10 days in Disney w/ pics

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Your trip report has been a great ride. I hope that I can keep everyones interest as you have kept mine. Your kids are cuties and I can see your husband loves you lots. I hope your taking another trip soon. I want to hear more stories from you.

 

[cjnix29]

I am glad to see that we are not the only ones that truly capitalize on the parent swap tickets! Sometimes, I think those are better than fast passes!!!

 

[timandlesley]

I think the parent swap passes are a well kept secret and under-utilized commodity in Disney World, glad to see your family benefits as well. .Glad you enjoyed the report.
Lesley

 

[grumpy.uncle]

Lesley, just finished reading your entire trip report between customers at work. It was so entertaining. You have such an amazing family and your kids are not only adorable, they are real troopers. They threw up and were ready to go shortly after. You have a real knack for writing and your photos made us all believe we were sharing your trip w/you. I'll be staying at WL for NYE on the 31st of Dec. and I can't wait. BWV is my home resort and we will be moving there on Jan.1-8. Our schools are out for a longer period during Xmas break so we go to WDW around New Years and stay into Jan. If you ever have a chance to go this time of year, it is wonderful as all the Xmas decorations are up for a few days into Jan. The Xmas decor and the Osborne Lights at MGM are awe inspiring. I was overwhelmed. I know you say you love WL, but you might consider staying at one of the Epcot resorts since they are a short walk or boatride away from MGM. Also, stormalong bay pool at the Yacht Club and Beach club is wonderful. You also might check out the water parks on one of your future trips. Blizzard Beach is great and they have a couple nice areas for little ones. Your TR was a pleasure to read and your photos were very special. Thanks for sharing your vacation and your family with all of us. Ed

 

[RunningthruDisney]

Hi Lesley
Great TR, I am glad you had a great birthday!
Just one question, Where did your DH order those stawberries from?, they looked so good.
We are going next week, actually arriving at SSR on Wednesday and may just want to order some.

Thanks

 

[timandlesley]

Lesley, just finished reading your entire trip report between customers at work. It was so entertaining. You have such an amazing family and your kids are not only adorable, they are real troopers. They threw up and were ready to go shortly after. You have a real knack for writing and your photos made us all believe we were sharing your trip w/you. I'll be staying at WL for NYE on the 31st of Dec. and I can't wait. BWV is my home resort and we will be moving there on Jan.1-8. Our schools are out for a longer period during Xmas break so we go to WDW around New Years and stay into Jan. If you ever have a chance to go this time of year, it is wonderful as all the Xmas decorations are up for a few days into Jan. The Xmas decor and the Osborne Lights at MGM are awe inspiring. I was overwhelmed. I know you say you love WL, but you might consider staying at one of the Epcot resorts since they are a short walk or boatride away from MGM. Also, stormalong bay pool at the Yacht Club and Beach club is wonderful. You also might check out the water parks on one of your future trips. Blizzard Beach is great and they have a couple nice areas for little ones. Your TR was a pleasure to read and your photos were very special. Thanks for sharing your vacation and your family with all of us. Ed

Ed,
Glad you enjoyed it. I may just try to plan a trip from New Years to January, good idea!!! How are the crowds then? Is that peak season? I'll have to look into it.
Is stormalong bay at Yacht Club or Beach Club? I was considering renting points for an upcoming trip since it is cheaper but we love the bunks so much at WL that going from that to a pull out sofa for the kids is the only major concern.
I wish the SWAN/DOLPHIN with the teacher rates would allow you to purchase the meal plan, if they would I'd stay there in a heartbeat.
Glad you enjoyed the report, thanks for the nice comments.
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

Hi Lesley
Great TR, I am glad you had a great birthday!
Just one question, Where did your DH order those stawberries from?, they looked so good.
We are going next week, actually arriving at SSR on Wednesday and may just want to order some.

Thanks

My DH went to the counter at WL and ordered them from the bakery, they were 20-25 dollars and YUM!!!! i am sure other bakeries make them on property too, hope you can find them (give the hotel a call directly and they will assist you). Have a GREAT trip!!!
Lesley

 

[Gina35]

Ed,
going from that to a pull out sofa for the kids is the only major concern.
I wish the SWAN/DOLPHIN with the teacher rates would allow you to purchase the meal plan, if they would I'd stay there in a heartbeat.

Hi Lesley--Didn't realize the Swan/Dolphin HAD teacher rates!! Do you know any details? I DO agree with you about the meal plan, tho. It makes it all so much nicer. We are DVC members with Boardwalk as our home resort, but we LOVE Beach Club, primarily because of Stormalong Bay. Your kids would love it as they get older. Don't know much about WL, though. I'd be interested in hearing more about the "bunks" and info on their pool(s), etc. My (grown) children take turns on the pull-out ('tho most of the times it goes to my son), since I have 3 kids and we get a 2 bedroom unit. No one has really complained about it.

 

[saucymb]

"What a GREAT night with my little buddy, I will always remember this night. Luke is a GREAT date !!!"

What a line...I'm sitting here on this Saturday morning with my 3 month old baby Jonah at my feet in his bouncy seat, sleeping peacefully. When I read that line, it struck me that one day I hope to have an evening like that with Jonah at WDW. How special!

DH and I are both turning 30 this year as well (Happy belated Birthday, 76-er!). We'll be at WDW in December, and although our birthday's are in July and September, I think we'll celebrate while we are there in December! That will also be Jonah's first trip, he will be 8 months old, so it was good to hear the advice you gave Cass regarding 8 month old babies. I'm so looking forward to it!

Thanks for a great report. You've made my morning!

 

[Corinne]

Lesley:

Loved your tr! Your children are adorable!

 

[timandlesley]

Hi Lesley--Didn't realize the Swan/Dolphin HAD teacher rates!! Do you know any details? I DO agree with you about the meal plan, tho. It makes it all so much nicer. We are DVC members with Boardwalk as our home resort, but we LOVE Beach Club, primarily because of Stormalong Bay. Your kids would love it as they get older. Don't know much about WL, though. I'd be interested in hearing more about the "bunks" and info on their pool(s), etc. My (grown) children take turns on the pull-out ('tho most of the times it goes to my son), since I have 3 kids and we get a 2 bedroom unit. No one has really complained about it.

You can actually get quotes on their website for the teacher rates. I've seen it as low as 129 but I think the average is 159-169, not too bad for a deluxe hotel - just wish they had the dining plan - DH won't go without it (I'm hooked on it too!) Good luck!
We couldn't afford the 2 bedroom unit at Beachclub but are thinking of renting DVC points to stay at the villas of WL or Beachclub in a studio. Stormalong Bay does sound great, I know the kids would love it.
Lesley

 

[timandlesley]

"What a GREAT night with my little buddy, I will always remember this night. Luke is a GREAT date !!!"

What a line...I'm sitting here on this Saturday morning with my 3 month old baby Jonah at my feet in his bouncy seat, sleeping peacefully. When I read that line, it struck me that one day I hope to have an evening like that with Jonah at WDW. How special!

DH and I are both turning 30 this year as well (Happy belated Birthday, 76-er!). We'll be at WDW in December, and although our birthday's are in July and September, I think we'll celebrate while we are there in December! That will also be Jonah's first trip, he will be 8 months old, so it was good to hear the advice you gave Cass regarding 8 month old babies. I'm so looking forward to it!

Thanks for a great report. You've made my morning!

Glad I was able to "make your morning". Happy early b-day 76-er!!! Have a great celebration in December- why not go for it. . you're only 30 once!
Have a GREAT trip with Jonah, and here's to making a ton of magical moments together in the future. (I love the name Jonah by the way, makes me think of Sleepless in Seattle. I always told Tim I wanted that name for a boy if Lauren had been a boy).
Take care!
Lesley

 

[nataliz]

Lesley,

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. It was great!

My family had dinner at WCC and fell in love with the lobby of WL. It is a beautiful hotel. I'm trying to convince him we should stay there next time.

 

[timandlesley]

Lesley,

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. It was great!

My family had dinner at WCC and fell in love with the lobby of WL. It is a beautiful hotel. I'm trying to convince him we should stay there next time.

Oh YES, convince him. .. your family will love it!!!!
Glad you enjoyed the trip report.
Lesley

 

[cherokeemamma]

Subscribing!
Love your TR! Your b-day surprise brought tears to my eyes. Unfortunately, my parents do not understand our love for Disney. It is my dream to experience the magic with them....maybe oneday.

Thanks for sharing. By the way, your kiddos are adorable !!

 

[timandlesley]

Thanks so much! I think my parents never really understood my obsession with Disney so I was so happy they could experience those two days with us, I think they "get it" now. They were able to see their grandchildren in Disney and how much fun it can be. My mom's favorite was the Soarin ride, it was great getting to experience that with her. . .ahhhhhhh memories

Lesley

 

[BrittJ412]

Lesly,

I had so much fun reading your trip report! I have Disney Fever! I am 24 and heading to WDW for the FIRST time next week with my husband, parents and 4 siblings (girls are 17 and 14, boys are 12 and 9.) It is everyone's first time so we need lots of advice. I've pretty much heard all the great things about the "big" rides at the parks, but is there a ride that you think is a must, especially for the ages of our party, that people don't usually think about or plan for? Also, we are having breakfast at Akershust (sp?) and Donald's Breakfastasaurus, and dinner at Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace and 50's Prime Time Cafe. Yes we are clearly very excited about the characters Any advice about the meals? Also, I think the only park we are really unsure about is AK. We want to do Everest, but what else is a must do here? Any help would be appreciated.

Brittney

 

[timandlesley]

Lesly,

I had so much fun reading your trip report! I have Disney Fever! I am 24 and heading to WDW for the FIRST time next week with my husband, parents and 4 siblings (girls are 17 and 14, boys are 12 and 9.) It is everyone's first time so we need lots of advice. I've pretty much heard all the great things about the "big" rides at the parks, but is there a ride that you think is a must, especially for the ages of our party, that people don't usually think about or plan for? Also, we are having breakfast at Akershust (sp?) and Donald's Breakfastasaurus, and dinner at Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace and 50's Prime Time Cafe. Yes we are clearly very excited about the characters Any advice about the meals? Also, I think the only park we are really unsure about is AK. We want to do Everest, but what else is a must do here? Any help would be appreciated.

Brittney

Brittney,
WOW sounds like you have a great trip coming up, should be lots of fun.
O.K. must do's let's break it down by park
MGM (my FAVORITE park) you MUST ride Tower of Terror, Rockin' Roller Coaster, See the Beauty and the Beast Show, See the Stunt Motor Cars show (GREAT show, especially for your party).WE love the Ariel show too, can always walk in with a short wait. If you want to see the Incredibles they are inside the Animation Tour, another one you can do anytime. We love the Backlot tour as well and the Muppets 3-D show. The great Movie Ride we did for the first time this year and it was AWESOME! My son's favorite is Star Tours. Be SURE To catch Fantasmic at night, it is SUCH a great show. If you don't have a Fantasmic package, be sure to get there 1 hour before start to get good seats and be assured a seat. They have a concession stand inside so there will be snacks to munch on. After Fantasmic lets out instead of heading for the exit run and get 2 more rides in. We did Star Tours and Movie Ride before closing and had the rides and streets to ourselves, it was GREAT! I highly recommend it. Hey, you'd just be waiting in line for a bus forever anyway with everyone who just got out of Fantasmic.
MK- Where to begin. Thunder Mtn. Railroad, Space Mtn., Small World (for nastalga) Pirates of the Carribbean (it'll be newly refurbished so I'm jealous you'll get to see it). My family loves Buzz Light Year Ranger Spin too. Of course you have to Stay for SpectroMagic (view from Frontierland, we saw it from in front of the hall of presidents and they were great seats) and then Wishes from the rose garden.
Epcot- Living Seas turtle talk with crush is HALARIOUS. Ride Soarin (great ride). See Honey I Shrunk The Audience 3-D show, great show! In the World Showcase ride Malstrom and enjoy beverages from around the world for illimunations at night (read my trip report for details on specifics of a good spot to watch.
AK- Here is what we did. We got there and RAN to get FP's for Everest (you'll need to get here at opening if you want to get them for this ride, highly recommendeD). Then we rode Dinosaur (GREAT ride, your party will love it, a bit scary though but my 5 year old rode it and loved it, warned him it was scary and explained to him the dinosaurs were robots- that worked : ) After Dinosaur we took a long walk to get FP's for the Kilamanjaro safari's (another MUST do at AK) and then we went to ride Everest. After Everest we hit lunch and then rode the Safari. I would then do the Lion King show, it is AWESOME one of the best shows at Disney in my oppinion. The other ride your party would like if they like to get wet is Kali River Rapids, it's a fun ride but you will get soaked. If staying at AK all day FP this after you ride the safari and ride after the Lion King show. OH YEAH, the other DO NOT MISS is the Tough to Be a Bug show in the tree of life, THE BEST!!!!!!! Be sure not to miss that show!
I don't know how many days you are doing or if you'll be leaving in the day for breaks but AK is a one day park for us. MGM is a 3 day park for us because we love it SO much.
For lunches in the parks we ate before noon to avoid the crowds and it worked out nicely for us. You will LOVE 1900 park fair, the food was great there. Do you have an early time for Donald's Breakfastasaurus? If it's an early one make sure to head to Expedition Everest for FP's. At the character meals be sure to ask your servers when the characters are due at your table so you don't miss them. if you do you have to wait over an hour to see them again so be careful about that. All of your choices seem great! Are you on the dining plan? If not, I would be, we don't go without it. For 50's primetime ask for a t.v. table when you check in, it is worth the extra wait- believe me. Otherwise you are in a room off to the side crammed with tables, I love the t.v. tables. Be prepared for antics from the waiter, it is fun though.
HAVE A GREAT TRIP.
As you can see I LOVE to answer questions so feel free to ask more if you have them.
Lesley

 

[Piecey]

just subscribing to read later when i can enjoy it more

 

[mousiemom]

You have definately picked some good restaurants and character meals! Our favorite is chef mickey. We've only done the breakfast here but we love it. The one in AK is very good too. We did CP for the 1st time last yr. for lunch and it was great! My 5yr dd could care less about the princess so we did not like the Norway breakfast. They didn't come around but once and Mulan was so rude. We have her on video telling my dd to sit down in her chair, her tush is made for sitting. All the other princesses told her to stand up in her chair to take the pics. We love AK! You have to do Dinosaur, Sarari, Lion King Show, parade, take the train back to Rafiki's planet watch. There's a lot to do @ AK. Keep reading on this board, and you will have it all planned out and you will not miss a thang!!!
Have Fun!