julezdisney
Disney Obsessed
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
Ohhhhh! Yay! Cliffhangers, even! You go girl- I love it so far... I'm on the edge of my seat to know if you woke up on time!
Taking The Plunge-TR for 1st time to WDW...is there a Dream to be had?*Update 7/25*
- Thread starter Jules3Kids
- Start date
Charleston Princess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2008
That is a long day for all of you!!! I would have spent that first night relaxing, too! Your condo looks great! Can't wait to hear about your first day at the parks.
Jules3Kids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
Just a quick note on this TR: I didn't take many notes (rookie mistake 
) and so I am going by memory completely on this, using my pics to help me as much as possible! So there will be a few gaps here and there, but you'll get the idea. Also, there's no food porn (sorry!), except for a few kids meals for some weird reason and alcoholic beverages (which I felt the absolute need to take pics of!)
Ok...so now we are off to AK for our first day in WDW! I was so excited that morning....I can remember that very clearly!
So was I able to get everyone up and going? Not as early as I wanted to. But, I was trying to go with the flow as much as possible. We didn't have any ADR's that day and I knew everyone was tired from the traveling the day before. I believe we didn't get there until about 9:30 (yikes!), and it was super crowded and hot already. But we were there and I was happy about that!!!!
Here's a pic of my mom and Zoey (my DD3) in the van on the way:
When I saw this I couldn't contain myself...I was so giddy!
So pulling into the parking lot, man were we all surprised at the crowds, but also at how everything seemed to go very smoothly with the CM's directing you exactly where to park.
My sister and my two boys on the tram:
Now here is where I used my first great tip I learned on these boards! Instead of going through the regular turnstiles, we headed through Rainforest Cafe and out the back door of the gift shop. Outside was a turnstile and no people! For a few minutes there it was so quiet, like we had that part of the park to ourselves! It was really cool and everyone then applauded my research and efforts! (and that was the first of many times they did that!)
My oldest right outside the Rainforest Cafe gift shop side door:
Of course as soon as we headed to the main part of the park, the crowds were all there. We immediately headed to Safari to grap FP's. On the way of course, we had to stop at a gift shop. I really didn't want to stop since I knew by the look of the crowds we needed to get all of our FP's and rides in quickly! But shopping is part of life for this family and they would not be deterred. This day was a learning curve of sorts, if you know what I mean. By the end of the week, my DH and stepdad had learned to be great FP runners and had it down pat!
However I was happy we went in the store because the first bit of Disney Magic happened! A CM came up to Zoey and asked her to sign Mickey's autograph book! It was so sweet and she was so happy! She said to me, "Mommy, Mickey is going to have my name in his book!" I wanted to cry it was so adorable.
Here she is signing it:
(continued in next post)
) and so I am going by memory completely on this, using my pics to help me as much as possible! So there will be a few gaps here and there, but you'll get the idea. Also, there's no food porn (sorry!), except for a few kids meals for some weird reason and alcoholic beverages (which I felt the absolute need to take pics of!)Ok...so now we are off to AK for our first day in WDW! I was so excited that morning....I can remember that very clearly!
So was I able to get everyone up and going? Not as early as I wanted to. But, I was trying to go with the flow as much as possible. We didn't have any ADR's that day and I knew everyone was tired from the traveling the day before. I believe we didn't get there until about 9:30 (yikes!), and it was super crowded and hot already. But we were there and I was happy about that!!!!
Here's a pic of my mom and Zoey (my DD3) in the van on the way:
When I saw this I couldn't contain myself...I was so giddy!
So pulling into the parking lot, man were we all surprised at the crowds, but also at how everything seemed to go very smoothly with the CM's directing you exactly where to park.
My sister and my two boys on the tram:
Now here is where I used my first great tip I learned on these boards! Instead of going through the regular turnstiles, we headed through Rainforest Cafe and out the back door of the gift shop. Outside was a turnstile and no people! For a few minutes there it was so quiet, like we had that part of the park to ourselves! It was really cool and everyone then applauded my research and efforts! (and that was the first of many times they did that!)
My oldest right outside the Rainforest Cafe gift shop side door:
Of course as soon as we headed to the main part of the park, the crowds were all there. We immediately headed to Safari to grap FP's. On the way of course, we had to stop at a gift shop. I really didn't want to stop since I knew by the look of the crowds we needed to get all of our FP's and rides in quickly! But shopping is part of life for this family and they would not be deterred. This day was a learning curve of sorts, if you know what I mean. By the end of the week, my DH and stepdad had learned to be great FP runners and had it down pat!
However I was happy we went in the store because the first bit of Disney Magic happened! A CM came up to Zoey and asked her to sign Mickey's autograph book! It was so sweet and she was so happy! She said to me, "Mommy, Mickey is going to have my name in his book!" I wanted to cry it was so adorable.
Here she is signing it:
(continued in next post)
Jules3Kids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
So continuing on, we did get our FP's for Safari. I don't remember the exact return time but it wasn't too long so we went back to the Bug's Life 3D show.
That was a lot of fun and had us laughing. We had been to this in California Adventure at DL, but it's been a while and was fun to see again.
Unfortunately, my DD was a scardy cat and so DH took her out part way through the show. This would be a recurring theme with her...she's a big talker but no action when it comes to doing rides!
After that everyone was hungry (they said I didn't let them have a proper breakfast and they needed real food!) haha
So we got CS somewhere on the way back to Safari (can't remember the name, sorry!) but we sat outside and watched this show while we ate:
That was fun, and a nice way to have lunch. After it was time for Safari...I had read such cool things about it and was excited to ride it!
Here's one pic from the ride (note my DS making the funny face...typical him for a laugh!)
I'm not going to post the animal pics as I'm sure you've all seen them over and over by now! But we saw a lot of animals very close up, which we were happy about and we all loved the ride.
I think after that we did the trail walk. That was nice (but hot!).
Thank goodness I had again found great tips from my DIS friends and bought spray fans at Wal-Mart for everyone! Again, they were loving me for that one.
A pic of myself and DH with our three kids:
And my sister, mom, stepdad and boys:
This is when the huge thunderstorm happened....we weren't totally unprepared however, because I had also come with ponchos! My mom had even bought the little girls poncho jackets which were so cute, but I can't believe I don't have a picture of them! We huddled under a rooftop somewhere with a million other people getting our ponchos on, then we just kept going! The boys loved getting wet, but I was worried about lightning.
It seemed to leave almost as fast as it came though...so not too bad.
Finally onto Everest and Dinosaur! My DS15 was especially excited for these two rides. He's a thrill rider for sure. DS9 was not sure about Everest, but definitely wanted to do Dinosaur!
I can't remember the exact order of events here, but I think we grabbed FP's for Everest then headed to Dinoland. The kids played for a while in that big play area while mom and stepdad took a break on a bench. I think we grabbed a snack and drinks and took the requied bathroom/re-apply sunblock, etc. breaks here! My mom really wanted to see the Nemo show, so I do know some of us got in line for that while others went to Everest. Then we headed to Dinosaur. We did get FP's for that as well, except for my mom who will not ride most thrill rides! Which works out well because she stays with the little kids while the rest of us ride!
Here's our pic of the pic we didn't buy because we were too cheap!
Note me scared with my head down and my sister screaming in the front row!
That was fun...we all enjoyed that ride and compared it to the Indiana Jones ride in DL. If you've never been on that, it's the same type of jeep, with the same feel to it.
As for Everest, most everyone loved it. I had a problem with the backwards part...it made me feel dizzy for a few hours afterwards. But the ride, theming, everything was awesome!
It was nap time for little ones and this is where the rest of that day gets fuzzy for me. I know I stayed behind with the little ones while they all went on Kali (even Mom, who does love water rides!) and then I can't remember much else.
We missed the Lion King show which was my one disappointment for the day.
But I will be back!
I can't even remember dinner that night but I think it was somewhere on the resort we were staying at. We did the pool with the boys for a little bit, and that was that!
Up next....Day Two! MK.....I can't wait to see that castle!
That was a lot of fun and had us laughing. We had been to this in California Adventure at DL, but it's been a while and was fun to see again.
Unfortunately, my DD was a scardy cat and so DH took her out part way through the show. This would be a recurring theme with her...she's a big talker but no action when it comes to doing rides!
After that everyone was hungry (they said I didn't let them have a proper breakfast and they needed real food!) haha
So we got CS somewhere on the way back to Safari (can't remember the name, sorry!) but we sat outside and watched this show while we ate:
That was fun, and a nice way to have lunch. After it was time for Safari...I had read such cool things about it and was excited to ride it!
Here's one pic from the ride (note my DS making the funny face...typical him for a laugh!)
I'm not going to post the animal pics as I'm sure you've all seen them over and over by now! But we saw a lot of animals very close up, which we were happy about and we all loved the ride.
I think after that we did the trail walk. That was nice (but hot!).
Thank goodness I had again found great tips from my DIS friends and bought spray fans at Wal-Mart for everyone! Again, they were loving me for that one.
A pic of myself and DH with our three kids:
And my sister, mom, stepdad and boys:
This is when the huge thunderstorm happened....we weren't totally unprepared however, because I had also come with ponchos! My mom had even bought the little girls poncho jackets which were so cute, but I can't believe I don't have a picture of them! We huddled under a rooftop somewhere with a million other people getting our ponchos on, then we just kept going! The boys loved getting wet, but I was worried about lightning.
It seemed to leave almost as fast as it came though...so not too bad.
Finally onto Everest and Dinosaur! My DS15 was especially excited for these two rides. He's a thrill rider for sure. DS9 was not sure about Everest, but definitely wanted to do Dinosaur!
I can't remember the exact order of events here, but I think we grabbed FP's for Everest then headed to Dinoland. The kids played for a while in that big play area while mom and stepdad took a break on a bench. I think we grabbed a snack and drinks and took the requied bathroom/re-apply sunblock, etc. breaks here! My mom really wanted to see the Nemo show, so I do know some of us got in line for that while others went to Everest. Then we headed to Dinosaur. We did get FP's for that as well, except for my mom who will not ride most thrill rides! Which works out well because she stays with the little kids while the rest of us ride!
Here's our pic of the pic we didn't buy because we were too cheap!
Note me scared with my head down and my sister screaming in the front row!
That was fun...we all enjoyed that ride and compared it to the Indiana Jones ride in DL. If you've never been on that, it's the same type of jeep, with the same feel to it.
As for Everest, most everyone loved it. I had a problem with the backwards part...it made me feel dizzy for a few hours afterwards. But the ride, theming, everything was awesome!
It was nap time for little ones and this is where the rest of that day gets fuzzy for me. I know I stayed behind with the little ones while they all went on Kali (even Mom, who does love water rides!) and then I can't remember much else.
We missed the Lion King show which was my one disappointment for the day.
But I will be back!
I can't even remember dinner that night but I think it was somewhere on the resort we were staying at. We did the pool with the boys for a little bit, and that was that!
Up next....Day Two! MK.....I can't wait to see that castle!
tyandskyesmom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2007
sounds like fun so far...
julezdisney
Disney Obsessed
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
That's awesome! I didn't know that! Woo hoo!
Awesome! How fun! And how was Nemo, btw?
wdwgirl03
<font color=red>I'm just a big Disney Freak! :-)<b
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2004
Great start! I agree, Dinosaur is like Indy at Disneyland. Oh yes, I have been on Dinosaur how many times now and I STILL close my eyes at the big dino at the end...we've had a lot of ride photos that look like yours!
Jules3Kids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
It definitely was...thanks for reading!
Thank you! The first TR is exciting to write!
What I saw of Nemo was awesome! Once again my DD3 started freaking out! I kept telling her it was just a show, etc....I even brought candy as a bribe for her to stay.
But we got there late so we were right in the front and as soon as it started, that was it! She wanted to leave ASAP! So since DH had taken her out of Bugs Life, I left with her this time. Plus it was nap time so she was cranky! I wanted to go back later but we never got the chance. Another one for the next time list! 
That was really scary, but so much fun! So lifelike!Great start! I agree, Dinosaur is like Indy at Disneyland. Oh yes, I have been on Dinosaur how many times now and I STILL close my eyes at the big dino at the end...we've had a lot of ride photos that look like yours!
My DS15 was becoming the expert on taking those photos! He would go right up to the screen and somehow always got the best pics. Always handy to have a teenager around (most of the time!)
Day Two coming up soon...hopefully in the next day or two!
Jules3Kids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
Working on pics for Day Two-MK!
Should be ready to update TR tomorrow......thanks to all who are tuning in!
Should be ready to update TR tomorrow......thanks to all who are tuning in!
julezdisney
Disney Obsessed
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
Working on pics for Day Two-MK!
Should be ready to update TR tomorrow......thanks to all who are tuning in!
yay!
Jules3Kids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
Well, our second day started off much like the first! Despite my warnings of crowds, etc...we still managed to get a late start AGAIN! I was trying to not get frustrated, but I knew it was going to be super busy at MK that day. I also knew we would have to park, get on the tram, then take the monorail or ferry to MK. I'm embarrassed to tell you how late it was by the time we finally got there but let's just say it might have been closer to lunch time than breakfast! Not quite, but too late for my standards! Suffice to say, that was the last day we were that late. They all got it then!
Here's the two girls on the ferry, my DD Zoey and my niece:
And my DS Tyler with the two girls:
Mom and the stepdad (Note the McDonalds Iced Coffee he HAD to have on the way to MK!):
Finally we enter the front gates and are at the MK! I was so excited!
Some of the gang at the entrance:
My sis and her DD:
Then it was down Main Street with everyone else and their mother
Man, it was crowded. But the castle was awesome! We decided to duck into a gift shop and head through that way all the way down Main St. I had read on these boards (thanks!) that they connect so that helped save some time. Except when everyone had to stop and shop
Although I am at fault, too I suppose
We headed to Splash Mtn. for FP's. Actually DH went to get those, while we headed to BTMRR. My DS9 loved this ride at DL last year and was really looking forward to it! The wait said 25 min. so we just jumped in! It was more like 35 min., I was a little annoyed about that since I said I would never wait that long for a ride. But we had a great time and didn't wait that long the rest of the trip for anything!
Again, I'm a little fuzzy on details of exactly what we did, but I think we headed over to Fantasyland. Now, I knew there would be long lines for everything, so we decided to skip a lot of the small dark rides. Like I said, we had just been to DL last year and did them all, so we weren't too heartbroken about it. But Small World was a Must-DO! It was the only ride Zoey didn't flip out about and insisted on going on! She still remembered it from last year and was super excited!
Here's some pics from that ride:
As always, this was a big hit with our family. However, we all said the one in DL is better. It's a little longer (which could be good or bad, depending how you feel about it! ) and it just seems a little more classic there, if you know what I mean. But still it was cool and the girls LOVED it! 
I remember after that we took a short break, and tried to decide what to eat for lunch. I had heard pretty good things about Harbor House, and we were close so we ate there. Sorry, no pics but everyone really enjoyed it, especially for the price. I really thought it was reasonable and the food was good. Some had chicken strips with fries, I had the hummus sandwich which was really tasty and light.
So, a good quick meal and onto more fun!
After lunch it was time to hit Splash Mtn. with our FP's! My awesome DH decided to wait with the girls and let the rest of us go. He really is a good guy, despite not being in love with Disney like me!
So, here's our pic of the pic again...Sorry for the bad quality on this one...not sure what happened that time! That's my DS15 and my sis up front, Tyler and I next and then Mom and stepdad:
So much fun! I wanted to go again so bad, but the wait was horrid to say the least and it was time to move on.....
Up Next: More of Day 2!
but let's just say it might have been closer to lunch time than breakfast! Not quite, but too late for my standards! Suffice to say, that was the last day we were that late. They all got it then! Here's the two girls on the ferry, my DD Zoey and my niece:
And my DS Tyler with the two girls:
Mom and the stepdad (Note the McDonalds Iced Coffee he HAD to have on the way to MK!):
Finally we enter the front gates and are at the MK! I was so excited!
Some of the gang at the entrance:
My sis and her DD:
Then it was down Main Street with everyone else and their mother
Man, it was crowded. But the castle was awesome! We decided to duck into a gift shop and head through that way all the way down Main St. I had read on these boards (thanks!) that they connect so that helped save some time. Except when everyone had to stop and shop
Although I am at fault, too I suppose We headed to Splash Mtn. for FP's. Actually DH went to get those, while we headed to BTMRR. My DS9 loved this ride at DL last year and was really looking forward to it! The wait said 25 min. so we just jumped in! It was more like 35 min., I was a little annoyed about that since I said I would never wait that long for a ride. But we had a great time and didn't wait that long the rest of the trip for anything!
Again, I'm a little fuzzy on details of exactly what we did, but I think we headed over to Fantasyland. Now, I knew there would be long lines for everything, so we decided to skip a lot of the small dark rides. Like I said, we had just been to DL last year and did them all, so we weren't too heartbroken about it. But Small World was a Must-DO! It was the only ride Zoey didn't flip out about and insisted on going on! She still remembered it from last year and was super excited!
Here's some pics from that ride:
As always, this was a big hit with our family. However, we all said the one in DL is better. It's a little longer (which could be good or bad, depending how you feel about it!
) and it just seems a little more classic there, if you know what I mean. But still it was cool and the girls LOVED it! I remember after that we took a short break, and tried to decide what to eat for lunch. I had heard pretty good things about Harbor House, and we were close so we ate there. Sorry, no pics but everyone really enjoyed it, especially for the price. I really thought it was reasonable and the food was good. Some had chicken strips with fries, I had the hummus sandwich which was really tasty and light.
So, a good quick meal and onto more fun!
After lunch it was time to hit Splash Mtn. with our FP's! My awesome DH decided to wait with the girls and let the rest of us go. He really is a good guy, despite not being in love with Disney like me!
So, here's our pic of the pic again...Sorry for the bad quality on this one...not sure what happened that time! That's my DS15 and my sis up front, Tyler and I next and then Mom and stepdad:
So much fun! I wanted to go again so bad, but the wait was horrid to say the least and it was time to move on.....
Up Next: More of Day 2!
Charleston Princess
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2008
Okay, I think I am all caught up! Great updates! They make me want to be there -- heat, crowds, and all!
That is just the cutest story about the CM asking your DD to sign Mickey's autograph book!
Animal Kingdom is probably my favorite park, but it is always so hot! No wonder you can't remember the rest of the day too clearly, your brain was probably mush from the heat!
Magic Kingdom is always crowded, I think -- some days it is just more crowded than others!
I love how your family is appreciating all of your DIS knowledge!
That is just the cutest story about the CM asking your DD to sign Mickey's autograph book!
Animal Kingdom is probably my favorite park, but it is always so hot! No wonder you can't remember the rest of the day too clearly, your brain was probably mush from the heat!
Magic Kingdom is always crowded, I think -- some days it is just more crowded than others!
I love how your family is appreciating all of your DIS knowledge!
tink1957
Proud Redhead
- Joined
- May 18, 2008
Just found your report today & I am all caught up. Great pics. I can understand about the late risers, I had DD21, DS17, & DNephew15 on our first trip & it was hard to make them get up before 12:00.:
The only time I got them up early was for breakfast at Boma. Glad to hear your people saw the light. Can't wait to read what happens next.
I can understand about the late risers, I had DD21, DS17, & DNephew15 on our first trip & it was hard to make them get up before 12:00.: The only time I got them up early was for breakfast at Boma. Glad to hear your people saw the light. Can't wait to read what happens next.
wdwgirl03
<font color=red>I'm just a big Disney Freak! :-)<b
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2004
I am really enjoying your TR! Everyone looks like they're having a great time. I think you're right about IASW at Disneyland, although I think it left me and my dad permanently scarred...when we were there in '07 we got stuck on it for almost an hour. LOL!
I can't wait for more!
I think you're right about IASW at Disneyland, although I think it left me and my dad permanently scarred...when we were there in '07 we got stuck on it for almost an hour. LOL!I can't wait for more!
Jules3Kids
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 12, 2008
I feel like I've been away for a long time, even though its been less than a week! Things have been crazy...DH and I went to Lake Tahoe for our anniversary last weekend (will maybe post some pics if I can get my act together!).
Then on Sunday night the dog got out and we couldn't find him so I spent Monday and Tues. looking for him with the kids...finally someone saw my ad on Craigslist and we got him back!
On top of all that two of the kids have been sick, and DH and I are a little sick today...some stomach bug going around here.
So I hope to feel up to an update to my TR today or tomorrow...and I need to catch up on all of your TR updates, too!
Then on Sunday night the dog got out and we couldn't find him so I spent Monday and Tues. looking for him with the kids...finally someone saw my ad on Craigslist and we got him back!
On top of all that two of the kids have been sick, and DH and I are a little sick today...some stomach bug going around here.
So I hope to feel up to an update to my TR today or tomorrow...and I need to catch up on all of your TR updates, too!
julezdisney
Disney Obsessed
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
feel better!
julezdisney
Disney Obsessed
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2008
How's trip reporting Juliana? We switched from Disneyland to WDW! Crazy, huh? 33 more sleeps!
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