Firsts, Fourths, and Farewells (4/28 Back to the Future!)

thecapells

Disney Dad
Joined
Mar 3, 2008
We’re back!
As our family rule dictates, when a child turns 4, we must descend on Walt Disney World.
And 2011 would be no different as our youngest turns the Magical Number.
However, this time “Unca” would be joining us.
So let’s get right to the cast of characters.
Disney2011Photopass032.jpg


From left to right, we start with Mom.
Chief Wardrobe Coordinator, Nurse, Nutrionist, and ‘Fraidy Cat.

Little X is the Birthday Boy – excited to be back and celebrate HIS birthday this time.
And he let EVERYONE know it!

In the middle is yours truly.
Anal Disney Planner with color-coded Excel spreadsheets complete with ADR’s, graphics, icons, and more things than you can imagine.
I’m an avid fan of all things Disney - especially the Disney details.
Except I do not do rollercoasters (remember that one…)

We complete the back row with Boxmaster.
He is one of my oldest friends and de facto uncle of the children.
They love him and refer to him affectionately as “Unca” but we’ll just call him “J’ for this report.
(I’m lazier and that’s easier to type).
J has not been to Disney for several years and he’s never done it “the Capell Way.”
But unlike the rest of us, he will do the major thrill rides.
(Which of course resulted in additional color-coding of the spreadsheet for Unca-only excursions).

In the front row is the Princess.
Disney veteran and lover of all Disney royalty, she was excited for the surprises I had in store for her (the kids know I always have something up my sleeve).
And she was dying to try some new foods – yes, she’s a foodie-in-training.

Last, but not least, is DS9.
Well, he was a month shy of 9 at the time.
He’s like his old man and is all of a sudden grasping all of those little details you find throughout the parks.
It was fun to see his mind start putting together all of the behind-the-scenes tricks with the Disney Magic.
And no, it didn’t ruin it for him, but instead created a better understanding and appreciation for the Mouse.

Now that you know the cast, here’s the story.
As I said, the kids knew that when X’s fourth birthday rolled around, it was time for Disney.
So we created a 30-Day countdown starting around Christmas 2010.
Disney2011001.jpg


Disney2011002.jpg


Everyday we pulled off another number from the window.
For the kids (and us), it took forever.
Finally, the day had come.
And since it was "his" trip, little X had the honor of pulling the last number:
Disney2011DayOne001.jpg

Disney2011DayOne002.jpg


Just like that, it was time to go.
Even our iPhones told us to get a move on!
Disney2011004.jpg


So, settle in as the Capells visit Walt Disney World one more time!
And be sure to subscribe if you want more photos, videos, stories, and details than you ever thought could be packed into a trip report! :woohoo:
 


Yeah, it took us awhile but I had to sort through 3 cameras worth of pictures to start this thing! :goodvibes



Welcome aboard!

Not sure if I'm stealing some of Mike's thunder (sure it'll happen at least once or twice as he writes this report and I pipe in regularly with something from my POV), but sorting through all the cameras was all the worse because we hadn't synced up the times on them in advance. Bad enough that his and DW's were off by about 10 minutes, but apparently mine was about one HOUR off of theirs. :eek:

So when we were looking at pictures, we'd see Mike's pix of a meal, then DW's, then their pix of a ride, and finally mine of the meal we had that hour prior. Over and over for hundreds of pictures over the course of 9 days. :rolleyes1 (OY!)

So, tip:idea:: If ever you plan on sorting two or more cameras' worth of pictures for a trip, make sure to get the times as close together as you can, or you'll want to pull your hair out! :headache: (It was funny, but surely very frustrating for Mike.)
 
Not sure if I'm stealing some of Mike's thunder (sure it'll happen at least once or twice as he writes this report and I pipe in regularly with something from my POV), but sorting through all the cameras was all the worse because we hadn't synced up the times on them in advance. Bad enough that his and DW's were off by about 10 minutes, but apparently mine was about one HOUR off of theirs. :eek:

So when we were looking at pictures, we'd see Mike's pix of a meal, then DW's, then their pix of a ride, and finally mine of the meal we had that hour prior. Over and over for hundreds of pictures over the course of 9 days. :rolleyes1 (OY!)

So, tip:idea:: If ever you plan on sorting two or more cameras' worth of pictures for a trip, make sure to get the times as close together as you can, or you'll want to pull your hair out! :headache: (It was funny, but surely very frustrating for Mike.)

Very true - it's insane.
As it is, I've only sorted through Day One thus far.
Definitely a lesson to be learned there!!
 


We woke up early, got everyone dressed in their Disney attire, and loaded the car.
Disney2011DayOne003.jpg


J spent the night so he was raring to go with the rest of us.
We hopped in the minivan and headed to the airport.
I dropped everyone off and went to park the car while Mom and J corralled the kids and then checked in our luggage.
Next time we’d see it – our rooms. I LOVE :love:Magical Express.
After a quick security check, we found we had some time to kill at the gate.
So what do good DIS’ers do with some time on their hands?
Why pictures of course!
Disney2011DayOne004.jpg


(As you will see, if J was to come along on a Capell trip, he would have to look the part so he was “encouraged” to gather all of his Disney attire as well!)

Disney2011DayOne005.jpg


Once we boarded the plane, the kids were mesmerized.
We fly JetBlue so each mousketeer gets their own TV set.
Disney2011DayOne008.jpg


We arrived about 11:15 and headed straight down to Magical Express, down the red carpet, and into line for our resort.
After a short wait, we were led outside to find one of these beauties just waiting for us:
Disney2011DayOne010.jpg


Disney2011DayOne011.jpg


On board, we settled in and the kids got all excited. :banana:
They remembered that they get to watch the “Welcome to Disney” video and were looking forward to their first glimpse of the Mouse.
Disney2011DayOne012.jpg


Disney2011DayOne015.jpg


Disney2011DayOne016.jpg


Disney2011DayOne017a.jpg


About a half hour later, we saw another great site.
Our “Home Away From Home."
Remember When…

Disney2011DayOne019a.jpg


Disney2011DayOne020.jpg


J and I checked in while Mom and the kids enjoyed the confines of the lobby.
There was a small issue as apparently it is very difficult to split up meals on the meal plan.
We had reserved two rooms on two separate reservations– one for Mom, myself, and X and one for J, Princess, and DS.
But since J would be wandering off on his own from time to time, we wanted his meals on his room key and the rest on mine.
This took some time to pull off.
In hindsight, always put multiple rooms on one reservation – it apparently makes things easier.

However, the kids seemed to be having fun.
They even got to play with their best friends from home.
Our friends from the down the street planned a similar vacation starting with the same flight so we were all there together.
So they watched TV (again):
Disney2011DayOne022.jpg


As well as tried out the 80’s-style arcade games:
Disney2011DayOne023-1.jpg


Disney2011DayOne023-2.jpg


Finally we got our room settled but were too hungry to check it out.
Instead we headed straight to Everything Pop and grabbed some lunch.
The eldest kids ordered pizza while X settled for nuggets.
Mom experimented with Shrimp Lo Mein and found it good but slightly spicy.
She followed it up with a nice crumb cake which she enjoyed.
J went with the parmesan chicken which he found pretty good and added a side salad and a lemonade.
I needed my caffeine fix so I started with a Coke and then grabbed Beef & Broccoli and the infamous Pop Century sensation – tye-dye cheesecake.
J also had one for dessert.
The Beef and Broccoli was okay but the cheesecake was really good.
I wasn't as fond of the red velvet cake on the bottom but the cheesecake part was really good.
Disney2011DayOne024.jpg
 
With food in our bellies, it was time to check out our rooms.
Pop Century was just recently redesigned them so it was a new look even for us!
We lucked out and got the tip of the 70’s right next to the parking lot – Rooms 130 and 131.
This meant our walk to the buses every morning would be short and sweet!
Disney2011DayOne025-1.jpg


Disney2011DayOne025-2.jpg


Inside, we had friends already waiting for us.
Welcome to Pop Century Capells!!

Disney2011DayOne026-1.jpg


Disney2011DayOne026-2.jpg


The bedspreads had new designs as well as carpeting.
Definitely a less campy feel than before – we liked this décor much better.
And of course it is complete with Hidden Mickeys!
Can you find them?
Disney2011DayOne027.jpg


Disney2011DayOne028.jpg


Disney2011DayOne032.jpg


Disney2011DayOne033.jpg


By now, X was exhausted.
He fell asleep on Mom while we were eating.
So we let him take a quick catnap while we explored our rooms and got settled.
Disney2011DayOne029.jpg


Welcome to the 70’s!
Disney2011DayOne030.jpg


Disney2011DayOne031.jpg


That second poster was good foreshadowing as we were looking forward to having the kids see Elliot for the first time!
We were very excited that the Main Street Electrical Parade is back!
And don’t forget the mandatory shot of the bathroom complete with Mickey supplies!
Disney2011DayOne034.jpg


At about 3:00, we were finally settled.
So we changed into our Magic Kingdom attire, woke X up, and headed for the bus.
Outside we met some friends of Donald.
Disney2011DayOne035.jpg


And you can see how excited we were to finally hit the parks!
After a year and a half, we were back in Disney!!!
Disney2011DayOne036.jpg


Unfortunately, X was still a bit groggy so he spent the bus ride like this:
Disney2011DayOne037.jpg


But even he rubbed his eyes and woke up when we caught site of those magical gates.
Disney2011DayOne038.jpg


Finally, we had arrived.
Stay tuned as we storm the parks.
Can anyone guess where we went first?
There were some clues for those who are really observant!
 
Yay! I'm in from the beginning this time. :)

And my guess is PotC.
 
Yay! I'm in from the beginning this time. :)

And my guess is PotC.

And we're glad to have you from the beginning this time! :goodvibes
Good guess on our 1st attraction - you were paying attention.
However, although you have the right idea, you guessed incorrectly.
 
Fun update! Your arrival has me so excited to be back at Pop next month! :)

I too would have guessed Pirates but since that was wrong, how about Peter Pan? I see mom has him on her shirt :)
 
Just started reading your TR and I enjoyed what you've writte so far:) CAn't wait for more!


I love the countdown you did! So cool that it was in the shape of 2011. I also love all the mickey's on the Pop rugs.
 
Subbing, like what I've read so far. The countdown you did is great. I also love your countdown app on your phone. I wonder if there is one for Droid?! :confused3
 
I'm here!! Great start! cant wait to see yo guys storm the parks!:cool1:

Glad to have you on board!
We're about to get started!

Just started reading your TR and I enjoyed what you've writte so far:) CAn't wait for more!


I love the countdown you did! So cool that it was in the shape of 2011. I also love all the mickey's on the Pop rugs.

Welcome!
I always love having newcomers to the Capell Adventures who haven't heard our stories yet.
And this time around, there are LOTS of stories!

As for the countdown, thanks!
We always try to get a little Magic at home to get us in the Disney mood!!

Subbing, like what I've read so far. The countdown you did is great. I also love your countdown app on your phone. I wonder if there is one for Droid?! :confused3

Not sure about the Droid but I love that app for the iPhone.
It's fun to be able to just flash a quick look and see how much longer till we're back at our home away from home!
 

GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE

Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.

Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!





Top