Rob, Cass & Kira - "This trip is NOT going to suck!!!"-A Fall 2013 PTR -updated 9/23

[cntkg1]

Here's a pic of Kira in her Rapunzel dress. Her Aurora one has been put away and will be a surprise for her on the trip!

And for kick and giggles here is Princess Lilo, our golden LOL!

Kira looks so so sweet. Isn't it funny what our poochies will do for us too? Lilo is adorable.

So no Space Mountain, Rock N' Roller, Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest for sure. I will try for Big Thunder though.

Big Thunder Railroad?? That's right next to Rocky Mountain Railroad, right?

 

[Mindy5767]

Went to that Disney 'crack' store today!! Bought 4 shirts for me, 3 for Heidi, plus a night gown, and she got a stuffed Nana from Peter Pan. I also bought Lily (DD24) a shirt and a couple of those reusable bags. That was our first stop on a multi-store multi-mall shopping spree getting ready for our Disney trip.

We went to Tyson's Corner Center to the Disney Store, and American Girl, LLBean and Williams Sonoma, then we ate at Panera, then we went to Fair Oaks Mall and hit Hot Topic, Stride Rite, Children's Place, Claire's, I think that is all of the..... at the end we were sort of speed shopping.

 

[Tinker326]

I utilized that same sale for my littlest princess and bought the SAME Rapunzel dress as a gift from the Easter Bunny! I bypassed the headband & shoes (but may be back for the shoes later). With a $12 Rapunzel plushie to go with it. I just KNOW that come Easter, she will be wearing Rapunzel to Easter dinner instead of her new Easter dress!

Disney store is bad for me! Especially because I hardly can walk out without getting another Vinyl... SAYING its for 'the kids'..but really, who are we kidding? TOTALLY FOR ME!

 

[Timon]

I love your purchases!!!! I have one of those crack addictions too. Whatever you do, stay away from Jeanne, she makes it much worse!

LOL, warning noted Jen!

Love all of the stuff you bought at the "crack" store!

This trip is definitely going to be awesome!!!

I sure hope so! Almost time for yours!

Joining in!! We will be leaving 2 days before you arrive. I am already having jealous feelings that somebody will get to enjoy Disney after us
Can't wait to hear your plans!!

Hahahahaha, that's so funny! I feel that way about the cruisers on the Nov 9th sailing

Love the items you got from the "crack" store. I feel your pain.

I (clear throat) may have bought four, count them, four, new pairs of sandals this week. Oh, the shame of it all.


I gave myself a million good reasons why buying them was not a bad idea or a budget buster.
They're good quality.
They'll last for years.
With four pairs, I'll rotate them and they'll last even longer!
They are easy on my feet.

What it really comes down to?
They were comfortable and oh, soooo CUTE!

As for crying in Disney.
I may have done that also.

Once, I swear, it was just once.


In my defense, it was hot.
I was tired.
I was PMSing.
And, I'm pretty sure DH was doing something annoying.

(I'm convinced, it is always a guys fault when a girl cries.... he probably should have seen it coming and bought me a mickey bar or a dole whip. That would have headed it off at the pass.

LOL, That had me

Unfortunately, I can't even blame my guy

Ah, the Disney Store!
I am glad it does the same thing to others as well. Thankfully the closest one to us is just under 1000 km away, so that helps with spending.
Unfortunately there has just popped up an online German Disney store. My wallet is weeping, let me tell you that.

BUT ... I just love all of your purchases.

As for meltdowns ....
we all have had them, big kids and little kids.
There is so much anticipation and if it is not met it can be quite overwhelming. Don't worry, been there, done that.

German Online Disney Store?? Ruh Roh!!!

I agree, you plan these trips months even years in advance and you expect them to be awesome and unfortunately, that's not the case sometimes. I think we are due a good one

Just joining! Going to go back and read through... Our families are the same size, and have some other similarities. Nice to find families who I can relate to... Looking forward to reading!

I feel the same way when I read trip reports, it's awesome when you find one that is very similar to your own family

I have had Disney meltdowns too. Don't worry. I think it's with so much going on and you want it all to be perfect, but sometimes something throws a wrench in that perfect plan.
I cried like a bay when I lost my cell phone in 2011. I even found it, but it was towards the end of the trip and just something that tipped the barrel and I couldn't stop crying.

Awwww that would suck Jen! Glad you found it

Big Thunder Railroad?? That's right next to Rocky Mountain Railroad, right?

Yup, right next to it

Went to that Disney 'crack' store today!! Bought 4 shirts for me, 3 for Heidi, plus a night gown, and she got a stuffed Nana from Peter Pan. I also bought Lily (DD24) a shirt and a couple of those reusable bags. That was our first stop on a multi-store multi-mall shopping spree getting ready for our Disney trip.

We went to Tyson's Corner Center to the Disney Store, and American Girl, LLBean and Williams Sonoma, then we ate at Panera, then we went to Fair Oaks Mall and hit Hot Topic, Stride Rite, Children's Place, Claire's, I think that is all of the..... at the end we were sort of speed shopping.

Someone take Mindy's credit cards away!!!

I utilized that same sale for my littlest princess and bought the SAME Rapunzel dress as a gift from the Easter Bunny! I bypassed the headband & shoes (but may be back for the shoes later). With a $12 Rapunzel plushie to go with it. I just KNOW that come Easter, she will be wearing Rapunzel to Easter dinner instead of her new Easter dress!

Disney store is bad for me! Especially because I hardly can walk out without getting another Vinyl... SAYING its for 'the kids'..but really, who are we kidding? TOTALLY FOR ME!

Ooooh you know you will be back

I'm kinda glad that my Disney Store doesn't have a lot of adult stuff cus I am a sucker for a good Disney shirt

 

[Timon]

Leaving on a (West)jet plane


=

Let's talk about how we are getting to Disney...




HA! My hubby only wishes!

More like this

For us Western Canadians, getting to Florida is very expensive. And flights and airlines are limited. Most flights are connecting flights into either Denver (my fave!), Chicago or Houston. Those are the flights that are on USA based airlines like United, Delta or American Airlines. Most of these flights leave Calgary very early in the morning and get into MCO around supper time. So, we are usually up around 2am to be at the airport for 5am when the check-in desks and US Customs opens. So, it's a loooooong travel day

Here in Canada, we have two airlines to choose from Air Canada (which I refuse to fly unless I absolutely have to!) and Westjet, which is my favourite way to fly.

Westjet is the only airline that has a direct flight to Orlando. Air Canada used to have one but I haven't seen it offered in ages! These WJ direct flights are offered on Saturdays (and sometimes Tuesday and Thursdays, depending on the time of year you fly) and are ridiculously expensive!

I can usually fly via a connecting USA airline for about $600 per person but often the WJ direct flights are from about $650 all the way up to about $1500 depending on when you book it

I just priced out our flight and it is $791 per person. So, it would cost us $2373 for the three of us to fly if I booked it today



And that is the reason we don't go more often!

Thankfully, this time we booked using Avion Points (thanks J & H ) so we were able to decide which airline and which flight!

Can you guess what we chose???



Yuuuuuuuup!

We got the direct flight on Westjet

With any ticket you get on points, you still have to pay the taxes, which were about $150 each I think. Way better than $790 each

I am sooooo stoked about that! Not only does it mean we don't have to be up at 2 AM but it also means we will be there in about 5 hours

Our flight leaves at 10am and arrives into MCO at around 5pm local time!

We've only ever taken the direct flight once, back in 2005 and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome it was

Now, don't get me wrong, I will gladly travel all day long on 3 connectors to get to Disney (and I have done that before!) but with a 6-year old, I am even more excited about getting that direct flight.


Five hours can be very long with a 6-year old who is stuck in a chair



You know what I mean, right parents?


Since we have to check-in, go through US Customs Pre-clear and then security, we still need to arrive about 3 hours early but still, that means we won't need to leave the house until about 6:30 AM. I know that seems early but most of our flights to Disney have left at 6:30am so, this is better

I also love Westjet because they have new planes, leather seats and TV's in every seat back. Also, they don't charge for your first checked bag

This will be the third time Kira's flown but she doesn't remember the first two times so this will also be exciting for me to see it through her eyes.

220 more days until Disney





=

 

[Darkrobe]

Hey! I want that jet plane ride!
I'm looking forward to the direct flight too, it was nice to have that last time as we came home sick.
**...
This trip is NOT going to SUCK!

 

[OurDogCisco]

Nice flight arrangements. I live in Northern California and there are no direct flights from my home airport. I have to fly the same way you would either through Denver, Houston or Salt Lake City. I have to travel 2 hours plus by car to get a direct flight and most of the time the 4 hours of travel time aren't worth it for the direct flight.

I love the Crack store too. I'm bummed they don't sell too many Adult Disney items. I've been buying stuff on esty too. That place is just plain dangerous for me. I even found one person that shipped the stuff to my resort so, I could surprise the family. I tried to surprise my girls with a cruise because our 5 night Dream Cruise in June 2011 didn't go as planned. The day before we left I dislocated my elbow. It wasn't serious but it did put a big damper on the trip. I couldn't swim much or go down the slide. My kids were sad. So, we rebooked for last November.

Can't wait to read more!

 

[jedijill]

Hooray for direct flights! Glad DIA is your favorite connection though.

Jill in CO

 

[jenseib]

How wonderful for the direct flight!!!

 

[Mindy5767]

Woohoo for the direct flight! I admit I have totally complained about airfare from Washington DC to Orlando. I will only take a connecting flight if it connects in Charlotte, NC. I refuse to fly north to Chicago or west of any other direction that isn't pointing directly south....that said...

We are driving to Disney...starting Sunday. My husband could not commit early enough to book airfare...and it is spring break. Instead of a 1 hour and 50 minute flight, it will be a 14 hour drive in our 2001 Chevy Venture minivan. now..that is 14 hours of driving..not counting 5,437 stops to pee and stops for dinner and lunch. It is 889 miles door to door. Have no idea how many kilometers that is.

WHERE are you getting those ADORABLE smileys? I don't see any of those on the DIS smiley list.

oh..and I'm starting a trip report today...right now...as soon as I figure out how to do it. I haven't started a thread in AGES!

ok..I did it. I started my pre-trip report. I would have written more..but I got a phone call right where I stopped and I had to make a bunch of call after that..so 3 or more hours later..and no dinner... here it is http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=47860790#post47860790

 

[DisGirlAllie]

Subscribed Excited for October! Also, Kira is ADORABLE!

 

[Timon]

Hey! I want that jet plane ride!
I'm looking forward to the direct flight too, it was nice to have that last time as we came home sick.
**...
This trip is NOT going to SUCK!

Yes, but this time we will NOT be sick! And this trip will NOT suck

Nice flight arrangements. I live in Northern California and there are no direct flights from my home airport. I have to fly the same way you would either through Denver, Houston or Salt Lake City. I have to travel 2 hours plus by car to get a direct flight and most of the time the 4 hours of travel time aren't worth it for the direct flight.

I love the Crack store too. I'm bummed they don't sell too many Adult Disney items. I've been buying stuff on esty too. That place is just plain dangerous for me. I even found one person that shipped the stuff to my resort so, I could surprise the family. I tried to surprise my girls with a cruise because our 5 night Dream Cruise in June 2011 didn't go as planned. The day before we left I dislocated my elbow. It wasn't serious but it did put a big damper on the trip. I couldn't swim much or go down the slide. My kids were sad. So, we rebooked for last November.

Can't wait to read more!

Dislocated elbow??? Yikes!!! Sorry to hear that Hopefully that November 2012 cruise worked out much better!

Yeah, much harder to get to Disney from the West

Hooray for direct flights! Glad DIA is your favorite connection though.

Jill in CO

Thanks Jill, we are psyched!!! Yeah, we like that United has it's own mini-airport there and that it has a Wolfgang Puck in it

How wonderful for the direct flight!!!

Thanks Jen

It is 889 miles door to door. Have no idea how many kilometers that is.

It's okay, it's about 1430 KMs. I'm bilingual like that

I once drove all the way from here to Orlando! 4500 KMs one way!! I was 21....and dumb

Oh and since I am a smiley addict, I use a lot of from http://www.freesmileys.org

Subscribed Excited for October! Also, Kira is ADORABLE!

Me too Thanks Allie, we think so too....just a little bit

 

[Timon]

Adios Amoebas

I know, weird title, right?

Well, we are staying at Disney's Coronado Springs, so I figured it was a good chance to use a line (joke) from one of my fave comics ever, The Far Side by Gary Larson.

Don't ask me why but when I first saw this cartoon when I was a kid, I laughed for days!!!

I think I found it so funny because I was actually studying amoebas

It still makes me chuckle though

ANYways.....

I am kinda excited about staying at Coronado Springs.

We have stayed at Values, Deluxes and are totally spoiled by DVC resorts but we have never stayed at a Moderate resort before!

I chose it for a few reasons:

1- The Pool
2- New Resort
3- Location


Now that my girl is a little older, she is all about the pool and slide! We went to Vancouver/Victoria last year and stayed at River Rock Resort & casino, which had an AWESOME pool & slide. She often tells people about that trip...you know what she tells them about?

Yup, the pool and slide!

Not her first ride on a ferry or her first ride in horse & carriage or seeing "The Mickey Ship" docking...nope...none of the very fun things we did on that trip.

Just the pool. And the slide

So, this trip I wanted to make sure we chose somewhere that had a great pool & slide. Obviously, the number one choice would be Beach/Yacht Club but it was too pricey for us and the slide is a little ambitious for her.

The other deciding factor was that I wanted to stay somewhere new. I narrowed it down the Port Orleans Riverside and CSR. I had originally thought of staying at the Royal Rooms but I wasn't too keen on the pool or the location of the Royal Rooms, in Oak Manor and Parterre Place.

And since we are renting a car, I also wanted something kind of central with easy access to the parks. We always rent a car and I knew I wouldn't be happy over near the P.O. area so after showing Kira YouTube videos of the both the pools at CSR and PO, and after she chose the CSR one, I knew it was a no-brainer!

If we didn't have Kira, I would probably never stay here. Personally, I don't care for the Southwestern/Mexican theming here. I also don't like huge, expansive resorts and I have no intention of eating at the resort either

I know, I know! Doesn't sound like a good fit, right?

Well, the pool looks incredible and Kira is dying to go down the Jaguar Slide and I really like the rooms, too! I am really hoping to get a room as close to the pool as possible and since we can park the car pretty close, it doesn't really matter how big the resort is. Other than maybe a snack at the pool, we won't be eating at the resort, so that is not a factor either.

Plus, it's in a great location. Super convenient to get to all the parks

For those of you who have never stayed there...you can check it out here:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/

So, I am pretty excited to try it!

216 more days until Disney!!!




=
=

 

[jedijill]

Omg, love The Far Side too! Saddest day in my life was the day Gary Larson retired.

I like the moderates but I've never stayed at CS. A car was key when I stayed at Caribbean Beach...those resorts are BIG! POFQ and POR are my favorites though.

Jill in CO

 

[Timon]

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat's on the menu?


It could be ceviche, it's stinky? ooh, it's Pumbaa-aah...

Best line from Lion King 1 1/2

http://youtu.be/WZrpl277GUo

Okay, let's talk about foooooooood

One of my favourite parts of a Disney Vacation

You know are a Disney freak when your ADR date has not arrived yet and you already know exactly where and what you are going to eat for every meal

So, shall we break it down then?

Magic Kingdom

Be our Guest (lunch)
Obviously, this is a must! The pictures look great but we want to experience it for ourselves.

Cinderella's Royal Table (dinner)
We did this once back in 2005 for our 7th Anniversary dinner. There were no characters back then and it was MUCH less expensive!! We're not sure when we are going to be back and Kira is at a great age so we think it's worth the ridiculous amount of money they are charging

Casey's Corner
This has been a staple for us during every trip. Then in 2008 (I think?) they went and changed their buns to whole wheat. We tried them in 2009 and we were disgusted!!! I see that they have changed back to a white bun (which looks massive, btw) but they have also since changed their wieners to a mix of chicken/beef instead of all beef so I'm pretty sure we are going to be disappointed but hey, we are willing to give them a try

I also want to try the cookie sundae at Storybrook treats, baked potato and corn on the cob at Liberty Square Market and of course, we will have a Dole Whip or two



Animal Kingdom

Tusker House (lunch)
This will be our first time. I'm not keen on buffets in Disney because they are so expensive and I am a picky eater so I feel I never get my money's worth. However, Rob is a buffet fan (he likes variety in his meals) and Kira will love the characters so I've decided to try this one out.

MGM (sorry, it will always be MGM to me )

50's Prime Time
We always eat here. We love the interaction with the cast members (we've had good and bad service here, but mostly good) and Rob loves the food. I am not a huge fan of the main dishes but I LOVE me some of those onion rings!!!

We normally also eat at Sci-Fi but we only have one day at this park this time and I don't want to waste time going to two sit-down places. I'd rather just grab some chicken strips at Rosie's or something and enjoy more park stuff


Epcot

Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus

This was one of our favourite experiences last trip. The food was amazing, Kira swooned over the princesses and we were thrilled that the photo package was included in the meal! Yes, it is quite expensive but soooo worth it, in our opinion!

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

This is one of my favourite places to eat! It's probably the only place that we've been to every year that's been awesome! The fish is sooo good and I love the chips too! Over the years they have given us less food and charged more but I still feel that we can't miss this!

I really wanted to try Via Napoli but we just can't give up PSB breakfast and our fish & chips! I wish we had two days at Epcot. But with the princess, we think our extra time is best suited for MK.

Other Places
There are a few non-park meals too. We plan to hit Beaches & Cream, Wolfgang Puck Express, Earl of Sandwich and T-Rex and Kona Cafe if things work out.

So, who's drooling????

I know I am


Okay, back to scrapbooking! I need to get our 2009 trip done before we leave in October

 

[jedijill]

I'm drooling! I hate buffets and really like Tusker House. It's like Boma Light...the characters are fun too.

Jill in CO

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

Yay!! It is so exciting when you buy the tickets. It makes it official (and non-refundable ). I was so excited when I bought my tickets so I know you must be too!!

 

[jenseib]

We really enjoyed T-rex out last trip. One of the best meals we had. I think thats now a new must do for us. You'll enjoy it, I'm sure.

 

[indimom]

Adios Amoebas

I know, weird title, right?

ANYways.....

I am kinda excited about staying at Coronado Springs. I chose it for a few reasons:

1- The Pool
2- New Resort
3- Location

Now that my girl is a little older, she is all about the pool and slide! We went to Vancouver/Victoria last year and stayed at River Rock Resort & casino, which had an AWESOME pool & slide. She often tells people about that trip...you know what she tells them about?

Yup, the pool and slide!

Not her first ride on a ferry or her first ride in horse & carriage or seeing "The Mickey Ship" docking...nope...none of the very fun things we did on that trip.

Just the pool. And the slide

So, this trip I wanted to make sure we chose somewhere that had a great pool & slide. Obviously, the number one choice would be Beach/Yacht Club but it was too pricey for us and the slide is a little ambitious for her.

The other deciding factor was that I wanted to stay somewhere new. I narrowed it down the Port Orleans Riverside and CSR. I had originally thought of staying at the Royal Rooms but I wasn't too keen on the pool or the location of the Royal Rooms, in Oak Manor and Parterre Place.

And since we are renting a car, I also wanted something kind of central with easy access to the parks. We always rent a car and I knew I wouldn't be happy over near the P.O. area so after showing Kira YouTube videos of the both the pools at CSR and PO, and after she chose the CSR one, I knew it was a no-brainer!

If we didn't have Kira, I would probably never stay here. Personally, I don't care for the Southwestern/Mexican theming here. I also don't like huge, expansive resorts and I have no intention of eating at the resort either

I know, I know! Doesn't sound like a good fit, right?

Well, the pool looks incredible and Kira is dying to go down the Jaguar Slide and I really like the rooms, too! I am really hoping to get a room as close to the pool as possible and since we can park the car pretty close, it doesn't really matter how big the resort is. Other than maybe a snack at the pool, we won't be eating at the resort, so that is not a factor either.

Plus, it's in a great location. Super convenient to get to all the parks

For those of you who have never stayed there...you can check it out here:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/

So, I am pretty excited to try it!

216 more days until Disney!!!



=
=

I completely understand your reasoning. A happy kid = a happy parent! And, who knows, you may come to love the theming. Hey, it's possible.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat's on the menu?

Okay, let's talk about foooooooood

One of my favourite parts of a Disney Vacation

You know are a Disney freak when your ADR date has not arrived yet and you already know exactly where and what you are going to eat for every meal

So, shall we break it down then?

Magic Kingdom

Be our Guest (lunch)
Obviously, this is a must! The pictures look great but we want to experience it for ourselves.

Cinderella's Royal Table (dinner)
We did this once back in 2005 for our 7th Anniversary dinner. There were no characters back then and it was MUCH less expensive!! We're not sure when we are going to be back and Kira is at a great age so we think it's worth the ridiculous amount of money they are charging

Casey's Corner
This has been a staple for us during every trip. Then in 2008 (I think?) they went and changed their buns to whole wheat. We tried them in 2009 and we were disgusted!!! I see that they have changed back to a white bun (which looks massive, btw) but they have also since changed their wieners to a mix of chicken/beef instead of all beef so I'm pretty sure we are going to be disappointed but hey, we are willing to give them a try

I also want to try the cookie sundae at Storybrook treats, baked potato and corn on the cob at Liberty Square Market and of course, we will have a Dole Whip or two



Animal Kingdom

Tusker House (lunch)
This will be our first time. I'm not keen on buffets in Disney because they are so expensive and I am a picky eater so I feel I never get my money's worth. However, Rob is a buffet fan (he likes variety in his meals) and Kira will love the characters so I've decided to try this one out.

MGM (sorry, it will always be MGM to me )

50's Prime Time
We always eat here. We love the interaction with the cast members (we've had good and bad service here, but mostly good) and Rob loves the food. I am not a huge fan of the main dishes but I LOVE me some of those onion rings!!!

We normally also eat at Sci-Fi but we only have one day at this park this time and I don't want to waste time going to two sit-down places. I'd rather just grab some chicken strips at Rosie's or something and enjoy more park stuff


Epcot

Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus

This was one of our favourite experiences last trip. The food was amazing, Kira swooned over the princesses and we were thrilled that the photo package was included in the meal! Yes, it is quite expensive but soooo worth it, in our opinion!

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

This is one of my favourite places to eat! It's probably the only place that we've been to every year that's been awesome! The fish is sooo good and I love the chips too! Over the years they have given us less food and charged more but I still feel that we can't miss this!

I really wanted to try Via Napoli but we just can't give up PSB breakfast and our fish & chips! I wish we had two days at Epcot. But with the princess, we think our extra time is best suited for MK.

Other Places
There are a few non-park meals too. We plan to hit Beaches & Cream, Wolfgang Puck Express, Earl of Sandwich and T-Rex and Kona Cafe if things work out.

So, who's drooling????

I know I am


Okay, back to scrapbooking! I need to get our 2009 trip done before we leave in October

Wow, I've only eaten at four of those.
50s Prime Time
T-Rex
Wolfgang Puck and Earl of Sandwich.

I guess I've got a lot to look forward to when you complete your trip report.

 

[cntkg1]

Be our Guest (lunch)
Obviously, this is a must! The pictures look great but we want to experience it for ourselves.



Yorkshire County Fish Shop

This is one of my favourite places to eat! It's probably the only place that we've been to every year that's been awesome! The fish is sooo good and I love the chips too! Over the years they have given us less food and charged more but I still feel that we can't miss this!

Sounds like a place for us to try too.

There are a few non-park meals too. We plan to hit Beaches & Cream, Wolfgang Puck Express, Earl of Sandwich and T-Rex and Kona Cafe if things work out.

Oh, they WILL work out! Can you spell TONGA TOAST?!!!

So, who's drooling????

Moi.