My AP-ALOOZA Continues (WE RENEWED!!) ~ NEW TR link posted!

Imagineer5 · Mar 4, 2015

OK let me wait and see if the last two updates stick. They currently look fine to me.

Dugette · Mar 4, 2015

They look fine on my phone! Yay!

Will be back to comment more later, when I can type.

Btw, I'm pretty sure that we were down in Town Square and you were in or near your parade viewing area when I thought of castle pic. Because I know I would've had to go all the way back down Main Street to do it.

TheMaxRebo · Mar 4, 2015

The last two posts look good to me - so I guess whatever you did ... keep doing it!

Looks like some fun meets with Tink and then Mickey (other than the wait for Mickey). We never really paid much mind to the other fairies as Olivia was never into those shows/movies, but is getting a bit more into them now so I think for future trips she would be more interested - in any event, more charters is good (just hope they post out front who is meeting - always hate when you don't know which character is there until you get to the front of the line)

Imagineer5 said:
Aria still talks about “talking Mickey” and is always quick to point out when a character can’t talk.

I actually thought about that and not just with the now talking Mickey meet but also how he and others talk during Celebrate the Magic - how do kids react to Characters sometimes talking and sometimes not - interesting that Aria definitely noticed

Imagineer5 · Mar 4, 2015

Dugette said:
They look fine on my phone! Yay!

Will be back to comment more later, when I can type.

Btw, I'm pretty sure that we were down in Town Square and you were in or near your parade viewing area when I thought of castle pic. Because I know I would've had to go all the way back down Main Street to do it.

Thank you for the note! I am so glad that they seem to be holding shape and not turning to mush again. Sorry - couldn't remember where we were but it always seemed we were at opposite sides of the park that night lol!

TheMaxRebo said:
The last two posts look good to me - so I guess whatever you did ... keep doing it!

Looks like some fun meets with Tink and then Mickey (other than the wait for Mickey). We never really paid much mind to the other fairies as Olivia was never into those shows/movies, but is getting a bit more into them now so I think for future trips she would be more interested - in any event, more charters is good (just hope they post out front who is meeting - always hate when you don't know which character is there until you get to the front of the line)

I actually thought about that and not just with the now talking Mickey meet but also how he and others talk during Celebrate the Magic - how do kids react to Characters sometimes talking and sometimes not - interesting that Aria definitely noticed

Instead of copying and pasting from Word, I just wrote it up in the DIS directly, and then the Facebook photo URL's I put in manually vs. using the typing I had been previously doing...so here's hoping they stick overnight!

I'm sure it is just based on what they are exposed to. I bought a "lot" of Tinkerbelle movies a few years ago (in my effort to own every animated Disney movie...) and so she has seen them. She knows a few of them and did meet Silvermist (I think?) in Disneyland. It's also just nice, as you said, to get an extra character meet in for 1 line.

Hmm that is a really good point regarding the characters talking in celebrate the magic?! So strange! Yeah Aria always states that this character doesn't talk or this one does before meeting them. That's why I have to designate that we are meeting "Talking Mickey" so that the "regular Mickey" doesn't somehow become a lesser character to meet?

Dugette · Mar 4, 2015

Imagineer5 said:
I folded up the stroller to fit into the trunk – with the camera still hanging from the handle! UGH!

Ouch.

I guess I didn't realize that had happened just right before we met up. :sad2:

Imagineer5 said:
I had texted Dugette and I think she was still on the bus from her resort?

Yes, indeed! ::yes::

Imagineer5 said:
She helped wheel Izzy’s stroller over to the shop across the way and then hopped on the ride. Aria was asleep at this point, and Izzy was not too happy about her mommy leaving

I felt so bad showing up with a hot, tired kid who hadn't had a nap after traveling all day and then immediately dumping her on you while I rode a coaster. :rotfl:

Darn FP+! Glad that she was amused by your photos and games. And it appears her shoes were fun too. Cute pictures! It's funny to see pics of your kid in another TR! :goodvibes

Imagineer5 said:
SO much fun and I’m so excited to experience it with Aria in May.

So cool that she'll get to ride Mine Train! I'm excited for Barnstormer - I tried to measure Izzy tonight and I think she will probably be okay with shoes, but is still cutting it pretty close (hard to measure a wiggly toddler, though). She has been saying, "I want to ride Goofy's roller coaster!" lately. :thumbsup2

Imagineer5 said:
I think Dugette got Izzy to sleep (or maybe I did during the 2nd round of 7DMT rides? I don’t remember) but by the time both of us had ridden twice both of the girls were asleep and neither of us had plans for a bit. So we headed to Gaston’s!

I actually remember this, as she was so resistant to napping. We walked a bit to try to get her down, but she was still up. She ended up falling asleep while we waited in line at Gaston's - I guess the counter was just TOO boring for her. :rotfl:

Thank goodness she went to sleep finally and we got a nice break! :goodvibes

Imagineer5 said:
This turned out to be a blast – Aria was so excited to enter the caves and run around – and when we got to the barrel bridge instead of being afraid she wanted to try it herself! She was so proud after going across!

Yay, Aria! :cheer2:

I hadn't even thought about Tom Sawyer Island for May, but now I'm thinking how much fun Izzy would have there... I need more MK time! :hyper:

Imagineer5 said:
UGH! I don't know what is going on. This is what happened to my last post from a couple days ago? It was fine when I posted, I triple checked! Now it's screwed up again.

Glad you figured something out. I normally post by typing the update in Word, copying my Photobucket links into the Word doc as I go, then copying and pasting it all into the DIS. And it's still been working fine...at home. I did one update from work on my PTR and it was a MESS, even though I was doing the same thing as always. Text that is all links and crazy formatting, etc. So, I think the version of Word that you're using may matter? Or the equipment? I have a MacBook Pro at home (using now) and it's been just like the old days, for the most part. Anyway, hope the new DIS doesn't give you too many problems - we like TR updates! :thumbsup2

Imagineer5 said:
Side note: I just heard that they may be bringing back some of the Fairy friends to the meet! That’d be so great.

Ooooh, that would be great! :cool1:

Imagineer5 said:
Unfortunately the Fastpass was in NO WAY FAST and 15 minutes later were still in line.

We had that same experience later that night. Slow Mickey FP+. :sad2:

The great meet was worth it, though.

Imagineer5 said:
Aria still talks about “talking Mickey” and is always quick to point out when a character can’t talk.

Interesting. Izzy hasn't said anything about it, but maybe she will this trip. I kinda wondered how that goes over with "older" kids.

Imagineer5 · Mar 6, 2015

Dugette said:
Ouch. I guess I didn't realize that had happened just right before we met up.

Yes, indeed!

I felt so bad showing up with a hot, tired kid who hadn't had a nap after traveling all day and then immediately dumping her on you while I rode a coaster. Darn FP+! Glad that she was amused by your photos and games. And it appears her shoes were fun too. Cute pictures! It's funny to see pics of your kid in another TR!

So cool that she'll get to ride Mine Train! I'm excited for Barnstormer - I tried to measure Izzy tonight and I think she will probably be okay with shoes, but is still cutting it pretty close (hard to measure a wiggly toddler, though). She has been saying, "I want to ride Goofy's roller coaster!" lately.

I actually remember this, as she was so resistant to napping. We walked a bit to try to get her down, but she was still up. She ended up falling asleep while we waited in line at Gaston's - I guess the counter was just TOO boring for her. Thank goodness she went to sleep finally and we got a nice break!

Yay, Aria! I hadn't even thought about Tom Sawyer Island for May, but now I'm thinking how much fun Izzy would have there... I need more MK time!

Glad you figured something out. I normally post by typing the update in Word, copying my Photobucket links into the Word doc as I go, then copying and pasting it all into the DIS. And it's still been working fine...at home. I did one update from work on my PTR and it was a MESS, even though I was doing the same thing as always. Text that is all links and crazy formatting, etc. So, I think the version of Word that you're using may matter? Or the equipment? I have a MacBook Pro at home (using now) and it's been just like the old days, for the most part. Anyway, hope the new DIS doesn't give you too many problems - we like TR updates!

Ooooh, that would be great!

We had that same experience later that night. Slow Mickey FP+. The great meet was worth it, though.

Interesting. Izzy hasn't said anything about it, but maybe she will this trip. I kinda wondered how that goes over with "older" kids.

Hahaha I thought you might get a kick out of seeing Izzy

she was totally fine! Eeek I can't wait to hear about Izzy's barnstormer experience. I don't think any of our park days match up, but if we end up being the MK at the same time that'd be cute to get them on together.

Ah thank you! My memory is waning in some instances but I remember her falling asleep then, now. Hahaha TSI is really great, esp for this age and up (2+). I remember taking her during our August trip when she was 18months and it was just a bit overwhelming for her? She still had fun but was nervous with the caves and all that.

Interesting regarding your experience, sounds like mine though what was weird is when I posted it, the update came out perfectly fine? Then next time I was on it was all jumbled. I do that too, typing it up in Word and using the

with the URL of the pics. I think the new system doesn't like that for some reason, or maybe it is my Word version, not sure.

Imagineer5 · Mar 10, 2015

Just a quick off topic update

My original post mentioned wanting a 2nd child, and well that was quite a while ago. It still hasn't happened for us, but I finally tracked down the RE that helped us get pregnant with Aria, and we have an appointment for today. I'm excited about it!

(We also took a self imposed break the last couple of months due to France plans).

Over the weekend I was able to book our Fastpasses for our May trip - which means we are less than 60 days out! EEK!! I'm glad Lynda left the planning to me, because she hasn't even responded to my email with the list of fastpasses, asking her to switch anything for her and Aron that they really want to do (or don't want to do).

Here is what I got:

Sunday may 10 - hollywood studios
9:20-10:20 toy story midway mania
11:05-11:20 frozen sing along show (not sure if Lynda wanted to do this, if not she can change it!)
12:35-1:35 tower of terror Lynda and Aron
1:10-1:25 disney junior show - Aria and me

Monday may 11
We are getting to the magic kingdom at opening so hoping to do many things without lines first thing.
Fastpass:
2:45-3:05 festival of fantasy parade fp
3:55-4:55 Peter Pan
5-6 meet Anna and elsa (not sure if they want to do this lol)
ALSO from our last trip, we have a Fastpass for seven dwarfs we can use this day!! (Doesn't expire)

May 12th morning at animal kingdom but we can save the fast passes for our afternoon and evening at EPCOT.
3-4 soarin (I'll change this for Aria and me unless she gets taller)
4:10-5:10 character spot
5:30-6:30 spaceship earth

May 15th we are spending morning at Magic kingdom then heading to EPCOT but I think we should use the fast passes at Magic kingdom
9:30-10:30 tomorrowland speedway
10:45-11:45 seven dwarfs
12:45-1:45 splash mountain (I'll change this for Aria and me if she doesn't get to 40")

Despite this being a 11-night trip, we only have 4 days of park visits due to the military tickets, but I have a plan to possibly send Aria to the kids club 1 evening and go to EPCOT (since I have an AP) for the Flower & Garden festival, we will also be doing 3 different days at Universal, and 2 water park days!

Here are our plans:

May 8 - fly in really early, check into Boardwalk, pool time etc. Tonight I have the kids club reservation at the Beach Club for Aria and was going to go to EPCOT (activate my AP, buy a TiW card, and then go on in). We'll see - up in the air on this one. Also I had the new Trattoria al Forno booked for this evening, but I may switch that. This evening came about after reading about all the fun F&W booths and their food AND drink options - and also seeing how much fun Aria had at the kids club on the cruise.

May 9 - Breakfast at Cape May, spend the day at the Boardwalk (rent a surrey or a mickey mouse boat), pool time etc. Maybe play mini golf! Have Flying Fish booked, but will probably switch that to Trattoria if I go to EPCOT the night before. Also, Lynda & Aron fly in late this evening and they'll be sleeping on the couch in our studio at the Boardwalk lol.

May 10 - we swapped this day around in order to avoid the Star Wars stuff (our original plan had us going to DHS the following Saturday - first day of SWW). I was able to get an 8am Hollywood & Vine ressie so excited for that! then DHS for the day, no plans for lunch. BTW this is Mother's day. I didn't realize that when booking the trip, whoops. Dinner at the California Grill, after we leave DHS we'll go check into our 2 bedroom condo for the week and then head to dinner. Our dinner is at 7PM, so I can see possibly running to the MK afterwards to watch Wishes from main st. This was my mother's day dinner request hehe.

May 11 - 8AM Crystal Palace ressie followed by a full MK day!! I didn't book our FP's for the morning. I assume that Lynda & Aron will probably run off to ride Space, Splash, BTMRR, while Aria and I do FL rides, and we also have that Fastpass card from my last trip when Aria wasn't tall enough so we'll ride that together. We are staying for the Festival of Fantasy parade, and we have dinner at Be Our Guest planned. After dinner we'll either leave to get in some pool time or stay for the fireworks.

May 12 - 8AM tusker house!! MMM Can't wait for breakfast here. Spend the morning at AK, probably ride Kali River Rapids for the first time in about 7 years...we have lunch at Y&Y though thinking about cancelling or moving to Sanaa. Then we'll hop over to EPCOT for the evening, and we have dinner at the Garden Grill.

May 13 - Today we'll head over to Universal! We'll probably start at Universal Studios to ride Gringotts and make our way over to IoA at some point. Aria loves the two kid roller coasters they have - Woody Woodpecker and Flight of the Hippogriph, and I have a feeling she'll get to ride the Pteranodon's flight thing at least 3 times so each of us can ride with her lol! Mid afternoon we'll head out, and we have dinner at 1900 Park Fare!

May 14 - Today we'll head to Blizzard Beach most likely! I am indifferent because Aria and I have another water park day, but Lynda and Aron only have this one so I'll let them decide which to visit. Then tonight is when we have dinner separately - Aria and I are heading to Chef Mickeys and then the Pirate and Pals cruise!! EEK! (Lynda & Aron are going to Ohana).

May 15 - Lynda's birthday! She was VERY excited to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, and I wanted Aria to do the BBB for the first time, so we are heading to the park at 8AM for a BBB apt, and then we have lunch at CRT. Hopefully Aria will be comfortable in her Cinderella tutu dress I have

at some point (either before or after her nap) we'll head over to EPCOT for the evening and Lynda requested Tutto Italia for her birthday dinner soo we'll be spending our evening at the World Showcase!

May 16 - Today we'll head to Universal for the 2nd time. I'll probably make a Mythos lunch ressie. I WISH the HP restaurants appealed to me but the food just is not very good IMO. Tonight we have an evening at Downtown Disney planned with dinner at T-REX with Dugette and family too! My shopping list includes some of those small Disney coffees, more tea, and some bath bombs from Basin. Also btw, for the first time Aria is getting spending money! She received $75 for her birthday so I hope to start teaching her a little about money

May 17 - This was our original last day and Lynda & Aron are still heading home but Aria and I get an extra 2 nights! Today I plan to pack the car, then head to Typhoon Lagoon for the day! Possibly want to have a fun breakfast first - we have no further ADR's and that feels weird lol! We'll check into Universal's cabana bay resort this afternoon, and we might do some bowling and eat on site.

May 18 - the military ticket Aria has is a 3-day for Universal as it was the cheapest option. So today we'll use the last day on it and also take advantage of the early entry by staying onsite and head to IoA. We'll spend that first hour riding Flight of the hippogriph and then just go back to whatever else she wants to do. Definitely get some butterbeer ice cream

May 19 - our flight leaves around 1 or so, so we'll spend the morning swimming and then check out by 11. For the rest of the week I believe Andrew's parents will be at our house to watch Aria...we'll see but I'm so glad to get an extra couple nights with Aria in FL!

Dugette · Mar 10, 2015

Imagineer5 said:
but I finally tracked down the RE that helped us get pregnant with Aria, and we have an appointment for today

Excited that you found your RE and really hoping for the best for you guys! :goodvibes

It does feel like it's been a really long time since you first mentioned trying for a second - hope you're nearing the end of the tunnel. It can sure be a long road. :hug:

Imagineer5 said:
I'm glad Lynda left the planning to me, because she hasn't even responded to my email with the list of fastpasses, asking her to switch anything for her and Aron that they really want to do (or don't want to do).

Where are her priorities?! :confused3

This whole post is actually a good reminder to me that I need to figure out some sort of FP+ plan for our trip. We can get them this weekend, but still won't know SWW details, so I'm going to have to guess at things like, I don't know, which park we'll be in. :headache:

Imagineer5 said:
ALSO from our last trip, we have a Fastpass for seven dwarfs we can use this day!! (Doesn't expire)

Well, that is super awesome! :thumbsup2

Imagineer5 said:
Tonight I have the kids club reservation at the Beach Club for Aria and was going to go to EPCOT (activate my AP, buy a TiW card, and then go on in). We'll see - up in the air on this one. Also I had the new Trattoria al Forno booked for this evening, but I may switch that. This evening came about after reading about all the fun F&W booths and their food AND drink options - and also seeing how much fun Aria had at the kids club on the cruise.

Do it!!

Not sure if you saw my post yet about the Outdoor Kitchens...there are so many good-looking items! Of course, I'm not sure how much you can partake in, based on your RE appointment...

Imagineer5 said:
This was my mother's day dinner request hehe.

Good request! So sweet of Aria to take you out on Mother's Day! She should totally charge it to her Magic Band! :rotfl:

Imagineer5 said:
May 15 - Lynda's birthday! She was VERY excited to dine at Cinderella's Royal Table, and I wanted Aria to do the BBB for the first time, so we are heading to the park at 8AM for a BBB apt, and then we have lunch at CRT. Hopefully Aria will be comfortable in her Cinderella tutu dress I have at some point (either before or after her nap) we'll head over to EPCOT for the evening and Lynda requested Tutto Italia for her birthday dinner soo we'll be spending our evening at the World Showcase!

We could possibly have some overlap this day. It will be the first day of SWW and I suspect that a lot of the SWW days will have Dug in shows at DHS in the afternoon and me and Izzy wandering over to World Showcase to nap and/or fill the time. To be determined, but there's a chance we might both be in Epcot at the same time.

Imagineer5 said:
Tonight we have an evening at Downtown Disney planned with dinner at T-REX with Dugette and family too!

Yay!!!

Can't wait!

Haha, I just had way too much fun searching the internet for dinosaur emoticons. :lmao:

Imagineer5 · Mar 11, 2015

Dugette said:
Excited that you found your RE and really hoping for the best for you guys! It does feel like it's been a really long time since you first mentioned trying for a second - hope you're nearing the end of the tunnel. It can sure be a long road.

Thank you so much :cloud9:

I hope so too. It has been about 2 years since we finally were ready to try for a 2nd. I don't really mind having a large difference in ages (hey, at least we won't have 2 kids in college at the same time! LOL) and we are just having SO much fun with Aria, that it is really nothing like what I went through when trying for her - because I already feel complete. But I know having another would just expand that completeness and we'd all love an addition to the family. We'll see!

Dugette said:
Where are her priorities?!

This whole post is actually a good reminder to me that I need to figure out some sort of FP+ plan for our trip. We can get them this weekend, but still won't know SWW details, so I'm going to have to guess at things like, I don't know, which park we'll be in.

Hahhaa seriously! I can't leave the planning to ANYONE but still don't understand why she won't just sit down and look at them. I told her in the email that I grabbed the harder to get FP's in hopes that if she does want to change some things she won't have any problems...we'll see.

Dugette said:
Do it!! Not sure if you saw my post yet about the Outdoor Kitchens...there are so many good-looking items! Of course, I'm not sure how much you can partake in, based on your RE appointment...

No I haven't seen that! But I've been reading on the DFB and Allears about them and am really excited. But yes, the RE appt could change things

Dugette said:
Good request! So sweet of Aria to take you out on Mother's Day! She should totally charge it to her Magic Band!

Hahahaha that'd be so cute. I told Andrew we must celebrate Mothers day the previous weekend now (we do mothers day and fathers day as just fun days out as a family but starting with breakfast in bed...I didn't want to give that up LOL).

Dugette said:
We could possibly have some overlap this day. It will be the first day of SWW and I suspect that a lot of the SWW days will have Dug in shows at DHS in the afternoon and me and Izzy wandering over to World Showcase to nap and/or fill the time. To be determined, but there's a chance we might both be in Epcot at the same time.

Ahh that'd be awesome! Esp since we'll be doing WS as well. Maybe we can get the girls on "donalds boat ride" together!

Dugette said:
Yay!!! Can't wait!
Haha, I just had way too much fun searching the internet for dinosaur emoticons.

Hahaha imparting a little TheMaxRebo there huh! he's cute

Dugette · Mar 12, 2015

Imagineer5 said:
I don't really mind having a large difference in ages (hey, at least we won't have 2 kids in college at the same time! LOL) and we are just having SO much fun with Aria, that it is really nothing like what I went through when trying for her - because I already feel complete.

Totally relate to/understand these feelings! I always thought I'd have 2-3 kids, but Dug and I both are surprised how happy with are with one. If we have another someday, great, but if not - we've already won. :goodvibes

Imagineer5 said:
Ahh that'd be awesome! Esp since we'll be doing WS as well. Maybe we can get the girls on "donalds boat ride" together!

That would be super fun! :thumbsup2

Our schedule is super-duper subject to change still, but I was working on FP+ plans today (can reserve this weekend) and I have Izzy and I in Epcot from about 1:30-4:30 this afternoon, I believe. Again, could definitely change, but that's what it is for now. Hoping we can meet up for a bit in Epcot! :goodvibes

Imagineer5 · Mar 12, 2015

Dugette said:
Totally relate to/understand these feelings! I always thought I'd have 2-3 kids, but Dug and I both are surprised how happy with are with one. If we have another someday, great, but if not - we've already won.

Yeah exactly! It took us a little while to even WANT to try for a 2nd child, and even now we do really want one (mainly bc I was an only child and honestly I don't want that for Aria) but it isn't a race to do it anymore.

Dugette said:
That would be super fun! Our schedule is super-duper subject to change still, but I was working on FP+ plans today (can reserve this weekend) and I have Izzy and I in Epcot from about 1:30-4:30 this afternoon, I believe. Again, could definitely change, but that's what it is for now. Hoping we can meet up for a bit in Epcot!

OK I was leaning towards leaving the MK right after lunch and going to EPCOT so Aria can then nap in the stroller while we stroll around the WS, so unless Lynda/Aron want to stay in the MK for some more rides then we *should* be there then (though Aria will be asleep lol). We could meet up for margaritas or something! haha. Does Izzy still nap? A day still has not gone by without a nap for Aria, I hope she drops it by France but not holding my breath!

Imagineer5 · Mar 12, 2015

I seem to have lost everyone but one :charac2:

so I guess I'll just continue on.

*******************
We then headed back to dinner! I was so happy to snag this reservation at Be Our Guest. Not sure if it is still tough to get, but I think it is completely worth the struggle to get it. I’ve always had an amazing meal here – and tonight didn’t disappoint! But first, some waiting on the bridge pics-

Then we were seated in the main dining room kind of in the center of the room. It was a nice sized table though. I started off with a glass of rose wine and Aria had some lemonade, then had fun drinking lemonade and water together…

I am thinking I didn’t order an appetizer knowing I’d want dessert so instead we got straight to the main dishes. Aria had the kid’s chicken and I had the salmon, which is still one of the most delicious salmon dishes I’ve ever had! SOOO good!

During our main dishes the Beast made is way across the ballroom and I grabbed a quick photo

Then our waiter brought the dessert cart over and we chose a couple cupcakes. That strawberry one is still an all time favorite, and we also got a chocolate and we shared them both.

After dinner we stopped for a quick photo with the Beast. Aria did not want to go up to him on her own still so we took the photo together.

Imagineer5 · Mar 12, 2015

Our night was not even close to being over yet though – we still had a bunch of fastpasses to use and planned to stay for the MSEP and Wishes! SO first we went Under the Sea with Ariel

Then I attempted to use my FP at Pooh – but somehow it had gotten changed to an Anna & Elsa meet? I still don’t know how that happened, and instead of rolling with it and heading over there, we hopped in the standby line for the 15 minute wait for the ride. It sure doesn’t feel like a wait though with all the fun she gets to play with.

Next I did have a FP for the Barnstormer (though I don’t think it was necessary) and we hopped on that. There was too much of a line to stay on the ride for another round but that was ok!

She was ready with her arms up!

We headed to Dumbo next! Played for a few minutes and then hopped on the ride. What amazing time we were making for a Saturday night at MK?! Crazy! First she played a bit inside. We left the toddler area and she wanted to play in the big kid area!

But we did make it back to the toddler area

Then out for the ride

Lastly we had a FP for the Speedway, so headed over there for a fun ride – it is really fun in the dark!

Imagineer5 · Mar 12, 2015

And then we needed to grab some spots for the MSEP. I had a FP for that, but it was already packed. There was a tiny space at the rope in my usual spot, so I let Aria sit up there and the family that was already seated there moved over a little bit so I could fit in too. I thought that was really nice of them and we ended up sharing our light up toys with the little girl who was about Aria’s age. They ended up having a lot of fun playing together while waiting for the parade to start.

Once it finally did start though all eyes were on the floats going by. Aria had SO much fun waving and yelling out all the characters she saw. This is a MUST DO at least once per trip!

After the parade, we pulled the little trick Dugette and I found in June and hopped into a spot right over a line just about 20 feet back from the hub where we had a perfect view of Wishes. Aria watched for a few minutes with the ear muffs on but then wanted to sit in her stroller so I stood and watched by myself for the rest of the show. I wished she LOVED fireworks as much as I do!

From there we headed out of the park along with everyone else, though we did take the behind the scenes shortcut from near the tomorrowland terrace up to the front, then headed over to the boat as the line for the monorails was so long. This is when staying at the BLT is a god send! But oh well, we made it to the car.

Now, no photos, but this is WHY I would not stay at Kidani again. There is NO PARKING. Luckily Aria was asleep so it wasn’t like I was in a huge rush to find a spot, but I literally drove around the parking lot at Kidani for 25 minutes or more looking for a spot. I ended up at the other end, nearly at the AKL, when I finally found a spot. I had to then take like 5,000 elevators to my room.
We did make it back finally, though up ahead I have a sleepless night and end up attempting to sleep in the bathroom? Food poisoning? Not sure but the next day was a tough one!

lilluv117 · Mar 12, 2015

I'm still here and I love your updates! You must share... What is your MK parking secret? And ouch about the camera... I've done that too and broken the kit lens that came with the camera.

I'm not loving this new dis layout but it's because I mostly check it on my phone and the iPhone app doesn't work anymore making it a little harder for me to go on the boards. Your posts seem to be good now though!

Love the MSEP! Aria seems to be in such awe! Love it!!!

I had something else I wanted to ask but I can't remember right now. I'll have to look back to refresh my memory.

lilluv117 · Mar 12, 2015

Oh yes! I remember now... So you can get FP's on Aria's band even though she didn't pay for a ticket?! I wish I had known that all these trips with my 2 little ones! How do you do that? Maybe I can do it with my daughter's band this next trip.

Imagineer5 · Mar 12, 2015

lilluv117 said:
I'm still here and I love your updates! You must share... What is your MK parking secret? And ouch about the camera... I've done that too and broken the kit lens that came with the camera.

I'm not loving this new dis layout but it's because I mostly check it on my phone and the iPhone app doesn't work anymore making it a little harder for me to go on the boards. Your posts seem to be good now though!

Love the MSEP! Aria seems to be in such awe! Love it!!!

I had something else I wanted to ask but I can't remember right now. I'll have to look back to refresh my memory.

Hi!! Thank you for replying!! LOL it was a Dugette and lauren chat there for a while

The MK parking - well when you arrive later in the day, they have signs (BUT no CM's) directing you to the right hand parking area, which is quite a walk and requires a tram (or a super long walk in the heat!). With the stroller I never take the trams. So what I do is bypass the signs and enter in the left lane (again there are no CM's yelling at me or anything LOL!) and drive slowly (there are people walking to their cars) all the way up to the front row! This is the area I park in when we arrive at 7:30AM for an early entry or 8AM early breakfast. By the early afternoon many cars have already left this area and I'm able to grab a spot right up front and walk to the TTC.

Ugh, camera woes!!

I am hoping they fix the app / make a new one soon. I deleted the apps off my phone & ipad because they just weren't working. Really annoying!

lilluv117 said:
Oh yes! I remember now... So you can get FP's on Aria's band even though she didn't pay for a ticket?! I wish I had known that all these trips with my 2 little ones! How do you do that? Maybe I can do it with my daughter's band this next trip.

*supposedly* they were looking at closing this loophole but I haven't read anything about them actually closing it, and it worked in October, too. I had so many FP's this trip because I was able to pre-book them on my MB, my DH's MB (he had the AP at that time), and then in the park was able to get 3 more on Aria's band (and despite Dugette's frustrations, I WAS able to change them around in my app).

I just took her MB up to a kiosk and it worked right away. We had one CM in June who seemed to be catching on to our naughtiness, but no other CM's have ever even hinted at an issue with doing it (though I certainly didn't tell them it was my 2 yo's magic band...).

For May, I am not banking on it working, BUT I am going to be bringing old MB's from our last trip when Aria was under 2, Andrew's, and my MIL and FIL's bands. That makes 4 extra that we could possibly use. Really only super useful at the MK but worth it to try, IMO.

UnderTheRialto · Mar 12, 2015

I am reading and enjoying the report!
I also love the BOG salmon-- especially those saffron potatoes!

MiaBella05 · Mar 13, 2015

We are heading out to disney on May 17th, only a few more days and i can book those fast passes! :yay:

TheMaxRebo · Mar 13, 2015

Glad you found the RE and best of luck with the getting pregnant scenario! (he said in the least creepy way possible). We had some challenges having Olivia but each subsequent kid was easier so hopefully you have similar luck

Your FP+ plans sound great! The one MK day with the FoF parade, Peter Pan, A&E, and the extra one for Mine Train is like the perfect set up - especially combined with getting there early to hit up other things.

Imagineer5 said:

love this phot - such a cute face!

Still haven't gotten to BoG for dinner - sounds like a good one though

Imagineer5 said:

I mean, that is clearly a happy kid!

Imagineer5 said:

Love this photo too - really love the new Dumbo set up at night with the colored lights on the water, etc.!

Imagineer5 said:
I thought that was really nice of them and we ended up sharing our light up toys with the little girl who was about Aria’s age. They ended up having a lot of fun playing together while waiting for the parade to start.

Sharing glow sticks and the like and just seeing kids make friends is one of the little hidden treasures at Disney I think

Imagineer5 said:
I literally drove around the parking lot at Kidani for 25 minutes or more looking for a spot.

Wow - that just sucks - and the bus ride to there is so long. I love the actual hotel but it all feels remote - only downside I see to the AK Lodge

My AP-ALOOZA Continues (WE RENEWED!!) ~ NEW TR link posted!

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