Our First Trip as Parents! December 2012 TR - 8/6 OMG a TR link!

[Linda67]

What great updates

Love the photopass pictures with Goofy and Pluto - soooooo cute!

 

[PartyFromSaturn]

Great report! Your family is adorable!

 

[NMW]

subscribing

 

[franandaj]

Great update! Those PP pictures are so cute!

I just love baths and the tubs in the villas really make my trips special. We do a lot of down time in the room so I just love the extra space and stuff. I bet that in room washer bad dryer will become even more essential as he gets older!

 

[dizneeat]

All caught up again. I love your updates.

There is a reason we don't like Disney transportation - it takes forever to get from A to B.
And I think going from AKL to DTD is the longest ride ever. Sorry it was so crowded at DTD, but if it made you go to WPE than I am okay with it. We love WPE and even have some waiters who know us by name (which fascinates me because there are always at least 5 months between visits).

Those showers and tubs in the villas are awesome, aren't they.

Love your PP pics at AK.

 

[amazingact21]

Subscribing! Thinking about taking our little one to WDW next December, so I'm curious to see how it went for you.

 

[happenin2you]

Ok, so, about the shower head, is it the same in the studio? You transition to an AKL studio later, right? Since we own at AKV too, I feel that this is a very important thing to know. I'll need to know how much earlier to wake up than my husband next time I'm there. Love, love, love the pics of your little family with Goofy and Pluto! What nice things for Calvin to look back on later. Also, about the buses, for us, when we stayed at AKL on our honeymoon in 2008, we didn't mind the long rides. We felt it was our nice time to relax for a few extra minutes inbetween our crazy park warrior moments. We kind of liked our hotel being so secluded from everything else. Can't wait to read your next update!

 

[dvc4life]

Just found your report Lesha and how wonderful it is so far. Your baby is so cute!

And your poor mom. I feel for her and her plane fear. But she made it to WDW with you, so yay!

Love your photos at AK. Pluto and Goofy are so sweet to your little boy. Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

 

[Pixie*Pirate]

I'm cracking up over your mom having to drink so much to manage the flight! Poor thing!
I just love the AKV!
Can't wait to read more, your son is a doll!

 

[Leshaface]

All caught up. Wonderful updates!

That was so cool about the comped drinks. Great start to the trip.

Love the 1BR. Oh my. I know I said I'm satisfied with studios but that really looked nice!

Bonus on the partial savannah view.

I agree, the DTD ride seems like forever from AKV. Even longer than the MK ride.

That stocking is too cute!

Oh my on the mom forgetting her child. I'm glad you were there to remind her! Those cookies must be really good!

The studio was really nice, but man, was the 1BR amazing. So spacious!

Yes! The ride to DTD felt way longer than MK! Craziness.

Yes, sushi! Check it out next time!

I want to try that shower head! You talked it up pretty good!

AH! I have to next time for sure!

Seriously, i'm so weird. Whenever I write reviews about hotels on Trip Advisor, I always note the ones with great showerheads!

What great updates

Love the photopass pictures with Goofy and Pluto - soooooo cute!

I'm so glad we did that one! DH loves Goofy so we just had to!

Great report! Your family is adorable!

Thanks so much!

subscribing

Hi there!

Great update! Those PP pictures are so cute!

I just love baths and the tubs in the villas really make my trips special. We do a lot of down time in the room so I just love the extra space and stuff. I bet that in room washer bad dryer will become even more essential as he gets older!

When he told me he took a bath, I was like, "Well, Alison told me that she cleans it out before going in, because of all the nasty stuff that's in the jets." His face was like Then he asked if he should take a shower. I should have said yes thinking about it now so he could have tried the shower head.

The washer and dryer was needed, even then on this trip, because DS kept peeing/pooping his clothes so we would change him like twice or even three times a day! We about died in the Studio with no washer or dryer.

All caught up again. I love your updates.

There is a reason we don't like Disney transportation - it takes forever to get from A to B.
And I think going from AKL to DTD is the longest ride ever. Sorry it was so crowded at DTD, but if it made you go to WPE than I am okay with it. We love WPE and even have some waiters who know us by name (which fascinates me because there are always at least 5 months between visits).

Those showers and tubs in the villas are awesome, aren't they.

Love your PP pics at AK.

Goodness! 5 months between visits and all the way from Austria!? That's amazing! I was checking out your tickers, but couldn't see the bottom two.

We were discussing the possibility of renting a car next time so we'll have both options of taking Disney transportation or our own.

Subscribing! Thinking about taking our little one to WDW next December, so I'm curious to see how it went for you.

Oh how awesome! During the decorations is the best time to go!

Ok, so, about the shower head, is it the same in the studio? You transition to an AKL studio later, right? Since we own at AKV too, I feel that this is a very important thing to know. I'll need to know how much earlier to wake up than my husband next time I'm there. Love, love, love the pics of your little family with Goofy and Pluto! What nice things for Calvin to look back on later. Also, about the buses, for us, when we stayed at AKL on our honeymoon in 2008, we didn't mind the long rides. We felt it was our nice time to relax for a few extra minutes inbetween our crazy park warrior moments. We kind of liked our hotel being so secluded from everything else. Can't wait to read your next update!

NO! The shower head is SO not the same in the studio, but I was expecting it! So when I went in the first night of the studio, I was like, Yes! But then got in and was disappointed. The shower heads all look the same, but the pressure was way different. Maybe the one in the 1BR was newer because it was amazing. The studio felt like there wasn't water coming out of some of the holes.

I can definitely see how to rides were a nice break and to be honest, I thought it would be like that for us too. But then we had a stroller that needed to be folded up and held, a diaper bag, any purchases we had made, PLUS holding the baby (which was hit or miss- either he slept the entire way or cried because he needed to be fed)

Just found your report Lesha and how wonderful it is so far. Your baby is so cute!

And your poor mom. I feel for her and her plane fear. But she made it to WDW with you, so yay!

Love your photos at AK. Pluto and Goofy are so sweet to your little boy. Can't wait to read the rest of your report.

Thank you so much and welcome!

I'm cracking up over your mom having to drink so much to manage the flight! Poor thing!
I just love the AKV!
Can't wait to read more, your son is a doll!

Aw thank you! He is handsome!

 

[franandaj]

When he told me he took a bath, I was like, "Well, Alison told me that she cleans it out before going in, because of all the nasty stuff that's in the jets." His face was like Then he asked if he should take a shower. I should have said yes thinking about it now so he could have tried the shower head.

The washer and dryer was needed, even then on this trip, because DS kept peeing/pooping his clothes so we would change him like twice or even three times a day! We about died in the Studio with no washer or dryer.

Well I have never experienced a nasty bathtub, but I did read about them, so now I always sanitize the tubs just in case.

We totally use the washer and dryer when we stay. I love the one bedroom units, that's probably why we have so many points because we won't stay in studios unless we have to! I love the tub and the washers, the kitchen is just an added bonus!

 

[Leshaface]

After our cute character interaction, we headed over to Dinosaur where I got our first Rider Swap ticket!

I waited in the gift shop for them, and they came about a few minutes later! DH said there was no line inside for FP and they even missed some of the pre-show video. I saw there picture on the monitor and went to the Photo counter to add their picture to our Photopass Card.

They're in the front row.

Then it was my turn! I forgot how dark this ride is. Definitely different from Indy but new and exciting all the same!

After Dinosaur we headed towards Expedition Everest. We told mom that it was like a bigger Thunder Mountain, and we failed to tell her that it went backwards but we knew she would be fine. Then she said, "I saw a special about Disney World a week ago and this ride was on it and it goes backwards!" Dang it, I thought. Now I really didn't think she would go on it, but she did!

I took this picture randomly and when I zoomed in, there they are!

Heres their PP Pic:

My mom really liked it! She said it was really fun and something she would do again which really surprised me!

Then it was my turn! We were able to go through the line and look at the artifacts when I spotted this creature.

Crow is our last name and DH loved this and now wants it for our house. I dont think so

And right next to it was this:

I took it for my mom because she has an awful Deer Chihuahua (I think its called that because of their necks?) Anyways, this is how her dog looks when shes in attack mode

Here's our PP picture:

I forgot how crazy it was going backwards and still couldn't believe my mom liked it and would do it again. That ride is pretty darn amazing!

It was getting close to 12:45 and we were starving! So backing up a smidge. Two days before leaving for our trip, we decided to have dinner at our house and look at CS menus of the parks we were going to so we wouldnt be stuck at a park wasting time, trying to decide where to eat. So one of the menus that we all looked at and liked, was Yak and Yeti Counter Service so thats where we headed.

We were on the Quick Service dining plan, which got us one entrée, a dessert, and a drink.

My mom ordered the Asian Chicken Sandwich, which she really enjoyed. Sorry no picture of that. I ordered the Sweet and Sour Chicken which was really delicious, and it wasnt until all my chicken was done until I noticed there was rice on the bottom.

DH ordered the Beef Lo Mein and we both really enjoyed that!

I read good things about the Safari Amber beer, so I ordered one and it was refreshing! Next to the beer is the Chocolate Mousse which is really good! I got one for me and one for my mom.

But after we tried DHs Banana pudding, we both wished we got that instead

Dont get me wrong, the mousse was good, but this was great! Also note the GINORMOUS cups they put our rootbeers in! Theyre not the normal size cups that you usually get. Um. Wow! None of us got past the halfway mark on the sodas. What a waste.

We all agreed that Yak and Yeti was great and definitely would do again.

DH suggested that we make our way to the Kilamanjaro Safari to get FPs. But on our way we spotted her. Yes! DiVine!

Shes so breathtaking, beautiful and graceful. Even mom couldnt keep her eyes off her. People were gathered all around and were so amazed. DH said outloud, Man I love nature!

 

[dizneeat]

Note to myself - EE and Dino photo can be added to PP+

Just a quick answer to your last response - yes, we go twice a year and I guess you need a really big screen to see all the tickers line up
The bottom two tickers are for our summer trip (5 weeks - 2 Fantasy cruises back to back, a short visit to Key West and 2 WDW weeks) and next year's February trip.

I love all your ride photos - perfect that you didn't have to wait long with your rider switch pass!
Your mom is so brave for doing EE knowing it goes backwards. Tom and I love that ride and have done it quite often. Have you tried sitting in the front? You'll get the most awesome view of all the WDW icons.

Can't wait for more!

 

[afwdwfan]

The transportation is the worst part about DTD! It's actually the reason we skip it most of the time, just not worth it. Even when you drive, parking is always a pain too. They do have some great food options though. I'll definitely have to try the cookies sometime.

That was awesome of your mom to let you guys get some sleep. I'm sure she enjoyed some grandma time as much as you enjoyed a stress free night.

Isn't the Rider Swap great??? Especially if you're the one that gets the extra ride.

 

[MEK]

Reading again without pictures, but I have to agree that the master BR at Kidani is just amazing. We stayed in a 2BR several years ago and loved it. I mean LOVED it! And that BR was THE BEST!

We did the QS dining plan in June and it worked out really well for our group of 9. We had a bunch of kids with us and it was so convenient for a big group. Your meal sounds really yummy.

Yeah that your mom road EE and loved it! I gave my SIL a FP for it in June so she could ride with her oldest son. I had no idea about her tolerance for thrill rides. Well, she ended up getting sick to her stomach after the ride. I felt bad.

 

[amazingact21]

Those rider swaps are awesome; makes traveling with a baby just a tiny bit easier.


That's awesome that your mom loved EE! My mom was not a fan of the backwards part at all.


Your Yak and Yeti lunch looks really good, and yeah, the QS plan does include those huge sodas. Normally, I just get a water that way I'm not stuck with all that caffeine.


Devine looks so amazing. I'm very jealous you happened to run into her!

 

[Leshaface]

Note to myself - EE and Dino photo can be added to PP+

Just a quick answer to your last response - yes, we go twice a year and I guess you need a really big screen to see all the tickers line up
The bottom two tickers are for our summer trip (5 weeks - 2 Fantasy cruises back to back, a short visit to Key West and 2 WDW weeks) and next year's February trip.

I love all your ride photos - perfect that you didn't have to wait long with your rider switch pass!
Your mom is so brave for doing EE knowing it goes backwards. Tom and I love that ride and have done it quite often. Have you tried sitting in the front? You'll get the most awesome view of all the WDW icons.

Can't wait for more!

Yes! That's one thing I'm loving about PP+ is that i'm able to add all rides that have a photo to my card and don't have to pay extra for it! Especially when they charge like $15 for one photo per ride, and we'd have to buy two since all three of us can't be in one photo at once! Plus, if you're doing any character meals, you can get that added to the card too

Oh wow you have some amazing trips coming up! That's fantastic!

Right when they got in line for EE I tried calling DH to tell him to try and sit near the front. Then he told me they were already boarding and sitting in the second to last row!

The transportation is the worst part about DTD! It's actually the reason we skip it most of the time, just not worth it. Even when you drive, parking is always a pain too. They do have some great food options though. I'll definitely have to try the cookies sometime.

That was awesome of your mom to let you guys get some sleep. I'm sure she enjoyed some grandma time as much as you enjoyed a stress free night.

Isn't the Rider Swap great??? Especially if you're the one that gets the extra ride.

I've heard awful things about trying to find parking at DTD. Geez, you'd think they'd build a parking structure or something to accommodate people and make it more car friendly. How sad, since there's some really good eats and shopping to be had down there.

Sleeping was definitely amazing and something I was missing for the past 6 months! (I say 6 months because I was getting up to pee every 2-3 hours during my last trimester and going back to sleep was terrible!) So we slept great!

I think DH liked Rider Swap the best! Man, getting to ride twice with hardly any wait must be rough!

Reading again without pictures, but I have to agree that the master BR at Kidani is just amazing. We stayed in a 2BR several years ago and loved it. I mean LOVED it! And that BR was THE BEST!

We did the QS dining plan in June and it worked out really well for our group of 9. We had a bunch of kids with us and it was so convenient for a big group. Your meal sounds really yummy.

Yeah that your mom road EE and loved it! I gave my SIL a FP for it in June so she could ride with her oldest son. I had no idea about her tolerance for thrill rides. Well, she ended up getting sick to her stomach after the ride. I felt bad.

Oh no! A TR isn't a TR without some pics! Hope you can get to a computer that lets you view pics sometime soon

DH and I really enjoyed the QS dining. It was nice not having to plan any dining arrangements beforehand. And I can really see this dining plan being an option for a large group like yours! Makes dining much easier!

Oh gosh! I remember thinking right as my mom and DH were walking to get on EE, "I really hope she doesn't get dizzy or sick and it'd be all my fault since I pushed her to get on!" I was just praying she'd get off the ride fine and enjoy it, which thank god she did!

 

[Leshaface]

Those rider swaps are awesome; makes traveling with a baby just a tiny bit easier.


That's awesome that your mom loved EE! My mom was not a fan of the backwards part at all.


Your Yak and Yeti lunch looks really good, and yeah, the QS plan does include those huge sodas. Normally, I just get a water that way I'm not stuck with all that caffeine.


Devine looks so amazing. I'm very jealous you happened to run into her!

You're so right about making it easier! It really was accommodating and I felt special that Disney doesn't forget about those who get 'left behind' not being able to ride because they're tending to a small child

When they handed me the soda I was thinking, what the heck!! There's no way I can drink all this!

It was so awesome running into her. She's definitely a show all in her own!

 

[tinkgurl]

Another great update!

How awesome your mom liked EE! It is such a fun ride.

We love Yak & Yeti! We have only done the TS for it though.

Silly question: how/where do you get the rider swap ticket?

 

[Leshaface]

Another great update!

How awesome your mom liked EE! It is such a fun ride.

We love Yak & Yeti! We have only done the TS for it though.

Silly question: how/where do you get the rider swap ticket?

Definitely not a silly question since I had no idea either!

Your entire party, including the baby, has to go up to the CM that's in front of the Stand-by line and say you need a rider swap pass, and they ask, "Who's waiting behind?" Usually it was always me to wait, so I would say that I was and they handed me the ticket and usually told me I could wait in the gift shop (when it was cold or rainy) and wait for my party to come out. Then when DM and DH would come out, DH and I would go to the FP line, hand them our rider swap ticket, and we were on our way! It really did work out great and is super easy. You just have to make sure you have your entire party go up with you, so you can't be separated.

Planning for the future???