Snow Days....Smow Days! I AM BACK 6/12

[mtgirl29]

Okay, here is the latest dilemma. My daughter, Kay, who is in 3rd grade was supposed to get out of school on May 20th. Well, here in the midwest we had a lot more bad weather this winter than usual and now school does not get out until June 6th. We have had our vacation booked since November for May 29th, so that means that we will have to pull her out 1 week + 1 day early.

My name is TK (38) and I am a sahm to 2 wonderful kids; DD - Kay(9) DS-Jay(5) and am married to DH - Mike(39) he is the Disneyworld planner and this mild manner man turns into the "Drill Sargeant" as the kids and I affectionately call him once we set foot in Disneyworld.

This is what dh has planned thus far with lodging, parks and dining reservations:

Sat May 28th

Leave @ 5 am

Distance – 805 miles Time – 13 hours

Arrive 7 pm Lake Park, GA

Sun May 29th

Leave 8 am – Lake Park, GA

Distance – 210 miles Time – 3hours 15 mins

Arrive 12pm – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Park - Magic Kingdom

Dinner: Grand Floridian Café

Mon May 30th

Park – EPCOT

Tue May 31st

Park – Disney Studios

Dinner: 50's Prime Time Café

Wed June 1st

Lunch: Rainforest Café® Animal Kingdom

Thur June 2nd

Park – EPCOT

Dinner: San Angel Inn Epcot

Fri June 3rd

Park - Magic Kingdom

Lunch: Crystal Palace


I am still trying to figure out how to post pictures, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.

We are soooo excited and Kay is really wanting for us to do a trip report for this vacation since we so enjoy reading all the others. So bear with me while I try to figure out what I am doing.

 

[mtgirl29]

The Family - from our 2009 Walt Disney World Adventure.

Me - TK (38)

DH - Mike (39)

DD - Kay (9) - she was (7) in this photo:

DS - Jay (5) - he was (3) in this photo:

Well, I am keeping my fingers crossed that these post since I had to watch the DIS board tutorial to find out to do this. If it works, we will in be in business. I will post pics from our past Disney vacations.

From the preview, it looks like we are in business.

Stay tuned......

 

[britt_ji]

Looks like you've got the pictures figured out We will be there around the same time (in some of the same parks). Good luck with all your planning...

 

[mtgirl29]

Going down memory lane and pulled out my old pictures of my very first trip to WDW which was September 2007. Just looking at those photos really have amped the excitement for our upcoming trip!
Currently, I am downloading to Photobucket so I can post some of them. The 2007 trip was the first for me and DD - Kay, but DH -Mike had been when he was 13. DH's parents said that he really didn't seem to enjoy that trip, but something must have clicked in him, because as an adult he is a total fanatic now.

DD-Kay and I totally enjoyed ourselves but poor DS-Jay was only 18 mos. at that time and had a vacation at Grandma's house. He loves Grandma and I am sure he had a great time and anyway he didn't know what he was missing.

Here is a few pics from the 2007 WDW trip:

This is a picture of lil' man the day we were leaving for Disney. Isn't he sweet!!

Here he is waving "good-bye" while we all sneaked off to Disney...

I hope it doesn't classify me as a bad mom, but it was going to be my very first trip and well, "He LOVES Grandma".....I'll keep telling myself that...

We stayed at the Coronado Springs and it was a very pretty resort.

This is the very first pic of Kay in Disney. She looks so little...because she was only 5 on this trip in Sept. she turned 6 in Oct.

We still have our 1st visit pins. She was a little daredevil that first trip and rode everything she was tall enough to ride. She has developed a bit of fear since then and will not ride ToT, Mt. Everest and had some apprehension on Splash Mt.
I am interested to see how this trip will pan out.

This is a picture of me experiencing my very first Disney parade.

A few parade pics:

It was so sunny and beautiful during the parade and then KABOOOM! out of nowhere it started raining. Gotta love Florida weather.

Poor Kay was soaked!!!

Still smiling and still having a blast!

Boy, that was so much fun!!!! Well, I guess I will wrap it up here. I will try to do some more reminicing tomorrow. Have to share the character dining experience at Crystal Place and much more. We have another Character Dining at CP planned for this trip. So my lil' guy will get to experience Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, etc. this time. CANNOT WAIT!

 

[mtgirl29]

 

[britt_ji]

Great pictures! Can't wait to hear about Crystal Palace, since we are doing it during our upcoming trip.

No worries, I'm sure Jay and Grandma had a fun time together Don't think he will let you leave him again, though...

 

[mtgirl29]

Great pictures! Can't wait to hear about Crystal Palace, since we are doing it during our upcoming trip.

No worries, I'm sure Jay and Grandma had a fun time together Don't think he will let you leave him again, though...

Yes, it is official, Jay LOVES Disney! No more trips without him.
Crystal Palace coming up!

 

[mtgirl29]

We have a dining reservation for Crystal Palace for this upcoming trip on Friday, June 3rd, which is our very last night in Disney.

It is funny too, though, because on my very first trip in 2007, The Crystal Palace was my very first dinner and first ever experience of a character meal at Disney. We really enjoyed seeing all the characters and this place really gives you that warm and fuzzy "I am at Disney" feel.

Here is a picture of Kay beaming while waiting for Tigger to sign her autograph book:

Kay finishing up her dinner laughing:looks like she needed a napkin)

Hugging Pooh!

I love the plants that look like characters that they have there, too. Not sure if this an actual plant....but it was very cute! Here is Tigger:

Crystal Palace had some scrumptious food to boot! Buffet style so many different choice and this girl likes choices!!!

Next we meet up with some friends from back home and we all go to The '50's Prime Time Cafe - LOVE, LOVE that place and excited to have dining reservations for our up coming trip! Will the waitress embarrass us? Will she make us remove our elbows from the table or finish our veggies?

 

[britt_ji]

Once again, loved the update and pictures! Crystal Palace will be our last table service meal at Disney, too. Can't wait to get a picture with that bear

My brother said he loved 50's PTC when he ate there, as well. Maybe we'll eat there next trip...someday. Looking forward to your story. I hear it get's quite interesting in there.

This is random, but have you tried putting a link to the PTR in your signature? Great newbie tip (it's helping me meet new DISers).

Well, can't wait to hear more!

 

[mtgirl29]

Once again, loved the update and pictures! Crystal Palace will be our last table service meal at Disney, too. Can't wait to get a picture with that bear

My brother said he loved 50's PTC when he ate there, as well. Maybe we'll eat there next trip...someday. Looking forward to your story. I hear it get's quite interesting in there.

This is random, but have you tried putting a link to the PTR in your signature? Great newbie tip (it's helping me meet new DISers).

Well, can't wait to hear more!

Thanks so much for the tip. Any others you have is greatly appreciated! I am computer illiterate, even though my hubby is in the IT profession. I need him to give me a few tips on how to do this or look for a tutorial. If it is easy to explain how to do this, please let me know.

Love your PTR, by the way. I think we both are super excited about our upcoming trips. Cannot believe it is the exact same dates! I love seeing the count down on your page. I know when I see those numbers it is getting closer minute by minute.... Keep on with the planning! I will keepn on with the reading!

 

[sassyredhead]

Our trip is planned for the same time frame. We're scheduled for Epcot on June 2nd, too. Happy planning!

 

[mtgirl29]

Our trip is planned for the same time frame. We're scheduled for Epcot on June 2nd, too. Happy planning!

Only 91 days away! Cannot wait to be in Disney Heaven.

Thanks for stopping by! I am headed to your PTR now to see what your plans are. Looking forward to it.

 

[Lidian]

Okay, here is the latest dilemma. My daughter, Kay, who is in 3rd grade was supposed to get out of school on May 20th. Well, here in the midwest we had a lot more bad weather this winter than usual and now school does not get out until June 6th. We have had our vacation booked since November for May 29th, so that means that we will have to pull her out 1 week + 1 day early.

Arrive 12pm – Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Dinner: 50's Prime Time Café
Lunch: Rainforest Café® Animal Kingdom

I hope it doesn't classify me as a bad mom, but it was going to be my very first trip and well, "He LOVES Grandma".....I'll keep telling myself that...

Jumping onboard!

You're arriving shortly after we're checking out. We're sorta in the same boat on the school stuff. We haven't seen snow in years, and then school was out for over a week (and then days here and there). They've not announced the official last day of school yet, and won't do so until late March. It was enough that my friend (who is a teacher) can't join us this year.

But the way I see it, they won't change the state testing dates, and those are the important things (which is usually in late April for us). So all they do in May is usually review and prep for the following year. I can't see them missing anything, and its lame that they extend the school year. Plus, most classes are able to get caught back up easily, anyway.

We stayed at CBR last year and loved it! We were unlucky with buses, but that was really our only complaint with CBR (and it wasn't enough to actually complain or put a damper on our stay). My kiddos absolutely loved the pool area!

We'll be attempting out first 50s PTC dinner on our upcoming stay. DH is apprehensive, but I youtubed a TON of videos, and I think he'll be fine. He'll get in trouble, I'm sure (pending we have a good server in character). I'm hoping to get some of it on video.

Rainforest Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants. We're sad that its not on the DDP. We didn't tempt it last year (and won't this year) and pay OOP because the storms and animatronics really upset our DS .. but we're hoping to go back in another year or two!

As far as leaving DS behind on your first trip, I'd have done the same!

Your family is lovely and your plan looks awesome so far!

 

[mtgirl29]

Jumping onboard!

You're arriving shortly after we're checking out. We're sorta in the same boat on the school stuff. We haven't seen snow in years, and then school was out for over a week (and then days here and there). They've not announced the official last day of school yet, and won't do so until late March. It was enough that my friend (who is a teacher) can't join us this year.

But the way I see it, they won't change the state testing dates, and those are the important things (which is usually in late April for us). So all they do in May is usually review and prep for the following year. I can't see them missing anything, and its lame that they extend the school year. Plus, most classes are able to get caught back up easily, anyway.

We stayed at CBR last year and loved it! We were unlucky with buses, but that was really our only complaint with CBR (and it wasn't enough to actually complain or put a damper on our stay). My kiddos absolutely loved the pool area!

We'll be attempting out first 50s PTC dinner on our upcoming stay. DH is apprehensive, but I youtubed a TON of videos, and I think he'll be fine. He'll get in trouble, I'm sure (pending we have a good server in character). I'm hoping to get some of it on video.

Rainforest Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants. We're sad that its not on the DDP. We didn't tempt it last year (and won't this year) and pay OOP because the storms and animatronics really upset our DS .. but we're hoping to go back in another year or two!

As far as leaving DS behind on your first trip, I'd have done the same!

Your family is lovely and your plan looks awesome so far!

Welcome!!!!
So glad to hear that you stayed at CBR last year and know all about it. We were a little apprehensive about the issue of it not having an elevators. The pool area does look cool and DD is very excited to swim. Sometimes I think she likes swimming as much as she likes Disney. So, I am sure we will be spending plenty of time in the pool.
I, actually, sent an email to her teacher about taking her out early and she didn't seem at all concerned. That really relieve some of the worry.
Our kiddos are the exact same age, as well. We went to T-Rex 2009 when DS was 3 and he was a bit overwhelmed, as well. Wondering how this trip to the Rainforest Cafe will go. I am dissappointed that it is not on the DDP. We, thought it was when reserving it.
PTC was a hoot and am getting ready to post soon about our experience. DH is very mild mannered and was a little nervous about our visit, too....lol! It was all good, though.
Well, we all got a good laugh on his expense and I will explain in my next post.
Laughing while thinking about it!!!!!
Thanks so much for joining us!! Glad to have you!!!

 

[TinksThree]

Joining in...we will be there at the same time! We have several of the same ADRs but on different days! Now going back to really read your TR!

 

[mtgirl29]

Joining in...we will be there at the same time! We have several of the same ADRs but on different days! Now going back to really read your TR!

Welcome!!! I sure appreciate you joining in!

Getting ready to spill the beans on our PTC experience.

 

[mtgirl29]

WHOOOHOOO! Made it to my 2nd page!!!!!

 

[Lidian]

Welcome!!!!
So glad to hear that you stayed at CBR last year and know all about it. We were a little apprehensive about the issue of it not having an elevators. The pool area does look cool and DD is very excited to swim. Sometimes I think she likes swimming as much as she likes Disney. So, I am sure we will be spending plenty of time in the pool.
I, actually, sent an email to her teacher about taking her out early and she didn't seem at all concerned. That really relieve some of the worry.
Our kiddos are the exact same age, as well. We went to T-Rex 2009 when DS was 3 and he was a bit overwhelmed, as well. Wondering how this trip to the Rainforest Cafe will go. I am dissappointed that it is not on the DDP. We, thought it was when reserving it.
PTC was a hoot and am getting ready to post soon about our experience. DH is very mild mannered and was a little nervous about our visit, too....lol! It was all good, though.
Well, we all got a good laugh on his expense and I will explain in my next post.
Laughing while thinking about it!!!!!
Thanks so much for joining us!! Glad to have you!!!

We were on the 2nd floor last year and it really wasn't an issue. It wasn't fun toting luggage up/down the stairs (I swear when we had our suitcases it was a 40 mile hike from the car and up the stairs and around the building), but it really wasn't bad. We never thought anything about it later when leaving/returning from the parks. We also never used the internal shuttles either. We'd walk to Port Royale and to swim in the theme pool. I actually enjoyed the walking, since its such a scenic resort.

I can't wait to read about your 50s PTC experience! I'm really looking forward to eating there!

 

[mtgirl29]

So excited to finally go to the PTC again!!! Is is definitely one of my favorite places to dine in HS. It's decor kind of reminds me of my late grandparent's house with the wood paneling and the 50's decor.

I will give a little background on our friends that we met there for our 2007 trip. I like to refer to them as our "vacation buddies", because we have went on many vacation with them in the past. We went on a Royal Caribbean cruise. We had, also, went on many camping and float trips with them. So I knew we were compatable "vacation" friends. What I mean is....some friends are good for shopping or maybe just dinner others are the vacationing kind. You know they are great fun and they won't get on your nerves. Another plus is they have a daughter and son nearly the same age as my own. They also have a sweet preteen daughter that they brought along...is sweet and preteen an oxymoron???
Anyway, we had a fabulous time.

This is a pic of Kay (with Mickey shirt) and our vacationing friends daughter.

They are soooo excited to see each other!!!

Here's a pic of the waiting area/bar area with my BIG head. Thanks to DH for that shot.

Meet our friends. Look at that table and wallpaper!

Here is Kay and her friend. The viewmaster is the dessert menu...isn't that a cute idea!

Watching "Andy Griffith" on this vintage looking 50's TV. Love the magic in that place!

Hubby Mike and myself

Once we got seated the waiter introduced himself....what "WAITER" I thought we were supposed to have waitress/mom that harrassed us. Well, we had a "babysitter" and he was hilarious! He told our friends preteen daughter that there was some cute boys about her age at the next table (very loudly) and asked if he could introduce them! Then he did loudly introduced all of them. Instant embarrassment for her, because you know preteens are very embarrassed by the opposite gender. He told my DD and her friend that he would give them a kiss if they didn't eat their food. Well, they started gobbling down their plates. Hubby was thinking he might get off scott free since he seemed to be more focused on the kids. Well, that quickly changed after we ordered dessert. DH was very politely handing "the babysitter" his plate when all of a sudden the "babysitter" exclaimed. "NO!" "You cannot have any dessert until you eat another bite of your green beans", and preceded to feed DH right there in the dining room in front of everyone. We all died laughing and then the waiter did the airplane (with sound effects and all) of a fork full of veggies into my husband's mouth. DH-Mike doesn't like attention drawn to himself. Like how they may sing "Happy Birthday" at some restaurants or make you were a sombrero or even order a SIZZLING fajita. HE HATES IT! So that is what makes this so much more funny that " the babysitter" picked on him. I am still chuckling at that memory! Hope, I don't get payback this time and have to sing, 'I'm a Little Teapot" or something on that order.
Stay tuned for some memories of the Sci-Fi Theater. That trip was from 2009 so DS will be the star of that show. Until next time......

 

[mrssmith06]

Your PTR is looking good and I'm enjoying your pics and stories from past trips! Looking forward to reading more!