2nd trip for Just Mom & 2 little boys 6/5-14, Star Wars, CBR, DxDP, Character Meals

[MJAJmom]

This is the second trip for just me and my 2 little boys, DS4 and DS6. We planned to be there for the last 2 Star Wars weekends. DH was at home working. We stayed at a pirate room at Carribbean Beach for 9 nights, June 5-14th, using the Buy 4, Get 3 Free deal and also tried out the Deluxe Dining Plan. We saw lots of characters, dined at almost every character meal, and tried out some new rides and shows.

For introductions, there’s me, a stay-at-home mom. I’m a mega planner and just love all the info here on DISboards. I think Disney is such a fun place to bring my boys. It’s so special to spend the visit with just. I’m looking forward to staying at CBR, want to find Daisy Duck, and see how we like the Deluxe Dining Plan.

MJ my DS6, just finished kindergarten, so I guess you could say that’s what we were celebrating. He wants to try Tower of Terror this trip, can’t wait to see the Star Wars characters, wants to swim in the pirate ship pool, and absolutely must see the UP characters. He’s pretty easy going and thankfully behaves very well.

AJ, my DS4, is very spirited, loving and high drama. He’s full of hugs/kisses, but then is hitting and stomping his feet. He wants to see Buzz/Woody, ride TSM and POTC. I’m hoping for not too many melt downs. We’ll plan to come back after lunch for swims and naps to let him rest.

Here we are from our trip last October to see MNSSHP. The link to that trip report is in my signature.



Here is our schedule of park touring:

Fri - arrive late, check-in and bed
Sat - DHS for Star Wars Weekend
Sun - DHS for Star Wars Weekend
Mon - Epcot
Tues – Animal Kingdom, DTD
Wed – Magic Kingdom
Thur – Magic Kingdom, early EMHs
Fri – DHS for Star Wars Weekends, early EMHs
Sat – GF pirate cruise, MK
Sun – check-out, a visit to the Orlando doctor’s office, fly home

With our Deluxe Dining Plan, we scheduled lots of TS and character meals:

Sat - H&V bfast, 50’s Prime Time lunch, Mama Melrose dinner
Sun - Cape May bfast, Sci-Fi lunch, Toy Story Planet Pizza dinner
Mon - Akershus bfast, Teppan Edo lunch, Garden Grill dinner
Tues – Tusker House bfast, Yak & Yeti lunch, Wolfgang Puck Express dinner
Wed – Ohana bfast, Liberty Tree Tavern lunch, 1900 Park Fare dinner
Thur – CBR OPR bfast, Crystal Palace lunch, CBR OPR dinner
Fri – CBR OPR bfast, Brown Derby lunch, CBR OPR dinner
Sat – 1900 Park Fare bfast, Plaza lunch, Chef Mickey dinner
Sun – Boma bfast, Captain’s Grill lunch


Wonderings – How will we feel about the heat/crowds in June?? What’s the CBR hotel like, it’s our first time in a moderate?? Will Star Wars Weekends be insane?? Can we do Tower of Terror?? Will the boys survive princess character meals??

Ready? Let’s begin…..

[jacksonfarms46147]

Can't wait to read your report..especially on CBR as we changed from Pop to there for the Pirate room for Sept.

Jodi

[Angies1274]

My son just finished kindergarten as well and both my boys loved the UP movie (me too!) They can't wait to see the characters when we go back.I'm anxious to find out how you liked CBR as we are considering a moderate for next year's trip. Can't wait for more.......

[MJAJmom]

We flew out on JetBlue on Friday afternoon June 5th. There’s only one flight coming/going to Orlando out of Austin and that’s in the mid-afternoon. So we had the morning to pack up and get ready before heading to the airport. I love flying JetBlue because it’s a nonstop flight, they don’t charge for baggage, they have great snacks and each seat has their own TV screen. It keeps my boys occupied the entire flight. The only downside is that the flight arrives at 7:10pm, so by the time we get our luggage, get our rental car and drive to the hotel, it’s already 9pm, dark and time for bed.

Check-in at CBR: The Custom House was not busy at all. With all the talk about how far away the pirate rooms were in Trinidad South, I had requested Building 34, ground floor on my reservation. Unfortunately they assigned me Building 39 which is THE furthest building away from OPR and the main pool. Bummer!!! They said they were completely booked and could not switch me (the disadvantages of arriving late at night). So I asked if maybe they could switch me tomorrow. The CM checked and said a room was available in Bldg 34 on Sunday, so I said OK let’s set I up. Figured I could change my mind later if I thought it was going to be too much of a hassle to transfer. Since this was our first stay at CBR and our first try at a moderate hotel, I just wanted it to be perfect.

I also asked that my park tickets be put on a separate card from my room key/dining card. I was planning to upgrade my 4/3 tickets to an Annual Pass later in the week and read that this would make things easier. That took a while because I had to go over to the concierge to have them separate the tickets. I also picked up my double stroller at Bell Services which I rented from Orlando Stroller Rental. I rented one from them on our October trip last year and it was fabulous. This year I also rented a stroller cover from them for an extra $10.

CBR is a pretty big resort so you drive a while before you hit Trinidad South. And yes, Bldg 39 is way in the back, and our room was the 2nd to last room at the back, but right next to the parking lot for easy in/out.

Pirate Rooms – Wow!! The room is amazing with all the pirate decorations. The boys are thrilled !!! They love the pirate headboard and the pirate skull curtain that closes off the bathroom. It’s just an awesome room for 2 little boys who love Jack Sparrow. Everything in the room is themed. The night stand is a pirate barrel. The carpet is designed to look like wooden planks. The table has a compass on it. There’s a large wooden storage chest that has a pullout drawer for lots of storage. And 4 drawers in the wooden dresser that looks like 4 stacked boxes. Very well done. I’m so glad it’s such a nice room. The boys will love it here for 9 nights!! I’ll save my observations and comparisons about a Deluxe vs Moderate for later. Here are a few pictures of the room:



Since the plan was to transfer rooms in another day, I didn’t unpack and just took out what we needed for the next day. So we are now off to bed and anxiously awaiting our first day at DHS and Star Wars Weekend. The day will start with a character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine at 8:10am. I’m so excited!!!

[MJAJmom]

Originally Posted by jacksonfarms46147

Can't wait to read your report..especially on CBR as we changed from Pop to there for the Pirate room for Sept.

Jodi

Hi Jodi, thanks for coming along!! I think you're really going to like the pirate rooms, especially if your kids are big pirate fan like mine are. The theming is amazing. Everything was fresh and new. My kids also loved the kiddie pirate ship pool that had some small water slides and lots of squirting water.

Originally Posted by Angies1274

My son just finished kindergarten as well and both my boys loved the UP movie (me too!) They can't wait to see the characters when we go back.I'm anxious to find out how you liked CBR as we are considering a moderate for next year's trip. Can't wait for more.......

Welcome Angies!! Kindergarten was such a fun year for us, hope your son enjoyed it, too. We just went to the UP movie again yesterday. It's such a cute movie. My boys loved Russell and Dug. We bought a talking plush Dug dog at World of Disney. I've got a bunch of comments and observations about the hotel that I'll share later.

[MJAJmom]

It’s a partly cloudy morning and time to start our Star Wars day. The weather forecast says a quick rain shower will hit around lunchtime, otherwise party sunny and warm. One great thing about CBR is that it is SO close to DHS. It’s less than a 5 minute drive to get there. With an early ADR before the park opens, you can an up close parking spot!! There’s 5-6 people waiting in line already for early breakfast entry. There’s several Star Wars posters at the ticket entry. The Star Wars music is playing and lots of kids have light sabers and star wars shirts. The boys are excited about bringing their light sabers to the park. Here we are waiting in line to get into DHS.





Once we get into the park, I took a picture of Mickey’s Hat while the park was empty.


We check in at Hollywood and Vine and get seated very quickly. The place was not even as busy as it was during our last October visit. AJ loves Little Einsteins so this meal is really for him to see June and Leo. The buffet food is pretty good. All the hot foods, fruits, waffles and breads you expect. The characters circulate several times, plus they are very playful with the boys. First was Goliath, then Leo, JoJo and June.





Leo is very interested in checking out MJ's fan. June tried to help me get AJ to smile more for his picture.







Every time we are here, the characters circulate several times around. And because it was not busy, we got to see all the characters twice.



I printed out autograph cards from several designs on the Creative DISsigns board, so I'll add those for each character meal.


After breakfast, we are first at the ropes for rope drop. Our plan is to head straight to Toy Story Mania, ride it and then get a FastPass. Following the mob of people, we are practically first to ride TSM. It’s such a cool ride. I barely had time to snap a picture of Mr. Potato Head. The line to get a Fastpass is about 5 minutes long. With TSM out of the way, now we can work on finding Star Wars characters. We start with finding out were Jedi Mickey is….

[goofygal531]

I just love your TRs with your two little boys!

Our trips overlapped. We were there 6/12 to 6/19.

I spotted the orange double strollers everywhere and thought of you!

Count me in!

Mare

[jana616]

I'm in! I read your last report and am excited for this one. I have two little boys as well!

[Angies1274]

We love Jetblue too!!! The snacks and the TV's are wonderful--especially to keep the boys occupied.

The pictures of the pirate rooms are great--such detail!!

Your boys looked like they had a good time with the characters at Hollywood and Vine.

We loved Toy Story Mania!! It's such a fun ride--

[dd50]

Sounds like you are off to a great start.

[dspads]

I am so glad I found this! I had read your whole MNSSHP trip report a few weeks back (I am just starting to plan our trip for Oct) and was trying to find the thread to get some shirt ideas. I remembered your boys always had on dis designed shirts and I just found that forum.

Excited to read about your trip as you write the report, instead of all at once! My boys are the same age (6.5 and almost 5). My guys would love the pirate room! I am thinking of booking a cruise so I can't wait to hear about yours.

Is your stroller from Orlando Strollers? I am trying to figure out what to do for my guys in Oct. I only have a Mac Volo (single). Jason is barely 45lbs and the younger guy not even 40 so I guess they would do fine in this?

[MJAJmom]

After riding TSM, it was time to find the Star Wars characters. There are so many of them out and they rotate at different times. First we wanted to hit the Disney characters – Jedi Mickey, StormTrooper Donald, Darth Vader Goofy and Princess Leia Minnie. They switch off in 20 minute rotations starting at 9:50am between Great Movie Ride and American Idol.. Along the way we found Baloo near the Mickey Hat.



After seeing Jedi Mickey, we hopped back in line to get Donald/Goofy. Minnie came next but the line was getting too long and the boys wanted to try Great Movie Ride, so we rode that next. Have to get Minnie later.









We got a popsicle and headed to get a spot for the Star Wars Parade. The crowds were very light for a Star Wars Weekend day. I was pretty shocked. I’d say it was maybe a level 6 or 7. Of course, TSM is crazy, but the rest of the park was pretty light. We got a great spot for the parade, between Mickey’s Hat and American Idol so that I could catch the characters as the turned the corner. The parade was amazing with all the characters marching by. I took a picture of everything!!

The parade started with Jedi Mickey in a star fighter followed by Minnie, Donald and Goofy.




The Evil Emperor’s Royal Guard, not sure who the guys are in the black suit (but they’re bad guys)


I love the colored clone troopers better than the white ones


Tusken Raiders


Boba Fett and Star Fighter pilots


Ewok and Chewbacca


More parade pictures continued on next post….

[MJAJmom]

Shaak Ti and Mace Windu


Kit Fitso and R2D2


The celebrity guests this weekend were David Prowse (Darth Vader) and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and Matt Lanter (voice of Anakin in Clone Wars)




Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex from Clone Wars and weekend host Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka in Clone Wars)


Bouty hunters Zam Wessell and Aurra Sing


Jango Fett and the Star Wars Weekends host Jay Laga’aia


Lines of clones troopers marching by and Darth Vader


Darth Vader and the end of the parade


I read a tip that you should jump in line after the parade is over right behind the clone troopers and follow them down to the Star Tours stage to get a good view of the celebrity welcome where all the characters are up on stage. We tried it and it worked pretty well. Still, we were about 4 rows back and it was hard for my boys to see the stage since they were so little. I had to put my camera over my head and hope to get a decent shot.





Last to leave the stage was Chewbacca. Everyone cheered loudly for him!!


Thankfully the parade and celebrity welcome was finished without interruption. It must have been destiny, because about 5 minutes after the welcome show, it started POURING down rain!! We hid under a small roofing to get our stroller cover out and for me to put my poncho on. The rain only lasted about 10 minutes. And we made it into 50’s Prime Time to have lunch.

Next up – Lunch time at 50’s Prime Time. Our first real experience using appetizers and dessert on the Deluxe Dining Plan.

[MJAJmom]

Originally Posted by goofygal531

I just love your TRs with your two little boys!

Our trips overlapped. We were there 6/12 to 6/19.

I spotted the orange double strollers everywhere and thought of you!

Count me in!

Mare

Hi Mare!! You're right, there were lots more orange strollers around this time versus last October. I think the word is out that Orlando Stroller Rentals has awesome strollers!!

Originally Posted by jana616

I'm in! I read your last report and am excited for this one. I have two little boys as well!

Thanks for coming back again. This trip was even better than last trip alone with the boys. Better because we knew our way around the parks and the boys could voice their preferences of what rides/shows they wanted to see again.

Originally Posted by Angies1274

We love Jetblue too!!! The snacks and the TV's are wonderful--especially to keep the boys occupied.

The pictures of the pirate rooms are great--such detail!!

Your boys looked like they had a good time with the characters at Hollywood and Vine.

We loved Toy Story Mania!! It's such a fun ride--

I'll have to admit that TSM is probably my favorite ride. It's just so cool all the 3D interaction. Just wish it wasn't so crazy to get on it.

Originally Posted by dd50

Sounds like you are off to a great start.

Welcome aboard!! I've got so many pictures to post and things to write about. I kinda feel behind schedule already!!

Originally Posted by dspads

I am so glad I found this! I had read your whole MNSSHP trip report a few weeks back (I am just starting to plan our trip for Oct) and was trying to find the thread to get some shirt ideas. I remembered your boys always had on dis designed shirts and I just found that forum.

Excited to read about your trip as you write the report, instead of all at once! My boys are the same age (6.5 and almost 5). My guys would love the pirate room! I am thinking of booking a cruise so I can't wait to hear about yours.

Is your stroller from Orlando Strollers? I am trying to figure out what to do for my guys in Oct. I only have a Mac Volo (single). Jason is barely 45lbs and the younger guy not even 40 so I guess they would do fine in this?

Our boys are exactly the same ages - how cool!!! Now what little boy wouldn't be thrilled to death to stay in a pirate room??? My 2 loved playing with all their action figures on the pirate headboard.

Yes, the stroller is from Orlando Stroller Rentals. It's awesome, this is our 2nd time using them. MJ is 48inches and 48lbs and AJ is 42inches and 43lbs, and they fit just fine in the stroller. It pushes so easily and turns well, even with all that weight inside. Since it was just me, I really wanted to stroller in case they got tired and also to keep them confined. I pushed them all day long, so I was pretty hungry for lunch and dinner!!!

[MJAJmom]

Originally Posted by goofygal531

I just love your TRs with your two little boys!

Our trips overlapped. We were there 6/12 to 6/19.

I spotted the orange double strollers everywhere and thought of you!

Count me in!

Mare

Hi Mare!! You're right, there were lots more orange strollers around this time versus last October. I think the word is out that Orlando Stroller Rentals has awesome strollers!!

Originally Posted by jana616

I'm in! I read your last report and am excited for this one. I have two little boys as well!

Thanks for coming back again. This trip was even better than last trip alone with the boys. Better because we knew our way around the parks and the boys could voice their preferences of what rides/shows they wanted to see again.

Originally Posted by Angies1274

We love Jetblue too!!! The snacks and the TV's are wonderful--especially to keep the boys occupied.

The pictures of the pirate rooms are great--such detail!!

Your boys looked like they had a good time with the characters at Hollywood and Vine.

We loved Toy Story Mania!! It's such a fun ride--

I'll have to admit that TSM is probably my favorite ride. It's just so cool all the 3D interaction. Just wish it wasn't so crazy to get on it.

Originally Posted by dd50

Sounds like you are off to a great start.

Welcome aboard!! I've got so many pictures to post and things to write about. I kinda feel behind schedule already!!

Originally Posted by dspads

I am so glad I found this! I had read your whole MNSSHP trip report a few weeks back (I am just starting to plan our trip for Oct) and was trying to find the thread to get some shirt ideas. I remembered your boys always had on dis designed shirts and I just found that forum.

Excited to read about your trip as you write the report, instead of all at once! My boys are the same age (6.5 and almost 5). My guys would love the pirate room! I am thinking of booking a cruise so I can't wait to hear about yours.

Is your stroller from Orlando Strollers? I am trying to figure out what to do for my guys in Oct. I only have a Mac Volo (single). Jason is barely 45lbs and the younger guy not even 40 so I guess they would do fine in this?

Our boys are exactly the same ages - how cool!!! Now what little boy wouldn't be thrilled to death to stay in a pirate room??? My 2 loved playing with all their action figures on the pirate headboard.

Yes, the stroller is from Orlando Stroller Rentals. It's awesome, this is our 2nd time using them. MJ is 48inches and 48lbs and AJ is 42inches and 43lbs, and they fit just fine in the stroller. It pushes so easily and turns well, even with all that weight inside. Since it was just me, I really wanted to stroller in case they got tired and also to keep them confined. I pushed them all day long, so I was pretty hungry for lunch and dinner!!!