This is the last trip the 4 of us ever take to WDW. Nov 2-12 *FinalUpdate 3/19* Pg.59

[that's nice]

It was Monday already and we had an early ADR to get to. Thank goodness Christopher and Juliana wake up early or there is no way we would of ever made this ADR. A few years ago, I booked breakfast first thing at Tusker House and we never made it. I was really excited to try it out. We drove to AK because we needed transportation after our park day to get to dinner, but we'll discuss that later. Driving from CSR to AK takes like 5 minutes at most. People always say SCR is soo far from everything but I don't think so.

We parked and walked over.

The park opened at 9 but there already were a few people there waiting to be let in. We walked over to the right and told the CM our name. He checked it off the list and let us into the park.

Is it me, or does it feel special to be in a park before it officially opens?

We started walking towards Africa.

I guess you get there quickly when there is no traffic. LOL

When we arrived, 10 minutes before our 8:05 ADR mind you, this was the line we were greeted with.

And here I was thinking we were doing good with time. The line was moving slowly but I eventually checked in.

I think we were bored, so we just started taking pictures.

Even Juliana & Christopher got into the act...

After about 10 minutes, we were called. After waiting in another line, we got to see Donald!

By this point we were getting hungry. We had a really nice waitress and she told us about the restaurant and took our drink order. I got up to get the kids some breakfast. Good thing too, because while I was gone there was a flurry of characters starting with Mickey!

Christopher checking him out...

Hi fives!

Continued next post....

 

[that's nice]

Cont. from previous post...

I guess Christopher couldn't get enough, because he watched Mickey move to the next table..

Then waved bye...

What a huge difference from just a few nights ago.

Daisy was next. What do you think Christopher?

Juliana had a few bites of food when it was time for a parade. Christopher was waving as the characters walked by.

The food was really good and after I asked the waitress to fill up my juice for the 3rd time, she just left a carafe for us. I have to say that we all loved the food here. I didn't take any food pics because I was too hungry to, I have taking pics of buffet food(my plate is usually messy), and between helping the kids and shoveling food into my mouth I forgot.

I went to get another helping of food when I heard noise outside. I checked the time and it was 9:05. I snuck out a side door and walked over to the safari to grab FPs for after breakfast. Then just walked back into the restaurant grabbed a plate of food and sat down. It was like I never left.

We had a few more visits....

Then Mickey came back for a second round.

More hi-fives!

We were getting ready to leave and I realized I didn't get into one picture. Daisy was right next to our table and I politely asked for a quick picture...

With our tummies full, we walked out of the restaurant and were ready to take on the day.



Up next... Lots & LOTS of Animals

 

[KatMark]

It was Monday already and we had an early ADR to get to. Thank goodness Christopher and Juliana wake up early or there is no way we would of ever made this ADR. A few years ago, I booked breakfast first thing at Tusker House and we never made it. I was really excited to try it out. We drove to AK because we needed transportation after our park day to get to dinner, but we'll discuss that later. Driving from CSR to AK takes like 5 minutes at most. People always say SCR is soo far from everything but I don't think so.

I've never figured that out either; it takes 10 minutes to the MK on the bus from the last stop to the bus stop at the MK (it's a longer ride from OKW).

We parked and walked over.

The park opened at 9 but there already were a few people there waiting to be let in. We walked over to the right and told the CM our name. He checked it off the list and let us into the park.

Is it me, or does it feel special to be in a park before it officially opens?

We started walking towards Africa.

I guess you get there quickly when there is no traffic. LOL

When we arrived, 10 minutes before our 8:05 ADR mind you, this was the line we were greeted with.

And here I was thinking we were doing good with time. The line was moving slowly but I eventually checked in.

I think we were bored, so we just started taking pictures.

Even Juliana & Christopher got into the act...

I have tears rolling down my cheeks because I am laughing so hard at this picture. Someone is going to be a little ham like his sister with pictures, that's for sure.

After about 10 minutes, we were called. After waiting in another line, we got to see Donald!

This is a great shot of all five of you (six if you count THE Duck)

By this point we were getting hungry. We had a really nice waitress and she told us about the restaurant and took our drink order. I got up to get the kids some breakfast. Good thing too, because while I was gone there was a flurry of characters starting with Mickey!

Christopher checking him out...

Hi fives!

Continued next post....

Great interaction with Mickey!

 

[KatMark]

Cont. from previous post...

I guess Christopher couldn't get enough, because he watched Mickey move to the next table..

Then waved bye...

What a huge difference from just a few nights ago.

I'm so happy he got over that first night and enjoyed the time with the characters.

Daisy was next. What do you think Christopher?

Cute, cute pictures.

Juliana had a few bites of food when it was time for a parade. Christopher was waving as the characters walked by.

Such a sweet boy.

The food was really good and after I asked the waitress to fill up my juice for the 3rd time, she just left a carafe for us. I have to say that we all loved the food here. I didn't take any food pics because I was too hungry to, I have taking pics of buffet food(my plate is usually messy), and between helping the kids and shoveling food into my mouth I forgot.

Pixie dust with the carafe of juice. We loved our breakfast there last September and I have to find a spot to put it in August or we'll do it again in 2014. Services was outstanding here!

I went to get another helping of food when I heard noise outside. I checked the time and it was 9:05. I snuck out a side door and walked over to the safari to grab FPs for after breakfast. Then just walked back into the restaurant grabbed a plate of food and sat down. It was like I never left.

Very well done, Dad.

We had a few more visits....

Then Mickey came back for a second round.

More hi-fives!

More great shots!

We were getting ready to leave and I realized I didn't get into one picture. Daisy was right next to our table and I politely asked for a quick picture...

Glad Daisy could accomodate you and Ana.

With out tummies full, we walked out of the restaurant and were ready to take on the day.



Up next... Lots & LOTS of Animals

Can't wait to hear how Christopher liked the safari.

 

[mommy2mrb]

yes its magical walking through the park without the crowds!

love the photo of Juliana taking Christopher's pic...such a happy boy!
Christopher did so much better with Mickey and the characters! such great photos of you all!
nice score getting the FP for the safari!
we plan on eating there for breakfast in November, can't wait! note to self to chug the juice so we get a caraffe

 

[jedijill]

So glad Christopher warmed up to the characters. The cheesy grins are fantastic! Love the picture of him hamming it up while his sister is taking his picture. Classic!

Tusker House is a great buffet!

Jill in CO

 

[Deesknee]

I agree about the pictures of your DD taking pictures of her little brother. He looks like such a ham in these pictures. SO adorable. Almost makes me want another one, but I think I should leave that to you younger folks.

I keep debating on eating at the Tusker house. We've never been in AK before official opening. MK I love early though. I agree really special experience. Cool snag on the FP's. Nice pic of you, DD & minnie! Awesome update!

 

[jenseib]

Fun morning. We had a long line like that to check in too and we had idiots working there that morning when we went. The line just really turned me off of going there again. The food was good, but not good enough to have to go through lines like that again.
Claire loved he characters though.

 

[afwdwfan]

Driving from CSR to AK takes like 5 minutes at most. People always say SCR is soo far from everything but I don't think so.

It really isn't a bad location. Especially driving... AK and EPCOT aren't bad to get to and DHS is basically right down the road. MK is another story, but it is a pain to get to if you're driving no matter where you come from.

Is it me, or does it feel special to be in a park before it officially opens?

I wouldn't know...

I didn't take any food pics because I was too hungry to, I have taking pics of buffet food(my plate is usually messy), and between helping the kids and shoveling food into my mouth I forgot.

I rarely manage to do it either. I'm usually more worried about stuffing my mouth and moving on to the next activity by the time I get food.

I snuck out a side door and walked over to the safari to grab FPs for after breakfast. Then just walked back into the restaurant grabbed a plate of food and sat down. It was like I never left.

It was like you never left, because you didn't realize you were under Disney surveillance the whole time. You think they don't take measures to ensure against the dine and dash???

 

[that's nice]

oh Juliana is so cute....she's grown so much since then!

I know... time flies doesn't it.

Okay, one weird observation from this update: I'm surprised at how much taller your mom is compared to Mel (or how much shorter Mel is, if you want to look at it that way, but I don't want to say that Mel is short so I'll say your mom is tall). I hadn't realized that before this update. Okay, moving along.

My mom is 5'10'' and Melody is 5'3ish'' My mom is the shortest of her siblings. My dad is 5'5'' you should see me standing next to him!

Christopher was too cute in this chapter. That picture where he's "happy to be leaving DHS", and then showing off his shoes. Little tykes are always cute when they do that -- they almost fall down in their attempt to show them.

They sure do... I'm shocked he didn't take a tumble. The kid is always on the ground.

I've never figured that out either; it takes 10 minutes to the MK on the bus from the last stop to the bus stop at the MK (it's a longer ride from OKW).

MK takes long to get to from everywhere. World drive is like 2 minutes from CSR.

I have tears rolling down my cheeks because I am laughing so hard at this picture. Someone is going to be a little ham like his sister with pictures, that's for sure.

He learns from the best.

This is a great shot of all five of you (six if you count THE Duck)

Thanks you. I like it too.

I'm so happy he got over that first night and enjoyed the time with the characters.

Thank goodness!

Pixie dust with the carafe of juice. We loved our breakfast there last September and I have to find a spot to put it in August or we'll do it again in 2014. Services was outstanding here!

It was really good. Disney is crazy with these prices though. Even for breakfast.. about $30. Better eat a lot of eggs.

[QUOET]Can't wait to hear how Christopher liked the safari.[/QUOTE]
Want a teaser?




I bet you do.

yes its magical walking through the park without the crowds!

love the photo of Juliana taking Christopher's pic...such a happy boy!

He is... except for the last week. He had a stomach bug.

Christopher did so much better with Mickey and the characters! such great photos of you all!

thankyou!

nice score getting the FP for the safari!

I do good sometimes.

we plan on eating there for breakfast in November, can't wait! note to self to chug the juice so we get a caraffe

Oh yea.. it is soooo good!

 

[that's nice]

So glad Christopher warmed up to the characters. The cheesy grins are fantastic! Love the picture of him hamming it up while his sister is taking his picture. Classic!

Christopher & Juliana were being really funny. I need to try to get her pictures off her camera.

Tusker House is a great buffet!

Jill in CO

It was really good. Getting to the park early is good too.

I agree about the pictures of your DD taking pictures of her little brother. He looks like such a ham in these pictures. SO adorable. Almost makes me want another one, but I think I should leave that to you younger folks.

Younger folks? I'm no spring chicken. Can't you see my grays?

I keep debating on eating at the Tusker house. We've never been in AK before official opening. MK I love early though. I agree really special experience. Cool snag on the FP's. Nice pic of you, DD & minnie! Awesome update!

If you can get past the price you should. It was really good food, nice decor, and good service.

Fun morning. We had a long line like that to check in too and we had idiots working there that morning when we went. The line just really turned me off of going there again. The food was good, but not good enough to have to go through lines like that again.
Claire loved he characters though.

I don't know why it took so long to check in.. probably since the first ADR is 8 everyone is there at the same time, including all the people that got 8:30 and are trying to get in early.

It really isn't a bad location. Especially driving... AK and EPCOT aren't bad to get to and DHS is basically right down the road. MK is another story, but it is a pain to get to if you're driving no matter where you come from.

Pretty much. No other resort is as close to AK except AKL and that takes about the same time to get there as CSR.

I wouldn't know...

Better get up earlier.

It was like you never left, because you didn't realize you were under Disney surveillance the whole time. You think they don't take measures to ensure against the dine and dash???

The eye in the sky knew I left... but did the family?

 

[Caretames1]

Love, the Tusker House food, not the queue for Donald so much. They should just have him roam with the rest of the characters.

You must have done a lot of slipping away for FP's this trip! LOL

Great pictures of Christopher reacting to Mickey! He had such a cute look of " come back!"

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Driving from CSR to AK takes like 5 minutes at most. People always say SCR is soo far from everything but I don't think so.

I tend to think you only feel like you're too far from something when you don't allow yourself enough time to get there.

Is it me, or does it feel special to be in a park before it officially opens?

I have no idea, but I'd love to find out!

When we arrived, 10 minutes before our 8:05 ADR mind you, this was the line we were greeted with.

Now how special do you feel?

I think we were bored, so we just started taking pictures.

It happens. You got some cute ones.

What a huge difference from just a few nights ago.

I didn't take any food pics because I was too hungry to, I have taking pics of buffet food(my plate is usually messy), and between helping the kids and shoveling food into my mouth I forgot.

Food pictures are usually much less of a priority than eating.

 

[Millie12591]

That is always a fun Disney past time.

We walked toward the hat and saw the Great Movie Ride had a wait of 5 minutes. My mom is a movie buff especially when it comes to old classic flicks. We rode that then walked over to animation courtyard to see the wait for VOTLM. For some reason it was really long so we skipped it but we did see some special people we could meet. How about Jake & Handy Manny?

Awwww. He's really starting to come into his own when it comes the characters.

Look at him!! He's so stinkin sweet looking up at this guy. Maybe he's into it more now that he recognizes these guys.

Okay, it's all over with but the tears. He really finally came out of his shell!! This is so great. Although, nothing will compare to the picture of him with Mickey Mouse. That one will be my favorite for a loooong time to come, makes me want to tear up every time I see it.

We were trying to get as much done in the Studios as we could. My mom had never seen One Man's Dream. I know she would love that...

After skipping this for so many years, I think we've stopped in to check it out the last 3 or 4 trips. It is really neat to see how things were and how they are today. I'm sure it means more to someone who saw Disney back in the day though. (We only started going in 2008) My mom really enjoyed seeing this.

I love going in here. It's a good break and you really get to see a part of history for a place we all love so much.

The sun was starting to set and we were starting to get hungry... although, I felt like we just ate. We started to head out of DHS...

Looks like Christopher was happy to be leaving...

I've fallin in love. These smiles are some of his best yet on this trip, besides this one and the truly cheesy one earlier. These are truly classics.

I really love how Christopher has really started coming into his own on this trip. Today looked like he was starting to own his Disney trip, before long you'll have him posing and cheesing for every picture. Just like big sis, only not girly poses.

 

[Millie12591]

It was Monday already and we had an early ADR to get to. Thank goodness Christopher and Juliana wake up early or there is no way we would of ever made this ADR. A few years ago, I booked breakfast first thing at Tusker House and we never made it. I was really excited to try it out. We drove to AK because we needed transportation after our park day to get to dinner, but we'll discuss that later. Driving from CSR to AK takes like 5 minutes at most. People always say CSR is soo far from everything but I don't think so.

Hmmm, I don't understand how people could say that. When we stayed there, we loved how everything was so easy to get to since we were so beautifully and centrally located. Except MK that is, but even so, we felt it was even faster getting to it than it was getting there from POP.


Is it me, or does it feel special to be in a park before it officially opens?

It's one of my favorite things about going to WDW.


When we arrived, 10 minutes before our 8:05 ADR mind you, this was the line we were greeted with.

And here I was thinking we were doing good with time. The line was moving slowly but I eventually checked in.


I think we were bored, so we just started taking pictures.

Even Juliana & Christopher got into the act...

I love how brothers and sister are together when they get along, they understand one another better than anyone else ever will. Well, at least when they are little.

After about 10 minutes, we were called. After waiting in another line, we got to see Donald!

Great picture!!

By this point we were getting hungry. We had a really nice waitress and she told us about the restaurant and took our drink order. I got up to get the kids some breakfast. Good thing too, because while I was gone there was a flurry of characters starting with Mickey!

Christopher checking him out...

Hi fives!

Continued next post....

Can't get over how well he's adapting to the characters!!

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

I am enjoying your report. We are planning a trip for April. I am hoping our little guy enjoys Disney as much as yours.

 

[Deesknee]

Younger folks? I'm no spring chicken. Can't you see my grays?

I see no grays... must be the hat.

 

[Poolrat]

When we arrived at Beaches and Cream there was an hour and a half wait. It was already 6:15, I couldn't wait till 8 for the kids to eat. We ended up going into the Beach Club Marketplace and ordering up a few different flatbreads. We sat at a little table in the hallway enjoying our meal. I was disappointed because I really wanted to eat at B&C but it was fine eating the flatbread, which turned out to be pretty good.

We finished eating and went back to CSR. Our first park day was in the books and we all were tired.

The one bad thing about Beaches and Cream, so small and a long wait if you hit it wrong.

You probably were not up for a table service but CAtains grille over at the Yachy club usually has room for a walk up. Really nice place and usully pretty quiet.

On the Boardwalk the pizza window is another choice with pretty good pizza, well at least it used dto have not eaten there in a while.

That is the one drawback to the Boardwalk area, very hard to grab and go something good and quick.

Love to see Christophers cheesy smile and that everyone enjoyed Tusker House.


Way to go for the stealth FP at the safari.

 

[that's nice]

Love, the Tusker House food, not the queue for Donald so much. They should just have him roam with the rest of the characters.

I thought that was a little weird too. I guess they want you to buy the $25 picture too. At the prices they are charging for breakfast, they should include the picture.

You must have done a lot of slipping away for FP's this trip! LOL

LOL

Great pictures of Christopher reacting to Mickey! He had such a cute look of " come back!"

Opposed to the look he had the first night!

I tend to think you only feel like you're too far from something when you don't allow yourself enough time to get there.

That is true.

I have no idea, but I'd love to find out!

I hear Florid is lovely the second weekend in January.

Now how special do you feel?

Not. Very. Special.

Food pictures are usually much less of a priority than eating.

That it is... Unless I'm cooking the food and have to wait for it to be ready.

 

[that's nice]

Okay, it's all over with but the tears. He really finally came out of his shell!! This is so great. Although, nothing will compare to the picture of him with Mickey Mouse. That one will be my favorite for a loooong time to come, makes me want to tear up every time I see it.

He was doing much better. Thank goodness, or it could of been a long, fussy, whiny, week.

I've fallin in love. These smiles are some of his best yet on this trip, besides this one and the truly cheesy one earlier. These are truly classics.

Oh yea, he is starting to get cheesy.

Today looked like he was starting to own his Disney trip, before long you'll have him posing and cheesing for every picture. Just like big sis, only not girly poses.

It is hard to get him to pose because he doesn't sit still for a minute.

I am enjoying your report. We are planning a trip for April. I am hoping our little guy enjoys Disney as much as yours.

Thanks for reading!!!!

One thing with little ones, sometimes you have to throw your plans out the window and just let things happen. You know there are going to be meltdowns but you just have to deal with them the best you can. If you look around in WDW, you'll see plenty of kids losing it.

I'm sure you will have an amazing trip!