they would put park hours out at 180 days and then keep ADRs at 90 days....that way you have plenty of time to plan. but no such luck!

I just like to have the park hours a few days before ADR date. I think 180 benefits the planners a ton, which I love! We would have lost out this trip though on some of our meals because we did not book more than 180 days out.

Oooh, the pic of Luke with Snow White's lipstick kiss is just adorable!

Great update-I love that you pretty much wrapped up the day with CRT! What a perfect ending.

The DVC decision is a big one, isn't it? We knew before we went down that we were pretty sure we wanted to buy, otherwise, there is no way I could have made that kind of decision on the spot either.

We got our DVC member cards today... the real ones! That was good Mickey Mail!

 

[DreaGirl]

Congrats on your awesome Mickey mail!!! So fun!

 

[punkin413]

I just like to have the park hours a few days before ADR date. I think 180 benefits the planners a ton, which I love! We would have lost out this trip though on some of our meals because we did not book more than 180 days out.

i love having the hours so far out too. my complaint is, for example, i have a client who is going this year from 11/29 to 12/5. her day to make ADRs is 8/31. the hours for december probably won't be out by then, so we sort of have to guess about the park hours for the last 5 days of their vacation. i just wish they'd release the park hours and then maybe let you make ADRs a little later. maybe release park hours at 180 days and make ADRs at 150 days. but i know that'll probably never happen!

 

[IluvXU]

June 25- Departure

When I woke up my parents were gone, they had left a few things in their room for us, but it was way empty compared to everything we had taken to WDW. First and foremost, we had taken way way way too many snacks. With the dining plan and the heat, we just did not eat that much. Plus my mom is an overpacker, and in turn I overpacked. I promise I won't do that again.

We had decided to go and use our last CS credits, we had a few for a hot breakfast. DH went and got some goodies, I had a breakfast sandwich that was way yummo!

We packed up stuff and took the kids to the pool for one last dip. We were scheduled to fly out at 1:50, ME at 10:50. We were at the pool a bit after nine, and the kids stayed for the opening of the slide, what a fun ceremony.... I headed back for a quick shower and to get Luke dressed. We literally had two strollers, and three bags to take home with us, the rest we sent with grandma.

We were slow to get to the main building, and used our last three snack credits to buy some of the cookies and filled our mugs before the "Unmagical Express" arrived. Well I guess we poked around too long, and as DH checked us in a ME bus arrived and departed. DH even asked if we were on that bus, but the CM said no. Well after about ten minutes or so he checked again... and yes we had been scheduled to get on that bus...... they grumbled a bit, but oh well. We knew we had time. Onwards to the airport, we grabbed some food quick and went through security. I again had liquids, no problem with the kids I guess. Then we got on the wrong monorail, I was just following DH... and had to go back. At this point we were cutting it close... and literally boarded the plane as soon as we got to the gate. The Delta crewmember then grumbled at me, I should have gotten tags for the strollers earlier.... I thought to myself we just got here! Honestly by this point I was wishing we had drove. We had been sitting, waiting, hurrying... nothing was going great. The flight was two good girls, and a fussy Luke. I was beat by the time we landed, he had been unhappy and there was little I could do.

Fortunately we arrived safely, got in our van and headed up to our house. We were in our house less than five minutes when our DVC guide called and told us to take a few more days if we were still interested. That is what we needed, we talked to our friends, did more research, asked some questions via Dis (thanks Anita and Jackie) and took the plunge.

I apologize for the lack of pics. I was worn out by this point. It was hot, we were tired and ready for to be home. While we had a great trip, taking three kids under six was hard, especially seven park days in a row. We are so lucky my parents came with us, and we did have some magical moments we will never forget!

We are headed to a family party out of town this weekend, and I have some school stuff to finish before Friday's workday. Thursday is birthday #6 for Hannah and Luke is one week later, so we have birthday things to get done too. My scrapbooking is almost done, I have just Emily to finish the WDW pages for, but there are a ton of pictures I want to include (she was just too cute). Hannah has her pizza party with her classmates, her meet the teacher morning visit, and our parent curriculum night this week before she starts school on the 24th.

I will have one last final thoughts update, and our plans for our next trip soon....