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

[Imagineer5]

Looks like it is high time to move on – I left off and it wasn’t even 10AM yet! Ha!

So we had a nice ride on the canal and then headed over to Toontown – it was about 9:50 so we took a moment to drink some water, stand in the shade, and get a quick snack. In case you hadn’t noticed Aria’s attire, my #1 priority was heading to Minnie’s house so that is what we did as soon as they opened up Toontown at 10!

We walked right through Minnie’s house (would have actually been nice to have a little wait haha!) and Aria had a teeny bit of time to play (she totally understood it was Minnie’s house too, which was cute) before we needed to line up to meet Minnie.

Now I wish I had planned Toontown for the next DL day because Aria was still getting her sea legs at DL and was being shy about the characters. She was super excited to meet her from afar, but got nervous when it was time to go up. So I ended up holding her to meet Minnie which was too bad. She did fine meeting her though and had a good time. (it also didn't help that the girl ahead of us cried and screamed when she was being brought up!)

Haha, they were checking out each other's bows

Next up was Mickey’s house, which we also walked right through until a movie room area which we waited maybe 10 minutes in, so not too bad. This time I sent Lynda up first to get her photo, hoping it would entice Aria to go up to Mickey on her own (and it did work). Mickey was really great – a CM asked Lynda where she got her pants (they were coral linen) and she said Victoria Secret and he covered his mouth with his hand as if he was embarrassed! Haha it was funny.

Checking out his shoes maybe?

I think these are cute with her looking up to Mickey, but wish she would just look at the camera...grr!

After meeting Mickey Aria played around in his car for a minute

Then we saw that there was a tiny line and it was for Goofy who was about to come out! I was so excited for Aria to meet Goofy because for whatever reason he’d become one of her favorite characters. Little stinker was still being shy about characters though so she wouldn’t go up to him on her own, but did give him a high five.

Then Lynda hopped in!

continued in next post!

 

[Imagineer5]

After the meets all that was left to do was play! We quickly checked out Donald’s Boat before heading to Goofy’s play house & garden. There was a small slide which Aria loved, and inside his house there was a piano that made fun sounds depending on the keys you pressed. Aria had a ball here!

A quick pic in Goofy's chair which Aria did not want to sit in!

On our way out of Toontown we checked on Roger Rabbit but it already had a 40 minute wait (eek) and FP’s were down so we couldn’t grab those for later unfortunately. Instead I ran ahead to try my luck at riding the Matterhorn single rider, since it was down the last time I tried…no luck again! I stood there for a good 10 minutes and then the ride went down and was evacuated, and they said overhead it would be at least an hour! Ugh!

These poor people got stuck!

Then I snapped this right before the announcement was made

So our next thought was heading over towards lunch at the Blue Bayou checking out wait times as we went…I don’t think I’ve mentioned this yet (or if I have, it was so annoying I want to mention it in every post) but there is NO good wait time app. I paid $7.95 for Touring Plans Disneyland and was thoroughly disappointed by their incredibly bad wait times, and no other apps that I found had accurate wait times either. I love WDW’s very efficient electronic wait times. So, there was never any way to check on waits across the park, which was very, very annoying. Luckily Lynda was totally up for being a runner (hey, she IS training for a marathon after all!) so she did check on things quite a few times. This day I think we also got FP’s for Space & Big Thunder while I was heading towards lunch. (got 1 each with our tickets then planned to grab rider swap cards!) We still had a little time and noticed the Haunted Mansion wait was only about 10 minutes, so we hopped in line there.

The line looks long but it really wasn't too bad, and mostly shaded.

Once inside we hopped over to the exit in the stretching room to bypass as many ppl as possible (sorry hope this doesn't offend ppl but IDK why no one else does this). And very soon after that we were on the ride!

Aria really enjoyed this part!

HM was a nice classic as always, and Aria did fine on it (buried her head a couple times but otherwise watched) and I tried to get a few photos (no flash, don’t worry!).

continued in next post!!

 

[Imagineer5]

After the ride it was lunch time! We were so excited to eat at the Blue Bayou as it had been a good 10 years for me and she had never eaten here. Now, if you remember Pirates was down, so I was nervous that the ambiance would be thrown off, but instead it was a FANTSTIC meal! Actually, the lack of boats made for a much more relaxing time (no flash photography coming from the boats, I remember a lot of that going on!). Made me want to go to New Orleans with the ambiance!

No, diners next to us, I was not trying to get a pic of you!

Aria gets to put salt & pepper on her hands once when we go out to eat. Don't ask. No idea but she always insists. (and licks it off). I let her do it once and then she is not allowed to do it again.

More ambiance

Lynda and I both got the lemonade (remember , no alcohol, boo! Lol) and each entrée came with your choice of gumbo or salad. So I ordered the salmon which came with a corn risotto and was rubbed with a chili rub. Aria got a kids chicken meal which came with carrots & celery and ranch dressing as an appetizer, and Lynda got the Monte Cristo (she actually saw my comment on the PTR portion that I was going to talk her into getting it!).

Lemonade was delicious!

Hahah Aria is holding all hear carrots away from the icky celery...

My gumbo (I ordered it despite the sausage and I'm so glad i did - it was really great and hardly any sausage. Aria had some of it too)

The famous Monte Cristo - Lynda LOVED it and ended up bring 1/2 back to the room with us

My salmon was delicious and I ate every bit, as was the corn risotto!

Aria ate her meal pretty well and enjoyed playing with the glow cube from my drink.

For dessert, Aria had some vanilla ice cream that came with her kids meal, and they brought out an AMAZING birthday mickey fudge cake thing (best birthday dessert Lynda got!!) and luckily she was too full to eat it all so we split it three ways! Ha! It was SO good. Almost like a flourless chocolate cake in its richness.

Up next...nap time means adult rides!!

 

[Imagineer5]

And back to WDW & an update there - 2 WEEKS TO GO!! Our schedule has changed slightly since we have been stalking MDE for ADRs & FP's (IE WE GOT ANNA & ELSA FPS!! )

So I am stealing Dugette's nice little overview

Tuesday 6/10:
5pm - dinner at the Wave, then go to MK
6:20-7:20pm - Mine Train FP+ Lauren, get rider swap (use now, if time, otherwise save for after Wishes)
7:20-8:20pm - Barnstormer FP+ Lauren, get rider swap for another ride for Aria/Lauren, then Me/Izzy go to Buzz
6:40-7:40pm - Buzz Lightyear FP+ Me/Izzy while Lauren/Aria ride Barnstormer (need to get here quickly)
7:40-8:40pm - Space Mountain FP+ Me, meet here and get rider swap (use now, if time, otherwise save for after Wishes)
8:40-9pm - MSEP FP+ for all, stay for Celebrate the Magic and Wishes, then use rider swaps (if needed), then head out

Wednesday 6/11:
8:40am - breakfast at the Crystal Palace, try to get in early after taking photos in the empty park (look for earlier ADR)
10-11am - Peter Pan FP+ for all, try to get on as many Fantasyland rides as possible beforehand
11am-Noon Tomorrowland Speedway FP+ for all, as long as Izzy measures up
Noon-1pm Tinker Bell FP+ for all, then head out to Epcot around 12:30pm (figure out something for lunch, then girls nap)
5:10pm - dinner at Biergarten, after getting in Epcot attractions (look for Garden Grill or Akershus ADR)

Thursday 6/12:
9am - Animal Kingdom opens and we head to Safari, etc. (probably have small breakfast/snack in room beforehand)
After Safari head to Dinoland to switch off riding Dinosaur & letting girls ride Triceratop Spin and play at Boneyard
10:45am - late breakfast at Tusker House, then more AK attractions (Rafiki's Planet Watch), then hop to MK for nap time (after rum Dole Whips)
1:15-2:15pm - Mine Train FP+ Dugette, get rider swap (use now, if time, otherwise save for after dinner)
1:25-2:25pm - Big Thunder FP+ Me, get rider swap (use now, if time, otherwise save for after dinner)
2:50-3:50pm - Anna & Elsa FP+ for all (assuming girls will wake up around 3 or so. maybe hop in this line around 3:30 letting them wake up a little bit).
3:55-4:50pm - Ariel Ride FP+ for all (times are 5 minutes apart - need to do early in window)
5pm - dinner at 'Ohana, check out Polynesian construction, then back to MK to do whatever else we still want to get in

Friday 6/13:
7:35am - breakfast at Cape May Cafe and travel day

And for outfits I am thinking:

6/10 is travel day & MK day so probably some cute MJ or similar

followed with

or in case we meet some princesses which I'm hoping to fit in somewhere

Then 6/11 we are meeting Tink so I'll put Aria in this

Then when we switch to EPCOT maybe she can wear this (I have a Nemo one being made but it won't be ready for the trip)

On 6/12 we have BF at Tusker so I am hoping to get something made with this tee shirt in time for the trip, since it has Donald and Daisy on it. I also have some cute animal dresses she can wear (no Dinosaur ones though, hmm)

But she'll start out in this

And for our Anna & Elsa meet i am undecided on what to have Aria wear. I have 2 upcycles with Anna & Elsa, plus the Anna dress, and a Frozen dress, and an Olaf upcycle! Thoughts?

1.

2.

3. (this one is still a bit big)

4. Might be too hot?

5.

Then at Cape May I want to put her in something Minnie, thinking this one since she hasn't worn it yet (vs. the shorties outfit that she wore to meet Minnie at DL). I need to look into what Minnie wears at Cape may (her red dress, hopefully?)

And on a side note, we have started to talk about our "spring trip" for 2015. Fall is our biggie - France for 18 nights, but I do have a little time to take a 1 week spring trip. As long as nothing changes in the children department, we want to do a Disney Cruise ( thinking Feb 1st, western Caribbean on the Magic for 7 nights). We are both totally on board with that, and will prob spend a couple nights before the cruise at WDW celebrating Aria's 3rd birthday (1/30). I need to look into cancellation or change policty for booking the cruise, because I'm totally ready to book but won't be able to go if I get pregnant in the next 6 months! (babies under 3m aren't allowed, and pregnant women over 24 weeks aren't allowed). That'll likely be my only WDW trip for 2015 though, plus of course DL Paris which will be neat to see. No AP's, but I will likely get them again in 2016.

Ok enough for now, back to stalking ADR's for Akershus at EPCOT on 6/11!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

wow, so much to comment on.

Looks like a really good time in Toontown - especially the play areas, Aria looks so happy

I have to say, that having never been to DL some of the pictures throw me off - like the one shot of the HM where you can see Splash Mountain in the background and just the angle/placement is different than at WDW

Blue Bayou looks really good - the setting looks great!

I vote for the "sisters forever" outfit for the A&E meet

 

[Imagineer5]

wow, so much to comment on.

Looks like a really good time in Toontown - especially the play areas, Aria looks so happy

I have to say, that having never been to DL some of the pictures throw me off - like the one shot of the HM where you can see Splash Mountain in the background and just the angle/placement is different than at WDW

Blue Bayou looks really good - the setting looks great!

I vote for the "sisters forever" outfit for the A&E meet

Hey look, we are under the 3 month mark for our August trips!!

Toontown was GREAT! Now I finally am sad that they removed it from WDW! I didn't care really when I heard they were taking it away, but I sure do now.

I totally agree - and what is worse is I grew up gonig to DL and it seemed SO foreign to me, which was even weirder since it felt like it SHOULD feel familiar? Does that make sense? LOL.

I actually packed the A&E sisters one for Izzy since it's the smallest of the bunch and fingers crossed it fits her - Dugette mentioned she didn't have anything Frozen-related to wear. I ended up packing #5 (which also has Anna & Elsa on it) since I showed it and the Olaf dress to Aria and she chose that one. Dugette mentioned they might think Aria and Izzy are sisters. Makes me think how much I hope they have a great time together because it would be fun to have Disney-friends for future trips!

 

[Imagineer5]

So Dugette is super on top of things and found us a 1900 Park Fare reservation for our first night, so we nixed The Wave. Excited to revisit 1900 Park Fare because 1) it's been nearly 2 years and 2) I really wanted Aria to meet Cinderella again. AND since the update she also got us a 4PM ADR at Garden Grill (so cancelling Biergarten). Which means all but Ohana are character meals! We have quite the line up for a last minute trip, I must say! She is good at the late night pick ups!

I've officially started the pre-trip nightmares, too. Had one that I forgot the TiW card (which is the main reason for all the TS!) and also forgot my AP (and in my dream I forked over the $$ for a 3-day ticket). Needless to say those went on my to-pack list immediately! I started packing last night and coordinating outfits & shoes (for Aria, of course, haven't started packing for me! LOL).

We have a busy 2 weeks ahead though, this weekend we may be going to CT to look at 2 more Sea Ray boats DH has been looking at, and Sunday we have a family photo session in Newport. Then next Thursday-Sunday we are going to Maryland to visit Lynda (yes I'll just be home 1 day and then head to WDW, eek!). So I've also been planning out the photo session outfits. Hope to be totally packed for Disney before we go to MD though, so that I don't have to worry about it. Love this time of year though, love the warm weather! Speaking of which, it looks like high-90's and thunderstorms during the trip.

Dugette do you have a poncho? I packed rain covers for my new stroller and will be packing a poncho too, but have Andrew's if you need it.

 

[AussieAngel]

Hiya! I'm finally all up to date! Sorry I haven't been commenting as I've been reading... I've just been squeezing in 5 minutes here and there, while Leo is napping usually!

Your DL trip sounds like so much fun so far! I've never been but would love to go one day. It's probably silly that we've never been since California is much closer to us than Florida, but oh well. One day!

As always, I've loving all Aria's outfit changes. She's growing up so quickly!

And how exciting that you, Dugette and your girls are going together soon! I'm sure your girls will have a blast together. I can't wait to hear all about it!

And so many other trips in your future too, lucky duck! I'll be interested to hear how you find Disneyland Paris. We stayed there a couple of years ago and, well... It definitely wasn't Disney World! Still fun but we won't be rushing back...

Anyway, thanks for sharing your trip with us and I look forward to hearing more!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Hey look, we are under the 3 month mark for our August trips!!

I know - and (at least for me as we arrive August 25th) only 29 days away from being able to make FP+ ... first time with that so I am super anxious!

Toontown was GREAT! Now I finally am sad that they removed it from WDW! I didn't care really when I heard they were taking it away, but I sure do now.

Olivia did get to the Toontown at WDW once and while it was cute, you didn't meet Mickey/Minnie there so it wasn't amazing to me - certainly much prefer Newish Fantasy Land and the Circus area ... plus I actually like that there are different things at the different parks

I totally agree - and what is worse is I grew up gonig to DL and it seemed SO foreign to me, which was even weirder since it felt like it SHOULD feel familiar? Does that make sense? LOL.

Totally makes sense - just go to show how much time you have spent at - and planning for - WDW!

I actually packed the A&E sisters one for Izzy since it's the smallest of the bunch and fingers crossed it fits her - Dugette mentioned she didn't have anything Frozen-related to wear. I ended up packing #5 (which also has Anna & Elsa on it) since I showed it and the Olaf dress to Aria and she chose that one. Dugette mentioned they might think Aria and Izzy are sisters. Makes me think how much I hope they have a great time together because it would be fun to have Disney-friends for future trips!

that's super cute - hope you get good pictures of the two sets of "sisters" together

 

[Imagineer5]

Hiya! I'm finally all up to date! Sorry I haven't been commenting as I've been reading... I've just been squeezing in 5 minutes here and there, while Leo is napping usually!

Your DL trip sounds like so much fun so far! I've never been but would love to go one day. It's probably silly that we've never been since California is much closer to us than Florida, but oh well. One day!

As always, I've loving all Aria's outfit changes. She's growing up so quickly!

And how exciting that you, Dugette and your girls are going together soon! I'm sure your girls will have a blast together. I can't wait to hear all about it!

And so many other trips in your future too, lucky duck! I'll be interested to hear how you find Disneyland Paris. We stayed there a couple of years ago and, well... It definitely wasn't Disney World! Still fun but we won't be rushing back...

Anyway, thanks for sharing your trip with us and I look forward to hearing more!

That is funny you've never been but make the trek all the way to WDW! DL was really wonderful - a trip to CA would be a lot of fun for you esp if you paired it with some time in Northern California (my favorite - Monterey & Carmel).

Yeah! We have never met in person but excited to do a girl's trip and have a friend for me and for Aria! So neat. So great to be able to get in some bigger rides too, which I hadn't thought I'd be able to do until October when DH is along.

Thankfully DL Paris isn't the reason we are going to France, so it won't make or break the trip by any means (it'll be 2-3 nights out of 18). I haven't heard over the top great things about it, but it should be a fun experience regardless and will hopefully break up some of the mundane museums (in Aria's eyes anyway).

I know - and (at least for me as we arrive August 25th) only 29 days away from being able to make FP+ ... first time with that so I am super anxious!



Olivia did get to the Toontown at WDW once and while it was cute, you didn't meet Mickey/Minnie there so it wasn't amazing to me - certainly much prefer Newish Fantasy Land and the Circus area ... plus I actually like that there are different things at the different parks



Totally makes sense - just go to show how much time you have spent at - and planning for - WDW!



that's super cute - hope you get good pictures of the two sets of "sisters" together

Ahh ok, I didn't realize Minnie & Mickey didn't even meet there (though the houses are super cute to climb around). I do enjoy the circus area / splash pad, and new Fantasyland area.

It has been a lot of fun playing with the system for our last minute trip since this will be my first with FP+ only. I think even from the planning stage that the system *seems* like it'll be super helpful esp when planning them for the afternoon when hopping to MK. Our only questionable time will be EPCOT afternoon as we won't be able to get FP for EPCOT until we get to the park, so we'll see what we are able to accomplish there. However, that isn't any different from the old days of hopping to a park and grabbing FP's anyway.

 

[Dugette]

Finally here to comment on all your updates!

I wish WDW had the Minnie & Mickey houses and M&Gs. So much fun - I remember going through them in DL when we were there. Izzy would love them, I'm sure. Too bad Aria was feeling a bit shy, but still very cute pictures!

Looks like lots of fun playgrounds!

Aw, that's too bad you couldn't ride Roger Rabbit or Matterhorn.

We always stand right by the exit door in the stretching room too. Why not?

Awesome that Blue Bayou was even better with the ride closed. Ha ha, I love the looks the diners next to you were giving you. Monte Cristo looks yummy!

Love Aria's wardrobe! Izzy's not going to be able to compete with that. Thanks for lending her the Sisters dress...hope it fits. She loves Anna and Elsa (and yells out Anna's name while watching the movie). I asked her tonight if she wanted to meet them in two weeks and she was a definite yes on that. (Since most answers are no right now, that's good!) It would be awesome to have future travel buddies!

I'm excited about our meals! Hope it goes well with the girls and all the characters. I've never done 1900 Park Fare, Tusker House breakfast (did lunch once before there were characters at it), or Cape May. Will be great to try some new places. And revisit some great ones! I'd say we've done a pretty impressive job of acquiring ADRs and FP+ on very short notice!

Well, at least your pre-trip nightmares aren't about us.

Hope we have decent weather. I got spoiled on our last trip - no rain and beautiful the whole week. I'm expecting hot for June and a brief, daily afternoon shower/storm, but hoping for the best. I have a raincoat I got at WDW on a previous trip, so I'll bring that. It doesn't have a hood, but I can bring a hat. So, probably won't need the poncho, but if you have excess room, I won't stop you from bringing it. I also have a stroller cover for the rain, but we have yet to need to use it. Probably should have one day in NYC, but anyway - I'll be bringing that. I don't need anything else for Izzy, right? She'd probably be under the cover, for the most part, if it rains. Oh, and I'll have my little umbrella too.

Getting super excited for our trip! Off to make some touring plans...

 

[JulieODC]

Sounds like an amazing last minute trip! So fun!!!

Toon Town looks really fun--- perfect for a toddler! Blue Bayou looks really cool as well -- reminds me of SAI a little...we love the atmosphere there.

SO fun that you guys are considering a cruise. I just finished my NOV TR, and plan to start on our DCL TR soon (I'm downloading photos as I type!). We had a great time

And, toddlers can be so fickle when it comes to meeting characters. DD loves seeing them from a distance, but gets stage fright when its her turn. She'll go say hi, give hugs and high fives, but getting a smile out of her is like pulling teeth. It took us almost 7 days on our cruise to get a smiling pose from her with a character, haha!!!

 

[Imagineer5]

Finally here to comment on all your updates!

I wish WDW had the Minnie & Mickey houses and M&Gs. So much fun - I remember going through them in DL when we were there. Izzy would love them, I'm sure. Too bad Aria was feeling a bit shy, but still very cute pictures!

Looks like lots of fun playgrounds!

Aw, that's too bad you couldn't ride Roger Rabbit or Matterhorn.

We always stand right by the exit door in the stretching room too. Why not?

Awesome that Blue Bayou was even better with the ride closed. Ha ha, I love the looks the diners next to you were giving you. Monte Cristo looks yummy!

Love Aria's wardrobe! Izzy's not going to be able to compete with that. Thanks for lending her the Sisters dress...hope it fits. She loves Anna and Elsa (and yells out Anna's name while watching the movie). I asked her tonight if she wanted to meet them in two weeks and she was a definite yes on that. (Since most answers are no right now, that's good!) It would be awesome to have future travel buddies!

I'm excited about our meals! Hope it goes well with the girls and all the characters. I've never done 1900 Park Fare, Tusker House breakfast (did lunch once before there were characters at it), or Cape May. Will be great to try some new places. And revisit some great ones! I'd say we've done a pretty impressive job of acquiring ADRs and FP+ on very short notice!

Well, at least your pre-trip nightmares aren't about us.

Hope we have decent weather. I got spoiled on our last trip - no rain and beautiful the whole week. I'm expecting hot for June and a brief, daily afternoon shower/storm, but hoping for the best. I have a raincoat I got at WDW on a previous trip, so I'll bring that. It doesn't have a hood, but I can bring a hat. So, probably won't need the poncho, but if you have excess room, I won't stop you from bringing it. I also have a stroller cover for the rain, but we have yet to need to use it. Probably should have one day in NYC, but anyway - I'll be bringing that. I don't need anything else for Izzy, right? She'd probably be under the cover, for the most part, if it rains. Oh, and I'll have my little umbrella too.

Getting super excited for our trip! Off to make some touring plans...

There were so many opportunities for Aria to get down and play, she had so much fun at DL! (and toontown!) don't worry - we get back to both Roger Rabbit and Matterhorn!

Yeah who gives evil looks at a camera ?? Obv i wasn't trying to get a photo of them, geez!

No I haven't had any nightmares about traveling with you girls just about forgetting stuff. It's weird bc i'll be out of town thurs-sun (baltimore visiting lynda), work monday, then fly out to disney! So I am just worried about having enough time to get everything packed up. Speaking of which, packing my clothes and checking off more of my packing list is on my immediate to do list for tonight!

I think we can expect some afternoon thunderstorms - which might make nap time interesting if they roll through during that. Even with rain covers I'd think that would be really loud to sleep under so we might have to plan for some indoor spots for one to wait with them while the other goes off to ride. Guess we'll play that by ear though!

Sounds like an amazing last minute trip! So fun!!!

Toon Town looks really fun--- perfect for a toddler! Blue Bayou looks really cool as well -- reminds me of SAI a little...we love the atmosphere there.

SO fun that you guys are considering a cruise. I just finished my NOV TR, and plan to start on our DCL TR soon (I'm downloading photos as I type!). We had a great time

And, toddlers can be so fickle when it comes to meeting characters. DD loves seeing them from a distance, but gets stage fright when its her turn. She'll go say hi, give hugs and high fives, but getting a smile out of her is like pulling teeth. It took us almost 7 days on our cruise to get a smiling pose from her with a character, haha!!!

Yeah San Angel Inn def has a similar feel, although it is much less busy/loud in BB since it isn't in a big marketplace. Yes - I can't wait to hear all about your cruise!!

YES! Aria will NOT smile on command even if she is excited to meet a character, unless it's her decision I guess. She is such a stinker! Very excited to see them from afar, just wish that would come across in the photos!

 

[Imagineer5]

Another update should come this afternoon - I need to get some actual work done first though! I have some updates though that I wanted to share.

1) I paid the deposit for a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Wonder, departing Feb 1st from Miami. I wanted to do a 7-nighter, but the difference in cost was $1500 ?!?! which I just couldn't get over for 2 nights. We have a family verandah stateroom, and our ports of call are Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Key with 2 days at sea. We are going to then drive down to the florida keys after the cruise and spend 4 nights in that area. Ticks a couple things off my must do list - cruise, mexico, and florida keys - so we are both super excited. I have until November 18th to make any changes, so we may end up moving it if things in the children deparatment change. Also, it falls 2 days after Aria's 3rd birthday so we are doing this vs. hosting a huge party. She'll be able to enjoy the kids clubs on board which is what I was really hoping for.

2) Andrew put in an offer on a Sea Ray 330 Sundancer over the weekend, and it was accepted last night. Now pending a survey and sea trial. I think it is ugly but he thinks it's a good deal and "exactly what he wanted" so whatever. (I dislike the green).

and off topic but we had family photos taken Sunday, so I am very excited to see them. Aria had 5 outfit changes.

 

[Dugette]

It's weird bc i'll be out of town thurs-sun (baltimore visiting lynda), work monday, then fly out to disney! So I am just worried about having enough time to get everything packed up. Speaking of which, packing my clothes and checking off more of my packing list is on my immediate to do list for tonight!

I was wondering if you'd work that one day between your travels. Pretty crazy! Glad you are getting packed. I've been randomly throwing things in a suitcase, but still have 90% to do. I need to figure out which of Izzy's outfits go with what day/part of day and pack for her!

I think we can expect some afternoon thunderstorms - which might make nap time interesting if they roll through during that. Even with rain covers I'd think that would be really loud to sleep under so we might have to plan for some indoor spots for one to wait with them while the other goes off to ride. Guess we'll play that by ear though!

Yes, indoor or covered spots would be good. However, maybe we'll be lucky. Forecast keeps changing every time I look. Accuweather showed about 90 and "cloudy" tonight (with chance of rain Thursday).

Congrats on your cruise and Andrew's boat. You both got some form of boat, I guess! And darn you making me price out a May 2015 Disney cruise tonight...

 

[Imagineer5]

I was wondering if you'd work that one day between your travels. Pretty crazy! Glad you are getting packed. I've been randomly throwing things in a suitcase, but still have 90% to do. I need to figure out which of Izzy's outfits go with what day/part of day and pack for her!


Yes, indoor or covered spots would be good. However, maybe we'll be lucky. Forecast keeps changing every time I look. Accuweather showed about 90 and "cloudy" tonight (with chance of rain Thursday).

Congrats on your cruise and Andrew's boat. You both got some form of boat, I guess! And darn you making me price out a May 2015 Disney cruise tonight...

All packed, minus a few things I need for Baltimore - toiletries, baggie of hair accessories for Aria, flat iron and camera. Not bad!

It would be so nice if the rain stays away!! Fingers crossed!

Thanks!! The cruise is going to be SO MUCH FUN! I have been searching for TR's for cruises, and found one that had the same itinerary as us on the Wonder this past Feb, so that's been fun to read.

How did your prices look?

Andrew's boat is coming along. He is driving me nuts - I am making him be 100% in charge of finances for the boat (I handle all our bills, and don't want another one to think about, plus all the added expenses that come with a boat). As such, he has been dealing with USAA over the boat loan (2% interest - awesome) and with the broker of the boat, as well as setting up the survey & sea trial. But stuff that I could have gotten all done 2 days ago he still hasn't done because he is too busy at work and had something to do last night. I don't like loose ends and wasting time - so I am trying my hardest to stay out of it but it's definitely annoying me! (The broker also takes his sweet time getting stuff Andrew needs to him).

Anywayyy..I just noticed your ticker. It's super cute!

 

[Imagineer5]

Back on track!! Going to have a number of posts finishing up our 1st day at Disneyland!!

We left off full from a delicious Blue Bayou lunch! It was nap time so I laid Aria down in the stroller and she went right to bed. We had two FP’s to use – one at BTMRR and one at Space mountain. It was HOT (95 or so) so we were also pretty tired. We had one thing to do after getting in those rides – I needed to exchange the Photopass + voucher (pre order was only $70 and included ride photos, character meal photos, and of course photopass pics around the park). There is only 1 location in Disneyland and 1 in California Adventure and I hadn’t made a point to get it yet but needed it at the very least before our Ariel’s Grotto lunch the next day. Anyway, back to BTMRR…

Since we were closest to BTMRR, we rode that one first (getting a rider swap). I rode first and then swapped with Lynda. Right before our DL trip, BTMRR reopened after a very lengthy refurb. I was sooo excited to ride it, and it did NOT disappoint! It goes way above and beyond the WDW now!! The ride is incredibly smooth, and they added in a mine bombing sequence mid-ride that was SO cool. (actually…hot! They blew fake fireballs at you! Haha). Some photos from the ride-

After our turns on the awesome Big Thunder (which was one ride I did really want to do again this trip!) we headed over to the hub to pick up the photopass + lanyard – on the way stopping for some castle photo pics!

I should know this by now but, note to self: do not buy new Merrill sandals and expect to walk around all day at a Disney park in them!! I don't know if I wore these again the rest of the trip! Ouch!

Quickly exchanged the voucher for the lanyard and then headed to Space. Of course, neither of us remembered to actually bring the lanyard in to Space with us to take the photos (but I did bring it to the exit and Lynda added her pic on at the end). Space is a PITA at DL – the entrance is incredibly far down a long hallway, and we had to go together of course to get that rider swap! This time, Lynda entered first and I asked where the rider swap person goes and they told me in the exit, so I took a sleeping Aria back out and around to meet Lynda at the exit. A short time later, Lynda came out and we swapped – the rider swap here was AWESOME – they had me go up the exit ramp and I basically walked right on a ride vehicle. So cool.

There was a line for my pic to be added so I just snapped a quick pic and we left.

So I was out in 5 minutes and we decided to head back so we could get in some pool time once Aria wakes up – SO nice to be able to walk everywhere (quickly) as Aria was able to continue her nap while we headed on back to the hotel. But first – a few Main St & castle shots!!

Gorgeous horse! Side note - there was an elderly man (around 80 years old) standing at the side of Main St. with a mickey popcicle in one hand and a camera in the other taking a photo of the castle. It warmed my heart.

 

[Imagineer5]

We went back to the room and Aria continued to sleep in her stroller while we both got changed into suits, and right as we were about to head back to the pool she woke up – perfect timing! She was in a great mood and I quickly got her into a swimsuit. She (as do I) LOVES pool time and the Disneyland hotel pool was just so AWESOME for all of us to enjoy. We set up on some chairs near the monorail slide pool, and then made a quick stop in the bigger pool down below. I loved the original tickets lining the pool!

Dugette, can you see why I want to carve out a bit of pool time!! haha

Then we went back up to have some fun on the slides and shallow warm water.

There was quite a line for the slides today so I didn't go down them, but Lynda did!

Aria had a ton of fun with some water fountains that danced around randomly!

While I was watching Aria, Lynda went off in search of some drinks and came back with some. They were not Trader Sams quality but were delicious nonetheless.

Hehe, Aria wanted to lay down too I guess!

After a fantastic time at the pool we went back up to shower – our evening plans had us back at DL for our reserved Fantasmic dessert seating which we needed to get there at 8PM and we wanted to check on a few things first – 1 being my walk up to the castle pic 2- check out the Splash single rider line and 3- ride Pinocchio if there isn’t much of a wait! So around 6 we headed back to the park! A couple pics at the entrance!

Then we took a quick walking to the castle pic. Unfortunately there was no opportunity to get into the park before opening, so I didn’t bother taking precious early morning time to do it (with people streaming through to FL).

Next a few PP pics! (first was a magic shot with Tink, but Tink was being shy and didn't show up in the pic).

I love this one!

 

[Imagineer5]

After this we went to see about riding Splash via the single rider line. Unfortunately, it was not to be as the SR line was out the exit all the way to the shop (approx. a 45 minute wait according to a CM) so we decided to hop on Pooh, which was right near Splash (not in FL like WDW). We had SUCH a BLAST on it!! Aria was laughing and pointing things out and saying WEE and that was FUN! It was so cute. And spoiler alert, we end up going on Pooh more than any other ride over the course of the trip! Haha.

I love this dress

I think Pooh is better at DL than WDW - I like the setting!

We headed back towards FL to check on Pinocchio, but first decided to climb around the treehouse. This one is modeled after Tarzan and Jane (I remember being VERY sad when they did this as I loved the original, but it is fun now). Aria loves stairs and had fun going up and down them on her own (we let a number of families pass us). There was a cute teenage couple and the boy was so sweet – he ended up walking up the stairs with Aria and his (girl)friend was behind them and he started joking with her that Aria was a better climber than she was. It was sweet to see a teenage boy so nice! Anyway we had a blast doing this!

At the bottom there is an instrument play area

As we continued back to FL, Lynda pointed out that I stilled hadn’t ridden Matterhorn, so I broke off from them with the plan to hop in the Matterhorn single rider line and Lynda & Aria would ride the carrousel. I got to the matterhorn and just totally struck out – SR line was estimated to be 45 minutes long. Yuck! Definitely went against my crappy touring plans app with an estimated 5 minutes! Grr! But luckily I was able to hop back around and join Lynda & Aria on the carrousel before they loaded. Always a fun ride!

(you aren't tired of seeing Aria pics, are you?!!? LOL)

 

[Imagineer5]

Next we headed to Pinocchio which somehow had hardly a wait (!!) which we ALL loved!! It was dark in some places, but I think it compares to Peter Pan in its quality. Much better than Snow White (and ten times better than Mr. Toad) – we actually planned to ride again on our next DL day.

Pinocchio lets out right by the Anna & Elsa meet – and look who Aria spotted on the roof!! OLAF!! Aria was so excited to see him. I so wish he met with A&E, definitely my favorite character!

It was about 7:45 at this point and 8PM was the check in time for F! reserved seating. Some people apparently line up at 6PM for the first row seats, but I actually wanted the 3rd (back) row so that I could stand if need be (with Aria) so I didn’t make it a point to get there early. We ended up with fantastic seats and were told to come back after 8:30 (the show was at 9) and we’d be led to the seats. So, where did we go? Back to Pooh! There wasn’t that much to do without a wait in this part of the park (HM, Splash, and Pooh – Pirates was down) so it was a logical choice, of course! Aria had a blast again!

Love this one-

At 8:30 we headed back to get our seats for the show. We were led directly to the seats (having to leave the stroller at the entrance) and given our dessert trays. Our CM/waiter also asked about drinks and offered to bring out something for Aria despite her not having her own seat. I took an awful pic of the dessert platter – but it had a large shortbread cookie, brownie, macaroon, and some other treats along with cheese wheels and packages of cheese. Aria immediately wanted in on that fun so she started tasting all my treats. It was nice having the cheese wheels inside to break up the sweets!

The couple in the row with us was very sweet. I think Lynda talked with them a bit but I was mainly making sure Aria wasn't getting chocolate all over us.

Aria and I shared this chair - it was a tight fit!

Pretty quickly the show began. I brought the ear muffs for Aria and they came in handy – but she was still very frightened by the show. I wasn’t able to get great photos because I was mainly holding her in one arm and attempting to snap some things without being able to look through the camera with the other hand! During the water portions she relaxed and enjoyed it, but didn’t enjoy the Maleficent scene with the dragon at all. Thankfully at the end with the characters all out, Aria came out of her funk a bit. She yelled “all done…that was funnnnnn” but in a near-crying voice. I felt so bad for her! She didn’t enjoy it at all. I told her she doesn’t need to say that when she doesn’t enjoy something but it continued throughout the trip (though she wasn’t that afraid of anything else).

Perfect view!

A quick pic Lynda snapped -