Surprised the kids, wife, and my readers w/ a 2 week trip to AoA!(*NEW* 11-7)

[eandesmom]

Still not asleep?

What a great tour but I especially loved the trivia sign shots from Cars. What fun trivia on the license plates, I love those little details!

Wonderful pics, I want to stay there if only for a night some day. I really really do!!!

 

[scottny]

I would love to ride the Speedway but it smells from the diesel or whatever they use. Yuck! Maybe in December I will.
LOL. She looked like she was waving to all her fans on Dumbo. Cute pic.
Too bad you missed the characters. They are fun there.
Sad he wanted to leave but not feeling good at Disney is no fun. Hope he is better quickly.
Okay the boat towel is cute.
Great pics of AofA.

 

[cruella23]

I would love to ride the Speedway but it smells from the diesel or whatever they use. Yuck!.

When we rode it earlier this year, it was especially bad. One of the CM's passed out right in the middle of the loading area. Between the heat and the smell it would be a hard spot to work. They cleared the ride and the queue and gave us fast passes. We were walking out and a lady started yelling at the CM who was handing out the passes that she only got 3 and there were 4 people in her group. I felt bad for the CM, who was obviously concerned about the girl who passed out, but she handled it well.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Great update! Thanks for the tour. I love the fun Cars signs! I wonder if they will add Planes details after the movie comes out? Looks like the food court has a lot of variety. Did your little princess ever fall asleep?

 

[ChefDisneyLu]

a little shopping for the ladies at old navy we continued on to the big tree #2 at daly plaza. this building plaza has been in a lot of movies, from the batman movies, to blues brothers, to the fugitive, to the lake house where sandra bullock is sitting when he gets hit by the bus.

I have been reading your TR all day and I would normally only comment when I am done reading to tell you thank your for sharing etc. but I have to tell you that the tree in Daley Plaza always comes from the Chicago Land area and last year (2012) It came from Palos Heights, IL...4 block away from my house!

Well now that I am bragging I will take the time to say thank you for sharing! I am loving your pictures and your family is adorable. I remember when my DS was meeting all of the characters and it brings a tear to my eyes.

Lisa

 

[KatMark]

Poor Parker...sorry he wasn't feeling well. It's always tough when the kids are sick, especially on vacation.

Love the tour of the resort; and I have to say that Noelle just has that little gleam in her eye that says "I'm not taking a nap!"

 

[marvali]

and a picture that we plan to take each trip with the kids to see how they grow according to the wall.

What a great picture and a super idea!

the kids loved seeing mickey and the gang get off the train to open the park for the day.

What happened to poor Mickey's eyes??? So glad that CM was there to lead him around!!!

we opted to stop at the bakery to get a treat having never eaten there before we were excited.

The cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite things in the parks!!! I hope they don't go away with the new upgrade, because Starbucks would be a pathetic substitute!

the misses hates when the kids are sick and was trying her best to give me a smile in this picture.

I'm thinking that looks more like a look you get quite often........

the line was not long at all, so we moved fairly quickly he looks pretty pumped to be driving a car.

Parker does look quite excited, but I would have been worried all those gas fumes would be a little much for the poor guy with his upset stomach.........

along the way we took pictures of these banners with the intention of blowing them up on a print when we got home, and 10 months later still have not done it.

but i do have to say they are cool pictures.

Yes, those are pretty cool!!!

we looked at the new fastpass area that is now open for both goofy and dumbo.

Love the theming putting the FP machines "under the big top!"

after we ate our lunch i knew parker needed to lay down to rest, so instead of Noelle being loud in the room and bothering him, i decided to take her for a little walk around the resort.

this was to accomplish 3 things.

1. give parker quite time to rest and maybe fall asleep
2. allow noelle some down time to hopefully fall asleep in the stroller
3. give me a chance to get a bunch of pictures that i wanted to of the resort.

Poor Parker......I hate he wasn't feeling well!!! Looks like you came up with a great plan, and got a lot of super pics!!! Too bad you couldn't get item 2. on the list accomplished though. Looks like Noelle was sooooo close!!!

And nice job on all the HMs!!!


And while I am here, I wanted to take the opportunity to say.............

Happy Birthday Candi!!!!!!!

 

[Trentmom]

i was proud of him for sure, the rest did help him out some which you will see in the next few chapters.

that is a great shop, we didnt buy anything in it as we didnt really spend much time in there the last day, and now that i think about it, not sure if we made it back in there or not the last day.




especially in disney when you know so much awesome is around you.


my wife doesnt wear necklaces a lot either but when she does she usually wears that one.

i wish we went back for another food and wine day, but we were only in epcot that one day, we did one day each park and 3 in the MK, figured the kids would like that best, but looking back we should have added another park day on so we could have went back to epcot on our off day, but didnt think about it at the time.


thanks for the kind words...another chapter coming up soon.




yep he held out as long as he could but i was proud of him to ask to go back, not easy for a little one to do with all that going on around him.

there stuff did look tasty but we never ended up buying any...what snacks did you guys get?





yep it should be banned from vacations to be sick, but it happens and we made the best of it.

we had a blast on the 4th really good time, hope you did as well.

Since you asked, I got a cherry Slushie, cotton candy and chocoalte covered pretzel rod with.

Trent got a pretzel and soda.

Steve got cotton candy and chocolate covered apple with M and Ms on it I think

all was so good!!!

 

[Trentmom]

Thanks for the AOA photo tour

So cool reading all those signs

Last year, we briefly stopped there to check it out, but was so sunny Trent didn't want to leave their arcade

SO I left him with Steve and took my own tour, but not as thorough as yours

Noelle looked so tired by end...I can't believe she didn't crash

 

[Poolrat]

CANDI

Hope you are having a wonderful time!!!!

Poor Parker - He tried to keep going but just needed to zonk out. I am hoping he got the needed rest and was better after a cool room and nap.

Noelle looked like she was going to give it up a few times but she hung in there not to miss anything.

The picture of McQueen, in front of Carsland is exactly how Carsland in DL looks. All the details of the are, the signs, building etc. a slightly different version of what is in DL. Really impressive.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

All caught up! Cool photos of AoA. Sorry Parker wasn't feeling well, but it seems like that didn't last too long. Love the picture by the front wall idea, too.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

Fantastic pics of the resort! Makes me even more bummed that there's no room at AoA for our bday trip in December. However, the Disney Parks blog posted that Pop has a new menu in the food courts, and it looks good, so at least there's something exciting to try. Plus it's new to us, so that makes a big difference.

Love the fact that Noelle hung on for the entire walk! People never understood me when I'd say that my kids didn't fall asleep in the stroller (unless they were absolutely zonked). I kept telling them that mine were convinced they would miss something if they fell asleep! Looks like Noelle is thinking the same thing!

 

[ddstratton]

I was so very far behind... Was away from the DIS for a while, but I'm back and all caught up. Love your pictures of the resorts and parks, and your kids are just cuties!

 

[Dizfan4life]

Hmmm, a lions fan? not sure i can allow that sort of reader here.


Just kidding we love michigan, going there again soon for another camping trip.

i like reports because it makes the time between trips seen shorter somehow...thanks for enjoying it.

we loved AoA it was a really fun resort to stay at.
i will PM you the necklace info shortly

Ya, maybe I shouldn't say "out loud" that I am a Lion's fan! We'll just stick with Tigers and Red Wings! Enjoy your camping trip in Michigan! We've been camping the past three weekends and it is a lot of work getting the trailer ready..... packing and unpacking and then packing and unpacking! Whenever you get the chance to PM me that would be awesome but I know how busy summer is so no hurry !

 

[scottny]

When we rode it earlier this year, it was especially bad. One of the CM's passed out right in the middle of the loading area. Between the heat and the smell it would be a hard spot to work. They cleared the ride and the queue and gave us fast passes. We were walking out and a lady started yelling at the CM who was handing out the passes that she only got 3 and there were 4 people in her group. I felt bad for the CM, who was obviously concerned about the girl who passed out, but she handled it well.

that is sad on all levels. First for Disney having cm's work like that and then for bad manners from the guests.

I know it is a classic ride but they should try to make it a little more green friendly.

 

[DSNY4ever]

Phew, I am all caught up!

That stinks about Parker not feeling good. I am trying not to worry, but I am always paranoid about getting sick on our trips because it always seems to happen, and now with DS I worry even more (with sticking fingers in his mouth etc!).

Your trip sounds so nice so far! I can't believe that your wife is wearing those little flip flops in all your pictures- my feet would be killing me!

I love the little details at AoA like the water drawings- can't wait to see stuff like that

 

[englishrose47]

A 4 day belated

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDI!!!!!!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

wow its been a while since an update, but we have been very busy.

after the 4th, i was off for most of the next week we went to michigan camping for candis birthday.

then were home for 3 days then off again camping in south indiana this week...but at least we are home now for a week before we leave again


and in other news we have booked our next disney trip, but i will save that info for the end of this report.

Great Updates Dan!! That was some Tour of AoA, loved the carpet hidden mickeys, and the sidewalk painting .I have to starte looking for hidden mickeys this year, I mean like relly look not just occassionally spot one !!!

thanks rosie, im planning on getting the hidden mickey book for our next trip i think parker would love to do that...and me of course.

Great coverage of the resort! The attention to detail is amazing.

thanks, i enjoyed our afternoon walking around relaxing and taking it in.

Thanks for the tour of AoA Dan! Great pictures.

thanks glenn glad you liked them it is a fun resort to tour

Thanks for all the great pics! I am getting really excited about staying at AoA this Fall!!!

The mop art was amazing. I have never seen that.

you guys will really enjoy it...it was the first time i have seen it that extensive i have seen really small ones in MK before

Great updates! Thanks for the tour of AoA! Lol....Noelle not falling asleep, she was enjoying the tour from Tour Guide Dad.

she is my little trooper, she wanted to hang in there to see what we were going to get into next.

Still not asleep?

What a great tour but I especially loved the trivia sign shots from Cars. What fun trivia on the license plates, I love those little details!

Wonderful pics, I want to stay there if only for a night some day. I really really do!!!

i was suprised she didnt knock out either

it is a fun resort to see for sure im sure you would really enjoy it.

I would love to ride the Speedway but it smells from the diesel or whatever they use. Yuck! Maybe in December I will.
LOL. She looked like she was waving to all her fans on Dumbo. Cute pic.
Too bad you missed the characters. They are fun there.
Sad he wanted to leave but not feeling good at Disney is no fun. Hope he is better quickly.
Okay the boat towel is cute.
Great pics of AofA.

i have never really smelled the exhaust there, maybe i just dont pay attention

we plan to hit them up big time next trip as noelle will be a great age to go up to them all with parker.

When we rode it earlier this year, it was especially bad. One of the CM's passed out right in the middle of the loading area. Between the heat and the smell it would be a hard spot to work. They cleared the ride and the queue and gave us fast passes. We were walking out and a lady started yelling at the CM who was handing out the passes that she only got 3 and there were 4 people in her group. I felt bad for the CM, who was obviously concerned about the girl who passed out, but she handled it well.

ohh wow that is terrible, didnt realize it is that bad there.

Great update! Thanks for the tour. I love the fun Cars signs! I wonder if they will add Planes details after the movie comes out? Looks like the food court has a lot of variety. Did your little princess ever fall asleep?

not sure, im thinking that since the resort is so popular that they will end up doing another themed one somewhere on property...parker is pumped for that new planes movie.

I have been reading your TR all day and I would normally only comment when I am done reading to tell you thank your for sharing etc. but I have to tell you that the tree in Daley Plaza always comes from the Chicago Land area and last year (2012) It came from Palos Heights, IL...4 block away from my house!

Well now that I am bragging I will take the time to say thank you for sharing! I am loving your pictures and your family is adorable. I remember when my DS was meeting all of the characters and it brings a tear to my eyes.

Lisa

thanks for reading along, that is really cool it came from your neck of the woods that was basically a stones throw away...no problem that is really cool to know thanks for sharing.

those are reasons we keep going back to see them enjoy the world so much. well that and mom and dad really like it as well.

 

[KatMark]

Good to see you back. I'd been wondering who was missing on my TR and PTR...and it was you!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Poor Parker...sorry he wasn't feeling well. It's always tough when the kids are sick, especially on vacation.

Love the tour of the resort; and I have to say that Noelle just has that little gleam in her eye that says "I'm not taking a nap!"

even though she really really wanted too, she wouldnt...she stuck it out like a champ.

What a great picture and a super idea!

What happened to poor Mickey's eyes??? So glad that CM was there to lead him around!!!

thanks marv, now i just need to remember ever trip that is what i planned to do.

The cinnamon rolls are one of my favorite things in the parks!!! I hope they don't go away with the new upgrade, because Starbucks would be a pathetic substitute!

I'm thinking that looks more like a look you get quite often........

ohh i thinki got that look 3 times today so far.
one was after i told her about your text this morning

Parker does look quite excited, but I would have been worried all those gas fumes would be a little much for the poor guy with his upset stomach.........

Yes, those are pretty cool!!!

Love the theming putting the FP machines "under the big top!"

Poor Parker......I hate he wasn't feeling well!!! Looks like you came up with a great plan, and got a lot of super pics!!! Too bad you couldn't get item 2. on the list accomplished though. Looks like Noelle was sooooo close!!!

And nice job on all the HMs!!!


And while I am here, I wanted to take the opportunity to say.............

Happy Birthday Candi!!!!!!!

i didnt even think about the fumes on that ride, i have never really paid attention to them before.


i knew you would appreciate the hidden mickeys, now you need to get a trip in so you can see them in person.


thanks for the birthday wish

Since you asked, I got a cherry Slushie, cotton candy and chocoalte covered pretzel rod with.

Trent got a pretzel and soda.

Steve got cotton candy and chocolate covered apple with M and Ms on it I think

all was so good!!!

mm a slushie sounds good right now in this heat.

but then so does the pretzel
its been ages since i have a covered apple that does sound good though.

Thanks for the AOA photo tour

So cool reading all those signs

Last year, we briefly stopped there to check it out, but was so sunny Trent didn't want to leave their arcade

SO I left him with Steve and took my own tour, but not as thorough as yours

Noelle looked so tired by end...I can't believe she didn't crash

too bad he didnt want to look around but that is a fun arcade, i can see why he liked it.

CANDI

Hope you are having a wonderful time!!!!

Poor Parker - He tried to keep going but just needed to zonk out. I am hoping he got the needed rest and was better after a cool room and nap.

Noelle looked like she was going to give it up a few times but she hung in there not to miss anything.

The picture of McQueen, in front of Carsland is exactly how Carsland in DL looks. All the details of the are, the signs, building etc. a slightly different version of what is in DL. Really impressive.

thanks pat we had a blast camping good getaway

yep noelle was a trooper she did really good.

i cant wait to see carsland sometime, your pics of it do look awesome.

All caught up! Cool photos of AoA. Sorry Parker wasn't feeling well, but it seems like that didn't last too long. Love the picture by the front wall idea, too.

thanks, glad you enjoyed them.

i have tried to do that pic by the totem pole in WL as well, but i think i missed one year for it.

Fantastic pics of the resort! Makes me even more bummed that there's no room at AoA for our bday trip in December. However, the Disney Parks blog posted that Pop has a new menu in the food courts, and it looks good, so at least there's something exciting to try. Plus it's new to us, so that makes a big difference.

Love the fact that Noelle hung on for the entire walk! People never understood me when I'd say that my kids didn't fall asleep in the stroller (unless they were absolutely zonked). I kept telling them that mine were convinced they would miss something if they fell asleep! Looks like Noelle is thinking the same thing!

hope POP kept there burritos those things were really good.

even though it was booked i hope you guys can find time to walk over and check it out.

usually she will sleep every where, but that day for some reason she held out and made it without but you will see the next chapter caught up to her.

I was so very far behind... Was away from the DIS for a while, but I'm back and all caught up. Love your pictures of the resorts and parks, and your kids are just cuties!

welcome back, glad to see you around.

can i use the excuse that i was waiting for you to catch up before i continued on?

Ya, maybe I shouldn't say "out loud" that I am a Lion's fan! We'll just stick with Tigers and Red Wings! Enjoy your camping trip in Michigan! We've been camping the past three weekends and it is a lot of work getting the trailer ready..... packing and unpacking and then packing and unpacking! Whenever you get the chance to PM me that would be awesome but I know how busy summer is so no hurry!

its okay sometimes i let it slip im a cubs fan. so i know how you feel.

glad you are getting out camping, where in the state do you normally go? we were in mackinaw about 4 weeks ago, and south haven last week

did i ever PM you the necklace? i forget now.

Phew, I am all caught up!

That stinks about Parker not feeling good. I am trying not to worry, but I am always paranoid about getting sick on our trips because it always seems to happen, and now with DS I worry even more (with sticking fingers in his mouth etc!).

Your trip sounds so nice so far! I can't believe that your wife is wearing those little flip flops in all your pictures- my feet would be killing me!

I love the little details at AoA like the water drawings- can't wait to see stuff like that

yep she wore them each park day, she had said they were more comfy than tennis shoes

the details of that resort are amazing something we really enjoyed finding each day.

A 4 day belated

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANDI!!!!!!

thanks rosie