Go with the Flow....A Summer Trip to Remember! July 2012~ **Completed**

[Angies1274]

Hello! and to my 4th trip report! We just got back from a wonderful trip to the world. Yes, it was hot, crowded and the tour groups were everywhere but we still had an amazing time!!! I’m not going to sugar coat it and say every moment was perfect because the heat certainly made us more tired and grumpy many times during the trip but we persevered and we were able to accomplish a lot. If you happened to read my PTR, you know that I am a planner…maybe an over planner if you will. When it comes to our Disney trips, I like to know what we are eating, where we are going and so on. I guess my goal is to avoid those conversations that go something like this….”Where do you want to go?” ….”I don’t know?” and back and forth. We usually stick to a plan and it works for us or at least it did on our other trips. But, we found out that going in the summer is different….very different. Between the heat and the crowds, there were many times that you needed to just “go with flow”. Hence the title of this trip report. Needless to say plans got changed many, many times on this trip. But, when we got stressed or things didn’t go as planned we took a deep breath and kept going. I think in the end it made an even more relaxed and enjoyable trip for all of us.

So, who are we?

Well, I’m a 38 year old stay at home mom, who just graduated college in the spring. It took me long enough to go back but I’m so happy I did. I love all things Disney and always have but my love for Walt Disney World didn’t begin until 5 years ago when we took our first trip. When I have time my other passions include traveling, scrapbooking and reading. Something I would love to do one day is run in the half marathon at Disney…definitely a goal of mine for the near future. My favorite character is Mickey and I love the classic Disney movies like Lady and the Tramp and Peter Pan but I also love the new Pixar movies as well such as Finding Nemo and UP. My favorite rides would be Peter Pan, Soarin’ and Tower of Terror.

My DH is definitely a more laid back kind of guy. He’s very easy going and is happy to sit back and let me plan our trips. He doesn’t like crowds which surprised me when he agreed to a summer trip. His favorite characters are Grumpy and Donald Duck. I’m not sure if he has favorite Disney movie but he enjoys watching them as much as the boys and I do. He loves BTMRR especially at night and his favorite night time show would definitely be Fantasmic.

Nick is my oldest and just turned 12 before this trip. We could definitely see the change in him this trip as he inches closer to becoming a teenager. Gone are the days of getting up at the crack of dawn at Disney ready and willing to head to the parks. He was all about wanting to sleep in this trip. Nick is my quiet one. He does excellent in school, is in band and chorus and enjoys playing basketball and soccer. He graduated from sixth grade in June and is on his way to Jr. High this fall. Nick’s favorite character is Goofy. He loves BTMRR and Space Mountain.

Noah is 9 and my youngest. Noah is a very sweet boy and my daredevil. He loves thrill rides and I’m happy that he does. I finally have someone to ride with since both DH and Nick don’t enjoy them. Noah is an excellent student and loves to read. He also loves to swim and take pictures. He brought along his camera this trip and got some great shots! Noah’s favorite character is Goofy and his favorite movie is Hercules. He loves Splash Mountain, BTMRR, ToT and Dinosaur.

A picture of the boys together...during a rare moment when they were actually getting along.

So, now that you know who we are I’m sure you are wondering about the details of the trip. We stayed at Pop Century and our travel dates were July 9-July 16 2012. If you are interested in learning more about us or our trip you can check out my PTR.All you need is to believe...Our Sizzling Summer Getaway July 2012 I took a ton of pictures and can’t wait to share them with all of you. I hope you decide to join me!!


And now we invite you to relax and enjoy the ride….. We’ll be home soon.


​

 

[Angies1274]

Handy Chapter Links!!​

​

​

​

July 9-10, 2012
Arrival Day/Downtown Disney
I Can Go The Distance--Part 1 and Part 2-- posted 7/24
When There's a Smile in Your Heart--Part 1 and Part 2--posted 7/26
​

​

​

July 11, 2012
Epcot
The Rain Rain Rain Came Down Down Down--Part 1 and Part 2--posted 7/30
Rumbly in my Tumbly (T-Rex)--posted 8/3
In the Big Blue World....(AoA Resort)-Part 1 and Part 2--posted 8/7​

July 12, 2012
Magic Kingdom
A Kingdom full of endless dreams...--posted 8/15
Mother Knows Best!--posted 8/20
When I see an elephant fly... posted 8/24
Following the Leader... posted 8/29
Walkin' right down the middle of Main Street USA posted 9/3
Hawaiian roller coaster ride.... posted 9/7
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow! posted 9/7
​

​

​

​

July 13, 2012
Animal Kingdom
I'm on my way.... posted 9/12
Remember fish are friends, not food!!! posted 9/17
There's far too much to take in here..... posted 9/18
We wish you a Sizzling Christmas...(Winter Summerland Mini-Golf) posted 9/25
It's a beautiful night.... (Part 1) and Part 2 posted 10/1​

July 14, 2012
Hollywood Studios
Hooray for Hollywood! posted 10/5
Woody's Roundup...Come on, it's time to play! (Part 1)and Part 2 posted 10/10
There's 104 days of summer vacation.... posted 10/15
These Little Wonders.... (Part 1)and Part 2 posted 10/23
Mysteries and Magic, Visions Fantastic! posted 10/30​

July 15, 2012
Magic Kingdom
Ever Ever After posted 11/2
Everybody has a laughing place!! (Part 1) and Part 2 posted 11/9
I can show you the world.... posted 11/13
When you wish upon a star....(Wishes Dessert Party) posted 11/15
A dream is a wish your heart makes.... posted 11/30​

​

​

​

July 16, 2012
Epcot
You'll be in my heart....(Part 1) and Part 2 posted 12/3

Final Thoughts posted 12/12
​

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm here! I am soooo excited to hear all about the trip!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Joining in!!

 

[Harters2WDW]

Looking forward to reading along! We head to Pop in 18 days for our first summer trip (other two were March). Any good Pop tips or other??

 

[mommytothreeboys]

YAY! I'm here and ready for this TR! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[15isto2]

Cant wait to see more

 

[wdwgirl03]

haha, I think it's funny how you said you try to avoid the comments like "Where do you want to go?" because that happens with us a lot! I guess that's what happens when you go as often as we do!

Anyways...I'm here!

 

[Angies1274]

I'm here! I am soooo excited to hear all about the trip!

Yay!! So glad you are here!!

Joining in!!

Hi Amy!!

Looking forward to reading along! We head to Pop in 18 days for our first summer trip (other two were March). Any good Pop tips or other??

You'll have a great time!! Is this your first time staying at Pop? The one big tip that I can share is that the food court is crazy in the morning. As long as we got there before 7:30, we were okay but any later and we had a hard time finding a place to sit.

 

[Angies1274]

YAY! I'm here and ready for this TR! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Hi Missy!! So glad you joined in!!

Cant wait to see more

haha, I think it's funny how you said you try to avoid the comments like "Where do you want to go?" because that happens with us a lot! I guess that's what happens when you go as often as we do!

Anyways...I'm here!

Glad you are here!!

That's too funny! Actually, the only reason I try to avoid those comments is because my guys have the hardest time making a decision! By the time they decide we could have done two or three things.

 

[Harters2WDW]

Yay!! So glad you are here!!



Hi Amy!!





You'll have a great time!! Is this your first time staying at Pop? The one big tip that I can share is that the food court is crazy in the morning. As long as we got there before 7:30, we were okay but any later and we had a hard time finding a place to sit.

First time at Pop!! We are usually a breakfast in the room type of group other than filling our mugs! What building did you stay in? Did you like it?

 

[ShortStuff]

Happily awaiting more, as we are going to POP for the first time in September. Your intro was fun and I'm looking forward to more!! If the pictures in your intros are anything like those to come, this should be a fantastic trip report!!!

 

[Angies1274]

First time at Pop!! We are usually a breakfast in the room type of group other than filling our mugs! What building did you stay in? Did you like it?

We stayed in the 80's section this time. I didn't put a request in but I kind of wish I did. We've stayed in the 80's before but we were facing the parking lot. Which was actually a quick walk to the bus stop and we really liked that. But, this time we were in building 7, behind the pool and it was quite a walk to the bus stop and Classic Hall.

Happily awaiting more, as we are going to POP for the first time in September. Your intro was fun and I'm looking forward to more!! If the pictures in your intros are anything like those to come, this should be a fantastic trip report!!!

I'm so glad you joined in! You're going to love POP! It's such a fun resort!!

 

[Cory's Gal]

Can't wait to hear all about your trip Angie!! My birthday is July 10 so I always wondered what it would be like in WDW that time of year! I knew the boys had grown from your PTR but I could really see it in the family picture!! (which is an awesome pic!!!) Looking forward to reading!!!!!

~Beth

 

[Disneychix]

Can't wait to read along! I too have 2 DSs. Mine are still little so I'l be reading to find out what I have in store for me in the future!

 

[Angies1274]

Can't wait to hear all about your trip Angie!! My birthday is July 10 so I always wondered what it would be like in WDW that time of year! I knew the boys had grown from your PTR but I could really see it in the family picture!! (which is an awesome pic!!!) Looking forward to reading!!!!!

~Beth

Hi Beth!! So glad you are here!!!

Can't wait to read along! I too have 2 DSs. Mine are still little so I'l be reading to find out what I have in store for me in the future!

Thanks for joining in!!

 

[Angies1274]

"I have often dreamed, of a far off place..." Hercules

July 9, 2012

Yay! The day had finally arrived. We were going to Walt Disney World!! We were so excited to be going back! Our flight was scheduled early the next morning but since the airport was about a 3 hour drive from our house, we decided to leave the day before and find hotel so that we could avoid leaving in the middle of the night. Our hope was that we would start the trip well rested. If we only knew what was to come…….

The plan was to leave around noon and head to Burlington, VT. We were going to do a little shopping while we were in the area and then try and turn in early. But, by ten o’clock that morning we were all pretty anxious to get on the road and get our trip started. The boys helped DH pack up the car and after saying goodbye to our kitty, Milo, we were on our way.

It was an uneventful car trip. The boys watched a movie and played on their Kindle while I read the newest Kingdom Keepers book. Before long we were at the Ferry and we were seeing this---

Soon after, we made it to our destination, checked into our hotel and then decided to do a little shopping. We picked up a couple new books for the boys so they would have something to read on the plane. Then we headed downtown to grab some ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s and made our way down to the waterfront to enjoy the views.

After we finished our ice cream, we decided to head back to the hotel to get ready to turn in for the night. As I said before, the whole reason for leaving a day early was so we would be closer to the airport and didn’t have to get up early to leave. We were hoping to start the trip with a good night’s sleep. Of course, we should have known better because we are always too excited to sleep. But, as we settled down, I realized it was going to be more than excitement that was going to keep us awake that night. The room above us was so noisy!! Between stomping, slamming doors, running the water, it was driving us crazy! We were having a hard enough time getting to sleep that this definitely wasn’t helping! Finally, DH couldn’t take it any longer and went to talk to the front desk. Whatever he said must have done the trick because the noise finally stopped and around 2:00am, we finally dozed off for the night.

July 10, 2012

A few hours later, it was time to get up and get ready to head to the airport. We barely had any time to think about our lack of sleep the night before because all we could think about was that in a few short hours we would be at our happy place!!

We arrived at the airport, got our boarding passes and soon it was time to board the plane.

After an uneventful flight, we arrived in Orlando and made our way to Magical Express. To say that I was excited was an understatement. I couldn’t believe we were finally there after months and months of planning and counting down.
I snapped a quick picture of the bus—

Apparently, I was so excited one picture just wouldn’t do….so I snapped another.

We’re finally here boys….Can you believe it??

I took picture of the television while we settled in our seats---

I guess in my excitement I felt we needed another closer one. I couldn’t even wait for the video to begin!!

My terrible attempt at one of the Walt Disney World signs—

I’ve all but given up at getting a picture of the Walt Disney World arch. Our bus driver had the shade pulled down in the front window so I barely got a glimpse. Oh well…my disappointment was short lived because soon we were pulling into the new Art of Animation resort.

It looked amazing! I couldn’t wait to visit later on in the week!
Finally...our destination!! Pop Century Resort!

My attempt at the sign through our window….

Someone is excited to be back!!!

We were here!!! We were finally here!!


​

 

[Angies1274]

After gathering our bags, we made our way inside--

Aww...it felt great to be back!!

We made our way to online check-in to pick up our keys to the world and our welcome packet. The CM was very friendly and wished us a Happy Anniversary. She gave us our anniversary buttons and then gave the boys some I'm Celebrating buttons. I thought that was really nice. We were anxious to find out where our room was since I didn't put any requests in this time. We were hoping for the 80's because it always seems quieter in that section. Well, we got our wish which we were thrilled about at first until she showed us the location. It was in one of the furthest buildings from the bus stop and Classic Hall. It wasn't too bad at the beginning of the trip but as the week went on, we were really wishing we had requested something closer. Oh well...lesson learned.

I snapped a picture of the bus stop on the way to our room-

Whew! We made it!
The boys of course had to check out the bed--

The room had been remodeled since we had been there last. We really liked the new decor--

I loved that there was a mini fridge now. It definitely came in handy on the trip!

Although, we were all starving and wanted to head down to the food court to grab something to eat. We couldn't leave without getting our first glimpse of Stacey. Honestly, I'm not sure we watched anything else that week! I know I was singing "Livin' it up...Love that feeling! Livin' it up...Let the Memories Begin!!" all week long!

Anyways, it was also at this point that we started realizing that despite how happy and excited we were, that our lack of sleep from the night before was starting to catch up with us. So, with this realization we made our first change of the trip.

Up Next--An evening at Downtown Disney​

 

[mickeystoontown]

First off, the first set of pictures are gorgeous! We are at least 4 hours away from any mountains so seeing pictures of mountains are beautiful!

Oh man, there's nothing worse than having stomping, loud guests in the room above you. Good thing your hubby went down and complained or it might have went on all night long.

Yay! You've arrived at Pop Century! I know that you said your room was pretty far away from everything but I'm betting it was quiet.

 

[Angies1274]

First off, the first set of pictures are gorgeous! We are at least 4 hours away from any mountains so seeing pictures of mountains are beautiful!

Oh man, there's nothing worse than having stomping, loud guests in the room above you. Good thing your hubby went down and complained or it might have went on all night long.

Yay! You've arrived at Pop Century! I know that you said your room was pretty far away from everything but I'm betting it was quiet.

Thanks! We're very lucky to live so close to the Adirondack mountains that I think sometimes we take them for granted. The Green Mountains in Vermont are so beautiful. I couldn't resist taking a few pictures that day.

Ugh...the loud guests were so annoying. I wish we wouldn't have waited so long to say something. But, we really thought at some point they would settle down.

We were so happy to be back at Pop! The room was very quiet until our second to last day when a sports group arrived. There was a lot more activity on our floor after that.