Well, this trip was....different. UPDATE - 9/1!

[amandaw]

Wow! You were busy making up for lost time last night/this morning.

Indeed!

First of all I don't know if I missed it in the morning update, or if it just wasn't in any pictures (and I'm too lazy to go back to look), but I love Ed's shirt.

It might not have fully shown in the morning pictures. I got that shirt for him at Target last year before our cruise. He gets so many compliments on it!

We didn't get any pictures of that either, but we just kind of ignored that room's existence and kept DS moving since we only rode when the line was short. We didn't want to have to deal with corralling him to move on.

Be glad you ignored the room!! It's cute and all but such a pain. We avoided it the rest of the trip.

That's great!!! I'm glad he enjoyed it!

I was really happy he enjoyed it this year. And I was glad to see we hadn't scarred him for life.

They really did. I was impressed.

I think it brings more life to that area.

Awesome!!!! BTMRR was my first roller coaster when I was little so it always makes me happy when I ride it. I'm glad that he enjoyed his first ride on it too!

I was so proud of him for throwing his arms in the air! BTMRR was also one of the first "big" roller coasters I liked as a little girl, so I was very happy to get to ride next to him on his first time.

Any souvenir???? In Disney World????? I hope you have a high limit on your credit card.

True! But, I knew I didn't real have to fear with telling my 4 year old that. He didn't really understand the power of that statement. And I knew I'd be with and could guide him towards appropriate options.

He's a boy... Underpants make me laugh too.

Must be a boy thing.

They really are very good about things like this. And that's why we keep going back.

It's so true!

I want to first answer your question to my question before I forget. . .I'm staying at a Universal Partner resort for just one night. It's a family tradition to stay offsite either the first or last night, to squeeze as much Disney into a trip as possible. This year, I'm staying at the Wingate by Wyndham right near Universal. I think it's like a mile away. I booked a package with Universal because I really want to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. It's going to be crazy busy because that day is President's day.

Cool! We stay at Wingates often when we're doing small getaways or need a place for a night or two. They're usually pretty decent and have a hot complimentary breakfast. Since you did a package, can you not get your park tickets at the hotel?

Whenever I start feeling like Disney is not as customer friendly as they used to be, I hear a story like yours about the salad and I get that faith back in Disney. I'm proud of Reid for riding all of those "big boy" rides! It took us years to get my son on those and now all the sudden he likes them. Now my youngest? She's a little thrill ride junkie!

They were so nice about the salad! I couldn't believe the manager even apologized to me even though it was my son who caused the whole mess.

I was really proud of him! And I was so happy that he liked the big boy rides...especially BTMRR. Ed & I love roller coasters, so Reid really needs to love them, too.

Y'all really did great for such a rainy afternoon. Loved the water art, I had never heard of that and actually want it to rain now so I can maybe witness some of it. LOL

I had seen/heard about the water art here on the DIS. I was so happy to finally see some in person. It's just something neat that you don't see all the time.

I'm so impressed with how patiently you handled the the salad debacle. Great mommy moment, and Disney IS magical in just replacing it for you

Thank you. I have my moments where maybe I don't always handle things as I should. But, I knew he was just hungry and didn't mean to knock my salad down. And the cashier and manager helped erase any frustration I did have by being so helpful.

I dont want to accept this was your last day.

No need to worry! That was only our 2nd day of parks. I still have 4 more days of parks to report about to y'all!

 

[cheryllarsen]

Love the F&W festival. Absolutely favorite time to visit Disney!

 

[cheryllarsen]

Glad you had a good trip. Can never make a mistake vacationing to DIsney!

 

[shan23877]

Sounds like a great afternoon after a rough morning and despite the rain.

Yay! for Reid! How awesome that he liked all of the 'big boy' rides!

That Dumbo area...It wasn't open when we were there, but I can imagine how fun it would be to force DD out and onto the ride. I've heard that not everyone finds it super secure to let kids run about either.

I love the water art too! Isn't it so fun?

That's awesome that the CMs replaced the salad. That's the kind of thing that really sets Disney apart.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Sounds like a good time in the MK...

I've seen the "water drawings" too...they are kind of a magical thing after the rain... can't believe people walked on them... some time you've got to take time to smell the roses...

BTMR is the best "first" big kid kind of coaster... just enough zip and thrill to feel like a real coaster but not too crazy... yeah for Reid's first real coaster ride... (actually i think that little Goofini coaster -used to be the Barnstormer packs a punch for such a short little ride......it's surprising... you wouldn't think it was so...)

I agree that they did a really nice job with Storybook Circus... I am kind of glad that my little guy is 10 so he's not as interested in playing in the waiting area... I could definitely see a couple years ago that they would be kind of nerve wracking keeping track of the comings and goings...

 

[KatMark]

What an awesome update; and what fun you had despite the rain. So happy to hear that Reid did his first big people roller coaster and ended up loving it. And way to go in trying the Haunted Mansion (tell Reid I laugh at the underwear guy too).

I loved my pulled pork sandwich at Cosmic Rays this month...it was yummy.

 

[creativeamanda]

Amanda, Universal does things different with their packages. You have to take your credit card to a kiosk at the parks to get your tickets. I know I'm going to have difficulties, because the cc I used to book the package was a debit card for an account I closed, so I'm going to have to go to will call.

 

[marDgreen88]

What a great update! I'm so sorry about the on again, off again rain. That must have ben pretty frustrating.

I'm glad Reid enjoyed the Barnstormer, and (maybe) Haunted Mansion, AND Big Thunder Mountain! That's just awesome! What a HUGE ride day for him!

Your PP pics are so cute!

 

[MEK]

But, within a minute, he put my fears at ease when he threw his arms in the air and yelled, “Oh yeah, baby!!” We laughed the whole rest of the ride.

When we got off, he was very excited!

Woo Hoo! There is nothing better than having your kid like a ride and want to get right back on it. That picture says it all.

Sounds like you had a near perfect day in the MK. You certainly got to ride a bunch of rides. Glad Reid decided to ride HM as well. My 5 yo nephew was so cute in the stretching room last June. When we exited to get on our doom buggy he calmly said "I was scared". So cute.

Ah - knocked over food. I remember those days very well. My son Nick knocked over a soda just about everytime we ate out. Glad it wasn't a hassle to replace it.

 

[annmarieda]

Great update! you really had me racking my old brain trying to remember where we were when you were doing the things you were... .and the rain? I kept thinking it rained that day? THEN I remembered!!! We had the wishes dessert party that night and wow...staying dry during that was a bit of a challenge.

 

[fi46re129]

Despite the rain it sounds like you guys had a fantastic MK day! Love the pictures of the Storybrook Circus area. Very much looking forward to seeing it in March.

I will have to keep my eyes open for the water art. We have yet to see it.

 

[amandaw]

Love the F&W festival. Absolutely favorite time to visit Disney!

I'm really glad we got to experience the Festival.

Glad you had a good trip. Can never make a mistake vacationing to DIsney!

Thank you!

Sounds like a great afternoon after a rough morning and despite the rain.

I have to say considering how much rain came down that day, we still got a lot done and had a lot of fun.

Yay! for Reid! How awesome that he liked all of the 'big boy' rides!

We were so happy....and relieved....that he liked his "big boy" rides.

That Dumbo area...It wasn't open when we were there, but I can imagine how fun it would be to force DD out and onto the ride. I've heard that not everyone finds it super secure to let kids run about either.

Yeah, it really gave me major anxiety. As soon as he ran up into the play area, I was ready for him to come back down so we could leave.

I love the water art too! Isn't it so fun?

It really is!! I was so excited to finally see it in person.

That's awesome that the CMs replaced the salad. That's the kind of thing that really sets Disney apart.

They were so incredibly nice to me which really helped any frustration I did have to disappear.

Sounds like a good time in the MK...

It really turned out to be a fun day!

I've seen the "water drawings" too...they are kind of a magical thing after the rain... can't believe people walked on them... some time you've got to take time to smell the roses...

I know, right?!? And the bad thing is, we were standing there looking at them & taking pictures. You would think those people would look down to see what was picture-worthy.

BTMR is the best "first" big kid kind of coaster... just enough zip and thrill to feel like a real coaster but not too crazy... yeah for Reid's first real coaster ride... (actually i think that little Goofini coaster -used to be the Barnstormer packs a punch for such a short little ride......it's surprising... you wouldn't think it was so...)

Yeah, I think they are both great for introducing coasters to kids. I remember BTMRR being one of the 1st coasters I really liked as a kid.

I agree that they did a really nice job with Storybook Circus... I am kind of glad that my little guy is 10 so he's not as interested in playing in the waiting area... I could definitely see a couple years ago that they would be kind of nerve wracking keeping track of the comings and goings...

UGH - that play area is so stressful! I am going to have to do my best to steer him clear of it in the future.

What an awesome update; and what fun you had despite the rain. So happy to hear that Reid did his first big people roller coaster and ended up loving it. And way to go in trying the Haunted Mansion (tell Reid I laugh at the underwear guy too).

Thanks! I was so happy when the paintings started stretching in the Haunted Mansion. I knew that painting was going to give him some comic relief. I was really proud of him for trying out some new rides that day!

I loved my pulled pork sandwich at Cosmic Rays this month...it was yummy.

I didn't expect much when I ordered it but it ended up being really tasty!

Amanda, Universal does things different with their packages. You have to take your credit card to a kiosk at the parks to get your tickets. I know I'm going to have difficulties, because the cc I used to book the package was a debit card for an account I closed, so I'm going to have to go to will call.

I gotcha! It's been forever since we've stayed at one of their hotels so I wasn't sure how they did it now.

I hope you don't have too much trouble getting your tickets!

What a great update! I'm so sorry about the on again, off again rain. That must have ben pretty frustrating.

Thank you!! The rain was pretty aggravating, but at least it didn't hold us back too much that day.

I'm glad Reid enjoyed the Barnstormer, and (maybe) Haunted Mansion, AND Big Thunder Mountain! That's just awesome! What a HUGE ride day for him!

It really was! I was so proud of him. And so happy that he enjoyed the coasters!!

Your PP pics are so cute!

Thanks!

Woo Hoo! There is nothing better than having your kid like a ride and want to get right back on it. That picture says it all.

I was so happy that he loved BTMRR! He was telling anyone who would listen that he rode it.

Sounds like you had a near perfect day in the MK. You certainly got to ride a bunch of rides. Glad Reid decided to ride HM as well. My 5 yo nephew was so cute in the stretching room last June. When we exited to get on our doom buggy he calmly said "I was scared". So cute.

Awww...that's cute! I was proud of Reid for giving it a try. I didn't care that he didn't want to ride it again. I just wanted to show him that he could ride it and be ok.

Ah - knocked over food. I remember those days very well. My son Nick knocked over a soda just about everytime we ate out. Glad it wasn't a hassle to replace it.

Oh yes....it is all the time with Reid. I usually clean up a spill once or twice a day. If only I had a dollar for every time I said, "You just have to be careful and pay attention."

Great update! you really had me racking my old brain trying to remember where we were when you were doing the things you were... .and the rain? I kept thinking it rained that day? THEN I remembered!!! We had the wishes dessert party that night and wow...staying dry during that was a bit of a challenge.

Thank you!! I can only imagine what a challenge that was that night. I hope y'all were still able to enjoy the dessert party. I've heard so many mixed reviews about it. Did you think it was worth it?

Despite the rain it sounds like you guys had a fantastic MK day! Love the pictures of the Storybrook Circus area. Very much looking forward to seeing it in March.

We really did! The Storybook Circus area is so well-themed. I could spend so much time there just taking pictures. The details are great! When you're there, make sure to look at the ground, too.

I will have to keep my eyes open for the water art. We have yet to see it.

I was so excited to finally see some in person! Not that I wish for you to have rain on your trip, but if you have a day with a considerable amount of rain - definitely be on the lookout!

 

[hstrickland]

Hi there It's been weeks since I've been on the Dis, and now I'm finally caught up on your TR!! Hope yall had a wonderful Christmas!

Ok...let me just say that Reid has really grown up since your WL/cruise trip!! Wow! It seems like he wanted to do a lot more rides AND stayed awake until midnight!! Just wait until he no longer needs any naps at all and wants to do extra magic hours at night....lots of fun!

Your IoA pics were super good. Bill and I would really like to take the kids there in the very near future. Now that all of them are tall enough to ride most things, I think they would have a blast. I've thought about staying in one of their hotels...of course this is all up in the air

So glad yall enjoyed Citricos! I totally agree....a WONDERFUL restaurant and worth a visit. The waiter we had was great, too, and very patient (we had the kids with us) If I remember correctly, we were there for about 2 hours...had a table by the window so the kids could get up and look and kinda walk around, not really disturbing anyone (I hope ) I knew Reid would love The Neverland Club....aren't they awesome there??!! My kids wanted to return, also....didn't happen, though. Maybe another trip.

And yay for you...convincing Ed to do another WDW visit Not hard to convince him, huh? Seems like he really enjoys the World

Yall have a Happy New Year!
Heather

 

[annmarieda]

Thank you!! I can only imagine what a challenge that was that night. I hope y'all were still able to enjoy the dessert party. I've heard so many mixed reviews about it. Did you think it was worth it?

It was fine. For me, I got some good pics. So the viewing spot alone nearly made it worth it. However, I was not overly impressed with the dessert offerings. It seemed to be a lot of flavored creams/mouses. If there had been more actual pastries rather than dish after dish of one mouse or another i would have been happier. Tension was a bit high in our group too...so it made it hard to enjoy.

BTW, I finally did start a TR if you are interested.

 

[KatMark]

Happy New Year

 

[amandaw]

Hi there It's been weeks since I've been on the Dis, and now I'm finally caught up on your TR!! Hope yall had a wonderful Christmas!

Hi, there! So good to see you! We had a very nice, quiet Christmas. Hope your family had a good one as well.

Ok...let me just say that Reid has really grown up since your WL/cruise trip!! Wow! It seems like he wanted to do a lot more rides AND stayed awake until midnight!! Just wait until he no longer needs any naps at all and wants to do extra magic hours at night....lots of fun!

I know...I can't believe how big he's getting! It really hit me today that this is the year he will start kindergarten.

Your IoA pics were super good. Bill and I would really like to take the kids there in the very near future. Now that all of them are tall enough to ride most things, I think they would have a blast. I've thought about staying in one of their hotels...of course this is all up in the air

Thank you!! I think y'all would have a fun trip there. The only Universal hotel we've stayed at is Hard Rock Hotel. It was very nice and the walk to the parks was really short.

So glad yall enjoyed Citricos! I totally agree....a WONDERFUL restaurant and worth a visit. The waiter we had was great, too, and very patient (we had the kids with us) If I remember correctly, we were there for about 2 hours...had a table by the window so the kids could get up and look and kinda walk around, not really disturbing anyone (I hope ) I knew Reid would love The Neverland Club....aren't they awesome there??!! My kids wanted to return, also....didn't happen, though. Maybe another trip.

I am so happy we did our date night! Citricos was fabulous and I would definitely go back there again. I think we'll be doing another date night if we go back in December since we'll be celebrating our anniversary.

And yay for you...convincing Ed to do another WDW visit Not hard to convince him, huh? Seems like he really enjoys the World

He really has come along way with his love for WDW! He doesn't even roll his eyes at me when I talk about planning for our December trip.

Yall have a Happy New Year!
Heather

Thank you!! Hope y'all have a Happy New Year as well!

It was fine. For me, I got some good pics. So the viewing spot alone nearly made it worth it. However, I was not overly impressed with the dessert offerings. It seemed to be a lot of flavored creams/mouses. If there had been more actual pastries rather than dish after dish of one mouse or another i would have been happier. Tension was a bit high in our group too...so it made it hard to enjoy.

Yeah, I've heard the desserts are not very impressive. I think I'll pass on it for now.

BTW, I finally did start a TR if you are interested.

I'm definitely interested! Will be there in just a bit!

Happy New Year

Thank you!! And to y'all as well!

 

[amandaw]

I woke up at 6:15 am and started getting ready for the day. They guys got up at 6:45 am to get ready. We were in our car leaving OKW by 7:25 am. We quickly made our way to DHS, got through bag check and were in the character breakfast line by 7:45 am.



Not the best looking skies, huh?

We waited in line for a little bit, waiting for them to start checking us in for breakfast at Hollywood & Vine.





At about 7:55, they started checking in people. The woman finally got to us with her little clipboard. I gave her my name and she said she found us and checked us in. Then, we were through the turnstile and on to the restaurant!













When we got to H&V, there were many people outside waiting to be seated. Our ADR was right at 8am. We got our stroller parked and covered. I noticed that some people were already being seated, so I went to the podium to make sure we were checked in. I gave the girl my name and she said, “Oh yes. I see you checked in right here. It should only be a minute or two more.”

Well, many minutes went by with many other people being seated ahead of us. In the meantime, I noticed that they kept calling for another family with our last name. Now, we do have a very common last name so it wouldn’t be odd for another family with the same last name to be there. So, every few minutes, I was hearing a waiter call for “very common family name, party of 5”. Because the party size was different, I didn’t think it was us. Also, the first name he was saying isn’t my name.

After a while though, we all grew quite frustrated. The waiter came out one more time calling for that family & when they still didn’t show up, I went back to the podium. I asked the girl what was going - we still hadn’t been seated & they were calling for a family with our same last name but different amount of people & they obviously weren’t there.

Wouldn’t you know it? They checked in the wrong family! REALLY?!? And to think I had confirmed my name at the podium. Two people “confirmed” the wrong family. Needless to say, I was not happy. By the time we got seated it was 8:15 am. Not terrible but we could have been in there right away if people had paid attention to their job.

Ed went and got food for all 3 of us while Reid got meet Special Agent Oso.







After that meeting, they were playing some music and the kids could go up and dance with some of the characters. Reid went up to dance with Handy Manny and really enjoyed himself!







Continued in Next Post......

 

[amandaw]

Continued from Previous Post.....

Our waiter was trying to joke around with us a bit. I think he was trying to make up for them not checking us in correctly.



Then, Handy Manny came over to visit us.







Someone was in a silly mood this morning:



Around 8:45 am, Ed left us to start heading towards TSMM to grab our FP’s. While he was gone, Reid met Jake from Jake & the Neverland Pirates.







And then, it was time for the final character, June from Little Einsteins. The look on Reid’s face in this picture cracks me up!





Ed made his way back to us, with TSMM FP’s that had a return time of 10:55 am. We got our bill settled and then headed out of H&V.







As for the food, I didn’t take any notes. I remember it being your basic breakfast buffet type food. It was hot and fine. Nothing outstanding but it definitely wasn’t bad.

So, would I eat there again? Probably not. Naturally, the whole check-in debacle did put a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. But, I also don’t see Reid being interested in those characters long-term. As it is, he rarely cares about meeting characters. But, I am glad we tried while he was little and likes those characters. He had fun and that’s really all that matters.

 

[marDgreen88]

Love the picture of Reid (with the chain link fence)... TOO cute!

Ugh, sorry about the checkin mixup. That's frustrating.

I'm glad breakfast was alright. Better than bad, at least! At least you can say you've been there, right?

 

[KatMark]

Fun update, Amanda. We had nothing but issues when we ate at H&V twice. We didn't do breakfast...but dinner. The one time they totally messed up our ADR, and both times the food was mediocre at best and not hot (plus the restaurant was filthy and the service awful). But I'm glad you went and Reid enjoyed the characters. It looks as if he is rather "smitten" with that one character...love that picture.