UPDATED! I am Your Host, Your Ghost Host. Tricks, Treats and Toddler in October 2011

[mousescrapper]

Getting caught up...

Love that you all enjoyed your first F & W day like Matt and I did, that def is the way to do it...we loved all that food and low crowds too...the rain threatening prob helped you out too.

It was so fun meeting you all too...thanks for the parade spot so fun seeing myself in other people's TRs

That rain was no fun at all, it had Matt and I quite nervous too, the night was going to be a wash as well...so glad it wasn't

You guys got quite the candy haul!

The watermark day sounded good too, except for the extra costs and chill factor...love all the shopping you did too at DTD

And hopping back into MK is so easy staying at BLT...Matt did it once just by himself during our 2010 trip too

Looking forward to see what is up next

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

YUMMY EARL!!!!

I love your purchase They did do the print out in Dec for 20% off. I ended up with like 4 or 5 of them!! It still wasn't as good as the CM 40% off merch (no longer 50%!!) but you deal lol.

I'm heading over to check out your new adventures!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Getting caught up...
Love that you all enjoyed your first F & W day like Matt and I did, that def is the way to do it...we loved all that food and low crowds too...the rain threatening prob helped you out too.

It was so fun meeting you all too...thanks for the parade spot so fun seeing myself in other people's TRs

That rain was no fun at all, it had Matt and I quite nervous too, the night was going to be a wash as well...so glad it wasn't

You guys got quite the candy haul!

The watermark day sounded good too, except for the extra costs and chill factor...love all the shopping you did too at DTD

And hopping back into MK is so easy staying at BLT...Matt did it once just by himself during our 2010 trip too

Looking forward to see what is up next

Yes, we adored F&W and are very excited to share it with my parents this year in Nov!! The rain probably helped a ton that day! I hated that it rained on our party, but I think we all still had a ball and yes, we got a TON of candy. Will isn't even a huge candy lover. I love being able to just walk over to MK at a whim. Definitely makes our BLT choice so worth it!

YUMMY EARL!!!!

I love your purchase They did do the print out in Dec for 20% off. I ended up with like 4 or 5 of them!! It still wasn't as good as the CM 40% off merch (no longer 50%!!) but you deal lol.

I'm heading over to check out your new adventures!!

Earle!!!! Love it!! I loved that 20% coupon when I've used it in the past. The 40% CM is even better though.

How are you feeling Megan? Hope you are all better and feeling good enough back at work.

 

[exwdwcm]

Thursday, October 20th PART 1


So bear with me, I didn’t take any notes on Thursday or Friday. We had our laptop, so I tried and take notes during our break, so I am simply relying on memory, our itinerary and dated pics to piece the next two days together.

Today we woke up early at 6:30am and had a quick snack in the room. With our vacation coming to an end soon, I was trying to be sure we ate all the food/snacks we had in the room. And as any good Disney fan knows, you accumulate even more snacks in the parks each day too that you bring home. Today’s plan was to hit the Magic Kingdom at rope drop for extra magic hours at 8am. So we were up early again.

It was a little chilly this morning. We saw Pinnochio once we got in, so we stopped for a quick photo. William looks, well, not quite awake yet.

We took a few pics. Look how pretty the horse drawn trolley is for the fall!

Then we headed to Tomorrowland to do something we’ve never done before as a family- the Astro Orbiters! Alan and Will shared a rocket and I got my own. It was an amazing view of the MK and even BLT in the distance with the sun coming up. It was still early and chilly and I loved the view. I took some video.

Here is the video- I love the music in the background.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEUWrgX-M0Y&list=UUiQVeLePQpS1CLaKOc42fbg&index=4&feature=plcp


Then a quick ride on the TTA/People Mover, whatever they call it now. William loved going up the escalator.

We then hit the speedway, before the crowds got too crazy. We still waited at least 15 minutes I think.

We were getting hungry and it is my tradition to enjoy a warm cinnamon roll on main street, so we headed to the bakery. There was a line, as usual and probably the longest we’ve been in. We waited though. That sweet gooey goodness was calling my name. We actually found a table inside, which was nice, since it was chilly and windy out. We enjoyed our late breakfast.
We had a special appointment today though. AT 11am, Willliam was turned into a pirate! So after breakfast, we headed over near Pirates to check in for his appointment. We were a little early, so we waited a bit. I think we even rode Pirates first and looked around in the shop to kill time. Finally they called him in and had our first Pirate League experience.

William spun the wheel and found out what his pirate name was- HECTOR.

We weren’t sure how this all worked. We were given his name and then told to wait in the main room until his name was called. We waited a bit, there were at least 3-4 people ahead of us already waiting. But it was fun to take in the room and what was going on. We hear them call William, but turns out that was some other kid’s pirate name, since they use your pirate name! Finally we heard Hector called.

Suddenly William had a black eye and a tattoo, which he loved. He was so good the entire time, sitting quietly and letting her do her pirate makeover.

“I make this look good!”

He was officially pronounced a pirate then and we went to another area to wait for him to enter the secret room. Once it was his turn, he had to sword fight another pirate and enter the secret room. It was all very cute. He was the perfect age for this.

The secret room is where he had his picture made and found some treasure. The whole experience was like $29, but if you want the photo, it is another $15 or so. We did purchase the photo. William had a ball at the Pirate League and we will definitely consider doing it again in the future.

So now we took our pirate off for some lunch. We were lucky that the newly named Tortuga Tavern was actually open. This restaurant, located across from the exit of the Pirates shop and behind Pecos Bill’s. I’ve only been able to eat here a handful of times, as it operates seasonally and is usually closed when we go, which is in the off season. But they recently renamed it and have a new menu, so maybe we will see it open more often.

I don’t have pics from lunch, but I know had got some kind of nacho and Alan I think had some tacos and same for William. It was okay and a nice break from the burgers. The place was packed though and it was hard finding a table. After our lunch break, we had something in mind on the agenda to check off the to-do list, Tom Sawyer Island. Since we had already seen all the e-ticket rides (many twice) at MK, we decided to hit the island. I hadn’t been over to it in years and knew Will might enjoy it and he could burn some energy running around. So we got in line for a boat over, and only waited like 5 minutes. The boat was packed though.

We got over and explored the entire island, played on the playground and did the barrel bridge multiple times. There is so much potential on this island to do something so much bigger and better, but maybe one day they will. Even some cool interactive scavenger hunt. Will enjoyed the caves too. Some of those have some tight spaces!

We also checked out the fort side on the little side island and had some fun there. William smeared his makeup a little and got all upset about it. Poor guy. Good thing we didn’t do the full face makeup. We were all pretty tired by this point and it was probably close to 2pm. Time for a break. We headed out of Magic Kingdom and walked back to BLT.
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[IheartDDuck]

Love the Pirates League! It's such a cute experience. I don't know the logic in the name selection either, but my nephew ended up with Davey Ropewalker.

 

[Moodyzblu]

My boys are thinking about doing the Pirate's League .. it looks like so much fun ! He looks really cute in his make up.

 

[khertz]

Awww, love the makeover for "Hector"! And I love his t-shirt! I remember seeing that one at Target this year...looks like we will have to stock up on Disney Halloween t's for our trip this year. It's always so nice when you are able to do some of those little things you have never done before. I read about Tom Sawyer Island in the latest issue of Celebrations and thought it sounded neat for a little boy, especially one Will's age! Paxton might still be too young on our next trip but it is definitely something we want to do when he is older. I think he'd find it a lot of fun!

 

[WDWCP96]

Our next trip we are definitely doing the Pirates League. I am hoping we can have both my boys do it.

We have never made RD at MK. I am hoping we will this trip since we will be so close at BLT.

Our last trip we did Tom Sawyer's island for the first time. It was really neat and the boys had a great time running around although we couldn't find a single paint brush.

 

[msmith1026]

I'm finally getting caught up on your TR. Real life has been nuts, so i'm way behind. Will looks adorable in your Pirates League pics!

 

[mousescrapper]

I didnt remember he was doing PL...so glad he liked it

Nathan did it in 2010 and really had a great time w/ it...glad you had a fun morning and got to do a few things new or hadn't done it awhile

Looking forward to the rest of your day

 

[exwdwcm]

Love the Pirates League! It's such a cute experience. I don't know the logic in the name selection either, but my nephew ended up with Davey Ropewalker.

He really loved it too. We might even consider doing it again this trip, who knows.

My boys are thinking about doing the Pirate's League .. it looks like so much fun ! He looks really cute in his make up.

They definitely should, it was a great experience. he had a blast and the price isn't bad either!

Awww, love the makeover for "Hector"! And I love his t-shirt! I remember seeing that one at Target this year...looks like we will have to stock up on Disney Halloween t's for our trip this year. It's always so nice when you are able to do some of those little things you have never done before. I read about Tom Sawyer Island in the latest issue of Celebrations and thought it sounded neat for a little boy, especially one Will's age! Paxton might still be too young on our next trip but it is definitely something we want to do when he is older. I think he'd find it a lot of fun!

Yep, another Target find. I am always on the lookout for clearance stuff off season! Tom Sawyer island was fun. I don't think we will do it again next trip, but maybe an every other trip sort of thing. Give Paxton another year or so and he will probably love it.

Our next trip we are definitely doing the Pirates League. I am hoping we can have both my boys do it.

We have never made RD at MK. I am hoping we will this trip since we will be so close at BLT.

Our last trip we did Tom Sawyer's island for the first time. It was really neat and the boys had a great time running around although we couldn't find a single paint brush.

RD is AWESOME. I am NOT a morning person at home. I don't have to get up until 7am, but even then, i struggle. I am usually at work by 8:30am. Anyhow, at WDW, my body clock changes though- i am the first one up, raring to go! Luckily DH is an early riser too and I think he's done so many trips with me now that he knows the value of making RD, or if not making RD, coming in just minutes after at least. We try and be at the parks at opening. Taking a midday break everyday allows us the flexibility and stamina to do opening and then also stay late if we want. Luckily my 4yo has always been so great about going with the flow- he can stay up late if we let him and will get up early too. Getting to walk down a half empty main street is so nice- and the lines for the rides- awesome! almost non existent. Hopefully you will get a chance at RD since you are at BLT. I know the quick walk makes it so easy.

I'm finally getting caught up on your TR. Real life has been nuts, so i'm way behind. Will looks adorable in your Pirates League pics!

woo hoo! Glad you got caught up! Thanks,

I didnt remember he was doing PL...so glad he liked it

Nathan did it in 2010 and really had a great time w/ it...glad you had a fun morning and got to do a few things new or hadn't done it awhile

Looking forward to the rest of your day

He loved it. I think he would enjoy it even more now, a year older, so might have to try it again.

 

[exwdwcm]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20th- Part 2


Tonight takes us to Epcot! I always try and plan where I have time at the parks in the morning (to hit the e-ticket attractions) and time at night, to view the fireworks, enjoy dinner etc. We had no major plans other than dinner at Via Napoli tonight at 7pm.

We drove over, since I hate fighting the crowds on the monorail at closing. It was probably close to 4:30pm by the time we arrived in the park. To be honest, I don’t remember what all we did! But I do know we hit a few of the kidcot stops. William really enjoyed this. Last trip, not so much, he didn’t get it. This time, he really wanted to stop each time. So we hit up some of the countries we had missed previously for him to get his stamps.

I think we might have hit the boat ride in Mexico, which Will simply adored since it had Donald and he is a huge Donald fan. We have tons of old school Donald books that he loves to read. We checked in for our dinner a little early at Via Napoli. There was a line outside at a podium, but I soon realized it was for walk ups. So I checked us in inside and we were seated almost immediately. I don’t remember our server’s name, but he wasn’t great. We had to wait for refills etc.

I do love this restaurant, I think this is our third visit here now. The pizza is amazing. I haven’t even tried the pasta yet, but the pics I see look great. The restaurant is beautifully decorated (and not just talking about the attractive Italian waiters)!!!

I can’t remember if we ordered a medium or large pizza, but we all shared. We did half pepperoni and half something else for Alan. I am the picky one.

The pizza was delicious as always. We were able to use our TIW card here too. William had to go potty, so I took him while Alan was waiting to pay the bill. This took forever. Finally William was getting restless, so I headed outside with him, but it was freezing cold outside. The server just took forever to bring and run the check for some reason.

It was after 8:30 now and nearing time for Illuminations, but we had a stop in mind……Karamelle Kuche! We simply adore this new addition. We stopped here twice this trip I think. The line was sort of long, but we got in it. I hate how they have that one door on the front that sort of enters right where the line is, so folks already in line are waiting and these other people are trying to come in and confused as to where the line starts. Not efficient. We had some folks come in that way and sort of cut in line in front of us. You know it happens every trip, something like this.

We check out all the delicious goodies.

We got quite a lot actually, some fresh caramel corn, which is to die for here if you haven’t tried it. We also got like 4 other pieces of caramel/chocolate, some to take home. I think Alan got the dark chocolate caramel, I got the milk chocolate and we got a marshmallow swirl too. We haven’t tried the apples here, but I hear they will cut them for you, so we might next time. William loves green apples.

With goodies in hand, we started to make our way out of Germany and around the world showcase. Will wanted to see the fireworks, so we decided to stake out a last minute spot, which as you know, doesn’t always work so well. We were just past Canada, to the right of the main hub if you are facing the lake. We actually had a decent view, but some trees were in the way, so we moved back more. You can see the crowds.

We left before it was all over and headed back to BLT, exhausted, full and happy!

 

[exwdwcm]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21st- part 1

Again, didn’t take notes today, so sort of winging it here based on photos! As you can tell, we make a big effort to do as much of the parks early in the trip, including the big attractions, so that we can relax a little more later in the trip and just enjoy the details and not rush around.

The plans for today were to hit Epcot again. I know, we spend a lot of time here, huh? But we love it. Plus today was our second morning to take advantage of Food & Wine and wrap up the other half of the festival on the right side. We had pretty much already done the left hand side earlier in the week.

Epcot was open at 8am for EMH this morning. So we got up early and headed over, getting in just after RD. We hit Soarin again and also Test Track. We also rode Spaceship Earth.

Today our focus was:

First up, Alan tried something from Australia I think, I forget what it was. It was windy and chilly out today though! But beautiful day.

We actually hit the booths at like 10:45am and many were already opening that early. Then a little something for me!

The champagne and dessert booth. We passed on the champagne, but had the dessert trio.

It was tasty and included these three items- lemon chiffon, white chocolate macadamia mousse with dark chocolate pearls and tres leches verrine. I passed on the last one, not a big tres leches fan. The lemon and chocolate were good! William was having a good time too, sharing in the tasting.

Next was Canada! We had already tried the cheddar cheese soup the other day, but today I wanted the chipotle chicken sausage. My………this was delicious, spicy and perfect. Loved it. Probably my favorite item of F&W. It came with sweet corn polenta which was also heavenly. I tried a Neige FB- apple ice wine. $5.75 for that tiny cup. Next time I think I will skip most of the mini drinks, they were pricy and tiny. The food was a much better value.

We made our way towards UK next. Alan got the Lobster and Scallops Fisherman’s pie. I got the chocolate lava cake. I am not a seafood eater. He enjoyed it. The lava cake was delish too! We sat on a bench and enjoyed our snacks while people watching. Again, no lines for the booths this early, we walked right up to every single one.

We headed towards France next. I wanted to try the Coq au Vin sur gratin de macaroni (red win braised chicken, mushrooms, pearl onions and macaroni gratin) for $4.95. Paired it with the sparkling pomegranate kir for $6.50. I wasn’t a huge fan of the chicken. Not sure why. I am not a mushroom or onion fan, but there wasn’t much and I could pick around. The kir however was very tasty!

We continued making the rounds, but we had eaten most of what we had come for that morning. We had already tried Morocco the first night. The other booths just weren’t doing much for us and we were feeling full.

We stopped for Will to visit the kidcot stations again too.

We decided we were ready for a break, so we headed back to the room about 1pm. Just in time to beat the crowds.

 

[mousescrapper]

Looks like you are finishing off your last days w/ some good eats


I will have to try the carmel corn

 

[khertz]

This whole update had me drooling!!

Can't wait to have that Via Napoli deliciousness again! And we only glanced through the caramel store last time. Definitely need to look closer and get something (or a few somethings ) next time.

I am really happy to see that you actually had a day that was on the chilly side! I was just dreading having to sweat our way through a week in October, so it makes me hopeful that maybe it won't be so bad when we go!

LOVE the picture of Will eating his pizza in his Kermit hat! That's about the cutest thing ever!!

 

[exwdwcm]

Looks like you are finishing off your last days w/ some good eats


I will have to try the carmel corn

Very good eats! I miss the caramel corn- so yummy!

This whole update had me drooling!!

Can't wait to have that Via Napoli deliciousness again! And we only glanced through the caramel store last time. Definitely need to look closer and get something (or a few somethings ) next time.

I am really happy to see that you actually had a day that was on the chilly side! I was just dreading having to sweat our way through a week in October, so it makes me hopeful that maybe it won't be so bad when we go!

LOVE the picture of Will eating his pizza in his Kermit hat! That's about the cutest thing ever!!

Loved VN!!! We are skipping it this trip, but it is a favorite now. The caramel store is a must for us each trip now. DH loves it too. We actually had a few chilly days, but many days were warm too. Hopefully it won't be too bad for you.

He gets comments on that Kermit hat everywhere we go!! Probably one of our best souvies!

 

[katt789]

I love the background story, it’s good to know that people can convert into Disney lovers!! I honestly cannot wait to have a little one to share all the magic & pixie dust with (I say this now, but it will still be years!!) DVC is starting to look more & more like a good idea for me (that, or an annual pass, or something of the sort!)

-That room looks fantastic!! (this is coming from the girl who’s spent 3/4 trips at a value resort though..) love the view of the pool! And I just have to say, I definitely have the same Pooh stuffy!
-Wowee!! Talk about an amazing morning shot!! That suuucks about the battery being dead!!
-Bahah! Gotta love the “let me off here” line, oh kids!
-AHHH! Kermit toque!! You have NOO idea the story of that hat & me! I wanted one so bad when we were there in Sept, but didn’t get it. Went back in Dec, couldn’t find it anywhere, but saw lots of ppl wearing them, finally asked, and they said there was a kiosk in Tmrland, where we RAN over during the fireworks to make sure we could get one…and they only had beaker & animal. SO SAD. Finally, a friend of a friend was down there, and I asked if she saw one, to buy it for me, just for hopes! AND SHE FOUND IT!! (although I have yet to actually get it, but seriously, cutest hat in the entire world)

-Oh my goodness, the wishing picture is absolutely adorable! I love the knight costume!
-Alright, I finished Day 1, that’s where I’m going to take a pause for now, enjoying your tr!!

 

[exwdwcm]

I love the background story, it’s good to know that people can convert into Disney lovers!! I honestly cannot wait to have a little one to share all the magic & pixie dust with (I say this now, but it will still be years!!) DVC is starting to look more & more like a good idea for me (that, or an annual pass, or something of the sort!)

-That room looks fantastic!! (this is coming from the girl who’s spent 3/4 trips at a value resort though..) love the view of the pool! And I just have to say, I definitely have the same Pooh stuffy!
-Wowee!! Talk about an amazing morning shot!! That suuucks about the battery being dead!!
-Bahah! Gotta love the “let me off here” line, oh kids!
-AHHH! Kermit toque!! You have NOO idea the story of that hat & me! I wanted one so bad when we were there in Sept, but didn’t get it. Went back in Dec, couldn’t find it anywhere, but saw lots of ppl wearing them, finally asked, and they said there was a kiosk in Tmrland, where we RAN over during the fireworks to make sure we could get one…and they only had beaker & animal. SO SAD. Finally, a friend of a friend was down there, and I asked if she saw one, to buy it for me, just for hopes! AND SHE FOUND IT!! (although I have yet to actually get it, but seriously, cutest hat in the entire world)

-Oh my goodness, the wishing picture is absolutely adorable! I love the knight costume!
-Alright, I finished Day 1, that’s where I’m going to take a pause for now, enjoying your tr!!

Thanks for reading a long! Sharing the magic with your child is well, magical! Nothing better. Seeing his little face light up is priceless. And I seriously thought my Disney grump of a hubby would never be a fan. I knew he would put up with it because I loved it, but I figured it would be an every 3 years trip kind of thing. But once we took our son, he was hooked, I think he really saw the magic then!

Too funny on the Kermit hat! We lucked out and found it in the muppet store early in our trip. So glad you got one! We get comments everywhere on it.

 

[exwdwcm]

Friday, October 21, Part 2


I wanted to take a big break today because I needed to pack. I know, it is sad, today was our last full day. It’s funny how halfway through the trip, I am usually already mourning the end of the trip. Tonight’s plan was for Hollywood Studios. They were only open until 8pm. So we took a quick break, let William nap and I packed best I could without disturbing him while Alan read his book on the balcony. Having a studio room, it was nice to have the balcony to escape to when William was napping. That, or I just left the room and walked around the resort a bit while Alan stayed with him.



But today it was packing, trying to cram all this stuff into the few suitcases we had brought. Now remember, I tried to pack light. I have to say, looking back, this was pretty light packing for me, considering we were there 8 nights.

Now I was trying to play tetris to fit it all. Luckily I had shipped two shipments home, one from World of Disney and one from MouseGears earlier in the trip with the big items, but I still had a lot of souvies, including F&W wine glasses, tons of t-shirts, and small items. I managed to fit most of it, but we would be carrying on a few more bags, including a big yellow lego bag and one large Disney bag.

So after Will’s nice nap, we got up and ready to head to the studios.

We drove of course, love having the rental car! I think we probably arrived close to 4pm. I had been texting my friend Megan (TinkerbellLuvr7) from the DIS. I had been reading her trip reports and all about her college program experiences at BBB and AK for years. Then we started chatting and decided to meet up since she had moved back to Orlando permanently! We texted and she was going to meet us by the times sign near the Starring Rolls bakery. We parked and got in and found her immediately. Of course I recognized her from all her pics on the boards. I think DH was finally getting the hang of the fact that I would be meeting “strangers” I met online that shared my love for Disney. Of course he thought Megan was super sweet too. So off we went. We had no big plans, and I know we rode the Great Movie Ride.

Then we decide to try and see a few characters. We headed over towards Playhouse Disney, and Will wanted to see the show again, but we were too late, the last show of the day was already in session and we had missed it. Ugh! He loved seeing Jake from the Neverland Pirates. At least we got to see it once. So we met Handy Manny instead.

Then the Incredibles. There’s that awkward pose again.

We also ran into a Green Army Man later:

After that, Megan split up from us to shop for her Dad’s birthday present. We had a great time together though and I regret we didn’t take a picture together! DOH!!!

Alan and I decided to try Tower of Terror. I knew Will didn’t want to go. He had ridden earlier in the week and while he had wanted to ride and I had showed him the ride video first, he was scared once the drops started. So no way was I going to force him to ride. He did say he liked it after he got off, but every time I mentioned going on it again he said he didn’t want to. So I told him just Mommy was going and Daddy would wait outside with him. As we got closer, he changed his mind and said he wanted to ride. I got a lot of funny looks from folks in line taking a 4yo on, but he’s tall enough and likes thrills usually. So off we went. He proclaimed it was his favorite “scary hotel” ever.

After that, we decided to head back towards Toy Story Mania just to see what the line looked like. It was nearing closing time, so we figured it was worth a shot. It was still super long, so we opted to meet Buzz and Woody instead. We waited probably 20 minutes for that.

After that, we visited One Man’s Dream again. Alan really likes this exhibit, which surprised me at first last year.He is a history buff though, so that makes sense. I love it. The movie is so touching, but I haven’t watched in the last two trips, so I really want to see it in November again. It's going on the to do list! We did a little shopping and decided it was time to head out- as it was closing time- 8pm. Now we hadn’t eaten dinner yet. I thought we could try Beaches and Cream. So we drove over to Beach Club. The walk was so long from the parking lot and our feet were dead tired.

The best laid plans…..well you know what they say. We made it in, enjoyed checking out the lobby and pool area, but Beaches and Cream had like an hour wait. No thanks. We couldn’t wait that long to feed William. We were all pretty tired, hungry and grumpy at that point and had a long walk back to the car. What a wasted trip. I wish they took reservations! Maybe another time. This is also going on the to do list for November!!!

So we drove back to BLT and just ate in the Contempo Café before crawling into bed. I had the same sandwich as before, something with ham/turkey and salami I think, it was delicious! I did want to get a good night’s sleep since tomorrow was our last day and we would be traveling home late. It was going to be a long day.

 

[exwdwcm]

Saturday, October 22
We decided last night that we would get up early today and hit the MK one last time before our breakfast at O’hana at 10:45am. We are early risers, so it wasn’t a big deal for us. I know today was rated like a 8 or 9 by Touringplans, so we expected BIG crowds. That is part of the reason we wanted to go in early and tackle some stuff before breakfast, grab a few fastpasses for later. I am so disappointed that FP return times will be enforced now, since we are “those people” that like to get them and use much later after the return window. Oh well.



Really the one reason we went back in the am was William. He wanted to ride HM again, plus Pooh and Peter Pan. I doubt we would have been able to do that in the afternoon, after breakfast with the crazy crowds.
And so, the alarm was set for 6:00am. I think this was one of our earliest days. What I intended to be a sleep in day, turned out to be an early day instead. The best laid plans……….but that’s okay and I am glad we were flexible and willing to change what we wanted to. This trip was really about William after all!



But we didn’t mind waking up early. I got up, showered and ready and then woke up William. He woke up, looked out the window and said “Mommy, it’s still dark outside.” I know kid, but get up if you want to see ghosts without an hour wait!



I finished putting up and packing away our last few items and toiletries and cleaned out the fridge some. I wonder if the mousekeeping cast members get to keep any of the leftover food and stuff that is left behind? I know Disney usually isn’t on board with that sort of thing, but wouldn’t it be such a waste for it to be tossed? We only had two bottles of water left and used everything else. But it had me wondering.
As we took the elevator down later that day, I did see a CM, carrying a grocery bag that looked to have an opened bag of swim diapers, some bottled water and other items in there. I couldn’t help but wonder if it was leftover items from a room she was taking home. I hope so. I would hate for all that stuff to go to waste. If we had more left, I was going to try and pass it on to another DISer, like someone else so kindly did for us. But hopefully what others leave at least gets a good home with the CMs?



So we got all ready and I fed William some applesauce and cereal. Our breakfast ADR was not until 10:45am, so we needed to eat a little to hold us over. I had also decided the night before that I would use Resort Airline Checkin (RAC) and would check two bags this time. We only checked one on the way to Orlando. But our smaller carry on/roll aboard luggage piece was so packed and heavy, I just didn’t want to deal with it. So we paid the additional $20 or whatever. Plus, we already had 5 carry ons, not counting that. I wasn’t sure we could manage all the carry ons, stroller, car seat and that big roller suitcase. So I just bit the bullet and paid the $20 to check it. I called the baggage line that morning to pay the $40 baggage fee. I figure after all the money I spent on food and souvenirs, another $20 wasn’t going to kill me, and at least it wouldn’t kill my back!



At about 7:15am, we took our two checked bags, plus our 2011 Halloween bag filled with all of our candy from MNSSHP and some caramels from Karamell Kuche downstairs. We went to RAC, much different from our experience last December, where there was a HUGE line. This time, there was not a soul there, in fact, we were it, other than the five cast members standing around. One guy gets to checking us in and is having issues. It is taking forever and poor William is freezing. It is quite windy and chilly. The CM finally asks for help. Turns out he was searching by my middle name, Lenn, not our last name. He had asked for my flight confirmation # and all and I had showed it to him directly from my phone and he still wasn’t finding it. This other CM finds it immediately. We get our boarding passes. He doesn’t even ask for Alan’s ID at all. I thought that was strange. While digging out my stuff, I drop a used up Disney gift card and Photopass card out of my purse. Alan picks them up and I put them back in. This will come back to haunt me later.



So with boarding passes firmly in hand, we head inside so I can check the Halloween bag with the valet. We worry that leaving it in the car will be a bad idea and the chocolate might melt. I check it with no problem.



We then head up with our mugs to the fifth floor, taking the escalator, Will’s favorite thing. We fill our drinks- coke for me, coffee for Alan and head across the bridge to BLT one last time. This really is a pleasant walk and while it can be windy, I enjoy it. Such great views on both sides.



We head back up to the room, William is disappointed because the lady in the elevator hits our floor when I say 12th floor and he doesn’t get to. He gives her the evil eye all the way until she gets off. Don’t mess with a kid pushing elevator buttons lady!



We grab our other four carry ons- our black backpack, my large tote bag with the laptop and breakables I bought, Will’s backpack and then a Disney bag of souvenirs, plus the stroller. We look around our home for the last eight nights and say good bye. While small, this little studio was a good home for the week.

We head back downstairs, William is happy to push all the elevator buttons himself this time. We then take one last look at BLT and head to the car to put everything in the trunk. By now it is like 7:55am. We hoof it over to the MK via the walking path. With the huge crowds expected today, we want to try and tackle Peter Pan, Pooh and HM before we have to head over to the Poly for breakfast.

We get in, just missing rope drop. I try and really savor this last walk down Main Street, the sights, sounds and smells.

We stop for Pluto in the front though near the flag pole. That is one autograph Will did not get yet, and there are only like six people in line. Will has on his Kermit hat and so the CM and everyone else is commenting on how cute it is.

When we get up to see Pluto, he holds up his ear and the hat for the pic. Too cute! We them make our way up Main Street and through the castle.



We grab some fastpasses for Peter Pan, but there is no line at all- completely walk on, so we get on. In fact, we ride it twice in a row, walking on both times, plus we have FP in hand. I have never seen it this dead! SCORE for arriving early! It really made all the difference in the world to get up early. After Peter Pan, we head to Pooh and ride that twice as well, again, completely walk on both times. Next up, Dumbo. We ride this twice as well. No line at all. It was a beautiful morning too- so we were really enjoying the gorgeous sunshine and no crowds on this last morning.

After Dumbo, we hit Snow White, but only once. I know this is probably my last time to ride it. I am sure it will be closed the next time we come back as they prepare to tear it down and open up the new mine train ride instead in another location in the new Fantasyland expansion. Who knows when it will close down, but I am guessing in the next year.

After a wonderful morning in Fantasyland, (Peter Pan 2x, Pooh 2x, Dumbo 2x, Snow White 1x), we grab the stroller and head over to Haunted Mansion for a quick ride. It is only about 9am now. Look how empty Frontierland was.

HM is a walk on too. The walkways in the park are just completely empty. It is so nice. Now I know Saturday is a day many guests arrive and so maybe folks just aren’t here yet or sleeping in, but it is eerily quiet and empty! We are loving it.

We take a ride on HM, but explore the cemetery again first, William loves playing with the books that pop in and out. Alan yells “ham sandwich” into the poetry area (obviously getting it wrong). LOL


We enjoy one last ride on ghosts, our 7th of the trip. William is saying the complete spiel now in the stretching room and this lady hears him and is looking at him in amazement. It is so funny.
After our visit to the ghosts, we head to Big Thunder to grab another fastpass for later. I anticipate big crowds this afternoon, so we want as many fastpasses as possible to use later. We grab Big Thunder and then head to Jungle Cruise. We haven’t done it yet this trip. This is also a walk on. Our boat is only half full in fact. We get a decent skipper and have a fun ride.



We still have a little time, so we decided to hit Pirates. Again, complete walk on. We get first row. I get pretty wet on that small drop. Who knew that front row would get so wet? After Pirates, we head out to Main Street and I grab Mickey/Minnie fastpasses for later. While we saw them at the Halloween party, they were in their costumes and we missed getting Minnie’s autograph somehow, so I wanted to come back. We grab Princess FP too. I didn’t realize you could get them both at the same time. I guess they officially count as one fastpass and you can hold them concurrently at the same time. Interesting and good to know.



We now have three sets of fastpasses in hand for later. We head on out of the park, planning to ride the monorail over to the Poly. But, we see a boat is ready to go, so instead, we opt for the boat, the first one of the trip in terms of transportation. There is only one other family on board.

We enjoyed a beautiful ride over to the Poly with a quick stop at the Grand Floridian. I can see the construction area they have cordoned off, for the rumored new GF DVC resort area.
We arrive at the Polynesian and it is about 10:35am or so- just in time. I check in at the desk- no line, but I do see tons of people standing around with pagers and yellow leis. We get our leis and decide to skip the “no obligation” picture.



We are called back at almost exactly 10:45am. We are given a lovely table right near the front window, overlooking the pool/beach area. The restaurant is probably only a third full, if that. There is a table next to us with a nice family speaking Spanish, the husband is all dressed up in a sport coat and it becomes obvious they have their nanny with them and their two girls as well. Great perk for being a nanny I guess, free trip to WDW!! William hears them saying some numbers in Spanish and he perks up. He loves counting in Spanish. LOL!
Service here was okay. We had Samantha. It took forever to get our juice and drinks. Finally get the breads, which we devour. It takes forever to get the rest of the food. We get waffles first, but no butter or syrup, until about 10 minutes later. The food when it finally comes is good and plentiful. The oven fried potatoes were delicious, as was the fruit.

We asked for some seconds and it took forever too. By the time we got it, we weren’t even hungry anymore. Same thing on our drink refills, took forever. By the time we got them, we asked for to go cups.
So first up to visit us was Mickey. Loved his Hawaiian shirt!

Next was Lilo, followed by Stitch. Then Pluto. We had a great time with all. We got Lilo and Stitch’s autographs.

By the time we saw Pluto, we were all done eating and they had brought over a birthday cupcake for William. He proceeded to lick the icing off the top. Pluto came over and tried to steal his cupcake. It was so cute. You can see the video here. Pluto’s handler had told him to come back, but he stayed and continued to play with us. He kept trying to distract William and take his cupcake. Then he took a mickey waffle from my plate and threw it at a waitress, then at another table. It was so cute. We had a lot of fun and William loved all the extra attention. IN fact, in the car, on the way to the airport later that day, William tells me how he was going to call the police on Pluto for trying to steal his cupcake. Then he decided against it and said he would just share with Pluto.

Pluto also loved William’s autograph book. I ordered it on shutterfly and used this really cute photo of William and Pluto from our last trip. Pluto was so happy he was featured on the cover. He went to show it to his handler and to the next table, pointing to himself. It was so cute. That book definitely got William extra attention each time. So worth the $25 to make.



Full and ready to head back to the MK, we left the restaurant, one of the last tables to leave. It was about 11:50am or so. We head out to the monorail and there is a car waiting for us. Off we go to the Magic Kingdom again.